Chapter Text
This wasn’t supposed to happen.
In the sea of black suits and thugs, a coffin was laid down and covered with soil. Not too long after, the rain started pouring hence drenching the ground and immersing their polished shoes and boots in mud.
The events leading up to this day were starting to muddle. The buried man was shot three times in his abdomen and once on his shoulder. That should have been the indicator of his survival but still, he persisted. However, the unpredictable nature of infections will always catch the victim by surprise, even if they are in the best institutions that money can afford. Was it the failure of the surgeon? Insufficient care of the nurses? Was it someone else entirely? Such questions filled their heads.
Soon after, Bernardo wasn’t alone. Luchino eventually went home and soon did Gian. He expected their anger and frustration, and it came down mercilessly to everyone. Despite the gravity of the situation, Giulio couldn’t go back as the internal affairs of his family business filled his time. The more pressing question from them was ‘ how it could have happened? ’ especially knowing that Ivan was not one to let down his guard, but even then Bernardo couldn’t give them a straight answer. A civil dispute shouldn’t arise, not now, when one man is down. So here they are, standing in the pouring rain waiting for the ceremonies to end.
Bernardo keeps his head low as he holds the umbrella close to him. Even without looking at the others, he knows Ivan’s men are sending daggers to everyone, especially to him. Beside him is a familiar figure who is all too knowing of loss. They barely say a word to each other yet they are aware of each other's presence.
All the occurrences end and soon every single person leaves. Except for him.
Bernardo’s eyes wander at the sight of accumulated dirt and grabs his case of cigarettes. There’s nothing but the sound of rain drowning his ears as he lights the cigarette between his lips.
“...Fuck…” He curses. There’s not much to do or say to the dead.
Bernardo wallows to himself with the occasional drag of smoke. The sound of sloshing shoes across the mud soon reaches his ears but he doesn’t bother to look at who it may be.
In a somewhat strained voice, the man speaks, “Who would have thought he’d go out first?”
Recognizing his voice, Bernardo stays silent. Luchino then approaches him.
Luchino snickers and continues, “Shielding some street kid too.”
One factor that Bernardo couldn’t control or foreseen yet he bears no malice. The silence continues to fill the pair as the raindrops steadily hit their umbrellas.
“Bernardo.”
Without sparing a glance, Bernardo responds, “...What is it?”
“It’s not your fault,” Luchino says earnestly. It’s not much especially considering everything, but he means well is what Bernardo thought.
Bernardo throws his cigarette on the ground and allows for the rain to put it out.
“Hm.” Bernardo’s voice emanates defeat.
“Other than taking care of the perpetrator,” said Luchino, looking for more words to console his companion. “Moving forward would be your only option.” He says firmly.
Bernardo finally lets his head be seen underneath the umbrella. All that his companion can see is his hair covering his face and his slightly slouched shoulders.
Unexpectedly, a warm figure leans into Luchino’s side. He can’t make out Bernardo’s facial expression nor what he’s even thinking, but he lets him close to him.
Several minutes pass with just the two of them in silence. His eyes have no particular sight onto focus as the tombstones in the area is all too familiar and Bernardo concealing his face
Eventually, Luchino finds his arm draped around his companion’s shoulder as the rain continues to soak their shoes. There’s not much to say that wasn’t in their heads nor was it necessary to speak of.