Chapter 10

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A few months have passed since Johnny Thunders asked Vitani to marry him. The couple is now newlywed, basking in their happiness, while Claire, now five years old, is beginning to settle into her new life with Johnny as her father. With the wedding celebrations over, it's time for Johnny and Vitani to embark on their honeymoon, leaving Claire in the capable hands of Walter Lure and Jerry Nolan, who have become like uncles to her.

The apartment is alive with excitement as Johnny and Vitani pack their bags for their honeymoon. Claire runs around the room, her energy infectious.

CLAIRE
(giggling)
Are you really going on a big boat, Mommy?

VITANI
(smiling)
That’s right, sweetie. A big ship on the ocean.

Johnny crouches down to Claire’s level, ruffling her hair.

JOHNNY
(grinning)
And while we’re away, you’re gonna have the best time with Uncle Walter and Uncle Jerry.

Claire nods enthusiastically, clearly excited about her time with the band members.

Walter Lure and Jerry Nolan arrive at the apartment, both looking as relaxed and confident as ever. Walter carries a guitar case, while Jerry has a backpack filled with snacks and toys.

WALTER
(jokingly)
Alright, where’s our little rockstar?

Claire runs to the door, jumping into Walter’s arms.

CLAIRE
(cheerfully)
Uncle Walter! Uncle Jerry!

Jerry gives Claire a playful salute before turning to Johnny and Vitani.

JERRY
(smiling)
Don’t worry, we’ve got everything under control. You two just go and enjoy yourselves.

Johnny and Vitani stand on the deck of a beautiful cruise ship, watching the sun dip below the horizon. The ocean breeze is warm, and the sound of waves creates a serene atmosphere.

VITANI
(softly)
This is perfect, Johnny. I’ve never felt so at peace.

Johnny wraps his arm around her, pulling her close.

JOHNNY
(kissing her forehead)
You deserve it, Vitani. We both do.

They stand in silence for a moment, simply enjoying the tranquility.

JOHNNY
(after a pause)
You know, I never thought I’d be the kind of guy who could do this—settle down, be a dad. But with you and Claire…it just feels right.

Vitani smiles, her heart full.

VITANI
(teasing)
You’re a natural, Johnny. Claire adores you.

Johnny chuckles, his eyes twinkling with affection.

JOHNNY
(seriously)
And I love her too. Both of you. I want to be there for her, for you—always.

Meanwhile, back at the apartment, Walter and Jerry are deep into babysitting duties. The living room is a mix of toys, snacks, and music. Claire is happily coloring, while Walter strums his guitar.

WALTER
(looking at Claire)
What do you think of this riff, Claire?

Claire pauses her coloring, listening intently.

CLAIRE
(nodding)
It’s cool! You should play it louder!

Jerry, who’s been lounging on the couch, laughs.

JERRY
(smirking)
You heard the lady, Walter. Crank it up!

Walter grins and starts playing louder, the music filling the room. Claire starts dancing around, her joy infectious.

Later that night, Johnny and Vitani sit on the deck of the ship, a soft breeze blowing. Johnny takes out his phone, dialing Walter’s number to check in on Claire.

JOHNNY
(on the phone)
Hey, Walter, how’s everything going?

Walter, still holding his guitar, answers the phone.

WALTER
(laughing)
Hey Johnny, everything’s great. Claire’s having a blast. We just had an impromptu dance party.

JOHNNY
(grinning)
Sounds like she’s in good hands.

WALTER
(teasing)
You bet. You two just focus on each other. We’ve got everything covered here.

Johnny and Vitani walk hand in hand along a pristine beach, the sound of the waves soothing. They’re both relaxed, enjoying the peace and quiet of their time together.

VITANI
(contentedly)
I could stay here forever.

JOHNNY
(playfully)
Who says we can’t? We could buy a little beach house, live out our days in the sun.

Vitani laughs, playfully nudging him.

VITANI
(smiling)
Tempting, but I think Claire would miss her uncles too much.

Johnny laughs, agreeing.

JOHNNY
(sincerely)
You’re right. She’s got a whole family waiting for us back home.

They continue their walk, content in their love and the life they’ve built together.

A week later, Johnny and Vitani return home to find the apartment in surprisingly good shape. Claire runs to them, throwing her arms around them both.

CLAIRE
(excitedly)
Mommy! Daddy! You’re back!

Johnny scoops her up, kissing her cheek.

JOHNNY
(grinning)
Did you have fun with Uncle Walter and Uncle Jerry?

Claire nods enthusiastically.

CLAIRE
(cheerfully)
They played music and took me to the park! It was so much fun!

Walter and Jerry enter the room, both looking pleased with themselves.

WALTER
(smiling)
Told you we had it under control.

JERRY
(grinning)
She’s a great kid. You guys did good.

Johnny and Vitani share a grateful smile, their family complete.

Later that night, after Claire is tucked into bed, Johnny and Vitani sit together on the couch, reflecting on their journey.

VITANI
(softly)
We’ve come a long way, haven’t we?

Johnny nods, his eyes full of love.

JOHNNY
(sincerely)
And we’ve got a long way to go, Vitani. But as long as we’re together, I know we can handle anything.

They share a tender kiss, their future bright with the promise of love, music, and the family they’ve built together.

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