There is always a time when one feels most alone. For Tsunayoshi it had been always. As long as he could remember he'd been in this small room, one window and a mighty iron gate in front of it. One had to angle their head just right to see out of it. He knew someday these days would come to their end. And he hoped for them to be as wonderful as he'd wished.

"Your food is here, Tsunayoshi-sama." Today it was the maid Haru, yesterday it had been the butler Hayato. All Tsuna could ever remember doing is studying and watching the hours tick on without him. Indeed it was tiresome if not for the few stolen glances of the boy outside his window. Haru felt her heart almost leap out of her chest when their hands slightly brushed upon the exchanging of the plate. He had always been so pretty ever since he was young, at least to her. What with his perfectly round caramel eyes, long lashes and soft pale skin from days without the sun. Like a delicate prince she'd always dreamed of meeting.

"Thank you very much, Miss Miura." Haru flushed at the sound of his voice. Although she tended to exaggerate they were made for each other Tsunayoshi took no notice of this. He never noticed it much anyhow. After all he was betrothed to a girl he'd never even met. Sasagawa Kyoko. From the picture he recieved on his fourteenth birthday spent locked away he could tell she was a very pretty girl but never thought further on the matter. Haru couldn't help but dream one day they might be wed, it was childish she knew but one could indulge in fantasies if they wanted. And for her that meant being his princess.

"N-no problem at all Tsunayoshi-sama!" She promptly saluted which struck him as odd but it would be entirely too rude to point out how he wasn't in the army. With a nod she slunk out of the room blushing all the while. He couldn't possibly get more dreamy than this.

He sighed when a resounding click notified him the door had been locked, it was natural to feel this way he'd reasoned years ago. Glancing at the clock Tsuna noticed it was a quarter til eight, he felt excitement bubble inside his chest. He would get to see the boy with the deep black again today as he trained with his adopted brother, Dino Cavallone. It seemed only the blond could make him laugh at the most important times.

He could recall how upon the death of his grandmother Dino made a joke about the chill of death and Tsuna burst into laughter at a time of great mourning.

Although it was more of after the funeral procession Dino came up to tell him of his grandmother, whom he'd never met, had passed away. Naturally all he received was drooping shoulders and a respectful murmur of "My condolences." After all he'd never had much of a bond with any living being. Save the rare times possibly once every three months Cavallone came to check in. Even those visits only lasted never longer than five minutes.

A shudder passes up his spine as he sees them through the tinted windows. Short raven hair blew in the breeze as metal clashed with leather in a wild array of blows. Dino was training that boy again. As they'd done since he was young and ever since them he'd seen the boy, whoever he was as a strong protector perhaps. Most likely gentle? Every move was swift and sure as a flurry of attacks landed on the dot of blond. Though Tsunayoshi was never able to see their faces from here he supposed the boy was handsome. Charming.

The clock ticked on almost too fast. Finally the two broke apart, said about three words and parted ways.

There was nothing to look forward to for the rest of the day. So Tsuna re-read his newest book until shadows cast upon the room, bading him to rest.

The sun hit his face in a rude awakening. As a hurried rapping on his door helped to jolt him awake. In strode Dino Cavallone, adopted brother of his and occasional friend. Although he was a bit rude and distant Tsuna found his company the only one he could possibly look forward to. After all he was starved. For human interaction. For a bit of companionship.

The clock was ticking down. By this time next year he would officially take his father's place as head of the Vongola.

He arose quite perturbed at the fact he was suddenly visited. "Buon giorno, Tsunayoshi." He spoke almost too brightly. At least for this early. Tsuna responded with a half groan at the mix of Italian he always addressed him with.

"What is it?" He replied slowly, unused to talking because there had never been much of a need to do so.

"Today is a special day." Dino didn't even bat an eyelash at Tsuna's obstinate behavior. "Today I'll be introducing you to your guard this morning. He is to be your guard on the day of your inheritance." He seemed quite proud.

Tsuna blinked. "Who?" Dino merely gave him a knowing glance, whispered the number nine and left the room. Locking the door behind him.

He lay in the still warm sheets, his eyes floated in the direction of the wall clock. Seven in the morning, he still had time he supposed. Laying for another half an hour, his shirt riding up to reveal his almost unnoticeable stomach after all he was stick thin still. He felt his own breath fanning his bare arm and payed close attention to the sensations around him.

The noise of the birds outside and steady sound of the breeze outside were comforting. So why was he so uneasy?

At precisely nine in the morning the door to his private room flew open. He cautiously glanced up from his book, not moving an inch from the window seat. It was Dino. As promised. But no one was with him?

"Giorno, again, Tsunayoshi. As promised I've brought your guard for an introduction."

His breath nearly hitched as in stepped the boy. That boy. The one he'd seen from a distance. Only him. He was even more beautiful in person Tsuna decided as he studied the taller boy or man's face. It was delicate but seemed to hold an air of fierce pride. One that was unable to be contained. Confidence, his pose spoke volumes of confidence. More than Dino or the ones he'd read in books.

Tsuna watched his chin jut out, almond eyes narrowing to study him. Access his strength or rather personality. Kyoya wondered why they'd locked up such a weak looking herbivorous boy. He didn't seem worth acknowledging. "This is Hibari Kyoya." Added Dino.

"Hello, Hibari-san." Spoke Tsunayoshi quietly. The tenth had a calming voice but it also reminded Kyoya of wind chimes with it's melodious tone.

Wasting no words he spoke slowly and deliberately as if the tenth were but a small child. "Herbivore, fight with me."

Tsunayoshi floundered for an answer and simply it was "no." However Kyoya had his tonfas out already, he would not accept the denial of a weak willed child. If they were going to require him to work under this child then he was going to have to prove himself. "I wasn't asking."

And with those words he swiftly swiped for a blow.

They cry asking me to return home

I cannot answer

My heart turns to stone

He sobbed. Silently, alone in his room. Heavily leaning against the window seat to keep steady. Not a word of comfort. The guilt festered. He hadn't meant to knock Hibari out. But there had been no time to warn him. He couldn't remember what happened. Only coming to where Dino quietly shouldered the unconscious body and wordlessly left, locking the door behind him.

If only he'd known that was what Dino intended to happen. He gained a subordinate that day but lost something far greater. His image of what the boy was. He was harsh and unrelenting, nothing like his hopes. The monster inside began to fester again. Hopeless.

Tsuna realizes he cannot have anything he wants.

He is bound.

He is a monster.

Slapping his face he came to understand things would not work out like he'd hoped. He was being released into the days ahead. The darker ones. But for now he would enjoy the comfort of his room once more. Because his identity lay here in the stillness. And stillness was all he'd ever known.

So sorry for the constant line breaks in this, the first chapter of my story I intend to actually continue. This series will actually be very tragic, there may be some depictions of blood possibly gore in later chapters so I feel I should warn people.

The story itself is about detachment from the world, from others and ultimately oneself. I feel I should also mention the Dino's relationship with Tsuna is that of an estranged member so they haven't much interaction until possibly later. The set ship is 1827 but it won't happen until much later.

Thank you for reading my story! God bless you, please don't forget to let me know what you think!