Some more Pegasus in this chapter. He's so theatrical, I always find him one of those fun characters to write. But there is a vulnerable, lost side to him, which I touch on a little here. I know in the manga he is assumed to have died when Bakura attacked him and took his Eye, but it is open to interpretation and his fate was never really discussed in the rest of the story. And since the anime had him alive and well, I like to think he was not as dead as was thought.
Chapter 13.
Pegasus Makes an Offer.
The excited chatter about Yugi punching Martin, followed by Martin's subsequent humiliation of being sacked and sent packing, continued for some time until Pegasus clapped his hands together and told everyone that the show was over, suggesting they should get back to enjoying the evening while talking about something else.
He turned to Yugi and Anzu. "I do not condone violence, Yugi, but I feel I should congratulate you for hitting that dreadful man. I'm truly mortified that my company even employed him!" Tutting, he shook his head in dismay, "Speaking to women so offensively is unforgivable."
"Yeah. He wasn't even a good engineer," Yugi said, "He spent most of his time making dirty comments about women who were at the convention. I didn't like him." That was as much as he was prepared to say. Pegasus had drawn his own conclusions about Martin and did not need to know any more about why he had harassed Anzu.
"Oh, dear," Pegasus frowned. "Well, enough about that Neanderthal. I want to talk to the lovely Miss Mazaki. It must be... ooh, several years since we last met?"
Anzu flushed slightly. "It's been five, at least, I think. And," she added, with a hint of teasing, "it's okay to call me Anzu."
"Five years!" Pegasus said, raising an eyebrow. "And so much water under the bridge! How is New York treating you? I understand you are a professional dancer now?" He sighed, letting out a long, wistful sigh. "My Cecelia loved to dance."
Anzu caught Yugi's eye and they shared a look. Anzu knew that hearing Pegasus talk about his deceased wife made Yugi feel awkward. Partly because of what Pegasus had done in order to get his hands on the Millennium Puzzle, and partly because, when he defeated Pegasus he had taken away any hope Pegasus had about seeing her again. Although, he was fairly certain the Eye had lied to Pegasus in order to manipulate him into obtaining the other Millennium Items.
Quickly sensing the need to get off the subject of Cecelia, Anzu cleared her throat. "I graduated with a first class honours degree. But despite that I've still been unable to find work as a dancer. I love living in New York, but I'm finding it a struggle financially, so I'm going home to Japan."
Pegasus snapped out of his reminiscing about Cecelia, and said sympathetically, "Oh, that's a shame. But at least you tried. And who knows what the future holds for you both as a couple. I was so sad when I heard you two had separated –I held such high hopes for you both once Pharaoh-Boy was out of the equation," he said, irritatingly. "Anyway. Enough lamentation. You must need a drink after that obnoxious technician insulted you."
Yugi and Anzu shared another look. Pegasus had a knack of touching on exposed nerves. Was he implying that Atem was somehow in the way? If so, it wasn't true. The muscles in Yugi's jaw twitching, and Anzu wondered if he still felt as though he was her second choice –the consolation prize!
Eager to show him that he was not second best, she threaded her arm around Yugi's arm and leaned against him. "I don't think Atem was ever in the equation. It was always Yugi," she reiterated.
Yugi placed his free hand over her hand that was clutching his arm. "I hope so," he said quietly, through gritted teeth.
Anzu shot him a pointed frown. What was that supposed to imply?
"Who would like a drink?" Pegasus said suddenly, with too much cheer in his voice. He was sensing the slight tension in the young couple and feared he was the cause.
"Yes please?" Anzu said enthusiastically, releasing her hold on Yugi. He reacted by taking her hand and giving it a squeeze, winking at her to show he was not irritated with her.
Pegasus quickly attracted the attention of the two very attentive waitresses, who promptly appeared with a bottle of Dom Perignon 2008 and a tray of champagne flutes.
"A glass for each of us if you please?" Pegasus said. He could be oh so charming when he wanted, Anzu noted.
However, given what happened in the past, Pegasus still set her on edge slightly. But this was supposed to be a nice evening out, and it had already almost been ruined by that horrible Martin insulting her the moment she arrived, so she was willing to overlook Pegasus' past atrocities.
Accepting the glass of champagne, she thanked Pegasus for hosting the evening in such a lovely restaurant. Thankfully the Italian place that Tony had taken her to being close by was not bothering her at all.
"Ah, yes. I always come here when I'm in New York. Sacha and Maria Chavenet are such wonderful people," Pegasus cooed. Both Anzu and Yugi assumed they were the owners of La Serene.
Taking a sip of her champagne, Anzu smiled. "Mmm, this is very nice champagne."
Yugi followed her lead and took a small sip too. He nodded his agreement. "It's not bad," he casually agreed. Unfortunately, Pegasus appeared to be mortified by his comment.
"Not bad?! I will admit there are finer vintages, but this fine vintage cost one hundred and eighty dollars a bottle. And you call it 'not bad'!"
It was hard for Yugi to tell if he was teasing or was actually seriously offended. Erring on caution, he grimaced sheepishly. "By not bad, I mean it's nice."
Anzu found that funny, and started giggling. "Only one hundred and eighty dollars?" She teased. "I Imagine that might be cheap plonk for a man of your means, Pegasus?" She winked. Pegasus seemed to feed off the interaction and laughed heartily.
"Oh! Anzu my dear. You know me so well. But I would say it is about right for a party such as this. Don't you agree?"
"I guess," she answered, "But I would imagine that most of the people here, including me, probably buy their sparking wine from the bargain shelf at Walmart!" She giggled. "So I would say it's probably too expensive for a party like this!"
"How observant you are." Pegasus cooed. "But it's never too late to introduce people to the finer things in life."
"Well I for one love the finer things," she replied.
Yugi felt his top lip quiver as it fought to curl into a snarl. Was Pegasus flirting with Anzu? And, even worse, was she flirting back?
::::::::::::
The rest of the evening was spent dining, drinking and chatting. Of course, in a room full of people involved in the technology and gaming industry, the general chatter tended to revolve around technology, such as the latest Virtual reality simulators and the new Duel Monsters holograms, as well as other popular games.
Wearily, Anzu sat down to rest her feet for a bit, happy to take a back seat while Yugi stood chatting to a couple of colleagues, both of whom wanted to how he came up with the concept for Spherium, and of course, what his plans were to add to the game in the future.
Seeing the big smile on Yugi's face as he chatted enthusiastically, made Anzu feel warm and fuzzy – or was that too much champagne and wine? A bit of both, she concluded, taking a sip of her Chardonnay. Probably best to make this glass her last – she didn't want to end up drunk.
As she sat at the table, admiring Yugi's social skills, Pegasus joined her.
"I hope all the talk of games and technology isn't boring you to death my dear?" He said cheerily.
"No," she smiled lazily. "I've had a busy day so it's nice to sit down."
Pegasus smiled back, and chuckled. "Shall I let you into a little secret? I find all this talk of game technology boring. I would much rather talk about the arts."
"Oh!" Anzu looked at him with a surprised expression. "I thought you loved games?"
"I do. But I love art more," he confessed, smiling. "What about you? Do you like art? As a dancer I assume you must; dance is an art-form in itself, is it not?"
"Yes," she agreed, "I suppose it is." She had never really considered that dancing was art –she danced because she wanted to. "But I enjoy games too," she clarified. "I loved supporting Yugi and Jonouchi when they duelled. I miss those days sometimes."
"Yes," Pegasus said, thoughtfully. "Although, I'm sure there are some parts you would rather forget." He sighed, as though he were full of regret. "I always wanted to apologise for what I did, but... well, pride and all that, so I never did. And now it feels like something that's best not mentioned. But deep down the scars are still there." He placed his hand over the patch where the Millennium Eye had once been. Anzi winced.
"Did... did it hurt, when... Bakura took it?" She wasn't sure if she should be asking, but the alcohol made her brave and she had always wanted to know more about the item that enabled Pegasus to read minds and steal souls.
"Not as much as it hurt when Cecelia was taken from me," he admitted ruefully. "I was a desperate man and the Millennium Eye offered me hope. But it came at a high price, as you and your friends discovered when I took Yugi's grandfather's soul; I was prepared to do anything to see my Cecelia once again, and did not consider the harm I was doing to others."
Anzu gave him a knowing nod and patted his hand, which had tensed into a fist as he rested his forearm on the table. He had indeed paid a high price for his grief. "Well, I have forgiven you. And my friends have too. We were all really sorry you didn't get to see your wife again. Yugi said that the Millennium items contained a darkness, that was capable of manipulating people who were either greedy, weak, or too vulnerable to be able to control that darkness."
"Yes. I was vulnerable, I suppose. My soul was weak as well. I was a weak man. Too weak to fight the darkness in my heart. Only people with powerful souls, such as Yugi, should ever have been allowed to wield the items."
Anzu smiled proudly. "Yugi never appeared to be that strong on the surface. But he always had a good, strong heart and soul. He has an inner resolve and strength that sets him apart from other people."
Pegasus looked over to where Yugi was standing, talking and laughing. "Like the Pharaoh-Boy, he has a strength that's hard to ignore. But Yugi is not a violent man, so I was quite surprised he threw that punch earlier."
"He's like Atem in so many ways, and yet still so different," Anzu said. "Am I bad for being proud of him for punching that horrible Martin?"
"Not at all, my dear, not at all." Just then, Yugi came over, all smiles. "Ah, talk of the devil," Pegasus teased.
Yugi's smile faded as he stared pointedly between them. "What are you two up to, sitting together?" He sounded jealous. "Are you talking about me behind my back?"
"You have such a suspicious mind Yugi," Pegasus teased. "We were actually singing your praises."
Yugi scratched the back of his head, suddenly feeling stupid for thinking Anzu would even be interested in Pegasus in that way. "I guess that's okay then," he chuckled awkwardly, and sat down next to Anzu.
"We were talking about the Millennium Items," Anzu said, placing her hand on Yugi's thigh, just above the knee, gently massaging the muscle. "I also said I was proud of you for punching Martin," she admitted.
Raising an eyebrow, he looked at her with a slight smirk. "Are you really proud of me for punching him?" He said, ego swelling. "I thought you didn't like guys fighting?"
"I don't, generally. However... I'm willing to make an exception because he was a sleaze," she said, tightly. "But," she added, in a scolding tone, "don't you start getting ideas that it's okay to punch people."
"Don't worry, I don't intend to," he laughed. "I nearly broke my hand throwing that punch."
"Anyway, now that you are both here," Pegasus interrupted, changing the subject. "I didn't say anything earlier, because I didn't want to make any false promises. But I have just been speaking to a friend who runs an entertainment agency based in Las Vegas."
His tone was suddenly quite serious and business-like, which got Yugi and Anzu's attention; both sat up straight, listening curiously to what he was about to say.
Pegasus continued, "He is currently recruiting dancers and actors for an upcoming show at Caesars Palace. I have put in a good word for you and he seemed very interested and would like to invite you for an interview. I told him I would get back to him with your answer. A very exciting opportunity, don't you think?" He sounded very enthusiastic about the offer.
Anzu was completely stunned for a moment, and had no idea what to say in response. "Yes. I suppose.. I mean, I don't know..." She looked at Yugi for guidance. Her mind was in turmoil. On one hand, she was excited, but on the other she had reservations about it. Vegas was somewhere she had never been. And.. wasn't it in the middle of a desert, like Egypt?
If she passed the interview and was accepted, then it would mean being away from Yugi again. How would that impact on their efforts to get back together again?
Meanwhile, Yugi watched her wrestling with herself. "It's a great opportunity. I think you should go for it," he reassured.
She grimaced at him. "I dunno. I do want to, but I also don't know if it's the right thing to do. What about us?" Her mind was already made up.
However, before she had chance to decline, and fearing she was going to pass up on the opportunity, Yugi said, "You can't turn it down Anzu! You have to at least go for the interview."
"I know, but..." She scrutinised his features for any hints that deep down he was hurt by the idea of her moving to Las Vegas, but he was giving nothing away.
He squeezed her hand lovingly. "It's okay Anzu. I know you said you would come home to Japan, but this is too good to pass up. If you want to go for it, I won't stop you. In fact, I will support you all the way." He sounded reassuring and his voice was full of that typical Yugi resolve. But Anzu still had her doubts; if they were parted again, it could spell the end for them as a couple.
Sensing that they needed time to talk things through, Pegasus interjected. "There's no hurry. So why don't you sleep on it and give me your answer tomorrow?" He looked between them. They both seemed to be in agreement with that idea so he clapped his hands together. "That settles it then. I will see you at the office tomorrow anyway Yugi. Perhaps the three of us can meet over lunch to discuss your decision Anzu. Agreed?"
Anzu looked at Yugi, and he nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah. Sounds like a plan," he agreed. "You okay with that?" He asked Anzu.
"Well, I'm actually working tomorrow afternoon. But why don't you both come and have lunch at the cafe? I'm sure they'll let me take a quick break to talk to you."
Yugi nodded. "I'm sure we can do that." He looked at Pegasus. "Is that okay?"
"Of course it is!" He beamed, rubbing his hands together. "Anyway. I was up at five this morning, so I will take my leave now. I have to pay the bill, and then I am going to get my much needed beauty sleep." He stood up. "See you tomorrow!"
Yugi and Anzu bid him farewell, and then Yugi turned to Anzu. "Most people seem to be leaving now. Do you want to leave too?"
Anzu checked the time. It was not quite nine o'clock, but she was feeling tired after a long day. "Yes. I'm happy to leave," she nodded. They got their coats, and after another fifteen minutes of everyone saying their goodbyes, they finally made it outside.
Looking at her expectantly, Yugi took her hand. "Do you..." he began, but Anzu interrupted.
"I guess this is where we both go in different directions," she blurted. The way he was looking at her; she had the distinct feeling that he wanted to do more than just sleep.
"Actually," he said, the husky tone of his voice confirming her suspicions. "I was going to say, do you want to come back to the hotel with me?"
"Well... I don't have my night things." Was she playing hard to get?
"But you left your nightdress in my room this morning. And you forgot your face cream." He was not giving up.
"Did I?!" She blushed "Oh!" Crap! That's right, she did. However, she still had another comeback. "But not my toothbrush," she added, with a raised eyebrow.
He shrugged. "The hotel supplied a complimentary one in the room, which I haven't used."
"I guess I have no choice, huh?"
"Nope!" He said, smirking triumphantly, leading her towards a line of waiting taxis.
She told herself to breath. She was in control. This was Yugi she was with, not Tony; she could say no if she wanted.
::::::::::::
Arriving back at Yugi's hotel suite, they kicked off their shoes and hung their coats on the hooks provided.
Anzu shivered as she was waited to see if would make an advance on her. She loved him and wanted him, she really did, but she also felt a pang of anxiety. Why? Yugi was caring, loving, gentle, considerate. He was not rough, selfish Tony, who would pound her until it hurt.
He touched her face and smile. She tried to smile back but felt herself flinch under his gaze.
However, after a long moment, he did not do anything more. Instead, he excused himself and went into the bathroom. Was her anxiety showing that much that he was nervous of making a move?
Chewing on her thumb, she went and sat down on the sofa to look at the view over night time Manhattan. The view did nothing for her this evening.
This felt so weird.
What was taking him so long?
After a while, she heard him moving around in the bedroom.
She was about to go and see what he was doing, and perhaps try to apologise and make things okay, when he called out to her. "You can use the bathroom now Anzu, if you want?"
She went into the bedroom to find him changing into his pyjamas. He was wearing only his boxers, and paused in his undressing when she entered.
"I'm sorry about running away like that," he said. "I.. erm.. was desperate for a pee."
She let out a tight little laugh. "No worries."
They looked at each other, both searching for something else to say. Anzu tried to smile, but the sight of him made her blush, so she turned away and dashed to the bathroom, hoping he had not seen her beet red face.
Smiling apprehensively, he watched her go. He had felt so confident when he asked her back here. In his head, he had pictured a scene from the movies, where the moment the door to their hotel room closed, they would throw themselves at each other in a passionate clinch; grasping wantonly at one another as they pulled their clothes off hastily in their eagerness to make love.
Instead, she had looked so tense that he wondered what was going on with her. Had he really misread her that badly? Had he frightened her?
And now he did not know what he was supposed to do to rectify the mess he had made of this. Wait for her to make a move, he supposed.
::::::::::::
Closing the bathroom door, Anzu leaned against it and squeezed her eyes closed against her tears.
Had Tony left her so traumatised that she could not even let Yugi -the man she loved- make love to her?
Swallowing down the lump in her chest, she made her way to the sink to wash her face and brush her teeth.
Yugi had left the hotel's complimentary toothbrush out for her and it warmed her heart for a moment.
What was she going to do? It was understandable that he wanted to make love. They had been getting on well and he was trying to cement their relationship by showing her how much he loved her. And should she be offered that job in Las Vegas and decide to accept, he wanted to ensure they were bonded as a couple.
But she had turned into a human iceberg.
No wonder he had run to the bathroom to get away from her.
He was probably thinking she was being frigid towards him because she no longer liked him that way. After all, it was two years since they had last had sex together.
There was only one way they could move forward, and that was for her to be honest with him.
Steeling herself, she prepared to face him.
Yep! Still more angst to put them through. But don't fear, next chapter they talk. Hopefully talking will help.
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