Veneziano X Reader: Young And Beautiful

Behind every smile lies a secret. It may be a secret that can be shared, one that can spread happiness like a wildfire throughout a crowded room. But there are times, many times, when the smile could be hiding pain. Normally this pain is so great that the bearer wears the smile to hide the truth even from themselves. 

After all, no one questions a smile.

The music had drawn itself down to a mild tempo, the passion and zeal of the dancers dying down to a slower pace. Delicate figures swayed across the floor, the jewels reflecting in the dim light of the chandeliers. The room was nearly dark, dimmed to only a few candles and the fragile chandelier. The light played on the floating ashes of the cigarette smoke, mixing with the reflections of the diamonds and misty mirrors, making it seem as if the air itself were filled with glitter.

Graceful fingers intertwined with gloved digits as the young woman was slowly spun around. Closing her eyes, she waited for her cue to return to the warm embrace, which took mere moments. Eyes still softly closed, she took in every other detail of the moment.

The soft caress of his white gloves, the straight posture of his back, and the lightness of his feet. She was not certain, but she would have guessed the gloves to be silk. His suit was equally as soft, the ebony dark and smooth, entrancing almost. Her skirts flowed around her legs, almost like flower petals, the blues and the greens blending into a color very much like the sea. The comparison was silly, she knew, but it was the only simile she could think of. His left hand was placed gently on her lower back, pulling her even closer to his surprisingly strong frame. He smelled of bourbon, though she found she wasn’t disgusted by it when he wore it.

He lightly hummed along to the music, words in a language she was familiar with, but no expert in. His forehead rested against hers now, and a soft sigh of contentment passed his lips. “Are you enjoying yourself, bella?”

She smiled softly, his accent still able to send tingles of pleasure through her. “Si.”

(E/c) eyes fluttered open to see gentle brown watching her, his auburn hair falling from his gelled-back attempt and softly into his eye. She smiled slightly and pushed them back, making him mildly flustered.

“Be-Bella…”

She bit her lip in shyness. “It was blocking your beautiful eyes.”

A slight blush rose to his cheeks, and his smile increased. “Grazi…”

She rested her head against his chest, the fatigue of the long evening beginning to settle on her. “Prego.” Her reply was soft, a smooth whisper, intended for his ears alone. He sighed softly, kissing the top of her head gently.

“Are you ready to leave, princepessa?”

She shook her head into his chest, inhaling the lingering scent of the alcohol and cigar smoke, as well as the ever present aroma of oregano and paint that clung to his white dress shirt. “If we leave, then the dream will end.”

“How many times must I tell you that this is real?” He spun her out gently, never losing step with the music. She surrendered completely to his lead, allowing him to guide her through the rest of the dance. On the final spin, he lowered her nearly to the floor, still safely secured in his arms. “This is all real, mia amore.”

She shivered as the warm breath tickled her neck. His lips were so close to her skin. Tantalizingly close. Her eyes fluttered open, meeting warm caramel. “Feli…”

He pulled her upright slowly, hiding his thoughts from her. That was too close… He had to maintain his composure. He could feel the eyes that had been watching him. Waiting for him to trip up. If he failed now…

He maintained his smile, hiding his conflicting emotions. But that did not stop the awareness coursing through his veins. Skilled brown eyes flicked quickly around the room, counting eight targets. Without a doubt, those cazzos are waiting for the right moment… I’d love to see them try.

The girl in his arms seemed to snuggle closer to him, and he felt his eyes drawn down to her. His anger faded away instantly, sincere happiness flowing through him. Business can wait till later… She’s more important right now.

“Feli?”

He made a sound for her to continue, ignoring the glares he felt stabbing into his soul from several yards away.

“You do realize that I have only a week left in Italy, right?”

The words cut him deep, and he visibly winced. “Si. But that’s why we should make the most out of the time we still have together.”

She nodded gently, gripping his hand a little tighter. She tried to push the dread aside again, and just embrace the beautiful moment they had together. His thumb drew circles on the back of her hand, as if he knew how much stress was flooding her thoughts. What am I thinking? He always knows.

Soft lips caressed her forehead, stopping the endless chatter of her mind. “Mi voglio sposare, mia bell'angelo.” The words made her heart stop, more in shock than any any of the other emotions coursing through her veins.

He knew it had been a bad idea, and he could have kicked himself the moment he felt her stiffen in his arms. Her departure was drawing nearer, the tension was steadily growing between his and the other Families, and there also existed the simple fact that neither of the two had ever mentioned marriage before. Still, Feliciano Vargas wasn't always the coward many people saw him as. He was a Vargas, and he had all of the drive and determination that had once flowed through his nonno.

He had been part of the strongest empire to ever exist on Earth.

He had fought in countless wars and won.

He and his fratello led one of the biggest Mafia families in all of Italy.

And yet, despite all of his internal strength and confidence, he was still scared as Hell.

What if she says no? I don’t think I could bear it…

Taking a deep breath, his brown eyes shot down to her endless (e/c), taking in the way her irises seemed to sparkle in the low light, the pearls that delicately graced her ears and neck, and the drops of moisture that were slowly trailing from her eyes down her cheeks. “Mia bella…” Feli could feel his heart breaking at the sight. “Please don’t cry! I’m sorry! We don’t have to… I…” He stopped at the sound of her light laughter.

“Silly Italian… Of course I’ll marry you.”

He blinked. “Que?” The words wouldn't sink in, despite the smile that was on her face, worry now coming into her eyes.

“But how would it work? I need to go home by the end of this week. We can’t be married if…” She was cut off by soft yet commanding lips. After a minute, he pulled away slightly, but was still near enough for her to feel his breath on her lips, to feel the smooth skin of his nose.

“You call me silly, ragazza? Do you really think that distance is an issue when it comes to true love? I don’t care where you may be, or how far you may be from me. Ti amo, bella. Nothing will change that. Sarete sempre trasportare il mio cuore, l'amore.”

She shivered as he kissed her again, all of his heart pouring into it. Her knees nearly weakened, and her tears continued to fall, now both of sadness and pure joy.

They had stopped dancing altogether, embracing each other as the other couples swayed in their dance, music ebbing and flowing around them. But both were oblivious to it, lost in a dance all their own.

There were so many words she wanted to say, but couldn’t express. There were too many feelings that he couldn’t explain, so much he couldn’t fully comprehend himself. But both knew their time was limited.

He placed a hand in her hair, pulling apart the fragile style she had prepared for hours just for the evening. He didn’t want to let her escape, and pulled her closer with his left hand, tracing circles on her lower back.

She was on a cloud of bittersweet euphoria, surrendering entirely to the man. A hesitant hand made its way to his neck, trying to hold on to this fleeting moment. Her knees had weakened long ago, and he was supporting her entirely.

After a few perfect moments, they finally parted, eyes locking with each other. She smiled softly at his light panting, knowing she was doing the same. His brown eyes were possessive and warm, making them a rich chocolate colour that sent tingles down (Y/n)’s spine. He knelt down suddenly, taking her entirely by surprise. But her shock soon melted away to bliss as he slid a ring onto her finger, kissing her digits soon after.

She could hear clapping somewhere, as well as a chorus of well-wishes. But all thought and focus was devoted to the smirking man on his knees before her. The man she loved with her heart and soul. He was the one that had taught her that she was beautiful, amazing, and deserved to smile. He was the sunshine in her life.

And you’ll be leaving his side in less than a fortnight.

She ignored the ornery voice in the back of her mind, and forbid the presence of any negative thoughts. She pulled Feli to his feet, feeling complete for once in her life.

She pecked his lips yet again, and soon they returned to the dance, no longer making an effort to keep up with the other pairs that twirled around them. They danced to the rhythm of their hearts, a bittersweet melody that hung like a dark cloud over them both, foreshadowing her eventual departure.

But I still have seven days.

Anything could happen in seven days.