WHY DOES LOVE HURT

Finally!

With a roll of her eyes she exhaled sharply. Not only did she convince Malik and Bakura to behave around one another but she made them promise for….

A WHOLE HOUR!

Anzu absently clapped her hands together with a bright smile. Today was going much better than she thought.

Quietly she sauntered down the stairs, heeding the two males arguing silently in the family room. And over what you may ask?

….

" I turned the blasted thing on!"

" Really? You seem to forget who controls it!"

" Hand the damn thing over! Now!"

" What's the magic word!?"

" By the heavens of Ra, if you don't hand the damn thing over right now---"

" You'll what?" The other interrupted.

Anzu decided what better way to stop them from arguing then to…

" Tada! What do you guys think?" She stepped into the living room, arms raised slightly to allow the two men a good view of her outfit.

Bakura momentarily forgot the argument he was having with Malik and dropped the remote onto the sofa aimlessly as he studied Anzu.

Malik, however--so caught up in his triumph--was praising his tactics and immediately lunged for the remote, till he noticed Anzu's presence.

" You look…" Bakura paused as if finding words to phrase how beautiful she looked in the light blue, strapless dress that clung to her curvaceous slim body and seemed to whirl at her knees with her movements.

" Perfect," He concluded, grinning wildly.

She blushed in return before whispering a silent and bashful thank you.

Malik, however, didn't seem to approve of her dress with folded arms and arched brows.

" You're going to wear that thing……out?"

" Well of course! I'm not wasting this nice dress for indoors!" She interjected.

" I don't like it," he muttered.

" What? What's wrong with it?" She asked frantically.

Malik gave an inward grunt. " Do you want old men groping you?"

She gaped before flustering angrily. " Are you implying that it's…..skimpy!?"

" Hell if I know what skimpy is. But if it means that your attire reveals far too much, than yes,"

" Well I like it,"

" Well I don't!"

" What's the matter? A bit worried, Malik?" Bakura chuckled.

" Me? Worried?! Ha! Your idiotic assumptions amuse me tomb robber!"

Bakura prepared to fire back an equal harsh comment before Anzu slipped in their line of view of one another.

" Well then, you guys ready?"

" Ready……..for what?"

Anzu rolled her eyes to the side. " To go out like you two promised,"

Bakura seemed paler than ever. " We only promised to behave for one hour,"

" Not all day," Malik finished.

" Well then we'll just go out for one hour!" She concluded with a meek grin.

" And you want to go out……..now?" Malik drawled languidly.

" Well, when else would I!?"

" Not today?" Bakura muttered.

Anzu huffed. " What's so wrong about today then?"

Malik shrugged and fell onto the sofa, legs parted and remote securely in his hands.

" Perhaps after my show," he grumbled.

Anzu's brow quirked. " You're……show?"

Bakura grunted before pointing to the television. " This fool actually watches that pathetic human stuff!"

Anzu glared slightly at him. " Hey! I like the T.V! My favorite show comes on it in fact!"

Malik flickered through the channels. " That's nice…."

Anzu scowled. " Well do tell then Malik. What are you watching?"

Bakura chuckled in disgust. " Something called………retality?"

Retality? Huh, never heard of it…

" It's the reality show you imbecile!" Malik bellowed.

" Same thing, who gives a damn anyway."

Anzu giggled. " Malik, please tell me your joking?"

Malik glared at her from the couch. " What's so damn funny about it!?"

Bakura intervened as if speaking for Anzu as well as stating his own thoughts.

" You're watching a show about humans' daily life of all things!"

Malik leaned back into the cushions of the sofa more firmly as he looked back to the television screen.

" I find it amusing watching these pathetic humans act like a bunch of barbarians,"

Anzu sighed. " Can we go now? I really wanted to---"

Bakura interrupted her from continuing. " Humans? Acting like barbarians? Why, Malik, I believe you've found a home,"

Malik stood, dropping the remote and glaring at Bakura who smirked with a high-held chin.

" What the hell did you say?!"

Malik was in front of Bakura in a matter of seconds, pinning him against a wall with his right hand fisted in Bakura's white collar, grinding the pale boy into the walls surface with a snarl.

" How dare you compare me to……..to such weak and pathetic minded things!"

Bakura didn't seem to mind or care about the situation he was in, as he simply chuckled wryly and looked straight into Malik's face with a glint of humor and mockery.

" What are you going to do about it, pharaoh lover?"

Anzu gasped. Bakura had gone too far now! He was practically asking for it! Malik looked like he was going to kill somebody, or more certainly inhabitants of a certain small city named Domino.

She feared for the blonde Egyptians upcoming words. But they never came. He merely deposited a frantically coughing Bakura on the floor.

Coughing? Wait! What!?

It seemed that not even her own eyes had been capable of even glimpsing Malik's vicious punch to Bakura's stomach. But it's after effects were indeed visible and audible.

Bakura clutched his stomach, couching, sputtering and grunting as the pain rocketed deep in his gut.

Damn did that ever hurt.

Head bowed, eyes narrowed, Bakura continued to regain his breath on the floor with elated pants.

Malik may look on the scrawny side but boy did he hit like some kind of professional boxer.

" Damn it," He muttered, leaning against the wall and pushing his body up with the wall as a device to hold him steady.

Anzu sighed. He never learned, and neither did Malik.

Malik was already on the sofa, eyes sealed on the television, but Anzu could tell he was still agitated by Bakura's words.

And he didn't look at all happy.

There go today's plans…

Anzu exhaled in a dreary and exasperated sigh. She was actually looking forward to hanging out with the both of them in peace.

But it seemed both were far too stubborn and conceited to ever admit or even fathom being in the others presence in peace.

More like pieces.

" Well fine, if that's how you guys are going to be, I'm going out by myself!"

Bakura, who regained his composure and was leaning to his full-length against the wall, turned to her the exact moment Malik did.

" Who said I wasn't going!?"

Anzu exchanged abrupt glances as they both shouted the same thing at the same time, then proceeded to glare at the other.

" Well then, come on!"

Anzu walked to her door, slipping on her white sandals before grabbing a small white purse from off the miniature table beside the front entrance of her house.

Bakura was in his usual blue jean pants, along with a plain white shirt with sleeves he insisted on rolling up to his elbows, allowing one to see his lanky but toned arms.

Malik had chosen to wear his normal tight black pants and purple shirt giving any who saw a good clarification on how egotistical Malik was. And exactly how well aware he was of his breath-taking appearance, not to mention what a great body he had.

Anzu smiled at them both as they proceeded to stride out the door and wait patiently for her to do the same and lock the door behind her.

" Alright! I have this perfect place in mind," She extended both her arms out and both men took the given arm, intertwining their fingers with hers as they strode beside her; Malik on her right and Bakura on her left.

Anzu strode with confidence; and who in the right mind in her situation wouldn't?

You'd have to be damn near insane to not enjoy being with two of the most gorgeous men in all of Domino!

At least for her….Shizuka had an odd fascination with Seto Kaiba.

Ugh, Kaiba……

She involuntarily shuddered at the thought. Kaiba was a great friend but it was a completely, completely different subject when the line of friend and boyfriend was passed.

And frankly she only liked Kaiba as a friend, which thankfully she noted her feelings toward the tall brunette CEO were purely mutual.

" You don't plan on going to………..?" Malik paused, causing Anzu to stare at him in questioning.

" To….. where?"

" That large place…………with shrouds of pestering females?"

" You mean a mall?"

Bakura grunted. " I despise that place, no matter how much Ryou loves going there with you,"

" He only went there once with me! And it was because he was buying me a birthday gift," She smiled at the thought.

Ryou was always so considerate of others, and always thought of his friends before himself.

Bakura grumbled something about Ryou being too weak for his own good, but Anzu knew deep down he cared for Ryou.

But she merely nodded her head, never once objecting to Bakura's harsh words about Ryou. She knew they were mere lies to appear tough and crude. He simply wished to sustain his title and pretend to be the murderous, unremorseful tomb robber he once was.

The tomb robber she had changed without even knowing it.

" Well?" Malik tightened his hold on her hand as he caught her staring at Bakura far too long for his liking.

Anzu blinked before looking at the blonde with a smile. " No, not there. I'm not that mean,"

Before Malik could ask any further questions, she halted, causing both of them to do the same.

" Why'd you stop?" Bakura questioned, brow arched and lips placed in a taut and aggravated line. He was obviously bored to death by their walk there.

" We're here," She smiled at them both before releasing their hands and pointing a few feet ahead of them at a small restaurant. It was elegant, yet not far too extreme in expenses and appearance; just right for the mood.

" This………human filtered place?" Malik appeared disgusted, and he wasn't the only one.

" You realize I lose my temper around humans? I may even end up sending some to the shado---"

" Come on you guys! You'll like it, I promise! And no-one is going to bother you!" She assured, interrupting them both from further objecting the whole idea.

" Besides I'm human and you two like me just fine!"

Malik crossed his arms over his broad chest. " You're an exception,"

" For once I agree," Bakura added in a mumble.

" Come on. Please?"

" Fine! But if one human dare bother us I'll--"

" They won't. Now come on," She interrupted.

" You'd better be right, woman," Malik stated before reluctantly following behind Bakura and Anzu who had already begun stepping inside the restaurant.

Once they were inside, she pulled them both beside her, forcing them to look at the decent place.

" See, it's not so bad," She began, before adding hastily. " And look not too many people,"

" Let's just sit down already," Malik grumbled. Anzu nodded, as everyone had turned to look at the three as they strode to a booth and slid onto the cushioned seat.

" What are they staring at?!" Bakura hissed, glaring vehemently at a table diagonal from theirs. The occupants--mostly girls-- had transfixed their eyes on Bakura and Malik.

Malik chuckled as he spread his legs, leaning back suavely in the booth.

" It's obvious, tomb robber," He spat. " Those women are staring at us,"

Anzu--who'd been reading the menu, completely unaware of the situation--looked up at Malik's words.

" What? Who's staring?"

Anzu followed Bakura's stare, only to spot a group of four girls or so--older than her--crowded at a table and chattering loudly. It seemed there was an empty seat in the middle of the pack of girls.

Well their not doing anything………..so I guess it's no big deal…

" It's disgusting. To the point that I'm liking the idea of sending those--"

Anzu cut in quickly. " Oh, calm down. They won't do anything. Their just staring,"

Malik scooted slyly till he was embracing Anzu from the side.

" I know a way to get them to stop," He murmured. Bakura sent him an irritated glare but he ignored it and continued his husky cooing.

Anzu stiffened at the seductive tone in Malik's voice. It was uncommon, but she couldn't say she didn't like it, because she did. Very much so.

Malik lifted his right hand after removing it from her hip, and began to gently brush his tanned knuckles over flushed cheeks.

Bakura grunted. " What are you doing?" He demanded.

" Pleasing my woman. So lay off tomb robber," Malik threatened, eyes thinning before they softened once he turned his stare back to Anzu.

Bakura swerved himself closer to Anzu, clutching her left arm and almost pulling her toward him aggressively, all the while glaring at an enraged Malik.

" You forget she isn't just yours,"

Anzu sighed. They never learned! NEVER!

Malik grunted. " This is why I can't fathom how Anzu fell for someone like you!"

It's either this or let them continue arguing for the whole night. Frankly I don't have enough energy to listen to them bicker back and forth and ruin my day!

She was beginning to conjure up some ideas to get them to stop fighting, this was till she heard someone call her name.

" Anzu, that you!?"

Duke!? What's he doing here!?

Duke sauntered up to their table, completely ignoring the glares and suspicious looks he was getting from Bakura and Malik.

" Hey Duke. What a coincidence," I never knew he liked these types of restaurants…

" Sure is," He leaned over the table toward Anzu. " So, why haven't I seen you lately around the Game Shop?"

" Oh, that! Heh…….I've been…..uhh……"

Well let's see……..how to explain this. I've been busy getting to know two of the most vicious murderers…….no……too blunt…..

" She's been with us," Malik spat suddenly, preparing to stand till Duke put up his hands with a light-hearted laugh.

" Calm down there, man. No hard feelings. I was just asking,"

Anzu, seeing Malik didn't look too pleased, quickly moved passed Bakura and moved out from the booth.

" Say, Duke, let's go talk over here, okay?" She said quickly.

Duke smirked. " Sure," He followed Anzu a few feet away. She let out a sigh of relief when Bakura and Malik could no longer see them.

" Well like you asked, I've just been really busy," She replied.

Duke placed his hands in his pockets. " Ahh, well Yuugi's been asking for you," he grimaced as if in annoyance.

" Too much that I'm starting to go crazy,"

She smiled. That was Yuugi, always worried about her.

" What about the others?"

Duke snorted. " You mean dog boy and Honda?" He tilted his head up in contemplation.

" Mutt face finally asked Mai out, and well Honda…….."

Anzu paled. Jou finally got the courage to ask Mai out!? Where have I been!?

Duke scowled. " And Honda……..he finally asked Shizuka out,"

Anzu paled even more. Honda and Shizuka!? Have I been gone that long!?

" Wow. So Jou-Mai, Shizuka-Honda, couples!?" She looked down. " I would have never thought…"

Duke grimaced, crossing his arms over his chest. " Neither would I,"

Anzu looked at him with raised brows. " Say Duke, is everything alright? You don't look too well,"

He turned his head to the side with an arrogant. " I'm fine,"

Anzu smiled. " I forgot you liked Shizuka too,"

" I do not!"

" Don't worry, Duke. There has to be someone out there for you! Cheer up!" She assured, placing her hand on his shoulder with a smile.

He sighed. " Yeah, I suppose,"

He snapped his fingers. " Say, Anzu, got any plans tomorrow?"

She blanched and looked to the booth Malik and Bakura were at. " Uh……why?"

He chuckled. " Don't worry, it'll just be a friend-thing,"

She thought a little on it before smiling. " Ok, what did you have in mind?"

Anzu walked back to the table, waving to Duke who walked out of the restaurant, surrounded by his normal pack of fan girls.

" Sorry about that….." She stopped when she noticed Malik and Bakura were standing by the table, staring--no correction--glaring at her as she walked toward them.

" Is everything alright?"

Bakura eyed Duke who was finally out of sight, before turning accusing eyes on her.

" What was it you two were talking about that took so long?"

" Just telling me about what's been going on lately," She replied calmly.

" And?" Malik drawled. He knew very well she hadn't told them everything about her little chat with Duke.

" And……..he wants to hang out tomorrow……" Seeing their faces she added quickly.

" But only on friend to friend terms,"

" I don't trust him,"

Anzu gaped at the two. Unbelievable! They couldn't even trust her!

" Look guys, Duke doesn't like me at all in that way. In fact I've volunteered to help him find his true-love or possibly soul-mate."

Malik arched a brow. " True love?" He snorted.

Bakura grunted. " Soul mate?"

" Yes! I really feel bad for the guy. I mean he liked Shizuka a lot, but now she's dating Honda it seems,"

" My head hurts from all this! Lets just go already!" Malik snapped.

" But what about our food? We haven't--"

" I didn't like it much here anyway," Bakura intervened before pulling her along with them as they strode out of the building.

Great…..

A/N: No that is not the last chapter so do not FRET!! I'm not insane to leave it here, I'm just summing it up a bit. A bit more jealousy on Malik and Bakura's side; Anzu helping Duke find someone. Don't you just feel bad for the conceited hottie? I know -- I do too.

I think two more chapters and it'll finally be complete. And yes the last chapter WILL contain lemon. A threesome to be more exact. I'll have to change the rating so BE WARNED. I'll let you all know when the last chapter will be up next, that way you'll know to look up my story in the rated R section. cackles.

Anywho, I hope you liked this incredibly boring chapter. Well it was writing it….but it was ok I don't know. I'll make the upcoming ones better! . I hope!