Let's get something wholesome and sweet. And not donuts at wholesale. Haha.

Enjoy.

~~~~~

It was always relaxing to take a day off of combat. Classes were over and Ikki was going to go teach and mentor his private class.

"Ikki?" Asked Stella calling him at the door.

"What's up Stella?" He asked looking over his shoulder.

"You're leaving right?"

"Yeah. I'll gone for a bit."

"Well I was thinking." She started poking her index fingers against each other. "About..."

"Yeah?"

"I wanted to see if (FN) was..." She was too nervous to be out with it.

Ikki chuckled. "If you want him over go for it. And if I can get the shower before dusk that would be cool if possible."

"Yeah. Sure Ikki. Hot water." Why was Stella so flustered about all of this? It wasn't like there was an open area that the two of you could get any peace.

"Alright. Enjoy yourselves. Tell him I said hello."

"Okay Ikki. I'll see you tonight." Stella waved and then took a breath. It's clean in here right?

She looked around the room and had gotten up from the sofa. Looking for little of anything just to pick at and say it isn't ideal. Laundry, soap in the bathroom, dirty dishes, and the works. Stella was trying so hard to find dirt or dust. Which the funny part was you didn't care. It was really just to please herself. Then she decided that it was best to call you. Which by the way she was acting was any guess at this point.

< Hello? > You picked up the phone.

"Hi (FN). I hope I'm not bothering you right now." Cooed Stella.

< No you're good. What's going on? >

"Me? Oh nothing. Just, cooking. Besides that I don't think much. Yourself?"

< Meeting Elise's new friend Marimow. She's with us now. >

"Oh. So you are busy."

< I'm just in my dorm. That's all. What's on your mind? >

"Well Babe, it's just I thought that you could, you know. Come over and spend time with me. Just what lovers do."

< I'll be right over. >

"What!?" She gasped. "I mean-" She cleared her throat. "Can't wait. Just let yourself in."

< Alright. Bye now Stella. >

"Bye (FN)." She hung up the phone and exhaled. "Why am I so bad at this?" She complained.

Over on your end you put your phone in your pocket and smile. It's a good day now. Kicking back after working hard, Sune hasn't bothered you, roommate is happy, and Stella is inviting you over for food apparently. It's an awesome day.

You get up from your chair and wave to the girls. "Alright girls. I'm heading out for a while."

"Kay Roomie. Take care. Good luck." Called Elise.

"You as well. No yuri on the couch woman."

"What about the couch?"

"Wash it when you're done. Later." You chuckled as you shut the door and head out. Time to see how the lady is doing. All in good fun and effort.

You go to walked out of your dorm Alice is right there leaning back on the railing. "Hello Honey."

"Hey Alice." You greet while stunned.

"Do you have a moment?"

"Yeah. Everything okay?"

Alice frowned. "I wanted to ask you that. The battles are coming up soon. You and Ikki are alike. Both have to put on that face."

"What face?" You asked her.

"What is it that makes you so tough? The matter of fierce energy I feel inside of you. It is more than your half brother. So tell me, what is it?"

"Alice I take it you're ready for a harsh one."

"Yes I am." She agreed.

"I am the first of three sons of the Viking known as Erick Von (LN). He is a great fighter and did serve royalty. I have no royal ties but certain men such as my father are treated with a certain courtesy that others don't get." Now to really get into the gritty part of it. "As they say for centuries great men love to indulge. My father had an affair with another woman. Sune and I are the same age. When they found the mistress and my mother were pregnant my father had to choose which one to be with. Sune's mother got picked. So my mother and Erick Von divorced and his mother married him the next day. My mother tries to hide and say other stories but I know the truth. My father is scum and so is Sune. I know physically I will never be stronger than those two men. But I know damn well I am smarter, wiser, quicker, and outside of their strength and muscles I am better. Here I can finally showcase it. No one being written off. No more holding back. I just hope I can do it."

Alice shook her head. "You know you can. The two of you have been hurt so badly to the point where you don't get the hints. And that's why you have a girlfriend now who can recognize them. See into that armor of yours."

"Armor..."

"Sweetie strength is nothing but tolerance. Our brain knows when we reach our limits. It's a smoke signal to your emotions. But you boys barely see it anymore."

"Huh..."

"You've been in the fire for so long you don't see the smoke signals anymore. I just know something and I want you to listen carefully."

"Yes. What is it?"

"Stella is someone who you can really open up to. A person who can see those signs and knows what's best for you. Maybe you haven't seen the feelings but I have."

"Alice?"

Alice reached over and gave you a hug. "Be well and take care of Stella Honey. As your friend you deserve all of the support. Now before your battle is announced or you go train again, make it known to her how much she means to you. It will only allow for things to get better."

You nod. "Thank you Alice. I will."

From the top of the dorm building a tiny woman waving her fan had the giggles. "Hehe. I have to keep my eyes on this one too. Have to see what the kid has got."

~~~~~

Who's the woman? What else does Alice know? And what the hell is Stella thinking...

-Rel