=Seto's POV
There are times, I believe, when one does not want to get up in the morning. I lingered in my silken soft sheets, listening to the quiet of the daybreak for a while. Heaving a sigh, I stood up and went to get dressed to start the day; propelling on automatic.
I heard things stir up then, as my brother upstairs in his room started stomping around, yelling at our slow-moving, poor butler. We get up at the same time for some reason. "Big brother! Are you up yet?" he said, stopping so suddenly at my door.
Even thought it was obvious, I answered anyway. "Yes. Remember not to aggravate anyone today." I stepped into my master's bathroom and took a quick shower, relishing the hot water on my body. [a/n: is it me or did it get hot in here....]After, I stepped out and wrapped a towel around my waist. I saw him watching me through the mirror, already dressed and ready for school. Lucky him, he has so much energy, I thought, lathering up to shave. My limbs felt a ton each...I must be catching something.....
"Brother, um…." He said and hesitated, tugging at his shirt nervously..
"Spit it out, Mokuba," I said sternly. "You have never no need to be afraid." I ran the razor the side of my face.
"Well….um, do you mind if we…..if you go to this after school thing at my school? Today?" he added.
"Hm. I suppose." I agreed reluctantly. "Just this once." Finishing up, I went in the room to dress quickly. Looking at myself in the floor length mirror, I straighten the collar of my school clothes neatly. I saw him smile suddenly, like he always did when the topic was about to switch.
"I saw you give a ride to Tea home yesterday." At that, my gaze darted quickly to his. "The driver told me, and I guessed, right? Right?" he said excitedly.
"Yes. So?" I started to rifle through my things in order.
"She sure does act weird around you, lately……." He was lost in thought. "I wonder..."
"Yes, I know." I smirked at my reflection.. "She has something of a 'crush' on me," I informed my brother casuall since I knew he wouldn't tell. His head shot up in surprise. "I knew that would get your attention," I smiled.
"She does?! How do you know?"
I fanned his words away dismissing the question. "You'll know, when you get older. And you'll find out how to use every little thing to your advantage." I lectured, putting my hands on his shoulders. "Even petty things like people's hearts."
"But…..isn't that….cruel?"
"No." I said bluntly, crossing the room towards the hallway. "Why should it be cruel to use your own charisma and charm to get what you want of people? Everyone does." I patted his head.
"But…." He followed me confusedly to the kitchen. "Do you like her too, big brother?"
I knew that one was coming. "......I'll tell you later." I compromised, climbing into the waiting limo. "Driver." I greeted him curtly. The car rolled down the long, winding driveway.
Inside, I looked at the northmost windowsill, remembering that was where she had sat. All giggling pounds of her. The car seemed oddly cold today for some reason…… I tapped my fingers impatiently against the hood of my case, looking around for something to distract me. I wish the driver would hurry up and go faster already, I thought.
I brushed off a tiny strand of lint, while brushing off my brother's words mentally. "Tea is just an obstacle in the way to graduation out of this stupid school for good," I said aloud. What was the harm of using someone to get what I needed.....? As long as she doesn't figure it out.....
Ok, sure that sounded selfish when said like that. And it wasn't that I didn't think she wasn't cute or anything. She's just tries so damn hard! At everything! To the point where it was just pathetic. Ok, not pathetic….I twisted my mouth, deep in thought. The word was "overeager". What's she trying so hard about?! She'll never make it.....with just determination....
Yet I could sense she wanted to try and change. I'll give her credit for that. Knowing her, she'd probably change too hard…..…..wait, what am I saying?
I was feeling out of sorts because of that, all day. I think I was having a uncommon attack of conscience, something i prefer to keep at bay. But mostly it was because of the words I had thought earlier: wasn't…..that…I …didn't think…she was cute.. Logically, that meant I think she was……cute. Somebody must've poisoned my food yesterday with something….Side effects: going irrational.
I shook my head sadly and got a mental grip. One thing, I can't even dare to have feelings for her. I couldn't even dare to THINK that I had feelings for her. Otherwise, my plan would be ruined. Thing would get complicated; and I'd never get through this…..stupid School YEAR!!
I was suddenly angry as I threw my books into my locker and slammed the door shut. Luckily the hallways were nearly empty from the last bell. Nearly….
"Hey, Kaiba, remember our deal?! Well, today is the day!"
I straightened and turned around. A sudden calm came over me as I eyed Gardener. She was standing right behind me without her usual crowd of friends around her for once. My sharp ears heard a footstep in the distance; someone was spying. I recognized the click of the boots.
"Well?" she held them out impatiently. "There's no one around, so just take them!"
"I know that was the deal, but I'm can't take care of them today." I said slowly, looking away to give the impression of sadness.
It worked magnificently. "Huh? Is something the matter?" Her large round eyes looked instantly worried, her slender shoulders sagged.
I paused for effect. "No, just that I already promised my brother that I'd spend time with him today and those dolls would interrupt us." I could see she was wavering, her eyes kept flicking back and forth from mine. Sucker….I thought. Lovesick females......
".......Well, today I have to spend some time with my family…..and I was looking forward to it, too!" she looked up at me angrily.
I took a tiny step closer so that we were just an inch apart, watching her face redden and her beautiful eyes get wide. Beautiful? Well ok, I'll give her that, she does have nice eyes. with long full lashes and--- "It would mean so much to him, we haven't spent time together in a long time. He is really looking forward to it." I said seriously keeping my voice low , so no one could ever overhear . It was partly true, anyway. There was a short pause.
"Huh....U-uh, o-okay," she said, quickly stammering down at her shoes. Above her head, I smirked, relishing my victory and backed away. Crushes were so easy to manipulate. "I, um…gotta go." She went on, backing off too awkwardly. I gave her a smile of thanks and she smiled back quickly, in return, walked away, and promptly stumbled.
"You okay?" I called.
"Yeah," she called back, face glowing. I don't think she was okay because she was limping a bit but......I watched her slowly turn the corner and disappeared from sight.
Well, that was easy! I slung my papers into my case and shut it, feeling a lot better.. I'll just keep doing that....and she'll be wrapped around my little finger! As I straightened up again, I heard a noise.
"What do you want, Yami?" I said, not staying to hear and walking off.
"I saw that evil smile above her head," he stated, crossing his arms over his black shirt. "I'm sure you know she has an awful crush on you, since you saved her life obviously."
"So you know about that." I stopped without turning . "And you going to give me a lecture."
"No, just a warning. It's best you not play with her heart. " He stated bluntly. "She's got quite a temper, I'm sure you know."
"Mind your own business!" I said over my shoulder. Always meddling..
"She's my friend and I also don't want her to be hurt. If you don't feel the same way, then you shouldn't lead her on." He narrowed his eyes threateningly …..upwards, I thought with a smirk. He was half my height.
I smelled something else. "Like….when you did, you mean? You hypocrite….." His composed face flickered guiltily and I knew I had struck a nerve. I lifted my chin. "Mr. High and Mighty, the likes of you is nobody to give me a lecture, then," I sneered.
When he just glared in silence, I went on, "How about you just pay attention to getting better at dueling and leave T--" I caught myself, "--Gardener alone." I scanned his face anxiously for clues.
His face gave away nothing. "I suggest you get better." he said. "Save for yesterday, I've beaten you countless times. And I'm not finished talking to you, Kaiba."
"The final time always counts," I made a scoffing sound at him and sauntered off. "And I'm done talking to you." I grumbled all the way to my car.
"I mean it, Kaiba," he called ominously as I got in, ignoring him obstinately. "I'll be watching you so you better watch out. If you everhurt her with manipulation....." he let the threat dangle.
Stupid. Didn't he know I knew all about her notorious anger? I've been on the receiving end enough times. I sat down in the plush leather seat comfortably, then winced and reached behind my back. There was a brown sandal wedged in the cushions, with daisies on the straps. I narrowed my eyes, pursing my mouth.
Tea's. I quickly looked behind me to see if Yami was still there, but he was a tiny speck on the horizon. I could catch up to him and ask him to give it to her back, but....
"Driver, to Gardener's house." I sighed, then snapped, "And make it snappy, I have another appointment!"
TBC
ooh, kaiba gonna knock ol' yami out. Tea you are so lucky to have boys fight over you TT tea: :)
anyhoo although kaiba charming her to do his bidding, he'd better watch out if she figures it out! Kaiba: I'm not scared of Gardner.....(looks nervously at her)
Me: riiiiiight...you c'n tell i'm a major kaiba fan! Heh.well R&R peeps!