I've finally caught up on all my work projects, so I should be back with posting a new chapter every week. However, if there are any unexpected delays, I'll let you all know, and I hope you enjoy this chapter. ^^
Chapter 29
The next morning, Kaiba woke up early and as soon as his vision cleared, he looked at Alex, who was sleeping peacefully in his arms. He smiled softly as he watched her, feeling happy and relieved that she was here with him. Then he noticed the ring on her left ring finger, and the memories of last night came flooding back.
Kaiba carried Alex in his arms as the two of them left the roof of Alex's apartment building and then went downstairs to Alex's apartment. Once they were inside, he looked at her and said,
"We have a lot to talk about, but you must be tired. So that can wait until tomorrow. But there is something I need to ask you."
Alex looked curiously at Kaiba and replied, "What is it?"
Kaiba took a deep breath and then said, "I wanted to wait until it was the right time, but our timing has never been perfect. So I might as well ask you now rather than put it off."
He took out the box that contained the ring from his pocket and then opened it. Alex looked at the ring and wondered what it could mean. Kaiba gave a brief smile and then said,
"I know it's too soon for that, so don't worry. But I wanted to ask you if you'd be my girlfriend."
Alex looked surprised by Kaiba's question and didn't know how to reply immediately. She took a few moments to process his words and then replied,
"Really? But don't you hate me?"
Kaiba looked confused and replied, "Why would I hate you?"
Alex replied, "I mean, you know I was originally sent here to kill you. If I were you, I'd hate me."
She looked sadly at her feet, and sighing, Kaiba replied, "I admit that I'm still angry and maybe a little disappointed that you didn't come to me. But I could never hate you. You know my true feelings towards you, and what you told me doesn't change any of that."
Alex nodded and after taking a moment, she replied, "So you really want me to be your girlfriend?"
Kaiba replied, "Yes, I do. I hope you say yes, but I won't pressure you."
Alex smiled softly and replied, "Then yes, I'd love to be your girlfriend."
After Kaiba put the ring on Alex's finger and gave her a sweet kiss, the two of them smiled at each other and then decided to spend the night together.
Kaiba felt Alex starting to wake up, and he gazed lovingly at her. As Alex opened her eyes and her eyes focused on Kaiba, Kaiba gently said,
"Good morning. Sleep well?"
Alex nodded and happily replied, "I did."
She took a breath and then added, "Part of me still can't believe that I'm here. But there's nowhere I'd rather be than with you."
Kaiba's hand reached out to gently touch Alex's cheek and he replied, "I never want to be apart from you."
Alex blushed and after taking a few moments to collect herself, she replied, "I suppose we should get up and then get ready for the day. I know there's a lot to do. Good thing it's winter vacation now."
Kaiba replied, "That's true."
As it was a Sunday as well, Kaiba didn't have to go to work, so he could spend the entire day with Alex. He had some ideas of how he could protect her although he didn't know how receptive Alex would be. He then said,
"Go ahead and get ready first. I'll wait."
Alex nodded and replied, "Thanks. I won't take long."
She leaned in to give Kaiba a quick kiss and then went into the bathroom to take a shower and get ready for the day. Meanwhile, Kaiba got out of bed and after taking his phone, he walked into the living room. He decided to call Mokuba to make sure that he was ok and to start making specific arrangements.
After about 20 minutes had passed, Alex entered the living room. She was wearing a light purple blouse with dark blue jeans and her hair was in a ponytail. She noticed that Kaiba had just finished talking on the phone and her curiosity getting to her, she asked,
"Who did you call?"
Kaiba looked at Alex and replied, "Mokuba. I wanted to make sure that he's ok."
Alex nodded and replied, "I understand. You must worry when you're apart from him."
Kaiba replied, "Sometimes. But it's safe at the mansion, and when he's out, Roland looks out for him."
Alex nodded and then said, "Well, the bathroom's free, so I'll make us breakfast while you get ready. Do you want anything specific?"
Kaiba replied, "Surprise me."
Alex laughed a bit and replied, "Ok. I'll think of something."
After Kaiba went to get ready, Alex walked into the kitchen. After a couple of minutes, she decided to make some hotcakes along with coffee. So she set off preparing breakfast, humming happily to herself.
After several minutes passed, Alex was setting the food and mugs of coffee on the table along with utensils. As she finished, she heard a knock at the front door. Wondering who it could be, Alex took off her apron and then went to get it. She opened the door and immediately, Yugi, who had a worried look on his face, hugged her and said,
"Thank goodness you're still here."
Meanwhile, Kaiba finished getting ready and as he walked into the living room, he saw Yugi hugging Alex. Feeling slightly annoyed, Kaiba said,
"Yugi, would you mind letting go of my girlfriend?"
Surprised, Yugi let go of Alex and asked, "Girlfriend? When did this happen?"
Alex laughed in embarrassment and replied, "Just last night. You're the first to know."
Seeing that that door was still open, she asked, "Do you want to come in and have breakfast? I think I know why you're here and I'm guessing that you rushed all the way without telling anyone."
Yugi nodded and replied, "Sure, if I'm not imposing."
Alex shook her head and replied, "Not at all."
She looked at Kaiba and added, "Yugi might as well stay. I know I have a lot to explain, so it'll save us some time now that we're all together."
Sighing, Kaiba replied, "I suppose."
Yugi entered the apartment and Alex closed the door. She then said, "Well, breakfast is about ready. I'll set up another plate, and I'm guessing that you might want something other than coffee to drink?"
She looked at Yugi and smiling, Yugi replied, "Milk or juice, if you have any."
Alex nodded and replied, "Sure. You two go take a seat."
She then went back into the kitchen to prepare another plate of hotcakes along with a glass of milk. After everyone had taken seats, they all started to eat although Alex felt that the silence was a bit awkward. Of course, she could have explained the situation right away, but she wanted to wait until after they had all eaten.
After the three of them finished breakfast, Alex told Kaiba and Yugi to wait for her in the living room while she took care of the clean up. Alex then quickly took care of the dishes and such, and once she was done, she entered the living room and took a seat on the sofa besides Kaiba, while Yugi was seated in an armchair. She then took a breath and said,
"Umm, where should I start?"
Yugi laughed a bit, surprised by Alex's question, while Kaiba shook his head and replied,
"You caused this mess, so you figure it out."
Alex sighed and replied, "I know, but I wasn't expecting to be here. But then you had to go and rescue me and-"
Yugi interrupted, "Wait, is that what happened? That's why you're still here, Alex?"
Alex looked at Yugi and nodding, she replied, "That's right. I should have been back at the time agency now. Well, I probably would have been executed by now, but-"
Kaiba frowned and said, "And you would have been the biggest idiot ever if I hadn't stopped you."
Alex was about to reply in annoyance when Yugi said,
"Hold on. I'm getting confused. Well, we both are."
Of course, Yugi was referring to Yami. He then looked at Kaiba and asked, "Didn't you get Alex's message this morning?"
Kaiba shook his head and replied, "I was supposed to, but I ended up getting it last night. Then I rushed over here and stopped her before she was about to leave."
Yugi looked at Alex for confirmation, and Alex replied, "That's right although I still don't understand."
She looked at Kaiba and said, "I am extremely careful about these things, so there's no way you should have gotten my message before this morning. And no, I didn't mess up."
As Kaiba was about to reply, Yami suddenly said, "If I didn't know any better, I think that someone intentionally wanted Kaiba to stop you."
Alex looked at Yami and replied, "Yeah, that makes sense, but why? Oh, and you did ask permission before switching places, right?"
Yami smiled and replied, "I did. I don't do things without Yugi's permission."
Alex smiled in return and replied, "That's good. But yeah, I want to know who interfered and their reasons."
Kaiba scoffed and replied, "Does it matter? I'm just relieved I stopped you."
As thought in affirmation, Kaiba hugged Alex around her waist, and Alex laughed a bit awkwardly. Yami looked at the two of them and commented,
"You two are really something although Joey's going to be disappointed."
Alex replied, "That's true. He might think that I used him although that wasn't the case."
Kaiba replied, "Who cares about Wheeler?" He looked at Alex and added, "He was totally wrong for you, and I'm just glad you realized that."
Alex shook her head, and Yami replied, "We're getting off topic. We now know how Alex is still here although I guess there are still a couple of mysteries about that."
He looked thoughtful and turning to Alex, he said, "How about you explain this disaster you mentioned? I got the general idea although the specifics are still confusing. You can explain as much as you're able."
Alex nodded and replied, "That sounds reasonable. I can explain and show you."
She got up from the sofa and walked towards a specific wall. She then pressed her fingertips against the wall, and there was a small opening. It was the hiding spot where she kept her tablet along with a few other important items. As she reached out to grab it, her hand touched her deck, and she thought,
I really hope it won't come to that. It's going to be like history repeating itself.
She then got her tablet out and closed the wall opening. Then she returned to her seat next to Kaiba and said,
"Ok, it's story time, I suppose."
She pressed her thumb against the tablet, and after the tablet recognized her thumbprint, Alex accessed the files that contained information about the timeline, starting from their current time all the way to Alex's time. A 3-D image appeared before the group, and Alex explained how the timeline was supposed to be, and then what happened that led to it being fractured and split. Also, she quietly talked about how random people disappeared once the time fracture happened, and although it was difficult for Alex to talk about it, as Andy was one of the people who disappeared, Alex did her best to keep her composure.
Once she was done, the tablet deactivated and after taking a deep breath, Alex said,
"I hope that kind of makes sense? I mean, I couldn't reveal everything that happens in the future, and some things are irrelevant."
Yami nodded and replied, "I understand, and I'm sorry to hear about your brother. I can certainly understand your motivations."
Alex nodded although she didn't say anything. Yami looked at Kaiba and commented,
"You've been quiet, Kaiba. What are you thinking?"
Before Kaiba could reply, Alex looked at him and said, "You probably doubt that this is the truth, right?"
Kaiba frowned and replied, "I don't know. But if this is what leads to your sadness, then I want to change it."
Alex looked surprised and replied, "Really? Even if that means you forego certain projects or ideas?"
Kaiba gazed seriously into Alex's eyes and replied, "Your happiness is more important to me. You made me realize that there's more to life than my company or even dueling."
Alex teasingly replied, "Ok, who are you and what have you done with the real Kaiba?"
Kaiba looked annoyed and was about to reply when Yami laughed and added, "I was thinking the same thing."
Kaiba couldn't help commenting, "Am I really that horrible?"
Alex smiled apologetically and replied, "Of course not. You know, before I came here, I had this whole perception about you, but then you proved me wrong, again and again. For that, I'm grateful, and I'm happy that I changed my mind. I would have made a terrible mistake if I had gone through with my superiors' plans."
Kaiba gazed at Alex and feeling touched by her words, he was about to lean in to give her a kiss when Yami replied,
"Alex, your superiors were the ones who came up with this plan?"
Kaiba glared at Yami, annoyed that he had interrupted. Alex saw this and laughing, she looked at Kaiba and said,
"It's ok. We'll have plenty of time to kiss."
She then turned to Yami and added, "Yes, that's right. But to be honest, I always had doubts about this plan, and then while I've been here, I noticed a few things that were off."
Kaiba looked questioningly at Alex and replied, "What do you mean?"
Alex replied, "I've noticed a few time anomalies. That's what we call them back at the agency. To put it simply, time anomalies are things or people that don't belong in the time period. I suppose that technically, I would be a time anomaly."
Yami nodded and replied, "I see. Can you be specific about these time anomalies?"
Alex looked thoughtful and replied, "For certain reasons, I can't reveal all that I found, but I can talk of one."
She looked at Kaiba and said, "Do you remember that computer virus problem a while back?"
Kaiba nodded and replied, "Yeah, the one where you were able to find a workaround so the duel disks were no longer sabotaged… That computer virus was a time anomaly?"
Alex nodded and replied, "That's right. The reason I was able to fix it is that it's a common problem back in my time. That, and I know a lot about computer programming."
Kaiba replied, "That does explain why my top computer programmers couldn't fix the problem, but you could. But we were never able to find the hacker."
Alex sighed and replied, "I know. I tried everything I could think of, so I'm guessing that whoever caused that problem is someone either from my time or even farther in the future."
Kaiba looked thoughtful, but just as he had a possible idea, Alex said, "If you're thinking what I was considering, I doubt that searching for the hacker again would yield any results. They wouldn't suddenly let down their guard. I get this feeling that things will unravel with time."
Kaiba replied, "There must be something."
Alex replied, "Well, I'm not the kind of person to just sit around and do nothing."
She looked at her bracelet and then muttered, "I wonder if this is the key…"
Yami replied, "You're going to look into it again? I mean, I know you have this problem to deal with, so you don't need to concern yourself."
Alex smiled and replied, "I know, but if I figure out how to unlock this thing, everything will reveal itself. Even that lady said-"
Yami looked surprised and asked, "What lady?"
Alex replied, "Yeah, I never told you. You remember the picture of that woman we saw back in the museum? I saw her, like in a dream or vision or something. She told me to find a way to unlock my bracelet."
Yami nodded, looking thoughtful. As he was about to say something, Kaiba said, "What are you two talking about?"
Alex looked at Kaiba and replied, "I guess you've been out of the loop on this. But the reason we've been meeting is that Yami recognizes my bracelet from his past. We just don't know the specifics."
Kaiba replied, "Oh, is that why you two have been seeing each other? I thought…"
As Kaiba trailed off, Alex replied, "What did you think we were doing?"
Kaiba looked off to the side, feeling embarrassed that he had come to a wrong conclusion. Yami looked at him and smiling, he looked at Alex and whispered,
"I think Kaiba thought we were dating."
Alex looked surprised and replied, "Huh? Seriously?" She looked at Kaiba and asked, "Were you really thinking that Yami and I were a thing?"
Kaiba coughed and replied, "Of course not."
Alex shook her head and replied, "Just so you know, we were only meeting because of my bracelet. Besides, Yami isn't really my type."
She looked at Yami and added, "No offense."
Yami shook his head and replied, "None taken."
Alex then turned back to Kaiba and added, "If I had expected to fall for anyone, I think you know who it would have been and why and how that turned out."
Kaiba looked back at Alex and smirking, he replied, "Oh, I do, and as I said, I'm glad you came to your senses. You only deserve the best."
Alex smiled and blushed, and Kaiba took the opportunity to lean in and give Alex a passionate kiss on the lips. This time, they weren't interrupted, and the kiss lasted for quite a while to the point that Yami finally coughed and said,
"Umm, I don't wish to interrupt you two, but Yugi is starting to feel a little uncomfortable."
The kiss ended, and then Kaiba turned to Yami and said, "Yugi should just tell Gardner how he feels."
Yami looked surprised and replied, "What?"
Alex shook her head and replied, "That's major spoilers, and we're getting off topic."
She then said, "I think I should take this opportunity to figure out this bracelet as well as blow this case wide open. There's definitely something weird going on, and I'm going to figure it out."
Alex's eyes had this fierce, determined look, and Kaiba replied, "That's my lady. You really are sexy."
Alex blushed deeply and pouting, she replied, "Stop it. But I am going to figure this out, and I know I have help."
Yami nodded and replied, "That's right. We're with you on this."
Kaiba added, "And don't forget about me."
Alex smiled and replied, "Of course."
Kaiba then thought about something and asked, "Are you really going to be in danger? I know that's what that woman implied, but…"
Alex replied, "You mean Cas. She has valid reasons to be worried although I'm more worried about you and her. Knowing Cas, she'll probably make it look like I chose to have my memories gone, so that would explain why I wasn't executed."
She looked at Yami and said, "If a time agent fails their mission, they either get executed or have their memories wiped. They can choose their punishment."
Yami looked shocked and replied, "That sounds horrible."
Alex replied, "Cas would definitely agree with you on that. I can kind of understand their reasoning, though. They can't risk an agent spilling secrets."
Kaiba muttered, "It sounds barbaric."
Alex nodded and replied, "I can't disagree, but the ones in charge never waver. Even if you find evidence to prove them wrong, they aren't willing to change their decisions."
Yami replied, "Is that why you can't just tell them that you think they're wrong?"
Alex replied, "Yeah. Because of the time anomalies I've witnessed, it makes me doubt. Cas is going to look into them. I reported all that I found to her, and she isn't loyal to those guys. She's probably more rebellious than I am."
A silence fell into the room, and for a few minutes, no one said anything. Kaiba then said,
"We're wasting time. We've said everything that needed to be said, right?"
He looked at Alex, and Alex nodded her head and replied, "I can't think of anything else. Well, anything relevant."
Kaiba nodded and replied, "Ok. Then I focus on protecting you."
Alex replied, "I can take care of myself, you know."
Kaiba replied, "I know, but I'm not taking any chances." He took a breath and then added, "It's best that you move into the mansion."
Alex looked troubled by the idea and immediately replied, "I don't know."
Kaiba replied, "What's the problem? You have stayed over before."
Alex sighed and replied, "I know, but this is different. I guess you're used to your lifestyle, but it's different for me. Besides, what would we tell Mokuba?"
Kaiba replied, "I already thought of that. We can just tell him that your apartment is getting renovated, and you need a place to stay and I offered."
Alex replied, "I guess that would work, but-"
Kaiba interrupted, "As for living there, I will do everything to make it comfortable for you. You won't be a prisoner."
Alex smiled a bit and replied, "Thanks, but I still don't know."
Yami replied, "I think you should let Kaiba help with this."
Alex looked surprised and replied, "What? Why?"
Yami smiled and replied, "He really wants to look out for you, and if I know Kaiba as well as I do, he won't take no for an answer."
Kaiba added, "That's right."
Alex sighed and replied, "I know that, too." She looked at Kaiba and replied, "Fine, but only because I know you would be worried if I insist on having my way."
Kaiba replied, "I know you can take care of yourself, but I would feel better if I knew you were staying at my place and had plenty of protection, just in case."
Alex smiled and replied, "Ok. You win."
Kaiba smirked and replied, "Good."
He then got up and said, "I'm going to head back to the mansion and instruct the staff to get ready for your arrival. I'll be back in about an hour."
Kaiba turned to Yami and said, "Stay here with her, or rather, have Yugi stay with her."
Alex gave Kaiba a look and replied, "Seriously? I don't mind the company, but you don't trust Yami or something?"
Kaiba replied, "I don't want the two of you alone."
Alex shook her head, and laughing, Yami replied, "Fine. Then I shall take my leave for now."
Yami then switched places with Yugi, and Yugi appeared. He looked at Kaiba and asked, "Better?"
Kaiba nodded and replied, "Satisfactory." He looked at Alex and said, "Go and pack your things. I'll be back in an hour. Also, do you have a spare key here? I'll look after your apartment."
Alex nodded and getting up, she went into the kitchen and opened up a drawer. She took out a spare apartment key and then returned to Kaiba, handing it to him. Kaiba then gave Alex a quick kiss and left the apartment.
Once Alex and Yugi were by themselves, Alex sheepishly said, "I'm sorry about that. I didn't think Seto would have insecurities."
Yugi smiled and replied, "It's ok. I guess he feels less threatened by me."
Alex nodded and replied, "I suppose." She sighed and added, "I am sorry for worrying you. I hope you know that I'm going to do everything in my power to save you two."
Yugi replied, "I know, and it's ok. If anything, I think Kaiba was more worried."
Alex replied, "True although it's understandable." She paused and then said, "I should pack my things. It'd be best if I'm ready by the time Seto returns. You can relax here and watch TV or something. I don't have much to pack, anyway."
Yugi nodded, and Alex went into her bedroom to pack up her clothes as well as necessities and such. As she was packing up, she looked at the blue eyes white dragon plushie and smiling, she muttered,
"I have to take this with me."
About 45 minutes later, she finished packing up her things and then brought them to the living room. Then she approached the hiding spot where she had taken out her tablet and opened it up again, taking out a few other things (including her deck) and putting them in a satchel. Then she put her tablet in the satchel as well, and approaching Yugi, she said,
"I'm all done. Oh, I should give you this."
Alex rummaged in her satchel and took out a small silver pin. She handed it to Yugi and said, "I don't think you're being threatened since the mission was to save you, but in case there are any future visitors, this will detect them. It's probably a good idea for all of us to be on the lookout."
Yugi took the pin and replied, "You're right. Thanks."
After Yugi put the pin in his pants pocket, he said, "Should we tell Joey about this? He could help."
Before Alex could reply, Kaiba entered the apartment and said, "No way. Wheeler doesn't need to be told."
Yugi replied, "But wouldn't it be better to have more help? I'm sure Joey could-"
Alex interrupted, "I have to agree with Seto on this. It's not that I don't trust Joey, but it isn't a good idea for too many people to know who I really am. I broke major rules by telling you two that I'm from the future. Also, it could put me in danger, although I'm sure Joey would never want that."
Kaiba replied, "That's right, and Wheeler isn't known for keeping a secret."
Yugi sighed and replied, "I guess."
Alex could see that Yugi was uncomfortable and said, "We don't have to lie, but we shouldn't volunteer any information. If Joey or anyone else happens to figure it out, then it's ok to tell them. But otherwise, it's best to keep things quiet, ok?"
Yugi nodded, agreeing with the compromise.
Kaiba then said, "I see you finished packing. Let's take your things to my car and then we can get going."
Alex nodded and Yugi volunteered to help. With the three of them moving Alex's things, it didn't take long for them to finish. After Alex took one last look at her apartment, she locked the front door and went outside, where Kaiba and Yugi were waiting. Yugi smiled and said,
"I should get going, but I wanted to wait for you first. Call me when you want to investigate things or even just hang out, ok?"
Alex smiled and replied, "Sure, I'll do that."
Yugi added, "And don't worry. I'm not going to tell anyone about you and Kaiba. I'm sure you two would rather reveal that when you're both ready."
Kaiba scoffed and replied, "We'll declare it to the whole world soon."
Alex gave Kaiba a look and replied, "And put me in the public eye and possibly in danger?"
Kaiba replied, "I was joking."
Alex replied, "I really wonder if you have been replaced by someone who looks like Kaiba."
Kaiba looked annoyed and was about to reply when Yugi said,
"Calm down, you two. You make a really interesting couple."
Alex laughed in embarrassment and replied, "It's unexpected but not unwelcome."
She smiled at Kaiba and Kaiba coughed and replied, "We should go."
Alex nodded and after waving goodbye to Yugi, she got in the passenger side of Kaiba's car, and the couple drove away from the apartment building, heading towards the mansion.