My first fic people. Read and review!
An aged man lay propped up against a tree, taking a long drag on his cigarette. He tilted his head back and let out a steady stream of smoke into the air around him. At the end of his exhale, the man's lungs gave in slightly and he stifled a cough. No one was within earshot. It was his own shame that caused him to stifle the noise. He lifted his free hand to his head and toussled his hair which only served to remind him even more of his age. What was once a slick, brilliant white mane had lost most of its flair and shine. The evening sun set before the man. His position against the tree atop a grassy knoll gave him a comfortable and almost enchanting view. With a smooth, quick, single motion, Dante rose to his feet and started walking back to his manor.
The manor itself was a sight to behold. Three storeys high, it overlooked a small pond. The style of the structure itself had remained intact since its creation near the end of the dark ages. Menacing gargoyles complete with rhinestone eyes overlooked the grounds at strategic points like silent sentries. Lush, creeping vines covered an entire side of the manor, adding to its subtle charm. Dante strode across the front yard to the double door entrance. Before he could pull the doors open however they were parted by a spritely young boy of about fifteen. Unlike his father, Grante had sandy brown hair. Freckles added a sort of innocence to his already playful aura.
" Errm... I cooked ta-day"
"Heh, 'evenin to you too kid. Oh yeah? What you got prepared for me"
"Pizza"
"Sounds great. Let's get to it."
As Dante watched his son he saw a bit of nervousness in his actions. He was doing a decent job of trying to hide it, but it was once Dante's job to pick up such subtle changes in one's mood...
The two ate in silence in front of the television. It was on but neither father nor son was paying attention to the show. Grante seemed too occupied with his pizza, taking small nervous bites, another sign Dante had already noted to himself. As he studied his son, Dante's mind drifted to Grante's mother. She had been a prostitute. Dante was capable of alot better, but that was a rough time for him and he needed comfort. Considering the disease filled conception it had been on the part of the prostitute it seemed a miracle to the doctors how healthy Grante looked at birth. Dante knew it was the blood that flowed through his veins that had saved Grante however... Whether or not Grante knew that yet himself however, Dante sensed might be revealed tonight.
"Dad... I"
"Hmm?"
Dante was careful not to show too much concern and continued munching on his pizza, eyes now facing the television.
"I-broke-this-kid's-arm-today-he-was-being-a-total-jackass-you-hafta-come-in-to-school-tomorrow..."
It all came out in one long breath, each word barely out before another had begun.
"I see"
"Dad"
"Hmm"
"What"
"Hurry up and speak, kid"
"WHAT... THE HELL... AM I?"
Dante put down his pizza and took a sip of his soda.
"What do ya mean, Grante?"
"I mean, the guy's like three years older than me and I could have probably floored him with my eyes closed and one hand behind my back! It was like he was movin in slow motion... I could almost tell where he was going to attack before it even happened"
"Kid that's just your adrenaline"
"I threw him clear across the hall and into a wall! He left a dent!"
Dante put down his drink.
"Come on kid, it's time you found out who your good ol' pop really is."