A/N: I don't know how I am going to react on all of your reviews. It's already eating me whole! :)) I sincerely thank you guys from the bottom of my heart and I hope that I could attract more readers. Actually, the whole fluff thing is the main plot of it all. XD I realized that it's not satisfying enough for you guys to read.
And to Ms. Lunar Generation (gotta shorten that one XD), I don't hate cats. I even love them! I even have lots of them in my house. XD It's just that it's so fun using them as a villain. And hey, that 'big cat' is…OKAY! QUIZ TIME! XD See the end of my authoress notes later after you read this, okay? :) On with the story!
THE AMIABLE FLAME
© Danielle Luna Soulhart
April 2012
Third Flicker: Silver Black
It has been three days already and Takeshi was as familiar as any resident in the Vongola mansion. Within those three days, he was able to learn different things about Giotto, his guardians and everything within the house with the exception of explaining those mafia businesses. Also, within those days, he was able to spend his time observing everything with his nii-chan, Asari, and even has the priviledge of watching several practices such as fencing between G and Giotto. And, in those days, he managed to acquire a new friend.
Hmm, it's more appropriate to say 'a rival'.
And that was Hayato.
When Hayato learned about the new kid (on Takeshi's second day of learning), he immediately planned ahead on how to know this suspicious person and foil his 'plans'. He looked like an amateur and idiotic detective who doesn't know how to conceal himself from the public and was wearing a silly undercover suit. To prove that, he was spotted by Daemon's intense senses and him being him (no duh), he was quickly irked by how Hayato dressed – the kid was wearing a white baggy shirt (big enough for him to wear, so probably it's G's), his denim pants, a long brown coat, a cap with a toy propeller on top, and the worse of it all, a green scarf that was wrapped all over his face, leaving only the eyes exposed. But because of his unmistakably silver hair, the mist guardian spotted him sneaking through his room, finding the new brat. Daemon practically hated loitering kids, and these types of kids (according to him) should be punished.
Sadly, Hayato became the subject of Daemon's sadism.
Thinking Hayato as a wannabe (and wannabe for all the brat could muster), Daemon personified himself as the living devil feeding on kids, with matching bat wings, a "fork", large horns, and a tail as wide as the rope that was kept in the cabinet (how the hell that was calculated?), all thanks to his illusion. When he approached Hayato, the kid turned white like bond paper, and the lights went off. Much to his delight, it didn't make him the master of the horror booth simply because G gave him a head-blowing upper cut punch straight under his jaw. Giotto could only sigh in desperation because of his guardian's occasional stupidity.
And by meaning 'occassional' meant the worst possible cases of stupidity. However, Giotto never seen Alaude do something 'stupid' yet.
Alaude sneezed hard after in the other room.
Then, later that day, Hayato (after recovering from his 'traumatic' experience) heard several squeals of laughter inside his Asari-niisan's chambers. He assumed that it was the cloud guardian and was having an episode of retardation. He even wanted to tell this to Giotto. But, when he peeked in, he saw a rolling Tsuna (no puns intended) on the mattress laid on the carpeted floor while holding a handful of black hair from the kid he was supposed to be searching. The kid was laughing heartily, enjoying the tug on his head.
And that's the start of Hayato's over-protectiveness…?
~~FLASHBACK~~
"OI!" Hayato exclaimed and confronted the kid, "What are you doing to Juudaime!"
Takeshi stopped laughing and looked at Hayato with his bright ebony eyes. He seemed not alarmed by how Hayato approached him. He smiled and simply said, "Yo!" Then he resumed laughing when Tsuna rolled on his stomach and pounded his little fisted hands on the mattress. Takeshi was very amused to pay attention to Hayato.
Because of that, Hayato's teeth clenched and without warning, he hastily yet gently grabbed Tsuna and hugged him close. Takeshi sat, confused of what the other kid did. "Ano, Tsuna might get hurt, you know." He said as-a-matter-of-factly.
"You're the one that's going to hurt him, jerk!" Hayato retorted, pouting to emphasize his dislike for this newcomer. Tsuna seemed too oblivious of what was happening and was enjoying the fact that Hayato-niichan was holding him. All the baby did was to play with Hayato's hair.
"Eh? What did I do?" Takeshi asked, scratching his head. Seriously, this kid was misleading everything. "Why would I hurt Tsuna? In fact, I'm here to guard him because Asari-niichan told me to take care of Tsuna." Then he smiled.
Hayato gasped in surprise and with his mobile hand, he pointed it to Takeshi. "YOU! You're the cause why that old man Daemon scared me to death! You're so sly! As sly as…" Then he creased his eyebrows.
Takeshi tilted his head sideways, trying to comprehend what Hayato wanted to tell him. When the kid didn't finish talking, he repeated the last sentence, "As sly as…what?"
"As sly as…as sly as…" Then a light bulb emerged atop of Hayato's head, "As sly as a flying squirrel!"
'HUH? A squirrel?' Takeshi thought. "Uh…" He was actually lost in thought because of Hayato's choice of animal, or whatsoever description for him. But then, being friendly he was, he extended an arm and smiled at him, "I'm Takeshi, Yamamoto Takeshi." He said. "I just transferred here and this place is really awesome! What's your name?"
It's really a good thing that Hayato knew Japanese first before Italian, or else they won't understand each other. Smugly looking, Hayato made a 'hmph' sound and ignored Takeshi's hand. Instead, he pointed him once again, declaring, "I'm Gokudera Hayato! And from now on you're my rival! You got that? I'm only Juudaime's right hand man and you can't take it! Remember that!"
Takeshi quickly withdrew his hand and scratched his nape, laughing sheepishly, "I-is that so? I think that's fine."
Hayato's jaw dropped. 'Seriously? He's taking my challenge?' He thought and smirked, 'Bring it on, loser!'
Hayato looked at Takeshi with such intensity and Takeshi just looked back at him with soft but fiery look. Tsuna, still being held by Hayato but was now facing Takeshi, looked at the two and giggled. It's just so nice to have friends. But he noticed the sudden gloomy aura around them and it scared him a little. And so to ease that, he wiggled his way out of Hayato's grip and crawled over to Takeshi's. Hayato thought that Takeshi was luring Tsuna to approach him so his reaction was quick and he immediately went towards Takeshi's side with speed. Takeshi just looked at him with wide eyes.
And it happened.
Hayato was so clumsy that he didn't realize the folds of the mattress. His left foot was caught in it causing for him to stumble, and with that, he fell atop of Takeshi and accidentally kissed his cheek. Between them was, little Tsuna who was pressed under and laughing while hugging Hayato and snuggling Takeshi's chest. Takeshi, on the other hand, was embracing the two while supporting himself with one hand.
Then again, it happened.
Hayato fainted. Tsuna just continued laughing. Takeshi was just shocked.
~~END OF FLASHBACK~~
…:[]:…
Currently, Hayato was past seething and his cheeks were red from anger (most probably jealousy) as he observe Takeshi playing with little Tsuna at the slide, while he with his childish pride up, stayed in between the bushes parallel to the slide. The reason why he can't join in was the memory that continuously flashing in his mind that happened two days ago. However, the thing that made him really seethe in anger was the fact Takeshi seemed not bothered by it!
Damn, they're kids.
Oh well, his father said (before he died) that it's a tradition for Italians to kiss someone's cheek as a greeting, or even playfully for friends (may it be guys or girls). He understood that. But it's really irritating to do it to an enemy, worse, because of an unwanted circumstance, that memory happened. His blush increased another fold. He let himself be further hidden in the bushes in shame.
Because of the rustle, Takeshi managed to pick it up like a wild animal. He has sharp senses that can pass of any assassins in the world, but it needed training of course. In his case, he doesn't realize it yet and all he knew was it was a talent. He was able to catch Tsuna after he slid down and looked at the direction where the rustle originated. And there it was, he spotted Hayato.
Tsuna was looking at him with curiosity and kept himself to where he was. Takeshi took this as a sign that Tsuna will not leave anywhere (and insert goody thought: "Because Tsuna is so good.") With a smile, Takeshi poked Tsuna's nose playfully and said, "I'll be right back, okay?"
Tsuna just gaped.
…:[]:..
Wheeeee~! The slide is so fun! This is the first time I actually got out of the house. Papa was so kind to build a playground for me and my two older bro bro, and again sorry for the cat call but I can't speak and understand things well yet. Oh well. It doesn't concern me yet. I just want to play around and know things more.
It's just a good thing that this boy with black hair is here with me. He's so kind and really reliable, although he can be stupid sometimes. He always smiled and doted on me, like the kid with the silver hair. For his age, this black-haired kid was strong, not to mention he's quite taller than the silver-haired. I giggled. I just suddenly remembered how silver kid reacted when they first met. I also like him because he's so straightforward and he really took care of me. It's really good they're here, because if Papa and others were not around because of work, I got so lonely, then I'll cry.
Right now, I was at the top of the slide. Don't get me wrong, there were two slides here. There's one that was taller than the black light post beside it. It was swirly and below it was a box filled with sand. And the other was this small slide, especially made for me. This slide has all the protection I need: from falling, from getting injured, or worse, rolling down. The only thing I need was a guardian to look out for me once I slid down. And I did. It was so fun!
The black-haired kid finally managed to hold me, making sure that I am all right. I was flailing my arms at him to carry me, but I noticed his attention was not directed to me. He was looking somewhere else. I tried to look too, but this boy held me in place. I stopped wiggling and looked at him with my big, brown, curious eyes. Then all of a sudden, he looked back at me with a smile, and then he said, "I'll be right back, okay?" Then he went off.
I was left at the edge of the slide, looking at the space before me.
What should I do?
I looked down, and the ground looked so soft. And so, I reached for it. I fell down, but it didn't hurt so much because I landed on a soft white grainy soil. I felt like swimming in there because my whole body was covered in it. I stood on all fours, looking everywhere, and saw none of my nii-chan around. I suddenly got scared because I can't see any person to carry me back inside. I frantically looked everywhere, but it's already the air that met my face. I shivered. What's going to happen to me?
Suddenly, I heard a rustle.
My curiosity kicked in that time and somehow I know I just needed to see that. So, I crawled my way there.
…:[]:…
Takeshi brushed away the bushes and squatted in front of Hayato. Hayato seemed not to notice due to his childish grumbling and his brainstorming to get his Juudaime back. But when he moved his knees, he realized he bumped into something and it even said, "Ouch!" With that, he looked up and saw Takeshi looking down at him with a pained expression.
He speedily backed away.
With a pointing finger, Hayato shouted at Takeshi, "W-what are you doing here? Why are you even staring at me?"
Takeshi straightened and replied with a pout, "I was worried, you know." Then he rubbed his foot to make the pain completely go away, "You did not come and play with us. What's wrong?"
"Che! It's not of your business, jerk!"
"It's my business too!" Takeshi exclaimed, his face really serious, "You're my friend! No, you're my best friend! Of course it's my business! You're sad, and I don't want that! We need to be good examples for Tsuna because sooner or later, he'll see us as big brothers!"
"Takeshi…"
"I know you don't like me, but I like you." Takeshi said with a smile, "You always do silly things. You cheer Tsuna up when he's crying. You're smart, reliable, and very good at things." Then he hung his head, "Unlike me, I don't have anything to be proud of…"
"Oi! Don't look down on yourself so easily!" Hayato exclaimed, "Tsuna is very happy when he's with you! He always laughs and do not easily get scared. You have a calm personality unlike me. Your words always reach him like ice cream!" Then Hayato's body shivered, feeling so embarrassed that he was telling everything he felt about this kid, "I…I always get jealous when Tsuna hugs you."
Takeshi blinked several times, processing what just happened, before bursting into a laugh. "HAHAHA! You're really silly, aren't you, Hayato? If you want to be with Tsuna as well, then you should be joining us!"
Hayato looked at him and blushed. Well, the kid has a point. But being stubborn doesn't make him leave it down. He quickly averted his eyes and made a 'hmph' sound, "Even so! You're my rival!" It is all he can say at the moment.
Takeshi just laughed. "Okay! Then let's go?"
Hayato just nodded. When the two of them trotted back to the playground, both of them were in shock.
Tsuna's gone!
…:[]:…
Hmm…I wondered where I am. I think I am lost. My arms and legs were tired. And my head was hurting already. I wanted to cry. I wanted my papa. I wanted my brothers. But I can't see them. I was getting dirty too, and I was getting hungry. My throat was drying too. What should I do now?
I stopped crawling and unfortunately, my legs gave in and I slumped in a puddle of mud. It made me all brown and icky. My eyes watered. I was getting scared. What's going to happen to me now? I started to grumble and called out, "PAPA!" It echoed, but no papa came. I sniffled. Where were they? Then, the rustle that I heard a while ago echoed again. My ears immediately caught the sound (thanks to its high sensitivity) and gathered my strength to crawl towards there. Even though I feel so tired already, I can't help but be attracted to that rustle.
Then I came to a stop.
I was forced to sit on my butt because I was surprised when a white rabbit came out running from the bushes. I tried to grab it but it was so fast! Then, another came, and another, and another. I wondered how many rabbits were there and they were running frantically. Maybe that's the rustle I have been hearing since a while ago? When I am sure that there were no more rabbits to run, I crawled my way there between the bushes. It's so hard for a baby like me to find my way and my eyes kept on opening and closing because the leaves were hitting my eyes. My eyes were starting to form wells of tears again when both of my knees suddenly landed on something. And I practically tumbled down with such force and fell on something soft.
It was a rabbit haven.
Rabbits suddenly swarmed over me while others attacked me and chomped my head. I was so defenseless and so I cried as hard as I could so that I can attract attention. Rabbits of different sizes came and jumped on me, especially on my empty stomach. It hurt more! I cried louder. The rabbits only left after ten minutes, and I was left there with grime, leaves and scratches. I was crying hard that my lungs couldn't take it. Did everyone forget about me already? I was a good boy! Suddenly, I felt a soft paw touching my forehead. I looked and saw a big rabbit staring down at me. I blinked my eyes, and the rabbit remained still. Its paws were still onto my forehead, until its' nose nudged my head. I instinctively curled, fearing that the big rabbit might jumped on me. If that happened, I'll die! But it didn't. All it did was to nuzzle my head and stayed beside me.
It was so fluffy! And I like those ears! I giggled a little. But still sad.
Then, I heard another rustle. It came from the direction where the big rabbit probably came from. Then, I just heard someone said, "There you are, White!" and the person picked up the said rabbit. He noticed me of course and crouched down. There was something that told me that this guy was not harmful.
…:[]:…
A silver haired guy was running at full speed away from his pursuers. He's injured in the eyes, bruises in his arms, a straight cut on his chest (but not deep) and more bruises in the legs. His breathe was already coming short and his legs were about to give up on him. But, he can't stop now. He has to arrive at that place. He really just needed to do so. Taking a quick, sharp turn to the left, the kid bypassed two guards and hid himself at the biggest bushes found near the entrance. It's just a good thing he has great reflexes or lese he would end up being barricaded by the guards he passed earlier. He wanted to chuckle, but he can't do so because of fatigue. While waiting for the time, he decided to look around if he was already at the destination. Plus, he lost something so he followed it. He smiled sheepishly and scratched his head. Now, this was going to be so troublesome.
Then he heard a cry.
It was a cry not too far from where he sat. With the best of his abilities, he crawled his way towards the source of sorrow and his eyes went as big as saucers. It was his rabbit!
"There you are, White!" he exclaimed and picked the rabbit into his arms. But, as he picked the rabbit, he noticed a seemingly large lump of mud on the ground and wondered why the rabbit was poking it. And so, out of curiosity, he poked the mud with force.
And it wailed.
The kid immediately backed away due to his surprise. It was his first time seeing a crying mud! He quickly picked it up for him to examine it and to his another bout of surprise, it was heavy compared to a mud. He turned it around, and around, until the 'thing' before him, cried. He used his hand to swipe away the grime from those chubby cheeks and realized it was a baby. He gasped aloud, but realizing his situation quickly he ducked back down in the bushes. There, he used his shirt to gently but professionally clean away the dirt from the baby's face.
"How did you get so dirty?" He asked the baby, "And where are your parents?"
Of course, the baby wouldn't answer those questions, but there was one word that the boy heard that made him sad, "Papa!" The baby said while holding down his tears.
The kid gently embraced him, "Aww, I'm so sorry. You must be lost looking for your papa."
"Papaaa…"
"Don't worry. I'll look for them for you." The silver haired boy said, smiling sadly as he ran a hand on the baby's head. He doesn't know what it was, but all he knew was attracted to this baby in his arms. That simple action made the baby calm down a bit and the boy felt proud for what he has done. Looking sideways, he hoped that those silly kids were gone. He was running away from them in the first place because of defending the rabbit. Unknowingly, there were many of them and the silver haired kid was outnumbered. He tried his best to fight, but it was in vain. 'I really need to get stronger like my father,' the kid thought.
Convinced that they're gone, he made his way into the classy marble pathway into the humongous arch filled with rose vines. He was just six years old, but he knew already how to classify beautiful things. It's normal, right? He looked down at the baby and he smiled, seeing that the baby has somewhat calmed already and slowly drifting to sleep. The boy doesn't have any difficulty carrying him because he has a younger sibling before. Yes, before.
But, his sibling died. His mother died. And his father…
Shaking those thoughts away, he continued walking, until he heard a familiar voice along with two smaller, high pitched voices that were seemed to be crying. He assumed that they were being scolded and apparently, he was right.
"Why did you leave him?" The older of three asked calmly, but there was a tinge of anger and disappointment towards them.
The black haired guy has his head down and replied, tears flowing down to his cheeks, "I-It's my fault." Takeshi said, "I saw Hayato in the bushes and I thought something's wrong with him. I had baby Tsuna down already and told him to wait…but…"
"But, Takeshi, Tsuna doesn't still understand those words. And he should be thoroughly taken care of." The familiar black coat wearing guardian with a cross dangling down his chest said. Then he looked at Hayato, "And you, Mr. Hayato, why are you hiding in the bushes?"
"It's because…"Hayato started, but he can't go on due to so much crying. His shoulders were already trembling, "…I am…I am…jealous, uncle Knuckle." Then he looked up to Knuckle with pleading eyes, "BUT! I already said sorry to Takeshi!"
'Uncle…Knuckle?' The silver haired kid hiding behind a tree repeated the name into his head. If he was not mistaken, his father's name was really Knuckle and he was a boxer that was very well known in their village. But, as he examined closer, he noticed the priest coat and the cross that made him so confused. Why would his father wear something like that? He wanted to watch further to observe, until his cover was blown when the baby started to cry once again.
This brought three heads look at the same direction. The silver haired kid has no choice but to show himself.
"U-uhm…excuse…me…" The silver haired said, "I found this baby near the entrance," Then he pointed the large, black Victorian gate being garden by two mist-flamed guards. "I am thinking that his father is around here somewhere." After that, he slowly looked up to Knuckle with seemingly like pleading eyes.
Knuckle was totally surprised of what he saw. This kid was someone he tried to forget when he entered priesthood. Everything. He gave up everything for the sake of his family's safety, which all turned in vain once he knew what happened to them. He knew all of them did not survive because no body was found in the crime scene. He thought everything was done. And after all the reckless fights he has engaged, he swore that he will not use his fists until needed. Everything. He tried to forget everything.
And everything was in vain when this kid showed up.
"Ryohei…" He muttered. His nightmare was starting to form right before his eyes. And he knew he cannot keep his secrets from this boy. His own son.
Without further ado, Ryohei handed the baby to Knuckle and hugged the sun guardian's leg, much to the surprise of the two boys who currently stopped crying and was left gaping at them.
Hayato and Takeshi looked at each other, confused and at the same time curious of what was going on. From all they know, Knuckle does not have any child. Hayato leaned towards Takeshi and asked in whisper, "Do all priests have children like us?"
Takeshi shrugged and replied, "I don't know. But since uncle Knuckle has one, maybe it's true."
Suddenly, two large hands landed atop of their heads, causing for them to look up. They immediately paled – it was Knuckle's hands, "And you do not gossip. We're not yet done here, okay? I'm going to tell Giotto, G and Asari about this."
"Yes…"
"As for you, Ryohei…" Knuckle then turn towards the child.
Ryohei just looked up to his father with delight. He was so happy that he was able to see him again, only to be broken by this words:
"Please go back to your aunt. You have nothing to do here."
Ryohei clutched into Knuckle's leg even tighter, his eyes pleading to accept him, "Dad! Why are you like that? Do you not love me?"
Knuckle didn't move a muscle but his face was overshadowed by his grief. He couldn't look into his son's eyes, and he couldn't simply take him as his son. That's because he's a priest. And according to the rules, priests cannot have an affair especially have a child. He gave Tsuna to Takeshi first before he kneeled down then detached Ryohei from his leg, giving him a small apologetic smile. "I am sorry, Ryohei. But you cannot come with me." Then he turned to Hayato and Takeshi, saying, "You two, we'll go inside now." Then as if no one was watching, he took Tsuna from Takeshi's arms and immediately turned his heel, lightly dragging the two kids away.
Ryohei was getting desperate. After so many days of planning and asking everyone in town where his father was, this was going to be the ending. All his life, he adored his father, his sense of justice, his love and care for him and his younger sibling, his devotion to his mother, everything. Then just now his father was drifting away from him. What was he going to do? He doesn't want his aunt – her family battered him, told him lies and everything. They even told him that he was not worthy of becoming his father's son because his father was much a better person now. What was this? Where this will lead him now? Will all his hard work be put in vain after sacrificing so much? He's already six, and having no family to live with, his sense of maturity heightened. He must protect his own right as his father's son – a priest's son.
And so with that, he gathered all his strength and ran towards Knuckle and the two sullen kids and shouted with fervor, "I don't want to go back to them because I want to stay with you!" Then looking sharply at Knuckle (though it has the most vivid colors of sadness in it), he whispered, "Even though you don't want me, I'll stay. I don't want to go back there. Let me stay here. I promise, I won't tell that I am your son."
But it's quite impossible because Takeshi and Hayato heard it. Knuckle was so surprised to hear those words from a six-year old. Ryohei was still a kid and kids should be showered with love, care and give them what will make them prosper. But his son talked like a matured guy, which made him thought what happened back with his cousin's family. He temporarily averted his gaze and looked down on Tsuna. He still remembered the times when he defended his stand on keeping the baby. And now, Tsuna has been living with nothing but happiness because the baby knew that he will be safe to them. Then he looked at Ryohei, saying, "Alright, I'll let you stay, but you will never address me as father, okay?" Earning a nod, he turned towards the two boys, "And you two will not say anything unless I say so, okay?" The boys nodded.
Somehow, it made Ryohei happy because he was going to stay with his father yet his sacrifices doubled because of the fact he won't be able to call his father, a father. He just wished everything will get back to normal soon.
Then his mood went 360.
…:[]:…
I wonder what was going on, but I am sure I can feel great tension. I was so tired crying out my feelings but at the same time relieved and happy because someone picked me up. He was so warm like the sun. Then, I heard familiar voices, but the deeper voice was angry. I also heard crying kids. I wondered why. I don't know what was going on, but all I know was everyone was passing me to the other. I was getting scared. I'm getting dizzier. After series of talks, I was finally handed to the person who found me who has the same aura as the sun. I immediately felt that there was really something wrong, especially between him and the younger sun. I tried to reach out, but it seemed they were in the middle of a serious conversation and I cannot understand them.
But why was the younger sun crying?
Later, I heard that they came with a solution, and the kid was shouting with determination. I think it did a lot of surprise to the older sun and when I heard him reply, it was a firm response, but I felt the grief between each letters produced, as if regretting something he shouldn't have. Then, silence came. I was left with nothing but sad stares and it affected me so much. Don't they notice that? I'm hungry, I'm dizzy, I'm dirty, everything, and my senses heightened because of these. There must be something I could do.
Slowly, I wiggled my body from this older sun's arms much to his surprise. I flailed my hands and stretched it out towards the younger sun. I wanted him to hug me again. It was so, brotherly. So, was he my older brother? He was definitely not a father because he was much smaller and he doesn't have that strong and manly aura unlike papa. Papa was still much cooler than anyone else! I waited for 2 minutes, hoping the boy will reach for me, but it didn't come. My eyes became wet again (take note that I have been crying for the past few minutes and my eyes got so sore) and I was about to throw a tantrum when I saw quickly but gently handed by the older sun to the younger.
I immediately latched my arms around his neck. I giggled because I got what I wanted.
…:[]:…
Ryohei was shocked. He never realized that one day someone would reach out to him, especially it was a baby. He knew it because he has a younger sibling and the moment his mother gave birth to his sibling, he knew for himself that he was already attached to it. Not to mention, they were not full-blooded brothers. He was always happy with children around since he's always the oldest. He treated younger ones with care, may they be or not his brothers and sisters. Just take for an example his classmates.
Probably because he was abandoned at an early age.
'
But right now, this baby in front of him was making wonders. The baby's smiles and giggles, despite his hunger and hurt, made everyone calm and happy. He has this natural charisma that attracted people and perhaps even the most dangerous people can be attracted to him and change their ways. Ryohei can't be any happier. He was further surprised when he felt the baby burying his face to the crook of his shoulders, and a hundredfold blush appeared. Everyone was shocked too, and Knuckle deduced that Tsuna was doing this to calm Ryohei down. He felt that having kids around the house would make it livelier. Though in his case, it must be kept secret.
"It seems Tsuna likes you too." Knuckle commented, giving the six year old a small smile. Deep inside him, he was proud of Ryohei.
"Tsuna…it's his name?" Ryohei asked innocently.
"Actually, it's Tsunayoshi. But since it's too long, we shortened it down to Tsuna."
"Ah. Such a pre-," He was cut off when Hayato butted in.
"Don't tell me you'll be a part of this family too?" Hayato asked aloud.
"Why? You don't want?" Ryohei asked back.
"GAH! Another suspicious person!"
"What did you say?" Ryohei's usual attitude showed. He won't let any person stepping to his manly pride. "I'm not sus…" He suddenly stopped and arranged his train of thoughts. Hayato and Takeshi wondered why in return, but it was Hayato who was grinning like hell. It also brought Knuckle to wonder. Then, with Ryohei's eyebrows creasing, he continued, "Sus…suspishen? What the hell are you even saying?"
Hayato's laughter echoed, "HAHAHAHA! IDIOT! For a six year old, your vocabulary is a rust."
"Tch! It's only because you're ahead!"
"No, you're just stupid!"
"Am not!"
"You are!"
"Am not!"
"You are!"
"AM NOT!"
"YOU ARE!"
They were about to start a full blown fight when suddenly, Tsuna screamed. Takeshi immediately attended to the baby and saw him laughing instead. It brought Takeshi to laugh too, while the two boys were left gaping at each other.
Knuckle sighed. It would be really amusing to have kids inside because there would be some kind of diversion from work, but he predicted that it won't be as easy as pie. With these children, they might see devil incarnates once they grew up more.
A/N: Oh my! It took me five days to finish this! I'm so sorry. I did have a battle of thoughts whether to write it this way or not. XD But what's important is that I managed to update.
By the way, about the quiz. Can anyone guess about that cat I mentioned in the second chapter? First to guess will have my next installment be dedicated to them. :) Don't forget to review!
