Chapter 8: The Bullets of Capital Vice
Forgive them Tsuna, for your friends have sinned.
Those words echoed pointlessly in his head, helping in no way whatsoever to figure out what this all meant. To figure out what was happening to his family or, most important of all, how to stop it. Staring blankly at the water as a droplet fell from his hair and made a ripple in the bath, he frowned as he remembered Reborn's other bit of unhelpful words:
Figure it out... or it will only get worse.
What the heck did Reborn think he was trying to do? Maybe he wasn't going about it the 'correct' way but it wasn't like he wasn't trying at all! He didn't even know what the correct way might be. Reborn could be a little more helpful! Of course if he had been infected too, then there really was no point he supposed.
Staring at the water again, he briefly wondered if he should maybe just drown himself here and now and get it over with. Obviously this was all happening just to torture him. Sighing, Tsuna shook his head to clear it before falling back onto the words Reborn had said and brooding about the possible meanings. Sin? His friends had sinned? Well, that was stupid. He was sure that none of them were in any way perfect, but that didn't warrant them to suddenly go insane! At least he didn't think so.
Okay. Say they sinned. And it was the cause of all of this. What was he to do then? Take them all to a church? A monk? Groaning in frustration, he laid his forehead against his bent knees. Deciding to forget all that for now he tried to focus on what he did know. He did know this whole thing was a pain. And that Reborn knew more than he was saying. He didn't know if Reborn was infected–but he did feel Reborn was a part of it. Indirectly or otherwise. Stupid Reborn!
He did know most of his family was infected, the exceptions being Haru and Dino. He did know that whatever it was made them act most unlike their usual selves. And that Chrome and Hibari seemed to have marks–well! That was something he could use! The marks! While he was sure they all suffered from whatever it was affecting Chrome, it would be wise to also check the others. Maybe he could discover a pattern! Although he would need to get a girl to check Haru.
Chewing his lip, he thought on that plan. Ryohei, Gokudera, and Yamamoto would be relatively easy to check. Haru, a little more difficult, but not impossible and he didn't know about Dino. He hadn't seen him since Hibari had dragged him off to molest him by the tree. He hoped he was okay. After all he had told Romario to leave Dino to him. Shaking his head to clear it of those worries, he focused on what he could do. Check for marks on the others! Clenching his fists with determination he climbed out of his bath to prepare for bed. After checking the wound on his cheek and putting his homework away, Tsuna thought about his friends.
He hoped that Yamamoto would be allowed back on the baseball team, Gokudera wasn't out causing too much trouble, Dino was still alive, Chrome was doing better, and Hibari wasn't off trying to molest another innocent student. Luckily Haru and Ryohei weren't that bad. Though he didn't want Kyoko to worry or Haru to get sick off eating too much cake. She kind of reminded him of Lambo. Ah, Lambo and I-Pin. He was happy they seemed to be unaffected–at least at the moment. He really didn't need to deal with insane children on top of everything else. Yawning, he climbed into bed, wondering briefly where Reborn was. He hadn't seen him since he had gotten home. Not even to make sure he had his homework done.
Not too worried about someone strong like Reborn, who could take care of himself, he closed his eyes and went to sleep only to have it punctured by nightmares.
xXx
Tsuna was awakened the next morning at the feel of someone staring at him. Opening his eyes slowly, he nearly jumped out of his skin when he saw it was Dino who was leaning over him. He's come to finish the job! he thought with dismay, his heart racing painfully.
"Ah! Tsuna, you're awake!" Dino said happily, his usual smile falling over his lips making him look like nothing could make him happier than being the first to greet him in the morning.
Tsuna just stared blankly at him. What? Had he missed something? Wait! Better yet...had it all been a dream? Gasping, he sat up quickly, causing Dino to give him a curious look.
"Is something wrong Tsuna?" Dino questioned with interest as he watched the brunette look thoughtfully around the room.
"No, I...well..." He got lost in thought for a second before snapping his attention back to Dino. "Dino-san...what happened yesterday? How did you get here?"
Dino arched a blonde brow before frowning thoughtfully. "You know...I don't really remember. I just...woke up here this morning and was worried something had happened to you. So I came in here."
Tsuna frowned lightly as his theory of it all being a dream slipped a little. "You...you really don't remember?"
Brows furrowing, Dino thought back. "No...well, I think I remember seeing you–and Mukuro's girl. Chrome, is it?"
Tsuna felt his jaw drop. Wait. So it wasn't a dream? Then what happened? Everyone acting differently...but! But where was Dino's anger then? Why wasn't he trying to attack him–not that he minded in the least. Closing his mouth, he suddenly felt unsafe. Watching Dino frown at him gave him the feeling he was being lured into a false sense of security.
"D-Dino-san, do you know where Reborn is?" He asked slowly while trying to slip covertly away.
Dino looked surprised by the question. "No. Actually, I think we are the only two here."
"O-Oh?" Tsuna felt his stomach clench anxiously. Seeing Dino frown at him again made his anxiety double.
"Tsuna, seriously...is something wrong? Did I miss something?" Dino's honey voice asked with concern.
Yes! You tried to kill me yesterday! He tried to offer a friendly smile. "Not reall–actually...Dino-san, you fell pretty hard yesterday. You weren't acting like yourself. I think you weren't...feeling well."
"Not feeling well?" Dino asked curiously.
"Y-Yeah...hey, do you think I could—c-could you take your shirt off for a second?" He asked cautiously, not wanting the older male to catch on to what he was up to. Now was the best time to see if Dino had a mark. While he still seemed calm.
"Take off my shirt?" Dino inquired slowly as he watched Tsuna turn red.
"To see if there is any bruising." Tsuna nodded, trying to keep his voice even and causal.
Dino just stared for a minute before slowly bringing his hands up to pull his black graphic t-shirt over his head. Tsuna felt his mouth go dry at the sight of the blonde's body. He blushed, not understanding why, before shaking his head mentally in an attempt to make him focus. Instead he thought about Hibari. Both Dino and Hibari had amazing bodies while he...he suddenly felt very insecure.
"Well? Is there any bruising?" Dino asked, voice cutting into his thoughts and sounding a little amused.
Tsuna twitched with embarrassment at being caught staring. "Right! Um..."
Cheeks pink, he looked Dino over before frowning a little when he saw no mark. Remembering how Hibari and Chrome had it in different spots, he wondered if he should look else where.
"Err, Dino-san? Do you think you could–" He gasped as he was suddenly pinned back to his bed, Dino's warm breath ghosting over his lips while his hands were held down by his sides.
"Tsuna, why do you look at me like that?" The blonde asked lightly, brown eyes staring intently into his.
"I d-don't know what you're–" He tried to play it cool, embarrassed shame nibbling at him.
"Tsuna, do you...like me?" Dino breathed, his lips nearly brushing against his own.
Oh God. Why was this happening? First Hibari, then Mukuro, now Dino? What the hell was going on? "Dino-san, you don't–"
Warm lips pressed against his making his eyes widen. No! Help! Whimpering he tried to turn his head away. Dino released him without much struggle, eyeing him with slight annoyance.
"What? Isn't that what you wanted?" The Italian asked with a slight bite to his tone.
"No! That's not–I don't like you! I–" Tsuna gasped, realizing what he had said. "Th-That came out wrong."
"Why were you staring at me like that? Wanting to see my body?" Dino growled, making alarms go off in Tsuna's head.
"I–it's not like that! I just wanted to see–" Tsuna squeaked as the hands holding his wrists tightened painfully.
"See what?" Dino hissed, anger starting to resemble yesterday's fury. Had he always been so volatile?
"Dino-san, please let go!" He whimpered. Where was Reborn? Bianchi? Anyone!
"No! I won't let you make a fool of me!" Dino roared, bringing a fist back to prepare a hit.
He didn't know what made him do it but as Dino swung his fist forward, Tsuna brought his knees to his chest and kicked out, catching Dino in the stomach and sending him flying back. The hold on his wrist caused him to go tumbling with the older male, landing half on him. Quickly pulling free and pushing away, he scrambled to his feet and ran to the door, pausing when Dino slowly got up.
There! On Dino's back, just above his right shoulder blade, was a dark bruise-like mark. Just like Hibari and Chrome!
"Dino-san! Something is attacking your–ack!" He screamed and jumped back when Dino lunged at him, trying to tackle him down.
"How dare you kick me!" The blonde growled as he righted himself and turned to lunge again.
Tsuna held back his terrified scream this time as he took off down the hall, sprinting down the stairs and heading for the kitchen, only to stop at the sudden sound of someone tumbling down the steps after him. Clumsy psycho! Part of him wanted to laugh as he ran back to make sure his senpai wasn't dead.
Dino growled as he pushed himself up off the floor slowly. Why couldn't he have knocked himself out? Thinking quickly, Tsuna decided on how best to deal with him before setting his plan into motion. Making sure Dino was steady on his feet, he called his attention to him before running back toward his room when Dino gave chase.
Hoping it would be where it was when he last saw it, he ran into his room, slamming the door behind him to give him a few extra seconds. When Dino flung the door open after having crashed into it, Tsuna went along with his plan by picking up his desired object and tossing it at his fellow mafioso.
"Catch!" He called out, watching as Dino didn't really need to heed the command since he did it instinctively anyway.
He knew his plan had worked when Dino's hand bumped one of the clasps, springing forth the defense system so he was suddenly bound by Reborn's suitcase in the medieval stock style he had been in when he had first tried to snoop.
"I'm so sorry Dino-san!" Tsuna cried as he edged around the taller male before fleeing the room.
Quickly making his decision as he hurried back down the stairs, he paused briefly to wonder where the heck his family was! Dino had said he thought they were alone and so they were. Where was–would it be okay to leave Dino here? Bianchi could handle him, I-Pin too. He felt confident in that. His mom would be safe. Quickly slipping his shoes on, he ran out the door and toward the school. He had to find the others!
xXx
Panting harshly as he made it to the fate fifteen minutes later, he was halted at the call of his name before he could make it into the school. Tensing at the familiar voice, Tsuna turned to wait for Yamamoto to meet him.
"Tsuna? Why are you wearing your pajamas at school?" The dark haired teen asked with amused interest.
Tsuna blinked before looking down then flushing in horror. "Hiiiih! I–eheh. Um...I don't know."
He had been so caught up with Dino that he had forgotten that little tidbit.
Yamamoto laughed as he slung an arm around the red teen's shoulders. "You're so odd. Let's go to the locker rooms. You can change into your gym uniform since there isn't time to go back home."
"O-O-Okay..." Tsuna stuttered as he was steered without much choice before an idea hit him. While he was there he could ask to see Yamamoto somehow. Only he'd have to be careful so he didn't have another Dino on his hands. Remembering where Chrome, Hibari, and Dino had their marks he started to wonder where Yamamoto's might be. He was sure the athletic teen had one now.
When Tsuna tried to shrug free of the arm he was suddenly pushed into a row of nearby shoe lockers, pinned there by Yamamoto's larger body. Squeaking in alarm he quickly looked to see if anyone was watching, relieved at the empty hall before meeting his friend's dark gaze.
"W-Wha–" He was cut off by a sharp glare.
"Tsuna, what is that?" Yamamoto asked darkly, causing the brunette to fidget.
Unsure of what the other talking about, he tried to ask until, with a sense of horror, light fingertips brushed against his neck where Hibari had...
"Ah! No! I didn't–it's not–" He was silenced as hot lips and sharp teeth descended upon the mark, biting and sucking roughly. What...the...hell? When he gasped in sudden pain, Yamamoto pulled back to stare him in the eye.
"I will make that mark my own, Tsuna you should only be at my side." Yamamoto said seriously, a hand coming up to hold his head still as he leaned in for what was clearly mean to be a kiss.
No! No, no, no! Why did this keep happening? Not Yamamoto too! Hibari, Mukuro, and Dino were bad enough, not his carefree, baseball loving friend too! No... "No!"
He gathered his strength and pushed the taller teen away, surprised eyes meeting his as he panted lightly. He tensed slightly when Yamamoto glared again before panicking when the teen turned on his heel and started to walk away.
"Wait–please!" He called out, lunging forward and pulling on the back of his friend's uniform. "I... didn't mean to push you like that–I just–"
He was distracted when he saw it. Yamamoto's mark! His was on the back of his neck! So he was now sure Yamamoto was infected with the same thing. A small part of him was relieved that it was connected to the other three but it still didn't get him answers to what exactly it was.
Jerked from his thoughts when Yamamoto turned to face him, he felt wary when he tried to take a step back only to be captured in his friend's arms.
"I knew you wouldn't resist me...it is me after all." The taller teen smirked before leaning in again.
Tsuna frowned in slight annoyance. He really didn't like Yamamoto acting like this. Something inside told him it would be safer to deny him than it was Hibari, so he did just that when the dark haired teen tried to kiss him again.
"I'm sorry Yamamoto, I really should get to the locker room." He said wisely as he managed to pull himself free.
Yamamoto just smiled knowingly. "Fine, but don't think I don't know what you're doing."
Tsuna watched him walk down the hall with some confusion. What? What he was doing? He wasn't aware he was doing anything! Rolling his eyes and trying to ignore the stress starting to build up from the constant...attacks, he managed to make it to the locker rooms and change before class started. He ignored the students who laughed at him, made up a story for the teachers that his uniforms were dirty, apologized profusely for not bringing his bag–almost getting kicked out of class, and worried a little when Gokudera wasn't in class. He really hoped he wasn't out causing trouble–well...serious trouble.
He didn't even bother looking for his missing friend when lunch came. Instead he joined Hana, Kyoko, and Yamamoto on the school's roof. While Yamamoto chatted to Hana about Gokudera's absence, he asked Kyoko how her brother was doing today.
"Ah, well, he's still acting weird but I believe you, Tsuna-kun. I believe when you say he'll be okay." Kyoko answered with a gentle smile, all traces of worry not completely gone.
Shooting a glance at Yamamoto, he turned back to his Sun Guardian's sister. "Hey, Kyoko...have you noticed any strange bruises on him? Anywhere?"
Kyoko gave him a politely curious look before frowning thoughtfully. "No, I don't think so...though I haven't seen much of him lately, either."
Tsuna returned the thoughtful frown. "Did he come to school today?"
"Yes! At first I thought he might not, but then we walked together." Kyoko replied while looking pleased. "It was nice since usually he leaves so early for his boxing."
Tsuna smiled. "Maybe I will go talk to him."
Gathering his lunch, he got to his feet and left the roof to some curious looks. No one bothered to stop him, though, so he didn't worry about it. Walking to the boxing club's area, he swore he nearly had a heart attack during one moment when he turned a corner only to see Hibari at the other end. Throwing a hand over his mouth to stop his scream, he quickly dipped back behind the corner and took a longer way around. He really didn't need to be molested. Again. By him. He'd had his day's fill with Dino and Yamamoto.
,,Finally making it to the club, Tsuna was happy to find Ryohei in the ring, laying on his back.
"Hello Onii-san!" He called out as he approached, announcing his presence.
He wasn't surprised when he didn't get a response, sadly. Smiling lightly, though, he climbed into the ring and sat next to the upperclassman, eating some of his bento as he looked around.
"How are you?" He asked after a while. When he didn't get a response he turned his attention to the older teen before frowning a little.
He was sleeping! Rolling his eyes he looked his senpai over before sighing. Although! his mind quickly suggested, Maybe now was a good time to check! No awkward questions or anything! Smiling again at that pretty reasonable sounding decision, he set his bento aside before carefully reaching over and pulling his guardian's shirt from his pants. Blushing lightly when the boxer stirred a little, he was relieved when he didn't wake up. Pushing the shirt up he didn't have to look long before he found the bruise-like mark on the teen's abs.
"I didn't think you were that type Sawada..."
Tsuna jumped back, caramel eyes meeting satin silver. "S-Sorry! I was just–"
Ryohei gave a small laugh, pushing his shirt down. "Sorry Sawada, no interest..."
He blushed. "You have it wrong! I was just–c-checking something."
The once exuberant teen arched a brow. "Oh?"
"I should set you on fire." Tsuna mumbled, annoyed at Ryohei's surprise.
"The sun likes it hot." Ryohei smiled, closing his eyes.
Tsuna blinked in confusion before snorting when he understood. "To the extreme."
"What were you looking for?" The older teen asked almost sleepily.
"Nothing really. I should head back to class. Lunch is almost over–you should be heading back, too." Tsuna answered. Had he been here all day?
"Maybe..." Was Ryohei's simple reply.
Tsuna just shook his head, getting up to leave. As he was about to exit the arena he was once again halted by the sight of Hibari. Waiting for him to pass he then ran all the back to class, making it just as the bell rang.
xXx
When school ended later that day, Tsuna was quick in stopping by the locker room to get his pajamas before he went home–once again nearly running into the dark haired prefect. They needed a bigger school! Luckily he was not noticed so he made a hasty escape.
So Ryohei had a mark as did Dino, Hibari, Chrome, and Yamamoto. So five people were acting weird and had corresponding marks. Chrome had said something was trying to possess her subconscious–and Reborn had said his friends had sinned—did that mean they were possessed by a demon? He laughed with slight hysterics at that thought. He had enough to deal with as it was when it came to the abnormal, he didn't need something like that too.
It was a silent walk home, nothing of interest happening until he was a few steps from his house and he heard arguing.
"Hayato, why weren't you at school?" A soft female voice demanded.
"None of your business! I only answer to–Juudaime!" Gokudera's voice called happily as he saw the brunette approach.
"G-Gokudera-kun! Why weren't you in class?" He inquired as much for his curiosity as for Bianchi's sake.
The bomber frowned apologetically. "I had to take care of something."
Bianchi wasn't the only one who frowned. Tsuna sighed before suddenly remembering his earlier plan.
"Ah! Bianchi-san! While you're here–do...can I ask a favor?" He asked a little nervously.
The poisonous chef just stared as Gokudera puffed himself up jealously.
"Why are you asking her? I'm your right hand man!" The silver haired teen huffed.
"I... need a woman–" Tsuna began awkwardly, not sure how she would respond to being asked to spy on Haru and to try to see her undressed.
"Juudaime!" Gokudera gasped in shock.
"I am not impressed." Bianchi said lightly before walking away, leaving a confused Vongola Decimo behind.
"W-What?" He blinked.
"Juudaime, if you need a woman please consider someone else! You can do better than her! She's not someone you should sleep with–" Gokudera pleaded seriously until he was cut off.
"What?" Tsuna squawked before taking in what he had said and how it could sound. "N-No! I didn't mean–I only wanted..."
He smacked his forehead. Curse him and his misconstrued words! Gokudera watched him curiously. Sighing and deciding to give up on Haru for the moment, he turned his attention to his Storm Guardian.
"N-Never mind that, Gokudera-kun can I... err, talk to you–i-in private?" He stuttered, willing the red in his cheeks to fade.
Gokudera eyed him a moment before smiling brightly. "Sure!"
Tsuna looked toward his house. He didn't know if Dino was still there, though he kind of hoped not. Starting toward his house, he told Gokudera to follow. He was relieved to hear Dino had been picked up by Romario earlier in the day and blushed again when he caught Bianchi's eye. Making it to the safety of his room, he pulled Gokudera inside before closing his door. Taking a deep breath he decided to get straight to the point. Luckily Gokudera would make this relatively quick and easy since he was so willing to be absolutely obedient.
"G-Gokudera-kun, please remove your shirt." He avoided eye contact, cheeks burning hotly.
He was deeply thankful when the taller teen didn't say a word, just arched a brow before doing as asked. He took the pale and firm body in with slight awe before noticing the mark on his upper right arm.
"Gokudera..." He said as he took a step forward, reaching out a hand to touch it.
"Me too, Juudaime!" Gokudera whispered happily, misunderstanding, as he pulled the brunette to him, hugging him close. "You're mine, all mine! I won't let anyone else have you!"
Before Tsuna could question him, warm, eager lips were on his, kissing and nipping in ways that almost made him want to open his mouth in invitation. When he tried to pull away, Gokudera merely followed him.
He wanted to cry. Hibari...Mukuro...Dino...Yamamoto...and now Gokudera, too. He didn't understand. This was insane! When he tried once again to pull back he gasped instead as Gokudera let him go only to push him back onto his bed. The bomber wasted no time in climbing on top of him, blocking his protests with another kiss. A light groan escaped him when Gokudera's hips pushed into his, causing a pleasing tingle to race up his spine. Just like with Hibari–no!
Panicking, he pushed Gokudera away. "S-Stop!"
He was happy when the other desisted at once. Able to wriggle free now, he escaped, fleeing his room and friend lest the teen decided to change his mind and continue. He didn't know if he could fight Gokudera off since the bomber could be rather stubborn. He ran almost blindly down the street until he ran into someone, knocking them down, tripping a second later and falling too.
"Ah! I'm so sorr–eh? Kyoko-chan!" Turning pink, he hurried to his feet so he could help her to hers. "Kyoko-chan! I'm sorry! I didn't see–"
"It's okay." Kyoko giggled soothingly, taking Tsuna's offered hand. "Going somewhere?"
He gave her a nervous smile. "Nowhere really. What are you...?"
"I just saw Haru-chan. I was helping her try on dresses." Kyoko smiled as she dusted herself off.
Well that wasn't so odd. The two were friends–wait! "Hey, has Haru been acting...weird?"
Kyoko blinked with curiosity before frowning in thought. "Um...maybe a little."
Another idea hitting him he went with it. "W-When you were helping her change, did you see any strange, erm, bruises or marks?"
Kyoko stared before looking off to the side. "Haru-chan had an odd bruise in the middle of her back. When I asked how she got it, she didn't even know she had it. Tsuna-kun, do you know something?"
Tsuna was happy he was able to hide his surprise pretty well. Haru too! Everyone! What did it mean? Shaking his head mentally, he brought his focus back to Kyoko again. "Not really...just that some people seem to acting so weird lately."
"Oh? Like Onii-chan and Yamamoto-kun? And Haru-chan!" Kyoko said thoughtfully.
"Eh? You noticed Yamamoto?" He wondered why he thought he was the only one. Yamamoto was so popular. Students were bound to notice their beloved baseball star acting strange. Kyoko just smiled. "Yeah. Yamamoto's suddenly so prideful and Onii-san is unmotivated. Haru bought three whole cakes to eat by herself! And Dino-san gets so angry–it's insane! Not to mention Hibari-san! He–"
Crap! He blushed. He didn't want Kyoko to know about that.
"Tsuna-kun!" Kyoko gasped suddenly, making him jump. "This reminds me of my homework!"
Tsuna blinked slowly. Huh? "H-Homework? How does–"
"Mmn! While you were out for a bit we studied Religion a little in class and touched briefly on the 'Seven Deadly Sins'. I think it has to do with Christianity." Kyoko said pensively, brow creasing as she tried to recall it all. "There was...greed, lust, pride, envy, wrath, gluttony, and sloth. They were known as capital sins because they destroyed the charity in people's hearts and was often believed to lead to impenitence and death. It was also believed that each sin was connected to a demon who tempted people by means of their associated sin."
Tsuna stared in slight horror as he listened.
"And when you mentioned pride and anger well, Dino-san seems like wrath. And Haru-chan would be gluttony. I guess that makes Onii-chan sloth. I wonder what Hibari-san represents." Kyoko giggled as she let her thoughts carry her away.
Lust. Tsuna choked on that thought before gasping. Wait! This could be it! She had talked about the Seven Deadly Sins! Reborn had said his friends had sinned! And only seven of them were acting strangely–and Chrome! Chrome had said something was trying to possess her subconscious. Also, Mukuro thought they might be ghost-like...but not in the sense he was thinking. Spirits? The seven sin were associated with demons! Demons were suppose to be able to posses people! Was this really it? It seemed unbelievable, but...
"Kyoko-chan! Thank you for telling me! I really should get going. I have to meet with Reborn!" He called as he turned and took off toward home.
Mukuro! He had said he was green with envy? He snorted. Why would Mukuro envy him anything? And Gokudera. Greed. It was making sense...but how? Reborn. Reborn new! He would make the mafioso tell him! ...Somehow.
Just as he turned the corner of his street, he paused in his steps when he saw Gokudera waiting for him. Oh no. What did he want? Approaching slowly, all apprehension escaped him when Gokudera threw himself to the ground, bowing deeply.
"I am sorry Juudaime!" He cried out to the sidewalk. "I didn't mean to push so hard!"
Tsuna sighed, not really wanting to deal with this now—or ever, actually. "Gokudera-kun, please get up. Anyway I need to talk to Reborn so–"
"Reborn? He just left." Gokudera replied as he got to his feet.
"Left? Do you know when he's–ugh!" Tsuna huffed in frustration. Usually he couldn't get the infant to leave him alone! Now he was nowhere to be found when he was needed!
"Juudaime? Is something wrong?" The bomber asked, concerned.
Tsuna opened his mouth to respond only to pause. Gokudera. Gokudera was smart. And Gokudera was from the mafia world. Maybe if he told him a little of it, maybe he would know what Reborn did. Maybe.
"Um...Gokudera-kun? Do you know about the Seven Deadly Sins?" He asked slowly.
"Sins? Sure. Why? Is–" Gokudera blinked with confusion at his boss's question.
"Gokudera-kun can the sins be...erm..." He thought of Reborn. "Manipulated in any way? Like by mafioso?"
Okay. That sounded stupid. He sounded stupid. And he was making it sound like he was accusing Reborn. He was sure Reborn knew more than he was letting on, but he never really thought about him being the cause. Now all he had to do was wait for Gokudera to think he was stupid too and...and what? Hopefully he would leave and Reborn would come back soon!
"Sins manipulated by mafioso?" Gokudera repeated with slight disbelief.
"Y-Yeah...I'm sorry! That's pretty stupid, right?" Tsuna laughed nervously.
"Actually...I think I remember something, but..." The silver haired teen's brows furrowed. "But they were suppose to be myth."
"Myth?" Tsuna echoed curiously.
"Yeah. Well, there was suppose to be this weapon that infected the target with the spirit of a sin or something but it was dangerous. Created against the laws...the Capital Vice Bullets!" Gokudera beamed when he remembered the name.
"Capital Vice Bullets?" Tsuna frowned before inhaling sharply. Bullets!
The bruise-like marks on the body! The reactions! Possession. The sins. If the bullets were real, then...aurgh! Who was the one always firing magic bullets? Why did this all start when he went on break? Who was mysteriously avoiding him? Who shot his friends?
Reborn!
-Chapter 8 End-
x x x
Author's Notes: So, now we are getting somewhere! The Capital Vice Bullets are made up, obviously, but I like the name. It was fun to make, though no really original. That's okay, though. They're still serving their purpose! Annnnd it looks like Tsuna is starting to finally figure things out, go Tsuna! :)
5/09/2017: This chapter has now been cleaned up a little and edited!
