JC: Phew! With all the work piled up on me, I rarely got enough time to write fanfics. Paper work at the office is really not good for your back. Plus, I'm working on a new art. Sorry, it's not a GX art. But I will be making another JadenxAlexis art once I'm done with the current one. I'm also thinking of writing another GX fic, but I'm having trouble putting the ideas in my head in order. Anyway I'm glad I was able to finish this up. Chapter 26 is here, people! Let's get started!
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 26: One Problem Done
Mrs. Rhodes loved her gardens at their estate. One particular place, the one with the tall, thorny rosebushes, and its raised flowerbeds and wide walkways of scythed grass, was pleasant and welcoming. But the walled garden of labyrinth was her favorite.
As soon as she stepped outside the maze, she saw Seto Kaiba strolling along a gravel path by the rose garden. Red, pink, and yellow roses bloomed in considerable numbers on those bushes, which provided such appealing, colorful scenery, even by the light of the setting sun. The garden was getting cool at that hour.
Seto Kaiba noticed her presence, giving her a quick look before returning his gaze to the scenery, and Mrs. Rhodes went to join him. As she arrived at his side, Mrs. Rhodes said, "You are a very cunning man, Mr. Kaiba."
"And you're sharp as usual," the brunette replied, crossing his arms. "I guess there's no need for me to tell you everything."
"I had my doubts at first, but I managed to fit the pieces here and there," Mrs. Rhodes said with sigh. "Why must you do things discreetly?"
"Everyone has their own ways of doing things. Moreover, it is not for her father to decide such things for Alexis."
"Hmmm…And this is your way of showing your care for her, isn't it?" Mrs. Rhodes said with a teasing smile. "You're doing this for her sake."
"You've helped with the orphanage's financial crisis before. Back then, my brother and I were just kids."
"I love children," Mrs. Rhodes said, kneeling down before a rose bush. "I couldn't just let the government take it away."
He didn't look at her, yet his expression remained cool. "My little brother is grateful for what you did," he said.
She giggled sweetly. "Aren't you as well?" she said and Seto raised a brow at her. "My, my… You're not being very honest, Mr. Kaiba."
He simply shrugged in return.
"But…truthfully…I'm forever grateful to you for saving Alexis from the accident," Mrs. Rhodes carefully plucked a red rose and caressed it with her eyes. "She was so little back then and she lost a lot of blood. She could have died if it weren't for you, Mr. Kaiba. You pulled her out of the wreckage and rushed her to the hospital."
"Anyone could have done that. I just happened to be there."
"But you continued to watch over her the next few weeks. You made sure she was well taken care of. You even bought her gifts. I know you don't want to admit it, but I know you've grown very much fond of Alexis."
"It felt like it was my responsibility."
The woman smiled up at him. "Sure…whatever you say, Mr. Kaiba." She slowly stood up and faced him. "You know, I suddenly remembered something. You once gave Alexis a very special card, didn't you? It was the same type as the ones she used against Jaden. But…she didn't even use it once during the duel."
"She didn't use it because the situation didn't call for it. That card was a rare find," Seto said, narrowing his gaze. Too bad it was ripped to pieces by Mackenzie's son…
Alexis let out a sigh. "The one who saved me…" She then looked up at Jaden. "It was Seto Kaiba…"
Mouth dropping wide open, Jaden backed up in reaction. "Okay, my jaw literally dropped," he said, setting his jaw back in place with his hand. "That guy saved you twice, Lex?"
She nodded. "Atticus had already disappeared at that time, so I came here with mom after being invited by Mr. Mackenzie."
"Something they failed to tell me before," Mac said, looking a little grumpy.
Atticus smiled at her. "Come on, Mac, they didn't tell you because they didn't want you to worry," he told.
"Anyway…" She rolled her eyes away. "My father invited them to show off the place and David wanted to see Alexis."
"David called me out here and threatened me," Alexis continued.
"But you rejected me!" David exclaimed, and Alexis quickly shot him a glare.
"You went wacko and tried to kill my sister, you know," Atticus said in a rather distasteful tone. "And you even ripped her precious card."
Jaden raised a brow curiously. "What card was that?" he asked.
"It was one of Alexis' favorites. Seto Kaiba gave it to her for graduating top of her class from Duel Prep School," Atticus explained.
"I couldn't stand the thought of that MAN getting friendly with Alexis," David hissed.
"Good thing Mr. Mackenzie invited Seto along too," Alexis said. "He was bold enough to take the dive to save me. It was pretty rough, but he managed to bring me to shore."
"I was there too…Well, actually…I arrived when David ripped Alexis' card," Mac added with a shrug. "I saw him pushed Alexis. It surprised me… I wanted to go help Alexis when Seto Kaiba came and jumped in instead."
David grumbled a curse in response.
"I restrained David shortly after that. He put up such a fight, but I outsmarted him." Mac smirked proudly. "I managed to knock him out."
Atticus sighed in admiration. "That's why I try to stay on your good side."
"Seto Kaiba wanted to tell my father about what happened, but…" Mac stopped herself and looked at Alexis.
"I told him not to," Alexis continued for her. "Our families had been friends for a long time. Our fathers are business partners. Mac and Atticus are also engaged. One word about that incident might have destroyed all that."
Mac grimaced. "She kept quiet for us…" she muttered.
Jaden glanced at his fiancée with amazement. "Wow, Lex…" He lifted a hand and cupped the round of her shoulder. "I don't know what to say… You're just…wow…"
"Get your hand off her, Yuki!" David cried, violently struggling against Mac's and Atticus' grip.
"You need a timeout," Mac declared, striking the back of his neck with a knife-hand. David instantly fell unconscious. "Seriously! The things I put up with!" She let out a sigh of frustration.
Atticus chuckled. "I'm gonna carry him. You go help Zane."
Mac released David and went over to Zane. "You can stand up, right?" she asked, and Zane nodded in reply. "Just lean on me for support, got that?"
"Thanks," Zane curtly replied. He was breathing normally now.
"Wish David would stay down," Jaden commented as he watched the couple take David and Zane away.
"Mac will make sure he won't go crazy again," Alexis answered.
Jaden frowned, thinking that David might start living in an asylum. Nonetheless, David was a dangerous man. He'd hurt Alexis and Zane and would have hurt him too. His mind was definitely twisted, something that he inherited from his deceased mother.
"I was so scared back then," Alexis told Jaden with obvious distaste as she stared out to sea. The sun had finally set and the sky was dyed in dark. "I couldn't stop trembling in Seto's arms. I couldn't even think."
"You almost drowned. Anyone would be scared."
"I really didn't want to remember again, but David…"
Jaden smiled warmly and took her hands into his. "Hey, how about forgetting about David right now and focus your mind on me?" He winked a playful eye.
The blonde stared at him for a minute as if he was crazy, then said, "Atticus really taught you a lot."
"He's one cool teacher and brother," Jaden replied, grinning widely.
"Seriously?" She rolled her eyes. "Well, I admit he does have a way with romance. But please spare me the cheesy lines."
Jaden blinked, then giggled. "For real? Hmm…I'll keep it simple then." Leaning forward, he pressed a kiss gently to her lips, and whispered, "I love you, Lex."
Alexis blushed, looking away from his eyes. Her heart felt like it was about to jump out of her chest. She knew she couldn't deny her desire for him any longer. But when he gently squeezed her hands, she glanced back at him. "Jaden…" Though her mind kept reminding her of the damage he did, her heart kept pushing her towards him. She loved Jaden. That feeling would never change.
"What? I skipped the cheesy lines this time," he said.
She couldn't help but lightly laugh at this. He was still the Jaden she knew and loved. "You sure did, but you got fresh with me instead," she said.
"Hmmm…Is that bad?" he asked.
Alexis smiled and leaned into his embrace. "No, it's not."
"Hey, does this mean that we're cool again?" Jaden carefully slipped his arms around her.
"Let's end the drama." Alexis peered up at him happily. "I'm getting tired of it. Besides, you've already proven yourself."
"You sure?" he asked.
Alexis knew how he felt for her. Mistakes were made and done on his part, but those mistakes were atoned. Everyone makes mistakes, she told herself. Even she was afraid of making the wrong decisions. However, she was sure of her feelings for Jaden. She loved him more than before. She could no longer deny him or her attraction for him. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure," she said solemnly.
Jaden smiled and brushed a finger across her cheek. "I'm not that dependable, but I'll do my best to make you happy, Lex." He cupped her face in his hands as he added, "Because I love you."
Alexis' heart skipped a beat. His words were so sincere. She certainly felt his love and warmth. "I love you too," she said, pressing her lips to his and kissed him with all her heart. Jaden kissed her back with the same passion.
He soon pulled away. "So, now you made a new memory here," he said, grinning like an idiot. "I'm sure you wanna play this back over and o—"
She quickly cut him off by pinching and pulled his nose. "Whatever," she replied, giggling, as she released him. "Come on, let's head back. I'm dying for some R and R."
"Ooowwwieee, I think my nose is crooked." He gently rubbed his nose.
"Nope, still perfect," she said with a smile.
"Good! Now all I have to worry about is my stomach. I'm craving for cheeseburgers and fries, and…" he paused and gave her a quick kiss, "and for that…"
Alexis sighed. "Getting more daring, huh?" She grinned, then she suddenly pushed him hard, enough to make him stumble backward.
"Ouch!" Jaden rubbed his sore butt with a pout. "What was that for?"
Alexis playfully knocked him on the head. "Let's not get carried away, okay?" She winked an eye and started off without him.
He blinked in surprise. "Huh? Me get carried away?" He scratched the back of his head. "Carried away with what?" He jumped back to his feet and ran after her. "Hey, Lex! What did you mean?"
"David's been sent home," Mac said as she stepped into one of the guest rooms of David's beach house—the guest room Atticus was occupying for the night. "And Zane's gonna be just fine. He's on his way to a hospital."
"Thanks, Mac," Atticus said, peering out the window. "I'm glad it's all over."
"I should be the one thanking you and Alexis," she replied, lowering her gaze to the floor, as she squeezed her upper hand. "You could have David arrested already, but you still…"
Turning fully toward her, Atticus studied her lovely face. He could see how much she cared for David even though they weren't related by blood. David was still her brother. "David's got problems and he needs serious help. I don't think prison would be the best place for him."
She nodded, uneasy under the gaze of those cool brown eyes. "Thanks," she muttered, "thank you, Atticus…"
He approached her, stroking her cheek gently with his finger. "Get some rest. You need it." He smiled kindly. "You should have gone back home with David."
"I thought," she said, running her hand up his hard, muscular chest, "it would be nice to spend more time with you."
He went silent, but the blush was apparent on his face.
Her smile was a little devilish. "Why are you shocked?" she asked, poking his chest playfully.
"Umm…I didn't think I could be shocked by what any woman does," Atticus said, looking a bit uneasy. "If anything, I'm surprised that you're the one initiating."
She made a muffled sound, part laughter, part mocking. "Now you've shocked me."
Casually he lifted his hand and tipped her chin up. "I wish I could be with you 24/7. I hate it when we're separated, but it does make me desire you more."
Suddenly embarrassed, Mac pulled her hand from his chest and turned her back at him. "That's harassment, you idiot," she grumbled, crossing her arms.
At the discomfited note in her voice, humor softened his features and his lips quirked in a sincere smile. "I couldn't have asked for a better woman," he said huskily, reaching out and wrapping his arms around her body. "I'd never let you go."
Mac hesitated, struck by his words, not certain what to rebut, then shrugged. "There you go again. You know, your lines are getting old."
Atticus chuckled. "Awww…Getting all shy again? You're so cute!" He squeezed her even tighter. "That's why I love you so much!"
She was blushing mad now. Thankfully, he couldn't see it. "S-Shut up and let me go now!" she demanded.
"No way," he humorously said.
Yes, she admitted that Atticus' attraction for women was a hot topic of feminine gossip in their high-class society. As Mac turned to gaze into those brown eyes, she felt herself drawn to him by an overwhelming force as usual. Understanding was in his eyes, along with a touch of humor and charisma. It was these things, even more than his natural good looks that impelled women toward him. Atticus understood women, but he had always paid close attention to her. It was obvious he admired her and accepted her for who she was, even with all her weaknesses and quirks.
"Wait for me in America," Atticus said, turning her slowly to him by the shoulders. "I'll catch up as soon as I'm done dealing with my old man and Kaiba."
She will wait for him no matter what, she expressed in her mind. But she will never tell those kinds of tacky lines in front of his face. Her pride wouldn't let her. "Be quick about it, got it?"
"Yes, ma'am," he answered like a soldier.
"I still don't get it." Mac's expression was slightly etched with concern. "Why would Seto Kaiba go through all the trouble of setting Jaden up when he himself is engaged to Alexis? I know he cares for Alexis, but…"
Atticus grimaced. "I bet he and my old man made some kind of deal."
Peeling herself away from his arms, she took a seat on the bed. "A deal, huh?" She thought in silence for a while. "I just remembered something."
"What is it?"
"Right after the incident with David… Seto Kaiba arranged a meeting with your father."
"But Alexis asked him to keep the incident a secret from our dads, right?"
"Exactly," Mac promptly replied. "Any chance they might have talked about the engagement?"
Atticus tapped his chin, trying to figure out the scenarios in his head. "Dad used to be so dead set on having Alexis betrothed to David. Don't tell me…" His eyes grew wide as he thought of the possibility. "No way…"
Mac looked at him inquiringly. "What? Have you figured something out?"
A knowing smile came to his face. "I'm not a hundred percent sure, but I think I have," he said.
"You going to bed or not, Jaden?" Alexis asked when the clock struck 10. They were done with dinner, which was specially prepared by Mac and Atticus. They've also finished watching some videos to pass the time—videos of the Battle City tournament held in Domino City a few years back. Joey Wheeler's battle had proven to be most entertaining to Jaden yet again. Joey had undeniable luck and skill. In addition to that, he also owned the rare and valuable Red Eyes Black Dragon. Jaden totally respected Joey Wheeler.
Now that it was getting late, Alexis figured that they should hit the hay for their early flight tomorrow.
"Nah…I'm not sleepy," Jaden replied mildly.
Alexis sighed. "Just count sheep or something."
Jaden hopped off the couch and lunged toward Alexis' bed. "Not in the mood to sleep," he said, sitting up on the bed. "I guess I'm just so psyched that we're back together again."
Alexis felt her heart skip. He certainly knew how to make her feel self-conscious unintentionally. "Well, I'd like to get some shut-eye, so if you don't mind get off of my bed and go back to your room," she told him, crossing her arms.
"I don't wanna," Jaden replied in a sing-sung tone. "How about a sleepover?"
Her eyes suddenly glinted with amusement, and she leaned back against the window frame. "Sleepover? You and me in one room?"
"Yeah! Like those slumber parties for girls."
"Are you being for real here, Jaden?" she said, giggling, more than a little enthralled by his naïve side of him. "Sure you don't have any ulterior motives?"
Jaden blinked. "Ulterior motives? I don't get what you mean."
She giggled once again. "I guess not. Anyway, just go back to your room."
"All right, I'm going," he said, swinging his legs off the bed. "I'll see you in the morning." He walked up to her and lightly kissed her cheek.
Alexis graced him with a smile. "Good night, Jaden."
"Night…" He started toward the door and stopped as he reached for the knob. "Oh, about Kaiba…" He peered over his shoulder to look back at her. "You don't have to worry. I'm going to keep my word."
"I trust you, big guy," she said with a confidence.
To be continued…
JC: Jaden's gonna make his stand! You guys are probably wondering what Atticus may have found out, right? Mrs. Rhodes has it all figured out too. You'll be seeing Mr. Rhodes again in the next chapter. If you're wondering about the card Kaiba gave to Alexis, then you'll have to be patient. I have some plans for it. I hope you like the bits and bits of romance in this chapter. I can't get enough of these two pairs. That's all for this one. Chapter 27 is up next. Stay tuned! Oh, don't forget to leave your REVIEWS! No Flaming!