A/N:

I'm getting nervous in here. I don't even know if this chapter is up to your expectations. Well, I do hope so, if not it's okay to diss me about it (Expectations and hope are different.).

Thanks for the reviews, by the way.

Anyway. Onwards.

Chapter Eighteen

Xanxus stared at the brunet who is sitting beside him. The said young man, no less than thirteen years younger than him, is humming in happiness. It was a new development. Discreetly, he searched for any possible mark of symbol on the others naked arms, necks and face, but nothing. What happened that made this kid so happy?

"Any problem, Xanxus?" The child asked.

"You're humming." Xanxus pointed out.

Tsuna blinked in surprise. "I am? I didn't know."

"Did something fun happen?" Dino asked.

Tsuna smiled, making all the occupiers on the table except the usual receivers, stare. "Yeah."

Dino smiled back before putting more fish on his adopted brother's plate. "Good. Won't want you going sad, will we?"

"Yeah."

Xanxus quirked an eyebrow. "It's the demon, is it?"

Tsuna blushed a little before coughing. "It's Reborn."

"You're having a contract with him." Xanxus stated, just in time for Tsuna to drink his water and almost coughing it out.

"Tsuna!" Dino exclaimed worriedly when the other coughed. "You didn't have to time it on, Xanxus!"

"What? I asked." Xanxus innocently answered before interrogating the youngest among them more. "Who asked for the contract? You or him?"

"H-Him." Tsuna responded, embarrassed about the topic. "Can we change topic?"

"No." Xanxus answered. "What was his desire?"

"My safety."

A moment of silence. John laughed alongside Iguchi. Even the others snickered as if the desire of the demon who is about to contract Tsuna is stupid to put a request like that. Being too much absorbed with their snickers didn't warn them about an attack.

Xanxus flipped the table on them before taking out both his guns. The dining room got filled with sounds of gunshots and a lot of flashy colors passing by, bullets embodied themselves on the floors, walls and scratching some limbs. Shouts and groans of pain resonated, slowly taking over the gunshots.

Xanxus blew the smoke from the muzzle of his guns before putting them on his holsters. With all the commotions he did, Tsuna and Dino didn't budge on their seat, eating their meals away as if they didn't hear nor see anything. As if taking a cue, Dino stood up and Xanxus took the back of the chair the brunet is sitting on pulled it somewhere.

"Who knew Xanxan can be this possessive and protective?" Dino chirped away as he followed their leader.

"Shut up Trash." The noiret snapped before he dumped Tsuna on his demon companions' table. "Keep him."

"Xanxus." Tsuna sighed.

"What? You're not done eating. The old man is calling for me and this horse is going to call his famiglia." The man grunted before patting the brunet's shoulder. "Enjoy your meal, Tsunayoshi. Don't mind those shits. They don't know who the hell they're gonna mess with."

Tsuna smiled. "Thanks."

Xanxus looked around the table before his eyes landed on the man who wore a black suit and a black fedora with orange band. They went for a small stare off before Reborn nodded with a dangerous smirk. Xanxus glared with a smirk before stalking off, Dino behind him and waving at Tsuna and the others.

Tsuna drew the last line before standing up and clapped his hands to get rid of the chalk. He slowly marveled his work and taking on every details, to see if there is any wrong with it.

The circle is a dekagram, with ten points. He didn't alter anything since he doesn't have any changes in mind for the incantation nor the circle. And because of that, he took longer in drawing them. But it's okay. It's his first time anyway. It's a good thing that they found a nice spot in the garden to commence their contract signing. Though Tsuna can make a circle in a grass, he doesn't want to hurt the plants if possible.

Tsuna looked up to his soon to be summon. The demon walked towards him after pushing himself from the wall he was leaning. He pulled out a small knife. He beckoned the brunet to enter the circle as he did. The young man complied.

"So how do we do this again?" Tsuna asked softly, looking around the massive circle. "I mean this is my first time and you're more experienced in this."

"You made it sound like something..." And Reborn muttered something under his breathe.

The sky blinked and stared at the demon. "What was that?"

"You're too nice to be mad at." Reborn teased.

"Are you mad? Did I say something wrong?"

"Oh nothing." The hitman dismissed. "So since we're already in the circle, all we need to do is cut our palms and link our bloods and let them tickle on the center of the circle as we say the incantation like they told you in the Academy. You know it right?"

"Yes."

"Good."

Tsuna took the knife from Reborn and swiftly cut his palm, grimacing a little at the pain before handing the other the sharp object. Reborn did the same and took the brunet's hand, palm to palm, blood to blood and wound to wound.

The wind blew, the circle lit up and the ground shook. Tsuna stared at their hands as Reborn waited for the power of the other. The hitman sighed at the lateness of the pressure, only to almost stumble down.

The young man held his stand as strong pressure almost crushed him from above. He intertwined his fingers to the hitman's as he gritted his teeth to fight off the pressure. It's a pressure that he can't shake off, unlike Ganauche's that he can turn to a lightning. Is this how powerful the strongest demon in Fiant?

Unknown to him, Reborn is doing the same thing. Fighting of the sheer power of the brunet's aura, almost crashing him if it wasn't because of his pride that he doesn't want to keel and surrender to the pressure. But he did accept it, acknowledging the raw power the brunet has and slowly adjusting to it.

"Just how strong are you?!" Tsuna growled, grip tightening.

"Don't fight it off." Reborn responded through his teeth.

"Fuck." Tsuna can't help cursing, almost kneeling on the ground, submitting himself to the pressure if the demon didn't caught his waist and pulled him upright.

"Eye to eye." Reborn said.

The brunet gasped before saying the next line. "Hand and hand."

"With both bloods, we seal our marks." Both said.

"Knot the wreathe." Tsuna uttered.

"Knot the faith." Reborn added on.

"Two craved desires, be obtained."

"I signed the contract." The hitman tightened his hold.

"I signed the faith." The brunet smiled at the man.

"Breach the oath in due time length. As what to be gained be at hand."

Slowly, their hands glowed, and the light started to run through their bodies. The brunet blinked as surge of sun aura pulsed in his veins, twisting and swirling around his core, coaxing his to reach out to him. Shyly, he did. He felt so powerful yet lonely. He unconsciously let out a sob as tears streamed down his cheeks. The loneliness is so painful and it felt like the feeling has been there for years and years of existing. It's accompanied with hatred, cruelty, anger and boredom.

What's there for power if it causes these kind of emotions?

"Reborn." Tsuna hiccuped, giving the hitman a squeeze with their intertwined hands. "I'm here now. As long as I live, I'm with you. As long as you want me, I'm with you."

The arm around his waist pulled him closer for an embrace. "I will never get rid of you, Tsuna."

After letting Tsuna cry and calming him down, they went back to the safety of the hotel. Hand and hand, they passed by the staffs who smiled at their ways. Tsuna just waved at them and bid good night for their sweet dreams. When they got to their rooms, the arcobalenos were lounging by the living room. Some were sleeping, others were entertaining themselves. The human greeted them before the hitman pulled him to their shared room.

They entered the bathroom. Reborn plugged the sink's drain hole and turned on the water. When he deemed that the water is enough, he turned the tap off and put their hands on it. Tsuna hissed at the cold and the pain. The blood that sticked them together mixed itself to the water turning it to pinkish color, and slowly they can feel their hands starting to unclasp themselves from each other.

Reborn took the soap and rubbed it on his wounded hand before taking Tsuna's. Gently, he scrubbed off the remaining blood from the hand before reaching out under the water to unplug the drainage. The young man turned on the tap and took the hitman's hands to wash off the slickly texture of the soap as his own hands come clean. Turning the water off after, he stared at Reborn's hands and smiled in satisfaction.

"I'll leave you here so you can wash off." The demon said softly.

The human nodded. "Okay. Thank you."

Tsuna watched him go and close the door. Sighing, he let his tears go for another free fall as he peeled off his clothes to get rid himself of sweat and tears.

Reborn combed his now dry hair with his hand. He fixed his shirt and pajama bottoms before going out of his room to go to Tsuna's.

His Tsuna.

He can still feel the humming of his body when he felt the assurance of the accepting sky. It's so powerful because of it's protective nature and understanding self. Regardless of the loneliness he felt in the mix, the strong will to help others is keeping that feeling down. Tsuna is relatively resilient even if there are so much that can be thrown to his way, all negativity is trumped down by kindness, compassion, understanding and willingness to help.

He reached for the marking on his left arm. It was where Tsuna's symbol was drawn. It's a simple flame with the brunet's name in an elegant curve writing. He wonders where his symbol was put on Tsuna's body.

Fate didn't disappoint him though. The moment he opened the door was the same time Tsuna went out of his bathroom only in his pajama bottoms. Reborn saw the same writing style on Tsuna's left side of his waist, a small crow perched on the small 'r' on his name. He tried to contain the sensual pleasure that assaulted his body, going south, as he marveled the writings and the body that contains it.

"Ready to sleep, Reborn?" The human asked, reaching for a simple shirt placed on the bed.

"Not really." He answered, closing the door behind him and walking for the bed.

"I didn't get to talk to others." Tsuna said after pulling the garment down then yawned.

"They'll be fine without you for a day."

"Hmm? Is that jealousy I hear?"

The hitman bumped the child's head with his fist, earning an 'ow'. He does feel jealous, but he's not gonna admit that. "Don't be full of yourself."

"What? At least I tried." Tsuna pouted before going for the bed. "I wonder what they're up to tomorrow."

"Let's just wait for it." Reborn answered as he scooped the child, laid on the bed and arranged their position so he's the big spoon.

"Reborn." A sleepy voice called.

"Hmm?"

"I-If... Our contract get unbind,"

"That won't happen."

"Just if..." Reborn watched his human close his eyes, surrendering to sleep. "I want us to renew it if it's okay with you."

"Yeah. Sure."

Thr brunet snuggled closer, a hand clutching the demon's shirt. "Reborn..."

The demon watched the human go to sleep, breathing in even pace, and face in a peaceful expression. The hitman pulled closer. He hesitated for a bit before he kissed the other's forehead. He was rewarded with a small happy smile and a murmur of his name. Reborn slept happily on that night.

"I'm really sorry, Tsuna. I did try my best to pull you out, but the other guardians voted that you must be included to the battle since you are acknowledged as a sky and has a summon already." Ganauche winced.

Tsuna looked at the arena before sighing. "I do hope they won't regret this."

"I advice you to make them regret this, Tsunayoshi." Xanxus smirked evilly. "So they'll pull you out after the first match. More torture for me."

"Xanxus. That's not very nice." Dino admonished before smiling to Tsuna. "Though I agree with Xanxus. Those people should be handed to us. You don't need to dirty your hands with them."

Tsuna sighed. "I'll ask Reborn. He's thrilled to fight someone again. I do hope they give a good fight for him."

Xanxus hummed.

"I don't like that." Dino stated, whacking Xanxus head who howled in pain. "Don't think of fighting Reborn. You have enough to fill your fight."

"What, Trash? It's not like you're not anticipating a good game with that demon too." Xanxus growled.

Tsuna didn't mind them and looked at Ganauche. "Three consecutive wins everyday for three days and I'm bailed right?"

"Yes." The lightning affirmed.

"Then you got it."

Tsuna went to Reborn who is talking with the other Arcobaleno. The brunet sighed, troubled with the news. He was not usually included to the yearly battle in their week at the hotel for two years. If he hated the tri-monthly, he hates this one too. The worst about this battle is the fact that the summoners are all skies, and they have a lot of summons. The most is five, and Carlo owns them. The least is three, just like Iguchi and Draco. Or one, since he only has one.

It's not that Tsuna wants to win. He can't just afford to see Reborn hurt. Just thinking about that possibility already breaks his heart.

"Is there a problem, Tsunayoshi?"

Tsuna looked at the one who addressed him. It was Bermuda with worried eyes despite the neutral face. "It's nothing, Bermuda. Just overthinking."

"That's not good for you."

The brunet sighed. "I know. But I can't ease up."

"Why so?" Fon, who joined them, queried.

"I become a participant on this year's three days battle. I'm just worried about Reborn, that's all." The young man dismissed with a small smile of assurance.

"You can have us, Kora!" Colonnello said as he swung an arm around the small shoulder. "You have to do nine battles, if I heard right, Kora! Reborn can do two while we can have the rest."

"But you aren't my summons." Tsuna mumbled, saddened.

"It is okay, Tsunayoshi." Verde assured as he pushed his glasses upright. "They won't know unless you tell them."

"And it's been months since all of us was able to do some exercise. I doubt I'm any better with mind manipulation these days." Viper chirped in, pushing Tsuna to accept the condition.

"O-Okay. But we need to tell Reborn first." He said while looking at the hitman who is talking with Lal and Skull (more like ignoring the cloud).

Fon smiled. "I'll tell him."

"Thank you."

"There. Problem solved." Bermuda whispered near him that he agreed with.

"Thanks Bermuda."

"No problem, Tsunayoshi."

"You know, I'm really curious about your aura." The human said, garnering the attention of Verde and Viper while Colonnello ventured back to the others. "Not that I want to offend you, but what kind of aura is it?"

"If I answer that, will you trade me an answer too?" The demon in casual black asked back.

Tsuna coyly tilted his head with an impressed grin on his lips. "Sure. Anything you ask as long as I can give it you."

Bermuda nodded before lifting his hand and made a black flame-like structure. "I am the opposite of Reborn. If he gives you light, I give you darkness. I am the night in a sense."

"What can it do?" Tsuna asked.

"According to my observation, the night aura can do teleportation, make unworkable things work, and link things, like chains." Verde supplied.

The brunet stared at the night demon with admiration. "That is so cool."

The pale man looked away, embarrassed but flattered with a small blush across his face. "It's not that amazing, Tsunayoshi."

"How old are you, Bermuda?"

"I'm two millennia years old." The man answered, looking at the human.

"Oh. That's the reason why you talk like that." The demon didn't say a thing, making Tsuna elaborate. "You talk formal, like a noble. I read a few books about the seventeenth to eighteenth era, and some novels, so I kind a got this idea that maybe you possessed a human in those times and acted like a noble for a lifetime, making you carry on the habit up to today."

"I did do what you suspected."

The brunet grinned mischievously. "Good job not getting caught."

Bermuda barked a laugh at the praise. "You should be reprimanding me, child. I possessed a human to live like you."

"What's the difference then? It's already in the past." The brunet dismissed playfully. "What's your animal?"

"I'm a panther."

"It fits." Tsuna nodded off.

"So may I ask my question?"

"Is that your question?"

Bermuda quirked an eyebrow of amusement before looking at the young man with curiosity. "Why Bermuda?"

Tsuna made a thoughtful look. "There's no logical reason in it. It's not really because you kinda smell like a grass. Well, that's a part of it. But you're an enigma for me. Like the bermuda triangle. That place is really... Mysterious and scary since we, humans, don't know what's in there. So when you attacked us, you were a little scary. But you didn't really hurt us, you were searching for something, and that was a questionable action. Then I thought about the possibility that maybe you're this powerful since the miasma in your body was like a cloak for you. You look like a shadow at that time with sharp edges. And your smell reminded me of a new trimmed bermuda grass, so the name Bermuda was born."

The three stared at him.

"Oh. Did I blabber that much? Sorry. It's usually Reborn who I talk about these things. I think I bore him out but he really urges me to talk most of the time so I kinda got it into a habit." Tsuna dismissed.

"No. It's okay, Tsuna." Viper assured. "You got points."

The brunet smiled shyly. "I really hope I did. Anyways, I'll go to Reborn."

The three nodded.

Reborn was already at his feet as Tsuna approached. The hitman took the child in his arms and give an assuring squeeze. It was answered back with a squeeze too from the arms around his waist. They stayed like that for seconds before Tsuna parted away, face down to hide away the blush he had. When he calmed down, he looked up to his demon.

"When?" Reborn asked.

"Right now. They're waiting for me to fill up the form they'll provide. Then the battle will start."

"Let's go then."

They went to Ganauche and asked for a form. Tsuna was whisked away by some of the staffs while Dino, Xanxus, Ganauche and Reborn were left on their spots. The hitman looked at his companions, a little amused as the three assured Tsuna that they'll be okay whenever the brunet look at them. He was the one who assured him truly though. Just a nod from the demon eased the tension on the brunet's shoulders and proceeded with the application he was being forced to fill up.

"What's so good about you, Trash?" Xanxus, the red-eyed human, growled. He sounded jealous in the demon's ears.

"Now now, Xanxus. Tsuna doesn't trust people nor demons unless they are trust worthy enough for us too." Dino, the blond boss, placated. Reborn doesn't know whether to be offended by the trust thing or be flattered about it.

"And he is the first summon. You know how special that is for us humans." Ganauche, the lightning and the one who recommended Tsuna, supported Dino before giving Reborn a sharp look. The hitman hid his smirk behind his passive face.

Xanxus came to his face and snarled. "If I hear a single word from that brat that you mistreating him or hurting him in any fucking aspect, I'm gonna hunt you with my Varia."

Reborn nodded. "I will never."

"Good." And the noiret went on his way with a smirk on his lips.

"Just keep Tsuna safe, okay?" Dino said with a sickening sweet smile that almost rivalled Tsuna's. Well, almost. "He's our precious brother by bond. He keep us fairly breathing over the water."

Reborn interpreted that as 'He keep us from being swallowed by our dark sides.'

"Though we can't help him that much, and only you and your friends can snap him out of his stubbornness, Xanxus and I won't hesitate fighting you if it's a must. Safety of Tsuna is the only thing we always wanted. We can entrust that to you, right?" The blond added on.

Reborn smirked. "I won't be giving any promises but I will do my best to keep him safe."

The blond beamed before going away.

"Those two never really cease on threatening people." Ganauche sighed with fondness before facing the hitman. "I don't have to say anything since they already did. Just take care of Tsuna. Lift him up to reach his goal. I know he misses his family, and I don't want to take him away from you too. He's like a rebellious son to me too. His happiness is my happiness."

"Thank you." Reborn expressed.

"No. Thank you." Ganauche smiled in a friendly way before looking at the approaching brunet. "Done?"

"I think so. I hope I got their names right."

"Names?"

"Ah. Yeah. Reborn's colleagues wanted to join in."

Ganauche looked like he wanted to facepalm. "You do know that's not valid."

Tsuna shrugged. "You can always have a first time. It's just a matter of discovery. You won't tell the other old men, will you?"

"Nope." The lightning popped, smiling mischievously.

The two shared evil grins before they parted ways. Tsuna took Reborn's hand and pulled him to others. The brunet looked back to him and the hitman stared at the beautiful smile and twinkling brown eyes of the former.

"Thank you, Reborn."

The demon smiled. "Always."