Disclaimer: I didn't steal anything. I promise!
PEOPLE! I'm still living!
I apologize for not updating for a long time. Since it's the end of the year and all, school is just bothering the heck out of me. Okay, enough of the excuses. So lets go over: The last thing that happened was Tea picking up the phone to, 'Gasp!' Who was it? Well obviously you guys know. So lets read on and find out...
Bake, If it's Necessary
Chapter Four: Bribes to Riches
"So Gardner, do you intend on answering me before the next ice age prevails?" Seto spat bitterly.
Tea frowned, not knowing what to make an excuse of because of her pathetic lack of memory.
"I... forgot Kaiba..." Tea muttered out. This was an annoyance that would surely haunt her.
"Great excuse," he replied coldly mixed with sarcasm. "Thinking that Mr. Takani noticed your absence, he didn't. So be fortunate Gardner. But you still owe me for blowing me off with cleaning that crap of a school." And with a click he hung up.
Tea put the phone back to the receiver gently and thought meticulously about this. He's an odd fellow she had to admit.
"Who knows what the guy wants?" She blared out loud. She got up from her seat and left the room.
Seto laid his head back on the chair and ran his fingers through his hair. All the planning and reservations were stressing the hell out of him. This year was big after the KC Grand Prix Championship and all the Egyptian rubbish that he encountered with Yugi and the others, the hearing of new enterprises and due to the world's greatest known prodigy. And everyone in the country mostly knew: The one and only himself. Owing to his successful International Games Corporation and dueling game skills...
A sudden knock on the door distracted his journey in thought and he exhaled deeply through his nostrils.
"Big brother, it's me. I brought you something," Mokuba echoed throughout the door.
Seto sealed his eyes, not minding his issued company. "Come in."
Mokuba turned the knob open quietly, standing patiently with a beverage in his hands. His beaming eyes caught on the seriously wearied older Kaiba and advanced ahead to give forward his delivery. He placed it in front of him on Seto's desk and waited there until he responded.
Seto rose his head up and smiled slightly at Mokuba. "Hey kiddo," he greeted cheerfully.
Mokuba smiled, knowing everything was A-okay with no problems. "Seto, I brought you some tea instead of coffee. I even made it myself!" Mokuba exclaimed.
Though coffee was generally a remedy for Seto's intense nerves, he was willing to not comment. He took the handle of the cup and slowly observed its senses. He took sips of it and allowed it to burn down his throat.
Mokuba grinned. "Great! So whatcha been up to? When is the party? Do I really have to wear some stupid suit? Where will we go? What time is it? Am I still gonna be pinched on the cheek this year by some old people? Tell them I'm twelve already!" When Mokuba does something nice, that means he at least expects something back.
Seto leaned back on his chair and cocked an eyebrow. "Work, Thursday, yes, at Tokyo's Bell Shrine Hotel, at eight o' clock sharp, maybe, and they already know. Any other questions?"
Mokuba looked up into the air, as if asking it silently if there was anything else to be answered.. "Oh yeah, who you gonna bring with you to the party? Remember, this was the last year they least expected you to come by yourself..."
Crap, Seto had forgotten all about that. Yes, it was true, the press wailed on after each year on who was his escort to any of his parties he ever hosted. It was a crucial no, but even if they saw him talking to a woman during the party, they'd make up a whole tabloid about it and he'd have to go after them and kick their ass.
"Don't remind me... I'm not sure I'm going to bring an escort with me this year," Seto replied.
Mokuba furrowed his eyebrows, angry by Seto's response. "Well, if you need any help finding anyone, you can always ask me. I have the hook-up here Seto. I can get any girl to go on a date with you!" Mokuba cried.
Seto chuckled lightly, just imagining the crazy things Mokuba would do to get girls going crazy to win a date with him. Just the little brother he was...
"I know, why not ask Tea out?"
Seto nearly choked on his tea, now coffing excessively and pounding his chest. He couldn't get a hold of himself for a minute.
"Ahhem. Mokuba, don't ever let me hear those words again. Do you understand?" Seto voiced throughly. He watched Mokuba eyes go down a shade of grey of his confusion.
"Why not? She's the only girl you actually talk to that goes to your school. She's perfect!"
Seto put down his cup and sat up, restarting up his computer back up from stand by. "No exceptions will I ever go out in public with that woman. Do you know how much humiliation I can gain being seen with her?"
Mokuba shook Seto's arm to get his full attention away from the computer and to listen to his philosophy. "So, what's wrong with her? You act like she's a virus. Big brother..." Mokuba whined.
There was no way Seto could ever concentrate with Mokuba on his tail. Especially when he calls him in that tone of voice. He looked at him sideways, making sure he wasn't going to fall for anything...
And exactly he knew what he was falling for. Mokuba was giving his natural puppy-eyed look and smiling. Pretty good for a 12 year old boy...
"She's really pretty Seto," he murmured quietly.
Seto touched his chin with his thumb and index finger for a few seconds and said, "Looks can be deceiving."
"Nooo! Not another day of school! Why?" Tea headed up the stairs to her classroom, each step feeling like a brick. But I don't have to finish detention anymore. And I have all the time for myself ever since Kaiba's order was done. But still . . . I have work. You know what, it's better that I just quit.
Tea turned the doorknob and entered the classroom, but no one was found in it. She would've at least expected a teacher to be here.
"Where is everyone today?" She walked over to her desk and sat down, piling her books on her desk. And that's when she remembered she came to school early today. She was glad she at least had some time alone to think...
She turned on her iPod that she had brung with her for the day and started to listen to it. Only one earphone worked though. Currently, the song that she was playing was, '4ever,' by The Veronicas.
"Haven't noticed me yet?"
Tea nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard that, rambling into her books and gave a short yelp. She turned around and guess who it was?
"Good morning to you too, Kaiba. It's so cool how you camouflage with the classroom. Just as dull and insignificant too."
Seto grinned, not likely offended this time but waited for something to happen to ask his desire. He was just going to be firm and straightforward about this, even if the press do ask questions, at least she was the type of girl to tell them they were NOT a couple.
Of course if she refused, he had plan B situated. "Yes, conflicts in the morning Gardner. Priceless. Not like you have anything else you can throw at me. In fact, I don't think anything you own at all will help from the appeal of your appearance."
"Kaiba, if you don't shut up and stop criticizing me–" Her voice was hoarse and grating.
"I'll have my people call your people. But the only people you merely have are the dweeb patrol team I recall. How about I personally inform the star-shaped haired midget?" He felt like he was on a roll.
"Kaiba! Can you stop insulting my friends! Your unappreciated here and I would like it if you–"
"Gardner, why would I care if you appreciate me or not? And why stop now? It's so brutal, I could do this all day!"
Tea ripped her earphones out of her ears. If her words can't get through his head, then maybe teach him a little lesson.
"Oh, are you up for more Gardner?"
She growled through her teeth and stood up. She took one step from her desk and she heard something hit the floor. She quickly looked down and what she saw was her iPod cracked in the middle ofit's screen, and it was also shattered in half. Her heart quickly dropped to her stomach.
"Huuuhhhh! My iPod!" She bent down and picked it up. She watched it sorrowfully in her hands as they trembled with them in it too. "It's broken!"
Seto watched her in her suffering situation. He kinda felt bad for her too. Then again, it was her fault that she forgot it was on her lap.
"Gardner, quit your blabbering. It's not the end of the world. Get up and face it. Your iPod is broken."
Tea scooped up her disjointed iPod, and place it on her desk. "Thanks for the sympathy Kaiba. I'll remember that after you go to hell," she replied, bitterly. She sat back down and began observing it to even fix it in any way.
Seto continued to watch her closely, eyeing her so any minute now he had the chance. And the chance was now.
He stood up and walked over to her. He looked over Tea's back, seeing what she was trying to enact. As Seto looked closer, he saw that she had used, and now broken, an iPod nano. Though, he possessed an odd, itchy feeling, looking at the device she had in her hands.
"No wonder it broke, it's an iPod nano! One of the cheapest iPods selling. Was that all you could afford enough to buy one Gardner?" He exclaimed.
Tea leaned on her desk with her hands, giving up hope. "Yes, I know I'm poor but it's better than a mp3 player, isn't it? Now it seems like I have to buy that instead, or nothing at all..."
At the moment, a light bulb turned on Seto's head. Bingo...
"I seem to know a way to get one for free Gardner . . . If you agree to compromise. Are you any more interest to receive a brand new iPod video?"
Tea rose her head and turned around to look at Seto. Her eyes were filled with curiosity to know how. "Where could I get one for free?" She questioned, anxiously.
Seto sat down the desk behind her and smirked mischievously. "Where else than from me? Remember, for the compromising part, all you have to do is be my escort to my soiree this Thursday and that would be all. Is that too difficult for you to handle or would you survive living without your music for some time?"
Tea didn't say anything, but thought hard about this. If she does go, what were the bad consequences? Maybe a sign of desperation that she wants an iPod video so badly as an impression on people..? And she could end up on the news or what not! The public could assume they were dating! And she really didn't want that to happen... Her friends, not to mention Joey, would go ballistic on her, and would it actually feel right going to a party as his escort? She wasn't some person who could be bought.
And the good consequences? She would get a brand new iPod video! Tea slightly smiled at the thought of possessing one. And she wouldn't have to buy a new one too. And plus, he was being nice for once. But could she accept something that was too much but something that was so desired? What if she changed her look at the soiree? Maybe the people wouldn't recognize her if they ever saw her in public. It should be a pleasant time, experiencing the lifestyles of the rich and famous.
"Okay, Kaiba, I'll go with you." Tea finally committed. He better not try anything funny...
Seto's eyes twinkled, pleased that his plan had worked. "It was nice doing business with you Gardner. Today, you're coming to my mansion to get a dress assembled for you. There's a specific formal wear you are required to wear at this soiree, so don't think you're using any of your own dresses to appeal to your own. Remember Gardner, this night is important to me, and nothing can screw it up, not even to the likes of you."
Tea stood outside the school, waiting and looking out if she ever saw him. Where is Kaiba? Did he cut off the deal or was this a prank!
"Excuse me, Miss? By any chance, you are Miss Tea Gardner?"
She turned around and faced a youthful man about in his thirties wearing a driver's uniform with a British accent. She nodded to his question and he beamed.
"Mr. Kaiba's order was to find a young Miss and usher her to his mansion immediately. Lets carry on now. We don't want Mr. Kaiba growing impatient, now do we? By the way, I apologize for being so rude for not introducing myself. My name is Seth Fukushima. Pleasure to meet your acquaintance."
Tea rose an eyebrow and followed Mr. Fukushima to the limo that was waiting on the other side of the school. "I guess this is how it's going to start . . . " She whispered to herself.
He furrowed his eyebrows, eyeing them where she was hurrying with him so suddenly.
"Where the hell is she going with that cocky looking guy!"
Tristan looked closely at Tea, making sure she wasn't just following some looney or else she knew him. But what would she be doing with him? He looks like some . . . a limo driver . . . ?
Mr. Fukushima opened the limo car door for Tea and motioned for her to get in. Tea did as she was told, and she scooted in more into the car, viewing around at the luxuriant automobile that she had entered. There seen a small tv set, mini freezer, and lenient, smooth, maroon sheepskin seat covers that her skin touched.
"You could practically live here!" She exclaimed after Mr. Fukushima closed the door. She laid down, since this was a limo anyway.
"Are you nice and tidy back there, Miss? We're starting off now," Mr. Fukushima declared when he got in.
His British accent was so secured that it made Tea curious. She moved over to the small, gray window, that was separating them.
"Hey, Mr. Fukushima? Can I ask you something?" She called through the window. She waited for a response.
"Shoot Miss," he replied while driving.
Tea smoothed her finger on the window, making sure of what to say. "Where are you from exactly?" She inquired curiously.
"From England, Miss."
Tea snapped her fingers that her prediction was right. "Why did you come to Japan then?"
This time he didn't answer her immediately, so Tea thought his answer would might be emotional or meaningful to him.
"My wife was Japanese... And she urged me to come to her home country, which I did, and I fell in love with this place of its beautiful culture that she described to me."
Tea frowned. When he mentioned his wife, he said 'was' so maybe that meant he separated from her or something? Was it an okay question to ask about her?
As if reading her mind, Mr. Fukushima continued, "My wife... She had died of an illness of leukemia a few years ago. I stayed in Japan to honor her memory. Her name was Ayame, and her burial is in this very town's cemetery..." He maintained a firm tone throughout his telling. He didn't seem to mind explaining all this either.
The story touched Tea's heart, and she continued looking at the floor, regretting asking him anything in the first place. She must have brought him sad memories back again. . .
She sat back down, thinking to where he was taking her. The Kaiba Mansion. Was she up for this? Was he going to be there when she came? Where was he anyway? Shouldn't he have been in this very limo with her too?
Though, a hint of excitement hid inside her. She never experienced anything like this before, and just imagined what her dress will turn out like!
"Miss Gardner, we have arrived."
Tea immediately looked out the limo and saw her destination. There was the whole mansion, all right, and the scenery was magnificent. Mr. Fukushima hurried to get Tea out and into the mansion. She didn't even have to ring a doorbell or knock. The door was open for her and Mokuba was standing there waiting.
"Hi Tea! Long time no see?"
Tea smiled and now followed Mokuba inside, meddling with his hair. "Yes, I agree. So how are you–"
A man with an upsurging mustache abruptly jumped right in front of her and meekly grabbed her face in his hands, turning and molding her cheeks to observe every facial feature. "Here iz the girl, madam! Quickly, take a look at her! She is beautiful!"
Tea's cheeks were squished against her mouth, and her eyes travel to Mokuba with a erratic look. She was too shocked and embarrassed to react, and guessed these were the people who were going to create her dress. Mokuba shrugged and chortled nervously. "That's just the way they act."
A woman entered the hall they were in, and two other ladies followed her holding measurement materials. As soon as she saw Tea, she smiled uplifting.
"Hello, my name is Sarina Cherri. I'll be your stylist for this evening and Paolo, let go of her face," she introduced.
The man gently let go of her, swaying his hand in a way of apology. Tea smiled and introduced herself too. "My name is Tea Gardner, Ms. Cherri. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Sarina looked back at her assistants and cocked her eyebrows. "You're a sweetie, aren't you? Now, time for your measurements for your dress." Her assistants rushed over to her, and made Tea stand on a small, wooden, stool, and began wrapping a measure tape around her waist.
"The formal to wear to Mr. Kaiba's party was just all white. Simple, yet, you'll be eyed by everyone when you arrive there with Mr. Kaiba. So he requested we make you look amazing! Though there is much work we have to do since we're making this custom made..." Ms. Cherri explained.
Tea dropped her book bag off her shoulders and they made her take off her blazer so they'd measure with a better judgement with wearing a tank top. Mokuba left the room already, so only her and them were alone.
Tea stood still and thought to herself. She wasn't actually putting much of her energy to this because no excitement showed. Her energy today was quiet. All of this was just spinning inside her head. Will being with Kaiba this Thursday be bad or good? Wait a minute, I just remembered! This Thursday is Valentine's Day!
Her back was pushed and she almost slipped off the stool. One of the assistants had to move her to stand in a way for them to perceive.
"Miss, we have fabric in the other room we would like for you to choose from. Would you like to see them now?" Paolo questioned, eagerly.
Tea nodded. "I get to choose my own fabric for the dress?"
He rushed in the other room and rushed back in, holding a piece of small fabric in his hands. "I highly recommend you choose this kind Miss. It's very exquisite for you to wear and I think it's perfect."
"Oh Paolo, leave the poor girl alone. She chooses what she wants," Ms. Cherri construed.
Tea tooked the piece of cloth out of his hands, and felt it against hers. It did feel smooth and lightweight, and it was nice looking too. "This fabric looks nice. I'll use this," Tea said.
"It is called charmeuse satin, my dear. And yes, a charmeuse empire too. Translation: A bodice with a high waistline directly below the bust. Perfect for your body type. The dress will be waist tea-length, and I believe a chiffon sash would add the final touches. Don't you think?" Ms. Cherri unraveled. Her fire engine red nails glinted while she twiddled them together. Her assistants nodded in approval and so did Paolo. Tea was astonished she could visualize a dress in just about five minutes already.
Ms. Cherri clapped her hands successively. "Perfect! I promised Mr. Kaiba he would be satisfied, and when he sees you, he'll be head over heels! Sayaka, don't forget to write down her measurements," she asserted.
Tea was feeling a little uncomfortable about this, and rose an eyebrow up to her wailing. Was he so desperate to get an escort? What if he did fall head over heels for me... Ack. What am I thinking? I know he'll NEVER like me that way.
She looked down at the floor, avoiding the heads of the two women. The white, milky, tiles of the floor reminded her of a dance floor...
When at the soiree, they'll be waltzing together on the middle of the floor, all eyes are on them, either jealous, happy, or incensed, they wouldn't care. She would once again be held in his arms, viewing him under the lights, handsome and model-like as he was, while the music played on and on, just for them...
And she knew she was going crazy. What made her think of all of this fluffy stuff? She didn't like him?
After the dress assemblers left, Mokuba insisted Tea at least stay a little longer. Both of them were in the kitchen. Tea was amazed by his lifestyle. Her eyes wandered too much, admiring the finer things around her. Mokuba noticed and attempted to say something.
"You really like our house, don't you Tea?" He asked.
Tea turned away from something she was dazed off at and answered, "You caught me! But how can I help it? This place is great..."
Mokuba got off his chair and went inside their large fridge. "I know, but once you get used to living here, you'll feel like it's nothing. Just try it."
Tea watched the little boy dig inside to look for something, making it obvious that he was meaning that literally. Riches and rags; Speaking of rags...
"Mokuba, how much was the dress?" Tea asked.
Mokuba closed the fridge and thought. "I think about a thousand something?"
Tea coughed her throat in. "What! That much for a dress? You've got to be kidding me. That is just too much... I might cancel going with–"
"No!" Mokuba blurted indignantly. "You can't drop out on Seto like that now! Who else would he go with?"
Tea tapped her fingers consistently on the kitchen counter, thinking she could get a little info from Mokuba... "And why is that? Any other girl would be happy to go with him."
"But Seto doesn't want to go with anyone else! He said he wants to go with you and only you!"
Tea stopped, shockingly for a moment, taking in what Mokuba just said. Her heart wasn't even beating as normally as it should. He actually said he wanted to go . . . With me?
"Oh Mokuba... I–" Tea chanted.
"I'm home!"
Seto entered the kitchen and stopped at the door when he saw Tea sitting there. He stared at her, but Tea's direction was only to the floor. He went and laid his briefcase on the kitchen table.
"I thought they'd finish with you already . . . " He grumbled.
"They did. Mokuba just invited me in for a little while," she retorted.
Though she was supposed to be his escort and it was part of a deal, Seto was still to his ways of being just so rude to her. Mokuba took note of it and glared at Seto with a 'What did I say about that?' look.
Seto noticed Mokuba's glare and frowned. He had sworn to Mokuba that he'd be nice and generous to Tea, so he did what he swore to...
Seto cleared his throat and went and sat down on a chair next to Tea while Mokuba and Tea looked at him curiously for his next move. Seto leaned on the counter and blinked at her. She had the most weirdest expression on her face...
"So, how was your day today Gardner?"
Mokuba and Tea glanced at each other for a few seconds, then both of them burst out laughing after he said that, leaving Seto with a bizarre face. "Can I ask what's so funny?"
Tea was settled to giggles now, while Mokuba closed the refrigerator door and left the room, still trying to get a hold of his laughing.
Tea covered her mouth to help from giggling. "It was what you said! It doesn't sound like anything you would say!" She cried.
Seto rolled his eyes slightly. "Very funny..."
Tea pushed her bangs from her head back. "Well, I'm sorry! I couldn't help it! It was just so strange of you. Hey, you would laugh at me if I said anything so weird to you too. And my day was good, Kaiba. Thank you for asking. How was your day?"
Since she was responding so well to this, he thought he might as well go along. "My day was tiring but not as much as days before. Thank you for asking Gardner."
Tea dimpled. "We really sound corny right now. Lets just cut the act. I think I'll be going now since it's so late." Tea got off her chair and went to get her book bag in the main hall of the mansion. She still wasn't wearing her blazer since she tied it around her waist.
Seto watched her go, her body moving swiftly and slowly out of the room. He had to admit, she did have some elegance in her. And her smile was actually warming, including her high dimples...
And he could've slapped himself right now. What was he thinking? How revolting could he possibly get? He never had time for such idiotic things... But the way they were just talking...
"Screw it."
Aye. . . You might think Kaiba was kinda OOC maybe? I dunno. But tell me what ya think or the rubber ducky gets it... (Grins evilly, holding a gun against its head).