The next day, Tecna walked the halls of Red Fountain when she felt someone push her into the locker. She looked up fearfully to see Bishop holding her there. "What do you want?" she asked irritably.

"With that brilliant brain of yours, I would have thought it was obvious. I want you," Bishop said before smashing his lips against hers and running his hands over her body.

Tecna was shocked at first, but she dug her nails into his arms and pushed him away when she realized what was happening. Then, when she put enough distance between the two of them, she threw a punch into his gut and ran down the hall.

Tecna looked back to see if he was following her when she crashed into someone. "I'm so sorry," she said, realizing what she had done.

She looked down at the boy she crashed into, his books sprawled out on the floor. "It's okay, Tecna," Timmy replied, "just help me find my glasses."

Tecna nodded and looked around. She saw them near the lockers on the right side of the hall. She reached out to grab his glasses when she saw a foot stomp on them.

She looked up to see Bishop standing over her. Bishop grabbed her by her hair and pulled her up off the ground. She shrieked in pain as Bishop screamed at her, "You think I will let you embarrass me like that, think again!"

He raised his fist, and Tecna closed her eyes, shielding her face with her hands. She didn't want to see what was going to happen next. Then she felt something cover her body and heard a grunt. Hesitantly, she looked up and gasped, "Timmy!"

When she saw him, he was bent over, panting for air, after being punched in the neck. It literally knocked the wind out of him.

Bishop was about to continue his assault when he felt a hand grab him roughly by the shoulder. "In my office, now!" Codatorta said furiously.

Tecna grabbed Timmy's hand and said, "Come with me."

Tecna dragged him to the nurse's office, which was across from Codatorta's office. She reached into the freezer and filled a baggie with ice. "Here, this will keep it from swelling."

"Thanks, Tec," Timmy choked out.

Tecna bit her lip when she heard the shortened version of her name. She wasn't sure whether the 'nickname' was due to loss of oxygen or genuinely a pet name, but she kind of liked it. She then asked the thing that was on her mind, "Why did you do that?"

Timmy didn't answer because he wasn't exactly sure. He just didn't like seeing girls get hurt. He shrugged in response and gave her an impish smile.

Tecna then remembered she had Timmy's glasses in her pocket. So she pulled them out, "I will pay for you to get a new pair," she said apologetically.

Timmy accepted his glasses and placed them in a glasses case in his backpack. He then replied, "Don't worry about it. I have a spare on me."

Saladin then walked into the nurse's office and asked, "Are you alright? I heard what happened."

"Timmy is a bit worse for wear, but I'm okay," Tecna replied.

"I'm fine," Timmy countered.

Saladin smiled and said, "When you finish fixing Timmy up, Codatorta wants to see you both in his office."

Tecna looked to the ground disappointed, "It was my fault, Headmaster. Timmy was just defending me."

Saladin shook his head and replied, "We have cameras all over this school. You're not in trouble. If anything, Codatorta is proud that you fought back and kept your wrist straight."

That was when Tecna remembered the conversation they had when he was training her, "No hesitation, that's very good! Many of my students hesitate, not wanting to attack when it is unwarranted. Now straighten your wrists when you punch; otherwise, you might sprain them. Try again,"

She looked at Saladin curiously but did as she was told. Bishop was being escorted off the school grounds by his parents when she walked in. She walked past him and into Codatorta's private office. "You called for me," she spoke quietly. Timmy walked in behind her and shut the door before sitting in the chair next to her.

Codatorta nodded and replied, "I knew that integrating women into the school would be a challenge, which is why I was so eager for you to attend when I discovered you. Despite the many difficulties you may be facing, I want you to know that your enrollment here will open doors to women for generations. With that being said, I want you to train hard and make a name for yourself here. You are on the edge of glory… I can feel it."

"So, you're not mad?" Tecna asked.

He laughed and shook his head, "No, I'm not. Now go to class. Timmy, stay put for a moment."

Tecna looked back at Timmy and was hesitant, but he gave her a look that encouraged her to go ahead.

Codatorta stood up and handed him a bottle of Hero's brew from the fridge, "Here, this should help." Timmy accepted the bottle, knowing it was a miracle worker when it came to healing. As soon as the cool drink went down his throat, he could feel the swelling go down.

"Thank you," Timmy said. Codatorta could tell his voice was still strained but not as bad as he had heard it in the hall.

"Timmy, I brought you here to ask you a simple question. I have been watching the way Tecna and you interact, and I can't help but suspect that you might have feelings for her. I simply wanted to ask if this was the case, or am I mistaken?" Codatorta asked.

Timmy's face flushed, and he mumbled, "Well… you see… I…Umm… Oh, I don't know." Timmy didn't want to lie to Codatorta, but he wasn't exactly sure of his feelings himself.

He was almost sure Codatorta would kill him when the professor did something peculiar; he started laughing. Codatorta then responded, "Okay, I get it; girls are complicated. I just wanted to let you know that I am fine with it if that is the case. As long as you treat her right, you and I won't have any problems. You're dismissed."

Timmy stood up nervously and replied, "Thank you, sir."

…

Later that evening, Timmy was sitting on the balcony trying to do his homework, but it wasn't going so well. His mind continued drifting back to his conversation with Codatorta.

Why did Codatorta even consider Timmy a suitable match for his daughter? Timmy wasn't strong or brave like the other Specialists. He wasn't even regarded as good-looking. He would have gone on, but he noticed a particular fairy go out on the track in her workout gear.

Timmy looked at his phone and mumbled, "Why is she out there running laps? She finished all her activities for the day."

Curiosity got the best of him, and he sent her a text. "Hey, what are you up to?"

He saw her stop running and text him back. "I am getting ready to do a few laps around the track…" she paused for a moment before she added, "Want to join me?"

Timmy hated physical activity, but if he joined her, he might learn more about her. So he texted her back, "Sure, give me five minutes to change and get down there."

…

It was a beautiful day, so Tecna waited on the grassy patch in the middle of the track for him to arrive. She stretched until she saw him jogging up to her in the distance, "Hey, I'm surprised you came," she said as he approached.

He looked at her funny and asked, "Why? I told you I would."

She shrugged and replied, "I just didn't think you would be interested in running. Lord knows I'm not, but I have to do something to keep up with the guys here. I don't want to fail."

"You won't fail. As long as Codatorta sees that you're trying, he always helps his students. Besides, you are making strides outside of class time," Timmy replied as he quickly stretched.

As they started running around the track, Tecna asked, "How's your neck?"

"It still hurts, but Codatorta gave me some hero's brew to reduce the swelling," He answered truthfully.

She bit her lip and replied, "I am sorry you got dragged into that mess."

"You're one of us now. We defend our own," Timmy responded simply.

"Oh, is that all…" Tecna asked.

"Huh?" Timmy questioned.

Tecna shook her head and responded, "Oh, it's nothing."

…

After several laps around the track, Tecna stopped and said, "I think that's all the running I can take today. Thanks for joining me."

Timmy nodded and started heading back towards the dorms. Instead of doing the same, Tecna grabbed her workout bag and went to the gym. She sat down on an empty weight bench and pulled out her phone. She needed someone to talk to.

"Hey, Musa. How long have you known Timmy?" Tecna messaged.

A moment later, Musa messaged back, "About a year, why what's up?"

"I don't know. I just have this strange feeling about him," Tecna explained.

She put her phone down on her stomach while she started to lift. Since she was a beginner, she started with 30 pounds.

"Describe the feeling to me," Musa typed.

Tecna paused when her phone buzzed and started to type, "My heart starts to race, and my palms get sweaty. I start to feel a strange combination of happiness and nervousness when I see him. Also, I have been more social as of late, although that might just be because my roommates never leave me alone."

She continued to lift weights when she heard another ping. "I think I know what the problem is. Meet me at the Frutti Music Bar tomorrow after class, and we can talk about it."

"Okay, see you then," Tecna concluded as she shoved her phone in the bag to finish her workout.

…

When classes had finished the next day, Tecna went to her dorm to change into clothing appropriate to wear at the bar. She put on a lavender tank top with a pair of lime green shorts and a yellow belt. She then chose some bracelets and a hair accessory that Flora had picked out for her.

When she stepped out of the bathroom, Riven noticed what she was wearing and asked, "Where are you going looking like that?"

"The Frutti Music Bar," Tecna answered, "I am meeting Musa there for a girl's night."

"Do you want a ride there?" Timmy asked as he walked over to his desk to grab his keys.

"Sure, if you don't mind," Tecna replied, grabbing her purse.

…

Tecna climbed on the back of his wind rider, feeling more comfortable with his driving skills than when she rode with him. Timmy proved to be a cautious driver, especially when she was on the bike with him.

When they pulled up to the Frutti Music Bar, Tecna climbed off and handed him back his helmet. "Thanks, Timmy," she said as she turned around.

She was about to leave when Timmy stopped her, "Tecna, wait." He looked nervous as he reached into his pocket and handed her a sheet of paper, "Here, call me when you are ready to come back to Red Fountain. I will come to pick you up."

"Oh, Timmy, you don't have to do that," Tecna said.

He shrugged and replied, "I would feel better if knowing you had it. Besides, it will probably be dark by the time you finish with Musa."

Tecna thought about it and agreed, "Okay, Timmy, in that case, give me your phone as well."

Timmy's eyes lit up, "Really?! I mean, uh yeah, sure."

He handed her the phone, and she typed in her number, "Text me to let me know you got back to Red Fountain," she said as she handed it back.

Timmy put his helmet back on and replied, "Will do. Have fun." She watched as Timmy flew off back towards Red Fountain.

At that moment, Musa walked up behind Tecna and joked, "Ooh la la, look who's getting boys' phone numbers."

Tecna laughed and replied, "He's just giving me a ride home, Musa."

"Yes, but you said that you're having strange feelings about him," Musa added.

Tecna nodded, "Yes, but I just don't know what exactly I'm feeling."

"Why don't we go grab a drink or two. It might help you relax," Musa suggested.

"Okay," Tecna replied as Musa walked up to the counter.

Musa winked at the bartender and asked, "Can I have two Zombies?"

"Does that have alcohol in it?" Tecna asked Musa curiously.

Musa knew she wouldn't drink it if she said yes, so she lied, "No, it's just served in a collectible cup."

When Tecna received her drink, and noticed it was in the shape of a zombie's head. She took a sip and made a face. "It's sweet, but it has a strange bite," Tecna commented as she drank some more.

"So, about Timmy, how does he make you feel," Musa asked.

Tecna nodded, suddenly remembering that was the reason she came here in the first place, and stated, "It's strange my heart starts racing, and my stomach hurts. When he's around, I feel both anxious and content. I don't know. I guess I just feel safe when I know he's nearby."

Musa smiled and said, "Tecna, I think you are experiencing your first crush."

"That's the most illogical thing I've heard today," Tecna argued.

"No, it isn't. You are experiencing both physical and emotional feelings of being in love," Musa argued. She then proclaimed, "The best way for you to know for sure is to spend some time with him. I can arrange a double date with Riven and me if you want."

"Spending time with Riven… I can't possibly think of anything I would like to do less," Tecna responded with a huff.

"Oh, come on, he's not that bad. How about a group date then? That way, if things don't go as planned, you will still be hanging out with friends and have a good time. There's less pressure that way," Musa argued.

Tecna thought about it and replied, "I suppose that could work, but how do you know he would want to go with me?"

"Just trust me," Tecna went to pay for her drink when Musa said, "Don't worry, it's on me tonight."

"In that case, can I have one more of these fruity Zombie juices?" Tecna asked.

"Me too," Musa added, handing him the cash.

The bartender asked, "Are you sure?"

Tecna nodded and replied, "I'm thirsty for some reason."

Tecna grabbed her drink and saw Musa dancing not too far away. She wasn't one who usually liked to dance, but tonight it seemed like a good idea.

…

Meanwhile, Timmy walked back into the dorm with a new book he picked up from the library. He noticed all the guys looked like they were waiting on him to show. "Hey guys, what's up?" he asked curiously.

"Musa just contacted me. She wants you to come on a group date with us," Riven explained.

Timmy raised an eyebrow and replied, "I told you guys, I don't feel like being the 11th wheel. Besides, dating isn't my thing."

"Did he forget to mention that Tecna is coming?" Brandon asked knowingly.

Timmy nervously pushed his glasses up and asked, "W…what does that have to d..do with anything?"

"Oh, come on," Sky added, "Even Codatorta can tell that you have a thing for his daughter. You would have to be blind not to see it."

Timmy let out an annoyed sigh and asked, "Does she know?"

Riven shook his head, "That girl is just as dense as you are mainframe. She's clueless."

Timmy scratched the back of his head and said, "Guys, you know that I don't stand a chance with her. I mean, look at her. She's beautiful."

Riven, being Riven, countered, "While I agree that you normally wouldn't have a chance in hell with a girl that hot, she seems to be a bit of an oddball herself, so who knows."

"You will never know if you don't go," Sky said.

Suddenly Timmy's phone rang, "Hello?"

He heard Musa's voice on the phone, "HEY TIMMY!" Musa hiccupped and giggled.

"Musa?" Timmy asked, confused, putting it on speakerphone since her boyfriend was in the room, "What's wrong?" he asked.

Timmy heard Tecna giggling in the background, and Musa said, "Nothing. Tecna and I are just wondering if you guys could come to pick us up."

"We'll be there in 10 minutes," Riven said over the speakerphone.

"OH, HONEY BUNNY, HI," Musa screamed.

"Are you drunk?" Riven asked knowingly.

"Shhhh, Tecna's not supposed to know…." Musa replied.

"Know what," Brandon asked.

Riven could practically hear her smirk as she replied, "Well, her virgin drinks turned out to be a little slutty." *Hiccup*

As the other four guys started laughing, Timmy put his head in his hand, knowing this wasn't going to end well.

"How drunk is she," Timmy asked.

"Oops, sorry…" He heard Tecna say in the background.

Musa looked over her shoulder and said, "Well, she accidentally bumped into a guy's table and knocked over his drink, but he doesn't look mad… Tecna, don't use his burrito to wipe it up! I gotta go."

Timmy bit his lip, trying not to laugh at Musa's latest announcement. "Well, I guess that answers that question," he said as he walked out the door.

…

When Riven and Timmy arrived at the Fruity Music Bar, they noticed the girls were surrounded by guys. So Timmy and Riven walked closer, and Tecna saw them approaching in the distance.

"Timmy!" she called out, waving enthusiastically. She handed some random guy her drink and ran up to Timmy throwing her arms around him.

"I'm so glad to see you," she exclaimed, nuzzling her nose into his neck, causing his face to turn bright red, "These guys are idiots."

Riven would have laughed if he wasn't so preoccupied with what Musa was doing. Instead, he approached her and dragged her out of the crowd. "What's your problem, Riven? He was just going to buy me a drink," She growled.

"My problem? You were the one who was just hanging out with a bunch of strange guys," he yelled.

"And Tecna, does that mean you're jealous of her too?" Musa added irritably.

"Maybe you two should trade electrons so you could have a more stable relationship," Tecna suggested as if it wasn't the most ridiculous thing she had ever said.

Timmy picked Tecna up and said, "Okay, you are clearly out of your mind."

As he did, he heard her squeal out, "Weeeee."