The ties that bind

The sun had begun its slow descent, painting the sky in deep orange and soft pink. The estate grounds stretched peacefully under the golden glow, the air crisp with a hint of jasmine.

It was a perfect evening for a walk.

Matteo stood near the front door, stretching his arms. He threw an arm over Serena's shoulder and grinned.

"Alright, kid. You and me. Walk time."

Serena smiled. "Sure, sounds nice."

It was supposed to be that simple.

And then—

"Where do you two think you're going?"

Matteo and Serena turned their heads. Slowly.

Alessandro and Raffaele, who had previously been relaxing on the couch, were now fully awake and staring at them like two wolves spotting prey.

Matteo's internal alarms went off.

Alessandro cracked his neck. "Yeah, we're coming too."

Raffaele was already grabbing his jacket. "Sounds like a great time."

Matteo's soul left his body.

No. Absolutely not.

This was his moment. His long-overdue, older-brother-rights-reclaiming moment.

Matteo turned, slowly, expression flat.

"First of all, no. Second of all, still no. Third—absolutely the hell not."

Alessandro scoffed. "What's your problem? We're all just going for a walk."

Matteo's smile was sharp. "See, that's where you're wrong, little man. We are going for a walk. You two are staying here like the background characters you are."

Serena covered her mouth, already losing it.

Raffaele raised an eyebrow. "And why exactly can't we come?"

Matteo placed a hand on Raffaele's shoulder, sighing dramatically.

"Raf. Buddy. I love you, but let's be honest—you're just tagging along because you have severe FOMO."

Raffaele gasped. "I do not—"

Matteo turned to Alessandro next, eyes narrowing.

"And you—you don't even want to go for a walk. I know for a FACT the last time you voluntarily exercised, Pluto was still a planet."

Alessandro clutched his chest. "WHAT THE HELL, MATTEO?!"

Matteo smirked. "Just facts, no feelings, bro."

Serena was dying.

Raffaele crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes. "So what, you think you're special?"

Matteo didn't even blink. "I don't think it. I know it."

Alessandro rolled his eyes. "Please, you're just scared we'll make you look bad in front of Serena."

Matteo laughed. Laughed.

"Oh, that's adorable," he said. "Like watching toddlers think they can beat an adult at chess."

Alessandro and Raffaele bristled.

Matteo shrugged. "But fine. Let's test it. Serena, be honest—who would you rather go on a walk with? Me, the superior older brother? Or these two guys who have the combined decision-making skills of a squirrel on caffeine?"