DIS: This is building on some of the blocks I had in place from A Widow's Kiss, but also from a veryyyy older story, Whispers in the Night. However, it is not at all a full story, but intended as a short story full of yummy romance and no mystery to be considered. With that said, please read below and enjoy.

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itle: Clouded Waters

Rating: T

Genre: Romance

Summary: BakuraxAnzu. AU, Bakura Ryou was one of the most prestigious men in the ton and also one of the most desired by the women. Only one Anzu Mazaki has ever shown disinterest and all because she suspects him of using his resources to destroy her family.

Disclaimer: I do not own YuGiOh

Notes/Warnings: Bakura/Anzu; set in regency England; AU

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Clouded Waters

Prologue

Marik Ishtar blew out a stream of smoke from his lips, leaning against the black carriage stationed in front of the townhouse of one of the most well-known lords of the Polite World. His younger brother, Malik, was inside with Bakura Ryou, their closest friend. Out of the three, Bakura had the most dealings with business men of the ton, but in the end, Bakura was always the one who benefited the most from the compromises.

The three companions were considered blackguards to those in Society and were generally not looked upon lightly. They knew well enough what sort of people they were and with the exception of Malik, they despised them. Malik had a way with people that was infectious; he could glide amongst the most snobbish of people and be able to captivate them. It wasn't simply his beautiful looks that attracted people, but his smooth mannerism and how he spoke with them. Marik had never been able to mirror this talent of his brother's, as his temper prevented him from enduring too much from a person, not to mention his lack of patience with such people. Bakura simply chose not to associate with them unless necessary.

Marik flicked the cigarette to the ground and ground it down with his foot, slipping his hand in his great coat's pocket and withdrawing the pocket watch, flipping it open. His mouth thinned at seeing that he had been standing outside for nearly forty minutes. Tonight, this was more than a business deal. Bakura was aiming to maim this particular lord's life; he had the resources and Malik had the wits to pull it off. As long as they manipulated him into doing what they needed, their plan would work itself out with hardly any attention from them. Marik was to watch outside and make sure no one tried to contact the lord in the middle of the night, as he was prone to having visitors when no others could see them.

This is taking far too long, Marik thought irritably, snapping his watch closed and shoving it back in his pocket. Malik and Bakura should have easily been able to handle this. It shouldn't have taken them over a half hour unless the lord proved difficult and Bakura thought it better to threaten or kill him. Restless, Marik turned his gaze towards the townhouse, wondering at the intelligence of such an action. Killing was not something that any of the three feared to do, especially Bakura, but there were too many servants present to simply kill the man in the comfort of his own home.

Just as he was preparing to retrieve his pistol from the depths of his coat and enter the townhouse, the doors opened and his two companions stepped out, looking as nonchalant as they had when they first entered. Marik relaxed in relief and straightened, opening the door and slipping into the carriage. Bakura and Malik followed, the latter snapping the door shut. Bakura tapped on the top of the carriage and as it plunged forward, he settled in the seat across from the two Ishtar brothers and smiled at the eldest.

"It's been arranged."

Chapter One, Ruined

Anzu Mazaki lifted her teacup and took a sip, peering down at the Tattler that was on the table next to her. Her parents had taken breakfast upstairs in their chambers since they had been out all night at a ball. Although Anzu had made her debut into Society, she had yet to accept any gifts from the suitors that pursued her. She was ten and nine, soon to be at the age where she would be considered a spinster. Her younger brother, Otogi, was a year younger than her and had seemed perfectly comfortable with her being single. Her parents, on the other hand, worried that she would never come to learn of the happiness of marriage.

"Otogi," Anzu spoke to her brother, who sat across from her, eating a muffin. "Lord Hales has lost everything, including his estates. It doesn't say how, though, merely speculating. Everything in the Tattler is so vague." She handed him the paper across the table and he took it, frowning down at the article she had been reading.

"They are speculating that he devoted his money and estates to a failing investment in the Americas or that he gambled it away." He shook his head slightly, saying, "I have been to every gaming hell and lord's club there is and have never seen Lord Hale present. I doubt that it was from gambling and he isn't hurting for money, so there is no reasoning behind the assumption that he invested it all." He handed the paper back to her and she folded it, setting it aside. "It is likely untrue, especially if they have two possible reasons as to how he lost it all."

"Lord Hales attends all the balls and soirees, though," she reminded him, taking a biscuit and buttering it. She waved the knife a bit as she added, "Papa should know if it is a false rumor or not. Lord Hales and papa are well-known gentleman and likely move in the same circles; he will know."

Otogi shrugged carelessly and took a drink of his coffee, turning back to his own paper, the Times. By all accounts, Otogi was considered a roguish gentleman because of his gambling habits, not to mention the way he went to bed with women. Unlike Anzu, who had learned by Otogi himself, their parents learned through his reputation what type of man he was making himself out to be. Their mother, Sofia Mazaki, was appalled, as he was to inherit the title of Lord of York and she wanted him to turn out as much of a man as his father. Hathaway Mazaki, however, took it in stride, giving a simple warning to Otogi about managing his money in the hells. Whether he took it seriously or not was beyond Anzu's comprehension, as he rarely spoke about his financial state of affairs with her.

"What are your plans for today, Anzu?" Otogi questioned, peering over the newspaper as she bit into her biscuit. "Any suitors coming to pay you a visit to your knowledge?"

"I can't imagine so. They have begun to disappear lately and I don't blame them. They can find younger, more naïve women this Season. I am but a stubborn old maid to them." She smiled teasingly at Otogi's roll of his eyes. "And besides, you promised you would take me out to the park today. Papa can't go, so I need someone to escort me."

"I wasn't trying to deter you," he grumbled. "Do you not trust me? You can come with me for a minute, though, Anzu. I have to speak to a friend of mine before I do anything else today." She eyed him and then nodded, even though he hadn't asked her whether she would come or not. They finished their breakfast and then prepared themselves for going out. When they met at the door, Otogi told their butler, Albert, "Make certain to inform our parents of our whereabouts, won't you? I don't need them sending the Runners on us, thinking that we've been kidnapped for ransom." The solemn-faced butler merely nodded, handing Anzu her cloak. She tied it at the throat and the two stepped out of the townhouse, Otogi muttering, "One of these days, I am going to make him smile."

"One of these days, you'll provoke him into beating you over the head," she corrected. "Some of the things you say to him are really just rude. Poor Albert had to deal with us as kids..."

"Which is why I doubt anything we do is going to surprise him," he said, helping her into the carriage. He gave a location to their driver and then slipped into the seat beside her, closing the door and knocking on the top of the carriage. It lurched forward, rolling beside other carriages and horses. Anzu leaned forward, pulling the curtain back a bit to peer at the outside surroundings. "Anyway, I need to speak with a friend of mine. He's a bit older, but honorable enough, considering the type of people he associates with. I'd rather not leave you outside, so you will come inside with me. Does that sound alright to you?" Anzu let the curtain fall back and turned to smile at her younger brother.

"Of course. That's fine. I hardly ever get to meet your friends, Otogi, and they never pay any visits. It's a little irritating, to be honest."

"Most of them are older than me and I would rather not introduce you to men that will try to seduce you simply for sport. It's one thing when I do it to other men's sisters; they are not allowed to do the same to mine." She laughed at his irrational conclusion and relaxed in the seat, comfortable in the familiar carriage with her brother, whom she always had as a constant companion. Most siblings would drift away as they grew older, focused on their own dealings. When they were younger, Anzu and Otogi had only each other and even now, Anzu had to rely on her brother for companionship. She rarely was allowed out of the house by her parents, so Otogi often took time to escort her places and simply sit with her at home.

He is truly my best and truest friend, she decided. "It's not fair, you know," she told him. "Men can get married at whatever age they desire, but women are obligated to get married soon after they make their debut into Society. This is my fourth Season, Otogi, and still, every man I meet is dull."

"The interesting men usually are not very good husbands," he replied with complete seriousness. "It's better that you marry someone dull and have a comfortable relationship rather than deal with the irritations of a man who is bound to be doing all sorts of strange things with you and behind your back." She raised an eyebrow dryly at him and he shifted uncomfortably, seemingly aware that he had said too much on that matter. "Never mind... I don't care who you marry, Anzu, just so long as it isn't someone like me."

"Mmm," was her noncommittal response as she became uninterested in the conversation. She knew that Otogi was aware of the type of man that she was considered interesting and she agreed that it wouldn't be wise to get caught up in the affairs of someone like her brother. Otogi had taught her the intricate details of games in the gaming hell, explaining to her that it wasn't simply playing the cards that she had to focus on, but the other players, as well. There were certain actions that gave one an idea of their playing style; Anzu imagined that was how rakish males of the ton were with their women. She doubted she would live long enough to understand them as she did cards and the other games in the gaming hells.

The carriage came to a stop and Otogi pushed the door open, stepping out. He took Anzu's hand and helped her down. She glanced around quickly, surprised at their surroundings. She had been expecting to come to a bad neighborhood, but it looked similar to the one her family lived in. Anzu followed Otogi up the steps to a townhouse, her hand tucked in his elbow as he tapped the doorknocker against the metal on the door. There was a moment's pause before it opened and a maid appeared. "I'm expected by the earl," Otogi said, stepping through. "Tell him that Otogi Mazaki and his sister, Anzu Mazaki, have arrived."

The maid looked from one to the other and then curtsied, leading them towards a drawing room. She held up a hand to halt them and then slid the doors back, announcing, "Lord Otogi Mazaki and Lady Anzu Mazaki," stepping back to allow them entrance. Once they were in the drawing room, the doors slid shut behind them and Anzu found the eyes of the man they were visiting.

The earl that Otogi had come to visit was about as tall as Anzu, shorter than Otogi, and appeared to be older than them both. He had a warm expression, but his eyes were shuttered, holding in any emotion that he possessed. He greeted them with a smile and swept a gallant bow to Anzu, rising slightly to take her hand and brush a kiss over it. "A pleasure to meet the sister of my beloved friend," he said, straightening. She was briefly surprised by the deep thrum of his voice, but it didn't stop her from smiling.

"The pleasure is mine, my lord."

Otogi's mouth turned down irritably at the Earl of Avon, Yami, and briefly considered calling him out at dawn. He quickly dismissed that notion, however, because he wasn't usually one for duels and it was in Yami's nature to act as charming as he had with Anzu. He was naturally protective of his sister, especially since she was unmarried and had little experience in the world. Perhaps Yami saw that, because he released Anzu's hand and put some space between them. Belatedly, Otogi muttered, "This is Yami, the Earl of Avon, and a close friend of mine."

"You know people in high places," she remarked with a taunting grin meant ideally for her brother. "And I thought you just hung out with the most troublesome of men."

"Many times it is those in high places who are troublesome," Yami told her. "But, please – both of you sit. You're making me nervous standing at the door like that." He ushered to a divan and the two settled next to each other on it while Yami settled in a seat across from them. "Most men prefer the females in their life not to know of their finances, Otogi. Are you sure your sister should be present while we have this discussion? I mean no offense, of course, my lady."

"No, it's fine," Otogi assured. "I trust Anzu not to say anything to our parents." He glanced at her for confirmation and she nodded, understanding that this was a solemn matter.

Yami observed their close manner and after a moment, he leaned back against the side of the seat, his eyes passing between the two, younger faces. He was seven and twenty, having inherited the title of earl from his father when he died five years earlier. He might not have even begun associating with Otogi if he hadn't thought he was different than the rest of the young lords in the ton. Despite his immature, roguish impulses, he was, in fact, more clever than those of his age. There were times when Yami felt that Otogi could outsmart him, even. He had a feeling there was a hidden intelligence in his older sister, too, simply by the way she took up the mood in the room, her gentle features transforming into a calm, but solemn, expression.

"Very well, Otogi," he said at last. "If you trust your sister in being in the same room, then I will speak as I would have if she were not here." He thoughtfully twisted a lock of his fringe, his burgundy coloured eyes holding a bored expression. "The gaming hell that you have debts in was, to be completely honest, the worse possible place to get them." He glanced over and saw Otogi stiffen. "It is a very prospering business, and although the owner doesn't care who finds out about his identity, it did take some time. You have heard of the Ishtar family, I suppose?"

"Vaguely," Otogi answered. "Why?"

"The Ishtars no longer have parents. The matriarch of the family is supposed to be the eldest son, Marik, but since his past actions have been less than presentable, the youngest son has taken up this position. The eldest of the three siblings is Isis Ishtar and she happens to be married to the Earl of Huntingdon, Seto Kaiba. Usually, he would take up the matriarch position since he married the eldest, but because of some of the affairs the Ishtar brothers are involved in and because there is some conflict among the brothers with the earl, Malik holds the matriarchal position in the family."

"Forgive me, my lord," Anzu spoke up, "but what does this have to do with who owns the gaming hell? Are you saying that the matriarch of the Ishtar family is the owner?" Yami's eyes sharpened as he looked to her and Otogi appeared a bit confused by this conclusion.

"That is exactly what I'm saying." He reluctantly turned his attention back to Otogi, interested in how his sister had picked up on his blatant explanation and her brother had not. "Malik is, in fact, easier to deal with, but he is friends with Bakura Ryou and he is known to have a very good knack with business affairs. Marik actually is best friends with Bakura, far more so than Malik, but the three stick together like paste. I have spoken with them before. They are not your every day rogue, Otogi. When you do go to deal with the matters of your debts with Malik, I strongly advise you to allow me to come with you."

"If Malik is easier to deal with – "

"Bakura deals with some of Malik's finances," Yami interrupted. "When I say that, I mean to say that he deals with the repayment of debts. He may add interest or do anything he pleases. He could drop the debt altogether. Malik trusts him in this area and since he has a far more prosperous hell than Bakura or Marik, he needs more help. Marik and Bakura are partners in Marik's so-called business called the Pleasure Pavilions, so he also has financial control there. Oftentimes, the three get involved in each other's business simply because they have different areas of expertise."

"He seems to know a good deal about these people," Anzu said to her brother, looking at him through the corner of her eye. "I wish you would take him with you. It's better than going in blind, with no idea of who you're dealing with." Otogi's mouth pursed, resenting that she was right. He didn't want to go to meet this Bakura person without knowing what he was doing, but also had no desire to accept anyone's help. When he caught a glimpse of Yami's face, he could tell that the earl would fight to make sure that Otogi did not go alone.

Grudgingly, he conceded, "Yes, of course... It would be better if Yami came along." Yami's mouth tilted upward slightly and he inclined his head. "Anzu, I hope you don't mind, but I would rather get this finished now. If you take the carriage home - " He stopped himself, because he knew how much trouble that would put himself in if Anzu returned home alone. He grimaced and looked at Yami pleadingly, unable to find a solution himself.

"The lady is more than welcome to stay here while we go and handle this little dilemma," Yami smoothly offered. He smiled at Anzu. "You will be quite safe here, my lady. No one is to enter my townhouse without my specific instructions. I would say that you should go to this place with us, but I would not trust you in the carriage alone in that neighborhood. Does this suit you well enough?"

"I take your word for it, my lord," she answered. "My parents will be none the wiser." She turned to Otogi and smiled reassuringly. "Go with the earl, Otogi, but try and be quick. We should at least make an appearance at the park in case they try and prod into your business." The look on her face said that the only business that their parents would poke into was her brother's. He gave a nod and followed Yami out of the drawing room.

"The lady will be staying here while we go out," Yami told the maid that had answered the door. "Attend to her and make certain she is comfortable. We shouldn't be too long. Have the carriage brought out, too." The maid bobbed a curtsy and hurried away while Yami retrieved his greatcoat. At Otogi's puzzled expression, he explained, "Since it seems that secrecy is desired, it would be best we use my carriage. Your driver may be accessible by your parents and if they are so concerned with your affairs, I find it better if we use my resources."

"Yes...I suppose you are right," Otogi murmured absently. Once the carriage was brought around, they stepped out and slipped into the carriage before the driver of the Mazaki carriage could discern who had entered it. While the carriage rumbled through the streets of London, Otogi's mind drifted to his sister and her unintentional involvement. Anzu was neither faint-hearted, nor fearful of many things. From some of the things she overheard, she knew what type of world awaited her, but was brave and strong, no matter what the consequences. She had once helped him deal with a debt before by helping him manage his money. He hadn't allowed her into his financial affairs since then, so he was a bit uncomfortable with her knowing of them now. And it seems that I fell into a bigger ditch than last time by what Yami has told me, he reflected grimly.

"Your sister is something quite unlike the other women of the ton, Otogi," Yami commented in a casual tone of voice. The younger of the two darted a look to him suspiciously. "Yes...She is rather lovely, too. I'm surprised you brought her around to me at all. As we both know, I do enjoy my time with the ladies." He smiled at Otogi, knowing that his companion had picked up on his subtle warning. "How long has it been since her debut?"

"Four Seasons, with inclusion of her first." Yami nodded, absorbing the information. If she had been out in Society for so long, that could only mean that she was, by most standards, a woman of the world. "Yami, I am telling you now that I only allowed her inside with me because I trust you. Do not go after Anzu – she knows nothing of the type of people I am with, no matter how she thinks."

"Nonetheless, she fascinates me. We will see how things go, Otogi."

Once the carriage stopped in front of the gaming hell, they stepped out and Yami tapped his cane against his foot, gazing thoughtfully at the structure placed before them. There were only two sets of steps that led up to the building and men and women of all classes mingled in the crowds outside. Yami glanced at his companion with a slight smile before they ascended the steps, able to slip through the crowds of people without trouble, both of them skilled in such surroundings.

As soon as they entered the establishment, Otogi was a bit disgusted with how packed the hell was already. This was one of the most popular gaming hells that he knew of, with many men and a fair enough number of women. There was nothing decent about it like the gentleman clubs of St. James Street. No, this was a place filled with greedy and atrocious behavior. There were men set in the crowds as security in case of any conflict.

Yami led the way to the back of the hell where there was a staircase protected by two stony-faced men. "Is Malik Ishtar in? We have discreet business in which we must speak with him about." The two exchanged looks and then one left, returning briefly. Another man came down the stairs with him, one that Otogi knew was not Malik Ishtar and was not a part of the security. He held them with his heavy lidded, bored gaze. He moved gracefully like an exotic cat and his attire was that of a gentleman. Yami leaned over and murmured, "Marik Ishtar. He is the worst of them, so watch yourself."

"Yami," Marik drawled, pausing in front of them. He turned his eyes to Otogi, arching a brow. "And you've brought a little friend. He seems a bit young... I wasn't aware that your tastes were turning that way." He chuckled darkly and then turned, extending an arm in a sarcastically chivalrous gesture. "Please, come up. Malik and Bakura are upstairs. I'm not completely certain what business it is that you would have with my brother, but I'm sure it will be entirely entertaining."

The Earl of Avon chose not to give a response to this, moving forward with Otogi only a step behind. Marik followed them, his hands tucked in his pockets. There was the slightest smirk on his lips, as though he expected them to be his circus monkeys for awhile. He moved in front of them as they came to the stop of the steps to where a long corridor met them. He went to a door and flung it open, entering without bothering to tell them to enter or even give an introduction. They entered and out of courtesy, Otogi shut the office door, turning to feel three pairs of eyes fixed on them.

"Ah," the one at the desk murmured, rising to his feet. By the resemblance to Marik, Otogi assumed this was his younger brother, the matriarch of the Ishtar family. "I know who you are. You've been here several times, haven't you?" He dug in his desk and withdrew a few papers, waving them with a taunting grin. "And you've never been very lucky, either, I am guessing." He slapped the papers on the desk and the male on the other side of the desk, Bakura, took them up and flipped through them with a look of mild interest. "Come to pay the debts, then?"

"Something like that," Yami replied for him. Malik turned his gaze to Yami with an amused expression. "We've come to compromise. I know how much you enjoy compromises, so shall we talk?"

"We don't compromise unpaid debts," Bakura answered, snapping the papers to the desk, thumping them with his knuckles. "He has put off paying them for some time, it appears, and the last time he came here was over a month ago. Do you honestly believe he is in any position to compromise, Yami?" He tilted his head, a sinister look flashing across his face. Otogi knew instantly that he hated Bakura. Malik was at last somewhat civil and Marik, despite his insulting greeting towards Yami, was nothing like their third party member. His voice was rough and the looks of him screamed 'danger' and made every nerve of Otogi's on edge. "And anyway...We don't accept lawyers in speaking of debts. Let the boy talk for himself."

Yami inclined his head, accepting the dismissal readily enough. Otogi fixed his cold expression to Bakura, who took it in with a small smirk. "As I understand it," he said in a steady voice, "the reasons to why I have been missing from the establishment are hardly of any relevance. Furthermore, contrary to what Yami might have believed, I never came to make any sort of compromise. I earned those debts myself and intend to pay them."

"Do you know exactly how much the sum is once you combine each of these?" Malik asked, tapping the papers. "My Lord Otogi Mazaki, if you had paid these separately, I would not have cared. You left them for far too long and I have heard that you pay your debts in the other hells. But, you see, as I understand it, you have never let them accumulate as you did here."

"I had other things that needed to be dealt with before I could pay the money here. I thought to gain money here and when I didn't, I had to leave it as a debt. Again, it is none of your concern why it has taken me such a long time to return to deal with the problem. I am here now, so why bicker over such idiocy?"

"Because I am a busy man, my lord," Malik returned in a calm voice, "and even though you consider it idiocy, I consider it of great concern. Here; look at them and understand exactly why I am stressing this matter so much. If I were my brother or Bakura, I would have sent men after you. Instead, I waited for you to come to me. Be thankful for that." Malik held the papers out for him and Otogi hesitated a second before moving towards the desk and taking them. "I would prefer for you to pay it all at once, but I am willing to compromise, as Yami suggested."

"This cannot be right," he murmured, raising his head with a fearful look in his emerald depths. "I could not have gambled away so much money and left these debts sitting here! You must have added these on yourself." Malik held up his hands, showing that he had no business with the papers that Otogi held.

"He is not the one who deals with debts," Bakura said from beside him. "I am, and yes, I did add some. You have left them for too long, Otogi Mazaki, so I added interest. It is your own actions that caused it to rise to such a number." Otogi clutched at the papers, seeing his knuckles whiten. "Perhaps you ought to learn to play better."

"I play fine," he snarled, whipping around to glare at Bakura. The rogue simply smiled at him, his eyes glittering with malicious amusement. Turning away to face Malik, he demanded, "What compromise are you willing to offer, Ishtar?"

"Four payments," he answered, taking out a sheet of paper and writing something with his ink pen. Otogi watched as he dipped the pen into the ink bowel and heard the scratch of pen on paper as he wrote. "Four payments to clear the debts completely and I will be satisfied." He signed his name with a flourish and then dipped the pen into the ink again, handing the pen to Otogi to sign. He gave a small sigh and then signed it, albeit with reluctance. "There will be no battling with this, Otogi," he said as he copied the contract to another sheet of paper and signed it. Otogi signed that one, as well, and while Malik kept the first, Otogi kept the second. "This is in ink and paper. I expect the first payment tomorrow. If it does not come, whether by messenger, yourself, or mail, I will presume that you are not agreeing with your signature and will proceed to using force. Do you in anyway not comprehend me?"

"I understand just fine," Otogi bit out. "You'll have your first payment."

"Excellent. I'm glad this was resolved so peaceably." He slid the contract into a drawer in his desk and sat back in his chair, a smirk lighting his beautiful features. "Oh, and if you come by another time, I expect you to be alone. You can leave now."

"Goodbye, Otogi Mazaki," Bakura purred, laughing at the look he received from the young male.

End Chapter One

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DIS: Again, this is only intended as a short fiction, based on a lot of the ideas in the aforementioned stories. I'm posting this first chapter as a sort of "test drive" to see how well it is received, so please drop a line and let me know how you feel about it, etc., etc. Ciao!