The Great Big Blue Sky of Love

by SakuraSamuraiGirl

Tsunami Sawada has a heart as big as the sky. There is room for one, two, three...four, five...six! The growth of the guardians love for their sky and how the sky is able to hold it all. Reverse harem and genderbender. femTsunaxAll.

11. GBBSL 11: I Want That Too

The Great Big Blue Sky of Love

Chapter 11: I Want That Too

Katekyo Hitman Reborn and its characters belong to Akira Amano

Tsunami's eye were held open as a light shines onto it. The physician of the Varia was giving her a check-up. Reborn had decided since Tsunami was now able to walk about and do light tasks she must be feeling well enough to do some training. Tsunami knew that Reborn had been very lenient. She had not done anything, not even stretching since she found out about that silly contest.

The physician moved his hand to the other eye and widen his fingers to see her eye clearly. Reborn sat on a rolling stool watching her get checked out. Tsunami wore a simple white t-shirt that was slightly sung around her torso yet loose enough that it was comfortable for her. Black fitness capri pants were also fitted around her hips and thighs and she wore her favorite orange sneakers. The physician puts the light away and with his powdery, green hospital gloves presses the tips of his fingers beneath the sides of throat. Tsunami squirms in discomfort and the physician looks at her sternly. Tsunami stills and looks at the physician apologetically. The physician takes out his stethoscope and places it beneath Tsunami's shirt for her heart beat. Tsunami flinches from the cold and blushes.

"Calm down, dame-Tsuna. You're fine. How does it look?" Reborn asks the physician.

"Her alertness is normal...heartbeat...normal."

Tsunami's limbs and reflexes were checked out finally and the physician declared Tsunami completely healthy.

"We have lots to catch up on, Tsunami." Reborn grins.

"Yay."

Reborn smirks. "So glad that you're happy to start training, Tsuna."

"..."

Reborn took Tsunami to the training room. It was huge. The training "room" was an enormous basement in the Varia Castle. There was great stone gray walls that climbed up to a incredibly high ceiling. On the floor were large black mats in large rectangle sections. Along the walls and corners of the room were exercise equipment and hundreds of assortments of weapons from daggers and knives, swords and clubs, pistols and rifles. Tsunami stares at them and whines.

"The Varia are very battle focused and are constantly trying to improve themselves. There is another training area that can change its interior to all sorts of terrain. Credit goes to the development department. Now, let's get you back into shape."

"Yes, Reborn." Tsunami mumbles.

"Start stretching. You have five minutes than do ten laps."

"..."

Reborn smirks . He was happy to have Tsunami back on the training schedule. All this time he was thinking too much about her. He thought back to when her ten-year older self came into the present with questions about the contest he started. They had a heart-to-heart talk and Reborn found himself confessing his feelings to the woman. Reborn wonders to himself why he told her. Maybe it was because he thought it didn't matter. He was talking to the future Tsunami. Ten years have passed for her and with her knowledge of him loving her wouldn't change much. Reborn's smirk fades away.

Nothing will change. She was getting married in the future.

Both the future and present Tsunami had succeeded in repairing the relationship with her guardians. Tsunami had decided she would be with all of them. Plus Xanxus.

Those lucky bastards...

"Reborn."

Aldo and two other members of the Varia appear.

"You have requested some volunteers."

"Thank you for arriving. Tsunami, finished those laps yet?"

Tsunami whines from the floor. She had finally finished her laps and was sitting on the mat panting and sweating lightly.

"C'mon, get up! Some of the Varia were kind enough to take some time from their duties to spar with you."

The two Varia members smirks at her. Tsunami leans away nervously. They grin more.

"Get up, Tsunami. You're the heir of the Vongola." Reborn ordered.

Tsunami had a feeling that as usual Reborn was setting her up to get in and out of a tough situation.

For the past few days she had been living with the Varia. It was now well known that Xanxus was her lover. Squalo has now accepted Tsunami, Lussaria was happy that she and Chrome were his girl pals, Levi was happily devoted to her just as much as he was to Xanxus. Which reminded Tsunami of Hayato...only...he was more like a pitbull puppy. He was sweet but still made you nervous. Mammom, Tsunami hadn't spent much time with Reborn's cursed comrade. However, when they did meet, Mammon was trying to talk Tsunami into being some sort of hostess. Whatever that is...

Bel, oh, Bel. Bel has been rather aggressive in getting physically involved with Tsunami. He insists on joining Tsunami's harem. Now, Tsunami has a big heart. She could open her heart to more than one person if they absolutely truly cared for her that much. But, Bel didn't love her. She definitely knew that Bel wasn't in love with her. It was lust. A very scary, creepy lust. Kyouya at least had dignity and some some respect when he was trying to win her over! Tsunami made sure that she wasn't alone. She and Chrome usually stayed together along with Lambo. Reborn would pop in every now and then and sometimes she would spend time with Xanxus when he wasn't busy.

The majority of the Varia, the lesser members that make up the squads, had their own opinions and feelings about Tsunami. They were all aware that she was chosen over their boss who they thought as the ninth's son would inherit the Vongola. Some members made it clear that didn't like her or weren't convinced that she should be the Vongola boss. They would ignore her, sneer at her...and sometimes when it is just her and Chrome would say rude things to her.

The two Varia members that Aldo brought for a "friendly" spar. A match that Reborn set up to probably prove her worth to the Varia and gain some respect. Obviously, nothing get past the Sun Acrobaleno.

Typical, macho Mafia mind games.

Tsunami sighs and slips on her mittens. The Varia members, except Aldo, snicker at her weapon of choice. One of them steps onto the mat and goes into a fighting stance. Tsunami pops in a pill and goes into Hyper-mode. Her eyes become a glow and her mittens turn into X-gloves.

The Varia member who stepped up to her first had dirty blonde hair that was styled swept back and lightly spiked up. He had a pair of piercings of silver with a red gem in the center in each ear and cornflower blue eyes. He wore a black, clingy sleeveless turtleneck, black leather pants and shortened black boots which were folded around the ankles. With one of his gloved dark hands he slips into his pockets and takes out spiked brass knuckles.

"Allow me to introduce your opponent, this is Matteo. He specializes in hand-to-hand. He is a part of Prince Belphegor's squad."

"Thank you, Aldo. Tsunami is ready to go. Your volunteer seems confident." Reborn observes.

The Varia smirks. Reborn, Aldo and the second Varia member move off the mat. Tsunami and Matteo stare at each other.

"You were chosen to be the big boss. I can't imagine a little girl like you beating the boss. I'm going to have to be convinced for myself little princess!" Matteo sneers.

Aldo frowns at Matteo's rudeness. Tsunami is bothered and goes into a defensive stance. Matteo goes on the offensive and runs towards and swings his armored fist. Tsunami ducks under the swing and comes up with a upper cut to Matteo's chin. Matteo grunts and stumbles back. He regains his balance and holds his jaw. He moves it about and stares at Tsunami.

"Tsunami. Don't be gentle." Said Reborn.

'That was gentle...?' Thought Matteo.

Matteo snorts and approaches her again. He starts taking swings at her and Tsunami just moves and dodges, waiting for a opening and when it presented itself...

"Gah!" Matteo grabs his nose. He whips his head towards her. "Bitch!"

"Matteo! Watch your mouth!" Aldo speaks in Italian.

"Shut it, old man!" Matteo yells in reply. "Hey! Take me seriously!"

"I don't want to hurt you, this is just practice." Said Tsunami.

"Vongola, if I may be so bold," Started Aldo. "You are insulting Matteo. Remember, he and I are the Varia and we pride ourselves on being the best fighters. We came here to see what you can do. Please grant us that. Hold nothing back." Said Aldo.

Tsunami looks at Aldo. Matteo rolls his eyes and mumbles something to himself. Tsunami nods and bows to him and then to Matteo.

"I am sorry. I was just trying to be careful. I will fight with my all this time. I'm sorry, Reborn. You're student is really an idiot."

Reborn just smiles. "Just take this seriously."

Tsunami nods. "I will for now on."

"Che, geez, some boss you are...that merciful, sickening maternal bull..."

WHACK!

Matteo is sent flying and rolling off the mat, across the floor and slides into the wall. Matteo groans. Aldo and Vittore watched Matteo cover the distance and slowly turn back to Tsunami. Tsunami had a leg up from a kick. Reborn makes a note that Tsunami had a lot of strength in her legs. Tsunami puts her foot down on the ground, slow and with control while Reborn watches her muscle keep tight and smooth. Perhaps she could learn a few techniques from I-pin.

"Are you all right?" She asks Matteo.

"He'll be fine." Said Aldo with a smile.

Vittore sees his fellow comrade trying to get up and looks to Tsunami. Vittore had shoulder-length hair of dark brown hair. His eyes were green with a cut on the side of his long, narrow cheek. He was wearing a short black jacket above his waist, a white sleeveless muscle shirt that showed his toned abs with a cross-shaped scar across it. His pants were gray with thigh-high boots. He steps onto the mat with a serious expression.

"Unlike, Matteo, I am aware of your strength. There is no way that you beaten the boss on a fluke. Xanxus wouldn't allow that."

Tsunami nods.

"Thank you."

"Shall we, Vongola?"

"Yes. Okay."

There were members coming into the room to train and the first thing they see when they entered was Matteo against the wall in an awkward position. They look up and see Tsunami fighting against Vittore. Vittore was in Lussaria's squad and was one of the top martial artist. Vittore punched and jabbed. Swing and kicked. Tsunami was on the defensive ducking, blocking and slapping away his punches and kicks. The Varia looked at each other. One of them leaves and starts talking about the fight going on between Vittore and the Vongola heir. Many of those that were available to watch rush to the training room, completely abandoning their work all together.

Squalo was looking around and found that almost everyone had left their assignments and duties.

"VOOOOOOOOOI! Where the hell is everybody!"

The Varia cheered and howled in excitement as not only was Tsunami was fighting Vittore, but Matteo had recovered and had joined the fight.

Tsunami was still on top of the fight as she danced around the two men. Vittore was enjoying the fight, while Matteo was angered and trying to get a good hit at Tsunami. The two Varia placed some distance between themselves from Tsunami. Vittore was in front of her sweating, but calm. Matteo behind her breathing hard and searching for an angle to catch Tsunami.

A few Varia were eying Tsunami. There was chuckles and grins. Tsunami was sweating herself, her white shirt clung to her body as well as her hair around her face. Tsunami was too battle-focused to be concerned about their appraising looks. Reborn glares at them. Perhaps Tsunami had the right idea wearing her more comfortable and baggy clothes. Reborn's trigger finger twitches.

Matteo snarls and goes into a swing with his spike knuckles to go into her back for beating him the first time. Tsunami uses her flames to go straight up into the air. She flips over him and kicks Matteo into the back of the head. Matteo stumbles forward towards Vittore and Vittore jumps onto Matteo's back and meets Tsunami in the air. Vittore turns to do a kick. Tsunami grabs his foot and swings Vittore away and onto Matteo. Not letting up, Tsunami blasts herself forward towards the two and kicks them both in the head. They roll off the mat and land on their backs. Tsunami lands on the mat down on one knee.

"VOOOOOI! What the hell are you all doing here!"

The training room became deafly silent as the member stood up straight. Squalo breezes pass the members into the room and stood over Matteo and Vittore. He kicks Matteo in the head. Tsunami's eyes widen.

"Squalo..."

"What the hell do you think you're doing messing around with these small fry!"

Tsunami's calm eyes watched Squalo. Squalo snorts and with a flick of his wrist his sword slid out of his sleeve and he grins.

"Let me give you a real challenge!"

Tsunami eyes his sword and looks at Squalo. Squalo grins. Tsunami looks up at the ceiling.

"...why me?"

"VrrrraaaAAAH!"

Squalo was quickly within her space and performs a quick horizontal slash. Tsunami ducks under the blade. Small pieces of her hair falls from the tips of her hair in front of her eyes. She jumps away dodging Squalo's persistent slashes and swings.

"Tsunami, keep on your toes. You should know that Squalo will not hold back."

"I know, Reborn."

"You must be cautious, but you have to get close." Reborn coaches.

"Come close and I will strike you down!" Squalo laughs.

Tsunami narrows her eyes at Squalo. Squalo roars out again.

"I'll stop you from moving around!"

Squalo thrusts his sword forward multiple times into the air. Tsunami gasps and feels pin pricks hit her muscles.

"Ah, Squalo's Attack of the Shark. It has gotten a little stronger. The pressure Squalo is thrusting towards Tsunami is affecting her." Reborn notes.

Tsunami winces and guards herself with her arms. Her muscles tingled and then painfully throbbed. Tsunami remembers that attack from the Ring Battles. She had to get close; but Squalo was fast though. She just had to be faster than him. The flame on her forehead grows larger, her eyes brighter. She blasts herself forward. Squalo laughs and uses his Charge of the Shark. Tsunami twists and turns her body about in acrobatics between the slashes. When she reaches Squalo she crouches down and sweeps Squalo off his feet. Squalo falls backwards but as he falls back he slashes upwards at Tsunami.

'Shit! Too close!' Squalo curses inwardly.

Tsunami senses this too.

Reborn held his breath.

Squalo falls on his back and quickly sits up.

'Shit!' He continues to swear in his head.

Squalo and Tsunami stare at each other. Tsunami had stepped a few feet away. There was silence. Tsunami flinches and there was a collective gasp from the spectators. A thin line right in the middle of her shirt travels from the bottom of her shirt to the top and pulls apart...

Tsunami's eyes widen and she looks down. Squalo's eyes went down as well.

The ruined shirt revealed Tsunami wearing a low-cut, orange sports bra. Tsunami heaved in a gasp and covers herself. Tsunami's blush of embarrassment overwhelmed her flush from exertion. Her dying-will flame dies out.

The Varia men grin and blush. One brave Varia throws a wolf whistle. Reborn turns his head and pulls his fedora over his eyes. Tsunami's shoulders begin to shake and her bangs hide her eyes. Squalo slowly got up and looked around. He looks at Aldo. Aldo arches a thin brow and looks at Tsunami and back at Squalo. Squalo was awkward. He didn't know whether to laugh and taunt in victory or...apologize.

"Voi, are you crying!"

Tsunamie runs to Squalo and her flame flickers back on.

"PERVERT!"

Tsunami decks Squalo in the face. Squalo sails over several mats, Aldo and into a wall creating a huge hole. All the Varia's mouths fell open. There was a loud clapping and everyone turns and sees Xanxus. Xanxus walks through the Varia as they scrambled to get out of his way. Xanxus walks up to Tsunami still clapping and slowly stopped his clapping when he was in front of her. Tsunami looks down blushing. Suddenly she feels his heavy, warm coat on her shoulders causing her to look up at him surprise. Xanxus was smiling.

"Good work, taking out the trash."

Tsunami smiles a little. "I..."

Xanxus bend downs, tugs her chin up with his fingers and kisses her. Tsunami's eyes widen in surprise. The Varia become stun seeing their boss kiss his rival in front of them all. Reborn sees that Xanxus was non-verbally making a bold statement that he saw Tsunami as his equal and truly did have affections for her. Tsunami sighs as Xanxus pulls away. Xanxus strokes her cheek smirking at her.

Squalo pulls himself away from the wall and was holding his nose. He watches Xanxus and Tsunami kiss. He realizes, that his heart hurt in longing more than his broken nose.

---

Dino briskly walks through the Vongola mansion with Romario having to jog to keep up with his boss. Other Vongola family members were surprised to see the usually friendly, carefree Dino Chiavarone now with a dark, desperate expression on his face. He is finally met by Iemitsu and Basil and they too were surprised by his dark mood.

"Dino, what's with the face?" Iemitsu asks.

"Thou looks most wrathful!" Said Basil.

Dino holds Iemitsu's shoulders. "Please, I must speak with the Ninth! It concerns your daughter, Sawada-san!"

Iemitsu's eyes widen. "Tsunami-chan?"

Iemitsu immediately takes Dino to the Ninth's office. The Ninth was alone by the window tending to his little garden. He senses something and looks at his doors just as Iemitsu opens it. He and Dino enter and Timoteo walks to his desk, after completely watering a little plant.

"Dino! Dear boy, you came much earlier than you said you was coming. Is something wrong?"

"Yes! Something is terribly wrong, Nono! Tsunami is in danger!"

Timoteo frowns with concern. "How so?"

"Tsunami is with the Varia!"

"What! With the Varia? How? Since when!" Asks Iemitsu.

"I called Tsunami's house to say hello! I asked Sawada-san if I can speak with Tsunami, but she told me that Tsunami wasn't home that she came here to Italy with Xanxus!"

Timoteo's eyes widen. Iemitsu's mouth fell open.

"What was Xanxus doing at my house!"

Timoteo coughs in his hand...

"I don't know!" Shouts Dino grabbing his hair. "But, Sawada-san explained that Tsunami and her guardians got into a fight!"

"Guardians? All of them?"

"Yes, they were playing some game with her heart!" Dino growls. "They created a contest amongst themselves to win Tsunami."

Iemitsu was silent. He opened and close his mouth several times, but nothing came out. His face turn pale, then red...pale again and then a furious red.

"WHAAAAAT!"

Timoteo leans back in his large, leather chair from Iemitsu's explosion of rage. He coughs again louder.

"I think Xanxus must have found out that Tsunami and her guardians had a fell out. So he went and must have seduced Tsunami away from them when she was vulnerable!" Dino continues.

Timoteo coughs but it suspiciously had sound like a stifled laugh. Iemitsu and Dino didn't hear that. But Basil looks at the Ninth boss curiously. Iemitsu's rage turns into despair. He falls onto his knees and yells to the air.

"NOOOOOOO! My baby girl!"

Timoteo looks out the window, holding his hands together on the desk.

"What makes this story even stranger, is that Tsunami got sick and went into the hospital."

Iemitsu looks up at Dino in shock. Timoteo turns his head onto Dino as well. THAT was new to him.

"Sawada-san said that Tsunami went with Xanxus to recover from her surgery, saying that there was a tumor removed from her head. She said that a special doctor helped her, Shamal."

"Shamal? Why didn't Nana tell me our little girl was sick!"

"Iemitsu, calm down...and get off the floor and sit. You too, Dino, calm yourself."

Timoteo reaches out, picks up the phone and starts dialing.

---

Once again, Tsunami's back was intimately getting reacquainted with the surface of Xanxus' desk. Xanxus held her wrists beside her head and was feasting upon her lips. Tsunami gasps for breath whenever Xanxus pulls away or opens his mouth. After the fight with Squalo, Xanxus lead Tsunami out of the training room to his office. He gently pushed her in, slammed the door shut and locked it.

Xanxus sighs and pulls away and looks down at Tsunami. He still held her wrist and Tsunami looked up at him, flushed all over, still slightly sweaty from sparring and her chest rising and falling with deep, fast pants. Xanxus gives her another kiss and straightens up. He unbuckles his belt. Tsunami gasps and sits up. Xanxus grins at Tsunami's gaze on his hands. Tsunami's heart races, lately she had been thinking about this very carefully when she thought and realized that last time she was on his desk she wanted to have sex with Xanxus. She was starting to think that maybe perhaps...

"Xanxus, I..."

"Don't worry, I'll be gentle...for the first time."

"Xanxus...!" Tsunami blushes.

RIIIIING!

Tsunami and Xanxus stare at each other and then at the phone. There were two phones on Xanxus' desk. One was an antique black phone and the other was a simple dark brown phone. The one that was black and looked antique was the one ringing.

RIIIING!

Xanxus growls and fixes his belt. Tsunami breath outs in relief. Xanxus would have ignored the phone. But if the phone that was black was ringing, that meant that the Vongola Nono was calling and he had to answer it. Xanxus snatches the handle on the phone.

"What do you want, old man?"

Tsunami looks at Xanxus phone and becomes sad. It seems that Xanxus and Timoteo's relationship was still distant and Xanxus was still bitter towards him.

"What?" Replies. Xanxus looks at Tsunami and Tsunami blinks and tilts her head. "Yeah, she's here. Got a problem with that? Tch, yes...she's RIGHT here!...With me! Dammit, old man..."

Xanxus thrusts the phone at Tsunami. "Here! He wants to talk to you!"

Tsunami takes the phone and Xanxus walks away to the liquor cabinet.

"H-hello?"

"TSUNAMI!"

Tsunami shrieks as she pulls the phone away. She hears her father and Dino in the background yelling and asking a hundred questions a second about her well-being and explanation of what was going on. Tsunami blushes and looks up into the ceiling. She wasn't ready for her dad to know about her new development of her love life. From what she could gather from the blubbering, questioning and crying Dino found out from her mother all that happened between her guardians and how she was with Xanxus. She had a good feeling that her dearly self-proclaimed brother must have panicked and thought the worse from the story her mother told him. She then hears Timoteo's firm voice telling Iemitsu and Dino to get out of his office. Timoteo scolds Iemitsu for touching his phone and putting the line on speaker. She hears some slight protests and finally the click of the door and silence.

"I'm so sorry, Tsunami. How are you child?"

"I'm fine, Grandpa...oh! I..."

"Haha, it's fine, dear, it's fine. Oh, it has been such a long time since you called me grandpa. Now, why didn't you try to call me to let me know that you were in Italy. I would of liked for you to come see me. There are a lot of things I would like to talk to you about! I would even like to take you out for lunch or dinner. Or for some Italian ice cream!"

Tsunami smiles sweetly at the idea of Timoteo wanting to take her out. He really was an old sweetie.

" I'm sorry, Grandpa. I was going to call you soon, really I was. But I was trying to get some rest and recover."

"Ah, yes. Your surgery, performed by Shamal."

"Yes, Grandpa."

"I hope it was nothing too serious?"

"No, but...actually, there is a reason for it though and I need to talk you about something very important."

"I see, what is it?"

"I can't tell you over the phone. When I was feeling better I wanted to come see you and talk to you."

"To talk with me about this important thing personally."

"Yes, Grandpa."

"Hmmm, well. My schedule has been rather clear lately...when you are ready, my dear, come by and see me whenever you can and we will talk."

"Thank you, grandpa! It's really, really important! I'm sorry that I didn't call. I'm really, really sorry."

"It's fine, dear it's fine!" Chuckles Timoteo. "Actually, I am the one that should be sorry. Reborn sends me reports of you and your guardians progress. In your training and in your relationships."

"Everything?" Asks Tsunami with long whine.

"Just a general idea and about the event."

Tsunami sighs. "Yes, I kind of figured when you had your own son kidnapped and sent him to live with me."

"I'm sorry that I encouraged the event. I really should have considered your feelings. I guess I was excited about the idea of you falling in love with Xanxus. Xanxus could use someone to love."

Tsunami blushes. "It's okay, Grandpa. Everything worked out in the end."

Timoteo smiles gently. "So it has. Could you put Xanxus back on the phone, please."

Tsunami looks to Xanxus. He downs a large gulp of whiskey straight from the bottle. She calls him over, saying Timoteo wanted to speak to him. Xanxus puts away the whiskey and comes over to take the phone. He kisses her lips real quick with a sweet smack. He smirks as Tsunami's face squishes up from the bitter, strong taste of the whiskey.

"Brat, why don't you clean yourself up. I don't want to see you look all sad and pitiful when I talk to the stupid, old man."

"Xanxus..."

Xanxus stops her protest with another kiss. Tsunami kisses back and moans loudly.

"Ahem...hello?" Timoteo coughs.

Tsunami blushes. She heard the Nono chuckle on the line. He heard them kissing! Tsunami squeaks and rushes out the office.

Xanxus puts the phone to his ears.

"What?"

"...Sooooo, my plan worked?"

"...shut up!"

---

"VOOOOOOOI! Get the hell away from me!" Squalo yells holding his nose.

Squalo was in the infirmary room, again, sitting on the chair with Lussaria in his personal bubble leaning close to him to dap at his bloody nose. Lussaria pokes his lip out. Squalo flinches away disgusted at the pout.

"Gah!"

"Don't be like that, let big sis tend to your boo-boo's!"

"What the hell! Get away from me before I kill you!"

Tsunami enters and sees the two fighting over his injury. Tsunami had heard them as she was on her way to her room.

"Excuse me, nee-san?"

"Oh, hello Tsunami, darling!"

"If it's okay, I can tend to Squalo."

Lussaria huffs playfully and gets up from the seat.

"Honestly, you're going to put me out of the job~!"

Lussaria passes Tsunami and ruffles the top her head. Tsunami couldn't tell, but Lussaria winked at her behind his shades as he walked out the door. He shakes his head his smiling.

Squalo lets out a sigh of relief as Tsunami took the seat in front of him. She uses a wet towel and starts to clean the blood from his nose and mouth.

"I-I'm so sorry that I hit your nose!"

"Bah, whatever. It was a win."

Squalo enjoyed these moments with Tsunami. It was quiet, just the two of them. Tsunami used her small, gentle hands to care for him and touch him. She put her heart into tending to him, more than a nurse and it was a bonus when she replaced that touchy-fruitcake Lussaria.

"Did it hurt?"

"Huh?"

"Your nose, when you fixed it."

"Nah, I get a few broken noses. It hurts less and less when I fix them."

"...Xanxus?"

"Mostly, but it rarely happens on missions. Those are just lucky shots by a very unlucky bastard." Squalo chuckles.

Tsunami smiles nervously. Squalo look her over.

"Voi, you do have a nice rack."

Tsunami blushes and pulls away from Squalo. She pouts at him.

"Stop that!"

Squalo continues smiling. "What?"

"That flirting! Xanxus is going to get mad and he'll hurt you!"

"What else is new? I think it will be worth all the pain to get close to you."

Squalo reaches out with his good hand and touches her cheek. Tsunami's eyes widen at Squalo's statement. She leans away slightly as he caresses her cheek. Tsunami glances at Squalo. Squalo's eyes were so soft, she never seem them so soft. They were always hard or wide with violent excitement. Tsunami sighs and moans to herself.

"Not you too...what do you all see in me?"

"I don't know? But to hell with having a reason! So Xanxus and all your guardians like ya' and you decided to take them all in. Even that sword brat?"

Tsunami nods.

"Tch!" He pulls her forward. "...I can be better than Xanxus and that brat."

Squalo presses their lips together. Tsunami breath catches as he kisses her. Squalo cups the side of her face keeping her close. They pull away, Squalo kept her close. Tsunami looks down shyly and sees his prosthetic hand in his lap. She reaches out and brought the hand to hold the other side of her face.

"Xanxus' is going to kill you...but...are you sure?"

"I am willing to risk it." He grins.

---

A date for Tsunami to meet the Nono was set for that weekend.

Early in the morning they packed light and loaded their things into a car. The Varia HQ was few couple of hours drive from the Vongola HQ. Tsunami thought it was probably a quick plane ride. But Xanxus opted for the long, long car drive to take their time getting there. Those that were going were Tsunami, Chrome, Lambo, Reborn, Xanxus and Squalo. Tsunami sat by the window with Lambo who insisted to sit in her lap instead of his own seat. Xanxus slid in beside her. Reborn sat across from Tsunami, next entered Chrome and finally Squalo. Lussaria and Levi were the only Varia who wished them good bye so early in the morning. They pulled away around five in the morning. Being it was early, it didn't take long for Tsunami, Lambo and Chrome to fall asleep in the car within thirty minutes of the drive. Tsunami woke with Lambo bouncing up and down in her lap. She looks out the window of the car and sees Lambo counting cows grazing in the wide Italian countryside. She was taken by the green grass and the hazy, snow-capped blue and purple mountains in the distance. Past the pastures she saw the long lines of trees of the fields. Tsunami took a guess and figured that olives grew from those trees. Lambo starts getting rowdy again and Tsunami calms him down by giving him a piece of candy. She looks in front of her and finds Reborn staring at her. Tsunami shifts nervously but a snot-bubble grows from his nose. She sighs and reminds Lambo to stay quiet. Next to Reborn, Chrome was still sleeping as well. Tsunami's goes to the next person, Squalo. To her surprise, Squalo was reading a leather-bound hardback book in his lap with one leg crossed over his other. On Squalo's face, was a pair of thin-framed black glasses. She stares. Squalo senses her eyes on him and looks up. He arches a brow at her in question and Tsunami looks down.

"S-sorry!...I...You...you wear glasses?"

"Only when I read." Squalo shrugs and goes back to reading.

Tsunami observes Squalo again. She never would of thought that Squalo wore glasses. She tilts her head and imagines Squalo reading with those glasses...she thought that Squalo would look handsome with his hair in a braid over his shoulder or a ponytail. That was what Hayato did when he read. His long bangs got in the way of reading, so he tied his hair into a short ponytail. Tsunami blushes and she decides to look at something else before Squalo catches her staring again. She looks at Xanxus at last. He appeared to be napping. His head was slightly bowed and his arms were crossed over his chest. She had seen Xanxus take naps often.

Why is it that the most powerful and violent people she knew, like Xanxus, Kyouya and Reborn seem to take a lot of naps, like cats?

"Squalo?"

"Hm?"

"Since the fight for the rings, how...how does Xanxus and...the ninth feel about each other?"

Squalo snorts. "Xanxus still hates the Ninth." He said simply. "And the Ninth still plays doting father even though his 'son' hates him."

"I see."

Tsunami looks up at Xanxus next to her. She sighs and gently leans over and rests her head on his shoulder. Squalo watches Tsunami resting against Xanxus. Xanxus twitches slightly and leans against her subconsciously. Squalo sighs and returns to reading.

They arrived at the Vongola headquarters by the evening. The sun was setting in the horizon turning the sky into a warm, rosy red with gold. Like the Varia HQ, the Vongola headquarters was set out in a secluded area high in the hills. Unlike the Varia, which was surrounded by forest, the Vongola was in a grassy plain that went a few miles around with a few sparse wild trees. Tsunami expected it to be big, but it nearly rivaled the Varia castle and it was only a mansion! It was an old mansion, definitely been on this hill for many, many years. Reborn had told her in his lessons that it was built by the first Vongola. It was off-white with age but still well-kept. There was a garden in the front of well-groomed trees, bushes and shrubs and some flowers. Even though the mansion was so grand, Tsunami wasn't completely intimidated, it felt as though she was being welcoming.

"Stop gapping, Tsunami." Said Reborn. "Come now, let's go inside."

Just as they stepped out of the car, servants came out the front door and greeted them and started taking their luggage. They were wary of Xanxus and Squalo's presence and they greeted them both with respect. They were also wary of Reborn and gave him respect as well.

Tsunami however felt their gazes and she sensed their polite amazement and curiosity of her. She was named as the one that will inherit the Ninth's position and would someday be their boss. Tsunami shivers lightly in nervousness. She follows Reborn to the steps...and that was when the doors was swung open and in a whirl of green, leather and warmth was caught in the arms of someone sobbing in her ear! She held onto his shoulders trying to pull her face.

"Tsunami-chaaaan!"

"Dino-nii!"

"I was so worried about you! I called your house! You wasn't there! Your mama told me that you got your heart brokne and then you had surgery and then...and then Xanxus kidnapped you!"

Xanxus glares at Dino. Squalo growls. Tsunami frowns.

'What! What did my mom tell you EXACTLY!' Thought Tsunami. "Dino, what...?"

"VOOOOOOI! What bullshit are you sobbing about! Kidnap! Kidnap my ass! Tsunami came with the boss on her own!"

Dino pulls Tsunami from his embrace and places himself between her and the Varia. Tsunami squeaks facing Dino's back. She hears a sigh behind her and she looks back to see Romario. He was standing in the doorway of the large double doors nervously. He nods his head at Tsunami.

"Hello, Vongola. It is...good to see you. I'm afraid that Dino may have not taken the news very well and has jumped to conclusions. I apologize, but he just cares for you so. You understand."

Tsunami sighs. If this was how Dino reacted...she didn't want to think about what her father was going to do. She REALLY wasn't looking forward to that!

"Bah! If that idiot really cared about Tsunami, he would have considered her feelings first about this matter!" Continues Squalo. "Did he even ask her how she felt!"

"Dino-nii, Xanxus never kidnapped me. I came here to Italy on my own!

Dino looks at her in shock! "But why with him! After all he had done to you, Tsuna-chan!"

Tsunami smiles softly at Dino.

"You should know that your little sister hardly ever holds grudges. Besides, I...I really care for Xanxus."

Dino's mouth fell open.

"I love Xanxus, Dino."

Xanxus smirks in triumph. Dino chokes in shock. Romario was surprised as well. The other servants that were waiting behind the group watch with discreet interest of the scene stared. Reborn sighs. Rumors was going spread like wildfire tonight.

Dino's face becomes angry and he turns to Xanxus and storms up to him meeting him eye to eye.

"What game are you playing at, Xanxus!"

"There isn't any game, trash! Tsunami loves me, just as she said! You got ears don't you?"

Dino grabs Xanxus' shirt and he snarls. "And you love her?"

"That's enough, Dino." Said Reborn. "The day is almost over. We will talk more about this in morning. Let's let Tsunami and the others settle in!"

Dino and Xanxus glare at each other for awhile. Neither backing down. Reborn clicks his gun and was ready to fire but Tsunami stepped in between and pushes them away from each other.

"Dino...Xanxus."

They look down at Tsunami and at each other. Dino sighs in frustration.

"I'm sorry, Tsunami. We will talk about this tomorrow. I'm sure you're exhausted from the trip. I'm sorry."

"It's all right, nii-san." Tsunami gives Dino a hug and he relaxes a little.

Tsunami pulls away from Dino and Xanxus puts an arm around her shoulder and pulls her close to him. Dino glares at Xanxus but tightly presses his lips together to keep from saying anything, not to upset Tsunami. Their things were taken to their rooms and they were taken to a large lounge room. Tsunami and Chrome sat together on a plushy lounge chair with Lambo exploring the antique objects in the room. Dino sat in chair by the bar with Romario. Xanxus sat in a arm chair with a glass of alcohol in his hand. Squalo stood by the window watching the door. The door opens and handsome older man with stylized, dark hair and highlighted bangs in a suit walks in and smiles at Tsunami.

"Welcome, young Vongola."

Tsunami stood up and bows to the man.

"My name is Ganauche III, the Lightning Guardian of the Ninth."

Tsunami's eyes widen. This man was one of the Ninth's guardians. He was so young compared to the Ninth. Like how Lambo was so young and she and the others much older.

"You're a Lightning Guardian, like Lambo." Said Tsunami.

Lambo was idly picking his nose staring at the ceiling. Xanxus snorts and Dino coughs to hide a smile.

"That stupid cow is far from Ganauche's level, Tsunami."

"Reborn, it's good to see you again." Ganauche nods towards the hitman.

Reborn nods his head in return. Ganuache looks at Tsunami. "If you don't mind, Tsunami, the Ninth has decided to treat you to dinner tonight."

Tsunami's eyes widen. "Eh?"

Xanxus and the others eyebrows rose in surprise.

"B-but, what about the others?"

"Tsunami, don't deny what the boss wants." Said Reborn.

"Tch, I didn't want to see the old man so soon anyway." Growls Xanxus.

"It's okay, boss. Lambo-chan and I will be fine."

"O-okay, I'll remember to bring back something nice, I promise, Chrome!" Assured Tsunami.

Chrome nods. "Perhaps you should wear that one outfit Lussaria picked out?"

Tsunami blushes. "Eh, but that's so fancy!"

"Go put it on, it's not as if the Ninth Boss of the Vongola is taking you to a fast food joint."

Reborn did have a point.

Tsunami later, with the help of Chrome, puts on a black evening dress that came over the knees. It was clipped behind her neck and over her shoulder. The front was in a cupped shaped over her chest. The skirt of the dress was puffy and frilly with lace-edging. She wore simple black pumps, a simple silver chain and dark red silk shawl draped over her shoulders. Tsunami sighs as she looks at herself. Was she ever going to get use to dressing nice? She looks at Chrome and smiles.

"Thank you very much, Chrome."

"Anytime, boss. Have fun."

"Lambo wants to go!" Lambo screams and kicks on the bed.

Tsunami goes to the bed and pulls Lambo to received a kiss on the cheek. Lambo looks up at her.

"I promise I will bring back something nice, okay? Be good for Chrome-chan."

Tsunami kisses his other cheek and Lambo pouts. "That's not how you kiss Lambo-san!"

Tsunami sighs and pecks his lip. Lambo blushes and giggles. Chrome giggles as well and picks up Lambo. They leave the room and a servant tells Chrome that dinner was ready for them. Tsunami tells them to enjoy their meal and the same servant leads her outside. They pass the lounge again and Tsunami stops and sees Squalo and Xanxus. Squalo was sitting now and notices Tsunami first. He smiles and gives her a approving gaze.

"Don't you look nice?"

At that, Xanxus looks up from his glass and sees her. He gets up from the arm chair, setting his drink on a end table and walks up to her. He stood over her and puts a hand near neck.

"I really like you in dresses and skirts, you know."

"I'm not really comfortable in those things." Replies Tsunami. "Especially when..."

"They show off your breasts and those sexy legs of yours."

Tsunami blushes at that. Xanxus chuckles and leans down and kisses her neck, cheek and lips. Tsunami sighs at his affection. They look at each other.

"Vooi, she's going to be late."

Xanxus glares at Squalo and Tsunami pulls away.

"I will see you later then, good night."

"Try not to fall asleep to the old man's stories of the old days."

Tsunami shakes her head and leaves the lounge. Tsunami was reaching the door out to the courtyard and she sees Dino and Reborn there. Dino smiles widely and clasps his hands together.

"Oh, mio sorella minore, you're so adorable!"

Adorable wasn't the word that Reborn had for Tsunami. Tsunami looked very lovely in that dress. Reborn smiles and pulls his fedora over his eyes. He looks up again with Tsunami blushing over Dino gushing over her.

"Get out of her way, we mustn't have her keep the Nono waiting. Tsunami, be on your best behavior. If you mess this dinner up, I will make you regret it."

Tsunami laughs nervously and nods.

"I'll try not to, Reborn."

"Don't try! Don't mess up at all!"

"Yes, Reborn."

"Tsunami."

"Yes, Reborn?"

"You do look very lovely." Said Reborn.

Tsunami eyes widen. Slowly a bright red blush, redder than the blush Xanxus gave her, appears. She clasps her cheeks and squeaks. Reborn smirks. It appears he still got it. Dino escorts Tsunami outside and lets her into a black, shiny car. Reborn watches her from the door and doesn't leave till the car pulls out the courtyard and onto the road. Dino makes his way back to Reborn and sighs, smiling sadly.

"She's growing up." Sighs Dino.

"Pfft, she's isn't that grown." Reborn snorts. 'You should have seen her when her future self came to the present, she was beautiful. Tsunami will be a beautiful woman.'

---

The car leaves down the hill from the Vongola Headquarters and mansion. From the mansion it wasn't long to leaves the hilly countryside and slide into the little town. The streetlights were aglow on every corner. People of different ages were out on the streets, walking, talking and laughing. Sitting in outdoor cafes or sitting on benches where older adults played chess and other games. She is taken to the classy part of town and pulls into an especially fancy Italian restaurant. The driver pulls up in front, gets out the car and lets Tsunami out. At this point, Tsunami became very nervous. The driver guides her inside and speaks to the host, in Italian of course. The host becomes alert and gives Tsunami large smile, takes her hand and kisses it. Tsunami blushes at the host speaks Italian to her and takes her to the back of the restaurant.

In the current room it warm and bright from the golden chandeliers hanging almost over each table and the rich, green wallpaper. There was large groups talking loudly and animatedly. There was burst of laughter here and there. Tsunami also saw a couple, talking and smiling at each other from across the table. The woman laughs her lips open and wide with red lipstick. She covers her mouth. The man smiles fondly and touches her hand. The host takes her behind a red velvet curtain. Behind the curtain there was room a little darker than the previous room. The wallpaper was green and there was fewer chandeliers and along the walls were candles with light-bulb "flames". The host says something in Italian again and takes her even further back. A few men take notice of her. They coolly smoked their large cigars. Tsunami quickly took to looking down at the ground. They pass through another curtain there were a few doors. The host knocks on the burgundy red door, he gives it three quick taps. The doors opens and a old man with long hair and scowl on his face looks at the host. The man looks down at Tsunami. He nods at the host and the host goes away.

"Evening, Vongola. The Ninth is expecting you."

He holds the door open and Tsunami quickly walks through door. There in the room was the Vongola Boss, the Ninth, Timoteo. Timoteo rose from his chair and holds his hand out. Tsunami steps up to him and allows him to take her hand. He kisses her hand and reaches for her face and kisses both sides. Tsunami blushes and looks up at him.

"Hello, grandpa."

The man that lead her in narrows his eyes at her. Tsunami flinches at little. "Ah..."

Timoteo chuckles and waves the man off. "It's fine, it's fine goodness it's fine. It is just the two of us having dinner and having a talk. Thank you, Coyote."

Coyote nods and leaves the room, nodding to the Ninth and Tsunami. When he was gone, Timoteo helped Tsunami into her chair and he sits across from her.

"Don't worry about ordering, I have order dinner for us. I'm pretty sure you will like it. It's one of my favorites!"

Tsunami smiles. "Thank you. I'm afraid that I haven't learned Italian yet. I'm still learning the history and physical training mostly."

"I see, I see. I must encourage Reborn to get you into our customs and language soon. I would love for you speak Italian to me. Don't worry, it isn't that hard. I'm very sure that your right-hand-to-be will love to tutor you!"

Tsunami giggles. "You really do know my guardians well, grandpa."

Timoteo chuckles with her and they talk more. It turned to mostly Tsunami telling Timeteo about her normal daily life and Timoteo telling Tsunami about Italy and some of its customs. He even taught her a few words. Tsunami found that she had trouble with the "r's" which made Timoteo laugh.

Their food arrived a few minutes later. It was a basket of golden breadsticks with delicious looking creamy-sauce for dipping, the main meal was Tortellini alla Panna, a pasta with cream sauce. Tsunami tasted it and was caught by surprise the strong flavor and sauce. She blushes with delight and Timoteo smiles at her discovery. Timeteo had a light wine while Tsunami had a lime Italian soda in a champagne glass. Dessert came next once their plates were cleared from the table. For dessert, it was a delightfully, yummy Cassata alla Siciliana. Another favorite of the Ninth, he mentioned as they dug in. Tsunami took a bite and hummed, pleased.

"Besides, bedazzling your taste buds, Tsunami. I took you out to dinner so we can talk in private about this important matter just between us."

Tsunami looks up at Timoteo.

"So, my dear, what is this important thing you wanted to talk with me? I am curious how it relates to surgery."

"Well, I'm not sure where I can begin. I guess, I can go back as to when I was upset with my guardians. I wasn't sure what do with their feelings and my own. I cared for each one of them and it seemed...like an awful idea to choose just one. Then I was accidently bazooka'ed by Lambo."

"Yes, the infamous Ten-year-Bazooka, created by the Bovino." Timoteo nods, still smiling.

"I was sent to the future again, I am happy to mention that it was a lot better than the last time. Anyway, I met one of my guardians and learned how miserable each one was when I didn't chose any of them. I just chose Xanxus since he was outside of the ring of my guardians. In fact, we were engaged."

Timoteo's eyes widen and he sat up in his chair. "Oh, my!"

Tsunami blushes. "Yes, well...I met my future fiancé and he scolded me. He scolded me because I wasn't truly happy and my guardians were heartbroken after all those years. He encouraged me to take in all of them and he didn't care, just so long as I was happy."

Timoteo shakes his head smiling in disbelief. "Is that so?"

Tsunami nods. "...One of my guardians was most deeply hurt by my decision. Mukuro Rokudo."

The Ninth frowns and Tsunami continues.

"My guardian told me that Mukuro was falling back onto a dark path. Every year that goes by, it gets worse and worse. Me getting married to Xanxus seemed to be the final straw. Everyone was nervous that he would do something horrible to the family. They were so worried that they commissioned some sort of device to control him. My future self didn't like it and refused to use it. I asked for it while I was there. It was re-modified by Giovanni and two other specialists, sometime after my future-self refusal of it. I brought here to the present."

Tsunami touches her head.

"You had Shamal implant it inside you." Said Timoteo figuring it out.

"Yes. I was hoping that with this device in me...I can somehow convince you, to help me free Mukuro from Vendicare."

Timoteo was quiet for a long time. Tsunami brought her hand down on the table and looking at Timoteo.

"Please, Mukuro needs to get out there, grandpa! It...even though is mostly out of my love for him that is the reason why I want him free. To convince you and Vendicare to set him free it could also be for the sake of the family. You saw the future as well. We really changed the tied in the fight against the Millefiore family when Mukuro's actual body was set free and he helped us fight. Mukuro is strong and with him at my side with my other guardians, my family can be stronger. I know Mukuro is dangerous and he has done many awful things. But, that's all in the past to me! I believe there is good inside him, I see it in how he cares for my second Mist Guardian and friend Chrome. He has given her a second chance at life. People can say that he only saved her for his own personal goals, but Mukuro could have chosen anyone like Chrome and he had chosen her. You can't hardly blame him for all the things he had done. What was done to him was hardly any less awful! He and two others people were used as experiments, as children! Mukuro seeks revenge for what was done to him, it was a Mafia family that put him through those experiments and so he hates the Mafia as whole. No one came to his defense to save him for those horrors...not even...the Vongola, who are over all the Mafia."

Timoteo sighs looking down. "That was...a misfortunate thing indeed."

"I-I know that the Mafia world fears Mukuro and his ambitions. But, I believe I can change the Mafia for the better. If I become the boss, I can make it better and Mukuro will perhaps will no longer be angry with the Mafia! Please, grandpa, please be on my side and help me get Mukuro out of that prison! Please, Grandpa."

Timoteo stood up from the table and walks around the table to Tsunami. He pulls his red handkerchief from his jacket pocket and dabs at Tsunami's face. Tsunami was to realize that she had started crying. Timoteo pets her head.

"You speak as though you finally accepted your fate to be the boss of the Vongola."

"I had no choice to accept, from the time that I had gone to the future. If I'm not there, someone terrible could take over."

"You have thought long and hard about this, Tsunami. You had brought up some valid points. Mukuro is your guardian, everyone even Vendicare is aware of this. Mukuro will be more independent and powerful if he regains his body, he would be very dangerous."

Timoteo puts his hands on Tsunami's shoulders.

"Sawada, Tsunami, are you sure about your faith in Mukuro?"

"With all my love, I have faith in him, Grandpa."

Timoteo takes a deep breath as he looks into Tsunami's eyes. "You are taking a great risk and responsibility, Tsunami. I would ask you again, but that answer is full of conviction...tell me, my dear, about this device that's currently inside your head?"

---

Tsunami opens the door to her room at the Vongola Mansion. She yawns quietly and smiles to see Chrome and Lambo snuggled together in the bed. She also sees Reborn in the bed. His spiky hair poking up above the covers and against the pillow. She shuts the door soundlessly and steps up to the drawer on Reborn's side of the room and clicks the small lamp on. She removes her accessories and stores them away in a safe spot. She pulls out a simple large t-shirt and shorts out of the drawer and puts them on a chair. She removes her dress and hangs it up in the closet, which was very large she notes. She slips the shirt on and it goes down to her above her thighs. Next her shorts were slipped under it. She sighs, shuts the light off and walks up to the bed at the foot of it. She gently hops on and crawls up to slip under the covers. She touches the pillow and she stills. She looks down at the pillow and carefully lifts it up. Under the pillow, was a mouse-trap. She glares at it. She uses the pillow and touches the trap. It goes off with a snap and catches the pillow. Tsunami tosses the pillow and was glad that there were a few more comfy pillows to sleep on. Chrome and Lambo didn't stir.

"Hmph, that was a such a simple trap." Said Reborn.

"Good evening, Reborn." Tsunami settles in.

"The traps will get nastier as each day goes by. Be prepared."

"Hmph, yes, Reborn."

Tsunami looks at Reborn and sighs. For someone that supposedly is in love with her, he sure sticks to his role as her tutor. Tsunami's face softens. Perhaps, that's why he doesn't show his affections to her. Reborn was the greatest hitman in the world! He was known for being cruel, merciless and always got the job done. His job wasn't to be her friend or lover. He was her tutor. Reborn was assigned by the Ninth Vongola Boss to train her to be next boss. Tsunami shifts under the covers.

"What's with that look on your face, dame-Tsuna?"

"...Is it okay for me to hold you, Reborn?"

Reborn turns over and looks at her. His large dark eyes peer into Tsunami's.

"Why do you ask now? You had no problem strangling me in your sleep when you were still healing."

"I figured, that you were just being easy on me because I was healing. Now that I'm better, I figured that...maybe you didn't want to be...strangled as you said."

Reborn sighs. "This is starting to become a bad habit of yours. Just because you snuggle me doesn't mean I will go easy on you. Fine, snuggle. You big baby."

Tsunami pouts, almost about to reconsider snuggling with Reborn. But, Reborn rolls into her arms and his little back was pressed against her.

"Go to sleep. I have a feeling we're going to need our energy tomorrow. That was a long dinner you had with the Ninth."

"Yes, it was." Tsunami holds Reborn.

Leon pokes out of Reborn's hair and crawls into Tsunami's. Tsunami closes her eyes and presses her face into Reborn's hair. Reborn was her hired teacher and has resigned himself to being just that. Tsunami opens her eyes again in thought. While in the future, she learned that Reborn and the others like him were cursed. Cursed to remain in the form of infants to protect the ultimate power of the Tri-Ni-Set. Another responsibility that Reborn was bound to. Because of this form, they are limited in certain aspects of life. Tsunami holds Reborn closer but not too tightly. Tsunami remembers her letter from her future-self:

'Dear Younger-self,

This is my second letter from me to you. I hope you find this letter a little later. This letter was given to the kids. I hope they remember to give it to you! I'm sure they will! At least, I hope they do.

This second letter is very important, Tsunami! I just found out today during my stay here in the past. After I went to each one of our boys, I found Reborn. I asked him why he started this whole stupid thing? Know what Reborn told me?

He knew that the event was wrong. He knew that the guardians will fail in the end. He didn't want you to chose any of the guardians! He didn't want them to have what he can't have. Which was us. You and me. Because of his curse, he feels that he is denied in having you. So, he decided to remain your tutor and perform was he was tasked to do. Then, when you became the boss of the Vongola, he lived to serve us as a hitman and nothing more.

Tsunami, please believe me when I tell you this.

Reborn is in love with us.

I was surprised. All these years and that stupid, sadistic baby hid his feelings. But, I feel even more stupid that I didn't realize that the greatest hitman in the world was in love with me.

I don't know what else to tell you but please, find a way to get to Reborn. Look into your heart, Tsunami and see if Reborn has a place in your heart. Who knows, maybe that love for him...is deep within you.

Good luck! I look forward to see how this one goes!

Your Future-self'

Tsunami slowly closes her eyes.

How was she and Reborn going to get together?

---

Reborn got Tsunami and Chrome up early in the morning. The two got dress and went outside. Tsunami and Chrome helped each other stretch out. Next, Reborn had them jog around the mansion. It was around the fifth or sixth lap that the servants started heading out for their duties. They spoke Italian to them smiling with a nod or wave. Tsunami would smile back while Chrome blushed and nodded before looking down quickly. Reborn stopped them on their tenth lap and the girls fell to the ground exhausted. It was at that time that Ganauche III appeared.

"Buongiorno, good morning, Vongola and Chrome," greets Ganauche III.

They nodded in return.

"Reborn, the Ninth would like a meeting with you this morning right after breakfast."

"Very well, I will be there." Said Reborn.

"As for you two," Gananuche III looks at them again. "the Ninth has spoken with the Bovino family."

"Bovino? Lambo's family?" Asks Tsunami.

"Yes, the Ninth thinks it would be good for you to take Lambo to see his family. You will be having breakfast at their home."

"Hurry up and go get ready, Tsunami." Reborn tells Tsunami.

Tsunami and Chrome hurry away. They come out of their rooms with Tsunami wearing a cream-colored capri pants and a long-sleeved peasant top. Chrome wore something else than her usual Kokuyo uniform, she wore a light lavender dress that reached above her knees and was bunched together around the bottom edge. It was cinched across her bust and she wore leather boots that folded around her ankles. Lambo was very excited running in circles around the girls as they walked through the hall.

"Yay, Tsuna-nee is going to Lambo's house!"

Tsunami was almost as excited too. She was going to meet the family Lambo was born from! As they were walking Tsunami's hand was grabbed and she was spun around to gaze up at Xanxus. Before she could speak, Xanxus covers her mouth with his. Tsunami gasps. Xanxus groans quietly and pulls away a few millimeters.

"Hey, don't be neglecting me!"

Tsunami sighs and shakes her head. "I'm not! Grandpa is sending me around everywhere!"

"You only been here for a day, you haven't been everywhere."

Tsunami looks at Xanxus and smiles, giggling.

"What?"

"It...sounds like you're pouting."

Xanxus snorts. "I don't pout!"

"We're going to have breakfast at Lambo's family's house..."

"Yeah, I know. I have to stay here. The old man wants to meet with me after breakfast."

"After breakfast? The same meeting with Reborn."

"So, he's going to be there...along with your dad."

Tsunami's eyes widen. She holds Xanxus' hand.

"Xanxus, please, I know my dad is a little crazy! But, please, don't hurt him. Try not to! I don't know how my dad will handle me dating. Especially when I'm dating you."

"Tch, I don't care about that dumb father of yours. There is nothing he can say or do that will make me stay away from you. You're mine! I don't give up so easily what is mine."

Tsunami nods her head. She tugs Xanxus' hand down to pull him down closer and she pecks his cheek. Xanxus smiles and brushes his hand through her short hair. A thought occurs to him and he fondles the short strands of hair.

"The haircut is okay, but I like your hair longer."

"Heh, it will grow back."

"Imouto!" Dino pulls her away from Tsunami and spins her happily away from Xanxus. "I'm so happy! We get to hang out together!"

"We are?"

"Yep, I'm coming with you~!...Uh oh!"

Dino loses his footing tumbles down.

"HIIIIIIE!"

"Idiot!" Yells Xanxus.

Dino manages to fall on his back, taking the brunt of the fall with Tsunami on top of him. Romario just then appears around the corner and sighs. Xanxus glares at Dino and Dino looks up over Tsunami's head. He smiles smugly and even sticks his tongue out at him. Xanxus growls at him and looks behind him when Squalo walks up to him. He rolls his eyes at Dino on the floor.

"Squalo, I am attending a meeting with the old man after breakfast. Go with this idiot and make sure he doesn't get Tsunami hurt or killed."

Squalo nods. "Sure, boss."

"What!" Shouts Dino.

It was Xanxus turn to look smug. Squalo goes up to them and pulls Tsunami out of Dino's arms and onto her feet. Tsunami looks at Squalo into his face and smiles.

"Thank you, Squalo."

Squalo nods and roughly rubs her head. Dino scrambles to his feet awkwardly and tugs Tsunami away glaring at Squalo. Squalo glares back and sparks crackle between them.

Lambo finally screams on top of his longs and pushes Tsunami's legs to get her moving towards the front door again.

"Lambo-san is hungry! He wants to go home and have breakfast as his house! Let's gooo!"

"We're going, Lambo-chan! We're going!" Tsunami giggles.

Tsunami waves at Xanxus goodbye. Chrome follows behind smiling to herself. Squalo and Dino quickly follow behind. Romario shakes his head. He knew it was going to be a long, interesting day with his clumsy boss, the loud Varia swordsman and the Vongola boss going to have breakfast at the loud, childish Vongola Lightning Guardian's home of the Bovino family!

In the car, Lambo was naming all his cousins. Tsunami couldn't help but stare at Lambo as he named them off. So far, she had counted fifteen cousins...and he was stilling naming them! Reborn had told her that Bovino was the weakest family of the Vongola alliance. But what they lack in strength they made up with numbers and firepower. Tsunami guesses that Reborn was telling the truth. She doesn't take notice that Dino and Squalo were glaring at her. Romario did and was hoping that a fight wouldn't break out in the car.

Fortunately for Romario, before tempers were growing short of a outburst, they survived...made it to the Bovino household. Tsunami realizes that like their name they had a affinity with cows. The Bovino's lived out the country, out in the pastures. There were cows, lots of cows of different colors and patterns and ages. They pulled up to the front and Tsunami squeaks as Lambo presses against the window.

"EEEEEehh! It's Ferdinand!"

There right in the very green garden courtyard with a ancient fountain, was a huge black bull with long, dark horns. It was lying on the grass with his legs tucked underneath his large, muscular body. Lambo yells at him but the bull doesn't hear him, continuing to chew his cud. The car stops and they all step out of the car. Lambo pushes out of the door and scurries to Ferdinand. Lambo jumps onto the bull's face and Lambo starts rambling how happy he was to see him. Ferdinand stares at Lambo for a moment and moos lowly. To Tsunami is sounded like a groaning grizzly bear! Suddenly the black iron double gates in front of the door were flung open with a harsh screech. A man runs to Tsunami and gathers her into his arms and bawls into her ear. Tsunami was startled and grabs the man's arms but he held on tightly to her. The man wore a black vest with embroidery designs of silver with a pocket that had a silver chain coming out of it. Under the vest was a loose white long-sleeved shirt that were rolled up above his elbows revealing his slightly hairy arms. The top two to three buttons were gold and were undone. He wore dark brown jeans that were held up by black belt with a large buckle of the horns of a bull and on his feet were black cowboy boots with silver toes.

The man pulls away from Tsunami and holds her shoulders. The man had silky, messy black hair like Lambo's ten years from now. It had streaks of gray in it though and it was pull back in a braid above his shoulders from the back of his neck. He had a thin mustache that was wet with tears and for goodness sake, a bit of snot. Tsunami realizes that her shoulder felt more wet than usual and resists squirming in disgust. On the man's chin was a small goatee. She looks into his eyes that were green like Lambo's and were glazed over with tears.

"Decima Vongola! It is a honor! I am honored to have you visit the Bovino! I am honored! Simply honored!"

The man sobs and pulls her into his arms and sobs again. Dino, Romario and Squalo stare at the man. Because the Bovino were considered the weakest they hadn't met anyone from the Bovino personally besides Lambo. They were shocked into silence. Just as Tsunami was stunned.

"Che sciocco che sei!" Said a woman whapping him upside the man's head.

The man yelps and clutches his head. He looks at the woman and whimpers. He snivels something in Italian. The woman glares at him coldly and the man flinches and traces something in the dirt with his finger. The woman looks at Tsunami and bows at the hip to her.

"I apologize, Vongola-sama for this foolish man's behavior! It isn't becoming of the Boss of the Bovino, but he is grateful to you for accepting little Lambo into your family and as one of your guardians. Boss Abramo Bovino!"

Tsunami slowly bows back to the woman. The woman straightens up and Tsunami takes a look at her. The woman was older but was still very pretty. Her hair was a thick, black wavy mane. She wore a white long-sleeved blouse with a brown leather waist belt that had had floral designs carved into it. She was in a black pencil skirt with a split that reached the middle of her thigh at the side, skin-tone stockings and red heels. Ferdinand the bull walks up to the woman with Lambo still on his face. The woman smiles.

"Ah, Lambo!"

Lambo turns and squeals with delight. He jumps into his arms. "Auntie Otavio! I missed you!"

Otavio smiles fondly and hugs Lambo tightly. She coos over him in Italian. Boss Bovino sees Lambo and gets up from the dirt to hug him. But Otavio glares at him holding Lambo away. Abramo pouts and sets to persuade Lambo to come hug his uncle Abramo! Tsunami relaxes seeing how loved Lambo was by his family.

Dino and Squalo only saw why Lambo was so spoiled. Otavio nudges Abramo in the gut and smiles at Tsunami.

"Forgive our rudeness, Vongola-sama, please come inside. Breakfast will be served any minute now."

And on cue, all four stomachs growled.

Squalo folds his arms and snorts.

Dino scratches the back of his head embarrassed along with Tsunami.

Lambo cries to fed.

---

Reborn and Xanxus sat in individual arm chairs around Timoteo's desk. Xanxus had his legs and arms crossed and his eyes close. Reborn sat in his seat with a cup of cappuccino in a delicate, expensive decorated tea-cup. He holds a saucer of matching design in his little hand as he sips at his warm drink quietly. The door opens and Iemitsu walks in. He sees Xanxus and stares at him for a moment. Xanxus opens his eyes and looks at the father of his young girlfriend. Slowly, he smirks. Iemitsu's brow and lip twitch and he breathes in through his nose and calmly takes a seat in front of the Ninth's desk.

"Good morning, Iemitsu. Tsunami and I had a good time at dinner. She was so lovely."

Iemitsu looks at his boss and smiles. "Was she? Did you take a picture!"

"Yes. The restaurant we went to took our picture!"

"Would you mind if I have a copy?"

"Of course, of course!" Nods Timoteo, his eyes crinkling with amusement.

"Grazie, Nono!" Iemitsu beams happily.

Xanxus and Reborn couldn't help but think what a idiot Iemitsu was. They didn't have long to dwell further on that as Timoteo clears his throat and sat up straight, ready to get the meeting on. Reborn sets his cup on the saucer and places it on one of the arms of the chair.

"Tsunami spoke with me privately on the matter concerning her mist guardian, Mukuro Rokudo. I spoke with her very carefully and I questioned her reasons of wanting to set that dangerous young man free."

Iemitsu's eyes widen and mouth fell agape. Reborn and Xanxus' face were calm and they remained silent.

"Tsunami wants to have Mukuro released?"

Timoteo nods. "Yes. She mentions that it was for the prosperity of the Vongola Family. When Tsunami and her guardians returned from the future that the Ten-Year Bazooka sent them memories of their experience came to each of us close to them. We all saw the near destruction of the Vongola by the Millefiore family."

"Since we've returned we have kept a close eye on them and their boss." Said Reborn.

"A very close eye. Tsunami had brought to my attention that in the war against the Millefiore famiy the tide turned to her and her family's favor in the final battles when Mukuro was broken out of prison and fought alongside the family. He had great power when he had his own body and that gave them a fighting chance. Tsunami wishes Mukuro to take his place at her side physically as her Mist Guardian. It will be beneficial to the Vongola to have a powerful ally." Timoteo finishes.

"But you can't just simply forgive the crimes that Mukuro has done to many families in the mafia. He had thoughtlessly killed entire families, using their own members against him, such as Lucia's family. He has a strong goal in mind, to destroy the Mafia as a whole and throw the entire world into chaos." Said Reborn. "To destroy the Mafia that had allowed for him to go through hundreds of experimentations. The entire Mafia community fears his power and are sure that he will do it."

Timoteo agrees with Reborn. "Yes, which is why the Mafia would be against the idea of setting Mukuro free. Yet again, that fear of Mukuro in our hands could be useful."

Xanxus arches a brow. "Pfft, says the man who attempted to make the Mafia better. Which was impossible."

"Impossible for me, yet we all sit here and know that there's something special about our dear Tsunami. Tsunami has this unknown natural ability to pull anyone that meets her into her. Tsunami has a great, large heart as vast as the flame she represents. A heart as great as the sky. She could be a little cautious but she tries to warm herself up to you when she is able. She then accepts you for everything you are as she sees you and it's in a bright light. Tsunami, when she tries really hard, will can see you desire to be accepted, acknowledged and to be cared for in this dark world. Isn't that right, Xanxus." Timoteo smiles as his son.

Xanxus looks at the old man. He sighs and looks away. He wasn't looking to accepted. If he wanted to be accepted he just did it by force. But Tsunami sympathize with him. That time at the Ring Battles when she was in the midst of defeating him, he saw her sympathetic gaze when learning about his past and shattered dreams. That night he was sent to her house and he had found her crying over her guardians. He saw that she knew very well on a personal level how he felt that night he confronted his father. In relating to each other Tsunami reached out to him to comfort her and in turn he was comforted. That opened up an opportunity for love to grow between them and Xanxus felt how it truly felt to be accepted, understood and loved.

"I fell in love with that girl." Said Xanxus.

Iemitsu looks at Xanxus. When he looked at Xanxus, he saw that Xanxus was different. In fact, Xanxus being here sitting across his father was a miracle! Xanxus hadn't even insulted Timoteo or gave him a hateful glare. He was indifferent but it was a huge improvement. Iemitsu thought to himself, did his little girl indeed had a ability to bring the good at the most thought black-hearted ruffians and scoundrels? Xanxus confessed to all in the room that he was in love with his daughter, Tsunami. His eyes loses some of his hardness before he goes back to giving the Ninth his attention.

"Yes, that ability has become a very useful thing as I have watched Tsunami grow into her role. She does hold the male Mist Guardian's affections."

"Huh? Even Mukuro likes my daughter?" Iemitsu nearly squeaks.

"Like is such a meek term when it comes to Mukuro. Mukuro shows signs that he cares about Tsunami," Explains Reborn. "He competed with the other guardians for your daughter's love."

"Competed?" Iemitsu's brow furrow.

"Mukuro, of course, used his illusion over Chrome to appear before her. He used his ability for her to sooth her nightmares."

Reborn gets Iemitsu, Timoteo and Xanxus' full attention.

"Nightmares?" Asks Timoteo.

"Yes, since the trip to the future. Tsunami faced death very closely and nearly risked losing her friends and family. She had seen others dies and was sympathetic to a few of her enemies. Young Yuni sacrificed herself to ensure our victory and gave Tsunami the resolve to defeat Byakuran. Tsunami never before saw someone so close to her perish before her very eyes. She had been having nightmares. I wasn't sure what her nightmares were about. But Mukuro came for a,"

'Nightly' Reborn thought to himself.

"visit and peered into her dreams. He soothed her of her nightmare and had been doing so until they rarely haunted Tsunami."

The three men were surprised. Iemitsu didn't know what to say. Xanxus just sighs as he thought that perhaps Mukuro was in the same position he was. He just wanted to be treated like he was worth something.

"Another example, how incredible Tsunami is and it has further made me realizes that perhaps for both the Vongola, Tsunami and for Mukuro himself that I will make an appeal for Mukuro to be set free. What do you all think of this matter."

Xanxus simply shrugs. "Whatever, if that is what Tsunami wants let her have it. I think it would be pretty awkward for her to continue loving Mukuro," Xanxus laughs a little. "While she's loving Chrome's body."

Iemitsu coughs at Xanxus pointing out that awkward element of Mukuro and Tsunami's strange relationship!

"I guess I can't complain too much about this. I was the one that convinced Mukuro to become my daughter's guardian. I saw that his powers were useful. I just would have never thought that he and Tsu-chan would...fall in love with each other..." Iemitsu stares out into space.

"I too see the benefits of Mukuro being set free. He was strong in body while in the future. He will become stronger for Tsunami as he grows alongside of her and she can influence him as he does. However, there will be other families that would raise a stink about this. It would make them nervous that the Vongola allows a dangerous criminal to the Mafia free. It would make both our enemies and our allies nervous. We can just ignore them and they could complain all they want. But the ones that will need to be convinced that we can control Mukuro, is Vendicare and the Vendice."

"Yes, that is where the concern lies. We have to give them a good reason. A very good reason in setting Mukuro free." Timoteo stresses. "They also can makes deals if it's to their liking."

"It sounds as though you have an idea of a reason and deal in mind." Said Reborn.

"It was all Tsunami's idea. Of the reason and the deal." Nods Timoteo.

"Which are?" Asks Reborn.

"Tsunami had brought a device from her recent trip to the future. A device that Shamal had implanted inside Tsunami's head."

Xanxus and Reborn continue to listen with rapt attention. "The device once Tsunami and Mukuro make mental contact will have them linked to one another mentally. It will act as a telepathic link that is constantly on and Tsunami will know of Mukuro's whereabouts no matter where or how far he is. It also prevents Mukuro from taking over Tsunami's head, which is the key element to Mukuro plans against the Mafia." Timoteo's face darkens. "However, if Mukuro manages to get through the device, it triggers an alarm and it will send out a signal through both their heads...and stunt one another's brain activity leaving them in a comatose state, practically leaving them brain-dead."

Reborn's fedora shadows over his eyes. Xanxus swears and grips the arms of his chair.

"I think it's very drastic, but it will be a danger not only to the Vongola but to the entire Mafia community across the world and later the world itself, if Mukuro gains that first step to his goals." The Ninth sighs and shakes his head. "But, that dear believes in their love for each other that Mukuro would do nothing that would harm her. She really believes that with all her heart and soul, which convinced me to consider and actually petition to Vendicare to set Mukuro free...Tsunami has a convincing deal for the Vendice to consider over."

"And that is?" Asks Reborn, his eyes still shadowed.

"That I can't tell you. Tsunami will reveal that deal to the Vendice when we go to see them. I will arrange a meeting to visit them and talk with them."

"I see." Said Reborn.

Iemitsu twitches and his eyes become wide with a panic. Timoteo watches his supervisor of C.E.D.E.F with a curious expression. "Iemitsu?"

"Tsunami and Xanxus are dating...Mukuro loves Tsunami?...Tsunami loves Mukuro...But, Tsunami and Xanxus are dating?...Mukuro and Tsunami love each other...Xanxus didn't get mad...he's okay with her loving Mukuro and loving him..."

Reborn sighs and shakes his head. He picks up his saucer and his cup and sips.

"I think the father of his precious Tsunami is catching on...and is now broken. Idiot, he better get used to it. It isn't just her Mist Guardian who she loves and loves her back." Reborn huffs a quiet laugh.

Timoteo takes a deep breath and leans against his chair.

"These young people and their open-mined relationships these days. I would never get away with anything like that!"

Reborn smiles with the Ninth and nods his head agreeing with the old man.

---

"Vongola-chan! Vongola-chan! Play with me!"

"No, no, no! Me! Me!"

"Vongola-chan! I want to make your hair pretty!"

"Are you really strong! Did you really beat up the Varia?"

"Chrome-chan, let's make you pretty too!"

"Chrome-chan's cute!"

"Chrome-chan's a pirate!"

Tsunami and Chrome were out in the grass surrounded by little Bovinos. They were just like Lambo, only there were many and some were boys and some were girls. The boys were rowdy and were playing cowboys, using toy guns or their hands and fingers formed guns. Dino was with playing the bad ol' train robber. They yelled "bang,bang" and laughed when Dino would dramatically fall over and lie on the ground gasping and dying.

Tsunami was grateful that they weren't real weapons like Lambo carried with him on the daily basis. A few of the boys were alongside the girls being close to their new guests. The girls had accessories and other girly playthings and were putting ribbons of many colors into Tsunami and Chrome's hair.

The little girls of Lambo's age had the same unmanageable fro. Some were more or less manageable than others and were in pigtails and ponytails or let down long or short. Tsunami could see it become silkier in the older children but still rather messy. Genetics were very strong in this family. However, there was a variety. Most of the Bovino's hair colors were dark, either black ebony, cool gray or a dark brown. In the eye department many had green eyes but they were different shades of green. Others had brown eyes and the rarity of having blue eyes. Sweet, gentle Chrome had a adorable young girl Bovino of four. The Bovino stood on her chubby legs in her pink sundress and touched Chrome's eyepatch curiously. Chrome gently pulls the little girl's hand and smiles warmly. Tsunami was at the mercy of her "hair stylists" and was holding ribbons and hair clips in her hair. She would try to answer each of their questions.

Squalo was far away in a lounge chair away from the madness. Servants and older Bovino would pass by and watch as the heir of the Vongola patiently allowed the children to do what they want which made them very happy to interact with the young boss.

"Vongola is so good with children. When she is older and has taken over the Mafia for a time, she would be a good mother, I'm sure of it." Said Bovino woman, patting her nearly protruding stomach, with child.

"Oh, yes...for that she would need a good man." Agreed another.

"It would be nice if one of our sons gets her attention..."

"Ha, I wouldn't wish any of my boys onto her!" Laughs loudly a large Bovino woman.

The Bovino Boys they spoke of were watching from a far and admiring Tsunami. They had been admiring her since breakfast. A small fight broke out between two of them as they fought to get a empty seat next to Tsunami. It quickly died when the Sword Emperor of the Varia and Bucking Horse Dino glared down at them throwing their chilling aura over them. Dino took Tsunami's empty seat and Squalo sat next to him. The Bovino gave him plenty room of space.

Now that Dino was preoccupied with the kids and Squalo was a distance away. The Bovino Boys ready themselves to approach the pretty Japanese Vongola...and mentally thanked their parents for drilling Japanese into their bull-headed skulls!

One of them steps forward and straightens himself up. He had shaggy slate gray hair that covered one side of his face under a tilted straw cowboy-hat. His droopy forest green eye that uncovered was full of confidence. He wore a red short-sleeved shirt, a black bandana around his neck that was frayed at the end and loose tan cargo pants. His name was Carlos. He swaggers over to Tsunami, unknowing that he was being watch by the seemingly uninterested Squalo. Squalo narrows his eyes at the boy but doesn't move. Carlos takes in Tsunami's new look and laughs lightly getting her and the children's attention. Tsunami looks up and flushes with embarrassment. Tsunami could be sure that she looked silly! Her hair was too short for this yet the girls tied a ribbon wherever they could or would clip her hair into some strange direction.

"My, my, my! Even though it looks so silly..."

The girls pout at him.

"You still looks adorable, Vongola-san!" Carlos smiles charmingly.

"They did a good job." Said Tsunami.

The girls beam at her for praising their handiwork! Carlos nods in agreement and crouches down.

"If I can make a suggestion..."

Carlos takes his hand and takes out a few ribbons and hair clips. As he takes them down the girls cry out and yell at him in Italian. He would wave them off and reply in Italian back. Carlos eyes would meet Tsunami's and he would smile before going back to her hair that had managed to lengthen a little bit over her neck. He clips her bangs from her forehead and cheeks back and ties her hair into short pigtails. The girls look over Carlos' work and nodded their heads in approval and giggled.

"Boss, is so cute." Said Chrome.

The girls look to Chrome and squeal. "Let's try to do that with Chrome-chan! Yaay!"

"Ah, but..." Chrome is barely given a chance to protest as the girls surround her.

Carlos chuckles and tilts his head admiring his work.

"Vongola-san is pretty."

Tsunami looks at Carlos and nods her head. "Thank you, but I don't think I'm that pretty."

"Haha, truly the Japanese are really modest. But, we Italians are honest people and know beauty when we see it."

"That's nice of you say."

"Little Lambo is lucky to be able to look upon your pretty face whenever he feels like it. Yet, I think he doesn't appreciate it as much as he should."

Tsunami laughs out and shakes her head. "Oh, but Lambo is only a kid!"

"Indeed he is a kid, too young to be your guardian. Maybe you would like an older Bovino to be your guardian?"

"Huh?" Tsunami blinks.

"Stupid Carlos-er!" Lambo kicks Carlos in the face with a flying kick.

Tsunami cries out and Carlos falls over backwards onto his back. He grabs his nose and moans in pain. Lambo jumps onto Tsunami's chest and holds onto her tightly.

"Tsunami is mine! Mine, mine, mine! Get your own boss, blegh!" Lambo pulls down his lower eyelid and sticks his tongue out.

Tsunami thinks this is the first time Lambo acknowledge her as HIS boss instead of his subordinate. Tsunami feels herself being raised over the ground. She lifts her arms in surprise and holds on...

"Squalo!"

The Bovino were surprised at the swordsman's appearance and stare at him in uncertainty. Suddenly the long-haired man yells at the top of his lungs. Tsunami fought down the instinct to cover her ears.

"VOOOOOOOOI! You fiend! How dare you threaten the fair maiden, the Tenth Vongola Princess! The bull monster wishes to eat this girl!"

"Yeah, Bull-Monster wants to eat Tsunami-nee!" Lambo agrees.

"Noooo, I don't want Vongola-neesan to be eaten!" Cries a little girl, really upset.

Lambo jumps from Tsunami's shirt and throws his fists into the air.

"We have to beat the Bull-Monster, Carlos-er!

"What!" Cries Carlos.

"YEAH! Protect the Vongola! On our honor as the Bovino Family!"

"YAAAAAA!" Lambo leads the charge and Carlos found himself in a pile of little Bovino cousins.

Carlos screams in horror. The Bovino Boys wince and did nothing to aid their cousin. Squalo smirks and runs off.

"Squalo!" Shouts Tsunami.

"I will take the Vongola Princess to a safe place!"

Squalo runs pass Dino and his playmates. Dino sees Squalo making away with Tsunami and tries to get up. But he forgot that the cowboy-playing Bovino were in the process of tying him up and had tied his legs together.

"Hey, where are you going...GAAAAH!" Dino yells out and falls over flat on his face.

Squalo takes Tsunami around the building into another section of garden. They pass a napping Ferdinand stepped under a round stone canopy. Beneath the canopy was a stone bench. Squalo puts Tsunami down on her feet and they take seat on the bench. Tsunami starts to giggle, covering her mouth with one hand.

"What?"

"That was some acting, Squalo!" Tsunami continues to giggle.

"Tch, shut up."

Tsunami keeps giggling and Squalo slowly starts to smile. Squalo looks forward and sighs.

"How can you deal with all those little brats. It was like that Thunder Brat times...how many of them were they?"

Tsunami shrugs. "I don't know, I lost count. I don't think they were all so bad. I think Lambo is the most spoiled for some reason. It takes some time getting use to, but the way the family acts all loud and loving and so big, it's sort of nice."

"Hmph, that one kid was being a little too nice."

"Oh, he just thought I was pretty and wanted to be my guardian instead of Lambo. But I'm sure he was just joking."

"Bah, that sneaky little shit!" He ignores Tsunami's startled look. "Flirting and propositioning you, that's 'classy'."

"He...he was flirting with me?"

Squalo turns his head to her. He stares at her for a long time and then presses his knuckles into the sides of her head and twists them into her head. Tsunami squeals in pain.

"Hiiiiee! Squalo that hurts! Stop it, please!"

"You idiot! How can you be so dense to not realize that you were being flirted with! Is your self-esteem really that low!"

Squalo takes his hands away and Tsunami whimpers as she holds her head.

"I guess you can say that..."

"Tch, voi! If you didn't know that was flirting, how did you know that your guardians were in love with you when they were courting you in that dumb contest?"

"Well, before the contest...they each told me they loved me...and wanted me to be with them. And when they were doing that contest, it was pretty obvious in the way they show how much they cared for me."

"Such as?" Squalo urges.

"...uh," Tsunami blushes. "The hugging...the kissing...and the real touchy touching?"

Squalo arches a brow.

"So to get through your thick-headed, low self-esteem stupidity they took the direct approach with you."

Tsunami sighs. "You can put that way." She bows her head in defeat.

Squalo lifts her head by putting his hand beneath her chin.

"Do you know that I love you?"

Tsunami blushes and lowers her gaze shyly. "Y-yes, I know. But why do you love me?"

"I love you for loving Xanxus."

"What?" Tsunami frowns. "I don't understand?"

"Yeah, it took me a little bit to figure it out myself. I guess at first I thought Xanxus had gone nuts! Bringing you home, claiming you as his girl. He seemed so content and satisfied with that! Then, I realize...that he WAS content and satisfied with loving you. All these years, Xanxus had fought hard to be accepted. Fought to prove himself worthy be the son of the Ninth. Fought to prove his worth amongst the Mafia and to be next Tenth Boss of the Vongola. I saw the potential in him and I believed he could great. I accepted him as my boss and sworn my loyalty to him. But, in the end it wasn't enough. It wasn't enough when he found out that despite all he had done, he wasn't related to the Ninth by blood. He became unsatisfied with himself and felt even more driven to become the Boss. Heh, you can imagine how much of his sense of worth dropped after you handed his ass to him."

Tsunami moans and Squalo smirks.

"I still don't understand though?"

"...after all that, Xanxus and you got to know each other when he was shipped to your house. I have no idea what you did or said to him but simply being in love with him has made him happy. You have satisfied his need to be accepted. Your love and acceptance was more satisfying to Xanxus than the loyalty from me and the entire Varia. I'm...I'm..." Squalo blushes.

Squalo growls and stood up. He stomps away and then stomp back.

"VOOOOOOOOOOIIIII! All this Brokeback bromance you're making me say!...Xanxus is...Xanxus is like a brother to me! I would follow that idiot boss to my grave! I want him to succeed...to be...freaking happy! You make him happy, Tsunami! When he is happy, I'm happy! There! That's why..."

Squalo takes a deep breath and sits down. "That's why...seeing you make him happy, it makes me want to know how nice it would be if you love me like you do for Xanxus."

His face was bright red now and his hands clench his black, leather pants. Tsunami is touched by Squalo words. It was her love for Xanxus that made Squalo desire to be loved as well.

"Squalo, if you like, I would be happy to make you happy...by loving you."

Squalo looks up abruptly. "R-really?"

Tsunami's was smiling as she blushed and nods her head. "Yes."

Squalo smiles gently. He reaches out and pulls Tsunami into his arms. Tsunami wraps her arms around his waist as he wraps his arms around her shoulders. They hug beneath the stone canopy. Happy in their love for each other.

Unknown to them, Ferdinand had made himself comfortable close-by below the canopy that was built elevated a few feet from the ground on a short hill mound. Ferdinand wore a bell around his neck of bronze and inside the bell was small microphone chip. It was picking up their conversation which was being eavesdropped on by the Bovino kids and Dino. The kids and Dino had found Squalo and Tsunami under the canopy. Dino tried to get to them but the kids stopped him and pointed out that Ferdinand had a microphone implanted inside his bell. The kids put it there themselves to overhear the grown-ups talking about things they wouldn't talk about in front of them. They sat around the corner watching them as they listened with a device that looked like a speaker.

Dino had listened to Squalo's declaration of love to Tsunami and was stunned. He had known Squalo a pretty long time. They went to school together and he sort of tagged along with him in their high school days. Dino inherited the family after his father's death at a young age and Squalo was constantly improving his swordsmanship and they drifted apart. Dino kept tabs on Squalo from time to time so Squalo was sort of a friend of his, even though Dino didn't like Xanxus very much. But hearing Squalo tell Tsunami how happy Xanxus was with her and how Squalo himself desired to have that happiness as well made Dino think. Perhaps, it wasn't Xanxus influencing Tsunami into a false love. Xanxus didn't really have any ulterior motive in being with Tsunami. Perhaps it's just simply Tsunami being her gentle, loving, sweet, forgiving self that made Xanxus fall for her. And it appears that she was letting Squalo in as well. Dino smiles and laughs to himself. Those stupid guardians of hers! What were they thinking when they were competing with each other to make Tsunami their own? Tsunami had stolen their hearts and would of tore her heart to pieces to make sure each of her guardians had their share of her love! Dino decides that he really was going to kill them...well, not kill them. But punish them really good for hurting her feelings.

Author's Note:

I am really, really sorry that it took so long! I did my best to find mistakes and such for a smooth read. I appreciate those that have waited so, so patiently and stuck by! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

SakuraSamuraiGirl