One year had passed since Fran slowly started getting better, and though there was still a long way for him to get better, he was becoming lively again once more. Mukuro had taken him into town for lunch, and after they had stopped by a convenience store for chocolate, they ran into three familiar faces.

"Tsunayoshi." Mukuro nodded politely at the younger male, aware of his now-seventeen-year-old charge hiding behind him. He reached out to put his hand on top of a teal head and said softly, "Do you remember Tsunayoshi, little one?"

Fran nodded as he looked at the ground. He very much remembered Tsuna and his friends as the ones who had looked after him a few times – the ones who had told Mukuro what Bel was like. They were the ones who had tried to look out for his safety, and Fran would never forget that.

"We will being going somewhere special soon," Mukuro said as he smiled down at Fran. "We are going to go and see a magic show tonight, and Fran is very excited about it."

Tsuna smiled while Yamamoto grinned and threw his arm around Fran's shoulder cheerfully. Gokudera scolded the taller male for being so careless when the boy whimpered and pulled away, holding his guardian's hand tightly.

"He's still a bit nervous of people." Mukuro squeezed the boy's hand soothingly as he spoke to the younger males. "He's much better now, though."

"We can't blame him," Tsuna replied softly. "What Bel did…"

"Is he still living with you?" the blue-haired male asked.

The brunet shook his head. "My mum fostered him until his twin contacted us. He said that though their parents had died, he wanted to come and get Bel so that he wasn't alone. I think Bel's much happier being back with his family – it was only too apparent what the trauma had done to him when he was living with us…"

"I'm afraid I wish not to know…" Mukuro clenched his hands in anger as he looked down at Fran. "I cannot forgive him for the things he has done to my little one."

Fran, who was listening carefully to their conversation, spoke up. "I-I forgive Bel…" Four sets of eyes turned to the young boy, all full of surprise; none of them had expected for him to say such words. "I-I mean… I know… that he was in pain, too… I don't think he… He knew anything else…"

"He didn't," Tsuna agreed, "and I'm glad you've forgiven him, Fran – that's a huge step to take."

"My little one is strong-willed," Mukuro proudly announced. "He is doing very well, and I believe he will continue to recover."

"That's so good." Yamamoto smiled as he reached out to pet Fran on the shoulder in a gentle manner, understanding that such personal contact was still too much for Fran.

"We should get going," Mukuro said after checking the time on his watch. "We still need to get ready for tonight, and we have things we need to do in between."

"I hope you both have fun." Tsuna and his friends were all glad to hear that Fran's recovery was going better than it had just a few years ago; they remembered only too clearly the broken boy who couldn't even move himself off the couch anymore. "We'll talk to you again soon, Fran."

"Fran will have lots of fun." Mukuro smiled fondly down at Fran as he tugged him close. When Fran was standing in front of him, he wrapped his arm across the boy's chest and held him against his body. "He loves magic. Don't you, Fran?"

"Y-yes…"

"Let's get going, little one. We will get seats up the front so you can see better." Mukuro nodded at the younger males as they started walking away, still talking to his charge as they went.

"He's looking much better than the last time we saw him, isn't he?" Yamamoto pointed out.

"Who?" Gokudera questioned. "Mukuro or Fran?"

"Both. Mukuro looks much happier and not as stressed now. And the last time we saw Fran, he was like a doll in Mukuro's arms when he had to go get a health check-up."

"That's true." Tsuna smiled. "Let's hope they both get better soon."

~~Later that night~~

"M-master, these seats are uncomfortable." Fran fidgeted in the plastic seat he was sitting in, his bony backside unable to handle it.

"Kufufu~" Mukuro patted his lap as an invitation for Fran to climb on. The boy did so, his legs spread out on the seat he had been sitting in as he curled up against his carer's chest and watched the show from the corner of his eye. "Is that better, little one?"

Fran nodded as his attention moved to the blue strands of hair that fell over the man's shoulder. He played with the older male's ponytail quietly with a smile on his face as he waited for the show to start.

"Is that entertaining for you?" Mukuro smiled as the boy nodded. He leant down and placed a soft kiss on Fran's lips. "I do not mind; I love you."

Fran's smile widened as he tilted his head so he could kiss Mukuro back. Their kiss was short, yet full of passion and love, and it was only broken by the voice floating through the arena as the show started.

"Can we…" Fran blushed as he looked at his lap, his hands fumbling with each other. "…Can we… go all the way when we get home…?"

Mukuro chuckled as he nodded, relieved that Fran was recovering in leaps and bounds; tonight, as long as Fran didn't change his mind – and if he did, Mukuro would be patient and understanding with him – they would have their first time together.

As Fran's attention moved to the stage, captivated already, Mukuro held him close, the love for the boy showing in how tenderly he held the younger.

"I love you, little one." Mukuro kissed the top of Fran's head, smiling to himself as Fran remained focused on the show, too excited to hear what his guardian had told him.

Mukuro didn't mind; he was just glad that Fran was enjoying himself.