Suki was standing in the corridor, facing the door that her brother had closed unceremoniously. That room was their private place, she was not welcome here, well noted. She went to her bedroom and sent a text message to Gabriel. She didn't want to bother him if he was working but she preferred to be honest with him about everything. He didn't waste time to reassure her and even proposed to talk about it with her the next morning during breakfast.

In the "Boys'" room, the three youngest continued their pool game.

Enzo: Bro... you were rude with Suki. She came to ask us advices and you threw her out, that was not cool.

Davide: That space is ours, the only girls allowed here are the one good enough to be fu**! (Vito laughed.)

Enzo: You're gross, man...

Vito: Don't play the prude guy! That kid is a nuisance on legs!

Enzo: I guess that's the definition for a younger sibling...

Vito: Eh! I'm nothing like her!

The next morning, Suki shared her breakfast time with Gabriel. Salvatore took the opportunity of his eldest son presence to go to his company early. The other brothers were either still asleep or finishing their morning training session.

Gabriel: How are you feeling this morning? You seem to be less bothered by your arm.

Suki: Yes, it's healing pretty well, thanks to everyone. The physical therapist is also very gentle but even if her exercises seem soft, they are very effective... I can do way more things... but for example, taking off a sweater is still painful ... (She had a joyful tone to hide the fact that her arm was still not fully recovered and often painful.)

Gabriel: I know that you work hard to recover but don't push yourself too much. If it's too painful, it's better sometimes to slow down the reeducation to have better results at the end. (She nodded.) Otherwise, about that school festival, I'm glad that you decided to give it a try. We will be there to support you.

Suki: I wanted to see Haru's drawings exposed, and Father suggested that if I participate to the festival, Haru would want too.

Gabriel: I am sure that Father, as one of your biggest fan, used the good words to convince you to show your talent.

Suki: Onii-san, when you present that this way, it looks like Father gave me that advice, to force me to participate.

Gabriel: (He smiled.) You think so? (She frowned and he laughed?) You're cute... Father wanted to see you play piano during that concert so much that he found that idea... so, please, don't keep a grudge toward him.

Suki: Father is so kind with me... how can I blame him for this...

Gabriel: Father only has in mind what is the best for you. He is so proud of you that he wants to show it to everyone... and by the same occasion, receive praises to have such a smart and kind daughter. It changes from the comments he usually received for his sons!

Suki: Onii-san is smart, kind and beautiful, Father must had heard a lot of compliments about you!

Gabriel: (He took a sip of his coffee.) You are the only one seeing me like that. (She looked at him with surprise.) Let's keep that story for another day... Our main topic today is that school festival, right?

Suki: Ah... yes..., in fact, Miss Paris is the referent for the festival, and I will have to see her occasionally... is it alright for you?

Gabriel: Is there a reason for me to not be okay with that?

Suki: (She blushed a little.) ... Because... she was your girlfriend...

Gabriel: If you don't feel uncomfortable with that, I'm fine. Of course, if she becomes a bother, you will have to inform me, otherwise, I have no problem with that.

Suki: To be honest, it is a bit weird... I don't know why,... but she was kind when I talked to her... it's just... it's just new, I guess...

Vito entered the dining room, half asleep, his uniform not well adjusted. He was already on his phone, probably with a girl.

Vito: Yo!... I'm starving, what did Aldo prepare?

Gabriel: Good morning to you too Vito. Don't you think that you should go to sleep earlier in weekdays?

Vito: And loose precious hours of the best moment of the day? No, thank you... what is going on with her again?

Gabriel: Nothing is going on, don't imply that your little sister creates troubles. We were only talking about the school festival and her participation to the final concert.

Vito: (He grabbed pancakes.) Ah, that. I plan to sleep that entire day...

Gabriel: I don't think so. (Suki looked at him.)

Vito: Why that? I'm not participating, and I'm not really interested on Arts or Music, you know.

Gabriel: Your little sister is performing; we will go to support her as her family. (Vito frowned.)

Suki: It's okay to not come, you don't have to force yourself!

Gabriel: No one is forced.

Vito: A bit though...

Gabriel: Are you not a student at that school? I never heard that you were exempted to go if you weren't participating. (His gaze was fixed on Vito and the hidden message was clear.) So?

Vito: ... I can't wait to go... (He forced a smile.)

Gabriel: Suki, if you're done with your breakfast, we should go. I'm driving you to school.

Vito:Damn, I'm late... again...

Suki looked at Vito who grimaced with the mouth full of bread. She quickly grabbed her school bag in the living room then followed Gabriel. His car was ready in front of the house, with a second one behind with the female bodyguard and two other guards.

After dropping his little sister at school, Gabriel joined his father at work. Later, the young man was in his office when one of his men came with a brown file. Gabriel had requested an investigation on Lila Paris. He maybe dated her in the past, but people could change in months and with her sudden interest in Suki, he preferred to take precautions. He was careful with every person around his little sister, ex girlfriend included. He quickly took a look but nothing suspicious.

The rest of the day passed, then the rest of the week. During the weekend, Suki decided which song she wanted to play at the school festival concert. She sent a video of well-known pianist playing that piece to Haru to have his feedback.

The young boy thought that the song chosen by his friend suited her perfectly. He was exciting at the idea of hearing her play it at school.

On the boys' side, Gianni spent most of his time at his fighting club with Davide and Vito. Enzo enjoyed his rest when he was not behind his computer.

Suki didn't see Dante during the entire weekend. She didn't dare to ask questions, even when her brothers teased the young man's absence during Sunday dinner.

The following week seemed to pass quickly for the little girl. The more the date of the concert approached, the more stressed she was about playing in front of a bunch of strangers. Her arm was healing well but it was still a bit too soon to do physically demanding activities for now.

Gianni wanted to take her for another self defense training, but it was not reasonable, so after talking with his father, he proposed to Suki, during one of their dinner, to go to the swimming pool. It was a good way to complete the reeducation and also to relax her mind and body.

Salvatore: Suki, I think that your brother's idea is really good. You study a lot and practice everyday your piano in addition to your physical therapy. You should take time to relax and have fun.

Suki: Hum... in fact... I don't have a swimsuit... I know a little how to swim but... I only went to the swimming pool few times with the school 3 years ago.

Vito: You never used our pool since you live here? What do you do of your free time?

Suki: Not yet... I read books, play piano, watch TV too...

Vito: Your life sucks! So boring!

Salvatore: Vito, mind your language, once again. Tomorrow after school, you should go shopping and buy one, you also need a nice dress for the concert.

Suki: I am going to wear my uniform; I don't need a dress.

Salvatore: Your uniform? Suki, it's an important moment for you. Wearing a nice dress is the minimum.

Suki: I don't know...

Enzo: I'm free tomorrow afternoon. I will go with you! It's going to be fun!

Salvatore: So, everything is settled. Thank you, Enzo.

Suki had the feeling to not have say in that decision. Everything have been decided for her. She looked at Gabriel, but he smiled, clearly in agreement with their father's idea.

The rest of the evening passed quietly, just like the next day. And at the end of the classes, Enzo was waiting in front of her school, attracting the attention of the first students coming out. The only thing that Suki didn't know was that he was not alone.

Haru: Your brothers are not the discreet type.

Suki: (She looked at Haru.) Brothers? Only Enzo is supposed to...

Suki didn't finish her sentence when she saw near a fancy sports car the girls around her brothers. Yes, brothers, because Davide was there with Enzo. How? Why? She was at first already not motivated to go shopping but now, she was even less. She approached them slowly, as for not disturb them in their discussion with the girls. Enzo noticed her and his expression changed for a smile. He made his way to her without caring about the girls around him.

Enzo: Suki! (He grabbed her school bag.) How was school?

Suki: It was normal... but Onii-chan... why... Davide is here?

Enzo: We are going to do shopping, did you forget?

Suki: No, but I didn't know that Davide would come too.

Enzo: He had nothing to do and wanted to come. It's a good opportunity for the two of you to create a bond! (He looked at Haru.) You want to come too?

Haru: I have to go home; my Mom is waiting for me. Thank you.

Enzo: Okay, next time maybe. Suki, let's go!

Suki said goodbye to her friend, and she followed Enzo to the car. Davide was done talking with the girls and he looked at Suki with a smirk. She looked away and get in the back of the car. There was another car with her bodyguard, ready to follow them. Enzo put Suki's bag in the trunk then he got behind the wheel. Davide, after exchanging his phone number with one of the girl, got on the passenger seat.

Davide: (He looked at Suki through the mirror.) Happy to see me?

Suki: ...

Enzo: Bro', don't tease her like that.

Davide: She must wonder if I will sell her to a human trafficker as soon as we are alone. (Suki looked at him with big eyes.)

Enzo: Suki, our brother is joking... it's just that his jokes are not funny. Don't worry, nothing will happen.

Suki: We can go home, and I will order a swimsuit online.

Enzo: Nope! (He smiled widely.) Let's go!

Enzo started his car, and they left under the heavy stares of the students outside. It was not the quiet way of leaving that she was hoping for. Her goal now was to quickly find what she needed and go home.

After 15 minutes, they entered the parking lot of the mall. Enzo parked at the VIP's corner and the three siblings got out of the car.

Enzo: (He put his hand in Suki's back.) Stay close to me, there could be a lot of people.

Suki: Hum... it's the same mall I came to with Gabriel.

Enzo: But it will be funnier with me than with him!

Davide: (He put his arm around Enzo's shoulders.) You are really excited to be here, Bro'... I rarely saw you like that, you seem like a completely different guy!

Enzo: There is no reason to not be in good mood!

Davide: Hey, you, don't create troubles while we are here! (She nodded and Enzo shook his head.) Dad gave you his black card?

Enzo: Yes... but don't you have your own credit card?

Davide: I had a lot of expenses this month... And Dad never checks his account, so... he won't notice if I spend few bucks in some pairs of shoes!

Enzo: That's sure, clearly not the type to count his millions!

Suki: Millions?!

Enzo: Yes... we told you, our family's got money!

Davide: Such an idiot... (He chuckled.)

They entered a sports' shop and Davide directly went to the shoes' corner. Enzo asked one of the vendor where to find swimsuits. They followed him and began to look at the different models. Suki's brother picked his favorite ones, but the little girl was not convinced by her brother's choice. It was too flashy or too revealing for her. She was looking for a simple black one-piece swimsuit.

Enzo: This one is cuter!

Suki: I don't like two-pieces swimsuit!

Enzo: Why? It's for home, you don't have to be shy!

Davide: (He grabbed the swimsuit that Enzo was holding.) You're not going to wear that?!

Enzo: What's wrong with that one?

Davide: She doesn't have boobs to wear that type of swimsuit! (Suki blushed a lot at her brother's embarrassing words.)

Enzo: Don't be stupid Davide, this one is cute.

Suki: I prefer that one. (She showed them another one, a black one-piece with a short for the down part.)

Davide: That suits her better! (He called the vendor.) Give us one for her size!

Enzo shrugged. He wanted to see Suki in that cute pink outfit that he thought was better for a girl of her age, but if she felt more comfortable with a simple black one, he wouldn't force her to take another one.

Enzo: Suki, do you want to look at something else while we are here? What about a pair of shoes for example?

Suki: I don't need one, thank you, but if you want to take a look around, I can wait for you here. (She pointed to a sofa.)

Enzo: Shopping is only funny if we do it together.

Davide: She doesn't want anything more nor you, so let's pay then go for the next shop!

They went to the counter and Enzo took out his father's black card. Suki's swimsuit was at a reasonable price but Davide, him, had chosen 3 pairs of expensive shoes. They headed to a clothes shop that was selling dresses and suits.

Suki looked around, not knowing what to chose because it was her first time in that type of shop. All the dresses seemed ready to be wore by celebrities, not by an 11 years old girl for a school concert.

Suki: (She pulled on Enzo's sleeve.) Onii-chan, those dresses are more for adult women, can we go somewhere else?

Enzo: Hold on, I'm sure that they have things for teenagers.

Suki: I have a black simple dress at home, it's enough.

Enzo: Nope! Dad said to buy you a nice dress, we will find a nice dress for you. Don't you want to look like a princess for your performance?

Suki: No!

Suki was blushing. She reacted a bit loudly, but she was not fond of attracting everyone's attention. Enzo laughed, finding her cute. Davide rolled his eyes at his brother's reaction.

Davide: We are not going to spend the evening to find something she can wear. (He made a hand sign and the manager arrived.)

Manager: Yes, Sir, how can I help you today?

Davide: That kid needs a dress, but she obviously doesn't have the assets that you have. (He was showing an interested smile in front of the gorgeous manager.)

Manager: I am sure that we are going to find the perfect dress for you. Please follow me, this way. (She had a natural smile when addressing to Suki.) Do you have a favorite color?

Enzo: (He followed with Davide.) You're too obvious, dude!

Davide: She is a beauty and totally my type... I could come back to buy few suits... just to see again that cute little ass...

Suki explained to the manager that she preferred dark colors and something as much as possible simple. The shop manager understood her client's needs easily and she picked up 3 dresses that could suit Suki. She proposed her help to try them, but the little girl preferred to do it herself.

While she was trying her dresses, the boys looked at suits too. It was a good occasion to buy one, because they would have to be well dressed to go to that festival, they had to show their family wealth.

Manager: Everything is alright Miss? The size suits you?

Suki: (She opened the curtain.) I think that it's a bit too big.

Manager: Effectively. Did you try the two others? (She nodded.) Is there one of those 3 that you like?

Suki: I like that one but it's weird on me.

Manager: The size is not adapted to your morphology, but I think that this model suits you the best.

Enzo: (He entered the fitting's space with a suit.) So, Suki? Oohh, you're so cute!

Suki: I... I don't think so...

Manager: Give me a minute, I will check if there is a smaller size or if I can find a model close to this one. (She left.)

Suki: You are going to buy a suit?

Enzo: Yep. Something class but modern. I have to make honor to my little sister. Davide is looking for one too.

Suki: To assist to the concert??

Enzo: Yes, of course. I'm going to try this, wait for me!

Enzo entered one of the cabins. While Suki was waiting for the female vendor, Davide arrived with a blue-grey suit. She avoided his gaze.

Davide: Oh! Where is Enzo? (She pointed to the cabin.) That's the dress you chose? It's weird! Where is that hot chick?

Suki didn't expect to hear Davide talking like that about that woman. She was beautiful for sure, but she was older than him. She didn't have the time to say anything because the woman was back.

Manager: I found a smaller size but also another dress that I think will suit you well..., please... (She let Suki entering back in the fitting room and looked at Davide.) Sir, I can ask one of my male colleague to assist you?

Davide: You can help me; you are free now!

Manager: I don't think that it is appropriate. (She had a professional smile.) I am a bit too old to play the personal shopper with my client in a fitting room!

Davide: (He made a step ahead.) Come on... 2/3 years is nothing...

Manager: 8/9 years instead! (She smirked and said in a murmur.) And I prefer clients that wear dresses... not suits...

Davide: Fu**! I didn't see that coming!

Manager: If you understand the situation, I'm going to help your sister.

The shop manager stopped near the fitting cabin where Suki was, and she asked through the curtain if everything was okay. The little girl shyly opened the curtain and showed herself to the female vendor. The woman smiled and asked Suki to wait a minute, that she had the perfect pair of shoes to go with the dress, and quickly disappeared. After a minute, Suki came out, still wearing the second dress. Only Davide was there, and he looked at her from head to toe.

Davide: That one seems better... turn around... (She didn't want to because she wasn't able to zip up the dress correctly.)... turn yourself! (She startled but turned herself.) I won't do anything to you, so stop freaking out! (He helped her with the back of her dress.)

Suki: Thank you... ahhhh... (He was holding her by the back of her neck with one hand and bent to murmur.)

Davide: I said stop freaking out... I promised my dad to not do anything to you, so change your attitude!

Suki: I am sorry... but... you're scary... and always bad looking at me...

Davide smirked. He didn't expect her to talk back to him.

Davide: If you have the guts to say that, I must not be that scary!

Suki: I am sorry... (He let go of her neck and she turned herself to face him with teary eyes.)

Davide: Don't need to cry... keep in mind that I'm not going to be like Enzo, Gab or even Dante. I am and will always be the mean brother for you! (He chuckled and went to sit on an armchair.)

Enzo: (He came out, wearing the suit.) What's wrong? Suki, are you not feeling well? (He stared at his twin.) Davide?

Davide: Nothing... I helped your dear little sister with her dress... And maybe teased her a little by the same occasion...

Enzo: Davide, seriously? Suki, don't let him bully you... complain about him to Gabriel and he will kick his ass for you!

Davide: Fu** Enzo! I'm your twin, how can you sell me like that!

Enzo: Stop being a dush bag and I will be on your side!

Suki: Please, ... (She looked at Davide.)... don't fight each others.

Davide: You're really stupid! (He chuckled.) We're joking!

Enzo glared at his twin brother for his choice of words. He bent in front of Suki with a reassuring smile.

Enzo: We are not fighting... it's just our way to talk... (She nodded.)

Manager: Excuse me... Miss, I have those cute flat shoes that are easy to wear for a girl of your age and suits well with the dress. Can I help you try them?

Suki: Yes, thank you. (She sat on an armchair near Davide.) How did you guess my size?

Manager: It's my job to find that type of information... I saw the size of your current shoes! (She winked and Suki smiled.) Please stand up and walk to check if you are comfortable with them.

Suki: (She made few steps.) I like them... Onii-chan, do you like it? (She was standing in the middle of the room, with pinky cheeks.)

Enzo: Yes, you're perfect! You like mine? (She nodded with force.) Great. Miss, we're taking everything... and his too!

Manager: Thank you for your trust. I will prepare everything for you.

They went to change, then the young man was the first one to get out and went to pay. He asked Davide to wait for their little sister.

Enzo: Try to be kind for once!

Davide: I am the kindest of all... (He received a call.) Hum... I'm busy right now... but I can make time later... just for you...

Davide was smiling, visibly happy of his discussion with his interlocutor. He saw a man entering the room, holding two boxes. His senses were in alert when Suki came out of the cabin, buttoning her uniform jacket, not paying attention to the man with the boxes. The man was about to bump into the little girl, but fortunately, Davide was quick to react. He jumped from his seat and grabbed Suki's arm to pull her on the side, pushing the boxes with his other hand, making the guy lose his balance.

Davide: (He yelled at the man.) Fu**! Can't you be careful! (He looked at Suki.) Eh... what's wrong? (He understood that he grabbed her right arm.) Damn it! Sorry, are you okay? (He seemed sincerely worried.) Fu**!

The little girl touched her arm as to massage it gently. She was startled by Davide's intervention and her brother had a strong grip. She knew that he didn't mean to hurt her, but it was painful anyway.

Suki: Sorry, I was not looking in front of me...

Davide: Don't apologize! That motherfu** is at fault!

Man: I am sorry Miss, Sir... I was careless...

Suki saw the dark expression in Davide's eyes that she knew too well. He was ready to punch that man.

Suki: Davide... I'm fine, it doesn't hurt anymore... can we leave?

Davide: (He stared at her few seconds.) Go find Enzo, he must have finished to pay!

Suki: (She grabbed his sleeve.) You're not coming?

Davide: (He smirked.) What did I tell you earlier? I am the mean brother... (He grabbed her wrist, dragged her out and came back in the room.) Eh... (The man who was picking up the boxes looked at him.)... Be careful with your clients, next time! (He punched him with a big smile in his face.)