Duilio Rossi
Fresh off the Boat
Forgive us our trespasses.
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Family?
Jul 31, 2015 1:44:49 GMT -5
Post by Duilio Rossi on Jul 31, 2015 1:44:49 GMT -5
"Yes," he replied, nodding as he looked at his sister. "Enzo Antonucchi." That was the name that their father had written for them. That was the person they were meant to go see. Enzo Antonucchi.
Duilio composed himself, tossed his cigarette overboard, and caught a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty. "Large woman," he said in English, just to prove that he knew something of the language he would be expected to learn. "With fire."
Damn, his sister had really gotten dressed to the nines. It made Duilio wish he had grabbed a different set of clothes. But he couldn't help it ... at that moment, all he could feel was his guilt. Still, all he could feel was his guilt.
They were about to dock, so Duilio went to grab Ella's luggage. She couldn't be allowed to carry her own things. That was simply absurd. He would carry everything, he would take every burden, he would suffer under every weight.
Her knowledge was instrumental in getting them to Camden Hills - Enzo Antonucchi. Camden Hills, New York - that was all they knew, but she got them there, and that was her role. As they stood outside the door of their cousin's office, Duilio gave his sister a long look.
"You got us here," he pointed out, "but now you must let me speak. All right? I know how people like this function. It is my turn now." He tried to soften his words with a gentle palm against her cheek. "It will be all right. He is our family."
They were invited into the office, and Duilio opened the door, ushered Ella inside, and then followed. As he swallowed hard against his nerves, he stepped forward to Enzo's desk and held out the letter his father had written. "Hello, sir. My name is Duilio Rossi, and this is my sister, Mariella. We are your cousins, and we have had to flee Sicily. This is the letter from my father that led us here."
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Family?
Jul 31, 2015 2:10:36 GMT -5
Post by Enzo Antonucchi on Jul 31, 2015 2:10:36 GMT -5
When you are as powerful as he is, you find yourself having quite a few people in many places. And those people will bring you all sort of news, every little thing that they think course be useful for the head of what was probably the second most powerful mob family in the state of New York. And today one of those tips was that a pair of siblings just got off the boat and where coming to see him. He wasn't sure exactly who they were or where they were from but he had some ideas. After all, there family was larger and part of it was still in the old country. So he had a few ideas...
Now it was just a waiting game to see who would turn up. After all Corrado and him had plans. If anything happen to either of them their children would be sent to the other country no question ask.
So he had to think that something happen to Corrado and now his children had come to find him. But that left many questions now that he would like to have answer. What happened to his cousin? Who were his children? And most importantly, would they be useful? Well he would just have to wait and see. And wait and see he did, after a few hours of the looming information the door to his office had open and in walked a young lad and a beautiful young woman. Both not a day over twenty and the spitting image of his grandparents, yes they were family alright with looks like that.
Rossi... Duilio and Mairella Rossi. He knew the last name well but Corrado had never mention his children by first name in order to keep them safe. A letter was then handed to him by the boy and Enzo took it. His eyes glazed over the page and he nodded, face somber as he knew this meant that Corrado was no longer apart of this world.
Finally Enzo stood up and placed his hand on Duilio shoulder. "You did the right thing, leaving as soon as you could from whatever you needed to flee from. Welcome Duilio and welcome Mariella. He said looking over at the girl with a soft smile. She was a lady alright, soft quiet, dressed the way a woman should, stood perfectly waiting to be spoken too. "My my look at you... You look just like your great grandmother, beautiful. And you son, just like your grandfather."
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Family?
Jul 31, 2015 2:30:39 GMT -5
Post by Mariella Rossi on Jul 31, 2015 2:30:39 GMT -5
"Yes." She said in english, biting on her lip to stop herself from giggling. But she still ended up breaking into a small fit of giggles. "lots of fire. She represents freedom." The girl said with a soft side, freedom. She had freedom back home but here? It felt like she had been brought here in chains even if it was for the best. Maybe she will be able to find a new sort of freedom here, maybe it will all be good here yes? God sent her here for a reason so it had to good.
Her brother had dealt with her luggage and now... Now they were off to Camden Hills. To find a man she prayed do god would help them, otherwise they would be in a country where they didn't know anyone and Duilio didn't speak the language. It was scary to say the least but Mariella just kept telling herself that god had sent her here for a reason. He sent her here for a reason...
They now stood outside the office of Enzo Antonucchi and she felt her heart beating so fast and hard it was ringing in her ears. Her brother told her what to do and she nodded. Yes she remember her place, he didn't need to remind her but it was welcomed. She would not speak still she was spoken too, she would look young and pretty and be everything a woman should be. Her brother hand pressed against her cheek and she caught it before he pulled away to give it a kiss as she mumbled a quick blessing. "For luck."
The man in the office was nothing like she expected him to look. Really she didn't know what she was expecting just not... this. But he spoke italian and his words were sweet and kind as he felt his eyes fell onto her as he complimented her beauty. Like any good girl Mairella blushed and a bashful look came into her eyes. "Thank you sir." She said in english, just to prove that she could speak both Italian and english. "It is a honor meeting you. And thank you for letting us in on such short notice." She knew that it worried her brother, having no idea what she was saying but she had to hope that he trusted her and he words.
"I would have loved to have meet her. She sounds like an... very beautiful and lovely woman." Please god let her be getting off to a good start. She needed him to like her as well as Duilio.
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Duilio Rossi
Fresh off the Boat
Forgive us our trespasses.
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Family?
Jul 31, 2015 3:32:24 GMT -5
Post by Duilio Rossi on Jul 31, 2015 3:32:24 GMT -5
Duilio's nostrils flared when Ella spoke English. Yes, he understood that she was showing off her skills and that they would be important, but he didn't understand what she was saying, and that made him nervous. He took a step closer to his sister, reaching out to pass an arm around her shoulders. What on Earth was she saying?
At least Enzo had spoken Italian for him, which was a comfort, and he saw their similarities to other family members. That was a good thing. That should combine with the letter and with the diamonds to ensure their safety within the family structure.
It must, because if it didn't, Duilio had no idea what would happen.
"Thank you," he replied, unsure whether or not that was the proper way to respond to hearing that he was physically similar to his great-grandfather. It would have to do. "As you can see, Mariella speaks English very well. I do not speak much English, but I can learn. I can do many things for our family. I have killed men, and I can crack safes, and I can organize gambling rings. I also have many diamonds in my pocket that I will give to you if you will protect my sister."
Crass as it may have been, it needed to be said. Duilio was not above offering payment for this man's protection. His only priority now, his only goal in the world, was to protect his sister.
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Family?
Jul 31, 2015 3:52:42 GMT -5
Post by Enzo Antonucchi on Jul 31, 2015 3:52:42 GMT -5
She speaks english! And she speaks it well too. He was rather impressed with the young thing who he was now looking over more closely. The letter had been folded up and tucked into his jacket pocket as he smiled at Mariella and nodded. "Yes my dear and she would have adored you." She was just the most precious thing, and he already knew exactly what to do with her.
Enzo then looked back at Duilio and smiled again, ah a man of the mafia who had already earned his keep clearly. So english was a problem, he would pick it up quickly because he didn't have a choice. And the whole family spoke italian anyways so communicating would not be a big issue. And he liked that he was willing to do anything for him so long as he kept his sister safe, which he was already planning on doing because she would be perfect for Pietro. And while he wanted to give the man time to grief over his fallen love, when God places the perfect bride in your lap you take her.
"Do not worry Duilio, I promise your sister will be safe and well taken care of. You will have to earn your keep of course but she... well come here child." The young girl came forward and he smiled softly at her as he looked over her some more before saying. "Tell me Duilio has your sister ever been promised to another man." Because she would be old enough to have been married but if she had been touched by another man already she would be no good... Well maybe not that extreme, he could always force her to work as a fisher but if he could marry her to Pietro instead that would be ideal.
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Duilio Rossi
Fresh off the Boat
Forgive us our trespasses.
Offline
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Family?
Jul 31, 2015 4:20:20 GMT -5
Post by Duilio Rossi on Jul 31, 2015 4:20:20 GMT -5
Duilio watched with doubt in his eyes as his twin stepped forward into the gaze of their cousin. Yes, he had understood that part of their safety would come from Ella's fitness as a wife ... but now, watching the way Enzo's eyes took her in, well ... he didn't like it.
With great difficulty, he kept his feet rooted to the floor. He shouldn't show disrespect. Enzo wasn't touching Mariella, and so there was nothing for him to object to. Really, nothing at all. But still ...
"Safe and well taken care of," he replied, meeting Enzo's gaze directly, solidly. "I will do whatever you ask of me as long as she is safe and well taken care of. She has been promised, but her fiancé was murdered in the same attack that stole our parents and our older brother from us. Mariella is a good Christian woman. She is grieving the loss of her fiancé, but she is pure and good. She is extraordinarily faithful to her God."
All of these things were true. It wasn't as though Duilio had ever asked her such questions, but based on all he knew of his sister, she hadn't slept with her intended. She would never sleep with someone who was not her husband.
Duilio took a few steps forward so that he was beside her once again. He didn't want to be separated from her, to allow her to be alone under the gaze of this person they did not know.
"I must make one thing clear. If she is promised to a man, and he hurts her in any way ... if he dishonors her ... I will kill him and I will show no mercy in doing so. I am prepared to devote myself to this branch of our family, but I must be clear ... Mariella will always be my priority. If you wish her betrothal to someone, then I will be happy with it so long as he does not harm her."
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Family?
Jul 31, 2015 16:10:41 GMT -5
Post by Mariella Rossi on Jul 31, 2015 16:10:41 GMT -5
This took her back, only when she was doing this at ten the situation wasn't as dire as it is now. Back then she was just a carefree girl with a light in her eyes and the dream of being the perfect wife and mother. She did quite understand the importance of what she was doing when families would could to look at her, ow she did. Now she understand that it was now or never, that if he didn't like her she would never be married and then her life would be over. What would be her purpose if she wasn't a wife... a future without becoming a mother?
Duilio spoke for her about being pure and good and she blushed some but then... sadness came into her eyes when he mention that she was promised to someone... Salvador, her perfect Salvador and her love. She had to fight back tears because the thought of him... his body and all that blood. He died so she could live, he gave his life for her.
She swallowed down her feelings, an act she had grown very good at over the years and she put back on a smile. It didn't last for long agin because then, in true Duilio fashion. Made it clear that if any man was to harm her in any way he would kill them. And she knew it came from a good place, one of love and caring but did he have to be so blunt about it? Her eyes narrowed at her brother for a second before coming back to Enzo and swallowing. You know at this point she really didn't care if her husband would hit her. She was lucky that Salvador was a sweetheart and wanted no harm to come to her, and maybe Duilio was just use to the kind ways of her now dead husband. But most men are not like this and Ella has always been prepared for the chance that she would be at the end of a few harsh slaps.
"Duilio..." She said softly giving him a stern look "Forgive my brother he is a little blunt at time but his intentions are true."
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Family?
Jul 31, 2015 16:56:21 GMT -5
Post by Enzo Antonucchi on Jul 31, 2015 16:56:21 GMT -5
Enzo nodded at Duilio words and walked around Mariella taking in her body, hair, face, how she held herself, the subtle looks on her face as some words were said. Poor thing having recently lost her love, well then her and Pietro would forsure have something in common to start a relationship off of. And while he was all for marrying for love, right now he needed Pietro to have a bride. "I am sorry for your lost Mariella, I am sure your Fiance was a lucky man to of even know you. And I am very sorry about your parents and brother as well... to both of you."
And then clear as day he understood the nature of the two relationship. Duilio cared deeply about his twin, and she did as well. They both wanted the best for each other and they were both willing to stick the neck out for each other and those were qualities he liked in them. It made him know that they would grow to care about his own family in the same capacity. "It's quiet already Mariella I would say the same thing to any man about my sister, god rest her soul.
"And do not worry Duilio the man I have in mind for your sister is a good man who will never harm her. He just so happens to be your second cousin and has also just suffered his own great lost." Yes this would work very very well. Mariella would make a lovely bride, as long as Pietro kept her safe Duilio would do anything he asked of him. He was liking this more and more already.
"In fact you can meet him now if you would like Duilio?
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Duilio Rossi
Fresh off the Boat
Forgive us our trespasses.
Offline
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Family?
Jul 31, 2015 18:17:44 GMT -5
Post by Duilio Rossi on Jul 31, 2015 18:17:44 GMT -5
Duilio was unfazed by the stern little glare Ella cast in his direction. She could worry about politesse and sweetness, but he had a different job. His role here was to ensure that everyone knew how protected she was. If he did not play the part of the powerful, protective brother, then there was no end to the ways people might try to take advantage of Ella's innocent sweetness. She had been sheltered from the world, whereas he had lived in it, and he knew much more intimately the kinds of things certain people might want to do to her.
Besides, Enzo responded well to Duilio's statement. The entire exchange seemed to have increased the respect both men felt for each other. Enzo was not a crazy person ready to fly off the handle at any hint of conflict. He was reflective and understood the nuances of family love. In reality, this man obviously thought things through much more thoroughly than Duilio ever had, and that was good. The young man knew that he needed to change, and this cousin would clearly be a helpful role model.
Her fiancé had been a lucky man? That was quite the understatement. "Lucky" didn't even begin to describe it. Duilio offered a bit of a smile. "He was indeed lucky," Duilio pointed out. "Mariella is highly intelligent and skilled in all of the womanly arts. She speaks three languages - four if you include Latin prayers. She is devout and deeply dedicated to her family. She is precious to all who know her." Certainly his modest twin would be embarrassed to hear him say these things, but Duilio didn't care. It was crucial for Enzo to understand exactly how worthy a woman he was looking at.
He did like the sound of this Pietro fellow. If he had been engaged before, then Enzo, as the head of the family, would have known if he had mistreated his intended in any way. Additionally, he would be able to understand Mariella's grief rather than blame her for it. Duilio nodded, reaching out to take his sister's hand and squeeze it. "Yes, sir, I would very much like to meet him now. The sooner we can both begin getting to know him, the better." After all, this was his chance at ensuring his sister's safety.
There was also the fact that Duilio needed to tell Enzo more details about the events in Sicily, and he didn't want Mariella to hear them. She could go have a conversation with Pietro while Duilio spoke more openly on the subject of the diamonds.
Enzo summoned a house elf to request Pietro's presence, and Duilio looked into Ella's eyes with an expression that was meant to be comforting and hopeful.
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Jul 31, 2015 18:32:30 GMT -5
Post by Pietro Antonucchi on Jul 31, 2015 18:32:30 GMT -5
Having finished classes for the day, Pietro was actually on his way to Uncle Enzo's office when the house elf appeared in front of him.
"Master Pietro, your presence is requested in the Headmaster's office!"
"Thank you, Ollie. I am on my way," Pietro replied with a smile and a nod. He had always been fond of politeness, but now, in his grief, he had come to depend upon it even more thoroughly. It had become something he could hide behind, a mask that kept people from seeing the fact that he was constantly on the brink of breaking down.
It wasn't simply the empty desk in his seventh-year class. It was the look in the eyes of the first and second years who missed their teaching assistant. They had grown to depend so much on the lovely girl who helped them so patiently. They had been fond of her, and now she was gone, never to return. At least the little ones didn't know what Pietro knew: that it was his fault. That he may as well have killed her with his own hands.
The scar across his face itched, and the brands on his chest burned with dark magic every hour of every day, and his heart bled for Serafina.
Arriving outside Uncle Enzo's door, Pietro knocked a few times and waited for his invitation before entering. To his surprise, there were two unfamiliar people in the room: a man and a woman, similar enough in their faces to be clearly siblings. Both turned to look at him as he entered, the man with a stony expression, the woman with a sort of detached curiosity. Pietro bowed his head to them in respectful greeting, folded his hands together behind his back, and said, "Good afternoon, Uncle."
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Jul 31, 2015 21:45:45 GMT -5
Post by Enzo Antonucchi on Jul 31, 2015 21:45:45 GMT -5
Enzo couldn't help but chuckle some at the siblings interactions, it reminded him very much of his own. Back when he wanted to prove he could and would do anything to keep his little sister safe and would brag about her any chance he got. He could tell everyone of Duilio words was embarrassing the poor girl who turn a bright shade of red and looked down. She was a very modest little creature which was good, he was growing rather sick of all of these new aged woman who wanted to be bold and independent. Though he did suppose that made him a hypocrite because he married a woman that was not perfect and womanly. Still though Mariella was that perfect throwback to the way women should be, but she also was very smart with a fire in her that came out at times. "Oh don't be embarrassed child, these are things to be proud of." He told her with a smile as he watched Duilio take her hand and he nodded, sending a house elf on it's way.
The house elf returned and shortly after Pietro showed up. His beloved nephew was doing a good job putting up the front that he needed to despite what had just happen to him. It only made Enzo prouder of the man to see him fighting pass all the things he needed to fight against in order to maintain the status that he had. "Afternoon Pietro. I would like you too meet Duilio and Mariella, they are your second cousins from Sicily, just arrived this morning."
He looked over at Mairella and said "Come child..." When the girl pulled away from his brother and came over to where he stood with Pietro he smiled. He knew Pietro would probably be able to figure out where this was probably going with just a look. "I was hoping you could show Mariella around the school while her twin brother and I talk."
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Duilio Rossi
Fresh off the Boat
Forgive us our trespasses.
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Family?
Jul 31, 2015 23:08:24 GMT -5
Post by Duilio Rossi on Jul 31, 2015 23:08:24 GMT -5
Duilio wasn't about to let this man wander off with his sister without a threatening eye-to-eye gaze, so he followed Enzo and Mariella closer to Pietro and thrust his hand out for a shake. Pietro reached out, and Duilio squeezed his hand especially hard. "It is a pleasure to meet you," Duilio said, although the look in his eyes did not quite agree with the words leaving his lips. "I look forward to speaking with you. Perhaps later you will show me where to find the best liquor that Camden Hills has to offer."
The unspoken message, the one that really needed to be sent? Don't you fuck with my sister. Duilio felt confident that he had successfully sent it.
That being said, he placed a quick kiss on Ella's cheek before stepping away again to inspect a piece of art on the wall. Thrusting his hands into his pockets, Duilio shifted his weight nervously from foot to foot. Now he was going to have to say it, to put into words exactly how he had gotten his family members killed. God, he was so ashamed. He hoped desperately that the truth wouldn't make Enzo change his mind about taking them in.
He would have to swallow his pride ... beg, if necessary.
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Jul 31, 2015 23:57:54 GMT -5
Post by Mariella Rossi on Jul 31, 2015 23:57:54 GMT -5
So was this man, was he to be her new husband? He was handsome, even with the scar across his face. Tall and strong and everything a man should be, but he was no Salvador. She didn't really see the same tender love she saw in her now dead lover, she supposed that was probably because the love of his life just died as well but still. He just... didn't see anything speical in him. Still she smiled and curtsied. "It is a horon meeting you Mr Antonucchi." She said in english just as Duilio came forward and she knew what he was doing.
And Ella hated, hated using the lord's name in vain, but goddamnit Duilio. This man was to possibly be her husband! He can't be threatening the man, she was going to belong to him. And once she belong to him he could do anything he wanted wanted to her and Ella wouldn't care because she would be a wife which is all she ever wanted.
She looked back up at Pietro with a small apologetic smile hoping he wasn't offended by her brother veiled threat as she said. "I would love to see the school, this state is beautiful really. I cannot wait to see more of it." Please God, let this all work out. Let Enzo trust Duilio and let Pietro like her enough for them not to send her away.
'By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
'Amen.' She thought to herself before smiling and again and saying
"So shall we be off Pietro?"
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Post by Pietro Antonucchi on Aug 1, 2015 0:38:10 GMT -5
Ah, so this was how it would be. This was the woman who was supposed to replace Serafina. It wasn't as though Pietro intended to complain. He'd had his chance, hadn't he? He'd had his chance and he'd failed. Mariella was certainly beautiful, and he was sure that she had other qualities to commend her, or Uncle Enzo would not have summoned him here in such a fashion.
He only hoped that his inability to love quickly would not upset her. He would have to explain ... or had Uncle Enzo already done so?
He returned Duilio's firm handshake, looking directly and honestly into the other man's eyes. Impressive. Here he was, at a distinct disadvantage, and yet he was willing to step up to the plate for his sister. Pietro appreciated that fiery quality. One of the greatest values a man could possess was the desire and willingness to protect his women. "It is a pleasure to meet you, too," he replied politely. "We shall certainly go out for a drink at your earliest convenience. I appreciate getting to know my family members." He did his best to infuse his gaze with the assurance that Mariella would be safe with him. After all, Pietro had no ill intentions toward her.
Having been released by Duilio, Pietro turned to Mariella and bowed his head respectfully to her. "Please," he replied, "you may call me Pietro. I would love to show you around the school. I am a professor here; I teach Potions. We have quite a talented student body. Let us leave them to their conversation." Opening the door and offering Mariella his arm, Pietro looked once more at Enzo. "We shall return soon, Uncle."
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Post by Enzo Antonucchi on Aug 1, 2015 1:09:33 GMT -5
Well this was going well so far. There was some tension between the couple, but he expected their to be. No one wanted to be at the end of a arranged marriage but really what choice did the two of them have? Mariella needed a husband, and Pietro needed a proper wife. With the two young men exchanging a mutual look, Duilio letting Pietro know that if he hurt his sister he would hear from him. And Pietro letting him know that she would be safe.
He nodded when Pietro took the young girl from the room before turning his direction back to Duilio. "Well care for a drink before we get down to business." Now that the girl was out of the room he had the feeling that Duilio would be more willing to take about what happen. No man wanted to talk about the terrible thing he had done for the mob. Especially after a tragic event like this one. He wanted to know who's toes the Rossi's had stepped on to get them all killed except for these two.
When Duilio nodded he moved to the cabinet behind his desk and poured them both a drink. He set both glasses on the desk before saying. "Please have a seat." Now they were ready to talk. Drinks and no more girls in the room to get in the way of the true story. "So I want to know exactly what happened that caused you to bring your sister here and ask for my help."
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