Chapter 24: setting up

Hmm, this week's Reborn Chapter took forever. But what a revelation. And it's perfect timing for me too. Those who are up to date can guess what I mean, but I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't read the chapter yet.

As we go from Horse to Sheep

I will rise from the deep

Whilst flowers bloom in the heavens

I will steal the rainbow's seven

More than joy will sound this night

As I make my returning flight.

"Grah! Why? Why, Why, why, why, WHY?"

In his natural habitat of Skyscrapers, one man smashes his glass against the table.

"It should be back by now. It's never been this long before."

"I wonder why the delay though." He turns to the other occupant of the room. She flicks some imaginary glass off her bed, before continuing where she left off, knowing she now has his full attention. "We haven't heard even a peep about him since last time. It's unusual for it to be this long between hunts."

"Well, there can be only two reasons for this delay in hunting. Firstly, maybe I killed him."

"Maybe" The woman glares at him, " 'Maybe I killed him?' Why didn't you make sure? You know how we operate. We know the prey is dead when our hands are covered in their blood, ack" She grabs her chest tightly, before bringing her hands to her mouth. She coughs violently for a few moments. Dropping her hands, there are crimson drops glistening in the poor lights.

"Heh, I didn't need an example" the man walks over, the dangerous gleam in his eyes from earlier practically gone. But not completely. These red droplets reminded him of his real prey, and the real reason for being in this hellhole of a home. He grabs a tissue and cleans her hands.

"I know. I left before I confirmed that he was dead. And then his new back-up arrived. So that's why I said there were two reasons. I know how hard that prey tries to stay alive. Every time I think I've got him cornered, that I can finally squeeze the life out of him, he escapes."

"Yes, yes, yes. I know that. But what's the second thing?" she rasps, throat sore from coughing.

"My dearest. Think about it. Why else would he hold onto his own hard earned prey?"

Eyes meet, and a gleam of hope fills both.

"You can't mean?" she gasps, heart rate picking up.

He strokes her cheek, smiling the first genuine smile in months. "Exactly my dear. One last hunt and we will forever be free from these shackles, and allowed to return to the forest."

"Ne, Gokudera?" asks Tsuna, finding him walking down a hallway. Gokudera immediately spins around at hearing Juudaime's voice.

"What can I do for you Juudaime?" he asks. Tsuna walks up next to him, stops and places his hand on his chin as if thinking.

"Have you seen Shinichi or" and he looks around to see if they were indeed the only people in the hallway. Seeing that they were, he continues "Kaito around? Apart from Breakfast and Dinner, I haven't seen them for the past 5 days. I'm getting worried."

"Hmm, I agree Juudaime. I'm sorry to say that those are the only times that I've seen either of them too." Gokudera looks extremely apologetic.

3,2,1…

"I'm so sorry Juudaime! It's my job as your right-hand man to keep track of where everyone is. How could I have made a blunder like this? I don't deserve to be your right hand man"

And there we go. Tsuna internally sighs.

"G-Gokudera. It's alright. You know what Ka-" and seeing a subordinate walk past, Tsuna changes what he was going to say "KID is like. KID only appears whenever he wants to. It's not like Shinichi though."

"Well, they both do seem like solitary people. But to ignore us totally like that? They never were like this back home. I mean-" and Gokudera looks up, down the hallway. "Oy, Thief-baka, get back here!" Gokudera rushes off, carefully avoiding Juudaime in his pursuit of the thief. Tsuna sighs and goes off after him.

Gokudera and Tsuna come to an intersection, stopping since it seems like KID has stopped too. However, something's not right. KID was… KID was…

KID was IN the mirror on the wall.

KID turns around to face his pursuers. "Ah, Tsuna, Gokudera. How may I help you?"

Tsuna stutters slightly, taking a good look at the image before him. He takes a step forwards, and so does KID. Both keep taking steps forwards, towards each other, until Tsuna is a step away from mirror. Slowly, Tsuna lifts a hand, KID mirroring his movements perfectly. Placing a hand against the glass, KID places a gloved hand in the exact same spot, at the exact same time. Not believing this, Tsuna raises his other hand and uses one knuckle to tap the glass. As does KID, in perfect harmony.

"Mirror Mirror on the wall, who's the latest of them all?" Both Tsuna and KID turn their heads to Tsuna's right and down, to look at the small Hitman. Reborn was both next to Tsuna and in the mirror.

"Re-reborn?" asks Tsuna, looking between the two images of Reborn.

"Of course Dame Tsuna. Who else would I be?" The Hitman looks up, as does the mirrors reflection.

"I was just coming Reborn. I got what you asked for." Explains KID. Reborn nods, and walks away, down the hall way. Yet the image of Reborn in the mirror remains. Tsuna's mouth drops to the floor, whilst Gokudera's eyes widen.

"Well then, let's go" Reborn's voice sounded just as close as earlier, even though the Hitman was clearly visible further down the hall. When Tsuna goes to look back at the mirror, no one is there. It's simply his reflection again. Looking back down the hall, Reborn has disappeared.

"Bu-Wh- What just happened?" Tsuna asks.

"Maybe it's a magic mirror" guesses Gokudera, eyes shining. "Or a cursed Mirror. Or a new type of UMA that KID has communicated with" Tsuna rolls his eyes.

"That may be true, if it was anyone else but KID who had just performed that. But damn, we didn't get to ask him where he was" Replies Tsuna. Just to make sure, he taps the mirror again.

"Hahaha. Did you see, hahaha, his face!"

Back in Shinichi's room, KID is rolling around on Shinichi's bed (dust free and lemon fresh) laughing at Tsuna and Gokudera's expressions from earlier.

"Yes, KID, I did. You did that just to get out of the questioning. Plus you still love to play with people." Answers Shinichi, putting his clothes away. He was watching from the same mirror KID was using to play with Tsuna. He had seen every emotion cross over Tsuna's face.

After a very long 5 days and nights of working, they finally had liveable rooms. They had worked through the nights to get the electrics in the walls and ceiling. Luckily, the attic next door had working electricity, and the ceilings of the rooms below also had wire cables. All KID had to do was connect their cables to those. At the moment it was only basic, but enough to make living up there comfortable. For one thing, they now had electric lights in all of the rooms rather than candles. There were also the odd electrical socket too, but they were still working on those. They had to do as little damage to the walls as possible, or be reprimanded by Reborn. Over time, they would improve it until it was as modern as they liked.

"I still can't believe you're going through with this tonight." KID stops laughing and looks over at Shinichi, who continues to unpack. "It's a good thing that everyone will be out of the house and at the party"

"Well, I've got to make an impression. It's time my name was actually true again. And what better time for a new start?" questions KID. "And I even got Reborn's permission. Nothing's going to go wrong; it won't be that different to before. It'll be interesting, with a new cast of characters."

Shinichi snorts "You mean a new cast of targets, or a new collection of toys?" He raises an eyebrow as he turns to look at KID. KID crosses his arms, 'harrumphs' and turns his head away from Shinichi.

"I can't believe you think that low of me Metantei-san. I take them very seriously. And technically, I could include you in that cast." KID looks to the side to see Shinichi's reaction. Shinichi simply has a small smile on his face. KID's not sure if that smile is directed at him, or the items in the detective's hands. It's the gear that Conan used to chase KID with. Placing on his watch, belt and kick shoes, Shinichi stands up. During their time in Japan, Spanner had made Adult sized versions of Conan's gear. There was something comforting about wearing them. He still wore them, showing that Conan was still a part of him. Everything he had learned as Conan was still important, still valuable to him. And he wasn't about to let a whole three years go to waste.

"KID! Shinichi! Reborn? Guys, where are you?"

That's Tsuna's voice, rising up from the floor below. It's a reminder once again of the time.

"It looks like they are about to leave. I hope that they have fun at the party. It's too bad that KID and Shinichi will miss it." comments Shinichi, brushing dirt off of his trousers.

"I'm sure that they will do. It's a celebration after all. I'd be mad at them if they didn't have fun at a celebration, no matter who the other attendees are" KID scowls, watching Shinichi push the suitcase into the bottom of the wardrobe.

Shinichi sighs at KID's pout. "Well, I'm assuming that you are going to help me with these clothes" And KID's face lights up. Shinichi isn't sure whether the expression is happy or evil. "It's not like I have a choice" he mutters under his breath.

"If you please Magician"

Tsuna stands infront of his door, stamps his foot and sighs.

"Grr, Where are they?"

"Where is who, Boss?" Tsuna whirls around, finding a man behind him. Tsuna gasps, not hearing him approach. This man has dark blond hair, piercing green eyes, and is wearing a navy blue suit and a bow-tie.

"Oh, just looking for Shinichi and KID. I thought that they were coming with us, but I haven't found them yet, so maybe they aren't coming at all." Tsuna explains, rubbing the back of his neck

"Well, it's best to go on without them. It's their loss" Tsuna spins on his heels and faces a woman. She has long brown hair, bright green eyes and is wearing a dark blue suit. She rushes forwards, grabs Tsuna's arm and hauls him down the hallway. "So Boss, are you looking forwards to the party?" She flutters her eyelashes.

"W-well. Not really." Tsuna admits.

"Of course! This is your first time coming to a party like this." She gasps, placing a hand against her mouth. She turns a corner, nearing the entryway. "Well, I'm sure that there is nothing that you can't do."

Tsuna blushes at the tone this woman is using. She leans in close, pushing her well-endowed assets against his arm. She runs one well-manicured hand down his cheek,

"Oy, wench. Get your hands off of Juudaime." Tsuna and the woman both look up, and down the stairs of the entryway, to where Gokudera is standing at the bottom.

With a girlish giggle, this woman practically flies down the stairs, and latches onto him instead. "What such lovely escorts to this party I have." She drags him out through the doors, flings him into the car, and gets in herself. Before he can make a protest, she has sat down next to him, flicked off her heels, brought her knees up and is firmly resting against him. No matter how hard he tries, he can't seem to get her to let go of his arm.

There are sniggers from around the car at the way Gokudera was manhandled. Glaring at them only makes them laugh harder. The woman looks around the limo as if only just realising there are others in the car.

"Oh my God. Even more lovely men. Whatever have I done to deserve an escort like this?" Hand to her heart she takes a closer look at the men, and woman, around her. "Gya. Look at the muscles on this one." She stands up slightly and sits next to Ryohei, running a hand over his arm muscles. Turning to the other side, she looks at Yamamoto. "And such soft hair" she says, patting him on the head.

"Gwahaha, you shouldn't bother with them. Lambo-sama is the best!" announces Lambo. She turns her gaze towards him, before rushing over. Lifting him up, she sits in his seat, before placing him on her lap.

"Well, aren't you adorable too?" Lambo preens under the praise. The lady squeezes him tightly as if he were a cuddly cow.

"Un, excuse me, um Miss" Yamamoto attempts. Piercing emerald eyes meet his, and Yamamoto stares at them for a moment, before remembering his question. "Why are you here?"

"Didn't I say that you were escorting me? That kind of implies that I'm going." She laughs "And I couldn't leave delightful Mistress Chrome here with a group of boys by herself, now could I." Chrome was in the car with them. Mukuro didn't feel like going to this party. Yet the Guardians presence was requested. Even though it was a request, it was practically an order. So Chrome decided she would come in his place. She wanted to see the celebration anyway.

Tsuna and a subordinate enter the car, with the blond man closing the door behind him. As the door closes, the car moves off, and they are on their way.

"Ohh, but this one. He's definitely my type. I love intelligent males, they make life sooo interesting." Lambo is chucked off her lap as she slides to sit next to this unknown man. Eyes follow her movements, wary of this stranger. This woman doesn't lean all over him like she did the others. Crossing her legs, her skirt riding up in the process and revealing a stunning pair of legs, she gets comfortable.

Reborn jumps over, sits in between them and settles himself in for the ride. And for the rest of them, that is enough. They trust Reborn inexpressibly. They would trust Reborn with their lives, and do so on a daily basis. His advice is practically law- even if it is enforced by himself- and any decisions he makes are correct and final. Everything Reborn does, even if they can't see it at the time, is for their own good and helps in their growth. In the past they have learnt that not following Reborn's advice leads to mistakes and a painful bump on the head. If Reborn says it's okay to have them in the car with them, then so be it.

"Che, mind introducing yourselves. It would be nice to know who we're traveling with" orders Gokudera, eyeing them suspiciously. If they take one step near Juudaime…

Two pairs of intense jade eyes look his way and Gokudera is slightly taken back. However after a moment, they change, becoming softer. They laugh slightly, as if sharing some private joke, before the woman answers.

"Me, well I'm Clover, and this here is my partner, Arthur. We'll be accompanying you to the venue and back." The occupants of the car nod in acceptance.

Hmm, Tsuna thinks I know them from somewhere. My intuition says that they are okay; it's safe to trust them. If only it would tell me who they are. Although with all the subordinates and mafiosi here in the base, it would be nearly impossible to remember them all. It's highly likely that I have seen them before.

"Reborn, what will we be doing at this party?" asks Yamamoto, changing topic. If they are coming along, that's fine with him; the more the merrier after all.

"It's just a basic get together for a celebration. It's a chance for Bosses to communicate on equal ground and just enjoy the company without worrying about getting shot in the back- generally. So treat it like any other corporate party you've been to." He explains. The others all relax, knowing that there's nothing too formal to be done yet.

"But" Here it comes "This is your first real Mafia party. So you need to present yourselves as polite, yet strong. Don't let anyone walk all over you, however don't offend anyone either. Eyes will be on you, but show them that you don't care. Vongola secret stay Vongola, as you all know. And at this precise moment, Vongola's top secret is the two new Guardians. No one is to mention that we have them, nor are you to mention that KID or Shinichi are affiliated with us. Understand?" Forceful eyes look at each person, drilling that into their minds. They all nod, showing that they understand.

"Big Bro Dino will be there" comments Tsuna. They all smile, knowing the clumsy Boss will be there too. He was always so supportive, and would make sure that they didn't disgrace themselves too badly. "He sent me an email saying to look out for him."

They drive along the familiar route to the airport, chatting about meaningless things and keeping their minds off of the party. Once there, they see a familiar face. Not looking happy, but here anyway, Hibari is sleeping on the roof of the car that brought him here, enjoying the sun on his face.

As they exit the car, Hibird flies around his master, singing "Herbivores, Herbivores". Hibari doesn't even acknowledge the bird, knowing by sound alone that they are here. It's kind of hard not to.

"Be quiet herbivores. You are disturbing the peace."

Immediately they all quieten down. Pleased with the result, Hibari finally looks over towards them, and notices two strangers getting out of the car. Within moments, Hibari is infront of the woman, tonfa raised in a threatening position. "Who are you?"

"Ohh, look at the gleam in his eyes." And not caring about the tonfa, she grabs his chin "They are so… fierce." Not believing that this woman has just ignored his threat and touched him, Hibari attacks.

Clover and Arthur both duck under the first swing and Arthur stays sitting on the floor as Clover cartwheels away from Hibari. Keeping focus on the woman who touched him, Hibari spins on his heels, and leaps forwards, tonfa rising upwards to attack. Clover jumps on the tonfa, using the upwards momentum to add force behind her kick to his chin.

A gun shot between the two stops the match, and Hibari huffs in defeat. He looks towards Reborn, not happy that the match was stopped- for a woman she wasn't that bad.

"Hibari, you don't need to fight them. They are accompanying us, that is all. Now if you don't want to be late, I suggest you get on the plane" Reborn waves his gun in the direction of their private plane.

Even though he doesn't want to follow Reborn's orders, being late is breaking the rules, so he gets on the plane and secludes himself in the rear compartment, like last time. The others all pile on too, sitting in the centre.

"Representing the Vongola Famiglia, Vongola Decimo and his Guardians"

The doors are opened, and Tsuna and his Family take a step forwards. They are all in black suits, with Shirts matching their flame type, and the Vongola Family tie. Tsuna is also wearing a cloak, with a chain connecting the two sides to hold it in place. Along this chain are 7 bright stones, representing him and his Guardians. Tsuna nods at the announcer before descending the stairs, the rest three steps behind him. As soon as Tsuna's feet touch the carpet of the main floor, important Bosses come over to meet him. Other lower ranked Bosses flock to the Guardians instead.

It really is like a Corporate party admits Tsuna, easing himself into the atmosphere.

After a few frantic minutes of introductions and greetings, things slow down and Tsuna has a chance to breathe again.

"So little Bro" Tsuna looks over his shoulder to find Dino approaching him. Tsuna fully turns and smiles. "Are you enjoying Venice?"

Venice was where this party was being held. It was the turn of an up and coming Family to host these celebrations, and their most suitable location was their holdings here in Venice. Not that people minded, Venice was a beautiful city to hold these celebrations in. The black water was reflecting the lights and stars, making everything shimmer and glow.

"I am Dino. I still can't get over how pretty everything is here in Italy." Tsuna admits, laughing slightly.

"Well, it's a different type of beauty to Japan. But Japan is beautiful too." Tsuna nods in agreement.

"So are you ready?"

"You're bad for my sanity you know. I would have never done this before I met you"

"Ahh, thanks for the compliment"

"It wasn't meant to be one. The number of insane things you've made me do. The next thing I know, I'll be doing more than just acting; I'll be there with tools in my pockets, and gloves on my hands."

"That would be so awesome. Would you really?"

"No."

"Hmm, didn't think so. Anyway we had better get a move on, that manager's staring at us. We are supposed to be working after all."

Two waiters walk out of the kitchen, down a hallway and into the event room. The noise of conversation is loud due to how many people there are in attendance. Slowly they make their way around the room, offering drinks to those who reach out for them. Meandering on a very set course, they visit certain people, checking in and making sure that they are okay.

Passing a blond and young brunet, one waiter offers them the last of his drinks. They both take one, smiling in thanks. But the brunet's smile quickly changes into a look of confusion and half recognition.

The waiter smiles and walks back to the other, the brunet's eyes following his every move. They both bow to the pair before leaving for the kitchen again.

"Is everything alright Tsuna?" asks Dino, concerned. Tsuna stares at the door where the two waiters left through. "Was there something wrong with them?"

Slowly Tsuna shakes his head, before forcefully removing his eyes from the doorway. Shaking his head faster and firmer, Tsuna looks back at Dino. "No, I just thought they were someone I knew. But they shouldn't be here."

"Really? That is strange. Well, if they can't be here, then those waiters can't be them. Maybe they just look similar." Advises Dino. Tsuna nods, before turning to another Boss who wanted his attention.

"Ah, Decimo, it's nice to finally see you here in Italy." Comments the Nubo Boss.

"Thank you. It's nice to finally meet all of you face to face rather than through phone calls or video messages." Replies Tsuna.

"So why the sudden move from Japan to here?" he questions. Other Bosses turn to listen to this conversation, wondering this themselves.

Tsuna tries not to let the attention bother him, and turns his flames up slightly more. As soon as they had arrived Tsuna had used his flames to present himself as more Boss-like. He found that his flames steadied him, and provided the inner power and peace that he needed to face these people. Plus, he wasn't a klutz with his flames on; It wouldn't do for him to trip down the stairs infront of all these important people. Turning slightly to include anyone else listening, Tsuna answers, "Well, Nono decided that it was time I had a more practical role in leading the Family. So he decided that it was time for us to move to Italy and see up close how the Family is run. It gives me time to accustom myself to the members of my Family before I'm in the position of leading them." The bosses agree with this logic, and applaud the Ninth's thinking. "Plus, it'll give me experience whilst Nono is still here to help, provide advice and correct my mistakes" the Bosses all politely laugh.

"I'm sure that nothing will go too wrong" assures one of the crowding Bosses. "There's no one with more experience than Nono." Murmurs of agreement start up after this comment. Conversation moves onto the Ninth's experience, and stories of him in his prime are passed around. Tsuna learns a lot more about the man he's taking the title from, and finds that he has a lot to live up to.

Excusing himself from the conversation, Tsuna walks away and out onto the Balcony. Leaning against the concrete railing, Tsuna stares out at the inky black water infront of him.

"Is everything alright Juudaime?" asks Gokudera, following Tsuna outside. Tsuna nods, not looking away from the river. Gokudera walks up and stands next to Tsuna. "I've brought you some food, it's been a while since we last ate" A plate is put down on the stone wall and Tsuna smiles at Gokudera's consideration.

"Thanks Gokudera." Tsuna picks up one of the canapés, studies it before eating it. "The Ninth sure is amazing"

Gokudera turns his head to look at Tsuna, before nodding. "That he is Juudaime. He is the Father of Vongola at the moment. Only amazing people can hold that position. That's why I'm sure that you'll do fine. In fact, you'll be even better than him."

Tsuna smiles at the assurance in Gokudera's voice. He would never know where Gokudera got that assurance from. He could never see this amazing person Gokudera made him out to be. But if the trip to the future is anything to go by, then he will, someday, become someone worthy of Gokudera's praise.

"Yo, so this is where you guys are" states Yamamoto, walking over to where they are. Seeing the plate, he takes a bit and eats it "Hmm, the food here sure is amazing"

"Oi Yakyuu-baka! Those were for Juudaime. How dare you eat them" shouts Gokudera, holding up a fist filled with dynamites.

"maa, maa, calm down Gokudera. We can always go get some more." Tsuna finds this bantering soothing, and closes his eyes just to listen to their argument.

"Tsuna, Tsuna!" All three turn to face the archway leading back into the event hall. Standing there is Lambo, tiredly rubbing one eye. Slowly Lambo walks over to Tsuna, leaning against his older brother when he gets close enough. Tsuna pats him gently on the head "Lambo is tired, but he wants to stay awake." They all laugh slightly; he is only a child after all. "Tsuna, Tsuna. Carry Lambo" he yawns as he holds his arms up.

"Ahoshi, you shouldn't ask that from Juudaime. He's not your Nanny you know." Growls Gokudera.

"Baka- [yawn] dera. Jealous that I didn't ask you?" he sneers at Gokudera. Tsuna grabs the little cow and holds him up, letting him rest his head on Tsuna's shoulder.

"J-jealous? Why would I be jealous?" shouts Gokudera.

"A-ho-de-ra" Lambo mumbles, settling in and falling asleep.

"haha, he got you there Gokudera" claims Yamamoto, slapping him on the back. Gokudera flicks the hand off before grumbling to himself.

"Little Bro you need to see this to the EXTREME" roars Ryohei, not even in sight yet. He comes careening around the corner, pushing off the archway due to his speed. "Chrome is dancing with some guy!"

The others look slightly shocked. Hefting Lambo up higher on his hip, Tsuna turns to Ryohei. "Well, she can dance with who she wants. It is a party after all."

"But it looks like she's not enjoying it to the extreme, it's the EXTREME opposite." Describes Ryohei, hands waving in the air.

The atmosphere around Tsuna drops and grows cold. He passes Lambo (who has now woken up after Ryohei's shout) over to Gokudera before striding off. "No one forces our sister to do anything." He growls.

He walks back to the main hall and through the doors, before coming to a stop in the doorway.

It seems as if his help wasn't needed.

Chrome was dancing with some Boss, and unfortunately one of Vongola's allies, meaning she couldn't exactly refuse. The look on her face showed that she was highly uncomfortable with the current situation, and couldn't wait for this guy to let go of her hand and hip. However, just as Tsuna was about to interfere, the Boss spins Chrome. When he was off balance from the spin, Hibari stalked over and pushed the Boss out of the way, before completing the spin and continuing dancing as if he'd been her partner all along.

"Umm, Thank you Hibari." She whispers, blushing slightly at being saved in this manner.

"Humph. Well, forcing a lady against her will is breaking the rules and he should be disciplined for it. I am merely protecting the peace." He answers back gruffly.

There is a gasp from next to them- in the direction Hibari pushed the Boss. Both look over to find a scene starting between a waiter and the Boss.

"Oh My God. I am so sorry Sir. Please come this way and we'll see if we can get you dry." It seemed like the waiter had spilled a whole pitcher of iced water down the unfortunate man. There was outright laughter from some viewers, and grunts of indignation from the Boss's close friends.

The waiter looks up and winks at Chrome. She smile back and nods her head in thanks. She would have to thank him properly later.

Seeing Tsuna at the edge of the crowd, Hibari spins Chrome again, letting Tsuna grab her instead. His job was done here after all.

"Are you alright Chrome?" asks Tsuna. "He didn't hurt you or anything did he?" a defiant light gleams in his eyes, and his voice is close to a snarl. Chrome shakes her head and squeezes his hand.

"No Boss. I am fine, he just really wanted to dance, that was all." Tsuna gives her a are-you-sure look, to which she nods again. She has to smile at Tsuna's protectiveness of her though. A few moments later, she is spun once again, finding herself in Gokudera's arms next.

"Che, what a bastard, making you dance when you didn't want to." Gokudera growls. He's practically staring daggers into the man's back. "Why I ought to stuff him with dynamite and set him off as a firework later on" As gruesome as it sounds, Chrome had to laugh at Gokudera's own form of protectiveness.

"I'm sure that Mukuro-sama would love to see that" she laughs. Gokudera doesn't look too pleased with that answer, but gently sets her spinning again.

This time, she's ended up in Yamamoto's arms. "I'm going to have to thank that waiter later" he admits, a playful gleam in his eyes and a broad smile on his face. Chrome nods in agreement. "I've seen him about and he's too graceful to spill something like that. He's trained in some sort of sport- I can tell from the way he walks."

"I'm sure that you will have the chance to later" assures Chrome. Yamamoto looks slightly confused due to the absolute certainty she has in her voice. Shaking his head, he smiles once more, before he lets her go.

Strong and firm arms catch her, and she's now looking up at Ryohei. "If he does that again, I'll knock his lights out". Over the past years, Chrome had been around Kyoko so much, that she was almost like another sister to him. Well, she was a sister to all of them, their time together had formed bonds that close. But Ryohei would protect her in the exact same way he would Kyoko.

"If you did that, Kyoko would shout at you for fighting again" she gently warns.

The boxer grips her tightly for a moment before shaking his head. "Nah, she'd most likely come over and slap him too. And then tell him off infront of everyone." Both smile at the truth behind those words.

"Yeah, she would. Imagine the loss of reputation for that Boss." They both laugh. One of Ryohei's eyebrows raise at something behind her. But before she has chance to turn her head and look, Ryohei's forced her off into another spin. At this rate, she was going to get dizzy.

However, she was not expecting this next person. For it was a 20 year old Lambo. A lot of the ladies in the room turn to look at the handsome man. It was rather close to the 25 year old Lambo the others had described that appeared at the Ring Battles. Seems that Lambo was going to be a heart breaker when he grew up.

"Yare Yare" sighs Lambo. "When my 10 year old self saw you looking that uncomfortable, he couldn't handle it and used the Bazooka. I'm glad to see that you are alright now. Let's see, 10 years ago would have been… Ahh" Lambo smiles down at her "I loved this night. Try not to miss the show."

Chrome smiles at the insinuation. "So there is something going on. I thought so" Lambo raises an eyebrow, surprised that she had guessed, but before he can ask, a sleeping 10 year old Lambo appears in her arms. She smiles sweetly and lovingly down at the cow in her arms. She knows what he had tried to do, and was touched that he felt that way.

In fact, she knew what they were all doing, even if it was unconscious. They didn't all just dance with her to see if she was alright. It would have only taken Tsuna to do that. In fact, just Hibari's interference would have been enough. No, all of them danced with her to show that she was theirs, part of Vongola and not to be messed with. But rather than feeling like an object or a prize, she was touched by their feelings towards her. That they would go so far to protect her was moving.

Chrome was so glad she had been fortunate enough to have found a family like this. And she was going to protect them, no matter what was going to come their way. She had trained hard over these past 5 years. She wasn't there to be protected. She was going to protect them too. She was sure of it.

Phantom Hitman 1412

First Published 11 March 2012