Questions And Answers...

I can't go through this again...

" What are your plans today? I thought I could fix us some brunch?"
Stella was thinking that she could pin him down today and find out what was eating at him. She had heard him come in an hour or so after her, so he hadn't been to the academy, but she decided to leave that with him. There was definitely an evasiveness about him. Even now, the way he was standing behind that counter looking like he was ready to bolt at any second.

"Err... thanks....but .. I'm going to hit the weights at the gym."
He looked away into his coffee, suddenly seeming to find it fascinating, and Stella frowned, watching him swirl his coffee around his cup.

"I'm gonna go change..." He put the cup down and headed to his bedroom leaving her sipping her coffee and her heart sinking.
Stella stared at his closed bedroom door and started second guessing. Maybe he wanted her to move out and didn't know how to tell her? Had he met someone and was finding living with her awkward? But no... he didn't ever seem to go out except to Molly's and he never stayed out or bought anyone home. She would know if he was seeing someone. The thought of both those things made her stomach clench. Besides, quite frequently, she had caught him staring at her boobs or her ass when he thought she wasnt looking. Like a few moments ago.
O.k... she was admitting it, she liked that he was doing it. She wanted him to want her. Fairs fair she spent an
inordinate amount of time fantasizing about his naked body so he was welcome to lust after hers. But after the humiliation of when she had tried to kiss him when she was drunk, there was no way that she was going to make the first move.

Kelly decamped to the gym and pounded a punch bag to get rid of his frustration, but that had zero impact on how he was feeling. Stella had disappeared from the kitchen by the time he had left and when he'd called out goodbye she hadnt answered so he wondered if she'd gone back to sleep or was pissed with him. He knew she was confused by the way he was skirting around her and if he was honest it was exhausting doing it. Yeah he would have loved nothing more than to hang out with her, and have her make brunch even though she would half destroy the kitchen doing it and he would have to hover around behind her wiping things or putting things away again. But he loved watching the concentrated animation on her face as she prepared them a feast even if some of it ended up stuck to the pan or on the counter.
But this was a self inflicted punishment. Staying away from her.
Because he felt things for her that he didn't want to understand, but knew without a doubt that if it went wrong he wouldn't be able to take it.
He was thinking all those things as Blair, the hot blonde working out next to him, gave him an inviting smile as he left and much to her disappointment he looked through her, oblivious to her skin tight gym pants or her filler enhanced pout.

That evening, things almost came to a head when Stella asked if he wanted to order in for dinner.

"I have plans..... "

At least he had the grace to look apologetic, Stella thought miserably.

"Anyone I know...?" She couldn't help herself.
That wasn't too much like being punched in the gut.

"Nothing like that.... a buddy from school." He replied, grabbing his jacket.

Female? But she stopped herself from asking that. She needed to keep some pride still intact.

"Oh..ok.. have a good time.....I'm gonna go hang out at Molly's then."
Stella turned away as he opened the door to leave, guilt eating at him about blowing her off again.
Maybe he should stay in...

"Erm... maybe I'll see you there.. later...." He said instead.

Stella didnt turn round, holding a hand up in acknowledgement.

"I'll see you."

Kelly hesitated, knowing she was upset. But after a moment of hesitation, he left. It was for the best.