Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh!

An Azureshipping Fanfic.

Lockdown.

Chapter Seventeen.

Amused, Yuugi watched Anzu as she hummed a catchy tune while tapping her fingers to a playful beat only she could hear. She looked delightfully happy, he thought, like a little girl dreaming about charming princes and pink castles.

He didn't need a neon sign blinking madly at him to know she'd met Kaiba, and that they'd shared more than just the usual witty banter.

Craning his neck to look across the sea of desks in the classroom, Yuugi saw the aforementioned teen hard at work on his laptop. His eyes unblinking at the glowing screen, his nimble fingers a blur on the keyboard.

As if he sensed himself being watched, Kaiba lifted his gaze and aimed it at Yuugi. Lethal blue eyes clashed with striking violet, and embarrassed, Yuugi offered a meek smile and buried his nose in his book. His ears a lovely shade of bright pink.

Somewhere between the Turkish War and Pugachev's rebellion, Yuugi peaked over at Anzu. She appeared to be listening to what the teacher was saying, but he knew better.

Scribbling a note and expertly passing it to her, he waited for a positive reply. When he got it, he settled into his seat and waited for class to end.

"Okay. What's with the cryptic note asking me to meet you on the roof?" Anzu asked as she trotted up the stairs. She caught the serious look in his eyes and concern filled hers. "What? What is it? Did something happen to grandpa?"

She was clutching his hands now and red in the face, Yuugi smiled sheepishly.

"It's nothing like that. Grandpa is going to outlive us all, you know." Yuugi joked and watched the worry clear. "Also, I don't mean to be a nosy parker, but did you meet Kaiba at that party last weekend?"

"Um, yeah." She shuffled her feet. "It's written on my face, isn't it?"

"Only on your forehead. So…what happened?"

Anzu smiled slowly. "Gossiping, Yuugi? How unlike you." She laughed out loud when he flushed. "Okay, okay, I'll dish."

She told him about Takehito Nakai, the outlandish proposal cooked up between their parents, her dance with Kaiba, and what she suspected he felt for her. When she was through, she was surprised to see Yuugi goggling at her.

"What?" Anzu wondered.

"I'm sorry." He pressed a hand to his forehead. "I could've sworn I heard you say you were proposed to."

"It's not to be taken seriously." She shrugged one shoulder. "Well, that's my take anyway. Was that the only thing you heard?"

"Everything faded into the background after," he admitted. "But I distinctly remember something similar to Kaiba saying he likes you?"

"That's what I think. He hasn't exactly told me the words or written a sweet, sweet poem declaring his feelings." Anzu said wryly, then added. "I'm not holding my breath for either."

Yuugi tried not to be skeptical and failed. "Kaiba isn't acting differently. He's still ignoring you. Are you sure he feels—"

"I know he does," she told him a little hotly, and quickly regretted it. "Sorry. He's kissed me many times before, but on that night, at that time, it was different. I felt something more than just attraction. And so did he."

"Okay."

"You don't believe me," she accused, feeling hurt.

"I never said—"

"You didn't have to. My face isn't the only one's that's transparent." She brushed past him.

"Where are you going?"

"To find Kaiba." Anzu turned back and Yuugi saw a thin sheen of tears that blurred fierce blue eyes. "I'll make him confess. Obviously, it's important to both of us."

She hurried away leaving a stammering Yuugi behind. His shoulders slumped, defeated, and he cast his gaze towards the heavens. "That went well."

While Yuugi mentally kicked himself, Anzu stalked the hallways, ignoring the swears of her peers as she bumped into them. She had to find Kaiba.

Spotting him at the end of the hallway, surrounded by a gaggle of giggling fan girls, she quickened her pace.

"Hey, Anzu. Where's the fire?"

"Not now, Jounouchi," she growled.

"Jeez. What's her problem?" he muttered to Honda.

"Dunno."

Within seconds Anzu invaded the vapid group and grabbed Kaiba by the arm. Her fingernails digging in like an angry cat. "You're coming with me."

"Am I?" The bastard looked amused.

"What's the deal, Mazaki? Kaiba is ours."

Anzu sent the girl a withering glare Kaiba could be proud of. "And Yuugi thinks I'm deluded." She started to turn when the girl made a grab for her. "Back off! Or I'll certainly enjoy giving you a bloody lip."

"She would," Kaiba commented, enjoying himself. "I've experienced it myself."

"Come on!" She tugged on his arm, trying to leave before she'd have to make good on her promise. "I thought you hated those stupid girls."

"They're annoying, sure." He was intrigued by her furious expression. "You have something on your face, Mazaki. I believe it's called jealousy."

"Oh, shut up, Kaiba. I'm in no mood for your crap today. I want to know how you feel about me. That's it. Then you can go back to your pack of morons."

"They're hardly morons," he replied, and winced when she skewered a finger in his chest. "Shit. You should trim those claws."

"Why?" she fired back. "I get such a rush when I do you bodily harm."

"I hardly see the enjoyment in it."

"You obviously wouldn't. Quit stalling and answer the damn question."

"Which was," he queried perversely, then reflexively caught the fist she launched at his face. "Down, girl. You should see someone about managing your anger. Somebody could get hurt."

"Only you," Anzu remarked sweetly. She stepped back, folded her arms, and cocked a waiting brow.

"That's a nice imitation of me; I'm flattered. So where were we? Ah, yes. Discussing feelings, was it? You know very well whatever's between us is purely physical."

She huffed out a breath. "I get that, I do. But my feelings run past great looks and appeal. And so does yours. You can deny it a thousand times but I'll know better."

"Cocky of you." Kaiba observed snidely.

"You bet. I spent a good many hours alone with you and your charming personality rubbed off." She gasped when he grabbed her arm and roughly dragged her to him. "Hey! That hurts."

"Deal with it." His nose bumped hers, and if it wasn't for the glacial look in his eye, she would've predicted a kiss. "You're a pest, Mazaki. Following me around, expecting a declaration of love. You're no better than those overzealous fan girls. Give up; It's never going to happen."

"Tell me something I don't know." Anzu struggled to break free. "Ease off, Kaiba. I can feel your fingers pushing into the bone." He let go so abruptly that she stumbled. "Thank you," she replied through gritted teeth, massaging her arm. "As I was saying, I don't expect to be romanced. I only want to be closer to you. Is that too much?"

"Yes." Kaiba tossed back without hesitation. "I let things get too far. You're inside my head, Mazaki, day and night, and I want you gone."

"Oh?" Why did that make her so happy? she wondered. He was clearly irritated by her. "Well, sorry, okay."

"Like hell you are," he growled.

"You got me." Anzu allowed herself a small smile. "It's nice to know you're thinking of me albeit not too fondly. Weird."

Kaiba ran a hand through his hair, exasperated. "I'm tired of this. Leave me the hell alone."

"Sure."

He narrowed his eyes at her, untrusting of her agreeability. "Sure?" Kaiba repeated dubiously. "That's all it takes to be rid of you?"

"Well, no." Anzu frowned. "I kinda got what I wanted so I don't see any reason to stick around. Besides, class is about to start. Don't want to be late."

She hurried away and left Kaiba scowling after her. The genius billionaire terribly confused.

"I'll never understand that idiot," he grumbled, and sauntered after her.

A word from ladydolce:

There's another part of this chapter, but I was unable to finish in time. This past month was horrible, and earlier today I got kicked in the shin. I can barely walk and I have errands tomorrow.

So next month the chapter will be longer and hopefully on time.

Thanks for reading.