Warmth

03 Begin Again

Aria

Aria sat across from Matt and Marcus at Starbucks, sipping on his latte as they engaged in conversation. "Thanks again, guys! I couldn't have got in without your support!" Aria said. The atmosphere was relaxed, but there was an underlying tension as Matt and Marcus inquired, "Soo... Aria..." Matt started. "Hm?" Aria said through a sip. "Would you mind if we asked you to tell what happened at TBD with Nazeeh?" Marcus continued Matt's thought.

As Aria let out a breath, he recounted the events leading up to the breakup and dismissal, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness wash over him. He had thought things were going well with Nazeeh, his former employer, until the issue of his 'mistake'.

"The first few days were still an adjustment," Aria explained, his voice tinged with regret. "I could feel that Nazeeh was always tense around me for some reason. He was also irritable when giving me orders. So, it made me ask around." Matt and Marcus were watching him, listening to his story as if it were the biggest news article. "Apparently, Nazeeh doesn't like... people like- like me... I didn't tell you guys because I didn't wanna worry you about this. I thought if I just laid low, I wouldn't have to. I'm sorry..."

"Hey none of that. You know we'll always support you." Marcus said, with a grunt of agreement from Matt. "But that's not the full story... Why'd they let you go? We thought you were doing great there?" Marcus continued. Aria nodded, but looked down at his drink as if to contemplate how to continue.

Matt and Marcus exchanged a knowing glance, their expressions filled with sympathy and understanding. They had always been protective of Aria, and the thought of him going through such a difficult time without their knowledge was heartbreaking.

As Aria continued his story, recounting the moments of nitpicking and micromanaging from Nazeeh that had eventually led to his dismissal, all becuase he broke some equipment, "In my defense, it was kinda my fault because I got careless, but all over a single mic stand... I've never broken anything at work before, so I'd have thought they'd just take it out of my next paycheck or something..." Matt and Markie's expressions darkened with anger. Upon seeing this, Aria reached out and grasped both of their hands. This was definitely something personal. They were ready to storm the studio and confront Nazeeh, but one look from their "baby brother" was enough to quell their impulses.

Instead, they offered words of comfort and support to Aria, assuring him that they were there for him every step of the way. They wished him luck on his first day at Smosh, knowing that he was embarking on a new chapter in his life. "Anyway... you guys wanna go home yet?" Aria asked. "Go ahead, Aria, we'll be out in a moment."

But as they watched Aria leave Starbucks, a sense of determination washed over both Matt and Marcus. They knew that they would be watching over Aria's at Smosh very carefully, ensuring that he never had to endure such mistreatment again. After all, they were more than just friends—they were family.

And with that realization, Matt and Marcus shared a silent vow to always protect and support their "baby brother," no matter what challenges lay ahead.