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The air was freezing enough to where you could see your own breath. That would be true if every breath you took wasn’t interrupted by the violent rain. The seemingly endless stream of water was beating into the stone sidewalks, and everywhere else in southern Italy. It seeped into every nook and cranny of the nature outside. Nearly drowning every smaller plant that couldn’t handle the amount landing in the soil. Many of the homes of people had their lights turned off this late at night. The families that had many fires, and heavy blankets. The comfort that a girl running down a puddle filled street didn’t have the pleasure of having.
Her black rain boots splashed with nearly every step. The only way she was able to see such rivers running down the roads was because of the street lamps. Their orange haze also provided enough as a guide through the otherwise dark town. She had seen such weather before, but she hadn’t ever had to deal with living in it until now. Her nose was pink from the icy air, and littered with brown freckles. The tips of her fingers were numb from the freezing temperatures. The nails attached were lovingly manicured though. Her pink spiral of well kept hair was kept safe with a large and wide black umbrella. Her green eyes stayed focused on the path ahead. She had to.
Her name was Trish Una. Today marked the day a friend of hers that had sacrificed everything for her. The date that Bruno Bucciarati had left her forever. She couldn’t ever shake off the feeling that she was partially responsible for his death. Especially considering her father was the one to commit such vile actions. However, Giorno and Mista also shared their own guilts with their once brilliant boss. The group had planned to meet together at midnight to celebrate his memory. They understood that Bucciarati probably would’ve preferred they enjoyed their youthful lives that he helped give them. Rather than mourn at Bruno’s grave. The three would have lighthearted chats with laughter.
This was decided after the first month anniversary of his passing, and it’s continued since. Trish had gotten gradually more comfortable with visiting his grave. Thanks to her friends, it was no longer a place of sorrow. Instead, it was a warm-hearted place of memories. It was a joyous spot to recall every memory they had with Bruno. Which is why she had to be first to get there!
For the last few months, Mista had been showing up the earliest to impress the others. His bragging about it had been dampening her mood with how immature he still was. It at least started the conversation light hearted to begin with. Therefore, Giorno and Trish could ease into the topic of Bucciarati easier. She wanted to be the first to his grave this time around. Just to tease Mista, and be there alone with Bruno for a bit more.
Her sprinting began from her home at around 11:30pm. She sprang out her umbrella, and had gone down the shortest route she had planned. She was gliding down all the watery streets carefully until she made a faithful turn. After turning around the corner in a small alley way with minimal space, she noticed a figure a couple yards ahead of her. Trish’s run slowed down to a cautious walk. Her eyes squinted, and found that the figure was shaking. The only thing protecting them from the merciless rain fall was a large tree branch on top the building they were leaning against. Trish’s initial look of fright was replaced with a concerned stare.
The closer she got to the figure, the more details she could see. It didn’t take long to see it was a girl around her age stuck in the rain. The closer Trish got, the more upset she felt for the stranger in front of her. It was obvious she was cold from her legs, and jaw shivering. Her dress, her leggings, and everything else seemed drenched from the rain. Trish was now close enough to see her pretty face. Isolation, and directionless showed themselves through the girl’s eyes. Trish finally frowned. Her usual cold demeanor was washed away when getting the stranger’s attention.
Trish’s original motivation of being the first to the destination had been put aside. She couldn’t live with herself if she simply ignored this girl around her same age. The blond girl looked over to Trish coming closer. Her stare was nervous, but Trish could understand. She looked scared out of her mind. Trish attempted to make her voice soothing, and her bright green eyes non threatening in this dark gloomy night.
At first she wasn’t sure what to say. The girls stared at each other. Just taking in each other’s appearances. Words eventually lightly drifted from her lips in Italian.
“Do you need help?”
Trish’s pink lips said with a sweetness. She was already in a light hearted mood before. The girl didn’t see why she couldn’t try to keep the same energy for this gal who clearly needed assistance.
The blue eyes of the stranger blinked. She opened her mouth, but closed it swiftly after a realization. The blond girl’s frown was gone, but her essence of unease was lingering. Trish tried to make her stare more welcoming, and she slowly stepped by the blond girls side.
“What’s your name?” Trish softly asked. Not too loud to startle the other girl, but loud enough to be heard over the rain.
“Lucy. I am lost.” She answered with hesitation.
It came quickly to Trish’s attention that her Italian was pretty rough. When Lucy was debating on answering though, the taller girl had already decided to lean in closer. Getting beside her to make sure the umbrella could cover her as well. The blond girl looked up with a little shock. Lucy quickly scrambled to get more under the umbrella. Trish took some relief in how much she wanted help. However, she was also worried by the fact how fast this girl trusted her.
“Hey, Lucy. I’m Trish.”
The blond looked back up at her with relief, and a shine in her blue eyes. Trish made a small smile at this. Her expression of hope was something that tugged her in closer. She wanted to learn more about this girl. Thank the gods she knew enough English.
“Hi, Trish! Im happy to see you.”
The soaking gal somehow still had warmth radiating from her look. Lucy was really sincere in what she said. They were total strangers. Yet, her reaction seemed similar to those who had reunited with a childhood best friend. Perhaps it was just the comfort of someone being here. Which Trish could understand.
“My English isn’t that great. I apologize if I say something wrong.”
“No not at all! I’m just happy we can talk. I should apologize for not knowing more Italian.”
Lucy reasoned with the other girl. Trish made a quick chuckle.
“It’s okay. Languages can be hard.”
Trish nodded with her statement.
“Yes.”
Lucy nodded back. It seemed she was slowly getting comfortable at least. Trish squatted by the other girl’s side. Nearly putting the entire umbrella over Lucy’s head. The cold spine shivering water wasn’t hurting her anymore.
“Thank you so much. I really can’t thank you enough.”
Lucy’s cold nose sniffled. Trish’s did the same. The girls looked back at each other wanting to contain a laugh. They were both shivering cold. Trish could see more details of Lucy’s face from this angle, and the other girl could do the same.
“Of course. You looked isolated. Are you by yourself?”
“Yes. I came to visit Italy as a vacation.”
Lucy explained gently trying her best to give Trish half of her umbrella back. However the pink haired girl insisted.
“I see.” Trish listened carefully to translate all the words in her head from English back to Italian. The next for moments were of them breathing lightly together. Droplets hitting against the umbrella were still loud, but not as disturbing anymore for Lucy. There was someone here. Her lungs were relaxing finally. Her quick breath slowing down to a normal pace the more she was with Trish.
“Where do you need to go?” Trish’s soft voice returned, and she glanced back down the street. However, Lucy couldn’t help but look at the other girl’s lips. Her overall look. The outfit she had on was odd to the westerner, but she loved it at the same time. It helped all the best parts of Trish’s beauty. Many pink hues covered her, and her eyes reminded Lucy of emeralds. Her aura felt powerful, yet elegant. ‘She must be related to someone strong.’ Lucy’s thoughts wondered. The blond was so distracted that she hadn’t answered.
“Lucy?”
Trish looked back at the other girl, and Lucy quickly snapped out of her trance. She was just a girl. A helpful gal her age that was being kind. No need to stare like a madman.
“ Ah, I’m sorry! I need to go to a motel of any kind. Anywhere is fine.”
She explained quickly feeling upset at herself for disrespecting such a gorgeous girl. Trish didn’t deserve that at all.
“ Oh, you’re fine. You’re pretty stressed right now.”
Trish laid a gentle hand against Lucy’s back. The lightest pat followed that helped make the other feel somewhat safer.
“Let’s get you a room, Lucy.”
Trish’s smile returned, and she helped the blond up. Lucy shivered somewhat having to face the bitter air again. However, there was an umbrella to make her less wet this time. She stood close to the Italian girl nervous as the two began to walk. The gentle clicks, and clacks of their shoes through the wet alley were soft.
Trish held the umbrella high for both of them. Lucy’s wet dress was would sometimes rub against Trish’s dry clothes. She didn’t mind much though. She would’ve shut her umbrella at Bruno’s grave anyways. It’s why she chose one of her least expensive dresses after all.
“ Lucy, where are you from?”
Trish spun the umbrella a little wanting to keep the atmosphere light hearted. It made her feel a bit magical in an otherwise sorrowful night.
Lucy in question looked back up at the girl with curious cat eyes. They reminded her of sapphires with how bright they could get.
“The United Sates. What about you?”
“I thought so. Also I’m from here.”
Trish found the other girl’s question amusing.
Lucy could feel her head get warmer after asking such a dumb question. Of course she’s from here! The blond looked away unsure how to feel. Trish finally let out another chuckle.
Why was Lucy so nervous? She reasoned in her mind that it was just her being upset from being stuck in the rain. That’s why she was so on edge right now. At least in her mind.
“Sorry. I guess I’m dumb.”
“I’m sure you’re not.”
Lucy was quick to apologize, but Trish could only combat with more kindness. They were finally out of the alley, and Lucy took some time to take in all the buildings around them.
The street lamps returned, and It gave the girls a new light to observe each other in. The soft orange light made the light pink on them stand out.
“Lucy is such a pretty name.”
The taller girl delicately said without much thought. Her companion looked back up at her with some dumbfounded feelings. Beyond her disbelief, she was flattered. It was the first time in awhile another lady had called her pretty of some sorts.
“Trish is a lovely name too.”
She responded the way she thought her new friend would like it the best.
“You’re too sweet”
“Me? You’re the one helping me get a motel!”
Lucy couldn’t help but rebuttal.
The taller girl simply shook her head. It was the least she could do for her after encountering Lucy. The rain was gradually shifting from treacherous to simple the more they walked.
Trish was about to say something else, but a ring from her pocket would stop her. She jumped a little just remembering that she was going somewhere else before this. The girls stopped in the street under a warm light.
The taller gal flipped open her phone quickly seeing that the caller was Giorno.
“I’m sorry I need to take this.”
Trish apologized, and only hoped she could understand. Lucy simply nodded, and continued staring down the streets. It was honestly such a nice break from the repetitive American streets Lucy knew. She almost could feel home in a place she barely knew. Especially with Trish at her side. The blond looked over to the pinked haired girl who switched back over to Italian. She had a problem figuring out what Trish’s expression meant as she continued discussing. Lucy thought she heard a boy on the other end.
“Trish, are you alright? It’s been twenty minutes later than when you usual arrive.”
Giorno puzzled. He was just glad she picked up. He presumed that the rain had held her back.
“Yes. I promise I’m alright. Your days of protecting me are over now, you know?”
“I am aware, but you’re still a dear friend.”
Both of the teens relaxed hearing each other on the phone. Neither seemed mad or in danger. There was nothing but aloof in their eyes.
“But yes, I am late. I’m not sure if I’ll be there though.”
“Oh, why’s that?”
Giorno on the other end raised a brow to it.
“There’s someone I met that I feel I should help. I mean no disrespect to Bucciarati. Do you remember how you told me his stories of how he recruited his gang? I feel as though helping someone like this is honoring his memory. I want his kindness to simply spread.”
Trish explained her tale, and reasoning that came with maybe skipping this anniversary this one time. She was upset she had to do a thing, but not enough to stop helping this girl.
Giorno considered everything, and nodded. Trish made a fair point. He didn’t have anything against her either.
“I understand Trish. Do what you think Bucciarati would’ve been wanted for you to do. Who are they?”
The teen leader saw no reason to force her way to the grave. What good would it be if she didn’t even wanna be there?
“She says her name is Lucy, and that she’s from the U.S. That’s about it though. She was completely stranded alone in the rain. Lost and cold like an abandoned dog.”
These words of Trish struck a cord in Giorno’s heart, and he didn’t hesitate with letting Trish help this lady at all. He had heard countless stories of how people got their positions on Passione.
“Okay Trish. Just take care. Thank you for celebrating his life this way. I’m sure he would’ve appreciated it.”
“ Of course. He was beloved by many. Goodbye. Stay safe.”
“Goodnight, and bye. You as well.”
Were the last words Trish heard from Giorno that call. Trish sighed with relief that she would be able to stay with her new friend on this day.
Of course, everything had been spoken in Italian. It left Lucy in the dark, but she wasn’t one to pry. It simply wasn’t her business. Although she was curious about these names she kept hearing.
“ I apologize. That was a dear friend of mine.”
Trish slid her phone back in her long skirt pocket. The girls then continued to walk in the now calmer rain. No more was it trying to threaten life.
“It’s okay. We get busy sometimes.”
The shorter girl reassured the other. She stretched out her sleeves with cute golden puffs. A yawn came from her mouth and she made a noise that could belong to a little dog.
Trish looked over at her and found Lucy a bit red tinted after making such a sound. She was just tired. Why did she have to keep embarrassing herself in front of this girl?
Trish could only smile.
For a moment she thought she was kinda cute. Oh but what was she thinking? They had just met.
“I was needed somewhere else, but I was excused to help you.”
She brushed her pink hair with her hand. There wasn’t a lot on her mind. Just Lucy.
“You had somewhere to be? I’m so so sorry! You don’t have to help me if I’m keeping you.”
She lifted her hands waving to emphasize her worries, and her expression was far from relaxed anymore.
“Lucy like I said, It’s alright. I promise.”
Trish’s voice grew softer once again. Her hand slid to the blond girl’s back to stroke. Lucy’s eyes quickly opened back up. The person she thought would be rather upset with her was only comforting her. Her heart quivered, but she accepted the others warm touches in this cold night.
“I feel as though, I should make it up to you Trish. However, I don’t have much to offer.”
Lucy’s hands fidgeted around as she leaned in awkwardly towards the other gal.
“ If it sets your mind at ease, we could talk about it at the motel room?”
She offered. Trish hadn’t paid too much attention to her wording. She wasn’t the greatest at English anyways.
The streets were starting to look brighter with a few people littered about walking. The buildings around them becoming taller and filled with their own lights. The stream of water from the sky continued, but with more mercy in this area. Lucy was no longer shivering. The only thing shaking now was her brain with overthinking.
“At the motel room? That’s fine.”
Lucy’s blond hair curls almost lit back up, but a frown inched on her face. Her voice seeming drained of energy after saying her last statement. Trish’s head tilted in a somewhat confused manor. She only offered that solution because she didn’t want Lucy to worry about repayment. The Italian wanted the visitor to enjoy the sights at night while she could. This pressuring sad cloud atmosphere around Lucy wasn’t what Trish was going for at all.
“Lucy, are you alright?”
Trish fluttered her eyes.
“Yes, I just.. hadn’t expected that from you.”
The blond looked down not really wanting to go further into it.
“What do you mean?”
“It’s okay Trish, we can talk more about it at the room.”
Lucy insisted. If Trish had a set of dog ears, they would’ve softened down in sadness. That spark of joy she managed to dig up seemed to have vanished.
“I promise I won’t be mad at you if you’re bothered by something.”
The pink haired one insisted.
No matter, the motel Trish had in mind that was just around the corner. They would have a room to warm up in within a few minutes. The two girls walked inside taking in a sigh of relief. The stabbing needles of the sky’s chilliness left them as soon as the two walked into the building. Trish settled down her umbrella, and spoke to the front desk in her language. Lucy patiently waited by her side. The cowgirl’s nails were about to be bitten down on in nervousness when Trish was finally given the key.
“Thank you!” Left her lips, and she looked back to the blond excitedly. The girls immediately started heading to the room. Trish couldn’t stop smiling. Lucy on the other hand couldn’t contain her heartbeat from fear. Her pace behind the taller girl was slowly getting down. Until the two were greeted with their motel door. The number reading ‘324’. Attached to the key was a piece of string plastic with that same number imprinted on it.
“I bet you’re ready for a nice sleep in a warm bed.”
“ Yes, I look forward to it. Thank you again so much.”
Lucy who had been stricken with disappointment a bit ago only had herself look at the bright side of things. The room had a nice fuzzy green carpet. Pastel pink walls had paintings of all kinds of animals on them. On the wall across the mattresses, there was a dresser with a little black tub resting on it. The two beds had smooth sheets to rest on, and Lucy awkwardly stood between them. Her dress was still damp, and cold. Trish made a quick realization.
“Actually, I think a nice bath or shower would do you better as of right now. You’re still shivering. I don’t want you to get sick either.”
Trish went over to the other girl’s side, and helped to brush out her hair with her fingers.
“ I forgot to bring my bag awhile ago at the airport when it was still day. I tried going back to it, but it had closed for the day. I was pretty much stuck outside without anything. Seriously, Trish. Thank you.”
Lucy leaned into the other teen girl’s touch, and her cheeks nearly blushed again.
“ I owe so much to you. I just bring that up because I don’t have a set of new clothes to wear.”
Trish’s eyes looked down at Lucy’s water welling eyes. Their blue shimmer being the prettiest thing she had seen that night. For the first time in awhile, Trish was nervous around another girl. Lucy rested her hands crossed I’m her chest just letting Trish help comb through her tangled up hair.
“ Oh of course, Lucy. I couldn’t feel good about myself if I just left you there. Besides, that friend I was gonna see would’ve preferred me helping someone else anyways. He’s always been understanding. I think his kindness was infectious honestly.”
She finished brushing through Lucy’s hair with what she had. Lucy finally smiled again at the other girl. The atmosphere was finally graining a calmness. The connection between the two girls was finally soothing out again.
“He sounds like a nice man.”
“ Oh he was.. to certain people.”
Trish chuckled putting a pretty hand over her mouth. This resulted with Lucy making an attempted giggle.
“The other bunch, he’d practically torture.”
“ Oh my..”
“Mhm. Great friend. Terrible enemy.”
Trish took her seat closest to the motel room door. Lucy’s pounding heart was settling down again too.
“That reminds me of someone I used to know actually. He was a super helpful guy to the right folks. A pure menace to those up against him though. I hope he’s doing okay.”
The cowgirl started sharing details of her own life now. She had forgotten how great it was to make new friends like this.
“ Surely he is. Also about your clothes, I’m sure I saw a room for washing while looking for your room.”
The Italian took off her shoes, and made herself a bit more comfortable. Lucy took the time to look inside the bathroom. The tub didn’t seem like much, but the height of the shower head was grand. This seemed like a genuinely nice place to be. Which made Lucy worry about the cost, and how she can repay Trish for all her kindness. Lucy looked in the mirror of how her appearance had changed drastically because of the weather.
“Oh dear..”
She sighed seeing herself. How did Trish feel comfortable with such a mess like her by her side? Did she not feel shame? Lucy’s thoughts began to swarm with negative realities. Did Trish not want to see her friend because she got her? Lucy just wasn’t sure how to feel about herself in this state. The blond girl went to work with her clothes then.
The blond girl peaked from the bathroom door, and Trish looked back up at her.
“ Oh hey, Are you ready to take a shower?”
“ Yeah, I’m ready. Do you really wanna do my clothes though?”
Lucy had a white towel wrapped around her body that looked two sizes too big. However, it made the girl feel more secure from the cold air. She waited for Trish to hop over to the door before holding out her clothes to her. Lucy grew shyer the closer the taller girl got to her. The moment Trish had her clothes in hand, the other teen quickly closed the door.
Trish didn’t think much of it seeing as they had only met in the last few hours. She reasoned in her mind that Lucy would be on edge after being through that. Trish went on her marry way to throw some things in the washer. The pink haired girl also snuck a warm towel from the laundry room. Her own clothes were still somewhat chilly from the outside water. Once Trish was back in the room, she slipped into one of the bed’s covers. She let out a sigh of relief.
Trish was grateful she encountered Lucy, but it had been a pretty emotional night for her too. The gal wouldn’t show it to someone she just met, but seeing someone so down on their luck made Trish want to sink into a despair. She was aware of where she came from. Tons of the people she’s befriended through the passione had come from heart shattering childhoods. Yet, here she was oblivious to all of that when she was first protected by Bruno and the gang. It made her take a step back to appreciate what she had. She would return the favor by helping the unfortunate individuals she found as well. Why wouldn’t she? It’s the least Trish could do.
However, meeting this individual made her discover more about herself more than anyone in the passione could’ve.
Perhaps fidgeting with her flip phone could help get her mind off things.
The running sound of water finally stopped after more waiting. Trish’s head perked from the pillows she had found comfort in. The warmth slowly slipping away from her as she stood up. The girl rubbed her eyes. Her other hand felt around the bed to escape. Trish waddled over to the bathroom door with warm fluffy clothes in hand. Her gentle hand would knock. Lucy’s blue eyes peaked through the crack, and she would smile a little seeing her clothes.
“Here you go.” The soft tone lingered.
“Thank you. I don’t know where I’d be without you.” Lucy replied back swiftly snatching them.
The blond looked jumpy, but Trish would brush it up again as nerves.
She wasn’t sure when she would stop thanking the other, but Lucy knew it wasn’t anytime soon. After a few minutes of curling back into her blankets, the bathroom door made a soft click. Una smiled, and glanced over to see the other girl in her warm dress.
“Oh that’s what you look like? You’re so pretty!” Trish cheered, and pressed her hands to her cheeks. She was rarely this giddy, but something about this girl made her feel comfortable to do so. On the other end, Lucy simply blinked.
“ Pretty?” She repeated, and put a hand to her shoulder to soothe herself.
“Yes very! Nicest girl I’ve met in awhile.”
Trish calmed herself down, and sat up straight. She hadn’t ever really traveled around the Western parts of the world. Their standards of beauty were unknown to her, but Lucy seemed to shine like a golden example. Why were their hearts swirling around like this?
The blond girl on the other hand was simply getting more rattled up. Lucy’s cheeks went a gentle pink when the other girl insisted on her looks. It felt like an honor to be called that from the most gorgeous girl she had met in Italy.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t the only thing trampling her heart. Lucy was still wrapped up in how she would repay the other. What did she mean by it when she said ‘ talk about it in the motel’? It made the girl desperately nervous. She was used to people wanting her body. Even at her young age she had become used to people insisting on the weirdest exchanges. It made her sick remembering it all. Which tortured Lucy’s feelings all the more. She had nothing other to offer but herself. Surely though, Trish was better than that? Right?
The again, this was the same girl she had only met a few hours ago. Lucy could only hope. She shuffled closer to Trish’s bed to listen to her speak. Her head gradually looked at the floor the more Trish talked.
“I wish I could brush your hair though. But, I don’t have anything with me which is a shame. A girl’s hair is super important to her look…”
“Trish.”
The taller girl was about to ramble more on how she could help Lucy’s appearance. However, Trish was caught off guard by Lucy’s colder voice. It wasn’t the one she knew at all. Not the one she had met in the rain. Not the one she had met in the motel either. The blond girl began her stare. Trish couldn’t exactly figure out the emotion, but something clearly wasn’t right. Instead of a cute smile resting on Lucy’s face, was an uncertain blank slate.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Yes?”
Maybe it was something she said?
Her green eyes followed Lucy as she walked closer. The sound of her footsteps almost became nonexistent.
“Trish, how did you want me to repay you?”
Lucy’s feminine voice seemed saddened. Her attitude had shifted from optimistic to dejected in one shower. What happened? The blond girl leaned down on the bed. Almost looking over Trish now. Her blue eyes started to shine because of them watering up.
“Did I do something wrong? I mean.. We can talk about that later. What’s wrong?”
Trish tried to reason. She reached her hand out to hold Lucy’s again. You could tell in her expression that she wanted to trust Lucy dearly. The past had taught her too much however. Lucy pushed it away, and began to climb on the bed. If she felt like she was in so much danger, why was she only getting closer? What about this girl did Lucy find riveting enough to be worth her own possible blood? The blond sat by Trish’s side. Her blue pupils narrow as the tips of needles.
“Lucy.”
Trish said again. This time debating if she would nice to get Spice Girl out. The girl seemed she could do little damage to her, but one could never be that sure in a stand world. Additionally, there was still the mystery of Lucy’s demeanor. Trish simplified that if she could figure out what was wrong, the two wouldn’t have to fight.
“Trish.”
The shorter girl’s shivering atmosphere seemed to shift to a nervous but angry wreck. The teen shifted her lap to on top of the other girl. Her hands rested on top of Trish’s, and her fingers wrapped around Trish’s wrists.
Her green eyes darted up at her.
“Please.. Please tell me what you meant by me repaying you.”
“I told you. We can discuss that later.”
“Trish!”
Lucy’s grip intensified. It wasn’t nothing the girl under couldn’t get away from. However, she watched as Lucy’s eyes were overwhelmed with tears. They began to drip from her chin onto Trish’s chest. Her gaze went from looking down to back into Trish’s eyes. Where it was certain that there was a tint in her eyes that showed she had been harmed before. That ‘something’ became more apparent, and it settled in Trish’s stomach like a moldy boulder. How could she have been so ignorant?
“I really do appreciate everything you’ve done for me. But..”
Lucy’s voice nearly cracked. A small item seemed to slip from her pink sleeve, and then into her hand. Trish watched carefully. Her eyes went wide seeing what Lucy had been hiding.
“ If you plan to use my body as payment, I’ll have no choice but to.. but to..”
Lucy desperately tried to keep her self confidence up. In her hands rested a long sharp razor that she had taken from within the bathroom. She had detached it from the shaver, and held the metal part up to Trish’s face.
Lucy bit the inside of her cheek immensely hard where the skin could break.
The pink haired girl finally saw danger. She shoved the blond girl off of her, and rolled out of the bed. The expense was Trish’s nose gaining a small cut, but it was nothing compared to the other girl’s pain she bet. Lucy squeaked when she had been pushed away. She rolled on the other side of the bed with razor still in hand. It was her only mean of defense to her, and she held it for dear life. Her legs began shaking. Again, there was obvious regret in what she had just done. Trish was a forgiving soul though.
“I’ll never know that pain you have, but you have to stop!”
The taller girl slowly stood from her side of the white bed.
“I never planned things like that. Lucy, all I wanted from you was to enjoy your night at the motel.”
Her thumb wiped away the drop of blood on her nose that came from her tiny injury. Her raised voice made Lucy quiver, and made her thighs tense up like bricks. Trish swiftly stood up, and did her best to peer over the mattress.
Spice Girl had materialized behind Trish waiting for her user’s instructions. The girl shook her head, and waved it off. Trish knew what she had to do.
“ You didn’t?”
If it weren’t for the rain, Lucy’s quiet voice would’ve been the only sound in the room. Her throat seemed to be holding back even more tears. Trish frowned upset, and walked around the bed frame. She saw Lucy sitting on the floor with her back against the nightstand. Her hand on your weapon was still firm though.
“No, not at all.”
The taller girl knelt to the ground at a snail’s pace as to not disturb Lucy. Trish rest on the ground in front of the blond fidgeting with her clothes a little.
“ I promise. I wouldn’t ever ask a stranger for something that gross. I’m so sorry I scared you like that.”
Trish sat up straight, and offered the girl her hand again.
Lucy this time finally had sense running through her brain now. The razor fell from her soft hands, and onto the rough ground. The shorter gal sniffled, and shut her eyes tight. Instead of a reassuring hand holding, the smaller girl threw her arms around Trish. Resting her head on the area under her chin, but above her chest. Lucy held on tight. Her fingers nearly dug into Trish’s skin. She surprisingly didn’t care that much. Her heart just wanted the other to be okay.
“I promise dear. I would never want that from you.”
Trish began to rock the girl in her arms. The two ladies swayed back and forth as Lucy sobbed into Trish. Her heart was shaking, and she couldn’t believe herself. Guilt had spurted in the center of her heart, and grew with throned vines around the bloodstreams. Her stream of tears seemed to be never ending.
“I’m sorry.. I’m so sorry.”
Lucy sniffled and hiccuped.
“Shhh. Shhh. It’s okay. You were scared dear. I’m not mad.”
Trish continued to sway the two back and forth in a comforting motion. After wrapping her own arms around the blond, she held on tight. Hearing the cowgirl weep this hard made Trish’s heart shatter. It was this moment where she decided that she wanted to protect this girl. No matter how much time would pass. Trish wanted to shield Lucy from any harm. She was so perfect and pretty in her eyes already. The thought Lucy had been pushed to a breaking point where she thought she had to defend herself was gut wrenching.
After a minute Lucy’s sobbing managed to cool down to quiet cries. She let into Trish’s rocking arms. Her mind went to think of things during the moment to not think of the past. During that, Lucy appreciated the free warmth Trish was giving her. Her skin was smooth as silk. Freckles were plastered on the Italian girl’s shoulder. Her pink hair was still majestic in Lucy’s eyes despite the new tangles. She loved the hug she was receiving. The blond loved it when the other girl called her sweet names. Lucy’s heart jumped against her rib cage now.
She has never wanted to be friends with someone this badly until today.
“I’m sorry..”
“Stop apologizing. I promise it’s okay.”
Trish rested her chin on Lucy’s shoulder, and she had Lucy do the same. It was probably the tightest hug Trish had ever given in her life.
“ I’m awful for trying to hurt you.”
She quietly sniffled, and looked back up at Trish’s elegant features. Her waterfalls had calmed down to a few falling tears.
“Shhhh.”
Trish insisted from that point it wasn’t her fault. That she had a legitimate reason to be scared. She only hugged Lucy all the tighter.
“I’m fine now. We’re fine now. It’s okay.”
Una rubbed the blond’s arms slowly, and massaged them in a comforting manor.
This continued until the two calmed down completely. Lucy’s face still felt stained from her tears, but her eyes had run out of water for now. Trish helped the girl up, and continuously reassured her.
“Lucy, girl?”
Trish’s green eyes stared intently.
“Y-Yes?”
Her blue ones looked at her seemingly warm gaze. Her chest went a flutter taking in Trish’s figure, and beauty. Ever since the hug ended on the floor, the two girls went to sit on their bed. Now they were a ways part. However, Trish’s warming embrace still lingered in Lucy’s memory and skin. The heat was infectious, and it made the blond feel safe for the first time in awhile.
“Is there anything I can do to help you feel safer? I didn’t know you had that kind of history.”
Trish had an apologetic look, and leaned towards her direction. Lucy thought for a moment before simply closing her eyes to say what she wanted.
“All I need is to be here with you.”
The cowgirl settled on the smooth blankets, and let her hands wander to feel. Her anxious thumbs did a few circles. The taller girl smiled sweetly at her. All she wanted was her? For what she was? The foreigner had no clue of Trish’s past. No clue that Trish had so many issues with separating herself from her father. It was such a relief Lucy wanted her for a different reason.
“Cara mia..”
Trish let a sweet name slip by her lips. She didn’t really expect the blond girl to understand her. She just had a desire to call her that from a true reaction from the heart.
“Are you sure?”
Trish leaned in with worry. Wondering if she had perhaps heard wrong.
“I’m sure.”
Lucy’s eyes went soft. Her stare admired the other girl once again. She knew that those simple Italian words were a name of some sorts, but Lucy didn’t know directly. It honored her enough to make an adorable giggle after hearing it. These two girls were becoming intertwined faster than a firework blowing up in the sky. Instead of flames falling from the sky, it was the imaginary floating hearts above their heads. The pink hearts swayed, and glided in a circle. Until they would meet between the girls to become bigger hearts where they would then collapse to the ground due to weight.
“ Let me get something for you though. To thank you.”
Lucy’s sweet voice returned. She swiftly slid out of bed. There was still guilt clinging to her heart. Trish was nice enough to soothe the burning ache however. Her breathing relaxed as she went back to the bathroom. The blond girl looked through the cabinet. Lucy came back out a second later, and went to Trish’s bed.
The blond girl them scooted back to Trish’s side. Instead this time, her face was growing increasingly warm rather than cold. Lucy held up a black bandaid with a gentle smile.
“ Here. Lemme at least fix this.”
“Oh, you don’t have to.”
Trish finally felt herself relaxing next to this girl again. All she could do was fall in further admiration. More feelings she had ever gained for any other woman in Trish’s life.
“I insist. It’s my fault you have that cut at all.”
Lucy had already taken the bandaid off of its wrapping. She threw the trash to the side, and leaned in closer to Trish’s gorgeous face. It made the cowgirl question herself. Was she doing this out of the kindness of her heart, or to have an excuse to observe Trish more closely? Either way, she observed the small cut she got.
Their eyes locked onto each other while Lucy went to rub the wound of any blood. All the two could do was smile. The blond’s thumb was gentle. Red smeared away, and she put the bandaid on slowly. After checking if it would stick, Lucy leaned back away. Her blue eyes anticipated the other girl’s reaction.
“Black is a good color on you.”
“I hoped so. I wear a lot of it.”
Trish fidgeted with her bandaid for a second to make sure it was stuck on tight. The rain outside had finally calmed down to a drizzle. Lucy had no plans of leaving any time soon now.
“ Thank you, dear. You’re so sweet Lucy.”
Trish let her eyelids lower looking at the other girl. They had somehow grown heavy seeing such a pretty gal help her. Her well done mascara, and eyeshadow stood bout to Lucy like crystal gems. Like finding gold in a river.
“It’s the least I could do.”
Lucy finally melted in the other girl’s appearance. Trish in her eyes had a powerful aura, but her touches were nothing but caring. A very tough sweetheart she figured. Her cheeks flushed a soft pink watching the other girl now. Lucy became more aware of how close she was to this beauty. Her heart leapt when Trish’s Italian accent kept inching her closer.
Trish stared back into the younger girl’s eyes.
Lucy’s build was more skinnier than herself, but that didn’t bother her. Even if she didn’t have physical strength on her side, Trish saw the bravery in her. She admired that more than anything. Even if she was a cute girl with lovely locks.
“No one has caught me off guard in a long time. Be proud.”
Trish gently elbowed the blond in a playful manor. Lucy looked back with a smile, and placed a hand over her heart. The older one thought this was just cute. Trish hadn’t thought she would be a stunner. Apparently, she was getting the heavy attention of this cowgirl though.
“ Well..”
She couldn’t help but gulp.
“Well what dear?”
Trish tilted her head.
“Well, I’m still sorry for what I’ve done still. Even if it was skilled in your eyes. I harmed your elegance with one sling of the arm.”
“Elegant? You think I’m that?”
Trish’s eyelids batted at the word. Lucy stiffened up seeing her reaction.
“Yes. You’re possibly one of the most charming women I’ve met.”
The cowgirl’s face went a tint deeper.
The blond let it spill out of her. Her throat went tight wary of how Trish would feel. However, she soon felt two arms pulling her in closer. The two began hugging again while Trish did her best to awkwardly wrap the blanket around them. Lucy’s face lit up, and she quickly hopped back into the Italian’s arms. The two could finally understand why they were acting to weirdly.
Trish slowly laid her back down on the bed, and rested Lucy’s head on her chest. She couldn’t help but sweetly wrap her arms around the other girl. Lucy blushed being this close to her heart. However, she was enjoying her time. Trish was warm compared to the chilly air of the motel.
“You’re the nicest cowgirl I’ve ever met.”
“Have you met any others?”
“I don’t think so, but I will have a bias with a certain one.”
Trish smoothed talked with her nose nuzzling the top of Lucy’s head. Her hair smelled of flowers, and it remained smooth as silk. The blond only blushed more in her arms. Neither hadn’t felt this special in awhile.
“What did I do to meet you?”
Lucy settled into Trish’s side.
“Just by being your cute self.”
The taller girl insisted.
“I think you should get something in return for the bandaid.”
“Oh, what?”
Lucy blinked innocently wondering what Trish could offer. She had already helped, and given the westerner too much.
She had already had many reasons to like her. Trish’s eyelids softened, and another smile crept on the Italian’s face. She used the tips of her fingers to see how her lipstick was. It left smeared pastel pink on her fingers. Lucy watched her intently. That’s when Trish looked back down at this cute gal, and pointed towards her lips. She lightly tilted her head and added a wink.
Lucy’s sweet face flushed up. She understood immediately. She tugged at the collar of her own dress nervously. Sweat rolled down her warm face from such an offer.
“I wouldn’t mind.”
Her heart pitter-pattered aggressively against Lucy’s rib cage. The shade of red on her face was intense. Her blue eyes shifted into blue hearts. Trish looked at her with an amused hum.
“I think I should clarify; it’s yes or no. Do you want me to?”
She booped Lucy’s nose, and shifted her head closer to her new crush. The cowgirl was quiet with her face had turning into a tomato. Lucy’s hands shyly hovered over to Trish’s hands. She faced a different direction, but Trish could tell she was being serious. Lucy was just being the quiet one she normally was.
Lucy nodded her head. Trish let out another sweet hum. A second later, the warmth of lips rested on her forehead. The cowgirl held onto Trish tight as she received this smooch. It was alluring, yet courteous. Lucy could trust the other girl. It was as a moment the two wouldn’t mind being in for an hour. Tenderness seemed to leak from Trish’s kiss. Lucy couldn’t help but crave more. A lipstick kiss mark had been imprinted on her head once it was done. The blond felt like gold.
“I knew you’d look good in this shade of pink.”
Trish softly began to rub off the lipstick that had been left over. Lucy was a mess as she sat in Trish’s calm lap. Her mind was all over the place with questions. Her desire for more of Trish’s touches overrode her anxieties however.
“Maybe I should get some more then?”
Lucy nearly stuttered, but she wanted to match Trish’s level of flirtatious wording. The Italian girl loved her enthusiasm, and found her adorable now. Trish cupped the blond girl’s cheeks with delicate hands.
“More kisses, you mean?”
Una rubbed a thumb against Lucy’s soft cheek. She leaned in again. Her lips were tantalizingly close. The smell of artificial strawberry filled Lucy’s nose. Was that the lipstick Trish had on? She only became more caught in Una’s trance of love.
“Yes please.”
Lucy gulped before shifting around to get in a more comfortable position. She laid at Trish’s side, and the taller girl rolled to face the blond. They both smiled shyly before getting their noses touching again. Their eyes shined with glee.
“Oh, Lucy. You’re so kind.”
“Trish, you’re so pretty.”
Was all they could share with each other before the girls leaned in again. They closed their eyes, and moved forward slowly. Fireworks blew up in both of their hearts. When their lips connected, Trish held Lucy’s soft chin once more. To ensure she would get lipstick on her, and to make sure Trish didn’t miss one second of this. The two gals had found heaven on earth.
They pulled away to catch their breath. Trish was glad to see Lucy looking the happiest she had ever seen her.
“I’ve never kissed a girl before. I was worried.”
Lucy whispered. The cowgirl had found women pretty in the past, but hadn’t realized how far she liked them. That is until she met this Italian.
“Aw, no need to. You’re a good kisser.”
Trish giggled, and patted the blond’s shoulder.
“Are you sure?”
Lucy perked up curiously.
“Mm, actually I should properly analyze your kissing for that.”
Trish played ignorance and rested a finger to her lip.
“As long as you’re up for it.”
Una lowered her eyelids slightly staring at her crush.
“Kissing a girl I had just met the same day. What’s wrong with me?”
Lucy placed a hand to her face processing what she was doing. Trish showed her a kinder look again, and held the blond in a hug.
“Not a thing. Do you want me to stop? I wouldn’t mind.”
“no! No! I was just saying..”
Lucy raised her voice up hearing that Trish considered stopping. She was high on a loving adrenaline. It made the cowgirl crave for more of the kiss drug. That’s what it felt like at least.
The westerner moved in closer this time, and Trish happily obliged. Pecks led into full kisses.
Lipstick got smeared around, and flustered both girls. They both laughed when it stopped because they had accidentally stained the sheet with pink. Their hearts were lit aflame that night. The wood that kept it burning was their impulsive actions.
Finally the two laid down in bed ready for the night once after getting comfortable. The two stared each other in their gorgeous eyes. Lucy nearly let water seep from her eyes after thinking about how lucky she was to have bumped into Trish.
“During all my travels, I’ve never met someone this selfless. Could we keep meeting?”
Lucy whispered to her crush once Trish had flicked off the night lamp.
“I sure hoped. I don’t kiss random girls everyday dearest.”
Trish turned back to her with a joyous smile.
“Do you want..”
“Hm?”
“Do you want to be girlfriends? Por favor?”
Lucy whispered again with her heart pounding.
Trish shook her head trying to hold in a chuckle. This made the cowgirl scared at first until Una caressed her cheek again.
“That’s Spanish, sweetie.”
Trish pecked her.
“ Sorry. There’s a lot on my mind.”
Lucy shook slightly from being overwhelmed with affection.
“It’s okay. But yes, Lucy. I wanna be your partner.”
Trish whispered back delicately. She used a finger to move a silky yellow hair from Lucy’s cute face.
A sigh of relief filled the air.
The rain had stopped by this point. It was still the deep hours in the night. Early enough for them to get decent sleep though. The cowgirl finally felt safe in someone she could call a lover. This night was a whirlwind, but they wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Trish held Lucy close in her arms until the two would drift off into their own dreams. They shared one last soft kiss before resting their eyes.
Trish hadn’t felt this comfortable holding anyone ever. For some reason, it felt as though Lucy was the missing piece for her sleep. The blond cowgirl fit perfectly into her arms. All while she could still make an adorable pose in Trish’s grasp. Like the finally jigsaw piece in a giant puzzle. It made a full clear, and loving picture in both the girls’ minds. It was nothing but warm in that motel.
Lucy’s headspace was mixed with plenty of emotions from the night that had just occurred. She oddly felt safe after a day of being lost, and confused. All because one soul wanted to assist her. A girl whomst was the most gorgeous girl she had ever seen. All these thoughts began to seep into her dreams.
At first she had been tangled up in a dark gray cloud that was simultaneously rough like sandpaper. It scraped against her skin, and was the most uncomfortable thing Lucy had ever sat on. The cloud itself was also very moist from all the water falling from it. The ash like smell crept into her nose. It was an awful sensory hell.
However, someone’s hand had reached into this ugly thunder cloud. Dream Lucy cautiously took the pink hand that had emerged from the outside of the cloud. As soon as it took her hand, she was ripped away from the cloud. Lucy’s little heart could’ve shattered from the stress of feeling powerless again. When the blond opened her eyes again, she looked up to see an odd pink being holding her in its arms.
This was Spice Girl, but Lucy hadn’t a clue what this was. She was frightened at first, but the stand offered a smile. The girl shyly smiled back while putting her arms around Spice Girl.
She had just met it yet, the aura of it was deeply genuine. Spice Girl glided around a pink sky for a bit before landing in a safe place just for Lucy. It had wonderful soft pillows, and blankets that felt like the gentlest of feathers. It even had a pitcher of Lucy’s favorite tea from home. The two would banter for the rest of the cowgirl’s dream. Lucy stayed curled up in her girlfriends stand. Feeling warm, and comfortable in a dream. It was a rare thing for her.
Trish’s headspace was mixed with many feelings, and ideas too. She thought hard about what she had given up to help this gal. Even if Giorno said that Bruno would understand the circumstances, guilt still lingered in Trish’s veins.
What if he felt disrespected for not visiting his place or mourning at the right time?
Wouldn’t he be upset at her for not appreciating everything he did for her while he was alive?
What if she shouldn’t have helped Lucy?
Trish’s mind was pestered with the questions of ridiculous scenarios. Anxiety started to make her body tense, and Una had to fidget with her hands to get calm.
That’s when she felt a soft touch upon her fingertips. Trish opened her eyes back up slowly. She couldn’t immediately process who else was in her dream from her overthinking. She only remembered one man holding her hand like this before though.
Trish looked up, and lightly gasped.
In front of her was a Bruno Bucciarati unharmed, and sitting in the same style she was. She blinked, and grew nervous staring back in his blue eyes.
The clone of him simply held one of Trish’s hands tight, and did the best to soothe her.
“Bucciarati..”
She finally said now that her throat didn’t feel clogged anymore.
“Trish..”
She couldn’t remember how long ago it had been since she had actually heard his voice. Trish bit her tongue.
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t there for you tonight..”
The man shook his head, and he turned back to the teen.
“You’ve shown me enough respect even when I was with you for me to be at peace. Don’t worry for me.”
Bruno lightly placed his hand on Trish’s head. He fixed a few stray hairs, and wiped a tear away with his thumb.
“I got curious, and wanted to see how you were holding up. Seems you’ve found a new lover now though. You’ve been having fun.”
He chuckled playfully, and Trish’s face grew into an angry pink. She took his hand, and pushed it away with a flustered heart. This wasn’t the conversation she’d wanted to have if she met Bruno again. This response made him laugh, and kept up his cheery demeanor.
“It hasn’t even been a day, and you know?!”
“I wasn’t entirely sure, but thank you for the confirmation.”
Trish bit her tongue as Bruno was just gleeful to see her okay. He sat beside her, and put an arm around her. Ready to comfort her at Una’s need.
“I figured I should remind you how dangerous it is to have loved ones while in the mafia too. Stay wary, and keep close eyes on her. All I ask now is that you take care of that girl.”
Even if this was a dream created by Trish’s headspace, she genuinely felt this way. Even if this dream Bruno wasn’t real, it comforted her to no end. Trish threw her arms around him wanting a hug.
“Understood, Bucciarati.”
Bruno held her in his arms too.
It was the last thing Trish could remember from that dream.
She wouldn’t have changed a thing though.
Trish was content with wanting to see where Lucy would take her.