Summary: Scipio and Prosper are at Ida's at Christmas.... Scipio is hated by his father, and Prosper thinks he isn't a good brother...Warning:Cutting and abuse. Eventual Scipio/Prosper Probably a 5 chapter story. But could be longer.

Disclaimer: Do I look like Cornelia Funke? I don't know what she looks like.. BUt I'm sure she looks nothing like me! lol
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Chapter 1. Piuttosto sia un orfano

Prosper's P.O.V.

Bo was lying in the floor, playing with the puppy that Ida had bought him for his 7th birthday. Hornet, was reading a book, smiling ever so slightly. Riccio was eating a piece of chocolate cake, smiling every once in a while to show off his new teeth. Mosca was righting out plans for his boat. Victor and Ida seemed to be lost in each others eyes, as they sat together in front of the fireplace.

I was standing here in the doorway, drinking eggnog. Ghastly stuff, but Ida made it for us, so I'll pretend to like it. And then there was Scipio, he wasn't really doing anything, just sitting there, staring off into space. Everyone has been worried about him for awhile, for that seems to be all he ever does anymore. Just sit there, staring at nothing. He seems to get so lost in thought that he doesn't blink, and many times we thought he'd got catatonic.

"Hey Scip! watch this!" Bo yelled happily as he made the puppy roll over. "Yeah, that's really cool Bo." Scipio said, his voice dazed out. Bo seemed disappointed in Scipio's reaction, so he went to show Hornet.

"Scipio." I said softly, and he slowly averted his eyes to me. "What?" He asked, trying to seem like the old Scip. But I could see through his masquerade. "Come with me." I said, motioning towards Ida's garden.

"OK." He said, getting up to follow me. "What's been up with you? Ever since you decided to not ride the merry-go-round you've been like this." I said, and he sighed. "I-it's nothing." He said, seeming to use his words carefully.

"Scipio, I know you well enough to know that 'nothing' would not be bothering you like this. Please, just tell me. You're my best friend Scip, and I'm worried about you. We all are." I said, and he kept his eyes on a small crack in the concrete tiles.

"I just.. Kinda of regret not going on the merry-go-round. I wish I would have became an adult, you know?" He said, rubbing the back of his neck.

"But why? Being a child isn't all that bad." I said, sitting down in one of the lawn chairs. "But can't you see. If I was a grown-up, my father wouldn't be able to order me around." He said, sitting down in the chair beside me.

"You should be happy. At least you have a father!" I said, thinking of how much I missed my parents. "Yeah, a father that beats me!" He trailed off, and I could tell by the fear in his eyes, that he hadn't meant to say that.

"He... He beats you?" I asked, fear bubbling in my stomach. Scipio didn't look at me, he just dropped his head in shame. He held out his arm, and slowly pulled his shirt sleeve up to reveal a large bruise that anyone could see was a hand print.

I ran my hand over the bruise lightly, my heart clenching when he winced. (A/N: Not in a romantic way yet.... He just feels really bad for him.)

"Scipio, you have to tell someone." I said, and his head snapped up. I could see all the pain, and anger in his eyes. "No... And if you tell anyone, you'll regret it." He said, and I was shocked at how forceful his words were.

I looked down for a moment, and then opened my mouth to reply. "I won't tell anyone." I looked up to see that Scipio had left, but I could've sworn I heard a small "Thank you" whispered.

Ok, so here's the first chapter. I hope you liked it. I'll try to get the next one up as soon as possible. Just one question, would you please review? lol