Gokudera's POV

I was frowning as I walked around the campus. Boss wanted me to help him find that one woman who kept following him around. He was worried when she didn't show up at the library for awhile.

Tch, that stupid woman. Who does she think she is, making the Tenth worry like that!

I turned into another hallway and heard some faint pounding and thumps.

…Seriously? Are the idiots here really doing that?

I growled quietly and started walking faster to get through this hall, but then I heard something else.

"Help please! Let me out! Someone please! Help! Please!"

I raised an eyebrow and looked at the doorknob, briefly ignoring the screams and pounding. It probably only locked from the outside. I turned the lock on the shaking knob and was immediately assaulted by the very person the Tenth and I were looking for.

I fell to the floor, landing on my behind, bringing the stupid woman with me.

She was crying her eyes out, and hiccupping every once in awhile, just hanging off me. I looked around, seeing if anyone else was there. Seeing no one, I hesitantly raised my arm and slowly (read awkwardly) patted her head until she calmed down.

…

…Stupid idiot, she fell asleep.

I let out an angry sigh and looked up. I caught sight of the closet she was in.

It was a wreck.

Brooms and mops were all broken in half, bottles of cleaning solution were splattered across the floor, all the shelves were askew and there was broken glass everywhere inside.

I took some deep breaths trying to calm down and not disturb her since the Tenth was already worried about her. I shifted around and managed to get her on my back. I got up and headed back to the library (if you could even call it that) planning to meet up with the Tenth (and let him see just how much of a great right-hand man I can be!).

Tsuna's POV

I didn't have any luck in finding Chi. Gokudera-kun and I had already checked with the nurse and she told us that Chi was looking for us. Hm…this is putting a bad taste in my mouth. I decided to go back to the library and see if Gokudera-kun did better.

On my way back I spotted three girls walking downstairs. They were laughing and flipping their hair over their shoulders. I almost didn't give them any thought, but then I recognized them.

They were the three girls that always picked on Chi.

Oh no.

I ran back to the library and almost crashed into Gokudera-kun.

"Ah!" I cried, "Gokudera-kun, we need to find her no-!" I stopped. On his back was Chi who was passed out.

Gokudera-kun was grinning, "Tenth!" he shouted. I was worried that he might wake her up, but Chi didn't stir, "I found her in a broom closet!"

Broom closet? So it was them.

I bit the inside of my cheek, "Th-thank you, Gokudera-kun," I said, "L-let's bring her back to my house, if Auntie Makoto saw her like this, she'd throw a fit."

We went to our shoe lockers and went home, where Reborn was waiting for us.

Luckily, my mom wasn't home yet, probably grocery shopping or spending time with Auntie Makoto.

We went up to my room and Gokudera-kun put Chi on my bed, a bit reluctantly, saying:

"But what if she stains your sheets, Tenth?"

I could really care less, Chi was out cold and needed a proper bed. When we were settled down the both of us got a good look at her.

I winced. And out of the corner of my eye, I could see Gokudera-kun frown, whether it was in worry or annoyance I couldn't tell.

She was covered in bruises and scratches, some were still bleeding, and the skin around her left eye was turning purple. You'd think I'd be used to it by now, but I don't think anyone could get used to seeing their best friend being hurt, even though we both get bullied and beat up practically every other week.

"Gokudera-kun," I said quietly, "Can you keep an eye on her while I get the first aid kit?"

"W-wait Tenth!" he shouted, "Let me get it! Where is it!"

After some hesitation, I told him and I was then left alone with Chi. I let out a sigh and held her hand, rubbing the back of it gently and feeling a very faint scar that was left there from a past beating.

Gokudera-kun came back and cleaned the wounds we could see, letting my mom take care of the rest when she came home.

Chi's POV

I woke up feeling groggy and sore. I looked around and noted that I was in Tsuna's room.

…What happened…?

Ah, right.

After trying to beat the door to death and shouting myself hoarse, the door opened and I jumped at Gokudera-san. He must've unlocked the door. Oh dear, I better apologize the next time I see him.

Feeling myself wake up a bit more, I heard some video game sounds coming from my left. It was Tsuna, he was trying to get past the level we were both working so hard to beat.

"Tsuna…" I whispered. He dropped the controller in surprise and immediately sat next to me.

"You okay?" he asked. I nodded, feeling a little stiff. I looked at my hand and saw some bandages. I gave him a questioning look.

"Gokudera-kun and I took care of the ones we could see, my mom got the rest," he explained.

"I see…" I mumbled, my voice sounding scratchy.

"I-I'll get you some water!" and off he went. I turned my head and stared blankly at the ceiling, feeling a pulsing soreness from my left eye.

"If you don't get any stronger, you can't be part of Tsuna's famiglia," spoke a familiar voice.

"Reborn-san…" He was standing on top of Tsuna's desk, his head was tilted, letting the rim of his hat shadow his eyes.

"You're his best friend," he continued, "so he'll need to be able to trust you to protect yourself and others." Still a bit dazed, I let my eyes wander towards his hat, Leon-san was staring back at me.

I frowned, "I can't fight."

"Can't or won't?"

Perhaps it was because I was still pretty out of it, but I answered without thinking, "Both."

Before either of us could say anything further, Tsuna came back in, carrying a tray with snacks and drinks.

"Hehehe, sorry for the wait, my mom wanted to make sure you got something to eat," he laughed. I sat up with some help from Tsuna and we started to eat, talking about the video game he was playing earlier, the both of us purposefully avoiding the topic of today. Reborn-san then jump-kicked Tsuna, scolding him about something, I wasn't really listening, either way, I freaked out about him getting kicked upside the head.

As the sun was beginning to set, Tsuna walked me home and after saying our goodbyes, I went inside…

"Oh, sweetheart!" …and was suddenly attacked by my mom, "Chi, sweetie, are you alright?" Her eyes were shining with unshed tears.

"I'm fine, Mom," I said, voice still a little hoarse, "I'm kinda tired, but I'm fine."

She let out a sigh and held me close, "Sweetheart, are you sure you don't want me to tell the school?"

I felt my heart skip a beat, "NO, Mom, please, don't call the school, they'll just start ganging up on me more!" 'They' being the other students.

She bit the inside of her lip, "Then, maybe you could reconsider…" she let out another sigh, "Ah, what am I saying, I can't let you go to a different school and have you separated from Tsuna-kun, can I?"

I shook my head, gripping her tightly. She starting stroking my hair and began to slowly rock side to side. Conversations like this were commonplace after my test scores went down and I came home all bruised and cut up. My mom would think about calling the school, I'd freak, she'd talk about sending me to a different school, and we'd both agree to disagree.

She was grateful for Tsuna, who helped cure my phobia of people somewhat. So we both thought it'd be a good idea for me to help Tsuna with studying. Now, you guys know my test scores aren't the best, my mind goes blank before every test. My earlier test scores I got with pure luck. I know the material, but I forget it when I actually need to apply what I know. It has nothing to do with Tsuna, just my nerves.

After a few minutes, she started talking again.

"Are you hungry, sweetheart?"

I nodded, my head still pressed against her collar, "Just a little."

She pushed some of my hair behind my ear and held me at a close distance, looking at me with warm eyes. It was almost like looking into a mirror. Except she was older than me and her hair stopped about an inch above her shoulders, not to mention more life in her eyes compared to me and she was a lot prettier.

"I'll cook up a light dinner then, you go take a shower," she kissed my forehead, "Okay?"

I nodded again, and she left me to go up to my room.

With a mom like mine, how did I get so screwed up?

I was walking over to Tsuna's so we could walk to school and saw Gokudera-san standing at the gate. Good, now's my chance to apologize. I stopped near him and opened my mouth to talk, but was interrupted.

"The Tenth doesn't need a weak woman like you." Was the first thing that came out of his mouth.

"Eh?" I blinked. Gokudera-san turned to look, or rather, glare at me.

"You made him worry about you yesterday," he accused, "Stop bothering the Tenth!"

Now, I'm usually a very submissive person. I'm willing to just let people do as they will, hence me becoming a regular at the hospital. So, instead of trying to defend myself like most people would do, I just let him keep throwing insults. You know, to help him calm down. It's very scary having someone like him yelling in your face. With his emerald green eyes flaring and his silver hair blinding you as it flies around catching the light.

It's looks very nice and soft…

U-uh, I mean, scary…yeah.

"Got anything to say for yourself, Stupid Woman?" he finished. I just bowed down, holding my posture at a ninety-degree angle, responding immediately.

"I'm sorry for making you carry me all the way to Tsuna's house," I apologized, "and for making Tsuna worry so much." I stood up straight again, but then I remembered something else, and bowed down again, catching Gokudera-san off-guard.

"Also, my name is Mifune Chi, it's nice to meet you, Gokudera-san." I stood straight.

"Tch," he scoffed, "You better be apologize to the Tenth too, Stupid Woman."

Hmmm, I really shouldn't let the fact that he didn't want to know my name bother me, but if he's going to be hanging around Tsuna (which includes being around me too since the two of us are practically attached at the hip) it'd be polite to at least call me by my last name.

Oh well, I better get inside, see if Tsuna's doing okay. I knocked on the front door, feeling Gokudera-san's presence behind me.

"Ah, good morning, Chi-chan~!" Nana-san greeted. I smiled back.

"Good morning, Nana-san," I bowed, "Is Tsuna awake?"

She nodded, "Mm-hm! Why don't you come inside, ah! You too, Gokudera-kun!"

We left our shoes at the door and Gokudera-san walked quickly up the stairs to Tsuna's room. I was walking a bit slowly, still feeling a bit sore from yesterday. When I finally got to his door, Gokudera-san sped out and left the house.

That's odd…

But I continued inside Tsuna's room.

"Good morning, Tsuna," I greeted, not at all bothered by the half-naked boy in front of me. Hey, we used to take baths together all the time as kids. His body didn't change as much as mine, I should be more worried about Tsuna seeing me half-naked now. Though, I'm still pretty flat...

"Hey, Chi," he said, now taking off his pants, I turned around to give him some privacy, "How're you feeling today?"

"Much better," I said, "Sorry for causing trouble yesterday."

"It's fine, what're best friends for?" Hearing the pants zipper being pulled up, I turned around, now he was frantically searching for his shirt.

"What did Gokudera-san say before running off?" I asked, picking up the shirt he was looking for from the back of his desk chair and giving it to him.

"Um," Tsuna slipped his arms through the short sleeves, "Something about stocking up his dynamite supply, he's not going to school today."

I could tell he let out a mental sigh of relief. But then he looked at me a bit worriedly, "You okay, Chi?" he asked, "You seem bothered by something."

I do? Well, my forehead does feel furrowed.

"I need to stop fainting so much."

A short pause. Then we both let out a laugh.

"We had this conversation before, Chi," said Tsuna, tying his tie with a bit of difficulty.

"I know, but Reborn-san and Gokudera-san both said I'm weak, which is true, so don't try and deny it," I replied, helping Tsuna with his tie.

"Let's hope Reborn doesn't put you through his crazy training like he's doing with me," he sighed.

"'Crazy Training'?"

Reborn-san jumped out from behind Tsuna and kicked him on the back of his head, letting me catch him.

"What are you calling 'crazy', No-good Tsuna," Reborn-san said with a malicious smirk on his face, "Hurry up, I'm not going to have my student be late for school."

Needless to say, we both ran. Mainly because Reborn-san was brandishing a gun and pointing it at us, already shooting.

It's a wonder how Nana-san doesn't give a second thought about all this.

Fortunately, I managed to avoid the girls from yesterday, and most of my other bullies.

Ah, it's good to blend in with the background.

What's not so good is P.E., the girls had to run today. Ugh, my legs, my lungs-oh wait, I was coughing them up earlier, I don't have lungs anymore.

Cue forced laughs. Oh self, your jokes are painful to listen to. Ahahaha…ha.

Ahem, anyway, after the girls were called in, I limped to the boys' side of the field. They were playing baseball today.

I ran out to the field to help Tsuna clean up when I saw Yamamoto Takeshi already helping him. They seemed to be talking about something serious, if Yamamoto-san's face was anything to go by.

Yamamoto Takeshi is one of, if not, the most popular boy at Namimori Middle. A happy-go-lucky type of guy who can get along with almost anyone and has a constant hundred-watt grin on his face, somewhat tan from all his baseball practices and games. He's also our school's top baseball player.

Easily one of the most terrifying people on my never-ending list.

…Ngh, j-just suck it up…just…settle down…Oh, good he turned around.

"Tsuna," I called out. He looked at me and waved me over.

"There're some baseballs over by the bleachers," he said. I nodded, "Hey, Chi, you wouldn't mind helping me with our science homework would you?"

"Not at all, you know I'm always willing to help."

"Hey!" I jumped. Who said that? "You wouldn't mind helping me too, would you?"

I turned around, it was Yamamoto Takeshi. I froze up. Oh, hello fading sight, so nice to see you again. And down I go.

Tsuna freaked out a bit from seeing Chi faint. Yamamoto bent down giving the fainted girl a once over.

"Is she okay?" he asked. Tsuna gave a shaky laugh.

"Y-Yeah, this usually happens when she's around people she doesn't know very well, eheheheh…" Tsuna rubbed the back of his head.

Yamamoto grinned, "Hahaha, really?"

Tsuna nodded.

"Hm," Yamamoto held his chin, "Well, you guys seem pretty close since you guys didn't use any suffixes, how long have you guys known each other?"

"Ah, about ten years now?" Tsuna guessed, "Give or take a year."

"Hahaha! That's a pretty long time!" Yamamoto laughed.

"Y-yeah, u-um, do you mind helping me give Chi some air?" He asked, using his hand to fan his best friend.

"I don't mind at all!"

Tsuna made sure to keep an eye out for any one who would try to hurt Chi, since she was so close to Yamamoto at the moment.

"So Tsuna!" Yamamoto said, "You think hard work will get my batting average up again?"

"H-huh?" Tsuna stuttered, "Y-yeah…of course."

"Hahaha! Alrighty then!"

The older I get the more annoying fainting is becoming. I mean, is my mentality really that weak?

Yes, yes it is.

All that teasing and name-calling and rocks being thrown at me, I can't become numb to that.

Stupid pain sensors…messing with my life...Just who do they think they are?

Moving on, when I woke up, Tsuna told me that Yamamoto-san had left to go practice baseball some more and we were free to go home.

He's going to practice more? But it's getting kind of late. Then again, Yamamoto-san is the best player at our school, and probably the entire town.

…But too much practicing can really put a strain on your body…

Guess what time it is?

Sleepover Time!

Yes, I don't care if I sound childish right now, Tsuna and I can finally get past that level!

"You seem awfully excited, Tsuna," Reborn-san commented.

"Why wouldn't I be!" Tsuna began button mashing as we were fighting a boss, "The most popular guy in our class asked me for advice! Me! It was awesome!" Music played after we landed the final hit on the boss.

"Yeah!" we cheered.

"After two weeks…" I muttered darkly, "We finally beat him…"

"I know…" Tsuna said in the same tone.

Reborn-san interrupted our celebration, "So about Yamamoto…"

"You mean you already knew!" Tsuna shouted. I smiled weakly and patted Tsuna's shoulder, grabbing my cup of water of the table in the middle of the room.

"…Make him one of your men," Reborn-san finished. I choked on the water while Tsuna got upset.

"What! No way!" Tsuna shouted, "I'm not gonna make Yamamoto give up baseball for the-the Mafia!"

"Don't disobey your elders," said Reborn-san, and he proceeded to kick Tsuna in the head. Again.

After cleaning up we got ready for bed. Reborn-san was already asleep in his own bed…somewhere in this room.

Tsuna and I were lying next to each other, staring up at the ceiling, watching the streetlights from the outside filling the darkened room.

"You're not really going to talk to Yamamoto-san about this mafia stuff, are you?" I asked quietly.

Tsuna grumbled, "I don't want to, but knowing Reborn, I'll end up including him somehow…" his eyes darkened in worry.

I took his hand and squeezed, "If that happens, I'm sure you'll be able to do something to keep Yamamoto-san happy. I'll help you too."

He squeezed back and looked at me, "Thanks, Chi."

We slid our heads closer together, until the sides tapped against each other.

"What are friends for?"

Author's Note: I apologize for the slow progression of character growth and plot, but at this point in the story, Chi is still trying to get used to Reborn and is currently unaware that her feelings for Tsuna as a friend are slowly turning into something else.

Also, I deeply apologize for not making the effort of thanking all of you who read this, reviewers, story 'alerters'/ 'favoriters', and ghost readers:

Long live marshmallows, AccessBlade, LifeIsARayOfSunshine, SweetzJunkie, Viper'sGirl, MissDinosaur, 7black7, Moonlight phonex101,

TheSteelFlameAlchemist, Anarchy Stocking, Angelbeets, ZacharyStella, April Marciano, Serendipital, FreeHugs0009, Sltealthclaw, sKitLZ-cHAn,

trollypop, Leo-in-Wonderland, Shinsou, Kanashimi, Inoue Orihime15, Sayonara Yasashii Akumu, Ohtherawrness, Katsu Lover, UmiNight Angel

Neko, Vnienhuis, Twilight Dark Angel, DarknessPwnsLight, AnimeCrazy88, KuroMimi-chan, Princess Alice Rose, Cherry Mustang, Renrinrin,

LocoWill, Rena Talmay, Dragonet-Dialga123, SaChan22, Devonlizz, suntan140, nyssasam123, Yamiroo Alice, 19Maddogzu95, Sylanc, EnyBac,

SilverStar56, steel-alchemist, Maichiru Sakura, forgottentears6, tamashii kage, Summon Beast Ruruka, iSpirit, yamiarsenal, suney,

romeoandcinderella, gOthiCkUrOcHo69, Jolly88404, dawn08, xxHinaAngelxx, OtakuDino, hayato bomber, Ginga no Yousei, artemis001, wolfcrys,

Loumaria, Kohanita, HibariTsunayoshi-kun, Ahoshi-chan, Doreen769, Gwenny-dear, What'sMyName'sBusiness, Rubberxduckies12

And thank you, who ever else I missed. Thank you so much for reading.