Chapter 56:

Ana's Plan

Ana stared down at Seto's head in her lap. She'd only pet his hair for a few seconds before he passed out. Welp, that happened. If you were that tired, you should have just taken a nap. The sun was making her sleepy too. It had been a long day. She'd hit someone, tased another person, flirted in public, learned more about Seto's past, and had an awkward conversation about consent. Oh, and let's not forget, I have a new ,

"Seto," she whispered quietly, but he didn't stir. Ana reached for her phone and dialed Mizuki.

The older woman answered the phone. "Hi, Ana-chan. It's been a while. How's life?"

"Mizuki-Oneechan." Ana kept her voice low, but Seto didn't stir. Guess he's a pretty heavy sleeper. "Life's alright. Except… I need a favor."

"Oh?" Ana could almost hear the smile on the woman's lips. "What's that?"

"I need Chimon-kun to look something up for me. Can you put him on, please?"

The woman sighed. "I was kind of hoping you wanted advice from me, but here instead you want my son to dig up dirt for you. I'm honestly a little surprised. You've never asked for something like this before. Are you suddenly awakening to the power your family holds?"

"I'm asking, not my family. I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important. Please?" Ana watched Seto sleep. There were dark circles under his eyes and his forehead was creased, as if he was having a bad dream. She stroked his hair, and his face relaxed a little. "If you don't want to help me, that's fine. I'll figure it out myself. Except I'm going to have to hurt a lot of people to find out what I want."

"You're a soft-hearted girl. Do you think you could hurt people?"

"To protect someone I care about, without hesitation." Ana's tone was hard.

She was silent for a moment on the other end. "Alright. I'll put him on."

There was a moment of shuffling and the phone got passed over. A soft, sleepy young man's voice came over the end. "Hey, Ana-chan."

"Hey, Chimon-kun." Ana had never met Chimon in person. He was a recluse that never left his room. However, he was extremely skilled at digging up dirt on people. Her family had employed him ever since he was thirteen, but Ana had never used his services before. "I need a favor."

"Okamoto Sakado, right?" He yawned loudly in her ear.

Ana tried not to sigh. Part of his job was keeping tabs on her family and influential people around them. It didn't surprise her that he'd already investigated Seto and his past. Prior to her being kidnapped, though, he didn't have her under heavy surveillance. He had tracked her down to the warehouse they had kept her in. It was just that Seto had been a lot bolder and faster at saving her. If she hadn't insisted to her parents years ago that she didn't want someone following her every movement, that incident might have been different. After she was taken, he'd been monitoring her very closely under her parents' orders.

"I suppose I shouldn't be surprised you already know."

"I know other things about him too." Chimon admitted.

Ana quickly shut him down. "I don't want to know. Seto will tell me when he's ready or he'll never tell me. Either way, it's fine."

"Ok… I guess you can say his name without stuttering now." Chimon's voice was monotone, but he was obviously teasing her.

Ana's eye twitched. "Chimon-kun, just give me the info I want. Send me the files about this woman. Also, tell me her location."

"She's in Domino City, staying at the Hoyhi-san mansion. There will be a party there tomorrow night. Dress is formal. I've already set up an appointment for you with La Han's Domino branch for tomorrow." Chimon said this as if it was the most normal thing in the world that he'd already set it up.

"Ugh, does it have to be La Han's? I'm pretty sure my parents are going to be very pissed when they find out that I used their card for it." Ana could already feel the massive grounding that was coming her way.

"It's not on your parents' account. It's on your grandfathers."

"Huh?"

Chimon yawned again in her ear. "He told me that you might have a favor to ask some day and to use his account for it. He also told me not to tell your parents about it. I didn't even give him any info, he just sort of was like 'If she's going to date that high maintenance young man, then she'll need some funds for some reason or another.' That's all he said. I doubt he knew this specific thing was going to happen."

"I see…" Ana felt a little guilty. "Does it have to be La Han's, though?"

"You're going into battle against a previously rich stuck-up bit—pathetic woman. You're going to want to show off as much as you can. It's battle armor." Ana heard something rustling and then the sound of Chimon snacking on something. His mouth was slightly full as he spoke. "It's the bare minimum for battle."

She sighed. "Alright. Thanks, and send the info to my phone."

"Already did." Chimon hung up.

Ana opened the file she found in her email and read over it. Chimon had dug deep. Seto wasn't the only victim. Some of them had consented, thinking she liked them. She'd played with their hearts and then tossed them aside after she'd gotten as much money out of them as she could. Ana had to stop reading multiple times because her vision turned red. None of this could be fully proven because she was careful not to leave behind concrete evidence.

Ana messaged Chimon back: I need something that will really hit her hard.

Chimon: I'm digging but it will take some time. For now, I could fake something if you have anything in mind.

Ana glanced down at Seto and thought of one thing, but if she ended up using it, she had to be prepared that if Seto ever found out, he'd probably hate her.

She took a deep breath. It will be a last resort. She told him what she needed and Chimon sent the faked voice file. Ana sighed. She didn't want to use it. Instead, she was going to have to think of something else by tomorrow night. Chimon sent her a few more things. If she was going to be able to go, she was going to need to lie to a lot of people first. Ana messaged her family and Sanae that she was going to stay a Seto's house one more night. Since her grandpa messaged first, "OK, have fun." Her brother or parents couldn't say anything.

Sorry, grandpa.

"Hey, Nii-san!" The door opened and Mokuba popped his head in. Ana put her finger to her lips. Mokuba looked in-between her and Seto, then grinned before taking out his phone and snapping a picture. He ran away, leaving Ana blushing and unable to chase after him. She sighed and leaned back on the couch. While she let Seto sleep, she went over different scenarios in her head about what to do and say. I'm going to expose her. Ana let out another sigh. In truth, she was mostly going to be winging it. If only I had an ally...

She felt something wet on her leg and looked down. Seto was so far gone that his mouth was hanging open and he was drooling on her. Ana cringed and resisted the urge to shove him off. Instead, she took a photo of his sleeping face and saved it in a folder called Amin-chan blackmail. She smiled as she held up her phone to her mouth. It never hurts to have fodder. Hehe.

Ana closed her eyes and stop thinking. They stayed this way for a while until she noticed it was nearly time for dinner. Her stomach was rumbling, too. She shook Seto's shoulder, but he still didn't stir.

"Are you dead?" She poked him in the cheek, but the only reaction he made was an eye twitch. She leaned down, held her hair back, and blew into his ear. He flicked at his ear but kept sleeping. Ana smiled, getting annoyed. Three, two, one. She shoved Seto as hard as she could and he flipped over, fell off the couch, and bolted awake. He looked around, startled and confused. When he looked up at Ana, she smiled at him. "Have a good nap? It's time for dinner."

"What?" He seemed perplexed. It took him a couple more seconds to get his bearings. While he did, Ana took out her handkerchief and wiped the drool off her leg.

"Why didn't you wake me up right away?" Seto stood up his ears turning pink. He noticed what she was doing. "Did I...?"

"Yup, you were so out of it you drooled a puddle down my leg." Ana smirked at him.

The look of horror on his face was hilarious. Who knew he'd get so embarrassed by it? Well, I guess it doesn't look very cool to drool on your girlfriend's leg.

"Why didn't you wake me?" He asked again. His tone was turning from mortification to annoyance.

Ana rolled her eyes overtly, which just further irritated Seto.

"Whatever, dinner should be ready." He grumbled and stormed out of the room as Ana laughed loudly.

She stood up and took a moment. I can do this. Dinner comprised a creamy pasta, salad, and some garlic bread. Ana ate her food and listened to Mokuba giving a play-by-play of his duel with Yugi. He lost, just as Seto predicted. Too bad. I kind of wanted to rub it in that his little brother is better at dueling than him. After they finished dinner, Mokuba skipped away happily to his room.

Seto turned to Ana, no longer miffed. He'd calmed down after having eaten and listen to his brother ramble. "What did you want to—"

"Sleep."

Seto glared at her. "You should have just woken me up."

Ana realized he'd taken her comment as teasing. "No, I mean, I'm beat. I want to go to bed."

"Oh." He looked surprised and kind of disappointed.

She almost changed her mind. Almost. "My flight out is pretty early."

"Right..."

He's pouting! Ana had to rein herself in. She wanted to tease him but refrained. She needed to get a good night's sleep if she was going to be on her game for tomorrow. Seto walked her to her room, obviously still pouting that she was retiring early.

"Goodnight." She grinned at him as she turned to him.

He looked away and grumbled. "Goodnight."

As he turned to go Ana grabbed his sleeve. He looked back at her, confused. She suddenly felt embarrassed.

"What?" He asked.

"Um... well." She released his sleeve and fidgeted. "Can I have a kiss goodnight?"

"No," he said bluntly, and she looked at him, taken aback.

Ana frowned at him. "Amin-chan, are you pouting about something?"

"I don't pout. I'm not a child." He snapped back.

She rolled her eyes. "Yeah? Could have fooled me. Why won't you give me a goodnight kiss?"

"I don't want to."

"Why?"

He looked away from her annoyed, and crossed his arms. "Because."

Ana decided to be direct. "Because you're annoyed that I'm not going to stay up late and spend more time with you?"

She heard his deep growl and laughed.

"I'm not pouting." He still wouldn't look at her. "I just don't want to."

Ana sighed, then put on a sad smile. "You kissed me a few times today, so I guess you're tired of it, huh? Or am I a bad kisser?"

He finally looked at her and narrowed his eyes. "Don't start that. I can't be guilt tripped."

"Alright, then the next time you want to kiss, I'll remember this." Ana gave up and was about to retire to her room. Seto grabbed her by the arms, though his touch was too gentle to really call it a grab. He bent down and press his lips to her. She was a little surprised, but closed her eyes. His lips were warm and soft as he pressed them against hers. She could smell the garlic on his breath from dinner. He pulled back quickly, and his nose wrinkled.

"I didn't think about the fact we ate pasta for dinner." Ana hadn't really paid attention to the meal, but it had been garlic heavy. She blew into her hand to smell her breath and cringed at the strong sent. "Is that why you didn't want to kiss?"

He grumbled under his breath.

Ana paused, then smiled at him. "You know, I was a bit distracted today, but you gotten lot better at kissing really quickly. You haven't been practicing on anyone else, have you?"

He looked insulted at her question. "You really think there's anyone else I'd even want to be near, let alone kiss?"

"Muto—"

He shut her up with another garlic kiss, then moved to her ear and answered in a deep growl that sent shivers down her spine. "There's no one else I want to kiss or touch. Only you."

Ana's ears were hot from his breath. Oh, shit. That was hot. She instinctively took a step back and out of his grasped. He looked at her, confused and slightly annoyed, but she kept smiling, even if it was twitching.

"Well, that's good. Then how did you improve so fast?" She teased.

He shrugged. "Isn't that obvious? I'm a quick learner when I have instructions."

"Instructions… Were you watching dirty—"

"No! I just looked up different ways to kiss." He huffed at her.

Ana stared at him blankly. "You looked up how to kiss? Really?"

Seto's brow furrowed, and he looked perplexed. "Yeah. Why? Do you find something wrong with that? You seem to be enjoying the results."

She blushed. "So, you studied kissing for me?"

"Who else would I study it for?" He rolled his eyes.

Ana didn't know how to feel about Seto researching kissing. Is he going to research other things if we make it to a more intimate stage? Her heart was pounding loudly in her chest at the thought.

"I see. Well, goodnight." She awkwardly dismissed him and then fled to her room. Stupid Amin-chan. Why does he have to be logical about everything? I'm starting to think he's a natural playboy and just doesn't realize it.

Ana tried to get to sleep but was having a hard time. She decided to message Chimon.

Ana: Found anything to use?

Chimon: Kind of. I've found... a source, but I'm working on it. Go to sleep. You need to look fierce tomorrow and dark circles don't portray that. Unless you're going for the vampire look.

Ana sighed and put her phone down. She took deep breaths until the exhaustion for the day set in and she passed out.

The next day she had breakfast with the Kaiba's until it was time for her "flight." Mokuba was going to take her to the airport. Seto didn't look happy about it, but he had to wrap things up with work and the tournament before he could head back. Ana rode in the limo again as Mokuba chattered away.

"Hey, Oneechan." Mokuba suddenly said. "You really like Seto, don't you?"

"Huh? Yeah." She was taken aback by the sudden questioning. "I do."

"That's good. He's kind of a butt. I hope you continue to like him even when he's being, well, himself." Mokuba grinned, and Ana returned his smile.

When they got to the airport, Ana checked in, waited for the plane, and boarded it. When she stepped on, her phone buzzed. Chimon simply said, "You're a ghost. Operation start."

Ana nodded at her phone and turned around. She smiled at the plane attendant. "Sorry, change of plans."

She got off the plane, went outside where a taxi was waiting for, got in, and went to the hotel she'd be staying at. Ana took deep breaths. It was the first time since the abduction that she'd gone somewhere alone, without telling anyone. Her phone dinged.

Chimon: Breathe. Your guardian angel is keeping watch.

Ana let out a small sigh. Even though she'd never met him, she trusted Chimon to do his job and monitor her. She got to her hotel, safely, rested for a bit, took a shower, then when to La Han's. She walked in feeling nervous, but the workers were professional and greeted her like any other customer. Ana wondered how she should dress. After thinking about it, she went for the same outfit and look she'd worn on her date with Seto. It comforted her, thinking that he'd liked her in it and helped calm her nerves. This time, she'd also had them focus more on her makeup and hair. It had taken all day at La Han's to get ready, but she was ready just in time for the party. When she paid, she almost choked at the price. Chimon messaged her again and told her it was covered. A rented limo waited for her out front of the store. Chimon had called for it and coordinated everything. She was about to get into the limo when Seto called her.

She picked up, trying to act natural. "Hey Amin-chan—"

"Where are you!" His tone was harsh, and he was pissed.

Ana nearly dropped her phone in surprise. "Eh? I'm out and about shopping."

"Where? Where are you shopping? What city are you in right now?" He bombarded her with questions.

"Um, I have to go. I've got an appointment to keep."

"Don't you dare hang up on—!"

She hung up on him. Crap. How did he figure it out that I'm not back home? She'd tried to sound evasive without lying. Ana could still feel the sting of his tone. He's pissed. He tried to call her back, but Ana silenced her phone.

Chimon messaged her: Get your butt in gear. Your crazy boyfriend is trying to hack my systems right now to find you.

Ana would have bitten her lip if she didn't remember her makeup. She got in the limo and the driver took her to the Hoyhi Domino residence. The valet opened the door for her when she got there. Their Domino mansion was much like Seto's, with its English design roots, with tall glass windows, brick walls, and hedge garden. She went up to the door and found Hoyhi standing greeting guests. He was wearing a bright highlighter orange suit that clashed with his signature green hair. Ana's eyes hurt looking at it.

The young man turned to Ana and beamed. "Sakurai-san, I was so excited to hear of your attendance."

Ana braced herself as the man reached for her hand. To her surprise, he paused and looked around.

"Did you come with Kiaba-san again?"

Ana smiled politely. "Seto is working."

I mean... he's seemed to be working on hacking Chimon's systems, so that's not untrue.

"Seto?" Hoyhi paused. "You speak of him in a very familiar way."

"He's my boyfriend."

Hoyhi's eyebrows flew up. "Your... boyfriend?"

I bet that does surprise him. I'm sure that woman's been saying things along the lines of Seto being interested in her. How many rumors has she spread about them dating? The thought of it put a sour taste in her mouth.

Hoyhi seemed concerned and thoughtful. He looked at the guests behind Ana and waved over a servant to greet them.

"Sakurai-san, may I have a word in private?"

Ana almost panicked. She didn't think he'd hurt her but being alone with a guy she only met in public made her anxious. Her phone buzzed.

Chimon: Breathe. You're safe. It might be beneficial to talk to him. He's not a bad guy. Just has horrible taste in wardrobe.

Ana took a breath and smiled at Hoyhi. "Of course."

She followed him to a private sitting room not far from the entrance. Once she was inside and Hoyhi closed the door, he turned to her, his eyes hard.

"Alright, spill it." Hoyhi demanded. "Why are you really here? I don't expect it's because you like the food."

Ana was a little taken aback by the sudden bluntness. She'd met Hoyhi many times since she was twelve and he'd never once been this serious. "Why are you asking?"

"You expect me to believe that it's a coincidence that you attend the same party as Okamoto Sakado in Domino city, and you're dating Kaiba Seto?" Hoyhi was practically glaring at her. "What are you planning on starting at my parents' party?"

"I don't plan on starting anything. I'm just here to enjoy the evening." Ana smiled politically. She had no idea where this serious Hoyhi came from. Does he have split personalities?

Hoyhi groans, then let out a breath. His green eyes observed her closely before he asked, "Are you really dating Kaiba Seto?"

"Yes."

He sighed. "Why isn't he with you? This is Domino City, his home. Why are you even here… Oh! The commotion at the tournament yesterday, and Kaiba-san bowing out. There was someone who came over the intercom. That was you, wasn't it?"

Ana nodded. She wanted him to finish his questioning and let her go. The longer she talked to him, the more time it gave Seto to hack Chimon's system. Ana got the feeling that if he put his mind to it and was mad enough that he could hack even Chimon's stuff.

"If you're done…"

Hoyhi crossed his arms. "No. I'm not. It seems that Kaiba-san doesn't know you're here. Are you planning on facing that two faced, conniving witch by yourself?"

Ana's mouth fell open. She quickly closed it. "Okamoto Sakado is your guest. Why are you speaking that way about her?"

"She's my mother's guest. Not mine. The woman gives me the creeps. Also, any woman who brags about a seventeen-year-old boy having eyes for her, when I've never heard of him even coming withing 50 miles of her, says there's something mentally wrong with her. I also investigated her past. I couldn't find anything concrete. Ugh, my mother's too kindhearted. She took her in because she was pretty much homeless." Hoyhi rubbed his hands over his face then peaked at Ana through his fingers. "Did you happen to find something?"

Ana got a message from Chimon: I've almost got the evidence, but it will only be impactful if you can get to Okamoto.

Ana glanced back up at Hoyhi, who was waiting for her to answer. "Almost, soon. But I need to see Okamoto first."

"Why?" He asked. "What are you trying to prove?"

Ana's eyes narrowed. "Seto is mine. No woman who's forty years older than him is going to mess with what's mine."

"I see." He let out a sigh, then gave her a manipulative look. "Let's make a deal. Get me a date with your sister and I'll help you nocked the witch down a few pegs."

She frowned at him. "No."

There was an awkward silence until Hoyhi realized what she'd said. "N-No?"

"My sister is her own person. I can't get you anything from her. If you like her, then ask her out like a real man." Ana huffed. "Also, I was pretty sure you liked me with how much you flirted all the time. You switching targets?"

He looked even more surprised. "Flirting? You thought I was flirting with you? I've never liked you romantically. I've wanted to date your sister for a long time. We actually talk pretty often, but she's been so busy with college that I haven't seen her. When I say get me a date with her, I mean help lighten her load some so I can ask her to hang out. I was never flirting with you. I just figured I should be nice to Aiko-san's family if I wanted them to like me enough in the future to marry her. Trust me, if I was flirting, I'd be a loooot more open about it."

Ana's face flushed. "Oh… If you're trying to attract my sister's attention, I suggest wearing clothes that don't look like you jumped in a pool of highlighter and to stop acting like a playboy."

"Yeah… I don't wear this or act this way around Aiko-san. I do this to make my parents worry. They tried to set me up with women because they want me to hurry up and marry. After I started dressing like this, they stopped setting me up on blind dates. Instead, they send me psychiatrists." Hoyhi shrugged and smiled at the same time.

Ana sighed. "I guess I can understand doing things to get out of arrangements your family's made for you."

"Soooo, if I help you, would you maybe take over Aiko's chores or something that would give her more free time, so I can ask her to hang out?" He asked hopefully.

"Fine," Ana agreed.

Hoyhi clapped his hands together, slipping back into that flamboyant personality with ease. "Let's go have some fun and burn a witch at the stake."

"Now that I know this is an act, this is even more annoying." Ana rolled her eyes as Hoyhi held out his arm to escort her. Ana closed her eyes for a moment and took a breath before opening them. It's time for battle.

Author's note: Hey everyone! This was a long chapter. I wanted to wrap up the Domino Tournament arc with this one, but there's just too much going on. So, one more chapter left in this arc of the story. I'm going to ramble a bit now. I never expected to be writing this long on this story. Based on my outline, I'm going to be doing this fanfiction for a lot longer…. We're not even at the halfway point. I could be writing this for years. No joke. Well, I'm having fun and I'm glad that you all have been enjoying it! Your comments always make my week. I'm going to keep writing this as long as I'm still inspired. I have a lot of adventures and life events left for Ana and Seto. See you next week!