N/A: A lot of information in this chapter and more hinting to the future. Enjoy!

Also Happy New Years! A gift for you all!

Beta'd by Pure Red Crane

Chapter 38

"So how exactly did you become companions with Mukuro? That, I don't understand."

"Hmm, it's honestly not an easy story to tell. It's quite dark as it deals with when Mukuro was a child and being experimented on by the Estraneo Famiglia."

"I don't understand. What do you mean by that?"

"Remember when I said that I like to interfere with worlds and change certain events in the timelines? Well, this is basically the same case. I was curious as to what would happen if I helped Mukuro escape from the Estraneo before he decided to kill everyone out of revenge. However, in the end, there weren't many changes between the one in this world and the one I met. What the Estraneo Famiglia did to him forever changed his mind set and there wasn't much I could do to fix that without altering his personality completely. Just to let you know, if I did something like that, he wouldn't be Mukuro anymore."

"Oh, and here I was hoping that perhaps Mukuro lived a much happier life."

"Hmmm... I believe he did since I ended up getting roped into his little gang. I had the appearance of a teenager at that time, disguising myself with my human one, to blend in with the age group. I became the voice of reason and would help push Mukuro towards a different, less violent, direction than what he originally desired. Because of that, we weren't hunted down by Vindice or the rest of the mafia. I will admit I was able to get those three idiots along with Chrome later on to eat correctly than just stuffing themselves silly with junk food. They didn't exactly appreciate my 'nagging' on the subject matter."

"Hahaha, that does sound a little better. I'm actually glad to hear that."

"However, my appearance in the group caused disturbances. Mukuro didn't gravitate towards the Tsuna of that world. He remained by me because, despite everything I've done in the past, I'm still considered a sky bearer and could pull people towards me just as easily as any other Tsuna could. As my flames were no longer pure, tainted from my past, I don't use them. Magic is my main use, though if in my human form, I tend to lean towards blades and physical combat. Just to note, dying will flames can't harm demons, they're useless against them."

"Sin, as much I love hearing this information about dying will flames and magic, you're drifting."

"Ah, my apologies. Anyway, because Mukuro refused to leave my side, I had to take my own life to get fate back onto its correct path..."

"Sin!"

The immortal peered up hazily as a voice and slam beside him caught his attention, staring up at those concerned multi-colored eyes. He smirked in amusement, letting out a hint of sound. It wasn't often he was able to see such emotions fluttering through Mukuro's face, staring at him in a mixture of fear and despair. He coughed at the thought, spitting out blood and splattering it across his chest. It was only then that he remembered his wound, a large gaping hole in his chest and abdomen after having taken an attack that had been aimed at both Mukuro and the Tsuna of this world, which would have killed either one of them instantly. It no doubt had taken care of the lower half of his lungs, most of his intestines, and nicked his heart. He was dying. Well, somewhat dying.

Honestly, Sin was just pretending. He needed to be out of the picture to allow the illusionist to bond with the Tsuna of this world and this was the best way to do it. His presence here was unnecessary and it was time for him to slip away, to allow this timeline to progress forward. He figured dying was the best way to accomplish that since outright disappearing would cause Mukuro to go looking for him instead, scouring the world for his existence. At least, this way, it would be final and the illusionist would finally give into joining Tsuna's group as the mist guardian.

"Mukuro..." Sin whispered, smiling weakly as the purple-haired male cradled his broken body. He could hear the fighting in the background, rage decorating their voices as they fought back viciously at their enemies. He could see this world's Tsuna leaning over him, those orange-eyes filled with despair despite the glowing effect they had. "Don't look so sad." He tried to make himself sound strained, like the wounds hurt, but he couldn't. The pain was there, but he had felt much worse before. This agony was nothing compared to how he had suffered in the past. "This is for the best..."

The illusionist's eyes widen momentarily, opening his mouth to speak, but Sin wouldn't allow him.

"No, it's for the best." Sin didn't smile. He never really could get his lips to twitch upward correctly. A small one was all he could do. "Now go, fight with Tsuna to save the rest of your companions. It wouldn't be good if someone else died today." Trying to appear struggling, he shoved himself out of Mukuro's arms and flinched when the ground agitated his wounds. His body was already healing and it would take only moments before the gaping hole in his body was completely gone. "Go, you idiot. Save them." He coughed up another spray of blood, struggling to breathe as a pool of blood surrounded him underneath. A normal person wouldn't last this long with a wound like this, the blood loss ultimately getting to them. Of course, he wasn't normal.

In the end, with much reluctance, Mukuro and Tsuna had to abandon him to his 'fate' when he decisively went still and took care of the remaining enemies, leaving Sin alone on his side of the battlefield. Everyone else was concentrating on survival, no one paying attention to their fallen comrade that had taken his apparent last breath, not even their enemies.

Sin huffed, reaching up to wipe the blood off his lips. It was a good time as any to vanish now.

Sitting up, he briefly peered down at his wound and found it already fully healed underneath his battered clothes. As he sighed, he snapped his fingers and forced the world to stop moving. The battlefield stilled as if frozen into place. Time magic, something he loved to take advantage of and had learned from the King of Time. Standing up, he dusted himself off before giving a small wave of his hand as he returned back to his original adult form. His long black hair that was tied back into a ponytail had turned to its usual caramel-colored spikiness, his dark brown eyes went back to the orange-tinged honey color, and his facial structure morphed back to its original state. He hadn't changed much of himself, just enough that he couldn't be placed into the same resemblance as the other brunet here in this dimension.

Taking one last look at those he had spent time with for the last few years, he rotated away and teleported out. It was time for him to take his leave. However, that didn't mean he couldn't watch them in the distance.

Sin sighed heavily. He was beginning to become soft-hearted.

Present time

Reborn had left for Italy first thing in the morning to have his 'talk' with Nono, leaving Tsuna all alone in the household with the children, his mother, and his father. Well, not really to the later. Iemitsu had disappeared soon after, apparently being called in for work, which suited Tsuna just fine. He was getting tired of the constant gazes the man threw at him whenever they stepped into view of each other and without the blond man around the vicinity, it was easier to move about. However, the depression that fell over Nana once Iemitsu left made him sigh in exhaustion and immediately sent the two children her way to help cheer her up. They were better at it than he was. Creating happiness had never been his specialty or thing for that matter. He only created a trail of despair and destruction behind and that wasn't going to change anytime soon.

As he plotted his future course of action, Tsuna snuck out of the house the second Nana returned to her merry self and decided to head somewhere else for the day, considering the incident between Mukuro and Hibari had closed down the school for a week's worth of repairs. He sent a quick text message to Takeshi and Hayato, knowing those two would be occupied with their own things for the day as they continued to train for the so-called future Varia battles. Tsuna didn't mind, he wanted them to get stronger for future conflicts and he knew there would be plenty to go through.

Striding through the buzzing neighborhood, he ignored the various stares he received from those he passed by, adults and students from his school alike. Luckily, no one bothered him, well aware of his status among the populace, and he didn't stop walking until he found the exact location he was searching for, peering over the construction site momentarily. A mall or, well, what was supposed to be a mall. He knew that it was Byakuran's underground mafia base for the Gesso famiglia, trying to settle closer to Namimori to be within reach of him. Snooping inside, he maneuvered around the oblivious construction crew, who were still busy with the upper layer of the main base, the hidden underneath layer already completed. Tsuna continued to elude the men, ducking under hanging metal rods or evading to the side when one of the buckets fell from above. He eventually arrived at an elevator door that was towards the back center of the site and peered up at the obvious camera attached to the top. His honey-colored eyes spotted the obvious rotating lens, focusing on him, before deciding to ignore it as he pressed a button on the keypad below that acted as a call bell for the contraption.

He didn't have to wait long before the elevator door opened with a loud 'ding', suspecting his presence had obviously been notified to the head boss. As he stepped inside, he heard the camera shift to follow him, tracking his every movement, and glanced around the interior of the elevator, spotting no panel to activate for his desired destination. Clearly, the doors were remote controlled for safety, letting the security department below handle everything in the background. The doors closed before him, dulling out the noisy atmosphere of construction, and soon he was moving downward in momentum, closing his eyes in content.

It's been a while since he's last seen Byakuran, but he knew the other was busy with his own development in this dimension, establishing his prominent placement for the future. It was evident the white-haired male was using his alternate memories of other worlds to boost his advantage, not that Tsuna cared, finding it more to his advantage than otherwise. For what he planned, Byakuran needed to stand near the top of the mafia world. As the elevator came to a stop and the metal doors pulled back, four men were waiting patiently on the other side, all heavily armed to the teeth, and stared at him suspiciously.

Tsuna almost huffed, hands in his pocket. "I'm here to see Byakuran, the marshmallow idiot. I know he's here."

His little insult sent a spark among the men, half immediately grabbing their weapons in defense of their boss. No one attacked though, glaring hatefully instead. Tsuna suspected it was Byakuran's strict orders that stopped them. Eventually, they relented and rotated around to head down the hallway, obvious that they wanted him to follow behind. Tsuna sighed in annoyance, but complied, trailing behind the men through the numerous pathways until they arrived at a double door. Inside, he could sense nine individuals, all bundled close together near the back, and he closed his eyes temporarily, already knowing who each and every one of them was.

As the doors opened, physically revealing the occupants inside, Tsuna couldn't help but examine each one by habit. He could make out the obvious Gesso group, the Funeral Wreaths (minus the lightning guardian) with Byakuran as the leader, settled to one side, laughing about something while the boss was happily stuffing marshmallows into his mouth. Well, more like Bluebell and Zakuro were arguing while Kikyo was trying to break them apart with no success. Daisy and Torikabuto quietly remained to the side, observing the scene with interest (though it was physically hard to tell considering the mask and poker face). Tsuna spotted Shoichi Irie on the opposite side of the group, looking nervous as he stared at the arguing duo before glancing over his right shoulder towards his companion, Spanner. Both were on their computers, working on something that couldn't be seen from the brunet's present location. Tsuna almost smirked. Byakuran was definitely taking advantage of his memories to piece together his group once more, including Spanner. It was the last person that made Tsuna pause.

All he had to take was one single look to know exactly who this person was. Her long black hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, a familiar orange flower tattoo under her left eye, and those gentle blue orbs blinked curiously back at him. She lacked the sky Arcobaleno pacifier and the mushroom hat, but that was because she hadn't taken over as boss just yet, her mother still alive. Tsuna hummed to himself. He had expected the current Giglio Nero Boss and sky Arcobaleno, Aria, to keep a closer eye on her daughter, but perhaps not.

All nine pairs of eyes turned towards him curiously as the door hissed completely open, most filled with hesitance as they didn't recognize the brunet, but Byakuran and Yuni were the ones to break it.

"Tsuna!"

"Ah, Tsunayoshi!"

Byakuran stood up from his chair, placing his sugary treats onto the table beside him, and stepped forward. Stepping forward, his face was wide with his familiar crooked grin and he chuckled in amusement. "So you've finally come to visit me! And here I was beginning to get lonely without you~"

Yuni came rushing up beside him, smiling brightly as she followed, her little white dress fluttering around her. "It's so good to finally met you, Sawada Tsunayoshi. I've heard of such good things about you."

Tsuna almost wanted to roll his eyes. "I'm sure." The guards behind him disappeared behind the closing of the doors, leaving him alone with the group of nine. "But whatever you've heard about me is completely wrong and sadly, I'm not here for friendly conversations."

The white-haired teen pouted, looking thoroughly disappointed. "I expected so. Friendly conversations are just so rare these days! Such a shame~" He hummed gently and spun around, heading back towards his spot in the back. He motioned the other to follow him, which Tsuna did with Yuni beside him. As Byakuran took his seat, he patted the one beside him, the intention obvious. "Come, sit next to me. We don't get to be this close in the other dimensions. You've always so cautious of me. Of course, you're not exactly the same Tsuna as them, but it was like they were always scared of me."

"Not surprising..." Shoichi muttered from the side, pushing his glasses up along the bridge of his nose. "You have a horrible sense of self when it comes to being serious."

"That's mean, Shoichi." Byakuran pouted fleetingly before spinning his attention back to the brunet, who had sat beside him without any hesitation. Yuni went to the opposite side, keeping Tsuna in between them, and remained quiet as she waited for the Sorcerer King to speak. The Funeral Wreaths immediately crowded around the group, peering at the brunet suspiciously, while Spanner and Shoichi remained in their spots. It was clear the Wreaths weren't too familiar with the brunet, though the recognition in their eyes clearly stated they had heard about him from their boss. "So, what exactly did you come here for? I'm quite curious."

Tsuna sighed for a second, closing his eyes before reopening them. He sat straight in his chair, clearly serious about the upcoming matter. Though Byakuran didn't show it, he knew the signs and simply waited. "I'm about to be declared an enemy of Vongola and I'll need you to take me into your Famiglia as well as anyone else I'm connected to for protection."

Everyone froze as that information settled into their minds, their attention fully focusing on the brunet. All ears were open to listen as the friendly atmosphere vanished, understanding the severity of the situation.

Even Byakuran had stilled, his right hand that had been holding a marshmallow freezing into place. The white-haired male's purple eyes opened wider, a frown settling onto his features, and instead of continuing to eat the sweet, he crushed it in his hand. Ignoring the sensation of the gooeyness between his fingers, he sneered, "What?" Without meaning to, his sky flames activated within the palm of his hands, roasting the marshmallow to ashes. "How and why?"

Tsuna tilted his head back against the chair, his bangs sliding along his forehead, and huffed. "Federico is alive and as such, there can't be two official heirs. One must perish and it's obvious that it's going to be me. To ensure that I'm taken care of and out of the running permanently, I'll be declared as an enemy of Vongola. It's the best way to gather the entirety of Vongola together as one as they attempt to kill me, not wanting to have any loose ends that could come back to haunt them. Anyone that is connected to me will be included." Tsuna didn't show an ounce of emotion on his expression, despite the gravity of the topic. "To prevent such a thing from occurring, I need you to take everyone I know in and declare that they are under your protection." He paused for a few seconds as he folded his arms against his chest before continuing, "However, you need power and backing in order to stand against Vongola. I suggest combining your group and Giglio Nero together once more to recreate Millefiore. With the Mare Rings and the Sky Arcobaleno together, even Vongola would hesitate to attack. They don't want to spark a war that would no doubt drag in the rest of the world."

Byakuran and Yuni snapped their attention to each other, eyes wide in realization. They both had memories of the previous dimensions when Millefiore had been created and none had been too pleasant. Still, this was Tsuna that was asking and then there was also the fact that Yuni had yet to take over Giglio Nero as the boss, Aria still alive and well.

Tsuna almost smirked as if reading their minds. "I'm very well aware of Millefiore's dark history but this time, it'll be different. Byakuran is actually somewhat sane for one and this combination is done out of protection than mere power. The reasons for the merge is completely different and I'm certain that this outcome will be for the best." He reached up to push back a few bangs that had fallen in front of his eyes, tucking them behind his ears. His honey-colored eyes peered over each and every person's face carefully, examining them thoroughly. He knew that most of them contained the memories of that time given by Byakuran, well most, not all. Tsuna was positive they remembered their defeat by the other world's Tsuna, but he didn't see any hatred or disgust, just despair and distrust. "Don't worry, nothing like that will happen again. This time, you have me at your side to watch over you even if this physical form is reaching its limit soon."

Byakuran immediately stood up and spun around to face the brunet, tossing his bag of marshmallows to the side. He was just beginning to relax and go for another sweet, but it seemed that each new topic did nothing but startle him. "What?" His voice was blunt, cutting through the tension.

Tsuna sighed heavily. "This mortal body will die soon. It can't contain the amount of power I have anymore. When you first meet me, it had already reached its limit and though I had it repaired, the damage was already done. I've been avoiding using magic to prolong this life, but eventually, I'll have to use it, enough to begin the process once more." He stood up to take a few paces forward, striding around Byakuran, as he slipped into the center of the room. His steps were silent, each one feeling heavier, as if he could see his impending doom and he probably did. Closing his eyes momentarily, he spun around to face the group. "The events that will be coming up will destroy this body, but it will not end it. Someone else will kill me."

"What of the Varia battles?"

"What of them? There won't be any Varia battles. Xanxus will never allow himself to be used. Its Iemitsu, Nono, and Federico I need to worry about." Tsuna almost smirked as he saw concern flashing through both Byakuran and Yuni's eyes. "Don't worry. Everything will work out just fine. Even if I lose this body, I can still visit, though I won't be the same person anymore. The difference between this sealed version and the real me will be too clear. In this body, I'm limited on what exactly I can do since I don't want to purposefully kill it, but in my original, I'll have the full array of my abilities that people would believe only a God could have. I'll look at those around me and see their past, present, and future all at once. I'll know everything about them without even having to do research. I'll be able to read all their emotions, all their movements, their ideas, their minds, everything. It'll all be there, laid out bare for me to view. It's not only that, but...it's difficult to get along with those that don't share the same lifespan as me. It's only natural to keep a distance out of fear and anguish."

The brunet peered over towards the albino and Yuni, knowing that those two would understand his position.

"Sometimes, it's the same for you two when you look at someone you've meet before. In Byakuran's case, you see the other versions, your other selves, whom you've met and you know these people so well despite having never met them. For Yuni, it's their future and knowing whether something good or bad will occur and being unable to change it."

Byakuran hummed gently to himself. "But it's still different for you. You have the ability to interfere, to change, to alter every little detail. You can slip in and fix things or make it worse, whatever you feel like doing at the time."

"True and it's that very reason why I'm sometimes regarded as a God instead of a demon, though placed in the evil scale. However, do you know what's worst?" This time Tsuna smiled, filled with utter despair and heart-wrenching sadness. Despite the emotions fluttering through, Byakuran could see the underlining madness that was mixed well within, a madness he was all too familiar with. "I look at a person and know that they will die regardless of what I do because that is their fate. I'm the one that suffers as I watch them grow old and fade away before my very eyes. Since I don't age, I can't die. I could always snatch someone and drag them back to my world, transforming them into an immortal or demon, but if they aren't compatible with me, they'll be driven into my insanity. They'll be transformed into a monster and I'll be forced to put them down like a dog. It's enough to drive the delicate balance within myself to the brink of destruction because of that misery."

Everyone went silent, most unable to comprehend those feelings while those that could only shrunk within themselves. Byakuran sighed heavily, reaching up to rub his eyes. He looked much older in that one motion, his eyes sealed shut. He sat back down into his chair. Though Byakuran was physically a teenager, he was mentally older from all the memories he had experienced and as such, understood Tsuna the best. Yuni folded her hands together into the center of her chest, peering to the side. It was clear that these two had seen too much, experienced too much, done too much, to not be effected by the continuous survival of life.

"Alright," Byakuran muttered, pulling himself together. His purple eyes were open, staring at the brunet solemnly. There was no hint of his usual persona, tossed away, as he took on a more mature appearance. "I'll do it." He turned towards Yuni, giving her a nod, who immediately returned it, before staring back at the immortal. "We'll take care of everything on our end so you won't have to worry about any of that. When Millefiore is formed, we'll take care of those you care about even if you have to leave this dimension one day. I figure that once you return to your original form, you'll have to take up your duties once more?"

Tsuna nodded, his expression blank. "Thank you." He bowed to show his respect, distinguishing that both Byakuran and Yuni were putting themselves out there for him. "I appreciate it."

Yuni shook her head, the long black hair flipping about from the movement. "No, we should be thanking you. You've done a lot to help us including the other versions of ourselves and besides, it's only right to help a friend." She beamed, all bright and radiant as if the previous conversation had never gotten her down. It was obvious that the memories of the times Tsuna had killed her had faded away and it wasn't like Yuni to hold a grudge. "You may not be the Tsuna I recognize from other dimensions, but I can tell that you still care for those around you. That is one thing that will never change."

The brunet blinked once and couldn't help but mutter under his breath. "And this is why I've always liked you better than your grandmother, Luche."

Yuni raised her head up, not quite catching the whisper. "Huh?"

"Nothing." Shaking his head, Tsuna spun around to face the exit. "I'll take my leave now. I don't want Vongola's little spies to figure out I've gone missing and start searching for me." He took one step forward, his eyes still on the doors ahead of him. "It was good seeing all of you again." And then he left, not bothering to look back to the various expressions that were thrown at his back as if everyone knew what awaited him.

Sadly, they did.

It had been a long thirteen hour trip, trapped in a plane with only his rapid thoughts running over his current situation to keep him company. Nothing could distract him, everything circling repeatedly in his mind. He still regretted leaving Tsuna all alone at home, but it couldn't be helped. He had to go, had to see what awaited for both himself and Tsuna. Another two hours passed once the plane landed, going through customs and getting a ride over to the Vongola headquarters, which he was finally entering to see Vongola Nono. It was irritating, by the way. Time simply flew by and his fingers twitched every few seconds. He didn't want to be here. He wanted to be home with Tsuna. He needed to be there.

"Nono." Reborn announced as he stepped into the office, noticing his boss at the front with two of his guardians by his side, Coyote Nougat and Visconti. His tiny body stepped closer to the aging man and stopped a few feet away, tilting his fedora upward to get a better look into Nono's eyes. "You called?"

The old man smiled softly and motioned something to one of his guardians, the storm one, Reborn noted, and watched as Nougat slipped away from his boss to the entrance of the room. The hitman turned to watch curiously from the corner of his eyes as the storm guardian opened the door that had just closed moments ago to let someone else in, someone he recognized as Nono's son. So it was true, the man was alive and well. That meant things would be heading towards a dark path for Tsuna. Reborn mentally shook his head, he couldn't think about such things right now.

"Reborn, I have a request. I am well aware that our contract is up, early of course since it had to be terminated with my son's sudden reappearance and his desire to retake his position as Vongola Decimo. Still, I was wondering if there was any way you could leave Tsunayoshi and shift your attention to tutoring Federico, try to get him up to date on our current situation. Vongola is, of course, willing to reward you for doing such a thing as well as create a new contract between the two of us." Nono smiled softly, hope flashing in his eyes as he glanced between the hitman and his son. Reborn rotated back to the current Vongola boss, eyes blank and emotionless, and he tilted his fedora downward to cover them. He knew this would happen, it was too obvious.

Since the sun Arcobaleno didn't respond back immediately, Federico stepped forward and bowed slightly to show his respect. There was a soft arrogant smile on his lips. "I would be honored if I became your student, Reborn."

"No."

That one word cut through the atmosphere, startling all of those within the room, even Reborn himself. Why had he said that? Why had he said it without any ounce of hesitation? The hitman mentally sighed, closing his eyes for a few seconds. He knew the reason: he didn't want to leave. He didn't want to leave Tsuna's side. He cared for him, he wanted him, he...

Reborn snapped himself out and peered up to watch as Nono's eyes widened in surprise. It was obvious he hadn't expected the denial so suddenly. The son was the same, taking a step back in shock, and the guardians shared the same expression as they glanced between each other.

"No." Reborn repeated, like a confirmation to make himself believe that he was actually going to do this. He wasn't going to leave Tsuna, not now, not ever. He shook his head and clutched his fingers tightly into the palm of his hand. "No, I can't."

"Reborn…" Nono sighed gently and settled back into his chair as he shifted into boss mode, no longer staring down at the baby like he was an old friend. His hands were folded neatly on top of the desk and the wrinkles of his age were beginning to show. Gone was the kindness and accepting behavior while his two guardians stared at the sun Arcobaleno suspiciously. "Would it be possible to have a reason as to why you're refusing?"

Reborn didn't answer. He didn't want to. His state of mind was in a frenzy, just speaking might reveal everything about him, and so he did the best thing: keep his mouth shut.

Nono closed his eyes for moment before responding. "Is this about Tsunayoshi? Reborn, he doesn't have to become Vongola Decimo anymore. We both knew he was unfit from the very beginning since he knew nothing about the mafia and-"

"He did know. He always knew about everything." The hitman cut in, eyes sharp as he defended the brunet. "He knew from the very beginning what was going to happen to him, even to the point of knowing when Federico would show up and mess everything up."

The Vongola boss paused at that, confused at that piece of information along with everyone else. How could Tsuna have known? A civilian that had never touched the dark world they lived in? Shaking his head, he continued. "Even so, he should live a normal life. It's for the best."

Reborn cut in once more. "He can't. He was never living normally in the first place and he never can. And don't be stupid, Vongola Nono," He stressed the title, knowing it would agitate the older man, and he received a twitch in return. "We both know that now that he's been dragged out into the open of the mafia, he can never leave. He's the son of Iemitsu, the Young Lion of the Vongola. He was going to be attacked regardless simply by being connected to him. Right now, you have him on a pedestal as a target." Mentally nodding his head, he decided. "I want to stay with Tsuna, not as a tutor or to protect him. I want to because I've sided with him."

At the strange looks he was receiving, Reborn flicked his fedora upward, his dark eyes burning with determination and resolution. He couldn't quite believe he had stated that, but it felt right, like he was meant to, and the hitman was perfectly content. If he was, perhaps, feeling more than just like towards Tsuna then there was no way in hell he was going to walk away. He would never forgive himself for doing so and if there was one thing he hated doing. it was leaving behind regrets.

"That is all I will say on this subject. I will become a freelance hitman with no connection to any mafia famiglia and will remain at Tsuna's side, even if he doesn't want the throne, until I've decided what to do next. You will no longer contact me for any favors, Vongola Nono, though you're welcome to remain colleagues with me."

At his words, Reborn spun around, about to storm out, when Nono stood up from his seat. The Vongola boss was startled by how quickly everything was falling apart, clearly not expecting any of this to happen by just one little meeting. It made him curious at the same time. Just how influential was this Tsunayoshi to even affect Reborn of all people? Even he himself hadn't been able to make such a connection with the hitman. "Surely there is an easier way to deal with this, Reborn. You're a wonderful ally. We can work something out that will benefit the both of us."

Reborn narrowed his eyes at that and made Leon transform into his gun, pointing it towards the boss without an ounce of hesitation in his eyes. He could observe everyone tensing at the obvious threat, but he didn't back down, face determined. "At this current point in time, we are not allies Vongola Nono. I've sided with Sawada Tsunayoshi and that is final. Perhaps he isn't boss material or the heir to Vongola anymore, but there's something about him that makes me want to stay." Despite his words, Reborn didn't waver. "If you send anyone to come after me or Tsuna, they will be considered an enemy and will be disposed of immediately. Make sure to bring plenty of bags because I will not hide the bodies. That is all I will say as a warning. Have a good day, Vongola Nono." With that, he strode out of the room, still holding onto gun Leon, and closed the door behind him with a quick slam. The sound echoed down the corridors and the two guards at the door peered down at him momentarily before turning away, not wanting to get involved unless ordered.

Reborn stood silently still in his spot for a few seconds as he comprehended exactly what he had just done. To think he would go this far...

Mentally shaking his head, he had already made his decision, even before meeting up with Nono, and despite the hesitation he didn't reveal on the surface, he felt like he had made the right decision. Nodding to himself, he knew he had.

Now to get back home… Hmm… That might be a troublesome part since he couldn't use Vongola's private planes anymore considering he had just thrown away his alliance. Well, he could always threaten someone here or there to do his deeds for him. He clicked his gun. Oh, yes, he could do that. Right now, he had no time to waste.

He was going back home.

Reborn arrived at the Sawada household late at night, the ride back had been an annoyance on his nerves and yet when he saw the place in sight, he found himself relaxing, like he was coming back to where he belonged. Belonged... Yeah, that's right. This was his home and it wasn't the building, but the person inside waiting for him. Jumping up the house and sneaking into the bedroom, he found Tsuna curled up in his blankets, sleeping peacefully without a care in the world.

With no hesitation on his part, Reborn hopped over to the bed and slipped into Tsuna's folded arms, burying himself into the warmth. He nudged closer after placing his fedora to the side with Leon on it and remained still as he closed his eyes. Here he felt safe, here he felt accepted for who he was, here was where his heart laid.

A flexing of fingers against him told him that Tsuna was awake and he watched as curious honey-colored eyes opened tiredly and peered down. There was a haze within those eyes, but the brunet was definitely alert. "Reborn? You're back."

"Go to sleep." he answered back almost immediately, unconsciously shifting closer to the brunet. He was exhausted after multiple plane rides, the business meeting with Nono, and with his own feelings. Now he just wanted sleep, to rest his noisy mind. "We can talk in the morning. Just know that I'm not leaving your side anytime soon."

Tsuna shuffled in bed slightly and tightened his grip around the sun Arcobaleno, burying his face into Reborn's spiky hair with a soft smile, a smile that warmed the hitman's heart at the sight of it and knew that once more he had made the right choice. "Okay… Thank you, Reborn." And then he was gone, lulled off by the warmth of the bed, the comfort of someone next to him, and the truth of knowing that Reborn would be beside him in the morning after. Reborn smirked and closed his eyes once more, letting himself drift off.

That's right. This was the place he wanted to be. It was only right if Tsuna was there beside him.

Reborn couldn't even mentally hit himself for it.

He had it bad.

Don't forget to review! Reviews make me want to update more :)

And don't forget to check out 'Out of Place' and 'Worship Me' stories since they both contain Sin/Tsuna as a character.