Chapter 42
He took a deep breath, processing everything before he flared up his flames to scan everyone's condition outside of the room. As expected, they were in terrible shape. He, too, was not in the best condition he could be. His mind was rattled from all the information and ways that Byakuran had treated him. The good thing was the latter half of his memories and knowledge were more or less stable.
Byakuran had fallen in love with him.
Such irony.
The other thing was that the memories were there, yet Isago was still strangely calm for someone who went through a thousand ways to die. Perhaps it was because in the latter half, Isago actually had something for Byakuran and accepted the fact that he was being tortured. He knew beforehand that he was going to be tortured. Even though Isago knew that in this timeline, he would never forgive Byakuran for what he had done to him.
Perhaps it was also because Isago had a very clear mindset that all timelines were different. He left what was going on in one timeline to that specific one. If he killed Tsuna in the future, then that would be that timeline's mess to clean up and ponder about. He didn't need to waste energy to think about things that were never going to affect his current timeline.
Or maybe it was because Reborn's sun flames had calmed him down when he was going into hysteria.
"I need a helicopter," Isago rasped out after calculating the days he had passed out.
"Vivo, you need to rest."
"Byakuran will get the ring tomorrow," Isago closed his tired eyes and Reborn stiffened up at the name, taking out his phone from his pockets and calling someone to drive them. There was a moment before all the flames except for two fell limp and quieted down. The two flames moved eerily past the door, the twins trickling in. Lucille was crying silently, lips parted as the light returned back into his eyes.
"Isago-" he wailed, sniffing his own snot before taking a few steps towards him. Lucas was further away from him, but Isago could see the child's hissing teeth bashing against each other, twin daggers in each hand and shaking with rage.
"I will kill him," Lucas's green eyes glowed in the darkness and a coating of mist flames floated onto the ground like a cloud of smoke. His voice was spitting out venom while threats leaked uncontrollably into Isago's head. His muscles in his fingers were tense while he upturned his nose and glared daggers at thin air.
"Let me kill him."
"I will dismember him," Lucille's eyes burned intensely towards Isago. "Let us kill him."
Reborn's flame also flickered mockingly as the ringing in Isago's ears echoed with hatred. His breath quickened as he thought of Byakuran's amused gaze directed at him when he was suffering. Lucas's eyes pulsed at the information.
"Enough- If you won't allow me, I'll do it myself," Lucas seethed before turning his heels.
"A quick death isn't enough," Reborn answered curtly, and even though his tone was calm, his eyes were completely sinister. "Vivo, what do you want to do?"
"Kill him," Isago swallowed, regaining colour in his neck as his shoulders rolled while he laughed, eyes burning with the colour of blood. "But we need to make it quick before he awakens. Once he does, he'll find ways to come to this timeline."
It was still possible for Byakuran to be alerted about this world, since after all, it was what Isago had experienced. But if they killed him before he regained consciousness, it would leave him less time to observe and think. Isago knew that Byakuran was building a time machine. He couldn't let Byakuran locate the timeline his strongest self was in. He needed time to release Reborn from his curse. Eliminate Byakuran from this timeline, and the only one that Isago needed to deal with was the one in the future.
His gaze flickered to Reborn and gave the hitman an ironic grin.
"I'll get the sky Mare. You accompany the twins and get Byakuran."
Although the sun was reluctant to leave him, the bloodlust he had was already seeping out of his chubby shoulders. Byakuran was getting a taste of his own medicine- one that would leave scars forever in his mind.
(ㆆ_ㆆ)
Cervello had their own organization.
In front of him stood a large building that was still small compared to the Vongola. Since Isago had memorized the entire Vongola base, he located the parts which he hadn't visited easily. Cervello's organization was positioned inside Vongola, and with his power to hide his flames from the guards, he sneaked in very easily. There was a subtle change within Vongola, in which half the people were under stress when Isago scanned the flames within the area. Half of them were not satisfied with the results, definitely after it was recorded on camera and broadcast live through Cervello's masks.
It was something that he had learned after leaving the successions using his ability to gain knowledge from other timelines. The reason why the videos were so well taken was because there were cameras embedded inside Cervello's masks. No matter what- it was evident that Isago Sawada was the more powerful and better twin. The fact that Ninth chose Tsuna and the reaction that Isago portrayed on camera had made the loyal followers of Vongola conflicted.
Sawada Tsunayoshi had fallen to the ground while Sawada Isago fought and avenged Ninth. Even though Isago had disregarded Ninth's plea for him to not kill Xanxus, to the general audience's eye, it was better than letting the bastard live. The action that Isago had, running towards Ninth and bawling out his eyes in front of them furthermore pushed their beliefs that he was more the filial grandson rather than the one who shook with pale terror. Not to mention the chaos Tsuna's family had compared to his brother's trusted guardians.
Isago used the fact that Tsuna didn't know about the camera against him. Everything was according to plan. He used Tsuna's reluctant personality during the gathering of the guardians to gain the trust of Vongola and their allies. He led them to believe that he was the perfect leader without telling them that Tsunayoshi was the favourite. Brothers- twins especially would be compared while placed side by side.
No wonder in the future Tsuna had turned so dark. He was left without a single person on his side, and his only hope was his brother's call- yet Isago was too busy in that timeline. The scent of the cool air blew on his neck as he searched for Tsuna's weak flame inside the Vongola headquarters. Sure enough, it was flickering with a depressed shade in the furthest corner of the base. He paused for a moment before flaring up his flame twice before Isago tore his eyes away from the Vongola building and directed to the two girls in front of him.
"Isago Sawada," they said emotionlessly before blocking his way with their flimsy arms. There was a build-up in Isago's gut since he was in a rush to get the ring, but he forced it down his stomach before greeting them politely. When they saw his attitude, they glanced at each other before asking for his purpose.
"I am the owner of the Sky Mare," Isago proclaimed as his eyes slanted into slits. "Hyper intuition led me here."
Cervello locked eyes for a moment before replying that they would wait for the Mare to make its own decision. Isago only smiled wider.
"Cervello, I have yet to thank you for your services for the Vongola successions. A shame that Vongola's Varia killed two of your members but I have avenged them for all of us. Although I am well aware that Vongola is the strongest mafia group right now and you only work under the strongest, I would like to propose a deal with you."
Despite them now showing it on their faces, Isago could feel twitches from their flames the moment he mentioned Vongola's Varia. After all, those two girls died without a single explanation, and because Xanxus was indeed working under Vongola, the deaths were tied with Vongola. Even if they were in the Mafia, that did not mean that each person was emotionless. Like how the Cervello showed bias to the contestants- they had their own emotions and preferences. They were nothing more than human. The two Cervello stiffened in front of him, asking what the deal was.
It was like watching fish biting into the bait.
Isago controlled his expression extremely well, not moving a single muscle that indicated that he was overjoyed. He could feel it- his grasp on the Mare ring. This was the mafia. Bribes were extremely common.
"I'm sure you know what the Mare ring does? A direct counter to the Vongola?" Isago lowered his head with a sly grin before continuing. "Within four years, I will have a family equivalent to the Vongola- perhaps even stronger. By then, if you suggest working under Notte Eterna, I will welcome you with open arms, an organization built to your tastes."
He paused, studying their expressions.
"You will also get full protection from my family."
"What do you desire, Isago Sawada?"
"An attempt to try on the Mare ring before it announces its owner. I will try it on in front of you, and if it does not choose me, I will return the ring without struggling. As thanks, I will give you a machine that can extend your flame use."
The two girls blinked under their masks.
"60 million," Isago said and gave a half shrug nonchalantly. 60 million was just a small price for the mafia who earned 100 trillion or more in a year. "That is how much the machine costs on the black market. Although I don't have it now, I believe that the girls from the succession mentioned that I always keep my word?"
A mention of the dead girls once again.
There was a long pause before the Cervello on the right loosened her stance and rolled back her shoulders.
"Come with me, Isago Sawada."
That was all they needed to say before Isago's smile turned into a wide grin after he thanked them for their decision.
(*^▽^*)
The Sky Mare was located in a white box hidden deep into the headquarters of Cervello. They weaved past countless rooms and took an elevator to the lowest floor before stepping into a dark room with the box placed in the middle of a tall stand. There was a single light from the top shone on the box before Cevello turned on the lights, Isago blinking rapidly to fight the sharp sensation in his moist eyes before one of the girls took the box from the stand and opened it.
A royal red-coated into the cushion that the ring lay in.
...It was smaller than Isago had expected.
The gem in the middle was shaped as a teardrop and instead of the orange hue that Isago had seen from Byakuran's finger, it was a pearly white. Four small bumps were on each corner, holding the gem to the wings. The sky Mare in particular had its wings extended outwards, feathers intricately designed. Cervello brought the ring in front of Isago while the other one blocked the exit, hand lingering on the red button that was held in a glass box just in case Isago went back on his word.
The mafia was still the mafia. They wouldn't trust you unless you had proper evidence that you wouldn't betray them. Cervello didn't say anything and waited for Isago to reach into the cushion to pluck the ring out of its place. His eyes glimmered at the ring, suddenly feeling a warm recognition before sliding it onto his middle finger and instantly-
An orange and blue flame erupted out of the ring, making both girls flinch from the flames that overwhelmed the small space. It was an evident fact that the ring had chosen Isago as its wielder. Isago lowered his flames as the ring's gem-filled itself with blue and orange, twirling itself with mirth to prove his ownership. This was the flame of Eternity inside- a unique flame that only belonged to him.
"...Congratulations, Isago Sawada, you are the owner of the Mare ring."
Isago chuckled, lowering his head gratefully to the two girls who led him outside with a certain awe and respect. They bowed towards him as he turned around to leave.
"We will be waiting for your promise then," they said before Isago's eyes shimmered like the sea and darted to the front where Tsuna was panting out of breath, staring with stunned silence at his brother who came out with Cervello. His brother was wearing his pyjamas, a coat looped through his arms and the Vongola ring chained around his neck. He was sweating, and his bed head was terrible even at night. His worn-out slippers patted the ground as he staggered forward.
"Successor Tsunayoshi," they greeted with a bow before Tsuna stopped in front of Isago, disbelief flashing through his eyes. Tsuna had mastered flame sensing. The younger brother smiled amusingly.
"Isago…?"
Isago's eyes softened at his brother's flushed cheeks before scanning around the area to see if there was anyone that was alerted of Vongola Decimo's absence. Once he confirmed that there was none, Isago turned back to his brother, lowering his volume.
"Do you have time to speak with me? Or should you head back before Mateo sends off sirens-"
Tsuna threw himself at Isago and the younger one stumbled with a grunt from the sudden action. He buried his face into Isago's shoulder, lightly grumbling about how he was so irresponsible.
"Well, I promised you I'd stay by your side, Tsuna," Isago's warm tone echoed out before gently patting his brother on the shoulder. The two girls stared emotionlessly at the twins but Isago could feel their awkwardness radiating from behind. He turned back to them with a wry grin and mouthed to them that he could handle things from here. They nodded instantly, backpedalling like their feet were on fire before disappearing into their own base.
"Call me!" Tsuna whispered out furiously, creases appearing on his forehead as he clenched onto Isago's long-sleeved shirt. "You haven't returned my calls for the past month! Text me! Don't just show up and signal me with your flames! What if I missed it?!"
"Why-" Tsuna's eyes started rounding as he saw Isago's pale face under the moonlight and furrowed up his eyebrows. "What happened to you?"
Now Tsuna was acting like a big brother.
Isago chuckled before wiggling out of Tsuna's tight grasp and maintaining some distance.
"I was placed into a life and death experience to get the same power that Vongola had," Isago grinned mischievously before lowering his gaze towards the Mare on his finger and twisted it against his skin. He glanced up at Tsuna who's hand fluttered to the ring around his neck.
"Did you know, Tsuna? This ring is a direct brother to yours," Isago lifted his chin and rubbed his thumb on top of the gem fondly. "I thought that this ring would be the best for me."
"But that doesn't explain why you had to risk your life," Tsuna jerked his powerless gaze to meet Isago's. The wind made his hair flutter. "Isago, what did you do?"
Isago lifted his eyebrows.
This was a lot of change from his wimpy brother. Well, he also couldn't judge since he saw how dark Tsuna turned later on.
"Rings choose their owners," Isago started, thinking of what information he should tell Tsuna before continuing. He couldn't reveal any hints that the rings were useful in the future, however, he could alert Tsuna about the power in his own heirloom. Perhaps even teach him a thing or two about the rings. "The reason why I wanted the Vongola ring was because it was blood inherited. It was also why I gave the lightning ring to Xanxus without caring."
Tsuna wrinkled his nose in confusion.
"Xanxus was adopted," Isago's gaze glimmered as he watched Tsuna's mouth fall open.
"What?!"
"He wasn't Timoteo's son, which was why the cradle affair happened. Search it up in Vongola's library, section 48. He wasn't able to wield the ring even if he got his hands on it. The only two successors were us and no one else."
Tsuna stared at the ring in his hands then back at the one that Isago had.
"Is that why my ring lights up when I wear it?"
"Mhm," Isago added on. "Only the descendants of Giotto will be able to illuminate the true power of the ring. It is the evidence of your title and it is said that it can enhance the power of your flames."
"T-then yours, Isago?"
"I had to die a thousand times."
"What!"
Isago's reluctant grin came on as he laughed, letting his hand fall down beside him before gesturing to his own face seriously. Tsuna's wide eyes almost popped out of his sockets before he blurted out, "Are you crazy, Isago?! If you wanted a ring, you could've asked me for it! I'm your older brother! I don't need a ring!"
"The rings are that important, Tsuna. We both need one to become the leader of our own groups," Isago shrugged nonchalantly, and stared into the sky with a face of conflict. He had to pull his relationship with Tsuna closer. "Tsuna, I didn't want to force you to take this route- not to mention, you do suit Vongola more than me."
Tsuna squeaked in protest, arms flailing in the air like he wanted to explain something.
"You said you wanted to find your thing," Isago teased and turned his gaze back onto Tsuna's small build. His brother had actually grown in the past month. Isago was still taller though, but the last time Isago saw him, Tsuna was only around his forehead. Isago pursed his lips, reminding himself to splurge on milk when he got home. "You belong to Vongola, Tsuna. Not me. I never belonged to this place from the start. I'll start everything from scratch and make my own family."
"Isago how can you say that? You are my brother!" Tsuna protested and clutched the end of his coat. Tsuna's brown eyes were shimmering in the darkness. He looked a bit lost, opening and closing his mouth like a fish before stepping closer to Isago with glances darting anywhere but him. His cheeks were flushed because of the cold, but it was now redder. "I- I won't ask you to stay in Vongola anymore, but-"
It was like a large stone dropped on Tsuna's foot as he slammed his mouth shut at Isago's smile that slipped from his face. This happened in the future too. Why was Tsuna so obsessed with him? When Isago had noticed it, it was already too late. When did it first start? At home? Before Reborn? When he started dating Usagi?
Tsuna was brave with him unlike his crush for Kyoko. He was used to his brother's presence so it was actually harder to shut Tsuna's mouth by using the same method of playing innocent and dumb. He couldn't reject him outwardly either, Isago knew how that turned out when he ignored Tsuna. It was a relationship he could use- but that would mean giving himself up to Tsuna which he minded and didn't mind at the same time.
Isago didn't know why, but there was an unsettling feeling when he thought of that idea. It wasn't like he couldn't, he just didn't want to. In that timeline, he gave himself to Tsuna and it wasn't bad- but in this timeline, it was different. Isago wanted to focus on his family and actually succeed once in becoming the strongest and completing his goals. He really didn't have time after knowing what would happen if he just sort of stepped out of line in relationships.
"Tsuna, I really treasure you, but you have to give me freedom," Isago finally said before three murderous flames flickered on top of his head. His guardians were back. He smiled slightly at Reborn's flame that was extending out, instantly trying to monitor Isago's state while Isago met his flame halfway with his own. Tsuna's gaze widened before also murmuring out Reborn's name and feeling the interaction that his brother had with his ex-tutor. There was a frown but Tsuna pushed it down with a swallow and glanced at Isago with lingering words. But his mouth clamped shut after giving a blank stare at the younger brother.
"I'll call you, Tsuna. Mateo is going to catch me sooner or later."
"...Isago," Tsuna uttered. There was a long silence of conflict before he groaned in frustration and messed up his hair. "Fine! Call me when you have time! When you create your family, forge an alliance with me!"
The sly smile widened into a broad grin before he chuckled. Tsuna had matured. He had matured so much that Isago felt a bit sad to see the small boy grow up. At the same time, Isago felt proud that the boy was growing up. He had the sudden feeling that he was Tsuna's parent the entire time. Yes, that was how Tsuna was supposed to grow- into an equal who could work with him as a partner. Except throwing in some manipulation from Isago's side and the impure feelings his brother had for him. Well, we don't have to mention that. He ruffled Tsuna's hair before waving goodbye to him.
"See you later, TsunaTsuna."
Tsuna's eyes widened at the name, the adoring gaze from his brother almost made Isago laugh out loud at how cute the child was. Sure enough, Tsunayoshi Sawada was a cute brother to have. Tsuna's cheeks glowed before his eyebrows relaxed into a smooth forehead, a gentle smile that Isago hadn't seen since the beginning of Reborn's appearance. It was just like those days- when both brothers didn't have to worry about anything aside from their daily lives.
"...Yeah, you too, weirdo Isago."
(ㆆ_ㆆ)
There were screams coming from the torture chamber, which Reborn named in amusement, that was actually a random room that no one wanted to use. Isago wanted to question where they even got the weapons from since they didn't have it in the small one-floor house in the first place. The place was not as luxurious as the penthouse that Isago had in the past, but it was enough for his guardians. All his guardians and Adriano were in their respective rooms, sleeping from the lack of rest they had from the previous few days. Isago however, could not rest even a bit.
His fingers dashed across the board to enter more materials for the event today.
He couldn't see Byakuran despite all the things that man had done to him. Isago prioritized his own safety first before Byakuran could yank him into the future by some unconventional means. The twins never appeared in front of Byakuran- and even if Reborn was well known in the mafia, Byakuran had no further evidence that in this timeline, Reborn was part of Isago's family.
He needed more time before the future arc happened.
"Vivo," Reborn's voice came out from the darkness and Isago's head snapped up to meet him before casually closing the tab that he was on just moments ago. Reborn's work was clean- the suit and his hands completely free from blood as he shuffled closer to his sky and hopped onto the couch that Isago was furiously typing on. The screams of Byakuran shrieked through the door before Reborn shifted in his seat, Leon jumped off of his shoulder and sat on the armrest.
"You should be resting."
"No time, I'll do that later," Isago grinned before returning to his screen. He was trying to finish everything that was happening around him. First were allies, he had made a list of potential allies that they could link with in the future. Other than that was the materials that he had to send Verde for the Flame Extender machine and ship it over to Cervello. Thank goodness Thadeka had completed her task before she came rushing back. The materials for his new base were also here- moved to a part of the forest that Isago had Lucille create an illusion over it. His eyes flickered back and forth on the numbers before confirming the correct price.
It was supposed to be Adriano's job since he was good with accounting, but Isago also knew the basics of it and since Adriano was so busy completing Tethla Young's problem and trying to set up a date with the Giglio Nero family. Manners mattered. Instead of going unannounced, Isago had Adriano do full research on the Nero family's situation and ordered what they needed most. Surprise- Aria was currently the head of that family.
Isago really didn't remember anyone else aside from Uni, since the rest were either background characters or mattered nothing except for jerking a tear from the audience to sympathize with Uni. He felt Reborn's watchful gaze on his face as he continued to read about the family.
"Vivo, I have the world's best inventors already lined up," Reborn said casually before Isago tore his attention off the screen and a charming smile broke out on his face like it was infected by polar bears. The winsome grin on Isago's face made Reborn's flame twitch with a giddy hop. Isago didn't know why, but ever since Reborn harmonized with him, the hitman's flame had been dancing right in front of him.
"Thank you, Reborn," Isago's eyes danced with mirth. This would save him a lot of work- so much work and could get his family to his plans on time. It was to the point where he wanted to crush Reborn within his arms- but again, Reborn was not fond of contact so he instantly brushed it away from his mind. Reborn twitched beside him and Isago knew that it was showing in his flames.
"I never thought you would be the touchy type, Vivo," Reborn's mischievous voice teased along with the glint in his enormous, round eyes. It was actually true- in the past, he would not have touched Usagi unless she wanted it and the situation required him to. Isago's grin flattered the moment he said that, then instantly narrowed his eyes before securing Reborn inside his two hands and lifting him up from his seat and onto his lap. There was a rise of amusement from Reborn and Isago pointed to his hat expectantly.
"Hat, off."
"So bold of you," Reborn's lips curled up at Isago's expressionless face. He tilted his head to the side, and with a cute chirp as his cheeks jiggled a bit, he said, "Why don't you take it off for me?"
Just by the way Reborn said that- oh god.
The image of Reborn's adult form from other timelines entered his mind, the long legs crossed over each other and the sadistic smile that made Isago want to slap his face because- the fangirl inside of him.
There was a tint on Isago's face as the smile on Reborn grew sly, sipping on amusement. Why did it sound so dirty from Reborn's mouth? Even when Reborn used an innocent tone, the sun flames were directly coddling up Isago's chest. Goddamn, this hitman was shameless! But Isago directed his embarrassment to acting dumb and took off the hat with a fluid motion, placing it on Reborn's lap before plopping his chin on Reborn's fuzzy hair and started typing once again.
"Your first time, Vivo?"
"Shh, body heaters don't talk."
"I would rather not heat your bed, Vivo."
"...For your previous question, no."
Reborn's eyes snapped up towards Isago with dark curiosity. Isago didn't flinch or even care about the stare that Reborn was giving him. There was a click of his tongue before Reborn voiced out the only conclusion that he could come up with.
"Bei Li."
"Surprised you still remember that," Isago replied before finishing several emails and sending them out all at once. He then found three emails linked with their names and stating that they were blackmailed- recommended by Reborn to join his family. A smirk reigned on his face before he typed greetings to them, with the meeting time and place.
"Was it interesting, Vivo?"
Isago made a face before staring with a sarcastic mock in his eyes.
"Let's just say that I would go through Byakuran's tortures again rather than wash an unconscious man- it scarred my eyes," the image of Bei Li popped into his head no matter how much he pushed it back. Isago let out a stressed sigh before murmuring, "My poor, innocent soul."
"I can hardly call you innocent, Vivo," Reborn chuckled darkly and cocked his head to the side. "For someone who would manipulate everyone around him using seductive methods…"
"They were useful," he finished up his work and closed the laptop in front of his face with a sigh. It was actually hilarious how Isago missed being bombarded with work since his family was still starting off. There were no cases that needed his report or any history that he could learn how the mafia was made to be. He shifted the laptop off of his lap and glanced back at Reborn's luminescent eyes. "Physical seduction and mental seduction are different."
"Did you know?" Isago grinned sardonically. "I was the type to cover my eyes if a topless man appeared before me?"
Reborn blinked.
"Seriously?"
"Was, not now," he pointed out and laughed. "Was never interested in sex and never will be. Too busy for that."
"A pity then, Vivo," Reborn gave him an irresistible smile and started playing with his sideburns. "You could learn a whole lot about a person in their most vulnerable moment."
"Then it must be that I haven't met someone who could provoke me to know their every moment," Isago relaxed on the couch before propping his chin on his hands that used Reborn's head to support them. He felt Reborn glance at him with a certain shimmer in his eyes. "Aside from the timelines that I was chained down by two people, and drugged under them-"
Reborn stiffened. "What?"
"Should I not have told you?" Isago lifted his eyebrows when he felt the coldness seeping out of Reborn's body. He chuckled and lifted his hands off of Reborn's head before grazing his fingers over Reborn's fedora and drawing a circle on the top of his hat. "Let it go, Reborn, they're in different timelines."
"Who?" Reborn's shoulders didn't relax at all before he snapped at Isago's calm facade. "How can you keep calm?"
"One reason why I'm the perfect Mare ring user," Isago answered then smiled coldly at Reborn. "-is because I have a clear mindset that what happens in that timeline belongs to that world. There is no need for me to seek revenge for something that never happened in my world. Plus, I've already taken countermeasures to ensure that it doesn't happen to me."
He would, though, take their weaknesses and use them to his own advantage.
"Baka Tsuna," Reborn hissed before narrowing his eyes. Although Reborn didn't say anything, the thin smile made the hairs on Isago's back stand for only a moment. Isago's expression didn't change, but the flicker in his flame was enough to give answers to the hitman. That was only one person. The second one- Reborn pursed his lips before spitting out a, "Byakuran."
There was a moment of pause before Reborn's eyes widened then reverted back to normal.
"You're going to use it against them," Reborn lowered his gaze and clenched his fists. Smiling sarcastically, he laughed almost with menace. "You're too twisted for your own good, Vivo."
"I live up to it," Isago thanked him with a cruel grin. "It wasn't my choice, but the taste of a reincarnation can feel like a drug, Reborn."
Reborn's eyes darkened at his words.
"Are those words from them?" He questioned and Isago shrugged casually.
"That was why Byakuran fell," he chuckled with a low tone. "Tsuna cooperated with me and willingly became a puppet ruler. It reminds me of their carpe diem mindset, only indulging themselves in pleasure while leaving weaknesses that I gladly took for my current timeline."
Isago's voice fell darker as his eyes automatically blared to blood red. Reborn didn't flinch but his flame had hardened against Isago's words. "I'm not the type to sit back and complain about my disadvantages, Reborn. If I was in your position, I would be grateful for eternal time. Although that's because I know I'm able to solve your curse sooner or later."
"Manipulative brat," Reborn shot out, conflict battling inside his eyes before letting out an ironic laugh. "What a dangerous sky, seems I can't let my guard down with him."
"You don't think I trust you enough?" Isago's tone suddenly lightened up with the red cooling down back into golden. In replacement of the smirk he had, the smile this time was gentle and innocent, resembling the casual head-bob he did as he continued to draw circles on top of the fedora.
"You know me more than the twins although they have the capability to specifically dig into my past," Isago leaned back and placed Reborn onto the couch. There was a moment of confusion that passed through Reborn's eyes before Isago told him to wait a moment. He went into the kitchen and when he came out, there was a hot cup of espresso along with the macaroons that he made three days ago. He had actually made it just in time before the macaroons went bad. What perfect timing.
"Happy birthday, Reborn," Isago said casually and handed him the tightly sealed box. It felt a bit awkward in his imagination, but when it was actually time to give it to him, it was different. Isago felt a bit embarrassed since he was giving this whole thing to Reborn alone- not to mention it was something he had made instead of buying and was so small that Isago suggested to not even give it to him.
But well.
Something was better than nothing.
Isago gave him a slight smile before placing the box of sweets onto the couch and handing Reborn the mug. Reborn was quiet for once before lifting his dark and shimmering eyes at Isago. Awkward. Very-
"We have a party set at 6 pm. My guardians know about your overall situation, so be free to-" Isago paused and shrugged nonchalantly even though his stomach was flipping like a fish. "-Enjoy yourself with alcohol and stuff."
A sly smile crawled up Reborn's face before he tilted his head innocently to the side. "What 'stuff' do you mean, Vivo? Will you personally entertain me?"
"No," Isago pursed his lips and his smile did not reach his dead eyes. "I've gotten to the possibilities that you would ask for that, but unfortunately I'm still sane enough to choose what I can permit to my guardian's requests."
"I'm curious as to what the reincarnation drug tastes like," Reborn gave Isago a coy smile and Isago's cheeks reddened only a bit. Only a bit.
"It will destroy you," Isago gave him a lopsided grin and rested his hands in his pockets. Isago murmured in his head to keep casually and a poker face without thinking about the adult Reborn. Reborn was indeed very attractive when he was grown. The pretty boy type without trying too hard. "You shouldn't tempt yourself."
"I'm sure I can handle it, Vivo," Reborn's sly smile curled up before growing wider when Isago covered his mouth and looked away, ears red to the tips. It was dangerous to play this game with Reborn. He was a veteran at seducing, after all. Against Isago's wishes, his heart thudded, crashing inside his mind before he removed the hand and drew a shaky sigh.
"Keep your bedroom stories to yourself, Reborn. I have a family to take care of."
Reborn chuckled with a certain allure in his eyes before placing the mug on the couch and unpacking the lid of macaroons. Without hesitating, he popped one into his mouth before staring back at Isago.
"You've tailored this to my taste, Vivo."
"Anything for the birthday boy," Isago placed his hand over his chest and bowed playfully, flashing a quick smile after looking up. "Should I call you 'sir' for the rest of the day?"
Reborn scoffed, the twinkle in his eyes brightening up his entire face before he said, "Thanks, Vivo."
(*￣０￣)/
"Lucas...Isago won't abandon us, right?" Lucille clutched his own arm before flickering back and forth from the door and the wall beside the door. Behind them, the corpse of Byakuran was lying in a pool of blood and his white hair had completely turned into a dirty color of blood. His face was completely pale, but no one could tell who it was because his face was already disfigured. Lucas stared absentmindedly at the door before he lifted his head.
"Isago isn't the type."
"I agree!" Lucille's green eyes instantly lit up along with the smile that resurfaced on his face.
"He's the same as us," Lucas repeated as a way to persuade himself to accept it. The scalpel in his hand was barely trembling, only stiff as it pointed to the ground. He looked towards his bloody hand then dropped the knife with a clatter, feeling the numbness of holding the thing for too long. They were under intense pressure just moments ago, but once Reborn had left the room, their methods had gotten even bloodier than normal.
They had to pay Byakuran back for what he did to Isago.
"Lucas, don't worry!" Lucille chirped and tugged on Lucas's shirt with an affectionate grin. "Isago is the same as us! Only he can understand us because we're our mother's-"
"Creations," Lucas said before blinking twice at the door then back at the corpse on the floor. Their shoes were completely soaked with the color red, and thank goodness Isago had told them to wear shoes that they didn't care about before stepping into the room.
"But she is human. All humans will abandon each other sooner or later."
"Our mother abandoned us," Lucille's moon-eyed gaze shimmered with a dull look before repeating into Lucas's ear. "But Isago is different. He'll stay by our side forever even if he loves someone other than us."
"He'll love us forever," Lucille whispered gently and kneaded Lucas's arm like a devil's whisper. There was no break in Lucille's voice and Lucas could feel the mist flames evaporating into the room to cover all traces of them stopping their torture minutes ago. The young boy fluttered his eyes back at the dead man, and his eyelids slanted downwards. "Because he isn't human."
"Because he isn't human," Lucas said and his eyes flashed before a placid smile broke out on his face. "He will love us."
"Forever," Lucille reassured his twin. "Forever and ever."
...(*￣０￣)/
"Yes, thank you for joining me. I shall see you tomorrow then," Isago confirmed on his phone before glancing up at the party- well, banquet in this case, for Reborn's birthday. He had talked to a few inventors beforehand in their meeting to find out their preferences on food and drinks for their meeting. For some reason, each of them was extremely happy that their new boss was so generous and caring.
It was also at this moment that Isago wanted to ask why they all thought that the man Reborn was working for was a devil. The look on their faces would be priceless when they lay their eyes on him. Isago chuckled before sipping his apple juice that was poured inside a wine glass. In the corner of his eyes, he saw Bei Li playing a game with Aurelio and keeping him in company while the girls giggled at the side, in their gorgeous dresses. Thadeka had requested a desk for both of them, placing her fortune-telling cards on the white table before a wave of rain flames washed over that area.
"Hah! You suck!" Aurelio's energetic voice hollered out before demanding a second match with Bei Li. The older teen rolled his eyes, commenting something about his beauty before standing up with a sly smirk upon his lips. Two seconds later Aurelio shot up and kicked Bei Li on the butt, his face filled with disgust before getting into a dog fight.
Reborn was talking with Adriano, both of them drinking their wine as they reminisced about the good old days when they worked together. Servers walked professionally on the red carpet, bringing glasses around on their round trays. They smiled at Isago, although at some instances directing weird looks to the baby who was sitting high in his seat and sipping champagne.
He had to admit though, Reborn in a suit and holding a glass of wine had class. His eyes lingered on the figure of the infant before turning towards the twins who were stuffing chicken in their mouths while conversing by mind. Lucas shot him a look before reaching out to him with his barely sensible cloud flames.
I told you to eat.
Isago stifled a laugh- it was more than a snort because Lucas' words reminded him of his old grandfather who stared at him from afar and stuffed meat into his mouth when he was a child. The good old days-
Shut up.
Isago laughed and held in the bubbling amusement in his stomach before walking over to the food table where the twins were sitting before. Lucille lifted his head, a bit of chicken sauce stuck on the side of his chubby cheeks before Isago took his napkin that was sticking outside from his chest pocket and rubbed it on Lucille's face to get the grease off his red lips. The boy closed his eyes from the sensation, two fluffy cat ears appearing on his head before they squeezed themselves and Isago was left in a tender state where he wanted to ruffle Lucille's head. Lucas scoffed, but watched Isago finish his job.
"Mhm! Thanks, Isago!" Lucille grinned and stuck out his fork which had a sesame ball stabbed on top of it. Isago grinned, leaning downwards before engulfing the entire ball into his mouth and munching on it, tasting the red bean and soft insides mixed with the perfect amount of sweetness. When he swallowed, Lucille lowered his head expectantly, a tail poofing out of his pants as the words, Pet me, pet me!
-rang out in his head.
Isago chuckled and ruffled Lucille's head before another fork jabbed him at his direction, the lone wolf Lucas having a piece of green pepper on his utensil. Isago lifted his eyebrow and ate it without questioning, but the thought was already there, asking if Lucas was doing it on purpose to avoid vegetables.
"I don't dislike vegetables," Lucas clicked his tongue and stabbed another green pepper and lifted it at Isago's lips. He watched warily at the child's actions, a bit amused, a bit skeptical at whatever he said before Lucas interrupted him in real life. "Eat."
"You're having a good time," a deep voice rang out behind him and Isago turned his head to see the lightning arcobaleno holding a glass of wine and stepping towards him with his other hand stuffed into the pocket of his lab coat. Lucas's fork lowered along with the corner of his lips directed at Verde.
"Welcome, Verde. I trust you didn't have any problems getting past the servers?" Isago said before lifting the glass of apple juice from the table and greeting him. Verde smirked, eyeing everyone in the room before tossing Isago a card with a new location on it. Lucille exchanged glances with his brother before stuffing a piece of cake into his mouth. His cheeks puffed up while he ate, most likely asking Lucas to read into the scientist's mind.
"I'm just here to send my congratulations to Reborn for finding his sky along with your notice that your submarine is here," Verde inched further from the table, and turned around without tearing his gaze from Isago. "I'll be using Viper for my experiments. I trust as long as he's alive, anything is fine?"
"Go ahead," Isago gestured with a relaxed grin before Bei Li waltzed up to Isago along with a footprint on the back of his suit. Verde stared at the footprint before chuckling with a mocking tone.
"Fellow lightning, you should leave your coat on the table."
"Well aware, my fellow lightning, but I'm just too gorgeous to refuse the mark my fan left me," Bei Li smiled mischievously before leaning his arm on Isago's shoulder. The bracelets on his wrists shimmered until Bei Li poured a bottle of alcohol into Isago's apple juice.
"What the hell are you drinking?! You're a mafia don at this stage!"
Isago stared warily at the cup that was now infested with something other than water or juice. Verde's low laugh took his attention off of the cup and with an entertained glimmer in his eyes, he pointed to the card and said, "I need to talk to you about your flame on that day. Enjoy your banquet, my client."
With that, he left to greet Reborn.
"I don't drink alcohol, Bei Li," Isago sighed and watched Bei Li pour himself another glass. It seemed like his lightning had a high tolerance. Not bad at all. Isago quirked a small smirk as he drafted out possibilities of placing Bei Li in his place for business meetings involving liquor.
"Isago," Bei Li patted him on the back and shook his head as if disappointed. "Alcohol is good for your skin and sleep. Do you see all the black eyebags you have under your tired eyes?! Such impudence as my boss!"
"You can be our face logo, but I'm not giving into peer pressure," Isago smiled pleasantly and pushed the glass against Bei Li's chest. "I haven't drunk any in my life."
Which was true because his parents in his past life were control freaks. They didn't allow him to touch alcohol until he was married. Coffee was also only allowed after he turned 25 since there was a saying that coffee would damage the brain? Isago didn't know clearly, but what he did know was that even if he wanted to try the liquor, it would be after his body became physically capable to take in this...drink.
"Try," Bei Li insisted with his face pushed against Isago's. His eyes were gleaming with an evil twinkle and Isago didn't like it at all. He made a face before Bei Li hissed playfully, the grin widening like Chesire cat's smile in the darkness. "As your lightning, I command you to try."
Isago's eye twitched before giving him an empty smile. "As your sky, I demand you to drink by yourself."
"I'll leave after you've drunk that glass," Bei Li gestured with the glass in his hand and clinked it against Isago's. In the corner of Isago's eye, he saw Usagi smile cutely at him with flushed cheeks from drinking with Thadeka. Isago decided to head back to his room after this. There was no way he was going to risk the chances of being caught with a red face and drunk slur. Bei Li cackled on his shoulder. "One glass, no more."
Isago sighed before taking a single sip but Bei Li's eyes were trained hard on the full glass with expectations from his so-called boss. With a groan, Isago poured the whole thing down his throat, tasting the bitter and acidic liquid burn in his mouth and scrunched up his nose.
"You like this taste?"
"It's the temptations of an adult, boss," Bei Li grinned lazily before pouring Isago another cup. "Just relax and pucker up!"
"I plead you not," he murmured before taking another sip.
.(*￣０￣)/
It was unusual to see Vivo drunk.
When Reborn walked in early from the party, he was surprised to see Vivo's door open and murmurings coming from his room. The boy had ingested alcohol from his lightning- Reborn had seen all of that with amusement. A pity that Vivo left the party after his third drink and realized that Bei Li was baiting him to drink more for the sake of seeing a drunk boss stagger around. Reborn was on the same boat, a bit interested in seeing Vivo's drunken state.
"Vivo," Reborn called as he walked into the dimly lit room. The boy was leaning on his bed along with his legs dangling over his mattress. The back of his hand was covering his eyes but Reborn could see the flush on his sky's face. It was very...refreshing to see. There was a lamp lit on the bed table- which was the only light source in this room. A smile curled its way onto Reborn's face before he hopped onto the bed as it made his light body bounce a bit.
"Vivo," Reborn patted Isago on the leg and for a moment there, Reborn saw a flinch coming from the boy. There was a lasting sigh that escaped the boy's lips before he giggled at nothing in particular. Reborn blinked after listening to his student's chimes.
"Ah-" the boy groaned before he flipped over on his bed, white shirt accidentally lifting over his stomach which caused a bit of his skin to reveal under his clothes. Reborn's eyes flashed darkly, feeling the alcohol crawl on his skin too. The pink hue on Isago made Reborn's head skip a beat, unable to take his eyes off of the person in front of him.
"I'm drunk. I'm so drunk."
Reborn lifted an eyebrow and took off his hat with amusement. It was so weird because he was not the type to hesitate if he wanted something. Again, he wasn't hesitating on Vivo at all. Reborn was only taking it slow and it was something new to him.
"Vivo, you do know that drunk people would deny that they are drunk?"
Isago buried his head into the sheets, mumbling about things that were incoherent to Reborn for the time being.
"Ah- I can't believe my favourite character is right beside me-" Isago chuckled and lifted his head. The silver hair that he had was completely messed up, but it was soft when Isago raised his slender wrists through his fluff before dropping down to peek at Reborn.
"Favourite character?" Reborn blinked and tilted his head. "What do you mean?"
He would be lying if he said that he wasn't using Vivo's drunken state to learn more about him. Isago smiled with a puff, sweet, sweet words seeped out of his lips and Reborn was suddenly dazed at the boy's feelings.
"It was a miracle to be transmigrated into an unfinished anime," Isago closed his eyes sappily and giggled loosely. "It was even more disbelieving when you showed up, just like in the films."
"Vivo," Reborn murmured and glanced at the kid. "You're not from this world."
"Mhm!" Isago bobbed as his eyelids fell heavily, eyelashes fluttering as if trying to stay awake. The grin on his face was so charming in that moment, but Reborn was conflicted. It was sudden, but Isago's face suddenly dropped into the dark sides, pouting then frowning. "You were supposed to never find a sky. Tsuna was never supposed to have a twin. This world was never supposed to have a second Mare user…"
His words made Reborn's gaze harden.
Isago fluffed out his cheeks, lowering his head before sliding his hand into the silky sheets. "I don't belong here."
"Vivo, what's done is done. It was uncontrollable."
Isago pushed himself up before looking at the hitman once again and smacked his lips groggily.
"I hate and love that form of yours, Reborn."
"What?"
"You're just so…" Isago trailed off before grinning like a fool. "Cute."
Reborn decided to just go along with the flow and see how everything turned out. It wasn't like he minded people calling him cute- especially from Vivo who held back every time for his sake. If it was anyone else, Reborn would have paid them back.
"Ahh- you're so cute that it hurts-'' the infectious smile broke out on Isago's face as he laughed and crawled towards the hitman. Reborn's gaze was already ravishing Vivo's body, but Vivo's moments made everything seem so much more sensational. Perhaps it was because he hadn't enjoyed himself in quite some time, or maybe it was because of the lighting in the room-
"Your adult form was so handsome too…" Isago grinned, a burst of bubbles and laughter came out of his mouth as Reborn's face jerked up. Could he even be surprised by now? This boy had timeline powers, but Vivo's words sprouted a renewed resolution inside of Reborn. He could do it. Vivo could break his curse. He knew from the start when Usagi told him, but now there was a third witness. Reborn had to accept the fact that his sky- was also the person to release him from the loop.
It felt like a dream.
"Handsome-" Isago's face flushed redder before he physically shook his head and blinked a couple of times as if to wake himself up. Reborn laughed a bit. Drunk Vivo was an honest one. "I'm so jealous...why were you born so pretty...?"
There was a single poke towards Reborn's cheeks before Isago pulled the infant into his arms and propped his chin on top. He grinned, giggled for the next few minutes before continuing with a slur in his tone.
"I just want to suck you."
Reborn blinked and in that one second, he heard a chomp on the top of his head. The hitman stiffened under the warm tingling feeling of the boy's mouth before he lifted his head- seemingly confused on why the skull was so hard. He tried once again, but this time Reborn smacked his palm into Isago's face and pushed the boy off.
"Why…?" Isago glared at the hitman- though his gaze was unfocused. "Why won't you let me eat you?"
This boy- there was a twitch from Reborn's eyes.
"Do you think that I wouldn't take advantage of you, Vivo?" Reborn's sophisticated voice rang out almost like a low purr before he smiled seductively. The shimmer in Reborn's eyes was evident before he chuckled at Isago's confused and dazed expression. "I am a very selfish man, Isago."
"I'll let you then," Isago's head fell backward on his shoulder and suddenly there was a complete change in their positions. Reborn was actually being pushed down by his student- Isago laughing triumphantly as his fingers trailed over Reborn's right arm and grasped the hitman's hand. There were no words Reborn could say that described the lust building up inside his chest. He was trapped in a baby's body for the past decade, and he knew that his body couldn't handle alcohol like before. It was almost devastating when he had the urge but couldn't get it off because of his body.
"I like you," Isago sobered up and it made Reborn's attention snap back to the male who was on top of him. There was a sigh before the shimmer in Isago's eyes made Reborn's smile twitch along with the pounding of his heart. Reborn knew he couldn't take the words of a drunk seriously. But he would take advantage of the male's slip-up.
"I like you, Reborn."
"I never knew you had such passionate feelings for me, Vivo?" Reborn teased and the boy's tantalizing gaze became even hazier at his words.
"I don't know why but you make me feel alive," he rasped out and Reborn's eyes widened. They glimmered with ecstasy because- because it was the same with him. "I don't know why but I can't bear the thought of killing you."
"When I thought you didn't want to join me- I knew-" Isago's breathing quickened as he clutched Reborn's small hand tighter, squeezing his eyes in pain. Reborn didn't say anything but searched Isago's eyes for an answer. He didn't know what to feel when his student was talking about his plans to assassinate him. "I knew that I would have to kill you- but I couldn't."
"I can't," Isago spat out, glaring daggers before smiling ironically while his voice lowered into a whisper. "And I hate myself for it. I hate myself for not being able to be cruel to you. I hated myself for having a weakness. It reminds me of my past life where I had to act like their good girl with perfection- no freedom, with shackles all bound to my limbs. I hate being forced down against my will but I'm used to it."
"I'm used to it," Isago croaked, and tears started plopping out of his eyes. One drop landed on Reborn's cheek and Isago laughed at his expressionless face. Isago clutched the bedsheet tighter as he bit his lip. "Do you think I wasn't scared after being drugged by Byakuran? Do you think I was happy after giving myself to Tsuna in exchange for power?"
"I was so scared…" his voice broke before he hung his head powerlessly. "I was trembling after the second time Byakuran forced me down. But I endured- I held it in to capture his affections so that I would win. I adapted- Tsuna was better but the truth was that I had to, because he wouldn't let me out-"
"Why?" He echoed, a bit lost. There was a vacant stare from Isago as he asked again. "Why am I so weak? Why can't I grow stronger? Why am I still so lacking? Why does everyone want to take advantage of me?"
"Vivo," Reborn uttered, flickering his eyes towards the boy.
"I want to strangle myself for not being able to reach my standards- I want to slap myself for not being good enough-" Isago gritted his teeth and collapsed onto Reborn's body with a heavy thud. He was wheezing, a couple of tears appeared in the corner of his eyes, falling so elegantly that Reborn could have mistaken it as a drip of water from the ceiling. "Why am I always not...good enough?"
He's breathing stabilized and Reborn shifted his head to the side to glance at the boy. His cheeks were wet but his expression was somehow calm as he slept. Isago's long lashes fluttered up and down a couple of times and his pale skin glowed under the moonlight. Reborn clenched Vivo's hand tightly before looking back at the ceiling.
"You are my sky."