Author's Notes: Well, here's chapter 10. I've had a rough day. My grandpa just got home from the hospital and we've been taking care of him. I've managed to squeeze in this chapter, but I might not write the next one until the weekend. It'll depend. Once again, thanks for the great reviews. And here's the chapter you all wanted! (Most of you that is) Bakura/ Téa moment! Enjoy!

Chapter 10:

Follow Your Heart

Téa sighed as she rested her head against her hand, which was propped up on the arm of the chair. She'd never felt more depressed. Yami, the guy she crushed on and eventually fell in love with, turned her down because he thinks that they aren't meant to be. If they aren't meant to be, then whom does she really belong with? Her thoughts were interrupted when she felt something warm touch her hand resting in her lap. She glanced down and saw a very tanned hand cupped over her creamy white one. She looked up and saw Bakura looking at her with troubled eyes. She gave a half-hearted smile and returned her attention to the duel.

Bakura, who had been sitting next to her, watched her with much concern. She looked like she had just been heart broken. Absentmindedly he ran his thumb over her smooth hand, trying to comfort her the way she had comforted him at the mall.

Téa looked back at Bakura and smiled. She nodded her head and mouthed 'Thank you' She flipped her hand over and entwined her fingers with his.

Bakura felt his face grow hot when he saw her curling her fingers around his. He didn't understand why he was feeling this way. He'd only really just met her and all of a sudden he wanted to be near her all the time. It was so confusing. He thought feelings like that took a lot of time to grow into something more. Then again, maybe it's because this girl is the first to actually allow him to open up and not shun him for his past deeds. Even her friends don't shun him. He kept his gaze on the chestnut haired girl, as if trying to figure her out. The first time he did that, was with Ryou. He didn't seem afraid and it really confused him. Those two were a lot alike in many ways; maybe that's why he ended up closest to them. Once again his emotions took over and this time he reached out tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. He remembered the first time he had done that too. And that's when he started to question himself. As he tucked the strand, he let his hand slipped down and brush against her cheek, this time intentionally.

Téa gasped when she had felt Bakura's hand touch her cheek. Her cheeks took on a rosy tone as she looked over at him. She looked away shyly. "Um, sorry about that. My hair is always getting in the way." She ran her hand over her hair, tucking a few strands behind her ear and stopped when she realized his hand was still against her cheek. She ran her hand down his and held his wrist. She saw him look at her and as their eyes locked, they started to move closer to each other. Téa closed her eyes and waited. She opened them when she felt a finger touch her lips.

Bakura looked sadly at her. He shook his head and leaned back in his seat. He couldn't do it. He couldn't kiss her for some reason. Maybe because he knew her heart belonged to Yami or maybe because he was afraid she didn't mean it. Whatever it was, he just had to stop before something he would regret happened.

Téa was angry. No, not angry, hurt. She tore her hand free of his grip and stood up abruptly. She pushed her way through the millions of seated people and ran down the steps. I'm so stupid! It's obvious I was just feeling sorry and wanted attention! How could I ever think he would kiss me? We hardly know each other. I can't face him. Not now, not ever! She managed to find her way to a secluded part of the forest and dropped to her knees. She felt so ashamed. How many times had she upset him now? Was this the third? She brought her knees up to her chest and began to sob. Who cares about friends at the moment? None of them were duelling anyways. For now it was just her … and that's how she wanted it. Téa looked up when she heard footsteps approaching. She frowned when she saw who was coming toward her. Bakura. Why did he follow her here? Just to tell her how weak she was? She stood up and went to meet him. "Look, Bakura I – Before she could say anything more, Bakura had pulled her face toward his and placed his lips over hers in a rough yet passionate kiss. Téa had a hard time composing herself and soon gave in; wrapping her arms around him tightly and kissing him back, almost as fiercely as he was kissing her.

There was more tension then passion in the kiss. But the kiss also told them something. It told them that despite their different views and emotions, they had an understanding and cared greatly for each other; maybe even before they items had been returned. Maybe this feeling started right at the beginning? Whatever it was, it felt right. For both of them.

The kiss was long and grew rougher with each minute. As if they were both fighting for control.

Bakura was the one to surprisingly give in. He pulled away, breathing hard. He stared into her eyes as he tried to regain his breath. He reached out and stroked her cheek, opening and closing his mouth, as if he was searching for the right words. He gave up and did the next best thing. He leaned in and kissed her once again.

Téa was completely lost in the kiss and was more then glad when he brought his lips over hers' once again. Such passion and tension... He must hold a lot of his emotions inside… She thought. She unravelled her arms from around his neck and placed her hands on each side of his face, pulling him as close to her as she possible could. She herself had kept a lot of emotions bottled up inside and even though she had wanted to always kiss Yami this way, this feeling she was having right now was more stronger then she could have ever imagined with Yami. Her hands slid from his face and entangled in his shaggy white mane. She finally pulled away from the kiss, to regain her breath. She began to run her fingertips over his scalp, massaging gently. She slowly pulled out of his grip and noticed his eyes begin to close as she relaxed him with her touch. She removed her hand and let it drop to her side.

Bakura's eyes remained heavy lidded as he stared at the girl with such passion and lust it caused her to shiver. His eyes suddenly darted to the side and he looked almost embarrassed. "I'm sorry … I know I'm not the one you wanted … but … – He stopped when he felt her hand reach up and her finger run across the scar below his eye. He shut his eyes, wondering if she would be disgusted when she felt just how deep it really was. To his surprise, she smiled and leaned in, kissing his cheek where the scar was.

"I don't find it ugly to look at or touch." She spoke gently. She returned to running her finger over it. "It makes you who you are." She saw his eyes drifted toward her finger and then up at her. Was she making him uncomfortable?

Bakura placed his hand over hers. "Téa …"

Téa snapped out of her trance at the sound of her name. Her eyes went wide. "Oh my god … I am so sorry … I never should have … I mean, …" She shook her head. "What just happened?"

Bakura laughed and shrugged. "Fate … it seems …"

Téa blushed. "Fate?" She asked timidly.

Bakura nodded. "I'm sorry I pushed you away earlier. I wasn't sure how to react. I ran away like I always do … but if I'm going to fit into this world and live again, I want it to be with you. I … need you, Téa. And I was afraid I'd lose you to that Pharaoh. He always took what was mine or what I desired. I … " He leaned his forehead against hers'. I didn't want him to take you from me as well." He nuzzled her head. "I think … I think I've fallen in love with you."

Téa looked up at those last words. Love? Him? He loves me? Why? She saw his eyes dart toward hers' and once again their eyes held each other at bay. She felt a flood of warmth rush through her. She felt safe and welcomed and wanted. Maybe she had her eyes on the wrong guy this whole time. It was time to open her eyes to the truth. In the short time she'd gotten to know the real Bakura, she'd fallen head over heels for him and covered it up with her previous crush on Yami. And that moment on the couch should have been proof enough.

Bakura noticed how silent she had gotten. Maybe he scared her off? It's obvious she still loved Yami. But that didn't explain why she kissed him. There was no time for Bakura to think, as Téa held leaned in and kissed him, this time, gently on the lips and quickly. "I feel the same as you, Bakura. I'm just sorry I never realized it before." She leaned her head on his chest. "I'm sorry for a lot of things actually. But it's over and I can't go back. I can only go forward. We can only go forward!"

Bakura returned the hug, laying his head on top of hers'. "I know." He whispered. " I know …

***

"And Espa Roba has taken the lead! It looks like Rex has finally met his match! And we all know how the young duellist got his name in Battle City. He would cheat his opponents by pretending to be psychic and have his little brothers spy on the opponents' cards. Joey Wheeler defeated him."

Espa growled. He may be winning, but did the announcer have to say THAT?

Yami was starting to worry. It had been a while now since Téa and Bakura had left. Maybe he should go check on them? But after what he had done to Téa, seeing her might be the worst thing for him at this moment. Maybe he made a mistake? Maybe he should ask Téa to give him a chance? He got up and went off to find the missing duo.

***

"And next up is Espa Roba VS Bakura Ryou!"

Bakura looked up from his position in Téa's arms. "I'd better be going."

Téa hugged him a little tighter before releasing him. "All right, good luck, Bakura."

"Will you be coming to watch me?"

Téa grinned. "Of course. I'll be along in a minute. I promise."

Bakura nodded and backed up still looking at her, before turning away and running back to the stadium. On his way he bumped into Yami.

"Hey, Bakura? Have you seen, Téa?" He asked.

Bakura narrowed his eyes. "Forget it, Pharaoh. She's taken!" He huffed as he rushed by him.

Yami frowned. "What did he mean by that?" He shrugged and continued searching for, Téa.

***

"And now our next duellist is Bakura Ryou! A young duellist who was practically unknown until Battle City. He duelled against Yugi Muto in the Battle City finals, only to lose due to an injury that caused him to forget the duel. Still a mystery to many, this duellist might just get his name known this year!"

"Well, at least Bakura's announcement was a bit nicer …" Joey frowned.

Bakura walked up to the arena and took his place opposite Espa. He looked over to the audience and frowned. Téa hadn't shown up yet. What could be keeping her?

***

Téa began to head back to the arena when she bumped into Yami. "Yami, what's up?" She asked in a slightly cold tone.

Yami sighed and approached her. "Téa … about earlier, I'm sorry … I was just afraid. I didn't mean anything I said. I do want to be with you. I always have. But after you spent so much time with Bakura, I thought we would never be able to even have a date!"

"A date?" Téa asked, blinking.

Yami nodded. "Please forgive me. I do love you."

Téa began to shake her head back and forth. "No … no you don't mean that."

Yami looked puzzled. "Yes, I do. I love you, Téa."

Téa heard the sudden cheers and shouting coming from the stadium. "I have to go! I promised to watch this duel!"

Yami ignored her plea and took her hands in his. "Téa, please. Forgive me. Please, give me a chance?"

Téa looked horrified. Now the big moment she dreamed of was happening and she didn't even think of him like that anymore! Oh, if only god could strike her dead right now. "Look, let's talk about this after the tournament, all right?"

Yami nodded. He kissed her lightly on the lips, not noticing her sudden jump back. "All right. Tomorrow, then?"

Téa nodded shakily.

The two of them ran back to the stadium in time to see the finish of the duel.

"No! I missed almost all of it!" Téa cried as she stomped her foot.

Yami returned to his seat. "Sorry. I didn't know it was that important to you. But hey, Bakura's about to win and you'll get to see him in the next match!"

Téa took her seat and nodded. "I guess you're right."

"And Bakura Ryou is the winner!"

The crowd cheered.

"And now for the final duel of the first rounds. "Bakura Ryou VS Mako Tsunami!"

To be continued…