JC: I thought I'd never get this done. I've been busy with my arts. I'm so into Final Fantasy nowadays. I've been playing the games since I was a kid, and now I've been making gifs, arts, and videos of it. I'm also doing COMMISSIONS too. Glad I'm done with one, now to work on the next. It's tiring, but I have to do it. I'm really sorry for the delay here, so I won't keep you guys waiting any further. I present to you CHAPTER 17 of White Vow. OMG! It's almost 20!

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! GX, people, or its characters, but the plot of this story is mine. All rights belong to Kazuki Takahashi.

White Vow

Turn 17: Misunderstandings

After a quick shower and getting dressed in a cream-colored top and denim mini-skirt, Alexis strolled into the dining room, hoping to catch Jaden there, only to find the Crystal Beast Master Jesse sitting at the table, eating breakfast. He didn't seem to possess his usual cheerful glow. Alexis figured that it was probably due to the hangover. Jesse had a couple of glasses.

"Mornin', Alexis!" Jesse managed to greet her with a bright, handsome smile on his face.

"Morning." Somehow, she could sense the throb in his head. "Everything okay with you?"

Jesse let out a sigh as he rubbed his temple. "I feel like hell. My head hurts a lot."

"I take it that Syrus and Hassleberry are still knocked out, huh?"

He slightly nodded his head and sipped his coffee. "Hassleberry woke me up with his prehistoric snore," he said with a chuckle. "Them boys are not waking up any time soon."

Alexis giggled. "No kidding. Jasmine and Mindy are pretty wiped out too."

"Say, where's Jaden? I thought he was with you."

"Haven't seen him yet. I checked his room and there was no sign of him. I thought he was here." When she sat down beside Jesse, Alexis was uncomfortably aware of his curious stare. "What is it?" she asked.

Jesse watched her for a brief moment before he cracked a smile. "Man, Jaden's one lucky guy to have a gal like you," he said.

Her heart skipped a beat, but she managed to stay composed. "I'm the lucky one, you know."

Jesse looked suddenly thoughtful. "You were pretty sad when he left… Even so, you held your head high and wished him the best."

Alexis almost blushed at his words if it weren't for her good self-control. She had never been close with Jesse, but they were friends nevertheless. She had the chance to talk to him on the night after the graduation party as she stood by the lake next to the Obelisk Blue Dorm. She knew that he had caught a glimpse of her tears as they talked about Jaden. Jesse had seen a much softer side to her, and she was pretty shy about it.

"I like you, Alexis. You and Jaden are A-Okay in my book," Jesse said. "Completely compatible."

Alexis felt her heart warm. "Thanks, Jesse."

Then his striking green eyes became serious as he leaned back against his chair. "Hey…umm…I saw the fight between Jaden and that blonde dude, and I heard him say that Zane's responsible for the annulment of your engagement," he said with a grimace. "It ain't my business to pry, but I just want you to know that secrets can kill a relationship. From my point of view, I think there's something you're not telling Jaden about you and Zane."

Alexis turned her eyes away. She understood what Jesse was telling her, but it wasn't something she'd easily talk about. Secrets were going to cause problems for sure, and she wasn't that ready to confide her past with Jaden just yet.

"I'm not trying to force you or anything. Take your time, Alexis," Jesse said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You guys are still new to the relationship. Let the secrets out one by one."

She looked up at her friend and saw the fine, heartwarming smile on his face. "There's a lot to tell him, but I'll take your advice," she said, smiling back. "Thanks, Jess."

"So…How about a Duel?" he asked enthusiastically. "It may take my mind off of this darn hangover."

Alexis giggled. Jesse was like Jaden in so many levels. However, she had to admit that Jesse was far more perceptive and empathetic. He had the energy to match Jaden, but his experience and knowledge exceeded what that should be expected of his age.

He heard us.

Atticus held up his hands, his eyes crinkling with feigned amusement. "Hey, J, I was talking about Mac and my—"

"Don't play dumb," Jaden said grimly. "I heard Zane."

Atticus raked a hand through his hair. "Nothing to worry about, man. Zane's completely harmless around my little Lexi," he said with a nervous chuckle.

Jaden turned his gaze away, replaying the conversation they had last night in his head.

"And what plan was that?"

There was a momentary silence between them.

"To pretend that we were a couple…"

Jaden stared at Zane wide-eyed.

"That put the engagement on hold. Her father thought it was best to let her be free for a while."

"But he was still dead set on the engagement, right?"

Zane sighed. "No kidding. And the things we had to do to make our 'relationship' convincing… Anyway, things got better for us when David left for America." He paused, closing his eyes for a moment.

Jaden waited in tense silence for him to go on.

"At least we didn't have to pretend anymore…" Zane said.

The word 'pretend' echoed in his head. He hadn't thought of any deep meaning behind it, but now he knew what Zane had truly meant when he said those words. "And you didn't tell me because…?" Jaden was directing the question to Zane. His brown eyes seemed to have a tiny spark of fire burning in them.

Gray eyes stared straight into brown ones. Zane's face was masked with indifference as he spoke. "Would it even matter?" he stated. "That was all in the past."

"So you and Alexis were—" Jaden cut himself off by biting his lower lip. He couldn't even bear saying it. "And you still love her until now." There was a heartbeat's silence, just time enough for him to curse himself for stating that.

Then Zane's voice came flatly: "I do."

Jaden looked with shock into Zane's face and saw that he meant it. "You guys were close back then…and a lot of people were saying that you were a couple."

"Don't misunderstand, Jaden. Alexis and I were simply friends. We didn't go beyond that, despite the feelings I have." Zane turned away, crossing his arms, as he stared out at sea.

Atticus swallowed hard, trying his best not to choke on the tension the two guys were letting out. "J, you don't have to worry about Zane here. He's not like David."

"Are you this stupid?" Waving a dismissive hand, David turned on his heel. "It's wasn't just a game of 'let's pretend' for Zane. It was at first, but he couldn't resist."

Feeling a sudden pang in his chest, Jaden let his eyes drop to the floor. "He couldn't resist?" he muttered under his breath.

David let out a small chuckle despite the anger he had felt towards Jaden. "You really have no idea," he said before walking off.

He clenched his hands as he remembered his conversation with David.

"At least we didn't have to pretend anymore…"

Zane's words echoed in his head again. "How about Alexis?" Jaden's eyes met the ground. "Did she have feelings for you too?"

And there was an edgy silence.

His spirit sank, and he rushed to calm himself. "It all started with a game of 'Let's Pretend'—a mere act just to fool David and Mr. Rhodes…Then everything became real for both of you." He looked up with indifference. Zane remained unfazed, which sparked another flame inside his heart. "Did I hit the nail on the head?" Sarcasm was present in his tone.

"J, it's not like that at all," Atticus started, hoping he could blow away the clouds of misunderstanding. "You see, Alexis and Zane were—"

Jaden shot Atticus a glare for a brief moment and said, "I think I heard enough, man. I'm outta here." Quickly he turned and ran off.

"Jaden!" Atticus called, almost taking a step, but then stopped. "Oh, boy…" He heaved a sigh before he turned to his best friend. "Zane…"

"He has a long way to go," Zane said, turning to face Atticus. "Getting worked up like that…"

Atticus cracked a smile. "To be young and naïve again. Jaden's still new to this, but you can tell that he's really in love. You get to experience all sorts of things when you're in a relationship."

"He has to realize that I'm no threat."

"Can't blame the guy for being jealous."

"I'm the one who should be jealous," Zane said in a slightly sad tone. "I had my chance. We weren't meant to be."

Atticus clamped a comforting hand on his shoulder and graced him with a cheerful smile. "Hey, you're one of the best-looking guys I've ever known. Girls would just die to date you. I'm sure you'll find a suitable girl for you. I know! Why don't I set you up on a blind date? How does that sound?"

A mask of indifference quickly emerged on Zane's face as he coolly brushed off Atticus's hand. "Not interested." He walked off a few steps, then paused to look back at his friend. "For now…"

Atticus chuckled. "Old feelings are hard to get rid off."

Jaden went into the arena where he found Alexis and Jesse dueling. The maid had told him that they were there, and he was a bit surprised to know they were together. Apparently, Jesse had 1500 LP left, while Alexis had 1300. Alexis may seemed like she had the disadvantage, but she didn't look worried at all because she had Cyber Blader out on the field. Jesse had no monsters left, but his Spell and Trap card zones were filled with crystals. Normally, a Duel would excite him to no end, but his recent discovery about Zane's feelings thwarted his mood.

The duel ended in Alexis' favor. Jesse was no sore loser. In fact, he was pretty thrilled and honored that he was able to duel Alexis. Not that he was weak or anything—the way he played really made Alexis determined. He and his monsters had hit her hard, but her comebacks were epic. Jesse finally realized the true strength of the Obelisk Blue Queen. When he shook hands with her, he expressed his gratitude to her and hoped he could duel her again someday. Alexis wished for the same thing, also telling him that he was a worthy opponent.

"You guys had fun I bet," came Jaden's words as he approached them.

"There you are, Jaden," Jesse said, smiling brightly. "You've just missed an awesome duel. Where were you?"

"You could have looked for me before you started," Jaden said with soft sarcasm.

Alexis noted the tone and found it strange.

Jesse lightly chuckled. "Well, you know how fired up I get when it comes to dueling. I was so glad Alexis accepted my challenge." He smiled up at Alexis. "She deserves to be called Queen. She's a beauty and she can duel hard."

Alexis slightly blushed at the remark. "D-Do me a favor and don't call me Queen."

Jaden's expression darkened. "Hey, Jesse…Were you really joking when you said you were interested in her?"

Jesse raised a brow. "What's the supposed to mean?"

"Were you joking or not?"

"The part where I think that she's real pretty? No, I wasn't. But the part—"

"You're basically telling me that you did fall for her at first sight."

Jesse's and Alexis' eyes widened in surprise.

"Um…Jaden, you got it all wrong," Jesse tried to explain.

"I'm not as stupid as you seem to think," Jaden hissed.

"Jaden!" She didn't understand what was going on with her boyfriend. Why was he getting flustered at Jesse? "Just what do you mean?"

"Yesterday I found out about your whole pretend relationship with Zane just so you can fool everyone. But it turns out that the lies became the truth." Jaden scoffed. "Zane had feelings for you before and now he still does. Heard it from his own mouth myself." He knew he was acting unreasonably, but he couldn't control himself at this point. He felt like letting it all out. "I suppose you share the same sentiments or did you bury that in the past? And now I find you spending time with another guy, who seems to be interested in you too. There's Chazz, then David, and now Zane and Jesse. Who's next? Syrus? Hassleberry? I know other guys find you attractive. Hell, even I find you irresistible myself."

Jesse's mouth dropped open. "J-Jaden—"

"Why didn't you tell me about you and Zane?" Jaden demanded.

Alexis couldn't believe that this was happening, and in front of Jesse too! She was seriously going to give Jaden a big piece of her mind. The last thing she needed was for Jaden to think that she was still interested in Zane. She turned to Jesse with a sigh. "Sorry, but would you mind if I speak with Jaden alone?" she asked politely.

Jesse merely smiled awkwardly. "Please do…I sure don't wanna get caught in a serious misunderstanding. And remember what I told you before, Alexis." He winked, then turned and ran of out of the arena.

As soon as Jesse was out of sight, she rounded on her fiancé. "Okay, Jaden, let's talk," she said in a strained voice.

"It wasn't just an act, right?" Jaden said, almost grumbling. "Guess that explains why you were so close to him during our first year."

"Run this by me again because I don't think we're on the same page," Alexis said calmly, trying her best to control her patience.

"Zane…said he still loves you." He found that hard to say.

Alexis raised an elegant brow. "And what else did you learn?"

"That you were in a real relationship with Zane."

Alexis let out a short laugh and stared at her fiancé as if he had grown crazy. "Did Zane tell you that?" she asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Not exactly…" He turned his head away. "He said that you guys didn't have to pretend anymore when David left. I figured that you guys—"

Alexis' eyes darkened. "We never became a real couple, Jaden," she hissed.

Jaden matched her glare. "Zane's feelings are real enough," he replied. "How about you?"

"Jealous, aren't we?" she said, shaking her head in bewilderment. Quite frankly, she didn't feel the need to hesitate. It was the moment of truth. She'd been waiting for the right opportunity to tell Jaden. Jesse was right about hiding secrets. They could damage a relationship, so it was best to let him know before any more misunderstandings come up. "Let me be completely honest with you. Zane and I—we had never crossed the boundaries of friendship. However, there was mutual affection between us. I did like Zane. I did have feelings for him in the past."

His heart skipped a beat. "Alexis…"

"Unfortunately," she shrugged, "we were only meant to be friends. I couldn't muster up the courage to tell him how I felt when he was still in Duel Prep School…and I failed to confess even after his graduation." She placed a hand over her heart. "One day, I paid him and my brother a visit at Duel Academy. Atticus set us up on a date, where I finally found the guts to confess. He was about to answer when a call came in to inform us that Atticus disappeared along with some other Obelisk Blue students."

Jaden gasped. "Wait…The time when Darkness took your brother?"

"People may see me as a strong person…but…during that time…I broke down. Frantic over my brother's disappearance, I couldn't seem to do anything. Zane—he became my emotional support. He held back his feelings for me and stood as my brother and my friend."

"W-What?"

"He wanted me to be strong. He wanted me to focus on finding Atticus. He knew that pursuing a relationship would only be a burden for us…That's why…"

"But he loved you…and you—"

"He once told me that he'd be selfish if he kept me back from Atticus. It was so hard on him…no…it was hard on both of us…" Alexis trailed off as Jaden began to shake his head.

"I…I had no idea…"

"He knew that I would never be happy without Atticus," Alexis continued, replaying the sad scenes before her mind's eyes.

Jaden had drawn away from her, looking ashamed. "Alexis, I…" He didn't know what to say. He wasn't sure if he could face Zane again now that he knew the truth.

"I don't know how it started. But during my brother's absence, I slowly began seeing him just as a good friend. And I thought he felt the same way about me because of how he treated me." There was a short pause as she sighed. "It was already too late when I found out that he still had feelings for me."

Jaden's eyes widened as soon as it all dawned on him. "Y-You mean—"

Alexis nodded her head. "I fell in love with you. These feelings I have is different from what I had for Zane."

"So he's only a friend, right? Nothing more, nothing less?"

Alexis planted both fists on her hips as she glared at Jaden. "Exactly my point! I bet Zane tried telling you this as well and, let me guess, you misunderstood. No, wait, you probably weren't listening."

Jaden rubbed the back of his head. Guilty as charged. "Lex, I—"

"And you exploded on Jesse too." Alexis shook her head in perplexity. "Try to act more rationally next time."

"I know I acted like a complete jerk. Sorry…It's just that Zane's feelings for you really—I don't know—got me fired up," he admitted.

"You keep proving to me and to her that you are a complete idiot," Yubel said with heavy sarcasm, and Jaden slumped his shoulders in defeat. "You still have a lot to learn."

Yeah, sure, I admit it! That was stupid of me! He loudly yelled in his head.

"Hmmm…You really are the jealous type," she said, finally smiling. "As much as I find that endearing, you should know that Zane's no threat. Yes, he's part of my life and he's important too. But the one I love is you. Hope you never forget that."

Jaden nodded with a bright blush on his face. "I think I should go apologize to Zane and Jesse. But first things first…" He leaned forward and wrapped her in his arms. "I love you, Alexis."

She lightly flushed. That was a surprise for her heart, though she did manage to maintain some composure.

He giggled. "No need to get all shy now," he whispered, leaning forward to kiss her. Brushing strands of her silky hair away from her face, Jaden leaned back and smiled. "So…um…do you forgive me for acting like a jerk?" he asked.

"Hmmm…No," she replied, and his mouth dropped open. "Only if you kiss me again." It wasn't like her, she knew, but a little flirting every now and then wouldn't hurt.

His lips curved into a smile. "No problem!" He pressed his lips to her forehead, her cheek, and then her lips. Being in a relationship was sure no easy task. It wasn't just about happily-ever-after's. Atticus had warned him about the emotional rides, and he was beginning to understand them more and more.

Jesse stretched out slowly on the living room couch, feeling very relaxed and rested than he had since he had found out Jaden's problem with Alexis. He didn't actually leave when he was supposed to. He had stayed and hid in one corner to listen on their conversation. Of course, he knew it was wrong and rude to eavesdrop, but he couldn't help wondering about Jaden's sudden attitude. He sure was glad when Alexis had explained things clearly to Jaden. She had indeed followed his advice.

A purple cat-like creature appeared on his lap and cuddled against his chest, purring softly. Jesse gave the little critter a smile. "You were amazing today, Ruby," he said, briefly recalling the duel he had with Alexis. "I'm sorry that we lost."

Ruby simply shook its head in understanding.

"Aww…Thanks, Ruby," he replied.

"Got a minute?"

Jesse quickly turned to the sound of Jaden's voice and caught him averting his gaze away. Winged Kuriboh flew from behind Jaden and went to play with Ruby on the carpet. "Play nice now, ya hear?" he told the two spirits before he got up. Jaden was there to apologize, Jesse knew that, and frankly he was waiting for it since he left the arena. "Got something to say, J?"

Jaden sighed and began to rub his head. "Um…I'm sorry…sorry for blowing up on you," he said. "I acted like a complete jerk."

"No kidding. But you had no reason to get jealous in the first place, ya know," Jesse said calmly. "Alexis loves you."

Sighing once more, Jaden gave him an apologetic smile. "I know…Sorry…"

Jesse chuckled lightly and patted Jaden's shoulder. "Enough with the apology. I really don't mind it at all," he said.

Jaden grinned. "That's a relief."

"Duel Academy's Slifer King is madly in love," Jesse declared. "Better tell the whole world that Alexis is hands off."

Jaden blushed, but thankfully Jesse barely noticed it since he turned to look at the two playful Card Spirits.

"Gotta warn you, J, there are a lot of wolves out there and Alexis is pretty hot stuff." Jesse's expression turned to one of exaggerated mischievousness. "You said it yourself. You find her irresistible."

Jaden's blushed harder, and Jesse laughed at this. "Fine…I'm not gonna deny it."

Jesse grinned. "I sure am looking forward to the day you two will get married and have kids."

"Stop making me going red with embarrassment," Jaden grumbled. Jesse's joking had a way of affecting him in more ways than one. "Anyway…" He cleared his throat before continuing. "You guys are leaving this afternoon, right?" he asked.

"Hassleberry's still got school, ya know, and Syrus needs to get back to the Pro Circuit as soon as possible. I, on the other hand, have a thesis to finish. Our old pal Bastion needs my help."

"I was hoping you guys could stay a little longer…Oh, well…"

Jesse gave him a good slap on the back and said, "Come on, I know you just want to spend some time alone with Alexis."

"And I have to put up with your teasing until you're gone?"

"Wait till Sy and Hassleberry hear about your outburst," Jesse said with a snicker as he scampered off to the stairs.

"Wait—What? Don't you say a word to them!" Jaden went after him. His pride as a guy was going to take a beating. It was embarrassing enough he had to snap at Zane and Jesse for the wrong reasons. He certainly wouldn't like being reminded of his unreasonable behavior. It had been one hell of an emotional ride for him.

Jesse reached the top of the stairs in time to witness David getting slapped by his sister across the face. He winced as if he felt the stinging slap. "Wonder what that blonde guy do this time?" he muttered.

"Yo, Jesse, wait—Huh?" Jaden stopped right behind Jesse as he saw the Mackenzie siblings. "What's going on?"

David lifted a hand to his sore cheek, blue eyes darkening. "What the hell is wrong with you?" he nearly yelled. If anything, the look on his sister's face became more serious. "Would you mind telling me why you had to slap me?"

Her eyes were sharp and serious. "You—" she paused, her fist shaking in rage. "You dirty scumbag!" She threw a punch, but David evaded it easily. However, he didn't expect her to follow up with a powerful knee-kick into his stomach, which forced him down on his knees.

Jaden arched an eyebrow, curious about their sibling conflict. Even though he had come to know about Mac only recently in his life, he had a hunch that David may have done something to Alexis again.

"What were you trying to do, David? Adding more salt to the wounds?" Mac said, fisting her hands. "Forcing a kiss on her…You're the lowest."

"What?" Jaden muttered, a confused frown present on his face.

Mac bit back a gasp as she saw Jaden. Atticus had informed her a little while ago about David's harassment, and she couldn't help but get flustered over her brother for such an immoral act. She had warned David before, but her foolish brother was too stubborn. She knew the slap and the kick weren't enough to knock some sense into him. But now there was a more pressing issue. Jaden was there, and he had heard her.

"Kissing the girl you love," David said, smirking, "is that so wrong? Besides, Alexis' lips tasted so sweet. You can get addicted to it."

Jaden narrowed his eyes dangerously. "You kissed her?"

David got up to his feet and crossed his arms. "That's right. I kissed her this morning. She told Zane but not you? I wonder why…"

"Shut up or I'll beat you up some more," Mac said, voice stern.

Jesse lifted a hand to Jaden's shoulder. "J, don't go on a rampage now, ya hear me? Alexis had a good reason for this. Don't draw conclusions just yet."

"Seems like Alexis still prefers Zane," David said. "You must be just a fling for her."

Jaden glared at the blonde man and felt his annoyances reach a whole new level.

To be continued…

JC: Proper communication is important in a relationship. If there's a misunderstanding, couples just need to talk things out. I made Alexis stay calm as she sorted things out with Jaden, rather than going all emotional and get into an argument. I felt like it was just right for Alexis' character here. Jaden is still a novice to the whole relationship thing, so forgive him for acting irrationally here. I think I enjoyed writing the parts between Jesse and Alexis. Jesse can really give good advice. Zane still loves Alexis, but, like he said, he won't come in between Jaden and Alexis. The only problem here is David. Anyway, that's all for Chapter 17. I'm eagerly waiting for your REVIEWS! NO FLAMES!