Alex:Hello and welcome to the Butterfly Effect side series! A place for fun as I showcase scenarios that didn't quite make it into the main series as well as moments that I mentioned and or showed but didn't go further into detail on. This is strictly for fun! It gives me a chance to continue to have fun with Mari but also take a breather from the plot of the main series. I hope you all enjoy it, enjoy chapter one lovelies!

XxxXxx

Chapter 1:Engagment Banquet Continued

The air filled with the melodious sound of music, woven together with the murmur of many voices. Finely dressed individuals from allied mafia families mingled amongst each other. There was a subtle buzz of excitement throughout the room recognizable only in the many flickering glances sent Mariko's way. She felt the soft wings of butterflies fluttering slightly in her stomach. It reminded her of her competition days. But despite the attention, Mari felt at peace. She felt like the warm rays of the sun were shining gently down upon her body. So warm. It's a great feeling to have everyone together.

Fiore accepted Mari's request to be her maid of honor with an enthusiastic 'yes' and an exuberant bear hug that swiftly tightened until it was border-line life threatening. Mari was swung round and round until her head lolled back like a rag doll's. Fiore babbled excitedly, completely oblivious to Mari's suffering till the younger girl beat weakly on her shoulders.

"Oops," Fiore apologised sheepishly, before getting pulled away by some other, rowdier guests.

Mari barely got a second to catch her breath before she was caught in yet another rib-crushing bear hug.

"Mari!" The loud voice of her mother exclaimed, right in Mari's ear. Tonight's gonna be a long night, Mari realised, surrendering herself to her mother's whims. Though it shouldn't be that bad, Tsuna and I can always relax together later. She smiled wistfully at the thought.

"Oh my baby girl!" Her mother crooned softly. Mayu's fingers were feather soft as she traced them lightly through Mari's braided hair. "I'm so happy for you, baby girl!"

Managing to extract herself from her mother's suffocating embrace Mari smiles softly. Her mother returns the gesture with a watery smile. Her lips twitched with small quivers as she labored to maintain her grin. I should have expected the water works but hopefully she won't start ugly crying. Reaching out Mari takes her mother's hands into her own, rough calloused ones gently squeeze silky smooth skin. Even after all these years her mother's hands still retained their gentleness.

"Hello Mama." Mari softly whispers. Those two words, while simple, had the strength to shatter what self control her mother had left. Warm chocolate hued eyes widen for a fraction of a second before becoming blind with tears. Mari is once again pulled into another tight embrace. The deafening wails of her mother filled the air resulting in several guests to glance over in curious wonderment.

"Now now Mayu it's alright." Mari's father chuckles. Siding up next to them, he reaches out and places a comforting hand on his wife's shoulder. Hiro's face was weathered with age,his once dark hair was beginning to grey ever so slightly mimicking a salt and peppered ruffled mess. His eyes were still the brightest green you could ever see and they stared into identical eyes as he appraised his daughter with love.

Mayu refused to relinquish her hold on her daughter. If anything her grip only increased, Mari's remaining breath was sufficiently squeezed out of her. Patting weakly on her mother's shoulders Mari smiled wryly as she attempted to keep up appearances.

"I'm so happy! Our baby girl is all grown up. She works for an amazing software company and now she's getting married and… and…" Mayu releases a shuddering breath before another wail erupts out of her throat. The force akin to a volcano erupting, her tears were the lava streaming down her reddened face. "And I wish she was my little girl again! Mari, why don't you come back home and live with us again. We can bake cookies!"

Playing on a childhood pastime, Mayu looks up at her daughter with a damp hopeful expression. Mari, with the added help of her father, wiggled free of her mother. Breathing in deeply she exhales slowly, the sweet smell of cookies baking filled her senses. Small hands guided by larger ones drifted lazily across her mind as together they rolled the dough. The air was warm, tenderness and care wafted over her and Mari's heart swelled with affection.

I'll treasure those moments always.

Petal soft lips gently brush against her mother's brow. "I can't go back to Japan with you and dad. My place is here but don't be sad mama will bake cookies again someday. Don't worry about me, I'm in good hands."

Feeling overwhelmed with emotion, Mayu's tears run anew as she nods her head vigorously. It was all she could muster. Taking this moment to intercede, Mari's father pulls her gently into a hug, a strong hand rubs her back soothingly. Instantly Mari feels several times smaller.

"We know you're in good hands. Tsunayoshi is a wonderful boy, ever since you were young we've known he was good. We're happy for the two of you." her father comments pleasantly. With a gentle kiss to his daughter's cheek he takes a step back to hold his wife closely.

"Tsuna is such a good boy," Mari's mother gushes, having found her voice. A far away look glazes over her eyes as she's thrust back into long but not forgotten days of the past. "Mari, dear, remember when you hurt your leg at one of your competitions and Tsuna carried you home on his back? Oh, he's such a sweetie. I also remember how he helped you write at school when you injured your hand. I still don't understand how you injured yourself so badly in the first place. What exactly were you doing again? It left a terrible scar!"

Laughing nervously, Mari flimsily waves her hand in the air as if it were a feather. "Have you guys eaten yet? There's a large selection of food, we have a mix of Italian and Japanese. Yamamoto's father made an array of sushi."

"We're just on our way now," Her father chuckles. Mari is incredibly grateful her father knows how to take a hint. "Come along Mayu, let's pick a table and eat." At those words Mayu's body becomes rigid as her hand snaps out to grab her daughter's wrist tightly, Mari resisted a sigh. The umbilical cord was cut years ago mama.

It took several grappling moments to coax Mayu away. Mari promised repeatedly that the night was still young and as such she would come to chat with her later. There were other guests that still needed greetings. The soft prickle of eyes watching her closely made that butterfly feeling return in the pit of her stomach. No doubt everyone was watching in amusement as the soon to be Mrs. Vongola tried to extract herself from her mother's clutch.

Only by the swift intervention of Mukuro was her mother finally able to let her go. Together her father and the mist guardian lead her away. Mukuro in all his charming charisma kept her mother entertained with conversation. Mari was grateful for the help.

"Mari, sweetie, when will you and Tsuna have children? I want to be a grandmother soon!" Charisma alone wasn't enough to deter her mother for long. Questioning hope shines brightly like a gem in her mother's eyes. From where Mari stood she could hear Mukuro's ridiculous laugh combined with the mirth of others who heard the loud statement.

An intense warmth flushed her face; Mari gauped like a fish unable to find her voice, her fingers curled into the fabric of her dress. Did she have to shout that out for everyone to hear!? With a resounding click her jaw snaps shut, a contrived smile curls her lips as she gazes at the watching crowd.

"Yes, Mari, when are you and Dame-Tsuna having a child? I need a new student." A deep masculine voice lightly breathes in her ear.

Spooked, Mari's heart jolts in fright as her right hand curls into a fist ready to sucker punch whoever crept up behind her. Glancing to the voice Mariko sees a tall foreboding man behind her, clad in a silken black suit, a familiar fedora graces the top of his head. Outrageously curled sideburns frame his face, apathetic fingers curled around the man's best feature. Reborn was here in all his glory.

Relaxing her posture, Mari's heart maintains a normal steady beat. However, despite it all there is still a minor wariness. Reborn could strike at a moment's notice. Traversing in the shadows with a quietude unlike any other, the hitman bided his time. Years of torment at the hands of this man didn't just disappear overnight.

"Hello Reborn, glad you could make it." Mari huffs blowing a few strands of hair out of her face. Of course she was delighted to see her mentor. It brought her happiness, as well as fear, and the sudden urge to curl up in the corner and cry. It was a flurry of intertwined emotions each bouncing from one to the other like a rock skipping across the water's surface. It left ripples in its wake though she supposed the ripples were some form of positive jubilance.

"You didn't answer my question. When are you and Dame-Tsuna having a child?" Maintaining her smile Mari marginally moves her head. First her mother now him, who was next? Enma!?

"Can people stop asking?" she retorts back.

"No. Vongola needs an heir." Reborn replies without missing a beat. Letting his sideburn spring back into position he slips his hands into his pockets. Dark hued eyes regard her closely, waiting patiently for an answer. Mari frowns at Reborn as she huffs out another breath, crossing her arms over her chest her foot begins to tap an annoyed beat against the floor.

"I've no idea."

"You two need to hurry then. I expect a child at the end of the year." The audacity of this man! I'm literally his boss and he's going to order me around?

"Tsuna and you may lead Vongola but don't forget I'm far more skilled then the two of you combined." Reborn's voice was dripping with genuine seriousness. Despite her annoyance Mari knew he was pain flared throughout her body as she recalled a time when she had been body slammed into the hard awaiting terra firma below with the ferocity of an egg smacking against the concrete. It wasn't a fun time. Despite the hitman's unvarnished truth Mari still cursed him silently inside her head, it was the only form of assault she was capable against him.

The dauntlessness of his former student never ceased to surprise him. "I heard that."

"You were meant to."

Quirking a curious brow at the young girl Reborn stared unmoving and unflinchingly. The air around them thickened with a severe intensity that caused several nearby guests to fidget nervously. Others moved away as quickly as they could, finding shelter near the buffet table. A predator was staring down its prey as it waited for the other to submit or be destroyed. Mariko wasn't going to back down easily, like a brave lioness she would stand her firm. I've faced terrifying encounters before in the past, the hitman is nothing! Nothing I say!

Seconds ticked by…..then minutes and for all her bravado Mari felt it being chipped away little by little by Reborn's intense gaze.

"Alright fine I'm sorry just stop staring at me like that!"

Reborn couldn't help the smirk that curled his lips. "Will need to work on your manners, stupid Mari."

As Mari became lost in frantic thoughts of all the different tortuous scenarios Reborn could inflict on her very being, he took the time to observe her quietly. Dressed to the nines, Mari wore an outfit befitting her stature. He was quick to notice the butterfly pendant he had gifted her years ago when she was still wet behind the ears. The road they had traveled together had been strenuous, filled with all sorts of trials and tribulations, they had endured a lot together. Through the motions Mari had never given up, despite the tears and pain she continued ever on.

The happiness she deserved now was everything. Reborn was pleased to see she was doing well, his useless student was still taking good care of her.

Smirk widening Reborn deftly flicks her forehead with his index finger. "Leave your punishment to me. Now back to my question: when are you and Tsuna having a child? I require another student to teach."

A soft cry of pain escapes petal pink lips as Mari gripes at her flesh. Small flares of pain ripple throughout her head till it dies down to a light throbbing sensation. Is he serious? I just answered his question.

"I'm always serious."

"Stop that!" She despised his mind reading abilities. Growling under her breath she tosses her arms into the air in frustration. "What do you want me to do, Reborn? Pin him down on the bed later and have my way with him!?"

Like an atomic bomb going off the lull in conversation was enough to tell her that her voice had been a smidge too loud. Once more her face heats up, like a snake slithering up a tree embarrassment crawls up her spin setting deep within her. Oh, dear God I shouted that out loud! Mari's hand slaps across her mouth though it was too little, too late at this point. All eyes were on her, even more so than before.

Tilting his head forward, Reborn's fedora covers his eyes. "You said it, not me." he smiles cheekily. Quickly dropping her hand from her mouth Mari snatches the man's wrist firmly and drags him away from the large crowd of onlookers. Reborn snickers silently in amusement, Mari was always very easy to work up. Having found a secluded place to hide that was well away from the festivities Mari releases his wrist.

I feel like I could die again. Rubbing her forehead Mari tries to expunge her feelings of frazzled embarrassment to no avail. Releasing an annoyed groan, forest green eyes flicker up to stare deeply into obsidian. "Look, I don't know when Tsuna and I will have children. Our world is dangerous and that makes us both nervous but then again our adolescent years weren't normal thanks to you," Mari ignored Reborn as he puffed up in pride. "However, despite our nervousness we know our child will be protected and loved by the family as a whole, not just us. When the time is right will have a child so don't rush it please. We did come to one conclusion though."

Gesturing for Mari to continue she takes a breath as a soft smile crosses her face. "We want you to be the Godfather."

As if time had fallen still the white noise from the extravagant gala evaporated away. Nothing mattered to the hitman except this moment. It was endearing. Mari desperately wanted to take a picture. His response was blackmail worthy! For once Reborn looked surprised, jaw almost to the floor, his eyes were comically wide.

Suddenly aware of Mari staring, Reborn quickly snaps his jaw shut. Once more does his fedora cover his eyes, all Mari could do was wait for Reborn to return from the sea of his thoughts. It would take several minutes for him to swim up for air but he eventually returned and with it was a softness that was most rare. "I accept." Reborn smiles softly. A warmth swells within her breast as she smiles back at him, Tsuna would be pleased. "Just so you know I'll be training him or her, afterall they'll be the heir to Vongola."

He's going to kill our future child. Once more does Mari's mind become distraught with made up scenarios of what Reborn would do. Each scenario grows progressively worse, a sick feeling rolls through her stomach and suddenly she's feeling queasy. She knew very well what this man was capable of. Reborn swiftly flicks her in the forehead to draw her back to reality.

"Before I forget I have a gift for you and…"

"If it's gonna explode I don't want it!"

Thumping her on the nose Mari let's out a squeal of pain. By morning her face was going to be a bruised mess. "Let me finish, stupid Mari. As I was saying I have a gift but it's not from me. It's from someone we know, he sadly couldn't attend the festivities but wanted me to pass this on to you." Mari looks up curiously as Reborn holds up a decorative card. Attached to the side of it with a beautiful lace ribbon was a white orchid. Taking it gently into her grasp she frees the flower with the gentlest of care. Holding it up to her nose she breathes in it's sweet aroma before flipping open the card.

"I still maintain that you should be marrying me. But regardless, my congratulations. And if you two ever get divorced, you know where to find me ;)"

Mari couldn't hold back; she doubles over in gut wrenching giggles. That's so like him! Joyous sounds of laughter chim in the air like bells. Reborn is amused by it all as he watches Mari in enjoyment until she calms down enough to form proper syllables.. Slipping the orchid into her braided hair she smiles up at the hitman. "Thank you for delivering this but most of all thank you for attending the banquet."

"Wouldn't have missed it for the world." Reborn simply states before striding off.

A soft giggle escapes her as once again Mari joins the festivities. She's greeted by many people as she meanders about the expansive ballroom. Eventually her travels lead her back to Tsuna who sits at one of the various tables with their parents. Creeping up slowly behind him Mari treads lightly before pouncing on the brunette. Tsuna doesn't startle at her approach, instead he welcomingly embraces her much to the delight of their mothers. A pair of warm soft lips press against her forehead as Tsuna nuzzles her gently as she takes a seat next to him.

Lightly headbutting him back Mari graces him with a teasing chaste kiss to the corner of his mouth. Hands intertwining together they lean against each other lovingly, this moment was perfect. Until a loud crash is heard.

"GWHAHAHA LAMBO-SAN IS GOING TO EAT ALL THE CAKE!"

Well it looked like the bazooka hit it's intended target this time.

XxxXxx

Alex:I wonder who wrote that note? ;) Sadly I cannot tell you, everyone will just have to wait and see. In the mean time I would be most interested to hear your guesses in the comments. I hope you all enjoyed this little thing, I shall see you all next time in chapter two!

Ciao Ciao 3