forum In Fair Verona // Modern Romeo and Juliet // Private RP - CLOSED

Started February 05, 2019 by @blue_topaz

tune

“Where are you taking me?” I attempted to look out the bus window, but Juliet was already pulling me up and off the bus, back into the street.

"You'll see," I tossed over my shoulder, leading him through streets that grew increasingly scenic and narrow. Finally, I came to a stop in front of a familiar, pastel-yellow shop. "Welcome, to Greg's Ice Cream Parlour, Romeo."

“So you want to fatten me up so my parents yell at me?” I raised an eyebrow in amusement.

"No, you idiot." I rolled my eyes. "You said you've never had gelato before—so now you will."

“Can I ask why Greg’s in particular?” I reached for her hand to hold, missing her contact already.

"Best ice cream in Verona." I slipped my hand into his, smiling. "Not even Marina knows I go here. It's… it's like my little safehaven, where no one can find me. I was here when you first began to text me, actually."

“Then I love it already.” I squeezed her hand gently. “Should we go inside? Is there a secret entrance?” I teased lightly.

Rolling my eyes a second time, I pushed open the door and practically dragged him inside with me.

I smiled as Juliet tugged me inside the ice cream shop. I couldn’t even remember the last time I’d set foot in one of these places, but I certainly missed it now that I was back inside. I took a look around, grinning like a five year old.

Greg looked up when we entered, surprise framing his features at the sight of Romeo.

"Juliet?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "Who's this?"

I offered the man, who I assumed was Greg, a wave and a friendly smile. But I didn’t tell him my name, allowing Juliet to decide if she wanted to call me something else to cover our tracks instead.

I hesitated, my smile faltering for a moment. "He's my… friend," I replied, trying to sidestep the question. Greg looked pointedly at our intertwined fingers, stifling laughter. "Friend?"

“A really good friend.” I smiled at Greg, squeezing Juliet’s hand gently as I looked around.

I blushed lightly, which only caused Greg's surprise to grow. "I never thought I'd see the day…." he murmured teasingly. Biting the inside of my cheek, I pulled Romeo up to the counter. "My friend has never had ice cream in his life. I decided to educate him."

“To be fair I probably had it when I was younger and just don’t remember.” I protested softly. My cheeks had turned a bit pink from the obvious teasing occuring about Juliet and I. We’re we actually dating? Is that what this was?

Greg shook his head, letting out a slow, teasing sigh. "Juliet, I must say that I'm disappointed in your taste. A man who's never had gelato?"

Cheeks burning from the fatherly comments, I averted my eyes. "Which flavours do you want?"

Based on Juliet’s reaction, I had a feeling Juliet cared about this man more than she ever had for Angelo. “Sorry, sir. I’ve got some of the strictest parents you’ll ever meet.” I smiled gently, realizing I definitely needed to win over his approval. Turning to Juliet, I shrugged. “Whatever you think I’ll like best.”

In a way, Greg had sort of been the father figure in my life ever since I'd discovered the Parlour. I mean, no other grown man had ever handled me with this much care, so…

"Could we have two of the usual?" I asked Greg, knowing he'd understand. "Large waffle cones, please."

I looked at Juliet in confusion, but I trusted her to pick for me. I could see why she loved this place. It was small and quaint, making the perfect inconspicuous escape from reality.

George chuckled lightly. "You two go sit, it's on the house for today."

“Thank you!” I looked to Juliet for an explanation, a bit confused by why he was giving us ice cream for free.

I thanked Greg and pulled Romeo towards a small table off to the side.
"So," I started, "Do you like it here?

“It’s amazing.” I settled into my seat and smiled. “How did you manage to get us free ice cream?”

I smiled, shooting Greg a quick glance. “I’ve never come here with anyone before. I guess he was just happy about this.”

“Well, he seems nice.” I smiled, unable to stop looking around. “This place is so… happy. I’m not used to being somewhere like this.” I noted, my eyes drifting to the colorful ice cream.

“I love it here…” Reaching over the table, I placed my hands palm-up on the table, as if asking him to place his on top.

I complied with my right hand, and placed my cast next to her other hand, outstretching my fingers so they touched hers. “I love this place too. Thanks for taking me here. I know it’s special to you.”

Flushing, I averted my eyes. “I’ve never shown it to anyone..”

I squeezed her hand gently. “I love you too, Juliet.”

My heart did a little happy dance. Moving cautiously, I lifted his hand to my lips, brushing them across his knuckles.