At Long Last

Giuseppe hadn't seen what had gone down in France. He'd hopped on another plane, this time going to Italy. He had to check up on his brothers and sisters, whom he hadn't seen in ages. The youngest, Roscoe, was still recovering from the starvation he'd endured. When he saw Giuseppe, he ran up and hugged his older brother.

Whenever France texted him to ask if he was okay, he'd sen her a thumbs up emoticon. Some days he even sent her a simple 'I am good' but the word good was shortcut to 'gouda' so Giuseppe sighed and wrote 'I think Remus just wanted me to make a horrible cheese joke'. He would admit, it did make him laugh. But he still hadn't figured out how to edit shortcuts.

Now, though, he looked at his mate and stroked her face. With a sigh, he said "Mio caro, do you trust me? I know that I may have disappointed you by gallivanting off to Italy, but I absolutely had to make sure that my brothers and sisters were okay. My mother can be a bitch sometimes, and she did this thing to each of us where, after another child was born, she'd lock the older child up for days at a time." By now, he was just rambling. But France needed to know his past, or at least bits of it. He'd slowly tell her everything.

He looked at her softly and smiled. "You look beautiful no matter what you wear, darling..." He complimented her. As Remus would say "That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!" He smiled at the thought.

When she inquired him of the time, he said "It's about six-thirty. The sun should be out of the way now. I think Remus said that the penthouses face east, so we could probably open the curtains." As he spoke, he put an arm around her and smiled. The smile quickly faded, though, replaced by a look that begged her to forgive him for not staying in France.

((IDK if I edited the right stuff lol))

Giuseppe sighed. "I don't know, darling... I fear that my mother - as wonderful as she may have seemed at first glance - may get worse if I try. Perhaps Dante could help? My eldest brother. It was him, then Giovanni, then Luca, myself, our twin sisters Allegra and Gisella, and finally Roscoe." He walked beside her as he spoke. "Dante is the least controlled by our mother."

He was glad that France wasn't a grudge-holder. But the idea of taking his siblings away from the woman who was the reason for his existence? He didn't know if he really wanted to do it. He just didn't have the guts. "I will talk with Dante later, but it will be a long distance call, and probably raise my phone bill quite a bit. Besides, despite the fact that Mama is a little... er, eccentric, for lack of a better word, she still does care." He smiled and allowed her to link arms with him, glad for the proximity. He followed, smiling at her. "It is quite a bit better, I will admit" Giuseppe said, smiling. If there really was a forgetfulness potion, darling, I'd be drunk on it by now. You are my forgetfulness potion, in a sense. When I am around you, I forget about a great deal of the evils I have dealt with in the past."

He smiled, no longer focused on his past, and more focused on the beauty that was his beloved mate. When she asked him to walk with her, and talk to her, he sighed. "I don't want to put a damper on your mood, Francia" he said, calling her by her Italian name. He stroked her face softly, his thumb brushing softly against her cheekbone. He followed obediently, his shoes tapping so very softly on the cobblestones. "Perhaps we could go to Italy together sometime?" he asked softly. Over the course of the time he'd known her, Giuseppe had gradually gotten bolder when around France. Mind you, he was still scared of the opposite sex, but that was now reduced to strange women. His beloved France was nothing to be afraid of, and he knew this.

Then an idea came to his mind. "Why don't we try to get in contact with Dante sometime tonight? He no longer lives with our Mama, so that should make it easier to talk to him. Though, my other brothers, and my sisters..." He sighed and stopped, the lights of the Eiffel tower shining on him. "Never mind, mio caro. It is unimportant. Let us continue our walk, si?" He smiled genuinely, wanting so badly to just go ahead with her suggestion of bringing his brothers and sisters here, to America. He'd been corresponding with his sister, Gisella, over a thing that Remus had called 'e-mail', and she'd expressed joy at the possibility of leaving. But she knew that their mother wouldn't allow it, so she agreed that they'd have to be sneaky. She had also told Giuseppe that Allegra was not in favor of sneaking around behind their mother's back. She promised that she'd try to get the other girl on their side, though.

Giuseppe knew that getting Dante on their side would not be hard, but he also knew that it would not be easy. Sighing, he went to a bench, France still on his arm, and sat down. He was exhausted just thinking about it. Giuseppe sighed and patted his knee, inviting her to sit there if she wished.

"What if Dante says no, France? Then what? Do we kidnap everyone?" He sighed again, trying to think. "Again, I do not wish to put a damper on the mood you have, darling." France truly did make him feel better. He smiled at her and said, to he previous question "You're right. Perhaps they would be same with the clan. But what if they stayed with us? We have penthouses, darling. They could stay with us; you take the girls, and Roscoe can stay with me. Thankfully, Luca and Gio are also not living with Mama. She does visit them quite often, though. They told me that it almost feels like they do still live with her. I feel bad for them in that case." He smiled, blushing for really no reason.

((Sorry if the reply sucks butt.))

When France offered to pay his telephone bill, Giuseppe had to shake his head. "No, mio caro. I can pay my own bill, love. There is no need to do anything like that for me." When she mentioned his mother - even though he had just moments prior - Giuseppe sighed. "My mother is a chameleon, metaphorically speaking. She may seem sweet and innocent in public - or at least she was when around you and Jean - but she truly is a heartless bitch. Una cagna senza cuore. One day you may see for yourself what I mean."

Giuseppe looked up at the sky and interlaced his fingers in France's. "What a beautiful moon" he said, smiling. "It reminds me of my life back in Sicily - the good parts, anyway. When I was young, before my sisters and Roscoe were even a thought in my mama's mind, Dante used to take me to the park and we would just sit there on a bench, bathed in the moonlight. And now I have someone even more special to share the moonlight with." He smiled at France. It was quite true that he knew that she'd never be like his mama. That was one of the things that drew him to her. That one dance had given him all the courage he'd needed at the time, and the rest came naturally.

When she called him 'angel' - albeit in her own mother tongue - he blushed and said "You, darling, and the angel. I swear I can almost see a halo." He squinted playfully and said Yup definitely one there." He smiled as she sat near to him, allowing his hand to slowly move to the small of her back. "I got Dante's address a little while ago. We could go see him someday soon, if you like. He lives not far from the penthouses." A soft sigh escaped his lips, then he said "I want you to get to know me more, and one way to do that is to meet my family." He thought a moment, then said "I am sure he wants nothing more than to be free of her. I am confident that he will help."

He smiled and leaned over a bit, doing something he never thought he would do, but had earlier in the real wold, albeit in a bold moment - he kissed her cheek. "Allegra will be he hardest to pull away from Mama, as I said before. However, you are quite good at persuasion, if I am correct" he said chuckling at the last part.

Giuseppe didn't know what exactly was going through his mate's head as she cocked it to the side, nor did he think he wished to. He wasn't one to pry, really. When she talked of meat, he chuckled a little. "Pardon my chortling, love, but you have mistranslated my words a little. Don't get me wrong, I am the same way with your mother tongue. I was talking about how my mama is a - pardon the profanity - heartless bitch. 'Cagna ' means bitch and 'senza cuore' means heartless. Althoughi did call two of Jean's men 'carne-teste - meat-heads." He chuckled at the thouht. When asked to teach her his mother language, Giuseppe stopped a bit short. "I am not sure, love. It may take a while to do so, unless you are a particularly fast learner." He smiled, though, wanting only to please his beloved France.

When France smiled, Giuseppe did the same.. When she dropped the smile, he couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. "My darling, I am sorry... I did not mean to upset you" he apologized. "He is very nice; you'd like him, I think" he continued.

As she smiled again, he smiled. "I am glad you are smiling once more, love" he whispered, planting a soft kiss on her temple, his hand still resting comfortably on her back. His mind went back to that day when Jean had come to her penthouse, and his heart sank. "I know I have said it many times already, my darling, but... I am sorry that I did not do anything to save - I mean help you..." He looked at his lap, only peeking at her through his peripheral. When she talked of Remus, he smiled. "Of course. Remus and I are old, old pals" he said, adding "he decided that this was a better alternative, even though Gio had suggested he move to Verona and get a girl, but he said 'No, if I do that, it'll just be a Shakespearean tragedy from then on.'" The smile returned and has he held her closer, chuckling.

Giuseppe caught her blush and said "I think it's true, love" and looked at her lovingly.

((Yeah, I think I am done with this reply now XD))

Giuseppe let a small chuckle escape from his lips. "Where did you hear ‘carne’ , love? Other than my mention of it, I mean.” Giuseppe blushed, not wanting to seem rude towards his love. When she proclaimed that she was embarrassed, he let a soft chuckle loose again. “My dear, you have no need to be embarrassed. It was an honest mistake, and I will probably do the same with your language, darling. I have only heard French spoken a handful of times, so I do not know as much as a native of the country, such as your ravishing self. In fact, I may at first butcher your language when trying to use the right words.” He smiled and kissed her hand, his gaze showing nothing but his love for her.

He sighed and said "I am glad to have such a reassuring mate, darling” as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. When she assured im that she’d tell him the next time she got stolen away, he smiled a bit and nodded. “Si, mio caro; yes, my darling. That would be lovely. I guess I just... I felt like I would be useless, so I retreated." When she laughed, he held her, until she bent over and clutched her sides. When she apologized, he said “You do not need to be lady-like all of the time, mio caro. I have seen your playful side before – well, sort of – and I would like to again and again... And perhaps one day we could... you know... But I won’t pester you about that right now. It’s just an idea... something to think about later on, if you like.” Giuseppe blushed, kissed her forehead, and smiled. His thoughts went to the first time they’d met, and he transmitted these thoughts to France while touching his forehead to hers.

At her request, Giuseppe took her hand and said “You know I will, mio caro” he whispered to her, sliding his left hand down to her waist and taking her left hand with his right. He paid little attention to the gazebo, and stepped in time with the music.

((Dunno if I should bring Giuseppe’s family into this. Maybe in another RP))

France

Giuseppe reveled in the time he spent with his beloved, enjoying every step, every twirl, every dip that she wouldn't expect. Until the time came when the sun set and she would wake up. When he had gotten there, Giuseppe had managed to dodge even the tiniest ray of sunshine. But now there was no need to dodge anything. His love was with him, and for that he was happy; content even.

When they pulled out of the dream, Giuseppe broke out of what Remus called his 'statue state. Basically, when Giuseppe entered into a dream, he froze completely in the real world - he stopped breathing and any other bodily functions he had as well stopped - frozen in one position until he left the dream, but in the dream world, everything worked as it should. He had had many years of practice, and as such, was a master of this power now. But every time he pulled out of a dream, he still sucked in air like a vacuum, as if he had been drowning. He cleared his throat, trying to pretend that he hadn't done that in front of his mate. It was still embarrassing.

"Buona sera, mia cara. Or as you say, Bonsoir, ma chérie?" he said softly, partially asking. He wanted to make sure his late night/day research had paid off. God forbid he should ever screw up his wording in front of a native speaker of the language he was trying so very hard to learn if not master. He listened to her and said "Of course, il mio amore." He found her cheek - by feeling the air - and kissed it, smiling before leaving the room. Giuseppe was a natural romantic, being that he was from one of the most romantic countries in the world, the other being his love's nickname. Giuseppe quickly went back to his  apartment, getting a bouquet of pre-cut roses and a red-and-gold vase he'd bought yesterday, from his own room, and putting it together. The vase was slender, so it didn't look awkward if he were to hold it close to his bosom, as he did now. He went back to her apartment and unlocked, then relocked the door - like he had when leaving - and set the vase in the sink, filling it two-thirds full of water. He then wrote a short note, saying 'Just because - Giuseppe' with a heart trailing off of the final 'e'.

A knock on her bedroom door later, Giuseppe Castro was grinning like an idiot - a love-struck, Italian idiot. "Are you decent, my love?" He didn't want to walk in on her as she was dressing - that would be rude.

France

Giuseppe smiled, glad he'd gotten it right. He'd been taking lessons on Rosetta Stone, an online language learning program that Remus had told him about. When she said 'merci', he knew she meant 'thank you' but couldn't think of how to say 'you're welcome'. He felt so embarrassed. So, really, all that came out of his mouth was "Uhhh..." followed by a confused stare and "G-Grazie." He then realized his mistake and said "Dammit..." while looking apologetically at her.

To be honest, he was so caught up in his embarrassment that he'd almost completely forgotten to pay attention to his mate. He saw her casual clothing and for once in his life, he felt extremely overdressed. "Darling," he said, smiling, "you look very beautiful. Molto bello." He wanted to go home and change, but at the same time, he wanted to stay here, with his mate.

When she spoke again, he smiled. "Good. Bene."

((Bleh lol))

Giuseppe knew that what he was saying may or may nor be intelligible, but he was willing to try. So when she asked if he was trying to say 'You're welcome, he only nodded, still embarrassed. "O-Oui, mademoiselle," he said, confident that he could at least say that without flaw. "D-De rien."

He already knew that his comment would make her blush. France was semi-predictable like that. Sometimes he couldn't tell what she would do next, but that was what made her so alluring, so wonderful."De rien," he repeated. He mimicked his mate when she stared at him, only his smile was a bit bigger than hers. He couldn't help but stare at her, and it was almost as if he were in the dream still.

Until she asked if he'd like to hunt with her. They'd never hunted together before, and so he was a bit nervous. Nevertheless, he sighed happily and replied "I would love to." He paused a beat and continued "Especially if it is with you, my love." Looking down at his suit and back up, he asked, "Perhaps I should change first, though? This is one of my most expensive suits, as it's made of Italian silk, and I do not want for it to get ruined, in case we use it at any time in the near future." He smiled as he leaned down a little to kiss her nose.

((Blah blah XD))

((Yay!))

Giuseppe walked with his beloved, making sure to brush his hand against hers every once in a while. Sometimes, he'd sneak his hand up to the small of her back, but would put his arm at his side again nearly immediately. Next to him, albeit dressed differently. S, shehe was so stunning - and then there was him. Giuseppe didn't really have any opinion about himself.

He walked in silence for a while, until she talked to him, asking who he normally picked. "I, uh..." he stammered. He had never really done anything in the way of hunting. He hand hunted a bunch back home, but here? Nope. Americans were different, and he knew it. He blushed and continued "Y-Yeah, I usually go for, um... W-Women. N-No hair or eye color preference, really." He was afraid to tell her that he had never really hunted before - at least not here.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a beautiful blonde walking with her brunette friend. He wanted to go for the blonde, but she reminded him too much of his mate. So he used as much stealth as he could and crept up to the brunette. He was using his dream ability to instill fear into his victim - an ability he rarely used - so he could easily subdue her. The girl, however, resisted. For this reason, Giuseppe was baffled, dumbfounded, and confused. When he caught her scent, he knew who she was instantly, and froze.

"E-Ella?"

((Cliffhanger poooooost! XD))