Hello All! Did you notice the update date? One day ahead of schedule, how's that for picking up the pace Lily? (just kidding) Anyways, thank you everyone for reviewing for my story… wow 52 by chapter 4! That makes me excited! I didn't expect that much! Well, back to the story. Enjoy!
Oh and Sweet-Lia don't worry I thought describing every girl was a bit much too. When I first started writing it… it seemed like a good idea… oh well I changed it up a bit. Thanks for being honest.
A Trip to the Spa
Anzu lay awake in her bed unable to sleep. She had been drifting in and out of sleep for hours. She tried shifting positions, sleeping on the opposite end of the bed, but nothing worked. She couldn't get to sleep, and it was almost daylight. She didn't dare look at the clock, but she couldn't fight the urge any longer; it read: 4:47AM in digital red letters. Why was this happing to her? She only entered the contest for fun, except now all she felt was heartbreak.
Anzu crawled out of bed. She somehow worked her way into the dinning room, even in her disarrayed state, without waking her roommates. She sat down at the table and stared out into the almost morning sky. She debated whether or not she should call someone. "It's early," she said to herself softly. She rested her head on the table. Even if she did call someone, what would she say? She's in love with Seto Kaiba and that she can't stand to see him with someone else? How would that sound? She glanced at the small room with the telephone in it. That little room held her only connection with her loved ones in Domino.
Anzu reluctantly got up from the table and went into the small room. She closed the door slowly, and then sat down in the cushioned chair. She stared at the phone for a moment before she truly got the courage to pick up the phone. She dialed the first number that came to her head, and she wasn't even sure whom she dialed. "Hello?"
"Hello?" a tired voice asked on the other end of the phone line.
"Yugi? I'm sorry that I'm calling so early, but I needed someone to talk to."
"That's ok… I was just… sleeping…" he yawned. "What's up?"
"I just needed someone to talk to… I miss you guys…" she replied softly.
He yawned again, "huh-hun. We miss you too Anzu. Have you done the photo shoots yet?"
"Yes. I made it past the first round. But—"
"That's great Anzu! I'm so happy for you!" Yugi tried to say in his normal cheery voice but was stopped by another yawn. "Jonouchi's sleeping over, do you wanna talk to him to?"
"Sure." Anzu smiled. She was already starting to feel more like herself again just by talking to one of her best friends. She wanted to tell them about Kaiba, but her instant gratification of being happy at this moment held her back.
"Hello?" A tired, deep voice came over the phone.
"Jonouchi? How are you?"
"Fine. Yugi says you made it past the first elimination. Good for you," he said sincerely.
'Do you want to know what Seto said to me during the eliminations…no I should just keep it between us…' That word: eliminations, struck bad memories of the night before. Ami had heard her crying over the running bathwater, but, thankfully for Anzu, she didn't push and ask what was bothering her. Anzu had cried most of the night silently to herself over Kaiba… That sad feeling of rejection came over her heart again and she cried into the phone. "Thanks." Somehow she had managed to utter out words that made sense through her crying.
"Umm… Anzu? Is something wrong?" Yugi asked. He had apparently picked up another phone in house. Anzu didn't respond. "What are you crying about Anzu? You can tell us."
Anzu curled in a ball and sobbed into the phone. "I…can't…tell…you…"
"Why can't you tell us?" Jonouchi asked.
"I…just…can't…" Anzu shook her head. "I…I'm…just so miserable here…I want to come back to Domino…I want to quit."
"Quit?" they said together.
"That doesn't sound like the Anzu we know!" Jonouchi said with obvious disbelief in his voice.
"Anzu. Whatever is going on we know you can handle it. You are so strong when it comes to being there through thick and thin," Yugi said proudly. "You were the one who always reminded us about friendship. You drew the symbol of our friendship on the back of our hands, remember?"
"I remember… but this is different…" she replied.
"However different it is Anzu, we know you can pull through," Jonouchi said with excitement in his voice.
Anzu smiled. They were right, she was never one to quit because things weren't going her way. This was a competition and she should treat it like one, leaving all her feelings aside, no matter how much it tore her up on the inside. "Thanks you guys, I feel so much better. I miss you guys so much."
"We miss you too Anzu," Yugi said shyly. "Good luck!"
"Yeah Anzu, don't let money bags get you down alright? Duke is on our side," Jonouchi laughed. "Oh… and good luck!"
"Thanks. I love you guys. Bye." Anzu hung up the phone and let out a sigh of relief. She had her friends behind her, that's all that mattered. In time she would forget about Seto Kaiba, but until then, she would just have to suffer through her heartache.
Anzu stared at the crack underneath the door and noticed a shadow pass by. Was someone listening to her conversation? She jumped up and swung open the door. Nobody was there. She peered around the corner and into the kitchen; no one was there. She shrugged and went back to bed. She pulled her diary out from under her bed and began writing about her love for Kaiba. The words poured from her pen as she wrote her deepest secrets into the pages of a book her mother had given to her to Christmas. She always kept it close to her and well hidden from those who didn't have permission to read it.
Dear Diary,
I'm in love with Seto Kaiba. Yes, me! Anzu Mazaki! How did this happen? I've always seemed to have a place for him in my heart, but now, someone—NO—make that Mia Lockhart—has stolen his heart from me. I guess they belong together… they're both rich, and besides Kaiba deserves someone who will do anything for him. I'm not sure what kind of a girlfriend I'd make, seeing how I've never been on an actual date. It's my own fault in a way. I have guy friends and I hang out with them all the time, so I guess most guys think I'm dating one of them. Anyway, I haven't told anyone about my feelings for Kaiba. Well I told Ami, sort of, but she thinks I just have a little innocent crush on him. I wish that was true, I'd get over a crush so easily. But this is love! I know it is! I LOVE SETO KAIBA! LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE HIM!
O Cupid's Arrow, must you strike me down like this? Why are you making me feel this way?—look at me Diary, I'm quoting my Myth and Folklore class… I must really be in love… why now?
That's all for now—Anzu AKA The 'In Love with Seto Kaiba' Dance Queen of Domino.
Anzu closed her diary and stared at the ceiling. She didn't feel much better, but she did feel as if she got a whole lot off her chest. She wondered what she was in store for her in a few hours. The Mai Mail had said to be ready by seven o'clock sharp for a day at the spa. Anzu shook her head, there had to be more to it, she just knew. She wondered if Kaiba was thinking about her or at least thought about her at all since the ball. "He said my picture was beautiful, and he said that to no one else. But why do I still feel so miserable? Because Anzu," she said to herself, "you are in love with a guy that will never love you back." She curled up and gripped her pillow tightly in her hands. She begged her heart to stop feeling this way towards him; that would be the only way she could make through this competition. "Please…just this once…"
--:0:--
Anzu stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. So far what the Mai Mail said was true, a simple day at the spa. She and the rest of the contestants, first had massages, followed by receiving a new hairstyle. Anzu couldn't take her eyes off her new hairstyle. Actually there wasn't that much change, the hairdresser had added light brown highlights to accent her dark colored hair, and made her hair softer to touch. She thought the highlights were a little much, but she assumed that was the cost of fame so she would just have to learn to like them. She swayed her hair from side to side; it was soft, she felt like one of those girls in the shampoo commercials. She was so happy that the hairdresser didn't cut her hair, after all she wanted grow it out so it would go past her shoulders. She giggled and adjusted the towel wrapped around her body. Thoughts of Kaiba slipped into her mind no matter how much she tried to push them out. Pictures of him touching her hair at the ball flashed all over the corners of her mind. She softly ran her fingers through the side he touched, it had been washed out the night of the ball but his impression was still with her.
"There you are!" Rei yelled bursting through the door. "Everyone's been looking for you." Rei had received a hair makeover as well. Her normally long uneven hair was now even on all ends. The hairdresser had cut about an inch off, but Rei really didn't seem to mind at all.
"Have they?" she asked dryly.
"Yes," Rei replied with slight annoyance. "Mai and Charlene want us all to be together when we take our sauna."
"I'm sorry Rei," she said softly. "Let's go then."
"Something wrong?"
Anzu shook her head. "No, I was just looking at my new hair style."
"Oh." Rei ran her fingers through her own hair. "She cut mine," she groaned. "Oh well. Come on, everyone's waiting."
Anzu leaned on the wooden walls of the sauna room. The steam was a little uncomfortable at first, but she dealt with it. In it's own strange way, it was relaxing. She adjusted the towel wrapped around her head, and then joined the rest of the contestants little circle. She sat next to Rei and she placed a comforting arm around her shoulders. Anzu felt better knowing her best gal pal was always with her.
"Well finally Anzu," Ky-lee teased. "Why do you have to be a lone wolf huh?"
"Girls?" Mai asked loosing the tension that was about to arise in the room. "Do you agree Lupe should have been the first one to go?"
"Yes," Mia spoke first. "It's harder for short models to find work, no matter how beautiful they are. Don't get me wrong, I liked Lupe, she was nice, but I don't think she was strong enough for this business. Modeling is a cutthroat business, and I don't think she realized that when she decided to enter the competition."
"Very well said Mia," Charlene complimented. "When modeling agencies are looking for someone they first look at the height, then the face, then how they walk."
"Would you say height is a problem?" Ami asked.
"Well I wouldn't say height is a problem as long as the model has something special," Charlene responded. "Something extra will always get you through the door faster than being like everyone else."
"I hope you girls realize that from now on, it's not just fun. This is serious, after each photo shoot a model will be asked to leave," Mai said firmly. "I'm being truthful. All of you are fighting for those two spots and it won't be easy." She glanced around at the alert contestants. "When I entered the contest, I didn't expect it to be so much work. Yes I did have fun, but it was stressful at times." She sighed. "Let me tell you that if I didn't have Charlene to confide in, I don't know where I'd be. Some of the girls were just plain mean, and sometimes I couldn't take it. Those who saw last year's show know what I mean, there's a lot of me crying and telling the camera that I just want to leave and let someone else win." She glanced at Charlene. "It's not good to keep lots of things inside, it's better to share them with someone."
The room went silent. The contestants absorbed every word that came from Mai. She spoke the truth and they all knew it.
"I've got an idea to lighten the mood!" Ky-lee blurted out. "Let's play Truth or Dare!"
"Ky-lee," Genie groaned. "Don't you think we are all too old for that little game?"
"Yeah, I haven't played that since I was twelve." Lara rubbed her forehead.
"That'll make it all the more interesting. Now there is just one rule: any questions asked have to be answered by every girl. Do we all agree to that?" Ky-lee asked with a smile.
"I will not play such a childish game."
"Sister Kikyo!" Kagome yelped. "It's all in good fun."
"I don't see the point." She stood up but Kagome grabbed her arm. "Stop this sister, let me go."
"Please play with us." Kagome looked at her sister with sad eyes that in turn made her sit back down. "We all agree Ky-lee," Kagome said happily. "You go first."
"Ok… I pick Mai. Truth or Dare?" Ky-lee smiled.
"Hmmm… truth," she replied.
"Ok… if you had to pick from any one of the judges… who would you sleep with and why?"
The contestants laughed and whooped together. "This just got interesting," Noel laughed.
"Sleep with as in sex right?" Mai asked and Ky-lee nodded. "Ok, just wanted to be sure. Well hmm… Kaiba. Duke needs to work out a few more of his hormones, and Pegasus is I think thirty-five, but acts like a child. So yeah, Kaiba."
Ky-lee laughed. "I would have to say Duke definitely. He's so hot."
Genie snorted, "Kaiba seems like the only one who can handle me."
"I'd pick Duke. He's so dreamy…" Noel said softly.
"Yeah Duke," Lara agreed.
"Seto of course," Mia said with a smug smile. "We belong together."
"Duke definitely. Something about that smile of his…" Faye giggled.
"Duke. He's so charming," Kagome smiled. "What about you sister?"
"I don't plan to lose my virginity with any of those men," she answered.
Kagome rolled her eyes. "Oh come on sister Kikyo, you said you would play."
"I am playing. And I did answer. I do not pick any of those men."
"Sister Kikyo…" she complained. "All right. How about you Ami?"
Ami blushed, "well I guess I've always had a thing for Duke."
"Yep. Duke for me also." Rei laughed.
"Well, looks like Duke is a popular guy between you girls." Charlene teased.
"What about you Charlene?" Ky-lee asked.
"Yeah Charlene, who would you choose?"
"Hmmm… well let's see. I think Duke is already taken by most of you. And Kaiba really isn't my type. So I would have to go with Pegasus."
Ky-lee screamed. "Omigod! Pegasus? I think Charlene won the game!" she said in between her laughter. "Why Pegasus?"
"He is charming girls, and he is handsome."
"So do I ask the next question?" Mai asked.
"Wait! We didn't hear from Anzu," Rei yelled out.
Anzu hadn't been listening since the conversation started. She was too busy thinking about what would happen if Kaiba were her boyfriend. She would no longer have to walk to school because he would pick her up every morning in one of his many cars. They would of course, be followed by all the paparazzi in Domino but it wouldn't matter, because they would be together. When they walked down the halls of Domino High, he would be either holding her hand, her books or both. They would sit next to each other in class, and if they didn't have class together they would wait for each other after class. Then at lunch they would sit together and after school they would do homework together. He would be pushing for her to take harder classes because he would claim that he knew how smart she truly was and that she needs to challenge herself. She would take him to the various teen clubs and parties in Domino and tell him that he needs to relax and loosen up…
"ANZU MAZAKI! CAN YOU HEAR ME?" Rei shouted.
Anzu's head shot up. "Oh sorry Rei. I was thinking."
"Sheesh… what were you thinking about? I've been calling your name for about ten minutes."
"It hasn't been that long…" she muttered. She glanced around the room; the other girls were staring at her oddly. Was she really that dazed out?
"So who would you choose Anzu?" Rei asked.
"Choose?"
Rei groaned, "weren't you paying attention?"
"Oh looks like our times up ladies, the timer just went off," Mai said standing up. "Let's go get our Manicures and Pedicures." She walked towards the door with the contestants following closely after. "And remember ladies, what is said in the sauna, stays in the sauna."
"Of course Mai," they said as they followed her out the door.
Anzu shook her head; she really needs to stop daydreaming. Especially over a guy who doesn't feel the same way she feels about him. She stood up realizing Mia was the only other girl left in the room with her. Rei had apparently left with the other girls probably assuming her best friend was right behind her.
The steam that once filled the room was settling and Anzu could see Mia's flawless complexion perfectly. The sight of Mia's face irritated the hell out her now, she was the girl Kaiba liked and she couldn't change that, so she had nothing to say to her. She walked by her and headed for the door. "Anna?" her annoying voice called to her. Everything she did annoyed Anzu. How is she able walk around happy and cheery all the time when she's really so mean on the inside.
"What?" Anzu asked without turning around.
"Are you ok? You seem a bit tense, is anything wrong?"
"No. Nothing's wrong," she answered.
Mia touched her shoulder. "Do you miss your boyfriend Anna?"
She turned to her. "I don't have a boyfriend Mia."
"But the first day we met I remember you telling Ami about your boyfriends back in Domino. You said you didn't want your parents to find out about that Jonouchi guy…" she smiled.
"Mia. I have friends that are guys, but none of them are my boyfriend." She shook her head. "I don't have a boyfriend."
"Oh. I must have been mistaken. I just assumed you had a boyfriend or two—"
"Are you calling me a sl—"
"No! Nothing like that!" she smiled. "You are pretty Anna. If I didn't look like this, I wouldn't mind looking like you." She giggled. "I've got an idea. I could you introduce you to my cousin. He's really good looking, because you know good looks run in the family. He's really nice and I'm sure he'd like you. He's nineteen, but I'm sure he wouldn't mind the age difference."
"Mia. I'm really not looking for a boyfriend."
"Oh… well you just let me know. You know Anna, you are the only one I feel comfortable talking to."
"I can't imagine why?" she asked sarcastically.
"Me either. I feel like you are the only one who understands me." Mia glanced at the ceiling. "Everyone thinks I'm some stuck up rich girl, but I'm not Anna. I'm really a nice person, I'm just misunderstood."
"Huh-hun…"
"It's true. Now that I'm with Seto, people will be judging both of us."
Anzu glanced at her. "You're with Kaiba?" she asked softly.
"I've been waiting to tell you Anna. I spoke with him after the photo shoot and he said he wanted us to be together. He said he didn't want to part with me," she smiled.
Anzu felt like Mia was throwing daggers at her heart just to see how long it would take for her heart to shatter, and finding out Kaiba wanted to be with her was dagger number one. "That's great Mia…"
"He said that after the competition we wouldn't have to keep our secret a secret anymore. We could spend more time together." That was dagger number two, but Mia continued. "He told me that he's always thinking about me and I told him that I'm always thinking about him."
"I'm happy for you Mia…" Anzu lied. She wanted to stuff all that pretty hair of hers down her throat, but she controlled herself. "I hope you two are happy together," she said with tears of pain forming at the corners of her eyes.
"Thank you Anna," she said walking out the door. She popped her head back in the sauna, "oh and when you are ready, I'll call my cousin and put a good word for you." She waved and left.
Anzu stood in the sauna alone and hurt. Her heart ached so badly for Kaiba and he didn't care. Mia is whom he wanted. Anzu had to suffer with the fact that Mia would tell her every detail she could about her and Kaiba together. She wiped her eyes and walked out the sauna. She turned on the water for the shower and rinsed herself off quickly. Anzu wondered why Mia was so bent on telling her everything. She shook her head; she just had to live with it.
Anzu found the room where the rest of the contestants were. They all were sitting in chairs getting their nails done. Mia waved her arm in the air requesting her to sit down next to her. Anzu glanced around quickly for any other spots open, but to no avail, she had to sit next to her.
Mai walked into the room fully dressed in her clothes. She glanced around the room to make sure everyone was there; since every girl was present and accounted for she smiled. "Well girls how have you enjoyed our little day at the spa?" The contestants thanked her happily. "Oh your welcome. All you deserve it. Now then, I think it's the perfect time to tell you about your next photo shoot." She paused. "Swimwear. Isn't that exciting?" she asked with a smile.
"Today?" Lara asked.
"Yes today. So you know what that means," Charlene replied suddenly standing in the doorway. She stood next to Mai as she spoke, "Bikini waxes all around!"
--:0:--
"So here we are again guys. Time to make an elimination." Mai and the panel of judges sat behind the table in the ballroom. Once again the table was cluttered with the pictures of the eleven remaining contestants. The contestants themselves were in a different room waiting to be called back in for the results. "Today I got to know the contestants a little better, so let's start with Kikyo." She picked up the picture and studied it. "I like her. As a person she is very strong, very sure about her beliefs and morals and follows directions perfectly." She held out the photo so everyone could see it. "I told the designer to find a kimono that matched the bathing suit. And I told Kikyo to use it in during the shoot."
"She seems very comfortable in front of the camera. I say she's in. I like that she held open the kimono and stood in the car," Pegasus said.
"I thought the rain was going to be a bit much but I think it adds to the picture nicely," Duke smiled. "Yeah, she's in."
"Huh-hun," Charlene nodded. "She's very open and talkative, and photographs well. I also like her facial expression."
"Yeah. She's in." Kaiba said softly.
"Rei." Mai picked up her picture. "She's so talkative, very open, and a wonderful personality. When the photo shoot first started she wasn't posing like I wanted to, but the minute I told her sexy, her whole expression changed. I think she's the only one who laid on top of the car."
"She's very beautiful, tall, has great eyes, body everything. She's definitely in," Pegasus said as he took the picture from Mai.
"Yeah, she's in. She's got sexy written all over her face." Duke smiled, "I just have one question. It's off topic, but I'll ask it anyway. What did you girls talk about while in that sauna?"
"Dolls, baking, and housekeeping." Charlene teased. "Rei's in."
"Yeah, she's in."
Mai glanced at Kaiba slightly. He never really said much when it came down to the eliminations. He was better chewing out the person when they were face to face. "Kagome?"
"Yes, she's in. She was very talkative, she seems to be the opposite of her older sister, but I think that's fine." Charlene took the picture from Mai. "I remember I told her to sit on the car because she wanted to stand like her sister." She giggled.
"She looks like a child sitting like that, but it's such a good shot of her, that it doesn't matter. She's in," Pegasus said.
"Yep, she's in." Duke smiled. "A kid?…"
"Faye is very sweet, I think she's so cute and innocent. She's a little on the skinny side but she takes nice pictures."
"Skinny side Mai?" Duke asked.
"She means Faye isn't what we're looking for Devlin," Kaiba said suddenly. "I think she's too skinny too. I said that in the beginning."
"That's true." Pegasus took the picture from Mai. "Yes she is skinny, but is that a reason to cut her?"
"I don't think so. What are we gonna tell her? Fatten up then come back to see us?" Duke asked sarcastically.
"So there's doubt about Faye, ok. Who's next?" Charlene asked.
"Noel?" Mai asked.
"I found her to be a little on the snobbish side, but she does follow directions nicely." Charlene sighed, "this time it's going to be hard to make a choice."
"I say we keep her in the competition for a little longer," Pegasus stated.
"I say we cut her. Personality is important in this business. Don't you think Ki'?"
Kaiba growled, "I told you to stop calling me that Devlin."
"I forgot, I shouldn't ask Mr. Personality himself questions like that," Duke laughed.
"Lara?" Mai asked. "Now she was very quiet but sweet. She seemed like the tough girl type, and that's reflected in her picture."
"Every picture should tell a story, and this one does. She's very dangerous yet seductive," Charlene said. "She's in."
"Yes, I agree. She's in." Pegasus nodded.
"Yeah, I like Lara. She gets my vote tonight." Duke turned to Kaiba. "Ki'?"
He shook his head at Duke. "Yeah, she's in."
"Now Genie was fun. She is so funny, she likes telling you the truth." Mai smiled. "I told the fashion coordinator to come up with a genie-like swim suit."
"Yes, I enjoyed getting to know her too. She's very photogenic, and I love that she bought into the genie theme we put her into by putting her hands together. She's in," Charlene nodded.
"Yeah, she's just the right height and has a nice complexion, she's beautiful. She's got my vote," Pegasus handed the picture to Duke.
Duke nodded. "Yeah, she's in. Ki'?"
"Yeah, she's in."
"Something wrong Kaiba? You seem to be a little distracted tonight," Mai asked.
"I'm not," he said coldly.
"Ok… Now Ky-lee is very interesting. She says what's on her mind without even thinking about what she is saying. She's a joker and likes having fun with everyone." Mai glanced at the picture. "Now she was the only one whose picture who came out without rain. And I told all of them that the first few shots without the rain were just the warm up. I told them that I wanted the pictures to be sexy with the rain."
"Ky-lee didn't accomplish that this time." Pegasus stared the picture.
"We warned her last time," Charlene said biting her lower lip. "I don't know about her."
"Honestly, she's pretty and has potential…" Duke said softly.
"I don't think we should wait around to see if she can do this or not," Kaiba stated firmly.
"Hmmm… Ami. She's very articulate, very intellectual, and very cute. Even though she's a bit shorter than the other girls, I think she has what it takes to make it in this business."
Charlene nodded. "Yes, I agree with Mai. Ami could make it in this business, she's definitely in."
"Yes in." Pegasus stared at Duke, "what do you say?"
"I think so. Her face is mature, but I like that she can attract different kinds of age groups. Yeah, in."
"Next we have Mia. I think other people misjudge her. She does seem a little snobby but I don't think she tries to be." Mai rubbed her forehead. "It seems like she's just proud that her family is rich."
"That may be true Mai, but a model must be humble, even if she fakes it for the ones trying to help her." Charlene sighed. "She photographs so well."
"Yes, she does. Her hair, complexion, figure, everything is perfect. She's just what we're looking for." Pegasus shrugged. "I'm not sure.
"Yeah… not sure…" Duke nodded.
Kaiba glanced at the picture of Mia. He was getting to be somewhat annoyed with her. She was always talking to him like they were supposed to be together. What was her problem? Didn't she get the hint? He didn't like her that way and never will. Besides he didn't want to deal with a girl who talked about herself all the time. Anzu was different; she always talked about her friends before anything else. He involuntary smiled. Where did that thought come from? Why was it every time he was trying to stop thinking about Mia, thoughts of Anzu invaded the corridors of his mind? He glanced at her picture. She was kneeling on the hood of a red convertible with her hands behind her head. Her body was so slim and perfectly toned. 'Damn it what am I thinking? This is Mazaki I'm talking about. She's taken anyway by that mutt friend of hers,' he thought to himself.
Kaiba reached for her picture, but the annoying boy who calls him Ki' got to it before him. Anzu Mazaki was a pretty girl, but he couldn't simply go up to her and tell her that. At the ball she was different, she was flirting with him, wasn't she? Did he mistake her flirting with merely being friendly? He shook his head why should he give a damn? She had a boyfriend, even if it was a mutt of a boyfriend, he didn't care about anything she did. 'But… she deserves better… someone who can give her everything she deserved… if only I would have told her that I… really…do…'
"EARTH TO SETO KAIBA!" Duke called to him.
Kaiba glared at him. "What?"
Duke shook his head. "Never mind…"
"Let's ask the ladies to come join us." Pegasus said referring to the contestants.
"So who do you think will be asked to go home tonight?" Ky-lee asked braiding Genie's hair.
"I told you to stop asking that Ky-lee."
"Why? Everyone is wondering it."
"The last time you asked that, our roommate Lupe got eliminated." Genie looked at the little braids in her hair.
Anzu lay on the stone bench, belly down, and played with the blades of grass growing from the ground. She wouldn't mind if she were eliminated this time, it would be the only way not to see Kaiba with Mia. But when she thought about it, she wouldn't be happy that way either, because she wouldn't see him anymore. "Hmmm… I've decided to give up on love Rei."
Rei sat on the end of the bench running her fingers through her newly cut hair. "Why did they have to cut off so much?" she whispered. "Oh don't say that Anzu. You haven't told me who you're in love with yet," she teased.
"I'm surprised you don't know. I thought it was obvious to you?"
Rei glanced down at her. "I said it was obvious that you were in love, I never said I knew who you were in love with." She smiled. "So are you going to tell me?"
Anzu sat up and slid close to her friend. "Kaiba," she whispered.
"Ki—" Anzu covered her mouth before all the contestants heard her.
"Yes Kaiba," she whispered.
"Seto Kaiba… I kinda assumed. So what are you going to do about it Anzu?"
She shrugged. "Nothing. Haven't you heard? He likes girls like Mia." Anzu glanced at her sitting alone on the opposite side of the courtyard.
"Mia? I doubt it." Rei glanced at Mia. "He's defiantly got a thing for you…"
"Don't try to cheer me up Rei," Anzu sighed. "I already know the painful truth."
Rei noticed the rest of the contestants heading back into the hotel. "Looks like it's time." She stood up and straitened out her skirt. "Don't worry about the Kaiba thing… I'll do a fire reading for you."
Anzu watched her friend walk away for a moment. She knew Kaiba was far out of reach just like the stars in the sky. She wished she could be optimistic about this situation but she couldn't. She stood up and walked into the hotel with the rest of the contestants.
"Welcome back ladies," Mai said with one of her trademark smiles. "As you know the two winners of this competition will receive a five-hundred thousand dollar contract with each of the companies presented here."
"Mai and I have eleven beautiful women in front of us, but only hold ten photos." She held out the first portfolio. "Kikyo. Congratulations, you are still in the running to become the Next Top Model."
"Lara. Congratulations," Mai smiled.
"Genie. Congratulations, you are still in the running to become the Next Top Model." Charlene smiled.
"Ami. Congratulations."
"Rei. Congratulations, you are still in the running to become the Next Top Model."
"Kagome. Congratulations."
"Mia. Congratulations, you are still in the running to become the Next Top Model."
"Anzu." Mai held her portfolio for a moment. "Anzu. I'm giving you another chance to let us get to know you. You are quiet and don't share anything with us. I hope that will change Anzu, you are very beautiful." She handed her the portfolio. "Congratulations."
"Faye. Congratulations, you are still in the running to become the Next Top Model."
"Will Noel and Ky-lee please step forward?" Mai requested. "Ky-lee you are at the bottom two for this photo shoot also. We feel that you have the will to do this but not the look we are looking for." She turned Noel. "Noel. As you know this is a cut-throat business, however a model must be humble, and we feel that you are not as kind as you could be." She paused. "Ky-lee. Congratulations, you are still in the running to become the Next Top Model."
"Noel. You must return to your room and pack your things for your return home." Charlene sighed, "good-bye."
Anzu sat on the floor of Rei's room. Rei went to put on her kimono so she could properly prepare for the fire reading. Kagome and Kikyo sat on the edge of the bed talking to each other. Kagome, of course, was doing most of the talking.
"But sister Kikyo why can't you just introduce me to him?" Kagome whined.
"I already told you sister. He is a dog, and I don't want you dating him."
"But I just want to talk to Inuy—"
"I told you forget about it. Let's not speak anymore of this. What troubles you?" Kikyo asked referring to Anzu.
"Love…" Anzu answered. She glanced around the room; it was decorated in the same manner as her own. She then wondered how Rei could even do a fire reading without a fireplace.
"Kikyo can't love," Kagome pouted.
"Ok I'm ready." Rei emerged from the bathroom in her red and white kimono. "Are you ready Anzu?"
"Huh-hun…" she responded. "How are you going to do it with out a fireplace."
Rei giggled. "I've been practicing. I can do it with five candles now. That's better than the way I used to do it with ten." Anzu scooted next to the low table decorated with five candles. Rei sat across from her. "Tell me your question," she said as she closed her eyes.
"Just tell me about my love for Kaiba."
Rei folded her hands and concentrated. She felt the power of fire running throughout her whole body. She opened her eyes and allowed the fire to show her a vision. But nothing came. "Nothing…"
Anzu leaned closer and stared at the candlelights. "What do you mean nothing?"
"Just what I said: I can't see anything Anzu. I'm sorry," she said softly.
Anzu noticed that Kikyo left the room, but she didn't care to know where she was going at the moment. Rei did predictions well. How was it that this time she couldn't see anything? What did that mean? Her and Kaiba would never be together? "Thanks for trying Rei," she said as she stood up. "Just forget about it ok? I'll see you later." She headed for the door but the sound of her best friend's voice stopped her.
"Anzu? Are you going to be ok?"
"Yeah Rei. Don't worry about me," she responded. She reached for the doorknob but someone opened it from the other side. It was Kikyo; she walked past Anzu without saying a word. Anzu left the room and closed the door behind her. She leaned against the door and heard Rei talking to Kagome.
"So you saw it too?" Rei asked.
"Yeah. Are you going to tell her?"
"No. She'll find out eventually."
Anzu continued down the hall towards her room. She wasn't sure what Rei saw but it didn't make her feel any better. She felt better before she asked for the reading. Why was her best friend being dishonest with her? Maybe she wanted to spare her anymore torment. Whatever it was, she was sure of one thing: this was going to be another sleepless night.
"Anzu?" A familiar voice called to her.
Anzu turned around quickly to find Kaiba walking towards her. She wondered why he would even stop to talk to her, but it didn't matter, at least he was. "Hello Kaiba," she said shyly.
"How are you Mazaki?" he asked in an unusual soft tone.
"Fine…" she replied. "How are you Kaiba?"
"The same."
They stood there for a moment in awkward silence before Anzu broke the silence. "Did you enjoy my picture today? Did you find it beautiful?" she teased.
Kaiba's eyes widened. "… Yeah Mazaki… you're still in the competition aren't you?" He ran his fingers through his hair. "I think I prefer your school uniform covered in car grease though," he smiled.
Anzu's heart stopped for a moment. 'He still remembered that? Maybe it's because I was touching him…' she thought to herself.
"Your hair is different," he said jarring her thoughts.
She smiled at him and stared into his eyes. He had noticed her and that made her blush. "Yeah," she played it off casually. "I think the highlights are a bit much, but you know, what can you do?"
Kaiba reached for her but she backed into the wall. "Tell me something Mazaki." He caressed her hair softly. "Are you afraid of me?"
"No," she whispered.
He leaned closer to her. "Then why do you back up every time I try to touch you?"
She shrugged. "It's a natural reaction I guess…" She looked away from him because his deep blue eyes were overpowering for her to handle.
He stepped back sensing her discomfort. "Well you do seem like the innocent type."
Anzu raised an eyebrow. "Innocent? Look Kaiba I'm the after-hours, underground party, rave type. But I only go for the music not the drinking and drugs like the rest of the kids at Domino."
Kaiba cocked his head back. "I didn't know you had a wild side Mazaki."
"And we've known each other for how long? Since Freshmen year? There's a lot you don't know about me," she flirted. Even though she acted calm, on the inside her heart was beating a mile a minute.
Kaiba leaned closer to her. He rested his hand on the wall behind her and used his free hand to softly caress her face. "I would like to get to know you… Anzu," he whispered. He let his lips linger over hers for a moment, teasing her, just to see how she would react to him being so close.
Anzu gazed into his deep azure eyes unable to look away. It was like they were trapped in a staring contest and neither of them wanted to look away. She couldn't look away this time, she wanted him, and she truly did want him to… kiss her.
"Seto Kaiba!" Mia called from down the hall.
Kaiba stood strait up slowly obviously irritated. "Mia…" He rolled his eyes.
"Oh Seto! Where have you being hiding yourself?" she asked with a smile.
Anzu slipped away silently. She didn't belong there. Even if Mia did ruin every moment they spent together, Anzu didn't care, she knew Kaiba was flirting with her, in his own way.
She glanced over her shoulder and noticed Kaiba watching her walk away from him with a disappointed look on his face. Maybe he didn't like Mia as much as she first thought. Anzu smiled, she would definitely get a good night sleep tonight.
So what did you think? Did you find me Evil for not letting them kiss? (Muh ha ha ha ha) well… it's only the fifth chapter and they haven't admitted to liking each other yet. Mia always is in the way huh? Anyway please Review because you know that I love them!