My Mafia Host Family

Ah basketball games. A bunch of sweaty men running around the court, shooting balls into holes. If the game wasn't so boring, the innuendo factor might have been amusing.

Silvano had arrived a little late because of work, but there was no way he would miss Pazhar's game. After a look around the spectators, it was clear his dear cyber goth brother hadn't shown up. Oh well, that just meant being there in the idiot's stead would score him more points. Another scan of the crowd, and he spotted a familiar face. Where had he seen that guy before? Short guy with a buzz cut... Oh yes! The guy who had been with Taejin the other day at the courts!

Hadn't the little guy said something that day about him going about it the wrong way? Maybe he knew of a better way? Even if he didn't, learning anything about Taejin was bound to come in handy in some way. Silvano moved through the stands, squeezing past big, burly guys who were shouting at the game. Man, they smelled terrible; like cheap beer and sweat! Morons too. They weren't paying attention, and he could have stolen their wallets so easily then if he wanted. Not that he was about to test that theory out. Pick-pocketing was one thing he had always been really bad at.

When he made it to the guy, he finally caught his attention. What was his name again? Jay something? Oh well, it would come back to him. He smiled and sat next to the guy. "Who's winning?"

"Home team is up by seven points..." The guy said with a smirk, then quirked a brow. "Hmmm... Silvano, right?"

"Good memory." Silvano watched the game for a moment, but nothing he saw made any sense to him. just guys running around like idiots after a ball... Giving up on trying to figure out what was going on, he turned back to Jay... Sum? "Do you mind if I ask you an inappropriate question?"

The guy let out a light chuckle. "No, go ahead and ask, but keep it down, yes?"

The real question was how should he phrase it. He didn't really want to name names in case someone was around who knew who he was and tried to use it against him. "If you were in a hot and steamy sexual relationship with the hottest guy in the world, how would you turn that into a real meaningful relationship?"

After considering it for a bit, the Asian shrugged. "It depends greatly upon the people involved. Am I correct in assuming this is a relationship that started two days ago?"

Clever guy. Not many people would pick up on it that quickly. Unless Taejin already told him, which was probably the case. "Bingo." Silvano smiled and nodded.

"Well, then I'm expert opinion. I'm his best friend, after all." He grinned lightly, then held out a hand, palm up.

What was that? Silvano had doubts the guy was in for a high five or a hand shake. That could only mean one thing, and that was the universal signal of, 'I'm not talking until I see some cash'. Since he needed the advice anyway, if this was the only way he'd get it, he figured he might as well play along. He took his wallet from his pocket and fished out a 20$ note. Luckily he had been carrying cash this time. "So what should I do?"

The guy pocketed the money with a smirk. "Well, you must be doing something right to have gotten this far in just two days." He quirked a brow. "What exactly are you seeking?"

"I'm seeking a way to get more of him. I'd be lucky if it's possible, considering how it began... I want more than just a physical relationship, but I don't know nearly enough about him." Silvano laughed lightly, though he hardly found it funny. "I don't even know if he'd be interested."

"He's probably interested." The guy lowered his voice a little, speaking in a confidential tone. "He doesn't sleep around. Since he slept with you at all, it means he thinks there is potential."

"So how do I put that potential to good use?" It was frustrating not getting the answer he was looking for right away, but he knew it was all because his questions were so vague. What would be the right question to ask to get the right results? "What can I do to get closer to him? I've tried talking to him to learn more about him, but he's so secretive."

"If you're pushy, he pulls away." The Asian turned to face him. "Becoming his soulmate in a few days isn't possible. Just keep on getting progress and give it a little time..."

"Ah patience. Such an elusive virtue. Just continuing to sleep with him as if we were fuck buddies probably wouldn't ensure progression, and it's too early to take him on a weekend getaway. What can I possibly do?" Silvano sighed and gazed curiously at the other man.

"Let me ask you a question..." the guy said, crossing his arms. "What exactly have you done to show him that progress with you would be good for him?"

Now there was a good question. Silvano smiled in the hopes that it would hide how troubled he was by that. He could lie and make something up, but he knew he'd regret it if he did. "Nothing. I don't want to mislead him. Being with me would be dangerous, what, with all the people who want to kill me and all, but I guess it's selfishness on my part. I can't stop thinking about him."

The Asian shrugged. "It's a good start that you don't want to mislead him. If you trick him, he's not likely to take that well." He paused, gazing over at the game for a bit before continuing, "but if all there is to it is selfishness on your part, you probably need to improve his part of the deal to get much progress, don't you think?"

"Well, let's see. I've got money, a car, a hot body... Hmm, doesn't sound like the makings of a serious relationship, does it?" It was almost starting to sound hopeless, but he wouldn't allow himself to get discouraged. He was only 22, so of course it wasn't going to be easy or instant. "Are there any examples of things people normally have to offer?"

With a smirk, the Asian held out his palm again. "Sorry, money's up." He said calmly, then turned his attention to the game.

"This advice seems pricey. Maybe I should give up on him and start going after you. Are you single?" Silvano tugged a 50$ note out of his wallet and held it up. He spoke in a more serious tone, "I'll do anything within my power. I want Taejin, but I just don't know where to begin."

Taking the note, the Asian smirked at him. "Silvano... I'm a professional people reader, it's what I do. And Taejin is my best friend. I'd say the advice is cheap." He shifted a little closer, then added, "examples of things people normally have to offer? Don't underestimate making people enjoy your company. Having a good time is important. Being trustworthy is a requirement. Then you've got shared interests, safety, material things..."

"So the trick is to make him enjoy my company? I think I'm fairly trustworthy, considering the line of work I'm in. At least I have no intention of betraying him. Any other tips you can give me?" Silvano made another attempt to catch what was going on in the game. Well, basketball was definitely not something he had in common with Taejin, that was for sure.

"Moving from people in general to my friend specifically..." The Asian said contemplatively, "you obviously manage to get him relaxed and at ease when you're having sex. If you want to expand your relationship to other situations, then figure out how you can keep him comfortable in them. He doesn't deal well with not having control over situations, so I'd advice you not to take him to some high-class activity where he'd have no idea how to behave. Whereas he does like classical music, the opera house would be a no-no."

Classical music? Silvano nearly jumped at that shock. "I thought it was going to be hard to find some common interest, but there's one right there. I don't like opera houses anyway with all those stuck-up bitches... Alright, I'm going to have to get creative with this one."

The guy flashed him a grin. "What else are you into?"

Silvano shrugged as he thought about that. "Sadly, a lot of things that those stuck-up bitches are into. Art - a given, considering I work at a museum. I like thrillers, parties, and tequila." Silvano tilted his head in thought. "I wonder how long I should wait before introducing him to my family."

"Well, apart from the art, I think the rest of that is good to go..." The Asian smiled lightly. "Family introductions? Probably best to wait a bit. He won't like that situation at all."

"Fair enough." Silvano smiled appreciatively and tried to spot Pazhar on the court. It was going to be difficult resisting taking Taejin home, but he figured he could manage.

~~~~~

Lisa: Yes, Silvano's quick to want things to mean something... and as you can see, he's trying to improve his odds of getting there. He'll try to get progress in next chapter, and I'll toss in a bit of Pazhar too ;)