Work Text:
Leone doesn't quite know what to make of the newbie. Sure, he's a little younger than Fugo, but Fugo didn't set out to join Passione at thirteen. Even with his training, Leone can't read the kid, and that might be the biggest reason for treating him like he does.
(It's a lie, but maybe if he tells himself that enough, he'll believe it one day.)
He definitely doesn't get the "dream" speech, and he has to repeatedly remind himself that Bru- Bucciarati brought him in, Bucciarati has never failed them before, just follow Bucciarati–
One week later (only one week, what the hell) the boss is dead.
The boss is dead, and they're alive. Understandably, it hasn't really sunk in yet.
Narancia and Mista are sobbing on the ground, soon to enfold Fugo into the amalgamation; Trish is asleep on Bucciarati's shoulder, who himself looks like he needs a solid two week's worth and could curl up right there on the step. Leone is merely an arm's length away, trying to cling to the last few dregs of adrenaline.
Newbie stands alone. Their contact spoke with him earlier, and is now busy with his laptop and the turtle.
He's preoccupied with striving to stay awake, and doesn't notice the kid begin to collapse until it's nearly too late. He figures he can manage one last burst of energy, though. Moody is there to catch the kid before his head meets the ground, but she's in no shape for anything more.
Sticky Fingers joins them not a second later, and Leone can read Bucciarati well enough to know his capo is already considering their next steps.
"If you can all get in the turtle, I can get you to a safe house." Right, they're not the only adults anymore, thank God. He honestly can't remember the guy's name, or if he even gave one, but fuck it. Bucciarati's already on his feet, Trish close behind, and Leone knows the others are ready to crash.
Narancia is clearly fighting and losing against sleep, content with a quick hug to everyone in reach before falling into the key. Similarly, Fugo acknowledges Leone with a gentle headbutt to the shoulder and a squeeze of Bucciarati's hand, then heads in. Mista practically dives for turtle, and only pauses when he sees Moody and Sticky Fingers valiantly trying not to drop the new kid.
Bucciarati hovers as Mista shuffles Newbie onto his shoulders, and it's only after Trish follows them in that his shoulders begin to sag. Their contact observes them with a watchful eye. Leone regards him for all of five seconds at most before turning to his capo, waiting for his decision.
With a heaving sigh, Bruno murmurs an address, takes Leone's hand, and they descend into the turtle.
He wakes to silence. Being in Passione means being ready to move at any moment, the past week included, so he's about to rouse the others–
Everything trickles back in.
Boss.
Arrow.
Turtle.
He and Bruno are sprawled on one of the couches, and all the kids have huddled together in a pile. Satisfied, Leone returns to his well-earned slumber.
The next time he wakes, things are still surprisingly quiet. Bruno is up, because God forbid he take proper care of himself, and talking with the new kid. Everyone else is still out, and Leone would have continued his beauty rest if not for a voice overhead.
The voice says they've arrived, and that gets their capo up and out. He's left alone with the kid he doesn't quite get.
He has hung around this kid for a week solid, though. Maybe he know a little.
"Giorno." His voice comes out deeper and raspy from disuse, and he hides a frown as the kid stiffens.
"Yes, Abbacchio?" Doesn't sound like a kid, that's for sure. He's seen others like this, before Bruno found him. Trying their damndest to be good, to be obedient. Only now does he understand how doubly cruel he'd been just a week ago. Can't really make up for that, but maybe…
Maybe small steps are better than nothing.
"You did good back there. If he hasn't said it, just know Bucciarati is probably real proud of you. All of us are." Giorno's shoulders don't completely loosen, but he can see the kid's brow is furrowed.
Leone closes his eyes, and waits for Bruno's return. And if he falls back asleep, so what? He's earned it.