A/n: Hullo! Welcome back. Wow I'm just like the energizer bunny…..keep going….and going….. I think I update every two days or so on each o' my stories. Yeah I'm really tired and…have lots of time on skool vacation. - -;;;; any hoo, one thing I like 'bout Tea is her violent temper; I think o' her kinda of a female Hulk, gets angry and strong. Y'know? So there'll be lot o' references just for comedic purposes, you understand. Cause this is half comedy (grin). Roll the fic! Oh, yeah, Yugi and Yami have their separate bodies in this fic, & they're regular brothers. Dunno, I always wanted to do a fic with them like that. okies, Rollin it.

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-gi-oh. I wish, cause of my Kai-guy…ah, forever 17….

%%%%%%Tea's POV %%%%%%%%

I wanted to kill him. But I didn't want to go to prison, so…… I tried to do what my friend Mai would say to do. She's an expert on how to get over a boy: think of everything I hated about him……..So I tried. I thought about how ……….
…….
Ah! How irritating his bad attitude was all the time. (I don't know why it took me so long to answer such a simple question.) Like, "oh, poor me, everything bad always happens to me," complaining attitude.
Hm.
Except I've never heard him really complain out loud. And that 'bad point' was only more….attractive, because it spurned some kind of motherly instinct in a female. And the last I checked, I was one…so……
But he still has that, "I'm so much better than all of you peons attitude." Just because he was rolling in dough. So what.
So he's rich, and he's interested in you!
I couldn't believe I was that materialistic….. no, it was not true! No matter how many times he had told me, I was not shallow.
Just pointing out a fact.
Besides, I doubted he was "interested." In ME. Except maybe for another unknown use.
But what else would you expect of him? Really. Think about it.
It was true; I'd known Kaiba a long time and I wasn't really that surprised at what Yami had told me yesterday. I smiled, thinking of how he'd tried to 'play it cool' after he got caught eavesdropping on us. Pulled it off really well, too.

I couldn't deny what I'd felt when he held me. Closer than when he had done the Heimlich maneuver when he'd saved my life; although I was too busy choking to notice then. My lip still tingled from where he'd touched it, and my mental eye was still branded with his expression when he did so. It was unlike the usual cool gaze, a certain challenge and daring was added.

I was starting think that he wasn't so robotic after all, the expressions were there, just subtle and fleeting, one had to be staring. And when his eyes said, Kiss me, I almost had. Almost, almost, almost…..so close....

Why didn't I?
Of course, there were a million unfathomable reasons, but at least I wouldn't be here, wondering what would've happened. And a million negative possibilities came after that. When did I get so cynical? He must be rubbing off on you. And I mean that both figuratively AND literally.
Remember? taunted a voice in my head. It sounded oddly like his.
I teamed and stewed, going from "Maybe I should've," then "What am I thinking?!", then, "but he was SO……"and entering some petty, shallow compliment. And round and round again. I was completely confused, and did not like the feeling at all. And there he was……I watched him sit down in our school cafeteria by himself, his fingers perfectly steepled in front of him; thumb to thumb, index finger to index finger and etc., sipping from at a coffee cup from a straw. He was so serene, so calm; for the first time in my life, I was envious of him. How could he just blow it off like nothing's happened?! I thought angrily, my fist clenched. And why can't I?
"Ummmmm….Tea? Something wrong? You just broke your utensil," Yugi waved his plastic fork a little to get my attention. "And yours is silverware…..."
"Huh?" I said blankly, looking down at my crumpled fork in my fist. I looked up again, and HE was grinning smugly at me!
"Who're you looking at?" Yugi twisted in his chair.
"Oh! Ha ha, nothing," I giggled strangely, getting up and blocking his view and pretended that it was to stretch. "Nothing at all…….."
Yami, sitting on the other side, gave me a look that said, Riiiiight. He knew exactly who. He leaned back slightly and looked away. I thought he was going to be silent, but he muttered under his breath. "Kaiba."
Yugi looked shocked. "Yami!" I shrieked.
"It's the truth, isn't it?" he said cynically, casually taking a bite of sandwich, like he didn't just drop any bomb.
"Ew……." Joey said, getting it finally and wrinkling his nose up in a way that made me want to hit him. Then he laughed loudly with Tristan. "HA HA! That's the funniest thing I've ever heard!"
It was useless to deny it; after all, these were my closest friends. "You'd better not say a word," I threatened pitifully, since my face burning with shame. I sat down hard with thump and put my head in my hands.
"Aw, don't be sad, Tea," Yugi comforted me gently. "For what it's worth, I think it's really great!" he always believed in the 'good of the Kaiba.' In other words, that's he was really a good guy deep down.
"It's not great, Yugi," I murmured, so that only he heard.
"Do you want to talk about it….? I'm a real good listener and always here for you."
"Nah….no, not now. I'd rather change the subject," I said louder. Everyone nodded, wiping their eyes. "So…. Are you all ready to go to the amusement park senior/junior trip this weekend?" I said over brightly.
They were. Ryou couldn't go, he had to stay home to baby-sit. Everyone was sorry, but a little relieved. I was just glad to conversation had done a one eighty. I stole a glance over my shoulder. But Kaiba was gone from the table. As I turned back, Yami met my gaze. He shook his head sadly; giving the feeling that I'd disappointed him somehow.
%%%%%%%
I decided to avoid them both. The day of the trip, it was painfully bright and sunny. I had done nearly all the cooking part of our project already, since I didn't want to risk going over to his kitchen. I was fantasizing about Kaiba; with humiliation. Meaning he was the one who was humiliated and lost.
. Lately I've been feeling more and more lonely; I hadn't a soul to talk this with, not really, because….I decided not to dwell on that right now.
As I was coming out of my front porch, with my backpack in tow, I noticed a white exquisitely crafted sandal on the side step. I wondered for a minute, then remembered. Picking it up, I went back inside my house and called the Kaiba residence from the phone book, without thinking about it.
"Hello?" Some scuffling noises could be heard in the background.
"Mokuba." I felt very relieved. What if HE had answered? Stupid, stupid. "Um, this'll sound kinda weird, but…." I explained that I didn't know whose shoe this was. "….do you have any clue so I can go return it?"
"Hm, a white sandal……" There was a pause. "Probably it's Miss Ishizu's then. What wrong Tea? you sound on edge n' stuff."
Nothing except I haven't slept in weeks and look it. "Nothing, could you please tell me where this person lives?"
"I dunno where, but she works at the museum……was there anything else?" "Yes." I gritted my teeth and forced myself to speak normally. "I need….your brother…..I-mean-I-need-to-talk-with-him." Oy vey…..
"He's not here; he's at work. But I can put you through if you'd just wait a sec!" he said cheerfully.
"No, wait!' I said hastily. I paused so long, he asked if I was still there. "…..yeah. I'm still here. Just tell him to call me ASAP; tell him it's about his grade." That ought to get his attention. "….yeah, thanks. Bye." I hung up. Museum, eh?
'Miss Ishizu' he'd said. "Miss". A girl.
I hope she's ugly.
Chiding myself for being so petty, I walked down our driveway, figuring to return the sandal before I went on the trip. Anyway, it was early, so there was plenty of time. I was lost in thought, and almost didn't notice Yami walking up the driveway.
"Hi," he said easily, his black sunglasses in one hand. "I called out, but you seemed in another world."
"Heh. Sorry," I apologized, pushing back a thick strand from my face. "Where's the rest?"
"Yugi's with Joey and so on…..I have to pick them up." He answered. "Ready to go?"
"Yeah, but…" I explained that I why I had to go to the museum. He said he'd accompany me, and we got in the car. "Motorcycle's in the shop?" I reached back for my seat belt.
"No, I just felt like taking the car." Earlier that month, he'd splurged his duelist winnings, and I was thrilled to be in it. It was a nice car, and I was enjoying the ride in silence as he reached to turn on the radio. Emeniem's "My Band" blared out, and he quickly turned it down and switched it. I asked him since when did he listen to rap, and he said directly, "Yugi was."
I goggled. "Yugi listens to rap?!"
"He does when Joey's around." I could tell he was making a mental note to kill him for taking his car without permission. He flipped his blinker to the right and pulled in neatly at the ancient looking building. Domino Museum. "I can just wait here, I have to buy something," he nodded to the arcade store beside it.
"All right. I'll try to hurry," I called from the entrance then went in. Air conditioner greeted me through the double doors, and I fixed my windblown hair, just in case she didn't turn out to be a hag. Boy, oh boy, you are so making too much of this, Tea.….
I hadn't been in here in ages, so I came up the information desk. A plain-looking girl with round glasses smiled in welcome. She had no nametag, so I ventured, "Uh…I'm looking for a Ms….." I stalled, trying to remember the name. She smiled patiently. "I'm sorry, the name sounds like a car company….?"
"Oh..Ms. Ishizu….?" I nodded. "She's in the back. I could go get her, if you like…?" I nodded, smiled quickly, and she left. The place was pretty empty.
So, obviously, THAT wasn't her. I felt an absurd disappointment. A strange looking gold piece in a case caught my eye. I was so absorbed, I didn't notice when the girl came back with a taller woman.
"You must be Tea. Thank you, Mizi." She nodded the girl away.
"Yeah, how'd you…..know." My stomach sank, right to the tiled floor. She was absolutely gorgeous woman; large, dark eyes, a rich golden brown tan on the figure of a supermodel. Her clothes were sort of odd, a white dress of gauzy material, but I could tell she could wear anything and I felt like a sack of potatoes right then, in my blouse and skirt. There was a calm, quiet confident aura around her, but also very modest. I made an effort to return her friendly smile.
"I read it on your bag." Her eyes were fixed on mine with a hint of amused curiosity. "I've heard a lot about you. You were there at the restaurant near the village, correct?"
That night…..
"Yeah…I mean yes, I was." I tired straightening my posture, she was taller than me by a good half foot. I looked, hopefully too see if she was with heels. She wasn't. "Heh, you saw me…..?" I was obvious embarrassed, I must've looked like a child choking on my glass of water.
She smiled genuinely then, and I felt even more insignificant. It was then it hit me just how bad my crush was on Kaiba. Even though I should have gotten a hint of it by now. "Yes, I recognized you immediately, but wasn't sure. I was in the restaurant with Seto, if you didn't know."
"Are you…his girlfriend?" I blurted, my heart pounding with my daring. "I'm so sorry! I don't mean to be so rude; I don't know what's gotten over me!" I squeezed my eyes shut.
She smiled so peacefully, not taking offense, and I took an instant liking to her. In spite of my envy. "What, are you jealous?" I remembered him saying. Instantly, I was made angry just thinking how right he'd been. "It's all right, I don't mind answering. No, we are just friends……even though he is cute."
I could tell she was teasing me, and I sobered up. "No. 'Cute' is for little puppies and kittens. That definitely is not the right word." Handsome in a devilish way, maybe….ack! No, don't go there!
She chuckled. "I see," she said knowingly. "Well, anyway, he had told me about a girl that, I quote, 'drives him up the wall.' I assume that's you." I was speechless. Did he actually talk about me? "I also run a massage therapy school next door," she said walking down the aisles. "He has been going there, ever since…." Her perfect brow furrowed in thought. "A mishap in the kitchen…..?"
I paused, looking away. She was referring to when I'd pushed him against the refrigerator's handle and hurt his back. Wanting to change the subject, I noticed a 'help wanted' sign. She followed my gaze at looked expectant. "Uh, I was just thinking…that I need an after school job," I said lamely.
"Sure, of course. I always need help." she said warmly. I started to wonder why she WASN'T his girlfriend. I wanted to say, 'Are you sure you're not?' But then I'd be committed to the nearest asylum. Suddenly I remembered.
I saw her gaze flick to the entrance. Yami was just entering. "You forgot this," he said, waving the sandal around at me with a half smile. Looking down, I saw my hands were empty. I been so worried about how this girl would look like that I hadn't even noticed!
Chiding myself, I sheepishly led him back to her. "Yeah, I don't know where my head is today. One of those days…" I trailed off, realizing they weren't listening. "Uh, hello?" I waved my hands.
"Oh! Here you go." He handed it to her. She took it, but her eyes were fixed on his. For the longest time. I cleared my throat after a while, pointedly checking my watch.
"Oh! I'm so sorry, I don't mean to stare," she said with a quick bow. "You just….look very familiar."
"So……do you." He said, and I knew he was serious, he never used lines on pretty women. I hid a smile. It looked like they were practicing their memorizing; they were staring so hard.
"Well, thanks for the offer about the job," I said, taking a small white business card of hers. She looked at me finally and smiled good bye. Finally, in the parking lot, I just HAD to say to him, "I practically had to drag you away from there!"
I got in the seat. He looked slightly sheepish as he started the car again. "Sorry. I got……distracted."
"I'll say," I rubbed it in with a grin. "She's very beautiful. You should give her a call." Hm. No familiar pang....
" ' A call?' " he said, driving the car with perfect speed and grace. Yami glanced at me, indulging my teasing. "Is that you what you do after just meeting someone?"
"Yeah. Just call and say….uh…." I pretended to think about it seriously. " ' Your feet must be tired because you've been running through my mind all day!' " I laughed at his expression.
"That's sounds like something Joey would say."
"True…..but she'll know you're actually serious." For some reason, I couldn't stop smiling, for the first time in weeks.
Briefly, I wondered if me pushing Ishizu towards him had something to do with my so called 'jealousy.'
Nah. I'll just leave it at that." Nah."
Besides, that what he wanted me to do: obsess and freak out. Well, I wasn't going to give Kaiba the satisfaction. If he could be as cool as a cucumber, I could, too! Next time, I would kiss him, and then……
…..I'd laugh in his face!. I started laugh to myself. Talk about give him a taste of his own medicine! Besides, I was curious, too. See how HE likes feeling confused and humiliated all the time.
I sighed wistfully, tracing a pattern in my jean skirt. I was wearing those long socks that came up to mid thigh, and my bathing suit underneath, since there were water parks there. I tried to picture HIM in a suit; a bathing suit…….
I don't know how much time had passed, but all the sudden we were at the Moto's and Yami had gone inside to get his brother and the rest, I assumed; he wasn't there. My phone rang, it jarred me; sounding louder than usual. I was still smiling about my revenge on Kaiba using me, and answered it, "Hi, honeybunch!"
A pause. "Gardener."
My gut felt like a block of ice. I barely was aware of the rest greeting me, getting in, and driving off. Easy to say, Gardener…..hard to do…..
Oh, great, was I calling MYSELF "Gardener" now?! "I--uh……" Get a grip. You can do this. Tell him off!
" ' I uh,' what?!" he mimicked into the phone.
That got me going. "I suppose you got my message." I went on, "Remember our 'twins'? you---"
"Let me guess." He interrupted. I had to pause to kick Joey's seat, because he was making faces. "….and that's why you called. Forget it!" "What?" I said. "Repeat it--I couldn't hear."
He breathed impatiently. "Would you pay attention?!"
"I was busy kicking Joey!" I shouted back.
"Oh. Well that's okay, then." He said brusquely. I rolled my eyes, and grinned as Joey, having heard him, made loud death threats. Some of them were very…..colorful.
"Tell him right back at him and some more." Kaiba said in his usual, dull monotone, adding a sigh. "Anyway. I can't take those screeching plastic brats today; I'm too busy."
"You promised," I hissed. "That was our deal---"
"Well, I'm breaking it. this is the new one." He said snippily.
"Tough. I've already finished with the cooking part at my house," I informed him, "So the very least you could do is keep your end of the bargain. Give them to Mokuba," I suggested, "He'd probably earn you a good grade."
I could tell he's was thinking, A 'good' grade is not enough! (he had the highest grade point average in school) "Might I remind you," he said between gritted teeth so it was almost---no, it was definitely a hiss, "those doll Things are only silent when they are together? We…..I found that out that godforsaken day we got them, remember?"
"Well……" I racked my brains. "I guess you're coming along then! I'm not missing this trip." I said firmly.
"Me?! Me go on some stupid school trip?!" He acted like I'd just inviting him to go bungee jumping. "Didn't I just say I was VERY BUSY today?!"
"If you care about your grade and graduation, you will," I said loftily. My friends all gave me thumb up. I grinned back.
"Why did you do the cooking part at your house?" he said changing the topic so fast I blinked. My smile faded.
"Uh." I couldn't very well tell him that I'd done it so I could avoid him. Obviously, he would twist my words around. I could just hear him smiling at the fact that was tongue-tied now. Sheesh, and just a few moments ago he couldn't wait to end this conversation, and now, all the sudden he's got all the time in the world!
"Whatever." He said loftily. "Might I remind you that this is you grade also? So if I go down, so do you." There was a slight pause, while I fumed.
Then I forced myself to calm down, breathing evenly. "It wouldn't kill you to come," I said in a bright voice, hoping to confuse him with my sudden change of mood. No matter what, I won't let you get to me! So there. All the sudden, I couldn't think of anything else to say; I was tired of arguing. And I was aware of the sudden quiet in the car; everyone was eavesdropping hard. I threw a pointed look at Yami, who got the message, bless his heart, and flipped on the radio. Sounds of complaining and rock filled the air.
"What the hell's all that noise?!" he shouted in my ear. I could barely hear him.
"Nothing! I'm sure you know where the trip's at, and I'm sure you don't want to fail. And don't forget your ……..bathing suit." I said the last sentence very softly, until I was sure he hadn't heard, but I flipped my phone back up quickly. Finally, I turned it off just in case.
I smirked at Yami who had been listening. He threw up his hands and looked heavenward as if he'd never understand women. I laughed to see it. For helping me, I decided not to tell anyone what happened with him and the Ishizu girl (it'd most likely embarrass him)…….
……Yet!
lol, imagine Yami lookin' like that XD well, I've implied a yami/ishizu. I haven't seen any of those, even though I like the pairing muchely. The day went he went to visit ishizu at the museum in the anime, I noticed he was staring at her in wonder, and I don't think it was because he found out he was a pharaoh, tee hee. He already known it a long time before that! =) Well, I hope this chappie didn't confuse you too much. Tea's just a very confused girl, trying to confuse Seto! Is that too confusing? - -;;; Thinking something but doing another. Anywho, what'll happen with s/t next? R&R to find out =) plz?