After Mrs Smith and Dominico's departure, Danilo wanted to spend time with his little cousin and have the chance to get to know her better. He barely had time to be with her since they arrived, and he was still curious about that little girl. Enzo had only good things to say about her, while Vito and Davide were not hiding their annoyance at her presence. It was not a behavior that he expected from his cousins. The young man asked some information to his brother and Dominico told him what she had to go through since she found out about her father and why she was so shy with everyone. So, on Monday afternoon, Danilo, after asking permission to his uncle, went to pick up Suki after school.

Vito: Danilo... what are you doing here? If you want to hang out, not for long, I'm exhausted!

Danilo: Ahahah... Just after one day... don't worry, you can go home and rest, I'm not here for you, dear cousin, but for her! (He pointed at Suki who was coming out from school.)

Vito: (He turned himself and frowned.) Really?!

Danilo: Yeah... and don't make nasty comments, please.

Vito: I don't know why you want to spend time with that girl...

Danilo: (He shook his head.) Don't regret all of your actions in the future... we can't go back in time!... Eh Suki!

Suki approached the two boys, and she saw Vito's annoyed gaze.

Danilo: Ready to follow me?

Suki: To follow you? (She was lost.)

Danilo: Yes, you know, we agreed to get to know each other a bit more... so I thought about taking you somewhere after school and your dad said yes!

Vito: And where do you plan to take her? Because she is a nerd, I'm not sure that she knows how to have fun!

Danilo: I don't knot yet... Suki, what do you want to do?

Suki: Nothing... I mean, nothing special... as you prefer.

Vito: You see! (He had a mocking tone.)

Danilo: Well... weren't you tired? You should head home and rest. Suki, give me your bag. We can decide on where to go on the car.

Suki: Hum... and the guards?

Danilo: They will follow us, I guess. Gianni lent me one of his car, so don't worry, I will drive carefully, I don't want to be beaten by that guy... (He smiled.)... you see what I mean... he is pretty big.

Suki: (She shyly smiled.) Yes, he is.

Vito: Eh! (Suki and Danilo looked at him.) Even if I would love it, try to not lose her, or Dad and Gab will kill you...

Danilo smiled at Vito, but at the same time, he showed him his middle finger. Then, they walked to the car, and he opened the passenger door for the little girl. She followed him because he was his cousin, but she still took the time to send a message to her Father to have confirmation that he was okay with this. Salvatore confirmed that he was aware and asked her to have fun.

Danilo: So? Any suggestion?

Suki: I don't really know what we can do... do you like to do specific things?

Danilo: We can try something simple for our first time hanging out... what about going to the mall, having an ice cream or something else and do some shopping?

Suki: Yes... it's a good idea.

Danilo: Great, let's go!

Danilo searched in the navigation system for the closest mall. When he had chosen their destination, he started the car, and they left.

The mall was not too far, and the two cousins chitchatted about Suki's school on their way. Suki was surprised to be so at ease with Danilo because she kind of avoided him since he arrived in their house. But talking with him seemed natural.

The young man parked the car and immediately the one with the bodyguards parked next to them. The woman in charge of Suki's security was ready to follow them at a safe distance.

Danilo: Did you already come here?

Suki: No, I don't know that mall...

Danilo: Me neither... (He smiled.)... We should have something to drink and eat first. (He looked around.) There is a food court on this floor, do you have a preference?

Suki: I like Bubbles teas.

Danilo: Me too!

Suki: Really? Your brother and mine didn't know what it was.

Danilo: Eh... I'm pretty aware of what is trendy or not! (He smiled proudly.) My fav' one is hot brown sugar milk tea!

Suki: I like that one too... (She had a sad smile.)... it was my mother's favorite one.

Danilo: Obviously,the best one!

Suki's sad smile changed for a natural one. Danilo didn't show her a sorry expression, and he had a pretty bubbly character, way different of all her brothers. They walked to the food court.

After a quick look around, Danilo pointed to the left side of the food court. There was an Asian fast food with a stall selling the famous drinks. He ordered the same one for the two of them and they started to wander on the first floor of the mall.

Even if they didn't have in mind to buy any specific thing, there was nothing interesting for them. But just by looking at the shops' windows, they were having fun.

Walking in that mall gave to Suki the idea to buy something for Dante and Gianni, because she felt sorry to not have thought of them when she bought gifts for the others. She didn't know what to offer to them, so she timidly asked advice to Danilo.

Danilo: Hum... let me think... those guys, except alcohol and wo... (He smiled, awkwardly.)... if you look for something that they will like, a good bottle liquor or wine is a good idea.

Suki: We can find that in that mall?

Danilo: I'm sure we can find a boutique that sells that.

Danilo looked at the mall map and found a liquors' boutique on the last floor. They took the elevator to gain time, and Suki followed her cousin closely. When they entered into the shop, a man wearing an apron over his white shirt and brown pant came to welcome them.

Vendor: Welcome to our boutique... excuse me, but is there an adult with you?

Danilo: I am an adult, I'm 18! (He was a bit annoyed.)

Vendor: I am sorry, but you have to be over 21 to buy alcohol.

Danilo: Really? In Italy, you can as long as you turn 18... it sucks! Even if it's to offer?

Vendor: I am afraid, yes.

Suki: Danilo, we can maybe find another gift for them.

Danilo: Hold on. (He turned himself and made a hand sign to call the bodyguard who quickly joined them.) She's an adult, you can even ask for her ID card! (He smiled, proud to have find a solution.)

Vendor: Perfect, what are you looking for?

Danilo: What do you recommend as a gift for men? They are used to drink alcohol, even strong one.

Vendor: We have different and pretty type of whisky, scotch or for something a bit lighter, really good wine bottles from Europe and America.

Danilo: We're Italian, so European wines, they know.

Vendor: (He looked at Suki.) If you want to buy something a bit exotic, we have the best Japanese whisky on the market, it's pretty popular among those who like whisky.

Suki: Is it that good?

Vendor: It's really appreciated, yes. Madam, do you want to try?

Bodyguard: I am on duty, I can't drink.

Danilo: Suki, what do you think of this? You want to buy one?

Suki: Yes, I can take that for Dante, but for Gianni, I need to find something else.

Vendor: If you want something different than whisky, vodka is also a sure choice. We have pretty gift package with special glasses for it.

Suki: Yes, please. Can you make a nice packaging?

Vendor: Of course, please, let's go this way.

They followed the vendor to a long wood table. He brought the two bottles and showed it to them before starting the packaging. When it was time to pay, the bodyguard was about to do it, but Suki stopped her.

Suki: I'm paying, I have money.

Bodyguard: Miss, Mr Smith asked me to take care of your expenses today, and in addition, you need an adult to buy this products.

Vendor: Madam is right, I am sorry, but if I accept your money, it's like selling alcohol to a minor, it's illegal.

Suki: I understand... please, can you pay for me, I will give you back the money outside the boutique. (The bodyguard nodded and paid.)

Danilo: (He took the bags.) I am sure that they will like your gifts.

Suki: I hope... Danilo... as we are here, I need one more for Enzo...

Danilo: Sure... you already know what to buy?

Suki: I thought about a nice jacket. I know that he loves high-tech things but I'm practically sure that he already has everything.

Danilo: Not wrong.

The cousins left the boutique and Suki insisted to give the money to the bodyguard. The woman understood Suki's reason, so she took the money, and will make sure to give it back to the little girl with her father's help. Then, they changed of floor to search for the perfect jacket for Enzo. Suki found one, pretty fashion but also somehow quite simple. It was something she could easily see her brother wearing. She quickly paid and they were ready to leave when Danilo asked:

Danilo: Eh, Suki... You bought things for everyone except Davide and Vito... I know that things are complicated between the three of you, but is it okay?

Suki: (She smiled with a bit of sadness in her eyes.) Yes, I don't think that they will accept anything from me... and I don't really want to.

Danilo: I'm not judging, I understand you... really, but I prefer to ask you. I hope that they will soon change their behavior with you.

Suki: Can we go home now?

Danilo: Sure. It has already been 3 hours; you must be tired... and I hope that you don't regret to have spent time with me.

Suki: No, it was fun... thank you. (She smiled.)

Danilo: I'm relieved, mission accomplished!

Danilo and Suki returned to the parking lot and talked more in the drive back home than on the way to the mall. The young man parked the car in the garage, and it was already almost dinner time.

In the house everyone was there except Salvatore. He had to go to a dinner in town with business partners.

Gabriel: You're back. Everything went well?

Danilo: Yes, perfectly, we had fun, and Suki was able to buy what she wanted to... for her dear older brothers... (He smiled.)

Gabriel: For your brothers? You should do shopping for you.

Suki: (She blushed, embarrassed.) I'm going to shower before dinner.

Danilo: (He put down the bags.) Oooppss... I think that she would have preferred to wait a little to offer you what she bought.

Davide: She tries to bribe us with gifts or what?

Vito: I don't want anything from her.

Danilo: Rest assure, she didn't buy anything for the two of you!

Danilo seemed to find the situation funny but his two cousins, way less. They were showing their bad boys' side, as usual, but they ended like the outcasts of the family. Gabriel didn't hide his smile, a good lesson for his younger brothers. Enzo too, was amused to see his twin and little brother's frowning face.

Vito: (He stood up.) I'm hungry... I'm done waiting!

Gianni: (He chuckled.) His proud just took a hit!

Davide: Dani... as you seem to really like her, why don't you take her with you when you leave... I'm sure that as new best buddies, you can have fun... very far from here...

Gabriel: Davide, enough with your stupid words, please.

Davide: Let me be the mean guy from time to time... (He smiled.)

Gabriel: You already used your time as a mean guy more than enough. (He stood up.) Let's head to the dining room.

Danilo: You know Davide, Suki is really kind and easy to bond with... you should open your eyes...

Davide didn't answer and with the rest of the family, they went to the dining room. Suki was quick to take her shower and wear comfortable clothes, then she joined everyone. She felt the stares of her brothers but tried to not blush.

They had dinner and thankfully for the little girl, Danilo was talking a lot, taking the attention of everyone on him and not on her.

When they were done, they returned to the living room and Suki was finally ready to give the gifts to her brothers. She thought that Davide and Vito would not stay there but they sat on the couch too.

Suki: Hum... Dante, Gianni... this is for you. (She brought the bags.)

Dante: Why did you buy this?

Suki: Just like that...

Gianni: It's pretty heavy... what did you buy? (He quickly ripped off the nice packaging but frowned instead of smiling.) What... why did you buy something like that?! And how could you even buy this?! (Dante also opened his gift and had the same reaction.)

Suki: You... you don't like it?

Gianni: It's not the question. How an 11 years old kid was able to buy this?! Danilo?!

Danilo: Suki wanted to buy something that you would like... so I suggested this, and we bought it with her bodyguard's help.

Dante: So... you took her to an alcohol shop?! Are you stupid?!

Gabriel: Guys, calm down. Suki wanted to offer you something that you would like, and your reaction is making her think that you don't like it.

Dante and Gianni stared at their little sister who was staring back to them, waiting to know if she did a mistake.

Vito: Apparently... they don't like it... (He smiled.)

Dante: You, shut up! I like to drink, but don't do that again. And you, Danilo, think twice next time before giving her that type of ideas! She is just a kid!

Gianni: Hum... thank you. Next time, don't go in that kind of shops, and find something else, like clothes or anything, but not alcohol! Understood? (She nodded.)

Gabriel: Dante?

Dante: Thanks... it was not necessary... I guess you felt bad to have not bought anything for your less favorite brothers last time... (Suki was embarrassed by the mocking tone of Dante.)

Gabriel: Dante, seriously?

Suki: He is right... but I hope that you will accept it anyway... (She turned to face Enzo.) Onii-chan... I have something for you too. (She took the last bag near the couch.) It's not the same thing...

Enzo: Really? I'm lucky... thank you. (He checked it.) Whouah... it must have cost a lot... I love it, thanks, little sis'!

Danilo: It should be the good size; I helped on that too.

Davide: Such a devoted cousin...

Vito: He wants a reward... (They laughed.)

Enzo: Clearly a hint of jealousy! (He stood up and tried the jacket.) So? Does it look good on me? (Suki nodded with energy.) Thanks, again... I'm going upstairs, good night!

Suki: Good night... (She smiled.) I'm going to my room too, good night, everyone.

Gabriel: Good night, Suki. (She left.)

Dante: That kid... she spends her entire pocket money on buying things for everyone... well everyone except those two.

Gabriel: She is affirming herself, that's a good thing.

Gabriel was proud that his little sister was showing more assurance and by the same occasion, what she felt about her brothers. He knew that she didn't dislike Vito and Davide, but she had stopped to try to be close to them. A good life lesson for the two brothers.

Vito and Davide stayed with their brothers a little longer, trying to show an unbothered face at their teasing remarks, even if they were a bit affected by Suki's choice. They were not really used to be left aside by anyone. And that feeling grew more the next days when they witnessed the bond between Suki and Danilo becoming stronger.

The little girl showed her skills with a piano to her cousin the second day, even taking the time to teach him, as he asked, how to play some notes.

The third day, they spent time together in the kitchen, Danilo wanted to eat rice balls, that in the end, everyone could enjoy.

On Friday morning, it was time to say goodbye. Danilo had to go back home to return to school. His break was over. Suki promised him to stay in touch in a regular basis and Dante took time to drive the young man to the airport.

As it was the last day of the week, the school teaches organized a meeting with all the students in the afternoon, to explain what will happen the next week with the foreign students' arrival.

Miss Paris was in charge of the presentation and even if the students coming were in their last year, all the students of the school were asked to assist to that meeting. Suki spotted Vito in the last row of the amphitheater with his friends. She was with Haru, as there was no obligation to seat by classes.

The two children were listening with attention, just like half of the audience. Most of the students in last year were talking between themselves, even if they were the first one concerned.

Miss Paris: As you know, the students will be dispatched in every classes of last grade and we chose 2 students per classed to be the referent for our guests. (She named one boy, and one girl of each classes concerned then finished by Vito's one.) And for class D, Vito Smith and Camelia Parkinson.

Vito: What the.... (He stood up.) Miss Paris, I don't want to do that!

Miss Paris: Unfortunately, you have to do it, Vito. The one designed will receive recommendation in their report, but if you refused, you will have a penalty. It's a chance.

Vito: It's not a chance... more a pain in the ass!

Miss Paris: Vito, mind your language. Anyway, those who were designated, please stop by my office before leaving school, thank you.

Vito mumbled for long minutes, but his choices were limited. He waited with his classmate near Miss Paris' office and when it was their turn to enter, he couldn't refrain himself to ask:

Vito: Miss Paris... are you forcing me to be a referent because you have a grudge against my family? Maybe because Gabriel dumped you?! (He smirked and his classmate chuckled.)

Miss Paris: Vito, you should be careful with your words, or I could ask for one month of detention for a disrespectful behavior... (She smiled.)... and just for you to know, I was the one who broke up with him! Now I count on your dedication and meeting point is at 7.30 on Monday morning! Have a nice weekend. (They left the office.)

Camelia: So... your brother and Miss Paris, they dated?

Vito: Hum...I think she has difficulties to forget him... Smith's effect!

Camelia: You're all so irresistible... (She laughed.)

Vito: You know... our natural charm... fatal weapon...

Camelia: You're such a playboy... but I have to admit, your family members have pretty good genes... nothing to throw away.

Vito: Interesting... I didn't know that the smart Camelia had a crush on me...

Camelia: Sorry, Vito. I can recognize that you are a very good-looking guy, but I'm not interested in womanizer. I know my own value!

Vito: Even more interesting... it's a good challenge that I accept with pleasure...

Camelia: Which challenge?

Vito: Make you fall for me... and sleep with you!

Camelia: To have fun and throw me away when you're done... I pass!

Vito: Resist as you want, dear Camelia... I will remind you that conversation the day you will yell my name of pleasure...

Camelia: (She laughed.) It's never going to happen... Bye! (She left.)

Vito: Damn... surprising Camelia... (He left the school to go home.)