Disclaimers: I don't own them in any way shape or form. So don't sue.
Summary:Mokuba's trip to New York takes on a new meaning when the newspapers make certain assumptions.
Pairings:Anzu/Seto Yugi/Rebecca Jonouchi/Mai Shizuka/Honda
Rating:PG-13; mostly for language and maybe a few sexual situations
A/N:This takes about 10 years after Battle city. The gang has graduated from College; Anzu became a world famous dancer and is currently living in America.
Reviewers:
Nightfall112525: Remember that I pointed out in the summary that media makes the wrong assumption. But I'm glad that I painted such a vivid image. Hopefully this chapter fulfills the promise of the chapter. Make sure to let me know.
ThefutureMrs.Kaiba:I'm thrilled that you are willing to keep reading my stories. I don't think I've put up any story that you haven't commented on. I'm especially thrilled that you thought this story has promise.
Ann( ): Now that was an encouragement! Multiple hugs for you. I will do my best, so I hope that this lives up to your expectations.
Avataria: I admit that I was laughing as I wrote Kaiba's response to the news that Mokuba was engaged. As for the happy couple, I think everyone is going to be very surprised.
Night-Owl123: Then I will definitely continue. I hope that you enjoy this chapter as much as the last one.
Darkhope:It does doesn't it?
DestinyFate:Favorite couple huh? That is definitely good to know. I go back and forth between Kaiba/Anzu and Yami/Anzu.
You always like my stories? (Scurries to the corner, hugging and giggling to self) You are so fantastic. It is going to be a Seto/Anzu fic. Hopefully this chapter clears up any problems.
Anime-AngelWings:Thanks for taking a chance on my story. I'm thrilled that I managed to get your attention. Let's see if I can keep it?
InchantrisZ:I love the play on enchantress. It is so cute! I'm thrilled about your response. I hope that this chapter meets your expectations.
Ferret mage: I'm glad that you enjoyed it. Yugi/Rebecca will be making an actual appearance in the next chapter. You'll get to see their reaction to the picture!
Chapter 1: The ProblemAnzu Mizaki woke slowly, stretching under the blankets. She was warm and comfortable, delighting in the feeling of waking naturally and the feel of the sun on her face. She rolled over lazily, burying her face in her pillow and enjoying the softness of the pillowcase against her skin.
Her legs moved under the blanket, toes digging into the mattress and the sheet brushed softly against her skin. Anzu nuzzled her pillow again, her blue eyes opening slowly. The sun was peaking through the shades at her window. Her eyes drifted over to the clock and sighed when she saw the time. Just after 8 am and she hadn't gone to bed until after three. Sometimes it sucked that she had trained her system to be up early. Too many years of being a dancer and having to be up early for her morning exercise.
As memories of last night rolled over her, Anzu couldn't stop the smile from spreading over her face. Her hands shoved back the covers and climbed at of bed. Her hands reached for the ceiling and her head rolled back and forth across her shoulders, easing the tightness from her body. Her long brown hair was pulled back into a braid and it swung heavily against her back. Anzu stood slowly, automatically bending and stretching her muscles.
Mokuba Kaiba. His name brought another smile to her face and a wave of warmth. It had been too long since she had actually seen him, she mused as she pulled on a pair of shorts, sports bra and a tank top. As she slid her feet into her pointe shoes, Anzu remembered her reaction to hearing he was in town.
Three days ago.
"Mizaki residence," Anzu spoke absently into the telephone, trying to finish preparing her breakfast.
"Hey Anzu," a familiar voice greeted.
"Mokuba!" Anzu exclaimed as she smiled and leaned back against the counter, her breakfast forgotten. "How are you?"
"I'm good," Mokuba had replied, humor threading through his tone. "How about you?"
"Busy. Busy," Anzu told him.
"I understand that," Mokuba groaned and laughed when Anzu did.
"I bet you do." Anzu couldn't stop smiling, she hardly heard from the youngest Kaiba anymore. Too busy working his way through the ranks at Kaiba Corps. "So what's up?"
"I am actually," Mokuba replied dryly and Anzu frowned.
"Are you saying you are high Mokuba?" Anzu teased easily. "'Cause I know for sure that drugs are a no no."
"Airplane," Mokuba assured her after he finished laughing.
"Ah I see," Anzu replied, " and what does this have to do with me?"
"I'm on my way to New York," Mokuba told her.
"Really?"
"Really."
"When are you getting here?"
"I should be there by tomorrow morning but I'm going to be tied up until Thursday. So why don't we do dinner on Thursday?" Mokuba asked casually.
"That would be great. Do you want me to pick you up?"
"I don't think so," Mokuba replied dryly. "I'll come get you. Same address right?"
"Of course."
"Good then I'll see you at 7:30."
"That's fine."
That phone call had flung Anzu back in time. It had been awhile since she had talked to any of the old gang. Yugi had kept current until he and Rebecca got engaged. Now that was an unusual pairing, there for a while Anzu had been convinced Yugi hated the girl. He was constantly hiding from her. Otogi had gotten even busier with his Dice Monsters Corporation and was currently expanding into the US. She saw him on a fairly regular basis though; he was constantly dragging her to parties or crashing with her.
Honda had finally won Shizuka and everyone had breathed a little easier. In fact, Anzu was pretty sure that they were currently on their second child. It amazed her to think that Honda was married. Almost as it amazed her that Jonouchi and Mai had finally tied the knot. She was the only one, beside Kaiba of course, that was still single.
The dinner last night had been fabulous, Anzu mused as she moved easily into her morning exercise. The music beat through the dance studio as she stretched, her mind still going over last night. Her blue eyes softened as she remembered seeing the adult that Mokuba had become. The promise of youth had been fulfilled. The blue eyes seemed to have a permanent twinkle, a dimple flashed when he smiled and his hair had been cut short, framing his face and lending a rakish air to his features.
Seeing him had made her realize that the woman he fell in love would be a lucky woman. Anzu laughed as she thought of how many envious eyes had followed them last night. Being with Mokuba had reminded her what it had been like before she had to watch every word or be careful of how her friends were. With Mokuba she had simply been Anzu Mazaki. Then of course was the surprise that he had for her. She couldn't prevent the welling of emotion that caused and her laughter bubbled out into the empty room. What other man would ever do something like that?
Over an hour later, Anzu finally left the dance studio and headed for her kitchen. Sweat was trickling down her body, her muscles tingling pleasantly as she walked towards the kitchen. All she wanted was a cold bottle of water and a shower. She could already feel the cool water trickling down her throat and the hot water pounding over her. In the kitchen she flicked on the radio before opening the refrigerator and getting out a bottle of water. She listened to the radio with half an ear, trying to straighten out her schedule in her mind.
The kitchen gleamed in the morning light, the blue and black tiles shimmering on the floor. The walls painted a light blue to make them, and the gleaming marble counter top that Anzu had splurged on. In fact, short of dancing, cooking was her one true love. To that end, Anzu had invested in a top of the line stove, refrigerator and dishwasher. Her countertops were specially designed for the flow of the kitchen with a large island in the center that had a grill set in the center, which was surrounded by stools with high backs on them.
Anzu was a firm believer that the kitchen was the center of the home. Many times, her friends had gathered in her kitchen and chatted while she had prepared the meal or a snack. Even Mokuba had confessed that some of his fondest memories were of spending time in the kitchen watching her cook and the smell of cookies in the air. Anzu had laughed at the time and gathered the little boy close to her. While she knew that Kaiba loved his brother to distraction, Mokuba missed the influence of a mom in his life.
"…and of course ladies, there is the terrible news that one of the Kaiba's has taken the plunge," the woman's voice was disappointed.
Anzu jerked her attention to the radio, a frown of confusion on her face. She would have sworn that Mokuba had told her that neither he nor his brother was seeing anyone. Anzu could almost feel pity for the girl that had captured Seto Kaibas' interest. She shrugged and turned to leave the kitchen when the next statement brought her up short. A look of sheer disbelief crossed her face and the water bottled fell to the floor with a thud. Her blue eyes went wide and she began to hyperventilate.
"That's right ladies, Mokuba proposed to a very lucky lady last night at dinner. Very romantic, candlelight, soft music and totally focused on her. IF you don't believe me pick up a paper, it's made the Life section front page."
Anzu turned stunned eyes to the radio. For a moment her thoughts were in a jumble. After all Mokuba had been with her last night, so how had he managed to propose to someone? And wouldn't he have let her know or introduced her to the lovely girl. Then her breath caught in her throat and she ran for the front door. She needed to see the picture, but she had a pretty good idea what they were talking about.
Anzu tore through her house and flung open her door. There on her doorstep was the paper and Anzu snatched it up and slammed the door behind her. She struggled through the paper, dropping pages on the floor until she got to the Life section. There in bold type were the words "Mokuba Kaiba Engaged! But who's the lucky lady!" And sure enough there was a picture of her and Mokuba as they ate dinner. For a moment, she couldn't help but stare at the picture. It had happened right after Mokuba had given her the present, and she could see why everyone thought they were engaged.
The ring case was opened and the flash of diamonds and sapphires were obvious in the candlelight, she was leaning over the table and pressing a kiss to Mokuba's lips. His hand was holding hers and the other was gently grasping her head. She had to smile, it did look like the picture of young love. And then she groaned. If it had made papers here, then it was a good chance that it was in papers worldwide. She wondered why neither of them had caught the flash of the camera. But they had been rather focused on each other.
Still clutching the paper she ran to the telephone. If Mokuba had seen this then he would have called, so Anzu knew that she need to let the youngest Kaiba know. The sooner they figured out how to fix this the better it would be. Her fingers stabbed out the number and she waited impatiently for it to start ringing.
"Dammit, pick up Mokuba," she muttered as she paced her living room. Her white teeth worrying at her lips, while her left hand rubbed at her temple. "How stupid could the media be? Making assumptions like that." She kicked at a pillow that had fallen from her couch and watched as it flew through the air.
"Mokuba Kaiba," he finally answered, his voice heavy with sleep. Anzu listened as he rolled over and the sheets rustled.
"Mokuba we've got a problem," Anzu told him, her voice tight with tension.
"Mom?" Mokuba asked as he collapsed back against the pillows. "Are you alright? Do you need me to pick you up?"
"I'm fine," Anzu interrupted, to upset to notice the old nickname. "The problem is in the paper."
"Paper? What paper?" Mokuba asked as he tried to wake up, his blue eyes blinking rapidly. "What time is it?"
"Just after nine and the morning paper," Anzu told him impatiently, a foot beginning to tap as she stared out the window."
"Nine? We didn't get to bed until after 3 am and you're calling me at nine?" Mokuba groaned.
"The paper says we are engaged Mokie," Anzu screamed into the telephone "And you're worried about sleeping!"
"It says what?" Mokuba asked dazedly, already pushing himself free of the covers.
"Engaged Mokuba. As in to be married."
"Where did they get the idea?" Mokuba pushed a hand through his hair and reached for his robe.
"They got a picture of us last night after you gave me my present," Anzu told him as she picked up the pillow and threw it on the couch.
"Hold on, I'm getting the paper. Maybe it's a mistake," Mokuba told her as he reached for the paper sitting on the coffee table.
"I don't think so," Anzu told him dryly, a smile beginning to form on her face.
"Ah hell," Mokuba groaned as he saw the picture and the headline.
"Exactly," Anzu agreed. "The question is what are we going to do now?"
"Let me think, Mom."
"Hmm, it has been awhile since I heard that," Anzu mused, her eyes focusing on her reflection in the mirror.
"You were the closest thing to a Mom that I ever had," Mokuba agreed.
"I know. Listen why don't I come over and we'll figure this out over breakfast?"
"Sounds good. I'll see you in a bit."
"Bye."
"Bye."
Mokuba hung up the phone and stared at it for a moment, his thought firmly fixed on the woman he had just spoken to. She had become his rock through his school. While he knew Seto loved him, there wasn't any soft touches or loving hugs in the house. His stepfather had seen to that.
Anzu had been that soft touch for him. From the very first, she had always gone out of her way for him. He could still remember the first time he had approached her for an unusual favor, convinced she would laugh and send him on his way. It had been for a Mothers' day at school and all of the other kids were bringing their moms or grandmas' but Mokuba didn't have anyone to bring. That was when he remembered Anzu; after all she was the only stable female in her life.
After that she had become a fixture in his life. He could call her and confess all of his troubles, rage about the kids at school and bring everything that had to do with Mom's to her. Mothers' day cards, pictures that they drew and multiple projects. Anzu would volunteer at the parties, do the bake sales and never seemed upset at the whispering from the other parents. In fact, Mokuba remembered that one time a kid had knocked him down deliberately and the cake he had been carrying went everywhere.
He had been so upset but Anzu had simply pulled him close and told him that it was okay and that she would fix everything. The parents had actually laughed at Mokuba, stating that it was about time that the Kaiba's got what they deserved. He had been so upset, ready to cry but Anzu had smiled and pressed a kiss to his forehead. She had stood up and walked towards the parents, a smile still on her face, and had destroyed them with a few soft-spoken words. By the time she was done, the parents were cowering back in fear and the boy was crying hysterically. She had looked around the room, her blue eyes promising pain to the next person who said anything about him. In fact, she had told the entire school that the next person who touched her son, was going to regret being born.
Mokuba still smiled at that memory. Seto had been unaware of their arrangement in the beginning, but when the school called and asked him to let Mokuba's mother know about some function at the school, he had not been thrilled. Seto had raged for hours about who the woman was and how she was obviously taking advantage of Mokuba. He had even tried to forbid Mokuba from every going anywhere near the woman again.
When he had finally taken a breath, Mokuba had told him that Anzu was his 'mom' at school. For the longest time Seto had been quiet with this strange expression on his face. And then he nodded and walked away. Nothing was ever said about it again. Seto would take any messages from the school and pass them onto Anzu at school. To this day, Mokuba knew that no one in the Yugi gang knew about the arrangement.
Even after she left for college and then a dancing career, she had never been more than a call away. And he still sent her a Mothers' day card every year. She was the most important woman in his life and he would always love her.
Anzu hung up the phone and hurried to the shower. She didn't want to think of the implications of the newspaper article. She took comfort from the fact that no one had recognized her and that the picture showed only her back. That means she didn't have to worry about the gang calling and yelling at her. While Mokuba was nice and she did lover him, it would be like cradle robbing. A shudder shook her frame as she stood under the fall of hot water.
Mokuba had been her son for as long as she could remember. She had held him when he was upset, soothed him when he was sick and dealt with more teachers than she had ever wanted to. Besides, Anzu was convinced that she would never get married or have a child and Mokuba filled that hole. After Atemu had returned to death, Anzu had been lost. He had been such a huge chunk of her life and they had gone through so much together, that it was hard to think of doing anything without him.
So without him, Anzu had devoted herself to school and dance. Then Mokuba had needed her and she found a new life. Mokuba had needed her so desperately and Anzu had needed something to hold onto when the rest of her life was slowly crumbling. The gang had slowly drifted apart, no longer together every day or each weekend. Even Kaiba had quit with the constant challenges.
Anzu stepped from the shower and reached for a towel. She absently rubbed the towel over her body, mind firmly on the oldest Kaiba. He had come across as a cocky bastard the first time she had met him. Kaiba had always acted as if he was the only one that mattered and everyone should bow down to him. Anzu had never liked bullies and delighted in fighting with Kaiba.
He always got such a shocked look on his face, as if he couldn't believe that anyone would ever question him. Anzu had delighted in that expression, the slow building of rage in those cool blue eyes. The way his mouth and face tightened into a forbidding frown and the way his body would shake in rage. There was something so satisfying in making him eat his words and actually have to explain his actions.
With a shrug, she tossed the towel into the clothesbasket and walked naked into her bedroom. On the dresser Mokuba's gift glittered in the sunrays that peaked between her blinds. She sighed and picked it up, admiring the gold, diamonds and sapphires. It was way too expensive but she couldn't return it. Anzu slipped it on and went to get dressed.
In ten minutes she was dressed and heading out the door. Her long brown hair was secured by a white band and fell in a chocolate cascade to the floor. She spent a lot of time in the sun, and lighter stands of gold and carmel gleamed in under the lights. Her white skirts swirled around her upper thighs, showcasing her muscular legs and the simple white sandals she had slipped on. Her gauzy white shirt was tucked into her skirt and the long sleeves were gathered at the wrist by a band of white satin. Her deep blue tank top seemed to brighten her eyes even more. She locked the door behind her, slipped her purse onto her shoulder and slid on her sunglasses.
Anzu moved quickly down the stairs of her home and headed for the garage. While she preferred to walk or ride the bus in the city, Anzu had a good idea that she would need the car today. She swung herself into the low-slung red sports car and enjoyed the feeling of leather against her skin. The car had been another splurge that she loved. She hardly got to drive it though. With a quick motion the car was started and put into drive. A smile touched her lips just before she pressed down on the gas and sped into traffic.
Fifteen minutes later, Anzu pulled up to the house that Mokuba was using while he was in town. She sighed as the Security guard checked her name and waved her through. It was way too familiar a setting, how many times had she gone through the same thing with the house in Japan. Flowers lined the driveway, with sculpted lawns and cultured flowerbeds. While the flowers were gorgeous and their bright colors bright a please smile to her face, Anzu couldn't help but feel sad at the same time. Everything was neatly in its place and uniformly rising towards the sun.
She pulled to a stop at the top of the paved driveway, under the giant awning. A uniformed employee opened her door and offered a hand to her. Anzu took it and eased herself from the car, smiling at the man before moving up the stone steps. The doors were glass and carved with what appeared to be the Blue Eyes White dragon. Anzu couldn't prevent herself from groaning aloud at this time. Before she had time to knock the door was pulled open by a the maid, her head bowed low.
"Good morning, Miss. Mizaki," the maid offered quietly as she stepped back to allow Anzu to enter.
"Good morning," Anzu replied with a smile and caught the surprise on the woman's face before it was quickly masked. Obviously the employees were not used to simple courtesy. Definitely going to have to chat with Mokuba about that.
"If you'll come this way, Master Mokuba is just finishing his shower and requested that you eat on the veranda." The maid swung the door closed, waiting for Anzu's agreement before moving deeper into the house.
Anzu followed the maid down the hall, enjoying the sound of her sandals on solid wood floors. The walls were also wood but a deeper color of brown, gleaming darkly in the sun. She took a deep breath and delighted in the smell of cleaners and wood in the air. Several pictures hung on the walls, and a giant chandelier hung over the end of the hallway. Which as Anzu came closer really was a giant room, with a circle seat just under the chandelier. Here instead of the wood floor, was marble tiling down in black and white. There were multiple hallways connecting to this room and just in front was a giant staircase that curved upwards and disappeared.
The maid had moved towards the far left hallway and Anzu hurried to catch up with her. She knew that if she didn't she would be lost and it would take years for anyone to find her. She shook her head at the sheer extravagance but realized that Kaiba need people to know that he wasn't a nobody anymore. Not that he ever was in her eyes, but that didn't matter now.
Suddenly the maid came to a stop and opened the giant oak double doors, stepping back so that Anzu could enter. Anzu couldn't prevent her involuntary gasp of delight at the view in front of her. The veranda was built over the garden, so that the climbing roses curled around the stone balcony. The table was set against he edge of the veranda, with a white tablecloth, candlesticks, fine china and wine goblets filled with liquid.
Anzu took a deep breath even as she hurried forward, delighting in the smell of roses, flowers and dirt that flowed in the air. The garden was spread out in all of its glory, the flowers tumbling over each other, a chorus of playful children scattering around the yard. She smiled and leaned on the stone railing, her blue eyes twinkling as she watched the butterflies and birds darting from flower to flower. There was a stone path that wondered around and in the center of the garden a giant fountain rose.
Anzu closed her ears and concentrated on the sound of the water as it splashed down. The sound soothed her, a delightful sympathy that no music could ever match. The birds sang joyously and the whisper of the wind eased the tension from her body. Listening to nature was as good as dancing; it transported her to a new world and freed her from the chains of her life.
Slowly Anzu became aware of someone standing beside her and her eyes slowly opened to meet Mokuba's smiling blue eyes. She smiled back and curled her arm around his, leaning her head on his shoulder. He tilted his head and rested it onto of hers, silently enjoying the garden with her.
"I knew you would love this," Mokuba told her quietly, his eyes still fixed on the garden. "That's why I decided to eat out here rather than in the formal dining room."
Anzu opened her mouth to reply when a new voice cut in that had both of the stiffening.
"Well isn't this cozy," Seto rasped as he stared at Mokuba and the woman standing at the railing of the veranda. He could feel the anger that he had been holding inside bubbling over, "don't think that I'm going to allow this marriage! I will not allow you to marry some LA whore!"
Mokuba spun to face him, stepping in front of Anzu and hiding her from view, ignoring the cautioning hand that Anzu placed on his arm. He shrugged her off and glared at his brother. "What gives you the right to decided whom I marry?"
"I will not allow you to be taken in by some money grubbing slut Mokuba," Seto burst out. He glared at Mokuba before trying to get a glimpse of the woman hiding behind him. "Tell the little bitch to step out here," Seto commanded and was stunned with amusement crossed Mokuba's face.
"Whom exactly are you calling a whore and a slut Kaiba?" Anzu demanded as she shoved Mokuba at of her way. She stalked towards Kaiba and stabbed a finger in his chest, "you should be ashamed of yourself."
Seto Kaiba stared at the woman in total amazement as she stepped around his brother. She was gorgeous! Long brown hair, deep blue eyes and figure that could stop a freight train. But she seemed so familiar to him, it wasn't until she spoke he realized whom it was. Even then he was dumbfounded as Anzu Mizaki stalked towards him and stabbed him in the chest with her finger. An old forgotten emotion rose inside of him, causing him to blurt out the first thing that came to mind.
"You will marry Anzu Mizaki over my dead body!"
A/N:Well here is another chapter. The response was so overwhelming that I couldn't help but finish it as quickly as possible. I hope this begins to clear up some of the story. And I hope that you enjoy it as much as the first one. Let me know what you think. Thanks so much!