Romance of a Failed Knight
IMPORTANT AUTHOR'S NOTE: So, at the end of this chapter there is another author's note that contains VERY crucial and important news, so please be sure to read it. Well, y'all will get to it when you get to it, so... Without further ado, ladies and gentleman, I present ch. 7. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own any of Chivalry of a Failed Knight; that includes characters, the plot, etc.
Chapter 7: Anniversary of a Failed Knight
When Stella woke up she immediately noticed something was wrong, Ikki no longer had a hand wrapped around her and her back was no longer snuggled against his chest. Stella turned around and noticed that not only was Ikki no longer holding her, he wasn't even in their bed.
Stella scanned their room for any signs as to where Ikki might have gone. After her search yielded no results, Stella decided to get up and head downstairs in search of Ikki. However, before she could even remove the covers from on top of her, she heard Ikki address her from downstairs.
"I'm right here, so don't you dare get out of that bed." Ikki demanded.
Stella, confused and a bit curious, stealthily began to remove the cover from on top of her.
"I hear you trying to remove those covers!" Ikki playfully shouted at Stella.
She was amazed and a bit frightened that Ikki was able to hear her from downstairs. She had executed her actions perfectly, not making a noise any louder than the covers slowly being dragged off of her, yet his ears were still able to pick it up. Realizing she couldn't beat Ikki, Stella decided to just get comfortable and wait to see why her fiancé wanted her to stay in bed.
After a few minutes of waiting, Stella heard footsteps making their way up the stairs; presuming they belonged to Ikki she eagerly awaited his imminent arrival. When Ikki came up he was holding a tray, but Stella couldn't see what was on it because of their difference in elevation, her laying in bed and him standing. He walked over to her and placed the tray on her lap.
"Happy Anniversary, Stella." Ikki said with a bright smile.
His words were simple, but the fact that he had remembered their anniversary amongst all the chaos of the past few weeks meant the world to her.
She looked up at Ikki lovingly and replied, tears forming in the corners of her eyes, "Happy Anniversary, Dear."
Having a serious question Stella regained some composure before asking, "By the way, did you actually hear me trying to get out of bed from downstairs?"
Ikki wore a wide grin, as he responded, "No, but I figured you would try to sneak out. Judging by your lack of a response when I called you out, I'm guessing I was right."
Stella just rolled her eyes and sighed at her fiancé's antics before saying, "I'm surprised you remembered considering how hectic these past few weeks have been."
Ikki responded with a smile, "How could I forget? It was four years ago today that I told you that I liked you when I was hospitalized after my match with Kirihara. I can't tell you how happy I was to hear that you felt the same way towards me."
Stella protested, "Hey! That's my line!"
Ikki laughed before responding, "No, that would be your line if you had confessed to me, but I did, so in turn it is my line."
Stella was about to defend her claim, but stopped as a heavenly aroma filled the air. She then realized that she had forgotten that Ikki had placed a tray on her lap. She had yet to take the time to look at what was on the tray because she hadn't taken her eyes off of Ikki ever since he had said 'happy anniversary'." She removed the lid of the tray with great speed, already knowing what the lid concealed.
Under the lid, once again arranged in an aesthetically pleasing manner, were heart shaped buttermilk pancakes, sausage, country potatoes, and a glass of sweet tea. Stella once again began to drool at the smell of Ikki's cooking.
Stella, realizing that she was drooling, quickly wiped the drool from her face and blushed profusely. Ikki just laughed; he was happy that Stella thought so highly of his cooking.
"Go on, before it gets cold." Ikki encouraged Stella.
She looked at the food on the tray before her, then to Ikki, uncertainty evident in her gaze.
Ikki had a good idea of why Stella was hesitant, so he reassured her, "Don't worry. I made it all for you, my princess."
Stella didn't have to be told twice, metaphorically speaking, in reality she did in fact have to be told twice. She picked up her silverware and began eating with the speed of a cheetah and the grace of a hungry school of piranhas.
This time, like a cheetah, she would eat to her hearts content in intervals as to not pass out from overloading her senses. She began to feel her eyes roll back as she let out a quiet moan. She decided to take a quick rest to allow her senses time to recover. She took a sip of her tea, thinking it would help her recovery.
That was a big mistake as unbeknownst to Stella, Ikki had also brewed the tea. The second the tea registered on her taste buds she realized the grave mistake she had made. Her eyes widened, but she couldn't help but swallow the tea, it was too good to pass up.
After she swallowed the sip of tea she held in her mouth, her vision began to fade and her head hit something soft and welcoming. That was the last thing Stella remembered before she passed out. When Stella came to she looked at her lap and saw that the tray was no longer there.
She cursed aloud, "God dammit!"
Stella nearly jumped out of bed as an arm was wrapped around her. She looked beside her and saw that Ikki was looking at her, clearly worried.
"Stella, are you alright?" He asked with genuine concern.
Stella replied, on the verge of tears, "No."
Ikki began to panic as he asked, "What's wrong!?"
Stella sniffled as she answered, "I didn't get to finish my breakfast."
Ikki breathed a sigh of relief. He had thought something was actually wrong with Stella.
Ikki laughed as he informed Stella, "Don't worry about that. I have dinner planned and I think you'll enjoy it more than breakfast."
Stella looked Ikki dead in the eyes and asked, "Are you telling me that you're going to cook for our anniversary?"
Ikki smiled as he nodded. Stella got out of bed and began jumping around, exclaiming, "Yay! I get to have your cooking again!"
Ikki could only smile at his fiancée's antics. He was glad that she was happy to have his cooking. Having a busy day planned out, Ikki encouraged Stella to start getting ready, which she did with great speed and efficiency. She couldn't wait to see what Ikki had planned for the two of them.
After the two were dressed and ready for the first half of the day, they headed out the door. The duo made their way down the stairs and out into the driveway where a limo was waiting to take them to their destination.
Ikki stepped forward and opened the door for Stella, offering her a hand for assistance. She gladly took it and situated herself inside the limo. Ikki stepped in afterwards, closing the door behind him. When Ikki got himself situated, Stella leaned against his shoulder and wrapped her arm around him, clinging to him lovingly.
"So love, where do you plan on taking me first?" Stella asked.
Ikki smirked as he responded, "Have patience. It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you, now would it?"
Stella sighed in defeat. She wanted to know what Ikki had planned for them, but at the same time wanted to be surprised, making it quite literally impossible to please her at the moment.
After about a twenty-minute drive the limo pulled up to its destination. Ikki opened his door and stepped out, turning and offering Stella a hand out as he did. She gladly accepted and when she exited the limo, she was speechless. They were standing at the entrance to a public park, one Stella's father used to take her to when she was little. Did Ikki know? Stella dismissed the thought seeing as it didn't matter. What did matter was she was there with him then and she couldn't wait to start their day.
Ikki held her hand and led her through the entrance to begin their stroll through the park. Stella was mesmerized by her surroundings. The trees were tall, eliciting a quiet whistle as a light breeze danced between the saplings. She could smell the crisp lake air that the breeze carried with it, and it instantly brought back memories of her father taking her out on the rowboats that were on the lake, but she doubted they were still there after all those years. She was brought out of her reminiscing as she heard the gentle babbling of a nearby brook.
Never before had Stella felt this tranquil. She was always at ease when she was merely with Ikki. Now, however, she was with Ikki in this peaceful environment. She surmised that this was the epitome of serenity.
After a few more minutes, Ikki led Stella down a beaten path that had clearly not seen any use in years, as the brush around it was rather thick.
"Where are we going?" Stella asked confused as she continuously fought off thicket that was in her path.
"Just wait, we're almost there." Ikki replied as the two finally stepped into a clearing.
What Stella saw made her heart skip a beat. Though it was a bit run down since she last saw it, Stella was looking at the old shed by the dock that her father took her to when she was younger.
She ran passed Ikki to see if the rowboat was still tied to the post where she had last left it. Her heart sank when she saw nothing on the water beside the dock. She turned to the shed. Maybe it was in the shed. She walked up to it and tried to turn the knob on the door, but it was locked. With minimum effort, seeing that the shed was already run down, Stella kicked the door in, much to Ikki's surprise.
"Empty." She said aloud, disappointment in her voice.
Ikki walked over to the dock and sat down, dipping his toes in the cool water. He gestured for Stella to join him.
When she sat down, Ikki wrapped an arm around her and gently spoke to her. "Hey, what's wrong? Is something not here that you wanted to be?"
Stella was suspicious at first. Ikki was good at reading her emotions, so it came as no surprise that he saw that something was bothering her. However, Ikki wasn't the type to guess what was wrong, certainly not correctly on the first attempt. He was the type to be there for someone, but let him or her open up whenever he or she was ready to. She dismissed her suspicion as mere paranoia.
She explained, "Yeah. When I was a little girl my dad used to take me out here and there was this rowboat that we would take out. I was hoping that it might still be here. Guess I was wrong."
Ikki rubbed her shoulder reassuringly as he said, "I'm sorry that it's not here Stella, maybe we can… wait, what's my foot caught on?"
Ikki wondered aloud. He dragged his foot from under the dock, slowly pulling something bulky with it. When Stella saw what Ikki brought out from under the dock her face lit up with pure joy.
She exclaimed, "That's the boat! That's the exact boat! You can still see my initials etched in the side! I can't believe that we actually…" Stella stopped as she took one look at Ikki's smile. She asked, suspicion in her voice, "You planned this, didn't you?
Ikki smirked as he responded, "Who? Me? Plan what?"
That answered Stella's question. She tackled him into the boat, giving him a tight hug.
"Oh Ikki, I don't know what to say! To say I'm surprised would be a severe understatement." Stella said delightedly.
Ikki laughed and told Stella, "Well I'm just glad you're happy"
She smiled and slightly tilted her head in response. Her look was so happy and so pure that Ikki subconsciously smiled back. Ikki sat up, bringing Stella up with him. He got situated and made sure she was comfortable before he grabbed the oars and headed out to the middle of the lake.
When he thought they were far enough out that no one could hear them, so at least their conversation would be private, he stopped.
"Ikki, look at all the little ducklings! Aren't they just precious?" Stella marveled as she watched a group of ducklings circle around the boat, curious at to what this unknown object was.
Ikki simply responded, "Yeah, but not as precious as you."
Stella blushed at Ikki's compliment that came out of left field. When she turned to face him, he was reaching for something under his seat.
Unbeknownst to Stella at the time, Ikki had the king help him ensure that a couple of items were stowed in the boat for future use before he and Stella arrived. The king, wanting his daughter to have the best anniversary possible, liked Ikki's plan, so he was more than willing to oblige.
When Ikki found what he was looking for, he pulled it out. Stella was a bit confused at what Ikki presented her with. He held in front of her a loaf of bread. Stella was about to ask about this odd offering, but an insistent quacking in the background both gained her attention and answered her unasked question.
Stella took the loaf of bread and quickly removed a slice from the wrapping. She broke it up into small pieces and began to gently throw them out into the water, making a trail of bread leading to the boat. Stella had tried for many years to pet the ducklings when she fed them as a little girl, but never succeeded in doing so.
She didn't know why, but she felt lucky today. Maybe it was because it was her and Ikki's anniversary or maybe it was being back on the boat from her childhood. For whatever reason, she felt like trying again.
The ducklings approached the boat cautiously. Stella had been ready for them and had already lowered one hand filled with pieces of bread to the water's surface. Three of the ducklings broke off from the group and slowly swam towards Stella's hand.
When they reached her open palm, they hesitated for a moment, but eventually began eating the food provided to them. Stella slowly, as to not make any sudden movements, brought her free hand over the boat and towards the ducklings. She rested her hand above one of the ducklings; this was the moment of truth. She gently brought her hand down and…
*Pet* *Pet* Stella gently patted the head of one of the ducklings. She was surprised when the duckling stopped eating, looked up at her, then returned to eating. She tried her luck on a second duckling and received the same reaction. When she did the same to the third duckling, something unexpected happened. It fluttered its wings and flew into Stella's hand and decided that it was comfortable place to rest for a bit and sat down.
Stella's face lit up like a firework with both surprise and utter joy.
She turned to Ikki, yelling in a whispered tone, "Ikki, look at this!"
She never saw his face when she turned to him. It was hidden behind a digital camera. He had been taking pictures of the entire endeavor. She brightly smiled; happy knowing that this event was documented and she had proof that she was queen of the ducklings. She had wanted to claim that title ever since she was a kid, and now, thanks to Ikki, she finally had.
After getting a few more pictures with the duckling, Stella placed it back into the water and gently patted its fluffy behind, encouraging it to go on.
"Farwell my loyal subjects." Stella joked as she waved to the ducklings as they swam off.
She turned to see Ikki kneeling in the boat.
She was about to ask what he was doing, but he spoke first, saying, "Your wish is my command, oh queen of the ducklings."
Ikki looked up and smirked at her as he said this. Stella turned a shade of crimson not far off from her hair.
"So, you knew about that, did you?" She asked embarrassingly.
Ikki laughed as he answered, "Your father might have mentioned something about it."
"Very well then. I wish for you to row us back for lunch." Stella said using what Ikki had said to her advantage.
Stella wasn't expecting the response she got.
"I am more than willing to oblige my queen, but if you would rather…" Ikki reached under his seat again and pulled out a picnic basket. "We can have lunch here." Ikki offered.
Stella looked him dead in the eyes and asked with a scarily serious tone, "Did you make it?"
Ikki smiled and nodded. With that Stella took the basket from him and opened it to discover what treasure was hidden inside.
Ikki hadn't done anything overly fancy for lunch. He had put roast pork, thinly sliced ham, melted Swiss cheese, pickles, and yellow mustard between Cuban bread, thus making a traditional Cuban sandwich. To go with the sandwiches Ikki had made home-style chips. Finally, to drink Ikki had brought some frozen water bottles that had by then thawed, leaving only crisp cold water. Stella looked awe struck at what Ikki had prepared, but this time she maintained her composure, i.e. she didn't drool.
After the two finished their lunch, Stella was at the front of the boat basking in the sun and enjoying the view. Ikki took this opportunity to locate the final item he had stowed in the boat. He wanted to surprise Stella with what he had planned to conclude their time in the park.
When Stella heard what Ikki was doing behind her, she thought her mind was playing tricks on her, but she had to confirm. When she turned around she gasped and covered her mouth with one hand. Ikki was tuning a guitar.
"I'd like to dedicate this song to my fiancée, Stella. I am the luckiest man in the world to be with someone like you. Happy Anniversary, Sweetie." Ikki said after he finished tuning the instrument.
With those words Ikki began to play a few slow and melodious bars before he started singing. Once again Stella hadn't heard this song, but was instantly in love with it.
Bless the Broken Road, by Rascal Flatts:
I set out on a narrow way many years ago
Hoping I would find true love along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two
Wiped my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you
Every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like Northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
(Yes He did)
I think about the years I spent just passing through
I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you
But you just smile and take my hand
You've been there you understand
It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true.
Every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like Northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
(Yes He did)
Yeah.
Now I'm just rolling home
Into my lover's arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you.
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you.
When Ikki finished he looked at Stella who was in tears. Ikki put the guitar down and went over to Stella, wrapping her in a tight embrace.
"Ikki, that was beautiful. I love you, so much. Though your past was rough, it has made you into the man I love today and I don't want any other Ikki than the one in front of me right now." Stella said between tears.
Ikki held her tighter as he replied, "Though my past was as rough as it was, I wouldn't change a thing about it, even if I could. If I didn't have the past that I did, then I might not have ended up with you. If having the past I do is what it takes to be with you, Stella then it's a price I will gladly pay."
The two of them stayed in each other's embrace for a while longer, but eventually decided to head back in. Ikki had to prepare dinner, and he still had one more place to take Stella.
As the duo was walking back to the entrance of the park, a blonde male, a bit younger than Ikki, was walking in their direction. Ikki saw the look the boy gave Stella and kept a close eye on him, though you wouldn't have known that by looking at him. As the blonde passed the duo, Ikki saw him swing his hand back forcefully, his intentions clearly perverse.
Ikki grabbed his hand, stopping it before it reached its intended destination.
"I know you weren't about to cop a feel. This is my fiancée, so it would be in the best interest of your health to apologize to her and walk away." Ikki stated coldly and in a threatening manner.
"My bad man, I didn't know she was your fiancée." The blonde began, and then turned to Stella. "I apologize for my improper intent."
He stuck his hand out towards Ikki, offering a handshake. Ikki watched as the outstretched hand before him became a fist and was lunged at his jaw.
Ikki grabbed the man's fist with his left hand, never breaking eye contact, before saying, "So, you kinda fail at shaking hands there blondie."
The man quipped at Ikki, "And you suck at lying. Like hell this babe could be your fiancée. Get real."
"Well I did warn you about this, so you only have yourself to blame." Ikki replied evenly.
The man was confused, but was quickly reminded of Ikki's earlier warning as Ikki's right fist was buried into his stomach, knocking the wind out of him. Before he could regain his composure Ikki planted a roundhouse kick to his chest, sending him flying into the nearest tree, which had been about ten feet away.
The man hit the tree with a thud then fell to the ground. He propped himself up on his elbows. What he saw next rendered him speechless. Stella walked up to Ikki, grabbed his collar, and pulled him into a long, deep, and passionate kiss, emphasis on long. The two broke their kiss and resumed walking back to the entrance of the park. Stella looked over her shoulder at the dumbfounded male and grinned. She then put one of her hands behind her back for him to see and proceeded to flip him off.
When the duo reached the entrance they saw the limo waiting to pick them up. Stella was about to open the door, but Ikki pulled her back. She gave her fiancé a confused look.
Ikki explained, "I almost forgot, this is for you."
He handed her a white box wrapped in red wrapping paper and topped with a yellow bow. Stella looked at Ikki, but couldn't find any words.
"Go on, open it." Ikki encouraged.
Stella unwrapped her present then opened the box. She wasn't quite sure what to make of what she had just received.
In the box was a set of ribbons, both black and gold in color. She removed them from the box and examined them. They were full of flaws. She could've gone to any store and gotten better quality ribbons.
She began, "These are…" She was about to say something about their poor quality, but she realized something and changed the last word of her sentence, posing a question in doing so. "Handmade? Did you…" Stella continued, but stopped when she saw Ikki smile and nod as a blush came rushing to his cheeks.
All of a sudden the ribbons felt heavy in Stella's hands. The flaws she had once ridiculed became what made them beautiful to her. Stella could feel the tears in her eyes. Never had anyone in her entire life given her a present this thoughtful. She couldn't think of a more perfect present.
She immediately put them on and asked Ikki, wiping away her tears, "So, how do I look?"
Ikki didn't know how a simple change of ribbons made such a difference, but to him Stella seemed twice as radiant as she usually was. In truth she was, but her radiance stemmed from the pure joy she got from wearing the ribbons her fiancé made her.
"Stella, I.. I mean you… Wow." That was all Ikki was able to say.
Of all the times for words to escape him, now had to be one of those times. Stella giggled at Ikki's reaction and ran up to him, wrapping him in a firm hug.
"Thank you dear, I love them." Stella whispered as she held him tighter.
The two ended their embrace and got back in the limo and headed back to the castle. Like the drive to the park, Stella clung to Ikki's arm lovingly and rested her head on his shoulders, more than happy with how their day was turning out.
When the two returned to their room, Ikki dawned his apron and chef's hat. He gestured for Stella to get comfortable, watch TV or play pool, just as long as she relaxed as he prepared dinner.
Stella was more than happy to oblige, not wanting to get in the master chef's way. She couldn't wait to see what Ikki had planned for dinner. While Stella relaxed, Ikki began with washing and peeling some potatoes. One of the side dishes he was preparing for the night was garlic-mashed potatoes as they went well with the main dish of braised orange roughy over sautéed leeks.
After peeling, cubing, and placing the potatoes in a pot of boiling water, Ikki turned his attention towards the oven and started the preheating process. He then went over to the stove and melted the needed amount of butter in a pan, then added the chopped leeks and sprinkled a bit of sugar and thyme into the mix. He stirred that for about five minutes before he set it off to the side.
He went over to the pot filled with potatoes and drained the water after confirming that the potatoes were ready. Next he added milk, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper to the potatoes and thoroughly mashed them.
Since the potatoes were done, he covered them and placed them off to the side. He took the leeks and poured them into the baking dish that held the orange roughy. By this time the oven was preheated and ready for the fish. Ikki slid the baking dish into the oven and set the timer for eight minutes. His next step was to prepare the garden salad. He took out the necessary vegetables, those being romaine lettuce, baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and cucumbers.
First, he washed and cut the lettuce and added it to two bowls he had set aside for the salads. Next, he chopped the onions and cucumbers before adding them to the to be salad. He topped it off with the baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, and croutons. Finally, he drizzled both salads with a light coating of ranch.
As he finished, the oven timer went off, signaling that the fish needed to be checked. After verifying that the fish was cooked, he pulled it out of the oven and set it on the counter. He took two plates and filled them with an appropriate amount of food.
Ikki looked at the plates and thought to himself, "Well, it certainly looks aesthetically pleasing. Let's just hope that it tastes as good as it looks."
Ikki set the table and brought two wine glasses to the table as well as a bottle of champagne. After all the food was set, he lit a single candle in the middle of the table and turned off all the other lights in the room.
Stella had used every ounce of her will power not to look at what Ikki was cooking. She wanted to be surprised, but the scent emanating from the kitchen made that damn near impossible for her. When the lights went out, Stella looked at the only source of light in the room and she once again had to cover her mouth as she gasped.
She slowly walked over to the table, and Ikki pulled out her chair an informed her, "Here you are milady. Tonight, the chef's special is braised orange roughy over sautéed leeks, garlic mashed potatoes, a fresh garden salad, and the finest champagne we have to offer."
He gestured for her to take a seat. She wordlessly did so and waited for Ikki to take his seat. After Ikki had pushed Stella's chair in, he made his way to his and sat down.
He opened the bottle of champagne and poured two glasses. Stella's first and then his.
Once both glasses were filled, he grabbed his and raised it in the air, proposing a toast. "To four years with the most amazing woman in the world. May we remember these past four years fondly and continue making memories we can look back on and smile at in the future. Happy Anniversary, Love."
Stella thought to herself as she raised her glass to his with a clank, "I'm glad it's dim. Maybe he won't see me cry."
"Don't think I don't know you're crying. Is everything okay Stella?" Ikki asked concerned for his fiancé.
"I really can't hide a damn thing from this man, can I?' Stella thought to herself before answering Ikki. "Yes, that was just beautiful. You really have a way with words."
Ikki shrugged his shoulders as he replied, "I just say what I think. Guess I'm just a hopeless romantic."
Stella laughed and eased up a bit before responding, "You're not hopeless, you got me, didn't ya?" She then smiled and took a sip of her champagne and began eating her dinner.
After they were finished, Stella complimented Ikki, "Wow, that was just…Wow. The fish was so tender and juicy; the leeks were sweet and melted in your mouth, complementing the fish perfectly. The mashed potatoes were fantastic. They had just enough garlic to add a little punch to the meal, but not so much as to be overpowering. The salad was fresh, crisp, and cool, which was a nice change from the soft and tender fish or the smooth mashed potatoes. I don't think I will ever have a meal this divine again. The setting is so romantic, the act of you cooking our anniversary dinner is even more romantic and to top it all off the food was all amazing and complimented each other in various ways. You are the god of culinary arts Ikki."
Ikki blushed at Stella's compliment and replied, "Wow, I didn't know you were a culinary analyst. I am glad my dinner was to your liking."
Stella smiled and nodded. Ikki looked at the time and remembered that he had one more place he wanted to take Stella.
"Hey Stella, if you're up for it I have one more place I'd like to take you." He asked, praying she would say yes.
Ikki actually had something big planned for the last destination.
"Okay. Is this attire alright?" Stella asked.
Ikki responded, relieved that Stella had agreed, "Actually, you'll need a jacket, a scarf, and some gloves."
Stella was now more curious than ever as to what Ikki had planned, but did as he said without further questioning.
When the two got outside the limo was waiting for them, door open and all. The duo climbed in and the limo pulled out, making its way to a destination unknown to Stella at the time.
After about a forty minute drive the limo finally came to a stop. The time was ten thirty, so Ikki had plenty of time before their anniversary was over to do what he had planned. When the two got out, Stella, yet again, was speechless. Ikki had brought her to an outdoor skating rink.
Stella was ecstatic on the inside. She was an amazing skater and was sure that she could finally best Ikki in something. After the two rented their skates, they stepped into the rink, which wasn't overly crowded, but wasn't anywhere close to empty.
Stella looked at Ikki and taunted, "Catch me if you can."
She then sped off as fast as she could skate. When she thought that she had gained a safe distance between her and Ikki she looked back, but didn't see him. She thought she had finally bested him. When she turned around, there he was, skating backwards of all things!
He reached forward and poked her nose, playfully saying, "Caught you."
Stella wanted to be mad, she really wanted to be mad that she was, as always, bested by Ikki, but she couldn't help but smile at how happy and playful he was. The two interlocked arms and decided to skate together for a while. It was time for Ikki to set his plan into motion.
Ikki looked up and said somberly, "You know, this reminds me of all the late nights I worked, walking home under the stars."
Stella looked at the ice, saddened by all the time she had been alone while he was out working.
"Yeah. I don't know how you felt during those nights, but it was hard for me. I was so lonely and you were always working. Just thinking about it resurfaces those painful memories." Stella confessed.
This was it. This was the opportunity Ikki needed to execute his plan. He wasted no time in taking it.
He wrapped Stella in a warm embrace and whispered to her, "Stella, I am so sorry that I put you through that. The only reason I worked was so I could make something right. I promise you, I will never let you feel lonely ever again. I swear."
Stella didn't know what Ikki was talking about, so she asked, "What did you need to right?"
Ikki simply replied, "This."
Before Stella could respond Ikki "tripped" over his own feet and slid backwards on one knee. While he did this he discreetly took something out of his pocket. Stella went up to him. It was perfect for Ikki. He looked up at her and held the black velvet box in his hand and opened it. Inside was a humble diamond ring.
"Stella Vermillion, will you marry me?"
Stella had always been conscious of her surroundings. Now she didn't even notice that every single skater had stopped and were waiting for her response. The only thing she could see was Ikki, proposing to her in a way she had always dreamed of being proposed to, thoughtfully and romantically.
Tears began streaming down her cheeks as she answered, "Yes! Yes! Of course I'll marry you."
With those words Ikki got up, removed her glove, placed the ring on her finger, which was a perfect fit, and kissed her. The entire rink was filled with applause and cheering.
The DJ even stopped the music and brought the spotlight onto Ikki and Stella before saying, "Let's hear it for the newly engaged couple."
The crowd again erupted into cheering. The DJ continued, "This song is for you two, I hope you enjoy. 'I Swear' by All-4-One."
With that the slow dance song began playing and everyone waited for the duo to begin before they did. Ikki backed up a bit and offered Stella his hand.
"May I have this dance?" Ikki politely asked.
Stella eagerly took his hand and he pulled her into his chest. She placed her hands on his shoulders and rested her head on his chest and Ikki gently held her waist. The two gently swayed to the music until the song came to an end.
For about another hour the couple stayed at the rink, receiving numerous congratulations, dancing whenever a slow song came on, and Stella showing off her ring whenever she got the chance. It wasn't the biggest or shiniest diamond, not by far, but Ikki had worked for it. He had wanted to give Stella a proper proposal and he worked countless nights, just so she could have it. That made her ring the most valuable diamond ring in the world to her.
Ikki spoke, gaining her attention and peaking her interest. "Oh, one thing I forgot to tell you is the ring is engraved. I thought you might like to know what it says."
Stella carefully removed the ring and inspected the interior. She once again began to cry when she read what it said. 'Stella, you are my everything. I will love you forever and always–Ikki'
She tackled him to the ice and began kissing him repeatedly. She didn't care if she was in public. All she cared about was showing Ikki how much she loved and appreciated him. Not long after Stella had tackled him, a clock somewhere in the vicinity struck twelve.
Ikki broke their kiss, despite it going against both of their desires as he suggested, "We should probably head home. It's been a long day and we could both use some sleep."
Stella was about to protest, but as soon as she opened her mouth a yawn escaped her. She decided not to fight Ikki or her own tiredness and the two returned their skates and departed.
When the couple finally retired to their sleeping quarters it was well past one. They got into bed and went through with their usual bedtime ritual. Stella scooted back until her back was pressed against Ikki's chest and he in turn wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer to him.
When the two were situated, they fell prey to slumber in no time flat. There was, however, one thing different about how they slept this time. Though it was minute and insignificant, it was different nevertheless. Stella usually held Ikki's hand against her, her left hand over her right. This time her right was over her left, and she was gently caressing her ring, a bright smile on her face as she slept.
Author's Note: So, before I become the bearer of bad news, I'd first like to again extend my gratitude to my obnoxious editor, Miss crimsonboop.
Now, that being said, I do have unfortunate news. After a lot of thinking, I've decided that I need to focus on my classes above all else, so this will be the last chapter I post in a monthly fashion. I can't say for certain what the future will hold for this fic, but what I can say is that I love this community and all of you, so I will not just abandon this. I will not abandon all of you beautiful people who have supported me so much. So, until the next time, stay you my friends and please, forgive me.