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jadeee · 7 months

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Vendetta Ch. 12, Part 2: The Storm

📰 read chapters 1 - 12 here!

Warnings: angst, swearing, & violence

Word Count: 4.8k

divider by @saradika ©️

Your heart beat in your ears as you approached the stand. Martin spent the last few weeks prepping you and the others for this moment. Day in and day out. When you woke up, you ran through your testimony and you did it again before you went to sleep. Everything led up to this very moment, so why did you feel sick?

Your hand rested on the leather bible as you looked straight ahead "So help me God."

Chris, Rocky, and Taylor had already went. The trial had been going on for a few days already and you were fine then. You knew what to expect but as Martin stood in front of you now, you clenched your hands in your lap. He locked eyes with you and nodded softly. You gave him a small nod back.

"What's your favorite thing about living in California?"

"Objection, your honor." Floyd's lawyer, Jack Fleming, stood "Irrelevant."

"Sustained, Mr. Martin get to the point." The judge glanced at him with tired eyes.

Martin nodded "Compared to living in New York, how's life different?"

"It's better. I don't feel like I have to look over my shoulder all the time. Or at least, I felt that way before Floyd came back."

"How has your life changed since that night?"

"I'm paranoid... I keep thinking what if the law doesn't protect us, again? What then? We could move but he'd just keep following us. Until we're dead."

"What did Floyd do to you when you were kidnapped?"

"He drugged me, tied me up, and threw me off the pier. He left me for dead."

Martin approached you, "Why did he want you dead?"

"To hurt my husband. For revenge."

Martin faced the court then held up a photograph and passed it around the room.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is a picture of my client's wrists the night they survived that attack. If you look closely today, you can still see the bruises."

Martin took the photograph back and set it aside then faced you "What do you want when this is all over?"

"... peace of mind."

He looked at the judge "No further questions, your honor."

Jack stood with a grin and walked toward you "Does that work on everybody?"

"I don't understand the question."

"Your pity-me-victim act. You're in the film business so it would make sense."

"Objection, relevance." Martin said cooly.

"Sustained."

Jack raised his hand and smirked "My apologies." He stepped closer "I'm just in awe of someone like you."

You remained silent.

"Before you met Nicholas Valentino, no one ever heard of you. Then you show up and not only does his life change but so does my client's, except it's for the worst."

Your eyes wanted to look at Nicky's who wasn't too far off but you heard Martin's voice in your head. His advice from your various mock trials filled your mind: He's going to get under your skin but don't let him see you break. You look him dead in the eye and stand your ground. Whatever you do, do not break on that stand or we lose this whole case.

Jack faced the court "Ladies and gentlemen, what the Valentinos won't tell you is how they attacked my client and coerced him into a false confession."

"Objection, hearsay."

"Overruled."

Martin clenched his jaw and stared at you. You didn't have to look, you could feel it. Do. Not. Break.

Your new nemesis had his back turned to you as he grabbed photographs and held them high in the air "Floyd was attacked by the Valentinos. They tricked him into coming to their production company, alone and under false pretenses, where they beat him to a pulp. They even knocked his tooth out," he faced you "Isn't that right, sugar?"

"That's not my name."

"Answer the question." the judge glanced over at you.

"No, that's not right. My husband did invite Floyd to the company to discuss a business deal. Things quickly went south when Floyd went in for a punch. We acted out of self defense."

The judge looked at Jack.

"Y'know what's funny? The police department got that confession tape you submitted but towards the end it just stops. Almost like something's missing. What happened to it?"

"I don't work cameras so I don't know."

He squinted his eyes "So we should get someone from your staff on the stand?"

You stared at him and he snickered. "One last thing: along with that missing footage, my client has bruises that are synonymous to being attacked with a baseball bat and brass knuckles. Yet when we searched the scene, we couldn't find those. Care to tell me about that?"

"I don't recall brass knuckles. All I remember is fighting to stay alive.. twice, because of your client."

He nodded "No problem, your husband should know how to answer that question given his history."

You tensed at the mention of his name yet again.

"Tell me, he put you up to this?"

"What?"

"He tell you to sit here and act pretty? Let daddy take care of everything? Let familia handle it, right? That's what mobsters do."

"Objection, badgering. Your honor, this is ridiculous!" Martin waved his hand.

You clenched your jaw. Do. Not. Break. Those sitting in the gallery became rowdy and the judge smacked the gavel "Order! Order!" He faced you "Answer the question."

"There's no question to be answered because what this man is insinuating is pure fiction. My husband would never do such a thing... unless you have any good questions, we're done here."

Jack slipped his hands into his pockets "No further questions, your honor."

You slowly rose from the stand and felt your legs go numb. As the bailiff helped you down, you heard Jack utter "Good performance."

The comment made your ears burn.

The judge tapped the gavel "Recess. Meet here in fifteen minutes."

You walked right past Nicky and the others and headed straight for the bathroom. You sat in front of the toilet until your knees felt raw. You felt like you had to puke but never did. There was a knock at the door of your stall.

"That better be morning sickness. I could use some good news, right now."

You chuckled at your husband's joke "Ha ha, very funny." You sniffled and wiped your nose.

"You shouldn't be in here, they'll call us 'rule breakers'."

"Who gives a shit?"

You looked over at his shoes which showed under the bathroom stall door. For some reason, seeing the black leather made you remember when you'd bought them and why. Although, you never bought them with the intention of wearing them to a court case.

Your hand reached up and unlocked the door. He stood back to let it swing open then glanced down at you with a soft smile.

"Hi."

Tears pricked your eyes "Hi."

"Why are you crying?" He sank down by your side and sat on the tile floor.

"I just want to go home."

"Okay, we'll go straight home after this is over. Then we can do the same thing tomorrow and the day after that. However long this damn case takes." He guided you to lay on his chest.

"I'm gonna mess up your suit."

"I don't care." He caressed your back "Maybe it'll help our case. They'll call me 'loving husband'."

When you laughed at his comment, he smiled at hearing his favorite sound for the first time that day.

"I could've choked that bastard with his own tie."

"Amore!" He pulled back and looked at you with shock and amusement. "In the courthouse?" He whispered.

You nodded and laughed. He wiped the last of your tears.

"He's gonna choke on his own words. Him and Floyd. We got a solid case, we just have to believe that."

You nodded again "You're right."

"And I could really use some of that gusto you had on the stand," he guided you back to his chest "pure fiction" he mimicked your tone from earlier.

You giggled at his impersonation of you "It was."

"I know," he rubbed your back. "I'd love to hide in this bathroom with you forever but we have to get back or we'll really be in trouble."

You nodded then started to get up but Nicky stopped you for a moment.

"What?!" You asked him.

He studied your face for a second then kissed you "That's all."

After recess, there wasn't much action. The court simply reviewed the evidence and testimonies for that day before adjourning the trial for two days. That's when Nicky and Floyd would take the stand otherwise known by the media as "The Main Attraction". People did cling onto the fact that Dr. Parsons's spoke and backed up your testimony as well as Chris's. They even heard from Mr. Wilson who saw where you and Chris were kidnapped and how Nicky looked when he'd found out that night. There was also Officer Pratt who admitted his coldness on the case initially and that he should've followed Nicky's concern. What people didn't know, and even Floyd himself, was that Umberto was caught. He too would take the stand.

"Let's just stay inside."

"Are you sure? We aren't prisoners, y'know?" Nicky caressed your shoulder.

"I know but I don't want us to go out and be gawked at like we're some circus show. Plus, I know you testify soon and I don't want to put you on edge."

He sat up from the cushy pillows "I appreciate that."

"I know how things got when you heard about Maurizio and we never talked about it. Which I'm not forcing you to now, it's just... you seem a bit better and I don't want to ruin that."

"You wouldn't be ruining anything." his hand rested on top of yours. "You're right, let's just stay in today."

He glanced at you over his shoulder and you nodded.

Martin looked at his watch then back at Umberto.

"Forty five minutes, that's a new record."

Umberto remained silent and Martin sighed.

"As usual, thanks for wasting my time. Although, I do appreciate the silence. It gives me a nice break."

Umberto shook his head and smirked. "Don't you get it?"

"That you're stupid for not talking?" He nodded "I do."

Umberto scoffed.

"You could've asked for a deal."

"You wouldn't have given it to me."

"At least negotiate!" Martin chortled, "You're not even trying. You really think Floyd hasn't snitched on you already?"

He shook his head "I know he didn't."

"Oh really? Because you two are such good friends?" Martin leaned forward "No one gives a shit about you, so you're either going to cover your ass or let him walk all over it."

Umberto leaned back and crossed his arms.

"What'll it be?"

The two of you sat side by side. Nicky suddenly went quiet.

"What? Is it that bad?"

A slow smile spread across his face "No," he put his hand on his cheek "it just tastes like my mom's."

You shrunk back "You're kidding."

"I'm serious!"

You smiled softly and continued to eat the meal you cooked for the two of you.

As the hours passed, it seemed like you both forgot about your court case and all the other chaos that was happening in your lives.

You managed to sneak away while Nicky was reading a book and you set something up in a separate room. When you were ready, you made your way to him.

"Nicky?"

"Hm?" He poked his head up to look at you.

"I want to show you something. Is now a bad time?"

"No, no, of course not." He set his book down then got up.

"Actually, you can bring that with you."

He scrunched his brows "Okay?" He grinned "What are you up to?"

You held his hand and led him towards the surprise.

"I've been working on something ..."

You both walked into the room and the tent made out of sheets glowed with the lamps you'd set up.

"It's kind of childish but I figured that's what we need right now." You let go of his hand and crawled into the makeshift fort you built then poked your head out. "Are you coming?"

He chuckled and crawled in and sat by you. He looked around at the pillows you carefully set up and the different snacks you brought. Stella walked in and sat in the middle of your fort. You scratched her ears then laid on a pillow, "So?"

"It's lovely." He laid near you and kissed your forehead.

"I'm glad you like it."

You reached over and grab the book he brought with him.

"What are you doing?!" He laughed softly as you reached over him.

"I'm about to read to you!"

He laughed softly while you settled back against the pillows with the book in your hand. You started to read and he kissed your temple, then your cheek and your jaw. You rested the book on your stomach, which his hand gently roamed over.

"Nicky," you turned and when you did so, he kissed you on your lips. His hand cupped your cheek as he pulled you closer to him.

"You really didn't expect me to make a move on you?"

Your shocked expression morphed into a smile.

"You're such a sweet talker."

"You love it though."

"I didn't say otherwise."

That day seemed like ages ago now as Nicky took the stand. Even though you weren't up there, your heart beat in your ears all over again. Martin approached Nicky and asked him the same questions you heard in your living room just last week. Nicky was even saying his answer in the same tone. He was cool, reserved, himself. How he did was a mystery to you still, despite knowing him inside and out.

"Nicholas, it's no secret you and Floyd have history. Some people still see you as the flashy guy from New York but that's changed. Tell me, how are you different?"

"I'm not. I'm still the same guy who'd go for a walk down the pier and watch the game. If anything, I'm less selfish and I've got my one and only to thank for that."

"Your spouse, correct?"

Nicky nodded.

"Will you tell me about the night they disappeared?"

"My spouse and cousin, Chris, went out to get something for dinner. They'd been gone for a while, about an hour, and I knew something was off. I had this feeling I couldn't shake... that's when I called Mr. Wilson."

"How did you know Floyd was behind it?"

"Because there's no one else in the world who would do what he did."

Martin nodded "Floyd not only attacked your spouse and your cousin but he also attacked you later the following morning. Can you walk us through that?"

"Sure," Nicky shifted in his seat "It was about two in the morning after I talked with the police. I knew he was going to show up at my home so I waited for him. Talking didn't last long so we got into it. He had backup, of course, and Chris was there. There was broken glass, Stella got involved and bit some of the guys, Chris got shot. That's when I took him to the hospital then I went to Goleta Pier shortly after, where I thought I lost my spouse for good... turns out they were home waiting for me."

Martin gave Nicky a half-hearted smile. "A few days ago, Floyd's lawyer talked about the confession tape that was turned into the police department. Can you explain why you decided to get Floyd's confession on tape?"

"Well, the police didn't bat an eye when I told them my spouse and cousin were kidnapped. There was no way in hell I was gonna let them disappoint me twice so I figured if we got his confession on tape, there's no denying it."

"Can you explain the missing footage from the confession?"

"That's when Floyd lunged at us and we acted in self defense. I didn't think it was necessary for people to see that. I didn't want to paint him as weak. After all, he's a big boy. He can stand up for himself." Nicky glanced at Floyd who was trying to keep calm in his borrowed suit.

Martin slid his hands into his pocket "I forgot to ask, what injuries did you suffer from your scuffle with Floyd? Dr. Parsons mentioned that you not only suffered physically but also pscyhologically."

Nicky's jaw clenched slightly and he nodded "I had some cuts and bruises but I had trouble sleeping... I was paranoid at times. I often shut people out and shut down. One day.. I felt like I couldn't breathe.. like the wind was just knocked out of me. I still feel that way sometimes."

"I'm sorry to hear that." Martin faced the judge "No further questions, your honor."

He took his seat and said a silent prayer as Jack approached Nicky.

"How much did that suit cost you?"

Nicky buried his iconic smirk "Nothing, it was a gift."

"Oh, friends in high places?" he cocked his head.

"Objection, your honor. Relevance." Martin said in an annoyed tone.

"Overruled."

He tried not to roll his eyes as his nemesis proceeded.

"You've always been flashy, Mr. Valentino. Even before you moved to California. I mean, c'mon.."

"Style is subjective. I don't see how that's relevant to Floyd attacking me or my family."

"Oh, on the contrary. Y'know what I think," he inched closer to the stand "I think this whole thing is a set up. You did it for the money, the attention, the fame."

Nicky remained silent.

"No comment?"

He shook his head "Nothing you've said has been worth a response."

He scoffed and the judge rolled his eyes "Let's keep it moving, gentlemen."

"Apologies, your honor. Mr. Valentino?"

Nicky simply looked at him.

"It's no secret you've had a rough life. Especially, your childhood. You were involved in crime at a young age, were you not?"

Martin watched Nicky with a careful eye.

"Crimes such as?" Nicky retorted.

"Y'know," he shrugged "stealing, trespassing, typical stuff."

"Worst thing I did was steal a stuffed animal."

"That was for your sister, right?"

Nicky's eyes faltered for just a split second but you saw it from the bench.

"Sofia was her name?" The man moved closer to Nicky "Pretty na--"

"Objection, your honor! The defendant is attempting to rile up my client."

"Sustained." He looked down at Jack "Get to the point, quickly."

"I'm just saying, you'll do what you have to for the people you love. Isn't that right?"

"I think anyone in this room would agree to that statement."

"But I'm asking you specifically."

Nicky heard it the same moment you did. Do. Not. Break. "I love my family and friends, but if you're suggesting I'd go so far as to murder someone for them. You're wrong." I'd do more than that, he thought to himself but he said "It'd only hurt everyone in the end and what's the point in that?"

The lawyer stood still and looked at Nicky like he was a stain that wouldn't go away.

"Earlier, you said you beat Floyd out of self defense. How'd you do it?"

"With my hands."

"You use brass knuckles?"

He shook his head.

"Cat got your tongue?"

"No. No, I didn't use brass knuckles."

"So you, took down someone Floyd's size?"

"I defended myself."

"To the point where you knocked out teeth?"

"Objection, badgering." Martin said without even looking away from the scene.

"Sustained."

Jack hissed softly "Weren't you two friends at some point?"

Nicky chuckled in disbelief "Absolutely not."

"This man was like a father to you when yours couldn't even stand up straight. How dare you sit there all high and mighty?"

Nicky smirked and he shook his head "My old man was more than Floyd will ever be. He made an honest living, Floyd can't say the same... you think I want to be here? On this stand, in front of half of the city?! All I want is to be home with my heart, that's it."

"And you'd do anything to get there, wouldn't you?! Like lie to Floyd to get him alone under false pretenses just to beat him to death."

Nicky glanced at Jack then Floyd "I'm sorry you think you're going to get away with this."

"Don't look at him, look at me!"

He looked at him "I'm sorry for the both of you."

The judge spoke over Jack who started ranting and raving "You're done. No further questions for Mr. Valentino."

"But your honor, I'm not finished!"

"You should've thought about that before you started foaming at the mouth like a rabid dog."

You watched Nicky descend the stand and tried not to smile.

"You were glorious." You wrapped your arms around his waist and hugged him.

"Hey," he chuckled "people will think we're celebrating." He hugged you back.

"Why not?! I have an idea. Let's go the park, just for a quick stroll. We could get some ice cream?"

"Hm... it is a nice day out." He surveyed the blue sky.

"We wouldn't advise that." An officer stepped forward and spoke up.

"C'mon, you've been trailing us for months now. The case just started about a week ago and we're still safe. We can go out to the park for just a few minutes."

You pleaded and felt Nicky's thumb stroke the back of your hand. "You guys will be close?"

The officer nodded and looked back at the other officers who were with him.

You and Nicky walked hand in hand eating your ice cream cones and basking in the sun.

"How are you not messing up your lipstick?" He glance over at you.

"It's a skill. Plus, you can mess it up later." You teased.

He made a flirty face and bumped shoulders with you which made you smile. He wondered if he could make you do it again.

"I really love when you do that."

"What?" You finished off your ice cream cone as he looked at you "What?!"

"When you do anything..."

"I don't believe you."

He chuckled and finished his ice cream cone "Why not?!"

"Because that's so unrealistic," you laughed and he smiled. That was twice now. Maybe he could go for a third time. "So, all I have to do is breathe and you're obsessed?"

He cupped your cheeks in his hands and looked at you tenderly "You don't have to do anything to make me love you. It just happens. I look at you and it just happens, like breathing or blinking or.." he tried to find the words.

"Like eating?" You chuckled.

"Yeah," he chuckled "like eating but all of my favorite foods could never equate to you."

You held onto his wrists and went in for a kiss.

When he was about to duck down, he had that feeling again. The one he spoke about in the courtroom except this time it was back. He noticed something far off or rather, someone. It couldn't be. It didn't look like him but why was he pointing a gun at your back?

Nicky wrapped his arms around you and switched places with you. You shouted as you fell to the ground then blacked out when you heard screaming, running, and a pop. He was lying on top of you.

"Nicky?" Your breathing picked up when he didn't answer "Nicky?" Your voice cracked.

A handful of officers rushed towards the two of you. You wrapped your arms around him and your hands felt wet. When you pulled them back, you saw red.

"No, no, no," you sat up slowly and let him lay in your lap. "Hey, hey," you held his bobbing head in your hands. "Nicholas? Nic-- Nicky?!" You tapped his cheeks and he moved in his half conscious state. The officers surrounded you and the rest was a blur.

Minutes later the ambulance showed up and you rode in the back, holding his hand whenever the paramedics let you. You relished in it since you knew you couldn't be with him when they took him back to the operating room.

Rocky and Chris were there as soon as he went into surgery. You immediately broke into tears when you saw them. They both hugged you and you felt your legs give out. If it weren't for them holding you up, you would've been sprawled out on the floor.

Eventually, the tears stopped flowing. Chris got you something for your eyes since they were hot from crying. Rocky got you something to drink.

"It's my fault. I wanted to go to the park. If I didn't--"

"No, don't do that. He wouldn't want you to do that." Rocky rubbed your shoulders "C'mon kid, it's gonna be alright. It's gotta be alright."

And just like that, the tears came back and you buried yourself in his chest. He rubbed your back as you released heaving sobs for what felt like the seventeenth time. Chris came back with a cold compress but set it aside when he saw Rocky holding you close and letting you cry into his shirt.

Moments later, the sobs had reduced into sniffles and puffy eyes. Chris sat with you in the lobby while Rocky went to the chapel. You let the cold compress rest on your eyes. Seeing black felt odd. It made you wonder: What Nicky was seeing right now? Was he out yet? Was he okay? You sniffled and tried not to cry again.

"I need to see him." Your voice cracked.

"They'll get us when he's ready," Chris took your hand in his and you cried again. His own eyes filled with tears as he heard you whimper and sob into your free hand. Rocky gave you a hankerchief earlier but it was soaked.

Chris noticed you weren't using it, so he gave you some tissues he jammed into his pocket earlier. The gesture made you cry more and you held your head in your hands.

When you managed to barely compose yourself, you stepped away into the restroom. You looked in the mirror and noticed your eyes were practically swollen shut from all the crying you'd been doing. You created a pool of water in your hands and let your eyes rest in the cool for a few moments. Before you left, you wiped the lipstick off of your face. The crimson red did nothing but remind you of your husband's blood on your hands. There was a knock at the door.

"One second," your voice faltered as you scrubbed the last of the lipstick off.

"It's Rocky. Nicky's awake."

You ran to the door and flung it open, nearly knocking Rocky in the head and sending him to his own hospital bed.

"Where's the nurse? I want to see him."

"I know. C'mon," he held your hand and walked past the lobby. Chris stood and joined you two to see Nicky. The nurse approached you as you started to cross the threshold.

"He's still out of it, so only one visitor at a time."

You nodded and looked back at Chris and Rocky.

"What are you waiting for?" Chris asked you.

Rocky gestured for you to go first "He could care less about us right now."

You pressed your lips together then walked into the room. You sat down in the chair next to Nicky's bed and noticed his tossled hair, flushed skin, and the IV in the back of his hand. Where was his wedding ring?

You looked around and saw it in a small container on the table next to you. You opened it then heard him move slightly. When you looked back, you saw him opening his eyes. He smiled softly at you, his eyes still half shut.

"Hi, amore mio."

"Hi," you gently rubbed his wrist and kissed his forehead.

His eyes opened some more "Why'd you take off the lipstick?"

You smiled then started crying again.

He offered you his hand but you just rested your head on his arm. He caressed your shoulder since that was as far as he could reach.

"I was so worried about you." You kissed his hand then slid his wedding band back onto his finger.

"Are you proposing to me?" He chuckled then clutched at his side and grimaced "Mmph, don't make me laugh."

"I wasn't being funny." You sat on the edge of his bed and he looked at you.

His eyes opened up some more as they adjusted to the light "Can you stay here?"

"Of course I can, but Chris and Rocky want to see you and it's only one visitor at a time."

"Stay a bit longer. They'll be alright."

You bent down and kissed his forehead. A tear fell from your eyes and landed on his skin.

Author's Note: This was heart-wrenching but also one of my favorites to write. That lawyer Jack is really something, huh? Also, I'm debating on how I wanna write the next chapter since Floyd will be testifying and Nicky will definitely wanna be there although he just got shot {he's so stubborn, he'll probably hobble in there}. I think the next chapter will be the last! Knowing me, it'll be another two-parter haha 🥂until then, take care!

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#nicky valentino vendetta #fictif nicky valentino #fictif nicky #nicky valentino fictif #nicky valentino #nicholas valentino #nicky tatw #fictif tatw #fictif two against the world #nicky valentino x mc #nicky valentino x reader #madebyjade

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jadeee · 2 years

Text

"Thank you for letting me live my dream."

If you love something set it free.

~ A/N: I planned on posting this after the last chapter of Vendetta, it's been in my drafts for months; but at this rate, the series prob won't be done 'til next year.

Warnings: angst + slight swearing

Word Count: 2.5k

* suggested soundtrack below

You didn’t even have to say anything. He could already tell it was you by the way you bursted into the house. It was eerily quiet until you unlocked the front door.

“I finally made it!” You let out a low laugh as you worked out of your jacket.

The warmth from the fireplace spread throughout the house and heated your cold limbs.

“I’m sorry it took me forever to get here.”

As you set your jacket and scarf onto the coat rack, you took in a deep breath. Whatever Nicky had made for dinner smelled delicious. Your smile turned into a pout when you didn’t hear his handsome voice.

“Nicky?”

Your eyes scanned the room for your one and only as you took off your shoes. Then suddenly, there he was.

“Hey, gorgeous.”

“Hey, you!”

You embraced him tightly the buried your face in his neck.

“Sorry I’m late.”

He rubbed your back “Don’t worry about it.”

When you pulled back, you noticed his eyes. Of course, you’d always noticed them but there was something different, something buried deep down.

“What’s wrong?” Your hands cupped his cheeks.

He gazed into your eyes then took hold of your hand. His lips parted for a moment but closed shortly after. He glanced at the floor before looking back at you.

“I’m just gettin’ lost in my head.”

“Do you wanna talk about it?”

“Over an empty stomach?” He gave you a small, goofy smile.

His mood was contagious and it made you light up.

“Absolutely not!” He lightly kissed your knuckles “Let’s eat first.”

He continued to hold onto your hand while walking to the dining room.

~~~~~~

Nicky carried on as usual, asking about your day and even giving anecdotes here and there about his but something was off. There was a certain uneasiness to it all. As if one were attempting to dance with their partner in the dark but couldn’t find them, only to look like fumbling idiots.

“So,” you poked at the crumbs of your meal with your fork.

He took a sip from his glass while you proceeded to talk.

“What were you thinking about earlier?”

You set your fork down and glanced up at him. His hazel eyes looked right past you. The house was silent … once again. Nicky studied you for a moment.

“Did I do something wrong?”

“What?!” His eyes bulged out of his head.

“You can tell me, we can talk about it!”

“Amore, no.” A small laugh escaped between his lips as he stood up.

You watched him in awe as he made his way towards you.

“C’mere.”

You glanced up at him without moving.

“C’mon, I wanna show you somethin.” He offered you his hand.

You looked at him in silence before getting up.

“Okay but you’re sort of scaring me.”

“I’m sorry, amore mio. It’s just,” he let out a short exhale “I can show you better than I can say it.”

You took his hand in yours and he held onto it tightly.

“And don’t be scared, you’ve got me.” He looked back at you and smiled.

“My knight in expensive suits.” You chided.

“Damn straight.”

You both laughed at the joke as Nicky walked towards his show and tell.

~~~~~~

You furrowed your brows when you entered your bedroom.

“I don’t understand.”

“We’re not there yet.”

You shut your lips as he continued to guide you to his side of the bed.

He sat down and guided you to do the same.

“Is this your way of saying you want dessert?” You knitted your brows.

“No!” Nicky laughed.

You awkwardly chuckled, “Okayy.”

“Do you see that photo right there?” He nodded at the picture of you two on his nightstand.

“Yeah, of course. I remember when you got it framed and everything.”

“Well,” he grabbed it off the nightstand “that was the happiest day of my life.”

He admired the photo in his hands “So was our wedding day and everyday in between and after.”

Your stomach felt tight as he set the frame back down and looked into your eyes.

“The finest booze can’t compare to every day I’ve spent with you.”

He held onto your hand “And I want you to feel that way too.”

Tears welled in your eyes “What are you saying?”

“Toots,” he fought the tears in his eyes “amore.”

His hazel eyes glanced up at you without saying another word.

“Nicky.” The tears fell from your eyes as you shook your head.

“Is it because I was late?! I tried really hard to get here and–”

“Amore,” he chuckled in disbelief before holding your face gently in his warm hands. He looked at your face which wasn’t exactly picturesque, there were trails of tears and some snot which started to seep from your nose, but it was the face he had the joy of seeing every morning and night. He kissed your forehead and despite shutting his eyes, he cried. You held onto his forearms and continued to sob.

He didn’t bother to wipe his face, since you’d seen him cry before.

“You deserve the world.” He wiped your tears away with his thumb.

“I want you to be on cloud nine.”

“But I want you.” You pleaded through your tears.

He held you in his arms against his chest “You got me. Now, tomorrow, always.”

Your tears slowed each time he rubbed your back.

“I’ll always be here. I’m not goin’ anywhere but,” he gently leaned back and peered down at you “you’ve got a big, bold world out there waitin’ for you.”

You cowered into yourself.

“I’m only one part of the picture.”

“What if I don’t wanna see the rest of it? The picture I mean.”

“You’ll be missin’ out.”

You racked your brain for a rebuttal then clinched your jaw when you realized he was right in some way.

He reached for your hand and ran his thumb across your fingertips.

“Time’s wastin’ but I’m glad I spent it with you.”

“Me too.” You intertwined your fingers with his.

There was so much said in the silence. Endless “I love you”s, memories of early mornings and late nights, remembering the shared firsts and avoiding the last. This last.

“I don’t know about tomorrow. All I know is that we have now, so whaddaya say?”

He looked at you with tear stained, blotchy cheeks and smiled.

“Let’s go out with a bang?”

A tear fell from your eye as you studied him. With each mole on his face, the curve of his cheeks and chin, you thought of your time together. Your lips formed a smile as you continued to cry. Though you could hardly speak, you nodded your head.

Nicky’s arms held you close like many times before.

“I know,” he uttered with each caress “I know.”

~~~~~~

“Are you sure this is safe?”

He stared down the flight of stairs.

“Nope.”

You readjusted yourself on the rail of the staircase before giving Nicky a nudge forward.

He clamped down on the wooden rail, “Wait!”

You let out a small squeak as you pushed up against him.

“Wait, don’t move!”

He disappeared down the hall then returned with two helmets in hand.

He plopped one onto you with a grin, then donned his very own.

“I still don’t know about this m-”

“Just go already!”

You shoved him from behind and the two of you went sailing down the staircase.

Your shrieks echoed throughout the halls as you rode the oak ribbons. They didn’t stop either when you flung off the rails and landed in the mountain of pillows you’d made earlier.

You felt your heart beating in your ears.

Nicky attempted to catch his breath.

“Are you alright?”

You took off your helmet and patted your head to assess any damage, then worked down your legs.

“All good! You?”

He examined himself three times over, before laying down with a sigh of relief and giving you a tired grin and a thumbs up.

“Please tell me the next thing isn’t as crazy as this one.”

“Don’t worry, pops.”

Nicky chuckled at your joke as you stood to your feet.

“It’s safe, I promise.”

You held your hand out to him and he pulled himself up.

~~~~~~

“I’m gonna throw my back out!” Nicky peered at you over his shoulder.

“That’s the point!”

You walked towards him with a smile and repositioned his hands to his knees.

“Okay, now what?” He glanced up at you.

You hunkered down next to him, “Just pop it.”

You moved your body to show him what it should look like.

After a few seconds, he repeated the move hesitantly before trying it once more.

You let out a small laugh at how his body awkwardly moved.

“Alrigh alright” he stood up straight and took note of how you laughed at his pain.

“I’m gonna show you a real dance.”

“What’s that? The hokey pokey?” You raised a brow.

“Ha ha,” he deadpanned while approaching you “and no.”

He gently grabbed your hands in his “it’s called the waltz.”

“Oh, how fancy.” You uttered as you pressed your body close to his like many times before.

Nicky guided you through the steps until you got the hang of it.

He hummed the beautiful melodies of a symphony.

You almost heard each instrument as you lay your head on his chest.

The room was silent but you heard the violins, harps, and cellos.

“You’re not fallin’ asleep on me, are ya?”

He peered down at you.

“No, I’m just listening.”

“To what?”

“Our song.”

The corners of his lip turned up. He kissed the top of your head, “It’s beautiful.”

~~~~~~

Your bodies were covered every inch of the lounge chair. Legs sprawled about, an arm here and there, but your eyes were fixed on the other. Whether you were painting one last mental picture of your lover or reading the black and white pages in front of you.

Nicky continued to read from the book you chose earlier, draping an arm across your form. You rested your head on his shoulder as you looked out at the stars, hoping they’d tell you your future.

He glanced down at you in your state of oblivion then slowly shut the book.

“And it’s true,” he read the words on his heart rather than the ones on the old, yellow pages “In the beginning, I was hopeless. Life had no meaning but then I found a reason to live … or maybe it found me.”

You tilted your head back to look at him and he continued.

“It was better than anything I could’ve dreamed and speakin’ of dreams,” he looked at you fully now “I know you’ve got your own, out there.”

Tears threatened to fall from your eyes once more.

He cupped your cheek in his hand and you leaned into his touch.

“Thank you for letting me live out my dream. Te amo, amore mio.”

The tears you held back released themselves.

Nicky guided you to rest in his lap.

Your cries echoed against his stomach.

Once again, your tears soaked his shirt for the umpteenth time that night.

Every time he caressed your back, a tear escaped from his eyes.

He made his voice small so he could soothe you, and secretly himself.

It didn’t matter what he said.

He knew words couldn’t heal the pain you’d felt. The very same agony was coursing through his body and it was unbearable.

The midnight sky stared back at the two of you while the silence seemed to make its home in once joyous company.

“I want you to promise me something.”

You looked out at the sky without facing Nicky.

“What is it?”

“Promise me,” you paused to gather your breath “promise me you’ll try to be happy without me.”

He uttered your name with a plea.

“I mean it!”

“Only if you make the same promise.”

He extended his pinky towards you and you rolled over.

You hooked your pinky around his. You savored this moment, his touch and his warmth. He brought your hand to his lips and kissed it.

Your fingers found themselves intertwined as you basked in the moonlight, sleepily recanting the memories you created over time. Stolen kisses in public spaces, late night rendezvous, escapades beyond the border, what it was like to make dinner together for the first time, or the day you met his family and the day you became part of it.

“If I’m honest, when I first saw you. You scared the shit outta me.”

“You’ve been in gunfights, chased by cops, in a room filled with ruthless gangsters” you let out a small yawn “and lil ‘ol me scared you?”

Your eyes fluttered as they tried to fight sleep.

“Yeah, lil ‘ol you.”

He playfully pinched you and you swatted at him, a little too late, with your eyes closed. He grinned at your delayed reaction.

“You wanna know why?”

“Because I’m drop dead gorgeous.” You answered with a low voice.

He turned his head and admired your face as you lightly snored.

“You made me feel somethin’,” he chuckled to himself “I thought it was only in the movies but I was wrong.”

His words fell on silent ears as you rolled over into him.

His cheeks warmed as you cuddled against him. He started to lean back so he could look at you once more but he stopped himself. Instead, he kissed your cheek before holding onto you tightly.

~~~~~~

When you woke up, you felt different somehow. You couldn’t quite place it and you didn’t have time to since your alarm went off. You got ready for the day ahead without giving any dreams you had much thought.

Once you had time at work, you sat at a table in the break room. You pulled out your phone and started to look through your games.

“Hey!” One of your coworkers entered the room, “Just the person I wanted to see.”

You lifted your head and locked your phone “Oh hey, what’s up?”

“A couple of us are going out to karaoke tonight, you wanna hang?”

“Uh,” you thought it over for a second. Your coworkers invited you out to every function but you didn’t have the time or energy to go until today.

“I promise we won’t make you sing.”

You laughed “Okay, sure. Why not?”

“Woohoo!”

~~~~~~

“Jenny I got your number, I wanna make you miiiiinnneeee!”

“Eight six seven five three oh niiinneeeinneee!!”

You laughed at how carefree everyone was and joined in.

This was just the beginning of your new chapter. Sure, the characters were different and who would’ve guessed the plot but it was an enjoyable narrative.

~~~~~~

It had been a while but you started to get back into old hobbies and even tried new ones. You hung out with friends, old and new, made memories with them or either by yourself. You felt yourself smiling more and doing things like singing in the shower or driving with the windows down and doing that thing people do with their hands. I guess you could say you were living.

~~~ A/N: For people falling out of the Fictif fandom and moving on to new ones or just other things. This is for us and thank you for everything.

#nicky valentino fictif #fictif nicky valentino #nicky valentino #fictif nicky #two against the world #fictif tatw #madebyjade #nicholas valentino #nicky valentino x mc #nicky valentino x reader #Spotify #nicky fictif

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