If you haven't noticed yet, I write it like the continuation of the manga. No pairing, no relationship other than friendship with the other capos. The problems with the Grave Diggers were cleared up ( GD retreated to Rockwell and is losing its ground there too. ) Gian is still capo, on the road to boss.
After waking up, i decided to stay in bed for a while longer. Its been so long that I slept in a bed. And so long since me actually sleeping a whole night in a bed. I cuddled into the sheets and closed my eyes.
I overslept. When I opened my eyes again, i swear after only a moment, somehow one and a half hours had already went by. I sat up like a scalded cat and rushed to dress. I didn't even take the time to brush my teeth or comb my hair. Simply splashed some water in my face and sticked a gum in my mouth. Late on my first day. I'm great at making a proper impression.
I didn't even bother waiting for the lift and ran down skipping two steps at a time. Of course I was late by half an hour nevertheless. Giulio sat in a comfortable chair and sipped his coffee. No scratch that. Knowing Giulio it was probably hot cocoa. Now that you mention it, I wouldn't mind one of those too.
"Signor Gian... " The minute he spots me Giulio got up and something like joy passed his features. But I may have imagined that. Yeah, right.
"I'm sorry, Giulio. I just wanted to close my eyes for a minute but I fell asleep instead. It won't happen again." I started explaining breathlessly.
"There is no reason... for Signor Gian to apologize. I should have set the meeting... at a later time. I'm sorry."
"No need, no need. I was just sleep-deprieved from my time with Ivan. I don't want to come in between your work. Please guide me along."
A small frown appeared on Giulio's face that immediately disappeared at my last words. I swear I don't get the guy.
"Yes... I shall do my best for Signor Gian."
"Ah, well, thanks I guess. Should we go?"
During that strange talk, I had somehow managed to gulp down a cup of cocoa and now felt more or less alive again.
Giulio hastily agreed and we left the hotel. All the capos have already left for their own hideouts and I was left to live there. But I mean it has room service and all is being paid for by the family. You wouldn't want to leave either, right? Truthfully I would never leave and the boss seems to have realized it too. I have to vacate my room in a days time already and I still haven't found another place. Well, no matter. I will simply sleep in some motel after.
Giulio's driver didn't even ask where to. I wish I had a guy around, so devoted to me, he knew where I want to go. Or a woman, that would be even better.
From time to time Giulio would throw a glance in my direction. I pretended not to notice it and simply looked out of the window. Too sleepy. I slept too much and had a need to stay in bed. Sadly that's a no-go for a capo.
Suddenly I felt a hand patting my head. Startled, I jerked away and turned my head, only to stare directly into Giulio's wide eyes.
"Your hair... There is a hair sticking up... so..."
Self-consciously I ran a hand through my hair. I looked directly into his troubled face.
"Oh, sorry. I rushed down cause I was late and forgot to comb my hair. Is it that bad?"
"Mmm... no, don't worry... it's alright..."
His hand was still up in the air.
"Emm... You want to correct it?"
Giulio's expression immediately lit up. He nodded. Several times. I'm starting to get the hang of his moods.
"Sure, go ahead.", I gave him the ok.
Just waiting for it, he slid closer to me and started running his hand through my hair. I let him be.
He moved his hands very carefully. Gently and soft.
I admit it felt really really nice. I closed my eyes and eased against the back of the seat. I didn't get my hair done by someone often, and even though by a man, I could just as well enjoy it. Actually this might be a first. After a while I noticed a second hand added. Meanwhile it felt more like random stroking than combing.
I blinked a few times and forced my eyes open. I stiffened a bit when I saw how close Giulio was again, but relaxed at once. I had already grown accustomed to Giulio getting close at every chance and well, it felt really good. I noticed that I smiled softly.
Giulio looked like he really enjoyed himself too. He wasn't smiling but his eyes, half covered by his long eyelashes, looked intensely at my face. Marveling at my face I should say. He leaned a bit closer again, his hand now also gliding over the side of my face. Our eyes met and held each other.
With a sight and a comforting smile at Giulio, I pulled away. I really didn't want to, but it suddenly hit me that the situation wasn't exactly normal and as the only sane one here, I was in charge of stopping it. A confused and a little bit hurt look from his eyes was my punishment.
Giulio face was mostly expressionless, but I was getting better at reading him nonetheless. For example right now he pulled away too on his side, turned his face forward and eyes downward. His lips were pressed into a thin line and his loose bangs covered a side of the face. He seemed to shrink right in front of me. I could almost see pinned-back ears and tail tuck between his legs.
If it wouldn't make me feel so guilty, I would probably laugh. I mean, he acts as if I had just scolded him or something. I frantically thought of that to say. And did the first thing that came to mind. I yawned exaggeratedly and stretched a bit to release the tension.
"That felt good. Thank you, Giulio. That really hit the spot." I grinned at him and patted his head.
There was a prompt reply. His shoulders relaxed and he breathed more easily. He ran a hand through his hair and tugged the loose bangs behind his ear. And he finally faced me again, looking hopefully into my eyes as if asking for approval. So I pursued the subject further.
"Yeah, that felt really nice. It was the first time someone took care of the mess on my head. I appreciate it."
A small smile crossed and disappeared again on my companions face.
"Im glad you liked it. It was really nothing. No need to thank me, Signor Gian."
He actually spoke in full sentences. I took it as a good sign, that Giulio was growing more accustomed to dealing with me. Throwing a look out the window, I changed topics.
"Could you fill me in, where exactly we're going and what we're gonna be doing there?"
"Of course, Signor Gian. As you know I am in charge of the main battle troops. I usually do hits and raids. But since the war with GD things have calmed down a lot. My crew takes care of the easy targets. Yesterday Bernardo received a report that there is a hidden weapon stash at the bay. We are to investigate who or what organization smuggles them through or in our territory. It's a bit different from my usual work, but Bernardo insisted that it takes priority. And since it's in my territory and I barely have anything to do right now anyway... "
He trailed off, looking a bit put out. From my point of view it's great that we can get by without bloodbaths for a while, but I guess Giulio misses his work. Still, it's amazing to see, how serious he gets when it comes to work every time. No stuttering or hesitation whatsoever. And now what I know our goal and destination I can actually make myself useful.
"I can understand you not liking it, but it might actually be a good idea in order for me to slowly get used to your line of work. Compared to you and your men, I would probably just become a hindrance in a raid."
"No, why say it like... Signor Gian... definitely..."
'Merde' , I cursed my big mouth inwardly.
"No, well, I mean, if we do a raid later on your men will probably provide better support, is all."
"I never take my men to a raid with me." A plain answer.
To say I was shocked would be an understatement. I mean I know the rumors and during the war I saw Giulio's prowess with my own eyes, but... I thought he had some backings in the hind quarters or something. Giulio, the one man army.
"I see. Sorry I misunderstood. Don't worry I will find something to do while you're killing fuckers off." I grinned encouragingly.
Giulio only gaped at me.
"No! I mean... ummm... I don't mind it... I mean I want Signor Gian... to come along... if you want..."
That was a lot of stuttering. Giulio cringed under the pressure and looked at me a bit desperately.
"Oh. I get it. So you don't mind me tagging along, right? But I really don't want to be in your wa.."
"You wouldn't be! And I will definitely protect Signor Gian!" Giulio cut me off mid word.
"Emm, alright then. Looking forward to working with you."
Giulio sighed in relief.
A second glance out of the window showed me that we nearly arrived at our destination. That's then I noticed the driver. He was stiff as block of wood, barely breathing and looking at me wide-eyed in the driving mirror. Surprised I raised an eyebrow at him. The driver jumped a little and caused the car to swing a bit. At that Giulio also looked in his direction. But the car was already under control and the driver was looking straight ahead. His eyes peeled and hands gripping the steering wheel so hard the knuckles went white.
"Is something wrong?" Giulio asked me still looking at the driver.
And since I thought it might not be for the best of health for the driver to mention my observations, I replied with a simple no and smiled at him. Giulio relaxed again and we reached the bay.
And like that our first day together started.