I hope everyone who's reading this has been enjoying it so far, and happy holidays! ^^

Chapter 19

"Urgh! I can't take it anymore!"

Yugi replied, "Joey, calm down. I understand, but what can we do?"

It was Thursday during lunchtime, and Joey, Yugi, and the others were on the roof of the school having lunch and talking. However, Alex wasn't with them. Since Monday, she had been spending lunchtime with Kaiba, as Kaiba needed her help with the problem he had brought up to her. Although Kaiba really did need her help, he also had to admit to himself that he liked getting to spend more time with her and taking her attention away from Joey and the others.

Bakura commented, "Those two have been getting awfully chummy."

Joey looked like he was about to explode, and Yugi replied,

"I don't think you're helping, Bakura."

Bakura laughed in embarrassment and replied, "Sorry."

Tea said, "Ok, that's it. It's time for an intervention."

Yugi looked at her and asked, "Intervention?"

Tea nodded and replied, "Yeah. We need to get Alex away from Kaiba long enough, so Joey can talk to her."

She then leaned in close to the others to explain her plan. Joey nodded enthusiastically and said,

"Yeah, let's go for it. I'm not lettin' moneybags spend more time with her."

Yugi replied, "I don't know. I mean, it's not like I don't want Joey and Alex to settle things, but shouldn't Alex do things at her own pace?"

Tea gave Yugi a look and replied, "I'm sure it's not entirely her fault, but she kind of has been avoiding Joey and Kaiba's only been helping her. Can't you see that?"

Yugi sighed and replied, "I suppose, but-"

Joey gave Yugi a pleading look and said, "Yug, please just go along with it. I want to talk to Alex and clear things up."

Yugi sighed again and replied, "Ok. It looks like I'm going to get outvoted anyway."

After the bell rang to signal the end of classes for the day, Alex packed up her things, getting ready to leave with Kaiba. Even though she didn't have to go to Kaiba Corp. today, Alex would be dropping by Kaiba's mansion to help Mokuba on his school project, and Kaiba offered to give her a ride.

Just as Alex was getting ready to leave, Yugi suddenly approached her and Kaiba. Yugi looked to Kaiba and asked,

"Kaiba, can I talk to you for a few minutes? He wants to have a duel."

Kaiba wondered what was up with the sudden duel request, but he nodded. Turning to Alex, he said,

"I won't be long. Just wait outside."

Alex nodded, and then Kaiba left with Yugi. Once Alex was by herself, Tea approached her and said,

"Finally. Alex, I need to talk to you."

Alex looked curiously at Tea and replied, "What's wrong?"

Tea replied, "Nothing's wrong. I just want to talk for a few minutes. Can you come with me? It won't take long."

Alex didn't want to keep Kaiba waiting, but as Tea assured her that it would be a short talk, Alex replied,

"Ok, as long as this won't take long. I promised to help Mokuba with his school stuff."

Tea replied, "I understand. Let's go."

She grabbed Alex's hand and led her out of the classroom. The two of them walked down the hallway and then Tea opened the door to an almost empty classroom. Alex looked inside and saw Joey, who gave her a smile. Alex asked,

"What's going on?"

Tea pushed Alex into the classroom and then said, "Good luck, Joey."

She then closed the door and locked it to make sure that they wouldn't get disturbed.

Alone with Joey, Alex said, "So you wanted to talk to me alone? I assume that's the case, but this is going overboard."

Joey replied, "It had to be done. You just keep spending time with moneybags and-"

Alex interrupted, "That's work. Kaiba needs my help, and it's been taking up a lot of time."

Joey replied, "What could be so important that he even needs to spend lunchtime with you?"

Alex sighed and replied, "You know I'm not allowed to disclose the work I do there. But it is important, and I admit that I like the work."

Joey replied, "You mean you like spending time with him."

Alex rolled her eyes and replied, "That's not it. I like the work, and I did say that I want to go into computer programming."

Joey sighed and replied, "Sorry. I don't want to pick a fight with you on this. I'm just worried about you."

Alex replied, "I can take care of myself. Besides, I don't get why you're worried. I'm not the most important person in your life, after all."

Joey knew who Alex was referring to, and he replied, "Look, that's why I wanted to talk to you. I didn't like that moneybags brought it up, but maybe I should thank him."

Alex looked confused, and Joey then took the opportunity to explain about his relationship with Mai Valentine. He then finished off with,

"I don't have feelings for Mai in that way. She's a good duelist and she pushes me to be better. But all we are is friends. I haven't even talked to her in weeks."

He paused and then added, "You're the one I like. I really like you, Alex, and I want to give us another try. Please?"

Alex looked down at her feet. She sighed and replied,

"I-I don't know, Joey. It's not that I don't believe you. It's just that when things happened at the end of our date, I thought it was a sign. Maybe it isn't meant to be."

Joey grabbed onto Alex's arms, which made her look straight into his eyes. He replied, "You can't let him get to you. I'm not going to lose you to him."

Alex sighed and replied, "Joey, I-"

Suddenly, the door to the classroom banged open and there was Kaiba looking at them with pure fury in his eyes. He ran up to Joey and said,

"Let go of her now."

Joey immediately let go of Alex, and Kaiba looked like he was getting ready to punch Joey. Alex touched Kaiba's hand and said,

"I'm ok. Thanks for coming to get me, and sorry to keep you waiting."

Kaiba looked at Alex and asked, "Are you sure? You're not hurt?"

Alex nodded and replied, "I'm fine. Joey just wanted to talk, but we're done now. Right?"

She looked at Joey, hoping that they really were finished talking. Joey sighed and replied,

"Yeah, for now. I'll be going."

Joey then left the classroom, leaving Alex and Kaiba alone. Alex asked, "How did you know where I was?"

Kaiba replied, "Yugi told me. I knew something was off when he started acting strangely."

Alex nodded and replied, "I see. Well, we should get going. I need to get my stuff, and I don't want to keep Mokuba waiting."

Kaiba nodded and the two of them left the classroom, heading back to their usual classroom to get Alex's bag. Once they arrived and Alex got her things, she and Kaiba then headed towards the front doors and then outside to where Kaiba's limo was waiting. After they got inside and they were on the road, Alex said,

"I think they meant well, and I can see why they went to such extremes."

Kaiba took a breath and replied, "You shouldn't defend those dweebs. They had no right."

Alex replied, "I don't agree with their actions, but I think they had good intentions. I doubt they'll try anything like that again."

Kaiba nodded and replied, "They won't. I'll make sure of it."

He sighed and added, "I can't leave you alone, can I?"

Alex gave a look and replied, "I am perfectly capable of defending myself, and if I really were in any danger, I think you'd know I can get myself out of it."

Kaiba replied, "That's true."

They continued along the road, and soon, they arrived right outside Kaiba's mansion. As Roland opened the door and greeted them, Kaiba looked at him and said,

"Make sure to safeguard Ms. Lawrence."

Alex looked at Kaiba and said, "Didn't I just say that I can defend myself?"

Kaiba replied, "I know, but after what happened, I'm not taking any chances."

Alex shook her head and replied, "Fine. I should get going and I know you have to go to work."

She let out a small smile and got out of the limo, following Roland inside the mansion, where Mokuba was waiting. Kaiba then ordered the driver to head towards Kaiba Corp.

A few hours later, it was almost 10 p.m. and Alex and Mokuba were in Mokuba's room. They had finished up their homework earlier, and Alex was reading a Sherlock Holmes novel for Mokuba. However, about halfway through one of the cases, Mokuba had fallen asleep. Alex couldn't help smiling and thought about how adorable Mokuba looked.

He's so much like Andy. They would have gotten along.

Meanwhile, Kaiba had just entered the mansion and went upstairs, heading to his room. As he passed by Mokuba's room, he noticed that the door was open and saw Mokuba and Alex on the couch. Alex noticed Kaiba and smiled a bit. As quietly as she could, Alex got off the couch without disturbing Mokuba and then she approached Kaiba in the hallway.

After Alex closed the door to Mokuba's room, she said,

"I was reading Sherlock Holmes, and it looks like Mokuba fell asleep."

She laughed a bit, and Kaiba couldn't help smiling. Alex noticed it and thought it was beautiful and rare, as it was her first time seeing him smile. But it quickly disappeared, and Kaiba replied,

"It's fine, but it's getting late."

Alex looked at the time on her phone and her eyes widening, she replied, "Wow, you're right. I had no idea. I'll just get my things and then hail a taxi."

She was about to go back into Mokuba's room when Kaiba grabbed her arm and said,

"You could stay the night, if you want. We have plenty of rooms."

Alex blushed at the idea of spending the night and quickly replied,

"Oh, um, that's nice of you, but it'd be too much of an imposition and-"

The door to Mokuba's room opened, and Mokuba looked at them. He rubbed his eyelids and sleepily said,

"You should stay for the night, Alex. Please?"

Alex looked gently at Mokuba and replied, "Did I wake you? Sorry. But I really shouldn't."

Kaiba looked at Alex and said, "Mokuba and I both want you to stay. It's late, and yes, I know you can take care of yourself. But I'm sure Mokuba would feel better if he knows that you're ok."

Mokuba nodded and replied, "That's right. So please?"

Alex sighed and replied, "I'm being outvoted on this, aren't I?"

She shook her head and continued, "Ok, fine. Just for the night."

Mokuba hugged Alex around the waist and replied, "Thanks, Alex."

Alex laughed and replied, "You're welcome. Now, you need to get some sleep, and I should get my things, so they're not in your way."

Kaiba replied, "Just wait in the hallway after you get your things. One of the maids will come get you shortly."

Alex nodded and then followed Mokuba inside his room. As Alex went about gathering her things and putting them into her bag, Mokuba gave Kaiba a mischievous grin, which made Kaiba blush. He then walked off to let one of the maids know to prepare a guest room for Alex.

After Alex finished gathering her things, she grabbed her bag and said, "Good night, Mokuba. Get some sleep, and I guess I'll see you in the morning."

Mokuba replied, "Night, Alex. Sleep well."

Alex smiled and then left Mokuba's room. She waited in the hallway, as Kaiba told her to. A few minutes later, one of the maids approached Alex and said,

"Miss, your room is ready. Please follow me."

Alex nodded and followed the maid as they headed to the room that was prepared for Alex. Once they arrived at the door and entered, the maid said,

"I've prepared your sleepwear and there are additional clothes in the closet in case you need them. If there's anything else you need, Mr. Kaiba said that his room is right next to this, so you can knock on his door."

Alex was surprised to hear this and asked, "My room is right next to Kaiba's?"

The maid smiled and replied, "Mr. Kaiba specifically requested that your room be next to his."

Alex blushed deeply and replied, "Oh, um, I see. Well, I think everything's in order, so I should wash up and get some sleep."

The maid replied, "I understand, miss. I'll knock on your door in the morning to wake you up for breakfast."

Alex nodded and then the maid said, "You have a good night, miss."

Alex replied, "You, too, and thank you."

The maid curtseyed and then left the room, closing the door. Alex put down her bag and then took a quick look around the room. It was definitely way bigger than her room back in her apartment and more finely furnished. She then realized again that she would be spending the night with Kaiba nearby. Alex didn't know how to feel about that, but feeling sleepy, she decided that it would be best to wash up and change out of her uniform.

After Alex washed up and changed into a light blue silk nightgown with matching shorts and turned off the lights, she climbed into bed. Although it felt a little strange not to sleep in her own room, the bed was comfortable and soon, she found herself falling asleep.

A couple of hours later, Alex was sleeping deeply when she suddenly began to have a nightmare or perhaps, more like a bad memory. Alex was holding hands with Andy, the two of them clearly years younger. They were just talking and laughing when suddenly, a darkness surrounded the area and Andy's hand slipped away from Alex's.

"Alex, help!"

Alex tried to grab onto Andy's hand but found it difficult to do so, as the darkness continued to surround them. It threatened to swallow Andy, and Alex screamed,

"Andy! I'll get you!"

Meanwhile, Kaiba was about to go to sleep when he heard screaming coming from Alex's room. Alarmed, he hurried out of the room and went into Alex's room. Fortunately, the door wasn't locked, so he was able to enter easily.

After quickly closing the door, Kaiba looked at where Alex was. She was thrashing about, tears flowing down her cheeks, and Kaiba immediately knew that she was having a nightmare. Quickly thinking about how to help, he approached her and climbed into bed next to her. He wrapped his arms around her and gently rubbed her back. Alex's body calmed down as Kaiba continued to hold her in his arms and rub her back. He noticed this and felt relieved that it was working. After taking a deep breath, he quietly whispered,

"It's ok. I'll protect you."

Almost as though by instinct, Alex snuggled closer to Kaiba, her head gently resting on Kaiba's chest. Kaiba couldn't help blushing, but he liked the close contact. Hugging her close, he decided to stay with Alex, soon falling asleep.