[color=silver][indent][indent][right][b][i][u]TIMESTAMP:[/u] Monday, July 19th, 2021; Minutes Past Noon[/i][/b][/right]


[center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/220708/fed43c41ce563cbcf076b3e0f83a8191.png[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/o5KUOfj.png[/img]

[sub]A [@LovelyComplex] & [@Venus] Collab || featuring Tiffannie Taccone & Tiziano Belmonte (with a little bit of TNT sprinkled in)[/sub]
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For someone who had woken up in the middle of the night to care for her aunt and have a conversation with her Edenridge bestie, Tiffannie Taccone woke up feeling very well rested and in the best of spirits. She’d had a good sleep full of dreams of her and Chase confessing their love to each other and living happily ever after like the fairy tales she watched she read about, and now she was looking forward to meeting his family and friends for the first time. It was poised to be a nearly perfect day… Until her eyes fell on the clock in her phone's home screen, and she let out a shriek of horror. 

11:07 AM

An hour and seven minutes [i]later[/i] than what she had planned.

She was going to be late!

[color=EA60A5]“[i]OH NOOOOOOOOOO[/i]!”[/color] Tiffannie wailed dramatically, unceremoniously throwing the covers off herself and racing out the door. In regular circumstances, the LA native’s going out routine required a minimum of two hours. Every minute of those two hours, plus an extra ten minutes for final touch-ups and to build anticipation, were dedicated to ensuring she looked as perfect as she possibly could. Her failure in not setting her alarm and waking up when she did meant Tiff now had less than an hour to prepare herself for what was probably the most important date she'd have with Chase as of yet. She had no clothes picked out, no hairstyle selected, no determined accessories and nothing envisioned for her makeup look. In all honesty, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d been this sorely unprepared for a date.

It was a [i]nightmare[/i].

Once inside the bathroom, Peach took what seemed the quickest shower of her life (doing a two in one by brushing her teeth inside the shower and skipping the full-body exfoliation), rushed through the skincare routine that usually soothed whatever nerves she could have, wrapped a towel around her body and raced back to her bedroom straight in the direction of the closet. She scrolled through hanger after hanger, desperately scouring the space for any outfit that made her look cute and presentable, but coming up with nothing. Jeans and T-shirts? Too casual. Tops or a dress? Too cropped, revealing or flashy. Skirts or shorts? Too tight, short or provocative. By the fifth scroll of the closet, through the panicked tears that were beginning to blur her vision, Tiff’s eyes landed on a matching white skirt and top ensemble that was just the right amount of casual, cute and presentable for the outing in question. Sniffling, she snatched the items from the rack, quickly paired them to a small pink purse and pink wedges and tossed them onto the bed. The girl then proceeded to select the appropriate undergarments, put them on and take a seat in front of the vanity to begin a very rushed hair and makeup routine.

While blow-drying her blond locks with the help of her Dyson Airwrap, Tiffannie allowed some of the pent-up tears to stream down her face. She knew crying was a bad idea-- it would make her face red and puffy and icky and overall harder to do her makeup. But holding her feelings in wasn't an option: rather, a way to [s]hopfully[/s] make her feel less gloomy than she already did. Thankfully, the moment was over quickly, and she was able to sober up to perform a very quick makeup routine to go along with the selected outfit. 

Once makeup was done and her hair was as smooth as she could get it after skipping her deep condition, the young woman tied back her locks into a low ponytail, pulled out a few strands so they would frame her face and decorated it with a pink ribbon tied into a bow. Selecting the jewelry was easy: a glance at the drawer was all she needed to pick out a gold necklace, small gold hoop earrings, small gold studs for her three additional piercings, and a few matching rings. She gave herself a final once-over in front of the full-length mirror before stuffing her belongings into the purse and rushing out the door.

The young woman all but raced down the stairs, skipping a few steps and taking a left at the bottom of the foyer. As soon as she reached the kitchen, Tiffannie flung the refrigerator door open and began to scan the stainless steel appliance for anything she could bring to the picnic. Immediately, her eyes landed on the very last shelf, where a tray of heavenly tiramisu sat patiently, as if waiting to be rescued by her gentle hands. Finally, something was going right in the middle of all this mess! Letting out a sigh of relief, Peach grabbed the tray from the fridge, closed the door with her hip and made her way out the front door. 

With how happy she was knowing that she was able to contribute to the picnic and hopefully excuse the lateness, the blonde failed to remember the small dip between the front door and the beginning of the pathway to the sidewalk. When wearing her regular shoes, this wouldn't be an issue. But the combination of wearing wedges, having full hands, and being distracted proved to be a dangerous one. Before Tiff knew it, the sudden change in altitude caused her to stumble. And in an attempt to regain her balance, the young woman let go of the tiramisu tray.

Tiffannie watched in horror as the tray fell out of her grasp, flipped once, and hit the floor with a bang, sending pieces of cake flying everywhere-- all in slow motion. The wide-eyed girl stared at the floor in shock: taking in the sight below her, processing what had just happened. The tool to regain any sympathy she might have lost during her lateness was now in pieces all over the concrete floor. When it finally dawned on her that she was now going to completely disappoint Chase and his loved ones by being late AND by showing up empty-handed, her glossy lower lip began to wobble dangerously... And without warning, the young blonde started to cry.

Tiziano had been away from the house thirty minutes doing a little grocery shopping and a quick errand of getting more meds for his wife. Nina hadn’t texted him that she needed help at the restaurant so today was a good day to focus on his wife. He didn’t want his kids to think too deeply about Silvia's health. The only other person who knew about her recent diagnosis was his eldest daughter. 

Between him, Cat, and the nurse, they would all cycle in throughout the day to take care of business, especially changing Silvia’s bedsheets and piss pads. If his kids knew more about cancer, just the way she looked and how she breathed would cue them of how long she had to live. He was glad they didn’t let worry take over them. They were young and still had so much life to live. 

Carrying a few brown paper bags filled with mostly produce, Taz whistled from his car, down the driveway, to the pathway that led to the front patio, only to come across a tragic sight. His devastated niece was crying over spilled cake. [color=887b6e]
[abbr=what’s going on?]“Cosa sta succedendo?”[/abbr][/color] Once he placed the bags on the front patio furniture, Taz made his way to Tiff to investigate this issue. Why was his half eaten tiramisu from last night’s goodbye party (for one of the staff members at Palermo) all over the place and why was his niece crying over it like she had just seen a puppy get run over? [color=887b6e]“Tiffannie, wipe those tears and tell me: why are you like this?”[/color]

As if the flood gates had opened, Peach went on to explain her ordeal to her concerned uncle, utilizing hand gestures to assist in the process. [color=EA60A5]"Last night Chasey had asked me if I wanted to meet his family today, so I said yes and set my alarm so I could have enough time to get ready, pick something up to bring to the picnic and make it to Lyon Park on time. But it turns out I did [i]not[/i] set my alarm; so I woke up late, rushed through my self-care routine, my hair [i]and[/i] my makeup and took forever to find an outfit that was appropriate enough. I was already late when I was coming down the stairs, but I knew I needed something to bring, so I saw the tiramisu in the fridge and decided to take it. But I forgot about this [i]stupid step[/i]--"[/color] she pointed an accusatory finger at the step in question, as if it had tried to assassinate her. [color=EA60A5]"--and I tripped, and when I was trying to steady myself I let go of the cake and it fell on the floor and landed everywhere. And now I'm late and empty-handed and Chasey is going to be so disappointed in me… And I don't want him to be disappointed in me! I like him sooooo much, Uncle Tazzy! I like Chasey so much, and all I want to do is make him happy and I'm scared he's going to hate me for this!"[/color] she wailed dramatically, succumbing into inconsolable sobs at the mere idea of Chase reverting to treating her like the first day they met.

[color=887b6e]“If this boy hates you for this, he doesn't deserve you,”[/color] Taz remarked before going to her and gently commanding, [color=887b6e]“Go give this boy a text or call, tell him you’re running late. That is where you can start. I will clean this up and we will stop at the store to get something sweet. I’m sure he won’t mind and if he likes you, like you like him, he is nervous himself.”[/color] There was truth laced behind every word. [color=887b6e]“Trust me, Tiffannie: we men when we care, we care a lot.”[/color] And if this was the Warren boy that visited Palermo when his wife was not sick, helping her out with deliveries and errands, then Taz knew this boy would not be mad about this. His anxiety, though, might cause him to fear Tiff no longer wanting him which is why communication was essential during this pivotal time in their relationship. She is only human and that he cannot fault her for.

After a long moment of Tiffannie alternating between loud sniffles and taking deep breaths, the young blonde composed herself long enough to fish her phone from her pocket and swipe right on Chase’s number. She placed the device against her ear and awaited an answer, anxiously tapping her foot against the concrete. With each ring that went unanswered, Peach’s panic grew in intensity, and she was nearly in tears again by the time Chase answered on the fifth ring.

[color=EA60A5]“Chasey?”[/color] Tiffannie sniffled, trying to self-soothe just long enough to convey her message. [color=EA60A5]“My alarm didn’t go off this morning, so I woke up late and everything has just been going wrong and I dropped the cake all over the floor and I’m going to be late and I just feel so bad about it--”[/color] she whimpered before starting to weep again.

There was a pause on the other end. A long pause and a subtle breath in, and out. [color=7fff00]“It’s going to be okay,”[/color] TNT calmly responded on the other end. [color=7fff00]“Don’t worry about it. It’s good. You’re good. I’m good. We’re both good.”[/color] There was another break. When Chase took long breaks, long breaths, and long pauses, it was because he had something on his mind, [color=7fff00]“We’re going to be okay. Understand, Tiff?”[/color] 

Peach shook her head as if he could see her. [color=EA60A5]"It is [i]not[/i] okay,”[/color] she whined in disagreement, wiping her face along with part of her makeup. [color=EA60A5]“This is the first time I’m meeting your family and now I’m giving them the worst impression by showing up late and empty-handed. This is so embarrassing and disrespectful and I’m just really really sorry about it.”[/color]

[color=7fff00]“I’m sorry too,”[/color] There was a slight shake in Chase’s tone. Her words were hitting him hard and at this moment, this specific moment, he was doing his best to not let it show, [color=7fff00]“It’s my fault for making you worry. It’s also my fault for keeping you up. We don’t have to do this.”[/color] 

[color=EA60A5]“[i]Nooooooooo[/i]!”[/color] she shrieked back, losing whatever minuscule grip she had on her feelings and bursting out into full-blown sobs. [color=EA60A5]“That’s not-- This isn’t your fault, Chasey! It’s not! I don’t want you to feel bad about this! I just want to make you happy!”[/color]

[color=7fff00]“Then come. I don’t care that you’re empty handed. I just want you.”[/color] 

His last sentence brought her weeping to a screeching halt. Had she heard him correctly? Was all this crying affecting her hearing, or the part of the brain that interpreted the messages she heard? Was she imagining things? She [i]had[/i] to confirm that she wasn’t crazy.

[color=EA60A5]“What did you say?”[/color] Tiff asked in a small voice, as if afraid that bringing attention to the statement just declared would nullify it.

His breathing was growing heavier. He needed to go, but first he needed her to understand that this would be for nothing if she gave up on him. [color=7fff00]“I. Want. You.”[/color] He said matter-of-factly before begging, [color=7fff00]“Please, come…”[/color] 

Peach gave one last, final sniff, and took another deep breath to compose herself while she wrestled with the urge to cry for a whole different reason now. [color=EA60A5]“I’ll be there soon, I promise,”[/color] she vowed, looking over at her uncle and giving him a thumbs up to let him know things would be okay. [color=EA60A5]“And, Chasey?”[/color] 

[color=7fff00]“Yeah?”[/color] Chase responded with a low undertone. 

The blonde’s cheeks grew warm and pink, and she covered her mouth with her hand while turning away from her uncle before she spoke again. [color=EA60A5]“I… I want you too, okay?”[/color] she admitted in a hushed tone.

[color=7fff00]“Good, see you soon,”[/color] And on that note, TNT hung up. 

Once the call was over, Tiffannie turned back to speak to Taz. [color=EA60A5]“He says that it’s okay and he still wants me to come,”[/color] she summarized, wiping away her tears and with them the rest of her makeup. [color=EA60A5]“So I guess he doesn’t hate me after all.”[/color]

At this point, Taz had brought in the groceries, instructing Mira to put it away and that he’d be gone around thirty minutes to an hour, and for her to watch her mother with the nurse. He had also cleaned the tiramisu to the best of his capability, the rain would get the rest. Having gone in and out, in and out, he returned outside one last time, Tiff’s call with her boyfriend ending. He gave a small smile, [color=887b6e]“He’d be an idiot to hate you. You are a diamond, Tiffannie, and if he does not see this? His loss.”[/color] 

Cracking the first smile of the day, the blue-eyed girl skipped to her uncle and wrapped him in a tight, affectionate hug. [color=EA60A5]“Thank you, Uncle Tazzy,”[/color] she mumbled appreciatively, nuzzling her face in his chest. Considering the current standing of hers and her father’s relationship, she was grateful that she had her uncle as a father figure to comfort and guide her in situations like these.

Too much sentimentality. Taz let his niece give him affection before straightening up, trying to get out of her hold, [color=887b6e]“Okay. We have a picnic to get to.”[/color] Her uncle’s expression returned to stoic and strong as he gestured to his black SUV. His morning had already been long and it seemed that a common theme this lovely day was comforting the women in his life. First his daughter, Natalia, now his niece. He wondered, would his wife be proud of him? 

Peach released her uncle from her grasp and nodded at him. [color=EA60A5]“Okay,”[/color] she breathed out,  straightening up to her full height. [color=EA60A5]“I’m going to go back inside really quick to wash my face, and when I come back out, we’re going straight to that picnic.”[/color] In reality, she was going to wash her face [i]and[/i] reapply her makeup (she was already late anyway, so at this point it didn’t matter whether she took an extra ten minutes to make herself look presentable), but Taz didn’t need to know that. [color=EA60A5]“Does that sound like a plan?”[/color]

[color=887b6e]“Yes, now go. Don’t want to keep your boyfriend waiting.”[/color] Taz shooed his niece away and strided to his car. He needed to start the AC. The sky might be predicting rain but it sure was humid. [color=887b6e]“And Tiffannie?”[/color] He looked back, over his shoulder. 

Tiffannie had opened her mouth to retort that Chase wasn’t her boyfriend when Taz turned around and addressed her again. [color=EA60A5]“Mhm?”[/color]

[color=887b6e]“You’re a beautiful girl, inside and out. He is a lucky boy to have you.”[/color] After Taz said his peace, he waved at her to go do her thing, freshening up, and he’d sit in the car cooling it off, cooling off, waiting for her return.

With a glowing smile, a small shrug of appreciation and her mood now completely opposite to the one she had started her day with, Tiffannie turned on her heel and skipped back into the Belmonte home.

No matter the setbacks, it was still going to be a perfect day.[/indent][/indent][/color]