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"You're very welcome, Tea, for breaking your fall," grumbled Kaiba as he tried to ignore the throbbing pain in one of his collapsed lungs. He stood up and brushed away the dead spades of grass clinging to his pants. He felt a small tug of his coat and spun around to bite the head off of whoever was bothering him.

A little girl with mousy-blonde hair tied in two pink ribbons stood, sucking her thumb. She popped it out to speak. "Can I have a turn?"

"Beg your pardon?"

"I want to jump off the swing like that lady. Can you please catch me? Please with cherries and whipped cream on top?" the girl asked, her big blue eyes pleading.

Kaiba looked at Tea with a brow raised. She gave him an encouraging smile but a glare that said,' If-you-don't-give-that-girl-what-she-wants-I'll- kick-you-where-it-hurts. He sighed and looked at the kid. "Okay, fine."

Showing off her missing two front teeth, she ran up to the swing, hopping onto the seat. Tea grabbed the chains. "Ready?"

"Yeah!"

Slowly, but steadily, the speed increased and she was up to Tea's record. Kaiba was bent into a ready position. He knew if that girl fell and he didn't catch her; he would be dead meat. After what seemed like ages, the girl gave the signal to Kaiba and bounced right into his arms. As soon as he turned, three other kids were lined up for the ride.

Tea laughed. It was kind of cute. Sometimes, the children's aim was wrong and Kaiba usually had a sneaker in his mouth or piece of hair. He seemed to shudder at the bigger kids who were heavier and had longer legs and tended to kick him in the stomach accidentally. Kaiba didn't complain, but there was always a," Hey! You went twice!" or "I swear if you get that thing on my coat; your parent's will pay!"

After awhile, they called it quits. Those kids were multiplying like rabbits out there. Excusing themselves, the walked over to a quieter and more subdued area of the park. The branches murmured in the soft gusts of wind. A bird hidden in the lofty, leafy branches sang. Carpets of grass swayed. It would've been kind of romantic if Kaiba didn't have the sulking scowl.

His shoulders were hunched tightly, chin was stuck up in a defiant way and his lips were pooched into a pout; his dark eyebrows crushed together. He looked like a clean-shaven, nicely dressed, and sophisticated Neanderthal. 'Kind of cute too,' Tea admitted.

What? Did she just think that? She quickly spun around to make sure no mind readers were in sight. Tea let out a breath of relief.

Kaiba frowned discerningly with each limp. He was sure he slipped at least two of his spinal discs. With that thought, he turned to glower at Tea, who obviously didn't notice as she skipped ahead humming. Why did he do that? Catching children out of midair was the last thing on his mind; not even ON his mind at all. Why did he do it just because some girl?

He set his jaw, drawing his arms together as he paced faster and harder, trying to catch up. Tea turned and flashed him a strawberry stained grin. Her perfect, white teeth were soiled with pink from the three Popsicles she inhaled awhile ago. It was just so . . . barbaric. He even had to look away.

Another Tea mystery: Why did she eat so much? The girls he went out with were fussy calorie-counters, turning up their nose at each plate with the tiniest ounce of oil or butter. Tea was fit and ate about anything in her sight. Maybe the mutt imprinted his behavior to her.

He had observed with envy as she gorged the cold treats, wishing that he had that kind of athleticism. When she danced, she burned away fat. He knew there was no way anyone could lose pounds by sitting in front of a computer typing all day.

Kaiba watched her, an eyebrow up in utmost interest. She was pretty good. Tea did a few simple graceful leaps and pirouettes in her surpassingly clunky boots and snug skirt. After a mighty twirl in the air, she landed on her feet and struck a worldly pose.

"Taa-daa!" she exclaimed with a deep, sweeping bow. He smirked, but applauded softly. Tea looked pleased. She waited for up until he caught up and they walked together, a nice, slow walk.

He studied her. A gentle breeze rustled her dark autumn hair. She combed it back with her hand, letting the strands find its' way back to her ears. Tea let a curl coil on her finger, flipping it back and starting over in a bored manner. She looked up and smiled again. She must've rubbed her tongue over her teeth moments ago, because they were now spotless and clean.

Smiling seemed to be a hobby for her. Anything would trigger an automatic Tea-smile. Her lips were drawn back and her cheeks stretching so big and high, her eyes almost disappeared. He looked away quickly.

"You know . . . I never thought I'd see you of all people, here In New York," she said suddenly.

Kaiba stared straight ahead. "Kaiba Corps was expanding fast. I needed a place to construct a new site. Where else but the Big Apple?" He glanced briefly at her. "I think I have a pretty good idea why you're here though . . ."

Tea grinned. "Okay; so I want to be a dancer. Sue me."

"If you know what you want to be and have everything planned; why are you here?"

Her face immediately fell. "Don't tell anyone . . . but I didn't make it." She sighed. "If you think I eat a lot today; you should've seen me when I came back to my apartment . . . Which isn't mine any more. It's partly the reason I need the job; money for rent and a place to stay . . . Just till I get back on my feet." She looked at him.

Kaiba frowned. "You are more than welcome to stay with Mokuba and myself, but a portion of your salary with be cut for rent."

She shrugged. "As long as have a roof over my head and a warm place to sleep."

They strolled around with out saying anything for awhile. Tea broke the awkward silence. "You know Kaiba . . . You really did save my life. I thank you for that."

He was surprised. Here she was, talking like a normal, civilized lady and not some friendship-loving kid. As a reward, he let a shadow of smile appear before it vanished and turned away. "No problem," Kaiba said quietly as he stuck his hands into his coat.

Tea saw it again. That 'look'. He had the same look when he caught her. It was a quick flash in his eyes like lightening, but as clear as day itself. A look that was spared for Mokuba and Mokuba alone. Worry. Care. Maybe even love . . .? It was slightly cold outside, but Tea instantly felt warm and fuzzy all over.

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Am I making Kaiba too lenient? @_@ Reviews, please!

Summonedskull007