Arezzo.

The Italian city was beautiful, like a painting from medieval tales, a lost poem from "El Cid," a distant place where the modern world had yet to reach. People lived a traditional life, and the world was a place of vitality. Billy strolled with Monica, riding in horse-drawn carriages and walking occasionally. Their first stop that afternoon was the Cathedral of Saints Donatus and Peter, followed by the Basilica of San Francesco, and then they enjoyed some pizza in Piazza Grande from a cart selling delicious wood-fired pizza—delicious despite its humble setup.

-That over there is the Medici Fortress,- remarked Monica, pointing in the distance. One of the 16th-century architectural gems on San Donato Hill, they planned to visit it tomorrow if time allowed. It was built by Florentine architects Giuliano and Antonio da Sangallo and completed in 1540 by the order of Cosimo I de Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany.

-Come on, let's buy those bracelets,- said Billy, spotting a small jewelry stand against a wall, where delicate silver bracelets with intricate Tuscan designs were being sold.

-Do you like it?- Billy asked, admiring the intricate, web-like design that resembled a cuff bracelet. Monica tried to say no, but seeing the light in her eyes, Billy bought it without a second thought.

They walked down two blocks and entered a bar, where they shared a glass of mulled wine that was of poor quality but enjoyed the intimacy of their conversation.

-Tomorrow we can go to the museums, - said Monica, finishing her glass of wine.

-We will, - replied Billy, kissing her hands, especially her knuckles, while she held her hands gracefully, appearing indifferent with a cold expression, though her eyes were lively and filled with unspoken words.

In Arezzo, there was the National Archaeological Museum Gaio Cilnio Mecenate, the Civic Museum of Medieval and Modern Art, and the Vasari House Museum. But the whole town was a work of art, full of details and complexities that made it beautiful on its own. Many films had been shot in the surroundings of Arezzo, capturing the beauty of its people. Its charm was undeniable.

…

Billy's kisses landed on the neck of the dark-haired woman, who let herself be carried away by his steady rhythm.

-Sometimes our bodies blend as if they were made to please each other,- Monica murmured, followed by a deep kiss. He took off her white blouse, then unbuttoned her skirt, seeing her sheer nightgown that fell just above her knees, her lingerie perfectly matching. He loved seeing her in lace, feeling himself harden with the same ease that she felt excited about the moments to come.

Monica knelt and unbuckled his belt, then unbuttoned his pants, pressing her face against his erection, feeling the pulsing against her cheek as she moved down while he took off his shirt. Pulling down his boxers, she began to see a certain urgency in his movements, taking him in her hand. He fell back onto the bed, closing his eyes as she began to stroke him gently, feeling the warmth against her skin, and then took him in her mouth, savoring and swallowing, swirling her tongue around him and looking up to meet his gaze, caressing her cheek tenderly.

She caressed him, focusing on the tip, the masculine scent surrounding her, thinking of nothing else. Every sigh, every small release from him was enough stimulation for her, to find it necessary to be loved.

She could feel he was close, tightening her grip, and let him finish in her mouth, swallowing most of it, though a few white drops escaped. She wiped them away with her hand, igniting a sense of passion, and he entered her with strength; she was wet and willing. He was slow, taking her waist and following the rhythm until he hit just the right spot, hearing her breathing, each subtle movement, the intense moment when she couldn't hide her pleasure. The rhythm was a back-and-forth that became paradise as he pressed his chest to hers, biting her ear, her weak spot, sending a shiver through her.

-Turn around, - he said, and hearing his command, a warmth surged within her. She turned over, and he took her from behind, firmly, his hands smacking her, dominating her. This time was longer, over and over, their bodies glistening, his hands moving over her hips, taking them to the edge of pleasure. She came once, but he continued, and the next climax came shortly after, but more gently. He kissed her breasts, nibbled, and caressed. Exhausted after their first half-hour session.

They showered and went for another round, as Monica was insatiable, only satisfied when on the brink.

***

The Lux Animation comics were very popular; she thought they'd be rare but managed to find the first five volumes of Real, seeing the story of a boy playing basketball in a wheelchair. At first, she thought it was a real photo. But it wasn't—it was a drawing, and it amazed her.

Every detail was superbly crafted. She compared it to a DC comic, and it was like night and day; the spaces looked like scenes from Los Angeles or San Jose, the streets finely detailed.

-I want to buy the entire box set of Lux Animation comics,- said Kate the next day after reading the five volumes available in the shop.

-Which series? - asked the young man.

-There are that many? I don't know, something not too long,- she replied, looking at the various series there. So many series, so many elaborate drawings in different styles, she was continually amazed at the range of ideas a man could imagine over six years.

-If you're looking for something with substance, Evangelion is twelve volumes in omnibus, or maybe One Piece, which has three volumes. Each of these is a major series. Billy Carson challenges artistic concepts in both art and storytelling. If we're purists, I'd lean towards Evangelion. But we can't always be purists. One Piece is a romantic tale about a man's quest for freedom; I think you'd like the theme,- the young man suggested, handing her the pack of three One Piece omnibuses. The cover was white with intricate designs, characters, and artwork inspired by Van Gogh, making her eyes widen at the level of detail.

-I like that one,- said Kate, admiring the design. It invited her to read it; the characters were smiling, each with a charm that showed the artist's dedication.

-They're new. The author mentioned he'd take a break until next year when the next adventure starts. For now, if you want something interesting, Cowboy Bebop has seven volumes, and we have two in stock. It's still one of the great works,- said the store clerk.

Kate narrowed her eyes but decided to buy it and settle in at home. She started with One Piece, which exceeded her every expectation. The story was delightful and genuinely fun, from the intricate details, the concept of pirates and devil fruits, and the plot that seemed drawn from an almost unimaginable place, with a playful charm reminiscent of Looney Tunes.

...

Sorry for not posting much in the last few days, I've been deathly sick, and it's already passing. I got flu that didn't let me even get out of bed. I lasted almost ten days with her.

On the other hand, I am better now and I can perform and write more naturally. I will continue publishing. Don't give up. P.S. Merry Christmas to everyon