It had been ten days since Anzu had last seen Seto Kaiba. For whatever reason, the man had disappeared from her life doing whatever it was busy billionaires did with their limited amounts of personal time. Maybe he decided that spending his meal times with a wannabe dancer was a waste of his precious evenings. Or maybe he found some other female to harass.

Whichever it was, for some reason it burned at Anzu. She couldn't let it go. Whenever a text came over her phone, the girl hoped that it would be Kaiba's private number. Slightly intimidated still, she couldn't make herself contact him first. He was always the one to come for her. This way, Anzu never risked rejection.

However, a phone call never came. Instead were the messages of friends, ballet instructors, co-workers, and the parents who never ceased to annoy her. There was no private call beckoning for her attention. For all she knew, Kaiba had forgotten about her already.

Thinking this, the brunette frowned as she waited tables. Burger World was busy, full of evening customers all tipping the college student quite generously despite the girl's frowning expression. It made her look a little mysterious, and everyone loved a good mystery. How could someone so beautiful and pristine look so forlorn?

"A girl outta be crossed in love at least once in her life time."

"Excuse me?"

The old woman in the booth chuckled, wiping her chin with a napkin. She must have thought she was very clever trying to guess where Anzu's head was. Despite being wise in years, the graying grandmother was wrong. Anzu was not in love, although slightly cross. Being told otherwise just infuriated her.

"Crossed in love. You look like someone pinning over a boy."

"Ma'am, I don't discuss my personal life with customers."

"Eh, your face tells enough, sweet heart. You didn't even need words."

There was a smile and a wink before the hag went back to talking with her grandchildren. The nerve of some people!

Three hours passed before Anzu's mood improved. After making a few thousand yen in tips, she mellowed out and everything went back to normal. Soon, her cherry bright countenance retuned, that cheesy yet warming smile people loved when greeted service members.

"Welcome to Burger World. My name is Anzu, and I will be serving you tonight. If you'd just follow me…"

Between two bacon cheese burgers and a fully loaded Coney dog, blue eyes caught sight of a familiar figure. Dark hair lying flat against the man's head with the tips almost touching the back of the neck, it was too recognizable. It sat above wide shoulders, which appeared stiff and tense, covered by a thin black shirt that failed to hide the lean muscles that lay underneath. His feet were crossed, one thigh laying a top the other in a fashion Anzu couldn't help but find intriguing.

"What is Kaiba doing in a burger joint?"

Making her way over to the table, she bit her lip. Not hard enough to draw blood, but just enough to keep Anzu from smiling. She couldn't be happy at seeing him again. He had ignored her like the asshole he was, and it was within her rights to be angry at him. If she wasn't angry, he'd walk all over her.

When she stood in front of him, the man's eyes didn't betray him. If anything, they brightened up a bit, like he had been expecting to see her. A sly grin grew across his face and with a twinge of sarcasm, he said to Anzu, "I didn't know you worked here of all places."

"Why didn't you call me?"

"I already told you on Tuesday, I wouldn't be able to see you. Can't say I didn't warn you."

"Kaiba, you disappeared for over a week."

"But I came back, didn't I?"

Snickering with self-satisfaction, he opened his menu and scanned the options. Blue eyes narrowed as he read the listings, not at all impressed by what it read. If anything, it made his lips curl in contempt reading a menu full of grease burgers and oil dipped French fries. Maybe he was expecting more, but there was a reason why "Burger World" was the name of the establishment.

"Mazaki, I hope you don't actually eat this crap…"

"You seriously think with me trying to become a professional dancer, I'd eat fries caked in animal fat on a daily basis?"

"Yes. I've seen the dog eat this shit before."

Fuming, the brunette slammed a hand on the table, resting her hip against the edge. She bore her eyes into the man sitting in front of her, not amused by his smug grin. Despite his masculine looking face, dark eyes, clear skin, and perfectly shaped face (as well as the small barely noticeable freckles on top of it), she could not be won over. Not when her ego had been so thoroughly insulted.

"First off, Katsuya isn't a dog-"

"You knew exactly who I was referring to, only furthering my point-"

"-Second, I don't know why you'd think my tastes would be the same as his just because we're friends. Really, it makes me wonder why I bother with you in the first place. You are seriously one of the most confusing people I've ever met. Don't come and see me like this if you don't plan on being civil."

"Really Mazaki, you think I came for you? Ha. I was hungry and this place was near the office."

That was too much for her. Without saying anything else, the girl stormed off. Anzu hoped that would be last of Kaiba she'd be seeing for a long time. The man had pissed her off, hitting a soft spot she didn't like being brought up. Most people couldn't dig deep enough at her to do that, but when it came to work… She was already sensitive about it. Her parents didn't want her working somewhere so low brow. Having Kaiba confirm that and more, well, it hurt more than she would have liked to admit.

After another two hours of work, finally Anzu was free. Her hair was damp with sweat, and she smelled like grease, but her pockets were full of money. Anzu was officially three thousand yen richer, and she'd throw all of it into savings. Dance was expensive, and no matter how much she made from tips, the money always seemed to disappear faster than she could replace it.

To her surprise, Kaiba was waiting for her in front of his car. It was the red Ferrari, which she remembered being in the last time they were together at night. The vehicle was hot and sexy, like something out of GQ, and it almost looked too loud for someone like Kaiba. Silver seemed like something more fitting, but still… she couldn't help but stare in envy.

"Don't be stubborn and let me drive you home," said Kaiba, leaning against the frame of the vehicle.

"I can take the bus…"

"You can, but you won't."

It didn't sound like a request. Opening the door, the tall male waited for Anzu to submit to his will. Instead of walking towards him right away though, she had a stare down. She didn't want to do what he said, or at least not right away. Vindictiveness was in her nature and crossing her arms like a spoiled little girl, the brunette's face turned sour with annoyance.

"Get in the car, Mazaki."

"Why should I?"

"Because it's dark, you're a girl, and I don't want you traveling alone. So just get in the car."

"Maybe I don't want to."

"Maybe I'm not giving you much of a choice."

"What are you going to do, force me in?"

"Would you like to find out?"

Rolling her eyes, Anzu ignored the threat and walking away. She didn't think he'd actually do anything, but when strong hands grabbed her shoulders roughly, it took her completely off guard. Naturally Anzu struggled, fighting against Kaiba while trying to break free. If she had a purse, she would have smacked him with it, but alas, there was nothing to hit with.

"Let go off me!" she screamed loudly, pulling away.

"Stop being a brat, and I will," yelled Kaiba back, "you're being ridiculous."

"You can't make me go with you. It isn't legal."

"Just try and stop me then."

That made Anzu grin. Using the heel on her shoe, she drove it right into Kaiba's boot, heeling around and hitting him with her elbow when the shock loosen his grip. Maybe he didn't anticipate her fighting back, but Anzu wasn't going to do anything by force. She'd have to be convinced into the car.

"Just get in, Mazaki. You're acting like a child."

"I can take myself home, thanks."

"You're upset because I didn't call you, and know you're acting out."

Instead of saying anything, Anzu just kept on walking. She ignored his words, and becoming desperate, Kaiba got into the car to chase after her. He never lost a battle, and he would get that stubborn girl into his car, somehow. Maybe if he said the right things to her, she could be reasoned with.

"Mazaki, I told you I wouldn't be around. I don't get why you'd be this upset, it wasn't like you and I were friends."

"I didn't see it that way."

The Ferrari spun around, stopping a few feet in front of Anzu, cutting her off from walking away. Annoyed and frustrated, she stood there for a while, hugging the trench coat around her as the car's driver got out once again. Whatever he had to say, she didn't have the patience to hear it.

"Fine. You're right, Mazaki. We're friends, even if I hate seeing it that way. You win. So would you please just get in the damn car? Just look at yourself. I can tell by your face that you don't really want to be standing out there in the cold. Stop being so damn stubborn."

She stared at him for a good while before looking back towards the bus stop. No one was there and if she blew him off, she'd have to wait alone. That didn't look like a good prospect, even if she'd done it before. Weird people rode buses at night and a free ride from a friend… Well, it was better than waiting alone out in the cold.

"Fine, asshole."

Getting into the car, Anzu buckled her seat belt and crossed her legs. She wouldn't even look the man in the face, instead turning away to stare out the window. He was right about not going back home alone at night, but she'd never admit it. In a perfect world women wouldn't have to worry about thugs, but Domino was full of them and Anzu had her fair share of close calls. Unlike most of Japan, the city wasn't all that safe.

Once they reached her house, Anzu didn't wait for Kaiba to be ready before getting out. She rushed towards her apartment, fumbling with the pockets of her coat while trying to get her house keys. Unlike the times before, she didn't want him thinking he was invited into her house after ignoring her for so long.

"Mazaki…"

It didn't take long for Kaiba to catch up. He was standing behind her, like a shadow. Apparently he wasn't quite ready to leave her presence, because by the look on his face, it appeared like he had intentions of coming inside.

"What do you want?"

"Some company."

Rolling her eyes, Anzu wanted to blow him off. She wanted to ignore him like he had ignored her and it was so difficult to do. Being alone was hard, and she wasn't cut out for it. Someone needed to keep her company or she got sad, and even if that person was Kaiba, it was better than feeling isolated in her apartment.

"I thought you preferred being by yourself," remarked Anzu.

"You know what Mazaki? Sometimes I do. But right now, I'd like to come inside with you. Is that a problem?"

Turning around to look at the man's eyes, the girl sighed. "I guess not."

"You know you couldn't turn me down even if you wanted to."

Comments like that made her want to slap the man upside the head. Opening the door, she said nothing to refute him, but after locking behind her and dumping her coat on the table, she left to her room. Smelling like grease just became more noticeable once she was out of Burger World and she needed cleaning up. If Kaiba wanted company, he'd have to wait until she was finished.

Her bedroom was dark. Turning on the lights, she sat on the edge of her bed and began peeling her clothes off. First came off the cheap work shoes, followed by the tight blouse. Wanting to wash her hair, the girl also undid her pony tail, letting her long hair fall against her back, and worked on unclasping her bra. Lastly fell the skirt and boy shorts underwear, leaving them on the ground as she walked over to her bathroom.

A bath would have felt good, but a shower was faster. Turning on the hot water, Anzu stepped inside a spray of heat. Her hair immediately went limp against her skin and closing her eyes, she could only stand there and enjoy the serenity of it all. Being alone and feeling the odors of human kind leaving her skin, it just felt so good. Soon she'd be her normal self again.

Hair washing didn't take long. Using a comb, she went through the knots and lathered it up with shampoo. Soon her brown tresses were dark and smooth again, smelling of the baby oil she used in it. Then for her body, she took a bar of dove soap and rubbed it into her wet wash cloth, using it on herself. Every inch of her body needed to be cleansed. Nothing would be left untouched.

Once clean, she stepped out of the room, wrapped in a towel. Steam poured into her bedroom, and taking a seat on her bed, she worked on braiding her hair. It was longer than it used to be back in high school now that it reached past her shoulders. asHastily, Anzu made one messy braid to the back of her head. From the end of it, water dripped down her back, but soon the whole thing would dry from airing out.

Now to find her clothes, which were dumped haphazardly into her drawers whenever the girl did laundry. Anzu wasn't a neat freak like some, and being the busy sort of person with other things on her mind, she didn't spend a great deal of time tidying up. Things were left a bit all over the place, and after putting on a bra and pair of silk underwear, she gave up on wearing normal clothes and just grabbed shorts and a tank top.

Coming back into her living room, she was surprised to find her guest sitting on the couch reading. He kept eyeing the clock on the wall until his eyes fell on her form. Then, moving over some, he waited for her to take a seat, his expression one between confusion and intrigue.

"I looked in your kitchen and you didn't have anything here to cook," he said first, turning his eyes back towards his book in what appeared to be an attempt to avoid eye contact.

"Not enough time for it. You know how to cook, Kaiba?"

"Well enough. I ordered take out."

"When will it be here?" asked Anzu.

"Soon." Snorting, he turned his full attention back to the novel. It was something he started reading last time he came over. At least Anzu had good taste in literature.

"Why do you have to be so damn vague? Whatever, Kaiba. Enjoy your book. I'm glad to see you're making yourself at home here. Just what I wanted."

Smirking, the male lifted his feet and sat them on top of the girl's coffee table, crossing them at the ankles. He was smug about it, and the gesture didn't make the hostess smile from amusement. She was mad.

"Get your feet off my coffee table."

"Make me."

"Fine."

Grumbling, she tried moving them with much difficulty. Kaiba was wearing such heavy black boots, and although she managed to knock them off the table, he just sat them back up again. He didn't seem bothered in the least, his eyes remained focused on his novel as she tried again, giving his thigh one big pound of her fist before giving up.

"What the fuck was that for, Mazaki? What are you, ten years old?" he yelled out, eyes staring at her fist.

"Do I look like a ten year old?"

The question was rhetorical, but it didn't stop Kaiba from playing along. Bemused, he sat his book down and turned his body around, giving his companion a sweep over with his eyes before folding his arms in thought.

"No. You look too mature for ten, but you could get away with sixteen in that outfit."

"Excuse me?"

"You look like jailbait in that outfit."

"It's a tank top and shorts, how could I possibly look like jailbait wearing that? Jesus, you're just saying that shit to piss me off."

"It's so easy to do."

Jumping off the couch, Anzu stalked off into the kitchen. She could hear the man snickering behind her, but she didn't care.

"Mazaki, you need to learn to stop being so damn sensitive," said Kaiba from the living room.

Rolling her eyes, she got a glass of water from the faucet. The rush of H2O drowned out the man's low voice for a good while before she had to turn it off. Looking back towards the living room from over the counter, Anzu could see the look of satisfaction on his face. Ugh, if she could only find a way to wipe that grin off for good. Why was he so good at getting under her skin?

The doorbell rang before Anzu could take her seat back on the couch. Kaiba got up though, and opening the front door, paid the man who delivered a large package of something she couldn't exactly make out. There were several large white Styrofoam containers, and watching the man sit it all down on the table, her nose gave the cuisine away.

"Korean? I haven't had decent Korean in months…"

Large blue eyes followed Kaiba's hands as he showed off everything he ordered. There was Korean barbequed beef, rice, kimchi, two cartons of noodles in hot broth with scallions, cooked vegetables with chili peppers, sesame oil, and garlic, as well as sweet potato noodles with carrots, onions, spinach, and mushrooms. The man had good tastes, similar tastes in food at least in comparison to what Anzu liked to eat. She wasn't disappointed at all.

"It seemed more interesting than just Chinese takeout," said Kaiba, "so I decided to do you a favor tonight."

"Heh. You've been redeemed in my eyes now, Kaiba, I can like you again."

"I didn't know you liked me in the first place."

Instead of answering that, the long legged girl skipped off again to grab chop sticks. Impatient, her larger companion watched his expression unreadable, before taking the chop sticks when Anzu handled them over to him. She was smiling at him now, taking a seat next to him while Kaiba continued to stare at her.

"Why are you looking at me like that, Mazaki?"

"Nothing. Can't I be happy?"

"It's unsettling. You were pissed just a few minutes ago."

Shrugging, the dark haired girl grabbed her pair of chop sticks and began eating. She wasn't going to wait for Kaiba to get with the program, and by the looks he was giving her, he'd rather look irritated than eat. Didn't matter to Anzu any though. Her stomach was a pit of anger and it needed food. If Kaiba wanted to study the eating habits of a twenty year old female, then she'd let him.

"Before I forget, thanks for dinner. Now I can forgive you for that stunt you pulled at the parking lot. Some nerve," she uttered between bites of food.

"That I cared enough for your safety that I drove you home?" replied Kaiba.

"More like you tried man handled me into your car!"

"You should be grateful; I don't just chauffeur anybody."

"I would have made it back here alone fine," Anzu answered back.

"You don't know that."

"Thanks Kaiba for your optimism."

He didn't say anything after that, grumbling to himself. Anzu was good with words, and this was one of those times where he couldn't figure out a good retort, so he just settled for eating the beef with kimchi. With his mouth stuffed with food, a silence swept across the room.

But it wasn't the awkward kind. Anzu actually liked it. She could eat with this man in silence and not feel self-conscious about it. Normally whenever she was with someone of the opposite sex, her nerves were on fire. Eyes were always on her, but not with the duelist she grew to tolerate. He didn't seem too interested in her outside the occasional companion for dinner and that suited her just fine. Finally, someone she didn't need to impress.

The only odd part of it was that her new friend was Seto Kaiba. Her friends from high school would never understand that, although they would probably never know about it. He wasn't so bad in private anyways, when he didn't have an admiring crowd or younger brother to impress. In private, despite being rude, he was much more normal and social like anyone else. People weren't meant to be alone, and just because Kaiba put up the front of being a loner didn't mean Anzu bought the act. Everyone needed a friend.

Once the dinner was finished, Anzu collected all the trash and dumped it in the can underneath the sink. The glasses of water went inside the dishwasher and the chop sticks were easy enough to wash by hand. It was only fair to clean up after having dinner bought and paid for. She wouldn't complain.

Finished, she got her spot back on the couch. Folding her bare legs underneath her ass, the female pulled her arms over her head to undo the braid in her hair. For whatever reason, the style was bothering her. Catching her image in the mirror, she did look like some fifteen year old jail bait, and maybe a pony tail would be better. It wasn't like she had anyone to impress either, but sometimes little things like appearances nagged at her.

"What are you doing?"

Kaiba was staring blankly at her. The expression on his face was one of confusion and interest. What was so interesting about hair, Anzu didn't know, but his gaze didn't bother her at all. It was nice for once to actually know what Kaiba was thinking about when she looked at him.

"Unbraiding my hair. I look like jail bait, remember," she said while pulling out the bands.

"It wouldn't have mattered if you were wearing your hair like that or not," he remarked back.

"Oh shut up about it already."

"Make me, Mazaki. Besides I feel like pointing out the obvious since it sounds like no one else has."

"I used to think you were some asshole, but now I can see you're just a pig."

"Swine are very intelligent animals. I'll take that as a compliment."

Scoffing, Anzu turned her back on him.

"People are never going to stop looking at you. Most girls enjoy the attention, but I can see now that you're not most girls. Would you rather be some ugly revolting looking thing?"

"No."

"Then what's the problem with being attractive?"

She didn't say anything. The only response he got was another scoff. It wasn't until a few minutes past did Anzu finally respond.

"You think I'm attractive, Kaiba?"

"You're not ugly," he answered.

"Either you think I'm good looking or you don't."

"Why do you need an answer so badly, Mazaki? What does it matter to you?"

"I want to know your intentions," she answered, "that's all."

"I don't have any intentions."

"Then why do you hang out with me?"

"I enjoy your company. Now will you drop it?"

Sulking, Kaiba looked away. Immediately Anzu dropped the subject, and sitting on the opposite side of the couch, she thought about what he said. He didn't find her ugly. In an odd way that was a relief. Her own eyes sometimes gazed over him when he wasn't looking, although she'd never admit that. Kaiba was fair skinned almost to a fault, like someone who didn't get out enough, but it grew on her.

Getting lost in her thoughts, she barely noticed when he finally rose up.

"Are you about to go?" she asked, a hint of disappointment in her voice.

"Yes. I need to check up on my brother, and since you don't need babysitting like last time, I'm going home."

"I kinda wish you wouldn't."

It just slipped out. The look on Kaiba's shocked face told her she said too much, but oh well. Too late, he had heard her, and shaking his head, the man opened the door and left. Maybe, if she was lucky, he'd forget about it the next day.

"… Who am I kidding? He'll remember."