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If Thane could have read Amadeo’s thoughts, he would have been quite disappointed to know his Sire thought him deliberately late to the party. More than most, Thane knew just how important this gathering was and how important it was for his role as an elder and Amadeo’s first Childe to be played appropriately. He was certainly not going to shame him, even if such a huge party filled with conniving Giovanni wasn’t really his thing. Yes, he would have preferred to be in his rooms, studying, writing, daydreaming. But he’d been taught well how to play his part and he would do so without failure.

Which was why he’d been lurking the entrance and outskirts, dressed in his golden shirt, hair cut short, as stylish as any of the Giovanni clan. Counting clan members, putting faces to names and ensuring nobody unsavoury crossed the threshold. All seemed well enough, so much so that he could no longer delay his walk inside, into the throng, nodding politely to the faces that he passed, passing through the room and looking deliberately up to the railing where Amadeo stood. He bowed to his sire above, low at the waist and then moved on, to wait at the bottom of the stairs, ready to take his place Amadeo’s shoulder when the older vampire chose to descend.

Nico had been distracted the moment they had set food on the estate grounds. But Matteo had gotten used to this little quirk of the other vampire’s. It came from his work and sometimes he just couldn’t switch it off. But at least someone was paying attention to their surroundings; the blonde would much rather just ignore it all abs focus his time and attention on Nico.

But they probably wouldn’t happen much tonight. He was sure eventually he would get cornered into a conversation about the Della Passaglia business ventures and people wanting to talk about his father. The man had been gone a long time and rarely checked in on him and Coco. Gigi kept him constantly busy. He reasallllyyy didn’t want to be here. But having Nico by his side made it at least tolerable. Maybe they could find some private place to sneak off to later or even just leave for some place else. Who knew how long this whole thing was going to take.

As they walked along the path to the mansion Matteo laughed. Leaning his head against Nico’s shoulder as he looked up at him through thick eyelashes. “Look at you like how?” The blond bit his bottom lip at the other vampire’s smirk. He knew exactly what Nico meant, it was just more fun to feign ignorance sometimes in an attempt to be cute. Leaning up he brushed his lips lightly against Nico’s cheek bone.

Nico’s words sounded ominous. It seemed he wasn’t at all thrilled with being here either. Good, that would make it easier to convince him later about finding some place else to be. Not that Nico would probably need that much convincing her was sure. Matteo nodded as he continued to cling to the other’s arm. Not willing to let him wander off. “But of course. It’s a big night tonight. They all just have to be dramatic. If that wasn’t the pot calling the kettle black. Matteo wasn’t as dramatic as some but he had his moments.

The kiss had left him wanting more but this wasn’t the time or place for that. Gigi would probably have a fit if she saw him with Nico, being on his arm, kissing him. Good, let her get upset.

Gigi was a bit late with invitation in hand. Walking inside, he nodded to those he knew and respected, yet kept his eyes low, to those that didn't like him as he hastily made his way to one of the walls, mainly to observe, hoping his Boss, Vinny, was having a good time.

He was so busy lately with paperwork lately, getting those last financial tweaks done before the season switched over. Usually he stayed in his work space, unless Vinny had him go elsewhere and this was one of those times. Respecting his friend he was here, though deep down he felt a bit uncomfortable, being Mortal and being around so many intimidating and powerful and Important Family members. The crowd didn't help either.

The head of house Rossellini wasn’t exactly late, per se, nor had he shown up as early as some. He’d been busy in his work, distracted and lavishing in his early evening pleasures before remembering that he had other places he was meant to be. Perhaps if his dear cousin had come and reminded him, he might have realized sooner, but alas, Armando never seemed to want to come and visit Marcello when he was in his ‘office’, and certainly not when the desperate sounds of screams from some poor mortal were echoing down the corridors.


Cleaning himself up had been a bit of an affair. Sometimes scrubbing the blood out of his cuticles could be such a chore. But eventually, he was ready, hair falling in touseled waves around his shoulders, his outfit an expensive black suit with gold accents, his selected jewelry polished and gleaming bright, and the elder arrived at the main family estate in good spirits, a slight smile adorning his lips and his amber gaze, often so cold and disdainful, bright and observant. Long, purposeful strides took him across the estate grounds, sweeping past the lollygaggers, who were taking their time in their approach, until he was through the doors and inside.


Now, where were the other members of his little family? He would not be terribly surprised if there were only a few. Not all had made their way home again since hearing of a certain Disciples return. He had sent out messengers, of course, and he was sure they would respond in due time. However, for now, it may just be---


Ah, there was Armando. A glimpse of his tall cousin with his brightly-hued hair had Marcello pivoting in place and heading his way. He was at the bar, of course, and the elder figured he might as well join him, approaching him with a reproachful look in his eyes and a small shake of his head, “Not wasting any time, I see.” His voice was low and smooth as his hand reached for the glass meant for Armando, lifting it to his own lips.


He had not, at that moment, yet noticed Angel.

Zeno did his best to slip into the gathering unnoticed, knowing that it was very likely he would get scolded for showing up late. Not that it was really his fault. He had a few last minute issues that needed to be dealt with promptly, as he was quite sure no one would want to bring bad news to their disciple. So far he had been successful in sneaking into the main house, but he was sure several eyes landed on him as he slipped into the main room. He kept his shoulders hunched, and his hands tucked away in his pockets as he scanned the room. These kind of fancy parties where never something he liked, and he often left feeling out of place even among his cousins. It was clear to anyone looking at him the Zeno was not exactly the most pleasant to be around, and while he had put extra effort into making sure he was not covered in blood, there was little he could do for his scars.

Edon's smile did not falter as he watched Gigi's face, his expression one of warmth and complete focus upon the beauty at his side. Feeling her arm link with his as she took it he couldn't help the swell of immense pride, he didn't give a damn if people knew. In his opinion this should have been the way it was years ago. Fate had decided to give them a second chance, finally correcting an injustice. "Always, la mia rosa. If we Machiavelli aren't pouring charm from every conceivable pore of our being then somehow we are failing." He laughed quietly, flashing her a playful and slightly impish glance. He gracefully led them inside, his gaze slipping upward to spot the clans Methuselah perched, watchful as always.

He hadn't seen Amadeo in some time and the last time he had was when he had delivered Augustus's letter to the Elder and Edon had to set off on business at the Disciples request. He nodded briefly, receiving the same in return. His focus shifted back to Gigi who was pointing out family that had indeed been long absent from social functions and the ocassional house call or business meeting. The head of Hidalgo. The head of Rossellini. He tended to keep away from those houses for several reasons. None of which were petty or untrue. He had heard whispers of what went on behind closed doors at their hands or behest. It was nothing that concerned him and so long as it didn't affect him, his interests or his family he stayed out of the affairs of others.

"Quite the pageantry of Giovanni on display tonight." He smiled, his grey eyes flashing with mild amusement. "And yes, sadly I was detained. We had an.. incident at the stables. Fortunately nothing too serious but it did eat up the evening." He casually leaned close to whisper in her ear. "I do, however, have plenty of time this evening once dinner is over to make up for lost time if you're free, amore mia." He lifted his face away and glanced around the room, smiling at relatives and strangers with an air of importance, he knew how gossipy everyone could be. Honestly he didn't care. If anything he was proud of his rekindled romance. Who wouldn't be with a woman like Gigi on their arm? A fool perhaps. "Would you care for some wine, mia bellezza?"



Amadeo spotted the head of Machiavelli escorting, well that was an interesting development, the head of Della Passaglia. He allowed a polite smile and returned the greeting. His attention diverted as he finally spotted Thane. Well, he had been exceptionally wrong in his assumption that Thane was hiding out still, dragging out his arrival until the last possible second. In fact it appeared Thane had arrived even earlier than he himself had and was busy taking to his duties with a perfect grace and competence that made the Methuselah swell with pride. The male had made such great strides and was coming into his own at a pace that, while Amadeo expected of him, still gave him great pleasure to witness.

It was Thane's appearance that prompted the Methuselah to finally move from his post atop the balcony, descending the stairs with only a final, quick backwards glance toward the door at the end of the hall. That strange energy radiating heavily now. He moved fluidly down each step, almost floating, until he reached the end and took his place beside his childe. His gaze sliding to the familiar presence, giving the other male a slightly favorable smile, his dark eyes taking him in. He had really gone to the trouble tonight. He had never seen him so polished in all the years they'd been together and it was quite a sight. "You seem to be taking to the evening quite spectacularly." His voice was low, calm, as he shifted his gaze once more to the room and their guests.



Armando was still feeling like he stuck out an atrocious amount, a sore thumb, but he also was trying to stay relatively unseen and being unable to do so simply made it worse. He heard a familiar voice suddenly and turned to spot his cousin standing right behind him. The sight of the formidable male sending an involuntary shiver up his spine, one he always got around the Elder knowing vaguely what dark horrors lurked beneath that handsome facade he'd plastered on for the event tonight. His bright gaze was the only part of the tall male conveying any sense that he was uneasy, even as he did his best to relax. Why had he been so eager for Marcello to arrive again? Perhaps because it was the only familiar face he'd seen so far... aside from Angel's. And that was hardly any kind of comfort.

"You either." He breathed, narrowing his eyes as his cousin swiped his drink. Well, s**t. Well s**t times two. Here came Angel. That voice sent a second shiver racing along his spine again, his unease spiking exponentially, ******** ******** ********. Armando did his best to look as closed off and unapproachable as possible, just to discourage any interest the other male might have in tormenting him this evening. If he was lucky he'd end up being too distracted by his cousins presence to even notice him after this initial greeting.

The Ancilla did, however, incline his head respectfully, his eyes following the shot from counter to lips and back again before they slid to his cousins face to guage his reaction. He knew the two had been on the outs for some time now but he did his best to stay out of their... business. If that's what one could call whatever twisted s**t they did together. "You have some real interesting tastes when it comes to men, you know that?" He sighed, turning to the bartender to get another drink since getting his own back was likely a lost cause at this point.

As the party kicked off, Nonna was a bastion of calm. She stood near the middle of the room, her hands clasped lightly before her, untouched by the goings on. Occasionally someone stopped to greet her, to receive a kiss on the cheek and a gentle benediction but that was all. She was a rock the waves crashed around, immovable. At one point she shared a glance with Amadeo up on the balcony, as they both waited for something to shift. The air felt too heavy, charged with power.

Her grandson was a welcome distraction.

“Mio caro ragazzo, mi sei mancato!” She purred, delighted by his hug. Ever the handsome boy, Nonna glowed with pride as she touched his cheek, receiving her kisses graciously and returning them fervently. She rarely admitted to having favourites but Leo definitely had an edge up on the rest. She fussed for a moment, pushing back some stray dark strands from his face.

Then finally her attention shifted to Japheth, a long lost child of their family. He had changed much from when he was a child but Nonna had never forgotten a face or the scent of anyone who carried their bloodline, however distant. She stepped towards him, solemnly inspecting him up and down, then leaning in, slowly planting a kiss on one cheek and then the other.

“Welcome home.”