The Bachelor Kaiba Style
Week Two
The large television screen highlighted Kaiba in the living room of his temporary home. The sun was almost set and he had turned on a couple lamps to allow his caller the chance to see him over their video link. Kaiba relaxed in the plush chair, taking random sips from his bottle of water.
"And what did Uncle Mokuba's coffee taste like?" he asked.
Yasmin stuck out her tongue and scrunched up her face. "Yucky."
Kaiba nodded his head in agreement. "And now do you understand why coffee is for adults and not little girls?"
"Adults have no tastebubs."
That got a smile. "Taste buds, Yasmin."
"Taste buds," she repeated, "I put wasabi in his coffee, but Uncle Moki spit it out!" Yasmin grinned when her father began to laugh at her story.
"Wasabi isn't a common ingredient in coffee," Kaiba explained.
"I know," she said, before going back to her picture that was for daddy and he could not say goodnight until she was done.
"Kaiba Yasmin," he scolded.
Innocent golden eyes took a moment to glance away from the drawing and work their magic on Kaiba. He really needed to learn a defence against her sweetness, but just like Mokuba, Kaiba doubted that would ever happen. Minutes passed in silence while he watched Yasmin enjoy colouring at his desk in his home office.
Mokuba had braided her dark hair in pigtails that morning. They were a little lopsided, her beret was missing on the right side, and her dress had dried drippings of ice cream down the front, but regardless, she was perfect in Kaiba's eyes.
Yasmin was a complete surprise for Kaiba. He donated regularly to the Domino Orphanage and on a personal visit the staff insisted Kaiba-san be given a tour to witness the changes his generous donations had provided them with. Two weeks later he had an eight month old adopted daughter, of Brazilian descent.
"Why is it so quiet in here?" Mokuba appeared on screen behind Yasmin and tugged on a pigtail. "Thought you'd fallen asleep, Seto."
"Not quite, I hear you've had your hands full these past few days," Kaiba smiled.
That got a groan out of his brother. "Did you tell Daddy what you did to Uncle Moki's coffee?" he addressed Yasmin.
The little girl mmhmm'd focused on her picture. She switched from a red crayon to purple.
"And what did Daddy say?"
With the very solemn face of a three year old, Yasmin looked at her father. "Kaiba Yasmin," she imitated, frown included. Her antics earned laughs from Kaiba and Mokuba.
Mokuba picked Yasmin up from the office chair and sat down, placing her in his lap. "What are you drawing?"
"Daddy."
"Ooooohhh, now I see it," he agreed, while continuing to look just as confused at her picture. Either way it would end up stuck to the fridge next to Yasmin's other drawings.
Four days Kaiba had been away from his family. It would not have been as bad had he Kaiba Corp. to focus on. He could not remember a day past his adoption by Gozaburo that his life lacked a task, or many tasks, to preform. Kaiba simply did not need down time even while raising a talented little girl. Not for the first time he missed the noise.
Competing sorority sisters was not how Anzu had pictured her situation when her friends surprised her with being part of The Bachelor. The antics of so many house mates was like digging out the baggage of teenage drama that Anzu thought she had put behind her. Boy was she wrong. Envy and jealously she anticipated, but Anzu did not expect all the resentment to be directed at her. Only a few of the other women did not glare at her on sight, and thank goodness for Virginia or she would be friendless.
Alas their first date with Kaiba was to be announced, and not to soon. The fewer angry women to deal with the better.
Bakura clutched the crumpled card in front of him, with his arms tucked close to his sides. "This date," he said, "Is for eight of you. Usagi, Kei, Miya and Maiya, Anzu, Kaori, Sang-mi, and Tamiko."
Many squeals erupted, and giddy bouncing in seats began.
"I knew it! I knew it! My name was mentioned first," Usagi bragged.
Aya gave her a look of indifference. "I doubt that has any significance."
Usagi glared. "I don't remember hearing your name."
"Ladies... uh ladies... your date," Bakura, fumbled through his hosting duties but managed to get the women focused back on the information he held.
Anzu smiled at his slight panic. He made a very cute host. She knew exactly what the producers saw in him when they offered him the job: bashful host, steamy bachelor, high ratings.
"Ladies, your date will be a calendar photo shoot with Kaiba-san. You will be dressing up as characters from the new Kaiba Corp. video game Obake Wars." He was forced to pause for a second round of squealing. "Your-your car to Osaka, and Kaiba-san awaits."
All of the first date women, excluding Anzu, jumped from their seats, nearly barrelling Bakura over in their rush. He dropped the card with the list of their names in all the jostling, raising his arms to ward off any possible physical attacks. He peeked over the top of his arms with a timid smile that Anzu could not help but give him a hug.
"Thanks Bakura," she whispered in his ear, "I'm so glad your here."
"Whenever you need me, Anzu," he squeezed her back.
A photo shoot was not what Anzu envisioned as a date, but what woman would not enjoy a little dress up. She joined the others in grabbing her things.
Ever since childhood Kaiba had pretended Mokuba's imagination was normal. It helped quell any fears he had when contemplating his brothers unique thought process. Creative was an understatement. Unfortunately Kaiba had nowhere to hide from Mokuba's unique genius when all the dates he would have to endure were ideas Mokuba worked on with the producers.
The first date was a great free idea for advertising the new game to be released by Kaiba Corp. and helped polish the image of his company in the media. There was only one problem. Kaiba did not play dress up. Not even for Yasmin.
The women Kaiba chose for the first date piled out of the limo in front of the studio and an awaiting Kaiba. Full of smiles, they rushed to his side. Miya and Maiya, tiny as they were managed to squeeze him between them, each claiming an arm.
"I'm honoured that you invited me today, Kaiba-san," Usagi dutifully informed him.
He 'hmm' in response.
Kaiba pulled his arms free from the twins holds, and took a step back. "You are aware," he said before anyone else could cling to him, "Today's date is a photo shoot for Kaiba Corp.'s newest video game release. We are here to preview the trailer for Obake Wars." He gestured to a large outdoor screen to their right.
Two and a half minutes was all the time they needed to pay attention to the clip and Tamiko could not even manage twenty seconds. The brunette openly watched Kaiba with wide eyes he had not seen blink since she arrived. The confused frown he gave her only made her smile.
"You are supposed to watch the preview," he reminded her.
"But I want to watch you every chance I get, Kaiba-san. Every. Single. Chance."
Creepy... Very creepy.
CAMERA: Usagi, 24 yrs old, Flight Attendant
"First date and Aya is already jealous," Usagi scoffed, "Why is it women hate how amazing I am? Kaiba-san is amazing, I'm amazing. What better match is there? My amazingness is the only reason I get to cos-play in this flattering outfit," she did a twirl for the camera, "And of course I get to share a photo with Kaiba-san. Just the two of us. Not even Anzu got that."
Kaiba knew he was attractive. He turned heads everywhere he went, and not simply because he was 24 year old, multi-million dollar CEO Kaiba Seto. The amount of phone numbers confident women had slipped him over the years would be enough to fill a few USB drives. But this, this Kaiba had not anticipated.
They were gawking at him, openly molesting him with their eyes. The cameramen and women, assistants, random staff, and all eight potential girlfriends; even Mazaki, although she made an attempt to hide exactly how much.
Did he want to kill his little brother for putting him in the situation? Kaiba was not yet sure but he still hated having to pose for something that would be stuck on many a stalkers wall for worship. Attention for his genius was welcome; attention for his body was ranked by who was giving it.
"Do you work out, Kaiba-san?" the women were throwing questions left and right.
"Yes."
"How often?"
"Every morning."
"Do you lift weights?"
"Sometimes."
"Do you think you could lift me?"
Kaiba's eyebrows raised behind his mirrored sunglasses, at Sang-mi's forward question. "Yes."
"Show me."
"No."
The photographer continued to snap away. "Loose the sunglasses Kaiba-san."
"Yes! Reveal those beautiful blue eyes!" Mazaki agreed.
Many of his live audience out right sighed when Kaiba ducked his head to remove the accessory. He let them hang by an arm from his right hand. After all there was nowhere on his clothing he could place them.
Dressed as the hero of Obake Wars, Kaiba wore tight leather pants that disappeared into high laced, metal studded boots. His tight grey v-neck T-shirt looked like it had been rubbed against something covered in rust. It had numerous tears in it that Kaiba was unsure how it remained tucked in his pants let alone on his frame. A heavy holster wrapped around his waist from which hung a double bladed sword of exceeding length against his left hip. Black fingerless gloves adorned his hands and as fate would have it Kaiba's hair was not that different in style or colour from the hero so the stylists left it windblown.
"Ladies!" a random staff member called out, "How many of you need towels?"
Over two thirds of the women present and a few men raised their hands. Kaiba quickly replaced the sunglasses on his face and fought his damnedest to resist a blush.
"Could she be any more vain?" Sang-mi asked Kei.
"Sadly I believe she can."
"Look at that. Usagi is glued to Kaiba-san's side... or at least her chest is, anyway."
Anzu laughed at the remark as she and a few others watched the current photo shoot. All of the individual shots where finished, and they had moved on to couple and group frames.
"How did she manage to get the only photo alone with Kaiba-san?" Kaori put forth.
Kei popped a grape in her mouth, from the complimentary food table. "Something about the character she portrays and Kaiba-san's character."
"You mean her character is a bitch with implants too?" Sang-mi feigned shock.
"Big implants, yes, or at least a very blessed chest size," Anzu replied with a smile, "Bitch? Guess we'll just have to play the game to find out. Don't worry, Kaiba probably can't wait to shower Usagi off of himself."
Kaori turned menacing eyes on Anzu. "How would you know that, Anzu-chan," she sneered, "Are Kaiba-san and you that close of friends?"
What was it with everyone finding reasons to argue with her? Each time she spoke up, particularly about Kaiba, it was an instant fight. Virginia, Suki, and Nozomi were the only ones as of yet who gave her smiles and held civilized conversations.
"We've been over this already," Anzu defended, "Kaiba and I went to the same high school. That doesn't make us friends."
"Yeah," Sang-mi scoffed, "That's why you tried so hard to get a BEWD card the first night. And maybe you should explain the hug you gave Bakura-san today too. Are you the cheating type?"
"Bakura is my friend!"
Kei shook her head. "Anzu isn't a cheater, she's a player. Going to go after the camera man too, Anzu-chan? He's been scoping you out."
"Alright fine!" Anzu glared at her accusers, "Kaiba has only dated blonde women. Usagi is blonde. All of you non-blondes are women he had to settle for. Now why don't you sit here and continue to watch Kaiba enjoy himself immensely getting intimate with your blonde competition. I'm going to go flirt it up with the first man I find." She grabbed her half full water bottle and stormed out of the room.
"But she's isn't blonde either!"
"Shut up, Kaori."
CAMERA: Kaori, 25 yrs old, Nanny
The professional nanny was not pleased. In her anger she stood, tugging on a ringlet of hair. "Anzu thinks she's already won Kaiba-san. She's crazy. We all see right through her." Kaori caught herself playing with her hair and quickly dropped her hand. "I'm not using Kaiba-san and the show to my benefit. I'm here for Kaiba-san 100%. My hair colour has nothing to do with it."
It was the last group shot before all nine cos-players were to pose together. Anzu had calmed down since snapping on the other woman, reminding herself that she was not there to win over Kaiba, only to have a good time. If everyone took her as a threat that would be their down fall.
"We're going to be lifting you up now, Mazaki-san," the staff warned her. Just like her individual photo shoot Anzu was to pose from a harness in the air. Something about her character having the ability to float... or fly...levitate? "Just like the first time. One. Two. Three. Up we go." She was raised until her waist was roughly half a dozen feet in the air.
"Kaiba-san! Sang-mi-san! Kaori-san!" the photographer's assistant called.
From her perch Anzu was able to watch as Kaori and Sang-mi left their little huddles to join her. Kaiba had to excuse himself from Tamiko who could not understand why he was leaving and held on to his arm to stop his retreat. The assistant had to go over and personally escort Kaiba herself.
They were quickly instructed on where to stand. Kaiba to Anzu's right, Kaori between Kaiba and Anzu, slightly forward and Sang-mi to Kaiba's right. It surprised Anzu that both women did not cling to Kaiba the moment they were placed. Maybe they had taken heed in witnessing Usagi's pitiful photo shoot
The photographer began snapping pictures, yelling out orders, mainly to Kaori who was lost with her metal staff that not only towered over her but nearly towered Kaiba as well.
One photo shoot was nice but into her second Anzu did not feel like playing good little floating character. Besides, now that she was posing with Kaiba she had a easier chance to annoy him and seek a little revenge at the same time. With a stretch Anzu slowly leaned to her right until she had no problems reaching Kaiba, or his upper body specifically, and narrowly missed kicking Kaori in the mean time. Another flash of the camera and she snatched the sunglasses off of Kaiba's face.
"Wha- Mazaki," he said in a light growl.
She calmly placed the glasses on her face. "Yes Kaiba-kun?"
"I believe you have something that belongs to me."
"You mean the BEWD card you gave me the other night? I agree, it does belong to you, but don't worry you'll get it back."
Kaiba took a step toward her. "My sunglasses, Mazaki."
"Mmmm. They do look good on me."
"Mazaki."
"Come closer, I want to tousle your hair. Or will the stylists get mad at me for messing with perfection?"
A sigh escaped his lips. "Is there a reason for this?"
She would have responded but instead all Anzu got out was a warning of 'Kaiba!' Time felt completely warped as everything slowed to full speed. Sang-mi, professional model that she was, somehow lost her balance and fell against Kaiba, in turn pushing him into Kaori, who instead of using her metal staff to remain on her feet, threw her arm, staff and all, behind her and hit Anzu in the face hard enough to knock her head backwards. Anzu covered her face with her hands as pain spread across the left side of her face.
"Get her down!" Kaiba ordered, as strong hands steadied Anzu in her swinging harness.
Kaori immediately began apologizing. "Anzu, I'm so, so sorry. I never meant to hurt you. Are you okay?"
Anzu shook her head at the question while she was being lowered down. She instantly regretting how it made her head spin and stomach roll. Hands hurried to release her from the harness before Kaiba prevented her from dropping to her knees, slowing her progression to kneel on the floor.
"It hurts," she gasped, "Make it stop."
Kaiba pried her hands from her face. "You're bleeding."
Only then did Anzu realize she had lost Kaiba's sunglasses. She squeezed her eyes shut against the blinding light and image of his worried frown. Tears of pain filled her eyes and slipped free of her lashes.
A moan escaped from Anzu. "Hurts."
"Anzu I'm really really sorry!" Kaori sounded like she herself was in tears.
"We need to get you to the hospital."
"No," she protested.
Kaiba tilted her chin up, turning her head left and right, no doubt observing the results of a metal staff to the face. She could not stop a second moan of pain from the action.
"You just got hit in the face with metal, Mazaki. You are going to the hospital," Kaiba ordered, releasing her chin, "You may need stitches and almost certainly have a concussion. The least they can do is give you something for the pain."
"An ambulance is already on it's way," someone standing above them announced.
"Okay," she gasped quietly, "Okay."
What a great first vacation date. Verbally pitted against the others and given a concussion. Maybe Anzu would finally have a chance to relax? She was beginning to feel the pull of sleep anyway. Strong hands gripped her shoulders, shocking her eyes open. She cringed away from the light.
"You are not to fall asleep, Mazaki," Kaiba growled.
"Mm'kay," she would listen to him when she woke up.
CAMERA: Usagi, 24 yrs old, Flight Attendant
"OMG! Kaori beaned Anzu in the face with her staff! And she's crying more then Anzu did. Well, I never actually got to see it happen," Usagi confessed, "But you couldn't miss all the commotion when people started freaking out all at once. Anzu sucked up all the attention she could from Kaiba. Even collapsed in his arms. How desperate is she?"
The jovial festivities were temporarily suspended while Kaori calmed down and everyone waited to hear about Mazaki's condition. One of the shows staff had accompanied her in the ambulance, a small camera crew following behind in their van. Kaiba disagreed with profiting from dire situations, but he had been preoccupied with an unconscious Mazaki to prevent it at the time.
"Excuse me," the photographers assistant vied for everyone's attention, "We will be continuing with the final group photo shoot in thirty minutes time."
Protests erupted from Miya and Maiya. "What about Anzu?"
"I'm hoping this isn't the first time you've heard of photo shop," she said.
"Is Anzu okay?"
The assistant had the grace to blush at her blunder. "Ah, sorry. We have yet to hear back from the hospital."
"Then I strongly suggest you dedicate your time to preforming that task," Kaiba informed her.
Paling under his dark stare she bowed before hurring away.
It was decided by Kaiba that the props master needed to be fired. Who gave a six foot metal weapon with an intricate orb like attachment on top, again made of metal, to a 5'6" woman with limited upper body strength? He thought the staff had taken into account the body type and appearance of each woman in relation to Obake Wars characters. Apparently that was not so.
"Kaiba-san?" A composed Kei gestured to the seat beside him, "May I?"
"Hn."
She sat, wasting no time in revealing why she approached him. "I thought you should be aware this was just dropped off for you." Kei held out the first impression BEWD card in its black plastic card cover.
In the chaos of the date Kaiba had forgotten all about it. He gave the card a cursory glance and waved it away. "Keep it."
"I'm... I'm sorry, Kaiba-san did you..."
"The card is yours." He did not want another remake of the first night. Not after the disaster the day was becoming.
Kei smile and bowed her head. "Thank you, Kaiba-san. We should inform the others of your decision."
Face six heart broken females? Yeah, he would get right on that. After all Kaiba Seto thrived in making people's lives miserable. It was his favourite hobby. "I trust you know how," he replied.
She studied him for a few moments before nodding her head. "Of course. Please excuse me." Kei left to speak with the anticipating women.
CAMERA: Miya and Maiya, 26 yrs old, Emergency Room Nurses
"It's horrible!"
"Completely awful!"
"Unfair!" the twins chorused.
"Kei goes to tell Kaiba-san the card has arrived."
"And he just gave it to her!"
The sisters clung to each other, looking all the more adorable in their matching outfits with silver cat ears.
"If we knew that's all it would take."
"We would have given it to him ourselves!"
Miya dropped her head to Maiya's shoulder.
"And Anzu got hurt too." Maiya added after a silence.
Miya nodded her head in agreement. "Yeah, but we still don't know how bad."
Being hit in the face with a metal staff was not as harmful to Anzu as it felt to be hit in the face with a metal staff. Miraculously she had a tiny minor concussion, no fractured bones or need of stitches. Kaiba's sunglasses lessened the blow. They had broken and cut the side of her nose but nothing a few butterfly bandages could not help.
"Anzu!" Virginia greeted her arrival back at the mansion, "They called and told us what happened but I never thought it was this bad. Are you okay?"
"The black eye isn't so bad," she reassured her friend.
"It's not just a black eye! You're... you're..."
"Please, inside voices, and yes I'm aware the bruising on my face is a little scary. But I've been blessed with some strong pain medication."
"Is there anything we can get for you?" Suki asked.
"Just a bed in a dark room."
"Yes ma'am. Alright everyone, you heard her. Clear the way, we have an invalid coming through." The voice actress led the way to the bedroom Anzu shared, while Virginia helped her avoid stumbling into any furniture that decided to jump in her way.
Date number two was being held in the largest arcade in Osaka. Right up Kaiba's alley. But no, once again he was disappointed. The seven woman were to go one on one in the video game of their choice until there was a final winner. Their incentive? An hour alone with him. He felt like a call boy in a male host club.
"I'm going to beat your ass," Yoko told her challenger Nozomi.
Sweet, innocent, average Nozomi did not understand the jest. She looked at Yoko with wide confusing eyes. "You don't know that. We haven't even played yet."
"I know we haven't played yet, Nozomi. They are fighting words,"
"But I don't want to fight with you."
The conversations surrounding Kaiba brought a smirk to his face. He was used to the type of taunts he had thrown back and forth with Mazaki's friends. Women were in a field all there own, in fact some taunts were downright vicious.
"Kaiba-san?" Suki bounced on the balls of her feet beside him, her hands clasped together behind her back.
"Yes?"
"It would seem I'm the odd woman out," she told him, "But I figure the you won't be much impressed at the woman who is lucky enough to win a few video games anyway."
She was not too far off in his opinion of the date. "Are you forfeiting?" he asked.
"Oh no. I challenge you, Kaiba-san. May the best video gamer win."
His eyebrow raised at her comment, surprised by the courage and stupidity it took for her to challenge him. "I believe your chances for my time are greater pitted against the others."
"No," Suki shook her head, her waist length black hair shimmering as it moved, "That won't prove anything. Besides I'd like to have your time now. And what can I say, I'm an optimist. I just might beat you yet."
Kaiba sized her up. She had spirit, he would give her that. At least the challenge would be entertaining. "Alright."
"Great! Come on," she grabbed his hand, "They're setting up Street Fighter IV for us."
"That certain I would say yes?"
Another smile was thrown at him. "It's the optimist in me."
CAMERA: Toshi, 29 yrs old, Clothing Designer
"Suki is out of her mind. The man designs video games for a living! She honestly can't think she will beat Kaiba-san," Toshi shrugged her shoulders, "Not that I mind. One less person to compete against. I can't see Kaiba-san keeping her around much longer."
Seated in front of the designated gaming screen, controller in hand, Kaiba had already chosen his character. The decision was fairly easy, but Suki was still scrolling through the selection.
"Kaiba-san, can you promise me something?" Her eyes lit up as she made her choice.
"Promise what?"
"Don't go easy on me. If I'm to beat you I want it to be legit. Besides I'm not a novice."
It surprised Kaiba that Suki honestly thought she could beat him even at his best. There would be no sympathy directed at her, and unfortunately due to her optimism she was about to lose badly.
"Your worry should be focused on defeating me," he replied, "Not any pity I may have."
Suki smiled, "Awesome! Let the game begin!"
Many good lucks were given to Kaiba from their audience but he did not believe in luck nor need any. Holding the main controller Kaiba started the game... and trampled Suki. It really called for no other narrative. Although Kaiba was a little disappointed it took him forty seconds to take her down. Thirty five was his personal best.
Silence washed over their audience, quieting the cheering. Kaiba leaned back in his chair with a smile, pleased with himself.
"Oh. My. Goodness!" Suki turned admiring eyes on him, "You are like a video game god! Teach me, I'll be your apprentice!"
"Congratulations, Kaiba-san."
"That was incredible."
"You were amazing."
"Suki, you lost. You're out of the contest," Nikki felt the need to announce.
Unappreciative of the comments thrown, Kaiba gave Nikki a cold stare, satisfied when she flinched away, before turning the look on the rest of the women. "Where is the Blue Eyes White Dragon Card?" he asked.
Aya was the first to spot it and brought it to him under the watchful eyes of everyone.
"I do not take on apprentices," Kaiba told Suki, "Nor will I ever teach the art of video gaming. However I'm sure this will suffice."
With a smile he had yet to see her without Suki accepted the first impression card. "This is more then adequate. Next chance we get we have to play again. If you wouldn't mind Kaiba-san."
"Of course." Any opportunity to improve his personal best was always welcome.
CAMERA: Nikki, 26 yrs old, Fitness Trainer
"Suki practically fore-fitted for Kaiba-san's time and he gave her the first impression BEWD," Nikki snarled. Her eyes were narrowed and the anger overwhelmed her face. "How can he even stand Suki? She's too bubbly and immature for an businessman like Kaiba Seto. I'll get my time with him and demonstrate how much better he will be with me."
Video games were a hobby for Nozomi but she never vocalized just how much she enjoyed playing them, choosing to keep them as a secret pleasure. That love had gotten her into the final round against Aya and Toshi. Taking out Yoko in the first round was satisfying for the acupuncturist, but Nozomi accepted her win with grace the way her mother always taught her.
"Do you know who is going to win, Kaiba-san?" Suki asked The Bachelor.
His gaze swung over the women and rested on Nozomi before looking back at Suki. "I have my suspicions," he replied.
"I think," Nikki said, "The real question is who does Kaiba-san want to win?" Her snarkiness had increased ever since Suki received the BEWD and Toshi took her down, the epitome of a sore loser.
Kaiba-san gave her a level stare. "If you're asking whether or not your failure pleases me. Then yes, it has."
That was incredibly rude! But a very nice verbal smack across the face if she ever heard one. Nozomi would never think to speak like Kaiba-san did to anyone. Words had consequences and could never be erased.
Nikki stumbled over her words, her face turning bright red in embarrassment. "K-Kaiba... Kaiba-san..."
He pinched the bridge of his nose, and exhaled in a sort of aggravated huff. "Perhaps," he cut her off, "You would be more inclined to hear that I'm not holding out for a specific winner."
Was that an apology? Either way, Nikki kept her mouth shut.
"They're about to begin you guys," Yoko announced.
The game of choice was Super Mario Kart Xtreme. Nozomi was a little disappointed that the game itself would take no more then a few minutes time to decide the winner. But earning personal time with Kaiba-san was like gold at the end of a rainbow. Not that she was after his money! Were she to win, the date would only get better then it already was.
From the start Nozomi pulled ahead of her competition, driving as smooth as a video game car could. If Aya dedicated herself to the game, in a few years time she may have been a challenge for Nozomi, but Toshi instantly lagged behind.
After driving into her fifth or sixth obstacle on the screen Toshi threw her controller down. "I give up," she verbalized.
"No Toshi! Keep going, it's never over until the end," Suki attempted to persuade her.
"I'm not some video gaming nerd, that spends all my free time killing braincells," Toshi argued, tossing her blonde hair. The observing women all gasped at her insult. Too late she realized exactly what she mistakenly said. "Kaiba-san, I'm very sorry," she instantly turned to him, "What I said has nothing in connection to you. I don't have any problem with video games."
"Toshi."
Nozomi shivered at the power of Kaiba-san's deep voice.
"Silence is your best option."
A minute later Nozomi's car crossed the finish line. Winner flashed across the screen accompanied with sugary celebration music.
Aya placed her controller beside her. "Congratulations, Nozomi."
"Thank you, Aya. I enjoyed playing against you."
More congratulations were given, some overly forced. Nozomi accepted them all gracefully with a blush, while anticipating her time with Kaiba-san.
CAMERA: Aya, 25 yrs old, Professional Representative
Aya looked into the camera with strong determination, her wire framed glasses emphasising her eyes.
"Nozomi was an honorary opponent. I hope her date with Kaiba-san goes well, while at the same time I look forward to my future opportunities with him and the chance for us to learn more about one another. I don't loose, I only strive to get better until I succeed."
If Kaiba had been a betting man he would have suffered a lose and Kaiba, pride and all, did not bode well with failure. Never, when the date began, of all the women who competed did he think Nozomi would be crowned video game queen. He had no opinion for her win. As Kaiba had told Nikki, he was not holding out for a specific woman. Were he to have his way the date would be over. At least he only had to contend with one woman for the time being. Act civil and do not make her cry. That was increasingly more difficult as time wore on.
"This food is very delicious," she said.
For the entire dinner Nozomi had been trying to make small talk, but her conversation starters were questions into his personal life. Kaiba was not about to reveal facts to the gossiping public, as well as informing a woman he had no plans to see again.
"I've never been one for French cuisine," he replied.
Half an hour of mind numbing awkward topic bites was wearing on Nozomi. She practically oozed innocence, even when she won the date. But her eyes were beginning to shine and Kaiba did not want to end the evening with a lecture from Mokuba.
Kaiba took a good swallow of his wine before clearing his throat. "You never informed me of what your occupation is." Hopefully she would be like most women and delight in talking about herself, and once on a roll he could tune her out.
"I'm an acupuncturist," she jumped at the conversation opener, "Just like my grandmother and great grandmother."
"You decided to stick with family tradition then."
Nozomi was all smiles again. "Actually I quite enjoy my job. Most of what I know I learned from my grandmother growing up. I only went to school to receive a piece of paper in recognition for my knowledge of acupuncture."
"You should always do something you're passionate about," he replied
"Do you have an acupuncturist?" Her face was beaming with hope at what his answer might be.
Were she any less innocent he would assume she wanted to use her talent to remove his clothing. There was nothing Kaiba could do but nip it in the bud. With civility. He actually had to think about what he was going to say, contrary to his preferred blunt manner. Oh the things Kaiba did for his brother.
"Nozomi," her smile slowly fell to worry when he paused, "I am aware of where this is going. Unfortunately that won't be anywhere. I don't need an acupuncturist, and my mind will not be changing for you or anyone else."
That was civil and yet she was grabbing at her napkin to dab at her eyes. Kaiba was on a never ending date to nowhere.
The atmosphere in the living room was tense with curiosity as Kei knelt in front of an unmarked box that had been left on the mansions front steps. Quickly she peeled off the tape and folded back the cardboard flaps.
"What is it?" Suki asked, bouncing on the edge of her cushion.
Kei smiled down at the boxes contents. "Our calendar for Obake Wars," she announced.
Usagi rushed forward, snatching the first calendar Kei picked up, from her hands. "August?" she nearly screeching, "Why the hell am I August? I told the director to make me January!"
"I guess you didn't flirt with the director enough," Kei taunted, ignoring the nasty glare aimed at her, "Maybe you should take tips from Kaori. She makes a wonderful January."
Disregarding a fuming Usagi, Kei proceeded to hand out the calendars and join the women in tearing off the plastic.
Suki let out a little squeak. "Kaiba-san got my birthday! Awesome!"
"Well. Isn't November interesting," Sang-mi calmly interjected.
Papers rustled before Yoko expressed what everyone was thinking. "You have got to be shitting me!"
The picture was actually quite beautiful as Kei was reluctant to admit. Kaiba-san stood with an unconscious Anzu in his arms, her head resting against his shoulder, and instead of looking at the camera he was staring down at her with a frown, not of anger, and his lips pressed in a thin line.
A murmur of dislike for the picture and Anzu specifically spread around the room but Anzu in particular was unaware, caught up herself in looking at a certain picture in the calendar.
"Anzu?" Suki took a seat beside her. "Would you autograph my calendar?" The voice actress pulled out a purple sharpie and handed it over before Anzu had the opportunity to decline.
CAMERA: Yoko, 28 yrs old, Computer Programmer
"So, clearly I got stuck with the shitty date this week." Yoko held up the Obake Wars calendar. "Play dress up with Kaiba-san verses losing at a boring video game. Hell, I'd even take a staff to the face just to get more time with him."
The paperback novel Anzu had brought to the ceremony failed to distract her the way she hoped. Before Kaiba even arrived she had found a swing out on the balcony to spend the evening and fell into the easy read. Virginia kept Anzu company until the excitement of Kaiba's arrival pulled her away. That had been a little over an hour ago, and all the opinionated slander she could hear from inside the mansion simply would not let her concentrate on the story any longer.
With a sigh Anzu dog-eared the page she was on and placed the book on the ground beside her.
It sounded like a fourteen way cat fight going on inside. Talk pretty to your face, then smear your name once your back was turned. Most of the women took frenemies to a new level she had never seen before. The safest place that evening was away from her competition.
A tall shadow fell over Anzu from where she lounged on the balcony swing. She smiled before looking up at her intruder. "Hello, Kaiba."
"Mazaki," he stared at her face with acute concentration, "You've healed fast."
It was almost like he cared. She shook her head and turned her face into the light. "I'm still quite bruised. Virginia was nice enough to help me apply the make-up." Thankfully the swelling had nearly gone away, but it still hurt were she to smile too wide or laugh.
Kaiba joined her on the swing, his feet firmly on the ground stilling any movement. He gently tilted her chin to gain a better look of Anzu's check. "Virginia is quite talented," he said, "One can't guess how seriously injured you are."
"It hurts, but it's not nearly as bad as you think," she tried making light of the situation.
"You passed out."
"Just a little."
Was Kaiba aware of how attractive raising that eyebrow made him? The amusement in his obvious doubt made Anzu smile and she was unable to hide a wince her action caused. Kaiba frowned when he caught it.
"Okay, I passed out a lot," she pretended nothing happened but Kaiba did not play along.
"Should you even be here, Mazaki?"
He nearly succeeded in sounding uninterested and based off of the Kaiba Anzu remembered she was surprised to realize he was concerned and genuinely curious of her health.
She shifted where she sat to better face Kaiba. "You gave me the BEWD card. What choice do I have?"
"The health of a person out weighs the value of a card," Impressive. That meant a great deal coming from Kaiba. "Poor imitations that they are." Maybe not so much.
Anzu laughed at his open disgust. Again the left side of her face began aching more so then normal. She cupped her chin with the palm of her hand to still the pain, and took a few calm breaths. When she looked up it was to find Kaiba silently watching her.
"Really, Kaiba, I'm fine." Never did Anzu think she would be defending her time on The Bachelor to him after the week she had. "I've stayed out here all evening, didn't even get up to greet you when you arrived. Brought a book to occupy my time," she picked up the paperback in reference. "And now that its gotten colder I even have my shawl with me so you won't need to be chivalrous and offer me your jacket or cuddle," To demonstrate she opened up her light blue knitted shawl and wrapped it around her shoulders. "It's actually safer for me to be out here then with all your fangirls."
Kaiba's gaze turned sharp at that comment. "Who is bothering you?"
"Excuse me." They both looked up to see a stunningly dressed Usagi interrupt them. "Kaiba-san it's time for me to make your night. Let's go somewhere private."
The interruption was a welcome distraction, but a small part of her was a little miffed that Usagi thought she could take Kaiba from Anzu when they were enjoying themselves.
The sharp gaze of Kaiba's turned into a glare at the flight attendant. "I informed everyone I was not to be disturbed when I was speaking with Mazaki."
"My apologizes," Usagi bowed, but made no effort to leave the doorway.
When it became clear she was not about to make her exit Kaiba ordered her away. "Leave us."
Anzu turned her face away and clenched her teeth to keep from showing any form of amusement at the blonde who hated her enough already. Once gone she looked back at Kaiba with a tiny smile she was sure he could read in her eyes.
"And yet the fangirls continue to come at you in waves. Tell me Kaiba, what is your secret?"
"Your humour astounds me," he relaxed against the swing, resting one arm across the back, "But you have yet to distract me, Mazaki. Who is bothering you?"
She opted to give as frank an answer to his question. "I'm not going to tell you."
That eyebrow again! He had to know the appeal of that action. Anzu refused to believe that Kaiba was unaware of his own beauty. "Is this another of your promises?" he asked.
"Not a promise," Anzu replied, "I'm not telling you for Mokuba's sake. You should be sending home the women who you find no connections with, instead of those who I'm finding it hard to get along with. The show is called The Bachelor, Kaiba. It's for your pleasure not mine. Besides, I'm not here to be making friends."
He looked at her with a straight face, "Not making friends? Are you the same Mazaki I remember?"
Was he trying to make her leave in an underhanded way? "I give, I give," she forfeited, "I am in pain the more I laugh so stop being so funny."
"Contrary to popular belief I don't take pleasure from another persons pain." Kaiba was frowning again.
Anzu wrapped her shawl tighter around herself. "Never thought that you did, Kaiba. And even with all your fangirls comparing notes and nearly killing one another daily, this is the most I've laughed all week."
The smooth smirk reappeared on his face. "Ah yes. Would you happen to know how the rumour of my attraction to blonde women began? It has been a popular topic this evening and no one was willing to educate me of where they heard it."
She did not blush, Anzu silently cheered herself for that, but Kaiba's intense stare was difficult to match at the same time as maintaining innocence. She honestly had not anticipated her false piece of gossip would spread all the way to Kaiba.
"Mazaki," her name came out a light growl, she was starting to appreciate.
Again with the attractiveness. She really needed to ask him.
"Alright, I started it," Anzu caved.
Kaiba looked pleased with himself. "You've surprised me, resorting to such tactics."
"They were aggravating me. I had to shut them up somehow."
"Who was aggravating you?"
"Oh no!" The sneaky bastard... bastard in a good way though. She would not tell him that easily. "You can find that out on your own."
He was more amused at her avoidance then angry. "As I have been trying to do, Mazaki."
Well, Kaiba could keep trying but she was not a tattle tale. And like Mokuba, a part of Anzu wanted to see Kaiba find someone to be happy with. Everyone deserved to find love. Although Anzu was not one of the lucky ones, Kaiba had the right to take a chance and experience that. No way would she hinder him.
CAMERA: Sang-mi, 30 yrs old, Model
"Kaiba-san and Anzu have been talking for a really long time, staying out on the balcony together. I had hoped her avoidance of the party tonight would keep him from her but apparently that is not so."
Sang-mi's was unable to hide the displeasure in her eyes.
"We warned Usagi to leave them alone but she seems to think she is a miracle drug for Kaiba-san. He deserves better then the blonde bimbo. Now she is lashing out at everyone due to his rejection of her. It's her own fault. I wouldn't be surprised if she was sent home tonight.
"My only fear is that Kaiba-san will think I intentionally slipped during the photo shoot to harm Anzu and in turn send me home. I would truly like more time for him to get to know me better."
The second interruption of the night was a welcome to Kaiba and, it appeared, Mazaki as well. He never did go back inside to speak with any of the others, deciding bidding his time with Mazaki was the smarter of the two options. Eventually Bakura showed up to deliver the BEWD cards.
"Where have you been?" he asked, taking the cards.
Mazaki stood up to give Bakura a hug. "Ignore him," she said, "The women were exceedingly feisty this evening."
"And how are you doing, Anzu?"
"She refuses to be anything less then fine," Kaiba cut in. He stood up from the swing and handed Mazaki a BEWD, silently watching her remove it from the black card slip.
A sigh parted her lips upon sight. "For someone who is so critical of my health, you are still keeping me here. I thought you would have jumped at the chance to be rid of me." Her eyes harboured curiosity.
As innocent as her question was Kaiba was not about to give her an answer. Not because Mazaki did not deserve one but because he did not have one to give. Maybe she was the keeper of his sanity while shoved in the midst of his psychotic fangirls, or Kaiba enjoyed throwing her off guard, or he savoured the fact that she was the only woman not willingly participating for his time and heart.
"I will find out who is bothering you," he replied, "And you can try to figure out why I've kept you here."
The light of an accepted challenge sparked in her eyes. Just the way Kaiba liked it.
CAMERA: Kei, 31 yrs old, Professor
"We said goodbye to Nikki, Tamiko and Toshi tonight. It's a pleasure to see all of them go but I would invite all three back if it got rid of Usagi or Anzu."
Kei shook her head, and took a moment to brush her brown hair back over her shoulder.
"Usagi is queen bitch in the mansion, and Anzu, although nice, is the toughest competition. If I want Kaiba-san to myself she'll need to be taken out," a laugh escaped her, "It's a miracle Kaori is still here after she nearly did just that. The girl can't stop crying from relief."
Bachelorettes
- Aya: 25 - Professional Representative (PR)
- Anzu: 24 – Professional Dancer, Co-owns a dance studio
- Kaori: 25 - Nanny
- Kei: 31 - Professor of literature at Domino University
- Miya and Maiya: 26 - Emergency Room Nurses
- Nozomi: 23 - Acupuncturist
- Sang-mi: 30 - Model
- Suki: 27 - Voice Actress
- Usagi: 24 - Flight Attendant
- Virginia: 22 - Event Planner
- Yoko: 28 - Computer Programmer
TBC...
