Téa bounced from one foot to the next. She had already finished her stretches, but still had a ton of restless energy.
"Will you chill out? You're making me nervous." Mary complained.
Téa grinned sheepishly. "Sorry." They were waiting for the dance auditions to officially begin. They were already given numbers to place on their stomach to make it easier on the judges to identify them. The chatter of dancers surrounded them, nervous energy buzzing through the air. The smell of hair spray, make up, and desperation filled the large auditorium.
First, they were required to perform the choreography they had to learn in groups of five. Mary was in the fourth group while Téa was in the seventh, fourteen groups in total. Then they would each perform their freestyle.
From there they would narrow it down to the top 50. Then, it would go down to 40 and each girl would have an interview and written test on Duel Monsters. The Head Coach, a dark-haired woman with a grim face named Kris, explained that because they were figures of the company, Kaiba-Mr. Kaiba-wanted each of them to be knowledgeable about the game as well as its top competitors. That portion she knew she would have no problem with considering she personally knew most of the top competitors.
Once the scores were in, another 10 would be eliminated and the final 30. The Head Coach and assistant coaches would pick the selected 15 girls for spots on the team. The process itself would take over a month.
Téa had no idea the process would be so extensive and was grateful she hadn't signed any contracts with her dance company. To an outsider, the whole thing might seem like overkill. But knowing how Kaiba operates his company and this being Mai's own idea, they clearly wanted the best for the original team.
"Group 1, you're up!"
Téa watched as the first five girls headed up to the stage, all clad in a sports bra, boy shorts, nude-colored tights, and dance shoes. Not that her outfit was any different. Mary insisted they both get a new matching set for the auditions. Téa went for the royal blue to "bring out her eyes" as Mary put it. Mary went with a dark maroon to compliment her hair and fair skin. Mary said they would "stand out" but most of the girls here were in similar sets.
Téa watched the first couple groups go. There were a lot of good dancers, and there was a lot of great dancers. Mokuba and Mai might have thought she was a shoe-in, but the competition here was fierce. Téa felt a swell of pride as she watched Mary perform when her group was called.
Téa and Mary had bonded quickly over being the only couple of dancers coming from Japan in their company after their chance meeting. She had been looking forward to introducing Mary to the rest of her friends, but then everything went south. She had never gotten the chance to, although Mary knew about all of them by their own reputations and from what Téa told her.
Mary nailed the chorography for both routines and Téa kept herself from whooping. Before she knew it, it was her on the stage. For a minute, she could only hear her heartbeat. But then the music started, and she danced.
Her first dance coach always told her that it was facial expressions that always drew the audience's attention to her. She naturally wore her heart on her sleeve, and she was always the happiest when she was dancing. Her coach told her that's what made her so magnetic as a dancer. She made her movements big, her smile wide, the beat of the music thrumming through her veins.
Téa followed the rest of the dancers off the stage after the performance, Mary already bouncing up to her to hug her fiercely.
"We conquered New York together, and now, we're going to conquer this together," she said in her ear.
They watched the rest of the competitors through the group and freestyle dances for hours until Kris dismissed them. They each had performed their own freestyles almost flawlessly. Téa and Mary chatted with some other dancers as they followed the throng out of the auditorium until a familiar voice called Téa's name.
"Mai!" Téa greeted. "I didn't realize you would be here."
"Of course, hun. I did tell you I was spearheading this little project."
Téa introduced Mary to Mai, happy to finally be able to be able introduce her to one of her good friends from high school.
"It's great to meet you, Mary. You're definitely eye-catching, something we look for at KC. But I have to run, lots of things to do. I have a feeling we're going to be stuck in deliberations for hours. Bye hun!"
Just like that, Mai disappeared down the hall.
"Wow," Mary commented, "she's a whirlwind. And gorgeous."
Téa nodded. "We didn't get along at first, but Mai and I found our rhythm eventually."
"Is it true she's heading this project?"
"Apparently the whole thing was her idea. It's not surprising. She's always had flair and trust me when I say this was definitely not Kaiba's idea."
Mary chuckled lightly. "I still can't get over the fact that we had dinner with the Kaiba brothers just last week."
Téa raised a brow at her friend, smiling teasingly. "You seemed to get along with Mokuba just fine."
Mary's gaze turned away from Téa as she pushed open the door to the outside.
"He's charming, that's clear enough. And insanely attractive. But he is going to be my boss, technically. And…" Mary finally looked over to Téa, "he is your friend. If you don't feel comfortable…"
Téa stopped her with a hand on her shoulder. "I want you to be happy. Mokuba has changed a lot since I left Japan. And all for the good, I think. So, if you think he can add to that happiness in whatever capacity you want whether as a friend or something else, then I support you."
Mary took Téa's hand from her shoulder and squeezed it. "I appreciate that. But you are my friend, if not my best friend. Your feelings and your opinions matter to me. I have no desire to come in between you and any of your other friends, but I don't want you to feel that you can't tell me what you really think."
Téa squeezed her hand back. "Thank you. That means a lot."
"Now, come one. I could literally eat my own foot right now, I'm so hungry. They really should have given us some food."
Téa laughed at her friend, "I'll be sure to tell Mai next time we see her."
Téa breathed in the familiar air of the Duel Monsters tournament. The hustle of duelists making last minute preparations and getting their desks ready to battle. Children pointing at high-ranking duelists while they exchanged trash talk with their future opponents.
"I never realized what a big world this is," Mary observed as she gazed around the arena.
Kaiba Corp. was hosting its annual Kaiba Duel Monsters Charity tournament and Mai had complete control for the first time. The tournament sponsored scholarships to Kaiba's Duel Academy and the winner of the tournament also received an official KC sponsorship. It limited entries to amateur duelists, so pro-duelists such a Joey or Yugi weren't allowed to compete.
Mai was a wreck over this tournament. It was the biggest event she had ever handled. It was a huge test for her and if it did not go well, Kaiba would have no qualms about refusing to give her another project this large or even firing her. Téa wanted to come to be moral support. Even if Mai was busy the whole day, the fact that she had a friend there would make a huge difference to her. It also wouldn't hurt to refamiliarize herself with how Kaiba's tournaments run.
Both Téa and Mary had been made it into the top 50, both overjoyed at the news. They started the official training on Monday which gave them a good excuse to enjoy their last free time of the weekend before the rigorous process began.
Téa and Mary had walked around the booths selling Duel Monsters cards and merchandise. They also stopped at a few booths where duelists were signing autographs that Téa knew such as Mako and Valon, stopping to greet them. A Dungeon Dice Monsters demonstration was being held but she knew Duke wouldn't be there since he was back in San Francisco. She spotted Joey's golden hair and knew Yugi had a booth as well since neither would turn down a chance to raise money for a good cause, but she stuck to the crowds and hoped they wouldn't spot her.
Téa did her best to explain cards and rules to Mary as they moved through booths and watched duels, but she was a bit rusty and didn't recognize a lot of the newer duelists.
When they got sick of the crowds, they moved towards the VIP booth, flashing their passes courtesy of Mai. Mai had told her Mokuba would meet up with them there at some point. She tired to slyly ask if Kaiba would be there as well, but Mai had informed her he would probably be busy, although her eyes gleamed knowingly.
The VIP booth was filled with duelists and business partners, the suits and more casual clothes making it easy to differentiate. They grabbed some of the free food and champagne and made their way over to one of the standing tables. Téa didn't recognize most of the duelists although she spotted Bandit Keith and Wheevil's green hair.
"Shouldn't we socialize? Network?" Mary asked.
Téa sighed. "Probably."
"Don't sound too excited."
"I just don't recognize a lot of them and the ones I do that are in here, I have no desire to talk to. When I came to these events with Yugi or Joey, usually Tristan and I just hung out together while the duelists talked about cards until our ears bleed."
Mary snorted. "And here we are wanting to join KC's dance team."
"It was your idea."
Mary tapped on her empty flute, "We better get more champagne then if we're going to talk to these guys."
"Wait here while I grab a couple more glasses." Téa weaved in and out of the growing crowd in the room until she spotted a waiter with a tray of glasses. She swiped two and turned to move back toward Mary only to make eye contact with Wheevil. He gave her a creepy grin, eyes lighting with recognition.
"Shit," she muttered as he began to move across the room towards her. She turned in the other direction, hoping for an escape route only to slam into a broad chest, nearly spilling the champagne. Steady hands gripped her wrists, preventing her from falling back.
"Careful," Kaiba grumbled. "I'd rather not have champagne on my jacket. Two glasses of champagne at that." Kaiba was sporting his normal black leather and white trench coat. She knew he wasn't dueling so she was curious as to why he wasn't in his normal suit he seemed to reserve for work.
"Oh, hi" she gave him a breathless smile. "I didn't expect to see you here."
He released her wrists, tilted his head and gave her a condescending look. "At my own tournament?"
She flushed and said, "Mai said you'd be busy." She glanced back over in Wheevil's direction who had stopped upon seeing Kaiba's presence. He scowled and changed direction and Téa let out a sigh of relief. "You do have great timing though. You just saved me from a painful conversation with Wheevil."
Kaiba looked to see Wheevil's turned back and frowned. "Trying to raise as much money as possible means inviting people I don't want to invite."
"So…like everyone?"
Kaiba glared at her, and she flashed an innocent smile.
"Come on," he said, not disagreeing, "Mokuba was searching for you."
"Good thing you two are giants and can see each other over the crowd."
Kaiba snarled, "Just how much champagne have you had? I might not be so nice this time if you get drunk again."
"Only one," she shrugged. "And you two are extremely tall. You can't even tell me I'm wrong."
"You're annoying."
"Because I'm right?"
"Let's go, Gardner or I'll leave your short self to find them on your own."
She trailed closely behind him as people parted and moved out of his way. He barely seemed to notice the crowd as people gawked and stared at him. They reached Mokuba who was already chatting with Mary at their table.
"You found her!" Mokuba exclaimed as he roped an arm around Téa. "And she's got two glasses of champagne. I'm not even shocked."
Téa glared half-heartedly at Mokuba and nudged his arm off her. "One is for Mary. Are you two ever going to let that go?" She handed Mary the second glass who reached for it eagerly.
"Definitely not," he smiled deviously. "And I'm sure Seto won't forget any time soon either."
Kaiba looked at Mary and deadpanned, "Do me a favor a smack him upside the head for me."
Mary gawked at him, not sure whether or not he was serious.
"So," Téa interjected before the brothers really got into it, "is the tournament going well, do you think?"
"Don't worry, Valentine isn't in danger of losing her job," Kaiba stated, swiping his own glass of champagne from a nearby waiter. Mokuba gestured that he wanted one causing Kaiba to roll his eyes but grabbed a second one for his brother. "From what I can tell, this is going to be one of the most successful years."
"See brother," Mokuba said, taking a sip of champagne, "you can let other people handle big projects."
Kaiba scowled at him but didn't respond. She had a feeling he heard that comment a lot.
"In fact," Mokuba continued bracing his elbows on the table, "I am absolutely shocked that you are here right now and not stuck in the computer room, double checking all of Mai's decisions."
Kaiba's scowl deepened, "You're the one who dragged me out here."
Mokuba shrugged but didn't seem perturbed by his brother's words, "Usually I don't succeed."
Kaiba's eyes were narrowed towards his brother until one of his men, wearing black sunglasses despite being indoors, came up and whispered something in his ear. Kaiba nodded and excused himself while Mokuba watched with amusement.
Mary smacked Mokuba's arm, "Don't tease him so much," she scolded. "He's not going to want to hang out with us anymore with all your busybody meddling."
Mokuba chuckled and replied "Trust me, he needs someone to meddle for him. Otherwise, he would never leave his office. It was much easier to get him to stop working when I was younger. Now, it's like pulling teeth."
Téa grimaced thinking that was probably an accurate description. She had never read anything in the papers about Kaiba's social life. It was always focused on his business deals or his dueling. Up until that night he helped her out of the bar that is.
"Téa!" a familiar voice called from behind her, interrupting their discussion. "Oh," Tristan stopped in front of her finally seeming to notice the other persons at her table. Tristan's eyes were hopeful, but his smile was hesitant, and he focused back on her. "I wanted to come over and say hi."
Téa regarded him warily, not entirely sure of his motives. If he was here as Yugi's friend or as hers. It made her sad to think that there was a difference between those distinctions now.
"Hi," she responded simply.
"Um," he glanced uncomfortably to the table behind her, "I wanted to talk to you as well. If you have a minute?"
She was about to respond in the affirmative because she did want to her what he had to say until Joey and Yugi came up next to him. They clearly hadn't noticed who Tristan had been speaking to because both looked shocked to see her. Yugi immediately dropped her gaze to the floor.
"Téa? What are you doing here? You're not a duelist." Joey asked.
"Mai invited me," she replied warily. "As did Mokuba." The younger Kaiba had straightened and stepped closer to her, an easy smile pasted on his face.
"Hey guys," Mokuba greeted, "good to see you all. Finally got away from the fans?"
Yugi nodded hesitantly. Tristan rolled his eyes, but he smiled good naturedly. "You should've seen the swarm of fans following him everywhere. It took us forever to get to the VIP area. I went on ahead cause I was sick of getting stepped on and elbowed."
"Well, we do appreciate you all being here to help the cause. This really gives a lot of kids an opportunity to get into Duel Monsters that wouldn't be able to afford to."
Joey nodded seriously. She knew that despite any feelings towards Kaiba, he would do anything he could to help raise the money since he himself had been in their shoes not too long ago.
"Um," Téa started hesitantly realized Mary was being left out, "this is my friend, Mary. We met in New York. We were working in the same dance company together." She didn't dare mention Kaiba's auditions knowing it would more than likely cause a rise in tempers. Mary stepped to stand right behind Téa's shoulder. Mary's face held a smile, but Téa could tell that she was sizing up the three boys.
"Pleasure to finally meet you," she said with false sweetness. "Téa's told me so much about you, that I feel that I know you already." Under normal circumstances, those words would have been friendly, but with the recent strain on their relationships, Mary was letting them know she knew exactly where they stood.
Joey looked a bit confused, but Tristan seemed to catch Mary's tone, and his face crumpled. "We've uh…" Tristan started, glancing over at Téa, "we've heard about you as well. Téa's mentioned you a lot in her stories about New York."
An awkward silence descended over the group. Yugi refused to look at her, keeping his eyes focused on Joey, Tristan or the crowd surrounding them. Téa was trying desperately to think of some kind of topic, but she was failing miserably.
"So, are you a duelist?" Tristan directing the question at Mary, finally breaking the silence.
"No, I'm not. Just here to watch and enjoy the champagne."
"Yea," Mokuba jumped in, "it comes up so much whenever we all see each other, I thought this would be a nice introduction for Mary."
"Plus, Mai is running this whole thing, so we wanted to be here to support her. Well, I did. And Mary. Mokuba and Kaiba have to be here. Since it's their tournament and everything," Téa added awkwardly.
Joey's eyes hardened, looking around them. "Kaiba's here?"
"He just left," Mary supplied. "Got called away for something," waving her hand dismissively.
Joey leaned back, eyes flickering over the trio, looping his fingers into his jeans. "You've met Kaiba then?" Joey asked Mary.
She frowned. "Yea."
"So, you introduced your friend to Kaiba before us?" Joey hissed at Téa.
Téa raised both brows. "None of you were speaking to me. So, yea," her tone hard.
"Joey–" Yugi started to warn, but Joey cut him off.
"Didn't realize you two were so chummy," Joey spat at her.
"Kaiba and I are...none of your business," she said with heat. "I can spend time with whoever I want."
"So are you spreading your legs while you spend time with him?" Joey mocked. Her cheeks heated with righteous anger, silently gaping at the audacity.
"Enough." Mokuba's easy smile was gone. A look so similar to Kaiba's replaced it, a look that reminded her just how grown up Mokuba had become over the past years. "Do not speak to my friend that way."
Joey barred his teeth at the younger Kaiba who didn't seem fazed in the least. "Friend? Yet, you're helping Kaiba's little scheme to use Téa to hurt Yugi."
Mokuba snorted, his tone frosty. "There's no scheme, Joey. They're two consenting adults. This overbearing friend act is getting a bit tiring. You have no right to insult my brother or Téa like this."
"Nor any right to question Téa's choices," Mary snapped.
"Nobody fucking asked you," Joey seethed.
"Watch your mouth, Wheeler," Mokuba bristled.
"Now you sound like your brother," Joey retorted.
"Good," a deep voice said from behind Joey, "that means he knows an idiot when he sees one."
The three boys whirled to find Seto Kaiba glowering down at them looking ready to unleash hell.