I'm so sorry it took me so long to get this done. I kept getting busy with life. Anyway here is another chapter!

Enjoy!


Chapter 2: Enter the rival!

Damian Petrillo, the name came to me after seeing the ring on his thumb. If I remember correctly he is to be the next boss of the family. There is a possibility his here for protection but unlike Tsunayoshi he isn't a candidate. It's already been decided Damian will take over after his father. I remember he appear in front of the former boss to officially introduce himself as the heir. A chill went down my spine just by recalling the former boss.

I open the door of the auditorium to see the light on the stage, illuminating the entire auditorium. At the front rows I can see all sorts of students, practicing for their audition. One thing caught my eye right away, their all partner up as couples. Thank goodness I brought the dog with me.

I grab his wrist once more dragging him to the front rows. I sat down next to a couple rehearsing their lines. I wonder if I should ask for a script.

"Hello and welcome ladies and gentleman to the Drama Club audition." A girl with short black hair and glasses stood on the stage, holding a microphone. "I'm the president Tomoyo Rin. I'm happy to see so many of you here to audition for our play 'The Princess and her Butler.' As you all have heard this year we will be shaking things up. The girl's part in the play will be play by the boys in other words the princess will be act out by a boy."

I have to get the part of the butler but I don't like being touch. Aside from the triplets and Lizzie. Tsunayoshi is the second person in my list I can tolerate touching me. My dog will play the role of a princess. Plus, his adorable and cute he can pass off as a girl, easy.

"You're taking the role of the princess." I stated.

Tsunayoshi turn to me with wide eyes.

"R-Rosalia I can't act." He stuttered.

"Oh yes you can, as your master I will teach you." I pet his head.

For some reason his cheeks went red. Please don't tell me his getting sick, I just got him. Onii-chan did always say I never been good with animals.

"Now then for the audition you must act out one scene from our play. It's the scene where the butler Sebastian confesses his love to Chris." The president squeals in delight.

The butlers name is Sebastian, why do I feel I have seen a show with a butler named Sebastian. Doesn't matter I just have to play one hell of a butler to get the role. Tsunayoshi will get his role of princess even if say a couple of the contestants get poison.

"There's a copy of the scrip on a table in front of the stage please take your time reading it. Some of our club members got them early but please don't let that discourage. Auditions will be held till tomorrow." President informed us with a smile.

I stood up from my seat and grab two of the scripts. I flip through some of the pages searching for the scene. I made my way back to Tsunayoshi as I skim through the pages. I sat back down next to him and held out his script. I look up once I found the scene.

"Rosalia don't you think you should ask someone else to be your partner." Tsunayoshi suggested in a nervous tone.

"No I don't want anyone to be my partner except you." I turn to him with a blank face.

A, lovely shade of pink cover his cheeks as he look away. I'm going to ask Nana to check him for a fever; I can't have him get sick. That will ruin my plans to accomplish more things from my bucket list. Still, we should call it a day and let him rest. After he memorizes and acts out the best princess of the world.

"We better get home and start practicing." I stood up and grab my book bag slinging it over my shoulder.

"It's no use for me to even practice Rosalia. How about you ask around for a partner? The auditions are being held till tomorrow, I'll even help you find someone." Tsuna commented as he handed me back the script.

I didn't take the script back instead I look over once more to the lines of the butler. I don't get Tsunayoshi he seems like a coward but it's more of a lion wearing lamb clothes. He can be tough. I know he can, his got Vongola blood in his veins. I took a deep breath, remembering a couple of tricks Lizzie taught me.

I got on one knee and grab Tsunayoshi's hand kissing the back of it. I tilted my head forward making my bangs cover my eyes. I put down the script as I repeated the lines in my head. I open my mouth; prepare to confess my love to my angelic princess.

"Christina," I spoke her name gently. "My princess I can tell you in a thousand ways just how much I love you. My heart beats only for you. I live each and every single day for the sight of your smile. Your beautiful eyes shine with such innocence." I stood up to my feet and pull her into my arms.

"No one and I repeat no one in this world can replace you. For, you are the love of my life. My Chris I was born for the only intention to love you as long as I live. But a person such as me doesn't deserve to have such an innocent angel." I pull away, looking down on the floor.

I pick up my script and waited for Tsunayoshi to start reading his part. I sneak a peek to see his entire red face, his script shook. This won't do I had hope to get him to read it at least. Maybe, I should start smaller; he might not have much confidence. As his master I need to teach him how to be a lovely lady.

I started to make my way out of the auditorium. I lost myself in my thoughts, what can I do to give this boy courage? From the looks of it everyone has gotten used to his clumsy ways. He got a nickname for it, Dame-Tsuna. I hope my threat was enough to stop the name calling.

Sharp as a knife plunging into my chest, come the painful reminder of my time limit. I grab my chest, taking deep painful breaths. I really need to get home without the shot I'll damage myself more. I can't let this eat up more of my time. I haven't even done half of the things in my list.

"Rosalia, are you okay?" Shaky arms took hold of me.

I open my eyes; I hadn't realized they were close. I turn my head to see worry caramel eyes. Tsunayoshi gently sat me down on the ground.

"My bad, it's an attack, I get now and then. I forgot to take my shot this morning. Don't worry it will pass soon enough." I informed him in a whispered.

I guess the idiot of his father forgot to mention this information to his mother. I just hope I don't start throwing up, again. Otherwise, I will have no other choice but to be bedridden. The main cause of it is high fevers.

"Why didn't you tell me you were getting one?!" Tsunayoshi yelled.

No stuttering, no squealing, an actual yell. His eyes didn't seem caramel they look orange. He looks piss.

"I didn't think it was a big deal. I handle the one earlier just fine." I explained in a breathless tone.

"I told you not to push yourself." He scowls me.

He wraps an arm around my waist. Getting the message I wrap my arm around his neck. He hoisted me up making my head spin. I grab on to him in a tight grip. We started to walk to the gates. Tsunayoshi kept glancing at me with worry looks.

"Quit looking at me like that. I'll be fine, my one year isn't up." I said in a soft tone.

"What do you mean one year?" Tsunayoshi asked me.

I took deep breaths trying to numb out the pain. I look down to my wrist to see the silver bracelet glowing gently. The very thing makes me feel chain down to my fate. It mocks me.

"That's all I get for the Transfer student program a year." I answered in a simple tone.

Tsunayoshi give me a look, not believing my answer. Too bad I won't tell him anything about the truth of the matter. He is just my dog for a year, nothing more and nothing less.

Tsunayoshi open the door to his house and help me in. I sat down on the stairs feeling too tire to go up the stairs.

"The medicine is in a blue bag under your bed." I instructed.

He nods and gives another worry look before going upstairs. He is such a worry-wart. The triplets are the exact same way. They called up all sorts of doctors and specialists to come to the Mansion. Onii-chan warned them to cut it out or else.

"Ah, Rosa-chan," I look up to see Nana's warm brown eyes. Her smile turns into a frown. "Are you okay?"

She sat down next to me with a worry look. I resist the urge to flinch when she places a hand on my forehead. I doubt I have a fever. I keep still once she pulls away I let out sigh of relief; I hadn't realized I was holding.

"You don't have a fever but you're very pale." Nana said worry.

I take a couple of deep breaths ignoring another sharp pain going through my chest. I clench my jaw shut, I need a distraction. Once I'm positive I won't vomit I spoke.

"It's weird to call you mama. I never really had a mother and as for my father his always busy with work. I was raise by my older siblings."

Nana rubs soothing circles on my back. Her brown eyes full of kindness, she smiled gently at me.

"Do you get along with your father?" She asked me.

Oh sure, let's hang out with the bastard who think bonding time is making your daughter dodge all sort of incoming grenades and cannons. Let's not also forget the land mines, he kindly added to make things more fun. Of course I hang out with the bastard.

"I haven't seen him for nine years. I don't remember how he looks." I answered as I glare at the floor.

Tsuna come down the stairs with a blue bag on hand. The sight of him made me ease up. His sort of like the triplets, he knows how to keep me calm.

"Ah, Tsu-kun," Nana turns her head towards him. "What are you holding?"

"It's her medicine." Tsuna said as he clumsily open the bag.

Inside are enough shots for a whole year. Clover made sure I wouldn't go a day without her medicine. Used to the routine I roll up the sleeve of my shirt and reveal all sorts of punctures wounds from the many times I had to do blood work. Tsunayoshi frown at the sight of my arm.

"Nana would you give me a shot?" I asked as I held out my arm towards her.

She turn to the bag and reach out to grab one of the needle shots. Tsunayoshi seem relief to not be the one to do it. Now that I think about it, trusting him with this task might get me hurt.

"All right Rosa-chan now deep breath." Nana said before puncturing the skin.

I held my breath as I remember the last time I saw my old man. He did tell me he works for the Vongola family now. The former boss was furious when he heard the news. He immediately ordered to cut all ties with him. I was forbidden to ever see him again.

The blank look on his big black eyes made my heart twist in pain. It was bad enough I lost my mother. I'm not even sure if I want to see him after all these years. He never did bother to go against the former bosses orders. He has never been the kind to be boss around.

I let out a sigh once Nana took out the needle. She grabs one of the cotton balls from the bag and places on the small red dot. Maybe, that's why I'm letting things go as my siblings planned because I want him to know I, no longer need him.

"Thank you, Nana." I said quietly.

"Rosa-chan just came to me if you need help with anything." She picks up the bag along with used needle and goes back into the kitchen.

I stood up and went upstairs, passing a quiet Tsunayoshi. I open the door to his room, the room tidy up while we were at school. I sat down on the bed.

"How are you feeling?" Tsunayoshi asked me as he closes the door.

He places my book bag on the bed next to me. He stares at me with a worry look.

"I'm fine the attack already pass." I rummage through my book bag in search of the script.

Tomorrow we will act as the best butler and princess. I don't doubt Tsunayoshi, he can do it. I just need to give him a hard push.

"Take out your scrip, we need to start practicing." I ordered him.

"Rosalia, you should really find someone else. I'm useless, I can't do anything right. I'm bad at school and at sports." Tsunayoshi admitted it.

I roll up my script, finally fed up with his depressing speeches. I hit him on the head with it.

"Listen up, Tsunayoshi say whatever the hell you want about yourself. I'll admit it. I seriously thought you were a hopeless cause. But you have proven me wrong." I stood up and placed my hands on my hips. "I told you, you're on Rosalia duty, that means saying stupid things such 'I'm useless' are forbidden. I know you can act I believe you. I will practice with you as long as needed until you get it."

His eyes widen, he open his mouth and close it. This must be his first pep talk. I handed him his scrip.

"Now come on Princess we have a long night and I'm not letting you sleep until you memorize your lines." I flip the pages of my scripts. "Now let's start out on page 28."

For the entire afternoon and night we did nothing but practice. I thought for sure he would get it on the tenth time but I was proven wrong. This kid is a slow learner but I won't let him give up so easily. I lost counts of how many times I hit him with my script. Around the fiftieth time did he finally act out like a Princess.


The smell of burning human flesh always greets me. I can remember the look of pure agony as she burned away. Her beautiful red eyes stare into nothingness. Soon the screaming stop, I stood completely still. Behind me my father laugh as if he just heard the world's greatest joke. The only evidence left of my mother were the ashes lingering in the room.

My father place a firm hand on my shoulder, forcing me to face him. His grey eyes pierce me right to the soul. I open my mouth to speak but I couldn't find my voice. I tremble as the scene replay itself over and over in my head. I could hear my sibling cursing out our father as the guards did their best to hold them down.

He pulls me close to his chest running his fingers through my hair. My eyes widen at the sight of his button shirt cover in blood, her blood. He didn't seem to mind as he gently hum.

"Neh, Rosalia," He whispers next to my ear. "Soon that will be you, you will take on the spotlight. You'll be following your mothers footsteps into hell."

I let out a sob as every emotion twisted in my stomach. I scream at the top of my lung, just imagining being burn alive.

"Never, forget you were born to die."

My eyes snap open, I sat up immediately sucking in a gulp of air. I took in my surroundings to see I'm not in my room back at the mansion. I turn my head to see Tsunayoshi's sleeping face, is heavenly. I brush my fingertips against his cheeks, amaze by the softness of his skin. I did pick out a good partner to play the princess. We must have fallen asleep sometime during the night. I got up from the floor, feeling my entire body ache from the position I slept in.

The scent of food made my stomach growl. I open the door and made my way downstairs. I headed straight for the kitchen. Nana hums as she cooks. I sat down on one of the chairs. Dinner last night was one the best food I, ever had. Tsunayoshi had to reassure me it tasted good only once. After Kyoko had fed me some of her bento and Nana fed me her cooking. I can admit I will survive living in this country.

"Good morning, Rosa-chan." Nana smiled at me.

"Morning Nana," I greeted her with a nod.

She places a plate with scramble eggs, bacon, and hash brown. I didn't even have to ask for the toast. The woman read my mind and places a plate of them on the table. I wipe away a tear at the sight before me.

The door bell rang, making me look away from my feast.

"Rosa-chan, could you get the door." Nana said as she took out more bacon.

I took a piece of bacon for the short journey to the door. I nibble on it as I open the door. The sight before me, made me wish I had brought weapons with me. Onii-chan never suspected any other family's stepping into Vongola territory. Then again, my dog is the last resort to become the heir.

I crouch down to the white package, a part of me thought it was a fish. Instead it's a dead white rabbit with a black rose. Mafia code. The white rabbit means we known, get out of town. Black rose its otherwise your dead meat. Here I thought it would be a relaxing year.

"Who was it?" Nana appear behind me.

Without missing a beat, I wrap the rabbit, taking out the black rose. I stood up turning to her while at the same time throwing the dead rabbit to some bushes.

"A secret admire I guess." I answer with a smirk.

Nana smile at the sight of the rose.

I took back my spot on the table enjoying my breakfast. The sound of hurry steps along with someone tripping over their feet. Let me know my pup had woken up.

"Good morning Tsu-kun." Nana greets him.

I turn my head to see my dog out of breath holding our book bags. He grab a piece of toast then place it in his mouth. Then grab my wrist proceeding to drag me out of the house.

"Bye have a nice at school." Nana wave at us.

Tsuna didn't slow down until we were near the school gates. I was impress by how he ate the toast while running. I can't even chew gum and walk at the same time.

"You know there has to be a better way to this." I comment, once he let go of my wrist.

"Rosalia-san, you should've woke me up early." He scowl me.

"It's not my job to look after you. Plus you are the experience one about school." I argue.

We both glare at each other. I'm still lost about the time to come to school. This is my second day coming to school. At least this time I ate breakfast.

The sound of a stomach growling, made Tsunayoshi look away with red cheeks. It felt as if a boulder had fallen on shoulders. Of course, he didn't get to eat anything except a piece of toast. Not to mention we slept about four hours.

"Fine, next time I'll wake you up." I mumble then began to walk.

Before going to class I need to find the son of a bitch. If he thinks just because I'm here alone and unarmed, I'm easy prey for him to play with. His got another thing coming. Damian should know better than to threaten a member of one of the strongest family's in the underworld.

My pup follow close behind me with his head down. For some reason that piss me off. So far from what I've seen his classmates are a bunch of assholes. Without thinking it I grab his hand giving him a gentle squeeze.

"Your my dog quit acting so pathetic." I said under my breath.

Tsunayoshi held my hand tighter. He held his head high making me smile. It's going to take a while until he becomes confident about himself. The sight of spiky jet black hair caught my attention. I've best get Tsunayoshi out of the line of fire.

"Be right back I'm going to the bathroom." I didn't wait for him to response.

I turn at corner following Damian to an empty hallway. He caught me off by surprise when he turn around. Shit, did not think this through. I need to get a hold of my triplets.

"Ciao Rosalia," He smirk. "I have to say you are beautiful as your name."

"Damian, my brother isn't here don't suck up to me, that's disgusting." I said wrinkling my nose.

"Glad to see your still a heartless bitch."

"Glad to see your the usual asshole."

His brown eyes seem to shine with mischief. He stuck his hands into his pockets. For a moment I suspected him to withdraw a gun.

"I'm guessing you are here about my present."

I have such an urge to punch his pretty little face. Or better yet burn it. In a way I would be branding him as mine. I claim him and ruin his pretty face tossing him aside like garbage.

"I hope you have a good reason to send me such a disgusting thing." I cross my arms.

"Yes, it's a warning to get the fuck out of town. This is Vongola territory. The biggest ally to my family. I am positive your head will be the perfect gift for Vongola Nono." He shifted one of his hands giving me a peek of his pocket knife.

I really need to at least bring a butter knife. Oh well gives me a perfect excuse not to go to class. The only problem is coming up with an excuse for the cuts on my arms. Damian took a step forward making me tense up. I admit I took a step back.

The tables changes in a blink of an eye. Hunter-san appear hitting Damian square in the faces with one of his tonfa. I couldn't help myself from taking out my phone to take a picture. It be hilarious to send this picture to Vongola Nono. Damian would be embarrass to know his ally receive such a picture.

Quite sadly Damian quickly recover from the hit. He did a back flip placing distance between and Hunter-san.

Damian give me one last glare before making his way to class. I've best do the same, don't want my dog to come looking for me. I turn around to face what I assuming are Hunter-sans minions. I need to put minion in the list as well.

"I'm going to bite you to death." Hunter-san glare at me while holding his tonfas.

My eyes widen at his words.

"W-what kind of sicko are you?!" I shriek feeling my face get warm.

"Tiempo got a minute?" One of his minions ask me.

I didn't have much of a choice but to follow. They lead me to the Disciplinary Committee office. The inside of it reminded me of a fancy mafia boss private room. I sat down on the couch, amaze how soft it is.

"Now tell me how do you know Damian Petrillo?" The minion from before ask me.

I couldn't stop starring at the piece of grass or maybe hay in his mouth.

"We're close acquaintances." I answer still starring.

"Then, you're part of the mafia." Hunter-san stated.

I flicker my eyes over to his gray eyes, fighting the urge to shiver. His eyes aren't as cold as the former bosses. I bit the inside of my cheek to keep the memories at bay. One of the minions brought me a cup of coffee. The sight of it made me drool. I cup the warm cup in my hands. The scent of it relax me.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." I flash him a smirk before taking a zip of coffee.

"Are you part of the Petrillo family?" The main minion ask me.

"Don't compare me to those bottom feeders." I practically snarl.

"Then how do you know Damian?" The minion ask with a raise eyebrow.

I've best keep my own mafia identity a secret. The only thing I can think of to keep Hunter-san and his minions away from me it's by telling one white lie. Of course it might be useful. Damian might have it hard at school for a while. Enough time to come up with a plan.

I blink my eyes letting some tears slip down my cheeks. I made sure to make my hands shake.

"He was my boyfriend and I love with all my heart. But the bastard cheated on me with every girl in Italy." I cry placing the cup of coffee I cover my face with my hands.

I did my best not to burst out into laughter. Me and Damian dating is the most hilarious lie I have ever told. As if I let that leech touch a single hair on me.

The minion his clear throat awkwardly. "I'm sorry to have ask you such questions."

I pull my hands away sniffling. I look up at him hoping I have the look of devastation in my eyes. The knowledge of my ex being in the same school as me. I noted Hunter-san had disappear, I guess he can take a hormonal girl.

"You can return to class now." The minion said opening the door for me.

As I made my way back to school I made sure to stay in character. I don't need another stalker pestering me. I enter my class quickly wiping away the tears.

I sat down in class ignoring the curious looks. My pup look at me worriedly, I flash him a reassuring smile.

It kills me to know I just made up a wonderful lie about being in a relationship with a leech. There is also a problem Damian must have guards and weapons here. An entire army dedicated to protecting the next heir.

I sneak a peek to Tsunayoshi, his doing his best to stay awake. Sensei does have a habit to talk soothingly. I wonder if Tsuna will become the next heir of a vicious mafia family. The thought of sweet, fragile, hopeless Tsuna seating on the throne of the Vongola family, brings me to tears. The poor boy has very low self-esteem. It might be too much emotionally for him to rule over Vongola.

Still, what if by some miracle it does happen. I've better come up with several plans to help him before I'm ashes. I'll beg Onii-chan to make a treaty with Tsunayoshi. I would make sure nothing bad happens to him.


The bells rings making me smile finally time to rehearse for the play. I grab Tsunayoshis hand dragging him to the auditorium. Its full of people, there are more people today then there was yesterday.

We sat down on the front row. I can see Tsunayoshi tremble probably thinking negatively of himself. I give a gentle squeeze to his hand.

"Hello, everyone!." Tomoyo appear on stage with a microphone. "If you all remember I announce we will be shaking things up. In other words I will be choosing your partners randomly."

A boy appear with a bowl fill with small pieces of papers. Tomoyo pick out two names, nodding to herself then to us. A stone sat on my stomach, who the hell is going to be my partner.

"The scene we will rehearse is the kissing scene. I want you to really get in there. Now then our first couple for the night its Rosalia Tiempo and Damian Petrillo!" She announce excitedly.

I felt like I just swallow a thousand needles. I watch Damian go up to the stage with a smug grin. I focus on breathing as the thought of letting a leech touch me, makes me want to vomit.

"Rosalia, their waiting on you." Tsunayoshi whispers to me.

I tighten my grip on my script then proceed to get on stage. I walk stiffly feeling my stomach twist itself into knots. Why, why in the world do I need to kiss this fucking frog?!

I clench my jaw, glaring daggers at Damian, feeling he sabotage this whole entire thing on purpose.

"It's true Sebastian I agreed to Mr. Wilsons proposal. On the condition you will remain my butler. I fear if I didn't you would be in the street." Damian said with a hurt look in his eyes.

As much as it kills me to admit the bastard can act.

I look down at my script.

"My lady shouldn't marry such filthy trash. I do not care about my own life. As long as your happy I wouldn't mind eating like a dog." I said in a cool tone.

Damian turn his head away from me lowering his gaze to the ground.

"I do not wish for you to leave." H admitted in a gentle tone.

I walk over to him, forcing myself to take each step. I pray Tsunayoshi has breath mints with him. I brushing my mouth a million times after this is over. I place a hand on Damian's cheek, I bit my bottom lip.

"Please don't make that face my angel." I said lovingly.

Damian place a hand on my back pulling me closer to him. I give him a questionable look. This is not part of the script. His face gets closet to mine, I can feel his breath fawning over mine. I close my eyes tightly shut, refusing to believe my first kiss will be with a toad.

The sound of something crashing breaks the spell. Instantly push Damian away with disgust I turn my gaze to the front row to see my dog had drop all of his books on the ground.

A shiver went down my spine as I made eye contact with him. His brown caramel eyes glow a soft orange. I quickly get off stage not caring one bit about finishing the scene.

I help Tsunayoshi pick up his stuff as Tomoyo went on to call out another couple to rehearse. I hand over his books. I don't miss the look of relief in his eyes.

"Did you do that on purpose?" I ask him.

His cheeks go red.

"I could tell you were forcing yourself too hard on acting. When he touch you, you flinch." Tsuna answer.

"Thank you." I smile at him, without thinking it I place a kiss on his cheek.

I grab my book bag then his hand.

"Let's go home."


I will try to update faster but no promises!

Lily2011