Peneia Teke: Hey everyone! I know what you all want to say, so let's all say it together, ok? Ready... one, two, three... OH MY GOD! WHAT TO YOU SO FREAKING LONG TO UPDATE? WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR A MONTH! ARGHHHH! pelts her with rocks and rotten vegetables until she's buried
O.o;; Yeah, I'm sorry this update came so late, but it's here now-finally!
Thank you so, so, sooooo much for all the great reviews from the last chapter. I must say I had my doubts, but now I'm relieved.
Ok, Mai will be making an appearance in this chapter, so watch out! I also hope I'm not the only one who's noticed a dramatic change in her voice. I didn't even recognize her when they showed her in Pegasus' office. Either they've gotten a new voice actor, or they're just reinforcing this 'new' Mai. Either way, I don't like it. Ok, enough ranting. Onwards to chapter six!
Disclaimer: Don't own Yu-Gi-Oh!
Chapter Six
"Are you sure you really want to buy, Mai?" Tea asked warily as she pulled herself out of Mai's blue convertible and shut the door. "I mean, I'd feel kinda guilty." It was the Monday after the 'beach incident' and she and Mai were going out for a little early dinner.
Mai twirled her keys around a finger. "Don't worry about it, hon, this is all on me."
"But-" Tea began and was cut off by a stern glance from the older girl.
"I don't want to hear another word. Come on; I'm famished." They entered a small café and sat down at one of the booths.
A waitress came over and handed them each a menu. "Can I get you anything to drink?" she asked, glancing back and forth from Mai to Tea. "Or would you like to order now?"
"Yes, I'll have an iced tea with lemon," Mai said, not looking up from the menu. "...And the chicken salad on a croissant."
"Ok, and for you?" the waitress asked as she focused her attention on Tea.
"Um, I'll have the same, please."
"Ok, it'll be just a moment," the woman responded and walked briskly off to another table. She returned a few minutes later carrying two trays of their delicious looking food and placed them in front of the girls. Mai thanked her before digging in.
About half way through her sandwich, she glanced up to see Tea staring at her food with a glazed look in her eyes. "Something the matter?" she frowned.
"Huh? Oh... no, it's nothing. I've just had something on my mind..." She hoped Mai would take the hint and back off but had no such luck.
"Care to share?"
"Not really. It's kind of personal." Well, if she hadn't had Mai's complete attention before, she certainly did now.
"Well, what is it? Some kind of secret love affair you're not telling me about?"
"I think you've been spending too much time around Joey," Tea replied as she rolled her eyes slightly in annoyance.
Mai snorted. "Oh please, don't even think about comparing me to that-" there was a pause as she narrowed her violet eyes at Tea in realization. "You're trying to throw me off topic, aren't you? Alright Tea, spill it. What's going on?"
She hesitated. This was it. She could either pour her guts out right then and there to Mai or continue lying and add another weight to her already guilt burdened conscience, which she wasn't too keen on doing. She finally shrugged her shoulders helplessly and brought the older girl up to date on the events of the past two weeks.
Mai cocked her head thoughtfully as Tea finished her story and put a hand on her hip. "Hmm... Well, I see Kaiba's been keeping you on your toes."
Tea drummed her fingers on the table nervously. "Yeah, and now I'm really confused. What do you think this means, Mai? What am I supposed to do?"
"Well, do you feel the same way about him as he does about you?" Mai asked with a smirk.
"What do you mean 'feel the same way as he does about me'?" she asked nervously. "Kaiba hates me..."
"Uh, and you say I'm spending too much time with Joey?" Mai rolled her eyes. "Think about it, Tea. Your little group is the only one Kaiba associates with. Why do you think that is?"
Tea glared grudgingly at the table top. "Because he wants to beat Yugi in a duel and reclaim his title as the World Champion, and he thinks it's fun pushing Joey's buttons until he snaps."
"Well, that may be part of it, but I think it has more to do with you."
Tea looked at her skeptically. "Me? You really believe that? This is Kaiba we're talking about after all; the guy we compare to an iceberg."
"Yeah, and he saved your life once."
"That was only because I helped Mokuba, and he felt like he owed me or something."
"No, I saw the look in his eyes. His concern was sincere and he would have done so regardless."
"I guess, but any normal, decent person would have done the same, I'm sure."
"Kaiba isn't any normal, decent person."
"...I guess you have a point," Tea replied with a frown.
Mai watched her with keen eyes. "And I don't think you hate him as much as you let on, either."
"What? Of course I don't hate him, Mai, I just really don't like him. He's a stuck up, arrogant prick, and he needs to learn that the world doesn't revolve around him."
"See, that's exactly what I'm talking about," Mai exclaimed with a grin. "You call him names and make it a habit to pick out all his flaws, but you don't seem to realize that you do it all the time. It's the first sign of a crush, you know."
"What are you talking about? I don't have a crush on him!"
Mai rolled her eyes. "Hon, the first thing you need to realize is that I'm not one of your little guy friends, and it sounds like you're in denial to me."
"I am not! Besides, you and Joey argue all the time."
"Yeah, and we've also been dating for the past two months."
Ok, so that was a bad example. Tea remained defiant. "So? That doesn't mean I have a crush on Kaiba."
Mai glanced down at her perfectly manicured nails without interest. "Why do you think we're even having this conversation?"
"Because you butted into my personal life."
Mai sighed. "No, because you asked me for advice on your situation with Kaiba. You're confused about your feelings for him, and you don't want to admit that you might like him because it would upset the balance of your comfortable life. You're afraid to take a chance, you're afraid of rejection, and you're afraid of what people might say if you two started dating."
Tea stared at Mai for a moment with her mouth slightly agape. Then she dropped her arms to her sides in defeat and asked warily, "Ok... let's say you're possibly right, and I like Kaiba a little-just a little! What am I supposed to do about it? It's not like he'll ever up and admit he likes me."
The older woman grinned in triumph. "That's true. He's never one to admit to his feelings. Maybe you should show him that you care instead of tell him. After all, he is a hands on kind of guy."
"Mai!" Tea shrieked, a blush starting to redden her cheeks, "It's not like I'd ever do anything with him! For goodness' sake, now I know you're spending too much time around Joey!"
"Hey!" Mai laughed, "It's not like we've actually done anything either... yet."
Tea held her hands up. "No what? I don't wanna know anymore. Joey's too much like a brother for me to hear about the details of his love life."
Mai nodded in agreement. "Seriously though, we're getting off topic. I think you should pay him a little visit later."
"What? You mean like at his house?"
Mai gave her a look that said 'Are-you-seriously-that-stupid?' and crossed her arms over her chest. "Yes, Tea, at his house."
The brunette ignored her and continued, "What exactly am I supposed to do? I doubt he'd actually let me inside if he knew it was me!"
"I don't know. You could go under the pretense that you want that little charm thingy back and go from there."
"Ok, but I do actually want my charm back, Mai. Yugi gave it to me on my birthday as a sign of our friendship. He said it reminded him of me."
"You told me that already, Tea."
"Told who what already?" came a familiar voice, and Tea didn't need to see the owner to know it was Joey Wheeler. Tristan and Yugi weren't far behind him.
Mai's eyes darted toward him and then back down to her nails again. "Nothing, Joseph. Just girl talk."
"Girl talk, eh?" he asked, pulling up a chair next to Mai and wrapping his arm around her waist. "Sounds fun ta me!"
"How'd you know we were here, Joey?" Tea asked him curiously.
"We didn't. We were just passing by and recognized Mai's car."
"Actually Joey recognized the car and then dragged us both in here," Tristan added.
Mai smiled weakly at Joey and stood up, much to the blonde's dismay. "Well kids, as much as I'd love to stick around and chat, there's some stuff I've got to do, so I'll see you later." Then she directed her attention at the brunette across from her and added, "Tea, wasn't there somewhere you said you needed to be? I could give you a lift." Tea nodded hurriedly and stood up, glancing apologetically at her three friends.
"Hey, what's the sudden rush?" Tristan asked indignantly.
"Yeah, we jus' got here," Joey added. "Couldn't ya at least stay and have a soda or somethin'?"
Mai shook her head. "Sorry guys, but we really have to run."
"Ah well," Joey shrugged, "Guess we'll jus' have ta talk 'bout ya behind your back. No big deal, right?" That earned him a swat from Mai. "Hey! What was that for?" he scowled, rubbing his head tenderly.
"For being you," she replied haughtily. "Mmm wait... that reminds me..." She smacked him again.
"Argh! Now what'd I do?" he shouted, glaring daggers at her.
She turned her full wrath on him. "That was for trying to flirt with some stupid bimbo when I'll wasn't there to knock sense into your thick head!"
Joey ducked when Mai advanced on him again. "Cut it out, Mai! I don' know what you're talkin' 'bout!"
"Joey, she means that morning you had the, uh, incident with the pole... remember?" Yugi asked timidly, attempting to separate the feuding blonds.
"Oh right, that," he replied sheepishly. Then he looked offended. "Hey wait, whaddaya mean tryin' to flirt? I was doin' a pretty nice job leadin' her on, if I do say so myself."
"Joey Wheeler! You're so pig headed sometimes I don't know what to do with you!" Mai shouted as she stomped her foot on the ground and threw her hands up in the air. "Is that all you have to say for yourself?"
A slow smile spread across his face. "Why Mai, you're not jealous are ya? 'Cause that's perfectly understandable; what wit me and my good looks an' all. The ladies jus' can't seem to get enough of ol' Joey Wheeler. Don' worry though, I'll try to find a way to fend 'em off."
"Why I never..." Mai growled. "I'm not going to stand around here and take this." She turned and began marching toward the door.
"Aw, come on Mai," Joey called, "you know I was jus' messin' wit ya. Don' be mad!"
"Sweet talk isn't going to get you out of this one, Joey," Mai replied with her back still turned. "Come on Tea, let's go."
"I'll call ya tonight!" The slam of the café door was his only answer, and all watched as Mai stalked toward her blue convertible, Tea nearly jogging to keep up.
"That's some kinda odd relationship if I ever saw one," Tristan murmured to Yugi once they were gone. Yugi smiled.
Joey just grinned and said, "Yeah, but I c'n tell she loves me. It's all in the vibe."
"Well, you could have fooled me."
Joey ignored him and glanced toward the girls' table. "Ah great, looks like we get to pay their bill, girls..."
"You mean you get to pay their bill."
"Shut it, Tristan."
Mai raised an eyebrow incredulously at the huge, cast iron gate before them, surrounded on either side by a six foot brick wall. The estate and grounds visible beyond reeked of wealth, power, and prestige. It could only belong to one person-Seto Kaiba. "Will you need me to pick you up later?"
"Ah, it's ok. I'll just walk."
"Ok, but you have my cell number if you need to get a hold of me, right?"
"Yeah, thanks," Tea replied. She gave Mai a weak smile before turning around and heading toward the gate. Now, how am I going to get in there? She scanned the length of the wall and then glanced back over at her friend. "Hey Mai, would you mind giving me a boost? I think if I stood on your shoulders I could get over-"
"Whoa! Wait a minute, Tea; are you telling me he's not here? I thought you said he wasn't at work?"
"I said he wasn't volunteering today. We both got the day off, so he's probably at KaibaCorp right now."
"Oh. Well why didn't you tell me? I could have dropped you off there."
"It's ok. I'm sure he won't mind if I... just let myself in to take a look around."
Mai's mouth dropped open in a very un-lady like fashion. "You're going to break into Seto Kaiba's mansion? You do know what he's capable of, right?"
"More or less. Now, will you give me a hand?"
The blonde girl smirked wickedly. "And here I thought you were just a sweet, little goody-two-shoes. You sure surprised me, hon."
Tea narrowed her eyes. "This was your idea, you know."
"Not the breaking in part; just the talking to Kaiba part, thank you very much."
"Ok, Fine. Just help me get over this fence."
Mai got down into a crouching position and waited impatiently for Tea to climb onto her shoulders. She winced slightly in pain as the brunette shifted her weight to adjust her balance. "Ok, I'm ready," she said. And here I thought dancers were supposed to be light, graceful creatures, Mai thought darkly as she stood enough for Tea to scramble over the wall and land with an audible thud on the other side.
She heard some muffled shuffling and Tea's figure appeared on the other side of the iron fence. "Here, I'll open the gate for you."
Mai waved a hand. "Don't bother. I should be getting on my way."
"What! You mean you're leaving me here all alone?" Tea shrieked. "I thought you were just joking about that!"
"Keep your voice down," Mai hissed. "I wasn't lying when I said I have some things I have to do."
"Well, wish me luck at least," she whispered, turning away.
"Good luck. Oh, and Tea?" She glanced quizzically over her shoulder at the blonde. "I'll be rooting for you," Mai added with a grin.
Tea watched her older friend get back in her car and pull away from the curb. Mai gave her a playful wink and stepped on the accelerator. The engine revved to life, and the car sped off down the street, stirring up a cloud of dust in its wake. Tea waited until the car was out of sight before taking a deep breath and venturing in the direction of her potential doom.
(Kaiba Corporation)
Kaiba glanced down at his watch and heaved a relieved sigh. He'd finally, finally finished his newest model of the duel disk system (among other things) and was now ahead of his work. This meant he could go home early and enjoy a little peace and quiet. He had a few loose ends to tie up at home, but that wouldn't take long. Besides, working in the comfort of his mansion was much better than having to work in the stressful environment of KaibaCorp. Maybe he could take Mokuba out for ice cream or something later. He hadn't been able to spend time with his little brother in ages.
Not only that, but he also needed time to mull over what had happened on Saturday.
Kaiba packed his laptop away in his briefcase and then pulled out his cell and dialed a number. "Roland, it's me. Bring the limo around. I'm heading out early today."
Too soon, Tea came across her next problem. How am I going to get inside? It's not like Kaiba keeps his doors unlooked for anyone to enter. She paused in her stride. But wait, he leaves his windows open?
She smirked at her dumb luck. She crept to the window, careful not to let herself be seen and peeked inside. It appeared to be a library or a study room of some kind and was quite empty. Tea reached her hand through the window frame, carefully removed the screen, and opened the window enough for her to squeeze her body through. Then she put the screen back and closed the window. That was a little too easy. Must be a catch.
After taking a look around the room and deciding there was nothing there that could pose as a threat, she made her way out to the hallway and began walking in a random direction. She glanced at her watch; it was 5:15 PM. She knew Kaiba would stay at Kaiba Corporation until at least 7:00 PM, but he usually stayed longer. She also recalled Yugi telling her once that Mokuba went over to the high school for soccer practice at 4:30 PM and usually stayed until 6:00 PM. Wow, I sound like a stalker.
The sound of her shoes slapping against the hardwood floor echoed off the walls and Tea flinched. Despite the fact that no one was home, she felt the urge to keep her whereabouts as subtle as possible. Well, this is fun, she thought sarcastically, where exactly am I supposed to go from here? She'd never even seen his mansion before let alone been inside it. Uh, I guess trying to find his office or room or whatever he calls it would be a good place to start. He has to be keeping it there; I just know it! Tea was more for locating her missing treasure at the moment than telling Kaiba how she felt, which was pretty annoyed to say the least. How do I always let myself get talked into these things, anyway? I swear, I think Mai's starting to have a bad influence on me.
She wandered around for another few minutes, peeking into rooms here and there and sighing in frustration when none resembled or even came remotely close to a bedroom or office. Stupid Kaiba and his humongous mansion, she thought, he should hang a map in the lobby so people like me won't have to wander around lost for hours.
Tea walked pass yet another room and glanced in uninterested. She was about to walk on when her brain caught up with her feet and she froze. She back tracked several steps and peeked around the corner. On closer inspection the room appeared to be some sort of security control center with small TVs lining the walls. They showed screenings of certain rooms in the mansion and changed camera angles every few seconds. A computer at the far end of the room kept the system running smoothly.
However, that wasn't what had caught Tea's attention. A figure leaning over the computer was typing in commands and didn't seem to notice she was there. It wasn't until she gave an audible gasp of surprise that the person whirled around to face her, looking almost surprised as she. They stared at each other for a moment before the figure recomposed himself and cocked his head curiously.
"...Well, well what do we have here?"
Peneia Teke: Wahahahaha! I left a cliffie. So, who's the man in the security room? Guess you'll just have to find out next time, but the good news is I already know what I'm going to do for the next chapter! I hope you guys liked this, and feed back is always appreciated.
I know I said this chapter would have a lot of action in it, but I decided to leave that 'til next chapter.
Also this little bit was based loosely on an idea from Samantha10, so let's applaud her!
As you can see this story is no longer a 2 or 3 chapter fic, nor is it going to be 5 or 6 chapters. I really have no idea how long it's going to be, but I guess that's better for you guys, right?
Btw, I have a question for all you Tea/Kaiba people. There was a fic I read about Kaiba giving Tea a ride home during a rainstorm. The next day some girls were making fun of Kaiba behind his back and Tea flipped out on them, telling them that they didn't know Kaiba and that he really wasn't a bad guy. All was fine a dandy until Tea stormed out the door, and low and behold, there was Kaiba on the other side. He'd heard everything she said, and they just stared at each other for a moment before Tea brushed pass him very embarrassed. I think after that Kaiba walked in on Tea during one of her dancing sessions and watched her for awhile.
Unfortunately, I don't know the name of this fic, or the author. My point? If any of you have read something like this or have even a remote idea of what I'm talking about would you please tell me in you review or email me? Thanks!