“What was that, baby?” I hum quietly, leaning closer to understand you before looking back at the barista. “The iced raspberry matcha, please.”

I give you a small smile, squeezing your hand comfortingly before pulling away just get my wallet out. I can see you looking around at all the different signs in the little coffee shop, your eyes a little squinted like you’re trying to concentrate on reading them.

Ever since we started dating about 5 months ago, you’ve been trying extremely hard to further your English, and it’s just heartwarming to see.

We met when I was in Rome during a break between shows, and fortunately I spend so much time in Italy that I’m not too bad at Italian. Back during quarantine, I spent a lot of time really pushing myself to get better at other languages than just English. I do a lot of traveling, so it just made sense.

My best ones are Italian, French, and Japanese. Maybe a small bit of German.

You and I just landed in New York City late last night from London, where you met my mum and sister. They both adored you, of course.

Who wouldn’t?

The next few weeks I have quite a few shows at Madison Square Garden, and I figured this would be the perfect opportunity for you to experience NYC for the first time. Late at night, when it’s just us in the dark curled up in bed while talking with quiet voices, you’ve spoken multiple times about all the places you want to see and learn about. You’re a very adventurous and ambitious person, which is just a fraction of the reason why I fell so hard so fast for you.

The cute accent is just a major bonus.

During our time outside of Italy, though, I’ve also noticed I’m a little….protective? I suppose?

I mean, I’ve always naturally kinda been a protective person when it comes to my girlfriends. I know the media attention and spotlight that comes with dating me can be difficult, especially if you aren’t already in the industry, so I’m extremely cautious in that regard.

But not even just that. No, I mean like any time you’ve maybe fumbled a sentence here and there, or had to have someone repeat what they said a few times, I’m always watching to make sure no one is being even slightly judgmental towards you.

It’s actually not been a problem at all, which is very relieving. Most people we’ve encountered have been pretty patient and understanding.

Except that guy in TSA at the airport who was about to give you a bit of a hard time with the questions.

Did I maybe pull the ‘do you know who I am’ card to get him to shut up? Maybe. Maybe not.

Guess we’ll never know.

All that matters now, though, is that you’re finally in the city you’ve dreamed of visiting and we’re going to have some quality time together.

“Dairy or Plant milk?” The barista asks, looking up from her tablet at us. I hum and look back down at you.

“Quale latte, tesoro?”