Catching the Ocean
Chapter 6
By: Kerigan
Still dedicated to: Courtney
Tea now stood in her room, dress on and ready to go. However, she spent as much time as possible staring at herself in the mirror and sucking in air. She didn't know what was going on. First she was warming up to the idea of a ball room dance for Christmas. Now she felt anxiety race through her veins. She noticed all the little un-perfections of herself when she was all winded up the way she was now. Her hair was a bit frizzy, her skin was far to pale, and the damn cast look so... irritating. It stood out with it's hard surface under the fishnet material. Before she could spray her hair with even more water and styling spray, someone knocked on her door.
"Yes?" she called while remaining where she was.
It was a young man who did not sound like either of the Kaibas. "Ms. Gardner, I apologize for interrupting you, but Mr. Kaiba wishes your presence immediately. He is in the main lobby, shall I escort you?"
Tea took one last look at herself, took a deep breath, then opened the door. The man was in a waiter uniform even though she was positive he was a cleaner. Anyway, he lead the way for her down the steps to where Seto stood. He was tall, and rather handsome. His tuxedo fitting the billionaire status of dress with his blue eyes toned down to fit the coldness out side. "You look surprisingly stunning." he said smoothly.
She smiled but wanted to kick him for the somewhat insult. 'Surprisingly! Who does he think he is!' she thought behind the smile. "Where is Mokuba?" Tea asked to go off subject. She didn't want to compliment his perfect look in fear he may get a bit arrogant. She may be in dept to him, but damned would she be to let herself be controlled by this rich snob.
"He will arrive later, after the guest have been cleared through security. You have to greet the guests with me, so follow." Then he walked off with such a stride she wondered how she missed it before. He was graceful, poised, strong, and manly. She guessed you could just tell the sophistication by the tuxedo. So with heels clicking down the tiled vestibule, she followed him with the fake smile still plastered on her face. She wondered if her sparkly watermelon flavored lip gloss was still perfect, and if her eye shadow was flawless. It probably was because it was just minutes ago she had applied it. Still, her mind traveled to her own features. Specially after seeing the CEO at his best.
It took a minute for her to register who she was greeting. Kaiba was rich man who was not afraid to give anyone attitude. For greeting I bet he was just there to stand and appear taller and much more powerful than anyone else in the room. Which he was. He just had to show it. "Let them in." he said from within his tuxedo collar. Tea blinked. How bizarre was that? Kind of like some spy movie with Seto being the main attraction of an actor.
First, a group arrived in a number of ten. They tried to shake hands with Seto, but he wouldn't budge. He just smiled and evil smile then offered them beverages. A waiter took the orders before striding off. Tea shook hands though. She enjoyed having the people stare at her as if she was Seto's mistress. She wasn't though. Probably couldn't stand it either. Him always being so dominant. Luckily, she knew how to deal with people, so maybe the stay wouldn't be so bad. "Good evening sir." she said happily, now enjoying this.
It wasn't long until Mokuba arrived but he was...different. He was stronger in his tux that matched his brothers, and he had the look of power too. He was a miniature Seto with more a childish spirit. Of course, if Tea had told him that, he probably would have been offended. He didn't like his brother's idea of working so hard at one time. "Tea you look so pretty! Are you having fun yet?" he grinned widely and for a minute she thought he was hinting something to her.
"Yes I am."
Mokuba nodded then disappeared in crowd of older rich people. No wonder he was so mature, all he has around him are adults. "I'm going over there." She told Seto in a non-direct fashion before striding away. He caught her good wrist and she almost spun around to slap him. Almost. She didn't though, the only thing she did do was sharply turn around. He sighed.
"Haven't you ever been to a party before? We have to dance together for the first song because we're the hosts." he said in a sort of out of character way. Maybe he was playing the people so that he didn't look so evil unless he worked with them. Of course, it was all a trap, he would suck them in and never let them go if they decided to do business with them. "Come on." he said. Then he took her to the dance floor then began to dance. He was actually pretty casual about it. One hand at the curve of her slender waist, the other with her hand. She didn't know how she was dancing when she was, but he lead her on. She had never though of Kaiba dancing with someone before.
Tea hesitantly placed a hand upon his broad shoulder while they shifted from foot to foot. The mini orchestra he hired played a magical tune filled with flutes and violas. Lights sparkled the tall towers of marble supporting his mansion. She didn't even know what the outside looked like but she bet it was wonderful. Little by little, she began to realize how calm this made her. He was enticing yet sharp, bold but brilliant. He was a man of disguise. Even though she knew who he really was, he was so different at this one moment. Him holding her in his arms so lightly, it felt as if nothing was there but a ghost. Carefully, she loosed her shoulders so that she leaned against him gently. He had a steady heart beat, a warm body. Yet why was he so cold? She had seen him attempt suicide in order to save his brother, yet she had also seen him send Yugi's grandfather to the hospital for a stupid card. The things...the events that she had seen with him were just so random. Finally she settled on him being a white and black type of guy. One that had his bad side, one that had his good side. The trick about him is that they never ever mixed. If they did, he wouldn't be him. He had his bad side for people inferior to him, and a good side for his only family member, Mokuba. She wondered where she fit in.
By the time the song ended, people were watching. Tea hadn't noticed the fact he had placed both hands on the scare of her back. Her cast felt so huge against his shoulder that it made her blush. She didn't even realize that she was wearing a cast! They pulled apart, and he walked away in his apathetic state. She did too, but not so gracefully. She felt drunk with a sense of softness. A few people clapped, one person cheered, but no one can actually understand the extent of what he just did to her. He made her melt and that was pretty scary.
Her hand instantly reached for something alcoholic and she nearly choked when she swallowed a gulp. She didn't mean for the drink to be alcoholic. Catching herself quickly, trying to be nearly as graceful as Seto, she took another drink. This time she made it smooth, like the champagne she drank. It's crisp golden color looking so captivating. Tea never liked liquor though. The taste of most beverages didn't suit her. Turning, she saw Seto standing next to here. "Hi?" she blurted, unsuspecting the tall man to be so close without her knowing.
He gave her a sharp look before saying. "Yes?" in a sharp tone. Something must have gotten him upset...or maybe it was just her. She didn't know.
"Nothing!" Tea's nose went in the air. "Who would want to talk to you?" Good come back. She walked away before anyone had a chance to see it was her who said that to the CEO. He may be a handsome man, but he sure was annoying.
To be continued. Hope you enjoyed it, and sorry for the late update. I couldn't find a slot of time anywhere to write this. Luckily I caught a free weekend day so here it is! Thank you for all the reviews. Sorry, there will be no picture because I can't draw for anything anymore.