The Bachelor Kaiba Style 4
Week Four
Making it to week four was not something Anzu had anticipated. Her success and Yoko's verbal accusation upon her exit at the last ceremony had increased the jealousy and anger the other women directed toward Anzu. She never thought it could get worse but Bakura proved her wrong when he revealed that she was to get the one on one date with Kaiba. Regrettably Usagi screamed into a pillow before cursing her out had been the worst reaction.
Only Virginia knew how much she had dreaded being picked for that specific day, and even then just the bare facts. It was still a sore wound for Anzu to deal with, even though an entire year had already past.
Anzu had not listened to Bakura after he announced her name and had no idea what the date was supposed to be. She could only hope that Kaiba agreed to the proposal she was going to make when he arrived to pick her up.
Virginia watched Anzu pace from her seat on the bed. "You can always just tell Kaiba no," she reminded her.
"I could," Anzu agreed, "But I was planning on heading out today before Bakura announced the date. And it would be really cold to stand Kaiba up."
In silent support Virginia pulled Anzu down beside her on the bed and gave her a one armed hug. "Do whatever you need to do, Anzu. But remember I'm here if you want to talk."
"Thanks."
They sat in comfortable silence until Anzu was bellowed for from the front door. She slowly descended the staircase to find Kaiba patiently waiting in the front hall, ignoring Usagi as she tried for his attention.
"Hey, Kaiba," Anzu greeted him.
He took one look at her and his impatient glance became curious. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing too importance." She stopped at the bottom of the stairs. "But... Could we forgo the planned date for today?"
"You don't want to go?"
Anzu took a deep breath for the moment it allowed her to compose herself. "Getting out of here today would be great but I will unintentionally be bad company."
Kaiba observed her, his blue eyes probing. "What do you want Mazaki?"
"What I need is to dance. I'm sure there has to be a dance studio or two around here we can go to. You could use the time to contact your family, or work on Kaiba Corp. related business. Hell, I'll even lend you another Linwood Barclay novel." When he continued to silently study her Anzu realized she may have misjudged him. "You don't have to come if you don't want to," she inform him, "Why don't you take one of the others out today? I'm sure you would enjoy the date more. It might even-"
"Mazaki," he cut her off, "I am spending today with you."
Alright, but did he have to be so mean about it? Kaiba wanted a crappy date, Anzu would have no problems being a crappy date, and relish in his displeasure.
"Is there a specific studio you have in mind?" Kaiba pulled out a pair of sunglasses and hid his eyes behind the lenses. "If not I'm sure we can find something."
"Of course," she readily agreed, "I'll just grab my bag." Anzu paced herself going back up the stairs. She did not want Kaiba to see her so eager and have him change his mind.
CAMERA: Aya, 25 yrs old, Professional Representative
"Anzu asked Kaiba if they could skip their date today so she could dance."
Aya frowned behind her glasses and made a tsking sound.
"We gathered in the living room today to discuss how we felt about what she did. Suki was the only one to wish Anzu the best of luck. Everyone else believes Anzu is messing with the show and Kaiba-san. We don't have the option of planning our own dates. What gives Anzu that rite?"
The beauty and grace with which Mazaki danced drew Kaiba to distraction. He had intended to work through the improvised date and managed to speak with both Mokuba and Yasmin before her dancing claimed his interest.
Mazaki had her hair tied up in a messy bun and wore form fitting black shorts and a baggy pink shirt with a large neck line that kept falling off one shoulder. She had hooked up her mp3 player to the stereo and based on the rapid variety of music that continued to play, had selected shuffle.
All day Mazaki had been acting unusual. The open demeanour that Kaiba had come to expect from her, even in anger, had taken a back seat. Whatever was bothering her she hid well but she could not disguise the moments of emotional pain in her blue eyes. Kaiba had no intention to badger Mazaki with questions. It was clear she was not about to reveal what brought about her need to dance. Until she was comfortable in her own skin again her problems were her own.
The instructor they had met assured the pair that the room would be unoccupied for the day and due to Kaiba and Mazaki's disregard for time that was fortunate.
Shadows moved across the dance floor as the hours ticked past. Neither had made a suggestion for lunch. Mazaki only paused between songs for water and to look in his direction as though she was certain he would disappear when she was distracted. Slowly, from where Kaiba sat on a wooden foldout chair, he watched the tension drain from Mazaki's body to be replaced with exhaustion. Yet even as her movements began to lag Kaiba could find no fault in her performance.
Somehow as Mazaki continued to tire from dance her spirits picked up. Every glance she gave had a little more of the spark he was accustomed to and her lips gradually gave him a real smile. It eased the small ball of tension Kaiba had been ignoring ever since greeting Mazaki at the mansion that morning.
The song ended, and unlike all the others before, when the next song began, Mazaki did not continue dancing. She stood with her hands on her hips, bent forward, taking deep breath after deep breath. When she had regained enough stamina to move from that position she hurried to the mirrors and snatched up her giant water bottle.
"Wow," Mazaki gasped between mouthfuls of water, "I've never danced that many songs all in one sitting. What time is it?"
Kaiba smirked back at her. "Quarter to four."
"Oh. That's... really?" At his arched brow she nodded her head. "Right. Quarter to four. Never would have thought."
After all of her exertion Mazaki gave her body a rest and sat where she stood on the dance floor. The action was fast, but held no aspects of clumsy to move Kaiba from his chair. Sitting not enough for recuperation she lay back, uncapped water bottle near her head. Silence settled over them as Kaiba watched Mazaki until she turned her head to catch his unwavering stare and flushed further.
"Yes, Kaiba?"
"Don't mind me," he assured her.
Mazaki let out a huff and narrowed her eyes at him. "Although you probably don't know, dancing is just as exhausting as any other sport. There is no need-"
"I am well aware of that," Kaiba cut her off.
"You are? Don't tell me you've actually danced before."
The disbelief she presented him with, coupled with amusement, got Kaiba out of his chair and over to her mp3 player. If Mazaki thought she could discredit him she was about to be proven otherwise.
"What are you doing?" she asked, shifting forward to circle her arms around her knees.
"The better question would be 'what are we going to be doing?'"
It took little effort to find the play list marked instrumental and pressing play. Kaiba did not recognize the song but it would work well enough for what he intended.
When he turned back to Mazaki she was frowning in confusion. "We?"
"Have you ever danced ballroom before?" he side stepped her question with one of his own.
"I had a class back in university."
Kaiba stepped forward and held out his hand to which Mazaki accepted. She was slow to rise from the floor, preforming a little shiver like action of shaking her arms at her sides and exhaling. It was the same thing Mazaki had done right before she began dancing hours earlier. In doing so she spotted her bare feet and hurried to slipped on her flats.
Once back in front of him Mazaki placed one hand on his shoulder and with the other grabbed his left hand. Not about to be lead Kaiba quickly followed her movements placing his hand between her shoulder blades. It took little effort to begin moving around the room. Kaiba kept the steps very precise.
Mazaki waited until the second rotation around the room to speak. "You've never struck me as the type of person who would learn ballroom, Kaiba."
"It was part of my training."
Mazaki tilted her head to the side and frowned in confusion.
"Gozaburo thought it best to know how to ballroom for the benefit of any western clientele."
"Ah," she replied, with a look of understanding. Thank goodness, he never accepted pity lightly. "But how is knowing ballroom supposed to help Kaiba Corp?"
A legitimate question. After all Kaiba had asked the very same thing years ago. Counting the dance he was having with Mazaki he had used the talent three times total in his life.
"Westerner's like to throw celebrations for useless reasons and dance just so happens to be an aspect they incorporate," he replied.
Kaiba spun her around twice, enjoying the way she settled easily in his arms. The smile Mazaki gave him for that step was a welcome sight and the first true smile she had offered the entire day. She moved slightly closer to Kaiba, her face awash with plotting.
"Have you ever thought of learning to salsa, Kaiba?"
"As much as you wish, I will not be shaking my hips."
Mazaki laughed, "Don't you like a little passion on the dance floor?"
Kaiba spun her again and pulled her close, dropping his hand to her lower back to prevent her from pulling away. "I don't need to gyrate to create passion, Mazaki," he whispered in her ear.
"I don't doubt that." Her breath was warm against his cheek. "Your eyes produce enough sparks as is."
"My eyes?" Kaiba pulled back enough to catch Mazaki's glance.
"Yes! See? And that right there too."
"What?"
"You just raised one eyebrow," she clarified, "Do you know how hot that is? It's bad enough your blue eyes are stunning all by themselves."
The only answer Kaiba had was a pleased smirk that brought a blush to Mazaki's cheeks as she realized the compliment was quite ego stroke worthy and an admission on her part. Though embarrassed she still maintained her composure.
"You know how handsome you are." It was not a question. Kaiba answered regardless.
"Of course."
As the final notes of the song played Kaiba dipped his dance partner. The dancer in Mazaki moved naturally through her embarrassment her leg riding up a little ways on his hip. She gave him a look he had trouble labelling as he pulled her upright.
"Want to go again?" she asked.
Why not. With one dance Kaiba had already learned more about Mazaki then in all the years they had known one another, Mokuba's lovely friend facts included.
The udon was quite impressive for street vending but Anzu particularly enjoyed the takoyaki. She had stolen one from Kaiba. The silent knowing look he gave her brought a light blush to her face and she debated stealing a second just to receive that look again.
For a day that had started out with sad memories, Anzu was pleasantly satisfied. Never had she thought the presence of Kaiba Seto would be a comfort with his silence stares and observing eyes. She also never thought the man would willingly flirt with her. As much as Anzu turned the day over in her mind she could not deny he had been flirting. And, yes, she had been flirting right back.
"I assumed you stole my takoyaki with the intent to eat it," Kaiba interrupted her pondering.
"I'm sorry?"
He gestured to the pilfered piece of meat on her plate with his chopsticks. "Or did you take it out of spite?"
Right. She was supposed to be eating. Forcing herself to move slow Anzu gracefully picked up the takoyaki. "Let's go with spite," she said, before popping the treat in her mouth.
Kaiba smirked at her, leaned back in his chair and took a sip from his juice can.
Both of them had been hungry after they left the dance academy and ended up passing a street vending stall. By mutual silent agreement they opted for the simple food. The stall had an assortment of five plastic tables set up in front of it with oddly matched plastic chairs. When Kaiba and Anzu had first sat down, only one other table was occupied, but with the accompaniment of the cameramen all the tables were quickly filled. The lucky street vendor was pulling in hefty business. At first the balding man had refused to accept Kaiba's money, spewing honour and other such jargon. Anzu had watched while Kaiba made little attempt to argue, accepted the food and on the sly dropped 5000 yen in the man's tip cup.
Finishing the last of her can of mango juice, Anzu leaned back in her chair mimicking Kaiba's posture. "Thank you, Kaiba. That was delicious."
"Hmm, I'm sure that last bite was very satisfying," he smiled, "Would you like me to buy more for myself?"
Anzu laughed. "You don't do innocent very well."
"I didn't realize you equated innocence with me." There went that sexy eyebrow again.
In retaliation for Kaiba's flirting she rested her elbows on the table and her head in her hands. "I equate you with a lot of things. Mokuba, evil tycoons, Duel Monsters, belt buckles."
"Belt buckles?" he glanced down at his lap before meeting her eyes and were he not seated, protected by the table, she would have snuck another look herself.
"Mm hmm. I've always had a fetish of sorts for guys who wear distinctive belt buckles. Your silver, blue eyes white dragon with the topaz gem for his eye is a particular favorite of mine."
Kaiba's eyes narrowed. "I haven't worn that in years."
"And it's a crying shame."
The smirk she received and the way his blue eyes pierced through her, as though unravelling the deepest secrets in her mind nearly brought a cherry blush to her face. Anzu maintained eye contact for as long as she could before glancing away.
"Oh crap! We should get out of here," she said, gathering their few paper plates and chopsticks in a pile and rising from her chair, the playful mood vanishing.
"Mazaki?"
"Did you see a garbage?"
Kaiba pointed to a plastic can beside the vending stall.
"Great."
Weaving between two other tables, she hurriedly tossed their garbage, turned to snatch the empty juice cans from Kaiba, as he came up beside her, and tossed them as well.
"Care to enlighten me on your sudden panic?" he asked.
"How do you feel about going for a walk, work off some of the calories we just ingested."
Kaiba looked at her silently.
Why was he not moving? If Kaiba thought he could intimidate her into revealing why the panic instead of helping her escape the source of her panic he had sorely underestimated Anzu. She grabbed Kaiba's hand pulled him behind her, heading up the street. It took no effort for Kaiba to fall in step with her hurried pace but he was not detoured.
"What are you running from, Mazaki?"
"Stalker."
That caused him a moment of pause. "Should we be notifying authorities?"
Anzu gave him a reassuring smile, surprised by the ting of worry. No. Apprehension she saw on his face. "That shouldn't be necessary She's more of a girl crush type stalker. She was a-"
"Anzu-chan!"
"Uh... she was a student at my school-"
"Anzu-chan! Anzu-chan!"
"Last year."
"Anzu-chan! I knew it was you! Fate is always working in our favour!"
"Crap."
They had been caught. There was no point to try for an escape. Anzu would simply have to face her student stalker and hope to shake her off before the night was over. With a sigh she stopped walking, but refused to release Kaiba's hand when his grip in hers loosened.
"Anzu-chan!" she exclaimed, stopping in front of the pair, and stooped over to catch her breath.
Ito Tori. 19 year old dancer. Bushy orange hair, 5'10", thick circular brown framed glasses. Anzu had not seen her since school the previous year, but Tori-san had not changed in the slightest and always made Anzu uncomfortable.
"You are more beautiful every time I see you," Tori-san began to spout. Just wait until she got going with her Shakespeare.
Anzu stepped closer to Kaiba and squeezed his hand. "We rarely see one another."
"I know our separation is heartbreaking but I will find more time for us to be together."
"I don't think you will," Kaiba interrupted.
Tori-san turned confused, nearly hurt eyes on Kaiba. "Anzu-chan, who is this?"
"Seto, I would like you to meet a previous student of mine, Ito Tori. Tori-san, please meet Kaiba Seto," Anzu hoped the disgustingly cheesy loving smile she gave Kaiba would be convincing enough to misconstrue.
Kaiba received a bow from Tori-san but he did not offer one in return, instead staring at the teenager with displeasure. "You have interrupted our afternoon," he said.
"I'm sorry. But I'm sure my interruption is a welcome to your day, Anzu-chan, because we love passing the time in each other's presence."
"I refuse to have you in my studio for a reason, Tori-san."
Never had Anzu met someone who misinterpreted every single thing she ever said. There were moments after the disgust and aggravation that all she wanted to do was scream. Rarely was she angry enough to reach that level. With Tori-san, it never took very long.
Tori-san gave her such a beaming smile it hurt to look at. "I understand you wanted to be fair to the other students and not pass favour on me because of our love."
Anzu exhaled loudly. "There is no love."
"You want to hide our relationship so others don't get jealous. I know. I love you too, Anzu-chan."
Un-freakin-believable! By some unknown power all the time apart for the women had only increased Tori-san's crazy behaviour. If there was a shrine to Anzu in her former students home, it would not surprise her. Anzu shivered in repulsion and pressed her face against Kaiba's arm.
"Oh no, Anzu-chan you must be cold. Here, have my jacket so we can persevere your health." Tori-san moved closer to her as she disrobed.
"She doesn't need your jacket," Kaiba replied, in the same tone of voice he had used when dismissing Yoko the week before. It was damn intimidating. Unfortunately that did not stop Tori-san from her mission. Kaiba held out his free hand, preventing her from moving closer.
The hurt look was back in her eyes. "Anzu-chan? What's going on?" She finally looked past her at everything around them. "Who is Kaiba-san to you and why are there cameras? I'd really feel better if you would take my jacket."
"I don't need your damn jacket!" Anzu snapped at her. "There is no relationship. There is no secret relationship. We do not have a relationship! You are six years my junior-"
"Five years-"
"Five damn years younger then me!" Anzu let go of Kaiba and marched towards Tori-san, jabbing her finger against her shoulder and relishing how Tori-san winced each time and slowly backed away. "I'm not attracted to you!"
"But Anzu-chan-"
"Stop calling me that! My name is Mazaki-sensei! If you ever call me Anzu-chan again I will make it impossible for you to find work as a dancer in Domino! If you ever come near me again or speak to me or my friends and family I will make it all of Japan!"
She stared at Anzu wide eyed with her mouth opening to offer silence.
"We need to get going, Anzu," Kaiba said.
She sighed and nodded her head, her spike of adrenaline fading. "Yeah, that's probably a good idea."
They walked past Tori-san where she remained in tearful shock, Kaiba's arm wrapped firmly around Anzu's waist. A faint 'M-Mazaki-sensei' was heard behind them but neither slowed their pace.
"Should I have threatened bodily harm?" Anzu asked when they were across the street and well into the park.
Kaiba looked at her in a way she had never experienced before. As much as she tried Anzu was unable to put a name to the foreign expression. "Far be it for me to offer advice on stalkers," he replied.
"That sounded like thunder."
"I didn't hear anything."
"There isn't much else to hear in an empty park, Anzu."
Another crack was heard in the air that had Anzu turning her blue eyes on Kaiba.
"How far are we from the park entrance?" she asked.
"Twenty minute walk, give or take."
Anzu stood up from the park bench they had been residing on for the past hour, waiting to see the stars come out. It was deep enough in the park to provide them with privacy while open enough that in the dark they would not get diverted from the main path.
She raised her arms above her head and arched her back to crack it. "Then we should be heading back. Limit any risk of getting caught in the rain."
A boom of thunder echoed in the night sky bringing with it the first drops of water. The indignant look Anzu sent the sky brought a smile to Kaiba's lips.
"Look what you've done," he scolded.
She returned the smile. "Don't just sit there. We need to find shelter."
"There was a gazebo a little ways back," Kaiba reminded her.
The rain began to beat down harder as he rose from the bench and Kaiba smiled again at the squawk Anzu made in defiance.
"What direction?"
Kaiba gestured west and watched as Anzu jogged down the path away from him.
She quickly noticed he was not following her and turned back. "Kaiba! Last one there has to get a tattoo!"
It would be the first time Kaiba had battled anyone for those kind of stakes, enticing as they were, but a challenge was a challenge and above all things Kaiba was a man who refused to loose. He ran after Anzu as the rain continued to pour down on them until they were both soaking wet, clothing plastered to their skin. Anzu checked behind her a number of times to gage where Kaiba was, laughing when her lungs could manage to. He allowed her the false sense of security but when Anzu was nearing the gazebo he bolted past her. Kaiba jumped over the two steps and grabbed at the outer railing, turning to find his challenger walking slowly across the stone steps towards him.
"Congratulations," Anzu said, with a smile and shake of her head, "I should have never doubted you."
"It is a mistake many make."
"Yeah, yeah, Mr. CEO. Wow am I ever regretting wearing jeans."
Kaiba also regretted he was stuck in water logged denim but there was nothing wrong with how the wet jeans hugged Anzu's legs. Her light blue v-neck blouse miraculously did not turned see through but it was more compelling to see the fabric sculpting her figure then her bra underneath. Anzu was a stunning woman in mind and body as Kaiba was coming to find.
It was not until she was wringing out her hair in the gazebo that she realized the attention Kaiba was paying her. For reasons he could not explain he made no attempt to school his eyes and met her gaze. Anzu blushed the reddest he had ever been witness to and she quickly gave him her back as she messed with her hair.
"So...uh... we are lucky... I guess...um... it's a warm rain... shouldn't really get that sick...if we do get sick." She stumbled over her words.
"Of course," Kaiba agreed, using the railing to support himself as he sat on the gazebo floor. "Were we at risk we would have to strip down and share body heat."
Anzu froze, her fingers tangled in her hair and made a choking cough sound.
"Relax, Anzu. The rain is already lessening. You won't be trapped here with me for long."
Her shoulders relaxed and she cautiously turned to face him. When he remained silent Anzu lowered herself to the gazebo floor, facing Kaiba, but keeping a fair distance between them.
"So," Kaiba drew her attention, "Where on your body will you be getting this tattoo?"
"You're really going to make me get another tattoo?"
"Another?"
She smiled innocently. "Why, Seto. Did I forget to mention that I have a tattoo?"
"Among other things."
"Huh. Even Mokuba has seen it," she recalled, tapping a finger to her chin, "I'm surprised he never told you."
"If you're expecting me to ask, you are only deceiving yourself," he replied.
The fact that Anzu even had a tattoo had garnered his attention but if she demonstrated her stubbornness then Kaiba would need to ask Mokuba. There was a good chance his brother had already told him but as was common, Kaiba had most likely been preoccupied and failed to retain the information.
"Alright. I'll tell you where the tattoo is, but I'm not going to show you," Anzu conceded.
Kaiba gave a head nod in understanding.
"It's in the middle of my lower back... and it's of duel monster cards."
CAMERA: Anzu, 24 yrs old, Professional Dancer
Her hair slightly damp and frizzy, surrounded her tired face. Anzu covered her mouth to hide a yawn. She let out a huffed sigh. "Today was crazy with Kaiba. Nothing that I'd have anticipated," Anzu admitted, "But after all the mayhem I'm feeling very confused." She sat silent for a few minutes before another yawn overtook her.
Overnight the mood in the mansion had turned liquid nitrogen cold against Anzu. The tension in the previous weeks was manageable but currently she did not feel safe being left alone in a room that did not hold, Virginia, Suki, or Nozomi. Thankfully Bakura had arrived with the next date card.
Watching him clutch his cards in nervousness had become the norm and Anzu hoped her smile gave him courage.
"Today's date is a tea ceremony," Bakura addressed the living room of women, "Two of you will be attending but only one of you will be returning to the mansion at the end of the date."
Instant speculation began to spread over what the new twist was supposed to prove and once again Bakura was drowned out by all the yapping. Anzu remained silent on her corner of the couch, nearest to her escape route that she was itching to use.
"Ex-excuse me ladies... please I-I need-I need to finish," Bakura tried to regain their attention, "Ladies, I..."
"Everyone pipe down!" Kei offered her assistance, "We haven't found out who is going yet."
Instantly the room fell silent.
Bakura gave a small bow, and bashful smile to his helper. "The two women for tonight date are Kaori and Usagi."
Two of the crazies. At least now it was guaranteed one would not be returning and her life would have a little less hell in it.
"They are going to kill each other," Virginia whispered in her ear.
Anzu nodded, "That might be best for everyone."
Tossing her blonde hair over her shoulder Usagi sneered across the room at Kaori. "You don't stand a chance, Kaori. I'm taking you down."
"Fate is fate," Kaori replied.
"Fate doesn't take part in a game."
Kaori calmly brushed her skirt with her hand. "Usagi, you're a skank. And men only like skanks for one night stands. Let's face it. Kaiba-san has gotten all he needs from you."
With a very unladylike growl Usagi stormed from the room.
CAMERA: Usagi, 24 yrs old, Flight Attendant
The anger that bathed Usagi snapped in her eyes. She gave the camera a sneer when a smile failed to happen. "I am surrounded by a house full of snot nosed bitches. They are all intimidated by me, especially Anzu. But Kaori," the name was spat with disdain, "She is lost in a pathetic fantasy and I'm about to cause her a very unhappy ending."
In all consideration the tea ceremony had gone relatively well. For the first two hours. Kaiba and his dates were dressed in traditional kimono attire. Their host preformed her duties flawlessly and left the room to retrieve a tabako-bon and higashi only to return to a room of chaos. From his place on the wooden porch of the tea house, threw the open rice paper doors he heard every ear piercing screech.
"You're just jealous of my creativity for making Kaiba-san fall for me!" Usagi yelled at her opponent, "While you were lost in dreamland!"
"What part of being a whore is creative? The way you wear loin clothes' for clothing or the way you spread your legs?"
"You bitch!"
"Yeah!" Kaori screamed back, "That's why I cleaned the toilet with your toothbrush!"
Completely absorbed in their fight Usagi and Kaori failed to noticed when Kaiba turned and walked away. Seated on the steps that led down to the garden, Kaiba pulled out his phone and hit speed dial one. He counted three rings before it was answered.
"Seto!" Mokuba sang, "Just the man we want to hear from. I'm having a meeting with our wonderful board of trustees and we can't decide between painting the lobby of Kaiba Corp. smoked oyster or pink innocence. Given your detestation of all things oysters I'm voting for the lovely pink, but your trustees just won't have it."
"Mokuba," Kaiba half growled, running his free hand over his face.
"Maybe you would like ballerina pink better. Yeah, I see you more as a ballerina kind of guy. That suits you. Ballerina pink."
"You will not be redecorating Kaiba Corp. in my absence."
Mokuba let out an exaggerated sigh. "I can see this will take some persuading. Everyone take a half hour break," he addressed the people on his end, "Up next will be the crown molding. I'm seeing pyramids."
Shuffling of papers and the sounds of chairs pushed across tiles filled the silence while Kaiba impatiently waited for Mokuba to continue their conversation. Preferably in a less pink direction. A door closing sounded before he was once again addressed.
"What's the emergency, Nii-sama?" Mokuba asked.
Kaiba glanced over at his dates. Kaori had picked up the tobacco pipe. She stomped and waved her hand, nearly dropping the delicate object on the tatami mats multiple times.
"Have you ever been witness to a cat fight?"
"Two women fighting isn't as attractive or entertaining as some guys think. But yeah," his brother confirmed, "I've seen my fair share. Fan girl groupies and all. What did you do?"
"Nothing."
"Well what started it?"
"I don't know."
Mokuba gave a light hearted laugh. "Sorry Seto, don't really know how to help you."
If only there had been guilt in Mokuba's voice. Then Kaiba would be getting some satisfaction from the phone call and his wasted date would not feel as much like the failure it was.
"You have horrible taste in women."
That got another laugh over the phone. "You get to kick whoever you want off the show. Pretend it's like you're firing scamming employees."
"Is that permission to make them cry?" Kaiba smirked.
"If it will make you happy for one day, Seto, then go for it."
The women had calmed down from their fight, no doubt all their screaming made them horse. Silent though they were Usagi continued to glare at Kaori where she knelt on the tatami mat, tugging on a ringlet of hair.
With the card in hand Kaiba made his way back to his dates, sensing his freedom just moments away. "Usagi," he addressed the blonde.
Instantly her eyes were on him, full of innocence. "Kaiba-san. Would you like to go for a walk? Kaori needs to compose herself. I would feel best if we gave her some privacy."
"There isn't a need to impress me," he replied, "I've already chosen you."
"You have?"
Kaiba handed over the card and watched as Usagi pulled it from the black sleeve and turned the card over. Her self assured look of pride vanished into an ugly frown.
"What is this? You said you chose me," she held up the blank card.
Kaiba smirked with satisfaction. "Yes. I chose to get rid of you. You've been rejected Usagi."
Her bottom lip began to tremble and her eyes glazed over with tears. It was disgusting to watch. Even Usagi's grief was fake. But seeing her try so hard to win him like a prize and fail at every step was rewarding to know that Kaiba had beaten her at her own game.
"You're making a big mistake," she said, dabbing at her fake tears with the edge of her kimono sleeve, "I'm- I'm blonde!"
"Kaori?" Kaiba gave a hand up to his silent date and together they left Usagi alone in the tea house.
"He's coming! He's coming! He's coming!" Suki announced to the other women. "Who do you think Kaiba-san sent home?"
All the women, excluding Anzu who remained in her bedroom, rushed into the living room to watch as the limo driver entered the mansion and retrieve an unfortunate woman's luggage. The matching pink leopard print set of suitcases was quickly grabbed and removed from the front hall.
"Oh thank goodness," Aya voiced for her fellow rivals, "One more day with Usagi and I would have had to dispose of her body."
"Here, here," Sang-mi agreed, as smiles were shared between the women, "Who's up for the hot tub? It's time to celebrate."
A chorus of 'me's' was heard and Nozomi even bashfully raised her hand.
Sang-mi shook her head at the acupuncturist. "Come on, Nozomi. We'll make a woman out of you yet."
"But I am a woman."
The orange and black Veilside RX-7 sped past the women, tossing their hair in all directions. The car circled the track twice more, Suki cheering her heart out, before it screeched to a stop in front of everyone.
It was the most captivating image Suki had ever witnessed to watch Kaiba-san pull himself from the car, dressed in black and silver racing leathers. Just the strength of those arms alone caused her to salivate. But then he tilted his head forward and pulled off the shiny helmet, revealing hair she would kill to run her fingers threw. Unable to stop herself and not caring, Suki swooned.
Kaiba-san's gaze scanned over his six dates, all dressed in their own racing leathers. "Who's first?"
"I'll go!" Suki volunteered, skipping forward. Her entire body practically thrived for the experience of being trapped in a race car with Kaiba-san. Maybe he would teach her some driving skills, just like his talented video gaming. "Just one minute. I need to get all my hair in my helmet."
The lovely Bachelor smirked as Suki squeezed her helmet between her knees and set to piling her hair on top of her head. Miraculously all her hair made it into the helmet on the first attempt. Suki flipped her visor up to find Kaiba-san already sporting his own helmet.
"Are you ready?" he asked.
"For you? Always."
Soon they were strapped into the car, Suki needing a hand with the buckles from Kaiba-san. He flipped his visor down and shifted into gear. Like a shot they left their audience behind.
Four weeks in and Mokuba had finally created a date that Kaiba could enjoy. The thrill of racing and limited time with each woman in an environment that was difficult to converse in. His first victim, Suki, delighted in the experience and had encouraged him to drive faster every time they went under one twenty.
Once back in front of the others Kaiba watched Suki remove her helmet, her black hair cascading down around her. Eyes alight with joy she used his shoulder for stability, stretched up on her toes and kissed his cheek.
"More men need to drive like you," she said.
It would be too much to expect the following women carried the same opinion.
Aya fell quiet as soon as Kaiba began to manoeuvre the car around the track, gradually picking up speed until the wind made it impossible to hear one another if they were to attempt conversation. She had told him it was the man's job to be in control of the vehicle. But somehow with the way she had one hand clutching her seat and the other holding tight to her many seatbelt straps, Kaiba doubted even Aya believe what she had said.
Nozomi clutched the steering wheel with familiar gloved hands. "Thank you for allowing me to drive," she said, staring at her lap.
"You haven't driven yet, Nozomi. We haven't even moved."
The only response Kaiba received was being jolted back in his seat and a squealing of tires.
Buckles were clumsily fiddled with to release Sang-mi from her entrapment in the car. Not too soon she freed herself and hoisted the upper half of her body out of the window. The sounds of vomit hitting the race track and side of the car made their way to Kaiba.
"We are on a race track."
"Of course, Kaiba-san."
"Race tracks are built for the purpose of driving fast."
"I know."
"You are going sixty."
Kei turned to glance at Kaiba from the drivers seat. "Sixty IS fast."
Silently Kaiba reached out to grab the steering wheel and direct the car away from the barrier Kei was driving towards.
Of Kaiba's six dates only three women openly embarrassed the risk of race car driving. Suki, Nozomi, and his last companion of the day, Virginia She confessed to having her drivers license suspended due to speeding and reckless driving and told him not to hold back on her account.
They had gone around the track half a dozen times when the car decided to spin. It was unexpected but with some quick manoeuvring Kaiba managed to bring the car to a stop without coming in contact with any track walls or barriers. He grinned inside his helmet, feeling his heart beat a fast rhythm against his ribs. The adrenaline was pumping through Kaiba's body and he started to press back down on the gas pedal when he noticed Virginia removing her helmet.
"What are you doing?" Kaiba shifted the car into park and pulled off his own helmet.
Virginia was flushed, her hair softly mused from the helmet and her eyes shining delirium. "Oh my goodness Kaiba! You need to do that again."
He smirked. "I don't normally practice spinning out."
"But you'll try?"
"I'll accept any reason to drive faster."
The shine to Virginia's eyes became a hunger. Quickly she began undoing the assortment of buckles holding her in the passenger seat.
"We can't continue if you are not properly fastened in the car," Kaiba frowned.
"I know," she glanced up, working on the last buckle, "But I can't remain trapped in my seat any longer. I just need... I need to..." Virginia pushed aside her restraints and shifted closer to Kaiba. "Kiss you," she whispered.
Virginia's lips were hot against Kaiba's. Demanding but not controlling. Kissing her sent a different jolt of adrenaline shooting through Kaiba and he cupped the back of her neck, tilting her head for more contact. Virginia let out the tiniest moan when she pulled away, her fingers sporadically twitching on his shoulders, eyes blinking open.
"Wow." She ran her tongue over her lightly bruised bottom lip and Kaiba could not keep his eyes from following the action. "You taste like vanilla." When he made no reply she continued. "I like vanilla."
"As much as you like nearly flipping cars?"
Virginia smiled, showing the first hint of embarrassment as she broke eye contact. "Definitely more then that."
"Then we will have to see if the second time is as good as the first." Kaiba picked up his helmet from his lap and waited until Virginia was back in her seat before putting it on.
One look at Virginia when she arrived back at the mansion and Anzu pulled her onto the couch beside her. Something big had happened to her friend and Anzu wanted details.
"Spill. What happened?"
Virginia smiled, nearly bouncing where she sat. "I kissed Kaiba."
"What?" Anzu hoped her facial expressions remained neutral. "Did he kiss you back?"
"Oh yeah. The man kisses like a dream," she sighed, relaxing into the couch.
Of course Kaiba would be that good. He was the poster boy for tall, dark and handsome. He was a genius and had a hidden sense of humour that Anzu enjoyed seeing come out to play. Kaiba was an amazing father and did nothing to hide how much he loved his brother and daughter. Why else would he not kiss like a Greek god?
It was an uncomfortable feeling, like a heavy weight in her gut to learn that Kaiba had already kissed one of the women, particularly her friend Virginia, and it was only the fourth week of the show. Anzu could not fault the guy. At least it proved that he was not asexual. Sadly that thought did little to make her feel better.
"What was it like?" she feigned curiosity.
"Mmmmmm. The kiss was-"
"Kiss?" Kei interrupted, from her bed on the far side of the room, "Did she just say kiss, Anzu?"
Virginia looked at Kei with curiosity but her smile convinced Anzu that the Brit knew what had garnered the attention and she made no attempts to back pedal in their conversation.
To avoid a game of twenty questions Anzu answered as simple as possible. "Virginia and Kaiba kissed today."
"What?"
"Who the hell kissed Kaiba-san?" Sang-mi hurried in from the hall.
Aya calmly observed her blonde friend. "Virginia did."
"I kissed Kaiba-san too!" Suki shared.
Anzu turned to her friend. "Suki said she kissed Kaiba too."
Virginia nodded her head in agreement. "Yeah, she kissed him on the cheek. But my kiss with Kaiba was the making of dreams." She began to fan herself with her hand. "The kiss was so overwhelming I nearly forgot where I was. Even when Kaiba tangled his fingers in my hair."
There was no need for Anzu to bother translating. Virginia's body language and joyous smile were enough of an explanation. With guarded eyes the bedroom cleared out of all the women but Suki. The ever optimistic voice actress plopped herself down on the floor in front of Anzu and Virginia with curious wide eyes.
"Tell me everything," she eagerly demanded.
Suddenly Anzu wished her friend could speak Japanese. Even if it meant one more enemy in the mansion.
CAMERA: Aya, 25 yrs old, Professional Representative
"Kaiba-san kissed Virginia today." She took a moment to adjust the glasses perched on her nose. "Unlike his brother, Kaiba-san doesn't fool around. All of his previous relationships lasted for considerably long periods of time, therefore learning about his advances with Virginia is something to worry about. Right now she is my biggest threat."
Standing in the doorway of the balcony Kaiba took a moment to observe Anzu reading her paperback novel. She had turned the patio love seat to face away from the mansion, allowing her a view of the quiet countryside. A soft blue shawl rested on her shoulders, fending off the chill in the night air.
"Is this going to be a habit?" Anzu asked, interrupting his inner musings.
Kaiba loosened his tie as he approached the love seat, ignoring how she had been able to tell he was there without turning around. "Possibly," he sat beside her, "There is something about us together that works at keeping the women away."
"Yeah, lucky me."
"Do you not enjoy my presence?"
When all his comment got was an eye roll and Anzu resuming her book Kaiba knew something was wrong. Even in her anger she had never dismissed him, friend or enemy.
"If you prefer to be alone, Anzu, tell me."
She bite her lip and bookmarked the novel, tucking it against the arm of the love seat. "Sorry, Kaiba. I like spending time with you even if it is for us to escape your psychotic fangirls." There remained a small note of bitterness in her voice.
"Us? Have the women continued to bother you?"
"Let's just say if you hadn't kissed Virginia and taken the spotlight of jealousy off me, there would probably be Nair in my shampoo right now."
Spotlight of jealousy? Nair in shampoo? What was Nair? He was going to ignore the mention of kissing Virginia for the time being. Though much praise for Anzu having the courage to mention it directly to him.
"Who is bothering you?"
Anzu cast a glance behind them. "Everyone, Kaiba. Even you."
Kaiba stretched his arm across the back of the love seat, angling his body towards Anzu. She quietly matched his gaze. "And what am I expected to take blame for?" he asked.
Silence fell between them before Anzu answered. "I don't want you leading Virginia on. She is my friend and deserves to be treated better."
Why did women always have to make things difficult? Kaiba had not joined Anzu on the balcony for her to lecture him on proper decorum between the other women and himself.
"It is no secret that I am here against my will and have no intention of leaving with a girlfriend or future wife," He found himself defending.
Anzu shook her head. "Kaiba, you're still here and as long as you stay the women will hope and plot over changing your mind. Kissing Virginia might as well have been you brainwashing her with you mouth."
Interesting analogy.
"Then we need to prevent any further brainwashing."
"We? How?" she frowned.
Kaiba smirked. "Quite simple actually. I will direct all forms of attraction towards you and you will reciprocate."
A soft blush coloured Anzu's cheeks. "You want us to pretend like we are dating?"
"Isn't that the purpose of this show?"
"Well yes, but have you forgotten? Spotlight of jealousy! Psychotic fangirls!"
The urgency with which she gestured and spoke brought a smile to his face. "If they are wise the others will be considerate of you for their own sake."
A silence settled over the pair as Anzu analyzed his proposition. Kaiba allowed her the opportunity and watched the last rays of sunlight vanish from the sky. Not looking directly at her he still caught every time she looked his way. It was not until Anzu sighed that he turned to her.
"I'll agree on one term. You don't use this as an excuse to embarrass me."
"Alright."
Anzu nodded to herself and shifted in the love seat until she was pressed against Kaiba's side. "I don't see why we can't start now?" she gave him a smile.
Well played.
Cocooned in her polka dotted pyjama's and fuzzy bunny slippers, Nozomi clutched a pillow to her chest. She sat on her bed and watched Kei remove her makeup.
"But I don't understand," Nozomi said, "Why did Kaiba-san send Sang-mi home?"
Kei looked at her threw the mirror. "She threw up in front of him twice."
"But those times weren't her fault."
"Doesn't matter. She puked. Not very attractive."
Nozomi nodded her head in silent agreement. Thank goodness she had a strong stomach.
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
- Nozomi: 23 - Acupuncturist
- Suki: 27 - Voice Actress
- Virginia: 22 - Event Planner
TBC...