Chapter 30

A few days had passed since Alex talked to Kaiba and Yugi/Yami, and now it was Friday afternoon. Alex was at Kaiba Corp, finishing up her work for the week. Although it was winter vacation and technically, Alex didn't have to go to work during that time (as agreed in the contract), Kaiba thought it might be a good idea for Alex to continue working there, and she could make use of the company's resources, however she saw fit. Although Alex didn't want to take advantage of Kaiba's generosity, she wanted to keep busy and as her resources were now limited, it was a good idea to use any resources she could get her hands on. So she continued to work there, extending her work hours to five days a week from morning until late afternoon.

After Alex finished preparing her weekly report, she noticed that she still had a bit of time, so she sat in her chair, reminiscing over certain events that happened.

After Alex and Kaiba arrived at the mansion and entered, Mokuba and a few of the staff were there to greet them. Kaiba gave instructions to the staff, while Mokuba hugged Alex and said,

"Congrats! I heard the news from Seto."

Alex looked confused and replied, "What news?"

Mokuba replied, "About the two of you. I hoped you'd get together."

Alex smiled softly and replied, "Thanks, Mokuba."

Mokuba then said, "But you know, there's no need to make an excuse about living here."

Alex replied, "What do you mean?"

Mokuba teasingly replied, "I know the real reason you're moving in."

For a moment, Alex was worried that maybe Mokuba found out the truth, although she couldn't imagine Kaiba telling him who she really was. She looked at Kaiba, who listened in on the latter part of their conversation. Kaiba finished giving his instructions, so approaching the two of them, he said,

"Then tell us what you figured out, Mokuba."

Mokuba grinned and replied, "It's obvious. You asked Alex to live with us since she's officially your girlfriend. I don't mind, but I'm surprised you'd make a move so soon, bro."

He looked at Alex and added, "And I'm surprised that you easily agreed."

Alex was surprised, not knowing what to say, when Kaiba nodded and replied, "That's right, although Alex protested at first."

Kaiba looked at Alex, as though silently asking her to let him handle things. He then turned back to Mokuba and said,

"Alex was very stubborn, but in the end, I won."

Mokuba replied, "I see."

He grinned and added, "I'm really happy you're going to be living with us, Alex."

Alex smiled and replied, "Me, too."

Mokuba then said, "I'll help the others and make sure all your stuff is in Seto's room."

After Mokuba left, Alex turned to Kaiba and with a look, she asked,

"What was that?"

Kaiba looked blankly at Alex and replied, "What do you mean?"

Alex replied, "You know perfectly well what I mean."

Kaiba replied, "Let's go to my office. I'll explain there."

Alex nodded and followed Kaiba as the two of them walked towards Kaiba's office. Once the door was closed and the two of them were alone, Kaiba said,

"On the first matter, it's better if we let Mokuba think that we're living together because we're a couple. He shouldn't know the truth."

Alex nodded and replied, "Yeah, I can see that. I don't want Mokuba to worry, and I'm not sure if he'd totally believe that I'm from the future. I'm still kind of in disbelief that you accepted that about me."

Kaiba smirked and replied, "I have seen enough unbelievable things, and I'll take you being from the future over any ridiculous past life crap."

Although Alex wanted to counter Kaiba's statement (as she was aware that Kaiba did have a past life), she figured it was better to stay quiet on it for now. Instead, she replied,

"I see. And what about the other issue?"

Kaiba replied, "What other issue?"

Alex replied, "Mokuba said something about my things being put in your room?"

Kaiba replied, "What's the problem? You don't want to sleep with me?"

Alex's eyes widened and she replied, "You shouldn't word things like that. I just meant that I assumed I'd be getting my own room. Besides, wouldn't this be inconvenient for you?"

Kaiba replied, "This will actually make things easier."

Before Alex could question Kaiba as to why, he continued, "You sleep better when I'm with you. Do you remember the first night you stayed here?"

Alex nodded although she didn't reply, looking questioningly at Kaiba, wondering where he was going with his line of thinking.

Kaiba then said, "You were having a nightmare. I heard you screaming, and I rushed to you. I held you in my arms, and then you were able to sleep. But I left early in the morning before you woke up."

Alex blushed deeply as she heard Kaiba's words and after a few moments of silence, she replied,

"I'm sorry. I didn't know that I troubled you so much. I wish you had told me then."

Kaiba gave a look and replied, "Would you have held back from punching me?"

Alex let out a laugh and replied, "Not sure. But I see why you didn't tell me. So that's why the specific living arrangements?"

Kaiba nodded and replied, "Yes. It'll be best for both of us if I make sure you can sleep well, and I will keep your nightmares away. And you know I won't ever do anything you don't want me to."

Alex smiled and replied, "I know. It's going to take some getting used to. All these changes."

Kaiba replied, "I understand, but you can trust me and I will help you."

Alex nodded, and she and Kaiba shared a sweet, loving kiss.

Alex smiled as she remembered all that had happened since then. At first, Alex felt weird, living at the mansion. However, Kaiba kept his word and did everything to make things comfortable for her, giving her as much freedom as she wished. She could even cook her own food if she wanted, although she would have to let the cooks know first ahead of time.

As for the staff, Alex didn't find anyone to be troublesome. She felt bad that they were being inconvenienced because of her presence, but they all assured her that wasn't the case and they even got to like having Alex around.

As she let her thoughts wander, Mokuba entered the programming department and waved hello to Mr. Williamson and the other employees. He then approached Alex and smiling at her, he said,

"Hey, Alex. Almost done?"

Alex looked at Mokuba and nodding, she replied, "Yup. I just have to deliver my weekly report and then we can head out."

Mokuba replied, "That's great. Since you're going to see Seto, can I ask for a favor? I asked Seto, but he said no."

Alex looked curiously at Mokuba and replied, "Sure, but I'm surprised that he would refuse you anything."

Mokuba replied, "Me, too, but ok. I'll explain."

He then told Alex about a personal problem he was dealing with. Despite that it was winter vacation, Mokuba had the unfortunate encounter of running into one of his classmates who was harassing him. It was worse that said classmate's big brother was with him, and he was just as bad, if not worse. An argument escalated up to the point where Mokuba was challenged to a game of laser tag and he readily accepted.

Once Mokuba was done talking, Alex replied, "I think I understand. Basically, you accepted this moron's laser tag challenge in the name of family honor? But you did so without asking Seto first?"

Mokuba replied, "That's right. I know I shouldn't have done that, but that idiot was getting on my nerves and-"

Alex held a hand up and replied, "Calm down. I understand how it feels to be upset. So you talked to Seto about this after you accepted the challenge but he said no?"

Mokuba nodded and replied, "Bro's words were something like how I should be the bigger person and not let every idiot get to me."

Alex replied, "I see his point, but still. Did he seem agitated or something when you talked to him?"

Mokuba looked thoughtful and replied, "Now that I think about it, he seemed preoccupied and maybe a little stressed."

Alex nodded and looked thoughtful. She wondered if Kaiba was feeling that way because he was helping her in addition to running his company. Alex couldn't help feeling a little responsible although she knew that if she brought it up to Kaiba, he'd only say that he wanted to help her and that she should let him.

Mokuba noticed that Alex was being quiet and he asked, "Does it feel too weird to bring it up with Seto?"

Alex quickly replied, "I was just thinking about things. But I definitely want to help you. Do you want me to convince him to change his mind?"

Mokuba nodded and replied, "Please. I know you can do it, Alex."

Alex laughed awkwardly and replied, "I'm happy that you have confidence in me, but I'm not sure if I can do anything to change his mind. You know how his mind can be set once he decides on something."

Mokuba leaned closer so that only Alex would hear him and whispered, "But Seto loves you, so he won't refuse you anything."

Alex blushed deeply and replied, "Oh, but umm…"

Mokuba gave a pleading look and said, "Please, Alex? If you don't do this, I'll have to call off the challenge and then deal with that idiot for the rest of my life."

Alex sighed and replied, "He does sound bothersome. Ok, but I have to think of a way so that Seto will agree."

She looked thoughtful and after a minute, she got an idea. She whispered to Mokuba about her idea, and after laughing, Mokuba nodded eagerly and said,

"That actually might work. I think you know Seto's weak points."

Alex laughed and replied, "I don't know about that, but it's a win-win situation either way. I'm 99% certain he won't refuse this time."

Mokuba grinned and replied, "I agree."

Alex got up and said, "Ok then. I'll deliver my report and execute the plan at the same time. Are you going to wait in the lobby for me?"

Mokuba nodded and replied, "Yup, like usual."

Alex nodded and as she followed Mokuba, she looked to Mr. Williamson and said, "I'll be delivering my report to Mr. Kaiba and then head out for the week. You have a good weekend, sir."

Mr. Williamson smiled and replied, "You, too, Ms. Lawrence."

Alex and Mokuba headed out of the department and then got in separate elevators, as Mokuba was heading down to the lobby while Alex was heading up to Kaiba's office. Once Alex reached the floor to Kaiba's office and got out of the elevator, she approached the secretary to let her know that she was delivering her weekly report. After she got approval, Alex entered Kaiba's office and waited until Kaiba was done with his current work.

Kaiba looked up at Alex and smiling briefly, he said, "I'm glad you're here."

Alex smiled and observed Kaiba's condition. As Mokuba had commented, Kaiba did look stressed. She replied,

"I'm here to deliver my weekly report."

Kaiba nodded and replied, "Just put it on my desk."

Alex nodded and did as told. She then said, "You must be working a lot, but it's important to take breaks."

Kaiba sighed and replied, "I know, but there's a lot to take care of."

Alex nodded again, understanding what Kaiba was implying. Feeling a bit bold, she walked behind Kaiba and gently put her hands on his shoulders. Kaiba glanced at Alex and asked,

"What are you doing?"

Alex smiled a bit and replied, "I don't want to distract you too much from your work, but you can take a break for a couple of minutes."

She then gave Kaiba a soothing, firm shoulder massage and added, "I read that this helps to relieve stress. I've never given one before, so please forgive me if I'm doing this incorrectly."

Kaiba closed his eyes while Alex continued to massage his shoulders. He let himself enjoy the close contact and at one point, he let out a low moan, indicating that he was enjoying it. She smiled softly and asked,

"Is that better?"

Kaiba replied, "Much better."

Alex continued the massage for a couple of minutes, and then she let go of Kaiba's shoulders. Kaiba felt disappointed by the separation of physical contact, and it showed on his face. Alex noticed and laughing, she commented,

"As I said, I don't want to distract you too much and I can give you plenty of massages later. Oh, but perhaps this was inappropriate? Since you're my boss and all."

Kaiba smirked and replied, "Under normal circumstances, yes, but you're the only employee allowed to touch me like that."

Alex blushed and replied, "Well, I love that I get to be the only one, and it's good that you're more relaxed."

As Alex remained standing in front of him, Kaiba asked, "Is there anything else?"

Alex replied, "I don't wish to trouble you, and I know you have a lot of work, so-"

Kaiba replied, "Just tell me. You know how much I want to help you."

Alex smiled softly and replied, "I do. Well, it's not really about me, but it's more about Mokuba."

Kaiba replied, "Oh, is this about that laser tag challenge?"

Alex nodded and replied, "Yeah. He brought it up and told me that you refused to help."

Kaiba sighed and replied, "It's just silly, and there are more important things to deal with."

Alex replied, "I understand, and I agree it's a minor thing, compared to the other problems we're having. But Mokuba isn't aware of them, and he is a kid, after all. I know he helps out a lot with Kaiba Corp, but we can't forget that he's younger than us."

Kaiba replied, "I am aware, but Mokuba should behave better than those lowlifes. And you know that I didn't have a normal childhood."

Alex looked sadly at Kaiba and replied, "I know. I didn't, either." She then smiled a bit and added,

"But I suppose that might be a reason I want to help Mokuba. He deserves to feel like a kid every once in a while."

Kaiba replied, "I guess, but he shouldn't get his way on every little thing. If it was something really important, of course I'd help."

Alex nodded and replied, "I understand. So you still stand by your decision?"

Kaiba nodded and replied, "I do. I guess Mokuba thought you'd get me to change my mind."

Alex smiled a bit and replied, "Yup, but I told him that I knew it'd be impossible to change your mind once you're set on something."

She sighed and then added, "I guess I'll have to deliver the bad news to Mokuba. I should just call Joey and see if he's free-"

Kaiba suddenly interrupted, "I'll do it."

Alex looked surprised and replied, "Really? But didn't you just talk about how there are more important things to deal with and how Mokuba shouldn't get his way?"

Kaiba replied, "That's not important. I can afford to take a day off to help my brother."

Alex shrugged and replied, "If you're sure you can take tomorrow off. We'll give you more details after you're all done with work."

Kaiba nodded, and Alex then said, "I'll see you later then."

Just as Alex was about to leave Kaiba's office, Kaiba realized something and groaning, he asked,

"I walked right into that, didn't I?"

Alex looked back innocently at Kaiba and replied, "I have no idea what you mean." She then smiled cutely and added,

"But for the sake of argument, if you had, I would be sure to reward you very well later, especially if we end up winning tomorrow. I'll see you at home."

She winked and then left Kaiba's office for real, heading to the elevator to give Mokuba the good news.