I'm here

      Finally. After saving Clarissa and dancing at the ball at the Medici castle, Lisa finally confessed her love to Leo. In spite of her expectations, the boy was not embarrassed; on the contrary, he also confessed that he had been hiding his feelings from her for a long time. He had simply been very mistaken, thinking that love was not for him, that it would get in his way, but with each passing day it grew stronger, and he finally understood what he, Lisa, and everyone in the city had known for a long time — that he needed her, that fate had brought them together. After that, Lisa even allowed Leo to stay with her for the night. They had missed each other so much after all those days of arguing! Leo and Lisa began to spend a lot of time together, and Leo was now more willing to walk with her in his free time. And yes, they didn't forget about their constant bickering — Lisa never stopped teasing Leo for fantasizing too much, and he was still annoyed that he didn't think things through, while Lisa was always the first to notice things. Nevertheless, this was quite normal for them — no couple ever gets along without conflicts, even if they are minor. One day, when Lollo left the city for a while, Leo sewed green socks for Lisa with a beautiful flower pattern on each one. He was inspired by the socks worn by one of the Conspirator's assistants, a chubby man. Leo worked on them all night so that Lisa would like them. “Leo, they're beautiful!” Lisa smiled when Leo showed her the socks. “But are you sure they'll be comfortable?” “The only way to find out is to wear them!” Leo said. After putting on the socks and walking around in them, even in her boots, Lisa realized that they were quite comfortable and warm. She agreed to wear them. When Lisa left, Leo eagerly waited for her to come back. Now he had to go to the workshop, and then return here in the evening to make another incredible thing.       When Leo returned to the laboratory that evening, he took off his vest and accessories to catch his breath after such a hot spring day. He lay down on the bed he had recently made for himself so he wouldn't have to sleep on bags, and took out his diary to sketch some invention, but nothing came to mind. Finally, Lisa came into the laboratory, all sweaty and tired. “Hey, hi!” Leo said. “Hi...” Lisa replied. She was smiling, although it was clear that she was very tired. “Are you tired from the heat too?” “What do you think? I was so exhausted in the stable, and then when I was walking in the forest. I tried to cool off in the shade and took off my socks and boots for a while, because you made them so that my feet felt like they were burning. I decided to wear socks again to make you happy. But apparently that was a mistake.” “You could have just taken them off and not suffered, so don't worry about my reaction,” Leo smiled gently. “Even though my ideas often seem childish to you, it doesn't interfere with our relationship.” “I'm glad to hear that. I'm sorry.” “Don't apologize. Come on, take off your socks and shoes. I'll give you a foot massage so you can relax after such a hard day.” “Do you know how to give a foot massage?” “Come on! Remember how you always gave me foot massages when we were kids, when we climbed all over the place and got scratches on our feet and stuff stuck under our nails…” “Oh, yes. I had to watch you and Lollo every day to make sure you didn't get into trouble.” “After all, I'm almost four months younger than you. Now it's my turn to take care of you.” While they were talking, Lisa took off her shoes. Once on the bed, Lisa put her socks next to her. Leo began to give her a very relaxing foot massage. The girl was a little embarrassed by the situation, but with each pleasant movement of her friend's hands, she simply couldn't say anything against it. As she lay on the cool bed, her feet finally able to rest, she felt so grateful to Leo for taking such good care of her. When Leo finished, she said: “Thank you for always taking care of me.” “You're welcome.” Lisa knelt down. “But why do you do so much for me?” “Huh? What do you mean?” “It's like you shouldn't want love, but when we met, you couldn't stay away from me. I fell in love with you then too, but I didn't count on your feelings at all. I still have no idea how you managed it. I really appreciate what you do for me, but I want to hear from you why you love me. I already told you my reason—I always had fun with you, you never left anyone in trouble, you always knew what to do.” Leo laughed. “I can't believe you still don't understand. You supported me when I was going through a very difficult time in my life, after separating from my mother and moving in with a family that doesn't take me seriously. When you said those words of support to me, I firmly decided that I would spend every day with you, since my relatives didn't want to talk to me. I got distracted by fantasies not only because I wanted to escape my problems, but also because I wanted to make the world a much more comfortable place. When you came into my life, I wanted more and more to share this feeling of inspiration with you. And despite all the arguments and criticism, I couldn't help but admire the fact that you're not afraid to try new things and want the best for those who are truly dear to you. And also (most importantly!) you taught me to live, simply appreciating what is around me, and it doesn't matter whether I like it or not — now everything is wonderful for me, thanks to you.” “Leo... I never stopped worrying about our future together. It even seemed to me that you liked girls who were much prettier than me.” Leo touched Lisa's cheek. “Of course, I've seen many beautiful girls, some of whom were, to be honest, even too stunning, but you... You should be loved not only for your beauty and strength, but also for your courage, determination, and kindness...” Leo and Lisa touched foreheads and, closing their eyes, felt their hearts begin to beat faster and stronger in anticipation of something wonderful. Lisa hugged Leo tightly around the back, and he touched her waist. Their lips merged in a long kiss, into which they poured a great deal of love and desire to be with each other for the rest of their lives. Gradually, the kiss became more and more passionate, and with each breath, it was obvious how long they had waited for this moment. Finally letting go of each other, Leo and Lisa felt such a rush, breathing heavily and continuing to embrace. They opened their eyes and looked at each other with even greater desire. “You can stay with me tonight,” Leo said quietly. “Lollo is out of town, so no one will disturb us.” “Yes... Thank you...”       At night, Leo and Lisa got ready for bed and lay down together. They kissed a few more times, wished each other sweet dreams, and fell asleep. They will remember this evening for a long time.