"In Case of Emergency" Chapter 24
Yugioh Chapter 24: Each Ecstatic Instant
Mokuba; Jounouchi/Mai; Seto/Anzu
Riku crossed her arms over her chest and surveyed Mokuba with a mixture of irritation and regret. “This… isn’t going anywhere, is it?” She sighed. “I like you, Mokuba, but I’m not going to be put on the back burner.”
He scratched the back of his head. “And I don’t blame you for that attitude, I really don’t.” Then he sighed. “Riku… How about another chance. Please? I know I’ve been distracted lately, but that’s all behind us.” He pouted adorably. “Come on… I know you can’t resist me.”
She sighed, but slid her arms around his neck. “Why don’t I think you’re really sorry?”
He kissed her quickly and said, “I have no idea. I’m as sincere as can be.”
Riku laughed. “Really?”
He nodded emphatically. “Yes. A hundred percent.” Her eyes were focused on his mouth, and all thoughts raced out of his head. “If you don’t believe me, I could…” He swallowed, and her eyes darted to the bob of his adam’s apple. “I could show you how sincere I am.”
“Mmm.” She stepped closer. “I think I’d like that, Mokuba. I think I want to see just how… sincere you are.”
‘Screw Rebecca,’ he thought, happily focused on the lovely girl in his arms. ‘I never needed her anyway.’
(Line)
“What the hell do you want?” Jounouchi yelled, yanking the door to his apartment open. “It’s… Oh.” He blinked. “Kaiba.” He sighed. “Why are you here, asshole?” He looked suspicious for a moment, then said, “Mai’s in the shower right now.”
Seto pushed him aside and stepped through the door. “I need to talk to you.”
“What? You have to be kidding me.” He yawned and scratched his stomach. “Get out. I don’t want to talk to you.”
“I’m not giving you an option.” He sat down on the couch, careful to let as little of his body touch it as possible. “Sit down.”
Jounouchi, too tired to really think straight, found it was easier just to do what he was told. So he took a seat in the old recliner and turned a somewhat bleary gaze towards his unwelcome visitor. “Well?”
“I don’t want to be here anymore than you want me here,” he said bluntly, prefacing the difficult talk with something he thought might put the other man at ease.
“Then Anzu made you, huh?” He yawned again. “What the hell about?”
Seto glared. “Anzu did not make me. While it was originally her suggestion, I do not let her whim control my actions.”
“Whatever.” Jounouchi laughed. “You’re in a relationship - her whims are controlling you whether you want them to or not. I know Mai’ll say no sex if I don’t do what she wants.”
“Don’t compare me to you,” Seto said, fighting back the urge to shudder. “I make my own decisions, free of Anzu’s influence.”
Jounouchi gave him an incredulous look.
To make the conversation go smoothly, Seto decided to concede. “Mostly free of Anzu’s influence.”
Jounouchi laughed - and to his credit, it was mostly good-natured. “So what’d she want you to tell me?”
That was the difficult part. For a moment, Seto was silent - thinking over the best way to break the news. And even for that brief period of time, the silence was stifling and awkward. Jounouchi, hating to be uncomfortable, was the first to break it. “I know you’re not just here for a friendly visit. What is it you have to talk to me about?”
“It’s your sister.”
“My sister?” He shot up. “Why? What’s wrong? Is Shizuka - “
“Calm down,” Seto instructed, brows furrowed. “She’s fine. Let me start again. I’ve come to give you a warning. I’ve seen my secretary with Otogi, and Anzu - holding a vendetta against the woman - is convinced that your sister’s in danger of an unfaithful boyfriend. As far as I know, nothing’s happened yet. But, as I said, Anzu suffers from the lowest opinion possible of the woman and thinks something will happen soon.”
“Oh. Hmm.” Jounouchi’s face was dark. “Your secretary… She was the one that went after you for awhile, right?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Well what would Otogi want her for? She’s not… Okay, I’ve never seen her, but I’ve heard Mai and Anzu talk and she sounds terrible.”
Rubbing his temple, Seto said, “She’s intelligent and beautiful.”
“Damn.” Jounouchi scowled and looked to the floor, sitting back down. “Well if she didn’t get you, maybe she won’t get Otogi, either. I mean, why would he want her anyway? Why would anyone want to cheat on their girlfriend?”
“I wouldn’t know,” Seto said contritely, “I’m perfectly happy with the woman I’m involved with.”
“You bastard!” Jounouchi snarled, standing up again. “Don’t you dare talk about Shizuka that way, Kaiba, don’t you dare!”
They had both changed since high school, but Seto had changed much more. Where once he would have snapped back and goaded further, he instead remained calm, thinking before he spoke. “Perhaps,” he ventured bitingly, remembering that he was in the other man’s home on a mission Anzu wouldn’t accept as anything other than successful, “I was not implying that your sister wasn’t good enough. Perhaps I was merely giving you my own reason to remain faithful. I know nothing about their situation, and so couldn’t give an opinon - good or bad.”
Jounouchi seemed a bit awestruck that Kaiba hadn’t responded to his attack. He sat down again, his face smoothing out. “Right. Not Shizuka.” He nodded to himself, back on the same page. “If he’s not happy with her, it’s because he knows he’s not good enough for her.”
Seto gave into temptation and rolled his eyes. “Of course.” He felt it time to steer the conversation back on course. “I have no idea what is going on between them, but I suspect Anzu will ask me to keep an eye on them.” He sighed and rubbed an eye. “I also suspect I’ll agree.”
Jounouchi laughed; he knew what it was like to have a controlling woman in one’s life. But… “Hey, if she hit on you, why haven’t you fired her? I figured Anzu would have put up a fuss about that.”
“She did. But Kudo is the best secretary I’ve ever had, and though her behavior was inappropriate, I have had much, much worse.”
“Ahh.” Neither spoke, and the atmosphere grew awkward once again. Jounouchi cleared his throat. “So! I guess I owe you a…” He scowled, looking exceedingly uncomfortable. “Well, tell Anzu thanks. For the warning.”
Seto nodded and stood up. “I will. And since I’ve told you what I came here to, I won’t stay any longer than I have to.”
“Right.” Jounouchi stood up as well and walked behind Kaiba to the door. He grunted when they got there, watching his former enemy open the door. “Well… I’ll…” He cleared his throat, not quite sure of the appropriate etiquette for the situation. He hated - or at least close to it, he was sure - Kaiba, but felt that some measure of gratitude had been earned. “I guess I’ll see you later, then.”
“Better than sooner, hmm?” Seto raised an eyebrow, the gesture as friendly as he would ever get with Jounouchi.
For his part, Jounouchi was stunned. Had Kaiba made a… joke? “Right.” He scratched his head, feeling slightly confused. “Um… don’t forget to tell Anzu thanks, I guess.” His face darkened. “You can bet Otogi and I will be having a chat. Soon.”
That clenched it, and without another word Kaiba was out the door, once more out of Jounouchi’s life. The drowsy blond stared at the door, eyes fixed on one spot where the paint was peeling. No matter what, he’d never let anyone hurt his little sister.
Added to his typically protective thoughts of Shizuka was the sudden and unsettling notion that perhaps Kaiba wasn’t so bad. They might have something in common. They did have something in common, and it wasn’t just dueling. They both had younger siblings; they were both involved with strong women; and they were both stubborn as all hell.
Unhappy with such musings, Jounouchi settled himself into the familiar dip in the middle couch cushion and switched on the television; Mai would be out of the shower soon, and she’d be able to talk him through it all.
Mai always knew just what to do.
Xxx
Mai emerged from the steamy bathroom, a towel wrapped tightly around her body. It dropped to the floor and she wriggled into the underwear she’d laid out on the bed. She fished around in the shared chest of drawers for a pair of shorts and a tank-top and pulled them on, too. Already the day promised to be lazy and slow, so she didn’t bother with more than moisturizer and a quick blow-dry.
She walked out of the bedroom, expecting to see Jounouchi either eating or playing video games. She spotted him, all right, but he wasn’t doing either. He sat on the old, worn couch staring at the television, obviously not watching.
Well that was unexpected. And slightly unsettling.
Mai fell down beside him, curling her legs under her. “What’s wrong?” she asked, ruffling his hair. He was an idiot, but he was her idiot, and that untidy mass of blond was one of the most touchable things she’d ever encountered.
When he spoke, his words were slow - deliberate. “It’s Shizuka. Otogi might be…” His grip on the remote tightened. “That bastard might be cheating on her. My little sister.”
“What? But I thought their relationship was fine.”
“I did, too!” he bellowed, finally coming out of the unusual calm he’d settled into. “I mean… obviously he wasn’t good enough for her. But I thought at least he knew I’d kill him if he ever hurt her.”
Mai let out a short sigh, stroking his arm gently. “Don’t kill him yet. Are you sure that he cheated?”
His mouth turned down further, expression morphing into something like a pout. “No.” He sounded disappointed that he had no justification for Otogi’s murder.
Jounouchi turned towards her, obviously unsure. He was so like a big child sometimes. Mai pulled him into a kiss, not minding the smell of thrice-worn jeans and dirty t-shirt. “Go talk to him - give him a taste of that big brother intimidation I know you’re so fond of.” She had no idea what had put the idea of Otogi’s infidelity into his head, but she knew him well enough to know that unless it were definitely proven untrue, Jounouchi wouldn’t stop dwelling. And she didn’t want to deal with it. He had every right to disapprove of cheating on one’s partner, but since that was how their relationship had begun in the first place, she felt less inclined to listen to his thoughts on the actual cheaters.
“You really think talking to him would be the best thing to do? I was wondering if maybe Shizuka - “
“No,” she told him sharply. “If you’re not sure, Katsuya, you better not tell her a thing. It will only hurt her.”
“I guess you’re right,” he said grudgingly, patting her thigh absently. He was rough and awkward, so unlike the refined men she had once preferred. But he thought her precious even if he didn’t quite know how to treat her so - and if she didn’t love him that might not have been enough.
But she did. So that was all she ever needed.
“Are you going out today?” he asked.
She’d wanted to. But he was so overprotective of Shizuka - he probably wanted, and needed, though he wouldn’t admit it, a little reassurance. “To run a few errands, maybe,” she answered casually. “I thought I could get us a nice dinner.” She pressed closer to him, running one dainty foot along his denim-clad calf. “And then… an evening in. All alone.” Her breath was hot in his ear and she felt his body tense as one hand ran over his belly, just close enough to his lap to tease.
He grinned and his eyes were alight with something that she knew was more than lust. “Sounds good to me, Mai. How about pizza?”
She laughed and shoved him, hard.
(Line)
Anzu heard the knock and ran excitedly to the door. She tried her best to look calm, but she was wearing one of her favorite dresses and Seto was actually coming to get her himself instead of just sending a car - something that he'd had to resort to doing more often as of late. She pulled open the door and smiled. "Hello."
Seto nodded. "Are you ready to go?" She looked at him incredulously and crossed her arms over her chest. He stared for a moment, then rolled his eyes. "You look beautiful. New dress?"
"No, but you're right; I do look beautiful." She flashed him a warm grin and gave his cheek a quick peck. Before she could pull away, though, he grabbed her arm and yanked her closer, his mouth finding hers with the ease of much practice.
That was nice, Anzu registered, before giving herself over to sensation. He always knew what she wanted a moment before she did, always knew just where to touch and what to do.
“Ready to go?” he murmured, pulling away. His hand rested gently on her lower back, fingers lightly tapping as he reached out with his other arm to grab her purse from the hook by her door.
She sighed in contentment, her hands flat against his chest. “Yes. I’m hungry - haven’t eaten anything since this morning. What are we having?”
Seto shrugged as she followed him out into the hallway, pulling her door shut behind them. “I don’t know,” he replied, watching as she locked her apartment and slipped her keys back into her bag. “Mokuba said he would take care of it.”
XXX
"It's Yugi-casserole," Mokuba said cheerily, wiping his hands on a dishtowel. "I didn't have time - or the talent - to whip up something myself, so I just paid Yugi to do it."
Anzu crossed her arms. "You shouldn't take advantage of him like that, Mokuba; you know how hard it is for him to say no."
Seto smirked. "Ask him to jump off a bridge next time, as well."
"Seto!" Anzu glared at him. "And you wonder why Mokuba's so difficult."
"Ahh ahh ahh," Mokuba put in, grinning widely. "You can blame Seto's unscrupulous parenting technique if you want, but personally I think it's because of all the kidnapping."
"Don't blame me," Seto said blandly, cutting Anzu off before she could protest.
"Oh, I wouldn't dare," she told him, rolling her eyes. "After all, spending all your energy trying to beat a classmate - who has proven better than you countless times - in a card game relieves you of all responsibility."
"Ooh, tension," Mokuba said. "Should I get popcorn?" They glared simultaneously and he laughed. "Or leave and let you get on with your date?”
Seto shot him a look. Anzu suspected that the younger Kaiba had been asked to leave immediately after dinner was over - and was allowed there during the meal only on the condition of impeccable behavior.
“Right.” Mokuba laughed and smiled broadly. “I’ll fix a plate and then head up to my room.”
“There’s no reason you can’t eat with us,” Anzu told him, rolling her eyes. Yes, the night was something of a special occasion, but Seto was the one who said staying in would be easier, and Mokuba was close enough to family for her, as well. “It isn’t like he’s going to try to ravish me right over the casserole.”
The teenager laughed. “Oh really? Anzu, you clearly have no concept of sexual frustration.”
Both Anzu and Seto shot him annoyed looks, though the former was laced was embarrassment and the latter was rather more like being faced with twin gun barrels. He quickly scooped out a generous helping and with a wave disappeared through the door leading to the living room.
Seto muttered something derogatory under his breath, happy that Mokuba had decided to leave them be. After Anzu’s birthday, he wouldn’t force romance, but he cared enough about her to realize that a little effort put into making their night special would mean a great deal to her. And having a dinner for only two was probably a step in the right direction.
The atmosphere while they ate was quiet and comfortable. It felt almost… too comfortable to Anzu, but she wrote the feeling off as misplaced anxiety. Seto had been swamped at work, and he needed a relaxing evening. Her life was never as stressful as his, but she imagined it would be good for her, as well.
Whatever Mokuba had asked Yugi to make (or conned him into making) was delicious; with some coaxing, she had even gotten Seto to admit it. “Wonderful,” she said after they’d both finished. “I’m full and completely satisfied.” His plate was clear, as well. “You?”
“Yes. A very good meal.” That was high praise, and she was glad a little was left over for him to eat later.
So dinner was over. Normally he would take her home then - maybe watch a movie first, or have some sort of romantic dessert. They’d had ice cream cones and a moonlit walk once, and he’d licked the drippy chocolate off her finger-tips.
“What are you grinning about?” he asked curtly, cutting off her vague musings.
The grin just turned into a smile and she shook her head. “Oh, nothing. Now…” She leveled a vaguely reproachful gaze right at him. “You have a little bit of work to do, don’t you?”
His eyes narrowed.
“Don’t bother arguing,” she told him before he could try to deny it. “Mokuba told me how late you would stay up sometimes after I’d gone. I appreciate you making time to be with me, but don’t do it at your own expense.”
“Anzu, I do nothing at my own expense.”
She laughed brightly. “All right, you do have a point with that one. But I know you’re just waiting for a chance to escape - or you’re going to wait until late tonight when you’ll be the only one awake. I don’t like either of those options, so why don’t you go work now? I’ll clean up here and then come up to your office. Okay?”
“Hmm.” He stood up, stacking his plate on top of hers. “Very well.” He gave her a very heated look before something in his eyes seemed to soften. “It shouldn’t take long,” he said in lieu of an apology. “I can finish in less than an hour, I’m sure.”
“Good.” She smiled at him and her eyes sparkled. “Go on, then.” She stood up as well, then kissed him softly. He responded eagerly, wrapping one arm around her and letting his hand drift down, brushing the curve of her backside.
He murmured something vaguely inappropriate, then disappeared through the same door Mokuba had earlier. Anzu smiled to herself and began clearing up.
She stuck the remains of the casserole into the large refrigerator, rinsed off the plates they had used and put them into the dishwasher. Seto usually discouraged her from doing work - it wasn’t even her home, he’d remind her, and he hired people to do the cleaning. It would be her home, though, if he would ever pick up the subtle hints she’d been dropping about moving in. Her apartment wasn’t large and it would be nice to have more room. It would be even nicer to be so near Seto all the time.
But either he hadn’t picked up or he just didn’t want to live with her. That seemed a little more than unlikely, as he was certainly serious about her and he’d complained more than once about having to take her home or having to wait for her instead of just traveling together.
But she couldn’t very well ask herself to move in for him. Was it too big a step? Was he afraid that she’d… take over his life? There were several typical hang-ups that she’d considered, but as Seto was far from typical. He was intensely private and she respected that - but surely they had shared enough and been through too much together already for that to really affect any decision he’d make about the relationship.
She wiped down the counter needlessly, annoyed with herself for brooding again. “I’m going to move on to marriage and kids soon if I’m not careful,” she muttered ruefully, looking down at her hands with unseeing eyes. Of course she wanted to marry him eventually, it wasn’t as if she wanted that sort of commitment immediately. Honda’s impending nuptials had put a few wayward thoughts into her head, and she’d been itching to discuss it. But there just hadn’t been an appropriate time yet.
There really wasn’t much left to do, and she knew that she was just stalling. Grabbing a bottle of water out of the refrigerator, she headed up to Seto.
As predicted, he was in front of his computer. Anzu smiled. “Still working?”
He gave a quick nod. She grinned and walked further into the room. Suddenly, she thought of something Arisa had mentioned when they’d been writing invitations and she let out a loud laugh. Seto shot her a glare and she looked away with a sheepish smile. “Sorry,” she said, “I just…” She giggled again. “I was thinking about Honda. Apparently, he sent Arisa naked pictures of himself.” She tried to sound upset but was unable to restrain another laugh. “You’ve never sent me any naked pictures.”
“Of Honda? Egregious oversight, I admit.”
Anzu smirked. “Your sense of humor’s showing.” She dropped a hand to his shoulder. “It’s pretty sexy.”
“Oh?”
“Well, you’re no Honda,” she teased, “but I’m willing to concede that you’re not half bad.”
“I’m flattered.” He rolled his eyes, his focus back on his work.
“Arisa’s a lucky woman,” she continued. “I’ll bet their wedding’s going to be beautiful. And I know they’re grateful to you for agreeing to be one of Honda’s groomsmen.”
“Yes, it was so kind of you to volunteer me.”
“He asked specifically for you and you know it. I envy you a little, you know. One of my closest friends is getting married - I wish I was in the ceremony. If I was male, I’d gladly take your place.”
He didn’t reply and for a moment there was just comfortable silence.
She wondered if she should push, just a little. “I hope Honda - and of course Yugi and Jounouchi, as well - can be a part of my wedding.”
Seto narrowed his eyes. "Are you trying to bring up the subject of marriage, Anzu? Because if you are... You aren't very subtle."
She bit her lip. "I wasn't necessarily trying to bring it up - only mentioning it in passing. But there is an opening now if you have anything to say about it."
"I don't." He was always so reticent about their relationship; it wasn't that she was insecure, she just liked getting everything out on the table and knowing exactly where they stood. He knew all that, but still refused to discuss it with her.
"Of course you don't." She sighed. "You never do."
"Anzu..." He had been patient, but he was growing annoyed. "I've told you before that I don't wish to discuss this. Our relationship is strong and I'm going to stay with you for the foreseeable future."
Anzu was silent for a moment, running her hands through his hair. She wasn't upset; after all, it was the reaction she'd expected. "So I'm only going to know you're ready for marriage if and when you propose?"
He grunted in what seemed to be assent.
"All right, all right - I'll drop it." Her hands dropped to his shoulders and she wrapped her arms loosely around his neck. She nuzzled his neck gently, her lips against his skin. "I love you," she murmured, tightening her hold.
He gently touched her arm. "Anzu..."
"Oh, just shut up and kiss me," she laughed. "It's not like this discussion is going anywhere, anyway."
She loosened her hold on him and he turned his chair around, pulling her into his lap.
“In your office? Really?” she teased. “That’s not exactly what I had in mind.”
He gave her a dark, sexy little smirk and she felt a shiver run down her spine. “Maybe another time.”
One hand absently played with his collar. He was wearing a button-down shirt in dark, dark purple; she had bought it for him and it was one of her favorite things he owned. “Well…” She smiled, holding back the nervous swirling that was mixing with desire in the pit of her stomach. “Are you done working?”
“I certainly can be.” One hand gently kneaded her upper thigh. His eyes were locked with hers, and if the world was on fire around them she wouldn’t have been able to look away.
He pushed her to her feet and grabbed her hand, kissing her forehead. “Did you see Mokuba when you were downstairs?”
“No,” she answered, shaking her head. “I’d guess he’s in his room.”
He kissed her for half a second then said against her mouth, “Good. I did threaten him, but he said he couldn’t make plans at such short notice.”
They were travelling down the hall; Seto was leading, keeping a firm grip on her hand. “I don’t mind that he’s here - I think he realizes you’ll kill him if he bothers us.”
“Let’s hope so.”
Seto shut the door behind them. His arms went around her immediately and his mouth attached itself to her neck. She’d half-expected him to bother with pretense - act as though they were there for some other reason, take things slow, just at first. Which, retrospect, as something of a silly idea to entertain, since when Seto wanted something he just tended to take it.
“I’ve been waiting all week for this,” he whispered hotly, “waiting all day to get you in my arms.” One hand stroked her belly. She’d grabbed the other, and their fingers were laced together, resting on her hip. “I thought about champagne… candles… roses…” He’d moved to her ear. “But we both know I’m not romantic - and you don’t deserve a lie.”
She turned in his arms, suddenly. He mashed her body against his, kissing her with new ferocity and reckless, wild abandon. It felt amazing. He pushed her back against a wall, his hands skimming over her body, lips dancing across her jaw line. She tangled one hand in his hair, pulling hard when a hand brushed roughly over a breast.
He growled and she realized he liked it. Her head tilted up and a hot, bruising mouth worked its way down her neck. A leg pushed itself between hers and a hot, hard thigh pressed upwards. Her hips rocked against it and her nails bit into his shoulder. When her mindless, fumbling fingers began trying to undo his shirt, he pulled away and in the next instant her dress was half-way off. It was thrown to the floor and as he walked backwards, leading them towards his bed, her bra was quick to follow.
A warm, soft haze fluttered around her as she lay down, her feet dangling over the edge of the bed. He stood at the foot, slowly undressing. Her eyes shut when his body came down to cover hers - and then his hands greedily tugged at that one, last lacy garment.
Xxx
Seto couldn’t sleep. He’d had the occasionally bouts of insomnia, but that wasn’t what kept him awake. The room was dark and cool, and almost completely silent. The bed was comfortable - soft mattress, cool sheets, downy comforter. But there was a soft, bare body pressed against his side, curled up over and around him.
He’d never been a particularly tactile person, but Anzu was. They’d talked, a little, but as soon as she’d started yawning she’d laid her head on his shoulder and put one small, slender hand on his chest. She’d drifted off quickly, but he had been unable to do more than doze. His body was prickly and aware of every spot where it met hers. She looked unearthly, so solemn and content, her face smooth and her breathing even.
He tried to relax, but he wasn’t used to sharing a bed. He preferred sleeping alone, or at the least sleeping with a good bit of space between him and his partner. Briefly, he considered just pushing her away, disentangling himself from her long, slender limbs. But doubtlessly she’d wake up, and then she’d either get annoyed with him or want to talk until she fell back to sleep. Neither seemed like a particularly attractive option.
So he let his mind drift off, dancing past work; he was scheduled to take a sort of “world tour” soon, going over how the international branches of KaibaCorp. were doing. He’d planned to do it alone; after all, it was only a week or two, and Mokuba could take care of himself for that long. But Anzu… She enjoyed travelling. And it wouldn’t be at all unpleasant to have something to look forward to after a long day of meeting and inspections - and in all probability mountains of paperwork. He’d broach the topic with her in the morning.
For the moment, however, he’d try to get some sleep. Anzu’s clear, happy calm was winding around him and he had to stifle a yawn. His hand found hers and he closed his eyes, happier than he could ever remember being just to have this woman warm and content in his arms.
***
-ILB
***
Mokuba; Jounouchi/Mai; Seto/Anzu
Riku crossed her arms over her chest and surveyed Mokuba with a mixture of irritation and regret. “This… isn’t going anywhere, is it?” She sighed. “I like you, Mokuba, but I’m not going to be put on the back burner.”
He scratched the back of his head. “And I don’t blame you for that attitude, I really don’t.” Then he sighed. “Riku… How about another chance. Please? I know I’ve been distracted lately, but that’s all behind us.” He pouted adorably. “Come on… I know you can’t resist me.”
She sighed, but slid her arms around his neck. “Why don’t I think you’re really sorry?”
He kissed her quickly and said, “I have no idea. I’m as sincere as can be.”
Riku laughed. “Really?”
He nodded emphatically. “Yes. A hundred percent.” Her eyes were focused on his mouth, and all thoughts raced out of his head. “If you don’t believe me, I could…” He swallowed, and her eyes darted to the bob of his adam’s apple. “I could show you how sincere I am.”
“Mmm.” She stepped closer. “I think I’d like that, Mokuba. I think I want to see just how… sincere you are.”
‘Screw Rebecca,’ he thought, happily focused on the lovely girl in his arms. ‘I never needed her anyway.’
(Line)
“What the hell do you want?” Jounouchi yelled, yanking the door to his apartment open. “It’s… Oh.” He blinked. “Kaiba.” He sighed. “Why are you here, asshole?” He looked suspicious for a moment, then said, “Mai’s in the shower right now.”
Seto pushed him aside and stepped through the door. “I need to talk to you.”
“What? You have to be kidding me.” He yawned and scratched his stomach. “Get out. I don’t want to talk to you.”
“I’m not giving you an option.” He sat down on the couch, careful to let as little of his body touch it as possible. “Sit down.”
Jounouchi, too tired to really think straight, found it was easier just to do what he was told. So he took a seat in the old recliner and turned a somewhat bleary gaze towards his unwelcome visitor. “Well?”
“I don’t want to be here anymore than you want me here,” he said bluntly, prefacing the difficult talk with something he thought might put the other man at ease.
“Then Anzu made you, huh?” He yawned again. “What the hell about?”
Seto glared. “Anzu did not make me. While it was originally her suggestion, I do not let her whim control my actions.”
“Whatever.” Jounouchi laughed. “You’re in a relationship - her whims are controlling you whether you want them to or not. I know Mai’ll say no sex if I don’t do what she wants.”
“Don’t compare me to you,” Seto said, fighting back the urge to shudder. “I make my own decisions, free of Anzu’s influence.”
Jounouchi gave him an incredulous look.
To make the conversation go smoothly, Seto decided to concede. “Mostly free of Anzu’s influence.”
Jounouchi laughed - and to his credit, it was mostly good-natured. “So what’d she want you to tell me?”
That was the difficult part. For a moment, Seto was silent - thinking over the best way to break the news. And even for that brief period of time, the silence was stifling and awkward. Jounouchi, hating to be uncomfortable, was the first to break it. “I know you’re not just here for a friendly visit. What is it you have to talk to me about?”
“It’s your sister.”
“My sister?” He shot up. “Why? What’s wrong? Is Shizuka - “
“Calm down,” Seto instructed, brows furrowed. “She’s fine. Let me start again. I’ve come to give you a warning. I’ve seen my secretary with Otogi, and Anzu - holding a vendetta against the woman - is convinced that your sister’s in danger of an unfaithful boyfriend. As far as I know, nothing’s happened yet. But, as I said, Anzu suffers from the lowest opinion possible of the woman and thinks something will happen soon.”
“Oh. Hmm.” Jounouchi’s face was dark. “Your secretary… She was the one that went after you for awhile, right?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Well what would Otogi want her for? She’s not… Okay, I’ve never seen her, but I’ve heard Mai and Anzu talk and she sounds terrible.”
Rubbing his temple, Seto said, “She’s intelligent and beautiful.”
“Damn.” Jounouchi scowled and looked to the floor, sitting back down. “Well if she didn’t get you, maybe she won’t get Otogi, either. I mean, why would he want her anyway? Why would anyone want to cheat on their girlfriend?”
“I wouldn’t know,” Seto said contritely, “I’m perfectly happy with the woman I’m involved with.”
“You bastard!” Jounouchi snarled, standing up again. “Don’t you dare talk about Shizuka that way, Kaiba, don’t you dare!”
They had both changed since high school, but Seto had changed much more. Where once he would have snapped back and goaded further, he instead remained calm, thinking before he spoke. “Perhaps,” he ventured bitingly, remembering that he was in the other man’s home on a mission Anzu wouldn’t accept as anything other than successful, “I was not implying that your sister wasn’t good enough. Perhaps I was merely giving you my own reason to remain faithful. I know nothing about their situation, and so couldn’t give an opinon - good or bad.”
Jounouchi seemed a bit awestruck that Kaiba hadn’t responded to his attack. He sat down again, his face smoothing out. “Right. Not Shizuka.” He nodded to himself, back on the same page. “If he’s not happy with her, it’s because he knows he’s not good enough for her.”
Seto gave into temptation and rolled his eyes. “Of course.” He felt it time to steer the conversation back on course. “I have no idea what is going on between them, but I suspect Anzu will ask me to keep an eye on them.” He sighed and rubbed an eye. “I also suspect I’ll agree.”
Jounouchi laughed; he knew what it was like to have a controlling woman in one’s life. But… “Hey, if she hit on you, why haven’t you fired her? I figured Anzu would have put up a fuss about that.”
“She did. But Kudo is the best secretary I’ve ever had, and though her behavior was inappropriate, I have had much, much worse.”
“Ahh.” Neither spoke, and the atmosphere grew awkward once again. Jounouchi cleared his throat. “So! I guess I owe you a…” He scowled, looking exceedingly uncomfortable. “Well, tell Anzu thanks. For the warning.”
Seto nodded and stood up. “I will. And since I’ve told you what I came here to, I won’t stay any longer than I have to.”
“Right.” Jounouchi stood up as well and walked behind Kaiba to the door. He grunted when they got there, watching his former enemy open the door. “Well… I’ll…” He cleared his throat, not quite sure of the appropriate etiquette for the situation. He hated - or at least close to it, he was sure - Kaiba, but felt that some measure of gratitude had been earned. “I guess I’ll see you later, then.”
“Better than sooner, hmm?” Seto raised an eyebrow, the gesture as friendly as he would ever get with Jounouchi.
For his part, Jounouchi was stunned. Had Kaiba made a… joke? “Right.” He scratched his head, feeling slightly confused. “Um… don’t forget to tell Anzu thanks, I guess.” His face darkened. “You can bet Otogi and I will be having a chat. Soon.”
That clenched it, and without another word Kaiba was out the door, once more out of Jounouchi’s life. The drowsy blond stared at the door, eyes fixed on one spot where the paint was peeling. No matter what, he’d never let anyone hurt his little sister.
Added to his typically protective thoughts of Shizuka was the sudden and unsettling notion that perhaps Kaiba wasn’t so bad. They might have something in common. They did have something in common, and it wasn’t just dueling. They both had younger siblings; they were both involved with strong women; and they were both stubborn as all hell.
Unhappy with such musings, Jounouchi settled himself into the familiar dip in the middle couch cushion and switched on the television; Mai would be out of the shower soon, and she’d be able to talk him through it all.
Mai always knew just what to do.
Xxx
Mai emerged from the steamy bathroom, a towel wrapped tightly around her body. It dropped to the floor and she wriggled into the underwear she’d laid out on the bed. She fished around in the shared chest of drawers for a pair of shorts and a tank-top and pulled them on, too. Already the day promised to be lazy and slow, so she didn’t bother with more than moisturizer and a quick blow-dry.
She walked out of the bedroom, expecting to see Jounouchi either eating or playing video games. She spotted him, all right, but he wasn’t doing either. He sat on the old, worn couch staring at the television, obviously not watching.
Well that was unexpected. And slightly unsettling.
Mai fell down beside him, curling her legs under her. “What’s wrong?” she asked, ruffling his hair. He was an idiot, but he was her idiot, and that untidy mass of blond was one of the most touchable things she’d ever encountered.
When he spoke, his words were slow - deliberate. “It’s Shizuka. Otogi might be…” His grip on the remote tightened. “That bastard might be cheating on her. My little sister.”
“What? But I thought their relationship was fine.”
“I did, too!” he bellowed, finally coming out of the unusual calm he’d settled into. “I mean… obviously he wasn’t good enough for her. But I thought at least he knew I’d kill him if he ever hurt her.”
Mai let out a short sigh, stroking his arm gently. “Don’t kill him yet. Are you sure that he cheated?”
His mouth turned down further, expression morphing into something like a pout. “No.” He sounded disappointed that he had no justification for Otogi’s murder.
Jounouchi turned towards her, obviously unsure. He was so like a big child sometimes. Mai pulled him into a kiss, not minding the smell of thrice-worn jeans and dirty t-shirt. “Go talk to him - give him a taste of that big brother intimidation I know you’re so fond of.” She had no idea what had put the idea of Otogi’s infidelity into his head, but she knew him well enough to know that unless it were definitely proven untrue, Jounouchi wouldn’t stop dwelling. And she didn’t want to deal with it. He had every right to disapprove of cheating on one’s partner, but since that was how their relationship had begun in the first place, she felt less inclined to listen to his thoughts on the actual cheaters.
“You really think talking to him would be the best thing to do? I was wondering if maybe Shizuka - “
“No,” she told him sharply. “If you’re not sure, Katsuya, you better not tell her a thing. It will only hurt her.”
“I guess you’re right,” he said grudgingly, patting her thigh absently. He was rough and awkward, so unlike the refined men she had once preferred. But he thought her precious even if he didn’t quite know how to treat her so - and if she didn’t love him that might not have been enough.
But she did. So that was all she ever needed.
“Are you going out today?” he asked.
She’d wanted to. But he was so overprotective of Shizuka - he probably wanted, and needed, though he wouldn’t admit it, a little reassurance. “To run a few errands, maybe,” she answered casually. “I thought I could get us a nice dinner.” She pressed closer to him, running one dainty foot along his denim-clad calf. “And then… an evening in. All alone.” Her breath was hot in his ear and she felt his body tense as one hand ran over his belly, just close enough to his lap to tease.
He grinned and his eyes were alight with something that she knew was more than lust. “Sounds good to me, Mai. How about pizza?”
She laughed and shoved him, hard.
(Line)
Anzu heard the knock and ran excitedly to the door. She tried her best to look calm, but she was wearing one of her favorite dresses and Seto was actually coming to get her himself instead of just sending a car - something that he'd had to resort to doing more often as of late. She pulled open the door and smiled. "Hello."
Seto nodded. "Are you ready to go?" She looked at him incredulously and crossed her arms over her chest. He stared for a moment, then rolled his eyes. "You look beautiful. New dress?"
"No, but you're right; I do look beautiful." She flashed him a warm grin and gave his cheek a quick peck. Before she could pull away, though, he grabbed her arm and yanked her closer, his mouth finding hers with the ease of much practice.
That was nice, Anzu registered, before giving herself over to sensation. He always knew what she wanted a moment before she did, always knew just where to touch and what to do.
“Ready to go?” he murmured, pulling away. His hand rested gently on her lower back, fingers lightly tapping as he reached out with his other arm to grab her purse from the hook by her door.
She sighed in contentment, her hands flat against his chest. “Yes. I’m hungry - haven’t eaten anything since this morning. What are we having?”
Seto shrugged as she followed him out into the hallway, pulling her door shut behind them. “I don’t know,” he replied, watching as she locked her apartment and slipped her keys back into her bag. “Mokuba said he would take care of it.”
XXX
"It's Yugi-casserole," Mokuba said cheerily, wiping his hands on a dishtowel. "I didn't have time - or the talent - to whip up something myself, so I just paid Yugi to do it."
Anzu crossed her arms. "You shouldn't take advantage of him like that, Mokuba; you know how hard it is for him to say no."
Seto smirked. "Ask him to jump off a bridge next time, as well."
"Seto!" Anzu glared at him. "And you wonder why Mokuba's so difficult."
"Ahh ahh ahh," Mokuba put in, grinning widely. "You can blame Seto's unscrupulous parenting technique if you want, but personally I think it's because of all the kidnapping."
"Don't blame me," Seto said blandly, cutting Anzu off before she could protest.
"Oh, I wouldn't dare," she told him, rolling her eyes. "After all, spending all your energy trying to beat a classmate - who has proven better than you countless times - in a card game relieves you of all responsibility."
"Ooh, tension," Mokuba said. "Should I get popcorn?" They glared simultaneously and he laughed. "Or leave and let you get on with your date?”
Seto shot him a look. Anzu suspected that the younger Kaiba had been asked to leave immediately after dinner was over - and was allowed there during the meal only on the condition of impeccable behavior.
“Right.” Mokuba laughed and smiled broadly. “I’ll fix a plate and then head up to my room.”
“There’s no reason you can’t eat with us,” Anzu told him, rolling her eyes. Yes, the night was something of a special occasion, but Seto was the one who said staying in would be easier, and Mokuba was close enough to family for her, as well. “It isn’t like he’s going to try to ravish me right over the casserole.”
The teenager laughed. “Oh really? Anzu, you clearly have no concept of sexual frustration.”
Both Anzu and Seto shot him annoyed looks, though the former was laced was embarrassment and the latter was rather more like being faced with twin gun barrels. He quickly scooped out a generous helping and with a wave disappeared through the door leading to the living room.
Seto muttered something derogatory under his breath, happy that Mokuba had decided to leave them be. After Anzu’s birthday, he wouldn’t force romance, but he cared enough about her to realize that a little effort put into making their night special would mean a great deal to her. And having a dinner for only two was probably a step in the right direction.
The atmosphere while they ate was quiet and comfortable. It felt almost… too comfortable to Anzu, but she wrote the feeling off as misplaced anxiety. Seto had been swamped at work, and he needed a relaxing evening. Her life was never as stressful as his, but she imagined it would be good for her, as well.
Whatever Mokuba had asked Yugi to make (or conned him into making) was delicious; with some coaxing, she had even gotten Seto to admit it. “Wonderful,” she said after they’d both finished. “I’m full and completely satisfied.” His plate was clear, as well. “You?”
“Yes. A very good meal.” That was high praise, and she was glad a little was left over for him to eat later.
So dinner was over. Normally he would take her home then - maybe watch a movie first, or have some sort of romantic dessert. They’d had ice cream cones and a moonlit walk once, and he’d licked the drippy chocolate off her finger-tips.
“What are you grinning about?” he asked curtly, cutting off her vague musings.
The grin just turned into a smile and she shook her head. “Oh, nothing. Now…” She leveled a vaguely reproachful gaze right at him. “You have a little bit of work to do, don’t you?”
His eyes narrowed.
“Don’t bother arguing,” she told him before he could try to deny it. “Mokuba told me how late you would stay up sometimes after I’d gone. I appreciate you making time to be with me, but don’t do it at your own expense.”
“Anzu, I do nothing at my own expense.”
She laughed brightly. “All right, you do have a point with that one. But I know you’re just waiting for a chance to escape - or you’re going to wait until late tonight when you’ll be the only one awake. I don’t like either of those options, so why don’t you go work now? I’ll clean up here and then come up to your office. Okay?”
“Hmm.” He stood up, stacking his plate on top of hers. “Very well.” He gave her a very heated look before something in his eyes seemed to soften. “It shouldn’t take long,” he said in lieu of an apology. “I can finish in less than an hour, I’m sure.”
“Good.” She smiled at him and her eyes sparkled. “Go on, then.” She stood up as well, then kissed him softly. He responded eagerly, wrapping one arm around her and letting his hand drift down, brushing the curve of her backside.
He murmured something vaguely inappropriate, then disappeared through the same door Mokuba had earlier. Anzu smiled to herself and began clearing up.
She stuck the remains of the casserole into the large refrigerator, rinsed off the plates they had used and put them into the dishwasher. Seto usually discouraged her from doing work - it wasn’t even her home, he’d remind her, and he hired people to do the cleaning. It would be her home, though, if he would ever pick up the subtle hints she’d been dropping about moving in. Her apartment wasn’t large and it would be nice to have more room. It would be even nicer to be so near Seto all the time.
But either he hadn’t picked up or he just didn’t want to live with her. That seemed a little more than unlikely, as he was certainly serious about her and he’d complained more than once about having to take her home or having to wait for her instead of just traveling together.
But she couldn’t very well ask herself to move in for him. Was it too big a step? Was he afraid that she’d… take over his life? There were several typical hang-ups that she’d considered, but as Seto was far from typical. He was intensely private and she respected that - but surely they had shared enough and been through too much together already for that to really affect any decision he’d make about the relationship.
She wiped down the counter needlessly, annoyed with herself for brooding again. “I’m going to move on to marriage and kids soon if I’m not careful,” she muttered ruefully, looking down at her hands with unseeing eyes. Of course she wanted to marry him eventually, it wasn’t as if she wanted that sort of commitment immediately. Honda’s impending nuptials had put a few wayward thoughts into her head, and she’d been itching to discuss it. But there just hadn’t been an appropriate time yet.
There really wasn’t much left to do, and she knew that she was just stalling. Grabbing a bottle of water out of the refrigerator, she headed up to Seto.
As predicted, he was in front of his computer. Anzu smiled. “Still working?”
He gave a quick nod. She grinned and walked further into the room. Suddenly, she thought of something Arisa had mentioned when they’d been writing invitations and she let out a loud laugh. Seto shot her a glare and she looked away with a sheepish smile. “Sorry,” she said, “I just…” She giggled again. “I was thinking about Honda. Apparently, he sent Arisa naked pictures of himself.” She tried to sound upset but was unable to restrain another laugh. “You’ve never sent me any naked pictures.”
“Of Honda? Egregious oversight, I admit.”
Anzu smirked. “Your sense of humor’s showing.” She dropped a hand to his shoulder. “It’s pretty sexy.”
“Oh?”
“Well, you’re no Honda,” she teased, “but I’m willing to concede that you’re not half bad.”
“I’m flattered.” He rolled his eyes, his focus back on his work.
“Arisa’s a lucky woman,” she continued. “I’ll bet their wedding’s going to be beautiful. And I know they’re grateful to you for agreeing to be one of Honda’s groomsmen.”
“Yes, it was so kind of you to volunteer me.”
“He asked specifically for you and you know it. I envy you a little, you know. One of my closest friends is getting married - I wish I was in the ceremony. If I was male, I’d gladly take your place.”
He didn’t reply and for a moment there was just comfortable silence.
She wondered if she should push, just a little. “I hope Honda - and of course Yugi and Jounouchi, as well - can be a part of my wedding.”
Seto narrowed his eyes. "Are you trying to bring up the subject of marriage, Anzu? Because if you are... You aren't very subtle."
She bit her lip. "I wasn't necessarily trying to bring it up - only mentioning it in passing. But there is an opening now if you have anything to say about it."
"I don't." He was always so reticent about their relationship; it wasn't that she was insecure, she just liked getting everything out on the table and knowing exactly where they stood. He knew all that, but still refused to discuss it with her.
"Of course you don't." She sighed. "You never do."
"Anzu..." He had been patient, but he was growing annoyed. "I've told you before that I don't wish to discuss this. Our relationship is strong and I'm going to stay with you for the foreseeable future."
Anzu was silent for a moment, running her hands through his hair. She wasn't upset; after all, it was the reaction she'd expected. "So I'm only going to know you're ready for marriage if and when you propose?"
He grunted in what seemed to be assent.
"All right, all right - I'll drop it." Her hands dropped to his shoulders and she wrapped her arms loosely around his neck. She nuzzled his neck gently, her lips against his skin. "I love you," she murmured, tightening her hold.
He gently touched her arm. "Anzu..."
"Oh, just shut up and kiss me," she laughed. "It's not like this discussion is going anywhere, anyway."
She loosened her hold on him and he turned his chair around, pulling her into his lap.
“In your office? Really?” she teased. “That’s not exactly what I had in mind.”
He gave her a dark, sexy little smirk and she felt a shiver run down her spine. “Maybe another time.”
One hand absently played with his collar. He was wearing a button-down shirt in dark, dark purple; she had bought it for him and it was one of her favorite things he owned. “Well…” She smiled, holding back the nervous swirling that was mixing with desire in the pit of her stomach. “Are you done working?”
“I certainly can be.” One hand gently kneaded her upper thigh. His eyes were locked with hers, and if the world was on fire around them she wouldn’t have been able to look away.
He pushed her to her feet and grabbed her hand, kissing her forehead. “Did you see Mokuba when you were downstairs?”
“No,” she answered, shaking her head. “I’d guess he’s in his room.”
He kissed her for half a second then said against her mouth, “Good. I did threaten him, but he said he couldn’t make plans at such short notice.”
They were travelling down the hall; Seto was leading, keeping a firm grip on her hand. “I don’t mind that he’s here - I think he realizes you’ll kill him if he bothers us.”
“Let’s hope so.”
Seto shut the door behind them. His arms went around her immediately and his mouth attached itself to her neck. She’d half-expected him to bother with pretense - act as though they were there for some other reason, take things slow, just at first. Which, retrospect, as something of a silly idea to entertain, since when Seto wanted something he just tended to take it.
“I’ve been waiting all week for this,” he whispered hotly, “waiting all day to get you in my arms.” One hand stroked her belly. She’d grabbed the other, and their fingers were laced together, resting on her hip. “I thought about champagne… candles… roses…” He’d moved to her ear. “But we both know I’m not romantic - and you don’t deserve a lie.”
She turned in his arms, suddenly. He mashed her body against his, kissing her with new ferocity and reckless, wild abandon. It felt amazing. He pushed her back against a wall, his hands skimming over her body, lips dancing across her jaw line. She tangled one hand in his hair, pulling hard when a hand brushed roughly over a breast.
He growled and she realized he liked it. Her head tilted up and a hot, bruising mouth worked its way down her neck. A leg pushed itself between hers and a hot, hard thigh pressed upwards. Her hips rocked against it and her nails bit into his shoulder. When her mindless, fumbling fingers began trying to undo his shirt, he pulled away and in the next instant her dress was half-way off. It was thrown to the floor and as he walked backwards, leading them towards his bed, her bra was quick to follow.
A warm, soft haze fluttered around her as she lay down, her feet dangling over the edge of the bed. He stood at the foot, slowly undressing. Her eyes shut when his body came down to cover hers - and then his hands greedily tugged at that one, last lacy garment.
Xxx
Seto couldn’t sleep. He’d had the occasionally bouts of insomnia, but that wasn’t what kept him awake. The room was dark and cool, and almost completely silent. The bed was comfortable - soft mattress, cool sheets, downy comforter. But there was a soft, bare body pressed against his side, curled up over and around him.
He’d never been a particularly tactile person, but Anzu was. They’d talked, a little, but as soon as she’d started yawning she’d laid her head on his shoulder and put one small, slender hand on his chest. She’d drifted off quickly, but he had been unable to do more than doze. His body was prickly and aware of every spot where it met hers. She looked unearthly, so solemn and content, her face smooth and her breathing even.
He tried to relax, but he wasn’t used to sharing a bed. He preferred sleeping alone, or at the least sleeping with a good bit of space between him and his partner. Briefly, he considered just pushing her away, disentangling himself from her long, slender limbs. But doubtlessly she’d wake up, and then she’d either get annoyed with him or want to talk until she fell back to sleep. Neither seemed like a particularly attractive option.
So he let his mind drift off, dancing past work; he was scheduled to take a sort of “world tour” soon, going over how the international branches of KaibaCorp. were doing. He’d planned to do it alone; after all, it was only a week or two, and Mokuba could take care of himself for that long. But Anzu… She enjoyed travelling. And it wouldn’t be at all unpleasant to have something to look forward to after a long day of meeting and inspections - and in all probability mountains of paperwork. He’d broach the topic with her in the morning.
For the moment, however, he’d try to get some sleep. Anzu’s clear, happy calm was winding around him and he had to stifle a yawn. His hand found hers and he closed his eyes, happier than he could ever remember being just to have this woman warm and content in his arms.
***
-ILB
***