"I'm escaping this world

one step at a time

but all I need first

is a partner in crime" - J.H.

 

Laughter and posh lectures one with another. Gentlemen in suits and ladies in dresses. The environment felt elegant and suffocating in this venue, at least for the seven year old Giotto. He looked adorable in his little suit, at least that’s what everyone said as his father showed him off. His father was the chief of security of the city, wealthy, handsome, widower, everything and anything Giotto could care less of. His most popular trait was his hatred and fear against mutants, beings with supernatural abilities that could surpass animal and machine. The city both feared them and revered them, it was a dividing side. But being a small minority they would only stand out every so often in the news. What his father would never know was that his own son was a mutant with developing powers. Another rub to the head, causing his hair to get messed up caused Giotto to groan and sneak away, away from the strong smelling perfumes and out a door that led to the outside for fresh air, the back parking lot barely lit up by a street lamp and decorated with a few garbage cans. “Stupid party, stupid stuff, stupid dad.” Giotto muttered under his breath as he got his hands in his pockets and kicked around a rock. He hated social events like this. Not only was he ignored, he was used as an item to show off. “Stupid!” He kicked the rock again.

Jesse chucked as he watched Giotto have so much fun. He didn't even need to dance himself to have fun; just watching Giotto enjoy himself made it so much more worthwhile. It made him very happy. 'Damn he really needs to get out more... We should go out here all the time.' He thought to himself with a smile. Then Giotto went on about pool. Jesse wrapped his arm around Giotto's neck as he looked to the players playing pool. "I don't see why we can't play now! I'll show ya the ropes. Hopefully you won't fail too miserably... And hey, you can be whatever you want to be, hotshot. Like I said before; like we promised, someday the city no, the world will be ours. And when that time comes you can help everybody and be who you want to be. No one will be able to hold you back. Everyone will be little ghosts while us two, we'll be something much greater." He was going to continue in his random sap talk, until Giotto asked the time. Jesse checked his phone. "It's 6:39pm. Why?"

Giotto needed a few moments to analyze the time. It took him about three minutes before gasping, his face turning a bit pale, but he seemed to regain his cool and smiled. "Ah, just wondering. Wouldn't want to hand you over to Johnny too late. He has his shift starting soon and you have Mimi to watch over." Giotto said calmly as he continued to dance normally. He gave another spin, dancing with Jesse as he held his hands. "I also think I might be late to my government class. But that's not much to worry." Giotto said with a bright smile. He hummed as he gave another spin. "Hey Jesse. Think you could drive me home? You can leave me a block away, that way you won't be seen by the house. I'll pay you back for the gas later, promise." Giotto said calmly. The look in his eyes however, seemed to be screaming with worry of something. He smiled. "I'll bring you and Johnny a tuxedo tomorrow too. You two will look so handsome." Giotto assured as he suddenly hugged Jesse. "Hm...you're warm."

Jesse crossed his arms with a stern expression. He immediately knew something was up, especially since Jesse could read Giotto like a book. Or maybe read Giotto like subtitles on a movie screen because Jesse hates reading. He could tell Giotto was probably nervous, which is probably because that government class he's late to might get him in serious trouble. Jesse sighed and was about to go start up the car, until Giotto suddenly hugged him. Jesse looked down to his friend and slowly hugged him back.

"Alright hotshot, I think it's time to take you home." With that, Jesse began to drag Giotto outside. It wasn't until then when Jesse realized something.

"Oh, I didn't mention this earlier..." He muttered. He appeared troubled. "Miliani, the kid, remember the bandages over his right eye? Stiles told him already but... He couldn't save his eye. Just wanted to give you a heads up for when you see him after he gets better..." Jesse looked down at the ground. "I want to kill every last one of those f******."

Giotto slowly nodded, gently getting a hand on Jesse's shoulder. "We will get them. All of them. But we will need to go step by step, yes? We still don't even know where to start looking for any of them." Giotto said as he looked back up. "I'll try to sneak on my dad's work computer and pull out any reports on them, alright? Maybe I'll find some clues that we can go on to start." Giotto said. The rest of the ride Giotto talked about the club, and any other plans that they could do to start their war against the Skulls. He also brought up the motorcycle, which still needed some work on. They had quite the work ahead of them. Giotto groaned in dread as Jesse parked just a block away from his home. He smiled, regardless. "Thanks for the ride Jesse. I owe you one. Have a good night, and be careful out there alright?" Giotto said. He bent over and kissed Jesse on the cheek. "Text or call me if anything." With that Giotto stepped out. He made his way to the house, sneaking into the backyard and through the back door. "There you are. Your dad is furious." Sebastian whispered, a damp cloth at hand ready as he started to wipe the dirt away. "Is he that angry?" Giotto asked. "He'll most likely just give you a scolding. Get in the bath and change into your pajamas." Sebastian said, shooing Giotto off. Sebastian looked around and saw the flowers of a vase withering. With a brush of his hand, the flowers came back to life.

Jesse nodded, feeling his anger temporarily comforted by Giotto's talk. Giotto was really the only one that got him to calm down. Mimi too. Johnny actually got Jesse more pissed off sometimes especially when they argued. Sometimes they really hated each other. But deep down they were family. Through the car ride to Giotto's house, Jesse listened intently to what Giotto was saying. Sometimes he would go into la la land here and there, but did the most part he listened fully. Once Jesse parked the car for Giotto to leave, Jesse patted Giotto's back after the kiss on the cheek. "Likewise. Remember we still have to do to the kid's bakery tomorrow! We could see if they have more information then."

-NEXT DAY-

 

The next morning Giotto was scolded by his father about how education was important. More words than action thankfully. When his father left he was then scolded by Sebastian. After around two hours of scolding he was asked to do his homework before going anywhere important, and so Giotto did as told. He did his homework faster than he usually would, however. He needed to get to Jesse and the bakery. They had some investigation to do. "I'm done. I'm heading off." Giotto said as he pulled his jacket over himself. "Giotto you better hope this homework is correct if you want to be excused like this again!" Sebastian said. He paused before speaking once more. "Be careful out there!...don't you dare die on us." Sebastian said. Giotto paused as he looked back. "I'll be fine. I'll be with him again. He won't let anyone hurt me, and I won't let anyone hurt him." Giotto said, backing away as he jumped off the balcony, to run off to the bakery. Sebastian watched as he disappeared from sight and softly sighed. He looked down at the lock necklace that he wore. "Why...why did you took what you saw of him, of his future, to the grave with you?" Giotto ran off happily, heading straight to the bakery, hoping to see Jesse and wait for him. He thought he might as well also buy a few sweets or two.

Once Giotto got to the bakery, Jesse was in fact there waiting for Giotto as expected. Once Jesse saw his friend coming up the street, Jesse waved at him. Luckily it was somewhat earlier in the day, so after the bakery they could do more stuff like research or going to the club. The club could be great to find out information even if someone of it is probably rumors. Jesse wrapped his arm around Giotto's neck as he usually did when he was in high spirits. On that particular day Jesse was feeling more cheerful than usual.

"Hey, hotshot! I hope ya hungry because I'm gonna buy some sweets for us and Mimi. Johnny too. Miliani's folks opened the shop now that their son is home."

Giotto smiled. Jesse was in a great mood today, and that made Giotto be equally as cheery. "Alright! You took the words right out of my mouth!" Giotto cheered. There was work to do. Besides their collective investigation of the Skulls, Giotto had to be fitted for his birthday suit later that evening. Then there was the whole party ordeal. Usually his father and him would spend the birthday weekend over at the family vacation home. But his father had his hands full. Maybe he could bring Johnny, Jesse and Mimi instead. He walked with Jesse into the bakery. "Good morning." Giotto said cheerfully. The place smelled amazing. He could feel his mouth drooling. "How are you doing today?"

Jesse walked right in with Giotto. The day was great so far, and from smelling the sweets the day seemed oh so much better. Jesse looked around in the chilly room; there were sweets everywhere displayed in lovely glass casings. In the corner was a rotating glass fridge with cakes in it. In another corner was a small display fridge of meats such as sausage.

"Damn." Jesse said, rather impressed.

Behind the display cases and counter was Miliani's mother. She was cleaning and upon seeing Jesse and Giotto, her face brightened.

"Hello!" She said in her thick tongue. She left the counter to go give both boys a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "I'm so happy to see you both again ja? My husband is out in the back with my Gigi. I'll call them out so they could greet you."

Jesse snickered slightly. "Gigi..." His face turned a few shades of pink from the hug and kiss. He wasn't really used to European greetings.

Giotto smiled. Unlike Jesse, he didn't mind the kisses. "Thank you. I'm hoping Gigi is feeling a bit better with the medicines, at least." Giotto said as he looked around. "We don't want to interrupt your work or anything...you haven't been bothered by anyone suspicious either, hopefully." Giotto said as he looked out the window and then looked back down. They had reopened the store. It was only a matter of time for them to show up for the money...if they showed up at the wrong time Jesse would be going all out on them. They would be regretting the decision as soon as they made it. Giotto hummed, searching for something in his pocket. "Oh yeah. I was just wondering something, mam." Giotto said as he took out an envelope. "I talked to Sebastian, and Sebastian talked to dad...we have a birthday party coming up, and we were hoping you could provide some catering for it? We'll pay in advanced, of course." Giotto said rather casually, opening the envelope and taking out both a check and a list. "The theme for the party is a Night in Italy, so we hoped you could make some catering to match? Like Zuppa Inglese, Zepole, Cannoli, the rest are in the list and the proximate amount." Giotto said with a small smile, offering her the list and the check which had Giotto's father's signature on it with some numbers with lots of zeros on them. "Would six thousand do?" Giotto paused. "Oh, and I would also like to buy a Panpepato now on a separate order." Giotto said with an innocent smile.

The mother continued to sweep and clean as she listened to Giotto talk. Her cleaning was fast and efficient, where it was evident that she was very proud of her work. Upon being asked to cater Italian foods, her face lit up and she took the check with her face beaming.

"Me and my husband will be honored!" She said excitedly. "Giovanni is from Italia! He creates the finest baked goods and food in all of Sicily! I'm only from my home in Deutchland- Germany, but I love to cook Italian foods! I learn from the best." He held the check close to her chest and she brought Giotto into another hug. This time she showered his face with kisses, getting her lipstick all over Giotto's face. "Thank you thank you so much! Danke! Gratsi! This is wonderful!"

Jesse rubbed the back of his head. He honestly had no idea what was going on. All he heard was weird stuff he didn't understand, and then suddenly Giotto was being bombarded with kisses. Honestly Jesse wouldn't be shocked if that was the only kisses Giotto ever for from a woman other than his own mother.

"...Uh... Grahcius?" Jesse said. He was trying to say 'Thank You.' But he didn't even know what language he was saying it in.

Giotto smiled as he was showered with kisses. By the end of it he had lipstick all over his face, to which he didn't seem to mind. He handed the envelope and chuckled at Jesse's attempt to speak the language. "I think you mean, Grazie." He corrected as a matter of factly as he nudged Jesse. He had to give him and Johnny something later. He cleared his throat. "It is no problem. I can't wait to taste them. Sebastian's number is in the envelope along with mine if you have any questions too." Giotto added as he took a step back. He liked the kisses, but he felt that if he was kissed any more than he already was he would end up suffocating. "Speaking of which, with bakery and all, you haven't noticed anything suspicious yet, have you? No letters, no threats, no people hanging around?" Giotto asked, concerned that maybe the Skulls would've already started to try something at the family even after trying to murder their kid. He looked over at Jesse. "I searched around my dad's computer. All reports of the Skulls have been very brief, and some reports are reports that are later taken back and admit that they didn't wish to report anything. But I managed to target their reported activity to a certain area of the Bronze District. Specifically the Industrial area. They must have a hide out somewhere nearby."

Jesse shrugged at the correction. He barely understood his own language let alone any other foreign language. Maybe someday he'll get off of his lazy ass and actually go learn Spanish or something. Giotto proposed a theory that the Skulls could have a hideout in the Bronze Layer.

"To be honest I wouldn't be surprised. They're nothing but rats who try to be all badass and gangster. I'll show them when I pop a hole in their heads." He crossed his arms with a small growl. He hated the Skulls with every bone in his body. "We might have to form a team."

The mother meanwhile continued to hold the envelope to her heart. When Giotto asked questions concerning the Skulls, her happy exterior disappeared for a moment and was replaced with that of sadness.

"I haven't seen any of them yet..." She said with a small frown. "My eldest sons have been guarding the house. You should ask them, especially Gianni about it." As she was talking, the father came into the room from the back. As soon as he saw Giotto and Jesse his face lit up.

"Boys!" He said happily as he went up to them to give them both a kiss on the cheek. Jesse was immediately freaked out by it for his body went rigid and his face turned red.

Giotto chuckled at Jesse's reaction. He didn't think he would ever get tired of it. "Good morning." Giotto said politely. "We came to say hello and to drop off an order. I think Jesse wanted to get some treats too." Giotto said as he rubbed the back of his head and looked over at Jesse, nudging him to get out of the state that he was currently in. He thought of what Jesse mentioned. A team. That would be perfect. "That...would actually be a pretty good idea." Giotto said with a big smile. "W-We would have to find people who are willing to get involved, though. Preferably...people like us." Giotto said as he extended his arms upwards, stretching. He could ask Sebastian, but he was always making sure that everything was in order back at the house. He was also helping him sneak out of the house, making up alibis that he was actually in his room or somewhere around the house instead of outside where is father dreaded for him to be.  "We should ask the older brothers then. We'll go from there." Giotto added as he nudged at Jesse again.

Jesse was taken right out of his dazed moment. He rubbed his cheek where he had been kissed and he nudged Giotto right back to get him to knock it off.

"Ugh stop it.... It's /actually/ a good idea?" Jesse asked. He thought about Giotto's suggestion to ask the brothers, and he agreed. The only problem is if the parents would be okay with sending their sons to war.

"I uh..." Jesse paused and looked to the deserts. "Want some chocolate cake please. How much?"

Giovanni shook his head and immediately waved is hands infront of him. "No no! You both take whatever you want. It's the least we could do. Capiche?"

Jesse blushed at the offer, but shook his head. "No... I want to pay- /we/ want to pay." He said as he patted Giotto's shoulder.

Giovanni frowned. "But there's something we could do for you..."

At that moment, Jesse looked up as if he had a lightbulb go off in is head.

"Actually... Do you happen to have a job opening?"

Erma nodded slowly. "Ja... We're trying to expand the store by offering more meats to purchase too. We need a butcher."

Edited May 29, 201510 yr by Aqua7KH

Giotto took out his wallet, taking out money. "We'll take one chocolate cake please." Giotto said gleefully, setting the money on the counter. He loved sweets more than anything. The thought of having their pastries at his party was actually making him drool mentally. He glanced over at Jesse as he asked about a job. Giotto gasped a the question. He thought he knew what Jesse was referring to. So he went on. "We have this friend who could totally fill that job opening. His name is Johnny, he's a hard worker, and he could use the job. He won't disappoint!" Giotto said with confidence. "(He kind of needs a better job to keep his sanity.)" Giotto thought. He could only imagine how terrible it was to actually work in that factory. The thought alone gave him shivers down his spine. "Give him a week and you'll never find a more hardworking man in your entire life! He's more hardworking than my dad!...and that's a whole lot to say." Giotto said, muttering that last part under his breath. Johnny was a great guy. He deserved a boost or two. Starting with a job that didn't involved him working in that accursed factory.

Jesse nodded and crossed his arms. Johnny used to complain all the time anyway on how he's never appreciated. If Jesse and Giotto got him this job, he wouldn't be able to complain anymore.

"Everything he said is true!" Jesse said. "He could be a great butcher."

Erma took the money and went to getting the two immediate orders done right away. She opened the display cases to take out the desired pastries.

Giovanni scratched his head and thought for a moment. He didn't need to think too pond because only after a few seconds he made his decision.

"I don't see why not." He said with a smile. "Have him come in and I'll see what he's like. He sounds like the man I need."

Giotto clapped his hands together, smiling. "Thank you! We'll tell him right away." Giotto said. He could only imagine how happy Johnny would get over the news. He could finally get a decent job that wouldn't question his sanity daily. Giotto walked over to the counter, taking the pastries and handing over the money. "Thank you." Giotto said as he gave a small bow. "We'll go tell him right now. Thank you so much. Call us if anything." Giotto said with another bow. "Have a wonderful day." Giotto then took Jesse's hand and started to walk with him. "Come on, we have a long day ahead." Giotto added as he held Jesse's hand.

Erma happily handed over the pastries and accepted the money. It made her very happy to have two new wonderful customers. She immediately began to plan out the catering, even taking out a note pad and a pen to jot down notes and the like. This was probably her best job yet.

"Danke!" She said with a smile. "I can't wait to see you both again!"

Giovanni meanwhile bid them farewell. "Make sure he comes in. I would love to have your friend help me with my work."

Jesse rubbed the back of his head while he blushed. He wasn't one to like attention too much. He followed Jesse outside and looks to the sky.

"Where to first hotshot?" He asked.

"To Johnny. I'll be leaving your cake there and we can tell him about his new job." Giotto said cheerfully, pulling him along. The two walked across the area. It was a beautiful day today. They eventually reached the basement house, making their way inside. Johnny was asleep, Mimi was in her crib, playing with her teddy bear. For once, Giotto didn't mind in waking him up. "Hey Mimi!" Giotto said as he cooed at the baby girl. "We brought cake." He said to her. He then settled the cake down on the small table and hurried over to where Johnny slept. "JOHNNY!" Giotto yelled happily, before diving on top of the older boy with a small huff. "Johnny Johnny you're never going to guess what we just got for you?! It isn't a car or a date but it's almost just as great! We got you a job! A decent one! As a butcher! At a shop!" Giotto said as he sat on Johnny, shaking him happily and full of energy. "You can finally say goodbye to those creepy guys that keep harassing you at work!"

Mimi giggled and cheered softly, reaching out her hands in hopes that Giotto will pick her up. "Goto!" She cheered. She couldn't pronounce Giotto's name, and as a result she just called him Goto instead.

Jesse followed right behind Giotto. Upon seeing Mimi Jesse reached his hand in the crib to ruffle her hair. "Hey there sweet cheeks." He said with a big smile. He picked her up out of the crib. Mimi although in Jesse's arms, continued to reach for Giotto.

"Goto...." She said with a frown. "Goto...."

Johnny was woken up with a start. His first instinct was to punch who ever it was who woke him up (who he usually assumed was Jesse) in the face, however after he realized it was Giotto he only just smacked the teen right upside the head. Would he ever be able to get some sleep.

"What the f***! Are you crazy?!" He asked loudly. He didn't really understand what Giotto was saying for he was still half asleep. "What? Job? What the hell are you talking about!?"

Giotto rubbed his head, muttering something under his breath. He looked up at Johnny smiling. "We got you a new job! One away from the factory!" Giotto said. He jumped off Johnny and hurried over to Jesse, picking up Mimi in his arms and holding her gently. "Remember the kid Jesse rescued? His family owns a bakery, and currently they're looking for a butcher. So Jesse brought you up, and they're willing to give you a try. You just have to show up to do the work and the job should be yours." Giotto said as he played with Mimi in his arms. Oh how he adored the little princess. He would spoil her so much if he could. But he could do that later as she grew up. "We know you hated the job at the factory, so this is your chance to get a new one. It's sanitary, it's good, there won't be any creepy guys checking you out as you work, and you can finally fix your sleeping hours. Right, Jesse?" Giotto said, giving a small, soft spin as he held Mimi. "Oh, and also, we brought some chocolate cake, in case you're hungry." He added, kissing Mimi's head and cheeks.

Mimi giggled happily and immediately threw her arms around Giotto's neck. If she could talk, she would say that Giotto was her favorite favorite person in the whole wide world and universe. "Goto!" She cheered once more.

Jesse crossed his arms and rolled his eyes. For starters, Giotto got all the attention from Mimi. Secondly, he was unamused at how Johnny didn't even realize what they were saying.

"You heard him. Now you won't have to get almost raped everyday by criminal guys twice your size! So stop complaining about how we don't care about you!" Jesse sarcastically said. He looked to Giotto. "Actually the twice his size thing is actually true. You think Johnny's a big guy? Well I've passed by his job and everyone in it is like hardcore fresh out of jail dudes on steroids."

Johnny looked down for a moment. That's when he realized; he could actually quit his job. His eyes widened, and he slowly laid back down on his cot. His eyes were still the size of dinner plates. Johnny just didn't know how to react or how to rejoice in this news.

"...Oh. My. God." Was all he could say. Jesse patted Giotto's shoulder.

"Let's cut him a piece of cake."

"Cae! Cae!" Mimi said.

"On it." Giotto said as he walked around while holding Mimi. He got out some plates and a knife. He gently handed Mimi over to Jesse and went ahead to open up the cake. It looked delicious. He cut up a piece, handing it over to Johnny by setting it on his stomach as he laid down. "To celebrate." Giotto said. He swooped up a small piece of the chocolate frosting, offering it to Mimi so she could have a taste. "(Moments like this make me wonder why the Skulls exist.)" Giotto thought. Then again happy moments were rare these days. If they could simply get rid of the problem, then they would be a more common thing, hopefully. "Things are looking up...I'm so glad."

Johnny again didn't even respond right away to the plate of cake that was placed on his chest. He was just so surprised at the random job offer that he was speechless. A part of him wanted call his boss, curse him out, and tell him that he was quitting. Slowly, he sat up, took the cake and began munching on it while using his fingers to eat. Honesty be didn't even care at that point.

".... I'm free!" He suddenly yelled aloud joyfully, hollering in happiness. "Thank you so much boys!"

Jesse grinned and bounced Mimi playfully in his arms. Secretly he really enjoyed seeing Jonny so happy. Johnny was like a father to Jesse, or a 12 year older brother. Jesse snatched a plate of cake and began to eat himself. "It'll stay like this. We'll make it stay."

Mimi excitedly licked up the chocolate and almost melted at the deliciousness. Her face lit up completely. "Mm!" She giggled.