Partake in Tug-Of-War.

Emotions vs. Logic.

Her commitment called for a celebration.

Without much ado, Seto caught her arm and led her into the waiting helicopter. As though in a trance, and without a single murmur of protest, Téa allowed him to lead her. The duo didn't talk until they were seated and safely airlifted to an unknown destination.

Vaguely, she watched the Domino Pier distancing away from her.

An hour or so ago, she had arrived at the pier for peace, quiet, and some serious soul searching. After all, her torrid affair with Marik Ishtar had ended only a month ago. Yugi, Joey, Tristan and Mai had tried to console her. But they couldn't stick by her side twenty four seven. They all had a life, with their own realities and obligations to deal with. For the first time in years, she felt left out, like she didn't belong with them. She was lonely and lost and totally directionless. Standing at the pier, watching the sunset, she wanted to ask herself certain questions to determine her life's path ahead.

Never in million years, had she anticipated that the life ahead would find her.

Twenty minutes later, the helicopter ride came to an end.

On any other day, Téa might have enjoyed the magical, scenic route. Including the rising moon beautifully bathing everything in a dark, inky light... but not today. Her thoughts were scrambled, so out of focus, she didn't notice when Seto approached her or undid her seat-belt or gently guided her out of the chopper, and towards the private terrace garden of a massive mansion.

It was an impressive sight. The terrace garden had sumptuous and rich surroundings. They supported an unimpeded lake view. The lake looked calm under the moonlight, offering a relaxed atmosphere. It was just the kind of retreat-refuge she was looking for.

Admiring the stillness of the deep waters, Téa breached the silence as Seto offered her champagne.

"I wonder if marriage is a male convenience," she asked, taking a delicate sip. "Or a female trap lured to secure free board and lodging." - And there it was. The jibe issued over his shameless display of rich and magnificence.

Seto laughed. "I think it's a safe haven for both male and female." His laughter held little humour. "Men are wanderers by nature. They travel, explore, seek adventures..."

"...or become inventors?"

His response to her baiting was only a small smirk. "Men will do anything to escape from the shackles of marriage."

"So why marry at all?"

"Because if we didn't, we'd be extinct."

Téa blinked. 'Let's see if I got this right? He's marrying to further his family tree? Add a new generation of Kaiba to the Kaiba-line. So, from a scientific point of view, he's after my womb. That sure sounds romantic.'

Amusement crept in his gaze as he read her anxiety. "Women, by nature, are inherently possessive." The cynic in him explained. But the opening of his statement didn't sit well with her inner feminist. She was about to argue, but Seto denied her the chance. "I'm not labelling you or the women in general as jealous or controlling." He said.

"By possessive, I'm implying that your structure is programmed to possess a life within you. Women bear children. And in doing so, are subjected to various physical, mental, and emotional changes. Hence the desires to love, protect, and nurture. You can't help it. It's programmed in your psyche. Thus making you a great possessor... first your husband and then your children. But with possession comes longing for an unchanging condition, Téa. Woman wants a man to love her forever. And that is not possible."

His comments drew her attention. She was so engrossed in thinking over the matter that she didn't see him standing by her side. Placing their champagne flutes on a side table, Seto gently held her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers. It was such an intimate gesture. He felt the tremors of the shiver that ran down her spine. The tenderness of his touch was making it difficult for her to breathe. Tension radiated from her. As if she was struggling with herself whether to approve his hold over her. Deliberately ignoring her emotional conflicts, Seto took her hand in his more firmly.

"Why?"

He wasn't sure if her question was directed towards his previous comments, or the recent hand-holding gesture. But the bleakness with which she had said was enough for him to loosen his grip.

"Time and Change." He replied. No sugar coating, he gave her straight facts. "Man being a highly logical creature is more realistic. He knows that all things pass."

This time, her grip on him tightened. "And still, despite a woman's emotion and a man's logic, civilizations have evolved."

"Exactly." He said, relief glistening in dark azures. "Emotion and Logic are the elements to rule out the extinction."

For the first time in over a month, Téa laughed. "Are you suggesting that we're getting married for the survival of the human race?"

Releasing her hand, Seto tugged her close. He cupped her face, and kissed her forehead.

"No. I'm declaring that out of millions, I chose you, for my survival."