A/N: Oh my! Thank you guys for all the reviews! As an authoress, the readers' comments are considered as the most valuable prize received because from there, the author can evolve. :) So dramatic. :P Anyway, most of you didn't get the right answer. It's just simple. But I would still leave the quiz open. And hinting you guys, it's not found on KHR. :P By the way, I want to pardon myself for using excessive rabbit appearance. XD I assure you no rabbits are harmed. Hahaha.

Okay, on with the story. All disclaimers are enclosed in the first chapter. :)

Edited 5/5: OH GOODNESS! I'm so sorry for the delay! And it's freaking TWO WEEKS already! +_+ I was not at home because my brothers and I went to the province. I forgot to bring my own copy… :((( I'm so sorry!

Edited 5/6: To Chu-chan (apparently your penname doesn't want to be saved...:((()– thanks for the review! It's just sad you can't log in, and it happens to me sometimes. =_= Oh! I haven't reviewed to your story yet. I'll do that later. :D

THE AMIABLE FLAME

© Danielle Luna Soulhart

April 2012

FOURTH FLICKER: Source of Happiness and Worry

Giotto sighed. He never thought that he would be this tired, not even when he was working on his paperwork. He realized that there were so much difference in doing the (damned) paperwork and being a father to Tsuna, especially now that he has to double his eyesight in order for his child not to wander around. Being a father at an early age of 22 was not a very easy task. Giotto must altogether put his responsibilities to himself, to his family, to his territory and now to his son without fail and biases. He was proud that he was a multi-tasking person, a man with words, and a caring boss. However, these all seemed to crumble down on him. For that, he sighed again.

Tsuna was nearing his third birthday, and the more the baby grew, the more he became adventurous. He has to feel sorry for Hayato and Takeshi for being grounded by Asari and G because of what happened to Tsuna because it was his fault that he didn't tell them that Tsuna tended to make adventures of his own. Nevertheless, his two guardians seemed not to budge and insisted grounding the two older boys, reasoning out that it was their responsibility to watch the little one. He sighed once again at that memory. It seemed that Asari and G were more protective than him. He suddenly remembered the time Tsuna had his first troublesome journey that almost led him to heart attack.

~~FLASHBACK~~

Tsuna was already one year old when Giotto discovered his son's personality. He found out that Tsuna could be really shy around people, especially when the baby felt not too comfortable around the stranger's grasp. It has always been a mystery to them why the baby did not feel danger around them, and the memory of Tsuna being in danger still made the Vongola boss suffer in thought. It's also a mystery to them that they were attracted to Tsuna, not just because he was cute and he was Giotto's splitting image, but there was something more unexplainable, something that kept him and the other guardians tied around at his little finger (even for Daemon, Lampo and Alaude, although only different in methods). It's was not Tsuna that was attracted to them, it was them who were attracted to the young one. Nevertheless, he was happy because Tsuna was more attached to him than the others. But it seemed that would change in the later years because G took in his little cousin, Hayato.

Another personality he found was Tsuna only cried whenever he's hungry, he's dirty and he's bored. Apart from all, he never complained and he just happily bounced around in the mattress that was laid out for him. He never cried whenever he was left behind, but he noticed they were gone for a long time, he would cry. There was even a time that Alaude was the only one in the house, particularly because Giotto was specifically sought by another family for a confidential conversation, the other guardians were in missions, and Lampo was away because he has classes on weekends. Since Alaude has nothing to do in his own office (away from Vongola of course), he was forced to stay in the mansion and BABYSIT. Pardon, but he was actually pissed about it. Tsuna was in Alaude's room, lying on his stomach on the cloud guardian's bed. Of course, it's natural for a baby to be curious so he watched Alaude's work intently. It seemed that the skylark noticed it and without a word, he left. It has been 30 minutes since Alaude left and Tsuna started crying already. Persistent on having Alaude back, he ventured going down on the floor by himself, and a thud resonated all over the house. With that, Alaude immediately went back and saw Tsuna lying on the floor on his back and crying so hard. He knew it was not in his style to panic (and good thing everyone was out) but he can't help it. Immediately, he picked Tsuna and cradled (even if he's unsure) the youngster in his arms. With a surprise, Tsuna immediately calmed down. Alaude's heart, in his opinion, fluttered a little.

But the most extreme personality that Giotto found was that Tsuna's adventurous curiosity. Well, he thought it's because he's still a child and it's natural for him to be curious. But Tsuna's curiosity was way beyond any child's curiosity. At a single rustle or movement, his attention will immediately be diverted. He can easily pick up sounds. And his determination to know was something so extreme. What led him to utmost shock was the fact Tsuna managed to circulate the whole house without getting noticed by the maids, butlers and the staff. It always has a mind-boggling thought for the Primo and almost impossible to happen. The knees of the babies were not still fully developed and so it have the tendencies of giving out once the baby felt tired already. But no, it was different in Tsuna's case. When he found Tsuna, the baby was playing with the birds in the garden, and much to his horror, the birds were even swarming over him. Some pecked Tsuna's head, and some flutter their wings on Tsuna. The baby, on the other hand, just kept on laughing and even trying to catch the bird. At that time, Tsuna got so dirty, with small cuts and bruises all over. But it didn't stay for long.

He just wondered how things will go once Tsuna grew more. He sighed.

~~END OF FLASHBACK~~

Right now, Tsuna was on his way towards the door. Giotto can't help but chuckle because he found it adorable. At a young age, his son showed extreme adventurousness and his curiosity level was increasing fast. He just really hoped that once Tsuna can walk by himself, he won't be this adventurous to get any injuries.

Tsuna, on the other hand, reached the door and held it with his two curious hands. His little mind was always wondering what lay ahead beyond this door (even though he has ventured out all by himself several times), especially going out of the room without the help of others. His eyes blinked as he slid his hands continuously on the smooth surface of the door and looked at his daddy who was staring at him in return. His head fell a little sideways, innocently thinking why his father was looking at him. Then, when he saw him smile, that made his feelings a lot lighter. He crawled back to his father's desk and stretched out his arm, making Giotto look at him at the other side of the table. Tsuna pouted. He can't reach his daddy. He was sitting in front of the desk and wiggled his arms up once more, but his daddy won't reach out for him. Then, he heard words:

"Come and get me, Tsuna," said Giotto in his lovingly tone of voice.

As if understanding it very well, Tsuna built his courage (with matching creasing eyebrows) and gathered his knees, slowly pushing up until he was able to stand on his own. Giotto's face was flushing in excitement at seeing his son learn on his own on how to stand. He can't fully explain the feeling, but all he knew was this was the feeling of every father watching their sons grow. He picked up Tsuna as a reward.

Just then, the door opened and G went inside with a deep frown on his face. It made Giotto worried along with his intuition telling him that something was wrong. Tsuna, on the other hand, was not bothered at all, but he was reaching for G to pick him up. Without hesitation, the storm guardian took him from Giotto's arms – who eagerly complied – and said,

"Don't worry about Tsuna, just go ahead and check things out at the lobby."

With all strengths gathered, Giotto left his office.

Tsuna tugged G's hair in curiosity, making G look at him and lightly pinch the bridge of Tsuna's nose as he smiled. No one would ever see him like this. Never. "Your daddy's going back soon." G said, "For the meantime, let's visit Hayato and Takeshi, hm?"

Tsuna just latched his arms around G's neck and nuzzled it, much to G's surprise. The kid never ceased to surprise me…every day, he thought.

…:[]:…

"Oh my God…" Giotto muttered. He couldn't believe what he was seeing.

On the ground were two kids – probably twins and of 7 years in age – both bloodied and wearing torn clothes. Both children have a slice on their right eye. It was indeed a gory sight. Giotto forced himself to kneel and check on the kids and was grateful to see them still breathing. But, what bothered him most was the fact Daemon was showing his most unguarded expression – worry and sadness.

"What's wrong, Daemon?" Giotto carefully asked.

Daemon fisted the floor, restraining his self from tremendous anger. He answered Giotto without even bothering looking up, "I picked these kids on the streets. I saw them being beaten by one of the gangsters which we have dismantled three months ago…"

Giotto gasped. That's too horrible. But, he knew there's something more beneath those raging eyes Daemon sported. He did not react instead let Daemon let out his angry feelings.

"They are so heartless. To think that they involve innocent women and children in this feud…" Then he faced Giotto with cold, deadly eyes, "Giotto! I told you that we should stop this charade of a mafia idea of yours! We should be feared! We should be the one leading them! We should be annihilating those who oppose us! Why can't you understand!"

"Daemon," Giotto calmly started. This was not the right time to get mad, especially that he wanted to get something out of Daemon's frustrated actions. "If we do what you say, won't we be any different to the other gangsters we have destroyed? We'll be involving women and children here, and it could be worse. We're already this famous. Isn't enough for you yet?"

"NO!" Daemon countered, unnoticing the slight twitching from the finger of the boy beneath him, "It's not enough! If we are feared, then no one will come against us!"

"How sure are you? Don't you think becoming like that will save us? Did you ever think you have your own nephews around to start with?"

"First of all, Giotto, they are not of any association to me! Especially that brat of yours Tsunayo-," He was abruptly stopped talking when Giotto punched him square in the face. His eyes went wide, not expecting that the usually calm Giotto who always wanted to resolve things through diplomacy will end throwing a powerful punch. Looks like he stepped into a landmine.

"First of all, Daemon," Giotto repeated with emphasis, his tone darker than usual, "Tsuna is not a brat. I want to make you remind that you saved him too. I know you're upset, but don't bring any of your childish behavior into this house and involving our kids here."

"Why, Giotto? Have you gotten soft? That Tsunayoshi brought you down further! Look at us now!"

"You're wrong. You're just clouded by your hatred because of some reason. Tsuna changed our lives. And so do the other kids."

"You know nothing, Giotto…"

"Try me."

Daemon saw that stubborn and determined look from his boss. It was the same eyes he saw and fell in love the first time he saw Giotto on the abandoned garden near his estate. It was the same eyes that made him follow Giotto, and hoped of becoming the strongest – including the Vongola famiglia itself – among others. But, this was the first time he saw such ferocity in those pools, making him drown in his own words and unconsciously abiding by Giotto's words.

It must have been his charisma and strong sense of leadership. Close enough.

"Give me time to think first, Giotto." Daemon looked away, his bangs covering every emotion his face was drawing. He was somehow thankful that Giotto's serious look at him made him feel assured. But, he needed time. "I…I just want to be alone with these kids first. I'll tell you when they're healed."

"Okay. I'll be waiting. Knuckle is in his room, by the way." Giotto was about to leave when he heard, even its faintest sound, droplets of tears splashing on the ground. He turned back and said, "I'm sorry too, Daemon." Then he left.

Hearing those words made Daemon's tears continuously flow towards the bodies of the twins. Even though he felt enraged from what happened, he can't help but to feel conflicted. It's not as if these two kids don't have any connection to him. And he was highly denying that fact. He was really denying it. All he did was to mention their names like a mantra, hoping that everything will be fine, and whatever he saw will be just a fragment of his nightmare.

"Mukuro…Chrome…" he muttered.

…:[]:…

G was bored. He should have not volunteered babysitting three children. On top of that, he was still disappointed at Hayato for being so stupid and letting his emotions overcrowd him because of jealousy towards Takeshi. But he has no other choice, and definitely he doesn't want to deal with Daemon in any particular matter. It would always end in the worst possible situations. And he has to admit, it's always Asari who would save him from those nasty illusions, thanks to the rain element. He looked down at the boys and it seemed Hayato was the only one who does not participate in the playing circle Takeshi and Tsuna has created. Well, he was in the circle, but he was doing nothing, and he kept looking at Tsuna with saddened eyes. 'What a kid,' he thought, 'It's too early for him to get all worked up for this. At least, he's repenting, hm?'

He stood from his chair and went beside Hayato, who looked at him with the same eyes he projected at Tsuna. G was never good with encouraging words or loving words like Giotto, but at least he could try showing that he cared for Hayato. He placed his hand on top of Hayato's head, much to the kid's surprise. He was just rewarded with wide and confused eyes.

"What's wrong, big brother?" Hayato asked.

"I should be asking you that." G replied. He lightly ruffled Hayato's head in hope of telling him the problem; instead, he was just given a slow shake of head in disagreement. He sighed. "Why aren't you playing with them?"

Before Hayato could answer, Takeshi butt in. "I already told him to play with us, but he kept on giving me those scary eyes."

Hayato did not answer and further buried his chin to his knees.

"Is there something wrong?" G pried on.

"Well…" Hayato mumbled, "There…is nothing wrong…"

"Then, why are you not playing with them?"

"Because…I'm not allowed to play with little Tsuna…"

G blinked his eyes in confusion. Why would he be forbidden to play with Tsuna? The only thing that was not allowed was to take Tsuna outside the house for a while because of what happened, and them being grounded. But that doesn't mean that they were forbidden to play with the baby.

Then it hit him.

He remembered scolding Hayato when he found Knuckle carrying a dirty Tsuna and told him the story. And he apparently said that Hayato was not allowed to play to Tsuna. With that, G groaned. He was really a failure at this field. Sometimes he was wondering how Giotto managed with Tsuna, and it was a wonder that Tsuna was not throwing any baby tantrums. He sighed once again.

"Look, Hayato," G said calmly and rather (unlikely) in a loving way, "I am sorry that I said that, but I hope you understand that Tsuna is just two years old. And you are like an older brother to him." G explained, but he did not notice that Tsuna was already listening to them. It seemed that the baby was getting accustomed in hearing his name, therefore understanding that it was his name. Takeshi was listening as well too. "Of course, I would be angry. But it doesn't mean that you can't play with him."

As if on cue, Tsuna crawled towards Hayato and practically slump his body towards Hayato's lap, bringing the silver haired kid to surprise. In fact, the action surprised G as well. Tsuna was giggling and hugging Hayato by the waist, and it made the older to blush.

G snickered. It was too fun and cute to watch. "See what I mean? Tsuna wanted to play with you."

With that, Hayato smiled widely and hugged Tsuna, making the two-year old giggle like no tomorrow and bringing Takeshi in as well. G was satisfied. It looked like he has done something right this time. "So, I take it I can leave Tsuna with you?"

"Yes!" Hayato and Takeshi responded simultaneously. Breathing in his relief, G finally left.

…:[]:…

"They're two kids with an exceptional body build," Knuckle commented, "These kids will heal in no time."

Knuckle was explaining to Daemon the twin's condition for almost thirty minutes, but it seemed the mist guardian's mind was wandering somewhere else. He wondered himself the relationship between him and the children, regarding the emotions Daemon showed. Then, all of a sudden, Daemon looked back at him.

"Is there any orphanage near us?" the mist guardian asked. His eyes became blank from anger.

"Why?" Knuckle asked carefully, "You're going to give them to the orphanage?"

"I don't have anything to do with them, anyway." Daemon answered indirectly. In truth, he doesn't really want to involve himself with them, especially the boy. He can't afford seeing them every day. "I want them out as soon as possible."

"Why? You seem so afraid, Daemon."

"It's none of your business."

"But it is." Asari said, appearing just right in the doorway, his arms tucked inside his yukata. "I heard everything from G." At that remark, he heard Daemon hissed in annoyance, clearly not wanting anyone to know, but he dismissed it. "And I think, those kids have something in connection with you, right?"

"What do you want, Asari?" Daemon gritted, "Don't bother other people's lives, will you?"

"Even if I tell you I know their origins?"

Daemon was instantly in shock. How did Asari know? The look on Asari's face made him convinced that the rain guardian was not lying. "H-how…could you…?"

"The mother of these children was Miss Elena, right? I have met her a lot of times in the school that I have been investigating before. She has been telling me stories about you, but I never intended to tell you because I know you wouldn't like it. And she also told me that she was pregnant with your children."

"That's only a one night stand!" Daemon exclaimed, "She seduced me and left me after! Everything was just a one night stand!"

"You know the real truth behind those, Daemon." Asari smiled sadly. He perfectly knew that the Daemon was only concealing his love for Elena, because he doesn't want her to have a bad reputation at school and be the headlines of the news within his family. He came from an aristocratic family, for Pete's sakes. And although Elena came from a well-off family, it doesn't still remove the fact that he's a prince, and his parents would love to shove a princess' face into his ass than to let him choose whom he wanted to get married. But what, Asari doesn't understand the world of monarchs, because he himself only came from a middle-class family. He sighed, "Before I leave, Giotto said that the twins should remain in the estate until their safety is ensured. We still do not know who was trying to annihilate children and their reason for doing it. So please, keep your emotions at bay." Then he left.

Daemon was left with the unconscious twins and Knuckle, wearing a struggling expression that even he cannot determine. Okay. Fine. He was the father of these children. Elena told him. But it doesn't matter if she would go away without even telling right? And the next he found her, she was eloping with some random guy in the park. He shivered at that memory. How could the only girl he loved betray him? He's a prince! But, no matter what he does, he can't deny the fact that he still loved Elena.

It will not bring her back to life anymore.

She's gone, and she left him with two, beaten seven-year olds. How can he be a father to them? He doesn't know! And he has a mafia association to run, to make it powerful, to make it known! He could not just exchange that some girl who broke his heart from attaining his ultimate goal – making Vongola the strongest mafia famiglia in the world.

But still, he was conflicted.

He doesn't understand why he was feeling like this. Why? Why? Daemon could question it all and send everything to his illusionary space.

Knuckle just watched, occasionally glancing at the twins then back at the mist guardian. This was actually the first time that he saw Daemon so troubled. On top of that, he could be rivaled with Alaude for being antisocial in the famiglia (though, lesser). Even though Daemon does not show his tears, he knew the heaviness of his eyelids wouldn't last.

He knew because he, himself, has his own heavy eyelids to protect. Above all, it was more of a secret than in Daemon's case.

At least, Daemon was a prince, not a priest.

Slowly, he placed his hand on Daemon's sagged shoulder, effectively bringing the other to look at the sun priest with both expressions of pleading for help and the anger saying 'mind your own business'. But, he didn't say anything. At that touch, he felt his eyelids were going to give in to the weakness, but he can't afford to do that right now. He needed to be strong for himself. To accept what was done; to get away from all these nonsense. Especially to keep himself away from these children.

"Knuckle," Daemon started, pushing away the hand lightly. Knuckle, on the other hand, seemed not bothered by it and just listened, "I don't know what Giotto's plan is; he might have known about this too, anyway. But, I'm going to ask you a first and last favor."

Knuckle was taken aback, "What is it?" he asked, keeping his composure intact.

"I want you to not utter a single word about me being their father. I don't want to do anything with them."

"But why? You're not sure that these kids doesn't know you're their father."

"Deny it! Tell them lies! I don't know!" Daemon said frustratingly. He knew that, of course. Elena would have told the kids about him, especially the times they've shared (if there's any). "Just…just please don't let them near me, or I don't know what I'll do." Then he hastily left the infirmary.

Knuckle wasn't able to respond and looked at the peaceful faces of the twins. He felt bad about them, but he can't break a promise too. But he's a priest and he should promote a happy family lifestyle. Knuckle groaned. It was his turn to be frustrated.

In the first place, why did he ever become a father himself?

…:[]:…

Giotto was on the brink of shoving himself into his desk at the same time cocooning his self in the curtain. The wind was strong enough to penetrate at the windows ajar behind him, making the silky curtain flow towards him and lightly disturb the order of the papers he did last night. But, it was not the issue. It was that G and Asari was sitting in front of him with a grim facial expression as they listened to Alaude who just got home and reported about the incident. Trust the cloud guardian to easily investigate and report on details. After that, Giotto buried his cheek on his right palm and closed his eyes, calming himself from the pending headache that was about to rush in. And it seemed not to work.

"So, you're telling me that Daemon and this Elena had an affair." Giotto stated as-a-matter-of-factly.

"Yes," Alaude replied, "They had a two year secret relationship basically Daemon wanted to get away from the arranged marriages his family was setting for him. And one day, they eloped. From what I have gathered, it seemed that Elena left Daemon without a word of being pregnant because she was threatened by his family."

"Does Daemon know about this?"

"I'm afraid not."

Giotto further indulged himself in thoughts. If Daemon doesn't know anything about his family's wrongdoings, and he has the notion of Elena leaving him for some man, then it was a complete misunderstanding. Worse, the life and emotional stability of the twins were at stake, and he can't simply allow that. At the same time, it's impossible for him to persuade Daemon to accept them readily. It was a complicated situation between an aristocratic family and a middle class. Sure, he understood, but the Primo will never comprehend the drawn line between the two classes. Basically, he was an orphan and he lived with G's family to survive.

"Honestly, I don't know this will turn." Giotto confessed, "As much as I want to tell Daemon about it, I want him to realize himself the misunderstanding."

"So, we're going to keep this information to ourselves?" G asked.

"It's the best thing for now. I know he may get mad in the future, but if he doesn't realize everything by himself, then he would not be able to see the importance of his children."

With that, Alaude exited the office without a word. Asari and G remained silent as they watched Giotto turn his chair, facing the window. The cool wind touched their faces, but it also brought them the cold thought of the future this mansion held. There were a lot of mysteries, and Tsuna was not an exception to it.

…:[]:…

Three high-pitched laughs echoed in the play room that made Ryohei stop sweeping the floor. Ever since he entered the mansion, he was introduced by his father as a young charge from his cousin. In short, nephew. As much as it hurt him as a child, he has to accept that his father doesn't want that. Ryohei was a good kid and he'll do anything for his family to make them happy. If calling Knuckle 'uncle' will suffice, then he will undoubtedly do it whole-heartedly. After all, he's the only family he has.

He peeked into the room and saw the three younger boys playing happily: Takeshi was holding a robot attacking Hayato's and Tsuna messing up the story, making the two older boys to laugh and tackle Tsuna further to the ground. It was a good thing that the floor was covered with soft carpet, perfect for boys like them. Then, surprise hit him when he saw Tsuna stand on his own, making Takeshi and Hayato gasp in delight as well; and the moment Tsuna attempted to walk by himself, Takeshi and Hayato immediately positioned themselves on both ends, coaxing Tsuna to come towards them. At first, it was Takeshi, stretching out his arms, making Tsuna more encouraged to walk towards him. As soon as Tsuna was near, the baby tripped and fell to the ground. Takeshi became worried and started crawling towards the fallen baby. But, Tsuna regained his posture, and walked once again, finally landing on top of Takeshi's bent body. The older one laughed and has no choice but to twist his body so that he could lie on his back, then hugged Tsuna. The baby giggled.

Soon, the routine continued and Tsuna walked towards Hayato. The kid seemed to be anticipating this, and was very proud that he was able to see Tsuna walk on his own. He was going to boast this later on to his cousin. As soon as Tsuna neared, Hayato's eyes sparkled. "Come on, baby Tsuna…" He muttered with a smile, and with that, Tsuna launched himself towards Hayato. Good thing the distance was a feet away only. The silver-haired kid immediately caught Tsuna and hugged him like Takeshi did. Takeshi walked over to them and hugged them both, chuckling.

Then, he realized someone was at the door.

His head snapped sideways, finding Ryohei flinching at the door frame with a broom on his hand. Takeshi raised an eyebrow, not understanding why a kid should carry a broom. Shouldn't kids be playing? He tapped Hayato's shoulder twice and pointed to Ryohei's direction. To Hayato's dismay, he creased his eyebrows and pouted. He really never liked Ryohei in the first place because he has this cheeky attitude. Well, they both the same with that cheeky attitude. Hayato only disagreed. But the moment he saw that sad face, he immediately spoke,

"Oi! What are you standing there for?" Hayato grumpily called out. "The room is not for sightseeing, jerk. Come inside!"

Takeshi lightly swatted Hayato's arm. "Hayato-san! Don't say bad words in front of Tsuna!" Then looked at Ryohei and smiled at him, "Come on it, this playground is built for Tsuna, but we use it too because there are lots of toys! We're also looking after Tsuna because big brother G said so."

Ryohei blushed. He never expected to be accepted this much. After all his mother and sister died, and there was no one who would watch after him. He has few relatives, but they sent him here in Italy to a distant relative and ended up being a houseboy. But here, everything's different, and thanks to the baby, he was able to find himself again, even though there was still a missing piece that was left to be fitted. Without further ado, he dropped the broom and joined the fun. Ryohei patted Tsuna's head for such a job well done in walking, much to Tsuna's delight. He turned his attention to him and gave Ryohei a squeeze, making the older boy giggle. And that's how their friendship started.

…:[]:…

Daemon stared at the two children in front of him. They were all bandaged: from head, down to their chests, to their arms, limbs and their ankles. He deduced that the kids put up a fight, but the brother took the blow rather than the sister, basically to protect her from the people who want to get them. He reached out a hand, but quickly withdrew them for the thought of not wanting to get connected with them. This was the first time he felt like this. In some street wordings, he felt like shit. Just really fucking shit. He doesn't understand these feelings at all. He can't comprehend why these were happening to him. All he wanted was a life filled with prestige with his own doing, and his stepping stone was the Vongola.

He shook his head. This was not the time for excuses.

He abruptly stood from the chair and left, when he felt a hand grasping his wrist, making him turn indignantly.

He saw Mukuro's unbandaged eye.

"F-f…father…?" Mukuro whispered.

Daemon shivered and yanked his hand away harshly. How…how could this child bring the courage to call him father? They were nothing but products of stupidity. He was even hesitating if they were his children. Mukuro saw that rejection, but due to his condition, he can't fully express his feelings.

"Father…" He called out again, a little bit determined.

"I'm not your father…" Daemon replied between his gritted teeth.

"But…mama…said…y-you…" The poor boy was not able to finish his sentence simply because he saw the rage in his father's eyes.

"YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO CALL ME FATHER, DO YOU HEAR?" Then he hastily made his way out.

Mukuro's eyes produced tears after he saw his father left. His mother was wrong. His father will not accept them. How were they going to live? He can't risk the life of his little sister anymore. He suddenly began to panic, but he can't bring himself to sit because of the bandages and the bruises he received from the fight. But, he felt another hand as he scrambled around, and immediately felt relaxed.

"Chrome…was…here…" he muttered, and finally closed his eyes.

…:[]:…

Takeshi, Hayato and Ryohei were lying on their backs in a circular motion, their heads pressing against each other as they rested from too much playing. It was really fun playing with all the kids, and they wanted it to happen every day. Thanks to Tsuna, they were bonded like real brothers. They felt (but never said out loud) that there was something different within Tsuna. But that difference was good. It was calming. It was friendly. And the more they interact with Tsuna, the more they get attached to him. As if they were forming a group of their own and they will be the ones to protect Tsuna. They all chuckled, seemingly having the same thoughts.

Right now, Tsuna was resting on top of Ryohei's body, his face snuggling the boy's chest. Ryohei can't keep his blush down because of that too much adorableness Tsuna emitted. Takeshi has fallen asleep too, but Hayato kept on looking at him.

"What's wrong?" Ryohei asked.

"Nothing," Hayato said, putting both of his arms behind his head and stared on the ceiling, "I was just wondering how you found your father here."

Immediately, Ryohei straightened. So Hayato hasn't forgotten yet. "Well, I have asked people around. And they told me he's here." Then he laughed sheepishly, "But, he's not my father anymore, so it's okay."

"Idiot," Hayato said and bonked Ryohei's head with his right fist, "You don't have to keep it to yourself you know. My mom is a total bonkers too, Takeshi's dad as well. We all have problems like that, but," Hayato turned to look sharply at Ryohei, "But, uncle Knuckle isn't like that. Maybe he has a good reason for it."

Ryohei immediately relaxed, feeling relieved after hearing what Hayato said. That might be very possible, and waiting was not a bad thing at all. He chuckled. "I guess you're right. Thanks."

"Heh. Took you long enough to notice. Idiot."

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?" Ryohei shouted childishly.

"Nah-uh," Hayato snickered, "You have baby Tsuna there on you. If you move, he'll cry, and I'll tell big brother G and uncle Giotto."

Ryohei wasn't able to do anything but to grumble.

Just then, Daemon arrived inside the playground after hearing that loud shout from Ryohei. Hayato was quick to notice and immediately sat, looking at the mist guardian with that childish glare. Daemon just chuckled. It amused him whenever Hayato does that. So much like his cousin G. He made a quick scan over the room and apparently saw Tsuna sleeping on top of Ryohei. Without telling anything, he quietly picked Tsuna and said,

"I'm going to take him for a while," Then he pointed towards Takeshi, "Wake Takeshi up and take a bath. You three stink."

"DID NOT!" Hayato and Ryohei said at the same time, then they were at their necks again. Daemon just shook his head.

"You brats are a bunch of idiots. Just tell me when you decided to kill each other and I'll lend you both a knife." Then he retreated.

"BLEH!" gestured the two.

Daemon walked down the hall towards his room. He wanted to find out what was so special about this child Tsuna. He has to admit that this tyke attracted almost every single living thing in this house, even perhaps the tiniest of the microorganisms living inside. In an instant, the child was able to change something in Giotto, but he could not pinpoint it. He has to see it for himself.

Just then, he didn't realize that something will definitely surprise him.

A/N: =_= Whew, thanks to the heavens I was able (and finally) to finish this story. I'm sorry if it took me a while to update because I had lots of things in mind. By the way, if you're thinking this story is somewhat OOC, then think again. They are a bunch of kids running around with undeveloped mind and emotion. So it's okay to play around it, right? I know the Primo famiglia is a bit OC, but that doesn't change that there are other emotions filling up them inside, no? :D Well then, tell me your thoughts and give me a good constructive criticism. Tell me if you like something or not, okay? :D Ciao!