Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh, nor the characters.
Anzu entered the house, shortly followed by Ryou who stared warily towards the newly announced couple. Specifically Marik.
' Has Anzu gone mad!?' He thought as he apathetically shut the door behind him. Marik accompanied the brunette, shifting on the sofa beside her, intently studying the white haired boy, nervously entering the occupied room with a diffident aura.
" So, uh..." Marik sneered, disgusted by the other males incessant fear. Anzu, taking the initiative, scooted forward.
" Its hard to explain really," She began, snatching an innocent peek towards the handsome Egyptian, stoically staring ahead. What was she to say?
' Uh gee, you see Ryou me and Marik fell in love in a matter of weeks, and that's that.' She dryly thought; sarcasm evident. Marik slightly tilted his head to the right, trademark smirk curving his lips as he watched her nervously ponder on how to explain correctly to her crony without having him 'freak out'. Shuffling her feet she confidently looked up, before a tenuous expression scrunched her brows.
" Marik and I have...become good friends," She began, struggling to ignore the fact her companions mouth had opened slightly over the process.
" Cut to the chase already." Marik snapped, slightly irritated she had such obvious difficulty in stating her bond with the sadistic Egyptian. Lifting his arms, he casually placed them atop the headrest, grinning as he caught her grimace and glare from the corner of his eyes. He loved teasing her, indeed. Clearing her throat she redirected her gaze on the shocked boy, sitting across from her.
" and...well, I guess you could say I've..." Pausing she lowered her head, staring at her shoed intently.
" Fallen for him over the past weeks..." A jolt of unconsciousness passed his features before his appearance altered.
" Have you gone mad!?" Arising off the seat he threw his arm in the direction of the solemn Egyptian.
" How can you fall in love with someone like...." Narrowing his eyes he advanced forward. " Like him." He spat bitterly.
" He isn't the same anymore Bakura, I swear!" She stated in a desperate voice as she arose off the couch. Gaining an unusual proximity with him she leaned forward, whispering in his ear in a soothing tone.
" Just trust me, okay? You said you would.." Scowling he reluctantly backed away.
" I merely thought you were jesting! Or at least hoped to kami!" He shouted, eyes wavering as a repulsed look smeared across his face. Marik stood, walking beside Anzu before wrapping his right arm possessively around her slim waist, tugging her easily against him. A tint of mockery crept through his eyes as he smirked smugly towards the Tomb Robber.
" Something the matter? Does the fact that Anzu is mine bother you?" He drawled. Snatching his collar he shoved the tanned youth onto the sofa, his body sprawling across it as he chuckled amusedly.
" Why that wouldn't be jealously I detect, now would it?"
" Guys stop it already! You especially Marik," She began before tilting her head over her shoulder to look at her partner with a questioning expression.
" What's gotten into you, Marik?" She murmured. Awaiting for no answer she turned to Bakura, a pleading look imprinted within her blue eyes.
" I know it sounds insane, but I trust him." She stated. Bakura eyed her intently before his eyes shifted behind her, studying Marik with a stern glare.
' But I don't..' Quickly he turned away, before clenching his teeth together as her small hand gripped his wrist, demanding he stay.
" Please say something....Bakura...please." Turning his head he looked away unable to contain his anger, flaring through his eyes.
" What do you expect me to say Anzu?" He snapped harshly, thrashing his arm before successfully escaping her hands barrier.
" That what I'm doing....isn't a bad idea..." She whispered softly, acknowledging Marik before slumping her head down slightly. Tilting his head over his right shoulder he gazed over her, before his eyes slanted into an annoyed angle.
" Its not my decision. As well as being the one to tell you what you do is good or right." He muttered huskily before hesitantly exiting the room.
" So then," Marik began, standing up slightly with an angered, perplexed expression. " You don't trust me, do you?" Jaw set in a set position he studied her every move, breath and avertion of her nervous eyes. Placing her hand near her lips she looked towards the area her companion once stood.
" Its not that. You should know by now that...I trust you." She stated confidently, though her voice remained in a silent murmur. Sneering he reluctantly stepped away as she suddenly advanced towards him.
" Disgusting...." He spat with bitter resentment as her hand extended to reach out to him; lusting to feel his skin, to once again be in his arms. Upon hearing the harsh word her hand snatched away within a quick backward jolt.
" You actually believe what he said..." Trailing off he watched as her eye lids raised in utter shock, mouth agape before she clenched her mouth tightly shut, vaguely heeding the warm moisture tumbling down her long, curvy eyelashes.
" How could you?" She whispered, her voice sounding almost desperate.....pleading.
" How could you even think that!?" She shouted, complete control of attained emotions sprouting within the frenetic cry.
" If you trusted me, why even ask him such an absurd question?" He spat, his voice hinting the obvious accusation. Biting her lip she struggled to endure the crude words tingling on the tip of her tongue.
" Heh, so is it because you like him?" ' Why is he being this way!? Why is he talking like before....as if nothing has happened between us!? Why doesn't he see? Why doesn't he see how much I love him!? Why!!?' Angrily she backed away, his words and accusation hurting her more than he could think or describe.
' I care..such much for him. And yet he has the nerve to say I like someone else!?'
" Well? Why aren't you denying it? Is it because its true?" He prodded stoically.
' What's the matter with him!? Did he completely forget what happened earlier!? Did I not make it clear enough that I love him with all my heart!?'
" Now who's asking the absurd questions!" She snapped angrily, her body leaning forward as she contained the tears from seeping into view......or more or less.....his view.
" Don't you get it?! Why are you acting this way!? Bakura is my friend, nothing more! Your the one I love....the one I'd give my life to protect! But obviously that isn't enough....is it?" Bitterly she turned away, all confidence draining from her weakened body as she exited the house. Marik stared, eyes wavering vaguely as she walked away....possibly forever.
' Dammit! Why can't I ever say something right!?' Preparing to stop her Bakura walked affront him, halting his previous action as he looked at the tomb robber.
" Out of the way." He hissed. " You've done enough to Anzu. I'm surprised why she ever loved you in the first place," He began, blinking tediously as the darker youth clutched him by his collar.
" She did love you.....but obviously you were too damn blind to see it." Smirking unusually, given the circumstances he aimlessly released him, allowing Marik to stumble slightly towards the floor.
" Of course, I'm sure in a few days she'll be over you. Then I'll have my chance." Chuckling her turned away. heading towards the door as he, from the corner of his eye, watching Marik shake with boiling belligerence.
" I'll treat her better than you ever could have." Turning the knob he quickly vanished, closing the door behind him as Marik finally stood and raced out of the house, only to find no-one. Scanning the premises hastily he looked for the tomb robber.
' Dammit! Where did he go!?' Snarling he turned left and right. " If he dares to lay a hand on 'my' Anzu, I shall personally kill him!"
Anzu entered the isolated park, slipping onto a bare bench before embracing her upper body; fending off the cool breezes rushing by.
" Anzu...." Quickly she bolted up, whirling around with an almost hopeful expression before it slightly lowered as she looked at Bakura's form, leaning casually against a nearby tree.
" Forget him. If he truly loved you, he wouldn't have said all those things.." He stated, slumping off the tree, whilst uncrossing his legs, adjoined near his ankles.
" But--"
" He hurt you.....didn't he?" Vaguely she nodded, knowing his statement was relevant with her bruised mentality. Unable to contain the sobs she cried softly, falling into his welcoming embrace as she latched onto him for dear life.
" I...love him so much, but he acts like he doesn't notice.....or care..." Choking on her sobs she huddled her face within his shirt, embarrassed pedestrians may see her in such a pathetic state.
" Shh, its alright. I won't let him hurt, or go near you ever again..." He whispered, looping his left arm securely around her waist before permitting his right hand to rest atop her head, absently stroking his fingers through her soft, velvety hair.
" Do-do you think I was too harsh on him, Bakura?" She whispered, looking up at him with tear-streaked features. Never responding he trailed his hand to the base of her neck, massaging the tender skin, devoting his attention to getting the brunette into a content state. Sobs abating she shut her eyes, leaning against him as her breath fluttered in soft, slow mounts.
" It doesn't matter anymore...." He whispered into her ear, though aware of her slumbered state.
' I dealt with the fact you were in love with him Anzu, and even that the feelings were quite requited. But I won't allow him to steal my chance......not with you.' Shutting his eyes he rested his chin atop her head, relishing the embrace he had longed for.
' I wont let my chance slip away. I wont let him hurt you anymore Anzu....never again.' He vowed.
Marik looked from beyond, eyes glimmering as he studied the embracing pair. ' He'll pay dearly.....for touching 'my' Anzu!' Enraged he revealed himself, escaping the lingering shadows formed by the mammoth tree hovering above him.
" Take your hands off her...." The hiss stumbled from between his clenched teeth as he advanced a stride forward. Narrowing his eyes Bakura addressed his presence with a simple glare.
" You lost your chances....now its time for me to show her who really cares for her!"
" You don't love her," Marik scowled as the boy remained still, restraining the sleeping girl in his arms.
" You know that...." Looking up he caught the devious smirk that plastered across his thin pale lips.
" And how are you so sure of his fact?" Bakura questioned, directing his gaze towards Anzu's forehead. Gritting his teeth more harshly he resumed his stride, heeding Bakura's retreating steps. Anzu shifted in his arms before opening her eyes and apologizing for sleeping on him, unaware of the current situation. Seeing her awake, Marik beckoned to her.
" Anzu, get away from him." He demanded silently, containing his jealousy.
" M-marik?" She murmured, blinking as she formed out his distant figure.
" W-why are you here?" She asked meekly.
" I came looking for you," He began, averting his gaze momentarily to glare towards Bakura who seemed slightly displeased she was speaking to him at all.
" Everything is a misunderstanding....." Trailing off he snarled as Bakura whispered in her ear, the brunette turning with an almost accusing gaze.
" I-I have to go...." She stated hurriedly, pulling away from Bakura before bowing.
" I'll see you tomorrow, then?" She asked in a quiet tone. The pale tomb robber simply nodded before grasping her hand before she left.
" Don't forget," He began with a slant of his eyes. Nodding in assent towards the cryptic message sent between the two she dispersed, giving Marik a curt look before doing so.
" What did you tell her?" Marik almost growled, as he sauntered towards the other boy.
" Nothing you should concern yourself with." He stated, a deep chuckle vibrating through his throat as Marik clutched his collar; he seemed to be doing that often, it seemed.
" Then I'll find out, personally." Marik stated, turning.
" Stay away from her. Your only causing her pain, and you know it." He grounded gruffly.
" I'll do as I wish!" He bellowed before leaving Bakura alone.
' Its too late...' He thought. ' Anzu is already mine, and away from your lies of being in love with her....' Lowering his gaze he contemplated before walking away.
~*~
Anzu entered the house, shortly followed by Ryou who stared warily towards the newly announced couple. Specifically Marik.
' Has Anzu gone mad!?' He thought as he apathetically shut the door behind him. Marik accompanied the brunette, shifting on the sofa beside her, intently studying the white haired boy, nervously entering the occupied room with a diffident aura.
" So, uh..." Marik sneered, disgusted by the other males incessant fear. Anzu, taking the initiative, scooted forward.
" Its hard to explain really," She began, snatching an innocent peek towards the handsome Egyptian, stoically staring ahead. What was she to say?
' Uh gee, you see Ryou me and Marik fell in love in a matter of weeks, and that's that.' She dryly thought; sarcasm evident. Marik slightly tilted his head to the right, trademark smirk curving his lips as he watched her nervously ponder on how to explain correctly to her crony without having him 'freak out'. Shuffling her feet she confidently looked up, before a tenuous expression scrunched her brows.
" Marik and I have...become good friends," She began, struggling to ignore the fact her companions mouth had opened slightly over the process.
" Cut to the chase already." Marik snapped, slightly irritated she had such obvious difficulty in stating her bond with the sadistic Egyptian. Lifting his arms, he casually placed them atop the headrest, grinning as he caught her grimace and glare from the corner of his eyes. He loved teasing her, indeed. Clearing her throat she redirected her gaze on the shocked boy, sitting across from her.
" and...well, I guess you could say I've..." Pausing she lowered her head, staring at her shoed intently.
" Fallen for him over the past weeks..." A jolt of unconsciousness passed his features before his appearance altered.
" Have you gone mad!?" Arising off the seat he threw his arm in the direction of the solemn Egyptian.
" How can you fall in love with someone like...." Narrowing his eyes he advanced forward. " Like him." He spat bitterly.
" He isn't the same anymore Bakura, I swear!" She stated in a desperate voice as she arose off the couch. Gaining an unusual proximity with him she leaned forward, whispering in his ear in a soothing tone.
" Just trust me, okay? You said you would.." Scowling he reluctantly backed away.
" I merely thought you were jesting! Or at least hoped to kami!" He shouted, eyes wavering as a repulsed look smeared across his face. Marik stood, walking beside Anzu before wrapping his right arm possessively around her slim waist, tugging her easily against him. A tint of mockery crept through his eyes as he smirked smugly towards the Tomb Robber.
" Something the matter? Does the fact that Anzu is mine bother you?" He drawled. Snatching his collar he shoved the tanned youth onto the sofa, his body sprawling across it as he chuckled amusedly.
" Why that wouldn't be jealously I detect, now would it?"
" Guys stop it already! You especially Marik," She began before tilting her head over her shoulder to look at her partner with a questioning expression.
" What's gotten into you, Marik?" She murmured. Awaiting for no answer she turned to Bakura, a pleading look imprinted within her blue eyes.
" I know it sounds insane, but I trust him." She stated. Bakura eyed her intently before his eyes shifted behind her, studying Marik with a stern glare.
' But I don't..' Quickly he turned away, before clenching his teeth together as her small hand gripped his wrist, demanding he stay.
" Please say something....Bakura...please." Turning his head he looked away unable to contain his anger, flaring through his eyes.
" What do you expect me to say Anzu?" He snapped harshly, thrashing his arm before successfully escaping her hands barrier.
" That what I'm doing....isn't a bad idea..." She whispered softly, acknowledging Marik before slumping her head down slightly. Tilting his head over his right shoulder he gazed over her, before his eyes slanted into an annoyed angle.
" Its not my decision. As well as being the one to tell you what you do is good or right." He muttered huskily before hesitantly exiting the room.
" So then," Marik began, standing up slightly with an angered, perplexed expression. " You don't trust me, do you?" Jaw set in a set position he studied her every move, breath and avertion of her nervous eyes. Placing her hand near her lips she looked towards the area her companion once stood.
" Its not that. You should know by now that...I trust you." She stated confidently, though her voice remained in a silent murmur. Sneering he reluctantly stepped away as she suddenly advanced towards him.
" Disgusting...." He spat with bitter resentment as her hand extended to reach out to him; lusting to feel his skin, to once again be in his arms. Upon hearing the harsh word her hand snatched away within a quick backward jolt.
" You actually believe what he said..." Trailing off he watched as her eye lids raised in utter shock, mouth agape before she clenched her mouth tightly shut, vaguely heeding the warm moisture tumbling down her long, curvy eyelashes.
" How could you?" She whispered, her voice sounding almost desperate.....pleading.
" How could you even think that!?" She shouted, complete control of attained emotions sprouting within the frenetic cry.
" If you trusted me, why even ask him such an absurd question?" He spat, his voice hinting the obvious accusation. Biting her lip she struggled to endure the crude words tingling on the tip of her tongue.
" Heh, so is it because you like him?" ' Why is he being this way!? Why is he talking like before....as if nothing has happened between us!? Why doesn't he see? Why doesn't he see how much I love him!? Why!!?' Angrily she backed away, his words and accusation hurting her more than he could think or describe.
' I care..such much for him. And yet he has the nerve to say I like someone else!?'
" Well? Why aren't you denying it? Is it because its true?" He prodded stoically.
' What's the matter with him!? Did he completely forget what happened earlier!? Did I not make it clear enough that I love him with all my heart!?'
" Now who's asking the absurd questions!" She snapped angrily, her body leaning forward as she contained the tears from seeping into view......or more or less.....his view.
" Don't you get it?! Why are you acting this way!? Bakura is my friend, nothing more! Your the one I love....the one I'd give my life to protect! But obviously that isn't enough....is it?" Bitterly she turned away, all confidence draining from her weakened body as she exited the house. Marik stared, eyes wavering vaguely as she walked away....possibly forever.
' Dammit! Why can't I ever say something right!?' Preparing to stop her Bakura walked affront him, halting his previous action as he looked at the tomb robber.
" Out of the way." He hissed. " You've done enough to Anzu. I'm surprised why she ever loved you in the first place," He began, blinking tediously as the darker youth clutched him by his collar.
" She did love you.....but obviously you were too damn blind to see it." Smirking unusually, given the circumstances he aimlessly released him, allowing Marik to stumble slightly towards the floor.
" Of course, I'm sure in a few days she'll be over you. Then I'll have my chance." Chuckling her turned away. heading towards the door as he, from the corner of his eye, watching Marik shake with boiling belligerence.
" I'll treat her better than you ever could have." Turning the knob he quickly vanished, closing the door behind him as Marik finally stood and raced out of the house, only to find no-one. Scanning the premises hastily he looked for the tomb robber.
' Dammit! Where did he go!?' Snarling he turned left and right. " If he dares to lay a hand on 'my' Anzu, I shall personally kill him!"
Anzu entered the isolated park, slipping onto a bare bench before embracing her upper body; fending off the cool breezes rushing by.
" Anzu...." Quickly she bolted up, whirling around with an almost hopeful expression before it slightly lowered as she looked at Bakura's form, leaning casually against a nearby tree.
" Forget him. If he truly loved you, he wouldn't have said all those things.." He stated, slumping off the tree, whilst uncrossing his legs, adjoined near his ankles.
" But--"
" He hurt you.....didn't he?" Vaguely she nodded, knowing his statement was relevant with her bruised mentality. Unable to contain the sobs she cried softly, falling into his welcoming embrace as she latched onto him for dear life.
" I...love him so much, but he acts like he doesn't notice.....or care..." Choking on her sobs she huddled her face within his shirt, embarrassed pedestrians may see her in such a pathetic state.
" Shh, its alright. I won't let him hurt, or go near you ever again..." He whispered, looping his left arm securely around her waist before permitting his right hand to rest atop her head, absently stroking his fingers through her soft, velvety hair.
" Do-do you think I was too harsh on him, Bakura?" She whispered, looking up at him with tear-streaked features. Never responding he trailed his hand to the base of her neck, massaging the tender skin, devoting his attention to getting the brunette into a content state. Sobs abating she shut her eyes, leaning against him as her breath fluttered in soft, slow mounts.
" It doesn't matter anymore...." He whispered into her ear, though aware of her slumbered state.
' I dealt with the fact you were in love with him Anzu, and even that the feelings were quite requited. But I won't allow him to steal my chance......not with you.' Shutting his eyes he rested his chin atop her head, relishing the embrace he had longed for.
' I wont let my chance slip away. I wont let him hurt you anymore Anzu....never again.' He vowed.
Marik looked from beyond, eyes glimmering as he studied the embracing pair. ' He'll pay dearly.....for touching 'my' Anzu!' Enraged he revealed himself, escaping the lingering shadows formed by the mammoth tree hovering above him.
" Take your hands off her...." The hiss stumbled from between his clenched teeth as he advanced a stride forward. Narrowing his eyes Bakura addressed his presence with a simple glare.
" You lost your chances....now its time for me to show her who really cares for her!"
" You don't love her," Marik scowled as the boy remained still, restraining the sleeping girl in his arms.
" You know that...." Looking up he caught the devious smirk that plastered across his thin pale lips.
" And how are you so sure of his fact?" Bakura questioned, directing his gaze towards Anzu's forehead. Gritting his teeth more harshly he resumed his stride, heeding Bakura's retreating steps. Anzu shifted in his arms before opening her eyes and apologizing for sleeping on him, unaware of the current situation. Seeing her awake, Marik beckoned to her.
" Anzu, get away from him." He demanded silently, containing his jealousy.
" M-marik?" She murmured, blinking as she formed out his distant figure.
" W-why are you here?" She asked meekly.
" I came looking for you," He began, averting his gaze momentarily to glare towards Bakura who seemed slightly displeased she was speaking to him at all.
" Everything is a misunderstanding....." Trailing off he snarled as Bakura whispered in her ear, the brunette turning with an almost accusing gaze.
" I-I have to go...." She stated hurriedly, pulling away from Bakura before bowing.
" I'll see you tomorrow, then?" She asked in a quiet tone. The pale tomb robber simply nodded before grasping her hand before she left.
" Don't forget," He began with a slant of his eyes. Nodding in assent towards the cryptic message sent between the two she dispersed, giving Marik a curt look before doing so.
" What did you tell her?" Marik almost growled, as he sauntered towards the other boy.
" Nothing you should concern yourself with." He stated, a deep chuckle vibrating through his throat as Marik clutched his collar; he seemed to be doing that often, it seemed.
" Then I'll find out, personally." Marik stated, turning.
" Stay away from her. Your only causing her pain, and you know it." He grounded gruffly.
" I'll do as I wish!" He bellowed before leaving Bakura alone.
' Its too late...' He thought. ' Anzu is already mine, and away from your lies of being in love with her....' Lowering his gaze he contemplated before walking away.
~*~
