Shaking his head, Ethan murmured, "No, piccolo. Non ci sono scuse." He put a finger under her chin, looking down at her directly. "Sí?" He wouldn't hear an apology for simply being a child.

A kiss against her forehead and he put his arm back around her, sighing softly. "I don't know what'll happen, tesora," Ethan told her honestly, "but I'll look out for him, I promise." He ventured half of a smile. "Just like I do for you, and Chives, and Amy. Va bene?"