This is probably the longest chapter I've made. Hahaha. But anyway, yeah, I can't help but notice that the plot is too slow... but honestly, I just don't want it to look rushed and it's becoming too long because its been switching from two different worlds. But either way.. all that matters is that I manage to finish this the way I hope it should be... so, my precious readers... ENJOY!

Previously: Tsuna's resentment for his mother was palpable as he couldn't help but remember the day she had left him when he was a child. Meanwhile, the guardians' struggle for their boss seemed to only intensify as Reborn decided to keep a rather alarming information a secret from them while Gokudera refused to acknowledge the brunet as the Juudaime he knew. The bomber then left, only to witness Tsuna's interaction with his mom which Reborn then commented of how the bomber reminded him of Tsuna and for once, try to give the other a chance.

Chapter 14

+O.W.+

"Are you alright?"

Tsuna growled at the teen helping him up. However he had no choice but to accept the current help since he had twisted his ankle badly, no thanks to one of the annoying bastards who dared call him that accursed nickname—though, he was now knocked-out on the ground, much to the brunet's satisfaction.

"I'm fine." He gritted out.

The other then grinned, surprising the brunet, "You're Sawada, right? Sawada Tsunayoshi?"

"What of it?" He narrowed his eyes at the guy, daring him to say "no-good" or anything related to it. But the other merely nodded his head, a thoughtful look passed his face.

"We should get you to the nurse's office and tell someone to get that guy checked."

"What? You won't tell on me to the teachers?" Tsuna challenged.

Amber eyes then sharpened and the brunet unconsciously let his guard up. Everything about the guy was strange. From the carefree attitude to the potential approach of a fighter… something just didn't sit right with him. He could already see the way Reborn would take this teen as an interesting addition to his famiglia which Tsuna knew would be a futile attempt.

"Haha! I know better than to do that." And there was that carefree attitude again, "You had your reason, right?"

"You do know I'm known as a bully around here, right?" Tsuna frowned. Was the guy underestimating him?

"Are you though?"

Tsuna looked up, scowling, ready to fight the tall teen. But halted as he saw the way the other looked at him. There was no amusement nor any hint of him underestimating the short brunet. There was only…

…admiration?

"Last I heard, bullies target people who can't fight for themselves." He grinned, "And from what I've been hearing, you've only been fighting bullies."

Tsuna was speechless, unsure of how to respond to that. He wanted to point out that he had only been targeting those who'd dare call him 'no-good' regardless of their status in this school's twisted food-chain, but couldn't find himself in doing so.

So instead he couldn't help but ask, "Why are you doing this?"

"Can't a friend help another friend?"

"We're not friends."

Surprise flashed in those amber eyes, but the smile was back before Tsuna even realized it was gone, "It's alright. We can start being friends now!"

"Oi—"

"My name's Yamamoto Takeshi! Let's be friends, Tsuna!"

"What do you mean I have to go to school?!" Tsuna glared at the infant who merely drank his coffee while reading the newspaper on top of the brunet's small coffee table.

It had been a few days since he had been finally discharged from the hospital… and since he had last seen Gokudera and Yamamoto. And during those few days, he hadn't been attending school since Nana decided that he should take a few days off. Which Reborn then took as an opportunity to see how skilled of a fighter he was.

And to say the least, he was very surprised at how good the brunet was with hand-to-hand combat. He could tell some of the techniques was from his own training while the others must've been self-taught by the brunet. He knew that it was to make up from the lack of flames… however, Reborn knew it was still not enough.

The brunet needed to learn how to use his flames or Vongola will be doomed.

"I mean what I mean." Reborn replied as he continued reading the paper, "Just because you're not from here doesn't really give you an excuse to skip classes."

"But I'm not—"

"Yes you are." Reborn continued, "And you're going whether you like it or not."

"But I'm already late!" Tsuna scowled as he pointed at his clock, "You could've at least told me last night!"

"Then you better start preparing." Reborn folded the newspaper, "I can't have Dame-Tsuna's grade affected just because you're too shy facing people who wouldn't tremble in your presence."

Tsuna was starting to get good at not punching the infant every time he insulted him and took a deep breath, ignoring the way his eyebrow twitched, "I don't care about that."

"Really? I guess we'll find out once you get there."

"People would be calling me no-good there… I don't know if I'll be able to hold myself back from punching someone." He then admitted. He was honestly annoyed that his counter-part was still known as no-good as he reached his middle school years, and was practically dumbfounded when he saw the test scores and notes in his bag.

He almost pitied him. Almost.

Last thing he wanted was self-pity. But despite everything, he also felt a slight jealousy for his other self.

Last night, when Reborn was nowhere to be found and he was busy trying to fix the disaster called his homework (seeing that he had nothing else to do), Lambo had barged in with a pair of grenades and Tsuna had to be reminded of that time he had first met the Bovino as he loudly proclaimed that he wanted to assassinate Reborn right then and there.

He then lost his temper and yelled the other to get out. But the warning fell on deaf ears as the cow child demanded some grape candy and Tsuna was really trying his best not to hit the child. Because despite his hot-headedness and violent tendencies, he had morals too.

Then I-pin arrived to scold the child, followed by Fuuta who was carrying a thick book (Though, he noted, it wasn't his ranking book) asking Tsuna to teach him how to read some of the Japanese words he didn't understand.

Everything was in chaos.

He slammed a hand on the desk, silencing all the kids and pointed at the door with a menacing look, "EVERYONE GET OUT, NOW!"

Silence…

WAAAHH!

Then all the kids suddenly started crying. And for the first time in a long time—Tsuna was at lost at what to do. This was not something he could fix with his fists.

"D-DAME-TSUNA IS AN IDIOT!" And the cow child ran out while dragging I-pin with him.

"T-Tsuna-nii, I-I'm sorry!" And with that, Fuuta was next to leave.

The brunet finally got what he wanted, but something was eating inside him—and he soon realized it was guilt. He turned around and groaned, ruffling his head in frustration. He just wasn't used with so many people in his room. His room had always been his safe haven and aside from Reborn, he was always alone. Suddenly having all those three children—

"Reborn was right."

He turned to see Gokudera's sister— Bianchi. The Bianchi from his world had went back to Italy after failing to assassinate him. So it surprised him to see her living with him. This world just kept getting stranger and stranger.

"You're different from Tsunayoshi." She had her arms crossed, leaning casually against the doorframe.

"Leave me alone." He scowled and he watched in satisfaction as those emerald eyes widened for a moment.

"This isn't you world. Everything that happened to you—happened in your world." Bianchi said as she stood straight, "You might had not much of a choice being transported here, but you shouldn't ruin what the Tsunayoshi of this world had built with my love, Reborn."

Tsuna was taken aback at the words, but he tried to keep the scowl on, "And what's that?"

Emerald eyes flashed and he couldn't help but be reminded of that time he and Gokudera had fought. She had the same dangerous look as her brother.

"His famiglia."

And with that, she walked away. He stood there for a moment before sighing. He was angry… yes, but he knew he was being unfair to the children too. As much as he hated to admit it, the assassin was right. And before he knew it, he grabbed something from his desk and headed to the kitchen where his mom was busy calming the kids.

Nana caught sight of him and the worried look she gave him made his chest ached for a moment. He ignored this and approached Lambo.

"Tsu-kun—"

"Here." He held out couple of chocolate candies, not looking at the cow child as he felt his cheeks heat up, "It's not grape candy, but…"

Lambo sniffed as he tried to rub off his snot before hesitantly taking the candy and putting one in his mouth. The brunet then did the same to the Chinese girl who tried to hide behind Nana's leg. He patiently kept his hand out and I-pin finally shifted away from her hiding place and took the candy as well, a shy smile gracing her lips.

"Xiéxié…"

His face burned as he felt something warm settle in his chest, a sense of melancholy settling in his heart. He almost remembered when they—he immediately shook his head, this wasn't the time. He then cleared his throat as he spoke trying to look unaffected, "You guys can play video games in my room."

And just like that Lambo had perked up in Nana's arms, "Really? REALLY?!"

Tsuna then scowled at the child and just like that, the two children shrunk down. He grimaced as he tried to push his default expression away, "Just don't disturb me while I help Ra—Fuuta with his book."

The silent child who had been sitting by the table then perked up, "Really, Tsuna-nii?"

He gave a hesitant nod and the children cheered and hastily left the kitchen in excitement. He then turned to see Nana smiling at him softly... looking proud. He felt the warmth grow and his heart ache as he realized this was probably the first time he saw her give him such a look.

"E-excuse me." And with that, he left, face burning and his mouth twitching at the corner.

And that's how he soon found himself inside a rowdy room. Lambo jumping up and down in victory while I-pin kept telling him he was a cheater. Meanwhile, he and Fuuta sat by the small coffee table, Tsuna pointing at random words while reading each syllable, then explaining to the child what it meant afterwards.

It was strange… it was different…

"Tsuna-nii?"

He looked at Fuuta, who stared at him in worry, "Does you wounds still hurt?"

Yet as much as he didn't want to admit it out loud as he saw Bianchi standing outside with a smirk…

"No… it doesn't." He glared at the assassin before looking back down on the book, face burning once more, "D-don't worry."

…it felt nice.

His other self may have been a sore loser… but he, at least, had a famiglia.

While he… he had no one.

"You're going to have to learn how to control yourself then." Reborn's voice had snapped him out of his reverie, "Now hurry up and get ready. I'm tired of listening to you whine."

He didn't even get to retort as the infant soon left the room, coffee mug in his hand. He groaned in frustration before grabbing his school uniform and headed for the bathroom as fast as he could.

"T-Tsu-kun? You're going to school?" Nana called out as she saw Tsuna rushing down the stairs wearing his school uniform.

The brunet immediately halted by the foot of the stairs as if remembering he wasn't alone in his home anymore, "U-uh… Yeah. T-there's this big test. So… I need to go."

And with that, the brunet rushed off to the door, taking off his slippers to put on his shoes.

"But I didn't make lunch for you—"

"It's fine!" And with that he rushed out and closed the door. Then he stopped in front of the gate, his hand gripping the railings tightly. When the door suddenly opened and he heard a hasty exclamation from his mother, "Take care, Tsu-kun!"

His eyes widened, and without wasting any more time, he pushed the gate open, "I-I'll be going."

And with that, he took off running. Ignoring the way the familiar warmth that radiated in his chest. The Tsuna of this world was never lonely. And he couldn't help but feel the bitterness start taking over the warm feeling from earlier. Confusion clouding his mind as to why he had to face such isolation when all he wanted was to prove that he wasn't a loser.

It wasn't fair.

Then he remembered that night with the kids. Confusion then turned to resentment then to sadness. But he kept the scowl on his face, not allowing any emotion to flicker through. Once more, he tried to remind himself that this was the path he chose—and there was no turning back.

And that this world… wasn't his.

Reborn was by the living room, sipping his coffee in deep thought when he heard someone knock and the front door opening. He noted the excited tone of Nana before suddenly calling him out.

"Reborn-kun! Someone's here to see you!"

Reborn hopped down his chair and made his way to the door, a little curious as to who it was. As soon as he arrived, his pacifier glowed and his eyes widened for a moment before letting them be shadowed by his fedora as he smirked.

"Interesting."

The brunet halted by the gates of his school as he tried to catch his breath. As expected, the school looked the same as the one from his world. But as of the moment, no students were found loitering by the grounds… and he couldn't help but hold back a sigh. It was probably second period by now and he cursed the annoying hitman in his mind while he walked across the school grounds. Noting, that this was probably his first time being late.

All of a sudden, he felt himself stiffen as he sensed something. Without hesitation, he sidestepped completely dodging a flash of steel that swung at where he just stood. He took a couple of steps back and immediately held his arms up in a defense position, his face set in a scowl.

"Wao."

He blinked as he realized it was none other than Hibari Kyoya. He internally groaned as he almost forgot about the hot-headed prefect.

"So it is true." The prefect smirked, "You're not the herbivore of this world."

He kept his mouth shut, unsure of what to say. He usually had nothing to say to the other in his world, seeing that they were always busy fighting each other for whatever reasons Hibari could come up.

The skylark held up his tonfas, "Fight me, herbivore."

He hesitated before narrowing his eyes, "I'll be even more late if we fight."

"And for that—I'll bite you to death." He only had enough time to let go of his bag and dodge the other's tonfa before ducking and swiping his leg towards the other's foot who merely jumped and tried to deliver another swing with his weapon.

Another dodge and Tsuna grabbed the second tonfa headed his way, surprising Hibari— and quickly tried to deliver a punch towards the other's face. The prefect merely tilted his head to the side and Tsuna felt a blow in his guts.

He let out a gasp and quickly jumped backwards, wincing at the pain that radiated from the movement. He didn't have any time to recover when Hibari lunged at him once more. The brunet's hesitance now transformed into anger as he felt another blow on his shoulder as he barely dodged the oncoming attack.

He couldn't help but notice that the Hibari of this world was far more skilled and faster than the other one from his own- who just kept attacking without stop. This one was actually calculating every move he made as he tried to feint to the right, which he fell for, but held up a tonfa as Tsuna tried to swing a punch from the other side.

The brunet was taken aback at the smirk that formed—it was as if he was enjoying the fight.

Tsuna quickly held up both arms to his right, just in time to deflect the kick. But he wasn't able to hold against the force as he felt his still aching wrist twinge in pain—and no sooner did he find himself on the ground.

He only had enough time to notice that students were looking out the windows of their classrooms, before he rolled to the side when Hibari slammed his tonfa to where he was just lying.

He then realized this was probably the first time he was going to lose a fight that wasn't against Reborn. He then immediately pushed that thought away and pushed himself up in a crouching position. No. He wasn't going to lose!

Tsuna swiped for the prefect's feet once more, which was of course dodged and immediately made a high kick towards the tonfa headed his way. The steel was soon flying out of the prefect's hand, much to the other's surprise and the brunet took this opportunity to punch him—but the prefect grabbed his fist before he could reach his face.

He caught a glint of silver and quickly ducked, forcefully pulling his hand out from the other's grasp and aimed another kick to the tonfa with as much force as he can.

He watched in satisfaction as the weapon was sent flying— when he felt another hit in his guts and he didn't even have enough time to react when he felt the prefect grab both his wrists and promptly pinned him to the ground with so much force he felt whatever air left in him leave with a strangled gasp.

"Pathetic."

He tried to glare at the prefect that hovered above him. Hibari gave him an unimpressed look but something akin to interest shone in those sharp dark eyes.

"Hibari!"

"Oi, you bastard!"

The prefect then let go of the brunet— who was quick to push himself up— before turning around to see two certain guardians running out the school building. Tsuna looked to see Yamamoto and Gokudera heading their way. The baseball player's expression was filled with worry while the bomber held a more annoyed look, but there was a hint of worry in his eyes as well.

Hibari grabbed his discarded weapons and walked off. And just as he passed by the brunet he spoke, "The other herbivore held more challenge."

Tsuna scowled and glared at the other's retreating figure. He didn't need to find out whom the prefect meant as he unconsciously touched the ring hidden beneath his uniform. He had already figured that his other self was capable of producing flames… which may have given him a higher advantage when it came to fighting.

He clenched his fists.

"Tsuna?" He automatically turned to see amber eyes staring at him in worry, "Are you alright?"

A memory flashed in his mind, as the same worried look from a long time ago appeared. He was struck by a sense of déjà vu before quickly pushing the thoughts away. He noticed the taller teen was holding up his bag, which Tsuna immediately grabbed, surprising the baseball player.

"I told you, not to call me that."

Yamamoto looked hurt but at the same time confused as to what he meant. Tsuna then remembered this wasn't the same Yamamoto he knew and tried to push down the impatience and anger, remembering Bianchi's words.

"This isn't you world. Everything that happened to you—happened in your world."

"Oi—" Gokudera started, looking angry and annoyed at him, which Tsuna ignored.

"I'm not your friend." Tsuna turned away from Yamamoto and headed for the school building, "So don't call me that."

He heard Gokudera mutter something like 'Bastard', before continuing on his way while shutting his eyes, trying to hold back another sigh. His mind reminding him this wasn't his world again and again like a mantra. He couldn't help but hope he'll be able to go back to his own world soon. He didn't know how long he could hold back his urge to explode from having to hold back all this resentment and anger.

Because he knew these people look the same as the ones in his world… but he also knew and understood (despite how Reborn seem to think that all he knew was how to talk through his fists) that they've been through different situations and had managed to befriend his other self despite his loser complex.

'It must be nice…' He thought bitterly. Here he was, trying to prove to the world he was more than just some clumsy kid who couldn't fight for himself and yet, all he gained from all that was a disappointed hitman as his tutor.

He was aware of the two following behind him as he opened the door to the classroom. He noticed that everyone were staring at him, and he remembered how the students from earlier were looking out the windows during his fight with Hibari and felt his eyebrow twitch.

"S-Sawada. Please get back to your seat."

He was surprised he wasn't given detention for being late… then again the fight must've gave the adult quite a shock. So he merely complied, trying to keep his face blank as he headed for his seat. He suddenly felt a hand grab his wrist, making him wince, reminding him of his still healing injury.

"Tsuna-kun…" His stiffened as he turned to see Sasagawa Kyoko, eyes shining in complete worry, "Are you okay—"

Gokudera suddenly pushed him forward making the school idol let go of his hand in surprise.

"He's fine." Emerald eyes flashed at him, "Right, Juudaime?"

Tsuna glared at the rough treatment, but he caught the message the bomber was trying to tell him. He and the Tsuna of this world was the same after all. He was well aware of his feelings for Kyoko. And the right-hand man didn't want him ruining whatever progress his other self made with the auburn-haired teen.

He ignored how some of the students gawked at Gokudera's actions and head back to his seat, "Ah…"

Tsuna wasn't able to notice the way the bomber had went rigid in surprise as he placed his bag on his desk and promptly took his seat. He glared outside the window as he rest his chin against his hand, not bothering to pay attention as murmurs erupted while the teacher tried to get their attention by repeatedly slamming his ruler against his desk.

He couldn't hold back a sigh this time as he realized this was going to be another long day. He just couldn't help but wish that they would stop staring at him, though. It was starting to annoy him.

"Sawada!"

It was just Tsuna's luck that their last class before lunch was with Nezu Dohachiro. It even pissed him more that he wasn't fired in this world*, wherein back at his, he had been fired after Tsuna had discovered the teacher's secret no thanks to the near expulsion he and Gokudera had to face for being one of Nezu's hated students. At that time, they were both falsely accused for breaking his arm when they barely did anything during one confrontation in front of the class.

Reborn had used his influence to give them another chance and Tsuna and Gokudera had been forced to look for a stupid time capsule all over school. The silver-haired teen promptly gave up and left to find his club mates, thinking it would be the last time he'd get to hang out with them.

And Tsuna wanted nothing more but to give up as well, but knew better than do so, knowing that the infant would just force him to continue one way or another. It took him the entire night when he finally found it and promptly collapsed. He had regained consciousness to find that Nezu had been fired all thanks to the capsule that actually held his failed exams. It was soon discovered that he had submitted false academic transcripts.

He was pissed at the infant for using him like that, when he was certain that Reborn knew about that little information all along. But at the same time, he was actually glad that the poor-excuse of a teacher had been fired.

"Listen to me when I'm talking!" He saw the other throw something which he quickly caught.

The chalk in his hand breaking into small pieces in his grip as he tried to rein in his anger. He tried to ignore the surprised looks of his classmates but felt some sort of satisfaction as he saw the stunned look of the teacher. He had too many chalk-throwing moments during his younger years that he was used to it by now.

"What's with that look? See if you'd still be looking smug once you answer the question in this board!" The teacher pointed looking annoyed.

Caramel eyes stared at the question and he remembered his teacher from his world teaching them about it not too long ago. Surely, it was one of the hardest ones he had to answer and had even been wrong about it. But their teacher was good enough to rationalize each of the answers in their quizzes.

However, he was unsure as he barely remembered the answer. If only he had his notes. He couldn't help but glare at the scribbles on his current "notes" before standing up.

His unease must've been apparent as he saw the science teacher smirk, and for a moment he wondered if he should try and break Nezu's arm this time on purpose. However before he could even head to the board, another teacher opened the door and entered the classroom, "Nezu-sensei, would you kindly step out for a moment? I have an announcement for the students."

Nezu looked confused for a moment before nodding. He gathered his things and gave one last glare to the brunet, before rushing outside.

The other teacher then stepped in and cleared his throat as murmurs filled the room while Tsuna sat back down, a little relieved, "As you have heard, I have an announcement to make. It was sudden, but a new student will be joining us today."

More murmurs and the teacher impatiently cleared his throat once more.

"The student is a transferee from Italy—" Tsuna perked at that, his head ringing a warning, "—and was highly recommended by Bo-reen-sensei to be put in this class."

He could practically feel the guardians' stares by now but his narrowed eyes remained at the door as the teacher called the student in.

Then time stopped.

The first thing he saw was the small pouch around her neck then the familiar dark hair, cupping the sides of the person's face, a long ponytail trailing behind her as she entered the room with practiced elegance. Then his eyes travelled up to the small flower mark beneath the bright blue eyes that shone with warmth.

Tsuna was now frozen stiff while Gokudera practically stood up in surprise as Kyoko and Yamamoto exclaimed their own shock. He didn't have any time to wonder how they knew or how they met the girl standing in front of the class as he just kept staring with wide eyes.

That fateful night at the park flashing before his mind, and the guilt slammed through him full force.

"Gokudera-san please sit down." The teached sighed in exasperation before turning back to the student, "Please introduce yourself."

She smiled brightly, "My name is Yuni Giglionero."

She bowed, then straightened herself, "Nice to—"

Then their eyes met. He watched as the calm composure disappeared and her whole body stiffened. The smile was now gone and her eyes were wide as his. The class had gone silent at the sudden reaction, and Tsuna could feel their attention shifting back and forth between them.

The arcobaleno was suddenly heading towards him and Gokudera stepped out of his desk just as Kyoko had stood up from hers, calling out the girl's name in worry.

Tsuna stood, unsure why he bothered to do so. It was like his whole body wanted to run away which surprised him, since such thought never came to his mind—not since his childhood days. But as he watched Yuni's face turn unreadable, he was definitely itching to actually leave and never come back.

The girl then stopped in front of him.

Both were stuck in a staring contest. Tsuna's expression filled with unease and Yuni's perfectly blank.

Slowly she held out a hand and—

SLAP!

There were gasps as Tsuna felt the sting in his cheek. He wanted to feel angry and betrayed but that night in the park kept flashing in his mind and he just couldn't find it in himself to feel that way. After everything the arcobaleno had done for him—

"Yuni—" He heard Yamamoto called out in warning, he felt the slight hurt, but ignored it once more. He turned to give Yuni his usual scowl when he felt the other pull him into a hug. There were gasps and the murmurs grew while the teacher tried getting everyone's attention but was failing.

However Tsuna could only focus on the arms around his neck, his whole body stiff and his arms raised awkwardly at the arcobaleno's sides, unsure of how to react.

"I'm so glad!" She spoke up softly in his ear.

And just hearing the sincerity and relief in the other's voice, Tsuna felt something inside him break. For a moment, the resentment… the anger… they all disappeared. The distrust from Reborn, the disappointment from the guardians, the comparisons between him and the Tsuna of this world, the eyes that wouldn't stop following him… that wouldn't stop judging his every move—all of that were pushed back in his mind as he let his arms wrap around Yuni and his face bury in her shoulder, wanting to drown out everything that was happening around him.

He finds himself unable to speak… but he hoped the other knew.

He too… was glad.

End of Chapter

* =I actually don't remember if Nezu-sensei wasn't fired in the anime (I'm too lazy to check hahaha) but either way, let's just say he wasn't fired!

Reviews are very much appreciated!