“I told you I like you more than just friends, a lot more.”  Stella had said that a while ago, yet that was all Anton focused on, half-hearing whatever she said about Magdalene.  He already knew she had a lot of explaining to do, but that was for another time.  Stella was now.<br/><br/>Gathering his thoughts before responding, he nervously glanced around until his eyes fell upon the cushioned bench by the window.  Outside, the mighty oak’s branches could be seen swaying in a gentle breeze.  This was the same window that started all of this.  Anton knew how much she and Tesla loved that window seat, as did he and Licorice.  What’s not to love?<br/><br/>He turned his attention back to her, while she stood there staring at him.  Probably wishing I would just leave, the sooner the better, he thought.  Having been bombarded with way too much information from two very distinct female personalities, Anton realized, upon his choosing, that there was a noticeable space separating the pair.  All this time, he had opted for a defensive stance, or one of neutrality.  Maybe it was high time to take the offensive.<br/><br/>Slowly moving toward her, he stopped a foot or two from her, easily within touching range.  Of course, Tesla was not in the least bit invested in the moment, as he continued to voice his displeasure at their inattentiveness.  Right hand in motion, it stopped at her upper arm, as he rubbed it in a north-south direction.  “I appreciate what you just said about my wife and son,” he stated with a sad smile.<br/><br/>Shifting to and fro on his feet, he guided his hand back to his side.  “So I understand you like me more than just friends,” he stated, while searching her eyes.  “And you don’t wanna talk about this?  Because I think we should.”  There.  It was out in the open.  If she chose to ignore it and continue with her plans on moving out, then he wouldn’t be the one to stop her from achieving that goal.