NOTE: Let the complication + Serenity ensue! (PS: I'm making Serenity's Spring Break last two weeks instead of one, now, okay?)

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh!

Chapter 20: The Problem Worsens

Tea woke up the next morning feeling refreshed. For the moment, the previous night's problems were forgotten. The day was new. That was all that mattered.

She headed downstairs to make her own breakfast. After all, it was a Saturday, meaning the Kaiba brothers would be going out for breakfast.

She entered the kitchen and saw her boyfriend sitting at the table, reading the newspaper with a cup of coffee in hand. That was strange…. Seto wasn't usually up at this hour. His brothers usually held that honor….

"Seto, is something wrong?" she came over to him and wrapped her arms around his chest. Seto didn't move. He just grunted out a simple, 'No,' and carried on with his paper.

Tea frowned. This wasn't like him at all. "Are you sure you're alright? Is last night still bothering you?" No answer. Tea pressed on, "Don't worry about it, Seto. I think everything will be fine from now on. I had a small talk with Noa," she explained.

Seto would have laughed outright on the spot. Of course she had. He had seen it. But he didn't want her knowing that. He wanted to see how much longer she was going to keep her charade up with him.

"Oh Seto, what's that matter! Why aren't you talking to me? You haven't been yourself this morning! First you're up early-"

"Couldn't sleep," he answered, interrupting her. It was true too. He had been tossing and turning the whole night thinking of Noa and her conversational…and more intimate exchange.

"But not just that! Seto, darling, what's wrong?" she put her head on his shoulder and hugged him tighter. He still made no move. Tea bit her lip. Something was wrong, and he wasn't going to tell her what. "Fine. If you won't tell me…then suit yourself." She walked over to the refrigerator, "I trust you three are still going out to breakfast this morning?"

Seto just nodded…barely.

Tea looked back into the fridge. What was wrong with him?

Tea was left alone for a good two hours while the brothers were away. During this time of lounging and thinking, her cell-phone rang.

She answered it, "Hello?"

"Hi Tea!"

"Serenity?"

"You bet!"

"Hey there!" Tea smiled, sitting on her bed, "What's up?"

"Oh, nothing much. Just wondering if you were free today."

"After lunch, I will be. I have to cook and serve at twelve, but after that, I'm okay until around five. That's when I have to cook again."

"Okay, that's fine. We've got all week! How about a trip to the mall for today?"

"Sounds great! Where should we meet?"

"Well…I would say at the mall itself, but I don't have a car. You're sixteen, right? You can drive?"

"Yep! You want me to come pick you up?"

"If it wouldn't be out of your way."

"Of course not!" It also might give me a chance to see Kaiba, Serenity thought, though she didn't say this aloud, of course.

"Great! Come by around…twelve-thirty then?"

"Okay. Will they let me in? Security, I mean? …And Kaiba?"

"Of course! I'll make sure of it."

"Great! Later!"

"Bye!" Tea hung up. This would be a fun day.

The week, however, was left to be questioned.

Indeed, after lunch, Serenity was right on time. The doorbell to the large mansion rang. A butler, of course, answered it, eyeing Serenity slightly suspiciously. He led her to the bottom of the stairs, where Serenity saw Tea running above her, across the catwalk.

"Be down in a sec, Serenity!" she cried out.

"Kay!" Serenity smiled. She took this time to study the part of the mansion that she was in. It was quite an elaborate piece of work. She was turned around and around, getting a view of everything, when her eyes suddenly landed on someone exiting a nearby door. She froze.

Seto eyed Serenity inquiringly, "What are you doing here?"

"I-uh…I'm here to pick up Tea. We're going s-shopping this afternoon," Serenity stammered out. Geez, why did this infatuation with Seto Kaiba have to go and mess up her speech? Back in Battle City, she could surely give him a good talking to, just like her brother.

"Oh? I was never informed about this," Seto looked up at the stairs just in time to see Tea run down, with her purse flinging behind her.

"Sorry 'bout that Seto," she puffed, running towards him, "She called while you guys were away this morning. I'll be back in time to make dinner. Bye," she gave him a quick peck on the cheek, and power-walked back to Serenity, who had been eyeing the two with interest, and possibly disgust.

As Tea turned to drag Serenity out of the mansion, Serenity turned to look back at Seto. She batted her eyes a couple times, and then waved sweetly, winking at him. Then, the door closed. Seto stood there, watching where she had been. What on Earth was that for?


Tea and Serenity had shopped in all the time that had been given to them. Tea was indeed back at the Kaiba Mansion by five o' clock. For some reason, Serenity had insisted on coming inside with her, instead of just dropping Tea off. When asked why, all she replied was, "I just want to make sure you get in alright. You never know what might happen around these Kaibas…."

Once Tea thought about it, Serenity had a valid point. So many things had happened to this poor family.

Of course, we all know Serenity's true intentions. She just wanted to get a glimpse of Seto Kaiba again.

Once everything was assured as alright in the mansion, upon both of them seeing Noa walk across the catwalk, Tea ran to the kitchen shouting a goodbye to her friend.

"Tomorrow then!" Serenity called back, waving.

Serenity glanced up at Noa, whom she saw had his gaze plastered to the doorway through which Tea had disappeared. A look of longing seemed to be upon his face.

No way… Serenity thought, thinking that she just might be getting the picture. This could be perfect! If he…dare I say it…loves her, then everything could work out for me and Noa! Possibly, even Seto and Tea might like the NEW arrangements….

How evil these thoughts sound, don't they?


Serenity returned for Tea the next day, and the day after that. Not only was she acting all "weird" around Seto, but Seto still wasn't paying much mind to Tea. Poor Miss Gardner was beginning to get worried.

Mokuba had tried forgetting about his whole kissing accident with Tea. It was working quite well with Serenity around. He deliberately made excuses to go down to the front hall just to see her as he walked past. He often gave a wave and a smile, and she gave a small smile and a small wave back. But her attention seemed distracted by something….

Or someone.

Serenity was half desperate to talk with Noa. She needed to know something...badly. Her chance came on the Wednesday of her Spring Break.

She and Tea were going to stay at the mansion for the day, and just hang out around her room and in some other places. Tea announced that she had to use the restroom, and walked down the hall to the restroom. Serenity sat on Tea's bed, looking around. She noticed the door opposite Tea's on the other side of the hall. It opened, and out stepped Noa.

Serenity brightened. Now was her chance!

"Noa!" she called, catching the boy's attention, "Could you wait a sec?"

Interested in what she had to say, Noa obliged. He stayed while Serenity ran over to him.

"I needed to talk about something with you…privately," Serenity added, shoving both of their bodies into the room from which No had just exited: his room.

"What are you-"

"Just hear me out," Serenity put a finger to his lips, "Look, tell me: flat out. Do you like Tea the way I think you do?"

What kind of question is that, Noa pondered harshly. She has no right getting into my business! However…why does she want to know?

"Why do you want to know?" Noa inquired, scrutinizing her.

"Uh…" Serenity faltered, "Well…I was just thinking we could…work together…to-"

"To what?" Noa asked. Part of him didn't like were this was going.

"Well…if you liked her in that "special" way…then I thought it could…benefit us both…to break them up…" she relayed softly, looking down at her feet.

Noa looked at her, speechless, "How would this benefit you?"

"Well…" Serenity shuffled her toes, "I sorta…li-"

Noa held up a hand, "Say no more. I get it." He got it. Serenity was in love with his big brother. How bittersweet…. "So, you want to break them up? You want me to…say "be there" for Tea…and you to go with-"

"Kaiba," Serenity blurted.

"I thought so," Noa looked away. "…That's horrible."

"I know!" Serenity confessed, "But…but…oh, I just don't think it's fair!"

"What's not fair? Seto getting everything he wants? You didn't have to tell me that twice," Noa faded off.

"See, that's exactly it!" Serenity put a hand on his shoulder, "Look, if we break them apart, we can make sure that they get…someone else, pronto! Being-"

"Us," Noa filled in. It was a reasonable plan…but he still didn't fully like the sound of it. It was very risky…and quite cruel.

"Come on…it's not that bad," Serenity looked into his eyes, "I mean…I'm sure if my brother knew about this…he would be trying to break them apart, right?"

"He…might," Noa replied.

"Besides," Serenity dismissed the "might," "This isn't as "cruel" as what you used to be!" She started up again seeing the look on his face, "That's not meant to be…uh…insulting, or anything! It's just a fact of life!"

"Uh huh…" Noa sighed, "This is all just…too morally confusing."

"I know…but…don't you want to have Tea…for you?" Serenity dropped the line. But would Noa hook on?

"I…I…" he couldn't decide. Well, he would map out the morals. One: he would be hurting his brother and Tea. Two: he would get what he wanted, and give Serenity what she wanted. Three: breaking people up isn't exactly just. Four: then again, didn't couples break up all the time? What if they were just…prodded along? Seto had been seeming to ignore Tea lately…. Maybe they were already on the verge of breaking up. "I really don't know," Noa replied. "First, just do me a favor. Talk to Tea about Seto. Ask her if she knows what's going on with him. I think he's been ignoring her lately. That could get s on a move on if he is ignoring her. Just talk to her first…and I'll give you my answer later. Okay?"

Serenity pouted slightly. That wasn't the exact answer she had wanted…but it did have some promise in it. "Alright. I'll talk to her." They heard a door shut. "Speaking of whom," Serenity walked out of the room to go talk with Tea. Noa turned around. Why do I always get myself into these things?

Lucky for him, he never would give her an answer.


Mokuba took in a deep breath. Maybe…maybe today he should tell Serenity how he feels about her. For some reason, today felt like the right day. He heard Serenity and Tea go back into Tea's room. Yes, he would do it today.

Mokuba stood up abruptly and took in a long breath of air. As soon as Serenity walked out of Tea's room, for any reason whatsoever, he would speak to her privately. That was what he would do.

Mokuba walked out of his room, and leaned against the wall, next to Tea's doorframe. He waited patiently, just relaxing against it, thinking of how exactly he was going to word his thoughts.

Noa walked out a minute later, from his room, out of his daze, and noticed his brother leaning against the wall. Curious, he asked what the boy was doing.

"What are you waiting there for, Mokie? Eavesdropping or something?" Noa inquired.

"No," Mokuba replied, simply. Noa thought that was a sure-fire possibility. Gone were the days of simple naïve-ness. Things had become so hectic lately. Nothing was the same anymore…. Seto and Tea falling in love…Noa becoming jealous…Serenity appearing and wanting to wreak havoc on his brother's relationship…. There were no more simple games, or pranks anymore. And perhaps there wouldn't be for a long time…or ever.

Noa did long for the old days. Possibly even those days before Tea had come to their home. He cared about Tea, yes, but still…back then, everything was fun and simple. Nothing like this had happened….

How nostalgic.

One couldn't unbury the past. That was one of Seto's philosophies. Noa scolded himself for not remembering such a moral.

"So, what are you doing?" Noa inquired again.

"Waiting."

"For?"

"Serenity."

"Why?"

"…I want to tell her something…."

Noa stopped. This wouldn't be good…. Serenity was breaking two hearts at the same time! And they both belonged to his brothers! He couldn't let this happen… Or at least…not to Mokuba….

"Mokuba, if it has anything to do with the fact you lo-"

"Shut up," Mokuba looked away. Noa was getting confused. Mokuba never acted this rudely or coldly towards him.

"Mokuba, what's wrong?"

"Humph, as if you don't know."

"What? Come on, tell me!"

Mokuba looked over at his brother, "…I've been worried about Seto. He hasn't been…"right" lately. And Tea is becoming a sore subject to him. I think you have something to do with it."

Noa looked at him incredulously, "I've had nothing to do with it!"

"Oh yeah! Having a huge crush on his girlfriend and throwing a hissy-fit on Friday night is nothing."

"Oh come off it! Seto doesn't even know what that was about! …Unless…you told him!"

"I didn't tell!"

"Oh yeah? Prove it!"

"I swear…on my love for…Serenity!" Mokuba rebounded.

"Oh yeah? Well, Mokie, I don't think that's good enough, on account of you'll probably fall away from her when she tells you that she doesn't love you-" Noa stopped. He bit his lip instantly. That…wasn't…supposed…to…have…come…out.

Mokuba froze, "W-What?"

"Nothing- wait…no," Noa took a deep breath. He cold save his brother quite a bit of heartache and shock if he told him now…. "Serenity….doesn't love you…like you love her. I'm sure…she likes you as a friend, but-"

"What gave you that idea?" Mokuba threw at him.

"…She told me she likes…someone else."

"Who in the pits of the fiery heck would that be?" Mokuba tensed up.

"Id' rather not say-"

Mokuba grabbed Noa's collar and pushed him up against the wall," Tell me!"

"Let go of me!" Noa pushed his brother away. Mokuba bounced back on him, grabbing his arms, trying to pin them at his sides.

Of course, when one puts two well-trained Kaibas against each other, there is definitely going to be a stalemate. Neither could pin each other, nor push the other onto the ground.

"I'll tell you nothing!" Noa kicked his brother in the shin,

"Heck, yeah, you will!" Mokuba kicked back. Suddenly, Noa's knee went weak, and he fell backwards, with Mokuba landing on top of him. The two rolled along the hallway trying to hold the upper hand, and get some answers out of the other…even if it took a punch or two.

"Tell me!" Mokuba commanded.

"Why should I tell you that Serenity likes Seto!" The two stopped. Aw crap, why do I keep blurting these things out? Noa reprimanded himself. Stupid, stupid, stupid!

"S-She, what?" Mokuba lowered his raised fist.

Noa looked across at the floor. "She li-"


"Tea?" Serenity inquired, getting right down to the point.

"Yeah?" Tea sat on her bed.

"Has Kaiba been…ignoring you lately, or something? He doesn't seem as…loving as he seemed that day at the restaurant."

"I've noticed that," Tea sighed, looking forlorn. "I honestly don't know what's wrong. He won't talk to me about it. He barely speaks to me at all; barely even looks at me!" she cried out. "I'm beginning to wonder if falling in love with him really was a good thing."

Of course not, Serenity sneered in her mind. "Oh don't worry. Maybe he'll come back around. Or…maybe…."

Tea looked up. "Maybe, what?"

"Maybe you should just…leave."

Tea stared at her friend for a long time. "…Leave? All of them?"

"You still have your house, right?"

"…Yes-"

"Then it's settled! If Kaiba is going to ignore you, then leave him! Go back home! Go back to your regular life! There are plenty of other men out there that would just die for you!"

"Oh yeah? Name someone," Tea crossed her arms.

"Uh…" It wasn't that Serenity couldn't think up anyone. She had two very good people in mind…. One of them, of course, was Noa. The other person…well…he was waiting for the right time. And the right time was just about out the window now….

Tea looked away at her pillows, thinking back to the last concept, "Leave…."

The two suddenly heard a thunderous pounding outside Teas' room. They jumped up and ran to the door. They could make out distinct voices now…Noa's and Mokuba's.

Tea opened the door and stepped out, with Serenity following. Down the hall, they saw that Mokuba was sitting on top of Noa, lowering his hand. Noa was about to say something, when he noticed the two girls come out of the room.

"…Hi…," Noa said meekly, "You guys didn't have to come out. Just doing…guy stuff…."

"Uh huh…" Serenity looked back and forth at them. During this, she noticed Mokuba giving her a slightly dirty look.

"Get off, Mokie," Noa quietly urged.

Mokuba nodded in comply, and stood up, off his brother. Noa too, stood up.

"So…yeah…" Noa looked around, "We can all…go back to what we were doing…nothing going on here…."

Tea looked at him, slightly suspiciously, but nodded. "Alright. Serenity?"

"Oh, sorry Tea, I have to go now," Serenity gave a quick smile. I'll see you tomorrow, right?"

"Umm…wait. Aren't the others coming tomorrow?" Tea quirked her head.

"Are they?" Serenity looked at her friend.

"I thought so! Isn't tomorrow the beginning of their Spring Break?" Tea inquired.

Serenity nodded slowly, "Yes, but…." It suddenly hit her. "Oh! Didn't they tell you?"

Tea narrowed her eyes, "Tell. Me. What?"

"Umm…" Serenity started sweating, "Well, Joey is taking Mai out for a week's cruise…Duke has a business trip back over in San Francisco, dealing with Dungeon Dice Monsters, you know?…umm…Yugi was going with his grandfather to Egypt for a week's vacation there…Ryou was going back to England for the week…and Tristan has to go to a special camp this week as a requirement for his graduation. It ahs something to do with the occupation he's going into-"

"And nobody bothered to tell me this, WHY!" Tea began fuming.

"Well, I knew a few days ago. They called me. They said they would email you…."

Tea smacked her forehead. "Email! Of course! I haven't been on in ages!"

"Darn right! You're never at our talks anymore…" Serenity looked away from Tea.

"Oh, I know! I'm sorry, Serenity, but I've been…busy," Tea responded.

Yeah…with Kaiba, Serenity portrayed in her head.

"I'll…go check my email now," Tea replied, softly, "Later, Ren."

"Bye," Serenity answered, turning around, "See you later. Tomorrow?"

"Uh…sure, I guess," Tea looked forlornly at the floor.


Tea's eyes welled up when she looked at her email. Sure enough, there were the messages, dated from a week ago. She had counted on seeing her friends finally after so long this week…but it wasn't meant to be.

Tea sighed. Where was she supposed to be in this world? Her friends all had lives. Was she supposed to be a dancer? Or…stay here? Serenity's sentence came back to her mind….

"Maybe you should just…leave."

Should she leave? Tea didn't know what to do.

Her answer came about a week later.


It was Saturday. Today was the last day Serenity would be spending in Domino until summer vacation two months later. Her plane left late tonight. She wanted to spend this last day with Tea.

And looking around at Seto,

But Tea wanted to see her too. And that was all that mattered to the girl (Tea). So, they spent the day together, doing all sorts of things around Domino. Serenity finally, a little before five o' clock, brought Tea back to the mansion. They walked inside, and Tea turned to Serenity.

"Look, I'll be back in a sec. I've got something for you up in my room. Wait here…" Tea replied, going up the stairs. Serenity stood there, looking around the place, and spinning on her heels when suddenly-

Serenity turned around, and found herself, yet again, staring into the face of Seto Kaiba. A small gasp escaped her lips.

"What's wrong with you, Wheeler?" Seto inquired. Serenity furrowed her brows. This wasn't the Seto she had seen in the restaurant. She hadn't seen this Seto since Battle City! His charm really was disappearing! What had happened, she wondered.

"Whatever do you mean?" Serenity put on her most innocent look and batted her eyes quickly at Seto. He became even more suspicious.

"What's up with all this-" he couldn't find the word for it, "this-"

"This?" The biggest thought Serenity had ever had; the one she had been wanting to do for weeks, suddenly took over her body.

She jumped up-

And kissed Seto.

Right on the lips.

She pulled him down more towards her height, and wrapped her arms around her neck. How long she had dreamed of doing this! These past two weeks had seemed like forever!

Seto was in shock. What the crap was this woman doing to him? He didn't love her, and she didn't love- Wait. It was al registering in Seto's mind now. The flirts; the waves; the batting the eyes; everything. She had "loved" him this whole time! And she was just waiting to pounce!

But this was wrong! He already had a girlfriend- Wait. Something else registered in Seto's head. Was he actually admitting that Tea really was his girlfriend? He thought he had dismissed that idea when-

When Serenity had first come.

Was all of this tying in together? What had been going on these past two weeks? But…he had seen Noa and Tea together! And…someone had gone and kissed Tea…. What was going on here!

Seto set his hands on her shoulders, and suddenly pushed her away.

Serenity looked back at him, sadness reflecting in her eyes. "I thought…but…-"

"What on Earth did you think you were doing, Wheeler!" Seto furiously whispered. He didn't know why he was whispering. He supposed he felt that if he was too loud, someone would notice and ask what was going on. He didn't want to reveal anything.

Tears slowly welled up in Serenity's eyes, "But…I thought…there was proof!"

"Proof of what?"

"That…that you didn't love Tea anymore! I was sure that…someone else could take her place!"

"What made you think I didn't love her anymore?" Seto suddenly asked.

Serenity blinked, "Then…you do?"

Seto stopped. Did he?


Mokuba looked away from the sight he had seen from the kitchen. Noa was right. Serenity really did love Seto…. She had just gone up and kissed him…. So he really didn't have any chance….


Tea was walking back from her room with the small gift in hand. It was just something for Serenity to remember her by when she was in America. She came to the top of the stairs and stopped.

Oh…my…gosh…. I don't believe it! Tea scampered back and leaned up against the wall, chocking in sobs. Seto…and Serenity…kissing! At first, it had just looked like she was doing all of the kissing…but then Seto had put his hands on her shoulders-

That's when Tea had run back. How…could he! I thought…I thought he loved me! But…maybe I was right. Maybe it was all just a mistake. And…maybe Serenity's right too…. Maybe…I should just leave. Tea let a couple tears fall down her cheeks. No! I refuse to believe what I just saw! This always happens in the movies! Something like this always comes up…and it's always a misunderstanding! I'll play it calm, until I can really figure this out. I'll just wait until she leaves….

Tea nodded, wiped away the tears and stood back up. "Serenity?" she called out, walking back towards the stairs, "Back!"

Serenity spun around, looking a bit guilty, although Tea could have imagined the worry she had seen for a brief second in her friend's face.

Seto was behind her, looking shaken. He immediately walked away. Tea bit her lip. That wasn't a good sign….

"Here," Tea gave Serenity the small package, "I got this for you…just to remind you of all your friends in Japan."

"Wow…thanks, Tea," Serenity looked up at her, "But…I really don't think I deserve such a thing."

Tea had to stop from grounding out her next phrase. She had to make it look like she hadn't seen a thing…. "Oh course you do! But…you'd better get going. Doesn't your plane leave in about an hour?"

Serenity checked her watch, "Oh, yes it does! Thank you so much Tea!" she said hugging her friend, "I had such a great Break! See you in two months!" Serenity walked back towards the doorway, "Bye!" she waved.

"Bye," Tea waved back, tears beginning to swell up in her eyes….

For two reasons.

As Serenity walked back to the car, she eyes the gift in her hands. What a guilt trip this was coming to be. She felt horrible now having kissed Seto. Not only had she betrayed her friend and Kaiba had practically admitted he still did love Tea (though he hadn't really said it), Serenity also noted one other thing. That kiss…hadn't been as refreshing as she thought it would have been.

Maybe…I'm not really in love…and all of this…has just been in vain. Maybe…I'm just an idiot. An idiot who can be molded by her friends and whose desires block her view of her morals. Yes…that's what I am.

The problem was…Serenity didn't know what to do about it.

She figured apologizing was the best way to go…but that would mean admitting many things to Tea…things she really didn't want to admit to her friend.


After dinner, Tea sought out Seto. He was in his office, as he usually had been these past couple of weeks.

She knocked, and on his answer, opened the door timidly. She stepped inside, even though he didn't look up to see who had entered.

Tea walked over to his desk, and stood beside him. "Seto…please stand up."

He looked up at her, pausing his work, "Why?"

"Please…just do it." She would have added, 'For me,' but she didn't think those words would help her any at this time.

Seto reluctantly stood up. Tea scrutinized his face, and slowly cupped her hands around his jaw, bringing it down to meet her own.

Great, Seto thought, twice in two hours. He didn't know why the thought made his heart pang. And he had the greatest urge to kiss her back…like usual. That's all it is: it just feels like tradition. That's the only reason why I feel like kissing her back, Seto persuaded himself.

Tea pulled away reluctantly, and looked deep into his cool-set eyes. She gazed into them for a while, seeming to search for something.

"You…didn't…kiss back," she said, almost in a daze. She bit her lip suddenly, "Seto. I need you to tell me honestly-" she felt tears coming on: tears of anxiety, "Do you really –deep down- …love me?"

They stared at each other for a long time. Tea was becoming worried. What was taking him so long?

Finally….

"…I can't answer that."

That was his answer.

The tears spilled over the rims of her eyes, "O-Oh Seto!" she cried, taking her hands off his jaw and immediately running out of his office, slamming the door on the way.

Seto suddenly looked up. That was…not the reaction he had expected. She had looked like…she really loved him.

Oh God, what have I done? Seto sank into his chair, putting his head in his hands, What have I done?

Tea cried as she threw her clothes haphazardly into her suitcase.

Early tomorrow morning-

She was leaving.

For good.


…. Kill me if you dare. (PS: Please review!)