Why do fairy tales end with 'Happily Ever After'? Why give children false hope? There is no such thing, is it? It's just an illusion.

~ Җ ~

Sitting across Giotto, amidst the laughter and all the dinner talk, Valentina was lost in her thoughts, almost dozed off. She would every once in a while reply with a small laugh or just a smile, as long as no one asked her a question. With a blank stare and a clueless expression, she seemed so … distracted. That was until Linne's exaggerated laugh shot through her ears, pulling her back from her trance and caused her to look up towards her cousin, who had chosen to sit next to Giotto even before the meal was served.

What is so funny?

"But, what about now?" asked Linne after she finished her flirty giggles. "You don't seem like someone who'd do that now."

"No, indeed I won't. I can manage my work myself now, although I'm not as wise as him when it comes to decisions. So, I'd still ask for advices," replied Giotto.

He was speaking of none other than Salvatore, who had been guiding him in governing the whole town, which—according to his experience—wasn't too different with leading a group.

"How modest," said Salvatore in response. "I simply always remind you to consider the possible outcomes of your decision. In the end, you decide things by yourself."

Twirling her fork into her spaghetti, Val thought how Salvatore was by far the greatest tutor she had ever known. He was a jack-of-all-trades, who mastered long ranged weapons and knew well of politics or business. But not only that, he was a keen observer as seen in his way of teaching not just Knuckle and Celia, but also G and Giotto.

"Hey, Mister. I wonder why you decided to help them in the first place. People around your age wouldn't have trusted the town in the hands of teenagers, right?" asked Edel.

"Hmm, it all started when I arrived in Taormina, around a year ago," said Salvatore, beginning his story. Now, it was rare for him to speak much, so everyone stopped their activities and listened to him intently. His story was mainly the history of Vongola itself from his point of view, explaining the reason he supported these kids, which was basically—faith.

But most importantly, there was a childish side to the brave leader in need of development. And that's where Salvatore stepped in.

There was a small dispute when Giotto was appointed to lead the town after the former one escaped. For some few, he was deemed to be too young and inexperienced. Yet no one had what it takes to be a leader. And so Salvatore, claiming to have wide knowledge in matters concerning the government, convinced the people as he would guide the young leader. Since then, the small few who disliked the idea of Giotto becoming a leader would say that Salvatore should be the mayor instead.

But what about Giotto himself? How did he feel?

Insecure. That was it, understandably.

While he should not worry as Salvatore began to see him often, giving questions to make the blond think twice over his decisions, sometimes becoming his sparring partner, and even pointing a gun whenever Giotto showed signs of hesitation or wavering, he couldn't help but think the people were right. Why didn't he become the leader instead? He was in his thirties and he was more than just capable.

"Why didn't you become the mayor? You'll deal with people better than I will. No one is taking me seriously because I'm still too young. I'll be honest, all I wanted was for this town to regain its peace, and it never crossed my mind that I may have the power to rule over this town."

Giotto scowled in his chair behind the table, facing down as he drowned himself in disappointment. Disappointment of himself. His voice was calm, but firm. However, it was also thick of guilt and anger. Yes, anger. He was angry with himself. At that time, no longer than a few months after he took the heavy responsibility, he failed to form a bond between himself and the higher authority, thus failing to earn the allocation the town needed. Even hours spent on the way back home that was supposed to tire him out felt like nothing due to his exasperation.

Standing up from his seat beside G, far across Giotto's table, Salvatore countered, "Take responsibility. What did you think can uphold the towns' stability once you've driven out the mayor? Peace? Humans can't stand peace, they will always find a reason to cause a scene, and that's what leaders are for. Control. Or do you think you're incompetent just because you've failed once?"

He then chuckled mockingly, finishing his lecture. "You can ask for help after all," he said as he left.

G turned to Giotto and sent a worried, but stern look, telling the blond silently not to do anything stupid.

~ Җ ~

A grin formed on Val's lips as she remembered the amusing part of the story. Lost in her own course of story, she realized what had caused Linne to laugh earlier before Edel made Salvatore tell a new story. You see, Giotto hadn't always been as composed and responsible as he was.

Bam!

A fist landed on a desk piled with several paper towers, waiting to be read and stamped—and signed. The chair was empty, with only a jacket on its back. Among the paper towers was a small note saying,

"I suppose I can ask for a help, so please stamp these papers for me. I have to go for a while. I know this one's a little bit selfish, but I promise it'll be just this once."

The redhead glared at the paper for a while. He was having a bad day with his own work, and seeing that note made him want to hunt his boss and drag him back to his rightful chair. G went out and asked everyone if they had seen their Primo. But even Aldo and the guards seemed to be caught off guard. G stopped by Knuckle and Celia's office and they also had no idea of Giotto's whereabouts.

At the same time, Val was out buying groceries. On her way home, she took another shortcut through a small alley where one could meet a lot of cats. What she didn't expect to see was a gentle heart under a formal suit worn by a male with a spiky blond hair. He was sitting on the small steps of a back door of a house, surrounded by sleeping cats around his feet, and on his lap was a fat cat sleeping as he stroked its soft ginger fur.

"Giotto? When did you come back?"

"Hm?" He turned his head and once he realized it was Val, his face shone brighter. "Val! Didn't expect to see you here. I just came back yesterday. Come, sit with me. I feel bad sitting while you're standing. I'd stand, but I don't want to wake him," he said, glancing at the cat on his lap.

She giggled in return before she agreed to sit beside him. "He's still a child, after all," she thought. "I'm jealous of him. You just came back and the first thing you want to see is this cat. Not me?" Val commented playfully as she joined him in stroking the cat.

With a shy smile, he replied, "I have to feed these cats after my week of absence. I did plan to see you after this."

The fat feline woke up and jumped off of Giotto's lap showing signs of annoyance towards Val's touches. Leaving Giotto and Val alone, the cats went slacking in a corner.

"Actually, you don't have to worry about him that much. When you were out of town, I always feed the cats. In fact, I was just going to feed them."

"Davvero? But I thought they wouldn't want to be fed by you, that's why I never asked for your help," said Giotto jokingly. She pinched him lightly and responded, "Sadly enough, that might be true. It's true, they always ran away when I approach them. But at least they ate the food I left. You didn't have to ask for my help, I wanted to."

He chuckled. "It's odd. Even cats and G get along, although he's too embarrassed to admit that he enjoys their company."

"Hmm, I rarely get the chance to cuddle a cat. I get along better with dogs."

"That's funny, I was bitten by a dog when I was little. But still I like them."

"Hmp, what did you do that it bit you?"

"It detected my fear, I guess, I used to be scared of dogs. Hey, let's take a walk," said Giotto as he stood up and offered his hand to Val.

"Alright," replied Val taking his hand while carrying her woven basket with the other hand.

They took a walk in a small forest near Salvatore's house reminiscing the times they spent in there when G was still learning how to shoot.

"Is it okay for you to hang out like this? Won't Salvatore look for you?" Val asked. It was rare for him to have a free time during these days. Especially when it was nowhere near evening.

"I'm having a short break … Well, kind of," he answered hesitantly.

She hummed a doubtful tone in response, unconvinced of his answer. They continued to stroll down the small path in the forest. Her left hand carried the basket and her right one held a small part of her dress so it didn't go all the way down and brush the dirty grounds. Walking alongside her, Giotto rigidly rested both of his hands on his back. Back then, they were even more bashful and timid about their feelings, but they were open and honest to each other as childhood friends, good friends, which was why Giotto hiding something from her made her mind go into an endless circle of thoughts, thus became silent.

"At times, I think I'm not ready to lead a large group yet," he said finally, after taking a deep breath. They had almost exited the forest with the ocean in sight and the sound of the waves gracing their ears. Both of them stopped as Val turned to look into his eyes, silently asking him to continue. There was a childish fear in his eyes before he cracked a dry smile.

"To tell you the truth, I sneaked out from the mansion today, leaving quite some piles of reports to be read. Just this once. Just this once I want to commit a mischief and enjoy myself."

He then chuckled nervously in an attempt to release the tension he had. The tension since his life turned drastically from the moment he volunteered to take his current job. During those times, he always seemed to be … under pressure.

After another brief silence, she replied, "What can I say? You're only sixteen. You're probably the youngest leader in the whole Italy. It's only normal for you to feel not ready. Anyway, despite you think you're unable to get things right, Taormina seems to be more at peace now. I don't think a day of irresponsibility will change this town into mess."

"For how much longer? I just failed in an important negotiation concerning this town's prosperity."

"It takes time. I know you're doing your best, but it's not even a year yet."

He smiled in relief, knowing she didn't blame him for his rare selfish wish. She believed in him, believed that he wouldn't actually run away from his responsibility and that day was just a one-time kind of thing. Just as they about to walk again, they heard rustling leaves and breaking branches followed by a woman's shriek. Val turned around quickly when Giotto yelled out a warning. But it was too late when she felt a weight crushing down on her, knocking her down to the ground as her basket was thrown to the side with all the vegetables and fruits she bought scattered all around. So much for being careful about the dress so it wouldn't touch the dirt.

~ Җ ~

"Let us toast to this beautiful town and Vongola to allow this to happen!" cheered Knuckle as he raised his glass once Salvatore finished his story, interrupting the one going on Val's mind.

"To Taormina and us!" Celia added, also raising her glass with everyone followed her. This time it was Rita. Her stare was as blank and as tense as Val's a moment ago, and her body was stiff. Until Edel nudged her hand did she finally join raising her glass.

While everyone returned chattering in small groups, Val took the last bite of her food before her eyes set on Rita, whose stare became blank and stern again. Sitting on Rita's right was G speaking to Salvatore, not noticing his lover's weird condition yet.

"Rita! Why don't you tell us how you met G, now? I'm sure Edel and Linne would love to know," suggested Celia. Hearing the lively sound of Celia's voice seemed to have returned the life to Rita's eyes. Having finished her food already, she released her tight grip on her fork and smiled as everyone had begun encouraging her to begin her story. And the third story began as the sky turned darker, for the sun had completely set.

"Let's see, where to begin. Oh, many months ago, I had just arrived in Taormina in search of a job. I knew that as an outsider, I had to first ask permission from the mayor. So I asked around where I could find the mayor, and somehow got lost in the small forest linked to this mansion."

"Ow, ow, ow."

On top of Val was a lean figure with wavy brown locks, grunting in pain as she tried to get herself off of Val while muttering apologies. She wore a dark blue dress with a matching big, round hat and carried two large handbags with her.

"Wow, she's pretty," thought Val.

Giotto went down on his knees and helped Val to sit, asking her if she was okay in case she accidentally bumped her head into something hard. Valentina told him she was fine and was just surprised. She was more concerned about her scattered grocery.

"Please forgive me, I'll help you gather your fruits and vegetables!" said the brunette who crashed down on Val. But as she tried to stand quickly, she stepped on her own dress and fell down right away beside Val with a scream sharper than before.

"Are you alright?" Val asked, still sitting on the ground with her back supported by both Giotto's arm and leg.

"I, I think, I sprained my ankle. I'm so sorry after causing you such a trouble."

"Uh, it's okay. The leaves on the ground are indeed slippery here, you must've slipped. So I can't blame you either," answered Val with a small laugh to release the young woman of her guilt. Val pulled her lower skirt slightly, revealing her bruised ankle. Feeling Giotto's grip on her shoulder stiffened, she assured him once again that she was alright. "Gio, can you help me collect my groceries?"

She could see in his face that he was worried, but he nodded and left after carefully releasing his hold. Using one hand to support herself, she touched her sprained ankle.

"See, you're hurt as well," the woman commented, guilt was thick in her voice and on her sweet face.

"Uhm, yeah. But don't worry, I don't blame you at all. By the way, I'm Valentina Scarlatto."

"Margherita. Margherita Scaricci. For short, Rita would be fine."

"That's a pretty name. Call me Val."

"And … who is the man with you?" Rita asked, confused as to why Val didn't introduce him as well, assuming they were a couple. Val in turn stared in surprise.

"You don't know him?"

She shook her head.

"You're not from here, are you?" Val asked before realization hit her. Formally dressed with a big round hat and two large handbags. Unless someone was going out of town, which rarely happened, one wouldn't bother dressing like that.

"That blond friend of mine, he's Giotto di Vongola. He leads this town and is quite famous around here, I believe, since he's too young for the job. And he was chosen just a few months ago after the leave of the previous mayor."

Wide were the eyes of the stranger upon hearing this information. Rita was rendered speechless, causing Val to ask her if something was the matter.

"N-n-nothing. I-I've actually heard of him, but never seen him in person. So, it's a big surprise for me to suddenly meet him here." She laughed nervously. "And you're right, I'm not from here. In fact, I've just arrived from Urbino, looking for a job. Rumor has it that this town is developing and beginning to become a tourist spot."

"Val!?" a familiar, coarse voice was heard, interrupting the conversation between the two.

"G? What are you doing here?" Val saw her brother standing behind Rita.

"What are you doing here, sitting on the ground?"

"Well, I love to get my dress dirty and sit down while I massage my ankle," she answered sarcastically, emphasizing the part where she massaged her ankle that showed a blue mark.

"Tch, why'd you come here anyway? I'm looking for Giotto, you were with him, right? You should stop spoiling him."

"What? I spoiled him? I didn't even do anything, I only came to the mansion every weekend! What have I ever done?"

Rita remained silent and froze like a statue, as the awkward situation surrounded her. She wished she could just break free from listening to two people—practically strangers to her—arguing. But she couldn't stand anyway, and they were her chance at finding her luck in this new place.

"Hey, G," called a voice from behind him, causing G to turn around. "I thought I left a note," said Giotto, who was carrying a basket filled with dirty fruits and vegetables.

G grinned with closed eyes, his hand rubbing the spot between his brows. "Giotto," said G, his voice was deep and filled with restrained anger and annoyance.

"Hm?" Giotto's expression remained flat as if he had nothing to feel sorry for.

"I know. I know Salvatore said you can ask for help, from him, or me, from anybody. I was there, I heard his lectures. But he certainly did not mean this kind of help! There is NO WAY I'm doing YOUR responsibility! Those papers require your signature! Not mine! If you were going to ask for help, you can ask for advice, or someone to make your coffee, or even massage your back, I don't care! BUT NOT THIS!" ranted G.

"Wow, calm down. I thought you knew I was half-joking. After all, I didn't ask you to sign them, just to stamp them, that should be fine. Any stamp is the same," Giotto answered calmly. G had clenched his fists tightly, about to yell out his second rant only to have it cut off by Giotto.

"Listen, Val can't walk, and neither can the lady over there. Why don't you just help me bring them to the mansion, I'll continue my work by then."

His voice left a trail of disappointment despite its composure. His mischief and fun had to end, after all.

"Fine!"

"How did you know we were here?" Val asked as Giotto came over, helping her get on his back just like what they did years ago.

"Just my hunch," replied G as he made his way to Rita.

"Oh, Miss, he's my brother, G. I hope you don't mind him carrying you to our place," Val said from Giotto's back.

"It's fine. I feel bad, in fact, since I caused all of this," answered Rita, with her back still facing G. "And you can just call me Rita."

With Val on his back, Giotto offered Rita his help in carrying one of her bags before walking ahead first. Then, G approached the brunette closer and was about to ask for her permission to carry her. But as Rita turned to him, G froze and the few words that were on the tip of his tongue seemed to be swallowed along with a lump in his throat. His eyes widened in the face of a confused one as they stared into each other's eyes.

To him, her eyes were as clear as honey and lips were as pure and pink as a peach. Her nose was small and pointy, inviting a pinch. And her cinnamon colored hair framed the beauty of it all with its wavy locks tempting him to slide his fingers between them and trace the curvy lines.

His amazement was shattered as he felt something hit his head.

"Oi!" Val yelled from Giotto's back after throwing a small piece of broccoli at her brother.

"Get going, Mister Responsible!" she jested, mocking his inconsistence of being distracted despite his rants about responsibility against Giotto.

His eyes remained focused at Rita's as he ignored his sister's remarks. He was held captive by the swirling pool of honey in her orbs.

"I'm sorry to be such a burden," she said. G shook his head and took her into his arms.

"'Scuse me," he said. Taking her closer, he could have sworn her cinnamon hair smelled like one. The sweet, and warm, and homey scent penetrated his senses. He knew that from then on, he would always have to add cinnamons into his tea, forgetting the fact that he used to dislike cinnamons.

~ Җ ~

"I was mesmerized by his scarlet eyes and magenta hair, they are unique. And the tattoo on his face at first startled me, but it doesn't conceal the fact that the man who stood before me is indeed handsome. As he took me in his arms, I felt nervous that my hands sweated a lot. I had never been carried by a man that way before."

Rita was never shy when it came to her feelings about G. She would say how much she liked his hair, his eyes, his silly but adorable temper, the smell of his cologne, and everything else. While Val, Val couldn't even confess her feeling despite knowing that Giotto shared her affection.

"Since when am I such a coward?" she thought.

The story went on to the days after their first meeting with Rita. For a few days after their meeting, she resided in the mansion, all the while asking whether she could work there or not. At that time, due to her unknown background and the fact that she was a stranger, many disagreed if she worked there, even G. On the other hand, knowing how there weren't many employees assisting him, Giotto needed all the help he could find. But still, G doubted if hiring Rita was a good idea. There was something definitely off about a girl who appeared out of nowhere. He doubted her despite his adoration shown in their first meeting. Salvatore also warned Giotto, but he nevertheless helped in finding a solution.

In the end, it was decided that she would work under G's supervision, whose work dealt with money and numbers, so it was pretty safe as it didn't involve real secrets like their flame powers, decisions, or policies. It also turned out that she was well educated and pretty good with numbers, therefore the job suited her more than anything. And as hours of working together turned to days and days turned to weeks, G began to trust her more and more. As trust formed between the two, they soon realized their feelings for each other. And still, there was something about her that no one knew; her real past.

As the story reached its end and there was nothing else to be told that evening, another thought came to Val's mind while she gazed attentively at her brother and his lover.

They look happy, that's for sure. But what if G was right? What if something about her past will shatter their happiness? Mm, I shouldn't be thinking such thoughts.

Looking around the table, she spotted one empty seat. It seemed that Ricardo hadn't come back yet from his business or whatever he was doing secretly. Sitting far across her was Giotto with Linne on his left. How that girl clung to him and flirted with him, using his innocence and politeness to her advantage, made her stomach twist into knots. She had to praise her for making him look bashful, though. He looked … vulnerable.

"Val, you're alright?"

Sitting beside her was Celia, who had noticed Val's strange behavior.

"Mm, I'm fine. My mind just feels heavy, I have to sleep right away after this. Anyway, how's the bruschetta I made? Tasty?"

"It tastes extremely delicious, Val! I'll have more of this!" Knuckle, whose seat beside Celia, answered for her while he took more bruschettas into his plate.

Celia frowned at Val before answering herself, "They taste good. Why don't you ask Giotto? So all that flirting can stop."

Without replying back, Val took one piece of bruschetta and ate it, not feeling up to speaking louder just to ask Giotto from afar.

"You two are getting on my nerves, really. And I thought something happened between you," Celia added. "Oh, well."

"Primo!" Celia called, interrupting Linne, who was busy 'talking' to the blond. Giotto looked up to her with a dessert fork in his mouth, his eyes widening in question. "The bruschetta tasted nice, right? Delicious, right?"

Taking out the fork from his mouth, he replied, "Why wouldn't it be? Val made it, after all. Actually, it's so tasty it makes me happy knowing she cooked it for me."

A big, proud smile graced his face. Linne, on the other hand, tried to hide her pout by continuing to eat her dessert.

Val couldn't resist a smile, feeling satisfied with a job well done, but she answered, "Don't be silly. I cooked for everyone and not just you, Primo."

Everyone chuckled, except Linne and Knuckle as he was busy munching his bruschetta.

"I think you asked me earlier, making sure that I like this dish. Then you said you'd cook it for me," Giotto said, taking another chunk of the discussed side dish.

She sneered before replying, "You're the leader. I'm supposed to feed you what you like. But then, addressing 'you', the leader, means that I'm addressing us all."

"You're so stubborn, can you just confess that you actually did make it for him. You even added extra tomatoes! For him, right?" Edel giggled, having leaked the 'secret' that was supposed to stay in the kitchen.

Val responded lightly, carefully hiding her true emotions.

"What? I love tomatoes too."

"I'm proud of you, Val. To act this way after what happened last night," G finally added something to the conversation. And it was his comment that made Val glare, losing all of her coolness. She would have thrown her fork at him if the situation happened years ago when she couldn't control her temper well.

"What happened last night?" Linne asked with a concerned face.

"Nothing," Val answered flatly.

"You can't just stop lying, can you?" G said with his mocking smirk.

Val only smiled before she drank her glass of wine and stared at Giotto.

"Fine, fine. I did cook for Giotto, you're all happy now?"

Chuckles and giggles filled the room once again.

"Don't tease her any further, Giotto. You should tell the truth as well. Here, in front of your friends," Salvatore commented as he wiped his mouth with a napkin.

"If that's okay with her," Giotto replied, fixing his eyes on Val. He was serious, but at the same time tense.

"Actually, it'll make her happy," G commented and chortled in amusement.

"Oh, and you can't just keep your mouth shut, can you?" Val retorted, using some of G's words.

Everyone should have understood what the topic was about, but there were some who still declined the truth of the topic or just being oblivious; for example, the boy with a bandaged nose.

"You don't mind, do you, Val? It's to test his confidence and charisma, don't you agree?" Salvatore asked the girl.

The room fell into a stiff silence, waiting for her reply. Most expected to hear Giotto's confession returned by Val positively, being dramatic teenagers they were, just so they could confirm the two as a couple.

Staring into Giotto's eyes with concern, she put on a bitter smile and answered, "No, I don't mind, I agree, it's just that …"

Suddenly, she felt a shot of pain through her head, and the food she ate felt rising towards her throat, emphasizing the inexplicable fear and anxiety pushing within her.

"Excuse me," she said, standing up from her seat abruptly before quickly making her way out to the garden. Celia quickly stood to follow her only to be stopped by Rita.

"Please, let me. And I'm sure Val wants everyone to finish their meals, including you," said Rita glancing at Celia's plate with a few strands of spaghetti left.

Celia glanced at her plate before exchanging looks with Rita and nodded. Before leaving everyone with their awkwardness in the silent room, Rita turned to them and stared especially at Giotto.

"Why don't you guys play cards or something? Just have fun and relax,"

Giotto, who was as concerned as Celia, felt as if Rita had read his mind. He thought he had offended the red haired girl, and Rita suggesting everyone—him in particular—to relax had lifted the stiffness from his shoulder. Giving everyone a reassuring smile, Rita went into the garden looking for Val, even though something bothered her mind greatly. While Giotto's expression softened, G had finally noticed Rita's strange attitude, thus sending a wistful glare to her leaving form. In his heart was another hunch—a nauseating one.

~ Җ ~

Frowning as she explored the garden, the honey-eyed girl kept asking herself.

What do I do now?

Author's Note : Heya everyone! I'm so sad at myself for publishing this way too late. I hope you guys are patient enough waiting for me :( On a side note, I'm really happy as I keep receiving emails whenever someone followed/favorited my story. I must say, those things made my day and supported me through my hectic days (not to mention I was also bedridden sick *cough*). So, tell me what you think of this chapter. I'd love to know your opinions if this is confusing or anything (since it involves many small flashbacks, written in italicized long paragraphs-the short ones being characters' thoughts, as I've once said). Well then, see you all the next chapter!

Note :
1. 'Davvero' means 'Really'. For those who don't know yet, I made some changes in Chapter 4, and it's still going to be rewritten as the changes created a few fallacies. But don't worry, the story itself doesn't change. One of the minor changes is that I added 'Davvero' to be a catchphrase for Giotto. Why? Well, I want to add more unique sides to him and it is to emphasize his innocent, naive side, where he doubts things. You may think of it like Kenshin's 'oro' or whatever.

2. 'Scarlatto'. I think it's the first time I introduce Val's surname, at first I was afraid to add this since this would mean G is also a Scarlatto. But my friend, who beta-read this chapter didn't think it was weird, and since I created G's real name, why wouldn't I create his surname too? It's derived from Scarlet, as you may have guessed.

3. 'Scaricci'. I don't know why I pick this for Rita, maybe because I was thinking of 'scar' and that her character would revolve around that word in a way.