Scared And Scarred

3️⃣ 4️⃣

3rd person pov

Everyone was settled in the dining room waiting for the dinner to be served.

"Where are Martin and Alicia?" Grandpa Alejandro asked.

"I don't know, they had their first training today right," Manuel asked.

"I hope everything went well, they don't get along much." concerned Hugo said.

"Shall I go and check on them," Isaac said.

"No Isaac let's wait for 5 more minutes," Nicolas told his son.

A minute or two later they heard a loud laughing and everyone was shell-shocked to see a laughing Martin carrying Alicia on his back. Usually, nothing fazed Grandpa but this time even he was surprised.

When Nicholas asked Martin to teach Xia, he did that so both of his kids could eventually come closer but he didn't expect that just one day together and Xia has Martin already wrapped around her little finger.
Xia has some magic in her.

"Is this the first time I am seeing Martin Ortiz, 'the angry Brood laughing?" Said, Miguel

"It certainly is. We are lucky to witness this historic event," replied Felipe

"No one will make fun of my Tintin," Xia said sternly while Martin carefully settled her on her chair.

Martin was touched.
He could see the reflection of his mom in Xia. For once someone other than his Mom defended him.
Though the matter is trivial, still for the first time someone apart from his mom, stood for him without being asked.
He always had his dad and brothers but it's not the same, It was always expected of him to deal with his matters and he was capable enough but isn't it good to know that someone will fight your battle for you even without your asking? The thought itself gives you the power to fight harder.

Martin was so touched that he hugged Xia, kissed her forehead and thanked her before going to his seat.

Alicia's pov

The rest of the dinner went peacefully.

Issac was super happy because not only did I finish all the food on my plate but also asked for a refill. I guess all the training made me super hungry.

After dinner, we all went to the living room to spend some time with each other.

Apart from Santiago and Marcello, all the other brothers have warmed up to me. I don't think that these two hate me, I guess they just want to keep their 'hot-headed mafia men' facade on.
Let's see for how long.

"Tia Julia"
(Puppy face on)

"Yes my darling"

"Tia I am craving some ice cream."

"At this time, it's not a good idea baby, you can have some tomorrow."

"Please Tia I had a hard day today. Ask Martin, we trained for 4 hours nonstop-

"3 hours" Martin interrupted.

I glared at him.
"3 and a half hours Tia. Please"
I restated.

"Okay ok, I ask Clara to bring some for you."

"I don't think we should trouble Clara, she already works too hard. I can go by myself but I know you all are too worried for my safety. No problem Santiago and Marcello can take me."

"Fine. I guess you can go then." Tia agreed.

"Why me?" Marcello said

"Marcello you should respect Tia's order. Come on guys I am waiting for you in the garage."