The Marriage Proposal (Tokyo Revengers FanFic)

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Three days had passed since their arrival at the Lombardi estate, and while Alessandro had been nothing but hospitable, it was clear to everyone that his warmth was selectively given. Emma, the youngest and most innocent among them, was treated like a little princess. The elderly man had taken an immediate liking to her, often carrying her around the estate, spoiling her with small gifts, and even having his staff prepare special desserts just for her.

Den was relieved yet worried. She was happy to see her grandfather dote on Emma, but the same could not be said for his treatment of Mikey and the rest of Bonten. There was no outright hostility, but there were cold shoulders, lingering glances, and the ever-present side comments that always seemed to dig into old wounds.

She tried to meddle, attempted to smooth things over, but no matter what she did, Alessandro remained unchanged in his ways. Even Donatello, her brother and the only other person with any sway over their grandfather, simply shrugged when she sought his help.

"Don, please," Den had pleaded one afternoon, arms crossed as she paced in his office. "I know Grandpa. If you say something, he'll listen."

Donatello sighed, leaning back in his chair, his dark eyes observing her with mild amusement. "You think I haven't tried?"

Den paused. "What do you mean?"

"You're not the only one who noticed, sis." Don rubbed his temples. "The old man is stubborn. He won't change overnight, especially when it comes to something or rather, someone he doesn't approve of."

Den clenched her fists. "But it's been three days! And every time Mikey is around, he always brings up the past."

"Yeah." Don tilted his head. "Ever noticed how it's always about Giovanni?"

Den frowned. She had noticed. Her Grandpa never outright insulted Mikey or made any direct criticisms, but whenever Mikey was in the room, the conversation would somehow steer toward what could have been. What if Den had stayed? What if she had married Gio instead? What if she hadn't chosen Bonten?

It was starting to get under her skin.

"And you're just letting him get away with that?" Den asked, raising a brow.

Don let out a small chuckle. "What do you expect me to do? Lecture him? OUR Grandfather? Seriously!? You are aware that he is always like that, even before."

Den groaned. "You're impossible."

Donatello smirked. "No, just realistic."

Don laughs at Den, even saying the last remark he always wanted to tell her. "Well, sis... You reap what you sow."

"Just like him..." Den said sorrowfully.