A Friendly Reminder

Tsuna enjoyed the company of others. More because he hadn't had anyone to speak to apart from the creatures of the night which were mainly shunned in society. It became apparent that his original assumptions were correct when night fell.

The Varia were, indeed, amazingly strong, and extremely violent. They tolerated no bull shit when a 'monster' was involved, as it was their 'way.' The group were known to be an unbenevolent assassination squad who excelled at completing tasks quickly but recklessly. Said tasks included monster eliminations and human eliminations. Of course, Tsuna found many issues surrounding both types of tasks the Varia did but it wasn't his authority to make any opinion on it. Little did he know, one day it would.

…

"Oh, my he's so cute!" The man, flamboyantly dressed in bright colours and the signature uniform the Varia wore, squealed when he was introduced to Tsuna.

"Ushishi, hands off." Belphegor threw his knives half seriously at the other, who dodged one and caught the others.

"Um, who is he?" Tsuna hoped that the dispute would not escalate into a fight. He'd had his own share of violence that day.

"How rude of me! My name is Lussuria."

"Nice to meet you… my name is Tsuna." Lussuria voluntarily squeezed out another squeal of delight, hugging his own body to refrain himself from creeping out the new arrival.

"Alright. Time to go. The prince is bored," said Belphegor, turning around and dragging Tsuna with him.

The pair were touring the main town's centre. Despite its dark appearance, it was well maintained and most people who lived in the area seemed to be subordinates of the Varia. None looked terribly tired, which made Tsuna feel at ease. Something told him that the Varia were good people, no matter how strange their exterior character was like.

"How'd you meet Reborn?" asked Belphegor. He was not always interested in things since interesting things never appeared in the town. He was an opportunist and Tsuna was a source of interest. So, as the genius he was, Belphegor figured that the two mixed well.

"He came to my village and offered me to travel with him."

"And the cat?"

"We picked up Natsu on the way," said Tsuna.

"Reborn didn't kill it."

"Surprisingly, yeah." It was one of a few risks Tsuna took when travelling with the man.

"Find me an animal."

"What?"

"You can talk to them, then you can get me one as well. It gets boring here," said Belphegor.

"I was thinking of leaving Natsu here," said Tsuna.

"Then I shall take custody of it."

"Oh… um… I was going to give him to Xanxus."

"Eh? But the prince has been so nice to you," said Belphegor.

"I guess I can find an animal for you," said Tsuna, not wanting to deal with the difficult person.

"Then the prince will be happy with that."

…

Natsu was beautiful.

Golden and fluffy, like most felines, and a glistening mane brushed with sky flames that danced around it. The tail waved in the air, an element of the pride and balance the feline had. Despite its monster roots, characteristically, it was no different than a domestic cat. Perhaps it was the upbringing of a human that it had that it had turned out like so. It was similar in size of a lion, perhaps even more lion than just 'cat.' Yet it was playful and had its own personality. Tsuna had already discussed with Natsu about Natsu's future.

The world outside of a human town were sometimes less dangerous than the world within the town walls. But in the town the Varia resided and governed in, the case was vastly different. Natsu understood Tsuna's intentions. They were always out of good will and he always felt himself bristle up at that ugly expression that showed up on Tsuna's face whenever the human was in pain or in deep thought. He made that same face when he told him that it was best for him to remain with the Varia.

The cat had sulked and grumbled to himself, ignoring the annoying happy croaks of Fantasma who was indulging on some insects.

Then there was that man.

Tsuna had reassured Natsu that he was no threat to him, no matter how scary he was. The man always glared at those around him, a strange superiority the man had. Natsu hated it because that was the glare that Tsuna was subjected to in his own home town. Tsuna knew that he let on more than what he 'said' to creatures. Natsu was sure of that, since, he wasn't the first 'monster' Tsuna had taken in. He was just one of many who were shared a part of Tsuna's life story in exchange of their trust in Tsuna for his ability to 'speak' to them.

Xanxus, the man, adored the cat. He was content (overjoyed) that Tsuna placed the ownership of the cat in his hands. Meat and flames. That was the creature's diet. And it reflected his own.

The Varia Boss had his own way of communicating with the beast. As a sky flame user, he was naturally able to understand those around him. It would one day allow him to be the greatest deciding factor in a tragedy.

Natsu was not an exception to this ability that Xanxus had. He knew that cat wasn't happy with him, but that meant nothing to him. He liked a challenge. And it was worth it when such a beast was just offered to him like that. He could only imagine just how much power the beast had if it were in a fight against a human.

"Perhaps you forget that I can get very angry when someone is mistreated?"

The man halted his thoughts. Xanxus had to give credit to the kid.

He could be damn scary in his own right no matter how short or pitiful he looked.

…

Loyalty.

A pride of the Varia. Leviathan was the most invested in the word. He needed it if he wished to continue serving Xanxus. Mammon had respected such a work ethic, although, the man tended to over the top at times. So it wasn't surprising that Leviathan wasn't well received in the Varia. Xanxus probably didn't give a damn.

He didn't feel threatened by the arrival of Reborn. But rather, was more peeved by Tsuna. He was a different case compared to Reborn. Such a small weak looking kid was a hazard towards Xanxus' safety and position as Vongola Decimo. He was sure that the boss would carry out a fight against the kid to eliminate any possible competition but it went surprisingly peacefully. It was because of Reborn's threat that that was so. But part of the fault was the kid. He wasn't present when the kid first confronted his boss, so he only made assumptions. Something that would backfire on him.

Squalo, who was present, believed that his boss had finally gone insane and was now following a psychopath as if he wasn't already. Leviathan had the same thoughts as him after he was told what happened by Mammon (after paying a hefty fee) but was more vocal and expressive about it. At that point, whatever Squalo did, didn't even matter. The boss actually (finally) cared for something, although it was a monster, and let off Primo's descendent just like that. Reborn 'reassured' Squalo that was not the case, despite it seeming so, and that the fight was simply delayed once the Arcobaleno completed his mission.

The swordsman also dismissed the self-proclaimed prince when the blond returned to the estate bloody but holding a strange ferret like animal in its hands. Moments after the prince, for the first time, silently went to his room without bothering anyone else, Tsuna had entered the estate, Belphegor's knife in hand and an odd air of calm around him.

Squalo didn't even begin to question whether the blood on the boy's sleeve was his.

…

"Right."

Tsuna pet the horse, brushing through its hair. He had groomed horses a few times before. He wasn't usually trusted to be around the precious horses that the village had, but he was the only one willing to get close to the more aggressive animals.

No one had ever suspected that Tsuna was simply taking refuge with the animals by speaking to them.

"He deserved it."

The horse neighed at the response. Trico, the more emotional out of the two horses, shuffled its leg, purposely stomping its hoof. Enrico, the more indifferent and neutral one, offered his piece of mind.

"I wish it was like that," sighed Tsuna.

"Like what?" The voice was loud and clear. Tsuna jumped at the uncalled for response and shrieked when he turned to find himself inches from Reborn's body.

"You have to stop doing that," said Tsuna, stumbling back.

"I thought you weren't afraid of monsters," said Reborn. The man rested his shoulder against the stall's frame. "Talking to horses now, eh?"

"Yeah."

"You don't usually speak aloud to them." It was more convincing to see the horse respond to Tsuna's speech.

"It's because I don't want people finding out." Tsuna glared (tried to at least) at the horse for not warning him of Reborn's arrival. Enrico had shrugged and Trico looked away trying to avoid the guilt.

"I heard you left that feline with Xanxus."

"So, what?"

Reborn was visibly irritated from Tsuna's unwillingness to continue the situation. "I don't see why you need to get angry."

"It's because it shouldn't matter to you," huffed Tsuna. "What I do-"

"It matters to me the most," interrupted Reborn. The man stepped closer to Tsuna, scowling at the younger man. "You don't even know."

"Then no point asking then?" said Tsuna. "My personal issues are mine alone. Whether I wish to share them with you or not is my decision. You were the one, after all, who proposed we keep to ourselves." Maybe it was his pride that Reborn didn't want to back down from the argument, because, the man knew that the boy was right in terms of their agreement at the beginning of the journey. And then there was the question about why Reborn cared so much. He wanted to just throw Tsuna into the distance. Since when did the Reborn ever lower himself before someone because he was at fault?

"Just… go back inside. I'll go back in soon," Tsuna said, in that exasperating calming tone of his. It was the same way he spoke to angered or scared creatures. Really. Reborn was just like one of those beings in a strange cute way. Tsuna quickly erased that thought as Reborn glared at Tsuna and grabbed his wrist.

"When did you get hurt?" Taken by surprise, once again, Tsuna stuttered out a response.

"I-it's not m-my blood."

"Then whose is it? Don't you dare tell me that this is none of my concern."

"…" You were the one who never seemed to even give a single shit about anything around you. So what makes me so damn special just for you to threaten me like that?

The two horses nickered, a warning for both Tsuna and Reborn who were lost in their own thoughts. Tsuna took back his arm, returning his arm to beside his body.

"It is Belphegor's."

"That knife maniac? He goes insane after seeing his own blood spill."

"If you want a story, you're not getting it from me. Ask him or his new-found partner. I'm sure it'll be more of your concern if you heard from them," said Tsuna. In the heat of the moment, Tsuna motioned to Enrico who promptly allowed Tsuna onto his back and sped off, out of the shelter. Trico, following Tsuna's directions, laid down and turned away from Reborn who wanted to chase after the younger male.

"And I thought you always got what you wanted," chuckled the woman. Reborn glared at her. "Oh, don't look at me like that. You know it's your own fault it turned out that way."

Reborn threw his fist against the brick wall that blocked out the harsh wind for the shelter. The shelter shook from the impact.

"Shut up…"

"Jeez Reborn. I hope you find someone you can rely on." She figured the man needed to know eventually. What harm could a few words do to the Reborn? She would have laughed out loud from that little thought but that would probably worsen the situation.

"…Luce."

"Come on, you'll admit that you're wrong one day!"

"No… this time… you're wrong."

"Someone's going to point out your fault just like that." She snapped her fingers. "And when that happens, I'll be the first one to console you. What an honour that I get to have~"

Well, at this point, is that 'honour' still valid when she's gone?

…

Blissful quiet.

He had once said how the night time was a blessing. That opinion would never change no matter how ruthless the night could be. Some would wonder that Tsuna had been lucky enough to not encounter the aggressive monsters that had succumbed to the cursed tendencies the race had. And they are wrong.

Tsuna hadn't met many monsters that had lost their consciousness, but he had met a few. It was enough for him to be aware of his own safety. Which seemed stupid, but what else could he do if he wanted their trust? It wasn't always a hopeless effort speaking to them. There was always that expression of surprise. It never ceased to amaze Tsuna how easily the creatures changed with that simple knowledge that he could hear and speak to them. Sure, he wasn't always unscathed. Many of those few he met that were categorised as 'overcome by their cursed nature' had lashed out. On a fortunate note, only once had Tsuna had to fight back against one of those monsters. It was just out of the sheer will to survive no matter how shitty his life was at that time. He also had a mother, back then, to support. That burst of power kept him alive. And it was the one time resorting to violence would work.

He had taken a long time to recover his health after that. He was lucky enough to be able to find some herbs that could help sterilise his wounds when ground and made into a paste. He was also able to find clean water when he ventured into the forests without a fear of being attacked as he had long accustomed himself with the creatures who resided there. He couldn't help but smile as he glided his hand along the grass. Perhaps the time spent with his sickly mother had provided him the skill to assist himself in the worst of situations. Rather appalling to think of it that way.

He and Enrico had gone outside of the town walls towards a local forest where Belphegor's mink was found. It was by coincidence that the animal had been disowned by its family, perhaps too weak for its kind. Minks were semiaquatic, meaning that there was water near where it was living. It didn't take long for Tsuna to find the water source. It was a grand lake, only a few minutes of quick travel by horse into the forest. The forest was rather sculpted, with some areas cleared of trees. The lake had a small beach side with a few boats. Half of the lake was veiled with trees that grew from the lake bed, but the water was wonderfully clear. The willow like tress gently swayed from the light wind, making a soothing rustling noise every time the leaves brushed against each other.

Tsuna had stepped down from the horse and settled himself by the water's edge, strangely dry despite its proximity to the water. He waded his hands and feet in the water, staring at small stones drowned by the liquid.

Complacency tugged a smile on Tsuna's face. It was a pleasant alleviating sensation of the cool water lapping at his legs. If only the world was as simple yet eloquent as the water. Such an important necessity to life. Nothing would be able to convince him otherwise that the 'monsters of the night' had the right to have such a peaceful time to themselves. If humans were so afraid of them, then they would know to not provoke the creatures. Maybe he was being contradictory, enjoying the evening to himself without fear of being attacked.

A neigh from Enrico warned Tsuna that it was time to leave, the night drawing late. Tsuna heaved himself up, drying off his feet.

"Sorry Enrico, I know you're tired," said Tsuna. The horse kneeled to Tsuna's height, allowing Tsuna to pull himself onto its back. "Let's go."

…

They waited.

The Varia considered it as a test since most people dared not to venture out at night.

Reborn on the other hand, had gone to his room to occupy himself with rest before he could get any more sentiment than he was.

When Tsuna returned, Mammon was the first to 'welcome' him, throwing an illusion of a half lion half avian monster at him.

"Illusions don't speak," said Tsuna.

"Is that how you know they're illusions?" Mammon floated down to Tsuna's height, Fantasma in his ouroboros form.

"Illusions are also made of flames." Mammon ignored the more sensible answer to his question.

"Belphegor has a mink now."

"What of it? He was the one who wanted an animal friend," said Tsuna, walking towards the kitchen. There was a meal set aside for him to eat. "This isn't poisoned right?"

"If we wanted you dead, you would already be dead."

"Right, no need to be so scary about it," said Tsuna biting into the food. It consisted of some sort of steak as well as some bread and salad.

"You could earn money if you sold your ability," said Mammon.

"Not everyone is satisfied with money. Even you Viper." Tsuna glanced at Fantasma who quickly rotated 90 degrees in his circular form to face away from the brunet.

"…"

"Is Reborn in his room?"

"Should be. That man never stays in one place."

"I realised," said Tsuna. "You've already eaten, right?" The illusionist nodded. What and odd boy Tsuna was. Caring for people who were after his life because he was the descendent of a certain man.

"You don't seem to be concerned travelling with that man. Nor are you concerned staying here." Tsuna knew that Mammon was referring to Reborn and how he was staying with the Varia.

"Well as you said, if Reborn or you guys wanted me dead, I'd already be dead." He gulped down some of the food. "And I'm grateful for that."

Mammon raised an eyebrow. Sure, the boy wasn't able to see that facial expression but it was suited to the boy's response. As a fellow Arcobaleno, Mammon and Reborn did discuss some matter related to the Arcobalenos' disbandment. The two were never on the best of terms, but after such a long amount of time and period of adjustment, it was fitting of the two to do so. Tsuna was another matter that was introduced into the discussion between the Mist and the Sun.

"You're… a part of the Arcobaleno right? Reborn as well?"

"I'm surprised you weren't confirmed of that earlier." Tsuna nervously laughed, looking away briefly.

"It doesn't seem like Reborn likes the term Arcobaleno - so I never brought it up after the first time I mentioned it," said Tsuna. He already had his suspicions. They were confirmed by Reborn's trusted partner Leon. Considering that both Reborn and Mammon had an animal partner, perhaps the other Arcobalenos did too? Leon was quiet but talkative. It usually only spoke in short bursts or when asked a question.

"There is no Arcobaleno now," said Mammon. Tsuna, with partially lidded eyes, stared into the distance.

"Her name was Luce. I apparently resemble her," said Tsuna. At this point it was just tiring for the illusionist to question the boy how he knew such information. It was either Fantasma or that lizard of Reborn's that spilled. It was most likely the lizard since the stupid frog of his wasn't always the brightest.

"You were smart to leave your 'tamed' monster here," said Mammon. "It is safer here than with Reborn."

"I had my doubts that Reborn would do something. But… it isn't hard to notice."

"Notice what?" Mammon asked curiously. Tsuna only smirked back.

"That will cost you to know."

"What-"

"Seems like it's getting late. Thanks for the meal!" Tsuna chirped. He then walked out of the kitchen and towards the room he was staying in, leaving behind a shaken and silent Mammon.

…

"Ever heard of knocking?"

"Oh please, as if you know yourself." They smiled as they entered the room without the other's permission. They found a vacant spot on the other's bed and sat down. The other only glared at them.

"You're brave to enter a man's room alone."

They snorted at the statement. "You joke too much." The other didn't hesitate to get side tracked by their comments.

"What are you here for."

"Wow, you were always really upfront."

"Maybe because someone here would always answer around the question."

"I'm going."

The other raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"I said I'm going."

"Where?"

"Somewhere."

"And that is?"

"A place you know." She stood up and placed a light kiss on the man's cheek.

"What's the purpose of that?"

"I just felt like it."

"Oh?"

"Come on, it's just a kiss."

"Right."

"Okay then, I'm going then! Don't even try to stop me," said the woman. The brightest smile graced her face.

No. Don't go.

"Do whatever."

He could only watch as that light was swallowed up by the dark.

…

"Reborn."

It was the first time that Tsuna had finally gotten a good chance to observe the man sleeping. The man still had a small frown that furrowed his eyebrows. The man also had really long eyelashes.

"Reborn?" The man was a light sleeper. Wasn't he trained to wake up on any approach of danger? So why wasn't he waking up now?

Tsuna gave the man a light shake. Reborn mumbled something and then his eyes drew open. The man was still in a daze, almost detached. When he finally came to, he narrowed his eyes on Tsuna.

"You alright?" asked Tsuna. A bad dream, huh?

"Yes, I'm fine." Memory, not dream.

"Cool. Um, I was just checking if you were fine and all," said Tsuna. "I might have gone a bit overboard earlier. I wasn't feeling that well."

"I'm at fault. I'm sorry." Tsuna only wished he had some way to record that moment Reborn apologised.

"N-no, it's fine, really. Well, I'm gonna head off to sleep. Sorry for bothering you."

"…" Just as Tsuna turned to leave, Reborn raised his arm to hold the boy back, as though afraid that the boy would leave forever. He quickly stopped and then held his hand back staring at it as if it was a different entity to his body. Tsuna exited the room without looking back.

A man burdened by his past and a boy who was freed from his past. Really, what a strange pair they were.

…

Tell me what you think about it so far.

Hope you've enjoyed! I'm happy with the turnout, although this chapter could be a bit better in some parts. I couldn't capture some certain emotions in this chapter since all the characters are difficult to work, especially when you're trying to keep them 'in character.'

Zaira Swift.

Last updated: 19th January 2018

Updated: 21st January 2018s