Edit : 10/08/12 – I received quite a few reviews on the spelling and grammar in this chapter, so I just went through and fixed a few things. No major changes. Please enjoy.


So I didn't even understand how much you guys liked this until I looked at the poll, because this and the sequel were winning practically hands down... I love you all for this, I-I-I don't even have words!

Sorry this seems so 'late' but this summer is so... crazy? And I'm really sick right now so I had a hard time thinking about this plot and the next one... Reborn is a sneaky bastard and I could not for the life of me figure out how to include him into this diverse, loving family...

Sorry if he is so OoC and 'bastardy' but I have a hard time writing him.


This is 12,000+ words! I think this suitably makes up for the lateness! Damnit!


Please enjoy despite spelling, grammar, and tense mistakes.


Fated strings and charming things.

When emotions dictate fate


Tsuna felt sick to his stomach. He felt imbalanced, distant, and just plain sick.

It wasn't a type of physical and real sickness, not a cold or a fever despite Hayato's insistence that he needed to see a doctor or his mother at least. It was more of a metaphoric illness that plagued Tsuna.

He woke with the feeling, clinging and stroking his insides and his chest. He lay in the living room, listening to the sounds of laughter in the kitchen, the sound of little feet on the stairs, and the soft, earthy breathing next to him.

Hayato was cooking in the kitchen with Takeshi's help. Lambo had decided to visit them since Fuuta and I-pin were busy with school projects, and Chrome was tending to Tsuna's needs, and her school work in the living room leaning against the couch that Tsuna napped on. Ryohei and Hibari were probably sparring outside. Either that or at the school doing their respective jobs. Mukuro, as Tsuna found out quickly, enjoyed his room and tended to sleep long hours and do his own thing within the safe walls where few else were allowed to enter.

Three days in their own house told Tsuna a lot, and as he laid on the couch, nursing this metaphoric lameness in his health, he mulled over the changes and the personality features of each person living within the house he now happily called a home.

Each of the occupants took no time to decorate and personalise their rooms once the house was officially theirs, and even the living rooms and kitchen did not get saved. Tsuna had seen all the rooms, he felt pride in the fact that he was the only one to have seen all of them and that he had been invited, in many different ways to view them. He was also extremely pleased that within the three days everyone had found their own reasons to visit and spend time in his own room with him.

Hayato and Takeshi had dragged him to their rooms; they were on either side of Tsuna's room in the center of the landing. Hayato's was clean, neat and precise, the walls were red and black, the curtains were also red with dark grey borders on the top, they were open and flooded the room with light from the floor-ceiling window. He had two large desks on either side of his rather small bed, one was covered in books Tsuna recognised from school, and the other was covered in schematics, plans, and something Hayato called 'G-writings'. As with the other rooms the ceilings were white and the carpeting a warm brown. Next was Takeshi's room. It was painted a few different shades of blue, the top was the darkest and slowly it grew lighter in colour towards the floor. He had one desk and one a two sided wardrobe with only one door. Standing upright in the closet were various baseball bats and equipment. Hanging on the wall above his bed was the sword his father had given him as a home warming present, one his ancestors used to protect themselves. One Takeshi had privately promised to learn to wield. The room was cluttered but not too messy.

Later in the evening, when Tsuna was in the living room making a snack for everyone, Chrome had strolled in her arms were full of laundry and Tsuna could see she was obviously struggling, he ended up helping her and in the process saw her room. It was on the opposite side of the house towards the back, closer to Tsuna's room then anyone else's, there she, Mukuro, Ken and Chikusa shared and area.

Her room was neat and indigo, a light shade with white skirting and white curtains. Around the room were drawings and pictures of flowers, on her windowsill were potted plants, and an aloe plant sat on the coffee table in the corner. She had a small, dark indigo bed with white pillows and a stuffed owl sitting neatly to the side. It was very peaceful. He had seen Mukuro's room when Chrome had asked him deliver something to Mukuro, of course he obliged and crossed the hall into Mukuro's mirrored room. His room was darker; he had two black couches in one corner with a low, brown coffee table between them, a low bed with light indigo sheets, and a small desk. He had a dresser and a steamer trunk at the foot of his bed. It was warm in the room, shaded by the black blinds, and a darker shade of indigo stood on the walls than in Chrome's room. Mukuro welcomed him warmly and they shared a mug of coffee as they spoke of stupid things that they had discussed in the dream plain the night before.

He also saw Ken and Chikusa's room; they had taken the rooms to the very back of the house, behind Mukuro and Chrome's rooms. They were four rooms that had been knocked through intended to be rooms shared between two people. Since they were originally small single rooms, once the landlord had knocked them through to be shared rooms they equalled everyone else's single rooms, Ken and Chikusa took one each on either side of the hallway. They had them painted a light brown and green, and Tsuna thought it suited them but didn't loiter; he knew the two boys needed their space.

Ryohei, upon completion of his decoration, had barged into Tsuna's room grabbed the surprised teen's hand and showed him the 'EXTREME' room. It was bright, yellow and open with a corner dedicated simply to boxing. There were framed pictured on his night stand of his sister, and of the others. Tsuna had a picture of the whole group taken the first day they 'owned' the house, and each person living on the estate had a copy of the image. The window was wide and open, brightness and warmth flooded the room and Tsuna felt at home. He had spent the rest of the day in the corner opposite the boxing corner in a beanbag chair watching Ryohei train as he ate cookies and drank good coffee.

Hibari was a completely different story though. He took the two knocked through rooms to the far right of the house; his room were close to Takeshi's and was the furthest from everyone else. Tsuna had been making everyone warm drinks when he had knocked on Hibari's door. When the 'skylark' as dubbed by Mukuro opened the solid wood door he didn't scowl. His face was soft and emotionless, but his eyes were softer then when they fought days earlier. Hibari had promptly claimed the room stating that 'if any of you enter uninvited Kami Korosu'. He didn't tend to stay in the house all day, spending a majority of his time instead at the school or around Namimori, but every evening Tsuna was guaranteed to see him and make him a mug of either Chai or Green tea, and the occasional oolong.

"What do you want omnivore?" was his greeting that first evening.

"I just wanted to offer you a drink. I'm making tea and coffee for everyone, is there something you'd like?" Tsuna's voice was soft and soothing, and Hibari found that it wasn't so harsh and unpleasant as he was lead to believe through rumours and distant interactions.

"Green, or Chai if you have it." With that the door had closed.

When Tsuna had reappeared ten minutes later with a tray and two mugs of Chai tea Hibari had invited him into his room where they sat in opposite armchairs in front of a small coffee table in the center of the room. Soft music played behind them, and Tsuna found himself relaxing into the warm, dim room. The walls were a pleasant purple wallpaper with silver clouds pressed into the material. His bed was large with silver covers and tall black posts. It suited the skylark Tsuna decided.

From then a kind of routine developed. Every evening when Tsuna made tea or coffee he would make two cups of either Oolong or Chai, and occasionally Green before delivering everyone else's with quick conversations and good nights and spending a few hours- sometimes more- in amiable silence with Hibari. They chatted sometimes, about school or work, about fighting and about future plans, but most of the time found both of them reading a book from the vast study in the attic of the home.

What Tsuna had found most interesting throughout the entire three days was that in everyone's room there were red strings splayed in the air. You see, Tsuna had never seen it before, but people's red strings were attached to items. It was amazing really, how an item could dictate fate, but the tight, knotted, sometimes frayed strings were evidence enough for Tsuna that items played as much of a role as people did.

For Hayato it was a tattered, folded paper plane that rested beside the 'family photo'.

For Takeshi it was the family sword that rested preciously on the wall above his bed.

For Ryohei a tattered, useless set of small boxing gloves that sat in the corner of the room.

Mukuro and Chrome had strings wrapped infinitely around their tridents.

Lambo- Tsuna noticed later- had red string wrapped around a pink ball Tsuna had given him and he liked to throw at people. His aim was surprisingly good.

For Hibari, a red string wrapped around the handle of each Tonfu, and around the leg of his little canary, Hibird.

It was amazing really. Because who would have ever thought that an item could hold so much of a person's fate. Tsuna wished, imagined, and dreamed of what each item could mean and the story they could tell; he wondered and prayed that they dictated happy fate and protection, and smiled at the love and care each person gave the item even though they had no idea the physical attachment they had for them.

As Tsuna's chest gave another kick, he stood to check the kitchen. Tsuna had a good idea why he felt so unbalanced; he had started feeling ill when the number of strings his string bound outweighed the number of strings he had yet to bind. Now with only one string left, his body felt as if it were rejecting the string, that, or his body was driving him to bind it and make it 'his'. It felt awful though, because he felt heavy and subdued and he still had no idea who the owner was.

He entered the kitchen to the whole, warm smell of chicken soup, rice and coffee. He was told the world over that he had strange tastes. But really, when Hayato and Takeshi got together- they often made dinner even when they all lived at Nana's house- anything smelt good together. Both were exceptional cooks though each excelled at different cuisines; Hayato Italian tomato dishes, Takeshi Japanese rice and soup dishes.

"Tsuna. Are you feeling better?" Hayato asked. His voice was smooth, the accent feeling wonderful against Tsuna's ears.

"Much, especially when I get greeted by such a wonderful smell. What's for lunch?" Tsuna's tone was soft and tired; everyone picked up on it right away, even Lambo. "Whose turn is it to choose dinner?"

Speaking of, the young child walked into the room and headed straight for Tsuna, soon enough he was up and in Tsuna's arms, tired and content with the warmth of his brother.

"Maa maa Tsuna, you shouldn't compliment us too much!" Takeshi laughed and Hayato fought to keep the large, warm smile off his own face. "You'll make us big headed!"

"Shut up Yakyu-Baka!" Hayato's voice still didn't hold that anger that his words told it should. A smile flicked his lips up and Tsuna loved it. "Chicken soup and rice today Tsuna. It's those stupid illusion twins' turn to choose dinner."

Tsuna had to smile, everyone knew now that the 'twins' -as they were affectionately dubbed by everyone- could produce and maintain high-level illusions, they used them many times during their stay with Tsuna's mother, and Tsuna found it ever entertaining that Hayato continued to fall for them and he was never the victim of them.

"Well, I suppose we're in for quite the meal then huh?" Tsuna rocked Lambo slightly, though he was seven he was clingy, light, and loved to sleep on Tsuna. And despite his mother's protests, Tsuna let Lambo nap on him whenever he felt the need for it.

The green string wrapping around Lambo flashed brightly, and the red string wrapped around his waist tightened. Over the past few days Tsuna had noticed the red string becoming fainter and the green string becoming more prominent and bright. It was rather foreboding to Tsuna. He wasn't sure whether that was because he had moved out more permanently now- though he saw the children more now than before he moved to this house and neither I-pin nor Fuuta's strings were dulling- or whether it was because of something else. All he knew was that Lambo's fate was changing to being dictated by the coloured string, and that told Tsuna everything he needed to know. Something was coming fast.

Resting against the dining table Tsuna watches the teens cook and eventually calls everyone down to lunch. They had plans to go out shopping that afternoon. Some of the residence would join them later, such as Hayato, Mukuro, Chrome, Ken and Chikusa, and Ryohei. It was going to be a trip for Takeshi, Hibari, Lambo and Tsuna. It was looking to be a pleasant trip, given that everyone in their rag-tag group got along surprisingly easily.

They left quickly, throwing a jacket on Lambo and sliding their shoes onto their own feet. But soon enough they were out and shopping. Food was a top priority; they needed food to feed all the people in the house, not to mention the children who were suddenly interested in living with Tsuna once again.

They walked well, slowly with laughter on Takeshi and Lambo's lips, and a contemplative smirk of silence on Kyouya's, it was beautiful really, especially when Tsuna's eyes caught the strings. What amazed him was the fact that already a green string shot from Lambo to the other two boys, it wasn't as intimate or strong as the one he shared with Tsuna, but it was there. The same thing was occurring between Kyouya and Takeshi; thin, bright strings were beginning to weave them together. And the orange, Tsuna was tempted not to believe it, but his string, the bright, burning orange that lit his soul with a deep warmth was tying them together in a large circle, and if he looked to his right- from where they came- he saw the orange diving into the air, connecting him with the others even when he couldn't see their strings anymore.

"Tsuna-nii! Can Lambo-sama have some candy?" Lambo was currently holding Tsuna's hand as Takeshi and Kyouya carried their grocery shopping.

"Yes Lambo, later and if you're good."

As they walked around the grocery store Tsuna was sure someone was following them watching as they walked and chose the foods for the week. It was in the vegetable section, Tsuna was choosing some fruit and Takeshi and Kyouya were choosing other vegetables. The feeling prickled his neck, like light fingers tightening around his throat. He turned on a dime, eyes narrowed and fist ready. Though, when he turned he was only met with a surprised Takeshi.

"Is everything alright Tsuna?" Takeshi looked around quickly, not sure what to make of the aggravated boy.

"Everything's fine Takeshi. Just a strange feeling I had." With that they exited and paid. Lambo had his candy and Takeshi was slurping at a sports drink. Kyouya was sipping at a large coffee.

They all laughed together, and as they walked, Takeshi and Kyouya naturally walked to be protection to Tsuna and Lambo. It was so natural that Tsuna only questioned it later in life when someone in his family mentioned the strangeness of his group of friends. But it was natural, and Takeshi ruffled Lambo's hair and Kyouya smiled softly, and Tsuna couldn't have felt more at ease.

It was sharp, sudden, and made that eerie someone-is-watching-you feeling make sense. The string yanked violently; tightening to the point that Tsuna was sure he would bleed. He knew then that the owner had allowed his emotions to flicker outwardly suddenly. Something had surprised the owner.

His eyes shot around immediately, trying with all his might to search out the owner, trying to follow the string. He couldn't see it though, the string shot two meters then faded away, and Tsuna had the frustration to scowl and look upset. Takeshi caught onto his movement; his eyes scanned the area trying to see what Tsuna saw. Of course, it was Kyouya who found the culprit. He had felt the presence following them since the early morning. He hadn't seen the culprit in such a physical sense, but his aura was dire and was there. He was surprised Takeshi hadn't caught onto it, and was even more surprised that Tsuna had caught onto it. Though, Kyouya supposed, there was that tightness that told him something was different about the brunette, something interesting, something that needed protecting.

Suddenly Tsuna moved, he grabbed Takeshi's hand and Lambo's. As he moved he pulled them both away from the spots they were standing, and to Kyouya's horror something sharp and dangerous slammed into the ground in exactly the spot where Tsuna had just been standing.

He was in a stance immediately, his tonfu were out, covered in red string and sweaty, callous hands, and he was in front of the little group. Nothing else came, nothing moved, nothing made a sound. He sent Hibird around and when the little canary came back he had nothing to say.

Hibari scowled and looked to Tsuna who was staring with narrowed eyes and folded eyebrows at the floor where the object had seemingly buried itself into the ground so it would not be seen or found. His chest had tightened when he had spotted the shape, and it was only a sudden flare and pressure from the strings wrapping his chest that had him move in the first place, telling him where to move and when. He didn't like where this was going, because this was dangerous.

"I think we should meet up with the others, Tsuna." Takeshi was tensed; he didn't know what had happened; only that someone had just threatened Tsuna.

"Ah, for once herbivore, I think you're right. Let us go, Tsunayoshi, Lambo." With that the four took off to the cafe where they had arranged to meet everyone.

When Mukuro and his 'family' and Hayato arrive Tsuna notices a tension in their step and backs. They know something is coming, Tsuna can read it in the lines of Mukuro's eyebrows and the frown upon Chrome's delicate face. He knows as well however, that none of the teens will tell him what is wrong, for his own safety more than anything.

The others gathered together and spoke of happy things. Takeshi lost his fear as soon as the others joined their little group, but Kyouya stayed behind to speak with Mukuro, Chrome, and Hayato.

"Are you okay?" Tsuna asked Mukuro, he was shaken up; his trident was in his hands, white knuckles tensing and releasing, fidgeting in an uncharacteristic way.

"Yes, Tsunayoshi. We had a visitor same as you." Mukuro's voice was tense, but there was that relief too, knowing that he and Tsuna were once again, in whatever this was together.

"Pineapple-herbivore. What do you mean?" Kyouya still had his tonfu out, unwilling to stash them when tensions and danger was still so high.

"Kyouya, we were attacked the same as you... only..." his pause sparked Tsuna's interest, especially since it made little sense.
"Only... what?"

"I didn't seem like an attack." Chrome's voice was soft and gentle, confused and questioning. "If they were attacking us they would have injured us, we're all still fine."

And it made sense, because an attack would leave injury, or more fear, a warning. What they had was a test, was trying to see their reactions. Tsuna didn't understand it, but apparently Hayato and Mukuro and Chrome did, and they weren't saying anything yet.

Tsuna sighed and looked to the sky, it was clear but promised a storm and winds in the future, it was the dangerous sky that Tsuna had become used to and comforted by. Probably because his life was becoming a vast and dangerous storm.

"We won't panic the others. Just act natural. We'll figure this out soon."

With that they rejoined the others and started walking to the park where the children enjoyed playing and where they could relax for a while before heading back for dinner.


Bullets penetrated the ground before them, dust flew and the dimness of the evening seemed so much brighter, the sun exploding above their heads in a fury of red and yellows. It was a truly nameless colour, so much of everything. Their steps halted as everyone stood stalk still. Bullets. Bullets. All their minds focused on the ground and the bullets mere centimetres from their toes.

"Ciaossu. I am Reborn." A voice greeted them from the tree line to their right. It was dangerous and things happened in juxtaposing fashion.

A man appears before everyone. He is tall, lithe and dangerous. The air becomes clogged with danger and fear. No one moves for a moment, assessing the man in the expensive suit with the black and orange fedora before moving to make a loose, but ever so tight wall around Tsuna.

Lambo is pushed into his back, arms wrap his legs and he know the child can sense the danger and is being quiet out of fear and the feeling of safety he gets from Tsuna. Chrome finds his side and stays there, Mukuro and his family gather around the same side, tense and alert, Tsuna realises that this is what they had been waiting for. Hayato and Takeshi take the stand in front of him, he has direct sight of the stranger through their barely touching shoulders, but their stances are tight enough to cover the rest of his body. Ryohei stands behind them and beside Lambo, trying to calm and reassure the boy that everything is safe. Kyouya stands beside Ryohei, closer than usual, close to Tsuna and ready to pounce in front of Takeshi should the need arise. Had he not felt threatened and in danger Tsuna would have felt so safe and warm in the group. But the man left no room for comfort, because he just radiated death and ability.

The strings tensed around Tsuna, the air stagnant with the smell of strengthening bonds, Tsuna knew that all the strings he had promised protection to did not like this intruder, and intruder who shared their fate; the one with the colourless string. The last one Tsuna needed to find.

"Tsuna is going to be Vongola Decimo by order of Nono and his father, I have been sent here to train him." When silence greeted him for a moment Reborn continued, pulling his fedora down to shield his cunning eyes. "I will make him the greatest Mafia boss Vongola has seen yet."

Reborn smirks then, and his arrogant attitude shivering though everyone gathered. Kyouya's eyebrows furrow, driving his passive expression into unease, his tonfas appear ready in his hands and his aggressive stance becomes protective. Even if he would never admit it he cared for the Omnivore that gave him the truth where others would have crumbled and lied, and this herbivore- with the gun and the fedora- was about to ruin what was his.

Chrome finds a way to glue herself even more tightly to Tsuna's side, gripping him tightly in an embrace that leaves the brunette lacking on precious oxygen, but he can feel the tension in her body and doesn't push her away. But soon as the words register in his mind, sharpened by the texts he's read; Tsuna's vision starts to tinge red.

"NO!" Hayato's voice booms above everyone else's, and even the angered Mukuro is silenced, and Kyouya's eyes widen. Chrome's arms tighten around Tsuna's waist, and Takeshi and Ryohei's guard on him tightens, because they trusts Hayato, and his words scared them to their core. "I won't let you ruin Tsuna's life on Vongola's whim."

To Tsuna's horror Hayato's hands soon filled with dynamite. The fuses sparking as they smolder to life, and Tsuna knew, something deep within him told him that this confrontation was going to change everything, was going to make sense of everything, of the strings, of the heavy fate, and of the darkness surrounding Mukuro, Chrome and Hayato.

"And who are you to challenge me, Smoking Bomb Hayato?" the gun is clicked, aimed and Tsuna knows that this will end badly no matter the outcome.

"I am Tsuna's friend."

It was sudden and strong, but as if a storm had been waiting to roar the winds blew and the rains began. Misted water veiled over the scene and soon everyone stood in a replica of what Tsuna recognised as the dream plain of blurred consciousnesses that he shared with Chrome and Mukuro.

His eyes found their way to heterochromatic irises and he stilled into the waiting arms of Lambo and Chrome when he saw the worry within blue and red.

"I thought, for this Tsunayoshi, that you'd be more comfortable somewhere familiar to us." And he was right of course, having known some of Tsuna's finer workings in a way that detailed everyone else's vague ideas, Mukuro's assumption about this man, about Hayato, about Tsuna's lineage were all correct. He knew, as he had thought since the beginning, that Tsuna was in for a tough future, but already he had had a tough ride, gathering violent, tricky, untrusting monsters to his side and making them bow to him.

"You knew..." his question didn't need answering because the smoker-turned-bomber-turned-protector was explaining it all during his fight.

Tsuna would wonder later why Hayato was being so careless about the way he spoke as bombs and bullets collided, because it was not like Hayato at all to give away information so carelessly. But, in the end it was like Hayato to feel guilty, to put all blame onto himself, to try and get forgiveness in the only desperate way he could. Tsuna found he preferred the softened scowl than the desperation and fear upon the bomber's face.

"I don't care that the Vongola is the strongest mafia, or that Tsuna's father is a part of it, Tsuna isn't." His words continued, raining as Reborn grew more unsure of what the boy was doing. Soon enough Tsuna understood.

Hayato was guilty; he was trying his best to get his friend informed of the situation in the quickest way possible. By babbling during a fight, in a way that made him seem incompetent, Tsuna was informed and enraged. It wasn't just him, Hayato, Mukuro and Chrome, everything made sense all of a sudden.

The famiglia that bloodied and tainted Chrome, Chikusa, Mukuro and Ken were mafia. They had stolen the teens as children from their homes with a slide of hand and an exchange of cash to needy greedy adults; they experimented and tortured for their own gain. The distrust in Mukuro and Chrome, as well as their little family, suddenly all made sense, the clinginess in their movements, the connection of fate, the sinister, psychotic rage in Mukuro's heterochromatic eyes. The secrets they saw and pain in their movement when they watched Tsuna. It all made blaring, painful sense.

Hayato's statement about having a 'powerful father' suddenly made sense, the reasoning behind the separation from his mother-though still disgustingly disagreeable- made sense. It was all the Mafia's fault, and Tsuna would be damned is he let this continue, let this taint and betrayal continue to torment his friends who had seen too much and his friends who had seen nothing.

"He is the heir; his blood rite is to take Vongola's throne, light his flames and lead." Reborn's words were carefully calculated, as if he was still trying to unravel the mystery behind the Smoking Bomber's actions. The Bomber he knew through file and word was smart, this Bomber was spilling words. Reborn spoke to learn more of the meaning behind Hayato's words. Though, he was unaware of the pain and unrest in the flickering, burning hues of orange currently shielded by the rest of the family.

"It may be his rite, but Vongola is putting a last resort to slaughter. You are using Tsuna! I won't let that happen." Hayato's words tore through everyone.

Takeshi was alarmed, because Hayato seemed genuinely terrified and enraged. The bomber never turned such raw emotion onto the rest of his friends, but he had never seen him turn it on others either. Takeshi began to understand, began to think about exactly what it was that made him think Hayato was dangerous, and why when he heard the words of protection and promise, he never once thought that Hayato was dangerous to them.

Ryohei's mind was quick and calculated. He knew something was wrong with their group. They were all too different, too strange. He didn't understand the words or the meanings, what he understood was that Tsuna and the others were in danger, and something evil and bloodied was coming to get them. It took him all of two seconds to step forward, next to Takeshi, take up a strengthened stance and prepare to fight bullets if he needed to.

Mukuro and Chrome were silenced. Their minds blanked for a moment and they tried to make sense of it, nothing made sense anymore, especially not the colourless string wrapping around the man and Tsuna and them.

It didn't make sense why at his words of 'Vongola' and 'Decimo' all their coloured strings glowed happily, as if pleased by the realisation of their purpose. Because even if Tsuna's mind harboured the training and the memory of suppressed flames it did not hold the memory of a Mafia boss, it showed no incline for them to think such a thing was even possible.

It confused them, made them question everything they had made and gained with the brunette, they hated the mafia, they should hate Tsuna. They should, but the thoughts were only to be shot down by their hearts and their faith. They could never hate Tsuna.

Lambo was simply terrified. The words made little sense, the bombs and bullets and loud screams and tight grips further terrified him. But his brother, Tsuna was calm and protective, and Lambo knew, just knew in his heart and head and body that nothing would happen to him, to any of them, is his Tsuna-nii was there.

Lambo did not like the strange man with the gun who was attacking 'Hayato-nii'- as embarrassing as it was to Lambo that he thought of the silvernette as such- and protective sparks clashed in his soul, they turned to determined flames that one day soon he would light and burn and flash with.

Kyouya stood stalk still. He knew the 'omnivore' was dangerous and unpredictable. But this man simply made the brunette something even more interesting. It was as if Kyouya had all the puzzle pieces, had only one left to put in place- one space in the puzzle left- and suddenly an entirely new place fell into his hand blowing his almost-completed puzzle to bits.

Try to finish me now, you're not done yet.

All Kyouya knew was this threat was strong, this threat had a pull and a tug, a tightness he recognised in Tsuna and the others, but this stranger's tug was different and had yet to bring the familiar, comforting embrace that Tsuna's brand of 'tug' brought to Kyouya. Kyouya knew only one thing that would really eliminate the uncomfortable entity in their midst, and he was willing to get rid of the threat to their pride no matter the cost.

"Last resort or not, slaughter or not, I am here to train him by order of his Father and of the Vongola Nono. If you stand in my way I will illuminate you." Tsuna knew that that threat was not aimed solely at Hayato, but at all of his friends, and even at Lambo and himself.

That was the last straw for Tsuna. Because while the confrontation raged on, as his friends took stances against bullets they would not be able to block, Tsuna was aware of a dull pain in his chest. Hayato and Mukuro had not told him about their connection with the mafia. Tsuna knew that Mukuro had had a great injustice done to him- to Chrome too- but never had they elaborated on that. Mukuro didn't tell him about the memories of training, or flames and of bullets that he had seen suppressed within Tsuna's mind, and Hayato hadn't told him about the recognition he felt in Tsuna's name, in the abilities he displayed, and in the power Mukuro held.

Somewhere though, Tsuna was relieved, because everything made so much sense; his power, his knack for business, his father's lack of presence and the strings that wrapped around his fingers and wrists. Everything made so much sense, and Tsuna would have fainted from relief if his friends weren't in so much danger.

Reborn was a Hitman, somewhere deep and instinctual told him the man's words were true, and Tsuna knew that Reborn would kill his friends if he thought they were going to interrupt his mission. Tsuna knew that he had to act fast, because these seven people were now so integral in his life that if they decided to leave him because this stranger came in and said he was to be in the mafia, well Tsuna wasn't sure how his mind and body would take it.

"STOP it ALL of you!" his words were harsh; he pushed his way out of numerous protective embraces and in-between Reborn and his friends. He burned, practically glowing with his resolve to protect everyone and listen to this new stranger. The strings were enough to tell him that this strange man was fated to meet them, he was even more convinced when he saw that strange colourless string wave in the air; it was attached to everyone in the group.

Everyone was silenced, even the Hitman who came to destroy everything. Tsuna's eyes burned, and Reborn realised, to his dismay and curiosity, that the boy had more makings for a boss than he had originally been told. Already a resolved burned bright enough to threaten and ignite the flames that were suppressed long ago and were his rite by blood. Already his intuition was flaring up, Reborn could see it, see the way the boy moved, that controlled stride he shouldn't yet have. The boy was smart, and Reborn couldn't wait to sink his teeth in and train the boy correctly.

"You are going to explain, because I won't let you stroll in here and expect us to bow to you." Tsuna's words were cutting and final and Reborn found himself bowing, even if he tried to convince himself that it was to see what the brat was capable of. "You will listen." Tsuna explained to his friends in a softer but still commanding tone, because he knew they couldn't avoid this, but at least they could accept it on their own terms and not by the terms of fate; they would not bow to the woman who gave Tsuna the power of manipulation and sight.


Soon they were sitting in the living room of their large home. Had Reborn been a different man he would have been impressed that the boys and lady –who were not even eighteen in most cases- had managed to secure and hold down a house and keep it as well managed and homey as it was.

What did amaze him however, were the people his 'student' had gathered to his side and the ease at which they all interacted, touched, and moved around each other, most naturally of course around and with Tsuna. He was most surprised by Hayato Gokudera.

Reborn knew of the boy, knew of his nature, his upbringing and his distrust in all men. He was most surprised by the boy's fierce protectiveness over the brunette who sat on the couch opposite Reborn and in the center of a mass of violently and openly protective children.

It was a beautiful sight to Reborn, because his student sat in the center, his left leg crossed over the other with his right arm stretched over the back of the couch- at first- and his left in his lap, he was the image of power and control. He looked like a boss surrounded by his family. He looked like Nono and primo combined

No, Reborn corrected himself; he looks like Primo's ideal brought to life.

Hayato sat on Tsuna's right, his arms wide and legs crossed, his stance ready for anything upright and proud, gently gathered in his left hand were dynamite fiddled with by his fingered, and in his lips hung a lit, smoldering cigarette. Reborn didn't miss the possessive, reassuring glances Tsuna sent the bomber, and despite the fact he knew Tsuna had no prior knowledge of the silver-haired teen's involvement in the mafia, Reborn knew that Tsuna had seen, acknowledged and accepted it as a part of Hayato as easily and wholly as he had acknowledged and accepted Hayato as his friend.

Next to Hayato was the sturdy white-haired teen, he was stiff and ready, his face was scowled in concentration and his form twitched, ready to fight and defend the entire group. There were scrapes littering his face and bare arms, a sure sign the boy knew how to fight. Reborn was not sure what to make of the boy. Not yet anyway.

In the far corner was a violent teen. He was ivory, pure ivory with ebony accenting his form. A black jacket, black hair, black eyes. He was violent, enraged, and wary beyond belief. An abused animal would be Reborn's immediate assessment. But he was strong, he was determined, and he would be the first to attack. His form was lithe and relaxed. There was pride in his step, Reborn knew that. He had a poker face like one Reborn had never seen on a child; it chilled him to think someone in a time like theirs could be raised so coldly. Yet, Reborn saw it; he saw the softening of the steeled eyes when Tsuna spoke in hushed, hurried tones with the older teen. Sometimes, as Reborn had watched for days- weeks even- Tsuna didn't even speak words and the ebony and ivory teen responded exactly how Tsuna needed him to respond. It was so strange, as if they were attached, blurred. Like they knew something none of the other teens knew. Saw something the other teens had never seen, would never see. It was one of the things that had made Reborn so uneasy that morning, it made him act sooner than he had wanted.

To his student's left- pressed impossibly into his side and eventually wrapped in Tsuna's right arm as it descended from the back of the couch- was a young child, someone Reborn had had his eyes on, all of Tsuna's siblings were interesting, but the boy with the wild black hair and hurt, study eyes was the most interesting for Reborn's purposes. Especially when you look into his lineage, Reborn had thought when looking over the records. He would be interesting, but would be Tsuna's first priority of protection if a fight broke out.

To the child's left was another interesting, but unknown, person. He was tall, slim, and leaned forward, blocking the view of the child ever so slightly. Balanced in one hand, and resting against his thigh was a metal baseball bat, and had Reborn been even a little more relaxed in the heavily atmospheric room he would have smirked, a baseball bat would do so little damage to him it was hysterical. He had potential, the lines in his body, and the cold, calculating look upon his toned, schooled face spoke volumes of that. Reborn wanted to teach this boy too, he was a Hitman in the making, practically asking to be taught, to learn to get stronger. It made Reborn so very glad that for once every report he had read was so far wrong.

Finally there were two teens who shared a face and gait. They both had blue-purple hair and were illusionists; they were skilled ones at that. Reborn had noticed the quick, dense illusion that covered them when they first met. Reborn noted the way the girl stood forward, touching and close to Tsuna, taking strength from his closeness and aura. She was shaky, weak and feeble. But her eyes, a hue so unnatural that Reborn almost knew instinctively where she had come from, shone bright and clear, flickering, burning with the flames that she and her 'brother' had lit and wielded unwittingly without knowledge or training. She was willing to die to protect Tsuna. She was a danger though, because she was so weak in and of her physical self. The male on the other hand, he sent Reborn's instincts bristling and told him to shoot and run, not to look back.

Not many people could rile him so deeply.

The man-boy at first seemed harmless, he leant back, still directly behind Tsuna, but close enough to pounce and protect. Like his 'sister' he gripped a strident in his hands, longer and sharper, it seemed a toy in the hands of the young. But Reborn had noticed his student interacting with the teen, the way they moved, the way the pineapple-haired teen spoke, he knew volumes more than he should, and he was willing to attack even the gathered teens- who Reborn assumed were all friends- if it meant protecting Tsuna in the most secure way. His eye held a dangerous power of knowledge, and Reborn feared that red eye for it was different, strange, and he had never known of anyone with such a strange, unnerving power.

He looked on, worried, intrigued, practically salivating at the chance to train and mingle with all the teens. It did disappoint him somewhat that so many of them were civilians and that one was a child but he shrugged it off quickly. Beggars can't be choosers.

What Reborn would question later, and would continue to question for only a week before it sank into the back of his mind never to be brought up again, was when it was exactly that he came to care for and be so protective of every single child in the room. The answer to that he'd never truly get, but it was when Tsuna looked at him, smiled, and welcomed him into their family only a few days into their meeting.

It was interesting how they all moved together, one with each other. The glances, the touches, it was as if they were one soul. It looked as if they shared one fate, one tale. One life. It was dangerous, awe-inspiring, and told Reborn everything he needed to know.

"I suppose you know my name, but introductions are in order nonetheless." Tsuna began, again, as he spoke everyone listened as if drawn to his words, hanging on them, waiting for a reason to attack or speak for themselves.

Each introduced themselves, but it was not warm and welcoming as their greetings usually were. These were tense, brash introductions that left Tsuna amazed. Everyone had read the situation and was acting accordingly. Protecting what they had built in just less than three months, and had solidified in just over three days.

"I am Sawada Tsunayoshi, though I would greatly prefer Tsuna."

"Gokudera Hayato, you know me as Smoking Bomb Hayato ."

"I am Yamamoto Takeshi."

"Sasagawa Ryohei."

"Hibari Kyouya."

"My name is Rokudo Mukuro."
"I'm Dokuro Chrome."

"L-Lambo. I-I'm Sawada L-Lambo."

With that the tension didn't ease, it stayed tense and brutal, Lambo wanted to cry, and even Chrome felt tears prickly, she didn't like this danger, she wanted out. She wanted this man out of their lives and home.

"Duly noted. I am Reborn. I am the greatest Hitman in the world and I currently work under Vongola Nono, Timotei." Tsuna's memory sparked at the mention of the name; remembering the briefest of meetings with an old man, and man whose kindness still affected Tsuna. "As I mentioned before, I am here on order of Nono, and your father, Sawada Iemitsu, to train you-and your six guardians- to be the Decimo generation of Vongola. The strongest, bloodiest Mafia family in Italy, some would argue the world."

"I told you. I. Will. Not. Let. You. Kill. Tsuna." Hayato's words were terse, they shattered the silence, and Tsuna felt the need to physically bring Hayato back to the present with a gentle touch to his shoulder.

"Haytao..." Tsuna have him a pointed look before turning his gaze to his other friends. The rest were shocked. Tsuna understood of course, the mafia, really. He was smart enough to figure out- as he was sure the others had- that Tsuna's father was in the mafia and that was his reason for never being home.

"Why." Tsuna all but asked. He knew he couldn't ask anything else yet.

"You are a direct descendent of the first boss, Giotto, and therefore are the rightful heir."

Tsuna was shaking his head even before Reborn finished. "That's not what I mean. Why me? Why now?" Tsuna's eyes were harsh. He thought back to all the books he had read, the movies he had seen. It didn't make any sense. Though, it was embarrassing that he was using movie references in such a real situation.

"All the other candidates are dead." Reborn's voice was strained- though Tsuna noticed only because his string flickered and writhed.

Reborn's string was dictated by emotion, and now Tsuna understood why. He was a Hitman, one flicker of emotion; one uncontrolled tilt of the lips would mean his death. It all made perfect sense. And this Hitman suddenly looked so weak and lonely, because his string while arrogant and brutal was also writhing and crying. This Hitman had lost much in his journey to the top. He had lost much on his journey to Tsuna.

"So you expect me to believe that I am the last heir. And that the Vongola is willing to pass me the throne solely because of that reason." Tsuna concluded. It was amazing really, because his philosophy was finally paying off. Ask the right questions, get the right answers. What was even more amazing was that everyone was feeling more relaxed by the minute as Tsuna spoke and turned the conversation around.

"Yes, I do," Reborn's face became contemplative, he was unsure of how it happened, but he had just been played by a seventeen-almost-eighteen year old boy. He was also unsure if he should really divulge the information, worse come worse he could kill the brat, but the paperwork and Iemitsu were turnoffs for that direction. There was also a hint of attraction to the brat, that gravity he soon found himself immersed in. A quicksand of charm and loyalty that no one could escape once it touched them with its soft embrace. "Vongola is part of a greater system that demands the 'Sky' is of blood relation to the previous generation. At this time, and with the current leader getting old, you are the only viable heir left. No one else is of blood relation."

Tsuna mulled over the information as the others stewed. Of course, Mukuro, Chrome and Hayato knew all this information already and they stewed on different things.

"If I said no?"

"I'd kill everyone in this room." Reborn's green gun clicked into place, as if to solidify that dangerous promise.

Fury roared in Tsuna's blood. He would have stood and beaten the Hitman 'til his fists were bloodied and broken, but hands held him down, so many tight, confused, urgent hands. His face did not move from the furious scowl but he spoke again.

"I will not allow you to kill my friends."

Reborn thought for a moment, given that no one else knew about these 'friends' Reborn could use it to his advantage. "As of yet these people are not obligated to be in the famiglia. However, should you take the position and they refuse, they will need to leave your life forever."

Tsuna's heart kicked out, he felt like he had just been dumped in icy water and dunked until his lungs burned with the blazed nonexistence of air.

It couldn't be happening, nothing this cruel and painful could be happening to him. Fate was cruel and selfish, he knew that fact, had known it for years. But now he felt it hit home, because fate was giving Tsuna all these wonderful, tear-jerking things, and now she threatened to take them all away. It never did occur to Tsuna- not even after ten years- that maybe this is what the fate strings were dictating all along.

"Everyone, please go make dinner." Tsuna's voice was harsh and cracking. All the fury, anxiety and stress threatened to make him snap. But he needed them out of the room for this next conversation.

Everyone left easily of course, they just listened into the door while Hayato cooked- having excellent hearing really worked to his advantage in situations like this.

However, Tsuna would never know the fear and decision making going on throughout his conversation. Every single person weighed up their options when the mention of 'guardians' cropped up, because wasn't that what they had all basically promised to be to Tsuna, his guardians and friends?

Somewhere deep in all of them they felt indebted to him, and strangely enough, they felt a heavy kick and nausea when they harboured the idea of packing up now and leaving Tsuna's life. It was wrong and they wouldn't stand for it.

Hayato had made his decision as soon as he caught word- in his long and vast network of contacts- that Tsuna was a potential heir. He had decided to follow Tsuna in anything he decided, even if it cost him his life or in the case that Tsuna didn't want him in his guardian-hood.

Takeshi decided the minute he understood the depth in which Tsuna was in trouble, because Tsuna was not someone he was about to let die by some unknown danger. His immediate thought was the sword, being Tsuna's sword and shield.

Ryohei didn't really understand until much later, but throughout the evening while Tsuna talked to the suave stranger Ryohei was overcome by the urge to grab Tsuna and run. To protect him. Never one to doubt his instincts that was all it took for Ryohei to decide that Tsuna was worth protecting no matter what or when the shit hit the fan.

Lambo would not understand until Tsuna talked to him later in the week, and would not truly understand for years to come. But Lambo had always felt tied to Tsuna, more so than his other siblings. Being with Tsuna and the other teens he had gathered to his side felt right. Once Tsuna had explained in detail to him what was going to happen he had smiled, tears welling from fear in his eyes and promised to do his best.

Kyouya understood the mafia. He understood the yakuza and understood what this stranger meant. What he didn't understand was how on earth the meek brunette with the sharp tongue and sharper reflexes fit into it all. The stranger intrigued him, and something felt right when he heard the pair in the living room talking of guardians. Despite the fact that Kyouya lived for authority and the mafia lived for upheaval, it felt so right to place himself in this 'famiglia'. Kyouya lived for solitude and independence, he lived to be free of all forms of constraint- that is why he was on the top, but somehow and somewhere in the depths of himself was a part of him that needed that stability and place of domain. All the upheaval and clashing ideals within him was what decided it for him. He would protect this famiglia; he would protect Tsuna.

Mukuro was having very, very contradicting feelings about the whole thing. He would never forgive the mafia, not for what they did to him, not for what they did to Chikusa and Ken, and never would he forgive them for what they had done to Chrome through her family. He still saw the still, dying form of the girl when her organs disintegrated in that shit-hole of a mafia hospital in Estraneo. The first thought was revenge, but somehow it hurt, because Tsuna had done nothing but amazing things for Mukuro and his family, if anything he owed Tsuna, he could not possibly use him to extract revenge, could he? But something within him, something possessive and born from one of his multiple trips through hell told Mukuro to hold Tsuna, to keep him to himself, to keep him within the family. Mukuro was not so worried about taint and death- as the others were- because he had seen it all, he had been there before and done that. What he was truly worried about was forgetting his hated and his pain, he feared becoming too close to Tsuna and tainting what was a pure and selfless being.

Chrome, like Mukuro, didn't know what to think. However, her thoughts were a little brighter. The mafia had done terrible, terribly unforgiving things to both her and Mukuro and their family, and she owed Mukuro more than just her life, she was indebted enough that she should leave Tsuna if Mukuro told her to, but she- they- owed Tsuna just as much of a debt, if not more. Her feelings were so contradicting, and even while Tsuna spoke with Reborn, discussing his vow of protection Chrome could not make up her mind. It wasn't until later that her mind was made up, later when she saw Tsuna's broken-backed form in the living room and smelt the tears and heard the broken, lost sobs that left his mouth; 'they're all going to leave me. What am I going to do?'

Of course, Tsuna was completely unaware of the inner turmoil and decisions of his friends, he never would because his friends all felt, intrinsically, that Tsuna would die a little inside if he ever knew the pain in their decisions. Because as nice and easy as some of their decisions were there was that depth of pain and fear for themselves and their families as they decided to drown and choke themselves in the blood of the mafia.

"You said I need guardians." Tsuna began once he was sure everyone was gone. "And a famiglia, what exactly do you mean."

"Vongola works on a Sky system where the boss is the sky, and each of his six guardians is an element of that sky. You need six guardians; and you will get them, I don't think you'll like the consequences otherwise." Reborn was steely; he bore down on Tsuna, trying to get him to understand. He was impressed though, because this boy wasn't as weak and feeble minded as Iemitsu made him out to be. "As for your 'Famiglia' they are just general members who will make your family strong. The members of the inner and outer circles of Vongola. Your... resolve, as it were. They are there to give you something to protect, to give you a reason to fight and live... maybe even to make Vongola what it once was..." he trails of towards the end and the words are left tapered and almost uncaught by Tsuna's ears.

"I don't have anyone like that." Tsuna explains with hardened, flickering eyes.

"Oh you don't? I think I know a few potential members of your family." Reborn smirks dangerously, and Tsuna's mind jumps. "Like those siblings of yours."

Before either knows what is happening Tsuna is up and a fist is striking across Reborn's sharp jaw. With wild, flaming eyes, and an aura of pure, breathtaking orange the boy fumes with protective ferocity and bears down on the shocked Hitman. Even if it is only an instant. "You. Will. Not. Mess. With. My. Family. Don't you DARE threaten them."

Then the Hitman is on Tsuna, gun drawn, cocked, and placed nicely on the temple of Tsuna's head. The cold is shocking, but the protective resolve burning Tsuna's irises orange does not leave.

"It is your decision whether or not to bring them with you. Just know, you cannot escape this fate Dame-Tsuna, and if you want to protect your family from unwanted visitors, keep them close, and get yourself strong." With that the gun is put away and Tsuna is left in the empty living room with dull, throbbing heart and mind.

The word most dangerous to him, most weighing and surreal is the fact that for all his life, for all his running, everything he's done, he still cannot outrun or change his fate. And now, now his friends and family were going to pay for it. His stupid attempt to change and rearrange fate into something he wanted.

It is Hayato who enters the cool living room first. A mug of tea sits in his hands, and as he takes a seat directly in front of Tsuna, he hopes with his whole heart that he is doing the right thing.

"Hayato. What do I do?" Tsuna sounded weak, tired, exhausted and sick. It doesn't suit him; was what Hayato quickly decided.

"Tsuna." He whispered. He placed the tea in his friend's hand before continuing. "I know that you probably don't trust me, not after I betrayed you, but Vongola isn't as bad as that bastard Hitman make it out to be." Hayato begins telling Tsuna of the long history, the blood, the tears, and the beginning. "Tsuna, I've seen pictures of Primo, I have never seen an heir who looks more like him than you... I think, Tsuna I think you could bring Vongola back to its original glory!" Hayato's words were not rushed or full of ardent glory, they were full of sincere trust and awe. But the words were not enough, Tsuna's still down casted his eyes.

"Tsuna, you will not be able to escape this, I know they will kill you if you refuse, or force you into the position until another heir can be found. But Tsuna, you are not alone in this."

Tsuna looked up into his face; tears brimming in orange flickered eyed. They were beautiful.

"I promise, on my body and soul, I will stay with you. I will fight for you, be your right hand or your nothing. You will not go through this alone Tsuna. Not on my watch. I promise to die before I let them hurt you."

Hayato looked up and took Lambo from Takeshi's arms. He walked the child to Tsuna's room, knowing he could not go home and that Tsuna could not face him and explain what had just happened until much later when he himself had calmed down.

"Yakyu-baka. Do what you can."

Takeshi of course had no idea what to do, what to think; he didn't even know what to say. So instead he sat, his back leaning on Tsuna's leg and his eyes watching an imaginary horizon.

"Tsuna." He began; his voice was cracked and hoarse. "I don't really understand any of this. I don't understand how this is happening or why. But I do know that Hayato is right. You're not alone in this. I know none of us will abandon you, even if you think we all will. I will stay by you. Think Tsuna, we can be a real family now."

For a long, long time they sat in silence, and though Tsuna didn't move and didn't speak he knew he had said something right. The lines of Tsuna's body, the shadow on the wall, the tension had ebbed away and the sobs had silenced themselves to deep, controlled breathing.

He walked Tsuna into the kitchen where only Ryohei was left leaning against the counter. His face was shadowed and his brilliant hair was dulled by the evening gloom. He looked dangerous standing in the corner, but when he nodded Takeshi knew he was going to look after Tsuna until he could stand on his own.

"Night Tsuna." Was all that Takeshi said before he went to bed with whispers of death and hesitance hanging on his shoulder.

"How do you manage it, Sawada?" Ryohei's words were warm and his smile loving. He walked over and turned a chair, straddling it backwards with his forearms resting on the top of the chair's back.

"Onii-san..."

"You know that I can't really give my life away right? I have Kyoko to worry about, bills to pay and guardianship of her still left to keep up. I can't throw my life into organised crime, and I can't give up on family." Ryohei's eyes stared into Tsuna, and Tsuna stated back.

"I would never ask you to give up on your sister, Ryohei, if I could I'd make sure you could still live here. I don't want you getting into this. This is something that none of you deserve. It's too danger-"

"Let me finish." Ryohei cut in, knowing Tsuna was worried about all of them, knowing that come morning Tsuna would probably question them all over and over again; trying to ascertain the reasoning that he would never know. "I said, 'I can't give up on family.' So that means, Sawada that I can't give up on you."

Tsuna was stunned more for words than ever. His 'big brother' was sacrificing everything; all his friends so far were. He just hoped, that one day, one day when Vongola was a vigilante again, when the blood was cornered and contained that he could repay Ryohei; Tsuna's only wish now was to repay everyone.

You might ask when it was he decided to take the throne of Vongola. Well, it wasn't when Reborn threatened him, he was willing to take a bullet for his friends and for the end of a mafia famiglia; he would not bow so easily. It wasn't really when Reborn mentioned the grandfather from long distant memories, or the will of his father- because really the man had little to do with Tsuna's life so why would he listen to Iemitsu? It certainly wasn't when Reborn threatened his siblings- that little threat nearly sealed the deal of a bullet between the eyes for Tsuna. No, it was when Hayato had walked in, when the boy had told him of Vongola's past, because when Hayato spoke of pride and disgust it felt right, the string glowed and orange crept along the colourless string. Something told Tsuna- be it fate, intuition or strings- that he would not escape the situation, but he could certainly tailor it.

"It's time for bed TO THE EXTREME Tsunayoshi!" Ryohei knew Tsuna wouldn't go to bed yet, but it didn't hurt to try.

"It's okay Onii-san, I think I'll just finish my tea." Ryohei didn't argue, he gripped Tsuna's shoulder with a harsh grasp and walked to his own room, words of promise and fear would stalk him, and all the others, that night. But stalking fears are dispelled with the light of morning, and the light of a smile upon their friend's face come night's end.

Tsuna was sitting in the kitchen alone that evening mulling over a mug of Chai when Kyouya waltzed in, gripped his chin and made him look him in the eyes.

"Tsunayoshi, you are our sky. I never said I was leaving. Now stop being an herbivore and stand up." Kyouya left the room, leaving behind only his words and an awed brunette who didn't understand how he deserved such kindness and loyalty.

Though, a little part of him laughed. It was so very like Kyouya to be so blunt and straightforward about his feelings and thoughts.

With Kyouya's response and encouragement Tsuna walked to Mukuro's room, his knock was strong and determined. Because he was going to tell the two teens that had seen too much that he didn't expect them to stay. He expected them to hate and scorn him. But he did not get his expectation.

They were both sitting on the couch, sipping coffee and staring at the ceiling when Tsuna entered, neither looked on, but he soon found himself sitting between them, taking strength in their warmth and closeness.

"I don't expect either of you to stay. I know the mafia has done to you what no one should. I don't want to drag you back into this." Tsuna would not be ashamed to say he had tears in his eyes, because it hurt, every one of his friends hurt him, because he truly thought they all would leave.

"Tsuna, I'm not leaving." Chrome was the first to respond. She eyes were glinting, because she and Mukuro had shielded themselves and watched Tsuna in the living room and kitchen, broken and distraught and they never wanted to see that again.

"W-what?" Tsuna looked up into indigo so pure it hurt. Tears swirled, flashing and softening what were resolved, terrified eyes.

"We're not leaving, Tsunayoshi. We are going to stay by your side." Mukuro could feel the wash of emotion in their blurred consciousness. It was a testament to Tsuna's confusion and fear that Mukuro could feel so much of the pain and disbelief. But it made him feel... well he didn't know...but it felt good.

"You..." Chrome began with unsteady tone. "...are worth it."

That's all Tsuna needed, because soon there was good coffee in his hands and warm bodies pressed next to him. He would keep questioning it for the rest of the week. But soon enough the only thing that plagued his mind was the hope that everything he did in the future would never make his friends- his guardians- regret their decision to stay.

Finally Mukuro and Chrome kicked him out of their room and he made his way to his own. He was greeted by the soft, even breaths of his brother, sleeping soundly on Tsuna's bed with pale cheeks and damp eyes. Tsuna knew it was his fault. Knew Lambo was a part of this, knew he couldn't shield him from this. That didn't mean Tsuna couldn't wish he had the power to protect Lambo from everything this fate threw at them.

"What am I going to do Lambo? I don't want you to go, I want to see you grow; I want to be in your life. I could never ask you to throw away your life for me; I love you too much to ask you to be my guardian. Not when I am the one suppose to be protecting you."

Tsuna's fingers brushed through curly tresses of ebony, but it was so soft and lush, he wished his life was not being torn apart. He wanted to watch his siblings grow. He wanted to see them shine and eventually raise his own family. But it seemed fate, the ever changing and moody mistress, did not see that for him.

"Lambo-sama will try his best Tsuna-nii. Lambo will get stronger! I don't want you to leave. I never want to leave Tsuna-nii's side. So please, p-p-please don't send Lambo away!" Tears welled and fell onto Tsuna when the seven year-old launched himself at Tsuna. There and then Tsuna knew the boy would find a way to get into this famiglia, and there and then Tsuna decided to keep him close and keep him safe.

"What insane, amazing friends I have." No one would ever know of the tears Tsuna shed in the dark, secluded room in the big, warm house that evening. No one but himself and the darkness that held him in its arms.


It wasn't until the end of the week that they saw Reborn again. The enigma had stayed away, not listening into their conversations, knowing that it was not his right to do so. Not until the children were ready.

"Have you made your decision, Dame-Tsuna?" Reborn asks. They are gathered in the living room once again, sitting like they did on the first meeting,

"We have decided to become the Decimo. But mark my words, Reborn; I will not continue down the bloodied road, I will not let my friends become tainted by the blood of my 'family' when they have been thrown into something never intended for them. We're going to change Vongola, or I'm going to die trying."

Reborn was impressed and moved. The child had grown exponentially in only the week and with only his friends at his side. It moved him, made him feel strong. Most of all, it made Reborn feel assured that Vongola would stay at the top and stay safe for its oldest members and newest children.

"This is my promise to you then. If you keep your resolve burning, brighter and brighter, I will give my life to train and to protect you and your family until you are able to do so on your own, or my life is lost. This is my solemn, eternal promise." He kneels before Tsuna, humble and strong.

Reborn's dark, onyx eyes stare up into Tsuna's deep and all-encompassing brown. The hues are so deep and dark and lonely, they engulf Tsuna, and he finds that it is hard to not feel warm and safe. The promise is a large one, but Tsuna feels that Reborn will keep it. His family, his friends, will all be safe and make it to adulthood where they will all change the Vongola, no matter how much they wish not to have tainted hands and bloodied souls.

Everyone in the room feels the truth in the promise, and though they will never understand the reasoning behind it, they immediately feel bonded and connected. All hostility was lost quickly, and faith and trust were the only things left behind. Tsuna will always understand though, because once those words were spoken, a flash a click, and the smell of old books and gunpowder drifted through the air. Orange wrapped a colourless string, giving it body and support, and colourless became the fencing around them all. Reborn's string wrapped Tsuna's entire body, like a five-point harness, and Tsuna's in turn embraced Reborn, keeping him grounded and shielded. The promise made was more physical to Tsuna and Reborn than any other fate or promise. It was something no one could understand. Not even Tsuna.

The next few days are less tense. Reborn stays in the house, in one of the spare rooms away from everyone else. He appears at breakfast and dinner, and throughout the rest of the day mingles with everyone else. Though the initial distrust is there, especially in the case of Mukuro and Chrome, soon enough, as Reborn brings down the guillotine to touch their throats, everyone moves as if they were one soul. It was surreal, and somehow, Tsuna no longer felt sick and unbalanced. He felt whole for the first time in a very, very long time.

"Ne, Reborn." Tsuna had begun when everyone had settled into the dining room for a hearty dinner courtesy of Hayato and Takeshi. "I want to officially welcome you into the family." With that cheers rang through the room before plates and cutlery clinking was the greatest sounds.

A smirk broke through Reborn's facade, and his fedora was pulled down just in time for only Tsuna to catch the warm, contented smile that followed.

"I do believe we should get to training then."


So my dear dear readers, the next chapter is the last chapter in this story... And I feel so... so sad! Please review; please tell me how you think Reborn was, and how you think everyone is.

Hope to see you for the last chapter next time!
Thank you!

~~Bleach-ed-Na-tsu :3