Yo there! How are things? I'm melting here, damn summer...

Ok, back to business. This one is shorter than usual and the next two chapters will be more so because they are... Well, you'll be able to guess. I did warn you all in the 'prologue'. I'm still half-sure about the hiatus to let myself write the whole story because I've recently succeeded in pushing through my general block. This means more stories on their way and that I will be more active during August. Writing, dunno about publishing.

Let me remind you all that I now have a wattpad account, I have updated my ao3 account and I've created a private Discord server to talk to you freely. A safe-heaven of sorts to write, read, chat, whatever you want. :)

As always, thanks for everything! You make me move forward!

Shiho: Uhuhuh, see here :P Hope you like it! Thanks!

Lilecpearl: Oh my, I thought it was clichè, truthfully xD Well, glad to see it wasn't :) I had my mind in a daze to come up with something different from the usual. Thank you!

fbmstar: I'm happy you did it! And thank you for reading!

Apoptoxin: Here it is! Thanks!

Guest: I'll cheer with you! Yahahayy!

FictionGlober: Thank you!

SeeFlight: I'm glad you like it! Uhm, let me explain. I often rewatch movies I like. One of them is Nanny Mcphee. There's a scene, in the first movie, with Aunt Adelheid (dunno if I spelled the name correctly, sorry). She says, in the italian version, those words. And I like the quote so much I use it frequently, actually. So, I searched around and found that way of translating it. Literally, it is a way to point out that a monologue is too long and taking too much time. At this point, I don't exactly know if those words are accurate, I'll deepen my efforts :) Thanks!

Claraseth: BING BING BING! That's right! :D Here it is!

Words: 3897.

Maybe there are too many snippets here, but... Ugh, whatever. Enjoy!

Previously... Little snippets.

Alex. The hitman. Unknown, clean, professional. He was called the Punisher, in his world.

'I know you are curious and that you need to know, but don't push. You've been doing a great job so far.'

"Mom… She was… Killed…" Every word was pronounced as if he had poison in his mouth. "By a…" Killing intent slipped through the tight barriers around Tsuna's mind. "Wicked, dirty, insolent mafioso." His eyes flashed orange. "He dared to… Dared to…" A flicker of pure and raging flames appeared on his forehead for an instant. "Try to… rape her." He closed his eyes and took a long breath. "Then, he understood he didn't want her…. and shot mom." The eyelids lifted, orange glow gone. "She died. They died. I killed them."

"There was a man… He abused me, repeatedly."

"It was not entirely legal. He just took custody of him." He looked uncertain whether to tell or not. "He took my place… Rightfully. He protected him and gave him a family. You're doing the same thing, more or less."

"Behave, Iemitsu."

"You're doing a lot more than a tutor usually does. You're helping me, you're supporting me, and not only because of your contract with the Vongola."

The swordsman blushed lightly and rubbed his nape. "Is that so obvious?"

Tsuna smirked. "This is your fault, you know? Your bad behaviour is affecting me."

"And why am I being used as a taxi by more and more infants?"

"I'll give you your fight, I'll give you the opportunity to blow off, but then, if I win, you'll try to behave."

Xanxus looked aside. "He said he was known by the name of Alex."

"How could I tell you… My enemy is the Mafia. And you are throwing me in their arms. In my shoes, what would have you done?"

"Open your eyes, Dame-Tsuna." He bathed in the sensations that dark blush awakened in him and stood again, going to the door. "Next time you hide something from me, I'll punish you."

"You've been summoned. By Nono. This evening."

Kair sighed, then looked at Reborn. "Took you long enough."

"First… I'd like to apologize." Tsuna's eyes narrowed. "To you, Tsunayoshi-kun. And to my son, considering he's here. My actions have led to this… I'm deeply sorry."

"I'm sorry I didn't answer your last calls. I knew you were sending Reborn to me and the thought made me a bit… Tense. If you still want to call me, just do and I'll answer again."

"Reborn, he's hiding right there, you can't ask me to ignore him."

13 – Time for the Truth

"Please, meet my Mist Guardian. His name is Rokudo Mukuro. Put down your weapons and he'll behave. Mukuro…" Tsuna sighed, closing his eyes. "What have I said about freaking people out?"

"Kufufufu… I have to refrain from scaring them."

"What exactly can't you understand about those words?"

"You were calling for me, dear Tsunayoshi. Even the skylark is on the balcony."

"It's my fault then…"

"As always."

"Reborn…" It was not a whine, but close enough. "On the balcony is my Cloud Guardian, Hibari Kyouya. But don't invite him in, he'll refuse or attack you. Too many people."

"Kufufufu…"

"Mukuro, don't irk him. Now, has the Boss of CEDEF anything to say about my decision?"

So, Tsuna was planning to stay on the official level, not letting the man decide on his own. Iemitsu, however, was still speechless. Maybe too shocked, the dumb head.

"I promised Reborn not to kill you here, so you can talk and forget personal matters for the current meeting. I'm waiting for an answer and my Guardians are not patient ones."

This seemed to bring the man back to Earth. He looked down and shook his head. When he lifted his gaze, his eyes were determined.

"I'm against it. Xanxus has broken many Mafia and Vongola laws with his actions. He and his followers need a suitable punishment. It will be an example for the others who think about going against our Famiglia."

At Xanxus' seething, Tsuna lifted a placating hand and Squalo placed one of his own on his Boss' shoulder. The latter stopped but shrugged off the limb.

"Ok then, let's try this way. Xanxus, I'm sorry, but I have to try." Tsuna put his elbows on his legs and bended forward. "You are asking for punishment on a young man that was forcibly frozen to sleep for eight years." He looked with piercing eyes at his father, ignoring the others. "Basically, he has lost everything those years could have given him. In my opinion, that was a punishment hard enough. Reborn, as per his contract, has been doing an excellent job in teaching me your laws and I know that the Vongola Boss and the External Advisor have to think of these things the same way, else a war or something like the Scramble Battles would happen. Now, your opinions?"

Timoteo smiled, amused. "I agree. Iemitsu?"

"I do not."

"I understand. Then, as I said before, you'll need to kill me first." His eyes were unwavering, cold and dark. "Because I won't let you take what's mine."

Strangely, all Reborn felt radiating from Xanxus was not anger, but glee. The hitman frowned, keeping his surroundings under control. Mukuro was at his right, smirking at the Varia's Boss. Squalo was speechless.

"Is that a threat?"

"I've been threatening you since the beginning. I thought it was obvious…" Tsuna pouted.

"It was." Reborn helped, taking a step forward. "But certain people…"

"Are too blind to understand." Mukuro finished.

"Personal matters aside, what's your last decision, Outside Advisor? Choose wisely. A war now would be detrimental."

Iemitsu was a hard one to convince. But Tsuna was using all his weapons: guilt, shame, age, conversational skills. Everything screamed of power and required obiedence.

"I admit you've got some well-hidden skills, Tsunayoshi-kun. But I should not be surprised, right? As Alex, you've always helped me flawlessly." Timoteo stood and turned to Iemitsu. "They're young, my friend, and you should be understanding, as an example to them."

With that, the man crumbled. Reborn could see the defeat in his stance. He smirked in victory.

"As you wish, Vongola Nono."

Tsuna nodded, satisfied. The hitman signed a point to Iemitsu in the 'probabilities of Tsuna's forgiveness' scale and his smirk softened. The brunette's shoulders were still tense, but more relaxed than before.

"That's settled, then." Tsuna smiled.

"I guess so." Timoteo sighed. "But… I fear that you being Alex is a problem…"

The burnette nodded. "I thought so, too. But, please, enlighten me."

"You're the enemy of several Mafia Famiglie out there. Some of them, even if not exactly… recommendable… are our allies."

"If I remember correctly, I did advise you to not relate with them anymore."

"You're right." Timoteo's smile was sad. "But some alliances are too old for us to break so easily. The process is long and hard."

"It's ongoing, I suppose."

Nono nodded. "Yes."

"That's okay then, I'm still not officially the heir. The Inheritance Ceremony has that objective and it's too soon for that to take place. I think some more years will pass, if not more… I still do not want the title, though."

Right on spot, Nono sighed and shook his head. "You have a point… Maybe more than one, but I was thinking… I want to anticipate it." Tsuna blinked, surprised. "You have showed, and are currently showing us, the needed skills to lead this Famiglia. I'm old, Tsunayoshi-kun. I feel my years on my shoulders and back. I must consider your age, anyway. I'll think about this matter until you are eighteen."

"What else?" Tsuna narrowed his eyes.

"The exper–"

"No."

"Tsunayoshi-kun…"

"I said. No."

"Tsuna…" Iemitsu tried.

"How many times do I have to repeat myself?" Tsuna growled, arms crossed on his chest. "Mukuro, don't kill anyone. The people and beasts I released are living peacefully now, away from Mafia and mad scientists. Under my protection." He brushed right index and middle-finger on his forehead, making the Sky Ring's stone glimmer. "Think about it this way. I'm acting like a guardian with Xanxus, that I met and fought just hours ago. What do you expect me to do about the ones I've been protecting for years?"

Reborn couldn't help but chuckle this time. Colonello and Fon looked at him, a bit startled. Timoteo openly sighed.

"I never thought you would be a hard one, Tsunayoshi-kun."

"Many things happened, Vongola Nono. I've changed since the first time we met and you sealed my flames." Tsuna's eyelids dropped a bit. "Mafia has changed me." He looked straight at Nono. "I lead my life now. No one will ever bind me against my will. It's an old promise I made to myself." The teen smirked. "Plus, you sent me the best tutor, right? He polished skills I already had, as Alex." He hunched forward. "Something else?"

Timoteo looked at his Guardians and then at Iemitsu. "I think not."

"Then I shall take my leave." Tsuna stood. "I left Varia with children and an explosive, flustered Storm Guardian. The mix can be deadly." He shook hands with Nono. "I'm sorry for going away so soon."

"It's not a problem, Tsunayoshi-kun."

"Good night." He smiled.

Tsuna left the room with Mukuro, Xanxus and Squalo. Hibari's presence disappeared from the balcony, as did the brunette's bloodlust. Iemitsu sighed, falling into an armchair. Reborn arched a brow at that, but decided to not press the issue.

"So, what can I do for you?" Vongola Nono sat again, warily.

"We want to stay, kora."

Fon sighed. "What my collegue is trying to say is… We want to stay by Tsunayoshi's side."

Timoteo blinked, surprised "Why?"

"We simply do, kora."

"There's not a particular reason."

The hitman let his flames consume the adult body and jumped between his friends. "Have you felt Tsuna's flames?" Nono shook his head. "They're extremely pure and pull everyone in, even if not lit." He explained. "Iemitsu, however, is the only one Tsuna would go against openly, so his killing intent hides the flames' power."

"I see… You want to affiliate with Vongola?"

"No, kora."

"Maybe, when Tsunayoshi will be Boss."

"You're asking me permission to… be his bodyguards?"

"Something akin."

"Tsuna doesn't need bodyguards, kora. But he could use the help."

"I'm not against it, but… Were you not already tied to other groups?" Nono asked.

"I only work on short contracts, no one tied me, kora."

"My relation to the Triads has been taken care of. They are not after me or my dear ones anymore."

The three Vongola's held back their breath. Reborn, a sigh.

Visconti shrugged. "You were the one that…"

"They didn't want to let me go." Fon never let his smile falter. "I had to… How to say it… Borrow something from them. The talk then became easier."

"You almost eradicated them." Nougat muttered.

"I did what was needed." Lichi made a guttural sound, showing approval. "They gave me back my freedom."

Reborn shook his head in exasperation. They should know better what an Arcobaleno could do. The show of presentations was a fake for the younger ones, but Tsuna had, with all probability, understood that.

"With that taken care of." The hitman caught their attention. "I want to discuss some more important matters. First, my contract." Nono nodded thoughtfully. "With Tsuna being Alex, I call it broken."

Timoteo flinched. "What…"

Reborn sighed, petting Leon. "Don't misunderstand. I won't leave his side, I'll continue his training and tutoring, but it will be outside of any contract. At this moment, I don't need one."

Once again, Nono was caught by surprise. "I see…"

Maybe it was too much in a single evening for an old man like him. And for his Gurdians. Iemitsu was simply funny, gaping like a fish.

"Second. For the same reason, I require that no spies are deployed to watch over Tsuna."

"But, that's crucial." Iemitsu dared to talk. "He is Alex, if someone gets to know…"

"Do you want to draw more targets on his back, Iemitsu." His cold voice was laced with venom. "He has never been under Vongola's radar. Suddenly putting men to guard him will gather more attention and could be lethal." The hitman smirked, looking again at Nono. "I know you need time to assess the truth, but remember the usual trust you always put in Alex."

Timoteo sighed soundly. "You're right… Very well, no spies."

"Third. For the time being, leave the group be. Varia has barely settled in the house and more trials would influence the situation badly."

"No need to ask that." Nono smiled. "They all earned some peace of mind."

"I've finished, then." Reborn felt oddly satisfied. "I hope your injuries will heal fast. We need to go back and check on the others."

"Just one thing, my friend." Timoteo stood and looked at the whimpering figure of CEDEF's Boss. "I think, among us, you know Tsunayoshi better… And that sight, although interesting, is thinning my patience. What would you suggest?"

"Suicide, kora."

"A soothing bloodbath."

"Death."

The shriek resulting was too funny to not snicker. Reborn eyed the man with a fading smirk.

"I already told him. He must behave. Accept your fate and stop being a coward. Man up, idiot, and be a father."

The three stood, bowed, bid good night and left. The hitman scoffed at the image of Iemitsu's shocked but slightly determined expression. Seriously, a lot of things would have been different if he would have just acted as a fucking father. No one would have targeted so openly his family. No one would have abducted his son. No one would have…

"You're scaring the civilians, my friend."

"Calm down, kora. I still want to hear the whole story."

"Ask Tsuna. Not my place to tell."

"Tsunayoshi has told me about the abduction… But I guess there's a lot more than that."

"Was he… tortured, kora? As a child…?"

Reborn tuned them out and sighed. The next few days were sure to be filled with craziness and the usual unusualness of Tsuna's antics. Aside from the Varia, the hitman wanted to meet the experiments. And the brunette knew that already.

Before going to the meeting, they had passed a relatively peaceful day. Honestly, peaceful was not an exact word for the situation. Killers, children, Guardians and caring neighbours asking what was the commotion made quite a show. He smirked remembering.

Right after breakfast, when Tsuna had broken the somewhat tense but accepting atmosphere with his questions and explanations, Belphegor, Mammon, Mukuro and Hibari had disappeared in the forest. The far away sounds of battle were heard until lunchtime, when they had returned with nasty wounds, aside from the infant illusionist, but satisfied. Squalo had stalked Tsuna, that had been doing chores, shopping for groceries, tending the garden and carefully observing his guests. Lussuria had taken over, with Kair, the guarding of the kids. The two had almost immediately got along, much to the children's happiness. With the red-haired talking, he seemed more approachable. Gokudera and Yamamoto oddly stayed behind, helping in controlling the crowd of people, and at each other's side. Tsuna had snickered when the two had looked at one another and quickly let the gaze fall to the ground and somewhere else.

Lunch had been… messy. Xanxus had eaten again in his room, but it had been obvious that he wanted to go outside. Tsuna had waited for him to finish the food before breaking the news of the meeting and that he would have gone with the brunette. Strangely – well… maybe not anymore… – Xanxus had simply scoffed and rolled in the bed. After that, the soup had been served, outside again, too many people, and someone had started a food battle. Reborn had a feeling it had all begun with Leviathan bickering with Lambo and Gokudera joining. Tsuna had almost, almost… gone berserk. Food. It was not used in that way. It was eaten and that was it. The hitman had experienced for the first time all the glory of his student being a true Boss. When he had seen the Varia willingly help in fixing the situation, the infant had imagined low dog ears on their heads.

Reborn knew well that, had he been in his adult form, he would have felt turned on. But the idea was still settling in his stomach and mind, so it had creeped him out… A little.

The afternoon had passed between Tsuna being a mother-hen about clothing for everyone, he couldn't bear that uniform anymore, school for Belphegor, the only one in age, and asking every other if there was something they would have liked to do while in Japan. Reborn thought that those things were mainly to direct their endless energy. He agreed.

For the time being, he had proposed Tsuna to put their attention in the hypothetical building of a new accommodation. The chalet had just been finished and there was already a dent on the outer wall. Something from the fight of the morning, maybe.

They arrived at home in no time, using another limo. The table outside was half-packed: Lussuria joking, the children playing, Kair talking calmly with Hibari, Yamamoto talking amicably with Gokudera, Squalo staring at the kitchen's window, Xanxus in an armchair and looking the same way, Leviathan bickering with Lambo, Mammon glaring at Mukuro. Tsuna was at the counter, already in more comfortable clothes, cooking, with Chrome, Ken and Chikusa's help.

Reborn shook his head and joined his student, jumping on the fluffy hair. The delicious smell was already spreading in the room.

"Hi, Reborn. Everything done?" Tsuna tasted the soup, humming some random tune.

"Flawlessly."

"Nice."

Chrome took the plates and left to put them on the table.

"When?"

Tsuna sighed, taking Reborn in his arms to look at him better. "I can't take you there. Not yet. But… Someone will come here, he's the one in charge of them all. So, just… Wait for him. Kair has told them the situation." He sighed again. "And I've told the others about Alex. They're looking at me like a…"

"I know." Reborn interrupted him. "But it's not like that. They respect you more than before, they're not scared."

"Are you sure?"

"Why would they be scared, Tsuna?"

"Because… I have…"

"Killed?"

The word made a low echo in the silence of the kitchen. Reborn smiled sadly at the closed eyes of his student… No, he was not his student anymore.

"I'm sorry." The hitman blinked. "I know you… Are like me. I'm not scared of you, but…"

This silly boy would be his end, no doubts. Reborn sighed and shook his head in exasperation.

"What are you worried about?" He asked. "Have they shown you fear?"

"No, but…"

"The only one who's scared of you, here, is yourself."

Tsuna's eyes shot open, shocked. He looked at the floor, arms tightening his grip around the infant. Reborn held back another sigh and patted the arm in front of him.

"You shouldn't." He said with a measured voice. "I'm actually confused as to why you're scared of yourself, but not of me."

Tsuna shook his head. "You have never scared me… Maybe, the first time we met, but then…"

Reborn chuckled. "I shot you that time, of course you were scared."

"But you never wanted to kill me." The brunette smiled.

The hitman arched a brow. "And why are you so sure?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "I know."

"Intuition?"

"Uhm… Maybe… Maybe not."

Reborn checked that the smile grating Tsuna's lips was genuine and nodded. "Now stop with the depression and make dinner."

"Yes, yes…"

"You have completely tamed Xanxus."

"Don't use such words, Reborn…"

"It fits."

Tsuna rolled his eyes with a huff.

"What?"

"I have not… Tamed… Him. He is behaving only because of our fight."

"You're blind, Dame-Tsuna."

The brunette arched a brow, sitting on the edge of his bed. "What do you mean?"

Reborn hopped on the other's knee. "Didn't you notice how he was staring at you?"

Tsuna pouted. "Yes, but… Wasn't it because he is still curious about Alex?"

"No."

The pout was joined by a light blush. And a silent mutter.

"I didn't hear a word." Reborn smirked.

"I said… I'm fed up with this kind of thing…"

"As in?"

"As in men coming after me!" He whined.

Reborn couldn't help but chuckle. Tsuna looked at him with pleading eyes. He kinda resembled a kicked and bullied puppy.

"Stop that." He smirked. "Anyway, I'm curious. If there were so many, why didn't you chose anyone?"

He blinked, looking down thoughtfully. "None of them… Gave me… I don't know… Call it instinct… None of them was the one, I guess… And why aren't you against the fact that…"

"That you prefer men?" The hitman scoffed. "I don't care, I had a feeling, and the Mafia world isn't so outdated. No one?"

"No." Tsuna sighed. "Plus, the majority were mafiosi who simply wanted to have my body."

"The missions?" Luckily, he managed to held in a deserved growl.

The teen nodded. "I still can't understand why…"

"Has it ever happened that you had to go along with them?" His voice was emotionless, but had a dark shade at the end.

"Only once… And it wasn't pleasant. I throughfully tortured him later…" He looked at Reborn with a sad smile. "Next time will be different."

The hitman stilled, looking straight into Tsuna's eyes. Was it him getting delusional or had the teen just hinted at something? It didn't seem casual or light talk. It was a declaration, a promise. But why to him?

"You already have someone in mind."

Tsuna chuckled. "That may be." He caressed the infant's cheek. "Someone did tell me to open my eyes."

Reborn smirked, knowing fully well who was that one. The idea pleased him in forgotten ways. He flickered a tiny finger on the other's forehead and jumped back to his hammock.

"Ahah… Goodnight, Reborn."

"Night."

…

How could someone be so stupid? No, seriously, he was an idiot with two legs and a useless brain. If his intentions were to apologize or to get a peaceful exchange with Tsuna, why the hell did he let Lambo, out of all the strange present characters, irk him? Honestly, what a bunch of dumbasses.

Currently, Iemitsu was fuming while glaring at the child. Lambo was making all kind of faces at the man, enjoying the reactions. Apparently, the other children weren't helping their friend, but were setting up pranks while the other successfully hindered the man. In their minds, Iemitsu was the source of Tsuna's problems. Reborn couldn't understand why, considering the brunette hadn't told them his reasons. Maybe it was because children were able to understand these things on instinct… Whatever.

Tsuna was smirking while cleaning the dishes, watching the show through the window. In Reborn's opinion, he was checking if his so-called father would snap. Maybe he wanted to see the extent of his determination. In that case, the hitman agreed. The children were doing a fantastic job.

"Uhm… For how long do you think he'll keep his cool?" Fon took a biscuit to eat with the oolong tea.

Colonello drank a gulp of his sport drink. "Depends on his will, kora."

"And on our patience." Reborn added.

"Isn't it my right to decide that?" Tsuna snickered.

"You're acting strangely calmly today." The hitman sipped his coffee.

"I was… prepared." Tsuna rinsed his hands. "I still want to kill him, but he's behaving. Well-played." Reborn felt like partying. "Maybe I should set Kyouya and Mukuro on him. I wonder what would Xanxus do, considering yesterday's meeting."

"Vooiii… I think he wants to murder him."

"Interesting. Maybe I'll ask him, too." Tsuna smirked, taking his hot chocolate.

"Talking about it." Mammon scrabbled something on a document. "I think he would like to vent a bit."

"Maybe he can help with my training, Reborn?"

The infant smirked. "But of course."

"Oh God… I'm dreading whatever you're plotting."

"As always."

Tsuna glanced outside once more and sighed. "I don't want to."

"What would your mother have done?"

The brunette turned to him with surprised eyes. He seemed confused at first. Reborn gave him time to think. The thinking expression fit Tsuna's face the best, he found. The teen bit his lower lip, looking outside again. He could almost hear the hinges of the other's mind clicking.

"She was too good for him, damn it."

Tsuna left before Reborn could reprimand him about language. Fon chuckled and the four Arcobaleno jumped with their mugs on the windowsill, Viper with his documents. The window was cracked open and they could hear everything.

The brunette was standing with crossed arms and narrowed eyes at the man. Iemitsu was looking at him while Lambo sneakily tried to electrocute him. Tsuna stopped him with a kind smile. The child tilted his head.

"Why can't I kill him, Tsu-nii?"

"Because I want to, Lambo." He ignored Iemitsu's flinch. "Now, please, go serch for I-Pin and Fuuta, I need you three to tidy up your room."

The boy happily scrumbled away, jumping all the while. Tsuna eyed again his father and scowled.

"What are you here for?" His voice was cold and menacing.

Iemitsu looked down once to recollect his thoughts, then breathed long and glanced up at his son.

"I'm here to talk to you."

Tsuna hummed. "What about?"

"I want the truth… Nana never told me anything. Please, tell me."

The brunette narrowed his eyes. "I'm not fond of remembering those times."

"I'm sorry… But I need to know."

The teen sighed, sitting on a chair. The table and chairs were by then permanent in the garden. They had even put a wide waterproof sheet to shield them from sun and rain. Courtesy of Leviathan.

"You better sit down. It's a long story."

Hope you like it! Next are the flashbacks ehe! See ya!