DISCLAIMER: I don't own KHR or any of the associated characters aside from my OCs.

When you finish writing one story in your life, the next story automatically begins. Leaving the hunt behind us, the start of our next story began.

I glared across the table at the greatest hitman in the world, former Arcobaleno, Reborn. I had been called to Vongola Main Base along with Squalo and the boss but of course, the boss opted out. So, sitting across from Reborn, Iemitsu, and Timoteo, we waited for the verdict.

"You did a number on my Guardians." Timoteo commented, "But don't worry. I realize we did you a disservice and we're fully prepared to beg for forgiveness. Accept this gift as a sign of apology."

The envelope came sliding across the table. Neither of us reached for it right away, warily gauging their expressions before Squalo took it into his hand. He peeked at the contents and slid it over to me. It was safe.

I peeked, finding a check with the funds to repair HQ. I handed it back to Squalo and he tucked it away for safekeeping. We were definitely still a little mad but we're not refusing free money.

"We'll give it to the boss." Squalo said, "I don't know anything about forgiveness."

The Ninth's eyes softened as he nodded, "How is Xanxus?"

"Don't pretend you care, old man." Squalo scoffed sharply, "If you cared, you'd go see him yourself. Screw the small talk and get to the point."

Anger sparked deep in my chest at the way the Ninth didn't bother to deny Squalo's accusations. Perhaps, Timoteo was done denying his lack of feelings for our boss who was supposed to be his son. Or maybe, he was just done trying to convince us of his kindness. Either way, I hated this man with every ounce of my soul at this moment.

"Yes. I suppose we did call you here to apologize and to tell you that your services are necessary again." He said, gesturing for Reborn to present us with the files, "Those are details on our newest lists. We're eliminating them all before the next Inheritance Ceremony. At the end of the year, Sawada Tsunayoshi and his chosen Guardians will attend a gathering here in Italy where I will announce their roles to all the mafia families in our alliance."

Squalo moved the file with his faux-hand, leaving it in front of me, "We'll take care of it."

I was already looking over the files, flipping through the list of families who had high rebellion potential. It was quite the hefty list but it would give us the appropriate chance to stretch our limbs. I only hoped we weren't out of practice. Fighting like maniacs and assassinating people in silence requires two different skill sets.

"A few more things. When Tsunayoshi's group arrives, we want the Varia to tutor them in the ways of the mafia." Timoteo was pushing his luck and he seemed to know it judging by his tone, "Everything from Italian language lessons to how to tie a tie. I'm counting on the Varia to teach them. It's also a chance for you to develop a close bond with the new leaders of this family."

"And if we refuse?" Squalo sneered, "We're not babysitters. We're assassins."

"And you're powerful, respected, seasoned mafiosos. Who better to teach those kids about our cruel mafia world?" He smiled warmly, "And if I recall, Kira was also educated in our ways by the Varia's officers. She turned out splendidly so I'm trusting you all again."

My eyes shifted, exchanging wary looks between us. This man wasn't going to let us refuse.

Pride or no pride, like or dislike, it's my code to follow the strong just like Squalo. That's why we take orders from the boss and so, to us who lost to the Vongola Tenth Generation more than once, we have no choice but to obey. We'll just make sure to give them the most Spartan lessons possible as petty revenge.

"Fine." We accepted quietly, "But if they can't keep up, it's their fault."

"Then we've come to our last topic for the night." He said, "We received word that Don Cavallone is experiencing a sudden and unexpected rise in crime on his turf. We're on standby to send help but if you hear anything, don't hesitate to send reinforcements especially since you're all childhood friends with young Dino."

Our meeting had come to an end and we returned to HQ. We gave the files to our boss and the check. Neither of us bothered to mention Dino. We don't have the time or combat forces to handle all those hits and send reinforcements to Dino's. If it becomes a real emergency, he'll call Vongola Nono.

We were immediately sent to train, running through our old exercises meant to enhance the abilities needed in an assassin. Basic ones like breaking and entering in silence, tactics to suppress a target's voice, and strategies to take care of a big group of enemies. Even the boss participated in our little review session.

At the end of the night, he said, "Tomorrow, we become the hunters."

Filled to the brim with joy from our return to power, our voices became a resolved vow, "Yes, boss!"

O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O

The hits would be spread out over a whole month. The first night's hunt was the best we've ever had. Many of us returned to HQ drunk off the scent of blood from our kill/kills. The first night was just the bare tip of our iceberg of murders.

High off our own bloodlust, when the night was coming to a close, the boss caught me in the shower. When we embraced, it was more passionate than any night that had come before it. It was the first time our voices echoed so loud someone complained about it the next day. It was a new experience and a new set of feelings.

Night after night, hit after hit, we worked ourselves to the brink of exhaustion but there was always a spare reserve of energy set aside for sex. It became a daily event for us. Even though I was tired, I never refused because it was a small part of my happiness. When he was holding me at the break of dawn, our breaths mingling together, I felt like I had the whole world in my hands.

But one day, I was reminded that this is only special to me.

When I returned to report the results of my hit, Squalo kept me from going up the stairs. I shoved him out of the way. I was soaked in blood from more than a dozen victims at one location and I had to report in before I got to take these clothes off but he was adamant about blocking my path.

"What's with you?!" I demanded, glaring up at him. Judging by the state of his clothes, I could tell he was also putting off giving a report, "Did you fuck up?"

"Hell no!" He snapped, grasping my shoulders firmly, "Anyways, you shouldn't go in there right now."

"Is someone else giving a report?" I couldn't understand why he was blocking the way and deviating from our normal protocol, "Or someone getting scolded for missing their target?"

Squalo didn't want to lie to me. He gritted his teeth and shook his head, "Either way, you… should stay with me for a bit."

I flung Squalo aside, irritated and feeling extremely dirty from the blood drying on my skin, "Stupid herbivore."

He tried to stop me again but only verbally. He knew there was no way to stop me physically at this point unless we brawled to the point that we crippled each other and that was a big no-no considering how many more hits we had to take care of in the next few weeks.

I pushed the boss' office door open and stood in frozen emptiness as the shattering of my dreamlike world echoed in my head.

Ah. That's right. These feelings are one-sided.

Squalo groaned audibly, murmuring, "Sorry, Kira."

Xanxus' back was turned to us but the woman who was with the boss was facing the door. She spotted us immediately and choked out a quiet warning, "Xanxus, your subor-"

"Shut up." He ordered, slamming his hand over her mouth. He was as rough as he always had been, pushing her back over the desk hard enough to slam her skull onto the wood. He didn't turn back, continuing to thrust into her.

The sight made me feel sick. I turned towards Squalo, closing the door. I felt lost. I opened my mouth but I didn't know what I should be asking. What right did I have to ask in the first place? I always knew Xanxus considered physical relations a simple search for pleasure. It didn't matter who it was with… I just happened to be convenient for him during the six months we were on the run.

"...You alright?" Squalo asked in a gruff tone filled with uncertainty.

I had no right not to be alright. We were never together. No, we were only together physically. There were no emotional bonds between us. Everything I had done with Xanxus didn't change how he felt about me or anyone else. It was common knowledge that Xanxus' type of woman was tall, elegant, beautiful and everything I was not.

She was pretty even to me. She had all the physical qualities I would never possess. And it frustrated me. If it was something emotional, I could at least argue that I was a better match because we were similar in our need for violence and desire for unparalleled strength. Even our thought processes for fighting were similar. However, his decision to have her was most likely solely based on her physical appearance and no matter how much I try, I won't ever look like her.

It was a thorough defeat.

"Kira?" Squalo prompted me, no longer embarrassed about asking how I felt about it all. He was genuinely concerned, "You're not thinking something stupid, are you?"

"No. I think I was the stupid one." I admitted, smiling at him bitterly as his expression fell into one of pity, "It was my own fault so… Don't bother with worrying."

"You're wrong, Kira." He muttered, shaking his head, "You're special so… don't get confused."

I won't be disillusioned again. I know my place now.

"You're special too." I said, a bitter laugh slipping from my lips, "As a Guardian."

"No." He shook his head vigorously, grasping my shoulder tightly, "You don't understand. Last night, when I came to report with Lussuria and Levi, he basically admitted you were special. Kira, he's in love with you for sure. He just doesn't realize it yet."

The boss is incredibly intelligent and he spends a lot of time alone, thinking about various things, especially when he drinks. If he doesn't realize it yet, it means he's not in love with me. Someone as smart and introspective as Xanxus would know his own feelings by now.

"If I give a written report, will you take it to him for me, senpai?" I murmured, scratching at the dried blood on my skin, "I'll give it to you after I shower."

"... Sure." He said. He was usually strict with our rules but he bent them for me.

I looked up, smiling at him, "Thanks."

He stared at me for a moment before sighing, a smile tugging at his lips, "So you know how to thank people now?"

I shook my head, leaving him behind as I returned to my room to clean up. My only regret was not falling for Squalo or Dino instead.

O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O

I was at another meeting with Vongola Nono and Reborn. They were relaying the details of the Cavallone territory outburst. Dino's men were unable to pinpoint the specific reason for the rise in crime. They were at a loss for what to do now. Vongola men had been sent to check out the details but it was hard to trace and pick out why there were so many people turning to crime in recent times.

"We're thinking there's a specialist working for them behind the scenes to cover their tracks." Reborn said, "So we're sending one of you to go take a look. Whoever you can spare is fine."

"Why us? We're assassins." I demanded, "We don't do covert operations outside of assassinations."

"Exactly." He smirked, "Murder is the most difficult crime to cover up. None of you have been arrested yet, even with your obvious methods of killing. Do you know why that is?"

I didn't like the way he specifically called out that I have an obvious method of murder, "Because I wear gauntlets so I don't leave behind fingerprints? And once the blood and spit dries, you can't trace me? What do you want me to say?"

"Exactly! So if you're so good at hiding yourself, you'll be just as good at finding something to trace if the person did a sloppy job."

I sighed, "Fine."

I don't get why they need me to go. I honestly think, if an accomplished mafia boss like Dino hasn't found something by now, I won't find anything either. But it turns out, Reborn is usually right about these things.

I went to the Cavallone territory after sending a short text to Squalo about the situation and new orders. He was pissed, sending his text back in all caps.

WE'RE SO FUCKING SHORT HANDED! WHY DO THEY HAVE TO TAKE YOU NOW?! I'LL CUT THEM ALL UP WHEN I'M DONE HERE!

I could almost hear his voice in my head, screaming those words in furious rage. I laughed to myself as I parked the car. I had arrived at the Cavallone estate faster than expected, the guards hadn't been ready to see me for a while still but Dino had given them orders to guide me inside.

Don Cavallone came out to greet me, his expression was hard until he realized who had come. His cold, poker face disappeared instantly as his eyes began to sparkle with admiration, "So they sent you, Kira? This is great! I've been meaning to call you but I'm a little tied up as you can see."

I felt a smile pull at my lips. This was certainly a change from the boss' normally cold demeanor. I appreciated the honest and warm greeting.

"You should've called if you needed help. I told you a while ago… I owe you one for taking you hostage." I muttered, eyes on his feet rather than his blinding smile, "What's the location?"

"There's a lot of them." He was suddenly in business mode, motioning for his men to step aside. He beckoned me toward him, turning on his heels to stride back down the way he had come, "I've got the info set up for you in here."

We entered his meeting room one after the other. His men closed the door behind us, lining up on one side of the wall as we took to the chairs in the middle. The desk was layered with pre-gathered information on the crimes and their locations along with what had-in this case, hadn't-been found at the locations.

"Can I offer you a cup of coffee? Tea?" He asked, startled when I looked up with cold, analytical eyes, "What about what I give Kyoya?"

My expression lost its cold business hardness at the sound of my brother's name, "That's fine."

I was actually curious. What does Kyoya like to drink in Italy? Maybe it's the same old Namimori tea. He motioned for his men to get it for us.

I returned to business, checking the prepared files in silence. Dino gave me the time I needed to look over his goods.

Turns out, the tea was unnecessary. I stood up, "I'm going to the locations. I'll call you when I find something."

"Do you want me to send someone with you?" He offered, putting up his hand to stop the person who had just brought our refreshments, "Need any materials?"

I waved him off, "I work alone."

"Right. Stay safe." He called, waving and watching me until I was long gone.

The locations were all a bust. The crime itself was just a ruse. All the evidence pointed to civilians who were already captured and taken into custody by the nearby police/patrol stations. There was no way to find out who was motivating them to work unless I caught them in the act before the police. Meaning, before I can actually catch a criminal, I have to predict where the next hit is going to happen and capture the guy before he gets caught by the police.

This is not a job for one person. I had a brilliant idea. I called Dino as promised and relayed my plan to catch a criminal in the act. We needed to set up patrols and take suspects into custody. Which means three things.

First, we have to be better at capturing criminals than the police. That one's a freebie. I'm sure mafiosos do a better job at capturing people than the police.

Second, we need a patrol schedule. Of course, that also means we need troops to patrol which is a problem for me. The Varia is extremely short handed. Many of our subordinates were killed in the hunt and the few that are left have yet to return to work since our officers have been so bloodthirsty after the long break. Furthermore, I usually work alone so I don't have a team to work for me in the first place.

Third thing happens to be the problem of the Varia being short handed. It's not a matter of whether I want to help Dino or not. This is a matter of triaging the situation. Do we prioritize the assassinations or helping the Vongola Alliance's greatest allied family?

Dino easily offered up a solution to all my concerns, "Why don't I send Romario to help you? We can easily gather up a team for you to use within a week."

"And you? Doesn't that leave you to go about your daily activities with smaller numbers than you're used to having?"

I couldn't lie. I was concerned about Dino's safety too. We don't know what these guys are after. It wouldn't be surprising if the target was Dino's life.

"Well, this is a pressing matter. We can't have these guys running around endangering innocent civilians." He chuckled, "And I told you. I'm capable, Kira. Even if I'm alone, I'm fine."

"I don't think Vongola Nono would appreciate it if I stole all your men, risking your life for an operation that has such a high chance of failure." I said, "Standby for now. I'll report to the don and call you tomorrow with his decision."

"I appreciate the help but I hope you'll tell him to keep in mind this was my family's problem to start with so I'd be more than happy to take care of it on my own if you're busy."

"I'll tell him you said so." I concluded our discussion here, trying to hang up, "Just keep yourself safe until I call you back."

He straight out laughed this time around, "Are you worried about me? I'm so happy. When this is all over, let's go on a date."

"... Again with that, Cavallone? Don't you have better things to do than make bad jokes?"

He let out a long whine not suiting a mafia don with his kind of power and fame, "You're hurting my feelings, Kira. Don't turn my love into a joke."

"If it's not a joke… ask me again when this is all over." I blushed, not bothering to hide my face since he couldn't see me over the phone, "I'll… think about it until then."

"Seriously?!" He was practically screaming at me into his phone, "Oh boy! I'll definitely ask you so don't you forget it!"

Laughing, I hung up. His obnoxious screaming was unnecessary but it was a nice change from the normal one-sided feelings on my part. However, I couldn't ignore the dull stabbing deep in my chest warning me not to think too seriously about Dino either. Because I'm the only one who gets serious and I don't think I can handle reaching the same heartbreaking result with Dino.

I hope everyone is staying safe. I'm so bored at home but it's giving me more time to work on this so hopefully, I can bring this story to a close soon.