The Unexpected

Chapter 10 - The First of Many Adventures

A/N: Well here we are! The final chapter of the Unexpected. I want to thank everyone who has voted, commented and read this story. I am generally grateful for the support. As I said in my previous authors note I will be writing a Shivian fanfiction so keep your eyes peeled for that!  I hope you enjoy this last chapter!

"Ready for take-off, Captain?" Mia said teasingly as the flight attendant's voice echoed as she walked through the cabin, a smile in her eyes as she checked their seatbelts.

Charlotte looked at Mia, her heart racing with excitement. This was it. Their first holiday together. "You bet I am," she replied, her grip tightening around Mia's hand.

The plane jolted as it left the runway, the force pushing them back into their seats. The whine of the engines grew to a crescendo before settling into a steady hum. The world outside shrank to a patchwork quilt of greens and browns, and soon, they were above the clouds.

"Milan, here we come," Charlotte whispered, her eyes on the horizon, where a faint line of blue hinted at the distant city. Mia nodded, her eyes shimmering with the reflection of the setting sun.

The flight was filled with shared laughter, secret glances, and whispered promises of romantic dinners and moonlit strolls. They talked about their plans for the week, the places they would visit, the food they would eat. The hours passed quickly, and before they knew it, the captain announced their descent.

The city sprawled before them like an elaborate puzzle, the buildings' lights twinkling like stars against the deepening blue of the night sky. As the plane touched down, Charlotte felt a thrill run through her. They were in Milan, the fashion capital of the world, and she had never felt more alive.

Stepping off the plane into the bustling airport, the scent of espresso and leather filled their senses. The air was electric with excitement, and the murmur of Italian voices created a rhythmic backdrop to their arrival.

Their hotel was a short taxi ride away, nestled in the heart of the city. It was an elegant, historic building with a red carpet that led to a set of gleaming glass doors. The driver helped them with their luggage, and they stepped into the grand lobby, their eyes wide with wonder.

The receptionist greeted them with a warm smile, her accent thick and musical. She handed them the keys to their suite, which overlooked a cobblestone street lined with boutiques and cafes.

Once inside, they threw open the windows, letting in the cool evening air. The sounds of the city wafted up to them, a symphony of distant chatter and clinking glasses. They could see the Duomo Di Milano in the distance, its spires reaching towards the stars.

They had a week ahead of them filled with possibilities, a week where they could be themselves without the pressures of work or the scrutiny of their friends and family. A week where they could explore each other and the city in equal measure.

As they unpacked, Mia pulled out a small, velvet box from her bag. Charlotte's eyes grew wide, her heart skipping a beat.

"What's that?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Mia turned to face her, the box in her hand. "It's a little something I picked up for you. A Milan tradition."

Charlotte's heart pounded in her chest as Mia opened the box, revealing a pair of exquisite silver earrings. They sparkled in the soft light, delicate and beautiful.

"For our first trip together," Mia said, her voice soft. "To remember this moment."

Charlotte took the earrings, her eyes filling with tears. She leaned in and kissed Mia, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on her. This trip was going to change everything.

As they held each other, the city of Milan buzzed around them, welcoming them with open arms into its embrace.

Their first evening was a blur of exploration, the cobblestone streets beneath their feet as they wandered hand-in-hand through the historic centre. They stopped at a quaint gelato shop, the sweetness of their mint and strawberry cones mingling with the sound of a street performer's accordion. They tasted the rich flavours of the city, their laughter melding with the chatter of locals and tourists alike.

The Duomo Di Milano loomed large as they approached, its grandeur taking their breath away. They marvelled at the intricate carvings and the sheer size of the structure, feeling tiny yet significant in the presence of such timeless beauty. The cool marble was a stark contrast to the warmth of the day, and as they stepped inside, the hush of the cathedral enveloped them like a soft blanket.

Their first night ended on the rooftop of their hotel, the city lights a sea of twinkling jewels at their feet. They shared a bottle of wine, their conversation flowing as freely as the vino. The gentle breeze whispered secrets of the city as they leaned into each other, the weight of the world feeling lighter with each shared giggle and whispered confession.

The week that followed was a tapestry of experiences: early morning walks to the local market, the scent of freshly baked bread and ripe tomatoes filling the air; the tactile thrill of exploring the Brera District's art galleries, their fingertips brushing against the velvet ropes as they studied masterpieces; the thrill of haggling over prices in a flea market, their newfound language skills surprising even themselves; and the decadence of feasting on risottos and tiramisus in candlelit restaurants, the soft notes of an acoustic guitar serenading their meals.

Amidst the excitement and adventure, there was a quiet moment of truth that waited for them. A conversation they had both been avoiding, simmering beneath the surface like the steam from their morning cappuccinos. It was time to address the future of their relationship, and what this trip meant for them as a couple.

The tension grew palpable as they strolled along the canals of the Navigli District, the gentle lapping of the water against the sides of the ancient buildings a stark contrast to the storm brewing in their hearts. They found a quiet spot, the only sound the distant chuckle of a couple passing by and turned to face each other.

Mia took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly. "Charlotte, I need to tell you something."

Charlotte's eyes searched hers, a question lingering on her lips. "What is it?"

Mia reached for Charlotte's hand, her grip firm. "I'm in love with you."

The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning, as the city's lights reflected in the water below, rippling with the intensity of their emotions. The moment stretched, the world seeming to hold its breath, waiting for Charlotte's response.

Finally, a soft smile spread across Charlotte's face, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "I've been waiting to hear that, I'm in love with you too."

With that, the tension broke, the dam of their unspoken feelings giving way to a flood of relief and joy. They kissed, the taste of sweet gelato and the promise of a future together on their lips, as the city of Milan looked on, a silent witness to their love story unfolding.

Their week in Milan was not just a holiday; it was a declaration of love, a promise made amidst the art and romance of a city that had captured their hearts. As they packed their bags for the return flight, they knew that their lives would never be the same again. They had found not just a destination, but a home in each other's arms, a place where they could be themselves without apology.

And as the plane took off, climbing into the night sky, they watched the lights of Milan fade into the distance, taking with them the memories of a trip that had changed the course of their lives. The horizon called to them with new adventures, new beginnings, but no matter where life would lead them, they knew they would always have Milan—and the love they discovered there—to return to.

It was true what people said, sometimes you'll find love when you least expect it.