"When we miss someone, often, what we miss is the part of us that with this someone awakens."
~
After the cafe meeting
Matteo drove back home. When he entered the living room, he saw three brothers eagerly waiting. Matt cleared my throat, gaining attention. They looked at him for a second and started looking around confused. Then looked at him again, and shouted together, "WHERE IS SHE?" They looked at each other (creepy brother telepathy I guess). He didn't see say anything.
They looked at him again. Vincent looking disappointed. Finn was looking at me calmly, way too calmly. (Scary tbh, to maybe he was planning his murder) Matt shivered at that thought. Ace looked at me as if he was ready to pounce at him any second.
He took a step back cautiously. And spoke, " I talked with her after a little of convincing her is ready to meet us today at dinner." They all breathe in relief. Ace being eager asked mindlessly, "How is she? Does she like us? Is she okay? Is she angry with us? When is she coming?" He paused and looked at him and shouted "ANSWER!!" Matt said, " geez, calm down Mr. hothead" Then explained the entire conversation to the brothers. They nodded in agreement.
He also did not mention that her answers were professional, not warm. They understood that after 20yrs without us she can't welcome us with and an open heart. But they mentally promised themselves that they will make her accept them.
They all were excited to see her again. Matteo started cooking by himself. It shocked the chefs in the house to see their boss in the kitchen. I mean he may have learned to cook professionally yet he rarely cook. But Matteo wanted to cook for his sister, his pumpkin. He wanted to shower her with love. Even though she was an independent woman and not a 5yr old girl.
He asked the rest of the chefs to get the rest of the things cooked, as he was going to pick her up. Ace whined like an 8yr old child to accompany him. But Vincent shut him off with a glare. He was pissed but listened, provided Finn was his usual self.
Matt left to pick her up. When they had met at the hospital, she informed him she that will come in her car. He said that they could tag along, but he agreed with her request as long as she comes home. Brothers finally had called the Mansion as home when they heard of their sister.
When Matt and Athena reached the mansion. Athena looked around. She has absolutely no expressions. Matt observed she doesn't show much of her emotions. He directed her towards the door. Now it's time to meet the rest of the brothers. He was nervous about how she would react to seeing the rest of her brothers.
When Athena entered the beautiful mansion she observed it. It had become a habit of her to examine the place. She is trained, trained to observe everything.
She accepted that they have great taste in interior design. It was dark yet welcoming, rustic yet modern, and a minimal yet sufficient look. Excellent, her subconscious approved. She made a mental note of asking her brothers for the designer's contact.
She wanted to redecorate her New York condo into modern style. She was more into vintage/royal style. After all, she was a goddamn QUEEN.
She moved to the hall gracefully. She walked as if she owned the Mansion and not the Florentino Brothers. She screamed with confidence.
She saw her three brothers looking at her. Before she could say anything, Ace came over and gave her a tight hug. Athena went stiff. It's not that she was uncomfortable with physical touch, but by someone, she had just met it was awkward. He got it and moved back. He sheepishly scratched his neck. Cute, she imagined. Fuck, she was already accepting of them? Unlike her. Ace said, "Sorry for startling you umm, guess I missed you a lot baby, " She simply nodded.
Finn was staring at her so, she looked straight into his eyes. He seemed surprised with her confidence. But then he delivered her a small smile. Vincent looked at her as a proud parent. They motioned her towards the dining area where the food was being served.
It looked delicious. She was a huge foodie, coming from an Italian genealogy food has to be her first love. Vincent began with the introduction. He said, "Hey sweetheart, we missed you. As you may remember, I am Vincent, your oldest brother." She nodded. He looked at others to continue. Finn gazed at her and mumbled, "I am Finn, love. It's great having you back." Others looked at him wide-eyed. Ace looked at her and beamed and said, "I am Ace, the best brother. I missed you, cupcake." With a wink. Others groaned at the best brother remark.
They looked at Athena, expecting an intro. She simply stated. "Dr. Athena, nice meeting y'all" professionally with a curt nod. They looked taken back. Matteo cut the tense atmosphere and said, "let's dig in the food," with an enormous smile. The boys started inhaling the food.
She began elegantly eating. Matteo looked at her as if asking for a compliment. Umm, she guessed he had a part in cooking. She complimented, "The food is amazing. You have a splendid cook." He grinned, "Thanks, pumpkin, I made it hope you enjoy the rest." She nodded. And continue to eat.
When the dinner was finished, they went towards the hall. They sat on the couch and were making small talk. And they kept using various pet names. Athena was annoyed. She couldn't take it anymore so she spoke, "I would like if you to address me as Athena or A. I am not comfortable with nicknames yet. I don't want to hurt you guys, so please keep it to a minimum to absolutely no."
Ace whined, "no baby-girl, you are my sister I want to - was cutoff by Finn, " Okay, I get it, Athena." SheI gave him a grateful smile while others nodded in understanding. Ace groaned. Then Vincent spoke, "Umm, so I was wondering if you could live with us." She raised an eyebrow and said, "I have my apartment, I am fine their" They looked at me and started giving me various reasons. Like, safety, privacy, family, love, etc. Plus, they gave her puppy eyes. Fuck, they can convince her with those shitty cute eyes. Shit, she was already going soft on them. Wtf is happening, but she finally gave in. She sighed, "alright. It's late I'll go back to my apartment now. I will start packing tomorrow and will move within 2days" They all smiled genuinely.
Finn said, "I will help you pack. More hands the faster the packing is done." she just nodded in agreement. Ace looked excited and said, "me too! More the merrier." She politely refused Ace company said no one is more than enough. Ace gave her puppy eyes and said, "pretty please with a cherry on top" with a pout. Ugh, he is cute. "Fine, ok?" she gave in. He looked ecstatic.
After a little more chat, she left. They looked as if they didn't want Athena to go. While driving back, she could recognize a car following her. As per her theory, her dearest brothers assigned her some guards. *cue the eye roll* For protection. She sighed. Athena texted Stephen (her bodyguard) about them and to stay hidden. She entered her apartment, dropped her bag kicked her shoes off, and stripped. After a hot shower, she relaxed and started pondering about today's events.
She was not okay at all. She was fucking overwhelmed with emotions. Yet, she felt a connection with them. She cursed them for leaving her yet she craved their presence. What is going on with her? She felt as if she was PSMing. She was high on emotions.
She had to play if safe with her brothers. She couldn't let them too close. She can't tell them about her past or who she truly is. Secrets Athena holds could crush them and make them the most targeted people. She couldn't jeopardize their lives.