Scorpia wakes up from her alarm and grumbles while pulling the comforter over her head.

Logan crawls on top of her and pulls the comforter down. "Bonnie... Good morning, honey. You have to get up, you're meeting Violetta for a run. I made you coffee."

Scorpia moans out a few more incomprehensible words and Logan chuckles. 

"Bonnie..." He sticks his tongue out to trace her lips and her eyes fly open. 

He laughs, "Helloooo nurse!"

Scorpia laughs too, "Animaniacs? That's what you wake me with?"

Logan grins, "In all honesty, it was related to my dream but let's not go there. You have to go for a run and I have to get to Leo before he gets even angrier. His crib is already empty and I'm worried he will practice throwing himself out of it next."

Scorpia laughs softly and kisses his lips. Logan gets up and makes his way over to Leo's bed.

Scorpia picks up the mug from the nightstand and gulps down half of the coffee, loosening her neck as she gets up. She peeks into the closet as she sips her coffee and pulls out sports leggings, a sports bra, and a T-shirt. She grabs her sneakers too and sets the mug down.

She gets dressed and makes her way over to the bathroom. She washes her face, brushes her teeth, and forces her long hair into a tight bun. She doesn't put any makeup on, because she's sure she's going to end up soaked in sweat.

She walks downstairs, where she finds Logan talking to Leo. "Yes little man, mommy is leaving us. But she'll be back. And we'll spend some time together then. You're visiting Pia this afternoon, so you can tell her all about your adventures. Yes, I'm making you a bottle right now. Look, I already made mommy one."

Leo yells: "Mommy!"

Scorpia laughs and walks over to him. "Good morning my sweet little man!" She kisses him and he claps his hands cheerfully.

Logan hands her an energy drink as he plants a kiss on her lips. "Good luck mommy. Say hi to Violetta for us."

He tosses her the car keys and Scorpia walks out. She drives to the children's home and catches Dino kissing Violetta goodbye in the doorway. Dino waves at Scorpia before driving off in his silver car.

Violetta walks up to her with a big smile on her face. "Good morning Scorpia! Are you ready?" Scorpia shakes her head and Violetta chuckles. "Dino said he would pay to see you run. He told me you just refused in school. And something else... Weirdo."

Scorpia laughs because she can guess what he said, "That the thought of us working up a sweat turns him on?"

Violetta looks shocked for a second and laughs: "Yes. I sometimes forget how well you know each other. He did say something like that. Maybe we should tease him with it."

Scorpia grins, "I suddenly feel like going for a run, now that I have a partner in crime to tease my brother. Warm-up first?"

They stretch while making small talk. Violetta says there's a path behind the home, starting at one end and ending up where they started. They high five and start running.

Violetta quickly discovers that Scorpia is fitter than she pretended to be and picks up the pace. She grins when she notices sweat on her friend's forehead. 

They keep their pace and Scorpia leans her hands against the wall as they reach the end. She pants and shoots Violetta an evil look. Violetta laughs softly and asks Scorpia if she's okay.

Scorpia shakes her head and wipes the sweat off her face with the bottom of her shirt. "Dammit Violetta, I'm dead. My heart rate is never going to go down to normal."

Violetta moves closer to her, taking a picture of them both, and sends it to Dino.

Scorpia says: "Take your shirt off." Violetta raises her eyebrows but Scorpia is already pulling hers over her head. Violetta follows her example and Scorpia says: "Look at the camera like you're about to make love to it." She takes the picture and sends that one to Dino too, putting her shirt on again as she chuckles.

Violetta pulls the shirt over her head again before hugging Scorpia. Scorpia thanks her and wishes her a great day, dragging her feet towards the jeep, looking over her shoulder, "See you tomorrow!" She waves and gets behind the wheel, grabbing her energy drink, and drinking it all in one go.

She starts the jeep and drives home. As soon as she arrives at the cafe, she makes a beeline upstairs, takes her clothes off, and steps into the shower. Her body relaxes the second the warm water hits her skin and she clears her mind.

She puts comfy clothes on, jeans, Bonnie crop top, and sneakers. She braids her hair and puts a little makeup on, grabbing her laptop and phone before going downstairs. The big table calls for her and she sits down at it, starting up her laptop.

Logan walks in with a stack of boxes, winking at her before walking into the kitchen. The Monday morning is always used for deliveries, keeping the cafe closed for visitors. This means Logan's busy and she doesn't want to be in his way.

Logan walks out, pushing the stroller and parking it next to Scorpia. "Can you keep an eye on our cub? I get distracted every time I see him."

Scorpia smiles at him, "Of course I can. My favorite thing to do." 

She searches online for clips of Duane Johnson and watches KO after KO in the first round. Sometimes even in the first sixty seconds. She studies his posture, speed, and focus. She gets up to grab a note block and a pen from behind the bar.

Logan crosses her path, carrying two crates, and kisses her before moving on.

She sits down at the table, writing down what she notices. Duane is mostly tall and strong. But he's not fast and she doubts his stamina. And... 

She restarts the video and feels Logan's arm on her shoulder.

He watches it too, "Left knee."

Scorpia laughs and nods, "Yes, handsome Scot. I saw the same thing." She writes it down and thinks about it all.

"Coffee?"

"Oooh, yes please."

Logan walks back to the bar to make two coffee. He comes back with them and two peanut butter sandwiches. 

Scorpia smiles when she sees the sandwiches, "Did you kiss these too?"

Logan sits down next to her, "Of course. That's what makes them so yummy." 

She happily bites into the sandwich as Logan reads through her notes. 

"Hmm, I wonder what he's thinking while watching our footage."

Scorpia sips her coffee and searches for videos of their fights on Salvatore's tournament. "If you watch me closely, I'll do the same for you, okay?" Logan nods and they study the footage together.

Logan says: "Your speed is insane but so is your power. You're surprisingly strong for such a tiny woman. That's going to surprise him, I'm sure of it. Especially because you can't really see it on screen. But what I admire most is your patience. You always wait for the right moment and sometimes even take a hit, knowing it will give you an opening. I also think we both have a huge weak spot. Something that's our strength at the same time."

Scorpia nods, "Yes. You're also strong and fast, but so much taller. You also know how to take a hit, that's a given. I think we should train on that mostly. Taking hits and watching the other getting punched. And on sensing when to switch places. The boxing itself is not the issue. Having the longest breath is key. Even though everyone thinks we can't win this, it's the only thing I'm going for."

Logan wraps his arm around her and kisses her lovingly. "I agree Bonnie. Let's go for the win. No matter how small our chances are. And watching you getting beat up is horrible but you're right. How did the running go?"

She sighs and shows him the picture she took.

"Bonnie? Did you run without shirts on?"

Scorpia shakes her head and takes a sip of her coffee. "No, we only took our shirts off for the picture and sent it to Dino. He said something inappropriate about me and Violetta breaking a sweat together. Violetta wanted to tease him."

She eats her second sandwich and reads Dino's reaction to the photo.

Sorellina!
I can't work like this!
And of course, Violetta told you.
I'll keep my mouth shut from now on.

Scorpia laughs and replies:

Oh sweet brother, you know us women never forget.
It might be fun to shower with Violetta too.
Saves me from going home all sweaty.

Logan reads it and chuckles. "Poor Dino, but he started it himself."

Scorpia's phone rings and Bruno's name appears on her screen. She picks up right away. "Good morning big brother! I've just finished my first run."

"Well done sis. Ricardo is joining us this afternoon. Did you come up with a strategy yourself yet?"

She tells him about their ideas about taking hits and watching each other getting hit.

"I agree sis. Lexy had some ideas too; dance class, a massage course, and body painting."

Scorpia goes silent and clears her throat.

"Um, yeah... to become more in sync. It was her idea, Scor."

"Oh, I think Logan will love that. But are we supposed to do that on top of our training? Because dancing sounds tiring next to running and boxing."

"Sorellina, if you see the kind of class she suggested... I got myself a wild one..." He sighs and Scorpia laughs.

Logan asks: "Is he saying my sister's wild?"

Scorpia nods.

"Ha! This is nothing Bruno, you have no idea. Wait till you meet all of her exes in Scotland." Logan chuckles as he drinks the last of his coffee.

Bruno goes quiet and Scorpia talks to Logan, "Lexy came up with dance class, a massage course, and bodypainting." Logan's eyes turn a darker shade of grey as he sees it all in his head. Scorpia watches him, "Why do I get the feeling you're thinking about bodypainting?"

"Oh hell yes, Bonnie."

"Bruno! We can still change our minds! We're not married yet!"

Bruno roars with laughter, "No way! I'm never letting this one go! But those exes, they make me nervous."

Bruno, look in the mirror, they don't stand a chance. That woman is crazy about you. And the fact that she's willing to marry you in that country full of exes should say something. I'll see you this afternoon for our training!"

"Bye, sweet sister! Till later!"

Logan still looks at her with lustful eyes and Scorpia pulls him closer for a kiss. He pulls her onto his lap and kisses her wildly. Leo wakes up and they chuckle with their lips still locked. They kiss each other again and suddenly a stuffed lion flies past.

Leo yells: "Mommy! Daddy!"

Scorpia gets up to look into the stroller and Leo graces her with his sweetest smile while he holds his arms out to her.

"Yeah, yeah act all sweet. You were mad at me a second ago, rascal." She picks him up and sits him down on her lap so he can see Logan.

He looks at his dad and shoots him a smile too. "Daddy! Amo! Kiss!"

Logan tries to look angry but Leo already knows he's won this round. He giggles and claps his hands. Logan tickles him and kisses his chubby cheek.

Logan turns his gaze to Scorpia, "Shall we try pureed fruit?"

Scorpia nods and Logan gets up to get it. She puts Leo on her lap facing forward and he looks at the screen of the laptop. He whispers: "Mommy. Daddy."

He slams his hand on the keys and the video starts to play again, showing the moment that Logan knocks Scorpia out. Leo starts to cry and Scorpia quickly closes the screen as he cries for his daddy.

Logan comes running, worry all over his face. He reaches out to pet Leo's hair but he hides his face against Scorpia's chest. Logan looks defeated, "What happened, Bonnie?"

Scorpia sighs, "He saw how you knocked me out on that tournament. And I think he knew we were fighting each other. How are we going to explain this?"

Leo still cries softly, "Mommy. Amo."

Logan opens the screen and searches for the moment that Scorpia lands a couple of punches in a row, while Scorpia cuddles Leo, rocking him gently.

Scorpia notices what Logan found and turns Leo around. Leo shoots Logan a scared look but Scorpia points at the screen. "Look, Leo. Mommy hurt daddy too." Scorpia plays the part and Leo goes from shock to giggles. His laughter is infectious and Scorpia can't help to laugh along as Logan smiles a bit shy. 

"So that's funny, little man? That mommy punched daddy?"

Leo makes a fist and looks at it. Logan moves closer and Leo punches him in the chin. Logan pretends to fall, "Ouch! That hurts!"

Leo giggles before asking: "Daddy?" Logan looks at him and the boy says: "Mommy amo. Kiss!" He looks at Scorpia and back at Logan.

"Are you trying to tell me that I'm not allowed to hit mommy anymore? That mommy needs to be loved? And that I should kiss her?"

Leo looks angry, "Mommy kiss!"

Logan gets closer to Scorpia and gives her a sweet kiss.

Leo makes a smooching sound and waves his arms around. "Amo."

"You're a special little man. But the fact that mommy hitting me amuses you, worries me a little. Do you still have a kiss for daddy?"

Scorpia closes the laptop and holds Leo up. Logan pouts his lips and moves closer to the little boy. Leo grabs his hair and places a wet kiss on his dad's lips. "Ohh yummy Leo. I will get you your fruit snack now."

Logan runs into the kitchen and comes back with a bowl and a small spoon. Scorpia holds Leo securely as Logan slowly moves the spoon closer to Leo's mouth. He laughs when Leo's mouth opens way before the spoon is close. Logan pushes the spoon into Leo's mouth and the little boy frowns.

Leo tastes the food as he looks at the bowl. He swallows the bite, "Ohh mmm amo." Scorpia laughs and looks at Logan. Logan winks at her and feeds Leo another bite. Leo eats the entire thing, and says: "Papa amo!"

Logan laughs, "Little cubs are like cats apparently. They love the one who feeds them."

Scorpia laughs and gets up to gather things for Leo and for her and Logan. She picks the stuffed lion up from the floor and puts it in Leo's bag.

Logan yells from the kitchen, "Are peanut butter sandwiches good enough, Bonnie? And two protein drinks?"

"Yes, that's fine Logan. Okay, our sports gear and Leo's stuff is packed."

-----

It's Friday and Scorpia is relaxing on the couch after her run with Violetta. She showered, threw on a shirt, and is thinking about everything they've done this past week.

She ran with Violetta every morning and Logan ran every night with one of Bruno's friends who runs marathons. They spent the afternoons training in the ring, focusing on watching the person you love get beat up. It seemed like an impossible task at the start of the week but they are sort of able to watch it now.

She ordered T-shirts Tuesday and hopes they will be delivered today, so they can wear them for the fight. Her mind drifts back to the bodypaint course. That wasn't erotic at all. They are both not creative with paint. And the paint was cold... And smelly... And got hard... It was the only thing that did.

She chuckles as Logan comes upstairs with two cups of coffee.

"What were you thinking about, Bonnie?" He puts the cups down on the table and sits down next to her on the couch.

She snuggles up to him, "Bodypainting."

Logan laughs and shakes his head. "That was no fun, Bonnie. But the dance class was. And the massage course too."

Scorpia kisses him, "Mmm yes. They were both a lot of fun." She sits up and picks up her mug from the table. She takes a sip and looks at him over the rim. "How are we traveling to the tournament, Logan?"

He grabs his mug too and takes a sip. "We have a private chauffeur, the person who said we had to touch each other as much as possible. So that's exactly what we're doing on the way over there. It's a two-hour drive and we're taking the jeep. Our fight is scheduled in the afternoon, right before the finals. Which means we can watch all the matches together and support our Scorpions."

Scorpia laughs, "You sure know how to sell it. It sounds like a romantic getaway instead of us being surrounded by boxers and criminals all day. Flavio and Ciro will be there too, Dino and Bart will drive a van with all the boys but what about Ricardo?"

"Ricardo is riding along with the young boys. They asked him to and he doesn't mind. We're bringing our masks and Flavio promised to invite some big guns, to make it a little more fun. You are the only woman coming along and probably the only one in the building. So please stay close to me, alright?"

"Because you think I can't take care of myself?"

"Oh Bonnie, I know you can. But there will be so many bastards there and that makes me nervous. Just stay close to keep me from going crazy with worry."

"I promise I'll stick to you. Besides, that's good for our match, touching each other and such."

Logan's eyes show mischief when Marco yells from downstairs, "Are you two decent?"

Logan yells back, "I am, but you know how Scorpia is."

Marco laughs and climbs the stairs with a package. He hands it to Scorpia, who rips it open happily. She pulls a shirt out of it and shows Logan. The front reads 'My Bonnie' and the back says 'Barman'.

Logan takes it from her, "So cool, Bonnie!"

She pulls hers from the package too and shows him the front first. 'His Bonnie' is printed on the front and the back reads 'P. Maestra'.

Logan grins, "We were allowed to pick a song for our introduction. I'll give you three guesses."

Scorpia laughs, "Mamma said knock you out."

Logan laughs too, "Of course. Only suitable one and Duane turns out to be an LL Cool J fan. But today we'll spend the day cuddling and kissing. It's the only training Bruno will allow us to do. Do you want Leo to stay the night? And take him to mamma first thing in the morning?"

Her eyes are full of fire and Logan swallows when he connects his eyes with hers. "Okay, I think I know the answer to that."

Scorpia laughs and calls mamma, who answers quickly.

"Mia figlia! Ti amo. How are you two doing?"

Scorpia tells her they are great and asks if Leo can start his sleepover tonight.

"Really? That's wonderful Scorpia. Matteo will be happy about that. We'd love to have him here, girl. You go spend some alone time with Logan. I get it."

Scorpia explains that Logan has to work but that she dreads saying goodby to Leo in the morning, right before leaving for the match.

Mamma laughs, "Sure! You know mamma always knows everything, right? That's definitely not the whole reason. But that doesn't matter, bring that beautiful boy to me. Whenever you're ready."

Scorpia chuckles, "Grazie mamma. Ti amo."

She looks at the screen of her phone and reads the message Freya sent her, smiling mysteriously.

----------------------

A slightly longer chapter but I wanted to squeeze it all into one.

What do you think of it all?

Any hopes or fears about the tournament?

And what did Freya send to Scorpia? 

The inspiration is flowing.

So expect another chapter soon.

XO Hankie