4 1.3

*Also! -[this]- means a scene change and [this] is a POV change.

Angelo's eyes were wide as he looked at the large building in front of him.

{"This... Kōri-chan... what is this...?"} he asked. {"Is the original's family very well off or something...? Why are we staying a an apartment then? Not that I'm complaining, since I happen to like simple life style, but still... this really makes no sense!"}

{"Ah, well, see Host... uh... the original sort of... disowned himself,"}

{"What the hell for?"}

{"Um, the original wanted to set out into the world on his own but... due to some problems back in his childhood, his parents refused him. So seeing no other choice, the original decided to disown himself and cut off all communications."}

{"I... see... Then this is awkward... should I go in?"}

{"You can do whatever you want Host. Kori-chan will support you with whatever you choose to do!"}

{"Haha, is that so..."}

Three seconds later however, Angelo's decision was made for him. There was a thud and he turned, startled and a woman stared at him with wide eyes. Her bags lay next to her, forgotten.

"Angelo...?" she whispered, and Angelo quickly searched through the original's memories.

This person looked older, but she still held the same grace and kindness. He smiled awkwardly.

"Hello, Mother," he said softly.

Maria di Inverno gave a loud, wet sob and rushed towards him. Angelo startled, bracing himself for a scolding, but she merely wrapped her arms around him tightly, wailing into his chest. Angelo blinked, then hesitantly wrapped his arms around her too.

"My angel," Mrs. di Inverno sobbed. "My sweet, sweet baby angel."

"I apologise for leaving like that," Angelo said softly. "I... I missed you. And father. How is little Bianca?"

Mrs. di Inverno only wailed harder and clutched him even tighter. People had stopped and begun to look, and Angelo gave them a long, hard glare. They hurried away quickly. "Come, Mother, shall we go inside? People are starting to stare. Let me get your shopping."

-[the stars incline us, they do not bind us]-

Alexandro di Inverno pretty much had the same reaction as his wife. It got pretty awkward for the new Angelo, who had no idea how to react. Finally though, his parents gathered themselves and began to talk.

"We should call Bianca!"

"How are you doing, son?"

"Will you be coming ba-"

"Come back."

"Bianca will be so pleas-"

"Mother! Father!" Angelo laughed. "I am only one person. Please, slow down."

"Of course, of course," Mr. di Inverno said, taking a few calming breaths. "That- will you be coming back, my son?"

Angelo smiled sadly and shook his head and said, "I'm afraid not, Father."

His mother began to protest, but Angelo held up his hand. "Mother, please hear me out. I admit I did not think things through when I left. I did not think about how much pain I would cause you, and for that I am immensely sorry. However, I have not given up on my goal. I already have an apartment suitable for my needs that I bought recently, and have managed to snag a job at a local cafe. So I beg of you, Mother, Father, to please have faith in my abilities."

Mrs. di Inverno chewed her lip, her face flickering between guilt, happiness, determination and sadness. Mr. di Inverno, however, seemed to have already made up his mind years ago.

"I give you my blessings," he finally said heavily and Angelo's head snapped up, his eyes wide.

"Father-"

"I thought about our conversation all those years ago several time. And I decided, should you come back and ask for this exact thing, I would happily give you my blessings. However, here are three conditions. One: I expect you to keep in contact this time and visit at least three times a week. Two: you will rely on us without hesitance should you find yourself short on money and in need. Three: go visit your sister after this. I will send you her address; and four..."

Mr. di Inverno gave a small, sad smile. "Have fun and be yourself."

Angelo stared at the original's father and swallowed the lump in his throat. He nodded vigorously.

"I will, Father."

Mrs. di Inverno gave a loud sob into her handkerchief but she set her mouth into a firm line and nodded.

"Ok, ok, yes! You have my blessings, just- don't forget you family, ok, my sweet angel?"

"I promise, Mother," Angelo said warmly.

-[the stars incline us, they do not bind us]-

{"That... was really touching, Host," Kori-chan said as they left the building.

Angelo didn't answer, and Kori-chan didn't talk either till they arrived at an apartment. They took the elevator to the sixth floor and stood in front of door 36. Angelo took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. There was a shuffle and a muffled, "Coming!"

A few seconds later, and the door swung open. A pretty girl, in her early twenties maybe, stood at the door, she had long, brown hair and large green doe eyes. Her olive skin was a drastic difference to Angelo's own pale one.

"Yes, how may I help... you... oh my god," she said, her voice barely more than a whisper by the end. "Angelo...? Big brother...?"

Angelo mustered a tired smile and said, "Hey little sister. May I come in, Bianca?"

This reunion had a few less tears and a lot more punches and by the end, Angelo was rubbing his sore arm with a pout on his face. Oh well, Angelo mused as Bianca hugged him tightly. It could have gone worse.