Chapter 1: Bruno and Ice creams

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It has been a week since Killian told Serenity that she will be going with him. To say that she was happy would be an understatement. She was ecstatic to get away from the Crystal mansion. She didn't like being there. Whenever Killian was away, her mothers used to scold her for every little things, Irina and Camilla takes away her toys and throw them off her balcony. Athair never look at her. Serenity could only hold back her tears and bear it.

Mama Victoria had blamed her that she killed her own mother. Even if she was young, a barely 5 year old kid. Serenity was smart enough to understand their animosity.

Her mother was a very beautiful lady. Killain had showed her the pictures. Her mother had blazing auburn hair and amethyst eyes just like hers. Killian had told her that she got everything from her mother except for the creamy white complexion she inherited from her father. It was a sad thing that Serenity never got to know such a beautiful lady.

Serenity, sometimes wondered how she had killed her mother, like Mama Victoria had said.

When she asked Killian once, he shouted at her for talking about absurd things and for even thinking about it.

She had cried herself to sleep that night.

The next day, in the morning. Killian showered her with gifts and her favourite chocolates, apologising profusely and explaining her the details of life and death and whatever happened wasn't her fault.

The idea of losing someone she loved one day scared her to the core. But she didn't tell Killian about that, she didn't want him to think of her as a demented kid.

Athair seemed quite agitated lately and the same case was with Killian too, Serenity figured there must be a cold war sprouting between the two of them. Killian had fired a lot of Codes to some soldiers. Serenity knew that the codes were not a good thing but she never knew the brutality it could take. Killian had always kept her away from the real face of the O'Sullivans.

Serenity tossed and curled on her bed, she yanked the duvet up and then kicked it off then again yanked it up.

Her small hands softly pressed again her chest, right where Uncle Orlando had pointed out where her heart is. The slight contraction thud-thud she felt at the tip of her fingers were picking up its pace. She was restless, she couldn't sleep.

She tried counting the stars visible from the large open window of her balcony.

17, 18, 19, 20,21....

It was a trick Igor had taught her awhile ago but it didn't work.

Serenity pouted before climbing down her bed. She needed to find Killian, only he can fix it. Killian had that little white magic pills that makes her feel good and sleepy.

Her sock clad feet paddled across the room as she sneaked out carefully.

Killian's room was in the southern wing along with her other brothers- Bruno, Boris and Igor. It was what they like to call the 'man's haven' even though Serenity highly doubted they were 'man'

Serenity tipped her toes comically quiet to avoid any sounds. Her brothers were light sleepers. They were always on alert and attack mode even in their sleeps. Serenity knew from experience when last summer, she tried to sneak into Killian's room and Igor held her at Gunpoint, mistaking her for an intruder. She was terrified out of her wits. For Pete's sake, Igor was only 7 at that time.

What her family did or does was still a mystery to her. They have soldiers carrying big-big guns and other weapons. The Crystal mansion was heavily guarded. Even when any of the family members wanted to go outside the estate at least five SUVs with twenty guards will follow.

Serenity turned the knob as it was unlocked and successfully sneaked in. A frown marred her expressions on seeing it empty or Killian-less in her words. She cranned her neck upwards to look at the wall clock hanging on the other side of the wall.

1:27 am

It was very late, Killian wasn't in bed. She sighed sadly before walking out. She didn't bother with her mission of keeping silence and knocked on the next door.

Serenity waited for a few minutes before the door burst open and a sleep deprived boy, muttering a string of curses barked out a 'what!'

Serenity tried not to show her cringe at his colourful mouth.

"B-Bruno, I can't sleep." She mumble nervously.

Bruno's half closed eyes widened, taking in the small girl at his door, his features softened immediately before gesturing her to come in.

"Killian's not there." Bruno stated, rather than asked.

Everyone knew Serenity's first choice would always be the Older O'Sullivan.

She hummed in reply.

"What do you want to do? Ice creams? Disney? Cuddles?"

Serenity's face lighted up as she choose Ice creams in a heartbeat.

Bruno smiled, shaking his head in amusement. He walk to his mini fridge and drew out two popsicle Bourbon dark chocolate delights and handed the slightly bigger one to Serenity.

Serenity pouted," Why don't I have a mini fridge in my room?" She complained

"You're still a kid. I'd talk to Athair once you grow up."

Serenity looked offended at him. She stood up on his bed, placing her hands on her hips like Old Mabel would do

"I am not a kid." She declared, giving her best glare.

Bruno chuckled, faking a surrender," Oh! I am scared, Is that a kitten?"

Serenity gasped and lunges towards him. Bruno smirked, catching her small body in the air and spinning her around.

Her mellifluous giggles filled the room as they both laughed.

"Stop, stop, stop Bruno. Please." She squealed, as she felt her head spin. Bruno gingerly placed her down.

"Oh no! Bruno, the ice creams are melting." She gasped

They sat down at the foot of the bed, enjoying the late night treats. Serenity grimaced as she took a deeper chunk. The flavour was very strong and slightly bitter. The pungent aroma of the dark cocoa could even be felt at the tip of her tongue. She eyed the popsicle reluctantly.

"You don't like it?" Bruno asked

Serenity nodded,'' Its bitter''

"Should I go get another one? Vanilla?''

She shook her head ,'' A lot of people are starving around the world."

"Well said.'' Bruno grinned at her.

After they finished, they washed their mouth and climbed onto the bed.

It was almost 2. Serenity still couldn't sleep. She felt guilty for dragging Bruno and disturbing his Good night sleep. She knew she wouldn't be getting any rest unless the doubts hanging in her head drop.

"Bruno'' she whispered to her side, checking if he was asleep. But fortunately, he was wide awake.

"Yes.''

"Can I ask you s-something?'' she tossed and turned on her side so she could face.

Bruno hummed in reply.

"Why is Athair so mad nowadays. Even Killy is always angry. He shouted at Camilla yesterday.''

Bruno sighed,'' You really want to know?''

Serenity nodded enthusiastically.

"Every male in the O'Sullivan clan must undergo some - uh- serious trainings once they turn 18. These trainings took place in a lot of -ahm- d-dangerous places. They did this, so they can continue the family's legacy. It is very important to overcome all your weaknesses if you are born in this world. Killian would be away for quite a long time. He wants to take you with him. Athair and the consiglieres won't agree. So, he is mad at them and them at him.''

She listened carefully but she was confuse why Athair won't let her go.

"These trainings are very brutal and they have many survival shoot- ahm- damn! They have many dangerous activities. Moreover, you won't be safe so, Athair couldn't allow. They are upset with one another. Don't worry-"

Serenity abruptly sat up, her eyes pooling with tears eventually wetting her chubby cheeks, "Bru, Do you think I am a burden? Everyone is angry because of me. Do you think I should just go back to Papy Fostello like Mama Anushka said? Athair and Killy will not fight if I am not there."

Bruno gaped at her sudden outburst.

"What the f- What are you talking about? Where the fu- Damn! Where did you get all these stupid thoughts? Huh? Do you know how much we cherish you? Can you even imagine what will happen to us if anything happens to you? You are the only sister I love being around. Irina and Camilla are barely tolerable. Don't you even think of going back to Papy! "

Bruno pulled her into a hug, kissing the top of her crown feverishly. He laid her little body back to bed and tucked her under the duvets. Serenity sniffle, finally exhausted and sleepy.

She close her eyes something bright light flashes from her side making her turn to Bruno.

She saw him typing away something on his phone.

"What are you doing?" She mumbled.

Bruno looked at her, "Nothing, just texting Killian that you're with me. Don't want to stir chaos in the morning now do we?"

Serenity smiled lightly and pouted, "You even have your own phone. I don't have one!"

"I will buy you one when you grow older."

"When?"

"Perhaps highschool, 15"

Serenity frowned ," But you are ten."

Bruno chuckled before ruffling her hair.

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