Chapter 36
Jealousy
"I am Glur ruler of Omicron Persei 8."
"Oh grand potentate, the people of earth send you these one billion candy hearts to show we love you thiiiis much!"
"Blah! You're candies are chalky and tasteless."
"What is this 'wuv'?"
"I think you mean 'love'.
"No, 'wuv' with the earth 'W'"
"This concept of 'wuv' confuses and infuriates us! Destroy them!"
Anna and Seto laughed hysterically as they watched the television.
"Didn't I tell you this show was great?" Anna said between laughs.
"It's made by the same people who created 'The Simpson's', it has to be good."
"Wait a minute, are you telling me you're a Simpson's fan?"
"It's a modern socio-political satire."
"You just like Mr. Burns."
He placed his hands in the familiar sinister position and wiggled his fingers. "Indeed."
That just made Anna laugh harder.
"I want one of those buttons in my office." Seto continued. "That way I can throw all my enemies to the sharks. Or maybe crocodiles. I always wanted a crocodile."
As usual he spoke in his deadpan serious voice which had Anna practically rolling on the floor with laughter.
"And the worst part..." Anna was trying to speak between laughing. "I can see you with one of those buttons."
"If I actually had a trapdoor like that all it would do is drop someone downstairs into accounting. But then again that might be worse than sharks or crocodiles."
She was laughing so hard she was crying. She hugged his arm and leaned on his shoulder. "Oh god, I've missed you."
Seto wanted to say something witty, something dashing, but he didn't want to ruin the moment. He placed his hand on her shoulder. That said enough.
She looked up at him. "Do you really watch 'The Simpson's'?"
"I can't help it; I have them all on DVD."
"Wait a minute, I've been through your DVD collection and I haven't seen any Simpson's."
"That's because they're hidden under my bed."
"Under your bed, that's where guys are supposed to hide their girlie magazines, not their Simpson's DVDs." She just looked at him. "Who are you hiding them from?"
"I don't want Mokuba to see them."
Anna got this puzzled look on her face, "why?"
"They're cartoons."
"Oh and cartoons are childish and you're not childish, is that it?" She smirked at him. "Ya know, it's okay to be a little childish every once in a while."
"You try carrying out a serious business transaction when they think you're a child."
"Seto, you have never been a child."
"Let me guess, that's a bad thing?"
"I hope not, otherwise we'd both be in trouble."
"So what do you suggest?"
"We have to do things so childish that it makes up for our missing youth."
"And what's more childish then cartoons?"
She gave him an evil grin. "I'm sure we can come up with something."
Anna grabbed his hand and led him out into the floor. "Come on, don't be chicken."
"I didn't even know there was such a thing as an all night roller rink." He commented as he shakily stepped onto the hardwood floors in a pair of roller skates.
"I found this place a couple of months ago. I come here when I can't sleep, which I guess is all the time. But the cool thing about it is that after two in the morning there is barely anyone here and I can have the place all to myself."
"Which is good because I wouldn't want to be caught dead in these horribly ugly brown skates."
"Have you ever done this before?"
"Maybe when I was five."
"Don't feel bad, I just learned. There wasn't much of a call for roller rinks in Egypt, and most of my schools didn't even have a pool."
"So playing on the water polo team was out of the question."
"I always wanted to play water polo, but I didn't have the money for the pool or the horses. And since I can't swim, I guess my shot at Olympic glory is gone forever."
"You can't swim?" Seto looked at her in surprise.
Anna hadn't intended on telling him that, it had just slipped out. "No, not really."
Seto grinned.
"Oh, and I suppose you do?"
Seto threw a look at her; "do you want me to teach you?"
"Oh no!" Anna laughed. "I'm not a fan of it. I never really cared for water that didn't come out of a faucet. I don't even like rain."
"If you ever change your mind..."
Anna knew he was cooking up a plan, he gave up too easily. And that wasn't the only thing that disturbed her. "You're skating way too well. Are you sure you haven't been here before?"
"I just have an impeccable sense of balance." Seto said smugly.
"Oh really!" She grabbed both his hands and started skating around him making him turn in circles. He kept up very well and only stumbled when Anna accidentally rolled her foot in front of his. It tripped him and made them both fall to the floor. Even with sore butts they laughed.
"When you said we were going to do something childish I didn't expect it to be so tame." Seto commented.
"I'm just warming up."
They found a secluded bench near the lake in Domino Park. Seto was busy propping up the motorcycle they rode while Anna dug into the fast food bag they picked up. He sat down and she handed him his burger.
She made a 'yummy' sound as she bit into hers. "I really needed this." She said after swallowing her first bite. "My blood sugar was getting low."
"And we all know the best thing to combat diabetes is roller skating and greasy cheeseburgers." Seto panned her.
"See if I ever take you back there."
"If I'm lucky you won't."
"I thought you liked it?"
"It was mildly entertaining." Seto downplayed the event.
She grimaced at him as she ate her cheeseburger. She knew he had fun, he just wasn't willing to admit it.
"So what's next on our night of juvenile delinquency? No wait, let me guess! We're going to toilet paper someone's lawn? Better yet! I'll find out were Joey Wheeler lives and we can egg his house."
Anna almost choked on her food from laughing so hard. Considering Joey was her friend and Seto was just being mean, she shouldn't have laughed. But she found it hilarious because she secretly wanted to do it. She had nothing against Joey; she just wanted to watch him rant about it the next morning. For an idiot, he was fun to watch.
"My idea of fun does not include destruction of property." Anna joked back.
"Take all the fun out of life, why don't you."
They were munching away at their food when Anna felt a small tap on her head. She looked, half expecting a bird to be bombarding her with an unmentionable substance. She blinked as her face was hit with several tiny droplets.
"Rain?" Anna wined.
In a matter of seconds the small droplets transformed into a full size monsoon. Seto pointed to a nearby structure and suggested it as shelter. Anna grabbed the food and wrappers and Seto pushed the motorcycle as they dashed along the side of the lake. Anna's load was lighter and she reached the structure first, then attempted to shake off what water she could. Seto followed quickly and parked the motorcycle under the overhang of the building. They were both soaked to the bone by this point. Fall was turning into winter and their damp clothes only increased the cold air around them.
"Oh great!" Anna said as she tried ringing out the bottom of her sweater.
Seto popped open the storage compartment on the bike and pulled out his jacket. He had stashed it there before they went into the roller rink and it was the only dry piece of clothing between them. "Here." He handed her the garment. "You can change into this." Anna gave him a suspicious look as she accepted the jacket. Seto got her drift. "You go inside, I promise I won't look."
Anna walked inside the doorway and tucked herself around the corner. She already had one close call with Seto and she didn't want to repeat it. She had made a promise to Yugi and she was going to keep it. On the other hand, Seto's promise was very hard for him to keep. The thought of her undressing just a few feet away was tantalizing. He was tempted to turn around and peek through the door. Surely one look wouldn't hurt. But he had to fight his perverted instincts and stay exactly where he was.
"Geez! Who opened the floodgates?" Anna commented as she walked up next to him and stared at the rain.
Seto glanced over to see her wrapped up in his jacket. Looking backwards he saw her sweater laid out on a low table in the room.
"You're freezing!" Anna noted that Seto was shaking from the cold. "Let's get inside and out of the wind." He followed her inside. The temperature inside the room was only slightly warmer, but just being out of the howling wind was a relief. "Take off your shirt, we should at least try and ring it out."
His shirt stuck to him as he tried to pull it off. He felt like he was taking off a layer of skin with it. He handed to Anna who proceeded to ring out the water and placed it next to her sweater on the table.
Seto shuttered from the cold. "I'm not sure this is any better."
"Have a seat you big baby." Anna teased as she went about the laundry.
Seto sat down on the floor and leaned against the wall. Anna came over and curled up next to him in an attempt to use her body heat to warm him. After a few minutes Seto wasn't cold anymore, and it wasn't because of Anna's warmth. He had blocked out the cold in his mind; all he could feel was her arms around him.
"Is this one of those little cabins they hold the Tea Ceremonies in?" Anna asked after inspecting their surroundings.
"I believe so."
"Have you ever seen one? I mean, other than on television?"
"Never had the chance."
"Maybe we could go and see one? I think it would be interesting."
"I don't know if you could watch one. It's a private thing, not really something that lends itself to being a spectator sport."
"Oh."
After a moment of silence Seto spoke. "Those pictures...they got you in trouble?"
"Well, let's just say my Uncle wasn't too happy."
"I didn't mean with your Uncle."
Anna paused. "To say he was mad would be an understatement."
"Is that why you left?"
"He just needed time to cool off."
"Did he tell you that you couldn't see me any more?"
Anna nodded.
"But you changed his mind?"
"He did it all on his own, because he realized how important your friendship is to me."
He hugged her a little tighter. "No matter what happens, you'll always have it."
The cold makes one's eyelids drowsy. And drowsy eyelids lead to sleep. And sleep leads to dreams. And dreams tell truths...
Her light footsteps could barely be heard as she wandered down the marble floors. The swishing of her long linen dress echoed off the empty and dimly light hallway. The noise from a nearby room caught her attention. She peered inside just in time to see High Priest Seto chastise and dismiss a servant, who quickly darted out the opposing door.
"Having trouble with your servants, High Priest?"
At the sight of her, he immediately bowed. "Your Majesty."
"If he has disobeyed you, you must punish him."
"I am afraid that is not the problem. He is a good servant, just a bad 'senet' player." The high Priest gestured to the game board he was previously sitting at.
"Do you enjoy the game?"
"Yes Your Majesty. But I have trouble finding a worthy opponent."
"May I try?" Anck-su-namun walked over to the table.
"A friendly warning Your Majesty." High Priest Seto approached the opposite end of the table. "I take my games very seriously, and I play to win. I will not go easy on you or forfeit due to your position."
"Good!" She sat down. "I enjoy a good challenge."
The High Priest joined her and the match began. Through his dealings with the queen he had seen her kind nature, and he was pleased to see she had cunning as well. It had been a long time since he had found an opponent that matched him at the game, and he enjoyed this greatly.
"It is good that we met tonight. I have been meaning to speak with you."
High Priest Seto looked up from the board. What could she have to speak to him about?
"It has been my intention to familiarize myself with all my husband's advisors. But you seem to be the most elusive."
"My duties keep me occupied."
"Nevertheless, tonight is the perfect opportunity for me to get to know you."
"I beg your pardon Your Majesty, but you have only been here a very short time. You will learn that no one wants to know me, because no one likes me. I perform my duties to the utmost of my abilities and my loyalty to Pharaoh and Egypt is unbreakable. That is all you need to know."
"I will be the judge of that."
The game continued with countermove after countermove.
"Why are you awake at such a late hour?" The queen continued to inspect him.
"I sometimes find it difficult to sleep."
"That is one thing we have in common."
This intrigued the High Priest. "The healers have a tonic that might help with that."
"I tend not to trust healers. Their work is more speculation than science."
That intrigued him even more. "It seems we have another thing in common."
Anck-su-namun gave him a slight smile and a nod to show her agreement.
The conversation flowed more readily after that. They both found great satisfaction in the others intelligence and wit, especially on the game board. Neither made much progress against the other, nor did either complain about not being able to easily win.
The High Priest made a sharp-witted comment in his normal dull tone and Anck-su-namun couldn't resist smiling and laughing quietly at him. He realized that this was a side of her he had not seen. She was always so formal, a queen and ruler at all times. But now she was so relaxed and personable. It was a refreshing change. On the same hand Anck-su-namun commented to herself that High Priest Seto was in his element when he was alone. He had always appeared to her as if he hated his royal duties and the pomp and circumstance that went with them. And now she was certain that he was a gravely private man. And people act differently when they are free to be themselves. She understood that, she was the same.
"Anck-su-namun!" A voice echoed from the doorway.
They both bolted up from their seats and bowed to the figure standing on the outskirts of the room. They were so involved they had not heard Pharaoh approach.
"I awoke and you were not there." Pharaoh stated in a low and slightly angered tone.
"Forgive me Pharaoh. I could not sleep and I did not wish to disturb you."
Pharaoh threw a suspicious glance in the direction of the High Priest. "I'm awake now. Come back to bed." His tone was softer now, but he made his intention clear.
Anck-su-namun didn't think about or even look at the High Priest as she trailed behind Pharaoh and left the room.
The sleeping pair was awakened by the loud banging on the wall of the little cabin they were in.
"Get up you two!" Said the police officer as he tried to rouse them from their slumber.
The realization of their situation made them snap awake. Noticing how her jacket had become undone in the night, Anna quickly covered herself back up. They scurried off the floor and Seto grabbed his shirt off the table. He followed the police officer outside so Anna could put on her sweater in private.
"When are you kids going to understand that this is not a make out spot!"
"Sorry officer, it won't happen again." Seto was praying that he didn't arrest them or worse, recognize him. The last thing Seto wanted was for something like this to find it's way into the papers.
When Anna emerged fully dressed, the officer addressed them both. "Don't let me catch you here again, or I'll take you in. Do you understand?"
"Yes sir." Anna said and Seto nodded.
"All right. Now get out of here."
The pair didn't hesitate to do as they were told. As Seto pushed the motorcycle down the path, Anna couldn't help but giggle.
"You thought that was funny?" Seto was a little angered and disturbed by the event.
"That was very funny."
"You have a strange sense of humor."
"Hey, you're the one who wanted the juvenile delinquency."
"If memory serves me, you were the one who thought it would be fun to act childish. And I don't find it appealing to have a wrap sheet for indecent expose or acts of public ludeness."
She just laughed at him. He shook his head in disapproval, but eventually a smile cracked his face. He had to admit, it was kind of funny.
"We should head back; Mokuba is probably wondering what happened to us." Seto regained his normal serious tone.
"I've got to get cleaned up, I've got a... Oh crap!" Anna looked down at her watch. "I'm already late." She pulled out a hairbrush and tried to make some sense of her tangled locks. "Could you drop me off?"
Seto handed her a helmet and they sped off.
Yugi wasn't paying any attention to the conversation that was going on around him. He just stared at the digital time display above the bank door across the street. He became more and more depressed as each minute passed. She was late. She was never late and he began to worry. What if something happened to her? His fears were exchanged with hostility when he saw a motorcycle pull up and Anna get off the back. The crowds sitting at the tables around him made it difficult for him to see, but he was able to make out the tall thin shape of the man she had been riding with. He didn't even have to see his face to know it was Kaiba. He watched as Anna secured her helmet onto the back of the bike then gave the rider a quick wave as he rode on. This troubled Yugi. He wondered why she had been to see him so early in the morning. Or worse, did she go to see him last night and never made it home? And he was pretty certain she was wearing that sweater yesterday.
Anna made her way to the table and took the empty spot between Yugi and Anzu. "Sorry I'm late, I got caught up." We gave Yugi a kiss on the cheek and then attacked his plate of untouched food. "I am starving."
"How can you be late today! It's only the most important thing ever!" Joey complained.
"It's only a movie." Anna said between bites.
"Not just any movie! It's 'Revolver 2: Russian Roulette', only the sequel to the greatest action adventure film ever!" Joey practically shouted in excitement. "We can't miss the first showing."
"That first movie was so awesome!" Honda added. "With the car chases and the explosions."
"Oh man, that Ace Hudson is super cool! He must have taken out the entire Russian Mob all by himself." Joey was flailing his arms around now.
"And the second one is going to be ten times better." Honda gave Joey a high five. They looked like a pair of giddy schoolgirls.
Seeing Anzu's blank expression, Anna leaned over and whispered, "I don't get it either."
"We better go!" Honda noticed the time. "We want to be there was soon as the box office opens."
The group followed his lead and headed for the theaters. About half way to their destination they heard a squeal of happiness. Turning around to see what the deal was a young blond haired girl with glasses suddenly bombarded Yugi.
"Yugi, Darling!" She screamed as she latched onto him.
Yugi was in a complete panic; he didn't know who had trapped him in this bear hug, and why she wouldn't let go. He just stared forward and tried not to move. An expression of 'Help!' spattered across his face.
Anna was, to say the least, not happy about this strangers sudden show of affection. She walked around the girl and trapped Yugi, inspecting the situation. She tapped the little girl on the shoulder. "Excuse me, but who are you and why are you hugging him?"
"You know who I am, don't you darling?" She said as she gave Yugi a little space to look at her.
Yugi had this puzzled look on his face as he was trying to place her. The puzzled look melted into shock, "Rebecca?"
She once again beamed with happiness and hugged him harder. "I knew you hadn't forgotten me."
"Rebecca?" Joey said in amazement.
"I guess she traded in the teddy bear for glasses." Honda commented.
"You look so different." Yugi said as he tried to wiggle out of her grip.
"I've grown up. I'm more mature. Don't you like the way I look?" Rebecca asked with shining eyes.
"You look great." Yugi smiled.
"I did all for you, darling."
Okay, now Anna was sufficiently pissed. She had to put a stop to this. She pulled Yugi away from her, "I don't think we've been properly introduced."
The little girl folded her arms across her chest. She may have been young, but she knew a challenge when she saw one. "Rebecca Hopkins, U.S. Duel Monster Champion. Who are you?"
"Anna Sung, millionaire oil tycoon."
Everyone could feel the tension between them. Yugi thought it best to break this up before it got worse. "We were about to go to the movies; did you want to join us?"
A smile returned to Rebecca's face as she took Yugi's arm. "I'd go with you anywhere."
After they traveled another block Rebecca asked, "Which movie are you going to see?"
"Revolver 2: Russian Roulette!" Joey exclaimed in his normal zeal.
"Oh, I saw that last month. It wasn't nearly as good as the first one." Rebecca commented.
The look on Joey and Honda's was of pure disappointment.
"It was nothing like the first. They killed off Ace Hudson in the first half-hour and the rest of the film revolved around the mob trying to brainwash his son into joining them. It's not bad for a psychological thriller, but it didn't have any cool car chases or explosions."
The boys let out a unanimous cry of disapproval.
"Oh man! Now what are we going to do for the rest of the day?" Joey complained that his plans had been ruined.
"My grandfather is at your house Yugi." Rebecca glowed with happiness to be near her man. "We stopped by to see you. That's how I knew where to find you. He'd really like to see you and your friends again."
The consensus was made to go to Yugi's house and visit. When they got there everyone piled into the living room. Considering there wasn't enough seats the boys were gracious enough to sit on the floor, which was the perfect place for Joey and Honda to complain to each other about their movie disaster. Yugi escorted Rebecca into the kitchen. He wanted some privacy so he could tell her about his engagement.
The environment in the living room was calm and civil. Anna found Rebecca's grandfather, Professor Hopkins to be delightful and charming.
"So you're the one giving the lecture at the museum next week?" Anna asked Professor Hopkins.
"Yes, I was specially invited due to my expertise in the field. And while I was here I thought I would stop by and see my old friend." Professor Hopkins explained.
"I was planning on attending that lecture. I've been dabbling in translating hieroglyphics and I've got a doozy I could use some help on."
"I'd be delighted to help."
Their conversation was cut short by a terrible scream from the kitchen. Rebecca stormed into the living room and stood directly in front of Anna on the couch. Anna could see the tears that were forming her eyes and she knew that it must have broken her heart when Yugi told her the truth.
Anna opened her mouth to speak, but before she could say a word Rebecca slapped her. "I hate you!"
"Rebecca!" Professor Hopkins exclaimed as he chased her into another room.
Anna rubbed her sore face. The blow wasn't painful, just unexpected.
"Are you okay?" Anzu placed her hands on Anna's shoulders for moral support.
"I really wish people would stop doing that!" Anna nearly shouted in anger.
Professor Hopkins dragged Rebecca back into the room, "Now apologize to her, young lady."
"I will not!" Rebecca screamed. "She's the tramp that took my Yugi!"
"Tramp!" Anna stood up in revolt.
Watching the developing situation Joey couldn't help but whisper to Honda, "This is better than any movie."
Professor Hopkins pushed Rebecca closer to Anna. "Tell her you're sorry."
Rebecca glared up at Anna. "I'm not sorry, but you will be."
"For what?" Anna loomed over the girl.
"For this!" And Rebecca stomped down on Anna's foot.
Anna hopped around on her good foot while cursing a little. When she regained the use of her foot she lunged at Rebecca. "I'm sorry Professor, but I'm going to have to hurt your granddaughter!"
Honda, seeing the trouble coming, sprung up from his seat on the floor and grabbed Anna's arms to restrain her.
What followed was a series of insults being thrown between the pair, threats of violence, and eventually they had to be moved into separate rooms. All the while Joey sat on the floor thinking what a great movie this would make.
Anna wasn't about to give in or lose, but Anzu convinced her it would be in the best interests of everyone if they left. So the two of them went to Anna's apartment to await news, and Rebecca, seeing their departure, claimed victory and Yugi. She wrapped her arms around him again and this time she didn't let go. Poor Yugi was trapped until she and her grandfather left. As soon as they were out the door, Yugi let out a sigh of relief. Like he didn't have enough to worry about already.