Chapter 22: Prayer
Chero took a deep breath. She was about to go out to show people her new haircut. Would everyone like it? Would Dino like it? He always loved her long hair. She had fond memories of him running his fingers through her hair as she would rest her head on his lap sleeping through long nights of paperwork.
Chero stepped out of the bathroom, Tsukino following behind. Leonides joined them right away and wrapped his arms around Tsukino, kissing her cheek.
“You look cute, Cher.” Leon grinned.
Chero blushed and nodded, “Thank you. Treat her well, okay?”
“I will. I promise,” his smile softened.
Dino emerged from the kitchen wiping his hands on the apron he found. He had heard Chero’s voice, so he decided to check on her.
He froze in his tracks. Her hair…it was so short. Not that she looked bad, she always looked amazing. But…Memories of him playing with Chero’s long hair flashed through his mind. He remembered one of the first times they had an intimate moment. Riku had just broken off their engagement and left very suddenly. Dino had gone to visit Chero, only to find her alone and in tears. He ran his fingers through her hair and told her that things would turn out alright in the end. After that then had gone on a wild adventure together and ended up finding their shared kitten, Cavallino.
Chero looked over at Dino who had a shocked and concerned expression on his face. His eye brows were pushed together, his mouth twisted into a frown and eyes wide with shock and confusion.
“Dino…I…” She started.
Dino snapped out of his thoughts and looked at Chero, his expression softening a little, turning sad, instead of shocked, “Amore…You cut you hair.”
Chero pulled at the tip of some strands of her hair, examining the length nervously. She continued to play with the piece as she spoke, “I had Tsukino cut it. I needed a change.”
Chero watched Dino’s expression fight with the different emotions he was feeling. That was one thing about Dino, Chero almost always knew what he was thinking and feeling. Italians are very easy to read.
“You hate it…don’t you?” Chero said looking at the ground.
Dino’s guilt set in. He moved closer to her and tilted her chin up so that she was looking into his eyes, “I don’t hate it amore. It’s just something I have to get used to.”
Dino tried to word his lie in a way that was true in a sense, “You look beautiful no matter what.”
This brought a blush to Chero’s cheeks, so Dino knew he had done well. He learn down and kissed her softly, running his fingers through her hair, enjoying the way her curls felt in his hands. Maybe this was not that bad?
Chero pulled away from Dino when she felt like people were staring. She hoped that a change, such as her hair…would be one more step towards an escape.
“Miss Chero!” Francis called, hurrying over with Jenny at his side. The two of them were holding hands and Jenny’s cheeks were pink. Finally. Chero was happy for Jenny.
“What’s wrong Francis?” Chero asked as Dino worked his hand into hers.
Francis opened his mouth and paused, looking at her hair, “That is a good look for you. It makes you look very mature.”
Chero blushed, “Thank you…”
“Anyway! I wanted you to be the first to know, after Jenny of course, that some of my memories have returned!”
Chero’s eyes went wide in surprise.
“That’s great!”
Francis pouted, “I do not remember much…mostly when we, ze Axis and ze Allies, first came here. But at least we have some progress, no?”
Chero beamed, “Yes, any progress is good progress!”
“I owe it all to M-er…I owe it all to Jenny~” he winked.
Jenny turned bright red and was about to protest when someone started to bang on the door.
