Don't forget love is the most twisted curse - 16

A/N: Not gonna lie, this chapter was a real struggle for me, and I didn't want to start over. Please bear with me cause this chapters feels like a mess (No it definitely is a mess). It's a jumble of ideas that came out while I was working on it, both sober and under the influence of THC. I'm sorry if the quality seems off or the plot feels forced or not even making sense at all. This bullshit of a chapter will only be for this chapter… at least I fucking hope so.

Update on other works: I've written 3.3k words for the other fanfic novel and plan to expand it to 5-8k words before uploading. No updates for Arifertia side.

Update status: I've started working 40 to 50 hours a week now 🥹, trying to pay off student loans (All in one go method). I'm not sure how much free time I'll have for writing going forward. But I intend to improve my writings. On that side note. I have to watch Yu-gi-oh 5ds 

Questions for you all: Do you prefer double spacing or single spacing between paragraphs?

Honestly, I have no idea for any good title for this chapter. So, I just inputted this in as I recalled a jjk quote.

***

"This is… a fucking marriage contract." Gojo said, pointing at the form paper he was supposed to sign.

Atticus, looking almost too innocent, replied, "I know. What's the issue? The contract seems fine, right?" 

"You can't be serious. Is this what you meant by 'in paper'—"

Before Gojo could finish his protest, a strange force seized his right hand and guided it toward the pen, as if he was possessed. Ink flowed smoothly across the page, and Gojo's signature appeared on the contract in mere seconds, his horror escalating with every moment.

A cold sweat trickled down his spine. He considered severing his arm to stop the process but couldn't bring himself to traumatize Alexis and Atticus. Reluctantly, he allowed the force to complete its work.

Once the signing was done, the force vanished. Gojo stared at the contract, bewildered. Is this some trick by that shitty R.O.B.? His six eyes revealed nothing of what force was happening to him.

"Oh, thank goodness!" Atticus chirped. "I was worried you might not sign it."

Gojo shot him a glare. "Yeah, like I had a choice..."

Atticus waved it off. "Then it must be some form of 'canon event,'" he said, knowing exactly what had transpired.

That phrase hit Gojo like a punch to the gut. "Canon event." The words echoed in his mind, sending another shiver down his spine. Slowly he was overthinking it.

Atticus, noticing Gojo's state, smiled and checked the contract. "Perfect. I'll send this to our parents."

Atticus snapped a photo of the document and sent it, while Gojo's mind raced, trying to process the bizarre events. He convinced himself it must be some altered episode influenced by his presence in this world.

As Gojo struggled to process this, Dark Magician Girl appeared beside him in her spirit form. Floating beside him, cupping her cheeks and swinging her legs.

[Hubby, what's wrong? It's just a piece of paper, right?]

Seeing her popped up, Gojo sighed; recalling the countless times Dark Magician Girl had eagerly nudged and suggested that Alexis would be a perfect match for him. She would never stop talking about how great it would be to have a human wife, and it was obvious from her tone that she supported the concept wholeheartedly. Even though she and Gojo are married.

"Yeah, I guess," Gojo muttered.

[Then are you going to accept it?!] Her voice was gentle yet encouraging, making Gojo uneasy. She leaned in closer, her expectant eyes locked onto his.

[Didn't you already see me sign it? Hell, I was even forced to—] Gojo's thoughts trailed off as he turned to face her.

Did she? She wouldn't… But… Dark Magician Girl had been unusually quiet throughout the day.

And If it was her, she would have most likely used The Shadow Game method…

Dark Magician Girl tilted her head while reading his thoughts, barely suppressing a smile as she tried to maintain an innocent look. Seeing her feigned ignorance, Gojo was certain of her involvement. Despite his growing suspicions, he decided to let it slide.

After all, it was his own greed that had led him to this situation. He had accepted this duel out of habit, not realizing the consequences. Despite his realization, Gojo chose to let things play out, even if it went against his nature to let others decide for him.

It wasn't like him to do so without a fight. After all, he knew Alexis well enough that she wouldn't let this slide, Gojo thought, a wry smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Speaking of which, why is she so quiet?

~

Alexis watched her brother's smug satisfaction settle heavily on her shoulders. So, this is really happening, she thought, realizing Atticus was working with their parents to push Gojo into this marriage. She understood their reasoning—the contract might solve a lot of family issues—

Her gaze shifted to Gojo, who had been reluctantly coerced into signing the contract. His expression was a mixture of disbelief and confusion as he stared at his right hand, Probably Dark Magician Girl… Alexis thought.

Yet, as unsettling as it was, part of her found the idea of marrying Gojo unexpectedly appealing.

Still while watching Gojo sign the contract, Alexis felt a surprising flutter in her chest as she bit lit lips. The thought of marrying Gojo—

Her mind began to drift, and the room around her blurred and faded as her imagination took over. She pictured walking down the aisle beside Gojo, his hand firmly gripping hers. She saw rings on their fingers, her head resting on his shoulder, and the two of them basking in a beautiful moment. And their children ran around them, playing joyfully, while she wore the most satisfied smile on her face.

What the hell am I imagininnnnnng? she questioned her own sanity, her cheeks flushing with warmth. She quickly tried to banish the fleeting visions and glanced back at Gojo. As strange as it felt, the idea of being with him didn't seem as absurd as it once did. In fact, it was almost…comforting. The vision of another version of herself, content and happy by his side, lingered in her mind.

Alexis swallowed hard, her heart racing with a mix of anxiety and excitement. She wanted that! She had always prided herself on her independence, yet now she found herself imagining a future with him—something she had never seriously considered before. The thought of waking up next to Gojo and Dark Magician Girl, of building a life together, felt oddly good.

"Alexis?" Gojo's voice brought her back to reality.

~~~

Gojo, having finished contemplating the realization that Dark Magician Girl was behind his forced signature, managed a small, almost annoyed smile despite the situation.

"Alexis?" Gojo called out. "How do you feel about all this? I'm surprised you haven't—"

His words trailed off as he saw Alexis's expression. She looked at him with a faint blush coloring her cheeks, a mix of confusion and longing in her eyes. Her carefully built walls were beginning to crumble, her heart racing as she came to terms with what she wanted.

Silence filled the room. Alexis's gaze darted between him and the contract he had just signed, while Atticus, engrossed in his phone, remained oblivious to the charged atmosphere.

Finally, Alexis took a deep breath, "I know this sounds crazy, but the more I think about it, the less it seems like a bad idea. What if... you and I..."

Gojo's eyes widened in genuine surprise. He couldn't believe his ears and found himself momentarily speechless. After all, Alexis was the type of person who pursued independence.

Tilting his head, he pondered deeply. The idea of a future with Alexis had crossed his mind before, but never in this specific context.

He had always enjoyed teasing her and valued her company, but this was different. Now that she had implied she was open to the arrangement, Gojo needed to think things through. After all, he had never abandoned his goal of traveling to another world and wondered what a jujutsu sorcerer was supposed to do in a duelist's card game world.

But Gojo had grown somewhat fond of Alexis and didn't want to lose her. He had maintained a close connection with her but not crossed that line with her, even with Dark Magician Girl's obvious approval of the idea.

"If you're fine with this, then I have nothing to say." Gojo leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. "I honestly thought you'd reject this outright. I never expected you'd be open to it."

Alexis blinked, taken aback by his acceptance. "Wait, so you're okay with this?"

"Yeah, why not? You want to settle with me, even though I'm a terrible person," he joked. Despite the unexpected turn of events, he felt a strange sense of happiness at the idea of moving forward with her and Dark Magician Girl.

Alexis raised an eyebrow, half-amused, half-irritated. "Really?" If he was considered a terrible pick then what about the other guys? She would rather stay single for life if that was the case.

Most boys would have jumped at the chance to be with her without hesitation, but Gojo was different. His nonchalant attitude and understanding of her made him stand out. Even though he accepted, he wasn't overly excited, enthusiastic or dramatic about it.

On the flip side, many girls would have jumped at the chance to be with Gojo. Actually, scratch that—Alexis recalled Gojo's interactions with others, some of whom could even rival her in just appearance. But they were always brushed off aside with his casual statement, "Who are you, extras?!" This usually ruined their first impression of him—only to be reignited after witnessing his incredible dueling skills.

She reflected on Gojo's qualities: his handsomeness, charm, and unmatched dueling skills. His willingness to go to great lengths for those he cared about—even if he didn't always show it—outweighed any flaws in her eyes. Today, she was feeling particularly biased.

~

Her thoughts drifted back through their history—how they first met, their moments, and everything that had led to this point. She recalled their early interactions and how Gojo had been, quite literally, mean to everyone. Despite that harsh demeanor, he had saved her, her brother, and her friends.

Alexis had always considered Gojo a close friend. Though she was beginning to develop deeper feelings for him, she had tried to resist any romantic involvement, fearing it would complicate her path as a professional duelist. Despite her resistance, Dark Magician Girl's playful suggestions and reassurances about their potential relationship had begun to weaken her resolve.

And that infuriatingly smug smile of his—oh, how it made her want to punch him whenever he teased her after a loss in a duel. Just when she was on the verge of winning, she'd end up losing. Despite the frustration, she couldn't deny the thrill of their duels and the way his presence made her heart race.

And then… Gojo's selfless act of spending his entire fortune to help her acquire the Mikanko cards. He went broke with a smile, believing those cards would elevate her to one of the best duelists. This act of kindness was unforgettable, a core memory that brought both disbelief and guilt when Dark Magician Girl revealed the extent of his action.

As an attempt to repay Gojo, Alexis offered him money, cards, and assets—every gesture met with his absolute refusal. Despite his refusal, she improvised, so she cooked for him and forcibly invited him to join her and her friends on outings. She was extremely determined to show him gratitude in any way she could. Hell, she even kissed him! That was her first kiss! Though it had left her feeling even more conflicted.

Now, with a chance to deepen their relationship, Alexis knew she would regret passing it up. Torn between her ambitions and her growing feelings for Gojo, she chose the latter.

~~~

Meanwhile, Atticus and Dark Magician Girl were internally celebrating their success.

Atticus, overly pleased with the outcome, interrupted in an annoyingly cheerful tone. "Perfect! You two look like a lovely couple. As per promise the money will be transferred to your new joint account set up by my family!"

Gojo's attention snapped to the mention of money. This whole mess had started because he wanted the funds. After going through that ordeal, Atticus and Alexis had to explain everything to Gojo about how this type of arrangement worked, given his cluelessness about the process, they thoroughly explained how the Rhodes family would be using his name and etc etc.

As hidden cameras recorded the moment, Atticus's meticulous planning, supported by Alexis's parents, came to fruition. With a press of a button, they finalized the last step, transferring $100,000 into a newly established joint bank account under Alexis and Gojo's names.

Given the Rhodes family's connections and resources, they could complete everything immediately. They obtained a marriage certificate without needing a formal ceremony.

Once they wrapped up everything that needed to be addressed.

"So, does that mean I'm officially married now?" Gojo asked, trying to make sense of it all. He had seen Kaiba's signature as his guardian in that contract and wondered how the hell they got Kaiba involved, but he no longer cared.

Atticus shrugged. "It's just a change in status—from single to married. I wasn't kidding when I said you're getting paid to do nothing. And despite what you might think, nothing between you two is going to change. Unless—" He flashed a sly grin, raising his eyebrows suggestively.

"Yeah, you can stop now. I'm leaving," Gojo said, standing up and grabbing Alexis's hand. He led her out of the room, with Dark Magician Girl floating happily behind them, humming a cheerful tune.

***

A/N: Kaiba's name is registered in that contract as Gojo's guardian. I was going to put some more details in there then realize I'm cooked. My brain could not keep up with making this chapter. So I deleted that whole section and whatever nonsense.

A/N: Alexis doesn't need to sign, as her information was all filled up by her parents. Case closed. Normal laws and common sense don't apply here.

***