AUTHOR'S NOTE: Standard disclaimer applies and yes, I've learned that begging doesn't really work—just ask Oliver. Yeah, that never worked.

I really am worried by the fact that I am writing again—well not the writing part but by the fact that its coming along so well. I tend to be cynical and pessimistic when that happens because something tells me it will inevitably dry up again and leave me in the lurch.

Sigh. The madness that inspiration puts me through. Why can't inspiration come like a reasonable person and schedule its appearance. Really, it is the most aggravating thing. I don't even know why I wrote something like this but it keeps writing itself!

Ugh…just enjoy. Please. I don't even know why I'm babbling. I just wish I knew if I could still write as well as I once thought. Please leave your comments. I love reading about what you guys think. Many, many thanks to those that review my works. You make this act one of love and hope.


When we are sure that we are on the right road there is no need to plan our journey too far ahead. No need to burden ourselves with doubts and fears as to the obstacles that may bar our progress. We cannot take more than one step at a time.

Orison Swett Marden


ACT ONE: The Request

The clandestine meeting, such as it was, was not going according to plan. Not that anything in his life ever really worked according to plan, the young Vongola Decimo mused as he stared at the figure that's glaring at him with imperious and frankly impressive degree. He tried unsuccessfully to conceal the shiver that danced upon his spine when those intense steel-grey eyes followed the minute shifting of his body but even as he tried to convince himself that the other man didn't notice it, he knows full well it was a futile attempt at best. The only time the other man didn't notice anything is when there is NOTHING to notice. He wondered, in idle amusement, if it was his lot in life to be surrounded by observant, obsessive, violence-prone males. A flicker of a memory bearing the image of an amused Bianchi, a quietly defiant Chrome and a vengeful Haru flashing through his mind made a small smile bloom on the corner of his lips. He made a mental note to change his previous thoughts into the more appropriate observant, obsessive, violence-prone personalities of either gender. It took a moment for him to notice that the figure he was staring at was reduced to actually standing up and flicking a finger at his forehead to get his attention. He blinked at the pain that erupted on his skin and reached up a hand to rub the spot on his forehead. Smiling sheepishly, he quietly apologized and repeated the question that brought him into the figure's office in the first place.

"No."

He blinked. "No?"

"Yes."

He tilted his head a bit and blinked again before speaking. "Is that a yes to the no or just plain yes?"

"Yes."

This time he gave in to his instincts and rubbed the back of his head like he was wont to do back when he was younger. "Huh?"

The figure stared at him for a full ten second before a hand reached up and pinched the bridge of a nose that flared just the slightest bit in temper. Decimo gulped and wondered briefly if it was too late to apologize.

"If this is already confusing to you, I think it's time for you to go through remedial lessons again. Perhaps I should contact That Baby and schedule it for you."

Instantly he fluttered his hands in panicked negation, "No! Please, t-there is no need for t-hat!"

"Stop stuttering. It's unbecoming for a man in your position and the repetitive sound annoys me."

The reprimand was unusually verbose and yet expected. The man that stood before him could only be best described as stoic and taciturn. Impossible to deal with. And yet, for all that could be said about the man, Tsuna never found him unreasonable or irrational. He simply dealt with issues with his own brand and code of ethics convoluted though they may be.

His own rules.

Tsuna took a deep breath and tried to muster his self-possession once more. He settled his hands back on his lap and looked outside the windows, watching as branches laden with wisteria swayed gently against the wind. The peaceful picture made the restlessness writhing inside of him settle.

"I'm just wondering why you would say no."

"Is there a logical reason for me not to say no? I say it because it's only right that I do, Omnivore. Learn to use your head before you lose it."

Tsuna sighed and this time didn't bother with pretending that he didn't. The idea was so simple. More so, it had merit. He needed advice on a private matter and he wanted it from someone trustworthy and knowledgeable. He also needed someone who wouldn't blab about it indiscriminately to the first person who asked, threatened, bribed, coaxed and/or seduced him for it. He needed someone infallible and dependable. Someone who could withstand the madness that seemed to ooze like so much lava from the disaster-prone source such as his unpredictable Famiglia. Who else would be perfect for the job but the one and only Hibari Kyouya? Right?

Right…

That's why he was here now, seriously contemplating the idea that maybe he has overshot the mark and he is now in even more troublesome straits than the one he was before.

Maybe I should quit while I'm ahead? This couldn't possibly end up in anything good. Not for me at any rate.

talk about being caught between a rock and a hard place. For him however, the most apt description should be caught between an exacting skylark and the rest of his insane famiglia. The choices weren't really the best to be had. Still he had to try. It was him who made the request after all.

"I don't understand why this is so impossible for you to grant Hibari-san. There are hardly any risks involved. I know that it's presumptuous of me to ask a favor from you but—! "

"There are always risks involved in any venture. There are factors that must be evaluated, cataloged and argued. There will never come a time when risks are not involved."

"But all I ask is a simple thing—!"

"There is no such thing as a simple thing, not when it involves you. Not when you factor in the effect you have on mindless herbivores that flock to your side like so much sheep."

"Please don't call them that. They're hardly mindless and they most certainly are not like helpless sheep." He pinned the man sitting in front of him with his lambent gaze and allowed a bit of his Will to flash for a moment. "Besides,fact of the matter is that I'm hardly an inept child anymore you know."

The figure's lips merely shifted into a minute smirk before returning to their former thin, firm lines.

"Inept? No, you are hardly that. Child, maybe not completely but childlike just the same."

"Come now—that's—!"

"Innocent and naive, you still are."

He stared at his Cloud guardian and wondered if he imagined his last response. Discretely pinching the soft pads between his left index finger and thumb belied the notion and he couldn't help his eyes from widening minutely in shocked amusement. He flashed his stoic guardian a small amused grin and held back the need to give in to hysterical laughter.

"Gods above, Kyouya, stop quoting a Jedi master right now. I shudder to think what you can and will do if you had The Force with you. You're already intimidating enough as it is. The universe would never forgive me."

This time the smirk that bloomed on his Cloud guardian's lips was positively and unassailably evil.

"Just imagine the possibilities."

He shook his head determinedly. "I dare not. It's too mind-boggling a concept to ever entertain so please don't ask it of me."

"And that is why I think you need a refresher course Omnivore. For all your improvements, you are still refreshingly unimaginative regarding dealings with the real world. It is past time, you've learn that."

He sighed and resisted mightily the urge to pout. He knows that his Cloud would put him to task for it. But he was desperate and he needed his Cloud's cooperation. He simply must make the man see reason. He tried once again.

"But in this matter? Really, Hibari-san, what harm can I possible come to with such a simple exercise? I will be there to make a simple transaction."

"Try, if your mind will allow you, to see the bigger picture. There is no way what you desire could be described as a mere transaction."

"I am trying and I have made an assessment of every aspect of it—"

"Every aspect? Truly?"

He resisted the urge to fidget under that determined, assessing gaze. "I know that you will have security concerns at the forefront of your mind…"

"As a man in your unique position rightfully should. You cannot always assume that whoever comes after you will be rendered helpless and meek at the mere sight of your face or the mere mention your infamous name. That is how battles are lost when they could've otherwise been won—sheer stupidity and arrogance."

"Two things of which I am neither. I plan on bringing two of my guardians along with me as surely that would be the most prudent action to take. I thank you for your concern Hibari-san, but I am aware that I need to be cautious."

"Which two?"

The question was simple and direct to the point. And much like the man who asked, it was also laced with enough warning that should he choose poorly, his taciturn Cloud would vanish faster than the morning mist. "Obviously it would have to be the two who will never accept getting left behind who else? They're the most adamant about knowing where I am at all times and it would draw less notice than if I were to go alone."

"You can spare your second in command. There must never be a vacuum in your headquarters you know that. And showing up with those two will never result in subtlety. They don't know the word when they're together."

"They've improved over the years. You know that too."

The stoic guardian merely cocked an imperious brow. "I acknowledge no such thing."

"Of course you do. I said I was bringing two guardians. I never intended to bring Hayato since he is tasked with overseeing the rest of the preparations for the celebration. I couldn't possible impose on his already packed schedule. He already tries to do so much and I cannot ask for more."

"Then who else are you dragging with you to this mad scheme you've involved yourself in?"

"It is not a mad scheme since I took the liberty of following your advice."

"My advice was never given regarding this maddening tendency you have for showing unnecessary affection."

"Then who else shall I bring with this excursion? My Rain would be sufficient I suppose since it has been a long time since he has been in the country. Perhaps Onii-chan?"

This time, the Cloud guardian was hardly indifferent. His brow was no longer cocked but instead furrowed in clear aggravation. He lifted a hand and leveled an index finger towards the infuriatingly innocent, ever-smiling Sky.

"Omnivore, I will not tolerate a boisterous loudmouthed buffoon in my town."

"Hibari-san, Onii-chan is a true son of Namimori, you know that. However, I may not be able bring in Onii-chan as he has some trouble controlling his-er-enthusiasm."

"If nothing else the years have honed your skills at euphemisms Omnivore. To call that walking bullhorn as merely enthusiastic is a sure testament of your skill at understating the obvious. Allow me to congratulate you."

"Hibari-san, why is it that when you compliment me at times, I feel like I'm sliding ever closer to a pit I may not recover from?"

"That is because you are allowing your unruly imagination to run rampant like always Omnivore especially with regards to those mindless sheep that loiter around you."

"Onii-chan is well meaning, despite his unfortunate propensity for louder than necessary speech."

"His entire speech is not unfortunate; it's his entire nature that is."

Whatever Tsuna wished to say was interrupted by the entrance of Kusakabe Tetsuya, Hibari's ever-loyal and faithful second-in-command. Gifting the man with a smile and a soft murmur of thanks, Tsuna gratefully accepted the cup of tea the frighteningly efficient man handed him and turned to watch as the man handed his leader another. He knew well enough that Kusakabe Tetsuya will not speak until there is a need or until Hibari deemed it appropriate. He has learned well enough to understand the unusual dynamic the two men existed with.

When the man made his exit, he turned his warm russet gaze upon his quiet skylark and waited for the man to speak once more. A minute passed and with a soft laugh, Tsuna remembered that his skylark never bother to initiate a conversation unless he wanted to. With a small smile, he prodded his cloud with a soft, "Hibari-san?"

"You require proper protection. I will not have that interfering bronco coming in here to nag at me about how he is your brother and he needs to coddle you nor will I allow That Baby to come here and have a reason to complain."

"I see. Well…do you have any recommendations?"

The aloof skylark turned away from the penetrating chocolate gaze that looked at him with such trust and tried to marshal his thoughts into appropriate channels. As much as he could, he wished to deny any need to give in to the simpleminded Omnivore's request but like always, some part of him—stubborn idiotic part that is—wished to yield.

"Call your Rain if you must Vongola. As this is my contact and your request requires my presence then the two of us would suffice. But know that I still am very much against this foolish venture of yours."

Tsuna wondered if Hibari caught the satisfied smile that lifted a corner of his lips—one that he immediately covered with a judicious sip of tea so thoughtfully provided by the man's subordinate.

"Thank you Hibari-san. I'm sure Takeshi would not get in your way."

"Your Rain is annoying like a newly minted pup but he is tractable and he has talent. If he could curb his need to befriend everything that moves he would be a much finer warrior than he already is."

"Please do not disparage Takeshi's warmth and friendliness. That is as much a source of his strength as your pride is to you."

"My pride such as it is exists because I have cause be proud. A fool knows no reason for being."

Tsuna merely graced his Cloud with another smile. He waved aside the cool words with casual ease as he set his teacup down.

"I know that you will consider exposure to Takeshi's cheerfulness as a negative thing—!"

"As should any prominent figure who expects efficiency and protection from a guardian. Your Rain guardian would sooner invite an assassin to play a silly ball game than do his task."

"He might not—well…" Tsuna gave in to a chagrined smile, "He doesn't do that quite as often as you think. He is vigilant in his duties and he is an excellent judge of character."

Hibari has reached the end of his limited patience and inclined his head to indicate that the matter-as far as he is concerned-is done. The issue of who would accompany the simpleminded Omnivore is settled, the only matter that remains is the issue of appearance and he didn't hesitate to bring it up immediately.

"Contact that maddening woman that works as your Auditor. Tell her you have a need to disappear in a crowd."

Tsuna blinked at this new turn of the conversation. He looked at his guardian in question. "Haru? Why would I need to—"comprehension dawned immediately on his face, "do I really need a disguise for this?"

"Do you really think you, of all people, would simply blend in?"

"Well, I'm hardly memorable Hibari-san. I don't think I would stand out too much. Hardly anyone would notice just another young man walking in the streets with a couple of friends."

Hibari pinned the man who gazed at him with such annoying guilelessness and resisted the urge to smack him with his tonfa until something resembling common sense came his way. Exasperating really how dealing with the man who was so easygoing could be so damned exhausting for someone like him. Still, it would not do for someone in his position and particular nature to give vent to wayward, useless feelings.

"Is that what you think would happen?"

Tsuna blushed at the look that Hibari threw his way and rubbed his nape self-consciously. He looked down at his hands and murmured softly.

"I have been away for some time now…" The lambent russet eyes closed for a moment, dark sooty lashes concealing the tell-tale orbs. When they lifted Hibari found that he couldn't control his own impulse to stare as the usual chocolate orbs lightened to an interesting shade of sun-struck cinnamon as if lit by a flame from within. "And I thought…that perhaps I could just try blending in. Just try and walk around like any other person on the street. That would be for the best don't you think?"

Tsuna reached out for his tea cup once more and flashed the glowering Skylark in front of him a small shy smile before taking a grateful sip.

It was the smile that did him in.

Hibari Kyouya was a man not inclined to yielding to the frivolous desires and impulses of his body or succumbing to fanciful flights of his mind. He is hardly controlled by his faculties—save for his instincts—but rather is master of every aspect of his being. And yet, for all the battles he has won, he could not for the life of him, comprehend the overwhelming feeling that he was a breath or two short of actually blushing.

That damned Omnivore.

"If that is your entire argument against disguising yourself then perhaps I should do assassins aiming for your head a favor and bite you to death here and now."

Tsuna squawked and promptly choked on his tea, brown eyes wide as he gaped at his Cloud guardian in chagrined surprise.

"What!"

"I don't like being splattered by tea Omnivore."

"Oh! I do apologize Hibari-san, forgive me, but why in the worlds did you say something like that?"

"Because you've just proven that you are still woefully naïve as ever. You, who see much and yet see nothing at all."

Tsuna moped up the spilt tea with an immaculate handkerchief and thought about Hibari's words. As much as he has grown immune, even fond of his skylark's abrupt and at times coldly blunt words, it still catches him unaware whenever the faintest hint of concern color the man's apathetic words.

"I know that you're worried I will be recognized."

"I do not waste my time worrying over non-essential matters."

"I know that you don't, but there is no need for you to be so concerned. We will be here, in our beloved Namimori, the safest place I could ever be. And besides, I know quite well for a fact that I can vanish into the background whenever I wished. It happened tons of times before you know, I've had plenty of practice."

Hibari could only snort at the man—and the world at large's obvious stupidity—regarding the man that stood before him. That they could oversee the Omnivore was something he couldn't really fathom since even before the boy found that he didn't need to conceal his real self, there was already something about him that called to his senses.

Come to think of it, it called to that idiotic baseball maniac too and The Baby called that one a natural-born hitman.

Weighing his options at hand, he decided on the path of least resistance. His routine was already being disrupted by his rare acquiescence regarding the Omnivore's requests. He doesn't want to waste anymore of his time, patience or even effort. It was too troublesome for a busy individual like him.

No time like the present to reveal some aspect of this irksome indulgence. Perhaps it would buy the necessary cooperation I desire.

"The disguise is necessary since the place we are going to lies at the very outskirts of Namimori. Technically, it is in the next town and as such no longer falls under the protective control of The Foundation. Still, since it is at the border of the town, I pay it—and the other towns that flank us as well—the necessary attention."

"I see." Tsuna weighed this new information and gave a small nod. He slipped his phone out and quickly typed in a message to send out to the Vongola Auditor. "Well, I suppose we can schedule the trip as soon as you approve of my disguise and Takeshi arrives."

"That would be most efficient. Make sure that for the most part no discernible feature shows. I will be taking lead on this outing. My contact is discerning, cunning and dislikes subterfuge when directness would do. You will come as you are—you will not misrepresent yourself. Once inside his facility, there will be fewer risks."

"I understand."

Tsuna sighed at the seriousness being displayed by his Cloud. He wondered if perhaps he should have simply stuck by his original idea of a simple gift but even as he thought of it, he knows deep down that this idea was the only appropriate and worthy present.

Really the things he goes through for the people he loves. Who knew there were such concerns regarding a simple shopping expedition?