"Who the hell cares if you aren't related by blood?" Al asked, practically seething at this point. "That doesn't make you a burden! I don't care [i]what[/i] he's done for you! You're a human being, and he's talking like you're a ball and chain strapped to his feet! You [i]should[/i] talk back to him, otherwise he'll keep treating you like crap forever!"

He gave the frail boy a vigorous nod when he mentioned his sister.

"You're damn right, I do! And unlike your scumbag brother, I like to make sure she knows it."

He paused, before nodding resolutely and standing up.

"You know what? I'm not letting things go this way. Tonight, we should leave. Make our escape while that jackass is still asleep. Maybe then he'll realise how important it is not to treat the only people who like you like crap!"


Meanwhile, in the bedroom, Giovanni continued to relax on the bed.

"Tempting, but I think I'll pass. Leave practising what you preach to the people who actually [i]care[/i] about being called a hypocrite."

He sighed as she got up to leave.

"Well, at least you understand a little." He said. "Once you'be finished eating, get some rest. Big day tomorrow, and we wanna be up an leaving pretty early in it."

Once she's left though, the tired, easy going smile on his face warped into a frown, and he rubbed his temples in frustration.

"I guess I said something pretty shitty again, huh?"