Chapter 11:

March 17, 2002

Day of dance

I can't wait! I can't wait! This is my first dance...Yes; sadly I've never been to a dance before. I'll make sure that Ryou bear has a great time! Along with a certain someone... (Grins evilly)

I plan on making Bakura come out of that stupid little ring. And I'm going to force him to dance with me! I can just imagine it!

Anyways, I got to go, my mother's going to fix my hair...or wig...and then make my face over with cosmetics...YUCK! I'm going to look like a clown! Sometimes, I wish I had been born a boy...NEVER MIND! Bakura's too hot...unless I was a gay guy...Eww...Yaoi...

-Zozo

Ryou frowned at the book in his hands then turned the page.

"Oh, this is where you turned green with envy, huh?" Bakura asked with a smirk. Ryou glanced up at his yami. "You deserved what you got!" Ryou spat.

That night had been his and Zozo's first fight ever. He could still remember that night, like it was yesterday. He had just arrived at her house, with a corsage all nicely packed in its container. He rang her bell and waited for her mother to answer it.

Ms. Haru smiled when she opened the door then pulled him in.

"Wait till you see my daughter! She looks like a real girl," her face had crinkled into a smile. Ryou felt sad in a way, because Nozomi was all she had left, and she could possibly die soon.

Nozomi walked down the stairs with trouble, her heels twisting around.

"EH! Now I remember why I hate dresses and high heels!" She screamed with frustration as she clutched the railing. Ryou dashed up the steps then offered her his arm.

"Aw! Ryou bear! You're so sweet." She said while touching his cheek gently. He blushed then turned to hide it. Nozomi's mother clapped in approval as she watched the exchange.

"You two look perfect together!" She cried in delight. Nozomi frowned at her mother then turned to Ryou.

"How do I look?" She asked giving a twirl.

Ryou smiled in approval. Her hair was sweped up into an up do, curls tumbling down and touching her shoulders and neck. Her make-up was light and natural looking, her freckles giving her face a childish yet womanly appearance. Ryou knew instantly that he had a crush on her.

"You look wonderful Zozo!" he had whispered with delight. She smiled and gave him a curtsied. "I'm ready for the ball!" She laughed. She looked down at his chest.

"Did you bring Bakura?" She asked, searching for the m. ring.

"Yes..." He pulled the m. ring out from under his tux jacket and flashed it at her. "Good, I'm making sure he dances tonight. He needs the exercise anyways! He can't stay in the ring, sleeping all day!"

Ryou smiled then handed her the corsage. "This is for you."

Nozomi took the gift from his hands then smiled.

"Aw! Ryou bear! You shouldn't have!" She cooed then gave him a hug. Ryou would have preferred a kiss, but he didn't want to push it.

"Shall we go?" he asked, offering her his arm.

"Earth to RYOU! RYOU come in!" Bakura shouted while waving his hand in front of his face. "Come on Aibou! Come back to papa, you weak little reincarnation!"

Ryou blinked several times then shook his head.

"Are ya back buddy? My little host? My hikari? My aibou?" Bakura grabbed a pillow then began to knock Ryou upside the head.

"Hey cut it out! I hear ya!" Ryou said while shielding his head from the blows.

"Come on, read more! I want to know her point of view...about that wonderful night!" Bakura grinned, evilly, at Ryou then pushed the book into his hands.

"Read!"

Ryou glared daggers at his yami then looked back down at the book he held close to his chest.

Later

I've never been so miserable in my life...Let me start off with the beginning. We had just arrived at the school, the lights were off and the music was blaring. Ryou looked rather scared when I peered over at him.

"Ryou bear? What's wrong?" I asked looking down at him with concern. He shrugged it off, placing a rather fake smile on his delicate pale face.

"Nothing, let's go inside." He slowly dragged me off the curve and towards the awaiting gym. He paused when he reached the doors then heaved a sigh.

"Here we go..." he whispered more to himself then to me. I glanced at his face then smiled as I noticed the determined look.

"You're scared...This your first dance too?" I asked trying to break the ice. Ryou shook his head fiercely as he stepped into the over crowded gym.

"That's not it..." I stopped dead in my tracks. "Then tell me...What is it?" I asked, placing my hands on my hips, indicating I wasn't leaving without an answer. He sighed then turned his back to me.

"I'm scared of the dark..." Laughter bubbled in my throat, and I didn't know how to hold it back. I covered my mouth with my hand and let a small giggle escape.

"Is that it? You're scared of the dark?" I finally choked out as I contained my laughter. He looked up at me with...determined eyes? I swear Ryou bear is getting braver and braver everyday. He grabbed my hand then tugged me into the crowd. "I'm going to face my fears!" He shouted ahead of me. I smiled and patted his hand. "That's the way to go, Ryou..." He turned to smile at me and I opened my arms. "I'm here to chase all the monsters away..." I whispered while wrapping my arms around his small frame. He smiled at me and returned the hug. "Thank you, Zozo... It shouldn't be that bad."

He pulled away and we slowly walked into the dark room. He stiffened by my side then finally relaxed as the lights began to flicker around the room. "Punch?" He asked while looking up at me. I smiled and gave a nod.

"Hell ya! Let's see if anyone spiked it!" I rushed over to the punch bowl and greedily grabbed a cup, filling it to the rim. I handed it to Ryou then grabbed another. Once I had finished my punch, which wasn't spiked by the way, I turned to Ryou and raised a brow. "So...now what?" I asked looking around. Ryou opened his mouth then paused.

"Dance?" he asked as a slow song began to play. I smiled and offered him my arm. "Why yes, good sir!" He giggled and grabbed my arm, slowly leading me to the dance floor. He hesitated for a moment then smiled as he turned me to face him. He slowly wrapped his arms around my waist and I raised my arms to his neck. The song was very soothing and slow, giving the air a romantic feeling. I smiled up at Ryou and tilted my head to the side when he began to blush. "What's wrong, Ryou bear? Do I stink?" I asked while giving a low chuckle.

He turned even redder and looked away. "It's not that...it's just that I've never been this close to a girl before..." I giggled and petted his fluffy white hair. The song came to an end and people began to jam to the DJ's hits.

"Soooo...Ryou, want to dance?" I asked with an evil grin. His eyes widened and he stared at me with large brown eyes. "I...I didn't think you would actually...make me...dance like that..." I didn't even answer him; I grabbed his hand and dragged him away.

"Oh come on, don't be a baby...loosen up!" I dragged him to the middle of the dance floor and gave him a crooked grin. "Ready?" I asked while stepping back a little. He gave a weak nod and stared at me still with those large brown eyes.

"Alright!" I screamed and began to twirl my hips to the beat of the music. Ryou stood there for a moment till he finally got over his shyness. He began to sway his hips as well, more manly then feminine. I was amazed at how well he picked up the beat.

"Wow! Go Ryou Bear!" I shouted as I began to shake my arms in the air. "WHOOP! Go Ryou!" He smiled at me and gave a thumbs up. I could tell he was enjoying himself.

After about an hour of hard core dancing we found a spot at a near by table and slumped in our chairs. "That was great, Ryou Bear! Who knew you were such a great dancer." I began to fan myself with my hands and pant. "Ryou! I'm starved...Do you want to get us some pizza?" I asked while continuing to fan my flushed face. He flinched a little then smiled. "Yes, I will Zozo...You sit back and relax!" I watched him run off with narrowed eyes. "He better not be starting that again..." I muttered under my breath.

"Start what?" A voice said behind me. I turned around, and was greeted by a small pale oval face. She had large blue eyes and long blonde hair, I could tell just by looking at her that she was faking the smile on her face.

"Nothing, none of your business..." I replied, trying to sound as cool and composed as I could. Truthfully, I didn't like how she butted into my thoughts.

"Oh, well, I'm real good friends with Ryou and I just wanted to know what you were talking about...By the way...I love your hair...Wig?" I tensed at the word wig. How did she know? "My hair is none of your concern...whether it be a wig or not." I stood up and glared at her. "Plus...if you WERE good friends with Ryou then you would know what I was talking about, in fact you wouldn't even have to ask!" Just as I said this Ryou appeared at my side, holding a glass of fruit punch and pizza.

"What's going on? Oh, hi, Rodnie...How is cheerleading?" Rodnie looked away from me and gave Ryou a plastic smile. "Oh, it's doing great...I just wanted to come say hi to your girlfriend..."

Ryou's mouth dropped open, showing off his perfect straight teeth.

"M-my...M-my girlfriend?" He turned a dark shade of red and I sighed. "We are not dating...What made you think that?" I asked, glad that I had figured out the reason she was over. She liked Ryou and she was green with envy. Her face brightened up as I said this and she wore a genuine smile now. "Oh! My bad...Just gossip then...It's what I've heard around school...plus, it didn't help any that you guys were slow dancing..." She gave a small giggle and covered her mouth, giving her a small girlish look. A look that many guys must have fallen for.

"Well, it was nice seeing you, Rodnie..." Ryou said while giving a wave. Rodnie waved back then began to move along. "Oh, and by the way...what's your name?" She asked, turning to me and giving another satisfied yet plastic smile.

"My name, miss, is Nozomi...Nozomi Haru..." She offered me her hand to shake but I ignored it. I could feel Ryou stare at me with pondering eyes. "Well...nice to meet you Nozomi..." She whispered as she pulled her hand away. Her face turned red within seconds and I couldn't help but smile. For some reason, I felt as if she was treading on my property. I could tell she liked Ryou, and for some reason I didn't like that idea. Was I Jealous? NAH!

Anyways, I gave a sigh then sat back down. "Ok, all you ladies out there...Find yourself a man to dance with!" Baby by Ashanti began to play and I jumped up.

"Give me, Bakura!" I shouted while reaching out my hand. Ryou looked up, startled, and then slowly looked down at the ring around his neck. "I think he's sleeping, Zozo...You don't want to wake him...He gets cranky..." I shook my head. "No, hand him over...He's going to dance with me!" Ryou gave a sigh then pulled the necklace over his head. "Alright, can't say I didn't warn you..." I ignored him and walked to a near by wall.

"WAKE UP!" I yelled while shaking the ring. It vibrated a little then stopped. I frowned and shook it some more. It vibrated again, more violently then stopped.

"WAKE UP!" I started slamming it into the wall, watching as sparks flew in every direction. Ryou gasped and jumped to his feet. "Nozomi! Don't break it!"

I ignored him once again and began to swing the ring into the wall with all the force I could muster. The ring began to vibrate and shake, making me drop it to the ground.

"WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON!" Bakura yelled as he took shape in the room. Everyone glanced over, making Ryou blush.

I smiled up at Bakura and grabbed his hand. "We're dancing, you lazy bum!" I shoved him onto the dance floor. "Ryou, you might want to hide...People might think it weird if they see two Ryou's..." Ryou gave a nod and went to blend in with the shadows.

"Now...dance Bakura..." Bakura gave a snort and refused to take my hands. "Oh, come on!" I shouted while slipping the ring around his neck. He gave a snort and turned his back on me. "Please Bakura? I'll do anything for you..." He laughed evilly and turned to face me. "Anything? Anything I want? What If I want to get laid? I haven't had sex for 3,000 years...shall we?" I gave a shudder at the thought then backed away. "Ok, maybe not anything...Please?" I tried my best to give him a puppy dog look but he ignored it.

"Fine!" I grabbed his hands then placed them on my hips, and then I wrapped my arms around his neck. "DANCE!" I yelled while stomping the heel of my foot on his toes.

"OWE!" he roared and began to slowly move around, slowly twirling me in circles.

"That's much better!" I whispered as I leaned in and rested my head on his shoulder.

"Stupid bitch..." He muttered under his breath.

"That's not very nice..." I whispered. He smiled and continued to glide me across the floor. That's when I got a glimpse of blonde hair.

Rodnie. She was with her own dance partner, following me and Bakura. As if she still didn't believe we weren't dating. She didn't know when to stop!

So I did the first thing that came to mind. I made sure she was watching, then turned to Bakura, grabbed his face in my hands and reached up and kissed him. Yes...KISSED HIM! Lips on lips...I must say he was very surprised...at first, at least. Then he laughed into my mouth and began to kiss back, which I didn't expect. I heard Rodnie gasp in surprise and I smiled to my self. I had some how won a battle...A personal one if anything. Then Bakura got evil and started thrusting his tongue into my mouth. I gasped and tried to pull away, but he held onto me tightly. His tongue attacked my mouth, shoved down my throat and tackled my own tongue. People moved aside as I struggled with Bakura, trying to break away. I felt his large hands grab me around the waist and fumble with my dresses zipper.

"NO!" I screamed into his mouth and he chuckled. "You asked for it..." He whispered back as he shoved me to the ground. That's when I heard Ryou cry out my name.

"NOZOMI!" He shouted as he tackled Bakura to the ground. I gasped in amazement as I watched...get ready...Ryou punch Bakura in the jaw...not once...not twice...but three times!

"No! Wait, Ryou...it's not his fault! STOP!" I shouted while pulling Ryou away. Teachers crowded around us, tugging on Ryou and Bakura, who was now fighting back. "Stop it Ryou!" I shouted, finally grabbing his shoulders and tugging him free. Bakura's fist swung towards his head and he ducked smartly.

"Fucking Yami! Don't touch her!" Ryou yelled at the top of his lungs. Bakura wore a large smirk on his face; as if he was happy with the attack Ryou had just given him. "Knock it off! Stop it Ryou!" I shouted...and now this is where I feel terrible.

"I can take care of myself! I don't need you there all the time...I'm a big girl...I can fight my own battles!" Ryou's mouth fell open and he stared at me. I stared back, watching as his nose trickled with blood. I grabbed a napkin and handed it to him. "Here...your nose..." He took the napkin and bowed his head. "Fine...I won't try and help you ever again..." I could hear the anger and sadness in his voice. But what can I say...I have a thing for fighting my own battles. A flaw that must be worked on. (1)

I watched him walk off then turned to look at Bakura, who was now standing and smiling smugly at me. He gave a wink and I stuck my tongue out at him. He laughed then brought his two fingers to his mouth, spread them apart and slid his tongue through the space, giving it a slight wiggle for emphases. I gave a disgusted look and quickly stormed up to him. My fists were balled and ready. I wanted to smack that smirk off his handsome face so bad, but I couldn't.

So I sighed and gritted my teeth. Hoping he wouldn't say anything to break the tie holding me back. He smiled knowingly and opened his mouth to talk. "Shut up! Just don't say anything!" I shouted while backing up, hoping I could get away before I heard what ever he had to say.

When I turned to rush off I ran smack dab into Rodnie. "Oh my goodness...watch where I'm going!" She shouted while moving her glass of punch away from her person. She smiled at me and brought the glass to her lips, taking a deep sip. I watched her in distaste. I was in a hurry, trying to go catch up with Ryou and here she was, drinking punch in front of me.

"Pardon me...that mask you're wearing today threw me off...I'm not used to that one...it's gorgeous by the way...now...may you please move? Your whale of a body is in the way of my destination." I peeked over her shoulder, to add more humor to my comment I started jumping up as if I couldn't see over her shoulder. She gave a sneer and peered at me with those icy blue eyes. She then turned to Bakura. "I thought you said that you and Nozomi weren't dating?" She said in that Barbie plastic voice of hers. A fake smile broke over her mouth, turning the corners of her lips. A smile of my own broke out too. She obviously didn't know about Bakura. Oh joy!

"We aren't...I realized you liked Ryou...So I set out to make you jealous...looks like it worked..." I gave a mock smile and tilted my head to the side. She was treading in hot water...water that belonged to me. Yes, I'm very possessive.

Her smile twitched then slowly faded. "So, you did all that just to get me upset? Well it worked...Bye the way...nice wig...going bald?" She asked while reaching out and rubbing the coarse, rough hair in-between her fingers. I gasped and pulled away. How could she tell? Did she have a fake hair raider? "Well, since I know that you're not dating...want to go out on a date Ryou?" She looked up at Bakura and gave an innocent yet fake smile...honestly, when doesn't this girl fake a smile?

Bakura opened his mouth to respond but I was too quick. "He doesn't date hookers." I simply stated while standing in front of him. Bakura closed his mouth then smiled knowingly. He knew I was jealous, and liked watching me fight over him.

"Then, is that why he's not dating you?" Rodnie said, that soft fake voice of hers slicing into me like a knife. She had pushed it, pushed it too far. I grabbed a glass of punch off the near by table and flung it into her face, drenching her top half of her gorgeous white gown, her fake face and her hair.

She gasped and wiped at her eyes, trying to clear her vision to peer at me. I wore a satisfied grin and grabbed Bakura's hand. "Let's go Ba-, I mean Ryou."

Bakura willingly followed me outside. When we reached the large double doors I sighed and peered around, hoping I would see Ryou bear...But he must have run off home. Now I felt crappie. Why did I have to let my pride get in the way of me and Ryou Bears friendship! Why didn't I accept the fact that I AM weak and need help? I had acted just like a man...

Well, reader, you probably think I'm a bitch and a crappy friend. Well, I'm glad I don't know you and that I can't see you at the moment. And now, I am sitting at home, at my desk thinking of tonight's events. Will Ryou bear talk to me? Will he listen to my poor excuse? We'll have to find out now won't we?

-Nozomi

Ryou gave a sigh and then closed the book, giving a sigh. "There you happy Bakura?" he asked while shoving it away into the box. "No, read on! Read on!" Bakura chanted while balling his fist and slamming them down. Ryou gave a stern glare at his Yami then heaved a sigh. "Fine...I need to finish this up anyways...her ceremony is in two days and I still need to make up a speech. Ryou mindlessly flipped through the pages and gave a groan. "I have a lot of reading to do..."

Alright people, sorry it took me so long to update...I've been swamped with homework and upcoming finals...I'm going to Hawaii! (Dances around in a circle) ok...read and review! I didn't really review this, so if there are any problems, let me know!

(1) Nozomi, a weak and frail girl like her can't really fight...but it's more of a pride thing. Since she can't fight for herself, she tries her hardest anyways. Convinced she can do it all by herself...A childish trait I gave her. So, she gets upset when people try to fight her battles for her...