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The Neon District.
Stella wasn't around here much as the higher upper-class districts lately, but was at least still around to visit Jill in Valhalla every so often either with Sei or without.
As for the now turned bodyguard, there was important business to take care of regarding her family thus was not occupied with Stella at present, who was on the way to Valhalla for the sake of relaxing after dealing with father related matters and the involved stressful company.
Mentally however, Stella was far from unoccupied, her often twitching Cat Boomer ears being one sign of such.
That train of thought ceased soon amidst this though, as a familiar voice called out once in their line of sight.
"Oh! If it isn't Miss Hoshii."
And as that voice was heard, Stella swiftly looked up with easy recognition following thanks to the BTC outfit and specific style of hair.
It was Brian, the Regional BTC Manager for Glitch City that was friends with Stella and others such as Dana, and of course the one trying to save Valhalla's closure.
"Ah, Brian. Fancy seeing you here."
"It's rare to see you in the Neon District. I assume you're headed to Dana's bar?"
"You could say that, uh..."
Brian raised an eyebrow, as Stella was evidently bothered by something and thus quite distracted judging from the nervous expression painting her face.
"Is everything okay?"
"*sigh* Do you mind lending an ear for a few minutes?" Stella didn't want to be rude in the off chance that Brian was busy, but it was worth asking.
"By all means. I'm headed to a BTC meeting, but I can make time."
Stella was glad. She could've vented to Jill once at Valhalla either inside or behind, but Brian could be better for it at the moment and possibly have more useful advice even if unlikely.
After a moment of walking down the empty sidewalk, the two had ended up in a quieter area which allowed Stella to speak their troubles, free from any loudness of flying cars or inevitable accidents.
"So, what's on your mind? Troubles with your Father? Or is it Sei?"
Stella silently nodded, clearly indicating the latter as she leaned back onto the brick wall behind.
"I see. You two have been getting quite close lately, I've heard. It's nice to see the two of you connect."
Stella didn't know how to naturally get to her point with all the present mental distractions, so she spoke up fast after Brian had made their compliment. "Brian, can I just be really upfront for a second?"
"Feel free."
Stella looked away, unsure of how to even convey her feelings with a tense look, but managed to say the main issue. "I... fucking love Sei. Like, a lot."
Brian merely smiled in response. "I had a feeling, but I don't blame you at all. You're great for each other."
"Thanks, she means the world to me and she’s my best friend, so I guess it wasn't a surprise for you. But it's just, I don't know."
Stella had to rub her face for a second before continuing, almost shaking.
"I don't know how to like, confess? I've never felt this way towards someone before and it's so fucking awkward. Like I've known Sei since we were kids and I know she might accept my love and all but I'm just..."
"Scared?"
And with that question asked, Stella started a near-rant about her troubles with Sei.
"Yeah, and ever since that whole incident with the White Knights in December I've just been more scared of losing her in general."
"She really helped me when I was at my lowest back then, and she's one of the few people that I can cry around or talk to when I feel like a piece of shit, to actually open up to when not with my dadd- father."
"She did all this out of her own fucking volition, and when I finally got to meet her again after all the stuff with the Apollo Trust bank, I fell so hard and all she did in response is say I'm right here. I... won't ever forget that."
"Sei was one of the main reasons why I eventually realized that I shouldn't be afraid of opening up to people that I know, or asking for help from them, to pretend that I'm someone that I'm not. I really don't know what I'd do without her."
"But now that I've realized that I actually love her with all my heart, I'm genuinely at a loss for what to do."
The subsequent ranting had taken a bit out of Stella, which gave Brian a chance during that recuperation to give advice as best they could.
"Hmm, I see. I'm not the best with relationship advice, but I'd still be glad to help."
"In regards to that, the one thing you should be doing is opening up to Sei for both her and yourself. Opening up is scary, but it’ll be worth it in the end. I can easily assume Jill would say the same thing, as we’ve all seen the way you look at Sei and the reactions you have when you get complimented by her."
"I know how scary it can be to let your guard down, especially in a city like this. But Sei had proved capable of having no issue for who you are, as with your feelings whatever they may be."
"But back to my point, everyone that knows you would really want what’s best for you, for you and Sei to be happy together. Your happiness has a price that can't be valued."
"So you should try your best to get those words out when you two are next alone in a place that you feel comfortable in and then not worry about the outcome, because Sei like the girl she is will simply smile and hug you in the end. You deserve her more than anyone else in the world." Brian concluded.
Stella simply stared at Brian in response, almost in shock as her ears went up. It was clear the advice had helped to some degree. He was more than right.
"Wow, I..." Stella was at an almost loss for words. "I guess that's all I needed to hear."
"Anytime, Miss Hoshii. That’s been eating away at you for a while, I’m assuming."
"You... have no idea. And do you mind if you just call me Stella instead? Trying to keep my professionalism up can be really tiring at times." Stella asked.
"No problem. And I'm glad you were able to open up about these feelings about Sei to me. She would be proud of you for doing this as well."
"...Thank you." Stella was genuinely glad that this stroke of luck happened to thus meet Brian and in turn have this whole problem mainly resolved.
A short moment after however, a holo-call interface flashed into existence next to Brian, albeit with some static. "Brian, your meeting is- Oh."
It was Cass, Brian's apparent assistant who clearly was calling for an important work reason.
"Apologies Cass, I ran into Stella and she needed to discuss something important with me."
"Fair enough. Just be quick otherwise the big guy might throw a fit when you arrive." With that warning delivered, Cass's holo-call interface went back into thin air in an instant due to her looking quite occupied previously.
Brian nodded in fast acknowledgement beforehand, turning to face Stella. "I should be going. I'm glad I helped with your feelings. If you need an ear again at all later, I'll be free 3 hours from now."
"I appreciate the offer. Take care." Stella smiled, seeing Brian off.
With Brian heading the street's opposite way, Stella breathed a sigh of relief as she continued on her route towards Valhalla with newfound confidence and hope.
Jill would have a lot to listen to and soon, so would Sei.