Nothing better than a mother's advice... and cooking.
—*—
Alessio's never been the emotional type. There was always a cold, stoic expression on his face as he carried out his duties as the Family's consigliere. Deathslinger even took a fancy to call him Mr. Balls of Steel because of this. Even at his own wife's funeral, his emotionless expression never changed. Those who knew him well, however, could see the grief in his eyes.
Alessio swore a part of him might have died alongside Bianca. He did not cry in front of other people, but the pain was there. Many of his colleagues—and their wives— attended her funeral. She was such a pure, loving soul that everyone wanted to say goodbye to her; even Crimson himself showed up to pay his respects despite the... bad blood between him and Bianca, mostly on her part.
Pietro was cradled in the arms of his Aunt Cecilia, who whispered comforting words to her nephew despite the tears in her eyes. Unlike his father, the four-year-old was bawling his eyes out. It broke Alessio's heart even more.
The ride way back to the house was quiet. Cecilia offered to drive so he could spend some time with Pietro. And so, Alessio joined his son and his nephew GaGarret in the backseat, the former sobbing into his chest. Eventually, Pietro cried himself to sleep in his arms. Once they got home, rather than wake Pietro up, Alessio opted to carry him to the nursery while Cecilia and GaGarret went to the kitchen to make them something to eat. He was greeted by seeing his mother sitting next to Giulia's cradle, watching her sleep. Alessio was glad she could look after the little one; there was no one else he'd entrust his bambina to.
"How was it, figlio?" Mother inquired grimly.
"It's done, mamma. She's finally resting..." Alessio peeked inside the cradle. His baby girl was cuddled up with her baby cousin Arianna. "How's Giulia?"
"She slept the whole time, the little angel. She didn't stir even when Arianna woke up a few times." Mother got to her feet and touched his cheeks with both hands. "Goodness' sake, Alessio. When was the last time you slept? Have you been eating well?"
"I'm fine, mamma."
"I'll make you some tea."
"I'd rather have coffee—"
"I'll make tea." With that, Mother left for the kitchen.
Alessio sighed. No matter how old he got, she'd still treat him like a child sometimes.
After tucking Pietro into his bed, Alessio went back to the crib. Carefully, he cradled his daughter in his arms, making sure not to disturb Arianna in the process, and he kissed her forehead. For a while, he just sat on the rocking couch, silently watching his bambina sleep. Giulia stirred a bit every now and then but didn't look like she'd wake up anytime soon. Alessio felt guilty for not bringing her to Bianca's funeral, but it was no place for a baby so young. He tenderly stroked her cheek with his thumb. Giulia stirred at his touch and smiled a bit. Despite his emotional state, Alessio managed to crack up the tiniest of smiles. She looked so much like her mother...
"Ale?" reluctantly, he looked up to see his sister in the doorway. "Mamma wants you to come downstairs and eat something."
"I'm not hungry."
"You need to eat something, Alessio," Cecilia spoke a bit more sternly. "Pietro and Giulia need you now more than ever. How do you expect to care for them if you don't care for yourself?"
Sometimes, he hates it when his little sister is right. Alessio got up and—very reluctantly—handed Giulia over. He didn't want to let go of his daughter. Thankfully, Giulia didn't seem to notice the exchange and contently kept sleeping.
YOU ARE READING
A Promessa
Fanfiction"I need you to promise me something." "Bianca-" "Promise me that you'll keep them safe. You must protect them. Don't let them get involved with the Family. It's not safe for them...." Alessio closed his eyes shut, heart aching in his chest. "I promi...