Warnings: Rated T for themes and language. I will be using both manga and anime b/c I like parts of both plots. And errors in grammar, spelling, etc.

Disclaimer: I do not own Katekyo Hitman Reborn anything, but I hope to bring my OC into the world of KHR.

Italicized words = I use them to emphasize, when there is a different language, and when the characters are thinking. If it gets confusing - sorry.

Thank you to ALL YOU AMAZING PEEPS who have favorited, followed, and reviewed this story! \(^u^)/ It makes my day when I'm notified of a new follower/favoriter and I'm eager to read any and all reviews I get.

Special thanks to HuangBaiLian, merendinoemiliano, Megi Keishii, Crystal Blue Butterfly, and LyriaHart for reviewing the last chapter.

To HuangBaiLian: HERE YA GO!

To merendinoemiliano: Sorry this is a late :P but happy new year as well \(^u^)/

To Megi Keishii: Definitely check on Hibari and eat recovery cake LOL.

To Crystal Blue Butterfly: Just saying, but when I was getting notification after notification of your reviews it really made my day (^/^). From the Reborn Wiki, it says that Futa is 9 years old so IDK if I'll specify what exactly his age is, just that he is slightly younger than Nade and will look up to her like an older sister. Nade's pretty mature so it's not hard for him to see her like that, plus he enjoys being cared for by her. Hint hint I have plans for their relationship mwahahaha. Yes, Nade did make the bracelet. Whether fully by Misty means or some artistic maneuvering is your choice! I think my favorite review from you was for Chapter 9, it really makes me laugh! Thanks for leaving some thorough reviews, they were awesome to read!

To LyriaHart: NOW! Hope you enjoy it!

Also, I just realized how weird the timeline is b/c the anime and the manga aren't exactly the same. I'm pretty sure Japan schools start in Spring, yet I said that cherry blossoms weren't in season yet since I based the scene on the Anime. In that case, the Kokuyo incident can't occur from mid-March to mid-April. Therefore, school started April 14th, the end of the cherry blossom season, Kokuyo happening sometime in May and June. And Summer vacation is from the late-July to late-August, then restarts September to December, then winter vacation till January. Gosh, the Japanese schedule gets me so confused sometimes? So Nade is, as mentioned, a first-year, Tsuna is a second year, and Hibari & Ryohei are third-years. I'm gonna give our heroine and heroes some break time, Kyoya/Nade time, and summer vacation. Spoiler, not getting to Varia in this chap but definitely happening in the next.

Sorry, it's taken so long (slight writer's block + thinking of my other story) - ENJOY!


Ugh, I feel like I've been sat on, chewed up, wrung out and left on the spin cycle. A throbbing headache greeted Nadeshiko before she had even opened her eyes. Her face scrunched up as she willed herself to wake up. She groaned as the fluorescent lights of the hospital briefly blinded her; causing another wave of throbs to pound through her head.

"Good evening, Hime-chan!" crooned the annoyingly familiar voice of one Dr. Shamal. "How are you feeling?"

"Evening? What time is it? No. What day?" She croaked. Swallowing only made her throat feel drier. The brown-haired doctor helped prop her up so she had a better angle to drink the water he guided to her lips after witnessing her shaking fingers grasping the cup he gave her. She cleared her throat, "So, what happened?"

He studied the young girl in front of him silently. Just when she was about to repeat her question he answered, "It's been about a day since the Kokuyo incident and the apprehension of Mukuro Rokudo's gang of criminals. Visiting hours were over an hour ago, so Nana-san and the children went back home to rest. Reborn told your mother that everyone went camping to have fun and relax because of the attacks and exhausted themselves after all that 'fun'."

"That is a very shallow excuse."

He shrugged as if to say 'what can ya do.' "It worked."

"And, anything else? How are Tsu-nii, Hibari-san, Futa-kun, and the others?" The last she remembered was the Vongola medical team loading the injured onto gurneys and her brother passing out from the pain of his new Dying Will mode. From what she could see from her position, the only other bed in the room was empty.

"Ah, the Vongola Judaime and his friends are all recovering a couple of rooms away. No one had anything really life-threatening, although that scary friend of yours was really pushing it. He had broken bones on top of broken bones and yet acts like he can go back to beating up - cough, excuse me, disciplining - troublemakers with the way he never says a word about the pain he's likely in."

Nadeshiko could feel herself sweatdropping at the behavior of her childhood friend. At least her initial worry was replaced with a sigh of relief. Everyone is okay.

"As for you," he gave her a level look, "your body and mind are exhausted from Mukuro's mind control and your excessive Flame use. Ranking Futa and you are young, and the continuous onslaught on your minds will lead to some minor headaches for the next few days as well as a possible stunt to your bodies' growth from the stress. I'm confident though that the two of you will have no permanent damage. You, especially, because of your Cloud flames. Cloud users are the next best healers after Sun users, and Mists who deny their injuries with illusions."

Well, I guess that explains why I woke up feeling like I'm hungover.

"Get some more sleep, Hime-chan. I'm sure you'll have some visitors in the morning. I'll notify the staff in the morning that you woke up." His usual perverted smile was replaced with a warmer, reassuring smile as he brought up a hand to gently cover her eyes. "Buonanotte e sogni d'oro, Vongola-hime. (Good night and sweet dreams)"

A whisper of thanks left her lips as she drifted off to a restful sleep with the unsaid promise of protection from the lethal assassin. She was safe and her loved ones were safe. And that was all she could ask for.


A murmur outside her room's door roused the young mist user to consciousness.

She heard the swish and clack as the door was opened abruptly, "NEE-CHAN! Lambo-sama has come to see you!"

"Lambo! Quiet! Nade-nee is hurt," scolded the Chinese martial artist. The toddlers jumped onto her bed and greeted her with a hug.

"Ara, Lambo, I-pin, careful now. Your Nade-nee is injured right now. Good morning, Nade-chan, how are you feeling?"

"Better Mama." Her poor mother must be so worried after finding out her children and their friends were all hospitalized, so she only hoped the smile she exchanged with her was enough to assuage her concerns.

What followed was an update of the state of her brother and friends from her happy-go-lucky mother with random interjections from the energetic Lambo and I-pin. At some point, Shamal returned to check up on her and when finished retreated to lean against the wall - slightly out of sight, but never out of mind - and watched with a thoughtful expression.

Her mama and the others recently left to visit Tsuna's room and so she was left alone. It was still quite early in the day, not even time for lunch yet. Unfortunately, with no hospital roommate, she found herself growing bored and a bit lonely. Thankfully, her mother had brought her some books to read during her stay.

As Nadeshiko was about to start reading a book she's reread at least four other times the door to her room abruptly opened...again. She jumped up, startled, and almost threw her book at the offender until a familiar set of silver eyes and dark hair made her pause.

"Hn," was all he said as he stepped in. She noticed the prefect was dressed in black satin pajamas with a button-up shirt. She silently envied the comfy looking pajamas as she watched him head straight to the empty bed of her non-existent roommate; a near silent poof was heard as he collapsed face forward into the bed. Her navy blue short-sleeve button-up shirt paired with matching bird-patterned, powder blue pants were, for the most part, very comfy and cute.

"Good morning to you too, Kyoya," she teased, "You look better than the last time I saw you. Did you escape your room?"

Her teasing was met with a grumpy glare, "Herbivores were crowding in my room and kept failing at the game I proposed." She eyed the smug shine in her friend's eyes and snorted. Sure he may have proposed the game, but I doubt they were willing participants.

"And you came here because…"

"Hn, Machiko, you sound like you don't want me here."

"Hn, Hibari, you should be resting. Not beating up some poor souls and walking around."

"I'm fine."

"Uhuh, sure you are."

Cue grumpy glare 2.0. Oooh, he added a frown, she snickered internally. His glare then softened to what Nadeshiko perceived as genuine concern. "Are you?"

She looked at him confused, "'Am I', what?"

"Fine."

"...yeah. Headache and exhaustion. At least that's what Shamal-sensei told me." The raised eyebrow he gave her spoke plenty of his belief, or rather disbelief, of her status. "I am fine. I promise."

*clack*clack* "Hibari! Hibari!"

Eh? Nadeshiko heard the high pitched call coming from the window, but couldn't see what or who called due to the drawn blinds. Kyoya seemed to perk up, though none but Nade could tell based on his aura rather than his actual expression. Not seeing the lazy prefect move, she got out of bed and rose the blinds only to be greeted by the adorable sight of a yellow fluff ball.

"Hibari! Hibari!" Awww, it's calling for Kyoya.

She slid open the window just enough for the little bird to hop in and watched as it flew to the still immobile prefect's head and burrowed itself in his hair.

"When did you get a bird?" She wondered if the bird was part canary based on its yellow coloring.

Finally, he shifted to lie on his back - the bird hopping a bit to remain in place as he flipped over. "During Kokuyo." The usually intimidating Disciplinary Head smiled as he pet the crown of the bird now perched on his bangs.

That. Is. Adorable.

"What's its name?" Did he name it carnivore or something? That'd be hilarious.

"..."

"Eh?! Seriously, Kyoya? You haven't thought of one yet?"

"..."

"Hibari! Hibari!"

"...what about Hibird? That sounds kinda cute, ne? Part of your name so it satisfies your narcissistic side and also means 'sun' for its yellow feathers." While her harmless gibe was met with a frown, he did seem to accept the name.

She tucked herself back into her bed, propped up the pillows behind her, and laid her book on her lap. The newly dubbed Hibird flew over and nestled itself on her shoulder. It rubbed its head against her cheek. "Nice to meet you, Hibird! My name is- "

"Mashiko," interrupted Hibari.

"Mashiko! Mashiko!"

"Hey!" she glowered at the satisfied smirk on the ravenette's face. Nade could only roll her eyes.

Figuring that they had a couple hours until food for lunch would be delivered, Nadeshiko turned to her book as her friend began to doze off beside her and his bird continued to use her as a perch. Her narration of the story a soothing background for the napping teen and his new partner.


The hallways were dimly lit. Little noise made as most of the floor's occupants were asleep except for the light brown-haired boy curled up on his bed. He remembered being kidnapped by the purple-haired man and waking up in a dilapidated room alone. He remembered being asked - forced - to rank Tsuna-nii's and Nade-nee's Family. To betray them - or else. But he didn't. He didn't.

And then there was darkness, and people were still getting hurt. His new brother's and sister's friends were getting hurt. And it was his fault. He wasn't strong enough to stop the Mist man and his henchmen from taking his ranking book and tearing out his ranking for the strongest in Namimori. He wasn't strong enough to fight the possession. He wasn't strong enough to stop himself from stabbing Bianchi-nee.

All he did was invoke Omerta - the Vow of Silence. What good that did to help.

Nade-nee got taken because she tried to help him. She got hurt because he wasn't strong enough to escape. Even though Tsuna-nii said it wasn't his fault, deep down he knew it was.

*knock*knock*knock*

The little star's head shot up and faced the door that was quietly opened. "Futa-kun? Are you awake?"

"Nade…-nee?"

"Long time no see, Futa-kun. I've been wanting to check up on you for a while, but kept getting stopped by some of the nurses every time I left my room," her eyes rolled as she gave him a wry smile, "Apparently, I'm not as scary as Kyoya," she joked. Despite the only light being from the faint glow of the moon, Futa thought that his Nee-chan shone so brightly. She always did. Being around her made him feel like he belonged. She was like the sky - all-encompassing and inviting.

He quickly tucked his head back into his arms and knees. I don't deserve-

He could hear her approach him calmly and sit on the edge of the bed. "Futa-kun, can you tell me the truth?" The truth? "How are you?" Fine. "You must have been so afraid." I was. " I'm so sorry it took us so long to help you, Futa." Don't be sorry. "But it's all right now. You're alright. You're safe now."

The faraway sounds of machines and nurses chatting could be heard past the door. As Nadeshiko waited for the other to speak she thought back to their similar experience. There were moments when she was under Mukuro's control that she could feel Futa's Flames - small red sparks flickering against a massive purple inferno. They struggled so hard for so long. She's ashamed to admit she was so pathetically weak she couldn't protect her newest younger brother.

While she hated what Mukuro did to her loved ones, she did feel some sort of companionship with her fellow reincarnation. She felt conflicted. How could she have any sort of positive feelings toward Mukuro after what he did to Futa? But then how could she hate someone whose strongest experience was in hate and pain? She was fortunate to be born into a caring family in both lives. Now, she could only hope that Futa would be able to overcome his ordeal.

"...it's my fault."

If it wasn't so quiet in the room, Nadeshiko didn't think she would have heard the whispered words.

"It's my fault," he repeated.

"No, Futa, it's not. I promise it's-"

"IT'S MY FAULT!" he wailed. "It's all my fault! If it wasn't for my rankings no one would have gotten hurt! If I could have fought harder or gotten away then you and Tsuna-nii and everyone wouldn't have had to rescue me. A-and now…

"I can't hear the Ranking Star!"

His breaths came out as gasps, "I-I-I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I-I don't deserve to call you my nee-chan. I don't deserve to be part of your family or Famiglia. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I-"

A fierce hug cut off his apologetic spiel. "No, Futa it's not your fault."

"But-"

"No. You are not to blame. What happened was because of Mukuro and his gang. They forced you to do things you didn't want to with mind control. Mukuro is a very strong Mist user that even I couldn't fight off and you told me I was ranked third for in my potential to become a strong Mist user. And it's not your fault any of the attacks happened. Even if Mukuro had never gotten your rankings he would have simply had his goons attacked any of Namimori's students. At least the ones they attacked had some chance to fight back."

Nade gently took his face in her hands to meet his wide-eyed stare - tears flowing down his cheeks. She softly wiped them away with her thumbs. "Futa, you fought as much as you could. You took a Vow of Silence to protect us in the only way you knew how. You're my otouto. You're Tsuna's otouto. You became part of our family the moment you followed me home after I found you in Rui's doghouse."

"But what-what if I never hear the Ranking Star again? I've always heard the Ranking Star - always."

She took a calming breath before answering, "I'll be honest Futa, I can't guarantee if you ever will. But maybe the Ranking Star is allowing you to take a break. As you've said, you've ranked for as long as you can remember and then you were forced into a terrible situation because of it. Give it some time, ne? Enjoy the childhood that you've missed out on from growing up in the Mafia.

"Just remember, it's okay if you can't hear the Ranking Star because that's not why we want you around. We love and care for you - Mama, Tsuna, me, Lambo, and I-pin just to name a few - because you're you, not because you can accurately rank things."

The small red spark from before finally began to grow into the flame it was meant to be. Unknown to either of them tendrils of orange flames enveloped and nurtured the red while a minute wisp of purple hovered along the edges.


Everyone's recovery was swift and for the most part painless - aside from anyone who wasn't Nade in the presence of one bored Kyoya Hibari - and were able to leave the hospital after a few days to rest in their own homes.

Shamal was a regular visitor who often took over her medical care, as well as her family and an impatient Futa when she didn't sneak out of her room fast enough. Tsuna hadn't woken up until their second night in the hospital and has since recovered to 100% thanks to Reborn's tender loving - cough - encouragements.

Tsuna was happy to be home. Nadeshiko was happy to be home. Everything was back to normal.

"YATTA!"

Tsuna who was sitting at the kitchen table and Nade who was sprawled out on the couch jumped up at the loud cheer from their mother. Nadeshiko flung into a sitting position and turned her head to her brother at the exact same time he did.

"Mama?"

"I won the grand prize in the raffle attached to the tea bottle! It's a luxury cruise trip to a tropical paradise for a family of three!" informed their mother.

Tsuna's elation after hearing of a prize dulled at the mention of the cruise. "A ship? I get seasick, why don't you and Nade take someone else?"

Nana determinedly reassured Tsuna of the amazing tropical experience awaiting them while Nadeshiko was dreading any sort of ocean adventure. Yeah, no. "Mama, I think I'll stick this one out. I don't want to be stuck in the middle of the ocean stranded on some metal deathtrap. Bring Reborn or something." Her proposal made Tsuna look at her as if she betrayed him.

"Nade-chan," she sang, "You should come too! I promise it will be amazing with yummy high-class food-

"Yes, but-"

"-and soft beds-"

"I know, but-"

"-and fancy events, casinos, and concerts! You'll love it and completely forget you're on a boat!"

"If I'm going, you're going Nade. Don't worry and just have fun." The look he gave her told her he knew what she was worried about and that he wouldn't let anything bad happen.

She consented.

Reborn and Bianchi assured us that they had nothing to worry about when they left for the cruise.

They were so naive.

She should have already known that a free cruise was a fishy deal. Evidently, the cruise was technically free but was headed to a secret island called Mafia Land. Mafia Land. A place where mafiosos and criminals who don't deal drugs were free to relax with their families on the island's beaches, amusement parks, and amenities. A neutral ground maintained by the funding of various Famiglia's and criminal organizations.

The group meant to stay at home - Reborn, Bianchi, Futa, Lambo, and I-pin made their own arrangements to get to Mafia Land without the two siblings knowing. Her poor Nii-chan was running around the ship trying to round up our Family in an chaotic hide-and-seek game thanks to Reborn leading Tsuna into thinking the guards running around the ship were after them.

Lambo, I-pin, and Futa, to Tsuna's chagrin, were attached to the hip to their Nade-nee who had taken them to the ship's upper deck so they could enjoy the pool. He decided to leave them for last, trusting his imouto to corral that group as he searched for Bianchi and Reborn.

Imagine his surprise at finding his friends hiding in the lowest deck of the ship eating bowls of instant ramen beside pig pens. "EH?! Gokudera-kun?! Yamamoto?!"

"Judaime, I'm so amazed you were able to find me! You searched for me?"

"That's...I was searching for Reborn, but...whatever." The Vongola Tenth knew his words would just go over his silver-haired friend's head and just asked why they were even there and how they had gotten on the ship without anyone knowing.

Yamamoto let out a carefree laugh, "Gokudera and I tried sneaking through a passage toward the back of the ship, but then some guards tried to stop us so Gokudera threw some fireworks to distract them."

They bombed the guards?!

"Don't worry, Judaime! As your right-hand man I'll always be by your side!"

The brunette let out a defeated sigh, "That's not the point…"


"Tsuna, you have to do the preparations for entering the island. Go to the front desk and tell them that you've arrived because you're our representative."

"Tsu-nii, do you want me to come with you?" Nadeshiko felt bad for her brother. This was supposed to be a time for him to relax and instead he's still getting heaped with responsibility after responsibility because of Reborn.

Tsuna was really thankful to have a sibling like Nade. When it was their turn at the desk, Tsuna handled stating their name and Vongola association. What neither sibling expected was the verification of an invitation or recommendation to the island.

"We're with the Vongola Famiglia, I doubt just anyone would claim that name. We also came here with Reborn, the #1 hitman in the world. Is this not enough to prove our claims?" This is all Reborn's fault, she thought.

"No invitation means we'll have to check your qualification as Mafia." The fact that the woman at the front desk didn't even look up from her laptop only added to the annoyance beginning to grow in the blonde.

"Great," she grumbled.

Tsuna, on the other hand, grew nervous as the woman then directed him - and only him - to a private room where a large man who looked like an old-fashioned business villain sat in a large leather chair.

Nadeshiko waited outside for her brother to finish the Mafia Test, basking in the sun as she leaned against the wall and fanned herself with a visitor's brochure of the island.

From the corner of her eye, she spotted Reborn followed by Yamamoto and Gokudera walking toward her position. "Reborn-san?"

"Ciaossu, Nade. Tsuna is going to do some training with a friend of mine who lives on the island. Gokudera and Yamamoto will be joining him as his Family so you can head back to Maman and the others."

Nadeshiko acknowledged the suggestion as more as an order. Her brother's friends bickered a couple of feet away as she crouched down to the hitman's level. "Reborn, this was supposed to be a vacation for Tsu-nii. I'm pretty sure training isn't in the description of a vacation."

"Training must be done anytime, anywhere, and Tsuna should always remember that."

"Just...please give him a break at some point to enjoy the island too, Reborn-san."

His answering smirk was not at all comforting.


Shots from what Nadeshiko guess were cannons shook the island.

One moment Nade was spinning on the teacups with Futa, Lambo, and I-pin - she left the spinning to her crazy little boys as she kept I-pin from flying out of the cup - and the next they were swept up in a wave of people toward the island's castle.

From what she could see, Families were grouping together and gathering supplies to fight off the attack. Subtle use of her Mist flames diverted her mother's gaze from noticing the very real looking gun 'props'. To her dismay, her mother still caught on that the majority of the people in the castle were going to fight off the Mafia, but thought it was just an event.

She didn't know if she should feel disappointed or relieved that her mother's obliviousness knew no bounds sometimes.

At some point, while Nade was focusing on making a perimeter of Mist flames - Too. Much. Crowding. - Tsuna had arrived with Gokudera and Yamamoto. Based on the dumbfounded expression on his face, she figured he heard their mother's thoughts on the, in her words, 'neat event everyone's participating in! So exciting!'. Bianchi left to protect their mom and the kids as they left to help prepare food for the eventual victors' celebration.

Approaching her brother, who noticeably was without his sadistic hitman of a tutor, she watched as he grew more and more distressed as the mafioso eagerly chatted with each other as they prepared to fight off the attacking Famiglia.

"Tsu-nii!" she weaved through the crowd that seemed to be growing more and more restless.

"Ah! Nade! There you are," he sighed with relief.

"Where's Reborn-san?" she asked the three.

He wilted further and whined, "Reborns taking a nap with his friend."

"Friend?"

"A weird friend of Reborn who's also a baby, is part of the military, and has a pet falcon," he said in a dry tone. Another Arcobaleno? She had asked Reborn what the term meant exactly after hearing it used by Mukuro; he said it meant 'rainbow' and any who held the moniker was one of the seven strongest infants - one 'baby' for each Flame type.

"THIS BATTLE SHOULD BE LED BY US, THE NERO FAMILY WHO CONTROLS ASIA! ANY OBJECTIONS?!"

"WAIT! WE, THE BECCIO FAMILY, SHOULD BE MAKING THE CALLS BECAUSE OF OUR HISTORY OF TRADITION AND RULES!"

"BACK-COUNTRY HICKS SHOULD STEP ASIDE! THE NUBO GANG FROM NEW YORK SHOULD LEAD!

Whoever started this battle of who has the biggest balls was at the top of Nade's Sick-Kyoya-At List. They were loud and obnoxious. Nade no likey. Guns and blades were beginning to be pulled out by people who were supposed to be working together for the common cause.

"TCH, JUDAIME SHOULD LEAD YOU PLEBEIANS!" Gokudera-san, she only noticed she had smacked herself when she was in the process of removing her hand from supporting her head.

"Judaime? Which unknown family do you come from that you think a pompous kid like you deserves to be called a nickname like 'Tenth'?" jeered the boss of the Beccio Family at the silverette.

"We're the Vongola! Gotta problem with that?" challenged the bomber. Now you've done it.

Immediately, a hush fell over the previously rowdy crowd and next thing either sibling knew, Tsuna was leading the defense.


"Well...this could be worse."

"Oh, really, because I think IT'S ALREADY THE WORSE!" The brunette screamed as he was carried to the front lines by a group of mafiosos.

"Don't worry, Tsu-nii, I'll watch your back." Her customary two-finger salute did little to nothing to calm his anxiety. She hid herself in a layer of Mist flames from all but her brother, fluttering above the group as they rallied to fight the invaders.

Gokudera was - funnily enough - leading the charge; his bombs the perfect weapon to clear a path for the defense. Yamamoto ran beside the mafiosos holding up Tsuna and batting away the strays that made it past his friend.

Suddenly, she dodge out of the way of an approaching mass that entered her peripheral. A body? The Mafia Land 'team' entered the forest where all the bodies were flying in from and were greeted by a baby-sized figure wearing a purple jumpsuit and a white helmet that obscured the eyes. Dividing the helmet into three was a purple stripe containing the dark silhouette of an octopus.

Nadeshiko recognized the pacifier, not the familiar yellow of Reborn's but an even more familiar purple color to her - Cloud flames. So this is the Arcobaleno for Cloud, she observed. He must be as strong as Reborn.

She watched from her perch in the air as the mafiosos' bullets were blocked by a gigantic red octopus outfitted with black armor and restraints. With subtle finger movements from the Arcobaleno, the octopus attacked and threw one mafioso after another.

She absently noted Tsuna denying reality and believing the octopus was a figment of his imagination or that he was in a dream.

So far, Nade was impressed. Skull had a super cool animal companion like Leon, he was winning against a larger force and wasn't wasting excessive energy against his opponents.

"Who's turn is it next?" he taunted. His overly confident high pitched voice, however, was almost as annoying as Lambo's usually is during a tantrum.

"What, you still haven't eaten the octopus yet? Like I said before, I'm sure it'll taste really good."

All the bravado she witnessed disintegrated in the presence of the number one hitman who was perched on a tree branch overlooking the area. "W-Why is Reborn-senpai here?" She could hear his voice shake in terror.

She watched Reborn tease, trick, and beat the other with only one bullet to enlarge the hand he used for commanding the octopus. What happened afterward - a solid beat down of Skull, reminiscent of the ones she's watched Kyoya deal out - only proved to the Sawada siblings that Reborn was truly the number one hitman.

Seeing Reborn's fellow Arcobaleno, Colonello - blue pacifier, Rain Arcobaleno - blow up the Calcassa Famiglia's battleship just proved how deadly and powerful these strongest seven truly were.

So what made them become babies?


"The sea~!"

Tsuna regrettably wasn't able to enjoy the luxury cruise nor the Mafia Land amusement park because of the crazy stuff Reborn made him go through, but now he had a second chance. The beach!

He did feel a bit sorry for Nade though. She reassured him that she'd be alright, but as soon as they were dropped off by their mother her face paled. He hoped she would be okay while Kyoko and her changed into their swimsuits.

"Sorry for the wait! We're done changing!" Kyoko-chan is super cute! Thank you Ryohei-niisan for inviting us! Tsuna felt like he could die right now and be completely okay with it. He was spending a day with Kyoko-chan, his friends, and his sister.

"Eh? Where's Nade?"

"...here…" Tsuna was startled by the sudden and solemn presence of his little sister who he hadn't even noticed was hiding behind Kyoko.

"Nade, are you sure you'll be alright?"

"Yeah," she sighed, "Just...I'll stick by our stuff while you guys enjoy the water, ne?" She didn't want to dampen Tsuna's day. She'd deal with her memories and happily play the 'mother' role in the group as long as she didn't need to go into the water.

He relented but made a mental note to check up on her every so often.

Tsuna, Gokudera, Yamamoto, and Kyoko left to find Ryohei who Kyoko said was helping some upperclassmen lifeguard for the summer.

Nadeshiko was laying belly down on the sunny portion of the beach blanket they laid out. She didn't do it for the tan, but for the warmth she felt on her back as she rested her head on her palm and read a book. She hoped the story would be enough to distract her from her environment.

Plus, her white sleeveless hoodie protected her back from getting sunburned - so warmth plus book plus no consequences equal a happy Nade.

A shadow in the form of a person fell over her text when she was a quarter of the way through the book. She figured whoever it was, was likely talking to someone and just stopped in a place that perfectly blocked the sun for her so she'd just wait until they moved so she could continue reading. She could still read she supposed - And then he gives me a smile that just seems so genuinely sweet with -

*cough*cough*

-just the right touch of shyness that-

*cough*cough*

-unexpected warmth rushes through me.-

"Excuse me?"

She couldn't ignore whoever was interrupting her story anymore. She held back a sigh and looked up with her amber eyes, "Yes?"

"Hey! You're pretty cute! Why don't you join my friends and I surfing?" The guy had a cocky smile on his face.

"No, thank you." Keep it short. Keep it polite. And hope he got the idea she wasn't interested.

"Aw, c'mon, cutie. My name's Ichiro. We'll have lots of fun hanging out together!" He doesn't get it.

"I'm really fine just reading here and enjoying some quiet, alone time, Ichiro-san."

"Psh, you don't know what you're missing out on. I bet you're just playing coy. There's no need to," he said so self-assuredly, "A girl like you who dyes their hair blonde no doubt has a wild side. Let's go!" He leaned in closer and appeared as if he'd reach for her hand when he was suddenly gone.

No, not gone - flung away. Or was he punted away?

Why?

Kyoya Hibari. His black hair tousled up more than usual. He towered over her prone form with a short-sleeved white button-up draped on his shoulders like his gakuran usually was and solid black swim trunks.

"Kyoya?"

"Hn, Machiko."

"You're at the beach?" She looked at him incredulously.

"I can enjoy the beach too, Machiko. As long as I'm not crowded, then everything is fine." She looked around and noticed how their spot suddenly had a radius large enough to fit two other groups in all directions. The power of a Kyoya Hibari, she remarked.

"Lucky for you, there is currently no one around my beach blanket now. Did you come with Kusakabe-san?" She twisted on her stomach trying to see if their Disciplinary vice-leader was around or any of the other Committee members.

"Tetsu is bringing some beach chairs while I found a spot." He glanced side to side then settled beside her in the shaded part of the beach blanket. He closed his eyes and brought his arms up to cradle his head.

"Hovering over green from Namimori lain with verdure."

"No. Kyoya, you didn't," she gaped at her friend.

He raised one of his eyebrows as if he didn't know what she was talking about - his eyes remaining closed. "You taught Hibird the school's anthem? Seriously?!"

His eyes were still shut as a self-satisfied smile appeared on his face.

"You're unbelievable!" she laughed.

Hibird gently landed between Kyoya and her. The little bird hopped up and down making an indent in the sand through the blanket, and once satisfied, wiggled into its temporary nest.

Kyoya napped with Hibird, Nade read and sunbathed, eventually Tetsu arrived with some chairs and placed those closeby in case Kyoya decided to move - he didn't.

Then her brother and his friends returned.

"Nade, how're you doing - Hie! Hibari-san?!"


Otouto = little brother

Imouto = little sister

Yatta = hooray

Judaime = Tenth

Senpai = upperclassman

So, does anybody have an idea of what my plans are for Nade? Or what book she was reading?

AAAAH I'm so excited to start Varia in the next chapter! If anyone was wondering, Nade cannot and will not be Tsuna's Mist b/c in my opinion they've bonded as siblings and as fellow Skies.

While I don't reply to reviews until the next chapters, I do reply as soon as I can to any PMs I get. So if you ever want to ask me questions or anything feel free to for an immediate response (^u^)/.

Thanks for all your support everyone! Every fave, follow, and REVIEW makes my day!

1/30/20