Guess who's back, back again, Akai's back, tell a friend. XD! Anyway, sorry for taking my sweet time guys. I apologize for it. But, here's a reward to the waiters, this is the longest chapter so far! :D! Ok, thank you reviewers, waiters, etc. Cookies for all! *Throws cookies left and right.*
Saki: Ok, ok. We get it!
Tadao: Onward with the story!
Me: Alright... geez... -_-
DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN YU-GI-OH!
Chapter 7
"This is really going to be fun, I can just feel it." thought Atem.
"Start the song!" yelled Dave. Atem and Tea both laughed to themselves as Dave made a hasty walk off the stage. Maybe it was from Tea or maybe it was from the crowd wanting to hear them sing. Whatever the case, he walked off, and walked off fast! They shook their heads as the worker complied by putting the song on for the two. Atem and Tea looked at each other for a moment. The way they looked at each other said it all. It was like a mental good luck. They then looked back at the audience as Tea took in a deep breath.
[Anzu]
Tell me how I'm supposed to breathe with no air
Anzu began tapping her foot as Atem was snapping his fingers. She then moved more to the front since they didn't really have enough space there and also since it is Anzu's turn.
If I should die before I wake
It's 'cause you took my breath away
Losing you is like living in a world with no air
Oh
Anzu turned around and took a step back to let Atem move in front since his turn was about to start. Atem then cleared his throat beforehand.
[Atem]
I'm here alone, didn't wanna leave
My heart won't move, it's incomplete
Wish there was a way that I can make you understand
Atem turned and accidentally stepped on her foot. "Oops, I hope she's not the type to hold grudges." he thought. He noticed that she has winced in pain while staring daggers at him. "Oh who am I kidding? Of course she is!" Atem mentally sighed knowing what might be in store for him.
"He is going to pay for that one!" she thought. She then quickly regained her composure while mentally plotting her revenge.
[Anzu]
But how do you expect me
to live alone with just me
'Cause my world revolves around you
It's so hard for me to breathe
Atem began walking backwards and she knew that this is the perfect opportunity to strike. She extended her leg just enough to get Atem stumbling backwards. Just before Atem hit the ground, she grabbed his shirt so it looked as if he were floating in mid-air. She released her grip and he gently hit the floor. Atem quickly got up while giving her a glare of his own that he knew didn't faze her in the least.
[Both]
Tell me how I'm supposed to breathe with no air
Can't live, can't breathe with no air
It's how I feel whenever you ain't there
It's no air, no air
Got me out here in the water so deep
Tell me how you gonna be without me
If you ain't here, I just can't breathe
It's no air, no air
No air, air
No air, air
No air, air
No air, air
After a few minutes of messing with each other, Atem had called a truce to cease their fighting and focus on the song. Anzu nodded her head in agreement. They then mentally laughed at how childish they were behaving.
[Atem]
I walked, I ran, I jumped, I flew
Right off the ground to float to you
There's no gravity to hold me down for real
Atem raised himself using his toes to move in sync with the song's lyrics. Anzu shook her head with a smile and pulled him down. Once he was planted firmly, he looked at her and smiled.
[Anzu]
But somehow I'm still alive inside
You took my breath, but I survived
I don't know how, but I don't even care
[Both]
So how do you expect me
to live alone with just me
'Cause my world revolves around you
It's so hard for me to breathe
Atem pretended to choke as Anzu shook her head and gave a quick smack on his chest. Atem cringed playfully as if he were punched in the gut.
Tell me how I'm supposed to breathe with no air
Can't live, can't breathe with no air
It's how I feel whenever you ain't there
It's no air, no air
Got me out here in the water so deep
Tell me how you gonna be without me
If you ain't here, I just can't breathe
It's no air, no air
No air, air
No air, air
No air, air
No air, air
No more
It's no air, no air
Oh!
Tell me how I'm supposed to breathe with no air
Can't live, can't breathe with no air
It's how I feel whenever you ain't there
It's no air, no air
Got me out here in the water so deep
Tell me how you gonna be without me
If you ain't here, I just can't breathe
It's no air, no air
No air, air
No air, air
No air, air
No air, air
Tell me how I'm supposed to breathe with no air
Can't live, can't breathe with no air
It's how I feel whenever you ain't there
It's no air, no air
The rest of the song was going perfectly. Neither intervened with each other, nor did they want to. They did, however, began to really get into the song. A little too into it…
(Anzu) Got me out here in the water so deep
(Atem) Tell me how you gonna be without me
(Anzu) If you ain't here, I just can't breathe
(Both) It's no air, no air
Atem and Anzu faced each other, slowly closing the gap between them.
No air, air
No air, air
No air, air
No air…
They were close. They knew what was about to happen. But, once the song ended, the crowd roared with excitement which startled them. As a result, they broke apart, Atem crushed while Anzu's face was flushed. They bowed and walked off to the back. Anzu jumped after they couldn't be seen by the audience anymore as Atem chuckled at her reaction.
"That was amazing! We are so going to win!" yelled Tea.
"Don't get your hopes up. Remember, that was just to narrow it down to two people." Anzu stopped dead in her tracks. How could she forget the most important detail of that whole situation? Anzu tilted her head back and groaned upward. "Afraid of the competition are we?"
"Please… don't flatter yourself." She gave him a smug look and walked away. "I know the crowd will pick us. From the way they were cheering gives it all away. Also given the fact that about 90% of crowds enjoy the heart-felt songs is a good thing. I'm glad Atem suggested that song. Plus, I think Dave has a crush on me." She shivered at the thought. Dave was a nice guy and all, but she isn't looking for anyone. She walked back to the table and noticed that Atem had left the note he read before there. She knew it was wrong but, unfortunately, she has a strong sense of curiosity so she read it. She gasped. "He has no ride home?" Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Atem come. She quickly hid the note and tried to look as innocent as possible, by her standards of innocent anyway. He then sat down wondering why she looked fidgety.
"Well, now Dave says that the audience will vote on who they want to have as champion." Anzu groaned.
"Well that's just fan-fucking-tasic! Next thing you know he'll have us ride unicycles while juggling unicorns and dragons! Or they'll have us skydive from the world's tallest structure in our underpants! And why stop there?! Next thing you know we'll be racing through a jungle, dodging all that it has to offer for this godforsaken talent show!" Atem went wide eyed, he then bursted into laughter and sat next to Anzu after her spazz attack, when he was more relaxed.
"Don't worry, they'll be deciding by cheering."
"That's a relief. My throat is starting to hurt."
"Oh, you should probably drink some tea for that later."
"I'll keep that in mind. By the way," Atem raised an eyebrow to her.
"What?" Anzu smirked while feeling mischievous.
"I hear that you are ride-less." Atem cringed and slammed his hands on the table while standing up.
"And I hear that you're nosy!" he said with great annoyance.
"Oh relax, it's not that serious. Look I'll give you a ride home if you want."
"NO- I mean… thanks but no thanks. I don't want to be a burden."
"It's no trouble at all. And maybe if I do this and repay my debt to him from helping me the other day, I'll finally be able to move on." thought Anzu. Atem thought for a minute.
"Hm… well, if it's alright with you then ok."
"Great." she gave him a fake warm smile. Little did he know that it was fake. In turn, he returned the 'kind' gesture.
"Can I have everyone's attention please?! Excuse me!" said Dave at the stage holding a microphone. Everyone lowered their tones to hear him. "Thank you. Now, as you all know, the semi-finals had just ended and the results are in. Now will both teams stand up?!" They did as Dave said. "Good. Ok, both teams did an amazing job tonight! But, unfortunately, only one team can be the winner. This is because we can only have one champion."
"Stop stalling!" yelled someone in the audience.
"Yeah! We want to know who won!" the crowd began chanting violently.
"Who won?! Who won?! Who won?!" they yelled while banging the floor and tables.
"Alright, alright, just calm down everyone! No need to start a scene." The crowd was silenced yet again. "Phew… ok, the winner of the semi-finals is…" Everyone was on the edge of their seats, waiting to hear the semi-final champions. Atem however, already knew who had one. He knew who had won the semi-finals, as well as the finals. It's actually pretty funny in a way. "The team of…" Atem was beginning to get a bit fed up with his stalling a well. Atem looked over to Anzu, who was ready to pounce at any moment. Atem chuckled to himself. He put a hand on her shoulder to calm her down. She looked at him and her gaze softened a bit, just a bit, but it was noticeable. They then both watched in anticipation of the announcement of the winners of the semi-finals.
"C'mon Dave, everyone wants to know. So just go ahead and tell them." thought Atem. He then noticed that Anzu took a quick glance at him and he mentally chuckled. "I still need to know more about her. It's weird how someone of her status could be so miserable. Hmm… I'll have to call in a few favors." Atem then noticed Dave had obtained an envelope. Atem and Anzu both raised an eyebrow to this. Atem then noticed Anzu leaning towards him.
"Why on Earth would he need envelope for this? I mean, it's not like we're at the Grammy Awards or anything." Anzu whispered. Atem chuckled and leaned to her ear.
"True, but remember, this is Dave we're talking about."
"Hmm… I suppose you are right Mr. Mutou." He chuckled once again.
"Please, call me Atem." She laughed lightly in response.
"My, what a gentlemen." Atem placed his hand over his heart.
"And you thought something else of me." Anzu gave him a sly smirk.
"That's for me to know." They both then focused their attention back to Dave. They also realized everyone was still ranting and chanting. Atem chuckled while Anzu rolled her eyes. "Atem, don't give me that innocent crap! You know who I am! Don't worry. We'll have a talk in the car after this is over."
"Please, everyone, just calm down! I know you're all anxious to know who won, and I will tell you… assoonasIfindthatenvelope." Dave said rapidly. Everyone basically fell on the floor with the statement Dave just made.
"Oh you have got to be kidding me!" yelled a very agitated Tea. She then walked to Dave and took the microphone from him. "Ok, I'm going to make this simple. Who wants Courtney's team to win?!" There was faint clapping for them. "Alright, now who wants my team to win?!" The crowd roared with excitement. Atem and Anzu were given a standing ovation without even having to perform again. "Ok, Courtney's team is out. Meaning get off the stage!" Courtney glared at her as she and her partner walked off. "Now, who do you guys want to see as champion?! Do you want me?!" The crowd roared. "Or do you want Atem?!" They roared in an equal frequency which caused Dave to reclaim the mic.
"Is that a tie I'm hearing?"
"YES!" yelled everyone. Tea and Atem looked at each other, smiling.
"Well, there's a first. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you… your champions, Atem Mutou and Tea Gardner!" Atem and Tea stepped forward, next to each other, watching everyone scream with joy and excitement. They looked at each other proudly. This was, in reality, nothing special. But, to them, it felt like the most important thing they've done yet. They then noticed everyone chanting their names.
"Atem and Tea! Atem and Tea! Atem and Tea!" Atem chuckled and saw Tea look on triumphantly. Atem saw her and couldn't help but see her as a leader of some sort. Maybe even a queen. He then noticed her raise her hand to calm the crowd.
"Thank you everyone! I'm surprised at the outcome of this. I'd like to thank everyone who voted for me and for those who voted for Atem." Atem was shocked at this. This is the calmest he's seen her. And not only that, she was thanking people.
"Would you like the prize?" asked Dave. Atem raised an eyebrow to this.
"Prize? What prize?" asked Atem. Tea sighed at his question.
"He just gives you a crown that you won't even use and-" She was interrupted by Atem.
"Oh sweet! A crown! Yeah, I would like it! Aw man, Joey's gonna be so jealous!" Tea face palmed as the crowd laughed.
"You're such a child Atem! Ugh… as for me, I'm fine Dave." She then coldly walked off to her table and began gathering her things. Atem watched her as Dave got his crown for him. When Atem saw the crown, he swiftly took it and placed it on his head, slanting. He then walked over to her and said,
"So, how do I look?" he chided. Tea didn't even look at him; she only scoffed at his question.
"Like a five year old." Atem laughed.
"Wow, then I guess Yugi is the older brother now."
"Yugi? Who… oh right! He talked about him a bit in his show! Can't you take anything seriously?"
"I can, when the need arises. But I can act freely right now so I'm doing just that."
"It would be nice to be able to act however I want sometimes. Come on, we have to go if we plan on getting anywhere before it's too late." With that, Atem looked at his phone and read 10:02 pm.
"Shit…" he mumbled. They walked out while listening to everyone still chanting. "Wow, they must really like us." Tea stayed quiet and kept walking. "You ok?" Silence still loomed over her as she finally stopped at her car. Atem had thought his eyes popped out when he saw this masterpiece of a car. "Y-you have… the 2013-"
"Accord Sedan, I know." She smirked as she unlocked it and they both got in. Though, Atem had to take of his crown to get in which caused her to laugh a little. "You have way too much hair. How do manage that?" Atem sighed and said,
"Shampoo, a lot of conditioning, uh… oh, can we go one place before we go to my place?"
"Before we go anywhere…" She takes off her wig. "I know you knew. I just want to know how." She then took off her contacts and Atem got to see her blue eyes again. They were just the way he remembered them. Cold and intense, but also had a hint of hope. That bit always made Atem focus on that one piece. He knew if that part was grown, she would change.
"Next time you want to fix your wig, you might want to be a little more discreet about. Also meaning, don't do that behind a box or whatever that was."
"Whatever… damn it, I knew I should've went to the bathroom. Where did you want to go before I take you home?"
"Oh! Uh, I have to pick up my little brother at a friends' house. I-if you don't mind of course." Anzu sighed. It's his little brother; she felt she had to this.
"Fine, just tell me where to go."
"Thanks, just keep going forward and I'll tell you when to turn." Anzu nodded and started driving.
About half an hour of awkward silence and Atem giving directions, they arrived at Tristan's house. Atem noticed it was snowing… again, and zipped up his thin coat.
"Be right back." Atem got out of the car and ran to the door. After a few minutes after Atem knocked, Tristan came to the door, a mess might I add. "What happened to you?" Tristan's eye twitched and showed Atem his little brother and Tristan's daughter sleeping from their day making a mess. "Wow, he looks a little calmer than before. You know considering he's sleeping and all." Tristan laughed sarcastically. "Look, you don't have to be an ass Tristan. I get it, you're angry. Come to my place and you'll see something ten times worse!" They glared at each other until a certain little boy with spiky tri-colored hair came, rubbing his eyes.
"Hey Atem, are we leaving now?" Atem went in and picked him up.
"Yes, we are. Say bye to Tristan, Yugi." Yugi waved tiredly at him and when Atem was about to close the door, he stuck his tongue out at Tristan. Before Tristan could do the same, Atem closed the door.
"Son of a bitch! Ugh… why can't anyone stay mad at him?" thought Tristan. He then noticed his daughter and took her to her room.
"How was your day Yugi?"
"Great, I had lots of fun!" Yugi said with a big smile on his face. Atem stopped at the car and said,
"Yugi, there's someone I'd like you to meet." Atem opened the door and got in; he buckled himself and Yugi in the same seat. "Yugi, this is Anzu Mazaki." Yugi gasped.
"You're the lady my bro was talking with the other day!" Anzu nodded.
"Yes, and it's good to meet you Yugi." Anzu replied in an actual genuine smile. Anzu's one weakness, kids. They were so innocent and sweet. Well, most kids these days are. She began driving again and noticed Yugi staring at her. "Uh… is there a problem Yugi?" Yugi giggled.
"No, you're just a lot prettier up close. Last time I saw you, you were running out with Atem." Anzu felt flattered Yugi considered her pretty. She then looked at Atem, who had a huge blush on his face.
"What's the matter Atem? You think Yugi's going to win me?" Anzu teased. Atem cringed.
"M-make a left." Anzu sighed and followed the 'orders'.
The rest of the ride consisted of Atem's directions, and Yugi flirting with Anzu. And with each compliment he gave, Atem didn't like it for some reason. Yugi noticed his brother's silence and decided to drag him into a conversation.
"Atem, we're still going to Toys R Us on Saturday right?" he asked with a smile. Atem chuckled and said,
"Of course Yugi, I promised you we'd go and we are. And yes, it's going to be the one on 42nd street." Yugi's eyes lit up and he shouted for joy when Atem told him they were going to the Toys R Us with the Ferris wheel inside it (A/N look it up people. It really does, I've been there). Then an evil grin appeared on Yugi's face and he turned to Anzu.
"Miss Anzu, you wanna come with us on Saturday? It's only Tuesday, so you have enough time right?" Atem and Anzu were wide eyed and turned to the boy who had a pleading face. They looked at each other waiting for one to respond. "Please Miss Anzu." Yugi began doing a puppy dog face.
"Well… I," Anzu was interrupted by Atem.
"She probably has many things to do Yugi. I don't think she would have time to go to a toy store Yugi." Anzu didn't like being interrupted, nor did she like the fact that he answered for her. Her anger boiled inside her until,
"Actually, I'm free on Saturday. I'd be glad to go." Atem looked at her wide eyed while Yugi was trying to jump out of his seat.
"But… what is someone were to… see you?" Atem asked making it sound as discreet as possible so Yugi couldn't understand. Anzu gave a harsh laugh.
"Please, you must give more credit than that. We'll be out and about. I think a hat and scarf would suffice." Atem nodded and then found Yugi's confused look.
"What's suffice?" Atem and Anzu looked at each other before they laughed. "What? What does it mean?!" The ride continued of laughter of questions from Yugi. About an hour later, they arrived at Atem's 'house'.
"I'm not going to ask." said Anzu. Atem chuckled while carrying Yugi out.
"Good, 'cause I wasn't gonna answer." He winked and closed the door. Anzu then watched the two walk in and two words came into her mind.
"Goof balls." She rolled her eyes and drove on home.
So... what'd you guys think? Please leave a review.
Tadao: Does Dave really like Anzu?
Saki: Why does that matter?
Tadao: W-well... I-I was just... um...
Akai: XD! Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!
See you guys next chapter! :D