A/N:

I haven't said this yet in the past chapters. Thank you for all the hearts (favorite thingies) and the reviews. You people did a good job on making me upload six chapters (including prologue) in a week.

Anyways...

@Espeon35: Tsuna wasn't tricked to do the exorcism. ( - ) He was willing to help regardless of the situation. He is the defender of the weak, so whether he liked it or not, he still needs to do it. And besides, how can he let Hana-chan do all the work? He can't leave his friends behind. Also he didn't mind being blamed. It's just Madam Cara (I don't even know why this woman likes those bully over Tsuna), and the price of being the Saint Academy delinquent. As for the motivation, you'll find out eventually why he doesn't have it yet.

Anyways, onwards to the chapter.

Chapter Five

Tsuna coughed at the dust that surrounded him and glared at Hibari who had brandished his tonfas. He quickly looked around for something to use against the prefect. What he got is the display spear on the other's office. He raised it on time when one tonfa almost smack his head and blocked another when it almost hit his stomach. He grumbled at the heavy blows before attempted to kick the noiret who jumped away.

He flexed the spear, not used to it since he often went for hand to hand combat against all his offenders. After swirling it around with two hands, he stomped the end of the spear on the ground and looked at Hibari who is still in his fighting stance. Tsuna sighed before smirking and curved a finger. That aggravated Hibari more and attacked. He defended. Whatever made Hibari so mad must be very unpleasant. To attack him right before he entered the room, just to smash the old book shelf that's already collecting dusts, He must be really angry.

After a long hour of fighting inside the disciplinary office (thanks God it's big enough to have a fight), Tsuna handed Hibari a granula bar he snatched from the prefect's drawer and sat down with him on the floor, leaning their backs on the wall. The room is pretty much in so much disarray. The walls have cracks, the tables are in pieces, the chairs are outside of the window (that was Tsuna's fault by the way), the papers are scattered with books destroyed and they're exhausted and in pain.

"So what happened?" Tsuna asked, unfolding his legs to straighten them on the floor. They're killing him.

"My summon and I got into a fight."

"Hmm..."

"And Madam Cara told us that your summoning was a fluke."

"Uh-huh."

"And there's an increase of bullying again."

"And..."

"I'm stressed."

Tsuna chuckled before reaching out and patted the prefect's head. "Have you slept enough hours, Hibari?" The noiret shook his head as he nibbled on the chocolate bar. "Food?" Another negative. "Then let's go get some? Then we'll go to your room so you can rest."

"Hn."

"While you rest, I'm gonna hunt for the bullies and toss them to Madam Cara."

"Summoning..."

"The summoning was a fluke, Hibari. I'm colorless, remember?" Tsuna sighed as he pulled himself and took Hibari by arm to assist the other to stand up. "And make amends with Mukuro and Chrome. Those owls aren't that bad to pursue. Just be patient. Who did you fight anyway?"

"Nagi."

"Oh. Well, give her flowers. She'll love it and forgive you onwards."

Tsuna smiled at the noiret who was obviously relieved. He knew Hibari for two years already. When others see him as a demon prefect, Tsuna see him as a brother. Not because they have reputations but because he knew that sometimes, the noiret needs someone to talk to. Each time the latter is angry, Tsuna will offer himself to fight Hibari just to get the angry vibes out of the man. After that, they'll talk what's the problem and provide probable solutions. With that, everything is solved.

He doesn't know Hibari well. But he knew that the prefect's parents died when Hibari was starting middle school. Since then, Hibari hadn't feel a familial love. He knew because Hana, who came from the same town as the demon prefect, told him when he asked. Tsuna, being raised by a loving mother, took it to himself to take care of Hibari regardless of how the latter vehemently pushed him away on the first months. What amused him the most was Hibari scowls at him even if they're just passing each other. No. He didn't announce his plan to the world, he was just there, waiting for the man to talk, and that cemented Hibari's impression on him.

And now that they're this close, Hibari acts like a lost child when he can't handle his stress. And to be honest, he likes it. He likes taking care of Hibari, pampering him with all the things he was neglected with. It was just advice and brotherly love even though he's younger by two years. Regardless, it's okay.

After eating a meal from the large but empty cafeteria and putting Kyouya under the covers, he went for a hunt. He went to Enma first to ask him if he was being bullied. The poor red head nodded out of desperation that he was being attacked again. Tsuna made Enma tell him every single name of the bullies, even those people he saw bullying others. After listing them down, he went for Tetsuya Kusakabe, Kyouya's right hand man, to see the pictures of those names. Tetsuya gave him the files (the guy is so used to his antics, he rather give the papers than have the brunet sneak in and be caught for the nth time), Tsuna looked at everything and memorized their faces. Perks of reading so much and retaining them in his head as information for the future. He thanked the right hand man who nodded with a word of 'don't kill them' to him. He only laughed in response.

The next day, Saint Academy's infirmary was full of students raging from freshmen to seniors. The Disciplinary Committee under Hibari kept on dumping students on nearest infirms. All of the students knew that it was Tsuna who was raging every part of the school. Hana could only sigh in mock resignation and full amusement as she transitioned from class to class.

It was mid-noon when the brunet strode in the room, full of cuts and bruises. Although his mouth held a wince, the victorious smug expression he wore is obvious. Tsuna wasn't known to smile in a crowd, he was expressionless, serious and snob. The only ones who saw his smiles and smirks are Hana, Hibari and Nezu. And if he was ever smiling or humming in public, it means he's in his own world.

"Sawada." Tsuna perked up, eyes catching the headmaster's gaze. "Come with me, young man."

"Ah. The headmaster is angry."

"Sawada made some mess again."

"He'll be in detention this time."

Tsuna got up and went out of the room. Before he stepped out, he shot Hana a smile of assurance. She only glared at him. Headmaster Angelo was by the window. The brunet readied himself for any punishment. After all, he did make a lot of mess this day. When he stood near the supervisor of the school, the man smiled at him.

"You've made quite an event, Sawada." The man said.

Tsuna shrugged. "If Hibari can do it, I can too."

"You're not part of the DC." The headmaster reminded.

"I know. I'm just doing this for Hibari since I owe him something."

"Sawada, are you really okay? Or are you homesick? Are you rebelling?"

The brunet almost rolled his eyes. "Try asking Madam Cara. She might know what I'm thinking."

The headmaster winced that made the corner of Tsuna's mouth quirk up. "She is convincing."

"I know. Who wouldn't if I'm doing the antagonizing things? I'm just a recommendation, Headmaster. Clearly, you won't be expecting greater things from me. The only thing that made me enter this school is the knowledge I have. Nothing more, nothing less. I also have a bad record for not showing up in some of my classes."

"Because according to Hibari, you find them boring."

"Yes. And I will only take those subjects once they seem interesting to me."

"Do you find Fiant interesting then?"

Tsuna looked at him.

"I heard from Sir Douhachiro that you've taken a liking of Fiant after that one visit. Since we forbid you of going, we've observed that most of the student population can't stop squirming in their seats whenever they're in the same room with you."

"Well, I've been banned so I don't need to hide or oversleep anymore to get away from Nezu-sensei. And try sitting in the same room with an angry Hibari, then you'll know how they feel."

"Are you even letting out some of your intent?"

Tsuna shook his head. "I don't. But they're that scared of me."

"Hmmm..."

"Is that all, Headmaster? I would like to go back to class now. It's one of my favorite subjects."

The man perked up and nodded, a little surprised with what Tsuna said. "Yes. Yes, you can. Have fun, Sawada."

"Hai." And the brunet walked back, only to be called when he was entering the room. "Yes?"

"What do you think of going to Fiant again?"

Tsuna eyed at him at the corner of his eyes. "That will be great, I think."

Angelo nodded with a chuckle. "Okay."

Tsuna walked in and sat on his seat. He spared a glance on the door before shaking his head in exasperation.

'What was he laughing about?' He asked himself.

"Tsunayoshi Sawada! Open the door this instant!"

Tsuna groaned, buried his face on his pillow before opening an eye to see the time. It's seven forty-five in the morning. Loud knocks resounded from the door. He sighed, went out of the bed and on to the door. He unlocked the chain, the door bolt he installed and the lock on the doorknob before opening it. He let out a yawn and raised a brow at his Demonology teacher.

"Morning, Nezu-sensei." He greeted sleepily.

"I am giving you fifteen minutes to prepare." The teacher said.

"Huh? For what?" Tsuna said, confused.

"We're going to Fiant. I thought you know?"

The brunet stared at the man. "I thought I'm banned in there?"

"It was lift last night, idiot. Now go! You have ten more minutes!"

Tsuna grinned before dashing to his bathroom, did his usual routine in a fast paced, took some granula bar from his drawer (he stole it from Hibari, not that the latter will mind), the book he hadn't finish reading, a pen (God bless the maker of pens. His discovery on his first visit is pretty helpful without any paper), then a bottle of water. Nezu-sensei looked at the 'delinquent' in front of him before sighing in relief.

Tsuna almost ran to the blood tower, if only he wasn't with the teacher. The latter smiled at the excitement the brunet was expressing. In his two years meeting the kid, Tsuna never expressed his excitement about something. The only indication that he's interested into something is when he starts asking. He can remember Professor Fiore, who teaches exorcism, sparkling with excitement everyday because of one student who loves to ask question in regards of their lessons. He did experience the same thing, but still the kid was just serious, he wasn't like 'this'- so happy and grinning and gesturing Nezu to walk faster.

The brunet opened the door for them. His eyes wandered around until he found a certain noirette. He bid a quick goodbye to Nezu-sensei before jogging to Hana's direction. She probably noticed him because she craned her head to see him. Tsuna's lips break into a big smile.

"Ready to go Fiant?" Hana asked.

Tsuna nodded. "Yeah. I can't wait to see Reborn and thank him for saving me."

"Ah yes. He is the only person you haven't said any thanks to."

"Yeah." Tsuna smiled. "Though I doubt it if I find him. It's been two months since I last went there."

"Then you just have to keep trying until you did."

"True."

"Okay Kids!" Nezu-sensei called out. "You know what to do, let's go!"

Tsuna was the last one to enter the portal. When he stepped in the Fiant, everyone was staring at him. It was his third time here, and his second visit wasn't really pleasant since he almost died if he wasn't determined enough and Reborn and Hana didn't come to save his butt. Clutching the book in his hand, he went for his right where the path to the lake is.

He prayed to see the demon in there. It wasn't just about expressing his gratitude, it was the feeling of being... Accepted. He just want to be heard again and at least feel at home. Not that he was planning to have Reborn as a rebound home. He's just glad that someone is welling to hear him babble about his opinion on insignificant things and jump from one topic to another in a matter of seconds.

He admits he's a nerd, bookworm, geek. Worst insult? A freak. It was because he can always phrase things from the book, define something out of the book, talk something out of the book and do something out of the book. Books are the center of his life. It was his companion all the time. And to at least meet someone who'll listen or read his essay is nice.

The brunet rose a branch using his hand over his head to see the lake. Still beautiful, but the person he was looking for wasn't there. Tsuna restrained himself from letting out a breathe of disappointment. He neared the lake, crouch on the side and peered on the fishes that are swimming around. Most of them looked at his way, he smiled and wave. To his delight, they stopped swimming but tails still moving to keep afloat and lifted at least one fin each and waved at him. He beamed.

"I'm sorry about that last time. I could've apologized earlier, but my school banned me from entering your world. It was only lifted just last night." Tsuna explained.

One fish gurgled and bubbles went to the surfaces and popped. "It's okay. You were attacked by an imitator after all."

The human's eyes widened in fraction. "You can talk with bubbles? That's amazing!"

The fishes swam around and before one gave a small bubble. "Thank you."

He shook his head. "Oh no. I should be the one who's grateful. You understood my reason even after trespassing your territory."

"We mean thank you for the praise. You are an amazing person too." One big bubble popped. The compliment made Tsuna blush.

"Talking to them, I see."

Tsuna looked back to the voice. Standing in his dangerous glory, Reborn was peering at him from the shade of his fedora. He was wearing his suit, except for the dress shirt is yellow and the strip of his hat is yellow too. Tsuna couldn't be a hypocrite since he, too, is donned in black. White shirt, elbow length black buttoned up polo that he left open, black jeans that hugs his legs and black shoes. He also have some bangles and a ring necklace. It was his mother's that he never forgets to wear nor take it out of his neck.

The brunet sprang up and smiled brightly to the man who raised his hat to see him clearly. The onyx eyes stared at him. Instead of feeling conscious, he stood there confident. He is the delinquent Tsuna. He survived Hibari's attacks, though he did get broken ribs that he only noticed yesterday and some bruises here and there. Nothing too big that he can't handle. He had worse.

"You're back." Reborn said, indifferent but Tsuna can sense the relief in the tone or maybe just his imagination.

"I am! They let me get in here again. They lift the ban on me." He answered as he walked towards the demon.

"Oh." Tsuna almost considered the idea that the hitman looked happy after he said that. "That's good."

"Reborn." He called before standing in front of the addressed. "Thank you for saving me."

"It was unintentional."

He felt a ting of hurt, but he kept smiling. "Don't care. Thank you."

"Fine."

Tsuna raised his book. "I better go. I'll stay in the camp to read this."

The man tugged his fedora down. "Aren't you staying?"

"Well..." The brunet looked back to the lake, reluctant. "I can. I want to know about the fishes too."

"Hmm... Then stay."

He returned his gaze on the fedora man. "What about you?"

"I'll be here. Don't want you running into trouble again."

Tsuna laughed sheepishly as he sat down on the grass. "I am a trouble magnet."

"Oh?" Reborn sat down too.

Tsuna stared at his book. "Yes. Being a delinquent of the academy. I run to trouble all the time. Can't even hide from them, so I face them all the time."

"That's some experience."

He nodded, tracing the outline of the book. "Sometimes I just want to stay in my room to get away from them. But that won't do. If I wasn't seen in the academy grounds, they'll report that I escaped or did stupid things- Ah crips. I talked too much again."

Reborn smirked before laying on his back. "You're so defenseless, Tsuna."

Tsuna didn't dare say that it was because there was someone who's willing to listen to that's why he talked. "I am an amateur after all."

Reborn didn't say anything more and covered his face with his fedora. Tsuna left his book on the demon's side and went back to his new found friends. Unknown to him, the feigning sleeping man was listening to their conversation. He was amused with the questions Tsuna asks and the answers the fishes give that the brunet patiently waits and listens. The conversation transitioned from one topic to another, most probably because of the child who is very curious.

Tsuna looked back to Reborn who was still sleeping. He excused himself from the fishes who only smiled at him and went back to the demon. He picked up his book, opened where he was last night and started to read. Hours went by before he was able to finish the book. He stared at the back cover and sighed.

"So what's that about?" Tsuna looked up to see Reborn still covering his face. "The book, Dame-Tsunayoshi."

"Oh." Tsuna pondered. "It's about contracts between humans and demons. It's an old book, not updated since the nineteenth century."

"Ah."

The brunet blinked his eyes before smiling a little. "The author was curious how the contract works between the humans and demons. He speculated that..."

Tsuna talked and talked about the book, inserting his own opinion in regards to it. He also told the demon what he thinks about some certain marks, his questions that bugged him as he read the book and pointed out the errors. Of course he also reasoned out that the book is outdated so it won't really satiate his inquiries.

He was grateful that the man listened. It was something. Not even Hana can comprehend what he kept on saying about the books he reads. He shared to her one time, and never again.

"Thank you, Reborn." Tsuna expressed.

"For what?" The man asked, still covering his face.

"For listening. It's rare for people to listen to me. I'm a nerd, so mostly I refer to books when I talk, or say smart remarks. The only ones who listen to me talk are my parents and grandfather, but they're not really with me. And it feels nice to be able to talk about something I like. Though I understand that you won't want to hear me-"

"I don't mind." Reborn lifted his hat and looked at him. "You can come here anytime you want whenever you want to blabber about something. I'll listen."

"Ah." Tsuna wiped the palm of his hands on his eyes to stop the water works. "God. I'm sorry. I'm homesick. It's been two years since I was home. I've never visited my family in any occasion nor talked to them on the phone."

"Why?"

"The school guidance forbid me since I cause a lot of trouble in the academy. And I promised them things, so I couldn't, not until I'm ready."

"Then cry. I don't mind."

"Ugh." Tsuna groaned as tears streamed down his cheeks.

He suddenly remembered his mom, Nana Sawada, smiling at him whenever he said something out loud and question what he asked on the book he was reading. The matriarch will never fail to answer it for him while watching him read. A brunette woman with mid-back length hair, and caramel eyes with a humble and compassionate personality. He remembers those times he helps in the kitchen or when his mother teases him of how he was a good boy for being so helpful in house chores. Despite of having a male parent, Tsuna loves to do all the girl stuff his Mom does since it was their own form of mother and son bonding. He loves his mother so much that he is willing to be a girl like male just to please her.

Whenever his mother is mentioned, it was always accompanied by the memories he spent with his Dad, Iemitsu Sawada. His dad who has blond hair, blue eyes and muscular built, indicating that he is a mestizo with Japanese and Italian blood. The man is very carefree of everything. Relax and enthusiastic. An adventurer. He was the one who taught Tsuna how to treat women properly, how to do simple and complex construction works and fixes, how to fish, and do star gazing and cloud watching. He taught the brunet survival and how to be positive in times of negativity.

Then his grandfather, Ietsuna Sawada. An old man, with blond hair, green eyes and strong body for his age, who loves to read and read and broaden his imagination and knowledge, the great influence of Tsuna's addiction in reading. The reason why Tsuna has a general idea of demons, summoning, exorcism and binding. He was the one who encouraged Tsuna to do the right things, always be human, and never harm others unless needed. He forbids cursing, except if necessary, and give good advices that Tsuna uses almost everyday to live his life. The only reason why he stayed strong even though he wants to see them everyday for the past two years.

God. He miss them so much.

"Here." The brunet laughed heartily as he took the hankie Reborn offered. "For a bully of bullies, you cry too much."

"I am a crybaby." Tsuna responded as he wiped away the tears. "Others may see it as a weakness, but to me, it's a sign of manliness to cry. Not all of us can cry in front of others. For a man to express his emotions is true hardship. You know, ego and all."

"You're saying that you don't have an ego."

"I do. But it's not that large." Tsuna smiled and put the hankie between the pages of the book. "I'll wash this and return it to you."

"No. Keep it." Reborn said as he turned away.

"Eh. Then I'll return it when the right time comes." Tsuna beamed when the man glanced at him. "Thank you again, Reborn."

"You thank me too much. I might kill you."

"You would have already if you wanted to in the first place." He said cheekily. The man bopped him in the head. "Ow."

Tsuna smiled when he caught the small quirk on the man's lips. Haaa... He's liking Fiant more and more.