Disclaimer: I do not own Yugioh.
"Talk"
'Thoughts'
Flashback/Dream
...
His eyes were fixed at the entrance.
She was not here… yet, he assured himself. But she will be. She had said so herself. She was probably running a bit late, or fashionably late, as Mai liked to call it.
The seat beside him, reserved for his date was empty.
Flashback
"You know, if you had told me about it yourself, we wouldn't be in this mess right now." Serenity fumed as she hurried to get ready, violently brushing her hair in front of a mirror. On the other side of the room, Seto did his tie, ignoring the angry woman.
"I mean, I had to find out from your secretary that today was the day, and then it was too late to go shopping for a nice dress. I had to wear this one." She said, frowning at her peach colored gown. "Sure I haven't worn it, but I wanted something better, something more expensive and dashing to celebrate your success. Plus, I only have one matching jewellery set to go with it, and only two pairs of matching shoes to choose from. I don't have many options available to look as beautiful as I can. Thank God for my natural beauty or this would have been an even bigger mess. But I still can't believe you never told me, your date, about the-."
"You're not my date for the night." Seto said, cutting through her rant.
"What?" Serenity said in disbelief, stopping short of putting on her diamond earnings.
"I said, you are not my date for tonight. I intentionally didn't tell you."
"Why?" Serenity all but yelled. "You have another date? Are you going with her?" Seto knew who "her" was.
"No." He replied.
"Then why can't I go?" She asked, not believing him.
"Because you have no place there." Seto said, snapping at her. "You had nothing to do with the product or campaign or its success, so it is pointless for you to be there."
"But I have something to do with you." Serenity said. "I am your girlfriend." Her voice lost some of its power as she said it. Guilt seeped into his mind but he dismissed it as soon as it made its presence known.
"I don't have time to waste on you right now." He said, swiftly walking past her, leaving her hurt and angry. Just as he walked down the stairs, he heard her yell.
"I hope that bitch doesn't show up."
End Flashback
Faintly, his heart was beating with fear that perhaps Serenity's scornful wish had come true. Perhaps today, he was to face humiliation at the hands of the one he cared for, just as she must have faced when he had left her screaming in their bedroom.
Karma sure was a bitch.
In his musings, he failed to notice a petite female approaching him. Only when a slender hand touched his shoulder did he notice her presence and was met by a radiant smile on an equally radiant face.
"My, my, what has caught your attention that you are unaware of approaching threats?" She said in an amused tone.
"Reina Hariguka." Seto said in a polite tone, addressing the now smiling woman. "Always a pleasure to see you." Although his voice lacked any disrespect or mockery, Reina's smile disappeared and was replaced by fake hurt.
"Must you always be so mean?" She said with a cute pout. Seto couldn't help himself as a smirk took form on his lips.
"It's my style, as you so kindly put it a year ago. And according to you, I am nothing if not a mean, grouchy billionaire." He said.
"Only you would remember and take to heart a comment made in jest." She said.
"Well, let it be known then, don't jest with Seto Kaiba." Seto replied.
"I tell her times and times again," Another voice joined the conversation, much to Seto's relief and Reina's amusement, and soon, Shinn appeared, "but she doesn't listen to me."
"Yes." Seto said. "Your wife seems to derive much pleasure in "jesting" with me. I wonder if she is deprived of it in her life." Shinn blushed faintly and looked to change the topic.
"Congratulations again on the success of the product Mr. Kaiba. Your decisions and far-sightedness proved, once again, that Kaiba Corp. could have no better president."
"Don't flatter him Shinn." Reina said. "This building is barely large enough to contain his ego. If you give him a boost, I'm sure we will be out of breathing space." Shinn sighed in defeat. Reina would never leave the elder Kaiba alone, would she? Sometimes he wondered why she did it, and more importantly, why did the grouchy Kaiba put up with her? Despite his intelligence and knowledge of the two individuals in questions, the answer was beyond him. In situations like these, he found it best to find an excuse and take his leave, and let the two duke it out. So making an excuse to speak with another executive, Shinn escaped their company, leaving the two at each other's mercy.
Reina smirked in a very disturbing way and Seto quickly looked away.
"So, where is your girlfriend?" Reina asked causally as she took a seat opposite him. Seto's gaze didn't even flicker for a second as he replied.
"She is not needed."
"At the event or in your life?" Reina said cheekily. Seto half-heartedly glared at her, but it had no effect on Reina at all.
"I'd say 'trouble in paradise' but only half of the expression applies to the two of you. So what's up?" Raina said. "Why isn't she here? I must say, with her not latched onto your arm, you look a little thin."
"Like you said, there's not enough room here to support my ego, let alone two divas."
"Really?" Reina said in mock surprise. "Who is the other diva?" Seto fully glared at her now and she laughed. "From what Shinn tells me, Tea Gardener is no diva. But then again, there is bad blood between you two according to media."
"Media is only spurting a collage of lies." Seto grumbled. Reina raised an amused eyebrow.
"Oh? So there are no problems whatsoever between you two, no past relationship, no budding present relationship, no prospect of a future relationship?" She said eagerly.
"We have a professional relationship, nothing more." Seto said, his voice plain and emotionless.
"Well that sucks." She said with a dejected look. "I was hoping to get some gossip, some juicy story out of you of your tragic past. It would have been so amazing if you two were past lovers torn apart by trials of time and now reunited. Don't you think so?" She finished with a dreamy sigh. Seto just turned his head away to hide the pain that he feared might be reflecting in his eyes, though the action itself was meant to imply disgust at Reina's notions.
"Only you would come up with such garbage." He said, turning to face her. She smiled.
"Possibly." She admitted. "But I still find it hard to believe that you two are not, at the very least, well acquainted with each other. She was Mokuba's friend, and from what I know about you, you are very knowledgeable of people that associate with you or your brother. You must have known her."
"I… did." Seto admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "But she was so very different than this celebrity that it feels like I never knew her at all."
Before Reina could reply, a murmur went through the crowd, successfully gaining their attention. And then through the throngs of reporters and admirers, emerged the star of the campaign and the evening.
Tea was dressed in a beautiful deep purple, strapless dress with mauve patterns decorating the waist up. The dress reached up to her knees, ending just where her beautifully sculpted calves started. She wore matching heels. Her hair fell straight past her shoulders, her bangs elegantly brushed to the side. Despite the simplicity of her appearance, she looked nothing less than a goddess in human form. Everyone was taken by her.
"Look at that." Reina said in an amused voice. "My husband's got more balls than you. He's not just talking to her, but keeping her attention all to him too." Seto was about to retort, but Reina beat him to it.
"And you were wondering about my lack of pleasure in the house." She fully smiled at him. "That's for your earlier comment." Seto only glared at her. This woman, she frustrated him to no end. She dared put herself and her husband's job in jeopardy, knowing fully well that he could seriously humiliate her or fire Shinn. But she still dared. And Seto had no clue as to why he hadn't done what he normally would have done.
"Don't look so glum Seto." Reina said cheerfully. "Shinn is not mean like you. Look, he's bringing her over." Seto straightened up, pretending not to be interested at all, while his heart beat furiously against his chest. Tea neared their table, her eyes focused on Reina, never once flickering to even register his presence.
"Miss Tea, this is Reina, my wife. Reina you already know Miss Tea." Shinn introduced them. Tea smiled radiantly and Seto felt his heart swell with joy and relief.
Her smile, it hadn't changed. It was the same. It was still the same.
"It's so nice to finally meet you." Tea said in her melodic voice, or maybe it just felt like that to Seto. How long had it been since he had heard her talk so pleasantly to someone. Too long, he concluded. His presence, his company always robbed her of her beauty.
"Shinn has told me so much about you." Tea continued speaking to an amused Reina.
"Really? He remembered to talk about me when he was with you?" Her voice housed a light, teasing tone. Tea smiled.
"Of course. He always spoke of you when he was with me, always singing your praises, telling me about your beauty, charm, wit, and kindness."
"And when with me, he sang your praises, telling me about your talent, humble nature, friendliness, and of course beauty." She cast a sly look at Shinn and said. "Shinn, have you been playing both of us?" Shinn only laughed at her jest and kissed her cheek.
"I spoke the truth and nothing else. No one would deny what I said about either of you, right Mr. Kaiba?" All eyes turned to Seto who huffed staring at Reina.
"I may disagree with some things here and there."
"Ooh, I wonder what do you disagree with regarding Tea." Reina said with an evil look. Seto's glare intensified.
"Reina." Shinn said in a chiding tone, letting her know that she was treading into dangerous territory now.
"Please don't mind her Mr. Kaiba." He said to Seto, who scoffed. "Let us prepare for the speech." And with one last warning look at Reina, Shinn led Seto away from the two females. Reina watched them disappear into the crowd and turned to Tea.
"That's my man, the peacemaker." Tea just smiled and nodded her head. Silence reined over them as Reina sipped her champagne and Tea causally looked around.
"Looking for someone?" Reina asked with an amused grin.
"Oh no." Tea said, fighting an embarrassed blush. "I was just wondering where Ms. Wheeler was." Reina let out a laugh.
"Trying to locate the enemy?" Tea chuckled.
"Just trying to keep my enemies closer." Tea replied with a grin.
"Well, you can let your guard down today." Reina said. "Mr. Kaiba came alone tonight." Tea was quite surprised.
"He didn't bring Serenity." Reina shook her head.
"No. He said something about not needing her."
"Oh." Was all Tea said as she sipped her champagne.
"It's no surprise really." Reina said, carefully studying Tea's face. "Frankly, I don't even know why he has bothered with her for so long, and why he still puts up with her. It's not like he cares for her." She inwardly chuckled watching Tea's eyebrows rise in surprise.
"You don't know that." Tea said, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Oh I know." Reina said with confidence.
"But how?"Tea asked impatiently.
"It's the eyes." Reina said with a smirk.
"I… I don't understand." Tea said honestly and Reina laughed.
"Of course you do. You are a woman. Most women have been blessed with the skill to know a man via his eyes. All men try to be like closed books, only giving you the cover to look at. And all covers are the same, you know, macho, powerful, withdrawn, conserve, but loyal." Tea nodded her head.
"If we only had the cover, just a lucky few would actually get what they see, and the rest of us would rue the day we saw that book." Reina said with a smile.
"But no matter how hard men try to hide their feelings and their true selves, their eyes say it all. Take my Shinn. He acts all high and mighty, just like any man, but he is afraid of children. That's why we don't have any kids… yet. Seto Kaiba is just the same. That's why I joke around with him even though I know it may endanger Shinn's job, because I know Seto will not fire Shinn or do me any harm." Tea mutely nodded her head.
"I have seen Seto's eyes when he is with Serenity. There is never any trace of emotion, let alone love. In fact, I saw more emotion in his eyes when I mentioned you and when you came then I have ever seen."Tea mouth was slightly open in shock. Reina laughed.
"I know I am good. But trust me when I say this, most women have this ability." She then leaned forward, covering some of the distance between them and said. "Look in his eyes and you will see the truth."
"Oh no." Tea quickly said to clarify any "misconceptions" Reina may have because of the media. "I was just curious, that's all. I hope you don't believe in the media garbage."
"Of course I don't. I was just saying it for your knowledge. You deal with men, and you have a boyfriend too so I thought this might help." Reina said dismissing Tea's fears, but the grin in her eyes remained. Conversation halted when Seto took the stage and gave a speech about the success of the product. But Tea could barely listen to what he was saying. Her mind was buzzing with the information Reina had given her.
The expressivity of the eyes.
She had heard about the eyes being the window to the soul, but she had always regarded it as nothing more than an old saying that had lost its value and meaning overtime. Reina, however, seemed to have highlighted its evergreen meaning and application.
Could it really be true and applicable to all men?
Even if it was, Seto Kaiba may prove to be the exception. He wasn't like all men. That man defied many qualities associated with human beings and Tea had a feeling that his similarities to other men would be scarce.
Perhaps Reina found it easy because of her profession. She was a psychologist and was well experienced in deciphering emotions and states of being even when expressed via non-verbal means. Tea, on the other hand, had no such talent. She was nothing more than an artist, an actor, who faked emotions all the time.
But this could be a plus point for her in a way as well. She was well versed in expressing fake emotions as the scene demanded. So logically, she should be able to identify when fake emotions were expressed as well. And Stan did say that ninety percent of the acting was done via the eyes.
Yes, she could use this ability that Reina claimed all women possessed. In fact, she would use this ability to expose Seto Kaiba. She would not be fooled by his charade and would see him for who he really was.
Reina watched Tea with a careful smile on her face. She watched as a myriad of emotions fluttered across her features and despite her maturity and control, Reina felt herself feeling giddy. Shinn had informed her of the scene that had occurred on the day of the photo shoot for the Duel Disk VX. Even Shinn seemed to think that they had a past. And today, Reina had seen it for herself. Seto's and Tea's eyes had betrayed them and she knew that they must have held feelings for one another at some point in their lives. She wasn't sure what could have caused a rift to appear between them to bring them to the point they were at now, but she hoped they would resolve whatever issues they had. Despite his acidic comments and arrogant nature, Seto was a good man and Reina couldn't help but want a happy ending for him. And from the looks of it, he was ready for it.
Shinn and Seto joined them again at the table when the speech ended. At that time, the two women were engaged in gossip about Hollywood. Tea was gladly telling Reina about some of the parties where celebrities had made fools of themselves or humiliated others. The men took a seat as well.
"You were great. I am so proud of you honey." Reina said as she kissed Shinn before turning to Seto. "And you weren't half bad either. Just next time, try to work harder and look more enthusiastic." Seto sneered.
"Perhaps you would be so kind to bestow me with lessons." Sarcasm dripped from his every word, but Reina just smiled sweetly.
"Of course. But you know, nothing in this world is for free."
"For the treasure of knowledge you are willing to share with me, I'd pay anything." Seto continued with the sarcasm, a scowl evident on his face.
"Good." Reina said. "Because I am conducting some research and I would love to get your input on it, maybe ask you a few questions." Besides her, Shinn loudly sighed.
"Reina." She turned to him with an innocent look.
"Oh don't worry honey. I know all about Seto's shyness around people, so I am not going to ask him anything in front of you and miss Tea."
"What do you expect us to do? Cover our ears and pretend you two are not here?" Shinn asked and Reina giggled.
"Of course not. You two will leave the table."
"Reina." Shinn said in a warning tone.
"I was merely suggesting that you two enjoy the dance floor. I know you want to dance with Tea Shinn, so don't even try to deny it." Before a red faced Shinn could protest, Reina turned to Tea.
"Would you be so kind as to dance with him? He will not ask you but I know that he wants to. So being the shameless person that I am, I am asking you." Tea giggled and stood up, offering her hand to a blushing Shinn, who took it, but not before shooting a glare at a smiling Reina. He led Tea to the dance floor, where many stood gaping at the two, whispering to each other, shooting Shinn envying glances.
Very gently and carefully, Shinn placed his hand on the small of her back and they began moving to the music.
"I apologize for my wife's behaviour. She seems to think she has reign over everyone and thus tends to order people around." Shinn said.
"I think it is an admiring quality in her. " Tea said. "She is strong and assertive."
"Perhaps the correct words are bossy and arrogant." Shinn said and Tea chuckled.
"Well, whatever she is, she has gotten you well snared." Tea said, looking directly into Shinn's eyes. Immediately, she saw them soften.
"She had me ensnared the moment we met, but it locked when she humiliated me in front of my friends. I knew she was the one for me."
"Usually, the next step to humiliation is hatred, or at least dislike. How did you end up on the wrong track?" Tea joked and Shinn laughed good-naturedly.
"You would think so, but that is not always the case." He said, twirling her on the dance floor. "I have found, from experience, that mistakes in relationships are very useful." Tea raised an eyebrow at his comment. He smiled and continued. "It makes you realize the worth of what you have, and gives you the strength to never let go. For a man, this is especially necessary." His eyes took on a faraway look as he gazed at nothing in the air. "We dated for 2 years, and then I broke it off, over something so stupid and selfish I can't even mention it. Reina was beyond hurt and angry, and gave me an earful in a crowded bar, in front of all of my friends." He chuckled and returned his gaze back to her. "She kicked me in the groin and said that she wished…" He chuckled again. "Needless to say I was the laughing stock of my friends for quite some time. Reina had successfully destroyed my image and trampled my dignity. But guess what, I was the one who went to her and begged for forgiveness and a second chance." Tea's eyes widened in surprise.
"No way." She said and he smiled.
"Yes way." He said. "I did. Only when I had lost her did I learn that I couldn't live without her. And then, I didn't care about anything anymore. All I wanted was to be with her again. My pride protested, I can tell you that, but it wasn't as strong as the desire in my heart. The truth is, I didn't want to live the rest of my life in regret." His eyes bore into hers as he spoke. "In today's world, love is not just rare, but nearly impossible to find. Many couples who are together and claim to love one another are hypocrites who are pretending. But they don't want to let go of the person they are with because they don't want to be alone. They don't want to put themselves out there and be vulnerable because they don't want to get hurt." Tea lowered her gaze to his chest.
"Even when their heart finds someone who may be their soul mate, they hesitate or refrain. They make their mistake and then live the rest of their life in regret, wondering what could have been. Some are even bigger fools who find their love and then leave it over something as ridiculous as pride." She flinched as if Shinn had directed the statement at her.
"They are the ones who suffer the most, and the world is full of them. Even when one of them realizes his or her mistake, the other refuses to give the other a second chance." He sighed. "I have seen it happen many times before. Each time, I feel blessed that Reina and I were above the pathetic hold of pride." Tea's gaze now lowered to the floor, staring at their moving feet.
Why was Shinn saying such things? Did he suspect something? Tea had felt that perhaps Reina had an idea of Seto and Tea's past, or at the very least, she knew they had a past, and that their conversation had seemed to hold a hidden meaning. It had seemed much like a veiled advice. But did she tell Shinn as well? Or did Shinn suspect something as well. He had been present at most of their meetings or encounters as one may call them. Were they that transparent?
"I see that I have put you in a glum mood with my serious talk." Shinn said, noticing Tea's silence and lowered gaze.
"Huh?" Tea said, lifting her face to stare confusedly at him. She had obviously been too lost in thought.
"I was merely commenting on your silence. Perhaps I have bored you with my philosophy." Shinn said with a smile. Tea shook her head.
"Oh no. You have just given me a lot to think about, that's all." She shot him a smile. Just then, the music faded slowly, indicating the end of the song.
"Saved by the music." Shinn said and Tea laughed. They pulled apart and turned in the direction of the table to find it empty and Seto and Reina coming towards them.
"Happy now Shinn? You got to dance with a lovely woman." Reina teased.
"I don't think Miss Tea enjoyed it very much. I believe I bored her with my talking." Shinn said.
"Yes. You do have that tendency." Reina agreed and Tea struggled not to smile too widely. "Not to worry. I have a solution. I have another dance partner for you." She said to Tea, who was quick to shake her head.
"No no. its fine. I think I have had enough dancing for today."
"Nonsense." Reina said, dismissing her claim easily. "I know that you love to dance. And from what I saw, Shinn wasn't great. So you deserve another chance. Everyone does, right?"
"Uhh… right." Tea said, once again, feeling as if there was a hidden meaning to what Reina had just said.
"Right." Reina said excitedly. "So here is your dance partner, Seto Kaiba." Tea opened her mouth to refuse but Reina was quick to cut her off. "I had to work very hard to get him on the dance floor, so please, don't refuse. It would be a blow to his huge ego, and God knows what will happen to me after that."
"Don't force her. She doesn't have to if she does not feel comfortable." Seto said curtly. Tea's eyes hardened at his comment. Did he think she was intimidated?
"It's not a problem Reina." Tea said, trying to keep her voice as pleasant as possible.
"Wonderful." Reina said, clasping her hands. "Come on Shinn. Don't think you are done. You are going to dance with me." Shinn sighed dramatically.
"Of course dear." Reina smiled brightly at Tea, winked at Seto and dragged Shinn a few feet away from them.
Music began to play slowly. Both Seto and Tea stood still, facing each other, neither making the move to grab the other.
"You don't have to do this." Seto finally said in a low voice.
"It's fine." Tea said. She knew that every eye in the room was watching them, and her leaving him on the dance floor would start countless gossip stories and theories. Bravely or perhaps stubbornly, she took a step closer. But all her courage seemed to evaporate when Seto moved closer and placed his hand on the small of her back, pulling her close to his body. His other hand held her small one. Tea's own hand rose to place itself on his shoulder. The music got louder and their bodies began to move to the music.
Her heart was frantic. Too long, it had been too long since she had been in such close proximity to him. The sense of familiarity was nostalgic. His scent was still the same, spice mixed with the smell of coffee. His hand was large, just as she remembered, and still held her small one so gently, yet so securely that she felt even the strongest storm will not be able to shake her balance. Fear and anger seeped into her mind. Even after so long, he had such an effect on her. Why?
Seto watched her face carefully. He watched her take a deep breath and close her eyes, losing herself in her mind. But when her eyes opened, they carried anger. He wondered what she was on her mind. Leaning forward, he whispered in her ear.
"Remember the first time we danced?" A small gasp escaped her lips. Her hand stiffened in his grip, her back straightening, and he knew she remembered. How could she not?
Flashback
The sound of music filled his ears as he neared the large hall his step father once used for parties, which was now a place for Tea to practice her dance, courtesy of her generous boyfriend. Ever since the first time he had seen her dance, he had taken a liking to it. It had become an immensely enjoyable activity of his, watching her prance around in tight clothing that clung to her body, accentuating every curve, making her look irresistible. It always excited him like nothing else, and after a long day of boring meetings, Seto was looking forward to just watch a beautiful girl dance for his pleasure.
He entered the hall and as expected, saw her dancing her heart out. It was another thing he liked about her, the effort and devotion she gave to dance. It was not different than the attention he paid to his work. They were similar in that they both had something they were passionate about and worked to ascend all limits to achieve their goals.
Her eyes were closed so she did not see him, but the smile on her face indicated that she knew she had an audience, and he knew she had a pretty good idea who her audience was. The song finished, the music ended, and she opened her eyes, grinning at him.
"Like the show Mr. Kaiba?" she asked coyly. With a small chuckle, he walked towards her. She grabbed a small towel and wiped her forehead and neck.
"Of course." He said, watching her gulp down water, his eyes lingering on the drops that ran trails down her chin, onto her neck, and disappeared into the valley between her breasts.
"Well, I aim to please." She said, taking a small bow.
"Then you should have no complaints doing this." The words had barely left his mouth and entered into her consciousness when he grabbed her and planted his lips upon her supple ones. She only gasped which gave him nice access to her sweetness which he so gentlemanly explored. When she finally regained some use of her senses, limited as they may be, she wrapped her hands around his neck, fingers burying into his soft locks that she secretly envied. Seto's hands roamed over her body, moving from the curve of her waist to the small of her back to her long, swan like neck to her silky strands. One hand pressed their faces closer while the other pushed their bodies in closer proximity. Only when air became an absolute necessity did they break contact, panting greedily to take in gulps of air. Tea swatted Seto on his shoulder lightly and said.
"Warn me before you do that." He only smirked and placed a gentle kiss on her lips.
"Better?" He asked in an amused tone and she playfully hit him again before resting her head on his chest.
"When did you come?" Seto asked, fingers running through her hair.
"Just an hour ago. Mokuba wanted me to help him with his math homework, so I only started practicing twenty minutes ago." Seto nodded his head.
"Thanks." He said in gratitude. Silence fell, but it wasn't uncomfortable. After a few moments, Tea spoke.
"Hey Seto, you had a boring day, right?" He hummed in agreement. "I know something fun for us to do."
"Oh really." Seto said, pushing their bodies apart so he could look her in the eye. "Do tell."
"No. I'm going to show you." Tea said mischievously and walked away from him. He watched her bend forward, as if to pick something up, but she quickly hid it behind her as she turned and walked towards him again.
"What do you have in mind?" Seto asked curiously.
"You'll find out soon enough. Just do as I say." Tea said. Seto sighed, signifying his defeat. She smiled brightly at him and stood in front of him.
"Ok, now put your hand on my waist, like this." She said, taking his hand and placing it on her lower back. "And hold my hand with your other hand." She said, placing her small hand in his large one and lifting it higher. Recognizing the setup, Seto spoke.
"You want me to dance with you?"
"Yes." Tea said excitedly.
"Tea, no." Seto groaned. He had no qualms about watching her dance, but dancing with her would be no fun. It would provide him no entertainment and therefore he did not wish to waste his time on it.
"Seto please." She said in a whining voice. "It'll be fun."
"No." Seto said, not deterring.
"But I need to practice." Tea pouted. "I have this performance coming up where I have to dance with a partner, and I don't want to practice with some random guy, with his hands all over me." She said, eyeing Seto carefully. Just as she had expected, his eyebrows furrowed in distaste. It was only a matter of time and words now.
"I guess I have no choice. I'll call someone from my dance class and tell him to meet me sometime so we can practice." Dramatically sighing, she turned and walked away. Behind her, she heard him groan in frustration.
"Stop your snivelling and get over here." He said. Tea smiled brightly and ran back to him, adjusting their limbs in a position to waltz.
"Trust me. This will be fun." Seto only rolled his eyes. Tea ignored him and revealed the hidden object in her hand to be the stereo remote, with which she turned music on. Soft, melodic orchestra music filled the room. Tea smiled at Seto and began leading, guiding him slowly. But she got a surprise when Seto suddenly took the lead, gliding across the floor along with her.
"Wha… how do you…?" She was speechless. Seto smirked triumphantly.
"Because I am Seto Kaiba. I am perfect in everything and every way." She glared at him and muttered something under her breath. She had been looking forward to teaching Seto, not having him be as good as her. She gasped in shock when he spun her elegantly and then led her into a dip, revelling in the look at her face.
"You were right." He said causally. "This is fun." She stuck her tongue out at him in retaliation and Seto laughed. Tea laughed along with him and they continued dancing. Seto had to admit that dancing was fun, albeit a different kind of fun than watching her dance, but fun nonetheless. It did not arouse him as her dancing did, but gave him a feeling of satisfaction and joy he usually got after trampling upon a rival company or firing an incompetent employee. He pulled her body closer to his and continued dancing. After the song ended, they remained encased in each other's arms.
"Now wasn't that fun?" Tea said, lifting her face from his chest.
"There is no partner performance, is there?" Seto said, completely ignoring her previous question. She feigned innocence.
"Of course there is. Do you think I lied to you, just to make you jealous so you would dance with me?"
"No. I knew you were lying to me. You are a horrible actress." She walked away to gather her stuff.
"I got you to believe me, even if for a second, so that makes me a very good actress since it is very hard to fool you." He huffed in disagreement.
"Keep telling yourself that." He said, grabbing her bag as they began walking out of the hall.
"You can deny the truth all you want, but I won't. I had fun dancing with you. I wish we could do it again." She said, eyeing him. He didn't say anything for a while, but when Tea looked away, he spoke.
"Fine. But I expect something in return."
"Is dancing with a beautiful, talented girl not reward enough?" Tea said and he smirked.
"It would be if I could dance with her." He received a hit on his arm for that comment, and an angry yell of "Seto, you jerk." He just laughed as Tea made a face, and continued to chide him, praising herself all the while. Perhaps later, he would tell her that he really did enjoy dancing with her, and would dance with her any time she wanted.
End flashback
Tea did not reply. She was too busy panicking and hating herself for reacting in such a way to the proximity of their bodies. She didn't even notice when he leaned forward, his lips besides her ear and whispered, "I haven't danced with another woman since that day." Immediately, without her control, her eyes lifted and gazed into his and it was then that she knew she had come undone.
...
Thanks for reading.
Review and let me know what you think.