〖JJBA - EN〗- Last Judgement

Chapter 47: Rekindling the flame.

Milano, Italy. September 28th, 1996.

The music was particularly loud, but (Y/N) was willing to lose her audition if it meant seeing Risotto smile like that. He was resplendent, clearly in his element. Dressed in civilian clothes, and far from their city, they could finally breathe, sheltered from the work and constraints of Passione. They could finally breathe, and what could be better than spending time together at a concert?

"Never opened myself this waaaay~ Life is ours, we live it our waaaay~ All these words, I don't just saaaay~ And nothing else matteeers!!"

Risotto was yelling, and she could only admire him with wide amused eyes. Caught up in the music, it took him a long time to meet her gaze. And seeing a smile on those delicate lips he loved to kiss so much, and because she was divinely illuminated by the stage lights, he felt his heart skip a beat. He took her face in his hands and kissed her suddenly, much to the young woman's surprise. She wouldn't refuse his kisses for anything in the world. Then he lifted her off the floor as if she weighed nothing, and she found herself on his shoulders, laughing like she hadn't laughed for a long time.

But when they left the concert, a good hour later, still in this atmosphere which seemed so unreal to them, (Y/N) was suddenly brought back to reality. Three missed calls. And a good dozen messages from Illuso. And the last message that appeared nearly made her stumble.

[From: Illuso] I found Bruno Bucciarati's contact details.]

Naples, Italy. April 3rd, 1997.

Libeccio Restaurant, 7:28 p.m. She was two minutes early. And she was terrified. It was a miracle that after months of negotiations, Bruno Bucciarati finally agreed to see her again. By messages, it had been very easy to lie to him. But face to face? He knew her only too well, at least he knew very well the teenager she had been. So she had to play it smart, if she wanted to get what she wanted. She didn't really want much. Just access to more land. And land he had. At least, according to Illuso's research, he had access to Polpo's lands. That good old Polpo. It was him that (Y/N) feared the most, because he was well aware of her position as La Squadra's capo. And if she put her nose into his business without the boss's permission, she would certainly be punished well. The only way to win was to come up with a lie convincing enough to have Bucciarati on her side.

Libeccio Restaurant, 7:30 p.m. Bucciarati finally made his appearance, his face stone-cold. Dressed in a black suit that changed from his usual white suit, he didn't let his eyes wander over the young woman's new black silk dress.

"Good evening, Zeppeli."

She shivered. No one had called her that for a long time. She clenched her jaw and forced a smile.

"Good evening, Bucciarati."

The tension was palpable, and (Y/N) particularly uncomfortable to find her lifelong friend in such conditions. Without another word, he entered first and asked for a table away from the rest of the customers. Eyes turned to him and smiles broke out, she easily guessed that he was on conquered ground. And that she was the cat among the pigeons. She sat down at the table after being invited, and he immediately ordered wine from the waitress who gave him a big warm smile. He was definitely home.

"So?" he began after a moment of silence. "To what do I owe the honor of your visit?"

His voice was full of sarcasm, but she didn't pick up. A faint smile traced her lips and she shrugged slightly.

"I just wanted to see you again.

- Took you long enough.

- I know, sorry. I've been banned from contacting my old squad again.