Hello everyone! I just want to apologize that I haven't been updating lately. Unfortunately, I basically had life happen- I got sick and in the following week had a family incident. However, I'm back and working on the next chapter already! I'm sorry for being gone, but hopefully this chapter makes up for it! Thank you guys for all your support and I hope you enjoy! Until next time~!
Special thanks for reviewing to: ilovecartoonsgirl, LaniAhava, Neko Nishiriu, & Sanz0girl!
Chapter 4 Bovino Lambo
Lambo attempted to stifle his fidgeting. He knew he wasn't in too much trouble, but he could still feel his Tsuna-nii's anger radiate off of him. It wasn't really his fault he had gotten suspended though. All he had done was defend himself from the bullies who had constantly picked on him since he had graduated to middle school. He had a feeling Tsuna-nii blamed himself for that, and that was part of the reason he was so mad. The other students had only started bullying him because the teachers had started picking on him first. Lambo knew that they picked on him because they knew he was Tsuna-nii's little brother; Lambo hated that he couldn't get them to realize Tsuna-nii wasn't Dame-Tsuna anymore. He could care less what people said and usually did to him. Today though, they had been physically bullying him and taunting him. Of course he had planned on just ignoring them until they brought up Tsuna-nii. It wasn't like they wouldn't live; they were just a little bit fried.
Lambo risked a glance at Tsuna-nii who seemed to have calmed down a bit, but still looked slightly disappointed. Lambo gulped before he turned towards Tsuna and bowed his head a little. "I'm sorry, Tsuna-nii. I didn't mean to get as mad as I did at them. Please don't be mad."
He watched as Tsuna looked over in surprise before he gave him what looked like an apologetic smile. Lambo wasn't sure why; it's not like Tsuna-nii did anything wrong. Tsuna explained, "Sorry Lambo. I didn't realize I still looked upset. I promise I'm not mad at you; I'm just upset you got suspended for defending yourself. Even worse is they have no idea how the boys got electrocuted, but still blamed you for it despite being unable to actually prove it. It's my fault they are treating you like this, so I'm really just upset at myself. Maybe if I hadn't been so Dame back in the day, you might be getting treated better now. I'm sorry Lambo."
Lambo furiously shook his head back and forth. "No, don't be sorry Tsuna-nii. It's not your fault either. They're just a bunch of idiots who think they're smart. Plus they're the ones who are going to miss out in the end. They'll never get to know how awesome the great Lambo-san and Tsuna-nii really are. Totally their loss!" Lambo threw his hands in the air and waved them in the air to emphasize his point. He grinned as a smile appeared on his Tsuna nii's face, which had been his objective from the beginning.
Tsuna smiled softly at his little brother and nodded his head. "I suppose you're right." Lambo watched as Tsuna looked thoughtful for a moment before he continued to talk, "Unfortunately, that isn't going to really help you at Namimori Middle School. You know it'd be okay if you want to transfer out right Lambo?"
Lambo scoffed and cross his arms in defiance. "I don't want to transfer out though Tsuna-nii. I still have friends in that school, and it's not like I'd pay attention any different in another school. Besides Tsuna-nii, this is the school you went to when you were younger and I want to experience it too." He could see the shock in his brother's eyes but he shrugged it off. "You went through a lot of the same things I'm going through now Tsuna-nii. Even then the things I'm going through aren't as bad as I know you had to have went though. I want to be able to grow up the right way too just like you did. I'll show them that I'm the Great Lambo-san just like you became more than Dame-Tsuna."
Tsuna couldn't help but stare in shock at his youngest guardian. He understood where he was coming from. It was hard going through an experience like that especially at such a young age, but Lambo would never ever have to be as alone as he was at that age. Tsuna was still worried about Lambo's situation, but he also knew his youngest guardian had the proper support and strength that Tsuna never had until later. Tsuna couldn't help but look at his little brother with awe and pride; Lambo had really grown up from his younger and more arrogant days. Lambo was becoming a great man.
"Hey Tsuna-nii, let's stop for ice cream and takoyaki!" Well he was kind of growing up to become a great man. Tsuna shook his head fondly; the lightning guardian still had a ways to go before he could fully become an adult.
Tsuna had to fight the urge he always had to give in and give his little brother a treat. He told him, "Sorry, Lambo. If we have time later, we can go get a treat but I actually have to stop in at a meeting right now. I was hoping you could maybe stay with Kawahira-san while I was there since he's fairly close to the meeting place."
Lambo looked around the limo in confusion and Tsuna could only wonder what he was doing. Lambo suddenly stopped and looked up at his brother, eyes which still showed confusion. "Tsuna-nii, you're on your way to a meeting right now?"
Tsuna nodded amused. "I already told you about this meeting Lambo. Of course today is also the day you got suspended, but I figured it was a coincidence." The young lightning guardian suddenly couldn't help but feel bad that Tsuna-nii had to go through picking him from a suspension as he remembered why Tsuna was here in Namimori for right now. Tsuna-nii had come to visit him as well as Fuuta, I-Pin, and Mama. That was originally all he was going to do until Reborn called and let him know he'd have to attend an apparently recently scheduled meeting there as well.
Lambo still couldn't help but feel puzzled still. "But where are Hayato-nii or one of the other guardians then?"
Tsuna looked sheepishly at his little brother. "Well since this meeting was last minute, we didn't have time to schedule one of the others to come over here in time for it." Lambo winced; Hayato-nii and Takeshi-nii were no doubt freaking out over not being able to arrange for one of them to come over in time. Tsuna continued, either ignoring or not noticing Lambo's wince, "So we decided I'd just go to this meeting by myself. It's not exactly a big famiglia or anything, but they've been trying to meet up with someone other than Kyoya, who tends to be over here often, so we figured I might as well go."
Lambo raised an eyebrow in surprise. "And Hayato-nii and Takeshi-nii just agreed to let you go to the meeting by yourself? Just like that?"
Tsuna continued to smile sheepishly as he shrugged. "Well they had started to argue over the phone but then I think Reborn shot a bullet in the room and they stopped arguing about it. They've been texting me to be careful though ever since. I think they're okay with it though."
Lambo rolled his eyes. They definitely were not okay with it, but there was no way the two of them would stand up against Reborn. Lambo couldn't help but disagree with Tsuna-nii going to the meeting by himself either. He should always have a guardian with him. It was kind of something they all secretly agreed on, including Mukuro-nii and Kyoya-nii, after they had went to the future and received all their memories about what had happened between Tsuna and Byakuran. Lambo had a feeling Reborn wasn't too pleased by this development either but didn't have much of a choice but to go with it too; Reborn had become quite a bit more protective over Tsuna since the battle against Checkerface, so there was no doubt he had been slightly against this as well. It just meant that they wanted to get this meeting over and done with quickly.
Lambo was about to huff about why Tsuna-nii should wait until a guardian could come join him for this meeting in a few days when he noticed something shiny hit his eye. He quickly closed his eyes to shield the light before he moved his hand slightly and looked at his ring that had glimmered under the sun. As soon as he looked at his ring, an idea dawned him. Duh! He was a guardian too! Lambo looked up in excitement at his older brother and technically boss. "Tsuna-nii!" The brunet who had turned to look out the window, looked back over at Lambo in surprise. "I'm a guardian too! I can go to the meeting with you so that way you'll have a guardian just in case!"
Tsuna eyed Lambo warily. "I don't know, Lambo…"
Lambo quickly put on his best puppy-dog eyes as he begged, "Please, Tsuna-nii! I promise I'll be on my best behavior! It's not like I have anything else to do, and you should really have a guardian with you. Please!"
Tsuna still looked hesitant, but had to admit it might be a good idea. He knew that while his guardians had reluctantly agreed, they were still incredibly nervous about the meeting. Tsuna knew that this meeting wasn't really anything to worry about, but guessed it would be better if a guardian was with him, even if it was his youngest guardian. Tsuna sighed but nonetheless nodded. "Alright, Lambo." The boy cheered, but Tsuna continued, "But I want you to be on your best behavior and cautious at all times. Alright?" Lambo simply nodded and began to jump in his seat excitedly, which caused Tsuna to shake his head in amusement and exasperation. Tsuna didn't really think they needed to be that cautious, but he didn't want his youngest guardian to think he could be lazy either. He smiled lightly as his lightning guardian continued to bounce around excited. Despite the young guardian's hyperactive demeanor, Lambo had grown up well and was incredibly strong despite his age. Of course, that didn't mean Tsuna would ever leave Lambo alone to fight, but he trusted the boy enough to have his back for sure.
The car came to a stop, and the driver rolled down the cover which separated the driver from the other passengers. "We are at Kawahira-sama's, Decimo."
Tsuna looked over to his lightning guardian who put on his best puppy-dogs eyes which caused Tsuna to roll his eyes. Nonetheless he gave the driver a smile as he told him, "Thank you Santana, but I've decided Lambo could come as well. If it's alright, why don't we head to the meeting now instead?"
Santana gives a quick bow with his head. "Of course, Decimo. We will be there shortly."
Tsuna continued to smile as Lambo practically beamed at the two of them. "Thank you Santana." The window rolled back up as Lambo continued to bounce around happily.
The car once again came to a halt, and both the Vongola members looked at the building curiously. It was a mansion, though much smaller than any Vongola mansion. It seemed fairly cozy, which surprised them. This famiglia tended to be on the more peaceful side when it came to things, but was still a mafia famiglia. Tsuna and Lambo both got out of their car though and looked around, both with caution and with a little awe.
Before they could take a step forward, they heard a voice call out to them, "Ara? You are the Vongola, are you not?" Both Tsuna and Lambo looked over in surprise at the butler who seemed to have been waiting for them outside the mansion. The man smiled politely at them before he continued, 'Welcome to the Sana famiglia. Our boss is waiting upstairs. Please, right this way." Tsuna nodded his head in thanks and the two of them walked forward.
As they walked, Lambo suddenly realized what he was still wearing. "Tsuna-nii?" Tsuna looked down at this little brother in curiosity. "Is it alright that I am wearing my school uniform still?"
Tsuna chuckled and nodded. "Yeah, it's fine. This isn't supposed to be a super formal meeting; just us getting a little more acquainted. Besides the Namimori school uniform looks pretty good in my opinion."
Lambo rolled his eyes. "I'm pretty sure your opinion is slightly biased." Tsuna chuckled before Lambo muttered softly, "Not that that you wore much at school usually."
Tsuna's eyes widened comically as he choked out a, "Hey!" Tsuna nudged his little brother with his elbow as the boy laughed at him. Tsuna shook his head with a smile and tried to contain the blush from spreading on his face. The worst part was Lambo wasn't even wrong, thanks to Reborn and the dying will bullets.
The butler stopped in front of a door, and the two boys quickly stopped their hushed conversation. They both straightened up with their heads held tall. Tsuna smiled politely as the butler opened the door and bowed as he allowed them to pass. They both walked through the door and were greeted with five faces who were already conversing with one another. Two women and 3 men were already all seated. Tsuna easily spotted the Sana famiglia Don along with his two guardians, the other two men. However, Tsuna wasn't sure who the two women were in his famiglia. He glanced down at Lambo to see the lightning guardian's furrowed eyebrows.
Tsuna tilted his head as he asked, "Lambo, what's wrong?"
Lambo who had suddenly gotten lost in thought, blinked in surprise before he looked up at Tsuna. He shook his head slowly. "It's nothing, Tsuna-nii. One of them just looks familiar is all."
Tsuna frowned but nodded in acceptance nonetheless. Before Tsuna could say anything else, the Sana famiglia took notice of the new arrivals. The Sana Don stood up with a small smile which curved under his gray mustache. He opened his arms wide as he greeted Tsuna, "Welcome, Vongola Decimo! It is a great honor to meet you."
Tsuna smiled back softly. "The honor is ours, Don Sana. Thank you for having us." The man ushered them in as the two walked over. Tsuna couldn't help but like the Sana Don, also known as Tenzo. The man reminded him of Timoteo in a lot of ways; a kind, elderly man who seemed to care about the well-beings of others whether they were famiglia or not. Tsuna walked over and clasped hands with the older man.
Out of the corner of Tsuna's eye, he noticed one of the woman bow and began to walk away. Tenzo also noticed as he let go of Tsuna's hand, and called softly after her, "Thank you, Natalie. I will see you at lunch." She reached the door, turned, and gave a small, shy nod. Tenzo looked back over to Tsuna and explained, "That was my secretary of sorts. She helps me keep my meetings organized and my paperwork in order."
Tsuna felt his eyes widen slightly before he chuckled. "A secretary sounds absolutely excellent! Hayato, my right-hand man, tends to help keep my meetings organized, but that dreaded paperwork is so-." Tsuna shuddered as the other man laughed.
"So I keep hearing." Tenzo winked while chuckling. Tsuna joined in as he laughed as well. Lambo and Tenzo's two guardians both shook their heads with amusement at their boss' antics.
Someone cleared their throat, which caused the attention to be directed elsewhere. The other woman whose blonde hair was up in a bun stared at them through her glasses while she held a file in her hands. She looked unimpressed towards Tsuna and Lambo. Lambo furrowed his eyebrows again as he wondered why she looked so familiar. Tenzo cleared his throat as well and smiled sheepishly, "I apologize Natasha. Decimo, this is my external advisor, Natasha."
Tsuna eyed her carefully but still kept a smile on his face. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Natasha-san." Tsuna bowed a little as he noticed her not extend her hand. She simply nodded in return.
Tsuna raised an eyebrow slightly at her, but Tenzo gained everyone's attention again as he motioned to the table. "Now then, why don't we sit down and start?" Tsuna nodded in agreement as he took a seat. Lambo started to stand behind his big brother when Tsuna motioned next to him; it was only the two of them and the others were also taking seats. Lambo hesitated for only a moment before he sat on Tsuna's right side. Tenzo continued to smile as he greeted Lambo as well, "It is a pleasure to meet you as well Lambo." Lambo beamed as Tenzo turned back to look Tsuna, "So then I'd like to start with my gratitude for not only allowing us to be your allies but for personally seeing us as well, Don Vongola."
Tsuna nodded and smiled a genuine smile. "Of course Don Sana. It is our pleasure. We are grateful to have an ally like you."
The man laughed and nodded as well. "Well then now that we are past the pleasantries."
Tsuna chuckled back. "Agreed."
Tenzo seemed to relax slightly as he continued, "You need not worry about us, Tsunayoshi. Our famiglia is well in resources and we haven't had many problems here. We've been trying to fix the crime situation which doesn't seem too bad thanks to your cloud guardian."
Tenzo gave Tsuna a knowing look as Tsuna chuckled again. "Ah, yes. Kyoya would be quite upset if any big amount of crime was in his city. I'm glad he's still able to find time to keep the peace over here."
Tsuna watched as Tenzo nodded, and their guardians just look amused. "Yes, he's been quite a big help in watching over everything. The only problem we get once in a while are gangs. Even they are taken out fairly quickly. Honestly, our situation is so peaceful and nice over here. I hope it hasn't been too much trouble for us to be away from all the other main families in Italy."
Tsuna shook his head. "It's no problem at all, Tenzo-san. We are thankful to have your famiglia here to help watch over our hometown. Most people don't mind, and those who are complaining about your new location are also complaining about the long commute they make to the Vongola mansion. They aren't exactly at the top of my worry list."
Tenzo chuckled and shook his head in amusement. "Well I'm glad to hear that then. I was worried there might be more complaints despite the fact that many more famiglias allied to Vongola have been spreading around more often. Honestly, that was my only worry really. I'm just sorry we haven't been able to check in with you sooner."
Tsuna gave his head a shake of disagreement as he waved a hand slightly. "That is more our fault than yours, Tenzo-san. Please don't worry about it. I'm just glad we were finally able to do this again."
Tenzo nodded in agreement. "Well then, now that all of the business is out of the way I believe." The older man looked between his guardians and Tsuna when a throat cleared to Tenzo's right. Everyone looked over at Natasha in surprise. Tsuna and Lambo watched with interest as Tenzo's eyebrows furrowed while looking at the woman before his eyes widened in remembrance. "Oh, Natasha! That really isn't an issue."
Natasha glared at her boss as she hissed quietly, "It really is, Sana Don."
Tsuna eyed them carefully as he asked, "Is there an issue Tenzo-san?"
Tenzo frowned and huffed in response, which caused Natasha to turn to Tsuna instead. Tsuna had to repress the familiar urge to jump. He hadn't done so in quite a while, but Natasha was definitely a strange one. Natasha began to speak instead, "Actually there is a small issue, Vongola Don." Tsuna and Lambo both had to fight the blanch that always tended to appear with the title. Natasha continued regardless, "You see due to our activity in keeping the local crimes at bay, we have become slightly short in money. We were hoping for a small deposit in order to help us along." Tsuna continued to watch them carefully; it wasn't a big deal in lending them some money, but…
"Didn't you just say Kyoya-nii was the one keeping most of the criminals here in line?" Tsuna didn't say anything as he quietly agreed with Lambo's question. However, Natasha continued to stare at Tsuna. Tsuna blinked as he realized she had ignored Lambo. Lambo seemed to have just come to the same realization as his eyes narrowed. "It's fine if you want some money. Tsuna-nii usually doesn't mind, but didn't Don Sana just say there hasn't been much of a problem, Natasha-san?"
Tsuna and Lambo froze slightly as the woman turned a glare onto the youngest in the room. Tenzo opened his mouth to intervene but Natasha responded, "First of all I wasn't talking to you, B-O-V-I-N-O." She spread the word out with disgust. Tsuna and Lambo both narrowed their eyes at her; Lambo hadn't thought about his abandoning famiglia in quite a while. "Secondly, it's not as if we aren't taking care of any crime. There is still crime that we must take care of because the Vongola Cloud guardian for some reason cannot." Tsuna grit his teeth. Tenzo was beginning to tense as well as he realized how far Natasha was going. "Finally, we are asking for a small amount to help us with some sections of ours home which need to be built up and repaired."
The girl planted her arms across her chest and tilted her head up defiantly as she stared at Tsuna's lightning guardian. Tsuna felt his jaw tick as he watched this woman. He opened his mouth about to question why she felt the need to run around the topic and insult his family but Lambo surprisingly beat him to it. With narrowed eyes, the young boy questioned carefully, "Well then why wouldn't you just say that? You beat around the bush with having said you were fine. Then you went out of your way to not only try to insult me, but even Kyo-nii as well. Why would you not just ask for a little help financially with rebuilding around here? Tsuna-nii would be more than willing to do that, but instead you all but stick your nose up at us like we're the problem. So what is your deal?" Tsuna only slightly winced. Lambo could've phrased the last question slightly better, but everything was right on the spot. Even Tenzo and his guardians weren't looking too thrilled about their advisor's words and attitude.
The woman seemed to not notice, or maybe she just didn't care, and simply struck her chin out further which Tsuna hadn't thought was possible. "My deal? I have no 'deal' as you say. I do have a problem with a little bratty Bovino trying to talk to me as if I'm their equal. The Bovinos are nothing but a bunch of bratty think-they-know-it-alls who feel they are superior to everyone else. Honestly, were you even taught any manners? Oh wait that's right your mother was too busy being dead because of your corrupted father." *BANG!*
The table shook as both Tsuna's and Tenzo's hands landed on the table. Lambo jumped out of shock, having gone in a bit of a trance at the woman's words. He looked up in surprise to see Tsuna-nii's dying will blazing and his eyes glowing a bright orange. Tenzo looked just as angry and upset. The woman looked startled as she realized how far she went, but it was too late to be sorry. Tenzo managed to snap out first, "That is enough, Natasha! How dare you insult either of them like this! This is inexcusable! We don't even need the money that badly and Vongola has been nothing but kind to us. I've tolerated your stuck-up attitude because in the past it has served us well against our enemies. Today though, today you used it on your allies and that will not be allowed. Get out, pack up, and do not return."
The woman looked stunned and terrified. Everyone realized Tenzo meant it when the man didn't back down. Natasha slowly rose from her seat, still stunned. Tsuna stopped her for a moment, "Wait a moment please, Tenzo. There is something I must say as well."
Tenzo didn't take his glare off the woman as he nodded in agreement. "Of course, Tsunayoshi."
The woman looked over still terrified as Tsuna's flame remained strong and his eyes flaring at her, "You insulted not just my guardians but two people who are my brothers as well." Natasha paled further, but Tsuna continued, "If you were truly smart, you'd realize Lambo has had nothing to do with the Bovino for a long time. Believe me; no one despises them more than I do except for maybe Lambo himself. However, you faulted him for who he was born as rather than who he became. For that, I will never forgive you either. Even worse to insult his mother who is far better than yourself madam. She was incredibly loving and kind, and accepted so many people before her death. You, who would go so far as to insult the dead, are unworthy of even thinking about her let alone speaking of her. I want an apology for my brother right now."
Natasha looked like death itself with how pale she had become. Sweat poured from her and silently she prayed she would make it out of the room. She muttered a small, "I-I-I-I'm s-s-sorry, L-Lambo-s-san." Tsuna's glare hardened and she squeaked as she closed her eyes and said much louder and squeakier, "I'm very sorry, Lambo-san! Please forgive me!"
"I do." Everyone looked over in surprise at Lambo, except for Tsuna who looked proud of his younger brother. "I get why you would say things like that Natasha-san because the Bovino are the worst. However, if you were as smart as you think you are, you would know that I'm not a Bovino; I'm a Vongola and a Sawada." Tsuna smiled at his younger brother; his pride of his younger brother only growing stronger. "My mother was a good woman before she passed but she did leave me with terrible people. But I will never look back nor will I ever become like them again. I'm going to be just like Tsuna-nii when I grow up because he's the one who raised me along with Maman and my other brothers and sisters of the Vongola famiglia. I'm sorry you couldn't see that."
The woman looked stunned at the little boy as did everyone else in the room, though Tsuna couldn't help the fondness towards his little brother while Tenzo was slightly in awe at the Vongola famiglia's bonds. Before Natasha could say or do anything else, she felt Tsuna and Tenzo shift their attention back to her and glared again. She bit back a squeak as she all but sprinted out. The tension instantly decreased again.
Tsuna's flame flickered out as Tenzo looked over apologetically at the Vongola duo. "I deeply apologize for that. I can't believe she said any of that. Honestly, I probably should've expected it and yet I didn't. I am so terribly sorry for what she said to you two, especially you Lambo."
Tsuna simply smiled back at Tenzo; it wasn't his fault after all. He looked down to Lambo though who shrugged nonchantly. "Don't worry Tenzo-san. It's no big deal and there's nothing to forgive." The elderly man smiled gratefully at Lambo.
Tsuna smiled, still very proud of Lambo as he turned to Tenzo as well. "Lambo is right, Tenzo-san. We can't control our employees completely unfortunately. If we could, I'd have much less paperwork." They all chuckled slightly at that before Tsuna continued again, "I'm sorry that happened, but there is nothing to worry about. I'm just thankful you cut in as well. Why don't we end this meeting here though? Hopefully we can meet again soon in a better situation."
The man nodded with a relieved smile. "Of course! Thank you both for your understanding. I am sorry and I will find a much better advisor this time around." Tsuna clasped hands with the man as a way of saying goodbye as Lambo did so as well with Tenzo's guardians who also looked regretful. Tsuna and Lambo walked out the door as the trio turned to converse with each other, no doubt about what they would do for a new advisor.
Tsuna and Lambo got to their ride fairly quickly as they practically dropped into the seats. They were quiet for a moment before Tsuna looked over carefully at his little brother. "You okay Lambo?"
Lambo nodded solemnly. "I'm alright, Tsuna-nii. I can't say I'm too surprised even though it was pretty unexpected." Tsuna nodded in agreement as they descended into silence for a couple more minutes before Lambo perked up. Tsuna looked over at Lambo as Lambo smiled suspiciously. "You know, Tsuna-nii, I seem to remember someone mentioning something about ice cream and takoyaki."
Tsuna threw his head back as he laughed and Lambo joined in with his own chuckles. "Yeah, you're right. I did mention something about ice cream and takoyaki, didn't I? What do you say Santana?"
The said-man aimed a smile at the rear-view mirror before he looked back down at the road. "Sounds like a good plan, Tsuna-sama, Lambo-sama."
Both boys grinned as Santana changed directions to get their snacks. Tsuna glanced down at Lambo who seemed to have recovered and bounced in his seat slightly. He smiled fondly as he told him, "I'm proud of you, Lambo."
