Hi guys,

Here is the next chapter which took ages. I've been jumping around between different fanfics and mostly posting on AO3 as well.

Hope you enjoy.

Chapter Twenty-One

It was amazing to Wildwing, how quickly his first year at university was finishing. It had felt like no time since he had been home for his break with Ella. Now, he was studying for his finals while preparing for the first year championships. As well as writing so many essays that it was making his head spin.

All of which were really important, as he needed to keep a grade point average, plus his starting position on the team, to be able to qualify for his scholarship next year. So far, two drakes had managed to lose their scholarships and one had dropped out of DuCaine.

Neither Wildwing nor Canard wanted to lose their scholarships, as they could not afford the tuition themselves. So, they were having to put in many long hours both at training and at the library.

This meant that they didn't have time to socialise much, especially when the exams came upon them. Which was causing Wildwing to feel a little guilty, as he had to cut back on the time that he spent with Ella.

Over the last month he had stopped taking Ella out on the pond to practice skating. He was very morose about that, as he had finally gotten her to start running some simple ball drills. So far, she wasn't doing as well as Wildwing had hoped. And, by stopping their practice, she would most likely regress a little, as Ella wouldn't go out to practice alone. She was still far too self-conscious about her lack of ability.

Yet, Ella didn't seem to mind at all. She kept on telling Wildwing that they would just pick up their practice again when he had time. She seemed so easy-going that she never complained when Wildwing had to postpone or cancel a date to go to a last-minute practice, or to get in a little more study time with his study group. She merely smiled and continued to work.

Over the last month, the Scene was the only place that Wildwing had seen his girlfriend. She seemed to be picking up extra shifts as the workforce decreased due to exam pressures. Most of the other staff members were students at DuCaine, so were in the same boat as Wildwing.

"You really don't mind?" Wildwing asked as he leaned over the counter at the Scene. The place was now open twenty-four hours on the run up to the finals.

"Of course not, you have a lot of responsibilities," Ella said with a forced smile.

"I'll make it up to you, I promise."

"Don't make promises you can't keep," Ella replied sadly, looking over her shoulder at her boyfriend. She remembered all the promises her brother broke, and how broken hearted it had always left her.

She knew it was wrong to compare the two; Wildwing was nothing like her brother and had given her no reason to doubt him. But, over the last few weeks, seeds of doubt had planted and begun to take deep roots.

It didn't help that she had so far witnessed eight couples breaking up at the Scene over the last two weeks. One girl even went as far as to throw a plate at her now ex-boyfriend's head. And these were people who had a lot more in common than herself and Wildwing.

"What's going through that overactive brain of yours?" asked Amy as she came back from clearing away a mess that study group just left. She had only had one shift that week as she had exams too.

"Nothing," answered Ella quickly as she looked at the door her boyfriend had just left by, definitely closing.

"Come on, what's wrong?" Zina asked from her place behind Ella.

Both hens looked concerned as Ella tried not to look either in the eye. She was still so unused to girl-talk, but had managed to adapt to talking about superficial things like fashion and TV. It was personal topics that were still hard to discuss. Both Zina and Amy always asked questions about her relationship with Wildwing, dying to know the details. So far, she had always managed to stutter her way out of actually discussing anything important.

But, today, her heart was on her sleeve and her friends could tell that something was very wrong. And, both were concerned. It had taken Ella and Wildwing so long to get together and they were so perfect for each other, that they didn't want them to break up over something stupid.

"You can tell us," Zina urged, coming around to hug Ella with her free arm.

"It was inevitable really. I mean, he's got so much ahead of him, and he really should be with someone more like him. Rather than someone, well, like me," Ella said with sad sigh.

"What was? I don't understand. He hasn't, he didn't break up with you, did he?" Amy asked.

"No, but he's going to, isn't he. I mean, he's got so much going on, and I'm really just a distraction. My own family couldn't stick with me, why would he?" Ella said quickly, getting every bad thought out before she could talk herself out of sharing with her friends.

"What are you talking about? Have you not seen the way he looks at you? He's madly in love and completely devoted. What's made you think that he's ever going to leave you?" Amy asked, completely nonplussed as to why Ella would even contemplate the idea of Wildwing breaking up with her.

"Canard broke up with you."

"Completely different."

"And I've watched so many couples break up this week. Couples with more in common than me and Wildwing. Couples that are, well, equal. Who, who have more of a future together than we ever could. I mean, he's going to leave here with an amazing education, and I'm, just going to be a waitress."

"Ella don't be stupid. You're one of the most intelligent ducks I've ever met. Once you finish your High School Equivalency any school would be clambering to accept you," Amy exclaimed.

It took a lot for Ella to only nod and smile so that her friends would stop talking about the High School Equivalency. The very mention of that test was enough to make her heart plummet into her stomach. She had not told anyone that she had taken a mock test a few days ago and it had not gone well.

She had been studying for the test since her apartment had been finished, as she suddenly had a lot free time. Ella had been so confident to take it but had not wanted to mention it since everyone else had been busy with their own examinations. So, she didn't want to bother them with her fears for a mock test.

But, taking the test was so different to studying for it. She had no idea what she was doing and had choked spectacularly. If she had gotten a single question right it was mostly through dumb luck rather than answering the question correctly.

The results had come through that morning. Her grades were so low that the examiner had suggested that she wait several months and study a lot more before taking the real test.

Ella had then gone to see her earlier to tell her about her attempt at sitting the High School Equivalency and her hopes for sitting the real test soon and what that could mean for her future. That she had hopes for applying to college soon, probably for the spring intake considering her poor performance on the High School Equivalency, only to be met with an unreadable and uncomfortable look.

When Ella had probed further Laurel had brought out her criminal record and explained that since she was trialled as an adult, her file was open. This meant that whatever school she applied for could see that she had spent her childhood in prison for grand larceny and her prospects for being accepted into any of the colleges in Bardon dropped considerable.

She had then inquired if a good High School Equivalency score might help her get an apprenticeship or another job, as she didn't want to be a waitress her whole life. Ella had in fact enjoyed tutoring so much over the last year that she thought she might actually enjoy teaching, maybe working in a high school, teaching languages.

That idea was more or less dashed as well, as any employer would be able to look at her criminal record as well. And, many jobs prohibited applicants with criminal records, especially ones that were responsible for children.

"So, what does this mean?" Ella had asked, incredibly disheartened.

"What it means, and I'm really sorry to say this, Ella, is that you're not likely to get another job other than minimum wage service industry jobs. It's actually a real fluke that you're a supervisor now. Maybe, in a few years, we can apply to have your records sealed, but that'll take a while. I suspect your going to have to get through a large chunk of your paroled time before we can even consider it. I'm really sorry, Ella."

The conversation had been playing on repeat as Ella had worked her shift, watching couples break up and seniors discussing their bright, shiny plans for their futures. It only made her realise how much of a future she didn't have, and how it would be so much better for Wildwing to break up with her now, before she dragged him down with her.

After her shift ended, Ella made her way back to her apartment, trudging down the slightly slushy path. The weather had warmed up slightly, since they were heading into summer, but there had been a small snowstorm recently resulting in slush on the roads.

When she reached her door, Ella was surprised to find her apartment unlocked. This caused ice to suddenly settle in her stomach, colder than the ice which formed last night. There was no reason for her apartment to be open, other than someone having opened it without telling her.

It took a deep, steady breath for Ella to find the courage to open her door. She had been expecting her brother to track her down, or maybe one of his enemies. But, she had hoped that she had more time. She had no weapon on her but knew where she could grab one in her apartment. She could always just cut ties and run.

That idea made her stomach clench even more. She had put down roots here and was, at last, living a life. True, she didn't have much prospects for her future, but she would work to try and better herself. She had friends, and someone more special to her tot going to give thought she could find. She was not going to give that up so easily.

The scene that greeted her was not what she was expecting. There were no well-dressed professional thieves or killers, no lawyers, no overturned furniture. Instead, there were some small bouquets of flowers spread around and candles. And, it the kitchen her boyfriend stirring something on the stove while his head bopped along to whatever song he was listening to on his headphones.

The ice that had settled in her stomach and veins melted as she took in everything. She couldn't control the smile that spread across her beak or the laugh that escaped it as she watched the lovable dork in her kitchen continue to dance and sing as he made dinner.

"Hey, Ella, sorry, didn't hear you come in," Wildwing said calmly once he finally realised that he was being watched.

"That's okay. How, how did you get in? And, weren't you busy tonight?" Ella asked, shucking off her coat and hanging it up on a hook near the door. She quickly looked down to make sure the baton that she hid there was still hidden, which had become force of habit.

"Um, Amy gave me your spare key, said you finish early tonight. And, I finally finished my essay and submitted it early. If I didn't I was going to overthink it and mess it up. So, I thought I should have a break from studying and practice, and, since I haven't seen you in so long, I just wanted to do something special for you. To, you know, make up for all the time I was too busy these past weeks."

The small declaration made Ella smile and her heart swell. It was such a Wildwing thing to do, to make it up to her. She had been so worried that he was drifting away and that they couldn't be together that she had never thought to actually ask him.

She quickly crossed the room to throw her arms around his neck while he nuzzled his beak into neck, sending sparks of heat throughout her body. She loved the feel of him against her. It felt like she belonged there, running her hands up his chest to bring him closer.

It made Ella want him more. So far, they had not gone further than touching. They had been naked, and brought each other pleasure, but they had not had sex. Wildwing was willing to go at the pace that Ella had set, and was going to wait until she was ready to have sex. So far, he had not made much more of a move to initiate sex, allowing Ella to make the first moves.

"So, um, what you making?"

"Nothing too special, just rice and fish. It's almost ready if you want to sit down, I've already poured some wine," Wildwing said turning back to the stove, shuffling slightly to hide his growing erection.

Once they were seated the conversation flowed naturally, with some small, fleeting touches. They talked about everything that had happened over the last few weeks, with Wildwing looking contemplatively at her.

"So, what was wrong this morning. When I was at the Scene you seemed really, I don't know, something," Wildwing asked after a little while, his eyes focused on his girlfriend's face.

All of Ella's self-preservation instincts were yelling at her to keep quiet and change the subject. To tell his that nothing was wrong, and that she was just tired. But, looking into Wildwing's eyes and seeing the earnest expression they held, made her pause. And, though all her instincts were telling her not to, she remembered what Amy and Zina had said that day.

With another deep, steadying breath, Ella began to tell Wildwing the things that had been running through her mind. That she felt that she wasn't good enough for him. That she was sure that they had no future. That she thought she was going to be working as a waitress forever and holding him back. That she was failing the mock tests. That she thought he was going to leave her.

"Ella, I promise I'm never going to leave you," Wildwing said, having come around the table to hold his girlfriend while she unloaded everything onto him.

"You can't promise that."

"Then, I promise to always do my best to find a way back to you," Wildwing said with the goofiest smile he could muster, causing Ella to burst out laughing.

She didn't want to ruin the moment by explaining to him that he couldn't promise that either. But, she decided to let it slide and kiss him instead.

"And the mock test thing is completely understandable. You've never taken a test and part of taking a test is knowing how to take a test. That sounds weird but its completely true," Wildwing said with a confused look.

"I guess, I just didn't think that I would do so badly," Ella replied, her eyes shining with disappointed tears.

"Hey," Wildwing said reaching across to hold Ella's hand, "remember, you were cramming about ten years of studying into just a few months. So, when I'm finished with exams, how about I help you study so that after the summer you'll be ready to actually take the test. And then, we can look at some brochures so that you can start taking some introductory course and things?"

Ella couldn't speak, all she could do was smile and nod her head. She did reach forward to nuzzle her beak against his softly. Wildwing then pulled her closer, so that he could rub beaks firmer, before he moved slightly to allow them to kiss deeply. Their hands began to explore and grip tightly, making the two pant and become lightheaded.

"Now, is there anything else you want to tell me?" he asked, a little breathless when they finally broke away.

Now, Ella thought, this would be the best moment to tell him about her past. To explain one of the reasons she had no future was because her criminal record would follow her to her grave. But, instead, Ella just smiled and said that that was it.

"You, uh, think you're going to spend the night?" Ella asked shyly.

"Oh, I was hoping you were going to ask that," Wildwing replied, pulling his girlfriend flush against him again so that he could carry her to her bedroom.

Ella did momentarily call out about the dishes, only to be dismissed by Wildwing. He yelled back that he would get to them tomorrow before he left. He also reminded her that he had to get to practice early tomorrow as they had a game.

"You coming, right? I love looking into the crowd to see you there," Wildwing asked as he began to unbutton her work shirt.

"Of course," Ella said breathily, her hands tangling into his mane.

"And the ball, at the end of next week? You're still coming to that?" Wildwing asked as he began to nip her neck.

"What ball?" Ella asked, confused, as she had no memory of being asked to any dance, let alone a formal one. She pushed Wildwing off her body so that she could look at him and not be distracted by what he was doing.

"The end of the year ball. One of the biggest social events on DuCaine's calendar. Did I not ask you about it?"

When Ella gave a definite negative shake of the head, Wildwing decided to change tactics and asked if she wanted to go to the dance with an apologetic smile on his beak. Which caused Ella to let out an exasperated sigh and for him to giggle nervously.

She looked back up and saw the hopeful look in his eyes. And, she had always wanted to go to a formal dance with a boyfriend. They happened in all those teen movies she watched while she was in the detention centre.

Unfortunately, she had nothing to wear. She didn't even have anything that could be dressed up enough to pass for something fancy enough to wear to a formal dance. And, since Wildwing was one of the most known players on the first-year team and tipped to go on to play for the main team next year, she had to look like she belonged with him.

"Okay, yes, I would love to come," Ella said after a few moments of internal debate.

Wildwing didn't answer with words. He merely rolled the two of them so that he was above her, braced on his strong arms, while he continued his earlier ministrations. He stopped before he could get too far, as they had yet to fully consummate their relationship and he would never push her. Especially after she had been feeling so bad.

Unfortunately, Ella really wanted him to continue. She had been dying to finally get him to bed her. But, he was too much of a gentledrake to initiate the contact. And, she was too shy and scared to bring it up with him.

She had hoped that the wine and the sharing from earlier would have been enough to get Wildwing to take that final step. She had even bought a box of condoms that were currently sitting in the bedside drawer that was on his side of the bed.

But, once again, when he had gotten them completely naked, and had brought her to completion with his fingers, Wildwing had rolled off and rushed off to the bathroom. Ella knew that he was finishing himself off, as he never pushed her into giving him a hand-job. And now, he just assumed that she didn't want to finish him off.

When Wildwing stepped out of the bathroom, with his shoulders relaxed and a smile on his beak, he climbed into bed next to Ella. As soon as he was beside her, she curled up into him, relieved that he was going to be spending the night.

"Not been sleeping well?" Wildwing asked sleepily.

"Yeah, you know I sleep better with you next to me."

"As soon as I'm done with these exams and the game tomorrow, I'll spend every night here until the end of the semester. How does that sound?"

"That sounds wonderful. When do you leave?"

"Um, in three weeks."

"That soon? Feel's like we're not going to have much time together. Can't you stay for a little longer?"

"I wish I could, but I've already gotten my confirmation about camp. I'm going to be one of the counsellors at Clear Lake. I'm going to leaving at the start of the summer. Sorry, sweetie," Wildwing said guiltily.

The large sigh that escaped Ella couldn't have been helped. She was really disappointed about their limited time. Especially as she knew that next year was going to be busy for Wildwing as he was going to be an RA in his accommodation. So, he would have to be on-call for a few nights a week, meaning that he wouldn't be able to spend much time at her apartment.

"You could come visit me? I'm sure my mother would love for you to come back. She keeps on asking when you'll be back, as she's always wanted a girl to go shopping with," Wildwing said as he began to nuzzle into Ella's neck again. He knew that she loved it when he did that, and it would butter her up slightly.

"I know what you're doing, you're not that smooth. But, yes, I'll try to come visit."

With a smile on his beak he began to nuzzle into other places, hoping for a second round of fooling around. That did not end in sex, despite how much both wanted it to.

Please rate and review

Crystal-Wolf-Guardian-967: they might realise, they might not. There is a sequel plus the side stories involving Roxie.

Nosedivefan01: thank you, it was hard to write as I wanted both sides to be shown, as Duke has yet to fully go down his dark path.

Rocky704: thank you.