I do not own Katekyo Hitman Reborn.

Warning: this chapter contains mentions of abandonment and abuse.

Summary: Lambo and I-Pin are enlisted by Chrome to have a play date with Fran. Lambo is initially wary, and his opinion of the illusionist only sours by the boy's bored tone and attitude. They get into a physical fight, much to I-Pin's worry and exasperation. Their petty problems are quickly put on the backburner when a group of teens come to harass them, and it is through this encounter that Fran and Lambo learn that they really aren't so different.

First Meeting

The crisp fall wind batted the branches of the looming trees from side to side. Lambo and I-Pin ran about, trying to catch the coloured leaves that were detached. They were red-faced with exertion and laughing breathlessly. Tsuna observed them for a moment, a warm smile on his lips, before eventually pulling open the sliding glass door.

"Hey guys," he called, getting their attention. "Chrome's here to see you!"

"Yay!" the pair cheered.

He and I-Pin hurried for the back door and tried to make their way past Tsuna, but found themselves stuck in place when the brunette snagged them by the necks of their sweaters. "What are you forgetting?" he asked pointedly.

Lambo huffed out an impatient breath but kicked off his shoes before continuing on. I-Pin rolled her eyes and took off her shoes in a more graceful manner. She set hers neatly by the door and arranged Lambo's in the same manner before following after her best friend.

Chrome was in the living room, sitting on the arm of the couch. She ran gentle fingers through a sleeping Futa's hair. The ten-year-old's face was flushed with fever and he was wrapped in a blanket, a cool cloth draped over his forehead. When the two kids appeared she stood and smiled, opening her arms and embracing them when they stepped into her hold.

"Hi, Chrome-nee," said Lambo happily.

"Hello," greeted I-Pin. "Sawada-san said you were here to see us."

"I am," said Chrome, tickling her chin affectionately. "Let's talk in the kitchen so we don't disturb Futa."

She ushered them into the next room and Lambo plopped down in one of the wooden chairs. He tilted his head to the side curiously. "What do you want to talk about?"

"I have something I'd like to ask the both of you." Chrome clasped her hands in front of her. "Do you remember Fran?"

"Yes," answered I-Pin with a nod. "He's Rokudo-san's student."

"That's right. It's been nearly a year since Fran came to live with us and I thought it's about time you met him."

Lambo frowned. "Why?" At the sharp elbow jab I-Pin gave him, he flinched and added, "How come we haven't met him before?"

Chrome hesitated for a moment. "Well, it's been kind of hectic these past months. Mukuro-sama's been getting Fran used to Japan's culture and language, along with a strict training regime. He finally has some free time and Mukuro-sama and I thought it would be nice if you got to know each other. Are you doing anything tomorrow?"

Sensing a chance to escape this obligation, Lambo started to say, "Actually—"

"—we were going to go to the park in the afternoon," interrupted I-Pin smoothly. "Fran can come with us, if he wants to."

"That would be great," said Chrome gratefully. "He's got some training to do, but one of us will drop him off at the park."

"Okay."

"Okay," echoed Lambo, trying not to sound as dismayed as he felt.

"I'm sure you'll have a nice time together," said Chrome reassuringly, feeling Lambo's uncertainty. "Now, I'm going to the store to pick up some things for Futa. Would you like to come?"

Brightening at this, for there was always a good chance of him getting a treat, Lambo nodded. "Yes!"

"Please," tacked on I-Pin politely, for her best friend had a tendency to forget his manners.

Chrome informed Tsuna that she was taking the kids and off they went. As they walked through the autumn air, Chrome silently hoped that the interaction between the children would be positive. It was something she believed not only Fran would benefit from, but Lambo and I-Pin as well.

…

"I can't believe you agreed to this."

I-Pin rolled her eyes at Lambo's whine. She sat on the swing set, kicking her feet lightly. "Stop complaining. You've been going on about this since last night."

Lambo scowled. "It's your fault that this is happening."

"Well, unlike you, I'm trying to be nice," sniffed I-Pin. "I bet Fran could use a friend. He probably doesn't get to go to school like us with all of his training. Why won't you give him a chance?"

"Because he's weird," claimed Lambo.

"And how do you know this?"

"I saw him once, in town. I was with Haru and she was talking to Shoo-Shoo Hag—"

"Kurokawa-san," corrected I-Pin.

"Yeah, her. They were talking and I wandered and I spotted Fran with Chrome. They were doing some shopping. He was wearing this dumb apple hat and he has this look on his face." Lambo then made his face go as blank as he could in imitation. "He wasn't smiling or frowning or anything. I'm telling you, it's weird and creepy."

"You only saw him for five seconds. You didn't even talk to him. You shouldn't make judgements on someone you don't know."

"Well, it's true!" protested Lambo. "And what if Rokudo is the one dropping Fran off?"

I-Pin sighed, for she knew all too well the unease Futa and Lambo held towards the male illusionist. "Sawada-san wouldn't let Rokudo-san around if he knew he would hurt us. As always, you're just making a big deal out of nothing."

"I am not," snapped Lambo.

Before they could argue some more, a shout caught their attention. Turning their heads, they found Ken and Chikusa striding down the winding dirt path that stretched throughout the park. Trailing behind them was eight-year-old Fran, his red apple hood sticking out like a sore thumb.

"Gods, this place is stupidly big," grunted Ken, stretching his arms over his head. "You couldn't wait near the entrance?"

"Shut up Ken." Chikusa nudged Fran forwards and prompted, "You forget how to speak?"

"Hey," said Fran lazily, hands slung in the pockets of his green jacket.

"Hi," said I-Pin cheerfully.

"Hi," greeted Lambo with less enthusiasm.

"Try not to beat each other up too much," instructed Ken. At the sharp kick to the back of his leg by Chikusa, he hastened to add, "And don't talk to strangers or do drugs."

"We'll be back in two hours to pick you up," said Chikusa to Fran. "So be here or else."

"I can walk home myself."

Ken snorted. "And have Chrome nag at us for the next three years? I don't think so."

"Whatever."

"Later, losers."

Chikusa lifted his hand in wave before following after Ken. Soon the three children were left alone in an awkward silence. I-Pin had to admit that Lambo was right about Fran's facial expression—or lack thereof. But there was something about his eyes that struck her. The deep green orbs were currently void of any emotion and yet she felt as if they were staring straight at her soul. She sensed that he was much more observant and calculating then he let on.

"So," she began, for neither of the males seemed inclined to start a conversation, "what do you want to do?"

"I don't really care," muttered Fran.

"Do you want to swing with us?"

Shrugging his shoulders, the teal-haired boy went and sat in the empty black swing next to I-Pin. He stared straight ahead, kicking his legs in a lazy manner. Lambo shot his best friend a look that conveyed 'I told you so' and I-Pin glared in response.

"How's the training going?" she asked, pumping her legs a little more so she could soar higher in the air.

"Fine."

"What do you do?" Lambo finally piped up, for he was genuinely curious about illusionists and their skills.

"Practicing skills to sharpen the mind," answered Fran vaguely.

"That sounds interesting," remarked I-Pin.

"Not really."

"Do you like living with Chrome-chan?" I-Pin was struggling to hold the conversation, since Fran wasn't giving her much to work with.

"Yeah."

Annoyed with Fran's lack of responses, Lambo asked sarcastically, "Are we boring you?"

I-Pin snapped her head around to face him and hissed, "Lambo!"

"Just bored by the world in general," responded Fran, glancing at Lambo with a cold expression. "So by extension, yes. You're pretty boring."

Lambo's eyes flashed. "I'm boring? You're one to talk! Actually, you don't really talk at all! What's the matter, did you get used to people never listening to you so you just stopped trying?"

"Lambo!"

"I've found that it's a waste of effort to speak with people who aren't intelligent," countered Fran. "Case in point—you."

"Guys—" attempted I-Pin, but Lambo spoke over her, his voice furious and offended.

"I knew this was a bad idea. I told you he was weird, I-Pin. Just look at that stupid hat. He's a jerk, too. There's no one who would be sorry enough to be his friend."

Green eyes flashing, Fran gave his hand a flick. The chains on Lambo's swings jerked harshly upwards, sending the boy flying through the air. He landed on the grass with a solid thud.

"Fran!" exclaimed I-Pin, hopping off her swing to see to her best friend.

"I don't see how you can call my hat stupid. Do you not look in the mirror every day?"

Angry tears in his eyes, Lambo shook a concerned I-Pin off and charged towards Fran with an enraged roar. He tackled the teal-haired boy and the two rolled around on the ground, shouting and trading punches. I-Pin jumped to her feet and rushed over, trying to force her way through the tussling pair to separate them.

"Stop it! This is so stupid!"

A hand suddenly seized her by the shoulder and pulled her back roughly. She stumbled backwards with a surprised squeak. Standing above her were three teen boys all of them tall and with sneers on their acne-riddled faces.

"You're ruining the show," the blonde teen told her. "Back off."

"Hey!" Untangling himself from Fran, Lambo climbed to his feet and glared. "Leave her alone!"

The dark-haired teen in a green sweater shoved Lambo to the ground. "Shut up and fight."

Lambo shrunk back at the force of the bully's words and Fran blinked. The seven-year-old's reaction to the demanding words seemed instinctive instead of reactive…as if he had dealt with his fair share of torment before.

Staring flatly at the trio of troublemakers, Fran said, "Sorry, but we're not circus performers. You losers are better fit for that role."

Eyes darkening, the teen wearing a blue cap snarled, "What did you say?"

"Pretty sure you heard me. Unless you're ugly and stupid."

"They probably can't handle the truth," sneered Lambo.

"You disrespectful brats need to be taught a lesson." Cracking his knuckles, the blonde and his friends advanced.

Letting out an exasperated breath, I-Pin jumped forwards. She had exercised control when dealing with her companions, but she did not restrain herself as she slammed her leg into the dark-haired teen's back. "Why do boys always fight?" she muttered in annoyance.

"What the hell?" Struggling to his feet, he glared at the girl. "Mind your own business and mind your place!"

Swivelling on her heel, I-Pin landed another kick. "You should mind your mouth."

A brawl started, with the teens and the kids colliding. I-Pin had little trouble defending herself, and Lambo managed to land a few head-butts and punches against his assailant. Fran was not much of a physical fighter, especially when it came to foes larger than him. Mustering up his strength, he plunged the park in pure darkness.

"Hey!"

"What happened?!"

"What's going on?!"

Among the teens' fearful cries, Fran made out the nervous whimpers of Lambo and I-Pin. He pinpointed the two with his senses and reached out, grabbing both of their hands. He felt them ease and he focussed on the terrified bullies. He made the darkness swirl tighter around them, constricting them until they were practically squealing.

"I think that's enough."

I-Pin's soft voice intruded the cool silence and Fran could feel mental exhaustion quickly approaching. Deciding she was right, he let the illusion drop and the bright green scenery of the park was brought back with quick clarity.

The teens wasted no time fleeing, screaming in panic as they went. Fran dropped to the ground in fatigue, the beginnings of a headache prodding at his temples. "That should send them to therapy for a decent amount of time."

I-Pin furrowed her brow in concern. "Are you okay?"

"Fine. Just overdid it. I don't really have the mental capability for strong illusions yet."

"I thought it was really cool," ventured Lambo.

Fran shifted his gaze to look at him. "Thanks."

"Let's get something to eat," suggested I-Pin. "I don't know about you, but fighting gives me an appetite."

She and Lambo helped a tired Fran to his feet, and supported him as they walked across the grass. They soon reached the snack station and got some chips and chocolate. They sat on a picnic table and Lambo played with the edges of his chocolate bar wrapper. Nibbling on his bottom lip, he said softly, "Sorry, for what I said."

"He doesn't really think before he speaks," added I-Pin, popping a few chips into her mouth.

"Neither do I," said Fran with a shrug. "It's fine. Nothing I haven't heard before."

"What do you mean?"

"None of the kids liked me when I lived in France. I was their favourite person to pick on. I didn't really know much about illusions or how they worked, so I only had my words to defend myself." The teal-haired child glanced at Lambo. "Guess that's why I jumped down your throat the way I did. Force of habit."

"I deserved it," muttered Lambo. "I can be a jerk sometimes."

"Well, I'm a jerk all the time, so don't worry about it."

"I shouldn't have said what I said, especially about no one being sorry enough to be your friend." Lambo kicked at the ground. "I'm not one to talk. I didn't have any friends until I met I-Pin and the others."

"Where did you originally come from?"

"Italy. I'm the youngest son of Don Bovino," answered Lambo reluctantly. "But they didn't like me. They yelled at me a lot, and not in the way Stupidera does. I know he doesn't really mean it when he snaps at me."

Lambo's shoulders slumped at the very mention of his biological family. Fran realized instantly that they were the reason for the boy's instinctual cower when the bullies hissed at him. It was his way of preparing himself for a vicious verbal onslaught. He had more in common with the cow child than he thought—they both had a tendency to use sarcastic words as a shield.

"How'd you get here?"

"Don Bovino said that if I killed Reborn, I'll prove that I'm worth being part of the Family." Lambo grimaced at the memory. His face lightened as he continued speaking. "But then I met Mama and Tsuna and I-Pin and everyone else. I really like Reborn too, even though he's scary. I love it here. It's my home."

Fran swivelled his head to glance at I-Pin. "How about you?"

"I'm from Hong Kong." I-Pin tucked a strand of raven hair behind her ear. "Master picked me up from an orphanage." At Fran's questioning look, she clarified, "Master Fong. He was an Arcobaleno like Reborn. He's taken care of me since I was three. I don't know my parents, and I don't want to." Her face clouded over. "Even though I was only three, I have a memory that's always stuck with me. I overheard the matrons talking. They found me in a dumpster when I was an infant. Apparently they learned who my parents were and went to confront them. My biological father said they could have me—he had no use for a girl."

Lambo stared at his friend in sympathy. "We live with another kid, Futa. He's sick and couldn't come with us. But he doesn't know where he comes from or who his parents are. He was sold to a Mafia family because of his ability to rank. He was six when the entire Family was killed. He spent two years wandering around before other Mafia families started coming after him."

The abandoned children, all picked up by people who saw worth in them, who loved and cared for them when the ones who were supposed to cherish them threw them away. Fran felt a weight leave his shoulders—these were not the privileged kids he expected to interact with. They all shared a dismal past, with their own share of insecurities and doubts. For the first time in his life, he felt like he fit in with his peers.

"My mother dropped me off at the side of the road when I was three or four. I can't remember. It was during a thunderstorm. She hated me so much that she couldn't even drive me all the way to my grandma's house. I had to walk the rest of the way."

"Are things better now?" asked I-Pin hopefully.

"Yeah. They are." A ghost of a smile on his lips, Fran tugged on his apple hood. "Mukuro-sama, Chrome, Ken and Chikusa—they're all great. You two aren't so bad either, I guess."

"Well, you're still weird," said Lambo playfully. "But that's okay. Weird can be cool."

Finishing up their snacks, I-Pin proposed, "Let's start over. Fran, what do you want to do?"

"Uh…the jungle gym?"

"Sure!" said Lambo eagerly. "Race you to the top!"

I-Pin rolled her eyes as her best friend took off. "He's pretty competitive," she informed.

"That's okay." Fran shrugged. "I'm a cheater. It'll work out fine."

…

Two hours later, Ken and Chikusa arrived at the spot they had left the kids. They were both surprised to see all of them bruised and dirty. "I thought I said not to beat each other up," exclaimed Ken.

Frowning, Chikusa sent a stern glare at their young companion. "Fran…"

"Why do you assume it was me who started it?" the teal-haired child asked. He paused and then added, "It was me this time, but that doesn't mean it's always me."

"It's my fault," piped up Lambo. "I was rude. But we're cool now."

"We got these bruises from three teens," explained I-Pin. "They saw Lambo and Fran fighting and tried to make a show out of it. When we wouldn't cooperate they started pushing us around."

Ken's eyes flashed with anger. "Oh really? Where'd they go?"

"Don't know." Fran shrugged. "I used an illusion to scare them off."

Chikusa exchanged glances with Ken. The blonde's nostrils twitched, able to pick up the faded scent of the bullies on the kids' clothes. They would track down the delinquents later, and teach them a lesson on what happened to those who messed with their own.

"Can't leave you alone for five minutes without you starting crap," sniffed Ken. "Come on. Let's go."

Realizing the command was directed at them as well, I-Pin said, "That's okay. We can walk home by ourselves."

"If Sawada finds out we let you walk home alone after getting into a fight with three punks, he'll give us a bruising," drawled Chikusa.

Shrugging, the two started ahead for the trek home. Ken hooked two fingers in the collar of Fran's jacket to hold him back. "Hey. Are things good between you two?"

"Yeah. We just had a misunderstanding." Fran glanced after the pair and said, "I like them. I think they like me."

"Fran, come on!" called Lambo as he and I-Pin got a distance ahead of the Kokuyo gang. "Hurry up!"

Smiling slightly, Chikusa nudged the boy forwards. "Ah, they do. Chrome will be happy to know you get on."

As Fran jogged to catch up to his new friends, he decided that he was happy too.