Words from the Heart

Hey! I'm back with chapter three! THANKS to: Cutehelenjames, Angel, KeikoGurl, Nightfall2525, Suzieq2005, Shanichan11, Panmotto, Gauri92, PretJb4eva, Jarjayes, Ambiance-Dream, Mizz Allison, Living Arrow, Kagome21, RavenluvsBB, Luvinanimanga, Crystallynne, Heart's Door and Waffles. original reviewers

EDIT: Revised a lot here. Basically rewrote the entire thing, but it's horrible and unedited for now because I really wanted to get this story back on track. Reading my old chapter made me feel slightly embarrassed, and I hope this chapter is an improvement. Enjoy!

Chapter Three: Rendezvous

The world sped by like a kaleidoscope of blue and white, the plane shifting comfortably through the skies. Mokuba Kaiba peered out the window, wondering when the ride would be over as he sighed in boredom. His gaze slightly unfocused and he caught a blurry mirror of himself in the window.

He was a young man of nineteen now, fresh out of high school but still too childish to get along with life. His long black hair had been trimmed slightly so that it merely tickled the collar of his expensive suit and his face was well featured and handsome.

And while he looked at himself, Mokuba was reminded of his older brother, Seto. Mokuba never showed it but he desperately worried about his older brother. He knew that Seto was nice and kind, but rarely did he show it to anyone besides Mokuba and Mokuba feared that Seto was only doing himself harm in being so cold and disapproving to others.

'I don't know why he's so afraid of being happy…' Mokuba thought carefully to himself, a question that often echoed in his caring mind.

Suddenly the intercom beeped and a pleasant voice spoke out. "We estimate another thirty minutes before landing time at La Guardia New York."

Mokuba allowed a slight smile, happy to be near his departure from this dreary ride. His brother was expecting him and Mokuba was hoping that his own presence should bring some happiness to his stoic expression.

Although Mokuba seemed like a carefree young man, he really worried about his older brother a lot. Seto had done so much for him, he could only think bleakly of ways to repay his brother.

As much as he tried to hide it, Mokuba knew that his brother was a good person, and he knew that Seto deserved to be happy.

Then a startling but not untrue thought hit Mokuba. 'I've never seen Seto smile lately!'. This exclamation brought a whole new wave of determination upon the young man, his mind urging him upon his mission to make his brother break an uncharacteristic smile.

But how? When and why had the cold Seto Kaiba ever graced his handsome face with even the slightest smile?

A sudden memory popped into Mokuba's spinning head and everything became simply easy:

The memory was of one at the beach, where the sun was shining and along with it two very happy people. Seto Kaiba and Anzu Mazaki.

Mokuba nearly jumped out of his seat with excitement at the bold and daring plan he had hatched up. He distinctively remembered that for a brief period of time, his older brother had actually 'opened up' to Anzu, and they had shared an odd but unique friendship. Mokuba recalled how less tense Seto had been and how the smiles seemed more genuine and bright.

It was perfect. That was until Mokuba remembered the day after some huge fight. Mokuba knew nothing about the direct confrontation but his brother had changed into an even more colder man that he once was. And Anzu had disappeared, bound for New York and her dancing dream.

It had been a dreary mess since that day and Seto had morphed into a walking, shouting ice cube. But Mokuba was planning to fix that, and a slight grin crept onto his face as he already got down to his mischievous scheming….Wasn't Anzu in New York still?

-

Anzu allowed a short and inconspicuous peek through the wine-colored curtains, loving how the spotlight blinded her eyes but the shadows of the full house sent thrills through her heart. Most of society had turned up for the show and Anzu could feel a sense of pride whelm up in her heart. This was her dream and she was living it.

As she dropped the curtains she gasped at an eerily familiar face. Her breath caught but she slowly shook her head, dusting off her illusions.

Ever since their meeting about a month ago, Anzu had seen Seto everywhere, but at a second glance it would turn up to be someone else. She felt extremely guilty for how her heart longed to see those glazed blue eyes but she could only hope the feeling passed.

"Hey there, my shining star." A tight hug enveloped her as she turned around to see her Uncle Spencer smiling happily at her, his large blue eyes twinkling with mirth and excitement. The supportive uncle had been granted backstage access for the show.

"You scared me!" Anzu admitted as she smiled softly.

Spencer looked at her quizzically, "You're so jumpy lately, is everything alright?"

"Yes!" Anzu said, almost a bit too hastily. "Just pre-show jitters." She laughed slightly, lying about the truth.

"Don't worry about it." Spencer winked. "You're a great dancer. No matter what happens, you'll always be a star, my star."

"Thanks." Anzu let out a small smile but felt that guilty weight on her heart grow heavier. Everyone was looking forward to this grand day, the day for her to shine, and all she could think about for the past weeks was the man…

'But I don't want to love Seto Kaiba.' Anzu pleaded with her heart. 'Especially when he doesn't love me.'

"You okay?" Spencer suddenly asked, worried at the paleness in Anzu's cheeks.

"Fine, fine." She shrugged off the worry. "Don't worry about me all the time." She smiled.

"That's my duty, dear. I'm an old man with nothing else to do. Humor me." Spencer teased as he pinched Anzu's cheek softly. She laughed and swatted his hand away.

"Thanks Uncle Spence."

The orchestra suddenly lifted off, the doleful notes floating above the crowd as Anzu's cue neared. "I have to go." She murmured to Uncle Spencer before dashing off.

"Break a leg." He grinned as he winked at her. Anzu managed a weak smile before darting to her post, ready to begin the show.

She was still quivering from her encounter with Spencer. She had once had a dream of performing, becoming a great dancer. However, there was something missing from her reality. Where was her prince? Why wasn't he waiting behind the curtains, to congratulate and love her?

"Psst! Anzu, you're on!" A stagehand shrilly barked as the lights flashed. Anzu gasped and quickly ran onto stage. Her cheeks glowed with her embarrassment of being caught off guard. She wouldn't let Seto ruin this night! She wouldn't!

But she couldn't help but still enter her stage with a heavy heart.

And no matter what storms brewed in her heart, the cellos struck a low A chord, marking Anzu's cue as she danced onto center-stage. And as the music wafted around her, her heart lost its troubles, because no matter what, the show must go on.

-

The large chandeliers cast star-like shines on lovely gowns as the guests streamed into the halls, chattering away about the previous performance. It was customary in Manhattan for socialites to head to the ballet and with the addition of a new starlet, the Manhattan Ballet Company was now quite a catch.

"What did you think Seto?" Mokuba asked his brother in the bustling throng. Anzu had been right when she suspected she had seen Seto. The CEO had been talked into watching the show by a very persuasive younger brother with undeniable puppy eyes.

"It was all right." Seto said monotonously, though his heart beat in his chest, full of emotions that he was trying to suppress.

Mokuba grinned. "It was extraordinary then." He proclaimed, being used to his brother's general criticism. "Anzu was great wasn't she?" Mokuba asked cunningly.

"She…she…" Seto began, a loss for words from his previous experience. "She obviously worked hard." He finished, telling the truth but not all of it.

"Do you still keep in touch with Anzu?" Mokuba asked mischievously, noticing how a stricken glance crossed Seto's face.

"Not at all!" Seto vividly denied. "I can't stand her." He proclaimed sharply. "Now leave me alone Mokuba."

"But-" Mokuba began but Seto cut him off briskly.

"We have to head home now, we have an early meeting with the CEO of MC Marketing tomorrow." Seto began to shuffle his way through with the air of one who knows they are better than the others. "I don't know why I let you bring me here anyways. I have work to do."

"Work, work, work!" Mokuba sighed. "It's all you ever do! I know that this is important busy, but you're in the Big Apple now big brother! The city is alive! Why can't you just enjoy life?"

Seto halted but gave Mokuba a freezing glare. "I don't enjoy life at the ballet." he barked irritably.

"But you enjoyed tonight."

"Don't put words in my mouth."

"You know you did." Mokuba teased.

"I would've enjoyed getting some work done."

"Fine. Let's go home then."

"Good." Seto began to turn to leave when Mokuba suddenly turned around.

"Oh, wait! I forgot my program in the theatre!"

"Goodness, Mokuba! Couldn't you just get a new one?"

"Oh, but I wrote some notes on there and….this will just take me a second!"

"Fine, I'll wait in the car."

"No, just…just wait near the ticket-sellers. I'll meet you there in just a second!"

"But-" Seto began, but Mokuba had already dashed away. Seto sighed and slowly headed towards the ticket-sellers booth. "I swear, something doesn't feel right."

-

There is nothing like the feeling of having accomplished something difficult and then being proclaimed a star. Any doubts and fears before the big night had all evaporated into soaring bolts of pleasure as Anzu was congratulated and admired.

"Great Job! You're so great!"

"How did you do that pirouette? You were so brilliant!"

"Can I have your autograph? It would mean so much…"

The praise ran through her ears, lifting her wings of excitement higher and higher until she was soaring in a frenzy of happiness. She finally managed to contemplate her success when she walked towards her room.

"Hey Anzu!" A new voice interrupted her thoughts. Anzu looked up to see a grinning face amid a mop of black hair.

She paused, not initially recognizing the young man. "Mokuba? Mokuba Kaiba?"

Mokuba nodded, as he stood against the wall. In his hand was a pen and he was breathing hard, as if he had ran.

"What are you doing here?"

"Oh, I came to watch your performance. Big brother and I were in town on business and we heard about your show! We came, and we really enjoyed it. Seto said you were brilliant!" Mokuba lied vaguely, hoping Anzu would buy it.

"Oh! Well….that's nice." Anzu smiled, before patting down her hair. "I can't believe Seto came though, ballet never really inter-"

"So, I'd love to catch up, but I'm sorta late for something. I just came by to say how much I enjoyed your dancing." Mokuba suddenly blurted out. He shook her hand hard before he began to run away.

"Thank you." Anzu managed to say, rather uneasily. Was it just nerves, or did Mokuba sound awfully suspicious? She awkwardly watched him depart before she opened the door to her room.

It was like entering paradise.

Anzu had never seen anything so beautiful. Her entire room was covered with flowers. There were cards too, or adoration and respect. The entire sight truly touched her heart.

Then she saw the massive bouquet on her dressing room table. "Oh Uncle Spencer!" Anzu sighed as she looked at the beautiful flowers. Only her uncle would send such a beautiful gift!

She ran to read the note, but gasped when she read the neat handwriting.

Anzu,

Congratulations on a spectacular performance. You were a star.

I hope for old times' sake, you'll meet me by the ticket-sellers booth after the show.

Sincerely, Kaiba.

Anzu gasped as she held the note. It was so beautiful, and the flowers! She was absolutely shell-shocked. Although the card seemed a bit odd, Anzu was so excited she didn't even care.

"I wonder what he wants to say?" She murmured to herself as she held the note tight. He did sound so sincere.

But she was still scared, for the wounds hadn't entirely healed yet and she was still afraid that they would open again. But why should she be scared of him? And perhaps she should at least thank him for the flowers…

She grabbed the bouquet and ran downstairs.

-

Anzu darted into the room, and there he was. She was afraid that it was a joke at first, that he wouldn't be there and he'd laugh at her foolishness, but there he was, looking stern and impatient.

So he had come to her show. Mokuba had said that he enjoyed it. He said that Seto thought she was spectacular…

"Hi." Anzu began slowly.

Seto jumped slightly in his spot, surprised at her voice. "What are you doing here?" he asked in surprise.

"What?"

"I asked, what are you doing here? Don't you have fans to greet? Autographs to sign?"

"But you asked me to meet you down here. I mean, these flowers, they were so nice, and I really ought to thank you."

Seto stared at her blankly and Anzu felt her heart fall. She was wrong. It had been a joke. She had got all worked up over some silly joke.

"I'll go…" she murmured as she turned around.

Anzu began walking down toward the exit in the hall, her steps slow and almost lagging, as if she wanted to say something more but couldn't find the heart to do it.

Seto watched her leave, and felt a pang echo in his heart. However, it wasn't too late to stop his regrets.

"Wait." Seto suddenly commanded as Anzu began to turn a corner. She froze, hopes rising as Seto managed to softly say, "we need to talk."

"I was thinking the same thing." Anzu said as she walked back towards him.

"What happened to 'You hate me?'" Seto asked, injured pride shining in his voice.

"What happened to 'I don't hate you?'" Anzu countered simply. She was never one to melt into a quivering lump with that stern voice of his.

"It's still there." Seto said truthfully. "Although after that yelling you gave me last time we met."

"You deserved it."

"Hey, I never came to you with-"

"Wait. We need to talk. So let's talk, not rip each other's heads off."

Anzu sighed as she collapsed on a sofa, letting those false flowers sit limply at her side. Seto felt like he was being controlled. He so desperately wanted to leave and save his already damaged pride, but something else kept him walking back to her.

"It's been…hard." Anzu struggled for the words from her heart as she bravely looked at him, hiding the apprehension in her voice as she met his searching gaze. "What we had…it was…special."

Seto nodded, agreeing as he tried to keep his poker face intact. There was no denying they had been good friends. Once, a long, long happy time ago.

"And when it broke…" Anzu tried to say, but her mind was blurry and her heart was leading her on. "We both suffered. Truthfully, we were friends and no one appreciates a broken friendship."

"Then why did you do it?" Seto suddenly asked, as he noticed the clash in Anzu's face, her features scrunched into thought and regret.

"Why? Because I had to!" Anzu suddenly snapped as she stood up, eyes gleaming as her heart began to speak after a five-year hiatus. "I felt something that I needed to get out! I loved you! I did Seto, with all of your coldness and pride! I only thought you cared too…" Anzu suddenly dropped her voice, finally realizing what she said, and the truth it almost revealed.

"Well I didn't." Seto said simply, trying to hide the surprise under an angry frown. He felt a flutter inside of him at her heartfelt words but his logical mind was already pushing the cruel words into his mouth.

His heart tried to escape the chains of his forced iciness as he watched her drop her gaze again, cheeks losing their radiant color. "Why did you ruin it?" His voice accused as his heart remained silent. "Why did you say those words and destroy everything. It was selfish." The chains finally broke as his heart leaped into his mouth, halting his malicious lecture.

"That's why, huh?" Anzu suddenly accused, eyes flashing a secret fire as she shook with unquenchable hate. "That's why you came! You didn't want to talk but decided to torture every fiber of my being, you cruel man. You bring up what once was only to throw it in my face and punish me!"

"No…" Seto began, but noticing how her fury fuelled her words beyond sensibility.

"Liar! You never cared for me! You hated me then and you hate me now! How could you, how could you? To come back and try and torment me over and over?"

"Stop it!" Seto halted the flurry of lies but even as he stood up and grabbed her wrists, Anzu didn't calm the slightest.

She tried to free herself as the tears began to fall, five-years of hurt raining down her pale cheeks as Seto kept a firm grip on her. "Let go!" She demanded. "You liar! You just came back to watch me cry and suffer! Leave me alone!" Her mind was beyond reason as she tried to free herself and run far, far away.

"Anzu! Get a hold of yourself!"

"Go…away!" She cried, her voice cracking with emotion. "You've come back to torment me, well you've succeeded!"

"Anzu…" Seto panicked, unsure of what to do in his situation. He wanted to tell her everything, to let his heart lead his yearning voice but his mind and pride kept him silent.

"You broke my heart! Don't do it again!" Anzu yelled madly as she flashed around, as if she was in shock. "Just go! Go away, leave me alone!"

"Please…" Seto began to plead with her, knowing that she had to calm down. She was losing it, crossing the border between insanity and reality.

"I had everything, you know?" Anzu accused bitterly. "I had everything! I was living my dream, everything I wanted! But you…you destroyed it all! Why couldn't you stay the hell away?"

And at that moment, his heart racing and mind blurring, his heart finally took control. And while it couldn't control what he was saying, it propelled Seto into the most risky thing he had ever done in his life.

He spoke, so softly that it was almost lost in the friction of the air. "I'm so sorry. I really regret. I regret not doing things differently."

Suddenly there was silence. Anzu had stopped crying, and all of her bottled anger had subsided and calmed at his sincere words.

"…what?" she managed to whisper.

Seto couldn't repeat his words. It was physically impossible to his pride. He couldn't bring himself to do anything. He was lost.

He was lost, and he didn't know what to do. So he ran.

Anzu watched in shock as he suddenly darted away, into the shadows, and away from her. She watched him leave. She wasn't sure if she had heard him correctly, but her heart had already jumped.

Why was he running?

Suddenly the tears began to flow again. She wasn't sure if it was because she felt so happy that he might have said something she had so desperately wanted to hear or perhaps it was because he was leaving.

"I just don't know…" Anzu whispered to herself as she slowly returned to her room, leaving that vibrant bouquet of flowers to wilt in the empty hall.

-

By the time she had reached her room, she had already begun to second-guess his words. Had his words really been sincere, or was it only another action to torment her? Or perhaps to shut her up about damaging his god-awful pride?

She wished it was the former but her mind reminded her that Seto was a cruel and cold person who could never love someone else. Least of all, her. She dropped onto her chair, exhausted, trying to get her mind to stop spinning as she desperately wanted to cry for what she didn't have.

A small knock came from the door and she burst up, ready to once again admit her renewed feelings in hope that there was something left between them…

It was Uncle Spencer. "Hey Anzu. I came to congratulate you." He swept into the room, smile wide as he hugged her happily. "I couldn't find you afterwards: it was hectic! But here I am now, dear, to tell you how absolutely proud of you I am!"

"Thanks…" Anzu said softly as she managed a weak smile.

Uncle Spencer looked at her quizzically before wiping his soft thumbs below her watery eyes. "What's wrong dear? You look like a mess."

"Nothing." Anzu wiped away his cares and stood up, trying not to lose her balance as she sighed deeply. "Just a bit worn out."

"I know, you were a phenomenon out there!" Spencer congratulated, his face shining. "No wonder that you're a bit weary."

Anzu suddenly noticed the present her uncle had placed on her dresser, a small ring of flowers. "Daisies? You shouldn't have…" She began, that guilty pang ramming at her conscious. She had fallen so easily for those pretty blossoms…

"You deserve them, because you're my star." Spencer smiled. Anzu could see the worry in his eyes though, as he looked over her. She really appreciated her uncle. He always knew when there was something wrong, but he never bothered her about it.

"Uncle, there's actually something I should talk to you about."

Uncle Spencer smiled kindly as he led her to a seat. "It's about time, dear."

-

Seto had run through a back door into a dark alley, welcoming the brisk cold as it calmed his crawling skin. He felt so uncontrollable and dangerous that he had to get away.

He had done something that had wanted to do, but he shouldn't have! It was that spur of the moment thing that frightened the CEO. He was afraid of what else he would do, afraid that he would lose all that he had fought to hide.

He closed his eyes but it was like a videotape in his mind. Anzu, standing there crying hysterically as he tried to console her. Anzu, closing her eyes blissfully as he had kissed her. Anzu, hope shining in her eyes as she looked at him, urging him to do what his heart wanted.

He gasped and darted once more, like some hunted prey as he ran into the main street and hailed a cab. He didn't even bother to think about Mokuba, his younger brother could take care of himself.

"Where to?" The cab-driver asked as Seto sat down, trying not to look back at the theatre.

Seto gave his hotel address as he tried to calm his frenzied emotions. Although he was heading back to the hotel he had no intention to stay there. He had to get out, to get away, to get as far away from her as possible.

He needed a place to run, where she wouldn't smile whenever he closed his eyes. Why not…Europe? She would help.

-

A/N: Once again, sorry for the late update and the rushed writing, but school is really killing me. This chapter may be a bit weird, but it's basically just a set-up for the next one.

Next chapter -shorter update hopefully!- will be about Europe and what other tricks Mokuba has up his sleeve. And more characters are arriving!

Till Next Chapter - Mintt