Behind the Hero

ti amo

Nicole and Henry sat on the icy metal steps of the fire escape talking about everything and nothing. They held each other close, not daring to go inside until they were sure the extra curricular activities had ended.

Gia was the first to exit the bedroom, her damp hair combed through and resting over her shoulders. Henry's eyes widened with the promise of warmth. "They're done." He said, placing a kiss on Nicole's temple and standing up. He extended his hand to Nicole who took it happily. The two climbed through the window, Henry let out a content breath of air as the warmth of the apartment kissed his frozen nose.

"Where'd you go?" Chris asked lightly. Nicole glanced at Henry who's eyes were as wide as saucers. "Uh...we...we ju-" he faltered. "We were watching the sunrise" Nicole said, nodding an encouragement towards Henry. He nodded in agreement. "Yes. The sun. Very beautiful." He said. Nicole let out a sigh. "What were you doing?" Henry asked, innocently and regretting it immediately.

Gia pulled her shoulders up, Chris raised his eyebrows and the house fell silent. The tension was thick. Nicole broke the silence, clearing her throat awkwardly. Henry closed his eyes in embarrassment and pulled his lips together tightly. "I... shouldn't have asked that....my apologies." He said earnestly.

Nicole and Gia made eye contact across the apartment and couldn't help but laugh. Chris gave Henry a tight smile before letting out a chuckle too.

"Anyways" Henry began, desperate to change the subject. "Chris, Gia.. would you like to join Nicole and I on a trip to Italy?" He asked. Nicole was beaming at Gia, waiting for her reply. Chris looked at Gia. "I'm free if you are?" He said. Gia turned to face the living room, meeting the eager gazes of all 3 of the others. "Oh...I didn't realize you were waiting for my reply...." She said, awkwardly pushing a strand of hair from her face. "I don't have a passport yet...I haven't had time to collect it..but yes.." She said quietly.

Nicole jumped off of the couch and ran to embrace her best friend. "GIAAAA!!!! WE'RE GOING TO ITALY!!!!" she screamed. Gia couldn't help but roll her eyes and laugh, she glanced at Chris who was watching her from across the kitchen. He smiled and looked down, imagining Gia- the most beautiful woman he'd met in the most beautiful country he'd ever seen. His heart swelled.

Henry stood in the middle of the lounge and opened his arms dramatically. Nicole ran to him, jumping into his arms and feeling his hands wrap around her waist. She kissed him deeply before pulling away and looking into his eyes. "Ti amo is I love you in Italian, right?" She asked. Henry smiled and simply said, "Yes." Before kissing Nicole again. "Ti amo, my love" he whispered.

"Okay get a room." Chris said, pretending to be disgusted by Henry and Nicole. Henry still holding Nicole in his arms looked at Chris sternly, "And would we be allowed to do what you were doing in your room this morning?" He asked. "Henry!" Gia shouted, eliciting a laugh from Nicole who buried her face in Henry's neck. "Was it that bad Gia?" Nicole asked, not daring to turn around and see the death stare she'd be getting from Gia. "Well....was it?" Chris asked, his voice low and dark as he watched Gia with the same hunger in his eyes as he had in the morning. Gia was taken a back. "No..uh..I..I mean....of course not.. Chris" she said hiding her face and making Chris smile with satisfaction.

He glanced back at Nicole and Henry. "You can try" he said confidently. Gia let out a sound of embarrassment and hid her face as she ducked into the safety of her bedroom. Chris smiled, watching her leave. Nicole placed a soft kiss on Henry's lips before she slid out of his arms and made her way towards her own bedroom. "Italy, huh?" Chris asked. "Do you think we will be back in time for the Oscars?" He asked, tracing his hand over his beard. Henry took a seat on the couch and leaned back, catching Nicole in the corner of his eye. He turned to look at her. She stood in her doorway, carefully out of view of Chris, in nothing but red lace underwear. Henry smiled wide and tried to turn his focus back to Chris. "Uhh...." He began, keeping his eyes on Nicole, who turned around and stared walking towards the bed. Henry turned slowly back to Chris. "Uhm.." he began again. "Italy....uh.. Nicole had a dream about it and I've been wanting to take... actually I don't know." He said, shaking his head at Chris. "I'm-" he said.

"Just go to her, Henry." Chris laughed. Henry didn't need more of an excuse and was up before Chris had finished his sentence. "Thank you..." He said, jogging after Nicole. " You may want to go collect Gia's passport..." He said as he began closing Nicole's door. "I'm taking my time." Henry said, winking at Chris.

Chris let out a soft chuckle, running his hands over his face. "Gia" he called. "It's time to go." He said, slowly reaching for his coat and waiting for her at the door.