A/n: Sorry y'all, for the late update. Whew, a lotta reviews……lolz, yeah Tea's aim is better, dun worry. Only by a little. Anyhoo, I'm itching to write so let's get it started, m'kay?

Disclaimer: Boy am I tired of writing these…..sigh….I dun own Yugioh! and that goes for all the chappies! Sheesh……

Chapter Two: The Take Off

& Tea's POV &

As I boarded the sparkling white jumbo jet, I stepped one foot on the stairs, glancing nervously around me; at the airstrip. Was this "right?" Just going off with my new "boyfriend," without even calling my parents first? They would worry and probably think I'd been kidnapped. They were very protective of me. Most likely, the police would be sent after Kaiba---I smiled, picturing it----I couldn't help it--- and everything would turn out a mess…..

Not that I wanted things to go awry. Still, it would be interesting to see Kaiba try to explain his way out of that one…......mm, nah. Better not jinx it by thinking. As for the "boyfriend" part, I realized then, that I did consider him one. Although, I still had a knack for wishing nothing but ill-wishes for him. It was like stepping into an old pair of slippers everytime I did so; it was so familiar.

Still, I had to be supportive now, play the role of the supportive "girlfriend." After all, I do want to try and make this relationship work out well. I swiveled on my toe gracefully to find him watching me as well. I let my puzzled look say it all.

"What's wrong, now?" He sighed as if I was a total worrywart. Look who's talking! Okay, no more negative thoughts; about him, anyway. You are together now!

"Oh, nothing," I murmured. "Except……I wonder..... what my parents will say, if I just left without making even a call……"

This was a hint to give me his cell so I could do so, but instead he wasved his hand dismissively. "Don't worry. I've already made arrangements with your folks." I was surprised at the thoughtfulness; he did plan this all out, didn't he? How nice. "And believe me," he said turning as I got this spark: "they were more then happy to send you off…."

What did he mean by that, that my parents were glad to be rid me? I jumped to their defense. "What do you mean, Kaiba? What exactly did you say to them?! Tell me or I'll--"

"Just get on the plane, Gardener, and I'll tell you there." Hesitating, I finally did so, bristling at being called by my last name. After all, we were together, weren't we not? We should be at a first-name basis……I cleverly overlooked the fact that I, too, had done the same. It was just so hard to remember, sometimes, that we were together now!

Well, you have to try. Remember, you promised to make this work, I reminded myself as I took a seat by the window, wondering what I had gotten myself into. When the plane door shut with a swish, it felt like a tomb's being closed. A motorized voice even said, "Preparing for takeoff: Air regulation set at 50 oxygen" and then naming all sorts of other air-gases that I remembered from high school chemistry class's periodic table. Fortunately, none of them were toxic. I quit my mental-mind nervousness with a quick headshake. I had to start trusting the guy more…!

I clenched my hands together; I was still wearing the formal suit I had worn from the graduation. I was still in high school, it was summertime, so school was out. Next year, I would be a senior. I glimpsed as Kaiba went to the back to check the luggage compartment. He was already out of high school, a year older than me. Where would he be….?

I wiped my nose, sniffing, with my handkerchief and tried not to think about it. Later. Save it for later. Right now, we had to get through the plane ride together. I didn't like to fly; it was my worst way of travel. I wasn't afraid of heights, exactly; okay maybe I was. But I was determined not to tell Kaiba! Of all people--! Boyfriend or no, he would laugh at me. I would do the same thing if it were vice-versa, I knew honestly.

So..... I tried to stay as un-frozen as possible,when he came back, and he took his seat a little ways off from me, maybe an arm's length. That was okay; the less he saw of me, the less he'd suspected my fear. Still, there was a twinge of hurt, even though it was the only other seat in the spacious passenger compartment. What didja think, he'd sit on top of you?! I chided myself as I nervously starting jabbering (something I do when I'm agitated). "Did you at least pack my suitcase when you went to speak to my parents, without telling me first, I might add?! You really should have told me about this---I hate unexpected trips--you better not do this again in the near future---"

"No, I didn't get your suitcase--what am I, a slave?" He grouched at me, disgruntedly unfolding his table. "I was going to lend you some money to go shopping for things you need."

I drummed my fingers on the table of my own. "Shopping? You're so generous." It came out more sarcastically than I'd meant; and he raised an eyebrow at me at my ungratefulness. "Where are we staying anyway? In a hotel?"

There was a short, brief silence. "It's a surprise, but I know since you're not going to stop pressing me until I tell you, so I'll tell you. I have some property over there, it's in a condo."

I swallowed as I absorbed this. " ' C-condo….?' "

"Yes." He flashed a grin at me, for some unknown reason. But I was too busy gulping, because the plane had started moving then, zipping down the runaway and getting faster and faster. I was sure the huge twin turbo engines would burst into flame; it was going so fast. I gripped the cloth-covered to-the-side sofa, the armrest, at least that was what I thought, it turned out to be his nearby knee.

"Ahem. Nervous?"

I let out a deep, slow shuddering breath out, in a hiss. "Yesss."

"Yes I know. I could tell by the fingernail marks you've left on my leg." The paper in his hands rattle as he shook it out as I mumbled an apology, chagrined, and quickly santched my hand back.. I quickly folded them back in my lap where they should be, and I could tell he was looking at me, but I didn't want to meet his eyes because I was sure he would tease and make fun. So I set out my table too, until finally I couldn't stand it and drew up my gaze.

There was amusement, to be sure, on his face, but he didn't say anything. But I sure did. "Yes; go ahead and laugh," I said caustically, mouth twisting. "I'm afraid of heights….sooo where's your laughter?" Come on and let it out.....already!

"I didn't say anything." He disappeared behind his laptop.

"It's was what you were thinking though," I accused, setting my temple on my knuckles, cocking my head to one side. "You know, you'd better not be expecting anything or not expecting anything…."--I was sure that I had just confused myself right then, but he was smart; let him figure it out--- "that you shouldn't be on this trip."

The paper lowered; then rattled as he lifted it up again. "Whatever that means, Gardener. Bearing that in mind, 'if you say so!' "

"Yeah? Well…." I couldn't think of a good comeback, so I had to be silent for a few minutes. Staring out the window, I saw clouds rushed by like white swirls of a tornado; it didn't help ease me a bit. "Why are the clouds rushing by so fast?! There's a thunderstorm approaching! Seto?!" There, I finally managed to get his first name out…..and I pointed outside.

He barely noticed it. ".....hmm?"

His constant calmness always irked me. And it would forever irk me. I was sure of that. "Um, thunderstorm!" I said, pointing outside frantically and leaning forward as I did so.

"Look, there's no storm, Tea. See for yourself." He threw the newspaper at me, and I gave him a good glare and unfolded it. It was true; clear skies all the way. "Well……if we get swirled around like a washer and dryer, it'll be all your fault," I threw at him along with the paper. It fluttered, catching on an updraft, and went right back at me. I wasn't very happy to have a paper stick on me so unattractively.

He arranged his look into concern and said, "You looked stressed out."

"Of course I am! You don't even tell me--just spring this on me---the last minute, so excuse me if I'm a little grouchy!" I finally managed to get that darn paper off me, and it smacked against the window. Great; now I couldn't keep watch for any impending storms that I was so sure of anymore……I folded my arms and crossed my legs and slumped my shoulders.

He was unconcerned again. "Eat something; it'll help you to relax."

Deciding to follow his advice for once, I walked across after unfolding myself from my sulk and went to where he was pointing, my chin held high with as much dignity as I could muster. After all, I had lost it a little back then. The colorful array of fruits alleviated my spirits a bit. I heard a call of: "Get me something too you can feed me" like if it were a privilege to do so or something. I unscrewed a bottle of "fruit juice" and took a few long gulps, thinking, Oh yeah, I'll feed you, you insensitive old 'bot who doesn't even know when the person you're supposed to have feelings for feeling down. I steamed on that for a bit, then, when I had taken hold of my temper again, I made my way back, dignified. I wobbled a bit and returned with a bunch of grapes in a silver bowl, he looked me up and down and said, "I said, 'Eat something' not drink something!"

I opened my mouth to answer, but only a hiccup came out. A pretty loud one at that. "Whaddya mean?"

He blew a breath through his nose, obviously frustrated with me, but I didn't notice because the room was suddenly swirling around like those clouds outside. All of my fear of heights suddenly went out the window with those clouds. "It-it washn't…..fruit juice…?" I slurred, struggling the keep my mind on the present.

He grabbed me and helped me lay down, with difficulty. "No. Try a fifth of scotch." Then came his pun: "Too late, I see." Suddenly I was laying down on a folded out chair, clutching at his jacket to keep my balance and saying, "You shouldn've told me aboutssit, Ssssheto!" He smelled like spice from cologne......oh great, I was drunk. Thanks to him. He gave me some coffee to sober up again, at least that's what it tasted like. "Now, Tea, that was for later….!" I heard him say, chuckling to himself, as if scolding and talking to a little child.

Then, I then passed out. In a not very dignified way at all, I must add.

TBC

A/n: I know, that was way unexpected! I dunno….maybe I'll play with this before they get to Hawaii. Mwa hahaha! What fun! And have lots of unexpected things'll happen beforehand. Anywho, R&R! I'm hoping to get 30. (crosses fingers)