9/15/11 edit: Okay, so I haven't updated in what, two weeks? Sorry. School's pretty busy, working on another story (Lingering Memories, 1st gen and 10th gen angsty fluff, read it if you have time ;3, I honestly love writing that a lot more), and I have some writer's block. So, again, sorry! I don't know when the next update will be, I've got about 1/3 of the next chapter written, but I'll probably have to go back and fix that a bit, too. I also apologize if this gave you a false alarm, I know it happens and I dislike it too. Thanks, stay tuned!

"… This is that special mafia hospital that you were talking about, Reborn?"

"Yep. What do you think?"

Tsuna and his five guardians stood in front of the hospital, looking it up and down. A several story-tall white building, not too flashy. It looked a lot like an apartment; Unlike most hospitals, it didn't have a sign indicating such.

"It looks… more normal than I thought it would be," Tsuna admitted. "But… it doesn't look like a hospital."

As they were about to enter, sudden shouting from inside startled the children.

"Come on, just let us in already! I told ya, all we want to do is visit someone!"

"Sir, you need to present an ID to enter. Do you even know where you are?"

"Yeah, the hospital that Mukuro-san's staying at! That's all we need to know! If you don't let us in, I'll just break in, dangit!"

"Ken, calm down for a minute. You're obviously not going to make it if you fight your way through."

"Grah, shut it, Kakipii! It's not like you have a better idea!"

Reborn smirked. "They sure got here fast. Well, hurry up and come in." He walked through the sliding doors and into the lobby while the others jogged to catch up.

Ken was being held by several burly men in black suits, trying to break free and shouting at the top of his lungs to no avail. He hadn't been able to use one of his channels before he was restrained.

Chikusa just sighed as he watched from the side, holding his glasses in place with a middle finger. He looked up as the Vongola Famiglia walked in, a bit of relief showing on his mostly expressionless face. "It's you…"

"Naa?" Ken stopped struggling and eyed Chrome. "Oh, it's you again… and you're here with those dopes? Geh… whatever."

The secretary's eyes widened as her gaze moved to the little hitman. "R-Reborn-san! Welcome to our hospital, it's an honor!" She immediately stood up and walked around the desk. She made a small bow. "Would you like me to escort you?"

"No thanks," Reborn replied smoothly with a polite tip of his fedora. "I know where to go. Although, these two kids are with us." He pointed at Ken and Chikusa. "You can let them through."

"Yes sir, of course!" the lady replied, signaling for the men to free Ken, which they did. "Please enjoy your visit!"

"Sure thing." Reborn continued forward, the large Mafioso bowing as he passed by. The others followed hesitantly.

They entered the waiting room, filled with chairs and sofas but not many people, unexpectedly seeing two more familiar faces.

"Aw, Kyoya, it's not that bad! Just say a word or two, you don't have to stay for long! Just a little greeting and a 'get well soon' or something, y'know? Come on…"

"…No."

"Oh man… why do you have to be so stubborn? Maybe if he were here… hmm?"

"D-Dino-san and Hibari-san?" Tsuna exclaimed as the former looked up and waved. "What are you guys doing here?"

Dino grinned. "Well, I met Kyoya yesterday, but he looked really injured and stuff. It turns out he just went home after the fight without getting himself patched up and all… so I brought him here to get treated. And right now, well…" He scratched his head. "Anyway, it's nice to see you guys again, little bro, Reborn, Chrome!"

"Yeah, yeah," Ken whined as he walked off with his hands stuffed into his pockets. "Kakipii and I are going ahead now."

"So, what were you just discussing with Hibari when we came in?" Reborn inquired, making himself comfortable on a nearby sofa.

"Eh, well… I was trying to convince him to pay Mukuro a little visit," Dino replied.

Everyone's eyes widened at the notion, particularly Lambo, who was almost quivering by then. Hibari's eyes narrowed slightly at his rival's name, but he was silent. Tsuna would have backed away if his two best friends weren't standing next to him.

Reborn sighed, giving Dino a disappointed look. "It's a good thing you didn't succeed, stupid student. Do you want someone to get more injured than they already are?"

Dino was clearly confused by the way he stared at Reborn with his mouth half open. "…Huh?"

"Forget it for now," the baby said with wave of dismissal. He looked up at the party behind him. "Tsuna, you guys go ahead for now. I'll catch up later."

"O-okay!" Tsuna looked at his friends, who were all being unusually silent. "Umm… let's go, I guess."

They nodded and proceeded to their destination

xxx

"… Boss? You're not going to come in?" Chrome asked with her hand on the doorknob.

Yamamoto was equally as confused. "Yeah, Tsuna. You should go in first… You know, being the leader of the team and all."

"The Vongola Famiglia is not a 'team', you idiot!" Gokudera corrected with a scowl. "But… he's got a point, Tenth. As the boss, you should enter first."

"I extremely agree, Sawada," said Ryohei with a straight face. He nudged Tsuna towards the door. "Don't be shy now…"

"Uh… yeah. You should go, Vongola. We'll be right behind you." Seeing Tsuna's betrayed expression, Lambo snickered mischievously

Chrome blinked. "I-I guess I'll just go in first-"

"You're not getting out of this, Useless-Tsuna!"

Tsuna spun around just in time to see Reborn flying at him. Before he could yell, the baby kicked him in the face and sent him through the door and into the room with a bang.

"Gyaaah!"

"… Oh my. What a lively entrance, Sawada Tsunayoshi."

The five guardians stared at their boss in shock and ran up to help. The sixth watched in pure amusement from his position on the white hospital bed. Ken and Chikusa were on the side, the former standing with his heart hammering and the latter sitting calmly.

"R-Reborn!" Tsuna yelled as he sat up, clutching his head. "What was that for? I didn't do anything!"

"You were being a useless idiot… as usual." Reborn stepped into the room with his short legs and smirked. "My 'get well' gift. Laughter is the best medicine, as they say. How do you like it?"

"Kuhahahaha! You're as amusing as always, baby."

Chrome giggled to herself quietly. Mukuro was doing better than she had thought; she hadn't heard that unique laugh of his in a long, long time. Although she couldn't help but to pity Tsuna, if even just a bit.

"Why me?" Tsuna cried in despair, ready to sob any moment. "Y-you guys are terrible!"

"Tenth! P-please don't feel too bad!" said Gokudera, though he looked just as heartbroken as his boss.

Yamamoto let out a cheery laugh. "It's nice to see you're good as always, Mukuro! I brought some sushi for everyone, too!" He held up the large box he had been carrying the whole time, making Ken drool and Mukuro raise an eyebrow.

"Come to think of it, we haven't celebrated out extreme victory yet," Ryohei pointed out. Just as he was about to suggest something, Reborn broke in.

"I've already planned one, of course. The day Mukuro's discharged from the hospital, everyone is going to gather at Yamamoto's house for a feast. I already told his dad."

"E-everyone?" Lambo stuttered, wide eyes glued on Reborn. "By everyone, you mean…"

The infant smirked and looked away. "Oh, you'll see. I'm sure you'll all enjoy it very much. Especially you, stupid cow."

"W-w-w-whaaaaat?"

"You're planning something aren't you, Reborn?" Tsuna accused with a finger pointed at the baby, who was still smirking. "I know that smile! You do have something up your sleeve, don't you?"

Yamamoto chuckled and patted the brunette on the back. "Hey, don't make the kid say it out loud, Tsuna! It'll ruin the surprise! Life wouldn't be fun without surprises, right?"

"You're one to talk about life," Gokudera commented with a scowl, "Since all that's in your head is baseball."

"Gah, stop talking about parties and stuff and give me the food!" Ken howled, his tongue hanging out on the side of his mouth hungrily. "Food!" He tried running forward, but found that he was being held back.

Chikusa pushed his glasses up with his left hand, his right pinching the edge of Ken's shirt. "Ken, that's for Mukuro-sama. This is a hospital visit, not a chance for you to fill your bottomless stomach."

"W-well, that's…"

Mukuro sighed, running a hand through his blue hair. He closed his eyes briefly, enjoying the moment of silence as everyone watched him. "Go ahead and eat whatever you'd like. Just do it outside, quietly. I want to have a talk with Chrome."

Ken's ears perked up. "We'll stay inside with you, Mukuro-san! Food isn't-"

He was interrupted by a clicking noise coming from Reborn's direction, making some of them jump in realization. The infant held his gun menacingly, glaring at Mukuro's two followers and then at Tsuna. "Everyone. Out. Now."

Lambo and Tsuna were the first ones out the door, followed by Ryohei, Gokudera, and Yamamoto, who cheerfully lugged his box of sushi along. Ken was still somewhat reluctant, but he exited with some prodding from Chikusa. Reborn was the last one, and with a curt nod, he left, closing the door behind him.

xxx

It was suddenly very quiet; the click of the door closing seemed to linger in the room. Chrome glanced from the door to Mukuro, who gave a warm smile. He gestured at the chair beside his bed. "Sit down, Chrome, there's no hurry."

Chrome nodded and took her seat, memories of the previous night flashing through her head. She pushed them away for the time being, taking the chance to take a closer look at Mukuro's condition.

He had bandages almost everywhere; the longest ones were wrapped over his chest and stomach, and a few patching his face and arms. He was able to sit up straight without any signs of pain, but that alone didn't mean much. Chrome knew that her brother was good at acting, but at least he was good enough to be able to talk and laugh.

"You really did get all your memories back, didn't you, Chrome?" Mukuro said out loud, although it seemed more like he was simply talking to himself. Nevertheless, she answered with a 'yes'.

Mukuro chuckled. "I see…" He looked thoughtful for a moment. "I suppose I should apologize now, hmm? I had hoped that you wouldn't have to remember that. Dante was right in a sense… It was a lie from the beginning. Chrome… no, should I call you Nagi now?"

"… No…" Chrome, seeing Mukuro's expression of surprise, for he hadn't expected to be interrupted, blushed lightly and shook her head. "S-sorry! It's just… you don't have to apologize. I'm… I'm happy being Chrome. Mother and Father are not here anymore, but I feel like I have a real family now. If I had never met you, Mukuro… I…" She sniffed and wiped away the thin stream of tears that flowed out of her left eye. "I'm just glad that I don't have to be alone anymore…"

She could no longer hold back. She cried into her sleeve, all of her feelings exploding all at once. "I'm just glad that you're alright… Mukuro…"

Mukuro carefully took hold of Chrome's arm and moved it aside. He reached over and wiped away the girl's remaining tears with his thumb. "If you want to cry, Chrome, then cry," he said softly. "But don't look so sad, alright? There's nothing to worry about anymore… It's over."

The boy grinned. "I wouldn't be so mean as to leave you all alone with the Vongola. What kind of brother would be then?" His eyes shifted to the door, then back to Chrome. "And you should learn to smile more, Chrome. You look so much cuter that way."

"Eh?" Chrome managed to squeak before her face turned a soft shade of pink. She was at a loss for words, gaping as Mukuro laughed and ruffled her hair with a playful smile. "M-Mukuro…!"

"Sorry, sorry," he apologized, still chuckling under his breath. "I am serious, though."

Chrome let out a quiet sigh, but she couldn't help but to smile a bit. Mukuro was back to his normal self, and that alone made her feel relieved. A regretful and apologetic expression didn't fit him. It just wasn't Mukuro.

"Hmm? Taking my advice already?" Mukuro teased, making Chrome nod in defeat. "Well, are you all right now, Chrome?"

"Yes," Chrome answered. "I… I'll be fine."

Mukuro smiled. "That's good, then. By the way…" He glanced at the small table beside his bed, more specifically at the ring on the desk. The silver Vongola Ring of the mist was as bright as ever. "I didn't have the chance to give that back to you before. So there it is."

Chrome blinked a few times, staring at the ring and then at Mukuro. "B-but that's really yours, Mukuro. I can't…"

"Why not? It's as much yours as it is mine, Chrome," he replied with a small shrug. "Besides, you can ignite it as well as I can. I can always get another ring."

"I know, but…" Chrome gave it a moment of thought. "I feel like you should keep it, Mukuro. It… feels right that way. I can't explain it well, but that's what I think."

Mukuro gazed steadily at her for a long while, his brain no doubt thinking hard about what she had just said. "… I see." His gaze slowly shifted to the Vongola Ring, and he stared at it for another while.

Finally, he seemed to reach a conclusion. With a sigh, he looked up and said, "How about this. You can take it for now, but if I ever need it back, I'll take it. You can think of it as just borrowing the ring, if you'd like, and returning it to me when I ask. Is that alright with you?"

She only sat there for a moment, her mind comprehending the proposition. It sounded… reasonable. Agreeable. Right. But… could there really be two mist guardians? That would have to depend on the Vongola boss. It would probably be the first time in history that the Vongola Famiglia had two of any one guardian…

"Chrome?"

"Y-yes?"

Mukuro frowned. "Did you come up with a decision yet? It's just a yes or no question. But I won't press you to answer, if you don't want to."

Chrome bit her bottom lip gently. "Well… isn't it really complicated? I mean…"

"Mafia rules and regulations?" Mukuro asked nonchalantly, shocking Chrome by his accuracy. He grinned. "My question was what you thought of it, Chrome, not the mafia world. Just answer honestly."

"I… I like the idea," she admitted. "I feel that it's right."

Mukuro nodded with satisfaction. "That's good. Now the mafia part comes in." He displayed a knowing smile, one that made Chrome curious as to what exactly he was thinking at the moment.

"W-wait a minute, Reborn! You can't just-"

The door opened and the baby stepped in, Tsuna and the others sitting in the hallway behind him and an empty box of sushi.

"Ciaossu, Mukuro, Chrome," said Reborn with a tip of his hat and a smirk. "I'm not interrupting something, am I?"

"Of course not, baby," Mukuro replied smoothly. "Although I'm sure you knew that already, hmm?"

Reborn walked over, making sure to close the door first, and hopped onto the table, beside the Vongola Ring. He picked it up and held it out to Chrome.

"Chrome, you keep the ring for now. About that, though, I'll have to ask the Ninth first. But I'm sure we can work something out."

"Problem solved," said Mukuro as she accepted the ring with a soft 'thank you'. "Easy enough, no?"

Reborn nodded. "Now, for the real reason why I'm here," he said, making Chrome widen her eye at the baby and Mukuro raise an eyebrow. He grinned and sat down comfortably.

"I have a proposal. Will you hear me out?"