Work Text:
The fire crackled in the corner fire place as the three of them looked at each other. One one sofa was a younger man, Sombra, in his his mid to late twenties with black hair that was brushed but not styled any particular way with gentle red eyes. Sitting beside him was his wife, Luna, a wild woman in the same age bracket as her husband, she was tanned and covered in tattoos and scars. Opposite of them sat Enzo, a bit older than Sombra being in his early to mid thirties, he had black hair a piercing yellow eyes.
“You changed your hair” Enzo started the conversation with such a simply observation. Sombra had kept his hair brushed back for all of the time they had lived under their father’s roof.
Sombra simply smiled as he responded,”Oh thank you, I quite like it this way. It’s very relaxing to not have to maintain it as much” Sombra’s tone just as passive and non confrontational as he assumed the comment was a compliment. Enzo wasn’t sure for himself if it was or was not meant to be a compliment, but best not to stir the pot he decided.
“I have to admit I’m surprised to see you come out here though Enzo” Sombra said still smiling,”Not that your company isn’t welcome, I just never really thought you would come and visit me”
Given their past and the way Enzo had treated Sombra growing up, coming to Sombra wasn’t Enzo’s first choice. “You and your- erm wife wouldn’t have been my first choice for this but I am looking for a place to stay.” He said shifting slightly as he looked at the couple across from him.
“Oh? So you want something to do with your little brother when you need something?” Luna said pointedly,”Sombra let’s just kick him to the curb he can figure it out on his own”
Sombra looked at Luna and then Enzo for a minute before he spoke,”Can I ask why you aren’t at father’s manor?”
“I’d rather you not” Enzo spoke bluntly.
“How long do you need a place?” Sombra asked
“A few months, hopefully no more than that” Enzo responded diplomatically.
Sombra sat in silent contemplation whilst Luna glared at Enzo. She was clearly biting her tongue, but Enzo could tell his welcome with her had worn out the moment he’d entered the door.
After a moment Sombra took a breath and nodded,”Luna, I would like to allow him to stay at our inn. We have the room we’ve been meaning to renovate I’m sure it wouldn’t be a problem to let him use it” Sombra turned to Enzo,”It isn’t anything as nice as your room at father’s place and it’s not our best room at the inn, but if you’re alright with it you can stay in there. And maybe we can finally get around to renovating it” he smiled seeming quite pleased with the idea as he looked at the other two parties involved.
Enzo took a breath, a part of him felt repulsed to know he was not going to be staying in a nice place, and he worried it would be a pig’s sty. However, his options were limited so he nodded,”Yes, that would be fine with me thank you for the offer”
Luna glared at Enzo as she answered her husband,”If that is what you what Sombra, but if he messes with you I’m kicking his ass and dumping his ass out of our inn”
“I’m sure everything will be alright, we’ve all grown a lot from our youth” Sombra smiled cheerily as he stood up and moved to grabbed Enzo’s bags,”I’m very excited to spend some time with my nephew too”
——
Enzo and Ezio, his son who was only 6, had settled into their room. It was a cozy little room in the inn. The only glaring issue was the furniture being a bit out dated. Otherwise it was fine for what it was, in Enzo’s opinion. They’d been here for roughly a week living at the inn that Sombra and his wife lived in, owned, and ran. He’d primarily stayed away from the couple, other than for order food from the inn’s bar for him and his son. He had brought a small fortune with him, and had fully intended to pay for his meals and stay. However, anytime he tried to pay Sombra would smile and wave the money away. So, Enzo, despite his issues with her, began only requesting food when Sombra was in the kitchen already cooking or out back and Luna was manning the bar. She would snatch the coin away from him and shoo him off until the food was ready.
Enzo was weary of Luna being around Ezio. She was from the devouring hells. Savage and unkempt people they were. Enzo also didn’t know if she would hold a grudge against Ezio because of himself, however, he’d caught a glimpse of her sneaking him a cookie right before bed one night. A cookie that he later left money for, but the encounter had somewhat eased his concern.
Enzo was currently sitting at a small table writing while Ezio sat beside him drawing. There were a few others at the inn but it seemed residents had quick turnaround times from checking in to checking out. Enzo paused his writing to survey the others in the tavern when the door opened and Sombra walked in. He busied himself quickly with taking orders and giving out refills before making his way over to Enzo.
“Hey, you two need anything?” Sombra asked and shifted more of his focus on his nephew,”Maybe some paints for the little artist?”
Ezio’s eyes got big and nodded quickly. As Sombra looked back up to Enzo,”Can I get you anything-? Oh, are you still doing work for father?” Sombra asked furrowing his brows as he peered at the documents Enzo had been writing on. Basically, his job was to revise bills and ordinances, along with speeches for his father and Kisho.
Enzo quickly hid the documents from Sombra’s view. “Only members of the royal court can view these, and only select ones at that”
Sombra stepped back,”Oh right sorry, well still could I get you anything? Tea? Coffee? Wine? All on the house” he smiled still
Enzo felt slightly sickened at how much Sombra smiled. Was it fake? Was he trying to goad him into a reaction? Maybe. Enzo wasn’t sure, but he wouldn’t fall for it. “No, I’m fine, but Ezio could use an orange juice” he said reaching into his pocket to grab the coin for the drink. However, Sombra had already walked away before Enzo could give him the money.
——
A month and a half had passed since Enzo had arrived at the quaint little inn. Sombra had purchased new furniture and Luna installed it about two weeks ago along with updating the wall paint. Enzo and Ezio had temporarily moved to a different room for the small renovation, but Enzo didn’t really see much of a change in the room from before or after. However, Sombra had encouraged them to rearrange the room however they’d like. Which was kind, but not needed.
Enzo had continued to do his work for his father regularly sending and receiving work from his father. He had begun to allow Ezio a bit more freedom to explore as long as he, Luna or Sombra were nearby to watch him. This had made Ezio a favorite of the town residents who used the tavern portion of the inn frequently. They had learned of Ezio love of frogs, so the artisans and begun to craft small frog trinkets for the boy. The merchants would bring toys and such for him. However, Ezio could get overwhelmed, and Luna had made an area behind the bar where Ezio could sneak away to for a bit and play.
Enzo loved his son dearly, but he’d be lying if he said it wasn’t nice to have a moment for himself every once in a while. After one particularly rough day of going through documents, Sombra had suggested that he and Luna take Ezio to the square with them whilst they shopped. While Enzo initially was hesitant he agreed, and managed to take the best nap he’d had in a long time.
——
By the fourth month of living there Ezio seemed to be thriving away from the Allazrous manor. He’d made a few friends out of the local kids and was asking to go play with them almost daily. Enzo denied these requests at first, but when the mother of one of the kids suggested maybe they play at the inn for the first few times and then they could maybe begin playing at her home, Enzo then agreed. He was glad he did. Ezio did get a few bumps and scraps that always made Enzo worry, but Ezio was ultimately fine. Enzo had never seen Ezio smile so big as playing with kids his own age.
Enzo’s workload seemed to be increasing however, and he’d gotten a few letters requesting he work faster as the delay due to postage delivery was causing things to slow at the manor. So, Enzo buried his head deeper into the work, and then if Ezio was having a sleep over, Enzo would crawl down to the tavern in the evening and drink until he fell asleep. Luna maned the bar at night, so she’d normally roust him awake and send him off to bed once she’d finished cleaning the bar.
However, on this particular night Ezio was having another sleep over and Enzo found himself to be the sole occupant at the bar. Luna had called it early due to lack of customers and left the bar to Enzo to enjoy. He figured he’d just take a quick snooze here then go to bed when he woke up. He was too tired to move anyway.
When he woke though it was Sombra gently shaking his arm,”Morning” he said with a smile. It was the slow season for the inn it seemed as normally there would be others there waiting for Sombra’s breakfast special, however there was only Enzo and Sombra.
“‘Orning” Enzo slurred into his arm as it took him a moment to stretch and sit up. He looked over at Sombra and caught the pitied expression Sombra was giving him,”What.” He stated bluntly. The two had hardly spoke past the first day Enzo arrived despite him having been living here for four months.
“You just… you seem tired Enzo. You are working yourself to the bone and yet you aren’t even at home.” Sombra said looking at his older brother with concern.
“You know as well as I we are not all as fortunate as you to have some brute whisk us away to some cottage to play house.” Enzo hissed.
Sombra made a face and for one of the only time Sombra had stood up to Enzo in their life said,”Don’t talk about Luna like that.” He then took a breath and responded to the rest,”But you are right. I would have never left if not for her. I would have been fine if I stayed, I’m sure, married off to some noble for power stuff and having to keep doing the books for father, but… Enzo” Sombra laughed,”He has more than enough money to hire actual employees”
Enzo looked away,”Yeah, well I’m the only one who can do this correctly.”
Sombra shook his head,”Just… think about it. Think about maybe telling father you are done for a bit at least after the documents you are currently doing. Look at how happy Ezio has been here as well. I’m sure he’d be even happier to spend some time with you too while you two are away.”
Enzo furrowed his eyebrows in thought but before he could respond Sombra slapped the bar,”Just something to consider” as he walked into the kitchen to cook.
———
Enzo and Ezio had been at the inn for 5 months now and Enzo had requested- no. Stated, he would be taking a break from work for the remainder of his leave from the manor. Since then he’d been sleeping better and had become happier. He had started to actually leave the inn and look around the markets of the small town. He and Ezio had ventured a little ways behind the inn and found a small creek with frogs and snakes, Ezio and Enzo’s favorite animals. So, the two had been making daily trips down to the creek. Ezio had begun telling his friends about the frogs and snakes. So, naturally curious, the other children wished to learn more. With their parents permission, Enzo began teaching the local kids about snakes, frogs, and other reptiles and amphibians on a semi-regular basis.
In the evening, if Ezio wasn’t at a friend’s house or with a friend at the inn, Enzo would read books to his son and draw pictures together. If Ezio was at a friends house, Luna and Sombra had invited him to join them for poker nights. A small casual game of cheap poker every Wednesday night amongst some of the locals. He was finally enjoying his time. Enzo was the happiest he’d been in years.
——
And just like that, six months had passed. Enzo and Ezio were supposed to be leaving soon. Ezio was upset about the idea as he’d have to leave his friends behind, and he would get to keep getting the trinkets from the local artisans. He also said then aunt Luna wouldn’t be able to sneak him anymore of the cookies late at night anymore. Plus he likes uncle Sombra’s cooking.
Enzo didn’t know how to explain to him that Enzo was needed back at the manor to help ezio’s other uncles and ezio’s grandfather in a way a child would understand.
Enzo decided to take a walk down to the creek while Ezio went to Luna to cry about this revelation. Enzo sat down in the grass as the sun was setting and pinched the bridge of his nose. He sighed, Sombra had been right. Ezio was the happiest he’d ever been. Enzo was the happiest he’d ever been. But Enzo had a job. He was needed-
His thoughts were interrupted by the small voice that had always pestered him in their childhood,”Hey, I take it you talked to Ezio about going back? Based on how he’s acting, I figure he didn’t take it well?”
Enzo sighed and shook his head,”No… no he didn’t… how do I explain to him I have to go back.”
Sombra was quiet for a moment as he sat down beside Enzo,”Do you have to?” He posed the question like it was obvious.
“Of course I do if I don’t-“ Enzo started.
“What? The business will fail and it will all be your fault that the great Allazrous name went down the drain?” Sombra asked with a bit of a smile,”Father, Kisho, and the others will be fine. Father will do what he did when I left, hire someone to do the job for him.”
Enzo was quiet for a moment,”You know he was pissed right?”
Sombra chuckled,”Oh Ho Ho yeah, I know he was. To be fair, I kind of ran off after a heated argument with some random woman from the hells, who he likely thought just wanted our money.” Sombra smiled a bit,”Doubt he’s convinced she isn’t despite the fact we haven’t asked him for a cent.”
“Well like I said, not all of us can have some heathen steal us away from our problems.” His tone this time when calling Luna a heathen was a bit more jokey, and Sombra let out a half-laugh.
“Well… aren’t you already gone?” Sombra asked.
“What? No- I can’t just keep living out of your inn. I don’t even have a job here and I’ve spent most of my money I brought paying for a room for six months-“ Enzo started
“All of which Luna and I have kept seperate, along with all your drink and food that you paid for that I said you didn’t have too. It’s all sitting in a small box for when you were going to leave… if you were going to leave.” Sombra said glancing at Enzo.
Enzo was thinking of a response, Soemthing to the extent of not needing hand outs when Sombra continued,”I still write with our brothers, and Kisho and Egon- who are the only ones I’ve discussed this with- agree you should move out. Everyone else except Kisho has and it’s obvious why he hasn’t. Sure, Egon and the twins all stayed nearby, but their jobs aren’t as demanding and they have time for their families.” Sombra said,”Plus it’s cheaper to live out here. I also know you have a sizeable fortune saved up from over the years. Soooooo, why don’t you buy a place out here, write to father saying you are staying here.”
Enzo looked at Sombra shocked for a moment as he thunk it through. Sombra sat quietly with him,”You’d also have Luna and I here, so you aren’t all alone. I know she punched you pretty hard that one time all those years ago, but she’s warmed up to you quite a bit and she wouldn’t mind you sticking around… plus she finds it fun to help Ezio get away with late night snacks” Sombra snickered
Enzo smiled and rolled his eyes,”I’ll think about it”
“Please do”
———
“Anddddd done!” Enzo proclaimed as he pulled ezio’s hand off the front door leaving his hand print in big green paint, beside it was Enzo’s hand print in yellow paint.
It had taken a few more months of living in the inn to get it built, but Enzo had paid to have his very own house built. A nice little two floor home with three bedrooms and plenty of living space. His house was about a 5 minute walk from the inn.
Enzo had also officially been hired to teach the locals as Enzo has a wide variety of skills and knowledge so he made a great teacher. He was also good with making the lessons engaging for the school children, while doing night classes for the adults. The school for now was just a small pavilion, but Enzo and Sombra were pooling some of the money they’d saved in their youth to fund the project.
Ezio was loving having a “true” school now rather than just home schooling, and he got to spend plenty of time with his friends. He also got to keep showing off all his drawings he made. Ezio started giving these drawings out as gifts. So some very “fancy” art got added to the walls of the inn’s tavern to be on display for all visitors.
Enzo and Sombra’s relationship had begun to mend as well. After their difficult sibling relationship in their youth, the brothers were finally finding common ground and building a sibling bond.
Enzo and Luna even began to become somewhat friends. She insisted on teach Ezio some of the fighting styles of the hells to be able to defend himself in the future. So, while enzo didn’t like her encouraging Ezio to fight, he did figure self-defense was important for him to learn. He also really needed to have a word with Luna about not giving Ezio late night snacks.
Enzo’s other brothers all wrote to him as well expressing congratulations on the new job and home. He’d only received a short letter from their father that was merely an acknowledgment of Enzo quitting.
All in all though, Enzo thought as he held his son up, paint still on their hands, he was happy.