Author's Note: I made a slight edit to the prologue. It's really minor, but I thought it an important change to keep certain future chapters consistent. ^^

Chapter 12

It was early Sunday afternoon, and Alex had just finished getting ready. She put on a light purple dress that went down to her knees along with black stockings. Also, she had on her usual bracelet as well as a necklace that she kept on her at all times. Then she styled her hair into twintails, giving her a very cute appearance overall. Once she felt satisfied, she left her apartment and took the bus until it stopped near Yugi's grandpa's game shop. After she get off, she saw Yugi waiting outside for her. She waved happily at him and said,

"Hey, Yugi. I hope I didn't keep you waiting."

Yugi shook his head and replied, "Not at all. You look great. Let's get going."

Alex replied, "Lead the way."

Alex and Yugi walked side by side as they headed towards the cafe near the game shop. The two of them made a bit of small talk and soon, they arrived. Yugi led the way towards a booth at the back, and Alex observed that the cafe was really quiet. There were only a couple of patrons as well as a few staff, so it was the perfect place to have a private conversation.

After the two of them sat down and placed their orders (with Yugi insisting that Alex get some dessert in addition to coffee), Yugi said,

"Ok, I think he's ready to talk, but do me a favor?"

Alex nodded and replied, "Sure, what is it?"

Yugi replied, "Make sure he actually eats what I ordered."

Alex laughed and replied, "Ok, I'll do my best."

Yugi smiled and then made the switch. Fortunately, no one else was watching, so they didn't notice that there was anything amiss. Once Yami made an appearance, Alex smiled and said,

"Hey, you. I heard that you wanted to talk to me."

Yami smiled and replied, "I do, but Yugi says we should wait for our orders to be brought first."

Alex nodded and replied, "Yeah, that's a good idea. We don't want anyone overhearing us, and it shouldn't take long."

Soon after Alex replied, a waitress came over, placing their orders on the table along with the bill. After she left, Yami looked at Yugi's order and asked,

"He expects me to eat this?"

Alex looked at the slice of chocolate cake and the fruit juice in front of Yami and laughed a bit. Then she replied,

"It is on the sweet side, but it looks good. I would have ordered milk to balance the chocolate cake, but that's just me."

As for Alex, she ordered her usual black coffee along with a slice of strawberry cheesecake. Yami looked at Alex's order and commented,

"Your order is more sensible."

Alex replied, "I don't know about that. I like black coffee, mainly for the caffeine. As for the cheesecake, well, let's just say that I haven't had any for quite a while now and it was too tempting to keep resisting. But anyway, let's take care of the matter at hand first, ok?"

Yami replied, "That's right." He took a sip of fruit juice and then continued, "So I had an acquaintance of mine from Egypt look into your bracelet after you sent the photos to Yugi."

Alex curiously asked, "Who is this acquaintance of yours, if I'm not being nosy?"

Yami replied, "Ishizu Ishtar. Her family is acquainted with ancient Egyptian history, and she was the one who told me that I was once a pharaoh."

Alex widened her eyes in amazement and replied, "That's really cool, and I can totally see that."

Yami nodded and replied, "Ishizu told me that your bracelet isn't a millenium item."

Of course, Alex already knew that, but she pretended to look surprised and replied, "What's a millenium item?"

Yami replied, "It's difficult to explain, but the basic idea is that they're ancient Egyptian items infused with magical powers. You see this?"

He indicated to the millenium puzzle around his neck, and Alex nodded. He then said, "It's a millenium item. I woke up after Yugi assembled all the pieces of this puzzle."

Alex nodded and replied, "I see. I assume there are other such items, too?"

Yami replied, "Yes, that's right. You've been fortunate not to have witnessed more of their power firsthand, but some of them can be very dangerous, especially in the wrong hands. It's obvious when you see one."

Alex replied, "Ok. So my bracelet isn't a millenium item. Then, what is it?"

Yami recalled what Ishizu had told him and replied, "Based on the markings, Ishizu believes the bracelet originates from ancient Greece."

Alex looked carefully at her bracelet, taking note of the symbols on it. They looked vaguely familiar to her although she had no idea why. Alex replied, "I can kind of see that. But if this bracelet is originally from ancient Greece and from what you told me, you're from ancient Egypt, how is this bracelet familiar to you?"

Yami replied, "That's what I don't understand. Unfortunately, Ishizu couldn't tell me more than that. We know a little more than before, but it isn't much."

Alex replied, "It's better than nothing. I guess we can try looking into it some more."

Yami replied, "I concur. Ishizu told me that if she finds out anything more, she'll let me know right away, and of course, I will let you know, too."

Alex replied, "Thanks. Now then, since I believe we've gotten all the important talk out of the way, I have to get you to eat that."

She pointed at the chocolate cake. Yami groaned and commented, "I'd rather not. It looks a bit too sweet."

Alex laughed and replied, "You can never have too many sweets, but I agree it's a bit much. I take it that you're not a fan of sweet stuff?"

Yami replied, "I don't recall consuming a lot of it, so I'm probably not."

Alex nodded and replied, "Just take it slow then, and we can order milk or coffee for you if you find it too sweet. It's a good idea to balance sweet stuff."

Although Yami was still somewhat reluctant, he finally got to eating the cake, while Alex took bites of her strawberry cheesecake and sips of her coffee. Suddenly, as though remembering something, Yami asked,

"Yugi wanted to know, but why did you make that comment yesterday?"

Alex paused and replied, "Oh, that. Yeah, yesterday was crazy."

She looked around, making sure that nobody would overhear them. Then she continued, "I think it's ok to tell you both. It might become a bit of gossip if some other people heard about it, and I'd rather have things quiet."

She then talked about how she and Joey were at her apartment and then how Kaiba had come over and what happened after. However, she left out the part about Kaiba confronting her alone afterwards. Yami listened carefully and after Alex was done, he took a few minutes to think it over. Then he said,

"Yugi says he doesn't know what to make of that, other than it's obvious that Joey and Kaiba hate each other."

Alex nodded and replied, "Yeah, I got that much."

Yami replied, "Not that I'm an expert on people, but I can tell you this much. It's no secret that Joey likes you and that you like him."

Alex blushed a bit and replied, "Oh. I guess we kind of made that obvious?"

Yami smiled and replied, "True, but it's ok. We're your friends and we would be happy to see you two together. But…"

He frowned a bit, which prompted Alex to ask,

"What is it?"

Yami replied, "If I didn't know any better, I'd swear that Kaiba might like you, too, but he's too stubborn to say it to your face."

Alex looked shocked and replied, "What? Are you certain?"

She thought over Yami's words for a couple of minutes. Inwardly, she had to admit that if she weren't the center of attention, she would agree with Yami's assessment. Yami continued,

"It's a case of where two people like each other, but the third person likes one of those two."

Alex sighed and replied, "Maybe, but it doesn't make any sense. I mean, I'm not that kind of girl."

Yami replied, "Well, I'm probably wrong. Even now, I don't interact much with people unless it's in a duel. I guess I'm making an exception here because of your bracelet."

Alex nodded and replied, "I understand. I just hope that those two will bury the hatchet soon. I really don't want to be in the middle of more arguments. I'm totally not worth it."

She took a bite of her cheesecake, and some whipped cream was on the side of her lips. Yami noticed and said,

"Oh, let me get that for you."

He took a napkin and carefully wiped off the whipped cream from Alex's face. Unfortunately, the timing was bad, as the door to the cafe opened and Kaiba just happened to approach the premises. Immediately, he saw Alex and Yami, and without thinking, he stomped over to them and asked,

"What are you two doing?"

Yami immediately moved away from Alex, and the two of them looked at Kaiba. Alex had this annoyed look on her face and replied,

"Oh, it's you. It's not like I'm not allowed to hang out with other people on my own time."

Kaiba glared at Alex and replied, "You didn't answer my question."

Yami replied, "Calm down, Kaiba. Alex got some whipped cream on her face, and I was just helping her to clean it off."

Alex nodded and replied, "That's right although I wonder what you were thinking. You have this tendency to overreact."

Kaiba replied angrily, "I do not over-"

Alex's phone suddenly vibrated in her purse, and she said, "Oh, I should check this."

She took out her phone, careful not to let the others see the incoming text message.

Hey, Alex. Can we talk alone at the park? It's important. Seto doesn't know about this.

Obviously, the message was from Mokuba, and from what Alex gathered, Mokuba didn't want Kaiba to know of their meeting. She quickly sent a message back to Mokuba and then put her phone away. Turning to Yami, she said,

"Something has come up. We're finished here, right? And you'll let me know if you find out any more info?"

Yami nodded and replied, "Yes, of course. If you have something important to do, please don't let me delay you. Yugi says he'll take care of the bill, and he insists since he invited you."

Alex smiled and replied, "Ok, thank you. I guess we'll talk again later."

She got up and looking at Kaiba, she added, "Pleasure seeing you again, and I'd appreciate it if you don't follow me."

She then walked out of the cafe and hailed a cab, requesting to be taken to Domino Park.

Kaiba was about to leave the cafe when Yami said,

"Wait, Kaiba. We need to talk, and Alex did just say not to follow her, or have you become her stalker?"

Kaiba took a seat across from Yami and replied, "I wasn't stalking her. I just happened to pass by and noticed you two in here. I don't even bother frequenting this establishment."

Yami replied, "It wasn't a serious question. You don't seem like the type, but you really need to stop lying to yourself."

Kaiba replied, "Excuse me?"

Yami replied, "Just tell her that you like her. Dueling isn't the only thing I'm perceptive at."

Kaiba scoffed and replied, "I don't like her. She's a curiosity, nothing more."

Yami smiled and replied, "Well, if that's the case, I'll be supporting Joey all the way. Good to see you again, Kaiba."

He gave one more knowing smile to Kaiba before changing back. Yugi laughed awkwardly and said,

"Ok, I'm gonna go."

He hurriedly took the bill, went to the counter to pay and then left. As Kaiba was alone and he had no business being in the cafe, he soon left as well.

Meanwhile, Alex had made it to the park, and she saw Mokuba sitting on the bench. Roland was standing next to him, most likely looking out for any would-be attackers. Alex waved happily at Mokuba and said,

"Hey, Mokuba. I got here as soon as I could, and it's good to see you again, Mr. Roland."

Roland nodded and replied, "It's good to see you, too, Ms. Alex."

Mokuba smiled and replied, "Hey, Alex. I hope you weren't too busy?"

Alex took a seat next to Mokuba on the bench and replied, "Nah. Just got finished talking to a friend. Your message sounded kind of urgent. What's up?"

Mokuba nodded and then he turned to Roland, asking if he could stand a bit farther away. Roland nodded, understanding that Mokuba wished to have a private conversation with Alex. Mokuba then turned his attention back to Alex and said,

"I'm worried about Seto. I've noticed this for a while now although I haven't said anything."

Alex replied, "What? Is he sick or something?"

Mokuba quickly shook his head and replied, "Nothing like that. It's more like, urgh. How do I put it? Ever since that duel the other day, he's been acting really strange."

Alex had her guesses as to where Mokuba was going with this conversation, but deciding to let Mokuba express his thoughts, she replied, "Ok. How has he been acting strange?"

Mokuba replied, "I don't think Seto will tell me, but I think he likes you. I mean, he really likes you and he wants you."

Alex's eyes widened in surprise and her first thought was,

First, Yami says this and now Mokuba? There's just no way. It's not possible.

Alex gently replied, "Are you sure, Mokuba? Maybe you're just reading too much into Kaiba's behavior."

Mokuba replied, "I may be a kid and I'm not a genius like you or Seto, but I'm not stupid. I've been observing him and I've noticed how he talks about you and how he gets angry if Joey is near you."

Alex replied, "But isn't that just because he doesn't like Joey? That has nothing to do with me."

Mokuba shook his head and replied, "If it was just that, he'd brush it off. But Seto is expressing anger and it isn't over a duel. I think he isn't even aware of how he feels about you, but I'm worried about how he might behave. So I thought you should know."

Alex replied, "You wanted to look out for me? That's really sweet, but I can take care of myself. Besides, I don't think your brother likes me like that."

Mokuba replied, "Why do you think that?"

Alex replied, "Just look at me, Mokuba. I mean, really look at me."

Mokuba did as Alex requested and then he replied, "Ok, I still don't get it."

Alex replied, "I'm not the kind of girl guys typically like. Joey's an exception, but he and I have gotten to know each other. As for your brother, I don't think I'm the kind of girl he'd like. He's better off staying away."

Mokuba looked a bit thoughtful and then replied, "Alex, why do you think Seto wouldn't like you?"

Alex replied, "I guess you're old enough to understand these things. I'm sure he has a type. Think about it. He's extremely wealthy, handsome and smart. Lots of women would want him, and I'm sure he'd rather go for a superficial, supermodel type. Not like that's what I'd ever want to become. I'd never respect myself again if I reduced myself that low."

Mokuba looked surprised to hear Alex's reply and replied, "Wait. You really think Seto is into that type? That might be true for many guys in his position, but he does his own thing. So if he likes you, he likes you, and that's that. Besides, the only time I've ever seen him hang out with that type is for Kaiba Corp's charity events, and that's only for publicity. Besides, you'd make a way better sister-in-law."

Alex coughed loudly and had to take a minute to recover. After taking a deep breath, she replied, "Ok, you're definitely jumping the gun here. I don't have any such goals in mind. I just want a normal, simple life."

Of course, Alex didn't add the part about having that with Andy but only after eliminating Kaiba.

Alex continued, "So I think for everyone's sake, it's best if Kaiba stays away from me. Besides, even if I were to entertain the thought of him liking me, I'll never know if it's because he truly likes me or he just wants to make Joey lose at something. Yeah, I'm stupid for not having realized it sooner."

Mokuba replied, "What?"

Alex smiled sadly at Mokuba and replied, "There's no way Kaiba really likes me. He just wants to beat Joey, and if that means taking me away from him, he'll try his best. But I won't let him. Joey's a good guy and he doesn't deserve that."

Mokuba replied, "Alex, stop. I know Seto has a reputation, but he isn't like that and I'm not just saying that because I'm his brother. He's a really good person, but he's very awkward. It doesn't help that our stepfather messed him up lots."

Alex looked curiously at Mokuba and asked, "What do you mean?"

Mokuba sighed and replied, "I might have said too much, and I don't think I should be the one to tell you."

Understanding what Mokuba meant, Alex nodded and replied, "I understand. Kaiba would have to tell me, but I doubt that will ever happen. It's ok. There are some things better left unsaid."

Instinctively, her right hand reached out to touch her necklace, which Mokuba noticed but chose not to comment on.

Mokuba then said, "I know I'm going to sound biased, but I think you should give Seto a chance. You two might hit it off, and I think you'd be really good for him."

Alex sighed and replied, "I don't know. Can we not talk about this anymore, please?"

Mokuba noticed that Alex started to look a little upset, so he replied, "Ok. I'm sorry if I pushed too much."

Alex shook her head and replied, "It's ok. You're being a good brother, and I hope he knows how lucky he is to have you."

She smiled sadly at Mokuba, and Mokuba reached out to gently squeeze Alex's hand. He then said, "It's getting late, so how about we drop you off at your place? And don't say no."

Alex cheered up a bit at hearing Mokuba being assertive and replied, "Ok."

Mokuba and Alex got up from the bench, and following Roland, they left the park.