Disclaimer: I do not own anything.

A/N: The school I've mentioned in the story is real but some aspects I have modified for my story. The same goes for the places I've mentioned in New York City, so if something isn't entirely accurate its been done intentionally. Also the comments I've received so far have been really great and if I could get some more it would be really appreciated. Thank you for reading.

"Right, well in the end it will be his choice and we'll all support him on his decision." She decided this was the right approach, to be stoic and understanding.

"Yes we will."

Yugi and Tea continued their long conversation straying as far away from the former Pharaoh as possible. After what seemed like hours Tea ended the call knowing he'd call her soon enough in the coming days.

She threw her phone on her couch and laid her body along the warm seats. If he were to come she would have to see him, he was one of her friends after all, well before she came along at least. Tea wondered how she would react knowing her lover would be leaving her for a new country far across the sea from home. To her horror Tea thought what if she decided to tag along, but quickly shook her head knowing she would never leave her home country regardless of who was leaving her. She was too sentimental.

Her mind continued to race with what ifs until she fell soundly asleep, a pair of crimson eyes following her into the lull of night.

The sun kissed Tea's pale face awakening the blue eyed dancer from her slumber. She stretched her arms unaware of what time of day it was. She slowly dragged herself to her room checking the clock, 6:52. Why was she awake so early she didn't know but hastily got into the shower cooling her warm body off. She had slept in her sweater all night and she had awoken with some serious sweat on her body.

By the time she got out and had changed into some jeans and another sweater, this one tight and accentuating the curves of her torso, she made her way out of her room and down the hall toward the student lounge that held a fully stacked kitchen. She immediately walked toward the coffee maker and started the machine making more than she could drink for anyone else that wanted.

While waiting for her coffee Tea couldn't help but think of what Atem was thinking. Was he having a hard time deciding to leave her? Did he not want to leave Yugi for a place so far and foreign? Was he afraid to see her just as much as she was afraid to see him? She was completely lost in her thoughts until she felt the small bump of another person. She quickly looked toward the unknown entity and smiled upon realizing it was James, one of the other advanced dancers in her group.

"Good morning James." Tea said grabbing a cup since the coffee machine was signaling it was done.

"Morning Tea." James smiled at his friend grabbing a cup for himself.

"Did you make extra?"

"Don't I always." Tea smiled bringing the warm liquid to her lips before taking a small sip. James gave Tea one of his signature smiles that would make any other girl swoon, but not her. Her heart belonged to another.

"You really are the best." He said looking away. Tea couldn't help but blush, James was very blunt with his compliments.

"It's just coffee." She muttered.

They sat at one of the empty tables just enjoying each other company. James was one of Tea's very good friends and they had occasionally been partnered up for dances together. Tea trusted him a lot because they danced so well together and he was very gentle with her. As they became closer through their dancing, James had tried many times to pursue Tea only to be shot down, Tea deeming their relationship to be wrong since they were partners and should anything go awry it could ruin everything for the both of them. James understood her point but persisted, it had almost become a game for him. He couldn't understand why she couldn't say yes to one date. It would make sense if she had someone waiting for her back home but from the knowledge he gained from his fellow dancers she had none. James certainly new it couldn't be because he was ugly, it's not that he was arrogant it was just so plainly true. He had soft blonde hair that sparkled in the sun, accompanied by tender green eyes that often reminded Tea of freshly mowed grass. He was tall and had a muscular lean physic perfect for dance. Many of his fellow classmates showed their admiration and adoration for him as he was very talented, but he shot most of them down wanting one blue eyed dancer in particular. He stared at Tea drinking her coffee unsuspecting to his gaze since she herself was so lost in her thoughts. He noted how wonderful the pink sweater looked against the gentle curves of her body and wanted nothing more than to hold her against him. He sighed looking away knowing that at the moment this was not possible.

8:05, Tea had exactly fifty-five minutes to get her butt on the train to go downtown to her job in a bookstore. She decided to work there on weekends to make some extra cash for herself. Although her parents were adamantly supporting her, New York was expensive and she wanted to be able to enjoy the city and other things instead of just focusing on dance. Extra cash allowed her to travel more than she could have just from her parents help.

She quickly said goodbye to James and made her way back to her room to get her bag and soon was sitting on the one train heading downtown towards union square. This was by far one of her favorite parts of the city because she got to people watch and enjoy the constant festivities that lined the streets of the famous space. There was always something happening and it made her commute enjoyable.

Rows and rows of shelves littered the small yet quaint book shop. The owner had been running the shop for almost sixty years and enjoyed both old and new customers daily. The shop was quite cozy with small couches littering the front near the window so people could enjoy a book while watching the hub outside. Shelves lined the walls and small stands displayed new books that had been received with rave reviews. A small coffee and tea station stood near the back where anyone would be able to get a hot drink in an assortment of mugs or to go if they were in a hurry. It was indeed one of Tea's favorite places to be besides the dance studio and her dorm. She entered the old shop inhaling deeply the scent of books and coffee, there couldn't be a more complete combination on earth.

She made her way toward the back of the shop where the employees lounge was and promptly put on her name tag and through her hair in a bun. Her bag was packed neatly in her locker and once she deemed herself ready, she stepped out and headed towards the cash register to start her shift.

She looked around at the present customers, some lounging on the sofas both on the lower and upper levels of the store, and those browsing through books looking to see if anyone needed refills or help. Everyone to her knowledge seemed content and she presumed to wait for any customer needing to check out. As she stood waiting her eye caught Mary, the girl who worked at the coffee and tea stand. Tea smiled and gave her a small wave. Mary waved back and motioned Tea to come to her. Tea gave one more look around to see if anyone would be needing her help and saw that everyone still seemed too lost in their own worlds to be bothered by her and followed Mary's wave. Little did she know a pair or crimson eyes were watching her from outside the shop. The eyes seemed to gleam with a happiness that could only be brought out by a reunion but there would be no reunion today. He smiled at the girl seeing how much she remained the same yet how different she truly looked. Older was all he could think.

He sighed getting one last look at the ballet dancer before he set off towards his own destination. We'll meet soon, he thought.

Tea smiled at Mary who warmly brought the dancer in for a hug.

"How've you been?" she asked, her southern accent coming out heavily. Mary had moved to the stone cold streets of New York City, away from her plantation home in her picturesque little town in North Carolina, to pursue her dream of becoming a professional painter. She had received admission at the Juilliard School of Fine Arts and was on her way to opening up her first art show in the coming weeks.

"I've been better." Tea cracked a smile at her old friend. Mary had been working alongside Tea for a year now and Tea couldn't be more grateful that she had found herself such a good friend.

"What's got you all spun up?" she asked whilst nibbling on a muffin. "Also would you like some? They're blueberry and still very warm." Tea smiled at her friend's kindness.

"Don't mind if I do." And swiftly took a bite of the warm pastry. She smiled at the tasty treat.

"This is so damn good, wow."

"I know I made them myself this morning, I had called mama asking for her recipe."

Tea nodded knowing all too well her friend's strong aptitude for cooking. She had been over Mary's apartment more than once for dinner.

"So tell me, anything new in the boyfriend department." Mary wiggled her eyebrows knowingly only to make Tea laugh.

"I'm too busy for a boyfriend-"

"Right because of dance, and dance and oh right dance." Mary threw her muffin wrap away and looked at Tea. "C'mon honey you deserve to find someone that makes you happy, you've been alone in this city for two years and I've yet to see you go on one measly date."

"I have a dream Mary and it's not easy to attain, a boy would just distract me."

"Not if it's the right boy."

Tea thought about her words, she thought she had found the right boy only to lose him to someone else.

"Yeah well best to keep men on their toes. When the right one comes I'll be sure to let you know."

"Seriously how long are you going to keep James, 'on his toes'."

Tea rolled her eyes.

"If James can't take the hint that I'm not interested in him then that's not my problem."

Mary couldn't help but snort at her statement, "Hate to tell you sweets but James isn't the kind of guy whose use to hearing no, so when you pushed him away it probably made him want you more."

"Men are dogs huh."

"Amen to that."

They both soon went back to work with warm bellies filled with blueberry muffins and hot tea.

Seven hours had gone by in a breeze, Tea worked through the endless traffic that poured into the store, helping as many people as she could until her feet ached and she longed to be in her bed. Thankfully the next girl who would be taking over the night shift had just arrived and Tea quickly handed her the reigns while relaying any necessary information she needed to know.

"And that should be it. Have a great night Mel, I'll see you soon."

"Same to you Tea." The black haired girl answered cheerfully and started on her rounds.

Tea made her way toward the employee lounge grabbing her things and leaving the shop. She welcomed the cool New York air with a smile and quickly walked towards the nearest subway station hoping there was no traffic so she would have a quick commute. Of course her hopes were wrong and she sat with her eyes closed listening to the songs she had downloaded on her phone. When they finally got to the stop causing all the bustle, she smiled knowing the traffic should pick up from here on out. The train began to fill with people making their way home from the busy streets of the city and she inhaled the familiar scent of a million perfumes, along with the repellent smell of the subway forming together in one big cloud around her nose. It made her want to sneeze. But among the many perfume and colognes she sensed, a different smell lingering around her tip. It was a strong musk of something earthy with added flavors of peppermint and a smell she had yet to identify.

Her eyes shot open and she quickly looked around the small train. At first to her dismay, she couldn't find his fiery hair but as her eyes looked to the left most corner she spotted him. He was leaning against the side of the bench hanging on to the railing with his eyes closed.

She almost choked.

How was he here already? What was he doing on this train? Was he stalking her?

She wanted to call out to him to get answers but there were too many people blocking her and he was pretty far from her. She didn't want to be one of those people that yelled for another on the train so she kept her mouth shut, waiting for the opportunity at the next stop where passengers would clear the area for her to get up and meet him.

But while she waited she couldn't help but study him like a specimen. His hair was for the most part the same, the black spikes tipped with magenta and blonde bangs framing his delicate face. To most this combination would be horrifying, but he made it look regal, sexy.

He himself looked older and taller as Joey had described, she could see the outline of his muscles around the tight black sweater he wore over some black jeans and boots. His skin was lightly tanned but for the most part his aura remained the same to her. His presence was as strong as ever, even amongst a room of crowded people all shoved together. His eye remained closed and how she begged for him to open them. To be able to witness the crimson hues that swirled around. She wanted to swim in them and feel the intensity they brought about.

The train continued forward, lurching and stopping in various points. She wanted to curse out the MTA for their horrible service today. She was so impatient.

Finally, the train announced they were approaching the stop and she hastily set herself to get up. The train stopped and the doors opened, a mountain of people flooding out blocking those trying to enter. Tea got up, her legs felt wobbly as made her way to his silent figure. His eyes were still closed and she wondered if he could sense her like she could him.

As she was mere feet from Atem an unknown figure blocked her view.

"Tea!" the voice exclaimed excitedly, as if he hadn't seen this morning.

Atem's eyes opened quickly and he looked for the woman whose named was called out.

"Oh hey James." She said annoyed trying to walk past him. "If you could excuse me for a –"

"No." James held a finger to her lips shutting her up. Tea looked at him with a heavily surprised irritated look. "Tea listen I know we were dance partners and I know you're worried for future performances you don't want to mess up our great chemistry. But I don't believe that, I believe if we can have great chemistry on stage we can surely have it off stage as well." He smiled knowingly at her and it took everything in Tea not to shove him aside and tell him to fuck off. She nervously looked past James's head at the curious eyes that had finally decided to open.

Azure met crimson and Tea felt herself entranced once again. They were just as deep and tranquil as she had remembered. She couldn't believe she was finally looking into them. For a moment she was lost in his fiery gaze and finally felt herself being shaken.

"Hello Tea, what are you looking at?" James turned around to see what had caught her attention and glared at the man that had met her gaze. Who the hell was this guy?

Tea shook her head and saw Atem looking at both of them curiously. James was now looking at Atem with slits and to Tea's surprise Atem began to change his calm demeanor to a more defensive one. It was so subtle; James would have never picked up on it but Tea knew him so well. His eyes began to stare harshly at James and she could tell James was starting to get uncomfortable.

"Urm right okay anyway back to this. What do you say, will you go on a date with me?" he asked her loud enough for Atem to hear, but his face held no notice of shock or objection. Then again why would he, he had someone waiting for him at home. The thought of her angered Tea and she looked directly at James.

"Yes fine I'll go."

James looked like he was about to squeal like a school girl. He grabbed Tea's waist and brought her a bit closer to him. Tea struggled to keep her distance against his grasp and could have sworn she saw Atem start to move closer but stayed put.

To her horror James knelt down and whispered in her ear, "I'll make it worth your while baby."

Tea wanted to puke at his words, especially with Atem standing so close to them but only mustered a very forced smile nodding.

Thankfully James got off at the next stop leaving Tea alone with the only man she wished asked her on date. Atem finally seeing the annoying twit to be gone walked closer to Tea, closing the little space left between them.

"Tea." He breathed realizing how good it felt to say her name after so long.

"Hello Atem." She said softly not meeting his gaze again. His eyes were too intense for her right now. To her adamant surprise Atem pulled her for a hug. It was with one arm and tad awkward as they were on a moving train and both of them were trying not to fall on their asses. Nevertheless, she hugged him back breathing him in deeply and feeling the new muscles protruding from his shirt. Why did he have to wear such a tight shirt today. He finally let go, ending her bliss and carefully looked at her up close.

She really had matured, her features were much more defined and she had lost most of the small amounts of baby fat that had been etched on her face. Her eyes were like crystals, becoming a beautiful backdrop for her dainty nose and sharp cheekbones. He couldn't help but notice how her body had matured too. It had certainly filled in many places noting the tight pink sweater she wore under her winter jacket. The neck line was quite low and since they were so close her swells were almost hitting his chest. Her legs had become stronger from what he could tell and she too had become a bit taller. Certainly not as tall as him but longer than before.

Tea could feel his eyes running all over her, absorbing her new self and she couldn't stop the blush creeping upon her cheeks. Atem noticed the hints of pink across her nose and he cleared his throat avoiding any sort of blush of his own. It was wholly obvious he was checking her out.

"It's good to see you Tea, after so long." His voice had gone down an octave making her hold on tighter to the silver pole above her. She cursed her body for giving in to his voice so easily.

"Yes and same to you." She paused. "You certainly look different with your own body."

He smirked knowingly, "There was only such much Yugi's body could offer me. Essentially this was what I looked like as Pharaoh." He said the last part in almost a whisper as there were other people on this train with them.

"Oh." Was all she could muster. She wanted to kick herself.

"So what brings you to New York?" she finally asked.

"Well I'm sure Yugi told you." He smirked again and she had the odd sensation of wanting to kick him but instead rolled her eyes.

"Yes he explained your situation, congratulations by the way. But I wasn't expecting you to be here today. He had only told me yesterday."

"Ah yes well I had made up my decision long ago and Yugi just wasn't aware of it. He had let me have some alone time for a bit and by the time my flight came around all I could do from getting him to not freak out on me over the phone was send a letter."

"You're telling me you traveled half way across the world by yourself and left Yugi a letter explaining your decision and where you've gone the day before he explained to me your news with thoughts that you were very indecisive."

He smiled wickedly. "Yes."

Tea couldn't contain her snigger and began laughing, was this truly the pharaoh she had left behind. Who knew he could be so playful without the weight of the world on his shoulders.

"He is going to kill you." She finally said.

"Indeed. But he'll be fine once the initial shock has died away."

"Yeah, that's true."

The train announced its next stop, one Tea had to take and she looked sorrowfully at Atem.

"Well this is me, if you have a phone maybe we can exchange numbers and grab lunch?"

He smiled, "What kind of bafoon would I be to not get a cell phone while I'm stranded in a different country."

Tea snorted and tossed him the piece of paper she had written her number on while waving him goodbye. This would be interesting.