There was a buzz in the air as Téa entered the dance studio.

"Oh my gosh, Téa! Did you hear?" Mary Vera, a fierce, gorgeous red head that had been Téa's friend since her time in New York bounded up to her.

"What's going on?"

"Kaiba Corp. is making a dance team!"

Téa's face screwed up. "I'm sorry, what?"

"A dance team! For all their tournaments!" Mary grabbed Téa on the shoulders, her face beaming. "It's just like a sports dance team but for Duel Monsters! The team will perform between duels and then attend other events for the company."

"Ok, I mean, that's great but what does that have to do with us?"

Mary rolled her eyes and let go of Téa. "Don't be dense. We have to audition!"

Téa chuckled. "I'm perfectly happy here."

"You say that now." Mary gave her a sideways smile. "But did you hear what they're paying?" Mary handed her a flyer and Téa's eyes widened.

"This is more than we make in two months!"

"I know!"

Téa suddenly felt tempted but shook her head. "This isn't about money though. I love this company."

"Look," Mary's face suddenly turned serious. "This is a great opportunity. I love this company too. But our last show is ending, and both of our contracts are almost up. It wouldn't hurt to have a back-up plan." She shrugged. "Plus, that is a lot of money, more than we'll ever make working here. And rather than having to deal with all the politics of the theater business, we get to focus solely on dancing."

"And we'll just deal with a whole new set of politics," Téa muttered.

Téa did recognize that it sounded like Mary thought this through. And she did make valid points. But this would mean she would be working for Kaiba. Granted, way below Kaiba, but still for his company. Below Kaiba. Not a thought train she needed to follow.

It was Mokuba's company too though. And Mai always talked about how great it was to work for Kaiba Corp.

"Just think about it." Mary pulled Téa out of her thoughts, tilting her head. "It couldn't hurt to audition."

Téa nodded. "Tell you what, I'll think about it."

Her phone vibrated just as she finished the finishing touches on her make-up.

Here! Mokuba was insisting on picking her up. It was his birthday and had invited her and a couple of friends to dinner to celebrate. She assumed Kaiba would be there but had no idea who else was invited. She only hoped whoever was invited wouldn't create an awkward evening.

She checked her low bun and twisted the few pieces hanging out around her finger just for good measure. She smoothed her navy dress, checking for any lint. She double checked the knot of her halter dress before grabbing her nude clutch and hurrying out the door.

They were still in the warm summer months, so she skipped the jacket and headed out the door. Mokuba was waiting by a sleek black Mercedes, looking dapper in a grey suit.

"Téa!" He smiled warmly at her. "You look great."

She returned the sentiment. She started took the back of the car, but Mokuba stopped her. "Oh no, you take the front. It's not every day I get to have Seto chauffeur me around." She heard scoff from inside the car but decided it would be better not to argue.

She slipped inside and tried not to immediately stare at Kaiba. He wore a fitted all black suit that, even when sitting down, hugged him nicely. "Kaiba."

Kaiba glanced over at her and then ran his eyes down her body before snapping back up. "Gardner."

The car shifted as Mokuba slammed himself into the backseat. "Now that we've filled the car with palpable sexual tension, let's go celebrate me!"

The car ride was filled with Téa and Mokuba's chattering. She was trying despartely not to think too deeply into Mokuba's comment. Kaiba, characteristically, remained silent, offering nothing to the conversation.

They arrived at Chez Vachon, a high scale French restaurant that Téa knew she would never be able to afford. Outside she spotted the blonde hair of Mai and…"Is that Valon?" she asked.

"Yea," Mokuba answered, "they just started seeing each other again a couple weeks ago."

"Huh. She didn't tell me."

"She's been keeping it quiet. I only knew because Seto keeps track of anyone involved in that whole Dartz situation."

Téa blinked at Kaiba. "You do?"

Kaiba glanced at her as he parked in front of the valet. "Wouldn't you?"

"Isn't that like an invasion of privacy or something?"

"I don't really care if it is. They threatened my company and my life. It'd be stupid to just let it go."

"Touché."

Kaiba threw the keys at the valet as they clambered out and told him not to scratch the car.

"Mai!" Téa greeted. "And Valon. It's nice to see you."

Valon gave her his signature smirk. "Much betta' than the last time."

"Much." Téa agreed. "You look gorgeous, Mai." Hardly shocking. The dark purple velvet dress clung to her every curve and showed off all of her assets. Téa felt like a middle schooler playing dress-up compared to her.

"Let's take this party inside," Mokuba grinned. The minute the staff caught sight of the Kaiba brothers, they immediately bustled over and led them to their table. They were seated outside but seated away from other restaurant goers in a low platform. String lights and greenery decorated the patio, giving it a picaresque glow.

"Wow, nice digs." Valon commented.

"It's one of my favorite places," Mokuba answered. A waiter brought over two large bottles of wine and immediately began pouring while another brought waters and menus.

"And such great service," Mai teased. "Seems you're a regular."

"My credit card bills can confirm that," Kaiba replied.

The whole table stared at Kaiba. Was that…a joke? Kaiba had been looking at the menu but then looked up to see everyone gaping at him. Kabiba grabbed for his wine and took a gulp.

"Mokuba," Téa teased, "you're twenty. Stop making your poor brother pay for your dates." Everyone let out a laugh and it quickly diffused the awkward atmosphere.

Conversation, food, and wine began to flow. Being surrounded by three duelists meant Duel Monsters was a frequent topic of conversation.

"Ok, enough work talk," Téa interjected. "We're here to celebrate Mokuba, not come up with new battle strategies."

"Actually," Mokuba responded, "there is one work thing I would like to discuss. Something that specifically involves you."

"Let me guess, the dance team?"

Kaiba had been studying his food but at the mention of the team, he quickly checked her expression.

Mokuba grinned. "Why yes, you heard about it?"

"Who didn't? My friend, Mary is planning on auditioning. She wants me too as well."

"And you don't? Want to?" Kaiba asked, his face blank.

"Actually, I decided I would." Kaiba's brows raised. "Don't look so surprised, Kaiba."

After taking what Mary said seriously, she realized that Mary was right. She shouldn't bypass this opportunity. Her contract was only for a few more months and she had gotten tired of the backstabbing and cattiness of the theater group. A change of scenery could be good for her. The upgrade in her paycheck definitely wouldn't hurt either.

"That's great! But you know that's not really necessary. Seto and I have seen your show. Multiple times actually." Mokuba let out a grunt of pain and glared at his brother who was nonchalantly sipping wine. "Anyway, I know you would be perfect for the team."

"I'm heading that division," Mai interjected. "Mokuba's right, it's not necessary."

"No, no," Téa shook her head, "if I'm getting in, it's going to be on my own merits. No interfering. From any of you."

She looked into the eyes of Mai, Mokuba and then Kaiba. Kaiba simply gave her a nod, what she thought was out of approval.

"Fine," Mokuba smirked. "I promise. But I'm telling you, you'll be a shoe-in."

"And I would be happy to be. What brought the dance team on anyway?"

"It was my idea." Mai crossed her arms over her chest with a pleased smile. "Tournaments are long and sometimes the in-between can get a bit boring. We needed some entertainment. Plus, it would cater us to a larger audience. Boys would want them, and girls would want to be them. Sports team have them in between quarters so it makes sense to have them between duels. Sure, with Kaiba's duel disks we can have multiple duels running at the same time, but we always want to have something going on that people can watch. Plus, we can use them for charity or other corporate events, maybe even expand them to Kaiba Land. This is more than just a gaming company that produces games. It hosts large events, and it needs some kind face other than just the two brothers."

Mai leaned over to Téa and lowered her voice. "Plus, for every duelist that looks like Kaiba, there's about twenty that looks like Wheevil. We needed some more sex appeal."

Téa's neck heated as Kaiba cleared his throat, loudly. "I'm your boss Valentine. Watch it."

"And I'm right here babe." Valon glared at her. Mai shrugged unbothered.

"I'm right and you both know it."

"It was a great idea," Mokuba soothed. "I think it'll really add to our events. I'm glad to hear that you'll be auditioning, Téa."

"I'm already working on my tapes." After she had turned in her application with her primary information, her initial screening tape, and resume, she was given a disc with two dances to learn in case she got called for an audition. She was also told to prepare another free style separate from the one she had already sent it.

"Good," Mai grinned.

Mokuba checked his phone as it let out a beep. "Well, I think it's time to call it a night. I have a nice lady friend waiting for me," he said giving them all a wink.

"You couldn't have brought her to dinner?" Mai raised an eyebrow.

Mokuba gestured toward Kaiba and said, "And have him scare her away? Hell no."

Kaiba rolled his eyes. "Don't use me as an excuse for being a playboy."

"I'd say I learned from the best but that wouldn't be true seeing as your only girlfriend is your duel disk."

Kaiba's eyes narrowed. "Running a company and keeping your ass out of trouble keeps me busy."

Téa let out a light laugh. "As I recall Kaiba, you've gotten into plenty of trouble yourself."

"Hardly. I just kept getting dragged into whatever mess you and the rest of the geeks got into."

"I think that you were happy to be included."

"Not the word I would use."

Mokuba clapped his brother on the shoulder as he stood. "Thanks for dinner, big bro. And thank you for coming you, guys."

"Let's go babe," Valon took Mai's hand. "Thanks for the invite, mate. It's nice to know people who aren't raving lunatics."

"Seto excluded of course." Mokuba joked.

Kaiba glared at his brother as the other three departed and said their goodbyes.

"Do you mind if we stay a little longer so I can finish my wine? It's not every day I get to have a bottle this good." Téa asked hesitantly.

"I have to get the bill anyway."

"Thank you. For staying and for the dinner."

"I can take you home afterwards."

"Oh," she blinked at the offer. "That's okay I can take a cab. I don't want to inconvenience you."

Kaiba shrugged, checking out the other patrons. "It's fine." He caught the eye of a waiter and waved for the check. The waiter immediately nodded furiously and scuttled off.

An awkward pause descended over the table. Téa swirled the wine in her glass while Kaiba looked anywhere but at her.

"I…I can't believe Mokuba is twenty," Téa said, releasing a breath. "It seems like just yesterday he was half my height and running after you everywhere."

Kaiba tugged on his suit jacket. "Now he just nags me every chance he gets."

Téa chuckled. "About what?"

Kaiba shook his head and waved his head dismissively. "Just usual brother stuff."

"Well," she sighed, "you've done a really good job with him, raising him. It's always been something I've admired about you actually. One of the few things," she teased.

"He's always been a good kid. I've done my best to put him first."

"I know," she replied softly. "You're a good brother."

"So many compliments, Gardner. I'm not sure what you're playing at." Kaiba tilted his head and regarding her curiously.

"Classic Kaiba," she laughed. "Always looking for an angle."

"Old habits and all that."

She took a sip of her wine before she answered. "No angles, promise. I get enough of that at work, I really don't need it when I'm out having dinner with…other people," she finished, unsure. She couldn't exactly call Kaiba a "friend", but she had been in so many life-and-death situations with him that it seemed inadequate to call him just a mere "acquaintance."

"Life of the theater not filled with honest and friendly people? Shocker," Kaiba drawled.

"Yea, it's been exhausting. Maybe Kaiba Corp. will offer a better environment," she offered cheekily.

Kaiba leaned back in his chair, throwing his arm casually across Mokuba's vacated chair. "I wouldn't bet on it. Cute and nauseating that your cheerleader attitude hasn't changed since high school."

"Don't be fooled. These pom-poms have some spikes in them."

Kaiba raised an eyebrow at her. "No more friendship circles? Pep talks? Poetry about the strength of friendship?"

Téa shrugged. "I learned a lot of lessons in New York. Not all of them good. But I'd like to think I grew because of it."

"For once, you've spiked my curiosity. Please share, Gardner," Kaiba swept his hand graciously.

She gulped the last few sips of wine left in her glass. "Loyalty is a rare trait in people. Gossip can be fatal to a career." She leaned in and whispered conspiratorially, "And never underestimate the ability of a well-used death stare."

"So, you grew a spine in New York. Came in handy recently," Kaiba smirked.

"With Yugi?" she directed. "Yea, it did."

Kaiba studied her a moment, and she got the distinct feeling he was sizing her up. "Had enough of cheering on the sidelines then? Decided to start making your own calls?"

Téa's eyes narrowed. "It's always been my call to help my friends when they needed it."

Kaiba shrugged but then leaned forward, looking at her intently. "But it's much harder when it's your friends you're standing up to."

"It is," she agreed. "But you out of all people know that just because something is hard to do, doesn't mean you should back down."

"I always thought you were interested in Yugi."

"I didn't know my love life held such an interest to you."

"I'm observant. Comes with the territory of being a ruthless businessman."

"Must be hard to swallow that you were wrong for once."

"Was I?" Kaiba's gaze didn't drop.

Téa started tracing the rim of her glass. "I was attracted to…Atem. Once I realized there was literally someone else living inside Yugi, it became a lot easier to differentiate between the two and who I…wanted." She flipped a curl out of her face. "It was a schoolgirl fantasy, and obviously, a dead-end street."

"Did Yugi know?"

"I never said anything…but Yugi is observant too."

"Is that why you gave him a shot? Felt bad?"

"You're awfully curious, Kaiba." Kaiba didn't answer, just continued to lock her down with his stare. "Partly," she admitted, "I figured if I gave him a date then it would…I don't know. Make him see? He wanted things I didn't. Or at least don't want right now." She let out a sigh. "I…I spent so much time focused on my friends in high school. I went to New York to focus on me. And I did. And when I want someone to share my life with…I want them to respect my decisions. Not pester me until I give in or throw a temper tantrum." She let out a shaky laugh and looked down at the table. "Sorry, I don't know why I'm telling you this."

"I guess the cheerleader grew up." Téa glanced back up at Kaiba. His face usually devoid of any emotion, seemed almost relaxed.

"Yea, she did." Téa traced the stopped tracing the rim of her empty glass. "If only life were as simple as taking down some evil business society or entering another one of Pegasus's life-or-death tournaments. Like the good ol' days," she laughed mournfully.

Kaiba inclined his head and let out a small…smile? "When we were at each other's throats?"

Téa rolled her eyes, "I wouldn't say that. I mean we didn't get along…but we came together when we needed to."

"To save my company."

She scoffed, "Yes, Kaiba, to save your precious company."

Téa met Kaiba's eyes and was a bit startled to find him contemplating her. She felt a shift in the atmosphere as they held each other's gazes. Her throat closed, smile slowly slipping from her lips. Clinking utensils and the murmur of conversation faded as she became acutely aware of just how blue Kaiba's eyes are.

"Mr. Kaiba, the check." Kaiba's snapped away from her and glared hotly at the waiter, who immediately shrank a little.

Kaiba snapped his card at the waiter who quickly made himself scarce. He was back barely a moment later and thanked Kaiba for his visit.

They both headed out of the restaurant quietly, the valet holding the car door open for her as she slipped inside. The car ride was filled with tense silence. Neither of them quite knowing what to make of their conversation with the other.

When they finally turned down her street, she heard Kaiba let out an "oh, great" under his breath.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

Kaiba jerked his head towards her doorstep. She spotted a spikey haired figure sitting on her stoop. Her heart plummeted. This was not going to be good.

Yugi looked up as Kaiba pulled up to the curb. Yugi looked confused at the sight of the expensive car. Before she could say anything to Kaiba, he was already stepping out and walking around the front of the car. She saw him give Yugi a cursory glance but then opened her door for her to step out.

She sucked in a breath and hesitantly slipped out, refusing to meet Kaiba's eyes.

"Téa?" Her stomach dropped at the hurt and confusion in Yugi's voice. She watched as he gathered himself from her doorstep, brushing off the side of his pants.

"Hi," she cautiously stepped towards him, and she heard Kaiba close the car door shut behind her.

"Mutou," Kaiba snarked.

"Kaiba," Yugi returned. "I'm surprised to see you here."

"You shouldn't be."

Yugi started and then narrowed his eyes at Kaiba. "I'm here to talk to Téa. Not you."

Kaiba opened his mouth and Téa knew that it would probably make this situation even more awkward. "It's fine," she interfered. "Really, Kaiba, I'm good."

He tore his eyes away from Yugi and raised a brow at her.

"This isn't any of your business, Kaiba." Yugi snapped, straightening to his full height. He barely reached Kaiba's shoulder.

Kaiba turned back to Yugi, jaw clenched. "Don't tell me what is and isn't my business, Yugi."

"I saw the papers," Yugi seethed, "I don't know what game you're playing, but you need to leave Téa alone."

Kaiba stepped forward, towering over him. "A threat?"

"Yes."

"Here's a better one. She's not yours. Sounds like she doesn't want to be. Threaten me again and they'll be pulling your body parts out of the river."

"Enough!" Téa interceded again. "Both of you!" She stepped in and pushed them both apart. Really, she just pushed Yugi back because Kaiba was basically a brick wall.

"Kaiba, let me speak with him. You said I had spine. Let me use it." Kaiba's eyes were still hot with anger, and for a second, she thought he would snap at her like he had so many times before. Instead, he inclined his head slightly. His eyes flicked back to Yugi.

"My point's been made," he growled. "Don't forget it, Yugi." On that cheery note, he turned dramatically, climbed in his car and drove away.