OUR BOND

A Decision

Third Person POV

Noel paced in the hallway longer than she should have, palms a little sweaty even though she was convinced her decision was the right one. She kept imagining what Vittoria and Dante would say and it always ended with them dramatically chasing her out like in the Bollywood soapies.

"Okay, Noel just do it" she whispered to herself and finally raised her hand and knocked on Dante and Vittoria's door.

"Come in" Vittoria's warm voice floated through.

Noel entered, closing the door behind her as quietly as possible. Seeing her, Vittoria was a bit suprised, she even sat up straighter on the bed while Dante glanced over from the desk where he sat with his laptop open, buried in work as usual.

Their room looked like an entire mini apartment - big in that effortless italian way, soft lighting, everything elegant yet simple, comfortable but still... refined. Very them.

Vittoria tapped the spot next to her. "Come, amore"

Noel walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, realizing as she sat that she still had her sunglasses on. She pulled them up as they rested on her head and turned to a patiently waiting Vittoria.

"Auntie... Can I talk to you about something important?" Vittoria smiled that gentle, knowing smile. "You can talk to me about anything"

Noel nodded then turned to Dante who's attention was on the laptop open in front of him. "Uncle" she called out. "I also need you here, please"

He stopped whatever it was he was typing and looked over. He stood, still with that heavy, authoritative presence that made every conversation with him feel like a meeting with an entire council. But he walked over and stopped beside the bed, arms loosely crossed, waiting.

Noel took a breath.

"I wanted to ask you both something, I don't know how you'll feel about it though"

"What is it?" Dante asked, voice calm but carrying that weight that made you want to sit up straighter.

"May I live here?.... like permanently."

Everything froze.

Vittoria's eyes widened, her mouth parting in suprise. They glanced at each other, making sure they heard Noel right.

"Are you guys going to say something?" she blurted out. "Because... It's okay if I can't. I was just asking."

That snapped Vittoria out of her trance instantly. "No, no, no, amore." she said leaning closer, eyes warm and soft. "It's not that"

Noel watched her glance at Dante again before continuing, her voice dropping slightly, almost confessional.

"I actually asked your uncle days back if he could speak to Bright and have you stay here longer.. Or even better, move here entirely"

Noel looked at her suprised. "You did?, you want me to stay here?"

"Mi cara" Vittoria said, "That would be a dream come true. Do you know how much I've wanted that? Ever since your mother and I promised each other we would raise our kids together, I've dreamed of having you here. With us"

"You mom left us but that didn't mean the dream should too" her smile was tender as she said that - old memories flickering behind her eyes and it hit Noel so deeply she almost forgot to breathe.

Vittoria, as always, was warmth and comfort and love wrapped up in one person.

Then there was Dante.

Logical. Serious. Protective in the most quietly intimidating way.

He stepped a little closer. "Noel" he said, and his voice had softened but only slightly. "I do not mind you living here, infact I'd be happy. You're my only niece, after all."