ALESSANDRO'S POV
[ one of my favorites ]

I picked up the last box, walking back in the house, placing it next to the other millions. I sighed looking around the house, how could one man have this much luggage. Armando will be living in this house, the one me and Venom are currently in. I could have easily sent him to the other one but after a lot of years being separate, it was time to get close. I wanted him to live under the same roof, and I'm sure he wanted it as well.

As much as Armando wanted it, he tried to reject it, to give  me privacy or whatever he said. But I refused, there is nothing in such privacy. I've got nothing to hide. And before anything I asked for Venom's permission.

In the end, she lives with me, which means she has all the right to say who lives with us and who doesn't. I won't lie and say I wouldn't have got upset if she said no. Yet she never let me down and gave me a nod in acceptance.

I marched around the house, searching for the idiot that made my house a whole mess. And finally found his ass standing in front of the fridge.

I walked closer to him, not making any noise. I reached my head from the side, looking at what he was doing. The man was making out with a cookie.

I hummed loudly, making his eyes catch mine. Then seconds later, they were on the cookie again. I shake my head to both sides before grabbing his shoulders, turning him around. He groaned with a full mouth, making me chuckle at his figure. I rested both of my hands on my hips, raising an eyebrow at him. "Fine fine I will go settle in" he said, shoving the whole cookie in his mouth. He closed the fridge slowly, giving me puppy eyes to let him eat a couple more minutes.

I titled my head to the right, guiding him to go upstairs and prepare his room. He let his head fall into the ground before storming out of the kitchen, heading up to the stairs. I watched him take the first stair, he stopped, looking back at me then in a second he raised both of his hands, giving me the middle finger. He then ran up the stairs, holding his pants before I could chase him.

I laughed out loud, turning my body towards the sink. I grabbed a glass, filling it with water. I finished the water, placing the glass on the counter. I walked over to the living room, settling in on the couch. I pulled my phone out of my pocket, unlocking it as I type in a special date.

Everyone was excited the second I told them Armando would be coming back to Silicy. We all loved and appreciated him deeply, the mention of his name would lit up a room, he would make the whole mood change without even uttering a word. Maybe sometimes it can get hard when you find that idiot making jokes in serious situations, missions, even while torturing people.

And without another thought, I called Dante. Inviting them all to the house, including Julia, Kira, Lia, Lydia and oh god Emilion. I forgot about this one. You put Armando and Emilion in a room, you prepare yourself for no sleep for the next twenty four hours. These two are way too crazy and energetic with each other. One makes a bad joke and the other laughs at it, so much happens with that humor.

I slapped my hand to my forehead, dramatically realizing what I put myself into. I didn't want to kill the man I haven't seen for the past six years, especially on his first night back home. And I wouldn't like to muder my left hand as well.

I pushed myself up, feeling a slight head rush. I blinked twice before the dark spots went away. I need something to eat. I picked up my phone from the coach, going through my contacts until I found Adriano's number. I clicked on it, waiting for an answer. The phone kept ringing in my ear, losing hope with the same noise repeating over and over. Until the last minute he decided to pick up. "I'm here, I'm here just this goddamn sheet won't stay on the bed" he said in full frustration. Then I heard nothing but curse words and screaming from the poor guy.

A minute later he picked the phone, remembering to greet me. I laughed at his situation, letting him know everyone will be here at seven and he was welcomed to join us. "If there's food, I will be there" I sighed with a smirk on my face "You'll bring the food" Next thing I know the man is screaming in my poor ear, hearing jumping noises which caused nothing but my smirk to turn into a laugh.

I hung up with Adriano as soon as he started naming all kinds of food in the world. I bet he will get pizza in the end. I need to change this outfit, I didn't have much going on. Just a pair of black sweatpants and for the very first time, I wore a shirt. Not that I enjoyed it, but I wasn't quit ready for Armando and his gay jokes. As he once said "I would lick off my favorite flavor of ice cream off your hard abs" yeah since then I learned my lesson, never be shirtless around Armando.

Even the first time Kira met him, she thought he was gay. The man is just all over the place. Then she took it back after he started drooling over her abs. The man got something for abs.

I found myself standing in the middle of my closet, unable to pick out something to wear. Why can't someone just pick out for me.

I decided to let it go at the moment, and take a quick shower. I took out a towel, glancing at the clock. I had one hour left. I walked in the bathroom, throwing the towel on the sink area. I took off my clothes, stepping in the shower. Not that I had much to do there. I grabbed the shampoo bottle, squeezed some of it in my hand, making the whole place smell like coffee. I rubbed it through my hair, letting each strand of hair get some. After washing my hair and my body, I walked out of shower, laying my eyes on the towel I threw a couple minutes ago. I grabbed it, wrapping it around my lower waist, leaving my upper body wet along with my hair.

Here I was again in the middle of the closet, scratching the back of my head in hope it would magically create an outfit. Second thing I know I was put into a black hoodie, paired with black Cargo pants. I walked out of the room that gave me a headache, stopping in front of the mirror. I ran my hand through my hair, shaking it as the water fell down on my neck.

Shortly after, I left my bedroom. Armando's room was far away from mine and Venom's. It was on the same floor but the other side. The living room is open to the second floor. Basically the second floor is separate rooms all connected to an interior balcony. It contains nine rooms, making the tenth my office. I walked down the hallway until I stood in front of Venom's bedroom door. I took a deep breath before knocking gently on the door. I stood there for a few seconds, then watched the door open with no one behind it. I walked in, looking on each side. The sound of the door closing made my head turn and when I looked back, I saw her walking out of the bathroom. My mind was about to question but there is really no need for that. Since there's never an answer you know.

She grabbed the towel that was hanging on the chair, allowing it to soak in the water in her hands. For some reason I held my breath for a second, and when I found my brain again "I will be downstairs with the rest if you wanted me" I let out, not waiting for an answer nor a simple head nod. Well at least that's what I told myself.

Her gaze fell on me. The words got stuck in my body, unable to utter any other word. She started moving, getting closer with each step. Until she stood right in front of me, leaving a couple inches to breath. She held this brave, graceful figure. Like a female warrior.

My eyes followed her left hand, slowly reaching my neck. Her fingers brushed into my skin, feeling them travel further into my neck. My body reacted faster than it should have, her hand is so cold, so soft. I took in a deep breath, looking down at her. She was so focused on my neck, where her hand peacefully rested. She pressed her thumb gently on my jaw, moving it downward, taking a drop of water with it.

Soon enough I felt the coldness of her hand vanish away, replaced with warmth caused by my skin on hers. She was concentrating so hard on our touch, her eyes never left where her hand rested and I wasn't mad about it. It gave me time to take in all her divine form, regard in admiration. I felt my eyes slowly soften, the further I look at her, the further I feel my heart warm. It's an indescribable emotive, you just have to feel it to understand.

Her eyes kept travelling around my neck, jaw, lips, nose, until they found their way to mine. The green in her eyes darken as both of our gaze met. Making it even harder to look away.

I felt her hand get lifted off my neck, falling down next to her hip. The two of us watched her hand fall in place, and at the same time, our gaze met again.

She got something, something that pulls me harder then it should. It traps me, making me unable to step away. Something I can't quite figure out.

It brought out this affection that brightened every part of my body. As if with every glimpse at her eyes, a part of me sprung right back to life. And I wasn't ready to let it go. I'll never be ready to let her go.

Her lips moved, mouthing a 'okay'. She turned her body, and walked away. Leaving me all alone again, already missing every second with her.

I didn't want to get kicked out, so I gathered my strength and left the room. The amount of voices in my head fighting almost made my head blowoff.

I walked down the hallway, letting out a couple heavy breaths. And right when my feet found the ground, I heard the doorbell. I opened the door to six adults yelling my name, loudly 'ALESSANDRO'. I grabbed the doorknob, pushing it backward, giving enough space for them to come in. I felt two hands hugging my legs. I looked down to Lia, tightening her grip around my legs. Someone get this child off me.

She lifted her head up, giving me a smile before letting go and rushing in with the others. It's not that I dislike kids, I hate them. People find these types of things cute 'oh god kids are precious and innocent'. No.

I shook it off, walking to the people who already filled in the empty house. I watched everyone embrace Armando into tight hugs, along with Lydia standing on the side. I think she's scared of him. I sighed before heading towards her side. "He's not dangerous Lydia" she lifted her head up, trying to meet my eyes.

Armando stood in front of us, asking who she was. I rested both of my arms on my chest, titling my head to the front, waiting for her to answer him. She introduced herself, thankfully she didn't sutter.

Soon after Armando left, to catch up with the others. I heard her let out a heavy breath. She looked at me, nodding a couple times that she was okay. I gave her a quick pat on the shoulder before leaving her side. I wanted to believe that she was her daughter, but I couldn't.

There's a possibility she's her sister. If Lydia is thirteen, that means two things. She either had her as an own child from the age of eleven, or had her as a sister. Yet again, my mind wouldn't believe either of these possibilities. I have no idea why, but it didn't feel right.

We all sat around the living room, talking, eating, enjoying the small gathering. And just as I guessed, Adriano brought pizza. Dante brought donuts along with marshmallows Lia asked for.

It was already midnight, the evening went by so fast. The two young girls went to one of the bedrooms in the house and fell asleep, leaving us downstairs watching a movie. It was some random film about aliens, and how they took over the world. I don't believe in this kind of stuff but since Emilion wouldn't shut up about it, we put it on and here we are. He took a seat close to Kira, a little bit close until they were cuddling.

I glanced at these two, feeling my lips curl into a small smile. I shook my head at them, unable to accept the fact that they don't know about each other's feelings. Love sure makes you blind.

I chuckled softly, turning my head at Adriano and Liliana. She rested her head on his chest, while he drew small circles on her arm with his finger. Every time I look at them, I remember the day Adriano told me about her. He was so whipped, and he still is.

My eyes finally landed on Dante who's trying his best not to look at Julia, what a dumbass. Lastly, I found Armando staring at me, wiggling his eyebrows. As in we're the only ones left. I laughed at him, and then he opened his arms wildly. I shook my head in an attempt to reject cuddling with the man. He let his arms fall down, then brought them to his chest acting like he was angry. He rested his back on the coach, giving me a cold glare. I kept laughing at him, and he simply moved his head to the side, closing his eyes. He tried so hard to keep a straight face but he couldn't, we both broke down in laughter. Trying our best to be quiet.

Half an hour later, the movie ended. We turned on the lights. Everyone got up, grabbing water and more food. I rested my body on the kitchen counter, biting into a donut. Emilion stood in front of me, taking a second to remember what he came for. I chuckled at him before he spoke, informing me about the ball. Everything will be ready in around two weeks maximum. The invitations will be sent to every mafia leader, including our enemies, our dear Russians.

We found our way back to the living room, talking, remembering old memories. Adriano had the nerve to bring up his wedding day. Long story short, I was sort of pissed he didn't send me an actual invitation. I was there, I was his best man yet he never invited me in a professional way. It's ridiculous, everyone got invitations except for me. "It's okay Al, you can take revenge on your wedding day" he said, letting out a laugh. We all followed, at how pathetic we were.

After a lot of 'remember when' and old stupid childhood memories, for the very first time Armando was helpful. He suggested we all take our cars and go for a ride, he means a small race.

Everyone grabbed their keys, I told them I will go get mine from the office and for some reason Dante joined me. We walked down the hallway, I tried to stop it, I really tried but I couldn't. Of course my eyes had to land on her bedroom, they just can't stay in a straight line can't they.

I bet anything, Dante noticed it. Not that I was bothered by it, it's fine with me. Yes I was thinking about her, yes an annoying little voice in the back of my mind kept telling me to ask her to join us but Alessandro being himself, I shut it.

We walked in the office, I was still unable to figure why Dante followed me. I gathered the work on my desk, putting the papers in files. I was packing up my desk when I heard the door of my office open. I turned around, watching Dante get out. Right before he closed the door he said "Do it" and then he left, not giving me the chance to protest.

I sighed, turning back to the desk. I continued organizing my stuff, putting everything in place. Lastly, I grabbed my keys before turning off the lights, leaving the room. I wasn't sure why I was walking slowly. But I knew that I would arrive there either way.

I stood in front of the door, knocking gently for the second time today. What if she's asleep, it's almost two in the morning.

After my small assumption, the door opened. My jaw almost dropped, but I held it in as much as I could. She was in two towels, two towels, that's it. One hugged her body perfectly, leaving the other one on her hair. I could pass out right now. This was a bad idea, bad bad idea.

Thank god she gave me her back, although it never made it easier on me. Yet at least she can't see my face right now. I kept my eyes on the ground, feeling them travel up to take a peek at her bare legs. But I stopped them immediately, well I tried.

She guided me to her bed, I looked at it for a second before sitting on it. It sure surprised me. I'm being way too dramatic, it's just a bed. My mind was about to disagree, however I dismissed it. She walked back in the bathroom, leaving me confused in the room. I looked around, recognizing again the changes she made. Seconds later I watched her walk out of the bathroom. This time, she was holding a towel in her hand, leaving her hair down her waist. She stood in front of the mirror, drying out her hair in silence. I stared at her through the mirror, not caring if she caught me. I focused on her moves, her hair, her face until I found her eyes landing on mine.

I swallowed, remembering why I came here. "We're all going out for a drive, we would love to have you with us". And with that, she took her eyes off mine through the mirror.

I hesitated for a second, not believing what I'm about to say "I would love to have you with me".

That caught her attention again. Her sight found its way back to where I sat, but this time, she looked at me way different from her usual. It's like she looked at me passionately, as if she found out something she wasn't supposed to. Something I shouldn't tell her.

She raised her eyebrows, making me come back to life. "I mean with us, with your own car of course" I said, trying my best not to show the insignificant feeling of nervousness running through my body. And as usual, her response was nothing. She simply walked past me, going into her closet. I gave up soon after and was ready to leave the room. I walked my way to the door and right when I stood in front of it, I noticed it was locked.

I could have unlocked it and left without any notice, but I decided to do what I wanted and I wanted to stay.

I walked myself back to the bed, and sat down for the second time comfortably on the soft mattress. Waiting for her, partly patient, partly impatient. And without another thought, I watched her finally walk out of the closet which felt like years, although they were five minutes. She walked out with a tight black turtleneck, hugging her boys perfectly. Tugged in a pair of emerald cargo pants, matching her green eyes. My eyes focused on her hair, moving from side to side due to her movement. Her curls are so divine and soft, reaching her lower waist. I never noticed how long it is. She stood in front of a small nightstand, placing a couple of rings on her fingers before walking back to her closet. She came out for the second time, wearing her black half boots. How many of them does she have.

I watched her turn to where I sat. She walked slowly in my direction until I felt my body get pushed down. My head traveled to my side, realizing she was sitting next to me. She bent her back, reaching her boots laces in an attempt to tie them. Her hair fell on the ground, getting in her face. She tried to pull all the strands together but she didn't have a hair tie. She came back up, sighing in frustration. I chuckled which made her full attention on me. She gave me the most adorable head title, holding back a soft smile.

I looked down at my right wrist, noticing the black rubber band around it. I took it off with my left hand, holding it out for her. She glanced at it for a second before finding her way to my eyes again. She took it out of my grip, keeping her gaze on mine. Something twirled in her eyes, as if she said thank you. She turned her body, and gently ran her hands through her hair. She gathered all the strands, tying it up into a ponytail. She went back to fixing her boots. In this moment, I allowed myself to breathe in and out, something in need.

[V]

We all stood in front of the garage, waiting for the door to open. The nine of us each grabbed their own car, luckily everyone came with one. Even Adriano and Lilianna, the two of them came together in separate cars. Lilianna was a great driver, maybe even better than Adriano.

We got into our cars, I let my eyes search around for Venom's car. She sat in the driver's seat, setting down whatever she had while I stared at her. I looked back on my right. I got caught. Dante was already holding a smile in, knowing I would blow his head off if I saw it. I rolled my eyes, and looked on my left to a smirking Emilion. He kept wiggling his eyebrows with that smirk on his face. God save me.

And before anyone started anything else, I started the engine. Letting the roar of both of the cars fill in the garage. Of course me and Venom started the cars at the same time, expected right. Without any second to waste, the rest of them started their cars. My lips curled into a smirk before pushing the gas brake, leading the way out of the gates with eight cars following me behind.

The second we were on the road, the sound of Venom's car rushed in the empty neighborhood. We watched her pass each one of our cars. And there she was ahead of all of us.

That's all it took, to start this soon unforgettable drive. We all started speeding at the same time, as if it was planned. I tightened my grip around the wheel, turning it slighting to the left. I drove, mostly flying between Emilion and Lilianna cars, passing them effortlessly. I looked through the side mirror, watching Adriano's car getting closer. I slowed down, in case he needed something. He rolled down his window, screaming as loud as he could so I could hear through the wind "GOOD ONE". I laughed at him, nodding my head in agreement. He looked at me in shoke. I raised my shoulder in innocence before I passed him again. My laugh faded away as I thought to myself. She is a good one, the best one.

I noticed from a short distance a highway, leading to the mountain. My eyes landed back on Venom's car. It was almost unnoticeable, but she was going on the mountains. As in our normal, I followed.

At first she was driving slowly up the highway, then I watched her drift into the road curves, making my mouth shot open. I never in a million years expected her drifts to be so clear, so sharp. My mind tried to focus for a second, trying its best to realize what just happened. And before I could even think, Armando's car flashed from my side. Over my dead body. I pushed on the gas brake, grabbing the semi manual transmission while turning the wheel, drifting behind Armando. The second his low ass lost control, driving back normally. I passed him, sticking out my middle finger from the window.

After an hour or two of driving, going over the speed limit and drifting. We arrived on the top of the mountain. I left everything back home, my phone, my watch. I wanted to lose track of time, I wanted to lose track of everything and just focus on this day. Focus on the day we're living without any worries of the next one. Although it will come either way, I didn't care. I left it all behind, as we all did. No one thought it through, no one hesitated, we just went for it. Sometimes when things are uncalculated, unplanned, they turn out to be the best moments of your life. Sometimes we don't need to stress, put ourselves under pressure for the 'perfect moment'. It will be perfect, only if you believe it could be. You don't have to hang out with people, go to fancy places to be happy. Some people enjoy their own company, enjoying the little quality time they have with their own selves.

We don't need humans nor objects to be happy, you can be happy with the least you have. It's all about mindsets and the way you let things get into your head. It all depends on the way you put it in conclusion, how you deal with it and handle it. Whether it's good or bad, everyone has their own different way to love or hate. To fail or succeed.

You'll never find two souls, two humans, two minds, the exact same nor identical. There will always be a difference, even if you won't admit it, even if you won't accept it. We're never the ones who decide, it's the world. We're put into this universe not to choose and rest, but to suffer and succeed. Your life and family are never your choice, never your own wishes. They get picked out for you, and your part is to deal with it whether you like it or don't like it. It won't be the best, it won't be whatever you dreamed of, yet you have a chance in the world to accomplish what you wish for, only if you really want it. Then no one can stop you.

We sat on the edge of the mountain, hanging our legs in the air. We were all sitting next to each other, making a straight line. Dante sat on the right, on his left was Julia. Next to her was Kira and Lilianna. The three of them kept talking about fashion and going out shopping while Dante was stuck between them. He would glance at us for help but we laughed at him, leaving him to learn more about the designer bags.

Me, Adriano, Emilion and Armando easily found our way into a conversation full of laughter, memories and making fun of each other. Venom sat in the end. She rested her elbows on her thighs, cupping her face with both of her hands. I would look at her a couple times, finding her still staring at the mountains surrounding us. She either loved nature that much or simply hated us, and something told me it's the second option.

I chuckled, feeling the smile not leaving my face as I turned my head back at the three men staring at me. I let my head fall to the back, shutting my eyes closed in hope to get out of this misery. I opened my right eye, just to see if they're done looking at me. I saw Emlilion get into my face and I shut it back.

They started laughing, making me follow along as I opened my eyes. We spoke for a bit more until Adriano wanted to go sit with his wife and soon after the other two left. One to sit with Kira and the other to annoy Dante and Julia, I guess you know who I mean.

These bastards.

I sighed in recognization of what they just did. I leaned my back to meet Armando's gaze. I mouthed him a 'dickhead' before leaning back. I already knew what he was going to reply with so no need, not happening. Dante kept coughing loudly so I do it, followed by Emilion. Now they're ganging up on me.

I groaned in slight annoyance. Was I even annoyed. Next thing I felt was small rocks getting thrown at me, I glared at Adriano who kept throwing more. I swear if he doesn't stop, I will throw him off the mountain. I saw Emilion from the corner of my eyes winking along with Dante giggling until Julia noticed and asked what for. The three of them switched into serious faces, trying to find any lies to tell their girls. Now was my time to laugh. I picked up three rocks, throwing them right in their heads. Not forgetting to get one for my dear friend Armando. I threw it right between his legs, so close.

They finally stopped, focusing and talking with the girls. I sat a few inches away from her, as the two of us looked up at the sky. I could feel once in a while one of their eyes on me, but I ignored it. I started hearing soft mumbling, my head followed the sound, stopping where Venom was. I felt my face relax, allowing my gaze to soften. She had her hair down, moving her right foot while mumbling softly the notes she was going for. My eyes travelled around her hand, finding my rubber band on her wrist. I felt my lips curl into a smile, sending warmth to my heart.

I blew air out of my nose before lifting my body with both hands, getting closer to her side. I didn't get up, it would make all of them look at us, I didn't want that. I kept moving to the left until I landed next to her. I tried my best to focus on the view in front of us, yet I only wanted to watch her.

My eyes carved for a long time to just sit there and observe every movement she could possibly do, every step, any word. Although I never admit it, I sure wanted for her to speak, I always wanted to know her. As much as I wanted to deny it, I wanted it, I wanted her.

The need for her started to grow each day. It wouldn't be a normal day unless she crossed my mind. Even when I'm in the tightest moments, she finds her way into my mind. Sometimes she's even there before I manage to open my eyes.

It's unbelievable if you look at it, a person like me having this one person, this one woman on his mind wasn't something you believe on a daily basis. The thing is, she's not just 'this woman'. She has this effect on me that I can't even reach to figure out. It feels good but in a different way, it lasts as long as she's there and it grows as long as she looks at me. Maybe it's admiration, maybe it's nothing else. Because I didn't know any other words to describe it.

I was cut off from my thoughts, from the same person in my mind. The one that always remains my first and last thought, worry and wish.

Without any words from her, she leaned her back on the ground, facing the sky. And without any word from me, I did the exact same thing. It's always been like this, she leads and I follow. If it was the old me, he would be screaming at me right now. How am I following someone, you're the leader. But I knew deep down that it was mostly my father's voice, not mine. Because if it was me, I wouldn't be enjoying this moment. His voice always hunted every action, move, step I took. After years, I learned how to compare, which voice is his and which one is mine. Which voice caused me regrets and hesitation and which one caused me confrontation and faith. I followed the one where I felt happy, peaceful. And following her never caused anything but the same feeling I can't quite figure out. However, I was sure in a million years, feeling this won't cause any damage, any mistakes.

I felt my head slowly turn to her side. I didn't even control it nor did it myself, my body just went for it. And I swear I almost gasped. She has freckles.

I kept looking deeply into her skin, observing her cheeks carefully. How did I never notice them. They were never there, they just showed up, what was happening. Is it some kind of superpowers or something.

And there was the first time I heard her laugh, it was so warming, so addicting. The sound itself can make you hang for years, as if it will save you from all your worries, all your fear. It's like this person you can't wait to find home after a long day. The feeling of exhilarating, knowing you will find them there waiting for you and only you. A person you get to call your own, a person you put and give in all you have. She felt like that person, the one who deserves the whole world.

I wanted to, I wanted a lot of things but did she.

That's a question that I know even if she attends my funeral, she still won't answer. Along with the other thousand rambling around my mind, making it over the edge, so close to exploding. It stopped bothering me, but I knew it should. A lot of things should have been done differently, way different. Yet somehow she did it her own way, making me yet again follow. It's all the same thing, the same circle. We keep running around the same shape, just with different positions, different movements.

And without another thought, I laughed along with her. For what, I have absolutely no idea. But who wouldn't follow her. I sure would. As both of our laughs faded away softly, leaving a smile, surprisingly on mine and her face. Her head finds its way to my side, causing nothing but for my smile to grow. And the best thing, she never stopped smiling either.

We stayed like this for a very long time. Oh what a time. If I could take a picture of her smile, just so quickly I won't show it to anyone. Just for me, it will be mine.

My lips slightly separated, trying their best to form any words. And all that came out was a hey.

She looked down at my lips, biting into hers. Her eyes focused back on mine and before I knew it.

"hey"

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