A/N: Blame yourselves for this quick update. SOOOOO many of you reviewed that I felt compelled and inspired to update immediately. See? Reviews do so much more than simply help shape things...this time they helped inspire me to write this quickly...

I did get a little trapped and such, but Gekkou Hana helped out a bit in there…I thank her muchly. Thanks for the boost of confidence to Megan as well!

I do not own Yu-gi-oh…never claimed to.

Please read and review. I so do appreciate all of your input. You're all so generous and wonderful with your words...

If you didn't review anonymously I hope you received a response from me. If you did, I will get to those and post responses on my profile. I'm moving a bit slow, but the responses should be up tomorrow--I was more interested in posting the story today.


Mixing business 12

Skimming across the sky…

"Seto?" Anzu asked as she climbed out of the limo. She could still taste him on her lips and her body was almost on fire from his touches. "Are you alright? Is everything okay?" Quickly she closed the distance between them.

The sun had begun to set. Orange and pink hues ripped through the clear blue sky from the day. It was still very bright and soft clouds were sparse and yet quite delicate in appearance. Instead of light blue, the sky was a shade darker color now, with hints of violet throughout. Despite the obvious problem, Anzu had to smile. How much more romantic could it be? Even the trees stood overreaching and setting dappled shadows over the country road, everything seemed serene. Could Seto's closeness have made her feel that safe—that protected? Worrying her lower lip, she approached his back and slipped a hand onto his shoulder.

He needed to step away because…

And then her hand settled on his shoulder.

His eyes continued to scan the horizon in search of help or absolution. An agreement had to be reached amidst the turmoil in his mind. Seto couldn't do it, Kaiba could have—would have—but not Seto. It would have been easy, it all felt so incredible…perfect… He just refused to destroy her that way—and he knew taking her in those heated moments would cause her destruction. After all was said and done—there would have been regret on her part. For all her strength and fire—she was delicate, intricate...fragile. He knew she had been hurt before, and though he never had denied himself a damn thing—not when it was possible or plausible…this…this was a line he was not ready to cross in the backseat of a car. Mentally he wanted to slap himself, since when had he started respecting Anzu Mazaki?

Soon he would have to face Anzu while she was on the arm of Otogi. Then again he would have Ashlyng on his own arm. It would be strange and awkward and if they went too far before the awards dinner, could they make it through without it turning so uncomfortable that meetings like this would be impossible? He couldn't take that risk.

"Is everything okay? Did I do something wrong?" Anzu asked as she stood there in the fading light. He looked almost peaceful with his eyes closed and the world miles away. If one could freeze a moment, she would have chosen this particular one. Despite her feelings of fear, she was seeing something she doubted anyone else had ever before. Heartbeats skipped and her nerves felt like butterflies.

"I can't," he explained, his voice devoid of emotion, "not like this—not when we both have others in our lives." He turned to her then, his eyes looked darker in this light. Suddenly she wished for the comfort of his arms and the confines of the limo.

A deep sigh steadied her. "You're assuming I'm with Otogi," it was almost an admission of guilt. Looking up at him through her lashes, she noticed he looked as guilty as she did. "So, now what?"

He turned to face her, tilting her chin up and staring into her eyes, which appeared almost amethyst in the lighting. "You're like a damn drug Anzu…" He growled as her eyes fluttered closed, her mouth looking more inviting than ever. "I've crossed over limits I set in my own head. Even Mokuba is tormenting me. I can hardly believe his little act, then again he is my brother and his capabilities are limitless…"

"It's amusing how Mokuba is almost your exact opposite. You were all brooding and sullen at this age and he's full of…" Her hand slipped to his cheek of its own volition. The warmth of his skin was surprising and caused her to smile.

"You realize you're playing with fire? I can't guarantee how long I'll be here—once the contract is signed I have no idea what will be happening. If Kaiba Corp. is selected Mokuba and I will be staying in New York for a while, but if we are rejected. We'll be heading back to Domino." He explained in a harsher voice than he intended.

She nodded her head, her eyes never leaving his.

"You also understand that Ashlyng and I have been together for a while. She…" he paused. Ashlyng did nothing for him. She was eye candy and, at times, she provided a means to escape a stressful word. Yes, she could further him along with the pursuit of this contract, but that was more her father than her. Mentally he wasn't challenged nor was he intrigued on any level. He knew she was using him for the publicity she could achieve, just as he was using her for the inside help she could provide. There were no feelings in that, possibly base intentions, but no hearts—no desires. Most of their time together was spent talking about her—the time left, after that, was used for recapping her speeches and cravings. Ashlyng knew nothing about him, nor did she take the time to try. Anzu swept in and she knew his past, and despite that and how horribly he had once treated her and her friends—she was still there and seemingly wanting.

"Seto?" Anzu asked gently when he failed to complete his thoughts.

Slowly, he came back to the land of the living and blinked down at Anzu. "Ashlyng is…" He attempted once again.

"Your girlfriend." Anzu stated in a flat tone. Honestly, she knew Seto would someday be attached to a woman, but in the past she had expected it to be with a woman who would motivate him, not that he needed it in business—but in life, he had always been lacking warmth. In her mind's eye she thought of him with dignitaries and women who achieved greatness through their intelligence. Sure he had behaved like a jerk at times. She had often wished to see him with an air head that one could stick a pin in and see fly around the room, but that was only when he aggravated her. Most of the time she had seen him with someone who would make him think and reach and want, not someone like Ashlyng who, though very beautiful, wasn't on his intellectual level. There was also the question of her being able to warm the cold-hearted CEO.

"I can't have you both," Seto explained. "I'm not insane."

Anzu diverted her eyes, "I know you aren't…"

Seto couldn't do this, wouldn't give up on this creature who was so magnificent and made his blood flow like never before.


A glint of deviousness sparkled in her eyes as she closed her laptop. Everything would fall so beautifully into place. Standing up from her father's desk, she walked around his office and ran her fingertips over the edges of his many and various books that described complex business practices. Shrugging, she walked over to the windows, which overlooked the financial district in New York City. Funny how the noise of the city never permeated the quiet office, though she saw the hustle of all the people and the city below.

Breathing warm air on the glass she created a fog and slowly, with the tip of her nail she wrote her name. Frowning, she looked it over and pouted. Life was getting so boring for her. Simplistic wants and material needs were beginning to lose their appeal.

Seto Kaiba, she spoke it once in her mind and then her words formed for her ears. He was amazing. He had built an empire on a childhood dream. His corporation was won when he was practically an infant. Her own father had raced up the proverbial ladder, but not at as young an age or with as much drive. Hell, even now her Dad was nowhere near as prestigious—though he was wealthy and held quite a bit of power. She deserved more than her station in life, more than her father and Hollywood would allow.

Sure her face was well known, and there were a few movie deals, but no one took her too seriously. Then again, her clout began and ended with her name. Perhaps, if her name changed, she would have more…

As if on cue her father's phone rang. A smile slipped across her lips.

"Good evening Mr. Douds…I was expecting your call…"


"You'll be going to the awards dinner with," simply stating his rival's name aggravated him, "Otogi."

Anzu nodded, "and you'll be going with Ashlyng." She looked away, finding it too hard to deal with any vaguely soft look he might have at the mention of the girl's name. "We'll be sitting at the same table with Mokuba and any date he decides on."

Kaiba nearly snickered at that train of thought, "I'm sure Mokuba will show up with someone…" Mokuba had a way with women Kaiba never did understand.

Anzu walked off the road and down the slight grassy incline to the split rail fence. Turning, she sat on it and looked back up to the road where Seto stood. Miles apart in their plights, and yet—there he was. Sure, he was missing the flaring trench coat and his duel disc, and yet—that determined look on his face was so reminiscent of all those years ago.

"You're still fighting battles," she yelled up at him.

Looking away from the surrounding scenery, he glanced down towards where she sat on the fence. What now? He couldn't be sure.

With a deep breath of resignation he walked over to her and stood there, looking down into eyes, which depths matched his own. Was it even remotely possible that this could work? Mokuba seemed to think so—the look on Anzu's face told him she thought so as well.

Tilting his head he watched her face, how easily it lit up—almost ethereal.

"It isn't seemly that either of us tell our prospective dates about this before the wine awards…" His voice was sure and steady. No room for arguments or debate.

"I guess not," she smiled at him, and then licked her lips—almost in invitation. "What happens at the awards?"

"We go with Ashlyng and Otogi, respectively and then…" he moved closer. Standing before her, he looked down into her face, "Neither of us is responsible for what we do once our dates have concluded."

"All you will get is a simple walk on the beach Mr. Kaiba," Anzu smiled and batted her lashes at him.

A familiar smirk graced his lips, "is that a challenge?" He moved closer to her, his hip pressed against her outer thigh as he leaned in.

Any thoughts quickly flew from her mind as his lips settled over hers. They were warm as they moved in coaxing kisses. She slowly relaxed, her lips softening, her fingers slipping around his upper arms. Shifting on the rail, she gasped softly, almost losing her balance, but never the intimate contact of his lips.
His mouth slanted over hers, more demandingly. She whimpered when his tongue flicked against her lips, only to slide deeper into her mouth. Her toes curled as his tongue touched hers, her fingers tightening on his arms. Her thoughts rose and fell as the kiss deepened, turning into something drastically different. Fire licked through her, as her thigh brushed against his leg.

Both craved more contact, more warmth…

She moaned as he sucked lightly on her tongue, feeling an insistent buzzing in her mind. He shifted, pressing against her, moving between her thighs, wanting the distance breeched and eradicated.

There was no fight in her as she moved and then twined with his body. Her heart raced. Intimate was the only way to describe the way they were holding one another. Searing passion enveloped them as she buried her fingers in his hair and he twisted her, almost lifting her from the fence in order to make the space between them vanish completely.

This was dangerous. This was ludicrous.

He pulled his mouth from hers, his breathing was erratic and harsh, and her eyes were still closed. His fingers stroked down the curve of her face, his thumb stroking the lower lip he had just had between his teeth. Down her chin, to her throat. His eyes followed his progress.

Anzu tilted her chin up, feeling her breath catch slightly as his finger stroked her skin. Why did it feel like a flame…why couldn't she catch her breath?

Sliding his hand along her neck, he moved his fingers through the silken strands, grasping them as he pulled her close again, pressing his lips to hers and demanding she respond to his wants.

Never before had a man made her feel as if every ounce of her being was alive. Not even when her and Otogi had been at their best did it feel like this. Not even close.

"So what are we?" Anzu asked as she pulled her legs up under her on the couch. "I mean, we've been doing the movie and dinners, but seriously—are we anything more than friends?" Looking at Otogi she felt a stir of longing. He was sweet at times and funny, and the way she felt when he kissed her…sinful…

"I swear Anzu, the minute I think I have you all figured out you throw me for yet another loop." He tilted up her chin and smiled. "You don't seem like the type who is insecure enough to need a label."

She shook her head, hating that she did—but there had to be something here, or it was simply a void. No, he never made promises, but she had made no guarantees either. He also hated the fact that her job was a bit time consuming. The man had definite double standards, he could work as much as he liked, but when he wanted her there—she would be expected to drop everything or he would pout like a disgruntled child.

"I don't want a label—per se. I just want to know if I mean anything in your life, outside of an occasional person to hang out with." Anzu explained, feeling herself curl up even tighter.

Otogi stood up, abandoning her on the couch to pace the room. He looked more annoyed that elated that she wished to mean something to him. It didn't make her feel good, not at all. In fact she felt more like a burden and a nag. Shrugging, she shifted again and now pulled her knees out from under her and hugged them to her chest. Her body language speaking so much louder than words. Resting her chin on her knees, she wrapped her arms around them—completely closing herself to whatever harsh words he would use on her.

"You are more than someone I 'hang out' with. Seriously Anzu, for someone who tries to be so business savvy—I think you're showing a weak point here." He smiled down at her as he circled.

Why did she suddenly feel insignificant and vulnerable?

"Maybe if we spent more time together, but you always seem to prefer your so-called career to me…" Otogi explained. "Right now I want to take things slow, but if there comes a time for more, would you devote more time on me…or insist on keeping up with this silly pursuit?" Otogi asked as he held his hands out to her. Offering her something, or making her feel ridiculous…she had no idea.

Slipping her hands, half-heartedly into his, he pulled her to her feet. Gently, he led her onto the terrace of his apartment. The view was amazing, you could see all of Domino—it looked like something from a dream. So high atop the world and yet, not too far away life frazzled and moved, but here, for just a moment, the world was still.

"My career is hardly a silly pursuit," she sighed. This conversation was getting old quick. It seemed any time she asked him for anything concrete he would slap her face with her aspirations. He was a sort of modern-day Neanderthal, barefoot and pregnant women in the kitchen were perfection, and the others were bitches. She was being harsher than she should have been, but she was annoyed.

"I want to come first with you," he mumbled as he kissed her cheek.

"I come first with me," she explained in a wispy voice.

"I want you Anzu, I want you in all ways, but I'm not ready to commit to a life sentence…" He growled as he laid hungry kisses on her neck. Teeth and tongue tempting her as he tasted. His arm wrapping around her waist to pull her in close.

Anzu reeled with that statement. It was too early to think of marriage, obviously, but if he wouldn't even confirm they were dating… He would confirm it only if she was willing to put him first and herself second. Would he offer her the same deal?

"Will you place me before your company?" She asked, before his mouth caught hers. Her hands elegantly slipped up his arms and wrapped around his neck as she pressed her curves against him. Darting her tongue into his mouth she tasted and tempted, feeling his own mouth open to allow the intimate dance. A soft moan left her. His hands were sliding down her back and then up under her shirt so he could toy with the small of her back…skin on skin…

"You are so willing at times," he growled when he pulled away.

"Are you?" She asked raising an eyebrow.

"I do want you in my bed…" he smirked, then tried to kiss her again, but she pulled back.

"I'm willing to let you in—to give you more time and make us an emphasis in my life. I'm not ready to…to…" Anzu stumbled. She was in lust, and she liked Otogi, but could she be in love? Sex without love wouldn't be special. It had to be reserved for the man she loved above all.

"Get into my bed?" Otogi asked, his voice not gentle and soothing any more.

"It's too soon," she explained.

He shrugged, "then I should take you home." He looked at his watch and then down into her eyes, he could see the start of crystal tears. "My girlfriend should get lots of rest—she has to be at work early." Smiling, he caught her mouth in a small kiss.

Turning, he went to get her jacket. She remained on the balcony. Her mind racing. Why didn't it feel like a victory? It felt more like pulling his teeth. She wanted to be his girlfriend because he felt something for her—not to appease any tears she might or might not have shed. He didn't understand.

Slipping her jacket onto her shoulders, he tugged her inside gently. "I'll pick you up at five sharp tomorrow night. We'll see if you keep your word."

Looking back she could see how bizarre it had all been with Otogi. Seto was nothing like him, nothing at all. Otogi never gave unless he was given, never did anything for her unless there was some sort of payback involved. The next night she remembered signing out at five sharp and racing to the lobby for him. Then she spent an hour waiting for him to show, while she flipped through several magazines. It had been a bit humbling. Sure, he showed up with a bouquet of deep pink roses, a smile, an apology and a searing kiss for her. On the card he had professed how he was quite thrilled she was his, and signed it, 'Your Boyfriend…'

It now left her with a sour taste, as if he had been punishing her for either not sleeping with him, or because she had asked for the label. How could she have been so blind? It had always been his way, his rules, and his wants.

"You're a million miles away…" Kaiba mumbled against her ear as his hands spanned her waist. "Am I not doing this right?"

She was fairly falling into the man, every nerve ending on fire, and yet her mind was sending up smoke signals. Was it perhaps reminding her that she always placed herself second? First she was second to Otogi in that relationship…now she was second to Ashlyng—hell, she was the other woman.

A harsh growl came from Seto as his lips touched hers. The tangle of confusion and fear began to fade. Desire overwhelmed her as everything but the thought of him kissing her no longer seemed important. Seto's fingers glided around the nape of her neck as his mouth ground against hers, and she kissed him back. Her body melted against him, molding itself to his hardness. With each stab of his tongue she felt a corresponding throb flood through her veins, as though tiny sparks of fire licked at her, consuming her.
Yet a small part of her grasped for some shred of sanity. She drew back, pushing weakly against his shoulders. She tore her mouth from his, gazing up at him dazedly. "I think we have some company."

Anzu's reaction to his kisses had thrown him. The layer of ice surrounding her was paper thin, melting at his lightest touch. He had lost control, wanting nothing more than to steal her off to some exotic location. Away from this place and responsibilities. He ground his teeth in frustration. To feel her begin to seriously want him and then have it interrupted by his chauffer did little for his temper.


Otogi stood in the lobby looking at his watch. Where the hell was she? Never once in their whole relationship had she ever been remotely late, now she was over forty minutes late.

He wondered if the flowers had been too much. Maybe it made it seem like he was slightly over eager. He looked down at his watch again, and then around the lush, tropical, lobby. It really made no sense—Anzu was always waiting when he arrived, something had to be wrong.

Smiling, he recalled all of the moments he had walked in late and found her idly eating a salad, or having a soda in the bars of numerous restaurants. Yes, he had always kept her waiting. However, she was used to that—it was part of his personality—a quirk. At times he thought she found it quite endearing, but other times, he knew she was more than slightly annoyed with his antics. Had that been the case tonight? Walking to the front desk, he gave the girl a killer smile.

"May I help you Sir?" She asked, smiling demurely back up at him. Slipping a few stray pieces of scarlet hair behind her ear, she waited.

"I hope so," he smirked at her. She was a pretty little thing and he wondered, idly, if she were easier to get along with than her boss. "Have you seen your manager lately? Miss Anzu Mazaki?"

The girl beamed at the mention of Anzu's name. It seemed the charm Anzu had over people was not lost on her staff. It figured—she had a way of rubbing everyone the right way. Was there a person who didn't like her? Otogi toyed with the idea for a moment and realized that Anzu was completely likeable, except to those who Anzu found to be lacking in unforgivable categories.

"I saw her about an hour ago. She seemed to be waiting in the lobby for something," the girl leaned forward and looked around, as if she were hoping to spot the brunette. Shrugging she leaned back, "she doesn't appear to be here anymore. I think it was around seven."

Otogi frowned, "seven?"

She nodded, "actually, she might have been here before then, because I was getting ready to take my break at seven and she was wandering around before I left. I came back at seven thirty and she no longer appeared to be around."

"Thank you," Otogi smiled as he walked away. Some things did change, Anzu no longer waited around for him it seemed. True he had been a half hour late, showing up thirty minutes past their agreed meeting time, but…

He decided to check out the hotel restaurants and the surrounding area before he gave up on the night completely. She had agreed to dinner with him and he was damn well going to hold her to it. Storming off, he slammed through the double doors leading into the large piano bar, which overlooked the pool and beach area, he almost smiled. If she wasn't going to be found, he could see several candidates who could take her place.


"People actually eat this…food? And I use the term 'food' loosely…" Kaiba frowned as he tried to keep the sad excuse for a salad on his burger. Frowning, he looked to see Anzu smiling happily as she sat beside him on the dock.

"Is it my fault that your car broke down and we have to wait for a replacement?" She smiled. "Sorry they don't offer gourmet on the boardwalk."

Taking a french fry she dragged it through ketchup and popped it in her mouth. He made a twisted face and took a bite of the hamburger.

"Don't you ever indulge in fast food, I'm sure Mokuba does," she snickered as he chewed with mild irritation. Was it due to him liking it or hating it?

Once he swallowed, he shrugged. "Typically I can order what ever I want, whenever I want. I don't ever see myself 'wanting' this type of food."

Looking around, Anzu made sure they were alone, and she kissed his mouth.

"Fast food has its benefits," she smiled. "You can finish it quickly and move on to less mundane activities. Sometimes lounging forever in a restaurant isn't nearly as fun as…say…a walk on the beach…" Lifting her soda she took a long drink through the straw.

"Is that a proposition Mazaki?" He put his half eaten burger down.

"No, I save my propositions for the end of the date—this is a simple invitation Kaiba." Standing, she looked down at him. Her heart raced as he stood and the two began to walk to the water line.

"You know, I could have saved us the trauma if we would have dined you in the restaurant here in the first place. Though I do like getting you away from where you work and live," he shrugged, with his hands buried in his pockets.

"As I recall, it was Mokuba who stole me away from here—not you." She reminded him.

Around midnight Seto Kaiba returned to his room. Anzu had been left on her doorstep, kissing her goodnight would have been too tempting. So, instead, he smirked and walked away. The nonexistent click of her door shutting led him to believe she had watched him walk away. He found that terribly interesting. Human behavior dictated that she really didn't want the night to end.

That was a good thing.

Slowly he took off his shoes and placed them by the door. It was time to do some work. Mazaki had made him a little neglectful. Sitting behind his laptop he logged in. Some correspondence from his work force let him know that there was no news on the contract. Frowning, he poked around a bit more and discovered two new companies had offered bids. This made no sense. Why was Douds waiting? Every corporation that could be a serious contender had banked in already. Why hold the door for those companies, whichhonestly made no sense?

He sent off several messages to a few insiders he knew. Maybe there was some rumor or something circulating about what was happening. There had to be a way to figure out why everything was held up, what was the motive?

Running a hand through his hair, he closed the laptop after signing off. It was well past the decent hours for sleep. The clock read after three, where did the time fly? He would be up at six regardless. He was never able to sleep beyond that. A blinking on the room phone let him know there was a message for him, but he would worry about that in the morning.

Pulling off his shirt, he walked towards the bedroom. When he flicked on the light switch he noticed his bed had been turned down and on the pillow sat a book. His lips twitched in an elusive smile. There was a post-it note on the front cover. The neat script screamed Mazaki…

I hope this gets your heart pumping and your blood racing…

"Tease," he whispered as he picked up the book and chuckled. He would have to come up with something imaginative to pay her back.


A/N: Next chapter will be the awards dinner night…