Lying atop her bed, Anzu grumbled as her mother went on droning over the phone. It was like a daily ritual, receiving the phone call from hell. If it wasn't Anzu's blunt mother asking when she'd give up ballet for a real education, it was her father pestering her over money. Sometimes she just wanted to turn her cell off, but she couldn't do that. Not if she expected some financial support.

"Anzu, did you look into that writing competition like I told you to? My dear, you shouldn't put all your eggs into one basket, and dance isn't your only talent. You're a great writer, and if you'd just put more time and effort-"

"Mother, I already told you, I don't have any time. Between classes, work, and dance, I barely have enough hours in the day to sleep. Spending time writing boring papers on things I don't even care about isn't going to make my life better."

"You're closing yourself to so many opportunities," sighed the older woman over the phone. She sounded tired, and clearly irritated at having her ideas shot down.

"I don't care. I have a plan, and I'm sticking to it."

It certainly wasn't the respectful thing to say to her own mother, but she didn't care. Anzu's feet were throbbing in pain, she was tired, her legs were sore, and having missed lunch, she needed to find something to eat. Dealing with her over bearing parents just wasn't on her agenda that day.

Tomorrow was class, too. Sundays were always a tease; knowing that the entire week was just going to start over again. School, work, dance, sleep; the rotation would start and end until Anzu was done with college. Hopefully by then, someone would pick her up at some studio, and her childhood dreams would come true. Someone had to appreciate her hard work and talents.

"It's late mother and I haven't had dinner yet. I'll call you tomorrow."

"You said that yesterday Anzu and your father had to call you tonight-"

"Goodnight."

Turning off the phone, the middle child of three sat it down near her bedside table. Sighing, she already knew the bad news. There was no food in the house, because she forgot to buy some groceries the day before. The run in with Kaiba upset her schedule, and instead of going to the neighborhood grocery store, she had left from the restaurant straight home.

"Damn."

At least there were several small eateries close to her apartment. Getting up, Anzu put on a pair of sweats, the air a bit chilly still for spring. It wouldn't warm up until all the trees were blooming, and even then, sometimes at night the wind wouldn't subside. She'd stay warmer under layers, and it kept attention away from her.

"I could try and call Ryou again. Maybe he's around close by."

Her mother could easily try calling her back up if she did, but maybe it was worth the trouble. He was such good company, unlike the man she spent the night before with. Ryou was the sort who said his please and thank you's with a courteous tone, not at all pretentious with his mannerisms. Kaiba, it seemed to Anzu at least, was well-born enough to know his manners, but chose not to follow them unless forced.

"I don't get why he'd just bother me like that."

Maybe he was lonely. That was certainly a possibility. Even the most independent of men got lonesome, and maybe after years of limited company (his own brother), Kaiba wanted to expand his horizons. Anzu only wished it didn't include her, because his attitude was still so… strong. Nothing about that changed, and she didn't see him changing in that sort of way anytime soon.

"His company wouldn't be half bad if he'd just pretend to enjoy being around people. That's the worst part."

Turning around awkwardly, Anzu remembered that she was alone. The only living creature in the room with her was her betta fish, a male crowntail that lived in a tank with a small filter system. She spoiled him, giving the small live plants, organic food, and natural rocks to live and enjoy, instead of the plastic toys and cheap food most people gave their pets. It was the only thing she had any more for company.

"It is!"

The fish didn't appear concerned. His fins exposed in the water, he was too busy showing himself off to care what Anzu had to say. While his body was a deep blood red, his tail and fins were a deep blue, much like the fish's owner's eyes. They were clear and rich in color, the betta being healthy and full of life. He didn't have a spot of itch on him.

Shaking her head, Anzu just turned away from her pet, sighing again. Picking up her phone, she turned it on to call Ryou, but was surprised to find a text message blinking across her screen. Rolling her eyes, she figured that her mother had called, but the number wasn't one she recognized. It was private, and she hadn't put two and two together until she saw the actual message.

"I'm close by and I know you haven't had dinner yet. Meet me at La Creperie. –Kaiba "

He assumed that she'd come at his beck and call. The man also assumed that Anzu knew where that place was, but Kaiba was lucky. She had gone by it enough times to know how to get there, and snorting indignantly, the dancer made up her mind to go meet him. However, slightly annoyed over his pushy message, she wouldn't take a shower first. Kaiba would have to forgive her.

Hell, she didn't care.

Getting off the bed, she grabbed her purse and jacket. It was raining outside, as usual, and before leaving the room, she glanced at her fish. He was rising to the top of the tank, sucking air in the most pathetic manner. Grinning, Anzu knew immediately what her pet wanted. Fish food.

"If I keep feeding you anymore, you're gonna grow to the size of a fat ass koi."

With a goofy grin on her face, she opened the canister of organic fish flakes and dropped a few on top of the water. Greedily, her little fish ate the food, settling back down into the middle of his tank when done. Little specks of red food flew down to the bottom. He was always wasting it, after making a show of being hungry.

Finished, Anzu left the room and turned off the light. Once again, her roommate was nowhere to be seen. It was like living alone sometimes, because the other woman was never around. Although her things were still in her room, the other college student usually stayed at her boyfriend's place… or the boyfriends, since they seemed to change on a monthly basis. Watching the constant relationship statuses change online was amusing to Anzu, especially when it was really the only way she knew what was going on with her friend anymore.

"La Creperie… "

It was a strange choice. Most people went there on romantic dates, not just to get food. Sure, it was very good and Anzu enjoyed getting the occasional crepe there, but usually… it was when she got asked on a date. Looking at the text on her phone, she knew this wasn't anything close to a real date. If it was, damn… Kaiba was more clueless about women than both Honda and Jonouchi put together.

She doubted that was case. More than likely, he was bored again and wanted someone to pick over while he had his dinner. Maybe the people at Kaiba Corporation just weren't amusing him enough anymore, so he needed to look at outside sources. How someone as young as Kaiba got through the business world without a few social oddities, Anzu didn't know. Well, he had oddities, but they weren't noticeable… yet.

Leaving the apartment and locking the door behind her, Anzu left the porch, passing her young apricot tree. She smiled at it, liking her choice of tree over the standard cherry ones everyone else on her block had chosen two years ago. Variety was the spice of life, and when spring would finally come in full bloom, everyone would thank her for it.

Walking back towards the main street, she turned a corner and came to the cozy French restaurant. Full of couples, she was made a face, not wanting to watch all the happy faces around her. Being alone was hard. Sure, Anzu got asked on dates all the time, but most men just wanted one thing from her, and she wasn't going to give it out. A romantic at heart, Anzu promised only to give that part of herself to someone who could cherish it…

"And he didn't want me."

Why did she even think about that guy still? He was gone.

Shaking her head, she went towards the server to ask where to sit. Maybe Kaiba wasn't already there. Hell, he could be standing her up for shits and giggles; the man liked to play cruel jokes on others. It was possible that the night before was a fluke, and he was really just sitting in his office laughing, thinking about his one-time rival's cheerleader standing alone in a room full of lovebirds.

But he wasn't. Looking out towards the back of the place, Anzu saw him sitting alone outside. He was playing on his phone, looking miserably out of place and bored. There were people all around him, some even pointing at him, but he wasn't paying anyone much attention. Slouching like a sulking teenager who didn't get his way, he just folded his arms and frowned while tucking his phone into his pants pocket.

It was tempting to just study him. Did he worry about her not showing up? She didn't think so, but anything was possible. A man like him had an ego that needed constant stroking, and it would be a blow to have a "date" just flake without saying anything. However, Anzu wasn't that sort of girl. Unlike some people, she wasn't vindictive either, and not paying for her own meals had its perks.

"I should go over and join him already. Maybe that will stop his fidgeting."

Grinning just a little, she left the lobby and went outside to the back. Crossing the waiters with their platters of food, she was careful not to knock someone's tray down, moving out of people's way as if it was a dance. Reaching her table, she stopped in front of her chair, darker blue eyes meeting her with a disapproving glance.

"Finally, I thought maybe you turned your phone off or something stupid like that."

He didn't even wait for her to be seated before talking, crossing his leg under the table. In front of him was a display of breads and butter, along with some different types of jam to try. Anzu was so tempted to have some, but careful of her figure, she decided to ignore the carbs for some water instead.

"I didn't mean to keep you waiting, but I was doing stuff before you texted me."

"Stuff like what? No, let me guess… checking your daily horoscope for true love? You'd be the type to do something as ridiculous as that." Rolling his eyes, he sliced a piece of bread before spreading butter on top of it.

"Why would I bother doing that when I know the only guy I'll be seeing tonight is you?"

Looking up, Anzu could see the look of surprise in his eyes. He wasn't expecting that at all, and snorting, he rolled them like the girl had said something stupid and played off her back handed comment. Maybe he didn't know, but Anzu had a mean streak, when pushed hard enough. She could handle whatever Kaiba decided to dish out to her, and serve it right back just as coldly.

"No Kaiba, I was getting ready to start on some homework when you called. Class is tomorrow, and I'm not quite ready with the reading assignments I was supposed to be working on this last Friday. Thought I had enough time…"

"You should have been getting ready to take a shower…" He looked over her body with a bemused expression. "I feel so overdressed now."

"Are you trying to be funny?"

"Mazaki, I am funny."

Snorting in annoyance, Anzu ignored the man and chose to instead pay more attention to the menu that sat in front of her chair. It listed several imported wines, which she wasn't interested in having. They all sounded far too complex for her inexperienced palate, and looking at the prices, way out of her budget. Her family at home often drank wine with meals, but she didn't. High in calories, Anzu preferred water.

Crepes were what the place was known for, but Anzu wouldn't allow herself to indulge in such a fattening pastry treat either. Not when there were several interesting salads listed, all featuring fruit, walnuts, chicken, goat cheese, and other more unique ingredients Anzu often couldn't get at more generic restaurants. The promise of balsamic vinaigrettes and fresh vegetables was so irresistible.

"Did you decide upon something yet, or do you plan on starving yourself like the night before?"

"I didn't starve myself last time, Kaiba."

"You barely ate anything. I don't get it. Girls and their irrationally low self-esteem, I'll never understand it. Real food wouldn't kill you. Actually, it might do your body some favors."

Anzu couldn't tell if that was an insult or a compliment. Grumbling, she tossed the menu down and crossed her arms. She wouldn't get bullied out of her diet, and she didn't see why the man wanted her to eat so much, when he rarely ate much of anything at all.

"I just want a salad tonight."

"… No."

"What do you mean no? You can't stop me from wanting what I want."

"This is my place, Mazaki; I can do whatever the hell I want in my own turf. And since this is my restaurant, you're not going to insult me and my chef by just having some stupid salad. Fuck it, I'll just order for you."

Dammit. He would take her somewhere that he owned. It was a complete surprise, because Anzu had no idea that he had investments in culinary business. Most people weren't daring enough to put money into a market that almost always failed, let alone into someplace so small and secluded. Sure, Anzu had heard of the place before, but it was a romance spot, not somewhere for casual meals.

"Why are you trying to piss me off?"

Crossing her arms, she demanded an answer with her eyes. She didn't like playing cat and mouse games that she didn't know the rules to. And in this case, the man in front of her definitely knew what he was doing… and didn't feel like sharing the details with anyone else.

"I came here, with plans on being nice to you. As soon as I get here, you start insulting me, per usual, and now you won't let me just order what I want. If you want a dining buddy Kaiba, you should start treating me better."

"You aren't my "dining buddy", Mazaki. I could hire better company than you, so do me a favor and stop bitching at me."

"Escort girls? That's really classy. I didn't know your social life went down that much after Yugi left Domino. I'd feel bad for you, if you hadn't have done it to yourself."

"Do me a favor already and just shut your mouth."

Kaiba looked more pissed than she had ever seen him in a long time. Maybe her comments had gone a little too far, but the attitude and complete lack of respect wasn't something she was going to tolerate. If he wanted some company, fine, but she wasn't going to get bullied and harassed just for his amusement. Hell, they weren't even friends. What right did he have, to talk to her like that?

Getting up, Anzu slid her chair back under the table before leaving the room. She made up her mind to go home, and bare with whatever she could find to eat there. If anything, there was always cereal and that would hold her until the next day. Anything was better than dealing with the host from hell, who apparently was surprised that anyone would blow him off in public.

"Where are you going?"

"Home. Not that it's any of your business."

"Mazaki, sit back down before you embarrass yourself."

Looking at her male companion sharply, Anzu spun around and walked off, leaving him behind. He took a few minutes to digest it, flabbergasted that someone actually had the nerve to just walk out on him like that. When her figure could no longer be seen past the door way of the restaurant, he got up as well, trying to pursue her.

"Mazaki!"

She was already down the street, nearly home Kaiba caught up with her. He easily over took her stride, but didn't look too pleased having to catch up with her. Frowning, he looked down at her, grabbing her arm once they were no longer on a busy street. Anzu wasn't the type to scream over it, buts he didn't want people getting the wrong impression either.

"What are you doing?" he demanded.

"Going home. Let go of me, asshole."

"No one just walks out on me. Why the hell did you-"

"I'm not going to waste my time Kaiba listening to you insult me like that because you have nothing better to do. I don't know what your personal problem is, but it's got nothing to do with me, and until you want to try being socially appropriate, you can enjoy your dinners alone."

"… Fine. You weren't that great of company anyways."

Just like an angst ridden teenager he stalked away. Kaiba didn't look like he cared either way if Anzu followed after him or not, but the girl was curious about him. She just couldn't understand what the male's agenda was, inviting her over to dinner only to turn around and insult her endlessly without reason. For the most part, she had been more than reasonable to him. There wasn't anything she was doing to deserve such anti-social behavior out of him.

"Wait!"

Running towards him, she grabbed his arm this time, pulling him just enough to catch Kaiba's face. He couldn't avoid showing her his pissed off expression, but stopping in place, he shrugged off her grip and crossed his arms in irritation. In so many ways, he behaved like a child. In some ways, it was silly… but in others, that dark stare with the blue eyes was electrifyingly scary. It sent goose bumps down her arms.

"Why are you being like this? You invite me over, and then attack me relentlessly, expecting me to not react. I don't think we could ever be friends-"

"I don't want friends, Mazaki-"

"My point exactly. I don't think we ever could be friends, but we don't need to be hostile either. You weren't like this in high school. At least back then, you were somewhat cordial. "

He didn't say anything. It was like he was processing everything she said inside his head, and not wanting to make him lose his thought, Anzu said nothing. She was tired, and didn't feel like fighting with him anymore. If he wanted to be difficult, then fine, he could. After tonight, she wouldn't try with him anymore if he wanted to be that way, but maybe it didn't have to be like that. Unlike her other friends, Anzu didn't have anything personal against him.

"Well," he started, looking towards Anzu's street, "I'm not going back to that restaurant. You made me look like a fool. If you want my company tonight, you'll have to let me come over to your house."

Demanding, as always. But, in a way, it was a truce. He was always setting the terms, but Anzu didn't mind too much. At least this way, she could keep him under control, on her terms. If he wanted to stay over and be her guest, he'd have to make an effort at being polite and treating her with some degree of respect. If he didn't, Kaiba wasn't worth any of her time.

"I don't have anything to eat, unless you like popcorn. We could watch a movie, if you'd like, and get back on the right foot. We don't have to be enemies, unless that's what you want."

"I have enough enemies."

"That's what I thought. See Kaiba, I'm not Jonouchi, and I'm certainly not Yugi…" The name made her a little sad. "So you don't need to talk to me like we're at war. Okay?"

"I get it."

Slightly annoyed, the man broke eye contact and started towards her apartment. He had seen the building before, and noticing the apricot tree from a distance, he came towards it silently. Trying to catch up, Anzu skipped behind him, scowling at the back of her companion's head. Why was he so damn stubborn?

"One of these days you'll get tired of pushing people away…"

"I highly doubt that, Mazaki."