Copyright © MonMoncheese
All Rights Reserved
55 Published 04.25.2020

•••

JAMES

"Theo, slow down!" I tug at the leash and he huffs in response.

But instead of slowing down, he revels against me and pushes his little legs to run faster. 

Strands of hair, brush over my forehead and I groan in annoyance. I could hear the sound of my shoes as they pounded harshly on the sidewalk beneath me, the wind slapping my skin in the process. 

There was a thin layer of sweat covering the nape of my neck, but I ignore the feeling of it and focus on the dog that was dead set of having his way. 

"Fine," I grunt and sprint into a run as Theo forces me to pick up my speed. My body was filled with adrenaline at this point. 

Theo may still be a puppy, but his energy sometimes surprised me.

And if this was his energy now, I didn't want to know what would happen when he got bigger. 

As the houses pass by us in a blur, I see Theo stick out his tongue while panting.

We continue running for a few minutes, neither of us stopping once.

But as we start nearing the gates, Theo's speed seems to decrease.

"Are you tired now?" I manage to say through the sound of my pants.

Theo gives me his answer the moment he stops running and plops down on the concrete beneath him. 

Letting go of his leash, I lean over and place both hands on my knees as I try to catch my breath.

After a minute or so, I lean down on both knees. "Come on boy, let's go back. You must be thirsty." I pat his head and stand up to my full height. 

"Did you enjoy yourself?" I ask Theo and barks loudly while pushing himself on all fours.

"I'm glad." With a smile, I pat his head.

Grabbing his leash, I proceed to turn around and walk back to the way we came from, Theo following beside me. 

We're halfway to the house when I hear the sound of my phone ringing. 

Grabbing the leash with my left hand, I pull out the phone from the side pocket of my trackies. As my eyes come in contact with the name, my whole demeanor changes in recognition.

"Hello, princess," I answer.

"James!" She yells and I flinch the moment her voice rings through my ears. 

She's definitely happy today.

There was no doubt of that.

"Yes, baby?" My lips betray me as a smile grows on my lips at the mention of my name for her.

"I have something to tell you so listen carefully," She lowers her tone.

"Go on," I say just as Theo starts sniffing the ground. 

"Oooh, that's a nice picture of Benedict Cumberbatch, his eyes are quite pretty- no, focus, Rose. Focus." The moment she scolds herself, I cock my head to the side.

What is she planning now?

"Dai, commettiamo il crimine perfetto," She says slowly.

Come on, let's commit the perfect crime.

It takes me a second to realise that she's speaking Italian and my eyes widen in surprise at her words.

My lips part open to speak, but she continues before I even have the chance to say anything. "Umm, puoi rubare il mio cuore e io ruberò il tuo."

"You can steal my heart and I will steal yours," I whisper to myself as I translate her own words into English.

Come on, let's commit the perfect crime. You can steal my heart and I will steal yours.

Something about Rose saying a pick-up line in Italian causes me to go in awe.

But the flame in my heart seems to burn even more than before.

"Aaaaah, I said it!" She squeals and I let out a deep chuckle.

With a click of my tongue, I raise my nose. "Where did you learn to say that, baby?" 

"That's a secret." She mumbles. 

A secret, huh?

"Did I say it right?" Rose asks with a hopeful tone.

"You did. You have a cute accent as well." I tell her.

"Are you sure? Because I want our kids to speak Italian as well." I shake my head at the mention of 'our kids', but I answer her.

"You did well, princess." 

The house slowly approaches my view and Theo seems to notice it too as he starts jumping in delight. 

"Wait, wait, wait," Rose suddenly says and I turn my attention to her. "I have one more thing to tell you." She claps her hands together.

"I'm... pazza di te." She drawls out slowly and I smirk.

I'm crazy for you.

So am I, princess. So am I. 

"Rose," I call out and she hums in response.

Walking to the front door, I let the words flow naturally on my tongue. "Ti adoro." 

The moment I hear Rose gasp, I bite my lip in content.

That's the exact reaction I was looking for. 

"James, I'm-" she tries to clear her throat discreetly but I manage to hear the way she coughs and confidence rises within me. "Sorry, there was something in my throat. I, uh, I have no idea what you just said but your accent... it's beautiful."

"Thank you, princess." I grin.

"It's a good thing I'll be hearing your accent every day once we get married. Your voice literally blesses my ears."

And she had to ruin it.

"Awee." Rose suddenly pouts.

"What's wrong?" I frown as I stand in front of the door. Theo stares at me and I unclip the leash from his collar. 

"It's getting late and I have to finish an assignment for class." She says sadly. 

"We can talk later, princess. Go finish your assignment." I tell her just as I open the door.

Theo doesn't miss the opportunity to sprint inside, but I remain in my place. 

"Bye, Stranger!" 

"Ciao, bella." I tell her softly.

Removing the phone from my ear, I end the call. 

Oh, Rose.

Te voglio bene.

○○○

Te voglio bene- Another way to say 'I love you' in Italian. (Mostly directed to a friend or family).

Ti adoro- I adore you.

I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY.

I FREAKING LOVE ALPACAS.

THEY ARE SO FLUFFY AND JUST AAAAAAA.

I'M SCREAMING INTERNALLY.

Maybe I'm going through a phase.

But I needed to confess my love about alpacas.

Now that that is out of the way, I have a random question. (You guys are probably tired of my questions). 

But would you guys like both POV's for the meet up scene?

One Rose pov and a James pov?

Or do you want me to choose just one pov?