***Disclaimer*** (I don't own "Yu-Gi-Oh!". Any bets on how often I'm going to say that?)
Chapter 9 – Coffee
The movie had a lot of explosions and fighting scenes; the boys would chat excitedly whenever they happened. Alice thought the movie was of very poor quality however. The editing was so choppy and unprofessional, the special effects seemed too fake, and the acting was hardly mediocre. Somehow the others were able to ignore all of that and enjoy the movie though. Alice attempted several times to do the same but she would always end up staring at one spot on the screen.
When will this horrid movie end? Alice sighed as she took a hand full of popcorn. She had to admit that despite the bad movie she was enjoying the food and her friends' reactions. They were funnier than the movie; whenever an action sequence would happen Joey and Tristan would grin like two kids on Christmas morning while Duke and Yugi seemed to enjoy the car chase portions. She suppressed a giggle, why there are car chases in a ninja movie I suppose I'll never know.
Her favorite part of the evening was caused by a very intense scene in the movie, it wasn't quite romantic but as close as she thought the movie was going to get. Joey reached over discretely and put his arm around Mai in the darkened theater. The purple eyed woman sighed and leaned her head into his shoulder, causing Joey to blush. Alice disguised her giggle as a cough as she noticed that simultaneously Yugi had done something similar. He had simply reached over and taken Téa's hand in his own, but this too was loaded with emotion. She couldn't help but be happy for her friends; however at the same time she worried for what they were doing.
To her dismay a full blown romance scene followed. She began to panic. No one mentioned this! Why she was freaking out she didn't fully understand herself. But she found it difficult to watch; the man proclaiming his love for the girl before he went into battle. She wanted to yell at the girl to run and not look back. Love was a poison, an all consuming and deadly poison that would eat away at you until there was nothing left. It dulled your senses and caused you a great weakness. She remembered the day she had adopted that philosophy… the day her parents died.
She was snapped out of her reverie when Mai said, "Hun, you're staring at the credits."
Grinning impishly, she grabbed her popcorn and they made their way out of the theater; Joey and Tristan were talking animatedly about how awesome the sequel was going to be. How they could make eight movies of that quality and still consider continuing is beyond ludicrous.
They stopped right outside the theater to discuss their favorite parts of the movie despite the cold night air. The wind had picked up as well, but huddled together like they were under the street lamps' artificial glow they hardly noticed.
"The car chase was definitely the best part," Duke argued.
"No way, 'da ninja verses 'da bomb was way cooler," Joey proclaimed.
"I like how it was resolved without too much violence," Bakura added. Joey, Tristan, and Duke gave him questioning looks.
"I think the romance scene was the best," Téa gushed. Mai nodded in agreement and then turned to Alice.
"What was your favorite part, hun?" Everyone was looking at her, she didn't want to disappoint them, but she honestly hadn't absorbed any of the movie.
"Well, the explosions were really… umm, cool. And then the n-ninja fights were… awesome?" Everyone let out playful laughs and shook their heads at Alice's ignorance and blatantly obvious lie; everyone but Yugi, he had an understanding smile on his face. Normally she would have been offended by the group's reaction, but because just one person understood she was able to laugh with them.
"Well if you didn't love 'dis movie Alice, you gotta pick 'da next one," Joey said as he smiled down at her.
"Oh no, I couldn't," she protested. She really didn't want to have to pick the movie. It was one thing to attend, another to watch, but a whole different game to pick.
"But you didn't like this one," Tristan argued, "you have to pick–"
"Hey, why don't we go and get some ice cream?" Yugi interrupted. Alice looked at him a tad surprised, only to see that same understanding smile on his face.
"Mhmm, that sounds good," Téa exclaimed happily.
"Who else is up for it?" Tristan asked, looking pointedly at Alice. She waited for everyone else to respond first. Joey and Mai agreed, Bakura needed to get home, Yugi and Téa were in of course, and both Tristan and Duke wanted to go. Alice however, felt like being alone.
"I should probably get home. I still have to do my homework," she explained lamely.
"Oh. Well I'll give you a ride then," Duke offered enthusiastically. Alice grimaced and shook her head. She had had enough of Duke for one day.
"That's okay, I could use the exercise," she said grinning at the group. "Besides, you all really want some ice cream."
After a bit more persuasion she was able to slip away from the group and start heading home. She only lived a few miles away… a pout graced her lips. She didn't mind walking, but she had unceremoniously worn heels. Estimating her average speed she wouldn't make it home for another two hours! It would have been faster to just go and get ice cream, but at least she got to enjoy the night air.
It was getting colder by the minute however, and the wind that accompanied wasn't soothing. She tried to ignore it by listening to the sound of the crickets singing and the rustling of the leaves. How odd that it was so peaceful in the middle of a big city. The crunch of her boots mixed in with the other sounds, creating an odd rhythm. She found herself humming softly to her own beat. She passed a clock that read 11:11pm, giggling she thought sarcastically, make a wish.
Despite the joking tone of her thoughts, she found that she was indeed trying to find something to wish for. What did she want? Not money, no she had plenty of that. She didn't think of herself as beautiful, but she was content enough to not wish on something that petty. Good grades were a given for her, so that was out. What could possibly make her happy? She couldn't think of one thing… well, she did enjoy making other people happy, bringing a little sunshine into a person's day. It seemed that was the best it was going to get, so she closed her eyes to wish.
I wish I could help make someone happy. As soon as she finished the thought an odd feeling gripped her left boot. It seemed that the heel was sunk in the soft filling in between the concrete slabs. She began to fall forward only to catch herself on the nearby light pole. A dull crack sounded and she felt her boot come loose.
Alice stared down in surprise. The heel from her boot was still stuck in the crack, but it had detached from the rest of the shoe. She sighed and shook her head, of all the rotten luck. She then scoffed, maybe I should have wished for new boots.
The upside to her situation was she might actually make it home faster. The downside was by the time she got there she would probably have glass in her foot. Reluctantly she sat down on a bench and began to take off her ruined boots. She had to admit it felt good to get them off though. Stretching her legs out in front of her she wiggled each of her toes. Her socks were long and black, tightly fitted to her calves. She leaned her head against the bench with another sigh, not really sure what she was doing. Positive. Think positive.
It was still a nice night, and despite her ruined boots she should enjoy the walk. Suddenly she felt a drop of water hit her forehead. Blinking her eyes open in shock she stared up at the sky. She hadn't realized how many clouds there were, all of which were ready to open up and drench her.
Groaning, she shook her bangs out of her face as she muttered, "This is ridiculous." And low and behold it started to rain. The rain was warm at first, soothing her body. She sat there for a moment letting it pelt her; however she could feel the rain cooling to match the air temperature. With deep regret she got up off the park bench and grabbed her boots.
She walked on with her boots in hand and her face turned up to the sky, letting it wash over her face. It feels nice, she told herself. It isn't that freezing. I'll be home in no time. She didn't understand how tired she was until she fell and didn't want to get back up. She lay face down on the concrete as the rain soaked her.
Perhaps it was from all the restless nights of sleep and talking with Yugi and Kaiba while they slumbered, but she was almost too tired to move. Almost. Reluctantly she pulled herself to her knees, from there to her feet. She left her boots on the ground and turned her head skyward again.
"What did I do to deserve this? I've always tried to be a good person, even when I failed I didn't mean to." She seemed to be pleading with the clouds themselves. "Is this my punishment!?" She was growing louder with each phrase. "Is this what I get for getting intertwined with the Shadows? Answer me!" she yelled in exasperation. "Answer me," she mumbled. Hanging her head, she let the cold weight of the rain pound against her back.
She supposed she could always go to the bench and sleep there… she shivered. No, it was much too cold for that. She was close to not caring, to giving up and curling into a ball when she heard the sound of a car approaching.
Maybe they could give me a ride, she thought in desperation. She tilted her head up slightly but lowered it down again. No, no one would want to give me a ride in my current state. I look ridiculous and for all they know I could be dangerous. She heard a soft sound followed by another but was too tired to even pick up her head again.
"Alice?" asked a voice from behind her. Not just any voice. She stiffened, hating how she'd recognize that voice anywhere. The concern in it surprised her though, giving her the energy she needed to turn around.
His clothes were slightly wet, he must have just stepped out of his vehicle. He was towering over her, but not in an intimidating way… it was oddly comforting. His hair was dripping now, the gorgeous golden brown color beginning to look darker by the minute. His eyes were still the piercing, brilliant blue she knew, but there was worry in them which she had never seen. Before her very eyes that worry turned to humor, and she readied herself for the onslaught.
"I'm not in the mood at the moment, Kaiba. So whatever you have to say can it w-wait until Monday?" Her voice cracked slightly. She broke away from his gaze and stared at the ground in between them, hating the feeling of being inferior. She missed the tender smile that spread across his face, but caught the chuckle that followed.
"Are you planning to spend the night here until then?" Alice sighed in response, hoping he was almost finished and would be on his way.
Kaiba looked down at her. She was completely drenched from head to toe. Her hair clung to her frame, looking black against her pearly skin. It no longer fell in ringlets but was straightened from the downpour. The rain had enhanced her scent, causing it to assault his senses, leaving him a bit dazed. She seemed so beaten, though upon first seeing her he had ensured she was healthy before finding her situation amusing; she was so tiny and lost.
"Get in," he said to her.
Her head came up and they locked eyes. He wasn't joking. That much was obvious, but was he really offering her a way out? She continued to stare, not knowing how to respond; the offer was so unlike him.
He growled and repeated in a harsh tone, "Get in," as he gestured to the waiting limo. That was more like it, Kaiba showing his true colors. His appearance had triggered the remainder of her adrenaline to kick in, so she was stubborn in her reply.
"I would rather walk," she said, crossing her arms. Kaiba was shocked. A moment ago it had appeared she was on the verge of collapsing, and now she was talking of walking home. He rolled his eyes.
"You'll faint before you make it ten steps," he taunted.
"I would rather pass out on a street corner than accept your help," she huffed. How dare he assume she was weak!
That brought him up short. He had been so absorbed with the thought of Alice fainting into his arms he hadn't prepared for her comeback. To be frank it stung. Never would he have thought she would reject his assistance. "If you think I'm going to let you walk home, in the pouring rain, in the middle of the night, you're insane," Kaiba sneered.
"Let me? Hardly! Call me crazy then, but I am so not sticking around anymore," Alice proclaimed as she turned to leave. Kaiba grabbed her upper arm and pulled her back.
She felt thrilled that he had stopped her; she had half expected him to let her go. She stared at him and for a brief span of time thought he was going to force her into the limo. Her eyes widened, she would definitely fight. To be honest she would love a ride, but her pride would not allow her to back down. The longer you go on fighting, the harder it is to give up in the end.
Kaiba turned his head toward his limo, "Follow along beside us." She hadn't noticed the passenger's side window was down and her forehead creased, not understanding his statement. He released her arm and walked past her.
"Where are you going?" she asked in alarm.
He turned around and wanted to laugh at the expression on her face. It seemed that while she had claimed to not want his assistance, she still didn't want him to leave. "I'm walking you home," he replied emotionlessly.
Her expression cleared and she walked over to his side. He was willing to walk her home, in the pouring rain, when she had refused to take a ride. Perhaps chivalry isn't as dead as most people believe, she thought as she shook her head slowly. Kaiba was the last person she would have expected that from, but that only made it all the better. If he could give in, then she could as well.
She sighed, releasing all the ill feelings toward the man in front of her. "I'll get in," she said quietly.
Without another word Kaiba moved to the limo door and opened it. She slid in and was relieved that it was mildly warmer inside. Kaiba followed and the door was shut. There was a small silence before the chauffeur spoke up.
"And where do you live, ma'am?" he asked kindly as he turned to face the open privacy divider.
For a moment Alice hesitated. Did she want Kaiba to see where she lived? She tenderly bit her bottom lip and considered her options. Realizing there really were none she decided that the CEO was probably one of the only people who wouldn't treat her differently. "Pleasant Sage Avenue, 23747." The diver nodded, apparently knowing where that was.
"I was headed out to get Mister Kaiba some coffee, would you care for anything, Miss Porter?" he offered as he pulled away from the curb.
She was slightly stunned he had known her name. In the back of her mind she wondered what that could possibly mean, but decided to push that aside for later. "No, thank you." The driver nodded again and they continued in silence.
Even though they had left the cold and rain, Alice was still being affected by it. She shivered and sniffled as she rubbed her hands together. To her surprise Kaiba began to remove his white trench coat, handing it to her with a muttered, "Here."
Perplexed, but grateful, she took the offered coat and slid it on. It was much too big for her, but since she was sitting and it didn't really have sleeves it wasn't an issue. The white trench coat felt warm against her cold body. It occurred to her how she might look to someone, like the chauffer, who didn't understand the reasons for her acquaintance with Kaiba. She blushed profusely, "Thanks."
Kaiba merely grunted in response. The driver turned the heater up higher and Alice slowly began to warm up. She was enjoying the jacket far more than she should. It smelled wonderfully of him. It was intoxicating. Inhaling deeply, she allowed his scent to overwhelm and calm her.
When Kaiba could take the silence no more he stated, "That was immensely stupid of you to walk home in the rain."
Alice reminded herself that he was charitably giving her a ride home, and replied calmly, "It wasn't raining when I started walking."
"Didn't any of your loser friends offer you a ride?" Kaiba was fishing for information, but the smaller brunette didn't seem to notice.
"They are not losers. Actually Duke," she watched Kaiba stiffen and wanted to do a victory dance, "offered to give me a ride home too," she stressed the word, reminding him that the black haired teen had given her a ride earlier, "but they wanted ice cream and I just wanted to go home." The conversation ended there without either one of them really wanting it to.
Now that the adrenaline rush had past, Alice's body felt oddly numb. That worried her as the limo pulled up to the coffee shop. They went through the drive-through and the chauffer ordered Kaiba's coffee.
Alice was so tired; she could feel her eyelids drooping and her body slowly sagging into the seat. She had to stay awake though. It would be mortifying if she fell asleep in Seto Kaiba's limousine.
The chauffer handed the coffee to Kaiba and Alice caught a whiff of it. She hated the stuff, but she prayed that the smell alone would keep her awake until they reached her house. No such luck came to her; she slowly became unconscious in a matter of seconds.
[A/N: Tee-he ^_^]
