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Post by Dante Santino on Jun 12, 2012 21:01:06 GMT -5
(Because I never use Dante. Open to one or both of you.)
All in all, it had been a weird homecoming. He basically blundered into a nearly exact replay of his fight with his father seven years earlier, only with Gabriella now playing his part. He got to see the terrible aftermath that followed in the wake of destruction, with a terrible fight between his parents and his mother apparently walking out of the house with a suitcase. She had left him a note telling him where she was, and insisting that he not share the information with his father.
Dante had no idea whether the rift could be repaired at this point, but he was determined to be the one person linking all the others. Still, he would not betray his mother's confidence and rather than face his father that morning, Dante headed to London before Marcello awoke.
His first stop had been to visit his mother at her hotel, but the visit had been brief because she apparently had some sort of important meeting that morning. When he left, Dante began walking through London, in search of the shop that Gabriella had started with the Rossi girl. He knew what it was called, but that was all the information he knew. So he was lucky that it was in a good part of London, not far from the coffee shop he had already become addicted to since arriving in London.
He stepped in almost cautiously, wondering whether he would be welcome. Surely Gabriella wouldn't mind, but he knew very little about the Rossi girl, and he didn't want her to think he was here with any sort of agenda.
The little bell above the door jingled to announce his entrance into the shop, but for the moment, no one was visible. So he began to meander along the racks, just taking a look at the clothes his sister had created.
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Post by Gabriella Santino on Jun 12, 2012 21:13:35 GMT -5
Things had been going alright. Gabriella missed her family, but she knew that there was no way she was going to be able to step foot inside her parents' house again. She expected something along those lines before she even admitted to what was going on. She was never involved in the 'business', neither was Sedona, so she still did not fully understand why her father reacted the way he did.
Things had been smoothed over with Declin and she saw him whenever she could. She knew her father was working him more than he used to since she left. The only other two people she knew would still see her would be Dante and her mother, but she had still yet to see either one.
The store had finally opened and business was underway. The first several days of business had been extremely busy. Gabriella, nor Sedona, had had time to really breathe. Now they were doing a little more inventory since their sales had been great the first couple of days. Gabriella had just unlocked the doors to the store before disappearing to the back to grab a notepad when the bell jingled.
First customer of the day, she thought. "Welcome to Sedriella," Gabriella started as she appeared from the back again. Once she saw who it was, she dropped her notepad on the counter and ran over to him. "Dante," she said excitedly as she threw her arms around her brother's neck without a second thought.
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Post by Dante Santino on Jun 20, 2012 21:32:38 GMT -5
Dante squeezed her back as though he hadn't seen her in years. In a way, he hadn't, because he hadn't really had much time to spend with her the other night at dinner. All too soon, the fighting had erupted, and then Gabriella was on her way out.
"Gabby," he said affectionately, reaching up to rumple her hair the way he'd always done when they were kids. "How are you doing? That was quite a shocking scene the other night... I hope you've recovered."
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Post by Gabriella Santino on Jun 25, 2012 20:30:03 GMT -5
She let out a laugh when Dante rumpled her hair. Playfully she swatted his hand away and fixed her hair, while still smiling. Her smile faded a little when he brought up the other night. "I'm good actually. The store has been keeping me busy, so has the apartment. We finally finished decorating it before we finished up the store. As for the other night, I'm good. The store has kept me busy." The smile brightened a little bit.
"And Declin has come by to keep me company." There was a light blush on her cheeks. "How are you doing? Are you settling back in alright?"
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Post by Dante Santino on Jul 29, 2012 19:34:22 GMT -5
She really did seem happy. Dante didn't think he'd seen his sister so happy in a long time. Of course, he'd been in New York for the last seven years, but even before he left, she had always seemed somewhat troubled. In a way, Dante could understand. He'd felt the same oppressive feelings... the feeling of being trapped in one's own life. Their father was a difficult man, and sometimes it was hard to be yourself in that kind of situation. Dante wondered to himself if that was the same kind of thing his mother was going through.
"I'm OK, I guess. Things back at home are... weird, though. I barely see Father. He's in and out most of the time. And... Mum left. She packed her things and walked out. She's actually here... in London. She's in a hotel. I think she'd like to see you."
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Post by Gabriella Santino on Aug 17, 2012 20:12:14 GMT -5
The happy feeling she had disappeared. "Mum, left? Seriously?" Gabriella ran a hand through her hair. She was trying to wrap her head around the fact that her mother actually left. It was quite a shock that she left. "It's my fault," she said with a whisper. Never would she thought that her mother would have left. Gabriella did feel responsible, which in a way she was. Had she not gone into business with Sedona, this wouldn't have happened. However, she was glad that she did open the shop with her best friend. If she hadn't gone in business with her friend, she would have let her down. In a way, she had let her family down. It was a lose, lose situation.
On the other hand, if she stopped to think about it, she didn't really let her family down. They always wanted her to do what made her happy. Even her father said it, so she was really only doing what he told her.
"What hotel is she in?" In addition to everything, Gabriella never thought her mother would stay in a hotel. "I would love to go see her."
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Post by Dante Santino on Aug 22, 2012 21:37:14 GMT -5
Dante knew exactly what she was thinking. He'd been there before, after all, and he still remembered how he felt after he had left. He'd left the country, so he hadn't had to see the fallout from that fight with his father. His mother had stayed that time, or so it seemed, and gabby had been all right, too. But at the time, he had no idea what was happening and he'd spent many nights consumed with guilt and regret. It had inspired more than a few poems, works that he'd never show anyone. He might have shown them to Shana, but now that she was gone, he couldn't imagine showing them to anyone.
"Don't," he said. "Don't blame yourself for this. Mum's angry, but I'm sure she'll get over it. She loves us, and she loves Dad.... It's going to be all right. She just needed to cool her head, I'm sure of it. Anyway, she's staying at the Avalon. I think she might try and visit you, actually... she was going to have a meeting with Declin this morning."
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Post by Gabriella Santino on Aug 29, 2012 16:30:26 GMT -5
It didn't matter if Dante said it wasn't her fault. There would always be a small part that would feel guilty. Naturally the Santinos had an anger that no one really wanted to ever see. The whole family could be hot heads if the time called for it. Although Gabriella did not want to see her father at the time being, if he needed her by his side, no matter how stubborn he would be, she would be there.
The comment of hearing that her mother might come by for a visit made a small smile appear on her face. At least someone else in the family would get to see what she and Sedona worked so hard for. She was sure that if Sedona appeared Dante nor her mother would have an issue with her. "Really? I gave Declin a letter for her earlier asking her how she was and apologizing for dinner. If she's coming here, I hope everything upstairs is in order." Gabriella gave a small laugh. Their mother was very particular about things.
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Post by Dante Santino on Aug 29, 2012 23:26:04 GMT -5
Dante gave a little laugh. It was well known in the family just how particular their mother could be. What had always amazed Dante was how she managed to keep everything in place and do as much as she seemed to do throughout the day, without help. Many times their father had offered to hire maids or bring in house elves, but Clarice always wanted to do everything herself. Even with magic, it still seemed impossible to Dante... but somehow she did it.
"I stopped in to visit her last night. She hates being in a hotel... you can tell she's just itching to clean. But I'm sure she won't be like that here. This is your place... and she really just wants to see you."
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Post by Sedona Rossi on Aug 31, 2012 22:09:45 GMT -5
Sedona had been shopping. Or, more correctly, window shopping, trying to get inspiration. Anything, really. She didn't feel the same since she left home, and while she still saw Mateo, it was... strained, now.
She was still of the opinion that she didn't do anything wrong, or even bad. She was friends with Gaby long before she knew it was wrong, or even knew what the girl's last name was. Her father couldn't blame her for the decision of a friendly 11 year old. She knew, though, that it wasn't just about her friendship with Gaby. It was the lie, and the 7 years of that friendship.
She sighed, pushing open the door to the shop and not even flinching as the bell rang. She was used to that little chime now. What she was not used to was the man standing in font of Gaby- a face she recognized instantly as Gaby's brother.
She knew chances were high that they would run into someone from the other family, but this was the first time it actually happened, and she didn't know if she should be scared, or what. She looked sort of like a hippogiff in the headlight. "Sorry. Sorry, should I go?"
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Post by Gabriella Santino on Sept 4, 2012 15:40:01 GMT -5
Hearing the bell chime of the door, Gabriella automatically looked. She smiled when Sedona returned. "No, no, stay," she said motioning her to come closer. Gabriella knew that neither Dante nor her mother would have an issue with Sedona being there.
"This is my brother Dante," she introduced him. "Dante, this is my best friend, Sedona." It was obvious they were going to end up run into each other's families but at least with Dante it was not going to be some all out brawl because there was also a Rossi in the same room.
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Post by Dante Santino on Oct 22, 2012 23:34:22 GMT -5
Sedona needn't have worried about Dante's reaction. He didn't care about the feud or his father's business. He was allowed back with the understanding that he was not going to be part of the business, and that included the rivalry. No, he wasn't likely to sit down to tea with Mateo Rossi, and if his father found out he was at Gabby's shop while Sedona was there, he'd probably be pretty angry... but Dante didn't care. Right now, he was visiting his sister and her friend. That was all.
"No... please, don't leave on my account," Dante said quickly as Gabriella stepped in and introduced him.
He held out his hand to Sedona. It was actually the first time he'd seen Sedona. He'd made it a point never to pay much attention to the rivalry or the Rossi family in general. He just didn't want to be involved. But he had seen Mateo Rossi once or twice. Something about him made Dante's blood run cold.
But Sedona seemed perfectly lovely, and he wasn't going to hold her family against her. "It's nice to meet you, Sedona."
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Post by Sedona Rossi on Dec 5, 2012 2:33:18 GMT -5
Sedona glanced at Dante, then his outstretched hand. It was possible that the family feud influenced her more than she thought, but Dante didn't look like he was here to cause trouble. Besides, she'd interrupted the moment, not the other way around.
She reached out and shook his hand, wishing everyone in the family could do this and get over this ridiculous rivalry.
"It's nice to meet you," Sedona said, offering him a smile before she glanced at Gabby again. Then, she told him, "I always pictured you with red hair. Like Gabby."
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Post by Dante Santino on Dec 9, 2012 23:39:42 GMT -5
Dante shook her hand, not even thinking anything of the rivalry. Well, not exactly, anyway. He was thinking about what his father would say or do if he knew that Dante was standing here in Gabby's shop, shaking hands with Sedona Rossi. But ultimately, the rivalry meant nothing to Dante. Even if it had been one of the men in the Rossi family, Dante wouldn't have cared. But it seemed especially stupid to be threatened in any way by Sedona, who was a very pretty, and perfectly friendly, young woman.
He laughed lightly at her comment. "No, no... No red hair here. I look like our father, and Gabby takes after our mum. Actually, I think I was always a little bit jealous of Gabby's red hair. She always stood out in a crowd."
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Post by Sedona Rossi on Dec 13, 2012 2:49:41 GMT -5
Sedona flashed a wider smile at that comment from Dante, unable to pass up the opportunity to tease Gabby with a running joke between the two of them.
Her accent came out a little thicker, as it usually did when she was more comfortable and not focusing on being more understandable with her English. "No, don't be jealous. I always tell Gabby that brunettes are prettier. Si, Gabby?"
She was, of course, only joking. Gabby knew she was pretty, and Sedona told her so as often as she teased her about her brilliantly red hair. "Are you staying for lunch?" she asked Dante, moving away from him and towards the other side of the counter.
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Post by Dante Santino on Feb 11, 2013 0:57:36 GMT -5
Dante held his hands up in self-defense. "Oh, no... I'm not getting in the middle of that one!" he said with a laugh. "You're both gorgeous and you know it. Besides, my mum also has red hair, and so does... well, a girl I used to know."
It still hurt to talk about Shana, not least because he had no idea how to describe their relationship. He had loved her, and she still inspired him... but he didn't know how she felt about him. Surely she wouldn't have disappeared if she truly loved him.
"I'd love to stay for lunch... although, technically, I shouldn't. Papa would kill me if he even knew I was here. Not that I ever do anything he tells me..."
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Post by Sedona Rossi on Feb 18, 2013 20:05:11 GMT -5
Sedona waved off his comment about lunch, though she was struck quickly with an image of Shana when he mentioned knowing someone once who used to be a redhead.
It was never explained to her, fully, but Sedona was good at reading people and listening to the things people said. It hadn't taken her long to figure out who Shana was, really, though she never told anyone she knew. Not Teo, not even Gabby. But Dante mentioning her made her catch her breath, and she wondered if he could see it in her eyes. She swallowed and answered him, instead.
"My brother would kill me if he knew I invited you." She shrugged, smiling and pushing away thoughts of the girl held captive in Mateo's house.
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Post by Dante Santino on Feb 20, 2013 23:43:12 GMT -5
Dante, of course, had no idea that his comment meant anything to her. Maybe he was a bit naive to think that his father's business and the family rivalry would follow him to New York, but it had honestly never occurred to him to connect Shana's disappearance with the Rossi family. If he had known, he probably wouldn't have spoken his next words.
"Don't even worry about it. I have nothing to do with the business, and I have no quarrel with your brother," he said. He knew the name Mateo Rossi, but he doubted he'd even be able to pick him out of a lineup.
"Besides, what they don't know won't hurt them, right?" he added with a grin.
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Post by Sedona Rossi on Feb 22, 2013 22:26:10 GMT -5
Sedona's smile faltered. She didn't try to cover it, though, and instead nodded. "Good, so you're staying."
She was angry, actually. It came as a surprise to her. She'd never liked Shana being held at Mateo's in the first place, but the fact that Gabby's brother didn't even know, or care about the feud... all those years spent trying to keep Sedona innocent and out of the 'family business' were hypocritical, because Dante wasn't involved either, and they we're pulling not only him, but his girlfriend into it, too. And what Dante didn't know couldn't hurt him, and hurting him was probably the goal.
Sedona had never been angry with her eldest brother until now. It felt wrong.
"I'm afraid we're still settling in, though. We've been ordering in lately."
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Post by Dante Santino on Mar 14, 2013 21:49:12 GMT -5
Dante noticed when her smile faltered, but he decided not to say anything about it, chalking it up to nerves on her part. And why wouldn't she be nervous, really? Gabriella had been kicked out of the house and practically disowned by their father for being friends with this girl, and here he was walking in just as calm as he pleased. And maybe he shouldn't be here. His father would be furious if he knew... but that had never stopped him before. He'd been disowned once already, and although he was glad to be back in his father's good graces, he was not going to sacrifice his relationship with his sister.
"Yeah, I'm staying. Ordering in is fine, too... Although I should warn you, I can be a picky eater. After being raised by my mother's cooking, I find that nothing else can quite compare. Is your family big on cooking, too?"
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