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

I stood in front of the bathroom mirror, staring at my own reflection. The image of me in my Varia uniform looked so right. I don't know how else to put it. I went so long without wearing it that I almost forgot what I looked like but I strangely got the feeling that this is what I was supposed to look like. I glanced at the boss, meeting his gaze through the mirror.

He was leaning up against the wall behind me, arms crossed and an arrogant smirk on his face. Of course he was feeling smug with himself. He had just watched me change and I hadn't complained once. When I smiled back at him, he uncrossed his arms and stepped up behind me. His hands settled against my hips for a moment and he bent to press his lips to the top of my head just like he always did.

I felt my heart skip a beat at the soft look in his eyes when he pulled back to take a good look at me. I blushed darkly when he flashed that same confident smirk after making eye contact a second time.

"Get your things." He ordered, "We're leaving."

"I have to say goodbye so we can't leave until tonight." I told him, smirking challengingly at him when he made a face, "There's someone I absolutely have to say goodbye to."

"You said you didn't fuck anyone since we last did it." He grumped, sneering at me when I laughed at him, "The hell?"

"He's gay, boss." I rolled my eyes, jerking him down by the collar to press my lips against his, "You're such a jealous man."

"No such thing." He huffed, "Just pisses me off when people think they've got a shot with something that belongs to me."

"They'll have their shot if you ever put your hands on another woman again." I promised him in a tone that was half stern and half holding back another smile at the face he was making, "Didn't you say Squalo-senpai was your driver?"

"So what?"

"We made him wait in the car all night?" I shook my head at his 'so what' attitude, "Don't you feel at all bad?"

"No." He snorted at me, letting me lead the way out to go see my best friend.

I was suddenly nervous at the thought. What if he's disappointed in me for running away from my troubles like an herbivore instead of facing it with our Varia-beats-all attitude? What if he's mad because I didn't call back? What if he thinks it's better for me to stay here after I decided I want to go home?

Squalo was absolutely exhausted, passed out behind the wheel with his chair tilted as far back as it would go. A little bit of drool was on the side of his face. It made me laugh the smallest bit.

Grumpy, boss kicked the front tire hard enough to startle him awake. He motioned for Squalo to hurry up and get out.

Poor Squalo was startled, sat up, hit his head on top of the car, and glared out the window at the boss. He was just about to flip him off when he spotted me. He scrambled to open the door and stormed out without closing it behind him. He stormed up to me and just as I was about to tell him how sorry I was about running, he reached over and embraced me.

There was so much I wanted to say but all that came out when I opened my mouth was a long whine. I didn't know what to say. I'm so glad to see him. I missed him so much. I want to spar like we used to but I don't know if I can even keep up with you anymore. Thanks for coming for me.

"You short piece of trash!" He hissed, holding me tighter and tighter as my nails dug into his back, "You answered Cavallone but not me?! What's your problem?! I'm going to chop you into three pieces and drop you in a sewer the minute we get home so prepare yourself!"

In all my joy to see them, I never asked how they found me. I guess Dino told them but I'm not upset about it. I'm grateful.

I laughed into his shoulder, relieved when he loosened his hold on me, "I missed you too, senpai."

Embarrassed, he huffed and gave me a shove back into the boss' chest, "Don't be dumb. I just want you to come back and do your job like you're supposed to. Get in the car."

"Uhhh." I grinned sheepishly when he glared at me, "I can't go home yet. I want to say goodbye to someone first."

"Huh?" Squalo was mad just like I expected but for a petty reason, "You got close to someone while you were here?! What the fuck?! You've gone soft! You're not supposed to get close to people other than us!"

"Uhh… Ummm…" I was wary. Squalo's rage had just set off the boss too. I glanced back and forth between them. I settled a hand on the boss' hand and one on Squalo's shoulder, "I'm coming back with you guys for sure so just wait for me. You came all this way to get me. There's no way I'm not going to be grateful."

I got it. They were mad because if I got close to someone while I was here, it meant I had intended to stay here. I would never open up to someone who wasn't going to be in my life for a long time so… Obviously, I thought I was going to stay here for a long time to come and they were upset because it meant I didn't want to leave as much as they imagined.

"You heard her." Xanxus growled, "Wait for us in the car, Squalo. Gather the others for her return."

"And where do you think you're going?" Squalo sneered at the shitty boss giving him orders after making him sleep in the car all night.

"To keep an eye on our flight risk." He shot me a pointed glare and made it clear he didn't trust me to go home quietly.

I suppose I deserve it but the lack of trust kind of stung. It felt the same as when I realized he was sending me to Namimori with Kyoya to separate me from my parents. I killed them to earn their trust back. Who would I kill this time? I stood frozen, uncertain for the first time today.

Should I really be going back with them?

A stinging slap to my rear end had me stumbling forward in surprise. I stared at the boss incredulously as he reached for it again. Instead of a second blow, I stiffened when he just left his hand there, "Wh-What's with you?"

"Run away as many times as you like. We'll find you." He said but it didn't sound like a threat. It sounded like a promise made to himself more than anything, "Let me make this clear. Until you kill me, I own you. You're not going anywhere without my orders. Understand?"

"I'm not going to kill you." I stepped against his side as we left Squalo behind to re-enter the hotel to wrap up my business, "But don't be confused. That's because you're mine and I treat my things well."

He closed his eyes a moment, lips curving into the same smirk I loved so much, "You're sick in your head if you think I belong to you, short scum."

"Oh, excuse me then." I snickered, "Maybe I'll just make someone else mine and see how you fare with your hand for the rest of your life."

"I'd kill him." He swore, tone a low growl just at the thought. The hand at my hip pulled me closer, fingers digging into the pelvic bone threateningly, "Unlike you, I won't run. I'll kill him and come right home and lock you in chains for the rest of your damn life."

I laughed at the thought of imprisonment but I can't imagine the boss denying me the freedom I always sought out. I was stunned to find he was laughing quietly along with me. I fell for him all over again. I must've been crazy if I ever thought I could live without this man.

"Hey, boss." I murmured as we reached the elevator, waiting for it to come down and take me back to my room so I could finish gathering my things. I turned away the smallest bit when he looked down and we made eye contact, "I… I'm still in love with you so I guess… I mean, I guess I'm trying to say I missed you."

Nervous and embarrassed, I opened my mouth to say nevermind but he silenced me with a smoldering kiss. The hand at my hip had moved up to cup the back of my head as he kissed me. He pulled back at the ding of the elevator and stepped in, turning back to me as I tried to collect myself. Head fuzzy, I stepped in after him, immediately pressing the button to lead us up and close the elevator doors.

He spread his arms as I came forward, meeting me halfway with another passionate kiss. His hands made contact with my ass in a reeling slap, squeezing down immediately after. He watched me closely as I moaned against his mouth. He smirked when I pulled my hands from his hair to cover my face in embarrassment.

He released me, stepping out of the elevator immediately as it opened. He turned, putting out his hand, "Come."

"We're not… It's broad daylight." I squeaked, storming past him without taking his offered hand.

"Exactly. We have all day." He said in a low, deep voice. He didn't give me a chance to protest. The minute the door was open, he scooped me up and entered, saying, "You don't get a choice."

Jokes on him because he was my choice.

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

The car was loaded up and I had told the hotel owner about my plans. He was faux-reluctant, pretending to be troubled but eventually he wished me well. He told me he thought we were a cute couple. I was embarrassed but it didn't bother the boss at all.

Things settled with the hotel owner, I went to see my usual coworker. He kind of knew what was going on when I came in, dressed in my Varia uniform instead of the normal bartender suit-vest and without the apron in my hand.

"So this is it, huh?" He grinned, eyes on the boss for a moment longer than necessary. He leaned forward, whispering in my ear, "Your lover?"

I nodded this time, "Yeah."

"He's a good catch." He pulled back, winking, "I hope you stay well."

"Yeah." I fished a thick envelope from my back pocket and handed it to him, "I want you to have this. You made my time here enjoyable. Good luck in the future."

He peeked in the envelope and gasped, trying to hand it back, "I can't take your money. We worked hard together! This is your portion."

"I don't need it." I told him, glancing back at an extremely grumpy looking Xanxus. I smiled at how upset he looked that I was standing so close to this guy, "If you can't take it for nothing, make us a drink. Consider it your tip."

"Oh god." He wiped the tears pricking at his eyes and pocketed the money, "Fine. You and your lover both."

I motioned for the boss to come sit. I think I surprised him.

He came forward swiftly, an arm around my shoulders almost instantly as he snarled, "You fucking with her?"

"Shhh!" I hissed, elbowing him in the gut, "He offered to make us a drink. Sit down."

My companion looked a little stunned at the boss' aggressive nature but he didn't let it bother him. He only smiled, whistling, "You've got a protective one. Good for you."

I paused when he set the drinks in front of us and realized something. I stared up at him and asked for the first time, "I feel bad. I actually never asked you for your name."

"It's Julius." He laughed, rubbing my head affectionately, "I assumed the owner already told you. Jeez. You're one hell of a lady if you're giving money to a man when you don't even know his name. No wonder he's so protective, hmm?"

Boss grunted, opting to take a drink instead of bothering to answer.

If only he knew, I'm actually a cold blooded assassin. He would never say such a thing. I only smiled, passing my drink to the boss too.

"Don't want it?" He only asked once, tipping the remaining portion of his drink back before taking mine too. He took a small sip and then turned, boldly sharing the drink via a fiery kiss.

Julius whistled at us, laughing and clapping when the boss pulled away, "Invite me to your wedding."

"Hah." Xanxus snorted dryly, marriage not in his plans for our immediate future.

Then again, I think marriage is dumb so it's fine if we never get married so long as we're always together just like this.

My face bright red, I snatched the drink away and gulped it down myself. I wished Julius well and we rose to take our leave when he called out, taking a napkin from under the counter to scribble his number down. He handed it to me saying I could call him if I ever wanted him to pay me back for the money I gave him. I took it but I assured him I would never call so he didn't need to worry.

Squalo was waiting for us eagerly. He didn't look as tired as he did before, only excited for my return to HQ. He told me everyone was waiting. I didn't know what to think. Squalo might've accepted me but they might not be so kind.

Sitting next to me in the back seat, the boss took firm hold of my hand. He didn't look back at me when I looked up at him in surprise but it was enough for me to know I was supported. He was telling me it was stupid to worry.

He was right.

The minute I stepped out of the car, I was tackled by Lussuria who was in tears as he welcomed me home. Belphegor was laughing at the tangling of our limbs telling Mammon he won their bet. Mammon was grumbling excuses but he waved at me when I looked up. Levi was undoubtedly holding up the Varia flag all alone on boss' orders.

The castle looked bigger than ever when they began to head inside one at a time, all telling me about how they had tried so hard to call or find me. I didn't know what to say. I only stared at the castle in awe.

Boss turned in the doorway noticing how I had come to a stop. He smirked when everyone behind him turned too. He put a hand out for me and the officers behind him split down the middle to make room. Dazed, I blindly walked up on his orders and he swiftly swept me under his left arm to keep right on walking. I blushed darkly, hearing Lussuria making a ruckus about how romantic this all was or some dumb shit.

…

But boss is pretty romantic sometimes. Have to admit it.

Headquarters was the same as always. It felt like home. My room was relatively untouched. I guess in my long months away, boss hired someone to clean it but other than that there was no sign that anyone had entered.

"Ahem~" Lussuria drew attention to himself with a coy smile. He extended his arms, hands shaking a gaudily wrapped box with a pink bow on top, "I have a gift for you. Consider it a welcome home present from me and Squ-chan."

"From Squalo-senpai?" I accepted it with both hands, glancing at a very red Squalo who was complaining that Lussuria broke their promise to keep quiet about it. I laughed, hastily opening it.

When the box was open, a shining, new set of gauntlets sat tucked carefully in a bunch of tissue paper. I stared in awe, hardly able to look away but I slowly shifted my eyes up to the two who were waiting for my reaction eagerly. I shoved the box into the boss' hands so I could take them out.

When my hands slipped inside, it felt as if they had been perfectly molded to me. I gave them a tentative clang together, the metal resounding through the silent hallway. I wasn't sure I was worth it. Their feelings made my heart pound. A long time away from combat made my body long for it but if this was not my weapon of choice my mother would be-

"Kira." Squalo was surprisingly taking initiative, looking more stern and confident than embarrassed now. Blade glinting, he turned, "Come and fight. I have a lot of shit to give you for everything but this is the first order of business. I'll beat the shit out of you for going alone that night."

"Oh, you're not the only one." Lussuria huffed dramatically, dropping his giant fur coat to the floor to stomp after Squalo, "I don't even know where to start! I'm so upset that you wouldn't answer my calls, Kira-chan! Let me punch you for every time you ignored my call."

I gasped as boss gave me a rough push from the rear, encouraging me to go take them up on their fight. I thought the boss understood but this encouragement made me think he didn't really understand what I was scared of here. I turned, glaring at him only for a brief moment.

He smirked, cocking his head, "Ironic, isn't it? I remember there was a time when you told me you'd fight enough for all three of you. Back then, I thought you were the strongest. Now you'd be lucky if you even get a blow in on either of them. We'll show you what happens when you skip out on training, Kira."

Stunned, I stared at the backside of our boss who never includes himself willingly in our training bouts as he stormed after Squalo and Lussuria. Levi went scrambling after his beloved boss and Belphegor and Mammon followed suit laughing.

I watched them in disbelief for a moment before shaking my head with a goofy smile I couldn't suppress. That's right. These guys are strong.

Even the guys who hadn't surpassed me in my time away were definitely as strong as I remembered them. Defeating them was an eye opener. Especially Lussuria who made things very clear for me.

He ripped his metal knee off and threw them across the floor with a loud, "I still can't win! Oh this is so infuriating!"

"... Sorry." I murmured, worried about the darkening bruise on his jawline. My first reaction to him coming at me with a killing blow was to duck away and slam my fist into his jaw hard enough to make his brain rattle. It was a KO immediately.

"Don't you dare! That's so insulting! You make it seem like you didn't even have to try to beat me!" He screeched, sitting up to clear the way for Squalo, "Have at her, Squ-chan!"

This is the way I feel when I lose. We share the same feelings. If I lost to Lussuria and I was killed for it, I wouldn't be angry. It's not his fault if I'm weak. This is that kind of place and my family was very much the same.

My father's voice echoed in my head, "Don't be sorry. If anything, I am proud of you, my princess."

This was how I was raised. This is what he had wished for as much as my mother wished for revenge. He wanted to raise us as proud warriors. There was no reason to feel bad. I had killed him but this was the right answer.

It felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. As much as it was the law of the Varia to rule by strength, my family was very much the same. Strength was our ultimate law and so, I killed them. It was not out of hatred or disrespect. My strength was the ultimate representation of both of my parents. I did them proud by settling our dispute in the only way we knew how.

My father's words from my childhood came echoing into my head, "You are Hibari Kira. The proud daughter of two unyielding hunters. Never forget. I named you 'Kira' so you would shine brighter than anyone else. Always move forward because that's when you shine the brightest."

I closed my eyes a moment, letting it sink in. When I opened them again, Squalo was standing with his blade raised and a smirk on his face.

He sounded proud when he said, "Welcome back."

"I'm home." I responded, clenching my fist hard enough to make the metal plates grind together, "Don't let me kill you."

"You're an arrogant scumbag if you think you can kill me." He snarled, taking the first swing.

And this man reminded me exactly why I followed him into the Varia. It was my first loss all night and I remembered what it felt like to be frustrated about my lack of strength. I remembered exactly why I felt like I had to be the strongest in the whole world. If Squalo was my opponent and I had someone to protect, they'd be dead.

I slammed my fist into the tiles after my loss, cracking them as I stood with a deadly glare, "One more time. I'm not letting you sleep tonight if I don't win."

"Then you won't be sleeping for the next hundred years." He sneered, "I'm not done with you either, Kira. You didn't take me with you that night and you didn't tell me either so I owe you another beating. And don't forget you fucking answered Cavallone's call over mine."

A flaming bullet came down between us. The boss stood at the end of the room, furious enough that all the scars were vivid on his face. He glared down the length of his gun at us and said, "You're fucking insane if you think she had to answer your call. The only call she had to answer was mine and she didn't. You're both dead."

"Two on one? You're nuts, you shitty boss. Weigh me down and you die, Kira."

"That's my line, senpai. I'll take any victory I can get over this man so don't blow it."

In the end, we blew it but it was a satisfying loss. Boss is the strongest after all and I'm not complaining at the moment. One day, I'll beat him but today isn't that day and I'm okay with it.

Laying around the training room in exhaustion, I whispered, "Thanks, guys."

The lazy chorus of "welcome home" was almost enough to make me cry. Almost. I'm done being an herbivore.

I'm finally home.

ohmyOreos: I laughed so hard at your comment for some reason. "I'm late to the party" made me burst into laughter. I was having a shitty day so I thought I'd thank you for making me laugh. Even if it wasn't meant to be funny and it's probably not all that funny at all, in my head, it played in a funky tone.