Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh!

An Azureshipping Fanfic.

Lockdown.

Epilogue.

Six years later…

The curtains closed to the polite applause of New York's elite society. But to her ears, they might have been the boisterous cheers at a Kills concert.

Rushing backstage, Anzu tugged at her costume, pulled the pins from out her hair. She passed Jamie in the corridors.

"Hey, Slim. You got a man in your dressing room. Great eyes on that one." She grinned. "A real sexy blue."

"Got it." Anzu took a step, then twisted back. "Carly. How is she?"

"Badly sprained ankle. Nothing some ice and rest can't fix. That'll teach her to over do it."

"You can't blame her." Anzu responded, shaking back her hair. "Giovanni's a slave driver," she said, thinking of their choreographer. "Gotta love him."

She kept walking, burst into her dressing room to see ol' blue-eyes sitting in her spare chair.

He was the most handsome man in her acquaintance and she loved him to pieces.

"Dad." Anzu hugged him close, felt his lips brush her cheek. "What are you doing here? We were supposed to meet up at the airport."

"I thought it would be better if I came, enjoyed your performance."

"You saw?" Now she felt embarrassed. She always did. "How was I?"

"Marvelous," Shuichi praised. "You've made your old man very proud."

"Thank you. But you shouldn't have come. My luggage —"

"Is safely in the boot of my car. I know how anxious you are to get home. To Domino."

"Yeah." Anzu undid the toe shoes, gave her aching feet a quick rub. "How's mother?" she asked, keeping her tone casual.

"She's fine. Couldn't make it because of her charity's annual fundraiser."

"Dad, you don't have to make her excuses. I know she'd rather eat mud than support me and my career."

"Your mother's a difficult woman. She'll come around."

"You've been saying that for years." Anzu disappeared behind a door, came back minutes later dressed in a simple blouse and skirt. "I'm fine with it, really. I'm a grown woman, I should be." She grabbed the purse she'd tossed on the vanity earlier. "Ready?"

Shuichi could only nod. "Sure."

She took a nap on her father's private jet, felt refreshed when they landed in Domino. And when they'd taken a private car to the belly of the city, Anzu pushed back the oncoming jetlag — she could feel it in her bones — and eagerly awaited the quaint neighborhood she grew up in.

And because she was excited to see her friends' faces — in the flesh and not on a blinding screen — she let loose a string of giggles that regular people would think her mental institution material.

"You're in good spirits," her father commented, knowing his daughter's moods. It took him a while, and he was sorry and ashamed for it. "How long has it been? Since you saw them last?"

"Six months, two weeks, three days. I feel like a junkie waiting for a fix." She released a breath, started fixing her hair. "Do I look okay?"

"You've got a stain on your blouse and a ladder in your stockings. You should've changed before we left the plane."

Anzu pouted. "You're supposed to say I look beautiful even if I resembled a hag. That's what father's do."

"Maybe a lesser parent would, my dear, but I love you very much. And because of that love," he continued without missing a beat. "it requires only direct honesty."

"Then I appreciate it," she exclaimed, then examined the spot she hoped was spaghetti sauce. "You don't suppose we could stop somewhere where I could change? Before we get to Yuugi's?"

He sighed deeply, punishment he supposed for having a daughter who'd suddenly gave two cents about the way she looked. "I'm sure we could."

The skinny jeans/sexy blazer combo always worked. But when you added a cute print top and break-your-ankles heels, then you were working it.

Waving goodbye to her father, she caught the brief shake of his head when she wobbled away to Yuugi's doorstep. No one said looking good was easy. And she figured she'd slip them off once inside.

But not before having the door blown open and a very enthusiastic blond crushing her in a hug.

"Jou!" she cried, laughing as he mussed the hair she'd carefully combed. "Quit it. You'll make it worse."

"You've gotten taller."

"It's the shoes. Man, I'm so happy to see you. Where're the others?"

"Right here," Yuugi announced, gave Jou a reprimanding look. "He raced to the door before anyone could catch him. It was supposed to be a surprise party."

"Like a puppy," Anzu giggled.

"No, not like a puppy." He pinched her cheek for going there. "And what's the point of the surprise? She told us she was coming."

"It doesn't matter. I'm just glad to be here." She glanced at the long haired guy she didn't recognize. Squinting, she tried to place him. "Oh, my gosh! Honda? Is that you?"

"The one and the same. Like the new look?" He gave a spin, showing off.

"Yeah. I just—Wow. You look—"

"Stupid?" Jounouchi supplied.

"I was going to say like a sexy hippie. But I can see how you got stupid. I'm kidding," Anzu elbowed Honda when he looked wounded. "I missed joking around with you guys."

"And we missed you," Yuugi expressed warmly. "Something was delivered for you today," he remembered when they were alone. He pulled out a plain envelope and passed it to her. "I was told you'll know by whom."

Anzu grinned. "Yeah. I know who." Tucking it away, she walked into the living room, stopped dead when a figure moved in front her. She adored those dark eyes, missed seeing that electrifying grin. "Ren."

He came in for a hug, and when she opened her arms to accept him, he stared critically. "You've been slacking off. Are those the biceps of a dancer?"

"Well, they aren't a gummy bear's." She nearly squirmed under his gaze. "Alright! I may have gotten lazy in the last week. It's not my fault. Breakfast makes me sluggish."

"So toss out the muffin. It's not good for you anyways." When she pouted, he softened his expression. "Want that hug?"

"It wouldn't hurt now that you've insulted my body and eating habits." Anzu found his chest perfectly chiseled when she pressed her cheek against it. "How's the girlfriend?" she asked, drawing away.

"Changed her title. Now she's an ex-girlfriend."

"I didn't like her anyway. She only wanted you for your body."

Ren grinned cockily. "Don't they all? I've been single for six days and I'm enjoying it. The taste of freedom is damn near drugging."

"Totally."

He would've said something if Jounouchi hadn't chosen that moment to appear and disrupt the conversation.

"Quit hogging, Anzu, pretty boy. She's got the cut the cake."

"You guys got a cake?" Her sweet tooth suddenly erupted. "What kind is it? Chocolate? Marble? It doesn't matter. It'll still taste yummy."

"Don't go crazy," Ren called out. "We don't want you gaining five pounds before going back on stage."

"Party-pooper," Anzu grumbled, felt like complaining to Yuugi when he strolled up to her.

"You've got a guest outside," he mentioned.

"A guest?" she frowned momentarily. "Do they have cake or any other sweet that Ren's beady eye can't see?"

"It'd be a first." Ren chuckled.

She ignored him, turned back to Yuugi. "Well, do they?"

"Why don't you go ask?" he suggested, smiled sunnily when she continued to frown. "Go on."

"Fine." Anzu teetered along, a little miffed since she spied the bakery box and knew it was from Mari's. Huffing out a breath, she went outside.

He was standing by the car — a drool-worthy Maybach — with his tie loose and shirtsleeves rolled to the elbows. She could've melted into a puddle when he smiled at her in his superior way.

"Well, hello, stranger," she sidled up to him, cursing the heels she'd strapped on. They made her wobble in the most unattractive way. "Decided to drop by and welcome me home?"

"Something like that," Kaiba steadied her when she came close to breaking her neck. He gave the shoes a distasteful glance. "Why do you wear those things?"

"They make my legs look sexy."

"Your legs are fine the way they are." He gave them an appreciative glance. "Dancing does a body good."

Anzu murmured in agreement. "So what's up?"

"You were supposed to call me when your plane landed."

"Was I?" She pretended naivety. "I guess it slipped my mind. Sorry."

"I suppose it was your plan to somehow get me to Yuugi's place, celebrate your return like best buds over beer and pizza."

"We didn't get to pizza, but there's cake. You wouldn't happen to have one hiding in the car, would you?"

"One what?"

She rolled her eyes. "Never mind," And was about to add something when she noticed it. "Where are your glasses?"

"My what?"

"Glasses, Kaiba. The thing you use to see. Where are they?"

"I only need them for work. It's unnecessary to wear them every minute of the day." Plus, he detested them.

"Well that's too bad," Anzu replied, brushing a hand through her hair. "I'm a sucker for a man with glasses. And it helps if that man is severely handsome."

He quirked a brow. "Is that why you jump me every time I'm wearing them?"

"Why else?" She shrugged.

"I thought you were distracting me from work. Giving me a break, so to speak."

"Nope. I wanted you for my own selfish purposes."

Kaiba narrowed his eyes. "I see. I know better now."

"Come on. Don't pout."

"I am not pouting," he responded seriously.

"Whatever you say, honey." Anzu smiled brightly, her eyes glimmering with mischief. "Hey. Do you want to go somewhere?"

Kaiba glanced at Yuugi's place, then brought his eyes back to her stunningly blue ones. "Wouldn't you be missed? You are the guest of honor."

"They'll understand." She made a mental note to call Yuugi. "Hand over the keys." She held out her hand.

He stared at it. "No way. I value my life."

"No fair." Anzu stamped her foot, nearly tipped over. Kaiba's arm shot out to grab her. "Thanks. I'm a better driver than you."

"Is that so? I vaguely recall you getting into a number of accidents over the years."

She made a scoffing sound. "They were minor incidents and completely the other guy's fault."

"All twelve of them?" he inquired cheekily.

Her eyes blazed. "Yes. You know how reckless Americans are. Now give me the keys. I promise not to harm your precious ride."

He hesitated for a long time.

"Kaiba," Anzu growled having lost the patience she was proud of.

"Why is it you address me by my last name," he said, attempting to stall. "and not the first?"

"Because my tongue gets heavy when I do." She paused for a second, said, "Se-to." Only to giggle like a loon.

"You're drunk," Kaiba accused, pouncing on the opportunity. "You can't drive."

"Nice try," Anzu said dryly. "Have you forgotten that I abstain? Alcohol destroys your body and subsequently your career."

"Fine." He knew when he was boxed in. "Take it before I change my mind."

"Yay." She snatched them up, kicked off her shoes before strapping herself in. "Can't drive while wearing silts," she told him, answering the question so clearly written on his face.

"Thank the Lord." He leaned back and hoped they'd make it wherever with all pieces intact.

"You can open your eyes now."

Kaiba glanced out the window, frowned when he recognized Domino High. He turned to see her slipping on the stilts.

"You comin'?" she asked with a huge smile.

"Why, of all places, are we here?"

"'Cause this is where it started." She reached for his hand, lifted her head so she could stare into his eyes. "Where we started." And kissed him softly on the mouth.

"Want to go inside?" Anzu asked, pulling back.

Kaiba sighed. "What the hell."

"Do you remember how we got stuck in detention?"

"You were behaving like a bitch if I recall correctly."

"You don't," she argued with heat. "It was your fault. I'm sure of it."

"Just like a woman to blame the man."

"Because it's usually the man's fault. Anyway," Anzu continued, wanting to step away from that minefield. "If Mr. Takanori hadn't accidentally locked us in, we'd never be here, together as a couple. He was our cupid, don't you think? Of course, you caused his firing and —"

"I didn't."

She gave him a skeptical glance. "Yeah, you did, Mr. Forgetful. You insinuated you did that time in your office."

Kaiba shrugged a shoulder. "I may have led you to believe that, yes. But it was the principal who made the final decision. I offered Takanori a job at a local school I'm funding, but he declined saying he'd moved on to other things. Last I heard, he was a Dean at Domino University."

"Why have you never told me?"

"Forgot." Was all he said.

"Just as well." Anzu sighed. "Wanna take the tour?"

"No, thanks. I've been here far too long. Brings back unwanted memories."

"I'm surprised you have any since you were hardly here."

"True," he agreed with a wry smile. "But the times I was here, I felt like wringing necks. Yours, particularly."

"Always the charmer," she reached for the door, frowned when the door refused to budge. "We must have really bad luck," Anzu thought out loud, giving the handle another vigorous turning. "Hate to say it, but it appears we've got some major déjà vu."

"Don't kid," Kaiba nudged her aside gently. "Lightning never strikes twice."

"But apparently door handles can. Want to go up to our favorite classroom?"

"No." He was already rearing to kick down the door.

"Hey! Are you crazy? You'll damage the door."

He wheeled his eyes to glare at her. "That's what you're concerned about? The damn door?" The frown on his face darkened when she hesitated. "I recall this odd reaction from before.

"Well, I don't." Anzu folded her arms beneath her breasts. "My memory's not as good as yours. And in any case, I have a key."

"You have a key." he repeated slowly, ice frosting each word. "You deliberately deceived me."

"Yup. Hence, it's called a prank. You might not know what that is, but it's supposed to be funny."

"And was it funny, Anzu?" he queried silkily.

She nodded. "The panic in your eyes almost cracked my actor's mask. I wished I recorded it."

"Was it you who thought up this ridiculous prank?"

"Who else?" Anzu shrugged. "I'm the only one who should see your panicked face."

"You realize I'm going to seek revenge."

She grinned. "I knew the risks." She produced the key from the envelope Yuugi had given her. "You do the honors."

"How'd you get this?" Kaiba asked, disengaged the lock with a relieved click.

"I called in a favor — two favors, actually. The door had to be open when we arrived."

"I'd wondered about that."

"Then, while you were gawking, I managed to lock the door."

"Very crafty," he praised.

"I learned from the best," Anzu retorted with a impish smile.

"Mokuba," he deduced correctly. "That pest."

She giggled. "Where is he tonight? Hot date?"

"I believe so."

"So we have the run of mansion?" The look he sent her make her heart rate kick up a wild beat. "Breaking up that time was the right choice. We needed to focus on other things."

"Mm-hmm."

"I remember telling Jou that if we were meant to be, we'd meet again. And we did."

"Yes." He murmured, taking her hand now. "We were very lucky."

Anzy wrapped her arms around him in the moonlight, the Maybach like a sleek bodyguard. "I'm happier than I've ever been."

"Same here."

She withdrew to dangle the car keys in front his face. "Let's go home."

Kaiba snatched them from her. "I'm driving."

"Aww." But she climbed in. "Make a stop at Mari's. I never did get that cake."

A word from ladydolce:

I'm really sorry for not updating when I said I would. Technical difficulties on my end.

Anyway. Thank you everyone for supporting me and this story. It took me four years to finish, but I'm glad the way it turned out.

I always love a happy ending.

Please look forward to the next.