Typing frantically away on his laptop in the middle of the night with the only light source emitting from the laptop, he searched desperately for any possible data, and gradually, panic started to settle in. It made him feel bitter without knowing the reason why the full information was concealed, why Nono gave him fake cover up about Tsuna instead. His… son. 'Maybe I should contact Verde.' he sighed, biting the nail of his thumb, silently comprehending the consequences if he did.

But the reason why he went in alone to begin with was because he didn't want to risk his parenting from being discovered, if it was… it would be a disadvantage for him, and he'd also endanger Tsuna. Just when Reborn was about to give up, he found a peering in the codings to slip in. Taking advantage of this, he slipped back inside and sponged all the information he could haul and obtain, as soon as he was done, he exits the security systems and closed all the applications, saving everything on his own personal database among his other hidden information behind the carefully managed firewalls, destroying his tracks before logging out.

Exhaling calmly, he gritted his teeth and threw his laptop at the wall, shattering it to pieces upon the impact. He walks over it and picked up the chip then snapped it to half without hesitation. The information he had been working towards for months, he finally found it, he should be smirking ear to ear at this achievement. But instead he wanted to take his ire out on someone, very thoroughly. Skull would've been very useful right now, maybe he should contact him instead, the coward wouldn't have the guts to tattle about Tsuna to the others anyways. Running a hand through his hair, he frowned at his erratic thoughts, his grip had slowly tightened until his fists turned an alarming shade of white.

"I… I need to get a grip…" he sighed, sitting back down on his desk and resting his elbows on the wooden surface as he started rubbing the spot between his brow. An urge for comfort he leaned back in his chair and tilted his fedora down, feeling way more drained than before, It's been awhile since something had caused him to act this way, he's just… had enough with the current situation. Everything is a wreck, and things are being kept from him, although that was something to be expected, but something like this…? Tsuna was just a baby! His loyalty to the Vongola famiglia spanned for years, he knows why they couldn't trust him, well aware that he was just a freelancer bounded by a flimsy contract but still…! He hasn't felt so conflicted since the time he became an Arcobaleno for pete's sake! Shaking his head in disbelief to clear his mind, there would be time to fret later.

He'd clean up the mess after he's rested, for now fatigue crept at him, he better get some sleep so he could function in time for the next morning, who knows what kind of trouble the duo could do again tomorrow? He stood up from his seat and walked out of his study and past the intertwining hallways he remembered not to cross or should he end up missing, he removed his fedora and placed it on his nightstand then gently laid down next to Tsuna after pushing Natsu off the bed. The infant was crying and clutching the bed sheets firmly like it was his lifeline, Natsu crawled back onto his spot on the middle of the bed with a rightful pout.

Gently ruffling Tsuna's hair back and forth the infant finally noticed his presence, reaching out his fragile hands towards the man, Reborn complied, huddling closer and protectively wrapped an arm around him like he'd always does before sleeping, and also glaring at Natsu who was beginning to send teasing looks his way "Leave."and with that, it scampered away and fell on the floor with a smack, he snorts. Finally trying to get some sleep, he closed his eyes, afraid of the next day, a grimace formed on his face as grief overtook him. 'How the hell am I going to explain this to him…?' Reborn, once again released a deep sigh. And within a few seconds, sleep finally took him and he relaxed.

With time, Reborn has finally found himself used to the new presence in the household. It wasn't that he never got to have anyone over, in fact he even had a total of four ex-lovers. All of whom he told 'get lost' to. Honestly, he did enjoy thecompany, but all of them were simply disappointing, none of them had ever met his standards, zilch. He had already surpassed everyone nearly in everything or had advance, extensive knowledge in other subjects. Staying around individuals who didn't even bother understanding how he lived, let alone those who approached him with fabricated personalities and redundant superficial gains were pointless and a waste of time to be associated with. Not even once did he think that'd change, but to his surprise, the closest was with the Arcobalenos when Luce managed to rouse them to the occasion. Now… he was speechless, what more could be said? Nonetheless, he was grateful for that. If not… he would've remained the way he was, isolated from the rest of the world. Turning the other cheek in silence out of an old habit.

Tsuna for arguments sake, wasn't a normal baby,not at all. Not once did he cry whenever he needed to be changed or fed. Without elaboration, he had only repeated a single vowel until Reborn had caught the signal by either simply pointing or patting his stomach to indicate whenever he was hungry. Although when Reborn wasn't around at those times, naturally, Natsu took care after the baby, managing to use his nimbleness to gather any ingredients for cooking or other tasks. Even standing on it's hind legs to do chores around the house and somehow dressing up in ridiculous maid costumes as well, causing Reborn to struggle underneath his facade.

Grueling, it was a pure torture not to laugh at the absurdity of his situation and when he did, Tsuna was there laughing beside him. The house used to convey the impression of being so… constricting, he wasn't claustrophobic, but the hitman was far too used to being bordered away from the ever revolving world around him. His profession was already constraining him enough, never granting the hitman to stay in one area for too long, not many could argue with that, since he was also targeted and sought after due to his position, the 'World's Greatest Hitman'. He'd snort. As the days went by, he couldn't bare to part from the house or the other two, not with all the precious memories that were made. A liability, and he didn't care, not one bit. Even if such attachments proved fatal in the crude world he dwelled in. He was far too fond of the new additions in his life, even if they were already a part of it, the mafia.

That aside, it wasn't always fun and laughter. They had a very rough start, in the first week the entire house was a battlefield for with both sides loaded and waiting to explode. Tsuna created an endless army of giant robots with his drawing-to-life ability so they could chase him, Natsu mauled him at any given moment in spite of his honed instincts that came with being the 'World's Greatest Hitman'. And with his own guns full of ammunition it was practically impossible to get on each other's wishlist.

When attempting to tortur-tutor Tsuna with his usual methods or more bluntly engaging in borderline child abuse proved nearly impossible for Reborn, giving up as the child evidently knew all the man's tricks, almost as if he had recognized them. Frustrated, over time he got carried away, resorting to psychological torture, when Tsuna was sitting on the bed drawing he decided then that it was appropriate to try it. Just before directing his killing intent at the baby he held back a shudder, the damn kid was drawing a giant robot, again. He already had a trauma of giant robots and the kid still insisted on drawing them?! Without any mercy Reborn menacingly glared, a thick ghastly aura surrounding him he launched the preemptive.

When the attack hit, the baby refused to tremble in fear, Tsuna had instead laughed it off and cynically smiled, 'Nice try.' it conveyed. It was a smile Reborn was familiar with, a smile that resembled his own. Gasping in surprise the neurons in his mind turned like the gears of a clock, a memory that was enshrouded in the recesses surfaced. He had lost faith that any of those memories would ever return to him, they were faint and blurry but was memories of her.

Tilting his fedora down, with a loud boisterous chuckle Reborn playfully raised his hands in defeat with his signature smirk gracing his lips, "Guess it's my loss." he told him. Casually waltzing towards the other side of the bed with a refined gait, he sat down and grabbed one of the crayons and a piece of paper to draw. From the corner of his eyes he saw Tsuna's expression turning from shock to acceptance as they drew together, it was then the two arrived at a wordlessly beautiful compromise. At least until Natsu mauled him for getting close to Tsuna, it took forever for the lion cub to trust him.

It was an unwritten rule in the mafia world not to get attached for fear of losing it. Especially in Reborn's case, hesitation dawned on him every second around Tsuna. Having lost count of how many children he's killed over the years, some that weren't even a day old, some that haven't left the womb. The persistent nightmare of one day potentially having to kill Tsuna as well didn't help either, even more when he caught himself actively seeking out the boy. Not with how many people begged at his feet and cried out at the top of their lungs for all to hear, every trigger of the gun adding another reason why he should burn in hell. But taking lives wasn't all that he was good for, and it's not that he had to conform to the unwritten rule. Not when he could protect Tsuna with his dying will.

Life was eventful, there was no longer any need to take on any job offers. Timoteo had them all assigned to others, only enlisting his help when it was absolutely necessary. Nearing seven months since the three of them have known each other. "Gao~" Natsu purred, huddling closer to Tsuna on the breakfast table. Reborn held back his laughter, the damn lion cub was wearing another maid outfit with rainbow glitters on his fur and a white and light orange colored polka-dot scarf. Unfortunately he couldn't ask where Natsu had gotten his clothes, not that he would given the chance.

On the other side of the dining table seated was the hitman, eating a decadent quiche with his usual stemming cup of espresso in his hand, the other holding his newspaper as he tried to read it without a care as he made a few expectant glances at his…'son.' Sipping his espresso he narrowed his eyes, aware that he was being cowardly for not saying it outright. 'It has to be today' he thought. 'The subjects been avoided for long enough.'

As for Tsuna, he was pouting and struggling to get his food down, at his age, only pureed and mashed food could be consumed. But the primary source of nutrition was still the formula or breast milk. Reborn made sure to take full advantage of that. For sometime now, Tsuna's meals involved the excruciating torture and distress of forcing down a small bowl of mashed tuna fish everyday.

It was a fitting punishment for getting on the hitman's nerves for all that's happened in the beginning, day one would be summoning a lion cub and having it terrorize his beloved house. Then the rest… worse.

It was a tidy house without a speck of dust, intricate paintings hanging on the pristine white walls close to the corridors. Tiny tables equally placed with vases and flowers vibrantly blooming and glistening, begonia, plumeria, coriander and heliotrope. Along the walls were neatly arranged paintings, wander into the living room down the hallway and you'd find furniture befitting the space, everywhere were the colours and shades of dark and light blended without overpowering each other and what connected to it next was the kitchen.

The dining room, once used by the loudmouthed Arcobalenos to constantly crash at his place without his permission we're now finally gone, but he can't help but miss their incessant chatter they made as well, the company, the circle, his frien- connections, even if they got on his nerves. A single bathroom and bedroom with a study packed with books of numerous languages and subjects connected to that one as Reborn never needed more than one. Overall, nothing was incredibly luxurious but regardless everything was highly expensive, only a true fool would doubt this claim. Miraculously, nothing had ever broken or received much less, a tiny scratch. It was only knocked over or discreetly placed somewhere else. It irritated Reborn obviously, but at least it was better than going out and replacing them.

Maybe in the distant future he'd allowed Tsuna to meet the Arcobalenos, the problem was making sure that whatever transpired was the result of controlled chaos. Verde would surely attempt to somehow conduct experiments on Tsuna, and as for everyone else, Mammon and Skull could be taken care of with ease, Colonnello never knew when to back down and Lal Mirch would start bickering with the latter for no apparent reason. Luce would then start babying everyone as Fon just sat in the couch sipping his tea contently at how this was the norm, fondly gazing at us like a spectator. On a second thought, he'll probably bring that nephew of his. A Hibari foreshadowed chaos no matter where they went. In any case, that'll be put at the backburner.

Right now, Reborn was hiding his anticipation, Tsuna had already started teething and crawling. Flutters of pride swirled in Reborn's chest when they happened… proud of the accomplishments and he was absolutely thrilled. With the intelligence Tsuna had displayed all this time, it wouldn't be a surprise if the baby suddenly started talking in coherent sentences, being fully aware of that Tsuna had been testing his vocals for sometime. Seven months should be in the standard for babies to speak their first words, and Reborn needed answers. He couldn't wait, he was simply too… excite- no he only wanted results, it's not like he was excited or anything!

On the more serious side of things there was that gunshot wound birthmark behind Tsuna's neck, hyper intuition, and…drawing things that comes to life. Don't even get him started on that one. So long as anything produced a color streak it could be used to draw on any surface, Tsuna graciously only limiting the summonings to Natsu who defied Reborn's extensive flame knowledge. Everything other summoning was simply out of interest.

Harmless ones such as drawing fireflies to life when it got dark and summoning giant robots-

Reborn winced at that one, learning early on that giant robots were practically demonic.

At least the hitman was gifted a recipe book entailing various japanese cuisines, gratefully he accepted from the worry of not providing Tsuna a connection to his origin. Italian cuisine was his specialty, he dabbled in japanese but lacked the knowledge of the more complex dishes, not that he'd risk anyone finding out. Overall Tsuna didn't show any intentions of chaos induced urges, at least not yet.

Needing to break the silence Reborn placed his newspaper down on the table, sipping his espresso once more to clear his throat. He held back and kept his expression unchanged, this wasn't like him. 'Refrain.' he chided himself.

"Tsuna." He confidently voiced, alerting the attention of the two across from him. "When are you going to speak?"

The baby stared back for a few seconds before placing his spoon down, pushing the tuna fish bowl towards Natsu who enthusiastically feasted on the garbage. Breathing carefully Tsuna slowly opened his mouth.

"Ha…ah…"

Reborn immediately leaned forward, these were going to be his first words! Leon's tail had begun wagging furiously like a dog's from the hem of Reborn's fedora while Natsu had merely continued eating his sham of a breakfast.

"…Pa…ah…"

Tsuna furrowed his brows, finding the constant struggle a nuisance. After an eternity of him doing his extensive vocal exercises, he finally spoke, pointing towards the man with brimming confidence.

"Pa...pa...Re…bon?" He beamed, grinning madly as he watched Reborn's eyes widen.

Slowly, a bit stiff from shock, he got up from where he was seated, walking over to the other side, where he knelt down as he gently patted Tsuna's head. Running his hand into the soft locks of syrupy caramel hair, he relaxed in the soothing sensation at the boastful boy in front of him. No one would believe he was capable of doing this, any who saw would be found dead the next day with a bullet in between their brows. This contradicted everything he had ever stood for, he was lone murderer. But as of right now, "Thank you." he told him as his cheeks began to hurt when a wide smile threatened to appear on his visage, but he couldn't, 'Self control, Reborn.' he reminded himself. Only allowing a faint curving on his lips, he wasn't interested in spoiling Tsuna that much.

Despite the simple show of gratitude, feelings were completely conveyed and undeterred with only having two words. Natsu leaped in between the two, unaware of what just happened, how typical of him. The questions could wait, for now... he - they wanted to be enveloped in the warmth of what it felt like to have a family while it lasted, as father and son. Until a thought crossed both their minds and jump started a play for the masses where all its participants were already at death's door before even starting, masked as a blissful daydream was… a tragedy.

'I'm sorry that I can't tell you, not yet. So please, forgive me."

Author's Note

Ugh, I have a feeling that this chapter came out really bad...

Anyways...tell me what you think?