I’m reaching out with a quiet hope in my heart. These days are heavy, and my family is living through a reality filled with uncertainty—but I’m still here, doing my best to hold on and keep going.
If you have a moment, please check out my pinned post.
A simple share could help it reach someone who might be able to make a difference.
If you’re able to give, even the smallest kindness can bring light into the darkest places.
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With deep gratitude,
@nadinfamily
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Absolutely nothing worse than finding out that you share interests with someone you hate. Has you thinking things like fuck you I'm better at enjoying star wars than you are
Guys plz ☹️ Just because all these old names are coming back to the Scream franchise doesn't mean we should ignore what Spyglass pulled with Melissa Barrera. In fact, we should keep pointing it out more and don't let people forget!! Boycott Scream 7!!!!
Summary: Luigi Mangione. Star student. Travel enthusiast. Alleged murderer. Hero of the people. For a fleeting moment he was more than that…he was yours.
A/N: fluff/angst fic abt a whirlwind romance luigi has with reader. WC is 7.4k so get comfy
Luigi sits in his seat, leg anxiously bouncing as he checks his watch for what feels like the millionth time. The adrenaline from earlier is wearing off. Now he just feels anxious. Anxious to leave this city behind and put as many miles as he can between him and New York.
He fidgets his jacket and releases a shaky breath.
“Hey, do you mind turning on the A.C.?” He calls out to the driver.
The bus driver looks in the rear view mirror and huffs when he sees who called out to him.
“Why don’t you try taking off your jacket first, pal?” He asks, before pulling his gaze away, continuing to look over the scheduled stops.
Luigi leans his head against the headrest of his seat and sighs. He feels much too hot with his face mask. And all the layers he’s wearing aren't exactly helping ease his sudden claustrophobia, but they’re a necessary evil. He has to stay covered, stay hidden until he’s far enough away to not be recognized. He breathes a sigh of relief when the driver finally puts the map down, checking his mirrors one last time before switching his turn signal on.
The bus has only just started to pull away from the curb when someone yells out.
“Hey! Wait!”
Luigi rolls his eyes as the bus comes to a stop, the doors opening a moment later.
“Oh my god, thank you so much.” You sigh as you climb the steps.
“Need to store anything under the bus?” The driver asks, scanning your ticket before handing it back to you.
“Nope.” You shake your head, holding up a small duffle bag with a smile. “Traveling light.”
The bus driver nods, closing the door again and turning to look out his side mirror.
“Jus’ grab any open seat.” He instructs.
You scan the bus, weighing your options of who would be the best person to sit beside. Luigi had curiously looked up when the doors opened, wanting to see who got on; however his mistake was that he didn’t look away. It shouldn’t be a surprise that he ended up locking eyes with you, but he still found himself letting out a startled gasp. You smile kindly and Luigi immediately looks away, fidgeting with his sleeves.
Fuck, he thinks to himself. So much for trying not to draw attention to himself.
You maneuver your way down the narrow passage, murmuring “‘scuse me” and “sorry” to the already settled passengers with a sheepish grin. Finally, you come to a stop beside a young man sitting on the aisle seat with the hood of his jacket up- covering his head.
“Excuse me,” You call softly. “Is it alright if I sit with you?”
Luigi’s fidgeting stops at the sound of your voice. He quickly considers his options before eventually deciding it’d be best for him to keep his aisle seat. After all, if he were to sit by the window, he’d be putting himself at risk of being spotted by anyone that happens to pull up alongside the bus.
Wordlessly, Luigi stands from his seat, avoiding your gaze as he does. He sneaks a quick glance at you when he hears you gasp softly, worried that you’ve found him out already.
“You’re letting me have the window seat?” You ask excitedly, smiling brightly at him before shuffling into the aisle and plopping down into the cushy chair. “Thanks!”
Luigi clears his throat before awkwardly nodding his head as he sits back down. You turn your body to face him again and Luigi tenses.
“I’m Y/N by the way.” You say before looking at Luigi expectantly.
He continues to stare straight ahead, doing everything in his power to avoid your curious gaze. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees your shoulders slump and finds himself feeling guilty.
“Mark.” He finally grumbles.
“Mm?” You hum, perking your head up at the sound of his baritone voice.
“My name…” He clarifies, still looking straight ahead. “It’s Mark…”
“Mark…” You repeat before beaming at him. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Again, Luigi chooses to silently nod his head.
Taking the hint that he wasn’t in the mood to talk, you turn your head to look out the window, though you know there won’t be much of a view since it’s a little past eight o’clock in the evening.
You’ve only made it a few blocks away from the bus station when you call out to the driver.
“Excuse me, sir? Would it be possible to turn on the air please?” You ask, craning your head in an effort to be seen over the rows of seats in front of you.
“Sure thing, sweetheart.” The driver calls back, messing with the controls.
Immediately after, a cool breeze starts circulating the bus. You lean back in your seat with a content sigh.
“Oh, that’s much better.” You mumble to yourself, turning back to gaze out the window.
Luigi sneaks a glance at you, quickly taking in your delicate features before looking away. He leans back in his seat and crosses his arms. For the first time today, the weight on his chest feels lighter and he doesn’t feel as if he’s struggling to breathe. He doesn’t know if you’re the reason or if it’s due to the air conditioning finally being turned on. He doesn’t care to dwell on it.
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
The bus had only been on the road for a little over an hour when Luigi started shuffling around; moving this way and that in his seat and groaning in discomfort. The bus drives over a pothole and Luigi grunts, holding onto the seat in front of him to brace himself.
“Hey, are you okay?” You ask cautiously, not wanting to overstep.
“Fine.” He grumbles through clenched teeth.
The bus goes over another pothole and this time he takes a shaky breath.
“Okay, you’re obviously not fine.” You argue, setting your phone down. “What is it? Are you getting car sick?”
Luigi shakes his head. You notice how uncomfortable he looks, almost as if he’s in pain and a lightbulb goes off in your head.
“Do you need a pillow to sit on?” You ask softly.
He looks at you with complete confusion on his features- which aren’t much to go off considering he still has his face mask and hood on. But judging by the furrow of his brows, you can only assume.
“For your hemorrhoids.” You whisper with a nod.
Luigi’s so caught off guard by the whole thing that he can’t help but let out a shocked laugh.
“I don’t have hemorrhoids.” He tells you with a shake of his head.
“Oh.”
“I have- back pain.” He admits reluctantly.
“Oh?”
“Horrible back pain.” He continues. “It’s been going on for years.”
You frown sympathetically at the news before remembering something you haphazardly threw in your bag earlier when packing. You grab your duffle bag from the floor, undoing the zipper and blindly rummaging through it until you hear the distinct crinkle of plastic packaging. You pull out the package, hesitating for only a moment before holding it out to him.
“Do you want this?” You ask shyly, worried you’re overstepping.
“…What is it?” Luigi asks skeptically.
“Heat pack. It helps when I get cramps,” You shrug. “I thought maybe…”
Luigi eyes the package and reads the label.
Hot Hands. Stick-on Body Warmer. Up to 12 hours of heat.
“Yeah…” He nods slowly. “Yeah, I’ll take it. But only if you’re sure-“
“Back pain’s a bitch; go crazy.” You assure.
Luigi takes the package from you and starts opening it while you set your duffel bag back on the floor. He places the patch on his lower back and settles into his seat. Within seconds it starts heating up. Judging by the relieved sigh he lets out, you can only assume that it’s working.
“So where ya going?” You ask him curiously.
“Not sure yet.” He answers cryptically. “Right now I’m just tryna get out of New York.”
You nod your head. He isn’t sure if it’s in agreement or acknowledgment.
“You?” Luigi asks, looking at you from the corner of his eyes. He’s gathered by now that you’re a bit of a chatterbox. He figures it’d be best to give vague answers and redirect the attention to you rather than just sit silently. From what he’s seen, you’re more than happy to do most of the talking.
“Ideally, California. Realistically, as far as I can make it.” You tell him with a small grin.
“What’s in California?” He asks curiously.
“What isn’t in California?” You ask in return. “There’s beaches, amusement parks, museums.” You list before staring off dreamily. “And L.A. is always like a perfect 70 degrees.”
“Florida has beaches and amusement parks too.” Luigi comments casually. “And it’s a shorter trip. Why don’t you go there?”
“Do I look ninety to you?” You ask with an offended frown. “Aside from grandmas freshly retired, I don’t think anyone willingly moves to Florida.”
Luigi chuckles and nods his head in agreement.
“Fair enough. But why go all the way to California?” He asks. “I mean, I’m sure there are other states that are much closer and have the same attractions.”
“Well sure. But California is quite literally on the other side of the country. I’m trying to get as far away from New York as I possibly can.”
“Hawaii?” Luigi offers with a grin, fondly remembering his time there.
“Too far.” You immediately shake your head.
“Why do I get the feeling you’re running from something?” Luigi asks, eyeing you suspiciously.
“I could say the same thing about you.” You fire back, almost defensive with how fast you answer him. Beside you, Luigi tenses. “And everyone else on this bus.” You add. Meanwhile, he releases the breath he had been holding. “I mean, you gotta admit it’s kinda sus.”
“But on the other hand,” You continue, less talking to him and more thinking out loud at this point. “Boarding a cheap bus that’ll drive all through the night while you sleep? Grade A traveling if you ask me.”
“Excellent point.” Luigi nods, thoroughly amused with your rambling. “Touché.”
You smile victoriously at him before turning back around and looking out the window. After a few minutes, you sink lower into your seat, getting more comfortable. Sensing that you’re done bothering him with mindless questions, at least for now, Luigi tries to get some rest. He sits back in his seat and crosses his arms before shutting his eyes.
Luigi’s just on the brink of falling asleep when he feels a sudden weight land on his left shoulder. He’s immediately on alert, opening his eyes and whipping his head to the side. He relaxes when he sees that there’s no threat, it’s just you. He’s about to pull away when you let out the softest of snores.
Luigi watches you sleep for a moment, taking in the serene look on your face and the steady rise and fall of your chest. He smiles softly to himself before leaning back in his seat and closing his eyes once more, finally falling asleep himself.
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
The bus going over another pothole is what wakes Luigi a few hours later. He blinks his eyes slowly, trying to get his bearings. Sometime during his slumber his head dropped, coming to a rest atop yours. As soon as he realizes this, Luigi sits up, face burning in embarrassment.
Clearing his throat, Luigi looks down at you and notices that you’re still fast asleep with your head still resting on his shoulder. However now your arms are wrapped around his left one, hugging his appendage close to you, as if you’re worried he’d escape. He chuckles softly to himself, letting you sleep for a few more minutes.
Once the driver announces they’re a few minutes away from the station, Luigi decides to wake you. He shakes your shoulder gently and you stir slightly, frowning in annoyance before burying your face against his arm. Luigi rolls his eyes and huffs before shaking you a bit more firmly.
“Y/N.” He calls, continuing to shake you. “Come on. It’s time to wake up. We’ll be pulling into the station soon.”
Finally, you pick your head up, taking a deep breath and blinking sleepily as you look around.
“Mm?” You hum, trying to make out where you are.
You turn your gaze back to Luigi and smile sleepily at him. Before he knows what he’s doing, he finds himself smiling back.
“We’re almost at the station.” He repeats.
You nod your head, bringing a hand up to rub your eye. You see that your other arm is still wrapped around his and freeze, eyes widening before you quickly pull away.
“Oh my god! I’m so sorry!” You exclaim, covering your mouth in horror.
“It’s fine.” Luigi shrugs. “As long as you were able to get some rest.”
Seeing that he isn’t upset, you slowly put your hands down.
“Wow… Sweet and handsome. I fear you may be just my type.” You comment playfully.
Luigi raises his brows as he looks at you, hoping his mask hides how his face has gone red.
“What makes you think I’m handsome?” He asks, readjusting his hood.
“Mainly personal preference.” You shrug nonchalantly. “What can I say? I’m a sucker for brown eyes.” You tell him, placing your hand under your chin and batting your eyelashes at him.
Luigi shakes his head, letting out an amused huff. Luckily for him, the bus station becomes visible and you drop the conversation, pulling your phone out as you try to figure out what your next step will be.
As soon as the bus parks, everyone gets off and goes their respective ways. Some go wait for a different bus, others have people waiting for them, a few go get something to eat.
You scan the bus station before spotting a sign that lets you know you’re at the Newark station in New Jersey. You let out a relieved smile upon realizing you successfully managed to make it out of New York and again, Luigi finds himself wondering what- or who- you’re running from.
“So where you going next?” You ask, looking up at Luigi curiously.
“I’m not sure yet.” He comments. He has a few different options. Columbus, D.C., Richmond. “You?”
“Pennsylvania.” You tell him with a firm nod. “Think I’ll be able to catch a flight to L.A. from Altoona.”
“Altoona?” He repeats with furrowed brows. “Wouldn’t Pittsburgh be cheaper?”
“Yes.” You nod. “It would be. $139 cheaper to be exact. But Altoona is a smaller airport. Less people.”
“What are you running from?” Luigi asks again, words coming out before he can stop himself.
The playful smile you had disappears and Luigi mentally scolds himself for being the reason. You look over your shoulder at the information desk before turning back to Luigi, your smile more reserved.
“I should go…” You say solemnly, pointing over your shoulder. “Get my ticket before they get busier…”
Luigi looks over your shoulder and notices the line of people before nodding his head.
“Yeah… That’s a good idea…” He agrees, fidgeting with sleeves again.
“Bye Mark.” You smile, taking a small step away from him. “I hope you make it to wherever you’re going.”
“Yeah. You too.” Luigi nods.
He watches you take a few steps before calling out to you.
“Luigi.”
“Huh?” You ask, looking over your shoulder at him with a confused frown.
“Call me Luigi.” He says, taking in a shaky breath as you continue to stare at him.
“You gave me a fake name.” You realize, narrowing your eyes at him.
Luigi rubs the back of his neck awkwardly at having been called out.
“Ahh…” He stutters.
“Well now I’m not gonna use it.” You say matter-of-factly as you turn back around.
“What?” He asks with a shocked laugh.
“Bye Mark!” You call, walking away before looking over your shoulder one final time and smiling at him.
Luigi shakes his head before scanning the station, eyes zeroing in on the bathrooms and suddenly remembering how badly he has to pee.
He doesn’t see you in line when he exits the bathroom a short moment later and assumes you went to wait inside. Pulling out his phone, he sees there’s a pub and grill on the other side of the station, about a block away, and decides to head there to get some food before figuring out his next step.
When he gets to the pub, Luigi gets an order of sliders and a bottle of water to go, putting them into his backpack before heading back to the station. He’s just about to sit at one of the tables to eat when he sees you exit the building and look at your phone before turning right.
Curiosity getting the better of him, Luigi continues to watch you. You take a few steps forward before looking back down at your phone. He assumes you’re following directions but to where? You cautiously scan your surroundings before hurrying across the street. Luigi hesitates for only a moment before following after you, shaking his head at himself. Where are you going at 11 o’clock at night in a city you don’t even know? And why does he care?
You reach the intersection and run across the street when you don’t see any cars. After safely crossing the road, you pull your phone back out, checking the map once more before continuing your walk. Apparently there’s a seafood restaurant around the corner that should still be open. You aren’t the biggest fan of seafood but you’re hoping they’ll at least have some chicken tenders. Getting excited at the mere thought, you pick up the pace, hurrying around the corner only to let out a startled scream when you see a man standing there.
“Oh shit, sorry!” You apologize to the man. “You scared me.” You admit with a laugh.
“That’s alright, beautiful.” The man assures, looking you over.
“Um. Okay…bye.” You say with a nod before walking past him.
You hear him start to follow after you and don’t think anything of it at first.
“Hey, hold up. Where you going?” He asks.
You turn around, and when you see that he’s talking to you, your eyes widen. You turn back around and start walking a bit faster.
“Hey! I’m talking to you!” He calls.
“I’m just looking for something.” You call over your shoulder at him.
“Me too.” He says. “And I think I just found it.”
“Uhm.” You stammer, turning to face him. “I was looking for a restaurant but I think it’s closed so I’m actually just gonna go-“
“Hey, hold on.” He says, grabbing your wrist before you can walk past him. “What’s the rush?”
“Hm? Oh! There’s- there’s no rush.” You shake your head with a nervous smile. “I just- I should be getting back. I-“
“Why’re you being like this? You’re hurting my feelings.” You try to pull your wrist free and his hold gets tighter. “I’m just tryna have a friendly conversation.”
“Well, I-“
“Let her go.” Someone else calls.
You and the man both turn around at the new voice. Your shoulders drop in relief when you see Luigi standing a few feet away.
“Who’re you?” The man asks with a frown.
“Doesn’t matter.” Luigi says calmly. “Let her go.”
“Look man, we’re in the middle of a con-“
“Conversation’s over.” Luigi cuts him off, staring pointedly at the hold he still has on your wrist. “Get your hand off of her before I break it.”
The man immediately lets go of your wrist, putting his hands up as he takes a step back.
“Whatever.” The man scoffs, starting to walk away. “This bitch ain’t worth it anyway.”
Luigi takes a step forward, prepared to go after him only for you to come to a stop right in front of him, blocking his way.
“Can we go back?” You ask, looking up at him with wide eyes.
Luigi stares at the man, still considering going after him only for you to get his attention again when you call his name. Well, his fake name.
“Mark?” You say, smiling softly when Luigi looks back at you with an offended frown.
“Yeah.” He finally sighs, looking you over, making sure you’re okay before nodding. “Yeah. Let’s go.”
Luigi turns around and starts making his way towards the bus station, looking over his shoulder occasionally to make sure you’re still following him. After the third time, you fall into step beside him and grab onto his jacket sleeve. Luigi looks over his shoulder at you and you look up at him with a shy smile, silently asking if it’s okay. He doesn’t say anything about it, but he does let you keep holding onto him. He waits until you’re safely back at the station before scolding you.
“The hell were you thinking?” He asks, the moment you reach a table.
“What do you mean?” You ask, taking a seat and setting your bag down next to you.
Luigi mumbles to himself in Italian before letting out an exasperated sigh.
“Dolcezza, you are a beautiful, unaccompanied woman in a strange city, at night.” He lists. “You should know better than going off on your own.”
“You think I’m beautiful?” You ask.
Luigi takes such a deep breath that you think he’s gonna inhale his face mask.
“I don’t think you thought this through.” Luigi comments.
“Excuse me?”
“It’s not too late. You can still turn around and go back.”
“What the hell? I’m not going back to New York because of one minor hiccup.” You scoff.
“Minor hiccup?” Luigi repeats. “You’ve been here for all of thirty minutes and you already had a run in with a scary man-“
“News flash, asshole. There are scary men everywhere.” You tell him harshly. “Why do you think I left?”
Luigi freezes at the news. So he was right. You are running from someone.
“You don’t have to skip town because of him.” Luigi offers. “You can go to the-“
“The cops?” You cut him off. “Yeah. Lot of good that does. All I got was a piece of paper saying he can’t come within 100 yards of me which does jack shit, by the way, considering the fact that he was still stalking me at all hours of the day.”
Luigi doesn’t have anything to say to that. And you don’t blame him.
“I was going to a restaurant, okay?” You tell him. “It was right around the corner, I thought I’d be fine. Obviously I didn’t know I was gonna run into anyone on my way there… I was just hungry…”
Luigi runs a hand down his face and lets out a sigh. He feels like such a dick right now. Grumbling to himself, he takes off his backpack and undoes the zipper, reaching in and placing the bag of sliders on the table. You look from the bag to Luigi in confusion, only for him to set his bottle of water down as well.
“Eat.” He orders, zipping his backpack up.
“… What about you?” You ask softly.
“I’m going to take a walk.” He sighs.
Luigi ends up buying himself some snacks from the vending machine before returning to the table.
“I thought I told you to eat.” He comments, frowning when he sees there’s still two sliders on the table.
“I did.” You nod. “These are yours.”
As soon as he sits down, you slide the food towards him with a grin. Luigi looks between the sliders and you before nodding his head.
“Thanks.” He says, reaching for a slider and unwrapping one.
“I should be the one thanking you.” You murmur sheepishly.
“Don’t.” Luigi cuts you off. “I’m no hero.”
Luigi pushes his hood back and takes off his mask and you finally get to see his face. You take in all his features; his thick brows and hypnotizing brown eyes, his plump lips, and strong jawline.
“What?” Luigi asks, crumpling the wrapper into a ball and reaching for the last slider.
“I was right.” You sigh dreamily, resting your head on your hand as you smile at him. “You are handsome.”
Luigi huffs in amusement, though you don’t miss the pink dusting his cheeks.
“What’s dolcezza?” You ask curiously.
“It’s Italian.”
“You know italian?”
Luigi nods his head.
“Cool. What does it mean?” You continue to pry.
Luigi stares at you for a moment before finally telling you.
“Headache.” He says, taking another bite.
Your shoulders slump and Luigi snickers.
“Does it really?” You ask after a moment, narrowing your eyes at him.
“Mm-hmm.” He nods. “Headache. Nuisance. A pain.”
“I don’t believe you.” You tell him, pulling out your phone. “I’m gonna look it up. How do you spell it?”
“Mm-mm.” He shrugs.
“You just said you know Italian! All of a sudden you don’t know?”
Luigi smiles smugly at you and you narrow your eyes at him.
“That’s it. Give it back.” You order, reaching for what’s left of his slider. “You don’t deserve it.”
“You gave it to me.” Luigi argues, leaning back in his seat so that you don’t reach him.
“You gave it to me first!”
Luigi shoves the last bite into his mouth and grins at you.
“You’re horrible.” You tell him simply before checking your phone for the time.
“Well, I’d say this has been fun, but it hasn’t.” You tease, standing up and grabbing your bag.
“Be careful.” Luigi warns, watching as you gather your belongings.
“Bye Mark.” You reply teasingly, turning around and making your way towards the next bus you’ll be riding.
After getting your ticket scanned, you board the bus, settling into a window seat and placing your duffle bag on the ground. You still have at least fifteen minutes before it's scheduled to depart, so you pull out your phone and start playing a game to pass the time.
Slowly, more and more people start to board, though you don’t pay them any mind. The driver is just about to close the door when one final person steps on.
“Cutting it pretty close, pal.” He complains before finally closing the door.
The man doesn’t say anything, just gets his ticket scanned and starts making his way down the rows of seats. You only look up when someone sits next to you. You gasp when you look to your right and see Luigi settling into the seat beside you.
“This seat taken?” He asks, knowing very well that it isn’t.
“What are you doing here?” You ask excitedly. “I thought you didn’t know where you were going next?”
“Yeah, I thought so too.” Luigi shrugs bashfully, face mask and hood back on. “But I think I just figured it out.”
Luigi’s graced with your beaming smile as you tell him how excited you are that you’re spending the next couple of hours together. He wordlessly nods along but the truth is, he’s just as excited.
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
You and Luigi spent the last couple hours talking. Well, you did most of the talking, Luigi mainly listened. He learned that you studied business in college but got burnt out after a few years. Now, you’re content working odd jobs. You’ve worked at a pizza parlor, a library, and a boutique. You’ve been an assistant for event coordinators, a receptionist for an attorney’s office and a mail processing clerk. He learned that you’ve been no contact with your family for years and that you never got a drivers license because living in New York, you didn’t really need one. However now you’re worried you’ll look silly going to driving school at twenty six.
You managed to get some information out of Luigi as well, with a lot of poking and prodding. You learned that aside from being handsome and sweet, he’s also ridiculously smart, having graduated from an Ivy League school. You learned that he’s from Maryland and his family still lives there though he hasn’t spoken to them for a few months. He didn’t say why and you didn’t ask. You learned that he’s Italian and he does speak it and he does know what dolcezza means, however he still won’t tell you. Much to your annoyance.
Now here you are, at the Harrison bus station at five o’clock in the morning with a man you’ve known for eight hours, but can’t see yourself traveling without. You don’t know when you’ll have to go your separate ways, but you’re already getting attached to him, so you suppose you should start preparing yourself for your eventual goodbye now.
“Do you need another hot pack?” You ask Luigi as you both wait for the bus driver to come back.
“No, it’s okay. This one is still working.” He shakes his head.
“What is it? Like sciatica?” You ask curiously.
“Spondylolisthesis actually.”
“Sponda-what?” You ask.
“Spondylolisthesis.” He repeats. “It’s a spine condition. Happens when a fracture causes your vertebrae to slip out of alignment.”
“Oh my god.” You exclaim, absolutely horrified. “That sounds painful.”
“It is.” Luigi nods.
“Sorry about your back pain.” You frown sympathetically. “I’d recommend getting it looked at but you know, health insurance here is a fucking con. That’s one scam I can’t afford.”
Luigi whips his head up to look at you.
“Huh?” He asks, because surely he didn’t hear you right.
“I mean, think about it! You pay your premium every single month, even if you don’t see a doctor that month. When you do see your doctor, you have to pay a copay for the visit. And then on top of the premium and the copay, you still get billed afterwards! It’s bullshit! Not to mention all that money they get out of you only to end up denying your medication or your procedures.” You continue to rant. “I’m not gonna pay some company to make me look like an idiot. There are plenty of guys in my DM’s willing to do that for free.”
“I take it you don’t have health insurance?” He asks.
“In this economy? I think the fuck not.” You shake your head.
“So what do you do when you’re sick?” Luigi asks curiously.
“Pray.” You say simply before bursting out laughing. Luigi shakes his head, letting out an amused chuckle before clearing his throat.
“So what do you think about that CEO that-“
“Got murked?” You cut him off before waving your hand. “Man, fuck that guy.”
Luigi just sits there, silently staring at you, and you rush to finish proving your point.
“Okay, yes, murder is bad. We know that. Whatever. But you have to stop and ask yourself, how many people has he killed by denying them their medications? Or their treatment? The only difference between him and the shooter is that he does it without getting his hands dirty because he’s sitting behind a desk.”
Luigi can’t explain the warmth he feels in chest, seeing someone, seeing you be as educated and passionate as he is about everything. He’s starting to see that maybe you’re more alike than he thought. He’s finally starting to accept that maybe, you boarding his bus at the last minute wasn’t luck, but fate.
“You’re on his side, then? The shooter…” Luigi asks, wanting to be sure, needing to hear it bluntly from you.
“Oh, hell yeah.” You nod.
“But…they’re calling him dangerous on the news… A monster…” Luigi trails off.
“The news?” You ask with a roll of your eyes. “Please. Mainstream media is the worst place to get your information. They’ll spin the story whichever way they want so long as it continues to benefit the 1%.”
“Is he a murderer? Sure! Maybe. Who the fuck knows for certain.” You shrug. “But a monster?” You scoff. “He’s a human being. Just like you and me. At the end of the day, whether you’re a hero or a villain all depends on whether or not the government benefits from it.”
Luigi stares at you in complete awe.
“What?” You ask, shyly meeting his gaze.
“No. Nothing.” He shakes his head. “It’s just…you’re really something, aren’t you?”
“Shut up.” You mumble, looking away and gasping when you see the driver walking towards the bus.
“Look! The bus driver’s back! Let’s go!”
You stand from your seat and bound towards the bus while Luigi watches you with a fond smile. You turn around and frown when you see that Luigi isn’t with you. Once you spot him, you wave your hand, urging him to hurry. He stands and grabs his backpack, putting his hood and face mask back on before following after you.
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
When you and Luigi arrived in Altoona, more than anything you wanted to walk around and stretch your legs after spending so much time sitting. So that’s exactly what you did. You walked for about an hour before sitting down on a secluded bench in a park.
“Still don’t know where you’re going?” You ask Luigi.
“No, not really.” He shakes his head. “Why?”
You shrug your shoulders and look away but Luigi is having none of that. He gently grabs your chin with his thumb and forefinger, bringing your gaze back onto him.
“You’ve been running your mouth nonstop since the moment I met you. You choose now to go quiet?” He teases, frowning the tiniest bit when you don’t laugh along with him. “What’s wrong, dolcezza?”
“I still don’t know what that means.” You whine.
“Talk to me and maybe I’ll tell you.” Luigi offers.
“I just… I don’t know. I was thinking…” You start rambling nervously. “I don’t fuck with my family and you haven’t talk to yours in a while. And we both left New York and how funny that we met when we did and we happen to get along so well, right?”
“Right…” Luigi nods.
“And okay, so I don’t really have a plan. Just a vague, loose idea of one. But I was thinking, well, more like wondering, but I didn’t really know how to bring it up in conversation. And even now, I still don’t think this is the best way to go about it but-“
“Dolcezza, please.” He sighs, begging you to just get to the point already.
“Why don’t you come to L.A. with me?” You blurt out.
Luigi’s head reels back at the question. He isn’t sure what he was expecting, but it sure as hell wasn’t that.
“Or I go with you… to… wherever you’re going next.” You offer. “But let’s stay together.”
“I just- I really like you.” You mumble shyly.
“I like you too.” Luigi admits with a smile.
“You do?”
“What’s not to like?” He asks, with a fond smile. “You’re beautiful, funny, smart.” He lists before cupping your cheek with his hand. “You’re everything, sweetheart.”
You get a boost of confidence at his confession, leaning forward and placing your lips upon his in a soft, gentle kiss. Luigi responds immediately, head tilting to the side as his mouth continues to move against yours. Luigi nips at your lower lip and you let out a gasp, causing him to chuckle. You hit his shoulder playfully as he presses a final firm kiss to your lips, pulling back and gazing at you with an awestruck smile.
“Yeah.” He finally breathes, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear for you. “Let’s stay together.”
You smile excitedly at Luigi, pressing another chaste kiss to his lips before standing up, pulling him with you.
“Great! So what’s next? Where do you wanna go?” You ask, right as your stomach grumbles.
“I feel like maybe we should eat first.” Luigi teases, chuckling at your sheepish smile. “Come on, I think I saw a McDonald’s a few blocks away.”
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
You’ve just gotten your food when it all comes crashing down. You run to the bathroom, and a moment later two older gentlemen walk in. One of them makes a passing comment to his friend about how Luigi looks like the CEO shooter as they make their way to the register. Luigi doesn’t visibly react, though from the corner of his eye he catches the cashier continuously glancing at him.
Luigi lets out a long, tired sigh as he comes to the realization that this is it. The cashier disappears and he just knows she’s calling the FBI, telling them a murderer is in her establishment. He doesn’t regret any of his actions, not in New York and definitely not when he decided to follow you. The only thing he does regret is letting himself think that he’d have more time with you. Because now reality is sinking in that while the last twelve hours have been momentary bliss, any minute now it’ll all be ripped away from him- you’ll be ripped away from him.
Luigi quickly unzips his backpack, opening the side panel that held his cash. He takes the money out before folding it up and tucking it into your duffel bag. He then grabs your McMuffin, sliding it towards himself, making it seem like he’s the only one sitting here. You come back a minute later, sliding into your seat in the booth across from him with a smile.
“I’m back.” You announce with a grin.
“I need you to do something for me.” Luigi states urgently.
The cold tone of voice causes you to look up at him in concern.
“What?”
Under the table, he slides your duffle bag to you.
“I need you to walk out of here, and not look back.” He starts.
“What?” You repeat with a confused frown.
“Keep your head down and get out of here. As far as you can.” Luigi urges. “Get on another bus, hop on a train, buy yourself a ticket to L.A. like you wanted. I don’t care but you have to go.”
“Luigi, what the hell are you talking about? I-I thought we were sticking together… what’s going on?” You question.
“I’m not who you think I am.” Luigi admits, looking away with shame.
“I don’t think you’re anyone.” You shake your head with a laugh. “I…I just think you’re you… and I like you.”
“Dolcezza, please” He begs, quickly looking out the window and checking for cop cars. “Please. You have to get out of here. You have to go.”
“But…what about you?” You ask softly, eyes starting to water at the thought of leaving him behind, especially so suddenly.
Luigi smiles, desperately wanting to reassure you, though you don’t miss that his eyes are welling up too.
“I’ll be right behind you.” He nods with a sniffle.
With your bottom lip quivering, you nod; grabbing your duffle bag from under the table and standing up. You blink and the tears you were holding back start to fall. Not wanting Luigi to see you cry, not wanting to make this harder for either of you, you quickly turn away, sniffling as you make your way towards the side door.
Once you’re outside, you put the strap of your duffle bag on your shoulder and walk across the street. Before the McDonald’s completely disappears from your line of sight, you turn around and see a swarm of cop cars in the parking lot.
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
“-CEO was shot early Wednesday morning outside the New York Hilton-“
Click.
“Officers then asked him for identification, and Mangione handed them a New Jersey driver's license bearing the name of a 26-year-old named Mark Rosario. Now that is the same name from a fake New Jersey ID used by a man to check into a Manhattan hostel more than a week before Thompson's killing.”
Click.
“-taken into custody at 9:14 a.m. for gun and forgery charges-“
“Man, this guy is everywhere.” Your coworker Jenny says, changing the tv to yet another channel reporting on Luigi.
“-interestingly though, during the hearing Mangione made an odd request.”
“That’s right, Diane.” The co-anchor says. “The judge allowed Mr. Mangione to receive phone calls from his family, but he didn’t want it; asking instead to send a message. Take a look.”
“Luigi,” His attorney warns. “I strongly advise against-“
“Two sentences.” Luigi barters, ignoring his attorney and looking straight at the judge. “That’s all I ask. Please.”
The judge looks towards his attorney who shrugs his shoulders, clearly just as clueless as she is.
“You can bring the message forward.” The judge tells his attorney. “I’ll decide if it’s safe to share or not.”
Luigi immediately scribbles something down on a notepad, before ripping a scrap of paper off and handing it to his attorney. The attorney reads what’s written and gives Luigi a look before approaching the bench and handing the paper to the judge.
“I wish we had more time together.” The judge reads aloud. “I’m sorry.”
“Thomas Dickey, Mangione’s attorney answered a few questions from the press; here’s what he had to say.”
“Mr. Dickey, what do you think about the note?”
“What can I say? He’s a real Casanova.” He shrugs.
“Mr. Dickey. That message has since gone viral online with many people wondering who he’s talking to. Any idea?”
“What is this a slumber party?” He asks with a chuckle. “A true gentleman doesn’t kiss and tell.” He says, causing the media to laugh. “I don’t know. Didn’t even know there was someone until he handed me the note. I’m just as in the dark as you are.”
“Hey, it’s pretty slow right now, do you wanna go take your break?” Jenny asks.
“Yeah,” You nod, giving her a small grin. “Sure.”
“Okay. See you in fifteen. Enjoy your break.”
You grab a pastry and a hot chocolate before heading to the break room.
You did what Luigi asked, booking yourself a plane ticket to L.A. When you got off the plane, all everyone was talking about was the CEO shooter being caught. You were shocked when you found out it was Luigi but not at all surprised to see the outpouring of support he was getting online.
The money he slipped into your bag helped you get by until you were able to get your bearings in Los Angeles. It paid for your hotel, your food, your clothes. Eventually you were able to find an affordable apartment for rent and managed to get a job at a cafe a few days later.
Through it all, you kept your head down and kept yourself busy, staying away from television and social media, if only because you weren’t strong enough to see Luigi everywhere you looked. Sitting in the break room, you open TikTok for the first time in days.
“Just when I thought he couldn’t be more perfect.” One user gushes in a video.
You swipe up, seeing what the next video is.
“So apparently this guy is the total package.” Another user says, this one a man himself. “Smart, rich, ridiculously good looking, and romantic? Oh man. I feel like I should just gift wrap my wife and hand her over at this point.” He jokes with a laugh. “I mean, he is on a whole other level.”
You chuckle before swiping up again.
Immediately the woman on your screen starts screaming.
“Bro.” She gushes. “I wish we had more time together? I’m sorry?? Hello?? I’m ughhhhh.” She groans, throwing herself onto her bed. “You can see it in his eyes. He really meant that. Whoever she is, you just know that she means so much to him. And the fact that he probably just got ripped away from her. I’m-“ she brings a pillow up to her face and lets out a blood curdling scream.
You swipe up again.
This video is different. It’s a clip of Luigi looking over his shoulder during the hearing. He looks right at the camera and it’s almost as if he’s staring right at you. The sound on the video is a loop of the judge reading his note out loud. You spend the rest of your break watching that video.
Luigi looks over his shoulder and stares at the camera.
“I wish we had more time together. I’m sorry.”
Luigi looks over his shoulder and stares at the camera.
“I wish we had more time together. I’m sorry.”
Luigi looks over his shoulder and stares at the camera.
“I wish we had more time together. I’m sorry.”
When your timer goes off, you download the video, saving it to your camera roll before heading back out.
“I wish we had more time together, too.” You sigh to yourself, grabbing a cloth to wipe down the counter.
Summary: Luigi Mangione. Star student. Travel enthusiast. Alleged murderer. Hero of the people. For a fleeting moment he was more than that…he was yours.
A/N: fluff/angst fic abt a whirlwind romance luigi has with reader. WC is 7.4k so get comfy
Luigi sits in his seat, leg anxiously bouncing as he checks his watch for what feels like the millionth time. The adrenaline from earlier is wearing off. Now he just feels anxious. Anxious to leave this city behind and put as many miles as he can between him and New York.
He fidgets his jacket and releases a shaky breath.
“Hey, do you mind turning on the A.C.?” He calls out to the driver.
The bus driver looks in the rear view mirror and huffs when he sees who called out to him.
“Why don’t you try taking off your jacket first, pal?” He asks, before pulling his gaze away, continuing to look over the scheduled stops.
Luigi leans his head against the headrest of his seat and sighs. He feels much too hot with his face mask. And all the layers he’s wearing aren't exactly helping ease his sudden claustrophobia, but they’re a necessary evil. He has to stay covered, stay hidden until he’s far enough away to not be recognized. He breathes a sigh of relief when the driver finally puts the map down, checking his mirrors one last time before switching his turn signal on.
The bus has only just started to pull away from the curb when someone yells out.
“Hey! Wait!”
Luigi rolls his eyes as the bus comes to a stop, the doors opening a moment later.
“Oh my god, thank you so much.” You sigh as you climb the steps.
“Need to store anything under the bus?” The driver asks, scanning your ticket before handing it back to you.
“Nope.” You shake your head, holding up a small duffle bag with a smile. “Traveling light.”
The bus driver nods, closing the door again and turning to look out his side mirror.
“Jus’ grab any open seat.” He instructs.
You scan the bus, weighing your options of who would be the best person to sit beside. Luigi had curiously looked up when the doors opened, wanting to see who got on; however his mistake was that he didn’t look away. It shouldn’t be a surprise that he ended up locking eyes with you, but he still found himself letting out a startled gasp. You smile kindly and Luigi immediately looks away, fidgeting with his sleeves.
Fuck, he thinks to himself. So much for trying not to draw attention to himself.
You maneuver your way down the narrow passage, murmuring “‘scuse me” and “sorry” to the already settled passengers with a sheepish grin. Finally, you come to a stop beside a young man sitting on the aisle seat with the hood of his jacket up- covering his head.
“Excuse me,” You call softly. “Is it alright if I sit with you?”
Luigi’s fidgeting stops at the sound of your voice. He quickly considers his options before eventually deciding it’d be best for him to keep his aisle seat. After all, if he were to sit by the window, he’d be putting himself at risk of being spotted by anyone that happens to pull up alongside the bus.
Wordlessly, Luigi stands from his seat, avoiding your gaze as he does. He sneaks a quick glance at you when he hears you gasp softly, worried that you’ve found him out already.
“You’re letting me have the window seat?” You ask excitedly, smiling brightly at him before shuffling into the aisle and plopping down into the cushy chair. “Thanks!”
Luigi clears his throat before awkwardly nodding his head as he sits back down. You turn your body to face him again and Luigi tenses.
“I’m Y/N by the way.” You say before looking at Luigi expectantly.
He continues to stare straight ahead, doing everything in his power to avoid your curious gaze. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees your shoulders slump and finds himself feeling guilty.
“Mark.” He finally grumbles.
“Mm?” You hum, perking your head up at the sound of his baritone voice.
“My name…” He clarifies, still looking straight ahead. “It’s Mark…”
“Mark…” You repeat before beaming at him. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Again, Luigi chooses to silently nod his head.
Taking the hint that he wasn’t in the mood to talk, you turn your head to look out the window, though you know there won’t be much of a view since it’s a little past eight o’clock in the evening.
You’ve only made it a few blocks away from the bus station when you call out to the driver.
“Excuse me, sir? Would it be possible to turn on the air please?” You ask, craning your head in an effort to be seen over the rows of seats in front of you.
“Sure thing, sweetheart.” The driver calls back, messing with the controls.
Immediately after, a cool breeze starts circulating the bus. You lean back in your seat with a content sigh.
“Oh, that’s much better.” You mumble to yourself, turning back to gaze out the window.
Luigi sneaks a glance at you, quickly taking in your delicate features before looking away. He leans back in his seat and crosses his arms. For the first time today, the weight on his chest feels lighter and he doesn’t feel as if he’s struggling to breathe. He doesn’t know if you’re the reason or if it’s due to the air conditioning finally being turned on. He doesn’t care to dwell on it.
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
The bus had only been on the road for a little over an hour when Luigi started shuffling around; moving this way and that in his seat and groaning in discomfort. The bus drives over a pothole and Luigi grunts, holding onto the seat in front of him to brace himself.
“Hey, are you okay?” You ask cautiously, not wanting to overstep.
“Fine.” He grumbles through clenched teeth.
The bus goes over another pothole and this time he takes a shaky breath.
“Okay, you’re obviously not fine.” You argue, setting your phone down. “What is it? Are you getting car sick?”
Luigi shakes his head. You notice how uncomfortable he looks, almost as if he’s in pain and a lightbulb goes off in your head.
“Do you need a pillow to sit on?” You ask softly.
He looks at you with complete confusion on his features- which aren’t much to go off considering he still has his face mask and hood on. But judging by the furrow of his brows, you can only assume.
“For your hemorrhoids.” You whisper with a nod.
Luigi’s so caught off guard by the whole thing that he can’t help but let out a shocked laugh.
“I don’t have hemorrhoids.” He tells you with a shake of his head.
“Oh.”
“I have- back pain.” He admits reluctantly.
“Oh?”
“Horrible back pain.” He continues. “It’s been going on for years.”
You frown sympathetically at the news before remembering something you haphazardly threw in your bag earlier when packing. You grab your duffle bag from the floor, undoing the zipper and blindly rummaging through it until you hear the distinct crinkle of plastic packaging. You pull out the package, hesitating for only a moment before holding it out to him.
“Do you want this?” You ask shyly, worried you’re overstepping.
“…What is it?” Luigi asks skeptically.
“Heat pack. It helps when I get cramps,” You shrug. “I thought maybe…”
Luigi eyes the package and reads the label.
Hot Hands. Stick-on Body Warmer. Up to 12 hours of heat.
“Yeah…” He nods slowly. “Yeah, I’ll take it. But only if you’re sure-“
“Back pain’s a bitch; go crazy.” You assure.
Luigi takes the package from you and starts opening it while you set your duffel bag back on the floor. He places the patch on his lower back and settles into his seat. Within seconds it starts heating up. Judging by the relieved sigh he lets out, you can only assume that it’s working.
“So where ya going?” You ask him curiously.
“Not sure yet.” He answers cryptically. “Right now I’m just tryna get out of New York.”
You nod your head. He isn’t sure if it’s in agreement or acknowledgment.
“You?” Luigi asks, looking at you from the corner of his eyes. He’s gathered by now that you’re a bit of a chatterbox. He figures it’d be best to give vague answers and redirect the attention to you rather than just sit silently. From what he’s seen, you’re more than happy to do most of the talking.
“Ideally, California. Realistically, as far as I can make it.” You tell him with a small grin.
“What’s in California?” He asks curiously.
“What isn’t in California?” You ask in return. “There’s beaches, amusement parks, museums.” You list before staring off dreamily. “And L.A. is always like a perfect 70 degrees.”
“Florida has beaches and amusement parks too.” Luigi comments casually. “And it’s a shorter trip. Why don’t you go there?”
“Do I look ninety to you?” You ask with an offended frown. “Aside from grandmas freshly retired, I don’t think anyone willingly moves to Florida.”
Luigi chuckles and nods his head in agreement.
“Fair enough. But why go all the way to California?” He asks. “I mean, I’m sure there are other states that are much closer and have the same attractions.”
“Well sure. But California is quite literally on the other side of the country. I’m trying to get as far away from New York as I possibly can.”
“Hawaii?” Luigi offers with a grin, fondly remembering his time there.
“Too far.” You immediately shake your head.
“Why do I get the feeling you’re running from something?” Luigi asks, eyeing you suspiciously.
“I could say the same thing about you.” You fire back, almost defensive with how fast you answer him. Beside you, Luigi tenses. “And everyone else on this bus.” You add. Meanwhile, he releases the breath he had been holding. “I mean, you gotta admit it’s kinda sus.”
“But on the other hand,” You continue, less talking to him and more thinking out loud at this point. “Boarding a cheap bus that’ll drive all through the night while you sleep? Grade A traveling if you ask me.”
“Excellent point.” Luigi nods, thoroughly amused with your rambling. “Touché.”
You smile victoriously at him before turning back around and looking out the window. After a few minutes, you sink lower into your seat, getting more comfortable. Sensing that you’re done bothering him with mindless questions, at least for now, Luigi tries to get some rest. He sits back in his seat and crosses his arms before shutting his eyes.
Luigi’s just on the brink of falling asleep when he feels a sudden weight land on his left shoulder. He’s immediately on alert, opening his eyes and whipping his head to the side. He relaxes when he sees that there’s no threat, it’s just you. He’s about to pull away when you let out the softest of snores.
Luigi watches you sleep for a moment, taking in the serene look on your face and the steady rise and fall of your chest. He smiles softly to himself before leaning back in his seat and closing his eyes once more, finally falling asleep himself.
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
The bus going over another pothole is what wakes Luigi a few hours later. He blinks his eyes slowly, trying to get his bearings. Sometime during his slumber his head dropped, coming to a rest atop yours. As soon as he realizes this, Luigi sits up, face burning in embarrassment.
Clearing his throat, Luigi looks down at you and notices that you’re still fast asleep with your head still resting on his shoulder. However now your arms are wrapped around his left one, hugging his appendage close to you, as if you’re worried he’d escape. He chuckles softly to himself, letting you sleep for a few more minutes.
Once the driver announces they’re a few minutes away from the station, Luigi decides to wake you. He shakes your shoulder gently and you stir slightly, frowning in annoyance before burying your face against his arm. Luigi rolls his eyes and huffs before shaking you a bit more firmly.
“Y/N.” He calls, continuing to shake you. “Come on. It’s time to wake up. We’ll be pulling into the station soon.”
Finally, you pick your head up, taking a deep breath and blinking sleepily as you look around.
“Mm?” You hum, trying to make out where you are.
You turn your gaze back to Luigi and smile sleepily at him. Before he knows what he’s doing, he finds himself smiling back.
“We’re almost at the station.” He repeats.
You nod your head, bringing a hand up to rub your eye. You see that your other arm is still wrapped around his and freeze, eyes widening before you quickly pull away.
“Oh my god! I’m so sorry!” You exclaim, covering your mouth in horror.
“It’s fine.” Luigi shrugs. “As long as you were able to get some rest.”
Seeing that he isn’t upset, you slowly put your hands down.
“Wow… Sweet and handsome. I fear you may be just my type.” You comment playfully.
Luigi raises his brows as he looks at you, hoping his mask hides how his face has gone red.
“What makes you think I’m handsome?” He asks, readjusting his hood.
“Mainly personal preference.” You shrug nonchalantly. “What can I say? I’m a sucker for brown eyes.” You tell him, placing your hand under your chin and batting your eyelashes at him.
Luigi shakes his head, letting out an amused huff. Luckily for him, the bus station becomes visible and you drop the conversation, pulling your phone out as you try to figure out what your next step will be.
As soon as the bus parks, everyone gets off and goes their respective ways. Some go wait for a different bus, others have people waiting for them, a few go get something to eat.
You scan the bus station before spotting a sign that lets you know you’re at the Newark station in New Jersey. You let out a relieved smile upon realizing you successfully managed to make it out of New York and again, Luigi finds himself wondering what- or who- you’re running from.
“So where you going next?” You ask, looking up at Luigi curiously.
“I’m not sure yet.” He comments. He has a few different options. Columbus, D.C., Richmond. “You?”
“Pennsylvania.” You tell him with a firm nod. “Think I’ll be able to catch a flight to L.A. from Altoona.”
“Altoona?” He repeats with furrowed brows. “Wouldn’t Pittsburgh be cheaper?”
“Yes.” You nod. “It would be. $139 cheaper to be exact. But Altoona is a smaller airport. Less people.”
“What are you running from?” Luigi asks again, words coming out before he can stop himself.
The playful smile you had disappears and Luigi mentally scolds himself for being the reason. You look over your shoulder at the information desk before turning back to Luigi, your smile more reserved.
“I should go…” You say solemnly, pointing over your shoulder. “Get my ticket before they get busier…”
Luigi looks over your shoulder and notices the line of people before nodding his head.
“Yeah… That’s a good idea…” He agrees, fidgeting with sleeves again.
“Bye Mark.” You smile, taking a small step away from him. “I hope you make it to wherever you’re going.”
“Yeah. You too.” Luigi nods.
He watches you take a few steps before calling out to you.
“Luigi.”
“Huh?” You ask, looking over your shoulder at him with a confused frown.
“Call me Luigi.” He says, taking in a shaky breath as you continue to stare at him.
“You gave me a fake name.” You realize, narrowing your eyes at him.
Luigi rubs the back of his neck awkwardly at having been called out.
“Ahh…” He stutters.
“Well now I’m not gonna use it.” You say matter-of-factly as you turn back around.
“What?” He asks with a shocked laugh.
“Bye Mark!” You call, walking away before looking over your shoulder one final time and smiling at him.
Luigi shakes his head before scanning the station, eyes zeroing in on the bathrooms and suddenly remembering how badly he has to pee.
He doesn’t see you in line when he exits the bathroom a short moment later and assumes you went to wait inside. Pulling out his phone, he sees there’s a pub and grill on the other side of the station, about a block away, and decides to head there to get some food before figuring out his next step.
When he gets to the pub, Luigi gets an order of sliders and a bottle of water to go, putting them into his backpack before heading back to the station. He’s just about to sit at one of the tables to eat when he sees you exit the building and look at your phone before turning right.
Curiosity getting the better of him, Luigi continues to watch you. You take a few steps forward before looking back down at your phone. He assumes you’re following directions but to where? You cautiously scan your surroundings before hurrying across the street. Luigi hesitates for only a moment before following after you, shaking his head at himself. Where are you going at 11 o’clock at night in a city you don’t even know? And why does he care?
You reach the intersection and run across the street when you don’t see any cars. After safely crossing the road, you pull your phone back out, checking the map once more before continuing your walk. Apparently there’s a seafood restaurant around the corner that should still be open. You aren’t the biggest fan of seafood but you’re hoping they’ll at least have some chicken tenders. Getting excited at the mere thought, you pick up the pace, hurrying around the corner only to let out a startled scream when you see a man standing there.
“Oh shit, sorry!” You apologize to the man. “You scared me.” You admit with a laugh.
“That’s alright, beautiful.” The man assures, looking you over.
“Um. Okay…bye.” You say with a nod before walking past him.
You hear him start to follow after you and don’t think anything of it at first.
“Hey, hold up. Where you going?” He asks.
You turn around, and when you see that he’s talking to you, your eyes widen. You turn back around and start walking a bit faster.
“Hey! I’m talking to you!” He calls.
“I’m just looking for something.” You call over your shoulder at him.
“Me too.” He says. “And I think I just found it.”
“Uhm.” You stammer, turning to face him. “I was looking for a restaurant but I think it’s closed so I’m actually just gonna go-“
“Hey, hold on.” He says, grabbing your wrist before you can walk past him. “What’s the rush?”
“Hm? Oh! There’s- there’s no rush.” You shake your head with a nervous smile. “I just- I should be getting back. I-“
“Why’re you being like this? You’re hurting my feelings.” You try to pull your wrist free and his hold gets tighter. “I’m just tryna have a friendly conversation.”
“Well, I-“
“Let her go.” Someone else calls.
You and the man both turn around at the new voice. Your shoulders drop in relief when you see Luigi standing a few feet away.
“Who’re you?” The man asks with a frown.
“Doesn’t matter.” Luigi says calmly. “Let her go.”
“Look man, we’re in the middle of a con-“
“Conversation’s over.” Luigi cuts him off, staring pointedly at the hold he still has on your wrist. “Get your hand off of her before I break it.”
The man immediately lets go of your wrist, putting his hands up as he takes a step back.
“Whatever.” The man scoffs, starting to walk away. “This bitch ain’t worth it anyway.”
Luigi takes a step forward, prepared to go after him only for you to come to a stop right in front of him, blocking his way.
“Can we go back?” You ask, looking up at him with wide eyes.
Luigi stares at the man, still considering going after him only for you to get his attention again when you call his name. Well, his fake name.
“Mark?” You say, smiling softly when Luigi looks back at you with an offended frown.
“Yeah.” He finally sighs, looking you over, making sure you’re okay before nodding. “Yeah. Let’s go.”
Luigi turns around and starts making his way towards the bus station, looking over his shoulder occasionally to make sure you’re still following him. After the third time, you fall into step beside him and grab onto his jacket sleeve. Luigi looks over his shoulder at you and you look up at him with a shy smile, silently asking if it’s okay. He doesn’t say anything about it, but he does let you keep holding onto him. He waits until you’re safely back at the station before scolding you.
“The hell were you thinking?” He asks, the moment you reach a table.
“What do you mean?” You ask, taking a seat and setting your bag down next to you.
Luigi mumbles to himself in Italian before letting out an exasperated sigh.
“Dolcezza, you are a beautiful, unaccompanied woman in a strange city, at night.” He lists. “You should know better than going off on your own.”
“You think I’m beautiful?” You ask.
Luigi takes such a deep breath that you think he’s gonna inhale his face mask.
“I don’t think you thought this through.” Luigi comments.
“Excuse me?”
“It’s not too late. You can still turn around and go back.”
“What the hell? I’m not going back to New York because of one minor hiccup.” You scoff.
“Minor hiccup?” Luigi repeats. “You’ve been here for all of thirty minutes and you already had a run in with a scary man-“
“News flash, asshole. There are scary men everywhere.” You tell him harshly. “Why do you think I left?”
Luigi freezes at the news. So he was right. You are running from someone.
“You don’t have to skip town because of him.” Luigi offers. “You can go to the-“
“The cops?” You cut him off. “Yeah. Lot of good that does. All I got was a piece of paper saying he can’t come within 100 yards of me which does jack shit, by the way, considering the fact that he was still stalking me at all hours of the day.”
Luigi doesn’t have anything to say to that. And you don’t blame him.
“I was going to a restaurant, okay?” You tell him. “It was right around the corner, I thought I’d be fine. Obviously I didn’t know I was gonna run into anyone on my way there… I was just hungry…”
Luigi runs a hand down his face and lets out a sigh. He feels like such a dick right now. Grumbling to himself, he takes off his backpack and undoes the zipper, reaching in and placing the bag of sliders on the table. You look from the bag to Luigi in confusion, only for him to set his bottle of water down as well.
“Eat.” He orders, zipping his backpack up.
“… What about you?” You ask softly.
“I’m going to take a walk.” He sighs.
Luigi ends up buying himself some snacks from the vending machine before returning to the table.
“I thought I told you to eat.” He comments, frowning when he sees there’s still two sliders on the table.
“I did.” You nod. “These are yours.”
As soon as he sits down, you slide the food towards him with a grin. Luigi looks between the sliders and you before nodding his head.
“Thanks.” He says, reaching for a slider and unwrapping one.
“I should be the one thanking you.” You murmur sheepishly.
“Don’t.” Luigi cuts you off. “I’m no hero.”
Luigi pushes his hood back and takes off his mask and you finally get to see his face. You take in all his features; his thick brows and hypnotizing brown eyes, his plump lips, and strong jawline.
“What?” Luigi asks, crumpling the wrapper into a ball and reaching for the last slider.
“I was right.” You sigh dreamily, resting your head on your hand as you smile at him. “You are handsome.”
Luigi huffs in amusement, though you don’t miss the pink dusting his cheeks.
“What’s dolcezza?” You ask curiously.
“It’s Italian.”
“You know italian?”
Luigi nods his head.
“Cool. What does it mean?” You continue to pry.
Luigi stares at you for a moment before finally telling you.
“Headache.” He says, taking another bite.
Your shoulders slump and Luigi snickers.
“Does it really?” You ask after a moment, narrowing your eyes at him.
“Mm-hmm.” He nods. “Headache. Nuisance. A pain.”
“I don’t believe you.” You tell him, pulling out your phone. “I’m gonna look it up. How do you spell it?”
“Mm-mm.” He shrugs.
“You just said you know Italian! All of a sudden you don’t know?”
Luigi smiles smugly at you and you narrow your eyes at him.
“That’s it. Give it back.” You order, reaching for what’s left of his slider. “You don’t deserve it.”
“You gave it to me.” Luigi argues, leaning back in his seat so that you don’t reach him.
“You gave it to me first!”
Luigi shoves the last bite into his mouth and grins at you.
“You’re horrible.” You tell him simply before checking your phone for the time.
“Well, I’d say this has been fun, but it hasn’t.” You tease, standing up and grabbing your bag.
“Be careful.” Luigi warns, watching as you gather your belongings.
“Bye Mark.” You reply teasingly, turning around and making your way towards the next bus you’ll be riding.
After getting your ticket scanned, you board the bus, settling into a window seat and placing your duffle bag on the ground. You still have at least fifteen minutes before it's scheduled to depart, so you pull out your phone and start playing a game to pass the time.
Slowly, more and more people start to board, though you don’t pay them any mind. The driver is just about to close the door when one final person steps on.
“Cutting it pretty close, pal.” He complains before finally closing the door.
The man doesn’t say anything, just gets his ticket scanned and starts making his way down the rows of seats. You only look up when someone sits next to you. You gasp when you look to your right and see Luigi settling into the seat beside you.
“This seat taken?” He asks, knowing very well that it isn’t.
“What are you doing here?” You ask excitedly. “I thought you didn’t know where you were going next?”
“Yeah, I thought so too.” Luigi shrugs bashfully, face mask and hood back on. “But I think I just figured it out.”
Luigi’s graced with your beaming smile as you tell him how excited you are that you’re spending the next couple of hours together. He wordlessly nods along but the truth is, he’s just as excited.
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
You and Luigi spent the last couple hours talking. Well, you did most of the talking, Luigi mainly listened. He learned that you studied business in college but got burnt out after a few years. Now, you’re content working odd jobs. You’ve worked at a pizza parlor, a library, and a boutique. You’ve been an assistant for event coordinators, a receptionist for an attorney’s office and a mail processing clerk. He learned that you’ve been no contact with your family for years and that you never got a drivers license because living in New York, you didn’t really need one. However now you’re worried you’ll look silly going to driving school at twenty six.
You managed to get some information out of Luigi as well, with a lot of poking and prodding. You learned that aside from being handsome and sweet, he’s also ridiculously smart, having graduated from an Ivy League school. You learned that he’s from Maryland and his family still lives there though he hasn’t spoken to them for a few months. He didn’t say why and you didn’t ask. You learned that he’s Italian and he does speak it and he does know what dolcezza means, however he still won’t tell you. Much to your annoyance.
Now here you are, at the Harrison bus station at five o’clock in the morning with a man you’ve known for eight hours, but can’t see yourself traveling without. You don’t know when you’ll have to go your separate ways, but you’re already getting attached to him, so you suppose you should start preparing yourself for your eventual goodbye now.
“Do you need another hot pack?” You ask Luigi as you both wait for the bus driver to come back.
“No, it’s okay. This one is still working.” He shakes his head.
“What is it? Like sciatica?” You ask curiously.
“Spondylolisthesis actually.”
“Sponda-what?” You ask.
“Spondylolisthesis.” He repeats. “It’s a spine condition. Happens when a fracture causes your vertebrae to slip out of alignment.”
“Oh my god.” You exclaim, absolutely horrified. “That sounds painful.”
“It is.” Luigi nods.
“Sorry about your back pain.” You frown sympathetically. “I’d recommend getting it looked at but you know, health insurance here is a fucking con. That’s one scam I can’t afford.”
Luigi whips his head up to look at you.
“Huh?” He asks, because surely he didn’t hear you right.
“I mean, think about it! You pay your premium every single month, even if you don’t see a doctor that month. When you do see your doctor, you have to pay a copay for the visit. And then on top of the premium and the copay, you still get billed afterwards! It’s bullshit! Not to mention all that money they get out of you only to end up denying your medication or your procedures.” You continue to rant. “I’m not gonna pay some company to make me look like an idiot. There are plenty of guys in my DM’s willing to do that for free.”
“I take it you don’t have health insurance?” He asks.
“In this economy? I think the fuck not.” You shake your head.
“So what do you do when you’re sick?” Luigi asks curiously.
“Pray.” You say simply before bursting out laughing. Luigi shakes his head, letting out an amused chuckle before clearing his throat.
“So what do you think about that CEO that-“
“Got murked?” You cut him off before waving your hand. “Man, fuck that guy.”
Luigi just sits there, silently staring at you, and you rush to finish proving your point.
“Okay, yes, murder is bad. We know that. Whatever. But you have to stop and ask yourself, how many people has he killed by denying them their medications? Or their treatment? The only difference between him and the shooter is that he does it without getting his hands dirty because he’s sitting behind a desk.”
Luigi can’t explain the warmth he feels in chest, seeing someone, seeing you be as educated and passionate as he is about everything. He’s starting to see that maybe you’re more alike than he thought. He’s finally starting to accept that maybe, you boarding his bus at the last minute wasn’t luck, but fate.
“You’re on his side, then? The shooter…” Luigi asks, wanting to be sure, needing to hear it bluntly from you.
“Oh, hell yeah.” You nod.
“But…they’re calling him dangerous on the news… A monster…” Luigi trails off.
“The news?” You ask with a roll of your eyes. “Please. Mainstream media is the worst place to get your information. They’ll spin the story whichever way they want so long as it continues to benefit the 1%.”
“Is he a murderer? Sure! Maybe. Who the fuck knows for certain.” You shrug. “But a monster?” You scoff. “He’s a human being. Just like you and me. At the end of the day, whether you’re a hero or a villain all depends on whether or not the government benefits from it.”
Luigi stares at you in complete awe.
“What?” You ask, shyly meeting his gaze.
“No. Nothing.” He shakes his head. “It’s just…you’re really something, aren’t you?”
“Shut up.” You mumble, looking away and gasping when you see the driver walking towards the bus.
“Look! The bus driver’s back! Let’s go!”
You stand from your seat and bound towards the bus while Luigi watches you with a fond smile. You turn around and frown when you see that Luigi isn’t with you. Once you spot him, you wave your hand, urging him to hurry. He stands and grabs his backpack, putting his hood and face mask back on before following after you.
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
When you and Luigi arrived in Altoona, more than anything you wanted to walk around and stretch your legs after spending so much time sitting. So that’s exactly what you did. You walked for about an hour before sitting down on a secluded bench in a park.
“Still don’t know where you’re going?” You ask Luigi.
“No, not really.” He shakes his head. “Why?”
You shrug your shoulders and look away but Luigi is having none of that. He gently grabs your chin with his thumb and forefinger, bringing your gaze back onto him.
“You’ve been running your mouth nonstop since the moment I met you. You choose now to go quiet?” He teases, frowning the tiniest bit when you don’t laugh along with him. “What’s wrong, dolcezza?”
“I still don’t know what that means.” You whine.
“Talk to me and maybe I’ll tell you.” Luigi offers.
“I just… I don’t know. I was thinking…” You start rambling nervously. “I don’t fuck with my family and you haven’t talk to yours in a while. And we both left New York and how funny that we met when we did and we happen to get along so well, right?”
“Right…” Luigi nods.
“And okay, so I don’t really have a plan. Just a vague, loose idea of one. But I was thinking, well, more like wondering, but I didn’t really know how to bring it up in conversation. And even now, I still don’t think this is the best way to go about it but-“
“Dolcezza, please.” He sighs, begging you to just get to the point already.
“Why don’t you come to L.A. with me?” You blurt out.
Luigi’s head reels back at the question. He isn’t sure what he was expecting, but it sure as hell wasn’t that.
“Or I go with you… to… wherever you’re going next.” You offer. “But let’s stay together.”
“I just- I really like you.” You mumble shyly.
“I like you too.” Luigi admits with a smile.
“You do?”
“What’s not to like?” He asks, with a fond smile. “You’re beautiful, funny, smart.” He lists before cupping your cheek with his hand. “You’re everything, sweetheart.”
You get a boost of confidence at his confession, leaning forward and placing your lips upon his in a soft, gentle kiss. Luigi responds immediately, head tilting to the side as his mouth continues to move against yours. Luigi nips at your lower lip and you let out a gasp, causing him to chuckle. You hit his shoulder playfully as he presses a final firm kiss to your lips, pulling back and gazing at you with an awestruck smile.
“Yeah.” He finally breathes, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear for you. “Let’s stay together.”
You smile excitedly at Luigi, pressing another chaste kiss to his lips before standing up, pulling him with you.
“Great! So what’s next? Where do you wanna go?” You ask, right as your stomach grumbles.
“I feel like maybe we should eat first.” Luigi teases, chuckling at your sheepish smile. “Come on, I think I saw a McDonald’s a few blocks away.”
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
You’ve just gotten your food when it all comes crashing down. You run to the bathroom, and a moment later two older gentlemen walk in. One of them makes a passing comment to his friend about how Luigi looks like the CEO shooter as they make their way to the register. Luigi doesn’t visibly react, though from the corner of his eye he catches the cashier continuously glancing at him.
Luigi lets out a long, tired sigh as he comes to the realization that this is it. The cashier disappears and he just knows she’s calling the FBI, telling them a murderer is in her establishment. He doesn’t regret any of his actions, not in New York and definitely not when he decided to follow you. The only thing he does regret is letting himself think that he’d have more time with you. Because now reality is sinking in that while the last twelve hours have been momentary bliss, any minute now it’ll all be ripped away from him- you’ll be ripped away from him.
Luigi quickly unzips his backpack, opening the side panel that held his cash. He takes the money out before folding it up and tucking it into your duffel bag. He then grabs your McMuffin, sliding it towards himself, making it seem like he’s the only one sitting here. You come back a minute later, sliding into your seat in the booth across from him with a smile.
“I’m back.” You announce with a grin.
“I need you to do something for me.” Luigi states urgently.
The cold tone of voice causes you to look up at him in concern.
“What?”
Under the table, he slides your duffle bag to you.
“I need you to walk out of here, and not look back.” He starts.
“What?” You repeat with a confused frown.
“Keep your head down and get out of here. As far as you can.” Luigi urges. “Get on another bus, hop on a train, buy yourself a ticket to L.A. like you wanted. I don’t care but you have to go.”
“Luigi, what the hell are you talking about? I-I thought we were sticking together… what’s going on?” You question.
“I’m not who you think I am.” Luigi admits, looking away with shame.
“I don’t think you’re anyone.” You shake your head with a laugh. “I…I just think you’re you… and I like you.”
“Dolcezza, please” He begs, quickly looking out the window and checking for cop cars. “Please. You have to get out of here. You have to go.”
“But…what about you?” You ask softly, eyes starting to water at the thought of leaving him behind, especially so suddenly.
Luigi smiles, desperately wanting to reassure you, though you don’t miss that his eyes are welling up too.
“I’ll be right behind you.” He nods with a sniffle.
With your bottom lip quivering, you nod; grabbing your duffle bag from under the table and standing up. You blink and the tears you were holding back start to fall. Not wanting Luigi to see you cry, not wanting to make this harder for either of you, you quickly turn away, sniffling as you make your way towards the side door.
Once you’re outside, you put the strap of your duffle bag on your shoulder and walk across the street. Before the McDonald’s completely disappears from your line of sight, you turn around and see a swarm of cop cars in the parking lot.
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
“-CEO was shot early Wednesday morning outside the New York Hilton-“
Click.
“Officers then asked him for identification, and Mangione handed them a New Jersey driver's license bearing the name of a 26-year-old named Mark Rosario. Now that is the same name from a fake New Jersey ID used by a man to check into a Manhattan hostel more than a week before Thompson's killing.”
Click.
“-taken into custody at 9:14 a.m. for gun and forgery charges-“
“Man, this guy is everywhere.” Your coworker Jenny says, changing the tv to yet another channel reporting on Luigi.
“-interestingly though, during the hearing Mangione made an odd request.”
“That’s right, Diane.” The co-anchor says. “The judge allowed Mr. Mangione to receive phone calls from his family, but he didn’t want it; asking instead to send a message. Take a look.”
“Luigi,” His attorney warns. “I strongly advise against-“
“Two sentences.” Luigi barters, ignoring his attorney and looking straight at the judge. “That’s all I ask. Please.”
The judge looks towards his attorney who shrugs his shoulders, clearly just as clueless as she is.
“You can bring the message forward.” The judge tells his attorney. “I’ll decide if it’s safe to share or not.”
Luigi immediately scribbles something down on a notepad, before ripping a scrap of paper off and handing it to his attorney. The attorney reads what’s written and gives Luigi a look before approaching the bench and handing the paper to the judge.
“I wish we had more time together.” The judge reads aloud. “I’m sorry.”
“Thomas Dickey, Mangione’s attorney answered a few questions from the press; here’s what he had to say.”
“Mr. Dickey, what do you think about the note?”
“What can I say? He’s a real Casanova.” He shrugs.
“Mr. Dickey. That message has since gone viral online with many people wondering who he’s talking to. Any idea?”
“What is this a slumber party?” He asks with a chuckle. “A true gentleman doesn’t kiss and tell.” He says, causing the media to laugh. “I don’t know. Didn’t even know there was someone until he handed me the note. I’m just as in the dark as you are.”
“Hey, it’s pretty slow right now, do you wanna go take your break?” Jenny asks.
“Yeah,” You nod, giving her a small grin. “Sure.”
“Okay. See you in fifteen. Enjoy your break.”
You grab a pastry and a hot chocolate before heading to the break room.
You did what Luigi asked, booking yourself a plane ticket to L.A. When you got off the plane, all everyone was talking about was the CEO shooter being caught. You were shocked when you found out it was Luigi but not at all surprised to see the outpouring of support he was getting online.
The money he slipped into your bag helped you get by until you were able to get your bearings in Los Angeles. It paid for your hotel, your food, your clothes. Eventually you were able to find an affordable apartment for rent and managed to get a job at a cafe a few days later.
Through it all, you kept your head down and kept yourself busy, staying away from television and social media, if only because you weren’t strong enough to see Luigi everywhere you looked. Sitting in the break room, you open TikTok for the first time in days.
“Just when I thought he couldn’t be more perfect.” One user gushes in a video.
You swipe up, seeing what the next video is.
“So apparently this guy is the total package.” Another user says, this one a man himself. “Smart, rich, ridiculously good looking, and romantic? Oh man. I feel like I should just gift wrap my wife and hand her over at this point.” He jokes with a laugh. “I mean, he is on a whole other level.”
You chuckle before swiping up again.
Immediately the woman on your screen starts screaming.
“Bro.” She gushes. “I wish we had more time together? I’m sorry?? Hello?? I’m ughhhhh.” She groans, throwing herself onto her bed. “You can see it in his eyes. He really meant that. Whoever she is, you just know that she means so much to him. And the fact that he probably just got ripped away from her. I’m-“ she brings a pillow up to her face and lets out a blood curdling scream.
You swipe up again.
This video is different. It’s a clip of Luigi looking over his shoulder during the hearing. He looks right at the camera and it’s almost as if he’s staring right at you. The sound on the video is a loop of the judge reading his note out loud. You spend the rest of your break watching that video.
Luigi looks over his shoulder and stares at the camera.
“I wish we had more time together. I’m sorry.”
Luigi looks over his shoulder and stares at the camera.
“I wish we had more time together. I’m sorry.”
Luigi looks over his shoulder and stares at the camera.
“I wish we had more time together. I’m sorry.”
When your timer goes off, you download the video, saving it to your camera roll before heading back out.
“I wish we had more time together, too.” You sigh to yourself, grabbing a cloth to wipe down the counter.
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