Voila! An update! I have been so bored lately and I have been itching to go on writing frenzies, but at this moment I don't feel like typing in my book. So I'm going for fanfics! Maybe I should start another one…you know, I think I will! I was inspired at my friend's house this morning with this thing were writing out loud and…I'm getting off topic.

Sorry people! I have a tendency to ramble when I'm bored. But, at least I'm not one of those stiff authors who don't say much to her readers, right? I got a little character in me! …yeah, I'll shut up now.

PS. THANKS FOR HELPING ME HIT 300 REVIEWS!

Disclaimer: I continue to fail being Kazuki Takahashi, meaning that Yugioh is not mine. Therefore, Anzu and Seto are (sadly) not mine. All other characters (besides Mokuba, who may be in here somewhere) belong to me and my creativity. HUZZAH!

Chapter Twenty-One

Complications and Awkward Situations

(Yes, I rhymed the chapter title on purpose)

Anzu took another sip of her tea, the liquid warming her cold lips. She had grown to like it here in Naomi's humble little house, but she had this powerful yearning to be back with Seto. Unfortunately, she had no clue if he was still at the inn or somewhere else.

And with her injuries still a little problematic, Naomi advised Anzu not to leave just yet. So, she was pretty much stuck there.

It drove her nuts to be cooped up in one spot for too long! Too much of a reminder of that blasted room she used to have in the Northern Clan. It always felt like a prison, despite its cold comfort and beauty.

Shaking off her thoughts, Anzu sipped her tea again. The chiming sound of a bell filled her ears and she looked up. Naomi smiled.

"Oh, we have another guest." She clapped her hands a little in delight and stood to answer whoever had come to call on her. Anzu smiled.

For such an old woman, Naomi certainly had plenty of life and spirit in her.

Her husband had died five years ago and her children had moved to villages far away from this one to pursue dreams, love, or careers. So, poor Naomi was left here alone. And with the years piling on her, she knew that there was not much time left in the world for her.

Despite telling Anzu this sad story, a smile remained on the old woman's kind face. She told her that living in sadness and clinging to the past made a future impossible. She intended to live as happily as she could.

That story had brought a tear to Anzu's eye. She both pitied and admired Naomi for her determination and strength in life. Despite being alone, she stayed happy. And although she did not dwell in the past, she valued her memories of her family and thought fondly of all of them.

The door opened and Naomi greeted the guest.

"Good day, sir. It's so nice to see you here again."

"Yes, thank you." Anzu's head shot up at the voice of the man who had come to visit. Naomi led him into her house.

"May I offer you a cup of tea, sir?"

"Yes, please." He seated himself next to Naomi and across from Anzu. She poured him a cup and he accepted it gratefully. Anzu found herself staring at Seto.

He took notice and looked at her. She automatically looked back down, a blush apparent on her cheeks, and sipped her own cup of tea once more.

"You look well." She didn't answer for a moment, waiting to see if the comment had been directed at Naomi. The silence answered that inquiry for her.

"Yes, Naomi-san has taken excellent care of me." Seto nodded.

"I am pleased to hear that."

"She still needs a day or two more of rest. After that, the little miss will be ready to take leave with you." Naomi smiled that kind smile of hers.

"That is very good news."

"Sir, forgive me, but I don't believe you have introduced yourself to me. Pray tell, what is your name?"

"Seto Kaiba, ma'am." Naomi looked thoughtful.

"Why does that ring a bell?" she asked, mostly to herself. After a moment, she snapped and perked up a little. "Ah yes! A young woman had come here earlier seeking you."

"A woman?" Seto asked; confusion in his face. Anzu squeezed her china, feeling her stomach give an envious flip. This astounded her, and she tried to ignore the feeling. Naomi nodded.

"Yes, sir. Didn't see her face, but I got her name. Minako. Does that ring a bell to you?"

"I'm afraid not." Seto shrugged. "Maybe she was sent by the Southern Clan with some scrolls or something like that. Probably nothing of grave importance."

"She did not sound urgent, but she said that she had been searching hard for a young man for a couple of days now."

"Well, thank you for the message."

"Of course. Anzu, dear, something the matter? You certainly are not speaking much."

"I suppose I'm still a little sleepy."

"Do you want to go and rest?"

"No, I'll be fine." Naomi gave a slightly skeptical look, but she did not object to her decision. She stood up.

"Well, I've been meaning to go to the market and pick up some fresh food for the stew I am making tonight. Mr. Kaiba, if you don't mind staying here, I'd love for you to join us tonight."

"I would enjoy that greatly, ma'am." She smiled.

"I'll be back soon." She put on a shawl and took a little basket before going out. Seto and Anzu sat there in an awkward silence for a while. Finally, she spoke.

"So…it's been quite a few days since I last saw you."

"Three."

"Why haven't you come to see me?" she asked, feeling a little hurt by how emotionless he sounded. Seto shrugged slightly.

"I'm honestly not sure myself. I've been thinking a lot these past few days."

"About?" she pressed on, her curiosity piqued.

"About…you. And about what went on. And…about what will happen next." She tilted her head, a little unsure as to what his meaning was. Seto looked away from her, trying to gather up his courage to tell her what he thought. After a second or two, he looked her in the eyes. "You went into battle because of me. You were hurt because of me. And you almost died because of me."

"It wasn't y-"

"No, Anzu. It was my fault." He clenched his fists. "Each day I feel guiltier about it. I want to put myself through what you went through because I deserve it." He shook his head, disgusted with himself. "I've been so conflicted…"

"Conflicted?" she repeated.

"About…whether or not I should…break your contract." Her eyes widened slightly.

"W-what?" she asked, unable to believe what she was hearing.

"I could set you free, pay you in full, and not have to worry about seeing you almost killed on my behalf. You could stay here with Naomi, or go anywhere else."

"But…but…"

"Or, you can stay with me and not go on anymore missions of mine. I just don't want to have to see an innocent person die, Anzu!" he snapped. "It's happened too many times to friends of mine, and I'm getting tired of it." She shrunk back a little at the rise of his temper.

"I-I see." He sighed and sat back.

"It's your choice."

"You're letting me decide?" she asked. He nodded.

"Yes." Seto hung his head, waiting with dread for her to demand her freedom. He waited for her to want to walk out of his life forever and leave him empty and frosted inside for all eternity.

But, she said nothing. Silence hung over them for a few minutes.

"What…do you want me to do?" she asked softly. He looked up in surprise. Her face was slightly reddened with embarrassment and she would not meet his gaze. "I admit, at first, I hated the thought of being near you. But…I've come to see you as…a comrade and…if I walk out now…"

"We probably will never see each other again." She nodded, hating herself for not picking the freedom. But she just could not force herself to do that.

"Exactly." He sighed.

"This is what conflicts me. I have to admit, you've grown on me. Since you've come, things have been more…interesting, shall we say." She couldn't help but smile at the way he worded that. "But, it's because of the fact that I'm growing, shall we say, fond of you, that I do not want to risk losing you."

"I understand."

"It's a difficult decision…" Anzu shut her eyes, wishing she did not have this turmoil going on.

She was telling herself to get out of the contract! Leave this man and never look back.

But there was this clandestine bond to him that continued to make her not want to leave him. This tantalizing man who was sucking her in deeper and deeper with each day and leaving her thoughts scrambled and her wants scattered.

Lustful impulses had gone through her head too many times for it to be healthy. But not just those. There were simple, cleaner thoughts of the two of them together, simply enjoying one another's company.

And it vexed her. Oh, how it vexed her.

Why did she feel this way? Did she simply want him? Did she like the security of being with him? After all, he had more than enough money to take care of her in good luxury for the rest of her days.

Or did she love him?

Her fingers convulsed slightly when that word entered her thoughts.

Love.

A word that was even more dangerous than fifty trained assassins setting their sights on her.

A feeling that could make her world, or completely make her existence crumble away into nothing.

Oh, how she loathed even that concept. It was an unnecessary complication that threw her world into even more tumult than she wanted or needed.

Still…

The whole idea was a beautiful thing. And she did dream of one day finding a good guy, starting a family, and living a happy life.

"Snap OUT of it, Anzu! Seto Kaiba is a cold, ruthless jerk! He'll only break your heart in the end. It's better to simply cut your losses and run!"

She wanted to agree with that. By GOD, did she want to agree. But something still wasn't letting her completely turn towards that direction.

"I don't know…" she finally said. "I cannot make a decision right now."

"Do you think you can think it over for the rest of the time you're here and tell me what you want to do in a few days?" he asked. She nodded.

"Yes." They sat there and waited for Naomi, feeling too awkward to talk.

The door opened and the familiar face popped in.

"Hello you two. You'll never believe who I bumped into at the market." With that special grin of hers, Naomi moved aside to reveal a person in a hooded cloak with the hood raised.

They walked into the cottage and lowered the hood, revealing the face of a beautiful woman, maybe a year or two older than Anzu. Her hair was curly, glossy, and ebony. Her eyes were dark and glittered like stars, and her lips were red and stood out prettily against her pale face. A lovely vision, indeed.

"Seto Kaiba, correct?" He gave her a look.

"Yes. And who are you?" he asked, not charmed by her good looks. She giggled a little and threw her arms up.

"Praise the gods, I have finally found you!" She ran over and threw her arms around him in an embrace. Anzu gasped and Seto stiffened up, his eye twitching a little. "My name is Minako!" she said joyfully.

"Yes, great. Why are you hugging? Speaking of which, would you stop?" She released him and moved back a little, grinning.

"I am your fiancé!" she exclaimed cheerfully. Anzu froze and twitched a little. Seto just sat there and stared at her, a look of complete incredulity, astonishment, and slight disturbance on his features.

"WHAT?" he and Anzu both yelled in unison, their eyes popping slightly.

YES! Fiancé! I assure you, I intend on explaining it next chapter. It's an interesting story, and I know it will piss you all off. FYI, I hate Minako too. You will all grow to hate her, trust me. EVERYONE DOES!

Which is always funny. So, uh, don't hunt me down in my sleep and kill me, please. I SWEAR I'll update soon! –Goes to hide from any and all crazy, homicidal reviewers- I JUST WANT TO MAKE IT A GOOD STORY!

And this was a hard chapter to write... -Stays hidden so reviewers can't kill me-