Melting the Ice

Chapter 25

Near the End

The dance seemed like a dream to Anzu. A month had passed since then as well as the gossip from the entire school. After the dance, many of the students hounded Anzu about how she went with the CEO. Anzu just smiled and reassured them all they were just friends. Some even attempted to approach Seto on the subject but in his usual demeanor, he brushed them off. However, the gossip ended. The final exams were coming up and most students needed to concentrate on passing to the next grade. Others were too excited for the summer holidays and where they would go or what they would do.

It was lunch break and most students were outside on the nice day. Anzu had her nose in her history textbook while writing notes on important topics. Her grades were high and she was determined to keep them that way. After all Seto did point out to the principal about how her grades never slipped since she started her job. Anzu grabbed a piece of broiled salmon from her Sake Bento box. Popping it in her mouth, she chewed as she read over a paragraph on the Edo Period.

Just then, Yugi, Jonouchi, and Honda entered the room all three stuffed from their lunches. Well Jonouchi may have been stuffed but he could have eaten a whole other lunch. Just then, he spotted Anzu holding a piece of salmon between her chopsticks, while holding up her textbook in the other hand. Sneaky, he crept over to the unknowing girl and chomped down on her salmon. Anzu jumped as she felt the tug on her sticks. She put her book down and saw Jonouchi eating her lunch. From the side Yugi and Honda both were shaking there heads.

"Jonouchi… that is my lunch!" she yelled slamming her hand loudly on the desk.

The blonde haired boy backed away as Anzu came around to chase him away. However, as she got up the wind she created knocked her papers off her desk. She gasped and crouched down to pick them up.

"My notes, oh man!" she frantically began places several pages of notes in order.

"Here Anzu let me help," Yugi offered.

Together they got all the notes in order and Anzu sighed with relief. The pages were both back and front covered. Jonouchi and Honda stared in amazement at how much someone could write, especially in small print.

"Wow Anzu why not just read the whole book," Honda joked.

"Very funny but unlike some people," She eyed the three boys. "I want to pass with GOOD grades."

The three boys grinned sheepishly. Their grades were not terrible but something that Anzu's parents would find unacceptable since they knew just how clever she was. Sitting back in her desk Anzu fixed her notes and began eating her lunch, eyeing Jonouchi just in case.

"I won't take any!" he said throwing his hands up in defense.

Anzu shook her head and began to eat. Yugi sat in the desk next to her while Honda leaned back on one. Jonouchi stood in front of her desk.

"So what are you doing once we're set free?" Yugi asked. "Jonouchi and I are going to join another duel monsters competition."

"That's great." Anzu said. "I'll probably be babysitting for a few weeks in and then sign up for dance classes. I saved enough money for the tuition. I want to get in as soon as I can."

"So you'll be quitting working with Kaiba?" Jonouchi asked.

"Well I suppose so." Anzu said thoughtfully. "Mokuba has improved greatly and hardly needs my help if at all."

"Speaking of Kaiba," Honda began. "What's going on between you two? You two were arm and arm at the dance and now you two look like nothing happened."

"Oh end of term and all besides… Kaiba and I are just friends."

Anzu smiled reassuring her friends and they fell for it. She almost fell for her lie. It was not the end of term. After the dance, nothing seemed to change, beside the fact that Seto told her they were friends. The relationship seemed nothing more than what it had been. It saddened Anzu greatly. She almost hoped that after watching Mokuba, her and Seto could have a friendly chat, maybe even have coffee together.

The bell rang signifying lunch was over. Anzu finished her bento quickly and readied herself for her next class. Yugi, Jonouchi, and Honda took their seats and got out their textbooks. As the students filed into the classroom, Anzu looked up and saw Seto walk inside the classroom. He sat down at his desk. Perhaps he felt Anzu's gaze on him for he turned his eyes to her. Anzu saw him; her cheeks went a light pink. She gave him a small wave.

For a moment, nothing happened. Anzu let out a small sigh seeing that Seto was just being himself. He was acting as if no one should bother him at all. However, to her surprise he gave her a small nod and then turned back to his paperwork. Anzu turned back to her work and smiled.

X, X, X,

"How long will you be?" Mokuba asked as Anzu and he entered the dance school.

"Not long," Anzu replied. "Now wait here and please do not go anywhere."

"I won't!"

Anzu smiled at the boy and entered the office of the headmistress. She was sitting across the desk from where Anzu sat last time. She looked the same as Anzu remembered. Her black rimmed glasses and her well-poised composer were the same. She was dressed in a white ruffled shirt and a charcoal color jacket. Her hair was pulled back in a tight bun. She smiled and held out her hand to signify Anzu to take the unoccupied seat.

The cerulean-eyed girl smiled and took the seat. She felt nervous yet excited at the same time. The headmistress was looking at a file on her desk and then when she finished she closed it and look over at her.

"I'm glad to see you again." She spoke in a confident voice.

"Thank you," Anzu replied. "I made the money for the tuition so I hope I can start in the summer sessions next month."

"Yes, if you pass the entrance exam."

Anzu tilted her head to the side in confusion. When she was first here, she was told she was accepted to the school.

"But last time I was already accepted."

"No, we accepted you as in you were allowed to take the entrance exam. You see our school operates in two parts: the ability to pay and the ability that you can dance. We do not just allow anyone in our school. We look for determined and talented dancers. Our teachers work very hard and we do not need some lazy inexperienced people wasting our time."

Anzu was taken aback. She never knew there was more to this. It was like a blow to the head. What if she had worked so hard and did not get in? Anzu gripped her handbag hard. Her hands began to sweat. The headmistress pulled out a large notebook with a calendar in it. She took out her fountain pen and scribbled something inside.

"We have an entrance exam in two weeks, which is also the last one before summer sessions. It will be held June seventh at three o'clock. I hope you will be able to make it."

Anzu noticed that the headmistress was eyeing her. Anzu nodded and stood up. She thanked and shook her hand before exiting the room. Outside the room, she saw Mokuba peeking inside a dance room. Several girls were inside doing a complicated routine. Anzu wondered how hard it was for them to enter. She also wondered how many tried and failed. Now her fear was would she be one of them? She had figure out a routine to impress them.

"Come on Mokuba," Anzu said. The young boy hurried along behind her to the waiting limousine. Anzu realized the seriousness of the situation. She tilted her head back and stared at the ceiling of the car. She closed her eyes trying to think of a routine in her head. She needed something upbeat, something that would wow the judges. Not to mention she needed music to go along with her routine.

Anzu shifted her eyes to Mokuba who was watching the TV inside the limousine. The end of the school term was coming and Anzu was positive Mokuba would pass with excellence. He would no longer need her. If she quit her job, she would have more time to focus dancing.

To quit being Mokuba's nanny struck her hard. The very thought sent a twinge of pain deep down inside her. Anzu stared at the boy but the pain about not being his nanny came from him. She knew he did not need her, he never really did. Where did the pain come from? Why did her heart ache so painfully? She knew exactly why but it was still something unresolved. Seto Kaiba, the older brother, she knew her feelings for him were genuine. Seto, however, has only recently accepted her as a friend.

When the two returned to the mansion, the servants were all bustling around the place. Several were vacuuming the carpets, others dusting and polishing the place. Some were scrubbing the floor, while on their hands and knees. Other servants were busy setting up tables in the dining room where Seto had normally his company parties.

"What's going on?" Anzu said standing in the doorway with Mokuba.

"I'm guessing a party." Mokuba replied.

"Ah, Master Mokuba you are home." A chubby servant called out. She looked at the young boy with glee. "Your brother wants you to bathe and get ready for the party tonight. All of the corporate heads of Kaiba Corps International branches are coming."

"Why tonight?" Anzu asked.

"Oh, yeah Seto was working on this new thing for duel monsters. I forgot all about it." Mokuba grinned. "Anzu you should come to the party too! Seto would not mind."

"I'll have to get something to wear."

X, X, X,

After returning to her home to get some clothes, the limousine returned her to the Kaiba Mansion. Mokuba left her in a spacious entertainment room saying he would return to escort her to the party. Anzu thought the young boy was adorable for the way he acted. Anzu was dressed in a simple ice blue baby doll dress and heels. Her hair was loose and she wore a touch of makeup to accent her already beautiful face.

Bored waiting, Anzu turned on the radio that was near by and found a nice upbeat song. It was a good beat and something that would be good for dancing at a club. The rhythm was easy to follow. Anzu quickly began to step to the rhythm, a dance coming quickly to her head. Instantly, she began to think about the entrance test. She spun around in one flowing, graceful movement. Anzu closed her eyes thinking about being able to dance in front of people, her dream. Her dream she had since she was a child. All eyes would be on hers, her family and her friends. She could see her mom and dad in the audience in her head. Yugi, Jonouchi, Honda, Ryou and Mokuba would be there cheering her on. Suddenly, Anzu stopped. Would Seto be there watching her from the crowd?

He never seemed that interested in her dancing, for all she knew, he probably thought it was a waste of time. Anzu frowned. Seto Kaiba would not be caught dead watching her dance. She got that vibe from him. He was all work and no play.

"Well, well look what we have here a dancing monkey." An all too familiar voice spoke.

Anzu spun around and saw the infamous Ms Green. Her blonde locks were in curls that cradled her face, which made her look beautiful, model like. Her slim waist and big bust were covered in a very formfitting dress that would make many men drool.

"So YOU were invited to the party. Surprising that Mr. Kaiba still has you around. After all, I still never understood what he sees in such a plain Jane like you."

"None of your damn business," Anzu retorted.

"I don't really care. No matter what you say or do, Mr. Kaiba always prefers looking at me when I am around. I am sure he prefers a woman to a scarecrow like you.

Anzu glared at the female CEO from the U.S. She cared nothing about people. All she wanted was money and she new that Seto Kaiba had it. To think if she married him, not only would she expand her wealth she would be instantly one of the richest woman in the world. The very thought made Anzu nauseated."I don't have time for this." Anzu said turning her head away. "You are not worth my time."Ms. Green smiled. She tossed her blond locks behind her and let out a scoff. Anzu ignored her, not wanting to listen to another word. No, she did not even want to be in the same place as this infuriating woman. She would go home and continue practicing. Forget the party. Having to deal with her was more than enough for Anzu."What... don't you want to stay for dinner?" a coy expression on her face."I have to practice." Anzu replied through gritted teeth."Yeah, you sure do need it."Anzu clenched her fist tightly. It took all her will to keep herself from smashing her fist into the CEO's face. Anzu finished packing her things up and headed for the door but Ms. Green stood in the way. Her smug expression made Anzu's eyes flicker with fire. Anzu waited for the CEO to move from the doorway but instead, she blocked it."Move," Anzu said toneless."What's the magic word," Ms Green mocked.Anzu scowled, "PLEASE move."Ms Green stepped to the side giving Anzu the ability to move past her. Anzu began to walk past but the wicked CEO slid her foot in the way, hooking on to one of Anzu's causing the girl to tumble to the floor. Ms Green let out a hysterical laugh, not even bothering to cover her mouth or excusing how rude she was acting. Anzu glared at her. She had it. She grabbed the blonde-haired woman by her long locks and began yanking on them with much force. Ms. Green's laughter ended abruptly only to become shrieking.Anzu yanked her as hard as she could, threatening to tear out her the CEO's
hair. Anzu dragged her out into the hallway holding tightly to the locks. Ms Green followed her while continuing to shriek in terror."Let go you dumb bitch!" her screams echoed throughout the hall.

Suddenly, Ms Green grabbed onto Anzu's blouse while her nails dug deep into her skin. Anzu let out a yelp, feeling the blonde-haired woman's nails drive into her like a dog bite. Suddenly, the two began to wrestle across the floor, into a full-blown catfight. However, their screams had not gone unnoticed. Several moments later, Seto Kaiba, Mokuba, and everyone that had just arrived for the dinner party were now staring in shock.In the middle of the floor, Anzu and Ms Green were both in mess. Their clothes were torn, hair astray, and the fight was getting dirtier. Ms Green began clawing at Anzu, her nails striking her chin and neck. Anzu bit Ms Green's arm in hope of getting her to let go of her. Everyone in the hall stared in disbelief, except Seto Kaiba, who instead of looking shocked looked furious."ENOUGH!" he shouted before grabbing both girls by the upper arms.He yanked both women to their feet with much force that he separated them. However, Ms Green was ready to go at it, ignoring the fact that she was making a fool of herself. Julian Carver rushed forward and helped restrain Ms. Green. Despite his old age, he was quite strong. Seto on the other hand kept a firm grip on Anzu's arm forcing her to keep still.

"Mr. Carver, I suggest you take Ms. Green back to the hotel you are staying at this instant," he said in a no nonsense voice.As she was being escorted away, Ms Green let out a foul scream. Seto ignored Anzu and pressed a button on his jacket informing several of his security guards to come to his position. When they arrived, he stated that the party would not take place and everyone was to leave the vicinity. Seto pushed Anzu into the room she had been practicing and glared at her."Don't move from this room," he threatened.He slammed the door shut, causing Anzu to jump. She swallowed hard and sat down on the sofa her hands still clenched tightly. She had gone too far, excessively far. Even if Ms Green was irritating, nothing gave her the right to attack her like that. Yet, she had lost all reason and now very well lost any respect Seto Kaiba had seen in her. Anzu hung her head and looked at her hands. It was then she noticed blond hair in her hand.Anzu gulped realizing Ms Green may have been mad, but the female CEO would definitely be angrier when she found out she would have a bald spot on her head. Anzu would have laughed but the thought of what Seto would do to her drowned any humor the situation would have had.After waiting about ten to fifteen minutes, the door the room flew open and banged against the wall. Anzu jumped as she saw the dark silhouette of Seto Kaiba. He approached her, his eyes glaring at her, cutting through her like a knife. Anzu wanted to apologize but all her courage fled her the moment he entered."Do you realize what a fool you made yourself look like tonight?" he questioned dangerously, "Fighting like two idiot cats? I expected better from you"

Anzu lowered her eyes unable to face him."Worse than a child, you embarrassed me in front of everyone." the scolding continued.Anzu felt tears form in her eyes. She did not mean to but a person could only take so much. She listened to Seto scold her more and more when she could not even handle that anymore. She stood up suddenly, tears pouring from her eyes.

"I'M SORRY!" she shouted. "I know I should have ignored her but I couldn't! I tried but she got under my skin and I could not take it. I am sorry I cannot deal with it like you! I am under a lot of pressure. I have only one chance at getting into this dance school, by the end of the school year Mokuba won't need me anymore, I have exams I need to past, I have a million other things I have to do and I have no time, and it's JUST SO HARD!"Anzu burst into tears. She felt even more like a fool then when she was wrestling. Why did she have to cry in front of him and look weak? Seto stared at her and shook his head. He placed a hand on her head gently. Without thinking, Anzu flung her arms around the CEO's waist and cried into his chest. Her warm tears were spilling on his black shirt. Seto was taking aback, but instead of telling her not to cry, he let her continue. Sometimes, crying just made you feel better.

When the girl stopped crying, Seto noticed her blouse was covered in a deep crimson. He lifted it up to see punctures in her ivory skin. Ms Green's nails had certainly done a nasty job. Seto took her to a bathroom before retrieving a first aid kit. He cleaned her wound for her without so much as word. He bandaged it up and then cleaned up."Thank you," Anzu said gratefully. "If... you don't want me to come by anymore... I understand."

"No," Seto said, "It's all right Anzu. Mokuba still needs you. However, are you sure about quitting being his nanny?"

Anzu looked down and nodded. "Mokuba is a very bright kid. I think we both know that this was to get attention. Anyone hates being neglected. Still, if I get into this dance school I won't have any time at all to watch Mokuba."

"When you get into that school," Seto corrected. "I'll send a driver up front to take you home."

When Seto left, Anzu slumped to her knees. She rubbed her face in frustration. She stared at the floor for a moment until she noticed a shadow blocking the light from the door. She could tell whose silhouette. Her eyes tilted up and she saw Mokuba standing in the doorway.

She smiled at him but the young boy's face looks sadden. His wide eyes looked as they were about to pour out tears.

"Mokuba, what is it?" Anzu questioned her voice full of concern.

"Anzu, are you going to quit being my nanny?" his voice quaking.

Anzu closed her eyes slowly then opened them to look at the boy. She stood up and then nodded, confirming the boy's question. Mokuba turned his head down and vigorously wiped his eyes with his sleeve.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "But this is my dream."

Mokuba did not say anything. Instead, he bolted from the room before Anzu could say another word. He rushed through the many corridors. He did not go to his room. Instead, he flung himself into a smaller private guest room. He buried his face in a pillow and sobbed. The young boy had grown attach to Anzu. He loved the feeling of having someone there with him. It even made Seto pay more attention to the boy. He feared that her leaving would make things go back to they way they were. He did not want that. The very thought of it weighed heavy on his mind.

X, X, X,

Author Note- Another chapter down before I have to return to classes. Well enjoy and please leave a review.