Disclaimer: "I do not own YUGIOH."

"Talk."

'Thoughts'

Flashback.

Before I begin the story, I want to talk to you guys who are reading this chapter. Please, read my note at the end. I don't want to post it now cause it will ruin the chapter. So, when you are done reading this, bother to read the tiny note at the end as well. OK then. Here's the chapter.

...

Tea shifted nervously on her feet, watching the huge crowd gathered in the hall. Today was the day of the performance. She had spent hours and hours preparing for this moment, but now that it had arrived, she felt unprepared. Maybe this anxiety was natural and common. After all, this was her first big performance.

She watched as the other participants chatted excitedly amongst each other. Her eyes scanned the area to find familiar silver gray eyes and was relieved to see him absent. She didn't think she was ready to face him yet, not after what happened two days ago.

"Looking fro me?" His playful voice reached her ears, causing her to jump back in fear.

"Sorry." He said appearing guilty. "Didn't mean to scare you."

"It's... fine." She said looking uncomfortable.

"Tea." Corey said in a serious voice. "I... I wanted to apologize for what happened. I… I understand what you were trying to say. And I should never have put you in that position after knowing everything." Tea looked away, not wanting to meet his gaze.

(Flashback)

Corey placed a heated kiss on her collarbone, sucking rather harshly on the flesh. She let out a breathy moan and clutched his arms tighter. His hands slid down her sides to the hem of her undershirt. Lost in the daze of lust and desire, she didn't notice when he lifted the fabric to reveal he creamy skin. It was when a gust of cold wind hit her skin that she realized she was completely bare under his probing gaze. Instinctively, her arms lifted to cover herself, but his hands held her wrists.

"Don't." He said in a breathy whisper. "You are beautiful, and I want to see more of you." An uncomfortable feeling settled in her stomach as he continued undressing her. When he reached for her underwear, her legs clenched together, preventing him from taking them off. He let out an annoyed grunt and gripped her thighs, spreading her legs apart somwhat harshly.

"Relax." He whispered in a heated tone. But it proved to have no effect on her. The feeling of extreme discomfort remained lingering in her mind.

But why?

She watched, as his eyes grew wide at her nearly naked form and suddenly her discomfort increased tenfold. Then it hit her. She didn't want him to see her naked. But why? She had willingly given herself up to Corey because she had wanted this. But somehow it didn't feel right. Only one man had ever seen her completely naked, and that was Seto. And now that Corey was about to as well, she realized she didn't want him to.

When she had been young and innocent, she had promised to give herself to a man that she loved. And now she was with someone she barely knew. She couldn't do this.

But then why didn't she feel discomfort when she was with Seto? She wasn't sure what she felt for Seto was only lust or something entirely different but it couldn't be love. Yet, she willingly lay with him. But with Seto, she didn't have a choice. She had resigned herself to that fate and now was powerless to resist him, mentally and physically. But with Corey, she had the option to stop. She had the power to refuse and walk away unharmed.

But why should she? Why should she refuse a man who was willing to show her care and love?

'Because it isn't right.' Her mind supplied. 'There is no explanation to justify this.'

But she had a legitimate reason, did she not? Seto fulfilled her sexual needs and used her to fulfill his, but there was no emotional connection between them. In fact, they rarely ever talked or just sat together, enjoying each other's company. Seto had never offered her any comfort; and had only demanded that she do what he wished. That's why she had turned to Corey, because he promised her so much more than a physical relationship. He promised her comfort, affection, friendship, and love. Had Seto offered her any of those?

No.

But then again, had she offered him any of those? Hadn't she always tried to avoid him, tried to escape him whenever he was home? Hadn't she never bothered to speak to him, to talk to him, to ask him of his troubles at work? Hadn't she never bothered to get to know him, to inquire of his sudden personality change, of his sudden hatred towards his brother?

No.

Then that gave Seto a right to turn to another woman to seek the same comfort she sought from Corey. But had he ever exercised that right? Had he ever even glanced at another woman? No. He had been completely loyal to her and her only. Even thought there were scores of women, just waiting to lie at his feet, she was positive he had never even given them a single glance. Even though he was capable of, even though he had the right to by her logic, he had never.

Could it be because he possibly cared for her?

There had been times when he had been gentle to her, almost as if he, dare she say, loved her? He had allowed her to be a part of this performance, and had placed his total faith in her. He had allowed her small taste of freedom. And how had she responded?

By betraying him in every possible way?

By whoring herself to a man she barely even knew?

She could feel Corey's lips on her collarbone again, kissing and nipping, but she couldn't feel the soft caresses or the affection he was placing. She could see his lips moving to form words, but she couldn't hear anything. All she could feel was disgust… disgust at her actions, at her feelings, at her decision to be here, at the pleasure Corey was giving her, at herself.

'This is wrong.' Thoughts arose in her mind. 'I can't do this to Seto. I'll be a worse person then him.'

"Stop." She whispered to him, but trapped in a haze of ultimate lust, he ignored her. His hands began sliding her underwear, and she clasped her thighs together to stop him.

"Tea." He whispered to her, trying to get her to cooperate, but she shook her head.

"Please stop." She begged, surprising him.

"Don't worry." He said, caressing her cheek. "It won't hurt. I'll be very gentle." He moved in to kiss her, but she turned her head away.

"No." She maintained. "I don't want this." She lightly pushed the confused and frustrated boy off her and gathered her clothes. Corey made no move whatsoever while she put her clothes back on. When she was dressed, she glanced at Corey from the corner of her eyes. He still sat there, eyes fixed on the floor.

"I'm…. I'm sorry." She whispered to him and began walking away.

"Tea… why?" Corey asked her, eyes still on the floor.

"Corey… I…I.." She wanted to tell him, but she couldn't.

"Is it because you have a boyfriend?" He turned to look at her, and she gasped feeling his piercing gaze off the floor and on her.

"You… you knew?" She said with her mouth open. How did he know? She didn't remember telling him. His gaze did not falter as he spoke.

"Yes. I found out. Even though you tried to cover them, I still managed to see the love bites on your skin." He admitted.

"And you still…" His shoulders slumped ever so slightly.

"Yes." He replied after a pregnant pause, causing her eyes to widen in surprise.

"But... Why?"

"Because I know you don't love him. He said, silver eyes boring into azure ones.

"What?" Her breath hitched. Was it true?

"He hurts you Tea." Corey continued speaking, shocking her even further. "I saw the bruises on your body. And don't say they were from some fall off the bed or down the stairs." He said, dismissing her already used excuses.

"Corey, you… you don't understand." She said, lowering her gaze to the floor.

"You're right." He admitted. "I don't understand why you'd still want to be with a sadistic bastard who abuses you." Her eyes sadened as images flashed before her eyes. Corey noticed her shaken state and walked towards her.

"I know he hurts you Tea. He doesn't care about you … but I do." Her eyes lifted to meet his. "I'd never hurt you Tea. I'd always adore you, and care for you." He spread his arms open for her. "Come to me Tea, and I promise no one would ever hurt you… not him, not anyone else. I'll make sure of it, I promise."

Tea remained rooted to the spot on the floor, unsure of what to do. Corey promised to protect her from Seto. But could he really? Sure he knew she had a boyfriend, but she was sure he didn't know it was the all-powerful Seto Kaiba. Corey was nothing compared to Seto. If she went to him, she would not only be bringing him false hope, but immense pain and much, much more. She knew Seto was sadistic and he would not suffice with just physical damage. He would make sure Corey's life was over. And she couldn't do that to Corey.

She had made up her mind. She turned her back to Corey, a single tear sliding down her face.

"I'm sorry."

(End flashback)

"It's fine." She said again.

"I don't want things to be like this between us, especially right now. We have to comfortable with each other to perform properly. I know it will be hard for you after…. after that …incident. But I want to try. Can we please call it truce for the performance? What do you say?"

"I… I'd like that." She finally said. A smile broke on his features and he held his hand forward for her.

"Ok then." A grin appeared on her face as well and she shook his hand.

"With that done, let's go out there and blow everyone's mind with our performance."

Seto sat in the back row, a satisfied smirk on his face. He had made it. He had made it to Domino for her performance, and he couldn't wait to see the reaction on her face. The curtains lifted and she appeared on the stage. Immediately, his eyes were glued to her form, drinking in the sight. He had missed her greatly. Tights suited her. She looked extremely attractive and her movements were breathtaking. Seto realized he wasn't the only one entranced by her beauty and grace. Almost everyone on the hall was watching her with awe. A smirked appeared on his lips as he imagined what was going through their minds. They wanted her… but she belonged to him.

She. Was. His.

Slowly, more characters appeared on the stage. The story was simple enough. A girl who dreamed big, but didn't have the resources to make those dreams a reality. Her family, that consisted of a brother and two sisters, who weren't very supportive, and got out of their way to make her life miserable. Up until that part, Seto enjoyed the performance. But then, the story took a turn. A handsome man appeared in the picture, promising to open windows of opportunities for the poor girl. And as the performance and the story progressed, Seto's mood changed from delight, to displeasure, to anger.

He watched as another romance scene played before his narrowed eyes. Every glance, every smile, every sensual touch, sent his mind reeling in utmost anger and hatred. How dare that man touch her? He had no right. Only he, Seto Kaiba, claimed the right to touch her, and no one else. That man had no right. No right at all. He wanted to gouge the yes out that dared to look at her. He wanted to rip the man's hands off her that dared to touch her, and break his wrists. But more than that, he wanted to confront Tea. She hadn't mentioned anything about a romance in the performance. Had she forgotten… or left it out on purpose?

'Damn her.' He cursed in his mind. 'I trust her, and she goes and does this.'

His hands clenched into fists as they reached the end of performance. It was time he confronted her.

Tears came in her eyes as she watched the crowd erupt in cheers and congratulations. They had loved the performance. Sure the story had been clichéd, but their performance had made it unique and better. Corey stood beside her and grasped her hand. He placed a kiss on the back of it and the crown cheered again. She giggled and moved closer to him. They bowed again. The curtains shook, indicating that they should head back stage. She took one last gaze at the crowd, trying to memorize the impressed faces of people, and immortalize this immense feeling of extreme pride and joy. But suddenly, her eyes caught piercing blue, staring at her form the far end of the hall. Immediately, her blood froze.

'Seto.' Her mind deduced. But that couldn't be. He was still supposed to be out of town. He couldn't be here. It was impossible. She quickly turned on her heel and walked backstage, trying to calm her racing heart.

"Tea." Corey called out to her, noticing her pale face. "Is something the matter?"

"N… no." She stuttered, her voice shaking. "Nothing. I… I should… go." She grabbed her bag, quickly changed, and ran out the door before anyone could stop her.

What was she doing? She didn't know. All she wanted to do was get away from those eyes. If it really was Seto, she would rather not confront him there.

'But it's not him.' She assured herself. 'I'm panicking for no reason.' Running blindly, she managed to reach the mansion. Her first and only thought was to get to their room and hide her outfit. Maybe she would tell Seto that she didn't participate in the performance after all. She ran towards their bedroom and opened the door, but froze on the spot. Inside, Seto sat in a comfy chair, facing her.

"S… Seto?" She whispered as fear gripped her senses.

"Hello." Seto said in a very calm voice.

"You… you're back… early." She said, hiding the bag with her clothes behind her.

"Yes." He said. "I decided to finish the meeting early so I could catch your performance." His eyes narrowed. "And I must say, I wasn't particularly expecting what I saw."

"Seto… I… I…" she desperately tried to come up with an excuse that would satisfy him, but fear clouded her mind. It made it impossible for her to think rationally, or think at all for that matter. Seto stood up.

"You never mentioned anything about having a male partner." He advanced towards her and she took a step back.

"I… I… didn't… I …" His accusing eyes left no room for anything to be said. He had already thought of a reason for her actions and nothing she said would change his mind. The only thing she could do was run form him and try to save herself. But she neither had the guts nor the strength to ever blink. She remained rooted to the floor as he reached behind her to lock the door. Then he grabbed her arm and tugged her farther into the room. The bag fell from her hand somewhere on the floor.

"You lied to me." He said in a venomous voice. "You knew about that bastard, but you hid it from me." His grip on her arm tightened with every word, every syllable he said, and her pain increased.

"Seto… I-." She tried to speak but was cut off by a harsh slap to her face. A scream erupted from her throat as her body flung from the impact of his strength, but his arm held her body from moving too far.

"Bitch." He yelled in her face. "I let you out alone for three days and you whore yourself to a fucking bastard that you don't even know. You fucking slut." He threw her towards the dresser, causing her body to collide with it with a sick thud.

"Seto… please… list-." She tried to speak again, but he was on her, slapping her uncontrollably.

"You slut. You fucking whore." Her screams roared louder and louder with every blow from him, until she thought her lungs would explode.

"Stop." She screamed, flaying her arms in front of her to block his blows, but Seto was like a rabid animal. He ignored her agonized screams, her cries of pain, and continued slapping her mercilessly, only stopping when his hand stung with pain. But his anger hadn't subsided yet. He grabbed her hair and pulled her to her feet. Pain shot through the roots of her hair and she let out another piercing scream. Seto flung her across the room by using her hair and watched with sadistic satisfaction as her body bumped into the nightstand and crumbled on the carpet.

Pain.

It was all she could feel. Every pore of her skin was alit with pain and she was burning. Her throat was sore from ill attempts of crying out for help. All she could do was hope that somewhere in that cold heart of his, Seto felt an ounce of sympathy for her, enough to let her live. But she wasn't going to get her wish. Before she had enough time to take a breath, Seto was on her again, hand around her neck, pulling to her feet. Again, she let out a chocked scream and desperately clawed at his arm to get him to loosen his grip, but to no avail. Seto pulled her towards him to face him.

"How long have you been fucking him?" He demanded.

"I… didn't." She managed to say.

"LIES." He screamed in utter rage and delivered a punch to her stomach. Her eyes widened in pain and she felt air being sucked out of her lungs. "You think I'm going to believe that shit." He spat in her face as he punched her again. This time, a scream managed to leave her lips, much to her surprise.

"Pl… ease…. Bel… eve me." She chocked out, clutching her stomach.

"I saw it with my own eyes." He yelled in her face, pulling her hair harshly. "I saw you crawling up his leg." He said while delivering another punch to her stomach. "I saw you exchange spit. I saw it all." His fist swung with every line he spoke and she screamed and screamed. Blood flew out of her mouth, but in his rage, he failed to see it. Voilent coughs shook her body and he threw her on the floor, but he wasn't done yet. He stood over her unmoving body and kicked her ribs.

"Wasn't I good enough for you, you whore?" No response came from her, not even a sniff.

"You're a no good bitch. That's what you are." He said. "And to think I actually worked my ass off to get here on time for your performance." No scream came from her and it frustrated him. He wanted to hear her scream. He wanted to know she was in pain. He wanted her to feel it like he had felt the pain of her betrayal. "Fuck." He yelled, pouring all his anger into the kick, causing her body to fling accross the room like a rag doll. He then turned away from her, his chest heaving from effort.

"I'm done with all this." He said, his voice hoarse form all the screaming. "You will not leave this house ever again. I'll make sure of that. You'll beg for a ray of sunlight, for fresh air, but you'll never get it, you hear me?" He turned towards her and glared at her, daring her to defy, but no response came from her.

"Answer me." He demanded, advancing towards her heap of a body. "Are you still disobeying me?" He grabbed her arm and pulled her to face him, but was surprised to see her head roll to the side.

"Tea?" He said in an icy tone, shaking her body to get a response from her, but none came. Anger was replaced by panic. Why wasn't she answering him? He doubted she wanted to defy him now, after all the abuse he had delivered to her. It must be something else.

"Tea?" He called out again. His hand reached for her chin to hold her head up when he felt a think slimy liquid touch his fingers. He removed his hand to see his fingers stained red.

Blood.

It was blood. It was her blood. Immediately, he lifted her face and cringed at what he saw. Blood stained her chin and neck, some of it staining her shirt. Her lips were busted open, thus the source of her blood. Her tongue was also stained red, indicating that she must have coughed out some as well. Her cheeks were swollen and purple with bruises, numerous scratches also adorning them. Her forehead had a nasty looking purple bruise on two places; one bruise was open and bleeding. Her neck also had bruises, definitely from his grip. But what scared Seto the most was that there were no signs of breathing coming from her. Her chest was not moving, not even a centimeter. With quivering hands, Seto placed his finger below her nose, hoping to feel a gust of warm. But none came.

"Please. No." He whispered, voice laced with fear. "Don't… Tea…" He begged, shaking her head slightly, but it resulted in more blood oozing out of her mouth.

"No." he whispered again. "Please Tea…. Don't… don't leave me."

...

Hey guys. As you probably read, there was a lot of swearing and abuse in this chapter, and I don't know if I can use such words and scenarios under "T" rating. Do I have to change my story's rating to "M" or can I leave it at "T"? Please let me know.

And also, REVIEW.

Please.