His car crawled into the parking lot, finding a cozy space to finally stop and rest. He checked his watch and was right on time…15 minutes early, but that was right on time for him. Mask on, he stepped out into the chill of the early morning air, the sleek black door shutting behind him. A gentle "beep" let him know the door was locked. Pocketing his keys, he strode toward the airport doors with purpose. It was 4am and the airport was just beginning to come to life. The heavenly smell of fresh brewed coffee greeted his nose and his sleepy eyes. Immediately making a beeline to Starbucks, he finally found himself relaxing. A smile and a quick good morning to the barista, and he was on his way to wait for her. He sipped his dark roast and felt his insides warm. The first sip was always magical. Taking a deep breath, he found a cozy seat to enjoy his coffee and contemplate his life up til now.

The year was 2021, late December. It had been two years since the coronavirus pandemic had shaken the world to its core. It had been ten years since he fell in love. Ten long years of loving her from afar, knowing its what was best for her. Ten years of fostering the most beautiful friendship he had ever experienced. Ten years of watching her grow into a woman that both intimidated and bewitched him…but it took seconds for him to fall in love with her all those years ago. Holding her life in his hands was something he never realized would affect him as much as it did. He did everything to keep her safe back then. The thought of losing her at any moment changed him. He knew she was young and that she still needed to experience her life without him. However, he simply knew that she would be the one.

His thoughts mellowed as he began to hear calls of flights arriving and departing. She should be landing any moment now. He leaned back and relished in the quiet solitude of the morning, and his recently acquired anonymity. 10 years ago, everyone in this airport would have been tripping over their feet just to get a glance of him, let alone shake his hand. Since leaving his old life behind, he was able to enjoy the quiet luxuries of an average person. His financial literacy had allowed him to set himself up for the rest of his life, permitting him to simply enjoy his life and all his privileges. He wanted nothing more than to share them all with her.

The intercom rang and he heard her flight number had taxied. He felt his stomach knot up as he stood up and walked closer to her door. He knew it was a small flight, so he didn't want her to have to search him out. The door opened and a small crowd began to make their way down the long hallway. Rolling suitcases, carry ons, and travel pillows could be seen on nearly every passenger. It was no surprise, seeing as this was a long flight. North America and Italy felt like worlds away from each other. Finally, her form came into view. His throat tightened and he feared a tear might escape. How he had missed her. They had plans to fully reconnect two years ago, but the pandemic brought a swift halt to that. He saw her before she saw him. She was just as beautiful as ever, bright green eyes fighting through exhaustion. Her Gucci suitcase rolling behind her. She had done so well for herself. Ten years, two degrees, and an amazing career had treated her well. She exuded happiness as she finally met his eyes. Her beautiful irises lit up even more and he was certain she did shed a tear as she rushed towards him. Dropping the suit case handle to the side of him and pulling her mask down around her neck, she leapt into his arms and buried her face into the crook of his neck and shoulder. He felt sheer warmth over take him as she excitedly exclaimed: "Bucciarati!"

"Trish…" his voice trailed off as he held her close. He kissed the top of her head as he had always done before and she squeezed him tighter. "I have missed you." Trish finally unwrapped herself from his upper body and smiled brightly. "You don't even know the meaning of 'missed you,'" she winked before an airport employee gently reminded her that her mask had to be on at all times. "Oh shit, of course!" Trish giggled as she pulled her matching Gucci mask back up on her face. "Thank you so much for being here…I know its early." She grabbed for the handle of her suitcase, but only felt open air as Bucciarati had already began pulling it behind them. "I wouldn't have missed that for the world." Bruno smiled and wrapped his arm around her waist. Trish followed suit, giving him another squeeze. "I have SO MUCH to tell you!" Trish exclaimed as they headed out the door of the airport. "I cannot even believe this opportunity came up. I am so happy to be back home for work. America is beautiful, but its nothing like our home here." Bucciarati warmed at her use of "our" when describing Italy. "I cannot wait to hear everything, bellisima. It hasn't been the same here without you. Giorno and Mista have always been here and are wonderful friends, but its nothing like having you here with me." Bucciarati actually found himself blushing. He couldn't help it. He had to hold it in for years. He was about to experience all there was to his feelings for Trish.

"Bruno you haven't changed a bit" she smiled and ran her hand through his hair, ruffling it. "I am so glad." Bruno felt electricity run through his veins to the spot she had touched. He was thankful that they had reached the car and he could take a breath while he opened the trunk. "Bruno!" Trish exclaimed. "She is beautiful!" Trish ogled at his sleek, black Maserati. Bruno smirked as he loaded her suitcase and closed the trunk. "All those years of being responsible…I thought it was about time to make a vain purchase" Bruno smiled as he removed his mask and opened the door for her. She looked into the seat and found a bouquet of red roses lying there. Trish felt her eyes well up. She too, pulled off her mask and threw it in her purse. She turned to Bruno and pulled him in for a hug, but then decided to go for it. She planted a chaste kiss on his lips. Bruno's eyes widened before gently closing and kissing her back. Looks like this wasn't going to be as much work for him as thought. He gingerly wrapped his arm around her waist and supported the back of her head with his other. The remained that way for several seconds before Trish finally broke their kiss. She glanced down shyly, her Givenchy blush making her cheeks even brighter, before looking back up at him. "Thats all I have been thinking about doing since I got on the plane" she confessed as Bruno beamed down on her tiny stature. "Its been the same for me, amore" he murmured as he caressed her cheek. "Now lets get going so we can finally catch up on your amazing life."