Disclaimer : I do not own Katekyo Hitman Reborn! KHR! belongs to its rightful owner, Akira Amano.

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A/N : Sorry for the late update! Been busy with other fics and also lack of motivation AND also writer's block. Thank you all for you patience and here's the new chapter! Enjoy!

~Chapter 17~

~Family~

It was dark. So dark that I can't see or feel anything. It's cold. It's starting to hurt. I can't breathe. It hurts to breathe.

Where am I?

I opened my eyes, trying to get used to the dark.

Knives. I could see knives in front of me as my eyes widened.

Stop it. Stop. I had had enough.

And then Liz appeared as well as Giorgio.

Why? Why can't I just die?!

I should have died back then! I shouldn't have live! I...I wanted to just die! Why am I here again? Why do I have to feel the same pain, go through the same thing again?

I hate this!

I wiped away the warm tears that flowed down on cheeks. I was powerless against them.

They got nearer and started aiming the knives at me. They swing it swiftly and I was barely able to dodge.

A small cut appeared on my cheeks.

I looked up in fear. Trying to stand with my trembling legs, I stumbled down again.

They grinned and I could only look as the knives slowly crept it's way towards me. I closed my eyes and felt nothing happen.

I opened them again and I was at a different place.

Where?

I could hear small and unclear sounds. What is it?

"She..."

"...mean...Estraneo..."

"...wonder...she..."

...Who?

What are they talking about? The voices isn't so distant and seem familiar...

Two knives flew towards me all of a sudden as I try to cast my defensive illusions.

"Lucia!" Someone called out at me.

I snapped open my eyes.

Is this another dream?

Then where am I?

"Lucia-chan! Lucia-chan!"

Someone's calling me again.

Who...?

I looked up tiredly as I panted. I shifted my long bangs out of the way.

It was Tsuna. He looked...different.

Why?

"Lu-Lucia-chan...S-Stop it..." He said with a pained expression.

My eyes widened as I saw my illusions strangling him. I must have did it unconsciously...I dissolved the illusions as fast as I could.

"I'm sorry..." I mumbled and sighed.

"I-It's okay..." He answered.

I looked around. There were only Tsuna and Reborn. And this room looks like a hospital room to me. With it's white wall and white curtains.

"So how long was I unconscious?" I asked no one in particular, breaking the silence in the room.

"T-Three days." Tsuna said.

"That long?" I lay back down with a small thud sound.

"Lucia. I have some matters to talk to you about." Reborn said.

"And that is?" I asked.

"Th-"

"Wait! Where's Ciel and Leone!" I cut Reborn off and sat up abruptly.

"Well, that was what I was trying to tell you. We didn't find them." Reborn sighed as he was cut off, but nevertheless, answered me. "But we didn't destroy that place either. So they should be able to escape."

"Sighs." I bury my face into knees.

I hope they are fine.

"How about the boss, Giorgio?" I asked.

"In the Vendicare now."

"Vendicare?!" The place where Mukuro was confined! Serves him right. "Its fine now. You can all leave." I mumbled.

"Are you sure?" Tsuna asked with a worried face.

"Yes." I smiled at him to assure him.

"Okay then." He went out of the room with Reborn on his shoulder.

Looking out at the window and letting the wind softly hit my face, I breathe a sigh of relieve.

I had finally escaped that place. I'm not going to be trapped there. It's no longer able to haunt me.

It's gone.

Forever and ever.

I'm free.

A small warm liquid trickle down my cheek. I wiped it away with my fist and laid back down.

A smile tugged itself on my lips.

A few days later.

I buttoned the last button on my shirt and sling my backpack across my shoulders before heading down for breakfast. Closing the door to my room, I greeted Reborn who was on his way to wake Tsuna up.

And now, I'm sure you're curious as to why I'm no longer in the hospital.

I was healed completely. Thanks to Reborn and Ryohei's Sun flames. I was supposed to take another month to recuperate but they healed me and I was perfectly fine in no time. It shocked the doctors of course, but I shrugged it off and got out of the hospital.

It was the usual thing. Tsuna woke up late again and was rushing. Lambo and Ipin was arguing and Bianchi was hugging Reborn. I ate my breakfast quietly and said my thanks after I'm done with it.

Opening the front door and stepping out, I was met with a grinning Mai before she bowed at me. Beside her was Gokudera with his usual scowl. I greeted him before walking away with Mai, leaving the boys behind.

Mai told me all sorts of things that happened throughout the time when I wasn't in school. She was really worried about me and visited me when I was still in the hospital. She cried and said how worried she was. She also decided to follow me from now on and never leaving my side even for a second. I apologize for making her worry but told her there was no need to. But she insisted. Sigh.

And soon, the boys joined us and the usual thing came. Gokudera argued with Yamamoto while Tsuna was kicked by Reborn because he was unable to stop their bickering.

Without realizing it, I giggled.

It was normal. It was just like the usual. Nothing changed.

And normal is good. It was nice to see all these after so long.

But soon I realize it was silent. No sound at all was heard. I look at the with furrowed brows.

"What's wrong?" I asked nobody in particular. No one replied me and so I repeated my question.

"Etto...Well, i-it's just we have never seen you laugh so c-cutely." Tsuna stuttered and Yamamoto nodded with a grin. I glances at Gokudera and find him already looking away with a scowl.

I felt my cheeks burn slightly when I realize they all think the same.

"M-Mai?" I turned to her and wished for her to say something different. She was my last hope.

"I think so too, Lucia-sama!" She replied. My blush deepens as I pulled Mai's hand and ran off to school.

When we arrive, we're all late. By a minute. All because of them.

"Herbivores, you're all late." Hibari stated icily. "Detention is after school."

Everyone groaned.

"I thought I was an omnivore?"

"Hn. You're just an herbivore, don't get cocky." He smirked.

"Hey, can I skip detention if I fight you later? I'll prove to you that I'm an carnivore." I suggested and smirked.

"Offer accepted." He said as he walked off.

"That's not fair, Lucia-chan!" Tsuna whined.

"Tsuna, if you want to skip detention, you could just so the same as me!" I told him. "You can win against him!"

"No way! I don't want to be bitten to death!" He paled.

I sat down at my seat and Kyoko turned towards me and gave me a little wave. I smiled and waved back.

"Ne, Lucia-chan," Tsuna said to me.

"Yes?"

"Though you're skipping detention, there's a whole bunch of homeworks waiting for you!" He grinned. "And the exams is near too."

"...Damn." I cursed under my breath. "I-"

The door slid open and the teacher walked in with books in his hands.

"Quiet everyone!" He yelled at the class. "Today, we're welcoming new transfer students!"

Everyone started chattering. Talking and mumbling, chuckling and giggling. It was getting loud and noisy.

"Do you know anything about it?" I asked Tsuna.

He shook his head and looked as curious as the others.

"Silence!" The teacher banged his hands on the table and it successfully made the student quiet down. "They are both foreigners so they aren't that familiar with our school. So be kind and show them around and don't treat them rudely!"

"Haiiiii." Everyone replied lazily.

"Okay, you can both come in now." He announced.

Two male strode inside the classroom and stood in front of the class.

"What?" I couldn't help but gasped. "...The hell?"

"Introduce yourself please." The teacher said.

"Hi everyone! My name is Leone!" He smiled brightly at the class as he gave a little wave.

"Ciel." He scowl and mumbled with a irritated face.

"Awww! They are both cute and hot!" The girls exclaimed.

"See that scowl!"

"That smile!"

"No, Leone-sama is the best! Both his smile and his scowls!" Oy, oy, isn't that too fast?Addressing him as 'sama'? God, what is wrong with them.

"Kyaaa!"

"Please students! Quiet down!" The teacher's face was red from anger.

"Leone-kun and Ciel-kun, you can take your seat now. They are just beside Izumi-kun and Kita-kun. Izumi-kun, Kita-kun pleas raise your hand!"

And such coincidence too. One is behind me while the other beside me.

They made their ways to their seat and sat down.

"What are you two-" I turned around almost immediately to Leone and demanded an answer from him.

"Lucia, could you answer this question since you're so smart you don't even need to pay attention to my class." The teacher said.

"Tch." I glanced at the blackboard. "17.7."

He scowls and I knew I was correct from it. He had no choice but to carry on his teachings.

I cast an illusion of the three of us listening attentively at the teacher before turning back to Leone again.

"Lu-chan~ Calm down~" He smiled at me.

"Calm that stupid brain of yours." Ciel said calmly.

"Shut up you!" I turned to Ciel and said. "Now if you don't explain to me in ten seconds, I'll make sure you experience hell." I threatened coldly.

"H-Hai, etto...I found Ciel under some rubbles and got him out of those. We escaped safely together and went to my house. After tending to both our injuries, we decided to come to Japan again!" His smile was still plastered on his face.

"Sigh," I closed my eyes and my featured softened. My anger disappeared as if it never existed when I saw them both safe. "At least you're both safe." I said.

"Yep!" Leone nodded. "Are you okay now, Lu-chan? You're hurt badly..."

"I'm fine now." I flashed him a gentle smile, a smile I had never shown anyone before.

I raised an eyebrow at him when I saw his cheeks slowly reddening.

"Are you sick?" I asked.

"N-No!" He shook his head and said.

He was clearly flustered but Lucia didn't notice it. Ciel was glad he wasn't in Lucia's sight, because he was also flushed red from watching her smile.

"Anyway, we're classmates starting from today!" Leone looked away and decided to change the topic.

"Yeah." I nodded. "Hey Ciel! How are you now?" I blurted out without thinking. "I mean...well...since Giorgio isn't there anymore and...umm..." I trailed off, not knowing what to say.

"I'm fine. He's not my real father anyway."

"...That's...Good to hear!" I said.

"Yup." Ciel smiled at me.

Ciel smiled. He smiled. Smiled at me. Oh my God. Ciel smiled! That's so rare! I can't believe it!

"Ne, Lu-chan, the illusion, can you dissolve it now?" Leone asked.

"S-Sure." I stuttered, still not out of my daze.

I dissolved the illusion and we stopped talking.

"School finally ended!" Tsuna whined. "I thought I was going to die!"He rested his chin on the table and said.

"Good thing school ended, ne, Tsuna?" I smiled at him. "But don't forget that you still have your detention!"

"Hieeee!" Tsunasat up abruptly. "I totally forgot about it!"

I laughed and stood up. "See you later!" I patted his shoulder.

Glancing at Ciel and Leone, I made my way towards them. "Where are you both staying?" I asked.

"I rented a room somewhere!" Leone replied.

"I'm staying with him." Ciel stated.

"Okay then, see you tomorrow." I walked out of the classroom and headed towards the field. When I arrived, I wasn't surprised. As I expected, he was already there. Such a blood thirsty guy.

I put down my bag somewhere and rushed towards him with my kusari gama in my hand. He smirked and readied his tonfa as well.

Our metal clashed and a loud sound resonated, signaling the start of our fight.

'I could get some training from this.' I smirked.

The fight ended with us both having bruises and cuts all over. But it was nothing too serious. I took my bag and walked out of the school. Stepping on the snow that had piled up, I realized it was getting a bit chilly. It started snowing when I was fighting with Hibari.

Shivering slightly, I walked past the park and couldn't believe my eyes. Am I seeing things? I must be too tired-

"Lucia-chan~~"

"Lu-chan~~"

They called out to me.

I blinked a few times before walking towards them. "What are all you you doing here?"

"Well, detention just ended so we decided to stay here and wait for you, Lucia-chan!" Tsuna said.

"Going back home is just bored so we decided to wait for you too, Lu-chan!" Leone said.

"..." I said nothing as I remained on my spot - until something cold hit my face. I winced at the coldness and scowled after brushing off the snow on my face.

I looked around to find who was the person who threw it. It was Yamamoto. His hand is full of snow and he was grinning at me. Without further ado, I threw a snowball at him and officially started the snowball fight.

"A game? How fun, let's join, Gokudera!"

"I won't- Who did that to Jyuudaime!? Don't worry Jyuudaime, I will avenge you!"

"I-It's fine, Gokudera-kun!"

"I want to join too, Ciel~"

"That means we will be holding a snowball competition!" Reborn jumped out and announced. "We will divide you all into three groups! Tsuna, Gokudera, Yamamoto~ Next will be Lucia, Leone, Mai, Ciel~~~ Last will be Ryohei, Dino andddd Hibari~" Reborn smirked. "I'll be your judge~"

"Hieee! Hibari-san is joining?!" Tsuna exclaimed shockingly.

Hibari glared at him and looked at the infant. "I'll fight you." Four words and it's enough to make Hibari agree. "If you win, you can do whatever you want with me. Kya~" Reborn said as he cosplayed as a girl. And it turned Hibari into a bloodthirsty skylark.

We took our places and got ready.

Let the snowball war commence.

A snowball came my way the second Reborn announced the start of the fight. I dodged it swiftly of course and took a snowball that was laying around our base and threw it at Tsuna. Knowing that Tsuna couldn't avoid and that someone will definitely help him, I threw it with all my force. It was really fast and Tsuna didn't even realize. I smirked and waited it.

*Splat*

"G-Gokudera-kun?!" Tsuna opened his eyes and said, shocked.

Yes~! Gokudera got hit because he was trying to protect his precious Jyuudaime!

"Gokudera, eliminated!" Reborn announced.

Mai gave me a thumbs up and we continued on the game. Snowballs went flying around, it was kinda crazy but it was fun too. After Gokudera's elimination, it was followed by Mai's (She gave me a thumbs up again and someone targeted her), Ryohei and Dino(He slipped and I took the chance to threw a snowball at him).

So now my team has an advantage. There's only Tsuna, Yamamato and Hibari to eliminate.

I took another snowball in hand and sneaked closer towards Hibari.

Eliminating the strongest one is always the right choice. Behind me was Ciel, backing me up.

Almost there...Almost there...I raised my hand, and aimed. But before the snowball left my hand, a familiar tonfa came my way.

"Wh-"

Weapons are not allowed!

I can't dodge! Damn it!

But the tonfa was knocked away before it came in contact with my face. Mai came running here and kicked it away. Wow. Awesome speed.

*PWEEET*

Reborn blew the whistle. Everyone looked at him.

"The rules will be changed now." He said. "You must still use snowballs to fight. But I will permit any other thing other than that rule."

As soon as the sentence ends, a slightly bigger snowball were thrown up in the air - with dynamites in them.

"Hey! Are you trying to kill us?!" I yelled.

"Reborn-san said it was fine! I was using a snowball anyway!" He retorted.

...If that's how you want to play it...then!

I made a few snowballs and covered it with mists flames. It looked way bigger than it should be and any one who got hit will have a nightmare. Kufuf- Oops.

Gokudera and Ryohei got hit and almost instantly they fell to the ground. Gokudera mumbled 'aneki' over and over again as his mouth starts to foam while Ryohei just look pale and mumbled 'no more extremes?'.

All of a sudden, Leone threw a pretty normal looking snowball at Dino and he shrieked loudly. He collapsed right after and was still twitching on the floor.

"What's that, Leone...?" I asked.

"Nothing you need to worry about, Lu-chan~~" He grinned.

They always say the smiling ones are the scariest ones...I guess that's right.

And soon it was getting even more scary.

Yamamoto took out his katana. Tonfas were in Hibari's hands. Leone took out all sorts of poisons and Ciel activated his flames. Everyone was standing on their own spot without moving and was glaring at each other dangerously. No one had yet made a move.

Just when someone decided to move, a eerie voice rang. "Kufufu." I turned around and saw the pineapple smirking and holding his trident.

"Mukuro!" I yelled. "Why are you here?!"

"How could I miss out the fun? Kufufufufu."

"Hieee!"

And not long after Tsuna's shriek, the whole park turned into a battle field.

There were illusions, flames, dynamites, tonfas, even gunshots. It was no longer a snowball fight.

A smile tugged itself on my lips without me noticing.

I finally have what they call Family.

Not a Famiglia but a Family.

My family.

My smile widens.

*Splat*

A snowball landed on my face.

"Who did that!" I yelled as I prepared illusions.

After this chapter, I would like to tell you all that there will absolutely no KHR!Boys X Lucia. I can't write romance between them and I just don't want to. But if it's CielxLucia or LeonexLucia, I might still consider it. But the possibility isn't high. Except if a whole bunch of readers wants it. So there will be no romance in this fic, okay?

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it!

Please leave a review and tell me your thoughts! You can give some ideas for the next few chapters or what you want to see because to be honest, I don't know what to write next. If you want to see any omake, give me some idea~

Merry (late) Christmas to you all!

~PurpleCielo1117