I do not own Katekyo Hitman Reborn.


Lambo's Perfect Gift

A sleek silver and black limo rolled up to the slush-strewn curb. A few shoppers, decked out in oversized coats and lugging Christmas packages, paused on the frozen cement to see who would emerge from the luxurious vehicle. They were all a bit surprised to see a child climb out, dressed in a cow-print winter jacket and black earmuffs, and followed by a tall teen in a long green coat. But they did not dwell much on it, for there were plenty of rich kids in the area, and they continued on their way, curiosity satisfied.

Lambo kept the limo's door slightly open so that he could converse with the person in the driver's seat. "I'm going to need more than two hours," he was insisting. "How about four?"

"I am not leaving you here for four hours!" snapped Gokudera, twisting slightly so he could glare at the thirteen-year-old.

"How about three?" Futa spoke up. "I'll be with him, Haya-nii."

"That doesn't provide as much comfort as you want it to," said Gokudera bluntly. "Lambo is a horrible influence. I'd like to get to you before the cops."

"Haya-nii, I swear, I'll behave," pleaded Lambo. "I won't start any fights and I'll stick with Futa. I really need all the time I can get searching for I-Pin's present."

Gokudera's firm expression softened slightly. "Lambo, you're overthinking this. I-Pin is going to be happy with whatever you get her. It's the thought that counts."

Lambo managed to keep from making a face. How many times have I heard that one? "I know. But this year I want to give my best effort. I want to get her something special."

Gokudera pursed his lips together and studied the two teens intently. Lambo clasped his hands together and Futa mouthed, 'Please'. Relenting, the Storm Guardian let out a huff of breath. "Three hours," he agreed. "But in precisely three hours, you will be in this very spot, not a minute later. You do not leave each other's side. And under no circumstance do you leave this mall. Am I understood?"

"Hai," the two chorused. Lambo beamed and added, "Thanks, Haya-nii."

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever."

Lambo shut the door of the limo and the two teens strode for the mall entrance. They stepped through the double glass doors and entered the heavily-decorated space. Futa peeked up at the ceiling, where large crystal ornaments and sparkling snowflakes hung from fortified strings. "They certainly don't spare any expense."

"Unfortunately, I don't have that luxury." Lambo felt the pocket of his coat and could feel the shape of his wallet. "And I've no idea where to start."

Futa shrugged off his coat, the mall's heating system causing him to sweat a bit. He slung the winter clothing over his shoulder and glanced at the first set of stores that were on either side of them. "Well, what did you get her in previous years?"

Lambo squinted as he tried to coax his memory. "Um…well, when we were little we would just do stuff like candy and coloured pictures. But for the past few Christmases I've gotten her the complete set of her favourite television series, a charm bracelet and some books. But I want to do something different."

"Well, we could start by just walking around," suggested Futa. "That's the best way to get inspiration."

"Okay, sounds good."

The teens began strolling through the mall. Each individual store they passed had their own unique Christmas decorations, but the mall itself had twinkling lights and fake snow scattered about. Around the corner was a massive Meet Santa Claus display. Red carpet marked the way to the elaborate golden throne and valet ropes prevented children from stumbling out of the long line. There was a sleigh and reindeer set up on one end and there was a massive Christmas tree with wrapped boxes behind the throne. The big man himself was sitting in the throne, chortling joyfully and handing out candy canes.

Futa grinned. "Maybe Santa can help you."

"I don't think I was good enough this year," joked Lambo. He paused when he spotted a calendar store up ahead. "Let's stop in there."

They entered the store, where they were greeted by racks of differently themed calendars, pocket books and a small selection of board games. Lambo walked over to the quote-themed calendars and inspected them. "Is a calendar too dorky?" he asked, glancing at one that featured friendship quotes.

"No, of course not," replied Futa. "It's very practical."

Lambo shot him a weary look. "I don't want a practical gift."

"What's wrong with a calendar?" he asked, offended.

Lambo paused, an inspirational quote calendar in hand, and his green eyes narrowed in suspicion. "You got someone a calendar, didn't you?"

Futa crossed his arms, a slight pout on his lips. "No comment."

Grinning, Lambo set the glossy calendar back on the rack. "Well, in any case, I think I'm going to get her something else."

They walked out of the store and continued down the corridor. Lambo shifted his gaze to the taller teen. "Is it me who gets the calendar?"

Futa gave him a flick to the forehead. "I said no comment."

They ended up doing a lap of the mall, with a few more stops that didn't give Lambo any particular flash of creativity. When they got back to where they started, Futa scratched the back of his neck idly. "Nothing?"

"Nothing," said Lambo moodily.

"Let's see if I can help you out. What about clothes?"

Lambo snorted. "Yeah, I don't think so. I don't know her clothing size. I don't even know what her style is, if she has one."

"That's okay. We're eliminating options, at least. Books?"

"I don't know what she's read and what she hasn't."

"You could always get a gift card."

"If anything, that's going to be my last resort," decided Lambo.

Futa hummed in thought. "Hmm. What about a bracelet or something?"

"She's not much of a jewelry person and I gave her that charm bracelet," replied Lambo, brow creasing in frustration. "This is hard. It seemed so easy last year."

"Haya-nii is right. You're overthinking this," said Futa, setting a reassuring hand on Lambo's shoulder. "You'll find something."

After another few minutes of walking, Futa pointed out a window display of store, which showcased elegant picture frames. "How about that? You can put a picture of the two of you in there."

Lambo cocked his head the side, the gears in his mind turning slowly as he regarded the pretty frame. "Hey…I think I have an idea!"

Futa grinned. "I knew you would. What is it?"

"Instead of a picture frame, what about a scrapbook?" asked Lambo eagerly. "I could fill it with a bunch of different pictures! Is there a craft store in this place?"

"It's a little bit down that way," said Futa, indicating the direction. "Let's hit it. We've got just under two hours."

"All the glitter!" whooped Lambo, charging down the corridor.

Futa hurried after him. "Maybe not all the glitter!"

Christmas morning arrived and the residents of Vongola Mansion gathered in the drawing room for the opening of presents. Haru, Kyoko, Chrome and Bianchi were crowded together on the loveseat, laughing and talking. Tsuna and the other Guardians held court on the sectional and Shamal was lounging in the recliner, a glass of wine held in his hand. His eyes were half-lidded, but his concentration was on Futa, who was chattering cheerfully. At the back corner of the room was Reborn, leaning casually against the wall. His fedora was tilted over his face, his dark eyes taking in everyone in amusement.

Lambo was sitting beside Mukuro on the sectional, playing with his fingers. He had yet to give I-Pin his gift, though no one really noticed in the chaos that was their family. Futa knew, of course, and would cast Lambo pointed glances when there was a break in his conversation with Shamal. Not sure why he was feeling so nervous, Lambo thought of his gift stuffed underneath the couch, where he had put it so that he could give it to I-Pin at the very end of present opening.

Don't be a dork. You know she won't make fun of you for making a scrapbook. Even Futa said it was a really good idea.

Taking a quick breath, Lambo bent over and dragged the wrapped present out from his hiding place. Mukuro stared at it in bewilderment. "What's that?"

"It's for I-Pin," he replied, face flushing slightly. "I wanted to give it to her last, so I kept it here."

"Well, hurry up and give it to her before she thinks you forgot." Mukuro gave the boy a light tap to his behind, nudging him forwards.

Lambo went over to where I-Pin was sitting in the middle of the wrapping paper-covered floor. Conscious of the curious stares he was now getting, he plopped down beside his best friend and proffered his gift. "I didn't forget."

I-Pin looked up from her new novel, the latest installment in her favourite series, in surprise. She looked at the gift and smiled. She set her book down and accepted the package. "For a second, I thought you had forgotten."

"Not this year." Lambo grinned crookedly. "Thanks for the glow-in-the-dark wall stickers, by the way. I'm so gonna deck out my room."

"No problem." I-Pin removed the blue snowman wrapping paper and lifted out a dark red scrapbook. On the cover was piece of purple construction paper glued to the surface with a border of red ribbon. On the paper, in black ink, were the words, I-Pin's Scrapbook.

"Couldn't think of a better title," he muttered, embarrassed.

Eyes wide, I-Pin opened the scrapbook. On the very first page was a picture of all the members of the Vongola residence. Underneath the photo, in the same ink, read The ones who saved us.

She continued flipping through the pages, which were decorated with ribbon, glitter, bows, gem stickers and humours stickers, like cows and frogs. There was one picture per page, each accompanied with a written memory that was related to the photo. There were pictures of her with the girls, her with their siblings, her with Fran, Futa and Lambo, and with other members of their extended family.

But most of the pictures consisted of just her with her best friend. Her favourite photo was in the scrapbook—it was taken at the local ice rink a few years ago. She was standing straight and her feet perfectly aligned for skating. She was holding Lambo's hands, the boy having one leg sticking out in the air as he was about to fall. Her head was thrown back, mouth wide open in laughter. Lambo's face was a mix of frustration and annoyance.

She read the description beneath the photo.

The time you tried to teach me how to ice skate and I failed miserably. By the end you were laughing so hard you couldn't stand and I was the one who had to help you back to the bench.

"Can you say something?" asked Lambo nervously.

"Lambo, did you make this?" I-Pin breathed, hands gently skimming the edge of the photograph.

"Yeah. Do you like it?"

"I love it!" She looked up, eyes bright and gleaming. "What gave you the idea to do this?"

"I wanted to do something different," muttered Lambo. "Something special. I know I'm not the easiest person to get along with—"

"Amen," called Gokudera.

"—and that I'm really stubborn—"

"Amen!" concurred Shamal.

"—and that I'm a pain in the butt—"

"Amen," agreed Reborn.

Exasperated, Lambo grabbed three pieces of balled-up wrapping paper. "Shut up!" he wailed, chucking them at the interrupters.

"All right," interjected Tsuna, a warm smile on his face. "Let him speak."

"Thank you," huffed Lambo. He turned back to I-Pin and continued on. "But you put up with me, even when I'm being super unreasonable and snappy. You're really great and I don't think I appreciate you enough. So I wanted to do this, to say thanks for being my best friend."

Blinking back sudden tears, a touched I-Pin set the scrapbook down and leaned forwards, wrapping her arms tightly around him. "And thanks for being mine," she whispered.

Nearly melting from the adorable scene in front of him, Tsuna quickly pulled out his phone and snapped a picture amongst the chorus of affectionate, adoring coos from the girls.

It would be the perfect addition to I-Pin's scrapbook.