Handling two kids, a husband, and running a business can be a lot.
Warnings: slight swearing + brief lime
Word Count: 6.5k
You moaned as you rolled over, savoring the last bit of your slumber. Your arm landed on Nicky’s side who let out a small groan.
“Is it morning already?” You muttered in your half-sleep state.
He answered you with his eyes closed “I don’t even wanna know.”
“I’m surprised we woke up before our alarm clock.”
Just then your dog waltzed into the room and jumped onto the bed.
The two of you slightly opened your eyes to the sight of her laying at the foot of your bed.
“I think you spoke too soon, toots.”
The pitter patter of feet and giggling echoed throughout the hall.
“Way too soon.” You smiled to yourself.
The small sounds of laughter ceased when the voices reached your door.
“Shush!” A tiny voice commanded.
The other released a small gasp then covered their mouth.
“We should scare ‘em.”
You and Nicky exchanged a glance as you overheard the little ones making their evil plans.
“We’ll get in trouble!” Giulliana raised her brows at her brother.
“No we won’t. I'll make sure, ok?” Giancarlo nodded his head.
“Promise?” She stuck out her pinky finger.
Giancarlo wrapped his pinky around hers.
Before the two stepped into your room, Nicky bent down and whispered in your ear “I got a plan.”
~~~~~~
You and Nicky barely managed to hold back a smile as you hid under the covers.
The dog’s ears perked up when Giancarlo and Giulliana tip toed into your room.
Giulliana pressed her fingers to her lips.
“Quiet, Stella.”
Stella let out a gruff before resting her head on her paws again.
Giancarlo crept to your side of the bed and watched Giulliana head towards Nicky.
When they were in position, he held his tiny fingers in the air.
He looked at her and mouthed “1,”
“2,” she added.
“3!” They both shouted.
As they jumped into the bed, you and Nicky flung back the covers and let out a roar. You grabbed onto your children and pulled them towards you. They let out giggles while clutching at their tummies which were open for your tickle attacks.
Stella sat up at the commotion and let out a playful noise before rolling around in the sheets.
“Alright, that’s enough for now.”
“Aww!” The kids pouted at Nicky then looked at you with big eyes.
“Your dad’s right, we gotta get ready for school.”
“Hm … okay but only if we can get ice cream later.” Giulliana glanced at you then Nicky.
Nicky chuckled “Negotiating already?”
“Please?” Giancarlo clasped his hands together.
“Please, please, PLEASE!!” Giulliana and Giancarlo begged.
“Okay, okay.” You and Nicky chimed in unison.
“Yes!” The two munchkins clapped and hooted all the way to their rooms.
~~~~~~
As you prepped for the day, a million things ran through your mind. Granted you had house staff so you didn’t have to worry about house duties but there were other things. You glanced at your to do list and wished you hadn’t.
You poured creamer into your coffee and thought about the projects to finalize at TATW productions, those interviews you had to do and things for the kids of course.
You set the creamer back onto the counter and gave your coffee a taste. You frowned then poured more as you looked at the list.
Giancarlo needed ballet slippers and Giulliana wanted a new baseball glove. Wait, no it was the other way around and didn’t Stella need a new toy?
You set a glass in front of Giancarlo before sipping your coffee again.
He reached for it with a smile after scarfing down two pancakes.
“All done!” Giulliana pushed back her plate.
Nicky strutted into the dining room “Bravo, patatina!”
He picked up her plate and placed it into the sink which you were still standing by, brooding.
“Toots, you okay?”
You blinked away your thoughts “Yeah, I'm just thinking.”
Giancarlo’s face turned bitter with each sip of what he thought was his orange juice.
“This tastes funny.” He set the glass down with a frown.
“Lemme see that.” Nicky walked over to Giancarlo and you accompanied him.
You both inspected the glass.
“Oh,” you smacked your forehead “I’m so sorry, sweetie.”
You grabbed the glass and walked to the sink to discard it.
“I must’ve got our cups mixed up.”
“It’s okay.” Giancarlo got down from his chair, “Everything’s coppascatik.”
You and Nicky scrunched your brows.
“What was that, polpetto?” Nicky asked refraining his laughter.
Giancarlo repeated the word proudly “Coppascatik, it means it’s all good.”
“Who taught you that?” You leaned back onto the counter.
“Uncle Chris!” Giancarlo beamed before grabbing his backpack.
You smiled and walked towards Giulliana “‘Course he did.”
“That goof,” Nicky glanced at your to do list on the counter.
“Are you tired?” Giulliana asked you while you lifted her from the oversized chair she sat in.
“Just a little bit,” you gave her a half hearted smile. “But don’t worry about me, let’s get you two to school!”
“Last one to the car is a rotten egg!” Giancarlo shouted before bolting down the hall.
“Hey!” Giuliana trotted behind him.
“This is a lil’ long for a to do list, don’t ya think?”
Nicky flipped the page to the back and continued to read your handwriting.
“It’s a novel at this point.”
You strode down the hall behind your kids.
“I’ve got a better idea,” Nicky caught up with you.
“Let’s give half of this stuff to the staff and play hooky.”
“What?!” You scoffed.
“Nicky, we can’t skimp out on this stuff.”
You shielded your eyes from the sunlight as you watched your kids wait by the car.
“Toots,”
“Daddy, you’re last so you’re the rotten egg!” Giancarlo said with a goofy smile.
“Pee-yoo,” Giulliana pinched her nose and waved her hand in front of her face “stinky!”
“Watch out,” he slowly extended his hands towards you all “I’m gonna spread COOTIES!”
“AAHH!!” The kids screamed before jumping into the car.
You looked at Nicky with a small smile which only spread wider after he embraced you and dramatically gave you a wet, slobbery kiss on the cheek.
“Nooo!!!” The kids pressed their faces against the glass window.
“Ugh, Nicky!” You feigned disgust as you wiped your cheek.
“There’s more where that came from.” He cocked a brow at you.
“I’ve got enough of those in the backseat.”
Giulliana tapped on the window “We gotta go!”
“Alright alright,” he glanced at you “I wonder where she gets that from?”
He eyed you playfully then opened the door for you.
You looked at him with a smile before kissing his cheek, “Don’t forget it.”
“BLECH!” Giancarlo protested as you and Nicky got in the car.
~~~~~~
“I love you!”
You and Nicky bent down to hug and kiss your children before they entered their classrooms.
Giancarlo stopped the two of you once it was his turn “Not in front of my friends.”
He looked over his shoulder to see the little audience that formed.
“Oh, I see.”
You and Nicky exchanged a quick glance.
“Alright champ, knock ‘em dead.” Nicky patted his son on the back.
Giancarlo smirked until his dimple showed.
Without thinking, you reached out to touch his chubby cheeks. His eyes went wide.
Your hand flinched but remained near his face.
He pleaded with his eyes.
You ruffled his hair “Give ‘em hell, kiddo!”
Fuck. I wasn’t supposed to say that.
“You just cussed, can I-”
“No!” You and Nicky answered simultaneously.
Giancarlo frowned but quickly smiled when he ran towards his friends.
The two of you rose to your feet.
“What the hell was that all about?” Nicky whispered as you both watched your son for a moment.
“I froze!” You tried to remain calm as Giancarlo faced the two of you and waved.
You waved back before you turned away from each other.
“I would’ve just given him a hug and a kiss, but nooo.”
“I guess I am pretty wound up.” You quietly admitted to yourself.
“Don’t worry,” Nicky glanced your way with a smirk “I’ll take good care of you.”
~~~~~~
He held onto your hand as you walked down the pier. The wind made your clothes dance and wafted the salt of the sea into your nostrils.
“Where are we going exactly?”
You bit your tongue then spoke anyway, “Are we gonna be back in time to pick up the kids? What about dinner?!”
Nicky smiled at your uneasy nerves and let go of your hand. He rested his hands on your shoulders.
“Vita mia, relax.”
His large hands slid down your arms easing the tension you carried in your shoulders.
“It’s just you and me right now, alright?”
You looked into his hazel eyes.
“We’ve got all the time in the world!” He held his arm out to you and you looped it in his.
“Well, only a few hours but still.” Nicky corrected himself when he remembered the kid’s school schedule.
“Okay, handsome. Lead the way!”
He threw you a smirk as he proudly walked down the beach with you in tow.
~~~~~~
“Oooh,” you clasped your hands together as the waiter placed your meal in front of you.
He placed Nicky’s plate onto the table and withdrew his hands.
“Anything else for you today?”
He filled your glasses with orange juice.
“That’s it for now, thank you.”
“Of course.”
The waiter gave a slight bow then left the two of you alone.
You reached for your glass but Nicky stopped you.
“What? Is it poisoned?” You joked.
“Not yet.” Nicky looked around before pulling a flask out of his jacket.
A small gasp escaped between your lips, “Nicky!” You said in a hushed tone.
“Live a little,” Nicky shoved the flask back into his jacket after spiking your drinks.
“To family.”
He looked at you with a smile in his eyes and you couldn’t help but feel warmth.
You grabbed your glass and raised it with his.
Your new made mimosa washed down your breakfast quite well. Nicky indulge you by allowing you to have more than one which was probably a mistake.
As you walked down the shops of the street looking for toys, you commented on every little thing.
“Oh, Nicky, Nicky, look!” You pointed at the baby shoes in the glass window.
“Remember when Giulliana was that little.”
A pout grow on your face as you looked at him with puppy dog eyes.
He walked towards you with a small smile while the memories of her first days in this world flashed through his mind.
“With her little feet and little toes and,” you let out a hiccup “Giancarlo pulled back her blanket and said ‘what’s that?!’”
“He wasn’t happy at first but look at ‘em now. They’re thick as thieves.” He glanced over at you.
“Aww, my little peas in a pod.”
You pressed your palm against the glass.
“Amore mio, are you feelin’ okay?”
He placed an arm around you and held you close.
“Yeah, I’m just feelin’ … sappy I guess.”
“There’s nothin’ wrong with that.”
He pulled you in for a hug and kissed your cheek.
You looked through the glass pane long enough to notice your reflections staring back at you.
“One day, they’ll move out and start to carve their own name into the world.”
You leaned closer into Nicky and continued “They’ll be fully grown and we’ll still looking at their baby pictures.”
Nicky let out a light laugh as he listened to you.
“We’ll be old and gray but I’ll still love you the same.”
You turned to face Nicky and held his cheek in your hand.
He looked at you with a look of endearment before your lips met in a tender kiss.
“If you get any more sentimental we might need those baby shoes.”
You lightly hit him on his chest and he felt his love grow ten times stronger.
“C’mon, you.” You held onto his hand and walked inside the toy store to spoil your two children.
After carefully picking out things for the kids, and Stella your beloved dog, you loaded the car with your bags.
You started to climb into the car until Nicky grabbed hold of your arm, “Wait a second.”
“What is it?”
He looked at his watch, “We still got time.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolultey positive.”
He leaned into the car and briefly spoke with the chaffeur. The car departed after he patted its hood. You tried to make sense of what just happened but he didn’t pay it any mind. Instead, he held your hand in his and escorted the two of you back to the pier.
You glanced up at the sign with a chuckle “You wanna take the ferry?”
“Why not?”
He reached into his pocket and paid for the two of you to board.
“All aboard the love boat.” He cooed as he welcomed you onto the ferry.
You rolled your eyes and smiled “You’re corny as hell,”
You slid your hand into his “and I love it.”
He smiled while you walked towards empty seats at the boat’s edge.
Maybe it was still the morning mimosa’s at work but you felt giddy, even in the silence. The sun warmed those little metal circles you wore on your fingers but you didn’t notice since your hands were intertwined as always.
~~~~~~
“Look what I made! Look, ya see!”
Giulliana’s creation clacked in the air as she waved it around.
“Ooh, lemme see that.”
You reached for her latest creation and turned the macaroni noodles over in your hand.
“It’s a bracelet! And look!”
Giulliana threw her fist in the air and shook it til her own macaroni bracelt rattled.
“Aww, it’s beautiful.”
You brushed her hair out of her face. Your eyes teared up as you touched her cheeks. You thought of how she’d grow up so fast and change right before your eyes.
“My gorgeous girl,” a tear fell as you spoke.
Giulliana reached up to wipe away your tear.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothin’, sunshine.” You cupped her cheeks and looked into her eyes.
“I love you very much and there’s nothin’ wrong with that.”
You kissed her forehead and she giggled.
“I love you too, like this big!” She stretched her arms as wide as she could.
“Oh yeah? I love you this big!!”
You stretched your arms and legs out until you made a star.
She smiled at your declaration “No, no, I- I love you like this big,”
Giulliana jumped up and down while stretching her limbs as far as she could.
“THIS BIG LIKE BIG BIG BIG!!” She giggled in between jumps and stretches. Her little limbs burned as she continued to jump for your love.
Nicky was walking towards the two of you but slowed when he saw you two competing. He stood back and leaned against the wall.
“Y’know what?” You crotched down to her level.
She brushed her hair out of her eyes while catching her breath “Uh huh?”
“I love you to infinity.”
“Infeminee??” She tilted her head.
You laughed lightly then repeated the word, “Infinity.”
“What’s in-finaty?”
“It’s forever.”
“What’s forever?”
“Like a really, really long time.”
“Really?”
You nodded your head.
“You love me infinity when I go to school?”
“Mhmm.”
“And when I play with my friends?”
“Yep.”
“When daddy takes me out for ice cream?”
You laughed, “Yes.”
“When I get older? Like you and daddy?”
“Especially when you get older.”
You placed your thumb lightly on her little chin and drew back so you wouldn’t start bawling.
She threw her arms around you and buried her face in your neck.
“I love you infinity too.”
You held her little body close to yours and relished the feeling.
“What about me?”
Nicky strolled into the living room, careful not to show that he too was crying.
“I love you for a really long time too, daddy!” Giulliana ran to his side and Nicky bent down to pick her up.
Her little arms made their way around his neck and he felt himself crumble inside.
You wiped your silent tears as you stood to your feet.
“Hey, what’s with the new jewelry?” He nodded towards your bracelet.
“Sweet Giulliana made this for me.” You said with a smile.
She lifted her head at the mention of her name.
“Don’t worry, I made one for you too and Giancarlo!”
Nicky placed her on her feet so she could run and spread the joy of macaroni noodles and beads.
“Speakin’ of, where is that lil guy?” You muttered to yourself.
Nicky scratched his head “I thought I heard him earlier when he-”
His eyes went wide as he took off without warning.
Stella began to bark as soon as you started to follow Nicky.
You hesitated between who to follow then grunted as you ran towards the dog.
~~~~~~
Nicky slowed to a stroll when he made it outside. He smoothed down his tie and put his hands in his pockets. For a moment, the only sounds were that of his shoes against the pavement. Until he heard a rustle in the bushes.
When he spotted the chauffeur he switched his tone “You took care of that situation we talked about, right?”
“Of course, Mr. Valentino.”
“You didn’t happen to find,” Nicky shrugged “Oh I don’t know, a rat? Or rugrat perhaps?”
He looked over his shoulder into the bushes. There was another slight rustle. The chauffeur glanced at the noise then back at Nicky and smiled.
“There was a slight hiccup but it’s all taken care of, sir.”
“Right,” Nicky patted his shoulder then began to walk off.
“Say,” he turned around “where’d that rugrat go?”
“I can’t say, sir. I have no idea.”
“I’d hate for ‘em to miss this special treat we got ‘em.”
Giancarlo parted the bushes and watched the two men speak.
“That makes two of us.”
“Well,” Nicky ran a hand through his hair “I guess if they don’t show up, I’ll just have to get rid of it.”
“You could give it to someone else, sir.”
Nicky nodded his head.
“Or use it for myself?”
“Hey!” Giancarlo jumped out of the bushes “No fair!”
“HA!” Nicky pointed at Giancarlo “Gotcha!”
Nicky and the chauffeur shared a brief laugh as Giancarlo continued to fume.
“I tell ya what’s not fair,” Nicky laid his hands on Giancarlo’s shoulders and walked towards the house “you trynna pull a fast one on me.”
He moved his fingers around the boy’s shoulders until he started to laugh from the ticklish sensation. Giancarlo raised his shoulders to his ears and tried to get out of his father’s grip.
“Alright, I’m sorry!”
He finally yanked himself free from the Valentino Vicelike grip of his father.
“Can I still have my gift? Please?” He looked up at him with those soft hazel eyes.
It was like staring at his own reflection, “Of course you can.”
Nicky brushed Giancarlo’s cheek with his hand. “No more spyin’ though, alright?”
Giancarlo nodded his head “You got it, pop.”
~~~~~~
“Whoa whoa whoa!”
Nicky and Giancarlo walked into a fiasco. Giulliana was sobbing and holding a kitten in her arms while you held Stella back by her collar.
“Bad Stella!” Giulliana protested as she stood in Nicky’s leather armchair.
You looked at Nicky and Giancarlo with wide, pleading eyes.
Nicky ran towards you to help restrain Stella.
“What happened?”
“Stella found a stray outside and well, here we are” you feigned a smile.
Giancarlo stood next to the leather armchair and tried to console Giulliana who held on tightly to the kitten.
“Let’s go!” Nicky held onto Stella as he commanded him to go outside.
When you turned around, Giancarlo and Giulliana gave you puppy dog eyes.
“Oh no! NO NO NO!”
“BUT PLEASE!?!?!”
Giulliana jumped down from the chair and walked towards you with the black and white spotted kitten in her hand. Giancarlo stood by her side every step of the way.
“Just look at ‘em!”
They held the tuxedo kitten in front of you.
“Godda-” you covered your eyes so you couldn’t look at them “NICKY!!!”
“Can we keep it?!” The kids chanted in unison as Nicky shut the patio door behind him.
Nicky’s hair was dishelved from handling Stella. He glanced at you then the kids and the kitten. For the first time, he was speechless.
“You said I could keep the gift!” Giancarlo reminded Nicky of his promise.
“I did but-”
“You told him?!” You chimed in.
“I wanna keep it! Please, can we?” Giulliana added to the noise.
Nicky looked at you with pleading eyes.
You stared at him for several seconds and then blinked with a nod.
The kids cheered preemptively.
“Only if-”
Their cheers died down under the sound of Nicky’s voice.
“Only if Stella says so. If Stella says no, kitten’s gotta go.”
“If Stella says yes?” Giulliana petted the kitten’s head.
“We can keep it!” Giancarlo ran towards Stella so the kitten could pass the test.
“Maddon.” Nicky uttered under his breath.
You knelt down next to Giulliana, “Can I hold ‘em?”
She looked at you for a moment as she mulled it over.
“Please?”
“Okay, but be careful with Max.” She carefully pried the kitten from her shirt.
“Max?”
“Yeah, that’s their name.”
You crinkled your brows as she placed them in your palms “Max.”
Giancarlo and Nicky waited by Stella’s side on the patio. You and Giulliana stepped out slowly watching his every movement. Stella let out a low growl as Max, the kitten, stretched it’s neck to take in the new setting.
As you knelt down, so did everyone else. Stella stepped towards the kitten hesitantly and lightly sniffed it. She stepped back and let out a whine.
“C’mon, girl.” Giancarlo softly encouraged her.
“Please be good.” Giulliana clasped her hands together.
Stella let out another whine as she approached the kitten.
You and Nicky exchanged a brief glance before watching the two again.
Stella bopped the kitten with its nose and swiftly retreated by Nicky’s side.
The kitten leaned back and froze.
Stella ducked her head and whined before approaching it again.
The kitten reached its paw towards Stella who ran before it could land on its nose.
Giancarlo leaned on his knees as he watched the saga unfold.
Stella made her way towards the kitten again and stared at it.
The kitten sat with its chest out proudly while returning Stella’s glare. Suddenly, Stella touched the kitten with its nose then sat down in front of you.
You placed the kitten onto the ground and held your breath for what happened next. The two began to play with each other. They chased each other in short circles but it wasn’t over until the kitten managed to latch onto Stella. Rather than throw a fit, Stella laid on her side and gave in. The kitten pounced onto him but when it noticed that Stella was indifferent, it curled up into a ball and laid on her stomach.
You and Nicky let out the breath you were holding in.
“Stella said yes!” Giulliana jumped for joy.
“Let’s call ‘em ‘Lightning’!” Giancarlo petted the kitten.
“No, I named ‘em ‘Max’!” Giulliana stomped.
“That’s a boy’s name.”
“It can be a girl’s name!” She turned towards the two of you, “Tell him!”
You stood to your feet “Giancarlo, where I come from anyone can be anything.”
“That’s what dad says about New York.”
“Think of it as a different New York.”
Giancarlo scrunched his brows at you “So there are two New Yorks?”
“No, son. That’s another discussion for another time.” Nicky stepped in.
“In the meantime, how about ‘Max Lightning’?” You scanned the little faces to see their approval of the name.
“Okay.” Giancarlo put his hands in his pocket.
“You hear that Max Lightning? You’re stayin’.” Giulliana picked up the sleeping kitten and Stella lifted her head.
You all followed Giulliana back inside so you could show them the real gifts, after dinner of course.
~~~~~~
Stella sat by Giancarlo’s side while Giulliana clutched Max Lightning in her tiny hands. Their eyes were shut so tightly they saw specks in the black abyss before them.
“Can we look now?”
“No, not yet.”
You and Nicky set the carefully wrapped bags onto the table.
“Okay, now!” You clasped your hands together as they ran towards their gifts.
Meanwhile, Stella already took off with the new toy you got her.
“YES!” Giancarlo slipped his baseball mitt onto his hand with a smile.
“My slippers!” The silky satin dangled from her hands.
Max Lightning sat perched on her shoulder and tilted their head at the scene.
“Dad, can we play?”
Nicky’s eyes crinkled at his crooked smile “I thought you’d never ask.”
He patted Giancarlo’s shoulder “Let’s go!”
Giulliana was too busy putting on her new slippers to pay any attention to her brother and father, or you.
Her fingers made fast work of tying the ribbons around her ankles.
She stood to her feet and shouted “My tutu!”
Max Lightning jerked when she picked them up then ran to her room to finish her ensemble.
The corners of your mouth turned up slightly as you stood alone in the living room. Then you felt a small tug on the hem of your shirt. When you turned around, you looked at Giulliana – who of course, held Max Lightning in the palm of her hand.
“Are you coming?”
“You want me to dance with you?”
She nodded her head frantically “Most definitely, yes!”
“Okay,” you held onto her hand as she guided the two of you backstage.
“But I don’t have a tutu,” you added.
“Just imagine,” she held on tightly to your hand when you walked upstairs.
“And don’t be nervous. Everyone’s really nice and can’t wait to see us.”
“What do you mean ‘everyone’?”
She glanced back at you before opening the room to your stage and dressing room.
“The audience.” She whispered with a smile.
As she opened the door you saw her stuffed animals placed ever so carefully in little chairs throughout her room.
“Oh, I see” you held back a smile “Let’s give ‘em a show then, whaddaya say?”
“Let’s give ‘em hell!” She yelled before prancing on stage.
Max Lightning latched onto her shirt.
Your eyes went wide “Giulliana,” you held back your restraint remembering you wanted to be the parent you felt you never had.
The satin slippers continued to prance, spin, and pirouette on the stage.
You adjusted your tone before joining her side, “Where’d you get that from?”
“Giancarlo said you said it at school.”
She stopped her warm ups then glanced at you. You tried not to laugh at how her hair covered her face or at how terrified Max Lightning looked.
You knelt down in front of her and brushed her hair out of her face.
“I forgot my bun bun.” She patted her mop of hair.
“You did, just like I forgot to not say that word in front of you and Giancarlo.”
“What word?”
You bit your tongue as you grabbed a nearby ribbon to tie her hair into a bun.
“Oh, hell?!” Giulliana exclaimed while petting Max Lightning.
You dropped your shoulders “Yes, that word.”
“Is it a bad word?”
“... not exactly,” you secured her hair into a bun and patted the finished product “I just don’t want you to say it.”
“But you and daddy can say it?”
You opened your mouth and then closed it “How about no one says it?”
Giulliana stared at you for a moment then shrugged “Okay.”
She placed Max Lightning onto a chair with her beloved Katy the cat, “We need to get ready!”
It took a while but you found your tutus, real and imaginary, and performed for your crowd.
Giancarlo and Nicky walked in while your audience shouted “Encore! Encore!”
If it wasn’t for their clapping, you and Giulliana wouldn’t have noticed them.
She turned towards them and curtsied, you followed her movement.
“Thank you! Thank you!” You both beamed at the crowd.
~~~~~~
Night, the children’s least favorite time of day, had fallen on the Valentino household but this night was different. They weren’t protesting their baths or bedtime. They even brushed their teeth without being told to do so. When the clock struck 9, you and Nicky waltzed into their rooms to kiss them goodnight.
Giancarlo’s eyes followed his new baseball as he tossed it a few inches up in the air and caught it with his bare hand.
You leaned against the doorframe “Alright, Babe Ruth.”
He jerked his head at the sudden sound of your voice then lightly laughed at your joke.
“Call me ‘All Ace’.” He gave you a smirk that was too reminiscent of Nicky’s.
“Okay, All Ace.” Nicky strutted into his room “It’s time for bed.”
You followed behind Nicky, “Even ball players have to sleep.”
He grabbed the ball from Giancarlo and set it on his nightstand.
Giancarlo gave you both a small pout.
You sat by his bedside and brushed his hair back from his forehead.
“You can play some more tomorrow, okay?”
He glanced at you then Nicky.
“What’s wrong?” Nicky joined you at Giancarlo’s side.
“Do you two really think I could be like Babe? Seriously?”
Nicky bit at the inside of his cheek trying to find the right words.
You cupped Giancarlo’s cheek “No,”
Giancarlo’s eyes widened at your sudden response.
“But, I think you could be like All Ace.”
Giancarlo flashed that crooked smile of his.
“I heard he’s somethin’.” Nicky chimed in.
“And I heard that all the girls go crazy over him!”
You pinched Giancarlo’s cheek.
“Eww!” He smiled despite his disgust.
Stella trotted into the room and plopped onto Giancarlo’s bed.
“Take it easy!” Giancarlo’s protests made you stop. He climbed under the covers and waited for you two to continue your ritual.
You and Nicky leaned in on opposite sides and kissed his cheek.
“Sogni d’oro, cuore mio.” Nicky looked at him with a glimmer in his eyes.
You ran your hands through Giancarlo’s hair one more time “Goodnight, my beautiful boy.”
“Buona notte,” Giancarlo looked at you then Nicky “Te amo.”
Nicky cupped Giancarlo’s cheek before the two of you left his room.
The silence that had started to fill the house dissipated as you approached Giulliana’s room.
When you walked in you noticed that she was already in bed with Max Lightning on her chest. Her eyes were half shut as she drowsily sang a lullaby. You and Nicky stood far back, careful not to wake her.
You listened to the melody and slow lyrics, “Is that …”
“It is,” Nicky smiled “the kid’s singin’ our song.”
Your eyes welled with tears as Nicky crept into the room. You blinked away tears and joined your husband by your daughter’s bedside. You lightly kissed her on the forehead.
“My gorgeous girl,” you fixed her bun which she insisted to keep, “you’ve grown up so fast already.”
“It’s only up from here, kiddo.” Nicky kissed her temple “And we’ll be there every step of the way.”
Max Lightning slowly opened their eyes to glance at those responsible for interrupting such peaceful slumber.
“And Max too.” Nicky added.
“Your dad means Max Lightning.” You giggled.
“Forgive me, toots. I’m terribly sorry.” He clutched at his heart.
He glanced at a sleeping Giulliana “It was a simple mistake and it won’t happen again.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll keep him in check.”
“Oh really?” He cocked a brow.
“Someone’s gotta do it.” You smirked at him.
He leaned towards you “I can’t imagine someone better.”
Your lips were an inch apart when Giulliana turned over in her sleep.
Your heads swiveled in her direction and you froze, ensuring that you wouldn’t wake her up. The two of you carefully got off of the bed then shut the light off before going to your own bedroom.
You didn’t continue where’d you left off since the day’s events were catching up to you. After doing the bare minimum for your night routine, you laid down next to Nicky and sank into his arms.
“Y’know Giulliana said ’let’s give ‘em hell’ today?”
“I heard,” Nicky chuckled.
“Parent of the year everybody, right here!” You raised your hand with a tired smile.
“That’s right and anyone who says otherwise is gonna have hell to pay.”
Nicky slid his hand into your hands and kissed your wrist.
“About that,” you faced him “I told Giulliana that no one can say that word now, like anyone in this house.” You grimaced.
“Alright then,” he threw his hand up “It’s settled.”
A smile replaced your worried face “Good.”
“I think you mean ‘copasketic’.” Nicky furrowed his brows at you.
“Copasketic,” you tapped your finger against your chin “hmm, let’s see, what’s that again?”
“All good, like peaches n’ cream or,” he wrapped his arms around you and pulled you closer to him.
“Or you and me,” he continued before kissing your jaw.
You felt electricity hum throughout your body as he kissed your neck.
“Can you spell it for me?”
“Easy,” he pulled back and said confidently “I-T, it.”
“You,” you caressed his cheek and reluctantly smiled “ha ha, very funny.”
“Thank you,” he grabbed your hand then kissed your knuckles.
“I would say I’ll be here all week but I’ve got a spouse and kids to take care of.”
“You’re a busy man.” You played along.
“I am but I’ll always make time for you.” He brushed your hand across his chest.
Your mouth was agape and where there should’ve been words was just silence. In that moment, you looked at him and saw him. He was yours, forever and always. You held him by the nape of his neck and guided his lips towards yours. As your lips met over and over again, he positioned his leg inbetween yours so you could do as you please. You gasped when you’d felt his hands slip under your pajamas. His warm hands radiated on your skin. As you pressed your head deeper into the pillows, he latched onto your neck.
“Mmm,”
Your moans ceased when you heard the pitter patter of feet. Nicky stopped himself when he’d heard the sound and flung himself back onto his side of the bed.
“Fu- sh-”
Both of you fumbled about to look normal and make the bed seem like it was so a few moments ago.
“Heyyy!” You beamed as Giulliana walked in with Max Lightning in her hand.
She rubbed her eye and yawned while proceeding towards your bed.
Nicky ran his hand through his hair to smooth it down.
“What’s the matter?”
“Well,” Giulliana stood by his side until he lifted her up onto the bed.
“I remembered we didn’t get ice cream. Remember,” she yawned “you said if we went to school we’d get ice cream?”
Nicky nodded his head, “I forgot because we were having so much fun earlier but I tell you what,”
Giulliana peeped at his nightstand while he continued.
“Tomorrow-”
“What’s that?” She ignored his previous statement.
He glanced behind him then back at her “What’s what?”
He briefly looked at you and you shrugged your shoulders.
“That letter,” she pointed at the envelope he’d hidden under a book.
This envelope was special since it came from Rocky who made sure to send letters to the kids in uniquely designed envelopes.
“Is it from Uncle Rocky?! Can I see it? Pretty please!”
“I was gonna show you tomorrow but why not.”
He reached for the envelope and handed it to her. She set Max Lightning down by her side and climbed under the covers before opening the letter. Inside was a cute postcard and much more but Giulliana read the letter before going any further.
“Dear Giulliana, I hope you’re being good. I can’t wait to see your show soon. Here’s something for you. Love, Uncle Rocky.”
She placed the postcard down and reached into the envelope for the money. This was the sixth letter this year and Rocky always adorned each one with green.
“A TWENTY!”
“You can buy all the ice cream in the world!” You said.
“I don’t want ice cream anymore,”
“No?!” Nicky smiled in disbelief.
She shook her head.
“What do you want?”
“I want some clothes for Max Lightning!”
Nicky raised a brow, “Clothes for a cat?”
She nodded her head “If they have clothes, maybe they’ll like bathtime better.”
He slowly nodded his head.
“We’ll go shopping this weekend then.” You bopped Max Lightning’s nose and they sneezed.
“We’re gonna go shopping Maxie!” She huddle some of the cover around the kitten and laid down between you and Nicky.
“Hey, what’s goin’ on?” Giancarlo walked in blinking away the lights that were still on in your room.
“Giulliana couldn’t sleep,” you reached out to him “wanna join us?”
He walked into the room and joined the group on the bed. His eyes widened at Rocky’s letter.
“Uncle Rocky wrote us?! Where’s my letter? Did I get one?!”
Nicky groaned “You two are bustin’ my chops”.
He reached behind him and grabbed Giancarlo’s letter.
He yanked it back at the last second “Don’t spend it all, capisce?”
“Capisce.” Giancarlo nodded then held his hand out for the letter.
“Papa, please. Per favore?”
Nicky placed the letter in his hands.
The two of you watched Giancarlo devour it. He held the postcard up to his face and skimmed over the words before reaching for the rest.
“Whoa!” He pulled out money of course, but there was another baseball card to add to his collection. He held onto the plastic wrapped card for dear life as he ran to his room “I’ll be right back!”
“All Ace,” you sighed as you lay back.
“You think he’ll get us box office seats when he’s rich and famous?”
“Nothin but the best for the Valentino gang.”
You patted Nicky’s hand.
Stella trotted in before Giancarlo who smushed himself between you, Nicky, and Giulliana.
Once Giancarlo made himself comfortable, Stella jumped onto the bed and rested at everyone’s feet.
You and Nicky sat up and tried to kiss each other goodnight but the crowd in your bed challenged that. The two of you readjusted yourselves and tried again, this time straining until you were within each other’s reach. You pecked each other on the lips before saying goodnight.
“Could you two not smooch so loud?” Giancarlo said with his eyes shut.
“I’m sorry, darlin’.”
You kissed your fingertips then put them on Nicky’s lips. The gesture made him blush and for the only time in his life, he wished the kids weren’t in the way.
“How’s that?”
Giancarlo was fast asleep when you asked him about you and Nicky’s adjustment.
Although Nicky couldn’t do what he wanted, he made sure to press your hand against his cheek so you could feel the effect you had on him.
“Goodnight, amore mio.” He whispered.
You smiled at the familiar term and brushed his cheek with your thumb.
“Goodnight, my love.”
As he drifted off to sleep, Nicky smiled to himself when he felt Giancarlo’s limbs pressed against his. He knew Giulliana was beside him, Max Lightning nearby as well as Stella, but his first and greatest treasure of all, you, within a fingertip’s reach.
~~~ A/N: The tiny 'tinos will give you a run for your money, beware.
jacobvanloon
tangentwithtanner
pixelskylines
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