Chapter ten:

Ocean in a bottle

Monday 5:45a.m

Tea awoke to the soothing sound of The Dave Mathews Band "Crash" playing softly on the small alarm clock radio sitting on her dresser. She felt reluctant to get out of bed but decided that it was best she got an early start before Kaiba's limo arrived to pick her up at 7:00. She lay silently in bed, pulling the covers up to her chin, enjoying the soft music of one of her favorite bands. The morning was cold and she was starting to feel a bit apprehensive about the trip. She still couldn't fully come to terms with the fact that she was actually going on a vacation with the Kaiba brothers….to the Ocean View no less.

It all seemed so………surreal.

Kaiba mansion 6:00a.m

Kaiba brought the steaming cup of coffee to his lips and took a light sip. His ocean blue eyes were glued to the computer screen in front of him. He was still trying to get as much work done as he could before having to leave for the trip that morning. He sighed as he put the cup back on the table. He wasn't looking forward to it in the least, he hated vacations but there was nothing he could do about that now. He had already made his promise to Mokuba and there was no way that he was going to back out of it…...no matter how much he wanted to.

As he continued his work, he found that he couldn't concentrate. He didn't have to think hard to know why.

He ran his fingers through his ruffled hair, trying to take his mind off of Tea and the incident that took place the day before. What the hell was he thinking? Should he really have done what he did? Sticking his nose in her life like that?

Without warning an image of the night she starting crying in his car flashed across his memory. He replayed the precise moment he had touched her face and wiped a single tear away with his thumb….He remembered the look in her eyes as she looked up at him, the hurt, the frustration, the fear and the uncertainty…..and the feeling within his own heart as he looked back. Should he really have done it? Yes…. without a doubt…it was the right thing to do, she needed protection and there was a desire within him to offer his…….It wasn't a reason that he understood but it was a reason that he could live with. A reason that was nevertheless strong enough to conquer the greater portion of his guilt.

He sighed quietly as he folded his arms and reclined into the cushioned armchair. He glanced at his watch,6:05am, it was still a bit early. He had already packed everything he needed the night before, specifically to avoid any last minute hassle. Lord knows any further frustration would only prove hazardous to his sanity.

This trip was going to be such a pain in the ass…. he knew it without even thinking. Vacations, especially ones that involved sea and sand never turned out to be good…….at least from his experience. He blew some of his bangs up from his eyes as he tried to overcome his dull anticipation.

Just then the door to his office flung open. Mokuba gushed into the room, overzealous and excited as ever.

Kaiba braced himself for the storm.

"Seto, it's almost 7:00 o'clock and you haven't even gotten dressed yet!"

"Really? I hadn't noticed."
Kaiba ran his hand through his hair, yawning stubbornly.

Mokuba knew his brother all too well, and judging by his response he was in a pretty bad mood right about now. Which of course was no surprise considering what day it was.

Mokuba sighed as he plumped himself onto the couch.

"Come on Seto, at least try to be a little excited."

Kaiba sat up in his chair to resume his work.

"Why the heck would I be excited about wasting a whole 2 weeks of my life at that idiotic resort."

"Well for one thing, it'd be a chance for you to actually relax."

"I don't do relaxing."

"But Seto, you need to stop working yourself so hard, it's not healthy and you know it, this vacation is exactly what you need."

"Yea about as much as I need flesh eating skin disease."

Mokuba sighed hopelessly.

"But Seto you promised that we'd go, didn't you?"

Kaiba stopped what he was doing to look at his little brother who was looking a bit worried.

"I didn't say we weren't going Mokuba, I'm just in a bad mood ok, so don't worry."

Mokuba breathed a sigh of relief.

"Well in that case Seto, don't you think you should go get dressed now. I mean I know you're in a bad mood, but we'll be late if you don't hurry up."

"……….Ok fine, I'm going."

"Besides big brother, you wouldn't want Tea showing up here and seeing you in nothing but your boxers right." -

Mokuba smiled mischievously as if to hint at something more.

Kaiba caught his intent right away.

"Huh, very funny Mokuba."

He finally got out of his seat and headed upstairs, a small smirk playing on his lips as he thought of what Tea's reaction would be if something like that ever were to happen.

The morning passed quickly, much to Tea's dismay. She glanced at her watch as she dragged her suitcase out of her apartment and out into the hall.

It was already 7:05. Oh no, she was going to be late. She walked briskly toward the elevator, her heavy suitcase rolling along behind her. After a few seconds she finally stopped at the elevator doors. Darn, how could she have lost track of the time like this, she was hardly ever late for anything. Sighing heavily she straightened her sun dress and stepped into the elevator, a prominent knot forming at the bottom of her stomach.

Kaiba Mansion Grounds 7:10am

Kaiba's mood hadn't improved; if anything it was worse than before. He stood next to the jet with his arms folded, his patience running thin.

"Where the hell is she?"

Mokuba looked up at him, with a worried look on his face.

"Seto, she's only 10 minutes late…."

"It wouldn't matter to me if she was half a second late, tardiness is unacceptable!"

He scuffed as he turned to the jet plane steps, the strong wind whipping his hair about his eyes.

"If she doesn't show up here in the next 5 minutes we're leaving without her!"

"But Seto..."

Just then, a black limo pulled up at the far side of the grounds.

Seconds later a nervous looking Tea was running toward them, rolling her luggage behind her, looking cute as ever in her white sun dress.

"Hey you Guys."
She stopped abruptly in front of them, putting her hand to her chest to catch her breath.

"Sorry I'm late, I lost track of time."

"That's no excuse Gardner, We do have a schedule to keep you know!"

Tea looked up at Kaiba feeling heat rush to her cheeks

"Oh, I'm sorry, I really didn't mean to..."

Kaiba didn't give her the chance to finish.

"Fine whatever, lets just go already."

He was already heading up the jetliner stairway.

Tea sighed quietly as she looked at him. She felt bad about her tardiness enough as it was.

"Don't worry about him Tea, you know Seto, he's just in a worse mood than usual today………you need any help with your luggage?"

She smiled cheerily at him.

"No, that's ok Mokuba, I can manage."

"Would you two hurry up already!"

Both Tea and Mokuba looked up to see Kaiba glaring at them from the top of the passage way entrance.

Mokuba rubbed the back of his head as he smiled at his big brother.

"Sorry Seto, we'll be right there"

Kaiba looked at them both with a 'mad enough to kill' look.

Mokuba turned back to Tea.

"Well Tea this is it, our vacation is just a jet ride away."

"Yep, just a jet ride away."

She smiled nervously at him, as she pried her eyes away from a glaring Kaiba.

With that said they all headed up the steps toward the jet liner passenger entrance.

The jet ride to their seemingly never ending destination was as to be expected. Long and a bit nerve racking. Tea had no idea what to expect from the coming two weeks ahead. Mokuba she could handle, but Kaiba... he was an entirely different story all together.. the one that posed the most concern. What would it be like actually living under practically the same roof as him? The thought made her agitated.

Finally, after few hours of exasperation they finally reached their destination. The ocean view beach resort...in full view at last!

The jet landed on a private platform seemingly about a mile from the main land. After a short briefing from the pilot they all exited the jet liner. Tea immediately felt the cool ocean air surround her as she followed both Kaiba's onto the platform. She looked around, astonished at the sight. Apparently they were on a very private part of the island, obviously reserved for the insanely rich and famous. Kaiba fitting perfectly into the status quo.

Seconds later a young man with an expensive but, in Tea's opinion, tacky looking business suit approached them from one of security boots along side the jetliner runway. He was wearing an over anxious smile on his face. As he walked toward Kaiba he outstretched his hand in polite expectancy.

"Welcome, welcome Mr Kaiba, Such a pleasure it is to have you here."

Kaiba shook the young mans hand with half hearted respect.

As they broke the handshake the young man immediately switched his attention to Tea who was standing quietly next to Mokuba.

"Well ,Well, and who might this beautiful young lady be?"

His question took Kaiba by surprise… and not a very pleasant one at that.

Tea flushed a bit as she waited for Kaiba to respond, not knowing exactly what to expect.

He cleared his throat before speaking.

"…..This is Miss Tea Gardner, an... employee of mine, she'll be… handling any business ordeals that may crop up while I'm here."

"Oh I see..."
The young man outstretched his hand to Tea.

"Nice to meet you Miss Gardner, I hope you enjoy your stay here, despite your workload of course."
Tea smiled back as she shook his hand, feeling a bit amused at Kaiba's response...he obviously didn't want anyone getting the wrong impression about them. Nicely done

"I'm sure I will."

"And how are you this morning Mokuba, bet you can't wait to get to the beach."

Mokuba smiled politely.

"You bet sir."

He smiled cheerily at them

He looked at his watch and peered out toward the ocean behind them.

"Well then, I mustn't keep you all waiting any longer, I see the boat's already arrived"

Tea glimpsed behind them. Beyond the runway there was a small pathway of sand bordered on both sides by a row of well kept palm trees. Beyond that….the Ocean, where a small speed boat was waiting on the docks.

"You can head straight to the main land now, Please enjoy your stay with us Mr Kaiba."
He flashed a winning smile at them as he turned to leave.

Kaiba shoved his hands into his pocket as he started walking toward the pathway.

"Come on, let's go."
Both Tea and Mokuba immediately followed suit.

Despite the short but nauseating boat ride, they all managed to get to the mainland with their stomachs still in tact.

They made their way from the docks and through the unbelievably beautiful beach straight on to the hotel. Tea couldn't help gawking at everything in sight. She knew it was going to be picturesque but she never dreamed that it would be this extraordinary.

After a few minutes they finally arrived at the front entrance of the hotel. They all walked into the air conditioned lobby, Kaiba leading the way. Tea followed close behind, trying hard to contain her astonishment. Everyone she noticed, had the words 'I'm filthy rich' practically scribbled in red across their foreheads. Some of them stopped to stare at them apprehensively, more so at her than Kaiba and Mokuba. She swallowed hard, feeling like a pebble among gem stones.

They finally got to the reservation desk where a young woman was smiling brightly at them. It was more than obvious that she was a member of the Seto Kaiba fan club, from the stars in her eyes. How typical.

"Why Good morning Mr Kaiba, Welcome to the Ocean View beach resort, and may I say what a great pleasure it is to have such a renowned guest at our hotel!"

Kaiba kept his cold demeanor, making it blatantly clear that he couldn't care less.

"We have reservations for three."

The young woman nervously typed in some information onto the computer, smiling when she found what she was looking for.

"Yes of course, three single suits, rooms 107, 108 and 109, three of our very best of course sir."

Kaiba merely scuffed.

The young woman suddenly turned her attention to Tea, as if just noticing her for the first time, her expression changing noticeably.

"...But, of course…….we do have couple suites, if you'd prefer..."

Tea could have sworn she saw Kaiba flinch for an inch of a second.

"If I wanted a god-damned couple suite I would have asked for one, now stop wasting my time and give me the damn keys!"

The young woman seemed stunned into reality.

"...Uh yes sir, pardon me."

She nervously handed him the three key cards, and flipped out the guest registry.

Kaiba angrily scribbled his initials onto the page.

The young woman waited for him to finish before speaking.

"Thank you Mr Kaiba, please enjoy your stay with us."

Her voice trembled a bit as she smiled timidly at him. Kaiba made no attempt at being courteous, he simply picked up his briefcase and stormed away from the desk, meaning for Tea and Mokuba to follow. Sheesh, did Kaiba have to be so rude to everyone?

Before turning to leave Tea noticed the young woman staring apprehensively at her. Great, obviously Kaiba's words didn't quite accomplish what he had intended them too… Great, now she was pretty sure that everyone at the hotel was going to think that she and Kaiba were having some kind of love affair. She sighed as she walked over to the elevator, trying hard to push her skepticism aside.

They finally arrived at the 10th floor. Kaiba seemed to be in a seriously rotten mood as he stepped out of the elevator. He headed straight down the well air-conditioned hallway toward the three rooms, Tea and Mokuba following sheepishly behind him. The two bellhops followed close behind them with the suitcases. Tea gaped at her surroundings as per usual. Even the hallways were exquisite and well put together.

As they approached the rooms Tea noticed that there were only a total of four rooms on that floor all evenly separated. The layout gave her the distinct impression that the rooms were extremely large and reserved only for the renowned.

Mokuba turned politely to the two young bellhops, who seemed star struck in the presence of Kaiba.

"Thanks for your help, but we can take it from here."
Both young men, smiled politely as they collected their rather generous tip and headed back toward the elevator.

Before any of them could say anything, Mokuba ran over to the door at the end of the hall, Room no.109.

"I want this room Seto."

"Whatever, Mokuba, it doesn't matter which room we get, they're all the same."

"I know Seto, but I just want this one ok."

Something about his tone made Kaiba a bit suspicious, but he was way too irritated to think about anything other than his inevitable doom.

"Fine, just take the key card already."
Mokuba ran back over to Kaiba and Tea and took the card.

Tea noticed that for some reason Mokuba had a small yet mischievous glint in his eyes.

Mokuba hurriedly grabbed his suitcase and started heading to his room, excited as ever, leaving Kaiba and Tea staring after him. Seconds later he had disappeared into the room.

Tea suddenly felt a pang of awkwardness wash over her as she stood in the hall alone with Kaiba. As he turned to look at her, for some reason she felt even more intimidated than usual.

Before she could say or do anything he handed her one of the key cards without so much as a word.

"Do you need help with that over sized suitcase of yours?"
Tea tucked some of her hair behind her ears as she looked up at him, trying extremely hard not to blush.

"..Oh, no that's ok; I can manage by myself, thanks."

God, why did she have to be so nervous around him?

Kaiba irritably pried his eyes away and turned to the door behind him.

He swiped his card through the lock and opened the door. He left it open and turned to grab his suitcase.

"Well, just so you know, I don't want either of you two bothering me for the rest of the day got it. I have work to do."

Tea stared at him as he walked into the room.

"..oh..ok."
She watched as he slammed the door behind him, leaving her standing out in the hall feeling stupid.

She sighed hopelessly. Well, that was Seto Kaiba for you.

She took her suitcase and dragged it to the room positioned directly between both Kaibas. Room 108.

As she swiped the card through the lock she suddenly realized why Mokuba had chosen the last room. He had made it so that she and Kaiba would be next door to each other no matter what room each of them chose. She smiled to her self as she opened the door. Pretty sneaky, but amusing nonetheless.

Tea slowly walked into the room. She gasped at the sight before her. It was the most beautiful room she had ever seen, it was like an excerpt taken straight out of a magazine. Lavish, spacious and practically teeming with luxury. She stood only a few feet from the door, gawking at what was to be hers for the next two weeks.

After a few seconds, she finally snapped herself out of her stupor. Dragging her suitcase along with her, she walked slowly toward the bed. She let out a breath as she sat down. She still couldn't believe that she was actually at the Ocean view. She studied her surroundings again, everything looked spectacular, form the beautiful flowers that adorned the room to the king sized bed. But the thing that she loved the most was the wide set balcony extending from the bedroom over looking the vast ocean. She could sea the view perfectly from where she sat on the bed. She smiled as she walked over to the sliding door and stepped out onto the veranda, feeling the cool, salty air rush past her face. As she gazed at the marvelous scenery she felt a welcoming sense of tranquility, something she hadn't felt for a long time. She walked toward the railing and touched the cold steel with the tips of her fingers. If only moments like this lasted forever.

Kaiba's mood hadn't improved. His suitcase was already opened, most of his belongings already unpacked. He was no stranger to the finer things in life so he wasn't all that impressed by anything in particular but he had to admit that the view from his room was spectacular, even by his standards. He walked over to the balcony to get a closer look. He could see the beach from there, a handful of people were scattered across the sand, a few in the shallow areas of the water. He scuffed as he looked at them...what a bunch of idiots. He headed back into the bedroom, feeling irritated. He wondered what Mokuba was doing and if he was already unpacked. Knowing his little brother, he probably was. .As he took off his coat, without warning his mind suddenly shifted to Tea. It was a bit strange having her with them on one of their vacations, but for some reason he didn't mind in the least, in fact he was actually, for lack of a better word, glad about it; Especially if he could keep her away from that son of a bitch ex boyfriend of hers. He hung his coat on the brass hanger protruding from one of the walls.

Mokuba stuffed his face with one of the chocolate chip cookies he had stuffed into his suitcase the night before. He sat at the edge of his bed, feeling childishly over excited. He had a lot of high hopes for the coming two weeks. Despite his brother's stubbornness he knew he had to find some way to pry him away from his lap top for the time they were there, other wise the trip would have been for nothing. Knowing Seto, he would keep himself locked in his hotel room for most of the time they were there. It was going to be difficult, he knew, but luckily Tea was there and maybe both of them could find a way for Seto to relax. As he stuffed another cookie into his mouth, a small smile played over his mouth….. besides he knew his brother had feelings for Tea, contrary to what he led everyone to believe.

Just then, before he could reach for another cookie there was a blood curdling scream from the room next door.

Huh, was that Tea?

He hurriedly ran over to his door and flung it open. Within seconds Kaiba had done the same.

They both ran over to Tea's room.

Before either of them could make a move, the door flung open and a timid, slightly pale looking Tea hurriedly dashed out. Not expecting anyone to be standing outside her door, she crashed straight into Kaiba almost throwing him completely off balance.

Luckily he wasn't one to loose his footing; he caught her in his arms and held her to him before either of them could fall. He looked down at her feeling a bit flushed.

"Gardner, what the hell…."

She didn't give him the chance to finish.

"Oh my God, there's a huge lizard thing out on the balcony!!"

"You can't be serious, that's why you were screaming like a banshee?! Because of some stupid little lizard?."

Tea suddenly felt her senses return, only then realizing that Kaiba actually had his arms around her.

For a second she seemed to have forgotten what she was trying to say. She felt the heat rising to her face and immediately wished that she could sink into the ground. What was wrong with her, why was she getting so damn worked up?

Kaiba noticed the look of girlish astonishment on her face. Without wanting to seem obvious he casually let her go, trying hard not to turn red himself.

Tea finally seemed to get a hold of herself. She responded quietly.

"It…It's not little, it was huge and….. Green."
She shuddered at the thought and clenched her arms as if she were cold.

"Don't worry Tea; I'll get rid of it for you."

Mokuba ran into the room, leaving Kaiba and Tea staring after him. Kaiba folded his arms as he stared down her.

"Damn it Gardner, do you have to be so dramatic about everything?"

"I, I wasn't being dramatic, there was a disgusting lizard about an inch away from my feet….it was…. just a reflex action to scream…."

Despite his rotten mood he couldn't help noticing just how cute she looked with that scared expression on her face.

He sighed hopelessly; great... they haven't even been there for more than 10 minutes and already his thoughts were turning to mush over her.

He ran a hand through his hair as he followed Mokuba into the room, leaving Tea standing safely out in the hall.

After a few minutes and about five crashing sounds later she heard Mokuba shouting from inside the room.

"It's ok now Tea, you can come in."

Tea cautiously cracked the door open and peered inside.

"Are you sure Mokuba?"

"Yea, I caught it, well me and Seto did and we let it go free on one of the trees outside."

"oh, ook."
She closed the door behind her and slowly walked over to the bedroom.

Kaiba was just now stepping out of the veranda and into the bedroom.

"The big scary lizard's gone now ok. So you can stop bothering everyone with your melodrama."

His sarcastic tone didn't bother her in the least, she was too busy staring out at the balcony.

"Are you guys sure it's gone?"
Mokuba folded his arms importantly,

"Yep, positive, I made sure it was gone before I came back in."

She sighed a sigh of relief as she sat heavily on the edge of the bed.

"Oh man...I hate lizards, I wasn't expecting to find that sort of thing in a place like this."

"Get a clue Gardner, Just cause it's a five star hotel doesn't mean that they scan the entire beach for lizards...You're bound to find that sort of thing no matter where you go."

Tea pouted as she looked at a disgruntled Kaiba

"….Well maybe they should start."

Kaiba smirked mischievously at her despite his foul mood.

"Why? The lizards are perfect for all the spiders around here."

Tea gasped at the word spider, much to Kaiba's amusement.

"Very funny Kaiba, I'm glad you can find humor at my expense."

Mokuba suddenly looked as though he had thought of something spectacular.

"Hey you guys, I have a great idea! Why don't we all go down to the pool?"

Kaiba scuffed as he turned to walk out of the room, his foul mood getting the best of him.

"Humph, you're kidding right? What makes you think I'd even want to go any where near that stupid pool?"

Mokuba's face dropped. He ran in front of Kaiba before he could walk out into the hall.

"Please Seto, just this once; I thought you said you were going to try to relax?"
Kaiba folded his arms as he looked down at his brother.

"And when exactly did I say that? Please refresh my memory, because I don't recall ever saying anything about relaxing, the only thing I agreed to do was take you here. I never said anything about what I was going to do."

Mokuba looked up at his brother pleadingly.

"But Seto..."

"Mokuba, you know how I feel about the beach, or any kind of idiotic water activities...so I would appreciate it if you stop throwing those puppy dog eyes at me...it's not gonna work."

Mokuba finally gave up knowing how incredibly stubborn his brother was when it came to things of this nature. He stepped aside and let out a long sigh as Kaiba walked past him.

Tea noticed the upset expression on Mokuba's face.

She walked over to him and put her hand on his shoulder.

"Don't worry Mokuba, it's only the first day, just give him some time ok, he'll come around."

"I don't think so Tea, my brother's one of the most stubborn people on the face of this planet, he doesn't even realize that he's working himself to death."

Tea didn't like seeing him so worried.

She sighed heavily before responding.

"Well, I guess we have no choice then."

"What do you mean?"

"We'll just have to take matters into our own hands."
She winked mischievously at him.

"Oh, I like the way you think."

He beamed up at her excitedly.

Tea smiled back, glad to see him cheer up a bit. But she couldn't help the nauseous feeling growing in the pit of her stomach. What the hell was she getting herself into?

Kaiba stared out at the beach as he stood out on the veranda. He folded his arms and sighed angrily. He wanted so much to just storm out of that damn hotel and get back to his regular routine. He had a company to run for god's sake. Well at least he brought his lap top with him, he could still at least get some work done….and at least Tea was safe and sound under his watchful eye……

Huh? Where the hell did that come from? Couldn't he go at least a day without thinking about her? He sighed angrily as he stormed into his room, thinking about his two weeks of inevitable doom.He headed straight to the mini bar/kitchen. He poured himself a glass of water and chugged it down. Maybe he was working himself up about this stupid vacation too much. He reassured himself that he was only over reacting. It would be just like a regular business trip…..wouldn't it?.

Tea sat on the edge of her bed, her suitcase almost completely empty. She took the last of her clothes out and folded them neatly, before putting them away in the chest of drawers next to her bed. Mokuba had left her room only a few minutes before. She still felt nauseous thinking about her little proposition to help Kaiba relax for the time that they were there. Why did she have to be so damn soft?... the very thought of it made her nervous. She closed the drawer and sank down onto her bed. She lay on her back staring up at the ceiling trying not to anticipate the worst.

This was going to be one heck of a long vacation.