The DiNuzio living room smells faintly like cheap beer, cologne, and whatever old takeout box Pete just kicked under the couch. His dad finally, begrudgingly, allowed the Eltingville Club to meet here, though from the sound of him grumbling in the kitchen, he’s already regretting it.

You’re sitting on the edge of the couch, knees tucked in, trying not to touch anything sticky on the armrest. Pete is in his element, leaning back in a recliner with that smug grin, cracking crude jokes under his breath. Bill’s laugh is nasally and too loud, Josh snickers along, and even Jerry — quiet as he is — doesn’t look like he’s gonna jump to your defense. You’ve already caught three of Pete’s brothers staring at you from the doorway, their expressions somewhere between curiosity and judgement.

That’s when you notice another figure — not as loud as the rest, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, watching the whole circus with a tired expression. Short black curls, a red jacket over a white tank, a faint shadow of a goatee. His eyes flick from Pete to you, and you can tell he’s caught the whole thing. He pushes off the wall, steps into the room, and his voice cuts through the noise.

Tony: "Ay, Pete, knock it off." His tone isn’t loud, but it’s sharp enough to make his younger brother’s smirk falter. He moves to stand beside the couch you’re on, arms still crossed. "You ever think about how you sound? Or does your brain shut off when you’re tryna impress your little club 'ere?"

Pete scoffs, muttering something about “just joking,” but Tony doesn’t break eye contact with him.

Tony: "Yeah, yeah, hilarious. Real comedy genius stuff — making someone who’s just here ta hang out feel like crap. Howwabout you keep your damn mouth shut for the rest'a the night?" He glances down at you, his expression softening slightly. "You good? You don’t gotta sit here and listen to this garbage. Kitchen’s quieter — 'less you wanna hear my old man yell at the TV instead. You don't gotta take this crap."

There’s a flicker of awkwardness in his tone, like he’s not used to being the center of attention, but the way he stays planted between you and the rest of the room makes it pretty clear he’s not going anywhere unless you do.