Muffled voices soothed him back to consciousness. A robust metallic odor stunned his senses and he realized that this was the first time he'd smelled something in a long time. The scent raided his taste buds and he licked his chapped lips to try and rid of the taste. His vision was no longer closing in around him, it was brightening up instead. His eyesight came in and out, and he couldn't quite make out exactly what was in front of him, or who for that matter…

"…"

More muffled voices. They were saying something. What were they saying? Were they trying to communicate with him? He couldn't tell, the voices sounded too out of range.

"…"

A dark outline honed in on him. He blinked several times to clear up his foggy vision.

"Seto…"

The voice was familiar yet distant, as if it were coming from over a hundred yards away.

"Can you hear me?"

Yes, I can hear you. No words came out.

"Seto?"

It was closer now, and he suddenly felt something firmly grip his hand.

"He's coming to, doctor! Get him out of this pod!" He barely heard the distant sounds of shuffling feet and objects clanging against glass and metal.

The voice was next to him now, and the outline quickly formed into a visible shape.

"M… M-Mokuba?" His voice was coarse, as if he'd swallowed sandpaper.

"Seto! Yes, it's me! Can you hear me? Can you see me?"

He tried to smile, but the muscles in his face were sore. "Yes, am I—?"

"Back in the real world? Yes, you are."

He felt a rush of extreme relief pour over him like soothing water. He could feel his skin prick and goosebumps rise on the back of his neck. It was a mixture of the cool metal pod, the intense air conditioning of the sterilized room, and the sound of his little brother's voice reassuring him that he was okay. Kaiba let go of a heavy sigh and tried to rise out of the pod, but he quickly found his body to be useless. There was no strength left in his bones.

Mokuba squeezed his hand, "Don't try and get up. The doctor needs to get the tubes out of you first."

The tubes? "How long?" His voice was too hoarse to try and finish a full sentence.

"You've been gone for over six months. You needed feeding tubes and IV fluid to keep you alive." Kaiba saw tears in Mokuba's eyes. Why was he crying? Were they tears of relief, or was he upset? Did something go wrong? What about….?

"Tea? Is she all right? Is she back?" His voice shrilled, making it crack. He coughed and tried to swallow, but his mouth was too dry.

"She's fine. She made it. Our team is pulling her out of her pod right now."

Kaiba shifted to try and get a glimpse of her, but he was secured into the pod.

"You can see her later, when she's in better shape."

"Better shape?"

Mokuba sighed, "Seto, she's been out of it for nearly three years. She needs time."

Kaiba understood. He just wanted to see her. It was cruel. One moment he was interacting with her in the virtual world, and the next he was being denied that very same privilege. Was he only meant to love her in a false reality?

"Mr. Kaiba, I'm happy to see that you're back, sir." The doctor who had initially tried to prevent his entry into the virtual world approached him. He was wearing his typical white lab coat and was currently slapping on rubber medical gloves. "I'm going to extract your IV's and help get you out of that thing. We have an ambulance waiting to transport you to Domino Hospital."

"How's Tea?" He didn't even care about himself at this point.

"You woke her up," the doctor stated, "I didn't believe it to be possible, especially since you both had been gone for so long…"

"You mean… she's out of her coma?"

The doctor nodded, "She's already on her way to the hospital. Her vitals are fine; she just needs time to recover. She's awfully frail, as are you. Come on, time to get you out of there."

Kaiba didn't argue or ask any more questions. Tea was out of her coma, and that's all that mattered. Kaiba had succeeded. He had saved Tea. There was no greater success.


"How are you feeling, Tea?" Tristen asked as he and Joey walked into her hospital room. Tristen was carrying a tray full of food while Joey was attempting to steal a Jell-O cup off of it. Tristen pulled the tray away from the blonde before he could snag the cup of red gelatin. "Stop it, Joey! This is for Tea! She needs all the food she can get!"

Tea chuckled lightly, "Let him have it, Tristen. My appetite hasn't fully come back yet anyway."

"So, you're not hungry?" Tristen seemed sad, "But I went down to the cafeteria to pick out your favorite foods…" The tray was stacked with five cups of multi-colored Jell-O, four sandwiches wrapped in aluminum foil, three sodas, two bags of chips, and one Snickers bar.

She smiled at him, "Thanks Tristen, but the nurse usually brings me my food. I'm on a strict diet."

"At least eat a Jell-O cup. What color?" Joey asked, grabbing the Snickers bar off the tray and a red Jell-O cup.

"I'll take a blue one, please. I can't guarantee I'll finish it all."

Joey grabbed the blue cup along with a plastic spoon and passed it over to Tea, "Don't worry, I'll finish whatever you can't."

Tristen set the tray down on a nearby table and took a seat next to Tea's bed. Joey threw away his candy wrapper after gobbling down the whole bar in one bite, and took a seat next to Tristen.

"So, how are you really feeling?" Tristen asked.

"Shitty…" Tea replied as she slowly peeled the foil wrapper from her Jell-O cup, revealing the deep blue color of the gelatin. It reminded her so much of his eyes….

"Not gonna lie, you sorta look like it too," Joey affirmed in between mouthfuls.

Tristen elbowed him in the rib cage, making Joey almost spit out his Jell-O, "Don't be an idiot!"

"It's fine, Tristen. I know it's true." The moment Tea saw herself in the mirror after so long had completely shocked her. She couldn't believe how unrecognizable she looked. Her skin was ghostly pale, and her cheeks were completely sunken in. There were dark bags under her eyes the size of avocado seeds. Even her hair was frail. Not only had it grown out past her shoulders, but massive clumps fell out when she bathed. She looked like a cancer patient and practically felt like one too. Being out of commission for almost three years could really do a number on someone.

"At least you're on your way to recovery. You'll get there." Tristen smiled at her and gently patted the back of her hand to avoid disturbing the IV that was protruding from it.

"Yeah, and we'll be right by your side all the way!" Joey assured. His optimism was a kind gesture. "You'll be back on your feet before you know it!"

Tea smiled softly. She glanced down at her Jell-O. She still hadn't taken a bite. The color kept reminding her of his piercing blue eyes, staring into the deepest portions of her soul. She missed him, and wondered how he was doing. She hadn't seen him since the virtual world.

'You'll be back on your feet before you know it!' Joey's words rang in her ears. Would she be back on her feet? How long did that recovery process take? She'd never been wheelchair-bound before. The doctors couldn't even give her an estimate on when she'd walk again, if ever. All they said was, 'The recovery process is different for everyone… You were out for a while, you need time… The muscles in your legs and body aren't strong enough yet to support you, you'll need rehab…'

Overall, she was grateful to be back in the real world, but reality had taken away so many things that the virtual world hadn't. For starters, her ability to walk. How would she dress herself, clothe herself, or bathe for herself if she couldn't even walk? Her dancing career was shot. Not only was she disabled for who knows how long, but she was now too old to pursue a dancing career. Plus, she technically hadn't danced in almost three years, and there was no way she'd be able to make up the time lost in practice.

Finally, the last thing that reality had taken from her that the virtual world gave to her: Seto Kaiba. How in the world would she be able to muster up the ability to see him when she couldn't do anything for herself?

All these thoughts overwhelmed her and she assaulted her Jell-O with the plastic spoon, digging in as deep as she could to harvest the biggest portion of Jell-O she could. It shook on her spoon before she devoured it, swallowing down her fears.

There was just one other fear she needed to face. "Where's Yugi? I haven't seen him since I woke up. I know he's probably afraid to come talk to me, but I want to see him."

Tristen and Joey gave each other a side glance before Tristen spoke, "He's in the waiting area with your parents. He's been talking to them, to kind of… uh… gauge how you might react to seeing him again."

"He's been worried sick about you, Tea." Joey said, taking another Jell-O off the tray and opening it. "All he wanted was for you to wake up and come home, but he wanted to give you your space."

Tea sighed, "I understand, but it's been nearly three years, I'm surprised he hasn't moved on yet."

"I hate to say it, but I don't think he'll ever get over you, Tea…" Tristen's words cut her. There's no way he could be serious? Yugi still cared about her? After all this time? That was a notion she couldn't quite understand.

But what about her feelings? Did she still care about Yugi just as much as he did her? Yes, of course, that was a no-brainer, she'd always care about Yugi. But was she too attached to Kaiba? Could they pick up where they left off? Would Kaiba even want to? He hadn't visited her once.

"And Kaiba," Tea switched the subject, taking a wicked bite of her Jell-O the moment she saw the looks on her friends' faces change, "he's still staying in this hospital, right?"

"I believe he's on this floor," Tristen stated.

Tea crushed her empty Jell-O cup with one hand, letting her anger out on the plastic. "Has he even asked about me?"

"It's Kaiba," Joey rolled his eyes, "who really cares?"

She threw the empty cup and spoon at him, startling the young blonde. "I care, Joey!"

"Whoa! Okay! Okay! Calm down!"

Tristen quickly attempted to cool the tension, "We'll go visit him later. We'll ask for you. I'm sure he knows you're fine."

"Why do you care so much bout what ol' Moneybags has to say anyways?"

Tea took a deep breath trying to calm herself. Inside she was raging. Why hadn't Kaiba cared to even ask about her? She was sure he knew she was here on this floor with him. Was it all an act? Everything they shared? Was it just as fake as the virtual world?

"I'd like to see Yugi now, please." She changed the subject, but there were hints of dissatisfaction and anger in her voice. The boys immediately picked up on the displeasure.

"Sure," Tristen said calmly, "we'll go get him for you. Leave you alone for a bit."

They left the room, leaving Tea alone to muse over her frustrations.


There was a soft knock on his hospital room door. Kaiba tore his eyes away from the window and answered with a raspy, "Come in."

The person who entered was not who Kaiba was expecting.

"Yugi?" He hadn't seen him in over six months. "What're you doing here?"

"Hey Kaiba." Yugi made his way toward Kaiba, taking a seat on the lounge chair across from his. The lounge chairs were placed next to the room's heater. Kaiba preferred to sit in the chair instead of the bed because it was warmer and had a great view of downtown Domino City. He saw Kaiba Corp. just a few blocks away, towering over every other building.

"How are you feeling?" Yugi asked. His violet eyes were fixated on the skyline of the city. They seemed drained, almost as if he'd been crying.

"I've been better." The cynicism was mixed with truth. He really had been better. Not being able to do anything without his IV bag really pissed him off. The constant dripping, as the bag hung above him on that stupid metal pole with wheels, made him restless to leave this place. Heck, seeing Kaiba Corp. every damn day and knowing he wasn't allowed back into work added to his restlessness. He recalled what happened last time he was out of it for over six months, The Big 5 and Pegasus had tried to take over Kaiba Corp. Thankfully, those idiots didn't work for him anymore, but still, he couldn't trust anyone.

Yugi was polite and didn't further the subject. He seemed more enticed by the view out the window than the person he came to see.

But Kaiba was blunt, "Why did you come to see me, Yugi?"

Yugi transferred his gaze over to Kaiba, "I wanted to thank you."

An uncomfortable shiver trailed up Kaiba's spine, "For?"

"For looking after Tea, and getting her home safe."

'I'm sure he'd love to know how well you've looked after me, all night long.'

Tea's words echoed unnervingly throughout his head and he shifted awkwardly in his seat. He couldn't say 'you're welcome,' not after everything he'd done with Tea. Even though it happened in the virtual world, it still felt real and raw. But Yugi just kept staring at him, waiting for him to respond, and for the first time Kaiba felt self-conscious around Yugi.

"I did what I had to. There was no other way to get her out." His words contained two different meanings, and Kaiba prayed Yugi wouldn't catch on.

"I know. If it weren't for you, she would still be in a coma. Thanks for being so brave." Kaiba sighed internally, knowing Yugi hadn't caught on.

"I assume her recovery is going well," Kaiba spoke curtly, avoiding their former subject.

Yugi shrugged, "I guess… but I wouldn't know…." He peeled his eyes away from Kaiba's and placed them back to the view outside.

"What do you mean?"

Yugi sighed, placing his chin over his hand. "I don't have the courage to face her."

Yugi was being careful with his word choice. He was clueless about Kaiba's knowledge of his failed proposal, and Kaiba planned to keep it that way. He was sure Yugi would appreciate that as well.

Kaiba was thoroughly surprised that Yugi hadn't visited Tea, but in the back of his mind he knew why, "I'm sure she wants to see you," Kaiba encouraged, acting like he knew nothing. "You two are best friends."

Yugi just sighed, "Yeah…" Silence enveloped them, but Yugi refused to let the conversation about Tea die. "Have you seen her?"

Kaiba shook his head, "I don't have the courage to face her."

Yugi looked slightly confused, but before he could question it Tristen and Joey walked in. Yugi had left the door wide open, so they hadn't bothered knocking.

"Tea's parents told us you were in here. She wants to see you." Tristen said, taking on the role of the messenger while Joey delivered Kaiba his usual glare.

"Are you sure, Tristen?"

"Of course I'm sure!"

"Yeah, we just came from her room," Joey added.

Yugi stood up and took a deep breath, "Okay…"

Joey walked over to his short friend and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, "Don't be nervous, Yug."

Tristen followed, "Yeah, there's nothing to be afraid of."

Yugi sighed, "I know…" His uncertainty suddenly changed into determination, "Okay, I'm going. Are you guys coming with?"

"I think she just wanted to talk with you," Joey said, encouraging his bud to face his fears while plopping down on the chair Yugi had just been in, "You got this."

Yugi nodded and apprehensively stepped toward the door. He stopped just before leaving to turn to Kaiba and say, "Thank you," before disappearing through the door and into the busy hospital hallway.

Kaiba felt an unsettling knot form in his stomach as well as a sour taste develop in the back of his throat.

'Please, take care of her for me.'

'I promise you, Yugi, I will.'

His own promise came back to haunt him. He had taken care of Tea, but at what cost? Yes, he helped bring her back to the real world, but he hadn't fully thought through the consequences of his actions. Would Tea tell Yugi what they had done?

The irritating mutt dragged Kaiba from his thoughts as he leaned forward and asked, "How'd you get Tea outta the virtual world anyhow, Kaiba?"

Great, now he had another person to answer to.


A/N: Hey guys! Since I made you all wait so long last time, I decided to update a littler quicker this time around. You all have been so wonderful and I'm very gracious for your continued support. It means quite a lot to me to know there are people out there who care for my work and share the same love of Yu-Gi-Oh as I do. I could thank you guys a million times over.

I hope you all enjoyed the banter in this chapter! I will try my hardest to update as quickly as possible. Please let me know how I did! Thanks!

(P.S. Any of you see The Dark Side of Dimensions yet? I thought it was wonderful! If you saw the movie, what did you think? If not, go see it and help support this awesome fandom!)