~*~*~*~*~*~
FULL CIRCLE
CHAPTER FOUR: Ready, Set, Fall!
And maybe it's just you... and all the things you say.
I don't believe for a second that they're true.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Tea wasn't certain where exactly they were going.
She had declined his offer of a limo ride and suggested the walk into town simply because she was hoping that inspiration would smack her over the head and come up with an idea of what to do.
However, they were now nearing down-town Domino and so far, all that Tea could think about was how tremendously silent Kaiba was---and how uncomfortable he was making her.
Occasionally, she would glance up at his profile, take in the angular cheek-bones, sharp eyes and closed mouth, and wondered what on earth he could be thinking about at this moment. Fun? She was going to show him fun? Who the heck was she kidding? They couldn't even carry on a normal conversation, let alone spend an entire week together.
'Just gotta get through this day,' Tea consoled herself, looking down at the pavement as she walked. 'Who cares what he thinks, anyway? We're going to do what I want us to do and if he doesn't like it... well, too bad. '
But what did she want to do? Silences made her uneasy. Whenever she was out with Yugi and the gang, everyone was all too eager to voice their opinions about where the group was going to spend their time together. And she knew that they were enjoying themselves---that they weren't just tagging along because they were talked into it; they really wanted her company.
Kaiba, on the other hand, was hard to read. Although Tea would guess there were probably a hundred insults directed towards her, flying around in his mind, pre-packaged and waiting for the right moment to let loose, beyond all that, she didn't know.
Privately, she wondered whether or not convincing him had been almost too easy. She looked up at the side of his face again--- he almost frightened her as much as he made her angry.
"How about we stop somewhere to eat first," she suggested after a while. The two of them had reached Main Street and were waiting at an intersection for the light to change.
"You have absolutely no idea where we're going, do you?"
"Well excuse me," he just *had* to open his mouth again, didn't he? "This whole thing was just kind of a spur of the moment---it's not like I actually had anything *planned.* "
The light changed and the two of them crossed the street. Kaiba wore his mocking smirk.
"Could've fooled me."
Tea whipped her head around. "And what exactly are you implying by that?"
"If you have a crush on me, Gardner, that's really sweet, but I'm not interested."
Her jaw dropped and she halted abruptly (which was still in the middle of the cross walk.) Seto had reached the curb and turned around to look at her, a wicked smile playing on the corners of his lips. Tea could've not glowed a brighter red---or looked any more angrier.
"You conceited idiot!" She shouted at him, hands curling into fists. "You think that there's a selfish motive behind everyone and everything. You've really got some kind of a mental problem, Kaiba. As if I could even remotely stand anyone like you!"
His face twisted into a snide expression as he crossed his arms. "Get off the street, Gardner, you're embarrassing yourself."
Tea looked around---sure enough, there were people passing by who were giving her rather strange looks. That, and the lights were about to change.
Fuming, she marched up next to Kaiba, who already started walking. He could not help but note, with a snaky curl of a lip, that the next time she spoke, her voice was considerably lower. "I don't have a crush on you," she whispered, throwing him a seething glare. "Mokuba told me that you never go out anywhere and that you're always cooped up in that office. I actually felt sorry for you."
"I don't need your pity."
"Honestly, Kaiba, can't you just let someone be nice to you without you thinking that there's a secret reason for it?"
"I haven't given it much thought."
Tea sighed, absolutely frustrated. They were passing by a few shop windows, most of them friendly-looking fashion boutiques and gaudy jewelry stores. She had stolen a glance here and there at some of the items on display--- anything to try and get her mind off of stupid Kaiba.
There were quite a few people out on the street, which was understandable for a warm, summer day. The sun was bouncing off the shiny surfaces of cars as traffic in Domino had settled into a not-so-quiet hum.
The two of them continued to walk in silence. Still simmering from his cocky comment, Tea tried to focus on finding them a place where she could take Kaiba and make him feel as equally uncomfortable as he made her feel. The trouble was, there weren't many ideas coming to her.
'I'll just have to take the opportunity when it arises,' Tea thought. 'It's not over, Kaiba.'
~*~*~*~
"Right. Right.... Uh-huh... Well, be sure to put that on my tab. Uh-huh...Thanks. Bye!"
The phone was put down with a 'click' and Mokuba Kaiba sat back in his brother's---no wait, *his*---office chair with a satisfied grin. Pepperoni Pizza... he hadn't had one of those in a while.
He put his arms over his head and sighed contently.
Yup, this was going to be an awesome week.
It was time to get back to work.
~*~*~*~
"How about we go in here?"
"Why would I want to go into a mall?"
Sure enough, their meanderings brought them to this place---the Domino Shopping Centre, a last-resource, but nevertheless, a popular, teenage hangout. Its glass entrance loomed threateningly over the two of them, catching the glare of the sun and reflecting back at Kaiba almost devilishly.
Tea glared at him. "I don't hear you having any bright ideas. Anyways, I was thinking we could rent a pair of roller blades and go skate in the park."
"Rollerblade?" Kaiba raised a brow. He seemed somewhat uncertain---and Tea, deviously making a note of this, nodded.
"Sure. You can skate, can't you?"
"I thought this was supposed to be fun, Gardner."
"Skating *is* fun," she insisted, grabbing a hold of his wrist. "C'mon."
Reluctant, Seto Kaiba followed her inside.
~*~*~*~*~
Half-an hour later, skate-laces tied and protective gear strapped on and secured, a rather wobbly Seto Kaiba started down a small, paved path that led through Domino Park. Beside him, Tea skated gracefully.
"I thought you said you could skate," she chided, giving him a rather mischievous wink. Seto glared at her, but said nothing. His reaction was all the revenge Tea needed for that crack earlier today.
It was certainly funny seeing the usually cool, collected CEO look so awkward on wheels. However, she had to admit, he was catching on pretty quickly. He seemed to be studying her movements and attempting to copy them (although, somewhat clumsily, at first.) He at least had the basic idea of how to stop. Tea recalled trying to take Joey rollerblading a few weeks ago--- apparently, he was some sort of tree-magnet; he couldn't keep himself from flipping over the bushes.
She glided a few meters ahead of Kaiba, switching around to skate backwards, arms outstretched elegantly to keep her balance. The wind was softly whisping through her short, brown hair, as it seemingly guided her movements as if it were leading her into a dance.
Grudgingly, Seto couldn't help but admire her. This whole skating thing appeared second-nature to her--- and he never could swallow the fact that someone was better at him at something. Still, he had to admire her spirit for today. Although she appeared almost angelic and innocent, he knew she had wild spark in her. He reprimanded himself for it, but he actually enjoyed batting words with her. He never really argued with a girl before...at least not with one that had the nerve to stand up to him. It was interesting.
However, Kaiba tried to put it out of his mind. He was not enjoying himself--- he tried to remember the fact that he had tied his skates too tightly and that he hated the feeling of going over crevices in the sidewalk. He also tried to remind himself that he was here with Tea and that someone else, other than himself, was running his company while he was wasting time here.
As long as he made himself angry, as long as he put this entire situation into rational perspective, he would save face.
He was not going to let Gardner show him up.
Unfortunately, fate missed the memo. Just as Kaiba was trying to focus his frustration and look as haughty as possible, he had missed a crack in the path and lost his balance. He was pummeled face first to the ground, catching himself on his palms before he could scrape his nose against the pavement.
Tea turned around at the slight 'oof', eyes wide in surprise at the sight of Seto Kaiba struggling to clabber back onto his feet. Her first instinct was to laugh---laugh hard--- and deflate his enormous ego. It would be her pay-back...
Instead, however, she found herself skating over to, a hint of concerning bleeding over into her voice. "Are you okay?"
He grunted, but said nothing. The only thing that seemed bruised at the moment was his pride. She offered her hand to help him up.
"I'm fine," he growled. "I don't need your help."
Kaiba stood up shakily and dusted himself off, only to flip back over onto the grass. This time, Tea couldn't suppress her giggle. 'Serves him right, 'she mused with a wry grin.
"You sure now?"
"Yes."
She skated onto the lawn and walked up behind him, scooping her hands under his arms as she attempted to life him. Seto mumbled something to himself, but did not protest when she helped him against his wishes.
"Steady," Tea said, gently holding her hand against his back as she guided him back onto the pavement. "You'll get the hang of it; no sense to rush into things."
"I'll be fine." He looked at her, and then dropped his gaze pointedly at her hands, which were still touching his shoulder. She promptly removed them.
"You're still doing pretty good for a first try."
He didn't say anything and skated ahead of her. Had she been watching closely, she would've noticed the faintest hint of crimson splashed over his cheeks--- Seto Kaiba, the great and powerful CEO of Kaibacorp, had made a fool of himself.
*~*~*~
End of Chapter.
A/N: That was a cute chapter to write...and there is a second part to this, plus more to come; however, enjoy ones like this while you can. You'll see a rather ugly twist to this story soon--- I can't wait ;)
Wow! I didn't think I was going to get such a reaction out of you guys. Thank you so very much for all your kind words and reviews.
To my Awesome Reviewers:
Chikorita-Trainer1 - Sounds like you wouldn't read this if it wasn't Seto/Tea. ;) That bad of a fan, huh? Thanks for taking the time to review.
Mamono - Yeah, I do update quickly, simply because I try to pace my writing and try to write a bit everyday. I can't promise it's always going to be like this when we get into later chapters (when things might get a little more lengthy.) Regardless, thanks very much for you input. I think I've decided on an ending. You were a great help ;)
Azurite - Stupid html. *Sigh* I'll fix it when I get around to editing these bad boys. Oooh and thanks again for the very warm welcome... and the length commentary too! Big fan of long inputs. I'm glad you think I'm doing an okay job with juggling the characters. Kaiba is a hard bastard to keep in character...but oh so much fun because he usually gets the bad ass comebacks.
Yeah and you read my mind about Mokuba---I don't think people give him enough credit. After all, he is the brother of a smart kid!
Thanks babe! :D
Hikari Katsuya - Oh wow, thank you! You're a sweet heart! ^_^ I'm updating as fast as I can, as you can see.
Iremray - That's exactly what bothers me about most Yugioh fics (or just fan fiction in general). The characters are never themselves. I try to keep them amiably true to themselves... but it can be tricky sometimes. Thank you for your comments.
Lynderia - Thanks very much! :D
KeikoGurl - Blowtorch? Pretty! I'll try updating as soon as I can, so no need to use that. *grin*
HieilovesBotan - Will do. Thanks :P
kagome87 - lol. I like seeing them argue too---that's why they are ;) Arigato.
Sechskies - *grins* I hope I can help you see the light, then ;) Thank you very much for reading and taking time to comment!
Candance - You think so? Why, thank you! :D
Mokuba's Official Glomper - First, I gotta commend you on that cute nickname of yours! Second of all, I must thank you for loyally reviewing each chapter; your comments mean a lot. Merci Beacoup!
Kari Wheeler - Sure thing, dear. If you're reading this, you've probably got your wish... Chapter 5 is on its way, I promise!
I hope I didn't miss any of my reviewers--- If I have, I apologize humbly. It's hard keeping track of who reviewed what chapter at what time. *hugs and chocolate bunnies.*
FULL CIRCLE
CHAPTER FOUR: Ready, Set, Fall!
And maybe it's just you... and all the things you say.
I don't believe for a second that they're true.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Tea wasn't certain where exactly they were going.
She had declined his offer of a limo ride and suggested the walk into town simply because she was hoping that inspiration would smack her over the head and come up with an idea of what to do.
However, they were now nearing down-town Domino and so far, all that Tea could think about was how tremendously silent Kaiba was---and how uncomfortable he was making her.
Occasionally, she would glance up at his profile, take in the angular cheek-bones, sharp eyes and closed mouth, and wondered what on earth he could be thinking about at this moment. Fun? She was going to show him fun? Who the heck was she kidding? They couldn't even carry on a normal conversation, let alone spend an entire week together.
'Just gotta get through this day,' Tea consoled herself, looking down at the pavement as she walked. 'Who cares what he thinks, anyway? We're going to do what I want us to do and if he doesn't like it... well, too bad. '
But what did she want to do? Silences made her uneasy. Whenever she was out with Yugi and the gang, everyone was all too eager to voice their opinions about where the group was going to spend their time together. And she knew that they were enjoying themselves---that they weren't just tagging along because they were talked into it; they really wanted her company.
Kaiba, on the other hand, was hard to read. Although Tea would guess there were probably a hundred insults directed towards her, flying around in his mind, pre-packaged and waiting for the right moment to let loose, beyond all that, she didn't know.
Privately, she wondered whether or not convincing him had been almost too easy. She looked up at the side of his face again--- he almost frightened her as much as he made her angry.
"How about we stop somewhere to eat first," she suggested after a while. The two of them had reached Main Street and were waiting at an intersection for the light to change.
"You have absolutely no idea where we're going, do you?"
"Well excuse me," he just *had* to open his mouth again, didn't he? "This whole thing was just kind of a spur of the moment---it's not like I actually had anything *planned.* "
The light changed and the two of them crossed the street. Kaiba wore his mocking smirk.
"Could've fooled me."
Tea whipped her head around. "And what exactly are you implying by that?"
"If you have a crush on me, Gardner, that's really sweet, but I'm not interested."
Her jaw dropped and she halted abruptly (which was still in the middle of the cross walk.) Seto had reached the curb and turned around to look at her, a wicked smile playing on the corners of his lips. Tea could've not glowed a brighter red---or looked any more angrier.
"You conceited idiot!" She shouted at him, hands curling into fists. "You think that there's a selfish motive behind everyone and everything. You've really got some kind of a mental problem, Kaiba. As if I could even remotely stand anyone like you!"
His face twisted into a snide expression as he crossed his arms. "Get off the street, Gardner, you're embarrassing yourself."
Tea looked around---sure enough, there were people passing by who were giving her rather strange looks. That, and the lights were about to change.
Fuming, she marched up next to Kaiba, who already started walking. He could not help but note, with a snaky curl of a lip, that the next time she spoke, her voice was considerably lower. "I don't have a crush on you," she whispered, throwing him a seething glare. "Mokuba told me that you never go out anywhere and that you're always cooped up in that office. I actually felt sorry for you."
"I don't need your pity."
"Honestly, Kaiba, can't you just let someone be nice to you without you thinking that there's a secret reason for it?"
"I haven't given it much thought."
Tea sighed, absolutely frustrated. They were passing by a few shop windows, most of them friendly-looking fashion boutiques and gaudy jewelry stores. She had stolen a glance here and there at some of the items on display--- anything to try and get her mind off of stupid Kaiba.
There were quite a few people out on the street, which was understandable for a warm, summer day. The sun was bouncing off the shiny surfaces of cars as traffic in Domino had settled into a not-so-quiet hum.
The two of them continued to walk in silence. Still simmering from his cocky comment, Tea tried to focus on finding them a place where she could take Kaiba and make him feel as equally uncomfortable as he made her feel. The trouble was, there weren't many ideas coming to her.
'I'll just have to take the opportunity when it arises,' Tea thought. 'It's not over, Kaiba.'
~*~*~*~
"Right. Right.... Uh-huh... Well, be sure to put that on my tab. Uh-huh...Thanks. Bye!"
The phone was put down with a 'click' and Mokuba Kaiba sat back in his brother's---no wait, *his*---office chair with a satisfied grin. Pepperoni Pizza... he hadn't had one of those in a while.
He put his arms over his head and sighed contently.
Yup, this was going to be an awesome week.
It was time to get back to work.
~*~*~*~
"How about we go in here?"
"Why would I want to go into a mall?"
Sure enough, their meanderings brought them to this place---the Domino Shopping Centre, a last-resource, but nevertheless, a popular, teenage hangout. Its glass entrance loomed threateningly over the two of them, catching the glare of the sun and reflecting back at Kaiba almost devilishly.
Tea glared at him. "I don't hear you having any bright ideas. Anyways, I was thinking we could rent a pair of roller blades and go skate in the park."
"Rollerblade?" Kaiba raised a brow. He seemed somewhat uncertain---and Tea, deviously making a note of this, nodded.
"Sure. You can skate, can't you?"
"I thought this was supposed to be fun, Gardner."
"Skating *is* fun," she insisted, grabbing a hold of his wrist. "C'mon."
Reluctant, Seto Kaiba followed her inside.
~*~*~*~*~
Half-an hour later, skate-laces tied and protective gear strapped on and secured, a rather wobbly Seto Kaiba started down a small, paved path that led through Domino Park. Beside him, Tea skated gracefully.
"I thought you said you could skate," she chided, giving him a rather mischievous wink. Seto glared at her, but said nothing. His reaction was all the revenge Tea needed for that crack earlier today.
It was certainly funny seeing the usually cool, collected CEO look so awkward on wheels. However, she had to admit, he was catching on pretty quickly. He seemed to be studying her movements and attempting to copy them (although, somewhat clumsily, at first.) He at least had the basic idea of how to stop. Tea recalled trying to take Joey rollerblading a few weeks ago--- apparently, he was some sort of tree-magnet; he couldn't keep himself from flipping over the bushes.
She glided a few meters ahead of Kaiba, switching around to skate backwards, arms outstretched elegantly to keep her balance. The wind was softly whisping through her short, brown hair, as it seemingly guided her movements as if it were leading her into a dance.
Grudgingly, Seto couldn't help but admire her. This whole skating thing appeared second-nature to her--- and he never could swallow the fact that someone was better at him at something. Still, he had to admire her spirit for today. Although she appeared almost angelic and innocent, he knew she had wild spark in her. He reprimanded himself for it, but he actually enjoyed batting words with her. He never really argued with a girl before...at least not with one that had the nerve to stand up to him. It was interesting.
However, Kaiba tried to put it out of his mind. He was not enjoying himself--- he tried to remember the fact that he had tied his skates too tightly and that he hated the feeling of going over crevices in the sidewalk. He also tried to remind himself that he was here with Tea and that someone else, other than himself, was running his company while he was wasting time here.
As long as he made himself angry, as long as he put this entire situation into rational perspective, he would save face.
He was not going to let Gardner show him up.
Unfortunately, fate missed the memo. Just as Kaiba was trying to focus his frustration and look as haughty as possible, he had missed a crack in the path and lost his balance. He was pummeled face first to the ground, catching himself on his palms before he could scrape his nose against the pavement.
Tea turned around at the slight 'oof', eyes wide in surprise at the sight of Seto Kaiba struggling to clabber back onto his feet. Her first instinct was to laugh---laugh hard--- and deflate his enormous ego. It would be her pay-back...
Instead, however, she found herself skating over to, a hint of concerning bleeding over into her voice. "Are you okay?"
He grunted, but said nothing. The only thing that seemed bruised at the moment was his pride. She offered her hand to help him up.
"I'm fine," he growled. "I don't need your help."
Kaiba stood up shakily and dusted himself off, only to flip back over onto the grass. This time, Tea couldn't suppress her giggle. 'Serves him right, 'she mused with a wry grin.
"You sure now?"
"Yes."
She skated onto the lawn and walked up behind him, scooping her hands under his arms as she attempted to life him. Seto mumbled something to himself, but did not protest when she helped him against his wishes.
"Steady," Tea said, gently holding her hand against his back as she guided him back onto the pavement. "You'll get the hang of it; no sense to rush into things."
"I'll be fine." He looked at her, and then dropped his gaze pointedly at her hands, which were still touching his shoulder. She promptly removed them.
"You're still doing pretty good for a first try."
He didn't say anything and skated ahead of her. Had she been watching closely, she would've noticed the faintest hint of crimson splashed over his cheeks--- Seto Kaiba, the great and powerful CEO of Kaibacorp, had made a fool of himself.
*~*~*~
End of Chapter.
A/N: That was a cute chapter to write...and there is a second part to this, plus more to come; however, enjoy ones like this while you can. You'll see a rather ugly twist to this story soon--- I can't wait ;)
Wow! I didn't think I was going to get such a reaction out of you guys. Thank you so very much for all your kind words and reviews.
To my Awesome Reviewers:
Chikorita-Trainer1 - Sounds like you wouldn't read this if it wasn't Seto/Tea. ;) That bad of a fan, huh? Thanks for taking the time to review.
Mamono - Yeah, I do update quickly, simply because I try to pace my writing and try to write a bit everyday. I can't promise it's always going to be like this when we get into later chapters (when things might get a little more lengthy.) Regardless, thanks very much for you input. I think I've decided on an ending. You were a great help ;)
Azurite - Stupid html. *Sigh* I'll fix it when I get around to editing these bad boys. Oooh and thanks again for the very warm welcome... and the length commentary too! Big fan of long inputs. I'm glad you think I'm doing an okay job with juggling the characters. Kaiba is a hard bastard to keep in character...but oh so much fun because he usually gets the bad ass comebacks.
Yeah and you read my mind about Mokuba---I don't think people give him enough credit. After all, he is the brother of a smart kid!
Thanks babe! :D
Hikari Katsuya - Oh wow, thank you! You're a sweet heart! ^_^ I'm updating as fast as I can, as you can see.
Iremray - That's exactly what bothers me about most Yugioh fics (or just fan fiction in general). The characters are never themselves. I try to keep them amiably true to themselves... but it can be tricky sometimes. Thank you for your comments.
Lynderia - Thanks very much! :D
KeikoGurl - Blowtorch? Pretty! I'll try updating as soon as I can, so no need to use that. *grin*
HieilovesBotan - Will do. Thanks :P
kagome87 - lol. I like seeing them argue too---that's why they are ;) Arigato.
Sechskies - *grins* I hope I can help you see the light, then ;) Thank you very much for reading and taking time to comment!
Candance - You think so? Why, thank you! :D
Mokuba's Official Glomper - First, I gotta commend you on that cute nickname of yours! Second of all, I must thank you for loyally reviewing each chapter; your comments mean a lot. Merci Beacoup!
Kari Wheeler - Sure thing, dear. If you're reading this, you've probably got your wish... Chapter 5 is on its way, I promise!
I hope I didn't miss any of my reviewers--- If I have, I apologize humbly. It's hard keeping track of who reviewed what chapter at what time. *hugs and chocolate bunnies.*
