The next morning dawned bright and sunny.

As Acey sat on her mattress, her thoughts turned to Scipio. What had that dance meant? Was it a dance between friends? Or did it mean he liked her more than a friend?

She preferred to think it was the last one, but, who was she kidding? She was a nerd. An unfit nerd.

Sighing, she stood up. She had to find Scipio... had to ask him.

Silently she slipped out of the Stella and onto the streets of Venice. "Scip?" she called, hoping he was around. If not... she'd just have to lose herself again.

"Acey," he replied, stepping into view. "Why are you up so early?"

"I wanted to find you... to ask you something," she admitted, looking down.

"And, what might that be?" he questioned curiously, raising an eyebrow.

She took a step closer to him and stopped. She couldn't ask him in words... she could only ask him in an action.

He didn't stop her, he just stood where he was. So, she took another step closer, their faces just a few centimeters away.

She softly pressed her lips against his; that was her question. It was short; much too short in her opinion, but she stepped away.

He stood quietly for a second, just looking at her. Was he mad? Upset? Surprised?

But, he gave her a grin, and pulled her towards him. Then, he kissed her back. His kiss was longer and deeper. When the two stepped apart, Acey, a little red in the face, gave him another sheepish smile.

"That's what you wanted to ask?" he questioned, looking at her.

"Y-yeah," she said, a little surprised with herself. On any other day, she had never had that kind of courage. Until now.

"Scipio!" Riccio greeted, stepping out into the alley. Acey could feel her blush getting darker, and she looked away from both of the boys. How much had he seen?

Acey, just a little embarassed, went back inside to find something to eat.

"Wow, Scip! Do you like her? I mean, like like?" he asked, bobbing around the older boy curiously.

"Yeah, I guess I do," he replied, shrugging. Oh, things had just gotten complicated for him. Very, very complicated.

--x--

For the rest of the day, Acey could be seen smiling, laughing and just being plain old bubbly.

"Why are you so happy?" asked Mosca, curiously, looking up from the boat he was painting to the girl hovering contentedly over his shoulder.

"Oh, no reason," she said, holding back a fit of giggles.

"I'm going to be out of town again," said Scipio, later that evening. "I have some important business to attend to."

"Aww, but Scip, I thought we were going to get the wing for the Conte!" complained Riccio, looking disappointed.

"We can do that when I get back," Scipio said, looking a little reluctant.

"Alright... we can't do it without you," said Hornet, trying to convince the others.

Scipio nodded, and gave Acey a little wink before turning to leave.

Acey stared at her feet again, knowing a few pairs of eyes were on her. Why did he have to do that? She couldn't stand being the center of attention like that...