Chapter 2

Noctis' car was something only rich people could own. She knew that the first time she had sat on its interior. The seats were covered in black leather. The car did not have an air freshener—it wasn't really necessary—which she approved of greatly. The artificial smell just did not bode well with her. She did not know why though. The chassis was a sleek black, and the hood as well as the trunk was shined to perfection. She got the feeling he took care of it too much. She sat on the passenger seat, staring out through the window at the buildings and various shopping malls that rose up to greet them on either side. She was a native of this city, had practically lived here all her life. She had grown up and gone to the local schools here.

"Do we need music?" Noctis inquired nonchalantly, tapping a steady finger against the stirring wheel as the traffic lights up ahead reflected the color red.

"Do you want to listen to some music?" She asked curiously, tilting her head at him.

"That depends on the quality." He smirked, reaching for the radio dial and pressing a button.

Trouble, trouble maker, yeah that's your middle name oh

I know you're no good but you're~—

He changed stations as Stella watched him with amusement.

Talk dirty to me~—

He pressed the button with urgency this time that it made her want to snicker.

If you don't wanna take it slow

And you just wanna take me home~—

"Noctis?" She asked, interrupting him from his moment of annoyance with the songs playing in every FM station he would manage to chance upon.

"Yeah?" He asked, brows furrowing at the song blasting through his speakers.

—~Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

And let me kiss you~

"Damn it! What's with all the upbeat music?" He grumbled, giving up and switching the radio off, turning his gaze forward to glare at the yellow light before it shifted green and they were off.

Stella blinked at his exasperated question. "It's to brighten people's moods for when they head home." She explained as if it were the most natural answer of all, remembering the lessons she took in radio broadcasting back when she was in freshman year.

Noctis actually smirked at that. "Only you would know something like that."

"Every media practitioner should." She smiled at him.

They were close to her residential area now, and Noctis drove around the area expertly, knowing where to turn and which shortcuts to take. It didn't take long before he hit the brakes and the car had stopped just outside her house, where it rose at two-stories high—definitely not a rival to his, she was sure. The green lawn looked freshly mowed and Stella guessed her little brother was out doing random chores again. She sighed at the thought of that, knowing their mother would be pleased or mortified. It all depended on what Stefan took care of.

"What is it?" He asked, breaking her out of her reverie.

"Just my brother." She answered with a knowing smirk as she moved to unbuckle her seat belt. She briefly leaned the back of her head against the rest and turned her head to stare at him.

No words left her mouth when he leaned over the console and slowly placed his lips against hers. Stella shuddered at the contact. Kissing Noctis was still something she hadn't gotten used to. It still made her shiver pleasantly whenever he would do it, and as if in answer, her free hand went up to the back of his neck, slowly running her fingers through the spiky black hair jutting out. One of his hands reached up to stroke her cheek. She responded to his kiss and was fairly sure they were making out by now. She sighed in contentment when he pulled away and rested his forehead against hers, noses brushing.

"I'll see you tomorrow then?" He whispered, his breath heavy on her lips.

She nodded in affirmation, leaning in to give his lips a quick kiss.

"Be careful." She murmured.

"Sure thing."

She was getting out of his car just when the front door opened to reveal her mother coming out to put away the trash. She held a large black bag in one hand, her blonde hair tied back in a pony tail. When she caught sight of Stella, a smile teased at the corners of her mouth, but her lips immediately thinned out in a line when she caught sight of the car parked near their driveway. She knew that her daughter was in a relationship with the Caelums' son, but that did not mean she and her husband had approved of the match. She watched as her daughter closed the door, smiled at the man behind the wheel, and finally turned her back to approach the freshly mowed lawn. Her eyes followed the sleek black vehicle as it took off down the street and out of sight.

"Good evening, Mom." Stella greeted cheerfully, leaning closer to give her mother a kiss on the cheek.

"How was school, Stella?" She asked, following the nineteen-year old as she sauntered inside the house and into the kitchen.

"It was all right, I suppose. A bit hectic." Stella smiled slightly, grabbing an apple from fruit basket to take with her to her room. "I'm off to do some homework."

Her house was simple, pastel painted and trimmed with white and lit with fluorescent lights—just like any other economic home. Stella was passing through the living room, and caught an amusing sight of her teenaged brother watching television sprawled on the couch with his textbooks on the coffee table. He was supposed to give off the impression of being studious, but it just wasn't working. His hair was disheveled, and she doubted he actually cared. She just shook her head without a word of greeting to him and ascended the stairs and entered her meager room.

She changed out of her clothes first before settling on the bed, taking out her phone, and deciding to give Ali a call. Crossing her legs on the sheets, she pressed number three on her speed dial and placed the phone to her ear, listening to the tell tale ring. Her friend picked up on the third ring.

"Hiya Stella." Came the cheerful reply.

"Ali, I have great news." She smiled.

"Did you talk to one of them, then?" Her friend blurted out, excitement leaking out of her voice; eager to finish their assignment.

"To Cloud. If things work out as they should, we're meeting somebody soon, I hope. He'll tell me if anything comes up." She nodded, digging into her bag for her textbook and the pad of paper she kept in there along with her pen.

"Perfect!" Ali cheered. "I have half a mind to celebrate."

Stella chuckled at that. "Not just yet. We haven't even started."

"Yeah, but we're there!" Ali hissed. "So what's up?"

"Homework due in Wednesday and tomorrow." She explained, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I'll see you tomorrow and we'll talk more, Al. G'night."

She could almost picture her friend nodding enthusiastically at their fortune. "Sure thing. See ya, Stella."

The line went dead after that and Stella was left to fester in the silence of her room and the muffled noises of activity coming from downstairs. The neighborhood was actually very quiet, and she would not have wanted it any other way. Her mind was clear enough to ponder on some thoughts. Their investigative journalism assignment hadn't started yet, but she was mindful of the results and the risks they were putting themselves in. Of course, she was fully aware of the dangers, but danger was a part of every career one chose. Especially in her field, that she knew. What good would it do her and Ali to investigate a topic that did not need the investigating? She did not know if any of her classmates had come up with anything yet, but she and Ali were going to see their professor tomorrow to secure the topic and assure no duplication. Her parents didn't need to know. They were quite uncomfortable of the career she had chosen to learn, but that did not mean they would not support her in her wishes. She could do it, and they knew. And since her parents weren't ones to pry unless it was absolutely necessary, she figured they were going to be fine. Noctis should not be a problem unless he found out. Etro knows what the man would do to talk her out of a dangerous idea.

It's not that she did not appreciate Noctis' protectiveness, she actually admired him for it. It was just that it was suffocating sometimes. She pressed the blunt end of the pen against her chin in thought when the sound of a car approaching their driveway broke her train of thoughts. Her father was home.

vVvVv

School had started fine that morning. Her first class was at eighty-thirty in the morning. She left the house at seven-thirty, dreading a walk to the bus stop and wait for the 7AM bus that usually came around her street on time when she figured out she did not need to. Parked by the side of an empty residential lot was a sleek black car she knew all too well. Her first thought had been to wonder what Noctis' business was so early in the morning. She knew for a fact that his first class started at ten. The guy had an excuse to sleep in, so what was he doing near her home? Of course, it didn't take long for the vehicle to drive at a considerable speed next to her and the driver's window rolled down to reveal Noctis' easy smirk.

So yes, she had ridden with him to school, turned up early for her first class and dutifully handed over her homework. Her Tuesday morning wasn't very troublesome and she actually found herself appreciating it. So by the time lunch hour rolled in, she was sitting in one of the tables littered around the cafeteria, subconsciously chewing on her cheese sandwich. Noctis sat next to her, picking at his food as if he had no desire to eat it. It should have been queer that he was the only male in a table full of girls, but he did not care. Ali wouldn't let him hear the end of it though.

"Everything all right, Stella?" A soft voice asked and she peeked up from under her blonde bangs to regard Aerith with a curious gaze.

The brunette didn't belong in the same college department as she did, but Aerith was a close friend from high school days. The sweet girl was taking up a teaching career, and Stella thought the choice did fit her personality and skills. Aerith would make a great teacher. It in turn made her wonder if she could manage to be a successful journalist; at least achieve revealing concealed and evil acts to the public eye to try and make the world a better place before someone murdered her.

"I'm fine." She smiled, and caught Noctis' inquiring gaze off to the side.

"Enjoying senior year then?" Aerith asked with a charming smile, folding her table napkin daintily.

"Cannot wait to graduate like everyone else." Alisha answered for her. Her black hair was tied in a braid today and it was definitely queer watching her friend try a new hairstyle.

Noctis shook his head at that. "Don't think so. Graduating means finding a job and earning a living."

Stella rolled her eyes at that. "Not all of us have pots of cash at our disposal."

Noctis merely smirked smugly.

"It's an excuse because he's too much of a lazy ass to actually work." Alisha piped up, and grinned with ill humor as Noctis glared at her. "Face it, Pretty Boy. You're practically married to your bed sheets." Ali pointed out.

Noctis rolled his eyes. "I don't see you coming to school on time."

"Are you stalking me?" Alisha gasps, a hand to her chest as she dramatically feigns mortification.

"You would love that, wouldn't you Ali?" He smirked, and folded his arms across his chest. "I would gladly indulge your fantasy, but I have enough stalking to do as it is with Stella."

Stella shot him a glare. Did he...? Was he really stalking her? A faint blush crept to her cheeks.

"Oh, so you're a pervert now too?" Alisha shot back, cocking an eyebrow at him.

"I never implied anything dirty." Was the bland response.

Stella and Aerith could only watch with amusement as the two bickered. Sometimes, she wondered if her best friend and her boyfriend could go at it all day.

"Sure you didn't." Ali rolled her eyes. "You just probably bugged her entire house to watch her every move." She pointed an accusing finger at Noctis. "You were watching her dress, weren't you?"

By that time, Stella was turning red as a tomato. She was going to utter an indignant retort and to make the two stop, but Noctis beat her to it.

"Wow Ali." He blinked, smug and thoroughly amused. "What an imagination. Going a little overboard, aren't we?" He shook his head.

"I don't need an imagination to figure out your hidden motives." Ali stuck her tongue out at him.

"Very mature, Alisha." Stella rolled her eyes.

"Accusing me of such acts could only have the possibility that you were doing them yourself. Those haven't even crossed my mind." He grinned at her.

Stella reached out and laid a hand on Noctis' arm. This idiocy had to stop. She raised her other hand at Ali's face, saving Noctis from whatever horrid answer had been lurking in her mouth. The bell rang at that moment and Aerith was the first to bid them goodbye with a laugh at their previous antics. Alisha rolled her eyes and bid Stella goodbye as well, sending her a knowing look that they would talk later about their project and she nodded once to confirm. When all had gone, she got to her feet as well, just as Noctis handed her the shoulder bag.

They were classmates for their next class, and as they made their way out of the lunch room, it wasn't so out of the ordinary that they received second glances from a few students. The ones who were too nosy to mind their own business.

"Mind if we stop by my locker? Just need to grab some things." He asked, and she nodded.

The classroom was surprisingly devoid of flying papers when she and Noctis came in. Usually, their rowdy classmates were bickering hence the paper fights, but today looked to be calm enough. Without much ado, she and Noctis proceeded to claim their seats at the third row. He claimed the desk next to hers and gave her a knowing look just as the teacher walked in. He was tall and bald and very strict—not that she cared.

"Get ready to suffer some boredom." Noctis muttered, and Stella could not help but giggle slightly at that.

It had been a full twenty minutes that the class was actually quiet, and almost every student was diligently taking notes as the teacher rattled on and on. Stella was one of them, that is until her phone vibrated in her pocket and she took it out to check who sent her a message during class hours.

Sender: Noctis
22-09-15, Tuesday
13:21

Really listening?

Stella rolled her eyes at this, and looked in his direction. He merely shrugged at her as he made a show of writing on his notebook. She gave him a 'what-the-heck' look, indicating her exasperation, and he actually smirked at her in that infuriating way of his.

Sender: Stella Nox
09/22 13:22

Can't you tell, Noct?

Sender: Noctis
22-09-15, Tuesday
13:22

Need a ride to work?

Stella lifted her head slightly and inquired with her eyes. She was unsure about this. Noctis driving her to work was not a problem. But didn't he have class after this particular period? Her phone buzzed again, as if he sensed her moment of deliberation.

Sender: Noctis
22-09-15, Tuesday
13:23

I can skip.

She lifted her head again to look at him incredulously. Was he serious?

Sender: Noctis
22-09-15, Tuesday
13:24

It depends on your answer.

Sender: Stella Nox
09/22 13:24

Then that's a 'no'. I can't have you skipping class because of me. I'll be fine.

Sender: Noctis
22-09-15, Tuesday
13:25

I'll pick you up after work then. Shift ends at 7pm, right?

Stella lifted her head and nodded at him, offering a grateful smile. It was one he returned as he pocketed his phone just before the teacher could catch a glance at him using it. It seemed the man had made an odd joke though while he and Stella were too busy texting each other to notice. The other students were laughing awkwardly—which could only mean the joke was a bad one. He sighed, and glanced at Stella out of the corner of his eye. She blinked a couple of times before he buried his head on the crook of his elbow, exasperated and bored beyond measure.

The bell rang around two-thirty and almost every student got up to rush to the doors without a backward glance. He waited as Stella actually took her time.

"What makes you think I'd let you?" She asked with knowing smirk on her face, referring to their previous conversation, as she arranged her things inside her bag, making sure they were neat.

"Taking my chances." He hoisted his backpack over his shoulder, and laughed softly when she sent him an exasperated look.

Noctis followed Stella to her locker where she put away some of her school stuff since she was done for the day. His next class was starting now, but he really had no desire to arrive early in Calculus. That subject was pure unadulterated torture. He wasn't stupid or weak in the Mathematic area. He just found them to be really stress-inducing.

"I'm done for the day." Stella smiled as she closed the locker and pressed her back against it since he stood so close with one hand against the cool metal behind her.

"Later, then?" He murmured, leaning close to press his lips against her forehead.

"Of course." She agreed after he pulled back and let her go.

vVvVv

The parking lot wasn't very full, but cars were around. Stella's brows furrowed as she pulled out her phone and checked for messages or any missed calls, but there were none. Earlier, after second period had ended, she had phoned Cloud and asked for a favor. He consented immediately, knowing what the real agenda was. So they agreed to meet at the same spot in the parking lot as yesterday so he could drive her to her work and they could discuss the arrangements. Sometimes, Stella felt like she was going behind Noctis' back every time she met up with Cloud, but she wasn't doing anything wrong, so there was no reason to feel guilty. Cloud had free period from two-thirty until four o' clock in the afternoon, so he had plenty of time for a thirty-minute drive to the city area.

A black car pulled up beside her and she knew it was her ride. Not wasting anymore time, she got in to the passenger seat before anyone else could notice them. She sincerely hoped the students were too busy in minding their own business to actually pry and ask questions—or alert people who would tell other people who would tell Noctis.

"Sorry it took me so long." Cloud apologized, glancing at her before keeping his eyes on the road once more.

"It's all right. I wasn't standing for more than a few seconds before you showed up." Stella sighed and leaned back against the head rest.

Cloud's car wasn't as fancy as Noctis' but Stella didn't really care.

"So about that arrangement." She piped up, tilting her head at him after buckling her seat belt.

The blonde man nodded once, running a hand through his spikier hair briefly before placing it back on the gears. "Yeah. I've made contact."

There was no hiding the spark of excitement visible in Stella's face as she gestured for him to go on. "And?"

"He has agreed." At Cloud's confirmation, Stella looked about ready to jump out of the car in a flurry of excitement and pure joy. They could finally get their damned project started. The earlier they submit, the better. "Rendezvous point is at the 24/7 Convenience Store on Politan Street. 10PM. Thursday this week. You will be able to identify him when he makes a hand signal at you."

"Thank you so much, Cloud." She all but shrieked in her glee. Ali would totally freak once she knew.

"Yeah yeah. Pseudo names. Don't forget that." He warned, turning a corner as they got closer to Stella's workplace. "Unless you want an early grave."

Her mouth stretched into a grim line. "I won't forget."

She looked out the window to find that they were nearing the cafe where she spent her Tuesday until Friday afternoons earning a living to contribute to the bills at home, and for her own specific needs. Stella placed a hand against the handle. She cast a grateful look at the blonde behind the wheel. Cloud had been a big help indeed. Although reserved in nature, he was a nice person once you got to know him.

"I'll have to take you the rendezvous myself. I'll meet you and anyone else after dismissal time at the parking lot in the University." He informed her before she exited his car.

She nodded at him to show that she understood, and Cloud only stayed long enough to watch her enter the cafe before he made a U-turn and was off to conduct his own business.

vVvVv

The Frap Cafe was not overly crowded that Tuesday afternoon, and Stella was more than happy. She had arrived to work on time. Due to her being an adult and having responsibilities, she decided to take a job at a cafe. She worked here as a waitress. Although her parents did not outright disagree, but they were a little reluctant. Her father in particular had assured her that she did not need to work or contribute to the bills at home. He was making enough to cover everything and still manage to send Stefan and her to schools with high standard education, but she had insisted. She needed the work experience anyway, so she could easily land a job after graduation; a job in the media industry, hopefully. So here she was, making a few earnings for herself. The management had a working-students program, where the employees under said program were not required to start their duties at a specific time. The only requirement was that they go to work thirty minutes after their school's dismissal time, and worked for a total of four hours. Each working-student had to submit a copy of their class schedule to the manager. So far, there were only three working students. Stella was one of them.

Upon entering the establishment, she could already smell the coffee brewing and the various pastries encased in glass shelves lined perfectly. It was pure orderliness in a business. She greeted a few fellow employees on the way, and as she wandered to the small locker room to change into her work uniform, she could not help but remember the time Noctis had teased her about her job once. It was the first time he had driven her to work, and they were only dating for three days then. The bastard had joked about convincing his father to claim ownership of the cafe she was working in. It would have been fine if it were any other girl, and certainly any other girl would not object dating the company's boss' son, but Stella certainly would. She had looked at him as if he'd grown another head and implying that he was crazy. In the end, he had been joking of course.

Working certainly added to the load she had to carry everyday as a college student, but it was a challenge, and she always rose up to meet challenges. They gave you experience, and experience is a healthy advantage in every task.

Stella donned the uniform swiftly, stuffing her shoulder bag in the locker. She was about to leave the humid room when her phone buzzed. She hurriedly took it out to read the message. It could be an emergency after all.

Sender: Ali Lene
22-09-15, Tuesday
15:02

Hey Stella, we haven't discussed our project yet. Got any things to elaborate? Deco's after your shift. That okay? I'll be there at 7... :)

Stella grinned at her friend's eagerness, and she quickly typed a message to affirm. Well, she would have to get rid of Noctis later on. She knew for a fact that Ali would bring her car, so that means hitching a ride home with her best friend. She could worry about reasoning with Noctis later. Right now, she had to focus. She briskly left the humid room to join the hustle and bustle of a busy cafe.

It was a very cliched quote, but it was immeasurably true. Time flies when you're working. Wasn't it only a couple of hours ago when she just arrived? Now as she checked her watch, she could see she only had ten minutes left before her shift was over. Stella sighed as she wiped a clean rag over the metallic counter. When that was done, she proceeded to arranging the styrofoam cups—which really didn't need arranging. She was only waiting for the minutes to pass after all...

"Stella, take this to table number thirty-four, please." An employee asked, finishing up the frappe with a few touches, before systematically pushing the tray over to her.

Cautiously, she held the delicate tray in both hands, noting the presence of a frappe with lots of whipped cream and a bottle of water. She left the kitchen and into the dining area, eyes scanning the tables occupied with customers, searching for a certain number thirty-four. She stopped in her tracks however, when she caught sight of who was actually seated at that table. He was early. And she wondered why. Squaring her shoulders, she sauntered over to the table, balancing the tray in one hand as she retrieved the waiting number.

Of course, Noctis would choose a table right next to the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. She suppressed a sigh. He was resting his chin on his hand, looking out obliviously into the dead of night. She wondered what he was looking at, since there were only cars lining the parking lot, and a single tree that was creepy with its gnarled branches and dead leaves.

"Your order, sir." She spoke softly, enough that he could hear, since it was standard procedure for a waitress. He began placing them on his table for two.

At the sound of her voice, Noctis' head snapped in her direction. Stella tried to suppress a grin that threatened to spread at the corners of her mouth. Keyword: tried. Noctis smirked with mirth at the sight he found before him.

"It's not everyday that a gorgeous waitress comes to my service." He winked at her, reaching out to take the water bottle from her hand as she was putting it on his table. Their hands brushed, and Noctis did it on purpose.

Stella cocked an eyebrow at him, and gave the tips of his spiky midnight black hair a swift tug.

"Ow." He rubbed his head gingerly. "I could sue you." He muttered, only chuckling when Stella responded with a roll of her eyes.

"Drama queen." She tittered before turning, but not before catching the pout that Noctis wore on his face.

She began to head back into the kitchen to put away the tray before she checked her watch again. Five minutes...

vVvVv

"You were quite the early bird tonight." Stella laughed softly as she and Noctis headed out of the cafe.

"Wanted some caffeine." He replied simply, intertwining their fingers as they made their way to his car.

"Nice excuse." She smirked, shaking her head as she moved to zip up her jacket. The September air was no doubt chilly.

"Excuse to what?" He asked with wide eyes, probably baffled at the unspoken accusation lying under her tone.

"Gawk at me while I'm in uniform." She pointed out smugly. It wasn't exactly a lie. It was the truth. Noctis had commented once how attractive she looked in her waitress uniform, and she once caught him openly gawking at her.

An amused smirk teased the corner of his lips as he gave her hand a squeeze. "Busted."

Stella actually laughed at that just as Noctis opened the car to the passenger's side for her. She got in without a word, inhaling the scent that usually lingered in the car—masculine; purely Noctis.

"Time to get you home then?" He asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Yeah, about that. I'm meeting up with Ali at Deco's." She looked at him, gauging the slight frown that suddenly marred his perfect face.

"Isn't it past your curfew?" He asked, revving the engine and pulling out of the lot.

"I'm not a child, Noct." She admonished him. "And I don't have curfew."

He sighed. "I'll wait for you then."

They were nearing the fast food chain, just a few more meters away.

"You don't have to." She spoke calmly, knowing that Noctis wasn't exactly dense, and he could smell a lie when it was being handed to him.

He frowned again before stepping on the brakes. They were right across the establishment now.

"Why not?"

"I'll ride with Ali." She reassured him, but there were a few seconds of awkward silence as Stella was unsure of what to say since Noctis had that look on his face that told anyone that he was getting suspicious of something. Stella rolled her eyes. "It's girls' talk, Noct. We'll be fine."

That statement seemed to ease any sort of tension he might be feeling, so he merely sighed, leaned over the console and kissed her lips. It lingered for a while, and she was the one who broke the kiss so she could finally see her friend.

"I'll call you when I get home, okay?" She smiled, brushing some of his black hair away from his eyes.

"All right. Take care of yourself, Stella." He whispered as she got out of his car.

vVvVv

The place was noisy with casual customer and chatter, and a blast of cold air hit her when the security guard opened the door for her. Stella immediately scanned the heads that were among the crowd of customers in search of a familiar one—the dark head of her best friend. Well, she certainly heard Alisha before she could see her.

"Stella! Over here!"

And then she saw it. Alisha was seated close to the windows, an arm thrust upwards trying to signal to her. There was a bowl of smoking soup on the table, and as expected, it was already empty. Stella didn't waste anymore time approaching her friend. She pulled out a chair and took a seat across from her, rubbing her palms together to get a little bit of heat in them.

"Lem'me guess." Alisha began. "Night Light drove you here." She smirked.

Stella shook her head. She still had no idea why Alisha gave Noctis that kind of nickname, when it so clearly pissed him off every time her best friend would say it in his presence. When she asked Noctis, he told her it felt like Alisha was comparing him to a lava lamp...or a table lamp one would put on a night stand. He told her it felt wrong. Stella just thought he and Alisha were being ridiculous.

"Yeah. He was very reluctant to let me see you." She sighed.

Alisha shook her head. "Over protective isn't he? Don't tell me he's actually thinking I might steal you away from him."

"Ali, that's ridiculous. You and I know better." Stella tucked a lock of blonde hair behind her ear. "He can be...very confusing at times."

Alisha scoffed under her breath and rolled her eyes before drumming her fingers against the table. "Alright, cut the crap. Details on our project." The resentment on her expression was instantly replaced with excitement.

Stella chuckled at that. "The associate has spoken to Cloud."

"And?"

"We're meeting him at the 24/7 Convenience Store on Politan Street at ten in the evening on Thursday." She spoke in a low voice.

"Yes!" Ali screeched, pumping a fist in the air. "I've always wanted to meet a mafia member."

Stella rolled her eyes. "Pseudo names. You and I need them when we speak to him."

"A guy?" Alisha's eyes went wide at that.

"Do you expect a woman to be in this mafia?"

"Well, yes. Women can be cool too." Her friend grinned.

"We'll try to interview him on the spot." Stella mused. "We have to ask first of course."

"Why not just do an ambush?" Ali suggested.

Stella gave her a look. "Do you value your life?"

"Actually, I do, despite what Night Light may say." Ali grinned, blowing a strand of hair from her face.

Stella huffed. "Then ambush interviews are a big no-no."

"Wow, we're actually doing this." Ali mused, bewildered for a moment as her eyes roamed over Stella's face.

She took a deep breath herself. "Yes we are. Just think of it as a start to our future careers as media practitioners."

A/N: Tell me what you think because it helps me out a lot. :D Thank you very much for taking the time to read—and even review if you so happened to do so. I should update my profile. And also, I would like to clarify that 'Thorns on Roses' has not been abandoned. The writer's block was a setback, but I'm getting back on track now. I'm finishing that story up to, along with this one. I'm pretty happy because it's summer and I have all the time in the world. But I must say that 'Thorns on Roses' would take longer to update because I'm currently finishing Chapter 39. I'm posting the 38th chapter when I'm past writing Chapter 40. Until next time then. :)