Yes, this chapter is late. Would have been even later if I hadn't cut it in half. It was supposed to end after the wedding, but it kept going on and on and splitting it was my only option if I wanted it up before Christmas. It's also been an awkward one since people act rather insensitively regarding Natsu, and finding what I pray is the right balance has been hard. This is about the tenth draft - you don't want to KNOW how many ideas have been discarded.

Also, since a few people have brought it up in comments, I thought I'd clarify something. Although I only started publishing GC last year, I've had it in my progress pile for years - long before the harmonisation theory took over the fandom. As such, there is no sky attraction/discord/mystical bond in this fanfiction – just the canon flames…with maybe some tweaking here and there for sake of plot.

Warnings for child violence, lack of respect for trans people and gender identity (intentionally and unintentionally), and Shamal in general.


CHAPTER 7

"Are you sure you all want to stay in this room? We have a smaller one next door if-"

From his position on the bed, Mukuro just smiles.

"It's fine Natsu. Ken and Chikusa do not do well on their own. We're better together."

Ken poked at the futon mattress in distaste.

"What is this-byon?"

Natsu dumped the fresh sheets next to him and grinned.

"A futon. Sorry, but I wasn't expecting to have so many staying with us. There's only the one extra bed at the moment. It'll have to do until I manage to buy another."

The boy poked the green fabric again, then swung to clamber onto the room's bed.

"I call dibs!"

Before he could get up, Mukuro was already leaning over from where he'd been lying, and pushed the boys head back, forcing him to let go and collapse.

"There's no dibs. We'll just have to share, and I'll be going first, right Natsu?"

"I'm not sleeping on the floor-byon!"

"I'm sure you can figure it out for yourselves" Natsu replies, choosing not to get into the argument. "And the bed is more than big enough for two. Chikusa? Bring those over."

The boy nodded, shuffling in from the doorway, clutching the two pillows tightly. Tsuna quickly took his place, watching the activities with quiet curiosity.

Once it became clear Mukuro, Ken and Chikusa would be staying, letting them continue to sleep on the couch and futon wasn't going to work long term. Unfortunately, Tsuna had a small children's bed that would struggle to fit more than him and a toy, and there was only one bed in the guest room. The only other empty room on the floor was still working as storage and an unused study – it was so small a bed never appeared inside until Bianchi's arrival. Admittedly, the available queen size would fit two easily enough, but that still left him one child spare. His only option was a futon, whether the Italian raised children liked it or not. Lambo, Ipin and Fuuta had all survived quite happily with them, this trio could adjust.

"Okay, that should work for now" Natsu mutters to himself, giving the futon a once over before standing up. Chikusa was already kneeling, rolling onto the thin mattress and giving it a curious once-over, while Ken was clawing at the side of the bed again. Mukuro was watching him with amusement, but kept one eye on Natsu as he headed for the door.

"Will they really be okay together?" Tsuna asks, trailing after Natsu as he heads to the smaller room to clean up the mess left while they digged out the necessary gear. "I can share my room."

"They say they'll be fine Tsuna. We'll work something out if doesn't, but it's the best we can do right now."

"But-"

An arm slips around Tsuna's shoulders, and he squeaks into silence as Mukuro drops most of his weight on the small boy.

"Ken doesn't sleep well on his own, and Chikusa has nightmares" Mukuro explains, smirking with a little too much bite. "I make them easier to deal with, so we stick together."

"O-oh."

Tsuna is going a little pale, and Mukuro frowns, releasing the boy, who inches out and bolts downstairs. Mukuro watches him in frustration.

"He's still wary of me."

"Tsuna is a civilian Mukuro" Natsu warns. "He's just nervous around you. Give him time."

Mukuro sighs.

"Making friends is hard."

Natsu laughs.

"I know. But you're doing pretty well so far. You've got Ken and Chikusa, don't you?"

To his surprise, Mukuro just laughs.

"They're not my friends. They're my minions."

Natsu paused in the middle of folding a sheet.

"Mukuro, Ken and Chikusa aren't your minions."

The boy frowns.

"They need me, and they do what I want. That makes them minions."

"I-I'm sure there's more to it than that. They must like you to have been willing to follow you halfway across the world. And you must like them to tolerate having them around all the time?"

He's still frowning, but his eyes glance to the side.

"I guess. They're not awful."

Natsu sighs.

"I guess that's a start."

"Then how to I take them from minion to friend?"

Gokudera instantly flashes through his head, and Natsu has to bite down the chuckle.

"I used to ask myself that question every day."

"What?"

"Oh…nothing. And if you want to be friends, I don't know…you look out for each other" Natsu offered. "You play together, share your toys and don't let anyone hurt them. You support them, and they support you, and you don't ask for more than they can give, I guess."

"I do look out for them, but they're too weak to do the same, we play together but we don't have any toys, and we have you to protect us."

He sounds a little wary by the end of that – and Natsu quickly cuts off that train of thought.

"I do! I will…for the really dangerous people" Natsu replies. "I mean for smaller fights, like if your classmates pick on them. As for the rest, I'll get you toys, I promise, and Ken and Chikusa will get stronger. They're young, and they look up to you – you have more responsibility, but I know you can handle it."

Mukuro nods, accepting the logic, before his eyes prick up again.

"What about Tsunayoshi? He doesn't look up to me."

"Just try to be his friend" Natsu replies. "Tsuna doesn't have many, and even though you kind of scare him, he likes you."

Mukuro blinks.

"Really?"

He sounds disbelieving, and Natsu shrugs.

"It surprised me too, but yes."

Then again, Tsuna's requirements for 'friend' had always been staggeringly low…

"If you're sincere about it, you and Tsuna will be friends. Time and effort Mukuro, you'll be fine."

Mukuro gives a small smile…which immediately vanishes when they hear a howl coming from the bedroom.

"Chikusa! Get off the bed or I'll punch you!"

He glances down the hall with a scowl.

"Excuse, I have to go make sure my…friends, don't kill each other" Mukuro mutters, and storms towards the noise. Natsu briefly wonders if he should follow, but pauses when Mukuro stops, and turns his head, expression almost fragile.

"Natsu, are we friends?"

Natsu grins.

"Of course we are."

Mukuro grins back.


After New Year's, Natsu had been so focused on getting his new wards settled in and helping Mukuro and the others navigate the terrifying landscapes of 'civilian' and 'child' that he'd completely forgotten about his other problem. Last week, Lavina had taken to calling every other day to argue her case – by this point all four children had taken to sitting on the couch the second the phone rang, watching this side of the telephone tennis match with amusement. Today, Ken even had popcorn – Natsu didn't have the slightest clue where he'd gotten it, the boy was now banned from cooking without supervision after managing to mess up toast last week.

He ignores their amused (and in Tsuna's case, slightly perplexed) faces and focuses back on the call.

"Lavina, we've had this discussion before."

"Not to my satisfaction" Lavina chimes, far too chipper for someone who isn't getting what they want from the conversation. "I want you there Natsu. Ideally in my wedding party, but I'll settle for you in the building."

Natsu sighs.

"I don't know how many times I can explain this to you Lavina, but I don't have the funds to travel to Italy again so soon."

"That's-"

"And I don't care that you'll happily foot the bill, because even if I was willing to let you, your husband to be is a mafioso, and I know enough about the mafia to know your guest list will be full of other mafioso."

"It's not like you need to socialise" Lavina mutters, and Natsu smiles.

"For a people who believe so strongly in omerta, they're very big on gossip, and I'm in no way prepared to stave off an entire contingent of mafioso without an arcobaleno acting as a shield."

"Well, don't you have a few favours to call in? Eduardo keeps getting requests from one called Rebo-"

"NO!"

Lavina squeaks on the end of the phone, and Natsu winces.

"…I'm guessing there's history?"

"Not exactly. But Reborn will have questions I'm not sure I can answer."

Him and just about anyone who had a passing interest in the Arcobaleno and the rings. Granted, he'd debated just coming clean should anyone ask, but the Reborn of this time was not the teacher Natsu trusted. This Reborn's loyalty was first and foremost to himself, and the mafia life. If Reborn or Vongola found out just how much Natsu knew about the future (and given the man's talent for mind reading, that was highly likely), he doubted even an Arcobaleno's favour could keep him out of permanent mafia custody. As much as he missed the man, now is not the time to be building bridges.

"Fine. One World's Greatest Hitman doesn't get an invite. Anyone else you adamantly don't want run into?"

In the distance, Natsu hears a squawk of outrage, and Lavina's voice becomes muffled.

"I don't care…what are you…'s a wedding not a business function…Eduardo!"

Lavina's voice vanishes, and another takes its place with a nervous chuckle.

"Ah, sorry about that, just wanted to follow up, Mr Natsu."

Natsu frowns.

"Eduardo?"

The man gives a rather sheepish laugh.

"Yes, it's been a while. Lavina! Lavina let me finish. Natsu, I know you owe us nothing but can you reconsider your stance? It would be a great boon to have you in attendance."

"…phone Eduardo!"

Natsu rolls his eyes.

"Let me guess, a lot of families are fishing for invitations because of me."

Another nervous chuckle.

"You're not wrong. Quite a few influential families have reached out for invitations, and more than a few have pressed to see if you will be attending. I haven't confirmed anything, but the contacts I've managed to make in just arranging this…your presence could help us achieve a foothold among the higher families that would have been impossible until now."

"Eduardo, my stance is still the same as it's always been. I'm staying out of the mafia, full stop."

"Please consider it" Eduardo begs. "Even just attending the wedding. Legitimise your presence and avoid the reception afterwards."

'Sure, just travel halfway across the globe for a 2-hour ceremony. Sounds like a blast…'

Before he could utter than comment however, there's another ruckus on the other side of the line, and Eduardo vanishes with a squawk.

"Sorry about that Natsu, Eduardo doesn't do conversation with civilians. He thinks everything can be solved like a business transaction."

"I'm used to it" Natsu replies. "But I'm still not coming."

"Natsu, do not make me play hardball."

"Good bye Lavina. Have a great wedding. I'll send you a card."

"Nat-"

He hung up, and collapsed onto the sofa, boys quickly pushing themselves out of the way, only to lean back in as his arm flops over his eyes.

The woman was getting relentless. That was the third call in two weeks and Natsu was genuinely running out of polite ways to deter her. A few more calls and he might start listening to some of Mukuro's less than acceptable methods of deterrent.

Speaking of whom.

"Next time she calls, shove the phone at the smoke detector and let Ken cook" Mukuro offers.

"I have a whistle" Chikusa also pipes up. "And I can yell pretty loud."

"Not as loud as me though-byon!" Ken finishes, punching the air and sending popcorn flying.

Tsuna however, just looks sad.

"Dad, why can't we go?" he asks. "Isn't Lavina your friend?"

Natsu's heart sinks.

"She is Tsuna. But it's complicated. It's very expensive to go to Italy, and if I go, I have to meet a lot of people that I don't want to meet."

"Why?" he asks. "Do they pick on you?"

"No…" Natsu replies. "But they're not very nice people. And it could be very bad if they learned about our family, so it's safer not to go."

Tsuna frowns, taking in the information. That said, Natsu is bowled over by Tsuna's next leap of logic.

"Are they people from the bad home you saved Mukuro and Ken and Chikusa from?"

"I-um…not exactly, but-"

"But they might know the people from the bad home" Mukuro interrupts, eyes glinting with humour as he glances in Natsu's direction. "They might want to make Natsu stay in Italy if they meet him."

Tsuna's eyes widen in understanding.

"Oh!"

"Lavina will understand" Natsu promises, ruffling the boy's hair. "It's just not safe to go, and you wouldn't enjoy it anyway. Weddings are very boring for kids."

Tsuna nods, and stands up.

"Okay then. Maybe Lavina can come here after the wedding?"

Natsu laughs.

"Great idea Tsuna. We can invite her after the wedding. Does that sound good?"

The boy nods, and heads outside, conversation finished in his eyes. Chikusa trails after him, while Ken glances at the fallen popcorn and the door, before deciding to chance it and darting outside. Mukuro follows at a more leisurely pace, but stops when he watches Natsu start picking up the fallen kernels.

"Will you ever tell him the truth about us?" he asks, stepping back and helping pick up the pieces. Natsu frowns.

"I'm not sure" he admits. "He's too young to understand it right now. And maybe when he's old enough, it won't matter anymore. You'll just be part of the family, regardless of where you came from."

Mukuro hummed at that, mulling over the idea.

"I don't think I want him to know" he admits. "Is that wrong?"

"No" Natsu replies. "It's your life Mukuro. You don't have to share any part of it you don't want to."

The boy stares at him, eyes narrowed as he tries to find the lie, only relaxing when he realises Natsu's being honest. He stands up, handing the fallen kernels to the man.

"Thank you" he says, a grateful expression on his face, before he heads out the door after the others. Natsu can't help but smile as he watches the boy joins the group, grabbing the ball Ken has been slamming against the tree trunk and tossing it in Tsuna's direction.

Maybe child rearing wouldn't be as hard as he'd been fearing.


A day later, as he tried to yank Ken off the boy he had pinned to the ground, Akiko wrangling Chikusa, Natsu realised he was an idiot. A Grade A, Dame-Natsu, IDIOT. What the hell was he thinking – 'child rearing wouldn't be that hard?' He should have known any version of his old family – no matter how young – wouldn't be able to exist without causing utter chaos that Natsu had to deal with.

To be fair though, he was hard pressed to find issue with the cause of their reaction.

Mukuro, Ken and Chikusa needed to start living a civilian life. Tsuna had pre-school, but he wasn't sure his newest wards would be…suited to that kind of interaction. At the same time, he couldn't just leave them in the house until elementary school – they needed to learn to interact with normal kids. The park has seemed like a good starting point. He even convinced Akiko and Tsuyoshi to bring along Takeshi as a buffer – the boy was fantastic at drawing kids in to play.

At first everything seemed to be going well – Mukuro and Ken were strong or smart enough to be fairly dominant in the game of tag, while Chikusa mainly kept to the side-lines, not drawing much attention while still staying in the game. Tsuna however was struggling, tripping constantly. A lot of the kids had started laughing, a sound Natsu had known all too well. The other three had started scowling when they realised the target, but just pulled in closer towards Tsuna, who lit up when he realised they weren't laughing with them. Takeshi would laugh, but he always came over to help Tsuna up.

The game finished when another boy arrived with a football, and the kids decided to split into teams. From their spot on the bench, Akiko and Natsu watched as Takeshi tried to argue for baseball – a hopeless argument considering they had no bat or ball.

"I think you're going to lose Takeshi to the bat Akiko" Natsu says, even as the boy droops in defeat and gets picked almost immediately for one of the teams. Akiko sighs in agreement.

"You're right. I've still got a good year and a half before I can think of bringing him to the dojo, but he's got no interest in anything but his games. Still, might win him over in his teens. There's still time."

She then eyes up Natsu, and her eyes take on a devious glint.

"Meanwhile, maybe I can talk someone else into taking some classes."

It takes a few moments, but Natsu quickly puts it together.

"You want me to come to classes?"

"Why not? Between your kids and your job, you could use a hobby. And a little self-defence goes a long way."

Natsu's first instinct was to refuse, but he bit it down.

He'd never been a natural fighter, even Reborn had quickly figured out that forcing him into a specific martial art was pointless – there's only so far you can take them without natural drive. Instead the hitman had focused on honing his flames and intuition, allowing him to fight opponents with a very freestyle technique.

But that wouldn't work anymore. His intuition was genetic, and he only had a fragment of it now. Although he never intended to fight, it was ludicrous to think he would be able to keep dipping his toe into mafia waters to help his former family and not have to defend himself eventually. Actual training could be the way forward, even if he remained a civilian.

"Let me think about it" Natsu finally says. Akiko smiles – but before she can reply, their attention is forced back to yelling amongst the kids.

The two teams had been selected, but Tsuna was left last, fingers twisting together and looking down as the two leaders argued over his inclusion.

"You take him, we don't want him."

"No way! It's your turn! You take him."

"I'm not playing on the same team as Loser Tsuna!"

With every word, Tsuna's shoulders dropped, and Natsu winced when he realised the boy was fighting the urge to cry. God, he'd forgotten just how much it hurt before the jeers became white noise.

He'd stood up, planning to extract the boy before it got any worse, only to find Mukuro had gotten their first, storming straight up to his team leader and punching him square in the face, dropping the boy to the ground. Ken spotted the act, and lunged for the other leader, causing the kids to scream and flee. Chikusa grabbed one of the slower kids by the hair, following the other's lead.

"Mukuro! Ken! Chikusa!" Natsu screamed, racing towards them. "Stop, stop, stop!"

Akiko was squawking something unintelligible, bolting straight for her son. Takeshi had stood frozen in shock for just a moment, before bursting into laughter and wandering over to Tsuna.

"Wow, your brothers are really cool Tsuna. I wish I had one, and you've got three!"

Tsuna glances up at the other boy, blinking in astonishment.

"Brothers?"

Akiko jerks to a stop, giving the two of them a once over before glancing over at the chaos in front of them before coming to a decision.

"Takeshi, watch Tsuna!" Akiko orders, and heads straight for Chikusa. In a second, the boy was squawking as the woman effortlessly pulled him off and popped him under an arm. Meanwhile, Natsu was making her way to Mukuro, although he was already off his victim, and staring at Natsu's anger with confusion.

"I was defending him!" Mukuro protested. Natsu just shook his head, making a beeline for Ken.

"I understand that they were being mean Mukuro, but that doesn't give you the right to attack them" Natsu yells back, grabbing Ken by the collar and prying the feral boy loose and yanking him under one arm. The boy he'd been attacking was sobbing, leaping to his feet and screaming out of the park.

"He bit me! Mommy he bit me!"

Natsu glanced down at the boy in horror. Ken just glared back, daring him to ask. Akiko just shook her head as Natsu mutters something under his breath, and grabs Mukuro's hand, pulling him towards Tsuna.

"We'll discuss this later. We're going home now."

Mukuro scowls, pulling at the hand but not with much effort, and the two adults approach the kids sitting to the side.

"Tsuna, are you okay?" Natsu asks, smiling as the boy tentatively nods. His hands quickly reach up, and Natsu mentally debates his choices before dropping Ken to the ground so he can lift Tsuna up. The blonde quickly steps back, arms crossed but sticking near Natsu's side. Mukuro glances at his trapped wrist, then up at Tsuna, and back at the ground.

"I don't get it" Mukuro mutters. "What did I do wrong?"

Tsuna looks heartbroken, but just hides his face into Natsu's shoulder, and Natsu tries to tighten his hold.

"I'm sorry…" is all the boy can squeak out.

"Don't be Tsuna" Natsu insists. "None of this is your fault."

"But what did I-"

"We'll talk about it when we get home Mukuro" he warns, cutting the boy off as he glances over at the woman holding Chikusa.

"You can let him go now Akiko. I'll take them home."

Akiko quickly drops the boy to the ground, who steps up to Ken without being asked. She eyes up Mukuro and clear frustration, and a smile twitches on her face.

"You know, my dojo offers classes for kids five and up" Akiko says, grin on her face. "If you sign up for the adult, I can get you a discount for Mukuro."

Mukuro stops trying to pull away as he registers the words, Ken and Chikusa looking up in shock. Natsu however, looks at her in disbelief.

"You think teaching him how to cause more damage would make things easier?"

"I think teaching him discipline would do him the world of good" Akiko replies, taking Takeshi's hand in her own.

"Will you be okay taking them home?"

Natsu tugs on Mukuro's hand, and nods when he feels the boy follow obediently.

"I'll be fine. Thanks for all your help."


The three trail behind Natsu as he walks them home, Tsuna remaining in his arms, refusing to release his grip on Natsu's shirt. By the time they've reached the house, Ken has snapped and won't stop yelling, trying to defend his actions right up until they cross the threshold. The second he does, Natsu grabs him by the collar, storming into the living room and dumping him on the couch, kneeling to let Tsuna down easily. Chikusa and Mukuro follow, although Mukuro still looks as defensive as the blond.

Once they're all seated, Natsu starts pacing, hand running through his hair.

"Okay, first things first, I'm not upset that you defended Tsuna. I'm sure Tsuna is just as happy as I am that you were willing to come to his aid.

Tsuna immediately perks up at that, and Natsu winces.

"It was cool" Tsuna admits. "Nobody ever wants to play. And nobody ever sticks up for me. Even Yamamoto laughs sometimes. But it was scary when you started fighting."

"And that was the problem" Natsu follows up. "Mukuro, you can't attack people if you don't like what they say. And Ken, you definitely can't bite them! I'm probably going to have to fend off that boy's parents tonight. What am I supposed to tell them?"

"That their brat deserved it-byon" Ken snaps. "Now he knows not to talk crap about what's ours."

"Language" Natsu warns. "And if you have a problem with someone, in this country, we solve it with words, not our fists or our teeth."

He turns to Chikusa. "Or hair pulling. I know all of you are smarter than that. If someone is doing something you dislike, speak out or leave."

"That's just dumb-byon" Ken growls. "Words don't make people stop."

"You can't know that if you don't try them first" Natsu argues, only to watch Mukuro look away, Ken tense, and Chikusa wrap his arms around his legs.

"Words never made anyone in Estrano stop" Chikusa whispers.

Oh.

Natsu feels his body sag, dropping his hands on the edge of the sofa for support.

"No, I guess it wouldn't. But Namimori isn't Italy. And today, your opponents were children. Little children who don't know how bad the world can be, and you don't get to take that out on them. Can you understand that?"

Mukuro frowns.

"Yes. But I still think our way works better."

Natsu looks up and counts to ten.

"That's not the point Mukuro. Even if it's effective, that's not how a civilian is allowed to react. If you want to stay here, this can't happen again."

The boy's face twitches, and Natsu frowns as he spots the grin beginning to form.

"Then maybe I should get lessons on how I should react" Mukuro replies, smirk on his face. Ken immediately jumps to his feet.

"Oi! I want lessons too-byon!"

Natsu covers his face with a hand. This is all he needs.

"You're not being rewarded for this Mukuro, and Ken, you're too young right now. We'll discuss it after you've been punished."

"B-but they were defending me" Tsuna pipes up. "They didn't know it was wrong. Shouldn't they be forgiven this one time?"

All three of them glance over at the boy, whose face drops at the attention. Natsu just stares at him in shock. He honestly hadn't expected his younger self to speak up.

The doorbell rings, and Natsu scowls before turning back at the boys in front of him.

"Wait right here."

He really hopes it's not a salesman – he really doesn't have the time or willpower to deter them. Although he'll definitely take that over any of the children's parents coming to rain hellfire on his wards.

The door opens, and Natsu braces himself, smile plastered to his face.

"Good aftern-"

-Only to freeze when he realises who is on his doorstep.

"Dr Shamal?"

The doctor was partially leaning on the door frame, and gave a flirty wink and salute with the hand not clutching a duffel bag and briefcase.

"We meet again, Natsu-chan. And you know you can just call me Shamal."

Natsu gaped, and Shamal slipped past him, sliding into the hallway with frustrating ease.

"Well isn't this charming in an utterly Yamato Nadeshiko way. If I was in any way the familial type I'd be smitten."

Natsu shakes himself, and closes the door, managing to resist the urge to slam it.

"What are you doing here?"

Shamal swung round.

"Oh, come now, Lavina gave you fair warning. You show up in Italy, or 'she plays hardball' and I show up on your doorstep. You've really got no one to blame but yourself."

Natsu winced, Lavina's words suddenly coming back to him. He really hadn't thought Lavina would go through with it. Or for that matter-"

"Why do you care if I go or not?"

The man shrugs. "I don't really. But when a pretty lady asks a favour, who am I to say no?"

He leans into Natsu's personal space with a leer.

"Especially when it means I get to meet my confused not-boss again."

Natsu's eyes narrow.

"Shamal, back off."

"Come on. Doesn't absence make the heart grow fonder? You know you miss-gah!"

The doctor buckles, legs refusing to support him. He doesn't quite fall, but it's enough for Natsu to jerk back, wincing when he hears a high pitched 'Hiei!' coming from the other room. When he glances down, his eyes widen to see Mukuro smirking at the pen nib he'd just stabbed into the doctor's leg.

"Mukuro!" Natsu gasps. "What were we just talking about?"

"That civilians can't react with violence" Mukuro says, with a butter-wouldn't-melt look on his face. "But he's not a civilian."

Which, well…is probably a good point?

Shamal looked about as flabbergasted as Natsu did, teeth clenching as he yanked the instrument out. When they heard snickering, both looked to see Ken and Chikusa grinning from the living room, while Tsuna had gone frightfully pale.

"You know, for a guy, you have a lot of kids" Shamal mutters, stumbling to his feet and glaring at the indigo haired brat below him. "Ever heard of manners you little brat?"

"Have you?" Mukuro snaps back, still smirking.

Shamal's eyes narrow, but he chooses to step back and return his attention to Natsu.

"Quite the charmer aint he? Guessing this one isn't Tuna."

"Tsuna" Natsu corrects. "No, this is Mukuro."

His eyes dart down, and fights the urge to smile. He must remember not to reward this behaviour.

Judging from the glee on Mukuro's face, he's not doing a very good job at hiding his approval. The boy just grins back.

"I'm just protecting my friend."

Wow, Natsu felt his heart skip a beat at that. That's…that's just a little bit adorable.

No, don't give into temptation. Stabbing people is bad. Even if they are perverted doctors who show up uninvited.

Shamal clearly agrees with the mental debate in Natsu's head, inching away from the boy at his feet and returning his attention to Natsu…though one eye is staying on his knee-high attacker.

"Look, if it makes you feel any better, I do have a selfish reason for dragging you along" Shamal offers. "I hate shopping, and I really hate shopping for wedding gifts. Only thing worse is Christening gifts. But, if I get you there I don't need to. Your presence will be the present. Already got the tickets for you and your brood"

"That's…almost sweet, Shamal" Natsu replies. "But I already told Lavina why I can't come."

Shamal nods, then grabs the duffel, rooting through the clothing without looking.

"I heard. However, Lavina told me to do whatever it takes, and you're talking to an assassin, who has on more than one occasion needed to be somewhere without people knowing it was me. So, we have a workaround."

"What are you-"

"Well, they'll all be looking for Natsu right? So, arrive as someone else."

"You really think the major mafia families are stupid enough to fall for that" Natsu snaps. "They'll vet everyone coming through the door."

Shamal nods in agreement. "True…unless they don't think the person is worth vetting. Say…"

Natsu's eyes widen as the man smirks, pulling out a blonde wig.

"Some pretty blonde floozy that a notorious independent bagged as a date?"

His jaw drops, and something burns deep in his stomach.

"You cannot be serious!" Natsu snaps. "Are you really that desperate?"

"I swear, I'll keep my hands to myself" Shamal promises, with all the innocence of a high schooler caught with a packet of cigarettes. "I go through dates like a bird gets through feathers, and I've been keeping the ring hidden. Nobody knows my connection to you, and nobody pays any attention to my dates cause my rep demands me to be good enough to do the background checks myself. No tracking you whatsoever. What do you say?"

Natsu looks at the wig, then at Shamal, before that burning morphs into a dearly familiar calm - one he hadn't felt since before he arrived in this time. His eyes take on an orange sheen, and judging from Shamal's panicked flinch and step back, there's at least a flicker of flame on his forehead.

"I think you really want to be set on fire, and I really want to fulfil that desire."

He was wrong. Mukuro can stab this man all he wants…

The moment passes quickly, his current flame reserves in no way capable of maintaining themselves for any length of time, and when he blinks, his eyes are brown again. It takes Shamal a few more moments to relax, but eventually he just smiles back.

"Just think about it. Everyone in the biz has had to dress in drag at least once. Even I had to pop on a pair of high heels for the odd mission when I was starting out. You know you wanna go, and I'm not leaving without you."

Natsu rolls his eyes.

"One of us is going to have to give."

"And you and the brats will just have to live with me underfoot till you do" Shamal replies. "I've got nowhere to go, Natsu-chan."

Mukuro steps out of his shadow and glances over at Ken and Chikusa.

"Can someone grab me another pen? I don't think that one was…permanent enough."

Natsu stares at the roof in exhaustion.

"Mukuro, you get one stabbing per day. Any more and you'll develop a habit. I'm going upstairs."

He heads for the stairs, glancing in Shamal's direction.

"And Shamal, you bring out that wig again-"

Shamal grins.

"Let me guess, you'll send me to a hell from which there is no waking?"

Natsu shakes his head. "Nope."

He pats Mukuro's head lightly as he passes. "This little guy will."

Mukuro lights up at the implied permission granted, and judging from the look on Shamal's face, the doctor felt a chill.

Maybe the man has something resembling survival instincts after all.


Natsu doesn't know how it happened, but somehow Shamal has moved into the house and clearly has no intention of leaving. He spends the afternoon in the living room looking through documents and using a mobile phone Natsu is positive isn't available to the public just yet. He only meanders out of the room for dinner, and despite Mukuro, Ken and Chikusa staring daggers at him the whole meal, he mostly ignores their presence and focuses on Tsuna, who doesn't know what's going on and is getting very confused at the – frankly insulting and demeaning - questions the doctor is throwing his way regarding his 'parent.' Although the doctor has been accurate enough with pronouns, there's just something about the way he talks that feels like he's just humouring Natsu the way one does a child playing pretend.

Less confused and more on the warpath is Mukuro, who ends up lying wait in Natsu's bedroom with his minions before he's even turned in for the night to stand guard. The boy might only be five, but he's clearly got Shamal's type memorised. Natsu honestly doesn't know if he should allow it, or force them all to stay in their own room as punishment for their actions. They end up staying, mostly because Natsu feels safer with them in sight.

That said, Shamal doesn't try anything. Or at least, nothing Natsu notices. When Natsu comes down the stairs to make breakfast the next morning, the doctor is on the sofa, under sheets Natsu doesn't recognise, snoring with one hand wrapped around a briefcase on the floor. Why he's choosing to stay here is a mystery – in the other world Shamal had stayed in fancy hotels until he buckled and bought his own place. Staying with the Sawada's had never even come up in conversation.

He's just contemplating whether or not he should set the table for the additional guest – he'd rather not give the man encouragement that his presence was welcome, when he feels an arm slip around his shoulder. Before he can slip away, a hand grips tight on his shoulder.

Natsu snaps his head around, ready to bite the man's nose off if required, only to freeze at the sight.

The 'good' doctor is just as unshaven and unkempt as Natsu is used to, but there's no denying his hair is now a brilliantly fluorescent shade of pink.

"You know, next time, maybe you should warn a guy that the kid with sociopathic tendencies is a mist" Shamal warns, his free hand tugging at the brighter strands hanging over his face. "Otherwise I might have put up a few more defences."

Natsu can't help the giggle that bursts from his throat, hands coming up in an attempt to stifle the hysterics.

"T-that's a great colour on you" he snickers. "I'm surprised you couldn't tell."

"Yeah well, that's what I get for letting my guard down just because it's a 'civilian' house" Shamal replies – Natsu can practically feel the air quotes. "He's got talent, been at it nearly fifteen minutes and still can't shake it. Brat'll be a terror when he hits puberty."

"I'll make sure to let him know your thoughts" Natsu chuckles. Shamal cocks his head, hand dropping from his hair, and Natsu's heart sinks as the man grins.

"You know, you're really pretty when you smile. You should do it more often."

He leans in, and Natsu tries to pull back – only to feel the man's hand holding him tight. He reaches for his flames instead-

"YEOW!"

"Hiei!"

Only to find himself released, shoved against the counter as Shamal throws himself back, and Natsu gapes as he spots Ken, teeth clamped around the man's arm.

"Getitoff!Getitoff!Getitoff!" Shamal howls, arm waving wildly while his spare hand yanks at the boy's collar. Natsu freezes for a few moments, before stepping forward and grabbing the boy in his arms. Ken immediately let's go, his own hands grabbing Natsu's arms and kicking out at the doctor.

"You keep your hands off him-byon!" he snarls. "Or I'll bite them off!"

"Are you kidding me?" Shamal squawks. "This one's a frickin attack dog? "What the hell does the mad hatter do? Smother people with bad headgear."

"Stay away-byon!" Ken yells back. "I got rabies!"

"Shamal, get out or I'll let him loose" Natsu warns, adjusting his hold. The man immediately steps back, heading to the living room.

"Yeesh, fine. Call me when the food's ready."

From his position in Natsu's arms, Ken hisses like an agitated cat.

"You're not a guest! Go away already!"

The man just ignores him, but Natsu is relieved the boy calms down once he's out of sight.

"What did I tell you about biting?"

"Don't tell me he didn't deserve it-byon!" Ken growls. Natsu shrugs.

"True…but Shamal has a lot of diseases" Natsu says. "I don't want you getting sick."

That stops the boy short, and he looks up in surprise before nodding in understanding.

"Okay-byon. I won't do it again."

Natsu drops his shoulders in relief and lets the boy down.

"Thank you."

"Can I get a knife for next time?"

"No!"

"Okay…chopsticks then?"

Natsu pauses at that, and Ken takes it as permission, digging through a drawer before he finds a wooden set and Ken scampers out of the kitchen. Natsu can hear him storming up the steps, hollering at the top of his lungs.

"Hey Tsuna! Can I borrow your pencil sharpener?"

Natsu immediately lunges out the room, yelling after him.

"Ken! Don't even think about it!"

He doesn't get an answer, and returns to the kitchen table, rubbing his temples at the headache that's managed to emerge in the last five minutes. After a few minutes, he makes a decision and grabs the phone.

"Hey Akiko, keep Mukuro and the others on the reserve list, but I think I'll take you up on those lessons. I have a feeling they're going to be useful."


By the end of the day, Shamal's hair is back to normal, and Mukuro's illusions no longer work, washing over the man with less effect than a stiff breeze. He's also gotten very good at predicting just when Natsu's self-proclaimed defenders (not guardians, he point blank refuses to call them guardians) will attack, leaving Natsu to count the number of holes created by sharp objects in the wall, and stave off the man by himself. It doesn't help that the trio know Shamal is holding back – not a single one has come down with a disease, and it hurts what little shred of mafia pride they still have that they can't make him take them seriously.

Two days in, and Natsu finally snaps when he comes home from work to find discover Mukuro is showing Tsuna how to use enough force to pierce skin with a sharpened pencil. The trio was one thing, but Tsuna did not need the extra psychological scarring – he was going to have enough trouble without adding an appreciation for sharp objects.

While Shamal was outside smoking a cigarette and the boys kept watch on the porch door, he slammed the international number into the phone and started pacing. When the other side picked up, he burst.

"I cannot deal with this Lavina! Call him off!"

"Then hop on a plane Natsu" Lavina laughs. "I did warn you-"

"Lavina, if you don't get him out of this house the only reason I will be coming to Italy is to take that ring off your finger!"

"Natsu?" Lavina gasps, humour vanishing from her voice.

"He wants to put me in a dress and a wig Lavina" Natsu growls. "I don't care if you think that's not a big deal, it is for me!"

Lavina doesn't answer, and Natsu starts kneading his eyes. The ring threat is a bald-faced lie, but he's at the end of his rope here. He needs to make her understand.

"I have spent a lot of my life getting my opinions and desires beaten down by other people who should have cared more than they did" he continues. "Most of them never meant to hurt me, but I'm not letting it happen again. Not for anyone."

"…I'm sorry" Lavina whispers. "I didn't know what he had planned, but I should have realised you wouldn't like it. He was far too enthusiastic about going to see you. I just…is there really no way you would be willing to come?"

"Not unless you can remove all the mafia from the mafia-wedding" Natsu replies.

There. That had to be the final say – even Lavina couldn't argue with that.

"…Then how about a compromise?"

Natsu groans. Gods! Lavina was almost worse than her son and Yamamoto. Combined!

"Hear me out!" she begs. "It's not the wedding itself that you have issues with, it's the reception and the inevitable mingling that follows, right? So, we have two receptions. One big, fancy and public for Eduardo's socialising, and a smaller private affair just for family and close friends. Attend the wedding, then hide out at the house with the kids until the final event."

He immediately prepares to argue…and then stops.

That…that could actually work. It would even mean Tsuna could meet Hayato, without the fear of the boy being spotted by anyone related to the Vongola. It would even give Mukuro, Ken and Chikusa some interaction with people who wouldn't judge their lack of social skills.

Lavina can clearly hear the hesitation, because she pushes forward.

"Tsuna and the rest of your wards don't have to be bored attending the wedding, they can meet Hayato and Bianchi, and some of the other kids in the direct family, and you don't have to interact with anyone that doesn't already know you."

"I'd still have to get through the wedding though" Natsu warns. "Anyone could try to trap me as I leave."

"Then Shamal can make up for his stupidity and be a bodyguard at the wedding in care anyone decides to avoid etiquette" Lavina counters. "He might have liked his privacy, but I'll scream holy hell at him tonight if he knocks up a fuss about losing his cover. Trust me, I can make him comply."

Natsu nods. He's not entirely sure how renowned Shamal is right now, but his plan had already been to be a type of escort, just on his own terms and no regard for Natsu's.

To be honest, making the man be an official escort would probably be the best kind of punishment for the man. Reborn and the other families would be hounding him for months. For a man who craved the solo life, that would be a special kind of hell.

"I admit, it sounds tempting" Natsu admits. "But isn't it a little late to be making that kind of alteration?"

"Are you kidding?" Lavina laughs. "I will make this work even if I have to cancel the whole thing and start from scratch. Please tell me this can work."

Natsu bites his lip.

"Natsu?"

He surrenders.

"Get Shamal to play ball, and I'll be there."

Lavina squeals.

"Thankyouthankyouthankyou! I promise you won't regret it! I can't wait to see you and Tsuna and meet Mukuro and Ken and Chikusa-"

"You still have to convince Shamal" Natsu warns. "Don't count your chickens yet Lavina."

The woman bursts into laughter.

"Oh please, I say jump, Shamal will say how high. I'll see you soon Natsu!"

She hangs up, and almost immediately, Natsu hears a phone ring in the living room. When he wanders in, it's just in time to see Shamal walk inside and answer his mobile with a grin. Which quickly turns to a panicked grimace as whoever is on the other end yells loudly enough to be almost audible from the other side of the room. The boys watch in disbelief, only looking away when they spot Natsu in the doorway.

Mukuro is frowning, head cocked. Natsu looks away, catching eyes with Tsuna, and smiles.

"Pack your bags boys. We're going to Italy."