A/N: Unya! Thanks everyone for reviewing, although I don't know how to thank you guys! Saying that my fiction is fluffy makes me float in the sky! :)) I really never expected that. Hahaha! And because of that, I'm hyped! Here's the next installment! Hope you like it!

THE AMIABLE FLAME

© Danielle Luna Soulhart

April 2012

Second Flicker: Katana masters

A loud wailing woke G up, wondering what's going on. But his body won't let him get up because of the tremendous fatigue he felt from his short mission – a trip to the nearby city of Italy to investigate on the rumored killing of an innocent eight year old child. Ever since that happened, the whole famiglia can't help think why people would target children instead of normal people, adults to say. He was slightly injured, much to Hayato's horror, but everything else was fine. He sighed. How was he going to check things up if he's this tired? Sooner, the wails got louder, but due to its increased volume, he was able to discern its location – at the garden. Who would in their right minds will cry at 3:30 o'clock in the morning at the garden?

Having no choice, G forced himself to get up and peered into his window first. He can't risk another fight, can he? He'll die out of fatigue if that happened. Plus, it's freaking 3! And who in their right minds would dared attack Vongola at this hour? He sighed. As he looked outside, his eyes can't actually see what's down, basically it's still dark out there and, there were no light posts near the garden. 'I have to tell Giotto that…' he thought. Alas, his eyesight can't adjust, but the wailing kept there was something that crossed in a speed that made G's senses heightened.

But, as he was getting his robe to check the gardens, Asari suddenly barged in.

"Sumimasen, G-san," Asari said in a slightly panicked voice, "I was wondering if Takeshi came here?"

G raised an inquisitive eyebrow. Who was Takeshi? And why would in the name of Gaia a guy will come into his room at 3 in the morning? G sighed inwardly. "If you're quite aware of the time, Asari-san," G said, stressing the honorifics used by the Japanese to point his irritation, "It's almost 4 in the morning. I'm so fatigued that I wanted a good sleep. And it's certainly assuring that there would be no way a guy named Takeshi would come and barge into my room!"

Asari knew that of course. He's not that insensitive to not know the time and he, himself, should be sleeping in his own quarters as well. But, his anxiety was eating him up and the very person called Takeshi was the center of it. He casted his head low in shame and sadness was seen, "Ah. I'm sorry, G."

G immediately felt that pinch in his heart. Usually, he would see Asari in all smiles as if he was not a part of a mafia famiglia. He was really fit as Giotto's rain guardian because his calm and friendly demeanor washed away worries in the family, even with the likes of Daemon and Alaude. But for every element was an equivalent flaw, and that flaw was the rain cannot calm itself. G, despite of his strained muscles, walked towards Asari and gave him a pat in the shoulder, "I should be the one who's sorry. The fatigue's just rushing into my bones. But, who exactly is 'Takeshi'?"

Asari looked at him and replied, "My…brother…"

"EH? You're kidding, right?" Throughout his journey with Asari, G knew nothing of Asari's family. Well, the rain guardian was fond of talking about his family, but never did in a single chance he talked about his little brother. G held his temples as if he was having a headache, "You never told me about a little brother."

"That's because I'm not quite sure how I am going to tell on about him." Asari said, his fists clenching his yukata, "Takeshi is not my full-blood brother, but a half-brother."

"Oh." Was all G said.

"When I first saw Takeshi, he was really an aggressive child, probably because of his relationship with mom and his lousy father who left him into his mother's care. Mom was sickly and she could not properly attend to Takeshi's needs. But most of all, mother is always doting on me, and perhaps Takeshi took the notion that mother likes me more than he does."

"So, why is he here with you?"

"Mom passed away two years ago, worse; she died on the same date of Takeshi's birthday. He just turned two years old back then." Asari explained, "Plus, I can't let his father have him after knowing what kind of life he was taking. I cannot bring the thought of Takeshi growing up in an ill-mannered life. So, I took him and left him with my cousins back in my grandparents and waited for two more years before I take custody of him. I just arrived with him three days ago. But since I have a mission, I don't have any choice but to leave him here."

Before G could give his opinion, the wail came back in a heightened scale. Asari was quick to look at the window and unlike G, he was able to see the quick movements at the garden. G just peered behind him and again saw that fast-pacing thing and so, he pointed it out to Asari. "I know you have a good sight, Asari. If you can see that fast running thing, I think it's the one that causes immense trouble at the garden."

Asari nodded and without a word, he and G left.

…:[]:…

"C-c-cold…" Takeshi mumbled as he sniffed his sorrow away. He has been crying for almost two hours already. He was also tired of running from a beast that was chasing him and it scared him a lot. Moreover, it's so dark! He was crying so hard and ran fast that he didn't notice the shallow crevice located at the far side of the garden. It was going to be used to build a fountain. Thankfully, that crevice was covered, and until now, the beast hasn't found him yet.

"Hayaku…otou-san…tatsukete…" He mumbled, shivering from the extreme cold that the night brought him. He was not yet used to a foreign country, considering that he came just few days ago. He really doesn't want to leave his home country – Japan – but he has no other choice, or else, he'll be without a father.

Sooner, a rustle was heard and instantly, Takeshi curled himself further to protect himself. He doesn't know what to do. More rustles filled the air and horror struck him, the beast found him! And, it's a big cat! Takeshi screamed for life as the big cat tried to destroy the barrier surrounding the crevice. Takeshi tried his best to mold himself into the hole, hoping that the soil will eat him up and the cat will not be able to notice him anymore. But his wishes were in vain. The cat was able to destroy that metal fence and hoped into the crevice, and a scream filled the air.

Takeshi had never been this scared before.

Until, he heard exactly three slices echoing in space.

The black-haired kid opened his eyes slowly, in fear that the cat might still be there. But his eyes seemed to be deceiving him, or so that's what he thought. His father was there in front of him to save him. His precious father.

"To-to-TOU-SAN!" Takeshi shouted, quickly uncurling and running towards Asari despite the fatigue and the injuries he acquired. He once again cried but not of fear this time; it's because he was able to see his father again. "What…what took you so long?"

Asari rubbed the back of Takeshi to soothe him down, "Gomen ne, Takeshi-kun. I was away for work. I wasn't able to tell you immediately because I was called."

But Asari didn't receive a reply because Takeshi has fallen fast asleep. He smiled as he clutched the kid close to his heart, regretting for now properly assuring his safety and giving information to his famiglia. On the other hand, G was incredulously looking at Asari, confused to what the boy has spoken a while ago.

"Asari," G called, "Didn't you just say Takeshi is your little brother?" Then he pointed sharply towards the sleeping kid, his facing drawing an outraged expression, "BUT WHY DID HE CALL YOU FATHER?"

Asari laughed sheepishly, "Well, that's a part of the story that I left." He said. But when he saw G seething and his teeth clashing against each other, he continued, "Ano sa, please don't think of anything misunderstanding, G. Even though we have an age gap of nine years, Takeshi is still my little brother. He probably calls me father because I took care of him since then."

"Well, you should makes things clear for the boy already or else, he'll really call you father."

"I'm working on it, G."

A swift pause came before G gave in to a yawn. "I guess we should return inside. My legs are about to give out on me."

Asari laughed sadly, "I'm sorry G."

"Tch. Just this time, this time." Then he started walking away, with occasionally wincing in pain.

…:[]:…

Giotto was beyond surprised. He was currently sitting at the presidential chair waiting for his breakfast to arrive and as he waited, he observed everything from left to right. For every breakfast, it's always hard to get everyone ready for morning, especially eating together as what Giotto wanted. It was a trait he learned that strengthened bonds within a family, even though they were not a family by blood. He believed that once they ate together, tensions will be lessened and they will be able to understand each other more. But, no matter what he does, the dining table was always vacant with one, two or three seats. And he gave up on the thought that he will be able to eat peacefully with his guardians.

He guessed he gave up too early.

Right now, his guardians were seated in front of him, and they were ahead of him by 15 minutes. When he got down, he was surprised to see his guardians complete at the table, munching away their hunger and occasionally talking about their missions. Even the fearsome Alaude was there! Giotto looked sideward discreetly. Looks like the world was going to end soon.

Suddenly, the subject of his thoughts looked to him and talked to him. "Giotto, where's Tsuna?"

Giotto gasped. Why would in the world Alaude ask for Tsuna! Truly, the world was going to end! "U-uh…he's still sleeping."

"Ah, I see." Alaude said then took a sip of his coffee. "I was expecting you'll be with Tsunayoshi today."

"Huh? And why is that?"

"Isn't today your schedule to go to the doctor?"

Giotto was creasing his eyebrows. Even though the plate has been laid in front of him already, he can't start eating because he was curious of Alaude's sudden inquiries. "And why would I do that?"

"Are you an idiot, Giotto?" Alaude was getting impatient now, "Do you even know what you're asking?"

"I could ask the same to you. There's no way I could bring Tsuna to the doctor because the doctor himself is going here. SO, why bother?"

All heads now turned to Alaude, and being indifferent he was, Alaude made no comment, remained a passive face and drank his coffee. But behind that mug was the slightest tinge of red of embarrassment he caused himself. He didn't even see that one coming. Everyone was holding their breaths down for a possible laughter, but of course, who would want to be arrested for laughing and spend 48 years in jail, right?

Oh well…

Giotto seemed to be oblivious of the others' struggle and began eating; apparently he was already immune of Alaude's indifferent attitude. Nevertheless, he always saw Alaude as a reliable and independent member of the Vongola, and it was a great advantage for them to have an independent member. Yes, it has its flaws like Alaude can desert them in time of strife, but because of his undying trust towards his comrade, he just let the will of time carry on.

Maybe, he thought, Alaude has other plans why he asked that question.

Unknowingly enough, yes Alaude does.

Ever since in the start, it was in Alaude's intentions to check on the baby. But because Giotto was watching him 24/7 (more than his responsibility as the Vongola don), he can't execute his plans. If ever Giotto will take Tsunayoshi (as he preferred calling the young adoptee) to the doctor, he can immediately call his family's doctor at the hospital and he'd recommend him to Giotto. It's one way to examine the baby thoroughly without having him being linked. But since it failed, he has no choice but to wait, again.

There was about 5 second of silence between them and G was the one to break it. Upon finishing his plate, G wiped his mouth and faced Asari who was a little diagonally aligned to his position. Staring at him a little bit made Asari look at him and the message that was held within G's eyes meant a thing. Asari stiffened then slumping into his chair, making Giotto notice. But because his butler came and handed him the phone, he wasn't able to ask. So, G made the move.

"Asari, where's Takeshi? Is he still sleeping?"

All could Asari do was to look at twelve pairs of eyes gaping shock at him, including Giotto who seemed to stop talking to the caller.

…:[]:…

When Takeshi woke up, he noticed that his father was not beside him. He wanted to scream, but he resolved that crying won't do him anything good. He doesn't want to be a burden to his father anymore. He wanted to stay by his side and help him in any way he could. He looked around the room and it was scary to be left alone in such humongous room for a four-year old like him. But, even though he's still not used into the surroundings, he tried his best to shrug them away. With that, he left the bed and went out of the room.

He let his big, black eyes wander around, amusing himself in glancing at those big paintings hanged in the mahogany walls. Having a good sight, he was able to determine which was original and which was only reproduced. He kept himself busy looking at those wonderful pieces until he heard a wail coming from the adjacent room. Curious, he cautiously looked sideways before peering into the room.

There, he saw a big, cream, rounded crib with a white satin canopy. It was filled with a thick mattress and fluffy pillows that protected the baby, at the same time felt comfortable. Takeshi went inside to look more and saw a baby crying, with his cheeks red and hands folded close to his chest. He closed into the crib, took a stool nearby and sat, watching the baby as he cried. But, he can't determine what the baby needed: was he hungry, or hurt, or needing for diaper change? How can a four year old know? For some reason, Takeshi felt that he needed to protect this baby, unlike the way he felt when he was in his previous family. He knew that his current father took him because of what happened, and he was grateful to him. He always saw Asari as a great man, and he will follow him to the ends of the earth. But most of all, he's his father, right?

Instinctively, he lent out a hand towards the crying baby, bringing it close to those tightly fisted hands and massaging it gently, hoping for the baby to calm down. He rubbed those chubby, little fingers with his index finger and hummed a random rhythm. He continued doing that for almost ten minutes until the sobs of the child lessened, with occasional hiccups due to excessive crying.

Then, something made Takeshi so shocked.

The baby must have felt his concern and his tiny hands wrapped the hand of Takeshi. This made him blush a hundredfold, extremely not expecting this to happen. The baby's grip was strong, and every time he was attempting to pull, the baby would just pull back with double force. And Takeshi couldn't just pull harder or he'll break the baby's hands! He covered his face with his free hand, totally embarrassed and unsure of what to do next. He was beginning to worry about Asari if his father will come back to the room and find it empty.

'Tou-san will panic…' he thought.

But at the same time, he cannot take a thought of leaving the baby after feeling so accepted. It seemed like the baby just wanted someone to notice him, he thought, and it reflected back at him as well.

Suddenly, there was a loud bang that occurred. Instantly, Takeshi turned his head to see who's around.

Apparently, it's no other than the father of the child, Giotto.

Giotto was beyond shock, first at having his intuition telling him about Tsuna and secondly the mere presence of this boy in front of him. He was not cautious of him, but he was having zero information as to where this child came from. From the look of the kid, he seemed to be struggling in his sit, and Giotto noticed that he was tugging at his hand, but cannot do so. He took steps closer and saw that Tsuna's hands were holding the kid's hand. He inwardly smiled. So, Tsuna has made another friend. Slowly but surely, Giotto walked towards the black-haired kid and kneeled in front of him, surprising the child.

"Hey there," Giotto started as he smiled, "I'm Giotto and I am the head of this family. May I know your name?" He said this in full course Italian.

But Takeshi could not comprehend what he was talking about? He started to feel bad about not understanding the older man and feared that he might get a spank once he did not answer. But he assumed too much. He saw Giotto laugh sheepishly. His teary-looking eyes gaped at the Vongola don.

"Wari wari," Giotto said, completely turning his language into Japanese. It's a good thing he looked closely to the child's facial features or else he would not have realized he's an Asian, moreover a Japanese. "I thought you're Italian like me." Seeing there's no reaction from the kid, Giotto took this opportunity to know him, "I'm Giotto. I'm the head of this family. Onamae wa nan desuka?"

Takeshi seemed to light up because someone actually talked the same language as he does (apart from Asari of course). When he first arrived in Italy, he got scared of the people around him simply because of the language barrier. He can't determine if the person was good or bad. He sometimes relies on words to be able to judge people. But of course, he's a kid. What more can you expect? With a small but heart-warming smile, he replied, "I-I am Takeshi…Yamamoto Takeshi desu."

Giotto gave out a warm chuckle, "Haha! Such a polite person. I just know someone who's like you."

"Who is it, Giotto-san?"

"Asari." Giotto said. "Asari Ugetsu. He's a very close friend of mine."

"A-ah! He's my father!" Takeshi bravely and proudly announced.

"Oh? So I have been told." Then as if on cue, Asari popped into the room.

"Takeshi!" Asari called, rushing to Takeshi's side and hugged him, "Are you alright?"

"Mou, don't hug too much or you'll pull my arm." Takeshi said, pouting.

Asari blinked his eyes, looking at Takeshi's serious pouting expression. Without asking (and not even excusing himself to Giotto, who was just smiling all the way) he followed the length of his brother's arm and saw that it was being held by baby Tsuna. But even before Asari could ask, Takeshi already explained himself.

"When I woke up, I noticed that you're not around. So I decided to look for you. But I was scared and somehow got lost, and at the same time happy because I saw those wonderful drawings on the wall." Giotto had to hold back a snort at Takeshi's little wording for painting. It's just adorable. "Then, I heard a cry from this room so I went in and saw this baby. When I touched him, he doesn't let me go already" Takeshi finished.

"That's because Tsuna wants to be friends with you." Giotto said, smiling at Asari who in turn got the message.

Asari let go of Takeshi and turned to the calmed Tsuna, stroking the baby's head gently. "This is little Tsunayoshi, Takeshi. He is the adorable child of Giotto here." Then he pointed the Primo. "Isn't Tsuna adorable?"

Takeshi actually blushed. He looked at Tsuna who was currently back asleep while clutching Takeshi's hand. He can't deny the fact that Tsuna was really cute. "U-un! He's cute. But, is it really true he wanted to make friends?"

Giotto nodded, "Of course. As you know, babies cannot talk and they can only express their feelings through touch or their cries. So, when he touches your hand, it means that he wants you by his side."

'Since when Giotto became so fatherly?' Asari thought behind his smile. He was not really expecting this personality change in Giotto. 'Must have been Tsuna's doing.' Then he nodded to himself, agreeing all the way to his thought, 'There's no mistaking it.'

"But, how should I eat when Tsuna is holding my hand?" Takeshi asked and the grumble in his stomach proved it.

Giotto laughed, "Oh yeah, you haven't eaten breakfast yet. I'll get one for you." Then he walked away.

Asari and Takeshi watched the silly don walk away and later looking at each other before chuckling. However, in Asari's case, this was the first time he has heard Takeshi laugh. 'Well, I don't want to foil his dreams of having a dad, but I simply can't be a dad to him.' He thought. With that, he held Takeshi's shoulder and talked to him sincerely.

"Takeshi, I want to tell you that I am happy because you're here. But I want to tell you something."

Takeshi's eyes blinked and like a good child he was, he nodded and listened to his 'father'.

"Takeshi, I'm not you dad. I'm your half-brother."

"I know that." Takeshi said calmly, looking at Asari's eyes directly. Even though he was a kid, he knew very well his relationship with Asari. In fact, Asari was the one the he really looked up to. "I know that you're my brother, but the way you project towards me is so fatherly. Dad never showed me anything like that. Mom has been always seeing you as the best. I told myself I wished I was like big brother. But it didn't happen. Then everything is destroyed. You're the only one that helped me. And so, I can't help calling you father."

Asari was truly touched by those words, but he can't exactly accept being daddy as of now. Plus, it's not really appropriate. He smiled at Takeshi more, and said, "Well, I can be both father and brother to you, but would it be more fun if closed in our distance? It's more appropriate to call me onii-san."

Takeshi pondered on that, and then looked at Tsuna. Having an older brother instead of a father seemed not to be a bad idea. Perhaps Tsuna was the very reason why he wanted to become an older brother himself. He can play with and protect Tsuna at the same time without having too much gap, and he thought that it was the message that his nii-chan Asari wanted to tell him. And so, looking at Asari, he beamed a very bright smile and nodded. "Okay! You're my nii-chan now!"

And Asari was delighted.

Giotto was behind the frame of his room's door, watching the duo with contentment. He knew Asari's attitude and his stubbornness emerged at times of dire situations. He knew Asari was never a warfreak person. He knew the man loved peace. And the moment he's fighting, he knew that Asari was keeping everything inside. Asari was suffering from emotional distress, and his silent pride told him about his stubborn approach of not telling or showing his feelings especially to his close friends because he doesn't want to involve them in his own problems, which Giotto thought was more problematic. But now that Takeshi was around, plus that amazing charm Tsuna possessed, he was satisfied and calmed that Asari will begin to show his true feelings and capabilities.

In the end, the trio ended up eating together in the bedroom as they watched Tsuna.

Oblivious, Tsuna's face drew out a smile, satisfied of what he has done. Plus, he gained a new friend!

A/N: Hallo again! I bet you're going to ask me later about the snippets. Hahaha. I intentionally did not include any snippets here because I'm trying to convey Takeshi's feelings. On the first chapter, it was focused on Tsuna's relationship towards other people, that's why there're snippets of thoughts included. Don't worry, as long as Tsuna is still a baby, I'll include snippets. Another, you might find Asari's and Takeshi's relationship misleading, and the truth about it is they're really half-brothers. If you're paying attention to the explanation, you'll know. I hope you like this chapter. The next character shall be a surprise. :) Sorry for the delay again!

PS: Do you think I need a beta? Is my grammar okay? :O