Moment In Time

Chapter 76

Chapter 76:Sibling Bonds
              (Mukuro & Chrome)

Peering hopefully down the street, Lambo brightened when he saw the familiar figure finally come into view. He eagerly jumped up and raced down the asphalt towards the girl. "Chrome-nee!"

Smiling contently, Chrome hugged the eight-year-old. "Hi, Lambo-kun."

"Are we gonna go shopping now?" he asked eagerly, already envisioning the sweets he would get to eat.

"Let's try not to overdo it," cautioned Chrome, taking his hand and starting down the street. "Bossu won't be happy if I bring you back with a sugar rush."

"He doesn't live at home anymore," pointed out Lambo, a slight pout crossing his face. "He's got the new place with the others."

"Well, he still wouldn't be happy," said Chrome. "Why don't we have lunch before we go shopping?"

"Yay! I'm starving!"

Chrome giggled. "We just have to meet up with Mukuro-sama when we get to the shopping district."

Lambo's enthusiasm dropped. "He's coming with us?" he asked nervously.

He knew of Mukuro, though not much about him. All he knew was that he and Chrome shared the responsibilities of being Tsuna's Mist Guardians. He also knew that Mukuro had done some not-so-nice things in the past, and as far as he knew the man hadn't been out of prison for too long. Lambo met the tall, intimidating figure a few times, but tried to steer clear if he could. That part was easy, since Mukuro was living with Chrome and three of their friends in an apartment.

"Is that okay?" asked Chrome, trying to sound casual but feeling anxious. She was hoping this outing would be a good way of getting the child used to her best friend. Mukuro was going to be around more and more, so it was important to her and Tsuna that Lambo got comfortable with their newest family member.

"Yeah." Lambo nodded. He knew that Mukuro was important to Chrome and he didn't want to make her unhappy.

"Thank you," said Chrome, relieved.

"Think we'll run into I-Pin?" he asked, trying not to sound too hopeful.

"Maybe," said Chrome, though she knew Futa, I-Pin and Bianchi were out for the day in a separate part of town. Futa and I-Pin didn't have too many problems adjusting to the presence of Mukuro, and they were taken by Bianchi so that Lambo wouldn't wonder why it was just him going out with Chrome.

They reached the shopping district and Lambo immediately spotted Mukuro. The tall male stood out in the crowd, with his long black boots, purple hair and mismatched eyes. Gulping nervously, Lambo allowed Chrome to lead him over.

"Hi," greeted Chrome. "I hope you weren't waiting too long."

"Not very," he replied, voice smooth and deep. He shifted his gaze to the child that clung to Chrome's hand. "Lambo."

Lambo managed a smile. "Hi."

"I'm going to go see where we can eat," said Chrome, letting go of Lambo's hand. "I'll be right back."

She skipped off and Lambo watched her go. Rocking back on his heels, he could feel the awkward silence wrap around them. Figuring he should make some attempt at conversation, he asked, "How's Fran?"

"Insufferable, annoying, and hopeless," replied Mukuro.

"Huh," mused Lambo. "That's what he says about you."

Amusement crossed the teen's face. "Really?"

"Uh-huh." Lambo nodded. He then realized that perhaps he shouldn't have revealed this bit of information. "Ooh. Um, don't tell him I told you that."

Mukuro smirked. "I'll try not to let it slip out."

Lambo squinted down the street, hoping to see Chrome coming back. But she was nowhere in sight. "Where'd she go?"

"Probably got distracted by shoes," muttered Mukuro. But he knew what Chrome was trying to do, and he was both grateful and annoyed. While he still had some reservations about joining the Vongola, he didn't want the child to be uncomfortable. Lambo had been there first, after all.

"I don't think Chrome likes shoes as much as Haru and Kyoko," said Lambo. He pointed at Mukuro's feet. "She wears boots like yours." He peered closely at the footwear. "Those are a lot of laces. Does it take long to do them up?"

"It would if I wasn't an illusionist."

Lambo tilted his head to the side. "How do you become an illusionist?" he asked, genuinely curious.

Mukuro thought over his answer carefully before he replied. "It takes a certain amount of talent, first and foremost. Not anyone can create illusions. You have to have the ability, and trust me, you know if you have the ability early in life. In order to control your ability, it takes a healthy mind and discipline."

Lambo dwelled over this for a moment. "That's kinda cool. I'd like to be able to create illusions once in a while."

"Well, you can control lightning. That's pretty impressive."

The boy flushed. "I can't really control it. I can't really do much of anything with it, actually. Apparently I'm going to be in training for a long time."

"You don't get to be great by just sitting around," remarked Mukuro. "It takes work."

"Yeah, I guess so." Glancing across the street, Lambo brightened at the candy display in the window of a store. "Ooh! I'm gonna go over there!"

Without waiting for an answer, Lambo charged across the street and pressed his face against the glass. He eagerly surveyed the wrapped candies and chocolate creations. "I want that one and that one and that one-"

"Hey! Rotten kid! Get your dirty face off my window!"

A set of strong hands shoved him backwards. Unprepared, Lambo hit the ground hard. Green eyes wide, he cowered at the irate shop owner that loomed over him. Not entirely thinking, Lambo kicked out and nailed the older man in the left kneecap. Scrambling back, he quickly realized his error when the man's face flushed with fury.

"You little brat-"

"Touch him and regret it."

Startled, the shopkeeper stumbled back as a cloud of indigo and black mist appeared in front of him. Mukuro materialized, eyes glinting with anger as he stood in front of Lambo. "What…what are you?" the man croaked.

Mukuro smiled dangerously. "I suppose you could say your worst nightmare." He extended his hand and his trident appeared in his grip. "Apologize."

"Sorry," the man rasped towards the bemused child. "It won't happen again-"

"It better not." Mukuro glowered. "Now get lost."

The shopkeeper did not need to be told twice. Turning around, Mukuro held out his hand and Lambo accepted it, hauling himself to his feet. "Thanks," he said softly, awe in his eyes.

"Don't mention it. It was fun." Mukuro smirked mischievously. "I quite enjoyed the expression of fear on his face."

"Sorry I took so long!"

Chrome hurried over to them, panting slightly. "I found a good place for lunch."

"Chrome-nee, guess what Mukuro-nii did!" exclaimed Lambo. "He saved me from a mean old man!"

Mukuro did not really hear what the child said next, for his brain what repeating what Lambo had just called him. It filled him with a warm feeling that he wasn't used to experiencing, and he admitted to himself he could get used to the kid calling him that.

Though the dazzling smile that Chrome sent his way was a bit too much…

And so was the day Lambo officially gained his fifth brother (to the joy of his sister).

…