Arrabbiato

*Zeus*

All I could hear was curse words in Italian. This Santino guy was starting to piss me off. I watched as Joseph handled like a champion, reminding me why he was the leader. I could see the clear anger in his eyes, the pain, exhaustion, and stress all at the same time. He hardly ever looked injured, or weak, but right now he was showing signs of both. It broke me to see him this way. I know we almost lost him. I dont know what was harder, seeing it, or watching Sandra fall apart. He can't do that to her again. She was in pure torment. It was something I never wish to see again. The sunshine she brought to us completely burned out. Joseph kept asking Santino to speak English, "I respect what you are saying Santino, I do, could you please speak in English? I don't understand italian" He did finally get quiet. He was saying something about his men being outraged. Luca had many loyal followers who were just as depraved as he was. When he spoke English he had to think between his words, showing me he wasn't fluent. It was strange that they chose him to come to lead, considering he would have to deal a lot in English at the peak. "Luca, he was my.. family." He paused, "Cugino." Henry pulled out a translator and we learned he was saying, cousin. Luca was his cousin, Fuck. I closed my eyes and breathed in deeply, almost certain we would be preparing for war. "Your cousin kidnapped my 3rd man, threatened to kill him, tried to barter for my queen, then fucking shot me. Yes, we killed him, but he earned that shit. If you can't understand me, then you need to find someone to fucking translate that." I opened my eyes wide looking at Jo, he was done with calm. He was walking right into intimidation. "Have them tell you this too Santino, you don't want war with the brotherhood, I promise you that." Joseph started to grit his teeth and I watched him start to gasp for air. I walked over and reached for the phone. He hesitated before reaching it to me. Santino was talking more in English now., but sounded more like he was reading sentences. Probably from a translator as well. " I will talk with the crew. I will meet with you soon. No blood spilled before." He said, short and stern. "The boss has reached me on the phone. As you know he is healing from that psycho shooting him. Contact us with this number when you are ready to talk. Give us some time to get Smoke back to his office. Probably within the next two days." When I said that Joseph smirked at me as to say he wasn't waiting that long. I shook my head at him and mouthed, "Good luck." Sandra would be back soon and she is determined he follows all of the doc's orders. Santino agreed to give us a few days, and I ended the call.

I felt my phone vibrate three times in my pocket while I was dealing with the peak business. After the nurse came in and gave Jo some more meds I sat down and pulled it out of my pocket. I laughed at the first message thinking of him thinking he was going to leave this room early.

You are not staying checked in Z! I will come back there and kick your big ASS!
-Sunshine.

She is awake.
-Jay.

Little late Jay, I thought, before replying to both of them. I told Sandra that he was sleeping, and doing fine. About the same as he was before. I also told her that Joseph told us not to bother her if she was resting finally. I messaged Jay back with two simple words, impeccable timing. I knew he would be laughing at me, weirdly, I was still so confused that he could do that. The third message was from Tanya, asking me when I would be back. It was strange, being asked that. I have heard the boss or a brother ask me before if I would be there for a meal or an event, but not someone like Tanya. I smiled at the thought of her. I know people don't understand our connection, and to be honest, I don't think they are supposed to. If they did it wouldn't be ours. I instantly felt drawn to her, and somewhere deep down inside knew I was there to save her, to protect her. It all happened quickly but I think that is the only way I could accept it. Anything else I would have pushed away after time like I always have. When she asked me to take away her pain, to take away what those monsters did to her, I did it without a second thought. Some might find it strange, but it worked for us, and it saved both of us. I know Joseph understood that, though he did show more restraint than I did. I have never been much for restraint. Poor Henry is already looking at the new girl the same way, but I am not so sure that one wants to be saved. That's not the word I would use anyway. He will learn the hard way. That seems to be his way. I looked over at him, smiling, and he glared at me. "What are you smiling at?" he said rolling his eyes. "You are in over your head with that girl little brother," I said chuckling a little under my breath. He gave me the "fuck you" finger but laughed out loud as well. I shushed him knowing Joseph needed all the rest he would allow himself to get.

Henry got up, stretched his legs, and walked towards the door. "I need some grub. You wanna go eat something Z?" I shook my head yes standing myself. Usually, the doc lets us use the kitchen in the building, but I was thinking of take-out. "Pizza?" I laughed because every time we were in the city Sandra made us get pizza. It was her favorite. Henry squinted at me but shrugged shaking his head yes in agreement. He pulled out his phone to place the order and sent a city guard to wait on it. We walked down the hall to go out to the waiting area and I stopped the nurse, "If he wakes up, let me know." she nodded at me and I kept walking. Henry looked at me funny, but I knew she had a problem with Sandra being around and I knew why. Joseph has been here a few times and she always takes care of him. He has let her take care of him a few times before Sandra. She's Jealous. I find it hilarious, but if she kept up her side eyes and dirty looks, she would hear from me. When we got outside for some fresh air Henry looked at me still a little puzzled. "What's up with Nurse Sexy in there?" He said smiling. "She is jealous of Sunshine," I said rolling my eyes. "She better not say a fucking word to Sunshine, I don't smack girl, but I will make sure someone does." Henry and his hot head explosions. I just shook my head at him and laughed. "I know, I know," I said patting him on the top of his head. He was the one to roll his eyes this time. A black SUV pulled up and I could see Jay behind the wheel. The queen has returned. Jay looked exhausted but I knew I couldn't get him to leave her side. He has always taken a special interest in being her guardian. It was impossible to get Jay to hear reason most days, but when it came to Sandra, it was pointless to try. When they got out, Sandra looked refreshed. She had changed into her oversized hoodie and some leggings. She had on some sneakers and her hair was cleaner than the last time I saw her. "Sunshine!" Henry yelled walking over to her and hugging her tightly. They had a connection as well, not like her and Joseph, but more like actual siblings. In a way, I feel like they also needed each other.

She walked towards me smiling, before hugging me as well. "Thank you so much Z! I know you would be here anyway, but thank you for being here." She kissed my cheek softly before walking towards the door. I tried to tell Jay to go get some rest, but he just glanced at me and followed behind her. Once we were all inside, she turned and looked at him. "He's right Jay. I will be here for a while. Why don't you use another room, and get some rest? I can wake you if I need you." He nodded and sat down in a chair. "Soon, Sunshine." He said, short and sweet like always. When the city guard came in with the pizza I watched Sandra's eye grow three sizes, much like the Grinch's heart. "Ya'll get pizza." She said grabbing her chest dramatically like she was having a heart attack. Henry grabbed the box and opened it offering everyone a piece. Sandra took one and instantly started devouring it. "Didn't you eat crepes before Henry came here?" I asked laughing silently at her. She nodded and shrugged getting another big bite. After she had eaten she headed towards Joseph's room. The rest of us sat and ate our pizza giving her some time alone in the room with him. Everyone was quiet from chewing until we heard a scream. "WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING??" It was Sandra screaming from the hallway.