AlienD: Hey everyone! I promise I didn't forget. Major writer's block. Chapter 8 is already half way written, but I'm not going to make any promises on its release date. So many things are going on this summer. Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy! And as always, thanks for reading and the reviews!

Disclaimer: Do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!

Chapter 7: Beginnings

Seto was typing furiously on his laptop, not noticing as Kenith entered the room. It was crazy how easily that woman-that simple and infuriating woman—could crawl under his skin. His plan to finally get back at her for every pathetic comment and speech he had to ever endure was slipping through his fingers. He hated losing control of any situation; yet he knew with a little extra work he would be back on top making her miserable. And oh how sweet it would taste. Seto smirked as he slammed down on the enter button with his index finger. His anger had finally abated and all was right. Until Kenith just had to clear his throat.

"Wow, Seto, has any ever told how creepy and malicious you look when you're concentrating and planning?" Kenith asked half jokingly before flopping down on a chair seated in front of Seto's desk.

Irritation snaked its way back into Seto's mood. He had forgotten about their afternoon meeting. He glanced down at the clock. It was now pushing onto 5.

"I'm in no mood to put up with any of your attitudes unless it remains strictly business," Seto replied dryly at least. He printed out the 4 page document and turned to grab it off the printer stationed behind him and to the left.

"Gees, Seto. You seriously need to lighten up and learn to chill." Kenith laughed for a second before leaning forward. "How about we discuss business over some dinner? No harm, right?"

The CEO thought for a moment before letting out a sigh. Dinner would at least get him out of the office for a little bit. But then there was Mokuba he had to worry about, granted Roland was there to watch over him.

"I suppose…" He stood up out of his seat and signaled for Kenith to follow him into the lobby. "Gardner."

Téa looked up at the two as they exited through the doors. But before any more words could be exchanged, the ding of the elevator invaded the silence. All eyes were on the doors curious to know who was coming up around this time.

"Big Brother!" Mokuba called out and immediately ran to his brother, wrapping arms around his waist. "I came to pick you up since you did say that you would leave work early just this one time… You do owe me!"

Seto cringed as the forgotten promise slipped back into mind. He returned the embrace and gently brushed his younger brother's thick mess of hair.

"Ah, Mokuba, unfortunately there is a bit of change of plans. I need to talk about some important matters with Kenith," Seto said gently as his eyes met with Mokuba's. It took all his might to not look away as Mokuba began pouting.

"How could anything to do with Kenith be more important? I mean, Seto… You promised…" Mokuba frowned deeper.

"Hey, Mokuba," Téa started and stood up from her seat so she could better see him. "Don't be that way. Your brother would want nothing more than to hang out with you, but unfortunately this couldn't wait. If you'd like, why don't you and I hang out?"

Seto looked at Téa a little surprised by her sudden explanation. Mokuba also looked up at her, some of his cheeriness coming back into his eyes. His frown was now twisting into a small smile.

"For real? But it's Seto's responsibility. You shouldn't have to do that for him…" Mokuba started.

"Believe me when I say I have free time. And it'd be nice to spend time with you. So would you like to maybe say go to dinner and maybe the arcade for a bit?" She smiled and gave a slight nod.

Mokuba glanced up at Seto before looking back at Téa. "Soooo… then it'd be like a date?" He asked jokingly. Kenith scoffed at the idea, even if the kid was kidding around. It earned him a sharp look from Seto that made Kenith silent all over again.

Téa couldn't help but laugh. "Sure, it could totally be a date."

Seto threw Téa a very subtle appreciative look. She ignored him, still pissed with him. Mokuba pulled away from Seto and went over to his date of the evening and hugged her. His smaller hand wrapped around hers and began tugging her from behind the desk. Téa grabbed her bag just before he could really begin pulling and followed after him.

"I guess we're on going down together then?" Mokuba questioned. He pressed the down button and turned to the three older people.

"I need to speak with Gardner, first. You two go ahead. Kenith you cause any kind of trouble with my little brother, I will not hesitate in slitting your throat, understood?" Seto cast a cold gaze daring Kenith to speak against him.

"Whatever you say Mr. High and Mighty…" Kenith and a reluctant Mokuba entered the elevator. The second the door closed, Seto looked down at Téa. She had an eyebrow cocked as she waited for him to say whatever it was he needed.

"Thank… Thank you for taking Mokuba for me," Seto stated quietly. His eyes never left her. Nor did the coldness reflecting in them melt even in the slightest. It almost made her question if his earlier look was just her imagination. Must have been.

"Let's get one thing straight. I'm not doing this for you. I just can't stand seeing Mokuba looking so disappointed. Kenith… could have waited." She frowned. "Kaiba, your priorities are really screwed up!"

He was taken aback so much he stood there, his lips parted. He shook his head as his face hardened. "Do you think I like having to break promises, having to constantly be working? You know nothing and you couldn't possibly understand how I feel every damn time I have look at my brother's disappointed face." Seto ran a hand through his hair. "It hurts, Gardner. But in order to obtain an even better life… heh, forget it.."

It was Téa's turn to be taken off guard. She wanted to press Seto, after all, it was the most personal he had ever really gotten. She folded her arms across her chest and looked down at the carpeted floor.

"Here, I made an official contract. I expect it to be signed and handed over first thing tomorrow." He held out the documents. She said nothing as she took them and shoved them into her bag.

"Yes sir," she replied with a hint of sarcasm. With no further conversation, they headed down to the front lobby.

"'Bout time you guys come down!" Mokuba said, hands on his hips. "What were you two doing?"

Seto smiled down at Mokuba and ruffled the kid's hair. "Just some last minute details."

"Oh, hey, Seto. I was thinking that maybe since my room is cooler than an arcade and stuff, that maybe Téa and I could just hang out at the house…?"

Seto immediately tensed up at the sudden suggestion. "I think staying out would be better," he started. "Besides, I thought you wanted to go out for a change?"

"Oh come on, Seto, please? It's not like you don't know her! She won't snoop or anything… and it IS a school night. And what if I want to go to sleep and you're not home and something goes wrong…?" Mokuba pleaded. Seto cocked his eyebrow.

"You make her sound like a babysitter, Mokuba. Besides, Roland will be t-" Seto knew it'd only be a matter of seconds before the younger Kaiba would interrupt.

"Seto! Roland is getting older. I doubt he'd last in a fight."

"Mokuba, we have the state of the art security system. Nothing is going to happen."

"Then you OBVIOUSLY never watched Ninja Assassins! They were able to get around it and use their shadows to their advantage and everything! I think it'd be a good idea if Téa would come over for a bit. I promise not to make a mess… I'll even do my homework!" Good old bribery never failed. Seto knew that Mokuba would always be set for life, but at the same time knew that it'd never hurt for effort to be put in at school.

"Okay, I guess that's fine… just 9 is the cut off, understood?" Mokuba once again hugged his brother tightly in appreciativeness.

"Thank you, Big Brother! You're the best! Come on Téa, let's go!" He grabbed a hold of the brunette's hand and began to lead her out of the doors.

"I'll, uh, see you guys later!" Both Kenith and Seto watched as the pair went off in their own direction. Envy flashed in Kenith's eyes as he watched them continue hand in hand.

"Let's go. I don't want to be out all night with you." Seto brushed past Kenith and went outside. At that moment a limo pulled up. The driver quickly got out and opened the door for them.

Kenith paused behind Seto as he felt he finally had the opportunity to speak his mind. "You know, your brother would have been just fine without your secretary you know," He stated with a hint of glum in his voice.

"Just shut up and get in," was Seto's own reply.

XxXxXxXxXxX

Mokuba had finally let go of Téa the second they were out of sight. He grinned up at her as they continued their way.

"Soooo how was work going for you today?" Mokuba asked. Téa pondered his question for a moment.

"Long, irritating and ugh!" She let out a small laugh. "You're brother and I… we are quite the opposite, that's for sure. I don't know how much longer I can put up with him and it's only my second day at work."

Mokuba couldn't help but stifle his laughter as she vented to him. "Maybe you two will somehow overcome your differences and fall in love or something." He was met with a skeptical look.

"Yeah, that'll never happen. We could be the last people on Earth and we'd still be attempting to kill the other." Her eyes wandered up to the setting sky. "But maybe it could help us…." She mumbled the last bit. Mokuba didn't say anything as they continued on.

Minutes had passed before they arrived at a large estate; the house was off white and was set back on the large property. A tall metal fence lined the perimeter. While it seemed there was limited protection, Téa knew that a nuke could be dropped on their city and this house would still be standing in most likely tip-top shape. Upon entering, Mokuba tossed his school bag onto a vacant chair.

"Welcome home, Master Mokuba," Roland said with a small smile. Mokuba grinned up at the older man.

"Hey! I brought a friend over. We'll be in the kitchen making pizza and stuff. Seto won't be home till later tonight."

"Shall I stay later this evening to keep you company?" Roland picked up Mokuba things and started towards the stairs.

"Nah. I'll be fine! Come on Téa!" She had barely the chance to put down her bag when Mokuba began yanking her towards their large kitchen. She was stunned at the size. It was easily the size of an average living, dinning, and sitting room. It looked more like a restaurant kitchen than one to be found in a regular home. Then again, the Kaibas weren't regular people.

"Normally," Mokuba started as he walked over to their pantry—more of an enormous walk in closet, "the chefs are here to cook. But I called ahead of time and told them that they weren't needed for dinner tonight." He rifled around the shelves, grabbing various ingredients. He dumped them over the counter.

"Must be something to have someone cooking five star meals," Téa mused. She began sorting out the ingredients. "I could never imagine it."

"We'll have to have you over for dinner sometime then. You might have to. Seto had his old secretary over one night when they were finishing up some last minute details." Mokuba pulled out some mixing bowls and a cookbook. He flipped through the pages and stopped as he found the one for pizza. They set to work making the dough in silence. But it was a comfortable one. Once they had finished, they covered it with a cloth and set it aside.

"So, how involved is a secretary with Seto's work anyways?" She sat down in a chair and took a sip of water Mokuba had gotten for them.

"Hmmm…. Honestly, he hates 'em, but uses them as he sees fit. So sometimes their job can be pointless and other times overwhelming. But Seto didn't really like his old one. Said she was too annoying and was looking for a replacement," He stated with a simple shrug. "But I bet you're gonna be a whole lot better! You're nice, pretty, and not afraid to stand up to Seto."

Téa couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, I'm definitely stubborn in that sense. But I have a feeling that it won't end too well if I don't stay in check."

"Heh, well either way, I think that it'll be a good thing. Sometimes Seto needs someone to keep him in check, someone to remind him maybe how to be a little more human…"

Téa studied Mokuba as she pondered his words. Would that even be possible when they disliked each other to the point of showing the minimalist of respect?

"Either way, least things'll be interesting!" Mokuba laughed. Téa joined in, but his previous words were still lingering in her mind.

XxXxXxXxXxX

Seto couldn't help but glance down at his watch as Kenith droned on about nothing. His eyes were beginning to burn with the need of sleep and his was vaguely aware that his yawns were becoming more frequent.

"…. So I think that would be a definite plus for the duel disk! Neon lights would be so great for night dueling!" Kenith chugged the last bit of beer and flagged the waitress over.

An oncoming headache, Seto thought, was far from inevitable. "It's a duel disk, not a rave accessory."

"But think of how great it would be! People would carry them everywhere at night if that were the case!" Seto glared at the man as he spoke.

"People already carry duel disks around anyways. I have better details for it anyways. Besides, you're supposed to about marketing details for its release," Seto said. He glanced down at his watch; only three minutes had passed since he last looked. How was it possible for time to go this slow?

"Yeah, well, we need to do some interviews for the models and actors for it. Plus we need to figure out some ways that would make parents want to buy it for their kids in the first place. It's going to be pretty expensive…" Kenith glanced up at the waitress with a wink as she dropped off his second beer.

"Your meals will be out in a few minutes. Can I get you gentlemen anything for the time being?" Both declined and she was on her way. Kenith watched as she walked away.

"Seto, why don't you date? I mean, are you gay, bi, a-sexual?" Kenith looked at him with all the seriousness in the world.

Seto said nothing has he downed his glass of water. His blood was slowly working his way up to his boiling points.

"I don't have time to 'date'. Besides, it's pointless," Seto replied placing his glass back down on the table.

"Not really. It can be a great stress release. Find a chick, flirt, maybe get a little involved, drop her, move on. Not that time consuming." Kenith countered. "By the way, you and Téa seem to have something."

Seto narrowed his eyes at all the sudden turns of conversation. He preferred hearing more of Kenith's ridiculous ideas than talking about trivial things such as this.

"Gardner is just an obnoxious girl who doesn't know when to shut up and stay out of other's business," he started, "I only have miss goody-two shoes around because it's about time I get an opportunity to torture her for the past few years of hearing her rant on about friendship." Just the thought caused a dull pounding in his head.

"Psh. So she talks a lot… and I guess she does have that righteousness…. But at least she's hot." Thankfully conversation was ended as the waitress brought out their food.

The evening had finally come to a close. Seto was more than grateful to be released from Kenith's presence. He glared at his watch, like he had done more than a dozen times beforehand. It was already a quarter to ten. A sigh slipped pass his lips as he climbed into his waiting limo. Seto rested his head against the cool glass as he allowed his mind a break from thinking. After all, he couldn't remember the last time he was given the opportunity to just let his mind and body a moment to relax and be vulnerable.

It felt as though only a second had passed as the limo came to a halt.

"We're home, sir," the driver stated after pulling open the door. Seto rubbed his eyes gingerly before getting out. Oh how he couldn't wait to crawl into bed and sleep for those few glorious hours. He muttered a small thanks and walked briskly to the front door. Upon entering, he was only then reminded that Téa was still there. He removed his jacket and tossed it on the first chair he passed.

Seto stepped into the large TV room, his cold gaze settling on the girl.

She was sitting on the floor, absorbed with the task of completing her homework. He watched for a few moments with a blank expression before searching the room for his brother. Mokuba wasn't present.

"Where's Mokuba?" He stepped more into the room and watched in mild amusement as Téa jumped and looked at Seto with a startled expression. Her brow furrowed as his question registered in her mind.

"Mokuba? He was starting to drift off so I tucked him into bed." By now she was gathering her books and papers, shoving them into her bag. "I didn't feel right leaving him alone so I was just waiting till you came home…"

Seto nodded. "Uh thank you…" He said quietly. Téa said nothing as she glanced up at him, not sure if she should have felt the least bit surprised by his mumbled gratitude. She stood up and brushed out the wrinkles in her skirt.

"Sorry to have imposed. I'll be making my leave now." She was almost at the door when Seto once again spoke up.

"I'll have my driver drop you off…" Téa couldn't help but lift an eyebrow. She was a little caught off guard by his generosity, even if his offer hand an undertone of forced obligation.

"It's fine. I can walk. I need the fresh air anyways." She slipped her shoes on. Before closing the door behind her, she looked back at Seto. She couldn't help but feel a hint of pity as exhaustion cracked mercilessly through his normally cool exterior.

"Goodnight, Kaiba." She didn't wait for a response as she finally stepped fully into the night air. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. The air was warm and smelt so fresh. Tonight was definitely one that shouldn't have been spent inside a vehicle. Téa began her trek home, enjoying the peace.

XxXxXxXxXxX

She was completely out of breath and had a sharp pain in her side by the time she arrived to the top floor of Kaiba Corp.

"Well, look at who's on time for a change," Seto greeted. His voice, while still had its usual shards of ice, held a bit of praise.

"Yeah, yeah. Were you seriously waiting for me?" She set her school bag and a duffel bag on the desk. She immediately set to work with pulling out low pumps and a blouse and skirt set.

"Don't flatter yourself, Gardner," he retorted. "I'm waiting for that dumbass to come."

"You mean Kenith?"

"Yes, unfortunately. Hurry up and change. I do have work you need to get to." He turned and headed into his office just as the ding of the elevator sounded.

Téa glanced over at Seto's door, reconfirming that it was firmly closed. Luck was on her side.

"Well, well if it isn't Téa. Why are you here early?" Kenith stepped off and walked towards her.

"I'm supposed to be here this early. Kaiba's orders." Kenith rolled his eyes.

"He really does know how to destroy someone's life, doesn't he?"

Téa smiled, though it almost faded as an image of her boss from last night resurfaced. She had much more of a life than he really did. She shook her head to erase that though. Why should she care? It was already her third day and already it felt like she had been stuck in this hell hole forever, thanks to that asshole.

Kenith watched her, lightly intrigued by her quick flashes of emotions.

"Yeah, I guess he doesn't," She said at last.

"So speaking of him, is the tiger in his den?"

"Yeah, he's expecting you." Kenith shook his head as he smirked.

"Surprising. Well, my beautiful lady, I shall be leaving you," He said gently. Kenith reached for Téa's hand and brought it lightly to his mouth. His eyes met with hers as he softly brushed his lips against her warm and smooth skin. Téa's cheeks burned and butterflies began to flutter around the pit of her stomach. He pulled away, winked at her, and retreated into Seto's office, all the while keeping eye contact up until closing the door.

A smile formed on her lips as she walked into the restrooms to change.

XxXxXxXxXxX

To say the least, the day was boring. The so called work Seto had left for her was minimal and had been completed within the first 20 minutes of her sitting at her desk. She was almost on the verge of falling asleep when the doors flew open.

"Hey, Princess! Not slacking are we?" Téa nearly had a heart attack being so caught off guard.

"O-of course not. I finished everything, she stated with a small laugh. He grinned as he watched her.

"Well, good," Kenith said. "Well gather your planner and notebook. We have a meeting to attend."

Téa groaned at the thought. "Another one? We just had one like two days ago!" She took her sweet time in collecting her necessary items.

"That's how the business world is. At least he doesn't have you sitting in on the phone conferences. Easier to get distracted."

"Will you two hurry up? I don't want to be late just because the two of you decided to gossip." Both jumped at hearing Seto. Kenith remained leaning against the desk, smirking at Seto.

"Will you chill out? It doesn't start for another thirty minutes or so."

"Are you at least ready, Gardner?" Seto snapped. She winced lightly at his words.

"Yeah-"

"She can ride with me," Kenith stated winking at Téa. She smiled as her cheeks grew a little warmer.

"My secretary. I need to brief her on some things without you feeling the need to distract her." Seto nearly growled his words as cold eyes narrowed.

"I can brief her as well, you know. I'm also in charge. Besides, she is kind of my secretary too."

Seto scoffed at Kenith's remark. It then dawned on him that he was standing there fighting with one of his many hated business partners over one of the most annoying females he had ever met. Seto got a disgusted look and was about to speak when her annoying voice cut in.

"Why not just take the same car?" Téa offered. While she felt a tad bit flattered, and was hoping to take a car without her true boss, she was growing impatient. Once Seto had made up his mind, it was useless to try and be persuasive. She had an inkling that Kenith was just trying to push buttons.

Yet again, just before Seto could get a word out, Kenith slung an arm around Seto's shoulders, still grinning.

"She is brilliant. Same car it is." He thankfully released Seto and grabbed a hold of Téa's hand.

The car ride seemed never ending to Seto. It took all his will power not to knock the older man unconscious. Kenith had to be the third most obnoxious man alive, behind Yugi and Pegasus, of course. He couldn't understand her appeal to guy, not that he honestly cared. Hell, even Mokuba couldn't deal with the guy, and to him, that was saying an awful lot.

He took a sip of water as his eyes turned to slits at the two. Seto could only hope that maybe this could add to the torture he was going to force upon Téa.

The limo came to a stop outside yet another typical work building. Seto was more than eager to emerge out the limo and did so before the drive could even get a foot out of the vehicle. He cast a glance to his watch. They were only ten minutes early, leaving only roughly five settle down after navigating the halls. He glanced back that the pair only now exiting.

"Hurry up!"

"We're coming, gees. Wouldn't kill you to ease up some." Kenith mumbled.

It only took them four minutes to reach the conference room. An older gentleman greeted them outside the door.

"Ah, Mr. Kaiba and Mr. Mitchel. Welcome!" He was a balding man and seemed quite stern, despite the smile. Téa felt a hint of nervousness.

"It's good to see you, sir," Kenith replied warmly. "My father said you had a few good plans to discuss with us."

The man chuckled. "Yes, indeed. Hopefully it can be useful to you two. Your father said you and Mr. Kaiba were working on a joint project?"

"Yes, that is correct, Mr. Sanchi," Seto replied before Kenith could speak.

Mr. Sanchi nodded. "Well, let us move into the room. I believe everyone is here." The two nodded. Téa followed the three men inside.

Kenith pulled out a seat for her before taking the one beside her. She was a little grateful to not be sitting next to Kaiba. Murmur filled the room before lights dimmed and an overhead flickered on.

Téa already was fighting back the urge to yawn from the impending boredom she knew was coming. She did her best to take notes this time, not wanting a repeat incident of the last meaning they attended. A small bump to her arm caused her to glance up at Kenith. He nodded towards something on the table. She glanced down to see a small note.

You look distraught. Are you okay?

She smiled at the small note. She slid the paper closer to write her response. Kenith smiled and looked down as he felt something slip under his hand.

Just a challenge to take notes when you haven't got a single clue as to what is being said.

He silently chuckled.

No worries, doll. You'll get a hang of some of the lango. Besides, Seto will remember.

Heh, that's true. She looked up at Sanchi, attempting to focus. She had figured it was the end of that short lived conversation. Minutes passed before she felt that familiar bump. Téa couldn't conceal the grin that formed on her lips.

I'll be leaving for two weeks for some other business. Maybe when I get back, I can take you dinner?

Téa's cheeks flushed as she read his writing a few more times.

I would love that!

He beamed at her response.

I'll give you my business card when we get back to the office. I would like to keep in touch while I'm away… to get to know each other…

Okay, sure! 3

Kenith took the note and carefully folded it and slipped it into his breast pocket. They shared a smile, but hers quickly fell as she saw Seto's thin lips forming a scowl. She quickly turned front and acted busy. But, of course, her mind was creating a day dream.

AlienD: And that's a wrap! A little bland and dull, I know, but I kind of needed this chapter a bit to advance some future ideas. I hope you guys liked it. Feel free to leave some feedback! Hope you guys all have great month!