Disclaimer: I own nothing.
A/N: Thank you for the comments and please keep them coming. Happy reading.
Tea laid in her bed, something she had felt was warm to her for a long time now felt cold. She tossed and turned countlessly, often getting up to rearrange the pillows but sleep didn't wish to lay with her tonight. She finally gave up and walked to her living room pushing away the white curtains that blocked her view of the Hudson. The water twinkled under the moonlight making it seem virtually black and white, like a little galaxy forming small ripples against the hectic streets of Manhattan. Her eyes loomed over the waves and she thought about her first interaction with Atem today. She hadn't seen him for almost three years if she were to count the year he was gone from them all, and he had certainly grown some. Joey clearly hadn't done him justice and Tea groaned internally. How could he have gotten more handsome?
She sighed and laid on her couch shutting her eyes. Finally, as if by force, she succumbed into a deep slumber where she danced on rolls of grass and smelled peppermint in the air.
Sunday were days where Tea would go down to the studios they had set up in her dormitory to practice for her performances. This Sunday would be no different, as she had woken up a little later than usual and had hastily taken her shower. Her morning coffee and croissant were currently making her body feel warm as she slowly started stretching herself out. The room she had chosen to practice wasn't the biggest so often times it was left untouched by the students. It was a forgotten room that Tea absolutely adored. She felt completely comfortable within its walls and was able to practice for hours often times without disturbance from anyone but her cellphone. As she stretched she thought whether Atem would text her, or call her for lunch. She had given him her number only and so she held no power over his decision. Although the thought did annoy her, it also comforted her because she knew she couldn't take his rejection had she texted him first about it. She'd just end up overthinking and make herself miserable over nothing. It was a fatal flaw of hers she detested greatly but couldn't seem to find a way around it.
With a heavy sigh she put herself in first position and began to dance. First without the music so she could focus on her limbs and facial expressions. After she was sure she had some control over the difficult bits, she would play music. This routine was what got her into Lincoln Center and with enough luck it would help her go even farther.
Hours had passed before Tea's phone went off. Her body was filled with sweat and her legs ached, but she smiled knowing her practice was going exceedingly well so far. She ignored the call, fixed her bun then went straight back into her rehearsal. Not even twenty minutes later, her cellphone chimed again and this time Tea did not want to wait for it to ring once more if she ignored it and went to answer.
"Yes." She said gruffly. She had such a great practice going and was annoyed whoever had called was disturbing her.
"Tea! Hi, sorry if I'm disturbing you I know you usually practice now but I received Atem's letter, that asshole, and I know he's in New York. Have you by chance seen him or heard from him because he's not answering my phone and I can't help but worry. He's such a piece of shit sometimes." Yugi spoke all he needed to say in one breath and Tea couldn't help but laugh at her friend's demeanor. She was pretty sure Yugi knew Atem was perfectly capable at handling himself but Yugi was Yugi.
"I actually ran into him on the train yesterday. He seems to be doing well and he's looking well too." she blushed at her last statement.
"Thank God you saw him." He was quiet for a moment as if thinking. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, yes I'm fine. I gave him my number in case he wanted to have lunch or if he had any questions getting around, but that's about it."
"Oh okay, knowing him he'll probably take you up on that offer."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Hmm nothing. Okay well I'll leave you to it. If that asshole calls you just let him know to call me back as soon as possible. Although I wonder why he would call you before calling me considering all the missed calls and voicemails I left him…" his voice trailed off with a click and Tea smiled at her friend. It was then she realized how dearly she missed him.
Tea sat down against the wall looking at her cellphone. It was now 7:45. She had been practicing for a nine hours today and her legs really could use a warm shower and ice bath. Hoisting herself up with the banister, she walked towards her bag and grabbed the almost empty water bottle. Her stomach growled in anticipation for food and she quickly put her things away and made her way back towards her dorm room.
While waiting for the elevator a whiff of red hair flew past her face and Tea turned to face Kaya. The red haired beauty smiled coldly at Tea and pressed the elevator button once more as if to hurry up the absurdly slow machine.
"Hey Tea." She said almost sweetly. Tea rolled her eyes, she really didn't want to ruin her mood over someone as trivial as her.
"What Kaya? Plan to push me off the top of this building?"
Kaya cocked a lethal smile, "Well don't tempt me now."
The doors opened with a ding and both girls entered the confined space. Tea pressed her floor, as did Kaya and both waited in relative silence.
Tea could feel Kaya's unyielding gaze watching her and it was seriously making her uncomfortable.
"If you have something to say, just say it." She said through her teeth.
"I'm debating whether it's worth it to tell you or not."
"Spit it out."
Kaya gave her a thoughtful gaze before stating, "Fine, Miss Gutierrez told me to tell you all the main leads will be practicing together on Monday instead of with the rest of the class."
"And why were you debating on telling me this?" Tea looked at her, an annoyed shadow show casing across her features.
"Hmm I don't know maybe sabotage, maybe boredom to see Miss G's reaction to you being late. But then I thought with the show so close how could I sabotage my own career just to get a few laughs for myself. I guess now you owe me one Tea Gardner."
And with that the doors opened and she flew out leaving Tea seething. She really was a spoiled brat, was this all really one big game to her.
Tea trudged to her dorm room trying to shake the feelings of aggravation from her tired being. Kaya was really not worth the effort; she had tried many times before to sabotage Tea or the very least threaten her about sabotaging her so this was nothing new.
She walked into the dimly lit space and placed her bag down on her couch. Without a moment's thought she trudged toward her bathroom and peeled off her tight dancer's outfit before entering into a warm shower. The water was just as therapeutic as ever and she remained under the light sprinkle for a long time. When she finally exited the bathroom in her towel she saw there was a missed call and text message from a number she hadn't saved.
Are you free tonight for dinner? The city is quite lonesome.
Her heart began to race, of course she knew who it was and he was asking her to dinner. She checked the time, 8:30. It wasn't too late and she quickly gave a call back to the number.
"I'll see you at Union Square in front of Lulu's Bookstore in forty minutes."
"I'll be waiting."
The line ended and she quickly made her way to her closet trying to figure out what to wear. This wasn't a date, it was a friendly dinner between two old friends and she boded herself not to be nervous. She would not allow a taken man to take her heart any longer. She ached for something more but she knew better than to hope.
Her eyes glided over various dresses before settling on a black long sweater dress that didn't seem too dressy but also not overbearingly casual. She accented the dress with sheer tights and warm boots and proceeded to brush her wet hair. She didn't have time to blow dry it and placed some cream in it to get it not too frizz. Her makeup was light, a bit of blush and some mascara to accent her eyes. Her body was spritzed with some of her favorite perfume and with one final look in her mirror she grabbed her bag and coat and sprinted out the door towards the subway.
When comfortably seated in the blue seats of the moving train, she thought about where to take him. Perhaps he already had a restaurant in mind but just in case she thought of all the little joints he might like.
Half an hour later, earlier than she had expected but then again it was Sunday night and the trains weren't heavily packed, Tea walked out of the subway station towards her beloved bookstore. She hoped he knew how to get there and didn't have much trouble finding it. Her phone read that it was 9:15, she was earlier than expected and thought she'd have to wait for him. As she approached the bookstore she noticed a figure waiting out front so obviously different from the rest of the pedestrians walking around him. His back was turned to her so all she could see was his black winter pea coat hanging off his body. He looked so strong even from behind and she could feel her heart racing.
Stop it, she scolded herself and with a deep breath she walked towards him. As if sensing her, he turned around and immediately smiled at her appearance. It took everything in Tea not to blush and she swiftly closed the space between them.
"Hey." She breathed. Why was she always so breathless around him?
"Hello, you look lovely tonight Tea." And it was true, even in her simple attire and very light makeup Tea seemed to be glowing under the moonlight. He had felt her presence close to him and he wondered how even after all these years he still felt that connection.
"Thank you, you don't look bad yourself." She nervously laughed and immediately turned around as if to avoid his gaze. He couldn't help but chuckle a bit, she had changed yet was still the same Tea he had come to know all those years ago.
"So have you decided on a place to eat? I am the tourist now and you are the proper citizen." He grinned widely at her and she laughed.
"Right clearly I'm an expert on all things New York. But yes I do have an Italian place in mind, I think you'll like it."
"Lead the way." He motioned forward with his hand and Tea almost had the urge to grab it. She took a deep breath and they walked the short walk to Luigi's Pizzeria and Restaurant. It was a fairly large place with décor that attempted to match Italian architecture and living. The owners clearly paid no expense to making it beautiful as there was an indoor outdoor seating area that was lined with beautiful plants and small lights. Those who chose to sit outside were awarded with heat lamps to keep them warm on the crisp winter night. Tea led him towards the host who stood inside at a wooden podium.
"Good evening, how many are we serving?" she asked politely toward Tea.
"Two."
"Right this way. Would you like to sit inside or outside? We have heating lamps set up for those who want to bear the cold."
Tea looked back at Atem who presumably said, "Outside please."
The hostess hadn't noticed Tea's partner and when she looked back at the arcane voice her eyes widened exceptionally. The women immediately smiled sweetly at him in a way that made Tea want to roll her eyes and lead them to a small table located at the outermost corner of the restaurant.
"Here have a seat, your waiter will come shortly bringing you your heat lamp." She paused before looking at Atem, "Please enjoy your dinner."
Tea felt she might gag, was this woman seriously flirting with Atem right in front of her not even knowing if she was his girlfriend or not. She left soon after giving them their menus, sashaying her hips no doubt for Atem to notice the curves that accentuated her body.
"Seems you've turned into quite the ladies man." Tea stated drawing her eyes away from the unashamed woman. To her surprise she saw he hadn't even looked at the hostess, but at her. He seemed to be studying her again and she quickly took the menu looking at the items. She hid her face as much as she could to prevent him from seeing the flustered look he had caused from his staring. She heard him chuckle deeply before grabbing his own menu. What was he doing?
She continued browsing the menu before settling on a simple pasta with calamari dish. Atem had placed his menu down as well seeming to have chosen his designated dinner.
The waiter came soon after with the heat lamp, thankfully, as it had gotten quite cold. He turned it on and Tea let her hands go around it to warm her frozen fingers.
"Have you decided on what you would like?" the waiter asked while he poured them both water.
"I'll have the linguini pasta with calamari and a small salad on the side."
"And I'll have the same." Atem stated smirking at Tea. So he was waiting for her to order. She smirked herself, he probably didn't really know these dishes.
"Coming right away." The waiter walked away with their menus finally leaving the couple alone. Tea realized this was the first time she was truly alone with Atem, no distractions and she mentally sighed taking a deep breath.
"So how's your stay so far in the city? I know the subway can get confusing at times and the people are definitely something you never get used to." She gave him a small smile.
"So far I've had a fairly easy time, the people at the museum have been very helpful and my classes begin tomorrow. I must say I am excited for what they have in store for me."
"And that is what exactly?"
"Well when they came to know I was exceptionally good at reading hieroglyphics and understanding the ancient Egyptian language, they wanted me to be part of this program as soon as possible. They had found a new tomb and wanted me to help encode the writings on the walls. That will be my first major project."
"Wow, thats all so exciting. It must be nice knowing you're helping bring back the history of your people for the modern world to get to know and understand."
Her words made Atem smile as they were very true.
"What tomb did they uncover exactly?"
Atem looked thoughtful before replying, "It's the tomb of Pharaoh Seto. My predecessor."
Tea's eyes widened. "Who discovered his tomb?"
"A professor named Doctor Christian Langdon. He was known for looking for the nameless Pharaoh's tomb all his life only to discover his forerunner instead. To say it wasn't a big discovery would be an understatement."
"But you already know a lot about Seto as he was a priest in your court and your cousin."
Atem looked thoughtful once more and nodded. "Yes."
"Do you think you'll discover anything else from your past you weren't unaware of?"
"Perhaps, but I'm not hopeful, Seto had relayed much of his time as Pharaoh when I had moved on from this world."
"You met him in the afterlife?"
"Indeed. I met most of my dear friends who were part of my court, it was a joyous time." He looked down at his water in great thought. Tea wondered if he regretted coming back to the modern world, leaving those he sacrificed himself for behind once more.
"It must have been hard to leave them behind again." she relayed.
He looked at her before replying, "Almost as hard as leaving you all."
The intensity of his gaze held Tea entranced for several moments before she shook her head and smiled, "But you're back now, and in New York City of all places!"
"Yes, it's a vibrant city and much more fast paced than Domino."
"It's called the sleepless city for a reason." She winked at Atem with her last statement making him smirk.
"One wonders how all these people entertain themselves at night." He responded with a wicked gleam in his eye.
Tea laughed and it was then Atem noticed just how beautiful the girl that sat before him was. Her laugh was like carillons, filling the crisp night air with warmth. It was almost addicting.
His thoughts of the dancer were soon clouded by the woman who waited for him at home. Kiya was the one he had shared most of the two years he spent in this life. She had helped him learn more about society and had pushed him to pursue schooling. He couldn't think these things of his old friend when someone like her was back home waiting for his return, no matter how long he was gone. He promptly cleared his throat pushing the thoughts he had for the dancer away. This was a friendly dinner and he had actually started flirting. Thankfully their food had come and he quickly immersed himself in the pasta. It was of course delicious and he could tell Tea thought so too from the way she closed her eyes with every bite.
They soon fell into a relative silence until Tea broke the comfortable air.
"Yugi called me today by the way."
Atem suddenly looked up an impish gleam in his gaze.
"Oh and what did he say?"
"Well he was freaking out about how you had left things with him and he called you an asshole. Also please call him back, he might just get on a plane himself just to answer your phone to check it still works." They both laughed at her statement.
"I miss my young partner." Atem stated after the laughter ceased.
"I do to." Tea replied quietly.
He looked at her thoughtfully, "Perhaps it's been too long Tea."
Tea continued picking at her food avoiding Atem's solemn gaze, she knew for a fact a visit back home was long overdue but she couldn't return yet. She couldn't face everyone she loved with the pain she felt so deeply inside. Returning to Domino would only deepen that ache so it was best she kept away for now until she felt herself getting stronger. It certainly wasn't helping when the person causing it all was sitting right in front of her, eating Italian food, so oblivious to her inner turmoil.
"I will soon but dance has been keeping me busy."
Atem immediately smiled at the mention of her future profession.
"How is that going by the way, I'm sure with all the professional training you've received you've mastered your talent."
Tea couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm in what she loved.
"Well it's a process, I haven't mastered the art yet. I mean I don't think I'll ever truly master dance, I think as you grow you only continue to learn more and more. It's a never ending route."
Atem looked down at his plate with a smirk etched on his lips.
"My have you become ever so wise."
Tea smiled at his kind words. It wasn't wise what she said, more truth than wisdom she thought but appreciated his words.
"I suppose New York makes you grow up beyond your years which each passing moment you stay."
"I think I'll fit in just fine here then."
They both followed each other's gaze after his words were said and smiled. The truth he told was very apparent, he would be very content in his stay here.
