Ok, time goes fast, especially when you have a lot of homework and somehow can't do them…I had planned to do all my maths Friday and chemistry on Saturday but I just ended up my maths and it's already Saturday evening…I'll have to do chemistry tomorrow…..but I can't take it anymore, all those homework and useless things.

Anyway, on with the next chapter, I don't know when I'll update after that, I have four big exams coming in the next four weeks…lots of fun.

Oh yea…..changed title for those who hadn't noticed yet lolllll

Chapter nineteen: One night to be loved.

Seto frowned as he stared at his work, he was worried, extremely worried to be exact. It had been three weeks since he stopped Joey from killing Raven, he had felt somewhat tempted to let Joey do it, and even join him, but being arrested for murder wouldn't be a good thing. Not surprisingly, Anzu didn't have any contact with anyone since then…she was avoiding them before so it would be stupid to think that she would or could make contact again after that, especially with him. Even since they met, Raven seemed convince that he was trying to steal Anzu from him, ok so maybe that fact that they did sleep in the same bed one night and that he indeed had feelings for her weren't helping, but that was no excuse for Raven to take it on Anzu. If anything it made Seto feel guilty, after all it was obvious that Raven was possessive and jealous so he was probably one of the main reasons that make Raven treat Anzu like that.

Knowing that, Seto was making every efforts he could to not act, legally he couldn't do anything and getting near Anzu would make things worst for her, he knew he only had one chance, if he sees her and Raven finds out then she'll be in trouble and she would probably get even farther away from all of her friends. Of course it killed him to not be able to do anything for her, to just stay there and continue his life as if everything was normal and she was fine. Each morning when he opened the newspaper he feared to hear something bad from her, he knew what that kind of violence could lead to.

At first when he learned that she was engaged he had been somewhat downcast, it was the first time he had such strong feelings for a woman, but he just let it go, or at least that's what he kept telling his heart, she was taken after all. He had nothing against Raven back then (other than the fact that he was Anzu's fiancé), he was just jealous as Yugi realised so easily, sometimes it was surprising him and bothering him that Yugi could see so well what he was thinking. But now things were different, he had seen the proofs, the mark on her arm, the police report, what Shizuka told Joey. Yet a part of him couldn't believe that it was true, or at least it wished it wasn't.

From what he could remember of her, she was always standing up for herself, never letting anyone hurt her or her friends, she was so cheerful it was making him sick and she was even standing up to him, he couldn't believe that a girl like her would stay in such a relationship. But he knew all that meant nothing, he knew what it was like, he had suffer by Gozaburo's hand for years, telling himself that it was for the sake of his little brother gave him the impression that somehow he could make everything stop, that he was still the one making the decision for himself, it had been his only way to keep going when in truth he knew there was just no way out, Gozaburo was more powerful than him, there was no way he could leave or call for help, things would only have gotten worst. But for Anzu things were different, she could leave but she was probably too afraid to do it, thinking that there was no way out and convincing herself that there was nothing wrong with the situation she was in, maybe she even believed that she deserved it.

Seto saved his work, he wasn't going to get more of it done, he glanced at the clock and saw that it was nearing 9pm, Mokuba was going to have his head, he hadn't realised it was this late yet, truth be told he was trying to soothe his worries for Anzu by working and Mokuba being worried about her and him so much wasn't helping him. He decided that he might as well clear his head by walking home

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Rain was pouring, but he didn't care, carefully hidden under his umbrella, the sky was completely dark and the dull sound of rain falling helped him clear his mind of all thoughts regarding Anzu, it was working at some point, until he saw her. At first, because of the lack of light and the rain he wasn't sure it was her, but as he got nearer he recognised her, she was alone, shivering under a tree, trying to protect her already drenched body from the cold rain. Without even thinking he walked up to her and held the umbrella over her head, she turned her head around and took a few steps backward when she recognised him but she kept her head down, her hair hiding her eyes.

"What are you doing here alone? It's dangerous for you to be out in the dark." Seto asked as he took a few steps forward so his umbrella would once again protect her from the cold rain.

Anzu hesitated for a few seconds. "I was just walking home and got caught by the rain, I was waiting for it to slow a bit before going home." She turned away from him, without even looking up, she wanted to leave and put as much distance as she could between them but she couldn't really just leave in the rain like that, he would never allow it.

"You are already soaked, it wouldn't make such a difference." Anzu didn't react. "What about Raven, I thought he usually picked you up after you finish practicing."

She hesitated some more, searching for a way to escape him. "He's…out of town until the day after tomorrow." She admitted reluctantly.

They both stayed silent for a few moments until Seto spoke again. "Come on, I'll take you home."

"No, I'll be fine." Anzu replied quickly, turning her back to him.

Seto took a small step closer to her. "Anzu." Anzu turned around and almost yelled in surprise when she saw he was so close to her. However all the words he was about to say died in his throat at the sight in front of him. "What's this?" He asked, gently raising her head with his hand so that she would look at him. He hadn't seen it before because it was so dark outside and she was purposely avoiding eye contact with him, but now that she had turned around, with the weak light of the street lamp, he could see it clearly, she had a large bruise on the right side of her face.

"It's nothing." Anzu removed his hand and looked away from him. "It's just a dancing accident."

Seto sighed. "Anzu, if you had a twisted ankle or scraped your knees, then I would believe you, but this is not an accident. He did this to you didn't he?" He said the last part almost whispering.

"No! It's just…" Anzu fidgeted with her purse, not looking directly at him. "I…" she had no idea what to say, what could she say, he wouldn't believe her, why would he? She wouldn't even believe herself, but she couldn't leave, she couldn't admit it, not after what happened last time she accepted help, she couldn't let him get near her, no matter how much she just wanted him to erase all her worries.

"Anzu, I know you are scared, I understand that, but no matter how many times he will tell you, things won't change, he's hurting you, you have no reason to endure this, you don't deserve to suffer like this and he has no right to treat you like he does."

"You don't get it." Anzu yelled, holding her head in her hands, tears were starting to fall from her eyes. "He's not…he didn't mean it, I can't…"

Seto was surprised by her reaction; he wasn't expecting her to almost break down but it gave him a good enough idea of just how she was feeling. He gently pulled her closer and held her close to him in a secure embrace. Anzu's eyes went wide and her heart skipped a beat, she stayed there, unable to talk and unsure what to think, somehow she wished time would stop and she could stay like this forever.

"You don't have to stay, you can leave, we all want to help you Anzu. We'll keep you safe, all you have to do is leave him and he will never be able to hurt you again." Anzu didn't move, in her state of mind it took her a while to understand everything, after a little moment she nodded against him, she didn't know if he saw it but she was too tired to talk.

Seto sighed imperceptibly, if he was able to get her far enough from him, then maybe they could help her out. "I'll call a limo and take you with me to the mansion, is that alright with you?" He pushed he back a little so that he could look at her in the eyes, she looked up at him, hey eyes red with tears falling down her cheeks, she really wanted to believe him when he was telling her that he would help her, she nodded again, she knew she shouldn't, it would only cause her more problems, but she just couldn't bring herself to leave the feeling of safety he was giving her even if there was this little voice in the back of her head telling her to get away from him if she didn't want to be hurt again.

Seto was glad she didn't drawn this discussion any longer, she was cold and needed to get in as soon as possible, he removed his vest and put it on her shoulders. Anzu didn't protest when he pulled her close to him again, his heat made her feel warm both on the inside and outside, she wondered how Seto's simple presence could make her feel so well, just like that time she woke up in his arms, she blushed slightly at the memory. She heard him talk, she figured that he was probably calling a limo, she stayed there, in his arms, trying to clear her head.

The limo arrived only a few minutes later, he didn't let go of her during the short ride to the mansion and he held her close while slowly rubbing her back in a soothing way. When they arrived Roland opened the door for them, Seto got out and helped her, he thanked Roland before taking her inside. As soon as he closed the door a young maid appeared and bowed slightly.

"Good evening Mr. Kaiba. Is there anything you need?" She was surprised at first to see him holding a girl close to him like that but hid it well, it was not her place to judge his actions after all.

"Where is Mokuba?" Seto asked.

"I believe he said he was passing the night at Steven's with some other friends." She answered.

"Good." Seto answered, the last thing he needed now was his little brother pestering him about Anzu. "Could you prepare a hot bath and find some suitable dry clothes for her please?"

"Of course." She answered. "It will all be ready in about five minutes." And then she quickly left to get everything ready.

Kaiba led Anzu up the stairs to the second floor where the maid went. "Come on, you are freezing, it will do you a lot of good." He said, sensing that Anzu was hesitating. He entered an open door and she followed him, it was a plain bedroom…though it was at least five times the size of her own bedroom. There was another open door on the other side of the room where she would hear the sound of running water. "If you need anything just ask Mia, I'll be waiting in the living room." He said before leaving her.

Not long after he left the small maid came back carrying a small pile of clothes, she smiled at Anzu as she put them on the bed and went into the bathroom to stop the water. It was only when she came out that she looked carefully at Anzu "Excuse me…Are you… Anzu Mazaki?" She asked shyly.

Anzu blinked and smiled sheepishly. "…Yea, it's me."

"Wow, I can't believe it, I mean, I really like your songs and everything, I wanted to go and see you on stage, I was so depressed when your show was cancelled." She said rather quickly with a bright smile. "But I'm going to go and see the next one, I hope you'll get better soon." Her expression suddenly turned to one of surprise and slight shock. "Oh but I shouldn't bother you like that, you look exhausted, is everything to your liking?"

"Yes, everything is fine." Anzu answered still smiling, somehow the girl smile was making Anzu smile too and seemed to make her feel better. It had been so long since a fan complimented her… Raven always hated it.

"I'll leave you alone, if you need anything you just have to call on the interphone." She bowed before leaving and closing the bedroom door behind her.

Anzu walked inside the attached bathroom, it was huge, she had never seen anything like it even when she was staying in five stars hotels, the bath alone looked big enough to fit three persons, she wondered how the maid could get it ready so fast but she wasn't going to complain, now that Seto was no longer holding her she was started to get cold again, even if she was inside of the mansion, and that lightly steaming bath looked extremely tempting. She quickly removed her wet clothes and got in the bath.

She sighed as she relaxed her head against the side of the bath, Seto was right, this was really making her feel better and it was clearing her head, it felt like all the bad things that happened were just nightmare and disappeared. She had broken down in front of him, she thought she would be strong enough but he was able to get the truth out of her, even if she didn't really say anything. She didn't want her friends to know, how could she face them after lying to them for so long. She shook her head, she was thinking too far ahead, she couldn't even stay here. She recalled the ride in the limo with Seto and the way he was treating her, back in high school she would have never though this to be possible.

Ever since the first day she came back he treated her with so much care, he saved her life not long after, she had no doubt that she would be dead if he hadn't been there, he brought her home that evening and took care of her, he even agreed to sleep in her bed, that was one of the best night she ever spent…if only Meyli hadn't been there with her stupid camera, she was sure he was about to kiss her, she blushed at the thought of it. She also thought about the short dance she had with him at the wedding, had Raven not been there she could have really enjoyed herself and danced for hours with him, she never expected he could dance so well.

Truth be told, if Raven wasn't there she would gladly let Seto do just about anything he wanted with her, his simple presence was enough to make her heart stop and the lightest touch from him made her want to melt in his arms. She sighed, could he really make everything disappear? Could he really keep her safe? That would be so wonderful. She thought with a slight smile as she let herself sink even deeper in the water.

After resting some more, Anzu finally decided to get out when the water started cooling. She looked over the clothes, it was a cute and simple nightgown, nothing scandalous, with a light green silk bathrobe, she figured that Mia probably borrowed those from another maid…somehow she doubted that Seto was hiding girls clothes in his drawers. She dressed herself and looked at her reflection in the mirror, the bruise on her face was clearly visible and still somewhat painful, she had a few other marks on her arms and back but she was used to it.

She walked out of the bathroom and sat on the bed, she wasn't sure what to do now, now that she was out of the water it felt like everything was falling on her shoulders again. She just stayed there, trying to figure out what to do but she wasn't going anywhere, she knew she was just giving herself false hope. A soft knock on the door brought her back to reality.

"Anzu, can I come in?" Seto asked.

"Yea." Anzu said absentmindedly.

Seto opened the door and looked at her, she barely looked up at him, he walked up to her and sat on the bed next to her. "How are you feeling?"

Anzu looked down. "Messed up."

Seto rubbed her back slightly. "Don't worry, everything will work out."

"No, it won't." Anzu said, looking down with tears falling from her eyes.

Seto smiled, putting his hand on her shoulder. "Anzu, I have the money, man power and influence to make sure he will never be able to get anywhere near you as long as you are ready to leave him." He raised her face to make her look at him. "I'll protect you."

At that moment Anzu was lost in his deep blue eyes, they were so warm, so unlike what she was used, without having the time to think, she did what her heart wanted to do for the past months, she leaned forward and kissed him. Seto was surprised by her sudden action but that only lasted a fraction of a second before his feelings took over and he kissed her back, months of suppressed emotion coming to the surface.

After what seemed like an eternity Seto finally got his brain to work a little, he really wanted to be with her, he knew that much, and to be able to kiss her was simply wonderful but…was that really alright? He slowly pushed her away a little, breaking the kiss. "We shouldn't d-"

"Shhh." She quickly placed a finger on his lips so he wouldn't say more, they looked deeply into one another's eyes. "It's alright, I'm fine." She said before kissing him again. This time, he didn't try to push her away, he saw it all in her eyes, all those feelings, so strong there wasn't even a word to describe them. At the moment he couldn't care less about what would happen tomorrow, he knew he loved her and that was all that mattered.

Anzu had never been so happy then at this moment, even if she knew this whouldn't last, this moment shouldn't even be happening, but she told herself everything would be alright, even if she would have to go back, one night wouldn't hurt her, no one would ever know. For once she would do what she really wanted to, she would be happy, she wouldn't be afraid and be loved, even if it would only be for one night.

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Author note: Sorry about being late, I know I said I would update for Monday, I really tried to get it done on Sunday but I couldn't, I planned to finish it Monday but I had a 'date' (with a friend unfortunately) then Tuesday I got home 2h earlier and started working on it, I swear I worked 6h none stop on the chapter and still couldn't finish it, so I just finished now.

Oh don't worry I still have quite a few twist, this story isn't over yet and things will not be this simple…I really wish I could tell you when I would update, maybe I could manage one more update before I enter the dreaded crazy week…I have like 7 exams coming up in the next two weeks…and that is not even the final exam week.