The New Generation: Vongola X
Summary: Sawada Tsukiko, age 24, has officially inherited the Vongola Sin along with the Vongola Famiglia. Just to make matters more complicated, Reborn decides it's finally time for Tsukiko to settle down and find a husband. What happens then? Find out as Reborn tries his hand at playing matchmaker. Adult Fem!Tsuna. ALLx27
Author's Note: WEW! Okay I have to apologize for the late update. It was the final downpour of projects and finals. Projects were like hell, I can't count how many times I've soldered, de-soldered, and re-soldered a circuit component and I don't want to see another program code as long as I live. Anyway enough of the rants! I am finally FREEEEEEE~ (there's still summer class but) I am FREEEEEE~ and I miraculously managed to maintain my grades WHEEE~ hell term is oveeeeeer~!
Also, thank you so much for your reviews, your favorites, your follows, and your suggestions! It just feels absolutely ahmazing to see people interested in this fanfic :D oh and I'm planning to narrow down the ALLx27 category, I'll probably just add in requested pairings and go from there :) so far from what I remember all that's left is Xanxus, just tell me if you have any other requests. After this I'll get started with mixing things up for our "prospective candidates" mwahahahaha~!
Now just a few warnings before you proceed to the chapter. First! There's possible OOC-ness here, be waaaarned. Second! There is a huge jump in the timeline, the next chapter takes place in Italy, 2 weeks after Tsukiko's encounter with Hibari. Well that's pretty much it, enjoooooy~
Disclaimer: I no own KHR D:
Chapter Five
Tsukiko could not remember the last time she had been moved to violence. Oh well there was that time with Hibari and that other time with Mukuro. But the point was, Tsuki liked to think that she was a peacemaker of sorts, so it was quite odd for her to want to strangle Reborn on the spot. Especially since there was no way she'd overpower the hitman long enough to get her hands on his throat. But as she stood there, staring into Reborn's smirking face, she was sorely tempted.
Reborn was taking great pains to introducing every Mafia boss to Tsukiko. And when she meant every she meant every single damn one of them. Even the old ones that had retired to drinking and gambling and drinking. Tsukiko was certain that Reborn wasn't doing it just because Nono had asked him to. He seemed to enjoy seeing Tsukiko unnerved and irritated with the cluster of old men who couldn't help but comment how strange it was for Vongola to have a woman as a boss.
Honestly, she was right there
Every introduction tested her patience, but nonetheless Tsukiko still kept a fixed smile on her face as she shook every hand and spoke with every intoxicated man. This particular man she was currently speaking to was one of the worse ones yet. He had his fair share of wine and Tsukiko could smell it in his breath.
Tsukiko took a step back for good measure. The man looked like he was ready to keel over as he spoke or rather bragged about all of his family's holdings and something about marrying his son.
She shot Reborn a sideways glare. Someone help me.
Reborn simply looked the other way, feigning ignorance.
To her right, Enma looked like he was trying hard not to laugh.
And to her left, Basil tried to hide his laugher with a cough.
They seemed to enjoy her distress. I can't take this anymore
Tsukiko cleared her throat, loud enough for the intoxicated old man in front of her to stutter a bit and mutter a short "beg your pardon"
"That's really interesting and I'll take your suggestion into consideration, but if you'll excuse me–" Tsukiko surveyed the large ballroom in an attempt to find someone, anyone that would or could save her.
Her eyes brightened when she saw a ray of hope in the form of a petite woman with short black hair and a black evening dress to match, "–I'll have to see to one of my guests, excuse me"
With a quick nod to the drunken mafia boss (though Tsuki was pretty sure he was too far off into oblivion to notice) she turned and walked towards Hana. The three men beside her followed suit, each of them voiced their short goodbyes to the large man. They didn't particularly like the mafia boss, but manners were still manners.
"Hana!"
The taller of the two turned, her eyes turning a warm shade of ebony. Tsuki engulfed the latter with a huge hug, "I missed you so much!"
Hana laughed "I hardly doubt that, it's only been a week"
Tsukiko released her friend and pouted, "Don't say that"
"Hana, how are you?" Enma asked as he gave her a quick peck on the cheek, "I heard you got engaged"
A small blush crept to Hana's cheeks as she smiled, "Yes, just last week actually"
"Congratulations" Enma said with a smile
"Congratulations Hana-dono"
"That boxing-freak finally did something right" Reborn said with a short humph and a quick congratulations to Hana
Tsukiko beamed. It wasn't new news to her. Ryohei asked her if he could propose to Hana and of course, Tsuki gave him her blessing.
She took Hana's hands in hers, "Now you will officially be part of the family"
Hana laughed at that, "I already feel like a part of the family"
Tsuki wasn't as close to Hana as she was now. In their middle school years, Hana didn't seem partially inclined to become friends with her, but that soon changed after Kyoko and Haru intervened. They started to spend more time together and somewhere along the line, she had grown on Hana. Now they were inseparable.
"By the way, why the sudden celebration?" Hana asked.
By the time Ryohei and Hana had officially dated, Hana had somehow figured out that there was something more going on between Tsuki, Yamamoto, Gokudera, and Ryohei then they led on to believe. Soon it was apparent that Hana was going to find out about the mafia either way so Ryohei asked permission from Tsuki if he could tell Hana the truth. It was a difficult decision to make, but in the end Tsuki decided it was time for Hana to know. She surprisingly took everything well, and Tsuki had admired Hana for it.
"It's tradition" Tsukiko said with a sigh, "Vongola throws parties with allies famiglias whenever a new generation takes the seat, and with the Difio Famiglia officially announcing the Difio Decimo, all the allied families have turned over to the tenth generation, thus the celebration"
"But this is extravagant" Hana said in awe as she looked around the ballroom.
Hana wasn't exaggerating. The huge ballroom was adorned with crystal lights and in the middle was a Swarovski chandelier. The room had a gold and black motif to it, creating a royal olden English atmosphere. Even the food was delicious and the wine was of the highest class, nothing but the best for the elite mafia families.
Reborn smirked "This is how Vongola does things"
Even in parties, Reborn still wore his signature look with his black blazer and fedora hat. Enma and Basil looked different in their evening kits. Basil had worn a blue shirt underneath his black blazer and white tie, whereas Enma wore a red shirt with a black tie under his black blazer.
Tsukiko smiled. It wasn't rare for Basil to wear formal suits but it was for Enma. He usually wore polo shirts and jeans. It gave him a laid back feeling. Something Tsuki was used to during their days in middle school up until college. But gone was the usual clumsy Enma, he was now assertive and cunning. The change was much like how Tsuki grew up from her Dame Tsuki days. However Enma had not only developed socially, he also developed an exceptional talent in tactics. It had served the Simon family well in times of crisis.
"Hmm, I think the minuet is starting" Basil commented and soon enough the musicians began playing the familiar tune.
A small tap on the shoulder caught Hana's attention, soon enough she was engulfed in an embrace from behind.
Hana looked up from his embrace, "Ryohei"
Ryohei flashed Hana his signature smile, "I'm sorry for leaving you all of a sudden" Ryohei planted a soft kiss on Hana's forehead that even got Tsukiko and Basil blushing. Reborn and Enma discreetly turned away, wanting to give the couple as much privacy as they could.
"I hope you saved a dance for me" Ryohei said with a flourish, offering his hand to Hana. Hana wordlessly took it, her face bright red as she and Ryohei walked towards the dance floor that was slowly filling up with other couples.
"Sasagawa-kun sure knows how to sweep a woman off her feet doesn't he?"
Tsukiko jumped a full foot from the floor, "Nono!"
"Reborn, I'm sure you've introduced Tsukiko-kun to all of our guests?"
Reborn simply nodded. Nono thanked him.
"I'm not as good as Sasagawa-kun is with words, but would you care to have this dance with me, Tsukiko-kun?" Nono asked with a small paternal smile. Tsukiko found herself nodding and soon she and Nono were also headed towards the dance floor.
"How are things at home? I heard you visited your family while you were in Japan" Nono asked as he turned and stepped in tune to the music. Tsukiko was surprised to see that Nono was a good dancer.
"Everything is alright, Mama was happy to see me again"
Nono nodded, "I'm glad to hear that but why didn't you stay longer? I heard from Reborn that you left two days after we had our talk"
Tsukiko could feel Nono staring at her, waiting for an answer, "There were things that needed my immediate attention here in Italy"
"Ah, Rokudo Mukuro-kun"
Tsukiko nodded, "The Vindice requested my physical presence as one of the conditions for his release"
Nono chuckled at that, "I'm still impressed by how you managed to convince them to release Mukuro-kun"
Tsukiko didn't miss the underlying question in his statement. Nono wanted to know exactly how Tsuki managed to pull it off, "It wasn't difficult, they owed me a favor"
Nono nodded knowingly. It was common knowledge to everyone in the mafia world. The Arcobaleno war had devastated the mafia. It left casualties from different famiglias, it nearly wiped out the entire Simon famiglia. However, thanks to Tsuki and everyone's combined efforts, they had managed to break the Arcobaleno curse. In the process, the Vindice were released from their immortality. This placed Tsukiko high in their favour. Thanks to that, it was easier for Tsuki to ask them to release Rokudo Mukuro from the Vindice prison.
Nono nodded, "I can now rest in peace knowing that Vongola is in good hands"
Nono's statement brought Tsuki back to the present. His statement didn't sit well with her so she tried to lighten the mood, "Oh but it will be short lived, at least until your grandchildren arrive"
Nono's eyes widened a fraction before warming up to Tsuki, "My grandchildren?"
"But of course, I know my children would love to spend time with you"
When Nono smiled this time, it lit up his eyes, "Thank you Tsukiko-kun, you have given this man so much happiness"
Tsukiko's musical laughter turned heads but she didn't care, "I hope that doesn't change in the years to come, I might end up troubling you with your grandchildren"
This time it was Nono's turn to laugh, "I'll make sure to live through the years to come, after all I have little ones to spoil"
Tsukiko smiled and nodded. Nono was a part of her family as much as her mother and father was. He had changed her life. She didn't know where she'd be today if Reborn hadn't arrived at her doorstep ten years ago.
The dance ended sooner than Tsukiko wanted it to. Nono kissed Tsuki on the cheek, "Thank you Tsukiko-kun for indulging me this dance"
"The pleasure was mine"
Nono gently took Tsukiko's hand in his and placed it at the crook of his elbow. He then led her back to their small group where Basil and Enma seemed to be caught up in an argument. Reborn on the other hand, was nowhere to be seen.
"Enma-dono, I suppose we'll just have to agree to disagree on that one" Basil then turned to bow to Nono and Tsukiko, "I have finished the preparations"
Nono's smile faded and in a flick of a switch, everything was back to business. He nodded and said his goodbyes to Enma and Tsukiko then he made his way through the crowd with Basil by his side.
"I wonder what they're up to?" Tsukiko mused although she wasn't particularly concerned
"Coward" Enma called after Basil
"I heard that Enma-dono!" Basil called back right before the duo disappeared into the crowd.
Tsukiko rolled her eyes. Enma didn't look like he heard a single thing she said, "Did you even hear a word I said?"
"If you were pertaining to your previous statement about Basil and Nono then yes, and my answer is no" Enma simply answered with an easy smile, "Didn't think I was listening?"
"No, you rarely do" Tsukiko said with a shrug
Enma chuckled shaking his head. Then he paused. He looked at Tsukiko his eyes burning into hers, "I always listen to you Tsuki, I cherish every phrase and conversation we share"
Tsukiko blinked her lips slightly parted in surprise. There were times when Enma would catch her off guard. He would joke and tease her at one time and then suddenly he'd be serious the next.
Enma had developed a devil-may-care attitude over the years. It was a morphed manifestation of his timid and shy attitude. A few years ago, when someone would ask him something he didn't want to answer, he shyed away. Now he used his play at words to redirect the conversation elsewhere. Enma had described it to her as a change in adaptation. He simply found a way to adapt to his lifestyle and surroundings. In his words, "he found a better way to survive in their world". Tsukiko could somewhat relate to that. She had experienced something similar.
With his innocent looks and charm, Enma had the mafia world at his fingertips by the age of twenty. He had expanded the small Simon famiglia into an average sized mafia family. The mafia famiglias were weary of their family because of their infamous boss. Now that was saying something, especially when everything transpired in the span of four years.
Now as Tsukiko looked at Enma's easy smile, she had to think if he was serious or not. The statement seemed to hold meaning to Enma. But before Tsukiko could figure it out, Enma's hard eyes had reverted to their usual mischievous gleam and the moment was broken.
"I'm thirsty, let's grab a drink"
Before Tsukiko could voice her consent, Enma had dragged her across the ballroom to the refreshments table. He asked for two flutes of white wine, the waiter bowed politely to the two and handed them one each. They both took a sip and shared satisfied sigh.
"Just perfect"
Tsukiko voiced her agreement, "Two weeks ago I swore I wouldn't drink again, I'm glad I didn't take that seriously"
Enma raised an eyebrow, "If I had a dollar for every time you swore you wouldn't drink again I–"
Tsukiko interrupted Enma with a wave of her hand, "I know how this goes, can we move on to the next topic?"
"Alright then, so how's husband hunting going along?" Tsukiko choked on her second sip and Enma had to offer her his handkerchief so that she could discreetly cough into it. After making sure she didn't drown in her own drink, Tsukiko looked up and shot Enma a piercing glare.
Enma simply shrugged, "You wanted to change topic, your words, not mine"
"Then change it again" Tsukiko bit off with an unladylike huff
"Fine then, how are things going with Dino?"
Tsukiko looked irritated. And it was a sight to see. She looked quite adorable when she was flustered or irritated, or both, "I said. Change. Topic."
Enma raised both hands in surrender, "Now how was I supposed to know that Dino and your husband hunting were related? Unless…"
Tsukiko raised an eyebrow. It had been a month since Tsukiko and Enma last saw each other. But news travelled fast in the Mafia. She was certain that each person in the ballroom had, in one way or another, learned of her exchange with Dino two weeks ago.
"I'll take that as a yes" Enma smiled in triumph taking another long sip from his flute.
"Okay fine" Tsukiko sighed
Enma looked at her sympathetically, "Really, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that something is going on. You've been avoiding the man like the plague the entire night, and he's been watching you since he got here"
Tsukiko nodded solemnly. She knew he was watching her. Tsukiko didn't know if it was the hyper intuition or their familiarity with each other, she just knew. She felt the odd prickling sensation on her neck whenever he watched her. She could sense it when he turned, laughed, and smiled. And it confused her. She didn't know why she was so aware of him.
"Oh come on" Enma grabbed Tsukiko's flute and placed in on a nearby cocktail table before once again dragging her off somewhere.
"Hey! I wasn't finished yet"
"Well now you are"
"Where are you taking me?"
"To the dance floor" Enma paused "Oh, hear that? I think they're going to play the waltz"
Tsukiko paused as well, her ears straining to identify the sound, "Yeah, I think that's the waltz"
"Perfect! You know it, I know it, let's dance"
Tsukiko looked at Enma like he had swallowed something vile.
"Oh come on," With a light tug, Enma pulled Tsukiko closer to him. She was surprised by the movement a faint sound of surprise escaped her lips. Enma chuckled. Tsukiko glared, though the action was relatively difficult considering that Enma was at least a foot taller than her.
"What are you doing?"
Enma heaved a sigh, Tsukiko could see his chest rise and fall at the action, "Just a few minutes ago, you looked like you were stressed over something you didn't even have any power over, you seriously need to relax or else someone might mistake you for an old–"
Tsukiko slammed a hand against Enma's chest before he could finish. He coughed, "I was just kidding! As if anyone could mistake that pretty little face of yours as anything but beautiful"
Enma said the statement so nonchalantly that Tsukiko had to pull back and look at Enma in the eyes just to check if he was being sarcastic. Enma shrugged at Tsukiko's bewildered gaze.
"C'mon Tsuki, I'm a man and your best friend, because of that sometimes I'm an ass to you. But I'm not blind"
Tsukiko looked dumbfounded.
"Now come here, just relax and forget everything you need to do or any other impending problems you have, just forget them for five minutes" Enma's eyes softened as he offered his hand to Tsukiko, "For five minutes, just dance with me"
Enma's voice had stirred something within Tsukiko and before she knew it, she had placed her hand in his. She thought she heard a small sigh of relief from him, but she couldn't be sure.
Enma placed his hand on the small of her back and then he guided her right hand to hold his left.
"Place your left hand on my shoulder" Enma whispered in her ear.
Tsukiko followed his instructions but there was still an uncertainty within her, "Enma, I have to warn you, I'm not good at dancing"
She felt his chin touch the top of her head, "Don't worry, I'll guide you"
The small gesture sent a rush of warmth through her. Tsukiko didn't know why but something changed when he held her like this. It wasn't uncomfortable, it was just different
Before Tsukiko could think about it further, Enma had begun the waltz. He expertly led her into the dance, and it seemed that even she, someone who was clumsy with her feet, could move elegantly across the dance floor. Soon she found herself entranced in the dance.
There were times wherein Enma would twist her to the side, or bring her up close. It was a fleeting moment, but a moment nonetheless.
Tsukiko felt the blood rise to her cheeks.
It was the way he whispered to her, the way his breath seemed to tickle her ears. The way he held her so delicately and yet managed to guide her with confidence.
His mere presence eased the tension in her body. In his arms, she felt safe.
"Tsuki?" Enma's voice drifted down to her ears like falling stars
She looked up and saw him gazing at her curiously. She had abruptly stopped somewhere in the middle of the dance. Couples had gone past them staring with curiosity. But Enma didn't seem to mind. He barely spared them a glance, his entire attention was focused on the brunette beauty in his arms.
Enma cocked his head to the side, as if to ask her a question. But he didn't need to speak, and she didn't need to answer. Instead, he squeezed her hand, and they began to dance once again.
Tsukiko followed Enma's lead, never taking her eyes off his face. The dance lifted her, carried her, and for the first time in her life, she felt as if she understood what it meant to dance. Her feet moved in perfect time with his.
When it was done and they pulled apart, she felt bereft.
"Tsuki?" Enma asked softly. He looked concerned but at the same time, dazed. It was a reflection of what Tsuki felt.
There was something, a silence that had seemed to steal their speech. It was a silence that had held meaning. Tsuki couldn't put her finger on it, but she knew that something had transpired between them during the dance, she just didn't know what.
Enma had taken a step towards Tsuki, but she didn't notice, not until she felt Enma's index and thumb hold her chin and tilt it upward. His crimson eyes bore into hers.
"Enma?" Tsuki was breathless. She could barely form the words. His kind gaze seemed to know everything
Enma leaned in towards Tsuki and she instinctively closed her eyes.
She felt his lips touch her cheek. Tsuki opened her eyes in shock, but she didn't pull away.
"Now that's just unfair" Enma said his voice tinged with humor
With that short statement, the moment was gone. They were back to themselves, and they were back to simply being close friends again.
Tsukiko frowned. Since when had their friendship been simple?
"Unfair? I did warn you that I wasn't a good dancer" Tsukiko said with a small pout
Enma looked amused, "Ah yes, I couldn't count how many times you had nearly trampled on my feet"
Tsukiko rolled her eyes heavenward, "You're exaggerating"
Enma laughed at that and soon enough Tsukiko joined him.
Past the crowd in the ballroom and through the French doors that led to the balcony, stood Reborn, he had his back to the doors. He set his fedora and coat on the white railing. In his left hand was an unlit cigarette.
"Uncle Reborn, what are you doing out here?"
Reborn's eyes softened, but he still didn't turn, he simply stared at the sky, "I'm just watching the moon"
Yuni nodded as she walked towards her uncle and stood beside him. It was a strange sight, Reborn was a grown man of roughly thirty and Yuni looked about fourteen, their age difference transparent in their difference in height. Yet Reborn knew, that even though Yuni was relatively young in age, she had possessed an old soul. Just like her mother before her and her mother's mother.
"Mama told me that you and grandmother used to watch the evening sky together"
Reborn felt himself nod, "We did, at that time she was pregnant with your mother"
This time it was Yuni's turn to nod. She instinctively reached for her pacifier, even though the sky pacifier was no longer resting by her heart. It was out of habit, "I know, I have inherited mama and grandmama's visions, some of their memories, as well as their feelings"
"Is that why you have strong feelings for Gamma?"
Yuni shook her head, "I know my feelings for him are mine and mine alone, but I still have knowledge of my mother's feelings for him, just like how I know my grandmama's feelings for you"
Reborn felt the cigarette slip from his fingers, "Luce?"
"She loved you, just like how I love and will continue to love Gamma" A small smile adorned Yuni's lips, "She also wants you to let her go"
Reborn's hand clenched to fists. He looked down, a shadow covered his eyes. Yuni couldn't read his expression, nonetheless she placed both of her hands on top of his. Reborn looked up, only to meet Yuni's assuring and calm gaze.
"Uncle Reborn, she wants you to be free"
"Men like me can never be free"
Author's Note: As some of you have noticed, I chose to postpone the strip poker idea mehehehe my friend showed me this video of a contemporary dance competition in the UK that got me addicted XD and the idea just hit me so I wanted to write a ball themed chapter hahaha!
And I am so sorry for making Enma and Ryohei so OOC D: the temptation to make a cooler Enma was just too great! I mean I know Enma's appeal is in his vulnerability and his honesty but the way I pictured Enma growing up was maturing in such a way that could help his family. So I thought (if Enma had a 10 year older self in the anime and manga) he would be something close to this. A devil-may-care charmer that still had his values intact but was easy going and laid back hahaha sorry temptation was really too great XD also, I just needed to make Ryohei more mature, so I removed the "extreme" language and I made him a bit of a charmer too :D
Oh and I'm not sure if it was clear but the concept of the last part was that Reborn had feelings for Luce and she did for him as well. But Luce knew it wasn't their destiny to spend their lives together so she ignored her feelings (I think the same went for Yuni's mother and Gamma), and since Reborn wasn't going to act on Luce (who had a child and a family at the time), he shut away his feelings as well. But Reborn could never forgive himself for letting Luce die, or the fact that he couldn't do anything to save her, even if it was her fate.
Wew! That was a long one, anyway, tell me what you think! :D