Chapter Fifty-Nine

Sero and Mineta perked up when Tsuna faced to the side and brought a fist to his mouth to cough three times. Both looked at each other in worry before turning to the front. Caramel eyes saw the exchange, but he didn't mind. Instead, he grinned and took the cap Katsuki threw away and winked at Mina and Denki who are trying to make the blond dress up.

Letting out a tongue at the side of his lips, he threw the hat on the teen's head. He laughed when it fell right on the spot. Katsuki turned to him with a glare, only to be ambushed by Denki and Mina. In seconds, he has the robes on and the two were already running away in fear of retaliation. Tsuna chuckled before strutting for the fuming kid and undid all the buttons.

"You don't really need to button them up." He assured. "You can have it as a jacket for now."

"Fine." Katsuki huffed.

He slapped the other's tummy, earning an 'ow' and a 'bastard'. "Grumpy. I have two gifts for you, by the way."

"Two? Why two?"

"Christmas and New years." He answered as he moved to sit on the arm of the couch. "The latter is upstairs, the former is here." 'I should get him something for his birthday too.' Tsuna thought.

"Are you gonna go with Jeanist again, Bakugou?!" Kirishima queried from behind him.

"Huh?!" The blond blurted, still comprehending the question since he was busy glaring at his Santa suit while thinking of something. "I haven't decided yet."

"But hey! You had plenty of offers from the Sports Festival! You can go wherever you want!" The redhead pointed out.

"I ain't got nothin' to learn from those no name at this stage of the game." Katsuki waved off with a no-care expression.

"What about you, Tsuna?" Shouji asked from the other couch. "Are you going to pick a new agency?"

"I dunno." He shrugged before giving a small smile. He just wants to stay somewhere near, seeing how Shouta gets paranoid. Father's intuition, maybe? "I'll probably go where my mind says. I don't want somewhere far though. You know the drill."

Shouji nodded while Sero went thoughtful. "What if you go to an agency at the center of Japan?"

"Hm? Won't that be ideal? Whenever you need help, I can go to you without hindrance." He responded before standing up when someone knocked at their door.

Shouta came in with Eri. The girl is in her Santa clothes that made the others coo. After greeting Eri, they started the party. They sang with Jirou's lead and shared the food among themselves. While at it, Tsuna introduced Eri to Katsuki. The blond looked at the girl, who stared curiously at him, then patted her head before going off to eat his own share. The brunet had to stop himself from laughing his ass off. Man. Katsuki has soft spots for meek kids.

While beside his Dad and watched everything play out, Tsuna took his hat off and put it on Shouta's head. The man looked up to him in question but he only smiled pleasantly before producing a small box from his pocket. He presented it to his Dad who gingerly took it.

"I didn't prepare." Shouta whispered, caressing the lid.

"I don't mind." He shrugged. "Reborn didn't too, but I got him a pin."

"You spoil us too much." His Dad grumbled while opening the box. "Don't you think he'll get angry if you- Ah."

He chuckled at the reaction. "Want me to help you with it?"

"Yeah." The hero croaked, still in awe.

Tsuna took the pendant from the box and moved behind his Dad. He unclipped the bending before letting it go around the other's neck. Shouta lifted his hair to let him clip it on his nape. "There."

"Thanks." Shouta said while looking down to it. "It's warm."

"I made it." He grinned before going for the others when they called him for the exchange gift.

He accepted a Sero tape from Katsuki and stood beside the blond who looks so bored. He rolled his eyes and wrapped an arm around the other's shoulder. The teen didn't resist and opted to shout to the one who's going to do the count down. When Iida counted, and shouted 'zero', Tsuna tugged until he got his box. Sitting by the armchair, he unwrapped his gift. It was simple white shirt with an 'Eraserhead' on the front. He can't help laughing at it before showing it to his Dad who gave an amused smile. It was from Shouji, according to the card.

After the party, they bid goodbye to Eri and Shouta. He only smiled at the kid and told her 'good night' since he'll spare her from the story telling. It looks like she had fun and it's enough to make the girl sleep peacefully for the night. His Dad inclined his head. He smiled and nodded. Yeah. He'll bunk there tonight with Reborn. It has been something they usually do. While Reborn takes the futon, they share the bed.

Going back inside, he assisted those who were cleaning up. He took on the dish washing job while Kouda went for drying them up. Shouji stayed with them to give company. The three of them talked about the presents they got. He thanked his classmate for giving him a thoughtful present. Shouji laughed because he just knew how crazy of a fan the brunet is to his Dad. Tsuna only grinned proudly.

He excused himself for his room. When he got in, he went for his lamps to not disturb Reborn who was resting. He opened up his laptop to connect his phone and started to print the pictures he took that day. He posted a picture of the whole class on the wall of photos, and stared at them from his seat. He just loves keeping memories in photos, cause seeing them will bring him back to those moments that everything happened.

He looked at the door when someone knocked. Turning off his lamp, he padded for it with the guide of the light seen under the door. He unlatched the locks he knew he put and opened it to be greeted by three unusual faces. He blinked at their determined expressions.

"What's going on?" He asked as he stepped out and closed the door behind him.

"I heard they don't have anywhere to go for the internship," Shouto began, gesturing to Izuku, who waved a hand, and Katsuki, who is leaning by the wall between their doors. "so I invited them to intern with me with the number one."

He nodded slowly, mind processing the thought. "That's a good idea."

"So we kinda had this thought that you were also searching for a place?" Izuku asked uncertainly.

His eyes darted to Katsuki who rose a brow at him. Right. He heard his answer to Shouji.

"So we're hoping that you'll come along too." Izuku finished, smiling a little bright.

"I'll tell Dad first." He slowly enunciated before smiling a little cheeky. "But I'll be there. As long as he knows where I'm going."

The three's faces lit up in different levels.

"It's within my reach anyway, so I think it will be fine." He assured.

Since Katsuki and Izuku are still deciding, Tsuna assured Shouto that he'll come. After the three dispersed, he went inside his room again to remove his Santa coat, finish what he had to do and took a jacket from the hangers. He put on his usual scarf and his mittens, and let his mist flames hide him before going out. He waited for someone to open elevator. It didn't take long though. He stepped in as Uraraka and Mina stepped out of the elevator he moved to the side so he won't alert Momo and Asui of his presence. When they got off in the fifth floor, he clicked for the first floor and waited.

Going out of the lift, he quickly went for the still open door. He quietly placed his slipper by the side after slipping in his shoes, all while eyeing Denki, Kirishima, Sero and Mineta who were still talking with Iida and Satou. He went out without a single word to them. Breathing the cool air of the last week of December, Tsuna trudged the snow for the teachers' dorm. He looked up when he felt someone beside him. It was Reborn, adorned in his own thick coat.

This is one of those rare times they let themselves be humans and feel things others can. Sometimes, they're so used with covering themselves of their flames that it becomes a second nature. Won't it be inhuman of them to withstand the coldness of Alps while wearing their suits? No jackets, no muffs, no gloves, no snow boots. And they visit three times a year. So whenever he has a chance, he makes himself do human things, like wearing jacket in the middle of December or request ice cream as a cool down in summer. Believe him. They're that adept to their flames.

Getting inside the building was easy. All they needed to do is scale the building while he spreads his mist flames. Sometimes Reborn admonishes him in doing it so often, but it can't be helped. Once he's good at camouflaging, he won't need mist flames to hide his presence. They stepped inside his Dad's balcony before opening it. Tsuna came in first and shed his jacket just as Shouta went out of the restroom. He waved a hand and grinned when he saw the pendant peeking.

"Someone is preening." Reborn teased after feeling comfortable with his changed clothes.

He blushed as his Dad glared at Reborn. "I'll ready your futon, Reborn."

"Why can't I have the bed for a change?" The hitman grumbled as he arranged their jackets to the hanging man by the side. Good thing they're not that wet.

Caramel met black as Shouta sat by his swivel chair. "That can be arranged."

He moved for the bottom shelf of the cabinet where the futon is while Reborn took some of his sleeping wears from the top shelves. "Hey Dad."

"Hm?"

"Shouto invited me to intern to Endeavor-san's. Is it alright? I already promised Shouto. It's near either ways, since it's in Tokyo and it's the number one." He informed. "He also invited Katsuki and Izuku."

"Do really want to go?"

He looked back to the other and smiled cheekily. "It will be a good way for Endeavor-san to pay me."

The man chuckled. "Alright."

"I'm on the bed." Reborn sang while laying on the bed. "Comfy."

"Yes yes." Tsuna sighed fondly as Shouta help him arrange the futon.

"Are you really the greatest hitman? Why do you act like you're not?" Shouta teased, earning a laugh from Reborn.

"Well, years ago, I won't be like this." The hitman gestured to himself. "I'll be very antisocial and-"

"Trigger happy." Tsuna continued as he stood up and took the sleepwear the hitman got for him. "The most dangerous creature in the world, that even tigers, lions and other wild animals bow to."

"Really?" His Dad blurted in disbelief, which Reborn answered with a smirk.

He nodded, blinking as he recalled a memory while removing his pants. "There's this one time that I holed myself in the office."

"Oh. I like this one." Reborn cackled.

Tsuna rolled his eyes as he continued. "I was at my last paper work when he came in and took me off my seat. He said I'm going to the zoo to have some fun. The zoo in my head is a domesticated zoo, the zoo in his-" He glared at his advisor who cackled. "-head is a forest full of dangerous animals he found out of accident. I mean I know he can communicate with bugs, like every insects in the world, but that one was super absurd."

"What?!"

"Yup. But imagine my horror when he walked me there, arm and arm, and directed me to every dangerous animals' dens. Since he knew how adept I am with my sky flames, lid on and not, he did the approaching himself." He sighed when he remembered how he yelled that time, only to be answered by a laugh all the damn time.

"Oh. He yelled a lot of times whenever I approach one. It was so comical." His advisor informed to Shouta who was staring at them.

"God. All he needed to do is stare at them right in the eyes for a sec and they're down." He lamented. "Like a freaking dog submitting. He didn't even need to go all super saiyan and stuffs to make them realize that he's the alpha or something. And do you know what's so funny about it?" He sighed again. "I was the last one he pulled in there while all of my guardians were done while I was holing in my room."

Black eyes turned to Reborn who was still laughing. "You must have fun with all his reactions."

"Of course I did." The hitman chuckled as Tsuna pulled off the shirt from himself. "His reactions were the most genuine ones I saw."

"Even after twenty years, I'm still not immune to his idiosyncrasies." He groaned after donning his sleepwear. "I won't even be surprised if he pulled one on us one day."

Shouta gave a scathing deadpan to Reborn, who smirked evilly. "I am not excited."

Tsuna laughed at the 'sulky' mode of Reborn. "Tell me about it."

"Hoo." He breathed as he sat on the couch.

Caramel eyes inspected every nook and cranny of their clean apartment. Since it has been four months, it's not a surprise that the place was full of dust and cobwebs when he got there. So he decided to do what he usually does, clean the place. It wasn't that 'hard', given the fact that all he needed to do is sweep the floor, walls and ceilings to remove the cobwebs and collected dusts, then wipe them clean with dump rags. The place is pretty small compared to the mansion or the Sawada house back then. He even finished washing the sheets and pillow cases on three rooms, changed them and now have those pairs dry, folded and tucked in their respective drawers. Even the dishes were done.

It's a day before the New year's. They were permitted to go home to celebrate with their families for a single day with their pro-hero guards. Since his Dad is a teacher and Eri's guardian at the moment, he opted to not inform him that he's going back to their home to check it out. He doesn't want to worry him. It's a good thing the Arcobaleno invited Reborn over to celebrate New year's with them. Although he wanted to spend his time with both, he knew and understood how they needed their own time too.

Maybe he wanted to be alone because he wanted to rationalize what happened on the ending year. From the top to the end. Well, a lot happened. From getting in UA, to his Dad almost getting killed in the USJ, then the Sport Festival and meeting Takeshi one last time. There's also the internship where he fought against Chizome. Don't start him with his breakdown after healing All Might. There's also his exam where he finally let go of the Vongola castle. The summer lodge, getting kidnapped and finding Reborn at the same time. Meeting the league, which dawdled to what relationship he has now with them, and a confrontation with All for One after promising Ryohei that he'll search for Kyoko.

There's also the time he told Shouta the truth, his parents' death, the fight over his custody, and the transfer to the dorm. Katsuki and Izuku's fight after the Provisional Hero License. Reborn coming back to him and gaining the fact that he's from a different world after one improvised Bazooka switch. Having to meet Byakuran's counterpart and the Arcobaleno, especially little Yuni. The fact that Reborn even stated his wants to stay with them, with him. Eri's situation, the operation and then Sir Nighteye's surgery. There's also the Culture Festivals, their birthdays and then Reborn's death and Renato's, his old world's Reborn, arrival. His attack in Vongola, able to guess that he's more or less having a disharmony, knowing his future, Endeavor's ascend to being the number one hero and getting injured on his debut, then the Paranormal Liberation Front.

He thinks what really highlighted his year was the summer. When his Dad discovered everything about him. His origin, his line of work and his true mental age. Although there are a lot to consider, his relationship with his Dad is the most important and fragile thing for him. He can lose everything, as long as not that one. It will thoroughly break him.

What more if he's the one missing in the picture?

He perked up when the front door opened. He stood up and tried to see who it is, only to see one Shouta Aizawa removing his shoes and some cellophane by the foyer.

"I'm home." His Dad announced after noticing him.

"What are you doing here?" He can't help asking after a second of registration.

"What? I want to come home too." Shouta answered 'innocently' as he went inside. Tsuna followed him to their kitchen.

"No. Seriously, why are you here? What about Eri-chan?" He pressed as he hovered.

"Peel these." Shouta ordered while putting carrots, potatoes and more vegetables in the side before rummaging more on the cellophane.

"O-Okay." He relented as he took the chopping board and the peeler.

"I went to your dorm this afternoon." The other said as they entered a familiar pace. "Iida told me you went out early morning then texted him at mid that you're in here. So I figured I'll come by too since I'll be your guardian for the new year's."

"Sorry." He murmured.

"It's fine." Shouta smiled and ruffled his locks. "I miss this too. Too bad Hizashi can't come. Eri's being watched by Nemuri and Number Thirteen."

"Okay." He nodded before smiling. "So what dish do you have in mind?"

Both of them got settled in their usual setting. Cooking lots of food that both of them can finish, bantering, recalling memories and laughing. Just having fun on their own. They watched TV after dinner and talked about mundane things after muting the appliance. They shared juice over everything with a snack. It was like it has been years since they've seen each other, even though they see each other every day in the classroom, every night at dinner and sleep in the same room for the past weeks. It's stupid and unnecessary, but they like it. They love it.

The next morning, Tsuna woke up early and invited Shouta to the shrine. At first, his Dad refuse because even if they do the traditional Japanese customs, he's an atheist. Regardless, Tsuna pulled him along, and the latter didn't really have much choice than to surrender. The brunet hummed when he noticed how small the visitors were, but he went on with his Dad in tow.

He taught Shouta the proper ways to do the prayer after greeting the monks and priests. The hero discovered right then that Tsuna goes to the same shrine for the past ten years, since he was six. The half of the small new year's money he receives from Shouta will be donated to the shrine whenever he goes, and he'll buy some food for his and Hizashi's hangover. For years, they thought Tsuna was just hearing and learning things and kept on roping them up to it, but everything were something the brunet planned. To say Shouta was shocked when he discovered this was an understatement. Tsuna laughed his ass out.

Of course, the prayer isn't done if they don't purchase fortune telling papers and a demon breaking arrow. The priest eyed him playfully when they purchased it, which he grinned at. When Shouta asked, it's because the arrow is commonly bought for kids, still, Tsuna never fails to get one for them. When they got their fortune telling. He sighed when he got future blessing. When he checked his Dad, it was middle blessing. He took the paper from the man and read it himself.

"A lot of disputes, resulting to casualties." He started off, interpreting the said proverbs. "Two people you're waiting for will come; one will completely go while the other will wake up. Your desires will come true." He stared at it before folding it and putting it inside Shouta's pocket. "Let's put mine to the wires."

"What does it say?" His Dad asked, regarding his, as they walked for the wires.

"Future blessings." He replied lightly as he carefully tied the paper. "I don't like what it contains, so need to tie it up." He stared at the paper. "It says I may or may not be able to change things. That there are some people important to me that I will never reach again. But things will be alright as long as I follow my guts."

"It's almost like a curse."

He quirked a smile. "I know. Let's go get some charms for Izuku. It's my new year's gift for him."

"Did you go here last year?" The hero asked, following him to the shrine to get a charm.

"Yup. I put the arrow I got at the top of the shelf in the living room. You didn't really see it cause I rarely make you do the cleaning with me." He responded.

"Do you always get charms?"

"No." He looked back to Shouta who looked curious. "I don't have anyone to give anyway, since I know you'll always be careful. This is my first time getting one but for Izuku."

"What if I'm not careful then?"

He slowed down as he sang. "Dad. Even if you aren't careful, you still have a lucky-" He smiled and give a peace sign that caused the other to grin. "-charm." Then he winked. "It's one of the reason why Reborn and my guardians are always alive. Tsunayoshi means lucky rope, remember?"

Shouta chuckled. "Right."

He beamed. "Just remember to never do what I won't do. And, think that I'm always waiting for you."

"Yup. I know the drill." The hero nodded with a smile.

"Okay. Let's go pick a luck charm for Izuku." He cheered.

"Such a child."

All of them turned to the window as indigo flames formed there and a man in green yukata stepped in the room. He, Bakugou, Todoroki, Hitoshi and Midoriya extremely tensed up at the sight of the man.

"Seriously, he knew the problem yet he's so adamant on not harmonizing with anyone." The man sighed as he pinched his nose bridge, making his glasses rose a little. It's as if he's figuring out how in hell did everything happened. "If this continues, the balance will crumble, and the Arcobaleno will turn in their cursed forms again. For someone who is the savior of your world, your student is quite an idiot, Sun Arcobaleno." Indigo eyes turned to Reborn who is sitting prettily at the side with his espresso. "You could've prevented this if you tried. Given how he listens to you and his patriarch."

"He wanted to see him." The hitman answered, as his eyes met the man's. "And he does not want to affect the imminent even if it's tempting. As much as I wanted to oppose to his considerations, I also want the kids to grow without his help. He had done his part, he trusts their judgements and believes in that they will do the right thing. He is, after all, our version of All-Knowing."

They tensed up a little when the man cackled, sounding pleased and in disbelief. "I almost forgot how great of a person one Tsunayoshi Sawada can be."

"How do you know Tsuna?!" Bakugou growled, ready to attack.

"Ah. The rain." The other regarded before hiding his arm to his sleeve and gave a small bow. "Greetings, I am Kawahira, the administrator of the Tri-ni-sette." Then he straightened up. "I am also the one who knows why Tsunayoshi-kun is in coma right now."