#c:vince gagliardi

[ofwishfulthinking]

who: @dadiism vince where: emo nite

"Hey, old man," Luca greeted, clapping his brother on the back. Vince wasn't that much older than Luca, but it was the principle of the matter -- he'd always be older and so, it was Luca's responsibility to make sure he rubbed it in. "I know kicking your ass at bowling is probably taking advantage since you're old and decrepit, but what kind of brother would I be if I insulted you by going easy?"

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With a nod, Malachi made his way to the closet that contained the extra blankets. He rifled through, grabbing the light throw he typically used and a pillow before ambling back to Vince's bedroom. The space was as familiar as his own. Without much thought, Mal set the pillow and throw on the bed. "That usually helps," he agreed, settling down. "C'mon." With a smirk, Malachi patted the space next to him. "Better get your cuddles in while I'm available. Sooner or later, I'm gonna start charging you for these services."

Between Leota and his kids, Vince always seemed to have someone in his bed with him. Not that he minded, really. His bed felt a little too big and a little too lonely when he was the only one in it. Most nights he'd fall asleep in the living room on the couch before eventually making it to his bedroom. It probably wasn't the best for his back, but the routine worked for him for the most part. "Thanks." He says after a minute at Mal's offer, nodding. "You know where everything is." His home was practically Mal's home too. "Yeah. It's hard." Stella's passing didn't just have an effect on him, but his family too. She had been a part of Rafael's and Mateo's lives too. And while Gia might not have ever met her mother, Vince was going to make sure she knew all about her too. "C'mon, let's get to bed. Maybe I'll feel better after a good night's sleep."

[ofwishfulthinking]

who: vince @dadiism

Malachi was nervous. He had not reason to be since he'd done nothing wrong, he told himself, but still, it felt like his stomach had tied itself into knots, and their was nothing he could do to untangle it. "So, I need to tell you something," he blurted out. He'd been planning to work up to the topic, to shoot the breeze, and create a sense of security. Instead, he'd put his foot in his mouth. "Kass and I slept together. In Vegas." He rubbed at the back of his neck as he usually did when he was embarrassed or uncomfortable. Malachi had found himself feeling both emotions so frequently recently that he was seriously considering just super gluing his hand to the back of his neck. "It was a one time whoospy daisy kind of thing. We were drunk." As if that was any excuse. If ever the earth could open and swallow someone up, this would be the time. "I just figured I owed you the courtesy of letting you know since y'know, I set you both up on that date."

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@dadiism cont from here

"I'm gonna hold you to that," Mal replied with a wink. Not that he needed a five course meal, of course, but every now and then, a man wanted to feel appreciated. "You're absolutely not old at all. We've got folks coming to the gym who are decades older than you. It's never too late to start getting some light activity in. You're already in fine shape, so it's not like it'll require much from you." At the verdict from the date, Mal's eyebrows rose. "Yeah, that's reasonable. You both planning to try again or was once enough?"

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@dadiism

Ricky Whittle & Milo Ventimiglia

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@dadiism cont from here

"That's reassuring," Malachi commented, "because I would've definitely been offended if your plan was to serve me all night." He'd much rather just sit around and shoot the breeze than have Vince feel as if he had one more person to serve. "Honestly? Nothing. Just work right now. Forty-three's hitting hard, brother. I don't remember the last time I've done something fun or exciting." He shrugged. "I think your life's more exciting than mine right now. At least you've got three people happy to talk to you all day."

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Dear best friend (Mal)

Dear Vince,

Thanks for being the family I always needed. I really can't tell you how much it means to me to be an honorary Gagliardi. You all mean the world to me. I hope that the universe rewards your heart because you've got the best one I've ever encountered. Your kids are lucky to have you, and anyone you love is lucky to be loved by you.

Mal.

[ofwishfulthinking]

☏ Vince & Mal

send  ☏  for my muse to leave a voicemail text on your muse’s phone.

Hey bud. Athena and I are free tonight. I know the last date I set you up on was a bust, and I promise I'm not setting you up again, but I'm happy to watch the kiddos if you want a couple of hours to yourself. Not saying you've been looking like you could use a nap or a stiff drink but... Yeah, so, let me know. I can head over to you after work.

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Though he'd probably never say the words out loud, it meant a lot to Edgar that Vince still thought of him as being good for his brother. He and Marco had been together for so much of their adult lives, but over recent years, their relationship had changed, and Edgar was beginning to think that the majority of the blame for that could be laid at his feet. If his conversation with Marco was any indication, his husband agreed. "I appreciate that," Edgar replied, clapping Vince on the shoulder lightly. "I love your brother, but he can be stubborn sometimes. For the most part, I get it, but..." Edgar trailed off. Maybe it wasn't the best idea to be discussing this with his brother-in-law. "He'll figure it out on his own time, I suppose."

"Yeah." Vince confirms, nodding once. "I know I don't have to. I wouldn't have offered if I didn't want to, though. You're a good guy, Edgar. I know how much you love Marco. Whatever you two are going though...I have faith that you two will get through it." He says reassuringly, pausing to take a sip from his drink. "I want Marco to be happy. My only obligation is to help him with that if I can, or at least encourage him."

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"I'd like that." This was business, of course, but Leila had genuinely enjoyed the time she'd spent talking to Vince and wouldn't be opposed to chatting with him again. "It'll be nice to kick my feet up and relax again. And, of course, if you ever decide you want to see me actually do my job, I wouldn't be opposed to that either." Leila punctuated the words with a wink. She had a feeling that this would be their inside joke if he ever did return to the lounge. "Can't say I'm really interested in love or a promotion. So, I guess I have nothing to ask."

"Maybe. If that's alright with you." Vince replies, though on second thought, he wasn't sure why it wouldn't be. His money, however he spent it, was just as good as someone else's. It felt a little weird to think about it that way, but it was the truth. He had enjoyed Leila's company though, once he had gotten over his initial nervousness. "it depends on what you're looking for...but mostly I get questions about love lives or job promotions. You'd be surprised what you can find out."

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Edgar nodded. He really wasn't sure what to say to that. He'd always wondered what it felt like to love one's parents unconditionally and without fear of retribution. He loved his mother, more now that they were reconnecting, but had never been able to depend on her, and his love for his father had always been tempered with terror and the desire to earn his praise. Love in the Fortier household had never felt like something that was freely given just because. "I don't think I actually knew what a functional family could be like until I met Marco," he admitted quietly. Edgar didn't really speak about his upbringing or anything personal, for that, but Vince had been vulnerable throughout the conversation and that deserved to be reciprocated. "He's such an amazing dad that I never truly ever wonder if our children know that they're adored."

Vince knew he was biased in his opinion, but he thought Gia was just the cutest. With her bright eyes and perfectly chubby cheeks, she really was the spitting image of her mother. Vince found a bit of comfort in that. His children really were everything to him. "Thank you. I really appreciate that." He says at the compliment, know that Edgar meant it. The last year had been rough and Vince didn't always feel like he was doing his best, despite his efforts. "I didn't always agree with my parents and I'm sure there were moments that I didn't like them, but I always loved them. That's all I can hope for my kids too."

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"Well that suggests that I'm memorable." He was. At least, in his own opinion, Elias believed himself to be a memorable sort of man, but there was no reason to lead with that. "So," he continued, rapping his fingers against the counter top, "what brings you here tonight? Nothing more interesting to do than drink alone?"

"Fair enough." Vince shrugs at that, taking a sip from his drink. "Maybe not often enough. I think I'd remember meeting you." He teases with a smirk, wondering for a moment if he should offer his name or keep the mystery a little bit longer. Deciding on the latter, Vince lets out a low hum, gaze turning back to Elias after a moment. The other man really was attractive, and he had had just enough to drink to entertain the idea of flirting a bit and seeing where the evening took them.

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Leila had definitely had better nights since she'd started working at Ambrosia. She'd also had worse nights, though those were fewer and further between. So, she supposed that complaining was pointless. She'd been idly twirling her hair as she watched some of the other girls perform when she'd gotten the notice that she'd been requested. With a sigh, Leila nodded and made her way to the private room in the back that had been reserved for her. "Good evening," she greeted as she stepped through the doors. When she noticed the person sitting in the room, her smile turned genuine. "Well, this is a surprise," she announced. "I wasn't expecting to see you here."

closed starter for @ofwishfulthinking (leila)

It had been some time since Vince had last been to Ambrosia. He had been debating back and forth for a while on whether he should go back or not. He still felt a little apprehensive about it, but Leila had been so kind and Vince truly did enjoy the conversation that they had shared. He's slightly relieved to hear that Leila's free when he arrives, offering the brunette a smile as she walks into the room, feeling a slight sense of deja vu. "Leila, hello. It's good to see you again."

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Malachi had never considered himself a family man. At 43, the idea of settling down and having children of his own was not one that he entertained. He simply valued the idea of having his own space too much. Still, that didn't keep him from enjoying the special kind of chaos that could only be experienced in the Gagliardi household.

"Skipping ice cream is never an option," Mal agreed as he plopped down on the couch. He wasn't sure how Vince did it -- raise three kids on his own without going certifiably insane -- but he admired him for it. "Hot chocolate," he answered with a wink. It was his drink of choice, "but no worries, I can make it myself in a bit."

closed starter for @ofwishfulthinking​ (mal)

dinner at vince’s place was always a bit hectic, but his kids were always happy to see and spend time with their uncle mal. vince was so grateful to his best friend - mal had seen him at his best and his worst - and there wasn’t another person in the world he trusted so much aside from his family. 

“sorry, the boys didn’t want to get in bed. maybe we should’ve skipped the ice cream, but…i mean, it’s ice cream. who says no to that?” the brunette asks with a laugh, setting gia’s baby monitor down beside him. “you want anything to drink though? coffee, wine? you know i’ve got everything.” 

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"She and Athena have that in common then," Malachi replied with a laugh. His Shepherd tended to sleep draped across his chest most nights. At first, it had probably been her way of helping him stay grounded through the nightmares since the first few years after his discharge had been plagued by them. Now, it was probably habit more than anything. "I can help you grab and extra blankets," Malachi offered. With how frequently he opted to just spend the night at Vince's it was a surprise that he didn't have his own personal blankets and pillows here yet. He'd have to remedy that soon, he thought. "And you're allowed to take as long as you need to decide," he continued, bringing the conversation back to the topic of the ring. "You might not have given it to her but it's something that reminded you of her mother. Gia would appreciate that, but if it's too difficult to think about that now, that's cool too. There's no reason to rush the decision."

"Yeah? I'd like that." Vince replies with a smile, nodding. Some fresh air would probably do him some good, he thought. Though he had lived in Denver for quite some time, he still marveled at its beauty. He was lucky to have spent his younger years traveling the United States and seeing a lot of the sights it had to offer. He was happy to be more settled now though, happy with his life in Denver. "Yeah." Vince confirms at Mal's question, shrugging. "Not really. But hanging onto it isn't doing me any good either. Bianca suggested I keep it for Gia, but...it's not like I ever got the chance to give it to Stella, so...I dunno. Feels weird." Both keeping the ring and getting rid of it felt strange in their own ways. Keeping it felt like he was holding on to something that was only causing him pain, and getting rid of it felt so final, like he was getting rid of the last piece he had of her. "I'll sleep on it. It's not like it's going anywhere." Vince shrugs at that, always happy to hear his best friend's opinion. He always trusted Mal to tell him the truth, even if it wasn't always what he wanted to hear. "Please, you know I don't mind. I'll just use you instead of Leota to keep me warm." He teases, nudging Mal in the side lightly. "Don't tell Leota, but she's kind of a bed hog."

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Laughter rumbled through Malachi's chest at Vince's words. "Yeah, guess we do," he conceded. Exercise had always been an outlet for him. Malachi knew that it wasn't the same for others -- everyone had their own coping strategy -- but there was something about working your body until you couldn't take another step that helped to settle his mind. "It'll get better," he reiterated, "just one day at a time." With a gentle smile, he considered Vince. "Mind if I just hang here tonight? Doesn't really make sense to head home this late."

"I know. I love you too, Mal." Vince replies, giving the other man a squeeze for a moment, letting his best friend's body support his. He appreciated everything Mal had done for him over the years. They had always been there for each other, and Vince truly didn't think that he would've made it through some of his toughest times without him. "I think we have different ideas of nice." He chuckles, though he wouldn't say no to a run with Mal and Athena either. "But yeah, maybe. I'm sure one of my many siblings wouldn't mind taking the kids for a day if I asked."