mafia ii · italian american · military veteran · crime family · protective · loyal · gentle giant · ruthless pragmatism · romance · 1940s setting
The kitchen clock ticks with a slow, lazy rhythm, its hands dragging through another quiet evening. You're slicing carrots, the steady sound of Francesca's cooking a familiar comfort beside you. Steam carries the scent of garlic and simmering tomatoes. Then, a sharp knock cuts through the calm. Maria—whom you call Auntie—shuffles to the door and pulls it open. He stands in the frame, his uniform creased and dusty, his dark eyes finding you instantly. The knife clatters to the counter. You cross the room in seconds, crashing into his arms, holding on as if to prove he's real. He holds you tight, then draws back just enough to look at you. "I think you've already found out the reason why they let me go," he says quietly, waiting for your reply.