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Yay chapter is out! Sorry if there's any grammar/spelling errors *bows* /(-ㅅ- / )


Summary:

What would happen if the gentle sky of the underworld and the arbitrator of the overworld meets? Now, five years later, how will Tsuna change as the true face of the mafia stares into his soul? Will he break into the abyss or will he emerge stronger with his beacon of light? Will the irony of his life pull him backwards or forwards? 5YL. Slight AU. Perspective changes from CC to OC


"Speech/Dialogue"

'Thought'

Warnings: Slight AU, slight OOC, Change in Perspectives, Un-betaed

All credits go to their respected owners.


Previously:

Lifting the straw hat, she nuzzled it on her head and placed the note under the plate of sweets in the middle of their picnic area (after she took one last sfogliatelle). Tucking her bag in the fold of her arm, she placed her unfinished drink in the recycle as she stretched and left the area with a satisfied grin.

'Vincent Sirene… I hope you prayed that the tide washes you away from the flames of judgment.'


The fight raged on between the three Vongola members as neither side accepted anything short of defeat judged solely by blood. Outside the barrier, beads of sweat ran down Chrome's face as her breathing became heavier. Utilizing all her flames was hard- harder when it was used to create a façade containing the three most powerful in their family.

Ryohei and Yamamoto were also struggling to keep up with waterfalls streaming down their skins. Their muscles flexed and tightened trying to keep up and match each other's flame output. Thankfully Yamamoto had his natural Hitman intuition to counter Ryohei's unstable output of Sun flames with his Rain flames. But regardless of how well they matched, it only lasted for so long. At most they could only hold about five more minutes until the illusion shattered and all hell broke loose.

Meanwhile, Gokudera finished contacting the only person he knew that could stop the three of them. He released Uri and underwent Cambio Forma for his Sistema C.A.I Bone Loops just in case the battle went out of hand. Thankfully the park was isolated during this time of day so no civilians or unsuspecting folks came by. Focusing on his flames, he didn't notice Lambo groggily waking up from his nap and wandering off into the distance in his hazed state.


After what seemed to be about ten minutes or so, Reborn arrived at the scene fuming and ready to shoot any unfortunate saps that happened to be in his line of fire. He held two guns in his hands- a Leon morphed into a CZ75 First Edition on his right and a real CZ75 First Edition in his left. Reborn wasn't usually the type to come guns blazing but right now his annoyance with Tsuna's incompetence justified his actions.

Tilting his fedora downwards, the shade covered his eyes as a dark shadow loomed over his form. Reason? Reborn was having a lovely day off from the usually rowdiness of the Vongola family until Leon notified him of a message from Gokudera.

Earlier he had heard of Lambo's disappearance but paid no mind to it since he knew whatever the life threw at him, Lambo would certainly survive it. He was the Vongola's Lightening guardian after all. As hard it was to admit, Reborn had enough trust in Lambo to take care of himself. Odd, but nevertheless a praise coming from him. At the very least Reborn had the decency to acknowledge him.

So he relaxed letting the warm day's rays dance across his skin as he leaned back on his chair covered by his suit jacket. He had a specially made computer for research purposes on his lap as he typed away searching in depth of the one and only, Renata Micaela Ammisceo. He had found the basics: her background, family, education, criminal records, and accomplishments.

Honestly nothing was out of the ordinary- it almost bored him. Except one little information he found about her in her early teens. Apparently the suave and elegant Renata was a quite the trouble maker when she was young and only changed after she moved out of her home into a university dormitory.

Her feats (crimes) were actually quite hilarious on his part. Ranging from dunking a girl's head in a bucket of paint then painting a beautiful picture with her face because she annoyed her to back-alley fights with the local kids, the lawful Renata wasn't so licit in the past. Apparently there was also one time where she kicked a child offender's precious 'manhood' and punched him clear in the throat where he was declared legally dead for two minutes.

Recalling those incidents he chuckled at how amusing this person was- though that didn't mean she was in his good graces yet. His face quickly lost his smirk when he couldn't find a single thing about her and her relation to La Scala di Puruel.

There was no doubt in his mind that she was an Apostle after the skimming her notes back at the cafe but there were no legal (or illegal for that matter) reports about her anywhere. For all the overworld and underworld knew, she was a civilian who worked at a small independent law office as an intern to a man named Evan Montique.

Speaking of, he found it all too suspicious that this 'Evan Montique' had a solid, perfect record. Too perfect. He found no crimes or criminal charges, which in itself wasn't surprising however his background was. He came from a distinguished family from France and started up his own life in Italy. He had perfect attendance, academics, wealth, and even power to an extent.

Reborn found no holes in his life and yet his Hitman intuition tugged at the back of his mind warning him that this man was no easy prey. And if there's one thing Reborn would stay true to was his intuition.


Reborn sighed, pulling the cup of coffee off the saucer on the glass table and let the smooth rich delight kiss his lips. As he put the saucer down he raised his eyebrow as Leon notified him of an incoming call.

'I only ever use Leon if it's important or an emergency…' Reborn furrowed his brows as he picked up Leon morphing into a phone.

Putting him next to his ear Reborn spoke. "Ciaossu Timoteo. What's wrong?"

A euphoric laugh was heard from the other side as Nonno chuckled in mild amusement. "Reborn, why is it that if I call you that's the first thing you say?"

Reborn let out a sigh- obviously the old man was safe. "This is the number I gave you for emergencies."

"My, my looks like my age has gotten to me!"

Reborn let out an exhausted grunt. He would be laughing but since the actuality of Nonno's deathbed was coming close, a bit of humour was lost on him concerning his health.

"Timoteo, your health is not to be taken so lightly," Reborn said warningly, "anyways, why did you call me? I doubt you have Alzheimer yet."

"Reborn, old friend, I'll die before I let him touch me." Reborn smirked in amusement. "Also I wish to talk about young Tsunayoshi's coronation."

Setting his cup down, he moved his laptop onto the surface of the table as he sat straight, legs crossed. "The date's been moved up, hasn't it?"

"Oh? Did you expect it?"

"Figures. Since the last time you called me it was for the same reason. So when are you rescheduling it to this time?"

Nonno sighed and Reborn could already see the elderly man's pale complexion worsening. "Three weeks."

Reborn clicked his tongue. "Three weeks? How bad has your illness gotten?"

"Enough to move the date down to three weeks."

"Don't get smart with me Timoteo. What the hell has Shamal been doing?"

"His very best Reborn. Also I'm sure young Tsunayoshi's Storm guardian can't handle this all himself so I had Coyote and the others handle most of the work. All young Tsunayoshi and his guardians need to do now is their own presentation- which I'm sure you'll be more than enough to help them prepare."

Reborn leaned on his chair, crossing his arms. "I've gotten them this far haven't I? Besides what would Dame-Tsuna do without me?"

"Isn't young Tsunayoshi turning twenty this year? I highly doubt he's no-good anymore Reborn."

"Mere age has nothing to do with maturity Timoteo. Just take a look at Dino or-"

"-you? Or the Arcobaleno for that matter."

"You're treading on dangerous grounds Timoteo."

Nonno let out a heartfelt laugh. "Reborn, it's good to be in one's youth! Your body is returning to normal, no?"

Reborn sighed at Nonno's optimism. Even at this age he still had the gull for sarcasm. He respected Nonno for his strength and resolve, sure, but there was no helping him with his personality. At least he was still able to smile and laugh- something he truly wished Tsuna would continue to do in the future.

"Anyways, I must attend to my appointment soon. I apologize for moving the coronation so abruptly Reborn. Please inform young Tsunayoshi and his guardians of my understandings as well."

"Tell them yourself Timoteo." Reborn took a sip of his coffee. "Ciao Ciao."

Reborn hung up and propped up his feet on the table as he tipped his fedora down to shade his eyes. Letting out a sigh he quickly organized all the changes he had to make in his plan. Morphing back into his original form, Leon crawled up Reborn arm nesting on his shoulder as it closed its eyes in understanding.

Gently petting the lizard within his hand Reborn closed his eyes. "Leon, I think it's best if we moved that plan until after Tsuna's coronation."

Leon nodded. The plan was to get Renata to spill the beans about La Scala di Puruel but that had to wait until the coronation took place. They couldn't afford another incident like the Shimon again especially with Nonno ready to tip over the boat anytime soon. So for the time being, it was best if he aided Tsuna with his succession rather than scout out an Apostle- for now.

Shifting in his seat, Reborn's tense muscles relaxed as he took the warm sun's rays thinking of ways to distress (that mainly involved Tsuna and some form of training for his amusement). But for now, his time alone is enough.

Or so he thought.


Reborn opened his eyes and saw that a few hours had gone by until he had Leon tugging on his fedora. He raised a brow and lifted the chameleon on his fingers as it morphed into a phone once again.

Frowning, he picked it up. "Ciaossu Gokudera. What do you want?"

Reborn heard weapons clashing on the line as his intuitive side warned him of his unavoidable future.

'Looks like I'm not getting a break anytime soon,' he thought.

Gokudera spoke in an authoritative yet frantic tone. "Reborn-san I'm sorry I'm disrupting your break but-"

"Just what did Dame-Tsuna do this time?" Reborn sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"It's not Juudaime's fault Reborn-san! It's that pineapple bastard and Hibari that started the fight-!" Reborn heard the sound of crashing and the piercing strike of battle. "Shit! Woman! Hurry put up a barrier! Oi! Sagasawa, Yamamoto don't just dawdle and fucking help!"

"Gokudera you have exactly ten seconds to explain everything."

"Y-Yes! Hibari and Mukuro provoked each other and Juudaime tried to appeal them but as you'd expect, they started attacking each other-"

'Those idiots… What part of incognito do they not understand?' Reborn got up, knowing the outcome would lead to him resolving the battle one way or another. After all if Tsuna was involved in the fight, especially in public, he'd be useless as his past self. But before he could wallow in his student's disappointment, he abruptly stopped at Gokudera's next words.

"-and it's no better that damn Apostle provoked the other two bastards."

"What. Are. You. Talking. About." Reborn pronounced very syllable with his killing intent oozing over the phone. Noticing this Gokudera felt chills down his spine; no doubt none of them were getting out this unscathed.

Balancing the phone between his ear and shoulders, he quickly wore his suit and adjusted his fedora and pulled out his favourite real gun. 'The one damn day I let him off is the one damn day everything goes to shit. Tsuna I hope got enough fresh air because you won't be seeing the sunlight anytime soon,' he seethed.

Grasping the phone in his hands, he walked towards one of his many passageways he installed throughout Italy. "Make sure to observe Renata carefully. I expect a full report on this little outing of yours by my desk within the hour I arrive."

Knowing that the Hitman wouldn't bluff about sending someone to their immediate doom, Gokudera quickly nodded. "O-Of course! I will make sure to-!"

Noticing the silence on the other side Reborn raised a brow then glared. "What's wrong now?"

"R-Reborn-san… Renata is gone and she only left a note."

An unyielding amount of rage and annoyance filled the Vongola mansion as Reborn hung up silently and strolled through the passage ways giving charming smiles to the passing maids. Although one would see his charismatic face as one of happiness and fortune; it couldn't be any more wrong. The smile was a refluxed profile he had being in the mafia for so long. Beneath the facade was a sadistic demon just waiting to find his next victim and drag him through the pits of hell.

And as one would expect, Reborn somehow made it to the scene within the few minutes he left; absolutely fuming as he got closer to his idiotic student.


And now here he was staring at the scene as the bumbling idiots before him dared not to stop in his presence- though he would fix that real quick.

Three precise shots were made two from Leon and one from his real gun. Leon's bullets were a special case in which it was a prototype of a flame-infused bullet Giannini, Spanner, and Shoichi had created. Unlike most other bullets that were shot with pure flames, this bullet did damage and contained the properties of whatever flames they infused within the shells- although Earth and Sky flames were the exception. With so few users and a limited supply of flames at their disposal they couldn't get the formula down thus a prototype was never created. Not to mention that Tsuna, Enma, and Dino refused to be near the three in their engineering states or as the three would call it, 'mad-scientist mode.' Byakuran and Xanxus were obviously out of the question as the two would either blow the lab into ashes or distract them from their goals. Yuni was also not included despite her consent because of Gamma's and Byakuran's disapproval (and threats).

In this case, Reborn used one Storm flame bullet for the sheer amount of power it held and A mist bullet to intercept Chrome's illusions but not break it; allowing the bullets to pass. The final 'normal' bullet was just for shits and giggles (Reborn refused to walk out of this without someone getting hurt).

Although, by now one would expect normal wasn't part of Reborn's vocabulary.

The moment the Mist flame infused bullet made contact with the barrier; Chrome felt a weird sensation down her spine crawling for a second before fading away as the flame properties created a wormhole for the other bullets to enter. Vastly losing its property, the bullet still spun with great force as the Storm flame infused bullet lit the other two regular bullets with Storm flames as the triple shots headed straight towards the three fighting Vongola men.

Sensing something amiss, Tsuna just barely managed to dodge the bullets mid-air; the Storm flames ripping the hems of his shirt as he curved his spine back in a perfect arch as the shots sped past him to the two guardians.

Mukuro and Hibari, sensing the projectiles at the same time, briefly released their hold on each other as the Mukuro jumped out of the way and Hibari deflected the bullets with his tonfas. Hibari's tonfas recoiled, his grip loosening as both weapons flew out of his hands. Smirking at the window of opportunity, Mukuro tightened his hold on his trident as he aimed for Hibari's head; the latter dodging with the ends of his hair sliced by the force.

Finally released from the stand-off, the Sky flame on Tsuna's head flickered irregularly signalling one of his signature attacks, Zero Point Breakthrough: First Edition. Using the ashes of flames blown around in the battle field, his gauntlets lit up in icy blue streams of light as crystals of ice violently chased the two guardians down.

Unnoticed by the two, they clashed their weapons again- Hibari using his spare tonfas to counter Mukuro's Mist flame lit trident. The ice, like the speed of a cobra's strike, trailed down quickly; freezing Mukuro's and Hibari's hands, lower torso, and legs. The latter two glared at Tsuna promising death and pain as they struggled to get out (Hibari thrashing like a caged wild animal).

Gently propelling himself down, Tsuna gave Chrome the signal to release the barrier as she closed her eyes and fainted thankfully caught by the arms of Ryohei. Tsuna turned to the two bickering children known as 'adults' as he breathed slowly-regulating his pulse back to normal.

Tsuna lamented as he gaped at the damage done in the park. The trees were either uprooted or disintegrated, grass scattered and set ablaze, park amenities broken and scorched, and large craters littered the area from the aftermaths of their battle. Of the debris and ashes of the once family friendly facility, Tsuna's brain rapidly calculated the property damage waivers he had to sign and pay off (not to mention Yamamoto would have to work overtime again to cover all of this up).

His dejected tearful eyes turned that of annoyance as his ears registered the continuous bickering of his two idiosyncratic guardians. Letting the ice stretch up to their chests, he shut the two up as they narrowed their glares at the Vongola don.

Giving an equally annoyed glare of his own, Tsuna spoke his gloves gleaming in blue light threateningly. "You two later. My office."

"Hnn." Hibari violently grunted as he thrashed and writhed within the cage of ice his deadly gaze never once leaving the poor don.

Mukuro did the same but in a low-key manner not to look like a beast like the raging carnivore next to him. "Kufufufu Tsunayoshi you should-"

"Mukuro please be quiet. Kyoya, stop glaring at me. Besides, if you could kill me with your stare I would've been dead a long time ago." Tsuna sighed, releasing his hyper dying will mode. Melting most of the ice with his own flames, he released the two of them with only shards of ice holding them in place. The two crossed their arms looking away, annoyed and resentful.

Tsuna approached them with his hands behind his back like an elderly man scolding his grandchildren. "Seriously, can you guys not go a day without trying to kill each other? It's been five years."

"Five years too many," Mukuro said annoyingly, "I refuse to associate with birds into handcuffs and long, hard objects." Hibari shot him a glare as Mukuro sneered. "Oya? Oya? Is the little birdie hurt by my words?"

"I'll bite you to death pineapple herbivore!" Hibari growled, a promise of painful death surrounding him.

A vein popped in his forehead as Mukuro gritted his teeth. "Ho~? I'm afraid you're not my type or kink you asexual fletching."

Tsuna rubbed his temples at his guardian's childish behaviours. "Enough-"

"Like I'd want to hear that from perverse pineapple with a fetish for young women."

Tsuna gaped at his Hibari's words. 'D-Did Kyoya just use sarcasm!?' Quickly recovering from his surprise, he felt a bullet graze his cheeks as an ominous aura webbed his skin like a widow's web from behind. His neck nervously creaking turning backwards like a stiff doll, he saw a pissed off Reborn- who greeted him with a kick to the head.

Taking the hit, his head bent backwards as he plunged face first into the large crater created by the fight. But thankfully five years had done a lot for Tsuna as he elegantly fell and got right back up with grace befitting of a mafia boss.

Coughing his embarrassment out, dusted his clothes off. "Reborn! Why did you-"

"Dame-Tsuna."

Tsuna flinched at his voice as he quickly shut his mouth. Reborn would've smirked but the situation as a whole at hand was nothing to light at. Reborn slowly approached him like a predator cornering his prey.

"One, your reaction time was too slow." Narrowing his eyes, he cocked the guns in his hand firing every sentence.

"Two, you created a mess in public and the possibility of witnesses increased endangering your family." The shot grazed his shoulder.

"Three, you led an Apostle to see you and your family endangering them as well as yourself." The shot slit his cheeks. "You could've broken the Omertà and the Vindice would've come for you and the entire Vongola. Bermuda may tolerate you better than others, but they won't forgive anyone who breaks mafia law."

A brief flashback flew past Tsuna as he thought back to the last time he had to bail Mukuro out of Vendicare. After that incident, Bermuda was ranked, as per Fuuta, within the top ten people most forgiving to Tsuna (but it's not like he didn't get off without a few major injuries).

"And four, the most important, you were unable to calm your guardians like a true boss would. You are supposed to be the Sky, a boss, A Vongola boss."

"B-But Reborn!"

"No excuses. Be ready for some intensive training I've been stockpiling for you Dame-Tsuna. Because the next time you see sunlight, it'll be when the mortician sees you."

Tsuna internally cried as the bullet flew straight through his chest, embedding the shot within his flesh. Tsuna thanked whatever force that kept him alive till now because Reborn shot a special paralysis bullet instead of a real one or worse, something Giannini invented (he loved the man, but some experiences were better left untold).

Releasing the immediate frustration out of his body, Reborn sighed at the sight of his student and boss withering in pain like a pathetic wimp. Turning his head to the immobile guardians, he picked up Tsuna by the collar of his shirt and threw him in between the two of them.

But before anyone had the chance to question his motives, the sound click was heard as the three stared down their wrists.

Tsuna widened his eyes as he tried to pull away. "R-Reborn!"

Hibari gridded his teeth; his eyes boiling in annoyance and rage. "Baby…"

Mukuro frowned maliciously. "Ho~? You dare?" But the amusement didn't reach his eyes or voice.

Reborn smirked at the three bumbling children before him. He had handcuffed their wrists together- Mukuro's left hand with Tsuna's right and Hibari's right hand with Tsuna's left. The cuffs were made of special anti-flame metal as well as 'Vongola guardian-proof' metal (rightfully named by Shoichi and Spanner). After all, if they wanted fight each other so much, might as well put them all together, no?

Hibari tightened his grip on his tonfas (harshly chaffing Tsuna's wrist with the force of his pull). Years of experience told Hibari that he was no match for the Hitman and he knew he was strong but never would he submit to anyone or anything.

"Baby. Give me the key." His voice curled in annoyance and raptorial rage, ready use the other two herbivores attached to him as a human whip if he needed to.

Mukuro chuckled darkly as he conjured an illusionary trident in his free hand. Tightly gripping the neck of his trident, Mukuro dug at the ends of his trident into the ground in annoyance. He too, knew the consequences of facing the Hitman but neither one of them would back down for their pride was at stake.

"Oya, oya. You wouldn't dare. After all you've just given me a better chance to possess his body." Mukuro smirked as he yanked his cuffed arm, pulling Tsuna closer to him- which unintentionally pulled Hibari's wrist. Glaring at the prior, Hibari yanked his wrist back which caused Mukuro to lose slight balance.

Reborn watched the two jerked each other's chains back and forth as Tsuna was violently thrusted in a tide between the Cloud and Mist. Tsuna cried, unable to stop them as his nerves were still immobile because of the bullet. Looking at Tsuna dragged by his arms like a ragdoll, Reborn rubbed bridge of his nose. He shot two warning fires next to the heads of each member in annoyance and authority (after in which Tsuna repeatedly questioned why the world hated him).

When he finally caught the attention of the two, he smirked. "And I won't miss next time." Lowering his gun he turned his focus to Tsuna. "And perhaps this experience will teach you to become a boss capable of controlling his men."

"R-Reborn, please!" Tsuna frantically said, squirming helplessly in between the two men. He turned his head towards Gokudera as he saw him running towards him. Tsuna sent him an SOS look but unfortunately one glare from Reborn had Gokudera stop in his tracks and help Chrome first.

Promptly ignoring the whining of his student, he turned his gaze to Hibari. "Calm down Hibari. You'll fight all you want later with Tsuna." Hibari raised a brow in interest as Reborn smirked. "I'll need your assistance if I want Tsuna to stop whining like a wimp after all."

Hibari closed his eyes as he crossed his arms. "Hn. I help no one but myself baby."

Reborn tilted his fedora knowing that was just the aloof Cloud's way of saying yes. Shifting his attention to Mukuro he started to pet Leon. "You'll be acting as our barrier until we get this mess sorted out."

"Ho~? And what will be in it for me?"

He pointed his gun at Mukuro's head. "I didn't ask or tried to bargain with you Mukuro."

A dirty smirk plastered Mukuro's face. "Kufufufu. You think that's enough to scare me? I refuse."

Reborn sighed knowing the illusionist was more complex than the bloodthirsty Skylark. "Do you really want Chrome release her flames for another three hours? From what I've seen, she's been holding the barrier up throughout the entire day including your fight without rest."

Mukuro's smirk dropped as his gaze locked on Chrome's panting form. He grumbled as Reborn inwardly smirked knowing he won this battle.

'Now for the final push.' he thought. "Besides, if you don't I'll make the bonds even tighter." This made all three of them flinch albeit Mukuro's and Hibari's body was much more subtle than Tsuna's now half-paralysed, trembling body.

Mukuro glared at the Hitman trying to detect any loopholes he could use. Though, he was no match against the Greatest Hitman who ever lived.

"…"

"…"

"…"

"Well? Your choice?" Reborn spun the special handcuffs (with the chain even shorter than the one that linked them together) as a satisfied grin crept up his face.

Mukuro sighed and grumbled obviously unpleased with the outcome. "Like you'd ever given me a choice. Very well, I will do it for my dear Chrome to rest."

Reborn's grin widened. As he walked away, he threw in a snide comment for his amusement. "Also you both need to carry Tsuna around until his nerves are active again."

"What!?/Baby./Acrobaleno." The three said in unison.

A terrible trio was formed that day and Reborn had never once regretted his decision.

Mukuro and Hibari reluctantly 'supported' Tsuna by walking ahead, letting their cuffed arm curl upwards to haul the poor mafia don by his wrists as his half-dead body dragged across the floor covered in ashes and dirt. Tsuna internally cried at the chaffing of his wrists as it was the only thing that connected the Sky to the Cloud and the Mist that painfully and reluctantly supported its weight. His shoulders were up to his ears as his arms were yanked around to wherever the two walked. It was obvious to Tsuna that weight and strength was not the problem for the two, but their 'no fucks given' attitude was the only thing that prevented them from carrying the poor brunette.


Lying on the grass, Chrome gave a weak smile to her family's antics, still recovering from her excessive flame output. Her head resting gently on Yamamoto's arms as Ryohei was right next to her, slowly releasing her fatigue.

Yamamoto let out a ring of cheerful laughs as the tension left and he saw the scene unfold with Reborn chaining the three together (although he wouldn't be laughing if he were in their shoes). His tense muscles relaxed more and more, trying to give Chrome as comfortable a headrest he could be.

He gently stroked Chrome's hair as Yamamoto looked over to Ryohei. "Haha! Looks like their having fun, right sempai?"

Ryohei, his ring charged with Sun flames, lit his eyes with equal passion. "YEAH! AFTER THIS LET'S ALL SPAR TOGETHER! DON'T WORRY CHROME, MUKURO WILL BE FINE! HIBARI AND YOU TOO-!"

"Shut up Sagasawa! I could hear you from across the damn park!" Gokudera scowled as he stood near the three resting guardians (although the slight arch on his eyebrows told a different story).

He observed Reborn handcuffing the three and contemplated between two conflicted emotions to defend his beloved Juudiame's honour or to laugh at the misfortune of the two guardians whom he despised so very much.

"OI! HAYATO!"

Snapping out of his thoughts he whipped his head down to see Ryohei looking around. "How many times did I tell you to stop using my first name! Also lower your damn voice already!"

"WHERE'S RENATA? IS SHE EXTREMELY OKAY?"

Gokudera sighed at his lack of observation. "You… stupid fucking idiot. Read this."

Scanning over the paper he had received, he sprang up to his feet. "WHAT!? SHE DOESN'T NEED TO PAY NEXT TIME! WE'LL PAY FOR IT, A REAL MAN PAYS FOR THE LADY...OR AT LEAST THAT'S WHAT HANA SAID!"

Gokudera deadpanned and gave trying to talk to the Sun guardian. 'T-That idiot… Doesn't he see that the problem is her leaving after witnessing us fight?'

Yamamoto feeling his friend's stress level rise again let his euphoric laugh ring. "Haha! That's true sempai, Renata doesn't need to pay, and after all she took care of Lambo." Gently leaning Chrome's unconscious body on his back, he pulled her into a piggyback ride.

Then he made his way to Gokudera as his eyes turned sharp. "Don't worry Hayato as she was leaving I saw both Hibirds following her. I was going to go after her but…" He directed his attention to Chrome sleeping on his back. "Chrome's safety comes first."

Gokudera as much as he felt indifferent or hated the others (except Tsuna), he still held a strong enough respect for his fellow guardians. Even Hibari and Mukuro to an extent and if he held some respect for them, Chrome was definitely not an exception. Nevertheless, he clicked his tongue and lit a cigarette he took out of his pocket to distress. It wasn't good that Renata left, but at least they had a bug, more specifically two birds, on her.

'Che. I'm impressed that Yamamoto was actually able to notice amiss that chaos plus balancing his flames…' Gokudera thought slightly bitterly, "I better step up my game if I'm to live up to Juudaime's name."

Letting out a breath of air, the cigarette was knocked out of his hand with a punch. The stick fell on the grass as Gokudera glared at the perpetrator. "What the hell Sagasawa!?"

"DON'T SMOKE! DON'T YOU SEE THAT SIGN OVER THERE?" He pointed to the 'no smoking' sign that was currently dented and on fire. "BESIDES IT'S EXTREMELY BAD FOR YOUR LUNGS!" Ryohei snatched Gokudera's wrist reaching for another smoke.

Yamamoto checked if Chrome woke up with all the noise but besides the occasional grumbling, she was out cold. "Sempai… I think that's a really bad-"

"I'll do whatever the hell I want." Gokudera glared his stress and anger rising from being interrupted. "And let go of my wrist you fucking moron!" He tried pulling his arm away but Ryohei wouldn't budge.

His grip tightened as his eyes burned in determination and resolve. "NO! I WON'T LET YOU SMOKE ANYMORE! SMOKING IS EXTRMELY BAD FOR YOUR LUNGS!"

"What the fuck are you, a PSA? Next thing you'll do is compare my brain to fried eggs or some shit- now let go!" Gokudera jerked his arm away successfully and rubbed the sore, bright red spot on his wrists. 'Son of a-! That hurts like a bitch!'

Gokudera glared when Ryohei suddenly extended his arm, opening his hands in a grabby manner like a child demanding candy from their parents. "What the fuck do you want?"

Ryohei's brow furrowed. "THE REST OF IT! WE'LL START YOUR THERAPY LESSON RIGHT NOW! LIKE YOUR ANGER MANGEMENT SESSIONS!"

"Fuck you! My anger issues-"

"-You mean your mellowing anger issues?" Yamoto interrupted truthfully, unknowing that it would further annoy the Storm.

Gokudera grabbed Yamamoto by the collar of his shirt and pulled his face close to his. "Do you want to get blown up!?"

"OI! HAYATO STOP! CONTROL YOUR ANGER ISSUES!"

"You fucking-!"

"Haha! At least he asked this time!"

Gokudera sighed realizing that it was a waste of time talking with two idiots. Releasing his hold, he sighed massaging his temples. "Yamamoto… just, just…shut up."

Yamamoto shrugged innocently. "Why? It just shows how far you've gotten in your healing! Remember in the beginning, you denied it? At least now you accept your problem and receive help, right-o?"

"You want to get blown up don't you? You want to see the damn world burn don't you?"

Yamamoto tilted his head trying to interpret Gokudera's words. "Huh? What are you talking about?"

"I will hurt you. I promise to hurt you."

"HAYATO! STOP WITH YOUR POINTLESS THREATS!"

It was at this point, the world knew of Ryohei's lack of thought before he spoke.

"YOU NEVER ACT ON IT ANYWAYS! GIVING POINTLESS WORDS IS EXTREMELY UNMANLY!"

Sometimes he was straightforward.

"YOU'RE ACTING LIKE MUKURO!"

Too straightforward.

With that Gokudera's fuse lit metaphorically and literally as bombs weaved in between his fingers ready to fulfil their purpose. "I. Will. Blow. You. Up!"

Shifting into a defensive stance, Ryohei's eyes burned bright. "BRING IT ON HAYATO! LET THAT STRESS OUT!"

Yamamoto was panic stricken as he saw another potential erupting fight. "W-Wait Sempai! Hayato!"

As much as he wanted to stand between them, he couldn't. With Chrome on his back, he didn't want to risk her health because of his carelessness- thus the reason why he didn't slit the fuses in the first place. Thankfully, two bullets sounded as the two battle-ready guardians stopped in their tracks.

"I look away for a moment and another fight erupts. What are you actual children? Stop fighting over nothing."


Reborn elegantly stepped towards the rest of Tsuna's family with the three reluctant Mafioso in tow. Letting the world hear of his presence, the grass parted for his shoes to step on as the wind accentuated his malevolent existence.

The small crowd behind him didn't bother to hide their annoyance either as Mukuro gripped his trident tightly- concentrating on maintaining the illusion field instead of the situation he was forced into. Hibari stayed silent but anyone with half a brain could hear the rattling of the restraints the beast was forcefully leashed into. Meanwhile, Tsuna merely felt as if his shoulders would dislocate and his arms would pop out of their sockets with the weight dragging his lower body down and the less than comfortable yanking of the two annoyed guardians attached to him.

"Reborn-san!"

"Hey it's the kid!"

"Reborn!" Ryohei immediately rushed over to their side ready heal them with his flames except Mukuro and Hibari refused to get aid from anyone.

"Yeah I'm here now be quiet before I paralyze all of you like your boss." All three of them promptly shut their mouths as Reborn scanned the desolate park. "Where's the idiot?

"Please be more specific."

"Lambo."

"He's right here-" Gokudera pointed towards the only tree in the park that had yet to be incinerated and saw nothing. The only trace of Lambo left was the toddler sized dent in the grass from where he fell asleep. "That Aho-ushi! Where the hell did he run off to now!?"

Reborn sighed, feeling the youth draining from these immature children before him. Then he turned towards Tsuna as he gently placed Leon on his fedora. "Oi Dame-Tsuna."

"Reborn please stop calling me that."

"Dame-Tsuna. Go into Flame Signature mode and find Lambo. And make it quick."

Tsuna grimaced at the pain of his arms and the underlining threat from the Hitman. 'I hope I can still do this while I'm paralysed and cuffed like this...'

Tsuna closed his eyes as he attempted to ignore every sound, smell, and touch of the external world. He tried to ignore the silent malice of the two connected to him, he tried to ignore the smell of ashes and blood, and he tried to ignore the chaffing of his wrists and the force pulling his arms out of their sockets. A silent numbing sound rang in his ears as all earthly senses left him. The sharp pain of the metal digging into his skin turned numb as his breathing slowed to match his flame's flickering tempo.

The others watched as Tsuna muscles relaxed, and his breathing slowed- almost as if he was a living corpse. A part of them watched in awe and to some, amusement but all of them held a painful reminder of the first time they saw their boss go into this mode. This unresponsive, dazed, unmoving, silent… almost dead mode. Seeing flames was something akin to seeing spirits. Sure, there are machines able to sense flame signature but for a human to do it was like a sixth sense. Thus a small part of them knew that this amazing revelation was also a double-edge sword. One wrong move and their friend and boss would be dead on the floor without him even knowing.

Reborn tilted his fedora as it shadowed his eyes. "Tsuna, where's Lambo?"

Their breaths hitched when Tsuna finally reopened his eyes but still held that dull, almost dead look in his eyes. In robotic monotone voice, Tsuna opened his mouth and spoke. "Lambo Bonivo. Lightening Flames. Two hundred fifty thousand Fiamma Volts. One hundred fifty meters and counting south."

Reborn knew that him answering his question was proof of when Tsuna was coming out of the mode because during the eight seconds, his consciousness and sub consciousness overlapped- meaning that he was vulnerable and susceptible to nearly any suggestions given to him…no matter who it was.

Reborn could feel the uneasiness and shuffling of Tsuna's guardians as they watched him speak like an obedient doll. 'A skill that was dubbed the double-edged sword: The Flame Signature mode. A move that seeks all but sacrifices your awareness. A move rumoured to be created by Vongola Secondo, Ricardio but quickly abandoned the move because of his lack of trust in others- even his own family and only resurfaced when Vongola Ottavo found the skill in the Vongola catacombs… or so I've heard.'

An unsettling and uncomfortable air crept up the guardian's nerves seeing their boss and friend so lifeless- even Mukuro and Hibari managed to get tingles down their spines. But this was the one thing they promised not to tell Tsuna. They all agreed to not tell him out of fear that one day the self conscious man will break down. He already bore the weight of mafia don; they didn't want to add another problem to his worries because from years of experience they knew that Tsuna was the type to over think on the comfort of others rather than his own.

Thankfully the countdown ended and the bright and ever loving kind light returned to Tsuna as he snapped out of the mode. "Everyone! Lambo is about one hundred fifty meters south from here."

Quickly changing their worried faces, they nodded as they all left to find their missing family member. However Reborn stayed back a few seconds observing their behaviours.

'If this is enough to frighten them… Can they handle the true mafia?' Reborn pondered as he felt Leon nudge is cheeks in understanding and sympathy. Petting Leon, he walked a few paces behind with an unreadable face covered by the shadows of his fedora.

'Don't you dare let your Sky break…'


Lambo drowsily sauntered through the streets of Venice in his hazed state. It wasn't until he heard a bark that he saw an entirely new environment before him. It was one of the desolate streets of Venice where not many walked through as it was known mainly to the locals only. Large trees loomed over him as the shades created haunting imagery that resembled some of the monsters in his MMORPG games. Only miniscule beams of light broke through leaves as the street turned the day into night. He wasn't in the park with Tsuna, Gokudera, his family, or that nice lady anymore. Reality hit him like a bazooka as he frantically searched for his family.

"B-Baka-Dera!? D-Dame-Tsuna!? Come out!" Pearls of tears bubbled in the corners of his eyes as he messily wiped them away. "Where are you!? L-Lambo-sama doesn't want to play hide-and-seek!"

Hearing nothing but silence and the eerie whistling of the wind, Lambo started to cry- his voice hitching with each breath as he aimlessly ran through the street wanting nothing but to be in the embrace of Chrome or Tsuna- the only people who would gently comfort him after a frightening experience. Though he secretly wished Gokudera would find him- although no doubt he would be yelled at, Gokudera had this calming effect on him.

He scared all the bad monsters away.

"Lambo!"

"Lambo~"

Lambo suddenly stopped in his tracks as a he heard voices. Turning around, his heart sprung to his throat when he saw two demons veiled in darkness: one with fierce red fur and crimson eyes with tattered fabric of his victims and the other with spiky white fur and sly, grinning lavender eyes.

"G-Get away from Lambo!" He ran to whatever direction, not caring where he ended up as long as it wasn't with them.


"Wait…! Lambo!" The 'crimson demon' panted as he stopped for a break.

"Hmhmm~ looks like he ran away." The 'grinning demon' said nonchalantly.

Enma huffed and took steady breaths as his legs started to feel the strain of running around in Venice for hours on end. Meanwhile, Byakuran felt very indifferent about the situation as he stuffed a family-sized pack of marshmallows into his mouth.

Gaining his breath and ability to speak more than a word again, Enma turned towards Byakuran. "Byakuran! Why… Why didn't you run after him? You're not even tired!"

Byakuran grinned playfully, squishing the marshmallow between his fingers. "Hmmm~ Dunno!"

"Tsuna asked us to find Lambo and he's gone now! Who knows where he ran off to next…"

Byakuran laughed. "Maybe to a candy shop? Who knows? Honestly Enma-kun I wouldn't even have gone outside today if it wasn't for Tsu-kun and you. I have important things to do, you know!"

Enma deadpanned. "Playing Fire Emblem is not important and I don't think Tsuna would appreciate you using a name his mother uses."

Byakuran pouted like a child. "Mama said it was okay and also Fire Emblem Fates is very important! I play with Sho-chan and Spanner! I personally chose Nohr but they chose Hoshi-"

Enma lifted his hand to stop him. "Okay, okay. I got it." Enma had enough of Byakuran's talk about the game with lobsters, phoenix rookies, petting, and whatnot. "I'll just text Tsuna where we saw him last." Enma got this phone out and texted Tsuna his location as he ignored Byakuran's ramblings about the injustice of localization.


Lambo ran and ran until he ran out of breath and stopped as his legs gave in to the pressure. Unfortunately for him, his knees locked and fell face forward onto the concrete scrapping his face, hands, and bare legs.

He was alone, in an unknown place with no one around him. At least back at the cafe, he was in a place where sunlight managed to touch the land. Now he was isolated in the darkness of the world with no one to help him and monster chasing after him.

He bit his lower lips in urge not to cry (further) but to no avail. The water poured like the dam in his eyes flooded as he cried. Though what he didn't notice was his lightening flames going out of control as he reached for his Vongola ring to summon Gyuudon. However, before he could, he was wrapped in warmth as he was picked up embraced into a tight hug.

Lambo opened his glassy eyes and saw Tsuna gently brushing his hair as he buried his head in the crook of Tsuna's neck. Feeling the warmth, Lambo calmed down, the sparks fading away with his fears. Behind him, he heard the rest of his family coming towards him.

Tsuna removed Lambo's head to look at him dead in the eye. "Lambo please don't run off like that…again. You had us so worried."

Lambo's gaze fell to the floor as he nodded. It's not like he meant to. When he woke up, he felt a strong breeze and thought it was his bedroom window broken again (from Gokudera's therapy sessions gone wrong) so he sought after Gokudera's room to take refuge. Until, of course, he woke up in a completely unknown place without anyone and two scary monsters after him.

The street flooded with the Vongola members as all of them either smiled or in the case of Hibari and Mukuro huffed in annoyance as they glared at the boy (they were dragged by Tsuna). That is until Gokudera came over and dug his fist on Lambo's head as Tsuna lost his grip on him.

Tsuna stared wide-eyed as Gokudera picked Lambo up by his head and dragged him next to him. "H-Hayato-kun?"

Forcing Lambo to bow, Gokudera did the same. "I apologize Juudaime! I didn't mean for things to get out of hand!"

"Itaiii! Let me go Baka-dera!" Lambo crouched trying to pry Gokudera's hand off his head which only made the situation worse as Gokudera applied more pressure.

"Shut up Aho-ushi! This is your entire fault!"

"My head hurts! Chrome help me!"

"She's out cold idiot!"

"Tsuna! Help me!"

"Stop hiding behind Juudaime!"

Tsuna smiled at their back-and-forth knowing that it was just Gokudera's way of showing genuine concern to anyone (other than himself). As the relief washed over him like a river, he finally noticed all the scratches Lambo had. Thankfully Ryohei noticed as well quickly healing the minor wounds with his Sun flames.

Somehow Ryohei managed to convince Gokudera (with the help of Tsuna of course) into holding the child in his arms to comfort him. Yamamoto and Tsuna chuckled how Gokudera was fumbling to hold a child properly. Yamamoto offered to help but with Chrome still in his arms, his hands were tied.

Tsuna was about to pet Lambo again until he was roughly pulled back by the cuffs. His body crashed into Mukuro's and Hibari's chest as he looked up to see two frightening faces.

"Y-Yes?" Tsuna nervously smiled, obviously they were not pleased. 'W-What did I do this time?'

Hibari sent a death glare, the only restraint being the promise of battle he made with Reborn (though his patience was wearing thin rapidly). "Herbivore. You dare order me around?"

Mukuro let out a dark chuckle letting his finger tick the cuffs. "Kufufu. I prefer my bodies in perfect condition however if you ever drag me around again, I won't hesitate to dismember your hand off your precious body."

Knowing these threats were real, Tsuna frantically nodded as he went back to being the log that divided the two from fighting (physically). That is until another fight broke out because Gokudera complained that they were disrespectful bastards to his precious Juudaime.

"Quiet herbivore." Hibari crossed his arms trying to erase the crowding herbivores out of his mind.

"Kufufufu. I'll do as I wish puppy." Mukuro lifted his chin as he rattled Tsuna's chains.

Fuming at the sight of Tsuna's burning wrists and treatment equal to child's toy, Gokudera hovered his hands on his dynamite stash. "You pieces of shi-!"

Ryohei jumped in between them- holding his arms out. "WOAH! HAYATO CALM DOWN! REMEMBER YOUR ANGER ISSUES!"

"Shut damn your trap Sagasawa!"

Yamamoto scratched his head, readjusting Chrome on his back. "Haha! But sempai's not wrong Hayato. You should really calm down or else Chrome's going to wake up."

Gokudera grumbled knowing it was true then he realized something. "How many times did I tell you, stop using my first name!"

"C'mon you're still on that Hayato? Lighten up a bit!"

"You're doing this on purpose aren't you, you bastard!?

Tsuna graved as he felt the oncoming of another battle (not to mention Reborn's thinly wearing patience). "Hayato-kun please wait-"

"Oya, oya~ Looks like that little puppy of yours-"

"Be quiet. You're all annoying!" Hibari glared scrutinizing the crowd.

Mukuro chuckled. "Can't stand a little crowding?"

"I'll bite you to death!"

"Ho~? I doubt you can birdie" Mukuro then lightly tugged on Tsuna's chain. "I doubt the Arcobaleno would appreciate that."

Hibari glared in response. "I don't work for, with, or under anyone."

"OI! OI! OI! WHAT DOES THAT MEAN HIBARI!? WE'RE ALL COMRADES!"

"I don't associate with crowding herbivores."

"But Hibari-sempai you're here with us now!"

"Kufufufu~ My, isn't that the truth, little birdie?"

"Guys please stop fighting!"

"Listen to Juudaime you fucking bastards!"

"G-guys..."

"How immature." Mukuro snorted.

"The fuck did you say to me!?"

Mukuro sighed and shrugged his arms in a condescending manner. "Adding swears to emphasize your point only perceives you as an immature child with no resemblance to the matter nor plausible arguments."

"And where did you learn that the word of day calendar? Don't try and act all cordial and proper now pineapple bastard!"

A tick formed on Mukuro's head as he pointed the tips of his trident to Gokudera's neck. "You truly have a death wish don't you puppy?"

And once again Ryohei had to man handle Gokudera as Yamamoto consoled his fuming rage with Mukuro annoyingly laughing in the background. Hibari, tired of all the noise from the crowding herbivores disturbing his solitude, lashed out at the closest person who happened to be none other than Tsuna. Unfortunately, for all the parties, that catalyst made Tsuna accidently push Mukuro whom started swing his trident that engaged another fight between the two with Tsuna carelessly swung full circle. The fray incited Gokudera's wrath as Ryohei accidentally punched him which led them to a full-out fight eventually dragging Yamamoto, an awoken Chrome, and the innocent bystander Tsuna into the family feud all the while Gokudera holding Lambo safely in his arms as Reborn watched with great disappointment.

Lambo inwardly sighed at the sight of his family fighting again as a shy smile crept up his face. Sure, their family was violent. Sure, they hated each other's guts, and sure they would kill each other the first chance they got, but nevertheless they were a family. A dysfunctional, accident prone, violent family… But they were also the ones who protected him- who nurtured and took care of him when no one else would. All he wished was for them to come together and do something- anything. And now they have.

They finally heard his name…


After literally ripping everyone apart from each other, Reborn handcuffed all of them annoyed with their antics (except Yamamoto and Chrome who was carried by him again). With all the grace of a politician (that has an artillery set on standby), Reborn calmed the man-babies as they all went along their way. And so, Reborn paired the group for his own amusement: Mukuro with Hibari, Ryohei with Gokudera, Yamamoto with Chrome, and finally Tsuna with Lambo. Despite the complaint of the pairings (mostly Gokudera, Hibari, and Mukuro) Reborn smiled and disappeared with the key giving them all maximum of four hours until they returned back to the Vongola manor- of course unless they wanted some Vongola-style punishment.

Hibari and Mukuro rarely agreed on anything but they agreed on one thing: get home and stay as far away from each other as possible. Unfortunately for the Mist and Hibari however, the group needed a Mist user to hide them from the public (to not attract unnecessary attention). So the pairs split into two large groups with Chrome and Yamamoto matched with Ryohei and Gokudera while Mukuro and Hibari matched with Tsuna and Lambo. Needless to say, it was not Lambo's most favourable outcome. At least he could hide behind Tsuna if anything happened.


"What about this Lambo?" Tsuna held up a small do-it-yourself kit targeted for little girls.

Lambo pouted. "No!"

Putting the item back, Tsuna pointed towards the doll aisle. "Then this?"

"No!"

Tsuna sighed. Picking out a gift for a girl was harder than he had imagined- harder when it was for a young girl. All his life he's gotten jewellery or little trinkets for the women in his life- which brought immense joy to their faces. So he thought giving presents like dolls or play-houses would be good for I-pin but obviously Lambo disagreed.

"Let's go to another store!"

"Alright, alrig- Wait! Lambo! Don't pull the chains too hard!"

Looking around the most popular shopping district in Venice named Mercerie, the two went in and out of stores in search for the perfect present. Thankfully the handcuffs tied Lambo to him or else he would've had to search for the hyperactive child again (though his wrists suffered the consequences). As for Mukuro and Hibari, they left but not without Mukuro leaving a small mist barrier illusion on them (as per Reborn's threat for ruining his amusement).

Arriving in front of a large children's specialty store, Tsuna and Lambo went in the latter's eyes sparkled in excitement seeing all the toys stocked on each shelf. Lambo immediately headed straight towards the candy aisle emptying the shelves of all their contents.

Tsuna rushed to his side lifting Lambo in the air. "Lambo! We can't get that much candy!" 'Besides, now you're just getting what you want.'

Lambo pouted and whined. "Lambo-sama wants candy! CANDY! CANDY!"

Tsuna bowed apologetically feeling the stares of the middle aged women and tourists alike. "I'm sorry for our disturbance!" Then he turned towards Lambo who started eating the candy right out of the packets. "Lambo we haven't paid for those yet!"

Lambo refused to stop and ate more as Tsuna sighed and gave up. Instead allowing him to grab a cart full of candy, he promptly paid the cashier and apologized for the noise and inconvenience. Forcefully picking up Lambo, he dragged him out of the store where he calmed down quietly munching on the tasty treats. That was until Lambo squirmed in his hold demanding to be let down and dragged him to a nearby office toy store.

'He lost sight of our intentional goal…' Tsuna thought carrying bags full of sweets.

Lambo rushed pass the toys, much to Tsuna's surprise, and stopped at the aisle full of books and novels. Lambo picked up a red book that read: Simple Mathematics for Elementary Children!

"Lambo-sama picks this for his servant's present!" Lambo gleefully said holding the book up.

Tsuna raised a brow. "Really, why this?" 'Lambo hates academics…'

Lambo's smile suddenly turned into a nervous one as he lowered his hand. "S-Servant isn't in mafia anymore so Lambo thought this would be good…"

Tsuna pondered for a moment until his brain lit up like a Christmas tree. 'That's true! I-pin quit the assassination route and she's studying right now…' He stared at Lambo who fiddled in his place wondering if he made another bad decision. 'I can't believe Lambo actually thought of a thoughtful and useful present.'

Shuffling Lambo's curly locks Tsuna gave a gentle and proud smile. "It's a wonderful idea Lambo."

Lambo burst out into laughter and stood proudly. "O-Of course! Lambo-sama is the best!"

Picking up the book, he went to pay for it as Lambo followed closely behind him rewarding himself with the newly bought sweets. Leaving the store, he checked the time on his phone.

'I still have about two hours…perfect.'

Tsuna smiled as he hoisted Lambo on his chest supported by the linked arm. Thankfully Lambo didn't protest and snuggled his dainty body closer to Tsuna's chest as his head nested in the crook of Tsuna's neck. The gentle rocking of Tsuna's steps lured Lambo to sleep as well as the trough of his sugar high. Tsuna giggled softly whenever Lambo unconsciously nuzzled his head- his hair tickling his skin as he walked.

Along the way Tsuna picked out little gifts for each one of his friends in secret.


First he went to the isolated antique shop he heard about from Haru some years ago when she visited Italy. From her description, the store was small and terribly shady. The only reason for her to enter was because she had a sense for treasure and she was right. The store was made of dark wood and aged like fine wine mirroring the priceless antiques for sale (some belonged in a museum for goodness sake!). The scent of time lingered in the air yet nothing was rotten or out of place despite the abundance of miscellaneous objects from around the world. The place was lit with beautiful golden Victorian candelabras with the flame dancing around the wick illuminating the entire store.

Tsuna picked up what seemed to be an ancient telescope of some sort. It had ancient hieroglyphs embedded in what Tsuna assumed was refined metal with ancient drawings of pharaohs and aliens (at least that's what it looked like to Tsuna) in golden linings. After inspecting it for forgery or frauds (a skill taught by Reborn) Tsuna was surprised when he found it was the real deal.

'How did something so valuable end up here?' Tsuna wondered, "no, the better question is how did Haru manage to find it?"

Tsuna pondered for a brief moment if Haru had some ancient deity of luck looking over her but erased the silly thought out of his mind. Taking the tablet out of the owner's hands, he paid quite a heavy sum for it as he nervously smiled. There was doubt in his mind Reborn would kill him for spending this much money- in fact, if it weren't for five years of mafia trades, Tsuna would faint at the sight of the overbearing price tag.

'I hope Hayato-kun likes this,' he thought carrying the priceless artefact heavily wrapped in paper, bubble wrap, cotton, and other cushioning materials. He knew of his friend's odd obsession with aliens and the paranormal but it took an even stranger turn when he started to theorize about ancient civilizations contacting aliens in the past- mainly Egyptians. Tsuna, himself, knew nothing about cyptids so he wished deeply that Gokudera would like his present.

Along the way, he found an eccentric store with space theme and bought a red hair tie with spaceships at the ends of it for Gokudera. Because of his hectic schedule, he barely had time to take care of personal grooming so his hair was quite long. Tsuna smiled as he thought of Gokudera blowing hair out of his face because his last tie snapped in half. Chuckling at the memory he bought the hair tie and went along his way.

It wasn't that he had favouritism towards his friends, but more like Tsuna knew of Gokudera's hard work and dedication towards the family just one example would be coordinating his coronation all by himself. So this piece of history was especially reserved for him. Although it wasn't like he was going to let the others leave empty-handed. If he did, the guilt would kill him.

He stopped by couple of stores to pick out small gifts for his family and friends. He went into a sport's shop to buy Ryohei some white wrist wraps. Tsuna remembered the time when he got hurt and Ryohei worrying for him.


"OI! TSUNA I THOUGHT I TOLD YOU NOT TO NOT TO STRAIN YOURSELF!" Ryohei punched the bed Tsuna was currently in denting the metal frames as his other hand was hovering over Tsuna's wound injecting his Sun flames.

Tsuna chuckled nervously as he felt the warmth of the Sun flames dancing across his exposed flesh. "I know, I know Onii-san. But it was well worth it if I could save that little girl's life. And before you say anything, yes I know it was careless to go out when was recovering from the last joint mission we did."

Ryohei sighed but smiled proudly at his little brother in spirit. He was no fool he knew that he would eventually have to commit many unlawful deeds for the sake of the family. Not to mention, Tsuna would get the short end of the stick. So he was proud to Tsuna his little brother when he saved that little girl from the crossfire- it proved to him that Tsuna was no matter what still human.

Tsuna's heart hammered his chest when Ryohei suddenly yelled. "YOU ARE A TRUE MAN TSUNA!"

Recovering from the ringing in his ears, Tsuna smiled. "Thank you Onii-san. But where did this come from all of a sudden?"

Ryohei gave a shining toothy grin as he patted Tsuna's back with his free hand (failing to notice Tsuna's eyes bulging from the sudden pain). "BECAUSE YOU'RE STILL YOU! A REAL MAN, THE PERSON I EXTREMELY RESPECT!"

Coughing at the pain, Tsuna gave a side grin. "T-Thank you Onii-san. But please stop hitting my back it really hurts…"

Ryohei stopped his hand and grabbed his shoulders. "I'M EXTREMELY SORRY TSUNA!"

"I-It's okay Onii-san." Tsuna grabbed the hands digging into his shoulders as he felt loose skin on Ryohei's wrists. "Onii-san! What happened!? Are you hurt!?"

Ryohei tilted his head and stared at the small cuts littering his hands and wrists. "THIS? HAHAH! THIS IS NOTHING! JUST SOME MINOR WOUNDS AND STRAIN FROM SPARRING WITH LUSSURIA!"

Tsuna's frown deepened looking at the wound. "Please be careful Onii-san."

Ryohei couldn't wipe the glee on his face no matter what. Even when he was quite injured himself, Tsuna still cared for the safety of others. "THANKS FOR THE CONCERN TSUNA!"

Tsuna had to hold down the contents of his stomach when Ryohei repeatedly slapped his back but smiled knowing it was one of appreciation, not intentional pain.


"This will be perfect for Onii-san. Ah! I hope he doesn't think its cheating strength or anything," Tsuna thought sincerely, "maybe I should get something else…"

But for some reason he couldn't put the wrist strap down as his hyper intuition lured him to buying the item. Thanking Giotto Vongola for the gift of judgement, Tsuna went along with his instincts.

Next was Yamamoto's present near the accessory aisle of the same store. Originally Tsuna planned to buy Yamamoto a small replica of a katana but he remembered his friend's love of baseball.


"Hey Tsuna!" Yamamoto gleefully entered his office with papers in hand.

Looking up from his work, Tsuna gave a warm smile pushing away his duties to focus on his friend. "Takeshi you're back. Are you okay? No injuries? Did the mission go well?"

Yamamoto nodded as a euphoric laugh echoed the walls. He had just come back from a reconnaissance mission overseas for about two weeks. All throughout the mission however, word spread to him that without him to help relieve the stress of his family, Tsuna and Gokudera had been working their bodies to the bone. The news plagued his mind all throughout the mission but he knew better to abandon a task given to him as it would create more unnecessary trouble for his friends.

But more than stress of his family, a rumour started to spread about the to-be Decimo of the Vongola family in the underground world. Some were that Tsuna was an inexperienced pacifist (which Yamamoto didn't completely disagree with) or that Tsuna was some kind of genetic clone of the Vongola Primo the Vongola invented (he found this rumour hilarious). But the most notable one was the one he disliked the most. The rumour was that Tsuna started to change. Change into a monster that eliminated anyone who was in his way- even his own family.

Yamamoto tried to dispel these baseless rumours whenever he could as he knew that his friend and boss was someone accepting of others. There was no way in the entire world where Tsuna would turn his back onto his friends. Though a very small part, a very miniscule part of him argued that the cruel world would change him eventually. So it was a relief when he came back to the manor and saw that Tsuna still held genuine warmth to his smiles.

Contrary to what many call him (especially Gokudera) Yamamoto was no fool. Sure he had his moments of naivety and idiocy but his senses were sharper than any sword he wielded. He knew to pick up little pieces of details people slipped and piece them together to create a complete picture. So when Tsuna looked up at him, smiled, and asked if he was okay, he knew that nothing had changed. Tsuna was still the gentle and caring Sky sharing his space with every one of the elements- even ones who didn't belong.

"I'm glad," Tsuna replied stretching out his muscles, "I was worried that you got hurt or something because I heard that sometimes you zoned out."

"Haha…" Yamamoto scratched of his cheek nervously. "Sorry 'bout that Tsuna. I was just worried about something."

Tsuna shook his head as his eyes turned serious. "Takeshi, your life and the Vongola family member's life is more important the mission. I rather have you fail the mission then dead by trying."

Yamamoto walked up to Tsuna as his patted his back with a laugh. "Don't worry Tsuna! Who will Hayato take his anger out on if I die?"

Tsuna chuckled in response of his Rain's sarcastic side (that developed over the years). "Hahaha! That's true. I feel guilty but Hayato-kun is really busy with the whole mafia business not to mention his personal life so he doesn't have time to waste. Well none of us do- I mean- we'll all busy- but I mean- ughhh…" Tsuna head spun trying to figure out the words as Yamamoto snorted at his confused face. Embarrassment dusted his cheeks as Tsuna frantically waved his hands. "Y-You know what I mean!"

Yamamoto grinned. "Yeah I know. None us have the time to just relax anymore. I wish I can play baseball sometimes- ah! Don't tell Squalo I said that! He'll try and kill me again! Haha!"

Tsuna gave a confused smile as he never understood Yamamoto's ability to smile through everything. But his smile quickly faded and guilt replaced his eyes. "I'm sorry Takeshi it's my entire fault that you can't pursue your dreams…"

"What?" Yamamoto was visibly perplexed at Tsuna's apology. "Tsuna… I thought we've been over this, I'd rather have my friends than baseball any day."

"Still… I wish I could give you and the others less work so guys have time for your personal lives…"

Tsuna slumped on his chair and folded his arms letting the loose hair roam his face. A pang of distraught hit Yamamoto's heart seeing Tsuna so depressed. Tsuna was a good person, friend, and boss. He deserved to be happy but his was kind to a fault where his concern lied too much on others and not enough on himself.

Yamamoto placed his hands over Tsuna's shoulders as he caressed it gently. "Tsuna I promise I don't regret being here with you and the others. You guys are my friends, my family and I wouldn't give you guys up for anything in the world."

Giving him one last pat on the back, Yamamoto smiled as he left Tsuna's office to clock out for the night. Staring at his receding form, Tsuna shuffled his hair- his brown locks briskly weaving through his fingers. Though he knew of Yamamoto's feelings, he couldn't help it if he felt guilty of changing their lives.


'This won't compensate for the life I led him to, but hopefully it'll suffice,' Tsuna thought holding the silver keychain of a miniature baseball bat in the air.

Before purchasing however, a small sign in neon highlighters said: Engrave your name for only $5 Extra! Deciding it was best to go with it, he walked towards the cashier to ask about the engravings. The cashier told him that it would only take about an hour or so with their recent technology as Tsuna signed the customer registration and the name engraved, 'Yamamoto Takeshi.' Thanking the staff member, Tsuna left the store in order to find gifts for the others.

Still holding the sleeping grade-schooler in his arms, he went to an outfitter to look for scarves for the shivering boy in his arms. Letting his hyper intuition guide him, he travelled to the opposite side of the district, arriving at a small booth selling children's clothes and other little accessories.

Looking over the merchandise, he saw various scarves, shoes, hair bands, and other accessories made for children. Shifting Lambo in his arms Tsuna quirked a brow as he saw a cow-printed scarf on the far end of the booth. 'To think there was actually someplace I could find cow-printed fabrics,' Tsuna thought humorously.

Looking over the collection once more, he found black leather fingerless biker glove and immediately thought of Mukuro. Tsuna noticed a tendency with Mukuro tightening his trident whenever an emotionally stressful situation arose. Thinking of, whenever they fought, Mukuro would massage his hands- it was a subtle movement that anyone but Tsuna would've overlooked perhaps even Mukuro himself.

And being as stubborn as he was, he refused to go see the Vongola medics because of his hatred for the mafia. Perhaps that's the reason why he always concealed his hands in front of Hibari to hide any weakness he held. Even during the last fight Tsuna noticed Mukuro refusing to show his hands by holding into the neck of his trident for dear life.

'Mukuro has gloves I think? But their always so worn… Since this has a thin cotton lining, it should keep his hands safe and warm,' Tsuna thought.

Picking the two items up, he promptly paid for them and sat down on the nearest bench. Placing all his merchandise next to him, he leaned back letting Lambo sleep against his chest as his hands quickly worked around him- yanking the tag off and gently wrapping the scarf around Lambo's neck. Tsuna smiled as Lambo cuddled up to the new source of warmth and gurgled like an infant. Carrying him and the bags once again, Tsuna got up and headed towards a classy boutique he saw on the way to the booth.

The boutique had a Victorian era feel as the dark wood flooring and drapes complimented the white walls and golden decorations. Tsuna contemplated in purchasing a cute summer dress for Chrome but decided against it when a light blush crept up his face seeing all the ladies of the store talk to him.

"Oh my, is that for your girlfriend?"

"You are so sweet!"

"What's her size, sweetheart?"

"She's lucky to have a man who is such a gentleman!"

Tsuna stuttered still not having used to the opposite gender swarm him. "N-No she's not my g-girlfriend! S-She's just someone who I care and respect."

Tsuna tilted his head at the ladies giggling to themselves as one of them linked her arm around his and dragged him towards the jewellery section of the store. She went behind the counter and grabbed a pair of mismatched rose earrings form the translucent display case full of other accessories such as necklaces and bracelets.

She held the two roses between her fingers as Tsuna inspected them. "Beautiful aren't they? Did you know that roses represent love?"

A blush crept up his face as Tsuna frantically waved his hands around. "B-But I'm not in love with her!"

The woman sighed and brushed a strand of pink hair. "A gentleman, but still a boy… Tsk. Tsk. Sweetheart, there are more than one type of love you know? For example this-" She held the pink rose up. "-represents gratitude, admiration, and sympathy. While this-" She held the other half up, a white rose. "-represents purity, secrecy, and reverence."

Letting Tsuna take a look at them, the woman smiled. "Do you get it, sweetie? There are so many forms of love in this world. Familial love, platonic love, romantic love, friendship, respect, and yes even lust and desire- though not as romantic in my personal opinion."

Tsuna thought about it for a while. It was true in his life the love he had most females was of obligation, admiration, or friendship. Kyoko for example was out of motherly admiration and her kindness but starting a romantic relationship with her just didn't feel right. Same went for Haru in Tsuna's opinion. She was courageous, outgoing, and eccentric and believed in him through thick and thin and yet it was admiration and hormones in his body thinking her as anything more than a good friend.

As for Chrome his relationship with her was a weird one. He first helped her out of sympathy and pity but now she grew up even supplying her own illusionary organs. But then and now it was the same; no matter what she was valuable friend who he wouldn't trade all the money in world for.

Thinking of the only other female he wasn't scared of (Bianchi) was Renata. Although he could barely make out the relationship he had with her knowing her only for such a short time. Although to be fair, the amount of face time he had with her was more than Xanxus and the Varia combined. She was someone who he defiantly admired with her logical and peaceful methods of communication (or was that because she was a normal civilian?). Though his admiration could come from her being an older figure was socially responsible and mature (unlike the so called "adults" around him).

Tsuna nodded his head in agreement. "Okay then, may I get the pink and white pair of rose earrings?"

"Of course sweetheart, anything else for you?" the woman asked politely.

Tsuna scratched his chin bouncing a slipping Lambo with his other hand. He had a gift for Gokudera, Ryohei, Yamamoto, Lambo, Mukuro, and now Chrome. So Hibari was next on his list but what would an anti-social, bloodthirsty, prideful alpha like him want? The first thing Tsuna thought was weapons but there was no need to sharpen the talons of a dangerous carnivore any more than necessary.

So what could he get this bundle of hugs and kisses? Tsuna retraced his memories and thinking back, besides his constant lust for battle, Tsuna noticed Hibari was always well put together. Whether it was Kusakabe coordinating his outfit (though he highly doubt it) or himself, Hibari was someone who had a fashion sense (probably unconsciously).

As someone who had to sit through cosplay or disguise rants from both Reborn and Haru he pondered what Hibari would appreciate as a gift. Well, at least not chuck the gift back at him in offense and mild annoyance for disturbing his solitude.

So he said the first thing that came to mind. "Do you have any wing-shaped pendants?"

"Yes we do," the woman said spinning a rack full of necklaces and pendants, "we have a lovely angel wing pendant here. Cute isn't it?"

The pendant was bedazzled in various jewels and the feathers were rounded- practically screaming: I'm from a cute and fluffy magical girl anime!

Again, Tsuna had to stop visiting Haru curing her anime convention months.

Tsuna nervously smiled thinking how long he had to live if he ever gave something like that to Hibari. "No, actually it's for another friend I have… Do you have any bird wings? Preferably something sharp or ferocious."

The woman pouted but spun the rack again handing him a slick silver wing pendant hanging on a thin silver chain. The feathers of the single wing pointed up giving it a sense of pride and honour yet still had certain sincerity contained in it.

'Just like Kyoya,' Tsuna thought smiling. "I'll take that and the rose earrings."

Paying for the items, Tsuna exited the store and sat down on a nearby ledge of an open canal to relax his tired muscles from carrying Lambo plus bags full of gifts. Rolling his arms, he carefully avoided any sudden movements that would potentially wake him. He took a deep breath as he saw the water travelling beneath his feet as little leaves and pedals of flowers drifted away with the gentle currents. A breeze picked up as it cooled the evening skies painted in beautiful warm hues. Tsuna felt the sound breathing of Lambo's body against his own as he pulled him in closer to his chest to protect him from the wind. Gently stroking the boy's back, Tsuna let his legs dangle, his sandals briefly touching the water disrupting the flow.


In the trance, Tsuna felt a hand on his shoulders making an adorable squeal as he jumped. Whipping his head behind him, he saw his two friends Enma and Byakuran- the prior who was panting while the latter beamed.

"Tsu-kun~!" Plopping down next to him Byakuran smiled.

"Hi Tsuna. You found Lambo, that's great," Enma said smiling fondly sitting on the other side, "were you shopping?"

"Byakuran! Enma!" Tsuna gave a big grin seeing them again. The last time he saw them was when Byakuran kidnapped him from the Vongola mansion a while ago. "When did you guys get here?"

"I sent you text didn't you see it?" Enma asked.

"Sorry, I had some… family problems," Tsuna replied sighing exhaustedly.

Byakuran cupped his cheeks. "Your guardians?"

"You know it."

"How much this time?"

"I don't know, how much does it cost to conceal damages from the public and rebuild an entire park?"

"I can help if you want Tsu-kun~"

"Thanks Bya- Wait. T-Tsu-kun?" Tsuna's face contorted in horror at the revelation. "No… You didn't! You went to my house!?"

"Your mother has given me her blessing!"

"That sounds wrong…" Enma mumbled.

"Mom really needs to get her priorities straight…" Tsuna slammed his face into the palm of his hands, groaning like Xanxus the morning after a hangover. "The hell has my dad been doing?"

"Mama was really nice~ She let me stay the night, eat dinner, and my personal favourite, I saw your cute baby photos Tsu-kun~!"

Tsuna blushed knowing that his mother would show some embarrassing pictures that questioned his manhood. "B-Byakuran! There are boundaries!"

"Hmhmm~ I can travel across parallel universes so it's safe to say I crossed every possible boundary you've set up."

Tsuna and Enma gave Byakuran a horrified look as they inched away from him. "D-Do I even want to know?"

Byakuran pondered for a moment and broke out into a sly grin. "If you're okay with sleeping with your eyes forever open then… sure!"

"No, please no. Byakuran please refrain from doing that ever again. Also please call me by my name and not the name my mom calls me."

"You guys are no fun… Too serious all the time. Enjoy your youthful lives now!"

"We're nineteen," the two of them said simultaneously. "We're not even legal adults in certain countries yet," Enma added.

"Haha! We're mafia bosses, who cares about the laws humans create to establish a justice system when they themselves are just hypocrites in their own worlds but mask it to hide their selfish needs rather than the needs of others? I'm sure can sympathize with me on this one Tsu-kun. Muku-chan reminded you of that fact every time, right?"

"Yes, yes, I know of Mukuro's hatred towards the 'digusting' humans- as he puts it. I get at least an entire speech on it every single mission report he writes out- or at least adds into Chrome's reports. Also drop that embarrassing nickname already!"

Ignoring him, Byakuran tapped the water with his toes. "See, you should have fun and find something you cherish before it's gone forever. Right Enma-kun? Tsu-kun?"

'I wonder if this is how Hayato-kun feels…' "Sure... Anyways I have one last errand to run so you guys go before me. I'll meet you at the Vongola mansion."

"Are you sure? What errand?" Enma piped up curiously.

"Just a little gift I'm giving to family. Like a thank-you gift I guess? I'm giving it to them before my coronation day."

"I heard your coronation was moved up again. How many times have they moved it to now?"

"I don't know… Grandpa- I-I mean Nono's health has been hanging by the string lately. One little breeze and the date moves up tenfold. I think it's in about two months or so."

"Nope~" Byakuran grinned obviously knowing some vital information.

"What do you mean 'nope?'"

"I heard that your coronation is in three weeks Tsu-kun. That's why I came here with Enma-kun."

"Correction, you kidnapped me with Shiroryuu." Enma deadpanned, hugging his knees. "By the way, Adel is pissed so I'm going to have to stay at your place Tsuna while she takes it out on Julie. Do you mind?"

"No problem. And what was it about three weeks? Are you sure you heard correctly? Is your source reliable?"

"From the mouth of the Great Reborn himself."

Tsuna stared at Byakuran in surprise and knew he wouldn't lie… most of the time. At least he or anyone would joke around with Reborn's name. "Ughhh…! Then it is true! Why did no one tell about this!? Wait… Why did Reborn tell you first and not me?"

"Reborn did say something about 'punishment' over the phone. So tell me, what exactly did you get yourself into this time~?"

"Don't ask. At least this time I don't regret making my own decisions. And by that I mean this is the only time I actually pissed off Reborn on my own accord instead of someone dragging me into hell with them."

Enma patted his back. "I know how you feel…"

Then the two turned to look at Byakuran with an accusing glare as Byakuran pouted in protest. "Not fair! It's two versus one!"

The other two dons smiled and all three of them laughed whole-heartedly enjoying each other's company despite their blatant differences. That is until Byakuran clapped his hands making Tsuna and Enma flinch at the sudden noise.

"Oh yeah! I almost forgot to say this, but Tsu-kun did you know that Reborn cancelled all the meetings for you?"

Tsuna tilted his head in confusion. "E-Excuse me?"

"Ho? You didn't know? I heard it from a good source too. Reborn cleared your schedule so you could have your little outing."

Tsuna went wide eyed. "Really?" He knew Reborn cared for him despite all the abuse but never would he have the lack of work-related e-mails was because of him.

"How do you know more than Tsuna?" Enma asked.

"Like I said, I have a reliable source~ I bet you could never guess who~"

"It's Yuni isn't it?"

Byakuran pouted in disappointment. "…Well, kill the mystery why don't you."

Enma sighed at his childish behaviour and faced Tsuna. "So when are you heading back?"

"Maybe in an hour or so? Honestly I'm way past Reborn's time limit and I have so many punishments stack against me just from the past few days alone. I'm not even sure if Reborn can give me more than I already have now." Tsuna felt a chill down his spine as he looked over his shoulder. "Scratch that, Reborn could never have enough punishments…"

Byakuran and Enma patted Tsuna's shoulders in sympathy. "Good luck."

Tsuna smiled, his soul fleeing his body as his arm dragged the tail back into his body. "Anyways you guys go ahead and please inform Gokudera that I'm okay. He's a great friend but a bit overbearing at times."

Enma nodded as he looked at Lambo in Tsuna's arms. "Do you want us to hold Lambo for you?" Giving a quick glance to Byakuran Enma turned his head back to Tsuna. "Do you want me to hold Lambo for you?"

Tsuna raised a brow at Enma's usual shy attitude replaced by the snarky tone. "Sure, that'll help a lot, thanks Enma. I owe you one."

"It's really no problem Tsuna," Enma replied taking Lambo off Tsuna's hands, "we'll meet you back at your place."

"See ya Tsu-kun~!"

Waving his two friends goodbye, Tsuna went to last store before picking up Yamamoto's gift and heading back home. With Lambo off his arms, he arrived at the haberdashery within five minutes as he went into 1940s themed store. The shop was neat and tidy with the subtle scent of musk and wood pulp in the air. Strings, threads, and buttons were all neatly displayed showcasing the variety of colour and style. The lower racks held different types of fabric and classic novels while the upper shelves held a selection of fedoras and accessories for men.

Their reputation definitely precedes them as Tsuna remembered the time he and Reborn walked past the very store a couple years ago. It was just a simply pass by but Tsuna caught the quick glance of interest Reborn had in the store before walking to their destination.

And now for good reason too. The store was classy and quite spout just like Reborn's taste. It also didn't slip by Tsuna that Reborn always tried to look older than he was- well at least to his original age. Sure he did do those weird cosplay and use his kid charms to manipulate people but his usual attire was something always involving a suit of some sort (God have mercy on anyone that tried to made fun of him for it namely Lambo).

Tsuna, someone who wore hoodies for over half his life, barely knew difference between an Italian cut and an English cut so perhaps purchasing a suit for Reborn was a bit far-fetched. Besides he knew that if his gift was not up to his standards, he would pay.

Vongola style.

With a touch of Reborn.

Heading to the wall of accessories, he picked out a silver tie bar that had a faint glow of yellow in the right angle and light. He remembered that a tie bar was probably something Reborn didn't have in his all-brand closet and the safest bet into avoiding a night with the wild bears on Death Mountain… again.


Dusk had made its way into the sky by the time Tsuna went back to the Vongola mansion (after picking up Yamamoto's gift). Using his hyper intuition and his flame signature mode, Tsuna avoided all his guardians plus Reborn in order to hide the gifts. Knowing Reborn, there was only one place where he couldn't get his grabby little hands- the exclusive Vongola Boss vault in the outskirts of the mansion. Usually one would store priceless artefacts, emblems, trade agreements, war plans, and the like in the vault only accessible to the don themselves- not even the guardians were allowed to know the contents or of its existence. It was created in Secondo's generation as the man did not trust anyone, even his own family.

The vault was much less a vault than an underground room with display cases protecting the valuable treasures from the previous generations. The walls and floor were all completely white and if it weren't for the furniture, it would've looked like one of those white rooms from psych wards or mental hospitals. Besides the loot, there was a cellar below one of the panels filled to the brim with the strongest booze and a single white couch right next to it. Tsuna really had no idea why those were there but thinking of his bloodline, or in his life in general, alcoholics the famiglia wouldn't be too unrealistic (just take a look at Xanxus).

He remembered the first time Nonno had introduced him to the vault. Nonno had almost a nostalgic face but not one of fondness but of worry and loniness. But of course he quickly replaced it with a smile and introduced the room as a top secret place for Vongola bosses only. When Tsuna asked why, Nonno patted his head and gave a sad smile saying he would, "know soon enough."

Shaking off that memory, Tsuna headed towards the couch. Placing the gifts on it, Tsuna left the vault quickly- never liking the weird eerie sensation of the place. It felt like guilt and isolation as if to cut out his soul from the world. That's why he was reluctant on the insistence of such a need of the vault from Nonno but something told him to just shut up and listen.

Besides, it didn't hurt to have the room right?


"Well I can see you are more than qualified to be my secretary Miss Crespo." Vincent smiled, bringing the wine glass to his lips.

Renata smiled swirling her wine between her fingers. "Please Vincent, call me Assunta."

After Renata had left the Vongola family she had headed back to her home getting a message from Vincent Sirene. He had invited her out to dinner so they could further discuss her alter ego, Assunta Crespo's future.

Of course she had no idea of the two little critters watching over her.

Renata had gone home already mentally noting to plan her move to a new temporary home- just in case Vincent tried to stalk her or spy on her for information. But for now, her real home was sufficient. All she had to do was not blow her cover.

When the sunlight broke, Renata took a public transit to the ocean front happily awaiting her plans being set into motion perfectly. She met Vincent waiting for her as he smiled and they shared small talk and business.

The two were conversing in an expensive signature restaurant with a spectacular view of the ocean. The food was top class serving only the finest of Italian cuisine with the finest of wine. The restaurant was lit with elegant crystal chandeliers with the golden drapes to match. The walls and floor were of light beige to white colour as the venue was filled with people of high class and status. There were tables and chairs inside and outside with a beautiful view of the landscape of Venice. The moon bounced off the water illuminating it with a mysterious white glow matched by the orchestral music played by a live band in the restaurant.

Placing his glass down, Vincent weaved his fingers together interlocking them beneath his chin. "Very well, and please keep referring to me by Vincent. My name is quite charming coming out of your lips."

Renata chuckled taking a sip of wine. "Thank you Vincent, but you are aware of my recent divorce? You are a very charming man however romance is not my top priority as of now."

Vincent gave a dejected smile brushing a strand of hair from his eyes. "I apologize Assunta, I just can't help but gaze into those beautiful eyes of yours that entrance me in a hypnotic daze. However, I will honour your wishes."

"Thank you Vincent. I'd like to make our relationship strictly platonic if possible. Ah, that reminds me, what would I be tasked with as your secretary? I'm sure the tasks of my previous job differ from yours."

Vincent took a sip of wine and placed it back on the clothed table. "Hmm… Indeed. Fret not, I will send my proposal and contract with you say… next week Saturday over dinner?" He winked his long eyelashes gently brushing his lower ones. "My treat."

Renata inwardly shivered but covered it in a shy smile. Romance and flirtation was definitely not her strong suit and although she did admit Vincent was quite charming, there was no way in hell she would fall for his tricks.

"Thank you Vincent, but really, I would feel guilty if I didn't pay at least my share. You are paying for my dinner now after all."

Vincent shook his head and gave a warming smile. "It's no problem Assunta. I merely wish to know my future secretary better. You are a one-of-a-kind lady. However, please feel free to reject my offer if you so desire…"

Renata inwardly snorted. 'I would rather risk certain death than let this opportunity slide,' she thought as she shook her head. "I accept so please don't worry. Where shall we meet up?"

Vincent leaned back on his chair proudly radiating confidence and power. "I'll be more than happy to pick you up. Where do you live?"

Renata knew this person was definitely trying to test her. Goodness, it was pathetic how bad he was at tricking people. Even so, the question in itself was smart. If she were to say her address he would know of her living quarters. However if she were to refuse she'd look suspicious or worse paranoid to his eyes.

Renata pondered her options and quickly resorted to a half-truth. "Actually, I was planning to go to Naples and live there for a while."

This caught his interest as his eyes flashed in curiosity. "Why so?"

"To escape my old life I suppose." Renata avoided his eyes faking insecurity and vulnerability. "There are just so many memories I'd rather forget and staying there won't help me one bit."

He nodded in understanding his voice laced in sympathy. "I see, I see. When do you plan to move?"

"Well, I was planning to move half a month later however considering the circumstances I say the beginning of next week."

"I see, very well then I must say I had quite an enjoyable night with you." A light shade of pink dusted his cheeks as he smiled.

Renata raised a brow at this peculiar behaviour before swiping away. "As did I. I forward to our next outing together Vincent. Thank you for paying for my dinner."

"Like I said Assunta, no problem whatsoever." Getting up from his seat, Vincent offered an open hand to Renata. "I'd love to spend more time however I must keep up with my strict schedule. However I do have time for you. May I escort you home?"

'Clever move Vincent,' Renata thought taking the hand to get up. "I wouldn't want to impose. Besides I have made previous engagements with some friends of mine."

"You are not imposing on anything. How about I take you to wherever you and your friends are meeting?"

"No, no it's fine. We decided to meet up only about ten minutes from here."

"Are you sure? I wouldn't want your lovely dress and heels to be ruined. Though they pale in comparison to the one wearing them."

Renata laughed playfully nudging his shoulders. "Vincent!"

He laughed straightening his clothes as they both walked out of the restaurant. Saying their respective goodbyes, Renata saw as the black stretch limo drove off with her target.


Renata sighed, brushing her hair back. Enjoying the slow trance of time she started to walk towards the ocean. She abruptly stopped when she realized something. 'Shit. I have to sit through another dinner with him,' she thought annoyingly. But most of her anger was blamed towards herself. 'I can't believe I let him control the conversation like that. I'm not even his official secretary yet. To think I controlling him over dinner…I have to more careful in the future.'

Renata unlatched her heels and held them in her right hand the shoes dangling in air. She slowly walked across the beach the warm sand embracing her feet. She saw the night sky painted in a deep sea blue reflecting the colour of the ocean as the moon glittered against the silent waves. She inhaled sharply feeling the ocean breeze circulating throughout her body as the sound the waves crashing against each other resonated with her stressful conclusion- the tempo slowly taming her anger and soothing her rue

Heading home, Renata thought over on her performance today. For one, all throughout the dinner, she had been asking about her job and yet Vincent managed to drive the conversation into his favour without her notice. She had to remember that just keeping her mask on wasn't good enough but she also had to come forward. She couldn't hide forever or else someone will come around and stab her from the crack of the shield.

Though what Renata didn't know was the root cause of her problem. She knew that it was partially her fault that she was swept away by the tide; she only thought it was because of the waves. Even through her analytical mind, she didn't notice that her reluctance bled out from her true skin into the water.