Sorry this has taken me so long to do, but I find it really hard to write epilogues!

Notes: The name of the cafe in New York, is totally made up, and I have no idea if a Blossoms cafe exists there. If it does, then I did not mean to steal the name.

Epilogue.

What the Future May hold.

With the success of River Dance, Anzu was in good spirits. She had been offered a contract with the dance company, and would to return to Las Vegas in a month's time after she had worked her notice at the coffee shop. A contract had been drawn up, and Joshua had been happy for her to discuss it with Yugi before she signed anything. She and Yugi were now sitting on their hotel bed, reading through it.

Yugi was really happy for her. "Are you going to accept the offer?"

Anzu was undecided. "I don't know. I think so." She showed him the page she was concerned about. "I won't be on a salary. I will be classed as a self employed contractor."

He took it from her and studied it. "How guaranteed is the work?"

"Joshua has assured me that I will get plenty of work. But I'm still worried about being in a new place with no income. I don't want to end up being forced to take a job in a bar while hoping something good comes along."

Yugi understood her concerns. He smiled softly. "Why don't you give it a month, and if you don't get any work, come home to Japan? Pegasus said he would give you a room, free for a month, so you have nothing to lose."

Anzu thought it over for a moment. "You're right. I've got nothing to lose. If you think I should go for it, then I will accept."

Grinning, Yugi put the contract down on the bed. "A good decision," he said, reiterating, "If you need anything, I'm only a phone call away."

"Yeah..." She nodded, a hint of resolve in her voice. "You're right. I'm not going to make the same mistakes again. Not when I know I have support, from you, from Pegasus, from my friends, my family..." If only she had not been so stubborn about trying to go it alone in New York all these months past, then things may have turned out differently there.

"I'm proud of you," he said, leaning across to kiss her. The kiss became passionate, his hand sliding up her thigh, as he pushed her gently backwards, onto the bed.

Anzu was enjoying the moment, and it was so tempting to forget about her meeting. But turning up late to finalise her contract with her future employer, dishevelled after having sex, was probably not the best start to a new career. "Hmm," she mumbled, as she reluctantly ended the kiss and pushed him away. "As much as I'm enjoying this, I have a meeting in fifteen minutes."

"Sorry," he said sheepishly, sitting up. "I got carried away. You're so beautiful and I want to make the most of every moment we have together." His face was flushed and his arousal obvious.

She touched his face and smiled apologetically. "Me too. But I should probably leave soon. Hopefully I won't be long, and then we will have the rest of the afternoon together."

"I'm already looking forward to it," he grinned cheekily. Moving off the bed, he offered her a hand and pulled her up to stand.

Straightening her clothing, she nudged him. "I'll be as quick as I can."

She ended up being gone for over an hour.

::::::::::::

Leaving behind the warm sunshine of Las Vegas, they flew back to a breezy, rainy New York. But at least it was not as cold as it had been when they left last week. Yugi spent the night with Anzu at her apartment, but was back at JFK the next morning, to fly home to Japan.

Anzu watched him go through to the departure lounge, and the ominous feeling of being all alone again started to close in on her. But she did not have time to dwell on the negative thoughts threatening to overwhelm her, because she had to go and work her shift at the cafe.

The next three and a half weeks felt strange. Anzu worked as many shifts as she could get in order to bump up her final pay check. Being at work meant that time went more quickly, and it also meant she was not alone.

When her last shift finished her boss threw a little after-work partly for her, and after a few drinks, and a few tears, she said goodbye to Blossoms Cafe for the final time.

She spent the next three days packing up her stuff. She had to get rid of quite a few things, such as her toaster and some bathroom scales, because she simply did not have space to take them with her. The clothing Tony had bought her, although nice stuff, was also a reminder of him. So she put them all in a big bag, except for the I-phone –she was keeping that– and then took them to the local homeless charity.

Meanwhile, the police had contacted her again, to say that they had arrested Tony's business partner and rounded up the rest of the gang involved in the trafficking ring, and that several girls had been saved as a result. Anzi insisted that she had not been a victim and did not wish to be involved further. The fight involving her neighbour and Tony, which had resulted in Tony's death, was still being investigated. Anzu was a bit shocked when the investigating officer suggested her neighbour might have snatched the gun and shot Tony at point blank range – how could she agree to that when she had not even seen the shooting?! But she did give permission for her existing statement to be read out in court.

Her neighbour was let out on bail but had now gone missing. His girlfriend had gone as well. Anzu was glad, because it meant there was no risk she might bump into them on the stairs.

As she posted her keys through the landlord's letterbox, she was relieved to be moving out.

With all her possessions squeezed into one large suitcase and a backpack, she took a taxi to the airport. She wondered if she would ever return to this city. She hoped that she would; her dream to dance on Broadway may have been put on the back seat, but it was not going to be forgotten, or abandoned.

::::::::::::

The first thing Anzu did when she arrived back in Las Vegas, was video call Yugi from the room Pegasus had given her. It was one of the rooms reserved for staff accommodation. Although in the staff quarters, and small, the room did have its own private bathroom with a small shower cubicle. Apparently, she was honoured, as most of the other rooms had shared bathrooms.

"I think I will get something better as soon as I know where I am work wise, though," she told Yugi, in earnest. "The Laundry room is just along the end of the corridor, so it's a bit noisy and smells of detergent." She could probably add to the list of complaints, but decided to stop there.

"At least it's free," he reassured her. "But if you want to look for something nicer, let me know, and I'll pay the rent for you." She was grateful for the offer, and thanked him, but she did not want to put on him, so would make do with what she had for the time being.

"Well, hopefully I won't need to ask you for money, Yugi. I only just got here and I already have an audition tomorrow. It's for a part in a pop video – I'll let you know how it goes."

"Cool. Good luck. Do you know who the pop star is?"

Anzu scratched her head, pouting. "I didn't think to ask!" She started laughing. Yugi laughed too.

After their laughter had died down, Anzu said, "I had better go. I need to unpack my stuff."

"Okay. Bye. I love you," he cooed.

"Love you too, Yugi," she replied, in a silly voice. "Bye..." They both blew kisses to one another, saying soppy goodbyes several more times each, before finally hanging up.

Anzu tolerated her small room for nearly three weeks, before one of the other dancers she was working with mentioned she had a spare room to let in the house she and her husband owned. It was a large house, with a nice garden, a tennis court, swimming pool and a gymnasium. The husband was a successful musician, and the couple were happy to let out the spare rooms to fellow entertainers, who were in need of lodgings. Anzu was extremely happy living there, and they were more than happy to allow Yugi stay with her while he was here for the annual Duel Monsters World Championships, which Pegasus had organised to be in Las Vegas this year, instead of being held at Kaiba Land.

The championships were spectacular, with actors dressed in Duel Monsters costumes handing out candy and various other goodies and leaflets. There were magicians performing tricks, acrobats and dancers. Anzu was dressed as Dark Magician Girl, much to Yugi's delight. But he was a bit worried at some of the aerial stunts she had to perform, while dangling from a wire –good job she had been good at gymnastics in her youth.

The tournament was a huge success; Yugi retained his title, while Jonouchi and Mai won the tag tournament, in which Yugi did not compete. Kaiba did not compete at all, stating pressures of helping Pegasus organise such an over-blown, pompous spectacle, had taken too much of his time and he had not built a deck that could defeat some of the newer decks.

After the tournament final, Yugi and Anzu thanked Pegasus, and asked him if he had been thinking of them when he persuaded Kaiba to hold the tournament here? He replied, "You should both know I'm a hopeless romantic when it comes to love." Yugi and Anzu could not help noticing that there had been a hint of sadness in his voice for his own love, lost.

::::::::::::

Ten Months Later:

As Anzu skipped out onto the stage to perform her solo, The Dance of The Sugar Plumb Fairy, amidst rapturous applause, she took a moment to reflect on her journey.

The highs and lows of her time spent in New York. Re-connecting with Yugi, and discovering their love was one that endured all obstacles.

She could have given up, but for Yugi's support. She certainly would have turned down the offer of coming to work in Las Vegas. Thank God she accepted, because it had turned out to be one of the best decisions she had ever made. She had worked hard, and quickly climbed the ranks to become one of the most sought after female dancers. Offers to appear in shows were plenty, and horizons were broadening.

Somewhere in the audience, was Yugi. But in the glare of the bright lights and the sea of people before her she could not spot him. Her parents were there too, as were Jonouchi, Mai, Honda and Shizuka. Mokuba had dragged Kaiba along as well. They were all here to see her perform the Dance of the Sugar Plumb Fairy, in this years Christmas and New Year spectacular; Nutcracker suite.

::::::::::::

The following morning, Anzu awoke to another bright, sunny morning. The curtains were being pulled back slightly, allowing the room to be bathed in light. As Anzu opened her eyes fully, she tilted her head to one side and saw Yugi sitting on the edge of the bed holding a mug of green tea. He was already washed and dressed.

"I brought you this," he said, smiling, proffering the mug. "There's a pastry as well." He gestured at the night-stand, on which, sat a small plate, with a paper bag containing what Anzu hoped was a cinnamon bun. "I remembered you liked the cinnamon buns they serve here," he beamed, "So that's what I got. I hope that's okay?"

"Hmm.. Definitely okay," she said dreamily, pushing herself up to sit. She took the mug of tea from him. "Is it cool enough to drink?"

He nodded. "It's been sat on the night stand for nearly fifteen minutes. I let you sleep on, but it's ten thirty now, so I thought..."

Anzu's eyebrows raised. "Why didn't you wake me sooner?!"

He shrugged. "Because you looked so cute sleeping. And we were quite late to bed by the time we got back from the theatre."

Accepting he was right to let her sleep in, she took a sip of her tea. It was just on the point of going tepid, but was still just about drinkable. She had put so much emotional and physical energy into last night's performance, that she was weary this morning. The tea would at least help wake her up properly and she drank it quickly.

Yugi passed her the cinnamon bun. "You know, the way you danced last night; I'm no expert, but you really were incredible. You blew me away. I actually shed a tear or two at the end of the show, when you got a standing ovation."

Anzu laughed bashfully, embarrassed by the compliment. "The standing ovation wasn't just for me. There were other dancers in the show!"

He pretended to be surprised. "Were there?! I didn't notice," he chuckled. "I only saw one beautiful, talented ballerina, and she's all mine."

She laughed and rolled her eyes. "Stop it, Yugi. If you keep paying me compliments like that, my head will get so big I won't be able to get through the door."

"Then I'll make the door bigger," he laughed, leaning forward to kiss her forehead.

"Get away," she scolded, teasingly, taking an unladylike bite of her cinnamon bun.

Laughing, he got off the bed and went over to the sofa and picked up the control for the television so that he could play a game on the play station while Anzu finished her breakfast and then went to the bathroom.

She emerged from the bathroom, washed and wearing just her dressing gown. He paused his game and looked up at her. "We're not meeting up with everyone until three. What do you want to do in the meantime?"

"I dunno," she replied. "Not much. I'm tired after putting so much of myself into last night's show." She sat down beside him. "This probably sounds silly. It's hard to explain. It was like everything I had worked so hard for all these months suddenly fell into place. I felt like I was dancing on cloud nine. When I danced, every signal from my brain to my muscles seemed to flow effortlessly, although, in reality, I was concentrating and working, really hard. I felt like I really was the Sugar Plumb Fairy." She giggled, slightly embarrassed by the admission.

He turned to her and was studying her with a serious, but loving expression. "It doesn't sound silly at all. I know exactly what you mean. I've felt the same thing when I play what I hope is a game winning combo, but my opponent counters me, and pushes me to limits I did not know I had, and I ultimately win. I hate to admit it, but in that moment, I feel like I'm the best duelist ever." He grimaced, not comfortable with admitting he was the greatest, when in his heart he knew that that honour was earned for him with Atem's help.

Anzu leaned forward to cup his slightly pink cheek in her hand. "That's because you are the best; You are The King of Games," she said, kissing him. "My King of Games."

He put his arms around her. "Then you're My Queen –The Queen of Dance," he responded, kissing her again.

She was just relaxing into the kiss, when he abruptly stopped and got up. "Stay there," he ordered, winking at her. She was confused. What was he up to?

He went to his bag and rummaged around until he found what he was looking for. He had bought it after speaking to Anzu's parents, and her mother had advised him on the correct size to purchase.

Holding the small, navy blue velvet box in one hand, out of her sight, he went back over to where she was sitting looking slightly perplexed, but curious.

When he knelt on one knee in front of her, she could feel her heart starting to beat faster. Her hands flew to her mouth and she gasped.

He gazed up at her with pleading, hopeful eyes and cleared his throat. He had rehearsed what he wanted to say but it was all deserting him. It took all of his effort, just to babble and stumble over the words, "Anzu Mazaki. Will you m.. marry me?" He blurted. So much for the romantic speech. He had not even opened the little box, slowly and deliberately, as he had planned to do, while telling her how much he loved her, and how he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.

However, Anzu was so excited she barely let him even get any words out, and was already saying, "Yes," over and over again.

The pair of them started giggling as she melted like jelly and flopped onto her knees on the floor in front of him, and into his arms. She was sure she would be boneless on the floor had he not caught her.

They stayed, wrapped up in each others arms for several moments, as each took in what he had just asked, and the reply she had given.

Yugi managed to speak first. "So... I take it that's a Yes! You will marry me?"

She nodded against his shoulder, "Yes! Most definitely a yes."

The couple kissed passionately, all thoughts of tiredness fading from Anzu's weary mind and body.

After a few moments, they pulled apart and Yugi held up his hand, in which he was still clutching the box containing the ring.

"Okay," he began, opening the box. "I know how much you like western traditions, that's why I got you an engagement ring." Anzu was full of anticipation, as he took hold of her hand and lifted it up to slide the ring onto her finger.

"Wrong hand," she corrected, pulling her right hand away and holding up her left.

"Oh! Sorry." He studied his left hand, his right hand, and winked at her. "It's because we're facing each other. Don't worry. I do know which finger." He took the ring from its box and gently held her hand as he nervously slipped it onto her finger. When it was on, and appeared to fit perfectly, he let out the breath he was holding.

Anzu proudly inspected her hand. The ring was gold with a sparkly diamond set into it. Not vulgar or overstated, but pretty and dainty, just as she liked. "Oh, Yugi. It's beautiful. Perfect. How did you know what size to get me?"

He blushed. "Your mum helped. I asked their permission first. One of the reasons our friends are here.. is.. erm... they know I'm asking you. The reason we're meeting them at three o'clock today is for a small celebration." He laughed awkwardly. "Not quite sure what we would do if you said no, though."

Anzu took his hands in hers and held them against her knees, where they were both sitting on their haunches facing each other, their knees touching. "Absolutely no way was I going to say no," she said firmly. "In fact, I was wondering when you would ask me! I was beginning to think I would have to start dropping hints, or even suggest we get married."

"You were?!" He said, surprised. But he was glad she had not asked him. He would not call himself sexist, or chauvinistic, but he was a bit traditional when it came to marriage proposals. "Well, I'm glad I got in first," he teased. He leaned in and kissed her again, this time more deeply.

When they separated for air, Anzu said, "I've been thinking, not just now, but quite a bit lately, about going home to Japan. And now we're engaged to be married I think I will."

Yugi was rather surprised. "But!" He almost spluttered. "What about your career? You've finally made it and you're gonna walk away!"

"I won't be walking away. I have enjoyed the last ten months in Las Vegas, and last night was the pinnacle of my time here. But I don't want to dance in just one place. I have been offered a job with the Tokyo Ballet, and I have just decided I will accept. It would mean I can base myself in Domino, with you."

"If it's what you really want, then..." Yugi said, cautiously.

"It's exactly what I want," Anzu answered, assertively. Yugi smiled at her. If she was happy, then so was he. "One more thing," Anzu added, "We should probably start thinking about setting a date for our wedding. I would really love a spring wedding, under the Sakura in full bloom."

"This spring?!" Yugi squeaked.

"Yeah.. Why not?" She grinned.

"B..but... won't all this year's spring venues be booked up?"

Anzu smiled at him devilishly. "You're the King of Games, and you work with Kaiba. Use some influence."

He scratched his head. He did not really like abusing his status to get his own way, or to get into fully booked venues. His friends had embarrassed him on more than one occasion, by using his name to get tickets into exclusive events. The most recent embarrassment had been when Jonouchi pretended to be Yugi to get him and Honda a backstage pass for a Taylor Swift concert, only to get thrown out when they discovered he wasn't Yugi.

"I know you get embarrassed about being famous Yugi, but it's not a crime to sometimes enjoy your status," Anzu said, sensing his reluctance.

"You're right," he stated. "My friends are always using my fame, maybe it's about time I did too. If you want a spring wedding, then you will have one." He took her in his arms again, kissing her passionately, before leading her over to the bed.

The End.

I hope that was not too much of a disappointment. But I did want a nice cheesy, happy ending.