My Mafia Host Family

It was good to get the first match played. Pazhar was actually rather amazed at the low skill level displayed. It was indeed nothing like Sollas or Fendaril, and not all that different from practice. At least it made him stand out as a great player, and he liked that bit.

Birthday dinner with Eliseo had been nice. Thankfully, the purple-haired fellow was feeling a lot better from the poisoning. And for a present, the guy had even bought him a kickass pair of basketball shoes, which Pazhar wore for the match. They were just great.

He had showered with his teammates and headed to the locker to get his stuff. Only there was a problem: It had obviously been broken into. With a sigh and a grimace, Pazhar moved over to it, but strangely enough, nothing seemed to be missing. Then he spotted something in one of his shoes, and pulled it out.

A dead rat.

Instinctively dropping it on the floor, Pazhar's face split in a distasteful grimace. Who the fuck would break into a locker to leave a dead rat? Well, he assumed it fit better with the night caller than with the hostile brother. With a sigh, he opened his bag, digging through it until he found a note.

Dear Fendy
This is your last chance.
You can do the smart thing, and use the enclosed code on their security system tonight at 3 am, or you can suffer the consequences. You've chosen the wrong fucking side, and I'm not playing games anymore. Don't make me do to you what I did to the rat.

So at least he was right. It was the night caller. Seemed the guy didn't get the message at all, and wasn't intent on cutting him any slack. He stuck the note in his pocket, realising he needed another word with the family father about it. It was tempting to just go right back there and have that conversation to be done with it. However, he had agreed with Jae Sun to meet him after the game to go and study mathematics, so it'd have to wait until later.

Perhaps it would be wise to check with that Asian whether it could be possible to move in with them too...

~~~~~

Taejin was sitting in the couch, playing a car racing game. It was good to have the apartment to himself once in a while, but he knew Jae Sun would be over soon. The little guy had attempted to convince him to cook dinner, but he had no such luck. In fact, Taejin had gotten himself a bag of potato chips and a dip of herbs and melted cheese, and should easily be able to outlast the other two when it came to getting too hungry. Such a contest was not rare at all in their household, and despite his loud attitude, it usually ended up with Derek cooking.

A knock on the door. Taejin's brow furrowed. Who'd knock? Deciding there was an easy way to find out, he paused the game and looked over at the door. "Come in..."

The door slid open and in walked Silvano Ferrara. He was wearing the white hoodie again, with his hair hidden under the hood. As soon as he laid eyes on Taejin, a bright smile grew on his face. "How's it going? I would have called first, but I don't have your number."

Being surprised by that man left Taejin slightly edgy. Perhaps it was not such a good idea to let the man know where he lived... He pushed to his feet and started towards Silvano. "I'll let you know my number..." he said with a sigh, then decided there was at least one thing that could calm him down a bit, "... as soon as you've given me your gun."

Without a moment's hesitation, Silvano pulled the gun out of his pocket and handed it over. His smile faded as he studied Taejin's face and then looked around the room. "Is this a bad time?"

The cold metal brought a predictable ounce of calm. At least there wouldn't be a gunfight in the apartment. The Asian put it away in his own pocket, then shrugged. "No, but I don't like surprise visits." He dug out his cellphone, then pushed a few buttons to make the number appear on the screen, and showed it to Silvano.

After taking a small marker out of his pocket and scrubbling the number on his hand, Silvano put it away and smiled apologetically. "I wanted to see you... Actually, I think we need to talk. I thought I should talk to someone else about this, but it doesn't really make a difference what anyone tells me if we don't go over it, right?"

Taejin slipped the cellphone away, then quirked a brow. "Go over what?" He asked, then covered the few steps back to the couch and sat down.

"I don't know how to bring this up without sounding like a drama queen." Silvano followed Taejin over to the couch and sat on it sideways to face him. "I really like you, Taejin. I know, it's crazy because we've been together, what, twice? I've been trying to figure out how to get more than a physical relationship with you, and how I could convince you that it's worth it..."

It was hard to know why, but it seemed a little funny to him. Perhaps it was just the bit about getting a famous gangster on a surprise visit, but he couldn't keep from laughing a little. "What, you want to do something else than sex, is that what you mean?" He picked up the other controller from the floor, then put it on the coach next to Silvano. "We can snuggle up real close and play video games if you like..."

A faint grin pulled at Silvano's lips. He nodded lightly and gazed down at the controller. "I'd like that, if you're still willing to put up with me after I'm done talking." He shifted closer, but still didn't touch Taejin. "Don't worry, I'm not some psycho, talking about marriage and kids when we've only known each other for three days. I wait at least a week for that," he added the last part with a teasing wink.

There was a question about whether he'd still put up with Silvano? Probably meant he was about to say something important. Taejin put the controller down with a smirk, turning to meet the young Ferrara's gaze. "Alright, you have my attention..."

"It's not that I want us to do more, though that is definitely part of it. It's that I want this to be serious. Not just a casual fling. It's a lot to ask, me being who I am, but I won't betray you." Silvano sighed and sat back to gaze up at the ceiling. "You've been on my mind constantly since the moment we've met! It's driving me crazy! At first I was just going nuts because I didn't think I had a shot in hell of getting this to be anything more than just a series of booty calls, but now it's almost unbearable; the small shred of hope and not knowing what to do about it."

Was this really a member of the infamous Ferrara family speaking? Taejin smirked again, then moved over and wrapped an arm around the other. "You know, Silvano..." He started, not quite knowing what to say. "I do like you. We're off to a good start, aren't we?"

"Some sort of mutuality is always a good foundation." Silvano grinned and leaned over to kiss Taejin on the cheek. "So you're not freaked out about some guy you just met saying stuff like this?"

"Should I be?" Taejin leant against the back of the couch, studying the other man's features. After what Silvano had said the day before, this wasn't too shocking. "To tell you the truth, I'm happy to hear about your feelings. If I had to nail someone else's ass, that'd be quite disappointing after our fucks. I'm ready for us to commit to giving this relationship a chance and leave everyone else alone. How about you?"

"You're kidding, right? I have no need for anyone else." Silvano gently ran his fingers up the side of Taejin's face. "With all the thinking I've been doing about you, I don't think I'd have the willpower to bother."

"You know why I have faith in this relationship?" Taejin smirked, then pulled Silvano's gun out, simply resting it in his hand. "You're willing to be unarmed around me. When it comes to someone with your background, you giving me your weapons must mean you're serious about us."

Silvano paused and looked down at the metal. He quirked a thoughtful brow and replied in a joking voice, "Yeah, about that... Can I have that back now?"

Taejin shrugged. "If you're leaving now, sure..." He leant in and parted Silvano's lips for an insistent kiss, then spoke as he pulled back. "But I'd rather you stuck around. We could play those video games, and then I could chain you to my cot and make amazing love to you."

"In that order? You sure know how to make video games sound appealing." Silvano nuzzled Taejin's neck.

Well, building up expectations was fun. Taejin stuck the gun back in his pocket and picked up the controller. He shifted as close as he could, then opened a multiplayer game. "If you're lucky, maybe you can convince me to fuck you already after one round." He chuckled lightly.

Then he heard the door open. He turned to see Jae Sun and Pazhar enter, talking away about something he didn't understand a word of - probably college stuff. "Hi guys." He said with a calm smirk, then remembered the bowl of chips and ate a few.

Only a few seconds passed before Silvano was on his feet, heading over to the newcomers. "Well, well, well. Don't you look handsome. Must be a winner's glow. Just how badly did you trounce the other team? I kinda missed the last few minutes of the game..."

What was that about? That sounded unmistakably like flirting! Taejin scowled at Silvano, but the guy was completely caught up in the Fendarian and didn't appear to have any interest in him.

"We trounced them pretty bad." Pazhar grinned. "If the rest of the teams are around that level, the league will be a walk in the park." He paused, then quirked a brow. "You got plans for later?"

Plans for later? What was with these people?! He, Taejin, was right there! "Yes he does," Taejin grumbled, "I'm chaining him to my bed and fucking his brains out!"

Silvano grinned and glanced back at Taejin, but the grin quickly changed into a confused frown. Then he turned back to Pazhar and draped an arm around his shoulder. "How much later? I'm sure I could fit you into my schedule."

"Hey!" Taejin said loudly, with the only effect being Silvano casting a glance at him. What happened to not having the willpower to look at others? This was starting to leave a real foul taste in his mouth.

With a smirk, the Fendarian returned the Ferrara's gesture. "Too bad I didn't bring all those toys you gave me, then... they could've gotten useful tonight. You know, I never knew there were so many colours of cockrings!" Pazhar let out a light chuckle.

"There's plenty of other shapes and sizes too. Just wait until your next birthday." Silvano winked.

Taejin felt a subtle growl settling in his throat, and he pushed angrily to his feet. He didn't want to know what other sex toys Silvano was giving away to everyone he met. Putting a hand on the Ferrara's shoulder, he hissed, "come here..." As nothing happened, he added loudly, "now!"

Well, that at least got the man moving, but instead of coming with Taejin, he leant in to kiss Pazhar on the cheek. "Fuck you!" The Asian yelled, then punched Silvano straight in the cheek.

Silvano stumbled away with the force and within a second, he had a gun in his hand and a shot rang out. Pieces exploded off the wall behind him. The young Ferrara stood there, gun still aimed, and an apathetic green stare fixed on Taejin.

So he still had a gun, and he shot at him? That manipulative asshole! Taejin snarled, then locked gazes with Silvano. So it was all a lie, and he was just being used? In a lightning-fast move, he grabbed the Ferrara's wrist with one hand and the gun with the other, the moment after yanking it away. "Get the fuck out." He ordered with a furious grimace.

For a moment, Silvano remained expressionless, but it soon faltered as he glanced at the door and gingerly touched his jaw, where he had been hit. "Unarmed?"

What a stupid question! Did he think Taejin would give weapons to someone who was shooting at him? "Of course." He said bitterly. "Go."

More hesitation. Silvano shook his head and his brow furrowed as he gazed insistently at the guy. "Give me my gun, Taejin."

Oh, so the gun was more important than him now? A fucking inanimate object! "You fucking shot at me," Taejin snarled as he lifted the gun to aim it at Silvano's face. "So I'm keeping it. Now scram!"

With a sigh, Silvano pulled his cellphone out of his pocket and handed it over to Pazhar. "Eliseo's work number and cell are speed dials five and six. He'll come pick you up when you're ready to go. Sorry about this." He cast one last glance at Taejin and then headed for the door.

A few seconds later, the door closed behind him. And then there was nothing but emptiness. Sure, there were two other people in the room, staring blankly at Taejin, but they didn't matter! Silvano mattered! At least until he backstabbed him like that. The Asian swallowed uncomfortably. How could he ever live this down? And worse, how could he ever live it down without Silvano?

There was a tear in the corner of his eye, a tear he didn't want anyone to see. So he took the chips bowl and dip with him and headed for his room. On second thoughts, he didn't want to see anyone at all. He could stay on his cot and let that evil, fucked up world handle itself outside.

~~~~~

They were crazy.

Pazhar had been stunned at watching Silvano and Taejin; wondering if he'd feel comfortable around either of them again. Maybe, but it'd take some work... Thankfully, Eliseo had been happy to pick him up, so he didn't have to share a car with Silvano so soon after. It had been a stretch to stay in the apartment with Taejin, but the guy had locked himself away in his room almost immediately and stayed there. Besides, he really needed some help with the maths from Jae Sun.

The shorter Asian had been joking it away when he asked whether it could be possible in the future to stay there, if things went bad with the Ferraras. Apparently, Jae Sun didn't like the idea too much, or perhaps he was catching onto that Pazhar himself was in doubt after seeing that argument between Silvano and Taejin.

Eventually, he called Eliseo, and on the way back to the estate, Pazhar had told him about the dead rat and the note. He had to tell Eliseo's father about it, and told his purple-haired friend as much. Thankfully there were no complaints about it.

When they got there, Eliseo took the Fendarian to Manuel Ferrara's office, and Pazhar did a quick bow. "I'm sorry to intrude... could I talk to you for a moment?"

Manuel, who was seated behind a large oak desk covered in messy stacks of papers and folders, looked up at him with a smile. It was a reluctant smile. He seemed a little frazzled, but was welcoming nonetheless. "I've been looking for an excuse to put this paperwork aside! Please, sit down and make yourself comfortable."

Pazhar offered a quick smile, then sat himself down as suggested. "I got another note and disk today... with a dead rat." He sighed, then pulled the note out and handed it over. "Whoever left it, broke into my locker to place it."

While Manuel went over the note, Vestige had come over to sit in a chair beside Pazhar and was glaring at his father with annoyance. "I thought you said you were going to look into this, old man?"

"I have been looking into it, but we don't know who it is. What can I do without a suspect?" Manuel sighed and folded the note back up. "Pazhar, honestly, I'm getting worried about these threats. It seems to me, whoever it is must be petty and idiotic, but I'm sure you know how dangerous stupidity can be. Have you noticed anyone following you or acting strangely around you lately?"

He had, but he knew they were not looking for Silvano, Arsenio or Taejin. If he was in his usual mood, he might have joked about it, but with the credible death threat, he didn't feel like doing that. "Noone who could be the person involved," he answered honestly.

After a brief pause, Manuel frowned at Eliseo. "That sounds like someone has been acting strange. Have you been stalking him, Eliseo?"

"Call me that again, and I zap your head off, bitch." Eliseo pointed his toy gun at his father.

Manuel didn't bother continuing that any further. He turned his attention back to Pazhar and sighed. "If I knew you would be safe, I'd pay for you to have your own apartment near the college, but I'm afraid you might be in more danger if there's no security. I want you to have a body guard with you or let me set up a couple men to have you under surveillance.

Just great. Pazhar sighed deeply. Was prison going to extend to everywhere now? It was also hard to say if anyone around would want anything to do with him with a body guard in tow. At least surveillance was out of the question, but it was hard to immediately dismiss the body guard idea out of the blue. Being killed wasn't too appealing. "I don't want any surveillance..." he said, then sighed again. "A body guard? I don't know..."

Eliseo's hand found its way onto Pazhar's knee. "You've got all night to think about it, right?" His voice lowered to a whisper as if he didn't want his father to hear, "hate having suits around all the time, but I don't want anything to happen to you."

Pazhar frowned, resting his hand lightly on Eliseo's. "If I have a guy with me, I guess I'll lose my new friends too, huh?" He sighed. "Yeah, I'll need some time to think about this..."

"You could try to compromise," Eliseo suggested. "Like, only take a body guard when you're going to be alone." He turned to his father and spoke louder. "He's got friends at college. This fucker threatening him is a coward, and I highly doubt he'd have the guts to attack if Pazhar isn't alone. I'll start driving him back and forth and take a goon with me."

Manuel sighed and shook his head. "That still seems so dangerous..."

"Well, you know security measures better than me..." Pazhar sighed, gazing over at Eliseo and then back at Manuel. "I want to know what security I have and where they are... do you have a safer idea than his suggestion that won't freak out my friends?"

There was a pause and then Manuel glanced back and forth between the two of them. "Well, probably not one you'd like. I'd suggest you carry a gun if you're not going to have a body guard around, but I'll have to take you to the shooting range to teach you the basics if you don't know them."

Pazhar frowned, then rested his forehead in a palm. "I don't like guns one bit," he admitted, "and I wouldn't know the first thing about them except that they kill people." He sighed, then lifted his head again. "This isn't going to be easy for me... I'm sorry, but I really need some time to think about this..."

"That's enough. Let's go." Eliseo stood up, and frowned when he watched Pazhar look at his father. "Nevermind him, you should get some rest after this cruddy day."

When Manuel smiled and nodded, Pazhar pushed slowly to his feet. "Thanks for your time." He said with a tired smile, then headed for the door.

~~~~~

Lisa: ... oops? ;) And yes, dinner and a movie wouldn't be a bad idea, but Silvano is Silvano... I don't think the idea crossed his mind ;)