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phantomdoofer · 6 months

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Chapter 13: Vacanze di Natale

Peppino woke up in possibly the worst position on his couch he'd ever experienced. As soon as he woke, his back, neck, knees, elbows, and every possible muscle filed formal complaints about the experience and demanded to speak to the manager. He groaned and tried to sit up. Instead he gave a little shriek and laid back down. After the pain lessened, he tried again, this time with more success. He reluctantly admitted he would have to start turning the heat on - it was getting too cold out now, and it was making his body ache. He groaned. Maybe Seppe's right. I should get a bed.

He stumbled into the shower and let the water run over him. After a few minutes, the aches and pains lessened, and he started to loosen up. Getting old is literally a pain.

Afterwards, he poked his gut. His running sessions with his brother were having an effect - he was starting to look more like his old self, in his youth. Probably never lose the gut entirely, though. That was fine - he refused to give up pizza and pastas, and they were the primary perpetrators anyway.

His phone rang in the other room. Nobody calls me this early. He picked it up. "Pronto."

"Pino?" his Mama's voice rang from the other end.

"Oh, hello, Mama. What makes you call this early?" Peppino was perplexed. She never called until after work.

"Well, I wanted to ask you something."

"Sure, Mama, go ahead."

There was a brief pause. "I know you've never had the means to take more than a day or two off for Christmas before, but... I was thinking, with your brother around now, and things going so well for you, do you think it would be possible this year for you to take a little time off?"

Peppino started to protest, but stopped. The pizzeria was doing well. Very well, in fact - he was well in pocket these days, his loans were all paid off, and he was thinking of hiring more help. I could, really. He knew his Mama would be tickled to have them both around. "Maybe, Mama. I'll talk to Gus today and see what we can work out."

"All right Pino. Let me know. Talk to your brother about it, too! Buona giornata al lavoro!"

"Grazie, Mama. Ciao!" As he hung up the phone, he felt himself resisting. But he knew it was just habit. You can do this, Peppino. It's just some time off.

The thought of it still filled him with dread for some reason.

~~~~

"I think it would be a great idea!" Gustavo said.

Peppino was surprised at his enthusiasm. "Will-a you be OK Gus? I wouldn't-a be able to pay you..."

Gustavo waved a hand. "It's no problem. I'm in good shape these days too. I think we'd all be good for a rest. Come back refreshed and ready to go."

Peppino tried another angle. "But-a what about-a the customers? We just-a got a good base! What if-a they get angry and stop coming?"

Gustavo patted his arm. "Peppino, most places close for Christmas. Just make sure to put some signs up, say, a week ahead." Gustavo looked thoughtful. "You know, we should think about starting a website. People could get updates, and order online. Yeah, it'd be great!"

Peppino's eyes bulged out, and he waved his hands in front of him. "Gus! One-a thing at a time, amico!"

Gustavo laughed. "I didn't mean right now, Pep! I'm just thinking ahead, that's all. Besides, neither of us know how to handle something like that, anyway." He patted Peppino's arm again. "But yeah, let's close up for the week of Christmas. We can open up the next day. Trust me, people won't leave."

Gustavo turned back to the pizzas, humming happily to himself. Peppino walked back out to the counter. A whole WEEK? Mio Dio, can I handle a whole week with nothing but time?

He wandered towards the door to the basement. Maybe Fake can talk some sense into me. Then he reevaluated that thought. I'm going to talk to a man made of dough, with five personalities, only one of which is human, and expect them to talk me out of this. That's it, I really do need some time off.

From down below, he heard Fake's voice. "We heard you talking to Gustavo. Rest is good."

Peppino's face turned red. "STOP-A EAVESDROPPING!"

"Glee hee hee..."

~~~~

Peppino taped the sign up on the door with some apprehension, then went back behind the counter. That's it, we're committed now. Shortly after, customers started asking.

"You'll be open after Christmas, right?" "Is everything OK?" "Hey, good idea! You guys have been going nonstop for years!"

Peppino was surprised at the positive response. He'd expected more protests. Then he looked up and saw Pepperman turning himself to fit inside. "B-biongiorno, Pepperman. Rare to see-a you here. What brings you out?"

The giant pepper adjusted his scarf. "Well, I'd heard you'd be closing for a while and decided to stop by! I haven't had one of your creations in ages."

Peppino looked nonplussed. "Oh, uh, okay. What-a would you like?"

After placing his order, Pepperman waved for Peppino's attention. "Actually, I had... a second reason for coming in."

When he paused, Peppino crossed his arms. "OK, what-a is it then?" More silence. Peppino rolled his hand in a "hurry up" motion. "I don't-a have all day, Pepperman."

Finally the pepper looked up. "I... Ever since your brother appeared, I've been intrigued. The idea of the same person living two different lives... I wish to study it, see it's effects on the body. I haven't spoken to your brother yet, but when I saw your sign, I had to ask. Do you think the two of you would be willing to sit for a session?"

Peppino's jaw dropped. "You-a think we'd be OK with-a that?? I wouldn't be OK with it, I doubt my-a brother would be!"

Pepperman waved his hands. "You misunderstand! This wouldn't be a nude study! I simply wish to paint it! You could come as if sitting for a portrait!" He stood up, a hand to his forehead dramatically. "And now I've offended you! Oh, I'm such a fool!"

Peppino made a conciliatory gesture. "Calm-a down, drama queen. I'm-a sorry, I guess I overreacted." Don't just assume, Pino. "You said a portrait? That I might-a consent to. What-a would it involve?"

Pepperman glaced at him, smiled, and sat back down. "You and your brother would only have to sit for a few hours while I fill in the roughs. After that, I would be able to finish on my own. Simply dress as you would like."

Peppino thought about it. "Let-a me call my brother, see what he thinks."

Pepperman smile his huge smile. "Wonderful! I will have to wait for the pizza, anyway. I have all day." He moved away from the counter and sat at a table, browsing his phone and chortling occasionally.

As Peppino took the next customer's order, he considered. Really, it wouldn't be that bad. But will Seppe consent? If he won't do it, I won't either.

Shortly after, he stepped into the break room and called his brother, outlining the giant pepper's request. Peppino could practically hear his brother's grin over the phone. "Audacious veggie, isn't he? Actually, that gives me an idea. And yes, I think you taking a week off is a great idea. Let me know when he wants us to sit, and I'll be there. Wear your nicest outfit, fratellino."

Peppino looked down at his outfit - still the black-shirt-and-tank combo. Never got around to updating that. Of course, it's kind of my trademark now. "I'll-a, I'll-a have to go buy something, then..."

"Actually, never mind," Giuseppe said, "That gives me an idea too. I'll take care of it. Let me know when you start your vacation, Pino. Ciao!"

"Ciao," Peppino said as he hung up the phone. He sighed. I guess I'm committed to this now, too. He picked up Pepperman's order and walked it out to him. "Giuseppe's all-a for it, Pepperman."

Pepperman took the pizza with a giant smile. "Splendid! Shall we say, the second day of your vacation? The twentieth?"

Peppino nodded. "Si, that's-a fine. That should give me time to steel myself for... whatever this is going to be.

~~~~

Peppino rolled up in front of Pepperman's studio overlooking the cliff. He leaned the scooter over against the building. Shouldn't require chaining out here. He knocked, and Pepperman quickly opened the door. "Peppino! Welcome, welcome! I'm just finishing the setup, come in and warm up!"

Peppino nodded and took off his hoodie, gloves, and scarf. He rubbed his hands together. Shortly after, there was another knock, and Pepperman welcomed Giuseppe in. His brother held a large, bulky package, and was dressed in a fine military outfit, festooned with decorations. He'd also obviously had a beard trim - it was less wild and bushy. Peppino stared. He'd never seen his brother look so formal. Sometimes I forget just what his life was like.

Giuseppe walked over to Peppino. Peppino punched this arm. "Looking sharp, fratello. Too-a bad I look so frumpy." At least I got properly shaven this time. He rubbed his chin. He'd finally managed to remove the stubborn stubble on his chin, after careful shaving. It'd be back tomorrow, of course - it grew like weeds.

Giuseppe smiled hugely. "Let's fix that." He held out the bulky package. "This is for you. Consider it early Christmas. Part of it's from Gustavo, too."

Intrigued, Peppino opened the package and gasped. Inside was a beautiful white chef's uniform, the breast and sleeves freshly pressed, the black slacks smooth and clean. A glossy black pair of dress shoes sat at the bottom. A pair of black socks were tucked into them. The hat was finely crafted and bright white. The whole ensemble appeared to be made of silk and fine leather. Underneath it was an intricate chef's apron, just as he'd always said he wanted. It was like a dream come true. He looked up at his brother, who was still grinning hugely. "Seppe, I - how?"

He laughed. "I found a good tailor in La Crosta. Port city, you know, you can find anything if you look hard enough! He took my measurements and made some educated guesses based on my descriptions. The apron's from Gustavo, though. He said he'd been planning to give you that already. Go on, try it all on!"

Pepperman was staring in awe. "Oh my, Peppino, yes! That will be magnificent! There's a changing room right over there, go, go!"

Peppino quickly moved everything to the room and changed. Reminds me of my old school outfit, but so, so much better!

He stepped out and both Guiseppe and Pepperman turned. Giuseppe smiled, and Pepperman held his hands to his face. "Magnifique!"

Peppino did a little twirl and smiled. "It's a perfect-a fit!" He walked over and hugged his brother. "Thank-a you so much, fratello! I've wanted something like-a this for so long!" He felt tears welling up.

Giuseppe laughed and reached up, wiping his brother's eyes. "Come on, Peppino, we don't want red, puffy eyes in this thing, after all! While you've been changing, I've been telling Pepperman my idea. He seems to be in agreement." He told Peppino what he was planning.

Peppino smiled. "That's a great-a idea, Seppe! Good thinking." He turned to Pepperman. "Are you ready, signore?"

Pepperman clapped his hands. "Yes! I have the backdrop and props set up already! Come, I'll show you."

The brothers followed the giant pepper into his studio, laughing.

~~~~

The next day, Peppino had ridden over to Tower Town and parked, then took a walk. All this time and I've never actually explored it! He waved at several villagers who had greeted him. He was in a lighter mood than he'd been in ages. The air was crisp, but the sun was shining. The weather forecast was predicting a bad snowstorm a few days after Christmas, but right now it was beautiful.

Peppino strolled from spot to spot, following the flow and noting several stores that had popped up, including several new restaurants. There's that place Seppe got that Chicken Tikka from! The door was closed, but the air above the shop front practically vibrated with heat. From inside he heard a sudden voice: "SQREEEEK! IT BURNS! IT BURRRRNS!" and several rolls of laughter. Peppino chuckled to himself. Sounds like a Pig just learned not to ask for the Extra Spicy! Peppino liked spicy, but not that spicy. He shook his head and kept walking.

Entering the town square, Peppino was surprised to find what looked like a construction site. What in the world...? Then he noticed a pine tree in the middle of the scaffolding. That's one big Christmas tree! He strolled over, and saw a sign on the fence: Sponsored by NTV.

Peppino snorted and grinned. Figures Noise would be behind this. He glanced up - at the top, instead on an angel or star, a cuddly Noise sat, toy bomb in hand. Just below that was a similar stuffy of Noisette. Circling below that were stuffies of all the bosses: Fake, Pepperman, and Vigilante. Then Peppino was surprised to see stuffies of himself, Gustavo and Brick also prominently displayed. Elsewhere the tree was festooned with a variety of decorations: classic baubles and tinsel shared space with pizza slices and toy Toppins. The lights spread through the tree were tiny, and glittered. Peppino admitted the effect would be stunning at night.

"Hii!"

"Yee!" Peppino jumped as he popped out of his reverie. Noisette was at his side, grinning hugely as usual. "Ah! Noisette!"

Noisette tapped her foot shyly. "Sorry to scare you Peppino," her face saying she still found it funny, "but I saw you and just had to ask your opinion on the tree!"

He looked back up. "It's-a actually wonderful, Noisette." He looked down at her. "I must admit, I'm-a surprised to see me and Gustavo on it..."

Noisette made a "pshaw" hand motion. "Aw, Peppino, you oughta by now there's no hard feelings! Not many any, anyway. Practically none. Mostly Noise," she said the last part under her breath. Then she perked back up. "You're a part of this community, all of you!"

Peppino found he was blushing. After what I did to all of them... "You-a guys are awfully forgiving."

She punched his arm. "Peppino, we owe you! That nut Pizzahead would've probably killed us all eventually if you hadn't busted him up! When we took his offer he seem so nice, but..." she frowned. "What he did to you, and that Bruno guy, and all those frogs, and all those other restaurants and people..." she sniffed. "Even Noisie said he wouldn't have joined Pizzahead if he'd known about all that. But we were too busy livin' our dreams in the Tower..."

Peppino patted her back. "It's-a over now, Noisette. You didn't know. Don't-a be so hard on yourself." She looked up at him. "That's a lesson I had to learn-a the hard way."

She started bawling and hugged him. Peppino, suddenly nervous, hugged her quickly. "It's-a OK, it's -a OK!" He patted her back gently. Calm down or Noise might ACTUALLY try to kill me!

Just as quickly, she stopped. She sniffed and wiped her nose. "Sorry, got a little worked up there for a sec. Hey, you want to light the topper?"

The sudden shift in mood put Peppino off-balance, but the choruses of "do it" and "right person for it" encouraged him. "Well, if-a you insist." The decorators cheered as he flipped the switch. The Noise on the top started spinning slowly, playing a strange tune that sounded suspiciously like something he'd heard playing in the deepest parts of the tower, but more upbeat and with jingle bells. Also, for some reason, a chorus of caroling cat meowing. Half expected Noise's theme.

~~~~

Peppino carefully steered down the small road leading to the cemetery. I should have done this long ago.

He hadn't visited his Papa's grave since before the war.

He parked his scooter just inside the gate, and walked over to the attendant. "Excuse me, signore, it's-a been too long. I'm looking for a grave - Sergio Spaghetti?"

The man looked surprised. "Weren't you just here the other day? You ought to know." He peered at Peppino. "You shave your beard?"

Peppino smiled nervously. "O-oh, ah, that-that-a was my brother, heh heh. We get-a confused all the time!"

The attendant looked suspicious but leaned back. "Mighty strong resemblance, but that's brothers for ya. Here, he's right here." He pointed at a spot on a map, near the back.

"Ah, grazie, sir, grazie." Peppino bowed and backed out. The attendant grunted but said nothing.

Peppino was sweating. Don't know why I'm still so nervous about that. Obviously Giuseppe had been recently. Peppino chided himself. You should have been here years ago, you coward.

Approaching the stone, Peppino's steps slowed. He felt immensely guilty. He bent and placed the flowers he'd brought in the urn attached to the plot, and knelt. Finally, he spoke. "H-hello, Papa. I-I'm-a sorry. I meant to come visit you, but things just kept happening..."

Only the rustling of the branches answered.

He huffed. "What am I trying-a to say? 'Sorry for being a deadbeat drunk for half-a my adult life?' 'Sorry for nearly killing-a Mama with a stress heart attack?'" He looked down. "Mio Dio, I'm-a so pathetic. I don't think I'll ever-a live up to your legacy, Papa."

"Excuse me? Signore?"

The voice sounded oddly familiar. Like... my old teacher? Alphonso? He turned, and a young man approached with an elderly woman. They were blonde-haired, and the young man had just the beginnings of a mustache.

"I'm sorry to intrude, signore, but I couldn't help but overhear. Aren't you Master Peppino Spaghetti?"

Peppino stepped back. "I'm-a Peppino, yes, but Master? I make no such-a claim, young man. Who are you?"

The young man bowed. "I'm sorry, signore, it was rude not to introduce myself. My name is Brando Tagliatelle. I think you studied under my Nonno Alphonso?"

Peppino blinked. Alphonso's grandson? That would mean this is... Bruno's... he tried to hide the horror in his mind. He flashed back to the scene in the pizzeria weeks before. Fake's voice echoed: He hates me. Hates me...

The boy continued as Peppino tried to calm himself. "My Nonno always spoke extremely highly of you. He said your talents were being wasted only making pizza. You might imagine this was not praise he gave lightly."

Peppino nodded. Alphonso had been a kind but harsh teacher. Every compliment had been bought with tears and sweat.

"What I am trying to say, signore, is... a man who was pathetic, like you describe yourself, would not have received such praise from him. In fact, he said in some ways you were superior to your father, because you had greater fire. I hope you will take his words to heart."

Peppino nodded again. "Grazie, giovanotto. It's good to hear that from such an unexpected-a source." His heart lightened a bit.

The young man fidgeted, and looked unsure. Finally, he nodded and spoke. "Signore, I realize this is incredibly bold of me, but... I graduate culinary school soon. I'm looking for a master to work under. Would it be possible that you could apprentice me?"

Me? Apprentice Bruno's son? What could such a person learn from me? Then he thought about Fake. How would he respond? He realized he was staring at Brando, and cleared his throat. "I... will-a have to consider it, young Brando. But I promise-a you I will consider it. Perhaps in the new year. Do you have a way for me to contact you?"

"Of course, signore." He read off his number, which Peppino saved. "Grazie. I hope my words helped you, small though they may be. I should go though, Mama could catch cold. I hope to hear from you soon. Ciao."

The two walked away, and Peppino stared after them. Bruno Tagliatelle's son wants to apprentice with me. This year gets stranger and stranger.

He swore he heard his father's laugh, echoing on the wind.

~~~~

Peppino had been cooking all day. He and Giuseppe had decided to have their Christmas dinner at the pizzeria - none of their homes were big enough for the entire group that was invited. Peppino had invited Fake, Gustavo and Brick to come; Giuseppe would arrive soon with Mama Margherita. He'd taken Brando's words to heart, and found himself getting creative. Now he had a spread of Italian cuisine fit to stuff them all insensate. Gustavo, Brick, and Fake were placing gifts below the tree in the dining room. They had move the tables together to create a grand table, and Peppino was moving dishes to it as he finished them.

"Ay, fratellino, we're here!" His brother called from the front.

Peppino smiled. "Almost-a done! Just taking this last piece out!" He'd made a lavish Italian-style Christmas cake, a recipe he'd learned from Alphonso. He set it on the countertop to cool, washed his hands, and hung his new apron on the hook. He stared at it lovingly for a moment. Then, walking into the dining room, he found everyone waiting. "Well, amicos, let's-a not stand on ceremony! Let's eat!"

As they sat, Margherita looked over the spread. "You've outdone yourself, Peppino. This is magnificent!"

Peppino held his Mama's hand. "Let's-a just say I got reminded who and what I am the other day."

She smiled. "Whoever they are, I'm grateful." She cupped his cheek. "It's good to see you again, ragazzo. Finally, I think that darkness is fading."

He grinned and grabbed her plate. "Let me fill that for you, Mama."

~~~~

After they finished dinner, they had exchanged gifts. Most of them had been small, but it was the thought that counted. Margherita had knitted Peppino, Giuseppe, Fake, Gustavo, and even Brick scarves, all in the red-white-and-green of the Italian flag. Fake was rubbing theirs on their face, burbling in pleasure. Gustavo had cried a little. Brick practically glowed. Peppino and Giuseppe were wearing theirs and complaining that one or the other's was different. They were all laughing.

Finally, Giuseppe spoke. "Mama, Peppino and I went in together to get you something. We hope you'll like it."

Margherita chuckled. "If it's from you ragazzi, of course I will. Now, show me what has both of you smiling like a pair of self-satisfied cats."

Peppino reached behind the tree and pulled out the large, colorfully-wrapped package hidden behind it. "A few-a days ago, Pepperman started this for us. He-a just finished yesterday. He-a worked day and night, and says it's-a his greatest work yet. And-a I'm inclined to agree."

Margherita gently walked up, and tore the paper.

Inside was a painting in oil. Peppino sat in a chair in his white chef's outfit, while Giuseppe stood behind, standing proud in his decorated uniform. Behind them was a glorious sunset, and in the corner the "PM" blended in nicely with the ground. The details was stunning, far beyond Pepperman's normal works.

"I did some studying with the masters while I was gone," he'd said, "I think it's paid off."

"Oh! Oh my!" Margherita stood back, a hand to her mouth. Her eyes sparkled. "It's wonderful! How much did this cost you?"

Giuseppe smiled. "It didn't. Pepperman insisted it was just a study for him, and wouldn't accept payment. I can only imagine how much it would have cost to have something like this."

Margherita grabbed both her son's and dragged them into a hug. She squeezed both of their breath out of them, and they gasped.

"Easy, Mama, remember your strength!" Peppino choked.

She laughed and let go. "Forty-five years ago, I was blessed with a beautiful son. Fate saw fit to double that blessing." She hugged them again, less forcefully. "Thank you, both of you."

Peppino stepped back. "Thank Giuseppe, it was his idea."

Giuseppe laughed. "You're the one he wanted to study."

Peppino chuckled. "Fair enough." He threw up his hands. "All right, everyone, who's-a got room for cake?"

~~~~

The next day, Margherita snuggled down in Sergio's old recliner. Forty years later, and I can still catch a bit of your scent, you smelly, romantic goof.

She looked up at the painting on the wall. Her two sons smiled down, and she smiled back. We birthed a fine pair, amore mio, she thought. Through fire and pain and blood that would have broken other men, they still kept their heart. They still remind me of you.

She pulled up a blanket, turned on the TV, and relaxed in body and soul. She was content.

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