There was a pungent smell of mold in the room. It was dark and dreary, only to be caused by the heavy rainfall that's been happening the past few days. Mukuro refused to leave the abandoned mall unless Chrome really wanted to, leaving Ken and Chikusa to scavenge for food.

She was wrapped snugly in various hand-stitched quilts, her hair was twirled together in a French braid, which was slightly strange, seeing her brandish her feminine side because of her new friends. "Are you comfortable, Nagi?" He found himself asking her automatically.

Chrome smiled, nodding cheerily (he knew how happy it made her when he showed that he cared). Mukuro stared and breathed through his mouth, inwardly aware that he's smelled worse in other unimaginable places. It was too dark to see anything clearly, but he was more acute than ever in his turf. "Kyoko-chan invited me to stay with her, if you want Mukuro-sama," she said. "I haven't seen Boss in the longest either, I could go."

The Mist Guardian tightened his grip on his trident, it was almost an instinct. "I wouldn't mind that Sasagawa girl…but it appears Sawada Tsunayoshi isn't the most, ah, prudent choice right now."

"Is something wrong with Boss?"

Her concern was almost amusing, he had to refrain himself from smirking unless he wanted to worry her even more. He's been told the more amused he seemed, the more sinister his intentions. Not always true, but it served its purpose against any enemy. "No, of course not. The Vongola protect their boss more than ever. Especially with the Cloud Guardian on watch."

"Oh." She sounded so relieved, he couldn't help but feel a flash of anger for her unexpected attachment to the Vongola. Then again, if he would ever ask her where her loyalties lied, they would always be with him.

"Yes, Hibari Kyouya is looking after your beloved boss. Almost hungrily I would say, but a lonely Sky is a dangerous one."

…

Tsuna wasn't even sure if Hibari was really watching over him, guarding his every move or breathing his air to 'protect' him. He actually never saw him, only caught a few glimpses in the hallway when Hibari was running an errand or patrolling. And even then, he wouldn't even look at Tsuna, just look straight ahead with that scary look on his face that he always had when he was about to go punish someone. He couldn't help but feel a bit ignored, but it was Hibari, so what was he really expecting? Kyoko was there to pour some of her sunny nature, but other than that, he was bored, definitely knowing the fact that his family's antics weren't there to entertain him. He actually considered doing something reckless to get the prefect's attention, but he wasn't that stupid.

It wasn't until he arrived to class and his teacher looked at him nervously, that something even remotely interesting happened. "Sawada, I was just notified that Hibari-san will be your academic guide from now on. I'll be keeping an eye out for your progress."

"Hibari-san wants to know my grades?"

"Yes, he does. It's good that he's watching out for you, wouldn't want to repeat those middle school days, now would we?"

Tsuna bit his tongue, settling for a scowl instead. "Not really."

"Well then, I guess you should head to your seat now. Class is about to start."

He did as told, still irritated by being insulted like that, not to mention the silent threat beneath those words: "Don't make me look bad in front of the Disciplinary Chairman." Of all things, he's changed now, and for the better. He could look people in the eye, he wasn't afraid of facing the unknown, or ordering food at a restaurant. It was almost funny, except he was back to square one. Friendless and alone, it was a miracle he even lived this way when he was fourteen and thought he didn't need anybody.

"You shouldn't listen to him, Tsuna-kun. You're a lot different now." He couldn't help the flash of surprise that went through him. Something warm settled in his chest at Kyoko's genuine smile.

"Thanks, Kyoko-chan. I needed that today."

…

After school, he went to the bakery, running and appreciating the gentle breeze and amiable weather. He had very little homework and Clare had promised him a job, which he definitely appreciated. It would be something to take his mind off his absent family, and it didn't hurt to get some work experience.

The bakery wasn't that far, it was downtown where all the businesses were, commuters crowding the streets with the usual bustle.

Once he got there, Clare greeted him warmly. She was in her usual pink apron, tittering to tend to her customers. "You said you wanted a job, right?"

Tsuna smiled, settling his backpack on the stool. "I do, I want to start saving up a bit of money."

The older woman nodded, her approval for his goals were there in her eyes. "Well, I do want to let you know that here in the bakery, there's not a lot to do. You won't really have a stable schedule, I'll call you when I need something, but always beforehand, of course. Handing out fliers, promoting free samples. Something like that. Do you want it, or do you want something more stable? I could get you another position in other businesses if you want to," she said.

Tsuna shook his head quickly, a little too quickly because Clare began to laugh. "No! It's fine, I like it here."

"Well, I'm sorry to tell you that you won't be starting today. Next week, perhaps." She looked around for a pad in her pocket, scribbling her number. "You can call me for whatever reason, and tell me if you can't make it."

He wasn't expecting this, she was almost too kind. It reminded him of his mom, who was probably feeding Lambo and I-Pin, or sunbathing in the beach. Even Giotto. "Thank you." And he meant it. It was hard to find kind people, especially in the Mafia world.

"I'll be looking forward to working with you Tsuna-san."

…

He was starving, but at least he had dark chocolate cake to take home. Clare insisted on letting him take some for him and Hibari.

There was a text message from the prefect once he slipped out his phone from his pocket. Should he text him back? He probably wouldn't answer until way later, knowing how many responsibilities Hibari had on his plate. A call. He should call him. It's not like he's never called the prefect before, but it was usually Reborn who did it for him, so he supposed that didn't really count.

In less than three rings, he could hear the 'click' of an answer. "Do you want me to go to the school office, Hibari-san?"

"Yes. There's something I would like to discuss with you personally in the Reception Room."

Those words shivered down his spine. 'Personal discussions' weren't a good thing, especially in school. He swallowed, making sure and praying his voice sounded steady. "Okay. I'll be there in ten minutes."

Hibari hanged up. That was expected.

It was five, not that late. Yamamoto would be at baseball practice right now, and Gokudera would be 'loitering' there, definitely not waiting for Yamamoto's practice to end.

"It seems you senses are getting dull, Sawada Tsunayoshi."

As if. "I felt your presence a block away, Mukuro." His Mist Guardian laughed quietly, if that was even possible.

"You never cease to surprise me, Vongola. Always left in the dark, but still forward as ever." He suppressed a glare, he couldn't let Mukuro know how much those words affected him. Yes, he was always left in the dark. And yes, he was always expected to do as told and place the Family's interests above his own. Not that he would want it any other way, especially if it meant less people getting hurt.

"What do you need?" Hibari could wait a few more minutes. Probably.

"It's amusing."

"What's amusing?" It hurt to keep his face neutral. How did Hibari manage this?

"The Cloud is always watching, the skies haven't been clear. Perhaps a storm is brewing." Mukuro wasn't looking at him, and Tsuna was tired of being ignored, of being blind to his seemingly protected defenses. He was supposed to be balance, the holder of all obstacles.

"What's that supposed to mean?" He asked, his glare fierce, the Mist Guardian didn't even flinch. Merely stared at him, as if entertained by a pouncing kitten. Only Mukuro could bring out his nasty side, make him bare his claws in an instant. Mukuro spoke in riddles, hid the truth among a pack of lies, leaving Tsuna to pluck the petals until left with a truth that was either a) stupid, or b) life-changing. With Mukuro , it was all or none.

It was always all.

"Your senses are dull." He looked dangerous.

Hibari. He needed Hibari.

"That doesn't matter." Tsuna moistened his lips, averting his eyes to the crowd of people getting smaller and smaller as the sky darkened. Since when did people start leaving? He couldn't afford to be alone with Mukuro, especially if Chrome wasn't there to hold him back. "What do you mean about the cloud?"

"That's all you really care about, hm? Tell me, how's Hibari Kyouya doing?"

Tsuna's glare faltered, the tinges of orange faded back to brown, his demeanor changed into something more docile. "He's fine," he said automatically, the dark circles underneath the prefect's eyes blurring into his mind right now.

"Tired, resilience is silent as always," Mukuro mused, his red eye practically blazing. "Do you really believe Hibari turns a blind eye on you?"

Tsuna froze. Mukuro couldn't possibly know about his private inner thoughts, the anger plaguing him as he constantly turned to look over his shoulder, always wondering what secrets he was being kept away from. It was fine when Reborn did it, but not…like that. Not when Mukuro was doing it to catch him off guard and enjoy his momentary look of surprise. The build-up of words clogged his throat. "Why do you care if he's not looking out for me?"

"Well, it seems to bother you quite much. You practically crave company, and after that incident with the other Sky, you're practically scarred." The way his words dipped with smug victory, Tsuna clenched his fist, dug his nails in his palm deep enough to sting.

"I'm fine. Giotto is part of the past. That is all there's to it now. I don't need to be coddled all the time." He forced out a laugh. It was funny to say that a year later, he could see the flash of hurt in Giotto's eyes, which were soft and hid years of wisdom and kindness. Yet he could also see Hibari's piercing stare, the silent pride and he realized how much Hibari was there. Always present. And he was glad about that. "I will look after Hibari-san, he's very important to me. Now if you excuse me, I have to go now."

"The Cloud is always among the storm and the sky. Have you ever thought about that?"

It was an unwelcome feeling. Hibari would understand; he wouldn't be confused. Mukuro wouldn't have gotten so close, close enough to see Giotto in him. He could feel the pocket watch heavy in his school bag. "Not really."

…

Namimori High School looked even more ominous in the evening, the courtyard empty and silent. But he could see dark figures roaming at a distance: the disciplinary members. They were patrolling the area, and Tsuna had to force himself to calm down. Not just emotionally, but enough to not seem like an intruder. He came to see Hibari, not a whiplash of the past that was there enough to sting. Mukuro had simply disappeared, leaving him feeling naked. Reborn would have told him to stand strong, to ignore his words and only take in the important details.

Hibari. All he had to do was open the door in front of him, which was ridiculous because the prefect wouldn't appreciate an entrance without knocking first. Expecting to be bitten to death, Tsuna was met with the sight of the prefect absorbed in paperwork, it almost looked painful. Tsuna considered offering to help, but he was pretty sure Hibari wouldn't appreciate being interrupted.

He suddenly stood up, ending Tsuna's unspoken tirade of questions. The coffee brewer lagged, but it wasn't what he had stood up for. He was pouring boiling water into a tea cup, looking elegant while doing so.

And it was weird to see Hibari this close. Yeah, they slept together, but Tsuna wasn't really conscious to observe him, to actually look at him. His gakuran was gone, he was wearing a simple white dress shirt and his usual black pants. The red band that proudly proclaimed who he was was on his sleeve. And his hair. He could see that Hibari was finally growing into his future hair-style, it was getting slightly long, probably due to the fact that he barely had time to actually trim it. Yet he still looked formidable and just…nice. His face had lost its chubbiness, his eyes were more intense, if that was even possible. But this was Hibari, so of course it was.

"Tired, resilience is silent as always."

Tsuna jumped when Hibari suddenly settled his tea cup down, mouth curved downwards. He didn't look amused, like always, simply drawing his stare to his desk. "Sit," he said.

"Yeah, um." He hated how his voice wavered, and why was the prefect staring somewhere else? Complying, he settled his backpack on his lap, feeling his butt sink down the green couch. Somehow, Hibari looked even more ominous, but most of all, he looked tired.

"I was looking at your test scores. It seems you struggle with math, and considering this is your last year in high school, I'll try to help you rise in class rank. Every week, I'll personally tutor you twice after school." His voice was firm and flat, which was even more intimidating and so Reborn.

"I saw Mukuro a few minutes ago," Tsuna blurted out instead, flinching inwardly when Hibari's stare darkened. There was a moment of awkward silence. "I will also be training with you physically," Hibari continued sharply, as if he never said anything.

"Oh, okay. That's fine."Hibari's expression didn't change, and he simply dragged the tea bag out of his cup, taking a drink instead of responding. That was probably his response, Tsuna mused. He was getting used to this now, just a bit. The absence of an actual conversation required more practice. "Hibari-san."

The prefect put the cup down, clearly waiting for him to say something. "Yes."

"I just wanted to thank you, I guess. Do you want some help with that paperwork?"

"No, herbivore. But if you're hungry, I'll order Kusakabe to deliver food."

"No, that's fine. Do you want cake? Clare wrapped a slice for you."

"Hm. Fine."

Tsuna was definitely getting used to this.

I'm really sorry about updating late! I wish you all had a happy thanksgiving (to those who celebrated) and I'll try to post the next chapter as soon as possible. Thanks for reading!