Disclaimer: I do not own Katekyo Hitman Reborn or any of the characters of KHR except for the original characters. KHR is the creation of Akira Amano.

It's okay. It's okay. Oka-ay-

Another hit to his abdomen. It's okay. Endure. Endure. Endure.

His assailants grow bored.

On schedule. Have some fun with Dame Tsuna and leave.

Pain. Pain. Pain.

He clutches himself.

Gotta get home. Gotta get home. His mom. His mom. His mom. Worries in her eyes. He sees. It's okay. It's okay, mom. She smiles (fake, fake, fake).

A lie. She knows. She knows. Tired. Tired. Tired. She endures. He endures. She endures.

Silent. She clenches her apron. The phone. Calls unanswered. Abandoned. She endures. He endures. Rumors, mockings, abandonment.

She makes dinner. His favorites.

Family. They endure.

He looks up. A blurry figure he makes out. From his school, the school uniform. She pauses and looks.

She walks away.

Like many others. Walk, walk away. All they know how to do like that ba-father of his.

Maybe it's better than those who can only use their fists.

Maybe…

He sees her in school. Recognizes her surprisingly.

How? A voice deep inside long forgotten buried in the buzzing noises he cannot get away from. He doesn't remember. What happened? Who are you?

She takes no notice. Stares outside.

From the corner of his eyes, he sees her.

He sees. He sees eyes so weary and old. His mom's eyes. His eyes. He sees a mirage.

Sneaking glances. Never approaching.

Like him. Like him. Not alone. Maybe.

Hanging on just barely. One look away, and she could disappear.

Please don't go.