"So what time are you coming home?" Yami hovered around the bathroom where Daphne is doing the last touches of her hair.
"Probably around ten or eleven." Daphne stared at her own reflection. "Here Yami, can you please hold this for me?" She passed him the blow dryer. Yami stared at it curiously.
"What do you do with this?" Yami cocked his head, turning the weird object in his hand. Tonight was the night of the formal. Yugi was already at Joey's house, where the boys are going to meet. It was finally decided yesterday at school. Yami, Bakura, and Kaiba compromised with the other boys. It was to be that they all go to the dance together, but no pairs. Of course, some threats were used to reinforce this rule.
"How are you going to get to the hotel?" Kaiba popped in beside Yami, concern etched his face though he was trying his best to stay cool. Daphne's no fool, he assured himself. Just a little bit naïve.
"The boys rented a limo." Daphne said automatically. "They were going to go pick up the girls first, I'm the last stop."
"There aren't going to be any drinking? Is there?" Yami Bakura appeared out of nowhere and appeared to be sitting on the side of the bathtub, his arms crossed and his usual scowl on his face. Kaiba visibly flinched, but Yami and Daphne barely blinked.
"I don't think there's going to be any drinking," Daphne wrinkled her nose. "They don't usual serve that, do they?" Kaiba shook his head. He was beginning to have second thoughts on this. Daphne obviously have a limited amount of knowledge about the society they're in. She finally gave up on her hair and stalked out of the bathroom. The three guys followed.
"Make sure you bring some extra money." Bakura told her.
"Never leave with a stranger." Kaiba insisted.
"Don't trust anybody!" Yami warned.
"Stay in the hotel."
"Stay out of the hotel rooms."
"If the mortals try something with you, kick them and run!"
"Don't forget to scream."
"Don't drink out of a cup somebody brings you."
"And if—"
Daphne held up a hand and turned around, looking exasperated. "Please, I'm not going to get myself into any messes. Besides all my friends are there."
"Sometimes, friends are the worst enemies." Bakura muttered as Daphne slipped into her room and closed the door. The three overprotective guardians trouped downstairs to the living room. Daphne emerged fifteen minutes later.
She had worn an expensive gown of pale blue silk and carried an exquisite cascade of orchids and roses. She was dressed simply but beautifully. It was not the clothes that made her beautiful. It was herself. She absolutely glowed under their gaze. The teens felt more drawn to her than ever. Daphne's beauty was more than physical. It went deeper. She was what they called 'Bone Sweet.' That was Daphne, bone sweet. She believed the best in people and they responded in the same kind.
"Jeez, she's too pretty for her own good." Bakura grumbled, shoving his hands into his pocket. Yami muttered his agreement and shuffled his feet.
"She still doesn't realize how pretty she is. I don't think she'll ever turn vain. Still a piece of art, alright." Kaiba said under his breath.
Just then, the doorbell ran and before Daphne could answer the door, the CEO and the two spirits disappeared. She could hear the door being open and to her consternation, Yami and Kaiba's accusing harass rained down upon the poor Tristan and Joey. She hurried over and pushed her way through the three lanky bodies.
"Evening, Tristan, Joey," she greeted with an apologetic smile. "I've got to go now, Yami, Seto, Bakura. Bye!" She hurried down the steps into the pouring rain before they could give the boys a third degree.
"Wait!" Yami turned to grab something and hurried back. "You forgot your shawl." He said holding out a garment that did not match the dress. "You'll catch a cold." Daphne groaned exasperatedly as she turned and ran back.
"It's summer."
"You'll catch a cold," Yami insisted stubbornly. Daphne took the shawl and turned to leave. But Kaiba came rushing out second.
"Here, take this umbrella." He said firmly his voice leaving no room for argument. Daphne took it, knowing she had no use for it but Kaiba wouldn't take no for an answer. Yami Bakura appeared beside her.
"You got money?" He was holding a pencil and a notepad. He made a check on the paper. "Phone numbers? Kaiba's cell phone, office phone, beeper number, Turtle Game Shop number, my cell phone, and Ryou's house number?" Check. Check. Check. Check. Check. Check. "Cell phone?" Check. "Camera?" Check. He raised an eyebrow and stuffed a huge wad of money into her hands.
"In case the mortals to get wild." He explained. By now, the heavy raindrops were almost sizzling and evaporating on Daphne's skin and she was sizzling with anger. She was simmering as Tristan opened the door for her.
"Geez, Daph, you could have used the umbrella." Mai looked over. "But hey, you know," she added thoughtfully. "The rain just made your hair look better."
"Thanks."
"What's wrong, Daphne?" Serenity leaned forward, concerned. Téa looked out the window, then burst out laughing.
"I know," she chuckled. "Don't tell me, Daphne, over protective guardians?"
"Yes." Daphne mumbled, then she brightened up. "Tell me what a dance is like."
"Well," the girls put their heads together. "The night goes like this…"
~Mysterious Ocean's Mists: Okay, I want to thank all of you guys who are reading and reviewing my story. And after this chapter, it's going to get pretty serious. Memories are showing up about Delphinium's past, then Ishizu (Isis) and Malik Ishtar are coming up in the later chapters. These are the latest updates for those who think this is a soap opera and doesn't like soap operas. Thank again!