Lavender Scented Love

A/n at the bottom

Warnings: Slight Iemitsu bashing, spoilers, 10!YL KHR, post-canon Ghost Hunt, Mai is Tsuna's little sister, prositution, referanced sex trafficing, violence



Alone, they left her all alone. Naru and Lin went back to England, they were an entire continent apart from her. She had no way of contacting them. Masako left next; she was going international. She left her number for Mai even though everyone knew that Mai didn't have the money to make international phone calls or text more than once every two months. Then Ayako's parents threatened to cut her off if she didn't pull more shifts at their hospital. Even if she was already working five days out of the week.Monk's band went on tour across Japan. John was transferred to a different church not too far, but far enough that Mai didn't have the money to travel and see him. Yasuhara started college at Tokyo University and was planning on studying abroad. With all the classes he didn't have time for anything but school.
The people Mai had called family were gone. They left her by herself. She wasn't alone, not exactly. There were the women who lived in the same apartment complex and her friends from school. But Mai had called them family and they left her.
Ayame, her neighbor below her, had warned Mai that there had been fishy men hanging around the building. She said the rest of the girls were safe because they had a mother to take care of them. Mai didn't engage in the same business endeavors that the other girl did. She was at risk.


Tsuna really wasn't all that surprised (not after last year when it was revealed Basil was Iemitsu's illegitimate child) his father pulled him aside after a meeting. He told Tsuna that his little sister was alive. That Iemitsu had been lying to him and his mother about his sister for sixteen years. They had both mourned for their little Himeka. She had been alive the whole time.
Tsuna thought he couldn't hate that man anymore, but finding out that his little princess was alive. That all the pain his mother went through was for nothing. Iemitsu took two steps back at the look Tsuna gave him.
"Hm… I wonder how Mom will react when I tell her. After all, with my high ranking job I didn't get to visit last year. I have to tell Mom everything. Like that, we did a DNA test and someone's DNA matched mine a little too much. I have to tell Mama. Don't you think, Iemitsu?" Tsuna sneered.
The man simpered and begged not to tell his dear Nana, how it would break her. How she would never trust him again.
"I might consider it, if you tell me where Himeka is," Tsuna nearly snarled.
"Mai, she goes by Mai."
(Tsuna did consider it. He was going to tell Mom anyway.)


She lived in the red light district. Her entire complex was filled with prostitutes. Not that they weren't very nice sex workers. After all, they had noticed his men and warned his little princess. What nice women. But as nice as they were he would be taking back his sister even if he had to kidnap her.
Tsuna didn't consider himself a bad person, in fact, out of all the people he worked with he was probably the nicest one. Sure, he was desensitized to the whole killing people thing with Reborn as a tutor you kind of have to be. Tsuna was still the most compassionate of all his coworkers, friends and Family members.
He tried to be reasonable. He understood that every time one of his guardians left that might not come back. After an entire life of abandonment issues Tsuna did not deal with it well. He did the best that he could with that information.
He held on tight to the family that he had carved out. To find out that his father had just thrown away his baby sister like she was trash was vexing to say the least.
Tsuna would do anything to have his little sister back. Morality wasn't an issue when it came to protecting his family.


Mai had just finished scanning the last book when she heard a voice that sounded familiar and yet wasn't.
"Do you think I could talk to you during your break?"
Mai looked up and saw him. It was like she had been swimming in ice water since they left her and she finally reached the surface. It was like coming home. His eyes held a warmth that Maihad never seen on a stranger.
"Ah! I didn't mean it like that…"
Mai smiled at the warmth that radiated from him. "Didn't mean it like what? Sorry, I don't follow."
The man, so very warm, let out a nervous chuckle, "Nothing, sorry disregard that. It's just you remind me of someone I haven't seen in a very long time. Do you think I could just talk with you for a little while."
Mai knew he wasn't lying. This man didn't like to lie. He wasn't telling the truth though. She looked the man up and down nice clothing, well-groomed, but young, mid-to late twenties. So maybe, he lost his girlfriend or mother (although if it was mother she was going to be a little offended).
"Well… I get off in fifteen… and my other job is at a cafe so we could talk there until my shift." Mai offered.


Other job she said it so simply. Like it was normal like she should have to work two jobs sometimes three if her teachers offered extra money to grade. If she hadn't been stolen from him she wouldn't have so many calluses. If she hadn't been stolen she wouldn't have those eyebags that she tried to cover up with cheap drugstore makeup. She wouldn't be living in a rundown apartment.
He needed to calm down. Slow steps, if he just up and took her to Italy they would file a missing person report. He needed to win his princess over before he even spoke about moving. He had seen people in worse situations before. Himeka (Mai) was lucky that she didn't end up in a situation like the other girls in her apartment complex. Even if she was his little sister, why did it burn so much to see her like this.
Maybe, it was how she burned low like a hearth. Even after he had been unsealed he was always cold. Even now in the midst of July heat in Shibuya, he wore long sleeves. Tsuna knew that if he was allowed just one one touch he would be able to stay warm.
"We're here." Himeka (Mai) told him.
Tsuna had to pause because, yes it was a cafe, but that was only a front it was owned by one of the most infamous information brokers in Japan.
"Isn't this place one of those super famous and delicious food spots? Like a hidden gem?" Tsuna asked knowing it was the most recent code that was being used.
Himeka (Mai) blinked once, twice , and then "Not really, only the coffee is all that great and I work here." the expected response.
The two looked at each other, "So… did you know that I worked here. I mean… I know you wanted to talk to me, but did you also want to talk to my boss?" Mai asked without judgement.
"Well… sort of I was planning on visiting him, but not until I was done in Tokyo. But I guess this does speed one thing up for me. If I may ask, what do you do here? If you just worked at the cafe you wouldn't know the code." Tsuna rubbed the back of his head then laughed.
Mai smiled "I think that's a story for another time. Let's sit down and talk."


Mai really did have terrible luck. The nice warm man, "Sawada Tsunayoshi, please just Tsuna" knew the head honcho of the business. He really was too nice to know Orihara-san.
Tsuna told her all about his family. A family that he built himself without any blood connecting. It made Mai's heart ache for SPR, for thoses that abandoned her. Without meaning to, she started to cry. Tsuna, so kind and warm, had offered her a handkerchief and asked what was wrong.
Mai knew she could trust him even if they had only met an hour ago. She told him everything, even the embarrassing parts because she couldn't tell anyone else without being mocked but whenever she got upset about her past failures Tsuna was there with one of his own to comfort her.
It felt so nice and like such a natural interaction. The atmosphere felt comforting and then Orihara-san ruined it.
"Ugh, gross. Why are there emotions in my shop?" A voice drawled from the stairwell.
Tsuna and Mai both shot up from their seats, "Orihara-san!"
The man stepped out from the stairwell and Mai rushed to pull something out, it was a hospital grade wheelchair.
"Orihara-san you shouldn't be using the stairs if it's a bad day." Mai said, ushering the man into the mobility aid.
He rolled his blood red eyes, "Yes, yes. Mai-tan, why don't you get Vongola-chan and I some tea."
Mai nodded and took the elevator up so the two men could have some small talk before they got down to business.


"Your little sister is adorable, huh, Vongola-chan?" Orihara snickered
Tsuna turned towards the information broker, "Orihara Izaya, I presume. I'm Sawada Tsunayoshi, just Sawada for now if you please. After all, we don't know who's listening."
Orihara's grin stretched further, "Of course Sawada-chan. Now, I'm sure you've heard all about me from Mammon-san. After I made a contract with the older Sawada I was told to keep tabs on Mai-tan. I'm not in the habit of spying on my employees, but it benefited me as well. All the information is on a USB in my office. I'm sure you'll want that too. None of this is cheap Sawada-chan."
Tsuna's smile twitched, "Rest assured Orihara-san I know and am willing to pay. Now, shall we go up to discuss this further?"
"Mai-tan should be done making the blend anyway." Orihara pushed the up button and rolled himself into the elevator.
Tsuna followed. He had to focus on breathing. He would finally get the information on Himeka (Mai). Information that he shouldn't have to pay for, but because of Iemitsu he didn't. Once he had convinced Himeka (Mai) to move to Italy with him he could tell his mother the truth. She might finally divorce that man. Basil would take over his position and Iemitsu could be gotten rid of quietly.
"Ah, what a bad man you are to practically drool at the thought of killing someone." Orihara laughed, "It's okay, my husband gets like that sometimes too. Just make sure to wipe it off before Mai-tan sees."


Two Weeks Ago

Everyone knew when Tsuna started leaking flames that someone was going to die. Chrome really hoped that it was that sad excuse of an external advisor.
Seriously, he always made comments about how she "did so well in that meeting" and how "it was amazing how much had achieved despite her disabilities." That man pissed her off. She never let it show because the moment she did Boss's associates would claim that she was too emotional to be Tsuna's advisor.
Even though out of all of them Tsuna and she were the most capable of taking a step back and looking at the big picture. Most still considered her just the other half of Mukuro-sama.
On one hand they weren't wrong, but they also weren't right. Mukuro-sama and she had twin flames. They were two halves of one flame, however, they were two very different people. It wasn't like flame twins were rare, but they weren't common either. It was why Chrome was able to keep Mukoro-sama conscious during his capture. It was also why Mukuro-sama was able to create her illusionary organs for so long. Yes, any mist could have done it, but it would have eventually ended up like giving someone the wrong blood type.
Currently, however, that didn't matter, what did matter was Boss towering over Iemitsu, maybe Basil would finally get his promotion.


"You can't tell her, please Tsuna!"
Oh, someone was in trouble. A grin stretched across Tsuna's face that would fit better on Reborn's. "I might consider it, if you tell me where Himeka is."
As Boss walked away no one spoke. It wasn't until they got into the Tsuna's main office.
"Tsuna, who's Himeka?" Hayato was quick to ask.
Tsuna looked every bit Reborn's age, "Himeka is my little sister who I thought died in childbirth. Mama and I both thought… and he had just lied. He had given her away. He's been keeping tabs on her, but…"
"You can't trust his idea of keeping tabs. So, Boss, how long will you need?" Chrome smiled.
"How… long?" Tsuna repeated.
Mukuro sighed, "Tsunayoshi, do you know what it means to be bonded to not only Chrome and I, but also Ryohei? It's part of basic flame principle... Twin flames…"
Tsuna looked at the two of them blankly.
"Ah! You mean because you three are bonded and Kyoko might as well be… that is likely." Hayato gasped looking between the two Mists and Sun.
Tsuna very obviously didn't understand.
"Well, if he doesn't know, just let him figure it out." Mukuro shrugged and sighed.
Even Takashi shook his head.
"Anyway, we're getting off topic. How long do you suppose you'll need to convince her?" Chrome reiterated.
"If we let the omnivore set the time frame we'll be making excuses for years, you have a month tops," Kyoya spoke for the first time.
Chrome supposed that she should be more surprised that Tsuna had a biological sister. Really though at this point she didn't think that if Tsuna showed up with a baby claiming it was his son would surprise her.
Actually, when he was drunk he did that with a racoon.
No, she would be surprised because even if he was a bi disaster he was more into guys.


Lambo didn't know how to feel. He was a bit of a spoiled brat, even he could admit that. He knew that logically, he wasn't going to be loved any less. Just because a biological sibling showed up didn't mean anything.
Lambo had seen it happen before. It had happened to him before. He may not be as smart as Hayato-nii, but Lambo did have an amazing memory.
He remembered before Tsu-nii. How they had indulged his whims at first. He had been the sole heir to the Bovino family, then his little brother had been born.
At first nothing really changed, then little by little he got less attention, so he acted out. It worked for a little while. The less attention he got the more he acted out, until that day. He overheard them; he was to be sent to get killed by Reborn so his little brother could inherit the title.
Logiclly, that wouldn't happen if what the others were saying Himeka was a sky not a lightning. So even if they wanted to replace him they couldn't.
Too bad emotions couldn't be reasoned with.


Hayato was in a state of shock; he and Takashi had known about Himeka, vaguely, Tsuna had never said her name. He briefly wondered if this was how Bianchi felt when she found out he didn't blow himself up years ago or die on the streets.
To think that… that complete and utter bastard had done this to his own family. Granted Hayato had known that he was a shit father, but at least he hadn't poisoned his son for years… oh wait, he had. By sealing his flames. He didn't separate his children for years… Oh, wait!
Iemitsu Sawada wasn't worth the air he wasted.
Himeka was why Tsuna had grown up in such a big house. Mama had always planned on a big family. After Himeka's death she had stopped trying; it was why even though the brats could get on everyone's nerves, Tsuna had never had the heart to really yell at them.
Mama had been so happy to have such a full house. Tsuna had once told him "I think Mama never gave up on me because she knew if she did she would have lost both her children."
Hayato supposed that said more about Tsuna's childhood than it did about Mama.


Mukuro knew he should feel bad, but honestly he didn't really care about Tsunayoshi's sister. Sure it sucked, but at least she was alive.
Although, that could be just as traumatizing he mused. Maybe this would be the push needed to finally kill that shit stain of an external advisor.
All that man did was complain about how many traditions Tsunayoshi was changing. He complained that Chrome was the internal advisor even though she had the most sense out of all of them combined. Even a Vongola could get clouded when it involved his guardians.
It wasn't that Mukuro hated him over any other mafia member, it was just that he held grudges. And Iemitsu has been the one to convince Tsuna to leave him in that place. Strictly speaking, it never happened, but who cared.
He was crazy and if it brought down one stupid man who abused his power, oh well.


Mai stared at the tea leaves that got loose from the strainer. They swirled in the middle of the glass pot Orihara-san owned. She would have to strain the tea again. Mai had chosen a blend intended for relaxation. Boss hadn't given any inclination that she should drug Tsuna-san's tea.
Orihara-san was more picky about tea than Naru had ever been.
Boss never sent her up before. He always had her stay because she could tell what kind of people his clients were. Boss obviously didn't really know the man because he didn't come down in his wheelchair.
Something strange was going on. Tsuna-san was so warm, but if he knew of Orihara-san then he was at least a little shady.


Tsuna sat down on a plush leather sofa. Across from was a large wooden desk that Orihara-san easily maneuvered his wheelchair behind.
As soon as he locked his wheels Himeka (Mai) came out with a tray rat she set down on Orihara-san's desk. She then left the room to go back down to manage the cafe.
On the tray that had been set down was a clear pot of tea, two glass cups with handles, a plate of cookies, and a small sample of dry tea leaves. Tsuna didn't bother with the dry leaves knowing that Orihara-san wouldn't poison him and picked up a cookie.
The information broker poured them both a cup of tea.
"It must say I'm impressed with how fast you're moving. Mai-tan never opens up to people like that. You've heard why." Orihara-san spoke before taking a sip of tea.
"It wasn't planned, I assure you. There's just something that… oh. That's what they meant," Tsuna rolled his eyes skyward.
Orihara-san raised an eyebrow.
Tsuna shook his head, "About that USB, what exactly does it contain?"
"Before that, I want half the amount up front. Just wire it to a wonderful little Swedish bank account," Orihara-san grinned.
With only a few taps on his phone Tsuna wired about 200000¥ to an account that was just listed as numbers.
Orihara-san phone went off, "Well, what do you want to know Sawada-chan?"


Mai had left her personal phone recording at the door of Boss's office. After Tsuna-san left she told Orihara-san that she must have dropped it.
He let her look for it unsupervised. It was common for her to forget her phone. Mai grabbed her phone and ended the recording. When she got home she watched the whole thing.
Was that why Tsuna-san felt so warm? Because he was her brother. And why did he want information on her so bad?
Mai knew she was adopted. It didn't really bother her and when her parents died she hadn't considered her birth family. Her parents had told her that she only had a biological father. That her biological mother had died giving birth to her. That her father could bring himself to take care of the thing that had killed his wife.
But she had a brother and her brother had a family both biological and not. Mai had a biological mother, father, brother, and half-brother. She also had all the other people that Tsuna-san considered family.
Mai knew she had to find a way to contact Tsuna-san.


Tsuna plugged the USB into his travel computer. He drummed his fingers while it loaded. Finally, it was done.
Tsuna clicked and there was everything about his little sister.Copies of photos from around birth to about twelve, school report cards, essays, awards, more recent pictures with friends, videos, work history, address, Birthday, favorite clothing style, hobbies, favorite games, favorite movies, favorite books, everything he needed to get to know his sister.
As he read Tsuna texted Hayato telling him information to make note of or that might help them move her to Italy faster. Tsuna found himself on an emotional rollercoaster.
One moment he could be excited that her favorite color was cream and the next he was raging over reports of bullying.
It took nearly two hours but Tsuna looked over every inch of information.


Takashi knew of Himeka. Everyone who lived in Namimori did. While their town wasn't as small as people made it out to be. It was filled with gossip. No one knew how to spread information like retired Mafia members.
It made school ever harder for Tsuna. There were constant comments on how even his little sister knew how pathetic Tsuna was and that's why she died.
But Tsuna wasn't pathetic and Himeka was alive and none talked like that to Tsuna anymore.
Takashi couldn't wait to meet Tsuna's little sister.


Ryohei couldn't imagine the pain Tsuna was going through. Just the idea that someone might try to take his Sister, his twin flame, made his blood boil.
Hearing about what Tsuna's sperm-donor had done to his own family made Ryohei need to call his parents and hold his sister tight.
Ryohei was glad that Tsuna was going to kill Iemitsu.


A week later Tsuna-san showed up at Mai's bookstore job. He spent time browsing the self help section.
When Mai finished her six hour shift, she sought the man out in the maze of books.
"Sawada-san, I thought I saw you here," Mai pretended to be surprised as if she hadn't just spent five minutes looking for him.
"Oh, Mai-san it's you. And please just Tsuna-san. Sawada-san is my father", the man smiled.
If what I recorded is to be believed he's my father too.
Mai smiled back, "Of course Tsuna-san. Um…" Mai bit her lip.
Tsuna tilted his head.
A heat rushed to Mai's face, she could do this just spit it out.
"I'm sorry I… um, I recorded yours and Orihara-san's conversation. I just got a feeling that I should and when I don't follow my gut bad things tend to happen. I was just worried about what was going on so… Am I… Am I really your sister?!" Mai said, shouting towards the end.
Tsuna's face wasn't one of anger or outrage at his privacy being invaded. He was happy. There was a warmth in his eyes that Mai hadn't seen directed at her in a long time, unconditional love. Tsuna reached his arms out offering a hug.
Mai didn't think twice. Without even realizing she was moving Mai stubbled her way into his arms. They closed around her, enveloping her in a feeling of safewarmhomeminemineminemine.

Mai started crying. It was quiet at first, just a slight shaking of her body, but before long Mai was racked with sobs nearly screaming into Tsuna's shoulder. For the first time since Naru had left she felt like she had a family.
Mai sniffed a bit, her eyes red and puffy from the crying. She was glad that she had put the "closed" sign in the door before talking to Tsuna.
"Here, I wet it in the sink that should help the swelling go down," Tsuna offered an expensive looking handkerchief that was slightly damp to Mai.
Mai took in and pressed it to one eye at a time so she could still look at Tsuna.
They had very similar hair color and their noses were the same too.
"So… what now?" Mai asked.
Tsuna looked at her, "I'm going to be honest, I have no intention of leaving Japan without you. I have a deadline at the end of this month to convince you."
And if you don't agree I'll take you anyway. Kicking and screaming if I must.
"I don't even know I have a life in Japan. I can't just leave it behind. But I don't want to miss this opportunity. Mai said, conflicted.
If you could call it that. Working three time consuming jobs, still going to school, and staying in the top ten percent of her grade. Some life.
Tsuna knelt down where Mai was sitting. He took her hands in his.
"Mai, I want to tell you something. It's not to guilt you" It was. "It's just something that I think you should know before making your decision. Our mother is still alive; she lives two train rides out of Tokyo. I want you to meet her at least once." Once will be enough. "Also… I'd like it if you would meet my closest friends. Just two of them I don't want to overwhelm you." Now for the heart squeeze. "I want to be in your life even if you don't come to Italy with me. I won't lie, I'm not a good person, but I want to be a good brother. And if you lived a country away I can't even do that."
Mai bit her lip again, deeper, "I, okay, I'll want to meet our mom and your friends then I'll make a decision."
Tsuna pulled her into a hug so she would see the grin stretch across his face.


They planned to meet their mother two days after their conversation and have dinner with Tsuna's two friends two days after that.
"Mai, we're going to have to go shopping. Not to brag or anything, but my friends are quite handsome and they've gotten mobbed before for their looks. So, we have to eat somewhere with a private dinner area. Don't even worry about money, I've got the bill." Tsuna smiled, steamrolling over anything Mai might say.
"Tsuna-san I can't ask you to pay for my clothes-" Mai began.
Tsuna flashed a quick grin, "I won't be. Look at the name on the card."
Mai did so. The card as black with gold engravings on it, "Iemitsu, Sawada? I don't know who-"
Tsuna cut Mai off once again, "That is our father. He will be paying for our shopping spree. Just think of it as child support."


They went shopping the next day. Mai called off of work saying she was sick and probably would be all week.
Tsuna started small; he took Mai to a few small boutiques that weren't too badly priced. But nothing there Mai liked or stood up to Tsuna standards.
They tried a few other stores but nothing looked right. Tsuna made sure to take pictures of the clothing that caught Mai's eye.
He finally managed to convince her to go into a high end store.
There Mai found something that they both could agree on: a royal purple dress with an illusion neckline and a high-low skirt that puffed out. The highest part starting just above Mai's knees and the lowest dragging on the ground a bit (without heels).
Mai needed shoes to match. They went to a shoe store that one of the sales associates at the dress shop recommended.
They waited for people to bring shoes that matched the dress.
"What exactly do you do that our father has a black card? I know that if you know of Orihara-san you're not good friends with the police." Mai whispered.
"I'm a CEO, shall we say, of Vongola, the electronics company." Tsuna replied.
"Wait, like the same Vongola that Mammon-san works at?" Mai asked.
"The very same. I'm guessing they and Orihara-san work together sometimes" Tsuna said.
"Yep! I always have to make super fancy strawberry milk for them." Mai laughed, "I have to muddle fresh strawberries in whole milk.
The man that was assisting the two walked out with five boxes of shoes all in Mai's size.
Two were quickly vetoed as it was almost October and they were heeled sandals. Another was rejected because the gold sparkles on it made it look cheap. Tsuna ended up choosing for Mai as she liked both pairs too much. He chose a pair of silver pumps with a thick ankle strap for support.
Mai ran her fingers through her hair. It was no longer in a bob cut. It had grown and was just barely brushing her shoulders.
"Do I need to do anything with my hair?" Mai turned toward Tsuna after he swiped their father's card.
He gave her hair a glance, "Not really just pin it out of your face. Unless you want to get it cut."
Mai shook her head, "I want to grow it more then maybe get a wolf cut or something cool like that.
They took to the streets again.


"Hey Mai, what are you wearing to Mom's?" Tsuna asked.
Mai turned pale, "I haven't even thought about it! What should I wear? Is she like a business woman? Should I wear a suit? I don't have a suit!" Mai started to panic.
Tsuna smiled, Mai reminded him of a more down to earth version of himself at that age.
"Mom is just a housewife, not that she doesn't work hard doing that. She's currently fostering a girl a little younger than you, I-pin. She doesn't know that Vongola isn't just an electronic company. Although I think she has some suspicions. You could show up in a paper bag and Mom would be happy." Tsuna explained calmly.
Mai whipped her head to him, "I can't do that, I have to wear something nice. I'm meeting her for the first time," Mai paused for a moment, "I hate to ask but can we get a little more child support money for me?"
Tsuna snickered, "Yeah, sure we can."


Mai looked at the outfit she had on and she hoped it was nice enough. Tsuna had assured her it was but Mai wasn't sure.
The a-line skirt she had picked out was made of a dark orange cotton material that started at her waist and fell to mid-shin. She paired it with a cream button up that she tucked into the skirt. She also threw on a pale orange cardigan. She was wearing opaque black tights and comfortable black ankle boots that had a kitten heel.
She glanced at the clock on her wall. She had to get going if she wanted to make the train with Tsuna. Mai grabbed her phone, keys, wallet and headed off.


They met at the train station, boarded the train, and got comfortable. They'd have to change trains once they reached the edge of Tokyo.
The two wasted time by playing twenty questions with each other. Tsuna knew most of the answers to the questions he asked Mai, but it was different to hear it from her mouth.
After they got to a town called Kyouko they had to take a bus to Namimori.


They ended up a little early. So Tsuna showed Mai around the town. He pointed out landmarks like what schools he went to and where he and his friends used to hang out.
It made Mai ache. If it wasn't for her father, Iemitsu, she would have lived here. She would have known these places, gone to these places. Visited the sushi shop that Tsuna's friend's father owned. Gone to the schools, Tsuna's friend was the head of the disciplinary committee. She would have gotten ice cream with the other children her family fostered. She would have had a support system. She wouldn't have been left to flounder. She wouldn't have had to worry about paying the bills at fifteen. She would have had three square meals a day instead of having to ration out ramen cups.
Hot tears burned Mai's face. She crouched down, head slumped in between her legs. Her tears continued to fall, darkening spots on the sidewalk. Her nose started to run.
Tsuna brought himself down to her level. Not caring about the gossiping women looking at the two.
"Mai what's wrong? Can you tell me, please?" Tsuna asked, his voice soft and gentle.
"If," Mai sniffed, causing Tsuna to pull out a handkerchief, "If he had just kept me… I… we wouldn't be here. We would just be visiting Mom. I wouldn't be meeting my mother for the first time at seventeen. Why didn't he want me, Nii-san? Why didn't he want me?"
Mai broke down sobbing for the second time that week. Tsuna could only sit and wipe away her tears as she sobbed for a lost childhood, a lost life.
Once Mai had calmed down they just sat.
"I don't know why that pezzo di merda didn't let us have you. We were so happy when we found out Mom was pregnant. I couldn't wait for my younger sibling. Then on the delivery date after Mom had been in labor. They whisked you away. I wasn't even eight yet. The doctor and nurses came back and told mom that you didn't make it. She was so… I can't even think of a word to describe her grief." Tsuna began.
Mai looked at her brother, "You don't have to do this," she said as she touched his arm."
"No," Tsuna let out a breath," I want to. I… If you were a girl your name was going to be Himeka, our little princess. Neither of us were ever the same. I was never good at school, but my grades went from below average to basically failing. Mom just floated through life. She just wasn't ever herself after it. And Iemitsu came around even less than before. Mom alway thought he blamed her. But knowing that you're alive… knowing what he did to you, to us, I wonder. Was he just guilty of his own actions? I mean he fucked me up bad, just with the inheriting the company. But my childhood was fucked from 'not having a dad' or whatever. I hate him so fucking much. I really wish he would die. I have to see him everyday. Everyday I get closer and closer to killing him."
"Just fire him."
Tsuna turned to look Mai in her puffy eyes.
"What?" Tsuna blinked.
"Just fire him. You're the Boss. Just fire him and someone will take his place." Mai explained.
"I mean our half-brother is his successor or whatever." Tsuna huffed.
"Half-brother?" Mai exclaimed.
Tsuna laughed bitterly, "Yeah, our half- brother, Basil. He's not quite a year older than me. But certainly younger than our parents' marriage. The real fucking kicker, is that Basil didn't know he was Dad's son. Iemitsu raised him from two years old and didn't tell Basil jack-shit. He only found out last year. Basically his entire life he had been calling his own father Master and thought seventeenth century language was what was still spoken in Japan until he was sixteen."
"Wow, you know what Nii-san, fuck that guy. You still have his card. Let's go to the store, buy a bunch of bags and all your friends' favorite snakes and buy the whole stock with the card. And after meeting me Mom might be too shocked to cook so we can all go get Sushi." a grin spit Mai's face.
So they did just that.


Tsuna opened the door to the house both his arms laden with two duffel bags each. Mai wasn't doing much better as she was only carrying one less tan Tsuna.
"Mom, I'm home and I bought a surprise." Tsuna shouted as he toed off his shoes.
Mai did the same and followed him down the entranceway to the living room area.
"Ara, you did Tsu-kun? I know you said you were staying for dinner, but…" a woman who looked almost exactly like Mai said as she turned around from where she had been writing a shopping list at the kitchen table.
The woman's eyes were fixed on Mai. Looking her up and down until they came to rest on her face. The woman jumped out of her seat so fast the chair fell over. Her mouth opened a few times and no words came out. She moved closer to Mai as if he was in a trance. Her arm extended, reaching out towards Mai.
She got so close her fingers brushed Mai's chest. The woman jerked her hand back and looked at her fingers as if she couldn't believe what she felt. She then took a step forward. She wrapped her arms around Mai.
Nana finally found her voice, "Oh, my darling little princess, how I've missed you. I missed you so much. I'm so, so, glad you're safe."
Nana started sobbing into her daughter's shoulder, clinging to her as if she would disappear. Mai soon joined in too. She hadn't been hugged by a mother in so long it just felt so nice.
Nana pulled away a little to look at Tsuna, "How did you find her?"
He looked to the side and grimaced, "Iemitsu."
Nana nodded and turned back towards her daughter. She cradled Mai's face in her hands and rocked her back and forth.


Once Nana could peel herself away from Mai all three sat at the table.
"So, Mai, are you going to live with me or Tsu-kun?" Nana asked.
"I mean I haven't even finished school yet." Mai deflected.
"So, you can transfer her if you want to stay in Japan." Nana smiled.
Mai missed the look Tsuna shot at their mother. She also missed the grin their mother responded with.
"I want to have a relationship with both of you. It doesn't feel fair to pick one or the other. On one hand, it's a pain to transfer this late in the year. On the other hand, I don't even know Italian." Mai professed.
Nana let her hand cover Mai's, " I know that's why I thought you could transfer here, finish high school, learn Italian, and get to know me. While you do that Tsuna can take care of some cleaning that needs to happen. When you finish school you can move to Italy and be with Tsuna."
"But Mom what about-" Tsuna was cut off.
"Tsu-kun, I'm not as delicate as I used to be. I've healed. I've been talking to an overseas therapist since Lambo hit eight. I'm okay. I've come to terms with how I felt about Himeka. You haven't, Tsu-kun." Nana smiled at her son.
"I'm home Mama. Oh, who's here?" A girl with long dark hair in two braids asked.
Nana sighed, "It's a long story I-pin dear."
After explaining what was going on to I-pin Nana realized that she hadn't been able to start on dinner and they did end up going to Takesushi


Mai continued to think about moving in with her biological mother the entire dinner. She wasn't sure how to feel about the sudden offer. Family is all she ever wanted. But it was also a very sudden proposal. Mai knew she needed to have an answer before she met Tsuna's friends.
Mai wanted so very badly to live with her mother. She was scared. She knew what kind of memories mothers brought up.
It made Mai think of her Mama, the woman who raised her. It made her remember the days her mother would go without eating so Mai could. When Mai would get dress-coded because they could afford to fix the rips in her already threadbare uniform.
Mai didn't know if she could take that.
"Mai, you were pretty deep in thought all of dinner. Is there something on your mind?" Nana asked.
"Um… I was just wondering about something, if you did take me in… about the cost…" Mai trailed off, not sure how to explain.
"Mai, if Mom didn't have the money to take care of you she wouldn't have offered. Besides eight months of care, I can cover that easily." Tsuna smiled.
"But!" Mai started.
Nana turned to her daughter, "Mai the only thing you should have to worry about at this age is what school you want to go to and your grades. I can take care of you."
Mai nodded, "Okay, then I want to try and finish out high school here, in Namimori."


When Mai got home (escorted by her brother) she collapsed into her futon. It had been an exhausting day. Tsuna had assured her he'd take care of the paperwork for her transfer. She wasn't sure how'd he do that but was thankful for one less thing to do.
Mai looked around her small apartment. She knew she wasn't getting her deposit back. She got off her futon knowing she needed to pack. She looked around to see if she had any boxes or storage bins.
Mai started sorting through her clothes, most were old, but in good condition (despite what most thought she was careful with her belongings). She carefully packed them in a storage bin.
Mai looked at her book collection. It was a large size for her small apartment. She sorted through her books looking at all the titles before either placing them to the side or into a box. One title made Mai pause, a book written in English. She ran her finger along the Author's name. She stopped just holding the book in her hand, the feeling of longing building up in her. She bit her lip feeling tears stinging her eyes.
This is so stupid. Who cares what they think of my decision? They weren't there when I really needed a support system. They don't get a say in what I do now. Even though they haven't said anything… They haven't even called. Last time I tried calling any of them it went straight to voice-mail.
Mai placed the book in the box.


Mai was nervous; she thought she'd just be meeting two of Tsuna's friends. When she was actually meeting twelve. She had called earlier that day informing her with a very long game of telephone. That these people had heard and thought it wasn't fair that only Gokudera-san and Yamamoto-san got to meet her that night.
Tsuna had picked her up from her apartment in a rental car. They had driven to a very fancy looking restaurant. He escorted her arm in arm down to the private room he had booked.
They entered the room. There, sitting at a very long table were twelve people and two empty chairs. As if it wasn't nerve racking enough, they all turned to look at the siblings.
It was silent for a beat.
So cute! She looks just like a mini Tsu-kun. I just wanna squeeze her desu~" a black haired woman bounded out of her seat to get a better look at Mai.
The woman reached the two and gave a bow, "I'm Miura Haru."
Mai returned the bow feeling rather dumbstruck.
"I'm Taniyama Mai, it's very nice to meet you. " Mai replied.
Once that was said the proverbial ice was broken and everyone began to exchange greetings with Mai.
There was the aforementioned Yamamoto-san and Gokudera-san. There was also Ryohei-san, Kyoko-san, and Hana-san who all asked to be called by their first names as their last names were all Sasagawa. Then there was Mukuro-san and Dokuro-san who looked like twins. There was Hibiri-san who Mai might see a few times as he traveled from Italy to Namimori quite often. There was Reborn-san, Tsuna's teacher. Lambo-kun, Tsuna's adopted brother and Basil their half brother.
They sat down to eat and began to take turns talking to Mai. Kyoko-san and Miura-san talked to Mai about what kinds of fashion she liked, what kinds of sweets were the best, and how her visit with Nana went.
Hana-san asked about school. Which was a short discussion, but led into where she had worked.
"Well currently, I work at a small bookstore, Orihara-san's Cafe, and handing out tissue packets. I'll probably be quitting them soon to move to Namimori, but I don't like to just do nothing. So, maybe I'll get a job there too." Mai smiled.
"Have you ever heard of relaxing? You're going to burn out before twenty-three if you go at that rate." Hana-san said harshly.
Mai laughed nervously, "Relaxing is kind of a novel concept for me. After I was taken in by sensei I was moved into Tokyo and set up with a job and since then it's been go, go, go."
"Sensei? Who's that?" Gokudera-san asked.
"According to Sensei, she was a good friend of my mother, my adopted mother, who fell out of contact with her. She was pretty short about the whole thing and her name isn't just Sensei. It's just that my English has always been bad. It was really hard for me to say her name." Mai blushed, embarrassed at her admission.
"What does she look like?" Basil-san asked.
Mai bit her lip. She had a bad feeling, "Why is that important?"
"It's just that this Sensei might be one of Iemitsu's coworkers." Tsuna-san's smile should have reassured her but it didn't.
"It doesn't matter that much. What's done is done. It's not like she directly betrayed you. In Fact, thanks to her it was easier to find me, right? So it doesn't matter who Sensei really is or was." Mai said.
Dokuro-san started laughing, "She's certainly Boss's sister. I like her. And I like that she's level headed."
The rest of the table soon joined in laughing. Mai wasn't sure what was so funny so she refrained.
"Um… what's so funny about what Dokuro-san said?" Mai leaned over to Kyoko-san to ask.
"It's just that Tsu-chan has said almost the same exact thing at one point or another. So it's funny that his own words are being flung back at him." Kyoko-san smiled


This is a very different story than before. Tsuna is a lot darker.
I feel like this flows a lot better though. It's less choppy.
Do you know our special guest star? (If you're my age you probably do.)
There will be a little time skip for the next chapter, but nothing crazy.
Comments, questions concerns you know the drill