il mio primo e ultimo amore

Descending into Darkness

"You're saying this as if you're leaving forever." She stares at him.

They're back in Rome, their home, their sanctuary.

He stands in front of the kitchen counter and she's there, standing in front of their room.

They stand 6 feet apart.

Vincenzo suddenly hates it.

So, he moves closer, masking that foreboding-sinking feeling by smiling towards her.

"I thought we were in for love transcending lifetimes?" He arcs his brow, letting the miserable emotion simmer down.

Scoffing, she takes her cup of tea from his hand, he didn't even realize he was holding-she's recently craved for chamomile tea and her wish is his command.

She takes a sip and hums in delight, he stands there beaming like a fool-like a lovelorn that nobody knows about.

He wonders how she's always glowing.

Watching her is like watching the last ever sunset.

"Then, don't act like you're leaving me forever." He breaks out of his reverie, she's moved to sit at the sofa now.

"Or." She says, he blinks at her, definitely knowing what's on the tip of her tongue.

"Let me-"
"Absolutely not" he cuts her off.

She scowls instantly.

He smiles at that.

She's cocooned in his robe, it's night, the lamp is on and he's back to gazing at her like she's a fallen star.

He's told her he needs to leave.

It's a meeting.

And then he explained what kind of meeting and with whom-the Capo of Sicilian Mafia, Don Salvatore.

He did not tell her about Tristo Mietitore, at all.

Not the beast from his past.

The one who's laid his eyes on him and everything he possesses.

He's hiding things from her.

Again.

But this time, his reason has potential.

He doesn't let his mind ponder on that much.

As always, she was invested and enchanted.

Like this isn't some meeting but a presidential conference or a fan meeting.

"Then don't leave." Her voice blooms.

He thinks of that as an option.

He can excuse somehow.

But this is an obligation of a kind.

His mind drifts off to what strings he can pull.

"That's better."

She glares at him, placing the cup on the low table.

"Yah!"

He looks at her, blinking wide and innocently.

"If you won't go then I'll attend on your behalf."

He laughs, shaking his head.

"Don't take this as a joke." She faux-threatens.

He grins, pulling her closer by her robe.

"Absolutely, Mio Capo."

After that, there's no discussion about this.