HEEYY. I did say I wanted to update this chapter. I'm planning to do the rest of the chapters with updates too. To be honest... I think this one came out a lot better than the first. XD But I'll let you guys be the judges. (I'll be working on re-writing the chapters in the meantime when I can.) Edit: btw yes there are some subtle changes here from the original chapter. (They really turned out better. XD)
Anyways enjoy! Note I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh... you know just this silly little plot.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-00000000000000~~~~~~~~~~~~`0000000~~~~~`
It was early morning, a perfect day to sleep peacefully and be unaware of the world around. It was certainly that way for a certain brunette-haired girl whom was sleeping comfortably. Nothing could break this relaxing and comfortable state of serene peace…
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP
"Ugghhhh…" She groaned. Her hand stuck out and started to clumsily to find the object disturbing her sleep. She fumbled for it nearly knocking it off the stand. She found it after a time and yanked it back under to look.
It was quiet for a few seconds.
Then all chaos broke loose. She shot up like a rocket at the space station with a cry of panic. Her pjs ruffled from her comfortable sleep and her eyes wide with panic.
"WHAT!?" She screeched. "OH NO NO NO NO NO!"
The girl, Tea Gardner shot out of the bed, stumbling. She tossed the clock onto the bed. She raced into the bathroom. Taking care of her hygiene first was important, brushing her teeth, combing out her bedhead in a rush. Once that was finished, she rushed to the closet, flinging open the doors. She grabbed the uniform and tossed it to the bed, nearly crashing into it. She wrestled out of her pajamas and into her uniform. She hopped around the room, trying to pull up one of the knee socks. She grabbed the other and her bag and rushed down the stairs. She wrestled the other sock on, as she hopped to the kitchen to pick up a quick snack. She was slipping and sliding all over the floor.
"Tea! Please be careful!" She heard her mother call out from the living room.
"Sorry Mom!" Tea called out. She grabbed her shoes and her bag and rushed out the door. "Bye Mom!"
After it closed, she started to hop about to get her shoes on, it was a funny sight. Once that was set, she took off running. Out of her rotten luck she would be late for school! Ugh why didn't she set the alarm earlier? She managed to eat the snack on the way and continued to run. She'd be in shape after this. She was sure she'd be late! It'd be the first time, but she wasn't going to let it happen. It took a few minutes before the school came into view, right across the street on the other side. She took a chance and ran across the street to reach the school. She heard a slowing of a car with screeching tires. She saw a car slowing to a stop.
"EAH!?" She screamed, doing a side jump to avoid getting hit as it slammed the breaks.
"I'M SORRY! I'M SO SORRY!" She screamed before hopping sideways to the school before running to it. She didn't have time to look back to see whose car it was. Tea was worried about being late first. She about crashed into the door pulling it open and running in. She slowed to a jog to try and catch her breath. But she did notice how… noticeable empty it seemed. She noticed the few teachers there but there were hardly even students. What was going on? She went to her locker to get out her first hour books, still confused at the silence in the halls. She did hear some footsteps, but she paid no mind to it.
"Trying to get hit this morning Gardner?" She heard someone say. It was a low male's voice that she recognized. She turned her head to see the tall brown-haired male. His icy blue eyes hard with his look of arrogance. That expression belonged to one person, Seto Kaiba. The Kaiba corp CEO seemed to pause to give her a look of irritation. She sighed turning back to her locker.
"Sorry, I was in a rush okay?" She told him. "I didn't want to be late…"
"You're a hazard." He hissed, pushing past her. She scowled after him, before getting out the books she needed. She almost dreaded that she had to follow him to the classroom, after all they did have first hour together.
"...Sorry Kaiba…" She mumbled under her breath before making her way to the same classroom. Apologizing was almost painful, he was so arrogant. Especially to her and her friends. She couldn't get a read on the guy, nothing he did made sense. Especially when he seemed so hung up on the past. It seemed that way to her. She entered the classroom and just as she did, she saw how empty it was. Besides Kaiba in his seat and getting out a book she was sure she'd seen at least a couple hundred times. It then occurred to her. She was early… a lot earlier than she thought. If Kaiba was there before she was, that meant she was at least an hour early. She checked the clock and it was just that. It was awkward being there before anyone else, especially with the uncomfortable company. The girl moved forward to place her things at her desk, maybe she'd wait for her friends to arrive. She thought to move out of the room. The other student wasn't going to be much company much less conversation.
"It's not very common to see the cheerleader early." She heard him say. She turned to look at him with a huff, he wasn't looking at her but that wouldn't stop him from commenting. "Get tired of hanging around late with the dweeb squad?"
"For your information my alarm went off early…" She snapped back. "I thought I was going to be late!"
"Yes and nearly getting hit with a car was a part of your plan?" She glared at him, that didn't seem to faze him at all.
"Look I'm sorry but I didn't even see your car!" She told him. He looked up from the book annoyed, his nose scrunched up to match the expression.
"It's called looking both ways or did your parents fail to tell you that?" He retorted. She felt her face go pink with anger. That wasn't fair! She wouldn't admit how much that comment hurt.
"I'm SORRY." She told him. "Your driver didn't hit me and I didn't cause an accident."
"Lucky for you." Kaiba returned his gaze back to the book.
"...And also my friends aren't dweebs." She muttered, shaking her head. "And they don't get here late… they always make it…"
"I beg to differ, Gardner." She turned away from him and sat down at her desk. She didn't know why she wanted to even stay. It'd just give Kaiba more of a reason to pick on her. She set the books on the desk and double checked the homework they had assigned. Everything seemed correct and all in order. She tucked it back into the front page of the book for safe keeping. She rested her arms on the desk and leaned forward on them. She did hope for her friends to arrive soon, sitting in the room with the arrogant CEO behind her wasn't ideal. She avoided to make any sounds to encourage the conversation… not like there was any. She buried her face into her arms letting her thoughts take over…
"Pouting now are we?" Never mind that idea. She glanced back up, her eyes narrowed at the chalkboard.
"...Why are you bothering me?" She asked.
"Because that mutt you call a friend isn't here yet. I need some entertainment." She heard him say. She growled under breath and felt her fingers grip the fabric of her sleeves in aggravation.
"Leave me alone." She retorted tartly.
"Oh touchy." He mocked. She had it with the attitude, so she stood up with force and stormed over to his desk. She slammed her hands on the surface to get his attention. He didn't even flinch as he looked to her unamused.
"Quit it!" Tea hissed. "I've had enough of you picking on me and my friends!"
"..." He matched her gaze with his own, unamused and unfazed.
"What is your problem with me and my friends!? We've done nothing wrong to you!" She snapped.
"Are you lecturing me?" He said, smirking. "This outta be good."
She growled and couldn't stop herself from lashing out and grabbing a hold of his collar, lifting it up only a tad. He still wasn't fazed at this and she was still angry.
"Listen here, none of my friends are losers! I know you think they are but you are wrong! You don't have a right to insult them! They're good people and always have good intentions! We've helped you in the past! Why can't you just understand that!?" She told him off. "As I said, we've done nothing wrong to you!"
"... Are you done yet?" He asked, bored. She blinked, her anger disappearing right at his expression. He set the book down and moved his hands to her wrists, gripping them firmly to remove her fingers from the fabric. He then pulled her down to his level, his gaze hard. She froze at the intense expression.
"Now you'll listen to me, Gardner. Let me clue you in on a little secret, if I hadn't lost to Yugi… Then I really wouldn't be bothering you or your friends." He told her sternly. "As for the insults.. Well you wouldn't be getting those either now would you? I'd still be the strongest duelist and we'd all go our separate little ways. Tell me if I'm wrong."
She was speechless, he made his point loud and clear. He hadn't let her go, despite how uncomfortable she suddenly felt.
"...But… But…" She stuttered. He narrowed his gaze at her, pulling her closer til they were nearly nose to nose.
"Don't even argue anymore… you've lost this one. I've proven my point." He told her, finally letting her go. She pulled back, lightly rubbing her wrists not locking onto his gaze despite how hard his own was on her.
"...That doesn't give you the right to continue picking on us." She retorted, narrowing her own gaze, off towards the side. "We didn't do anything-"
"Try again." He told her sharply. "You don't get to tell me what to do."
"...You know what, I might!" She retorted. He smirked and laughed at her. Her expression soured at this. She already felt humiliated! What was he laughing at? He leaned back in the chair.
"You want to know something? You are entertaining to annoy. You're the only girl whose got any guts to stand up to me, without running away and crying. It's almost funny… the only girl that isn't a fangirl trying to tell me what to do, is Yugi's little cheerleader." She felt her face flush pink again in anger.
"That's… so rude!" She snapped, folding her arms tightly.
"Whatever you say, now go back to your seat… the bell is about to ring." He turned back to the book. "
"Ngggrrhhh…" was all she could mutter as she went back to her seat. 'That jerk!' Her thoughts screamed. She sat down and tried to forget what he told her. He wasn't right was he? Students were starting to pile in, little by little. Including her friends. She could over hear their chatter, it did help her mood improve.
"Look… I'm telling you Joey that it won't help." Said the familiar voice of Tristan Taylor.
"And I'm tellin' ya that you know nuttin'!" snapped the voice of Joey Wheeler.
She turned to see them just enter, Joey was hiding something away from Tristan. She gave a smile and a wave as the group headed her way. Yugi Muto was the first to approach giving a wave of his own.
"Hiya Tea!" greeted the blonde.
"Hey guys." She greeted right back.
"You seem to be here early… like that's a surprise to us." Tristan commented, putting a hand behind his neck to rub it.
"Ha ha ha… so what were you guys arguing about earlier?" She asked.
"Eh heh heh…" Yugi said, nervously. "Well… you see… Joey thinks that if he keeps this lucky rabbits foot keychain then he will become really… really lucky… and Tristan was arguing that it won't do any good…"
But he moved over to whisper, cuffing one hand over his mouth.
"But I'm pretty sure he just wants it."
Tea gave a few giggles as her friend gave a sweat drop at the explanation.
"Oh come on Yugi… that's not fair. You know I like that color and it does look really cool too…" Tristan said, eyeing the dark blue key chain in Joey's hand.
"To bad… you ain't getting it." Joey retorted, holding the keychain out of his view.
"You guys… that is just like you to fight over a keychain." She told them with a smile.
"Yeah… that's kinda the sad thing too." Joey snorted with a goofy grin. The bell rang once more and the group looked up.
"Well we better get to our seats before we get ourselves late." Yugi suggested, moving to his seat. He gave Tea a wave before sitting down.
"Agreed, Yuge. We'll see you later Tea." Joey said with a wave of his own and hurried to his seat much like Tristan.
Tea snickered again before the bell rang for the final time. Students rushed to their seats and prepared for what today held. Though… a pop quiz wasn't idea for them all. Tea wasn't affected, she was fairly smart. She wasn't a genius like Kaiba but she could hold her own in classes. She had top grades but again not much considering Seto Kaiba was the top dog there. The entire class let out a groan except for said genius. As the teacher passed out the quizzes to go down the rows, Tea didn't feel at all threatened with this. She took a look at hers as she passed the rest down. 'I know this! We studied it yesterday, ha ha I'll bet Joey and Tristan aren't going to do so well,' She thought, with a small smile. She then started as the teacher called it, it didn't take her long to complete at all. She finished a bit before everyone and turned it over, setting her pencil down afterwards. She figured that the only other person that finished was Kaiba but of course he would. Yugi seemed to follow shortly afterwards and just wait. She rested her chin on her palms as she waited for the rest of the class to finish. It did give her time to think about what Kaiba had said to her earlier. 'Is it true? If Yugi didn't beat Kaiba then… would he really be bothering us? …..Tea! Snap out of it! Don't let him get to you that easily! Be strong! Besides… he started it first!'
"Time's up class, now set your pencils down." Said the teacher.
After all the quizzes were collected, class began. It was the everyday lecture on the new lesson. After an hour, first hour had ended and all the students grabbed their things and headed off to their next class. As she was gathering her things, said CEO bumped into her; she was sure it was on purpose, knocking a book out of her hands.
"Watch what you're doing Gardner. Better hurry up if you're going to second hour. Don't want to be late do you?" He taunted moving onwards.
She ignored him and grabbed what she had dropped, she wanted to get away from him now. She could see Joey scowling after he left as the three boys approached afterwards.
"What is with him!? Doesn't he know that he should mind his own business!?" Joey snarled out. He gave Tea a hand in getting a book to her as they went to exit the class. "If moneybags gives you any more problems, you let me know Tea."
"Joey! I can handle myself just fine… especially against Kaiba. So don't worry about me." She reassured him. "I'll see you guys later okay?"
She hurried to the next class, thankfully she didn't have it with the arrogant male. Joey was there in it and he always made sure to claim the seat next to his friend. It was funny but it worked to their advantage as they always did well working as table partners. However, there was some dread… she had third hour with Kaiba with none of her friends around. She was going to despise that class, he was just going to taunt her. Second hour went by decently and with luck they had no homework for it. She bid a wave to Joey as they parted ways to their next classes, she dreaded going to third hour. And low and behind, there he was already there. He was just taking his seat as she entered with a few others. It was just her rotten luck that her seat was right next to his. She made her way there and took the seat without as much as a word to him. Not that it would stop him from saying anything.
"Looks like the cheerleader made it." He stated sarcastically. She glanced at him, to see he had his gaze ahead. His hands folded neatly in front of him.
"Shut up and leave me alone." She hissed under her breath.
"You either woke up on the wrong side of the bed or you're just upset that I'm always right about your geeky friends." Kaiba taunted once more. She narrowed her eyes at him from the side.
"I already told you to leave them alone, they're not losers." She snapped at him.
"Ooooh… someone's seeming to forget something, or are you really that ignorant?" He gave his own narrowed glare at her.
"I haven't forgotten." She snapped, huffing "You don't let me forget… it's in the past, just let it go and move on. You're so hung up on something that's just ridiculous. You're not going to be the best at everything so quit being arrogant about it."
She could hear his chair move at that but didn't dare look over at him, she looked to the door to try and ignore him. Though that became difficult when she realized he was towering over her. One hand firmly planted on her chair the other in front of her. She looked to see him with a hard glare in her direction. He wasn't that far from her.
"That is not for you to decide Gardner!" He hissed. "You know nothing about it and you have zero right to tell me what to do. Are we clear?"
She didn't say a word as he finally sat back down and face forward, his expression unreadable but his shoulders tense. She did the same and said nothing more, testing him wouldn't be wise. He clearly had her intimidated for the time being. She knew he had an obsession to be the best but it was ridiculous how far he was willing to go for it. Tea wasn't expecting him to get right in her face about it… it didn't make sense. Did this have something to do with his past or was he just trying to be better than everyone else? The hour went by slowly as did the rest of her classes. She couldn't get rid of the words and they way he said them. There was definitely more to Seto Kaiba than he let on. But he was so guarded against her and anyone else that seemed to try and offer to help. What was his deal? After the day ended, students were rushing out in freedom of the day. They had one more day before break and they couldn't wait. Tea had met up with the other three boys and they were exiting the school together.
"Man! It feels good to be out!" Tristan said, throwing his hands into the air.
"Yer telling me! FREEDOM!" Joey shouted, doing the same as Tristan.
"Yeah!" "Oh definitely!" Tea and Yugi agreed. As they walked, she caught sight of Kaiba exiting and heading to the long black limousine. She debated on whether not she should get an answer to what was with him. She had tried to be his friend, but he pushed her away like everyone else. 'You know what? I think it's time I got some answers! You're not going to push me away this time Kaiba!' She thought before taking off towards the car. She heard her friends call out in confusion to her. Just as he got in she slid forward and blocked him from shutting the car door. Kaiba was taken off guard and glared at the girl with wide-eyed surprise.
"Gardner!? What are you doing!?" He demanded.
"Kaiba, I want some answers!" She demanded right back. "What is with you being so hung up on this ordeal anyways huh!?"
"Get. Out. Of. The. Way." He ordered, his eyes flashing in irritation. She didn't budge, even though he had his hand on the door handle ready to shut it. Tea wasn't going to budge and she could see her friends trotting over as well.
"No!" She replied tartly. He narrowed his gaze.
"Get out of the way of the door or else." He warned. She didn't budge.
"I said no!" She snapped. He gave a shrug and rolled his eyes, but the annoyance was still there.
"I warned you." He told her bluntly before grabbing the front of her jacket and yanking her into the car. She squealed in surprise as she was pulled across the seat and the car door were shut. She flailed for a few seconds before he seemed to trap her against his chest. She was stuck as her foot was planted against the door and her arms getting held still by his stronger grip.
"Roland let's get going before the mutt decides to break the door." Kaiba told the driver, ignoring the squirming girl. Tea's face went pink with anger, what did he think he was doing!?
"KAIBA! LET TEA GO!" She heard Joey yell as his palm hit the car. "GET BACK HERE WITH HER!"
"Lose the monkey boy and his gang of chimps." Kaiba ordered his driver. Tea struggled more against the man holding her down, but it seemed like a waste effort as he held tight. But the girl wasn't going to quit. 'He's holding me hostage!' Her foot was planted on the door right below the window as the other seemed to plant somewhere underneath it. She tried to get an arm free to push him off. He held her firm against him, but her squirming was beginning to annoy him. She tried to struggle once his grip re-adjusted on her. He growled and the two ended up on floor of the limo. It took some time; the girl was a bit stronger than he thought but he finally had her wrists and pinned her. She gave an aggravated noise as she couldn't move now. Her cheeks were tinted pink in her frustration, all she wanted was answers!
"Kaiba let me go!" She all but screeched.
"You're persistent." He grunted. "Persistently annoying…"
"GET OFF!" She snarled. The brunette struggled against the CEO, curse him for being stronger. Her legs tried to kick out, but she had barely any room. She twisted as she could, but he wasn't letting go. What was the meaning of holding her captive!? "GET. OFF!"
"What's your deal? Desperate for my attention all of sudden?" He teased with a dark sense of humor. "I didn't realize you were a secret fan."
"WHAT!?" She screeched. The red tinted on her cheeks betrayed how she really felt. "IN YOUR DREAMS KAIBA!"
She flailed more under his grip more so, Tea wanted to smack the smirk off his face. She wasn't giving into him, the fact he wasn't budging just made her angrier. He pinned her wrists back down right by her head. She huffed, still red-faced at her situation. She didn't like it at all, it was embarrassing.
"Now…" He frowned. "You want to explain what you were doing?"
"I wanted answers! But now I want you to get off me!" She demanded. If she could just kick him off her, then she'd have a chance. But she didn't see an opening.
"As I said… you're persistently annoying… didn't your parents ever tell you to stay out of other peoples' personal business?" He scolded her. She glared hard at him for this. She was not going to stand for this! "My past is none of your concern."
"QUIT IT!"
"Oh is the little cheerleader mad? Isn't that cute? Too bad it won't do you any good now." Kaiba taunted. She just about had it with this, she was starting to understand Joey's aggravation with him. She managed to get her knee up, finally into his lower abdomen. His gaze darkened. "Don't you dare."
"I said… QUIT IT!" She managed to knee hard enough for him to grunt in pain. It wasn't below the belt, but it'd hurt for sure. She used her knee to try and push him up and off her, but he wasn't budging. He didn't have abs of steel now did he? Tea wasn't going to quit. She tried to give a few more hits before finally he let her go with a grunt, falling back to the door. She scooted away now she was free. Red faced and embarrassed, she folded her arms tightly. Kaiba wasn't going to get the better of her, no way and no how. She was better than this. He rubbed the spot where she had nailed him, a glare thrown her way.
"You brought this on yourself Tea. You don't know when to leave things alone." Kaiba had his icy blue gaze on her, which did make her shift uncomfortably, but her expression didn't change.
"Well neither do you…" She huffed. Two could play this game. But also, admittedly it was a surprise to hear her first name from him, he ever rarely said her first name.
"Whatever. Answer me this then." Kaiba was leaned back against the door of the limo, his hand still resting on the sore spot the girl's knee assaulted. "What is wrong with you?"
"...You know what? I don't have to tell you anything." She replied tartly, looking away.
"Quit acting like a child then." He scolded her once more. "You're acting like that mutt Wheeler. I didn't think you'd go that low."
"Don't you dare insult my friends again!" She snapped. He rolled his eyes before moving back onto the car seats. She didn't want to sit on the floor anymore, so she moved to the seats as well. She had her arms folded against her chest again. Tea looked out the window to see that they were somewhere in a neighborhood.
"Mr. Kaiba sir." The driver said suddenly. "I wish to inform you that we have lost the three boys chasing us."
"Good."
She sighed and looked to the window again, she had a scary thought of him knowing where her house was. Nooo… he couldn't, could he?
"I think you do owe me an answer still." She looked over to the cold eyed male. "What prompted you to do such a ridiculous thing? Don't tell me… this isn't a 'friendship' ordeal is it?"
"..." She found herself not answering but turning back to the window. What could he do to her anyways? Not really much.
"...You are being childish." She pursed her lips tightly, trying to ignore him. "Why else are you refusing to answer like an adult? Then again I suppose it's a given who your 'friends' are it's easy to assume you've been influenced by them. Sad little thought there isn't it?"
"..." She grit her teeth hard. Maybe ignoring him wasn't such a good idea.
"Looks like I'm right once again. Poor little Tea, you're so unlucky to be exposed to such silly things." He continued to taunt. "You're the unfortunate specimen of the geek squad."
"Stop it!" She snapped. She whirled in her seat to face him. "Will you just stop it!?"
"And look at that. You're even becoming riled like that poor excuse of a mutt Wheeler." There was that smirk she so badly wanted to slap off. "You poor thing."
She found herself trying to lunge at him, but he was quicker and grabbed her wrists before she had a chance to. That all knowing smirk still in place. Her face was still tinted pink, showing how frustrated she was becoming.
"Shut. Up." She hissed. He only chuckled at her expense. "Stop insulting my friends to my face Kaiba! You're just being a jerk, taunting not only me but everyone else! What is it you really have against us!?"
"I guess you have a thick brain to get through Gardner, need I repeat myself AGAIN to you?" His smirk faded with a frown.
"That seriously can't be your only excuse Kaiba!" She snapped. "If it is then you seriously need to do some re-arranging in that head of yours! Let it go and just learn to move on!"
He twisted her wrist back causing her to wince. That hurt a bit more than she would have liked. She had a foot to keep her steady and a knee on the seat.
"You don't listen real well do you?" He told her, the underlining anger in his tone showing through. "Do I need to make myself clearer to you?"
She felt a tinge of regret for pushing his buttons so far, Kaiba had issues that much she knew but she wasn't expecting to push it so far. He wouldn't hurt her, would he? He was cold and arrogant, but he wasn't ruthless, hurting her would be out of the question. Tea didn't answer but she tried to yank her wrists away. That seemed to be a bad move, as his grip tightened and then in one swift movement, she was on her back pinned against the seats with her wrists pinned against them. She tried to squirm her way out of this one, but she barely made progress. Unfortunately, she twisted herself in such a way that she was partially on her side and stomach. Her face getting pressed down, to hold her from squirming to much. She was uncomfortable.
"I'm going to say this, so you understand it. Stay out of my personal business." He warned, his tone dark. "You have no right to anything on me. You're just Yugi's sad little cheerleader, you're not even a duelist so you know NOTHING. Learn to keep your mouth shut and quit poking your nosy little influence in my life. Do I make myself clear?"
"..." She didn't say anything but it seemed he took her silence for an answer. He let her go and sat back into his original seat. She moved back into a sitting position and slid herself away from him to keep the distance. They had been driving around some neighborhood, from what Tea could see. Boy, this wasn't going to be something she reports to the guys. Joey already wanted to give Kaiba a piece of his mind, this would just be the cherry on top of the cake. "... I just don't get you…"
"Then don't." He told her. "Leave it alone."
"..." She didn't respond more that, provoking him now may be dangerous. She thought back and realized that this wasn't the wisest idea. That was an understatement now.
"Speaking of wasting time…" She heard him huff. "Gardner where is your house?"
"...I'm sorry what?" She blinked looking back at him. He gave an annoyed sigh before raising a hand to rub at his closed eyes for a moment and then settling on pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Where is your house? You've wasted enough of my valuable time with this silly action of yours." He told her again, the underlining annoyance clear as day. "So we can drop you off and be on our way."
"...Umm… you can just let me off here and I can find my own way home…" She said hesitating. As if she'd let Kaiba know where she lived!
"For pete's sake… Will you quit wasting more time as it is!?" He snapped. He looked at her, his eyes bright with his irritation. "Just tell us where."
"S-Seriously just drop me off anywhere and I can walk." She sputtered, she felt a nervous sweat drop incoming. He narrowed his gaze, she tensed.
"...What is the big deal Gardner?" He asked.
'Nope… I'm getting out of this situation.' She thought. She gave a glance to the door she was currently against. She realized she could easily get it unlocked if need be. "How fast are we going?"
"...Gardner don't you even think about it." He warned. She thought she heard him shift.
"Gotta go!" She said, getting the door unlocked quickly and opening said door. She remembered her uncle's words and tucked and rolled as soon as she threw herself out of the car. She had her hands covering her neck as her shoulder hit the cement and she tumbled for a bit. The car tires were heard screeching but that didn't stop her. She got to her feet a little unstable before running down the street. She knew the neighborhood she was at, it would probably take her about a half hour or so to get home. Tea felt herself stinging a little bit but it was better than letting them find out where her house was. That… she wasn't sure if Kaiba would ever use it to his advantage but she took no chances. She continued down to a jog as she rounded into a street. She looked back to see if the car was following but there was nothing. Tea gave a sigh of relief before heading home, she'd make it before sunset anyways. She did check her phone for incoming text messages. She did see a few from Yugi and Tristan, though she had to keep from laughing at seeing about twenty or so from Joey. She looked to each one as she walked, she needed to let them know she was okay. She made sure to text them that she was alright. Joey was absolutely bombarding her with questions as 'R U OK?' 'Whatd moneybags do!?' 'If he hurt u I swear.', etc. She text him back saying she'd explain tomorrow at school. That seemed to ease the text from her friends though she doubt they'd look real favorably at her condition. She did have a few scratches from tumbling on the cement. Boy that'd be a hard one to explain. Not that it was any worry, she could care for it when she got home. Her mother would be concerned at what happened.
She reached the house, it was locked so she found the key in her school bag. Once inside her home, she closed the door and locked it behind her. The house locked normally meant one thing, her mother wasn't home from work due to probably overtime… or she agreed on some business trip. She went looking after calling out, she found the note on the fridge. The girl gave a sigh, of course…
Tea,
I left you in charge of the house while I'm gone. Sorry but they needed someone for an overseas trip. I might be gone for a couple of months honey so take care of the house and little Mittens okay?
Love Mom
Tea couldn't help but feel a little sad at the note, it normally was an excuse to get away. The girl knew her mother was trying her hardest but sometimes she wondered how much of what she was doing was truly for the best? But she loved her and in return her mother loved her as well. It was frustrating but sometimes it couldn't be helped, it was just the two of them after all. Said feline that was mentioned, trotted into the kitchen and rubbed against the teen's leg. The girl bent down and stroked the cat on her head and chin, Tea adored her. She was a very big Maine Coon cat with long hair. She might have appeared fat but it mostly the long hair, though she was a little chunky. She took her shoes off at the door before tending to the kitty. She made sure she had food and water before making her own dinner. Once that was taken care of she took care of her own needs, taking a shower and putting on her pjs. She worked and finished her homework right before bed. She set her alarm once more before calling it a night. The cat curled on the end of her bed as she did.
-The next day-
She hadn't learned to reset the alarm time to something different. It was a repeat of yesterday morning. She rushed to do the same things, except the only difference was her mother wasn't home. She made sure to lock the door on the way out before rushing forward. She had taken care of the scrapes from yesterday. She was patched up but in a rush.
"Why is this happening again!?" She cried out to the world as she ran to the school. She saw it sights but paused to look both ways this time before crossing. She almost did until a familiar black limo pulled up to the school yard. She stood there dumbfound for a minute before it clicked at who it was. Seto Kaiba had exited the vehicle and made his way in.
"...I did it again." She told herself. Tea sighed before crossing the street once more once it was free of an incoming cars. She made it to the door before entering. If anything, she didn't exactly want to have another encounter with Kaiba, yesterday's actions still ran vivid in her mind. She quickly gathered her supplies and thought to go to the classroom. She didn't want to but she thought to drop everything there. She only took a quick peak in through the door and resisted the urge to groan. Of course he'd be there. He seemed to just be sitting down. Instead of getting out the little book, he folded his hands in front of his chin and leaned forward with his eyes closed. She took a chance and entered. She moved to the desk quickly to set everything done. The girl was about to turn and leave.
"You mind explaining what yesterday was about Gardner?" She stopped and tried to ignore him but… she realized that was unwise. Also… how did he know it was her?
"...What part?"
"You know exactly what part."
"... Umm… it was just… why does it matter Kaiba?" She turned and gave a helpless shrug. She could see the blue-eyed CEO eyeing her suspiciously.
"You nearly gave my driver a heart attack, I'd say that gives it enough valid reason." He told her, sitting up straighter.
"Tell him I'm sorry I did that, but I didn't see… don't worry about it just tell him I'm sorry." She said, hoping to end the conversation.
"Gardner." His tone was harsh but firm. "Give me a real answer."
'Oh like how you won't give one?' She thought bitterly. "Fine… I just thought it'd be a good idea to get out since I was wasting your valuable time."
"You're an idiot." He shook his head and went for his book instead. "Next time just say you wanted to stop instead of making an excuse and throwing yourself out of a moving car."
She wanted to continue to challenge him with words but decided that wasn't going to do anything more than ruin her day. She did tell him to stop but apparently that wasn't good enough. What was with him!? It was almost like it was a personal goal to annoy her as much as possible. She left her books there before making her way out of the classroom. She wasn't going to get picked up by him. Getting out of the room felt good but that didn't mean she'd be free of him. She still had one other class with him, that in itself was going to be awful… unless he decided to leave her be. She waited out the classroom for her friends to arrive. She was leaning against the wall, anything was better than being bothered by Kaiba. It didn't take much longer before the students started to arrive, including her friends. Joey rushed at her just as the other two did but he got there first.
"Tea! What happened? Did Kaiba do anything to ya that ya didn't want!? Did he say anything to hurt ya!?" Joey started, the protective questions railed. The first thing that popped into her head was pinning her, him over top but… that wouldn't end well in a confirmation. He said plenty to annoy her.
"Relax… yes he did… sorta kidnap me but he let me go." She said. "And when doesn't he say something offensive?"
"True but I swear mah dueling cards if he laid one hand on you to hurt ya…" He started his fists shaking.
They went back into the classroom, Joey was giving Kaiba the biggest glare he could muster. Joey was one of her best friends and he was protective of her as were the other two. Though Joey was a little more protective.
"You sure you're okay?" Yugi asked, quietly. Tea nodded to him.
"I'm fine I promise. Nothing really happened." She told him softly.
"I ain't gonna let moneybags get away with that." Joey confirmed. "When we finish classes, Imma give him a piece of mah mind."
"Maybe that's not wise…" Yugi advised, glancing lightly over to the CEO. Kaiba was reading but sometimes that didn't always mean he wasn't listening.
"Yeah… he might grind your nose to the ground again." Tristan stated. Joey punched him in the shoulder which caused him to grunt at the hit.
"I mean with mah fists not mah cards."
"Maybe you outta leave it Joey… besides it's not worth getting into trouble." Yugi advised again.
"Yugi's right… just leave it for now." Tea nodded. It seemed to work but that only put him in a sour mood. He'd get his payback but not in the form of possibly getting suspended. Tea knew that much. The group got to their seats as the other students were piling in. The class went fairly easy, turning in homework and listening to a class lecture. The hour seemed to pass by fairly quickly.
When second hour came around, she didn't think much of it. Though that didn't stop Joey from grilling her for answers. She told him the same as before, though she was sure he was looking for something to start a fight with Kaiba. She did manage to hide her hands from him, she did have scrapes on them, but they weren't bad. Noticeable but not like they were yesterday. Even during second hour, she still dreaded third hour since of course he'd be there. She prayed he would leave her be, though she didn't have her hopes high. Second hour ended quicker than she would have liked, which meant…
'Annnd third hour… ugh let me get through today and to the weekend. Thank the stars we got a break after this…' She thought. She bid Joey off and made her way to third hour. Tea tried not to pay much mind to the male sitting there already. Though she did notice two girls in the back whispering and glancing over at her, she hoped they weren't discussing her. She awkwardly sat down in her seat and tried to pay no mind to the blue-eyed man. He was focused ahead at the chalkboard when she did a quick glance. She folded her arms in front of her and looked over to the clock on the wall. Why couldn't this hour be over with yet?
It seemed that some entity somewhere had answered her plea. Kaiba didn't bother her once during the class hour. She couldn't have felt more relieved at that. Even better there were no partner projects for that hour. Why did the teacher put her in the seat right NEXT to him in the first place? Why was that even a good idea? She didn't say a word since she also didn't need to upset any of his 'fanbase'. Then again just sitting there would no doubt do it. But so far she hadn't gotten a peep from those girls. The hour couldn't have ended any faster. As soon as the bell rang, she gathered her things as quickly but as non-discreet as she could. Though she doubted Kaiba would have cared any less if she had run out of the room but she wasn't going to give him the chance to ridicule her later for it. Though she was relieved when he left before she did. The rest of the day went by easily and everyone was anticipating the end of the school day… to the beginning of break.
That bell rang and most the students rushed out, cheering and celebrating. Tea met up with her friends and they were excited.
"MAN FREEDOM! FEELS GREAT!" Joey shouted. The others were just as excited though they all had different ways to show it.
"I couldn't agree more!" Tea said, stretching her arms up and a bit back. "So what are you guys planning to do over break?"
"Well… we were thinking of going on a trick up north." Yugi started. "Like a camping trick but in a cabin, just some time to unwind and everything."
"Yeah! I just gotta finish packing my stuff and then we can go." Tristan said. Tea blinked, she remembered them talking about it and flushed embarrassed she hadn't remembered it.
"Yeah, Yugi's Grandpa is treating us, says we need a little relaxation from all the school stress and that it's a treat. By the way, remind me to thank him again." Joey said.
"Whose all going?" Tea asked, she walked with them out to the front gate. She couldn't help but glance over to see the familiar black vehicle pull away. Well there goes Kaiba… probably going to Kaibacorp to do more work. The guy never seemed to relax…
"Well so far it's Joey, Tristian, Duke and myself." Yugi listed. He sheepishly looked over to Tea. "Sorry Tea, I should have gotten around to ask you if you wanted to join us."
She shook her head with a smile.
"Don't worry Yugi it's fine… besides this sounds like a guy's vacation." She teased. "That and… well I need to watch the house anyways."
"...Your moms on another trip isn't she?" Yugi asked, knowingly. She nodded.
"Hey what about Bakura?" She blinked remembering. He was one of their friends too.
"Actually, he's heading out of town for a weekend with his relatives too. We did ask but he already had those plans set out." Tristan answered. "So, it's just the four guys."
"Sounds fun." She smiled. She knew they probably felt bad but then again, they were aware that she had stuff to do to. Especially if her mother was out on a trip, she had her cat to watch. Her friends knew that her mother was busy, but she never told the full story. At least they understood that she had her big gentle cat to watch over. She spent as much time as she could with her friends before they had to part ways, especially before the sun would set. She walked by herself to her house, her thoughts going all over the place. Sighing, she shuffled for her key. Tea would think of something to do. Her thoughts wondered over to yesterday, unsure of why but they had. Seto Kaiba… he was a mystery she couldn't figure out. He pushed away any attempts to make friends and often insulted her friends. And his obsession to be the best… it made him seem desperate. Why? To defeat Yugi? It wasn't always about the fame or just being the best, Yugi always won. She couldn't dwell on it, just thinking on it was going to sour her mood. After all he did make that clear yesterday. Upon reaching and entering her house, she managed to unlock the front door and took an odd moment to look around outside. She didn't know why but she blamed it on random paranoia before shutting the door behind her and locking the front door. She treated her evening as she did all the others, taking care of Mittens and making herself some dinner. It was a long week for her to be on her own, she did get Mai's number after the whole Battle City Tournament, maybe she'd give her a call to hang out. Mai wasn't bad once Tea got to know her but she could only tolerate so much.
Night finally fell and she decided to hit the hay, she got ready for bed with her big Maine Coon following behind. Tomorrow would be another day.
~~~~~~~~~~`0000-00000000000000-~~~~~~~~~~~~```
Well there you go! Chapter 1 re-written and up! Um... yeah anyways. XD
Have a lovely evening and don't forget to leave a review, you know if you wish too.
BTW EDIT: Hey I'm looking through the chapters here and I think I'm going to combine a few of the chapters together since they do go well together hence leaving more room for new chapters. So those chapters will get deleted and added into the next set of chapters. Keep an eye out for those changes! Thank you!
Monster Kat out-
