La Prima Luna (The First Moon)

Chapter 14 : Selfishness

Author's Note : Before we start, let me inform you that 'Nonno' means 'Grandpa' in Italian. There is a paragraph later where it is mentioned without a name following it. To be clear, it's Antonio. Val calls Antonio 'Nonno'. I don't think she ever mentioned him before, that's why.

Also, I really apologize for being late. This time, I'm really late. I admit I procrastinate sometimes, but other than that, I also got a job and am busy preparing for college. There are also some real-life matters. I may not be able to write as often as I did, since I'm short on financial. Once again, forgive me. In exchange, I've drawn some pictures of Giotto and Val, you can visit my deviantart if you like. (There is one picture that is not safe for watching, though. So please, if you're not at that age yet, then don't see it xD)

Well then, enjoy this long chapter as I uncover some more of Giotto's past as well as Val's other talent ~ (Sorry if it's dragging too long and becomes boring, I really tried my best ._.)

The awesome photo belongs to Giuseppe Torre. (from giuseppetorre.co.uk)

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"She has sharp eyes—sharp eyes that seem both threatening and lonely. The look on her face is saying she's better than anyone else and that she's tired of dealing with people. But I've seen that kind of look on someone else before—someone who was not good at expressing himself, who couldn't find his place among the actual snobs. That's why the sight of her—sitting by the window in her room, reading—intrigues me so. Many times I want to talk to her, but she just seems so far away. She never came out of the room. And that image of her was like a painting I would like to enter. But I'm afraid I'll ruin the picture.

"I wonder if I live next to her. She would eventually show up, right?"

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After the meal, everyone else but Salvatore had also moved into the parlor to spend the evening playing games, drinking, and talking. The older man had gone for his evening ritual as usual. However, Giotto remained in the dining room, standing by the window as he stared out into the garden, until—

"Oi! Giotto!" G called out to the blond.

"Hm? What is it?" Giotto asked back, finally turning away from the window.

G paused briefly before he replied, "Let's go, everyone's waiting for you."

"Yeah, it's just—I should have gone after Val myself." Giotto turned back, facing the window again.

With a knowing smirk, G added, "Play one game with us and if they're still not back then go. You shouldn't worry about her reaction earlier, though. It just shows how much she's into you."

Giotto was puzzled with G's comment, but when he was about to ask what G meant, the redhead already left to join the others. Never mind what Val actually felt towards him, something was definitely bothering her—that's what Giotto thought. After what had happened during the meal, he began to regret his actions last night. It wasn't like him at all to kiss her when they were alone, and to express his feelings bluntly, and to kiss her again in the heat of the moment. Even though she didn't feel irritated, maybe he should have been a bit more subtle.

"How foolish of me, she didn't even tell me what she feels. I'll have to apologize," he thought before joining the others for one game. He needed to distract his mind from the past that was haunting him after all, from all the endless cycle of regret and guilt.

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The air was dry and dusty that one afternoon. The sun was high and there were no clouds in sight. Not even little boys who were as active and energetic as Giotto and G wanted to spend that noon playing outside. They hoped to come back home as soon as they could and maybe play another day, especially when Giotto was concerned about his mother, who cried that morning out of the blue. He just couldn't sit back and relax throughout the classes. If only things had gone well.