DIS: Welcome back to my Yami/Anzu fic! (Even though you haven't seen any Yami/Anzu action going on.) Thanks goes to journey maker, Adsica, raygypsy714, Midnight Chamber, Liz, Shire cat, Innocent enough, and ANZU&ATEM FAN for reviewing. Hugs and kisses to you all!
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Chapter Five, Life's not so perfect
A few days later, Anzu was still seething about what her friend's ex-wife had done to her. She could hardly believe the woman! She had never even seen her, nor had she talked to her in her entire life. She couldn't understand what she could have done that would cause an enmity between them. As she considered over it while she practiced her dancing, she recalled Mai accusing her of dating Jounouchi. Sighing, Anzu spun on her foot, closing her eyes so that she could close out the sounds of her neighbors. Shizuka was right, Anzu vaguely thought, her hair flying against her cheeks. Mai really did love Jounouchi. She still does. I think she even knew that I wasn't lying.
Her phone's ringing interrupted her peaceful dancing. She let her arms drop and her body stilled. Wiping some sweat from her forehead, she walked to the kitchen where her cell phone was and flipped it open, pressing the red button, answering, "Hello, this is Anzu Mazaki."
"Good morning, Miss Mazaki," a deep, friendly voice greeted her on the other line. A tiny shiver traveled up her spine at the familiar voice of Yami Mutou's. "How are you?"
"I'm...fine," she ended lamely. She hadn't told anyone what Mai had done to her, not even her father. Seiji had been dating a woman a few years older than him and was in a state of euphoria. She didn't want to ruin his happiness just because some blonde bimbo decided to crash her happiness. Everyone else she knew liked Mai, except for Jounouchi, but she was afraid he'd do something rash in response.
"Oh?" There was a hint of skepticism in Yami's voice that made a wave of guilt wash over her. Of course he would have heard the grimace in her words. "I can be a good listener."
"Thank you, but it's better I not talk about it. I don't want to upset anyone."
"Why? Did someone do something to you?" Anzu remained silent, debating on whether to tell him. He only gave her a minute before continuing, "Since we're going to be working together, we should treat each other as friends, don't you think? And as friends, we don't keep secrets. I dislike deceitful actions. I'm sure whatever you have to say won't upset me."
"...Alright. Since you're insisting." She paused, turning to look out the window of her living room. "Do you know Mai Kujaku?"
"Vaguely."
"She came to the café and she was mad because I'm friends with Jou – although she was accusing me of dating him. So...She threw coffee on me. Rena was there, too. That was the only reason Mai knew who I was." When she was finished, he didn't immediately say anything. She couldn't hear anything in the background on the other line at first. She could hear him shifting and then a small sigh.
"I see. Basically, then, Mai still has some feelings for Jounouchi."
"That's what I think."
"I'm sorry you had coffee thrown on you, Anzu." His voice was sincere. "I do know Mai, but I can't say I find myself getting close to her – as a friend or otherwise. However, I would advise not to...provoke her...in any way. She isn't the kind of woman you want as an enemy."
"I don't want her as an enemy, either, Yami. I'm trying to make friends here in Domino. I wouldn't want one of my friend's ex-wife being my adversary."
"Well, we'll see," he said dismissively. "She'll get over it eventually. Now! For the reason I called...Can you get down to the opera house right now for practice or are you busy? I wanted to look at the papers they gave you for the auditioning. They did give you papers, right?"
"Oh. Yes. Let me shower and I'll be down there right away."
"Excellent. See you then!"
"Bye." She snapped her cell phone closed and stared out the window for a moment before giving a heavy sigh. She had come to Domino for a new life and to make friends, something she had never had before. Instead she was left with a bunch of people she couldn't talk to about her problems because a person they adored was the core of her problem. It was good to talk to Yami about it, though, even if he didn't give her any necessarily helpful advice. It was nice to just get it off her chest.
But it's time to forget that, she told herself as she moved to her bathroom. I have to practice like crazy if I want that part in Swan Lake! My problem with Mai doesn't compare to that problem.
X
Otogi heard an unfamiliar piece playing in the auditorium. He had been planning on meeting Yami that morning, but a bunch of musicians needed new instruments because theirs had been stolen. It had taken all morning and into the afternoon for him to satisfy them. When Otogi entered the auditorium, he realized that the music he was hearing was a sound recording. He quietly moved up the aisle and paused, folding his arms across his chest. Yami was leaning against the piano, watching Anzu's dancing to the music. He had to admit, Yami had picked one hell of a dancer to accompany. She was the type of woman both of them were unused to. Otogi couldn't help but think she had a bit of the two close women in his life: Shizuka and Mai.
Yami jabbed at something on the piano and the music stopped, as well as Anzu. She eyed Yami with a slight frown. "You're making yourself think too much," Yami informed her, unaware of Otogi's silent presence. "You're moves are clumsy and your face isn't relaxed."
"I thought you didn't know about dancing," she retorted with an ill-tempered note to her voice.
"Dancing is like music," Yami languidly replied, waving one of his beautifully manicured hands in the air. "If you think too much on what you're playing, your face screws up, you make more mistakes, and you're bad altogether. I'm not saying you're bad," he added as her mouth flew open to protest. "You're a wonderful dancer, Anzu, but you're about to audition for the main part in a ballet and the judges are not going to go soft on you. You have to have a relaxed body, through and through." He snapped his fingers, saying, "And if you make a mistake, you have to pick it up right away. I think that's your worst problem."
"Thank you, Mr. Dancing-And-Music genius," Anzu dryly said. He smiled good naturedly, not in the least offended by her sharp attitude. Anzu sighed lightly and pushed a hand through her hair. "I guess you're right. I did think my movements were a little...jerky."
"At least you acknowledge it." Yami turned to spin towards the tape recorder, but paused, his eyes resting on Otogi. "Once again, you've managed to sneak in without my noticing, Otogi." The ebony-haired male gave him a cocky smirk and sauntered up to the stage, tipping his head back to look up at them. "How long have you been there?"
"Not long at all," Otogi responded. He glanced at Anzu, who he noticed was looking at him with a sort of grim expression in her eyes. He couldn't forget Mai's sudden abhorrence for the young dancer and wondered if it was that in which she was thinking of. It wouldn't have surprised him if that were the case. As soon as he met Anzu's gaze, she looked away, letting her eyes drop instead to her bare feet. "Am I interrupting anything?"
"No, I think we're about done here," Yami answered, flashing a quick look to his watch. "We've been at it since this morning." He smiled at Anzu, who beamed back at him. Otogi was certain by the faint haze that slid over Yami's eyes that he had noticed, just as he had, how weak her smile was. "How about we continue tomorrow?" Yami questioned. "We can work on the problems I mentioned."
"That'd be great. I'll come at the same time I did today," Anzu said. She turned her back to them to gather her things and put her sandals on. Yami watched her for a moment before turning to look at Otogi. "Bye!" She called. Yami waved to her as she hurried from the stage and towards the doors. Otogi joined Yami on the stage and by the time he had gotten to his friend, the doors had quietly shut behind her.
"Your friend threw coffee on my dancer some time ago," Yami told Otogi, putting a hand on his hip idly. "Did you know that?"
"You're speaking of Mai," Otogi flatly said.
"I don't know any other person that you call a friend." Yami turned from him and unplugged the tape recorder and wound the cord around it. Otogi watched his movements and saw a slight stiffness in his companion's limbs. It was the first time that Otogi had ever seen Yami truly angry. He had seen him frustrated, irritated, but never pissed off at something. Otogi wasn't sure he wanted to be around when the pianist was in such a mood.
"I can't control Mai's actions, Yami. If she pours coffee on Anzu, then that's what she does."
"Simply because Anzu talks to her ex-husband?" Yami shot back, glaring at Otogi over his shoulder as he collected sheets of music and straightened them together. He stuffed both of them in a loose, black case, waving his tape recorder slightly as he continued, "What kind of person does that? It's childish behavior!" He then slammed the tape recorder into the case, too.
"Mai is hurt – " Otogi began, prepared to defend his friend.
"Every divorcee is hurt," Yami interrupted.
" – and she still loves Jou – "
"That's no excuse."
" – and she's afraid Rena will start loving Anzu more." Yami had no reply to that as he stood there, slipping the buckles of the bag into place to shut it. Neither of them spoke, nor did Otogi try to catch Yami's gaze. He could tell he was considering over that. "Are we going to fight because they are fighting, Yami?" Otogi's question was quiet and sad.
"No," Yami assured, raising his eyes to Otogi's and smiling slightly, "of course not. But Anzu's mind was preoccupied today and she didn't perform as well as she could have. If Mai continues to thwart her at every chance she gets, I will have to step in. Anzu can get into that ballet as Odette and I intend on making it so she does. I agreed to accompany her to win, not to lose, Otogi. Losing is not something I'm accustomed to."
"I know that, but you have to understand Mai's position – "
"And you have to understand Anzu's, Otogi, something that I think you're forcing yourself to ignore," Yami intercepted harshly, his eyes narrowing. "She has just arrived here in town, has made friends, and is hardly used to Domino when some strange woman that she has never seen in her life decides to attack her. She needs to understand that, even if Jou and Anzu were dating, it's not her business any more. She and Jounouchi are finished. What happens in his personal life happens. That's the magic of divorce: they don't butt into each other's business any longer." Otogi surveyed him coldly, but Yami was unaffected, his own face set in a hard mask. "I'm not going to cause conflict between you and I, but I won't bluff, nor will I defend someone with lies. I should hope you would do the same."
"I think you've said what you wanted to, Yami," Otogi stated in an icy tone.
"And I think you have some things to think about, Ryuuji." He flipped his hand in a wave, saying, "Goodbye," before he grabbed his case and left, his shoes hitting the floor the only sound echoing in the empty auditorium. When Otogi heard the doors shut, with the same quietness as when Anzu had left, he turned and stared around him.
Yes, he thought gloomily, it looks like I do have some things to think about.
X
The doorbell sounded, surprising Shizuka. She had just returned from work and Jounouchi was lounging in the kitchen, reading the newspaper that had arrived that morning. He had been growling and snorting over it ever since he set it on the table. As she hurried to the door, she couldn't think of who it would be. Mai was at work, so it couldn't be her. Anzu, too, was working. She supposed it could be Honda, but he usually called before coming over.
Shizuka opened the door, smiling, and greeted, "Hello." The male in front of her let a smile spread over his lips and he made a gesture with his hand.
"Hello. Is Jounouchi in?" He inquired. She felt her body fire up in response to the rich, rumbling sound of his voice. It seemed to sing in her body; her cheeks warmed at such thoughts and she stepped aside to allow him in. His eyes lit up a fraction and he stepped into the apartment, tucking his hands in his pockets.
"This way," she murmured shyly, leading him into the kitchen where Jounouchi was swearing to himself. "Jounouchi, you have a...visitor." Jounouchi gave a last, dark look to the paper and peered up at his visitor with a frown. He had a puzzled look on his face and Shizuka felt suddenly nervous. It almost seemed like her brother had never seen him before.
"Hey, there, buddy," Jou greeted, but based on the slight confusion in his voice, he really did not know who he was. "What can I do for you...?"
"Yami Mutou," the latter introduced, releasing one of his hands from his pockets and holding it towards Jou. Shizuka watched as her brother stood and shook it. The name of the man sounded familiar, but she couldn't think of where she had heard it before. She saw a flicker of recognition flash over Jou's face before he gestured for Yami to sit. The male obliged, and Jou returned to his seat.
"Go on, Shizuka," her brother said, waving a hand to shoo her away. "I want to talk to him alone." She nodded slowly and left the kitchen. As soon as she was out, Jou started to fold the newspaper up and set it aside. "What is Anzu's accompanist doing at my house?" He asked Yami as soon as he had taken care of the paper mess.
"It's about your ex-wife. She's jealous of Anzu, you realize that?"
"Yeah, I know." Yami wondered if Jou really didn't give a damn about Mai or if he was just good at hiding his emotions.
"She threw coffee on her."
"...What?" Jou's face was covered with surprise. Yami's eyes passed over Jou's features idly and he couldn't help but think the looks were a combination. He had boyish good looks and rough, manly ones. His eyes were soft and warm like a young boy's, but his jaw was firm, his hands strong. His body was built from his constant lifting of things. He looked every bit his age of twenty-three. "I told her that Anzu and I weren't dating! Why did she do that?!" Jou bounded to his feet and started pacing the kitchen, shoving his hands in his hair in clear distress. "Why did Anzu never tell me Mai did that to her?" Suddenly, an odd look passed his face and he halted in his steps, looking to Yami with a slight glare. "She never told anyone else. Why would she tell you?"
"I'm her accompanist," Yami said in a simple, calm manner. He felt as though his and Otogi's earlier episode was playing out all over again, except this time he was Otogi and Jou was him. He had been beyond angry at Otogi's blindness. He knew that the only reason Otogi defended Mai so faithfully because she was "broken" by divorce and she was the one of the two people he could really call a friend.
Jou's glare disappeared as his face cleared. "Yeah," he slowly murmured, "that makes sense. You guys are going to be doing a lot with each other, so you gotta get along." He sent an apologetic smile to Yami. "Sorry, man."
"It's fine," Yami assured with a bright grin. He was impressed that Jou had figured out the connection so quickly. He had acted more rationally towards him than Mai had to Anzu. Otogi had told him that Jou was dim-witted, but Yami was beginning to think differently. "Mai is going to be a problem for Anzu. She has auditions for Swan Lake coming up and she can't dance to her full potential if she is so preoccupied by your ex-wife's enmity. You need to deal with her." Jou scratched his head for a moment, a worried expression on his face.
"I'll see what I can do," he said at last, "but it'll probably blow up in my face since Mai's always provokin' me. The most I'll get done is fighting with her."
"She's very hurt," Yami remarked, just to see what Jou's reaction would be.
"Not my problem," Jou replied, shrugging. "She can deal with her own problems. My priorities in life are my friends and family. She's not in either of those." Yami stared at him, a bit shocked that that was how he felt. Jou's face was once again blank. Yami was beginning to think that Mai had done something to Jou to make him feel so uncaring towards her.
"I should be going," Yami abruptly said. Jou blinked and nodded as Yami rose to his feet. Yami paused at the doorway of the kitchen, turning to look at Jou. "...Do you love Anzu?" It was the largest reaction Yami had gotten out of the younger male. He jerked as though he had punched him and shock filled every inch of his face.
"No! Of course not." Jou looked truly mortified at the idea. "I've had enough of women for a long time, man. I'm just trying to support my kid without breaking down." He gave a light smile, adding, "Besides, Anzu's not really my type. She reminds me too much of my sister." Yami smiled at him.
"Goodbye, Jounouchi." Jou raised a hand and let it drop to his side as Yami turned and left through the doorway.
X
Otogi raised his head as his phone rang. He had been lying on his couch ever since he returned from the opera house. He had been thinking hard, just as Yami had advised, but felt so desperate and alone that he was afraid his mind would start to consider over what he would be putting in his suicide note instead. With a weary turn to his side, he grabbed the phone and blinked at the name that had appeared. He pressed the green talk button and mumbled, "Hello?"
"Hi, Otogi," Anzu's sheepish voice came to his ear. "I'm sorry for not saying hello to you today."
"No, it's fine, Anzu," he answered, sitting up. I should be the one apologizing, he thought guiltily. "Mai told me what she did to you. I'm sorry she reacted that way."
"It's okay. I...somewhat understand." He could hear the slight resentment in her voice, but chose to ignore it. He knew that Anzu probably wanted to punch the lights out of Mai. He decided he would ignore that, too. "Anyway, I'm headed over to Shizuka's here in a bit. Jou and Honda just left a while ago. They won't be back until early tomorrow morning. This would be the best time to go see Shizuka with me."
"Oh...Thank you, Anzu. I..." He trailed off, unable to think of a response. He had defended her from Mai's belief that she slept around with guys, but had gone against her in the sense that Mai had every reason to be hostile. He knew that Mai didn't, though. He just didn't want to admit it. He was feeling incredibly ashamed for how he had spoken against Yami that day about Anzu. Now the girl he had been going against was offering to help reunite him with the girl he had been after for years. Disgusted with himself, he repeated quietly, "Thank you."
"It's nothing. Meet me there?"
"Yeah. I will."
"Great! Bye, Otogi."
"Bye..." When he hung up, he let his cell phone drop onto the ground and buried his face in the pillow on his couch. He should have declined. He shouldn't have taken the favor from her, especially with the way he had been acting lately. Sitting up, he pressed the palms of his hands to his forehead, closing his eyes tight. Things have just been too complicated lately, he said to himself wearily.
X
Shizuka heard the doorbell rang and glanced at Anzu. She was cooking at the stove, having insisted that she help with dinner. Seeing that Anzu wasn't making any move to leave the stove, she left to the door. Anzu had been more cheerful than usual when she arrived, so she was feeling a bit nervous, thinking she had some kind of surprise planned out for her. She didn't like surprises. It always made her feel like someone was doing things behind her back. Opening the door, Shizuka felt a mix of emotions soaring in her. She gaped at Otogi Ryuuji standing at her door, smiling lightly. "Shizuka Katsuya," he said in a silky voice that made her heart slam against her chest crazily.
"O-Otogi," she sputtered breathlessly. Realizing what her voice sounded like, color flooded to her face and she bowed her head, quickly stepping away to let him in. His smile had grown a bit and as soon as she closed the door, he took her hands and gave her a sad look.
"I'm sorry for not seeing you sooner. Your brother seems to hate me."
"Oh. Well..." She trailed off, unsure of what to say. The silence that fell between them wasn't awkward, nor was it thick. She was content in staring up into his green, beautiful eyes that she always loved to see. It had been such a long time since she had seen him. She never tried to remove her hands from his, enjoying the cool feeling of them wrapped around her warm ones.
Otogi's mouth curled a bit more and he released her hands and drew her into a hug. She remembered his hugs, the ones he used to give her every time he came over. She closed her eyes and stayed there, nestled against his strong body. Her body shamelessly warmed to him and her heart throbbed, reminding her of what she felt for him. The reality of the situation seemed to return to her at the feel of the pain in her chest: Jou's divorce, his hate for Otogi, the age difference between the two; it all came to her like a bucket of ice-cold water.
Gently, Shizuka disengaged herself from Otogi, keeping her eyes lowered to the ground. She could sense his confusion. She had never drawn from his embraces before. Thankfully, Anzu arrived at that moment, saying in her feminine, cheerful voice, "Otogi, you made it. I was starting to worry." Shizuka glanced up to see Otogi facing Anzu, his face seeming to be drawn.
"I...was feeling a bit hesitant," Otogi reluctantly said, not giving the reason for his hesitance. Instead, he chirped, "What is that delightful smell?" He quickly left for the kitchen. Anzu watched him with a puzzled look and then looked to Shizuka.
"Are you okay, Shizuka?" She asked, taking her friend's hands in hers. Anzu's were soft and cool from rinsing her hands in cold water. Shizuka wanted to collapse into a thousand pieces and let someone sweep her up. She was so happy to see Otogi, but so dejected at the same time. She could never be with Otogi, she knew that; she feared that Otogi hadn't worked that out for himself yet.
"I'm fine, Anzu," Shizuka gently replied, stroking Anzu's hand lightly. "Let's hurry and finish dinner." Anzu nodded, but was confused, just as Otogi had been. It wouldn't matter. After this dinner, if Otogi ever came over again, she would have to break his heart, something that she was not looking forward to doing.
X
DIS: I'm sorry if it seems that this isn't a Yami/Anzu fiction with all the other relationships going on. I'm just building up to the real problem. Next chapter, Seiji meets Yami! Eeek! We all know how those dad/boyfriend encounters go. Let's see what how a dad/accompanist encounter goes. Please review and tell me how I'm doing. Criticism is always appreciated, even if it does deflate my ego, lol. Ciao!
