It's been exactly two years since something akin to normal swept through Namimori. The crispy autumn air replaced by breezy sunshine, the blooming cherry blossoms, and the beginning of a new school year. Rebirth had arrived, and so did the activity of Namimori's citizens.

In the span of those two years, Hibari stood silently by the window, observing with unspoken pride at the town he protected, waiting for an unseen enemy to strike, to destroy. No such thing occurred, and besides keeping a watchful eye on the town, he had paperwork to keep him occupied. His tea had cooled, Hibird was fed, and for some inexplicable reason, he was tired.

Since the beginnings of last year, he had decided to transfer his disciplinary duties to Namimori High School as well, seeing it fit to establish order in both schools, and to have Vongola within his radar. The Family had expanded, Tsuna had managed to spread his influence beyond Italy and Japan, and Hibari knew that danger was a breath away. Biting others to death was only a small portion of what he actually had to do, no one dared step out of line while he was present. And of course, that meant more papers to sign.

"Hibari."

If it was anyone but the hit man, he would let his glare speak for itself, except Reborn hadn't stepped foot in his office since The Incident. Which meant something important, something only Hibari must know, was about to be disclosed and Reborn had personally sought him for this information alone.

He spared a glance at the Arcobaleno, then back to the window, waiting for him to continue, to tell him what Sawada Tsunayoshi did this time, and which trespassers he had to punish for destroying public property. Who else would it be?

"I have a request." The voice had no tone, except Hibari knew, that when Reborn asked for a favor, it was usually costly. Very.

…

"I told you not to do that," Tsuna sighed, smoothing down the wrinkles on the blanket, and Lambo fled to the kitchen. It had taken him hours to get his room in order, finding a handful of cigarette butts Gokudera had left behind over the past few months. Gokudera had denied it obviously, and Yamamoto laughed sunnily in return, helping pick out candy wrappers under the bed. They eventually went to Yamamoto's, leaving Tsuna to his chores and homework.

Reborn had left too—hours—ago, only giving a vague "To Namimori High, don't ask questions" which left Hibari as a possible destination.

Hibari.

The prefect and he hadn't spoken in months, only short phone calls, written reports, quick emails. He wasn't even there to celebrate the prefect's seventeenth birthday, being too busy tending to matters in Italy.

It's not like he was avoiding his Cloud Guardian, but after that incident Tsuna would rather forget, it was honestly very difficult to meet Hibari's eyes and play 'Boss' and 'Subordinate.'

And there it was again, that feeling of fear and uncertainty. It hit him in flashes now and then. Something was coming, something big, and he could tell Reborn felt it too, whatever it was. His Intuition had sharpened, it was a rarity whenever he was caught by surprise, the enemy was foreseeable. It was a gift and a burden, having too much knowledge usually meant a mountain of bills for property damage and a phone call to other Bosses for cover damage.

He didn't like being in the Mafia, it was so...tiring.

Tsuna sighed (he's been doing a of of that lately), and only nodded when the door opened, Reborn's familiar steps reaching his ears.

"We have business to discuss," he said, pointing to Tsuna's desk. Business. Ha. Tsuna almost laughed.

"You've been gone for hours, were you with Hibari-san?" He couldn't help but also feel a bite of anxiety, ever since they went to the future, every time Reborn disappeared, he had to just see that the hit man was still-

Reborn smirked. "Something like that. I negotiated with him, now I just have to let you know that we're all going on a…vacation."

Tsuna couldn't being himself to swallow. "Vacation? The school year's starting in a week, I can't just—."

"If you didn't interrupt, you would know that you're staying. With Hibari, of course. He's agreed to babysit you, so you can tend to your duties as Boss," Reborn said shortly. Hibari? Vacation? He, stay with Hibari, who disliked the Mafia and those who weren't animals in general?

"But where is he going to stay, I mean—?"

"He's staying here. Nana agreed to it, all expenses will be covered." Reborn polished Leon.

Pouting, Tsuna plopped down on the bed, cigarette butts abandoned. "I don't understand why it as to be Hibari-san though, why can't it be Gokudera-kun or Yamamoto?" He could barely keep out the whine in his voice. Reborn's black stare wasn't easing up the tension in his shoulders either. Then again, he's been tense since he realized he was in the Mafia.

"The bond between the Sky and Cloud is relatively weak, I think you've began to notice," Reborn said quietly. "Enemies will use that to their advantage, not only because there is low compatibility between the Sky and Cloud rings, but if you haven't noticed, Hibari is your strongest Guardian. Mentally, physically, emotionally."

Tsuna faltered. "I-I didn't, I mean, it's not like we can't team up in combat, but there hasn't been any problem when—."

"That's because Hibari has noticed too, and he has enough power to breach this gap when the both of you fight together. He's also intelligent, he'll be tutoring you." Reborn explained, tone saying that it's end of discussion, no more questions.

"You're not telling me everything," Tsuna said, eyes narrowed suspiciously, arms crossed. The glint in Reborn's eyes gave him shivers, but he did not waver. He was told to never stutter, to speak with deliberation, with articulation. And Reborn no longer scared him like he used to when Tsuna was fourteen. It's been two years. The training, his mental capacity, he was a honed machine and leader.

"That doesn't matter right now. Hibari knows, and that's enough for the both of you," Reborn stated flatly.

"Dangerous, I bet," Tsuna murmured, fingers stroking the Vongola ring. "How long will all of you be gone?"

"Two months. Or more, the time is undecided. Nana, the kids, and all of the Guardians are leaving, it's just you and your Cloud Guardian." Reborn looked troubled.

And that alone scared him more than he's willing to admit.

…

Everyone bustled in the house, dragging suitcases and packing lunches. Dino said he would stay behind to tend to 'personal matters' and Mukuro would also be staying behind with Chrome, Ken, and Chikusa. It honestly surprised him that he was forgetting the rest of his Family members, last time he saw Chrome was about a month ago. Kyoko would stay as well, and Haru decided that if Kyoko remained, then so would she.

Everyone was happy, even Gokudera, who smoked lazily at the porch, Yamamoto's arm circling his back. They were in that awkward phase in their relationship, where they hadn't established anything but the attraction. The sun was shining brightly, it was another typical spring day.

Bianchi cuddled with Reborn. Lambo, I-Pin, and Futa played. It was that same cozy atmosphere, and Tsuna would definitely miss it. Hibari would fill that void. Hopefully. His family was peaceful and it made him happy, knowing that they would be away from the potential danger, whatever it may be. He would do everything for his family, and Reborn knew it. If he had to stay with Hibari for a few months, then so be it. He will train to get stronger.

…

The picture of Sawada Tsunayoshi was still intact. Well, it was the picture of the entire Family, and Hibari almost considered shredding it. But it was framed, and hot-glued to his desk (courtesy of Dino.)

Sawada Tsunayoshi.

It was almost pathetic, how the herbivore managed to stir…something inside him. It was more than the urge to bite others to death, it was uncontrollable. Perhaps he was finally succumbing to the urges that come with being his age, but his very slight protectiveness over Tsuna would not border to affection. Hibari made sure to keep their interactions to a bare minimum, and he could say Tsuna did the same. He would deny feeling slightly irritated every time he met the brunet's kind and open stare, if only because he was threatening to just touch-

And he sought for physical relief elsewhere. Dino welcomed him with open arms, more so Dino was the one who initiated it all, confessing his attraction for the prefect. It was expected, ll those hours of training alone with the Italian, not to mention the fact that Dino had a pull towards the strong, and Hibari knew it.

The only reason he sought Dino was because he needed a way to relieve his urges, and Dino was just a means to that end. He planned to be alone for the years to come, and an occasional partner to serve to his physical needs. Dino was an alleviation, he didn't need a burden. All he wanted was to release, somebody to accompany him while he orgasmed, while he basked in his carnal desires. Dino was addicting, but not satisfying. He came upon this realization when he was a child, that the reason anything would be addicting would be the reason because it's not satisfying. One can repetitively seek that rush, but it's not enough. Dino was not enough. Nobody was enough. He wondered, occasionally, what it would be like to be satisfied. To be full to the brim that he felt no need to seek for the addiction, the release once more.

The object of his interest would never look his way, and Hibari thought nothing of it. Tsuna had been claimed once, it was more surprising than he would ever admit. And Hibari was there for the downfall, when Giotto had to leave Tsuna behind, he helped pick up the pieces because of Reborn. He was there to carry his hysterical Boss to the Reception Room, dragging him there and slamming him to the wall, a low warning for him to shut up. It was a pull towards the Sky that left him always unbalanced.

Ever since then, Tsuna had been avoiding him, abashed by his behavior. Giotto hadn't made the effort to come back, and Hibari was told to use force if he tried to contact the Vongola Boss again.

It was better that way.

…

Tsuna was alone. It'd been hours since his family left, and Hibari still hadn't arrived. His suitcase was in the living room, but that was about it. The hallways were dark and just bare without screaming children and Gokudera's insistent bickering. He sat down on the family table, reaching for the leftover tea his moher had brewed before she left, it was probably cold already, he thought.

"You've been waiting, I presume."

His knee slammed upwards to the table, and he bit down a startled "Shit." Once he regained his bearings, Hibari had gotten closer, his eyes narrowed into a permanent frown. Tsuna gripped the cup harder.

"You scared me Hibari-san," he sighed, smoothing down his shirt. Silence followed, and Tsuna knew Hibari wouldn't even think about breaking it. It was strange to see his Cloud Guardian after months and months of unplanned avoidance, even more to see that Hibari had gotten taller, lines of tiredness and sleepless nights etched on his face. "You're not going to tell me what's really going on, are you, Hibari-san?" Yes, it had taken a long time to earn an ounce of respect from the prefect, to just get a glance, an acknowledgement that he existed.

"No, herbivore. It was disclosed information for myself only. I will unpack and you may choose what to do with your leisure time. As long as you're in my line of vision and hearing, I will supervise you." Hibari said coolly, mask betraying nothing like always. He sat on Tsuna's bed, warily observing his room with slight distaste. Of course his room was messy, what did Hibari expect?

"You're sleeping in my room? With me?" Please say no.

"Unless you want me to dorm in your mother's bedroom, I prefer…this." His words were said shortly and precisely, and before Tsuna could say something else, Hibari left the room. Tsuna followed him (almost like a dog, but he shrugged that thought away), feeling slightly fascinated as the prefect observed the house, eyes locked on family photos. It was strange having Hibari in his room of all people, but to see him in his house strolling so casually, was surreal. He wanted to tell Hibari that he was welcome anytime to eat whatever was in the fridge, however the words failed him, like always.

"Reborn said you would tutor me," he said instead. School wouldn't such an issue, but if it came to physical training, Hibari would show no mercy.

"Yes. It appears you're failing your math courses," Hibari murmured, somehow managing to not look at Tsuna. It was infuriating. Hibird chirped in agreement.

"Reborn also said we need to make our bond…stronger. The Sky and Cloud Rings are —."

"I know the problem, herbivore," Hibari cut in aggressively, and Tsuna wanted to know why he wasn't allowed to even speak without being interrupted. It's like this situation bothered Hibari more than it bothered Tsuna, which was just ridiculous because it was Reborn who had done this. "It appears I have to spend time with you, and seeing that I have no choice, I will." Hibari was finally looking at him, but it was a cold glare. "Do not believe that my interests lie for your…Family. They are for Namimori and only Namimori." Firm. Certainty. Of course the prefect would never comply unless he had a pretextual reason.

"Fine. It's fine." His voice sounded foreign to his ears. He wanted Hibari to look at him, tell him what he's thinking about this whole situation. The questions were just dying to erupt, but he bit his tongue, and Hibari looked…uncomfortable. It was difficult to look composed but he managed.

"I'll protect you, Sawada Tsunayoshi." Hibari still wasn't looking at him.

But he believed him. He wanted to say he didn't need it, but Hibari's stare was more fierce than imaginable. It was reassuring, somehow.

…

Since Gokudera and Yamamoto would no longer be walking him home, Kyoko suggested they walk together to and from school.

For the past two years, Kyoko had gotten slightly taller, her hair longer, and her smile even more dazzling.

She was beautiful, as was Haru, but it had been a long time since his chest fluttered near her, his heartbeat in his ears when she smiled at him, cheeks burning red when she touched his hand.

It was amusing really, as she gave him a grin and followed him to the gates of Namimori High School. They had gotten closer, closer than he anticipated. He would've had a heart attack if it had happened two years ago. They would go to walks together, usually accompanied by Ryohei and frequent cake shops in other shopping districts. It made Tsuna happy to just walk around town, to do normal things and just be.

"I think this school year will be better than the last one, I really need to study more, Tsuna-kun," she said, smoothing down her hair.

"Definitely, and a job too," he sighed. The crowd of students was massive and uproarious, the anxiety and excitement thick in the air. He still didn't like school.

"A job?" She gave him a questioning glance.

"College. All that jazz," he replied simply. He needed to see Hibari, first and foremost, before he could even think about finding a distraction for the next two months' worth of loneliness. It was like middle school all over again, except he wasn't as scared of Hibari or as stupid.

The walk to the Reception Room was long and Tsuna tripped three times (he was still clumsy and Kyoko found that endearing), the school itself was massive. The floors were waxed, courtesy of the Disciplinary Committee. The hallway that led to the room made him anxious. It was dark and secluded, just like the prefect. The golden plaque inscribed with the words: Reception Room.

"Hibari-san?"

Hibari craned his head to the side, a small frown curling the end of his lip. "Yes."

"I wanted to say good morning, that's all. And I wanted to ask you about the tutoring and training?"

The prefect looked thoughtful. "I will be monitoring you performance for your classes, then if that's all herbivore, I have matters to tend to." His voice was uninterested, silently telling Tsuna to leave. This was expected, but he managed to smile, and closed the door.

…

He knew Sasagawa Kyoko harbored feelings for that herbivore. He saw the way she looked at him, could see it from the window, where he observed the entire student population. His instincts told him this was dangerous, his urges to be slightly physically aggressive towards the girl were repressed because he wasn't a barbarian. No one knew about these urges, and no one will ever know. Not even the Arcobaleno. His tea swirled as steam rose, his eyes landed on that picture of Sawada Tsunayoshi again. His fingers traced the smile, before he snorted in self-disgust. His anger was justified, because he could see some first-years throw their garbage in the courtyard, obviously ignoring the 'Don't Litter' sign. He will bite them to death later.

And he couldn't help but notice that the sky was clear today.

…

Dinner was silent and uneventful. Tsuna had taken the liberty to cook for both of them, Hibari feeding Hibird as well. It was a stiff sort of silence, and it obviously didn't affect the prefect in any way. Tsuna chewed on his rice rather aggressively, feeling ridiculous. Hibari sat elegantly, he had a cup of tea next to his dish.

Kyoko walked him home, and he couldn't stop feeling embarrassed because he was supposed to do that, not her. And then she smiled like it was nothing and invited him to her new favorite bakery. He breathed in deeply, placing his chopstick down hesitantly."I want to go to the bakery tomorrow."

The prefect continued chewing, his stare was directed to Hibird. "Alone or accompanied?" He replied, sipping his tea elegantly.

"With Kyoko-chan," Tsuna said.

And he could see it. He could see Hibari snap his eyes to meet his own, just enough for Tsuna to see a flicker of something strange before the same uninterested blue appeared once more. "Hn."

"So I can go?"

Hibari shot him an open glare this time. "Yes."

…

Kyoko barely held in her excitement as she hugged him joyously. "Clare has been dying to meet you, Tsuna-kun." She rolled her ponytail to the side, smiling. "It's a small bakery, Haru-chan can't go with us today, so it's just you and me. After school, right?"

Tsuna nodded. "Hibari-san says I have to be home early so yeah, right after school it is," he murmured.

"Have you called Reborn-kun?"

"Nope, Gokudera-kun's calling me tonight though."

"How's Hibari-chan?"

Tsuna flinched. That was definitely unexpected. "Oh…he's fine." His voice sounded an octave higher than usual. Clearing his throat, he bit back the flush, smiling sheepishly.

"Really?"

"Yeah. Actually, he's pretty okay." Things will turn out for the best. He was sure of it.