After he left the Arts room, Vito didn't go back to the cafeteria. He was angry, so he decided to go to a quiet corner outside to smoke a cigarette. It was something that he was doing from time to time, even if his Father had told him that it was a bad habit to not take, speaking of experience.

He didn't have his phone to kill time or divert his mind and that situation was pissing him off. He needed to talk to his grandmother to have back his stuffs, but with the last argument he had with his Father, he was not sure to retrieve anything.

Mary: Eh... Vito, why are you here alone with that face? Did you find your little sister? Everything is alright?

Vito: Hum... it's nothing... just normal family's troubles.

Mary: You had an argument with one of your brothers?

Vito: Not really... (He crushed his cigarette on the ground.)... I'm just not in the mood.

Mary: (She came closer and passed her arms around his neck.) I can help on this... (She kissed him for a long minute.) Do you feel better?

Vito: Yes... You're always pretty efficient in that domain.

Mary: Do you want to skip classes this afternoon? We can hang out or go home... there is no one.

Vito: The program is tempting but I have no car, no phone, no money... And even if skipping classes wouldn't have been an issue until now... I don't think that it's a good idea today.

Mary: I guess I can wait until tomorrow... (She stepped back with a smirk.)... except if you're grounded... of course!

Vito smirked at the malicious smile of his girlfriend. He grabbed her arm and pulled her against him, capturing her lips by the same occasion. She was as bold as him and he liked that. They went back to their classroom before the end of the lunch break but they were not really focused on the lessons, waiting patiently the end of the day. And when that moment came, he didn't lose time to get in the car that was waiting outside. He noticed the other car with Suki's bodyguard. He asked the driver to leave quickly.

Vito arrived first at home and greeted his grandmother who was quietly reading in the living room. He knew that his little sister would arrive few minutes later, so he headed upstairs first to change his clothes.

When he came back downstairs, he found them talking around a cup of tea. He didn't interrupt them and went to exercisee a bit in the gym room. He did a light training with the boxing bag then went back to the living room.

He knew that it was the best moment to negotiate with Mrs Smith, because no one else was back yet and Suki was busy with her piano lesson. His grandmother saw him sitting in the opposite couch and she stared at him with a suspicious gaze.

Mrs Smith: Vito, it seems that you want to talk to me.

Vito: Grandma, how was your dinner with your friend yesterday? (He smiled.) Everyone was surprised to not see you coming back home.

Mrs Smith: Privilege to be an adult! And everything went well, thank you. But why are you so kind today? Ah... I know... (She smiled.)

Vito: Can I have my stuffs back or at least some of them?

Mrs Smith: It depends. Will you change your behavior with Suki, or no?

Vito: If I say that it is already the case, will you believe me?

Mrs Smith: Should I have a reason to not believe in you? (She was scanning his facial expression.) Vito?

Vito: Grandma... it's a bit complicated lately... and I feel a bit alone in this house. Are you going to turn your back on me too?

Mrs Smith: Vito, playing the sad little boy card with me is not going to work. I know you. If things are not going well with your Father or brothers, you must not be innocent in that situation. If you need my help to fix things, I can do it for you, but only at the condition that you do your part too.

Vito thought that his grandmother hadn't been informed of the last drama with his family, otherwise, she would have never proposed her help, quiet the contrary.

Vito: I'm going to give them some space.

Mrs Smith: And you think that distancing yourself from everyone will be enough?

Vito: At least, we won't fight every time we crossed each others' path. As for Suki, I think that she will prefer if I don't speak with her.

Mrs Smith: And what makes you think like that?

Vito: Trust me, she was clear enough than even a jerk like me understood the message... and it's Dad's request too... so?

Mrs Smith: You choose the easy way.

Vito: Maybe... but it's the best solution for everyone.

Mrs Smith: I will think about it.

Vito: If you could think positively to my request... (He smiled.)

Mrs Smith: Keep that smile for a young girl, it's not working on me neither... you're not the first one to try and I'm not easy to seduce!

Vito: Ah... yeah... it seems you prefer old men...

Vito left the living room under his grandmother dark glare. Humor was a good way to tender someone's heart. Mrs Smith had a strong character, but she didn't like to be in cold with one of her family members.

After her piano lesson, Suki accompanied back her teacher to the entry door. She thanked her and headed back to her bedroom to do her homework. She could have done it later during the weekend, but she preferred to finish everything today to have more free time for the two coming days. The little girl was immerged in the reading of a short story for her English class when Enzo entered.

Enzo: Eh, Suki, what's up? (She looked at him with a smile.) What are you doing? (He came closer.) You're working on a Friday evening?

Suki: Yes, I just need to finish to read this and write a summary.

Enzo: Well, it will have to wait, time for dinner.

Suki: Already? (She put everything in place and stood up.)

Enzo: Yep... the teachers are still giving the same homework... if you don't want to lose your time with this, I can give you my old homework... or you can find the answers online too.

Suki: (She frowned.) It's cheating! (He laughed.)

Enzo: You're cute... if you need help, in a traditional way, ask me!

Suki: Thank you. Father and Gabriel are back?

Enzo: They have a business dinner. But you don't ask if the others are back? (She stared at him with a troubled expression.) So... What Dad said this morning, it's true? About you not wanting to bond with us anymore?

Suki: No... It's just that... it's stupid to try to be close with someone... when you know that there is zero chance from the beginning...

Enzo: Is it because of what Vito said?

Suki: (She smiled but her eyes were shining.) It helped to understand...

Enzo: Suki, you should know now that Vito is an idiot. Don't pay attention to what he says.

Suki: Onii-chan... I am sorry... but I know that Vito hates me, just like Davide, and that's okay. At least, they are honest... so please, don't worry about that.

Enzo: How can I not be worried when my siblings hate each others?!

Suki: I don't hate them... I only accept that they will never love me.

Enzo: Fu**! You shouldn't accept that! (He sighed.) I'm sorry...

Suki: It's not your fault... and I am glad to have you as my brother!

Enzo: You know that I don't think like them at all, right?! (She nodded.) I... I'm not used to do that, but can I give you... a hug?

Suki was not expecting that from Enzo. She knew that he was not the type to do that type of affectionate gesture, and she was herself, not really used to it. But she didn't want to reject him.

It was awkward, for both of them, but maybe something normal between siblings. She timidly opened her arms, not sure of what to do. Enzo smiled and passed his arms around her and pulled her into his embrace.

Enzo: You're really small... like, super tiny... that's crazy!

Suki: Thank you, Onii-chan...

Enzo: It's not as weird as I thought... (He broke the hug.) I'm your big bro'... so you know that I'm here for you... (She smiled genuinely, and he patted her head with proudness.) One more question before heading downstairs... about Dante and Gianni, you also think that they don't like you?

Suki: I think that they tolerate me... but sometimes, Dante is really, like really hard to understand... and I think, I annoy him a lot. (They were interrupted by Gianni's entry, and she startled, embarrassed.)

Enzo: Gianni...

Gianni: Grandma is waiting for the two of you.

Enzo looked at Suki who had her gaze stuck on Gianni. But the young man was not looking at her. He had an impassible expression, and she was sure that he heard her.

Enzo: Ah, yeah, sorry, we were talking about school.

Gianni: Hum... let's go downstairs.

In fact, Gianni was there since long enough to have heard half of his siblings' conversation. He understood better the situation in his family and was glad of Enzo's reaction. He showed more maturity with their little sister, than him. He was a bit jealous that she was able to open up easily with Enzo and sad that she still thought that he didn't like her.

The trio headed to the dining room where everyone was there, except Salvatore, Gabriel and Dominico. Dante had skipped the business dinner, not really a fan of those commitments.

They had dinner with Mrs Smith leading most of the discussions with her grandchildren. She felt that something was different, but she didn't want to dig more for now. She will have time to find out later anyway.

After dinner, Suki and Mrs Smith had a cup of tea with desserts in the kitchen. A quiet moment between girls was appreciable for the little girl. They spent one hour talking before Suki returned to her bedroom, she was tired.

Gianni had left after dinner for his club. There wasn't anything planned but he wanted to train, and Dante thought that it was a good idea and left with him. Enzo opted for an online game session, not in the mood to stay with Danilo, Davide and Vito in the boys' room to play pool. Around midnight, Salvatore came back with the boys. He stopped by his daughter's bedroom before going to his room. It was a habit that he had since Suki entered his life. He couldn't fell asleep otherwise.

The next day, Suki woke up pretty early. She wanted to prepare the breakfast for her grandmother. With Aldo's help, she decided to bake small cakes with different flavors, not sure of her grandmother's tastes. She opted for some with matcha, others with chocolate and the last ones were filled with apple pieces.

The little girl had finished to prepare everything, and Aldo put the little cakes in the oven. They were chatting while cleaning and Suki didn't see that Dominico was there.

Chef Aldo: Mr Dominico, sorry, I didn't notice your presence. The breakfast is almost ready. Can I serve you a cup of coffee? (Suki looked in his direction a second then quickly looked away.)

Dominico: Yes, please. (He sat at the central island.) You wake up pretty early for a Saturday.

Suki: Yes, sometimes...

Dominico: You don't seem comfortable when I'm around. Is there a reason? You look like a little rabbit caught in the lights of a car every time I look at you. You're scared of me?

Chef Aldo: Mr Dominico, your coffee. (He put the cup in front of hum.) Miss Suki is pretty shy; I don't think that she is afraid of you.

Dominico: Really? (He looked at Suki with the same smile than Dante.) I'm not quite sure...

Suki: Yes... I don't know you... and... I don't like how you stare at me... I know what it means...

Chef Aldo looked at Suki with surprise. And he was not the only one, Dominico's gaze changed in an instant for a serious one. His curiosity regarding the little girl led her to misunderstand him.

Dominico: What do you mean you know what it means?!

Suki: That you hate me too... because I am not... a real Smith... (She gathered all her courage to say it.)

Dominico: (He frowned.) Did you hear those words in my mouth?

Suki: Your eyes... they talk for you... and they are dangerous...

Suki was almost trembling, but she needed to tell him the truth. A big silence followed; the situation was awkward for everyone.

Chef Aldo: Miss Suki... Mr Dominico is your cousin, he would never do anything to harm you, right Mr Dominico? (Dominico was staring at Suki with his dark brown eyes showing power and strength.)

Gabriel: Dominico... (He entered with Dante and Suki immediately looked at him.)... answer!

Dominico: (He kept his gaze on Suki.) No, it's not my intention.

Gabriel stopped near Suki and put his hand on her shoulder. Dante stayed in a corner of the kitchen, silently observing.

Gabriel: So, tell me, why does my baby sister think that you are a threat for her?

Dominico: Gabriel, I'm too old to be a jerk with a kid. I don't know what she went through before, but she misunderstood the situation. I was only curious about her; I didn't think that it will make her uncomfortable.

Gabriel: Suki, did something happen to make you think that way?

Suki:It's... just what I feel... sorry...

Gabriel: You don't have to apologize. If you felt like that, I'm sure that Dominico, as an adult, can understand and change his behavior, to not create anymore that feeling in you.

Dominico: Sure... but how could you imagine that I would want to harm you?

Dante: Because if her fu** idiot of brothers treated her like shit and hurt her, why you would not?! (Suki looked at him.) Am I wrong?

Gabriel: Dante, mind your language so early in the morning please. Suki, now that you have confirmation from Dominico that it was only a misunderstanding, are you feeling better?

Suki: Hum...

Dominico: You don't seem convinced.

Gabriel: Give her the time to adapt to your presence.

Dominico: I'm travelling to Miami tomorrow night for few days, so you just have to bear with me few more hours, dear Suki.

Suki: Sorry... I will make efforts too.

Gabriel: You don't have to, be natural.

Chef Aldo: Mr Gabriel, you should head to the dining room, and we will bring everything there in few minutes when Miss Suki's cakes will be ready. (Suki nodded to confirm Chef Aldo's words.)

Gabriel: Alright, let's do that. Father and Nonna should join us soon. (The three men left.)

Chef Aldo: Miss Suki, are you alright?

Suki: Yes, thank you Mr Aldo... it was a bit weird, sorry.

Chef Aldo: I didn't know that it was complicated to have Mr Dominico and Danilo in the house. It's true that since you started to live here, Mr Smith limited the visits but usually, your cousins spend several weeks per year at New York. Would you be alright with this?

Suki: I will have to... it's not fair to change everyone's habits because I'm not comfortable around new people... (Her gaze seemed lost for an instant.)... they are Father's family...

ChefAldo: And also yours. (He smiled warmly.)

Suki was thankful of the Aldo's kind words. They waited few minutes, and the Chef took out of the oven the small cakes.

Suki was careful because the cakes were hot, and she put them on a nice desserts plate. The Chef had prepared fresh juices and together, they brought everything in the dining room. And effectively, Mrs Smith and Salvatore were there, talking with the boys. Gianni also joined them, freshly showered after his morning jog.

Chef Aldo: Mrs Smith... Miss Suki prepared those little things especially for you.

Mrs Smith: Really? Sweetie, that's really kind, but you shouldn't have bother yourself that much with that.

Suki: I made different flavors, but that one is a typical Japanese flavor. I hope that you will like them. Please be careful, it's still hot.

Mrs Smith: Thank you. That looks delicious.

Gianni: Is it only for Grandma or can we have a bite too?

Suki: Ah yes, of course. (She served him one with chocolate.)

Suki also served one with apples to her Father. She let the others serving themselves, not sure if they wanted to eat or not.

The little girl did her best to have a normal breakfast with everyone, but it was a bit weird after what she said to Dominico; she was even more uncomfortable now. Her cousin noticed it and even if he didn't want that, he was even more curious.

After all, she had completely changed his uncle and his cousins. At least most of them, because, just like Danilo, he was surprised by Vito's words the previous night.

Dominico: You're good at cooking... Do you have other talents? (Suki was surprised that he talked to her after what she said to him.)

Suki: Thank you... Not really.

Salvatore: My daughter is also good at school but most importantly a prodigy at piano. (Suki blushed a little at the compliment.)

Gianni: It's true... she's good at that... and she can crush your nuts with one knee kick too! (Suki looked at him with red cheeks this time, embarrassed and he winked.)

Salvatore: Gianni!

Gabriel and Dante glared at Gianni who didn't seem bothered at all.

Mrs Smith: It's important for a girl to know how to defend herself in front of men... so, Suki, don't hesitate to use your brothers to learn one thing or two. (She looked at the boys.) But of course, their main job is to protect you.

Gabriel: I agree with you on that second part, but I would prefer if she doesn't become like those two.

Salvatore: Me too. Suki is too cute to fight with anyone.

Dominico: I never heard you using that word for one of your sons.

Salvatore: Because that word doesn't suit any of them.

Gianni: She can be cute but still, gain some strength...

Mrs Smith: Boys, our little girl seems not comfortable by that discussion, so let's stop here. (Suki smiled to her grandmother.)

Salvatore: Yes, maybe not the best talk for breakfast. Mamma, what do you plan to do this weekend? Are you going to meet that... friend once again?

Mrs Smith: Tomorrow for lunch time, yes. As for today, if Suki doesn't have anything to do, I would love to take her do some shopping.

Salvatore: If Suki wants to go, sure, but when are you planning to introduce that man to us?

Mrs Smith: Is there a reason for this? It's not like I'm getting married!

Salvatore: (He looked at Suki a second.) Yes... but, you know.

Mrs Smith: (She ignored him.) Suki, Sweetie, thanks for the delicious breakfast. If you're done, should we prepare ourselves to go? (She nodded with a smile.) Great, get ready, I'm going to wait for you in the living room. (Suki left the room.)

Salvatore: Why do you refuse to have a serious conversation about that man? Are you hiding something?

Mrs Smith: Salvatore, I know that you already have all the necessary information by the investigation that you asked for, so what's the point? If things became more serious, you will know in due time.

Salvatore: I guess I have to content myself with that for now.

Gabriel: Nonna would not trust that man easily, don't worry.

Mrs Smith: Exactly! (She stood up.) Now, it's time for me to spoil my granddaughter.

Salvatore: Isn't it too early to go shopping? The mall are not open yet.

Mrs Smith: We can stop by a nice coffee before; she barely ate this morning. I'm sure that she will like the place I found.

Dante: I'm free today, I'm coming with you. (Mrs Smith looked at him.)

Mrs Smith: You? You want to go shopping?

Dante: I think I need to spent some time with the kid...

Mrs Smith: Did something happen between you two?

Dante: Nothing serious... just as usual, a difference of thinking.

Mrs Smith: Okay... if she is not against, I'm good with that.

Dominico: In that case, I can join you too? That little girl has a misunderstanding about me. Spending time with her can maybe help to change her way of thinking about me... (He felt Gabriel's glare on him.) I'm really just curious about her... trust me.

Salvatore: For your safety, I will be reassured if they go with you.

Mrs Smith: Alright, let's go!