Chapter Text
Mista stared at the unopened letter on the kitchen counter. The unassuming white envelope had taunted him from the moment he spotted it in the pile of unsorted mail that morning and he'd been trying to get the nerve to open it ever since. The return address could only mean one thing: he had a match. After waiting for months, he’d nearly forgotten about signing up for the matchmaking service. It had been a long shot anyway, back when he signed up he’d thought there was no way he would ever get a match. Right? His luck in the love department was nearly nonexistent, why did he think this was a good idea?
Behind him, the door opened and the quiet apartment once again filled with the noise of his roommates' bickering. Mista tuned them out with practiced ease, not caring about whatever they were arguing about this time. He’d hoped to have gotten the nerve to open the letter before they returned from their shopping trip– how long had he been debating inside his head?
“What the fuck is Mista doing?” Fugo and Narancia walked into the kitchen, each carrying bags of groceries in both arms.
“Dude, you still haven’t opened it?” Narancia slapped him on the back. He turned to Fugo, “He’s afraid it’s a rejection letter.”
“It’s not a–” Wait, maybe it was a rejection letter. It had been months, was there a time limit? He didn’t remember there being one, but it wasn't like he read the whole contract.
“Oh right, I remember you guys going on about that dating thing with Abbacchio. I can’t believe you actually did it too!” Fugo started putting away the cold groceries while Narancia seemed to have forgotten all about the bags on the table.
“Shut up! I only signed up because Abbacchio wanted to and he was about to chicken out.” Looking back, it had been a silly reason to drop that much money on a whim. But, at the time Abbacchio was in a bad place and Mista was willing to do anything to give him a sliver of hope.
“Wait…” Narancia pointed at him, eyes wide with glee. “You and Abbacchio signed up at the same time? Didn’t he get a match like-”
“Right away? Yeah. Thanks for the reminder.” Mista didn’t hold a grudge about it, he was happy Abbacchio had gotten a match right away. As soon as they’d finished their applications, the ‘Matchmaker’ had warmly congratulated Abbacchio, told him a match was already in their system, and tasked him with writing an introductory letter to mail to him.
So, either someone had recently signed up and was matched with him or the service was deeming him unlovable. Ugh.
“Just open the fucking letter, dumbass.” Fugo reached for the letter, “Or I’ll just open it.”
Mista snatched it off the counter before Fugo could grab it. “FINE. Fucking worst roommates ever.”
“Says the asshole not helping put away the groceries.”
“And didn’t help shop.”
“I gave you money and made the list. So fuck off.”
“Stop stalling!”
“FINE!” Mista ripped open the envelope and pulled out the letter. His eyes quickly scanned over the contents. It was handwritten on letterhead from the agency, the penmanship was graceful and sophisticated but still easy to read. “Ok, I’ll be in my room– bye!”
“HEY! LET US READ IT TOO!”
“ASSHOLE!”
Mista slammed his door behind him and locked it for good measure before jumping on his bed to read the letter.
Hello,
I’m not comfortable telling you my name, and I am skeptical this will actually work. I don’t have the time to spend wasting my time on dating, however, my friends suggested this as a way to find someone without missing out on my studies. Dating guys at school is not ideal, and the few dates I’ve been on in the last year were comically bad. The matchmaking service hasn't provided much information about you, except that you've been waiting for a match for a considerable time. I'm unsure about the significance of that, considering my friend who tried this before me got a match within a week.
Could you share some details about your interests and profession? I'm currently working part-time as a paralegal while attending law school. In my free time, I enjoy reading and volunteering at a local wildlife rescue.
Nice to make your acquaintance,
-G
Mista reread the letter several times, entranced by the handwriting. So his match was pretty smart, huh? Law school? Shit. Would his match think Mista was another loser? So many of his past relationships looked down on his laid-back lifestyle. What could he possibly write back to convince them he was worth meeting? Would they stick around, or would he be doomed for another six-month fling?
They did match, so there had to be something there. On paper, anyway. How many pages of invasive personality questions had there been? He forgot, but remembered the service had a fairly intense vetting process. That had to count for something, right? Right? Now wasn’t the time for self-doubts.
He thought about handwriting his response letter as well, but after three attempts at keeping his handwriting legible, he gave up and decided to type it at the library. Maybe one day he would be able to afford his own computer and printer, but for now, the library was going to be his best bet. However, even without Fugo and Narancia peering over his shoulder, Mista struggled to focus his thoughts into a coherent letter. His whole body buzzed with excitement and he wanted to tell this “G” everything, but knew he should refrain from dumping his entire life on the stranger right away– even if the matchmaking agency paired them together. He couldn’t screw this up so soon.
Hello ‘G’,
So mysterious! Well. My name is Mista. Guido Mista. I’m unsure about this whole thing as well, I honestly thought for a moment this was a rejection letter since it had been so long… haha(?). It is still surreal to think I got a match after all this time. Your handwriting is very nice, by the way. Mine is terrible, so I’m just gonna type my letters so you can actually read them. Hopefully, it’s letters– plural. And you don’t get sick of me after this one.
Like you, I have a friend who signed up. I was sorta his wingman when he signed up– and the lucky asshole got matched right away! I still think it’s a weird service, but he’s thinking about meeting his match in person now, so I guess it isn’t so bad? I just wish we could send the letters directly to each other instead of waiting for the agency to direct them. But if you don’t want me to know your name, I guess having your address would be out of the question too.
So, law school, huh? That sounds hard and time-consuming, I understand why you don’t want to waste time going to bars and meeting random people. The letters are only a few minutes maybe once a week, so hopefully it won’t interfere with your studies.
Totally being upfront here, and it was covered in my profile with the matchmaking agency so I hope this isn’t a deal-breaker. I had a, huh, bump in with the law a few years ago. Thought you should know since you’re gonna be a lawyer soon. If that’s a deal-breaker, then I understand. I don’t wanna waste your time.
I work at a local gun range, it’s nothing crazy and it lets me be outside when it’s nice out. I also work part-time with some friends at a small private security company. That is usually just weddings and large corporate events. It’s pretty chill, and I get to tackle people occasionally. I have stories for daaaaays.
What books do you like to read? I do enjoy a good book now and then. I don’t have much time to sit and read nowadays, so most of my books are just collecting dust. There are a few magazines I read avidly, plus they’re ‘work-related’ so I can get away with reading them on the clock!
What is involved with the animal rescue? I assume wildlife means like birds and bunnies and stuff? Do you have any pets? I’ve been wanting to get a cat, but I’m afraid my roommates would accidentally let it out. Maybe one day, when I have my own place.
OH! My hobbies. I guess going to the gym? And I enjoy cooking- my roommates make great test subjects for new recipes. I’d love to cook for you sometime. (I hope that isn’t too forward since we just ‘met’.)
Chat soon,
Mista
Hello Mista,
You are an interesting character, Guido Mista. Everyone I know who has matched with this service waited at least until their second letter to give their full names. But, as you said, the agency did vet everyone. I, too, would like to eventually correspond directly. We can visit that again later.
You are correct in your assumption; law school is indeed difficult, although not for the reason most assume. Though, that is a conversation best saved for later. A criminal record isn’t a deal-breaker for me, though I am curious what your charges were.
Both of your jobs sound dangerous, do you have the proper insurance to protect against lawsuits? If not, I could possibly make some recommendations if you're comfortable giving me your closest metro area.
My work with the rescue mostly involves cleaning enclosures nowadays. Before school, I was more involved with trapping injured wildlife and helping with grant writing. We specialize in reptiles, amphibians, and birds. Most other rescues focus on mammals and don’t have the proper facilities to care for them long-term, so we end up taking the rescues they find. Our focus is, of course, on rehabilitation, however, some animals are unable to be released back into the wild. I adopted a tortoise with a damaged shell that couldn't be released– I suppose you could call him a pet.
I commend your thoughtfulness about getting a cat. So many people don’t think about how a pet will impact all aspects of their lives (and vice versa) and the poor animals end up abandoned on the streets.
I'm attaching a list of book recommendations to this letter. Please let me know if you enjoy any of them, I'd be happy to provide more based on your preferences. I curated the list to keep in mind your lack of time to devote to reading.
Your offer to cook for me is tempting. Between school, work, and the rescue my eating habits have turned into what my friends call ‘devoid of nutrition and joy’. Do you have any tips for quick meals? I am sustaining myself mostly on protein bars and coffee during exams.
-Gi
HELLO “Gi”,
Are you going to give me one letter of your name with each letter you send? After I laid it all out for you? So mean :(
I guess I’ll need to keep your attention for a while then… which may be difficult as I’m much more skilled at entertaining in person ;)
Hmmm. “Gi”. I can think of several names… but I don’t think you’ve told me your gender so I can’t narrow it down! No worries, I’m enjoying getting to know you.
My charges were dropped– it’s not something I like to talk about. But I had a good public defender and a witness came forward to help prove I acted to save someone. I got lucky, without them, I was facing a murder charge.
Here is hoping you can help people once you’re a lawyer. I look forward to hearing about your adventures in law school. Is that where your concern about my insurance comes from? Don’t worry, I have liability insurance since I'm technically an independent contractor. But, I’d like to hear your recommendations, maybe I can find a better deal? I live in Naples.
A tortoise is an interesting pet (companion?). I’m glad you were able to give him(?) a home! I’m picturing you adopting sooo many more once you’re done school hahah.
The thought of those poor animals! I want to give one (or six?) a home eventually, hopefully soon. I’m saving up to get a place of my own. I’ll miss living with my friends, but I could use some distance most days.
Thank you for the list! I’ve been typing my letters at the library, so looking up the books you sent was easy. A few look interesting, and I’ve read a few already (I’ll list them on the back). Would you be interested in reading a book together? Our own private book club? I know you’re already tight on time, so maybe it is an idea for later?
Baby, I wish I could cook for you ;) I’d meal prep for you each week so all you need to do is grab and go. Until then, I’ve sent along a few recipes for nutritional smoothies. At the very least, pre-packaged salad and a pita or other bread would be just as easy to eat as a protein bar (minus the time to stuff the lettuce and a dressing into the bread/pita/ext). OH! And dehydrated fruit is a great and healthy snack as long as you don’t add sugar and it is easy to pack like a protein bar. I eat it all the time on long shifts. I’m going to send some along with this letter.
Sorry for rambling. I could talk about food for hours. Please let me know if you try any of these recipes <3 If there is something you don’t like or are allergic to I can adjust them for you.
-’Till next time, Mista ;)
Mista carefully packed the recipes and dried fruit in a small box along with his printed letter. He sure hoped he wasn’t coming across as too flirty too soon. He dropped the box into the mail before he could change his mind. He barely knew “Gi” –Giulia? Giacomo?-- but the mystery was so alluring. Every new bit of information pulled him deeper into whatever this relationship was becoming. If only his mystery match was open to communicating directly instead of continuing to rely on the matchmaking service. It wasn’t something he wanted to press “Gi” on again, and Mista figured it was something “Gi” would bring up when they were ready.
What if that never happened?
Well, then it was par for the course. Just another failed attempt at romance. He hoped that wasn’t the case, but it was becoming hard to remain optimistic.
It certainly didn’t help that Fugo and Narancia harassed him about each letter. Avoiding them was impossible, he lived with them both and worked with them several hours a week.
“Has he figured out you’re an idiot yet?”
“Has SHE told you her name yet?”
“Did you tell him about ‘the number that shan’t be named’?”
“Does she mist her letters with her perfume?”
“Guys, stop. It’s going slow. And it feels even slower because I have to wait daaays for a response. I wish I could just call, or go get coffee together.” He wouldn’t tell them, but he did notice a faint scent on the letters. Citrus and sage. Maybe a floral undertone? And he may have smelled the letters now and then until the fragrance faded from the pages.
Only Abbacchio, of all people, offered encouragement. “It takes time, don’t rush it.” He paused, “Have you gotten your bill from the service yet? I’m sure things will change a bit once it comes. No way your mystery person will want to keep spending THAT much. Bruno and I had already exchanged phone numbers before our bills came, but we sure as fuck would have immediately after anyway.”
“Wait, BILL? After I already gave them that initial fee?”
Abbacchio raised an eyebrow, “You didn’t read the contract you signed? The fee only gets you in their database and covers the first match. They charge monthly once you get a match PLUS for each letter. More if you send extras along. I sent Bruno chocolates, you don’t want to know how much that cost me.”
“Shit.”
The bill came before “Gi’s” next letter. “Fuck. Fuck Fuck. This costs more than paying for dates.”
Giorno found himself anxiously awaiting each letter from Mista. They’d only exchanged a few letters, but he was hooked. Mista was refreshingly open and seemed genuine. The best part of the entire thing was being able to walk away at any time without any fallout. All he would need to do was contact the matchmaking service and request they end the correspondence. As long as he kept everything anonymous enough, there was no way for Guido Mista to find him.
Not that he had any intention of cutting off contact. Especially after reading Mista’s most recent letter. The man confounded him. Now he knew his full name and that they lived in the same city. Looking him up probably wouldn’t be difficult and he idly wondered if hiring a private investigator would be worth it. He quickly pushed the thought away, he would revisit it if they decided to meet.
Several of the books Mista noted he’d read were some of Giorno’s personal favorites. He’d included them in the hopes Mista would choose to read them and never dreamed they’d have so many in common. Though… favorite authors had been a topic the agency asked about.
Giorno desperately wanted to talk to Bruno or Trish about Mista, but he’d decided the moment he was matched that he would keep it a secret until it became serious. They didn’t need to worry about him again, not until he was ready to meet him in person. Mista didn’t know him, didn’t know his family, didn’t know his history. There was no way he was interested in him simply for his wealth or family connections. Mista had never seen him, so he wasn’t looking to just sleep with him for his looks.
Optimism was such a foreign concept to him, but Giorno couldn’t stop the giddy feeling he got each morning when he made a smoothie using one of Mista’s recipes. Maybe he could try being a little more open with him before Mista got over the novelty of the chase.
Mista,
I do feel bad that I’m holding back a lot of personal information. I hope you can continue to be patient with me. If it helps, I am male. I only selected that I was interested in meeting men, but I suppose that means you date women too? It doesn’t matter to me, just curious.
I, too, am enjoying getting to know you. I find you plenty entertaining already, but I’ll hold you to being even more so if we meet. We live in the same city, so it will at least be easy to do so when we’re ready.
It appears we have a similar taste in books. I will have some time during summer break to read for pleasure, perhaps we can reread one of our favorites together? Don’t get bored of me before then.
The term ‘companion’ fits Coco Jumbo better than ‘pet’, thank you. He is indeed a good companion during the long nights I spend studying. I’m lucky if I see my friends once a week, so he is all I have most days. I envy the closeness you have with your friends, but I understand needing your own space.
Thank you for the recipes and the dried fruit! Even though I don’t exactly have the time, I’m too excited to try them. Being a few minutes late for class is well worth it; I feel much more awake and focused during my morning classes after a smoothie. I guess actual nutrition will do that.
I don’t have any food allergies, thank you for being considerate enough to ask. After just this small sample of your cooking skills, I very much look forward to you cooking an actual meal for me.
You mentioned saving up to buy your own place. A close friend is a realtor, I’d be more than happy to give you her information when you’re ready. I’m sure she’ll help you find a place that is perfect for those six cats you want to adopt.
I don’t have any funny stories to share with you. I could literally write you pages and pages about immigration law. Or legal ethics. Because I am. Right now. Writing to you is such a nice break from writing dry legal papers, I wish I could write you a letter every day.
- Gio, Aka “Baby” ;)
Was he being too forward? Mista flirted first, but that could just be how he talked. It felt right, so he left it. Once finals were over for the term he would have a break, and by then they would have been talking for several months. If he wasn’t ready to meet him by then, he doubted he would ever be.
Something deep down whispered that he wanted to meet Mista now. He quickly pushed it back down.
He dropped the letter in his mailbox on his way home from classes that night and collected his incoming mail to sort through after he read the assigned chapters for the night. A letter from the matchmaking service caught his eye as he sat the pile on the table and he picked it out from the others. Mista’s letter had just arrived the day before, had he sent another right after?
Giorno hastily tore open the letter, eager to see what Mista sent. His eyes scanned the letter, but it wasn’t from Mista. It was a bill. For a not-insignificant amount of money. The invoice looked right, and he wouldn’t have any trouble paying it. But he worried about Mista. Would his bill be just as high? Maybe it would be higher since he sent the dried fruits?
He worried his bottom lip as he fretted over the implication his hesitancy would have on Mista’s finances. While he was the son of the wealthy partner of one of Europe’s top law firms, Giorno’s early childhood wasn’t as privileged. If it wasn’t for his father being made aware of his existence, Giorno could very well have a life similar to Mista’s: multiple jobs, a few roommates, and struggling to save for his own place. Without the family legacy of the Jostar Brando law firm, would he have even gone to law school?
Giorno shook his head. If Trish were there she would yell at him for thinking about such things again. He replayed her last lecture about how “worrying about what-if’s won’t change anything, but it will give you a headache- and wrinkles!”
Now, if it were his father– Giorno shuddered. If Dio found out about him dating again (did Mista even count as dating?) it would inevitably turn into a lecture about wasting his time. “You need to focus on your studies, Giorno. You can’t distract yourself with someone now, especially someone like him. Think about appearances, you’ll be a partner at the firm one day and there is an image to maintain.”
Image. The Brando image. Giorno didn’t care about that image. Every man he’d dated who met his father’s approval proved to be after his name, wealth, or both.
“What do you think, Coco Jumbo?”
The tortoise gave no indication of understanding the question, but Giorno always felt better when he talked to him. It was still too soon to talk to Trish about Mista, so Coco would need to put up with his ramblings again. Hearing his problems out loud helped him process them even if he was essentially talking to himself.
“It’s too early to be this attached, right? Maybe I am being too stubborn… I used the matchmaking service to weed out guys who were looking at my family and not me. They asked a lot of personal questions to gauge compatibility, so this is based on similar interests and compatible personalities- not looks. But Father won’t care about that, just what I can gain.” Giorno sighed, “And I don’t think he would consider love to be an asset.”
Coco Jumbo munched on some leafy greens.
“If things do go well with Mista… then I’d rather get a job at another law firm than bend to my father’s whims. I don’t need him to succeed. I’m top of my class. And working as a paralegal at Jostar Brando will open doors for me too.”
Worrying was pointless now. He needed to focus on writing his papers, studying, and preparing for finals. Throwing himself into his work was the only action he could logically take, anything else would be useless. Graduating and getting a good job was his goal; it was achievable and worth the effort. Dating always had an unknown outcome, no matter how much time and effort he put in, the results were partially dependent on the other person.
So, school came first. Work and the wildlife rescue second. Mista third.
They continued to exchange letters over the next month. Mista sent him more recipes to try and make on his own as well as another care package of dehydrated fruits. He didn’t have the heart to tell him they were something he could easily buy on his own, and Mista seemed to like doting on him. Giorno found he rather liked being doted upon.
At no point did Mista mention the cost of the service, so Giorno didn’t bring it up either.
When finals began to approach, Giorno thought it best to warn Mista he may not send any letters for a while.
Mista was a distraction– a welcome one, but a distraction all the same.
Mista,
Your story about Fugo drinking that entire bottle of vinegar on a dare was amusing. I enjoy all of your stories… Honestly, I may be a little envious of your free time, I miss hanging out with my friends on a whim. Your friends sound fun, have you told them about me?
I feel a little guilty, but I have not told my friends about you yet. We don’t talk too often right now anyway… and I don’t want to worry them. I’ve gone through so many bad relationships that I don’t want them to worry. You’ve been my little secret, though I suppose that would need to change once we meet. Coco Jumbo has heard all about you, and eagerly awaits you feeding him treats.
Mista…. Guido… I apologize for my bluntness here, but I feel I need to be upfront with you. My finals are starting soon and between the papers I need to write and tests I need to study for, I will not be able to write to you as often. While talking to you has been a welcome distraction, I can’t risk failing.
Once finals are over, I have an opportunity to earn a spot as a senior intern at one of two firms. It would mean actually working on cases and appearing in court alongside the trial attorney. Part of the selection process is our grades, and getting accepted means getting crucial experience. It would mean my summer wouldn’t be as free as I’d hoped, but still less busy as I am now. Would you still be open to our own little book club then?
I’m sending along a CD of some of my favorite songs. Think of me when you listen to them. I hope this little break doesn’t feel like forever.
I’ll be thinking of you,
-Gio <3