"Talking"
'Thinking'
Texting/ LP/ Duel Monsters or other cards name or speech
Disclaimer: I own nothing but my own creations.
As they walked back to the helicopter pad, Jaden and Silver talked quietly, deciding that what had happened in the alley should stay between them for now. They both knew that Silver's father was the key to understanding everything, and they agreed that they needed to figure out what to do about him before involving anyone else.
It was a messy situation, to say the least, and they were both a little relieved that they had a temporary truce, even if it was just until they could figure out what their next move was. Besides, Jaden was kind of hungry, and Silver knew a really good place for late-night ramen near the Slifer dorms.
Later That Night
Jaden, Syrus, and Hasselberry were a whirlwind of activity, transforming Jaden's dorm room into a makeshift staging area for the Chancellor's ball. Clothes were strewn across the bed, shoes lined up against the wall, and the air buzzed with nervous excitement. The clock ticked relentlessly, reminding them that the grand event was fast approaching.
"Alright Jaden, let's have a look," Syrus said, carefully adjusting the bow tie on his own suit. He was sporting a striking combination of blue and a dark, almost black, purple. The jacket was a deep indigo, almost swallowing him in its richness, while the trousers were a vibrant electric blue that seemed to shimmer in the dim light of the room. The contrast was bold, yet surprisingly elegant, giving him a sophisticated, almost regal air.
Jaden stepped in front of the full-length mirror, striking a pose. He was wearing a suit that was a masterpiece of tailoring. The jacket was a deep, crimson red, hugging his frame perfectly and accentuating his broad shoulders. The lapels were a contrasting black, adding a touch of darkness to the vibrant red. The trousers were also black, sleek and tailored, making his legs look miles long. The whole ensemble exuded an air of effortless cool, making him look extremely handsome.
"What do you think?" Jaden asked, turning to his friends with a nervous grin.
Hasselberry whistled appreciatively. "You look stunning, Sarge," he declared, giving Jaden a thumbs-up. Hasselberry himself was looking quite dapper in a classic black tuxedo, but with a twist. The vest and bow tie were a vibrant, sunshine yellow, adding a pop of color that reflected his cheerful personality.
"Thanks, bros," Jaden said, his smile widening. He felt a surge of confidence looking at himself in the mirror. He knew Alexis would love it.
Syrus gave Jaden a once over. "You're going to knock Alexis off her feet," he commented. "She won't be able to take her eyes off you."
"I hope so," Jaden admitted, his smile softening. He was excited and nervous at the same time. He couldn't wait to see Alexis, to finally have a night where they could relax and enjoy each other's company without any interruptions.
Hasselberry chuckled. "Don't worry, Sarge. You two are perfect for each other. Tonight is going to be amazing."
Just then, a knock echoed through the room.
"That must be your date, Jay," Syrus said, his glasses now replaced with sleek, dark contact lenses. He smoothed down his tie, giving Jaden an encouraging nod.
"Right," Jaden replied, his heart suddenly pounding in his chest. He took a deep breath and smoothed down his jacket, trying to appear calm and collected. Another knock followed, more insistent this time. "Coming!" he called out, his voice a little higher than usual.
He reached the door and pulled it open, his breath catching in his throat. Standing before him was Alexis, and she was breathtaking. She wore a stunning red and white dress, the vibrant crimson fabric cascading down her figure in elegant folds. The bodice was fitted, accentuating her slender waist, while the skirt flared out in a swirl of white, reaching just above her ankles. Delicate white lace adorned the neckline and hem, adding a touch of ethereal beauty. Her arms were encased in long, white gloves that reached just above her elbows, adding a touch of classic glamour to her already radiant look.
"Hi, Jaden," Alexis greeted, her cheeks flushed a delicate pink. She offered him a shy smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Jaden's loving smile widened. "Wow, Lex. You look like a princess," he breathed, his gaze taking in every detail of her stunning attire. He was completely mesmerized.
Alexis glanced down at her dress, a small, bashful smile playing on her lips. "Thanks. I wore this at our graduation party," she admitted, her head dipping slightly. A hint of melancholy touched her voice.
Syrus rubbed the back of his neck, a look of understanding on his face. "Yeah," he murmured softly, "you weren't there, Jay."
Jaden's smile faltered slightly, a shadow of regret crossing his features. He knew he'd missed a significant moment, a milestone in their lives, and the thought still stung. "I guess I missed a lot then," he said quietly, his gaze softening as he looked at Alexis. He reached out and gently took her hand, his touch reassuring.
Alexis, still looking down at her dress, offered a small, hesitant smile. She understood the unspoken emotions that flickered between them. The shared history, the missed moments, the bond that had somehow remained strong despite the distance. She lifted her head, her eyes meeting Jaden's, a silent message of understanding passing between them.
"Shall we?" she said softly, her voice filled with a gentle warmth. She gave his hand a slight squeeze, the gesture conveying a quiet strength and a shared desire to move forward.
Jaden's grin returned, brighter this time, a genuine expression of happiness and anticipation. He squeezed her hand back, his heart swelling with affection. "Yes," he said, his voice filled with enthusiasm, "yes, we shall." He offered her his arm, a playful glint in his eyes. "After you, my princess."
20 Minutes Later
After a pleasant walk filled with lighthearted conversation and shared excitement, they arrived at their destination. The building hosting the Chancellor's ball was a magnificent sight. It was a grand, sprawling structure, its architecture a blend of classic elegance and modern design. The facade was illuminated by soft, warm lights, casting a golden glow upon the building's intricate details. Tall, arched windows lined the front, offering glimpses of the elegantly dressed figures moving within. A long, red carpet stretched from the entrance, flanked by ornate, wrought iron lampposts that flickered with a welcoming light.
"Well, this is it," Alexis said, a hint of awe in her voice as she gazed at the impressive building.
Jaden looked at Alexis, his eyes filled with love and admiration. "Yep," he said, taking her hand in his. "Come on, Lex. Let's make this one of the best nights we ever had."
Stepping inside, they were greeted by a scene of breathtaking splendor. The ballroom was enormous, its high ceilings adorned with crystal chandeliers that shimmered and sparkled, casting a dazzling light across the room. The walls were decorated with elegant tapestries, and the polished marble floor reflected the lights like a mirror. A live orchestra played softly in the corner, filling the air with enchanting music. Guests, dressed in their finest attire, mingled and danced, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Suddenly, a familiar voice called out to them. "Jaden!"
Jaden turned to see Bastion walking towards them, looking incredibly sharp in a saffron and citrine yellow tuxedo with black accents. The unusual color combination, surprisingly, suited him perfectly, giving him a sophisticated and slightly bohemian look.
"Huh? Bastion! I didn't expect to see you here!" Jaden exclaimed with a wide smile, genuinely surprised and pleased to see his friend. He stepped forward and shook Bastion's hand warmly. "How are you?"
Bastion chuckled, a genuine, happy sound. "Hehe, surprise, I guess. I'm well. I heard about you and Alexis," he said, glancing at Alexis with a warm smile.
Jaden gave a slightly sheepish look, suddenly feeling a little self-conscious. "But why are you here?" he asked, his brow furrowing slightly. "You need a date to get into Awaikta's Ball."
"He knows that," a new voice chimed in. "Cause he has one." Tania walked over, her presence radiating confidence and grace. She was dressed in a stunning, floor-length gown. The dress was a deep emerald green, its fabric clinging to her figure in all the right places and featuring a daring slit that extended all the way up her thigh. She moved with an effortless elegance that made heads turn.
"You're…" Alexis began, her voice trailing off, too surprised to finish the sentence.
"NO WAY!" Jaden grinned, his eyes widening in delighted surprise. "Bastion, did you…?"
Bastion grinned back, a small laugh escaping his lips. "Yes," he admitted, his gaze softening as he looked at Tania. "I asked Tania to go to Awaikta's Ball with me."
Tania beamed, her eyes sparkling with affection as she wrapped her arms around Bastion in a warm embrace. "Aren't we just the cutest?" she declared, her voice filled with playful pride. You could practically see hearts popping up around her as she nuzzled Bastion's head affectionately.
Alexis smiled warmly at the happy couple. "Yes," she said sincerely, "yes, you are."
"Agreed," Jaden chimed in, his smile mirroring Alexis's. He was genuinely happy for his friends. "Now let's go see around," he suggested, his gaze sweeping across the grand ballroom. He paused, taking in the sheer scale of the place. "Whoa," he breathed, his eyes widening in amazement. "The place is huge... like a castle!"
"Come on, Jaden, let's go," Alexis said, tugging playfully on his arm. She was eager to explore the magnificent ballroom and start enjoying the evening.
Jaden laughed, shaking his head slightly at his own awe-struck reaction. "Alright, Lex," he replied, his eyes still taking in the grandeur of the surroundings.
Bastion, ever the gentleman, offered his arm to Tania with a graceful bow. "Shall we?" he inquired, a charming smile gracing his lips.
Tania giggled, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Yes," she responded, placing her hand in his.
Later...
As the orchestra played a lively waltz, a new couple entered the ballroom, their presence adding a subtle ripple to the otherwise smooth flow of the evening. Blair, her usual flamboyant style somewhat toned down for the occasion, wore a dress that was a striking blend of heather purple and fern green. The colors, though unusual, complemented each other surprisingly well, the purple shimmering like twilight while the green evoked the lushness of a hidden forest. The dress flowed gracefully around her, hinting at a more sophisticated side than she usually displayed.
"Yes, we're in!" Blair exclaimed, her gloved hands clasped together with a hint of triumph. "Going as a fake couple was brilliant. Good thinking, Chazz!"
Chazz smirked, a touch of his usual arrogance returning. He was dressed in a dark purple and emerald green suit, mirroring Blair's color scheme but with a more masculine edge. The deep purple of his jacket and trousers was offset by the vibrant emerald green of his vest and tie. Like Blair, he wore white gloves, adding a touch of formality to his already sharp attire. "Let's just hope the part where we get our REAL mates will succeed," he said, his voice low and conspiratorial.
A slight blush crept onto his cheeks as he glanced at Blair. "But in the meantime," he added, trying to sound nonchalant, "let's make our fake date LOOK real."
Blair grinned, her eyes sparkling with a mix of mischief and ambition. "Sure," she replied, a hint of playful cunning in her voice. "This way, we can avoid suspicion."
Chazz held out his hand, a gesture that was both formal and slightly hesitant. "Then," he said, his blush deepening slightly, "let's dance."
"Then," Blair replied, accepting his hand with a flourish, "let's dance."
Back With Jaden And Alexis
The music had shifted to a slower, more romantic melody. They swayed gently in each other's arms, their movements fluid and graceful.
"Hey, Lex," Jaden murmured, his voice warm and affectionate, "you want me to grab you some punch?"
Alexis blushed, her cheeks flushing a delicate rose pink. She smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Yes, please," she replied softly.
Just then, Tania approached Alexis, her emerald green gown shimmering as she moved. "You having a good time?" she asked, her voice friendly and genuinely interested.
Alexis beamed, her happiness almost radiating outward. "Yes!" she exclaimed, her smile so bright it was nearly blinding. "I've been wanting to hang out with Jaden in a place such as this for ages."
Tania glanced down at her perfectly manicured nails, then back up at Alexis. "Well, my Bastion is getting me some punch," she said, a playful lilt in her voice. "So I thought I'd just come here and chat with you while I wait."
"Oh, really? Wow! Jaden's doing the same for me!" Alexis replied, her enthusiasm bubbling over.
At that moment, Bastion and Jaden returned, each carrying two glasses of punch. "Hello, ladies," Bastion greeted, offering a glass to Tania. "Jaden and I brought you two some punch."
"Wow, thank you boys," Alexis said, accepting her glass with a grateful smile. She took a sip, her eyes closing momentarily in contentment. The sweet, fruity flavor was a refreshing counterpoint to the excitement of the evening.
From a few yards away, Blair clasped her hands together, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Chazz, you first!" she whispered, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Right, I'm going in," Chazz replied, a similar glint in his eyes. He straightened his jacket and smoothed down his hair before confidently striding towards the group. As he approached, hearts seemed to visibly form in his eyes as he gazed at Alexis. "Hello, lovely Lexi," he began, his voice dripping with exaggerated charm, "wanna dance with me?"
Jaden's face immediately hardened, his friendly expression replaced by a scowl. "Oh no! Not you again!" he growled, his voice laced with annoyance.
Chazz rolled his eyes, feigning boredom. "Relax, Jaden," he drawled, his tone dismissive. "I'm letting you off easy since we can't duel here. SHEESH. All I did was say hi." He then shifted his gaze to Bastion and Tania, his expression changing again, this time to one of mild amusement. "Hey, Bastion," he greeted, "I see you came with the Amazon chick."
"Yes, I have," Bastion replied, his voice calm and even. He turned his head to face Chazz, his expression firm. "Now, if I were you, I'd stay away from Jaden's girl."
Chazz pouted, his shoulders slumping slightly. "But I don't have a date tonight," he whined, his voice laced with self-pity.
Just then, Dr. Crowler, looking surprisingly dapper in a true purple and dark turquoise tuxedo, strolled into the conversation. The rich purple of his jacket and trousers was complemented by a vibrant turquoise vest and tie, a combination that somehow managed to be both flamboyant and sophisticated. His usual air of nervous energy was replaced by a newfound confidence. "Chazz," he said, his voice smooth and even, "the slacker IS Alexis's date."
Chazz's pout vanished, replaced by a renewed surge of anger as he glared at Crowler. "CROWLER?!" he exclaimed, his voice laced with disbelief and resentment.
Before Chazz could unleash his frustration on the former professor, Alexis stepped forward, her eyes blazing with protective fury. "YOU'D BETTER NOT TRY TO GET RID OF MY JADEN AGAIN! YOU HEAR ME?!" she exclaimed, her voice ringing with fierce determination. She wasn't about to let Crowler, or anyone else, threaten her relationship with Jaden.
Just as the tension reached its peak, Chancellor Awaikta arrived, walking up to the group from behind Crowler. He was dressed in a sleek, cobalt blue suit, the cut and style remarkably similar to those worn by a certain king from another world. The jacket was tailored to perfection, hugging his shoulders and chest, the lapels edged with a subtle, darker shade of blue. The trousers were equally well-fitted, falling straight and elegantly to his polished shoes. The deep blue of the suit complemented his warm complexion and striking features, giving him an air of regal authority. "He won't," Awaikta said firmly, his gaze fixed on Crowler. "He's changed since his suspension."
"Awesome," Alexis breathed, her eyes closing briefly as her smile widened, radiating pure happiness.
"But Crowler," Awaikta continued, his voice turning stern, "the ball I gave follows a similar code to the school dress code." He fixed Crowler with a pointed look.
Crowler clasped his hands together, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. He nodded quickly. "I know, sir. I've always followed that code."
"Oh yeah?" Chazz drawled skeptically, his gaze narrowing. "Then what happened to your pants?!"
"Hmm?" Crowler muttered, glancing down at his lower half. His eyes widened in horror. His pants, or rather what was left of them, were…missing. It appeared they had been ripped off, leaving his brightly colored underwear in full and mortifying view. His carefully constructed facade of confidence crumbled, replaced by a look of sheer panic.
"I'm SOOO snapping that!" Alexis exclaimed, quickly pulling out her phone and snapping a picture of the unfortunate scene.
"PLEASE, PLEASE, MY DIGNITY!" Crowler cried, his face turning crimson. "I'm gonna go change!" He turned and fled the scene with surprising speed, leaving the others in a mixture of amusement and disbelief.
"Whatever. See ya' Slacker," Chazz muttered, waving a dismissive hand over his shoulder as he retreated from the group.
Jaden watched Chazz's retreating form with a sigh. "Ugh," he grumbled, "what a jerk."
Just then, Silver approached, looking absolutely stunning in a gown that was a mesmerizing blend of Egyptian blue and electric blue, accented with a vibrant desire red. The base of the dress was a flowing, floor-length Egyptian blue, shimmering like a desert night sky. Overlaid was a delicate, almost ethereal layer of electric blue lace, adding depth and texture to the gown. A sash of desire red, rich and vibrant, wrapped around her waist, cinching it in and adding a pop of color that drew the eye. The gown flowed around her like liquid moonlight, showcasing her figure beautifully. She linked her arm through Chancellor Awaikta's, a sight that surprised everyone present. The Chancellor, still looking regal in his cobalt suit, smiled warmly at Silver, and the two exchanged a few quiet words with the others, their conversation a low murmur against the backdrop of the bustling ballroom.
A moment later, the music shifted, the lively tempo softening into a slow, romantic melody. Jaden gently took Alexis's arm, his eyes meeting hers with a soft, loving gaze. "Hey, Lex," he murmured, his voice warm and inviting, "it's a slow song. Come on, let's dance."
Across the room, Tania turned to Bastion, her eyes sparkling with affection. "Come on, Bastion," she said, her voice filled with playful anticipation.
"Yes, love," Bastion replied, gently taking her hand.
Awaikta, with a charming grin, extended his arm to Silver. "Shall we, Ms. Shinsaku?"
Silver giggled, her eyes sparkling with amusement and something more, a hint of affection. "Of course, Chancellor," she replied, placing her hand lightly on his arm.
As the music swelled, couples began to move gracefully across the dance floor. Jaden and Alexis swayed together, their bodies moving in perfect sync. Jaden led, his steps confident and smooth, while Alexis followed effortlessly, her dress swirling around her like a crimson dream. Their eyes were locked, their gazes filled with love and tenderness. Bastion and Tania danced nearby, their movements elegant and refined, a quiet understanding and affection evident in their every interaction. Awaikta and Silver moved with a surprising grace, their dance a picture of sophisticated charm.
"This is so romantic," Jaden murmured, his voice soft against Alexis's ear. "Don't you think so, Alexis?"
"Yes," Alexis breathed, her smile widening, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "This is how I wanted it to be."
And just as Jaden leaned in for a kiss…
"Hiii Jaden!" Blair squealed, her voice cutting through the romantic atmosphere like a knife.
Jaden groaned inwardly. "BLAIR, I THOUGHT WE TOLD YOU TO FIND ANOTHER DATE!" he exclaimed, his voice laced with exasperation. He had already had to deal with Blair earlier in the day when he went shopping for his suit, her persistent attempts to cling to him driving him to distraction.
"Yeah," Blair replied, her eyes fixed on Jaden, a wink and a sly smile accompanying her words. She placed one hand on her hip, striking a pose. "But he can't compare to YOU!"
"DON'T YOU EVER GIVE UP?!" Alexis exclaimed, her voice laced with exasperation and a hint of anger. Her expression was tight, her teeth gritted.
"NO," Blair replied stubbornly, her chin held high. "I never will!"
Just then, Chazz stepped in, grabbing Blair's arm with a sigh and a bored, almost apologetic expression on his face. "Come on, Blair," he said, his voice weary. "Let's just try to enjoy the dance, okay?"
Blair blushed, her earlier defiance softening slightly. "Okay," she murmured, allowing Chazz to lead her onto the dance floor. The two began to dance, their movements a strange mix of forced enthusiasm and underlying tension.
Jaden's jaw dropped as he watched the scene unfold. "WHAT THE...?!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief.
Chazz, noticing Jaden's reaction, shot him a warning glare. "You saw nothing, Slacker," he growled, his voice low and menacing.
Jaden, suddenly feeling a little intimidated, looked away nervously. "Oka~y," he stammered, scratching his cheek. "I don't know what that was about," he muttered to himself. He turned back to Alexis, his expression softening. "But no matter," he said, trying to regain the romantic atmosphere. "Come with me, Lex. I wanna take you somewhere."
"Sure, Jaden," Alexis replied, a slightly nervous look flickering across her face. She wasn't quite sure what Jaden had in mind, but she trusted him.
The two made their way to a secluded balcony, overlooking the sprawling Duel Academy campus. "Here we are," Jaden announced, gesturing to the breathtaking view.
Before them lay a panorama of Duel Academy. To the left stood the imposing Obelisk Dorm, its sleek lines gleaming in the moonlight. Directly ahead was the Ra Dorm, its architecture reflecting a more traditional, almost ancient aesthetic. Beyond that, the skeleton of the new Slifer Dorm was rising, a testament to the academy's ongoing expansion. Closer still stood the weathered structure of the old Slifer Dorm, a silent reminder of Jaden's own beginnings. To the right, the framework of new housing areas was taking shape, promising a future where students and staff could live permanently on the island. And in the distance, spanning the expanse of the ocean, the beginnings of a bridge to Domino City were visible, a symbol of connection and progress.
"Wow. The view is lovely," Alexis breathed, her eyes wide with admiration as she took in the scene.
Jaden turned his head to Alexis, his gaze softening as he looked at her. "Alexis..." he began, his voice gentle.
"Yes, Jaden..." she replied, turning to face him, her eyes meeting his.
"Take my hand," Jaden said, extending his hand towards her. His bangs swayed gently in the light breeze, and his eyes held a soft, gentle light, mirrored by his warm smile. "And close your eyes."
Alexis hesitated for a moment, then placed her hand in his. She closed her eyes, trusting him completely. Jaden gently drew her closer, his touch light and tender. He leaned in, his breath warm against her cheek, and then gently brought his lips to hers. The kiss was soft and sweet, a moment of quiet intimacy shared against the backdrop of the stunning view.
When they broke apart, Jaden grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Now," he said, his voice brimming with enthusiasm, "let's go dance!"
Alexis grinned back, her earlier nervousness forgotten. "With pleasure," she replied, her voice filled with excitement. "Let's go!"
1 Hour Of Hardcore Dancing Later
The music had slowed, the crowd was thinning, and the magical atmosphere of the ball was beginning to wind down. Jaden and Alexis, slightly breathless but exhilarated, found themselves near the edge of the dance floor.
"I guess this is where we leave now," Jaden said, a small, tender smile gracing his lips.
Alexis smiled back, her happiness radiating outward, her eyes closing briefly as she savored the memories of the evening. "Thanks for taking me, Jay," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "I had a lot of fun."
"I'd do anything for you, Lex," Jaden replied softly, his expression still soft and loving. "I'd even take Avian's Feather Shot for you," he added with a playful grin, referencing a particularly painful duel he'd endured.
Alexis laughed, her eyes sparkling. She wrapped her hands around his neck, drawing him closer. Jaden responded in kind, wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her close until their bodies were touching. Their kiss was hot and passionate, a culmination of the romantic evening and the deep affection they shared. It was a kiss that spoke of love, trust, and a connection that transcended words.
When they finally parted, Alexis grinned, her eyes shining brightly. "Bye, Jaden," she whispered, her voice filled with love. "I love you too."
End of Chapter 14
Author's Note: Hope you enjoyed! See you in the next one!
Bye loves,
Slivia