Title: Beyond His Reach: The Formidable Miss Anne Burstein
Author: Svelte Rose
Pairing: Ryou & Téa
Fandom: Yu-Gi-Oh
30 Kisses Theme: No. 09- Dash
Disclaimer: I don't own YGO.
Sometimes, her manager was exasperating. Whenever the blond set her mind to something, she would always achieve that goal no matter what happens- even if sometimes, it doesn't turn out the way she expected.
And for once, she disregarded Téa's wish to be left alone to her own devices- that girl didn't see enough sun as it was!
So she pulled, prodded, and practically dragged the reticent brunette out of her library into the dressing room for an event tonight- an event that Téa regarded the same as any other and avoided all as much as she did the last.
Hours later, they arrived behind the house with two guards docked on each side of them, the blond manager dressed to kill and the brunette star already bored out of her mind.
"Stop fake yawning. We aren't even inside the house," The blond snarked snapping her clutch wallet closed before arching an eyebrow at her best friend and client.
Téa resisted the great urge to stomp her foot and cross her arms. Just the thought of wanting to do such a juvenile thing had her blushing; really though, only Mai brought out such an adolescent behavior in her- at least, the things she did brought out such a behavior. "You know I dislike parties,"
"This isn't a party, we're here to mingle with the crème de la crème," Came the quick response as they started to move towards the abandoned entrance. There was already a small crew of people with the door opened and one even carried a tray with two champagne glasses. The blond gratefully took one and sipped delicately.
She grumbled under her breath, "Why start now?" The brunette held up her hand and declined the offer but smiled graciously, none-the-less. Soft pop-like music wafted from the ballroom just a hallway down. "It sure sounds like a party," The star muttered reaching up to scratch an area of her too-tight, too-tricky hair-style. "It doesn't matter if they give it a fancy name like 'gala' or 'ball'- it falls under the same category,"
Mai closed her mouth and swallowed her statement, shrugging as though there wasn't a care she had in the world, "Well you're here already,"
"I could very easily leave,"
The blond sighed and turned her big violet eyes at the brunette, "Please stay, for me?"
Téa studied her friend's face knowing all too well that this was just another clever maneuver. In the end she shook her head- her way of concurrence and frowned, "As soon as you're done with whatever it is that you need to do, we are out of here."
Her friend's response was a flirtatious wink which only elicited a groan from the brunette.
As soon as they entered the ballroom, they were immediately swarmed by a large group of people, the hostess of the party worming her way up to the center to shake hands and air-kiss each of the celebrated guests.
"My heavens, I'm honored," The hostess bespoke of her elated feelings hoping to the heavens above she didn't sound as excited as she knew she felt. Téa Gardner, exclusive superstar was at a party- her party! And to top it all of, she had reporters from Entertainment and MTV just scoping out the guests who accepted the invitations.
To have the movie princess accept an invitation to any party…well, she would be the envy of her friends for the rest of the year.
"Come, my loves, you must be dying of thirst," She gushed hooking an arm through each of the girls' arms and led them away, a small army of people trailing behind them, chattering animatedly.
Mai blinked and set her empty champagne glass on an empty tray that passed by them. Catching the narrowed look her best friend threw at her, she could only give the same shrug as before and a nervous chuckle.
What did the girl expect for being such a recluse?
"No, it's quite alright Miss Burstein," Téa finally said after being led to the bad.
"Nonsense, and please, call me Anne!" the lady dismissively said with a wave of her gloved hand before she ordered two cosmopolitans for her new guests. Gods, Téa Gardner was actually here, physical form and all! She repeated to herself; the thought reoccurred again and again in her mind like some broken tape playing.
Mai gave an apologetic glance to Téa before a tall martini glass blocked her view, courtesy of the Miss Anne Burstein.
Téa put her lips against the glass, uncomfortable of the attention she had received. It was silly, she should be used to this after all these years but she wasn't and she knew she never would be. Pretending to take a sip, she forced her lips into a small smile, and the tip of her tongue flicked out to lick her bottom lip delicately, "This is delicious," I hate it. "Thank you." Where to dump this…where to dump this…
Clapping her hands together, Anne beamed from ear to ear and pressed her hand upon the back of each girl, "Come, I must introduce you to all my friends," They are going to love this!
Téa had already begun counting the minutes she could make a proper exit- what was the standard time she had to stay before exiting without insulting the hostess?
As if reading her mind, Mai held three fingers up at the pondering girl gave an encouraging smile. Just hang on in there, it'll be over soon!
A sick feeling in the pit of her stomach, Téa resisted the urge to rub away the faint beginnings of a pounding headache. Three hours…she would surely go mad.
Now, she was convinced that Mai must've worked as an escape artist for a famous magician in one of her previous lifetimes because the lady had just cleverly pulled off a stunt even Téa wouldn't have dared to.
Then again, Mai owed her one for dragging the brunette unceremoniously to this gathering.
She had one hour away from the eager faces and attention-hungry moguls; one precious hour before she had to show her face again (so as to not arise any bewildered speculations).
Téa wasn't going to waste this hour. Once Mai opened the door of opportunity for her, she dashed from that room.
In a much literal sense, quickened steps and disappearance in the swarm of people that just happened to pass by, while Mai occupied their hostess about what to wear and what not to wear.
Once away from their over-zealous hostess, the looks, leers, annoying questions- the list could go on forever- she breathed deeply and thanked whoever- whatever- was watching her from above.
End Notes: I luffles reviews.