IT'S RENOVATION TIME PEOPLE! In other words, I'm re-vamping this fic! though the whole plot will remain, you'll only find some… uh… quirks amuck the chapters!
Disclaimer on everything that I don't own!
Always, Whenever,
Part Three,
By Winterwing3000
HELLLLOOOO! THIS ISSSSSSS THE FAVORITEEEEEE JPOP STATIONNNNN!
Groaning, Téa slammed her palm on the 'off' button of her alarm clock. She was having the weirdest dream about two people coming after her.
One had yellowish and blue hair while the other plain green. They were reaching out to her, pulling her into the darkness and someone, with the sharpest and bluest eyes that she's ever saw, was running after her.
"Argh, I've gotta reset the clock… that one was too annoying for a morning call." Téa mumbled to herself. "And today's graduation too… why did I even bother waking up at five?"
Suddenly, a wave of sickness washed over her. The brunette got up quickly and ran to the bathroom. Lifting open the cover, Téa vomited into the toilet.
"Ugh… I hate it when it happens." She said as she wiped her mouth with a nearby towel and flushed the toilet. Every morning, just right after she wakes up, Téa had to run to the bathroom. It was a good thing too because if she had woken up later, Mokuba would be using it. Stretching out a bit, Téa decided that a nice bath would do her some good.
After being in there for half an hour, her skin started to turn red from the heat and wrinkly. Refreshed by the morning shower, Téa slipped on a large white T-shirt with blue shorts and headed down to the kitchen.
A bitter, yet sweet fragrance wafted to her scenes. Coffee? The dancer wondered. "Who would be crazy as me to wake up so early? Well, there's Kaiba for starters." Téa mumbled to herself. Entering the kitchen, she saw the only CEO sitting quietly typing on his laptop.
"Good morning." She said. Seto gave no response to her but looked up once and gave a short nod before going back to his laptop.
Téa went to the cabinet and looked for her daisy painted china cup. When the coffee maker was steaming, she poured herself a cup and Seto one too. Carefully, she added little bit of cream and two cubes of sugar.
"Here." Téa handed the older boy his cup of morning delight. Looking up, Seto accepted the drink and muttered thanks. Nodding, the girl blew on the coffee and sipped it slowly. "Er… so sup?" Téa asked.
"Nothing." He replied.
"O-oh." Téa was a bit sad that he was barely making any contact with her. It was supposed to be the other way around. Maybe he's angry with her for ignoring him so long. Yea, that could be it.
"So… are you mad at me?" She asked tentatively.
"Why'd you ask?" He said coolly.
"Because I've been ignoring you for a long time?" The brunette girl eyed the boy.
"Not really." Is this guy going to speak more than five words? Téa thought as she sweat dropped, probably not. "Um… could I ask why you asked me to the prom?"
Grunting, Seto shrugged and said, "Just wanted to and …" He trailed off.
"And…?" Téa prompt. A spark flickered in his blue eyes. What was the other reason? That he had this weird feeling about her? Possibly. But what is it? While he was lost at the sea of thoughts, Téa waved a hand in front of his face.
"Are you alright?" She asked him concernedly. Regaining back his attention, Seto said dumbly, "Huh?"
Shaking her head, Téa said, "Forget that I asked."
The dancer sat on the counter and stared into space. Seto was still looking at her, his eyes trailing down her form. As they reached her legs, Seto noted how long and smooth they were. Suddenly, his face heated up so he buried his concentration back to his work. Seeing that she was going to get nowhere just sitting there with him, the dancer finished her drink and rinsed it in the sink.
Téa headed up her room to find something decent to wear to the graduation. She had picked out some skirts and blouses for the special occasion(1). And for the later event, Téa decided to either where the dress that was in the farthest end of her closet or pick one up at the prom dress rental. "Okay, now that's out of the way, let's see what I should wear."
The girl made various combinations till she came upon the one she actually thought would be suitable for her graduation.
It was a light blue blouse with china buttons and a cashmere skirt that was dyed into wine color. Téa checked herself in the mirror hanging inside her closet. The clothing was a little bit tight, so it showed her curves underneath.
Her tired face was the only thing that she needed to cover up. Purple eye bags were shown and her skin was paler than Bakura's hair. The auburn hair was hung loosely around her face, making her look older than she was. "Guess I need to fix up on the hair and make up."
Sighing, Téa took off her suit and headed onto the other necessities.
Standing at the doorway, Seto waited impatiently for the girl. "What is taking her so long?" He grumbled as he checked his watch. The CEO wore a white suit with a blue tie and black dress shoes. His brown hair was combed through thoroughly.
Turning his head at his older brother, Mokuba gave him a confused look. "Did you say something big brother?" Shaking his brunette head, the businessman sighed and shook his head.
"Just Téa, she taking a long time like all girls does."
"Well, I'm sorry to keep you waiting." A feminine voice said in front of them. Looking in front of them, they saw the brunette girl dressed neatly and little makeup was applied to her face. Téa was never fond of cosmetics so she just kept it to her natural look. As for her hair, it was weaved into a braid with a navy blue sash holding it in place. A small black handbag was slung over her shoulder.
"Well, since I'm ready after all your complaining, don't you think we should be going?" The girl suggested. Crossing his arms, Seto walked out the door and mumbled something incoherent.
Mokuba ran up to his brother and gave him a hug before doing the same to Téa. "Bye Seto, Téa! Have fun at your graduation!" He shouted as the duo entered the limo.
Getting out the limousine was something that she had dreaded. People were there; no, lots of people were there, not to mention the press. The whole press from Domino had gathered at Domino High just to see the famous CEO graduate. Téa suddenly froze at the sight of flashing cameras, shouting and shoving reporters and filming camcorders outside. What if they saw her with Seto Kaiba? What if the whole graduating class saw her with him? The suspicions from earlier near the end of the year was already overwhelming, and now, she had to face with more publicity.
Having been rooted in her seat, Seto nearly dragged her out from the car.
"Get out before they could see you, just cover your face." He hissed at her, while blocking her and himself from the pressing crowd. Doing as instructed, Téa covered her face with her outspread hand and stayed close to the boy in front.
After long moments of jostling, they managed to get into the gates where the headmaster and superintendent were waiting. "Good grief, do you always attract so much attention Seto Kaiba?" The female superintendent asked while she opened the gates with the headmaster for them to enter.
Seto ignored the question and pulled at his suit. Téa checked herself for any damage done to her outfit.
"Ah, Téa, just the person I'm looking for." The headmaster pulled the brunette aside and ordered an intern to take his place on opening the gates. Away from the others, the old principal cleared his throat before speaking to her.
"Téa, I've checked your grades and commitment to them. They were wonderful and you've put a lot of effort into it. I was also informed that you are—well maybe now, were, the class president. So to honor you for your wonderful work, and I think your homeroom teacher told you this already, you may speak to the audience once the distribution of diplomas is over." Nimbly, Téa nodded.
She was told about this and her teacher considered her to write out a short speech and memorize it just in case. So Téa had no worries of being speechless in front of the crowd.
"Good, now best to head into the auditorium now my dear. I hope to see you later." The headmaster said as Téa bowed to him. Heading in opposite directions, the brunette girl when to look for her friends.
"And may I present to you our last speaker, Miss Téa Gardner from class 12-A!" The headmaster announced and clapped his hand when Téa walked up to the podium from her seat. The brunette girl smoothed her dress and took deep breaths. She had been fidgeting in her seat ever since the other two students went up to speak before her.
"Okay, keep calm… you've done this many times before. It's only a little speech in front of your classmates and other people." Téa gulped visibly as she scanned the large crowd that somehow had managed to fit into the small auditorium.
The train that leads to tomorrow is on an uncompleted rail
Every time I turn around, I hesitate
Running hand in hand together
How can that create a big power?
The students and teachers sat in the front rows in classes and alphabetical last name order. The parents and guardians sat in the middle rows and the other guests were in the rear.
"Okay… lots of other people." She gulped, stomach churning a bit from nervousness. Trembling, Téa walked up the stairs to the stage and to the podium in the middle. Standing there, Téa nervously glanced at the crowd again and saw her friends supporting her. Smiling, she cleared her throat and began on her speech.
Always, always, whenever
We're connected
Always, always, wherever
I can fly there
Always, always, whenever
Everyone is close
Maybe, maybe, anyone
Is not alone
"This year was just absolutely amazing for me. After spending six years in Domino High, it became my second home where all my friends and teachers are. If there were a problem, teachers would support and help us in any way. Friends and classmates were always there to cheer us on. If it weren't for every one of their support, then I doubt that I would be here today. From test to exams to projects, our friends would always be there for each other. Whether it's a homework problem or a heartbreak, the school members have been understanding."
The nostalgic melody fades away
Small me full of sighs
Singing as we communicate eye to eye
How can I keep an invincible smile?
"Our headmaster, Mr. Anderson Lock, has arranged treats for us after every obstacle. He has provided us the knowledge of learning by opening up this school and I'm very grateful for that. Mr. Lock somehow managed to give us the opportunity to have fun while learning. Sports, music, literature arts, the school board. All of these were very costy, but every time, he ceased to amaze me by donating some of his own money to offer us these extra curriculums." Téa took a shallow breath before continuing.
Always, always, whenever
If the feelings are open
Always, always, wherever
I can go and see you
Always, always, whenever
Everyone's voice can be heard
Maybe, maybe, anyone
Can become strong
"After a whole year of hard work, from the beginning of the school year to this very moment, we, the graduates of Domino High, are finally receiving what we have earned. The wonder to move on to college, even though some of us have other plans, and the wonder to explore the adolescence's life with our own eyes. Our teachers won't be there for us every moment after we leave this school, but they would be in our hearts, as well as our friends. This diploma," The dancer lifted hers above her head, "Is a symbol of our hard work and our key to success. This is a sign to show that we've graduated from Domino High, a sign that all of us should be very proud of. I hope that one-day, everyone in here would meet up and remember what made us in the future from the past. Thank you."
Always, always, whenever
We're connected
Always, always, wherever
I can fly there
Always, always, whenever
Everyone is close
Maybe, maybe, anyone
Is not alone .
Clapping erupted around her as she headed down the steps and back to her seat. On the way, Joey and Tristan gave her thumbs up and Yugi an encouraging and heart warming smile. Seto's reaction was a bit mysterious, a smirk.
It wasn't one of his trademark smirks that she had seen so often in her life, but one that could turn into a happy grin if he would try to smile. Téa grinned at them, her blue eyes gleaming brightly. The clapping died down as the headmaster gave his closing speech.
"Thank you Miss Gardner. Unfortunately, this happy moment is to coming to a close. I thank everyone here for coming and please come and visit Domino High sometime. When you exit, please head to the cafeteria on the right and enjoy the refreshments. And one new thing to the prom, please where a mask. The reason would be given at the dance. Have a great summer and congratulations again to the senior group of today."
Always, always, whenever
If the feelings are open
Always, always, wherever
I can go and see you
Always, always, whenever
Everyone's voice can be heard
Maybe, maybe, anyone
Can become strong
The classes and audience were dismissed by rows. Shuffling of feet and excited whispers echoed in the auditorium. The guys caught up with Téa and Duke, since they were in the near the beginning of the line. Joey and Tristan struggled a little to get to Yugi, then to the duo that was walking as slowly as possible.
As soon as they were together, they met up with Bakura. Yugi, Joey and Tristan praised Téa for her speech and Duke's fans were crowding him. Bakura gave her a smile and walked alongside her. While her friends were continuously talking to her, Téa looked back.
Seto was last one in the line heading out. When Yugi looked up to see her looking at Seto, he shook his head. "Téa, if you want see him or something, just go." He whispered.
"What makes you think that Yugi?" Téa stammered, turning pink.
"Hey Téa, why ya lookin' so red?" Joey asked, making her turning even redder.
"You sick Téa?" Tristan said. Shaking her head, Téa just glanced back briefly at Seto, which was a big mistake. Their eyes locked and Téa find it hard to turn away.
What's wrong with me! I've got to stop staring… oh! This is hopeless! Seeing the Joey glaring at her, Téa sweat dropped.
"Em… do you want to tell me why you're glaring at me Joey?" She asked.
"Why tha heck are ya lookin' like that at HIM!" The blond emphasized 'him' to direct his meaning to the CEO that was still looking at her.
"Oh that… well… uh…" Téa was at the lost of words.
"What's going on?" Duke said, coming from behind Téa after he escaped from being meshed. "Um… Joey is having trouble with Téa staring at Kaiba?" Yugi said.
"Don't badger her Joey. I'm pretty sure Téa has her own reasons." Bakura said, supporting Téa. The brunette sent the albino a grateful look.
Yugi and Tristan took Joey's side. "Is there something you want tell us, Téa?" Yugi asked while glanced between Seto and his best friend.
"Is there something between you two?" Tristan asked slyly. The girl hid her face in her hands, too embarrassed to say anything. "Tan whe 'us oh to die cafatra?" Her hands muffled her words.
"Huh?" The boys looked at her confused. "Can we just to the cafeteria?" She repeated. "Maybe afta ya tell us, afta all, we're ya friends." Joey said irritated from receiving no answers to his previous question.
"Guuyyysss. Please, there's nothing going on with the two of us! Even if we do live together!" Bakura and Duke were surprised from not being informed of this early.
"You live with Seto Kaiba?" Duke started to bombard her with questions till Yugi said that he would fill them in later.
Seto caught up with them and brushed past Téa, slipping a note into her hands. The CEO walked away before anyone of them could see that he gave her the paper. Téa fingered the little note and followed the others as they went out the door. Flipping it open, she read what he wrote:
"Don't leave with your friends. –Kaiba." Bewildered, Téa shredded the note and threw it into the trash.
Seto stood outside in the shade, waiting patiently. He was in no hurry to go outside of the gates that were still blocked by the press. He would take all the time he needed just for them to leave him in peace.
Looking at the front door, where shrieks and screams came, girls bustled out into the open with boys tailing closely behind them holding cans of silly strings. It was said to be the tradition for girls to get messy from the strings while the boys chase them. Téa was standing on the side of the door, panting.
"Must be running from the mutt and his friends." Seto murmured as he squinted to get a closer look.
The auburn girl was unaware that Joey and Tristan were drawing closer behind her with an evil grin on their faces. They nodded to each other and yelled, "Gotcha!" Spraying the whole canister of silly string all over her. Téa squealed and ran down the steps, trying to escape the torture.
As she ran, Téa looked over her shoulder, laughing along with the boys. Yugi and Bakura looked at the metal container in their hand and shrugged, deciding to go along with the chase. Duke, instead of being the one spraying, was covered in silly string that was shot by the girls from their class.
Not really looking where she was heading, Téa nearly rammed into Seto but concluded to use him as a shield, since he was taller and broader than her.
"Hide me!" She pounced behind him and looked carefully for her predators.
As she popped her head out from behind his right hand and made a face at the boys. Pretending to be mad, they sprayed at her. Being quicker than they were, Téa ducked for protection and gave Seto the mess.
Stunned, they stood with the bottles in hand and Seto sputtered at the colored strings. "You are going to pay for this, all of you. And don't think I forgot about you, Téa."
The guys stood and shrugged their shoulders. Only Yugi and Bakura apologized for what they did. Tristan and Joey were having a spraying contest to see who could shoot the cardinal that was nesting on the tree.
"Um… sorry, Kaiba." Téa said meekly.
"Let's go." Seto said, as he walked to the gates taking pieces of the messy strings from his suit. Woefully, Téa waved goodbye to her friends and followed Seto into the crowd. They repeated the same procedures when they entered the school campus.
Seto, being a gentleman, opened the door and waited for Téa to get in first and went in afterwards. Settled in the car, Seto signaled the driver to leave. "Um… Kaiba, if you don't mind me asking, where are we going?" Téa asked after she noticed that they weren't heading back to the mansion.
"You'll see." He said mysteriously. "Okay…" Téa said unsurely whether this was a surprise or not. "Hey, Kaiba, I'm really sorry at what just happened back there." She said, trying to lighten the mood.
"Whatever." Seto mumbled as he tried to pick the ones in his hair. Seeing his difficulty, Téa carefully went over to him and offered her assistance. "I don't need your help!" Seto said grumpily and swatted her hand away.
"Come on… I bet you can't even reach this." She said as she pulled out one from his hair. "Could to so now, get off me." Seto tried to shove her off him, not too hard though.
"Gimme a sec! Ouch!" Téa struggled to move but only got her feet tangled with his. When the car lurched to a stop, Téa braced herself for the compact only to feel softness underneath her. Seto, being underneath, shifted uncomfortably.
"Would you get off Téa?" Turning crimson, Téa pushed herself up and sat down next to him. "Sorry."
Seto hid his face by covering it with his brown bangs. "Hn."
"Ahem, Mr. Kaiba, we've arrived at our destination." The driver said, looking at his master through the rear mirror.
(1): I learned that the Japanese graduates don't wear the type of black cloak and hat on their graduation like us in the USA. Boys wear mainly a suit with tie and dress shoes. Girls could wear a dress/skirt or a kimono. But I doubt Téa would actually have one with her… so um… yea !
AN: I'm finally typing more chapters… I think… but review as always! Thanks!
The lady winged Knight: lol… that is a scary thing and don't worry, more angst would be added! About the situation where some women died giving birth to kids, I REASSURED YOU AND SELF-REASSURE MYSELF that she won't die… till an old and ripe age!
HieilovesBotan: wow! Someone is very eager! Lol… must have killed you to wait for this chapter, but don't worry, the story would come quicker when I'm not er… busy with my schedule! I'm still planning on what to get for my b-day … since my cousin let's my by anything I wanted! And thanks!
Yami Viper: I think I saw your name before… but I'm too lazy to check! Hehe… but anyways, you're always welcomed to my story! And thanks for reviewing!
Marin M: thanks!
Sarah: I am! And many thanks for reviewing!
LuvinAnime: hn. If I were her, I would've told someone… least I think I would. ;. Well… er the hint was really for this and later chapters, you'll see… it's gonna be so cool! And I'm sorry… if I tell you… it's gonna be unfair to the other readers… but then again…hmmmm…. Nope never mind. lol thanks and review!