Aria

Chapter 20

-Aria-

Zeno and Leo are in the kitchen preparing breakfast for their sorellina. The room is dimly lit as their pattering footsteps are heard trying to get everything ready for her.

"Zeno you're going to cut yourself if you do it like that," Leonardo says as he rushes to get the fruit to put on the plate. 

They couldn't do anything to change Aria's past, but they will do everything to make her happy now, no matter what.

Matteo was gone after hearing what Aria said, he hasn't returned yet.

A couple of moments pass and they bring the dishes upstairs to the guest room.

Upon opening the door they see Gabriel and Alessandro in deep conversation. The bathroom light was on so Aria was most likely in there.

It's currently 4:46 am and they highly doubt anyone would go to sleep after what happened.

After placing the food on the table they join the conversing brothers. Gabriel was holding a little stuffed toy gently in his right hand. At Leonardo's raised eyebrow he says, "It's Aria's, I didn't know she still had it."

The brothers agreed to tell their men about the return of their sister. Matteo wouldn't be happy but informing them will keep her safe. Her disappearance has been a widely known mystery in the mafia world. No one could bring up her name without their father unleashing his anger. 

They continued to talk until they heard a squeal and a bang behind the bathroom door. Aria ran out and grabbed onto Zeno, who was the closest, tucking her face into his shoulder. Alessandro and Gabriel both had their guns pulled out ready to shoot whatever was back there.

Aria squeezed Zeno's hand and said frantically, "T-there's a cockroach in there!" She jumps back when the cockroach suddenly crawls out and stumbles a step.

Fortunately, Aria hadn't seen the weapons and the men quickly hid them before she could notice. Leonardo begins to laugh and Zeno has a smirk on his face.

"Noooo don't laugh, please do something!" When no one moves and the cockroach continues to crawl, she hurries out of the room and shuts the door.

Laughter erupts.

Although Aria was creeped out by the bug she had a smile on her face from her brother's laughter, they weren't mad at her. However the major problem was, will they pick up the bug?

"I-is it gone?" She calls out after a couple of seconds, to which Zeno replies, "Nope. Also, more of his buddies came out."

She jumps at the thought and starts to walk down the hallway to grab something to catch it with.

She hears steps coming her way and looks up to see Matteo.

"Ari wh-"

"There's a big cockroach in the room and I- I don't know what to do! Could y-you please help me?"

She didn't know where the confidence came from, but the fear of the cockroach was far greater than asking her brother for help, even though she knew it was a bit irrational.

Matteo just stares before lightly nodding and heading to the room. Before he entered she softly held onto the corner of his shirt. Matteo reached back and took her hand in a firm yet gentle grip, walking in with her behind him.

As they enter they see Alessandro in a seat watching as Leonardo and Zeno try to catch the bug. Gabriel has his phone pulled out, recording as he laughs at the two's failed attempts.

"You both can't even pick up a cockroach?"

Matteo walks further in and Aria moves to stand next to Alessandro, who is further away from the insect. Matteo goes towards the two boys and yanks Zeno back. He snatches the slipper from Leonardo's hand and walks to the cockroach.

Wait, there are two!

As he was about to slap the slipper down the smaller one ran out of the way towards Aria and Alessandro.

"No no no," she whispers as she walks away from it, bumping into Gabe. He chuckles and puts his phone aside. Seeing her worried expression he takes her hand and leads her out the door.

After several moments the door opens and Zeno comes out with the cockroaches in a napkin. He brings them near Aria's face, smirking, as she rushes to hide behind Gabe.

Leo wacks Zeno on the head, who grunts and walks downstairs.

"It's all good now, why don't we go eat some food, my love."