Venice; Money Heist [2]

Small Vacation

DAY 3

The hostages we're about to release are lined up in two rows, facing the door. They're wearing overalls and masks. Phe and Denver stand beside the rows, while Tokyo and I, along with the others, watch the door with anticipation, excitement filling the air as it slowly opens.

"Advance!" Denver shouts, and the hostages start moving towards the door. Once they're through, we can see them running away.

And there he is... my brother, with a wide smile on his face, dressed sharply in a suit. Grinning, he walks in, glancing around the entrance hall before his eyes land on us. I take a step forward, tears of joy in my eyes, and he rushes toward me, hands covering his mouth in shock. He runs right past me and straight to Tokyo, who jumps into his arms, beaming with joy.

"You look so handsome!" she says, kissing him. I smile at them, still with tears in my eyes, knowing that I probably would have run to Ale first and then to him.

"What the fuck are you doing in the Bank of Spain?" he asks her, crying with happiness.

"We came to rescue you." They embrace each other tightly. I feel Alejandro's arm wrap around my shoulders, pulling me close.

"You okay?" he whispers in my ear.

I just nod, still smiling.

Suddenly, someone bursts through the door, and Helsinki and Denver immediately draw their weapons.

"Don't shoot, don't shoot! I'm unarmed!" My head snaps toward the door. I'd recognize that annoying voice anywhere.

"You've got to be kidding me..." I exhale in frustration, leaning into Phoenix, who looks at me with amused curiosity.

"Arturito?" Denver asks, equally perplexed and annoyed. I glance at Monica, who shares my irritation.

"A big round of applause!" Nairobi calls out, and the hostages start clapping as the others join us. My brother walks over, hugging everyone one by one.

"Fucking psychos!" he exclaims joyfully, looking around. Hoping he'll finally come to me, I stare at him, but his gaze sweeps right past me to Nairobi. They hug and smile at each other, and then he finally looks at me. He grins and starts walking toward me. I move to meet him, just as his arms are about to wrap around me, but Tokyo steps in between us.

"Okay, okay, you'll have to excuse me, but now... it's my turn." I stare at her in disbelief, then look at the others, hoping someone will finally speak up for me, but I search in vain... they just smile at the two of them. He hasn't even introduced himself to Ale...

I feel the tears welling up again, but this time not from joy. I turn to Alejandro, who notices and pulls me out of the entrance hall and into one of the offices. He holds me tightly, and as soon as my head touches his chest, I can't help it anymore—I let all the pent-up emotions and frustration pour out.

As he hears my sobs, he holds me even tighter, rocking us gently.

"Let it out, Love... I've got you." I feel him kiss the top of my head and rest his chin on me. My hands grip the fabric of his shirt more tightly, and my thoughts become hazy from all the crying.

We stay in that position for a long time until I've calmed down a bit. He then guides me to a sofa at the end of the room and sits down, pulling me onto his lap. I bury my face in his neck, and I feel him do the same.

"He didn't even notice me... just for a few seconds..." I whisper between sobs.

"Shhhh, calm down, love. I'm sure he didn't mean it... he was probably just overwhelmed by the situation." But I can hear the doubt in his voice, along with the anger he seems to be feeling.