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Johnny stepped off the elevator on the seventeenth floor, heart pounding as he walked to Stella's apartment. He knocked, forcing himself to breathe steadily until the door opened.

"Johnny," Stella greeted with a bright smile. She stood in a satin robe trimmed with lace, the sight of her stopping him cold. "August isn't here, but I can call him. I know you two have to—"

"I'm not here for August," Johnny cut in, slipping inside and closing the door behind him.

Her smile softened, her eyes glimmering. "Then who are you here for?"

He stepped closer, his voice low. "Do you really need to ask, pretty girl?"

Before she could answer, he pressed her against the wall, her arms wrapping around his neck as their mouths collided. The kiss was urgent, electric.

"You know what I was thinking?" she murmured between breaths.

"What?"

"We've never sparred." She pushed him back playfully, her grin daring.

Johnny chuckled, sliding into stance. "Fine. But I'll go easy on you."

"You're adorable, Lawrence," she teased, bowing before squaring off.

Their movements flowed quick and sharp, laughter punctuating each strike and block. Stella caught his wrist, spun, and shoved him back. He countered with a sweep, catching her before she hit the floor.

"Looks like you fell for me, princess," he said, holding her tight.

She gazed up at him, her breath quickening. "What can I say? You swept me off my feet, sensei." Her hands slid along his chest, beneath his shirt. "Since I met you, I've wondered what it would feel like to be touched by you."

Their lips crashed together again, fiercer this time. He laid her gently on the rug, loosening the tie of her robe. The satin slipped away, revealing lace and warm skin. Johnny froze for a heartbeat, reverent.

"God, you're beautiful," he whispered.

Stella pulled him down, eyes locked on his. "Don't just look at me, Johnny. Love me."

And he did—slowly, tenderly, as if every kiss, every touch was a vow. Their sparring gave way to something deeper, a rhythm as old as love itself. Words faded, replaced by gasps and whispers, their bodies speaking truths they'd both carried for too long.

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𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐀 and Johnny laid sound asleep in her bedroom as Ava's old radio alarm played Whitesnake's Here I Go Again, and Johnny laid there smiling. This wasn't the first time he had dreamed of Stella, in fact, he dreamt of her every night. Usually, the dreams involved more than just a simple sparring.

Stella woke up, and softly yawned as she reached over to turn off the radio alarm. Rubbing her beautiful blue eyes, she turned over on her side to find Johnny smiling. "Must be some dream." she thought to herself

She stretched, slid out of bed, smoothed her nightgown, and wrapped a silk robe around her body before heading to the kitchen. Coffee first, everything else second. As the machine gurgled, her phone buzzed. The screen lit up: Lori 💛

"Hello?" Stella answered

"Morning, sleeping beauty," Lori's voice purred, airy and bright. "Got any plans for today?"

"Not that I know of," Stella said, pouring coffee into her favorite mug. "What are you thinking?"

"The girls wanna go shopping," Lori replied, her tone dripping with sparkle. "Like, duh. You have to come. We'll stop by Century City. New jobs, new uniforms, new wardrobe. It's basically an emergency."

Stella laughed, stirring creamer into her cup. "Okay, I could use some retail therapy. Lobby at ten?"

"Yesss. Perfect. Love you, babe."

"Love you too."

Hanging up, Stella scrolled through her Snapchat feed, firing off a couple of morning snaps. The sound of footsteps drew her gaze to the hall. Johnny appeared, hair a mess, eyes still heavy with sleep.

"Morning," she said warmly.

"Morning," he grunted, dropping into the chair beside her.

"Coffee? Food?"

"I could eat," he said, like it was a challenge.

She smiled. "I'm out of bologna—August wiped me out. But I've got eggs and toast."

"That's fine, princess," Johnny muttered as he got up, grabbed a mug, and poured his own coffee. Black. No hesitation.

"So," Stella teased, stirring the pan, "you were smiling in your sleep. Must've been some dream. Was it good?"

Johnny froze mid-sip, then smirked, covering. "Yeah. Karate tournament. Took down some punk." Total lie.

"Mhm, sure," Stella laughed, arching a brow. "Scrambled or fried?"

"Scrambled. Less work." He dumped sugar into his coffee, stirred with a finger. "You busy today?"

"The girls and I are going shopping," she said, sprinkling salt and pepper into the eggs. "Uniforms, outfits, the works. After that? Free."

Johnny leaned back, casual but watching her like he always did. "Dinner. Tonight. I'll pick you up at seven."

Her smile spread, soft but certain. "Sounds perfect." She set the pan aside, leaned over, and brushed his lips with hers—quick, teasing, but enough to light him up.

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"I almost forgot how exhausting shopping is," Lori said dramatically as the four of them collapsed into a booth at the food court, bags piled around them like trophies. She unwrapped her Chick-fil-A sandwich with a sigh, then brightened instantly. "But the sales? Totally worth it."

Amy, seated on Stella's other side, opened her box of chicken tenders and Polynesian sauce. "She's right. We had to hit every store. Imagine missing out on one perfect deal."

"Yeah, we scored," Stella agreed, peeling open her sauce. "Especially at the uniform shop. Lori, those pink scrubs you picked out? They're going to match your stethoscope. You'll be the Elle Woods of nursing."

"That's the plan," Lori said with a grin, sipping her soda like it was champagne. "So, how are you feeling about pediatrics?"

Stella hesitated. "I mean... I've heard it's daunting. But I think I'll be okay."

Kara, sitting next to her, leaned in with steady reassurance. "You'll be more than okay. You've got this."

"She's right," Lori chimed in, tossing a fry into her mouth. "The professor wouldn't have placed you there if she didn't know you could handle it."

Stella nodded, then tilted her head. "Well, how do you all feel about the ER? It gets intense in there."

"I like fast-paced," Kara said simply, forking up her salad with effortless poise.

"Same," Lori agreed with a little shrug, like chaos was just another accessory.

Stella turned to Amy. "What about you, hon? You said you're starting teaching soon?"

Amy's eyes lit up. "West Valley Elementary. Second grade."

"That's such a good age," Lori said warmly. "They still give you hugs."

"I know. I'm excited," Amy said with a soft smile. Then, noticing Stella's quiet mood, she tilted her head. "You've been awfully quiet. Everything okay?"

Stella sipped her strawberry lemonade, then confessed, "I've got a dinner date tonight."

"Oooh, with Johnny?" Lori perked up instantly, eyes glittering. "Second date, right?"

"Yeah. He didn't say where we're going. I don't want to overdress, but I don't want to look casual either."

"Easy. Wear that black velvet dress of your mom's," Lori suggested, her tone decisive. "You always look gorgeous in her dresses. It's chic, not over the top. Very moment."

Stella frowned slightly. "I don't want it to be too much. I mean—it's Johnny we're talking about."

"Wait, your mom had dresses like that?" Amy asked, curious.

"That's an understatement," Lori said, eyes softening as she spoke. "She looked like Princess Diana in them. Not full gowns or anything, but still—total angel energy. Mrs. Walker was luminous."

"Stella, your mom sounds incredible," Amy said gently, sliding an arm around her friend. "I wish I could've met her."

"Thanks, hon." Stella leaned into the side hug, her smile bittersweet. "She really was a wonderful soul."

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Stella stood in front of the mirror, smoothing the black dress that once belonged to her mother. It was simple, elegant—off the shoulder, skimming just above the knee—and it hugged her curves in a way that made her both nervous and a little thrilled. Behind her, Janette perched gracefully in the old armchair, while Lori and Kara lounged on the bed, flipping through glossy magazines like they owned the room, George Jones and Tammy Wynette crooned My Elusive Dreams from the record player.

"I don't know," Stella murmured, tugging at the hem. "What if this is too much?"

"Stella, would you stop?" Kara said. "You look killer in that dress. That's the one."

"She's right, honey. You look beautiful." Janette's voice was soft and proud as her eyes glimmered. "If anything, you look just like your mother."

"Thanks, Grandma." Stella smiled faintly, her heart squeezing at the thought. "Okay, so... what do we think? Too much?"

"You look perfect," Lori said, finally glancing up from her magazine, her designer sunglasses perched on her head like a crown. "But... it's missing something."

"Yeah," Kara agreed, tilting her head like she was assessing a runway model. "Jewelry. You need something—necklace, earrings, maybe a bracelet."

"I'm not really one for jewelry," Stella said, moving toward her dresser, "but... I do have something I want to wear." She opened her jewelry box and carefully lifted out an sapphire necklace. Her mother's favorite. "This was my mom's."

"I remember when your father gave that to her." Janette rose, her smile softening with memory as she touched her granddaughter's arm. "First paycheck he ever brought home, he bought her that necklace."

"I think you should wear it," Kara said decisively. "It brings out your eyes."

Stella fastened the necklace, fingers lingering on the cool metal as a wave of bittersweet warmth settled in her chest. She looked in the mirror again and saw not just herself, but echoes of Ava—the grace, the quiet strength. "Okay," she said, exhaling slowly. "Now what do we think?"

"Perfect," Lori declared, tossing her hair. "Like, obsessed."

"Well, I better finish my makeup before my date." Stella gave them a small, nervous smile. "I'll be out in a second."

As Stella disappeared into the ensuite, Janette, Lori, and Kara migrated to the living room, sinking into the sofa like queens claiming their throne. The TV flickered as they flipped through channels, chatting idly, until the doorbell chimed.

"I'll get it," Lori announced, rising with a catwalk strut.

"Okay, dear," Janette said

When Lori opened the door, Johnny stood there—broad shoulders filling the frame, jeans and leather jacket like a promise of trouble. His Cobra Kai swagger was dialed in, but his eyes softened the second he looked past Lori into the apartment.

"Hi," Lori said, flashing a Hilton smile. "You must be Johnny. I'm Lori—Stella's best friend. Come in."

"Hi, Lori. Nice to meet you," Johnny said, voice low, rough-edged but warm.

"Hey, I'm Kara," the other blonde chimed in, extending a manicured hand. "Sister of Lori, best friend number two."

Johnny grinned and shook her hand. "Nice to meet you both. Hey, Janette."

"Hi, hon." Janette rose and gave him a gentle hug, the kind that felt like home. "It's good to see you."

"You too," Johnny said, smile tugging at his lips before he glanced toward the hall. "Is Stella ready?"

"She's just finishing up," Lori said slyly.

"Girls, why don't you check on her?" Janette suggested

With matching smirks, Lori and Kara disappeared down the hall, leaving Johnny alone with Janette.

"Can I get you anything, hon?" Janette asked, folding her hands.

"I'm good, thank you though." Johnny said

"Well, make yourself comfortable." She eased into Stella's recliner, studying him with those clear, knowing eyes. "So how's the dojo?"

"It's going great," Johnny said, brightening. "They're good kids—hardworking. Especially August."

Janette chuckled softly. "He gets that from his father. Stubborn as they come. Would you believe neither him nor Stella—or even my own son—will let me clean the gutters?"

At the sound of Stella's name, something flickered across Johnny's face—like sunlight breaking through cloud cover. Janette saw it. She saw everything.

"Johnny," she said gently, "if you don't mind an old woman asking—and this stays between us—how are things between you and my granddaughter?"

Johnny hesitated, jaw working before the words slipped out low and unguarded. "I'm crazy about her. Truth is... I love her. I just don't know how to tell her that. We're not even together—we're just... f-friends."

Janette shook her head, smiling like she knew better. "What's taking you two so long? I can see it plain as day—how crazy you are about her. John, you make her happy. After Ava died, she never smiled. Not once. Then you came along, and it was Johnny this and Johnny that. You brought our Stella Blue back to life. Thank you."

Johnny swallowed hard, emotion tightening his throat. He wanted to tell her everything—that he'd never felt like this before, that Stella wasn't just another girl—she was it. But before he could speak, footsteps echoed down the hall.

And then she appeared.

Stella walked into the room like a dream draped in black silk, that necklace catching the light just enough to make him forget to breathe. Johnny stood before he even realized he'd moved.

"Hi, Johnny." Her voice was soft, a little shy.

"Hey." His lips curved, slow and reverent. "Wow... you look beautiful."

"Thank you." She smiled, cheeks warming. "You look great too."

"You ready?" he asked, voice lower now, like every word was meant just for her.

"Yeah." She nodded, heart pounding.

Turning to her grandmother and friends, Stella said, "Grandma, girls—we're heading out."

"Bye, hon! Have the best time!" Kara sang, like this was the social event of the season.

Janette added, without missing a beat, "If you two do anything, remember to use protection."

"Okay, goodbye, Grandmother!" Stella squeaked, face blazing red as Johnny burst out laughing, the sound warm and unguarded.

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"Well, if you'll excuse me, I have to use the powder room." Stella smiled warmly at Johnny as she stood.

"Oh, I will join you," Amanda said.

"Don't leave me alone," Johnny whispered quickly to Stella.

"No, you should stay. No... honey," Daniel fumbled as Amanda tugged her purse onto her shoulder.

Both women shook their heads and left, heels clicking across the floor.

When they returned minutes later, Johnny and Daniel were actually sitting with their arms folded, looking like they'd been forced into a ceasefire.

"Hey," Stella smiled as she slid back into her seat. "Did we miss anything?"

"No," they both said in unison.

Amanda dipped a chip into salsa. "Johnny, I was going to tell you—Robby will be going to West Valley."

"He is?" Johnny blinked. "How?"

"We enrolled him. That's the rule. You stay with us, you go to school," Daniel said.

Johnny nodded firmly. "Good. He should never have dropped out."

Daniel's tone softened. "Finally, something we agree on. Robby's too smart for that."

The waitress returned balancing plates. "All right—two chile rellenos, your one enchilada and tamale, and chicken tacos."

"Thank you," Johnny said, already eyeing Stella's plate.

"Well, looks good to me," Daniel said.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, I hate to be a bother, but I asked for no red sauce," Stella said sweetly, pushing the plate back.

"Oh! Sorry, let me take that right back," the waitress said, cheeks pink.

Stella smiled kindly as the woman scurried off, but Johnny leaned back with a victorious snort.

"I knew there'd be something wrong. Why not write it down?" Daniel said. "It's a rookie mistake."

"White belt," Johnny added with a laugh, surprising Daniel into laughing too.

Amanda and Stella exchanged a knowing glance, and Stella's eyes lingered on Johnny—gruff, stubborn, but always in her corner.

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"He smeared blueberry pie on my shirt!" Johnny barked out a laugh, shaking his head at the memory.

"That's because you put it on my chair. You're leaving out some details," Daniel countered with that self-righteous smirk.

"I wish I would have been there to see that," Stella laughed, her eyes bright. She lifted her glass. "Should we order another round?"

Johnny leaned back in his chair, flashing her a grin. "I don't know. Last time I went four rounds with LaRusso, I caught a foot to my face." He chuckled, his voice rough but warm when it landed on her.

Before Daniel could snap back, salsa music pulsed through the speakers. Amanda's face lit up. "I love salsa night!" She tossed her napkin onto the table, already half-rising from her seat.

Daniel shot to his feet. "May I have this dance?"

"You may," Amanda said with a smile, slipping her hand into his.

As they disappeared toward the dance floor, Stella stood and smoothed her dress. She turned to Johnny, her voice gentle but certain. "You know I'm not one for salsa dancing. Can we go to the lookout?"

Johnny's whole posture shifted—tough edges melting the second she asked. He reached for his wallet, tossed some bills onto the table, then stood to join her. "We can go anywhere you want, princess." His grin softened just for her.

After settling the check, Stella waved to Amanda across the room. Amanda caught it and gave her a thumbs-up before twirling into Daniel's arms.

Johnny slipped an arm protectively around Stella's waist as they walked out together, leaving the restaurant behind.

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"I figured you would be one for dancing," Johnny said as he and Stella sat on the hood of his Challenger, the night air cool around them.

"I am, just not salsa dancing." Stella smiled softly. "Now, Kara—she and Lori love salsa dancing. What about you?"

"Nah." Johnny shook his head. "I'm not much of a dancer. Was never taught. Always stepped on toes, so I just never did it—except at the country club when I was forced to."

"I can teach you if you want," Stella offered.

Johnny glanced at her, skeptical but intrigued. "Right now?"

"If you want." She reached into her bag, pulled out her phone, and put on her favorite Keith Whitley song— When You Say Nothing At All.

It's amazing how you can speak right to my heart. Without saying a word you can light up the dark. Try as I may I could never explain, what I hear when you don't say a thing

Johnny stood, slipped his arm around Stella's waist, and took her hand gently in his own. His voice dropped, softer than he ever let anyone hear. "I like the feel of your hand in mine."

The smile on your face lets me know that you need me, there's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me, the touch of your hand says you'll catch me wherever I fall. You say it best, when you say nothing at all

"I like it too." Stella's eyes sparkled. "Rule number one—focus on me, okay?"

Johnny nodded. He followed her lead, but clumsy feet betrayed him, stepping on hers. "Damn it. Sorry, princess."

"It's alright." Stella laughed softly, shaking her head. "Look—when you fight, do you look down?"

Johnny smirked. "No."

"No. You look into their eyes." Stella's voice softened. "Just look at me."

Johnny locked onto her beautiful blue eyes. Something shifted—his shoulders relaxed, his body finding rhythm with hers. Suddenly, they were moving together in perfect sync, the music wrapping around them.

All day long I can hear people talking out loud
But when you hold me near, you drown out the crowd, Old Mr. Webster could never define, what's being said between your heart and mine

Johnny pulled Stella closer, his forehead brushing against hers. His chest ached with the words he couldn't quite say out loud. "I love you, Stella."

The lyrics carried the truth for him: The touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall. You say it best, when you say nothing at all.

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Later, Johnny walked her to her door. Stella's smile lingered, warm and unshakable. "Johnny, I had a wonderful time. I always do with you."

"I enjoyed it too, princess. I always do." His voice was steady, but his thumb brushed over her knuckles, tender. "You start your new job in the morning, right?"

"Yeah. I have to be there at 7:45 for orientation." Stella nodded. "It's not so nerve-racking since Lori and Kara will be working in the ER."

"You've got this, princess. You're the most badass nurse I know." Johnny gave her that lopsided smile, rough around the edges but meant only for her.

"Thanks, hon." Stella's eyes softened. "Well, when I get off tomorrow, wanna head over to Sal's? I've grown fond of their burgers."

"Oh, you have, huh?" Johnny smirked. "Sure. You know I'll do anything for you. I'll pick you up."

"Great." Stella grinned. "I'll call you when I get off."

"Sounds like a plan. And hey—thanks for the dancing lesson."

"No problem. I enjoyed it." Stella laughed lightly.

Johnny pulled her into his arms, kissing her deeply, letting the moment linger. "I'll see you tomorrow, Johnny."

"Alright. Goodnight, gorgeous." His voice softened just for her.

"Night, hon." She kissed him one last time before slipping inside her apartment, leaving him standing there with the faintest smile tugging at his lips.

In the quiet night, the song's final words echoed in his head—words he couldn't bring himself to say aloud, but felt in every beat of his heart:

You say it best when you say nothing at all