Disclaimer: I don't own KHR!

Author's Note: Oh my gosh-41 follows, 33 favourites and 11 reviews. Thank you guys so muccchhhhh. I appreciate it! On another note, I edited the first chapter and prologue-but its nothing that big so I guess its fine? Sorry if there are any mistakes, and sorry for the boring chapter urgh..trying to build the relationships and set everything up. The next few chapters will probably be longer, so sorry for the shortness.

Drop a review? Critiques are fine too~ As long as they're productive~

Chapter 2

Kurokawa Hana stared at the fluffy brunet as he stuffed his face with cake, fluffs of cream and crumbs dotting his cheek. (She would have smacked him if he was any more messier.) He was smiling that stupid smile again, cheeks flushed and an expression of pure bliss was plastered on his face.

She herself had a piece of cake on the plate in front of her. But that was not the most important issue. Nope, far from it actually.

The issue was a single question.

Why the heck was she at his house again?

It had started off quite normally, a sunny day with a healthy breakfast before her parents dropped Hana off at school. The usual greetings were exchanged and her teacher talked a bit before she finally let all the kids run loose for a 'break'. Funny how break time was half the school time, with the other half being simple work, nap time and lunch time.

Hana had been reading her book again since she never finished it due to countless interruptions from a rather persistent brunet. The ass.

The brunet had bothered her every single day. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Did the boy have no life?!

What was worse was the fact that she actually liked hanging with him. He would always come up with some kind of game that was rather (she grudgingly admitted) interesting to play. So when 5 minutes passed and the dark brunette was still left alone, peacefully reading her book without any interruptions, she was wary. Dropping her book, she scanned the classroom, looking for the familiar spiky brown hair.

None was found.

Her lips tilted into a frown, standing up before walking to the teacher.

"Sensei. Where is Sawada?"

The teacher blinks, "Kurokawa, didn't you notice? Sawada is absent today."

The dark brunette froze. He was? How did she not notice? Then again...the brunet always seemed to blend in when class was in session, only seeming to stand out and glow when he bothered her. She bit her lip, annoyed that she hadn't noticed and a bit annoyed that she was slightly worried. Nothing had happened to him right?

The rest of the day went on so painstaking slowly that Hana felt like time had decided to stop just to piss her off. By the end of the day, she felt like ripping her hair out. Darn that Sawada! Soon, the bell rung and she made a beeline to the exit, she was not going to drown in her worries! Oh hell no, she was going to get to the bottom of this and then scold the boy for skipping school.

Little did Hana know, she was already too deep into the enigma known as Tsuna.

She would never be able to separate from him after this, but she had a sinking feeling that she didn't really want to anyway.

Kurokawa Hazuki was not a woman easily surprised. Being a stern woman in her late twenties with a mature and understanding daughter, nothing ever deterred or shocked her. She took everything with an analytical eye, keeping calm and handling everything efficiently. Hazuki wasn't one of the best lawyers for nothing after all. She shifted her glasses as she glanced at her watch. School was going to end soon. Precisely...now.

The sound of the bell rang, and she looked smug as she stepped out of her car-slamming it shut.

She knew her daughter's personality and that the dark brunette would take her time walking out. Calmly, but not sluggishly or lazily.

Hazuki was rather surprised when she was proven wrong when Hana ran out, disheveled and huffing-hair tangled and slightly messy.

She was down right shocked when her usually mature daughter demanded her to drive her somewhere quickly and out of breath- a friend's house she had mentioned. (She had gotten the address from a frazzled teacher.)

But Hazuki took that to stride, immediately agreeing seeing the panicked look on the dark brunette's face.

It looked like her daughter had finally found someone important.

She tried to ignore the excitement in her heart, because god forbid she would start screaming in happiness.

It was just too damn embarrassing!

The dark brunette eyed the gate in distaste while glancing at the door warily. Her mother had left for an urgent job so she was left alone. She was rather thankful of it actually, now her mother didn't need to see the 6 year old pacing in front of the house cowardly.

She hesitated, a hand hovering near the gate..the brunet would probably tease her about being 'worried'. She felt her eye twitch at that.

Frustrated, Hana was just about to leave when the door opened to reveal a rather pretty looking brunette. She looked awfully familiar...

"Araa-are you Tsu-kun's friend?"

Hana froze, glancing at the woman who was emitting flowers and sparkles. So that's where he got it from...

She gave her a stiff shrug which the brunette somehow translated to 'YES! I am Tsu-kun's best friend!'

In the span of two minutes, Hana was ushered into the house and seated at the table while the smiling brunette continued to serve platters of snacks onto the table. "Ahh, I'm so happy Tsu-kun has such a good friend like you!" the brunette gushed, pouring the 6 year old tea.

Hana's eyes twitched. The dark brunette faintly wondered if making her feel like ripping her hair out was a inherited trait in the Sawada household.

As Tsuna's mother began to babble happily, Hana learned that the cheerful woman was Sawada Nana, who insisted to be called 'Nana-san'. Hana thought that the woman was rather ditzy and careless. She hadn't even said a single word yet, but she was already rushed into the house and treated so hospitably. What if she was some sort of serial ax murderer? Then what? The dark brunette could already see the woman inviting some shady, dangerous hit man into her home with open arms, even allowing him to live with her.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a raspy cough as footsteps were heard coming from the upstairs.

"Kaa-san? Did someone come?"

Hana stiffened at his familiar voice, sounding rather raspy. She felt a pang of something unknown, not liking the way he sounded. He sounded so tired and weak...And as Sawada Tsunayoshi came down, she realized how truly weary he was. Seeing his shape made her feel even worse, his eyes were dull and his skin was too pale. His fluffy hair seemed to be deflating and dishevelled, he was still wearing his pajamas that had tuna fish patterned all over it. He looked up and spotted the dark brunette, eyes widening.

"Kurokawa-san?!"

Tsuna felt like absolute crap. His head was throbbing, his nose was stuffed and he felt like something was stuck down his throat. There was also this numbing feeling that made him feel cold. Lifeless even. Tsuna wrapped his arms around himself, though it did nothing to help. But even worse was that he felt so lonely in his own room, he supposed it was only time before he felt homesickness. The room was dark with the shades pulled closed and the door shut. It was too quiet and the silence bothered him, he felt as if he was truly alone. The brunet missed his friends, even if they were over the top and crazy (even when they blew up so much stuff and he ended up doing all the paper work). But it wasn't time to approach them yet. He would have to wait 8 more years till Reborn came. Surely he could last that long?

Moaning, he dug his face into his pillow, curling into a ball as his stomach growled. Tsuna faintly wondered if he would die if he didn't receive love and attention just like a rabbit. They were creatures of love after all...humans were too. He used to be fine being alone, albeit a bit depressed. But then his friends came. His family.

How could he ever go back to being alone when he became so used to them? Used to their care and affection?

Frowning, he shook his head. Nana loved and cared for him. That would be enough for now won't it?

Even if he didn't have amazing friends who would do anything for him.

And he would do the same. For all of them.

Even if he didn't have those fun times as the family all hanged out together and they were all so boisterous and loud - causing so much damage and paper work.

And he wouldn't trade them for the world.

Even when he saw Takeshi everyday and he only treated Tsuna as a classmate. A stranger.

Not the Rain Guardian. Not the best friend and family.

Tears blurred his vision and he sniffed. This was definitely his 6 year old self crying he insisted. Children just seemed to have wacky hormones.

After all...how could he be so weak? His head was throbbing familiarly again but he chose to ignore it this time. If he wanted to think about his family, then he will think about them. He clung to his thoughts, not allowing them to be washed away by the ache. Not this time. If they could see him right now, crying while hiding underneath his cover..how would they react?

The clinking sound of plates snapped him out of his thoughts and he lifted his head, confused. He could faintly hear Nana talking to someone? Reluctantly, he sat up and scurried out of bed. Slipping on his slippers, he went down the steps slowly, trying to concentrate even though everything seemed hazy and his vision was slightly blurry. He blinked blearily before spotting a familiar person.

Hana.

She looked shocked..and a bit..worried?

"Kurokawa-san?"

He blinked again. Nope. It was still the same Hana who would yell at him for being persistent.

"E-eh? Why are you here?"

She sniffed. "You were playing truant."

Tsuna blinked, the underlying meaning sinking in. You weren't at school so I came to check on you.

He felt a wash of warmth filling him as he smiled at her worry, he was wrong. He wasn't alone. He had friends, well-a friend in this world. Tsuna was surprised about the sudden visit though, he didn't expect her to come since she always complained that he was annoying, though she did seem to be having more fun lately. Looking at her now, he couldn't but feel that it was a shame that he and the other Hana didn't become friends. Even though the dark brunette was Kyoko's best friend and Onii-san's girlfriend, Tsuna never really interacted with her. He didn't delve deeper into her, bother to know more about her besides the fact that she was smart and had a sharp tongue. Now that he thought about it, she stuck to Kyoko a lot, always protecting the ginger. She was extremely loyal.

The brunet idly wondered what he did to deserve such loyalty from the girl, even if it was only a small portion of it.

And as Nana ushered the both of them up the stairs and into the 6 year old's room, promising to bring cake up-Tsuna had a feeling that this friendship would last for a long, long time.

And so, this brings them up to their current situation.

Hana glared at the cake as if it was the source of all her troubles. And it was. Kinda. Sorta. Okay maybe not really. But she needed something to glare at so it would do for now.

The brunette looked at her in amusement before finishing up his cake. "Kurokawa-san, are you going to eat that?" he pointed to her piece. She gave him a scowl in return before picking up her fork. "Aren't you too sick to be eating cake?"

Thats a bit late seeing how I've finished already, he thought, grinning. "Nope!" he replied, popping the 'P'. "I'm feeling a lot better now." And he was being truly honest, his chest didn't hurt and his heart felt so light now-a burden lifted. He now only had a slight sore throat. "Besides, how could I resist cake?" That was true too, he had grown to love sweets and cakes after being Neo Vongola Primo. It was the perfect treat after having to deal with paper work and his crazy guardians who just loved to destroy cities and billing damages to him. They were just the perfect angels. Note the sarcasm. It was even worse with the Varia. His guardians and the assassin group just seemed to love competing to see who can cause the most damage.

Hana snorts in disbelief, but Tsuna could see a trace of relief flooding her features.

"Oh yeah! Now that you're here, I have something to say..."

Kurokawa Hana eyed the ginger warily as amber eyes blinked.

Kyoko tilted her head in curiosity at the pair towering over her. She had been doing her usual, painting pictures in the dirt before two kids approached her. The ginger didn't mind playing alone..but that didn't mean she liked it either. She was a bit ..lonely? Left out? But drawing pictures was fun, so it didn't affect her. That much.

Kyoko recognized the dark brunette as Kurokawa Hana, the quiet, smart girl who was often alone until a certain brunette popped up. Her eyes landed on said brunette who was scratching the back of his neck sheepishly. He was Sawada Tsuna...or something like that? He was the clumsy boy with bright brown eyes.

What were they doing here? They usually spent time inside playing with blocks...

Hana shot Tsuna a look of disbelief. You want me to talk to her?

Tsuna simply nodded with a bright smile.

She sniffed reluctantly before offering a hand to the crouching Kyoko. "Do you want to..'play'..." she wrinkled her nose in distaste at the word before continuing. "...with us?"

Kyoko seemed to be surprised, amber orbs widening before she gave them a breath taking smile. "Un!"

Hana's eyes twitched, feeling a huge sense of deja vu.

Great. Now she had two people with sparkling smiles that could probably burn her eyes.

Lovely.

Tsuna felt relieved as he saw Kyoko smile again, it seemed as she hadn't smiled in ages.

The relief was short lived however as he thought about how becoming friends with her was a bad idea. He would only drag her into his mess after all. Even Hana...

The brunet bit his bottom lip in worry. Hell, would Hana even continue to stay friends with him after knowing about the Mafia? She would probably punch him in the face or something for dragging her into such trouble.

Well, he thought sighing, at least he had high pain tolerance.

Hana blinked as she was once again, awarded with bright smiles.

TWO. IDENTICAL. SMILES.

Well..not identical. No one's smile would ever match up to Tsuna's, he was her first..friend after all. The word was still foreign on her tongue.

As Kyoko continued to stack her blocks, Hana secretly elbowed the fluffy brunet, hissing. "Are you guys twins separated from birth or what?"

The brunette just gave her an innocent look. "What do you mean? We look nothing alike."

Hana scowled. "You guys have similar eyes and expressions..and that smile!"

Tsuna simply hummed in response, searching for a 'A' block to finish his word which happened to be 'Tuna'. "Kyoko-chan is cute, right?"

"You just implied yourself as cute didn't you?" she accused.

The brunet simply chuckles, shaking his head. "Of course not Hana-chan."

Hana froze at her name, mouth opened in surprise. He had never ever used her name, only calling her 'Kurokawa-san'. Despite her current irritation at him, she couldn't help but feel her heart warm at the use of her first name. Only her parents had ever referred to her that way after all...

"Ah! Um..if that is okay with you?" he mumbles shyly.

She huffs before her gaze drifted away. She mumbled something quietly that Tsuna could not catch. "..an."

"Eh?"

"I said drop the 'chan'!" She hissed, embarrassment clouding her words and features. "..'chan' sounds wrong."

Tsuna beams at her in response, summoning sparkles and other shiny things. "Okay Hana!"

She was right, his smile was simply incomparable.

Kyoko panted as she ran out the door with a short; "bye mum! Dad!" Her brother was currently out training. Again.

Sasagawa Hiro blinked, looking up from his newspaper as Sasagawa Mei waved her daughter goodbye.

"Where is Kyoko going?"

Mei shot him a stern glare, "Dear, if you were paying attention- Kyoko said she was going to hang out with her friends." Mei had been pleasantly surprised to see Kyoko playing with two others when she came to pick her up. She had been so worried when her daughter always played alone, but now she was relieved. Her daughter was meant to be happy and smiling with others after all.

Mei thought back to the two kids, a short brunet with the most fluffiest hair and a big sincere smile and a quiet dark haired girl with calculative, intelligent eyes and a mature air around her. The two kids were really different from each other but she was taken with both equally. They would definitely be able to take care of Kyoko.

"What? Is it...a boy?"

The ginger frowned at her husband. "Hush dear, Tsunayoshi-kun is a good boy. Besides..." she continued thoughtfully. "I wouldn't mind having him as a son in law!"

Hiro dropped his newspaper with shock.

"She is not getting married to him!"

"Hiro! I was just saying, besides- she's only 6!"

Kyoko darted down the streets, hoping she wouldn't be late. The first time she had a play date with Tsuna and Hana and she was late? Unacceptable! (Technically, she still had 10 minutes; but Kyoko had wanted to be early.)

She turned around a corner and crashed into someone, yelping as she fell back. "Oh!"

"I-I'm sorry!" she stuttered.

A light chuckle filled the air before a hand grabbed her arm and pulled her up. Kyoko blinked owlishly before recognizing the boy.

"Ah! Tsuna-kun!"

The brunet smiles in response and nods. "You okay? I-I'm sorry about that." he apologized sheepishly.

The ginger blushed. "I'm okay."

He gave her a gentle nod.

"Ah- what are you doing here?" Didn't he live somewhere else?

"I'm uh... actually here to pick you and Hana up."

"Oh.." she replied, distracted by his fluffy hair. It looked so...touchable!

"Sawada?" a familiar voice questioned. Kyoko turned around to see Hana standing and holding a few plastic bags in her hand, a long scarf wrapped around her neck.

"Yo- Hana!" Tsuna greets, grinning. "What are you carrying?"

Hana huffs, passing a bag to his outstretched hand before answering. "Mother wanted me to bring some snacks over." She gave a nod to Kyoko. "Hi, Kyoko."

"Hi Hana-chan!" she smiled amiably.

The brunet pouts. "No 'hi' for me? And why can't I call you Hana-chan?" he joked.

Hana rolls her eyes at his dramatics. "Hi. And it sounds downright weird when you do it so shush."

Kyoko giggles at their banter, staying quiet. She shivered lightly at the cold wind passing through and wished she had brought her scarf and gloves. Winter was coming soon.

She startled as she felt something drape around her neck. It was Hana's long purple scarf! The other half of it was still wrapped around Hana though, so they were basically sharing it. "Come on Kyoko." The ginger blinks before looking at Hana and Tsuna's out stretched hand. The two had shifted their bags of snacks to their other hand. "Lets go." They said in unison. The two look at each other strangely before chuckling. Kyoko smiles brightly before taking their hands and enjoying the warmth of her friends.

Her friends.

They were like magic words.

Kyoko laughs again, this time with indescribable joy and the two gave her a curious look. She shakes her head and they shrug before joking again. The soft banters and jokes filled her ears as the trio continued to walk to Tsuna's house at a comfortable pace.

She had everything she wanted.

Tsuna was 7 when trouble first punched him in the face. (Quite literally.)

He had been heading to Hana's house to meet with her and Kyoko, having decided to watch a movie together and Tsuna was looking forward to it quite a bit. Humming cheerfully, he continued to walk- passing the Namimori river bank. A figure catches his attention however and he stops, curious. The brunet squints to see a dark haired boy with his arms crossed, laying on the grassy bank, napping.

Something is familiar about him...

His hyper intuition seemed to be ringing but he just couldn't place the weird feeling. It was tingling...The brunet spots a flash of silver under the boy's arms and everything suddenly clicked. Tonfas. Hibari Kyoya. Cloud Guardian. Future prefect.

Tsuna almost let out a 'Hiiee!', but managed to shush himself in time. Tsuna glanced at the boy warily, Hibari had always been a light sleeper after all...

How could the brunet not recognize him? Then again..Tsuna had momentarily forgot that even the demon prefect had been a child once.

Cue shiver.

During his stay at Namimori, Tsuna had rarely seen the skylark due to said skylark running around punishing 'herbivores'. Shaking his head, he continued onwards. He really didn't want the future prefect to 'bite him to death', besides- he didn't think he could handle it at the moment. Plus- he didn't want to deal with the skylark, his tonfas were painful regardless of the fact that Hibari was only...9? But maybe he'd be ready in another..7 years?

Unfortunately, his clumsiness decided to kick in after being dead for a week. (The brunet swore that the Gods hated him and that this was all somehow Reborn's fault.) The poor boy lost his balance and footing, tilting toward the right and tumbling down the grassy bank...

...right onto a napping skylark.

.

.

Welp. There goes the easy life.

He didn't know if was purely an accident or simply the want of interacting with one of his guardians that made him trip and flatten the skylark. It could also just be a form of petty revenge for all the paper work he had to do due to his Cloud Guardian.

.

.

He betted on the latter option.

Omake

"How do you do that?" Hana asked in disbelief.

Tsuna rose a brow in confusion. "Do what?"

She waved her arms in exasperation. "The sparkles! And occasionally some flowers come out when you smile!"

The brunet blinks, twisting his brows as he was even more confused. "What are you talking about? Only mom can summon the weird flowers and sparkles." He paused and looked thoughtful for a moment. "Kyoko too." he added.

"..."

Her friend was an idiot.

Holiday Omake

Sawada Tsunayoshi woke up one Thursday morning feeling relatively normal, which means..things were not normal. The brunet frowned, sliding off his bed and shivering as his feet touched the cold wooden floor. He spent some time trying to find his slippers before giving up and slinking down the stairs.

When he went down, he realized what was the problem.

It was too quiet.

His house had never been so quiet since Reborn came. It was almost eery…He passed the kitchen, darting his head in to see a empty room. There was no Fuuta, I-pin, Lambo, or even Bianchi. They were usually here….his eyes widen as the realization hit-wiping away any trace of sleepiness. Right, they weren't here yet. They hadn't even met yet..I-Pin and Lambo weren't even born yet. It was confusing honestly, sometimes he would still believe that he was in the other world, surrounded by loud noises and cheerful laughs, only to be pulled back harshly and see no one there.

Tsuna looked around, something was still off. His mother wasn't here.

Did she leave to buy something?

No..she wouldn't. Not this early.

His hyper intuition was not tingling or anything, so it wasn't bad. But he was still worried, his intuition might have missed something after all, he couldn't always depend on it.

Deciding to look for her, Tsuna dashed back up the stairs, yanking of his pajamas and shrugging on a orange hoodie before heading back down. He was greeted by a note on the front door.

It was a simple white card taped onto the door, the words and letters scrawled on neatly.

'Going out to get some presents.~

Tsu-kun, Mama needs you to go buy a cake at Confections. I already reserved one!'

The brunet frowned in confusion. Cake? Presents? Was today a special occasion of some sorts? Shrugging it off, he concentrated on the fact that his mother was safe. Thank god..

He didn't know what he would have done if something happened to her..they were still related to the Mafia so she could have gotten involved.

Just like in the other world.

He had told his mother about the Mafia when he became Neo Vongola Primo to avoid danger and to warn her to be careful. Nana had been stressed and overwhelmed at first before accepting it.

That didn't keep others from trying to assassinate her though..

Clenching his fists, he yanked the note off the door before going out. He would go get that cake she wanted, even if it was going to be a long walk.

It was a long walk. An hour in fact. He arrived at the door to his house, panting. He really needed to exercise. A lot.

To be honest, it would have only taken about 30 minutes, but he gotten lost on the way since he had never went to that cake shop before. Plus, the cake shop itself was pretty far. Oh..and he was prone to accidents.

Swinging the door open, he was greeted with a loud BANG, colourful confetti and a shout in unison.

"Merry X-mas!"

The brunet blinked, mouth opened in shock and surprise while 3 pair of eyes looked at him. The sudden flash of light didn't help either.

"Kyoko? Hana?"

Kyoko beamed at him, a handheld confetti machine in her hands. "Tsuna-kun!"

Hana had one in her hands too, smirking at his shocked face. "Took you long enough to come back Sawada."

Nana smiled at her son, the source of the flash -a camera- in her hand.

"Welcome back Tsu-kun."

"Today is Christmas?!" he asked, shocked.

"Araa, Tsu-kun you didn't know?"

He shook his head sheepishly. "No.."

"Pass me the cake." Hana demanded, eyeing the box in his hands-that he luckily- did not drop.

He passed it to her and in turn she passed it to Nana. He briefly wondered why she even bothered to take it from him only to pass it to his mother.

...Logic.

"Tsu-kun, I'm going to cut the cake, you go ahead and go upstairs with Hana and Kyoko-chan, okay?"

Tsuna could only meekly nod before he was yanked upstairs by the two girls. The door was slammed shut as Hana shoved a box to him. The brunet blinked at the nicely wrapped box before another package was shoved into his arms.

"Wha?"

Hana snorts, leaning against his bed. "Its a gift dummy. From me and Kyoko."

"B-but I didn't get you-" he stutters and Hana interrupts him. "Don't worry about it and just take it Sawada."

Kyoko smiles. "Its a X-mas gift...and a gift for staying with us."

For staying with them?

He should be saying that, not the other way around. His eyes sting and he hastily rubs any oncoming tears away.

"Thank you." Thank you for being here with me. Thank you for staying. Thank you for accepting me. Thank you so, so much.

And...Thank you for not leaving me alone.

When Tsuna was 6 (in the other world), he was alone. He was already gifted with the nickname 'Dame-Tsuna' (half way through the year) and no one would talk to him. He was unbearably lonely and any holidays were celebrated between him and his mom only since he had no friends. He was grateful he didn't have to go through it alone this time, the brunet wasn't sure if he could even survive the loneliness.

The two girls look at each other, both knowing that the 'thank you' wasn't only said for the present, but for something else too. Something more deep and probably something similar to what they were grateful about as well.

"Merry X-mas Sawada." Hana says with a small smile.

"Lets fill the next year with many more memories Tsuna-kun."

Tsuna gives them both a wobbly smile.

"Merry X-mas."

Outside the door stood a certain Sawada Nana with a tray full of cakes and drinks. She lets a smile linger on her lips before going back down the stairs.

"Let's wait a few more minutes shall we?"

She glances at the door again before whispering sweet words.

"You'll never be alone Tsu-kun. Ever."