Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Yu Gi Oh.
Hushpuppy24: Ok...so this is going to be the last chapter for this story, 'The Difference One Person Can Make.' It's finally going to be finished~! * Sniff * After like a little more than a month of typing and thinking and all that stuff, it's finally finished~! ^^ I'm so proud of myself. LOL~! ^^ Anyways, here's the summary of last chapter.
Téa was crushed when Seto first refused to accept the fact that she liked him. It was until when Téa said she loved him that Kaiba finally realized he loved her too. They joined together in a hug and Seto expressed how he really felt. How he was afraid that Téa might leave him, just like every other person that he ever loved and cared for so deeply. That was the moment when the two shared their first kiss. They pulled apart when the doorbell rang. Later that night, Kaiba and Mokuba returned to their own home since Seto was at a manageable temperature. The next day, Téa decided to walk with Yugi and the others to school. She walked over to the game shop looking for Yugi, but he was still upstairs. He came downstairs, still buttoning his shirt collar, thinking that it was Joey. His tone fell flat when he realized it was Téa. Yugi followed Téa outside for a little talk and Téa exclaimed out what had happened the day before. Téa was so excited that she threw her arms around Yugi, bringing them into a hug. They were interrupted when Joey and Tristan came along and asked why they were hugging. Téa nervously explained and Joey totally flipped his mind. His voice was so loud that it echoed in the streets. Téa was on the verge of crying when Yugi stepped in and told Joey it was all right, that he was the one that asked Téa to tell Kaiba what she felt. Joey only looked at his friend sympathetically, feeling his pain. He reluctantly accepted the fact, as well as Joey and the gang began walking to school, none speaking a word the whole way. School was dull for Téa and her friends that day. She walked home alone and entered through her front door when some mail addressed to her caught her eye.
Now continuing with the story... Last chappie~! ^^
Chapter 21
******************
Téa stood at airport, as she stared at the row of people lined horizontally in front of her. Her friends, her family, Seto... She set down her suitcase filled with her belongings down and recalled the moment when her decision had lead her to where she was right now.
* Flashback *
A rush of excitement flooded through Téa's mind as she finished the letter. She reread it again to make sure she read what thought.
Dear Miss Téa Gardner,
On behalf of New York's Dance Academy, we'd like to congratulate you in your admission to our school. You have been one of the selected few that have been chosen to enrol in our program. It is a three-year scholarship available at this time. Plane tickets are included in this envelope for the 8th of March. We hope to see you soon.
New York Dance Academy head director,
Angelina J. Taylor
'Am I dreaming?' Téa asked herself, pinching her arm. "Ow!" She yelped out in pain. 'Nope...' She realized. 'But then that means...' The idea finally sunk into her mind. "MY DREAMS HAVE FINALLY COME TRUE!" She screamed while jumping for joy, the letter still in her hand. "And it's next week too! Oh I just can't wait! I've got to tell Seto!" She exclaimed as she picked up the receiver. Her mood changed all of a sudden, to a depressed expression. She placed the receiver back down and whispered, "Seto... How am I supposed to tell him?" She closed her eyes, thinking of all the things that she did to get enrolled in the Dance Academy, but then she thought of Seto. Sure they weren't together for a long time. Heck, they were only together officially for less than a day...but...she loved him...and that was all that mattered. She looked at the letter again...'But...this is a once in a lifetime chance...and it is my lifelong dream to become a dancer...' She tugged at her hair, trying to decide which she should choose, her dream...or her love.
******************
Téa turned to the only person she could talk to now...Yugi. She walked over to the Game Shop. She entered through the glass doors where she saw Yugi arranging some duel monsters cards in the display case. Téa stood silently at the doorway for several minutes, her face filled with depression, and yet, Yugi still hadn't noticed her standing there. He finally turned around and noticed his friend's expression. As much as Yugi was heartbroken over Téa, he still couldn't just leave his best friend suffering in such misery, whatever it may be.
"Téa. Are you ok?" He asked with compassion. Téa only sniffled and kept her eyes fixed on the floor. She finally dug into her pockets and pulled out the letter. She handed it to Yugi as he read through it. He slowly lowered the letter as he finished, letting the fact sink into his head. "You're...you're...going?" Yugi stuttered out as his heart ached even more. First he couldn't have her because she liked someone else, and now he won't even be able to see her because she'll be moving half way around the globe for three years! He tried to put on a weak smile and not let his tears show as he congratulated Téa on her recent enrolment in New York's finest dance academy and that her dreams have finally come true. "I guess...I won't be seeing you until...three years later then?" Yugi asked, almost on the verge of crying. He handed Téa back the letter, but she didn't take it. Instead, a single teardrop fell onto the piece of paper. The salty liquid absorbed into the paper and created a small dark spot, but it soon faded away.
Téa started to sob, inhaling and exhaling quick and short breaths. More tears rolled down her cheeks as she tried to speak. "I...I don't...want to...leave..." She said in between sniffles. She looked into Yugi's violet coloured eyes; her own blue ones were blurred with tears. She wrapped her arms around Yugi, crying softly on his shoulders. Yugi gently patted her back, reassuring her that it'll be all right.
******************
Téa slowly approached Kaiba's mansion and rang the doorbell. Mokuba was the one that opened the door. "Hi Téa!" Mokuba greeted happily.
"Hi Mokuba." She forced herself a weak smile. "Is Seto home?"
"Yea. He's in his office. Come in!" Mokuba replied. Téa stepped inside the mansion and began to head for the office, while Mokuba returned to his room where he had been playing with some video games.
Téa quietly knocked on the door and opened the door slightly, just to take a peek inside. "Seto?" She asked quietly, opening the door a little wider. Seto turned away from his computer and smiled at Téa.
"Hi. What brings you here?" He asked politely. He looked at Téa's face to see that she had been crying. Her nose always turned bright red when she had cried. "What's wrong?" He rushed to her side.
Téa handed the letter to Seto to read. Some of the ink seemed smudged from Téa's tears. Seto read over the letter and was speechless. He was going to lose her...
"Should I go?" Téa asked with pleading eyes. She didn't want to leave Seto, but she also didn't want to give up on such a great opportunity.
"I..." Seto didn't know what to say. If he kept her with him, then he's being selfish and Téa would be unhappy...but then again, if he let her go, then he'd be unhappy. The decision was hard for both Téa and Seto. Both don't want to lose each other, but they knew that this was a great opportunity for Téa to pursue her childhood dreams. Even Seto Kaiba knew that Téa wanted to study dance in New York before he had fallen in love with her. Almost everyone in Domino High knew.
"What should I do Seto?" Téa asked confusedly. "I want to go to New York and study dance...but I don't want to leave you either...just when I was getting to know you..." Her eyes began to water again. "I know it's not fair to us if I just leave...but it has been a dream of mine ever since I was little..." She rubbed her eyes so that her tears wouldn't roll down her cheek.
"Go..." Seto finally decided. Téa was in shock that he answered so quickly. He could've at least told her he'll think about it or something, but he just told her to go... She had her doubts that Seto didn't love her as much as she did for him. Her expression fell to a disappointed look.
Seto noticed her sudden change in appearance and knew right away that she thought he didn't care about her. "I...I just don't want to be the one that hold you back..." He explained. "You know that you'll regret it someday if you choose to stay here with me." Now Seto was on the verge of crying. He knew that he was going to not be able to see Téa for three years, but he had to think about how hard Téa had worked to achieve this opportunity. "Besides..." He tried to sound tough, not letting his softer side show, "It's only three years...it's not that long..."
"Can't you come with me?" Téa pleaded, still not wanting to part from Seto, even though he was fine with her leaving to New York.
Seto shook his head. "I'm sorry but I can't. I need to look after Kaiba Corp. since Mokuba can't take care of it, and I can't trust any of these bumbling idiots with my company. They trapped me inside my own video game last time! I'm sorry..."
Téa was now really upset. "If I go..." She said still with disappointment. "...Will you wait for me?" She stared into Kaiba's deep blue eyes.
"Always." Seto promised as he brushed aside Téa's hair and tucked it behind her ears before leaning in for a light kiss. "Here." Seto pulled away and handed Téa something. I found this in your kitchen last time when I burned my arm. Téa looked at it and was totally relieved that she hadn't lost it.
******************
Téa spent the next week that remained hanging out with Seto and her friends. Seto tried to get along with the others, but with Joey being there, there were bound to be some arguments. They spent time doing things that they didn't usually do. Instead of just hanging out at the arcade or ice cream parlour, they tried to make the remaining time together memorable. They went to the beach and frolicked in the water, although Seto refused to go anywhere near the water, Joey and Tristan still surprised Seto by dumping a bucket of water on him. Of course Kaiba had to go beat them up after that as Téa and Yugi just stood at the side laughing at the two boys running for their lives while Kaiba slowly caught up to them before tackling them to the sand beneath.
During the times when Seto and Téa were alone together, they went star gazing. Seto even woke Téa up early one morning and took her to a high peek where they watched the sunrise together. The week had been the best Téa had ever had, but all good things must come to an end. The week soon ended and Téa must leave for New York.
******************
Téa's parents returned one day before their daughter had to depart for a whole new place. Téa had informed them about her leave over the phone before, but it still excites them that their daughter can finally follow her dreams like she's always wanted. They helped her pack and gave her some words of confidence.
"I'm so proud of you honey." Téa's mom said as she brushed her daughter's hair aside. "My little girl's growing up." She gave a weak smile. "Just remember to never give up."
"Yea Téa." Her dad added. "We'll always be here for you no matter what. If you need us, just give us a call. We're always here to listen you know."
"I know dad." Téa replied with a smile. "Thanks."
* End Flashback *
Téa slowly walked towards her parents. "Bye mom, bye dad." She said giving each of them a hug.
"Be careful honey. Have a safe trip." Her mom told her.
"Good luck. Your mother and I both have faith in you." He dad added.
"I love you." Téa told her parents.
"We love you too." Her mother responded and her father gave a nod agreeing.
Téa shuffled to her left, now facing Mokuba and Alex. "I'll miss you Téa!" Mokuba said sadly. "I wish you didn't have to go." He pouted.
"I'll miss you too...even though I haven't known you for very long, I think of you like the sister I never had!" Alex exclaimed. Téa laughed at the comment and dug into her shirt pocket.
"Here." She said handing a small photograph to Alex. "I think this belongs to you." Téa said with a smile. Alex only held out her hand, gesturing that she didn't want it.
"It's yours." She said happily. "It should've been from the start anyways..." She informed. "If SOMEBODY hadn't been too shy to tell you how he felt, HE would've been the one that gave it to you, not me." Alex said with a cheeky grin. Téa continued to laugh lightly, covering her mouth so that it wouldn't be rude. She gave Mokuba and Alex each a hug before walking over to where her three closest friends stood.
They didn't need to say much since their bond is stronger than what words could describe. "We'll miss you Téa." Tristan told her.
"Yea, but I'll miss ya more!" Joey shot back.
"NO! I will!" Tristan yelled back.
"I will!"
"I will!"
"Guys!" Yugi yelled to break the argument.
"Sorry..." They both said in unison and glared at each other.
"Like I was sayin' Téa. Good luck and don't ya go and forget us! K?" Joey said as he gave her a wink and a thumbs up. She gave them both a hug and turned to Yugi.
They stood in silence with Téa looking at Yugi, but Yugi seemed to be staring at his shoes with one hand in his pocket and the other behind his back. He fiddled around with the object in his pocket. It was a letter he had written late last night.
* Flashback *
Yugi, Joey and Tristan had just left Téa's house after they helped her pack, leaving Téa with her parents for a little quality time together before she has to leave the next day. Tristan turned a corner going back to his house as he waved goodbye to his two other friends.
"Well I guess Téa's dreams have finally come true..." Joey said as he looked down at Yugi to see how his best bud was doing.
"Yea I guess..." Yugi sighed.
"Why didn't you ever tell her how you felt about her?" Joey asked curiously. "I thought you liked her."
"I do Joey..." Yugi replied quietly. "I just don't have the courage to...besides, she's with Kaiba now. I can't compete with him. He's rich, powerful AND taller than her... I'm just a short little kid..."
"Ya know Yugi, that's the exact kinda talk that's draggin' ya down ya know? If it had been anything you said she couldn't see in you, why did she become your friend? It doesn't matter what ya look or how much money ya got...it's all about here..." Joey said as he pointed to his heart.
Yugi gave his friend a smile and then started to tease him. "You know Joey, that's the first time I've heard you say anything inspiring."
"What'd ya mean?!" Joey suddenly yelled back as the two continued down the road and back to their own home.
******************
Late that night, Yugi sat at his desk, thinking what to write. He decided that since he couldn't tell Téa how he felt in person, then a letter would do just as well. Many crumpled pieces of paper laid on the floor as he continued to mess up his hair, trying to think of what to write. "Dear Téa... I guess you're leaving now and I... No..." Yugi shook his head and crumpled up another piece of paper, throwing it to the ground. "Dear Téa, I wish you the best although... No..." He crumpled another piece of paper and threw it across the room, landing right next to the door.
"Yugi?" His grandpa came through the door.
"Grandpa!" Yugi yelped in shock. "I'll clean up the mess later." He told him. His grandpa only gave him a smile.
"Speak from the heart..." Grandpa told Yugi as he left the room, closing the door behind him.
"Speak from the heart?" Yugi repeated the phrase confusedly. "How'd he know?" Yugi asked himself. A smile crept onto his face as he said quietly to himself. "Thanks grandpa..." And he began to write.
* End Flashback *
Yugi was about to pull his letter from his pocket when Joey nudged him on his side. "The present..." He whispered into his ear.
"Oh...right..." Yugi responded. His hand left his pocket and the letter and took the item in his other hand, presenting it to Téa. "This is for you..." Yugi said shyly.
"For me?" Téa asked as she took the box into her hands and opening it. "It's beautiful!" Téa gasped. In her hand she held a sparkling silver charm bracelet, with tiny stars and moons dangling from it with the letters T, É, and A on it. She slipped it on her wrist carefully and admired the beautiful designs.
"We all chipped in to buy it for ya. We hope ya like it." Joey said proudly.
"Thank you so much!" Téa exclaimed, giving them all a warm hug. She waited for Yugi to say something, but he remained silent. She finally strolled over to the last person there.
"Seto..." She whispered his name. Kaiba put a finger to her lips and pulled out something from his pocket. He opened it to her revealing a golden ring with a small diamond in the centre. Everybody gasped at the site of the precious ring, thinking that Seto was going to propose.
"I'm not asking for your hand in marriage just yet..." He explained. "...Because that won't be fair to either of us. This shall be our promise ring...that you'll come back to me someday..." He slid it on Téa's finger as they hugged each other tightly one last time.
Yugi watched as they kissed and shared their last talk together before they must part for three long years. Joey put a hand on Yugi's shoulder, making sure he was alright. And Yugi just responded with a small nod.
"Would all passengers leaving for New York please board now." The speakers boomed.
"I guess I'll have to go now..." Téa said as the two parted. She looked at the ones she cared for one last time before dragging her suitcase onto the plane.
******************
Inside the plane, Téa looked out the window to see all that she was leaving behind. Her friends, her family, her country...her love. The plane slowly began to move as it started taking flight. 'I'll miss you all...' She thought to herself.
******************
Inside the airport, Seto and the others watched from the window at the departing plane as it flew into the sky. 'I'll wait for you...' Seto promised in his head.
Hushpuppy24: Wow that was long, but last chapter so ya! Not too bad for a first fic right? I'm not boasting but I'm just so proud of this story~! LOL~! ^^ Anyways, hope you enjoyed the ficcy~!
Hushpuppy24: Ok...so this is going to be the last chapter for this story, 'The Difference One Person Can Make.' It's finally going to be finished~! * Sniff * After like a little more than a month of typing and thinking and all that stuff, it's finally finished~! ^^ I'm so proud of myself. LOL~! ^^ Anyways, here's the summary of last chapter.
Téa was crushed when Seto first refused to accept the fact that she liked him. It was until when Téa said she loved him that Kaiba finally realized he loved her too. They joined together in a hug and Seto expressed how he really felt. How he was afraid that Téa might leave him, just like every other person that he ever loved and cared for so deeply. That was the moment when the two shared their first kiss. They pulled apart when the doorbell rang. Later that night, Kaiba and Mokuba returned to their own home since Seto was at a manageable temperature. The next day, Téa decided to walk with Yugi and the others to school. She walked over to the game shop looking for Yugi, but he was still upstairs. He came downstairs, still buttoning his shirt collar, thinking that it was Joey. His tone fell flat when he realized it was Téa. Yugi followed Téa outside for a little talk and Téa exclaimed out what had happened the day before. Téa was so excited that she threw her arms around Yugi, bringing them into a hug. They were interrupted when Joey and Tristan came along and asked why they were hugging. Téa nervously explained and Joey totally flipped his mind. His voice was so loud that it echoed in the streets. Téa was on the verge of crying when Yugi stepped in and told Joey it was all right, that he was the one that asked Téa to tell Kaiba what she felt. Joey only looked at his friend sympathetically, feeling his pain. He reluctantly accepted the fact, as well as Joey and the gang began walking to school, none speaking a word the whole way. School was dull for Téa and her friends that day. She walked home alone and entered through her front door when some mail addressed to her caught her eye.
Now continuing with the story... Last chappie~! ^^
Chapter 21
******************
Téa stood at airport, as she stared at the row of people lined horizontally in front of her. Her friends, her family, Seto... She set down her suitcase filled with her belongings down and recalled the moment when her decision had lead her to where she was right now.
* Flashback *
A rush of excitement flooded through Téa's mind as she finished the letter. She reread it again to make sure she read what thought.
Dear Miss Téa Gardner,
On behalf of New York's Dance Academy, we'd like to congratulate you in your admission to our school. You have been one of the selected few that have been chosen to enrol in our program. It is a three-year scholarship available at this time. Plane tickets are included in this envelope for the 8th of March. We hope to see you soon.
New York Dance Academy head director,
Angelina J. Taylor
'Am I dreaming?' Téa asked herself, pinching her arm. "Ow!" She yelped out in pain. 'Nope...' She realized. 'But then that means...' The idea finally sunk into her mind. "MY DREAMS HAVE FINALLY COME TRUE!" She screamed while jumping for joy, the letter still in her hand. "And it's next week too! Oh I just can't wait! I've got to tell Seto!" She exclaimed as she picked up the receiver. Her mood changed all of a sudden, to a depressed expression. She placed the receiver back down and whispered, "Seto... How am I supposed to tell him?" She closed her eyes, thinking of all the things that she did to get enrolled in the Dance Academy, but then she thought of Seto. Sure they weren't together for a long time. Heck, they were only together officially for less than a day...but...she loved him...and that was all that mattered. She looked at the letter again...'But...this is a once in a lifetime chance...and it is my lifelong dream to become a dancer...' She tugged at her hair, trying to decide which she should choose, her dream...or her love.
******************
Téa turned to the only person she could talk to now...Yugi. She walked over to the Game Shop. She entered through the glass doors where she saw Yugi arranging some duel monsters cards in the display case. Téa stood silently at the doorway for several minutes, her face filled with depression, and yet, Yugi still hadn't noticed her standing there. He finally turned around and noticed his friend's expression. As much as Yugi was heartbroken over Téa, he still couldn't just leave his best friend suffering in such misery, whatever it may be.
"Téa. Are you ok?" He asked with compassion. Téa only sniffled and kept her eyes fixed on the floor. She finally dug into her pockets and pulled out the letter. She handed it to Yugi as he read through it. He slowly lowered the letter as he finished, letting the fact sink into his head. "You're...you're...going?" Yugi stuttered out as his heart ached even more. First he couldn't have her because she liked someone else, and now he won't even be able to see her because she'll be moving half way around the globe for three years! He tried to put on a weak smile and not let his tears show as he congratulated Téa on her recent enrolment in New York's finest dance academy and that her dreams have finally come true. "I guess...I won't be seeing you until...three years later then?" Yugi asked, almost on the verge of crying. He handed Téa back the letter, but she didn't take it. Instead, a single teardrop fell onto the piece of paper. The salty liquid absorbed into the paper and created a small dark spot, but it soon faded away.
Téa started to sob, inhaling and exhaling quick and short breaths. More tears rolled down her cheeks as she tried to speak. "I...I don't...want to...leave..." She said in between sniffles. She looked into Yugi's violet coloured eyes; her own blue ones were blurred with tears. She wrapped her arms around Yugi, crying softly on his shoulders. Yugi gently patted her back, reassuring her that it'll be all right.
******************
Téa slowly approached Kaiba's mansion and rang the doorbell. Mokuba was the one that opened the door. "Hi Téa!" Mokuba greeted happily.
"Hi Mokuba." She forced herself a weak smile. "Is Seto home?"
"Yea. He's in his office. Come in!" Mokuba replied. Téa stepped inside the mansion and began to head for the office, while Mokuba returned to his room where he had been playing with some video games.
Téa quietly knocked on the door and opened the door slightly, just to take a peek inside. "Seto?" She asked quietly, opening the door a little wider. Seto turned away from his computer and smiled at Téa.
"Hi. What brings you here?" He asked politely. He looked at Téa's face to see that she had been crying. Her nose always turned bright red when she had cried. "What's wrong?" He rushed to her side.
Téa handed the letter to Seto to read. Some of the ink seemed smudged from Téa's tears. Seto read over the letter and was speechless. He was going to lose her...
"Should I go?" Téa asked with pleading eyes. She didn't want to leave Seto, but she also didn't want to give up on such a great opportunity.
"I..." Seto didn't know what to say. If he kept her with him, then he's being selfish and Téa would be unhappy...but then again, if he let her go, then he'd be unhappy. The decision was hard for both Téa and Seto. Both don't want to lose each other, but they knew that this was a great opportunity for Téa to pursue her childhood dreams. Even Seto Kaiba knew that Téa wanted to study dance in New York before he had fallen in love with her. Almost everyone in Domino High knew.
"What should I do Seto?" Téa asked confusedly. "I want to go to New York and study dance...but I don't want to leave you either...just when I was getting to know you..." Her eyes began to water again. "I know it's not fair to us if I just leave...but it has been a dream of mine ever since I was little..." She rubbed her eyes so that her tears wouldn't roll down her cheek.
"Go..." Seto finally decided. Téa was in shock that he answered so quickly. He could've at least told her he'll think about it or something, but he just told her to go... She had her doubts that Seto didn't love her as much as she did for him. Her expression fell to a disappointed look.
Seto noticed her sudden change in appearance and knew right away that she thought he didn't care about her. "I...I just don't want to be the one that hold you back..." He explained. "You know that you'll regret it someday if you choose to stay here with me." Now Seto was on the verge of crying. He knew that he was going to not be able to see Téa for three years, but he had to think about how hard Téa had worked to achieve this opportunity. "Besides..." He tried to sound tough, not letting his softer side show, "It's only three years...it's not that long..."
"Can't you come with me?" Téa pleaded, still not wanting to part from Seto, even though he was fine with her leaving to New York.
Seto shook his head. "I'm sorry but I can't. I need to look after Kaiba Corp. since Mokuba can't take care of it, and I can't trust any of these bumbling idiots with my company. They trapped me inside my own video game last time! I'm sorry..."
Téa was now really upset. "If I go..." She said still with disappointment. "...Will you wait for me?" She stared into Kaiba's deep blue eyes.
"Always." Seto promised as he brushed aside Téa's hair and tucked it behind her ears before leaning in for a light kiss. "Here." Seto pulled away and handed Téa something. I found this in your kitchen last time when I burned my arm. Téa looked at it and was totally relieved that she hadn't lost it.
******************
Téa spent the next week that remained hanging out with Seto and her friends. Seto tried to get along with the others, but with Joey being there, there were bound to be some arguments. They spent time doing things that they didn't usually do. Instead of just hanging out at the arcade or ice cream parlour, they tried to make the remaining time together memorable. They went to the beach and frolicked in the water, although Seto refused to go anywhere near the water, Joey and Tristan still surprised Seto by dumping a bucket of water on him. Of course Kaiba had to go beat them up after that as Téa and Yugi just stood at the side laughing at the two boys running for their lives while Kaiba slowly caught up to them before tackling them to the sand beneath.
During the times when Seto and Téa were alone together, they went star gazing. Seto even woke Téa up early one morning and took her to a high peek where they watched the sunrise together. The week had been the best Téa had ever had, but all good things must come to an end. The week soon ended and Téa must leave for New York.
******************
Téa's parents returned one day before their daughter had to depart for a whole new place. Téa had informed them about her leave over the phone before, but it still excites them that their daughter can finally follow her dreams like she's always wanted. They helped her pack and gave her some words of confidence.
"I'm so proud of you honey." Téa's mom said as she brushed her daughter's hair aside. "My little girl's growing up." She gave a weak smile. "Just remember to never give up."
"Yea Téa." Her dad added. "We'll always be here for you no matter what. If you need us, just give us a call. We're always here to listen you know."
"I know dad." Téa replied with a smile. "Thanks."
* End Flashback *
Téa slowly walked towards her parents. "Bye mom, bye dad." She said giving each of them a hug.
"Be careful honey. Have a safe trip." Her mom told her.
"Good luck. Your mother and I both have faith in you." He dad added.
"I love you." Téa told her parents.
"We love you too." Her mother responded and her father gave a nod agreeing.
Téa shuffled to her left, now facing Mokuba and Alex. "I'll miss you Téa!" Mokuba said sadly. "I wish you didn't have to go." He pouted.
"I'll miss you too...even though I haven't known you for very long, I think of you like the sister I never had!" Alex exclaimed. Téa laughed at the comment and dug into her shirt pocket.
"Here." She said handing a small photograph to Alex. "I think this belongs to you." Téa said with a smile. Alex only held out her hand, gesturing that she didn't want it.
"It's yours." She said happily. "It should've been from the start anyways..." She informed. "If SOMEBODY hadn't been too shy to tell you how he felt, HE would've been the one that gave it to you, not me." Alex said with a cheeky grin. Téa continued to laugh lightly, covering her mouth so that it wouldn't be rude. She gave Mokuba and Alex each a hug before walking over to where her three closest friends stood.
They didn't need to say much since their bond is stronger than what words could describe. "We'll miss you Téa." Tristan told her.
"Yea, but I'll miss ya more!" Joey shot back.
"NO! I will!" Tristan yelled back.
"I will!"
"I will!"
"Guys!" Yugi yelled to break the argument.
"Sorry..." They both said in unison and glared at each other.
"Like I was sayin' Téa. Good luck and don't ya go and forget us! K?" Joey said as he gave her a wink and a thumbs up. She gave them both a hug and turned to Yugi.
They stood in silence with Téa looking at Yugi, but Yugi seemed to be staring at his shoes with one hand in his pocket and the other behind his back. He fiddled around with the object in his pocket. It was a letter he had written late last night.
* Flashback *
Yugi, Joey and Tristan had just left Téa's house after they helped her pack, leaving Téa with her parents for a little quality time together before she has to leave the next day. Tristan turned a corner going back to his house as he waved goodbye to his two other friends.
"Well I guess Téa's dreams have finally come true..." Joey said as he looked down at Yugi to see how his best bud was doing.
"Yea I guess..." Yugi sighed.
"Why didn't you ever tell her how you felt about her?" Joey asked curiously. "I thought you liked her."
"I do Joey..." Yugi replied quietly. "I just don't have the courage to...besides, she's with Kaiba now. I can't compete with him. He's rich, powerful AND taller than her... I'm just a short little kid..."
"Ya know Yugi, that's the exact kinda talk that's draggin' ya down ya know? If it had been anything you said she couldn't see in you, why did she become your friend? It doesn't matter what ya look or how much money ya got...it's all about here..." Joey said as he pointed to his heart.
Yugi gave his friend a smile and then started to tease him. "You know Joey, that's the first time I've heard you say anything inspiring."
"What'd ya mean?!" Joey suddenly yelled back as the two continued down the road and back to their own home.
******************
Late that night, Yugi sat at his desk, thinking what to write. He decided that since he couldn't tell Téa how he felt in person, then a letter would do just as well. Many crumpled pieces of paper laid on the floor as he continued to mess up his hair, trying to think of what to write. "Dear Téa... I guess you're leaving now and I... No..." Yugi shook his head and crumpled up another piece of paper, throwing it to the ground. "Dear Téa, I wish you the best although... No..." He crumpled another piece of paper and threw it across the room, landing right next to the door.
"Yugi?" His grandpa came through the door.
"Grandpa!" Yugi yelped in shock. "I'll clean up the mess later." He told him. His grandpa only gave him a smile.
"Speak from the heart..." Grandpa told Yugi as he left the room, closing the door behind him.
"Speak from the heart?" Yugi repeated the phrase confusedly. "How'd he know?" Yugi asked himself. A smile crept onto his face as he said quietly to himself. "Thanks grandpa..." And he began to write.
* End Flashback *
Yugi was about to pull his letter from his pocket when Joey nudged him on his side. "The present..." He whispered into his ear.
"Oh...right..." Yugi responded. His hand left his pocket and the letter and took the item in his other hand, presenting it to Téa. "This is for you..." Yugi said shyly.
"For me?" Téa asked as she took the box into her hands and opening it. "It's beautiful!" Téa gasped. In her hand she held a sparkling silver charm bracelet, with tiny stars and moons dangling from it with the letters T, É, and A on it. She slipped it on her wrist carefully and admired the beautiful designs.
"We all chipped in to buy it for ya. We hope ya like it." Joey said proudly.
"Thank you so much!" Téa exclaimed, giving them all a warm hug. She waited for Yugi to say something, but he remained silent. She finally strolled over to the last person there.
"Seto..." She whispered his name. Kaiba put a finger to her lips and pulled out something from his pocket. He opened it to her revealing a golden ring with a small diamond in the centre. Everybody gasped at the site of the precious ring, thinking that Seto was going to propose.
"I'm not asking for your hand in marriage just yet..." He explained. "...Because that won't be fair to either of us. This shall be our promise ring...that you'll come back to me someday..." He slid it on Téa's finger as they hugged each other tightly one last time.
Yugi watched as they kissed and shared their last talk together before they must part for three long years. Joey put a hand on Yugi's shoulder, making sure he was alright. And Yugi just responded with a small nod.
"Would all passengers leaving for New York please board now." The speakers boomed.
"I guess I'll have to go now..." Téa said as the two parted. She looked at the ones she cared for one last time before dragging her suitcase onto the plane.
******************
Inside the plane, Téa looked out the window to see all that she was leaving behind. Her friends, her family, her country...her love. The plane slowly began to move as it started taking flight. 'I'll miss you all...' She thought to herself.
******************
Inside the airport, Seto and the others watched from the window at the departing plane as it flew into the sky. 'I'll wait for you...' Seto promised in his head.
Hushpuppy24: Wow that was long, but last chapter so ya! Not too bad for a first fic right? I'm not boasting but I'm just so proud of this story~! LOL~! ^^ Anyways, hope you enjoyed the ficcy~!