"Struggling With Feelings"

By: Justin T. Melanson

Author's Note: Sorry for the short introduction, I just felt it appropriate to end it on a cliffhanger is all. I have decided to have the perspectives switch in each chapter from the POV's of Athena and Kensou, that way you all get both sides of the story, and hopefully it ends up working.

Disclaimer: I do not own King of Fighters, or any of the characters involved in this fanfic. All characters are the sole property and rights of SNK Playmore, Inc.

Chapter 2: Old Friends Talking

That same day, Kensou was also on his way home, however, unlike Athena, he wasn't walking, he was being driven instead. While he didn't show his emotions when he waved at Athena on the way by, inside he was not feeling quite like his usual, happy self. Sadly, he sighed to himself as his old friend Robert Garcia, drove them home, his thoughts drifted from when he passed Athena earlier, he had noticed her blush a bit before she completely disappeared from sight.

Robert, sensing that his friend was sad, decided to try and talk to him.

"Is there something the matter, Kensou?" he asked inqusitively.

"No, it's nothing," said Kensou with a sigh.

"Oh don't give me that," said Robert with a slightly stern tone, "I can read you like a book, it's that Athena girl, isn't it?"

"How the hell did you know that?" asked Kensou, surprised, Robert laughed.

"Come now Kensou, we've been friends for a long time, I see the starry-eyed look you give her every time we pass her on the way to Chin's place." he said.

"Oh, right, that," said Kensou, "Yeah, you do know me well, and also know of my long time crush on Athena too."

"Mmmhmm, I know that feeling, I've been in love with Yuri since I laid eyes on her myself." Robert said in an empathetic tone.

"Yeah," Kensou nodded in agreement, "I guess we're both doomed to never be with the ones we love huh?"

"You got that right kid," said Robert, "Come on, let's go get a soda and talk."

"Good idea," said Kensou.

Robert then spotted a local variety store that was right around the bend from the place where Chin, Bao and Kensou resided, though Bao was absent on account of Chin sending him to China to go train and hone his powers again, his schooling also came with the package as well.

He then pulled up and got out of his car, Kensou joined him. The two went inside the small store, and immediately went over to the soda coolers. They picked out their favorite brand, and Robert paid the proprietor. They then got out and sat on a nearby bench, which amazingly was not caked with ice or snow and opened up.

"So tell me, what exactly were you thinking?" asked Robert as he took a sip of his soda.

"Honestly, I don't know," said Kensou as he took a swig of his own, "I love Athena, but at the same time, am I pursuing a lost cause? Seriously, I've been trying to get her to give me a chance for years, I feel ready to give up."

"Nah, don't say that," said Robert as he took another swig of his soda, "Trust me on this one, your persistence will pay off. I get this feeling it'll be any day now that she comes around."

"Wait, how can you tell?" asked Kensou as he chugged more soda down..

"Instinct," said Robert affirmatively, "Just trust me on this one."

"Okay," said Kensou as he finished his soda off.

"You'll thank me later for this," said Robert as he finished his soda off, "Ahh, anyway, let's get you home, don't want Chin getting worried."

With that, Robert went and started the car, and Kensou hopped in immediately afterward. Less than five minutes later, Kensou was home, and upon entering, rushed to his room and while he thought about doing his homework, he decided it could wait, he hopped onto his bed, closed his eyes, and let his thoughts drift elsewhere for a while...