You know, you guys are the most amazing people in the world. All the favourites and follows I was flooded with when the first chapter was uploaded still astound me, and the reviews were so warm I teared up. Thank you so very, very much for such a warm reception. Nothing makes me want to write more than to hear you love my writing and actually look forward to my next update.

So to my reviewers, followers, and favouriters; thank you!

I want to give an special thank to the reviewers who have followed me through the entirety of the FSCT fic and encourage me to continue this one; I think you know who you are, so a special thank you and cookies from me!

Beta'd by mercyn~

The knots that Tie and the Strings that Bind.

Fight for a Fate unwanted

"Speaking in another language and will be stated."

Flashback

"Speaking normally."

The air was stale with fate and fear. Tsuna could practically taste it in the air; it was painful, because it weighed on the strings and made his chest constrict in a funny kind of way.

Tsuna knew something was going to happen, because as they approached the meeting place Reborn watching on with calm- clearly and deeply worried eyes- the strings kicked and whipped and begged for attention.

Something tugged at Tsuna's hand, and it hurt because it was telling him to be aware, but at the same time not judgemental; it was going to be difficult to be both, Tsuna knew his weakness was a prejudice when it came to protecting his friends.

"Stay focused, Dame-Tsuna, I've trained you better than that."

Reborn was right of course, he had trained Tsuna to be more observant, to calm his emotions better than that; but Tsuna never ceased to amaze him, because no matter what, Tsuna's emotions always came through and fueled his drive and his resolve. In turn, Tsuna fueled Reborn's resolve right back.

True to form Tsuna was soon engulfed in flames a glimmering shade of orange, the purity within the raging warmth shot through Reborn, in fact, the warmth called out to his flames, kindred spirits and kindred strengths; because Tsuna was on the direct route to surpassing Reborn.

His hands glowed with warm, bright, comforting light, and Reborn noticed the difference in the flames, even if he didn't truly understand that difference. Of course, only Tsuna could see the true difference. On his left hand the strings of Hibari, Mukuro, Gokudera and Takeshi acted as the medium for his flame; on his right hand, the strings of Ryohei, Lambo, and Chrome. Tsuna smirked internally; only he would ever know the reasoning, but so far, not the effect of the difference in the strings.

The other members of the family were just as prepared, Gokudera was suited up in belts and chains, filled now with dynamite and ignition; Takeshi has foregone the baseball bat in favour of the family sword, and as he walked the blue flames he was taught into licked at the blade's keen edge; Ryohei was walking while tightening the bandages that wrapped his fists as he threw punches and warmed his muscles; Mukuro was spinning his trident around and around, mist seemed to spill from the trident's pointed tips as indigo spilt into the air and crept its way along the bodies of the gathered teens; even Chrome was ready for the battle, her fists wrapped around her blazing Trident, much the same as Mukuro's her flame, lighter and purer in the sense of blood-taint; Hibari was the one that needed to be watched, because as he stalked the ground, his coat and armband flashing dangerously, his tonfu sparked and kicked into life, igniting his thirst for confrontation and an end to the stresses plaguing Tsuna.

"What astounding resolve." Reborn mumbled under his breath. His words were so fluent and light even Hayato missed them to the winds.

They stepped up to the cliff face, Lambo was shaking in his boots, but his ring was flickering wildly with the resolve and fear. He was clutching Fuuta, the boy stood stern, eyes a blaze with confidence, behind his back was his large tome and Tsuna could tell that he would drop it without a second glance if it meant keeping Lambo and I-pin safe. I-pin was standing tall and strong beside Lambo, she was in fighting pose, her robes flickering with the mild storm flames she harboured. It was amazing to see, because these children were only that, yet they were stronger than any man Tsuna had laid eyes on; they were protecting Haru, all three of them taking up a guard in front of the shocked, scared young girl who was so out of place in the middle of the confrontation.

Haru waited with confused, scared, worried expression. Her knees shook with a fear that Tsuna understood. She was not part of the mafia; she never would be if he had anything to do with it.

She looked up at him when she heard him arrive, and just when she was about to speak the words fell from her mouth at the brilliance the sight beheld.

Each boy- and Chrome- was ablaze of light and warmth and strength. It was as if someone bottled courage, protection, assurance and doused Tsuna in the concoction, because even with Tsuna a good ten meters away, walking slowly with that looping gait of someone confident and assured, Haru found her grip on the children loosening and her shoulders relaxing down comfortably. She found herself thinking to dinner, to tomorrow completely forgetting for a moment that she was being threatened by monsters.

"Dame-Tsuna, say hello to the Varia." Reborn was not smirking like he usually would, he was not laughing internally, or even hiding his emotions behind his fedora, and instead his eyes were trained on the men on the cliff-face above them. All six were standing as if lounging, but Tsuna could sense a danger upon them, and it made him bristle, because it was dangerous but had the affinity to be protective. Somehow, Tsuna would laugh later thinking about it, he felt burning behind his eyes because the men reminded him of Mukuro and Kyouya.

Tsuna's eyes next landed on Haru, the girl who was trying to protect the children but knew it was the children protecting her. He watched the flurry of emotion and worry wash in and out of her brown irises, but instead of trying to explain or reassure her he simply smiled warmly, gestured passed them all and spoke with a tone that he found worked wonders on his guardians during times of stress and unease.

"Go home Haru. It's all okay."

The girl was not so willing to leave. She knew Tsuna had it handled. But there was something about him, something that told her that he was worried, and that he would also get hurt. She trusted him; but didn't know why, and she wanted to be his friend; and also didn't know why.

All she knew was that she felt completely connected to Tsuna and his friends, even if a few of them scared her witless.

They had met in Kyoko's hospital room not long after Reborn had entered Tsuna's life. Tsuna had demanded to take Reborn to see the sick girl, and Ryohei, not sure where his 'little bother' was going with this did not refuse the visit. Tsuna was very quiet on their walk over, and neither Ryohei nor Reborn could put words into the air that coaxed Tsuna out of whatever vision he was drowned in.

Soon enough everything became clear, because Tsuna stepped into Kyoko's room and as usual walked over and greeted her, but this time he introduced Reborn.

"Kyoko, this is Reborn; he's the tutor we've been telling you about, and he's the reason you're getting better."

When Reborn had arrived and explained fully the responsibilities he would be given as a result of the tutoring and his eventual assent to the throne Tsuna had stopped Reborn with a stern look and a deep question.

"What do I get in return for these responsibilities?"

Reborn had been shocked, because he had never heard his student and little-boss speaks so selfishly. Especially since he had more than enough money to not need such selfish words. "Dame-Tsuna, watch your mouth with me; what exactly is it you want. Surely the money and fame you'll get once you take Nono's place is enough." Reborn pulled his fedora down, because he knew that he was in for quite a treat with his student's next answer.

"I don't need or want money and fame Reborn, all I want is some specialist equipment and a promise from Nono and the medics of Vongola" Tsuna leant back, and Reborn was stunned under his fedora, but not because of the words; no, Reborn was surprised for two very different reasons.

Firstly his thoughts shot straight for Tsuna's medical records, wondering with an edge of panic if they had been flawed like his intelligence and ability records had been. He wondered- no he outright panicked- wondering if Tsuna was sick, if his student was dying and he didn't know; he almost went insane for a moment thinking that his student was dying and he couldn't help.

Secondly his mind flew to the guardians, wondering the same, with a side not wondering if he had missed a recent injury that would warrant more than Reborn himself or Tsuna could mend.

It scared Reborn to think that these kids were doing this to him, making him scared and worried and completely obsessively protective of them; all because of the threat of an injury he could not heal by hand or by flame and bullet. It wasn't like him and it wasn't safe for his profession- Reborn hoped to the gods and deities he did not believe in that it was only Tsuna, with his concentrated hyper intuition, who could see through his mask and see his only weakness. He hoped that not only for himself, but for Tsuna and the others who were under his care.

"Tsuna, why would you need medics' promises?"

"I want the promise that we will all be cared for by Vongola medics, with the best equipment should we ever be injured or sick."

"Where has this come from?"

"Chrome is very sick, and Ryohei's sister is in a similar situation; I just want the promise that it's not only the guardians and I that receive the best treatment available, but people we deem worthy do too."

Reborn had almost laughed, but instead a heavy burn set behind his eyes. "I'll see to it, Dame-Tsuna, that this is payment for your responsibility."

That had been weeks ago, and Tsuna had been receiving news not only of Kyoko's progress, but Chrome's too; though it was still uncertain that she would be able to have children later in life.

Tsuna had been showing Reborn exactly what they were saving, showing him the love Ryohei held for Kyoko when they has all met Haru.

Haru was coming home from school when she decided on a whim to stop by Kyoko's room to check on her. Over the few weeks all this new equipment had arrive and Kyoko was looking healthier already; at least to Haru she was. It was amazing, and Haru still hadn't been able to track Ryohei down to ask where he got the money for all the treatment. Of course, Haru didn't really care where it came from, she missed her best friend and all she wanted was for her to get better soon.

Tsuna had been checking up on Vongola's promise, because it was written in a contract that he, Hayato, and Kyouya had gone through with a find toothcomb to ensure that they and their precious people were covered for every kind of injury, disease or ailment they'd ever receive now or in the future. Hayato was stunned into quiet contemplation when Tsuna sat them all down and explained the contract, and the reasons they were getting less –but still way more than they'd ever need- money from Vongola in exchange for paperwork being done. Hayato still didn't understand the idea of people caring about him and loving him. Kyouya had been pleasantly pleased by Vongola's legal system and the apparent attention given to contracts and laws within the famiglia. Tsuna thought it was then that Kyouya really decided that Vongola was different and that his particular skills would show as useful.

When all three boys were suitably pleased with the contract the three had signed off, Tsuna because he was the boss, Hayato because he was his right-hand, and Kyouya because he was their disciplinary and in charge of the legal and defensive side of their life.

It was the routine checkup that led to the sudden, awkward meeting of Haru, Reborn and Tsuna in Kyoko's little hospital room- recently made private by Tsuna- and led to a hysterical girl, a bemused Hitman, and a very, very confused tuna fish.

"Who are all of you?" Haru demanded when she saw the two strangers looking concernedly over Kyoko. She didn't like them, they were new, they were serious, but their eyes made Haru want to cry, they were so full of love and compassion and honest to goodness sorrow at Kyoko's condition and hope for her recovery.

"We're friends." Tsuna had explained, though he was surprised he also wasn't. In fact he was pleased that Kyoko had such a loyal, wonderful friend.

That didn't mean that he wanted this girl to know exactly who he was, he wasn't one for flattery. Reborn smirked, a proud smirk. His student was modest and humble, and one day that charm of his could save them all.

"He's family Haru. This is Sawada Tsunayoshi, you can thank him for helping Kyoko and I out."

From then they had kind of hit it off. Haru often joined them for dinner; sometimes she would stay in the spare room, or in the storage room that had been half-converted into a guest room. She was annoying, and always got on Kyouya and Mukuro's nerves, but she helped them keep the house clean and was a comfort to Chrome, who was the only female in their home.

As Haru walked away she headed not for home, but towards the hospital. She felt that she needed the warm presence of her long-term ill friend. Because she ever so missed the warm hugs and beautiful smile. She hoped with all her heart that whatever Tsuna was doing was saving the girl.

Tsuna watched the girl leave, albeit reluctantly, then he turned back to the men who smelt like death and felt like lost innocence.

When Haru was gone, and Reborn nodded with assurance that she would be okay and not hear anything that was to transpire Tsuna stood forward-everyone falling into place behind him with the children protected in the centre of their loosely-tight circle- Tsuna spoke with the assurance that ran through the crowd like an esteemed and charismatic leader addressing his fellow.

"I do not appreciate you attacking my siblings." His voice was loud and assured, and it made all the guardians smirk, because if it came down to a word battle they needed no reassurance that Tsuna would win.

"Fucking brat."

A flash ran through the air and Tsuna- had he not been in HDW mode- would have collapsed from the pressure and bawled at the emotions that flash fired through the strings. His eyes traveled along two distinct, twisting, writhing sets of strings as they fought for dominance in his sight.

The duller orange string that glowed with a furious red and the brilliant, soul warming string that originated from the center of the string, as well as Tsuna's strings were twisted around each other, and the three strings on each respective guardian's ring did the same. The braid of colours were gathering from each of the half rings he and his guardians wore before spanning the cliff towards indistinct guardians standing next to the Varia leader. Tsuna's eyes widened. It was a beautiful sight and he could not wait to see exactly who owned what string and how exactly that would translate in the future.

Xanxus stood forward and Tsuna was blown away by the fiery orange that flashed and waved in his face. It begged for attention, and Tsuna's first instinct was to give it to him, because the sorrow and regret and complete and utter disbelief in his eyes made Tsuna's heart and conscious burn with regret.

This man had a great injustice done to him for the sake of 'protection'.

"Trash, your pieces of trash for a guardian is a disgrace to Vongola."

Tsuna bristled, but he felt Takeshi's hand grip his arm and felt the cool rush over the blue strings that seemed to say 'stay your blade Tsuna, there's more than meets the eyes'.

Of course Takeshi was right. Tsuna felt the contradicting words and emotions settle in the air like stagnant filth, it made him want to wash his face and brush his teeth; it clung like some kind of desperate fool. It made him hurt.

Chrome and Mukuro seemed to agree because despite their lithe, lazy way of standing they were fidgeting, seeing- or feeling- the way the strings waved unsettlingly made them feel a little sick. Kyouya, behind the lust he felt for blood at fighting strong opponents, also felt the way the strings and words contradicted each other, and he knew that his baby-omnivorous-boss would need some aspirin later in the night; a small part of him made a mental note to ensure he got that when they arrived home.

"Who I choose as my guardians are of no consequence to you, Xanxus, just as who you pick as your guardians is no business of mine." Tsuna's words were taunting, but he was trying to decipher the strange emotion within the other boss' eyes.

"Fucking trash! You dare judge me when you are a child compared to me." something amazing happened then, the strings tying Xanxus together lifted and wrapped around his hands, they lit with a red-orange flame that raged and furied. He took a step forward, intent on putting Tsuna in his 'place' or his grave. It didn't matter to Xanxus, but he was stopped short and a scowl replaced fury and flickering scars. Of course something stopped the raging man, two women appeared suddenly.

Tsuna took an instinctive step forward with a wide stance that startled even Reborn, because Tsuna had reacted even before he could, and what was even more astounding was the gravity that took hold of the other guardians, as for reasons Reborn could see even they didn't know they all moved to mirror Tsuna's movements. It was like watching metal shavings attracted to a magnet; Reborn would have used the cliché term of 'planets' but the movement was more solidified than that, much stronger and unbreakable and unchanging.

The women regarded the young heir with eyes that sparkled with a range of emotions, the most prominent a kind of sinister planning Tsuna had never encountered before. It made him edgy, and when the two matching, pink-haired ladies spoke with that educated, high-and-mighty condescending tone Tsuna bristled but listened none the less, and when they brought out that burning letter of confirmation, with the grinning bastard standing behind them Tsuna could take no more. That letter was so sad and painful, guilt, grievance, physical pain, it cried out as fake even if that flame sparked a warm familiarity in Tsuna.

"What makes you think I will agree to your terms, Cerevello?" he asked, and Reborn was never so proud of his student. One who would bow to no one, who would command and protect.

"Because, young heir to the Vongola throne, if you do not win this battle your title and rights as heir will be revoked, your guardians disbanded and your life a possible forfeit."

"Xanxus-sama will take the position of Decimo and you will have no say in his actions."

Tsuna and the guardians heard the threat behind those words, even if Ryohei and Lambo did not, Hayato bristled and took a move to step forward but Tsuna was there to protect him from himself. He lifted his smoldering hand and braced his guardians with warmth; he knew this was not the time for fists and courage- no a different virtue was in need, for now they needed patience and fortitude.

Xanxus was no fool; this was going to be a mind game as well as a battle of body.

"I will bend to your games, Cerevello, what are the terms?"

The women for a moment looked relieved, and Tsuna knew this only because of the wash of relief flooding the eerie pink strings that fluttered in the air but connected to no one in the immediate vicinity.

"Thank you, Tsunayoshi-sama."

"The fights will begin in two weeks. Both parties need to meet at the school at precisely midnight or else be disqualified."

The Cerevello women stalked off back into the woods, beckoning Xanxus as they went, Tsuna had the immediate image of babysitters, because Xanxus may be a man – more of one than Tsuna- but he was such an inner child. Tsuna watched, a burn resting in his palms and heart when Xanxus turned to him with solid, writhing eyes.

"Be ready, you fucking brat, because the Varia will take their rightful place." The leader turned on the heel of his boot, his jacket flying in a proud, flourishing arc around his body as his guns lowered and clicked back into their home on his hips.

The Varia stalked off, and it left a weak, sour taste in Tsuna's mouth. It seemed all too, brief. Not that he was truly complaining, but there was something about the whole thing that seemed slightly off.

As his own family stalked off home for a warm mean and showers, all jovial at the thought of having 'won' a confrontation with the infamous Varia, Tsuna was left to ponder the longing, the pain, and the loneliness burning in the crimson eyes of the Varia's esteemed leader; as it was a burning loneliness he so very much recognised.

There it is! Another new chapter! Well? What do you think? The conflict is beginning to heat up slowly! The Varia has appeared! And the poo is about to hit the air circulation device XD

Hope to hear a review form you!

Ps. did anyone understand what I meant behind the line 'because of the threat of an injury he could not heal by hand or by flame and bullet.'? Because I had a meaning in there that I hope I get across...

Hope to see a review!
~~Bleach-ed-Na-tsu :3