Learning How to Smile

Step 1: Find Something That Makes You Happy

There was a room, cluttered with books and clothes alike, and in the fireplace crackled a dying fire, and amongst the mess, encased within the hazy windows was a man, lying there, and not even reading the book in his hand. Reborn's face was serious as he stared at the orange glow in the fire, and then, he came upon a realization.

He was doing it again.

The only thing on his mind as he watched that amber glow, that luster reminiscent of his former pupil's Deathperation flame, was Sawada Tsunayoshi. A boy whom he'd known before his curse had worn off, whom he'd tutored well, teaching him how to become a Mafia boss, then leaving to cure his own curse. But now that he had been granted his older body back, everything was so distant. There was still a void inside him... he never felt as though he could be completely at peace. When he had been cursed, everything was so carefree and fun! When he was an Arcobaleno... nothing seemed to matter. But now that he was in his thirties- as old in body as he was in mind- he was disconected from Tsuna. That child had grown into a boss... and his job was done.

Yet, even though Reborn knew this quite well, he couldn't stop himself from yearning to see his pupil again... Tsuna hadn't even seen his extremely cool adult form! Wistful emotions tugged at the hitman, useless emotions that he'd locked away long ago. But then again, he told himself, isn't it fine when it's Tsuna? Reborn wasn't one to kid himself. He knew quite well that his feelings were far beyond those of a tutor, and that it was a bit of a stretch of him to feel that way for a child who he had disciplined through sadistic and harsh methods.

But even though he thought that, Reborn couldn't help himself for liking Tsuna. Granted, he'd never felt anything close to this fondness for Dino- in fact, Dino had been like the rest: just pupils. But Tsuna was different. Tsuna took him back a good number of years, and reminded him vaguely of Luce, grandmother of that sweet little girl, Uni.

He was kind, and forgiving, and Tsuna almost never wanted to see even his enemies die. Each individual factor that composed the Vongola X somehow felt alluring, and Reborn didn't have to interpret it in order to know what it was.

It was love.

Alas, Tsuna was much older now, he was about twenty-six, and more than likely married to Kyoko already. The mere thought made Reborn clench his fists in envy. He'd already told Bianchi that he wasn't intrested, because no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't take the thought of being taken before he could get a chance with Tsunayoshi. Plus, she would hold him back. But Tsuna couldn't hold him back. He could control Tsuna, and that's what counted.

Suddenly, the book left Reborn's hand, and he pulled his fedora down over his eyes, then groaned. "Damn it, I need to stop," he snarled. "I'm just losing myself." The hitman sighed at himself, stood up, and took his hat, dusting it off, before combing his hair back with his fingers and placing the hat back on his head. "All right. This is the tenth time its happened. If I have a drop of integrity, I'm going to go see him now."

The former Arcobaleno took a deep breath, let it out slow, and began to walk out of the room, his face dead serious as he strutted out of the old base where he'd been residing for the past few weeks. Soon after, he was out on the streets for the first time in quite a while, and he silently thanked himself, for the sunlight that greeted him was unpleasantly bright, and he was able to keep his face in the shade as he navigated through the area. It took no effort for Reborn to get to the entrance to the underground base, but when he was there, he found that his guard was much too low. He didn't want to submit anything, but when he was there, he just felt so relaxed.

Reborn walked inside, and, aware that he had tripped he alarm, took a few steps further, and put his hands up. Soon after, Gokudera, Yamamoto, and at last, Tsuna arrived before him, and he bowed, taking off his fedora as he did so. "Hey, useless Tsuna," he greeted.

"I'm not called that anymore," Tsuna defended cooly. "Who are you, and why are you here?"

"Call off the others. I'm here for a meeting," Reborn said, before summoning himself. "I'm here to catch up with my favorite pupil."

"... Gokudera, Yamamoto, head back to the conference room. Tell them I'll be there later. Gokudera, you can take control of the conference for now, there are notes at my desk."

"Yes, boss," the bomber agreed, bowing, before he and Yamamoto left. Tsunayoshi gestured him over.

"I had a feeling," he said as they started to walk back to Tsuna's room. "You're him. The tutor who left me seven years ago."

"My job was done," Reborn said simply. "I'm sorry."

"You shouldn't have left," Tsuna replied in a quieter voice. "I missed you, Reborn." The former Arcobaleno twitched when a hand laced into his, then, stunned, stared right into Tsuna's eyes. The Vongola boss suddenly took his other hand, and in just short of a moment, they were facing each other. "Look at you," Tsuna chuckled, his amber eyes entrancing the hitman with its unique, golden color. "You're so much more handsome like this."

The words went right over Reborn's head when he was so absorbed by looking at his former pupil who held his hands so tenderly. Before him stood a mature Mafia boss, but at the same time, he was still the soft, friendly boy whom he'd tutored. Suddenly, Reborn leaned in, and Tsuna met him with his lips, and together, they leaned in close, embracing with mutual understanding as they kissed. To Reborn, nothing had ever felt so great in his life. And even though he might never know for sure, he believed strongly that Tsuna felt the same way, for the other man gave a quiet moan, which pleased Reborn more than anything else might.

Common sense, however, soon kicked in, and the tutor backed up, pulling Tsuna's arms away from around his neck as he did so. The embrace was so nice and soothing, but it was really too comfortable. Reborn didn't want to give in to anything, no matter how much he longed to. "C'mon, Reborn, what's the matter?" Tsuna asked, his hands eagerly kneading the taller man's shoulders. Reborn twitched again, then stepped back, and his former pupil instantly took a step forward. "I gave up Kyoko for this, Reborn, now that your with me again..."

"Tsuna... stop," Reborn requested. "... Let's go to your room and talk."

"At least lose that dreadfully serious face," Tsuna snorted, prodding the hitman's cheek with a finger. "It's so formal."

Reborn shrugged, and they started back towards the boss's room, the former Arcobaleno starting to feel uncomfortable.

But he knew that he wouldn't regret his visit there.

It was too good.

-End Chapter

Hehe~ Another request being fulfilled... all right, this'll either be one or two more chapters, I prefer to do two more, but we'll se how it goes. Already, this is a bit short... so I'd prefer to add a couple more. Dang, though, I keep starting new things! Someone slap me!

Please Review!