DIS: Welcome once again to A Widow's Kiss. Thanks to Impashence, Monkeyluv4646 (There isn't as many YuGiOh fics as there used to be,) sweet-ghyny13 (Otogi is always really protective in my regency England fics and Marik...Well, Marik is a prick in the Japanese version of YuGiOh, lol. But thank you for your thorough opinion!!), and Angel for reviewing. Here's the third chapter, enjoy!
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Chapter Three, ComfortMarik sauntered through the crowded gardens, a cold look on his face. For the second time in his life, his younger brother had interfered in one of his conquests. Last time, it had ended in his favor, but only because the woman had been interested in Marik before Malik. Things weren't as simple now as they had been. Anzu Mazaki was a widow and entirely naïve, it seemed. She had been shy of all the men in the ballroom. He had been careful to watch her. She was such an interesting creature. Unfortunately, since Malik had met her first, and found her just as interesting, he had pinned his attention on her.
Damn him, Marik swore inwardly, his eyes narrowing as he swept through the couples in the gardens. Damn him and Bakura both. No doubt Bakura's in this with him. He's a deceitful bastard, never able to take a side permanently. I should kill him for that. His lip curled in a silent sneer. But of course, I'm more merciful than that. As he cursed in his mind, a hand darted out and grabbed his shoulder, squeezing for emphasis. Instantly coming to a halt, Marik moved his eyes to Otogi Mazaki's. The green eyes were flashing with warning and anger. "What do you want, boy?" Marik hissed, baring his teeth. "I'm hardly in the mood for you."
Removing his hand, Otogi coolly replied, "What? Didn't get my sister alone like you wanted?" Otogi knew he was playing with fire with this particular Ishtar, but could have cared less. He had been close to blowing up on Shizuka after he had realized what was happening. He hadn't wanted to force Anzu into the ton like this, and now that he had, the first thing to happen was for her to be assaulted. He knew that it was ridiculous to get worked up as he was, but he couldn't very well let this dishonorable bastard walk past him without saying anything to him.
"Oh, I got her alone," Marik sneered back, his eyes turning to slits, "I just didn't get to fu – "
"Don't you even say it, Marik," Otogi interrupted, his eyes piercing Marik. The latter's mouth curled in a smirk.
"...Fuck her," he ended, his smirk in place. Otogi grabbed him by the collar and shoved him against the stone wall, startling some of the nearby guests. They backed away from the two males, worried expressions on their faces, murmuring behind their fans and hands to each other. Marik laughed quietly, his lavender eyes dancing down at the younger male. "Are you going to kill me, here in front of all of these witnesses, Mazaki?" He snorted, a corner of his mouth tilting up. "You wouldn't dare and we both know you don't have the guts to do it."
"Get the hell out of my sight, Ishtar," Otogi whispered, "because I won't have you harassing my sister." Drawing away slowly, he glared up at Marik, who eyed him coldly and then smoothed his cravat and shirt down before loping off towards the stairs, his familiar, suave grace giving him his usual look. Inside, he was boiling from the Mazaki siblings.
"Marik," Bakura greeted pleasantly as Marik appeared at the top of the steps. His lazy smile betrayed nothing, making it difficult for Marik to decide whether he had been in on his destruction or not. Neither of them liked losing anything to Malik, who was favored by both the women and Isis. He was the calmest of the three and could easily charm a woman – more so than Bakura or Marik. Malik didn't necessarily have to use his looks all the time. It was why they hated and loved him at the same time. "Having fun tonight, I hear."
"Don't push it, Bakura, you filthy son-of-a-bitch," Marik growled, shoving his face in his friend's. "You stabbed me in the back and don't you dare deny it." The two of them stared at each other levelly, Bakura's pleasant expression replaced by a neutral one. People streamed in and out of the ballroom, clueless as to what was going on between the three rogues of the ton and the Mazaki family. Slowly, Bakura's misty blue-gray eyes narrowed and his face turned more hostile.
"Of course I did, Marik," Bakura grunted, taking a step from him and going to the balcony. "There's a certain line that I don't step across, nor do I like to see you step across. Tonight you tried to get an innocent, nun-like widow beneath you, knowing that she wanted nothing of the sort. Those sorts of women are the type that I don't appreciate you going after. If she had been willing, I wouldn't have given a damn, but if Malik hadn't stopped you, you would have raped her. Do you want to lower yourself like that, Marik?" He turned his head to look at him over his shoulder. Marik stared at him with a bored expression on his face, as though he hadn't heard a word he'd just said.
"I've had enough," Marik quietly responded. "I'm going home. This night was not what I had desired." Bakura stared at him mutely, saying nothing. He'd given his piece and Marik had chosen to ignore it. That wasn't his dilemma. If it happened again, Marik would be going against both Bakura and Malik, it appeared. "Ah...Bakura." Bakura raised his head slightly in acknowledgement, one of his eyebrows arching upward. Marik had paused in his steps, his head tilted slightly so that he could make eye contact. A corner of his mouth slid upward in a smirk. "Don't get between Malik and me. You'll be torn to pieces."
"Of course," Bakura smoothly responded, turning his back to him. "I've seen enough to know better." Marik's dark, rumbling laughter sent a shudder through Bakura. He didn't turn back to look at him, though. Instead, he listened to his soft, retreating footsteps. Marik knows he has no reason to warn me, he thought, his mouth taut with irritation. He merely wanted to do it to make a point. Hell. His mouth twisted unpleasantly. I've known how dangerous those two are since I met them. It couldn't be any clearer. He straightened and smoothed his hands over his torso casually, his eyes flicking over the gardens. Now. Where could Malik and the dear Lady Mazaki be...?
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Anzu didn't speak as she stood by the fountain that Malik Ishtar was sitting on. The tension had eased out of his body, but only because she had allowed him to stop and relax for a moment. They weren't completely isolated, but they weren't in the midst of the couples of the gardens, either. A few stray people would wander by the stone fountain, give them puzzled looks, and then continue on their way. Some wouldn't even notice them. That worked fine for Anzu. She didn't care to be noticed, anyway, not after tonight's events.
Lowering her head a bit, Anzu fiddled with her silver, diamond-laced bracelet with a sad look. So this is what society is like? She thought to herself glumly. God. I was lucky to have John. If I hadn't gotten married as quickly as I did, what would have happened to me among such hellish men? She paused. Well, they are not all hellish, she corrected herself. I miss John. I miss the safety he gave me...What a simple life I used to have!
Anzu raised her head to gaze up at the heavens, her fingers stroking her bracelet absently. The sky was clear, the stars twinkling at her with an innocent sparkle that made a wryness fill her. The only things that seemed to be innocent happened to be too far to touch. Anzu supposed that she wouldn't mind being stuck up there in the sky without any worries.
"So, here you two are," a pleasant voice remarked brightly. Malik, in his hunched position at the fountain, turned his head and let out a small huff at seeing Bakura. He suspected that he'd run into his older brother, but with Bakura, it was hard to tell what he thought or when he was agitated – unless he made it a point to let everyone know, and that was rare. Malik supposed that was why Marik enjoyed his company so much. If there was something bothering Bakura, he wasn't about to show it or say something. He'd deal with it on his own. Though, if it were something serious, he would sooner come to Malik or Isis than Marik, who was supposed to be his closest companion. Ah. Well. That was a gentleman's life, after all. "How is our lady?" Bakura queried of Anzu, who dropped her head back to look at him levelly.
"I'm considering very seriously about joining a convent," Anzu told him, her mouth tilting in a dry smile.
"Really?" He sounded amused. "Because I was considering very seriously in sending you to a convent." She blinked in surprise, and then a choked laugh escaped her lips. Malik raised his head and eyed her. It was the first genuine laugh that had come from her throat tonight. True, it was a bit shaky, but it was still a laugh. He thought it amazing that it only appeared after she'd nearly been raped.
"I'm not so sure I would be unhappy, my lord," Anzu confessed to Bakura. "Have you...seen my brother? I don't want him doing anything rash..."
"He's alive and unharmed if that's what you're referring to," Bakura answered as Malik rose to his feet and stretched his lithe body. "He did seek Marik out, though. Otogi was the one more provoked, though, so you needn't worry." Bakura wasn't sure Anzu Mazaki wanted to know some of the worse encounters Marik and her brother had had. Granted, the only ones that probably knew were Otogi's friends and possibly his wife. Looking at the younger Mazaki sibling, one wouldn't suspect that he would be susceptible to acts of careless violence. There's just something about Marik that seems to fire up his temper, Bakura thought, watching as Anzu's eyes moved to Malik, who was looking somewhat calmer than when they had met in the ballroom some time ago. His brows knitted together as her fingers passed over her bracelet and then she turned back to Bakura.
"And neither of them will be out at dawn with pistols?" She prompted.
"Marik might," Malik interrupted in his silky voice. Anzu flicked a look to him. He dragged a hand through his mane of blonde locks casually, meeting her gaze neutrally. "He's always been called out at dawn for being in a wife's bed. I'm sure you caused him a problem in his breeches, lady." Bakura's mouth twitched with concealed humor as her jaw dropped and her face flushed lightly. Malik flicked some hair from his face and strolled to Bakura, adding, "Maybe we'll be lucky and he'll stick to the heiresses." He flashed a smirk to her over his shoulder and continued ahead of them.
"Is he always so crude when he's in a bad mood?" Anzu muttered as she joined Bakura behind Malik.
"Oh, no," he assured. "He's usually worse."
Lovely, she thought sarcastically.
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Isis took another drink of her glass of champagne, anxiety eating at her nerves. This was her third glass and it was rare for her to drink so much at a ball or any other such event. She had recently seen her eldest brother come in from the gardens, alone, and based on the flickering emotions going through his eyes, she guessed he wasn't in the best of moods. She had watched him restlessly and after having seen him leave the ballroom towards the entrance hall, she relaxed and waited for either Malik or Bakura to enter the room with Lady Mazaki. Instead, Otogi had come in, looking livid. It was then that she became nervous again. Bakura would not be able to stop Marik, she had thought at the time. Marik would laugh in his face and knock him out sooner than he would back down. But with Malik, his own flesh and blood, he would back down – either to show superiority or to show some sense of familial honor.
Now, as Isis stood among other women, guzzling champagne, she wondered to herself what was taking her brother and Bakura so long. With Otogi back inside, Anzu must be safe. Her younger brother wouldn't have given up so easily. Unless he simply assumed she was safe because Marik was leaving, Isis thought. Stifling a moan, she set her glass aside and quickly weaved through the crowds towards the gardens. She couldn't continue to wait. This first night in society after such a long time has proved disastrous.
Isis moved through the arch and onto the balcony. Carefully avoiding tripping over her silken gown, she moved to the banister and planted her hands firmly on the stone, her eyes darting around. Her gaze caught a glimpse of blue coming from the left and she leaned out a bit to get a better look. Relief washed over her seeing Anzu safely with both Malik and Bakura. Based on how Malik was isolating himself from the two, Isis knew that Bakura hadn't been present when Malik had confronted Marik.
"Thank God," she murmured as they started up the steps. "Lady Mazaki..." She hesitated, and then moved forward, taking Anzu's hands. "I must beg your pardon. I knew that Marik's intentions were not well, but – "
"Please, my lady," Anzu interrupted, smiling consolingly. "It's my own fault. I shouldn't have wandered off on my own." Her smile wavered as she lowered her eyes. "I confess that my own naivety got the best of me. I never imagined your brother would try such a thing and fooled myself." She closed her eyes and sighed briefly before opening her azure orbs and giving a large grin to Isis. "But no worries. Nothing of this kind will happen again."
"Mm?" Isis blinked. "How are you so sure, Lady Mazaki?"
"It's really quite simple," Anzu responded, slipping her hands from Isis's grasp. As she had walked with Bakura and Malik, her mind had been churning with thoughts. She had felt ill about re-entering society when Shizuka had mentioned it, but she had never given word to her bad feelings. She had went along with it, because in her condition, she could have done nothing else. Anzu, however, was determined not to let anyone shake her from her new decision. "I will simply have to return to my former lifestyle."
"Your...?" The older female looked totally befuddled.
"Now, my lady – " Bakura began in a tone that was meant to be reassuring. The one to interrupt him was not Anzu, though. It was, surprisingly, Malik.
"Indeed, Lady Mazaki?" Malik drawled, raising his eyebrows mildly. Anzu shivered a bit as she met his deep, lavender gaze. It was hard not to be attracted to Malik Ishtar. And by the slightly feral look in those captivating eyes of his, she had a feeling that it wasn't going to be easy to convince him that it was better for her to be locked in her home than out at soirees, balls, and afternoon luncheons. She didn't want any other male's attention. "And how is that at all simple? You don't understand my brother's mind, I'm afraid. He'll come courting you at your home, if he must." He chuckled lightly, approaching her, stopping so he was only a few feet from her. She had to angle her head to keep her eyes locked with his. She intended to win this argument, even if she had to make a scene. "He'll try to sweeten you up, try to be someone he's not. Once he's in your head, he's not coming out." Anzu blinked when he took her chin in his hand. "And I doubt you want someone as twisted and immoral as Marik Ishtar in your pretty little head." He released her chin and she frowned up at him, feeling her cheeks warm slightly. His lips curled upward. "At least you'll be surrounded by others when you're out."
"...I dislike your persuading abilities, my lord," she muttered, crossing her arms beneath her breasts.
"I find them useful with stubborn women such as yourself, Lady Mazaki," he responded, smirking.
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Otogi sulked in the carriage on the way home. Anzu was quiet, brooding over something, he noticed, and Shizuka was chattering, totally oblivious to the happenings at the ball. He had made sure she knew nothing. There were times he regretted not telling his wife some of the things that happened when she wasn't around, but he didn't want to worry her. He did the same to his sister, too, just not as frequently since she wasn't as prone to hysterical fits as Shizuka was. Speaking of her... Otogi thought, frowning as he raised his head from its position on his hand bent hand. She's been quite calmer than I expected. His emerald eyes moved over Anzu's composed form quickly, looking for any signs that she would began to sob or laugh or some other random thing. But, no, she was as calm as she could be. Calmer than when they had been riding to the Wicker's manor, that was for certain.
Clenching his teeth a bit, Otogi recalled how Malik had easily handed his sister to him when they were leaving. Isis had been a bit uneasy – and a bit tipsy, it had appeared – but merely waved a goodbye to them as she was led to their carriage by Bakura. Malik had bent over Anzu's hand and murmured discreetly, "I hope to see you out again, lady." Otogi hadn't asked his sister or Malik any questions since he had seemed to be the only other to hear his words other than Anzu. Otogi's wife had remarked to him idly after he handed Anzu in that "his sister and Malik seemed to be getting along quite well."
I doubt it'll last, Otogi told himself reassuringly, resting his chin back on his hand, glaring out the carriage windows. Malik Ishtar is a notorious rogue. He just wants to win the woman since his older brother is after her. It's the same thing between all brothers. The youngest always wants to beat the oldest. I won't let him seduce Anzu. I'll die keeping her safe if I must.
When the carriage stopped in front of the gates of Anzu's manor, the footman stepped down and opened the door, helping Anzu out. Otogi stepped out after her. One of her servants opened the gates for her and then stood there as Otogi escorted her up to the doors. She paused at the large, mahogany doors and faced her brother, who happened to be taller than her. Before she could speak, he sighed, and said, "I apologize for all that's happened tonight, Anzu. I never thought – "
"It's all fine now, Otogi," she assured gently, reaching up and brushing her fingers over his cheek. "I'm fine. Truly. Things like this happen, but we...we must get over it. Besides, we made some friends, didn't we? Isis is a very kind lady and Bakura and Malik aren't as bad as the ton makes them out to be." He opened his mouth to object, but she continued, "And in any case, Marik shouldn't be bothering me any longer. I can promise you he won't get anything he's looking for." Otogi stared at his elder sister's earnest face and swore inwardly. He had never known how mistaken she was about the world until now. Her deceased husband had certainly been careful to shield her, it seemed.
"Of course, sister," Otogi blandly replied, offering a small smile. "Then I'll come and visit soon. You be good."
"Thank you for understanding, Otogi." She brushed her lips over his cheek. "Goodnight."
"...Goodnight," he mumbled after a moment's hesitation. She smiled softly at him and then opened the door and entered the warm manor. The servant waited until he had stepped into the carriage before shutting and locking the gates. Otogi glanced over his shoulder as the servant ran inside with Anzu waiting at the door. The door closed and it was dark behind him save for the street lamps.
"You're too sweet, Otogi," Shizuka commented, snuggling up to him. "Anyone would die to have a brother like you – and especially a husband." He didn't reply, wrapping an arm around her. He didn't like Anzu's trust in Bakura and Malik, but he supposed it was better than having her frightened and traumatized by Marik's actions towards her.
I can do nothing for now, he reluctantly confessed. She's safe from one of those Ishtar rogues, at least. I just hope that the one she's trusting isn't the one she should fear...
End Chapter Three
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DIS: I'm really enjoying writing this. It's so full of intrigue. (--) It's really like a romance novel, though, lol. In any case, please leave a review on your way out and tell me how it is so far. Ciao!
