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!
Night Awaited,
Part Four,
By Winterwing3000
"Are you done yet? Women these day take so long." Seto snorted impatiently, checking his wristwatch every half a minute.
"I wouldn't say that if I were you, Kaiba. In any case, we ARE in a women's shop." Téa said from behind the wooden swinging door. Seto had dragged her to a shopping mall right after their graduation for her prom dress. They had been there for nearly an hour just to find a dress suitable for both Téa and Seto's taste.
"Where else would you think I'd bring you? To a men's shop?" He replied sarcastically.
"Why are you so cranky today? It's your graduation day and you ought to be happy!" The dancer said as she readjusted the material around her waist.
"I didn't even need to go to school. Mokuba made me go there to make 'friends'." Seto retorted.
"Well, if you look at it my way—." Téa started.
"That you and your cheering friends are my friends? Get a life Téa. You as my friend, fine. But the mutt and the military boy, I'd rather not." The brunette boy cut in.
Sighing, Téa shook her head and pushed the door open. "I don't know why you even thought about buying me a dress for the prom. I mean, I could've just rented one from the 'Dream Palace' that was just in downtown." The brunette girl said as she turned in a full circle in front of the young businessman.
"Those dresses are cheap and too frilly." Seto remarked as he eyed the dress that she was presently in.
It was navy blue dress shipped in from France, made from the finest silk ever found there. The top was a low curve and the shoulder material fluttered as she spun. The lower part of the dress was a little expanded, not really wrapping around her legs, to Téa's relief. In the middle, a diamond glittered dangerously. A white sash was tied expertly in to a butterfly and the rest hanged down, flowing like a river of milk. Téa had bought a pair of sand-white heels earlier, so it put a greater effect on the dark dress.
To him, she looked perfect, dazzling even. The dress practically hugged her frame and it was long enough to make her look taller. The dark color contrasted her light eyes, drawing him deeper into her.
"Um… is everything alright Kaiba?" Téa asked when she noticed the way he was staring at her.
Whipping his head to meet her gaze, Seto nodded and commented, "Looks fine." Self-satisfied, Téa went back into the changing room to put on her old clothing. Quickly, she came out with the dress neatly folded in one hand and went out to Seto's side.
Walking up to the cashier, Téa placed the dress on the counter and was about to open her purse till a large hand snapped it shut. Quizzically, she turned her head to see Seto handing the lady a platinum credit card.
"You—." "Don't have to, yea yea…" The lady looked up at the two and waited for the receipt.
Putting the clothing into the bag, the cashier smiled and said to Téa, "You are very lucky to have such a nice young man miss. Your boyfriend must really love you a lot." While Seto was signing the receipt, Téa blushed lightly before taking the bag.
"He's not my bo—." Before she finished, Seto steered her out of the shop and out of the mall.
The limo was waiting outside the mall and the driver was inside, busily reading the paper. Seto opened the door and the dancer went in grouchily. The driver fixed his sunglasses and started the car. Téa was still annoyed that Seto had pushed her out of the store before she could even correct the saleslady. Shifting nervously in her seat, Téa looked over to Seto.
"Hey, Kaiba. Why did you do that?"
"Do what?" He grunted, eyes reverted to the flashing views outside the tinted window. Téa rearranged the shopping bag on her lap.
"You know, back there in the mall when the lady said that you're—." "I'm your boyfriend? There is no point in correcting her since she only tells what she sees." Seto replied monotonously.
Something unhappy stirred inside her. "Oh." She softly whispered. Picking up her saddened tone, Seto quickly refuted. "It's not like that it's just, well…" Just like what? That he might hold her dearer than a friend? Possibly true. But then again, there's his reputation and pride to watch over.
"No, it's okay. I understand." Téa lied in fake happiness. "But thank you for the dress." She added gratefully. "Sure thing." A light smirk was imprinted on his face.
"Hey Seto!" A quick rush of black flew at the CEO, knocking him over. Téa had stepped aside from being dragged down with the two siblings.
"Hey kid." Seto replied gruffly as he tried sit up with his younger brother in his lap. Téa had to giggle at the scene in front of her. Legs and arms were all over the place and Seto's face was of mutual annoyance. Mokuba seemed to enjoy tackling his brother every now and then. Téa noted. She offered a hand to Mokuba and hauled him up from his older brother.
"Hey Téa!" Mokuba said and gave her a bear hug. "Someone seems really happy about something." Téa said as she looked down at the little boy and returned the hug.
The boy pulled back and smirked at the two graduates and ran off. Turning her attention to the man still sitting on the floor, Téa stretched out her hand.
Seto took it gingerly and covered her small hand with his large one. The contact made Téa's cheeks warm up, but she fought it down. Geez, why am I blushing because of this! I pull Yugi and Joey up when they needed a hand. How different is this? Téa thought. Instead pulling him up, Téa awkwardly ended up toppling over him.
Seto had pulled at bit harder than Téa could handle and he once more had to endure the pain of being tackled. The white skirt hiked up to her lower thighs as Seto shuffled his legs to sit up straight. Her hands were pressed against his chest and his were at her sides.
"Kaiba, could you stop doing that. You're pushing my skirt." Téa hissed from embarrassment.
Seto returned it with a glare. "You're the one who doesn't really know how to lend a hand Téa."
Choking up some anger, Téa said, "You're the one who pulled me DOWN when I was trying to pull you UP!" Then a glaring contest was performed and the argument was left out.
SNAP! FLASH! "Sweet!" A perky voice said from the foot of the steps that led upstairs. The two teens blinked, astonished at what Mokuba just did.
"Hey Seto! I know what I wanna be when I get out of college! A photographer and you two are going to be my models!" Téa looked from Seto to the camera in Mokuba's hand. Seto followed her eyes and the same plot formulated in their heads.
"Hey Seto… are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Téa questioned and the CEO nodded. "One, two…THREE!" The two brunettes jumped at Mokuba and Seto started tickling him, giving Téa the time to pry the little fingers off of the digital camera.
"Got it!" The girl said as she ran up to her room, Seto picked up his little brother and set him straight.
"I've gotta question Mokuba. Why are you home so early? It's only…" Seto checked his platinum watch. "Quarter to three.(1) Are you skipping out on class?" The brunette boy asked his younger sibling, patiently waiting for the answer.
"Well… you see…" Mokuba started as he stared down hard at his shoes. "No I don't see." Seto said firmly. Sighing, Mokuba said, "The field day was today and the teachers had to cancel it when a group of fourth graders had Hepatitis A from something that we ate at the field and everyone was sent to the hospital. Then we were sent home after the check."
The corners of Seto's eyes softened. "Are you okay?" Mokuba nodded, his untamed black hair bobbled up and down. "Hey Seto, did you know that Téa called you 'Seto'?" The boy piped, being the only one out of the three able to catch on what the girl had said earlier. A light dab of pink was washed across the CEO's face.
"Err… why don't you go and study on your notes, to make it up for your excuse at school. You need to keep it up with your grades." Seto said, trying to fight down the small blush.
"Okay." Mokuba said with a large sly grin on his face.
Closing the door with a snap, Téa walked over to her drawer with the camera in hand. "That little horse, one day he's going to kill me from embarrassment. Especially when I have those really…awkward moments with him… it's like Mokuba have tabs on us whenever they happen…" The brunette girl blushed when previews of the past times she had with Seto.
The time when Mokuba caught them red-handed in his study, kissing nonetheless. When the little boy suggested that they could go to the Valentine's Dance together. Now, when they were scattered all over the floor just when she wanted to help him up.
And… her own secret… Téa was glad that the younger Kaiba hadn't known what had happened between the two teens the night after the spring festival. The girl's heart grew heavy and her eyes wandered over to her stomach. She still didn't tell him yet; Téa didn't trust herself and was worried sick of his reaction. But eventually, he had to know since he was the father.
"I'll tell him tonight, if it goes well enough…" Téa cringed at 'going well'. For all she knows, Joey might explode when he sees her with him. Mai and Serenity would probably be there because Joey and Tristan would've asked them to be their dates. And that would be a bad thing.
Her thoughts went to the camera that was in her hand. "Might as well delete it, since Kaiba would appreciate his image to be ruined just because of one picture." Téa sighed as she pressed the 'ON' button since the camera turned off automatically. The mini screen popped up and the recent picture was there. When she saw that there was more than one picture, Téa's curiosity got the better of her.
"I guess it wouldn't hurt…" She mumbled as she pushed a button, changing the picture. A photo of Seto and Mokuba at a park, obviously feeding pigeons from all the birds and breadcrumbs that was all over them. Téa had to stifle her laughter when she saw Seto's annoyed and wretched expression.
Very cute. She thought. Pushing the button again, a photo of the brothers were at the stage, Seto was making a speech from his serious look and Mokuba was probably daydreaming, since his eyes bore a look of far away distance.
Téa pushed the button once more, flipping through more and more photos that Mokuba or someone had taken. Most of them were the two brothers having a family activity and some were just one of them, alone.
She caught a picture where Mokuba was probably holding the camera and Seto Kaiba was actually SMILING. Well, it wasn't a complete satisfied and wonderful smile to spread warmth from head to toe, but it was a small happy smile with a hint of amusement. Seto was possibly proud of some sort of accomplishment from the way his dark eyes twinkled with joy.
Maybe he invented something that sold big bucks all over. After all, he is a multi-billionaire of a technology and game company. Who wouldn't be happy after making two duel disks which sold out like crazy. Téa thought dryly.
"He should still smile more…" Téa let the thought go when she heard a knock and went to open it.
"Oh, hey. I got the camera, and if you want it, here." Téa said to Seto and held out the camera when she saw that it was he.
"Here, you left these downstairs." The boy lifted up two bags. One was her black purse and the other was the shopping bag.
"Thanks." The exchange lasted longer than Mokuba had expected. He was safely hiding inside the bathroom, which gave him a great angle to watch the two. When they both reached out at the same time, their hands gently brushed against each other. A small blush crept up Téa's cheeks when she peered between her bangs and saw Seto looking at her.
Clearing his throat nervously, Seto decided to ask her a question before the things turn disastrous. "Téa… why did you call me back there," Seto said to remind her of what happened not too long ago at the front door.
"Why did you call me Seto?" Téa's mind raced. She didn't know the difference when she was talking to him down there. Why did she let it slip? Maybe partly she wanted to and that she was in love with…
"Well, you said that we're friends. So is it okay if I call you 'Seto'? You do call me 'Téa'." The brunette girl said calmly. Nodding, Seto was prepared to turn around when he felt a soft hand on his shoulder. The CEO barely turned his body when a small kiss was pressed onto his cheek. Téa had to tiptoe to reach up to his face and gave his a chaste kiss on the cheek, then shut the door behind Seto.
In the trees, two strangers sat on the branches, out of sight and were carefully watching every movement of Seto Kaiba and Téa Gardner.
"Should it be tonight, love?" Chisa asked, brushing back her two low pigtails. Youko drew the girl closer to his body and took in the scent. It smelled of desert sand and of a lingering peony.
"Hm. Master said as soon as possible. We'll see what our lower crew could do first, and then we could place out our advances carefully. It would be destroyed if we do not examine them at first." The man said as he unwittingly ran his gloved hand through his highlighted bangs.
Pouting, Chisa gave him a playful whack. "But then it'll be soooo boring just to watch!" Smirking, Youko lowered his hand and traced the half marking on her soft neck.
"Tsk tsk. We shouldn't run into things, Chisa… plus, it would get very interesting… I promise you that." Turning her head, she smiled evilly and hooked pinkies with him. "You promised!"
Stepping out of the limo first, Seto held out his hand to Téa. Hesitantly, the dancer took his hand and gave him a shy smile when she exited the limousine. Téa had somehow turned her shoulder-length brown hair into macaroni curls and some were clipped with a white plastic diamond hairclip. With her dark dress, Téa had gloves that ended at the beginning of her wrist bone. Each side had silver lining, curving into tiny flowers.
Seto was dressed in a black tuxedo and expensive black dress shoes, which were polished till the moon, could be reflected. Seto took her left hand and drew something out of his pocket. It was a black ribbon and a single white rose. Téa was perplexed when he tied the corsage onto her wrist-glove. "Thanks, I never had one of these…" She said as she blushed prettily. Seto smirked and nodded.
Making couples were walking into the hotel's parlor, where the prom was to take place, arms linked. "So many people… don't you think that we'll get lost in there?" Téa asked as she squinted to the mass of the crowd.
"Not really. There's only about a few hundred people." Seto said sarcastically, offering her his bent right elbow and looked at her straight into the blue eyes that mirrored his own.
Letting out a shaky breath, Téa let herself get lost into the pools of cerulean before placing her hand on Seto's arm. "Since when did you get so 'gentlemen-like' Kai—." "Seto." The brunette corrected.
"Seto?" Téa said nervously, not really used to his first name, even though it rolled off her tongue like sugared molasses.
"Ah, I'm hurt. You thought that I'm not those kind of guys, mademoiselle." Seto said with a hint of French in his voice.
Giggling, Téa shook her head at his ridicule and said, "Let's go in before we're going to be the only ones out here."
As they walked into the lobby, balloons, streamers and banners flourished the large area. A waiter took their names and showed them to their table, which could seat ten to twelve people. A card was place in the center of the table, next to a bottle of Chenin Blanc wine, with the tablemates' names neatly printed in black cursive. The empty wine cups held a folded red napkin and the utensils were arranged perfectly on the folded white napkin.
"Wonder who are sitting with us." Téa mumbled as Seto slid her seat near the table before sitting down himself.
"Seems like you're 'friends' are with us and their dates as well…" Seto muttered like it was the worst thing ever. "Seto… it's not going to be that bad…" The girl rolled her eyes as she smoothed out the wrinkles in her silk dress.
"Here they come too, if this isn't bad then what is?" He mumbled, with a nice string-full of colorful words attached to it. Tristan and Joey came together, since Joey wanted to keep an eye on his friend because of his sister, Serenity. Duke came in with one of the girls from his Biology class and Yugi followed after a while with, to Téa's surprise, Rebecca Hawkins. Bakura came with the leader of the art club. Each of the boys looked stunning in their tux and as were the girls, aside from Mai, who wore a top that is no less different than her original clothing.
"Hey guys!" Téa said happily. The boys nodded and the girls immediately went to Téa for a small and quick girl talk. Serenity, fingering her hair nervously, looked at the older girl with a trembling smile.
"Hey Serenity, did Mai fix you up? Because you look wonderful." Téa said to calm her friend's nerves. It was half true. If it weren't for the bright maroon hair, the brunette girl wouldn't have thought that it was her best friend. The redhead wore a pink thick spaghetti-strap dress that stopped at her knees with simple black heels. Her face was light touched with silver mascara and cherry lip balm. As for the waist length hair, it was woven into two braids that were curled up to the beginning of the braid and tied up with pink ribbons.
Mai kept her hair loose, only attaching a few decorated hairpins here and there to frame her sparkling face. Light violet mascara and red lipstick was applied to match her purple off-shoulder dress, which ended near the top of her ankles, showing off her purple heels. "Was it that obvious Hon?" Mai asked with a skeptical tone.
"Yeah." Serenity replied softy, looking at her brother to Téa's date. "Did you come with Kaiba?" The young girl asked quietly, but curiously.
Nodding, Téa glanced over to him. Seto was glaring at Joey. "They will never grow up, will they Mai?"
Sighed Téa. "Guess not. But they'll eventually." Tristan came up to the girls and said before drawing Serenity away from them.
"Hey girls, you won't mind if I take Serenity back, right?" The redhead blushed and the other two shook their heads. Mai dismissed herself to sit next to Joey, who quickly pulled out the chair next to him for her. Rebecca was talking rapidly with Yugi and Bakura was giving brief smiles to his date. Duke was looking jealously at Tristan and barely paid any attention to the girl next to him.
"Oh boy." Téa muttered, only so that Seto could hear her. The CEO turned to his date and tilted his head. "What?" She pointed her gloved hand at the middle of the room.
The table was filled with the fan club of their hottest brunette company owner, Seto Kaiba. The girls were sending Téa death glares while their dates were clearly irritated because that the girls weren't paying them any attention. The only thing that the brunette female wanted to do was slink down her seat and away from sight. Seto gave her a somewhat sympathetic look after shooting glares at the other girls.
"Just ignoring them." He said casually. Sighing, Téa shook her head. "You make it sound so easy Seto."
"It is." He grunted. "Hm. Sure." She replied disbelievingly. TING TING. The headmaster stood up from his seat with the chaperones and teachers and tapped his empty wine glass with his knife. All of the eyes in the room went to his direction. "Good evening my students. Tonight is the last day of your time in the twelve grade. I welcome you and all of our guests to have a happy and a non-forgetful night. Now, dinner would be served with dessert as well. Then dancing is encouraged greatly. Thank you." He finished and small applauses arose from the students.
As if on cue, waiters and waitresses began filling up the room and headed to each table with the appetizer. Joey and Tristan eyed the coming food hungrily. Seeing this, both Yugi and Téa shook their heads.
Some things would definitely never change. They both thought simultaneously.
The bowls of chicken salad and plates of cold combo, made of clams and shrimps with a cocktail sauce, were place in front of everyone. As the excess waiters and waitresses left, a few remained standing for any orders of drinks. The seafood wasn't very inviting to her stomach, so Téa ate just the salad with very little dressing.
Mai, who sat across from the dancer, looked at her worriedly; knowing her condition, but Seto, who was unaware of it, stared at her oddly when she pushed aside the clams and shrimps. Feeling watched, Téa looked up at Mai and gave her a reassuring smile. The blond moved her eyes and head to Téa's right, giving her a signal that her date was watching her as well.
Startled, Téa turned to look at Seto, who resumed eating right when he pushed away his thoughts. "This is going to be a very long night…" She sighed. Placing down her fork, Téa stood up and excused herself and gave Mai a look. The older woman understood and waited till Téa walked off a while before she followed her friend. Téa's friends exchanged a questioning glance at one another when both girls left the table.
Seto watched Téa at the corner of his eyes, feeling a little suspicious.
"Kaiba noticed." Mai said plainly, removing her pins and rearranging her hair in front of the mirror. Téa leaned lightly on the countertop of the sinks.
"I was thinking of telling him tonight." She said, looking at Mai with eye for advice. The blond looked at her from the mirror.
"Were you? Well then tell him. You can't hide yourself forever. Soon your stomach would bulge out and he would find out." Mai said calmly, slipping on the last pin and puckered her lips, checking for perfection.
"But, I'm scared out of my wits. This afternoon, he took me shopping and then we, no I started to call him on first name basis." Téa stated, pretending to fix her sash.
"Just be yourself. Your more of a I-don't-lie type of girl, so just do what you do best." The blond woman advised carefully.
"Huh? Do what?" Téa said, confused at the 'words of wisdom'. Mai gave an exasperated sigh. "Be yourself and just tell him."
"I can't. What if he reacted the wrong way? Or doesn't do anything at all?" Téa said, bad thoughts running wildly though her head.
"Téa, I'm talking serious girl. And if something bad happens, just find me and I'll help out at what ever I can. You already got my phone number, so just give me a call and if you need to stay away from him for a while, I'll come over and pick you up. Deal?" Mai tilted her head at the girl, looking directly at her.
Smiling a bit, Téa nodded. "Deal." Smiling, Mai exclaimed. "Good! Now let's go out there before Joey eats our share of desserts."
Giggling, Téa followed Mai back to the parlor entrance.
"Wonda what's fer dessert?" Joey murmured. Yugi and Bakura, hearing what Joey just said, sweat dropped. "Goodness Joseph. You've eaten more than me, Serenity and Téa put together." Mai said, taking a small sip of her champagne.
Yugi, Rebecca, Serenity and Téa had passed on the alcoholic drinks, since they had no tolerance. Surprisingly, for the others, had called on different wines. Tristan and Joey probably had high tolerance of alcohol, since they had drank through three full cups.
Mai just daintily kept sipping small portions of her champagne. Duke and Seto were an exception. They were both rich and had meetings with other company owners, so it was obvious that they drink. Bakura was born with an English mother who attends parties and drags him along, so he was quite used to it.
As if answering Joey's question, slices of lemon cheesecake was served. Téa didn't feel up to eating. Her own worry was still at large, worried about his reaction, his reaction to her secret.
"Téa? Téa." Seto said in a low voice. Shaking out of her pensive, Téa looked at Seto and broke a tiny smile. "Yes?" His eyes were sparked with concern.
"What's wrong? You barely touched your dessert."
"Don't worry, I was just thinking about today and now." She lied. Well, it wasn't really a lie, she was thinking. Picking up her fork, Téa broke off the tip of the cake and put it in her mouth. Mai looked at her and sighed.
"Mai?" Joey asked. "Hm?" Mai reverted her attention to her date. "Ya troubled? Cuz ya been quiet tonight." Usually, Mai would be talking with him on anything, but it felt different because she had been silent for most of the night, only making a few comments here and there.
"Na, just a little bored, since there isn't a lot of dancing yet." She said. "Don't worry. I'll be tha first one ta ask ya ta dance, milady." Joey said, winking at her.
Mai smirked and nodded.
Soon, the plates were collected and the tables were moved to one side of the room, leaving only chairs. The rest of the space was for dancing. The music of a slow song sang in the room from the many stereos placed in the room for the occasion. The chandeliers went dim and candles were lit nearly everywhere in the room, setting off a hopelessly romantic atmosphere.
Many girls were looking expectantly at their boyfriends to ask them to dance, but they were nerve-wrecked, even the headmaster seemed a bit scared. Joey, who promised Mai, took her hand and drew her to the center of the floor.
"Joey what do you think you're doing?" She hissed as he placed his hand on her waist and hers on his shoulder.
"Givin' ya tha dance I promised." He said, grinning cutely.
"But that's was just a joke!" She whispered desperately. "Chill Mai, everyone else dancin' too." He said. Joey was right.
Other couples were drawing to the dance floor and swayed with the music.
TING TING! The Headmaster stood on top of a chair, tapping the steel knife on the glass cup. "Everyone, your attention please! I'm sadly to say that our party had come to a close. Before you leave, would the gentlemen please take their dates and line up at the end of the hotel lobby. We're taking a pairing photo for each of you to remember tonight and each other. Thank you and have great success with your future!" He concluded, as the boys took the girls' hand and led them to the door.
Many girls were whispering excitedly, fixing their hair and checking their making every so often. The boys were nervously playing with their ties and buttons.
"Hey Seto," Téa said, looking down at her unseen shoes. "Hm?" The boy looked above the line's heads and was checking how many more pairs had to go before their turn.
"Today, when I took the camera," The brunette girl said, scolding herself for evening bringing the topic up.
"Hm." Seto said to show that he was paying attention.
"Well, I saw some of the photos that Mokuba had kept in the camera. And there's this picture where you were…" Téa trailed off, not knowing how to continue.
"Mm hm." Seto acknowledged, getting interested by the second at what she needed to say.
"Err, you were… smiling or something. It was at this… no at your study or somewhere in the mansion. Your eyes," Shyly, she reached up and gently ran her forefinger down the side of his face.
"They were… twinkling happily and sort of amused…" The brunette boy was a little startled at her touch, but didn't flinch.
"So?" he questioned. "I-I think that you should smile more…" She stammered, turning away so he doesn't see her blushing.
Caught off guard, Seto nearly stumbled into the boy in front of him. "Wh-what?" Téa mumbled something close enough to be 'never mind'.
"Stupid stupid stupid." She thought to herself. "And you forgot to tell him you're pregnant too! Oh man…."
"NEXT!" the photography professor said, telling the two brunettes to stand in front of the scenery. It was a simple white silk sheet that is hanging down from a bookshelf, making it look like a ghost if all the lights are turned off. A short chair was place in front.
"Mr. Kaiba, if you would stand behind the chair and Ms Gardner, sit down. Now, Mr. Kaiba, wrap your hands around her waist and tilt your head onto his shoulder, dear. Headmaster how does this look?" While the adults were busy talking, Téa told Seto something. "Could you smile? Please just this once to make my special night complete?"
"Smile to make her special night complete? Why are there knots in my stomach? What is going on with me? When did I turn into this…? Since she came… but still what is this emotion that I share?" The CEO looked down into the depths of her blue eyes, searching for his answer in there.
He found many feelings swirling inside them. Sadness, guiltiness, happiness and … love? Letting out a small breath, Seto nodded. The warm breath tickled her neck, but a smile blossomed on her face when he agreed. Murmurs and mutters of comments were shot towards the two brunettes, seeing how they've communicated so easily.
Téa, to them was always talkative and friendly, so it wasn't anything new. But Seto Kaiba, that was different news. He opened up to a single girl and closed his doors on other people. "Okay, please look this way. And one, two, three! Smile!" A white flash passed their eyes and a sound of a photo erupted from the camera.
A photo sheet slid out from the bottom of the black camera, more than half of it was covered by a grayish square. She pulled it out and gave it to Seto. "Good night and have a great fortune in the future!"
Téa got off the chair, still seeing a white spark whenever she closed her eyes. "Oh…. I don't like those cameras…. The flash is so bright." She groaned, letting Seto take hold of her hand and lead her out the door and away from the shock murmurings. "Now people think that we're an item too… from all that chattering…" The girl blinked, still seeing a few purple spots here and there.
"Let them think what they want." He said, opening the limo door and waited for Téa to get in. Téa sat down on the soft leather seat and looked out the window. Her friends were sharing pictures with each other, making her feeling a little left out, but she couldn't object. She had asked Seto for too many things today… and took too many things too.
"Téa, you smell something funny in here?" Seto asked when the atmosphere was smelt of light perfume. Téa closed her eyes and sniffed the air. A sweet and spicy scent came to her nose. It smelled like… "Cinnamon?" She said. "It wasn't in here before…" Seto said. "I placed a freshener in the car sir." The driver said monotonously, pulling the billed cap over his eyes.
"Get rid of it, it smells like crap." Seto growled.
The doors locked and the windows were sealed shut as the driver gave the boy an evil smile. "So sorry."
And the screen between the front and the back rolled up and locked. Angered, Seto tried pushing the button down, but found it jammed.
"Damn it! What is going on here?" A shrill laugh was heard from up front as the car took off. "I demand you to stop right now before you're fired!" Seto yelled, but turned around when he felt a tug on his shirt. "Un…" Téa had started feeling dazed from the thick perfume and tugged on his shirt to draw Seto from yelling too much.
"So dizzy…." Her mind was clouded and her eyes were half closed. The side effects had started effecting Seto as well when his vision became doubled. "What the--?" The girl held her head and quenched her eyes, trying to stay focused.
"Seto—it's the perfume…" Her eyes rolled back and her world became black. The girl fell onto his lap and Seto covered his face with his shirt to stay awake. But the gas had entered his mind and drew him to sleep. His head fell back onto the door.
"Wake up my pets… wake up…" A sweet voice drawled. Yugi groggily opened his amethyst eyes to see nothing be darkness. A small globe of light circled the room and the voice continued to repeat the same words.
"Wake up… wake up…" Yugi tried to move, but thick ropes locked his hands and legs tightly. Squinting in the dark, the tri-colored hair boy saw some other figures chained to metal boards. Soon the place was full of groans and moans of awaking.
"Good… you're awake…" The soft voice hissed. Sweeping of heavy robes were heard being dragged on the floor. Soon, lights from fires filtered the room. Yugi saw that they were in some sort of abandoned warehouse, seeing all the crates and boxes at the corners. Two hooded figures stood in the middle, behind the table with many objects. There were six other people in the room, also bound to the boards with ropes securely on their hands and legs.
Yugi was at the beginning and it continued into a semi-circle. Next were Joey, Mai, Tristan, Serenity, Duke, and finally Seto. "Man, what's this? A Halloween party?" Tristan said when he saw the two freaky figures.
"This again." Seto said.
"Hey rich boy, what do ya mean 'this agane'?" Joey said, trying to fight the bindings.
"He meant that he happened before Joey." Mai said, staring at the people in the middle of wherever they were. "Big brother, what's happening?" Serenity's small voice quivered with fear.
"Hey! You people, let us go would you?" Duke shouted. "Guys, where's Téa?" Yugi shouted, worried of his best friend's absence. "The girl is right there…" A different and deeper voice drawled, lifting a finger and pointed in front of them. They turned their heads and saw nothing but blackness. Soon, the gentle rays of moonlight came down from the skylight.
A girl was tied with golden metal cords to an ancient tablet, with hieroglyphics carved on the back. She was still unconscious, or probably deep asleep. The brown hair was undone from its curls and her dress was nowhere to be seen. A black loose fitting dress replaced the dark silk dress. A golden chain ran around her waist and neck.
"Téa!" Everyone exclaimed, when they realized it was she.
"Yes… the girl…" The low voice hissed with laughter.
1: elementary kids are dismissed at 3:30 pm, at least that was what I saw when I checked… tell me if you know when!
AN: YES! Finally down with this chapter! I'm free for now… but I think there's only going to be about… nine more chapters to go. I was planning to finish this with 48 chapters or 24, but I don't really know yet… the 'happy ending' would be during X-mas, to tell you the truth ! And for those who might think that they'll be a sequel to it, I'm really really sorry. I still have 'Warriors At Heart' to managed with my free time and I'm working on the ideas for the sequel to that story. It's a hard job to be juggling with three stories at once because sometimes… I run into writer's block or I might not feel up to typing, even though I did start it. Of course, I'm not Azurite… I don't even know how she's going to finish up all the loose ends to her opened stories. But then again, Azurite's like a miracle goddess and I'm not. I lack the confidence in my own work, but she doesn't… I'm really ashamed to say that I'm a tad looser… sniffies And I've got many request for my older story, that I've shamelessly abandoned, to be updated. I apologize, but I only have scattered strings of ideas for every so chapter. So I hope that I could return to it as soon as possible, mostly, people like for me to update on "An Old Memory". Don't worry for all of those who wanted me to continue it, I'll promise you on my honor (if I had any, that is…;), I fix up those chapters and have them up for you. However, I'm going to work a lot faster if I had at least one or two beta readers to pre-read my work… if you love me (or hate me for updating at such a slow pace for such short chapters) review and I'm willing to take anyone who would want to be my beta… whether you're a newbie or one of my fantastic and frequent reviewer, you're always welcomed to my work…
The lady winged Knight: lol. Thanks… I'm not a very good speechmaker… I don't even know how to start… anyways… his reaction… that is going to be clearly written in the next chapter when 'he' tells Seto. (Hint hint! Sometimes… I don't like giving hints… like torturing people! ) And don't tear your hair out… it's gonna be a long day/week/month/year if you do… so just keep it on for now… if you don't die first… heheh thankies for reviewing! (You have a very strict character…)
HieilovesBotan: haha… rhymes but doesn't really make sense! Still I love it! Anyways… even though I've already answered your question, I'll say it again… the mall! I'm not really a shopping kind of girl but I'm guessing that there are those kinds of stores… not sure… tell me if I'm right or wrong. AND I'M WRITING! T-T….
LuvinAnime: thankies for reviewing! And about the cliffies…. Hehe… love to do that… I can't seem to stop, must be addiction! I love to make people wait too… since I'm not really all that patient myself. Sorry … ;
Cocca1331: oh! Thanks for the info… I just looked at different Japanese School's graduations; most of them wore suits and dresses. But thanks again!
blueangel108: I agree… very sad ending… I nearly cried myself when I read it… hehe… I'm extra sensitive! Anyhow… writing romace-fics… my friend thinks I'm insane for me to be writing them… from her point of my life long situations… hehe… thanks for reviewing and I'll consider writing it!
Sphincter: haha… not many people would be envy of Téa (glares at those Téa bashers and bonks them on the head with my favorite mallet). And of Seto… nice doesn't suit him every day, but every so often, don't ya think? And I'll try to read your story, if my eager reviewers don't toast me first!
Ms. Cassandra Chant: likely enough I'd say. I've read and reviewed for you! On one of them… forgot which one, sorry, very bad memory. And thanks; I really love to get Seto in full character mode, but not really my talent. I spoil them.
Carapheonix: Are they? I checked them earlier, they seem fine with me however, and I'll double and triple check. But thanks for telling me the error… at least I think it is… review next time!