INSEPARABLE | 18+

F O U R T E E N

Thirteen years back.
Milan, Italy.

-

"They aren't supposed to return for another day," Antonio said while sitting on the couch. The bottle of whiskey in his hands was almost finished. He had been drinking with Dimitri and Valerius for an hour now.

Don Romano was away visiting the States for business with Salvatore Bernardi and Ricci Moretti, who was Antonio's father and the Don's brother. Their absence gave the young men the time to sit at ease.

"I hope they stay for a week more." Dimitri muttered as he slumped on the seat beside Antonio. The alcohol was getting to his head. Antonio brought the bottle to his lips and gave a nod, agreeing with Dimitri.

Valerius quietly stood in the corner of the room. His back was against the wall as he watched his friends, his hands trifled with a knife while moving it skilfully around.

"What are you thinking about?" Dimitri called out to him. Antonio repeated the question, wondering why his cousin was silent.

Valerius moved away from the wall and made his way to both of them. He grabbed a chair placed near him and sat down on it.

"There is something wrong."

Valerius could feel it. The last he heard from his father was hours ago. It was unusual because there was no other meeting until tomorrow. The Don was supposed to brief him about a business deal tonight, yet there was no call from him.

Antonio rolled his eyes, "You need to relax."

"Si," Dimitri agreed. He passed Valerius a drink but he refused and instead continued messing with the knife in his hand, while the free one grabbed the chain around his neck.

"Are you in a hurry to become the Don?" Antonio asked.

Dimitri turned his attention to Valerius, who was surprised by the question. He wasn't expecting it. Everyone knew he was the next in line but Antonio and Dimitri were aware that he was in no rush to claim his position. He wanted to delay it for as long as possible.

"You know I am not," Valerius answered simply.

Dimitri sighed, "Being the Capo isn't an easy job. It's like living life on the edge, one wrong move and you are dead. I am glad that I don't have to do this. I would kill myself if I had to."

Valerius chuckled at him. Dimitri could be quite dramatic at times. But he was grateful for him. Dimitri wasn't born in this life, he had grown accustomed to it by being around Valerius. He had led a tough life, and Dimitri knew that this was better than what he had.

"Lucky," Antonio muttered.

Valerius arched his brow, "Dimitri, you are wrong if you think you have nothing to do with this."

Antonio and Dimitri both looked at him in confusion. Everyone in the famiglia knew that Dimitri was one of the associates but he had no other significant role.

"What do you mean?" Antonio asked, placing the bottle on the table, his mood turning serious.

Valerius was about to speak when a guard interrupted him by barging into the room, "Signore Valerius." He called out to him in a rushed voice, "Signore Salvatore is here."

All three of them stood up rapidly. The unannounced arrival of their elder was a surprise. Antonio and Dimitri followed Valerius as he rushed out of the room. The alcohol messed with the brain of the two young men but they didn't make a sound.

Valerius walked towards the main hall. He was greeted by his Nonno who stood in the middle of the room. His father and uncle were nowhere to be seen, and by the looks of his grandfather, he knew what had transpired.

_

The following week, the three men were sitting in the office of Salvatore Bernardi. All of them had been called there after the final rites of Don Romano and Ricci Salvatore.

Valerius, Dimitri, and Antonio sat beside each other with Salvatore Bernardi at the head of the table. All of them had a feeling about what was coming. But Valerius hadn't wanted it this early.

"The death of my children," Salvatore spoke, breaking the silence, "has been nothing short of a heartache for me."

Romano and Ricci were his only children. His wife had passed away shortly after the birth of their second child. The two boys were a little reminder of her for him but now he had lost both of them. Together.

It was just yesterday that he had passed his title to Romano and now, it was the time for his grandson to become the Don.

Salvatore cleared his throat, bringing the attention to him, "Valerius," He called out to his grandson, "È ora."

(It is time)

Valerius stiffened, "And my education?"

He wasn't going to leave his studies midway. He couldn't pursue his career because of the famiglia, but he wanted the degree, at least.

Salvatore arched his brow, "If you can handle both, be my guest."

Dimitri watched the interaction with keen eyes. He knew that his friend wouldn't budge. It was impossible to change Valerius's mind. But he knew that the former Don wasn't to be taken lightly either.

"I will," Valerius deadpanned. He was trained for this and he would prove that he was capable. Much more than his elders.

Antonio had seen this coming from miles away. He had even suggested acting as the Don until Valerius was ready but Salvatore brushed him off.

"The official announcement will be in the next week," Salvatore leaned forward on the table, "Valerius will be the Don." His gaze shifted to Dimitri and Antonio.

Valerius knew that this announcement was to be made by him, "Antonio," He called out to his cousin.

"Si?" Antonio turned in his chair to face Valerius.

"You will act as my underboss."

Antonio gave him a nod and bowed his head in acceptance. Dimitri passed him a small smile, he knew that Antonio deserved the title.

"The Consigliere?" Salvatore questioned.

Valerius shifted his head towards his friend, "Dimitri will be my Consigliere."

The men in the room stiffened. No one had expected this. Everyone knew about the brotherhood of Dimitri and Valerius. But, he wasn't blood. He would never be.

"Dimitri?" Salvatore drawled, and the corner of his lips turned into a scowl. "He isn't blo—"

Valerius stood up from his seat and placed one hand on the shoulder of Dimitri, "Questo non ha niente a che fare con il sangue," He paused and then looked at Dimitri who was already staring at him, "E tutto ha a che fare con la scelta."

(This has nothing to do with blood, and everything to do with choice)

"But —" Antonio interrupted.

Valerius shut him off with his hand raised, "I am the Don now," His eyes turned towards his grandfather, "No one will dare defy me."

-

Hello everyone. Just wanted to show you all a little flashback about Valerius.