Chapter 7 - Gossip

A/N: Another mild warning for language as well as a trigger warning for brief mentions of parental death.

Téa reached the security barriers at Juilliard's entrance, placed her ID card on the reader and slipped through.

Ferdinand waved to her from the front desk, hefting his duel disk. "Magician Girl! Guess who's back?"

Téa shook her head ruefully as she approached. "I knew you'd be excited."

"You bet!" The large man made her laugh by doing a little dance, causing his older colleague Mary to roll her eyes at him behind her glasses.

She never expected to find a duellist at Juilliard, let alone amongst the often taciturn security team, but Ferdinand was a huge nerd and unafraid to show it despite the constant mocking he received from his compatriots. She'd managed to melt his initial sternness with a stray comment about a Kuriboh pin and they'd become fast friends ever since. Born and bred in Harlem, he was able to give her tips on everything in Manhattan from the safest shortcuts to the best (and cheapest) eateries.

Mary was a complete contrast, standing at a thin 5.2 with pale skin and a lined, deeply unimpressed face. She had taken much longer to warm up, but hid the driest humour behind her disapproving mask.

"You think he'll come here? KaibaCorp's offices are just down the road." Ferdinand was bouncing on his toes like a kid, all appearances of checking entries and exits forgotten.

"To Juilliard?" Téa laughed. Oh God, what has he heard? "Sure, maybe he'll sign up for dance classes too!" She winked at Mary who just snorted, scanning the streams of excited students still departing with her usual hawk eyes.

"I know, I know. I just wanna see him!" Ferdinand grinned. "I'm saving my breaks and holiday in case he decides to come to PAX East or even do something in New York. Just think, we could have Battle City in NYC!"

Please no, Téa thought. No more Battle Cities, Duelist Kingdoms or Paradius takeovers! She didn't realise just how much New York had been a haven from all that madness until it was invaded like this. Damn you, Kaiba!

"This is the guy that just came back from space?" Mary's laconic voice made the truth sound even more weird.

"Seto Kaiba - CEO of KaibaCorp and the world's youngest billionaire!" Ferdinand reeled off with a satisfied smirk.

"How'd he get that rich playing a card game?" Mary asked, eyes still on the crowd. "I've been playing Bridge for thirty years, never earned a damned dime."

"He gets his money from his company, although you can win a lot of cash at the tournaments-" Ferdinand began. Mary locked pleading eyes with Téa as she made a swift retreat. Save me! her glance said and she gave the older security guard a sympathetic look. Ferdinand could go on for hours, but Mary wasn't the only one about to get an earful regarding a certain jerkass CEO.

Téa sighed as she headed for the elevators. Britney and co would have gained a lot more ammunition while she'd been away. But at least Ferdinand didn't know she was actually acquainted with the Kaiba brothers, let alone the 'Great Yugi Muto.' She'd never live that down…or be able to pass by the front desk in time for her classes.

The trepidation built as she reached her floor and she swallowed as the elevator opened with a shrill chime, only to bump straight into Elena. Her friend blinked behind her glasses, dark curls bouncing artfully as she fought with several suitcases.

"Hey you! Glad I didn't miss you."

"Hey yourself! You off the airport now?" Téa asked as she helped her drag the impressively laden bags into the elevator.

"Where else? Not like I've got a billionaire to wait for," Elena winked and Téa sighed again.

"Relax!" the girl grinned, "I know he's not your pal. Brit and Cor are going a little mad though, so be prepared."

"Great…" Téa said and stayed in the lift as the doors shut.

"Saying goodbye or are you going to hide out in here until they've left?" her friend asked.

"Both," Téa smiled and joined her for the ride down. They passed the lobby where Ferdinand could still be heard regaling a long-suffering Mary with the ins and outs of Duel Monsters championships.

"My cab'll be here any minute," Elena said as they struggled across Lincoln Center with her bags, dodging annoyingly oblivious tourists. They paused for a hug on the sidewalk and Téa bit back a sudden wave of emotion.

"Stay safe and have a great time!"

"You too and call me if you need a friend. Promise, I won't tease you about Kaiba," Elena said, brushing her hair out of her face. "But on that note…" She handed Téa an elegant if slightly battered business card. "This is just me doing my sisterly duty, but if you do happen to meet Kaiba and, I dunno, he needs VR specialist, my sister would gladly sacrifice a child just to work for him."

"I think that's what they ask for at the interviews," Téa said as she reluctantly took the card. "I told you though, I won't see him and I don't really feel comfortable talking work stuff with Mokuba."

"Understood," Elena nodded and gave her a final squeeze. "For what it's worth, I hope you don't have to meet that stuck-up idiot either!"

Téa chuckled and waved her off when the cab arrived. Excuses expired, she trudged back to her dorm, rubbing her arms against the cold.

"Oh my God, there you are!" Britney's head peered from around the corner as she opened the door and kicked off her shoes.

Téa drew in a deep breath, took off her coat and strode forward. "I suppose neither of you have done any more packing?"

"I have," Corinne said smugly and Britney made a face. They were both still in the lounge, surrounded by bags and, Téa noted with dismay, various digital devices.

"Okay!" Téa said in her sharpest 'restrain Joey and Tristan's antics' voice, "I'm not going to hear one more word about Seto Kaiba." She pointed at Britney when the blonde girl tried to protest. "I told you: I don't like him, he doesn't like me and he isn't here to meet me. I likely won't see Mokuba either," that thought made her feel sad, "but I'm sure you both would agree that manipulating an innocent boy to try and get to his brother is not something I should be doing. Now, I want to spend the rest of the day hanging out with you guys as we won't see each other for two weeks, annnnd…" she overrode them as they opened their mouths, "you are both going to help me clean up this mess!"

"Yes Mom," Corinne grinned, while Britney stood up, hands held out.

"I totally agree, Téa honey! We will get this place sparkly clean before we go, promise, but-"

Téa heaved a huge sigh and walked to the kitchenette to make herself some green tea.

"- I know you don't wanna hear this-" Britney continued as she tiptoed towards her, "but I have done a little more research and I want you to have it, just in case," she said over Téa's huffs, " it comes in handy. Then I'll shut up."

"Fine, whatever…" Téa relented, bringing her steaming cup of tea over to the couch as Britney clapped her hands with glee. The sooner I get this over with the better. I hope I actually get to see Mokuba after all this stress!

"And by research she means she's actually done a full astro-chart of your compatibility," Corinne giggled into her own hot chocolate.

"Amongst other things!" Britney shot Corinne a dire look. "It's important, especially because Seto is clearly the complete archetype of a Scorpio Man. He's got the intensity…" She ticked them off one by one. "…He's got the drive, he's even got the tech savvy, which is interesting because Uranus is exalted in Scorpio and-"

"You hear that, Téa!" Corinne spat out her drink, laughing. " 'Ur-anus is exalted in Scorpio'! Brit, I thought we agree not to mention Fifty Shades!"

She squeaked as a cushion hit her in the face. "Don't be so immature, Corinne! It's a planet not an asshole!" Britney snapped. Téa closed her eyes, praying for strength.

Why did I ask for female friends?

"As I was saying…" Britney gave Corinne another glare, "he's a Scorpio, you're a Leo, Téa. The two aren't as naturally compatible as say Scorpio and Pisces-"

"Oh good," Téa said, perking up. "That's the first piece of sense you've made all day!" Corinne exchanged a smirk with her.

"-But…" Britney ground out, glaring at Téa this time, "you have a lot of placements in Pisces and Virgo which is why you are such a sweetheart and mom of the group, unlike 'Queen Bee' Estelle who's also a Leo."

"Right…" Téa said, wondering what Kaiba's reaction would be to all this. Given the fact it had taken Atem's departure and multiple world-ending events for him to tacitly accept any form of magic, she could just imagine his contempt for astrology.

"But if you could ask Mokuba for his brother's time of birth that would really help-"

"You want me to ask Mokuba what time Kaiba was born?"

"Yes, it's to calculate his Rising sign but I think it's either another Scorpio or a Virgo from everything I've heard."

"And what have you heard?" Téa asked, bracing herself. Let's get this over with.

"Okay, so…we've been watching these Duelling commentaries on Youtube," Corinne cut in, "cos obviously neither Brit or I have ever heard of Duel Monsters."

Téa felt dizzy hearing Corinne of all people talk about Duel Monsters.

"And can I just say your friend Yugi has the strangest hair, no offence," Britney interjected.

"Hey!" Téa sat up. "Don't talk about Yugi that way! He's my oldest friend, plus his hair's actually natural."

They stared at her, mouths open.

"I know, I know, but it is!" she explained. "His grandfather has the same type of hair."

"Those spikes are hereditary?" Corinne squawked. "I thought he was in some goth/punk rebellion phase!"

"Yeah, and that still doesn't explain all the belts and bondage accessories, Téa." Britney crossed her arms as Téa blushed. "Not that I don't approve, I actually dug the whole look."

"Joey's pretty cute though," Corinne said under her breath and Téa's mouth hung open this time as she turned to stare at her.

"The blond was definitely cute in a cocky, underdog sort of way," Britney said, but before Téa could process that particular thought they'd moved on. "But back to Mr BlueEyes McDragon Man."

"You did not just call him that!"

"Defending your boyfriend now, are we?" Britney smirked and laughed as Téa stuck out her tongue. "So Captain Trenchcoat is, as Elena suggested, quite the drama king, but as I said that's a classic Scorpio trait, plus I'm sure he has to play things up as the figurehead of his company."

"Really?" Téa said, amused at Britney's new found business expertise. "Sorry, but I've never seen Bill Gates challenge anyone to a duel or build statues of his favourite game character outside his house."

"That's cos Bill Gates is not a teenager anymore," Britney replied. "Seto's the same age as you and me, cut him some slack. Besides, billionaires are plenty eccentric, you should see half the stars I follow on social media."

'Seto'? 'Cut him some slack?' It's not me acting as if Kaiba's my boyfriend, it's her!

"He sure is intense," Corinne said, gnawing on a bagel she'd snagged from the cupboard, "to be honest, and don't take this the wrong way, Téa, but I'm pretty convinced he has a crush on your friend Yugi."

"What!" Téa cried, almost spilling hot tea into her lap. "How did you come to that conclusion?"

"Ugh, I don't agree with her, by the way," Britney waved a hand, "there's been no confirmed reports of girlfriends or boyfriends, and even if he does have a crush on Yugi, he could still be bisexual."

"Okay, back up," Téa said, her thoughts spinning, "what makes you think-" She couldn't even say it. She was completely pro gay-rights - everyone deserved to be happy in her book, but Kaiba? Gay? For Yugi!

"Well he's totally obsessed with him," Corinne said, licking cream cheese and salsa from her finger.

"They're rivals, Corinne!" Britney stole the words from Téa's mouth. "He needs to be top dog, Yugi's in the way, so he has to beat him. And cos he's a Scorpio he has to do it dramatically and thoroughly. Doesn't mean he wants to screw him-"

"Can you not say it like that!" Téa stood up abruptly, sloshing her tea.

"Sorry babe, that was a bit full on," Britney cringed. "But just because he radiates domineering energy," Téa just knew she was biting back a Fifty Shades reference and that gave her even worse images of Kaiba and Yugi, "doesn't mean it's sexual."

"Elena thought so too!" Corinne shot back.

"Ugh, everything Drama makes her study has unrequited love and unresolved sexual tension in it, Cor. It's a card game, not a Lorca play!"

"Can we please move on?" Téa said, starting feel really annoyed. "We're talking about my best friend who I've known since I was a kid and a guy who almost got my friends and I killed multiple times."

"Say what?" they both gasped, turning back to her.

"He's…" insane, misanthropic, an egomaniac? "…very bad at Health and Safety for his tournaments," she trailed off. How the hell do I explain all the crap we've been through for the last couple of years?

Plus it was true - Battle City and Kaiba's refusal to ban Marik along with his God Card, Alcatraz and the unplanned detonation, Kaibaland and its malfunctions…and all that was post Mind Crush…

"Okay, okay…it sounds like you've been through a lot," Britney finally relented. "Listen we didn't want to bring up bad memories or anything…it's just, you know, it's really cool you knowing him and all…"

Téa hung her head, searching for the words. "I just really wanted to share all this stuff about my friends with you in a different way. Kaiba's okay and Mokuba's a sweetie, but I never got a chance to really tell you about Yugi and the gang." She thought about their photo hiding in her bedside drawer and felt guilty all over again. "I wanted my new friends to meet my old friends one day and not because one of them happens to belong to a rich family…"

"I'm sorry, hon." Britney looked miserable. "I went totally overboard." Corinne nodded and patted Téa's arm. "It's just…you know I'm not shallow, but it's not every day you learn your friend hangs out with a hot billionaire!"

Téa laughed. "Like I said he's more of a reluctant acquaintance. Looks like it's not written in the stars, Britney. Sorry."

"Well…."

Oh for goodness sake!

Corinne stood up abruptly. "You know, I've got a lot of packing to do before the flight so…"

"I thought you said you'd done it?" Téa replied. Corinne didn't meet her eyes.

"Hmm well, almost…See you in a bit." She scurried off in the direction of her room. Téa rounded on Britney.

"What is it now?"

Britney had embarrassment plastered all over her face. "I've got packing to do too, but I thought you might want to see this." She keyed in the passcode to her tablet and held it out to Téa.

An article popped up as Téa took hold of the device - 'Billionaire's secret pain - the truth behind the brilliant Seto Kaiba'.

"I know he's had a hard life, Brit, but that doesn't excuse some of his behaviour."

Memories of a psychotic green-haired boy rose up, the cries of a baby in an abandoned mansion. Then a giant head appeared in her mind's eye - Gozaboro Kaiba - his words of distain raining down as he condemned her and her friends to eternity locked in a virtual prison.

This is why I don't want to think about this stuff!

Only this time amongst bubbly students whose sole concern was good grades and how mean Cruella had been in her last assessment had convinced Téa how abnormal and traumatic the last few years had been. She would never change all those moments with her friends and especially with him - Atem. They had had a chance to do extraordinary things and most importantly make a difference - something that was at the core of Téa's being. But it would take quite a while to come to terms with the fallout now she was away from it all. This constant prodding was not helping.

"No need to look so mad!" her friend pouted. "Just check it out. I'm not excusing Kaiba, he's obviously been a dick to you and your friends but, I dunno, maybe this could explain it?" She shrugged. "I only read a little before you came in but it sounds pretty dire." She dove off before Téa could respond.

Téa sighed and rubbed her still tired eyes. Britney had grown up amongst the beaches and malls of California, but although she came across as the typical Valley Girl complete with peroxide blonde hair, that bright extravert personality hid a desperate need to please and be loved. At least that's what Téa had gleaned from some of their late night conversations over forbidden cookies and milk. She was hard to hate, if completely annoying at times.

I just wish I could make her and the others understand without having to tell them about…What first? The blinding light of the Millennium Eye as it stole Grandpa Muto from them, the sweaty, iron grip of a Rare Hunter's arm around her body, the constant ache of fear she'd carried around in the pit of her stomach for Yugi, Joey, Tristan…all of them. But especially for Yugi. Her dear friend that always faced every trouble with clear eyes and a heart full of compassion; who'd overcome every challenge, however insurmountable.

Challenges that were most often initiated by the man in front of her. Téa glared at the name in the headline. She knew Kaiba's background, having met Noah and heard Gozaboro's unhinged speech in the Virtual World. She could only imagine how difficult it had been for him, first to lose his parents, then to face the orphanage and finally to grow up under the thumb of that tyrant, all whilst trying to protect Mokuba. But while she could sympathise with his plight, she could never brush off his callous attitude that had so often led to danger for her and those closest to her.

Not to mention Mokuba… Téa thought, remembering his tear-streaked face in the cafe all those months ago.

Still she had better read it just to get Brit off her case. Then they would clear up this dump and finally concentrate on something that was not named Kaiba!

The article had used a close-up picture of one of Kaiba's defeats - Battle City it looked like - to show his normally smug face looking crushed. She scanned through the first few paragraphs. As expected the tone was hyperbole, detailing all his notable accomplishments, his devotion to his brother and his philanthropy to orphanages and children's charities.

'Known for his ambition, technical genius and ruthless business acumen, Seto Kaiba has changed the world in the few short years since he took over KaibaCorp at just fifteen years old. But behind the child protégé lies tragedy, heartbreak and abuse.'

Téa's lips twisted as she sat down and pulled her feet up under her. She cradled the tablet in one hand and nursed her tea in the other. It felt intrusive to be looking at this but her eyes couldn't help scanning further.

'Far from the self-assured pioneer we know today, Seto Kaiba started out as a normal kid, born in the suburbs of Domino City to Kazao Takahashi - a Japanese-American scientific engineer and Isobel Taylor - an American lawyer specialising in Employment Law. These two lovebirds met at Yale and much to the disapproval of both families, settled down in the suburban outskirts of Domino, him to pursue a career in programming (a talent both sons clearly inherited), and her to become a local hero fighting for workers and women's rights.'

Téa stared at the photos, stunned she was finally seeing Kaiba and Mobuka's real parents. The first of their father was grainy but it was clear where Mobuka had gotten his thick dark hair from. The young man stood in a lab coat holding up a science prize from his time at Yale. Mokuba had also inherited his infectious smile, but not the black glasses that looked like Elena's. Téa's chest ached, she had never known their names, let alone their faces. The next picture was worse.

There was no doubt the woman was Kaiba's mother, she had the same chestnut hair, high cheek bones and distinctive blue eyes. She even had the trademark crossed arms pose, but here it conveyed assertive integrity, unlike her eldest son's arrogant stance.

'Taylor was a voracious reader and advocate of children's literacy. She helped organise the campaign to save Domino Park Library and often worked for low pay or pro bono to support poorer clients.'

That's Kaiba! Téa thought, eyes darting to the next picture of Isobel in the library holding her firstborn. Téa's heart burst. It was too much. She never imagined Kaiba as cute, but there he was aged around four, huge blue eyes staring up in adoration at his smiling mother who was pointing to the colourful pages of a book in front of them.

'Then tragedy struck, Taylor gave birth to a second son - Mokuba - but complications surrounding his birth, including rumoured medical malpractice, led to Taylor falling ill. Numerous trips to hospital wracked up huge insurance debt that the family struggled to pay off - something many Americans can relate to. She who fought for years for the rights of workers, especially women, eventually lost her own job and after struggling for almost three years, died of sepsis (blood poisoning), leaving two young sons and a devastated husband.'

Téa held her hand to her mouth, feeling tears welling up. I never knew this! God, I never knew! Is this true? Poor Seto! Poor Mokuba!

'Takahashi had lost his own prestigious job by then too, taking too much time off to care for his sick wife and infant Mokuba. He received little to no help from relatives, having only an elderly mother in a care-home and being estranged at that point from Taylor's family. Our sources report he worked up to three jobs at once in the next couple of years, including catering and deliveries, to support his sons.'

So things were hard for them long before Gozaburo… Téa thought, placing her cup down and wiping her watering eyes as she continued to read.

Seto was nine when his father was killed in a car accident just blocks away from their home. Ex-colleagues told the police he had been trying to get back in time to pick up Seto from his soccer practice between shifts. The coroner's report cites chronic tiredness as the prime factor in the death. Aged just nine and four and a half respectively, Seto and Mokuba were now orphans.'

Téa had to put the tablet down for a moment as she stared sightlessly into space. Nine and four. Only nine and four, after already losing their mother and having their father working all hours just to sustain the family. What must that have been like to grow up in? Instinctively Téa knew Kaiba would have shielded Mokuba from the worst, helped out where he could, even at that age. He would have shouldered the burden and lost his own childhood as a result. Whatever uncharitable feelings she had about him, she knew how much he loved his brother. She grabbed the tablet just as the screen was about to go dark. She had to know the rest.

'At this point one would expect whatever family rifts had occurred in the past, you would step up to raise the orphaned children of your only sister. Meredith Chance (née Taylor) and her husband Ted took in Seto and Mokuba for just six months before citing extreme behavioural difficulties in the elder boy, alongside financial issues, as the excuse to give them both up for adoption. The Tribune has since learnt that the Chances (now divorced) are serving long-term jail sentences for fraud, including using up the boys' inheritance left by their devoted father and the college fund set up by their late maternal grandfather for Seto. Both Mr and Mrs Chance refused our request for interviews, but ex-friends of the couple told us that the college fund and Meredith's historic jealousy of her sister were the original cause of the feud.'

"Their own family!" Téa exclaimed. "Their own aunt! God!" She stood up, throwing the tablet on the couch and striding round the lounge trying process the sheer disbelieving rage she was feeling. Her head felt light and the tears wouldn't stop.

Is this true? The Domino Tribune was a decent if slightly trashy publication, but she doubted they would outright lie, especially about the city's foremost business leader and celebrity. One that would sue them into the ground if they did.

They hadn't even gotten to the orphanage yet! Or dealt with Gozaboro, she thought, vainly trying to stem the tide of tears with the back of her hand. To think their own aunt would steal their inheritance! The inheritance their poor father literally worked himself to death to save!

She couldn't stand it. Isobel and Kazao's happy faces kept flashing before her along with their son's, so pure and hopeful. She'd only ever seen Kaiba's eyes cold and contemptuous or else filled with gloating. What would he have been like if even one of his parents had lived? If his aunt had actually taken care of him like decency demanded?

It's no wonder you don't trust people, Téa thought, remembering Kaiba's stony face in the Virtual World when she had barred him from stalking off again. Of course you wanted to solve everything on your own. That's what you've had to do almost all your life.

At the time she had only wanted to help and been so frustrated by his reaction. It was so easy to see his pride and anger and respond to them instead of recognising the shield they made for the wounds beneath.

Another thought struck her as the library image replayed itself in her mind. Domino Park Library was her local library. The family must have lived very close to hers when Kaiba, when Seto, was growing up.

We would have still gone to school together, she thought, but how different things would have been….

Likely no Duel Monsters tournaments, certainly no Duelling arenas, blimps or Alcatraz, although Kaiba's genius and love of games could still have resulted in Duel Monsters innovations like the Duel Disk. But would he have ever caught Pegasus's eye without being the head of a global corporation? Would his and Atem's past still have compelled them to battle without the fuel of hatred that Kaiba had gained from his broken upbringing?

Seto Kaiba had been the catalysis for so much of their shared journey, it was hard to imagine how things would have turned out if he had grown up in a normal loving home as opposed to a strict, wealthy background fuelled by anger and competition.

Everything rested on the anguish of Seto and Mokuba and it all started with the loss of a brilliant, kind woman. Téa felt heartbroken. She had never seen the source of Kaiba's pain so clearly. Even her habit of calling him Kaiba erased his true family and potential for goodness. She had never known his original surname until now.

"Hon, are you okay?" Téa jumped, feeling Britney's hand on her shoulder. She fell into a hug. "I'm sorry," Britney continued, rubbing her back. "I shouldn't have brought it up. I didn't want you to cry. Is it that bad?"

"It's worse…" Téa said, sniffing, "now I feel awful for ever hating him…"

Britney broke the hug to grab some tissues from the sideboard and gave them to her, before enfolding her again. Téa blew her nose, resisting the urge to sob.

"Aww babe, this is all my fault. I'm such a stirrer, I'm sorry!" Britney said, squeezing her. She smelt like a sickly mix of raspberry shampoo and Coco Mademoiselle perfume. It was oddly comforting though. "Just forget all about it if you can! Like you said he's a jerk and he's not coming here for you. Hopefully you can see Mokuba and forget all about your stupid-ass friends for a bit!"

"That's just making me feel even worse," Téa said into her friend's damp shoulder. "I forgot you were all going." She looked up, vision still blurred. "How long do we have left?"

"Hmm." Britney glanced over to the clock on the wall. "It's quarter past eleven…plenty of time! Me and Corinne will clear up, don't you even worry about it, then we'll hang out, or go out for a bit? The weather's not too bad."

Téa sniffed again. Oh Mokuba, I haven't even thought about him in all this! How am I going to face him, knowing all of it… "Yeah…I guess that might be nice…"

Britney drew back and lifted up her chin just like her mother used to. "Come on, it's all in the past. We'll go out for shakes, sit in the park and pretend it's much warmer than it is."

Téa nodded, wiping her red eyes again and forced a smile. "Let's do that."

"Corinne!" Britney thundered, deafening Téa. "Corinne, stop what you're pretending to do and let's grab brunch or whatever. I've been an ass and you need to help me cheer Téa up!"

"I told you we were going too far- Oh Téa honey, you crying?" Corinne strode into the lounge then ran over to Téa.

"I'm fine, honestly," Téa attempted a lukewarm grin. "Let's go get some food. My smoothie did nothing to fill me up!"

"Deal!"

The rest of the day was spent thankfully Duel Monsters free, filled with all the laughter, teasing and impromptu dancing Téa had grown to know and love in her last six months here. She didn't even cry too much when five o'clock came and the girls had to leave.

"Call me, okay?" Britney said into her ear as the taxi pulled up. "I'll text you every day. It will be like I'm still here, but with less mess!"

"Great!" Téa smiled. "By the way, how long did it take us to clean up the dorm in the end?"

"That was Corinne's fault."

"Bitch, shut up!" Corinne retorted then kissed Téa on both cheeks. "Ciao, guapa!"

"Take care!"

Then they were gone and Téa made her lonely way back up to the dorm, which stared back at her - clean, quiet and empty.

I can almost see the tumbleweed, she thought, glancing around. Well…I guess I have Joe's tomorrow so I'll see people then…

Part of her itched to read the rest of the article or fact-check its contents now the girls couldn't catch her, but what would that achieve? She would make herself upset all over again and Seto and Mokuba would still be orphans, still raised by an abusive stepfather. Besides it was really intrusive. She could just imagine Kaiba's reaction -

"Getting weepy over my sad past, Gardner? Typical. Well it's none of your business, so back off!"

They've done well for themselves…she thought. Kaiba might be an ass at times but he was okay the last time I saw him.

She couldn't break the habit of thinking of him as Kaiba but he seemed to prefer the name. He could have reverted back to either his mother's or father's surname, but something told her Kaiba saw it as a badge of pride. After all, he had wrestled control of KaibaCorp away from Gozaboro and the Big Five at just fifteen and remade it in his own image. Her own father had had brief dealings with Kaiba Heavy Machinery Industries as it had been then, as part of his International Development work and said at the time how nasty they were. Now no-one thought of KaibaCorp as a weapons manufacturer. In three, almost four extraordinary years Kaiba had turned the company into the world's leading games producer, mostly through the strength of his own inventions, all whilst duelling and raising Mokuba.

Téa shook her head. He's nothing if not driven…

Speaking of driven, she needed to get her own butt into gear. It was getting dark outside but there was still plenty of the day left. She would plan her training routine for the next two weeks focusing on Latin. No matter how many times Corinne tried to show her, she just couldn't get her hips and bust to move in the right way. It might have something to do with what Corinne referred to jokingly as her 'uptight White girl' background. The sensual Latin dances always seemed to inhibit her in some form. She had worked on that inhibition for her audition piece but…She blushed, it didn't do to think of Atem and that performance right now either…

"Practice timetable, hit the gym, then food!" Téa said to herself, smacking her fist against her palm.

These two weeks would fly by and she would make them count.

Author's Note: Wow, what a couple of weeks for the world, huh? I hope you and your loved ones are being able to stay safe. I don't like to bring politics into fanfiction but I think it's important right now to say BlackLivesMatter and I support everyone's right to enjoy fandom whatever colour, sexuality and gender they are. We're a community.

So I'm wishing you all, all the best. This beast of a chapter hopefully made up for my lack of updates recently. Thank you for almost 50 reviews so far! That's amazing considering Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters and Azureshipping isn't as popular as it used to be.

But why no UST charged meeting between our azure-eyed leads yet, Bluefire? It's been seven fricking chapters already!

Well in the words of Jafar from Aladdin "Patience, Iago, patience…"

I may be drawing things out (we have another Kaiba POV before the long-awaited meeting), but I enjoy fleshing out the world around Téa and Kaiba. I think it makes for a richer, deeper story and well, it's my fic so there, lol!

I introduce my version of the Kaiba Bros true parents here. It's always felt sad and incomplete to me as a person as well as a writer that we never got to know their names in canon let alone their faces. My version isn't going to be yours but I've spent a lot of time (and almost wrote another fic!) based on what I've come up with. I'm a big softy but it made me really sad dreaming up a happy supportive family for the boys, only to have it ripped away. This places my story firmly in Dub territory as I don't think you can do Japan justice without proper adherence to the culture and honorifics. In a weird way (and I find this with original work too) the characters and story created themselves, especially Isobel, whose looks are based on Priest Seto's mother (all one frame we get of her - grrr!) I still wanted some Japanese influence so I decided on making his father Japanese-American and since no fanon surname for Seto would have felt right I went with his actual creator's surname - Takahashi - since he is technically Kaiba's dad anyway!

I hope you enjoyed some of the lighthearted takes on the gang earlier in the chapter. It might slow down the pace a little but I think it's fun to imagine what non-duellists might think of the characters we know and love. I also take a little pop-shot at Kaiba x Atem/Yugi here. No offence to anyone that ships it, ship and let ship etc, but in this story, Kaiba's obsession is platonic. The reason being I love exploring frenemies/rival dynamic and didn't want to complicate things by throwing in sexual tension as well. Plus I personally have never seen that aspect to it, but that's just me.

Finally - quick note - Number13 (I can't message you as you're commenting as a guest )- totally agree with your point about Surveillance Capitalism. I've always hated that and in fact in makes it harder to like Kaiba at times, given his behaviour and position as a tech CEO.