The dog star days

## Characters

List of characters in this story:

* Luchino Gregoretti
* Bernardo Ortolani
* Ivan Fiore
* Giulio Di Bondone
* Tonio Cavalli

## Summary

Shortly after Gian succeeded as the CR:5's second Boss, on one sunny day, Gian was on a mission with Luchino when their car's radiator suddenly broke out and the two Capos had to walk together to the nearest bar. Carrying out an amiable chat between them, Gian was about to ask Luchino about his birthday when he was cut off by Luchino informing they had arrived to their destination.

Once they went inside, Gian brought up the question about Luchino's plans for the 29th of July, however, Luchino dismissed him, explaining that he'd be returning to his old home to clean up and bring some belongings back with him; which dampened Gian's spirits before the two had to part ways.

Soon after, after getting back in the headquarters, Gian decided to ask Bernardo about Luchino's birthday and if they used to hold birthday parties, to which Bernardo didn't deny. Stating that it was a regular occurrence for the board to have, Bernardo added that Alessandro, also, used to hold parties for Luchino's 'name' day but as none of the Capos had families with whom to celebrate their birthdays parties, The four had gotten into the habit of not celebrating any of their birthdays. As he continued to ponder over his thoughts, Bernardo then suggested that since fights had calmed down they could have the chance to start throwing birthday parties, however, Gian answers he would have to think it a little more and ask Luchino before settling on an answer.

Few days after his meeting with Bernardo, Gian runs into Ivan whom he ask for any suggestions for Luchino's birthday explaining that he wants to express his gratitude for all of Luchino has done for him thus far. Ivan shots down Gian's thoughts, reminding him that Luchino's a self-fulfilled guy who lacks nothing apart from his car, which Luchino doesn't give much thought to. Impressed by the idea, Gian enthusiastically inquires about the price of Ivan's car, however, Ivan responds with a lengthy rant about his Mercedes being a custom-made latest model that's only available for 'the king of Europe'.
Later on, learning of the pricy cost, Gian immediately gives up.

At a later date of his encounter with Ivan, one night before Luchino's birthday, Gian crosses paths with Giulio during which he asks him about gift ideas for Luchino. Pondering over the matter, Giulio reasons that because Luchino spends a lot of money on his clothing and belongings, anything in comparison would be a bummer but that something like a gun might work. However, when Gian asks Giulio if he knows of any high-end guns, Giulio informs him that Luchino's Browning is the latest double-barred automatic of its model which would leave Gian with only machine guns. Gian thanks Giulio before dismissing the idea as a whole, making him hit back square one on what to gift Luchino for his birthday.

As the awaited day is about to arrive. Gian is having a regular meeting with Cavalli when the retired consigliere advises Gian against gifting Luchino or celebrating his birthday, and to better leave him alone on that particular day. Going on with his words, Cavalli explains that Aliche's birthday was a day before Luchino's, and that the two of them used to celebrate both of their birthdays together, clarifying the reason why Luchino was going back to his old home; as he still needs more time to grieve Aliche and Charlene's death.

On the Friday of Luchino's birthday, Alessandro and Luchino's schedules didn't match leading to the annual executive dinner to get cancelled. Gian had stayed in the room by himself not having an appetite to eat or do anything as Cavalli's earlier thoughts were circling his mind. Rather falling depressed and dispirited, Gian was self-contemning over the fact he alone had gotten over the incident even though Luchino's pain hadn't lessened at all since then. Gian started to wonder if his presence by Luchino's side has been of any use whatsoever.

Driven to thoughts of contemplating jumping out the window, Gian was startled by the knocking of his door before Luchino had allowed himself inside. Surprised by the unexpected entrance, Gian jumped out of bed and went to meet Luchino midway, asking him the reason he was back before midnight as he was supposed to go back to his house. As he laid the big package in his hand for Gian to see, Luchino confirms he had visited his home and was finished with what he needed to do there.

Inside the package, Luchino's high-school uniform was adjusted to fit Gian's sizes. Luchino smiles before explaining that was the birthday present he has been looking forward to and that in the future he might be up to holding a birthday party.
Seeing Luchino in such joyful spirits, a subconscious thought goes through Gian's mind over how much Luchino's happiness had affected Gian himself to smile and feel a growing urge to engulf Luchino in a rib-crushing hug.

Later that night, as the two lay together in bed, Luchino abruptly thanks Gian. Telling Gian he is the reason he's still alive and able to be himself, Luchino then asks Gian what kind of him he likes and if he doesn't like a man who avoids his own birthday. However, Gian dismisses answering Luchino and kisses him, instead.