Infiltration (Day 1 - 6)

Day 1

“Is that him, boss?” Doppio asked on the phone, looking at Risotto Nero through his hotel window.

“Yes, you are to get close to him and know every move he and his team make against me. I’ll lend you some of my abilities. Can you do that, my sweet Doppio?”

“Of course, boss. Do I ask to join him?”

“No need. I’ll message Risotto to expect a newcomer. That will be you. Try and get close to Risotto.”

“Will do, boss!”

-

Risotto returned to their hideout and went into his office. He should relax, but maybe their boss might give them something to do. Checking his computer, he got a message. He hoped somebody needed to die today, but that wasn’t the case. Instead, the boss informed Risotto that a newcomer would arrive at their hideout. He sighed and got up from his seat.

When he exited his office, Prosciutto was at his door.

“Risotto, has the boss given us anything new?” the blond asked.

“No, we have a newcomer.”

He sighed. “Alright, I’ll tell everyone.”

Risotto entered the room where they gathered. He sat in his usual spot, looking at the empty seat the newcomer would fill. The rest of his team joined and sat down.

“So, who’s the newcomer? What does he look like?” Pesci asked.

“Wasn’t told,” Risotto answered. “We’ll have to wait and see.”

While they sat quietly, Melone brought out his stand, Babyface.

Formaggio looked bored, and Ghiaccio tapped his foot.

“Is this guy ever going to show up?” the blue-haired assassin asked.

“Do you think the boss hired the newcomer to…” Prosciutto trailed off.

“No, that would seem excessive,” Risotto said, “and I doubt he would trust another assassin.”

“I think I see the new guy,” Melone said.

Prosciutto looked at Babyface. “No way. Is this a joke?”

Curious, Risotto got up and checked, spying on the pink-haired guy at their door. He looked like a teenager. Though, Risotto did murder somebody when he was 18, barely an adult. The guy could be 18 or around that age.

“Wait, Melone, when did we have security cameras?” Illuso asked.

“I suggest it to Risotto,” he answered. “He agreed. I even installed security cameras where everybody lives. And not just in your front and back doors. I placed cameras in everyone’s living room, bedroom, bathroom, closet—”

“The fucking bathroom?” Ghiaccio yelled.

“I agreed, but I didn’t say invade everyone’s privacy,” Risotto said.

“How small is Formaggio’s cock?” Illuso asked.

“Small than Pesci’s, but there’s nothing wrong with that,” Melone answered, causing Illuso to snicker and Pesci to smile.

“Dude, come on!” Formaggio furrowed his brows.

“I never said Pesci had the second smallest dick,” Melone said. “He has the second largest dick.”

Illuso stopped laughing and got serious. “Wait, who has the smallest dick?”

Prosciutto sighed. “Enough! Someone needs to get the newcomer.”

“I’ll go,” Risotto said.

-

Doppio stood outside the hideout. It seemed like a rundown, shady place, and graffiti was on the walls. Feeling he had the wrong address, he was about to leave when Risotto opened the door.

“Ah!” he panicked, unexpecting the execution team’s leader. He was tall, taller than him.

“Relax,” he said. “The boss said to come here, correct?”

Doppio nodded.

“Come in and follow me.”

He entered and followed him into a room with very colorful people sitting down. He knew their names, but they didn’t know him.

“This is him?” Formaggio questioned. “This jailbait is a killer?”

“Excuse me?” Doppio looked offended.

“You don’t look like much,” Pesci commented. “But at least I’m no longer the new guy.”

“Are we going to be doing anything?” Doppio asked Risotto. He wondered if the boss thought of anything next. He’ll have to wait for his call tonight.

“The boss would’ve told me,” he answered. “He messaged me that you were coming but nothing else.”

“We’re to do nothing?”

“Yes, that’s what we’ve been doing ever since two of our members died. By the way, what’s your name?”

“It’s Vinegar Doppio. Just call me Doppio.”

After everybody introduced themselves and chatted, Doppio had some thoughts about everyone. To Doppio, Formaggio seemed weird and made him uncomfortable. So long as Illuso didn’t put him in the mirror world, he was okay with him. Pesci looked ugly and creepy. Prosciutto seemed stuck up, and Doppio immediately didn’t like him. Melone looked like a slut. The boss informed Doppio about Ghiaccio’s anger problems, so he’s staying away from him, and Risotto seemed apathetic but also scary.

“I have an idea!” Formaggio grabbed Doppio’s attention. He looked and smiled at the pink-haired man, bringing out a glass jar.

“Is this where I think it’s going?” Melone asked with a smile.

Formaggio giggled evilly. “Oh yes, you bet!”

Melone licked his lips, sending a shiver down Doppio’s spine.

Wanting to know what happened, he used his boss' stand ability to see into the future. A lot was going on in the image. Formaggio slashes him with his stand, and Illuso takes Doppio into the mirror world, waiting for Little Feet to shrink him. For some reason, Melone unzips his pants and is reaching for the jar.

“Ew, no!” Doppio yelled.

“Wait, how do you know what I’m about to do?” Formaggio questioned.

Everyone stared at him intensively, expecting a quick answer.

Earlier before, the boss said they might keep their abilities a secret and had told Doppio about everyone’s stand ability. Even if he hadn’t told him, Epitaph would predict it. Normally, whatever Doppio saw in the image would come true, and nothing could prevent that from happening unless a stand could alter fate. Maybe he was in control of his fate the whole time and altered it from happening. Whatever the reason why it didn’t happen was giving Doppio a headache different from his usual ones, and right now, he needed to think of something quick.

“Uh, why else would you bring a jar out?” Doppio answered. “Your stand probably has the ability to shrink me, and I’m a newcomer. You’re plotting something humiliating for me!”

Formaggio let down his guard and smiled. “Wow, you’re smart. I did the same thing with Pesci, except a jar wasn’t involved. Prosciutto would’ve killed me. Instead, I made him sit on a whoopee cushion during a meeting.”

The others were relaxed except for Risotto. It was hard to read him, but he continued staring at him, making Doppio uncomfortable.

“Doppio, what do you do?” the leader asked.

“Me? Are you talking about my stand ability? I thought we were keeping that a secret. I’m sure you guys are keeping yours a secret from me too.”

“Yeah, true,” Formaggio commented. “We are, but since you guess my ability, I’ll help you. Illuso can take people into the mirror world.”

“Formaggio!” The brunette glared at him.

Prosciutto sighed. “Is this over yet?”

“It is,” Risotto answered. “You’re free to do what you want. We have nothing to do, anyways.”

Doppio felt sorry for them. The boss was the boss, but he never knew why he didn’t trust the assassination team.

-

Day 2

Doppio woke up in his hotel room. Nothing happened after he left the hideout, and the boss didn’t call. After eating breakfast and taking a shower, he returned to the building, heading to the gathering room. Prosciutto was the first one there, but before Doppio could sit down and mind his business, the blond got up from his seat, approached him, and gripped his shoulder.

“Ow!” Doppio responded. He turned around and looked at the glaring man. “Did I do something?”

“Let me warn you,” he said. “Don’t waste Risotto’s time. He’s been stressed out, looking for work for us. And yesterday, while you guessed Formaggio’s ability, I had guessed yours as well. I think you can see into the future.” Doppio suffered a slight headache. “You look too young and inexperienced. No way was that a lucky guess. Maybe I’m wrong, and you could be a spy. Either way, I don’t trust you.”

Prosciutto shoved him and walked away to a room.

“Are you alright?” a voice asked.

The voice came from behind, but nobody was there.

“Prosciutto wasn’t the first one here.” The voice revealed himself.

“Oh, Risotto! H-hello! Did you find work for us?”

“No, I’m letting Melone and Ghiaccio ask around. However, I need to see your stand.”

“My stand?”

“I need to know what you can do with it. If you need to be in a fight to show it, then just tell me what it can do.”

“I see ten seconds into the future. That’s all.”

“So, Prosciutto guessed right. May I see what your stand looks like?”

Epitaph appeared on Doppio’s forehead, and Risotto placed a hand under his chin, tilting his head, almost as if they were about to kiss. The pink-haired man stared into his eyes but looked away out of shyness.

Then somebody opened the door. “Hey, bro, are you—ah!”

It was Pesci, and Formaggio and Illuso were right next to him.

“Well, well, well,” Illuso commented.

“Bro!” Pesci yelled as he ran away.

“Risotto?” Formaggio said. “No offense, but that looks—”

The large man stepped away from Doppio. “I was examining his stand. Nothing more.”

“Are you sure? Because that looked—” Before Illuso could speak, Risotto looked at him. “Sorry. I know you told us to forget Sorbet and Gelato, but it’s hard.”

“It’s fine,” Risotto replied. “I called Melone and Ghiaccio an hour ago, and they’re still finding work for us.”

“Still? Damn, I need some action,” Formaggio said. “Come on. Let’s do something, Illuso.”

Illuso sighed. “Like what?”

The two left the room, leaving the other two by themselves.

“Gelato and Sorbet, who were they?” Doppio asked.

Risotto sat down in his chair. “They were a couple. After I killed somebody at the age of 18, I thought for sure the police would never find my crimes. But the couple heard of the murder and destroyed the evidence. They told me to stop, but I didn’t listen. I continued a life of crime, doing whatever for a price. Eventually, I joined Passione and formed a team, recruiting Sorbet and Gelato. We weren’t trusted, and because of that, we had no territory. Sorbet and Gelato tried to discover the boss’ identity.”

“And they got killed because of it,” Doppio finished for him. He heard a sad sigh from Risotto, which he thought was strange because he seemed emotionless. “Are you going to be alright?”

“Yes, I’ll be alright. Thanks for asking. I’m not sure if you were aware, but there’s a kitchen. Help yourself. I’ll be there shortly. I need to check if the boss left anything for us to do.”

Now that he mentioned it, Doppio was feeling a bit peckish. He went to the kitchen, where the rest of the team was.

“Doppio,” Prosciutto called. He was sitting down at a table and shot him with a dirty look.

“Hey!” Formaggio tried to calm him down. “Illuso and I were joking around. Pesci, what the fuck did you tell him?”

“Risotto kissed Doppio,” Pesci answered.

“That didn’t even happen!” Illuso said.

“Well, that’s what it looked like!” he argued.

Prosciutto got up from his seat. “I would like to apologize for my behavior earlier.”

Doppio wasn’t sure what to think. “Oh, that’s alright.”

“Would you like some coffee?”

“Sure!”

The blond walked to the coffee pot and poured a cup of coffee. However, there was a feeling Doppio had. Curious to know what would happen in the next ten seconds, he looked at his bangs. In the vision, Prosciutto walks towards him and throws hot coffee.

Looking at the present, Prosciutto approached him. Doppio moved away before coffee could splash him. The coffee splashed on the walls, seeping down to the floor.

“I knew it!” the blond yelled. “You can see into the future. How else would you have known!”

“What is your problem with me?”

“Why would we have a newcomer when the rest of Passione doesn’t trust us?”

Risotto walked into the room right on time.

“If he’s a spy, I trust you all know what to do,” he answered. “But he hasn’t betrayed us yet, so relax, Prosciutto.”

The blond sighed and grabbed a paper towel. “I’ll clean up this mess.”

Seeing as Doppio needed to get along with others to fit in, he thought he should try to get along with Prosciutto. “Let me help.”

“I don’t need your help!” he snapped.

“What if I help, bro?” Pesci grabbed a paper towel and knelt on the floor, wiping the coffee away.

Prosciutto didn’t say but quietly accepted his help.

Doppio sighed and left the hideout, seeing nothing to do. He took a taxi and returned to the hotel to watch TV. There, the boss called him, and he answered.

“Hey, boss, so far, the hitman team hasn’t planned anything suspicious,” he reported. “I’ve gotten to know them a bit, and Risotto—”

“I appreciate the report,” he interrupted, “but Doppio, even though I told you to get close to them, do not get too close to Risotto. He’ll manipulate you. Remember, he and his group are a bunch of killers. All they care about is money. I need you to get close to the other members.”

“I don’t know if it’s a good idea to head back. Prosciutto doesn’t like me much and thinks I’m a spy. Also, isn’t there something the hitman team could do?”

“I don’t have any task for them to do.”

“Could you think of something?”

“I need a reason to kill someone. Focus on the team. Know everything they are plotting. I have to hang up. Take care, my adorable Doppio."

-

Day 3

Doppio woke up in his bed, got up, and made a bowl of cereal. As he poured the milk into the bowl, he thought about who to befriend. He didn’t like the prank Formaggio, Illuso, and Melone tried to pull in the vision. However, he wasn’t sure if Pesci liked him, and Ghiaccio was too hot-headed to approach. Prosciutto was out of the question. Risotto seemed to be the only reasonable one in the group, but he shouldn’t get close to him.

“Oh, damn it!” Doppio realized his mistake, looking at the milk-filled bowl. He made sure to pour his cereal carefully.

-

Risotto was the first to arrive at the hideout. Later, Prosciutto and Pesci arrived. The three were in the kitchen, eating and drinking. Risotto, who sat across from Prosciutto and Pesci, had a cup of black coffee while Pesci had milk and cookies. Prosciutto had a cup of coffee mixed with cream and some bread with strawberry jam.

“I don’t trust the newcomer,” Prosciutto said to him.

“I understand,” Risotto replied. “But what would happen if we killed him? The boss might have us eliminated.”

Prosciutto sighed. “Then what do we do?”

He didn’t know how to reply and stared at his cup of coffee. Focused, he could hear somebody enter the hideout and walk to the kitchen. Then Ghiaccio and Melone appeared. They didn’t seem happy.

“Have you found a target we can kill?” Risotto asked.

“Yes, but the person isn’t going to pay that much,” Ghiaccio said. “If we split it amongst us, the amount would be little, and I don’t know if the target is a stand user.”

“Who’s the target?”

“Some guy named Amedeo Parri. He lives close by,” Melone answered. “And if you’re worried he might run away, don’t be. He works at a McDonald’s and isn’t going anywhere.”

“I want McDonald’s,” Pesci commented.

“You got all that information yesterday?” Risotto asked.

“Melone wanted something from McDonald’s,” Ghiaccio answered.

“Here, Pesci, you can have my leftover fries from yesterday.” He handed it over to him.

“You’re the best, Melone!” he responded.

More members of La Squadra arrived in the kitchen.

“Good morning, everyone!” Doppio greeted cheerfully and made the room quiet.

“Morning,” Risotto replied. Other than him, nobody else replied. They chatted amongst themselves afterward.

“You should spy on him,” the blond whispered to Risotto.

“Will do,” he whispered back, getting up from his seat.

Doppio watched him. “Where are you going?”

“I have to use the bathroom,” he lied.

He left the kitchen, and once he was sure nobody was looking, he turned invisible.

-

Doppio sighed. It felt like nobody wanted to befriend him.

“Newcomer.” Melone grabbed his attention and had an arm around his shoulder. “What was your name again? Doppio, right? Why are you looking so glum? Don’t worry. It’s always like this. I think I prefer it this way. Nobody has to put themselves in danger.”

“Agreed,” Formaggio commented. “I can just sit back and relax.”

“You are aware we earn nothing by doing nothing, right?” Prosciutto said.

“Maybe that’s what you do,” Melone replied. “Me? I’ve been taking photos.”

“Oh, what do you take photos of?” Members of Passione committing crimes or perhaps anything that could reveal the boss’ identity? Doppio wondered.

“I take photos of people undressing,” he answered with a smile.

“Weirdo,” Ghiaccio commented.

“That’s a little dangerous,” Formaggio said. “Why not let me help you?”

“Then I’d have to split the money,” Melone answered. “Oh! I just remembered something. Doppio, how big is your cock?”

Prosciutto got out of his seat. “I’m leaving before things get weird.”

Pesci followed him.

“Does Pesci always follow him?” Doppio asked.

“Pretty much,” Melone answered and sat down where Prosciutto sat.

“Is there a reason for that? Why doesn’t he follow Risotto around?”

“Well, when the boss needs Risotto to kill someone, shit will go down. You do not want to be around him when that happens.”

“Oh my god, how vicious is Risotto?”

“If you knew his stand’s ability, you’d know,” Illuso answered.

“So…is anyone going to tell me his stand’s ability?” Doppio asked despite knowing.

“You’ll just have to fuck around and find out,” Formaggio said, sitting down in Pesci’s spot.

The kitchen got quiet.

“Risotto’s still in the bathroom, right?” Doppio asked.

“Hmm, let me check.” Melone at the kitchen table, using Babyface as a laptop.

“What are you doing?”

“Looking through the security cameras. Wait. Oh, shit! You weren’t supposed to know that. Oh well, I placed cameras everywhere in the hideout. Now you know.”

“That’s disturbing.”

“I can’t shit in peace in this place,” Formaggio commented.

“He’s not in the bathroom,” Melone said.

“He probably turned invisible,” the redhead added.

“Formaggio!” Illuso yelled. “There’s probably a reason why.”

“Oh, he’s here then?” Doppio spoke. No wonder why he felt watched. “Um, well, I don’t know what to do. I guess I’ll read something.”

-

After Doppio left, Risotto revealed himself and sat down at the table.

“Sorry, I didn’t know,” Formaggio explained. “But I don’t think there’s anything suspicious about this guy. He seems harmless.”

“If he’s harmless, the boss wouldn’t have put him in with us. I need to get close to him and see what he can do in a fight.”

-

Day 4

Before Doppio arrived in the hideout, he spotted an olive green frog and knelt to speak to it.

“Hey, what are you doing here, little buddy?”

The frog croaked.

“Are you hungry?”

“What are you doing?” Prosciutto asked.

Doppio got up and turned around to face him. Pesci and Risotto were with him. “Oh, uh, making friends with a frog. I think it’s hungry.”

“Not my concern,” Prosciutto said, walking to the door.

Pesci followed him but then stopped, curious about the frog. “Oh, that’s a tree frog! There are some worms near my house. We can collect some for the little guy. I used to collect them before—ow!”

Prosciutto elbowed him. “By the time we get back, the frog will be gone. Let’s head inside. I want some coffee.”

“What if we caught it?” Doppio said.

Prosciutto looked at the frog, and it began hopping away. “Better catch it then.” His arm reached for the doorknob.

“Beach Boy!” Pesci brought his stand and reeled the frog towards him.

“What the hell!” the blond reacted.

“Sorry, bro,” he replied. “It just looked cute.”

“Would it hurt to have a pet?” Doppio asked.

“Yes, our pay is shit,” the blond argued. “Risotto, tell them!”

“It wouldn’t hurt to have a pet,” he answered.

“What?”

“We would need a tank to keep it in. We can go to the pet store and buy a tank and some food for it. We’ll take my car. But first, keep the frog safe while Doppio and I are gone.”

“You’re going alone with the newcomer?” Prosciutto glared at the pink-haired man, intimidating him. “I don’t trust him alone with anyone.”

“Hey, bro, I think he’s a decent guy,” Pesci said. “Besides, I should go too. I know a bit about frogs.”

The blond sighed. “Okay, but I’m sitting next to Risotto. Pesci, you know what to do if the newbie does anything.”

“Hold on,” Pesci said. “I need the others to watch over the frog while we’re gone.”

After Pesci spoke to the others, they all got in Risotto’s black Fiat Punto and drove to the pet shop, buying all they needed for their new pet frog. It was around lunchtime when they returned to the hideout.

“I was wondering when you guys were going to get back,” Ghiaccio greeted them. “I was thinking about having frog legs.”

“Ghiaccio, enough!” Risotto said.

“They’re in the gathering room.”

They made their way there, where the rest of the gang was. The frog was inside a bottle, but Formaggio got it out and put it into its new tank once Risotto set it up.

“What’re you going to name him?” Pesci asked.

“I think I’ll name him Pickles,” Doppio answered. “Oh, and thanks for buying things for Pickles.”

“Doppio, I think Pickles should be in your house,” Risotto said. “This isn’t a place for a pet.”

“I don’t have a house. I live with others,” he sort of lied.

“I’ll take him with me!” Pesci said. “And if you need a place to stay, you can always knock at my door.”

“Pesci!” Prosciutto yelled. “You barely know this guy.”

“Sorry, never mind. I can watch over the frog, though.”

“Prosciutto, knock it off!” Formaggio spoke. He looked annoyed. “He’s not a bad guy. You’re just being a dick.”

The blond sighed exasperatedly, got up, and left the room. This time Pesci did not follow but watched and examined Pickles.

As the rest of La Squadra was doing something to entertain themselves, Doppio sat back in his seat, thinking how wrong he and his boss thought about them. They just need a little pay raise, he thought.

Doppio spent a few hours with them, but it was getting dark, and he nearly dozed off in his seat.

Risotto tapped him on the shoulder, waking him up before he fell into a deep sleep. “Need me to drive you home?”

He stretched in his seat and smiled at him. “I’d like that.”

Risotto helped him out of his seat, and they walked out of the hideout, heading to his car.

“You said you lived with others,” Risotto reminded him. “Where is their address?”

Shit. “Ah—did I say that?” He giggled. “Well, um, I may have gotten in a fight with them. So, I got kicked out. I reside in a hotel not far from here.” Then he remembered how close the hotel was to their hideout. “Um, hehe, it’s within walking distance. I just wanted to spend time with you.” Blood rushed to his cheeks, blushing, and he covered his face.

“Doppio…” Risotto moved the man’s arms and placed a hand on his cheek.

“Risotto…” His heart raced. “Turururu!” His head started pounding.

Risotto moved his hand away from him. “You’re acting strange.”

“Uh, my phone. I need to go. Now.”

Doppio dashed away and didn’t stop until he reached the hotel. He reached for the nail clippers in his pocket, thinking it was a cell phone.

“Boss, what the hell!” Doppio yelled.

“Quiet! What do you think you’re doing?” the boss said.

“I-I’m getting close to them, just like you ordered.”

“I need you to get close, not too close!”

“They need money, boss.”

“They seem well off. Risotto managed to buy Pickles a home.”

“Wait, how do you know about that?”

“Do not hide anything from me, Doppio!”

“I understand. Yes, boss. I’ll try not to get close to Risotto.”



The boss hung up, and Doppio felt ready to burst into tears.

-

Day 5

Risotto was the first one there in their hideout. He poured himself a cup of coffee and went to his office, awaiting further orders from the boss. There were no messages, leaving La Squadra with nothing to do again.

With the rare silence in the air, Risotto pondered what had happened between him and Doppio yesterday. They were so close to kissing, but then Doppio acted strange. He should’ve followed him home.

Doppio, Doppio. He was all in his mind. Risotto smiled, remembering how flustered and cute the pink-haired man acted.

“Hey, Risotto, anything new for us?” Prosciutto asked.

“Hmm?” He didn’t notice he had entered his office. “No, but you remember that guy Melone spoke about the day before yesterday?”

“Amedeo Parri, the McDonald’s worker? Are we going to kill him today?”

“Tomorrow. I need to see how we can use Doppio’s stand.” Risotto could tell from Prosciutto’s face that he didn’t like his name mentioned. “There something wrong?”

“Everyone trusts this guy when we don’t know anything about him. I don’t want anyone to die from an infiltrator.”

“I understand.” Risotto should’ve known better than to get close to a strange. “Since you’re here, are the others here as well?”

“Surprisingly, Melone got here before Ghiaccio. The others aren’t here yet.”

-

Doppio woke up later than usual, thanks to yesterday. He lay in his bed, hugging one of the pillows while thinking about Risotto. He didn’t know why, but he grew attracted to him, his voice, his muscles. He squealed, just thinking about him. Then he heard a phone go off, but it was someone else’s. It reminded him about the boss, and he got upset.

Doppio sighed and got out of bed. The boss needed him to do this mission. He changed his clothes and headed for the hideout, skipping breakfast because he wasn’t in the mood. When he got there, Risotto greeted him.

“Doppio, hello,” he said. Doppio wasn’t sure because he was tired, but he almost sounded nervous.

“Oh, hello,” he replied. Did he want to mention what happened yesterday?

“It’s almost lunch. Pesci was worried about you and thought you were mad at him for keeping Pickles.”

“No, I’m not mad. Can I head inside?”

Before Risotto could reply, Ghiaccio burst out of the door. Melone was behind him.

“Are we heading to McDonald’s or what?” the blue-haired assassin asked.

“Ghiaccio?” Doppio said. “McDonald’s? To get food?”

“Yes and no,” Risotto answered. “We’re going to show you who you’re going to kill… and to get food. Your target is Amedeo Parri. We cannot kill him now; he’s at work.”

“Prosciutto told me to remind you to get a Happy Meal with milk for Pesci,” Melone said. “Oh, and I’m coming too. I want something from there. I’m guessing we’re hopping in your car, Risotto? Ghiaccio’s car can’t fit four people.”

“Yeah, we’re—”

“I call the front seat!” Melone yelled.

“I’ll sit behind you,” Doppio said.

“Ghiaccio, don’t kick my seat,” Risotto said.

“I’m not going to kick your seat! Why do people think this!” he yelled.

Everyone got in Risotto’s car. Melone was in the front seat as he said and placed a disc in the CD player, playing sexual music and making everyone uncomfortable. Risotto drove off and went to the nearest McDonald’s. His car was behind two others.

“Alright, everyone,” Risotto said, “look at the menu. Tell me what you want.”

“I’ll have a strawberry smoothie,” Doppio said.

“Yuck, a strawberry smoothie? Their smoothies are fake!” Ghiaccio commented. “Get something real. By the way, I’ll have the Happy Meal. Don’t forget to buy one for Pesci! And the Milk! Don’t forget about the milk!”

“Um, the chicken nuggets? I’ll have six chicken nuggets with sweet and sour sauce.”

“Ghiaccio, don’t tell people what to get,” Risotto said. “It’s okay. I’ll get you that smoothie.”

“No, it’s fine,” the pink-haired man replied. “I just want the nuggets now.”

“My turn!” Melone said. “I want two Big Macs, ten chicken nuggets, two large fries, and a vanilla shake. Oh, and an apple pie! Don’t forget that.”

“Christ, Melone, what the hell?” Ghiaccio commented. “Do you want to be a fat ass?”

“Ghiaccio!” Risotto yelled, sounding angry.

“What did I do this time?” the blue-haired man bickered.

“What did I say?” The leader tried to remind him.

He sighed.

“Anyways, Ghiaccio, I’m ordering so much because I realized how skinny I am,” Melone answered. “And I do want my ass to get fatter. Before Sorbet and Gelato died, Gelato made fun of my bony ass. That hasn’t changed in two years, and I think I’m getting skinnier.”

“You’re fine the way you are, Melone,” Ghiaccio commented. “You’ve always been.”

Melone giggled nervously. “Wow, thanks.”

Doppio paid attention to their conversation. A long time ago, he wanted to be as strong and buff. He had never worked out before, but oddly he seemed to remember doing sit-ups and pushups in a dark room. He tried to focus on the memory, but doing that caused him to get a headache.

“You alright back there?” Risotto said. “I just ordered.”

“Starving, huh?” Melone commented. “Yeah, sometimes I pass out when I’m not driving. That’s why I prefer getting on my motorcycle.”

“Did I pass out?” Doppio asked.

“Well, your eyes were open,” Ghiaccio answered. “Wait, were your eyes always brown? I could’ve sworn they were green.”

“They were always brown. I remember details about people, hehe,” Melone said.

“Quiet,” Risotto said. “We’re about to approach the target. Doppio, make sure you get a good look at him. Also, don’t eat in the car once Melone hands everyone their food.”

“Wait, why couldn’t you show me a picture of him?” Doppio asked.

“I’m saving space on my camera,” Melone answered.

“We’re approaching,” the white-haired assassin said.

Their car was at the window, and Risotto picked up their order. In those few seconds, Doppio saw his assassination target. Amedeo was a brunette with short hair, gray eyes, and a face decorated with zits. He was likely in his early 20s. Why anyone wanted him dead, Doppio did not know, but he probably got somebody’s order wrong, pissing off the wrong person.

Melone handed everyone’s food except for Risotto since he was driving.

“Did I get a smoothie?” Doppio complained.

“You wanted the nuggets, right?” Risotto said. “I can go back and get you a smoothie.”

“Did I ask for nuggets?”

“Sorry, I made you change your order,” Ghiaccio apologized.

“Oh, you did?” Doppio questioned.

“I said I was sorry. No need to act stupid,” the blue-haired man replied.

“Hmm, I think you’re suffering from short-term memory loss,” Melone said.

“Did you sleep well? Did the sudden hit stress you out?” Risotto inquired.

“Now that you mention it, no. I didn’t sleep well,” Doppio answered. “Though, I am worried about getting caught murdering him.”

“That won’t happen,” he said.

Doppio believed him.

-

Risotto drove them to the hideout, and they went to the kitchen to eat.

“Shit, I forgot to ask for a soda,” Ghiaccio said. “Hey, Melone, could you hand me a cola?”

Doppio realized he needed something to drink. “You wouldn’t happen to have orange juice in there, do you? Ah!” His head hurt.

Melone got up from his seat. “Ghiaccio, I’ll hand you a soda, but Doppio, I think it’s best if you had water.”

“I—ugh, yeah. I’ll have some water.”

Doppio watched as the lilac-haired assassin brought them their drinks. When Melone looked at him, he looked happy then his expression changed to concerned.

“Do you have something going on with your eyes?” he asked.

“Huh, what do you mean?” Doppio replied.

Ghiaccio stopped munching on his burger. “Are you talking about—ouch!” Melone elbowed him. “What was that for?”

“Nothing. Forget I said anything.”

Doppio wondered if he knew that he was an infiltrator. The longer he pondered, the more he wanted to kill him, erase him from existence. And Ghiaccio, he needed to kill him too. He knows! He knows! He knows! Doppio had another migraine, and he covered his face with his palms.

“Hey, Doppio, do you want this frog keychain?” Pesci asked. “I’ll be like Pickles is always with you.”

“Oh yeah, we get a toy if we buy the Happy Meal,” Ghiaccio said. “Nice, I got a cat keychain.”

Doppio uncovered his face.

“Pesci, I don’t think Doppio is in the mood,” Risotto said.

No, he wasn’t in the mood. He felt light-headed.

-

Day 6

Doppio awoke in the gathering room, lying on the couch. Physically, he was fine. He tried to remember. He was eating chicken nuggets and then nothing. Oh gosh, did something happen? His phone rang, and he reached for the coaster on the coffee table.

“Now’s not a good time,” Doppio whispered.

“I thought I told you to stay away from Risotto,” the boss spoke.

“I can’t!”

“Hmm, looks like I have to kill him.”

Doppio’s head hurt again. “What was that?”

“Nothing.”

The boss hung up, causing Doppio to throw the coaster across the room.

Risotto entered the room. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah.”

“Did you sleep well yesterday?”

“Not really.” Doppio doubted if it was sleeping poorly yesterday. It was something else.

“Your target is on his day off. Now’s the perfect time to assassinate him. But first, you should have something to eat. Do you want me to get you something?”

“I want something sweet.”

“We have cookies.”

“Sure, I’ll have three with some milk, please.”

Risotto left and returned but brought six cookies and some milk. He sat down with Doppio.

“Why’d you bring six?” Doppio asked.

“I wanted some,” he answered, bringing out two straws from his pocket. “You don’t mind sharing that drink, do you?”

The pink-haired man smiled and blushed. “I don’t mind. I didn’t know you liked cookies.”

“It’s rare for me to enjoy sweets,” he explained. “I’ve been busy and shouldn’t be spending my money on small things.”

“I should have a word with—uh, you should tell the boss to give you guys a raise.”

“I have. He doesn’t trust us.”

“I trust you.” Doppio got closer to Risotto. “Can we?”

Risotto smiled and kissed him, causing the other’s face to turn red.

“You’re cute when you’re flustered,” he commented, causing Doppio to giggle. “We should finish our drink. When Illuso found out Sorbet and Gelato were a couple, he wouldn’t shut up about it.”

They finished their cookies and the milk before the others got there. Melone arrived at the hideout before Prosciutto.

“You’re here early,” Risotto commented.

“I think we should kill Amedeo as soon as possible,” Melone said.

“Isn’t it too early to kill someone?” Doppio questioned.

“It’s never too early. Sometimes we stay up past midnight,” Melone answered.

The rest of La Squadra entered the gathering room.

“Morning, everyone!” Formaggio greeted. “Doppio, are you alright?”

“Yeah, I’m—”

“We’re busy,” Melone interrupted.

“Did you get here before me?” Prosciutto asked, surprised by the fact.

“Quiet, everyone!” Risotto ordered. “Melone is right. We should kill Amedeo. There’s a chance he might be sleeping or maybe just waking up.”

“I’m coming with you,” Melone said. “Illuso, could you come with us? You know, just in case things get out of hand.”

“I don’t think our target is a stand user,” Illuso replied. “But I’ll go.”

Risotto got up from his seat and headed outside with Melone and Illuso. Doppio sighed and followed them into Risotto’s car. He sat in the back seat with Illuso, and Melone sat in the front. He expected the lilac-haired assassin to play music, but he didn’t. Perhaps it wasn’t the time. The drive was short and quiet, and they stopped in front of an old apartment complex.

“Your target is on the second floor, door number 24,” Melone explained. “Just in case, I should take a blood sample from you.”

“What for?” Doppio asked.

“No, Melone,” Risotto said. “I’ll watch over him. He’s going to need help breaking in the door. Illuso, you’re coming with us to clean.”

The three got out of the car and headed to where Amedeo resided.

“Can you see what will happen next?” the white-haired assassin asked.

Doppio used Epitaph. “It’s safe. He won’t notice.”

“Good. Illuso, stay here.”

Risotto knelt, picked the lock, and slowly opened the door, exposing the messy living room. Food and clothes littered the wooden floors. He entered first before Doppio, both careful in their steps. Once they made their way to Amedeo’s bedroom, Doppio used Epitaph again.

“He’s going to grab me,” he warned, stopping Risotto from opening the bedroom door.

“Is he awake?”

“He’s still in bed in the vision. I’m guessing I stepped on something.”

“Can you kill him quietly?”

“What happens in the vision is fated to happen. He’s going to grab my hair, but he’ll die.”

“If you’re ready, then go.”

Doppio went in and snuck up on Amedeo. The floor creaked, waking the brunette up.

“Who the hell are you?” he yelled, grabbing Doppio’s hair and undoing the braid.

Doppio’s stand pierced through Amedeo’s stomach, killing him instantly. Blood splattered on the sheets and walls. He and Risotto quickly left, leaving Illuso to clean up the scene.

“Well done,” Risotto commented. “Once Illuso is finished, maybe he can help braid your hair.”

“Oh, that’s fine. I was thinking about changing my hairstyle.” Doppio then got another headache but smiled it off and tried not to be whiny. “Hey, could I visit your house after we drop the others off at the hideout?”



“How about tomorrow? I have to contact the person who ordered the hit and discuss with Ghiaccio how the money will be split. I’ll be too exhausted by then.”