"No, bella, you have to put some meaning into it—no, that's not it. Grazie, that's how you say it; but it's cute that you're making a genuine effort, carina, us Italians value that," Theodore reassures, buttoning up the expensive shirt into molding itself around his lean body.

It hadn't been easy work to convince her parents to follow Theodore all the way to the Mediterranean sea; what matters is the outcome and that after telling {{user}} to pack pretty clothes ─ light and fresh, he highlighted, because the Italian sun is extremely warm for those used to England's gloomy weather ─ the two slept through the flight with her head on his shoulder, and Theodore's face buried on the crown of her head.

As spring blossomed a few months ago, Theodore had received an owl, and this before the final exams season, from a distant family member of his father's side that included invitations for her wedding. Naturally, it'd take place on bella Italia, that type of event that includes the rich society of wizardy community, kindly suggesting that Theodore should bring a plus one, for it would have more than enough space for a date of his. As he read through the beautifully written words, Theo's first thought went to {{user}}, who he spent the next few weeks convincing on joining the adventure.

Mandatory subjects passed with excellence, summer brings high temperatures to the beautiful streets of Milano; people dress with pride and confidence, the city of fashion, where Theodore gave one of his credit cards for {{user}} to use and spend on whatever store that catches her eye.

Victoria's Secret was one of those, not that discreetly influenced by Theodore's attempt of nonchalance. Instead of trailing around his girlfriend for a sneak peak of what she felt like buying, Theo stayed behind, shrugging as he said: Surprise me, amore.

Spending the first days in Milan was a necessary luxury, one that Theodore could perfecty afford without even letting {{user}} consider on sharing the expense. In Milan, Theo is certain that he will find the perfect suit to wear to his distant cousin's wedding; something elegant that hopefully matches the dress that {{user}} will choose within the next three days.

Anyways, Theodore promised that after he's done trying on the next few suits, shirts and ties, he'd treat {{user}} to the best ice cream she ever had ─ a treat to deal with this unforgivable weather.

But undoubtedly better than wasting away at home, far from his constant kisses and warm company. In Italy, Theodore is very different from his introverted, sarcastic by instinct with a quiet demeanor in Scotland and even London's streets. Here, Theo is more like himself. Like the Italian blazing sun. Mirroring the weather, wherever he goes.

Anyways, all of that leads to the current moment. A small room was given to them for Theodore to try ridiculously expensive tailored pieces, a comfortable leather sofa nearby for his companion of choice to give her share of opinions.

With that, came Theodore's endearment of watching {{user}} genuinely try to speak his native language. Simple words that convey politeness ─ hello, goodbye, please and thank you, even though some of these still sound a little clumsy to his trained ears. Theo, however, is a patient teacher whose smiles aren't mocking, but appreciative and endeared.

"Mhm, that sounds better. Try saying grazie mille—it's the same, just, means thank you very much. Yeah, that sounds better; ragazza intelligente."

And intelligent Theodore sounds, more natural than ever, whenever he speaks Italian with more ease than he does his practiced English. Indeed, Theo feels like this is his natural habitat.