It's been three weeks since Rikishi's and Pixie's arrival. Nothing has really changed in the Basilicom household. For example, right now, Histoire is about to scold at Neptune for procrastinating as usual.

"Neptune! It's time for you to patrol!"

Neptune groans. "I don't wanna."

"You have to! You're a CPU for crying out loud."

Nepgear walks over between them.

"Histoire, how about I patrol?" she suggests.

Histoire thinks about it for a second. "Fine, but if you're going to patrol, Neptune has to come with you."

"I don't know, Histy. I think Nep Jr.'s plan is good enough! No need to add more things to something already good, riiiight?"

Histoire clenches her fists. "Neptune! If you don't head out to patrol right now, you can say bye-bye to your console!" she yells.

Neptune gets frightened.

"Well, she's mad now," she states while quickly dragging Nepgear by the hand out of the room. "let's start patrolling, Jr.!"

Histoire unclenches her fists and sighs in relief.

"Histy! I'm done with paperwork!" Pixie happily said, flying over to Histoire.

She smiles. "Thank you so much for helping out, Pixie. I really appreciate it."

"No prob. Waaaay better than doing nothing all day long."

"I'm home!" a male voice hollers.

Rikishi flies in with a tiny grocery bag in his hand.

"I got a pack of 1A batteries." He says as he puts the bag on the nearest table.

"Of course it's 1A." Pixie replies.

All of them giggle. Pixie looks at the clock and notices the sun will go down soon.

"Well, guys! I'm going outside for some fresh air. See you guys later." she declared.

Just like that, the Pixie left, leaving Histoire and Rikishi alone in the room. The two just awkwardly stared at each other, deciding on what to say.

Man, I've never had a problem talking to people except for Histoire lately. What the hell do I say? Rikishi thinks.

Oh great, the awkwardness again. What should I do? Histoire thought, still cluelessly staring at Rikishi.

Ever since that kitchen incident, Rikishi and Histoire have been having trouble talking to each other alone. Heck, they even have trouble talking with each other if they're not alone. The only difference between the settings is that one is more uncomfortably awkward than the other.

"N-nice h-hat." Rikishi finally says to break the silence. Even if he did stutter, it was a start. Great. Was that really the best thing I can come up with?

"T-thanks." Histoire stuttered back. She suddenly starts feeling hot. Why am I feeling hot all of a sudden? Am I short-circuiting? Histoire puts her hand on her forehead to check. Rikishi immediately notices this action.

"Are you okay?" he asks.

Histoire quickly takes her hand down and answers yes.

The two become silent again, making the tension grow only worse. They both finally look away. Rikishi glances at the clock.

"I'm going to find Pixie."

Histoire nods. "Okay."

Rikishi finally flies out, now making Histoire the only one in the living room.

•••

To Be Continued...

••••••

Thank you for reading Chapter 3, everyone! Anyways, stay tuned for the second chapter I'll post this month (Chapter 4). Bye! :)