The Ludicrous Escapade Pt.2

Pay Up

Now, Bruno wasn't one hundred percent certain if you were lying, but it wouldn't have been the first time that you did. He started to wonder just how young you were if you weren't really as old as Narancia. Eventually he decided he'd question you about that when alone, and not in front of the rest of the group. Surely you had a reason for it. Instead he started to talk about the phone call he had just taken.

"Mr. Favero has been late on acquiring money to pay off his protection fee. I need two people to go to his shop. If he's managed to get the money, great. If not, rough him up a bit so he'll remember better next time. This can be your first mission, (Y/N). It'll be a good start for you. I'll send you with..." His eyes scanned those seated around the table, "How about Abbacchio."

The man scowled, "Wouldn't it be better to send her with someone she already knows? Like Mista or Narancia?"

"I think it would be good for her know the rest of the team better. Which is why I'm pairing you with her." Bruno sat down in the remaining seat.

Abbacchio pulled back his headphones, becoming more adamant, "Then why not Fug-" He was cut off not by Bruno's words but by his stare. It nonverbally told him to just get started already. Though it wasn't like Abbacchio would have just ignored an order from Bucciarati, he was going to go through with it anyway. Abbacchio stood up in his chair and started to walk out the restaurant. He turned back a second just before leaving, his eyes on you, "Well, are you coming?"

"Yeah. Of course." You stumbled out of the restaurant after him. He wasn't even looking back as he continued along the sidewalk, simply expecting you to follow him. You hadn't joined the gang to make friends, but it wouldn't hurt to know your temporary teammate. Even if you could tell he hardly seemed in the mood for conversation, it was worth a shot, "So... why did you join Passione?"

"Now's not the time for chit-chat. Just focus on the mission." Blatantly ignoring your question. His lipstick covered lips were set in a scowl as he was starting to get annoyed with you.

You set your eyes back on the path ahead, "Okay." It didn't seem pestering him would do much good after all. You'd give him his silence. Abbacchio spared you another glance, half expecting you to just keep jabbering away.

"Go around the back in case he tries to make a break for it. I have a feeling he's not going to be very cooperative." Ordered Abbacchio as the two of you later arrived in front of what seemed to be a hat shop.

While he knocked on the front door, you creeped on over to the back one. You didn't have to wait long before the handle jiggled and the door swung open. Out came a middle aged man. He was quite disheveled and brandished a briefcase in his left hand. He stepped back, momentarily startled to see you in his way. He made a dash to the left to avoid you.

A split second later, time had frozen. "Thanks, Dio. Not that this was at all necessary."

Dio leaned his chin in the palm of his hand, "Yes, I know. Just thought I'd make it a bit easier for you."

You stared at the vampire as you kicked at the back of the runaway's knee with your foot. "Wow. That's kind of thoughtful, Dio. I'm almost impressed." As the man was forced on his knees you removed the suitcase from his hand, setting it aside. You positioned his arms behind his back before pushing the rest of his body flat against the ground. You were getting ready to hold the man down once time unfroze.

Dio seemed to smile at the compliment, "You say that as though I'm normally not. Impressive, that is. Oh, and time is unfreezing now." True to his word, time resumed. So perhaps he was trying a bit harder.

"W-What the hell?!" Shouted Mr. Favero squirming on the ground, "L-Let me go! I-I'l have you know that I'm under the protection of Passione. If you try anything you're going to have to face all of them!" The man let out another squeal when Abbacchio stepped out the back door.