Chapter 11 – Flashback, Cheesecake and YUGI, Oh My!

As promised, here it is, Chapter 11. My crazy little tale is almost at a close. I'm sad to see it go but that means that now I'll be able to concentrate wholeheartedly on "I Need to Get This Out…" and possibly "Summer Rains" and a third fic that I've had an idea for almost a year now. I've been too happy about too much other stuff to get in the right mood to continue the first one. So on with the show…

See Disclaimer on my Bio Page. I'm too lazy to write it out here.

Coats and hats had been neatly hung up in the laundry room. Mittens and gloves lay atop various heating vents throughout the house to dry from their drenching during the snowball fight. Much confusion and laughter had ruled the house as the five guys and one girl had tried to manoeuvre through the hallways and stairwells without running into each other. Even Kaiba's usual, arrogant smirk was replaced by something closer resembling a thin-lipped half smile. Extra towels had been passed around for hands, faces and hair and everyone figured that now was as good a time as any to put on pyjamas and get ready for bed.

Small fights had erupted, between Tristan and Joey and also between Kaiba and Mokuba, over who got to use the bathroom to change first. Naturally, Téa and Yugi had slipped under the radars and stolen the washrooms out from under their noses. Joey kept insisting that being hit as many times as he'd been, he deserved the washroom first. Tristan countered with the phone number he'd gotten from Julie. It had turned into a one-upmanship contest and Téa took advantage of their distraction to slip around them and into the bathroom unnoticed. Mokuba tried to convince Seto that since he was the youngest, he deserved to change first (so he could help with getting dessert ready was his reasoning). Kaiba wasn't going to follow that idea so he countered with his 'I'm the older brother, you'd better do what I say' routine. Yugi watched with interest for a moment or two. It was a rare occasion to see the two boys fighting like this, but eventually, the need to change out of his soaking wet clothes got the better of him and he slipped around the arm-waving, younger Kaiba, using him as a shield to block the sight of the older Kaiba. Perfect timing. Those two didn't realize they'd been outfoxed until the door was shut and locked.

Giggles, shouts and pounding fists reverberated through the house for the next few minutes before Yugi and Téa triumphantly emerged, dressed in pyjamas, faces washed and glowing. Téa laughed as she headed towards the kitchen to get snacks ready for the card game. That was the only way to stop Joey and Tristan from tickling her to death, as they'd promised through the locked door. Yugi wandered down the hallway, ignoring the silent, wide-eyed stares the Kaibas' gave him as he walked smugly passed.

Téa was already in the kitchen, preparing everything for their dessert and card game when Yugi came in, dressed in his blue flannel pyjamas with stars and moons on them. She was humming a catchy Christmas tune as she filled the electric kettle from the sink and Yugi took a moment to bask in her happiness. He sincerely hoped that Kaiba knew just how lucky he was to have a girl like her by his side.

'He'd better realize how lucky he is,' Yami commented, his amethyst eyes gleaming darkly. 'If he doesn't, I shall make sure he rues the day he was born.'

'You wouldn't have a chance to do anything,' Yugi stated, looking to the Spirit next to him. 'Téa has a way of handling anyone unlucky enough to cross her. Remember what she did to Joey after that disastrous picnic at her house? The one where the roses died a week later?'

Flashback… last summer… a week after the roses died a horrible death…

"Put it on, Joey," Téa commanded, her eyes flashing angrily and her voice backed by steel as she thrust something large, pink and fluffy at her friend.

"Téa, isn't dere anyting else I could do? Clean your room, wax yer dad's car, eat a jar full of Habaneros peppers? Anyting but dis, please!" Joey cried, his distraught voice reaching a higher, more whiny pitch as he fell to his knees before Téa and raised his arms up for her mercy.

No such luck for him. She wasn't feeling very merciful at that moment. The shock of losing the roses that way still burned in her mind and Joey was about to pay for what he'd done to those innocent flowers that were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"No, Joey. Nothing else at all will do. Quit your whining and put it on. You did the crime and now you are so going to do the time." Her hands shook the pink thing once more and a bit of fluff landed on Joey's nose. "Eating got you into this mess in the first place and doing this will get you out of it. Just do it, Joey, or do I have to put it on for you?" The threat hung in the air between them for a moment as Yugi and Tristan tried to control the bubbles of laughter that were squirming to get out. Téa and Joey had been arguing for a good half hour about this and it looked like Téa had just been declared the winner if the look of fear in Joey's eyes was anything to judge by.

Joey glared at the two boys covering their mouths with their hands. How could they find this situation so funny? He was about to commit social suicide and they thought it was a laugh riot. If any of the girls at school found out about this, there was no way he would ever get a date with any one of them. One more look at Téa and he gave a dejected sigh. Why did he always do these stupid things? They always came around to bite him back. He should have learned by now to not mess with Téa.

"A'right, already. Gimme de damn ting," Joey said, holding out his hands as he stood up from the punishing kneel he'd fallen into. Téa's smug look almost killed him as she dumped it into his arms and he headed for the bathroom.

The giggles that followed him just made him grit his teeth and bear it.

For every action, there was an equal and opposite reaction.

Joey was in the process of getting his reaction.

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"Téa, how much longer do I have to wear dis stupid ting? People are starting to freak me out. And de kids are annoyin'!" Joey whined, plucking at the sleeve of his 'outfit'. Téa had forced him to put on a fuzzy, fluffy, pink pig costume. But the humiliation hadn't ended there, oh no. A sign hung around his neck proclaiming, in bold, black letters, 'I ate 17 hamburgers at one time and my breath killed roses'.

As they walked the hallways of Domino Mall, people slowed and then stopped to read the sign before laughter and giggles erupted around them. It was hard to miss a seven-foot tall 'pig' strolling through the corridors. People stared and pointed, some almost collapsing from the humour of it all, as the foursome approached. Small children thought it was amusing and held Joey's fuzzy hands, swinging them wildly with laughter and glee. They rubbed his white belly and giggled as it actually jiggled. Then there was the tail pulling. Joey swore to himself that the next kid that did that was going to die a painful, horrible death until he looked back at Téa and saw the steel in her eyes.

Téa, Yugi and Tristan walked a little bit behind Joey, thoroughly enjoying their friends' predicament. His heartfelt pleas for release from his humiliating torture finally melted through her anger and her eyes softened.

They were almost at the food court anyways. Time to set him free.

"Okay, Joey, I think that's punishment enough for what you did to those poor, defenceless roses. We'll meet you at the food court for some pizza when you're done changing. I'll even treat you to a slice." The look of relief on his face as his pink hands flew to untie the strings holding the pig head to his own was worth it. Maybe next time he'd think twice about overeating at a picnic and killing rosebushes.

End Flashback…

'You're right, Yugi. I remember that now. She has a way of taking care of herself. Quite independent,' Yami mused. Yugi smiled at the Pharaoh as he walked further into the kitchen, intending to offer Téa his help to get everything ready.

"Oh, hey Yugi. Want to help me get the cheesecake ready? I've already got water on for hot chocolate. I just have to cut and plate the cheesecake," Téa asked, turning around and spotting her best friend walking in through the doorway.

"Sure thing, Téa," he replied, a genuine smile of contentment breaking through as he joined her at the counter to await further instructions. Now was his chance to have confirmation or denial of everything he'd been witnessing and musing over for the last week or so.

"Great. First things first, though. Can you get the cheesecake out of the fridge and bring it over here?" She gave Yugi a questioning look and he nodded a second later. What was going through his mind? She'd been expecting a detailed account of the snowball fight and instead was met with a smile and vague, far-seeing eyes. Maybe the Pharaoh was talking to him or asking him a question. Shrugging her shoulders, she took the dessert plates out of the cupboard and set them down just as she heard the fridge door slam shut.

Yugi carefully carried the cheesecake back to the counter. There was no way he was going to drop her famous dessert on the floor before he'd had a chance to eat a slice or three. Somehow, her cheesecake was always light and fluffy and he'd never been able to find a bakery that could duplicate how she did it. Plus, Téa kept it a closely guarded secret, only saying that it was a recipe her grandmother and mother had passed down to her. This one looked to be even better than usual.

It was all chocolate, from the crust to the topping to the small rosettes crowning the top of it. Yugi's mouth watered just by looking at it. The Pharaoh wasn't sure that he wanted to eat something made of cheese. Usually cheese was used to make a meal, not something that finished a meal. This would be a treat for him as well, if Yugi's reaction was anything to judge by. Strange foods they ate in this era.

The two of them shared in a comfortable silence as she cautiously cut the first slice of cheesecake. Once the first cut was made, she handed the knife to Yugi. Only she was allowed to do that. Something to do with how the knife entered the cake or something like that. She'd never really explained it to him except to say that it was tradition.

Téa sighed softly to herself. The first cut was done. Her mother had always told her that it was possible to tell how the night was going to go just by cutting through a dessert. If it went in smoothly and the chocolate coating didn't crack, the night would be perfect. If it did crack, well, that was the end of it. Something was bound to go wrong. It was a silly superstition but she'd heard it so many times and seen it proven repeatedly to disbelieve it anymore.

According to the cake, the night was going to be perfect.

Too bad it couldn't predict any further than that night. Knowing about the next morning would have been a big help.

No other sounds close by in the house were heard, ensuring that everyone else was still getting ready for bed. The two of them were alone for a few more minutes.

Screwing up his courage before he chickened out, he asked his question. "So, Téa, tell me something." Deep breath. "How long have you and Kaiba been… you know…?"

The only sign he had that she'd heard him was her hand wavering slightly as it finished transferring the first slice of cheesecake. Her heartfelt sigh was the second one.

"I should have known you'd figure it out, Yugi." She turned towards him, cake-lifter in hand and gave him an apologetic smile. "It's only been a few days, though. Since last Saturday. You know, the day of the decorating party. You're not… mad at me, are you, for keeping it quiet?"

"Why would I be mad at you about that? It's between you and him. I really have no say in the matter." Yugi made a third cut and the second slice was plated before anything else was said between them. It wasn't a strained silence, more like relieved quiet.

"You won't tell Joey and Tristan yet, will you? You know how those two feel about him…"

"Of course not. Those two are too busy thinking that he's trying to get my deck formation out of you to see what's right in front of their faces. Besides, I think you'll be good for Kaiba. Make him a little less… uptight… if you know what I mean…" The comical waggling of his eyebrows and the very… indecent leer made her break down in giggles and almost drop the third slice on the floor.

"YUGI!" She couldn't believe he'd just said that. Sweet, innocent Yugi… The boy she'd known since she was five… had a naughty train of thought. The Pharaoh must have had something to do with that comment. That was the only explanation.

"Well, it's true; whatever you two have been up to has already changed him. I swear I saw Kaiba smile earlier, when I almost collided with him on the stairs." They shared a smile before a commotion out in the hallway snagged their attention.

"I'm gonna get you, Mokuba!"

Seconds later, the younger Kaiba flew into the kitchen, black hair flying and green pyjamas in disarray, just before a very red-faced Joey came bursting in after him. Mokuba raced around the kitchen table, stopping on the side away from a growling Joey Wheeler. Laughing uproariously, he couldn't even speak as he waved something large and blue at the older boy.

"What's going on, boys?" Téa asked, watching the two of them lunge side to side around the table. Their battle was at a stalemate. Whatever way Joey moved to try to get him, Mokuba moved the opposite to stay away. Maybe, just maybe, the Prank King had been pranked himself. Taking a closer look and leaning a little forward, Téa could just make out what the youngest Kaiba held in his hands.

A pair of navy blue pyjama bottoms.

Joey, still red-faced and huffing like a bull, tried a different tactic and went to reach for Mokuba across the table instead of darting around it. Mokuba, smart kid, snatched it just out of his reach and toned the laugh down to loud giggles. This had been his best idea ever, even better than the mistletoe last Saturday and a hundred times better than the bottle of blue dish soap Seto had worn. That had been a mistake. ROLAND was supposed to be the next person through that doorway, not Seto, especially when he'd already had a bad day at work. That had still been hilarious… and he had the Polaroids to prove it!

"Mokuba, dat little devil, picked de lock on de bathroom door, stormed in while I was washin' my face and took my pyjama bottoms. C'mon Mokuba, give 'em back!" Joey's outraged voice turned pleading as the younger boy waved said pyjama bottoms tauntingly over his head.

The scuffle in the kitchen escalated as Joey made to dash around the table once more, trying to catch Mokuba by surprise. NO such luck. He just dashed to the other side and baited Joey once more. Joey gave a growl of frustration and ran a hand through his still wet fringe. Téa and Yugi just watched from the counter. This was the best entertainment they'd had yet.

Of course, such shenanigans didn't go unnoticed by the other two members of the group. Tristan raced into the kitchen, eyes wide and arms splayed out at his sides. "What's going on? I heard all the yelling…" His voice trailed off and Téa watched his eyes go from confused to goofy. The corners of his lips curled up before they parted into the biggest belly laugh she'd ever heard. "Oh man, Joey, your legs are sooooooooooo white. You really need to get out more."

"Quit yer yappin' 'n' help me get my pants back! You probably helped him, didn't you, you traitor!" Joey's face had just passed beyond red and into the purple/eggplant spectrum from embarrassment. Here he was, pant less, covered only by his white pyjama top and a pair of green boxers and no one was helping him. Téa and Yugi were too busy laughing and Tristan was standing around, looking at him as if he were a complete doofus. How was he to know that Mokuba could pick locks? He always seemed so innocent. Then again, he was the cause of their downfall during the snowball fight. And that mistletoe kiss he'd shared with Téa and KAIBA… He should have remembered that the younger brother of Kaiba was just as devious as the older one.

Speak of the devil…

Seto Kaiba stalked into the kitchen and surveyed the scene before him. He'd known something was about to happen, when Mokuba had finally let him into the bathroom to change. The kid was also faster than he'd ever given him credit for. The moment that Yugi opened the door, Mokuba had elbowed Seto and rushed in, leaving him panting outside in the hallway, doubled over in slight pain. Yugi had just shrugged his shoulders, held a finger to his lips (promising his silence) and continued on towards the kitchen.

Mokuba had come out only three minutes later and made a dash for it down the hallway before Seto even had a chance to grab him and ask if he'd brushed his teeth. The kid was around the corner and down the stairs to the basement like the Devil himself (or Marik) was after him. That clued Seto in to the fact that there was mischief involved. Which he was currently not paying too much attention to. His eyes had better things to look at.

Téa stood at the counter, watching the whole scenario unfold before her, and to his eyes, she looked absolutely delicious. The yellow tank top clung delectably to her very feminine curves and the matching Capri-length bottoms hugged her hips so well that he felt his mouth start to water at the sight. And to top everything off, much as a cherry did a sundae, his pendant was snugly nestled between her breasts, winking at him every time she moved.

Tearing his eyes away from her lest his body decide to betray him at that most inopportune moment, he saw Yugi chortle happily at the battle still raging around the kitchen table. Looking at the table itself, he saw Taylor and a boxer-clad Wheeler getting ready to pounce on his cunning, little brother. Mokuba was waving what could only be a pair of pyjama bottoms and making the mutt growl in frustration. Smirking at his own little joke, he crossed his arms over his maroon-satin covered chest and contentedly leaned against the door frame to watch the outcome.

"I didn't help him. I just stood out of the way while he used one of Téa's hairpins to pop the lock. He did it all by himself," Tristan countered as he took the other side of the table and prepared to make a rush on Mokuba's position. Joey just glared at him and did the same at the other side of the table.

Mokuba waved the pants in the air once more, eyeing both Joey and Tristan and wondering which way to turn should they both make a dash at him at the same time. There were two of them and one of him, which evened out the odds in a way no one outside the group would really understand.

Now Joey was confused, he really wanted his pants back but he really wanted to get Tristan for standing aside and doing nothing to stop Mokuba. The need for pants won out and he gave Tristan a slight nod. Tristan grinned and they both made a lunge for Mokuba around each side of the table.

Mokuba never stood a chance.

Tristan grabbed a hold of an arm and Joey finally got a hold of his pyjama bottoms before the little scamp could make any attempt at a get away.

Seto couldn't stay quiet any longer. "Wheeler, for the sake of our eyesight, put some pants on. There is a lady present, you know." Seto growled, more to annoy than to humiliate. At least he wasn't the only one that Mokuba kept trying to prank. It was nice to see him expanding his horizons.

Everyone's eye swung to the teenager standing in the doorway, shock registering on their faces. His tone of voice hadn't quite reached his usual level of caustic sarcasm and Téa dared to hope that he was actually making a joke.

"Lady? What lady? All I see are de guys and Téa, who's almost a guy," Joey quipped, scrambling into his pyjama bottoms as fast as he could lest Mokuba find some way to steal them once more.

"Then you need to have your eyes examined," Seto retorted, his eyes catching hers. She saw the smile there and knew he was just baiting Joey for fun, not malice. Yugi was right. Seto had changed in the last few days. She still doubted though that he and Joey would ever be the best of friends.

"Whatever, Kaiba." Joey refused to get into a verbal sparring match with him. Kaiba was just way too good at twisting words around. Wait a sec… he'd just given Téa compliment by calling her a lady. Was he still up to his tricks to get her to spill? Pretending to be nice? No way that was going to happen, not with him around. He'd just have to keep a closer eye on the two of them tonight. No more pink jackets inside the house to distract him from his mission. Tristan and Yugi may have given up on it but he hadn't. Besides, he had plans of his own for Kaiba later on…

"All right boys, let me finish cutting up the cheesecake in peace and you guys get the table ready for another round of 'Idiot'. All you have to do is get some forks and something to drink. The pop Kaiba and I brought up from the basement before the snowball fight is in the fridge." Téa's smooth interception kept things from getting too out of hand. Besides, it was already past eight o'clock. She still needed to win at least one more hand to be declared the ultimate 'Idiot' winner for this year. And if not, it was best two out of three.

The cheesecake was also calling to her…

And so far, it hadn't lied… the night was going perfectly well.

Well, Chapter 12 will be on its way soon. Get ready for some card playing fun next chapter. That should be the next couple of weeks or so… Hope you enjoyed this chapter as well as the others I've posted.

Aphrael21 ;)