TW: VIOLENCE, GUNS & DEATH

1st February, 2015

brother - kodaline

Dario and Storm have always been inseparable. They are more than just brothers, they are best friends. They share everything, from clothes to secrets, and are always there for each other no matter what. Their bond only grew stronger after the tragic car accident that took their parents' lives. At the young age of eight, Dario had to step up and take care of his four-year-old brother.

The sudden loss of their parents left them with nothing but each other. They were placed in the foster care system, but it was a tumultuous experience for them both. They were bounced around from home to home, never feeling like they truly belonged anywhere.

Dario was determined to give Storm the stable and loving home that they both desperately needed. He worked tirelessly to provide for them both, working at a local restaurant and sacrificing his own wants and needs to ensure that Storm was taken care of. He became both a father figure and a brother to Storm, always putting his well-being above his own.

As the years went by, Dario and Storm grew closer than ever. Dario had become not only Storm's best friend but his rock, his protector, his everything. They had formed a bond that was unbreakable, a bond that transcended blood. Dario was not just Storm's brother, he was his hero.

When Dario turned eighteen, he knew that he had to do something to ensure that Storm would never have to go through the pain of being separated from him. He made the courageous decision to legally adopt Storm, giving him the permanency and stability that he had always craved. It was not an easy process, but Dario was determined to make it happen.

The day that Dario officially became Storm's legal guardian was a day of celebration for both of them. From that day on, Dario took his role as Storm's father figure very seriously. He made sure that Storm had everything he needed, from a warm bed to a good education. He instilled in him the values of hard work, kindness, and perseverance, teaching him to never give up on his dreams.

Now, five years later, Dario is twenty-three
and Storm is nearing nineteen. Dario has secured a job for Storm at the local restaurant where he works now as a manager. Storm had started as a busboy, but he has quickly worked his way up to being a server. He has a natural talent for interacting with people and making them feel at ease, and customers love him. Dario is proud of the progress Storm has made and knows that he has a bright future ahead of him.

As Storm takes on more responsibilities at the restaurant, Dario's workload also increases. He is now in charge of managing the day-to-day operations of the restaurant, and he takes his job very seriously. He is a natural leader and has a knack for problem-solving, which makes him a valuable asset to the restaurant. The staff respect him, and he has earned a reputation for being fair and supportive. Despite their busy schedules, Dario and Storm always make time for each other.

They will often meet for dinner after their shifts and talk about their days. Dario will offer advice and guidance to Storm, who is still navigating the challenges of young adulthood. Storm, in turn, will listen attentively and offer his own insights. They have a deep connection that goes beyond their roles as guardian and brother – they are best friends.

Storm sits alone in his and Dario's small, dimly lit home, the only sound the faint hum of the heater. It has been a long day at work, and all he wants to do is relax and unwind. But just as he settles onto the couch with a cold beer in hand, he hears a sharp knock on the door.

Frowning in confusion, Storm sets his beer down and makes his way to the door. It is late, and he isn't expecting any visitors. As he opens the door, two police officers stand before him, their expressions sombre and serious.

"Are you Storm Santoro?" one of the officers asks, his voice grave.

"Yes, I am. How may I help you?" Storm replies, his heart beginning to race with unease.

The police officer clears his throat before delivering the devastating news. "We're sorry to inform you but your brother, Dario, has been shot. The paramedics weren't able to save him. We're sorry for your loss."

hurts like hell - fleurie, tommee profitt

Shock and grief wash over Storm in a wave, leaving him speechless and numb. His mind races as he tries to process the news. Dario, his older brother, his best friend, and his only family are gone. It feels like a punch to the gut, a loss that he can't quite comprehend. Dario has always been there for Storm, ever since their parents passed away when they were just kids.

He has taken on the role of both brother and father, guiding Storm through life's ups and downs with wisdom and patience. And now, he is gone. Storm collapses to his knees, his chest tightening with a pain that feels physical. Tears fill his eyes as he clutches his chest, his heart aching with sorrow. How could this happen? How could Dario be taken from him so suddenly?

As the reality of his brother's death sinks in, Storm feels a deep sense of emptiness settle over him. It is like a part of himself has been torn away, leaving him adrift in a sea of grief. He can't imagine a world without Dario by his side, guiding him and supporting him through life's challenges.

TW: DEATH, MURDER & GUNS

11th February, 2015

Storm stands beside his older brother's coffin, his heart heavy with grief as he looks around the room filled with people who have come to pay their respects. His friends from school, their colleagues, and even a few faces from their old foster homes are gathered here, all of them sharing in the sadness of losing someone they care about deeply.

As Storm gazes at the sea of faces before him, he can't help but feel a sense of loneliness wash over him. It is a strange sensation, being surrounded by so many people who love his brother, yet feeling utterly alone as he says goodbye to his last remaining family member. No one left but himself to carry on their shared memories and experiences, to keep their family name alive in the world.

He looks down at the polished wooden coffin, his brother's name engraved on the brass plaque that adorns its surface. He remembers all the times they have shared together, the laughter and the tears, the fights and the reconciliations.

They laughed, they cried, they fought, and they made up. They were more than brothers - they were best friends. They have been through so much together, and now Storm finds himself standing here, alone, in the aftermath of his brother's tragic death.

All Storm can feel is a burning anger deep within him. His brother's death is not a natural one. It is a senseless act of violence that took away someone he loved dearly. The rage consumes him, threatening to engulf his entire being. He struggles to contain it, to keep it from spilling over and consuming him whole. Storm finds himself lost in a whirlwind of emotions.

The whole funeral, all feels like a blur to him. His mind is stuck on one thought: justice. He needs to find the man who did this to his brother and make them pay. He cannot rest until he has avenged his brother's death.

Storm stands motionless in front of his brother's coffin, his hand lingering on the smooth wood as if trying to hold on to a piece of his brother's essence. Their friends surround him, their whispered condolences floating around him like a soft breeze. But Storm pays no attention to them, his focus solely on the coffin that holds his brother's lifeless body.

As the funeral director finishes the final prayers and the curtains begin to close, Storm's heart clenches with a mixture of grief and anger. His brother had been taken from him too soon, a victim of a senseless act of violence. The rage to avenge his brother burns within him, fueling his every move.

wires - the neighbourhood

He turns to leave the funeral home, Storm feels the weight of the gun in his pocket, a weapon he had acquired from the dark web in his quest for justice. He knows the risks of taking matters into his own hands, but the need for revenge overpowers any sense of fear or doubt.

The rain pounds against the windows as Storm makes his way to the doors, his mind consumed with thoughts of retribution. He pushes open the heavy doors, the stormy night enveloping him in its darkness. The streetlights cast a dim glow on the wet pavement, creating an eerie atmosphere that matches his mood.

He walks through the deserted streets, his footsteps echoing in the silence, Storm's thoughts turn to the events that had led to his brother's untimely death. His brother had been a good man, a kind soul who had always been there for him. Now, he was gone, taken from him in a moment of senseless violence.

The sound of a car engine revving up ahead snaps Storm out of his reverie, his hand instinctively reaching for the gun in his pocket. He approaches the car cautiously, his heart pounding in his chest. As the car comes into view, he sees the face of a man with black hair.

The black-haired man rolls down his car window. Looking towards the gun-shaped dent in Storm's pocket. "You don't want to do this," he sighs, his voice calm but firm.

Storm's grip on the gun tightens. "How do you know what I want?"

The black-haired man leans in closer, his eyes piercing through Storm's defences. "Killing him won't bring back your brother nor will it make you feel better."

Storm feels a surge of anger bubbles up inside him. How can this man presume to know what he is feeling? "You don't know how I feel. You know nothing about me."

The black-haired man straightens up, a haunted look in his eyes. "No, I don't know anything about you. But I do know what it's like to lose someone. My best friend was murdered two years ago, and believe me, I'm still hunting down the man who did it."

Storm's anger wavers, replaced by a flicker of curiosity. Could this man understand his pain, his need for revenge? "Why are you telling me this?"

The black-haired man sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Because I've been where you are. I know the weight of grief and the burning desire for justice. That's my lifestyle though, I hurt people. Usually guilty people, criminals like me but that doesn't make it better. It will mar your soul in ways that are hard to handle."

"Nothing will damage my soul more than the loss of my brother," Storm whispers, his voice barely audible.

The black-haired man nods, understanding shining in his eyes. "I get it, I really do. But acting recklessly won't help you nor make you feel better. It will only perpetuate the cycle of violence and pain."

"You'll either get arrested or be hunted down by me the same as your brother's murderer. He killed on my turf so now I have to handle him, the same as I'd have to handle you. I don't want an eighteen-year-old's death on my conscience," the black-haired man deadpans, his voice low and menacing.

Storm grits his teeth, his hands trembling with rage. He looks up at the black-haired man, his eyes shining with determination. "Let me join you, let me avenge my brother's death," he demands, his voice hoarse with emotion.

The black-haired man sighs, knowing he can't change Storm's mind. "Very well, if you insist on seeking vengeance, I will allow you to aid me. But remember, killing his murderer will not bring your brother back. It will not ease your pain. It may even consume you, darken your soul."

Storm nods, accepting the consequences of his decision. "I understand. I am willing to face whatever comes my way. I will do whatever it takes to avenge my brother's death."

The black-haired man studies Storm for a moment. "I'm assuming you need somewhere to live now. I'm Lucio, by the way. I believe you'll get along with my son and niece and nephew," he discloses, extending his hand.