friends with the monster

The sound of Gianna’s voice both startled and soothed Tomas. But it wasn’t all that much to make the man jump out of his seat. The cold and threatning words were heard and he could only revel in the wanting of doing it personally. Things were clear then, and Tomas had no problems switching to offense mode in order to kill a Rinaldi. “And I’ll help you see through it. Right to the very end.” Tomas’ gaze had been fixed to the ugly carpet on the floor once his voice picked up. Not much, but it was better than nothing at all. “The same will be said for all of them. After we’re done here, the real war will begin…” Looking over to Gia, Tomas blinked silently. “I don’t know how much longer I can hang on, Gianna. My faith is being tested, but so are the noises in my head.” If anyone could understand where he was coming from, it was her.

For the first time since Gianna had seen Genna's blood, a genuine smile graced her features for a brief moment in response to Tomas expressing his wish for the same. It was well-known by those who heard of the Rossi's or had first hand experience that if either Gianna or Tomas were brought in, the victim was sure for a horror show unlike anything they could even imagine. The both of them had reputations for leaving behind grotesque displays of violence, yet with a certain precision and creativity that betrayed how much they reveled in it. "You're stronger than that - we all are," she assured him, though her tone still held the weight of the nights' events, "We will prevail and grow stronger through these tests." Gianna did understand about the noises - the same had begun a symphony in her mind the instant she heard the gunfire and saw Genevieve collapse. They whirred and howled, scratching behind her eyes to be let free, to rain down the very blood Genna had promised upon their arrival. "We'll free them," she said of the voices, "They know a punishment is due."

That really didn't just happen...

Yes, you're right. It was - and by your brother. He started that mess at the church and Alessandra was due retaliation. And my, my... it wasn't even someone in our family that put her in the hospital. It was actually yours, as I recall...

Rushing through the doors of the hospital, she let out an exasperated breath as she shoved aside the security standing at the doors, for both the Rinaldis and the Rossis no doubt. Striding up to the desk with no time to waste, she slammed her hand on the counter as the receptionist stared up at her. “Genevieve Rossi, what room?” she demanded as a hand fell to her shoulder. One second away from shoving it back to the person’s body, she turned her head, catching a glimpse of the face awaiting her. “Where is she?” she asked coldly, her face softening just a little. Truthfully she didn’t have the energy for this, and the only thing she was interested in ensuring was that her cousin was not dead— a fate she wouldn’t wish on those who shared her blood, even her family that she resented and even hated most of the time.

"Iz!" Her sister's name flew from Gianna's lips the moment she saw her come crashing through the double doors that led to the main waiting room. She leapt up from her seat, her rosary still tangled among her fingers as she used her other hand to grab hold of Isabella's. "They haven't told us anything yet. It was Stefan… and he's going to die," her tone was earnest, a promise to not only Genevieve but her entire family.  Where had their security been? Genna was strong, intelligent, and brave, yet that didn't mean she was immortal. They'd been in the snake's den. I should have paid more attention. Gia scolded herself, the beads wrapped so tightly around her fingers the tips began turning a purplish color. Browns swept over her sister, instinct forcing her to make sure Isabella hadn't been the victim of any retaliation. It didn't seem she had - not that Gianna had expected less. It had been a shock that even Genna had managed to get injured - and by a Rinaldi. "I managed to ease the bleeding at the church. I'm sure she'll live." Her dress was obviously uneven, the hem torn at an awkward angle that made it look like she'd gotten caught in a bush of thorns. 

It should have been him in this situation. His blood on Genna’s clothes, his life hanging in the balance in the hospital. Every single ounce of energy had been drained from the man the moment those gunshots rang in the night air. Not once, but twice. The signs were unclear -as if they were at this very moment- and yet, Tomas felt nothing, only the deja-vu that crawled against his skin in the ugliest way possible. With Genna already becoming a victim to the violence that the Rossi’s had sworn to bring forth, Tomas couldn’t help the feeling of failure then and there. He vowed to protect these girls with his dying breath, and now he dreaded making the phone calls that would certainly bring a negative pull to the whole operation itself. But now wasn’t the time to think that. He just wanted Genna to pull through. He needed her to. Couldn’t go on without her, in which was an irony in itself. With a hand at his face, Tomas continued praying in a soft whisper as he tried his best not to lose himself in the waiting room. It might have looked like he was crying, but he was doing whatever it took not to succumb to the voices that demanded blood in retaliation. 

There was no smile, no smirk, no hint of amusement like there commonly was on Gianna Rossi's features. No. Now? Now she was filled with rage - a hate so strong she could taste it on her tongue, heavy and bitter. Her rosary was twisted about her fingers, clutched close against her chest as she wandered back toward the hall that housed her cousin, seeing Tomas had kept his spot in the waiting room. Gia paused at the entrance, icy browns scanning the area for any unwanted visitors before she took her seat beside Tomas. If anyone even came close to Genna's room… well, they'd wish they had never even uttered the name Rossi. In fact, they'd wish to be mute, deaf, and dumb if it saved them from her wrath - one that was sure to be filled with the most sickening and horrific of her skills. "He is going to know pain unlike anything he's ever experienced. He is going to cry over the pulpy flesh of his sister until he can't keep his eyes open anymore. Then… I will skin him alive. Remind him that mental anguish isn't the only horror we're capable of," she hissed in hushed tones, her eyes focused on the wall in front of her as she held her rosary with white knuckles.

Gia. Today is not that day.

Then I suggest, for your well-being, you have a sit down and talk to Genna, Tomas too. 

Oh, so we’re talking again. Fantastic. 

I've been busy. You know, polishing my halo and all that.

It’s nice to meet you, Gianna… I want to thank you for that, you don’t know how much it means to me to have my sister alive an well.

Oh I'm sure I can imagine. I have family as well - a sister. And Naomi is not my enemy nor could I see how she'd deserve to be treated that way.