Journey of the Heart

By Estelle Stafford

"Ah," Tea groaned, her coat and suit were drenched. She was desperately trying to make her way to Kaiba Corp., were she had been working for four years as the great Seto Kaiba's personal secretary. He had not changed much. He was still cold and distant to most people, except now she was part of the exclusive group; she and he were very good friends. They still, of course, had their arguments over silly things, but that was part of their friendship.

Now turning to the problem at hand she could not even tell if she was on the right street. She had not paid attention to the forecast that morning, because she had been in such a rush to get to work. She had no clue it was going to rain. Now here she was, she had no money for a taxi; she had spent it all on other necessities like food, and school. "Oh why didn't I just go with Yugi," she whined. He had offered her a ride, but she had told him she would be fine. She just had not wanted to deal with him anymore. He had confessed his love to her a few days ago; of course she had not loved him, she does not really believe in love anymore (so she tells herself). She had a string of bad relationships, including one with Duke. She also had difficultly with friendships lately, especially now with Yugi wanting more from her.

He was sweet; however, there were just no sparks between them and he really never completely understood her. He could not understand why she quit pursuing her dreams of dancing to become a teacher. Plus it was obvious Yugi had a thing for Serenity, though he never would admit it. He always seemed a bit jealous when she is with someone else. So it just was not going to work, Yugi could confess his love all he wanted, but she knew he was just taking the easy way out. She just could not argue with him anymore. Now however, blinded, wet, and cold, it might have been better to deal with him. Then again… probably not, part of her was glad to be in the rain, because she had not wanted to deal with the pain that discussion always came with. It was just a mess, so she would rather be in the rain. Soaked, drenched, and frustrated, but no guilt or nagging, yes she would rather be in the rain.

She stumbles over her feet landing in a mud puddle, "Arg," she cried, "I'm late for work and I look like crap! Can it get any worse?" she shouted pulling herself up. She had not bothered wiping the mud off. It was pointless. She would have to change when she arrived at work anyway. She always kept some extra clothes in a container under her desk for emergencies.

She was sure Seto would not be too happy to see her late again, this week. He probably would not appreciate the wet dirt on his very expensive carpet, either. She was sure he would not fire her because, though he never would admit it, he needed her. He drove her nuts, but still she was pretty happy with her life. She in some strange way needed him too, including him driving her crazy. She kind of liked that he challenged her; most of her friends were incapable of that. They were typically too supportive for that. If they did challenge her it was usually something she needed their support on, so it was never a good thing. When she and Seto argued, it was usually for fun; sometimes it was because she needed someone to disagree with her. She never will admit that to him. She also kept him on his toes, and made sure he took good care of himself and Mokuba, besides financially.

Mokuba was graduating this year; Seto would probably need her even more. Seto was not attached too many people. He did not show it, but letting go his little brother was going to be really hard for him. He would need someone to make sure he did not try to do something stupid to get rid of the pain. She knew he needed her, though right now she was not sure if she wanted to face him.

"So this is what you are doing, walking around like an idiot in the rain," a cold voice proclaimed. She turned around, though she knew she would regret it, seeing her boss standing with an umbrella. Even with the rain, she could see the smug look he had.

"I'm not in the mood, you can yell at me, once were in somewhere warm. I'm cold, wet, and upset!" she snapped.

"A bit edgy aren't we?" he commented. Then he walked over to her, so they were both under the umbrella.

"Yes," she admitted and walked with him to the limo. It was kind of sweet of him to escort her, even though she was already soaked. She hesitated to get into the vehicle, because she was sure he would despised the mud in his nice limo.

"Get in," he commanded, "I'm having it clean tomorrow anyway," he added. She had done as told and scooted to the other side. She looked out the window as the vehicle moved. Seto was silent for a moment, but then, "so Yugi won't give up on you." He knows her so well.

She sighed as she turned to face him, "Yeah, he offered me a ride to work, but I didn't want to deal with him, so I declined."

"Hmph, so you decided you be late for work over a personal problem," he remarked.

She turned suddenly at him, glaring, "Oh please, I had a rough week can't you give me a break," she snapped, "I been working for you for four years, and have only missed a few days of work and I'm always on time and well I…I," she tried to think of something else.

"Always argue with me," he finished for her, "Gardener you need to stop letting your friends and bad relationships get in your way."

"My friends don't get in my way, nor do my bad relationships. I'm going to school aren't I?"

"And I suppose that is the only thing they could be possibly stopping you from getting?" he retorted sarcastically.

"Well, what else is there that I want?"

"Me," he stated. Her eyes widened. Was he serious? He could not have just said what she thought he said. Though, he was right, lately she wanted more than friendship from him. Though, she never would admit it.

"What!"

"Oh don't deny it Gardener, you know you thought about it. You and me as a couple, but you'll never let it happen, because your little friends won't approve."

"You are so full of yourself!" she exclaimed, "I'm not interested in you that way," she was flat out lying, and she knew it. She hoped he could not see through her lies.

He however did, "Don't lie to me!" he shouted as the limo came to a stop, "after all this time we spend at and off work together, you think I don't know you," he had soften his voice a little but still held his famous glare.

"So what?" she inquired, "What does it matter? You don't want me and…," she looked to see the expression on his face that revealed everything to her, "Or do you?"

He did not want to waste anymore time with meaningless words. He did not want to give her a chance to talk herself out of letting him in. He leaned in and gently kissed her. It was soft, and gave her the answer she needed.

"Oh I see, well uh," she began. She was speechless. He smirked she had nothing to say, one of the rare times in her life. He was sure.

"Don't ruin the moment Gardener," he stated getting out of the limo. Then he helped her out, making sure she didn't step in anymore puddles.

She did not love him yet, but she knew that one kiss would start to make her believe in the possibility. She wondered if he felt the same way. Looking at him, and touching a hand to her lips she had her answer. She smiled as she followed him into work leaving muddy foot prints behind. Seto looked at her and smiled. He would have to have his carpet cleaned again, but it gave him something to argue with her about. He was grateful to the rain without it he would have to have waited until that night to kiss her. He was not a patient man.

The End