Discalimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh

Hold Back

by Emo Strain

It was a starry night when a large cruise is sailing at the velvety midnight blue ocean. Fireworks erupted at exact eight o' clock pm. The cruise in the enchanting ocean sequined with fireworks made a perfect place for romance. Only the most affluent people in the world are in the ship. Elation is felt through chatters, laughs, world-class cuisine, wine and classical music. Amidst the crowd, a redhead beauty descended at the stairs in her divine white long gown. Serenity Wheeler is an heiress of the leading cruise ship in the world. As expected for an heiress, she is sophisticated, modest and exceptionally beautiful. Attention of the crowd is diverted to the lovely vision descending.

Making haste because dinner is approaching, Tristan an engineering student and sidelines as a waiter skillfully paved his way against the crowd. Unexpectedly, Tristan spotted a heavenly being come down on stairs. Like the multitude, the waiter couldn't help but stare at the heiress and a part-time model. Not able to contain admiration and at the same time helplessness to his long-time crush he muttered, "An impossible dream".

It is well known that Serenity is venerated by numerous men for she is perfect. Seto Kaiba swiftly stride at the base of the stairs and waited for his fiancée. Serenity beamed at her handsome fiancée but Seto is devoid of any emotion. She isn't bothered though since she got used to it for almost a year.

At the corner of the ship, a single tear rolled down at Tèa Gardener's cheek. Tèa faced the ocean, hopeful to regain her senses and prevent her from breaking down.

"Yami…" a whisper engulfed by the claps of the people for the perfect couple is beginning to dance. Occasions like this reminded her broken relationship.

Yami is a wealthy businessman whose riches can be compared to a Pharoah's. He conquered Duel Monsters by defeating the former champion Seto Kaiba. Yami and Tèa met when they were in high school. Tèa is smitten by his determination, courage and value on friendship. They are about to be married in a month but Yami backed out because he felt that there is something missing.

"I hope you find in Egypt what you're looking for… because I'll be waiting for you…" murmured Tèa hopeful that the wind will carry the message to her beloved.

With a sigh, Tèa left her sanctuary and headed for the dinner table to join the perfect couple. In the course of walking, Tèa is aware of the whispers and glances of distaste thrown at her. Since they broke up, many false accusations were invented by jealous individuals to take her down and the elite society seemed to believe.

She is used to falsehood accusations and doesn't bother to clear her name since she did nothing wrong. Tèa being self-reliant did not let the issues get on her way. For no one can make her inferior without her consent.

"Cousin, are you alright?" a concerned voice from Serenity.

"I'm alright cous'" assured Tèa.

"You know what I think? Without me, this party will be as boring as the music playing right now" answered Tèa with wink.

Serenity paid attention to the music being played and concluded Tèa is right since she saw the reason why Otogi is not following her. The business tycoon decided to doze off at the shoulder of plump politician… with a drool.

Across the table, the person sitting beside her cousin emitted a constrained chuckle at the disgraceful sight of his business rival. The phrase "rare event" is an understatement when the Great Seto Kaiba chuckled. Serenity felt that her cousin's presence really made the evening more interesting.

Tèa chatted Serenity like there is no tomorrow and Seto mutely paid attention to their conversation. The food was sumptuous and dinner went well until a waiter accidentally grazed the sauce-filled platter at Seto's suit. Tristan was so nervous in serving food with Serenity up close thus prevented him to concentrate on his job. Tèa noticed what happened and couldn't blame the guy.

"What a dimwit!" spat Seto at the waiter. The poor waiter is fervent in muttering apologies to the man capable to fire him. Tristan badly needed this job to sustain his studies and help his father. He wanted to bang his head for being careless and making a fool of himself in front of Serenity. Serenity is busy tending the expensive suit of Seto and at the same time cast a worried glance for the waiter. A snarl from Seto's throat came and Tristan prepared himself for the dreaded words, "You're -".

"Seto!" an impulsive shout came from Tèa. Seto shifted his glare to the brunette sitting across.

He is very annoyed that this blue-eyed rebellious brunette is the only person who is not intimidated by his glare and even has the nerve to shout and then glare at him. Seto know Tèa Gardner very well. They have been classmates in high school, both of them disagreed when there is a discussion in class and not long before he liked how she treated him. Unlike the pathetic people surrounding him, Tèa Gardener courageously stands for her right and daring enough to shift her studies from business administration to dancing. Her parents extremely discouraged her rebellious act, however Tèa being stubborn went overseas to escape and finish dancing lessons at New York. Later on, Tèa felt guilt therefore she returned to finish her business administration course. Now, Tèa is expected to run the Gardner Corp. hotel, real estate and cars when her father retires this year.

Seto redeemed his senses when he felt Tèa is burning holes in his head. Right there, he realized something. The two of them cannot stand each other and if both them will be thrown in an isolated island… he'd rather commit suicide.

Should I continue? (--;)