Francesca D’Amiano

[joinmeinenvy]

Oh, is that FRANCESCA D’AMIANO? I heard she is THIRTY-FIVE years old and is EMPATHETIC. But don’t let that pretty face fool you, they are also NON-CONFRONTATIONAL. Makes sense seeing how they are a DIRTY civilian who works as a REPORTER.

Basics.

full name: francesca paola d'amiano nickname(s): cece, cissy, fran age: thirty-five birthdate: october 3rd star sign: libra gender: cisfemale pronouns: she/her sexuality: bisexual birthplace: manhattan, new york city, new york current residence: manhattan, new york city, New York languages: english, portguese, italian, and french

Reflection.

face claim: isis valverde hair color: dark brown eye color: light brown height: 5’4 build: slim, athletic with long limbs tattoos: an infinity symbol on her left wrist, a small daisy on her right hip, scars: none, thank god.

Personality.

characteristics: curious, charming, nosy, alert, poised, indecisive, romantic, changeable, understanding, virtuous, whiny, secretive, narcissistic, charitable  fears: heights and being alone passions/hobbies: playing the piano, shopping, traveling, community service, fashion week, photography, jogging while listening to true crime podcasts, organizing charity auctions, especially ones for artwork created by local artists. character inspo: rachel green (friends), serena van der woodsen (gossip girl), cady heron (mean girls), lois lane (superman), elle woods (legally blonde), beth march (little women), lorelai gilmore (gilmore girls) drugs/ alcohol/ smoking: weed only / yes / yes, but only if other people are colors: a combination of neutrals and earthy tones, occasionally pastels aesthetics:the italian countryside, a white linen blouse showing just the right amount of skin, the scales, a farmer’s market in the middle of summer, desperately searching for the truth, a pencil skirt and fitted blouse, an inner battle hidden behind a smile, and watching a sunrise.

Backstory.

“This is no place for girls,” her father would say whenever young Francesca inquired about the family business. Unlike her sister, Francesca felt no allure toward that world; she was content playing the role of the principessa, steering clear of its darkness. Francesca excelled as the perfect daughter—studious, responsible, and adept at ignoring what she shouldn’t see. It was a challenge, especially since she had a curious mind. But after her father snapped and grounded her for asking about the blood on his shoes, Francesca recognized there was a dark world outside of the safe bubble her father built for her. Perhaps that was when her passion for investigation began. It was fascinating how much information one could gather unnoticed, as if the shadows themselves became her allies in uncovering the truths of the family business. When she was a preteen, Francesca finally grasped the reality of her family's business. Nothing she had overheard prepared her for witnessing those she thought of as family beat a man to death. The experience left her in shock. When her father found her crying in her room, he comforted her but insisted she never speak of what she had seen. With her lip trembling, she asked him if they were bad people, but he remained silent. At that point, Francesca wanted nothing to do with the Serpents. Her fragile heart couldn't bear the thought of the atrocities committed by those she loved. Instead, she chose to focus on helping others rather than causing harm. She became deeply involved in community service and outreach for those affected by gang life, believing it was her way of countering the evil her family had inflicted. However, she struggled with the hypocrisy of enjoying a lavish lifestyle funded by her family's terrible actions. Francesca loved her family and could never abandon them, leaving her trapped in an internal conflict she couldn’t resolve. She stayed on a positive path for as long as she could. Francesca earned her undergraduate degree in journalism and criminal justice from the University of Missouri. Her parents argued that Columbia, which had also accepted her, offered an exceptional journalism program, but Francesca was desperate to distance herself from her family and the darkness she knew they were involved in. Her time at university was something she cherished; she didn’t have to worry about gang life or its consequences catching up to her. After graduation, she received an amazing job offer from ABC that brought her back to New York. No matter how far you run, you can never escape your fate. While she adamantly refused to join the Serpents, Francesca still supported them in her own way. News stories about their misdeeds were conveniently lost or dropped from her station. New Yorkers admired her dedication to cleaning up the city and her fresh perspectives on crime, unaware of the secrets she was hiding. This life had brought her many cherished friendships and relationships, but she could feel the corruption growing within her. Francesca had committed actions she thought were for the greater good of herself and her loved ones, but now it was slowly tearing her apart. With the recent death of Giovanni Moretti, her anguish is only growing.

[hauntedglances-deactivated20250]

Location: La Mordedura

Open to: @joinmeinenvy

"We might need to make this quick—I'm probably about to get banned from this place," Leo says with a grin, giving Francesca a side hug as she sits down before sliding into his own chair. Formal dining wasn’t really his scene, but when Francesca suggested meeting at La Mordedura for lunch, he couldn’t say no. The Maître D' had a problem with his hoodie and joggers, insisting he needed a suit jacket. A few choice words and a mention of "Gallo," and Leo was good to go. "You should know I'm pissed at you, by the way," he continues, his tone blunt as usual. "Keeping stuff from me? Not cool. Secrets just put space between me and the people I care about. Or whatever nonsense my therapist says." Leo wasn’t really angry, more like a little annoyed, but he wasn’t about to pretend otherwise. After all, Francesca had saved his ass more than once, so she got some leeway. "Now, come clean."

[joinmeinenvy]

Francesca heard the familiar commotion before Leo Gallo even stepped onto the floor, her lips curving into a soft smile. Of course, a new dish at La Mordedura would be impossible for him to resist. She should’ve guessed he wouldn’t dress quite to the restaurant’s standards, but that was Leo, and she loved him for it. “I’d say I’m surprised, but you and I both know that’d be a lie,” she said warmly as he slid into the seat across from her. There was no judgment in her tone, only affection, her eyes twinkling with a gentle humor that invited him to laugh along. She nudged a drink and a plate of appetizers toward him, her gestures careful, thoughtful. “I already ordered for you,” she said softly, her voice laced with the kind of care that only came from someone who had known him his entire life. “And… I’m sorry.” The words fell from her lips automatically, her sincerity shining through. Leo had been her shadow as a child, always trailing after her with an energy she didn’t quite understand but adored. She would do anything for him, but there were things she couldn’t always bring herself to share—things she feared might be too much for him to hear, or things he might not understand. “You’re right,” she said after a pause, her smile growing a little brighter. “I’m so glad therapy is helping you, Leo. Really. I can see it, and I’m so proud of you.” Convincing any Gallo to embrace healing was no small feat, but with him, it was worth it. Watching him grow and heal was a quiet joy she cherished. Taking a sip from her glass, Francesca’s expression softened further as she leaned forward slightly. “So, where do you want me to start?” she asked gently. “There’s a lot to go over, unfortunately.” She hated the thought of burdening him, but she trusted him, and more than that, she wanted to be honest.

[iinspos]

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@aylaxbinici

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@derinxsahinreis

[nicoxmacavoy]

A smile spread across Nico's face. "Perfect. I've been fantasizing about you covered in soap[y suds]." He said, giving her a nudge. Hey, listen... I feel like when I'm getting distracted by you, it's so fair. Have you seen yourself, babe? Absolute perfection. I personally believe you were kissed by a god or something. It was so easy to like Francesca. She was gorgeous, but beyond that, she was so deep. They had spent the first few weeks talking, getting to know each other, favorite this favorite that, family, and childhood stories. Everything about her was just truly remarkable right down to her work at the center. He liked the feel of her forehead against his, the closeness, the intimacy. He wasn't used to letting people this close, especially for long periods. He had a stick cum and run policy. But this was different, there were emotions attached, feelings. "Just us baby. Nothing else can touch us when we are here, together." He whispered to her before going in for another kiss. "You can ask me anything you want to know. I'll tell ya what I can. It's not pretty though, so trade with caution." He said as he took a step back. "Oh I have, I've been training for this." He said with a smile, the space between them allowed her to get a better look at his physique. "Okay okay, I'm on it. No need to rush, we have all night." He said as he turned to move to the shower, giving her a full view of his back, something he rarely did. He turned on the water and set it to a good temperature. "Are you coming or not?" he teased lightly.

[joinmeinenvy]

Francesca stood there for a moment, her breath catching in her throat as her gaze fell on Nico’s scarred back. Her heart squeezed, not out of sadness but something deeper—an ache for the man who carried so much pain and yet stood so strong. The vulnerability he had just shown was a gift, one she didn’t take lightly. She stepped forward, closing the space between them, her voice soft but playful as she teased, “You know, Nico, if you keep sweet-talking me like that, I might actually start believing I’m some goddess sent just for you.” She let out a light laugh, but her hands moved to rest gently on his shoulders, her fingers brushing against his skin like she was memorizing the moment. “But seriously,” she continued, her voice growing quieter, more intimate. “Those scars? They don’t scare me. They don’t make me look away. They’re part of what makes you… you. And Nico, I think you’re pretty damn incredible.” She smiled softly, pressing a kiss to his shoulder, letting her lips linger against his skin. She reached out, gently laying her hand on his back, feeling the warmth of his skin under her palm. “I’m coming, baby. And I’m here for the whole ride.” Her voice dropped lower as she added, “I think we have a problem though.” She stepped into the shower, the steam making her look hazy, as if she was merely a beautiful mirage. “I think I’m the one getting distracted, by you.” She invited him closer, letting the playful energy swirl around them.

[rcsesnoir]

IT'S ONE OF IRIS' favorite things, watching her hyperactive dog coil himself between the feet of her loved ones. he was the extroverted one in the household, while iris preferred to live a much more reserved life. " okay, fine. but you're most definitely his favorite aunt. " this is a confirmation she knows that no one can argue with. caio was a close second, but then again -- she used to joke that caio was kenny's stepfather. even if things were progressing between the two of them -- something in her still felt like she was walking on eggshells, considering the deal. even if it said on their faces that the syndicate was loyal to the society, iris was one of the few who knew they were truly anything but. the newfound change in her relationship with caio is something she would ordinarily want to tell her best friend, and while francesca wasn't directly a serpent herself -- she still shared their blood. thus, she knew she could share this progression when things were a bit more real. if that was what he wanted.

iris had her own skeletons in the closet -- sure. she knew how to dot her i's and cross her t's... on the internet, at least. any remanent of her past life was wrapped up neatly and hidden away. " hey, you've got to give yourself some credit here. i'm sure our minds put together could clean up a lot of messes. " iris grins, face softening as she continues to listen. this was serious. something with nico? something related to her sisters? the questions began to overcome her mind in a flood -- but she manages to keep her composure rather than fight for an answer. the last thing she wants to do is overwhelm her friend. the gala. iris remembers the moment well. she hadn't been able to read the message until she had walked offstage -- having had her phone taken from her moments before everything imploded. " yeah... yeah i do. " she nods, a hand coming to rest on francesca's shoulder. if there was anything francesca needed in this world, she would do it. it was as simple as that. her brows furrow as she continues, somehow hoping that this was nothing more than a case of the dramatics. what could be so explosive? what could tare everything down so easily? " hey -- hey. sit down. i'll grab the whole bottle, and some shot glasses. whatever it is, we get through it together. " with a nod, she makes her way to her liquor cabinet, a beautiful vintage piece she had found at a thrift shop. " come. breathe. " she sets two shot glasses down on the table opposite her couch. " we'll start with one. "

[joinmeinenvy]

Francesca sinks onto the couch, her shoulders slumping as she exhales, trying to release the weight of everything pressing down on her. She watches Iris, her best friend, moving confidently to the liquor cabinet, setting up the shot glasses with such ease. It’s a comfort, a small anchor in the storm that’s been swirling around her for weeks now. She takes a deep breath before speaking again, her voice softer, more vulnerable than she’d like it to be. “I didn’t mean to drag you into this… it’s complicated, and it involves Nico,” she starts, looking at the shot glasses but not touching them yet. She feels guilty even bringing him up, knowing it must sting for Iris. But she’s already said it, and there’s no taking it back now. "Do you remember-" Francesca pauses, chuckling softly. Iris only recently came back into her life, but it never felt any different. "I wasn't completely honest when you asked about how we met. It was at the Halloween event, but I knew who he was before. My boss wants a story. He wants Nico." After her boss discovered that she had discarded a story about a serpent plot, he kept her on a tight leash. She managed to brush it off as a boring piece, but she knew she was being watched. Her boss had never been fond of her, and assigning her the Dominic Macavoy piece was a clear move to set her up for failure. Neither of them expected her to where she was. “I just… I’m stuck, Iris. I never expected to get here with him—honestly, I didn’t even expect to get this far in the job,” she confesses. Her hands twitch in her lap, fingers twisting together in a nervous rhythm. "If I don’t deliver, it’s not just my career that’s on the line, it’s… everything. My job, my career, maybe even my credibility. Not to mention the Serpents." She laughs bitterly, though it doesn’t sound remotely like laughter. Francesca felt like she was constantly walking a tightrope, torn between the person she wanted to be and the expectations life placed on her. It was a constant struggle, one that never seemed to end. Her gaze flickers over to Iris, her expression strained with uncertainty. “But that’s the thing—I care about him now. I can’t just—use him, you know? I... I’ve seen parts of him I didn’t expect to, and now I don’t know what’s real anymore. Is it just a way to get what I need from him, or is there something more? It’s just… I feel like I’m caught between these two worlds, Iris. And the longer I stay in both, the more dangerous it gets.” She watches Iris intently, a hint of desperation creeping into her eyes. “What do you think I should do? You’ve always been the one who could figure things out. I… I don’t know how to fix this. I don’t even know where to start.” Her fingers curl around the edge of the shot glass, but she doesn't pick it up yet. Instead, she just waits for Iris to speak, hoping for guidance, or at least some kind of understanding.

[aylaxbinici-archive]

WHO: Francesca D'Amiano @joinmeinenvy LOCATION: Francesca's place

Ayla had taken a while to get to Francesca's. It still was hard to do long distance travels on her own, and her bank account was suffering since the only way she could was through Uber's. But she had wanted to talk to Francesca. Thankfully no stairs were involved, though there certainly was a lot of struggle and stress to get here on the opposite side of the woman's door. Though Francesca's relationship had ended with her brother all those years ago, the friendship between the two had already been formed. Francesca was had always been like a big sister to Ayla, their bond closer than her relationship with her own sister who lived outside of the New York City area. They still got manicures together sometimes, attended parties and galleries and more. Certainly Ayla could have called her, but sitting in her apartment biting her nails down to the stubs wasn't doing her any good and she needed to get out. The dozen bouquets still filled her temporary apartment and she couldn't sit there on the phone staring at them. So she'd promised Clio she'd be back and started the long journey to Francesca's. Leaning on her crutches, she lifted a hand and knocked. When the door opened, she gave a weary smile. "Hey."

[joinmeinenvy]

Francesca’s eyes widened as soon as she saw Ayla, and without hesitation, she stepped forward, her expression a mix of surprise and concern. She immediately moved to help, her voice laced with that familiar big sister tone. “Ayla!” she exclaimed, shaking her head. “What on earth are you doing here, all by yourself, and on crutches no less? You could’ve called me! I would’ve sent a car for you!” Despite ending her relationship with Ayla’s brother, Francesca’s fondness for the younger woman never wavered. Seeing Ayla looking so worn out, a deep, nurturing instinct kicked in, and Francesca couldn’t help but step into that big-sister role. She gestured toward the hallway, urging her inside. “Come on, get in here. Let’s get you settled before you do more damage to that leg of yours.” Francesca’s hands gently steered her toward the couch, urging her to sit down. “Sit, relax. I’ll get you something." She said, rushing off to grab something for the women to drink.

[carmenabalos-archive]

Carmen didn't usually work in the front of Big Brain for Donovan. Or at least she hadn't in quite sometime. But she would always help him out when he needed her to keep an eye on the shop. Today had been one such day and things had been going smoothly, even if a little boring. At least until the door chimed and she walked in. Francesca D'Amiano.

Her own complicated past with the Serpents had always gotten in the way of her ever getting close to the other woman. Her last name carried a heavy burden if the woman had never actually been a Serpent. However, Carmen had always respected her role in saving Donovan and his choices to remain close to the woman. Though on the other hand she didn't trust the other woman and always expected the other to betray Donovan one day. And then there had been Evie. Carmen had always believed that Francesca should have access to Evie whenever she wanted and the little girl never needed to hear a bad word against her 'aunt'. It had all had created this complicated, layered, tangled ball of emotions towards the other that had never allowed them to grow close. But after Donovan told her about the letter, she took no satisfaction in being right about distrusting the woman. "Why?" Carmen asked, her face stoic as she raised one manicured brow. "Surely there are plenty of other tech shops you could go to? Haven't you done enough damage to Donovan?"

[joinmeinenvy]

Francesca felt the weight of Carmen's words hit her with the precision of a well-aimed strike, but she refused to let her defenses rise too quickly. The last thing she wanted was to get into a heated argument with Donovan's closest friend, especially not here, in his shop where everything seemed to hang in the balance. She stood for a moment, taking in Carmen’s cold demeanor, the skepticism in her eyes, and felt a pang of regret. "You don’t have to like me, Carmen," she said quietly, her voice steady, though there was a flicker of pain that she couldn't quite hide. "I know I’ve hurt Donovan. But I didn’t come to cause more damage. Honest." Did a selfish part of her wish she could see him? Yes, if only to see if he's alright. Francesca knew she deserved the woman's ire.

[mckinleyxryan]

Kinny: Awesome!! Kinny: Thank god you said yes Kinny: I'll go anywhere but I'll need a ride

[joinmeinenvy]

Fran: Why wouldn't I say yes? Fran: Wine, pampering, and good company are life's necessities. Fran: I can meet you in an uber? Get a nice car for you ;)

[mckinleyxryan]

iMessage: Francesca 🪷

Kinny: Hey!! Kinny: I desperatly need to get my nails done and sip on some wine Kinny: You in?

[joinmeinenvy]

Fran: Hey gorgeous! Fran: Sounds like fun. I'm in. Fran: Any preferences because I know a place...

[nicoxmacavoy]

There was still a lot she didn't know, things no one did. His history with Tae-oh was a big one. While he may have given sparse, vague details, the rest remained a mystery. He didn't like to talk about it. He didn't like to think about it. When he emerged back into the world, it was all people ever saw from him. The boy from the basement. The lost kid. Abducted. And the longer he stayed silent, the more he realized the people around him were there because they cared, they just wanted to know the answer to the mystery. But it was his. And he didn't feel the need to relive it. Nico's eyebrows jump up as her words echo in his head. "You've met him?" Panic, anger, fear, and a few others took over his bloodstream. Nico felt his blood boil in his veins at his words. "I'll kill him." He mumbles. How dare he threaten her. "I'm so sorry Francesca." He says, not sure what else to give. Here was his past putting her in danger. "I would have thought he'd go for Jason first." He made a mental note to call his nephew and give him a heads-up to watch out for him. Nico's jaw hardened and his knuckles turned white as he gripped the table. "What did he say?" His voice was low and rough, the anger seeping through, but he wasn't angry at her, no not at all.

"You do not deserve to be threatened baby." He said with an exhale, hearing that hurt his heart as he looked at his angel. Who would want to hurt her? He'd kill anyone that tried. But as she continued he understood her fear a little more, "Baby, I'm not pushing you away. I would understand if this was too much and you wanted to walk away, but I'm holding on to you." But her confession brought something out of him, "I don't want to hide from this either. I don't want to hide with you." He wanted to start telling her things and let her in to see the monster that they created. For some reason, he knew his dark ugly insides wouldn't scare her away. She was strong and could handle it. Could handle him. Her hand found his and her thumb ran across his knuckles giving him comfort. She didn't want to run from him either. For as long as you'll have me. He brought her hand up to his lips and pressed a kiss into her palm. "I will take care of this okay, you don't have to worry. I'll make sure you are safe." He promised her. He wouldn't let Tae-oh ruin something else for him. Never again. "But until then, we have a great night a head of us."

[joinmeinenvy]

A part of her knew that admitting to running into this Tae-Oh person would elicit this type of reaction. Francesca was slowly putting together the pieces of Nico's past, and this Tae-Oh guy was involved. His reaction said it all. Francesca let the silence linger for a moment, her hand resting on top of Nico’s as she absorbed the storm of emotions swirling around him. She could feel the tension in his grip, the raw anger and fear that made his jaw tighten and his voice rough. When she finally spoke, her voice was calm but firm, the way she always knew how to be when emotions ran high. “Nico,” she began, her thumb brushing gently over his knuckles, “what Tae-oh said isn’t worth repeating. His threats—they’re meant to get under your skin, to shake you, to make you react. And I won’t give him that power. Neither should you.” Internally, she shuddered at the imagery his words conjured, but dwelling on it wouldn’t help either of them. People like that thrived on fear. Her voice softened, a hint of steel underneath. “I’ve grown up with threats, Nico. I’ve had them whispered in my ear, written in letters, even thrown at my feet. That’s what happens when your father is a council member for the Serpents. Threats were a part of my childhood. But you know what my father always taught me? It’s not the threats themselves that matter—it’s how you handle them. How you respond.” Her father was a complicated man. While Francesca resented many of his choices, she couldn’t deny that he tried to do right by her in his own way. She never doubted his love. He’d grown up believing emotions were a weakness, yet ended up with a daughter who found her greatest strength in them. Their relationship was anything but boring. She paused, her gaze steady as she searched his eyes. She didn’t want to add to his burden, but there was something gnawing at her—a worry she kept tucked deep inside. She could never voice it to him directly, but the thought lingered: just how far would he go for revenge? And when it was all over, what would he be left with? Revenge can take you to places that are hard to come back from. She didn’t want to lose the man sitting in front of her. The one who has so much more to offer than just anger and pain. “Good, because if you end this now, I’d be pissed,” she said, her tone serious, but the playful curve of her lips gave her away. Francesca leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips before pulling back just enough to look him in the eyes. “All jokes aside, though… you’re not alone in this. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere. But we’ll figure this out together. You don’t need to do it all on your own, and you don’t have to carry this burden for both of us.” She was on his team, even if there were layers to this relationship, Francesca had his back in whatever way she could. With a small wink, she added, “Besides, you have more pressing matters right now. Like spending time with me. And maybe showing me the Nico Macavoy dating experience. What’s first?”

[joinmeinenvy]

Francesca's Social Media // Task 002

captions under the cut

1. Should I start wearing glasses? 👓 2. Self-Care and Sisters. All I need. @alessandradamiano @xogiada 3. “If children feel safe, they can take risks, ask questions, make mistakes, learn to trust, share their feelings, and grow.” ❣️ #SafeShieldInitiative 4. The first of many girls' nights. Love you! 😘 @derinxsahinreis 5. Caught him looking fine and saving it for evidence. 😘📸💕 @nicoxmacavoy 6. Collecting tan lines and memories. ☀️ 7. It’s been a while, but some things never change—like how awesome her dog is. @rcsesnoir (iris) 8. When life gives you a moment, capture it. 📷💫 9. When life gets complicated, I just let the piano do the talking.

[joinmeinenvy]

closed starter @betrayedandbrave // abandoned gun range, outside of new york

The countryside was quiet, the kind of quiet that felt unnatural to someone like Francesca, who had grown up surrounded by the hum and chaos of the city. The old gun range stretched out before her, with cracked wooden booths and rusting signs warning visitors to handle firearms responsibly. It looked abandoned, forgotten—just like she felt in this moment. She sat on a splintered wooden bench, pulling her coat tighter against the cold. The chill seeped into her fingertips as she rubbed her hands together, trying to coax some warmth back into them. Gabriel probably wasn’t coming. She knew it deep down. Why would he? She had hurt him, strung him along when they were children, letting their families’ expectations weigh down any chance of something real. She hadn’t meant to hurt him, but intent didn’t matter when the result was the same.

Francesca glanced down at her phone, the signal weak but just enough to confirm there were no new messages. She sighed, looking out at the dirt road leading to the range, her breath visible in the cold air. And then she saw it—a figure in the distance, walking toward her. Her heart leapt, both with hope and dread. She stood slowly, squinting as the figure came closer. It was him. Gabriel. His familiar silhouette stirred a mix of emotions she wasn’t ready to sort through. As he approached, Francesca took a deep breath, her voice soft but steady as she said, “I wasn’t sure if you’d come.” She gave him a small, apologetic smile, though her nerves betrayed her. “I’m sorry for the secrecy,” she continued, her tone earnest. “And for dragging you all the way out here. But I didn’t think you’d come if I told you exactly why I needed your help.” She wrapped her arms around herself as the wind picked up, her vulnerability hanging in the air between them. “I didn’t know who else to turn to. I wouldn’t have asked if it wasn’t important.”

[joinmeinenvy]

closed starter @alessandradamiano // in italy

Francesca sat across from her sister, the Mediterranean sun casting a golden glow over the cobbled streets of their little café in Italy. The atmosphere felt worlds away from the chaos of the Holiday Gala, yet the weight of that night clung to her, like a fog that refused to lift. Francesca wanted to get her sister away from the house, from the nosy family who would no doubt spread the gossip across the whole continent before they finished speaking. The air was thick with the smell of fresh pastries and espresso, but it wasn’t enough to mask the tension between them. Francesca swallowed hard, her fingers tightening around the rim of her own coffee cup. “There are things I didn’t tell you, Stellina. Things I should’ve said before. I should’ve been honest with you, but I—” She broke off, frustration bubbling in her chest. “I didn't want to change your opinion of me, or cause you trouble.” Francesca met her sister's eyes, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she felt the weight of everything she'd been hiding—the lies, the fears, the guilt—start to shift, just enough to make her feel like she could breathe again. She’d been running for so long, hiding behind walls she’d built around herself. “I’m going to open with you,” Francesca said, her voice steady now, though her heart was pounding in her chest. “I’m sorry for keeping secrets. Ask me whatever you need.”

[nicoxmacavoy]

Nico hummed at her words, he couldn't agree more. "Are we thinking bed-bed or should we shower first? I'll clean you up either way, just want to know which one you want." He said softly as he continued to hold her. He hummed, as long as he'll have her? A while had a nice ring to it. "Then I'll be having you around as long as I can." He said with a smile. He hoped she wasn't scared off, he assumed she would have questions as she explored his body, and took in the sight of what he lived through. "Nothing can ruin this, okay?" Her mind must be racing, conflicted on what to do or say. "I am here, and I'm okay. Most importantly, I'm really fucking happy. My old demons can't hurt me now." They were mostly dead, all except one who seemed to escape Nico's grasp. Nico picked her up in his arms and carried her into the ensuite bathroom. He never liked having anyone this close before, never wanting to let her go. Nico sat her down on the counter and took her cheeks into his hands as he pressed a soft kiss to her lips. "Let's give that sweet head of yours a break okay? We have each other right. Let's get all cleaned up and lay down." He said before pressing another kiss to her temple.

[joinmeinenvy]

Francesca’s lips curved into a soft smile as Nico carried her, his warmth sinking into her skin and his steady presence quieting the storm in her mind. She adored him—how he made her feel safe, valued, and grounded. Just this once, she decided to push aside the guilt that had been tugging at her edges. Tonight wasn’t the time to let it creep in and ruin what they had. “We’re definitely showering first,” she teased, resting her hands lightly on his shoulders. “Because as much as I trust you to clean me up, I don’t trust you not to get distracted, Mr. Multi-tasker.” Her voice was playful, even as her chest swelled at the tenderness in his words. When Nico kissed her, she let herself sink into the moment, tilting her head to deepen the kiss briefly before pulling away with a quiet laugh. “You’re right,” she murmured, resting her forehead against his. “We have each other, and that’s all I want to focus on tonight. No demons, no worries—just us.” Her gaze softened, and she hesitated for a moment before speaking. “But I do want to talk about it—when you’re ready, of course.” She wouldn’t push, not after the vulnerability they had just shared, but the weight of his scars and the story they told lingered in her mind. Reaching up, she brushed her thumb gently along his jawline, her teasing tone returning. “But if you’re planning to carry me everywhere now, I hope you’ve been hitting the gym because I’m not going to make it easy for you.” Francesca let herself stay in the moment, the guilt tucked away for another time. Right now, all that mattered was the happiness Nico brought her and the joy she wanted to return. Her lips curved into a grin as she added, “Now, are you starting that shower, or am I going to have to do everything myself?”

[nicoxmacavoy]

Nico had the night planned out. Everything would be perfect. It did have to start on a sour note, but there were things she needed to know for her safety and also before he asked her to be his girlfriend. "I'm glad to hear it. Next time we can just go together, besides, your sister loves me already." He tested, having told her about the "Rico" situation. "Before we focus on tonight, there is just one thing we need to talk about... It's a bit of a mood killer but I don't want to keep it from you or bring it up later in the night and ruin our evening." He rushed out, his eyes scanning her features for any sort of reaction, he was nervous about telling her, but Tae-oh made a threat and she needed to be safe. He just hoped she wouldn't stop talking to him because of it. "Do you remember when I told you about my friend, the one who betrayed me when I was young? It seems he is back in town. I, unfortunately, ran into him and it seems he's been keeping an eye on me and my people..." He trailed off, "I just want you to know, so you can be safe. I don't want him coming after you nd if for any reason you feel watched or just uncomfortable walking alone, or hear a word sound, just call me and I'll be right there."

[joinmeinenvy]

Francesca had been wondering if Nico would bring up his old friend. The thought had been lingering in her mind, refusing to let go. The moment he started to speak, she could feel the tension build in the air, like something was about to shift. He had that look on his face, the one he always wore when he was nervous but trying not to show it. She could see how hard he was trying to protect her. Francesca took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, but her heart still skipped when he mentioned his old friend. “I remember,” she said quietly, her eyes meeting his. She wasn’t sure if she could hide the unease in her voice, but she wasn’t about to lie to him. "I met him recently." Her voice wavered slightly, recalling the unsettling encounter. "He approached me at work. Mentioned you. Made some threats," she continued, her gaze lowering to her lap. Her fingers played with the edge of the tablecloth, a nervous habit. The words felt like they burned on her tongue as she spoke them. "But he said that because I’m Serpent-adjacent, I’m safe.” She bit her lip, trying to hold back the bitterness that had crept into her chest. Francesca paused for a moment, trying to push away the unease Tae-oh’s words still left behind. She couldn’t quite shake the memory of him, the way he’d spoken to her with that twisted cheerfulness. She could still feel the cold chill that ran through her when he said those things—like a warning laced with poison. It had unsettled her deeply, but she refused to show it. Not now.

"It wasn’t the first time I’ve been threatened, Nico. I’m okay," she added quickly, giving him a soft, reassuring smile. "I’m not going anywhere, Nico. You’ve warned me. I'm aware and know what he looks like now so I know what to look out for. Just... don’t shut me out, okay? I don’t want to hide from this.” Francesca’s heart ached for Nico. She knew how much this had to hurt him, having someone from his past still lurking in the shadows, threatening those he cared for. It wasn’t fair. She reached out and placed a hand gently on his, her thumb brushing over his knuckles. She didn’t know if this was a warning for her, or if it was a way for Nico to push her away before things could get worse. But all she could do was be here now, in this moment, with him. "For as long as you’ll have me," she whispered, her voice barely audible but filled with sincerity. In her heart, she already knew the answer, but she wasn’t going to let herself think about it yet. They would figure it out, together, one step at a time.

[nicoxmacavoy]

As she melted into him, he wrapped his arms around her, letting his fingers lightly trail up and down across his back mindlessly. "You tired baby?" He questioned as he took in the comfort. He wasn't sure how he got to this point or what he tripped over but he was falling for her, hard. She was perfect. Everything about her made him smile and he was sure there was nothing she could say or do that would change that. The way she looked at him sent shivers down his spine and something fluttered in his stomach. He knew this was a dangerous game they were playing, just a week ago she was targeted by the texts, Giovanni, and tonight he was shot at by the serpents. Would he be able to keep her safe? Or would he get her hurt? He pushed all his worries aside, especially the ones in his mind that screamed at him he would be the one to hurt her, the one to mess up again. "You have ruined me because I'm not sure anyone else can make me feel the way you do."

It was an honest confession. Nico avoided his emotions and commitment. For once, he was embracing what his heart wanted. Even if this was just the beginning of an epic love tragedy, he would hold on for the ride. "Does that mean I get to keep you?" He asked with a raised brow and his teasing tone matched hers. Typically, he would be out the door already on his way home, but this was nice. Besides, they had the rest of the night and the morning to do some more damage. Nico felt her finger linger over the marred skin and he tenses slightly. it was followed by the kiss to the one on his shoulder. Had she seen the worst of them? "What's going through that pretty mind of yours, baby?"

[joinmeinenvy]

Francesca’s heart skipped a beat as she felt his arms around her, the warmth of his body grounding her in a way nothing else ever had. He was perfect in his own way—messy, complicated, but with something real behind those eyes. She had never expected to fall into something like this, especially not with all the weight they both carried. She wanted to just hold on to him, let herself believe in this moment for as long as it would last. "No baby," She answers softly, cuddling closer to him. "I love this couch but we might need to move to the bed." She giggles, ignoring the worry gnawing at the edges of her mind. There was a secret she kept from him, one that would break what they creating. Every day, she told herself she could keep it from him, that he would never have to know the truth, but deep down, she feared the moment it would all come crashing down. How would he look at her when he found out? Would he walk away? She smiled softly at his words, but there was a flicker of sadness in her eyes that she couldn’t hide. “For as long as you’ll have me,” she said quietly, her voice soft, almost like a whisper of a promise. It was the truth—because in her heart, she knew it wouldn’t be her leaving him. But he would be the one to leave her. She was sure of it. When he asked about what was going on in her mind, she hesitated for a moment, her finger tracing the marred skin on his shoulder, her heart aching as she looked at the marks that told a story she couldn't escape from. "I’m just... trying not to think too much. I don’t want to ruin this," she whispered, brushing her lips softly against his shoulder. She pulled back just enough to meet his gaze, a conflicted smile pulling at the corner of her lips. She didn’t want to break the illusion, not yet. Not when everything felt so right. But she knew she couldn’t keep running from the truth forever.