JC: I was able to finish this on my flight from Hong Kong. I was all alone. I didn't have anyone to talk to, so I decided to type away. This was meant to up before April ended, but my PC and the internet were being uncooperative with me. Sucks, I know… Well, better late than never. Jaden and Alexis are finally gonna confront Mr. Rhodes. Will things go well?

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 27: All's Well That Ends Well

A torn veil of clouds dashed across the morning sun. As Jaden escorted Alexis up the mansion, Atticus felt a strange foreboding feeling. They've arrived earlier from their short trip. Mac accompanied David back home and assured them that he won't be causing trouble anymore. A small medical team came for Zane to be treated. Zane was going to be all right, much to everyone's relief. Atticus also took the liberty of calling Syrus and Blair to inform them that Zane was safe and sound.

"I know there's no stopping you guys," Atticus said, "but I figured I should warn you."

Jaden clutched Alexis' hand even tighter. "No need, bro. Me and Alexis are gonna be fine."

A devilish grin crooked the corner of his mouth. "Right! No need to worry." The front door of the house creaked open beneath the urging of his hand.

The butler promptly greeted them and showed them in. "Young miss, your father is expecting you in the lounge," he said. "He said to bring Master Jaden along as well."

"And I think I know why," Jaden whispered as he sighed.

As Alexis led him into a long, deep hall, she fisted her free hand, steeling herself for the encounter, hoping that she could maintain her composure well.

Jaden inched closer to Alexis, whispering, "Everything will be all right. Trust me."

She swung around to face him, her voice calm. "If I know my father, which I do, this could get ugly for us."

"That wouldn't be a surprise." Jaden gave her a smile. "Now come on."

Two pairs of cold eyes greeted them the second they entered the lounge. Seto Kaiba was seated in one of the lavish couches, with a cup of tea in his hand. Mr. Rhodes was settled on the couch across him, his arms firmly crossed over his chest, a stern expression evident across his face. Jaden couldn't shake the uneasiness he felt when his eyes made contact with Seto's. He didn't even mind Mr. Rhodes and his deadly gaze. Seto had always been more frightening in his book, more cunning and manipulative, but he would never deny the fact that Seto was an important person in Alexis' life.

Mr. Rhodes was the first to break the veil of silence around them. "Where you've been is none of my concern. Now if you would be so kind enough to take a seat, we shall begin discussing about your future with Mr. Kaiba." He smirked as he saw Alexis tighten her mouth with displeasure. "You are in no position to refuse, Alexis. It was a deal, remember? The result of the duel was clear." His eyes glittered with triumph.

"A lost is a lost," Alexis said, narrowing her eyes at her father. "I'm not going to back out on my word." Her father's low ripple of laughter raised the gooseflesh on her skin.

Jaden sighed out loud on purpose, prompting another glare from Mr. Rhodes. "If looks can kill, I would probably be dead by now, pops," he said with a snicker. "Now before you explode on me, let me just clarify one thing." He wrapped a possessive arm around her waist, drawing her into his arms. "Alexis is my girl."

Alexis almost wanted to melt right there, but she managed to suppress the fluttery emotions in her chest.

"Enough of this, Yuki, or I'll have you kicked off my island." Clear venom present in his tone, Mr. Rhodes was fuming. "Alexis is Mr. Kaiba's fiancée."

"Last time I checked," Jaden trailed off, easing aside her hair and pressed his lips to her soft cheek, sending a shudder into her belly, "she's MY fiancée."

Jaden and Alexis were so focused on Mr. Rhodes that they didn't notice Seto smirk in bewilderment. Jaden was stupid, Seto thought, and he reminded him so much of a certain blonde-haired dork who often got on his nerves, but he had to give the Slifer Slacker some props for standing up to Mr. Rhodes. Seto knew he made the right choice choosing him for the job.

"Are you challenging Mr. Kaiba?" Mr. Rhodes questioned the brunette, keeping his temper in-check. "That wouldn't be a wise decision."

"Who would be crazy enough to challenge the great Seto Kaiba?" Jaden replied, grinning like an idiot, as he pointed at himself. "I guess I'm that crazy person, huh?"

The fact that Seto Kaiba was there kept Mr. Rhodes from lunging at Jaden. "Alexis will marry Mr. Kaiba and that's final."

Jaden shrugged. "I'm the one who won the duel, you know, not Mr. Hotshot over there. Well, I was representing him…but…still…erm…" He scratched the back of his head, trying to get the words right. "I did the work, so I get dibs. Besides, Alexis wants me."

Alexis felt her heart skip. Jaden was really pushing her father to his limit. She didn't know whether to be amused or wary.

"How dare you! A deal's a deal! It was Mr. Kaiba's victory!" Mr. Rhodes exclaimed in a rather restrained manner.

"Yes, a deal's a deal," Seto finally spoke out as he set down the cup on the coffee table. "However, it seems petty to take credit for someone else's hard work."

"Mr. Kaiba, what do you mean?" Mr. Rhodes questioned.

"Can't you see it? Or do you just refuse to believe it?" Seto rose from his seat and faced the couple uninterestedly. "I may be CEO of KaibaCorp, but I'm a Duelist first. These two has shown us a duel worth mentioning."

Confusion clouded Mr. Rhodes' mind. "I don't think I understand, Mr. Kaiba."

Jaden and Alexis were both equally surprised at Seto's sudden words, though Alexis did a better job masking her reaction. Until now they still couldn't figure out what Seto was thinking or why he made them go through all this.

"That slacker could have just let Alexis win for all I care, but he fought her head on because he treasured her feelings." Seto continued.

Jaden's lips curved into a big grin. "That's because we're both Duelists. We've been through so much because of Dueling. We love it!"

Mr. Rhodes shrugged. "I don't see how this is—"

"I won the duel, sir, so I think I have every right to lay down the condition," Jaden told him.

"Why not? It's only fair," Seto said, crossing his arms coolly. "Besides, I can't stand any more drama. I don't want people to have the wrong impression of me just because I let Jaden represent me in that duel."

At this point, Alexis was beginning to realize what Seto was doing, though she convinced herself not to let her guard down.

"WHAT?" Mr. Rhodes gasped. "You cannot—"

"Alexis said it herself," Jaden cut the guy off again, "she has to follow whatever condition I set. Since Mr. Kaiba gave the right to me, well…"

"No, I forbid it!" Mr. Rhodes exclaimed.

"Mr. Rhodes, show some decorum," Seto said, settling back into his seat. "This is about your daughter's future."

"But she's better off with—"

"I can give her everything she wants, except for one thing," Seto said, staring straight into the older man's eyes. "She knows what she wants and she's sure of it."

It was as if he was hit with a crushing tidal wave. Mr. Rhodes couldn't hide his surprise and disappointment towards Seto's condition. One of the wealthiest men in the world was letting Alexis go, and Mr. Rhodes knew better than to question the man further. He shifted his eyes on his daughter, noting the stern look in her eyes. He found it hard to imagine how her life would be with Jaden. With Seto Kaiba, he knew that she would live a more glamorous life. But Alexis had proven it to his face that she didn't need Seto's fortune. She did not want to marry a man she didn't love. She didn't want others to decide for her. Her willful attitude was one of her most endearing qualities—something she inherited from him without a doubt.

His first candidate for a husband was David. He found him to be very promising. He thought David would make the perfect son-in-law. But Alexis had gotten herself romantically involved with Zane Truesdale. It was then he decided to give his daughter her temporary freedom. When Zane graduated from Duel Prep, he wanted David and Alexis to be engaged as soon as possible. However, Seto Kaiba came into the picture before he could. He had no qualms about having his daughter betrothed to the charismatic CEO of KaibaCorp. But the man who had sworn to take Alexis as his future bride was now giving her to Jaden. It left him baffled.

"Sir, I know I'm not exactly your most favorite guy on the planet," Jaden said, well aware of the growing tension in the room, "and I know you can barely tolerate me. You have high expectations. I think I can understand why you're putting so much pressure on Alexis. But you should know that you're also hurting her. I'm not rich like you guys. I'm just your regular guy who's crazy about dueling." He paused, briefly glancing at Alexis before turning back at Mr. Rhodes. "I'm nothing like Mr. Kaiba or David. I'm the most carefree guy you'll ever meet."

"Surround yourself with a better class of people," Mr. Rhodes used to tell Alexis when she was in her pre-teens. "You are my daughter. It's only right for you to marry a man of wealth and rank." It had been a constant reminder, yet Alexis still chose a low-class Slifer.

"We've been through this before. I'm sure you're sick and tired of hearing it, but I'm serious about my feelings—"

"I'm well aware," Mr. Rhodes interrupted the young brunette. He had been aware all this time, but he simply refused to accept it. Just so, he thought, lowering his gaze to the floor. With Seto Kaiba or David, she would have everything. Everything, that is, except love. Knowing his daughter's stubborn nature, he knew Alexis would never love David and Seto. "Never…never in my life did I dream of giving up my only daughter to an impulsive man like you."

Jaden frowned. "Sir, I'm not—"

"But what other choice do I have?" Mr. Rhodes cut him off. "I would clearly lose my daughter for good if I choose to force the issue further."

"Dad…I'm sorry," Alexis said.

Mr. Rhodes sighed. "Please, let us speak no more of this. I will not interfere with your relationship anymore." He sat back down on the couch, rubbing his temple. "But I'm not so quick to accept Jaden Yuki."

Jaden grinned. "For now anyway. But a guy can hope, right? I'm sure that someday you'll change your mind. When you do, I'll be waiting." And he was pretty damn confident about it.

How cheeky, Mr. Rhodes thought with a grimace. His daughter had certainly chosen one of the most eccentric kinds.

Alexis finally put on a smile for her father as she walked up to him. "Dad, I know it's been hard on you and I'm sorry." She bowed her head, lowering her gaze to the carpeted floor. "But I had to stand up for myself."

The father glared at his daughter for a brief moment, then released a laugh. "You're definitely my daughter. Stubborn like her father."

"I sure am glad that you're finally okay with us, pops," Jaden butted in unintentionally. "You won't regret it."

"I'm starting to regret it now," Mr. Rhodes muttered, a slight frown fixed on his brows.

"She's in good hands," Seto Kaiba recalled saying to Mr. Rhodes after Jaden and Alexis left. Mr. Rhodes found it hard to believe that he would give up Alexis. Who could blame him? After all, it was all part of his brilliant scheme. The deal, the bet, the date, the duel—everything went accordingly, though not as smoothly as he had expected in the first place.

Mr. Rhodes looked depressed, angry, and thoughtful all at the same time when he left him a good two hours ago. The man was reluctant to accept Jaden as his future son-in-law.

He stood up from his desk, leaving his cellpone blaring and ringing, and left his guest room. He almost wanted to throw his phone against the wall. He didn't want to deal with his nagging secretary at the moment. The meetings could wait. Work was never a problem to him. He could always find ways to get things done in a snap. He wasn't deemed as one of the most influential man on the planet for nothing. He never did get to talk to Alexis after that discussion with Mr. Rhodes, and he felt he really needed to. But he wasn't the type to just walk up to her and start up a conversation.

He heard and felt Atticus trailing behind him, which simply added to his list of annoyances for the day. Atticus continued following him all the way to the Duel Arena, until he finally turned around to face him. "Any reason for stalking me, Atticus?"

Atticus let out a nervous chuckle. "I have some questions. Hope you don't mind answering them." He rubbed the back of his head cheerfully.

"Ten minutes. That's all you'll get," Seto curtly replied.

The younger brunette shrugged, his happy expression seeming to fade with something more omniscient in his eyes. "You planned all this, didn't you? I'll understand though, if you deny it."

Seto raised a brow. "You're definitely your mother's son," he said in complete monotone.

"So mom figured it out too? Wow…" Atticus genuinely looked impressed.

"Clock is ticking," Seto said, tone stern as always.

"You made a deal with our old man, didn't you? Just so you can protect Alexis from David."

Cold blue eyes narrowed sharply. "Your point? You're aware of his mental health, aren't you? And let's not forget what he did to Alexis." It wasn't David's fault that he had inherited his mother's mental health problems, but Seto could never let Alexis be betrothed to a man who almost killed her. He wouldn't think twice about suing David. If it weren't for Alexis, David would have been rotting away in an asylum by now.

"Big man looking so high and mighty all the time," Atticus stated, folding his arms smugly in front of his chest, curving his lips into a knowing smirk. "Under that what are you?"

Seto simply rolled his eyes. He knew it was only a matter of time before Mrs. Rhodes and Atticus found out about his plan. It seemed rather complicated, but once you connect the dots everything would make sense. He was pretty sure that Alexis had him figured out as well.

"Genius, billionaire, Duelist, a brother…You're all that." Atticus paused for a moment, carefully observing him any change of expression. "You may not rank high on the personality charts, but you're definitely a good guy. You have a runabout way of doing things, which I don't understand myself, but I know I should be thanking you for all this. You really helped my little Lexi a lot."

"I don't need your gratitude."

"Is being honest too hard for you?" Atticus flashed him an amused look, and Seto grunted in response. "You need to chill, man. By the way, when will you settle down?" he asked out of utter curiosity, but quickly regretted it when Seto shot him one deadly glare. It must be a touchy subject to begin with. But that wasn't enough to stop him. "There's no one? As in no one at all?"

Seto shrugged. "I'm not having this conversation with you."

Atticus ignored his comment and continued. "I mean, hear you are—a good looking specimen of the male kind. You can have any girl you want, man. I don't see why you—"

"Long silver hair and pristine blue eyes," Seto interrupted.

Blinking in surprise, Atticus tried to process what the older brunette just said. "Say what?"

Seto spun around swiftly and began to walk away. Yeah, it was really getting annoying. He wasn't sure if he could stand Atticus anymore. Atticus was so different from Alexis. He was so eager to leave the island and return to his illustrious company. Nevertheless, he still had a few more things to take care off before that.

Atticus stared at the man's retreating figure until he disappeared into a corner. "Long silver hair and pristine blue eyes?" he muttered, cupping his chin with one hand. "He's not talking about Blue-Eyes White Dragon now, is he? I know he's obsessed with that card. But wait! The dragon doesn't have hair."

Alexis released a breath of relief and sat down on the carpeted floor, leaning against the sofa behind her. Jaden lied down next to her, her lap as pillow. "It's official. I'm your fiancé," he said, smiling proudly. "The old man sealed the deal."

And it was all possible because of Seto Kaiba. He had used her father. He had used Jaden. He had used her as well, and knowing that was quite upsetting. But it was thanks to this man that she was spared from her father's plan. She owed Seto a lot, and his intervention simply added to her debts, though the man had never asked for anything from her.

"Some experience, huh?" Jaden told her. "I couldn't have picked a better one."

She smirked. "Oh? I hardly think of being lied to as a nice experience."

"I fell in love along the way." He sat up and turned his head at her. "That counts as nice, you know."

"You could have told me from the start," she said, raising a brow.

He scratched the back of his head. "Are we gonna fight? Cuz I'm not too keen on the idea right now and I thought we were having a moment."

"We're having one right now. Not exactly a romantic one."

Jaden grimaced. "How about you? Why didn't you tell me you love me back then?"

Alexis threw him a puzzled look.

"That night…after we won the Pair Duel…" He lowered his head. "I kept thinking about it, kept replaying the images in my head, then I realized something. I know I'm a complete moron when it comes to this, so it took me a while to realize what you were trying to say to me that night." He bit his lower lip and closed his eyes. "But you—"

"Why do people buy cards, Jaden?" Alexis questioned him, crossing her arms. "It's not because they want to say how they feel. People buy cards because they can't say what they really feel or are afraid to. We even express ourselves through dueling." She feared rejection. She feared the pain. She had wanted to tell him so badly, but figured it was best to stay as friends—as rivals no less. And she didn't want to burden him with her feelings.

"Alexis…" he called her name softly.

"Weren't you the same?" Her expression turned thoughtful. "You kept the truth from me because you didn't want me to get hurt."

He sighed. "Yeah…I was afraid that you might hate me. I was afraid of losing your friendship, your trust…" Afraid of losing you…

She offered a small smile. "After all we've been through together, I'd be crazy enough not to trust you."

It sounded like a compliment, but he felt it was more like a warning. He leaned his head back, resting on the edge of the sofa, and stared up at the ceiling. "You'd kill me if I'd break your trust again," he muttered.

She laughed a little and nodded.

He remembered when he used to think of nothing else but dueling. He used to be the guy who didn't even know the meaning of fiancée. Alexis made an impact on his life. The girl sure impressed him with her Dueling skills, then he got to know her day by day during their years in Duel Academy, and he found her to be reliable, independent and strong. Okay, he also sort of found her intimidating. Even his dinosaur-crazy friend, Hassleberry, and his best pal Syrus thought so. But she was a good friend.

Even after Yubel and having all of his powers released, Alexis never left him. He became a different person, more serious and ruthless. He no longer cared about having fun. He also isolated himself from his friends. He felt it was best to be alone. Truth was because he was afraid of himself, of the monster he had become. He didn't want to put his friends in danger again because of him. That didn't stop Alexis though. She didn't cut corners or hesitate with him. She had expressed herself directly and made him open his eyes and his heart.

"It was worth the risk," he muttered, lifting his head, as he looked at her. "Because, you know, we're really amazing together."

Alexis flushed. He had seen it before. She looked so cute when blushing. Although she has good control over her emotions, she can be caught off guard at times. "Alexis…" His hand reached out and stroked her cheek. "I love you," he said in a soft, tender voice.

Alexis stared into those chocolate brown eyes. She could feel her pulse racing in her head.

Everything seemed to act on impulse as Jaden leaned toward her. His mouth moved on hers. She lifted her arms and snaked them around his neck. She closed her eyes and lost herself to the kiss.

To be continued…

JC: I'm not entirely sure if I should end the story on the next chapter. It really depends on how I'll go around it. It was great that I've finished up this chapter. Writer's block is dreadful, though I've been thinking of the next story I'll write. Of course, it's about Jaden and Alexis. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this. Please let me hear you comments. No FLAMES!