-1055 HRS. Lounge, Day 76-

As Ichika and Houki sat down and prepares to answer questions, Alex and Charlotte sat at the side to watch the whole thing.

"Hey, Alex. Mind if I ask something?" She asked, breaking the ice but keeping it down because of the starting interview.

"Yeah?"

"Why did you let them go first?" She asked.

"Well... they were the ones invited, for starters. So, It'll be rude of me to butt in. Second, I'm actually interested to see how this goes." Alex reasoned as he focuses on the two.

"Interested? How so?" She asked once more.

"It's Ichika. Wonder what the hell he'll say in this interview." He continued.

"I'm sure it can't be that bad, right?" Charlotte assured, but unsure.

"I was afraid you'll say that." Alex sighed. As they watch, he spots the interviewer pulling out a voice recorder and placing it on the table. Interview's starting.

"Hi there! I'm Nagisako Mayuzumi, the assistant editor of the magazine, Infinite Stripes. For this interview we have..." Nagisako introduced.

"Oh... so that's her name." Alex thought.

"Hello, I'm Ichika Orimura..." Ichika introduced.

"I'm Houki Shinonono." Houki follows.

"Thanks for coming in today! I must say that you two are very famous nowadays! Given that Houki Shinonono, A champion of the Kendo National Tournament and also the Sister of Tabane Shinonono, the creator of the Infinite Stratos. And also Ichika Orimura being the brother of Chifuyu Orimura, Mondo Grosso Champion!

"Th-Thank you... It's a pleasure to be here." Ichika stuttered.

"All right then, let's start the interview! Are you ready for your first question?" Nagisako asked, the two nodded.

"Okay! Let's start with you, Orimura!"

"Y-Yes?"

"First of all, how does it feel to go on an all-girls academy?" She asks. Alex and Charlotte on the other hand observes and waits for his answer.

"Well... I'm having trouble finding bathrooms that I can use." Ichika answered. Charlotte and Alex were downright stunned, in a bad way. Both of their eyes were twitching, with utter disbelief evident on their faces.

Nagisako's eyes widened and started to laugh. "I guess what my sister says is true!"

"I see."

"Is he serious?" Charlotte thought in utter disbelief.

Alex on the other hand, tries to stifle the urge to slap Ichika.

"Ichika... Oh my GOD, I will SLAP you!" He mentally threatened as he raised his arm. Good thing Charlotte and Kauroko were there to stop him,

"Alex, no. Don't you even think about it." The French representative whispered as she warned and shook her head. He sighs and rolls his eyes as he stands down as they watch how the interview is going.

"Anyways, I would like to ask you about your sister, Shinonono-san." Nagisako said, turning to the girl. Speaking of her, Houki started to fidget about what was going to happen next.

"How does it feel to have an IS personally given by your sister? And how does it feel to be one of the representatives in the academy?" Nagisako begins to ask.

Alex kept observing what goes on.

"I'm... grateful for Akatsubaki... As for being a representative, I'll admit that I'm having second thoughts at some moments. It's overwhelming and a bit unnecessary to bear such recognitions." Houki began to answer.

"Houki seemed to lose her color... Wonder what's keeping you like that?" Alex thought, given the patterns of movement and the delayed explanation from Shinonono.

"Okay, Okay! Next question. Orimura, Shinonono, can you tell me which one of you is stronger?" Nagisako asked.

"That would be me!" Shinonono stepped in quickly.

"Is that right?" Nagisako asked once more, only to have Houki nodding. "Is this true for you, Orimura?"

"Well... she is pretty strong..." He admitted.

"...Aaaand she's back." The other two thought.

"Is that a problem for you as a hero?" Nagisako asked.

"I'm no hero, really. I'm just another private in the squad. In fact, if there is any hero that I could think of now, that would be Officer Alex Fields. Imagine I'm the private and he's the sergeant." Ichika answered, giving Alex a surprise.

In turn, Nagisako became attracted to the situation. "I'm liking that concept as of now! Speaking of Alex Fields, how are you two doing?"

"Oh, we're getting along. Despite our differences, we're on good terms with him. Even if we're both new to the IS, I still kinda see him as the experienced one."

"Okay, for example that you're a squad leader in the battlefield! Tell me your motto!"

Ichika was stunned at this but he tries to answer. "Well... Um... I'll protect my teammates as best as I can!"

The answer was enough for almost everyone to look at him.

"Yes! I love it! Any messages for future pilots?"

The two were silent at first, but Ichika broke the silence. "Well... It may be difficult, but you will enjoy the ride later on."

"That is so cool! Thank your for your time, Orimura, Shinonono!"

"Yeah... Thanks as well."

And their interview ends.

"...Protect your teammates huh?" Alex contemplated on the answers that intrigued him, especially the private-sergeant relation. "Kid... you'll consider yourself lucky not to fight with me if that was the case."

"Okay! Officer! It's your turn to be interviewed!" Nagisako called, but it seemed to fall on deaf ears on a contemplative officer.

"Hey, Alex? Alex?" Charlotte called for a few seconds for him to snap back to reality.

"Huh? What?"

"You're up, Alex. Are you okay?" Houki asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. All right, Miss Nagisako. I'm here." He said as he approached for the interview.

In another note, Houki elbowed Ichika to gain his attention. "Listen to this one, Ichika." She pouted.

Nagisako saves the recording and started a new file, this time it's for Alex.

"All right, This is Nagisako Mayuzumi, Assistant editor of Infinite Stripes! Thanks for coming in today! For this interview we have..." She introduced, but it was noticeable that she became a bit livelier, even from Ichika and Houki's interview.

"Officer Alex Fields. Reporting for duty."

"Thank you for coming in! We have Alex Fields! The Police Officer that has been sent to the Prestigious Infinite Stratos Academy! Okay, Alex! Are you ready?" Nagisako asked.

"Fire away."

"Oooh, that's a good start! Anyway, Tell us a bit about yourself!"

"Well... I'm Alex Fields, I'm a police officer from the Los Angeles Police Department, I'm twenty-two years old, I've served in the police force for almost... two and a half years now. I'm also a member of the Special Weapons And Tactics."

"Okay, thank you for the introduction! I must say that the whole community was shocked to have a man of the badge pilot the IS! How does it feel?"

"It's overwhelming, now that you mentioned it. One day you're just an ordinary LAPD Officer out there patrolling the streets, tossing members of the criminal element to jail, or participating in a SWAT operation, the next thing you know you're flying one of those IS units." Alex started.

"How does it feel to go to an all-girls academy?" Nagisako asked.

"I had a lot of mixed reactions, in all honesty. It's got its perks." Alex answered.

"I see! Let's go to those details! What are the perks?" Nagisako asked.

"You do get some attention at some point, Cop at the IS academy, some of the girls keep mentioning 'Isn't he handsome?' or 'He'll protect me!' or "He looks cool in the uniform", any of those sorts. It's really flattering."

"So you've become some of the students' eye-candy!" Nagisako joked.

"I guess you can say that. It's probably the uniform, or me." Alex acknowledged, making the interviewer laugh.

"Though I do have some limits. Sure I'm a student of the IS Academy, but I keep in mind that I am also a member of the police force."

Nagisako acknowledged. "I see, I see. So what are your roles in the academy as a policeman?"

"Well, same ol' procedures that I do in Los Angeles. Patrolling the area, making sure everyone's safe, if there's any event, I would volunteer for protective detail and for quick response, so on so forth."

"Oooh, that's sounds cool! Could you share one of your actions as a policeman in the academy?"

"Of course, one of the usual stuff a cop has to do is to make sure that everyone in the academy is unscathed in an emergency. And of course, in case of an attack, I guess I could say that I'd be among the defense."

"Such as the recent attack against the academy, yes?" Nagisako inquired.

"Exactly. With the academy having a high profile since the IS was discovered, it's pretty reasonable that it could have attacks."

"Tell me, Officer. Do you take credit when in the line of duty or do you share it among the others?" She asked.

As Alex was asked that question, he looked at Ichika and the girls and showed a small smirk before giving a sound answer. "Ms. Mayuzumi, with all due respect, I give credit when it is due. I am only doing my job. The respect of my fellow officers is enough."

"Such an honest answer, Officer Fields!" Nagisako complemented before continuing. "Tell me, in a life-or-death situation, would you take a bullet for someone?"

Alex had an uneasy feeling crawling onto his back and contemplated for a moment.

"Alex?" Houki thought.

"He went silent all of the sudden. What happened?" Ichika asked.

"Oh no…" Charlotte thought as her blood starts to freeze.

Nagisako felt a sinking feeling that she should have not asked a question like that. "Officer Fields?"

"Ah. Not to worry, Ma'am. I get that a lot." He shrugged.

"I-I see..."

"Well… for me, the answer is already there. If there really is no choice, I'll be glad to take a bullet for someone. Based from my experience, you get a sense of duty and responsibility that everyone's lives will be in your hands. And once I have that responsibility, I do whatever I can to make sure everyone is okay. Besides... the life of the person next to me is important."

"That was really noble of you, Alex. I can see why students in the IS Academy and your fellow policemen admire you." Nagisako said.

"Thank you for that, but I am only doing my duties."

"And I'm sure that you are doing a good job. Anyway, can I ask another question?"

"Yes, of course." Alex acknowledged.

"Is there someone in the academy that you're into?"

That was the question that caught Alex completely off-guard, and apparently he wasn't the only one.

The others on the other hand, looked at Charlotte and Alex as they became flustered with the question…

"O-Oh… Um… Well… Jesus H. Christ, Ma'am. I have to admit I was caught off-guard." Alex said with a reddish tint on his face.

Nagisako had a laugh at his reaction. "I'm just lightening up the mood, Officer! Though I will admit that I didn't expect to see a reaction like that! Still... I'm guessing that everyone's going to be curious about who is becoming an item with you!" She teased.

"Y-yeah... That might happen. Well… people said that they're attracted to that rugged look." He stammered as he tries to shrug it off.

"Ah! Before we end, would you like to say something to the people in the IS Academy?" She asks.

There was a short pause for a moment before Alex spoke up. "We'll do our best to protect everyone from harm."

"All right, All right! That's what we like to hear! Thank you for your time, Officer! It was an honor to interview you!"

"Likewise."

The interview ends. The two stood up and shook hands.

"Seriously, Alex. It was a real honor to have you interviewed. I'll see if I can pull a few strings to make that double-issue you suggested." Nagisako said.

"Ah, It's okay if they say no. Just give my regards, and tell them to keep up with L.E. Weekly. I can't wait what other stuff they might show." Alex perks up.

"I'll do that. Oh! One more thing, Alex."

Alex tilted his head. "What's up?"

Nagisako fidgeted. "C-Can I have my picture with you? For personal keep."

Alex nodded casually. "Sure. No harm in that."

She giggled and took her phone and switches the camera on. "All right, Alex! One... two... three!" She said as she took the picture.

"All right, that's a keeper." Alex said to her as he gives a thumbs-up.

"That it is. All right, now let's go on to the pictorials!" Nagisako cheered on.

"All right, you two. You heard your interviewer! Move!" Alex gave a commanding tone to Ichika and Houki.

"Right, Alex." They said in unison as they followed Nagisako to the studio. They followed after Mayuzumi went to the studio. Houki on the other hand, punched Ichika in the arm.

"Ow! What was that for?!" He asked.

"That's how you answer in an interview!" Houki pouted as she pointed at Alex.

"That was... something." Alex commented to himself.

"You were pretty casual back there." Charlotte commented.

"I was?" Alex asked as he turns his head to her.

She nodded. "Matter of fact, it was completely different. Comparing how you looked on TV, you took this interview a bit more casually."

Alex raised a brow. "Wait... you saw me on TV? When?"

"Not just me, Alex. We saw you on the news before you came here. You were pretty stoic, serious. Comparing that to this one, It was so different." Charlotte commented further.

"Huh? You guys saw me on TV?"

"Oui. It's so different." She said.

"Um... Okay? Thanks, I guess." Alex said, having little doubts.

"No problem." She smiled at him before Mayuzumi called the pair.

"Well, at least there's no way that I'll be included in the pictorials." Alex perked up.

"How can you tell?" She asked, curious.

"Surely they don't have something for me to put on and for them to take pictures with." He reasoned.

Charlotte gave a condescending, yet playful look"Are you sure about that, Alex?"

"Come on, Drop that look. There's just no way that they would—"

As Alex was making assumptions, Mayuzumi called his attention. "Ah, Alex! We have some clothes for you! Would you mind trying them on?"

Alex's eyes twitched as his assumptions. On the other hand, Charlotte snickered when she saw the look on his face.

"Stand corrected, Policier Fields?" She asked, grinning.

"Shaddup, Charlotte." Alex sighed, with a defeated yet flustered look on his face.

She giggled as she wagged her finger and clicked her tongue. "Tut, tut, Alex. Don't assume to early!"

-1115 HRS. Dressing Room-

Houki, on the other hand, sighed after the interview. She gave some thought on what Ichika had said throughout the whole thing.

"Was he for real?" She thought to herself as she processed what he said… unfortunately, her mind processed another thing.

"I'll protect Houki as best as I can!" Ichika, in Shinonono's perspective spoke. In turn, she beamed in joy to the point that she was not aware that she was punching one of the lockers.

"I see! I see! I see!" She chirped while punching a locker.

"Jesus, restrain yourself, Houki!" Alex spoke, startling her.

"Ah! Alex! You'll be having the photo shoot too?" She asked as she turns around to see the officer, along with Charlotte.

"Unexpectedly, Yeah." Alex sighed.

"Unexpectedly?"

"I just thought they were bluffing, that's all. Where's Ichika?" Charlotte asked after.

"Oh, he's already at the studio. Hey, Alex. I think these two are for you." Houki pointed out to the two hangers with a note: For Officer Fields.

"They really aren't kidding, but still. Two sets to wear?" He muttered.

"They told me that you should wear the first one. To be honest, it's similar to your usual uniform." Houki instructed as Alex rummaged his first set.

"And they had the same pouches in my usual belt… The belt itself is Cordura, it's rugged and durable. Neat." Alex muttered, somewhat amazed on what they provided. He rummaged his second set. The SWAT uniform was just like the one he usually wears, but a couple of the equipment surprised him.

"Is this...? No way!" Alex exclaimed.

"What's the matter, Alex?" Houki asked, curious about what's going on.

"They even had a FAST helmet here?! A-and A Tac-Assault Vest?! You've gotta be kidding me, this is the latest one!" Alex chirped. He took off the piece of equipment for further inspection.

"If I'm correct, then there should be a… Oh my God, there is! Dude, this is the real thing!" Alex kept ogling at what he's holding.

"Alex, what's wrong?" Charlotte asked.

"Nothing! And I'm pretty sure that this is somewhat right!" Alex chirped further.

"How so? And what was that thing you just patted?" Houki asked.

"Houki, these stuff that I'm holding… they're legit! They're police-issued equipment!" Alex exclaimed.

"Eh?! But how?!" Charlotte asked.

"That I don't know… I may need to ask the Mayuzumi sisters about this. But still! This is... This is amazing!" Alex pressed further.

Charlotte and Houki looked at him as he held on to the vest. He looked like he was a child holding his most prized teddy bear, which was rather amusing to them. "Oh, Alex…" Charlotte sighed.

"...MOLLE webbing with AR Mag Pouches ready to go, a compartment for the armor plates behind it, I—" Alex stopped and looked at them, before regaining his stoic composure.

"U-Um...R-Right… Houki… You should be wearing… whatever it is that you'll wear."

"Sure. Alex." Houki nodded before getting the hanger that was labeled: For Miss Shinonono. She became embarrassed as it revealed a white dress.

"Oh…" Charlotte commented while Alex only whistled.

"Th-this is what I'll be wearing?!" She gulped.

"It's got your name… ain't it?"

The two girls looked at Alex and became flustered. "Alex, would you please go out for a minute?!" They said, dragging him to the other dressing room.

"Ow! Ow! Ow! Hey, take it easy!" Alex stammered.

"Just get in there and get dressed!" Houki yelled.

"Alex you pervert!" Charlotte squealed.

"Okay! Okay! Jeez!"

As he was pushed to the other dressing room. He couldn't help but sigh at the thought of today. It felt different from what he usually does his daily routine back home-Get up, Do his duties, Grab a bite and sleep. Now, as a student of the IS academy, he expected himself to have the same routine.

He didn't take account that he would be socializing more often with other people to. It felt unusual for him. It wasn't in his personal lifestyle anymore.

"Bah... I must be overthinking again..." He shrugged as he cuts off the thoughts and dresses for the first uniform.

"How are you feeling, Alex?" Charlotte asked him from the other side of the room.

"I'm all right, Uniform feels right as usual." Alex commented as he fastened the button on the sleeves.

"Oh... I see. Hey, Ichika and Houki are already at the set. In case you're wondering!" She said.

"Yeah? How are they faring?" Alex asked.

"Hold on, Let me Check." She said as she peeked at the studio. So far, It's just Ichika and Houki doing simple poses.

"Ehh... Nothing unusual." She said as she went back.

"All right then. I'll just show up. Let me just check if there's no rounds..." Alex muttered as he checks if he removed the bullets in the magazine and chamber. He pulled out a small organizer from the pocket of his pants and placed them there.

"Right, the bullets, and some of my stuff are in the bag. Off I go then,eh?"

"Oui. I'll hold this for you." Charlotte said as she took his organizer from his hands.

He paused for a moment before speaking. "Um... sure, Charlotte. Thanks. Be careful with those, okay?"

"I will, Alex. I'll grab us something to drink while you're there. Now go! They're waiting for you. Allez Vous!" She pinched his cheek before she shooed him off to stage.

-1128 HRS. Studio-

"All right, Alex... calm down... remember what uncle said." Alex sighed to himself.

"Ah! Alex-kun! You're here! Ready for your photo op?" Nagisako asked.

Alex stuttered for a moment. "Uh...yeah. I'm ready... Is this fine?" He asked.

"You look fine, Alex. Come on, it's just a couple of poses." Nagisako assured.

"If you say so. Which pose should I go in for?"

"Just your casual, duty... Oh, since we've thrown in another uniform for you, We'll go for that too." Nagisako answered.

"Yeah... Oh yeah, I was gonna ask you about the other uniform." Alex said.

"Really? What's up?"

"Where'd you guys got such equipment? I was really surprised that those were already out. They weren't supposed to be issued until the next month." Alex asked.

"Oh that! Well if you read L.E. Weekly, like my sister told me, The manufacturing company of that equipment thought it would be a good idea to release a handful to Law Enforcement departments and Military." Nagisako answered.

"Including Mine?"

"Yeah."

"Oh... It's because I was intrigued by the stuff when I first read about it. Seemed that it showed promising results. That and Come to think of it, I think our department needs some equipment." Alex explained.

"Ah, so you have been reading a lot of L.E. Weekly!" Nagisako chirped.

"Yeah. So far, good stuff."

"Well... We're almost done with Ichika and Houki so far..." Nagisako commented as they looked at the two.

Alex looked at the two and slightly widened his eyes. Ichika's in a grey suit, Houki in her dress, Houki had her arms wrapped around Ichika's neck, almost about to kiss, it looked as if it was in a movie.

"Christ... So glad Charlotte... Heck I'm glad that everyone in the academy isn't here to see this." Alex muttered, sighing in relief. He was fully aware that the girls are head over heels for Ichika-As witnessed for a number of times. If All of the representatives were to know about this, it would be a fiasco.

"All right! That's a wrap for you two!" The photographer called in as it broke the moment, much to Houki's disappointment.

"We've gotten good shots for you two! Go ahead and take a break. We'll go with Alex next." The photographer said. "Alex, you ready?"

"Yeah. Went with the uniform first."

"Dont worry, It'll do, Alex."

"All right... I'm ready." Alex sighed as the studio was prepped up and faced the camera. He stared off with the usual poses-Looking at the side; or arms crossed while looking at the camera; or any angle where he had to hold his sidearm.

Next were the shooting poses. He held his gun normally as he would on-duty.

"Act normal, Alex... Act Normal..." He thought to himself.

"Good shots, Alex! Good shots! Ready for the next set?" Nagisako said.

"Yeah... Let me change into that." Alex said as he prepares for another set.

-7 Minutes Later, Dressing Room-

Alex tied his boots as he is about to finish wearing the whole set. He puts on the vest and fastens it to his person. He looks in the mirror to see how it looked on him.

"Real Nice..." Alex muttered, still impressed about the equipment that he wore.

"Alex! They're waiting for yo- Oh..." Kauroko and Charlotte went to the dressing room to call him before they saw him looking at himself.

"Enjoying the view?" Mayuzumi asked.

"Um... yeah... How long have you prepared this?" Alex asked.

"It only took a day, to be honest. Matter of fact, Except my sister, some of her crew knew about it." Mayuzumi answered.

"And After I said yes and asked you to throw me in, you prepared the whole thing didn't you?" Alex asked.

"Pretty much. Figures it would surprise my sister about you unexpectedly showing up and you as well with the things we've prepared for you." Mayuzumi said.

"For a School Photographer, you sure know how to pull the ropes. I didn't even know you and her crew got stuff like these already in hand... I mean it's the real deal." Alex said.

"For one thing, Alex. I need to tell you something."

"What's that?"

Kauroko leaned closer to his ear. "I think Charlotte-san said that it suits you." She whispered.

"Mayuzumi-san! Wh-What are you saying to him?!" Charlotte squealed.

Mayuzumi just giggled at teasing Charlotte. "I knew you would react like that! Now Go, Alex! They're waiting!"

He went back to the studio for the next shoot.

-1142 HRS. Studio-

"All right, I'm here. With or without the helmet?" He asked Nagisako.

"Let's go with the helmet first. Oh. You'll need this for the photoshoot." Nagisako said as she hands him a replica of an M4 Assault rifle.

"Christ... Your crew came in Prepared..." Alex said, stunned.

"Well... We did took photos of Action stars before so... It's not a surprise." Nagisako answered.

"Well... that explains the props." Alex shrugged before going back to the cameras. It was more focused on shooting poses and some are just plain poses.

"All right, we have good stuff here, Alex! Thank you so much!" Nagisako thanked as the photoshoot was done.

"Right... Hey, glad to be a part of it." Alex assured before going back to the dressing room to change back.

A few minutes later, Alex was back to his old clothes. He carried the clothes that he wore for the photoshoot on his arms. They were neatly folded as he carried them to Nagisako.

"Hey, where do I put these?" Alex asked her.

"Ah, that. There's a duffel bag for those clothes. It's on that table." Nagisako said as she pointed out the black duffel bag that was on the table.

"All right. And I'll give it to one of your crew, yeah?" He asked.

"Nope. You can keep them." She said.

Alex went silent for a few seconds before it registered on his mind. "Wa-wait! I can What?!"

"You can keep them, Alex." She said once more.

"But... These are for-"

"Alex, come on. Take it as a good gesture from us. You deserve it." Nagisako assured him with a smile before accepting it.

"Thank you, Ma'am... That's awfully nice of you." Alex said before placing the clothes into the duffel bag. Fortunately, the bag was adjustable. The handles can be tucked and there were shoulder straps attached as well. He thanked Nagisako and her crew once more before leaving.

-1545 HRS. Lounge-

After changing his clothes, Alex went back with the others. He saw that Ichika and Houki are still in the clothes for the photoshoot.

"Guys, you should have changed back already. What gives?" Alex asked.

Ichika and Houki became flustered. "Well... We're still going for that dinner at a three-star restaurant not far from here. We still have the vouchers..." Ichika said, with Houki holding two vouchers.

Alex's eyebrows slightly raised but Charlotte's eye twitched.

"A three-star restaurant dinner? Just the two of you?" Charlotte asked.

"Um... yeah. Sorry, Charl, Alex." Ichika apologized. Charlotte pouted.

"That part I missed." Alex commented.

"Sorry, Alex. I was gonna ask for more, but I'm afraid I only have two for them." Mayuzumi Apologized.

"It's all right, Mayuzumi. You've done a good job. You kids just have a good time, okay?" Alex assured.

"We Will, Alex. Hey, What's with the bag?" Ichika asked.

"Well... they told me to keep the clothes." Alex said.

"That's nice to hear." Mayuzumi commented.

"I... Suppose so. Considering these are the real deal..." He muttered under his breath as he looked at the bag in his hand.

"So... How long will you guys be out?" He asked.

"Just for a few hours." Ichika said.

"No Hanky-Panky out there. I'm talking to both of you." Alex instructed.

"We won't, Alex." Houki assured.

"Good. Now you guys go and have fun." Alex said.

"What about you two?" Kauroko asked.

"We'll be heading back to the academy." Alex answered.

"That early? Why don't you guys take a stroll around town?" Kauroko asked.

Houki stepped in, agreeing with their schoolmate. "Kauroko-san's right, Alex. Take a walk. You could use some air."

Alex kept silent at first and gave some thought. "Hmm... I'll think about it."

Houki and Kauroko sighed at the thought and his answer. "All right then, Alex. Just a thought."

"You guys just take care of yourselves, all right?"

"We will, Alex. See you guys later." Kauroko assured.

With that, The group part ways for the rest of the day, Ichika, Houki and Kauroko went for the nearest cab heading for the restaurant. Alex and Charlotte went to the monorail station heading for the academy.

-1625 HRS. Monorail-

The two sat in silence, Both of them facing the window to see the view as they head back to the academy. Alex looked back at the duffel bag with the new gear that they gave to him. He opens it and took out the helmet and examined its features.

It was still a surprise that they gave him the things out of the blue.

"Take it as a good gesture from us. You deserve it." Nagisako's words echoed on his mind.

"Good Gesture..." He muttered under his breath.

"You're really taking a liking on those new things, are you?" Charlotte asked him, smiling at what she is seeing.

"Yeah... I mean... It's the real thing... Not really ogling or anything like that... I just admired this, that's all." Alex said.

Charlotte smirked as she rolled her eyes over. "Stop lying, Alex. I still saw that look on your face when you first saw those."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "What look?"

"You were ogling at those things that they gave to you. Don't lie." Charlotte said.

He sighed at the thought of it. "Fine... Maybe a little."

"That's a lot more than just 'A Little'." Charlotte retorted.

"So... what's your point?"

"Nothing, it's just that it's new seeing you like that." Charlotte explained.

"How is it new?"

"It's more... different than what's your usual mood. At least that's how I can explain it." Charlotte said.

"If you say so, Charlotte." Alex shrugged it off before the two went silent once more.

As they kept looking at the window, Alex contemplated on what the two girls said to him.

"Why don't you guys take a stroll around town?"

"Kauroko-san's right, Alex. Take a walk. You could use some air."

Alex sighed once more at the thought and muttered under his breath. "...I don't know."

He looks at Charlotte once more as he called her attention. "Hey, Charlotte. What time is it?"

"It's... Half an Hour until Five. Why?" She asked after looking at her watch.

"...The Next station's near Seaside park, right? ...And the park is just near the academy..." He asked hesitantly.

"Um... Oui, I believe so...?" Charlotte answered, unsure of his thoughts.

"...Maybe... No... It's nothing." Alex said.

This caused Charlotte to be curious. What prompted Alex to make a move like that? She had to find out the reason for herself. Knowing a bit of his history, She has to know.

"All right, I guess." Charlotte agreed reluctantly.

With that, he let out a deep sigh.

-1720 Hrs. IS Academy-

They stepped out of the station and to the front entrance of the academy, facing its familiar grounds.

"Well... we're here."

"Yeah. I guess we are, huh?" Charlotte said.

The two walked in silence as they head to their dormitories to relax for a while. It wasn't long until Charlotte broke the silence.

"I'm a bit worried about Ichika, y'know!" Charlotte spoke.

"Knowing you girls, 'A bit' is not enough." Alex muttered.

"Look, you worry too much. Just give the guy some breathing space." He insisted.

"With Houki?!" Charlotte rebutted.

"No. Well... Besides With Houki. Look, Ichika will find his feet...somehow..."

"What do you mean?"

"Sloppy at first, but he'll get better on the long run. Guy just needs practice." Alex explained.

"What are you- No! Not in the IS! I mean Today! You didn't tell me that they'll be having dinner after the interview!" Charlotte pouted.

"Hey! Don't pin the blame on me. I wasn't even told that there will be any dinner!" Alex defended.

"And what's next? A kiss under the moonlight?!" Charlotte fumed out.

"You worry too much, Charlotte. Ichika ain't that sharp to do those. I am not explaining the last part further because it's straight-up obvious." Alex said.

"Are you sure?!"

"Well... add the marriage proposal on top of the kissing scene." He muttered. This caused Charlotte to blush deep red. In her mind, instead of Houki, it will be her and Ichika.

"Stop putting thoughts into my mind!" She squealed and hit Alex in the process, causing him to lose his balance.

"Aaah!"

Charlotte snapped out of her trance only to be shocked to see Alex covering his jaw.

"Ow... Ow..."

"Oh no... I'm... I'm sorry, Alex." She squeaked.

"I don't even want to know, Charlotte." He shrugged.

She lowered her head in shame of what she did to Alex. It was out of trance. She didn't mean to sock him in the face.

"It's fine, Charlotte. No worries."

"Hey... about Ichika and Houki getting dinner..." Alex said first.

Charlotte sighed. "I'm jealous."

"Well... that. Let's keep that between us. I swear to god, the girls will flip if they found out." Alex said.

Charlotte agreed on the matter. "Lips are sealed."

The two agreed that they will never speak about Ichika and Houki having dinner at a three-star restaurant, and it was agreed for two reasons.

One. The matter was a surprise already.

Two. It would mean chaos if the rest of the girls, Let alone Charlotte, knew about the matter.

"Ever went to one of those?, Alex?"

"Well a few times, but Nah... Not really into fancy-schmancy restaurants that much anyway... Besides, kinda like to have a bite on my own... or with a few good friends, that's it." He shrugged.

"I see..."

As they were having that conversation along the way, a rumbling noise was heard...

"Hm? You hear that?" Alex asked her, only to find a red tint on her face. Charlotte couldn't look at him as she was on her knees, covering her belly.

"Was that...?"

Charlotte couldn't help but nod.

"Charlotte, tell me you've eaten before we left..." Alex deadpanned.

"Y-Yes..."

"Charlotte. The truth." Alex knew something was wrong with her.

She sighed. "I... I forgot to have breakfast before we left."

Alex became worried after that. "And you didn't eat anything for the whole day?!"

She became silent as she nodded.

"Charlotte, why didn't you say anything?!" Alex was alarmed.

"I..."

He sighed at thought of her well-being being at risk. He was having regrets of bringing her along when this became the case. "No... Say no more..." He tucked the bag's handles and strapped the bag on his back with its shoulder straps instead before approaching her.

"I really don't want to do this." He sighed.

"H-Huh?"

What Alex did next surprised her completely. He Carried her after strapping the bag on his back.

"Wa-Waaahhhh!" Charlotte screamed in embarrassment as Alex carried her in a Bridal-style carry. Before she could fall, she quickly grabbed hold of his shirt.

"A-Alex! What are you doing?!"

"I'd best make myself busy tonight..." He muttered.

"ALEX! What are you doing?!" She bopped his head.

"Huh? Oh. This?" He looked as he was already carrying her, bridal-style.

"Stop playing dumb with me, Alex!"

"What? Charlotte, you collapsed on your knees because of hunger. I don't want you risking yourself like that." He replied calmly.

"You don't have to carry me like this, you know!" Charlotte exclaimed.

"Like hell you're risking it." Alex deadpanned, leaving her completely flustered and speechless as they moved along. His mood shifted back to his usual self.

"I was planning to cook tonight anyway... Care to join me for dinner instead?"

This brought her attention. "E-eh?! Alex, I'm fine! You don't have to do that!"

"Charlotte, I insist." He assured.

"But, Alex-"

"I'm cooking, and that's final! No buts, Young lady!" Alex said in a fatherly manner.

This caused her to be surprised. It was completely unusual for him to act like that. They were getting used to his usual, stoic, work-oriented manners. To act on a fatherly manner was completely new to her.

As for Alex himself... Acting like that completely struck a nerve to him. It was irritating for him to act like that. Nonetheless, he shrugged it off and made a mental note to himself.

"Alex... Don't act like that."

Charlotte couldn't help but giggle at him after his little act.

"Okay, then..." She teased before giggling at him once more. Alex couldn't help but feel embarrassed as he grumbled along the way before entering the dormitories.

-1805 HRS. Room 1027, Alex's Dorm-

"Well... We're here."

Alex, finally reaching his quarters, sighed as the door that leads to his room was infront of them. It took a while for him to open the door before entering.

"Um... Alex?"

"Yeah?"

"You... Y-you can put me down now." Charlotte said, embarrassingly.

"R-Right." He complied by putting her feet first to the floor.

"Um... Sorry." He said, with her pouting at him as a reply.

"Alex, you pervert."

Alex rolled his eyes at the comment once more. "What did I do Now..." He said sarcastically.

Charlotte sighed as she sat down on one of the chairs, looking at the officer as he rummages around the pantry.

"Let's see... Beef... Chicken... I could Whip up some Buffalo Chicken... Katsudon... or I have some beef left in the freezer, I can cook up some Teriyaki..."

"I wouldn't mind Teriyaki." Charlotte said.

"No Problem." Alex acknowledged and started to get the ingredients for the meal. He pulls out a white apron from the tall cabinet and started working.

As Charlotte was just watching there, she couldn't help but smile as he works in the small kitchen of the dormitory. The white apron was in contrast to what he wore-A Short-sleeved, Olive Button-up shirt, Tan cargo pants and Boots.

"He really acts like his dad sometimes, does he?" She thought.

-The Morning before they left...-

Charlotte was grooming herself as they prepare for the trip to the studios. She was wearing a Black Collared shirt, along with plaid skirt and a pair of sneakers to compliment the outfit. She fixes her hair to the ponytail that they recognize. Just as before she leaves her dorm, she goes to her computer.

Supposedly, she was to place it in sleep mode, but an incoming video call got to her first.

"INCOMING CALL... LT. Douglas Barnes"

Charlotte immediately recognized the name and pressed accept. It showed the man who was On-duty at the time, because there were a handful of officers at the background, working business as usual.

"Ah! Good morning, Lieutenant!" Charlotte greeted.

"Good morning, Charlotte. Sounds to me that I called in at a wrong time." Douglas commented because she was all dressed for something.

"Ah, no. I'm not leaving just yet." Charlotte assured.

The man sighed in relief as he heard. "Good, good. Anyways, I just want to check up on my nephew over there. How is he?"

"He's suprisingly okay, I'll be honest, sir." Charlotte said.

Douglas raised a brow as he heard. "Surprisingly? How so?"

Charlotte started to describe what she saw from Alex yesterday. "To say the least, He was calm and a bit relaxed. He didn't have that usual habits that we see in him."

Douglas understood her and fortunately, he was aware of that as well. "That, Charlotte... Will be one of the rarest things that you will see from Alex nowadays. Let me guess, you felt that he had some peace of mind?"

"That as well, Oui!"

Douglas confirmed the matter. "Yup. Charlotte, you will rarely see that from him. A Tad bit outgoing, yes. But you will have a rare chance to see Alex like that."

"I see... With what you have told to me that night, I suppose I would understand why. Sir, if I may ask, does he talk about what happened before?" Charlotte asked him.

Douglas flinced from his seat. "Don't even go there, young lady. You should never ask him about that. He gets furious about it so much if it happens. The last thing that we need to see from him is to dwell on that too far." He warned.

"Oh... I see." Charlotte became disheartened about it.

"I know that look of yours, kiddo. You wanted to take my advice to heart and help him out... do you?" Douglas asked the French Representative.

"Yes... I do."

The police lieutenant smiled at her answer. "I know that you want to... but it's not going to be easy. You'll really need to make him open up to you if you want to help him out. Just take it bit by bit... Okay?"

"Okay, Sir. I understand."

"Good... It's a fortunate thing that I asked you if I can keep in touch with him by contacting you instead." He sighed in relief.

"Were there any reasons behind it?"

"Alex doesn't want me to hound on him so much. I do understand it but... I'm the only one that took care of him since his father died. To think about the things that kid has been through..." He said in a worrying manner before giving a pitied scoff.

"Y'know before he was like that... He used to act like his dad a lot... Same manners, same ways. He even scolds his old man from time to time." He started.

This picked her attention. "Really?"

"The funniest thing that he did was say to his dad, 'No buts, Mister! You need to finish your work before dinner!' One of the most respected By Police and Military, scolded by his own son... Imagine that!" Douglas narrated as he lets out a laugh himself. Charlotte couldn't help but laugh with him.

"Anyway, Charlotte... Thank you for listening to me. I really appreciate it and I'm happy that he's made some friends there already."

"It's the least I can do, Sir."

"Don't call me Sir, or Lieutenant, kid. Didn't I tell 'ya this before?"

"Oh! My mistake..." She let out a giggle.

"All right, I need to go. You best take care of yourselves. Okay?"

Charlotte nodded before he ended the conversation.

"CALL ENDED..."

-Present-

Charlotte giggled a bit from that conversation. Still, it was a refreshing sight to see Alex so calm for the past few days.

"Charlotte? Anyone in there?" Alex asked as he saw her staring again.

"Hm? Ah! I'm here!" She answered.

"Physically, yeah. Mentally? Nope. Charlotte, whatever it is your doing right now, that's hunger talking." He retorted as he finishes cooking and prepares a couple of bowls.

"Um... yeah... Hunger." Charlotte muttered.

He prepares some rice and topped it off with teriyaki and some sauce to go along, giving one bowl to Charlotte.

"Here."

She took the bowl and took a spoonful, giving her a flavor rush by the time it hits her mouth.

"Aah! So good!" Charlotte chirped as she kept on eating.

Alex felt content as she just indulged herself on the food. He couldn't help but stare at her for a while whilst eating.

"Beats a restaurant any day." He muttered before taking a bite as well.

"May I have some more?" She asked as she showed an empty bowl.

This surprised him in a good way. "Whoa... Seconds already? Man... You really needed to eat after today!" He said before getting the bowl from her to get seconds.

She just giggled at the thought. "It's really fun to have a tasty meal with a friend!"

"It sure does." He agreed as they enjoyed the night on their own terms.

-1815 HRS. Somewhere near the academy-

"We're almost home, Houki." Ichika said as he carried Houki along the way home. They were nearly at the academy's gates by the time after dinner.

"Mmmnnngh..." She grumbled in her sleep. Ichika was carrying her in a piggyback manner.

"I sure hope they are all right..." Ichika muttered as they thought about the other two. Fortunately, his phone beeped as he received a text message from the officer himself.

"Hey, Houki... Houki..." He called.

"Huh...What?"

"I gotta take this for a while, okay?" He said as he patted his left pocket.

"Ah, sure. Put me down first." She said after she became awake. He did such before pulling out his phone to read the message.

"Hope you two had a good time today. Stay safe.

-Fields"

Ichika smiled at the thought as they read the message. "Sure hope he had fun today." Ichika muttered.

"Well... It's nice of him to give us a text, Don't you think?" Houki asked.

He rolled his eyes and gave some thought. "Yeah... Kinda unusual for him is it?"

"Sure is. But it's nice."

It was a peaceful day.

-0635 HRS. Room 1-1, Day 77-

The morning after...

Almost half of the class, including the Representatives were there as always, spending the spare time left to chat with each other, everyone was in a good mood today.

"Ah! Ichika!" Cecilia called in.

"Morning, guys."

"How were you guys? How did the interview go?" Rin asked further.

"It was fun." Houki chirped.

"As for Alex?" Cecilia asked, remembering Alex having that same interview.

"Ah! He had a good time!" Charlotte stepped in.

Cecilia felt relieved. "How nice of him! Having a good time like that! Tell me, Charlotte. What did he do?" She asked.

Charlotte was flustered as she tries to come up with an answer.

"No buts, Young lady!"

"Well... He did-"

Charlotte was supposed to give an answer but they were interrupted when Alex came in as well. Having that stoic expression once more, but a bit more calm this time. He was holding a cup of coffee on each hand.

"Morning, people." He greeted.

"Lovely morning, Alex!" Cecilia greeted. Alex nodded before putting his attention to the French Representative.

"And how are you today, Charlotte?" He asked.

"I'm all better, thank you." She acknowledged, smiling.

He felt relieved as she was back to the cheerful person he knows. "Good to hear. Ah, here. It's for you. It's um... Latte." He said as he gives the same coffee to her.

"Th-Thank you, Alex." She stammered as she took the cup. "O-Oh... I forgot to drink a cup today, have I? But, Alex... You don't have to do this so often..."

"I don't mind, really." He shrugged it off.

"I appreciate the gesture, but-" She was cut off when Alex spoke once more.

"Just enjoy it before it gets cold."

"B-But-"

"No buts, young lady." Alex wagged his finger as he spoke.

She couldn't help but smirk at hearing that phrase from him once more. Charlotte looked at Alex once more as she took the cup."

"All right, then... Dad!" She chirped and smiled once more before taking a sip. This caught some attention, including the representatives'.

"Did she just call you...Dad?" Laura asked.

Alex was unable to respond to that. The only reaction that he could show was embarrassment and a reddened face.

"I...I have no Idea..." He muttered.

The room was silent for a few good minutes as they heard what Charlotte said to him. Then the silence started to fill with giggling and laughter.

"D-Damn it..." He grumbled under his breath before taking a sip. The usual chatter came along until class started. Fortunately, Alex and Charlotte were done with their coffee.

"All right you brats... Take your seats." Chifuyu instructed in by the time Her and Maya entered in.

"Before we start class, I would like to make an announcement. The Entire school will be participating in a Tag-team Tournament designed to improve the skills of each pilots, this includes even the pilots with their personal IS." Maya started out.

This sparked the two boys' attention. "Tag-team Tournaments?"

Chifuyu was the next to speak. "Recently, Many IS' have been Hijacked around the world. Even one of ours was targeted during the festival. If it wasn't for the Interception of the representatives, they would have succeeded."

Ichika sighed in frustration at the mere memory of it.

"Which is why, those of you with Personal IS units, must improve your level of skill." Chifuyu continued.

In the midst of it, Alex raised his hand to get her attention.

"Sensei, with all due respect we should take extra precautions with regards to the recent incidents and Hijacks." Alex stated.

Chifuyu focused her attention on the officer. "I know that this has been an alarming concern for you, Fields. This is the same priority for us as well. Which is why everyone's skills are needed to be honed further."

"And we cannot risk turning our backs to focus on that one aspect... It may lead to the same disaster again if we do such." Alex rebutted.

Chifuyu knew this well. The unexpected attack during the festival was considered a critical breach on the academy's security. She couldn't even figure out how a Phantom Task member infiltrated the academy out in broad daylight.

"Fields... I would like to have a discussion with you after." Chifuyu said.

"Acknowledged." He nodded.

The rest of the class could only stay silent as the two locked eyes in a hardened manner.