Hey all! I'm back with the second chapter. Apologies for the wait; my teachers have been piling on the work & tests.

Someone brought up a couple points I should probably clear up.

1. This is somewhat an AU fic. Téa isn't a dancer; she's actually a business person like Seto. Starlight is her father's company and she's preparing to take over as CEO.

2. Téa and her family are from England. She was attending college there, which is why she and Seto were separated in the first place.

3. Mark is one of Téa's older brothers. Michael is the other; Mark & Michael are twins.

Disclaimer: I own NOTHING. Except for Mark and Michael, who are my OCs


When he came down a half-hour later, breakfast was already on the table. Téa was leaning on the counter, coffee cup in hand, eyes unfocused.

"Téa? Sweetheart, are you feeling all right?" The brunette continued to stare blankly ahead.

"Okay, then. I'm breaking up with you, I hate your guts, and I never want to see you again."

"Big brother, you aren't serious, are you?" Seto turned to find Mokuba coming down the stairs, still half-asleep.

"Of course not. But Téa's not doing anything, which troubles me."

"Maybe you should call Mai and the others," Mokuba suggested. "She might be able to get a response." As much as Seto hated to admit it, Mokuba was right. The two women were very close, even if Mai was older than Téa by a few years.

Some minutes later, Téa's (and his) friends were gathered in the living room, silently observing the still brunette leaning on the counter.

"She's been like that since this morning?" Yugi asked. Seto nodded.

"I've tried everything: teasing, tickling, even threatening to break up with her. She doesn't respond."

"Something must be wrong if Téa didn't try to castrate you when you threatened her; I know I would have," Mai said. Tristan grabbed the remote and started flipping through the channels.

"…500 dollars-"

"…Love you too-"

"…News. Christopher Gardner is dead-"

"Wait, Tristan. Go back to that channel," Mokuba said. Tristan complied and the group listened intently.

"…apparently died upon impact. Mr. Gardner was the head of Starlight Software and leaves behind a wife and three grown children. No comment yet from any of them. This is Tara Joseph, reporting live from London, England."

Tristan turned the television off and they sat in stunned silence. Out of the corner of his eye, Seto noticed that Téa had placed the coffee cup down and was making her way over to him. He opened his arms to embrace her and she gladly accepted.

Yugi beckoned the others to leave the two alone for a while. There was a time when he would have liked to be the man that Téa went to for comfort, but Yugi knew Seto was best for the role and accepted it. Watching them now—her head on his shoulder, him silently offering support—it was obvious their relationship was strong. Seto would help Téa through the grief, Yugi was sure; after all, Seto had experienced the death of a loved one himself.

"When did you find out?" Seto asked when everyone had cleared out.

"Shortly after you went to shower. Michael called me, who found out from Mum."

"So you'll be going back, then?"

"Yes. You and Mokuba are invited to the funeral, of course; I know Dad would want you there." He kissed her forehead and sighed.

"How soon do we leave?"

Téa, Seto, and Mokuba left for the Gardner estate within the hour. Mokuba, having expected the leave, had taken the liberty of packing black suits and other necessities for his brother and himself. While Roland drove them to the airport, Téa called her brothers and discussed their father's death further.

"Do the police know what happened?"

"Apparently a trucker lost control of his vehicle. Dad was walking near the road when it happened and—well, you know the rest," Michael said.

"It was an accident, Tay. They don't suspect foul play," Mark added.

"Mm. How's Mum taking this?"

"She's anxious to see you. Are Seto and Mokuba with you?

"We're here. Aside from being invited to the funeral, why else did you need us?"

"Jennings mentioned something about Dad preparing a merger contract with KaibaCorp before the accident. Since you're the CEO of said company, your presence is needed." Roland opened the door.

"Mr. Kaiba, Master Mokuba, Ms. Gardner, we've reached the airport." Mokuba hopped out of the limo.

"Thanks, Roland. We'll call you when we come back."

"I'll see you in a few hours, guys. Tell Mum not to worry." Téa disconnected the phone line and stepped out of the limo as well.

After a pleasant flight and hour-long drive through London, the three finally arrived at the Gardner residence, where Mark and Michael Gardner greeted them.

"About time you got here, Téa. Mum's waiting in the parlor."

"Oh, and just a head's up: Jennings and Lindsay are with her." Téa rolled her eyes.

"Wonderful. Lindsay better not give me any crap; I'm not in the mood. Mark, Michael, would you show Seto and Mokuba their rooms, please?"

"Of course." Seto and Mokuba followed the twins up the spiral staircase to the second floor .

"Your rooms are here, the east wing. Téa's room is a few doors down that corridor, so if you get lost, just knock on her door," Mark said.

"If you want to see a show, unpack quickly," Michael suggested.

"Show?" The twins only grinned and left the Kaibas to unpack.


And that's all for now. I don't think this was my best, but review anyway. I'd appreciate constructive criticism. I apologize for any inaccuracies!