Melting the Ice
Chapter 21
Frozen and Plain

Anzu stared as the CEO stood in the doorway. The same went for Principle Tanaka because his mouth was hanging open. His lower lip was quivering as if Seto intimidated him. The secretary was looking at Tanaka from behind not sure what to do. However, Seto calmly took the empty chair next to Anzu but his eyes never met hers. Tanaka closed the door and retuned to his desk but not before taking a handkerchief and dabbing his now sweaty brow.

"Hello, Mr. Kaiba," the principle gulped. "If you would like to speak to me after I finish with Miss Mazaki here then I will get to you as soon as possible."

Seto's cobalt blue eyes glared at him, the same cold glare Anzu was used to getting. The young girl could not understand how her boss was intimidating their principle. Not to mention why Seto was sitting in this office now to begin with. Anzu felt the lump grow in the back of her throat. She tried to swallow it and try to talk to her boss but she was at a loss. Mr. Tanaka placed his handkerchief back in his pocket and adjusted his spectacles.

Seto let out an annoyed snort. He then folded his hands casually and leaned back in the chair he was sitting in. Anzu looked between the two. All of a sudden, it felt tense in the room.

"Mr. Kaiba, to what may I ask do I owe this pleasure?"

"I heard that Mazaki is being expelled," Kaiba spoke casually. "I'm under the impression she broke a school rule?"

"Yes, she did Mr. Kaiba and she will be expelled." Tanaka confirmed.

"To what accusations, pray tell?" Seto continued.

"She has taken an after-school job which is forbidden here, as you well may know. The consequence stated in the school handbook is expulsion."

Seto nodded. "Yes, by all means you have to follow the rules. Expel her from this school."

Anzu looked down. She felt it was all over and now Seto was here to laugh at her misfortune. She closed her eyes feeling like she could cry again. Everything she dreamed of was now going up in smoke. Hanging her head low, she brought her hands up to cover her face, not wanting either of the men to see her break down and cry. Yet, what happened next left her at a loss for words.

"But, Mr. Tanaka, if you expel her then I guess you will be expelling me from the school as well." Seto said firmly.

"Why no, Mr. Kaiba, why would we expel you?" Tanaka said confused by Seto. "You are a top student after all!"

Seto smirked at the compliment. "Yes, but I have also broken your school rule Mr. Tanaka. The same school rule as Mazaki in fact. I too have an after-school job. You do know I am the CEO of Kaiba Corporation, right?"

Anzu's eyes flashed open as she stared at her boss in disbelief. Why in the world was he standing up for her? Why would someone as smart as he be stupid enough to try to get them both expelled? Anzu wanted to protest but Seto made it clear that he did not want her to speak when he raised his hand to keep her from talking. Anzu then noticed the principle was edgy. He had his handkerchief back out and was patting his moistened head.

"Mr. Kaiba you are a special case," Tanaka tried to reason.

"Am I, Mr. Tanaka?" Seto said fiercely. "I believe she is also a top student. Ever since she took the job she has not let one of her grades slip. Not to mention she is working for me as my brother's nanny, which is something I don't just trust to anyone. However, if you wish to continue and expel her then I must resign from this school as well."

Now Principle Tanaka was as pale as a ghost. Something was going on here that Anzu did not understand. For whatever reason, the principle did not want Seto Kaiba to leave this school.

"Well, I guess the school can bend the rules just this one," He said reluctantly. "She is a top student and if she is working for you I'm sure it will be all right."

Seto nodded and stood up. Anzu stood up as well, staring in disbelief at what just happened. Somehow, Seto Kaiba had just saved her from being expelled from Domino High and she still had her job. After saying good-bye to the principle, Seto and Anzu left the office and went out into the hallway. Few of the early-bird students were standing by the door, wondering what was going on. But Seto gave them a piercing glare, causing them all to scatter.

"How?" Anzu asked suddenly.

Kaiba shifted his cobalt eyes toward her. He let out a smirk. "Mazaki, I'm the richest man in this damn school. The reason they won't kick you out is because of me. If I were to leave, the principle would look incompetent. I also happen to donate to this place."

"No, how did you find out I was being expelled?"

Kaiba let out an annoyed grunt. "Are you really that dumb? You told Mokuba and obviously he came and told me everything."

"Oh, well, thank you. But I guess... you ought to be firing me now."

"Mazaki, if I were to fire you I would never hear the end of it from Mokuba. You still have your job. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a business meeting to get to."

Anzu watched him go. She lowered her eyes trying not to cry at how happy she was. Perhaps, Seto Kaiba was a decent person, even if he did have a conceited disposition. She was grateful for everything he had done and maybe that is why she was falling for him. Deep down she believed the CEO was really kind and caring. Somewhere under his cold exterior, there was a gentle man. Someone she wanted to know better.

X, X, X,

"I'm so glad you were not expelled," Ryou said as he and Anzu stood at their lockers after school.
"Yeah, it was a relief to me too but I wonder something," she said closing the door. "I wonder if Yugi really did tell everyone about me working for Kaiba."

Ryou placed his backpack on and pondered it. "Even if he was mad at you, I don't think Yugi would have done that. Friendship is deep and between you and the others, I don't think they would ever intentionally betray you."

Anzu sighed. He had a point. She could not see Yugi doing something like that but who else could it have been? Anzu closed her locker and the noticed Yugi leaving school alone. She wanted to go out to talk to him about the situation but after the way she acted how could she?

"It's never going to be the same between us is it?" she asked Ryou, hopelessly.

"Everything will work out in the end, Anzu." He said brightly. "Darn, I have to get going I'll see you tomorrow!"

With that, Ryou ran out of the school, bounding down the school steps. Anzu watched him go and sighed. She really hoped that he was right. Glancing down at her watch, she realized she had to hurry so she would not be late meeting up with Mokuba.

X, X, X,

At the mansion, Mokuba was complaining about being cooped up inside. The snow was laying thick outside and it seemed it would never stop. He wanted to go outside but the problem was the increasingly cold temperature. Mokuba stared outside his window, a plate of chocolate chip cookies and a tall glass of milk next to him. He nibbled at the food the cook brought up for him to snack on. Anzu watched the boy from behind her textbook and felt bad for him. She wanted to get out too. Placing her book down, Anzu stood up.

"How about we go down to your game room and do something," Anzu asked. "I'm sick of studying for now. I definitely need a break."

"Okay, better then staying in this room," he began munching on another cookie.

The two quickly headed down to the game room, which was an impressive room. It had games like pool, ping-pong, air hockey, and other table games. There were also large arcade games decorating a far wall, there was even a table for card games and a mini bar. Anzu still could not believe how lucky Mokuba was. There was more stuff in this room then in her whole house.

"I swear, every time I come into one of your rooms my head spins." She said honestly.

"Yeah well, when it gets warmer we need to go swimming in our pool outside. We have an indoor one but we had to drain it for cleaning."

"Mokuba stop before I have a heart attack and die." Anzu protested. "You and your brother are so lucky. You were born with so much luxury!"

Mokuba eyes fell to the floor. When Anzu noticed, she wondered why he was looking upset. Did she offend him in some way?

"I'm sorry," she apologized.

"Its okay, Seto and I are lucky to have this house but I'm lucky to have him… after…"

The young boy began to tear up. Soon he was crying uncontrollably. Anzu panicked. She grasped the boy and began apologizing wishing she knew what she said that offended him so much.

Suddenly, she hugged him and began crying too. "I'm sorry, please don't cry."

Mokuba buried his face into her shoulder. His tear dampened her shirt. He wrapped his arms around and cried for a moment longer until he pulled away and wiped his eyes. The younger Kaiba brother did not want to look like a crybaby in front of anyone, least of all a girl. He screwed up his face, trying to look tough. Anzu could see he was still upset.

"What's wrong? Please tell me." She asked kindly.

"Anzu, when we, Seto and I, were little we lived in an orphanage. Our parents died and all we had left was each other. Seto promised to protect me and that he would find a way for both of us to be adopted. Most people wanted just Seto because he was so smart but he would not go. People used to talk behind my back at the orphanage about how I was a burden to my brother but Seto stayed by my side. People use to pick on me there too but he watched over me."

Anzu could see the tears threatening to fall. Gently she patted his shoulder, tenderly holding him to her, like a mother to a child. Mokuba sighed, reliving those memories hurt and it initially scarred him.

"Sometimes, I think Seto would be better off if I wasn't around." He stated sadly.

"NO WAY!" Anzu gasped. "Mokuba don't you ever talk like that. You are your brother's life. He needs you and if you weren't around who knows what would happen to him? Everything he does is for you and if you were not around... I would be sad."

Mokuba looked up at her cerulean eyes. "You would be sad?"

"Of course, we are friends and I love you as if you were my kid brother."

Mokuba threw his arms around Anzu happily. She made him feel better instantly. He gave his biggest smiles, looking so adorable. Together, the two began to play some games, feeling much better.

When it came time to leave, Anzu packed up her things and headed down to the main hall with the younger Kaiba brother in tow. The two chatted excitedly about how much fun they had that they almost forgot about the small tear fest. As Anzu walked down the steps in the main hall, she saw the front door being opened by a butler. Anzu watched as Seto Kaiba walked in but he was not alone. Stepping out from behind him, Anzu felt her breath stop and her blood drain from her face. Golden blond locks that cascaded her face, large beautiful orbs, a perfect complexion, and an hourglass figure, stood the woman Anzu knew. Someone she knew all too well, whether she liked it or not.

"Oh, Mr. Kaiba your place is exquisite," Miss Green, said in perfect Japanese. "Oh my, is that your little brother? I swear her gets cuter and cuter every time I see him."

Mokuba gritted his teeth into the fakest smile. Miss Green passed by Seto who was taking off his blue trench coat. Miss Green was wearing a white faux fur coat over a skimpy business suit. Her face although perfect was layered with make up, thick black eyeliner, shades of blue eye shadow, rouge on her cheeks, and red lipstick.

You only met me once lady. He thought to himself.

Miss Green patted Mokuba on the head, ignoring the look he gave her. Then for the first time she noticed Anzu. Her fake smile turned even faker as she saw her. Her perfect white teeth glinted in the light reminding Anzu of a shark.

"Well if it isn't the nanny," she said. "Why you look positively plain in those school uniforms. Are you sure this is the same girl from that night at the party?"

Seto did not answer. Instead, he looked over at Mokuba, his eyes never looking at Anzu. Seeing Miss Green made Anzu feel a twinge of pain in her heart. It felt like it was going to burst and then she felt like pounding the blond haired woman into the ground.

"Miss Green and I need to discuss some financial details about the company. Go to bed."

Then without a word or even a glance to Anzu, Kaiba headed through the twin doors under the staircase. Anzu watched him go, wishing he said something to her, anything actually. It made her want to scream at him for ignoring her. Miss Green could only grin as she casually flipped her perfect blond locks. She then followed Seto through the double doors.

X, X, X,

"ARG, what is that bitch doing here?" Anzu cried shoving her face in her pillow. "That stupid bitch makes me feel so inferior I hate her. I cannot stand her. Why is she here anyway and why did you ignore me Kaiba. You notice me when I'm doing something stupid but when a leggy blond is flipping her hair I don't exists."

The moment Anzu left she felt herself want to scream so loud that she could have killed. She was jealous of Miss Green, she admitted. She hated how perfect she looked and how well ordinary she looked. Compared to her, any man would choose that scanty executive over her and it made her sad. If Seto Kaiba wanted someone, she would probably be on top of his list. She had looks and money while Anzu was plain and scarping just to earn money for dance school.

"It's not fair," she cried. "Why do I have to like someone like Kaiba? How can I get him to notice me? I am so plain but maybe if I change myself he will notice me. Then, maybe I can tell him that I like him."

With that thought in her mind, Anzu fell asleep. The next morning she awoke feeling worse. During the school day she heard so much gossip going on about her and Kaiba it made her want to punch someone out. She still could not face Yugi, feeling foolish the way she accused him without actually knowing he did it. Worse of all though, she hated how jealous she was feeling over Miss Green. Anzu had been confident about her looks but lately, as in New York, she felt so out of place, so plain. Her mind was so stressed she did not notice school was over and it was time to pick up Mokuba. However, as she was leaving school the Kaiba Corp Limousine pulled up.

Many of the students were staring. It opened up and turned out to be Mokuba picking Anzu up. She quickly ducked into the limousine to avoid the curious students. She was sick of the gossip but luckily today was Friday and she would not hear anything until Monday. Once the car was in motion, Anzu breathed a sigh of relief.

"Mokuba, what are you doing here?" she asked.

"Picking you up, Seto said you and I are going to meet him at this restaurant at six and you should get ready. It takes girls hours to get ready."

"Quiet Mokuba," Anzu laughed.

Soon the two found themselves at Anzu's house. She allowed Mokuba inside and fixed him a drink while she went and got ready. As Anzu stared into her closet, she noticed the dress Kaiba had given her, the most beautiful dress she ever wore. The two dresses she did have were nothing compared to this. Yet, now that she looked at it, she felt like she could not wear it. Pushing it aside, she grabbed the black dress that was in there and dressed into it. The dress was long sleeved and a turtleneck. It went down to her thighs but hugged her curves. She then began to brush her hair, wondering what she could possibly do with it. She tried styling it certain ways only to scrap the idea.

"It looks terrible," she muttered.

"What looks terrible?" Mokuba asked form the doorway.

Anzu turned to face him. She pointed up to her brown locks wishing she had beautiful hair like Miss Green. The moment she thought that, she felt like smacking herself.

"My hair looks terrible," she said.

"No it doesn't," Mokuba replied. "I think its looks pretty and who cares what your hair looks like."

I care because I want to get your brother to notice me. She thought sadly.

"Thanks Mokuba," she said, pinning the side of hair with a silver barrette. Mokuba watched her intently as she began to do her make up. He never really noticed Anzu wearing make up ever, and if she did, it was very light and natural. Now she was piling it on to accent her features like those that Miss Green did. Satisfied, Anzu stood up still feeling plain but she had to go in confident. Seto would definitely notice her tonight.

When six rolled around, Mokuba and Anzu stepped out at a fancy restaurant. Anzu wished she owned some expensive jewelry because every other girl inside had gold necklaces, diamond rings, and other fancy jewelry glittering their bodies. The host ushered the two to the table where Seto was sitting, but he was not alone. Sitting to his left was Miss Green looking even more provocative then usual. She was wearing and incredibly low cut dress that showed off the valley between her breasts and her upper abdomen. The dress wrapped around her neck and there was a tiny clasp keeping the dress from exposing her full d-cup breasts. The dress came down to her thighs and she was wearing high-heeled red sandals. She wore large gold hoop earrings and bracelets.

Anzu was shocked to see such a revealing dress let alone in this cold weather, however it did not seem to bother the girl. When she saw Anzu, her ruby red lips curved up into a smile, her thick black eyelashes sweeping over her eyes. Any man in this room would have killed to be in Seto's position.

"Well, if it isn't the nanny and little Mokuba," she smiled. She then moved closer to Seto, who did not take notice. "Thank you for taking me out, it's so sad I'll be returning to New York tonight, these past few days were so tiresome."

Anzu felt her anger rise but she did not show it. SHE WAS HERE FOR A FEW DAYS. No wonder Kaiba was not at school. He was busy at work with her. I hate being jealous of her but I am, the one out of place.

Anzu took a seat, trying her best not to look upset. She looked over the menu but her eyes kept shifting to Seto who did not seem to notice the desire in Miss Green's eyes. It made Anzu sick and want to vomit right away. The dinner dragged on and Anzu wished she had not come. All she kept hearing was the blond haired woman talking about things she could care less about. As dinner ended, Seto excused himself, needing to take a call. Mokuba went to the bathroom. Anzu tried to avoid Miss Green but she was staring at her.

"What is it?" Anzu asked, knowing the girl wanted to say something.

"Nothing, it's just that you look nothing like that girl back in New York. I guess the fairy godmother's magic wore off and you're back to plain Jane."

"Well sorry I'm only sixteen and not some top executive."

"Oh, well I was certain Mr. Kaiba would have given you a more appropriate dress to wear, that one is far too ugly but I guess I was wrong about you two. Oh well I guess magazines do lie."

Anzu arched an eyebrow. "Magazines, what does a magazine have to do with any of this?"

Miss Green gave her a devilish grin as if she was waiting for this moment. Anzu hated the look on her face. She hated this woman completely. She made Anzu feel less of herself and she had never felt like that before. It made her mad that Kaiba was so enthralled with her and did not even notice her one bit. What she did next though, made Anzu feel like crying. The blonde haired woman held out a tabloid from American. The front picture was of her and Kaiba dancing back in New York.

"What is this?" she gaped.

"Oh this is a newspaper from America, you see inside here there is a unique article saying you and Mr. Kaiba are an item. I, of course, wanted to see if it was true so I asked a few girls at your school but they were shocked. Yet, with the way he treats you I guess I am wrong."

She could see the horror on her face. Now Anzu fully knew who let the cat out of the bag. Whether it was intentionally or not, it was not Yugi's fault. Miss Green stood up and placed on her faux fur coat.

"Well I have to go catch a plane dear, it was so nice seeing you again," she trotted off leaving Anzu horrified.

Everything that had went wrong this week was because of her. It made her blood boil. She felt like screaming but instead, tears began to fall from her eyes. Without thinking, she bolted from the table and ran from the restaurant. As she ran out, Mokuba was walking out of the bathroom when he saw Anzu running. Immediately he went to find his big brother.

Anzu ran blindly though the snowy sidewalk. Without thinking, she left the restaurant without her coat and the winter air was harsh. Anzu ran as fast as she could until her high-heeled shoes gave away and she found herself landing hard on the cold hard ground. She tried to get up but her ankle wrenched with pain. Tear poured freely down her face ruining her makeup. She felt foolish. She yelled at Yugi for doing something he did not do, she almost was expelled, and Seto did not even notice her. She was as Miss Green said, a plain Jane. There was no way she could be with him the way she was and there was no way she could be as beautiful as the seductress executive was.

Anzu sat on the ground shivering, alone. Her salty warm tears stung at her face.

Anzu felt as if everything could go wrong when a coat suddenly draped itself over her shoulders. The cerulean-eyed girl looked up to see Seto and Mokuba. The coat now sheltering her from the cold belonged to Kaiba, his signature blue trench coat.

"God you are so clumsy," Seto said. "What the hell do you think you were doing running out like that. Are you trying to get sick? Are you stupid?"

Anzu turned her head shamefully away. She wanted to yell and scream at him for the way he treated her, like a ghost that night. Yet, instead, she continued to cry. Before she knew it, Seto and picked the young girl up bridal style.

"Your ankle is swollen, we'll go back to my place since its closer and the doctor can look at it."

Anzu felt her face redden as he carried her off. His intense blue eyes looked so cold yet at that moment, she never felt so warm near him. Her cold body was sucking the warmth from him, needing the heat to warm her chilled body. How could Seto Kaiba, a man so cold, feel so warm?

X, X, X,

Returning to the mansion, a doctor came and bandaged Anzu's ankle, telling her to stay off it for a while. When he left, Anzu stared at her ankle. Her body felt so warm. She reached up to touch her shoulders when she noticed the trench coat was still around her. She had to return it to Seto.

Carefully she limped out of the door and down the hall. The hall was dark, the only light coming from the moon glow from the windows. She turned her head to look out the window when she noticed someone walking outside. On closer inspection, it was Seto!

Anzu limped as fast as she could to the door that led to the gardens. Outside she could see no sign of him personally but only a trail of footprints in the snow. Following them, she tightened the grip of coat around her shoulders. The night air was colder then before. She quietly followed the tracks until she saw him. She went to call his name when she noticed where he was. The CEO was sitting on the edge of his angel fountain he once told her was called "Heaven's Tears."

He was slumped over, head in his hands and with no jacket on. Seto never looked up but Anzu could see he was troubled over something and all she wanted to do was hold him. She wanted to hold him the way he did. Anzu's eyes looked up at the Angels; they looked as though they were sympathizing with the young CEO. The one with her hand stretched out look as though she wanted to hold Seto, take him from whatever pain was hurting him. Breathing, Anzu could have just stared for the longest time when he looked up and saw her. The two looked at one another, Anzu feeling embarrassed. She turned her head slightly, and walked toward him.

"It's cold out," she said. "You should be wearing this."

"I'm used to it." He muttered coldly. "Shouldn't you be at home?"

Anzu felt her heart drop and her eyes saddened. The way he sounded as though the kind gesture never happened. It disheartened her but at least now, he noticed her. She slipped off her coat and placed it on the marble fountain next to him.

"I'm sorry for troubling you." She said. As she took a step to leave, her swollen ankle collapsed on her, making her fall onto the fountain.

"You shouldn't be walking on it and put the damn coat on. You'll catch a fever or something, stupid."

"Speak for yourself," Anzu said bitterly. "You are such a jerk to me Kaiba. You are so lucky living in the lap of luxury. Are your mean to me because I'm poor?"

"No, it's because you are stupid." Suddenly she found the coat wrapped around her. "And you weren't bothering me. I came out here to clear my head. I had a big business deal that almost fell through and not to mention that idiot executive clinging to me."

Anzu felt a small smile twitch at her lips when she heard that last part. She huddled under the larger jacket as a cold breeze hit them.

"Well, she's gone and you got the deal so everything is okay," Anzu smiled.

"Yeah, whatever, nothing is ever easy, nothing."

Anzu then noticed Seto was staring at his hands, his eyes so intense that it was scary. His fingertips brushed across the palm as if there was suppose to be something there.

"Are you okay?" she asked softly.

"No, my hands are bleeding," he said absently.

Anzu blinked, his hands were not bleeding and at the moment, Kaiba looked lost in his thoughts. She wanted to reach out and touch him, wake him from whatever illusion he was sucked in by. He was so cold that it scared her.

"My hands stopped bleeding but they kept hurting, he wouldn't let me stop working. I kept working, no sleep, little food, until I thought I was going to die. When I passed out, he would hit me, until that day where I killed him. He jumped out of a window when I took over the company. I made sure that man would hurt me though, never Mokuba but he hurt me so much that I promised to ruin him. I took over his company and then I owned Kaiba Corps. I am the reason Gozaburo Kaiba is dead. I then made sure no other company would best me and I would make sure other companies would fall to me. Many went bankrupt and the executives killed themselves. My hands are bloody, incredibly… bloody."

Just then, Kaiba slumped forward. Anzu gasped and grabbed onto his shoulder screaming his name. His body felt frozen to her. A moment later, he regained consciousness and pushed her away, as if disgusted by her.

"Go home Mazaki," he ordered.

Anzu stared at him. A moment ago, he was spilling out secrets and now he was back to the Seto Kaiba she loathed. Anzu dropped the coat and walked off, unable to look at him. Tears threatened to fall again but she kept on walking. Seto Kaiba had a heart of ice, frozen solid.

He'll never see me as friend or anything else. If I want to be with him, I'll have to change myself and then maybe… he'll look at me.

X, X, X,

Author Note- Another chapter ends. Well, I hope you all enjoyed it. I'm also grateful for the reviews. Thanks so much!