how wicked am i?

Together, [Lemon repeated softly before slowly nodding her head.] O-Okay... because I-I can't do it by myself again...

Never again. I promise you with all my heart. No more distractions for me. ...I'm all yours.

[Lemon nodded her head slowly in agreement.] ...I just... wh-what if... [She let out a shaky breath,] ...what if they fall out of love...?

If that happens while we're all still there, then we'll figure it out together. We'll be proactive and we won't let it devolve like last time.

[Lemon sniffled and used the hand Cam wasn't holding to wipe at her eyes.] ...Pr-Promise...?

Of course, I promise. [Cam replied easily.] And I think we all still agree that it's not a good idea for any of us to be casually hooking up with each other like what was happening before. And if anyone doesn't, I'll have a little chat with them. But sometimes... love sneaks up on you. And I think that's... something special.

...R-Really...? [Lemon swallowed hard and closed her eyes.] ...God, I'm a terrible mother...

You are not. [Cam insisted.] You were trying to protect them and the whole family. Because of how much you love them. They understand that.

...They... Th-They have...?

...yeah. That whole Nova thing was just a misunderstanding. [Cam explained.] They've just both been too nervous to bring it up. Cause they love and respect you very much.

[Lemon took a shaky breath and sniffled.] ...I... I-I guess not...

[Cam let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding and squeezed Lemon's hands.] They've both been trying for quite awhile now.

[Lemon stayed in silence for quite a while longer before whispering,] ...'In love'? ....Like... l-like really in love...?

[Cam swallowed and nodded slowly, suddenly highly regretting asking this question.]

[Lemon sniffled, but shakily took Cam's hand. She stared down at their intertwined hands in silence.]

[Cam's thumbs moved smoothly over Lemon's fingers. They sat in silence for a moment before he finally spoke again.] Do you think if... you fell in love with one of us that you'd be able to ignore it?

[Lemon let out a shaky breath, already visibly upset, but otherwise stayed silent.]

Well, now who won't hold hands? [Cam asked, closing and opening his where they were laid out on the table.]

[Lemon thought for a moment, then swallowed hard.] ...Oh.

[Cam reached across the table with open hands.] I know it's scary for you, but you should be happy for them, Honey Lemon. Being in love is... a wonderful thing.

...About you getting a chef?

Yes, Char and Honeyy left work early because I'm getting a chef. [Cam said with a dry look.] No, sweetie, the other thing.

...What about?

About what... you and I discussed earlier.

Ooo. I hope so! [Lem said happily. She blushed lightly when Cam pulled out her chair.] Oh! Thank you, Cee Cee, [She made sure to say before sitting down.]

You're welcome, Honey Lemon. [Cam gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze before taking a seat on the other side of the table.] So... I had a little chat with Char before I fell asleep.

I know, but still be nice! [Lemon insisted.] Ooo. Yay! [She clapped (as well as she could without letting go of Cam's hand) before pulling him to the nearest window two-seater.] Let's do this one. You can see really far down the sidewalk with this one.

Alright. Maybe we'll see other beautiful girls enjoying the night. [Cam mused as he pulled Lemon's chair out.]

Cee Cee! Be nice! [Lemon reprimanded as she placed her other hand on his chest (her way of playfully swatting someone without hitting them).]

I am obviously joking. [Cam giggled in Lemon's direction.] Of course, let's go find a spot.

I do not trust him, mio figlio, [Gianni warned under his breath.] He will stumble. And then you will be able to speak as loudly and proudly as you wish.

[Lemon jumped, Gianni's sudden loud voice catching her off guard.] Oh! ...Oh. [She took a second to gather herself before walking backwards back towards Cam.] Um. Actually, we're staying for dinner tonight!

Neither do I. But I'm not gonna count on her heartbreak for my own joy. [Cam insisted.

[Gianni sighed.] ...No. No, I suppose not.

Well... [Cam sucked in a breath.] As I'm not a homewrecker, there'll be no need for that. But there will be a need for pasta. So let's start there.