I'm back! Thanks a bunch to everyone who reviewed. (You guys rock! –hugs to all-)

Thanks to :

ThefutureMs.Kaiba- Thanks for your nice review, I luv your stories!

Peeps- Thanks, Chapter two is here!

SportZScooby- I thought Thornshipping was weird too, but not it seems pretty interesting to me. Thanks for the review

Avataria- Wow! You're the person who wrote Sacrifice! I love that fic!

Kayvy- Thanks for reviewing!

I'd just like to clarify a few things:

Anzu is 19 in this story. Seto, Malik and Yami are all 20. I now this is totally wrong but Mokuba is around eight, or just a REALLY immature teen. I know that everyone should be in college or university, but just pretend for my sanity, k?

And here are the Japanese/English names of the characters, in case you get confused about who I'm talking about, since I use the JP names most of the time unless I accidentally use the US ones.

Anzu Mazaki Tea Gardener

Yami (I don't like using the 'other Yugi' name) Yami Yugi (Sometimes I might use Atemu instead)

Jou Katsuya Joey Wheeler

Honda Hirota Tristan

Shizuka Kawai Serenity Wheeler

Isis Isis (I don't like typing Ishitzu all the time…)

Otogi Ryouji Duke Devlin

Seto, Mai, Yugi, Bakura, Ryou, Mokuba, Malik and Malik are all the same.

Thanks for the votes and wonderful reviews!…now here's chapter two!

Disclaimer: Yeah, I own YGO, really! And as I sit by the window, I see a pig fly by…which means I don't own YGO so don't sue!

Chapter two: Reunions and Interviews

Nov. 30

When Anzu entered her house, she was surprised to find that nothing had changed since she had last left. Her academic awards were still there and her favorite teddy bears were still safe in her room. Anzu explored every room, finding memories as she rearranged some precious things. Her parents had kept everything neat and tidy but nothing had changed. Anzu smiled happily when she reached her room then, exhausted, plopped down on her bed and promptly fell asleep.

(--)

Around noon, Anzu awoke and decided she had to resist jet lag and get up. Anzu changed into a warm, black wooly sweater and jeans before making a salad from vegetables left in the fridge. Then she noticed a short note on the refrigerator door.

Welcome back Anzu!

Your father and I missed you tremendously and are both extremely disappointed that we don't get to see you this Christmas. Feel free to do anything you want and raid the fridge. Relatives might come over around Christmas and please decorate the house. Try not to get the house messy and in case you need anything, call my cell, but only call in emergencies.

-Mom

P.S. Your Christmas present is beneath the tree, don't open it until Christmas though!

Anzu smiled at the note and surely enough, a ribbon-covered gift was beneath the un-decorated tree. After she finished her lunch, Anzu decided to pay a visit to the game shop and her friends.

She took out her old roller skates and slipped them on, dropping her shoes into her messenger bag with her journalist equipment before she skated away to see her friends, the first time in almost two years.

(--)

At the game shop, Anzu switched her roller skates for her running shoes and took a deep breath. She peered into the shop and smiled.

"How lucky can I get?" she laughed to herself at the scene in front of her.

Besides for Yugi (who had grown a bit taller) and his Grandpa, Jou, Mai and Ryou were all there, laughing about something.

Anzu smiled widely before opening the door.

"I'm sorry but we're closed right now." Yugi said as he heard the door open. Then his violet eyes turned huge as he noticed who it was.

But before he could react, Jou got to Anzu first.

"Anzu!" he yelled, giving his friend a huge hug. Anzu laughed and hugged Jou back. That's when everyone else reacted.

"Anzu!" they all yelled as Anzu was crushed by hugs. Anzu laughed as she smiled at all her friends.

"Nice to see you guys too!" Anzu remarked when the hugs were done.

"Why didn't you warn us you were coming?" Yugi asked as he brought Anzu a steaming cup of Chamomile tea, which he knew was her favorite.

"I like surprises." Anzu smiled warmly. "But why didn't you guys tell me that Yami was coming to New York?"

"He wanted it to be a surprise." Mai replied slyly. "Did you meet him?"

"Well, yes…Yami saved my life." Anzu admitted. Everyone else was speechless. "What?" Anzu asked at everyone's surprised expression. Her friends remained speechless at her statement.

"Well, the journalist industry is dangerous and I put my life at risk everyday…" Anzu said casually. Anzu went on to describe some of her adventures which involved her almost falling off a bridge, getting mugged by gangsters and being shot in the ankle.

"You make my life sound boring." Mai stated as she smiled at Jou.

"How can it be boring when you're wi' me?" Jou asked teasingly as Anzu smiled knowingly at the happy couple.

"What are you doing back in Domino?" Ryou asked curiously.

"I have a part-time journalist job here." Anzu responded, knowing that her friends wouldn't take her interview with Kaiba lightly.

"Well, I'm glad you're back!" Yugi stated happily and judging from the smiles around the room, everybody else was glad too.

(--)

Anzu arrived home feeling happy and refreshed. The sun was about to set when she decided to take a breather on her swing on the porch. It seemed that she wasn't going to see the gang a lot these days. Jou and Mai had just left for a short vacation in Tokyo and Ryou's relatives were coming to visit. Honda and Osogi were both busy at relative's houses and Shizuka was with her mom in Fujiwara. She didn't care where Bakura was, Isis was presumably in Egypt, Marik was probably locked up in a mental asylum and Malik was…

Anzu began drifting off when suddenly a childish voice woke her up.

"Ms. Mazaki?" the questioning voice jolted Anzu from her sleep.

"Huh?" Anzu asked as she stared at the young boy in front of her. "Mokuba??"

"Yes it's me. But I thought you were in Cuba right now Ms. Mazaki!" Mokuba stated, obviously confused as his eyes scrunched together. "And you look younger, different and prettier." Mokuba admitted shyly as he blushed at his observations. "Did you color your hair and get color contacts?" he asked as he stared at 'Ms. Mazaki.'

"Mokuba! It's me, Anzu!" Anzu laughed as she realized the young Kaiba's obvious confusion. Mokuba blushed a bright cherry red.

"Anzu? I thought you were in New York!" Mokuba stated as he blushed harder.

"I just came back today, what are you doing here?" Anzu asked as she offered Mokuba a seat on the porch bench.

"Ms. Mazaki hired me to take care of her house and collect the mail while she was on vacation." Mokuba explained as he sat down.

"I guess mom forgot to tell you that I'm coming then." Anzu sighed. "Sorry Mokuba but you don't have to help anymore."

"Oh…" Mokuba sounded disappointed.

"What's wrong Mokuba?" Anzu asked as she looked at the sullen boy.

"Well, I've always wanted a job and I was sort-of looking forward to helping out your parents." Mokuba admitted. Anzu looked thoughtful at the boy's disappointed expression.

"Hey! I have an idea!" she exclaimed as inspirations finally arrived. "Would you like to help me decorate the tree and house for Christmas? I'll still pay you."

"That would be great!" Mokuba exclaimed happily. "I never get to have a tree or lights because Seto doesn't believe in Christmas." Mokuba looked miserable again.

"Seto doesn't like Christmas?" Anzu asked quizzically. How can anyone not like Christmas? Seems like Seto is a modern Grinch.

"Yeah." Mokuba admitted. "And he doesn't know I have a job so please don't tell him!"

"I won't." Anzu promised. She smiled happily at the young boy. "Come over in two days at three in the afternoon. I'll have some cookies and the decorations ready."

"Great! Thanks Anzu! See you soon." Mokuba cried happily as he skipped away. Anzu smiled fondly at the young boy before entering her home.

(--) The Interview (--)

Dec. 1

Anzu had her interview with Kaiba scheduled at one o'clock so when she awoke at eleven the next morning, she didn't have much time to eat and prepare her equipment.

Anzu wore a black windbreaker over a white blouse with a plaid tie and jeans. She tucked her hair into a small green cap, almost similar to a golfer's cap before walking the short distance to the Kaiba mansion.

The Kaiba mansion was enormous and astounded Anzu with it's size. The outside consisted of a huge garden with various flowers and several mazes and fountains.

By the time Anzu arrived at the front door, she was a little scared of the powerful CEO. Anzu considered heading back but she was curious to find out about the mysterious Kaiba and her headstrong personality refused to let her back down from anything, even a cold-hearted CEO.

She rang the doorbell twice before the door was opened to a sleepy Mokuba who was still wearing his pajamas.

"Anzu?!" he asked, surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to interview your brother." Anzu said more calmly than she felt.

"You're the interviewer?" Mokuba asked, now fully awake.

"Yes, may I come in?" Anzu asked as she checked her watch, she knew Kaiba hated it when people were late.

"Of course." Mokuba said as he opened the door wider to let the journalist into his mansion.

"Big brother's in the study down the hall." Mokuba said as he pointed to a large set of doors. "He's in a bad mood so be careful." Mokuba warned.

"Thanks for the advice, but I'll be fine." Anzu reassured as she smiled at the young boy. She headed down the tiled hall with Mokuba fearfully watching her walk down the hall.

Anzu took a deep breath and with her messenger bag swinging behind her, opened the sturdy, beautifully engraved doors to the study.

"Mr. Kaiba?" she asked as she entered the large library/study.

"Are you here to interview me?" Seto asked impatiently. In the dark room with the curtains drawn, he still hadn't recognized Anzu. Although only a desk lamp shone, Anzu could almost swear that the same cold scowl was on the CEO's face.

"Yes." Anzu said defiantly. "Let me set up first." She set up some lights around the room and took out her notepad, camcorder, film camera and tape recorder.

"Ready Mr. Kaiba?" Anzu asked as she sat down in the seat across from him, finally showing her face in the dim light's glow.

"Mazaki?" Seto asked incredulously when he recognized the journalist in front of him. His pencil dropped out of his long fingers and his eyes turned huge.

"Glad you know my name." Anzu answered sarcastically, she began to feel a bit impatient to finish the interview. "Now, what do you like doing?" She put her pencil to her notepad, ready to scribble.

"I refuse to answer that. You'll probably ruin my reputation by writing lies against me!" Seto accused. He was undoubtedly surprised to see his nemesis. He had a confused expression, as if he was scared of Anzu.

"I won't." Anzu managed to mutter, even though the idea was very tempting. Her pencil began to tap impatiently against the fine paper.

"How can I believe you?" Seto asked, his arms crossed, his usual emotionless countenance replaced the confused one.

"Don't." Anzu said impatiently. "Just answer the stupid question! I have better things to do than listen to annoying, stuck-up CEO's insult me!"

"Touchy, aren't you?" Seto smirked, he obviously enjoyed annoying Anzu.

"Thanks for noticing." Anzu answered sarcastically as her pencil almost broke under her constant tapping. Her perfect teeth grinded together as she looked into Seto's ice-blue eyes. "Now, what do you enjoy?" She asked again, her voice slightly controlled.

"Getting on peoples nerves." Seto replied, still smirking that smile that ticked Anzu off mercilessly.

"I figured." Anzu muttered as she began randomly spinning the pencil between her fingers. "You do a fairly good job of it. You must practice a lot." Anzu still hated Seto for hurting her friends so much times, and it showed.

"Are you so bitchy to everyone?" Seto asked, slightly enraged at Anzu's comment. Nobody dared to talk to him like that! His eyes called murder.

"No, but you are an exception." Anzu retorted, her own eyes remaining calm and refined. Seto's icy eyes narrowed to meet Anzu's own azure ones, now narrowing too.

"I could kick you out." He threatened after a moment of silence. "And make your life miserable."

"We'll you're doing a mighty fine job at it." Anzu said as she scribbled something down on her notepad. "I've interviewed you for fifteen whole minutes and the only good feature about you is that you have good taste in literature." Anzu noted as she pointed with her pencil at the books in the library.

"Well I'm sorry that you're so blind to my good features." Seto said menacingly. For some reason, Anzu should have been dead by now but the CEO felt that it was sort of amusing to argue with her.

"You know what? Since you have no good features, do you want me just to take a few pictures, make up a interview, and make you look good and leave? It'll make things a lot easier." Anzu offered as she sighed impatiently.

"I'll watch you suffer a bit longer." Seto said calmly, his face devoid of expression. Anzu glared at him, but the harsh expression soon fell.

"Let's face it, we can't stand each other, so just let me leave." Anzu begged, knowing Seto was in charge of the situation.

"Are you so attracted to my good looks that you might do something drastic?" Seto teased in his annoying snobby way. Anzu's eyes narrowed as she turned red with anger and began scribbling things down.

"What are you writing?" Seto asked, curious. Anzu didn't answer and continued scribbling furiously as Seto studied his old enemy. She does look rather cute when she's annoyed. He thought. He shook his head to release the thought and waited for her to finish writing.

Shortly enough, Anzu finished writing.

"How about this?" she asked as she began reading.

"Anzu: What do you enjoy doing Mr. Kaiba?

Kaiba: I enjoy reading and outdoor sports, especially sailing and skiing.

Anzu: That's interesting. If you could have anything for Christmas, what would you like?

Kaiba: I don't know, maybe someone to love…

Anzu: That's sweet, but you are a sweet guy.

Kaiba: I try to be."

After hearing the sappy script, Seto frowned.

"You make me sound like a mushy, desperate guy." He accused angrily. Anzu sighed hopelessly. She badly wanted to jump out the large windows and run away from the exasperating guy in front of her.

"I had to improvise and in case you didn't notice, this is The Most Eligible Bachelor section." Anzu pointed out as she began to write again.

"Stop." Seto demanded. "I don't want to be somebody's mushy Prince Charming."

"Fine." Anzu agreed as she crunched up the paper and threw it into the wastebasket. She tucked her pencil over her ear and leaned back. "What kind of personality do you want?" she asked crabbily. She didn't want to waste anymore time with this annoying jerk.

"I don't want a personality, I have it. Charming, sophisticated, smart and irresistible."

"Try annoying, cold-hearted, obnoxious and cocky." Anzu said calmly. Before Seto could reply with an angry comment, a red light began flashing from the ceiling and a security guard that looked like an extra from The Matrix, with a beard came in.

"There's been a security breach." he announced. "I'll need you both to stay in this room until your safety is assured." He began to leave.

"Where's Mokuba? Is he safe?" Seto demanded worriedly.

"Safe in his room." The man said before exiting. "Don't worry Mr. Kaiba, we'll eliminate the threat."

(--)

Anzu sighed and buried her face in her hands. Stuck in a room with the devil himself…just my luck.

"How about you do something else while I write the interview?" Seto suggested. Anzu shrugged and pulled out her notebook computer.

Several minutes passed as finally Seto finished writing.

"Here you go." He said as he handed the manuscript to Anzu and leaned back. Anzu read the script.

Mazaki: Good Afternoon Mr. Kaiba.

Seto: Just call me Seto.

Mazaki: Alright Seto, what activities do you enjoy?

Seto: I don't know, I enjoy a lot of things like going to charity galas and funding people in need.

Mazaki: That's so sweet!

Seto: Thanks. Everyone says that about me.

Mazaki: They probably think you're quite the charmer as well.

Seto: I try not to be.

Anzu coughed when she finished the script.

"I refuse to print that." Anzu cried. "It's just a bunch of lies."

"So was yours."

"Mine was more intriguing." Anzu argued.

"Whatever, just write a different script then." Seto said as he began to type on his labtop. Anzu sighed and took out her camera.

"Might as well get some shots." She muttered as she pointed the camera at Seto. "Smile." She ordered. Seto managed to smirk casually as Anzu took three quick shots.

"I think that was enough." Anzu said as she returned her camera. " I have until December 18th to get the interview done. As soon as I can, I'll leave." Anzu stated as she began typing on her computer.

"Suit yourself." Seto said as he returned to his work.

(--)

Half an hour passed and the security guard did not return. Anzu had finished all her work and was getting very bored with each passing minute.

"What are you working on?" she asked Seto, breaking the silence.

"My company affairs." Seto replied, not lifting his eyes from his computer screen.

"Mokuba told me you don't celebrate Christmas." Anzu stated, desperate for conversation.

"I don't, why do you care?"

"Because everyone should enjoy Christmas, even you and Mokuba."

"I give Mokuba tons of presents anyways." Seto defended, finally looking up.

"It's not about the presents! It's about the spirit of loving and caring!" Anzu cried, exasperated. Seto gave her a blank look. "Not that you have a heart, you're exactly like the Grinch." Anzu muttered.

"Look, I don't see the point in putting up a tree and seeing carols. I don't have time so Bah Humbug."

"Think about how much Mokuba is missing out."

"Mokuba is happy, so leave me alone!" Seto threatened. As much as he admired and respected Anzu, this was going too far.

Just then, the door opened and the security guard ran in.

"Mr. Kaiba, the danger is gone." He reported. "But one of your cards was stolen."

"WHAT?!" Seto yelled, now standing up.

"One of the Blue Eyes sir."

"Retrieve it as soon as you can." Seto commanded coldly, trying to keep his temper in.

"I guess I can go now?" Anzu asked hopefully, since she had already packed everything.

"It's safe." The security guard said. He admired the girl. She was the first person that lasted more than a hour with Seto and had not come out crying, screaming or mentally unhinged.

"I'll be back later to finish the interview." Anzu warned as she stepped out the door, with Seto trailing.

"Stop!" Seto commanded as he tackled Anzu all of a sudden. Anzu fell with a hard thud underneath the CEO.

"What was that for?" she asked angrily as she checked her equipment and dusted her clothes.

"Be glad I saved your life!" Seto warned as he pointed to an arrow stuck in the wall, where Anzu had stood. Anzu stared at it.

"I thought the danger was gone." She muttered.

"Seems not, you two better stay in that room a bit longer while we do another round." The security guard said as he sprinted towards the open window, where the arrow had flew from. Anzu nearly gagged when she heard that she'd have to endure more torture.

"There's a note." Seto remarked as he pulled a thin slip of paper from the arrow.

"Really?" Anzu asked curiously as she grabbed for the paper. But Seto was faster as he held it out of her reach.

"It's not for you." Seto teased as he wagged his index finger at her, a silent smirk playing on his thin lips.

"It might be!" Anzu pouted, her lower lip coming out as she frowned. "Hand it over!" she insisted as she grabbed for it again. Seto, being 5 centimeters taller still managed to keep it out of her reach, even as she jumped up with her arm outstretched.

Anzu was frustrated. Her journalist instincts instructed her to grab the paper but her sensible side was pondering how. Then it hit her. She wasn't sure that it would work but she could try.

Seto smirked cockily as he held the paper high above his head.

"Don't tell me you're giving up so easily?" he asked.

"Of course not!" Anzu replied as she grinned evilly. "Hey Kaiba? Are you ticklish?" Anzu asked innocently.

"Ticklish?" Seto asked warily. Before he could react, Anzu mercilessly began tickling his unprotected sides. The CEO began laughing wildly as he fell down, letting go of the slip of paper at the same time.

Anzu caught the paper with ease.

"Success!" she yelled happily as she stood over the recovering CEO. Seto gave her a death glare and if looks could kill, Anzu would have been dead days ago.

"Well, read it!" he complained sourly, Anzu seemed oblivious and immune to his glares.

"Anzu," Anzu read. "See, it is for me!" she exclaimed to Seto, sticking out her tongue.

"Don't think that you're going to escape me. Get out of Domino as soon as you can, or I shall force you too, no matter what. I'm warning you: You can't hide from me. You know who I am… Now, go away before I hurt you."

Anzu was speechless.

"What does this mean?" she asked silently.

"I don't know!" Seto exclaimed, still very crabby. "But it says that you should know who it's from."

"I don't know who sent me this." Anzu stuttered.

"Will this jog your memory?" Seto asked as he dangled something in front of Anzu's troubled eyes. Anzu gasped as she saw the small necklace shimmering in the light.

"Where did you get this?" she asked as she grabbed the silver locket from Seto. It was a small heart shaped locket with a tiny slip of paper inside, but no pictures or photos.

"I found it attached to the arrow but I knew you'd want it so I didn't show you." Seto stated. "What does it say?" he asked as he pointed at the thin piece of paper.

"Before I'm forced to hurt you, leave." Anzu read aloud. Seto could swear he saw her eyes fill up with tears before she turned around.

"Who was that locket from?" Seto asked curiously. He knew it was more than a simple trinket.

"My mother, but I lost it a few years ago. It's really sentimental to me." Anzu explained as she turned around, the tears disappearing from her eyes. "My father gave it to my mother and when I graduated, she gave it to me."

"Oh." Seto said thoughtfully. No wonder it means so much to her. She does seem to be very attached to it.

"I can sense a good story here and I'm not going to leave Domino." Anzu pledged as she clutched the locket in both hands over her chest. "But I'm worried for my safety." She murmured.

"You can stay with Mokuba and me until you go back to New York." Seto offered without thinking. He instantly felt like hitting himself on the head. I'm going soft…Mokuba must be rubbing off on me I just let this…annoying girl stay with me for probably over a month!. Anzu burst out laughing after she heard Seto's offer.

"Did I just hear Kaiba be kind?" she teased, finally smiling since the beginning of their interview.

"Yes. I need someone to help take care of Mokuba for awhile." Seto stated, regretting it. Why do I feel I have to be nice to her? He asked himself. A disturbing answer tugged in his head but he chose to ignore it.

"Well…" Anzu began, her face scrunched up in thought. "Alright. I'll finish my interview sooner then and my parents are in Cuba and I'll be by myself and bored if I turn down your offer…"

"I'll send you to get your stuff as soon as they find out whoever took my card." Seto offered, ignoring her ramblings. At the thought of his missing Blue Eyes, the CEO turned a bit red with anger.

"You know? Kaiba, you might not be so bad." Anzu said thoughtfully.

"Me? Bad?" Seto asked so innocently that Anzu burst out laughing.

"Don't flatter yourself." She warned. At that moment, the security guard burst in again and seemed a bit surprised to see the two people still alive, none the less smiling, or in Seto's case, smirking.

"It's all clear this time, positive." He reported.

"Morrison." Seto commanded. "I want you to escort Ms. Mazaki home and wait for her to get her stuff and head back here, okay? She's going to be a guest at the mansion."

Morrison looked surprised at the command, before regaining his composure.

"Of course Mr. Kaiba." He said as he waited for Anzu.

"See you later Kaiba!" Anzu cried as she ran out the door with Morrison trailing.

End Chapter 2

Notes: Sorry this is so short I cut the original chp. 2 into two and this is the first half. If it was the original length, it would be over 15,000 words.

Next chappies should be longer.

Anyways, More developments and Marik next chapter!

Teaser:

"What's that?" Seto asked, feeling a bit scared. "Mazaki?" There was no reply.

"Mazaki?!" Seto repeated, feeling increasingly frightened. He turned around but the creaking of the window stopped him.

"What the hel-" He began but he was interrupted by a sharp cut to his head and unconciousness.

'Till the fat lady sings (alright, I am in a choir and we have a musical in a few days) Meroki