Love and Rivalry

Chapter 23

Aria was surprised at how much fun she was having. One bonus of going to a prestigious private school was that they had a big budget to spend on the prom. The dance was held in a ballroom at one of the luxury hotels in the city. Twinkling lights hung from the ceiling, with golden streamers wrapped around the marble pillars. And while most of the female students had on elegant ball gowns or dresses made of the finest silk, Aria had never been happier in her second-hand dress. She felt like herself and she got to enjoy it all with the people who loved her most.

While standing on the sidelines during a slow dance, Aria drank her punch and happily watched Téa and Yugi circle together, her arms resting on his shoulders. It seemed it was Pharaoh's turn this time as he appeared slightly taller. Aria shook her head in bewilderment at how anyone could not notice that Yugi grew two inches whenever his alter ego came out. Aria chuckled to herself that Kaiba has always denied such claims, despite being around the Pharaoh so much.

Aria's heart suddenly clenched at the thought of Kaiba. She kept finding herself glancing around the room, seeing if on the off chance he had decided to come. Even if he did appear, Aria knew that he wouldn't come within ten feet of her. She also needed to put any dreams involving Kaiba aside. That part of her life was over now.

"C'mon Aria, you can't sit out for all of the slow dances."

Aria looked up to see Joey standing with his hand stretched out towards her, his boyish smirk on his face. Aria couldn't help but smile at his offering. Knowing Joey, he probably saw her feeling sorry for herself and couldn't help but come over to change it.

Setting down her drink, Aria put her hand in his and let him lead her onto the dance floor. Joey gently rested his hand on the middle of her back while she set her other hand on his shoulder. Soon they were softly swaying to the music, allowing Aria to relax in a way that she hadn't realized she needed.

"Thanks for this Joey," Aria said looking up at him. "I didn't realize how much I needed this."

Joey casually shrugged, but Aria could see that her words caused a slight flush to creep up his neck.

"Where's your date tonight?" Aria asked. "I didn't think Joey Wheeler flew solo," she teased.

Joey smirked but it didn't reach his eyes. "None of these ladies can handle Joey Wheeler."

"Oh really?" Aria said playfully. "There must be someone who can meet your high standards."

Joey smiled and shook his head but he had a faraway look in his eyes. "Maybe one day."

Aria paused, puzzled at his sudden somberness, but decided not to push it. Maybe she wasn't the only one struggling with a lost love. She slowly rested her head on his shoulder, finding comfort in his presence. But also showing that she understood his sadness, of the feeling of not being able to be with the one you wanted most.

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Kaiba stood back in the shadows of the ballroom, watching as Aria danced and laughed with the dweebs she called "friends". How badly he had wanted to run over to her the minute he stepped into the room. Wrapping her into his arms and begging for forgiveness. Well, maybe not so much begging, but a little groveling wouldn't hurt. He had to save some face after all. But when he saw her smiling and acting so carefree, not like her life had just ended, Kaiba couldn't bring himself to interrupt it.

So for the past hour, Kaiba sat back in the shadows, a dark scowl on his face to warn anyone who saw him to leave him alone. Heaven forbid if someone actually came and asked him to dance. Kaiba had eyes for only one girl in the room.

Just when Kaiba thought he couldn't stay away from Aria a minute longer, he saw Wheeler approach her for a dance. If Kaiba had a scowl on his face before, watching Wheeler place his hands on Aria made his face transform into an almost ferocious snarl. But Kaiba held his place. Deep down he knew they were just friends, but that didn't mean he had to like it.