Chapter Text
“To think that you thought you would ever join our family, how pitiful.”
I only heard the laughter of my father and his men. I glanced to the side with hesitation at Basil and he looked back with concern and worry. My wound wasn’t going to stop bleeding anytime soon if I didn’t get immediate medical attention. But, that didn’t matter because all I wanted to do was run away at that moment. I knew I never was going to be accepted by this “father” of mine, but I sure did love my mother and brothers. Even with all the abuse, they cared for me along with Basil as the best step-brother one could have.
“Boss, how about we just sell him already? At least he’d be of good use as a slut with that feminine and curvaceous body of his”.”
I heard one of the men whistle and felt utter disgust at their lustful stares.
“That doesn’t sound like a bad idea, any of you have an idea on which tea house we should sell him to in the Red Light District?”, Iemitsu said while smirking.
I could practically see the shine in his eyes on the prospect of selling his “no-good” son off.
“Wait… I have an idea on who to sell him to” Basil suggested as he spoke up.
I could see his right hand fidget as of habit whenever he was nervous or anticipating something. I knew I could trust Basil with anything, but I had absolutely no idea on what he was playing towards. As far as I know, Basil is not one to deal with anything that is seemingly “indecent” and that goes as far as not even drinking unless needed.
“Oh? You, of all people, know someone? How unexpected and surprising to hear of and especially out of your own mouth. Well, I’ll leave this matter up to you, but for curiosity’s sake, who are you selling him too?” Iemitsu asked while glancing at me as if I were an object.
“To the Niji teahouse…” Basil muttered.
I turned my head to him in surprise; that’s the most famous, biggest and oldest teahouse around here!
“There? And how do you have any connection with that kind of place? Last time I recalled, you found that kind of stuff distasteful” inquired Iemitsu. He was getting suspicious and that made Basil awfully nervous. Basil seemed about ready to break before he discreetly exhaled the breath he was holding, clenched his right hand into a fist, and finally lifted up his head towards Iemitsu.
“I have a friend who enjoys tea houses that could get Tsu- him into Niji with a good price”, states Basil firmly.
I was amazed at how strong Basil seemed at that moment of confrontation against Iemitsu, but was still confused at what Basil was trying to do.
Iemitsu eyes narrowed suspiciously till Basil started losing confidence again, but finally sighed and smiled at Basil.”You’re finally becoming a fine man by learning to deal with business son. Well, I leave this matter to you with ease. Now! Come on boys, let’s go get ourselves some drinks inside!”, hollered Iemitsu with the accompanying laughter and cheer of his men.
Basil and I waited till they were back in the house. Basil then ran towards me without restraint and hugged me while tears threatened to pour out of his eyes.
“Hey Basil, don’t cry now. We all knew I would be kicked out sooner or later. I had hoped to had stay with Mom, Gio-nii, and you a while longer though” I said with a sigh.
Suddenly, Basil stood up which caused me to yelp. He looked at me straight in the face with some unknown determination and stated,” I will make sure that you are safe and sound no matter what, even if it costs my pride and life!”
Bewildered by this sudden exclamation, I merely gaped before I bursted out in laughter. Basil’s expression quickly turned into one of shock and confusion. “Basil-no, Sil-nii…” (as I once called him when younger) I chuckled once more before straightening myself,” thank you for caring for me all this time, but I really don’t think you can help me this time” I smiled at him solemnly.
“No.” I looked at him shock with his determination returning to him. “What I said before was true. I do have someone connected to a tea house that could be of help to you. I trust that you already have heard of him before.”
“Well, who could he be?”
“His nickname is Reborn and he’s going to help hide you from father.”
I looked at Basil with surprise, not knowing how to respond because of the multiple questions floating around in head. Basil then soon realized my expression of conflicting emotions and his expression melted into one of fondness and care.
“It’s a lot to take in, but I know for a fact that you’re tougher then anyone I’ve ever seen and know of; so calm down first and we’ll get moving.”
I knew I would have to start moving soon in case of Iemitsu coming out soon to check if we’ve left so he could invite the rest of his pals for celebration of getting rid of his “useless” son. I got up and patted off the dirt on my clothing. Lucky for me, I secretly have pads sewn into my clothing to help with cushioning any sort of injury I get. This is all thanks to mother teaching me to sew, so that I can repair things faster because I don’t necessarily get the support I need from a family because of that “father” of mine. I still had the injury on my head though and it was still bleeding; now close to getting blood in my eye. I felt dizzy, but used some sun flames to heal it just enough that it would stop. I used my handkerchief as a bandage and wrapped my head.
Basil and I soon walk back into the Sawada household residence by the secret entrance through the garden near both my brothers’ rooms. I hurry to the storage room between the two rooms of my brothers’ and grab the little stuff I got. With the constant throwing away of my things and little space in the storage, I only have an extra pair of socks, underpants, and hakama. Everything else was on me and I could never accept anything of too great of value in fear of losing or destroying it even upon the insistence of my mother or brothers.
I hurriedly run back to Basil who was waiting just outside of the storage room and he handed me a bracelet braided tightly of eight different colored strings that corresponded with the eight flames. I was amazed at its multitude of color and looked back up at Basil.
“Mother, Giotto, and I decided that if you were to ever leave this household, forced or not, we would give this to you. It holds the power to bind you with those that you trust and trust you back. See? It shines orange especially because of how us three are already binded to you.”
I looked back down in amazement and saw it to be true. If time proved to show mercy at that time, I would had shed tears, but we’ve already wasted too much time. I quickly gave a heartfelt thanks and smile towards Basil before informing him that we need to hurry. Basil saw that the sun was setting quick and that if we wanted me to get to safety soon and have Basil report back to Iemitsu soon, we would need to hurry. We hurried on towards the Red Light District and I quickly thought to ask this question before too late.
“I know I’ve heard of Reborn, but only as a dangerous man and nothing else. Is it really going to be safe for me to trust that he’ll keep me safe till I can become independent?”
“I’m not actually sure if he’ll keep you safe from everything that is to come, but he’ll definitely keep you alive and away from father. I know for a fact he always keeps his word, but we must treat this situation as a deal and not a favor because he must be benefited too. That’s the worrying part because I don’t want you having to do anything that is “indecent” just so you could go live in another horrible environment.”
I was touched by Basil’s words, but he did indeed state a big issue. I don’t really have anything to exchange other then hard labor, but anyone could do that. I was becoming troubled to, but that was soon pushed aside when we arrived at the entrance of the Niji tea house. I didn’t even notice that the sun was already at the horizon; soon changing to night, nor did I realize we even entered the District till now. Basil pulled me close to his side as to protect me and we walked towards the entrance where two guards stood. Basil took out a tablet that had his status carved on it. The two guards moved aside for us and swiftly moved back to guarding after we passed.
We quickly turned right towards a staircase and were met with a beautiful lady with long silver hair. She looked us up and down, then her hand came forward Basil, supposedly asking for the tablet. Basil showed it to her and she glanced as us once more before guiding us down the hallway to the last door. She knocked once and then left us there. We soon heard a quiet, deep voice say,” come in.”
Basil opened the door and nudged me in gently. At that moment, I was surprised by the vibrancy and beauty of the large room. My mouth was tempted to gape, but I restrained myself and looked directly at the eight nobles. Each gave off an aura of superiority, strength, and charm. Basil walked back to my side with his hand placed on my back after closing the door and I saw that he had the temptation to chuckle at my reaction. I gave him a quick glare before looking back at the several nobles.
“I have a deal to make with you all… and that is to protect my little brother, here”, stated Basil.
I was starting to feel nervous at their piercing stares and wasn’t sure if they’d accept such a deal.
“For what in exchange?”, asked the blue-eyed, blonde.
“Anything that the Vongola and Sawada families could give”, Basil said in firm resolution.
My eyes widened in shock and my head turned towards Basil. Why would he decide on that?! Is he really placing his life on the line for me, just to keep me safe? I immediately felt a chill though and turned my head back towards the seven, but stopped at the side towards the right and saw a dangerous smirk. I couldn’t see the person’s eyes, but if I did, I knew they’d be shining. Their aura was too dangerous and I was ready to run and hide.
“Sure, we’ll accept that deal, tell us the requirements”, said the dangerous person.
“All you have to do is keep him from harm and anything “indecent” which includes all matters dealt by yakuza, mafia, or of the Red Light District.”
“So you want to us to pamper him?”
“If that is how you interpret it, then so be it.”
“Hmm, sure, why not?”
The dangerous man sticks out his hand for a shake with his flame burning vibrantly. I was surprised that the person had sun flames for he didn’t look anywhere near willing to heal nor cheer others up. Basil pushes me forward to take it, and the man raises his eyebrow at that, but doesn’t say anything. I stare at his hand while bringing mine up as quick as possible to shake his. My hand burns with a bright, pure orange flame when I hold onto the man’s hand. Everyone’s flames come to life as witness to this deal and then suddenly I feel incredibly warm, like I was to suffocate and soon passed out.