With eight years that had passed by, Kyouya had certainly had plenty of time to calm down. He was more relaxed and tolerated people easier, even if he still wouldn't let himself be crowded by people he didn't know. He was more open about what he was feeling, and he had stopped denying the fact that he had friends, spending more time than he used to with them.

Currently, Kyouya was sitting quietly on the couch in Tsuna's home, talking to Mukuro as he did his best to ignore the other people standing around the room; the brunet was hosting a party, and Kyouya had come only because he knew everyone who was invited.

"I was thinking of going back to Italy for a holiday." Mukuro sipped at his tea, his heterochromatic orbs peaceful. "Would you like to come with me, Kyouya?"

Thinking over the question, Kyouya let his eyes wander; Tsuna's friends were scattered all throughout the living room, the brunet in question standing by the kitchen doorway as he spoke to Fran and Belphegor, the three looking happy as Tsuna laughed at something the teal-haired male had said.

"He's looking better." Kyouya moved closer to whom he knew was his best friend.

"Who?" Knowing not to expect an answer to his question about Italy so soon, Mukuro instead went along with the change of topic.

"Your blond herbivore." The skylark blinked before he added, "The green one, too."

"Well, that is because Belphegor is learning to walk again and isn't as dependent on Squalo." Mukuro smiled. "And Fran is happy that Belphegor is becoming a little happier."

Kyouya hummed as he thought about these words, remembering how for years after the incident, Belphegor had just wanted to die; it was nice to see him with a small smile on his face as he leant heavily against a crutch with Fran's hand around his still-useless one.

Glancing down at his watch, Mukuro sighed. "We should not stay much longer, Kyouya; it is early in the morning and we are meant to be at work by seven."

"The Sawada herbivore already told me he doesn't care if we come in late," the older male said. "He understands if we sleep in."

Mukuro nodded, pleased by these words; he was happy that Tsuna had really made a name of himself and had been kind enough to give his friends positions at his company; he loved working for the younger male, unable to have asked for a better boss.

"Your blond herbivore is sore again."

Mukuro blinked at his friend's words, finding Tsuna and Fran supporting Belphegor as they helped the young man over to the couch to lay him down. The skylark moved over to make room, tensing uneasily as the blond laid his head on his lap, but he didn't say anything; he had learned to tolerate Belphegor and his lack of respect for others' personal space.

"Tuna-Fish is going to get you a heat pack for your side, senpai," Fran said softly as he knelt by the couch, as loyal as ever to his boyfriend. "It'll make you feel better."

Belphegor panted softly as he nodded, out of breath from dragging himself across the room. He was glad the others understood his condition and didn't judge him for it, already aware of how weak and pathetic he was for hardly being able to walk.

"I will call Squalo and he will come get you." Mukuro patted his friend's knee as he pulled his phone from his pocket, dialling the long-haired man's number. He felt bad for calling at three in the morning, but he also knew that Squalo would rather be woken up than leave his charge somewhere he was in pain.

Belphegor murmured something unintelligible as he nodded, burying his face in against Kyouya's stomach. He purred quietly when long fingers tentatively rubbed his head, knowing the skylark was trying to make him feel better.

Kyouya sat in silence as Mukuro and Fran conversed, Belphegor adding in low, slurred and sometimes indecipherable sentences that didn't always make sense as to what he was trying to say every now and then. He waited until Squalo arrived half-an-hour later, watching as the man slowly coaxed his charge onto his feet but ended up carrying him out of the house when Belphegor became too short of breath to make the rest of the journey himself, before he himself stood up and announced that he was going home.

Fran hugged the skylark tight before he wandered off further into the party to find Tsuna, but Mukuro was much more polite than his foster brother; while he gave the older male a hug as well, he also added, "Have a safe drive home, Kyouya. I will see you in the morning."

Kyouya nodded, patting the taller male on the shoulder. "Goodbye. Enjoy your night, herbivore."

Mukuro smiled as he made himself more comfortable on the couch, intending on finishing his tea before he mingled any further with the others. Kyouya left without farewelling his host, knowing that Mukuro would inform the brunet of his departure anyway.

Halfway to his car, Kyouya stopped and pulled his phone out of his pocket. He opened his messages and clicked Mukuro's contact, typing I will come to Italy with you before he turned his phone off and put it back in his pocket.

It wasn't often Kyouya stayed up so late, but it had been worth it tonight; he really did appreciate the people in his life.