Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

So, it's been a while. I hope you enjoy.

Liao was more than accustomed to caring for small children. Especially his boss' kid, Cao Pi. He and Pi had always gotten along wonderfully; the young boy was always so polite and easy to take care of. There was just one thing they could never seem to agree on. It seemed that today was the day that they would both argue.

"Obviously, Uncle Liao, you don't know what I am capable!" Pi half frowned, half pouted as Liao glared back at the child.

"Don't think that just because you're young means I won't do it. Because I will."

"Do it, Uncle Liao. I dare you." A wicked grin stretched over Pi's face and Liao found his resolve fading, could he really defeat this child? Surely he could, but still Pi had always been a worthy opponent. If he lost and proved Pi right than all hope would be lost.

"I don't want to have to throw you out a window."

Pi laughed, "Fight me, Uncle Liao."

And so they fought.

He and Pi had always loved to play swords with one another. The only problem being that they both adored different brands. Liao loved the company that made the black and green foam ones, Pi loved the company that made white and red foam ones. Obviously, neither of them could come to terms with the fact that maybe both companies made decent toys, so of course they had to prove the honor of one.

Pi was small, but he was quick and his strikes were sudden and carefully planned. Liao always underestimated him, putting more force behind his attacks at the cost of being just a little too slow and just a little too quick to forget his former plan. Pi struck his side and Liao moved to cover himself before he felt a familiar smack at his neck.

No, this couldn't be!

"That wasn't fair." Liao narrowed his eyes and Pi laughed triumphantly.

"I-I did it!" He let out a loud and long laugh. He had finally beat Uncle Liao! He dropped his swords and jumped to wrap his arms around the man's neck. "I did it Uncle Liao! I finally beat you!"

Liao couldn't hold in his anger and soon found his chest bubbling with laughter. Yes, Pi had done very well and had finally beaten him. He was proud, he had to admit, if a little disappointed that Pi had one the argument. Now, they would have to find something else to fight over.

"Yes, you did it. I'm very proud of you." He laughed and found the corners of his mouth spread up in a grin, "You've finally won."

They turned when the door opened and Dun and Cao entered the house. Cao looked so exhausted and Dun looked so upset, lines of worry etched across his features. Pi didn't seem to notice either one of their upset faces and instead jumped right from Liao's arms to Cao's. "Daddy, daddy! Guess what?! I finally beat Uncle Liao!"

Despite the way he grunted when Pi threw his weight at him or the brief flash of pain that made his features grimace, he managed a small smile and his eyes betrayed his pained state as pride all but shined in them. "Just like a true prince! Well done! I am so proud of you! You must awe me with your tale of victory!"

Pi puffed out his chest, certainly proud of the praise he received, and begun to talk a mile a minute, telling his father of his grand victory. Liao couldn't help but snort when he heard Pi mention something about an ambush, a white stallion, and Liao cowering, as Cao made his way upstairs with Pi in his arms.

Once the two were out of ear shot, Dun turned to him with a grim look on his face.

"Liao," He said softly, "He's getting worse."

Liao swallowed and nodded, "I know. He's told me. He's begin having so many seizures and episodes lately." He sighed when he saw the look on Dun's face. "I don't mean to sound anyway, but, we need to start considering the future in which he…"

Dun gave him a look.

"We need to consider the idea that…he just won't ever get better. Where…Pi becomes our number one priority, not Cao Mengde's health."

"A future where his health…isn't an issue…because he'll be…" Dun rubbed his face, screwing his eye shut tight, "Oh, God…I can't even imagine…Liao…I can't."

Liao laid a firm, but he also hoped comforting, hand on Dun's shoulder. "I know, Xiahou Yuanrang. I know."

Dun leaned against the kitchen counter, "If I loose him…if we lose him…God. What are we going to do?"

"We have to consider our future…we have to consider Pi's future."

"A future without Mengde."

"A future without a father."

So I haven't been updating lately and I apologize. But, I hoped you enjoyed. I don't know for certain when I'll be updating again so…like just hang in there. I haven't abandoned this just yet.