You helped out Stella pick a bikini. What next? Though does something seem off at all?

Enjoy.

~~~~~

It was the day of the pool with some light training going with it. After lunch there was a bus to take everyone down. This was pretty cool. You sat next to Elise as it drove down with Ikki and Stella sitting in front of you. 

"Excited?" Asked Elise softly.

"You know I am." You nod.

"So, what's her room like?" She smirked.

"It's a double dorm..." You blush.

"Does her bed smell like her? Couch smell like perfume? Anything? Ya know..."

"Couch yes. Picked out a swimsuit. That was it."

"Awww. So you're close."

"She said she couldn't ask Ikki..."

"Oh... hold on. Let me think." Elise looked over and it looked as if Stella was taking a nap for the bus ride. Not bad. This was good for both of you. "Ikki knows right? About your secret that is."

You nod. "Yeah."

"He said good luck or?"

"Basically."

"Okay. So how about this. You compliment her and just talk and swim. Just get closer. Play it cool. And I know it's hard but don't stare at her chest."

"That's a trouble for both of us isn't it Elise."

"Hehe. So true." She giggled.

"Alright. Now to mentally prepare."

"Don't poop yourself thinking too hard."

"Uhhh, you worry me sometimes."

"I know right? But really it's awesome having a straight guy best friend. Though if you meet another babe can you pass her on?"

"I'll relay it..."

~~~~~

You changed into your swimsuit and felt okay with yourself. Looking around there are a lot of guys but the girl to boy ratio is 7:3 which was more comforting. Though looking at Ikki and his students it just in your mind you might just get a moment or two with her.

"Hey there." Chimed Stella to you and the small group.

"Wow. Right call?" You ask seeing her changed into the swimsuit you suggested.

"I like it."

"For the love of decency." Shizuku mumbled.

"I will say though pipsqueak you look cute." Said Stella.

"Ah. Girls." Alice stepped in the middle. "Now-now, this isn't the time for that. We're here for fun right? Let us soak in today and not argue." Alice smiled and stepped back. To everyone's surprised both of them backed off.

After the moment of silence you thought you'd try again. "Really though Stella you look great."

"Thank you. I was glad that someone noticed. I overthink when I shop."

"Stella are you just indecisive because anything works for you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Outside the obvious colors of yellow, green, orange, and certain reds maybe, can't you wear basically anything?"

"Well, I never say it like that?" She smiled not knowing what else to say.

"Come on. How often you look in the mirror?"

"A lot? I don't know."

"Exactly. Come on. Let's have a swim. I think this could be a good exercise about feeling the body." A look over at Ikki. "Control right?"

"Correct. Feel the movements and find your center." He nodded.

"Now only if I could punch and shatter a rock I know I own Sune. Oh well." You chuckle. "I'm heading in the water. Anyone joining me?"

"I think all of us." Agreed Alice.

"Hey Roomie. Mind if I mingle?" Asked Elise.

"Go tackle the babes. Tread lightly. How's that?" A joke with sincere meaning. You were hoping to have time with Stella, Shiziku was going to be with her brother (CONCERN INTENSIFY! Seriously I can't joke about suicide but if I could I'd be like Oi! Bartender. Clorox over ice. Thank ya and ga'nite!), Ikki be with his students, and so why not have Elise try and see who swings the other way. Swimsuits was her perfect mixer.

While your roommate went to go and play the field you went into another pool that all of the students weren't occupying. It had this palm-tree sprinkler that showered over in one corner. You felt the water temperature with your foot and then jumped right in. No cannonball or fancy dive just jumping in. Felt the water temperature rush to your skin to adjust to the conditions and raised your head above the surface. 

"How is it?" Asked Stella. You couldn't process everything at the moment. You just gave a thumbs up. Eyes still closed and thinking about all of it. "Coming in." She sat at the edge to get her feet in. Then pushed off to get submerge. Came up quickly and giggled. "It's warmer than I thought."

"Yeah. I'm used to thinking it being so much colder. The North Sea is something else. I feel that this is so much nicer. I can't believe I'm here."

"You okay (FN)?" She asked.

"I'm great. Water feels better in a pool."

"I'm surprised the others haven't shown up. You know, the pool is empty besides us."

"I guess it's just the two of us. Can't say I can complain."

"True. Though I have to say thanks for coming along. I'm not part of his class so it is kind of awkward."

"Tricks versus power scale. I get it. But at the end of the day the crowd thing is new to me. I've done most of my training alone. Small groups I like. Crowds are just uneasy."

"I got it. Though Elise doesn't seem to mind. And you were in the mall with us. What was going through your head?"

"Well there is like 50 of us here and it was six of us at the mall. Big difference."

"Oh. I get it now. Though I'm surprised really. Well at first I was. Now I get the whole understanding. That being said I had this feeling you would be like the other guys and talk to the girls."

"Uhhh, what for?"

"Oh come on. You haven't noticed the pretty girls?"

"Well, yeah. What about them?"

"Have your eye on one?"

"Not exactly..."

"Oh come on. I know it's not Elise. It better not be Alice or Shiziku."

"No. No. No... Don't worry. That's obvious..."

"Seriously? You can't tell me who you're going for?"

"Well... it's complicated."

"I'll tickle it out of you."

Oh-no!...

~~~~~

Well well. I'm going to sip tea and see what Vermillion tickles feel like. Good luck.

-Rel