AN: sorry for the slight delay. The person responsible knows who she is *nose poke* anyway, thank you for reading, and please review! One more chapter after this! This is a slightly short chapter, but I just couldn't think of what to say.

18th July:

Summer had finally arrived, and the rain which had been falling almost constantly since their trip to the park had stopped. The puddles had dried, and Mama had finally judged it alright for the children to go out into the garden to play.

Vincent watched the children frolicking, safely stowed within the shady branches of an apple tree. From here he could watch the others, without risking being exposed to the harsh glare which injured his enhanced senses. He smiled a little to himself as Reno walked to the barbeque, placing on some raw meat. As it cooked, the air became full of the scent. Vincent watched the way Reno moved, seemingly unaware of his presence within the tree. Reno was surprisingly graceful, considering his somewhat gawky frame. He looked up and stared into crimson eyes, mouthing up at the gunner.
"I've found you." Vincent rolled his eyes, and jumped down to stand beside him.
"Yes you did.." He answered, kissing Reno's cheek.

"EWWW!" Sai screamed, splashing water at them from the rainbow coloured paddling pool. The two adults jumped apart, Reno letting out an almost cat-like hiss as he tried to shake the water from his hair. A few splashes landed on the barbeque, letting out clouds of steam. Reno laughed, running to the paddling pool and splashing the boy in return. Vincent took over cooking, not wanting to spoil Reno's fun.

Reno ducked away from Sai and Tai, then smiled at Chiot, who was sitting in the water and waving his arms and legs, while Anna was trying to explain how to swim. Reno crouched down beside him to talk.
"You having fun there kid?" Chiot looked up at him and giggled, nodding rapidly. Reno smiled and ruffled his hair. "Do you want to know how to swim?" The boy nodded again, then moved closer to Anna, smiling up at her. Anna gave him a reassuring cuddle and grinned.
"Yes…Reno…I would like to…" He paused, and Reno gave him a reassuring smile. "Would you teach me?" Reno nodded rapidly, shocked. Chiot had never asked him for anything before, but he was glad it would be something which he could provide. He patted Chiot's ears, making them twitch.

Chiot giggled and Anna held him close, stroking his hair and murmuring to him that he had done well, been brave. Reno was about to return, when Chiot placed his hand on Reno's arms. He smiled up at him sadly.
"Thank you …" He paused, then glanced at Anna again, for the reassurance he needed before he did what she had asked, hoping for the smile that she had promised he would gain. He took another deep breath, before finally whispering the word, nervous that what he said would lose him Reno's friendship. "dad…."

Reno gasped, and pulled Chiot into a close hug, smiling at him.
"Thank you Chiot… Thank you …I don't have to be your dad… you don't have to call me that, but if you want to then you can…Of course I'll be your dad…"
Chiot cuddled back, a little shocked at the sudden total show of affection, but still glad for it. Reno smiled and murmured to him. "Vincent would be your dad too, if you'd want him to be…"

Chiot paused then nodded hesitantly, hoping that he was making the right decision. Reno squealed and picked him up from the water, cradling him close and spinning towards the barbeque. Chiot clutched to him, giggling slightly in joy.

Vincent raised an eyebrow as the two of them approached.
"Reno, what are you doing?" He queried. Reno beamed at him, bouncing Chiot in his arms.
"Carrying Chiot over to see you."
"I could see that Reno. I was questioning the insane manner in which you did it."

Reno blushed, and giggled nervously.
"He…He called me…" He poked Chiot's nose, praying that the boy would say it and stop him from having to explain. Chiot's nose scrunched up.
"Dad…" Chiot whispered, then looked up at Vincent. "And he said you are dad as well."

Vincent gasped, pulling his lover and his son close, and then moved away to pass them both a burger. He sat down with them, laughing as Reno got ketchup on his face. As the others descended on the food, he knew that their little family would succeed.