Brando de sanctis²

You were still in the kitchen when Niccolò called from the living room.

“Yo, come here for a second.”

You walked in and immediately caught everyone's attention.

You had a naturally intimidating look, and the room went a little quieter when you entered.

Niccolò just laughed.

“Relax, he's with me.”

He pointed toward you.

“This is my friend.”

Then he looked at Brando.

“You two haven't met yet.”

Brando looked up at you.

For once, he didn't have some sarcastic comment ready.

“Brando.”

You nodded.

“I know.”

He raised an eyebrow.

“You know me.”

“Niccolò talks too much.”

Everyone laughed.

Brando gave a small smirk.

“Fair enough.”

You sat down beside Niccolò.

Brando stayed quiet for a moment before speaking again.

“So, are you always this intimidating.”

You looked at him.

“Are you always this curious.”

He smiled slightly.

“Usually.”

“Then you're gonna have a problem.”

Brando laughed quietly.

“Probably.”

Niccolò looked between you two.

“I leave you alone for thirty seconds.”

You shrugged.

“He started it.”

Brando shook his head.

“Didn't say anything.”

“You didn't have to.”

Brando looked at you for a second before leaning back.

“Alright.”

There was something about the way he looked at you.

Not nervous.

Just respectful.

And maybe a little too interested.