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Chapter 3

It had been four months since she had returned to Domino city, and life had settled into a comfortable routine for Tea Gardner. Teaching was a lot more enjoyable than she had imagined, and while some of the teens were a pain, most were eager and hard working. Some were even talented. She enjoyed the variety of dance styles she got to teach here. That was something she had missed as a professional performer. Most of her shows were strict ballets.

She generally hooked up with one or another of the guys after work – which meant after practice and their work, because not many people got off at four in the afternoon like she did. And a few times she had gone shopping with Mai and Serenity. She hadn’t been on any ‘dates’ though. Two of her fellow teachers had asked her out, but she just wasn’t interested in a relationship at this point. She had kindly declined.

Tonight she was meeting Yugi and Yami at their place for dinner. Yugi had turned out to be a pretty decent cook. He had laughingly told her that he had learned purely in self defense. Bachelors had to eat too, and Yami couldn’t cook at all.

She smiled as she rounded the corner approaching Yugi’s apartment. It was a nice night, and their apartments weren’t too far from each other so she had opted to walk. If it was cold later she was sure Yami or Yugi would offer to drive her home.

“Hey Tea!”

Tea smiled up as a spiky head peeked out the second story window. “Come on up, it’s open!”

She laughed and let herself in. He was so trusting, or maybe he knew he had Yami as a body guard… hmm now there was a thought. She pictured the once Pharaoh towering over attackers and giggled.

“Dinner’s almost ready!” Yugi called from the kitchen.

“Smells great.” Tea sniffed appreciatively.

“Hello Tea.” Yami greeted, rising and coming to take her coat. “Did you have a good day?”

Tea nodded, “Yes, and you?”

“Of course.” He smiled, “We tested a new prototype today, it worked very well.”

“Good.” She headed toward the kitchen. “Did Kaiba watch the test?” she leaned over a pot and Yugi turned playfully swatting her hand. She pulled back.

“No. He’s in Tokyo on business until the day after tomorrow.”

“Oh.” She didn’t know why, but she felt a little disappointed. She had only seen him a few times since the unpacking party. Apparently fall was a very busy time of year for business.

“Speaking of Seto,” Yugi brought some pots over to the table as Yami hurriedly set it. “He’s planning to throw a big party or ball or something next month. Do you want to come?”

Tea looked up at him uncertainly, “Well, I don’t want to barge in uninvited.” She said hesitantly. “Especially if it’s business.”

Yugi shook his head, “No, he wants you to come. He gave me this.” Yugi fished in his pocket and pulled out a crisp ivory envelope. Across the front in elegant gold script was her name.

She opened it slowly.

“It’s your invitation.” Yami told her, “But you can open it later, it’s time for dinner.” Tea smiled gratefully at him. She’d have to think this over later.

***

Tea sat in her living room studying the crisp ivory sheet in her hand. It was the invitation to Seto’s gala event. Yugi told her the guest list was relatively small, only three hundred. Before she had gone to New York she would have thought that an astounding number, as it was she had been to many parties with at least that many people.

It had been two weeks since Yugi had given it to her, that left about nine days until the party, and guests were respectfully requested to RSVP at least a week in advance. From what she’d heard nearly every other guest had already responded – in the affirmative. She sighed; she had to make a decision. What was her problem? She liked parties, they were friends, Mokuba would be there, and she’d get to see the inside of the Kaiba mansion – something she’d always been curious about.

She knew what was holding her back. Kaiba. That look in his eyes each time he saw her unnerved her. It made her stomach twist in knots and her palms sweat. She had the uneasy feeling he was looking into her soul.

She pushed the ridiculous thought aside and resolutely reached for the phone.

It rang three times before Yugi answered.

“Hello?”

“Alright. How formal is this party anyway?” she demanded without preamble.

“Tea?” Yugi took a moment to gather his wits and figure out what she was talking about. “Uh, formal, why?”

“Because I’m going.”

She could hear the smile in his voice, “That’s great! Do you need a ride? We could all go together. Seto’s sending a limo for Yami and I.”

She considered this, “Sure, that’d be fine.” She could always find another way home if she needed to leave early.

“Okay, we’ll swing by and pick you up on our way. Party starts at eight, and there’ll be some traffic around the Kaiba mansion, so we’ll pick you up at quarter after seven. That alright?”

“Yeah.”

“I’ll call Seto so he can tell the driver. You want me to RSVP for you?”

It would be easier, but something within Tea didn’t want Seto to connect her with Yugi. She wouldn’t want him to think it was a date. <And why not? It’s not as though he’d care> she thought. But still… “Uh, no thanks, I’ll call as soon as I’m off with you.”

“Alright Tea, see you tomorrow for lunch okay?”

“Sure Yugi, bye.” Tea could hear him excitedly speaking to Yami before he hung up, no doubt informing him of her decision. She clicked off her own phone and then stared at it for several long minutes.

“Oh, come on Tea,” she berated herself, “It isn’t going to bite you, and neither is he.” She dialed the number on the invitation.

The voice on the phone was crisp, business like, and feminine, “Hello. Kaiba corp. office of socialization and entertainment, are you calling to make a reservation for the upcoming ball?”

“Hello?”

She suddenly realized that she hadn’t said anything yet. In a few more moments the woman would likely hang up on her.

“Um, yes, yes, I am calling to RSVP.”

“Name?”

Tea blinked <Name?> why did the woman want her name? Wasn’t she going to speak to an actual Kaiba? She nearly laughed at her own foolishness. She had spent enough time with high society in New York to know that these events were rarely handled by the family entirely. There was just too much to be done. And, honestly, if the man had to have an office devoted to such things…

“Uh, Tea, Tea Gardner.” She said hastily.

“Thank you Ms. Gardner. You’re name has been added to the list; an updated list will be e-mailed to Mr. Kaiba immediately. Have a nice day.” There was a click as the connection was closed.

Tea let out the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding and chuckled. <Guess I didn’t need to be so worried about speaking to Seto after all>

She hung up the phone and picked up her mug. Settling back into the cushions of the couch she curled her legs up under her and took a sip of the tea. She would never understand how she could drink hot tea any time of year.

Suddenly she sat bolt upright, nearly scalding herself as the hot tea sloshed dangerously near the edge of the cup. Yugi had said the ball was formal. What was she going to wear?

***

As it turned out it hadn’t been so difficult to find something to wear. As a teacher Tea didn’t make much money currently, but she had been to many formal events in New York. She had a wide range of formals ranging from stiff and almost somber to colorful and flirtatious. She had quickly found the perfect dress. Becoming, but not revealing, cheerful, but subdued. Whatever the occasion was, and she still didn’t quite know, this dress would do.

She stepped out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around herself and glanced at the clock. Five thirty, perfect.

Quickly she blow-dried her hair brushing it with a round brush so that it fell in soft waves around her face and shoulders. She picked up two small silver combs and swept up the sides of her hair fastening them about an inch apart at the back of her head.

Next she turned to her makeup. She had a plentiful supply. As a dancer she had worn heavy makeup to make up for the stage lighting. They tended to bleach one’s face. But in her daily life she opted for a far more natural look. Tonight she’d settle for something in between. She first applied a light foundation followed by a hint of peachy blush. It was a color meant to accentuate her natural color, not make her look like a painted doll. Fortunately she had been blessed with clear and smooth skin, so concealer and the like were unnecessary. Next she brushed on some light eye shadow also in a neutral shade of light brown. She added a slightly darker shade to the corners on her upper lids and then brushed on some mascara. Finally she added a dab of rosy lip color and her favorite cherry gloss over top.

Satisfied with the results of her labor she washed her hands and turned toward the dress.

Slipping into it she adjusted the straps and quickly fastened her accessories. She slipped into her shoes and grabbed the small purse then went to stand before the mirror. She eyed her reflection critically and then smiled.

Perfect.

The dress itself was a soft powder blue that seeped into a darker, almost midnight, blue near the bottom. It had translucent threads running throughout to give it a soft, shimmering appearance. It was floor length with a slit running up to the knee on the right side. And, though it was by no means form fitting, it hugged her in all the right places, accentuating the soft curves of her body. It had two strand spaghetti style straps and a modest neckline. The earrings she had selected were silver, consisting of five long, thin, strands that fell about halfway down her neck. A single silver chain hung around her throat. She wore a five strand, intertwined, bracelet on each wrist and a matching anklet on her right ankle, just exposed when she walked by the slit. Midnight blue strappy high heels and a soft blue purse completed the ensemble.

Yes, tonight she looked perfect and that made her very happy.

The doorbell rang. Quickly she slipped her lip gloss and a compact into her purse, along with her wallet, keys, and cell phone. She hurried to the door and pulled it open.

Yugi stood there eyes widened appreciatively as he looked at her.

“Wow. You look great!”

Tea smiled and turned back to flip off her light. “Thanks,” she gave him a small hug and failed to notice his blush. She pulled back studying his tux. “You don’t clean up too bad yourself.” She gave him a wink and he grinned.

“Shall we?” he offered his arm gallantly.

Quickly shutting and locking the door she graciously accepted his offer and they went to the limo. Once there Yugi held the door for her as she carefully slid in and then slid in himself.

“Tea, you look beautiful.” Yami offered with a warm smile.

Tea ducked her head to hide her blush, “Thanks Yami, you too. I mean, you look nice also.”

Yami chuckled. “Thank you.” Then he turned to look out the window, giving her some privacy to sort out her emotions.

Yugi looked between them curiously. He knew Tea had once had feelings for Yami, but she had seemed to be over that. So what was that all about? It was probably nothing, but he’d have to ask her about it. He didn’t want her to get hurt and there were things about Yami she should know before she got too emotionally involved. Like the fact that he wasn’t interested in a relationship.

Thirty some odd minutes later the limo pulled up at the Kaiba mansion. Quickly the driver came around and held the door for them.

“Thank you Miller.” Yugi smiled at the man. Tea smiled as well, it was so like Yugi to remember the driver’s name. He had a way of making people feel welcome and respected no matter what their status.

Yugi and Yami each offered Tea and arm as they walked up the long path to the Kaiba mansion. They gave their names at the door and were permitted to enter.

“Hey, Yug!” the first person they saw was Joey, Mai close behind. Both were elegantly dressed. Close behind them came Tristan and the Bakuras.

“Hi guys.” Tristan greeted.

“Hello!” Bakura smiled.

Bakurai only nodded to them, but he didn’t look unhappy.

“Hey guys.” Tea greeted. She looked at Tristan, “Where’s Serenity?”

“In the powder room.” He explained.

A familiar figure a few yards away drew her attention. It was Duke, with a woman she had never seen before. The woman had long red hair and stunning green eyes. She wore an equally stunning green dress.

“Is that Duke’s girlfriend?” she asked incredulously.

Tristan snorted, “This week.”

“Hey,” Bakura put an arm around his friend’s shoulder, “at least he isn’t after Serenity anymore.”

“Amen!” Joey said loudly.

They all laughed. Then the discussion turned to other things.

Tea smiled, enjoying her friends’ company, but her eyes soon wandered to the dance floor. Already it was filled with couples spinning gracefully. The rest of the large room was fairly crowded as well. The orchestra was playing in the background. Tea felt herself swaying to the music as it made its way into her soul.

Yami noticed.

“May I have this dance?” He bowed, offering her his hand.

“Of course!” she took the offered hand and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor. Soon they had joined the other couples in a graceful waltz. Tea closed her eyes allowing him to lead her around the floor. This was what she loved, moving to the music in perfect rhythm. She would never get tired of that feeling.

She had several dance partners that night. Even Joey danced with her once, though he wasn’t very good at it. Currently she was dancing with Yugi.

“Tea,” he asked, tightening his grip on her waist without realizing it. She tilted her head in question.

“Yes, Yugi?”

He didn’t quite look at her. “Can I talk to you, outside?”

Tea nodded, wondering what he was so serious, and uncomfortable, about. He released her waist, still holding her hand, and led her out into the garden. He stopped by a low wall and leaned with his waist against it. Taking Tea’s hand in both his own he studied it, collecting his thoughts.

“Yugi,” Tea said gently, placing her other hand on top of his to still them, “what is it?”

He shifted uncomfortably, “Well, it’s about... Tea,” he paused then set his jaw in determination and looked up at her, genuine concern in his eyes, “Do you still love Yami?” he asked bluntly.

Tea started, “Umm… yes.” She said slowly, “but not like I used to. I mean, I don’t have any romantic designs on him or anything. Why do you ask?”

Yugi let out a sigh of relief and gave her hand a squeeze, “That’s good.” He smiled.

Tea watched him curiously as he stared into space. Something was still bothering him, despite the smile. Gently she reached out and turned him to face her. “What is it Yugi?”

His eyes closed, “I think… I think it’s very hard on him, that’s all.” He said quietly. Tea waited patiently while he organized his thoughts. He swallowed, opening his eyes again, “There was… someone he loved, very much, back there. A woman. He misses her very much.” His eyes were full of pain, empathy for his dear friend. “Sometimes – sometimes I hear him call her name in his sleep.”

“She must have been very important to him. Special.” Tea said kindly.

Yugi nodded, looking at her earnestly. “Yes. That’s why I wanted to make sure that you… that you weren’t still, interested in him, I guess. I didn’t want either of you to get hurt. His heart is still taken.”

Tea smiled softly. Yugi had such a deep empathy, such concern, for his friends. It was a rare gift, and a hard one. She could understand his concern. But something still confused her.

“Yugi? What made you think I still harbored romantic feelings for Yami?”

“Well,” he shrugged, staring at his feet, “when you got in the limo and he said you looked nice – you blushed.”

“You blushed when I hugged you.” She said slyly.

He blushed once more; he hadn’t thought she had noticed, “Yeah, but…”

She smiled gripping his had, “We all have physical reactions to the opposite sex. Especially those we once had a fondness for. It’s natural and completely involuntary. I know your blush didn’t mean you still have a crush on me. And mine didn’t mean I have a crush on Yami either.”

He nodded, feeling a bit silly.

She squeezed his hand, “But thank you, it was sweet of you.” She gave him a kiss on the cheek.

He smiled at her. “So, shall we get back then?” she laughed.

“I’d love to.” She threw him a wink, “I’ve still got to get Bakurai to dance with me.”

Yugi laughed. “Now that’s something I’ve got to see!”

***

Tea had just finished her dance with Bakurai – despite his many protests – when Seto Kaiba took center stage.

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen.” He looked gorgeous and Tea felt her breath catch involuntarily. What had she said to Yugi about responses…? He was in a traditional tux, his brown hair carefully combed, his blue eyes sparkling. And he was wearing that wonderful smile she was just beginning to grow accustomed to.

“I’d like to thank you all for coming tonight. Some of you know what this is all about. And others of you don’t. So I’ll bring you up to speed. Today is the two year anniversary of Kaiba Corporation’s merger with Rhine corp. It is also the anniversary of the day that changed my life. Many of you have known me for quite some time. My business associates will tell you that I was shrewd, determined, hard working, intelligent – I had to be, I took over this company at the tender age of fourteen. I was also cold, intimidating, unfeeling, and singularly driven. My only goal was to earn profit by any means necessary. To prove to the world that I deserved to be where I was. And I was doing it.’

There were murmurs of agreement around the room, they all remembered well enough. All he said was true.

“Back then, a party like this would have been unthinkable to me. A waste. People were of no use to me, except as pawns in my complicated game of chess against the world.” He smiled.

“And then I met Carl Rhine. Carl Rhine was a man with every reason to hate the world. He had been orphaned as a child. Raised by an abusive step father. When he finally opened his heart to love again, married, had children, his family was taken from him in a devastating fire. Carl poured himself into his work. He became hard, angry, for a time. But he found that pouring himself into work, shutting down his feelings, they didn’t fulfill him. They didn’t make life any more bearable. They were a waste. The rest of the world went on, and when he looked up one day, he found that he had been left behind.

“Through that he learned that life is what we make of it. And yes, sometimes part of that life is pain, but that pain is worth it if it brings with it love, laughter, joy. We cannot lose the one without losing the others. Carl’s wife taught him that. Her name was Julia, and she was the sweetest of women from what I hear. It was her gentle memory that beckoned Carl back to life nearly three years after her death.

“It was shortly after his recovery that Carl and I were introduced at an electronics convention. He immediately took a liking to me, much to my annoyance, and began to pester me. He told me later that he recognized something of himself in me – something redeemable, something good. Whatever it was, he was determined not to give it up. He invited me to lunch, came to see me at my office, called me, e-mailed me. And, though he always talked about business, he also found subtle ways of revealing to me the good in my life. Slowly he broke down my walls and showed me what life truly was.

“When Carl died two years ago he left his company to me, saying that I was finally ready, and how I handled this would be a test. If I could get past my grief, and if I could treat his employees equitably and fairly, without regard to highest profit margin, then I was finally ready to rejoin the world.”

He smiled fondly, “I have no doubt he would have found a way to come back and set me straight if I had failed. But I did it. And you have all witnessed the change in me. And so,” he bent at the waist slightly, “This is a celebration of the merging of two companies, the celebration of the evolution of a human soul, and the celebration of the life of an incredible man. I hope you will always remember the lesson men like Carl teach us everyday. Pain is part of life, but we cannot shut out feeling to avoid pain. That would destroy us.”

Tea brushed away a tear as Kaiba bowed once more, raised his glass, and stepped back into the crowd. So this was his story. How sad, and yet how wonderful. As she mulled all this over in her mind she faintly heard talking behind her.

“Karl would be proud of you.” Yami said warmly.

“I know. And you, are you proud?”

“Yes.”

“It was you two as well, you know. I can never thank you enough, Yugi, Yami.”

“We didn’t do anything Kaiba.” Yugi demurred.

Kaiba smiled knowingly, “Yes, you did.” Tea suddenly realized who the speakers were and turned to them. She wanted to tell Kaiba how happy she was for him. Kaiba saw her turn and smiled at her. She struggled against the heat rushing to her cheeks. He took a step toward her.

“Mr. Kaiba, if I might have a word.” A short man in an expensive looking suit came between them. Kaiba frowned briefly then smiled. “Of course Mr. Hansen. What can I do for you?”

“Well, my boy,” Mr. Hansen began a long monologue, guiding Kaiba off into the crowd. He threw a wistful glance back at Tea as he allowed himself to be pushed away.

Tea sighed and turned to find herself staring into the amethyst eyes of Marik Ishtar.

“Marik,” she pulled back in surprise, “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Marik shrugged, “I finished at the museum early, and since I had made my reservation… I decided I might come and catch the end.” He smiled wryly, “Balls aren’t really my style though.”

Tea chuckled, eying his slightly off kilter suit critically. “No, I suppose not.” She reached out, adjusting his collar. “You look nice though.”

Marik smiled warmly, “Thank you Tea. You look stunning this evening yourself.”

“You want to dance?”

“Oh no,” he waved her offer away, “I’m terrible at it, trust me. You wouldn’t have any feet left when we were through.”

“I danced with Joey; you can’t expect me to believe you’re worse than that.” She teased.

“Oh, but I am,” he said seriously, “Much worse.”

Tea laughed.

“Sorry to interrupt, but, might I steal your conversational partner for a moment?” Bakura interrupted addressing Tea. “I really had hoped to see Ishizu tonight; there is something I had wished to discuss with her. But as she is not here, and Marik is…”

Marik raised a brow at her, awaiting her response.

“Of course.” She nodded agreeably. “I’ll find some other way in which to occupy myself.” She smiled and walked through the crowd on the outskirts of the dance floor. All of her friends were busy at the moment, dancing, or discussing business. But it was nice to have some time just to watch the dancers. She stood near an open archway and observed the dancing couples, a contented smile on her face.

“May I have this dance?” the low voice in her ear made her shiver and sent a pleasant tingle through her back.

She turned slowly to see Seto Kaiba standing very close behind her, almost touching her, a soft smile playing about his lips. She nodded wordlessly.

Gently he took her by the hand and led her to the dance floor. He pulled her into his arms and began to move with the music.

He was a wonderful dancer, she had to give him that. His timing was perfect, his movements graceful and effortless. She didn’t need to pay attention; she needed only to follow his lead. That was something she appreciated in a partner - confident, yet gentle, leadership.

“Having a good time?” he asked quietly.

“Yes,” she smiled up at him, “wonderful. You throw a great party.”

He chuckled, “yes, well, I have an excellent staff.” She joined him in his laughter. After a few moments he studied her seriously again. When he finally spoke he said the last thing she would have expected, “I thought I’d never get away.”

She tilted her head in question.

“From all of them.” He explained. “My ‘business associates’, even after my speech they insisted on discussing business.” He sighed, “I think they missed the point. We need to take some time to enjoy life, or it will pass us by.”

“I agree. I wanted to tell you. Your story was touching.”

He didn’t respond, and when she looked up she saw him staring into the distance. <Did I say something wrong?> she thought with concern. Just when she was about to apologize he spoke.

“I meant every word of it.” He looked down at her earnestly. “I changed that day. And I realized what I had been missing my whole life.” He paused and smiled, reaching to push back a stray lock of hair from her forehead, “You and Yugi tried so many times to make me see that. To show me that friendship and love were more important than titles or pride. I was too stupid to listen.”

“Yeah.” She agreed teasingly.

He blinked in amazement and then smiled slowly. “You didn’t have to agree so readily.”

“Did you expect me to lie to you?” she laughed.

“No, I know you well enough not to expect that. You always did speak your mind… I always liked that.” He was still smiling, but there was a seriousness in his gaze that made her heart do strange things. Why did he always stare at her like that?

“Mr. Kaiba!” Another man, a business associate by the look of him, approached as the waltz ended. “If I might have a word.”

Kaiba sighed, looking at Tea apologetically, “Duty calls. I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine.” She assured him as he released her and turned away. Suddenly he turned back.

“Tea?”

She looked up, focused on him.

“Will you have lunch with me tomorrow? I could pick you up around noon.”

Tea considered for a moment. There was no school tomorrow. She didn’t have any other plans. And he was a friend now…

“Sure.” She called back.

He grinned, “Great, I’ll see you at noon!” And then he was gone, swallowed by the crowd as the orchestra started the next piece. It was only after he was gone that the reality of what he had said – what she had said – sank in.