Chapter 9

The next morning, Alex arrived at school, feeling a lot better and more refreshed. She had gotten plenty of sleep, and her dreams were only happy and peaceful although she couldn't recall what they were about. As she walked in the hallway, heading towards the classroom, Joey saw her and ran up to her. He grinned and said,

"Hey, Alex. I'm glad you're here and ya look better."

Alex smiled and replied, "Thanks. It's amazing what plenty of sleep can do. So today's the day, right?"

Joey nodded and replied, "Yup, that's right. You'll help me put the plan in action?"

Alex replied, "Of course. I expect that he'll refuse your request, so that's where I'll come in. But you'll have to finish lunch a little early."

Joey replied, "That's fine. It'll be worth it."

Alex and Joey walked in the hallway and entered the classroom. Yugi and the others were sitting close to each other, and Alex noticed that Kaiba had arrived early. She gave him a small smile, as her way of silently thanking him for his help yesterday. Kaiba turned his head away quickly in response, but there was a faint blush on his cheeks, which Alex thought was unlike him. This didn't go unnoticed by Joey, but just when he was about to say something, Yugi said,

"Good morning, you two. You're looking a lot better, Alex."

Alex smiled and replied, "Thanks, Yugi. Looks like all I needed was some good sleep."

Yugi nodded and then Tristan said, "Man, you should have seen Joey yesterday. He flipped out when you weren't in class and-"

Tristan was interrupted when Joey started to choke Tristan by the neck, and Alex shook her head. Tea said,

"Those two. But it's good to see you're feeling better, Alex."

Alex replied, "Yup. I'm all good to go."

Alex chatted with the others a little more and then took her seat. After she took out her books and such, she glanced at Kaiba, who continued to avoid her gaze. She wanted to find a way to thank him for looking after her and being so kind and attentive. She had an idea although it would have to wait until after school was over.

Morning classes flew by without disruption, and then it was time for lunch. Alex joined Joey and the others on the rooftop as usual, while Kaiba stayed behind in the classroom. She happily joined the others in their chatter, and Joey quickly finished his lunch. He then got up and said,

"Have some stuff to take care of, so I'm gonna go."

Duke replied, "What stuff?"

However, Joey didn't reply and simply went back inside the building. Bakura then asked, "What was that about?"

Alex replied, "It's a surprise, but you'll soon find out."

Lunch was soon over, and Alex and the others headed back inside. As the group got into the classroom, Joey was already seated at his desk. Alex passed by him, and Joey shook his head although he didn't say anything. She nodded, expecting that result. Then, Alex took her seat, and the class waited for the English teacher.

As English class began, students resumed being in their groups, and of course, Alex, Joey, and Kaiba were in their usual group. Unfortunately, for Alex, Joey and Kaiba kept arguing over acting a particular role. She sighed and said,

"Listen, I don't get why I can't just do a one-person performance. You two know I can do it, and our grade won't suffer."

Joey replied, "You just got better, and doing that will make you tired."

Kaiba added, "For once, Wheeler's right, and I'm not going to have my grade all depending on you."

Alex replied, "Wow, the world must be ending. You two actually agree on something."

Tea overheard Alex's comment from nearby and laughed quietly.

Alex added, "If this isn't settled by tomorrow, I'm doing the one-person play and that's final. We can't waste next week arguing over this when we should be putting in time to practice."

She looked at Joey and said, "Well, it's not like you two would just settle this with a duel or whatever."

Joey replied, "I'd have no problem with that, but moneybags just refused to duel me."

Alex glanced at Kaiba before returning her attention to Joey and replied, "Really? That's unfortunate. I mean, I would have loved to watch you two go at it. I know how awesome a duelist you are, Joey."

She gave him a cute smile, which made Joey blush. Joey knew that Alex was just going along with the plan they had discussed beforehand although he couldn't help but feel that it was more than flattery. He gazed deeply into Alex's eyes and replied,

"I'd do anything for you."

Kaiba was displeased, watching Alex and Joey go at it. Figuring out a way to stop their flirting, he coughed and said,

"Fine. Then we'll settle this with a duel."

Alex looked at Kaiba and replied, "What? I was just joking about that."

Kaiba looked back at Alex and replied, "Really? But your idea is a good one."

He looked at Joey and said, "We'll settle this with a duel. Whoever wins gets to be with Alex."

Alex replied, "What?"

Kaiba looked annoyed and replied, "For the group project, obviously. What did you think?"

Alex waved her right hand and replied, "Nothing. Absolutely nothing." She looked at Joey and asked, "What do you think? I'd rather still do the one-person play, but-"

Joey looked at Kaiba and replied, "You're on. Tomorrow afternoon then."

Alex sighed to herself and shook her head. On one hand, Joey finally got Kaiba to accept his challenge although Alex helped a bit with that. On the other hand, it annoyed her that they were going to duel over something silly. She thought,

I don't understand guys sometimes.

The rest of classes proceeded smoothly after that, and once the bell rang to signal that school was over for the day, students began to file out of the room. Alex gathered her things and quickly joined the others. Joey turned to her and grinning, he said,

"Thanks, Alex. I couldn't have done it without ya."

Alex replied, "No worries. At least, you'll finally get your duel. I can't wait to see you in action tomorrow."

Tristan commented, "So that's what you two were up to."

Alex shrugged and replied, "I just want Joey to have his chance to shine, and I've wanted to see him duel for myself."

Bakura commented, "It'll be quite interesting, to say the least."

Alex nodded and looking at the time, she said, "Ahh, I got to run. I have some things to take care of, but I'll see you all tomorrow?"

Tea replied, "Yup. Take care, Alex, and have a good one."

Alex replied, "You, too." She then waved goodbye to the others and hurried out of the classroom and out of the building, wanting to take the bus back to her apartment.

About an hour and a half later, Alex was in her kitchen, having just opened the oven door and taking out some freshly baked cookies and brownies. As she was plating them and letting them cool, her phone rang. She briefly checked the caller ID and smiling, she answered,

"Hey, Mokuba."

Mokuba replied, "Hey, Alex. How are you feeling?"

Alex replied, "Like a new person. I don't remember the last time I slept that well."

Mokuba replied, "That's great."

Alex replied, "Ahh yeah, I'm happy you called. I wanted to ask you something."

Mokuba replied, "Shoot."

Alex replied, "How late does your brother work? I wanted to drop something off as a thank you, but I don't want to bother him, so yeah."

Mokuba replied, "He tends to work really late, even on a weekday."

Alex replied, "Ahh good. In that case, would it be alright if I dropped by your place to give you the gift? It won't take long."

Mokuba replied, "No problem, but I have a better idea. Why don't you come over for dinner? Better yet, I'll have Roland pick you up and take you to our place."

Alex replied, "Roland?"

Mokuba replied, "He's like our assistant of sorts."

Alex replied, "I see. I don't know. I feel like I'd be imposing and all…"

Mokuba replied, "No way. In fact, I want the company. Seto works so late almost every day and I never get to see him. It gets lonely here by myself."

Alex couldn't help but feel sympathy for Mokuba, so deciding not to put up further resistance, she replied, "Ok, I guess it couldn't hurt but only dinner. I have homework to do, so I can't stay long."

Mokuba groaned and replied, "Urgh, don't remind me. But ok. Roland will knock on your door once he gets to your apartment."

Alex replied, "Ok. I'll see you in a little while then."

Alex hung up then and went into her room, deciding to change into a light blue dress with black leggings. She kept her bracelet on and had on a necklace, too. Then she put up her hair in a ponytail tied up with a light blue ribbon. Once she was done getting dressed, she went back to the kitchen and took out a small picnic basket. She put the plates of cookies and brownies in the basket, making sure that they had cooled down first and were securely wrapped. She had just finished doing all that when there was a knock at her door. Knowing who it probably was, Alex walked to the door. She looked through the peephole just to be sure and asked,

"Who is it?"

Outside the door, it was Roland and he replied, "Hello, miss. I'm Roland. Mr. Mokuba asked me to pick you up."

Alex opened the door and hurriedly got her picnic basket. She then took a light black jacket and put it on her. Then she said,

"Ok, I'm ready."

Roland nodded and led the way out, with Alex following after making sure she locked her door. Alex was led to a black limo and once inside, Roland started it up, heading towards Kaiba's mansion. Along the way, Alex couldn't help but think,

This is my third time in this limo although knowing Kaiba, I'm sure he has more than one. I'll never get used to such luxury.

She continued to absorb herself in her musings, and Roland continued to drive all the way to the mansion. It was a bit of a distance, but fortunately, traffic wasn't too terrible. Once they were within viewing distance of the mansion, Roland said,

"We're almost here, miss."

Alex nodded and she looked out the window. Of course, it was her first time seeing the Kaiba mansion, and she couldn't help but admire how magnificent it was. In the future, there were still the wealthy although wealth was more distributed among the masses, so there weren't nearly as many impoverished poor. However, that didn't mean that life in the future was idyllic, as Alex personally witnessed for herself.

Roland stopped the limo once it was within the grounds of the mansion and they were right outside its front doors. He then stepped out the limo and opening the door for Alex, he said, "We're here, miss."

Alex smiled and replied, "Thank you, and call me Alex."

Roland nodded and replied, "As you wish, Ms. Alex."

Alex shook her head and replied, "I suppose that'll do."

She then followed Roland as they entered the front doors of the mansion, and once inside, Mokuba ran up to her and excitedly said, "Alex, you're here!"

Alex grinned and replied, "Yup."

Mokuba replied, "Can I take your jacket?"

Alex nodded and she shrugged out of her jacket, handing it to Mokuba, who put in a coat closet. He then took her free hand and said,

"The cooks are almost done with dinner. I hope you like pasta."

Alex grinned and replied, "I love it. Oh, where should I drop this?"

She indicated towards her picnic basket. Mokuba sniffed it and asked, "Alex, did you make sweets?"

Alex replied, "Just some cookies and brownies. Nothing special, really. Ahh, but maybe this was a bad call. Kaiba probably hates sweets."

Mokuba replied, "I don't know, actually. He doesn't eat them often, but he may be ok with them. Can I see?"

Alex nodded and replied, "Sure, although they're really for him. But if he says he doesn't want them, you're more than happy to have them."

Mokuba grinned and he took a look at the plates of brownies and cookies. He was especially impressed with the cookies, which had the design of a blue eyes white dragon on them. He commented,

"Wow, they're great and you must be an artist."

Alex shook her head and replied, "Not really, but I love to cook and I especially love to bake. Anyway, where should I put this? I don't want to risk anyone accidentally eating them before he gets to try them. Well, if he wants to, that is."

Mokuba replied, "You can put them in his office. I'll lead the way."

Alex held onto Mokuba's hand as he led the way upstairs to the second floor and down the hallway to Kaiba's office. She took a brief look around, finding nothing out of the ordinary. She noticed a small table at the side and putting the basket on it, she said,

"I hope this is ok? You can return the basket whenever."

Mokuba replied, "Sure. You must be hungry. I am, so we should go have dinner."

Alex smiled and nodding, she followed Mokuba as they left Kaiba's office and headed down the hallway again, this time towards Mokuba's room. There, dinner was being set up and such. Alex asked,

"Do you usually eat in your room, Mokuba?"

Mokuba nodded and replied, "Yeah, when Seto isn't here. The dining room is too big and it's too noisy eating in the kitchen. I thought about the kitchen, maybe, but I want to talk to you where we'd have some privacy."

Alex nodded and replied, "I understand. Your room is nice."

She looked around, noticing how warm and comforting the room felt. Mokuba smiled and replied, "Thanks. Well, let's eat."

Alex smiled and she took a free seat after Mokuba had sat down. He gestured for her to eat first, so she did so. After taking a bite, she commented,

"Your cooks are talented. My cooking pales in comparison."

Mokuba replied, "I don't know about that. I haven't actually eaten anything you've made yet, but I think your cooking would be really good."

Alex looked thoughtful and asked, "Mokuba, you said that you eat alone a lot?"

Mokuba replied, "Yeah. I mean, I understand why Seto has to work a lot, but sometimes, I wish he'd just come home at a normal time."

Alex nodded and replied, "I get it. It must be difficult for him running a company. But does he not have other people to help out, so he can have somewhat of a normal life?"

Mokuba replied, "He used to, but those people betrayed him. It's a long story, but basically, Seto handles almost everything now."

Alex replied, "I see. That is unfortunate. Still, he should find some people to help out, so he can be home with you more often. Well, I have an idea. Why don't you come over to my place whenever you want and you can eat with me?"

Mokuba replied, "I'd like that, but it wouldn't bother you?"

Alex shook her head and replied, "Not at all. I think of you like a little brother, if it isn't obvious by now. Oh, and if you'd like, I can even help out with homework and all that although I'm sure you have tutors who already help with that."

Mokuba replied, "I do, but I think I'd get better help from you. Seto told me that you're a genius."

Alex blushed a bit and replied, "He said that?"

Mokuba nodded and replied, "Yeah. He's really impressed by how smart you are. But if you ask him, he'll never admit it."

Alex laughed a bit and replied, "Yeah, I can see that. But yeah, think about it anyway. I'd love the company."

Mokuba nodded, and the two of them continued to eat dinner, chatting happily away about various topics and such. Alex was a little concerned that Mokuba seemed to lack friends his own age, and she wondered why. She had her guesses although she felt that it was best not to pry too much into the matter for now.

The two of them soon finished their dinner and then just sat around, talking for a little longer. Mokuba commented,

"Seto was really worried about you, but you look a lot better."

Alex smiled and replied, "I feel a lot better. I must have looked terrible yesterday."

Mokuba shook his head and replied, "Nah, but you definitely looked like you needed sleep. I hope you'll get to sleep well tonight, too, but let us know if you have problems, ok?"

Alex nodded and replied, "Sure." She noticed the time and said, "Oh, I should get going. I have homework to do, and I promised Cas that I'd call her tonight before I go to sleep."

Mokuba replied, "Cas?"

Alex replied, "My guardian. I don't have any living relatives, so Cas took me in. She's really nice. She's more like an older sister than a parent, really."

Mokuba replied, "I see. I'll get Roland to take you back to your apartment. It's dark out and it wouldn't be a good idea to walk alone at this time."

Alex nodded and she got up, following Mokuba as they left his room and went downstairs to find Roland. However, at the entrance, Mokuba noticed that Kaiba had returned a little early and smiling, he ran up to him and said,

"Hey, brother. Welcome back. You finished up early?"

Kaiba nodded and replied, "Yeah. I was able to get into the office a little earlier than usual and caught up on work."

He then noticed Alex with Mokuba, and Alex noticed him, too. The two locked eyes with one another although neither said anything. Alex didn't know what to say to him, as she had hoped to avoid seeing him until tomorrow. Meanwhile, Kaiba was surprised to see Alex at his home although he was inwardly glad, too, as he wanted to talk to her alone. Noticing the silence, Mokuba said,

"Alex came by to drop off a thank you gift."

Snapping out of it, Alex nodded and replied, "That's right. It's not much, really. Mokuba told me to put it in your office, so whenever you want it. Then he asked me to stay for dinner, and I couldn't say no."

She looked at Mokuba, and he grinned at her. She then turned her attention back to Kaiba and said,

"I'm heading out now, so I won't be a bother."

Kaiba replied, "Wait. I'll take you back to your apartment."

Alex replied, "But you just got here. Aren't you tired?"

Kaiba replied, "It's fine." He then gave this look that silently said that he wanted to talk to her alone.

Alex recognized it although she had no clue as to why. She shrugged and replied, "Ok. I'll just get my jacket and then we can get going."

Mokuba nodded and he quickly got Alex's jacket. Alex thanked him and then put it on. Kaiba then said,

"Let's go. I'll drive."

Alex nodded and waving bye to Mokuba, she said, "Thanks for inviting me, and let's talk again soon."

Mokuba happily replied, "Night, Alex."

Kaiba led the way out and Alex followed. Outside, there was a ferrari parked right outside. Alex couldn't help but think,

Of course, he drives, and he drives such a car, too.

Kaiba opened the passenger side door and Alex quickly got in, putting on the seat belt. Then Kaiba got in the driver's side, and he sped off, heading away from the mansion and towards the area where Alex's apartment was. During the drive, Kaiba said,

"Thanks for keeping Mokuba company."

Alex was surprised to hear the compliment but replied, "No problem. It's pretty hard saying no to Mokuba."

Kaiba replied, "Heh, it is." He paused and then added, "I have no problem with you dropping by whenever you want."

Again, Alex was surprised and replied, "Really?"

Kaiba replied, "Yeah. I can see how much Mokuba likes you, and I'm not going to stand in his way. If I can tolerate Yugi and his dweeb squad, I can certainly tolerate you."

Alex rolled her eyes and replied, "Of course."

Despite the backhanded compliment, Alex was kind of glad for it. There was this silence between them although Kaiba really wanted to ask Alex something else. Alex looked at him and replied, "Is there anything else?"

Kaiba replied,

"Just one thing. I want to know why you're helping Wheeler."

Alex was surprised by the question and replied, "Huh? What do you mean?"

Kaiba replied, "Don't act dumb. I could tell you were helping Wheeler. I didn't realize it then, but I know you had a hand in it."

Alex shrugged and replied, "So what if I did? I really do want to see Joey duel, and if it had to take that for him to get one, so be it."

Kaiba replied, "You know that he won't win, definitely not against me."

Alex replied, "Then you have nothing to worry about."

Kaiba replied, "Who says I'm worried?"

Alex replied, "If you're not worried, you wouldn't have brought it up in the first place. By bringing it up, you are subconsciously worried that you might lose. Would it be that big of a deal?"

Kaiba suddenly pulled up on a curb and Alex commented, "Wait. We're nowhere near my place."

Kaiba replied, "I know. But I'd rather not get into an accident while I'm about to say this." He paused and then staring straight into Alex's eyes, he added, "Losing against Yugi is one thing, but losing against Wheeler is another."

Alex looked back at Kaiba and replied, "Because they're on different levels?"

Kaiba replied, "Yugi is a worthy opponent, but Joey is nothing."

Alex raised an eyebrow and replied, "Wow, you really are worried. I feel like it's no big deal, and there's more to life than dueling."

Kaiba narrowed his eyes and replied, "You think I'm obsessed?"

Alex shrugged her shoulders and replied, "Perhaps just a bit. There are bigger things to worry about." Her thoughts wandered and indeed, she thought about Andy, about all the people who disappeared from her time, about the numerous parallel worlds that were created and caused major breaks in the timeline. Those were definitely bigger problems to consider, Alex thought. Then, Alex thought,

At least, I'm dealing with this Kaiba rather than the one who continued to have unresolved issues with the pharaoh.

Kaiba took a breath and then started up the car again, heading towards Alex's apartment. He muttered,

"I won't lose, so be prepared to spend lots of time with me."

Alex replied, "If you say so."

They arrived outside Alex's apartment building. Alex unbuckled her seat belt and turning to Kaiba, she said,

"Thanks for the ride, and I am looking forward to that duel tomorrow."

Alex got out of the car and after giving Kaiba one more look, she headed inside her apartment building. Meanwhile, Kaiba drove off, thinking to himself,

Yeah, I won't lose, and I'll have her all to myself.