Tea sat on the couch, she had made it down the stairs and to the living room by herself. She felt so accomplished, and almost all of her strength was back, although she felt no strength nor willingness at this moment in time. Staring at the phone, she had no clue what shed say to Yugi, But she knew that they had to be freaking out. Gosh, I hope they didn't call the cops or anything. Seto walked down the stairs from his office, hed been working from home since the incident. Making sure that Tea was okay.
He sat down beside her and took a minute to glance from the phone, and back to her face. "Are you just going to sit here, or are you going to call your friends?" He asked, almost mockingly.
"I-I just don't even know what to say. I don't want to tell them what happened or they'll probably blame themselves. And then they'll be up my butt all of the time. And I know you don't want them over here. Hell How am I going to tell them that Im staying with Yugis archrival?" She lowered her head into her hands and let out a sigh.
"I can tell them." Seto stated. "I mean, I wont mention what happened if you don't want me too. I can just say that were working on a project together and you've been at my place for a few days. I don't mind them coming over to see you, but they'll know somethings up once they see those bruises." He pointed down at her arms, covered in now light brown bruises.
"No, I need to call them, thank you though Kaiba." She put on a small smile and picked up the phone.
Kaiba shrugged his shoulders and made his way to the kitchen to let her have some privacy.
Ring. Ring. Ring. "Hello?" Yugi asked in a jolly voice, like usual.
"Hey Yugi its Te-"
"Oh my gosh Tea? I haven't heard from you in days! We were all so worried! What happened to you the other night?" Yugi cut her off.
She felt tears begin to well up at the mention of that night but pushed them back, replacing them with determination. "The other night… The other night, I kind of got into some trouble. A-and um well I just haven't been up for talking to anybody.. Sorry I worried you guys." She forced out, trying to hide what had happened the best that she could.
"Tea what happened? Where are you?" Yugi asked.
Great. She thought. Knowing that shed have to tell them at least who she was with.
"Look, im not ready to talk about it, but I promise Ill tell you guys eventually. Just tell Tristan and Joey that Ive been sick with the flu or something. Please, just. I promise Ill tell you soon." Tea almost begged.
"Alright Tea, you can tell us whenever your ready, I wont pester you about it. But where exactly are you?" Yugi asked once more.
"I know this is going to sound unbelievable but im at Kaibas place, ive been staying here for the past couple of days, and Ill probably be here a little while longer. Im not exactly ready to go home yet. I know this is all really confusing and im sorry. But please don't tell the rest of the gang im over here Yugi." She explained.
It was quiet for a moment before Yugi finally gave her an answer "Tea, I don't know what happened that night, and I have no idea why you would be at my archrivals house. But you need to keep in mind that Ill always be here for you, and so will everyone else. And don't you forget that. As long as Kaiba is treating you right and taking good care of you im fine with it!" Yugi said the last part in an excited tone.
"Thanks for understanding Yugi, I knew I could count on you not to freak out. I promise ill be back to school soon. See yah Yugi!" And with that she hung up the phone and smiled.
"Well that was a little easier than I thought itd be." She spoke to herself.
Seto entered the living room and sat down beside her on the couch "So howd it go?" He asked plainly.
"Good, Yugi said hell cover for me with Joey and Tristan. I didn't have the guts to tell him everything though. I just hate talking about it, I don't even want to think about it." She said as she lowered her head and let her hair fall into her eyes.
"Hey, its going to be okay. Its only been a few days since it happened, anyone in your situation would still be shaken up about the whole ordeal." Kaiba reassured her as he lightly rubbed her arm.
She shook her head in agreement and put her determined smile back on her face. "Hey Seto? I have a question though." She said, feeling a bit awkward about asking him what she was about to ask him.
"Shoot." He stated.
"How is it, that you can have all of this kindness inside of you, and yet you never show it? This mask you put on has never once slipped. How are you so good at being so cold?" She asked curiously.
That's more than A question" he teased "Well believe it or not, my life hasn't been a walk in the park. After being kind to so many people and never seeing any kindness in return, you learn that to save it for people who truly deserve it. Like you. And as for the other question. I was taught by the master of putting on masks. Gozaburo, A good businessman has to do this kind of stuff to be respected." Seto explained.
Tea nodded in understanding.
"Hey Tea, Do you want to go somewhere? I know it sucks be cooped up in this house all day." Seto asked her.
"Uhh Sure. What exactly did you have in mind?"