After six months of relentless training with Dean, Einar had changed. Not just physically—though that was obvious. His body was stronger, faster, and capable of enduring far more than before. But more importantly, he felt sharper, more aware, more in control of himself. He had grown up a lot in just half a year.
He and Dean packed their bags and left the resort that had been their home for the past six months. Though they had known each other for years—Einar since he was nine—their bond had deepened in ways neither could have predicted. Despite Dean's constant flirtations and unsuccessful attempts with girls, Einar couldn't help but respect him more than ever. He still considered him a little perverted, of course, but beneath the annoyance was genuine admiration.
The car ride toward Einar's town was long, the air crisp and refreshing, but boredom began to settle in. Einar, unable to resist, decided to tease Dean.
"Hey," he said with a mischievous grin, "what do you think? Am I at Damon and Rick's level now? Have I improved in your eyes?"
Dean shot him a sidelong glance, unbothered. "You're probably more annoying than both of them combined. And improvement… well… you're only slightly less stupid."
Einar chuckled. "And you, of course, haven't changed a bit. Still perverted as ever. Don't think I didn't notice how you try to flirt with every girl, and how they all—without exception—reject you because you're… wired old man."
Dean's face flushed bright red. "Oh really? And as if you're any better! After begging me to finish the training, you sneak off just to meet some girl at the reception. You little… sneak and i'am not that old i'am 34 only you little crybaby !"
"I didn't do any of that!! …. And i'am not a crybaby you old pervert " Einar protested, though a small blush crept over his own cheeks.
Dean smirked. "Sure. And if you did… it's all your fault for being influenced by me, you rascal."
The banter continued until they reached Einar's town. And then—there she was. Rita.
The moment she spotted him, she stormed forward, practically tackling him in a hug—but not without a sharp glare aimed at Dean. "Einar! Finally! Did you run off into some weird, six-month boot camp just to leave me waiting?"
"I've missed you too," Einar said, returning the hug, laughing at her fire.
Rita stepped back, arms crossed, and looked him up and down. "Hmph. Stronger, huh? You look like a walking protein ad. Don't tell me you spent six months just lifting weights and ignoring everything else?"
Einar grinned. "Not exactly. There was running, sparring, strategy… Dean was… intense. And yes, he's still a pervert."
Rita's glare sharpened. "Pervert? Still? Oh, I'm thrilled. Just what I wanted—my hero trained by a man-child obsessed with flirting."
Dean, trailing behind, muttered something about "hey, I'm a professional…" and earned a venomous look from Rita that could have frozen lava.
Ignoring him, she jabbed Einar lightly in the shoulder. "And what about me? Were you thinking about me at all, or just punching bags and weird motivational speeches?"
Einar laughed. "Of course I thought about you! I… just didn't have time to tell you everything. Dean kept me busy."
"Oh, I'm sure," she said, rolling her eyes. "Busy getting bossed around by a grown man-child while pretending it's serious training. Sounds productive."
Einar chuckled. "It was productive! I'm faster, stronger, and I can take a lot more punishment than before. Dean even admitted I'm… slightly less stupid now."
Rita smirked, shaking her head. "Slightly less stupid? Wow, the bar is really low. Should I clap for you?"
"Ha-ha, very funny," Einar said, grinning despite her sarcasm. "But you know what? I respect him now. He pushed me harder than anyone else could."
Rita softened a little, though the sharpness in her eyes remained. "Well… I'm glad you're back… and even stronger. But don't think this means I'll let you slack off with me. I've missed you, not some glorified punching bag version of you."
Einar's heart swelled. "I promise. No more extremes… at least for now."
Dean muttered from the corner, "Hah! You'll see, I'll really push him next time," and got another glare from Rita that made him visibly shrink back.
"Oh, please, Dean," she snapped, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Don't you dare try anything. One word out of line and I'll make sure Einar regrets meeting you for life."
Einar laughed, shaking his head. "See? That's why I like being home. You're terrifying, sarcastic, angry… and somehow perfect."
Rita rolled her eyes, hiding a smile. "Terrifying and perfect, huh? Well, I'll take it as a compliment. Now, tell me everything—everything—about the last six months, and don't leave out any of Dean's 'perverted antics.'"
Einar grinned, leaning back. "Alright… buckle up. It's going to take a while."