Chapter Text
When Nicky was ready to tell his parents he was gay, Davide kept his promise and stood by his little brother's side. And just as Davide had predicted, their parents wrapped their arms around Nicky and told him they still loved him. After that, things slowly returned to normal, but there was still the matter of what Nicky wanted to do in the future.
"Rosie?" Davide asked. "Could I ask you for a small favour?"
Rosie looked up from her book and nodded.
"Could you maybe entertain Nico this afternoon while I talk with our parents?" Davide asked. "Nico has talked about getting his ears pierced, and I thought maybe since you love piercings, you could be the one who introduces him to the world of piercings."
"I would love that," Rosie replied. "But Davide, if you are going to talk about Nico's future, I think Nico should be present."
"And I agree with you," Davide replied. "I just need to vent an idea with my parents first before we talk with Nico."
After sending Nicky off with Rosie, Davide sat down with their parents.
"Thanks for talking with Nicolò," Elena said. "I'm really glad that it helped us all."
"So am I," Davide replied. "And it's Nico I want to talk with you about, or his future to be more specific."
Davide ran his finger over the edge of the cup.
"We all know that being gay in Rome isn't easy, and I know if he stays here, I want to wrap Nico in bubble wrap to protect him from all the blows he will get for being gay, and I know you also want to do it," Davide said. "Or am I wrong?"
Elena and Alfredo agreed with Davide.
"That's why I think it's best we let Nico find his own path and how he wants to handle his sexuality by sending him away for a while," Davide said. "I have talked with a friend I have in Berlin. Do you remember Norman?"
"Oh, your American friend in exile," Elena replied. Davide nodded. "He is a lovely man."
"He is, yes, and being in exile is just his way of saying he is tired of living in America," Davide replied. "And the same thing goes for his family. Norman's parents and little sister have just moved to Berlin, and they are more than happy to house Nico for as long as he needs a place to stay. They don't have a problem with Nico being gay, because Norman's uncle is it."
Davide took a sip of his tea.
"Norman also has a job offer ready for Nico if he decides to go to Berlin," Davide said. "He has started a firm that offers guided tours for tourists, and he needs people who can help him make the guided tours. If Nico says yes to the job, he can be outside the entire day, which is something he loves, plus he gets to visit different historical sites, which is also something he loves."
Davide looked at his parents.
"It's just an idea I got," Davide said. "And Rosie is right about that it's Nico who should decide what he wants to do in the future because it's his future and not ours."
Elena placed her hand on Davide's arm while smiling warmly.
"It's a wonderful idea you got, Davide," Elena said. "It tells us you care and love your little brother very much."
"I agree with your Mama about everything she said," Alfredo added. "We have also talked about offering Nicolò the chance of travelling around the world for a time if he wants, because you're right about that, maybe it's new surroundings your little brother needs."
They all looked at each other.
"I think we should talk with Nicolò when he gets back with Rosie," Elena suggested. "And I also think we should give him the time he needs to make a decision."
When Nicky returned with Rosie, Davide and their parents told Nicky what they had discussed.
"You decide what you want to do with your life," Alfredo said. "If you want to do what your big brother suggested or what we suggested. Or if you want to do something else, we will all be there for you."
Nicky nodded.
"And you're welcome to work for me in my flower shop again if you want," Elena said. "Or if you want to work with flowers somewhere else, I can reach out to friends I have."
Rosie sat down next to Nicky.
"You are also welcome to work for my parents' firm," Rosie said. "We are always in need of window cleaners, but if you don't feel like climbing around on buildings, I know my Mama would love to have you working in the office."
Nicky looked at them all.
"Thanks for all of your offers. It has certainly given me something to think about," Nicky said. "Is it okay if I give you an answer after Rosie and Davide's wedding in three weeks?"
No one had a problem with that.
"I have letters to write to Joe and Bas," Nicky said. "Davide, are we still doing the thing tomorrow?"
Davide thought for a moment.
"Oh, that thing," Davide replied. "Yes, I'll text you with the details later."
Rosie looked at Davide.
"Davide?" Rosie asked. "What is Nico talking about?"
While Davide tried to answer Rosie's question, Nicky slipped out of the kitchen and went into his room. While writing the letters, Nicky thought about his future and whether he wanted to say yes to any of his family's ideas.
A month later, Nicky knew what he wanted to do with his life right now.