Spiderman's Sister

What's new in love paradise?

Ten minutes later I park in front of the "Bella Nuova", a cute little Italian restaurant that Aria and I have been to before. There are only a few tables, most of which are reserved months in advance. Luckily Aria knows the owner so we never have trouble getting a table here. When I step inside through the front door, I see Aria already sitting at our usual table by the window. She is currently chatting with Nino, the owner's son, who occasionally helps out as a waiter. As I approach, they both look at me, slightly taken aback.

Victoria: What? Do i have something on my face?

Aria: Not quite but you kinda look.........

Nino: Stressed out.

Victoria: I am.

I sit in my chair, still trying to get the image of James abs out of my head.

Nino: Well, something can be done about that. I'll bring you a bottle of the Montepulciano you love so much.

Victoria: Awesome, thanks Nino.

Almost immediately he's back with the bottle and three glasses. He pours us all wine and toasts us.

Nino: Whatever has been stressing you out, as long as you're here, please forget it. Drink and treat yourself to good food, the stress can take a break.

Aria: Well said, cheers.

Victoria: I'll drink to that.

We toast and have a sip. Absolutely delicious and perfectly tempered. As many times as we've been here we know the menu inside out, which is why we order right away - some antipasti, saltimbocca for Aria and lasagna for me. Just thinking about the food makes my mouth water. Someday, when he's fully recovered and stops acting like a horny teenager, I'll have to bring James here sometime.

Aria: Tell me, what's stressing you?

Victoria: James.

Aria: Oh oh, is there trouble in paradise?

Victoria: Honestly? I wish there was trouble.

Aria: I don't understand.

I told Aria about it at some point shortly after James got home. So not everything. She still doesn't know he's an Avenger, but she does know about his injuries. Except she's assuming he was in a car accident.

Victoria: I told you about James' accident.

Aria: Yes. Oh my god, he's fine, isn't he?

Victoria: Yes, he's fine. And that's exactly the problem.

Aria: It's a problem that your boyfriend is okay? Now I finally don't understand anything anymore.

Victoria: I don't mean it like that. Of course I'm happy that he's doing better. But just because he's doing better, he thinks he could uproot trees...... and many other things that his doctor is currently prohibiting him from doing. Physical activities are still forbidden for him.

Aria: Ah, I see. His doctor forbidding him physical activity means he can look at you, but no more. Which means he can't have sex, which means you can't have sex either.

Victoria: Yep. And it's absolute hell.

I take another long sip of wine as our antipasti are brought. Before I continue, I grab a piece of ciabatta and nibble on it.

Victoria: Every night I lie next to my absolute dream man and there's nothing I'd rather do than jump him, but i'm not allowed to.

Aria: Just do it.

Victoria: Believe me, I would really like to. But there must be a reason why his doctor still forbids him to do so. Not that he gets worse in the end just because we couldn't pull ourselves together.

Aria: It's a really shitty situation.

Victoria: Yes, and on top of that James will do anything to seduce me.

Aria: For example?

Victoria: In the beginning he was just clingy, cuddly and totally sweet.

Aria: And now?

Victoria: Now, at least in our room, he walks around most of the time in boxer shorts or completely naked. And I'm telling you....... this is a sight to die for. And he no longer limits his attempts to seduce me to the time I spend at home.

Aria: Now it's getting interesting. What is he doing now?

Victoria: Cyberterror.

She looks at me questioningly as I put an olive in my mouth.

Victoria: He sent me a selfie on the way here. It shows off his abs and other parts of his body that I absolutely love. And he knows that.

Aria: You're really screwed.

Victoria: Tell me something I don't know. I really hate that I have to be the more sane of the two of us.

Aria: Well, you know where to find me when you need a break.

Victoria: Who knows, maybe I'll actually take up your offer at some point. I just hope his doctor gives him permission soon and we just don't have to be reasonable anymore.

Aria: I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

We chat about this and that for the rest of the evening. Being here with Aria is really just what I needed. After we have eaten our main courses, we order a portion of tiramisu and share it. It's so good that we really wanted to have it, even though we're both way too full. But because we share it, we could both enjoy it. Unfortunately, since it was still very crowded, we didn't have a chance to talk to Nino at length. In the end it's only enough for a short "Ciao" and a hug as we leave. Since Aria came here right after work, I offer to drive her home, which she gratefully accepts. I park in front of her apartment building and we hug in the car.

Victoria: I really needed the distraction tonight.

Aria: It was my pleasure. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that James might be asleep by the time you get home and at least tonight you won't have to pull yourself together any further.

Victoria: Thank you. See you, love you.

Aria: Bye, love you too.

I wait until she has disappeared into the house before I make my way home. It's just before 10pm. Who knows, maybe James is already asleep and won't test my steadfastness any further today.