A/N:

@bbbk007: Hope so. Thank you. :)

Thank you for the reviews. Another chapter here.

Anyway, go on.

Chapter Twenty

Tsuna stared at the envelope on top of the table. He was sitting on the couch with Reborn who settled himself on a single sofa on his left. Tsuna averted his eyes from the envelope to the thick questionnaire beside it. He contemplated what to pick. In the end, he took the latter.

Reborn stifled a laughter when Tsuna took the questionnaire. He gave him a pen that magically appeared in his hands. Tsuna, who saw this, has eyes sparkling in amusement.

"You do know how to do it!" He cheered.

"Yeah yeah. Now answer that. So you can read the letter already." Reborn dismissed.

"But I don't want to read it."

"Why so?"

"Cause it's not mine."

"It's addressed to you, idiot."

Tsuna's nose wrinkled. "Yeah. But with family. So I can't read it without my whole family present."

Reborn stared at him. "You can be dumb and smart at the same time."

"And you just complimented me with an insult at the same time." Tsuna chirped as he started to answer his questionnaire.

"Why did you choose the questionnaire instead of the letter?"

"Because I don't want to read it."

"That isn't a good reason, Baka."

Tsuna grunted. "Just don't ask."

"Answer or I'll blow your head off."

"Because I want to finish this off. I saw an interesting question when I scanned it awhile ago."

"You and your dumbness."

"If you want, you can open it."

"Okay- Wait what?"

Tsuna glanced at him. "Open the letter. I'm beside you anyway."

"It's written in Italian. I want to hear you read it out loud."

Tsuna sighed. "Wait up. I'll finish this in thirty."

Reborn smirked. "You can?"

"I can."

"I thought you want them to be here?"

"Yeah. They'll come by."

True to his words, Hayato was first to come. He was followed by Takeshi and Ryohei. Bianchi got home with the kids. And Tsuna finished the questionnaire on thirty minutes dot.

While Reborn scanned it, Tsuna was talking with the others. When the brunet saw Reborn having this satisfied look, he took the envelope and opened it. When he took out the letter, a sky dying will flame lit on top of it. This kind of antic caught the others' attentions.

Tsuna scanned the paper. Reborn was right, it was written in Italian. The penmanship is really neat and the used paper is scented a little. Then he stared at the flame. It wasn't the usual orange. It was a little darker in shade. It reminds him of a certain someone he met a long time ago.

"Dear Vongola Decimo," Tsuna read out loud. "we would like to invite you and your family to live with us in the Vongola Mansion in Japan. It will only be for a week. Yours truly, Xanxus de Vongola."

"X-Xanxus?" Hayato exclaimed.

"Who is that?" Takeshi asked.

Tsuna tried to answer but he couldn't find his voice. So he took his pen and notebook under the table. [My uncle.]

Reborn eyed the writing boy warily. 'Does his throat hurt him again?'

"It's weird. Why would Xanxus send a letter of invitation to Juudaime?" Hayato thought.

"For formalities?" Bianchi replied, unsure herself. She knew the man. And she knew how cruel he is.

[I'm accepting it. But you lots can refuse. I don't want to trouble you or anything.]

"Where Juudaime goes, I go." Hayato answered.

"Same! And we can also play hide and seek there again!" Takeshi suggested.

"Yehey! Play!" Lambo shouted earning cheers from the other kids.

'Should I warn them that Xanxus-nii is really frightening?' Tsuna contemplated.

As if reading this, Hayato gave them a snarl. "Varia is an assassination group of Vongola. The boss is very scary to boots. So I advice you to stay low under his radar."

"Maa The mansion is big. What could go wrong?" Takeshi asked, seconded by the kids

"When can we go, Tsuna-nii?" Ipin asked, taking the brunet's attention.

[I need to give a proper response first.] Tsuna answered.

"Do you even know how to write a letter?" Reborn teased.

Tsuna got into deep thinking. [I know how but I need some correction here and there.]

"Oh! Let me know how!" Takeshi said.

"Don't disturb Juudaime, you moron!" Hayato shouted.

[It's okay, Hayato. I'll go get some paper and an envelope.]

And their afternoon was spend on writing the reply letter to Xanxus.

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience." Tsuna apologized.

"No. Not at all." The butler said.

Tsuna nodded before looking back to his family. He can't help the small smile that graced his lips as he watched them go wild. Hayato was chasing Takeshi and Ryohei with Lambo. Ipin was talking with Reborn, and Bianchi was just standing there while glaring at the hitman, with Fuuta who's grinning and laughing at their brothers' antics.

After they sent their response, Reborn got a notice that they may come today. Tsuna told them to pack some clothes and they'll go there by noon. And now, here they are. Although only four of his guardians came, the other three were still notified of their stay in the mansion. Who knows if they'll come.

The moment they arrived, the butlers took their baggages while Richard welcomed them. The first one to talk was Reborn, then Tsuna replaced him when the hitman was called by Ipin regarding Fon.

"Hayato?" Tsuna called, and it took all their attentions. "Ah. Let's go in? So you can play in the garden."

"Okay!" They all answered except for Bianchi and Reborn.

Tsuna went in with Hayato and Takeshi by his side. He asked Richard, the butler, to usher them to the garden. They followed the butler except for Tsuna who stayed on his spot. Tsuna went for the stairs. When he looked up, a teen with messy blond hair adored with a small prince-y crown, bangs covering his eyes, wearing a black outfit and a smirk that promises mischief.

"Ah! Tsunayoshi!" The man acknowledged.

Tsuna stared at him. "Belphegor-san."

"Come. Boss is waiting."

Tsuna stared again before nodding.

"Where do you think you're going?" Tsuna looked back to the one who asked. "Meeting the host without any guardian with you? Are you crazy, Tsuna?" Reborn asked again.

"Varia is harmless." Tsuna defended with a small smile. "Come on, Reborn. Let's go meet Xanxus-san."

Belphegor gave his usual laugh. "And he said we're harmless."

"You are harmless." Tsuna said as he ascends. "But destructive and loud. I can still remember those gunshots."

On cue, sounds of gunshots were heard. "Like that?"

"Then Squalo-san will shout 'voi'."

"Voi!"

"If you were there, I'll hear your laugh."

"Ushishishi! You still remember."

"Well, you are a prince that must not be forgotten."

Belphegor laughed. "You're flattering me, Tsunayoshi."

Tsuna stared at him with mock innocence. "Am I?"

Reborn listened to the two's conversation. He knew Varia helped Tsuna get here in Japan. But he didn't know they were this close. The brunet can make Belphegor, the genius prince, smile and laugh genuinely. There is no hostility nor shyness. It was pure friendship.

Belphegor didn't knock on the door. He just opened it. Tsuna went in after the prince. The moment he stepped in, the room became silent. Tsuna's eyes surveyed the whole area before he stood straight and bowed his head in greetings. He straightened up and gave a small smile.

"Good to see you again, Everyone." He greeted.

"Huh. You're still alive. Haven't found a way to die?" Squalo, a long white haired man, asked frankly.

Tsuna winced. "Not at the moment. Considering I'm in the process of healing."

"Good good. Won't want the feared child to walk in the suicidal path again." Lussuria said with a smile. The man is wearing shades and a black winter coat.

"Shut up trashes!" A man sitting on the end of the table ordered.

Tsuna felt relieved. "Thank you for the invitation, Xanxus-san." Then he looked back to Reborn. "I think you already know who he is."

"Chaos." The hitman greeted with a slight tip of his hat.

"Reborn?!" Most of them exclaimed.

"He's my tutor. I brought him with me, if you don't mind?" Tsuna asked then his eyes landed on someone. "Good to see you again, Mammon-san."

"Pay me for replying." Mammon, who was wearing a cloak covering everything on his body except for her mouth, demanded.

"Can a chocolate be a payment? I'm not that rich." Tsuna asked.

Mammon snapped her eyes towards the calm brunet before nodding. "That will do."

'As always.' The others thought as they watched Tsuna hands a chocolate bar to their member.

"Reborn? Please sit." Tsuna offered.

"Tsunayoshi." Xanxus called then nodded on the chair on his left. "There."

"Are we going to talk about something?" Tsuna asked as he went for the seat.

"Nothing. I just want you there."

"Can Reborn sit beside me?"

'What's so special with Reborn?' Xanxus thought before nodding.

Reborn strode towards Tsuna who sat first before he did. He kept an eye on every person in the room. Although they're still rowdy, the noise mellowed and Xanxus was just sitting on his throne, sipping on wine from his goblet. Even Xanxus became quiet. Almost like he changed.

He looked at the brunet beside him. Being considerate, he took something from his pocket and gave it to the kid. Tsuna looked at the wrapped biscuits Reborn is handing. He suppressed a smile before taking the biscuits.

"You didn't eat?" Xanxus questioned suddenly.

"I ate lunch. But I'm in for snacks." Tsuna answered before handing it to Xanxus. "Your scars are okay, Xanxus. They look manly on you."

"Shut up." The host grumbled as he took a small piece.

"So how's Italy? Same?"

"Still troublesome."

"Then how about Nono?"

"Don't wanna talk." Tsuna's brow furrowed. "Don't give me that look, Tsunayoshi."

"But you're not answering." Then the brunet looked at Squalo. "How's Nono, Squalo-san?"

"That geezer is still alive and kicking." Squalo answered.

"Biscuits?" Tsuna asked.

"Those are mine, Tsunayoshi." Xanxus growled before taking it from the kid's grasps.

Tsuna chuckled.

After twenty minutes more of staying with them, Tsuna said his and Reborn's leave before going out. He smiled to his tutor sheepishly as they walked towards the stairs.

He really likes how protective Reborn is. It's like having a parent after four and a half years of being alone. Because of that, he wants to protect him too. And be honest so he can't disappoint his guardian.

"What are you thinking?" Reborn questioned.

"Can't read my mind?" Tsuna asked as they descend.

"No."

'Lie.' "I was thinking of Lal and Colonnello. Where are they?"

"They went back to Italy."

"Oh. That's right. Colonnello is a COMSUBIN. While Lal is in the CEDEF."

"Tsuna."

Tsuna halted from walking and looked at Reborn from the corner of his eyes. "Yes?"

"Wear this."

Tsuna stared at the chain necklace with a ring on it. He faced Reborn half way and held his hand in mid-air. The hitman dropped the ring to his palm. Tsuna inspected the ring's appearance. It was like a half ring for its jewel is missing its other half. It was cool to his hand but he liked how it gaves him a little safety. Tsuna took the chain then started wearing it. Reborn watched the brunet's expressions for anything. Like rejection, dejection or confusion. But it didn't come. He can't read Tsuna. Expression, yes. But mind? No. He's an enigma, like what Bermuda said.

The two joined the others in the backyard. Tsuna was pulled into a game while Reborn just watched them on the side. Rings of laughter were heard outside the mansion. The butlers and maids couldn't help themselves from peeking on the spot where Tsuna were tickling Fuuta. Reborn smiled internally. It was rare for the Vongola keepers to hear noise inside the mansion. And to see them peeking and watching the family Tsuna created, he knew they noticed how rowdy these people are.

Tsuna shared his room with Reborn, while Hayato and Takeshi, Ryohei, Fuuta and Lambo and Bianchi with Ipin. Although Tsuna was reluctant to ask Reborn, the hitman was already leading him inside their room that has two beds. Somehow, Tsuna was able to breathe in relief before he slept for three hours.

"Tsuna, wake up." Reborn called out.

"Up." Tsuna mumbled as he sat up. "Then down again."

A release of safety was heard. "You think so?"

"Tsuna wants to sleep more." Tsuna whimpered as he falls down. "Another thirty."

"Fine."

"Yey!" Tsuna cheered before snuggling close to his blanket. "Thanks, Reborn."

"Yeah."

Reborn leaned his back to the wall. He kept his eyes on the brunet who has his back on him as he counted the minutes. It's nearly supper so he needs to wake up. He inwardly sighed. He doesn't know if Tsuna will eat tonight. Knowing there isn't a soup present for his appetite.

He figured that Tsuna likes food a lot. But that doesn't mean he can eat anything he likes. So far, he knows that the brunet has cakes, omelet and simple fried egg in his favorite list. And of course his soup.

"Ne Reborn?"

"Hn?"

"I have a feeling... That you'll see the old me today."

Reborn's brow rose in amusement. "Really? That will be a sight to see."

"For you, yes. For them? No. Not a good sight."

"Well, we will wait and see."

Tsuna didn't answer after that. The silence stretched until a knock broke it. Tsuna got up and went for the door. He opened the door to see a maid. Tsuna gave a happy smile. The lady stared at him before blushing. That made Tsuna worry.

"Are you okay? Are you sick?" Tsuna asked.

The maid instantly shook her head. "N-No, Sire. I'm perfectly fine."

"Oh. Good to hear. Don't overwork yourself, okay?"

"Y-Yes. I'll also tell that to my companions."

Tsuna's smile widened in gratefulness. "Thank you."

'Uwaah... So cute.' The maid thought before clearing her throat. "Dinner will be ready in fifteen, sire."

"Okay. Thank you. But please call me Tsuna. I'm not really comfortable being called Sir." He said bashfully.

The maid giggled then nodded. "Okay, Tsuna-kun."

The brunet beamed. "Thanks..."

"Maria."

Tsuna nodded. "Thanks, Maria-chan."

The maid bowed and went on. Tsuna watched her disappear by the corner before going inside again. He smiled at Reborn before taking his hooded shirt from his bag and putting it on. Reborn stood from the bed, fixed his suit and hat. When both are ready to go, Reborn opened the door for Tsuna.

Tsuna smiled when he heard Lambo called his name. The kids jumped on him. They fell on the floor then burst to laugher. Hayato grumbled and tried to scold the kids but Ryohei pushed him to the group before joining in. Takeshi laughed and Bianchi sighed before they helped the kids to stand up to avoid getting in between the two noisy guardians.

Tsuna got in the middle of Ryohei and Hayato's argument and name-calling. The two were nowhere in ending. But what made Takeshi and Bianchi laugh, the kids giggle and Reborn chuckle was when Tsuna touched the two's head and tousled their hair. The two stopped their bickering and went slight pink in embarrassment. Takeshi helped Tsuna stood up before they helped the other two. Reborn was by the end as all of them talked with Tsuna. Their center of attention was on Takeshi who was telling them a story.

When they were by the dining room's door, Hayato and Takeshi opened the door for them. Tsuna looked inside before giving a nod to the people inside. Varia was in the room, quiet and waiting with Xanxus. When Tsuna noticed this, he gave a small sigh that made his family worried.

"What's wrong, Tsuna?" Takeshi asked.

Tsuna smiled. "No. Nothing. Let's go in?"

Tsuna led them to their part of the table. Tsuna was on the end, to his right was Reborn followed by Hayato, Ipin, Lambo and Bianchi. On his left was Takeshi, Fuuta and Ryohei. Hayato started to glare at Takeshi who was grinning. When Ryohei shouted something, Hayato tried to reprimand him but it ended into an argument again.

Tsuna was trying to calm them but he was being drawn to Takeshi's snickers and unable to kept himself from laughing too. The two were in a hot debate when Tsuna stopped laughing and looked around him.

"Mukuro? Chrome? I know you're there." He said.

"Kufufufu. You're really sensitive to us, Tsunayoshi." Mukuro said as he and Chrome materialized behind him.

"It's good you came. Where's Kyouya?"

"Hmmm... The skylark is flying."

"Shut up, Pineapple." They all looked at their left when they heard that. Kyouya is standing by the window, glaring at them.

"Kufufufu. Did you receive my gift?"

The others got curious.

"What gift?" Tsuna asked.

Just then a small yellow bird flew in the room and rounded the room before settling itself on the chandelier. Mukuro laughed as Tsuna and the others stared at the bird. His grin grew wider when it opened his beak.

"Midori tanabiko namimori no... Dai naku shou naku nami ga ii... Itsumo kawaranu sukoyaka kenage... Aa... Tomo ni utaou namimori chuu~" The bird sang.

They all gaped at the bird. Even Varia stared at it. Then laugher went out of Tsuna's lips. He laughed so much that his stomach ached and tears streamed down to his cheeks. It was followed by Takeshi before the others guffawed too. Even Reborn chuckled, Chrome smiled while Mukuro and Kyouya smirked.

Whenever Tsuna wanted to stop laughing, he glances at the bird and started laughing again. Takeshi was already shaking him to stop but he couldn't. It was too amusing for him to stop.

"Okay okay. I'm stopping." Tsuna said between his intakes of deep breaths.

"You laugh so much, omnivore." Kyouya commented as he sat two chairs away from Bianchi.

"So what's his name?" Tsuna asked.

"A girl called it Hibird." Mukuro answered as he sat down beside Chrome, who was sitting next to Ryohei.

"Oh." Tsuna nodded before looking at the bird. "Hibird. That's fitting."

"Of course it is, Juudaime. It is owned by the skylark after all."

"Shut up, Stupid Herbivore."

"Who are you calling stupid, you bird freak?!"

Tsuna smiled before turning his head to their hosts. "Shall we eat?"