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As soon as everyone was full, you left them to laze around the underground lounge, while you went out to place another order for the other men that hadn’t gotten a chance to eat yet. Having them eat Speed Demon’s leftover pizza crusts seemed a little cruel, and these boys deserved better.
And when you announced that you were footing the bill, well…
Silvio’s men knew how to make a guy feel like a hero.
—-----
After an unhealthy amount of enthusiastic back pats and shoulder rubs, you peeled yourself away from the others and made your way back to Silvermane’s office. You knocked, announced your presence, and Joe appeared to allow you inside.
In the corner of the room, Silvio stood there in his gleaming armor, staring out the window. And when he turned to face you, there was a huge grin on his face.
<span class="mu-s">“I hear you bought lunch for the boys. You should’ve told me. I’ll give you a list of the pizzerias that I own. You’ll never have to pay for another pie for the rest of your life.”</span>
All of a sudden, your legs wobbled, and your knees nearly buckled as your mind raced to process that statement.
Free pizza? FOR LIFE?
<span class="mu-b">“What’s wrong?”</span> Joe asked, a confused look on his face.
<span class="mu-r">“Oh, wow. No, I'm fine. I…I think I need to sit down for a second.”</span>
Silvio snapped his fingers at his son.
<span class="mu-s">“Joe, get the guy a chair.”</span>
The younger Manfredi moved to retrieve one, but you raised a hand to stop him.
<span class="mu-r">“Nah, I’ve got it.”</span>
Your hands and fingers blurred before you, weaving your webbing into a vaguely familiar shape and using the power you’d received from your Nega Bands to create a crude stool. You carefully set it down and sat on it, shifting your bottom a few times, just to make sure that it wouldn’t stick to your pants.
<span class="mu-r">“Don’t worry. It probably won’t stick to the carpet. And even if it does, it should dissolve in roughly an hour or so. I think. I’ve been trying out a new diet that my doctor recommended, and it's got my webs acting all wonky. Is there a number that I can call if my webs last longer than an hour?”</span>
Despite himself, Joe actually chuckled a bit at that. He and his dad both looked like they were in a good mood.
<span class="mu-b">“Look, we’ll find you a specialist later. For now, why don’t you hear what my old man has to say?”</span>
<span class="mu-s">“Hey, I’m not too old to bend you over my knee, you little punk.”</span> Silvermane shot back, snapping his mask back into place. <span class="mu-s">“And believe me, these metal hands hurt like a bitch.”</span>
Both men burst into laughter, and you joined in a moment later.
<span class="mu-r">“I take it the meeting went well?”</span> you asked.
<span class="mu-b">“Pop here was telling me that Ms. Munoz was planning on giving us a generous donation in the form of weapons, microchips, and some very valuable information.”</span> Joe explained.
(Cont.)
