A/n: Hi there. Sorry for the wait. Anyway, here's a new chapter. Hope you likes.
Chapter Seven: Anything For A Smile
"I swear, Tea, sometimes you are SOOO friggin' uptight. You should let your hair down every once in a while. Live a little." Mai lazily picked off outrageous dresses, the nest skimpier than the one before it, in an expensive boutique in the mall Mai personally owned, doing some shopping. "You are such a prude, sometimes!"
Tea merely glared, stabbing at the rack of clothes. "Yugi's going to drop you like a hot potato if you don't lighten up!"
"My hair is always down." Tea pointed to her head, which held a shoulder length bob. "And Yugi won't because he's not like any other guy, Mai."
"Ah, men." Mai said dreamily. "You have to have a lighter attitude about them, Tea," she advised, picking off a see through lacy skirt. "They only want two things: Your. Body." She gave Tea's ensemble an appraising glance. "So maybe you ought to show little Yugi some leg!" she let out a peal of laughter. Miss Priss in something sexy . . . ha ha!
"I know your wise and have lots of experience with boys, Mai," Tea said with a feral smile, "but I can find out for myself, thanks."
"Suit yourself." Mai moved a bare shoulder. "So, do you think that little Yugi's going to ask you to the prom?" She smiled mischievously at Tea's blush.
"I guess I'll go if he asks." Tea threw up her chin haughtily, amusing the blond greatly. "What's so funny? Are you going to finally break down and go out with Joey?" she asked sarcastically, expecting that the frivolous blonde would say no.
"Hm-m," Mai said mysterious, a smile playing around her ruby red lips, "You know . . . I was thinking about it . . . . "
"Really?" Tea tried not to look too hopeful and calmly picked at a fuzzy blue sweater. "Huh."
Mai hid a smile at Tea's attempt at nonchalance. "You're right, he is pretty cute and all, especially since I saw him at the movies." She clarified, walking to the dressing room, curvy hips swinging. "Be a dear and carry my things, eh, Tea?"
Tea did so with no protest, carrying a mountain of strappy things her mother would have a concussion over if she had the guts to wear. But Mai was older, and she didn't have a fussy mother. Maybe if I did wear something, I don't know, sexier, it would get me noticed . . . .Mai didn't know her crush was on the Other Yugi. "And when did I say Joey was cute?" she growled, once in the spacious dressing room with the door shut. "Anyway, what's this about you considering going out with him . . . ?"
Mai quickly undressed the body most guys walk into the walls for, thoughtfully picking out a frilly ruby red corset. "Like I said, I was considering it. I just might go with him to the prom, actually," she said, putting on a leather miniskirt, loving making Tea squirm. It was SO amusing!
"R-really?" Tea tried to look innocent. "Cause . . . I think you should," she ventured delicately, as if walking on tremulous terrain. Especially in those clothes . .. Joey would be drooling like a dog! She thought. If you could CALL them clothes . .. . they're more like lingerie, actually!
Mai laughed suddenly, looking positively delighted. "Oh, Tea, dear, you are SO funny! Your face! SO priceless!" She laughed some more, until Tea looked hurt and angry. "Oh, don't pout." She fluffed up her already voluminous hair, smacking her full lips. "All right, all right, I will, okay?!"
" 'You will?' " Tea repeated.
"Yes, yes, even if he's not elected, I will go with him to your school's Prom." Mai turned to admire herself in her ten-way, fully lighted, full-length mirror.
Tea's brilliant smile grew even brighter. "You will?!" Then she turned suspicious again. "Are you sure, now? I don't want you oh so conveniently changing your mind at the last second!"
"I won't change my mind. Girl Scout Honor. Like I said, he's has gotten pretty cute, what with that new hair cut and all," Mai assured her, and Tea sweatdropped. Joey's hair was already beginning to grow out again. Maybe he'd agree to get another one? Probably, because he's been dying to go out with her for ages! Still . . . there must be a catch. How right Tea was.. "Still . . . I have a few conditions."
Should have known. Tea rolled her eyes. "What are they……"
"One: You let me make you up for the Prom! I'm just dying to get some volume on that stick straight hair!"
Ugh. Tea imagined herself, as heavily made up as Mai. "Okaay . . . ." she said grudgingly. "What else?"
"Two: This doesn't mean our bet's broken. It's still on!" Mai declared, with a toss of her thick, golden mane.
"Fine . . .I guess. " Even though I don't really see the point, now! Since the whole thing was so he'd get a date with her. "And?"
"Three: You can't tell him."
A long silence, as Tea stared. "About what? That you're going to go out with him? Why not?!" She was dying to tell him the good news. But Mai nodded, a smirk playing in her deep violet colored eyes. "You better be nice to him!" Tea said threateningly, narrowing her own turquoise- colored eyes. "Or I'll---"
"You'll what?" Mai said playfully. "Just be happy, Tea dear, for your 'friend'!" she gave her a meaningful wink, one Tea did not like at all. Clearly, Mai was up to no good . . . . something that involved breaking Joey's heart, most likely. Personally, Tea thought Mai wasn't really that good for him, but whatever he wanted, he'd get. And plus . . . that kiss had affected her more than she'd thought. Yes, it was best she fostered him on someone else; that way, he'd be . . . . happy.
Besides, Mai isn't bad . . . . usually. "Don't play, Mai. Give him a good, fair chance." Tea said goodbye, muttered she was late to get home, and left as Mai absently waved behind her, clearly not have heard.
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"Bye, Mom!" Tea waved, before she left for school the next, clear, crisp morning, holding all the promise of summer. There was a glow in her peach colored skin, her eyes were bright and excited. Even though Mai had told her not to tell Joey that she'd agreed to go out with him, Tea couldn't help it. She was going to, anyway. There was even a skip to her step, as she imagined his reaction. He's gonna be thrilled!
Er, 'going to be' thrilled. 'Going to be.' I think I need some grammar lessons after this.
Even that couldn't slow her down. She couldn't find him in homeroom, Tristan, copying notes, said he'd taken the time to practice soccer. "Yo. What are you looking so happy for?" he questioned.
"I'm always happy," Tea snarled. "Can't you tell?!"
"Could've fooled me," he muttered.
"Thank you." Tea busily scanned the crowds, barely paying attention to the teachers, chewing her lip agitatedly. Sheesh, the one time I really need to talk with him, and he disappears! She pushed a chunk of spider silk straight hair behind one ear. Maybe I shouldn't tell, maybe it wasn't meant to be. Just then, she spotted him in the cafeteria, surrounded by the others, laughing. The cafeteria . . . . that should've been the first place to look, Tea!
Chiding her stupidity, Tea took quick strides towards the group. Yugi, Ryou, Duke, Tristan, Serenity were there, even the lanky figure of Kaiba skulked nearby, glaring at Joey laughing. Apparently he hold just told a joke. Probably an insulting one about him . . . not that I'm complaining! Tea considered waiting when they were alone, but quickly vetoed that idea. Being alone with Joey is definitely a bad thing. Besides, they were all good friends, and everyone would be happy for him, she was certain. They all knew about his 'not so secret' crush, even his sister, Serenity! Besides, it'll give him something to boast about all day. Tea smiled.
"Hey guys. Oh, Joey, I have THE greatest news!" said Tea, practically gushing as everyone waved hello, looking up interestedly. Tea didn't often act all gushy, unless it was something really exciting. Importantly, Tea set her bag down. "Yesterday, I talked to Mai . . . . and she actually agreed to go out with you! Isn't that great?!"
"Whoo, way to go, man!" said Tristan while Tea beamed happily..
"Yeah," smiled Yugi at his best friend, as Serenity and Ryou offered their congratulations, too. But Joey was looking less than pleased, he sat there tensely, his mouth set in a straight line, for a quiet minute before he got up and stalked away.
Everyone was quiet, exchanging puzzled looks. Except for Tea, who was stock still, staring after him. "…..I should go talk to him," said Serenity worriedly, biting her nails nervously.
"Yeah, what's up with him?" Everyone wondered.
"No, I'll go talk to him." With that, Tea marched off in his direction, where he was facing the wall with the menus written for today. Blinking, the group watched her stalk, not walk, up to him.
"What's wrong with you?!" Her voice was harsher than she'd meant it, but she was disappointed that he was not thrilled. Less than thrilled. What a time to chicken out! "Are you chickening out?"
Joey let out an abrupt sigh that blew his bangs up and forward. "No. It's just dat, well, ya could've at least tol' me 'bout it in private!" Tea gaped at him, totally baffled. "Now everyone knows dat I like her!"
"But, but!" Tea finally sputtered, "Everyone does kn---" Then she realized that he thought nobody had known, save for the two of them. It was clearly written on his face. "Er, I mean….." Even though half the school knows! "I was going to tell you alone, but…." You don't want to be caught alone with him, her devious mind taunted. "I-I thought if I said in front of the others," Tea stumbled, "you'd have something to brag about. You know?"
That seemed exactly the wrong thing to say, for his dark eyes hardened, his brows drew together in a frown. "What, ya dink I jus' want dat date wit 'er JUST so I can have somethin' good ta brag 'bout ?! What kinda guy d'ya dink I am?!" He threw up his hands angrily, in a way that frightened her. And I'm not easily frightened! "I'm serious 'bout 'er, not just playin'!!"
"I-I'm sorry . . .. I didn't know . . . . ." Tea stood there in shock after his outburst, shaken to the core. There was long silence, as passerby's gawked at them as they passed by. Then Tea recovered, getting a feel for her temper again. "…Well, excuse me! I brought you this news because I thought it'd make you happy, but I can see all my hard work is for nothing. So thanks for nothing, jerk!" To her utter surprise, she felt a sting in her eyes. What?!?!?! How could what he said have hurt me THIS much?!?! Impossible! Horrified he might see them, she whirled around, so rapidly her skirt flared out angrily, and started to stomp off.
"Wait, Taye." He grabbed her tense arm. She shook him off, but stopped. "I am happy. I didn't mean ta sound like a ungrateful jerk." He looked pleading and sad, no longer angry. "It's just dat…..I guess I'm sorta nervous, and I took it out on ya. Sorry."
Tea frowned.
"So….she really did say she'd go out wit me?" he asked tentatively, smiling a bit, in an infectious way.
"Yeah . .. . she really did!" said Tea, a grin splitting her face despite her anger. He was instantly forgiven. I'm glad she's smilin' again.
. He would've given anything for it. Even though the situation was sort of ironic . . . . . considered the circumstance of WHY she was smiling.
Still, he exclaimed, "DAT's great!" and she said excitedly, "I know! Isn't it?!" and they were both yelling excitedly like total dorks, drawing even more attention, gawks, and stares. Tea said, "Now that's the reaction I was looking for!" and he gave her a grateful hug.
They backed up slowly, her breath catching in a little gasp in her throat. I'm glad he's so happy. . . . .I'm glad, really . . . . and then the gang came over, hearing happy voices again.
"Hey, don't start the festivities without us!" Duke and Tristan were rounding off the corner towards them, while more sensitive Yugi and Serenity were staring at a slower pace.
"But....I'm worried....." Joey said after they were alone, "What if I make a total loser of myself..? Ya gotta help me!"
Tea said, "Oh noooo! I was just kidding about the microphone thing!"
"Ya gotta help me! I just can't make a fool outta myself, I just CAN'T!" She hesistated. "Please help? Jus' tell me what girls like to do on a date, an' I'll do it!"
"But, but---!" She hesistated. "Why don't you ask Duke or Tristan?"
"Only a girl can tell me what girls like!"
"Then........ask Serenity!"
"My lil sis thinks I'm dis big hot shot.....she'll dink I'm a pathetic losa! Please!" He gave her the biggest, most pleading eyes, complete with little pout.
"ALL RIGHT, ALL RIGHT!" said Tea, perturbed. "But you do exactly what I say, got it?! No questions asked, or YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN!"
"Got it!" He saluted, and walked off happily, satisfied with her answer. Tea sighed, getting a feeling she was in over her head......
To Be Continued . . . .
A/n: Thanks for reading. You know the drill, review to get some more !