To my reviewers, followers and favoriters:

MarvelGeek13: Thank you so much for the review! Sorry if it's a bit confusing, but no there's no prequel to the story. I'm planning to reveal how they got married a little later in the story. But thank you for the support and I hope to see more feedback from you! :D

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Act II

Scene I

Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts.

~Charles Dickens

~X~

"Ma'am?"

Masako opened her eyes and watched as a cup of tea was placed gently before her. She looked up, "Aya-san is it?"

The nineteen year-old gave a small nod, "Yes," she replied before studying the landlady's face, "Are you alright ma'am? You don't look very well."

Reaching for the tea, Masako waved the question off, "I'm fine, Aya-san," she took a slip of the drink, "There's no need to worry about me."

Estrato Aya felt hesitant, but decided to obey Masako's orders and leave her concerns alone. She glanced around the Renaissance style sitting room and took note of the beautiful, but cozy atmosphere that the room held. Arched windows covered with expensive royal-blue curtains reflected well against the cream-colored walls. And to her far left, a majestic floor-length painting sat perfectly in the middle of the room- catching anyone's attention who walked in.

"That's a Botticelli," Masako announced, seeing that the priceless painting has caught the eye of her housekeeper.

Aya's eyes grew wide as she turned around, "A Botticelli?" she echoed, darting her head back, "Is it real?"

Her landlady gave a twinkling laugh, "It was a wedding gift from the Vongola Boss himself," Masako insisted, "So yes, it is the actual thing."

The nineteen year-old was breathless. She stood in silence and simply admired all the graceful angels and saints that prayed down at a young maiden who stood elegantly in the middle of the portrait. From what Aya could tell, she was beautiful. Her hair was long and dark, her skin pale and her red lips full.

"Do you like art, Aya-san?"

The younger girl immediately spun around, "Yes, very much," she admitted, "My father used to be an art restorer in the Louvre," Aya pulled up her lips, "He used to take me to see Mona Lisa after the museum had closed."

Masako took the tea cup from her lips and smiled, "That's wonderful, Aya-san."

The housekeeper paused, "How about you, Ma'am?" she ushered, "Did Master put this painting here for you?"

A gentle chuckle was heard, "I'm far from being an artist, Aya-san," Masako answered, "I doubt my husband even knows that this painting exists in his very house."

Aya didn't reply. She was an admirer for good artworks- but she had no say in the relationship between her landlady and her boss. Instead, the nineteen year-old merely turned back to the Botticelli and searched for an answer in the young maiden's face.

~X~

The clock ticked a little after eight when a team of maids rushed into the Vongola boss's own living quarters and cleared away the remains of his supper. While Tsuna had thoroughly enjoyed his lamb cutlet with rosemary sauce, the Don nevertheless had millions of things racing through his mind. He lifted his head, and glanced at the figure standing directly ahead of him.

"Gokudera-kun," he watched as his right-hand took a step forward, "Have you heard anything from Dino-san?"

The storm guardian nodded back, "Yes, Juudaime," he answered, "Dino's pilot has just confirmed that the Cavallone private jet will be taking off first thing tomorrow morning."

Decimo pursed his lips together. Gokudera felt the boss's uncertainty and stepped forward to speak again, "There's no need to worry, Juudaime," he assured, "I'm sure the Cavallone Family will come clean."

"I hope so, Gokudera-kun," The Don agreed, leaning back against his chair, "Dino-san has always been so kind to us."

The right-hand man dipped his head to acknowledge the boss's words.

"But-" Tsuna paused, his eyebrows suddenly knitting together, "What if it is Dino-san who has been plotting against the Vongola?"

Gokudera couldn't reply to this question. He was no boss of the Vongola and he certainly had no say in making the judgments for this family. And as much as he wanted to help ease the boss's discomfort, the storm guardian was out of words and could only keep quiet.

The Don sighed, "Gokudera-kun," he turned back to his right-hand man, "Would you please see that Dino-san will have everything that he needs for tomorrow's meeting?"

Looking up, the storm guardian gave a nod, "Yes sir."

"And make sure that he's men are also attended to."

"With the upmost respect, sir."

~X~

By the time Gokudera's white Mercedes convertible rolled up along the tracks leading up into his villa, the clock read well after ten. Turning the car engine off and hopping out, the storm guardian was instantly greeted by the housekeeper. She dropped her knees and gave a small curtsy.

"Sir."

Gokudera looked at her, "You're still here?"

The half-Italian nodded, "I was just about to leave," Aya replied as she followed the landlord back into the villa.

"And Masako?"

"Ma'am has retired to bed," the housekeeper paused before stealing a glance at the storm guardian, "Ma'am didn't look well today, she didn't even have supper."

Gokudera snorted and turned to peer in the direction of the master bedroom. A few seconds later, he found himself jumping up the staircase two steps at a time and waving the housekeeper away.

"I'll take over here," he yelled before racing down the hallway, "You can go home!"

Aya blinked as the storm guardian disappeared in a flash, "Y-Yes sir."

The villa soon became quiet as the housekeeper took her leave. Gokudera on the other hand, found himself standing outside the set of wooden doors that led into the master bedroom. He paused to think, but soon gripped his fingers around the bedroom handle and showed himself in.

"Masako-"

Upon hearing the bedroom door fly open, Masako looked up from the novel she was holding, "Hayato?" she carefully sat up and smiled.

The storm guardian gently scoffed, "You're still awake?"

"I was just about to turn the lights off after this chapter," she patted an empty space on the bed and gestured for her husband to sit, "But you beat me to it."

Gokudera turned around and sat down. He eyed Masako, "I'm not going to be home for a few days," he announced.

The smile on his wife's face slowly started to drop, "Again?" she echoed

"There's going to be an important meeting with an alliance family," the storm guardian answered, "I need to support Juudaime."

Masako kept quiet. She studied her husband carefully- a part of her heart beat with discomfort. She loved this man more than anything, but she hated his job and hated his ever so loyal attitude towards the Vongola. Call her selfish- but she sometimes wished that her husband was never part of the mafia.

"I understand," she swallowed, "You'll be alright won't you? I'll come and-"

"No, don't come," Gokudera turned to face his wife, "I don't want you to land another foot inside the Vongola Mansion."

Masako looked lost, "But-"

The storm guardian stood up, "It's Juudaime's wishes," he paused and spun to the door, "And so is mine."

With that said, Gokudera opened the door and disappeared back down the hallway. Left in distress, Masako kicked off the duvet and jumped out of bed in a hurry.

"Hayato!" she ran to the doorway and saw the faint image of her husband disappearing down the winding staircase, "Hayato!"

~X~

Dino Cavallone's personal jet touched down on Catania-Fontanarossa Airport's private runway at exactly nine o'clock in the morning. After disembarking the plane with Romario by his side, the two members of the Cavallone Family were escorted into a slick black Cadillac and driven to the Vongola Mansion.

In exactly twenty minutes, the Cadillac passed through Vongola's main gates and slowly drove past the freshly trimmed spring gardens before pulling up at the main courtyard. Watching as a butler stepped forward to open the door of the car, the storm guardian straightened his suit before trotting down a few flight of steps.

He arrived just in time to see a ruffle of blonde hair appear out of the car, "Don Cavallone," Gokudera greeted.

Dino smiled, "Gokudera Hayato," he shook the storm guardian's hand, "Good to see you're doing well."

"You too sir," the latter replied before turning to the side and gesturing a hand into the mansion, "This way please, Decimo is waiting for you."

The Cavallone boss gave a nod and followed the storm guardian into the mansion. After winding through the glorious halls of the Vongola residence covered with red carpet and expensive paintings, Dino eyed his surroundings before glancing back at Gokudera.

"Is my younger brother well?" he asked, hoping to ease the tension.

The storm titled his head, "Yes," he agreed, "Decimo is doing well."

Dino frowned, he wasn't quite accustomed to hear Tsuna being referred to as Decimo- especially if it came out of Gokudera's mouth. Romario who walked beside him, seemed to notice this discomfort, but remained silent as his boss waved it off.

The three soon arrived in front of a large set of oak doors. Gokudera gave it a knock before opening and stepping into a sunlit room-

"Dino Cavallone, Don of the Cavallone Family sir," he announced.

Tsuna who sat behind his desk, immediately stood up at the announcement. He smoothed down the black mantel he wore across his back and nodded at the right-hand man.

"Please show him in."

A second later, Dino stepped through the door and smiled at the Vongola Boss. After nearly eight years of being his older mentor and brotherly figure, Dino had to admit that he was somewhat proud of the man standing before him. Tsuna on the contrary, stepped forward and shook the Cavallone boss's hand.

"Thank you for coming today, Don Cavallone."

Dino shivered at the name, but spoke in a steady tone, "It's a pleasure seeing you again, Don Vongola," he bent down and placed a gentle kiss on the Vongola ring. The jewel felt cool against his lips.

"Please," Tsuna gestured towards the couches as the Cavallone boss regained his posture, "Have a seat."

Followed by their respective subordinates, the two men made their way towards the lounge area of the Vongola Don's office. Taking a seat along the expensive handmade leather couch, the two bosses were immediately greeted by a duo of maids who served coffee before bowing and disappearing out the door.

Tsuna smiled, "Gokudera-kun," he titled his head to the side, "If you don't mind."

Catching the Don's cue, Gokudera crossed an arm across his chest and bowed before turning around and exiting the office. Eying the storm guardian as he walked past, Dino glanced back at his own subordinate.

"Romario," he slid his eyes to the side.

The Cavallone right-hand man followed Gokudera's action and soon, the door to the Vongola boss's office was sealed tightly shut.

~X~

Outside in the hallway, the two subordinates from each respective family stood side by side one another. Gokudera on the left and Romario on the right- both of them defending Decimo's door like loyal guard-dogs. The storm guardian flickered his emerald orbs at Romario. Reaching into his pocket, Gokudera pulled out a packet of cigarettes.

"The Bucking Horse doing well?"

Romario pursed his lips, "Yes," he replies.

"Cigarette?"

"No thank you Gokudera-kun. I don't smoke."

The latter shrugged before placing the stick in his mouth and lit its end. A few minutes later, the scent of nicotine wafted into the air and slowly floated down the empty hallway.

"And I see that Decimo has fully settled into his postion," Romario remarked, trying to lift the tension.

Gokudera blew out a puff of smoke, "Of course," he agreed, "No one is suited to be the boss other than Juudaime."

"Well in that case-" Romario paused and lifted his hand.

The storm guardian's eyes widened as he watched Dino's right-hand man slowly slide his hand into the blazer pocket. Instincts on full alert, Gokudera's own fingers began ghosting for the gun that was strapped to his belt. Yet, just as he was about to pull out the Beretta, the storm guardian was caught by surprise when nothing more than a cloth to clean glasses appeared in Romario's hand.

"That's certainly good news for both the Vongola and the Cavallone."

Gokudera blinked, "I-I suppose," he spluttered and dropped his hand.

~X~

"Dino-san," Tsuna enhaled, "I don't see how that's a suitable option for the Vongola."

The Cavallone boss looked up, "It's not," he agreed, "But it'll guarantee your family's survival in the mafia world."

Decimo stared calmly into the opposition's eyes, "How?" he said carefully

"The Bortolotti-Rosso Family is only a small part to a very big industry," Dino offered a smile, "Without them, the Vongola can save millions."

Tsuna sighed, "This is not about wealth, Dino-san," he insisted, "The Vongola is wealthy as it is."

"I have no doubt," The smile on the Bucking Horse's lips widened, "But let me remind you something Tsuna- it's better late than never."

The Vongola boss was silent as he studied Dino's face. He understood perfectly what the Cavallone Don meant. Yet, he was hesitant to make a decision- he was nervous about putting his new family in danger.

"Then what about you, Dino-san?" Decimo pressed on, "Why don't you annihilate the Bortolotti-Rosso Family on your own? Why come to the Vongola with this idea?"

Sensing the uneasiness in his younger brother's voice, the Cavallone gave a gentle laugh, "Because Tsuna," he chuckled, "As tradition says, the Vongola is capo di tutti capi- boss of the bosses," Dino's eyes twinkled, "I can't make a decision unless you tell me so."

The Don didn't know whether to feel comforted or not. He managed a smile, "Will the Cavallone Family support my family this operation is to be carried out?" he questioned.

"Of course," Dino beamed, "The Cavallone has proven its loyalty to the Vongola ever since the second generation."

And that was when the Vongola became a mafia organization rather than a vigilant group, Tsuna thought, but kept quiet as Dino got up to shake hands with him.

~X~

Back in the villa, Masako took a slip of her red tea before setting the cup back against the saucer. Sitting across from her, the sound of fine china clinking was heard as Bianchi cut herself a slice of strawberry shortcake. The house was rather lonely today, Aya the housekeeper had university lectures throughout the day- thus leaving Masako with no choice but to seek the company of her sister-in-law. The two currently sat along a wide French balcony that offered fine views of the Mediterranean ocean that stretched out far and wide. Cake and tea were also served.

"Did Hayato throw another tantrum at you again?"

Masako's attention was brought back by her sister-in-law's voice, "N-No," she replied, "Not at all, Bianchi-san."

The poisonous scorpion raised a brow, "Really?" she challenged, "Because Hayato stormed into the Vongola mansion like a bullet train this morning."

The two was silent. Masako looked down at her tea, "It was my fault," she whispered, "I think I made him angry."

Bianchi sighed, "Don't always blame yourself, Masako," she chided and crossed her arms, "You're not to blame for Hayato's raging temper."

Masako lifted her head, "I feel like I'm doing something wrong, Bianchi-san," she ushered, staring into her sister-in-law's eyes that were a deeper green than her husband's, "It's like he never trusts me."

The latter glanced into the distance. Trying to find her words, Bianchi paused to think, "Hayato's had a rough start in life," she announced, "Trust has become a sensitive topic for him."

"I understand that," Masako muttered, "But somehow-" her thoughts wavered, "I somehow just want him to know that there's someone who loves and cares for him," a pair of light-hazel eyes turned desperate, "That he's not left alone to hate this world ever again."

From the look exposed in Masako's eyes, the poisonous scorpion was utterly speechless. Never had anyone has said those words to her or her younger brother. Even Tsuna, the man whom Gokudera Hayato worshipped like a god had never said such a thing to his storm guardian.

Bianchi pulled a fond smile, "Thank you, Masako," she ushered, "I'm sure Hayato will understand your feelings real soon."

~X~

Sawada Tsunayoshi clutched his forehead and stared at the list of names that were present before him. After writing, scribbling and erasing out the names of his Vongola Guardians for the past hour- The Don had a massive headache. Yamamoto still was unaccustomed to the mafia world, he won't be able to do the job efficiently and quickly. Hibari was too bloodthirsty, Ryohei was rather simple-minded and Chrome was weak without Mukuro's help. Lambo? Goodness, the thirteen year-old lightening guardian was still in school for crying out loud! With no further option, Tsuna could only draw a large red circle around the last name.

"Decimo sir," a knock was heard and the office doors opened, revealing the boss's personal butler, "The storm guardian has arrived under your orders."

Tsuna nodded, "Let him in please."

The Don gave the name one last look before raising his head and forcing a smile to welcome his right-hand man, "Gokudera-kun."

"Juudaime," Gokudera walked in and bowed, "You called for me?"

The smile on the boss's lips became awkward, "Yes," he stopped to ease his breathing, "After the meeting with Dino-san this morning, I've planned to officially annihilate the Bortolotti-Rosso Family."

His storm guardian didn't waver, "I understand sir."

Decimo continued, "According to Dino-san, the Bortolotti-Rosso Family's headquarters are in Florence, Tuscany," he glanced at his right-hand man, "If we're able to destroy their database and intelligence department, there is a possibility that the family will diminish."

"Juudaime, are you saying that-"

"Gokudera-kun," Tsuna clasped his hands together and dipped his head, "I don't want to do this to you, but-"

Understanding the boss's words, the storm guardian forced himself to smile, "There's no need to apologize, Juudaime," he placed an arm across his chest and lowered his left knee onto the ground, "I serve under your command."

The Vongola Don quickly got to his feet, "Gokudera-kun," he breathed, taking the storm guardian's arm and pulling him back up, "You don't have to go if you don't want to."

"It's fine, Juudaime," Gokudera assured, "I'll get the job done."

Tsuna searched his subordinate's eyes for fear. But unlike the usual quick-tempered storm, Gokudera was somewhat calm. The boss pursed his lips together and looked away.

"Gokudera-kun," he sighed, "The Bortolotti-Rosso Family has over five-hundred men in their headquarters, what're you doing to do?"

His right-hand man could only offer the boss a comforting look, "There's no need to worry about me, Juudaime," he pulled up his lips, "I am the storm guardian after all."

~X~

The poisonous scorpion stared at her younger brother like he just spoke some foreign language. Gokudera on the other hand, shrugged and nonchalantly lit a cigarette.

"Just tell Masako that I won't be home," he ordered, stuffing the lighter back into his pocket, "She can manage by herself."

Bianchi's eyes hardened behind her goggles, "Why don't you tell her yourself?" she argued, "The poor girl has been waiting for you all day!"

Gokudera frowned, "I can't explain the mission to her," he muttered back, "Who knows how she'll react."

"Hayato!" Bianchi was on the verge of bringing out her poison cooking and throwing it at her younger brother, "You can't go on that mission! It's basically suicide!"

With the cigarette burning loosely at the corner of his mouth, the storm guardian shrugged again, "It's for the Vongola" he took the stick from his lips and blew out a puff of smoke, "I'm willing to do it."

The poisonous scorpion glared, "You can't take on five-hundred men by yourself," she taunted, "It's impossible to walk out of there alive."

"Aneki," frustration was starting to grow, "Just tell Masako alright? Leave the rest alone."

With that said, Gokudera dropped the cigarette onto the pavement and stomped on it. Turning around, the storm guardian made his exit and disappeared back into the Vongola Mansion, leaving his older sister to stare blankly at the pile of ash that was left on the ground.

-End of Scene I-

~X~

A/N: Thank you once again to those who've reviewed last chapter. I've also gotten some feedback via Messages so thank you to those readers as well!

P.S: I'm going on holidays for a few days so I might not be able to update this story until next week. Thank you all for understanding!

Bonus Preview for Next Chapter:

The storm guardian stared at his wife. His subordinates looked uncomfortable, "You don't understand a thing about the mafia," he hissed, "So don't make any judgments for me."

Masako felt her eyes sore with water, "I don't," she agreed, lifting her head as teardrops fell to the ground, "But all I want is to see my husband happy and healthy- is that too much to ask for?"

~X~

"Ma'am! You can't come in here!"

Sawada Tsunayoshi looked up as his office door was forcibly pushed open, "M-Masako-san?"

Rushing into the Vongola Boss's office with tears streaming down her face, Masako dropped down onto her knees, "Please!" she pleaded, bowing until her head touched the carpet, "Don't let Hayato go on this mission!"

The Don was speechless, "M-Masako-san," he got up and quickly made his way to help Masako back onto her feet.

But the latter refused to move, "Please! I'm begging of you!" she cried, "I won't get up unless you clear Hayato's name!"

~X~

The bells belonging to a nearby cathedral rung five o'clock when the boss and his fellow guardians gathered at the main courtyard of the Vongola Mansion. Despite being in summer, the morning air felt chilly and the group shivered as they watched the storm guardian bow down at the Don.

"Take care, Gokudera-kun."

"Yes sir."

Climbing into the black Mercedes sedan, Gokudera took one last glimpse of the boss and the other guardians before closing the door. The chauffeur soon started the engine and the car slowly moved down the driveway.

Tsuna watched as the red taillights belonging to the sedan reached the gates before turning and disappearing down the morning streets. He closed his eyes and sighed- knowing that somewhere in Catania, Masako would be hating his guts right now.