She glanced up at him and smiled a little. "I'm fine, ragazzo sciocco. What's got you all jumpy? You've been on edge all morning, acting all serious. It's weird." Sure, the teasing made her flush like it was the only thing she knew how to do but she preferred it over this new attitude.
She lifted her head to look at him fully, placing both hands on his cheeks. "You've been acting so weird. It's making me nervous."
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"What?" Adone looked down at her, wondering what she meant. He thought that he seemed fine until they were standing close together and they kissed. That was when he started to get all jumpy and nervous. Of course she is teasing him, but even then he does not know what to say.
And Frenchie's hands on his cheeks doesn't help either. "Please don't be nervous," He said. "Sometimes I just naturally get jumpy. My heart felt like it was going to explode this morning."
She couldn't help but laugh. "That's what this is all about? You're all nervous from kissing me? Wow, I don't know if I should be flattered or insulted." She leaned in closer until their lips brushed together when she spoke. "Would giving another fix it? Or just make it worse?"
Was she teasing? Maybe a little. But she really did want to kiss him and it did relieve her that it was nothing truly serious making him act this way. She had been worried that she'd scared him off.
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He nodded. "What if I did it wrong? Plus I never kissed a girl before, my normal nerves made it worse. I am not insulting you, my Farfallina. Believe me." Naturally his lips went into a pout. Their lips brushing together left him with eagerness and anticipation. "It would make it better, but there's only one way to find out."
Adone may or may not still be nervous, but it's fine now. His pupils may be wide and his heart is still beating at a rapid pace, and yet everything is completely fine. He cupped her cheek while whispering, "Bella."
(The shift from just farfallina to my farfallina, I see you)
She blushed for the millionth time that morning and kissed him to shut him up. Couldn't fluster her if his lips were busy. Her heart caught in her throat again, her lungs freezing up even as the rest of her body leaned into him. She would never be able to explain why kissing him made her body react the way it did.
But Frenchie didn't care. She'd gotten her answer and it was one that made her happy. Plus, if he kept insisting on calling her beautiful, she was never going to be able to get a word in.
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(ahh yes, i love little details like that)
It was perfect timing. He was about to shower her with more compliments if she didn't kiss him right then and there. Well, probably for at least a few minutes until kissing her again; he likes watching her reactions, it has to be one of his new favorite things now.
His eyes grew wide until they quickly shut. Everything around them was fading out, except for, of course, Frenchie. His senses were cloudy. Adone could only feel their lips moving as their bodies pressed against each other. When moving his head, he accidentally broke the kiss. He panted then cooed, "Mi bella.", then returned his lips to smoothly moving with hers.
She whined in protest against his lips at that, pulling him closer. There was something about him that just made her so vulnerable. His words broke all of her defenses like they were made of paper. And here she thought she was invincible.
Not like she could think anyway, seeing as her mind was preoccupied with being kissed away. She could barely remember to breathe, let alone think.
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A low laugh resonated deep in his throat. The nerves were gone. They disappeared the moment Frenchie pulled him into her. He fell back onto the bed, and yet his lips kept moving along with hers. His left hand traveled down her back. It stopped midway, pressing gently.
There were butterflies in his stomach. He felt nothing but felt everything at the same time. His body was covered with shivers one moment then it exchanged heat with Frenchie's the next. He was running out of breath. So many thoughts filled his mind, but every single one was about her. All he could hear was the sounds of their kissing and his heartbeats.
She yelped quietly at the sudden movement but easily melted back into the moment. Goosebumps erupted over every inch of her skin that he indirectly touched, making her shudder and have to fight her smile. It was too much and not enough at the same time.
If not for her need to breathe causing stabbing pain in her lungs, she never would've stopped. But unfortunately it did and she was forced to break contact so she could breathe. Though breathe was a delicate term for it. It was more of heavy gasps and attempts not to choke on her own spit.
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Adone gasped. His eyes opened, settling on Frenchie. With every heave, his chest raised and collapsed. Eventually the pace of his heart slowed down, returning to normal. His chest feels light. And yet, despite everything else in his body calming down, his mind was still on fire. It's crazy to think about it. All of it is crazy; luckily for him, he likes crazy. Crazy is his middle name. Crazy, yet happy.
His fingers trailed up and down her back. The corners of his lips curved up into a faint smile; his eyes were much brighter as they grew wide. "Are you alright, my Farfallina? We don't have to keep going on, there's always more time. I can go get you some water or how about being in one of the best places in Sicily? In my arms of course." He giggled at his own words. Pride may be a word that fits him, but to him, clever is another one that works too. He took a deep inhale then let out a long sigh.
It took her longer than she would ever admit for her to catch her breath. She barely even processed the words he spoke while her brain booted back up. When she did, she rolled her eyes with a smile as she felt at her now slightly kiss swollen lips. Who knew that making out was such a workout?
"I think I would prefer you to…" She paused to lean down closer to him, brushing her nose over the skin of his neck and jaw before reaching his ear. Was she about to do this? Eh, too late to go back now. Besides, she wasn't too sure that she wanted to go back. "Per tacere e baciarmi." It was as much of an attractive purr as she could think to manage since she'd never done it before.
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Adone watched as his fingers drifted from her back to her left shoulder. They became entwined with her tank top strap. His focus turned to her and what she was saying. Anticipation kept him stiff. His breath hitched. A smirk swept across his face.
Of course, he has little to no experience, but he'll let his curiosity take charge. Using his shoulder to bolster himself up, he slid the tank top strap a little. Just enough for him to place a few light kisses on her shoulder. They trailed up to her neck, getting heavier and longer. The moment they reached her lips, he stopped. "Costringermi…" He whispered. "I'd to see you try."
She shuddered as he made his way up her neck, pupils blown wide by the time she could make eye contact with him again. Her breathing was starting to shake, unfamiliar feelings of warmth spreading through her abdomen.
"Sei una tale presa in giro, sei fortunato che sei carino." She mumbled before pressing her lips back onto his. Her body seemed to be on fire wherever they touched, searing where she could feel his hand on her bare skin.
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He laughed. "E sono fortunato a baciar-" His words were cut off by her lips. Immediately his eyes fluttered shut. He groaned at the sensation of their lips together, letting her take the lead. His brows furrowed together. An eternity must have gone by as they kissed. Several must have passed by at this point; there is no use in checking his watch. He cannot afford to spend a single moment now with his attention away from Frenchie.
Eagerness rose with each kiss. Exhaustion followed along; it was sweet, calming yet exciting exhaustion. It was this exact one that led him to break the kiss. "Oh Dio," He moaned, fighting to catch his breath. "Will I have enough kisses for you tonight? I don't want my energy to burn out, even though you will be using it all. My Farfallina, you are quite the kisser."
She flushed a bright pink, looking away as she struggled for breath. She would never be able to explain why the sound he made caused goosebumps to break out all over her skin. "Oh stop it. You only say that because you've never kissed anyone before." Frenchie would never take compliments easily, especially not with this.
She would've loved to keep kissing him, in fact she was starting to lean forward to do just that when she heard the door open downstairs. "Francesca! La mia bambina! Are you still outside?" She instantly shot up. "Oh God, that's Aunt Lina. She can't see me like this, she'll kill me." With kiss swollen lips and her hair a bit of a mess, plus the boy pushed back on her bed with her on top of him, it was quite a compromising position.
(Can't have them getting too ahead of themselves too soon 😏)
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(that's true lmao ;) )
Oh how her blushing is one of his new favorite things. Funny enough, it's making him flushed too. He shook his head. "No, you are wrong, my Farfallina. I have kissed someone before," He pointed out. Lifting his right hand up, he pointed towards the mirror. "You can go talk to her if you really want to."
He was prepared to be kissed again and to kiss her for God only knows how long. What he wasn't prepared for was Mrs. Russo calling for Frenchie. His gaze went back and forth between the door and Frenchie. Carefully he got up then went to her side of the bed.
After reaching for a hair tie next to the tray of food, he went up and began to put her hair up in a somewhat neat ponytail. "Don't worry, she won't kill you," He reassured her. Once he finished, he kissed her cheek then got off the bed. Adone took the tray of food and walked towards the door. "Remember, your blush is from the Sicilian heat."
He winked at her then opened the door. "Oh Mrs Russo! She's up in her room. I have this tray of bruschetta for her."
Lina jumped when she heard Adone's voice. "Oh! Adone! Ragazzo, you scared me. Ren told me he'd sent you home for the day, I didn't think you'd still be here." She placed down her purse and smiled. "I hope our girl hasn't been giving you too much trouble, she can be a bit of a handful."
"I heard that!" Frenchie called from the top of the stairs, still flushed but now pouting in contempt. Lina simply laughed. "Francesca, mia nipote, you can't say I'm wrong though." "I mean, no but that doesn't mean you get to say it." She huffed as she came down. Lina shrugged with a smile. "Well, I've come to see if you wanted to go shopping with me. You've got a summer to spend here and no clothes to wear. We can head into the city and get you some nice things, how's that sound." She turned to Adone. "You're welcome to come with us if you don't mind spending your afternoon clothes shopping."
Frenchie brightened at the idea of going shopping in a fancy Italian city, bouncing on her toes. Her aunt's offer to Adone only made her blush. If only she knew what they'd just been up to.
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"Oh…..I am sorry for the scare, Mrs Russo." He lifted his hand to get a glimpse at his watch. "I wanted to leave at noon as always. Besides, I was keeping your niece company." Yeah, company alright. Adone went down the stairs then stood in front of Frenchie's aunt. He just lightly laughed at her words, even as Frenchie walked down the stairs.
She looks so cute when she pouts; if only he could kiss her forehead right then and there. Biting down the sides of his lips, he fought with every single muscle in his body to not laugh. But then his attention fixated on one particular question: how does someone travel to another country with no clothes?
Adone took the offer into consideration then shrugged. "I don't mind. It's not like when my sister dragged me to shop for a wedding dress," He chuckled to himself. "Plus it's my day off from babysitting. I'm glad to come with. It will be fun, right Frenchie?" He turned to look at her, smiling.
She pretended to think for a minute before shrugging. "Yeah sure. What's the worst that could happen." "Aye, la mia bambina, don't say that. It'll jinx us into never finding anything." Lina grabbed her purse off the table and slung it onto her shoulder. "Well then, get your shoes."
Frenchie rolled her eyes and went to get her shoes, making her aunt shake her head. "What am I going to do with that girl. But it's nice of you to join us, Adone. Maybe an opinion from someone more her age will help her pick some things out. My sister-in-law always talks about how picky Francesca is when it comes to fashion. Clearly since all she wears are athletic shorts and tank tops when she's not in one of her uniforms."
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Adone quickly left to go get his shoes. He quickly slipped his sandals on just to get his hands on the last two pieces of bruschetta. By the time he had returned, they were gone. Once again, he checked his watch. They only have less than two hours before shops close for lunch break; unless Mrs Russo wants to get some shopping down now and do the rest later.
He shrugged. His fashion opinion is only as good as his Nonno's, not that it's enitrely bad per say. "At least I can help move her away from athletic wear, you know we don't wear those kinds of clothes outside of home or the gym," He shrugged. "I am sure she will find something she likes."
"Oh Adone, you have to help me with a little something when it comes to this excursion but you can't tell Francesca." She whispered, pulling out a magazine from her purse. "I saw the cutest little white summer dress in the catalog the other day and I just have to get it for her. But if I tell her to get it, she'll completely stick her nose up at it. She's stubborn like that. So I'll point it out but you have to help me convince her of it, okay?"
Lina pointed to a dress in the clothing catalog she was holding. It was cute shirt dress, white with black polka-dots with a scalloped collar and black buttons down the bodice. It hit just above the knee, would look real cute with a fun summer hat. "Just look at it, she would look so cute." "What are you gushing over?" Frenchie raised a suspicious eyebrow at her aunt as she came back in, now with shoes on. Lina swiftly put the catalog back in her purse with a smile. "Nothing sweetheart, just looking at baby stuff. You know how much I love how little they are." She lied easily. Frenchie just rolled her eyes with a slight smile. "You're so ridiculous."
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Adone tilted his head. Taking a quick glimpse around, he took a few steps forward. At first he grinned as Mrs Russo mentioned about the dress that she wanted Frenchie to wear. Obviously, he ended up laughing quietly at how Frenchie may disapprove of it. Standing beside Frenchie's aunt, he leaned a bit to get a look at the dress. To him, it is pretty, but Frenchie would make it look beautiful. He found it to be very fitting, and for this time of the year too.
Although he wasn't sure how to agree on her words about how Frenchie would be cute in the dress. If he agrees, will she get suspicious? Nevertheless, he nodded. "No worries, I got you," He promised. Frenchie returning almost startled him. Once again, Adone laughed a little. "Come on, we should go before the shops close for lunch."
"That's actually a thing? Huh, weird." Frenchie murmured as her aunt led them all out the door to her car. "Adone, you can sit up front if you want, I know the back can be squished. Francesca's not allowed to." "For the record, it's not because of anything I've done. It's because I'm a police magnet. They all seem to think I'm like 10 and not allowed to be up front. So now I'm forever confined to the backseat." Frenchie defended with a sigh of defeat.
Lina shook her head with a smile as she unlocked the car and got in. "My poor niece. Anyway, come on you two. We don't have all day." Frenchie took her spot behind her aunt with something of indignant resignation.
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He shrugged. Walking over to the car, he slowed his pace so that he would be alongside Frenchie. Her whispers made him giggle a little; he will never not laugh at Americans commenting on the lifestyles in Italy. "Quando a Roma….draga mea. Quando a Roma" He laughed. Though he went silent, thanks to his brain translating, he nodded at what Mrs Russo said.
Adone looked at Frenchie for a second. "Police in Sicily only pay attention if you are beating the lights out of somebody," He shrugged while also getting into the back. "Or if you know someone that did. You should be fine if you want take the passenger seat. I just like sitting in the back, I'm always the youngest so it makes sense for me even though I'm always the tallest."
"Nah, I'll share the back with you. Wouldn't want ya to get lonely and starting kicking my seat like a badly behaved child on an airplane." She laughed as she jumped in the backseat behind her aunt. Frenchie never minded the backseat, it was just where she stayed. Plus, something about sitting next to Adone after what they'd done without her aunt knowing sounded exciting.
Frenchie rolled down her window to stick her head out. "You getting in or not? For someone who wants to be out by lunch, you're not moving too fast."
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"Huh? I've never been on an airplane before," He said, mostly to himself. Also he didn't really get it, why would a kid kick a seat on an airplane? Something about being in the back with Frenchie gives him the nerves, excitement really. His ears were beginning to get warm.
"Oh! Now, I wasn't the one who came up with that. Blame my ancestors I guess," He chuckled. Opening the door, he slid in then shut it. "Or the Spaniards, probably them. We just like to take things slow, and enjoy the moment."
"And I never said that, I just said that the stores will close for lunch break. Hey, Mrs Russo, she keeps…what's the word again?" He stopped, his brows furrowed as his index finger rested on his lip. "Hărțuirea? Acoso….Bullismo…Ah, yes! She keeps bullying me."
Lina simply laughed as she started the car. "So sorry Adone but you chose to sit with her so these are the consequences." She hummed, looking at him in the rear view mirror. Frenchie stuck her tongue out at him with a smug grin like she'd gotten away with something. She felt like she was back home with her mom and brother, teasing and messing with each other just because they could. The reminder made her stomach twist. She needed to call her mom, it'd only been three days and she already missed her so much.
So Frenchie settled into her seat, staring out the window as she thought of home. She left her hand empty in the middle seat, not thinking much of it. She just watched the country pass by, amazed by the beauty of it all.
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"Oh how unfair this is," He whispered. To himself, he laughed a little before sighing. As he rested back into the car seat, his eyes looked over at Frenchie. A small smile just sat on his face as he watched her, even though she was sticking her tongue out at him.
Keeping his head straight, his eyes closed. While the car ride could he short, he still wanted to take a little nap. It isn't even noon yet, but he feels tired already. His left hand fell off his lap and on top of Frenchie's. He felt fire or fireworks, is that normal? Slightly opening his eyes, he looked before shutting. His fingers delicately interlocked with hers.
She jumped a little when she felt his hand cover hers but quickly relaxed. She helped lace their fingers together, giving his hand a gentle squeeze before focusing back out the window. Knowing that she was holding his hand and her aunt had no clue made her blush, her cheeks tinting a light pink. She'd never get used to having this much affection outside of her family.
Frenchie didn't mind the quiet, it helped her relax and appreciate the beautiful scenery. So she watched until they entered the city, ready to start their shopping adventure.
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Butterflies fluttered in his stomach. Adone was not able to resist the urge to smile. His heart squeezed and squealed with excitement. Opening his left eye, he gazed over at Frenchie for a quick second then over at Mrs Russo. The fact they are holding hands in secret practically piled on top of all the excitement. He does worry about getting caught before being able to tell Mr and Mrs Russo, and yet he pushed it to the side for now.
As they got closer and into the city, he eventually woke up. Yes, even if it was a short nap, Adone was a little bit disoriented for a moment or two. By the time he will step out of the car, he should be fine. Should be at the least.
