The Tea Romance Diaries
By Starian Princess

Entry 3 - Beyond Dreams

A game turned into something more than she could have possibly imagined.

I can feel him, his eyes following me; every move I make and where ever I go. I'm frightened, to say the least. It's difficult really, to go about my duties with him… right there, poised against the wall. I know, most definitely, that he's smirking right now- a smirk scheming and devious and… so full of promise that it sounds romantic. And I don't want it to seem that way.

I dare a quick glimpse in his direction. Bad idea. His ominous gaze, no matter how much I wish myself to hate it, draws me in. It keeps me there and now I'm staring openly. It's not like he minds though.

"Like what you see?" He drawls, clearly amused and ready with more things to throw at me. I bite my tongue. If I retort, what would he say? He was never one to back down, neither was I. We'd always played this game, his game. I never wanted to at first, but it proved a challenge. And Ra knows, I love challenges.

I sigh inwardly. I'm almost as bad as him. I shift my attention once more to my chores; a rag in one hand, a bucket of water in the other. And then I reply, "It depends. What do you think I was looking at?"

I supposed it was a safe answer for he didn't say anything for a while. I was then able to finish up most of the wall I'd started with, before he so suddenly thought to join me. I don't know why the palace guards don't detect him at all. Perhaps the pharaoh was wrong in choosing his men. Regarding my past experiences with them, I can clearly say that his so-called protection is nothing more than a bunch of overpaid slackers with more muscle than mind. And if my verdict isn't reason enough, well, the sole proof of such conclusion was standing not even five paces away.

"What are you thinking of?" Momentarily taken aback, I turn again to face him. Now a frown has marred his features and he is looking at me almost accusingly. I shrug to this and tell him exactly what is on my mind, "I was merely wondering how come the guards don't seem to realize that a thief has broken into their pharaoh's home."

His eyes shimmer and I allow a smile, a small one but nevertheless.

"I am the King of Thieves, Tea. The pharaoh's lowly servants are no match for me." Talk about male pride in all its certified glory. I raise a brow.

"Well, I am but a lowly servant myself. And clearly time and time again I have shown you that, indeed, I am a match for you, aren't I?" He chuckles to this, dark and mysterious. He then moves closer to stand directly in front of me, letting his hand graze my cheek. I don't protest. I find that it doesn't work anyway. When he wants something, he will stop at nothing to take it.

"You," He blows lightly, the action causing my bangs to flutter away from my face, "are an exception." He then moves in slowly, taking his time.

I raise my arms, the rag and the bucket left forgotten on the floor, and wrap them around his neck just as his lips meet mine. I pull him in even closer, savoring the warmth, needing it there.

We stop for air, still joined by our hands- his arms swift to take their place around my waist, and mine carefully tangled in his long white (almost silver) hair. It's beautiful; no one else fascinates me so.

"You were bothered earlier." It is a statement, not a question. He looks at me, dare I think, almost affectionately and I can't lie. I let my gaze drop.

"How did you know?" My voice is nothing but a breathless whisper as I lean on him for support.

He strokes my back. I'm still, in a way, surprised. He's never acted this way before, it is beyond us. It is beyond our game, our borderline. It's almost as if he… cares. No, but I cannot let myself think that. In time, this… attraction will vanish and we will be what we once were; nothing more than strangers. I know nothing of him and he, nothing of me. I am just and always will be the palace maid, and he, oh he, the thief who had by chance broken in one faithful night. It was a night perhaps given by destiny, I muse.

"I've known you long enough." His answer is simple and in bittersweet longing, I press a chaste kiss on his shoulder.

"You know nothing about me." I almost gasp as my eyes meet his after my response. There is… hurt there. I am confused. Why? Is it possible…? No, of course not.

"Tell me why you were bothered." His voice turns harsh; his arms if possible tighten around my waist, keeping me from taking a step back. I don't want to answer him.

"Tell me." He presses as my head turns away. I can tell he is losing his patience.

I sigh and finally find it in myself to give him what he wants, "I am bothered because we are… a dream."

"A dream?"

"Yes," I nod, "we are just a dream. We met, felt this… attraction towards each other, and soon we will awaken from it." That is all I can manage before my tears fall. I never wanted to show weakness but because of him, because of this man I can do nothing but.

I expect him to let go of me, but he… He moves his hand to brush away my tears.

I can only stare in wonder as he looks at me, clearly nothing but desire and… (Can it be?) Yes, love evident in those captivating hazel eyes of his. I let out a whimper and he growls in frustration as he pushes my head towards his again, and he kisses me, wills me to feel it- to feel what he feels. And in that moment, I do indeed feel it.

"If this is nothing more than a dream, I would like to remain asleep forever, Tea. Believe me, I would."

I smile at him. I believe it now appropriate to tell him what I have always wanted to tell him, "Bakura, I love you."

-OWARI-

A/N: Written for Nefer. Since you couldn't decide whether you wanted Ryou or Yami Bakura, I tried to interlace both personalities. And since ancient Egypt brings to mind Yami Bakura more, I used his character. Want to your own shot? Check the first entry for the guidelines.