Previously: Seto thanked Tristan for helping Mokuba in the fight. Seto began his investigation and discovered that Téa could possibly be related to him. Tristan informed the group of Kaiba's words of thanks, providing a more human image of the Kaiba Corp. king.
Chapter 4: School's Out!
In the last class of the hot, sweaty Monday, half of Seto Kaiba's class were asleep, and many more were about to join them as the teacher's dreary droning lulled them to sleep. There was no doubt that staying awake and focused on the lesson was a challenge. However, this challenge was beneath Seto Kaiba - he understood the business laws being explained at the top of the class more than anyone present in the room. Thus, he opted to switch off in the class. Mentally, he began preparing a suitable line of argument to get a further discount on raw materials from his supplier.
However, this was ruse to stop himself from focusing on a certain short-haired brunette in front of him. It was tempting - he had the perfect opportunity to obtain a DNA sample and thus he could rule out Gardner - his fingers itched to do so. He restrained himself. It would look creepy, as though he was one of Gardner's admirers. There wasn't any point, he reasoned. More than likely, we share no blood connection whatsoever. It would be better to focus my resources elsewhere.
It was almost a relief when the school bell rang, signifying the end of the school day. A mutual, unspoken hurray was expressed as stress lines disappeared and grins blossomed. Books were tossed and shoved into school bags before students ran out of school. Only four more days to go before summer holidays.
It was an evening of hard work for both Seto and Téa, despite the difference of their after-school occupations.
(88888888)
Seto was quite frustrated with the amount of paperwork that had piled up on his desk. Any taller and it would obscure me from sight. He sighed - he was definitely going to need some ice tonight to prevent writer's cramp. He frowned as he glanced through some of the documents. Half of these should be looked after by human resources for crying out loud! What's the point in having them?
(88888888)
Téa and the mop were furiously cutting through the grease that thinly coated areas of the tiled floor behind the serving counter. All of the frustrations of the day had been taken out on the poor innocent grease.
She sighed. It had been a while since she had attended dance classes and she missed them. She was just too busy - school, homework, work, the adventures with her friends… it all piled up, and left little time for her to attend dance classes. Youtube tutorials would just have to do for now.
It was still light out when Téa's shift ended and she was walking home. Visiting her mother's grave yesterday had reminded her of their countless arguments and fights. Generally, it was either Téa battling for information on her paternity, or trying to get her mother to stay in at the weekends. The memories depressed Téa to no end.
Now, there was no way she'd ever know who her father was… her mother had buried that secret with her. Téa didn't understand why her mother never told her of her father's identity. Had he known about Téa? Had he abandoned them? Was she conceived under unwanted and bothersome circumstances? Was she the product of a one night stand or a loving relationship? Was her father even still alive?
Unlocking the door to her apartment, Téa sighed in despair. There was no way to find answers - even Chihiro didn't know about Téa's father.
Téa tried to firmly push these thoughts out of her head - she had to focus on her application of the ratio test. Every time those thoughts snuck back, she mentally berated herself and swatted her own hand, as a way of getting attention back onto her books.
After at least attempting all of the maths questions and completing her history essay, Téa plopped down into bed for a long deep sleep.
(88888888)
While Téa was sleeping, Seto Kaiba had researched the hobbies of his targets. He had a general knowledge of their lives, a sort of timetable to know when and where they'd be - he dispatched his personal P.I.s to go and subtly obtain the DNA of the DeFranco, Danes and Murakami would be obtained quickly, as they lived in Domino… it might take more time to get DNA from Meminger, Nara and Natsuki. However, Seto knew that his operatives were professionals, and good at what they did - that was why they had been hired by him.
Seto hadn't sent anyone after Gardner… He wasn't sure why he hadn't. He didn't feel comfortable with investigating her. It's probably due to the fact that I actually know her… isn't it? Besides, there is no way I'm related to that friendship-loving freak.
He ignored the very slight ill feeling in the depths of his gut and focused on catching up on his paper work, waiting for the reports from his P.I.s.
(88888888)
Mokuba knew from the look on Seto's face this morning that it was unlikely that he'd see him for the rest of the day. There was a more steely look in his eyes than usual, and Mokuba had learned that it meant Seto Kaiba was going to kick arse in the business world.
He sighed. Sometimes he really wished that he could spend more time with his older brother. Things had improved recently, especially since his brother had stopped chasing the "King of Games" title so fervently. He had let it go - that didn't mean that he gave up. He was still working on improving his deck to take down Yugi, but he wasn't as obsessed as he previously had been.
With his little free time, Seto had decided to teach his younger brother self-defence… He had hoped that Mokuba would be able to handle himself against more amateurish kidnappers. The one-on-one time was very important to Mokuba - it was just some good fun with a more relaxed Seto.
However, before he even switched on his phone after school, Mokuba knew that Seto would have left a voicemail message saying that today's lesson was cancelled. As the stilted female voice listed off his options after the message, Mokuba deleted the message and sighed. What would he do with his free afternoon?
Slinging his bag over his back, Mokuba walked towards the arcade. He decided to kill a few hours, and improve his gaming skills. It had been a while since he last had been here.
Looking around the dim-lit arcade, Mokuba looked around him, at all the electronic lights glaring at him vying for his attention. Which one, which one?
"Mokuba!"
Mokuba turned on hearing his name to see Yugi, Joey and Tristan. He smiled a greeting at them. "Hey guys."
Joey and Yugi inspected his bruise while Tristan asked him if it was painful. After sympathies had been expressed, Mokuba was invited to hang out with the trio.
Cool. I haven't really seen much of these guys lately, Mokuba thought. He kind of missed their upbeat, fun presence. He had always felt relaxed with the group, especially after Battle City, despite tensions between them and his brother.
For the rest of the afternoon, Mokuba spent time with the trio. He and Tristan watched as Yugi handed Joey's butt to him upon summoning the Dark Magician in a Duel Monsters game. They all gave DDR a shot, resulting in some hilarious poses and falls (particularly in Joey's case - he fell over the railing and into a young woman's lap. Needless to say, she wasn't too happy and the fat lip he received from her).
Bidding goodbye to his friends, Mokuba sauntered home, feeling relaxed and happy. He felt particularly close to Tristan lately - the guy has shown him some good, dirty fighting moves, and was just really open and friendly. Tristan and Joey's advice on girls has also been saved in Mokuba's mind for a later date. He just felt really thankful towards the three. If only Seto could make friends with them… He needs friends and he needs to relax. He needs to socialise more with people his own age, people who trying to benefit from him. I mean, today would've been so much more fun if Seto had joined us… and acted civil to the guys… Maybe. He still needs to relax.
He entered the mansion, and as he passed his brother's office, he suppressed a sigh. He could hear the click-clacking of the computer keyboard as his bother worked hard. The guy never seemed to take it easy!
Hearing the telephone ring, and the quiet murmur of his brother replying, Mokuba resolved to force Seto to take it easy, and to make friends… The only question now was how to go about it…
(88888888)
The rest of the week passed as normal. Duel Monsters duels were played, orders were dished out at Burger World, and the business world quaked at Kaiba Corp.'s shocking business strategies. School progressed as per usual, although high spirits were quiet evident as summer holidays excitement continued to mount in the students. It made it a little difficult to work in some classes, but there was a definite feel-good atmosphere at school.
Téa was only delighted that soon she would be getting a break from school - the extra hours off would allow her to work and earn more. Hell, she could probably take on a second part-time job for the summer holidays. I doubt I'll be going anywhere soon, she thought to herself. With the pharaoh's departure, things had quietened down in Domino City. Sure, there were still challenges from duellists hoping to attain the title of the "King of Games", but the fate of the world was no longer being threatened. Maybe it could just be a regular, drama-free summer.
Seto Kaiba was also glad for the break. Like Téa, it would leave him with more time to concentrate on work. The business was thriving, and Kaibaland was bringing in more revenue than had previously been expected. Reviews had been very kind and the place was packed with delighted children.
However, the investigation was proving to be time-consuming, despite the fact that he himself was not doing any of the field work. DeFranco, Nara, Danes and Murakami had been ruled out for definite. Paying extra had definitely been worth it. The labs were currently running DNA comparisons between his own and Natsuki's. Meminger's DNA had not been obtained yet… but his operative had promised that the DNA sample would be obtained tonight. Seto's heart pumped violently anytime he thought of it, and what always followed that thought was the fact that he hadn't tested Gardner yet.
It were these thoughts that were running through his head on the Friday before the holidays. This really was his last chance to obtain a DNA sample from her. He grimaced as he realised that he couldn't keep putting it off - what was he scared of anyhow? The results would probably prove that they were in no way related, and he would have to widen his search perimeter - he had to be sure that there wasn't another individual walking around who shared his DNA. He couldn't leave himself and Mokuba open from an attack on that front - he hadn't succeeded in business thus far by not protecting himself from all angles.
He debated over whether or not he should just yank a hair out of her head. Mentally, he sniggered at the reaction that would bring from her friends - the mutt would get all red-faced and mouth off, while Tristan would get all defensive and Yugi would have his sad, worried face on.
No, it wouldn't do to draw unnecessary attention to himself - it was difficult enough nowadays to determine which students were feeding gossip to the local and national rags. He'd just have to wait for another opportunity. But when? He then realised why do I not just get a P.I. to do so?
He was snapped out of his reverie when the school bell rang loud and clear. Like his fellow classmates, he tidied his school books into his school bag. After sorting his books at his locker, Seto sauntered out of the school building and into his car. The driver pulled away from the curb, and headed towards the Kaiba Corp. building that dominated the business section of Domino city.
En route, he wrote an email to his P.I., instructing him to get the DNA of Téa Gardner. He only gave the barest amount of information, much like he had done with his previous targets. There was no point in making anyone suspicious by treating her differently.
When he arrived at his office at the top of the Kaiba Corp. building, Seto was greeted one of his private investigators. The tall man, dressed in a dull gray suit, had a pale blue folder in his left hand. Once the office doors were closed, and they were both seated, the man spoke.
"Regarding those samples you asked us to test, neither DeFranco, Nara, Danes, Murakami nor Natsuki match that of your information leak thus far. The lab is currently running Meminger's DNA against the sample. One of my men is after your last target, Gardner, as we speak." The man reported in a calm, emotionless manner.
Seto nodded in approval. "Good. Once all the tests have been performed, I want every sample of DNA destroyed. All databases are to be wiped, as well as all history and results. Understood?"
"Yessir," the tall, salt-and-pepper haired man replied, taking his leave.
"Good work. Thanks."
If the man was surprised by Seto Kaiba's words, he didn't show it as he left the office. Outside the door however, he paused momentarily, replaying what had happened in the office. Mr. Kaiba must be in a good mood, he thought to himself, shrugging the tension out of his shoulders. It was only when he was in the elevator that the middle-aged P.I. let out a sigh, before contacting his co-worker to find out how he was getting on with obtaining Gardner's DNA. A busy signal was all he received. Must be on the job already.
(88888888)
Téa was lucky that none of her classmates were at Burger World on the Friday that school let out. If anyone were to see her, and tell the principal… well, it wouldn't be good. Yet, Burger World was packed with students from the nearby high school. They were laughing and cheering loudly, and in general, making a mess. Fries were dropping to the floor along with lettuce and tomatoes falling from the burgers.
"Hey! Do you come as part of my Happy-Burger meal?" One of the black-haired students called out to Téa. His friends laughed and sniggered. Téa took a deep breath to calm her rage, before ducking behind the counter again. Stupid jerks.
Still, she was glad for extra hours she had received that day. The extra money would make a great contribution to her saving funds. And then… America! Her dream was to go to America, to dance. She knew that she wasn't the best dancer, and that she needed a lot of instruction. However, she also knew that she had potential. She'd been told by professional and amateur dancers, just before they gave her a look of pity upon explaining she hadn't the funds to get proper instruction.
It was difficult to find good dance teachers in Domino - duel monsters instructors were two-a-penny, but professional dance teachers were hard to come by. There wasn't one dance teacher in Domino that could teach a range of dances - most only specialised in one form. Doesn't matter anyway, as I can't really afford it. She sighed heavily. Time to get out of this negative train of thought! She thought of her friends - that always made her smile.
Her thoughts were interrupted as she felt a hand land on her posterior, and there was a resounding smacking sound. She looked down at the owner of the hand, who leered up at her. It was the same guy who had called out to her earlier. "Hey! Do you come as part of my Happy-Burger meal?"
She glared down at the offending hand. Dropping her tray onto the table, she viciously yanked the hand away from her.
"Aw, come on ba-"
Téa roughly pulled the teen forward out of his chair, and kneed him in the stomach. She dropped his hand and whirled away from him. She left him there, coughing. His friends either laughed at him, or gathered around him to help him up off the floor. Téa stayed behind the counter, fuming at the nerve of him. Why did he think he could treat me like that? Damn, she was angry.
She got the mop, mop bucket and the cleaning agents, and attacked the floors. It was therapeutic to take her frustrations out. It was odd to think that she'd been frustrated more often lately - it wasn't normally how she felt. It was just a general frustration with life in general. Just a funk.
Her frustration only served to increase when the swarthy manager called her into his office.
"Look Téa," her manager started, sounding very distant and business-like. His own brown eyes refused to meet her blue ones. "You need to learn how to handle yourself properly when a customer insults you-"
"Insults me? He was groping me!"
"Yes, fine." Her manager replied wearily. "There are better ways of handling that sort of situation without injuring the client."
Téa was fuming inside - she was the one who had been sexually harassed, and the harasser was getting the sympathy! What was she supposed to do the next time someone felt up her ass - thank them? Ridiculous.
Her manager sighed and ran his hand through his thinning hair. "Look, more than likely, the kid won't press charges or anything. But next time you might not be so lucky. You understand that it would be Burger World that would be sued."
Téa felt guilty about that. Okay, it wasn't the nicest place to work, but the manager and her co-workers were kind enough. The hours were flexible for the most part. There were worse jobs out there and she was lucky that she didn't have to take them.
The manager finally looked her in the eye. "Téa, I'm going to put you behind the counter for now. Anymore problems… I'm sorry, but I will have to let you go."
Téa nodded dumbly at that. She couldn't lose this job - every penny counts!
With the threat of losing her job hanging over her head, Téa wandered home wearily. Her feet were throbbing, her calves were complaining, she had pulled a muscle in her shoulder and now she had a headache. So, it was a relief to finally be home, free from school and finished work.
Just as she was searching for the key to her apartment in her bag, a man crashed into her. He landed on top of her, and was breathing heavily, as though he'd been running very hard.
"Owww." They complained in unison.
As the thirty-something man tried to stand up while helping Téa up, the buckle on the sleeve of his coat got caught in her hair. He'd given it a vicious yank before realising it was caught in her hair.
"Damn, I'm really sorry about this," the man's smoker voice apologised.
Téa winced and bit her lip and the man worked the buckle out of her hair, "Take things a little more slowly, maybe?" She said, trying to sound light-hearted and failing. She just sounded accusatory.
Thankfully, the man didn't retort to her statement. "Sorry again. In a bit of a rush. Thanks for the hairs," he joked weakly, as he backed down the hallway.
Téa stared after him as though he was an oddball. "Right. Goodbye," she said, uncertainly. Weird.
Finding her keys in her bag, she pushed open the door, dumped her bags and closed it behind her. Finally. Time to relax. Hmmm, I think I'll have a bath today rather than a shower… Then watch a movie.
Once she was perfectly pruned, she turned off all the lights, and settled down to watch the DVD of 'Kick-Ass' Joey had lent her. She promptly fell in love with Hit-Girl.
(88888888)
In the DNA lab, the final sample of seven was being tested. Machines whirred softly as the DNA sample was cut with restrictor enzymes and computers analysed the different genes on the DNA. A tired analyst typed her commands into the computer. The flashing screen signalled when it was finished its job. The analyst looked through the results on-screen.
"Huh… Looks like they share at least one parent." The analyst ate an egg-salad sandwich before sending the results off to the man who had provided the sample. He's cute. I wonder if he'd go out with me…
But he had run off already.
So… is it Gardner or Meminger?
I want to specially thank my reviewers: ChibiGirlXD, Fire Ice and snowcones, ImmortalAngel92 and Etsuko An.
Thanks also to those who put me on alert/favourites!
Anyone else in love with Hit-Girl like I am?
Please review and point out my mistakes!
