Gabriele woke up early the next morning. He was no stranger to the lack of sleep and today was no different. He yawned widely as he rubbed at his eyes, only to find his left arm was pinned behind a mass of blankets, and those blankets were pressed awfully close to his chest. Last nights events resurfaced and he sighed as he ran his free hand through his hair, brushing the messy curls back. He gingerly, carefully pushed the blankets back until he found Norah's face and he smiled warmly when he realized she was still deep in sleep.

His fingers reached out, brushing across her soft, smooth skin as he pulled strains of hair from her face and delicately replaced them elsewhere. He knew he shouldn't be getting attached, he knew what he was doing was a terrible thing. Norah was clearly damaged goods beyond repair. However, at this moment, she seemed so peaceful. Safe. Like she belonged.

He couldn't let her leave and wander the streets. He couldn't fix her entirely, but he could give her the things she needed and perhaps in all of that, she'd find the power to stitch herself back together.

Gabriele sighed quietly through his nose, closing his eyes as he leaned his head against the headboard, his thoughts swirling in his mind. He wasn't sure what he could do for Norah, besides give her a sense of security, he wasn't even sure if he could help her in the long run. It was a good possibility that she would just disappear one day without a trace, never to be seen again. That thought dug a knife deep, made his heartache.

What was so special about this girl? He had only known her for a day. She seemed to appear out of thin air with nothing more than what was on her back, nothing to her name. He had a nagging feeling that her name wasn't even the one given to him, but he had no reason to pry. It wasn't his place, wasn't his story to tell. He could just hope that she would eventually be comfortable enough with him for him to help.

He slowly moved, tucking a pillow under Norah's head as he inched himself out of the bed, careful not to wake her from what he figured was her first decent slumber in a long time. He couldn't help the smile that crossed his lips as he sat on the edge of the bed, watching her peacefully sleep, her chest rising and falling slowly.

Gabriele picked himself up, his steps were careful as he made his way out of the bedroom, turning to look behind occasionally as to not disturb Norah. Once he was out of the room, he raised his arms above his head, stretching out fully and rolling his shoulders, working out the kinks from sleeping somewhat uncomfortably all night. He groaned softly, his hand working out a knot in the curve of his neck as he made his way to the kitchen.

Norah awoke greeted to the smell of coffee wafting through the apartment and she took a deep breath of that sweet aroma as she stretched her arms out of her blanket cocoon. A sleepy smile spread across her lips as she snuggled into the blankets more, her thoughts not dwelling on her past or the nightmares that plagued her often for once, but instead, she was living in the moment. Her thoughts instead turned to Gabriele and she lifted herself slightly, looking around the bedroom for the strange man who comforted her in her time of need. She heard a bit of noise in the other room and sat herself up further to peer into the room, her smile widening as she spotted Gabriele cooking in the kitchen. She shook her head, the black curls tumbling around her face.

It was sweet of him to think about her, but she supposed it was only natural after what occurred the night before. She hoped he would pretend like it never happened and prayed he wouldn't ask about her nightmare. She wasn't ready to get attached to someone. The thought of Gabriele was intoxicating; much like the scent of his bed and she wrapped herself up further, breathing him in deeply.

She felt better, felt rested despite being terrified. Gabriele had been caring and understanding. Something she wasn't used too from people, especially with men. It was a nice change of pace and was comforting to think of the what-ifs. But it was also painful, knowing she wouldn't be able to stay where it actually felt like home. She chewed on her lip, finally untangling herself from his bed, pulling her thoughts from things she couldn't have.

Norah made her way to her bag, pulling out a change of clothes before heading into the bathroom, turning on the water to start warming. The events of last night were a dull ache, replaying in her head over and over again and while she felt like she was fully composed and handling it, she felt like she was completely falling apart.

She took a long shower, hoping to drive away her demons and as she got dressed, she looked at herself in the mirror. The scars remained, faded, but we're still a very real reminder about what she had lived through and how far she had come. She was stronger now, even if she didn't feel like it most of the time. There was only so much time could heal.

She left the bathroom, pulling a brush through her wet hair. She had gone casual today with her outfit, knowing that she would be talking Gabriele into letting her work at some point today. She had worn a loose fitting navy tee with comfy light blue skinny jeans, deciding to wear a pair of white flats after the sore feet incident of yesterday. Her makeup was done in a natural tone, something quick and simple but still brought out her hazel eyes and pale skin.

The smell of coffee wafted through the air, smacking her in the face as she walked out into the living room and another smile spread across her face. The thought Gabriele cared enough to make sure she was taken care of brought warmth to her chest. She had only been in his company for a day and it already felt like they had known each other for a while, though she wouldn't openly admit that. Gabriele didn't need a mess of a girl in his life. He was perfect and sweet. She was everything opposite of him.

"Morning," Norah spoke, spooking Gabriele slightly, who chuckled and gave her one of his trademark grins.

"Morning."

"It smells wonderful in here." She hummed, a smile spread on her lips as she made her way to the coffee pot, pouring herself a mug.

"Thank you, it'll be ready here in a few moments. I see you found yourself the bathroom." He teased, earning a smack on the shoulder.

"Ass." Norah made a face at Gabriele, earning a hearty laugh from the man. That laugh of his melted her heart.

She finished pouring her coffee with a good helping of sugar before making her way to the counter island and sliding onto the bar stool, holding her coffee close as she breathed in the sweet aroma. She looked out into his apartment, taking everything in. The sun was shining brightly through the windows, making the already cozy atmosphere that all much more comforting. She pushed herself off the counter and walked to the window, leaning against the wooden frame as she looked out upon Little Italia, watching as the everyday hustle and bustle took over the little community. Everyone looked so happy, looked like they belonged.

Gabriele looked behind him when he heard movement, a smile spreading across his face as he watched Norah, how content she seemed to be. It almost seemed like last night hadn't happened at all, and honestly, he could get used to seeing her around his apartment.

"Hey, so how about I take you on a tour of Little Italia?" He asked, turning his attention to the pancakes in front of him, plopping the fresh ones onto a plate already piled high in the fluffy goodness.

Norah was brought out of her daze by Gabriele's voice and she took a long sip of her coffee as she watched him. She thought for a moment at his offer, it couldn't hurt to have a guide around the new city she found herself in and it would give her a chance to maybe buy a couple of new shirts to flesh out her wardrobe with color.

"That actually sounds very nice, thank you." She said, smiling widely at him as she made her way back to the island, slipping back into her spot.

Gabriele soon joined her at the island, putting an empty plate in front of her and the full plates of food next to her. He slipped onto the stool next to her and picked up his mug. "Great, sounds like a plan. You'll love it here, I know it." A grin crossed his lips.

She laughed, smiling warmly at Gabriele at his attempt to make her feel welcome and wanted, comforted. It made her heart flutter and soar and that smile of his made her more than happy to see. Then she turned her attention to the food spread in front of them, her stomach growling loudly in response and she let out a laugh, feeling her cheeks warm.

"Hungry much?" Gabriele teased, shaking his head gently as he nudged the plate of pancakes towards her, his hand reaching for a strip of bacon as he chomped on it.

"Just a bit. In my defense though, the food is amazing." Norah beamed, sliding a few pancakes off the plate onto her empty one, then slathering a generous amount of syrup upon them.

"Why thank you." He said, taking a bow slightly, earning a laugh from Norah.

"How the hell are you so good at cooking?" She asked with a mouth full of pancakes.

Gabriele raised an eyebrow, looking at Norah with an amused look upon his face as he munched away on a piece of bacon. "You are aware I own the restaurant below us, right?" He asked, pointing down at the floor.

Norah fell silent for a moment, her cheeks warming at her embarrassment, "oh... right... I forgot about that."

He shook his head, a hearty chuckle leaving his chest as he was greatly amused by her. "I also helped take care of my siblings growing up, so I was exposed to this kind of thing from a young age." He said amusement in his voice as he settled down.

She stuck her tongue out at Gabriele, "no need to laugh at me. I've only known you for like, what, a day? Give me a break." She pouted for a moment, earning another laugh from him.

"Nah, it's far too much fun to tease you." He said a wide grin spread across his lips.

She flipped him off as he began to pull himself up from the counter, though she couldn't keep the smile that inched its way across her face from spreading and Gabriele laughed as he flicked a piece of bacon at her.

"That's not very nice, you know." He joked, winking at her. He then made his way to the other side of the counter, reaching for an empty plate and scraping the remaining chunks of pancake out into the trash can.

"You're an ass."

"I know." He chuckled, rinsing off the dishes.

As he placed the last dish in the rack upon the counter, he turned to look at Norah, his smile never wavering. "Alright, well, I'm gonna go get ready for the day and then we can head out." He said, pushing himself off the counter.

Norah nodded, shooing him away with a hand gesture as she returned to finish her food. Gabriele chuckled, shaking his head as he left for the bedroom, scratching at his beard idly. She certainly was a character...

He ran his hands through his hair, brushing the loose curls back and out of his face as he walked towards his wardrobe. Soon, he was pulling out a change of clothes, a dark blue t-shirt and a pair of jeans, a casual look on his part. He tugged off the wrinkled shirt he had simply pulled on that morning and replaced it with the fresh one, pulling on the rest of his clothes. He reached for his watch on the dresser and clasped it to his left wrist before turning around to leave the bedroom.

He heard the clinking of dishes and smiled as he entered the living room, watching for a moment as Norah washed the remaining dishes. "You didn't have to do that." He said with a shrug of his shoulders, leaning against the counter.

Norah spooked slightly, huffing when she turned around, soap clinging to her shirt. Gabriele chuckled, an innocent look upon his face. "I know I didn't have to, but it's the polite thing to do." She huffed, glaring him before she turned around, rinsing the soap off her hands before taking a dry rag to her shirt.

"Well, I appreciate it," he said, running a hand through his hair, "anyways, I'm ready to go whenever you are."

She turned her attention to Gabriele, wiping her hands dry on the rag as her eyes wandered, taking in Gabriele. She couldn't help it, he was too much of a temptation for her. She bit her lip as warmth flooded her cheeks and she cleared her throat to bring herself out of her thoughts.

"Let's get out of here." She said with a laugh that was both genuine and a bit nervous as she tried to cover up her fluster.

Gabriele chuckled, rolling his eyes for a moment as he began to head for the door and he held it open as Norah began her descent down the stairs. He soon followed, latching the door firmly behind himself. As they walked into the bustling pub, the other staff were moving the daily inventory and getting the place ready for the day, the same everyday routine that Gabriele was so used to.

"So, where are you taking me?" Norah asked as they left behind the pub, walking out into the bright, brisk day of New York. The sun was shining brightly and she had to squint her eyes, shielding them as she looked up at Gabriele.

Gabriele shrugged, stuffing his hands into his pocket as he exited the pub, looking around the neighborhood for a moment before turning his attention to her. "Well, we can walk around Little Italia and I can introduce you to some of the locals, then I figure we can get lunch." He said, smiling at her.

"Are there any good clothes stores around here? I could really use some more clothes if you want me to add color to my wardrobe." She teased as she looked down at her pretty basic, dull outfit.

He chuckled, nodding his head as he began to walk down the sidewalk. "Yeah, there are a few places. Do you have enough money? I could loan you some until you get onto your feet." He bit his lip as he watched her reaction.