dantelrusso

[dantelrusso]

Dante: *Read*

-Time Skip to Fanzone at 7:50.-

Dante made his way into the place, his eyes glancing around the environment, taking in the chatter and excitement others seemed to be expressing at just being here. Dante, however, felt nervous? Unsure? Confused, even? Turning his attention would immediately fall upon the woman he was there to see. He did his best to offer her up a small smile as he made his way towards her. "Sorry I'm late." He told her, "Things ran a little over at the hospital." What an understatement that was. Truly, he was impressed he made it here at this time, considering how much later he could be if he didn't cut it short on his end. "Did you want to grab something to eat?" He asked, tossing a thumb over his shoulder in the direction of the food.

Sofia: What?... NO! I'm not. I just have something really important to talk to you about. Sofia: I'm... fine. Overall, I'm fine. I just need to clarify some things with you. Sofia: Perfect. I'll see you there at 7:30.

[dantelrusso]

Dante chuckled at the remark, glancing down at his hands on the table. "Other than you, I got Noah, and I don't know -- out of the two of you, I feel you'd be less likely to want to murder me for this." Grant it, he's sure Noah would be there if he needed him. But he also was aware that mentioning Andrea to him would start an entirely other argument he had no intentions of being in. "Plus, maybe I enjoy your company?" He tossed out, before his eyes lingered over the mess of text books and paperwork. He chuckled, "And if anyone needs the break, I'm assumed it'd be you." He pointed his head towards one of the books, "How's that going, by the way? You still got a hand up on it? Or has it finally began to kick your ass?" He asked her, playfully.

Zuri's legal textbooks were everywhere when Dante walked in. Her stomach went full butterfly mode - which was totally inappropriate since he belonged to someone else. "It's whatever, I'm living that law school life right now. My brain's basically broken," she said, acting like his arrival wasn't making her whole night. It bugged her that he thought he needed to apologize for coming to her, even as she knew she should probably discourage these late-night meet-ups. But being the person he turned to made her feel special in a way she hadn't felt in years. "Want to tell me what's really going on? Because we both know you've got other friends you could call at this hour." She teased, like a good friend should, while silently cursing herself for hoping there was more to his choice than simple convenience.

[dantelrusso]

TO: @zurixmitchell

Maybe there should be something telling in the fact that the first person he wanted to go to after arguing with his wife was Zuri. Maybe that had more to do with the fact that she just calmed his mind in a way that no one else seemed to. Or maybe there was something more behind it all that he just simply refused to give any true attention to. The moment he entered the cafe, his eyes immediately fell upon the woman he was there to see. Sliding into the booth opposite her, he gave her a brief smile, "Sorry to bother you so late. Thanks for meeting me, though." He told her, "I didn't know who else to call." That wasn't exactly true, now was it. "Did I wake you?"

[dantelrusso]

Dante arched a brow, chuckling at the redirect in her reply. "That often, huh?" He mused, having no doubt his child probably lived her on her spare time. "Either way, I do thank you for being so nice. And welcoming my child as well. Because she seems like she comfortable with you and that's always a good sign." He really did love that his kids had their things in life that made them happy. If this was one of Valentina's, then so be it.

He shook his head, chuckling, waving off her apologize. "Nah, you're good. Always fun to find ones self shaken up a little bit." He gave a firm nod before taking another sip of his bubba tea. Once he swallowed he gave another nod, "And that is what I'd consider good business practices. You're doing great." He assured her, "You guys sell gift cards?"

Kashvi mimed keeping her lips sealed when he asked how often his daughter came out to the shop. She was not going to out the girl for her bubble tea addiction to her father at all. “I just think she’s a very pleasant girl, that’s all..” she said with a grin before chuckling at his words and nodding. She knew that her financial advisor would be up in arms for her giving a discount like that but in all honesty—the shop was doing exceptionally well so there was no need for her to be so stingy with some fun little discounts here and there. 

“I think that comes in parts with my British sense of humour, I apologize if it’s a bit much,” she said with an apologetic smile before watching him try the drink and nodding at his words. “We aim to please of course,” she said with a shrug, feeling that slight bit of awkwardness seep in that always came when she was overly friendly or excited when it came to a product or in this case a drink she’d concocted. 

[dantelrusso]

Justin Baldoni : Jane The Virgin

[dantelrusso]

After his misjudgement with Sofia, something that wrecked their professional relationship, as well as friendship -- the last thing Dante wanted to do was repeat that mistake with someone else he cared about. But he found it harder to keep a clear head when he was Zuri's presence. Something about he made him feel safe, seen -- heard. Things that he hadn't felt in a long time and he wasn't even sure exactly when he lost those things. No, Zuri was the person that was showing him that he was missing those important things. Which only dared to add more complications to his already complicated life. Shit -- hers too. He wouldn't do that to her. She needed him just as much as he needed her and he wouldn't do anything to ruin that. "And that is how you know you're serious about your craft, Ms. Mitchell." He commented, "Learn every trick. You can never know too many."

People often found the way Dante lacked judgement quite strange. He was a big shot surgeon, had been top ranked in the military, people simply assumed he was tough and judgemental. But as someone who grew up that way, he found he was capable of a lot more empathy than most would think. He was also most than aware that a rough spot in your past didn't make up who you were. Zuri had been dealt a shit hand and she dealt with it like a champ. That was respectable. When she relaxed at his request, instead of growing annoyed, something in him realized that he had really been in deep. Because when Andrea, it felt like an argument more than not. Yet, Zuri just agreed, and it wasn't even her responsibility. He released a sigh of relief, "Thank you, Zuri." Followed by a sigh of frustation, "Still -- you shouldn't have to. Let me make it up to you."

The thing about Dante was how easy he made everything feel - like she could spill her guts about literally anything and he'd get it. No judgment, just pure understanding. That's probably why these feelings caught her off guard - all those chats about life, dreams, and random things like why cold pizza rocks morphed into something more without her even noticing. But real talk? The way he listened, really listened, with those kind eyes and that smile that made her forget all the garbage she'd been through... that's what did her in. And now she was in way too deep with a man she couldn't have. She laughed at his gaslighting comment, shaking her head. "That's exactly what it is! Like charging extra for nothing but vibes. Between you and me, I'm taking notes on keeping a straight face. It's basically my superpower now. You're so sure I'm going to be a hotshot lawyer? Bold of you to think that high. But thanks. I need that vote of confidence."

Most people looked at her with pity when they learned about her past, like she was some broken thing that needed fixing - but not Dante. He just got it, no questions asked, no judgment served. And that's what made her chest tight sometimes - how this man who had his own mess of problems could still make space to understand hers, like it was the most natural thing in the world to just accept her exactly as she was, prison record and all. "Thanks for getting it." Talking about his wife made her feel sick. She was itching to tell him he deserved better than "ups and downs," but she stayed silent. That wasn't her place. It would give the impression that she's a home wrecker because she had feelings for him. When he mentioned needing someone to pick up Gio, relief flooded through her system. Her face softened and she nodded, "I'll get him. Of course I will." A small laugh escaped her lips. "Don't scare me like that. I thought it was something really serious." All those years of feeling useless and alone, being needed for something as simple as picking up his kid made her feel like a real person again - like she actually belonged in this world. "You don't owe me nothing. It's what friends do for each other."

[dantelrusso]

Dante: are you dying?

Dante: I only ask because I’m having trouble figuring out what is so dire…. That you need to talk to me… Dante: Are you okay? Fair warning would be cool.

Dante: uh, yeah, we can do fanzone. In the evening works, 7:30?

Dante: -reads message- -few minutes later- Dante: Uh, yeah, sure. Sure, what's up? Dante: When and where you want to meet? Dante: Everything alright?

[dantelrusso]

Dante almost opened his mouth to continue this awkward situation. As if he enjoyed nothing more than drowning in misery in the middle of the grocery store. But like clockwork, his phone started ringing, and without even looking at it, he knew exactly who it was. Maybe her timing didn't suck all the time, after all. Clearing his throat, he gave her a firm nod, "See you around, Sofia." He stated, pulling his phone from his back pocket and putting it to his ear. He stepped around her and began towards the remaining items he needed, "Yeah, I'm checking out now. Will be home soon." He said into the phone, ignoring the impulse to glance over his shoulder as he continued forward.

END

Seriously, had the sex been so good that she couldn't use her brain to stop herself from ruining what seemed to be a marriage already in shambles? How were they still together? Maybe they deserved each other. Just two cheaters sticking it out for the sake of the children. Sofia was so ashamed of what they'd done and she tried to move on with her life and leave it behind her, but Wilmington was a small town with apparently plenty of opportunities for them to run into one another. "Yup. Sounds good." There her brain went on autopilot again and she responded without even thinking, but there was no going back. Hopefully, he wouldn't actually follow through though. Today's interaction was enough to least her at least a few more years.

[dantelrusso]

Dante: -reads message- -few minutes later- Dante: Uh, yeah, sure. Sure, what's up? Dante: When and where you want to meet? Dante: Everything alright?

CALL 📲 Dante Russo

Sofia: Hi... Look, this is weird for us both I know, but I need to meet with you. Are you free at all this week?

[dantelrusso]

His brow shot up, "Favorite customer?" He questioned, "Seriously, how often is this girl here? I'm getting the sense it's a lot more than she led me to believe." Not that he was really buying what she was trying to sell, but still -- it was always nice to have it confirmed. "Either way, guess it's my lucky day then." At least, that's what he was going with... until he figured out rather or not he liked what ever bubble tea was. "Do I?" He chuckled, "I never quite thought of myself like that, but hey, maybe I am." He also liked knowing he could afford it. "Adding insults to the experience. I always wanted to experience something like this. Never thought it'd be in a bubble tea shop." He joked, "But exactly."

Dante simply stared at her. Her reply going completely over his head, "Hmm." He nodded, "Well, I gotta say the consideration was appreciated."

“I’m giving you a discount because you’re a father of one of my favourite customers, and plus—it’s your first time, I’m not going to make you pay full price,” she told him with a gummy smile before continuing. “As for why the choice of percentage…well you seem like a proud man and I don’t want to insult you by charging you absolutely nothing so I’m letting you pick,” Kahhvi explained before letting out a loud laugh at his decision. “I’d have to agree…I don’t think you’re all there in the head but no matter, good profit for me right?” 

Kashvi watched him examine the drink before stabbing the straw right though and watched him react to the popping boba and had to grin before explaining. “Popping coffee jelly boba, it’s like a little burst of coffee jelly. There are some regular tapioca balls as well but given your love for coffee I figured this might be a better option for you.”

[dantelrusso]

If Dante took a moment and thought about it, he'd realize that he only ever seemed to smile this much when Zuri was around. He didn't know what it was about her that brought him so much calm but it was intoxicating to say the least. He hadn't realized he had been smiling so large until his cheeks began to hurt, and immediately he forced it away. Clearing his throat, he leaned forward and nodded, "Would it be wrong to consider that gaslighting?" He wondered, "I don't know -- I feel like that would be a fairy fitting word for that." Then again, he would know. "Hell, that might be the point, Mitchell." He thought out loud, "I can only imagine what nonsense you're going to hear about in court one day when you're a big shot lawyer. You clearly need the lesson." He wasn't a stranger to that either. After taking part in something for so long, things really didn't surprise you nearly as much as it should.

He gave a soft nod, "That makes sense. It was a lot of years in that place, Zuri. It was apart of you. That takes time." Trauma like that really never went away. That much experience has taught him, but it could get easier. "I'm not complaining." He assured her, "To be honest, I need the pick me ups. I feel like I'm going to lose my mind. So, once again -- thank you." He tilted his chin towards the treats she brought. He pressed his lips together, the subject of his wife forever uncomfortable, especially with Zuri. And he wasn't sure why. "Yeah, that's life. Ups and downs, right?" Only he feels like its been a straight slope down for years now. He shifted in his chair as he prepared to ask her his favor. "I truly hate to ask, but I got a surgery I gotta be at, and I need someone to pick up Gio from school." He explained, "Could you get him? I'll owe you."

Zuri let out an un-lady like snort at his cardboard box comment, picturing the scene. “Next time I’ll just hand him an empty box and charge him double for the ‘artisanal experience.’” The coffee’s aroma filled the office as she took another bite of her donut. Looking at him, she caught how tired he seemed before she came in. He had a smile on his face, and it made her stomach flutter a bit. But it shouldn’t. She knew better. Those feelings had snuck up on her over time - she never planned to catch feelings for a married man. But Dante just got her, treated her like a real person instead of some charity case.

Yeah, finding out he was married stung. But after 13 years locked up, she wasn’t about to push away good people just because of some silly crush. That would be straight-up crazy talk. “You know what’s wild about this chicken suit case? My professor keeps saying ‘alleged chicken suit’ with this totally serious face. Like, there’s security footage, my dude. We can see the feathers!” She rolled her eyes dramatically. “But for real though, keeping a straight face is getting easier. Law school’s teaching me to look professional while screaming internally.”

She messed around with her coffee cup, trying to figure out how she was going to explain her fears. “Sometimes I still wake up and have to remind myself I’m actually free.” She could hardly believe she was a free woman now. There were nights she woke up sweating bullets thinking she was in her cell again. “So yeah, you’re stuck with me bringing you snacks forever. Deal with it.” Her heart went out to the guy, couldn’t be easy being in his position. “That sucks. Good to hear that you and the kids are doing well. Wish it was the same with her, ya feel?" A marriage that’s that chaotic wasn’t worth sticking around for. It’s not fair for anyone. Him or his kids. She clicked her tongue at him, “Boy, why are you looking at me like you’re about to snatch my first born? Spit it out.”

[dantelrusso]

Dante laughed at his best friend, the irony in his words all too real. "You can honesty blame tik tok for everything nowadays, man." He said, "Good luck, it's the future now." Hell, he was using Tik Tok slang in his own house nowadays because of his kids. The humorist smile he wore faded as he spoke about his ex. Aware of how hard that had been for not just Noah, but the twins as well. "That's great." He replied, "I am really happy to hear she's doing better. Considering everything, I don't think either of us saw that coming, you know?" He wasn’t lying, but he was glad he had been wrong. This meant the twins would have their mother and that was always good news. He nodded, “Yeah, something. She’s not bothering me, so I guess it’s great.” He let out a heavy sigh once the words “deserve better” came from his best friends mouth. He remained silent as Noah spoke, more then aware he was right. It just felt more complicated than Al that for some reason. His eyes cut to the steak in question, “maybe that’s how I like it.” He flashed a toothy smile before turning back to the steaks, “I hear you, Noah.” He assured, “and they do, but — she’s the mother of my children. They deserve both of us. I don’t really wanna do the whole two household thing with them. And knowing Andrea…” He paused and chuckle darkly, lot’d just be more headache than anything.”

Noah watched the smoke rise from the grill, taking another sip of his whiskey. The sound of children laughing drifted from upstairs, drawing a smile out of him too. "Man, she’s got that eye roll down to an art form. Zeph's starting to pick it up too—I blame TikTok," he joked, but his expression softened. "And yeah, Deja's doing better. She sees them every weekend now. Supervised visits, but it's progress. The kids seem okay with it, which is what matters. I have hope she’ll be able to live on her own one day and the kids would be able to stay a few nights with her." He wanted his children to grow up around their mom. Despite her mental illness, Deja was a great mom, and he couldn’t deny her access to them. The mention of Andrea's book deal made him pause. An eyebrow arching as he studied his friend's face. "A book deal? That's... something." He cleared his throat. "You know you deserve better than 'fine,' right? You're raising amazing kids, a great Doctor, and still finding time to grill me these incredible steaks. Speaking of which…" he gestured at the grill with his glass, "-I think that one's about to cross from medium-rare to medium, chef." He didn’t want to be a dick and make things heavy, so a subject change was needed. Maybe it was because they'd both been through enough to know that sometimes 'fine' meant anything but. “Back to the topic, I just want you to be fine, man. My situation can’t be help, but you…you could still bail. Don’t you think you deserve to show your kids what a healthy marriage looks like?”

[dantelrusso]

He saw the moment he lost her. Not that he had her during this whole conversation to begin with. But he could tell she was about to bee line her way out of here. In all honesty, good for her. Because this was brutal and for some reason, he doubted he'd do it himself. Why? Maybe he missed her. She was a great friend, and she helped him a lot at a time he thought he was going to lost his entire shit. Unfortunate how that turned into what it was now. He pressed his lips together, and gave a slow nod. The mention of his wife in her parting message seemed to just make the reality even more known. "It was good to see you, Sofia." He said, instead, "Maybe we can catch up some time." Why he added that part, he wasn't sure. It just seemed like the right thing to do. Although, he doubted either of them would attempt to make that happen anytime soon. Fuck.

This was getting to be too much. Dante clearly wasn't looking to be honest with himself and while Sofia was remorseful about about what she'd done, she didn't know how to address it if he was so clearly looking to avoid the topic. This reminded her why she tried her absolute hardest to stay out of his way even in a town ad friendly and cozy as Wilmington. He was still somehow with his wife which was great if they had cleared the air, but Sofia and Dante were great friend at one point and that had never been repaired after what they'd done. Was she happy? "Yup. Just peachy. Look, I'm gonna go. I've got stuff to do. Real busy, but it was... nice seeing you. Tell Andrea I said hi. Or not. I don't really care at this point."

[dantelrusso]

Dante appreciated this. Being able to let lose with a select few. Malia had been one of those people. "I don't know, but something tells me you're questioning me." He replied, chuckling, "But you know what, I'll take it. Fuck it." He tossed a hand into the air, "Perfect, then that's what you can have. We all need one of those days, right? A little self care and what not." Grant it, he couldn't actually remember the last time he had done that for himself, but that was far from the issue at this moment. "She's exceeding expectations." He chuckled, "A real star there." His smile faded some as she expressed how she was feeling. Something that he knew all too well as a parent. In fact, he was sure all did. "Of course. Parenthood is the hardest hood, man. I love it, I'm grateful for it, but damn. And the fact that you worry rather you're doing enough or not says it all. Only parents who don't, don't think that way." She gave her a soft pat on the shoulder, "Exactly." He threw his head back and laughed at her question, hardly expecting that to be next. Shaking his head, he bought his attention back upon her, "Who says you can't have both?"

Seeing Dante’s cocky smile, Malia couldn’t help but chuckle and roll her eyes in response. “Sure, Jan. If you say so,” she teased. “A spa day sounds heavenly. I can’t even remember the last time I treated myself.” She devoted all her time to her daughter, but she couldn’t lie; going to the spa all day would be so nice. “Your teenager’s living up to the stereotype. Congrats, dad. Fork out that money.” She dreaded I’m those years with Leilani. As it was, she could barely keep up with her now. Emotions welled up inside her and she rested her head on his hand as she sniffled. “Thanks, Dante. It means a lot to hear that from you. I’m barely keeping it together as it is. Hearing you say it’s normal... it helps. I never imagined it would be this intense.” Her thoughts went back to the night she ran off with Leilani, recalling how scared she had been and the determination she felt at wanting to give her a baby the best life. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Lei is worth it.” She nudged Dante in a playful way to lighten things up. “Anyways… Do you have a special grill for those summer barbecues? Or do you uses flamethrower for when the burgers just won’t cook fast enough?”

[dantelrusso]

Justin Baldoni - Jane The Virgin 

[dantelrusso]

Dante wasn't sure when he stopped pretending, but he knew he had. Maybe it was exhausted, or maybe he simply just no longer cared. But he rarely pushed it anymore. While Andrea from time to time would try to sell her pitch about what a happy couple they were. If people bought it, then so be it, if they didn't? Then it was what it was. He gave a firm nod, "I'm sure y'all won't regret it." He mumbled, "She is good at what she does. So you guys are solid." She might be a crap wife, sometimes questionable mother, but writer? That she was.

He wasn't used to people calling him out like, at least, not strangers. He arched a brow at her remark, softly chuckling, "Oh?" He tossed back, "Well, I guess that could be the case if said enough times. But seriously, she's good." That he could back up at the very least. He nodded as she explained the rest. It sounded pretty cut and dry, but before he could give her a response, Andrea waltzed back in. A journal in her hand, one that caused Dante's face to pale. She wouldn't -- only, he was sure she would.

He watched her hold up the journal, "I almost forgot to mention, but there's also some really good ideas in here for future stuff." Andrea smirked at Dante, while he kept his face flat. There it was, her vindictiveness. He pressed his lips together and nod, turning his head back to Elena, "Yeah, I'm sure something interesting could come from there as well."

Maybe Elena had a sixth sense or maybe due to the nature of her broken relationship—she could just tell that something was off. Of course there was no way of knowing but something just didn’t sit right with her as she stared at the couple interacting with one another. Andrea seemed to keep trying to almost sell the story of the couple being utterly obsessed with her and while that could be true—it wasn’t the image she was getting from the man in front of her. 

“That’s the hope for all of us…she’ll get paid quite well and the publishers will be happy back in New York,” she commented, not adding on that her bonus for sighing the woman would also be quite good—not that Elena did this work for the money. She was pretty well off as it was thanks to her familial wealth but that didn’t mean she didn’t want to do anything with her life. She couldn’t help the way she continued staring at the tall man in front of her, watching as he kept that perfect poker face up while he spoke about how great his wife was. But why did it sound so…hollow? 

“Careful, your words sound just a tad bit rehearsed,” she mentioned softly, not wanting to rock the boat just yet. Elena gathered some of her own documents and sliding them into her folio. “Yeah her deadline for the first book is in three months from now but I’ll keep checking in to see the progress and such. But you both can reach me if you need anything as well, I mean—I’m going to be in Wilmington for the foreseeable future at least.” 

[dantelrusso]

Dante hadn't expected to feel this torn. At least not about what he did, in fact, feel torn about. He thought he'd hold up his stance about not trying whatever bubble tea was. Yet, here he was. Instead, he was finding himself torn because he felt as though he should pay her. He loved a good sale, of course, but he also didn't ask for special favors. Not like these, not usually. "You're giving me the choice?" He asked her, surprised by that notion. "I might be insane because I think I'd go with the 25% if that's the case."

He looked up at her, then back down at the drink. Without another word and a simple nod, he stabbed the straw through the lid and bought it to his mouth to take a taste. It was an experience, the taste, the favors, the -- did something just pop in his mouth. He looked down at the cup, eyes laser forced on the little balls in the cup. Out of everything, it'd be the texture of those. He looked over at Kashvi, "This is -- what exactly are these balls?"

It amused her quite a bit to see the other man’s daughter being able to say such things and get away with it. Only because she knew quite well that her parents never would’ve let such things fly. But then again—there were a lot of differences in the time since she was a teenager with two older brothers as examples as well. As she got to work on making his bubble tea she told him about the owner’s discount and couldn’t help the grin that was on her lips as she turned back to look at him. “Well now that depends on my mood…sometimes 50% off, and other times it’s merely 25%, we’ll let you pick.” She went ahead and made the drink and placed it in front of him, very eager to see what his reaction would be.

Kashvi placed it in front of him and watched as he stared at the cup after she’d told him what to do. “I’m not going to disclose the flavour until you try it and tell me what you think. Don’t be so afraid…I promise if you hate it—I’ll let Valentina have all the drinks she wants for free for a month, deal?”