Chapter Text
If anyone were to ask Ienobu about his family, he could talk for hours on end without hesitation. His family wasn’t large, and it wasn’t perfect, but it was filled with love, and that made all the difference.
There was his sweet, and thoughtful mother, Nana, always ready with a bandage for every scrape or bruise he picked up while running around. She made the best food and gave the warmest hugs.
Then there was his older twin brother, Tsuna. He might be a bit of a scaredy-cat and zone out sometimes, but he always had Ienobu’s back. No matter what, Ienobu knew he could count on him when it really mattered.
And then there was his dad, Iemitsu—a loving guy, even though he was often too busy with work to be home. It was tough sometimes, but he always sent a gift every month. Whenever he does come home, he always brings them to somewhere fun.
This was true when Ienobu was four, and it remained true when he was six. Life was simple, predictable, and happy.
But things started to change when he turned seven.
Ienobu was seven when his dad came home with an old man Ienobu had never seen before.
(It was supposed to be just a social call, a showcase of submission to the Clam that the Lion would not bear its fangs against it despite all endless whispers.
The Lion had too many debts to the Clam to harbor any ambitions. There were only a few things he would bear to protect in his hands.
This was his world. The Lion welcomes the Big Clam to his den with its mate and cubs.
Please, understand. The Lion ushers the Clam from any worries.
As long as his world stays in peace, the Lion would willingly declaw its claws.)
Ienobu was seven when someone grabbed him just outside the house, yanking him away before he could even scream.
(There was a leak of information about the location of Vongola’s Boss and the Young Lion.
A resentful Famiglia took advantage of it and kidnapped one of the Young Lion's cubs.)
Ienbou was seven when Tsuna—his skitish, daydreaming twin—ran after him, determined to save him no matter what.
(The older cub had manifested its flames in response to his desperate wish.
Oh how bright and beautiful were the orange flames that sang home and safety to those it treasures. The flames wrap around both cubs like a safety blanket, to cover them from the dangers of the outside world.
For those it opposed, it will be the last colour and sensation they will ever see before it consumes them.)
Ienobu was seven when Tsuna collapsed, fainting from exhaustion and fever, his face pale and strained.
(The Vongola boss had to seal the flame for the club's sake. It was too big, too bright, too hot for a child to keep.
If there was another reason for it, it didn't matter.
If it stays, the cub might have also burned alongside it just like the men that had held him by the neck. Flesh and bones gone in an instance.
But sealing a child with flames that young had consequences. It was still growing, wild and ever-changing.
It was snuff before it came properly connected with the vessel. It was contained before it was fully tamed. Flames of this purity would never harm its owner, but no one was wiser to know that fact.
Instead, the flames resents, howling in yearning for its person. In its cage, it could only fester until it would claim back where it belongs.)
Ienobu was seven when Iemitsu had to leave again, promising that Tsuna would be okay, that everything would be back to normal in no time.
(It's been 4 days since Ienobu regained consciousness and slowly recovered his strength. He didn't remember much of his kidnapping, beside the darkness and hurt they fell on him.
Ienobu heard from his parents how Tsuna recklessly tried to save him and now was in the hospital tied to wires.
He really wishes Tsuna would wake up and pats his head, reassuring him like he always does. Maybe when he does, Ienobu will also wake up from this awful dream.)
Ienobu was seven when his father lied to him.
Tsuna woke up, got better but he wasn’t the same anymore.
At first, Ienobu didn’t know what was wrong. It was subtle, nothing that stood out immediately, but soon enough, it became impossible to ignore.
Tsuna kept dropping things. He had always been so careful, but now he’d spill his water or trip over his shoes, like his body wasn’t working right.
He also started saying that words and numbers were getting harder to focus on, as if they were scribbles that kept moving and shifting, never staying still enough for him to understand.
What used to be so clear now felt distant, like something slipping through his fingers just as he reached for it.
The doctors said it might be a side effect of Tsuna’s week-long coma and fever. They felt guilty for not catching the signs, despite all the tests having come back normal before his release.
The doctor suggested admitting Tsuna for further tests and evaluation, but their mother hesitated, already feeling bitter that they hadn’t noticed how her child had unknowingly suffered—if she hadn’t come back questioning, would they have ever found out?
In the end, Tsuna was seen by a private practitioner arranged through their dad’s company.
Of course, Tsuna's changes didn’t stop there. He started looking for something—or someone—constantly.
“He’s gone. I can’t find him anymore,” Tsuna had told Ienobu.
Ienobu didn’t understand who Tsuna was talking about. Neither Mama nor Ienobu could help him. Tsuna didn’t smile the same way anymore. He just seemed so… lost.
Then, one day, he simply stopped looking. He didn’t mention whoever he’d been searching for.
When Ienobu cautiously asked him about it, Tsuna quietly said, “We’re seven. I guess it’s time for imaginary friends to go.”
Ienobu doesn't understand why but it felt like something was lost at that moment.