Chapter Text
The building burned down in that cold day, it was snowing. Snow melted before even touching the ground from the heat of the fire, and the man laughed.
He laughed as tears ran down his face, he laughed like a real maniac, throwing all his books into the flames. His curly strict hair getting messy and undone.
The last thing he can remember before getting knocked out were sirens, as water started to get poured by fire hydrants, then, he fell into the snow, smiling.
Everyone heard the news, everyone who had a television or a radio at least. How couldn't they? It was a renovated building after all, it had centuries of history on its back and now, it was gone, all because a madman. The whole city of Venezia was in shame as the man got taken away by security, screaming and shouting, fighting like a rabid animal.
The news would eventually catch the attention of a poor blond man, who was too busy to actually listen to the news at the moment, making love to his tall, dark haired lover, still in the room where they just ended a man's life in.
"Gelato... Baby, shouldn't we avoid getting our DNA all over the place?"
The blond man smiled "we'll just burn it all when it's over dear... Just relax and enjoy this~" he purred, unbuttoning one, two, three buttons on his shirt… god he loved this man, the way they’d fight together like a dance as old as time that just the two of them knew the steps of, and he was gonna show him just how much he meant to him.
Sorbet though was too distracted by the TV, and wasn’t paying much attention to his lover’s advances.
"would you look at that...."
Gelato sighed "you're not even paying attention to me now are you? We talked about this Sorby-"
Sorbet shushed him "no I'm serious, look, some madman just set fire to the psychology building in Venezia, that's a shame, I went there"
Gelato rolled his eyes and tried to grab the remote to turn it off when a name ran in the air
----madman Enzo Ghiacci was responsible of 4 people badly hurt and a dead teacher, will now face the law for----
That face
That stupid, stupid face
Those curly blonde hair.... He knows them
Shit SHIT!
He got up in a hurry getting dressed while Sorbet looked at him shocked "w-what's wrong? C'mon baby I'm sorry don't leave-" he tried to justify himself hurrying to grab on his lover’s hand.
Gel "it's not that, get dressed idiot we have to leave now, you gotta take me to the boss NOW"
Sorb" what about the dead body? "
Gelato sighed, in a hurry clearly irritated, took the bottles of whiskey on the counter and spilled them everywhere in a goofy mode , on the body, on the floor on the bed then threw them on the ground.
Then he leaned his hand to his lover " dear, care for a hand or should I do all the work?"
Sorbet hurried "right right, here" Passing him a lighter. They ran away on Sorbet’s fancy car as the room started flaming quickly, they had to go fast before anyone noticed them even being there.
How could he be so stupid!
Well, I mean, he knows the guy is not the sharpest guy in the shed when it comes to human emotion at least but getting so angry to set a building on fire?! He's ASKING to be imprisoned for life!
He looked out of the windshield following the lines on the road as they went…
"you okay? Babe?" He snapped out of it and looked back at Sorbet, who leaned one hand on his leg in worry.
"mh? Did you say something?"
Sorbet softly smiled and said "just wondering... Sounds like you know that guy or something, am I right?" Gelato sighed in slight frustration "used to... Before I got kicked out at least... He's...well, he’s my cousin"
Sorbet looked back at him and Gelato looked away, then back at the road and chuckled,
"well, sounds like being a crazy maniac runs in the family after all" Gelato punched him in the harm almost killing both in a car accident
"Kidding! Kidding! So what's the plan? We bailing him out? Buying some lawyers?"
Gelato "you studied psychology sugar, you should know when something like this happens..."
Sorbet "... Mh... They're probably gonna consider him clinically insane..."
Gel "I can't let my cousin get locked up in an asylum "
Sorb "so you're trying to say..."
Gelato nods "yes..."
It was a stupid plan but not impossible … And if he's lucky, the boss will understand too, family is important after all, he's always saying that.
Right?
After 30 minutes the door of the hideout opens "Boss ?"
There sat a tall, intimidating figure in a dark office, only a weak lamp shining on the papers on the table. It was rare to see the boss like this, in his calmest demeanor, especially not covered head to toe in blood like he usually is on missions. He looks up.
"what happened Gelato? Did the mission go wrong?"
Gel "n-no no, we followed the plan, it's....something else boss... We need to go to Venezia"
The boss looked at him and sighed, putting down his reading glasses
"it's about the burned down building is it?"
Gel "h-how did you know? ‘’
Ris "I read your files Gelato. I know that madman is part of your family."
Gelato stepped closer one hand to his chest "and that's why I'm begging boss, please, we have to go get him!"
Ris "and then what?"
Gel "I..."
Ris "we have enough troubles now as it is you can't expect us to hide him away from the law too."
Gel "no, of course not sir... Just... Please, let him join the squadra"
Risotto gets up,his hand following the desk as he invites his guest
"sit, Gelato, and Sorbet. Come out of the shadows will you?"
That was his stand, pretty handful in situations like these. Hiding in the shadows, people's, room’s, became one with any dark space. Even under the shadow of a bottlecap. Perfect for sneaking behind victims and get rid of them quickly, in silence and without leaving any evidence of his presence ever being there in the first place. The tall man came out and sat next to his lover.
Ris "you know what you're asking me is pretty dangerous right?"
Gelato nods "I-i know boss... But... He's my little cousin... I can't just let him rot in some crazy asylum... He'll really go insane in there! We must help him!" A needle came out of his palm as he spoke, a punishment for raising his voice, hurting him slightly.
Sorbet tried to stay calm, knowing if he tried anything the situation could quickly escalate
Risotto puts his hands on the chair’s harms and leaned down to eye level
" We. Are. assassins. We don't owe him anything. Why should I let him join us? "
Gel" boss... Please... He's my family... The only one who was ever nice to me back in the day... I'm his old cousin, I have to do something... You must understand ... "
Risotto looked at him straight in the eyes for a good minute studying his every move, looking for some kind of lack of resolution. But nothing.
" you're really set on this aren't you "
Gelato nods ‘’ you’re looking for new members, I know you are. Just- give him a chance Riccardo, please.’’ the tall man just sighed " he's your responsibility then. I'll talk to Polpo and have him secretly released."
Gelato's hand immediately felt better as the wounded hand sealed back together. He held it
"really?"
Ris " I value family. I expect you to ensure he causes no trouble at all. Understand?"
Gelato gets up, followed by sorbet with a smile
"yes! Yes sir, I'll- I'll go set his room ready then!" and ran off apply
Sorbet stared at the boss in silence
"what is it Sorbet?"
Sorb "thanks. For this I mean, he's the only family he has left Riccardo"
Risotto nods "just keep him in line will ya ? we don’t need any more attention on us as we already have’’
As Gelato set the room ready he couldn’t help but wonder, wonder how he will react to seeing him now… would he have expected the outcome of his life now ? being part of the freaking mafia for god’s sake, and an assassin for that matter … would he call him a monster for this ? well… he did kill a man too so they’re technically both in it now… what about Sorbet ? How would he react learning about him being gay ?
Back in the day when he was kicked out he’s sure his parents wouldn’t dare tell the rest of his family the real motive why they had to get rid of him…too shameful for their clean name, so Enzo probably doesn’t know … he was just 14 at the time. It’s already been so long hasn’t it ?
A hand touches his shoulder and he snaps out of it ‘’mh! Oh, hey love ‘’ he fakes a smile, but sorbet can clearly see through it
‘’ what’s worrying you now dear ?’’ he says in the softest tone, one hand to his cheek for the blonde to lean into ‘’ what if he’s like the others … What if he’ll hate me too ? find me disgusting …’’
Sorbet kisses his forehead and holds him closer ‘’ nonsense … he’s still your little cousin … he’ll understand, and if he doesn’t I’ll just cut one finger or two until he does-‘’ this makes his lover smile and pinch his harm hard ‘’ you always find a way to make me laugh you idiot … but seriously don’t’’
The next day at 5 a.m. a black car stopped in front of Venezia’s local prison, it was still dark and stars shone on the gorgeous rivers of the city, the only living things awake at such hour were a few birds and the guards in front on the entrance.
As soon as they see the gothic figure appear they didn’t even bother asking questions, they were expecting them, the night before Polpo himself called the lead of the guards to have the prisoner released
‘’ ugh why couldn’t you all leave me at the base for this ?’’ the ginger whined, he was just a teenager at the time after all, his mind still young and immature.
‘’ we’ll be welcoming a possible new member of our team Formaggio, it’s important we all are present for this. Now shut up.’’ Risotto said in a firm voice, a voice so deep he’d make anyone listen.
As they walked in the corridors of the prison they felt eyes on them, probably filled with both fear and hatred for many of these people were part of different gangs than theirs, or just petty criminals who thought of themselves as stronger than anyone else.
‘’man!’’ he whistled ‘’ the memories! This looks just like the prison in Bari! I didn’t spend much time in there but still, glad to be out’’ Sorbet rolled his eyes, he’s had enough of hearing that story already. Yes, we get it, you used to sell weed and got caught, get over it! Then again it was probably his old age speaking, he was probably like this too back in the day, bragging about his first killing like it was some prize he won at the arcade, he did start taking lifes around his age… sweet sweet old memories.
Enough of that though, now he was worried about his sweet half who was busy pinching his own hands out of anxiety, he’s never seen him this nervous, all he could do was try and hold his hand to calm him down, Gelato held it and smiled up at him until-
‘’ here. He’s behind this door.’’ The isolation chamber, an iron door with just a tiny window to see inside,but everything seemed dark.
Gelato quickly let go of his hand, right… keep it a secret til it’s safe.
‘’ I warn you..he’s , well, pretty unstable. He bit one of the guard’s ear right off. We had to make sure he couldn’t be a threat to anyone else.’’
Risotto looked down at the short guard, he was chubby and had a weird mustache, looked as much as the stereotypical guard could ever look like ‘’what do you mean, did you sedate him ?’’
The guard shook his head and chuckled ‘’ no no, we just … well ...’’ he opened the door slowly, the room dark inside, and lit the light on, a small lightbulb shone on the man ‘’ restrained him’’
Formaggio took a step back ‘’ what in the fucking Hannibal the Cannibal is this crap ?!’’ Risotto took a step forward as the restrained man looked up at him with pure rage in his eyes, but carefully kept silent. There he was, a restraining jacket on, a muzzle to avoid him biting anyone else, sitting on the floor and looking up.
Risotto kneeled down to his eye level ‘’ feel like getting out of here ?’’.
The ride to the hideout is quiet. 6 hours of awkward silence, Form already getting too comfortable around Enzo and sleeping on him, loudly snoring and almost earning a headbutt from the new stranger.
Gelato could feel his cousin’s eyes burning at the back of his neck as he sat next to Risotto ,he must have many questions, where has he been, why did he leave him all alone in that hell of a family… why didn’t he come back for him ?
When they arrive they have him sit on the couch as Form carefully takes off his muzzle, waiting for the new member to speak, but nothing. All he did was stare at Risotto.
‘’ you must have many questions’’ he said, in a calm tone.
Risotto was utterly intimidating in both figure and soul, he had an aura around him that would just tell you it would be better to run, but Enzo seemed unfazed.
‘’ you the mafia or some shit ?’’ its all he said, the gothic jester nods ‘’ yes, you could say that. And-‘’
‘’We want you in !’’ shouted Formaggio in excitement.
‘’what makes you think I want anything to do with dirty scum like you ? you’re murderers.’’
Form ‘’just as much as you, you jerk.’’ he pouts, not liking being called out on his very real actions. Enzo keeps quiet. They’re right. He’s an assassin now…just like them.
‘’ do I have a choice ?’’ he asks, risotto nods ‘’either us or back in the prison waiting for your sentence to be over’’
‘’ I see …’’ he looks at his cousin ‘’ and why is he here ?’’
Gelato pales ‘’ me ? I-‘’ ‘’ he’s an assassin. We all are.’’ Risotto explains. Enzo’s eyes stare at Gelato’s. ‘’ So this is what you’ve been up to this whole time uh ? tzk. Disgusting.’’ Disgusting. The word he feared most would come out of his mouth, he really is, is he ?
‘’ so, what will it be ?’’ Form starts to get impatient now, and crosses his harms. Enzo looks away in shame ‘’ the food in prison tastes like shit. Can any of yall even cook ?’’ Formaggio smiles chuckling.
‘’ yes brother !!! I’m the best cook there is !’’ a kid ? tzk.
‘’ whatever. Fine. It’s not like I can go back at my Uni anyway.’’
‘’ cuz ya burned it down DUH ???’’ Form specifies, man , he already looks up at Lorenzo ‘’ how did you even do it man ? it was insane !’’
Enzo just looked at him without granting him an answer. After they took off his jacket, they presented him his room. Nothing too special, just a bed, a desk, a wardrobe, not that he had any clothes with him anyway. It reminded him of his old college room, one he sadly shared with a loud roommate he absolutely hated.
He leaned on the bed, appreciating the feeling of freedom without bein held by that stupid jacket.
Then a knock.
He gets up slowly and opens the door, a blonde figure on his doorway.
‘’ oh. It’s you …’’
Gelato tries to smile at him, some food on a plate in his hand, an half assed omelet he fucked up, he’s not really a good cook.
‘’ hey, uhm, you must be hungry. H-here-‘’ Lorenzo took the plate and tried closing the door ‘’wait ! please. We need to talk.’’
They sat on the bed.
Gelato held his own hands feeling anxious, ‘’you…must have questions …’’
‘’why haven’t you called ?’’ gelato looks up at him ‘’ I couldn’t… I didn’t contact anyone after I got kicked out’’
‘’ why did you get kicked out ?’’ This was the question he feared. So he doesn’t know yet … should he tell him ? or… what if he’s like his parents … what if.
‘’bad fight with my parents.’’ He lied, and got up.
He couldn’t possibly tell him how he was caught by the city priest giving head to his boyfriend at the time in the church confessional. He remembers how religious his cousin used to be, he’d repudiate him like everyone else did… he gets up ‘’ well, any more questions ?’’
‘’ tomorrow, they said it’s gonna be a big day, why ?’’ oh. Right.
‘’ you’re technically not yet part of our team, you’ll have to pass a test first.’’ Enzo looks at him confused
Telling him what’s the test about won’t change the outcome of things… he sighs ‘’ it’s gonna be simple okay? Just, stay calm all the way and don’t fuck up.’’
‘’jeez thanks.’’ Gelato gets up. ‘’ well. Try sleeping okay ? the bed at the prison couldn’t possibly be better than this one’’ he smiles before hurrying to the door and leaving his cousin alone in the room.
Sorbet was waiting for him outside ‘’ so ? how did it go ? did you tell him ?’’, Gelato shook his head ‘’ no … I couldn’t … I’m sorry’’
For the rest of the day Enzo did not come out of his room.