"Nine needs his privacy, you know that Charlie, he gets annoyed when you don't mind your business and you keep on asking him," Dom laughed.
"Hey, he should know by now that we are family, there is no such thing as minding your business in family, hey, that's how it's supposed to be, that's how it is, and that is how it will continue to be!" Charlie argued.
Charlie did not like it when basically Dom and Michael were agreeing with Nine's terrible behaviour. It was like they were encouraging him to ditch his family for other things that were clearly not important.
"I do agree with you there, but give Nine a chance to do his own thing. I am sure that sooner or later he will come around.".
"Why are you talking as if you don't know Nine? If we force him now, then he will pretend like he's upset but won't admit that he actually agrees, anyway, he's so stubborn and he won't budge," Charlie frowned.
Nine would not budge, so he would not budge, it was that simple. Although fighting fire with fire was not recommended, it was the most effective way to settle a matter and he knew it.
"And it's the same for you. The two of you are the same characters with different fonts," Dom laughed.
"Yeah, yeah, speaking of which, I saw Benjamin outside a few minutes ago, the boy seems truly distraught, like a shell of his former self, boy, Lulu really knows how to make someone suffer," Charlie laughed.
"I never thought that she would actually be able to ignore someone for more than three days. I think this is a new record," he laughed.
"Yeah, but I thought by now that they would settle this. I guess Lulu is just choosing to be very stubborn this time," Dom replied.
"I don't blame her, you have to make sure the person who wronged you knows that they should never do it again.".
"Mhmm, yeah right, so don't dare tell me that you want to get involved in their matter?" Dom asked.
"I do not want to get involved per se, but I did promise Benjamin I would help get Lulu to talk to him.".
Charlie smiled to himself, he was very confident that he would be able to pull this off. All he needed was a little bit of luck on his side and bam, he would fulfil his promise and get to rub it off at everyone.
"Do you really think that is a good idea? Lulu might get upset if you are involving yourself in their personal matter.".
"Hey, take it easy, what do you take me for? I am going to do it subtly, besides, I am a very good relationship expert," Charlie said.
"Charlie, you better calm down there. Do not do anything that will cause Lulu to be upset with you as well, it's best you just stay out of it.".
"Yeah, yes and no. I am not going to stay out of it. Benji's a good kid, I like him and Lulu likes him as well, she needs good friends like him and I am going to make sure that she gets better soon, because lately, she has not been herself.".
"Whatever you do, it's on you. I am not going to get in trouble with Lulu," Dom sighed. He knew that he would not be able to get this idea out of Charlie's head.
"It's alright, that's the same way when my plans works and is successful, you will not be held responsible.".
"I do not want to be held responsible. Anyway, I was about to get to packing my stuff, you are distracting me," Dom joked.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, see you later," Charlie smiled.
"Later.".
Charlie ended the call. Dom shook his head, and laughed. He went back to packing his stuff.
Dom walked to his closet, he stood there for about five minutes thinking of which polo shirt to choose. In the end he decided to take three shirts, one red, one white and the other blue.
He folded them neatly into his suitcase, and then he went for some trousers and then some socks.
He sighed, it was annoying having to pack, and it was boring packing alone. He enjoyed when he was packing Natasha's things with Joy. Joy's little voice and laughter caused him to feel happy and relaxed.
He wished that she was with him right now, but she was with Natasha and he was happy that they were spending time together.
He was sure that Joy's happiness and joy would cause Natasha to feel better instantly. Joy's giggles did wonders for him, he was certain that it would do the same for Natasha.
Dom moved to the left part of his closet, he brought out some socks, chose some flipflops and grabbed his swimming trunks.
He walked into his bathroom, grabbed his shampoo, he also remembered to take his perfume, you never know when you might need it.
...
Dom walked downstairs and into the living room where Natasha was alone.
"Where is Joy?" he asked.
"She went to the bathroom," Natasha replied. She stood up and picked the throw pillow that was on the ground.
"Alright, and do you feel better?".
"I feel fine, my headache is not as bad as it used to be, I feel much better than I did in the morning.".
"Alright, that's good, but is that really true, or are you saying that so I won't insist we stay today?" Dom asked.
"Wow, so you really think I would lie?" Natasha scoffed.
"It's not about lying Natasha, I just want to make sure you are perfectly alright. We can always go tomorrow, the most important thing is your health and wellbeing. I am sure that Joy would rather have you safe, well and healthy other than unwell on a mini-vacation," Dom frowned.
"Geez, thanks for telling me that genius. I am well aware of this, and when I say that I am alright, I am truly alright now.".
"Are you sure?".
Natasha felt like shouting at him, he was used to asking nonsense questions. It was as if he had partial hearing. He only wished to hear what he wanted to hear.
"For the millionth time, I am alright, so let's go!" Natasha raised her voice.
She wanted to make sure that he did not continue asking her stupid questions.
"Alright, alright, fine, I get it, it's alright, I am sorry if I sound like a broken record, I just don't want anything bad to happen to you... if you were to get unwell or sick, I don't know what I would do," Dom's voice was soft, he looked away.
"I understand your concern, I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you either, Joy would be distraught. I guess that's just one of the things that happen when we are parents to the same child," Natasha said.
"As much as I don't like to admit it, I still need you around for Joy's sake, and I guess that's the same for you?" she asked.
Dom was quick to nod, that was exactly how he felt, that was what he thought.
"It's fine, I'm sorry for snapping at you, but sometimes, it seems you only hear what you want to hear.".
"I'm sorry, I will work on that. It's just that sometimes, I cannot help it, I like to make sure that everyone is okay," Dom said.
"Mhmm, anyway, I am going to carry my bags and pack some snacks for Joy, do you want me to pack you something?".
"No... you know what, on second thought, yes, please, can you pack me some pretzels?" he smiled.
"Sure, pretzels it is," Natasha replied.
"Would you like me to help you carry your bags to the car? It's no bother at all," Dom said.
Natasha seemed to be contemplating his offer, she shook her head, "No, no it's not necessary. They are not heavy at all.".
"Are you sure? You are going to be in the kitchen, it's alright, it's not bother at all, I can go and get it," he insisted.
"I know that and no, I'm fine, don't insist anymore, go pack your own bags.".
"I already did, but it's alright, I know when to take no for an answer, Natasha," Dom raised his hands in surrender.
"Good," Natasha replied. She shook her head and walked out of the living room to the kitchen.
Instantly she regretted shaking her head, she groaned, she seemed to have awakened her headache. She scoffed, it was Dom's fault. It was always his fault.
Dom chuckled to himself and shook his head. Natasha was just so stubborn, but she was also strong. That was one of the things he admired so much about her. She never let anything bring her down, even when she was in pain, in sadness, she still found a way to continue going on.