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

After Sawada's instructions, I had asked Squalo and the boss to join my team of five. Right afterwards, I asked Lussuria to join us leaving only one spot open. There was one spot open but knowing Kyoya was going to be on Dino's team, I didn't know who else to expect.

If I stock my team full of guys from the Varia, I would be easily predicted. I need something special. But special didn't come to me as easily as I had hoped. I couldn't think of anyone outside my group. My social circle was small therefore my circle of potential soldiers was equally small.

I was struggling. Boss, Squalo, Lussuria and I are a killer team. I have no problem with the members I already chose to fight in the tournament but I don't know who to choose as my last member. Belphegor and Mammon usually fight together so if I include one and not the other, they're not at their full potential. Leviathan leads the Lightning Squad for a reason, he's not meant to fall in line as well.

The ideal choice would be Mammon. Boss at long range, Squalo at close range, Lussuria as our versatile healer slash frontal fighter, and I intend to square off against Kyoya so I'm holding back their team's ace. An illusionist would be ideal to round out our team's adaptive capacity but Mammon's not going to help at all with Kyoya who is almost immune to illusions and who knows who else Kyoya's going to pick.

That's why I'm the most concerned. Dino's team has a lot of potential allies. Other than Kyoya who was already revealed by Sawada, the other three members are all up in the air. He could pick Rokudo Mukuro and then Mammon would be completely useless. It would be a nightmare if he includes both Rokudo Mukuro and Chrome. We'd be overwhelmed in the illusion department.

Ideally, Yamamoto Takeshi has already beaten Squalo so he'd be a smart choice. Lussuria lost to Sasagawa so that's another smart choice. Sawada won't be fighting since he's not expected to so that leaves Dino to go toe to toe with our boss. Kyoya won't avoid fighting me so whoever his last choice is will end up being the one to tip the scales.

I have to pick someone he'd never expect to throw off his team composition. So in conclusion, I can't pick Bel, Mammon, or Levi. It has to be someone I would never ask for help. I already have a few potential candidates in mind but I haven't solidly picked yet.

I'm starting to panic. My wish is precious to me. This is my chance to apologize to Fon. If anything can be granted, I choose a search for Fon. He's hard to find if he doesn't want to be found. I haven't made contact with him in a very long time so if they can find him for me then I have the opportunity to apologize.

Sitting up in bed, I sighed down at the boss' sleeping face. I think he's cute when he's asleep. He looks like a sleeping lion. Kind of like he'll kill you if he wakes up but at the same time, he's serene and peaceful so you doubt your instincts.

Unable to return to sleep, I grabbed my gauntlets and went to the training room to beat the snot out of all the punching bags I could get my hands on. In the end, I pummeled them into broken mounds of beads and leather. I destroyed everything.

I have to win no matter what but I'm scared of that too. The last time I thought I had to make it right no matter what, I killed my parents. I'm scared of myself more than anything in the world. What if I hurt Kyoya because I'm so desperate to win?

At the crack of dawn, the lackeys came to use the training room as per their daily regimine. I ordered them to clean up for me and retreated to take a shower. Boss was still sleeping so I tried not to disturb him. I didn't want him to see my face. Sometimes, he reads me too well and I don't know how he'll take it if I tell him I don't want to do this anymore.

Boss was awake when I came out, casually leaning against the frame of an open window as he smoked. He caught my expression, I know he did, but he didn't say anything. He was more into his tobacco than whatever had caused my sour mood.

For someone who embodies the darkness, he looks awfully good standing against an illuminated window. I quietly walked up and leaned my head against the chest that was surprisingly welcoming. He would normally just smoke over my head but today, he was kind enough to blow his last puff out the window and put out his cigarette.

"Even if you act cute, I'm not letting you skip the party tonight." He declared, sliding his arms around my waist, "If I have to show my face, so do you."

What party…? Oh. December 1st. The first annual winter party thrown by our Don for the Vongola Alliance. This happens every year and every year, this is the only one we really bother to show up to full force.

"Wasn't trying to get out of anything." I grumbled, rubbing my face in his shirt, "I just wanted to remind you that I'm in love with you."

"Yeah?" He snickered, "There's better ways to remind me."

"Not in the mood." I groaned when he grabbed my ass like he always seems to do right before he says something perverted, "I'm tired."

He snorted at me, hardly believing my excuse, "Whatever."

"I'm heading out with Lussuria and Squalo today. We'll meet you at the party." I told him, surprising him. I guess he's the boss so he knows when we're away for work and he's shocked that I have private plans with them, "Don't act like this is a strange occurrence. We always go places together without you."

He scoffed, releasing me to head for the bathroom, "Don't be late. If you show up after me, you die."

"Sure, boss."

This was something I had planned since I picked a fight with Kyoya. In all our excitement, I was hoping Luss had forgotten but he insisted on this outing and he wouldn't let me bail. We're going to buy the boss a Christmas gift. This would be the first time I openly gave Xanxus anything. Don't get me wrong, I got him things before just… small things and I never told him it was from me.

I kind of think he assumed it was just there. The presents I got him were in his usual tastes after all. Expensive cigars or liquor, sometimes both. If you count chocolate and wine as a gift, he got me stuff too. This is the first time I was being made to think about a more meaningful present.

Lussuria had a lot of ideas. Things from expensive jewelry to matching t-shirts but it didn't really suit the boss. I didn't really have anything in mind. I think it's probably better to give Xanxus something he would use. He'd probably be pissed if I gave him something useless like jewelry. What good would a gold necklace do him?

After having so many of his ideas shot down, he crossed his arms and huffed, "Then what? You have something better in mind?"

I shook my head. Nothing came to mind right away. I glanced down the windows lining the mall and my eyes caught a mannequin wearing yoga pants. I smiled. Maybe, he bought me those pants randomly after seeing it on a mannequin in a store window. My eyes lingered on a set of gray sweatpants and I went for it.

Squalo and Lussuria were trying to dissuade me. They told me it wasn't in the boss' fashion sense to wear ugly sweatpants or whatnot. I don't care. I wasn't into comfy pants before the boss bought them for me but I got used to it and ended up liking it. Who knows, the boss might be the same.

I forced Squalo to help me with the sizing, shoving a pair into his hands and then knocking a protesting Lussuria aside to get him in the fitting room. I was satisfied with my choice, purposely buying them loose fitting on Squalo since boss is bigger… Heh. Probably bigger in both departments. Sorry Squalo.

Packaged in a gift bag, I returned to the limo with a satisfied smile on my face. I almost forgot about tonight's announcement for the Vongola Tournament. It was a publicity stunt more than anything. It was meant to show off the power our family possessed in both combat and financial means. Any wish is possible to grant with this kind of power. It was Sawada's way of saying, 'Don't fuck with us' in his herbivorous way. He wanted to prevent future mafia wars by displaying our strength.

I was back to being upset over my own stupidity. Our teams would be revealed today along with the details of the fight and an invitation to our allies to come watch the festivities.

We arrived at Main Base just a few moments before the boss and then we fell into line. He headed our formation as usual, Squalo on his right, me on his left, everyone else behind us. The crowd parted for him as usual. Of course it did. I smiled proudly at his powerful, broad shoulders as we made our way to a grinning Sawada. He thinks it's "super cool" how all these powerful bosses move aside for us like we're royalty. Funny thing, they do that for him too. He is Don Vongola Decimo after all."

"Glad to see you." He shook the boss' hand, wincing when Xanxus gave it a rough grip and an equally gruff shake. He spared me a smile, "I heard you picked the team but it's not different from the usual, hm?"

"We'll see." I'm actually trying to pull a last minute ally into the team. If it goes well, I'll complete the most powerful five-man team I can possibly make. I'm only worried about Kyoya's team.

"Dino-san's team just arrived. They're in the crowd." He looked kind of proud of those words, "They're strong."

"We're stronger." Boss said without missing a beat, turning to guide us away. There was one more person to greet tonight. The only other person boss considered strong enough to garner a greeting-Timoteo.

Timoteo spared us long tedious greetings and simply told Sawada he was proud of the number of allies attending their traditional party. He cut right to the chase afterwards, "Xanxus, you didn't come to dinner the other night."

Boss looked mildly pissed about it, "Not like I skipped on purpose. I blame one of our officers."

I didn't realize he was staring at me until it got quiet. I blinked at Timoteo who was looking at me for an explanation. I pointed at myself like an idiot, glancing back and forth between my boss and the Ninth, "What? Me? I didn't stop him."

"Yes, you did. No one told you to shake your ass like that." Xanxus scoffed at me, shoving me back towards the crowd of officers, "Disperse. We leave at eleven tonight. Meet at the car by then or I'm leaving you here."

"I did no such thing!" I told Timoteo in full on embarrassment before scurrying away with Lussuria and Squalo to join the crowd I hated so much but this is how we get info so I have to at least pretend I'm doing something but all my thoughts were on the boss who was suddenly capable of having a decent conversation with the Ninth.

Decent conversation aside, it didn't really look like he wanted me to leave. He was uncomfortable. This is weird to say but it looked like he was being scolded? Treated like a child? Whatever I call it, it didn't suit the boss. That's when I realized Timoteo's right hand man was standing there with his daughter in check.

A dull pang thumped in my chest. The ticking of a bomb inside my fragile patience. I got a sharp nudge from Lussuria, encouraging me to storm back and put her in her place when she stepped up into the boss' personal space in front of everyone. Standing together, Lussuria and I left Squalo to go do his thing as we watched.

I felt the warm pull of the boss' flames, not the Flames of Wrath but his natural Sky Flame. He wasn't angry. No, he was calling for me.

When I went to free the boss from his icy prison seven and a half years ago, I had this same feeling. It was an irresistible urge to be at his side.

"Kira?" Lussuria sounded the smallest bit scared when I slipped away from my place next to him. He floundered about, scurrying after me as I swept through the crowd once more, "Don't actually bite her to death! Oh no!"

I stopped short of tearing her away from the boss, stunned when he turned at the last minute as if he felt me coming as I often felt him. I was about to give an excuse as to why I disobeyed orders to socialize and leave him be but I couldn't bring myself to say anything. I knew why I was here. I'm jealous and he called for me but was he really calling or was the outburst of Sky Flames his natural response to being in this kind of situation?

He swept my frozen frame under his arm as he often did, eyes on me for a lingering second, "You always come without fail, hmm?"

"Don't play with me." I grumbled, blushing darkly at the surprised looks on the faces of the previous Guardians of this family. I couldn't meet Timoteo's bewildered gaze, "I'm not a dog."

"Did I whistle?" He only held me closer when I tried to squirm away, "I want to eat pasta tonight."

"That's random." I turned to glance back at a stunned Lussuria but I didn't get to look for long. I was having my head forcibly turned back towards the boss by the long fingers pinching my chin. I complained with a monotonous, "Ow. It hurts."

He snorted and rolled his eyes, sarcasm dripping from every word, "Don't fake it so well, I might believe you."

"Can I go?" I had accidentally made eye contact with Timoteo who couldn't close his gaping mouth and I was getting embarrassed again, "Luss is waiting for me."

"No." His eyes were moved onto his adoptive father once more, hand at the back of my head to press it close to his chest, "Apparently, I'm lonely and need company. What do you think about that, Kira?"

I might've laughed if he had said those words to me in private. Xanxus? Lonely and needing company? Not this man. No way in hell.

I supposed Timoteo had suggested it. You're getting old, you might get lonely, so marry my right hand man's daughter and have a family so you'll never get lonely. I suppose he's saying it because he's trying to be a good father and he's genuinely worried about his last remaining son, even if Xanxus is adopted.

I sighed, understanding the opportunity he was giving me and the answer he wanted to hear. Xanxus was giving me a chance to let them know what kind of relationship we had and telling me to say the words that slipped from my mouth so easily.

"If you need company, I'm here." I said, blushing when the words had stunned our audience into silence, "Always will be."

"And there you have it." He spat, turning and storming away from the Ninth with me under his arm.

I made eye contact with Lussuria who was also gawking at us and I turned bright red. Not because I could see Lussuria's wide open mouth but because I could hear the rapid thumping of Xanxus' heart in my ears from being pressed to his ribs and I realized two very important things.

My words made his heart flutter. I never knew that before. His expression never changed so I thought he was always calm and level-headed but he's human too. He's just really good at pretending he's not.

The second important realization was that he always swept me under his left arm. He kept me pressed protectively to his left, beside his heart. I was turning redder and redder so I forced my train of thought to take a sharp turn.

No. I tried to convince myself, He's cruel. He's keeping you next to his heart so he can block a bullet with your head, Hibari Kira. Don't be an herbivore.

But it was too late. I already knew the truth. My face was redder than his beautiful eyes as the echo of his real feelings rang in my head.

He keeps you there because you are his fucking heart, you fool.

I whined quietly, face burning hot and unable to calm down, "Just shoot me."

"We can go outside." He said, already taking us in that direction. He kept my face pressed close, hand shielding whatever wasn't buried in the side of his chest from public view, "Stop making a big deal out of it. Unless I'm the one you're ashamed of, there's nothing to be embarrassed about. He would've found out sooner or later."

He said it in such an arrogant tone. He knew there's no way I'd be ashamed of him. It was a sarcastic tone as if he was saying he should be more embarrassed about me than I am about him.

But he was wrong anyways. I'm not embarrassed about them finding out. I'm more embarrassed about what I discovered for myself.

Wanting confirmation, I murmured, "Why can't I walk on your other side?"

He snorted at me. Not willing to answer but eventually, he grumbled, "Guns are on my right. It's not safe."

"It's not safe" were the words out of his mouth but the words from his heart were loud and clear tonight as well: If needed, I'll protect you with those guns so leave that side open for me to grab them.

"I'm dying, boss." My face was burning so hot I thought I might melt on the spot.

He reached back with his right hand and I stiffened. I almost thought he was going to pull a gun and kill me for real but his hand came back with a white envelope. He handed it to me casually as if this was a daily occurance.

"Open it?" I asked curiously, flipping it forward and backwards to find a hint about the contents.

I didn't wait for him to give me permission. I was already prying it open as we walked. I trusted him to keep his eyes up so we wouldn't run into anything or anyone.

Then again, no one would bump into Xanxus anyways. If they wanted to live, they'd stay far, far away from him.

The contents of the envelope came out in a long strip. It wasn't paper. It was plastic. It was a whole roll of individually wrapped condoms and I just stared with wide eyes as I pulled them out as far as they would go. I looked up at him incredulously.

"Are you fucking serious?" I huffed, "We've never used one before. Is this your idea of a sick joke?"

Irritated, he reached down, shoved his fingers in the mouth of the envelope and spread it open for me to see.

Written on the inside of the envelope were the words I vowed never to forget.

Until we're done using every last one of these, you're mine. Happy Birthday, Kira.

I crouched down right there, unable to even make it outside. Steam was coming out of my ears now, my heart beating at a million miles per hour. I didn't care about the people looking at me funny. Maybe they thought he punched me in the face. I don't care.

I don't care what anyone says about this man. He's romantic. He's kind. He's properly caring, protective, and creative. Forget the condoms. I'm his forever.

The moment was broken when Squalo came to let me know Sawada would be announcing the tournament shortly.

I have to go and get my last ally. I shot up, leaving the boss behind as I tried to find my last pick in the crowd. I found him surrounded by his famiglia, rubbing his bloody nose. Judging by the tiles below him, he had tripped and fallen on his face. He was about as clumsy as Dino but he was just as strong if the rumors were right.

"Kozato Enma." I was probably grinning like a demon when his subordinates all drew their weapons and turned on me with wary glares, "I believe you owe me a favor."

His eyes went wide, realization dawned on him.

"No!" Suzuki Adelheid was ever the same with her anger towards me. She stood protectively in front of her boss like a loyal shield.

"No." Kozato stepped forward, the herbivorous expression on his face vanished and he met me with the eyes of a formal mafia boss, "I do owe you something, Hibari Kira. On my honor as the boss of the Simon Family, I made a deal with you. It was kind of you to let Adel off the hook back then. What can I do for you?"

"Fight as my ally using your dying will. I want your Flames." I told him my conditions flat out. There was no point in hiding something from an ally I chose, "I have to win. No matter the cost."

I'd say this is a good deal. I did spare her the embarrassment of running around the halls naked, after all.

"It's a deal." Kozato is no herbivore. He's just like Sawada in the best of ways. He doesn't know about the Vongola Tournament yet but he agreed. He probably has some sort of intuition that told him I was asking for a good reason. Cute brat.

The lights turned off and the stage at the front of the hall lit up. Sawada stood in the center, Dino on his left and Xanxus on his right. It was time to announce the Vongola Tournament.

"Welcome to our party." Sawada began, looking every bit as comfortable on the stage as Dino and boss did, "It is my greatest pleasure to announce the first ever Vongola Tournament."

He let the crowd whisper amongst themselves for a moment. He was playing them like the slyly manipulative mafia boss he had become. I'm so proud of him at times like this.

"The rules are simple. Two teams will square off against each other in a no-hold barred battle. The winning team will have one wish granted by the Vongola Family." His smirk sent chills running down my spine. The man on that stage is Vongola Decimo for sure. It makes me wish he was my opponent, "Anything is within reach. I will choose powerful leaders from the Vongola Alliance's upper echelon each year to form a five-man team for this event. This year, as a demonstration, I have chosen the Varia's Cannibal and Don Cavallone Decimo to go head to head for the chance to have their wish granted."

I met the boss' gaze as Sawada spoke, blushing the smallest bit as I gestured at Kozato Enma. Boss wasn't panicking about the last member. It looked like he didn't even care. He gave a subtle nod and I knew he got my message.

"You are all welcome to come watch the tournament. This year, the Vongola Family will pay for your travel expenses if you choose to attend." He gestured to the door and the lights came down on Gokudera and Yamamoto at the exit, "Please let my Guardians know on your way out if you would like to attend. We will send you a formal ticket and invitation to Mafia Land where the tournament will be held this year. And without further ado, I'll pass the torch to Don Cavallone. Come and introduce your team."

This is it. Finally, all the cards will be on the table.

Looking as dazzling as ever, Dino smiled and waved at the crowd in a manner that had some wives swooning over him. I fought the urge to snort and throw something at him when he winked at his lover in the crowd.

Introductions over, he put on the same serious face Sawada had used a moment ago to get down to business, "I just want to make something clear. This team was chosen to win, Kira. Don't hold it against me."

Gasps rippled through the crowd at the normally kind Don Cavallone's declaration of war. It's not entirely a farce. Dino's competitive when it comes to showing off his family. This is supposed to be a show but we do have something on the line here.

I snorted and motioned for Dino to continue.

"Then I'm pleased to announce my first pick." He smiled as an impatient Kyoya stormed through the crowd to join him on the stage, "He has graciously agreed to fight with me for a chance to have our wish granted. Vongola Cloud Guardian, Hibari Kyoya."

Already a powerful duo, the whole room seemed to light up at the prospects. The world was interested in the mysterious Cloud Guardian and even more interested in the crazy people who were about to crowd him on a team of five.

"Heh. I'm not done." Dino thrives in the limelight at these kinds of parties. I mean, with a face like his I don't blame him but he's only going to be that much more embarrassed when we kick his ass, "I have the honor of welcoming two of the world's strongest fighters. Former Arcobalenos, Fon and Reborn."

"What?" I hissed, glancing at Kozato.

My team was looking awfully poor in comparison. Fon? Reborn? What's this bullshit?! This is bad. I knew Kyoya was unpredictable but how in the world did he get Fon to show up? And Reborn? Why is the world's greatest hitman fighting for them?! Obviously, he taught Dino but this is unfair.

The stage looked full with Reborn standing next to Dino in his usual suit, gun belted across his hips. Fon and I made eye contact. He was definitely glaring at me. Well… I haven't spoken to him since I killed my parents and I wanted to find him but this was not the reunion I had in mind.

"And sorry but…" Dino's eyes found me in the crowd, winking at me, "I know you're a beautiful lady so I thought I might give you a fair match. My last choice is the Mist Guardian, Chrome."

… I won't say anything. Chrome is the Mist Guardian, official or unofficial but I'm insulted. There's no way I'll lose to her. In fact, I won't lose to anyone. Even if my opponent is Reborn, I'll win.

Handing off the mike, Dino closed out his choices by saying, "I intend to win but good luck to you. May the best man win."

"You mean best woman." I snarled, snatching the mike away from him. I didn't bother with the same theatrics, "Come!"

They didn't expect it any other way. Led by Xanxus, the three Varia members came to my side with Kozato lingering a little further behind him.

Kozato seemed nervous to stand with us but there was no need. He's someone I hand picked. For this fight, he might as well be one of us.

"There's nothing to be said." Boss growled, "We are the strongest so don't bother showing up, Cavallone. We'll kill you."

The stage was set.