Ordo Noctis

Chapter 20

Mars was kind enough not to say anything until we were out of the house, onto the streets of Venice again. We found a bench, sat down, and he turned to me. "Are you... okay?"

I took a deep breath. "I will be. With time."

"You don't need to act brave around me."

"I'm not."

"Star..."

"It's weird, you know?" I pondered. "How much she does for her kids. Even after her husband left. She... she does care. At least, she didn't leave them at birth. Just... just me."
Mars looked at his feet. "I'm sorry."

"No, it's okay. Really," I added at his skeptical glance. "I'm glad Han offered the opportunity to her; I hope it offered her at least a little relief."

"But what about you?"

"Me... I got the chance to learn things most people never will. I got the chance to become more independent than most people my age. And... I got to meet you."

Mars smiled softly. "You don't have to say that."

"I know."

He looked up at me, and I watched as his eyes slowly strayed to my lips.

I shot up, surprising him. I wasn't ready for this; not so soon after meeting my mom. Not now.

Without a word, he stood up too. But when we locked eyes for a second, I could tell he was apologizing. And so was I. I'm sorry for the frustratingly slow burn, I hate it too lol. Don't worry it won't last forever <3

✩✧🟃🟀🟃✧✩

We went back to the Romanos,' where Carla the maid led us back to the luscious parlor. Mrs. Romano was happy to see us again.

"Hello again, dears," she said happily. "Star, how was your reunion?"

I looked at my feet, and Mars took my hand reassuringly as he addressed his mother. "If you'll have us, we'd love to stay here for a while."

Mrs. Romano's beaming smile lit up the whole room. "Of course, dears. Carla!" The kind maid hurried in. "Bring their stuff up to two guest rooms, please."

Carla nodded and grabbed our suitcases, lugging them out of the large room.

"Feel free to explore the house," Mrs. Romano told us. "I've got to go and write."

Mars and I nodded, but we stood there unmoving for a few more minutes, our hands still intertwined. His touch made me feel safe; maybe, someday, I could learn to call this place home.