[PRP] Homecoming (Ambrosius x Vinny)

[Yayoi]

It had been sometime since Ambrosius had left the Giovanni mansion alongside his uncle Ambrogino. They had spent all their time traveling from one place to another. Searching, exploring. Well, the exploring side was more on Ambrosius’s part. He we new and green to the world outside the walls of Hemlock. There in the city was relative safety but out there in Faetasia it was antibodies game. But so far he has managed to go unscathed. Unmolested. Unbothered.

Every now and again when they would reach a town or someplace of particular interest to the fledgling he would write a letter home. Informing his fathers of his continued existence and giving them minor details on what he had been up to. Nothing about anything life threatening or dangerous of course. It was best to keep them in the relative dark about that or they might insist that he return home at once. And really he didn’t want that.

He wasn’t ready to permanently return to the mansion.

Ambrosius wanted to explore the world. Learn about every thing it had to show and offer him. To chase away his naievity with knowledge and experience. He had no skill for business of magic so becoming worldly was all that he knew he could do. Something different than what his brothers had chooosen to do. Of course, they were more inclined for those paths than he. So it was only natural that he try to forge his own path other than one that might have been expected of him.

Making his way through the city he took the old familiar paths that lead straight home. And as he reached the estate grounds he paused at the wrought iron gate. His hand placed firmly upon it as he took in a deep breath. Steeling himself for what was surely about to come once they knew he had returned home. He had sent a letter ahead to inform his father’s of his eventual return so someone would surely be waiting for him.

Pushing open that gate the familiar metal swueak brough back a flood of memories. They ran thick and deep here. This was where he had been born. Where he had grown up with his brothers under the watchful eye of his parents. Now they seemed like a distant memory. He was no longer that wide eyed boy who was amazed by everything he saw. Well, not entirely.

He made his way into the mansion, lingering in the foyer as he glanced around. It hadn’t changed. But then things rarely did for vampires. “Hello? Fathers? Are you home?” He waited for a reply. Any indication that they were here. Gold eyes continued to sweep around the room. He had been gone so long it almost felt like he was intruding.  

[Uta]

Things had certainly changed since Ambrogino had taken Ambrosius out into the world -- and as far as Vincenzo Giovanni was concerned, the home hadn't been the same.

It had been hard enough to find Vespara busy with her work under Nonna's tutelage and supervision -- and when she wasn't working herself to the bone to master and unlock the secrets of necromancy, she was spending more and more time with that Clanless model, Regulus. Ignatius had been married off, much to nobody's pleasure, but with Augustus heading and signing off on the arrangement, what was done was done. His son had always been a bit more aloof, a bit more quiet -- and since his marriage, Vinny rarely saw much of him at all. Even when they did cross paths, his son was often brusque, and their meetings never long... But it was yet another empty room in the large family house. And as for Caelius, the only one who remained, he had his own life, his own friends.

Everything had changed, far faster than Vinny had hoped.

He didn't begrudge his children their independence. They truly were his pride and joy, and Ambrosius would find plenty of pictures and mementos the further he walked in. Of course, there were pictures of family that stretched generation upon generation -- but Vincenzo had made certain his sons and daughter were represented. Unlife was never guaranteed, and for all the time they had, it still slipped away like sand through the sieve. He missed having little ones crawling around, napping on Claudius' chest, or snuggling up with Vinny while he drew up paperwork and ran the Vinsurance business. He missed the laughter, he missed the bickering, he just missed their time together.

Thankfully, Vinny made sure to do his best to stay in their unlives as best he was able. In Ambrosius' case, he wrote to him often, and cherished every letter he was sent in return. He wanted his sweet boy to live his best unlife -- but he also selfishly yearned for more time with him. With all of them, really. The mansion felt empty for Vinny, a bittersweet feeling -- his children were all grown, something he could be proud of, but he missed each of them. And while he adored his time with Claudius, who filled his heart, and was all he needed... his love for his children and family was different.

Perhaps someday the gods would bless them again. Perhaps they wouldn't. Only time would tell.

But that was neither here nor there for a letter had arrived from Ambrosius indicating he would be returning home. Vinny, as well as Claudius, were delighted by the news -- and he'd spent all the time henceforth focusing on how to spend what little time they'd have together. Would he want to spend time with them? Would he prefer to do his own thing? Well, it wouldn't matter. Whatever, and however, Vinny could spoil him he would -- even if that meant giving him space.

Vincenzo had been waiting anxiously for any sign of his return as the night drew near of his estimated arrival. Work, unfortunately, had called Claudius away -- but he knew the antediluvian would move hell on earth to spend time with Ambrosius. Unfortunately, there were some urgent matters that required his attendance -- so it was only Vinny there to greet Ambrosius.

"Ambrosius? Bambino prezioso, sei tu?" He called out, heading out of the nearby drawing room with wide eyes. As soon as his eyes confirmed that it was indeed his baby, he didn't hesitate. While Ambrosius might have felt like he was intruding, that was hardly the case for Vinny. This would always be his children's home, and he wanted them to know they would always, always be welcome -- it might have technically been Augustus' estate, but they all lived here, all had rooms here... and Vinny would never turn them away. Even if, like Ignatius, they wound up with their own little mansions or plots of land.

"It is you! Oh! Look how much you've grown~! Bentornato a casa, figliolo! Hurry in, hurry in -- are you hungry? Can I take anything? Are you tired from your journey? How I've missed you~!" Vinny was practically besides himself, his pleasure clear, his love absolutely pure. He was not always the cleverest of men, and he certainly wasn't the strongest, the fiercest, or the wisest -- but he was loyal to a fault, protective of his family, and had nothing but love to give. Whether Ambrosius wanted it or not, he would be scooped up into an enormous hug -- he didn't care how large, how grown, how adult his children were -- they would always, always, always be his babies.

Yayoi

 

[Yayoi]

Ok, so maybe things had changed just a little. There were certainly more and more pictures of him and his siblings smattered about the mansion. He was pretty sure that that had been his father’s handiwork no doubt. It made him smile to know that Vinny still thought about them and he guessed pretty often.

The smell of the home was the same. And even more memories came flooding back to him. It’s not like he had been gone years by this point but a good number of months had passed since he’d last been here. Ambrogino and other things tended to occupy his time as of late. Or well, perhaps a certain someone but that was something to discuss in all good time. For now he was happy to just reminisce about his time here when he was younger. All the laughter, the fights, the love he felt from his family. Even his memories of Augustus were filled with warmth though the Disciple was busy with his own work just as Claudius was.

Speaking of his father. When Vinxenzo finally appeared from a nearby drawing room he frowned just slightly. He had filled expected Claudius to be there with him to welcome him home but that just didn’t seem to be the case. His gold gaze flickering to the doorway behind Vinny, lingering there for only a moment as if expecting the Antediluvian to come rushing out just a hair’s breadth after the other. No such luck

That was only slightly disappointing but he understood his father had important work to do. Being a powerful vampire like they didn’t mean you could shirk your responsibilities to the family or the business. Ambrosius knew this all too well.

But his gaze flicked back to Vinny, a warm soft smile parting his lips as his elegantly pale face lit up at the sight of him. He expected the hug of course and only squirmed a little bit at how tight it was. Thankfully he didn’t need air to breath. “Ah, padre. Sono io, sono a casa. Per adesso.” The last part he added because he fully intended to stay a few nights but after that he had to return to Ambrogino. The Antediluvian had given him leave for a time but fully expected him back as soon as he was able.

“Come stai, Berna?” He laughed, then t was melodical in nature as he gave his father’s back a light pat. Vincenzo had always been a hugger. “I have lots to tell you, shall we sit?” He hoped maybe directing that energy into conversation might be better. “No no, sto bene. I ate before I left uncle tonight so I am good and there is nothing to take.” Ambrosius traveled light and anything he acquired he simply sent home when he could reach a post office so as not to bog himself down with trinkets. He even sent things for his fathers from time to time, things that he thought they might find interesting, useful or just objects he thought they might enjoy  

[Uta]

Vincenzo had caught sight of his son's look, and the slightest furrow of his brow. It didn't take a genius to figure out that Claudius' absence was noted -- but it just couldn't be helped. There were some things the Antediluvean couldn't get out of -- but Vinny knew Claudius would hurry home to see their son as soon as possible.

All the children had been notified that their brother would be around for a short while -- and he expected them all to make time to visit. A family dinner had been planned the following night, to celebrate their young son's visit -- but for now, it seemed it would just be the two of them.

Eventually, Vinny grudgingly let go for his son, after planting a kiss on the top of his head. He knew that his baby boy wouldn't be able to stay long -- he could only hope he'd return home eventually. Perhaps it was selfish of the man, but he wanted so badly to be involved in his children's unlives. Well, even if Ambrosius could only make periodic visits, he'd never stop writing, never stop welcoming his return.

"Mi sento molto meglio sapendo che sei tornato a casa tutto intero," he laughed, giving his cheek a gentle pat, before encouraging them into the drawing room. A fire was crackling, casting shadows on the wall, a bottle of wine, and a small spread of blood based drinks and treats. As if Vinny wouldn't have been prepared to feed his son, or spoil him. Of course, the man knew his son was capable, and Ambrogino surely wouldn't allow any harm to befall him -- but that didn't mean Vinny didn't worry. He would always worry about his children, no matter how strong, capable, and talented they might be.

"Come, make yourself comfortable," he encouraged, waiting for him to choose a seat before settling near. "Your Father got called away at the last minute--but he's eager to see you," he explained with a small click of his tongue. He wasn't upset at Claudius -- just the timing. But these things happened. Duty to Clan, after all. "Tomorrow, we shall have the whole family here as well. Ah, but you look well -- very well. Tell me of your travels, your adventures."

He genuinely wanted to know, genuinely wanted to hear everything.

Yayoi

 

[Yayoi]

At the encouragement to enter the drawing room he did with no fuss. This was what he had come home for afterall. To visit, tell his family of his travels so far. What ye could tell had to keep them in the dark about a lot but there was still many things he could talk about as well.

A smile settled on his lips at the spread his father had prepared. Just like him to pull out all the stops for a simple visit home. But then Ambrosius knew that his fathers likely missed him dearly and he had missed them too. The call to travel though called to him more strongly and he knew his family would always be here. He could always return home whenever he wanted there was no doubt about that.

He snagged a couple of treats and settled onto one of the large chaises. It was nice to rest of something soft after having been in the road where half the time he spent his downtime sleeping on floors or hard surfaces. But he wouldn’t complain. Ambrosius knew that warm beds and soft pillows were never a guarantee where they had been traveling. Popping one of the snacks into his mouth he savored it’s flavor for just a moment while his father settled in. “There’s no need to go all out and drag everyone away from their unlives. Just seeing you and father are enough for me. I know the others are quite busy in their own rights.”

Gold eyes shone with excitement as he turned to him. “I’ve seen so much, padre. It has been an exciting couple of months. We’ve been exploring old ruins, libraries, we even came upon a Ravnos Kumpania. It was rather charming I do say so myself. They have cats everywhere. And it was huge! It felt almost like Hemlock itself had picked up and started moving.”

But then his thoughts traveled to Gayal and a slightly reserved yet mildly bashful look came to the young Giovanni’s face. Did he tell him about Gayal? He had hoped he could tell both of them about the Ravnos Elder together but maybe it would be easier to break it in with Vincenzo first. Surely they would both have opinions about him. Ambrosius knew full well that his family would probably prefer him to be with someone within the clan but…..

Gayal was something else.

The fledgling had taken a great interest in the large man. He was worldly and smart. And he never made Ambrosius feel dumb or naive for his youth and inexperience. No, he was well and truly fond of him. Not that he could say that he was in love with him or that they were seeing each other exclusively, no. But Ambrosius’s feet tended to wander in the direction of his Kumpania quite a few times.

Taking in a slightly deep breath he smiled fondly at Vinny. He might as well just get it out in the open, so he could gauge his father’s reaction and maybe that would help him predict how Claudius might react as well whenever he saw him next.. “Ho... incontrato qualcuno.”  

[Uta]

Vincenzo took a moment to open the wine, pouring two goblets, before setting one close to Ambrosius. As if they weren't going to enjoy a bit of wine while they caught up -- pfft! Vinny wasn't always a clever man, but he was no heathen after all. It pleased him to see his little bambino enjoying the snacks, and already, the mansion felt just a little less cold.

Of course, he did crinkle his nose, and give a shake of his head, dismissing the thought of not having all his family under one roof for a night. "Tch! Your siblings may have their own unlives, but if you can't make time for family, then what do you have? Nothing." And Vinny absolutely believed that. He'd been heartbroken when Ricco had all but ousted him from the Milliner Mansion and sent him to work at the Main Estate all those years ago. He'd been taken from his family, his siblings, his nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and sent to work in an unfamiliar home.

Time had never been something Ricco, or their father, could much afford. Work was their pleasure, but that wasn't the case for Vinny. And now that he'd had children, he couldn't help but hope they had happier memories, stronger ties, than he did.

No, Vinny was insistent that Vespara, Ignatius, and Caelius show up for one night together. With the three still in the area, they could make the time to see their brother. It wasn't as if he was calling them from the ends of the earth, after all. Perhaps Ambrosius didn't need a night of them all together, but Vinny did. It would warm his undead heart to see them all in one place, even for just a couple hours.

Vinny was eager to hear all about his son's explorations. Ruins, libraries -- and a Ravnos Kumpania! "Cats?" Vinny smiled, trying to imagine what the Kumpania must be like. Some huge band of travelers, with felines running about. Certainly, that wasn't something he'd ever imagined out there -- when he thought of a Ravnos he thought of some dusk-covered traveler or a few painted vardos. But cats? Or one so large? "What a magnificent thing to see. Were they friendly to you? Or were you more of a distant observer?" Vinny had bumped into a Ravnos a time or two during his unlife -- but never a Kumpania.

Hopefully, his son had been treated well if they had interacted with any of them.

Of course, the words which followed did surprised Vinny, and he arched a thick brow in surprise. "..... You met someone?" He repeated slowly, the weight of the words slowly processing. His baby met someone!? "Chi hai incontrato? Quando? Dove?" On the one hand, Vinny wasn't entirely surprised. His son was out seeing the world, meeting who knew who, and with little supervision.

On the other hand... his chest tightened. His little bambino already seeing others? Certainly, Ignatius was married but even Vinny had tried to object to the marriage, thinking it far too soon for his little baby. Still. It did make the shock more bearable, and he was better practiced on what not to do, or say, thanks to Vespara.

Hadn't he turned the other cheek when she started slipping out at night?

No, Vinny felt more prepared this time, for all that it was a surprise. Just because he hadn't expected it, didn't mean he wasn't happy for him. And he certainly didn't want to cause any upset. Vespara had been a learning experience for all of them -- and with the birth of three little sons, Vinny had been holding his breath for them to start dating, and seeing others, for some time.

Looking up at Ambrosius, he smiled, letting his expression relax into one of fondness. "Er... I suppose the better questions are, what's their name? And what do you want to tell me about them?" Instead of hounding him for information, he would leave it up to Ambrosius. That he'd said something at all was a big admittance, and Vinny didn't want Ambrosius, o,
Goodness knew he had a hard enough time getting Ignatius to talk to him -- he didn't want Ambrosius to clam up, either. "Sono felice per te, Bambino."

And he was.

For all that a small part of him wept over yet another milestone of his boys growing up.

Yayoi

 

[Yayoi]

Ambrosius knew that family meant a lot to his father. That all the kids had meant a lot to him and their growing up had not been easy for the older vampire. Ignatius marrying, Vespara with her studies and boyfriend, Caelius with his own grown up life and Ambrosius leaving home to explore the world. He never expected his siblings to drop what they were doing simply to just come see him but their father seemed adamant and dead set on the idea. He didn’t want any special treatment. But in the end he would relent, not that Vincenzo would give him much choice in the matter even if he had vehemently protested.

It would be nice to see his siblings anyhow. “You’re right, padre. Family is everything after all.” It was true. If he didn’t have his family then who would he have? Well, Gayal surely. But that was besides the point. Ambrosius loved his siblings and fathers greatly. But he had enjoyed his time away as well.

Taking the glass of wine he sipped at it while his memories wandered to that first night he and Ambrogino had wandered into the Ravnos camp. Ambrosius had been wide eyed at all that he could see, smell. It was a vastly different world than he had grown up in and he could only imagine what life living there would be like from the short stays. “Yes, lots of cats. They were friendly, yes. Cautious at first of course but that’s to be expected when strangers come into your home.”

The shock and questions he had expected came as he knew they would. Their fathers always wanted to know about who they were hanging around. Who they might be interested to make sure that they were being well taken care of. Vincenzo honestly had no reason to worry. Gayal had treated Ambrosius very well.He was hesitant to talk much about Gayal at first though he really wanted to. The reputation of clan Ravnos proceeded themselves but Ambrosius saw it as very misconstrued. Perhaps it was more of a tale that the Ravnos spun themselves. They really enjoyed a good story. But even so what little experience outsides had painted them in a poor light. What would Vinny or even Claudius think? Gods he wished his other father had been here. Surely Vinny will relay all this but he’d rather deal with his fathers together when it came to this. “Gayal, is his name. He’s….a Ravnos. An Elder in fact.” He glanced down at the wine in his cup, swirling it around briefly before his golden gaze lifted once more. “I know what most people think about the Ravnos, padre. But Gayal is nothing like that. It’s nothing super serious if that’s what you are wondering.” No, they hadn’t agreed on exclusivity. He knew Gayal cared for him but to what extent he couldn’t even say. Besides, Ambrosius’s traveling left him little time to be tied down anyway. Though perhaps when he was done and more worldly? Then he might consider it. That and he was really in no position to ask that if the Elder Ravnos anyhow.

Who knew though. Things could change at the drop of a hat.

Vinny seemed relatively happy for him though. If not still a little shocked by the revelation. Of course, he would answer any questions he had about Gayal if he could. “He treats me well, he’s….amazing actually.” A dark claw traced the rim of his glass idly. The fledgling obviously thought highly of the Ravnos and he could only hope that perhaps the Elder did too in his own way.  

[Uta]

There would be a small reunion of family, whether Ambrosius wanted it or not. The vampire was always trying to find ways to bring the family back together now that they were all grown -- one night together wouldn't upset any of their plans, surely. Even Claudius would, hopefully, be able to spare a few hours of his time. "Good, good -- then it's all settled. Besides, you can catch up with your siblings in one convenient setting, share your stories, keep up to date," he encouraged.

Given his own history with his own siblings, Vincenzo wanted his children to have closer ties than his own. Ricco had always been distant; his other siblings caught up in their own business and arrangements. Vinny had been sent away to the Giovanni Family ages ago and his relation with his siblings was strained at best. If he had his way, his children would have stronger connections, and keep those ties even as their unlives took them in different directions.

Vincenzo watched Ambrosius intently, curious about this new vampire in his life. He could tell his son seemed smitten with how he toyed with his drink, and the way he described him. Happy but nervous ... something he was certain was his own doing. Ah, but he didn't want his children to hide things from him; he didn't want them to ever doubt that they would find anything but support. Vinny was a pushover for his family -- and he would try to keep his inquiries limited. The most important question was whether or not Ambrosius was happy, was being treated like gold -- and if so, the rest could fall into place.

"An Elder Ravnos -- my oh my," he chuckled, leaning back in his seat to process everything his son had said. So he'd found himself an older man, well, Vinny couldn't blame him on that score On the one hand, a Ravnos wasn't exactly Vinny's first choice for his children -- that would have been another Giovanni if he'd could have helped it. Someone a bit more in touch with the family, someone who might be less a liability or threat. But, on the other hand, at least he was a vampire with some rank, some power, some influence -- a far step up from Vespara, who'd found herself with a rankless Clanless; and even Ignatius, who was married to another Giovanni, but one of only Neonate position. Perhaps Caelius might find someone of rank and position.... then again, he'd just be happy if his sweet bambino found a happy ending.

Marriage was often simply a tool in the Clan. That Vinny had found his naturally was a rarity among his fellows -- if his children could be happy in their choice of partner, and treated well, that's all he really wanted at the end of the day. Perhaps a Ravnos Elder wasn't his choice, but he seemed to be Ambrosius', and that was what was important.

"Ah, my precious bambino. If you vouch for this Gayal, and he's as amazing as you claim, then what more could I ask for? If he makes you happy, then I'm glad you've found something good for you on your travels. Do you see him often?" He asked, curious. Honestly, what Ambrosius did out there was a bit of a mystery -- but then, Ambrogino wasn't exactly open concerning his travels. "How did you first meet?" He wanted Ambrosius to feel supported after sharing this news -- certainly, it couldn't have been easy.

Perhaps it was best Claudius wasn't here...

Who knew how the Antediluvian would feel about this news?

Yayoi

 

[Yayoi]

If it would make his father happy Ambrosius would attend this family gathering. Though he did have other plans while he was in the city. A couple small errands for himself and his uncle. Nothing major or really pressing. It was one of several reasons why he had returned to Hemlock and not gone straight to the Kumpania like he usually did when Ambrogino gave him some free time. But it would be nice to see his siblings again. It hadn’t been extraordinarily long since he last saw them. Ah, but then what was time to a vampire, even one as young as himself, anyway?

It wasn’t as if he didn’t want to see his siblings. No. He missed them all a great deal. But the world called to him like a siren’s song. And his siblings would always be around he had no doubt about that. Though how interested they might be in his stories was another thing. He certainly had quite a lot he could tell them. And even more he couldn’t. But it was best that they stay in the dark about things. Even he didn’t know the full extent of Ambrogino’s ambitions. Ambrosius was just along for the ride.

He was surprised by Vinny’s response. Knowing full well how Vespara’s little dalliance has gone over he fully expected to be greatly interrogated but then perhaps it had been a learning experience for his father as well. Good. He could relax just a little bit even so breaking this news to Claudius might not go over as well. The fledgling knew his family would rather he marry someone in the family and if Augustus deemed it so he could, at a moment’s notice, be written into an arranged marriage just as Ignatius had been.

But then if that happened Ambrosius might take matters into his own hands. He could be quiet and obedient when necessary but to live a life without Gayal in it? Taking lovers outside of a marriage was a common thing but he could never, would never ask that of him. They hadn’t talked about exclusivity and Gayal had never asked that of him, but the thought of being with anyone else had never crossed the young Giovanni’s mind. He was smitten indeed. Perhaps more than that. But the relationship was still rather new. They could cross that bridge when, if, they ever got there.

Ah yes, now the real questioning could begin. He had expected them of course. His father wouldn’t let him leave until he sniffed out every scrap of information that Ambrosius might have. He gave a bright smile to his father, settling his drink down on the side table next to him. “As often as Ambrogino allows and as often as I can find the Kumpania. Sometimes it takes a bit of time to track them down since they are constantly on the move.” He mused. Though typically before he left Gayal would let him know which direction from there they would move and all Ambrosius has to do was track back to where they last were and go from there. He had only gotten lost a handful of times before he wound up at the Kumpania tired and bedraggled. “We met when Ambrogino and I ventured into the Kumpania. He had business with their Baro, that’s the boss, and Gayal was kind of the welcome wagon.” It was a very nice welcome indeed. “He showed me around and we got to know one another while Ambrogino handled his business and I just….kept wandering back.” Of course, he wouldn’t go into great detail about other things that they shared. That wasn’t the kind of conversation he wished to have with his father.