Fuming, Tea left Mai's suite, her stomping steps echoing even in the noisy hallway. "Joey didn't even act concerned about his supposed best friend's state!" She rounded a corridor and took the stairs rather than the elevator. After all Yugi'd done for him . .. and put up with his crap! Usually Tea didn't curse or even say anything mean, not even in her mind, but she felt really angry on Yugi's behalf. Her glares sent every guy veering off to one side as she stormed through the crowded lobby.
Pausing and taking a deep breath to calm down, she continued toward Yugi's room much slower. She didn't want to him to see her all upset. I guess I'm really upset because I've just applied to a dance school in New York City in the States. She watched a couple of black haired girls, all dressed up, giggling and carrying on to her left and they passed, presumably going to the celebration ball. And if I go, he'll be all alone . .. . since Joey'll be all BUSY with his girlfriend! Some friend, all right!
Tea watched the girls long after they passed by. I wish I could go too .. . not that I don't enjoy Yugi's company. . .. no! I have at least be a good friend. He's only shown me kindness. Nodding to herself, she reached the door and stopped when she heard voices inside.
"I'm glad you're feeling better, Yugi . . .. I felt awful when you had to forfeit like that . . . .I asked the judge for, you know, a rematch later, but . . . ." a high pitched voice sighed.
"It's okay, really. You're getting so much better! I was really surprised by your level."
"Yeah. . ." Mokuba paused when he saw Tea enter. "Oh, hey Tea! I was jus' talking to Yugi about what happened. He says he thinks he ate something bad, that's all."
"Oh, really? Hey, Yugi." She said as said boy waved hello. "Just came to keep you company. How are you feeling?"
"A bit better .. ." he answered, as Mokuba suddenly got up.
"Oh! I forgot to give this back to the guys," said the black haired boy, waving his disc. "See ya . . . .at the big celebration dance, you guys!" He called and zoomed out.
There was a few moments of calling good bye, then Tea asked, sitting down, "Did you call your grandfather? Is he coming soon?" She smoothed her skirt out and made herself comfortable.
"No. . . . he can't . . . .but anyway, I'm feeling a lot better."
"Really?"
"Um hmm."
"You're not just saying that just so I won't worry? You can say if you're not feeling well."
"No . . . . I'm fine. Shouldn't you be getting ready for the celebration thing . .. . .?"
Tea hesitated, unsure of what to say. She didn't want him to feel like a burden. "I'd rather stay and keep you company." She answered finally. "So you won't be lonely. Or . .. ." she added, seeing him sway slightly, " . .. are you going to sleep now? I can stay. I won't be noisy."
"No .. . .I mean no, you don't have to stay. I know you; you like going to parties. So go ahead. I'll be fine." He said with a bright smile, leaning back down.
There was a silence, then she finally got up and crossed to room to him and helped tuck him in "Maybe I'll go later. For now, do you feel like talking?"
"Sure, I guess." His stomach still felt a little queasy. I hope I don't have to throw up again. . . how embarrassing if I do . . . .
Tea got up again and closed the window, since it would be a chilly night with a mental sigh. "Actually . . .I don't really want to see Mai and Joey making goo-goo gah-gah eyes at each other like that. I'm glad they're together, but you wouldn't believe how sickening they act!"
"Really?" Yugi looked surprised. "So he finally told her how he felt, huh?"
"Yup." She sat down heavily. "While you were ill and in pain, he was probably off frolicking with Mai . . .. in some grassy pasture, I guess." She was unable to keep the bitterness out off her voice for his benefit. "Sorry. . .guess I'm not cheering you up, eh?"
He said nothing for a while, looking at her with care. "Somethin' wrong?"
Tea hesitated again. Usually she was a spunky girl who told off everyone who needed it, without reluctance. She was direct, to put it lightly. But Yugi was a sensitive boy; he would never say when he's hurt. I always tell him he's got to stand up for himself and have the confidence to say when he's unhappy, she thought. But that just wasn't his way. It wasn't cowardice, now she knew that. But sometimes I wish----
"I, uh, applied to," she lifted her chin and looked him square in the eye. " .. .. a school in New York," she said finally, looking down, sort of ashamedly.
"Really? You mean . . . .a dancing school? That's great."
"Yeah. . . ." She scratched an itch on her nose. "But it's for June." It was March. There was a silence as he just looked at her, not understanding. "But I don't think I'll go. I'll miss you guys too much. . . ."
"No." he said firmly, sitting up straight. "You have to. . .. ." His violet eyes shone earnestly. "It's your dream since you were two. And we'll all go . . .. . you know for support!"
"Thanks," she smiled fondly at him, looking very pretty, even though it was unlikely they would. "That means a lot." She saw him suddenly grab his stomach and double up. "What is it? Do you need to go throw up?" she asked in concern, helping him up.
"No . .. . . yes . . . . .ulp!" he couldn't say any more as he covered his mouth and ran for the bathroom, closing it behind him, the fan starting with a loud whirrrr. . .. Well, at least she won't hear me . . . . .
Mean while, Tea stood outside, crossing her arms over her chest. She heard him anyway. A dark look overtook her blue eyes as she remembered her suspicions about Kaiba having something to do with his stomach flu. If he has . .. . she thought threateningly. This is just something he would do! I wouldn't put it past him .. . . .I don't think Mokuba would know if he did. He showed real concern earlier. Her mouth turned into a frown as she recalled . . . .
flashback
"Yugi!" Tea screamed in horror as her best friend collapsed, holding his stomach in pain. On the other side, Mokuba looked up with a start, shock evident on his tiny face.
Meanwhile, Kaiba just stood there behind his brother, not moving an inch, glaring down at Yugi with a look full of resentment and contempt.
Tea rushed over to Yugi's aid as the judge called, "Senorita! No pisas ayi!"
Tea shot him a look of anger. "Necesita ayuda, eres ceigo!" (he needs help, are you blind ?)
Staggering, Yugi slowly stood up, breathing hard and rhythmically. It sounds like he's struggling to breathe! she thought, alarmed. Never had she saw him that pale, the sweat shining off his face.
"It look like he's not feeling well . . ." Mokuba murmured. "Should I ask for the duel to be put off till later, big brother?"
"No. Continue it!"
end flashback
"Tea?" Why are you scowling like that?" Weakly but surely, Yugi was already back in bed, sitting up against the headboard, looking at her quizzically, catching her off guard.
A bit embarrassed to be caught ignoring him, she smiled quickly to mask her frown. "Nothing. I was just .. . .thinking if Kaiba had something to do with you being sick, that's all."
His eyes went wide. "Do you think so?" Beside him, he saw Yami emerge in his spirit form as he sometimes did and stand a little way to her left, looking in her direction, then back expectantly. / Well, aibou? Hurry up and tell her how you feel . . . .she's going to new York soon.. .. ./
"Yeah, don't you think it's weird---" Tea saw his gaze shift. "What is it?" She shifted anxiously from one foot to another. "Is the spirit here?"
"Mm." He gave a short nod, lowering his eyes shyly. "Sometimes he does that, don't worry." ? . . . .. what .. . . . /
"I'm not." Tea put folded her hands in front of her to keep them from trembling. Sometimes, it sure does get . . . .. . spooky! She changed the subject, sitting down on his bed. "So, what do you think it was, then?"
"Mmmm. . . .probably something I ate. . . .I really don't think Kaiba had done anything . .. . . " Yugi leaned back slightly, so she wouldn't smell how bad his breath was after throwing up. " I mean, he has done some pretty horrible stuff, but Serenity told me-I think yesterday---that he'd changed a lot, so-"
"Yeah, that's what she told me. .. too." A long silence fell, then Yugi settled back down again sleepily. "You'd better rest now . . .." Downstairs, Tea heard a cheer in the distance and turned her head towards it. Turning back, she saw his lying down with his eyes shut. He was asleep, she could tell by his deep breathing. "I sure hope his family makes it here . .. ." she murmured, looking down at his sleeping form for a while, turning off the light. The moonlight shone through the windows, begging to be set free. She crossed the room to them, and flipped the blinds open. I don't know what am I going to do about New York . . . . she thought wearily, sitting down at the edge of his bed again, lightly so the bed wouldn't bounce and disturb him. The clear, full ivory moon rose in view, it seemed, right outside the window. It looked huge. Tea even thought she could see the craters and lakes supposedly on it. I wonder why Yugi didn't let Yami take over in his duel with Mokuba, she thought fuzzily. Her head felt very sleepy, and her eyes began to slowly close. He was sick and all, but he still kept fighting! If he had, he would've won . .. . was it possible he didn't want to win, then? How do I know all this stuff . .. ? She fell to her side on the soft bed. Maybe I'll just take a fifteen minute nap .. . .he won't mind if I'm quiet . . .. zzzz . . .. . . so tired. . . . .. it's a double bed, so there's more than enough room . . . .. before she knew she was in a deep sleep.
Sometime later, a shadow moved across in the moonlight swiftly before fading again.
meanwhile
"He did! He really did!" Mai exclaimed, setting Serenity's long dark hair in big, fat curlers before spritzing it with conditioner. "He picked you up?" she sighed. "Aw! That's so incredible! Here, turn to me so I can do your makeup." When the younger girl obeyed, Mai stared at her critically. Now they were in good terms again, Serenity had trusted her for a makeover. Hmm .. .. she has pretty pale skin so no concealer----lucky! But her eyes are dark brown and her hair's red. . . . .-dish, . . . . so a light pink blush to put some color on her cheeks! "You are so lucky, you know that?" she said enviously.
A real blush bloomed on Serenity's cheeks but she didn't answer right away. "I suppose . . . " she said modestly. "Though I don't feel lucky . .. ." Her forefinger traced the bedspread pattern sadly.
"Well, you are," Mai assured her, sweeping a brush across expertly. It brought out a soft glow, making her look hopelessly innocent. Ah . . .. being young and in love . . . . .She replaced the brush in its container, then looked critically at the pencils, seeing which shade to use. A touch of mascara to bring out the curve in her lashes . . .. "I sure wish I got romanced like that. . .. ."
". . . .what do you mean by that?" When the blond shrugged in answer, arranging her hand of eyebrow pencils, Serenity tipped her head quizzically. "I thought you said Joey already told you he how felt."
"He did, but . . . .I don't know." Dabbing some pearly pink gloss, Mai went on slowly, "I guess I'm . .. starting to have some doubts . . . .on whether this'll turn out to be good thing. .. .you know? It's so frustrating .. .. ! I want something serious, and he's . .. . never is serious . .. !"
"Yeah. .. .that's how he always is . .. . and was. Always quick with a joke. But you know why? To cover up his .. .feelings. I think he does have real feelings for you. In fact, I'm sure of it."
"Yeah, I got that impression. But still. . .I don't know if we'll make a good match. . . or anything. I mean, we are so different . . ." Here Mai stopped, not wanting Serenity to take offense. She was his sister, after all.
"Let me ask you something. When Seto and I first got together, you were nearly to first to know about it. Right?" Mai nodded, starting to take out the curlers and brushing the girl's thick auburn tresses out. "Well, I bet . . . that you thought at least once that it would only be a short term relationship, didn't you? 'Cause me and him are so different . . . .. right?"
Mai nodded a bit guilty, admitting it. "But now it's been what, 7 months now?"
"10. The point is, that it doesn't matter that two people are at the opposite end of the world, so to speak. Would you really want someone who is exactly like you? That would be boring, wouldn't it?"
"Actually, I have." Shick, shick, went the hairbrush and then on the sink with a clatter. "And it was short term. Very short, I might add." Mai gave her a look of admiration. "You seem to have thought about this a lot."
" . . .. I've been thinking about a lot of things lately. . . ." Serenity paused. "But I'll tell you later. Anyway, as we were talking about .. .. I'm counting on you, Mai, to help my brother to . . . . .open up more, instead of keeping it all in. You have to help!"
"Who me?" Mai shook her head doubtfully. "If I try to, we'll just end up arguing, as usual. He's gets SO defensive!"
"You have to be patient," Serenity advised. "In time, he will 'cause he really cares about you. But he's afraid of . .. being rejected. The truth is .. . ." she paused, not wanting to embarrass him. But she felt it was important for Mai to know. "He doesn't think himself worthy . . .. to be loved. Or in love, for that matter. So he's evasive and shifty."
Skeptically, Mai sat and starting running a flat iron through her curls. " I guess. . . . that could be it. .. . maybe . . .. " She stopped, admiring her work. Serenity looked awesome, her long hair falling softly in curls, shining a rich mahogany color. "Wow . .. you look like some unknown actress. . . .tch, I sure am good!"
"Let me see . . . .oh wow." Serenity breathed, immediately thinking of what Seto would say when he saw her. It brought a smile to her face just to think of it. "I'd better go change. Just think about what I said . .. okay? Be patient . . . ."
Mai nodded her away, turning back to the 3 way mirror. She planned on wearing something more demure than her usual outfits today. I don't want to intimidate him too much! But . .. . I DO want to knock his socks off! Maybe something pretty . .. but festive . . . .
Maybe tonight we can start off with a clean slate. . just forget about the past and all that. The idea sounded so appealing, her fingers were trembling slightly with excitement as she rubbed body shimmer on her shoulders. And I'll try not to make fun of him or tease him too much.
Sigh. .. . I'll have to act shy and demure . . .. what I do for shy boys sometimes . . .. .sheesh . . .. I should've been dubbed a saint!
bit later
It being Spain, the ballroom was done in the Spanish flag colors, with clusters of red flowers arranged about. They were all red, and the party was way into the night by the time Serenity came down. It was very noisy, and little kids were running around, showing off their cards and gossiping to one side. On the other, teenagers and mostly adults were mingling, cups of punch in one hand.
"Wow, just look at all the different people," Serenity murmured to herself, her petite figure almost getting lost in the crowd. A podium on a stage sat in the middle.
"Welcome! Bienvenidos!" A woman in a frilly dress with a flower in her hair beamed, giving her a single red flower with huge petals. Serenity buried her nose into it, inhaling the spicy scent. She loved flowers. She tried not to seem to obvious about looking around for Seto. He wasn't here yet. Probably got stuck with work, she thought. Her brother wasn't here, either. I hope he controls his temper this time!
Conversations in 40 different languages rose up around as she made her way to the banquet table. It was filled with a variety of food.
It would figure he'd be here. . . . she thought, seeing her brother's back to her, sitting and talking with some other boys. "Hi." She said softly.
It was noisy, but he turned. "Oh, hey sis! is that you?" he teased in-a-big brother-sort of way. "I din't recognize ya! You look great." he said sincerely.
"Thanks." She really did, dressed in a white blouse with small red and gold flower design and a dark frilly skirt. "You look real nice, too. All dressed up," she added fondly in a motherly sort of way. "Did you bring that?"
"Nah . .. . borrowed it." he muttered, fixing the dark brown jacket. "So. . . . where's . . . .?"
"Oh, she's upstairs. Not yet ready." She knew exactly who he meant, unable to hide a smile.
" . . .whaaat? what's so funny." He gestured for her to sit down.
"Nothing." Her smile faded as she remembered she was supposed to be angry with him. "Joey. . . we need to talk."
"Yeah . . . . ." He bit into a bunuelo, which was a small pastry sprinkled with powdered sugar and looked away at the others. " . .. . guess you're here waitin' for your date, huh?" They both knew exactly whom he meant.
"Yes. . . . ." she gathered up her courage. Really, it was like asking her father if she could go on a date with a boy, only about ten times more scarier. It hurts so much to know that I've disappointed him . . . .I always feel like that! I'm tired of it. . . . . "It . .. .really hurt me when you went behind my back and schemed like that. Really, really hurt," she emphasized.
There was a short silence. She held her breath, waiting for his reaction with the determination not to back down if he were to get defensive, as Mai would say. "I-I'm not a little girl anymore," she went on quietly, so only he could hear. "I can make my own judgements." Her voice gathered strength. "I will see whomever I choose to, if I choose to. Not you."
It was out. Serenity waited anxiously as he let the silence hang. Finally, when she couldn't stand the torture anymore, she heard him heave a great sigh. Surprised, she saw him give sharp nod.
"Yeah . .. you're right sis. You're not a lil girl anymore. You've grown up. Thing is, I guess I was a little sad to realize it, y'know? That I'm not gonna be da one you'll look up to, like when you were five and trailed me everywhere . . . ." Serenity smiled a little bit tremulously, betraying her age. "I always knew dis day would come, but . .I was hopin' to put it off a lil while longer . . ."
"You are still the one I'll look up to. You're my hero, Joey. . . always and forever."
"Aw . . . come 'ere." They shared a warm embrace, both realizing it'd been too long since the last one. "I jest tried, y'know? To raise you right and teach you good from bad. But I guess you gotta figure and make your decisions sometime." Or mistakes, he added silently. "dat's how you'll learn. . . "
"I already do know." It sounded like an arrogant thing to say to him, but then again, she had been hanging around Kaiba a lot lately . . . . "And when he comes down, please, please try to get along with him? Please? For me?"
Serenity heard the little grr noise he always made he was made to do what he didn't want to. "All right all right sis. I'll stay down here, and y'all c'n go over dere, okay? 'Cause dat's the only way I can stan' to be in da same room---"
"Okay." She knew when to take small victories when they were offered. "But even if you two do come across one another, don't attack him!" She made a face at him.
"I'll try not ta." He smiled, giving her hair a bit of a tousle. He watched her with a sad smile fix it back into place with one fingernail-polished hand, up nervously and quickly. Ah, they grow up so fast, don't they? Little sisters. . . .sigh . . . .
"Hello, Joseph." came this husky, sexy voice from behind them. They both turned, startled from their world of fond memories. Serenity recovered first when her brother was uncharacteristically struck speechless.
"Say 'hi, Mai.' "Serenity nudged him gently. "Go on.Say hi," she urged.
Another long silence as he took her lovely figure in. She was dressed in a red, swinging dress that left her shoulders bare, almost, because her long golden hair hung down like a flaxen curtain that spilled past her waist. Her skin was radiantly glowing, her eyes luminous. Around her, others stopped to stare, also.
"H-hi." he finally stammered, his voice sounding like rubber squeaking on a wooden floor. His heart was hammering crazily in his chest. " You, uh, you, uh, you . . .l-look great. Really, really great. Y-yes, yes you do. Really. Am-I-speakin'-too-fast? It sure sounds like it . . . .ahem." It was funny for him to react this way because she always looked beautiful, even if in a potato sack. This reaction signified a change in between them, though he couldn't pinpoint eaxactly when it had begun. Earlier, he'd made a promise, also, to sound and be more suave and sophisticated with her. Strike one . . . .argh.
The girls knowingly exchanged glances and Mai answered back, softly smiling, "Thanks. You look great as well." It was true; he did. Just then an announcement came on.
"Bienvenidos, duelistos. Welcome duelists." The room darkened and a spotlight fell on the director, a short man with a black mustache and wire glasses beamed at the crowd. "This has been an exciting tournament from day one. And as always, I congratulate you all on a job well done!" Cheers rose up. "The purpose of this was to allow other countries to become to know one another, and what better way is this? Eh? Anyway, we at the World Tours have teamed up with Industrial Illusions, well known for having created such a wonderful game!" Louder cheers of agreement. "The grand prize, as you all well know is a card designed by the winner. It's perfectly legal in play and adaptable with Duel Discs, in special holographic foil." The crowd oohed and aahed as a projection of a card, glittering almost blindly bright, formed. "And now the time has come to announce the winner! Drum roll, please!"
The thunderous rumble of the drum filled the spacious room, drowning out the excited chatter. The grand prize winner turned out to be a young man they didn't recognize, buff and tall with an arrogant smirk as he walked up the stage to shake the director's hand. Loud cheers from his apparent girl fan club screeched through the air. The three of them had to cover thier ears. The director went to on to hand out cash prizes of the runners up, of which Yugi was one, as well as Mokuba. Joey went ahead an accepted on his behalf, since he was sick.
Then, there was a lot of photographers from the press clicking away at the winners so much seemed like a Grammy Award show. Laughing and shouting, the children ran upstairs to their respective hotel rooms, since it was after 10 pm and past thier bedtimes, leaving the adults and teenagers behind.
As the noise gradually died down, a live mariachi band started playing, and people starting getting on the dance floor and having fun. Making herself sound as shy as she possibly could, Mai asked him to dance.
"Uhh. . . . okay . . . ." Even though I don't really know how! He looked back at his sister. "Seren, are ya going to here okay by yourself?"
"Yeah, of course! Go ahead and have fun," she urged, making little shooing gestures. She watched them both make their way to the now crowded dance floor with a proud sisterly smile. Maybe I shouldn't be spying . . . . Joey's nervous enough! So she made her way to the double doorway and sat down on a cushioned chair to wait for Seto.
Meanwhile, Mai was reminding herself in her head about her promise to go easy and act more shy and innocent. It was hard, though, because she had to put her pride aside and act differently than what she really was. "So . . . . do you know . . . .how to, uh, dance . . . .?"
"A-No. A little bit." Truth was, he did, knowing since he'd been to plenty of school dances before. But nervousness blocked all rational thought. "I uh, mean, yeah."
The music took on a rhythmic, but slow beat. "How about . . . . tango?" she asked, joking a bit.
"N-no. Don't know dat." He said, shaking his head vigorously. The truth was, he had never heard of it before, but didn't want to seem unworldy.
"Ah. Well it easy, really." She was about to say, Let me teach you, but changed it to a question. "Mind if I . . . teach you it then?"
He hesistated, not wanting to look like a fool in front of all these people, but she was looking at him so dam hopefully . . . ." I guess . . . " he said reluctantly. She beamed and led him to a spot where it wasn't so crowded so he could hear her instructions. Remember, shy and bashful . . . . Taking his hand, she placed it on her hip and the other on her shoulder, heard him gulp nervously. Mai paused at this point until he got used to the feeling. One of the spotlights was shimmering down on them, bathing them in light, so she couldn't see his expression. He kept glancing over his shoulder at the others, but she waited patiently until he was ready to continue.
"Now . . . push me back . . . . gently." she emphasized the word, "gently." She grimaced slightly, picturing him shoving her to the floor. Waiting with bated breath was sure to make him even more nervous, but she couldn't help it.
To her surprised delight, he did as she said, gently. "Like . . .dis .. . . ?" His voice was still sort of anxious.
"Yes!" She fought to keep the amazement out of her voice. Lowering her eyes shyly, she said more timidly, "Yes . . . . uh, now do the same thing. . . . but side to side, instead. Can you do that?"
He did, and it wasn't half bad either. "We'll leave it there . . . . for the time being . . . . a little bit slower . . . . yeah, that's fine."
He smiled back, gathering a bit more confidence. "So I passed, den?"
"Mm hm." She let the silence hang letting him start the conversation and avoiding to stare at him. It was hard to believe sometimes that he was only sixteen, he looked so handsome and smelled nice too, just the right amount of light cologne. The real surprise was it wasn't as hard as she'd thought to be shy and coy with him. It was like he brought out a new side to her, one that had long, long been forgotten. Still, it was best not give him too much space, or else he'd been overconfident and turn arrogant. The trick was to keep it in balance. When he didn't speak, she said, softly, "You talked with your sister?"
"Yeah. We made up."
"That's wonderful. I'm really glad to hear that." Mai gave him a beautiful, sincere smile, before looking down again. "I wish . . . .sometimes . . .that I had a little sister . . . so I kind of think of her as my own! Ha, ha, isn't that funny?" This time she didn't need to pretend to blush; it was rather personal and embarrassing . . . .
"I don't think so. You're good loyal friend to her . . . .and I'm glad she has you in her life. She . . . needs someone to talk with."
"Yeah . . . ." Mai paused, a bit warm at his words. Never had she'd been described as a 'good, loyal friend' before . . . .it was kind of strange. Just as it was strange for her to open up to him. The idea was to have it the other way around! Speechless, she fell silent once again.
The music played, and more and more people started dancing. The beat picked up and they started to laugh and have fun, as the spotlights dimmed almost to pitch darkness as it became crowded. He decided he loved hearing her laugh. I mean really joyous laugh, instead of the cynical sounding chuckles she usually gives. And especially when it's not at me! Among the other laughter and cheering, and the other bumping of bodies to the now fast tempo, they lost each other in the crowd. Panting, he staggered over to the punch bowl, eyes scanning rather anxiously for her. So immersed with this task, he almost didn't notice Serenity still waiting at the doorway. Kaiba . . . . so he stood her up! Automatically, his fingers crushed the cup in his hand. No . . . . she has to learn . . . . must remind myself that everything'll turn out fine . . . .
The impulse to rush her back safely home receeded gradually. Phew. "I'm cool. I'm cool," he muttered aloud, reaching for an uncrushed cup.
"There you are! Thirsty, eh? You look tired."
Embarassed to be caught talking to himself, he blurted, "I was jest mad 'cause stupid Kaiba stood up my little sister!" Oh god, I sounded like a control freak . . . . strike two . . . Hastily, he turned away to pour another cup and slowly handed it to her a bit ashamedly. Maybe it hopeless . . . can't act different than what I usually am! Looking at her slightly startled expression, he sighed, depressed. What in the world is this beuatiful woman doing with Me? I'm nobody . . . .
"What . . . are you thinking?"
"Nothing. Never mind." He turned away. Around them, Joey could see girls pointing and whispering at them. The men were eyeing Mai hungrily, like they just couldn't wait till he stepped aside. Maybe . . . . I should . . . . . Still, he scowled darkly at them.
"Joseph . . . look at me." She placed her hand on his arm to turn him around. He resisted, but she was patient. The music had changed from the band to a CD of slow, soft music. The crowd had thinned out, some had gone to sleep, since it was now nearly 11. Taking a wild stab at what he was thinking, she said softly, "I don't want to be with them. I want to be with you."
He raised his gaze from the ground to her eyes, which were pleading with him to understand. "R-really?" He mumbled, falling into something of a daze. Everything looked so surreal, and twinkly of the sudden. He was falling for her. Deeply. Even though later there was the chance she might take it back . . . . . but at that point he didn't care. He felt like she really did understand him, even more than he understood himself.
A smile curved her full, glossy lips. He looked so vulnerable, and Mai thought she could detect a faint blush. He looked as he did on the night of their first kiss; and it triggered something . . .
--protective, for lack of a better word. And she'd never felt protectiveness in her life. Of anything; maybe it was the sweet way he cared for his sister, passionate enough to take on five men twice his size. . . I want to be cared like that . . . . Taking his hand and squeezing his fingers slightly, she led him to dance again. "Yes . . . "
, for lack of a better word. And she'd never felt protectiveness in her life. Of anything; maybe it was the sweet way he cared for his sister, passionate enough to take on five men twice his size. . . Taking his hand and squeezing his fingers slightly, she led him to dance again. "Yes . . . "Later, they left for a walk around the hotel grounds, mutually quiet, but enjoying the silence, holding hands. The water rushed from a nearby fountain, and they paused to look at it. Around were bushy palm trees and ferns, secluding them in a private world.
It was too good to be true. Too good, Joey thought, waiting for some screaming kids to come bursting through it after they've thrown a foot ball to his head. There was a new moon, the place was lit by soft electric amber lights. She sat on one side of the small bench of the fountain, and he to the other, a bit close together. Mai saw a pensive look on his face, now that she had see it more better, and she asked what he was thinking.
He answered honestly, "I'm sort of worried 'bout Yuge. I hope he'll be okay . . . . but dat's probably not what you wanted to hear . . . " Stri--
She smiled. "I think . . . . it's cute the way you two care so much for one another . . . .I wish . . . you would care about me so much . . . . . "
"I do! Mai, I---" He hesistated, studying her lovely face. The next words felt like they broke through hundreds of barriers before escaping from his lips. "I'm . . . . falling . . .. in love . . . . with you. I mean, really, more than I've ever felt before . . . about anyone. An' . . . it's scary to know how much . . . . . "
She lowered her long black lashes and paused, choosing her words carefully. "I know. And it's not unreturned. It is . . . sort of scary . . . . " she sighed, looking away to study the fountain's statues.
" . . . . Yeah." There was a companionable silence as her followed her gaze. The crickets chirped slowly , hidden underneath the dense brush. "Really scary . . . . ."
"Well, at least on that we can agree on." She couldn't help making a little joke. Rubbing her hands over her bare arms, she shivered, by the cold and the intensity of the atmosphere. "Mind if you--?"
"Oh, o' course." Hurriedly he took off his jacket, and put it about her shoulders. Slowly, he let his hand linger on her shoulders, and she turned slowly towards him, unsurely. It was not clear the way she refused to meet his eyes was because of her promise, or real shyness. But all Mai knew was that they were getting deep into this. It was tempting to pull away and protect herself; she had to fight not to. Her mind even ran through all the annoying things he did, the ways he pissed her off, in a last futile effort to push away. But though she shook, the hope in her heart would not let her. Stay . . . just a little bit longer . . .
He saw her swallow, her pale throat an undulating ivory column. A shaky breath. " . . .cold?" he asked softly, coming closer.
"N-no . . . " Get away! her reserved mind yelled. It's okay to be alone! You've known it all your life . . . But it sound like in the far off distance and died, as she felt his lips tenderly brush hers. It was a first kiss; since it was the first time he had kissed her. By now her whole body shook from the warring emotions. Calm down, she told herself, relaxing aganist him and pulling him closer, so the kiss turned longer and more emotional. After a while, she pulled away suddenly, then hugged him tightly, burying her face in his chest.
Touched, he held her back, until he felt her relax her grip around his neck and felt her arms drop down in a sort of defeat. The internal war had been won. She's mine . . . . Looking up, their eyes met and he ran a finger down her cheek, tracing the outline. Mai closed her eyes against it, her golden brows slightly furrowing from the feeling. She brushed the thick hair from his face, tucking it behind his ear, looking into the penetrating gaze of his eyes that seen so much. "Oh, what are we going to do . . . " she whispered.
" . . . Dunno . . ." he answered softly to her rhetorical question. A beat passed . . . then the magic moment was over. Getting up, they went to stroll around the gardens before slowly going back in the hotel, changed.
meanwhile
Serenity sat on the chair, legs crossed patiently. Already what was it--18?19?-- guys had timidly asked her for a dance. Politely, she shook her head no, and when they didn't stop bothering her, she had to pretend to be deaf and dumb to leave her alone. Sheesh . . . boys sure are dumb sometimes . . .! Yeah, yeah, I know . . . . I'm crabby . . . .
A smile bloomed on her face. Joey and Mai had looked so cute together, staring lovingly into each other's eyes like that, while dancing. She was happy for them both. They had left a while ago . . . . Her uneasiness returned, as she glanced at the doorway for the millionth time. Where is he? And here I forgot my phone . . . . should I go get it? But then he might come while I'm away . . . .
I'll wait for a couple of minutes, then go. At least, on thing came out good, Joey and him can't fight if he's not here! I hope Mai listened to what I said about being patient with him . . . .
She shuffled her feet anxiously. See, what if Joey dated someone who I totally hated? Would I be furious? She tried to think of someone she hated. Well, there Mrs. Batbreath from Math, but . . . I doubt Joey would date a ninety year old hag . . . ! Serenity twisted her mouth to one side, slightly. So, what if I hated Mai? If she wasn't my friend? But she is . . . . . .Try as she might, Serenity couldn't picture hating her or anyone else. I guess I don't really have any enemies . . . that's sort of weird.
But Joey has plenty. She tried to get into his hostile temper psyche, tried to understand what he must be going through. She had feeling that Joey still didn't trust Seto to be with his little sister, no matter what he said.
I give up. Looking around, Serenity slowly rose, her legs and back aching and stretched out to get the kinks out. She didn't like the looks the men were giving her, it made her nervous. Time to get my 'beauty sleep', like Mai would say . . . . .
Looking around, Serenity slowly rose, her legs and back aching and stretched out to get the kinks out. She didn't like the looks the men were giving her, it made her nervous.Yawning softly, she left the ballroom and started for the elevator. A while later she reached the suite, she and Mai shared, using her keycard, and opening it. Her body felt exhausted, and her mind felt a bit angry and depressed becuase he hadn't shown up.
I doubt he's in his room now . . . . probably a late night business trip more likely . . . . She tied her hair up out of her face, before lying down in her pajamas in the soft double bed. Tomorrow I'll see him and give him a piece of my mind for standing me up! Though she knew it wouldn't be true. . . . . it never happened that way.
She tied her hair up out of her face, before lying down in her pajamas in the soft double bed. Though she knew it wouldn't be true. . . . . it never happened that way."You are so lucky . . . ." She recalled Mai saying. But luck had nothing to do with how she felt right now, worried and anxious. Seto was a workaholic, anyone could tell. It had been 10 months since they had got together, though it seemed like four, since they were apart so often.
Where are you? she mentally called to him. You know that I get worried! And since she didn't she his little brother at the party, he probably took him with him. Sigh . . . . .
Sometimes I wonder . . . . she turned over on her side, mind busy with dangerous thoughts. I wonder . . . if it's all worth it. . . . . not just this, but . . .. everything . . . .
flashback
After he had told her he loved her, Seto had carried her to his room, to her surprise. Of course, she'd been in his room before, so she told herself to calm down. But her heart was beating fast with what he'd said and with nervous anticipation.
Sitting down again, he cuddled her across his lap like if she were a baby. It was pitch dark, only the street light from outside the glass window illumination. Serenity felt breathless from the flight, but managed to ask him if he'd meant what he'd said, instead of obligation.
There was a deep silence as he fingered her ring, the one he'd given to her on her birthday, with the ensigna of the Kaiba family on it. She didn't even think she heard him breathe once . . . .
"What do you think?" His words were barely audible, even in the silence.
"I think . . .. it's true . . . ." she said as he laid her down. Before, they had just laid together, reading or listening to music while she sang, seldom touching. He wasn't a touchy feely type, like she'd said before, so she was used to it. Sometimes he slept. That was cute. a/n:giggle
Indeed, she was the first one to touch him, if hardly ever. Physical contact, especially by someone she didn't know well, always made her feel nervous and edgy. Unless it was by a family member . . .. or something like that. So they had that in common. . . .
Serenity held her breath, hoping he would kiss her. Usually he did, after staring at her for no reason, like he was now. She was acutely awaare that it was dark, since usually the lights were on when they were together. But she trusted him completely.
Yet now there was a dangerous sort of gleam in his eyes, one that made her neck feel all prickly. He was lying half on top of her, and she could feel the weight of his body sort of crushing her legs. Trying to shift around to free them, she knew he wouldn't try anything that she didn't want to do. There was that mutal consderation between them.
"It . . . . is . . . ." he finally said, finally kissing her, a slow, gentle kiss. Serenity felt her heart pick up speed again as he moved away, their lips clinging to one another. Kaiba could see the faint longing in her dark eyes, weaky and needy. Though it did nothing to decrease his attraction to her. Despite her fragile, delicate beauty, he knew she had a spun core of steel. He gave a twisted sort of smile as her recalled her feistiness, when she was angry with him. It just made him want to kiss her more. "It is, and I want to show you . . . .how much . . ." He grabbed her hand passionately, then relaxed his grip. "Do you understand, Serenity? Do you?"
end flashback
It's funny, Serenity thought sleepily, her eyes drifting shut. I said I couldn't stand to disappoint Joey either, but that was before . . . .doesn't that mean I was mad at Joey before I got together with Seto? But . . . .why? No, it's impossible!
And now I have to tell my mother, she thought wearily opening her eyes again to stare at the ceiling. Mom is even worse than Joey is . . . .she'll freak! Maybe I shouldn't .. .. . .maybe I should . . . . oh I don't know! I'm so completely naive! Who am I kidding?
Serenity buried her face in the pillow, too tired to take her makeup off. I just have to believe Seto meant what he said, when he'll handle everything . .. . and not to worry . . . . just sleep off my worries . . . That comforting thought sent her off to the land of sweet dreams. Love just brought on too many complications . . . .