Chapter Ten

"Debito, you know Luca isn't patient all the time." Pace warned tensely, feeling his insides wriggle a little. "Temperance is his card, not his rule… he's only so patient." He could see the plans forming in Debito's head, just by the set of his shoulders, and he had to admit he was a little worried. He would be the first one Luca questioned, especially after today, and he didn't know how much of a straight face he could keep. "What if you push him too far?"

"Then that stupid stuffed shirt will figure it out that he needs to back off. It's his fault in the first place that I have to sneak my way in." Debito said, snorting at Pace's hesitance as he hurried back down the hill and happily admired the view of the mansion from the bottom gate. "Bambina will be waiting, I bet." And he could only rely on his smug intuition, on the look in her eye when he'd kissed her and made both their pulses jump, and he was thrilled to know Luca had damn well seen her not even raise a hand against it.

If that wouldn't steam him up, what would?

~ La storia della Arcana Famiglia ~

"Milady, what was Debito doing here? Alone? With you?" Luca demanded, looking distraught as Pace and Debito made a quick exit. It was unsurprising, especially considering that they could be in serious trouble, but Luca was more troubled to find her calm. Flushed, even, and she was sitting there waiting for it like she had expected it all; had it been some kind of plan, to have her steal away to Jolly's laboratory of all places to meet with him.

She was just sitting there, letting them do as they pleased suddenly as Luca felt his insides squirm, and his cheeks coloured as she glanced at the door before she turned to look at him. Ah, his precious charge, how could she have fallen so far?

"He came to see Jolly." She offered, feeling a little flustered herself but trying to keep herself casual as she sat there. "Elmo went to get another book from the library for us to read and I was waiting." She could hardly believe she had to explain herself, flustered, and she clenched her hands into fists as she tried to make herself relax. What was it any business of his?

"Did he tell you that? Him, to see-" Luca had to choke on a snort, derisive, and his expression twisted as he tried to sort out his issues with Debito. It wasn't polite but- disrespectful, loose, corrupt- "Milady, your father's decisions aren't something you should just be ignoring. This isn't right for the next Donna to be doing! What example does it set for the rest of the family?"

"Not to make harsh judgments before you've considered all the people involved." Felicità had a feeling she would regret being so harsh with him in return, but her insides were still squirming and she could hardly believe she hadn't swatted Debito away for his embarrassing teasing. "Not to turn your back on the family or to look away from what really matters to shun someone undeserving."

And this time it was Luca to feel that irritation rise, clogging his throat as his hands made tight knots at his sides.

Rising calmly from her seat, Felicità dusted off her skirt politely as she made him sweat and she was the first to take her leave. Approaching, still feeling flushed after Debito's bold display, she tried to be as casual as she could be facing her caretaker and she stepped around him.

"Milady-" She was stunned to feel him touch her, catch her arm in the gentle circle of his hand. When she looked at him, she had to admit that such a serious expression on his face made her insides squeeze through a small straw. He looked so determined, so stern, and her mouth tightened uncertainly for a moment before she forced herself to relax. This was Luca, after all, not Jolly or some stranger. "Felicità…" She could hardly remember a time he'd been so inclined to say her name, least of all now.

"Luca, let go of my arm." She said quietly, flustered all over again, and she stood her ground until his grip relaxed completely.

"Felicità, please consider how reckless these actions have become." You know Debito and I are good friends, but this is not wise." Luca said sternly, feeling his guts bunch up into knots. "He is… brash. He's brash and charismatic, and yes, handsome, but roguish charm should not override your good sense. What would your father say?" Felicità was momentarily affronted by the question, stunned, but she wasn't completely silent as his questions prompted a squeeze to one of her hands.

"Excuse me?' She blurted, straightening up.

"What would you father say about this dalliance with Debito?" He questioned more pointedly, face flushed. "It is sweet, while it lasts, but-"

"Why" – Felicità shoved herself back and scowled at him a little.- "does everyone think I'm involved with Debito?" She squinted, frustrated, and her hands found her hips firmly. "He was kind to me, and he let me stay a while even if I was a burden, and you all just threw that kindness in his face!" She threw up her hands in dismay. "He's always flirted with me, as he does with every other woman on the island! All this- he's not acting any differently than usual and everyone is losing their minds over something that didn't happen!"

"You were gone a week," Luca told her, "so what else were we to think?"

"That I know what's best for me, and that I'm not completely senseless." She told him firmly, letting the shouting subside now as she scolded Luca in return. "When Papa can no longer lead our family, I will be Donna. I fought everyone for it, I worked so hard, and I will take care of everyone… all of Regalo, because I have the capacity for so much kindness." She was happy to finally have a proper argument with him, even if it had her emotions skyrocketing, and she pulled away from him a little more. "Punishing Debito is not kindness- not at all. I'm embarrassed to think this is how we treat our family."

Throwing open the door of Jolly's study resolutely, storming out into the hall as she hurried to leave Luca's presence, Felicità shook her head at his foolishness. She wasn't looking where she was going, not at all, but a firm hand on her arm caught her before she walked right into him.

"Princess, what a surprise." Jolly hummed, letting Felicità go as his sudden appearance made her nearly jump out of her skin. "Were you looking for something? You don't come to my study for any small matter…"

"No, thank you," Felicità said stiffly, eyes focused on his tie. "I was just leaving. Luca is her, though. He may have business to attend to. I was just going to find Elmo. He had some other books he wanted to read together." She didn't want to look at him, not with that casual smugness and undercurrent of laughter hinted in his tone, and she tried her best to keep her expression passive. She didn't dare give Jolly an inch today.

"He'll enjoy that." He told her, smiling slightly as she hurried around him and back up the corridor. "It's very kind of you, princess… I appreciate your time with him. Time well spent is a comfort and a kindness."

"Kindness is the only gift everyone should receive." She quipped back, feeling her insides push through a straw as she met his stare. She could remember his expression, the dark look on his face as she'd chosen to speak to him that night, and he didn't look any less malicious now. He looked amused, like a fat cat with a struggling rodent prize, and her frown lightened with confusion before she hurried up the stone steps and out of the basement.

Elmo could read in her office, eat some of the spinach tarts she had leftover, and she would gladly open her windows to let the sun and warm breeze ward off Jolly's chill.

~ La storia della Arcana Famiglia ~

"I just need to find something she likes. Something small, easy to hide… Luca gets wind of this and Papa will let me go- family or not." Debito muttered, looking back and forth at the market stalls lining the main road. There was so much to choose from, so many little things he could give her, but he needed the perfect present to delight her with.

"The princess would like anything, anything pretty, shiny… she's a girl, under it all." Pace said, regarding Debito and his choices with interest for a moment before he gave it deeper thought. "But I suppose she's special. Our princess isn't like every other girl."

"Oh, I know that." Debito muttered, pausing over a barrette thoughtfully for a moment, twisting it to see how it sparkled in the sun. "She's a special signora who needs a special gift. She shouldn't be trapped." And he was thrilled to see something catch his eye- not a fine gem but a pretty length of ribbon as green as he'd ever seen. It was gorgeous, not patterned and gaudy like some of the others,, and the delicate hints of leaves patterned on its length complimented it well. The soft material was one thing, but he knew that telltale green anywhere and he was happy to call over the merchant. "I need a yard of this." He told him certainly, watching as he measured out what little was left and gave him it all.

Not much, unfortunately, but more than enough.

"Ribbon, huh?" Pace asked, and Debito tensed a little before he glanced at Pace.

"Yeah, Bambina is a princess, but she doesn't need everything fancy. This is perfect. Pretty, but subtle about it…" And, rubbing it between his fingers, he could feel the soft leaves leap out at his touch. He kept it wound back around the spool, not wanting to ruin it just yet, and he tucked it into the inner pocket of his jacket. "She can wrap it in her hair, use it to mark a book place, and I'll tie it around some cards." Debito elaborated. "A little present for a pretty girl, among other things." He already had his plans cooking, ready to be set in motion; all he needed was a little alone time with Fukulota when it wouldn't raise any suspicions.

Pace was surprised, watching his childhood friend wander back and forth, and he smiled a little as he picked up his pace to match Debito. "This isn't just you flirting, is it?" He questioned lightly, smiling as even Debito frowned. "You're being so nice… this isn't like the girls in the casino or the plaza… or anywhere else on the island."

"Why would it be?" Debito scoffed. "Bambina isn't like anyone else on this island.."

"And you love her for it, don't you?" Pace teased. Debito had to stop, scowling as he ducked his head a little, and the derisive snort was telling enough for Pace. He'd known Debito far too long to miss how he acted, how much more this meant, and he beamed as he watched him bundle everything into his pockets. "You do, don't you?"

"Pace, you talk too much." Debito complained, standing up straight as denial had him avoiding Pace's eye. "Go stuff your face, you're bothering me. I'm busy."

The scolding he received from his darker companion had Pace laughing, happy to take advantage of his seeming bashfulness as they headed back towards the casino. He didn't think he could remember Debito being so evasive about a girl, least of all someone so special, and it warmed his belly to think of Debito and Felicità being good to one another.

Debito needed someone to turn to, someone to take care of him and understand, and maybe someone to help smooth out his rough edges. Felicità needed someone with kindness, someone she could learn and grow from, and someone to pour her overflowing tenderness to without having to stifle her spark. She was reckless sometimes when she was worried about others, and Debito was just wary enough to keep her out of harm's way.

"I won't tell anyone." He called after him as he finally managed to catch up. Trotting behind him at a safer distance, Pace was thrilled to compare them in his heart. "Your secret's safe with me if you really mean well for the princess."

"'If'?I-" Debito spun at the question, at the insinuation he could intend anything untoward, but he saw the grin on Pace's face. It confused him only for a moment as his irritation faded, but then his embarrassment seeped in and he huffed irritably at him. "You… stop that. Don't look at me like that." He told Pace seriously, pointing a finger at him instead of a pistol.

Pace held his hands up, relaxing, and he let his shoulder sink a little as he apologized. "I'm sorry, Debito, I shouldn't tease you…" He admitted honestly, smiling. "It's good to see you so interested… the Duello really put us all in our place." He just hoped Debito wouldn't lose interest, or that Felicità wouldn't be too put off after all this mess. "You'd take good care of the princess if she let you."

Debito, snorting, dropped his accusing point casually and straightened his lapels. "Of course I would. Bambina needs someone to take care of her sometimes too. Even la Donna needs someone."

Pace, amused, just hummed in agreement and assured Debito he'd find Fukulota.

~ La storia della Arcana Famiglia ~

Felicità was just bursting with excitement by the time Nova came back from his rounds, tense and eager to pack up all her presents. She'd been trying to keep Fukulota indoors all day, not wanting the owl to be lost when she wanted to send her tarts away in the morning, but the bird of prey was restless. She wanted to fly, to hunt, and Felicità had finally let her out to fly before dinner.

Stealing away, seeing Nova glance to her every now and again, the red haired girl was thrilled to round the corner and see Nova standing there.

"Nova! Did you-" "Yes," He told her, happy to slip an envelope out of his jacket and offer it to her. "I got what you asked me to, Fel, and I don't think anyone knows." He was surprised to see her eyes light up, hurrying to open the packet to inspect its contents, but her sweet smile was rewarding. She was always friendly, but that deep, sincere expression always took him off guard. She'd smiled like that when they'd woken up, alive, and she did it now as she hugged him tightly.

"Thank you, Nova," She hummed, happy to hold him. "I'll let you know when I'm done." She pulled back, looking hopeful, and she had to let him go now as she hurried back towards her rooms to back everything up. The small packet had what she needed, if not everything, and she was just beaming as she admired the silky kerchief she dumped out onto her bed.

She had to hurry to wrap everything up, stacking the tarts carefully back into the little wooden bento box Nova had given her, and she tied it with a bit of ribbon hurriedly before she tied the familiarly purple handkerchief around it all. A perfect knot, just like Nova had taught her, and now all she needed was her trusty bird to deliver them. She tried to wait up, expecting Fukulota to come pecking at her window, but she drifted off before she returned and Felicità woke in the early morning, shocked to find a gift for her instead.