Howdy, this is Flower Petals here. Before I start talking and can't stop, thank you everyone who reviewed! And a special thanks to Sakurelle, and my sister. Sakurelle, you are right! I have been spelling, "Tea," incorrectly. Thanks for pointing it out. I've already typed it too many times wrong though, so I'm going to keep writing it this way. But for my next fan fiction, I won't make the same mistake. Thanks reviewers!

Another long chapter. Next one is going to be shorter. I promise! Anyway, please read. Each long paragraph is very important and contains something that I guarantee will be brought up later. So don't miss any of it! I never write useless words.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh, the gym, or Taleah's dress. (Until I can think of a clever way of stealing it from her, she does and still will!)


Flower Petals

Acquaintances Part 2


Kaiba saw Taleah's misery. She just sat in her own little corner, cradling her knees. He had been quite shocked when she hadn't gotten a prize. She really did deserve one. Maybe having a trophy would make her feel better.

If he wanted to, Kaiba could have just slipped away from the mob of people everywhere and go unnoticed. But he couldn't leave his brother alone. The problem was, he didn't know who to leave Mokuba with. Kiddo can't come with me. I'll just have to find somebody. Somebody at least. . .pleasant.

Kaiba didn't trust anybody except for his brother and himself. He couldn't even trust his own business associates. At any moment they could turn on him. Not that they hadn't before. But that was another matter.

He really didn't know any of his classmates well. He was rarely ever at school! Although, even if he had the time to get to know those people, he wouldn't. He wasn't the sociable type. He had long since given up to that fact. He would live a lonely life. But he didn't care. He had his brother and his company. That was all that mattered. But the problem still remained-who would watch over Kiddo?

Taleah's friends would be a good place to start. If she trusts them, then I"m sure that Mokuba will be safe with them. There was Joey, but Kaiba had a strong dislike for him. Tae maybe, but he didn't think she was the responsible type. And then of course, there was Bakura, and Yugi. (He had counted Tristen out right away). Bakura was too mysterious, and Kaiba didn't like that. Which left Yugi. Yugi Muto. Kaiba had no other choice.

Yugi was easy to spot out with his pointy and originally colored hair. He was talking with Tristen. "Hey, Yugi Muto, may I ask a favor of you?"

Yugi turned. "Oh, hi Kaiba. I didn't expect you to be here. Favor? Sure."

"Could you babysit my brother for me while I'm gone? I will not be all that long."

Yugi smiled. "That won't be a problem at all. Say though, where is your brother?"

Kaiba sighed and gestured over to the snack stand. "I'm afraid he's gotten into the brownies. In a moment, there won't be any left."

"I better go get him then. Mokuba! Hey, Mokuba!"

At least he's in good hands. It just isn't safe anymore. Especially with the Big Five acting so peculiar. . .


The trophy shop was no more then a few blocks away from the school. It was a tall, pointy building made of bricks. A single sign shown brightly with faded out neon colors, saying, "Open 24 hours."

Kaiba knew the owner of the trophy shop personally, having once had the man as an employee. Though, it had been short lived. For Gazoo was a greedy man, always out to cheat people. Which was one of the reasons why he didn't get all that many customers. Besides the fact that no sells were ever going on and the price of his trophies doubled every week.

"What can I do for you, Seto Kaiba?" asked a sly, sweet voice.

"Ah, Gazoo. Long time, no wish to see."

Gazoo flashed a toothless grin. "I see that your sense of humor is still intact. Still kind of dry though, you should work on it."

"Having a lot of business, lately?"

The usual-a customer here and there. But they're getting smarter. Becoming more cunning then me!" Gazoo coughed. "Anyway, enough talk. My hands are eager to get a hold of your money. So what will it be?"

Kaiba peered around the store. Lines of trophies were stacked on top of decaying shelves. But none of the trophies were what he was looking for. They were all old tennis, or softball, or baseball trophies. Common ones that could be found anywhere.

"Could I have one specially made?"

Gazoo's eyes widened. "Of course, my dear boy. But that's going to cost you extra."

"Very well. I'd like one made out of gold with a marble bottom. And, I'd like to have particular words put on. Can you have that done, or am I wasting my time?"

"Anything can be done with the right amount of money, Yes, that would all be quite easy. I expect you want this done before you leave tonight? That's why you're here so late. Ten bucks every half hour, not including the price of the trophy itself."

"You are a conniving creep. But I shall pay what you ask. Just have it done in less then an hour."

"Less then an hour! Then I will raise my price to thirty dollars every twenty minutes. Okay? Yes? More desperate then I thought. Who is this for, anyway?"

"None of your business," Kaiba snapped.

"Touchy stuff? Must be a girl. I was wondering when you'd get into that kind of stuff. How old are you? Sixteen? Seventeen? And you still don't have a girlfriend. Never have. Too busy for girls, or are there just too many and you can't decide? Some people say they're married to their work. With you, I believe it." Gazoo took out a metal platform and started beating one end up with a hammer. "So what's she like? Is she a blonde? Always had a soft side for them, I did."

"I refuse to listen to any of this."

"Do you want her to know of this? Or is this going to be a surprise? Yes? We shall see about that. She a brunette?"

For the next thirty-two minutes Kaiba endured Gazoo's teasing until at last, the trophy was made. It was far more special then any of the others. This one was of a girl playing a golden violin. Her face was neutral, but right away one could tell how beautiful she was with her flowing hair and perfectly shaped face. She had delicate fingers grasping the bow and tiny, feet in luxurious shoes. That was how Kaiba wanted it. That was how he got it.

When he had finally left the trophy shop, it was already a few minutes after eight 'o clock. Taleah might have already left. Which brought up a new situation. Kaiba didn't want to just stride up and hand it to her. He didn't want her to know that it was from him. There was only one place he could put it so that she'd find it. But if she had already left, it was too late.

He broke into a run. Luckily, there weren't any cars out so he could cross the road freely, without delay. A few minutes later, he reached his destination. Climbing over a fence, he jogged up to where he thought was a suitable place and placed the trophy down. Then he gazed at it one last time and made his way back to the celebration that he could only hope was still going on.

Taleah went home miserable. She had hid the whole time. It had worked-nobody had seen her. She caught her friends looking for her, but they soon gave up and celebrated as well. When her parents had found her again, they saw how unhappy she looked and decided to drive her home. The ride back was quiet one. For Taleah anyway. Occasionally, her parents would make comments to each other like, "Did you see that one person, what was his name? He was fantastic," and, "It was so funny when. . ." and so on. Taleah didn't say a word. She just wanted to get back into her room. Her safe room. Then she could turn out her lights, and stay awake all night soaking in her tears.

"We're home, honey."

Mr. Dundigan licked his lips. "I didn't get to have any of that yogurt stuff, do we have any ice cream instead?"

"Men," Mrs. Dundigan said, shaking her head. "They're such children. Yes, we have ice cream. As soon as I find my keys which are. . .are not in my purse! Brent, what did you do with my keys!"

"What keys? Oh, the house keys? I don't know, you had them last."

"I did not. You drove home. The keys were in the ignition while you were driving. You just turned the car off a few minutes ago. The keys don't have tiny little feet. They can't just get up and walk off!"

"I don't have the keys."

Taleah walked off. She couldn't stand it anymore. Normally, she would have enjoyed their confusion. (Her parents were usually very funny to listen to). But tonight, she didn't feel like she deserved to be happy.

She trod up the stone path that lead to her house, looking down at her feet. Before long, she was walking up the steps of the front porch. Then, something caught her eye. Something seemingly gold. Taleah raised her head and peered closer. Sure enough, there was something trapped in-between the screen door and the front, wooden door leading to her house. Is it a yellow bug that got stuck? But further observation let her to the fact that it certainly, wasn't a bug. It was a trophy. A beautiful golden trophy. The prize she hadn't gotten. It was of a girl playing her instrument. Near the bottom carved into marble were the words, "Number 1# Violinist."

Taleah was crying. But not because she was sad. Oh no, she was extremely thankful. Who had given her such a thing? Her friends couldn't have; they had still been at the school when she had left. Her parents wouldn't have had the money to pay for something like it. Then whom? Whoever had given it to her, had had to have been at the talent show. There was just no other explanation. She started searching over the trophy, looking for answers. She got one. At the bottom of the trophy there was a sticker that read, "KaibaCorp." Kaiba's company. She smiled. Suddenly, a night full of soaking in her own tears didn't sound pleasing. She quickly hid her prize in her coat and went to go see if her parents had found the keys or not.


Yugi watched with amazement as Mokuba devoured his fourteenth brownie. Seeing that there were none left, the child began to lick his fingers and the palms of his chocolate covered hands in an attempt to finish off the brownies. When all but the smell of what had once been remained, Mokuba fixed his hungry gaze on a platter of frosted cake.

"Mokuba, save some snacks for other people," Yugi advised. "Other people," also counting himself, for he hadn't been able to get any such deserts yet.

The little boy placed his hands on his hips and glared up at Yugi. "Nice try. There's no one else here. They've already left! Now, step away from the sugar cookies."

Mokuba is right, Yugi thought. Everybody is gone. The only reason we're still here is because Kaiba hasn't showed up yet. Where is he anyway? I hope he comes soon-I won't be able to fend off Mokuba for much longer!

It was late-approaching the midnight hour. The only ones left at the school building were a few teachers cleaning up, the janitor, and Yugi and Mokuba. Grandpa had been there, but because the Game Shop was open early the next day, Yugi had sent him home to get his rest. All Yugi's friends had left. And the teachers looked like they were about to as well. It was past all their bed times. Except Kaiba's, of course.

"Step away from the sugar cookies," Mokuba repeated, his tone sounding threatening.

Yugi sighed. There was no point in arguing with the kid-he had too much of his brother in him. What's that Grandpa always says? Oh, right. If you can't beat them, join them. "Alright Mokuba. But only if you give me one."

"How about one and one quarter of another one?"

Yugi laughed. "Sounds like a deal."

The younger Kaiba began stuffing his face full with as much sugar cookies as would fit in his mouth. "Yummy."

"You sure have a large appetite for such a skinny thing," Yugi observed. "I'd have thought you'd be a blimp by now."

"I burn it off chasing my brother around the house, annoying him," Mokuba said, happily munching away.

Yugi tried to picture Seto Kaiba in his expensive attire holding his silver briefcase and running all over his mansion, but he couldn't. Kaiba's brother on the other hand. . .

"Come Kiddo," said a shadow as it approached. The voice sounded weary, as if the speaker was exhausted.

"Coming," chirped Mokuba.

"Did everything go okay?" Yugi asked Kaiba.

"Yes," the young man answered sharply, still hiding in the shadows. "I appreciate what you have done for me. Good bye now."

Mokuba waved to Yugi, his hands full of stolen sugar cookies. "Bye, Yugi!"

At the door, Kaiba stopped somewhat reluctantly, and turned back to face Yugi. "You need a ride?"

"Sure! Thank you very much." Yugi slid off the table and began walking over to the Kaiba brothers, when he realized that he hadn't gotten a snack yet. "Oh, wait!" He quickly ran back and reached for a brownie, forgetting that a little monster had already eaten them all.


A lot happened over the following week. Maximilian Pegasus, multimillionaire, president of the company, Industrial Illusions, and creator of Duel Monsters, announced that he was having a grand contest on his island and that duelists from all over the world were invited. People at Domino High School were going crazy. They all wanted to take part in the contest. Some didn't even have any Duel Monster cards. So that week, Yugi's grandfather got a lot of new customers.

Bakura's parents were delayed even longer then they had expected, which made him very sad. He hadn't seen his parents in awhile and to make things worse, he had also found out as soon as they did come back, they'd be heading out again. Taleah kept him company alot. She was always having him over at her house. But it didn't change the way he felt.

Yugi and his grandfather were too caught up with running their business that had just become very popular, to spend much time with anybody. Joey helped too, and before long, Grandpa was not only teaching him how to play Duel Monsters, but also how to work a cash register. Whenever Taleah came over to visit, all three were all over the place; helping customers, stocking shelves, cleaning, and much more. They hardly even had enough time to say hi.

Tristen was busy fretting about the school dance that was to take place that Saturday. Taleah found him difficult to be around.

She found herself spending most of her time in Tae's company. They'd hang out and talk about what they'd be doing that summer, or sit quietly each reading a book. The day of the dance, they had made special plans to go last minute dress shopping. (Taleah's parents had given her the day off grocery shopping).

"I don't need a dress," Taleah protested, stubbornly. "I'm just going to wear my black dress. The one I wore to the talent show."

Tae shook her head. "I don't think so. No, girl, you're coming with me. We're going shopping!"


The mall, surprisingly, wasn't very busy. Taleah and Tae visited a few shops, but found nothing. After looking for about forty minutes, they sat down and ate an early lunch.

"You're such a tomboy," Tae told Taleah as she chewed her pizza.

Taleah nodded. Everybody said that about her. It was true, however. Taleah loved to wear her old, beaten up, jeans and T-shirts. She never had her hair up. Not even in a ponytail. She did wear a little makeup though, but just a little face powder and some chap stick. The truth was, Taleah just didn't care about her appearance. Which drove Tae crazy.

"Don't worry, I'll find you the perfect dress. Something like mine maybe."

Tae had already bought herself a deep, blue sapphire dress that made her look like a princess whenever she put it on.

"Yeah," Taleah agreed. "Except, maybe a little less frilly. I mean, it looks good on you. I just can't picture myself with all those sashes and ribbons. And maybe a bit longer, and less-"

"Less like a dress?" Tae interrupted.

Taleah through her arms up in defeat. "I don't understand why I can't just wear pants to the dance. Sorry, unintentional rhyme. Why do I have to dress up? It doesn't matter what I wear, I'm still going to be dancing."

"Dressing up is half the fun of going to a dance! Because for one night, you get to feel special and exceptionally beautiful."

"Speak for yourself," Taleah muttered under her breath.

"Follow me, let's get you a dress."


Taleah must have tried on several dozen dresses before Tae had claimed that she had found it-the one. With all the others, it had been, "Too short," and, "Not your color," and, "Too dull," and, "Too flashy," and several dozen other comments. None of which were very encouraging. In fact, Tae had been just about ready to give up, when Taleah had come out of the dressing room wearing a yellow, strapless, form fitting, gown that had shining crystals carefully embroidered along the top just above her chest. About three quarters down, the gold color ended and in its place, was a cascade of white, sparkly lace. The dress was almost completely backless, save for a few spaghetti straps crisscrossing here and there.

Taleah sighed. "I know, it's just okay and we should keep looking." She turned to go back into the dressing room, when Tae stopped her.

"No wait! Uh. . .um. . .I can hardly talk. That dress. . .it's just so beautiful."

Taleah looked skeptical. "Really? I thought you said, 'Looks like a golden piece of junk,' when you took it off the rack."

"Did I? I forgot. It's you-you make the dress look beautiful."

"Then can we stop shopping?" Taleah asked, now rather excited.

Tae wiped a tear from her eye. "Yes. We have it-we have the one."

"Home we go!"

"Not so fast. We still have to do something about your hair."

"Er."


A manicured, pedicured, tangle cured, Taleah walked into her home hours later, feeling quite refreshed. She even had her hair done in a dainty bun with some of her bangs coming down to frame her face. She felt ready for anything. Ready to take on the dance floor.

"Taleah, do you even know how to dance?" her mother asked her.

Taleah didn't feel ready for anything right then. She had never danced before. She hadn't gone to any of the other school dances. Sure, her mother and her sometimes boogied to a particular song, but that wasn't the kind of dancing she wanted to do in front of a whole bunch of people.

"No."

"Your father will teach you," Mrs. Dundigan decided.

Mr. Dundigan looked up from the newspaper he had been reading. "Wha?"

"Teach her how to dance. You used to be quite good. Show her a few of your moves."

"That was a long time-"

"Ha!" Taleah's mother interrupted, "do it. Or do you have something else to be doing?"

Mr. Dundigan stood up. He flexed his arms and legs. "Alright, first, let's start with the basics."

"This should be good," Mrs. Dundugan said, sitting down on a chair and sipping her coffee.

"Put your hand here," Taleah's father instructed. "Always have your right foot in front of your left. Good. Now, take a step forward, good. Backward. How about a twirl? Excellent. A dip? Whoa!"

Mrs. Dundigan laughed, nearly spitting out her coffee. "You two are so cute together. I'd like to see that dip again. Taleah, you're taking to this like a natural."

"Ow! That was my foot."

"Sorry, Dad."

Mr. Dundigan spun his daughter and she twirled and twirled and laughed and laughed. When she got dizzy going one way, he'd spin her in another direction. When she got tired of twirling altogether, she began to spin him.

"My turn," Mrs. Dundigan said.

Taleah watched as her parents danced. They started off dancing like she and her father had. But then they grew quiet, and it seemed to Taleah that they wanted to be left alone. So she went to get ready for the dance. Joey's father was picking her up and she didn't want to be late.


"Why can't we go?" Mokuba asked. "It's not like you don't have a suit. It's me who needs one."

Kaiba sighed. "You don't understand, Kid. We just. . .can't go. . ."

"Is it business? It's always business. Why didn't you say so, Bro? Hey, where are we going?"

"Grab your coat Mokuba, we're going out."

"Tut-tut. Not without a license you aren't."

It was their butler. He was an older, friendly man who had practically raised both Kaibas and was always looking out for them.

"I'll do what I want," Kaiba said, defiantly.

"Not with me around. There are rules, Mr. Kaiba, which even you must obey. I am driving."

Kaiba pursed his lips.

"Now, where to?"

"Down to my plant. I'd like to see how things are going down there."


Much later, Mokuba and the butler were sitting in the waiting room, listening to Kaiba reprimand his employees for being disloyal. The butler was busy reading a magazine. Mokuba was staring at the clock. A quarter to six, it read. Fifteen minutes until the dance starts, Mokuba thought. He twiddled his thumbs and whistled, "Off to work we go." Ten minutes until the dance starts.

The butler put down the magazine he had been reading, and grabbed another entitled, "Good Recipes for Good Cooks."

Five minutes. Where is Seto? How long can you yell at somebody before your voice runs out? Obviously a long time.

It was six 'o clock.

The butler was still reading and Seto was still arguing. Mokuba was growing restless. He was missing the dance! Was he the only one who even cared?

It was now ten minutes after.

"That's it!" cried Mokuba, springing to his feet. "I cannot stand it anymore! I am going to the dance if I have to walk!"

The butler folded his arms. "By the time you got there, the dance would be long over."

"I hate you. Why do you have to be so logical?"

"I have to obey your brother, you know that. No matter what his commands are, most of the time, I don't have a say and have to along with him. I understand that you want to go to this dance. I think Mr. Kaiba does too, he's just making up excuses. 'I want to go down to my plant and see how things are going,'" the butler said in a funny voice, mocking that of Kaiba's.

Mokuba pouted. "Surely there must be something you can do?"

"Alright, enough! You know I can't resist that face. I'll go see what I can do."


"Is it so hard to do what you are told?" Kaiba snapped. "I am very thorough in showing you the course of what you must follow. Why do you chose to disobey?"

"I want a raise."

"You know I can't follow through on that request until sells improve."

"I have a wife and a family! You don't understand-"

"I understand that you are not qualified for this job and its standards. You are-"

There was a knock on the door.

Kaiba brought his fists down hard on the table in annoyance. "What is it! I told you that I didn't want to be interrupted."

A voice came from outside the room. "Sorry, sir, but this man is very stubborn. He demanded that he talk to you. He says he knows you."

"He doesn't, get rid of him."

"Oh, no! Sir, he has the phone. Should I order him to put it down? Put the phone down. Mr., put the phone down. Alright sir, he put the phone down. Oh, no! He's headed for the main computer. He's just sat down and now he's typing. Oh, no! Sir, what should I do?"

There was a beep. It had come from one of the laptops on the table. Kaiba had received an email. Come out and face your fears! Was all over the screen. It kept appearing until the whole screen was just one big mess of letters.

Kaiba straightened and faced his employee. "We shall continue this conversation later. Until then, you are free to go."

"Shall I let the man in?"

"Yes, you may."

The butler came in all huffy and puffy. "Such rude men. They tried bossing me around. I told them that I knew you personally, and they tried to manhandle me out of the plant! I just-"

"Stop. What is so important?"

"I know what you are doing. Excuses, excuses. I saw the way you looked whenever your brother mentioned the dance."

"Oh, that."

"You do want to go. I can see it. But ask yourself this, is it worth making your brother miserable? Can you not just have him driven to the dance? You wouldn't have to go with him. Or, there is another option. I have already called and reserved a room for you in one of the towers. It's just above the gym floor. You could stay there and work on your machines while your brother has fun. How's that?"

Kaiba didn't answer.

"I'll take that as a yes. Now, your highness, get into the car. We, are getting your brother something to wear for the ball."


Mr. Wheeler looked like the gangster-type of guy, with his disheveled appearance, strangly hair, and unkept beard. But one could tell right away that he was a decent human being and that he loved his son fiercely. Joey worshiped his father, and did everything he could to please him.

"So this is Taleah," Mr. Wheeler said, as he stood on the Dunidgan's front porch. "Heard a lot about you. Nice to meet ya."

"Likewise," Taleah said.

"Now you take good care of my daughter," Mrs. Dundigan warned. "It's her first dance."

"Mom!" Taleah whined.

"Oh, I will," Joey's father said. "Beautiful girl, she is. Joey and that kid, Bakura, are in the truck. You can join them if you want."

Taleah took that as a cue to leave, and headed down to the truck. She could see Joey and Kury leaning against the vehicle, talking about engines. When Kury saw Taleah coming, he tapped Joey's shoulder and told him to be quiet.

"Four hundre' an' fifty horse power, dat's wha' I'm talkin' about. Wha? Whas dat Bakura? She's comin'? Where? Oh! Hi der, pretty, little lady."

"Hello there handsome, little guy," Taleah greeted.

Joey flinched. "Set myself up, didn't I?"

"Taleah, you look fantastic," Bakura said. "Breathtaking, really."

"Why thank you, Kury. That's the right way to greet a girl."

Joey opened the door to the truck. "Get in, sit down, an' shut up."


A few minutes later, Mr. Wheeler came down and started the automobile. Joey sat up front while Taleah and Bakura rode in the back.. Most of the trip there was spent talking about different types of dances like the foxtrot and waltz. It appeared that Joey's father knew them all and he spoke of them fondly.

"Do you know how to dance, Taleah?"

Taleah blushed. "Not really. My father taught me a few moves right before you picked me up. But that's all."

Mr. Wheeler nodded. "Your father, eh? You do a lot of things together? Yes? Sometimes I wish I had more time for my son. Growing up fast, and I'm missing all of it. Joe, you know I haven't always been there for you. I'm sorry, son."

Taleah and Bakura exchanged glances, each wondering if they should be there, for it was a private conversation.

Joey was appalled. "How can ya say dat? I know ya're busy. Ya just don't have time for me."

"Don't you ever think that son. You are all I have left. I could have had everything; my wife back, my daughter, my job, my life! But I gave it all up because I wanted more. One can't have everything. I had found that out too late. On my quest for more, I lost everything I already had. Let that be a lesson to you son-be happy with what you have. Remember, you don't find happiness, you make it."

They were at the school parking lot. Many people were already there, and many more were still arriving. It was so packed that everywhere one looked, there was somebody in a tux or gown.

Mr. Wheeler parked the truck and faced his son. "You are so important to me. And although I don't show it, I care about you alot. More then you'll ever know."

"I know, father."

"Good. Now go have fun with your friends."

Once out of the truck, it didn't take long before Taleah spotted the rest of the gang. (Miho included). They were all hanging out just inside, speaking about this and that.

As Taleah came closer, she could soon make out most of the decorations. The gym didn't look like itself at all-there were blue and gold balloons everywhere and a large disco ball hung from the center of the ceiling so that splashes of color illuminated the entire place. The bleachers had been pushed all the way back so there was room for everybody and a single, long table had been placed on the very far side occupied with a few snacks and beverages.

"You're here!" cried Miho, her shrill voice piercing the air. "The music is going to start soon, I'm so excited!"

"You look very beautiful," Taleah commented. "That's a gorgeous dress."

"Thanks. So is yours."

"I think everybody looks great," Yugi said.

"Yugi, you're so nice."

"Too nice," Tristen said.

"Bet he couldn't hurt a fly," Tae said.

"Probably couldn't," Yugi agreed. "I'm against killing anything. Especially, a harmless, innocent fly."

Joey belched and excused himself. "I've swallowed da fly before. Big one. It flew right into me mouth so da first ding I tasted was in fact, its head-"

"Joey!" everybody shouted at the same time.

"My uncle raises flies," said Miho. "He keeps them right outside his house. Has names for each and every one, he does."

Tristen threw out his chest. "My uncle raises horse and cattle. He's a farmer."

"Not this again," murmured Bakura. "Competing on who has the most interesting relative."

"My uncle is a spy."

"Joey!"

"No, no! It's true! He works for da. . .sorry, I'm not goo wit' names. . .oh! Da FCI."

Yugi blinked. "Do you mean the FBI or the CIA?"

"One of dose."

"And that's how I got my earings," they could all hear Simmick telling a group of admiring girls. They ooed and awed as he went on to tell them once again, about how he had rescued the elderly lady from the burning car.

"I really dislike him," Tae said. "Why does he have to do that all the time?"

"To get attention," Yugi stated. "Poor kid."

The music started up. It was a hip tune by one of the more popular artists of the day. Already people had begun to dance. Some were still on the sidelines waiting for their partners, or for a better song.

"Do you want to dance, Tristen?"

Tristen didn't have a choice-Miho grabbed him and they were off.

Yugi suddenly became shy. "Uh, Tae? You don't have to, but would you dance with me?"

"Of course! I love this song!"

Bakura too, was about to ask something, when two girls out from nowhere took him and pulled him onto the dance floor.

That left Taleah and Joey.

"Do ya wanna-"

"Duh!"

Before long, Taleah realized that knowledge of dancing wasn't at all as crucial as she had thought. Some people were doing the weirdest things, and one even tried to break dance. Taleah fit right in. Joey spun her a few times and tried to show her how to swing dance, but it was hopeless and he gave up.

There were so many people dancing at a time, that Taleah found it difficult trying not to bump into everyone. She was constantly saying, "I'm sorry." But after the twentieth time, she stopped and let the realization sink in that no matter how hard she tried not to bump into somebody else, it was inevitable.

Joey was a good dancer. He knew all sorts of cool moves. The problem was, he was all over the place and Taleah soon found herself dancing alone and occasionally even, with strangers.

Around the sixth song, she gave up and mouthed to Joey that she was going to get something to drink. After pushing past oblivious dancers and even having to shove some out of the way, she finally made it to the table that held the beverages.

"Taleah!"

Taleah jumped, spilling all of the water she had just poured herself, on the floor.

It was Mo. He was wearing an expensive white tuxedo and a speckled, white tie.

If Mo is here, then that must mean. . .

Seto Kaiba was behind the table in the shadows. He stepped forward. The surprising thing was, he wasn't dressed up. He was wearing his usual casual green pants with a black leather belt and silver buckle, and a green, high-collared shirt. The final touch was a dark, purple also high-collared jacket that went down nearly to the floor. It acted more like a cape, however, for when he walked, it billowed out behind him.

"Mo? Kaiba? Wha-what are you guys doing here? I thought you weren't going to come."

"Change of plans," Kaiba answered.

"Taleah, would you dance with me?"

Taleah was obliged. She had missed Mo, and seeing him again made her realize just how much she cared about him.

It was a little awkward at first, (Mo being much shorter.) But then Taleah bent at the knees and tried dancing that way. It was hilarious-she couldn't keep her balance and kept falling backwards on her bottom. A few times, she brought Mo down with her. It was even more humorous whenever Mo tried to spin her. After awhile, Taleah quit trying to dance at Mo's height and picked him up. Despite the apparent height difference, both were having the time of their lives.


Seto Kaiba watched the pair for what seemed like hours. Neither were tiring out, much to his dismay. Song after song was played, and they showed no sign of slacking off.

Angry, he walked away and went up into the room the butler had rented for him. It was a small room, with quite a few desks backed up against the walls. It smelled faintly of oil, and was very musty as if it hadn't been occupied in a long time. Behind one of the desks, was a large glass window overlooking the gym below.

Kaiba pulled up a chair, (that creaked when he sat in it), and took out one of his newest technical mechanisms. One of his own creations. It was a holographic generator, shaped like a disk. The problem was, one of the screws kept breaking loose, disabling the recognition slot. And with that incapacitated, the machine would produce any hologram, rather then a specific one. Which was a big problem, especially since Kaiba wanted to put his device out into the market.

But for some reason, he couldn't concentrate. Every once in awhile, he would peer down and watch Taleah and his brother dance. He would watch as Taleah's gown flowed around her as she turned, and how Mokuba's face would light up whenever she whispered something in his ear. Suddenly, Kaiba couldn't watch anymore. He still lacked the level of concentration that was needed to complete the task, but he had to keep himself busy.

After much hard work adjusting the screw, he thought the problem, was at last, solved. But then it popped loose and rolled under one of the desks. Kaiba angrily threw the disk against the door. Of which, opened a few seconds later and Mo and the butler entered.

"Oh, hi Seto," Mokuba said. "Just thought I'd tell you that Taleah is a great dancer. I got too tired to dance anymore. She's still down there. She looks lonely."

As a reflex, Kaiba looked down at the gym floor. If Taleah had been lonely, she sure wasn't any longer. She was dancing with all of her friends, laughing and having a good time. Tristen was her partner now.

Mokuba shrugged and left.

The butler remained, however. "The dance is almost over."

"What are you suggesting? That I go down and dance with her?"

The butler didn't answer. "I'll drive your brother home. He is tired. Then I will come back for you. Good bye now."

The door closed behind the butler. The dance is almost over. She's still down there. She looks lonely. Kaiba put away his dueling disk system, and went down the stairs.


It was the last song. Everybody was dancing with their sweethearts. (Kury having more then one, and Joey still dancing with himself). Taleah was left out. She stood by the snack table, feeling lonesome. Not wanting to watch everyone dance much longer, she went to grab her shawl and leave, when she spotted Kaiba approaching.

He was staring right at her! There was no question about it, for there was nobody standing behind her and all the snacks had been eaten. Does he want to talk to me? Have I done something wrong? Is he going to sue my parents? Why do I keep thinking that? I wonder what he wants.

By the time Kaiba reached her, the last song had ended. The dancers were starting to leave.

"Dance with me."

It wasn't a question.

Taleah was about to reply that the dance was over, when the DJ said over the intercom, "How about another one?"

Before she even had a chance to answer, Kaiba took her hand and swept her onto the dance floor. Then he put a hand on her waist, and placed hers on his shoulder.

Unfortunately for Taleah, the song was a slow one. The only kind of dancing she knew, was for rock 'n roll and other hip tunes. This style was very strange to her indeed.

"I'm sorry," she apologized. "I've never really danced before. Have I stepped on your foot? I did that to my father right before I came here. But I shouldn't be telling you this."

"Just follow my lead."

Kaiba held her close and led her in a nice and easy manner. Not too fast, and not that slow.

For awhile, Taleah gazed at Kaiba's and her feet, fearing that if she was to look up, she might step on him. But then she began to relax and started looking around. All the lights were dimmed. It was actually quite romantic. Taleah couldn't stop asking herself why Kaiba was dancing with somebody like her. He had never payed her any attention before. Although, didn't Mo say once that he sometimes mentions me? What does that mean?

Standing close to him, Taleah suddenly realized how tall he was. She was of average height herself, and she didn't even come close to reaching his shoulder. She felt small compared to him. Like she was much younger, but really, they were about the same age.

The last song ended. (For sure this time). Everybody clapped and cheered. It had been a great night.

Kaiba let go of Taleah and stepped back. "Thank you for the dance."

As Taleah watched him walk away, she couldn't help but feel bewildered.

~

Flower Petals: Wow, how many made it through that? For those who did, thank you! For those who didn't, you better go back and read!

PLEASE review. This fan fiction takes up soooooo much of my time, and if nobody is reading it, then it would be a waste. So if you want me to continue this, please write a review.

REVIEW IF YOU WANT TO SEE MORE CHAPTERS!!!