Oh my Ra! How long has it been? Almost four months! Sorry everyone. In short: College. Writer's block. And more college. But I'm back! With a long chapter, almost 22 pages, I suggest you get some snacks. (ok I'm done with the bad jokes).
Just a note: This first paragraph, I didn't write. My friend (bakura's baby) wrote it coz she can describe Kaiba a lot better than I can. If I had to describe the Pharaoh… well let's just say there aren't enough words in the English language to describe his hotness. Anyway, this first part here will clear up what really happened last chapter. So enjoy!
BTW: You readers know that I don't own ANTM or the lyrics that I happen to use in this fic or Yu-gi-oh! For that matter, coz if I did, there would be a hell of a lot more romance.
Dance Anzu Dance
Kaiba stepped out of the shower dripping wet. You could tell by how the light shone on his body, how muscular he was. The light would cast a shadow in each of the crevices on his arms and abs making his profile more beautiful than anyone could imagine. As the droplets of water would slowly trace down his body, they would give him a glow that gave him an essence of innocence and lust at the same time. His hand was gripped to the towel that was wrapped around his slim lower waist, as he walked towards the sound of that annoying knocking at his door.
What could anyone possibly want at this hour? "Then again, it could be Anzu… but she should know better than to come to my room." He opened the door expecting to see Anzu, however only saw the irritating blond that followed him everywhere. He stood behind the door slightly since he realized she was staring at his bare upper body. "Can I help you with something?"
"Oh! Seto!" Mia covered her eyes. "This is your room? I was looking for Mai."
"I'm sure. Mai is on the sixth floor remember?"
"Oh. Right. It's just that I have a problem with my roommates…"
Kaiba stopped listening at that point. It was obvious that she didn't come searching for Mai. He knew she really came in the hopes of catching a glimpse of him in his silk pajamas, or how she saw him now, in a towel. "Mia." He rubbed his brow in frustration. "I would love to stand here and listen to whatever it is you're talking about, but I have business to take care of. So if you don't mind…"
Mia touched his face. "I love you too Kaiba."
He looked at her oddly. Did she even listen to what he just said? He sharply removed her hand from his face. "Don't ever touch me." She stepped back surprised by his words, and Kaiba followed her gaze down the hall. "What are you looking at?"
Mia smirked, "Oh nothing. I'll see you tomorrow, goodnight!" she called as she left down the hall.
Kaiba couldn't figure her out, but he didn't have the time or patience to even bother. He closed the door and locked it after he placed the Do Not Disturb sign on the door. He glanced at his cell phone sitting on the dresser; there were two missed calls, both from his younger brother. Unfortunately Mokuba couldn't come with him to Tokyo because of the rules of the competition, so he stayed behind and watched over the mansion, and called on a regular basis. He flipped open his phone and speed-dialed Mokuba's cell phone.
"Yo! This is Mokuba, the party's over at six in the morning!"
"Excuse me?"
"Just kidding big brother. I knew it was you," Mokuba laughed.
Kaiba sighed. He never imagined that raising his teenage brother could be so… interesting. He couldn't think of any other way to put it. He placed his phone on speaker so that he could continue to get dressed and talk to his brother at the same time. "What did you call about Mokuba?"
"First I called to ask you why you haven't called me, but then I figured you were busy, and the second time I dialed your number by mistake. So what's up?"
"We eliminated another girl today," the elder Kaiba answered.
"Which one?"
He buttoned his silk pajama shirt. "Genie."
"I figured it wasn't Anzu… Yeah, that one. Put it in."
Kaiba glanced at his phone. It wasn't that obvious was it? No. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing. She's been doing good, I hope she wins. What kind is that? I don't want that, take it back."
"Well," he corrected. "Speak proper English. Who are you talking to Mokuba?"
"The maid."
"I am not your maid!" A girl's voice yelled in the background.
"I was kidding! I'm sorry," Mokuba laughed.
"Who is there with you?"
"The maid! The maid!" he continued to laugh.
"Stop calling me your maid!" the girl shot back.
"Mokuba, I told you not to have any of your friends over, especially at this hour," Kaiba said firmly.
"I know big brother, but it gets boring over here... Come back Rebecca, I know you're not really leaving."
"Rebecca?" Kaiba said to himself. "Mokuba, tell her to go home."
"We're just watching movies big bro, don't worry, nothing will happen."
"You got that right," Rebecca added.
"Stop acting like you're mad at me."
Kaiba rubbed his temples slowly. "Mokuba…"
"Don't be jealous just coz I have a girlfriend and you don't," he teased.
Kaiba decided he would ignore that last statement, only because it was true. Although that would change soon, as soon as the competition was over he could be with Anzu and confess to her how much he really… "What the…" he whispered to himself as he stared out the window.
Anzu was walking around the pool—no—she wasn't walking. She was… dancing? "Why would she be out this late when she has to get up early?" Something was wrong; he just knew it.
"Big Brother? Hello? You there?"
"I'll have to call you back Mokuba," he answered already slipping on his trench coat. He quickly slipped on shoes and headed out the door. Maybe it was nothing. It could be that she couldn't sleep and just needed some air. Then again, she didn't seem like the type who would be out late. Even if she was, why was she dancing?
Kaiba stopped. Apparently the elevator was out of order. He headed down the stairs determined to find out if anything was wrong. As he reached the glass door that led out into the pool area he started to have second thoughts. Maybe he was over thinking the situation; something his brother accused him of doing many times. He slipped outside silently and watched her for a moment.
Anzu was dancing fiercely, letting all the emotions of pain and rejection flow through her and then into her dance moves. She thought of all times her ballet teacher called her dance performance déchets. Her teacher always complained that she didn't have the right body type to be a ballet dancer; Anzu proved her wrong, so wrong. She kept her eyes closed as she spun around stepped dangerously close to the edge of the pool. She softly sang along with lyrics that came out of her mini boom box.
I don't wanna love you…
Don't wanna need you…
Just wanna leave you (I swear)
I just want it to be over (I just want it to be over)
I just want it to be over (Can it be over?)
Anzu stood on the edge of the pool with her arms in the air and tossing her head from side to side as she let the music take over her body. She balanced on her right leg while she extended her other leg behind her, arabesque-style, as she leaned forward and uttered out the last words to the song. "Over and over…" At that moment she was awoken from her trance-like state that she always had when she danced; and heard someone call her name and then felt someone push her into the pool. Anzu struggled underwater as she swallowed and breathed in the chlorine filled water. She vaguely saw someone standing over her on the edge, but she couldn't make out their features because she was too busy trying to swim to the surface. When she made it to the surface she held onto the side of the pool and coughed up the remainder of water caught in her throat.
"Anzu…"
Her head shot up. "Kaiba! What did you push me into the water for?" She took his outstretched hand and climbed out of the pool. She ran her fingers through her wet hair and stared at him angrily.
"I was trying to catch you, I thought you were going to fall in. Purposely." He took off his trench coat and placed it on Anzu's shoulders. "What are you doing out here?"
"Dancing."
Kaiba raised an eyebrow. "To a song that have lyrics that say: I just want it to be over?"
Anzu sighed. "She means, she wants to stop being in love." She looked away from him, she just couldn't stare at him any longer, not in the same way she used to. She was in love with him, and thought he liked her too, but after hearing what Mia said to him; she thought otherwise. She tried her hardest to hold back her tears of pain, but it was no use, tears began to roll down her cheeks. "Why did you lie to me?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about!" she yelled through her tears. "I saw you with Mia, and I heard what she said…" She wiped her tears. "If you loved her, then you shouldn't have… told… me…" she was cut off by her own crying. She then ran off, back inside the hotel, unable to continue.
It suddenly dawned on him why Mia looked so satisfied when he told her to leave. She must have seen Anzu standing there. Kaiba cursed to himself. "Now she thinks that I…" He hurried after her; he had to set things straight with her, even if she didn't want to listen. He found her still crying, and frantically pressing the button for the elevator. "It doesn't work," he said softly.
"Please don't talk to me right now. It's not allowed anyway."
"Listen to me Anzu, nothing is happening between Mia and I." Kaiba stood in front of her, however she didn't look at him. "She came up to my room looking for Mai, or so she claimed." He turned her face to face his. "I didn't say what you think I said."
Anzu swallowed hard. "You…didn't tell her that you…"
"No. I don't care about her. Understand?" She nodded. Kaiba waited for a moment before he said anything to her. "What about you Anzu?"
"What do you mean?"
"You and your boyfriend."
"What boyfriend?" She pulled his trench coat closer around her shoulders, feeling a chill suddenly running down her back. "Yugi isn't my boyfriend, if that's what you're thinking. We're just friends, I know everyone thinks we're—"
"I wasn't talking about Yugi."
"Then who are you talking about?"
"The mutt," he replied quickly.
"Mutt?" Anzu whispered to herself. "Jonouchi? You think Katsuya Jonouchi is my boyfriend?" She laughed, "Come on… seriously?"
No response.
"If you're referring to the last day of school… he's just like that, he likes playing rough, that's just how he is." She sighed taking in everything that just happened. She then glanced around a bit to make sure no one was around. "Listen, I'm going to bed before we get caught talking to each other. I want to know something though." She turned away from him as she thought of a way to formulate her question. This—whatever you would call what they shared—it wasn't a real relationship, they weren't together, they were just… she couldn't explain it, so she had to know. "How do you feel… about me… I mean us… together?"
Kaiba took a step back; he hadn't anticipated that question. Then again, he hadn't expected that they would be talking like this again either. Still, he couldn't tell her how he truly felt; he wasn't exactly sure. He had to tell her something, but the truth could hurt her. "I don't know."
Anzu only nodded. She felt as if her heart had climbed up her throat and got stuck. He didn't know? Then why did he kiss her? She couldn't ask him that, she couldn't ask him anything at the moment. She was at a loss of words, but she did feel as if her heart was slowly breaking. She swallowed hard then handed Kaiba back his trench coat. After that she just simply walked away back towards her room. She glanced over her shoulder briefly; he was gone. She lowered her head and headed up the stairs.
Maybe nothing was ever there, and maybe, just maybe, he never had feelings for her. But Anzu knew that couldn't be right, after everything they did together… Didn't he promise he would wait for the competition to be over so they could be together? And their kiss… what about that? "Didn't that mean anything to you Kaiba?" she asked herself as she entered her room. She sighed; she knew sleep wasn't going to come easy for her tonight.
She changed out her wet clothes and into her comfy matching red pajamas. After that, Anzu headed into the dining room and then she opened the door to the phone room. She sat down in the soft chair and picked up the receiver then started dialing. It was late, real late, but there was only one person she could call.
"Anzu? Is that you?"
"Yes mom…" She tried hard to control the tone of her voice; she didn't need her mother worrying about her. "I know it's late… but I needed to talk to you."
"It's alright sweetie, you know you can always talk to me about anything. What's wrong? You sound sad."
Anzu began to confess to her mother everything she has been going through. From her first realizing her feelings for Kaiba to Mia's lies and jealousy, then to Kaiba's kiss and Mia's blackmail; and finally, what happened just moments ago. It was then when she began to cry. "I'm… so confused… I don't know what to do anymore…"
"Love is hard honey, and you have finally fallen in love. I wish I could be there to hold and comfort you, but I will tell you this: love will always have hardships—"
"Why?" she interrupted.
Anzu's mother tried to stay strong over the phone and not break down and cry with her daughter. She sighed. "Because only true love can survive despite all the hardships."
"But mom, my heart aches so bad for him. I don't know what to do, I thought he cared for me like I did," she sobbed in her hand.
"Anzu…"
After she got a hold of herself, she wiped her tears and then spoke to her mother. "I…I better go mom. I have to get up at four so I can be ready by five."
"Alright honey…"
Anzu sensed her mother's worry. "I'll be fine mom, really. I just…" She paused for a moment thinking of something to say; nothing came. "…Needed someone to talk to, but I'll be ok. The competition is almost over, then I can put this whole mess behind me."
"I hope you win honey. Please try to cheer up, because your emotions will show through in your photographs, you know that."
"Yes mom."
"I love you."
"I love you too. Bye." Anzu hung up the phone and headed back to her room. She stared at her two roommates sound asleep comfortably under their blankets. One of them was sweet and innocent; the other was a seed of evil. Why was Mia so bent on destroying her? She didn't even know her until the competition started. "I swear, if I could get away with one murder…" She plopped on her bed, and threw the blanket over her. What was she thinking? That wasn't right. She snuggled under her covers so she could get at least a few hours of sleep. Even with her thoughts plagued with Kaiba, she had to concentrate, and focus on the competition.
--:0:--
It was 5 AM, and the remainder of the contestants stood in the ballroom waiting for Mai and Charlene. For the most part, every one of the girls had enough sleep, all of them except for Anzu.
Mai walked into the ballroom with Charlene close behind her. "Good morning ladies. Is everyone awake?" Mai asked with a smile, and the models nodded.
"Sometimes as models, you have to get up early because you have a full day schedule," Charlene explained. "Today is one of those days."
"First we will start by changing your living situation. I want all of you to pack all of your belongings and head up to the eighth floor. Charlene and I will meet you up there. You have one hour."
As soon as Anzu went back to her room she fell onto her bed face first into her pillows. The last thing she needed right now was a long day. Why couldn't this be a simple photo shoot? Now she had to pack, pose, and who knows what else. She closed her tired eyes and rolled over to her side. The one day she needed a break.
"Something wrong Anna?" Mia asked hovering over her.
"Please don't talk to me right now," she answered. "I'm too tired to defend myself," she thought to herself.
"I'm just worried about you Anna, but if you don't want to talk I won't force you." Mia walked over to her side of the room and began to pack.
"If you call me Anna one more time Mia I swear!" she mumbled into her pillow.
"Anzu? Would you like me to help you?" Ami offered kindly. "I left all my clothes packed because I didn't think I would be here this long. I mean, I never imagined I would be in the top six."
"That makes two of us bookworm," Mia threw out. "Now where did I put that spray…"
Anzu sat up, and just as she was about to yell at her, Ami stopped her. "It's ok Anzu… I think you left it in the bathroom Mia."
Anzu watched her walk into the bathroom. "Why do you take that from her?"
Ami shrugged. "I haven't figured her out yet, so until I do, I think I should be kind to her. Besides, we are supposed to treat our enemies with care."
She narrowed her eyes as she stared at the bathroom door. "I think she's the exception to that rule."
"Would you like me to help you with your packing?" Ami suggested changing the subject.
"Yes, thank you." Anzu stood up and adjusted her denim skirt. She began to open the drawers of the nightstand and remove all the outfits and undergarments she brought with her. Ami opened up her suitcase for her and helped her place all of her clothes in it.
"Three more photo shoots," Ami said suddenly.
"What?"
"We have three more photo shoots before the fashion show," she replied. "Since there are going to be two winners, there are going to be three finalists for the fashion show."
"Oh. Right. I hope Mai and Charlene teach us how to walk before then."
Ami giggled a little, "I'm sure they will."
"I am going to pray to all the gods in the universe that Mia doesn't make it to the top three." She reached under her pillow and grabbed her diary, then stuffed it into the suitcase as well.
Ami only smiled, then she zipped up Anzu's suitcase. "Is that all?"
"Yeah, I think so."
"Alright. Let's go wait with the others."
Mai and Charlene led the contestants down the corridor on the eighth floor to their new room. They stopped at the last door in the hall. "Here we are. If you haven't already guessed, all of you will be sharing one room."
"Most of the time when models are traveling in groups, they all share one room. So that will be your challenge for the rest of this competition," Charlene added. "As well as impressing us with your photographs and personality."
"Today all of you will have a one on one session with Charlene and I, so you may talk about any concerns you have. That will be followed by learning choreography for a performance in a music video, and finally ending the day with a photo shoot."
"So get dressed for a workout, then come downstairs to my suite. Everyone understand?" Charlene glanced around to make sure they understood. "Good. See you in a few."
Anzu headed down the stairs dressed in her short-shorts and tank top. It was finally her turn meet with Mai and Charlene. She couldn't believe that there were only three beds in a room full of six girls, and of course one of those girls was Mia. She was the one who made her break down and cry on the stairs she was currently walking down; well part of it was about Kaiba, and what Anzu thought she heard. He explained it yes, but couldn't explain the feelings he had for her, that is, if he even had any. She then felt tears brimming at the corners of her eyes. "No… not now…" She stopped just before she entered Charlene's suite and attempted to fan away her tears. "This competition is too important to let your feelings get in the way…" she whispered to herself. She entered the room after knocking on the door briefly.
"Come in Anzu," Charlene welcomed.
"Yes come in," Mai smiled. She walked in and sat down on the floor cushions.
"Omigod Anzu, I just love your legs. You have the perfect modeling body, honestly."
Mai rolled her eyes. "You'll have to forgive her, she's been saying something to ever girl that has come in so far. She's always going off subject."
"I'm always going off subject? Let's not talk about you and that high schooler on the roof—"
"Let's not." Mai cut her off. "Anzu?"
"Yes?"
"How are you doing? You are in the top six, how does that make you feel?"
"Excited. I never imagined I would be here, let alone make it to the top six," she answered.
"You have remained consistent throughout this whole competition. We haven't found anything wrong with any of your photographs so far," Charlene complemented.
"And you won two of the challenges. One of which was secret," Mai added.
"And the one with Kurama," she winked.
Anzu blushed. "I was so nervous about that one, and I know if I win my father will go crazy."
"He'll get over it," Mai grinned. "Don't worry about it." Anzu returned her smile with a nod. "Anzu?"
"Yes?"
"I sense that you aren't telling us something. If something is wrong, or bothering you then you can tell us."
"I…" It wasn't that obvious to them was it? "…I don't like starting drama between the other girls and I, so I let it go."
"So there is a problem between you and the other girls?" Charlene inquired.
"Just one," Anzu answered. Mai and Charlene glance at each other, then back at her. "It's… um… Mia."
"Yes, we assumed," Charlene nodded.
"You are not the first one to say that."
Anzu wasn't surprised. Even though Mia had picked on her and Ami particularly, it wasn't hard for the other girls to take notice of her bad vibes. "It seems like she's always trying to bring me down."
"I understand that," Mai said softly. "However, there will always be someone out there trying to bring you down. Someone who will always talk down to you, spread rumors about you, and do anything they can to make you quit. I know, because it happens to me everyday. There are rumors on the internet, in tabloids, on television, and just about every place where someone can get access to the media."
"But you must look past all of that if you are going to make it in this business," Charlene added. "We both have to deal with a lot, but to be a strong person and model, you must love yourself and have a high self-esteem about yourself."
Anzu nodded, "I do. Thank you."
Mai playfully hit her. "The most important thing is to have fun. Enjoy this competition, and this experience."
"Weather you win or lose. Live for the moment," Charlene smiled. "So do you have any questions for us?"
Anzu stood up and shook her head. "No, I think you covered everything."
"That's great. We enjoyed talking to you Anzu." Charlene stood up and gave her a hug.
Mai stood up and hugged Anzu as well, and said her good-bye's. "This photo shoot is dance inspired," she added as Anzu headed out the door. "So I want you to show me your best moves. You got that!" she winked.
--:0:--
Anzu sat in a metal chair that lined the interior of the dance studio. Three of the four walls were covered in mirrors, while the polish in the hardwood floor reflected the fluorescent lights from above. In the corner was large black speakers attached to a small stereo with various CD's and CD cases from various artists spread about. Anzu glanced up at the second floor, which was how her and the rest of the contestants entered the room. The narrow loft that was currently empty, overlooked the whole room. She smiled; Mai and Charlene's encouraging speech was still ringing in her ears, making her thoughts roam instead of paying attention to the conversations going on between the other girls. She vaguely overheard Mia complaining about the choreographer's delay in showing up. "Oh please… like you've never been late for anything before," she muttered to herself. She stretched and let out a small yawn; it was still too early for anything.
"Um… Anzu?"
She turned her head and stared at Ami with partly tired eyes. "Yes?"
"Could you teach me to dance before the choreographer arrives here? I… know we don't have that much time, but I'm… I guess I'm a little nervous about learning a whole routine," Ami uttered out softly. "Then there's the music video… Could you just give me some advice?"
Anzu grinned, her tiredness suddenly going out the window, and stood up. "Sure." She faced the mirror fully, and stared at Ami. "Let's see… Well, first of all, if you make a mistake or get lost in a routine, just keep going. Don't dwell on it, make it seem like you did it on purpose. Second, even if you don't know how to dance, remember that it's all about the facial expressions. You have to get that attitude of 'look at me, I'm so good that I make you want to get up and try this'." She glanced at Ami. "Did you got all that?"
Ami nodded. "I think so. I just wish I had the confidence you had."
"You have great confidence when it comes to modeling," she assured her. "You just need to move that confidence over to dancing."
"Rei! You can't put on music, Mai said not to touch anything."
"She probably told the choreographer not to be late either. Come on Kagome, live a little," Rei joked.
"I don't see what dancing has to do modeling," Kikyo said to no one in particular. She sat at the foot of the steps flipping through a magazine.
"The judges are testing to see if we can be versatile sister."
Anzu smiled at Ami. "…Yeah that's it. For us girls, it's all about controlling the hips, and feeling the music." She nodded her head to the music trying to find the beat and letting it flow through her body. She began to swing her hips to the music while she made up her own choreography to the Destiny's Child song coming from the speaker. Dancing always freed her from all the tension she carried with her, that was why it was so easy for her to and have courage for her friends and never truly getting afraid of any evil that happen to come her way. She stopped dancing as the song came to an end and glanced at Ami; she looked a little overwhelmed. "Sorry… guess I got a little carried away," she said shyly. "So like I was saying, feel the music. And another thing: routines always come in a series of eight-counts."
"Eight counts?"
"Yeah, so it's easy to remember."
Mia suddenly touched Anzu's shoulder, stopping her lesson. "Don't waste your time Anna. Ami was never the type to dance; she's the type who goes to a dance and stays on the wall the whole night. Trust me, this is the photo shoot she will be going home."
Anzu whipped around and glared at Mia. She couldn't take it anymore; something had to be said. "Why don't you mind your own business Mia? Ami is doing fine, she doesn't need your comments or your help," she added. "And for the last time: my name is Anzu! Anzu! A-n-z-u. Not Anna! We've been roommates for weeks now, it can't be that hard to get my name right!" There she said it; she was harsh but someone had to tell the brat off.
Mia's eyes blinked surprise at Anzu's tone of voice, no one had ever talked to her like that, not even her own mother. She began to chuckle a little bit, until it turned into a full out laugh.
Anzu frowned. "What's so funny?"
"You Anna—excuse me—Anzu. I always knew what your name was, however I choose names that I feel will better suit the person."
She rolled her eyes. "Do you hear yourself when you talk?"
"I hear myself perfectly Anna." Mia flipped her long hair behind her. "I am also aware of you trying to bring me down ever since this competition started. It's obvious you're jealous of me."
Anzu folded her arms tightly in front of her. "You were the one who had it out for me since the beginning. I don't know why, and I don't care to understand why, all I know is that I'm going to make it through this competition despite everything you throw at me. And about the jealous part, please. You have nothing I want."
"Nothing?" Mia taunted.
Anzu stepped to her. "Nothing," she repeated.
Kikyo waved her hands between them. "Are you two finished yet?"
"Far from it," Mia replied. She turned to Anzu. "You're just mad because I can do anything you can do only better, and that eats you up inside."
Anzu snickered, "You really live in a fantasy world you know that?"
Mia began to laugh again. "Alright Anzu…" She turned around and turned the music up louder, and then she faced her again. "Not only am I going to win this competition, but I am also going school you in the only thing you can do right." She ran her fingers through her hair to move the hair out of her face then started nodding her head to the music. She swung her hips to the beat as she picked up the lyrics to the song. "Ooo, I put it right there made it easy for you to get to, now you want to act like you don't know what to do…"
It was obvious she was challenging Anzu to battle her. Good. This was just what she wanted. She could hold her own, especially when it came to dancing. She swung her hips to the bass of the music, isolating her hips in such a way that made Mia green with envy. She lifted one arm over her head and stared straight at Mia while uttering the lyrics just like she did. "Ooo, I'm starting to believe that I'm way too much for you, all that talk but it seems you can't come through…"
Kaiba walked into the dance studio. The only reason he left the laptop in his hotel room and decided to come with Mai and Charlene was to get away from Duke. Unfortunately for Kaiba, he had followed him to the studio. "Why are you following me?"
"Who else am I gonna talk to? Pegasus? He's a little to into cartoons for me. Besides I get to see the girls this way. What are you doing here? Checking out Anzu?" Duke walked over to the railing and stared down at the little dance-off that was taking place. "You've got perfect timing Ki', she's dancing like she does at parties."
Kaiba hesitated for a moment. After the night before, he was sure she would rather avoid him for as long as possible. He wanted to tell her how he felt, nothing was holding him back, she didn't have a boyfriend, and he knew she cared for him as much as he cared for her. But if all that was true… then why couldn't he just tell her? What was it that was holding him back? He slowly walked over to the railing and stared down at her. His eyes widened for a moment; she was dancing a lot different from how she was the previous night.
"She's great huh? If you want to be with her I could put in a good word for you."
Kaiba gave him a sideways glare. "Shut up Devlin."
Mia and Anzu circled around each other as the bridge to the song played. "You know what this is really about?" Mia taunted.
"Kaiba's love."
"Then bring it."
"Like only we can." Anzu danced her heart out. She didn't have to prove herself to anyone, but that didn't mean anything would hold her back. She wanted Kaiba's love but if she couldn't get that, she could win this competition and at least work for him and be near him.
After the song ended Anzu was breathing hard because she never worried about her breathing or that her leg muscles were a little sore from the ballet dancing she did the night before; she put all that aside to dance her very best.
Mia looked up and smiled at Kaiba leaning over the railing. "Hi Seto!" she giggled.
Anzu turned around and stared up at Kaiba. No words came to her, not even a simple greeting. It didn't matter, he was a judge and having a relationship with a judge was against the rules, not that she had a relationship with him, but still…
"Bravo girls! Bravo!" A woman cheered. She was a young lady that looked like she was probably in her early twenties; she wore a black and white warm up suit. She suddenly emerged from the loft clapping as she descended the staircase. "Hello everyone, I am your choreographer Tiffany, and I have been watching all of you. Especially you two," she said referring to Anzu and Mia. "I believe every group should have a strong leader and I am going to pick…"
"Nice try Anzu," Mia whispered with full confidence.
Anzu narrowed her eyes but decided not to respond. She was content with having Mia thinking she was the best.
"You Anzu," Tiffany smiled. "I liked that you took another girl aside to help her, and that the girl happened to be your own competitor." She clapped her hands. "Alright girls, you are shooting a music video this afternoon, that means you only have a few hours to learn a dance routine. So I want everyone to spread out, we need stretch and warm up. Anzu?"
"Yes?"
"I want you to stand by me so you can help me with the choreography and leading the girls."
Anzu nodded. "Ok." She glanced at Mia before she stood in front with Tiffany. She then stared up at the loft; Kaiba was gone. "If it's meant to be, then we'll be together," she thought to herself.
"Anzu! What's wrong? Start stretching," Tiffany scolded stretching her legs.
"Sorry." She spread her legs and touched the floor. "I was just wondering how you saw us when you weren't here."
"Yeah I was wondering that too," Rei threw in.
"Switch. I have cameras everywhere. When I have auditions here, I like to see which girl wants the spot. I tend to really look at the girl or girls who are practicing while waiting, instead of talking and visiting with the other girls," Tiffany explained. "Switch again. You girls have to realize the kind of business you are getting into; any and everyone will be watching you. If a make-up artist or designer or whatever doesn't like your attitude you'll bet they'll tell someone, and word gets around. You know that by just being in high school or in the workplace right?"
"I know that first hand," Mia sighed. "So many girls are jealous of me and my family fortune so there are so many rumors about me, and it's really to bad that no one gets the chance to really know me."
"Right." Tiffany glanced at Anzu. "Stretch the arms."
Anzu smiled. She knew Tiffany saw right through that fake persona that Mia carried around. Anzu always tried to find the best in someone, but she has yet to find the best in her. It didn't matter; she was just going to focus. "Focus like I'm dancing…" she whispered.
--:0:--
The contestants stood on the sidewalk outside one of the hottest nightclubs in Japan. Mai and Charlene had informed them that there would be a twist to their photo shoot.
"Welcome ladies," Mai smiled. "As you can see we are outside one of the hottest clubs in Tokyo. Everyone wants to get in this club."
"From movie stars to music artists. Lots of people in 'the business' let's just say," Charlene added. "And tonight this is where your photo shoot will take place."
"The twist is that you will taking your photo with other models, both male and female. So it's your challenge to stand out in your photo."
Charlene smiled. "However, since this is probably the first time for any of you to enter this club, Mai and I have decided to let you have an hour to enjoy the atmosphere."
"Follow us ladies."
Anzu sat at the bar tracing her finger around the brim of her glass. The music was hot, the dance floor was full, and laser lights bounced around the room to the beat of the music; everything was just as she liked it, but for the first time today she didn't feel like dancing. She figured it had to do with stress of her love for Kaiba and just going through the competition. She would probably never admit it to her, but she needed her mother to be there with her.
"Anzu!" Rei plopped down in the stool next to her. "Why aren't you on the floor?"
"I don't feel like it."
"You don't feel like it? Anzu Mazaki doesn't feel like dancing? Hell must be freezing over. It must be the apocalypse."
"Stop it. I'm just tired… I've been dancing all day."
"So what that really means is that your love life and the competition is getting to you again."
"Mind reader."
"I don't have to be psychic to know what's bothering you. You're probably sick of my advice by now, so I'll only say this: you need to think what is important to you at this point in your life. If you don't get the contract… ok, but how many people wanted to sign you to their agency on the go-sees. If Kaiba doesn't become your boyfriend… ok, but how different would this be if you two were back in school." Rei touched her shoulder. "I don't want you to over think this, but just get your priorities in order. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and the Anzu I know wouldn't ruin that over a guy." She gave her a soft smile. "So anyway, if you need me, I'll be on the dance floor."
Anzu sighed. "She's right…" She tapped her glass and shook her head. "She's so right." She immediately stood up and made her way to the dance floor to where Rei was dancing. She rolled her hips to the music and tossed her head from side to side, letting the music take hold of her body.
"Finally!" Rei shouted over the music. "Hell must be defrosting."
Anzu laughed and just continued to dance. She was tired and of course her muscles ached from dancing all day but that didn't matter because she was doing what she was born to do: dance.
Almost on cue she felt the infamous hands on her hips from behind; by now she was used to it so she didn't mind when someone came up to her. Just as long as they kept their hands there and nowhere else. She looked over her shoulder to get a look at the guy she was now dancing with. He was a tall dark-haired guy with a set of gorgeous emerald colored eyes.
"What's your name beautiful?" his deep voice purred in her ear.
She lifted her hand and touched his face. "Does it matter?"
"Would you rather I call you beautiful?"
"Anzu."
"Anzu? That's a nice name. I'm Seth. You dance well."
Anzu spun around and faced him, letting her arms find their way up and around his neck. She danced closer to him and stared into his eyes; she was now close enough to tell that he was an older guy, but that didn't matter, they were just dancing. "How old are you?"
"Does it matter?" he smirked.
She shrugged. "Just curious."
Rei tapped Anzu on the shoulder. "Don't look now, but you're making someone jealous."
Anzu froze. Was it Kaiba? She didn't want him to think… She let go of Seth and glanced in the direction Rei was mentioning. She took a sigh of relief; it was only Mia. "Good, I'm glad."
"We gotta go to hair and make-up," Rei added.
Anzu nodded. She turned to Seth, "I gotta go, bye."
"See you around Anzu."
Rei took Anzu's hand and led her through the crowd of dancers to the back of the club. They walked down the staircase being guarded by two bouncers, to the VIP room that had been converted into the hair and make-up room. "Can you believe our hour is up?"
"Yeah it was quick." She glanced around a bit and noticed Ami already sitting in the make-up chair getting her hair done. "Hi Ami," she smiled.
"Hello Anzu."
"Hey Anzu! We need you to sit here," the hairstylist on the end called.
"Coming." She walked over and sat down immediately. "How are you going to change my hair this time?" she asked politely. This of course, was her favorite part.
"Well Anzu…" He spun her around so she faced the mirror. "You get to keep your hair how it is this time. All I'm going to do is add volume."
"Alright." Anzu sat back as the hairstylist began to style her hair. She was a little disappointed because she always enjoyed seeing herself with different looks. After that, the make-up artist came and did her makeup, while two manicurist worked on her fingernails. She briefly heard Mia in the background complaining, as usual, about the costume they had to wear, but for the most part Anzu tuned out what was going on around her. That is, until her name was called for wardrobe.
Anzu walked up the stairs that led back into the main part of the club. She saw that Kikyo was finishing up her photo shoot by dance-posing with what looked like everyone who was in the club earlier. It dawned on her that the models Mai was talking about must have been there the whole time. She glanced down at herself dressed in a school uniform; from her blue short pleaded skirt, to her white and blue sailor-like top, she looked like a schoolgirl. "Who's idea was this?" she asked to herself. She walked over to the set and stood next to Mai.
"Hello hun. You're up. Great job Kikyo, you're done."
"Good luck," Kikyo called as she walked away.
"Thanks."
"So Anzu, the sort of theme for this shoot is teens at a rave. All of you have left school and came to party until morning. Got it?" Mai asked with a quirked up eyebrow. She nodded. "Good. Go stand over there," she directed. "Alright. Cue the fan and start the music."
Anzu felt the vibrations of the music pulse throughout her body, as always she let the music guide her. She never over thought when it came dancing, she just did what came naturally. She heard Mai telling her to 'work the camera', so Anzu made sure she looked directly into the camera. She made sure her poses were fierce with every flash of the camera because she knew what the judges were expecting from her.
"Alright Anzu! We got it! Great job!" Mai said genuinely.
Anzu ran her fingers through her hair. "Ok. Bye everyone." She walked off the set and headed back to the VIP room with the hip-hop song still playing on her lips. She was on cloud nine, and nothing was ever going to bring her back down.
The judges sat in the ballroom with six photographs in front of them, while the contestants waited in another room so the judges could deliberate. This time there was a guest judge: Tiffany.
"So judges… we're cutting close. Six girls left," Charlene started.
"That's right hun. To think we started with twelve." Mai laughed a little.
"Well we have to decide who's going home tonight," Pegasus stated glancing at the photos.
"It's hard this week," Duke said as he picked up Ami's photo. "Each one of these girls has remained consistent throughout the whole competition."
"I was really impressed by Ami today, because she was one of the weaker dancers but she pulled through with learning the choreography." Tiffany picked up the picture of Anzu. "I was also impressed with Anzu."
"Ah yes… the dancer. I knew she was going to rock this photo shoot. I just knew it," Mai smiled.
"In her photo you see the passion her eyes, I just love it! She's definitely in," Charlene nodded.
"Let's talk about Mia," Pegasus requested. "You said that you found out that the other girls have problems with her?"
Mai sighed, "Yeah, I think she's nothing but a pretty face. I mean look at her, she's gorgeous and the camera loves her."
"But is that really enough?" Duke cut in. "Aren't we looking for someone who is humble, who has personality, and can give us wonderful photos?"
"True," Mai replied. "So who do we cut?"
"How about Anzu? I could use an assistant choreographer." Everyone looked at Tiffany oddly, but she merely shook her head. "I'm kidding."
The contestants were asked to return to the ballroom so that they could hear the judge's decision.
Mai and Charlene stood in front of the judge's table with the photos of the girls that have been chosen to stay. "Welcome back ladies. Charlene and I have six very beautiful ladies before us, however we only hold five photos in our hands, and these five photos represent the five girls that will go on to determine who will become our next top models. As you know we have a fabulous prize which consists of a two-year, five hundred thousand dollar contract." She lifted the first picture. "Anzu," she smiled. "You know you rocked this photo shoot, keep it up. You are still in the running to become the next top model."
Charlene flipped over the next photo. "Kikyo. You and Anzu were the only two girls who used one of the male models as part of your photo shoot. Very bold of you two," she smiled. "Congratulations, you are still in the running to become the next top model."
"Ami. We are very proud of you; you pulled through today. Congratulations."
"Rei. Congratulations, you are still in the running to become the next top model."
Mai took a deep breath. "Will Mia and Kagome please step forward? I want both of you to know that this week's cut was a very difficult one to make. Mia, we feel that you are beautiful and that you take wonderful pictures, however under that pretty face we see someone that is very mean and fake. A model must be humble and always remain professional." She paused. "I see that you're crying, what are you crying about?"
"I just… I'm always misunderstood… I'm not fake; I'm just myself. I've always remained true to who I am, and continue to do that everyday." Mia wiped her tears.
Mai turned to Kagome. "Kagome, even though we see a pretty girl with personality, we are worried that you aren't versatile enough. We can see you in commercials and magazines, but that's it. So who goes home? The girl who takes beautiful pictures, but needs to work on her attitude? Or the girl who we can only see in magazines and commercials?" Mai glanced at both of them briefly before she flipped over the photo. "Mia. I suggest you search deep inside of yourself to find out whom you are and what it is that you truly want. Congratulations, you are still in the running to become the next top model."
"Kagome you must pack your bags and return home," Charlene said softly.
"Goodnight ladies," Mai said with a smile.
Anzu sat on her bed jotting down the events that took place that day in her diary. Rei was sitting on the floor meditating, while Ami was sat on her bed occupied with a book, Mia was using up all the hot water, and Kikyo went to console her sister. Everything was normal, or as normal as it could get with five girls who have to live together. No one had spoken much after the judging, but Anzu was content with that, she needed some down time.
Kikyo entered the room quietly because she was aware of Rei's meditation. Ami glanced at her for a moment. "How was Kagome?"
"She'll be fine. She's still upset, but she will get over it. She's a strong girl." She glanced at the bathroom door. "She's still in there?"
"Unfortunately yes," Anzu answered.
Kikyo sighed. "I don't know how you guys lived with her."
"Five girls. One bathroom. It's like a horror movie," Rei said stretching.
"Did anyone read the Mai Mail?" Ami asked changing the subject.
"I'll read it," Kikyo offered. She found it on a small shelf by the door. "It says: Can you find your inner child? Be ready by 10 AM."
"I don't get it," Anzu shrugged.
"We're going to be made into children and forced to go back to elementary school," Rei laughed.
Anzu laughed, "Be serious Rei."
"At least we get to sleep in," Ami pointed out.
"True. I'll shower in the morning… I don't feel like waiting for her to finish," Rei complained.
"Maybe she drowned."
"Anzu! That's terrible. I can't believe you said that," Rei giggled climbing into bed. "Good night."
Anzu placed her diary back into her suitcase and snuggled under the covers of the warm bed. She had gone through so much since this competition started, even though she knew it was going to be hard work, she never expected to fall in love. "With Seto Kaiba…" she whispered to herself. "Is it worth it? Is all this heart ache worth it…" She wanted to get her mind off him, but her heart wouldn't let her.
Anzu was in love… but with someone who didn't know if he loved her back.
So there it is… chapter 10. (I told you it was long.) I'm sorry again for the delay and if you felt that the chapter wasn't worth the wait. But at least I updated right? (Déchets means rubbish in French)
Any who on a lighter note, I sort of explained where Mokuba is in all this. When it comes to Anzu x Kaiba fics I usually forget about him because all my focus is on Anzu and Kaiba. But I did remember him this time and I added a little Mokuba x Rebecca because I'm a new fan to this couple; I even wrote a side story involving them. (As you can tell… I am a yu-gi-oh romance freak.)
And on another lighter note, while going through the writer's block and college and junk, I was thinking about making a part two to this story. But then I was thinking whom could it be of? There aren't very many girls in yu-gi-oh, (that's why I had to borrow some from different animes) and their ages are all spread out. Unlike the guys, where they are all around the same age for the most part. So then I thought… Next Top Male Model… but it would be so hard to choose… Then it hit me… Strip Search! LoL! So I guess it's just gonna be a companion story to this one.
Anyway… I just felt like talking because I haven't updated in a while. So please review and tell me what you think. Coz I love reviews. Thanks for reading! Bye!