Vongola XXVII -- Dictated

[not_mafia]

[He should have asked this two days ago, really, but he kind of got.. distracted. Also, procrastinating like a boss and hoping he wasn't jinxing it. But now he's kind of curious.]

Just out of curiosity-- what's the longest anyone has seen a loss last?

[In other words, hi guys, he's still here.]

Comments

[not_mafia]

[Come on, Nonno!! There must be something you want to talk about! Tsuna is just remaining silent because he's done his fair share of talking and wants to see where his grandfather wants to take the conversation. He covers it up, of course, by drinking.]

[is_mafia]

[Then he's going to be waiting quite a while, since Giotto is off in hiw own world, it seems.]

[not_mafia]

[Watches...] What are you thinking about?

[is_mafia]

Hm? [He glances up briefly.] Nothing much, really. My family. [Tsuna reminded him of them. And not just his Family, but his flesh and blood family. He wondered how they were doing these days.]

[not_mafia]

You're very fond of them.

[is_mafia]

I am, very much so. They're really all I have now. [His flesh and blood family left, Cozart left...]

[not_mafia]

... but, your blood family...? [He gives a soft frown.]

[is_mafia]

Ah, they kept getting attacked by my rivals and people who wanted leverage against me. So they changed their name and moved away, probably to the mainland. I don't even know where they are now. [A little sad smile.] It's probably for the best, in the end. That way they're safe.

[not_mafia]

... I do not think I could part with my own family even if it were necessary. [Because Tsuna's a hardcore mama's boy through and through.] At least, I have reliable allies back at home, so I know she's safe.

[is_mafia]

Well, we weren't exactly on the best terms the last time I saw them... [Giotto runs his hand through his hair.] But I certainly hope their safe.

[not_mafia]

I'm sorry to hear that. I hope that one day you will be able to return to them and resolve your problems.

[is_mafia]

[Giotto gives him a smile, because he knows that will never happen and yet he can pretend it will for Tsuna. He likes to pretend it will as well.]

[not_mafia]

[He wishes they weren't here. That he wasn't sitting across the table from Giotto. He wants to be beside him, and hug him, because he feels for him, he really does.

He hopes, back at home, he one day finds the courage and strength in him once more. He ends up with a wife at some point, obviously, and he'll raise a family of his own, so... maybe things aren't so terrible as they seem. Or they won't be.]

... perhaps one of them shall end up here.

[is_mafia]

Perhaps. [But he doesn't really believe that will happen. He's never been that lucky. Or perhaps he had been lucky once, his luck has just run out now.]

[not_mafia]

You never know. [He sips his drink.]

[is_mafia]

Anything's possible in this castle. [The evidence being that he was sitting across from his fully grown grandson.]

[not_mafia]

For better or worse.

... but I like to think it's for better most times.

[is_mafia]

[Giotto snorts.] You're far more optimistic than me, then.

[not_mafia]

A little optimism is never a bad thing to have.

[is_mafia]

It's not like I don't have any, Tsuna! Just...not as much as you.