NOTE: The last chapter! WAH! I loved this story so much! But…more tears at the end. Enjoy! (PS: I don't know anything about Japanese weddings, so I'm doing the American style, as most people do.) Also…the wedding may not be completely accurate, because I don't truly know how they go. The last time I was at a church wedding (I went to a non-church wedding a couple years ago), I was five: ten years ago. Okies? So just roll with me here….

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

Chapter 23: The Wedding

Rewind to the end of April

Seto and Tea sat in Seto's study, reviewing a list of guests they were going to invite to the wedding. Yugi Muto and crew (Mai Valentine –soon to be Wheeler-; Joey and Serenity Wheeler; Ryou Bakura; Duke Devlin; and Tristan Taylor) were of course, the obvious ones to come (besides the two Kaiba brothers, who pretty much had an obligation).

Tea also wanted to invite Rebecca Hawkins and her grandfather, the professor. Seto had seen from the beginning that most of the rather small list would include Tea's friends, as he was not known for having many. He obliged to them, just out of love for his fiancé and the fact that he would have to face these people sooner or later. And of course, seeing that they were alone in their family, except for some distant second cousins and such (very few: who were all invited), those usual people were off the list.

Seto had some of his closer business men invited – the ones he was on better terms with, and the ones whom her knew more personally, such as those that had come to his house for dinner that last June, when Tea had first stated working (what memories!).

There were also some close, yet not as close friends, from high school that Tea had wanted there: one being a girl named Miho.

And then Tea suggested three people of whom Seto was shocked to hear.

"Seto," Tea said, after proposing the three. She sat next to him in a chair and put her hand on his, "Really…we did make some good ties with them. Sure…they were after our souls, but they really are nice people! We got along quite nicely with them right before the Grand Prix. As an even longer extension of friendship, I believe we should invite Valon, Alister and Raphael."

"I still don't believe you are even suggesting them," Seto replied, "Of all people! I'd rather have Pegasus come-"

"Oh! Perhaps him too?" she stated.

"Tea…."

"What? He did try to help us when…those three were at large, and we did save him. He really is a good and fun-loving man at heart. His good intentions were just…put to bad use those many years ago. Seto, can't you just forgive and forget? Besides…isn't he still a major work partner of yours?"

"Yes, but one we don't have to invite," Seto hissed through clamped teeth. He looked at her, with a set expression on his face.

Tea sighed, "Alright…if that's really how you feel," she looked away. Seto almost laughed. No, he wasn't falling for this act again. "Even if he ha helped you…and I out of quite a few jams."

Seto closed his eyes. Why did she always have to bring out the good points in people? The good points that overruled the bad? Was he ever going to have any say in this marriage? Or was Tea going to persuade everything out of him?

I suppose that's how all women are though. But it doesn't matter: I love her for who she is, Seto decided. "Fine, he can come…but only because you…" he didn't want to say 'convinced,' but what other word was there?

Tea obviously didn't need a word; "Great!" she added his name to a rather short list. "Now, about the other three-"

"That's where I put my foot down," Seto replied. "Do you not remember what they did? Yugi's soul…Joey's soul-"

"That was Mai-"

"It doesn't matter," Seto shook his head, "Besides: Alister. Perhaps you haven't noticed, but he and I don't have really great connections."

"He knows that what your stepfather did to his family wasn't you, Seto. I'm sure he's forgiven you and you've forgiven him…right?"

Seto raised an eyebrow that said, Do you REALLY want me to answer that?

Tea sighed, "Have they done anything wrong in the last three years? No. They're perfectly fine! They were just…sort of brainwashed, by Dartz! You don't see me wanting to invite him, do you?"

"No, but-"

"But I've made my point, haven't I? The three are really nice guys. I hear Raphael even got married a year or so ago! Doesn't that show something?"

"Not if the woman is just like him," Seto answered with a slight smirk. Tea scowled slightly at him. Seto then asked another question, "Where did you hear that he got married?" Seto asked.

"Hello: friends keep in touch, don't they? He told us. So we're not as close as friends as the gang, or even our group to Miho, but the three are still friends-"

"Alright, alright, I get it. Can we think that over later? Get some sleep on it? I really am against it…but I might reconsider…some time from now."

"Works for me," Tea smiled, "At least you're giving them a chance, if a slight one."

Seto smiled back at her. That was another thing he loved about her. She let things rest. 'Something' was an okay answer for her. She wasn't a woman who carried on and on about topics.

Two days later, Seto gave in. In thanks for letting her invite so many people that Seto was so…uncomfortable letting come, she offered to him the chance to create all of their honeymoon plans.

Seto rejected that idea. He just modified it a little bit. He would plan most of it…but it would have to be a surprise for her.

Tea agreed with the idea. As long as she got to invite certain people, she was fine with Seto choosing where to go, and everything else.


June (Our regular spot: where we are picking up)

Tea's heart was beating rapidly in the bridal chamber. She was getting her dress on and looking at herself, once more, in the mirror.

Her parents had been right: wedding days were one of the most anxious ones in your life.

Her parents….

Tears threatened dangerously to fall, at the thought. Her parents had always wanted to see who she would marry: and b there for the wedding.

She didn't' let the tears fall: this would mess up her carefully put on make-up, otherwise. She smiled in humor at what her parents would say had they been alive to find out she was marrying Seto Kaiba. They had always been impressed with his works as such a young man.

Tea finished admiring herself, and checking herself over. She had seen the dress quite a few times. It was gorgeous. Seto was willing to go all out for this wedding.

Then again, maybe the cost of a wedding was something like change in his pocket.

Her dress was a brilliant white. She had a small fake turtle-neck collar, and the fabric for the dress extended from the edges of it to create the outline of the dress, making it sleeveless. The same went for the back of it.

The gown itself had a long trail. She had long white gloves, with openings in the fingers. Beads decorated the dress in great lines and silver thread was entwined throughout the piece making simple, yet elegant designs.

The veil she wore was the traditional one with the two folds of sheer fabric, and was in the crown fashion, pinned to her forehead, yet it had a silky touch to it: not a course one.

In fact, her entire dress was made of silk.

A white pearl necklace with a silver pearl in the center of it -just a little larger than the others- rested around her neck.

Tea then had the bridal pictures taken with the flower girls and bridesmaid (Rebecca and Serenity were the flower girls and Mai was the bridesmaid).

The wedding was soon to begin.

The bridal procession was lining up in the foyer of the church. The doors were closed.

Tea's heart was pounding furiously now. All of this time planning….the year growing in love…it all came down tot his point.

To think: a year ago, Tea had come to Seto's home just to work, expecting nothing more. She had thought him to be a cold person, who was only offering her a job out of a surprising sympathy.

But that had all changed.

Now was their time.

They would show the world that Seto Kaiba could love.

And they would show the world that their marriage could work out:

Perfectly.

Tea heard the wedding music begin. The grand organ's music rolled through the church. Through the closed doors, she could see the others standing. This was it….

The doors opened and Serenity and Rebekah walked out, throwing cherry blossom petals around. Tea saw, far up at the altar, Mokuba standing next to Seto, as best man (Noa had understood why Seto had chosen him over Noa: they were immediate family after all. Noa…got stuck being ring bearer…which wasn't so bad), and Mai stood on the opposite side, waiting for Tea.

Noa then walked out, holding the rings on a pillow. Tea tried to keep in her laughter at his serious expression. He looked like he was trying not to go red, but also keep from laughing.

Tea sighed. Soon it would be her time. They were waiting for her.

Normally, her father would walk down the aisle with her, but under the circumstances….

Tea received her cue and stepped out to where everybody could see her. She walked slowly down the lane with her bouquet, sneaking a glance at Seto's face. She smiled. No matter how much Seto had previously said that he wouldn't be surprised by her beauty in any dress that she had picked (he had argued that she was always beautiful), he had a small look of shock on his face, that only family (and Tea…who would son be in that category) could recognize.

She smiled to herself, knowing that if she could astound Seto like that, then she really must look pretty.

She looked around, just shifting her eyes to see the expressions of her friends.

Yugi was smiling happily for her. Joey was in tears (quite a lot of them, surprisingly) and Mai was patting his back, giving Tea a 'don't-ask-me!' look. Duke winked at her and Tristan beamed.

Ryou discreetly gave her a thumbs up. Raphael stood with his arm around his own wife, nodding slightly to her as she walked. Valon…Valon was in tears too. It astounded Tea just how much Valon and Joey were alike: as Valon had proclaimed three years ago when their meeting had taken place.

Alister was watching her with an expression Tea couldn't read. He looked happy for her though: he was smiling.

If only her parents could see her.

Tea felt a tingling sensation on her right forearm.

She looked to her side quickly. She blinked slowly. Was it her imagination? A trick of the light? It had to be the light…. There seemed to be a pale apricot hand on her arm. Looking to her side, Tea was amazed to see something that had to be a figment of her imagination.

Her father's figure was walking right next to her.

But how? Holograms? Seto had the technology…. But she had never shown him what her parents looked like-

A familiar voice rang in her head, Congratulations, sweet pea. Come on….

Dad.

Now she was sure it wasn't a hologram. Somehow…someway….

Before Tea knew it, she was up at the front of the altar, taking Seto's hand. She glanced out of the corner of her eye and saw that the ghostly figure of her father was standing next to a figure of her mother. There were two other parental figures standing next to them: two Tea didn't recognize.

Before she could come to any conclusions, she had turned herself to face Seto. The priest was speaking to the congregation.

"We gather here today to honor the sacrament of Holy Matrimony: the binding of a man and a woman in marriage for life."

Mai whispered to Joey, "Just think…that will be us soon!"

"Seto," the priest turned to him, "Do you take this lady Tea to be your lawfully wedded wife? In sickness and in health; in good times and bad; until death do you part?"

"I do," Seto answered. Tea felt his grip tighten ever so slightly on her hand.

"And Tea, do you take this man, Seto, to be your lawfully wedded husband? IN sickness and in health; in good times and bad; until death do you part?"

Tea looked up at Seto, who she saw had a slightly divided attention. Any other onlooker would have thought he was looking at her, but she saw that he was looking both at her and right past her shoulder.

The figures, she thought. Could it be? Could he see them too?

Tea then spoke, "I do."

The priest closed the book, "Is there anyone here who thinks these two should not be together today: speak now or forever hold your peace."

Valon was holding back the flow of happy tears coming down. He looked over at his friend Raphael, and saw him and his wife holding each other's hands: their attention solely on the couple before them.

He turned to face Alister, who to his surprise was clenching his hands so tightly that his knuckles were turning white.

Alister's breath also seemed to be rather forced, and he looked like he was trying to decide between tow very difficult choices.

"Alister-" Valon stated to whisper.

"Very well then," the priest said once more, and beckoned to Noa to bring over the rings, and said, "I now pronounce you man and wife."

Noa came up bearing the rings. He was smiling happily at the two. Seto took one of the rings and took Tea's delicate hand, slipping a ring onto her finger.

Tea did the same to Seto.

"You may now kiss the bride."

Now, Seto slowly flipped the flap of veil covering Tea's face over her head. As they came to meet each other's lips, he whispered so that only she could hear, "I love you, Tea."

Tea had no time to respond before their sealing kiss occurred.

Applause sounded throughout the church. Tea smiled as they broke apart, when hearing the approving whistle, which no doubt came from Joey.

Tea and Seto turned to face the front of the church again.

Tea glanced beside herself to see whether her parents were still there. They had gone. She then noticed the four shining figures at the back of the church, waving.

The congregation quickly exited their seats (Mokuba and Noa included) to go stand outside to watch the couple parade outside.

Not two minutes later, Seto and Tea were walking down the aisle once more, with everyone looking back or looking in from outside, below the church steps. As they stepped through the doors, more applause rang out. The bells in the church tower began ringing.

Cherry blossom petals were swirling through the air from above. Tea through out the bouquet, as tradition, to see which lucky person would be the next to marry.

It flew right near Mai, but she disregarded it, knowing that she was already getting married soon.

Hands groped in the air and-

Serenity Wheeler caught it, and staggered a little to the side-

-Bumping into Mokuba Kaiba. She looked up at him, blushed (he blushed back) and she looked back surprisingly at the flowers.

Noa nudged Mokuba hard in the ribs.

As Tea and Seto walked down the steps and down the carpeted walk, Noa whispered to Mokuba, "I wonder how long it will take for us to become uncles." Mokuba fought to hold back his laughter.

Immediately, the two gasped in pain, and staggered to massage one of their feet through their shoes.

"Tea?" Seto asked her quietly. "What did you do?"

"I stepped on their feet…these small heels are rather useful-"

"Why did you do that?"

Tea whispered the reason to him. Seto's eyes widened, but narrowed back into a playful expression.

"Mark my words…they'll get what's coming to them," he replied. At the end of the walk was one of Seto's –excuse me- their limos waiting, with an open door.

Seto let Tea climb in first, and he climbed in after her, shutting the door. The limo –to which Mokuba and Noa had stuck a sign to the back: "Just Married"- rolled off.

The others watched them go, and then returned to the parking lot to follow after them to go to the reception downtown.

In the limo, Tea laid her head against Seto's shoulder, "Seto…I'm so happy."

"I'm glad," he replied, holding her against him. "Mrs. Tea Kaiba…I like the sound of that."

Tea laughed, "So do I." She paused for a moment, then added, "Seto?"

"Yes?"

"Did you…did you see them?"

"Who, Tea?"

"…My…our parents?"

Seto looked down at her, "…You saw them too? I figured…. But…yes, I saw them."

"I can't believe they made it," Tea sighed, smiling, "How?"

"That is something even I can't explain," he snuggled her closer, "But I'm glad I can't."

Tea smiled up at him, "Me too." She kissed him briefly, and settled back in his arms. "And here I never thought they would…be there…like they had always wished."

"It makes sense I suppose…ghosts are beings with unfinished business on earth, are they not?"

"Then…their business is done then, right?" Tea replied, rather softly.

"I'm not sure. Maybe. But is that what you really want to talk about today?"

Tea looked up at him, gratefully, "No. No…not today."

The reception was held at a fancy restaurant called Raenada's. Shortly after the bride and groom arrived, the guests did as well.

Seto, stepping out of the limo, took Tea's hand and pulled her out, remarking, "I forgot to tell you: you look most divine in that gown."

"I thought you said you wouldn't be surprised?" Tea replied, smirking.

"It is very seldom that I make mistakes, but I do make them," Seto answered, "Because you are the most gorgeous thing I have ever seen on this earth."

"Seto," Tea blushed, looking away, "please!"

"You have a problem with me telling you the truth?"

"No, but…oh, never mind," Tea shook the thoughts away. They walked into the restaurant and were ushered up to the second floor, where they had a large room all to their party.

Soon, others began arriving. Music was playing in the background. Everyone was just talking for a time, giving their congratulations to the newlywed couple and talking with them.

"I still can't believe it's happened," Joey remarked to the two, "But it has. An' I hope you two live on fine."

"Oh, Joey, that's so sweet!" Tea cried, hugging him suddenly. She had become very emotional today.

Later, while Tea was going around talking with all of her friends, Seto stood near the punch table, taking in the sight of the room. It still amazed him how far he had come…how far they had come.

I'm so proud of you, Seto, dear.

Seto gave a start, almost spilling his drink. Someone had their hand on his shoulder.

But he swore he recognized the voice. But…how could it be?

Mom? Seto turned around, and stood face to face with that same ghostly image of his mother. He set the cup down on the table for fear of dropping it.

Yes, honey. Your father is here too. He'll be right along. Tea's parents are sweet people, the ghost replied.

Mom, Seto needed an explanation desperately, …How? was all he could manage to get out.

The supernatural are mysterious beings, aren't they, she asked. Here comes your father.

And no sooner had she said that, than Seto's father materialized right next to her.

Father….

Congrats, son! he patted Seto's back, I must say, for a few years I was getting worried there that you would never hook up with someone, but I worried for no reason, now, didn't I?

I can't believe…you both…you're here…. How long can you stay? Can anyone else see you? Questions poured forth from Seto.

Only you and Tea can see us, his mother replied.

Something struck Seto, Not Mokuba?

Oh, he may very well can if he was here at the moment, his father replied.

As for staying…I'm sure we can stay for the rest of the night at least, his mother answered the rest of the question.

Is that all?

Not sure, his father replied.

It doesn't matter…I'm just…glad I got to see you again.

Oh, we're so happy to see you too, Seto, his mother hugged him, We love you, you know that.

…I love…you two too, Seto answered. Unconsciously, a tear rolled down his cheek.


Tea watched Seto and his parents conversing from the other side of the room. She could see how happy he was to see and speak with them.

You didn't think we would forget you now, did you?

Tea turned around herself and found her parent's own faces in front of hers.

Mom! Dad!

Oh, Tea, we're so happy for you, Mrs. Gardner exclaimed suddenly wrapping her arms around Tea, I can't believe this is happening! My little girl is…all grown up! The ghost began to cry.

Mom…Dad…I maybe grown up…but that doesn't mean I can't always be your little girl, Tea replied, as her mother pulled away from her.

Dear… her father spoke to his wife, Sven and Kaiya wanted to meet Tea formally, remember?

Oh, right, Mrs. Gardner replied, Come along then, honey, she grabbed her daughter's arm and pulled her along to where Seto was standing.

Seto turned from his parents when he heard Tea's footsteps approaching. He noticed that a woman – her mother obviously, was pulling her along.

"Hi, Seto," Tea smiled, "Well…um…these…these are my parents…Kai and Xia Gardner."

Seto smiled and bowed slightly, "How do you do?"

My, isn't he charming, Xia Gardner turned to her husband. He nodded, smiling.

"Tea…these…are my parents," he gestured behind him, "Sven and Kaiya Noukama."

"Pleased to meet you," Tea curtsied slightly.

Seto, she's darling, Kaiya Noukama cocked her head, smiling.

"You are staying today, right?" Tea asked the spiritual beings.

They all nodded.

As long as we can, her mother answered, which we're not sure how long that is.

"Seto! Tea! Come on! Their bringing out the cake-" Mokuba ran over and suddenly slowed, stopping at what he saw.

His eyes widened and Tea saw tears forming.

"No way…" the boy whispered.

Oh, Mokuba! Kaiya Noukama bent down and hugged her second son.

How are you son, his father asked, kneeling down.

Mokuba stood there, stunned. He didn't move. He couldn't believe what was happening.

"Seto?" he asked, slightly skeptical and frightened.

"It's okay, Mokuba…they've been here since the wedding."

"Then…you weren't a trick of the light?" Mokuba stepped back, looking them over.

Right, son, Sven Noukama answered.

Mommy! Daddy! Mokuba cried in his own mind. He wanted to run and hug him, but he wondered if he would just pass through. The ghosts could touch him…but could he touch them?

As if knowing what was going on through his mind, his parents hugged him again, regardless.

So this is your brother-in-law, Mrs. Gardner asked Tea.

Yes. My other brother-in-law…or step-brother-in-law is over near the cake table. The figures turned around to see Noa.

He was the ring bearer, wasn't he, Mr. Gardner commented.

Yeah.

"Seto, we have to get going now," Mokuba said, "I had to come get you two. I'll talk to you later though, Mom and Dad, okay?"

Of course, dear, they answered.

Seto then took Tea's arm gently and pulled her over towards where the crowd had gathered.

It was time to cut the cake, and do the traditional task of the bride and groom feeding each other the first bite.

They took their spots at the front of the table, and took a piece of cake on a plate. Seto stuck his fork into the piece and broke some off, with some on the fork. He held it up and looked at Tea slyly.

Tea raised her eyebrows, as she received a mouthful of cake.

Typical. He had fed her more than she could chew. A row a laughter rang out as Tea –laughing and chewing at the same time- swallowed the glob of cake.

So it's war, is it, Tea replied, a long-time idea reforming in her mind.

"Alright Seto, you've had your fun. Just a second though." Tea set the cake down and looked behind the cake for the box she had brought. She opened it, and obscuring the food item from Seto, announced, "Having been your cook for almost a year, it was my duty to know what you liked to eat, yes?"

Seto nodded, not knowing what the heck she was getting at.

The others were watching with unlimited interest.

"So…open up Seto…here come a reminded of Tokyo."

She fed him a chocolate doughnut.

And there was a great deal more laughter.

Tea was laughing uncontrollably and Seto bit through he doughnut, taking out the rest of it and putting on his plate.

He was laughing too. He was laughing as he had never laughed before.

This was indeed the greatest day in his life.

Mr. and Mrs. Noukama smiled at each other, seeing their first born son change rapidly from his cold state from the previous six years.

We're so proud of you, Seto….


After everyone had a piece of cake served to them, there was more chatting at the tables.

Alister finished his own piece and excused himself to the restrooms.

Valon caught a look on Alister's face and followed him a minute later. He entered the men's bathroom and saw Alister standing over a sink, with his hands fault on the surface. His eyes were closed and he was breathing heavily again.

"Oy, Al, what's the matta' with you?" Valon came up behind him.

"Nothing," the red-head replied, straightening up and turning to face Valon, "Nothing…. Just getting an ounce of quiet in here."

"Sure," Valon replied, leaning against the wall, "And this has nothing to do with Tea."

Alister looked away quickly.

"I knew it," Valon replied. "I saw you back at the mass too: you really looked ticked, man. Why didn't you say anything when you could?"

"Because it didn't seem right!" he snapped back, "Why should I say that she shouldn't get married to him just because I love her too!" he pounded the surface of the sink.

"Whoa…calm down there," Valon stood up, "Just relax-"

"HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO RELAX!"

"What is this? A group social hour in the bathroom?" Raphael suddenly entered.

"Alister's having love problems again," Valon sighed.

"I wondered when those were going to surface," Raphael replied, "And you didn't say anything-"

"I TOLD HIM, I JUST COULDN'T!" Alister retorted sharply, turning his back on them.

"Alright, alright, calm down now," Valon walked closer to his friend, "Just re-…er…calm down. Maybe there's something you can do…."


Joey drowned his seventh glass of punch. He stayed still for a second and then jumped up, "Wow! That punch just goes right through your system, doesn't it?" he asked the air, and hurried off towards the restrooms.

He began opening the door, but stopped it about two inches wide when he saw who was inside, having a discussion.

"Maybe there's something you can do-" Valon was saying, approaching Alister.

"LIKE WHAT? Got any bright ideas?" Alister growled.

"Just give it up already, Al," Raphael said, "She's married now. There's nothing you can do about it-"

"It just isn't fair!" Alister barked, "Why does Kaiba get everything! He hasn't given a single thought to her in three years! And all of the sudden, he just comes out and tells her how he feels when I've loved her for three straight years! I swear! The day Tea was going to leave because she was fed up with him…I was going to approach her right after she got on the boat. I wanted to be there for her. I tailed her all that day while she went through the city, hoping that Seto wouldn't give a flip about her, and stay in his crappy mansion!

"But no! Not five minutes after Tea returns to the dock, he shows up, and begs her to come back! Oh things looked good for a few minutes when she was still refusing him. He then played the sorry-and-sad act and that brought her around to his side. And then what does he do? The day I finally think I'm going to get her to actually notice me…he goes and ASKS HER TO MARRY HIM!" Alister pounded both fists on the sinks again. "IT JUST ISN'T FAIR!"

There was a deathly silence in the bathroom. Joey, now noticing again that he really had to go, decided now would be the best time to go, looking like he hadn't heard a thing….

Joey opened the door fully and stepped inside, walking past them to a stall, "Hey guys! Social gathering here or somethin'? Weird place for a hangout…."

Alister exited the room right after Joey had locked the door. Valon and Raphael looked at each other and followed him out. But Raphael stationed himself right outside the door to the men's room, just waiting. He had a sneaky suspicion….

Joey came out five minutes later, brushing moisture off his hands, when Raphael spoke from the side, "Wheeler."

Joey stopped and looked at him, "Hey der. …Can I help ya?"

"What did you hear?" he got straight to the point.

Joey's brows furrowed, to show confusion, but inside, he began to panic, "Whaddya mean? I didn't hear nothin'."

"This in proper grammar means you did hear something."

"I…but…er-"

"Listen, if you repeat any word you heard, you'll have to answer to me," Raphael left the threat dangling, and walked off.

Joey watched him go, "Geez…an' I thought we were pretty much friends. Den again…I'd pro'lly say da same ting ta one of my friends if dey had a big secret like dat. Ah well…. Just good intentions, I s'ppose."


The reception ended around nine o' clock, it having started at a little past six. Tea and Seto were thanking everyone as the guests left.

"Congrats, you two," Tristan waved.

"Have fun," Duke nodded.

"Be happy," Mai winked.

"We're really happy for you two," Yugi said.

"Happy trails," Valon laughed.

"Thank you for inviting us," Raphael stated, walking out with his wife.

"Stick ta'geth'a you two," Joey said. He then whispered to Tea, "Watch out for yourself."

If that hadn't been the strangest bit of advice she had ever heard….

"Tea." She turned. Alister stood there. He looked desperately like he wanted to say something….

"Tea…I…" he stopped. Then, "Live a good life, you two," he nodded, smiled and left.

Everyone had now left.

Well, almost everyone.

Tea looked over and saw in the middle of the room, the four ghosts standing together, waving. Tea waved back and Seto put his hands on her shoulders.

Good luck, the both of you, they wished, before the four of them disappeared.

Seto sighed and looked around the room. No one else…. His eyes stopped on something in the corner. But when he blinked, it was gone.

Mauve…. That reminded him of someone….

Mokuba saw from the doorway his parents, and Tea's, disappear. A small tear rolled down his cheek.

But just think, Mokuba…you got to see them this time…unlike probably any other orphan…. You got to see your parents a last time….

"You coming, Mokie?" Noa inquired from behind.

Mokuba wiped away the tear, "Huh? Oh, yeah," the two went down the stairs. It was their job to get the limo from the valet.

"Mokuba?"

"Yeah?"

"Did you…did you see…anyone tonight…who you thought you'd never see again?"

Mokuba gave a small start. Was this kid a mind reader or what?

"Why?"

"…Just asking."

"Noa…" he hesitated, "I…I saw my parents."

"Really?"

"Yeah…."

"Interesting…. But I'm not all that surprised. I was kind of thinking I was going insane for a minute-"

"Did you see them too?"

"No-"

"Then why are you asking?"

"Because…" Noa stopped. Mokuba stopped too and looked at him. "Because…wacky enough…my dad…your stepfather…Seto's stepfather…Gozaburo…. He came too."


Alister stood outside the restaurant looking up into the windows of where the party had just been. He slowly blew a kiss up there, seemingly in some sort of trance.

"Mark my words, Tea Gardner," he whispered, "I will find a way for you to love me instead…. Seto Kaiba will pay for taking you away from me. He will pay dearly…."


Seto let Tea get into the limo first. Mokuba and Noa got into the seats with the driver, wanting the new couple to have some privacy.

Tea, again, relaxed her head on Seto's shoulder, "This was a wonderful day, Seto."

"Indeed it was," he replied, putting his arm around her and kissing the top of her head, "And now we get to go home…as family."

"That sounds good," she snuggled into his shoulder more, yawning. All of her anxiety had slipped away, leaving her very tired indeed.

"It's been a long day," Seto nodded.

"Very long…but very worth it," she smiled up at him. "I know I've probably told you this a thousand times today, Seto…but I love you."

"And I thousand times I love to hear it. I love you too, Tea," he replied. He lowered his lips to hers, and she kissed them.

And the new couple rode off in the back of the limousine off to a new life:

Together.

THE END


Completed: Saturday, March 19, 2005: 4:30 PM.

OMG! I did it again! Another fic completed this month! I can't believe it! WAH! I loved this fic so much! Why must it go? Sure…there WILL be a sequel…but I personally think it won't be as good. However, we'll see…. I've still got to get my ideas in order and a definite plot out (give me one to two months to get it out on the Internet, okay?) I hope you all liked/enjoyed this whole fanfic, and I thank you for taking the time to read it! As a last note, PLEASE REVIEW one last time! And look for Waltzing With the Serpent coming in a month or two! (That SHOULD be the title at least…see the connection?) Well, until the next fic! Bye!

PS: I know the supernatural thing was a big twist, but heck, if people can live for 10,000 years in Yu-Gi-Oh, can't there be ghosts?

(6-28-05)
PSS: Some of you have expresed confusion as to why I posted the sequel while still posting this (yes, it is out: just go take a look for it). I'll remind you that this story was being REPOSTED for about three months. In order to be fair, I allowed those that had already finished the story to read the sequel (which I posted three months ago) so that they wouldn't have to wait three long, extra months. Okay? I was just being nice. Anywho, hoep to see you in the sequel! PLEASE REVIEW!