A/N: I do not own Yu-gi-oh…trust me if I did, I would have told you all by now.

This is one of those cute little chapters that is very necessary for me to tangle my webs. It's quite long, and involves lots of interaction and dialogue. I know you all want romance and action, but I need set ups as well. I have to follow my outline or else nothing will fall in place.

I did try to make it fun and romantic, and I hope you all enjoy it. Let me know, and file this away for future reference…

Oh, and I will respond to anonymous reviews on my profile page…and non-anonymous will receive responses through the FF link. I think I did a much quicker follow up this time around.

Oh…and Mischief Magnet… it's now your turn, I told you last night I would make sure I would post…I hope I inspired you slightly. I shall await with baited breath.

Chapter 10

Growing Fascination

The lobby of the Grand Resort was bustling with people. The dining room was filled as were the shops and the smaller, less formal, restaurants. Bellhops were pushing large carts of luggage into and out of the hotel. As soon as a room was vacated—the next guest filled it. Overall, the resort was extremely successful and highly in demand.

Anzu sat at the concierge desk and checked reservations only to find they were booked solid for the next several weeks. Once the summer ended and fall came in—there were four conventions scheduled. That with weddings, special events and assorted parties would make sure this place was in a constant state of flow. Smiling, she closed her laptop. It was a very good day. Only problem was, she needed a gown for the Vineyard Awards.

Blowing an annoyed breath up at unruly bangs, she sighed and then frowned. Sure, she could go to a local mall, but this event called for something more—something special. Drumming her fingers on the desk would get her nowhere fast, and yet it was almost soothing. She propped her chin on her hand and looked around the lobby. A delicate blush broke across her cheeks when she spied Seto leaning forward at the front desk talking to one of the many receptionists. Though she enjoyed his face, this position gave her quite an amazing view of his assets. Quirking an eyebrow she continued to stare.

"Careful you don't burn a hole into his back pocket," a teasing voice giggled.

Anzu looked towards the voice and noticed one of the girls she worked with. Had she been so obvious? Oh hell, she could never let him know how he…roused her—especially not if she was supposed to sit demurely at his table while that Ashlyng creature clawed him. Vaguely she wondered if blue eyes could really turn green. What had she been thinking, and why had he agreed? Maybe it was to show her he really thought nothing more of her than an idle way to pass the time. Ouch, why did that hurt so bad?

"Is something wrong?" Anzu asked the girl, after breaking her gaze.

"I needed to do some tour rearranging and I sort of need the desk you're sitting at to do it. Besides, isn't this your day off? I mean dedication in coming in at five in the morning everyday is one thing, but spending your days off working—you can stay manager. I've seen you at your job, you need to be so driven and frankly, I don't think I could handle it." The girl noticed Anzu had turned her attentions back to Kaiba's stance. "And another thing, the hotel caught fire and most of the roof is about to cave in under the thick snow. I also believe a giant octopus washed up on shore, I told them to place it in the pool to entertain the children…is that okay?" The girl prompted with a cough.

"Yes, that's a good idea," Anzu answered in a dreamy voice.

Rolling her eyes, the girl laughed, "You haven't heard a word I've said. Why don't you get out of here and do something fun?" She forced Anzu to stand and then walked her to the big glass doors. One of the bellmen opened it and she pushed Anzu outside.

"Now, don't come back until you've had some fun outside of the hotel, staring doesn't count as entertainment." The girl and bellman walked back inside, leaving Anzu out in the mid morning heat with her purse.

It wasn't a bad idea, since she really hadn't gotten out of the hotel much. There was also the matter of finding a dress for the awards. Somewhere, in this Hampton town, there had to be a small shop where she could find something original and perfect. Something that would wow Seto Kaiba and make her look less plain next to the infamous Ashlyng Cronin. She rolled her eyes in remembrance of the platinum blonde. Was she deranged to think she could even attempt to compete?

"Can I offer you a ride somewhere?" A smooth voice asked.

Anzu's eyes widened at the sound and her body shivered. How could he do this to her? Turning, she looked up at the man and smiled sweetly.

"Not unless you know of any good dress shops—I need something unique for the awards." She answered smugly, a glint of playfulness in her eyes.

A limo pulled up to the curb, presumably his, and he opened the door.

"I know of just the perfect place, very exclusive and catering to the finest tastes. I think it will fulfill your needs explicitly." He smirked as she stood there looking at him with confusion. Gently he ushered her into the vehicle in silence. She slid across the seat and waited, while he spoke with his chauffer. A moment later he was beside her and off to whatever dress shop he had in mind. This was simply bizarre, dress shopping with Seto Kaiba? The same Seto Kaiba who ditched his girlfriend because he didn't want to hear about fashion.

"So, why are you feeling benevolent and taking me shopping? I know you're hardly the type to amuse a woman this way." Anzu smiled as she turned to him. He was sitting apathetically next to her, his eyes staring ahead blankly. "Unless this is a new tact you've decided to take. Now, I must warn you, even if you should manage to help me get the perfect dress—you will still only receive one chocolate on your pillow when your bed is turned down."

He glanced at her, a smirk on his lips. "Suppose I desire more than a chocolate on my pillow?"

Her cheeks tinged pink at his double meaning. Heaven help her, she wanted him and he wasn't helping matters in the slightest.

"Fruit salad is messy, it stains the sheets. And a glass of champagne could spill…aside from foods and drink, I can't imagine what you would desire on your pillow." She moved closer, tucking a stray lock of his hair behind his ear and then whispered, "Unless you desire something to get your blood pumping and heart racing?" Her warm breath tingled against his skin.

"I think I might enjoy that," he growled with want.

"Great…" She purred against his ear as he turned to her, she was so close to being dragged across his lap. "I have the perfect book for you, I'll make sure it's placed on your pillow tonight." She sat back and smiled at his surprised expression.

Soon enough, they arrived at the small boutique in the dead center of main street in East Hampton. Walking in with an air of authority, Seto walked immediately to the back, leaving Anzu to wander among the sparse racks of clothing and attire. It was so odd, how in the most expensive places—there were very slim pickings. Lifting one of the price tags, she nearly lost her breakfast. Was Seto insane? She wasn't ready to give up her first born for one of these outfits. Looking out the front window, she wondered if there was a less exclusive place that she could get a second hand bride's maid gown at.

Kaiba cleared his throat and Anzu turned around. He was standing there next to an older woman, who was much shorter than him. She wore glasses and had a very loose bun on her head. Anzu instantly liked the woman and smiled brightly.

"This is Vilma, she owns this boutique. She designs exclusively for the stars and is very highly in demand. She worked in the fashion district since she was 16 and now only dabbles and lets others do her work for her," Kaiba explained with intimate knowledge. "She has designed for many people I know and today, she'll design for you, Anzu."

Anzu's eyes widened and she blinked between the two.

"I…I really don't know what to say. I mean, I appreciate this, but—I need a gown by this weekend and I'm sure with your schedule—and aside from that, I know I won't be able to afford it. I run the resort, I don't own it." Anzu's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as her eyes darted around the room. She felt so out of place—like a goldfish in the center of the ocean. "Though I appreciate how amazing you surely must be, I'm afraid I have to decline your more than generous offer. I'm so sorry I wasted your time."

The woman looked up at Anzu and a warm smile grew on her lips, "she is simply darling!" She exclaimed. "Very beautiful, amazing figure," she leaned in as she circled Anzu, "though you could wear your clothes a size smaller, you should wear your clothes—they shouldn't wear you. As for monetary issues, I wish to introduce a new designer through my boutique and you being the running management of the hotel, and friends of Seto Kaiba, I believe it would be a mutual benefit for us both. That is, if you don't mind telling people who the designer is?"

Anzu's head was spinning. Was this seriously happening to her? A famous designer creating a gown for her—specifically? Oh no, what if it was like the infamous Bjork incident of the dead swan on the artist? Could she wear a monstrosity? Would she be forced to? She didn't know if it would be more humiliating to back out now or back out once the gown was made.

"Naturally she doesn't," Kaiba provided with a smirk.

The woman shook her head and pointed to Kaiba, "he's a real charmer, but devious. You have to be careful or he twists you around his finger." She gave Kaiba a rueful look and tsked. "Now, let me see what we can do with you." She pulled Anzu by the hand and led her into the back room. Kaiba took a seat on a comfortable looking armchair as one of the salesgirls handed him a cup of black coffee.

There were bolts of fabric everywhere and design boards set up. Every sparkle and glittery spangle was shining and perfect. Anzu's eyes searched the large staging room, trying to take it all in. This was so different from buying off a rack in a department store.

Vilma returned and smiled at Anzu, "I've already decided on the color for you, which I shall keep secret until you receive the gown the night of the awards. However, I do wish to see a few styles on you, to make sure I can see which flatters your figure best." With that, a girl brought out a gown for Anzu to try on. She looked down at the black gown and smiled as she took it.

"I don't know if this will fit me," Anzu confessed.

"The fit doesn't matter as much as the way it highlights the palate that is you." Vilma dismissed Anzu's concerns as the girl slipped into a booth and changed into the clingy gown. The neckline showed minimal cleavage, but the back dropped drastically, showing off her flawless back. Walking out, Anzu felt like a princess.

Vilma walked around her, inspecting and smiling. "Just as I thought, you wear your clothing too large. You have a magnificent figure and you really need to show off a bit."

"Being a manager at the resort, I wear business attire, nothing sexy about that," Anzu sighed as she thought of Ashlyng and the slinky number the girl wore. How could one compete with that?

"Nothing wrong with wearing business with a bit of flair." Vilma remarked as she sent Anzu into the dressing room with another gown.

Several changes later, Anzu's measurements were taken and notes collected.

She walked into the room and changed from the last gown into her own outfit. This would be very interesting to say the absolute least. Kaiba was still sitting in the chair, flipping through the Times, and checking his watch.

"I'm sorry it took so long," Anzu explained as she moved before him.

Placing the paper down, he rose to his feet and looked down at her, "I take it went well?"

Anzu nodded, "they were all very nice and friendly. I had a great time, even if I'm no supermodel, it was fun to play dress up and feel like one for a day."

He almost smiled at her, the pleasure she took from something so mundane in his world made him ache to give her more. This was no spoiled debutant who was born with a silver spoon up her dainty royal backside. Anzu was real and genuine and… and he was staring.

The woman came back into the room and watched Seto with curiosity. It seemed he liked fresh air, and this girl was certainly just that. Even now she could see his eyes were fastened on the girl, a delicate blush tinting her cheeks, as she tried to ignore her own feelings. Vilma smiled brightly—this was…

"Very well, I will have the gown delivered to the hotel on Saturday morning. My staff is already hard at work and I am sure you will look more than lovely." Vilma looked at Kaiba and smiled, she could see it in the boy's eyes, it was the same look her husband had given her so many years ago. It was unfortunate the girl didn't seem to understand it. Hopefully at the party he would be excessively obvious and the girl wouldn't fail to notice. Vilma knew Ashlyng and Seto Kaiba were involved, but she had serious doubts about the two being a couple. Ashlyng was too shallow and wanting the limelight. He was in need of someone to comfort the hardness in him, and he craved his privacy. It wasn't a match, but this girl—she was something different.

"Madam," a girl, spoke with a clipped French accent as she came out from the back, carrying a small white bag. "Perhaps we may give monsieur Seto Kaiba the parcel Ashlyng left behind? I would assume he will be seeing her?"

Vilma all but rolled her eyes, "very well. Mr. Kaiba, will you be seeing Ashlyng? She left this behind the other day—when you left her behind."

Kaiba took the bag from the girl and shrugged, "soon enough."

"Very well," the girl turned her nose up and walked into the back.

Vilma shook her head, "good help is so hard to find. I swear I need to get back to my roots and insist on not hiring these brats who assume that a French accent means they know all. Thank you for delivering the package for me. Miss. Cronin is very…scattered with her belongings on her best days."

Kaiba nodded in agreement, as Anzu's stomach did a flip-flop. She had to keep reminding herself that Seto Kaiba was not hers. The bag in his hand spoke louder than any words could.

"I want to thank you again for this," Anzu smiled at him as they walked from the shop. "I was going to try to find something different to wear, but thanks to you I'll look unique." She glanced around nervously. Was this the end of their time together? He had brought her to town in his limo, but there was no law that stated he had to bring her back.

"Do you enjoy seafood?" He asked, seemingly bored.

"I suppose," she answered honestly, "but don't you have somewhere to be?"

The limo pulled up and he opened the door for her. Slipping in, she waited for him to move in next to her.

Kaiba smirked after he moved next to her and shut the door.

"No where in particular," he mumbled as he leaned forward and told the driver where he wanted to be taken. "Do you have anywhere you need to be on your day off?"

She blinked at him questioningly, "how did you know it was my day off?"

Shrugging, he looked out the window, "I have my sources."

Lunch was at an amazing restaurant, which sat on a dock over the water. Anzu felt pampered and spoiled and regretted saying yes, if only because he wasn't hers. It was like placing a decadent chocolate dessert in front of a chocoholic and saying, 'no.' Every time he made her laugh or smile, or quipped something so blazingly sarcastic, she had to stop herself and try to think of Ashlyng.

"So, you and Otogi?" Kaiba finally did what she didn't dare, and brought up the others.

Anzu shrugged, "We have a bit of history and—," she really had no idea what to say.

"He's still a pompous air head who's ego rules his brain," Kaiba leaned in and explained.

"And you have no ego issues Seto Kaiba?" Her eyebrow lifted in challenge.

He sat back and looked at her, a smirk trying to tug at the corner of his lips. She was an enigma to him.

"I never had cheerleaders jumping around and singing my praises," he challenged.

"No," Anzu leaned forward, her elbows on the table, "you can't be accused of that. However, it seems you're making up for lost time now. I mean, here you are with me and yet you have Ashlyng. What are you up to Seto Kaiba?"

He took a long sip of his white wine and held her gaze.

"Let's just say that I find your company very appealing," he did smirk then.

"So," Anzu swirled a finger around the lip of her glass, "you want to continue dating her and…?" She left her comment unfinished—waiting for him to fill in the blank.

"I would like to spend time with you," he finished. "Is this a problem?"

Anzu looked away, her heart was already hanging on him, and she did want him—something awful.

"And you assume I will allow you to have your cake and eat it to?" Anzu challenged.

"I never assume, it isn't wise in business and simply isn't the way I do things."

"So we remain friends, sometimes speak—have the occasional lunch and dinner and then return to our significant others?" Anzu lifted her wine and took a long forced swallow.

"I have no significant other," Kaiba explained. "There is no ring on Ashlyng's finger. We're both free to do whatever we wish." Damn, that was so different than what he had said to Mokuba the other night. He had explained that he wanted Ashlyng, and Anzu meant nothing. Now, it seemed as if his outlook had changed, not completely—but he wanted Anzu in his world and he would compromise slightly to accomplish it.

Smoldering cobalt eyes gazed up at Anzu and ripped the breath from her. She didn't know what to do now. This made no sense at all. What did he want from her? A fling? She wasn't the type and she meant more to herself than that. Damn pride, but then again, she loved having self-esteem. Smiling she looked at the man, for some reason she had faith that he wasn't the playboy type. To her he seemed more confused and…wanting. It was bizarre behavior and it was throwing her for loops in her own mind.

"I won't sleep with you," she whispered as she leaned closer to him. "I'm not the type to give into carnal needs. I believe in being in love for that to happen." Her heart skipped beat after beat, she could admit to herself she wanted him and was falling. However, giving him that power over her, and this relationship, was dangerous. "I won't let you hurt me, I've been down that road before and won't travel it again for anyone. As soon as I think your intentions aren't in our best interests and I feel used-consider me gone."

"Fair enough," he smirked. In the back of his mind he knew he would test her beliefs and dangle her own desires before her very blue eyes. Hell, he couldn't get her out of his thought streams and now he would use every opportunity to ensure a place for himself.

After lunch, the two found themselves walking through the small town. The small shops and shady tree-lined streets made the summer day more than tolerable. Cape-cod type structures and small cottages gave an air of Mystic to the place and Anzu couldn't help but smile.

"I never realized how quaint and pretty it was here," she observed as tourists lingered here and there as people walked around in casual clothes dragging children, and pushing strollers.

"I don't think you get out enough," he observed. "Even though I see you slacking at work, I never see you out of the hotel element. I believe the only time was when I found you rambling around on that busy Friday night." He smirked, "and then I promptly dragged you back to the hotel for dinner."

She slipped her hands into her pockets and shrugged. Honestly, she didn't need to leave the hotel for much. Her room was there, so were the most delicious restaurants, a gorgeous pool and beach, all the people she knew. Was she becoming a recluse? Blinking, she realized, rarely did she leave the grounds. That wasn't like her at all. Back home she did shopping and dinners and hung out with friends. Her world here, instead of getting larger, was getting steadily smaller.

"I need to get out more," she mumbled as she shook her head. Heck, even Seto Kaiba was a wandering spirit as compared to her.

"I shall consider that a challenge Mazaki," he admonished.

She stopped and looked at him. "A challenge?"

He tilted his head as he studied her face, "To get you out of your self-imposed extraction from society. I will show you New York—outside of the bubble you placed yourself in."

Chuckling, she started walking again. "So now I'm in a bubble without you?"

"Consider yourself my own personal project. I will educate you on all of the amazing things you can see and do here. You know, there is life past the resort and the vineyards."

He was smug and yet, she was quite intrigued. How would it be to sightsee with this man? He didn't seem the type to take her on tours or dress as a tourist would. She could see them dining in the finest restaurants, going to plays, exploring art galleries. Sighing she shrugged and then nodded.

"If you want to educate me, please, be my guest." Anzu noticed the limo pull up next to them. Her heart sunk. Was the day officially over now? It seemed to have passed her in a blur. Who would have ever thought his company could be so…tolerable? Then again, every time they had been together had been almost perfect. He wasn't the awful person she wished to kick from her youth. He was…different, yet still sarcastic, dry, caustic and very beautiful to look at.

Anzu wished the limo driver would get lost. Unfortunately, the roads were rather simplistic and there was no challenge to navigate the way back. He was sitting closer to her now, their hips in contact, even though nothing else was. Shame, perfectly good use of a back seat over looked. Chiding herself for her wicked thoughts, she tried to think of innocent activities they could do together. Funny how her mind kept swirling right back to her desires. Unhappy in having her time with him come to an end, she looked up and noticed they had arrived at the hotel.

Kaiba excused himself to make some phone calls. Though he wanted to spend more time with her, he knew he had things to manage and a corporation to look in on. His board was amazing, but the company was on top because of his constant diligence.

Anzu walked with him to the elevator, where she stood on her toes and lightly kissed his cheek. He wasn't ready for the move, or he would have countered and captured her mouth with his. Instead, she whispered her thanks and took off in the direction of the pool, already tugging her sandals off as she walked.

She made her way through the doors out to the pool area. There she spotted Otogi. He was very relaxed on a lounge chair, shirtless, and half asleep. She giggled at the sight. He was always so…

Approaching quietly, she sat on the chair that was next to him. He had ordered a bottle of wine, which was chilling on a side table in a bucket of ice. Placing a hand over her lips, to stifle any giggles, she reached over and silently picked up a few cubes. Deftly she placed them on his flat stomach…and waited for his reaction.

She wasn't disappointed when his eyes snapped open and he jumped, sending the ice scattering to the floor. He nearly growled and then noticed it was her sitting there. Shaking his head, he frowned down at her.

"Always the same Anzu, trying to get a rise out of me," he growled.

"Always the same Otogi, trying to impress the women by lounging in the fading sun without the cover of a shirt." Now she did laugh.

Laying back down, putting his feet up again, and crossing them—he surveyed her smoothly. "I thought you said you had minimal contact with Seto Kaiba? I find that hard to believe when I try to sweep you off you feet on you down day—and discover you're out with him. It seems odd Anzu—it isn't nice to lie to old friends." It was a teasing voice he used on her, and she shook her head.

"He was helping me out with a matter that needed attending, nothing more." Anzu wasn't sure how open they could be, her and Seto, with the hounding press and the fact that Ashlyng was considered his girlfriend. It was all so damn complicated. A warm breeze stirred her hair and the scent of the ocean filled her senses. Somehow it would all work out, she hoped against hope.

"I don't get that impression from the way he looks at you, and the way he spent a day with you. Are you sure you aren't hiding something from me?" He asked, one eye opened and focused on her.

"Am I being interrogated? Because I don't appreciate it," she snapped.

"One day someone is going to deflower you," he sighed.

"May I ask the relevance of that comment?" She was beginning to think this man deserved all of the ice from the bucket, preferably down his pants.

"Simply that I think Seto Kaiba would like it to be him," he stated dryly.

"You have a king-sized imagination to match your ego," she replied and rose to move away.

Quickly he stood and followed her and she glanced at him, his skin was more bronzed than when they had met up again, after all those years, and his hair was tamed down now—no longer in disarray—more practical and clean cut. He was infinitely more attractive now than when they had been dating, but he still left her cold.

"You used to accuse me of having no imagination," he commented, keeping pace with her as he tugged his t-shirt on over his head.

"I still do, when it comes to people."

"Always smart with the answer, aren't you?" He grimaced, "That's what I like about you, you keep me on my toes."

Vaguely, she though about how nice it would be to step on his toes right about now.

"I thought it was the opposite. I know you as one who would leave skid marks to avoid a girl who forced you to think!"

"Did I say that? I suppose it was stupid of me, but then again…you know how I get in the heat of the moment," he smiled slyly at her, even as she attempted to ignore him. They were heading towards the gardens now.

"Or the reason one makes for a quick get away," she snapped at him. Damn him, it had hurt so much when he left her, her torn out heart in her hands. Now she had to figure out where she could go to get the hell away from him.

He had no answer for that, and realized she was walking towards the entrance to one of the bars, off the lush gardens. He stared straight ahead, in silence, until they reached the doors.

"This is where I leave you Otogi," she stated.

"Join me for a drink first."

"I have things to check over," she placed her hand on the door.

"It's still your day off, unless you're wanting to dash up to Kaiba's room," he countered.

"You do go on about him, don't you?" she mumbled.

"Because I think he's my rival in business, and with you." His voice was warmer now, as he placed a hand on her upper arm. "Have dinner with me tonight, please."

She hesitated; she did not particularly want to see him again today. Then again, Seto would probably see Ashlyng and the appearances had to be kept up. This might make it seem less suspicious to all concerned.

"How about seven?" She offered. "I'll meet you here, in the bar."