It's been a month since I got my part in the play. We were getting closer and closer to the actual day of the play. Now, we were focusing on one half of the play and then the next day we'd go over the second half. It sucked I didn't live here or else I'd be here all the time, practicing as much as possible. At least I had my archery club to keep things fun. After club, I saw the writer at the school gates with a handsome man with red hair that had one side slicked back and what seemed to be black eyes. The writer saw me and smiled widely.

"Shiori! I'm glad I found you." The writer said with a big smile.

"Hello. What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at the play supervising?"

"I wanted a break, so I came to see what kind of town Namimori is. I even brought my acquaintance Angelo."

I gave a small bow. "It's nice to meet you." I greeted only to be polite.

He took my hand and kissed the back of it. "It's a pleasure to meet the one and only Bern." I took my hand back. I didn't like what he did or how he was staring at me.

"Angelo here is originally from Italy but has traveled all over the world. Once he heard about Bern being filled in, he immediately came as soon as he could." The writer said cheerfully.

"After all, not just anyone can become Bern. My friend is very picky." Angelo spoke up. I didn't like him one bit. He had mischief written all over his face. My intuition told me not to trust him. My instincts told me to run.

"Why did you wait for me?" I asked the writer.

"We saw your friend and she said you'd be the last one out." Angelo stated. I didn't have friends at the school. He must have meant Sachiko.

"Is that so? Well, you've seen me. I need to get home so I can get my work done."

"Allow me to walk you home." Angelo said.

"No." I answered firmly.

"I'm just trying to be a gentleman. It won't hurt if I walk you home, right?" Angelo questioned.

"My answer stays." He finally got my message. I didn't trust him and he knew that. "Good day." I gave a small bow before leaving.

I could feel Angelo's stare burn into my back. I tried turning around the corner as fast as I could but bumped into someone. I looked up and saw a familiar green jacket. "Dino?"

"Shiori?" He looked passed me and suddenly ran away, dragging me along. "What's the matter?" I questioned.

"How do you know Angelo?" He asked seriously.

"I just met him a couple of minutes ago. He's friends with Hiro."

"Good. You need to stay far away from him as possible." Dino looked on edge.

"Why?" I asked.

"He's a bad person who's known to target girls your age."

"What does he do to his victims?"

"I'm not sure you'd want to hear."

I sighed. "Just tell me, Dino. If I'm ever in a room with him where I can't escape, I should at least know what will happen to prepare myself."

He hesitated. "He's known to rape his victims. He hasn't killed anyone yet, but he'd do anything to satisfy his lust."

I started tugging at my hair. I didn't like the sound of that. "I'm sorry. I knew I shouldn't have said that."

"Thank you for telling me, Dino. I'll be sure to avoid him at all costs. I guess that's why I got a bad feeling from him." I stopped tugging my hair and sighed. It'd be a long month if Angelo would be staying the entire time. I'd have to do my best to not be alone with him.

"You're going to be part of that big play, right?" Dino asked, changing the subject. I nodded. "I heard you got a big part."

"I'm casted as Bern the witch of miracles." I replied.

"Really? The writer must have casted you himself. Are you familiar with Tokyo?" Dino asked.

"I am. Why?"

"If you need to run from Angelo, I'd give you a few contacts that would protect you."

Dino's serious expression made me chuckle. It didn't look right on him. "That's alright. I grew up in Tokyo. I know quite a few people."

"Good. Wait. What kind of people are they?"

"They're kind people, Dino." I replied with a smile.

"T-the way you just said that makes me think they're not."

I let out another laugh. "They're kind to me at least. Some are yakuza. Well, most of them are." They all are. The Yakuza are the only people I actually know. Other classmates and teachers were only acquaintances.

"What?!" Dino shouted.

"I was paid to tutor their sons." I explained.

"Aren't they dangerous?"

"Yes, but they all respect me for dealing with their sons because they're idiots. So, now the sons are protective of me even if all they do pick on me all the time."

"Those are some weird friends."

"They're not my friends." I said abruptly. There was no hesitation in my answer.

"Huh?"

"I don't really have any friends." I spoke softer.

Dino frowned. He probably pitied me. I hated that. "Why? Do you not trust people?"

"It's not that I don't trust people, I can't trust anyone."

"Did something happen?" He asked.

I nodded. "I don't like talking about it."

"I won't force you. You can always talk to Squalo."

"Huh?" I questioned.

He smiled proudly. "Did you really think I'd fall for that obvious lie?"

"You asked Squalo, didn't you?" I asked, knowing exactly what Dino did. The expression he had made it obvious.

"Yes." I sighed. I should have known. Dino seemed the kind of guy to do that. He wasn't the smartest. "I'm sorry if Squalo yelled at you and scared you. It's just his character."

"He didn't scare me. Sure, he yelled at me once or twice, but he never scared me."

"Really?"

"I've seen rougher people." That was true. I've seen women scarier than Squalo. Sure, one of them is Syoko, but her friends are also terrifying in their own way.

"I believe you." Dino ended up walking with me. "Hey, Shiori, are you alright with me walking home with you?" Dino asked out of the blue.

"I am. If Squalo can trust you, I can too. At least, I can trust you to an extent." If Squalo was fine with letting Dino know about me, I could deal with him. At least he didn't scream or slap my back all the time like Squalo.

"I get it. I'm glad Squalo has a friend like you. He's been a lot more level-headed lately."

"Are you sure we're thinking of the same person?"

Dino burst out laughing. "I'm probably thinking of someone else then. The real Squalo is always making everyone deaf."

"Tell me about it. I'll have to bill him if he ever blew out my ear drum." Dino kept laughing. He knew Squalo the best and for years compared to me. If he was laughing, then my assumption about Squalo was right.

When we got to my house, I saw the same doctor that was with mom that night walk out of the house. Mom was in the door, waving. They were both wearing civilian clothing. They weren't in uniform. She looked happier than ever. The doctor walked passed me with a smirk that was meant for me. Dino caught it and looked down at me. I saw my dad walk over and stared at me and then my mom. That's when mom saw me.

"I didn't see you, sweetie. Welcome home. Who is this? Did you get a boyfriend?" I didn't answer her. I kept looking at dad's disgusted expression. He was in shock and staring at mom. Dad walked over to mom.

"Yes?" She questioned sweetly.

"Inside. Now."

My mom did a full spin. It was as if she was a different person. "What now?" She questioned with attitude and disgust.

"Go." Dad said firmly. When she walked inside, he walked to me. "It's probably best if you didn't come home tonight. I love you." Dad kissed the top of my head before heading inside.

"Shiori?" Dino asked once the door closed. I dropped my bag and fell to my knees. I couldn't believe it. Dino crouched down and put a hand on my back. "Let's go. I'll bring you somewhere safe."

I reluctantly stood up and picked up my bag. "I'll be fine. You can go now, Dino."

"I'm not going to leave you. If Squalo found out, he'd kill me." Dino said softly.

"Where will you bring me?" I asked with no emotion in my voice.

"I have a hotel room booked. You can stay with me."

"No." I answered.

"I'll get you your own room then."

"No. Just stop. I…don't deserve this." My voice was getting weaker.

"Don't make me call Squalo."

"He can't do anything."

Dino then called Squalo like he said. "What the hell do you want?" I could hear Squalo from the phone. Was it on speakerphone?

"Shiori is being stubborn." Dino replied.

"Why are you with her?!" Squalo exploded with anger.

"I was walking her home because a sketchy guy was staring at her."

"Why are you calling me then?" Squalo said. I could hear he was annoyed with Dino.

"Let's just say Shiori can't go home right now and I told her to come with me so she's safe. She's being stubborn."

We heard Squalo sigh heavily. "It isn't Shiori if she isn't stubborn. Put her on." Dino handed the phone over to me. I saw it was on speakerphone. I took it off.

"What is it?" I asked with annoyance.

"Go with the bastard. He might be weird, but you can trust him with your life." Squalo demanded.

I groaned. "I don't want to."

"VOI!" There was a struggle on the other line.

"Shiori." I heard Xanxus' voice. Dino saw me perk up. He leaned in to hear what was being said.

"What?" I asked.

"Go with him." He said.

"I'll go on one condition."

"What?"

I glared at Dino which made him step back. "Why did you act that way?" I asked quietly, still glaring at Dino.

Xanxus sighed and was silent. "VOI! Where are you going?" "Leave me be, trash!" Squalo and Xanxus were fighting. That's when I heard a door slam shut.

"The old man said something that shook me up." Xanxus said.

"What was it?" I asked.

"I don't want to say."

"Say it." I urged him.

He let out another sigh. "He said if I was around you, you'd end up hurt." He said with a soft voice.

"He said that? I'm sorry." I apologized.

"It isn't your fault. Who's the creep that tried to follow you?" He questioned, obviously changing the subject.

"Dino apparently knew him. His name is Angelo."

Even though Xanxus didn't say anything, I could feel what he was feeling. It was like the time he got hurt. This time it was anger. "Whatever you do, do not go anywhere with that man." I've never heard Xanxus' voice like that. It was strained and full of worry. "If he touches you in any way, you tell me and I'll kill the bastard." That was an order. I felt like if I were to disobey him, I'd be in trouble.

"O-okay."

"Go with Dino. Even though we're not there to protect you, he's the only option I have. He's the only one I can trust in Japan to take care of you."

"Okay."

"Give the phone back to Dino. I have a message for him."

I laughed quietly. "Don't be too harsh." I gave the phone to a confused Dino.

"Dino." Xanxus said. I could surprisingly still hear Xanxus. Dino paled considerably. "You better protect her with your life. If she's even touched by Angelo on your watch, I will be taking your head."

"I understand! I'll take care of her."

"Your life is counting on it." The call ended. Dino was still pale.

"Shall we?" He asked, giving me his arm. I grabbed it and walked beside Dino to a car. "I'm surprised you know Xanxus." Dino said, recovering from the promise Xanxus made.

"He was with Squalo. Their kanji was messed up and they'd have to pay a fortune to go to where they needed to be." I explained.

At the hotel, all of Dino's men were confused to see Shiori. She didn't bother looking around like anyone else would. If it was Tsuna, he'd be gawking at the men in suits. Dino gave his men a look. They needed to behave around her. "Why is she here?" One of them asked.

"We're protecting her." Dino said with his usual smile.

"Is someone after her?"

"Angelo." The entire room froze. Shiori noticed it immediately.

"Should we protect her until the threat is taken care of?" A man asked.

"That might be wise, but I'll have to see what Squalo wants." Dino turned to Shiori. "I have some clothes you can wear for tonight. You'll have to stay in my room with me just to be safe."

"That's okay." She responded with a smile.

"Are you better after Squalo told you?" She nodded happily. Dino then knew why Squalo liked Shiori so much. Her smile instantly relaxed Dino. It was like Nana in that sense. She was very selfless and wasn't scared of things people would be scared of.

"Go take a shower to relax. I'll have room service ordered." Dino encouraged. Shiori looked exhausted between Angelo and her parents.

"You don't need to do that. I can grab something from the convenience store." She said.

"No can do. Squalo's and Xanxus' orders are to keep you safe." Dino reminded her.

She pouted. "Fine. It won't be my fault if you go broke."

"Huh?"

"Did Squalo not tell you of my black hole stomach? I can eat twice of what he can. It's my most defining feature." Everyone in the room paled.

"How is that possible? You're so small."

"I did gymnastics and other things for years as a kid. As a result, I constantly need food." She explained.

"That's amazing." Dino said excitedly.

"I'll go run to the store and pick up some food." A man said before rushing out with two others. "We'll take care of you, Shiori. Don't worry, okay?" Dino said. "Okay."

Once Shiori went into the bathroom, Romario looked at his boss. "Sir?" He asked, wanting questions.

"Her mother is having an affair and it was found out today by her and her father. He told her not to go home." Dino explained the situation in a hush tone.

"I see. I'm surprised you convinced her to stay with you."

"It wasn't me. Xanxus did."

"What?" By now only Romario was the only one in the room.

"I've never heard Xanxus' voice like that. It was gentle." Dino was still trying to digest the tone Xanxus used with Shiori.

"Are you sure that was him?"

"I'm sure. He threatened me. If Shiori got touched by Angelo on my watch, he'd kill me. Squalo threatened the same, but Xanxus really terrified me."

"Do you think Nono is aware?" Romario asked.

"I'm not sure, but it seems like Shiori is close to the Varia." Dino said. A few minutes later, his men came back with three bags of food.

"This'll hopefully fill her up."

"Thank you. Just leave it on the table."

The three put the bags down and left to their own room. Shiori came out of the shower an hour later. Her eyes were red, probably from crying. Dino was never good at consoling girls. Reborn would always mention it whenever Dino had to deal with girls. Shiori looked worn out. She was wearing one of Dino's shirts and a pair of shorts she happened to have on her.

"Hungry?" She nodded. "It's all on the table." She looked through everything and put it all out on the table in a specific order. She then started eating. Dino put the television on to distract himself. Dino saw Shiori eat everything on the table. She let out a sigh and rubbed her stomach. "Are you still hungry?" Dino asked.

"I'm full." Her voice was still empty.

"I'm glad." She then took her homework out and finished it all in mere minutes. "Man, I wish I could've done that when I was your age. It took me hours to finish homework."

"I was unfortunately gifted with smarts." She seemed to not like her gift. Dino wasn't too sure why.

"That's not a bad thing." He responded.

"I went to the most prestigious cram school in the country, Dino. I was ostracized from a lot of people because of it."

"Really? If you were in such a prestigious school, why are you in Namimori then?"

"My parents wanted to move. I wish it didn't happen."

"If you didn't move, you wouldn't have met Squalo and all of them." Even mentioning the Varia didn't help Shiori. There was no reaction.

"If I didn't move, my family would still be the same. If only that family…" She cut herself off before talking any more. She was getting physically angry. She was shaking. Shiori felt true anger when it came to that family. It was strange to see that expression on her.

"What family?" Dino asked.

Shiori scoffed. "I didn't comply to the rules of the town that's run by a family with mental issues. Because of that, I'm somehow at war with them. They vowed to make my life hell. They pulled my application out of a cram school I wanted to go to and already tried to kidnap and possibly kill me multiple times."

Dino's eyes widened with shock. "What?"

She walked to the bed and landed on her stomach. She didn't even bother to cover herself. "I refuse to bow down and kiss their foot." Shiori sighed, almost as if releasing all her anger in one sigh. "That man…he's one of them. He was ordered to do this. I'm sure of it. It's my fault. I didn't know they'd stoop this low, but…" Dino waited for her to finish, but she didn't. A soft snore came from Shiori.

Dino tucked her into bed. He felt bad for her. He knew Shiori's parents would divorce. From the people that went through something similar, they all suffered some way. On top of this, Shiori was also being targeted by a family. It didn't make sense. Why would a family be after a single girl for breaking a few rules? Namimori didn't seem like a place full of rules. Dino's phone rang. He picked it up without looking at who called. "Hello?"

"Hello, Dino."

"Nono?" Dino was surprised. "Is everything alright? You don't usually call me."

"I wanted to check on Shiori." This surprised Dino.

"You know about her?"

Nono chuckled. "She hosted me and my guardians to a wonderful dinner of hotpot. Xanxus and Squalo were also there too."

"I see."

"It was delicious. I heard from Xanxus Angelo might be after her." Nono said, going straight to business.

"That's correct." Dino responded seriously.

"Why is she staying with you? Shouldn't you protect her house?" Nono asked curiously.

"That's why she's with me. Her family isn't doing too well. Her father told her not to go home so he and her mother could fight. At least, that's what I think is happening." Dino could still remember Shiori's father and how he looked. He couldn't imagine the feeling of being betrayed like that. It was the ultimate betrayal.

"An affair?"

"Yes, sir. That's what I believe."

"I see. That poor girl has the worst of luck." Nono's voice was strained and soft.

"She does?" Dino asked.

Nono made a noise of agreement. "She's very sensitive to flames. She was attacked by a flame user and was taken over by a horrible sickness."

"What? How did she get better?" Dino has heard about the symptoms of flame sensitivity. He's heard of someone that died from being too sensitive. A flame overdose sent the person's body into overdrive and instantly killed them from shock.

"It was Xanxus. He used his flame." Nono explained.

"Wouldn't he have hurt her with his flame?"

Dino looked at Shiori sleeping peacefully. "He can produce a soft flame, Dino. Thanks to Xanxus' flame in her body, she was able to save everyone's lives."

"How so?" Dino was curious. He looked at Shiori sleeping peacefully.

"We were in Osaka when we had dinner with Shiori. There was a meeting that turned bad. Xanxus ordered Squalo to stay with Shiori. Yet, she could tell Xanxus was injured. She pleaded Squalo to go. When he did, he killed the enemy before any of us were severely hurt or even killed."

"That's amazing. Wait. Does that mean Xanxus had to use his flame on Shiori before?"

"It certainly is amazing and yes, he has used it on her before. That's what I'm thinking. It's the only explanation why she could sense Xanxus was in trouble. Anyway, the three of us went back to check on Shiori. She was on the back porch eating cake and drinking tea as if nothing happened. She was scolded by both Squalo and Xanxus. She collapsed and Xanxus brought her to her bed. That's when I saw his flame. I would have helped her, but he wouldn't allow me to touch her."

Dino's heart melted. If Nono didn't say it was Xanxus, Dino wouldn't have known or even guessed who helped Shiori. "His flame is too weak to completely help her, so I did what Xanxus couldn't. Don't tell him that. He'll be very mad at me."

"I won't. Do you think she should be told about the mafia?" Dino questioned. "I think so, but I want it to come from Xanxus. She might not be able to trust the Varia, mostly Xanxus, if we told her."

"You sound happy." Dino said with a smile.

"I am. I was almost sure Xanxus wouldn't be kind to anyone, but he proved me wrong and I'm glad. Even if it's only Shiori he's like that to, I'll be content."

"You want her to know, don't you?" Dino said in regards to the mafia.

"I do, but I'm not sure how she'd take it. I told Xanxus that because of being around Shiori, he'll put a target on her back. She'll be taken and tortured by any enemy that wants to get back at him. I shouldn't have told him then."

"Why is that?" Dino asked, heating up food from the other night.

"He refused to look her in the eye. I'm sure he could see her in those situations. He's still extremely upset at it. It made her worry."

"Well, I think she'd be just fine. I haven't known her for long, but she's been around yakuza since she was a kid. Plus, there's a family in Namimori that's after her and have tried to kidnap and harm her."

Nono hummed in thought. "That's troublesome. I was planning on having a party where I'd invite her. Maybe I can use this as a way to keep her away from Namimori."

"I think that'd be nice."

"I'd have her stay with the Varia of course. They won't allow anyone else to take care of her."

"They really care about her." Dino looked over and couldn't help but smile. Despite the Varia being terrifying, they'll do anything to protect Shiori.

"Watch over her for me, alright, Dino?"

"You got it. Xanxus already threatened me."

Nono laughed. "I'm glad. It might be my old man delusions, but it'd be nice if they got married."

"M-married? Her and Xanxus?" Dino almost choked on his spit.

"Of course. If she's the only one Xanxus is like this too, it'll have to be official. She might be my only chance to get grandchildren." Dino couldn't believe what he was hearing. Xanxus and Shiori? He couldn't see it at all. He looked too mean. "I should tell Lussuria. He'll start planning." Nono said too happily.

"I don't think Xanxus would like that."

"It's Shiori. He's soft when it comes to her." It made sense with the way Xanxus treated her.

"I'll start planning while you enjoy the rest of your night. Make sure Shiori is safe. I'd hate my daughter to be hurt."

"I'll do my best." Dino ended the call.

He didn't just have the Varia after him if she got hurt. Nono would come after him. Dino ate his dinner and then went to bed. Shiori was still snoring. Hopefully, all her problems will pass. If Xanxus was here, would he be keeping her by his side? Dino thought so. The more he thought about it, the more he liked the idea of the two together.

By the next morning, Dino woke up and saw Shiori was still sleeping. Romario walked in with breakfast. "I see she's still sleeping." Romario said softly to not wake her up.

"She must have been exhausted. I talked to Nono last night."

"Why did he call? Did something come up?"

"He wanted to check on Shiori. Apparently, he sees Shiori as a daughter to him."

"Really?"

Dino looked back at Shiori. "Apparently, Nono think Shiori is the only chance he has to getting grandkids."

"With Xanxus?" Dino nodded. "Why would he want Shiori to marry that awful man?"

"He isn't awful. At least he isn't like that to Shiori. He speaks softly to her. I think he'd do anything for her."

"Are you sure?" Romario questioned.

"I'm sure. Nono saw it with his own eyes." They heard Shiori make a noise before waking up. She sat up and looked at the two. "Good morning, Shiori. Breakfast is here." Dino greeted.

"Morning." Her stomach roared. "I'm hungry."

"Shall I get more food?" Romario asked. Shiori nodded and crawled over and started eating.

"Did you sleep well?" Dino asked. She grunted and kept eating. He chuckled at her. Those grunts were like Xanxus when he didn't want to talk. Nono was getting into his head too much. Romario came back in with more food.

"I'll have your uniform waiting when you're done." "Thank you."