Chapter 32: Sharing
"You still have the Snickers?"
Sayaka took the chocolate from Yuu's helmet. Having the presence of mind to put the candy bar on the cooler with the drinks so that it wouldn't melt in her pocket and would be ready for when her girlfriend would ask for it. She gave it to her, and the petite girl took a huge bite.
"Got a sandwich for you, too." She showed a napkin-covered sandwich she snuck into the helmet she was holding while everyone was preparing to leave. And a new water bottle since the softball player had finished the first one during the game. She's determined not to be a neglectful partner anymore.
"Are you the best girlfriend in the world or what?" She went on tiptoes and gave her a peck before taking the final bite of the chocolate. She folded the wrapper, and seeing a trashcan on the parking lot, she threw it in. That is when she saw a gallery of expensive cars.
Dr. Calle and Esmeralda are talking to Takeshi and Yume beside a glacier-white Bentley Flying Spur Mulliner. Emmanuel opened the door to his black Cadillac Escalade EXT pickup truck. Jovanney has a metallic blue Maserati Levante Hybrid. Alicia's yellow Porsche. Making Eduardo's dark silver Volvo the conservative car with Gianpietro's white Fiat 600 EV.
Her mouth was half-open. They escaped her notice with the pre-game dilemma earlier. Sayaka giggled. "You haven't seen anything yet. When we visited their mansion in Spain. They have a basement full of cars. Rosalia has a red Mercedes convertible. Esmeralda, a green Range Rover, and of course Dr. Calle has a collection of old cars like the 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390, the 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4, and the 1956 Jaguar XKSS. All in perfect condition."
"You know that I don't have any idea what cars you are talking about, right?" Noting the excitement that the heiress was exhibiting when she said each car. Like she should be amazed. "And do they really need that many cars? Can't they get one big car and fill it, like a van for something?"
Sayaka shook her head at this. "Rich people don't think like that. Dr. Calle came from old money. But Alicia was only renting that yellow Porsche from his car club. Her real Porsche is in Spain. She traveled here in Jovanney's car."
"They travel here via cars?"
"Yeah, that whole family loves cars. They travel all over Europe with them. They are kind of insane, yes. They stop over wherever they want to rest for the night, of course."
"Isn't that costly and wasteful? With the gas and everything?"
"Very."
"Yuu!" Emmanuel shouted.
The little girl's head darted toward the muscle man.
"You have swimwear? We will go home to change clothes, but I will pack my trunks. I challenge you to a race in the swimming pool."
Sayaka translated.
"Tell him that I am not much of a swimmer, but I do have swimwear. The one you bought for me."
The lanky girl relayed the message.
"Ah, it doesn't matter. I am sure we can find other things to compete about. See you later. Be prepared to get crushed." He smiled widely, revealing a very deep dimple on his left cheek, then went inside his car. Rosalia followed him.
"Wait, where is your dad's car?"
"Over there. The red Giulia Quadrifoglio Alfa Romeo, he is renting that one for this week."
"Sure, just this week."
"Don't worry, my love. Once I get my license, we will go anywhere you want."
"You know how to drive already?" she asked in disbelief.
"Yes, but I need to be eighteen to get a license."
"What? Are you serious?"
"Yes, honey, I am a car interior designer. Of course, I know how to drive."
"But you are a sophomore in high school!"
Sayaka only shrugged. "I learned when I was eleven. When I was old enough to reach the pedals."
"I hate you." The redhead proceeded to go to the Alfa Romeo.
"Hey! Where do you think you are going?"
"To your dad's car. Eduardo and his family will go home first, right?"
"Eduardo will take us. He will not go home with them. My senpai has a change of clothes ready, I am sure. If not, Bella will bring him one."
"Your senpai, huh? Should I be jealous?"
"Never."
The cars around them all started. The headlights flash on them. Sayaka stole a kiss, then led her lover to the Volvo. But not before she brushes off all the dried grass, literal and imaginary, from her girlfriend's uniform.
They arrive at the villa. The catering team has set up the food in the garden, and after talking to Takeshi, they went away to make the celebration as intimate as possible. The young couple went to the cottage to change clothes.
"Wear the bikini under your clothes. I am sure Emmanuel will want to throw you in the pool."
"Why am I getting this much attention from Emmanuel?"
"He hates to lose. I think he will take a win from you one way or another. But give him a hard time, okay?"
Yuu exhales wearily but acquiesces. When she slipped into the white bikini and started putting on gray shorts, her lover hugged her from behind, and she gazed at her reflection in the mirror.
"I don't like you showing this much skin. Don't take off the shorts."
"It will be uncomfortable to swim in denim."
Sayaka slowly turned her around and placed her hands on the athlete's shoulders. Devouring the exposed skin with her eyes, her fingertips soon follow where her gaze goes. She bit her lower lip when her eyes got to the collar bone.
"You know that people are waiting for us in the garden." Putting on the button of her shorts and tried to reach the t-shirt she chose.
"Let them wait." She stepped forward, and Yuu felt the mirror behind her. "You forgot about this." The yellow gem ring was presented in the middle of her palm.
"Oh, thanks." The little girl reaches for it.
"Tsk," the brunette warned. "I will put it on you." She took her hand and put it on the ring finger. They stared at each other when the ring was settled. "Don't take it off again." She bent down to kiss her. Her hands found the tiny waist and pulled it towards her body.
Yuu responded with pleasure by running her hands on her lover's back, making an effort to soothe her, knowing that Sayaka was trying her best to control herself. The kiss became heated, and she was led towards the bed. She was almost thrown on it, and her lover immediately crawled on top of her on all fours. Eliciting happy giggles from her. "I love you too." She stroked the arms that were on either side of her shoulders. Then, when the heiress goes lower, she rakes her fingers through the wavy hair. Tucking some locks behind the ears. "Jeez, you are so beautiful. Are you sure you want me? All I am good at is catching and throwing a small ball. Sure, I run fast, but I am hardly an Olympian." She caressed a rose-tinted cheek with her thumb. Golden eyes alternately gaze at the emerald orbs. "You can do so many things and are excellent at all of them." Her other hand brushed the fringe to the side and then traveled to the back of Sayaka's neck, drawing her closer still. "On top of that, you are tall and absolutely sexy." She lifted her head upward to meet her halfway and gently bit the plumb lower lip. "What can a mortal manga gamer like me offer a gorgeous, graceful elf?"
In response, the green-eyed girl dives in for a searing kiss. Demanding entrance into the petite girl's mouth. She was rewarded by a throaty moan, and the kiss got deeper. Then they heard a loud knock on the door downstairs.
"Hey! Come out. I challenge you to an eating contest!" The giant's booming voice penetrated the cottage.
"For the love of..." She stops herself from cursing. "Will I always be interrupted when I am kissing you? Do they receive a notification whenever my lips touch you or something?"
Yuu laughs heartily. "Come on. Might as well go down. I inhaled the sandwich you gave me, but I am still very hungry."
"You seriously think you can beat him at an eating contest?"
"Nah, I don't eat like a bear would. But you told me to give him a hard time, so that's what I will do."
After eating a second plateful of food, Yuu taps out.
"I am the king!" Emmanuel roared as he was halfway through his third plate.
The group talks about the game in great detail. Every pass, every pitch, every swing, every throw, every catch, every slide—even what someone says, when someone did something amazing, they laugh; some even have tears in their eyes while holding their stomachs. Valentino was on the floor, trying to contain his merriment.
Dr. Calle asked Takeshi how he predicted the players, as it seems he got the uniforms and equipment ready in no time. The CEO explains that he knows who would likely play; he just doesn't know the teams, so he prepared two sets.
"You are a genius."
"I have been told. But it is just a play on statistics and probability."
"Even their helmets, gloves, and shoes are in their correct sizes."
"Ah, Esmeralda and Gianpietro helped me with that. Especially since our Claudio has shot up this year."
The gray-eyed boy tried his best not to be affected by this comment. Eliana smiled for him and patted his head, though he tried to get out of her reach.
"Let's play again next year." Emmanuel stated.
"Same team?" Eduardo asked.
"Sure. We need to know if what happened earlier isn't a fluke."
"Oh, so when you win, it's a given; when we win, it's a fluke?" Alicia grumbled.
Alcohol was introduced when Gianpietro said goodnight and went home. When the cooler full of beer and a table was set up for cocktails and hard drinks, everyone except Eliana, Claudio, Sayaka, and Yuu cheered. They were given sparkling ciders, and they all raised their glasses to start the late-night afterparty.
Dr. Calle and Esmeralda said their goodnights an hour before midnight. Their children ask if they could stay overnight, as well as the Falcone siblings. Takeshi, predicting this, had the other spacious bedrooms prepared for them in the main house.
The host and his wife soon followed suit and advised everyone to enjoy their party but to stay safe. The party moved beside the pool, and they all sat on patio furniture.
Emmanuel was on his second beer and a couple of shots when he stood up and lifted Yuu from Sayaka's lap. He was holding her up by the inside of her armpits.
"I forgive you for defeating us in baseball."
"You forgive me? Seriously?" She may have taken a shot of vodka on a dare after the parents went away and been a little tipsy. "I don't remember asking for forgiveness."
The heiress translated in the same tone that her girlfriend expressed.
"Sayaka, take off her slippers and phone."
"No," she shook her head and tried to wiggle herself out of his clutches. And her lover betrays her by obeying the muscle man. "Sayaka no!"
One second, she was flying through the air; the next, she was falling rapidly to the middle of the pool. She hugged her knees to her chest to brace for impact. Emmanuel took off his shirt and cargo pants and dove in with her. He wrestled with her underwater, and then they surfaced with Yuu's legs on the rugby player's shoulders.
"Who would dare us to a chicken fight?"
They look like a small child sitting on a boulder. Jovanney swallowed his shot and stripped off his button-up shirt.
"There we go."
Alicia cheered and began to get rid of her clothes as well. Rosalia shook her head and just busied herself on her phone. Valentino set up his camera and started recording.
Emmanuel's thick neck, huge shoulders, and massive chest look intimidating, but Jovanney never backs down from a challenge. His toned abs rippled as he took off his shoes and socks. His well-defined back tightened when Alicia mounted his shoulders while still on the ground.
Sayaka is considering whether she should be jealous that her girlfriend seems to be enjoying herself without her. And is basically hugging the giant's head while the said giant has a firm grip on her legs. With Alicia in her sexy bathing suit and would soon be jostling with Yuu.
They grab each other's hands and laugh the whole time while they try to knock each other off. The small girl isn't strong but has flexibility. Even when she would be toppled over, she would regain her usual stance on Emmanuel's shoulder since the guy wouldn't let go of her legs. Soon the chicken game just became a laughing contest, and they were exhausted after a few minutes. The brunette's eyebrows arched when Alicia kissed Yuu on the cheek when they proclaimed that it was a draw.
Eduardo and Bella joined the party, with Eliana and Claudio as their challengers. The petite blonde fell over immediately, but they got their revenge because it seems that Bella is very clumsy. While the other set of couples continue the chicken fight, the redhead goes to Sayaka, a little exhausted from their battle.
"That was intense." She chuckled.
The brunette covered her in a thick towel and made her sit across her lap and wrap her arms around her to keep her warm. The night was cold, and being out in the open while wet is just asking for trouble. She didn't remove her wet t-shirt.
"Are you having fun?"
"They are a blast. I have never laughed so hard in my life."
Sayaka was about to kiss her to feel somewhat connected to her partner. She is trying her best not to be one of those people who won't let their significant other have fun without them. But Emmanuel takes the towel away with one hand and grabs Yuu by the waist with the other.
"Clear a path!" He howled and threw Yuu into the pool again. Like earlier. He dives in soon after.
"I am sorry, Sayaka." Rosalia said, as the lanky girl was too shocked to protest at the sudden kidnapping of her girlfriend from her lap. Her irritation is reaching new heights as their kiss is interrupted again. "It seems like he is smitten with your girlfriend. I have never seen him this enthusiastic, if you could imagine that. I think he is considering her as his best friend already."
Emmanuel chased Yuu when she rose and was heading for the ground. He caught her easily, grabbed hold of her thigh and butt, lifted her in the air, and then threw her again.
"Give! Give!" Yuu shouted when she got above the water.
"Hey Sayaka. Tell her that I want to throw her in the air, and she can backflip into the pool."
"What! No! That is not safe."
"The pool is eight feet deep on the other end. And I will aim well, don't worry."
'Don't worry, he said.' She translated the idea to the small girl. To her surprise, she was thrilled about it. Emmanuel goes to the shallow side of the pool. 'Oh, okay, it won't be too high then.' Thinking that both of them will be on the outside. Yuu goes to the concrete deck and then steps into his massive hand. Her feet fit well on his palm, and his other hand hovers around to catch her if she would be out of balance. Her confidence in him to take her full weight is astonishing, and even as she bends to prepare for the jump, the isolation of their muscles demonstrates their faith in each other. He pumped his arm lower, lifted it up in full force, and released her. Yuu backflips in the air before landing on her feet with a splash in the water. Everyone cheered except for the blonde on her phone and the worrywart girlfriend.
The softball player surfaced and said, "Again!" The giant chuckles and asks for a high-five. Only Yuu can match his energy, and he loves it. Finally having someone who is game for his shenanigans, they did the gravity-defying stunt a few times and other flips and jumps that made Sayaka's heart weak in each turn. Then the group proceeded to a diving contest, finding things that Eduardo dropped to the bottom of the pool. When they got tired of that, they played Marco Polo. Yuu asks to be excused, seeing that her girlfriend's face isn't happy anymore. Indeed, Sayaka was about to lose it. The muscle guy lifted his acrobatic partner to the ground by grasping her tiny waist. She patted his head as a thank you, and he winked at her with a side grin that revealed his dimple. She returned to her girlfriend a little shaken by their exhibitions; the thick towel envelops her again, and she sits on her lap. "That guy is crazy strong." Slender arms wrap around her possessively. "Hello." A low growl arose from the brunette's throat. "Hey, I am here now. Can you give me a kiss?"
"Why? We will be disturbed again anyway."
Yuu kisses her cheek. She leans away. "Don't be like that. Why didn't you join us anyway?"
"I don't think that pool is big enough for another person."
"You are moody."
"I am not!" she objected.
"Sure," she said sarcastically, "I can hear it in your voice."
Sayaka buries her face in her neck. "I can't believe this. Why am I jealous of these people?"
"I don't know. You shouldn't. They are your friends. I like all of them, but I am not attracted to any of them." She pulls away so that she can gaze at her. "And that is saying something, as this lot is the most beautiful group of people I have ever seen."
"I don't care what they look like. You are mine."
"Definitely. So can you please kiss me?"
"If I kiss you and someone interrupts us, I will throw a fit."
"Okay, let's wait till we are back in the cottage then." Her neck was occupied again. She shivered and remembered the other reason why she asked for a time out. "Sayaka, I need to pee."
She was reluctantly released.
"Hey, Yuu! Where are you going?" Emmanuel calls out.
"She needs to pee." Sayaka said acidly. Unable to hide the irritation in her voice.
"I did apologize in advance." Said the blonde next to her.
"I am sorry."
"Give me a signal, and I will put an end to it. Or maybe just reign him in."
"I want her to enjoy this party, of course, and I know I should not feel this way since I am fully aware that Emmanuel is head over heels about you."
"It's okay. Your relationship is new, and it is normal to not know how to navigate certain situations. I have been training the goofball for years. He is all about having fun. I promise you, he is just happy to have a friend like her."
Now that she stops to think about it. Eduardo had been affectionate to Yuu the whole day. Valentino and Claudio aren't opposed to spending time with her. Even the stoic Jovanney seems to have grown fond of her. "Yuu doesn't have guy friends from home. This must be enjoyable for her."
"Yeah, so don't be a spoilsport. Give your girlfriend some room."
When everyone saw that Yuu had showered and was wearing pajamas, they all got out of the pool and dried themselves. The redhead sat across her girlfriend's lap, buried her face in her neck, and nuzzled her before placing a couple of soft kisses. This calmed Sayaka and hugged her closer. The conversations become intimate as, one by one, they go to the main house to shower as well. Eliana and Claudio call it a night at 3:00 AM. Jovanney, Valentino, and Emmanuel are daring each other to finish all the beer bottles left in the cooler. Alicia falls asleep on the seat beside Rosalia. Eduardo and Bella are talking with Sayaka. After a while, the bronze-haired boy told the heiress that Yuu had fallen asleep in her arms.
"Oh, that is why she is heavier."
Emmanuel's head snapped at them. "What? My buddy is asleep?"
'Buddy?' "Yeah, she is tucked out."
"Want me to carry her to the bed?" he offered.
Sayaka declines as calmly as possible. Not only because she couldn't stand for the giant to touch her girlfriend anymore, but also because they haven't changed their bedsheets yet. She then said that Yuu would probably want to say goodnight to them. She's not wrong. When she gently woke up the little girl and told her that they were going to bed, she wanted her to inform them that she had fun and express her desire for them to have a restful night's sleep. Everyone wished her the same, and the pair walked to their cottage.
Yuu fell asleep as soon as she lay down on the bed. Small snores soon follow. It is not the third night that Sayaka envisions, but at least she's alone with her again. After taking a quick shower and brushing her teeth, she changed into matching pajamas and joined the redhead on the bed. She turned off the lights with the remote and gathered her girlfriend in her arms. 'How can I miss her so much when I see her all day? We had sex like eleven hours ago. Sure, she was beside me for just a few hours as she played and had fun with other people. But even now that she's in my arms, I still feel uneasy.' She cursed under her breath when she realized that her possessiveness knew no bounds. Her lover draped an arm over her waist and snuggled closer to her. She moaned happily on Sayaka's chest. 'Even in her sleep, she tries to comfort me. Ah! Get it together, Sayaka!' She kissed the top of her head and whispered, "Good night, my love."
The next day, Sayaka woke up first, and she was spooning Yuu. Her hand was inside the pajama top, with her palm on the underside of her waist. She pushed aside the hair on the nape with her nose so she could place a kiss on the available patch of skin. She did this a couple of times until Yuu stirred.
"Mmmmn."
"Good morning, my love."
"Morning." She said and yawned widely with a big stretch. Sayaka didn't waste time turning her around and getting on top. "Ah, someone is eager."
"If someone knocks on that door while I kiss you, we will go to Venice immediately."
Yuu chuckled and played with the wavy hair. "Did you skip kindergarten? You don't excel at sharing."
"I mean it."
"Why Venice?"
"I always dream about going there with you. You will like it there. It is very romantic at night."
"Hmmmn." Her hands go to Sayaka's hips, encouraging the brunette to rest more of her weight on her. Then she grinds up. "I don't need to go to Venice to have a romantic setting with you." The hands move to the buttons on the heiress pajama top. But at that moment, her stomach growled.
"Let's eat first. I don't think I will be satisfied with just one round."
"I'll survive." She continued unbuttoning the pajama top and captured Sayaka's lips. They both moan appreciatively. The lanky girl wraps her arms around her and pushes her hips downward. In response, Yuu locks her ankles on the small of her back. The hips made a circular motion. She gasps. "I love you, Sayaka."
"Not as much as I love you." She shifted to sit on her heels and almost wanted to just tear Yuu's pajamas apart, but she controlled herself and just made her fingers undo all the buttons in record time. The stomach growls louder. Sayaka groaned ardently. "I think the world hates me."
The softball player grabbed her collar with both hands and pulled her down to claim her lips. She rolled them to straddle her, then finished unbuttoning her lover's pajamas, revealing the huge breasts. She dives in to engulf a nipple in her mouth. The tongue grazes the nipple a couple of times until it hardens.
"Aaahhh…" fingers combing through the peach paradise hair.
Yuu goes to the other breast while her hands stroke the sides of her waist, then roams around. Fingers and palms dragging deliciously on the delicate milky skin, Sayaka gasps. The petite girl's mouth released the nipple and went lower. Letting her tongue lick its way to the abdominal area. The hands found the waistband, getting ready for when a hicky is planted on the flat plane near the belly button, but Yuu's stomach made another rumbling noise.
"Dammit! Alright, stop!" She sat up and gently nudged the brown-eyed girl's shoulders. "It's either we have sex till we see stars and you die, or we eat and go to another universe. We have all day; let's eat first. I don't want to be thinking about your stomach while we go at it."
"Your call. I am okay with either one. It seems like a good way to die."
"Shut up. Put a bra on and let's eat."
They walked outside and saw that the remnants of last night's party were gone. Even the pool was being filled with new water. When they joined the others for a very late breakfast, as most just woke up like them, Sayaka found out that her plan of action was destined to be derailed. Eliana proposes to go for gelato in the afternoon. Eduardo wants to go grocery shopping after their brunch so he can cook dinner for them and asks for Yuu's help. The tall girl's glowing story the night before about her packed lunch that one time made the team captain want to cook with her. Valentino volunteered to help as well, since he will be studying culinary arts when the semester starts.
"An Italian chef, huh? That is amazing." Eduardo praised him in Italian.
"Yeah, competition is insane. I wanted to know how you cook some Spanish cuisine. And I will bake a cake for us."
The two continue to talk about different cuisines. Yuu took that opportunity to mumble, "We can decline, you know. Just tell him we will be there when he cooks."
Sayaka is pressing her fingers on the bridge of her nose. "No, I need a whole day with you. I don't want to be disturbed. Going for ice cream in the afternoon and then his promise of a dinner treat for the team—we can't turn those down. I also want you to show them how good you are in the kitchen."
"You have a headache, Sayaka?" Bella inquired.
"How? She didn't even drink last night." Emmanuel jeered.
The heiress breathed deeply so that she wouldn't glare at the principal source of her jealousy.
"Lay off her." Rosalia said.
"What? I didn't say anything wrong."
"Just shut up and eat."
But the raven-haired man ignored her. "Hey Yuu, want to go for a motorcycle ride? It will be wild. You will be calling for your mother."
"I will not translate that." Sayaka said indignantly.
"I don't need you. We have Google Translate now." He chuckles as he extends his arm to pick up his phone off the table.
His girlfriend gave him a look that spoke volumes to him. His smirk disappeared. They stared at each other. He conceded after a few seconds and even apologized to the brunette. Luckily, most people aren't paying attention. Sayaka, however, was extremely impressed.
'Wow! Now that is a clear dominatrix right there.' She instantly has great respect for the blonde, whom she only ever saw as someone who competes relentlessly with her brother. A small hand touched her thigh. She had been looking at the Rosalia in wonder, and it seems it made Yuu a little jealous. 'Two in one! Dang, this woman is good.' Entwining their fingers together and smiling sweetly at her girlfriend, they continue to eat.
They found themselves in another villa that Gienpietro owns after grocery shopping for ingredients. It is so much bigger than the one that Takeshi is renting for the summer. Though it is also white with a glass façade. The mansion has eight bedrooms and five baths, a semi-olympic-size pool at the back, and a huge courtyard with a water fountain in the middle where all the expensive cars are neatly parked. If it weren't for its modern Scandinavian style, Yuu would think it was a castle.
The dining area could seat twenty people. And the massive kitchen with chrome appliances, a marble kitchen island, and marble countertops is just immaculate. Eduardo plans to cook calamari and tapas as appetizers, gazpacho as their soup, paella as the main dish, ensaladilla rusa as a side dish, and crema catalana as dessert, which Valentino knows how to make. Yuu was fascinated with everything and watched closely as Eduardo prepared everything for later and helped him whenever he asked. Valentino proceeded to make the dessert, and the petite girl was amazed at how fast he moved around the kitchen.
After they were done with the preparation, they went outside to meet the rest of their party to go to the gelato place that Eliana frequents whenever she is in Florence, and as Florence is the birthplace of gelato, she promised that they would lose their minds.
"Yuu, ride with me." Emmanuel said, standing beside a monstrous Harley-Davidson.
"Why do you even want to ride with her? You won't understand each other."
"Come on! It will be fun."
Sayaka glanced at Rosalia.
"I will not ride with him. I just got my hair done."
"But..."
"Just say no. He will be sad, but he will survive."
Yuu understood most of their conversation. "Hey, it's okay. I know he won't mind, and I'd rather stay with you." But her eyes are filled with excitement.
'Damn it! Will this day never end?' "Ride with him. But be careful. Hold tight and don't do anything dangerous."
"Thanks!" She gives her a peck on the cheek and runs to Emmanuel. He is ecstatic, smiling from ear to ear. They greeted each other with a high five that Yuu had to jump to reach. His dimple showed the whole time as he put the helmet on Yuu and the goggles. The small girl is laughing hard with him.
'You don't have to look so happy about it!'
"That is generous" Rosalia said nonchalantly.
"You told me not to be a spoilsport."
The duo didn't wait for the others as he mounted the bike with the redhead hugging his torso. Her hands couldn't meet in the middle.
"Emmanuel, keep her alive!"
"Tell her to hold on tight!" The engine roared to life, and they are gone. Yuu could only wave goodbye before they accelerated out of the gate.
"Does he know where we are going?"
"Eh, I said the store name earlier. I don't know if he knows where it is." Eliana replied in Italian.
"Just so you know, if anything happened to her, I would hunt your whole family down."
"Hey, you are the one who consented to it." The equestrian chuckled. "Don't worry, he may look like a fool, but he is an excellent driver."
Eliana and Sayaka ride with Eduardo and Bella on his Volvo. Jovanney with the Falcone brothers, Alicia and Rosalia, on the Porsche. They all arrive in a parking lot near the Ponte alle Grazie bridge and walk towards the esteem gelato store. The heiress whips her head around, looking for the Harley Davidson.
"Relax, Sayaka. You will see her again. They must be goofing around somewhere." Eduardo said.
'Have I lost my damn mind? I must look like a crazy possessive girlfriend who can't relax till their partner is around.'
They walked for some time. Looking at stores and chatting along, but the heiress couldn't enjoy any of it. Every motorcycle that passes them is looked after. But none has that low, deep-throated syncopated vibration that Harley Davidson is known for. The group arrives at Vivoli il Gelato, but the duo is nowhere to be seen. Rosalia doesn't have a care in the world, as they ordered. With an outside temperature of 33 degrees Celsius, they opted to stay inside. Everyone seems to be having a good time savoring the luscious taste of their chosen flavor except for the green-eyed brunette. Now her obsession turns toward the door. Watching closely as she scooped her pistachio ice cream and couldn't taste it.
After a few more agonizing minutes, the duo stumbles at the door. Emmanuel has his huge arm over the redhead's shoulders, and her small hand is on his waist over his leather jacket. Yuu has scarlet cheeks, and her exposed arms are a little red for riding under the sun. For two people who could hardly understand each other, they seem to get along very well. Very very well. They are cackling so hard that Emmanuel's other hand is holding his stomach.
"You better show me later. I think the house has an X-box or something."
The pair was welcomed by everyone except for Sayaka. Whose face could only mean danger. Good thing her kōhai knows just how to pacify her. She let go of the giant and went straight to her, even with the cold reception. She didn't deter from thanking her with a bright smile and a kiss in front of everyone.
"Thanks for letting me go with him. We had so much fun trying to understand each other. With my limited English vocabulary, we installed an app that we could talk into, and it would immediately translate. We laugh about the robotic voice so hard we could barely breathe, and then we talk about games till we find the store." Her tantalizing tale didn't bring comfort to her lover.
Emmanuel ordered every chocolate-flavored ice cream and challenged Yuu to another eating contest.
"Gelato is not for an eating contest eh you have to ah eat it slowly and appreciate it." Eliana protested as eloquently as possible.
Rosalia finally speaks up. Her boyfriend scowled at them but then offered Yuu three cups, and they grin at each other. Hearing their almost silent mirth, like they have an inside joke that they just couldn't contain, is too much for Sayaka. She touched her leg under the table, and the smaller girl looked up to her and offered her some of her ice cream. She refused.
"It is really good. Here." She scooped some up with the small wooden spoon, put it in her mouth, and moved to give her a kiss.
The lanky girl could not believe what was happening in front of her. Her shy girlfriend is offering her ice cream from her mouth in front of their friends. Sayaka looks around. But all are too busy having their own conversations to care about them. Jovanney, Eduardo, and Claudio are talking about Formula 1. Valentino gave Bella the names of the people who would participate in the US Open that summer, betting that his favorite Rafael Nadal might not win with all the amazing athletes that would compete. Alicia said that Carlos Alcaraz is rising rapidly in the ranks. Rosalia is talking in whispers with Emmanuel.
"Ah, it melted. Wait." She moves to get another scoop, but Sayaka tilts her chin and captures her lips. She tasted the hint of macadamia nut in the rich chocolate confection.
"Yeah, it is really good. I love that flavor." She gets a spoonful of her pistachio ice cream and returns the favor.
"Oh, wow. That is amazing. Can I have some?"
The brunette offered her cup. Now resisting the urge to gather her girlfriend in her arms. 'A few more hours. We will be alone again. Be patient.'
After their visit at Vivoli's, they walk to a nearby park and gaze at the Arno river until Eduardo announces that he needs to go back early if they want to eat on time. Everyone agreed that it was time to go. Sayaka didn't argue when Emmanuel asked if Yuu could ride with him again.
They started to cook. Yuu and Valentino busied themselves with helping Eduardo. The lanky girl was there to translate instructions and just watch the spectacle. After an hour and a half. The head cook asks Sayaka to choose the wine as he proceeds to apply the finishing touches to the dishes.
"You can go to the basement over there."
"Alright. Come help me, Yuu." She took her hand and walked towards the hallway. 'Since we are eating seafood as the main dish, then a selection of Sauvignon Blanc will do the trick, and I think beer will be good for the guys who don't like wine.'
They opened the door to the basement. It has a small landing before the stairs. Yuu closed the door and tagged Sayaka's shirt. The green eyes read shyness mixed with some courage on the redhead's face.
"I know we are in Italy." She stepped forward and reached up to gently caress the light brown bangs. Fingers trailing from her brow to the side of her face and rest on her cheek "We don't need to hide." The fingertips go down to her jaw. "I can express my affection for you, and we won't have to worry about anyone complaining or getting any snide comments or sideways glances." Her forefinger traveled up to her lips and touched the center of the lower lip. "We can kiss anytime, anywhere, with anybody." Sayaka felt herself press into the forefinger. "But right now, I don't want to share you with the world." The finger moved down to her chin, then softly went under. Tracing the column of her neck, slowly and ghostly found her collar bone. "I love you, Sayaka." She took another step forward. The brown eyes gaze at her piercingly. "I am yours." Without breaking eye contact, she goes up to her toes. Instinctively, the taller girl bent lower to meet her halfway. "Wait till we get home. Share me with these people for a few more hours, and then you can take me however you want." Their eyes closed before their lips met.
The kiss was gentle. It is light and warm. Their breaths come in small puffs. It feels like it was their first time. Nervous but eager. Opening their lips to caress each other. Tasting each other's breaths before closing in again. They kiss like they have all the time in the world. Slowly, Yuu's toes complained; she went down to her heels, but Sayaka chased after her and dipped lower. A slender hand goes to her chin to tilt it upward. The other goes to the waist and squeezes. Yuu reciprocates by wrapping her arms around her girlfriend's shoulders. The lanky girl then drew her nearer until their bodies molded together. Lips parted to draw in breath, which is getting fainter as their kiss goes deeper. Both moaned when their lips connected again.
Sayaka didn't feel the usual need to do more. It is a kiss. As sensual as it is, it is not a preamble to get to another destination. Even if the redhead didn't promise the satisfaction of that need when they got home after the day was over, she still wouldn't sully the moment by groping her lover. This kiss is an expression of closeness. Yuu's way of saying that she doesn't need to worry about anything, that she belongs to her in more ways than one. She would curse herself if she tarnished it by doing more. The small girl licked her lower lip and sank her teeth gently, delighting in the softness, then let go to suck the lip inwardly. The heiress felt the tongue and teeth as her lip was given much attention. She gave a satisfied gasp and felt her lover smile.
Yuu gets to her toes again, pressing into her a little more as a signal that the kiss is reaching its final moments. The brunette holds her tighter in agreement. Exhaling deeply. Then tasting their sweet union as she breathes in. Their lips parted. They stare into each other's eyes. Still hungry but sated. At least for now. Sayaka didn't resist giving her one last peck and then loosening her grip. To her surprise, Yuu goes in for another endearing kiss to taste her tongue again, then, with a chuckle, breaks the kiss as unexpectedly as it began.
"You brat. You will be the death of me."
"I hope not. We are not even halfway through the first week of our honeymoon." She winks and finally proceeds to explore the row of cabinets full of wine.
Sayaka could only breathe deeply, still tasting the residue of their kiss in the air. Their joint scent is as addictive as any substance that drives people crazy.
Her parents arrive with Gianpietro. And the dinner went on as expected. Everyone gave their praises to the trinational cooks and cheered for the red team one last time. During the meal, Gianpietro asks Eduardo if he could play them a couple of songs. Stating that the music room will lose its purpose if no one plays the grand piano. Bella blushed at this.
"Of course, senior, I gladly accept this request." He said in Italian.
The villa was, of course, chosen because of its spacious rooms. And the music room had been the ultimate deciding factor for the Calle couple. Knowing very well how their son loves to play the piano. The room was lined with couches, armchairs, and bean bag chairs. The walls have simple paintings of instruments and notes. Like on the Saeki estate, the grand piano stood near the glass wall. The blinds were drawn closed, and the dim light was set except for a little spotlight on the piano. Esmeralda and Yume serve tea and coffee.
Sayaka chose an armchair at the back, and Yuu sat across her lap.
"I miss you." Desperation is clear in her voice. Burying her face in Yuu's neck and inhaling deeply.
"I can tell." She pulled away and gave her a small kiss. "Even though you see me all day. Make out in front of people and hold hands the entire time." She kisses her again.
"Not the entire time." She teases, talking with their lips touching each other.
"Mmmmn." With the dim light, they became bolder with their kisses and rubbed their hands on each other.
At that moment, Sayaka realized why people on their honeymoon isolate themselves from their family and friends. They just don't have the energy to share their mate with the people who know them. She can feel that Yuu is also trying to restrain herself from doing more. But the first notes that Eduardo played on the piano caught their attention. Yuu pulls away, already captivated.
The bronze-haired boy is almost hypnotizing them with his melody and movements. His handsome face is serious but sincere, his eyebrows knotting in the middle. Yuu nearly mistook him for another person. She couldn't place where her admirable team captain went. He captures every eye in the room, but he plays like she is the only one in it. He is talking directly to her, and she is compelled to listen. And she wanted to listen. She wanted to know what he wanted to say. What he wants to convey.
Each note invokes an image. He gives her laser focus. Such attention. Affection. The emotions swirling around her are overwhelming, but not too much to topple her over. One minute, he is in so much sorrow. So miserable. Then he tells her it's okay. That she can rest easy. Then he picks her up. And she questions since he was the one who was sad. Then he reminds her how beautiful life is. How night turns into dawn. How being under water is marvelous that she doesn't want to go to the surface. But he invites her to come up together, and it seems that the surface is all that matters. And when she catches that first breath, she knows that he is telling the truth. Then she feels joy. Elation. Such happiness and freedom—it is the experience. And he conveys all of that.
When he finished playing, most people were stunned, and Yuu knew they had gone through the same journey as she did. They were all in a trance.
Yuu felt Sayaka's hug on her become tighter. She strokes her arm. "Don't worry, cara mia. I didn't fall for him. He is amazing, but you are the one I love."
Eduardo started another song. The heiress is getting uncomfortable at how moved her girlfriend was as he played.
The softball player whispered in her ear as low as she could. "You know what all this music is making me feel?"
She shook her head gently in response.
"I can't wait to go home and get lost in you."
After a few seconds, Sayaka got a whiff of their joint scent again.