Italy!

Even if he'd never been in Florence before, he'd seen a part of this country in his earlier years, and fell in love with it. Now, he only hoped Roxanne thought the same, as they faced Toussaint Hotel. "What do you think?" He asked nervously, hoping that he wasn't going to do anything wrong, or at least during their stay in Italy; he had his reasons. He would have also squeezed her hand into his, just to make sure that she wasn't planning on running away, but he couldn't quite do that, since he was stubborn enough not to let her carry her suitcase.

As Konrad took a quick glance at the hotel, he noticed that the upper floors had rooms with balconies, which would surely give them a lovely view of Florence, so he hoped that they could get one, but if Roxanne wanted a room on the ground floor for the gardens... he'd have nothing to complain about that.

Roxanne couldn't remember Florence ever looking so beautiful. Of course, the last memory she had of the city, she had been a young teenager trying to get out of going to yet another boring museum. After all, museums are boring to most teens, so what had her mother been thinking that summer? Anyway, now that she was here again, she couldn't stop herself from eyeing everything. She just wanted to commit it all to memory. So that she could have even better ones of the place.

She snapped out of her reverie when she realized that they had arrived at their hotel..... whoa. Konrad had apparently pulled out all the stops when planning their first vacation together, because they were standing in front of one the most luxurious hotels in all of Florence. "Wow, it's beautiful! Ooo, could we get a room with a balcony?!" She had always liked balconies. One could see for miles if it was high enough, plus people tended to leave most balcony standers alone (unless, of course, they were famous, which was a whole different beast all together). She had often wondered how hard it would be to add one to her own home, but after doing the research, decided against it.

She slipped her arm carefully through Konrad's less stuffed arm, wishing at the same time that he had let her carry her luggage. Really, it wasn't that much of a burden and besides, she really hated the idea of seeming to be one of those girlfriends whose boyfriend had to do everything because she was just so 'helpless'. Though she did appreciate the manners behind it.

He might have been nervous about what Roxanne thought about the place, but as soon as she got all excited, he couldn't suppress the broad grin spreading across his face, especially when she mentioned getting a room with a balcony. "Sure we can. I was thinking about that, too." Now, he couldn't wait to get dark outside so they could get a great view of Florence and its lights. It fascinated him.

Konrad couldn't complain when her arm curled rather awkwardly around his, because he loved the contact, even if it was a simple touch as that. With one last look at the exterior of the hotel, he made his way inside, still keeping Roxanne close. As expected, the interior looked even more impressive. "Do you want to wait here while I get us checked in?" The couches in some sort of waiting area did look comfy, and he could also leave the suitcases there, while probably making a fool of himself at the front desk. His Italian was limited to just a few words, even if he could understand a little, but he hoped the staff knew English. They had to know English, right?

This was so not Dominic's idea.

But he HAD somehow managed to give off the illusion that he wanted to spend the Christmas holiday with Dia Thriftwood. A holiday that he fully expected would have been SIMPLE and non-elegant. A holiday at her manor with her friends. A holiday where he could blend in. What he didn't expect as faced the luxurious statues and fountains and gardens outside the hotel was .... well .... this. It wasn't even the money issue; he had money saved and he was pretty sure she did too. But it was the fact that it was Florence, Italy. A place of love and romance. And he just hoped that Dia wasn't going to get the wrong idea about them, because well, he just wasn't sure he was ready for that.

Shoving his hands into his jean pockets, he glanced around the courtyard in front of the hotel, waiting on her arrival. Since they had, after all, arranged to meet at the hotel rather than traveling down to Italy together. He just hoped she hadn't been pulling his leg when she presented him with this surprise vacation idea.

Ah Italy. She hadn't been here since she was a little girl! Just walking along the streets and hearing the people utter things she didn't understand brought back such wonderful memories.

Walking into the courtyard she smiled widely when she saw Dominic. It was a good thing he'd agreed to fly over with her on such short notice. Her friends hadn't been very enthused about travelling for the Christmas and she didn't want to spend the holiday alone--that wouldn't have been much of a holiday now would it? Not at all.

"Glad you made it alright!" Her voice was soaked with excitement. "Once you get settled in we have to go sight seeing!" It was a beautiful city so staying inside the entire time was NOT an option...unless he felt ill, but even then he wouldn't be allowed to stay in all the time. Not when there was spaghetti to be had which might have influenced the location of such an elaborate trip but she would never admit that.

Abigayil B. Goodman flicked her brown mane and back and pulled her purple suitcase behind her. This was Florence and she was finally here. A look at the address told her one thing.. she was not going to the luxurious Toussaint Hotel... Yet thye seemed to be going by a builing in the center... by all the attractions. Hotel Calzaiouli the sign read. Abby drew from the pocket of her turqious blue coat the scrap of partchment with the matching address. This was it. She wondered why the luxurious package did not include Toussaint Hotel... Then it hit her like a spell... she had signed up for the wrong thing... She was going to a two or three star hotel for her honey moon... Abby grinned. this was going to be an adventure. She looked fondly at her new husband.. Gabriel. "Gayby my baby, this is it" she said pointing to the sign above the entrance... She yawned luxuriously last night had been an excitement to remember. Her brown matching boots strode purposeful to the reception and she looked adoringly at her husband waitng for him to speak.

Yep. He had officially and finally tied the knot. Gabi didn't mind though, he loved his beautiful new wife, even if she did bother him with her optimism at times. He would just have to teach her that not everything was so lovely and amazing like she thought it was.

With his hand luggage in his one hand and his wheeled suitcase in the other, Gabriel followed his Abby. She was better at directions than he was, because she didn't get so impatient like him and he liked that she was doing all the thinking rather than him doing it himself. As for the actual city, he so far did not like it too much. He thought it looked run down and couldn't get why anybody would ever call this place romantic. Weird people in this world, there were.

This is it? Huh?

Gabbi raised his brow at his wife. "Are you sure? This place looks a bit cheap." He didn't even bother whispering the last bit as they entered the lobby of the hotel room. These people ought to know how unluxurious there hotel really looked. "You did ask for the five star hotel right?" Because this looked more three or even zero star to him. He would not accept it.

Abby winced at what her husband had said... it was down right rude... yet being as it was their honeymoon she said nothing... she was going to start this marriage on the right foot. "Yes, Sweetie, I am sure this is where we are staying".. she did not say anything about the later comment...

Abby paled at the thought... She reached into her pocket and pulled out yet another piece of paper (Abigayil liked to keep a selection of things in her pocket and in her bag... her bag had an undetectable extension charm on it so she fitted literally EVERYTHING in it, yet she strored mainly papers in her coat pockets). To her horror she saw the paper they had given her... and it began to sink in... it was true - it had been her mistake. She embraced her husband tightly and with heart melting expression on her face she said, "Gabriel... I am so terribly sorry.. but I booked the wrong one by mistake" she numbly showed him the scrap of paper that stated that they had booked the basic package. "Gaybz, I am SOO sorry, please forgive me for doing this to you" Personally she did not mind. On the one hand Abigayil felt bad... here she was dragging him to Italy for their honeymoon away from their new home and away from the luxurious accommadation they were both brought up in. Yet she was really happy. She quite wanted to try the simple lifestyle... the no frills, just chilled side of life. It was an adventure!

Brightening up she said, "do not worry, we are getting the newer rooms! And this place has a perfect location... right in the center of it all!"

Sigh.

Gabi was not impressed. Not one bit. As he neared the desk, he put down his suitcase only to be embraced by his new spouse. He barely believed the words that were coming out of her mouth.

Was she serious? She made a mistake? Great! Just Great!

His eyes met hers for just a short moment and then he turned away, pushing from her hug. He was not in the mood for this now. He was annoyed and not happy at all. "Whatever. It's too late now." He said in an aggitated voice. "Just lets get to our room." He didn't want to waste time and seeing as he probably had to unpack on his own, his time was already being wasted.

This holiday couldn't have started off any worse.

A feeling of regret stabbed Abby... Why, why, why did she marry him... because she was totally in love with him and that she wanted to were no excuse! Well Abby was slightly upset about his response... why could he not be the person she believed he could be... and just hug and tell her everything was okay!
She turned to him and said "You know it could have been worse I had chosen the cheapskate option, which means that accommodation it not included nor was meals..." Abby Smiled at the person behind the counter and spoke with her for a few minutes...after finding out what the lady's name was (Maria), enquiring about her well being, her birthday (which was actually the next day-surprisingly) and making her feel special, Abby got the keys from the lady and a quick rundown on what she wanted to know, that was after they checked in and asked that she be woken up the next day right before sunrise so that she could see sunrise in Florence and in order that she and Gabi could fit much into the day. Abby just loved the Italian accent... it was so musical! She then motioned her husband to the muggle elevator. "Honey, lets go..."
-----
In their room
After an exciting trip in the elevator Abby forgot about her new husband worries, ignoring his sour face (it is a pity they were not in Pocatello, Idaho, where it is illegal NOT to smile) they arrived at the right room. Abby pushed the door open and immidiately began gushing about the view, the jucuzzi, the fact that everything including the bathroom was clean (one thing Abby cared about was the cleaniless of the bathroom)
Then she remembered her husband... "Don't worry honey... I will unpack your things for you". He seemed to have forgotten all the things the pre-marriage counseller had said to him anyway.

Demetrius could still not believe he was on vacation. But not only that. But with somebody. He could not believe he was this close to Greece. Which of course, was were he had live for a part of his childhood. He still had no idea how he is even on vacation with her. But since they are here. Might as well let Dacs take the lead and let her decided where they were going after they check in.

He waited for Dacs to enter the hotel. He was holding one duffel bag full of luggage. He did not need much, and whatever else he needed. He would just buy. He kept looking at his watch wondering where she is. It was not like her to be late. He really did want to experience the hot tub before the spent the day in Florence.

Dacs arrived at the hotel in Italy. As she made her way in she had with her black overnight bag, she saw Demetrius. Heading over to him she said,"You made it. Just finished scoping the place. Habit." as she pulled off her shades and lowered her hoodie."Shall we?"

Dacs turned to go to the front desk to check in and get her vacation started. She still couldn't believe that she was on vacation, let alone with someone else."So, what do you want to do first? If you leave it up to me, I will read and eat."

Well it seemed that the vacation can finally get started. He saw Dacs walk up to him and check them in. That was some interesting habit she had. Scope out the place and all. She did work in MLE after all. So Demetrius should be to surprised.

Well at least shw was honest when she said all she would do is read and not. Sigh, Now Demetrius would have to choose. "Okay, Lets take all our stuff to the room and go to Via Tornabuoni. I'm in the mood to spend a lot of money. Then we can lounge by the pool"

This sounded like the making of an awesome and interesting day. He might even get Dacs something for going on vacation with him.

A moment later, Dominic heard her voice and smiled, pleased that she'd been serious about the vacation. That she hadn't stood him up. Because even if he wasn't completely sold on the trip to Florence, Italy, he had to admit that it was a BEAUTIFUL city.

"My trip was alright. I arrived by train not terribly long ago. How about you?" he said, offering her a warm smile. Of course she was going to drag him out sight seeing; he wasn't really surprised by that. But if she thought he was going to patiently stand there while she tried a million and one shoes, then she could think again. There WERE limits to his patience. "Do you know if our rooms are on the same floor? And thank you, by the way. Hotel Toussaint looks amazing from the outside. I just hope the rooms are kept up as well as the outside grounds."

She clutched her bag a bit tighter and said,"That sounds like...fun. I can't remember the last time I had fun that didn't include cutting down a dark wizard."

Dacs shook her head at her own rambling and then looked at Demetrius and said,"Let's go." Before starting forward.

The smile that greeted her made her feel even better about the trip. She didn't want him to feel like he was obligated to be there because, really, even though being there alone would have been horrible it would have been worse being there with someone who wanted to be anywhere else.

"Oh I flew over, not a very long flight and it was relaxing." No annoying children running up and down the aisle and no extraordinarily annoying babies crying the whole way; just the way she liked it.

The rooms? Oh yes. She scrambled for a sheet of paper that she had stuffed into her bag. Straightening it out a bit she took a look. "Well...judging by the numbers I'd say they're on the same floor and it's no problem, I love Italy." So company wasn't a bad thing at all. "Now let's head in to find out , unload ourselves then hit the town." There was too much to do and not enough time to do it all.

Demetrius was glad she decided to agree with his plan. It looked she had not had a fun time or vacation for that matter in many years.

"Okay, Now let me take your bag and i will go up to our suite and put them away and when i come back down we can shop till you get bored".

Demetrius went and took her bag. He walked over to the elevator. Took it to their floor and put the bags in the room.

When he came back down. We went to Dacs, took her hand, and guided her to Via Tornabuoni.

Yay, they were on the same wavelength about the room! Now that had been decided, she couldn't wait to get signed in and into their room. She was already imaging standing out on the balcony with a nice mug of hot chocolate, looking out over the city together. Maybe they could play spot the tourist attraction?

When they made their way into the hotel lobby, Roxanne let out an audible gasp. The interior was even more beautiful than the exterior, if that was even possible.
"Sure!" she chirped when Konrad asked if she would wait while he got them checked in. That chair was rather tempting, after all. She wondered if it was as comfortable as it looked. Probably, since it was a luxury hotel. "Why don't you leave the luggage here, too. So, you don't have to deal with it at that counter...."

Leave the luggage there...

Not only did they have the same thoughts ever since they arrived at the hotel, but it also made Konrad grin at her thoughtfulness, which earned her a brief peck on the lips. Leaving their bags with Roxanne, he turned to walk towards the front desk, but not before smirking at her over his shoulder, but not exactly waiting for her response. "A room with two single beds, right?" Hehe, just making sure that she got what she wanted.

A few minutes later, he returned to the waiting area with a keychain and the key to their room dangling from his fingers, and a large grin on his lips. Heh, he wouldn't have been smiling like that if the front desk clerk hadn't known English, that's for sure. "Ready to go, Miss Carter?" He asked, grabbing the luggage.

The room. Well at least it wasn't a hut. Still Gabi wanted to be in a more luxurious hotel and room. This wasn't his style at all and the room was a little small even, in his opinion. He sat down on the bed and scowled. Not soft enough. He was surely going to complain to this hotel. So far the room was too small, he had to unpack his own clothes and now the bed wasn't even comfortable?

This was going to be a greeeeaaat holiday. Not!

Gabi looked up at his Abbi and continued to scowl at her. He didn't care if she didn't like it. He was annoyed and when he was annoyed he did what he liked. "You better." Argh! It was her fault anyways.

Abby put on a forced smile.. after all fake it til you make it... At least she remembered the things said at their pre-nup marriage counselling. She looked tiredly at her husband slumped on the bed. She had been unpacking her things neatly into the cupboard when he responded. By now her tiredness had overwhelmed her and she kind of lost her happy facade. She turned to her husband and toned down a bit and said, "I would if I were asked a bit more politely." She then delivered her ultimate, " Look, I am tired, you are tired. Lets go to bed and maybe tomorrow we will go to a more luxurious hotel... okay honey?" Really she was more then satisfied with the accommodation. A look aside proved that it was the perfect location and the view was fantastic. The linen was supplied, the place was clean, there was even a Jacuzzi and breakfast was supplied by house elves... what more could a person want?

Ah, so she had arrived before him, but had undoubtedly disappeared for a few as she waited for him. "I found the train to be relaxing too. Much more relaxing than the Hogwarts Express," Dominic mused, reminiscing on those days of students running up and down the aisles and acting excited and crazy. And really, like a bunch of animals, in his mind, really.

He nodded when she said they were on the same floor. "That's good. I've never actually been to Florence. Only spent some time in Tuscany and Nepal a couple years back doing some research..." Looking over her shoulder, at their rooms and making a mental note of them, he nodded in agreement. "Sounds good. There's this bridge, the Vecchio or something, which sounded fascinating in the tourbooks. But I think we should start with the center square..." because even if he'd never been to Florence, that didn't mean he hadn't looked at the tourbooks Dia showed him a couple weeks ago. Swinging his backpack over his shoulder, he led the way to the reception area. "Do you think they speak English?" he whispered, wondering if he had to dig out his Italian translation book from his backpack. He was prepared.

Single beds?!? "That's the only kind, isn't it?" Roxanne replied with an innocent tone, smirking right back. Seriously, single beds, what? Pfffffft. She took a seat in the chair that she had been eyeing, sighing as she did. It was every bit as soft and comfortable as she was thinking, of course. In fact, it was so soft that she had actually sunk into it an inch or two. Wow, if the lobby chairs are this comfortable, just imagine how comfortable the room furniture is!

Wait, it was time to get up already?! She struggled her way out of the chair (it seemed that the longer you sat, the more you sunk) and stretched until she heard her back pop. "Ready when you are!" She was smiling excitedly now, knowing their vacation could now truly begin.

A wide, reflective smile spread across her face when he made mention to a train she hadn't ridden that in what felt like centuries. Now that he mentioned it she had found that ride quite relaxing too...but in a different way. The kind of way that it took only a select few to really appreciate. "Wonderful! Such a pity it was nothing like that old train; it might have been able to bring back some great memories for you." Great, now she was wishing [i[she[/i] had travelled by train.

She was impressed. He had actually bothered to read and take note of the various places in the tourbook. She had done that too but her places...probably weren't the same as the ones he took note of. "So then, this is your first trip here? Merlin, we'll have to make it special then so you'll want to visit again!" And of course, if during his next visit he wanted company he could invite her; one could never visit this place too often afterall. "And that sounds good to me!" The centre square had a lot of nice shops.

It wasn't until they got to the counter and she heard him asking that very important question that she remembered why she usually visited here with a friend...one that knew the language. "Ummm...I'm not sure, do you want to give it a go?" Because she wasn't very good at Italian and she didn't want to waste time if, being the studious guy he was, he bothered to brush up on some before he got here.