Triggers/Warning: Later chapters will contain some mention of child abuse.

Every year, I try to write 25 drabbles, one for each day counting down to Christmas. This year's fandom is KHR. This means you are getting a new chapter everyday. Yes everyday. Unless something happens out of my control (like real life rearing its ugly head). The length will vary, some will be short, some will be long. I may not respond to your reviews because trying write the next day chapter. D: I'm sorry!

No... of course not. I did not name this story after this year's oreo commercial.

Child in the Alleyway

1. Holding Hands

Wonder if what's inside, really been there all the time.

Wonder if it's wonder in my heart.

-What's Insides in the Holidays

Snow was falling over Namimori, blanketing the small town in white. A chilly breeze blew, rattling the empty tree branches and sweeping across the snow. In the distance a storm rumbled, still far away, but approaching slowly. The sun hung low in the sky, creeping towards the horizon; just starting to paint the reds, yellows and oranges across the heavens.

Despite the chill, Tsuna couldn't be warmer.

Tsuna intertwined his hand with Reborn's, basking in the quiet moment. It wasn't often he could convince Reborn to go on a short walk with him around the neighborhood. When it got this cold out, his husband would much rather spend his time indoors instead of out in the freezing cold.

Reborn huffed, exasperated, but otherwise didn't say anything. He merely squeezed Tsuna's hand as they continued their walk around the town.

Just as they passed an alleyway, Tsuna's intuition kicked up. That faint tug, drawing his attention back towards the alleyway. Tsuna stopped, letting his hand slip away from Reborn's.

"Tsuna?" Reborn called out, as soon as he realized that Tsuna had stopped.

Ignoring his husband, Tsuna headed into the alleyway. There, hidden among the empty cardboard boxes and trash bags was a small tiny blond haired boy. The boy shivered in the cold, curled up as tight as a ball.

"Hello," Tsuna said softly. The boy jerked his head upwards, startled. He inched away from Tsuna, terrified.

"I'm not going to hurt you," Tsuna said gently. He held out his hand and remained as unthreatening as he could. "My name is Tsuna. Who are you?"

The boy shivered. He was a tiny thing; barely four or five if Tsuna had to guess. Tsuna felt Reborn's presence the opening of the alleyway, waiting patiently.

"Giotto," the boy said after a beat of silence.

Tsuna smiled, warm and fond. "Hello Giotto-kun. It must be cold out here. Why aren't you home?"

Giotto looked at him, eyes full of distrust. "Don't have one," Giotto said.

Heart aching at those words, Tsuna stretched out his hand further. "Do you want to come home with me? It'll be warm at least. I promise I won't hurt you."

Silence loomed for one brief moment. Then Giotto closed his eyes, tired and cold. He reached out to grasp Tsuna's hand.

"Okay."