Union through Separation

Chapter 8

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!… and maybe that's for the best.

"He kissed you?"

Mai Valentine was over visiting Tea. When Tea mentioned her first date with Yami, Mai was naturally curious and insisted on being told the whole story.

"Yes, he did," Tea confirmed. "It was only on the forehead though." Instinctively she placed her hand over said area. "Nothing major I guess, but still…"

"Don't worry girlfriend," Mai continued. "It won't be long before you and Yami are locking lips, tongue-wrestling, and steaming up windshields if you know what I mean!"

Tea blushed; she did know. "I think we're a ways away from reaching that stage, Mai!"

"Oh, it's only a matter of time. You'll see." Mai put her arm around Tea's shoulders. "You and I, we're what's known as God's gift to guys. We are so gorgeous that men can't help but fall in love with us." She paused for a moment, and her expression became more serious. "…And sometimes we can't help but fall in love with them."

Tea looked at Mai with a puzzled expression. "Say what?"

"Hmm? Oh, nothing. I was just… thinking out loud."

"Mai, is there something you're not telling me?"

"Who me?"

"Mai…"

She sighed. "Well if you must know, you're not the only person whose recently become involved with someone."

Tea was intrigued. "Really? No kidding! Who is it? Is it someone I know?"

"Maybe..."

"Well who?"

"Sorry. Can't tell you."

"Why not?"

"We wanted to keep it a secret for the time being."

"Oh, come on! You have to tell me. After all, I told you about Yami. I didn't feel like it, but you insisted. It wouldn't be fair for you to withhold."

Mai couldn't argue with that. "Oh what the hey! You're right, no secrets between gal pals. But promise me you won't tell anyone, okay?"

"Okay, I promise."

So Mai whispered the name of her new boyfriend into Tea's ear. Almost instantaneously, Tea's eyes nearly bulged out of her head.

"No way! You and J—"

"Shhh! Not so loud!"

"Mai, we're the only ones here right now. My parents aren't home."

"Oh yeah, that's right. Say, where are your parents anyway?"

"I'm not really sure. They're always somewhere else. Sometimes it feels like they don't even exist." (A.N. No kidding!) She returned to the original topic. "So how long have the two of you been seeing each other?"

"Only a couple of weeks. We thought we'd wait until the right moment to tell the rest of you guys." Mai folded her arms. "So until then, I expect you to keep quiet on this. Understand?"

"Yes, yes. I understand. You don't have to worry. I won't be trying anything sneaky behind your back like Yugi did."

"Good." Mai's expression became lighter again. "But enough about my love life! Right now we need to focus on making sure that you reach the same level with Yami as I have with 'You-Know-Who'."

"Well like I told you before, it may be a while before we get that far," Tea said. "For one thing, Yami and I still need to get over our awkwardness."

"Oh is that all? That shouldn't be a problem. It sounds to me like all you really need is a more romantic setting. You know, somewhere that's a little more appropriate for a second date." Mai winked. "And it just so happens that I've become something of an expert in the field of planning dates."

"Um, okay…" At the moment, Tea wasn't certain if she should feel glad that Mai was offering to help her, or that she should run in terror.

TO BE CONTINUED

A bit short, and a bit lame, I know. But I'm suffering from a wee case of writer's block (or 'writer's procrastination', as it is more accurately known). Anyhoo, I hope you enjoy it nonetheless.