Disclaimer: I don't own KHR or the song I used in this story!

Chapter 30

I now looked like my old self from my past life…in a way. I had dyed my hair the shade of brown it used to be, I had put the contacts in as well. They actually look real unlike the one's people wore at my old school… Then Maria, the lady that owns the shop, put some makeup to cover the little purple marks under my eyes. She showed me how in case it washed off.

The lady was actually an old friend of Fran's mother, they met a little after she retired and had become good friends. But then an accident happened and she died. Not that I didn't know.

So, that's how I got here, sitting in front of a pond humming a small tune while waving my hand slowly in the pond. It was a song I learned how to play on the piano, really. I believe the first time I heard it was as a music box I received as a gift from my father. I then learned to play it on the piano from loving it so much.

I sighed, I wasn't that far from Fran's home right now. I found out that I was sent not ten years in the past, but eleven. So Fran and I are about three or four, perfect.

It's a beautiful song.

Yeah, so where have you been, huh? You disappeared before I died and you suddenly reappear in my head again? So, what were you doing?

You ask too many questions. I was gathering information, as a matter of fact.

About what?

You. You have gone back in the past and for some reason, you have become younger by about two and a half years. Strange process and I have no idea how it happened. That's what I'm trying to find out right now, so I'll be gone for a while again. But if you ever need me, just ring a bell.

Thanks, that helps a lot. I at least know I'm not sixteen anymore…FUCK. I'M NOT SIXTEEN ANYMORE….are you laughing at me?

Yeah, I am. You seemed more worried about your age than the situation you're in…Oh, you have company. Bye!

"What's it called?" I turned around to find who had asked and found Fran and his grandmother there. Fran's eyes widened at me and seemed to be chanting something in his head.

"Oh, it's just a song I learned to play a long time ago, I don't really remember the name," I answer.

"I haven't seen you around here, are you a tourist?" I shake my head.

"I have no home, miss. I was born here then stolen away from my mother and sold to the mafia," I stated coldly. She gasped.

"Oh, how cruel… May I ask which mafia? I have a friend who retired from a family," she whispered the last part to me.

"Estraneo." I sighed. "My mother is dead, they had killed her after taking me and I have no one. I have money from when I was adopted but I soon ran away, not taking anymore orders from that bastard…excuse me for my language in front of…" I trailed off, trying to make it seem like I didn't know who they were. I also lied just a teeny bit…again…

"Oh, no it's fine. Fran here says those words, despite my protest," she glares playfully at Fran. "Why don't you stay with us, I think Fran would like the company."

"Can you cook?" He asked me immediately, I nod. "What can you make?"

"Anything you want, kid." A tick mark appeared on his hat, it was an apple. So many memories…

"I'm not a kid."

"How old are you?"

"Five and a half, you?"

"Fourteen and half, when's your birthday?"

"October thirty-first, what's yours?"

"This is really freaking me out," I lied. "That's my birthday too…"

He stared for a moment before sighing.

"As long as she can cook, she can stay. Just don't bother me." I roll my eyes. I stood up, dusting the imaginary dust off my clothes.

"Oh, I forgot to ask, what's your name?"

"My…name?" That something I can't tell them. That'll make them suspicious…umm…think fast…think fa—I HAVE AN IDEA! "My name is Lacie!" Fran froze in his spot.

"Lacie?"

"Hm, yeah, what about it? Do you think my name is stupid?"

"…It's not that. It's the name of my sister."

"Where is she? Can I meet her?" I asked him, pretending to be excited.

"No, she's not here. We've never met her."

"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry…" I thought about it a bit. I walked over to him, turning around and crouching. "Hop up!" He looked at me weirdly.

"Oh my! It seems I forgot an ingredient! Fran, can you tell Lacie the way to the house, I'll be back in a bit." Before he could answer, she walked away in a hurry.

"She's energetic for an old lady," I commented. He nods as he points to a direction and I start walking. "Oh, I was going to say, how about I'll be your temporary sister?" He tensed up.

"You can't replace her." He stated immediately.

"I know that silly, I said temporary, didn't I? Until you guys meet again, I'll be your temporary sister. It helps, in a way, since I have her name." He stayed quiet for a bit, thinking.

"…Fine, at least you can cook..." I smile, not a giant smile, but a tiny quirk of the lips, and just kept going wherever he told me to. We ended up at a nice home, old…but nice. We walked it, an extra key hidden under the door-mat, and set Fran down. I set my wallet down on the kitchen table and walked around the house, exploring. "Why are you wearing that get-up anyways? How is it not dirty?" He asked me, curiously.

"PJ's, also, I have no clue how they haven't gotten dirty," I sighed. I ran my hand on old piano, sitting down. I pushed a few keys down, some were in the right key, some were not. But it sounded beautiful like that for some reason. I started playing the song earlier. If I remember correctly, it was called 'Just Be Friends' and it was something that took me a while to learn. It's about six minutes long and it sounds even more beautiful with this piano.

"Just be friends,

All we gotta do…

Just be friends,

It's time to say goodbye,

Just be friends,

All we gotta do is

Just be friends…just be friends…" I sang quietly then trailed off and just sang the rest in my head. It was just like that for two minutes of the song. I felt someone sit down next to me, but I had my eyes closed, having this song down by heart, and continued to play. I didn't even hear the front door open, it was at a point where I just got lost in this. The last minute of the song always got to me for some reason, it was slow and sad. Tears slowly slid down my cheeks, remembering Akira. I really do love him, but I don't want to ruin our friendship over a relationship that might not even be real. Then it was time to say goodbye, to everyone I loved, even Akira.

Why was life so hard?

Why couldn't it be easy?

No, if it wasn't hard then nobody would learn from mistakes or anything.

I sighed, opening my eyes as the last note died out slowly.

"Isn't that the song you were humming earlier?" I turned to my right, Fran was the one who had sat down next to me, I nod. "What's it called?" I give him a small smile, reaching out and hugging him.

"It's called just be friends, it's about a boy and a girl and a boy who were tied by the red string of fate but only wanted to just be friends, if my memory serves me right, a break-up song."

"Why did you cry?"

"Because I love someone and he loves me back, but… I think it would be better if we just stayed friends…" I stroke his head, he seems to relax in my arms. I hear him yawn and I smile a bit. "Do you want to take a nap?" I got up and picked him up. He was quite light, being only five and a half after all. He seemed to have a small pout as I carried up stairs. "Which is your room?" He pointed to the room a couple doors down, I walked over and opened the door. It was a fairly normal room, a bit mess here, a bit mess there, but all in all, it was pretty clean for a boy's room. I set him in his undone bed and pull the covers over his body. I took off his hat, much to his protest. I noticed he had bags under his eyes, as he slowly closed them, falling asleep. I walk out of the room, closing the door quietly and walked downstairs to find Fran's Grandmother trying to prepare dinner. Key word, trying. She looked over at me and smiled.

"That was a beautiful song," she commented. "Now, would you please help me prepare dinner? I'll admit I'm not the best cook in the world…" I just gave her a small smile and nodded. I've been smiling a lot lately, even if it's just the tiny quirk of the lips.

"Just let me go to the bathroom really quick," I walked to the bathroom, I found it while exploring earlier, and looked in the mirror. The makeup hadn't come off, good think for water-proof. I bought the remover just in case but I don't think I'll ever take it off. I washed my hands then went to go help Fran's…our Grandmother. I forget that she's my grandmother as well.

It'll be a good six months here. Why six months? Because in six months, Mukuro and Squalo will be here to take Fran for the Shimon Arc, and I won't be able to stop them because I have to Fran go to help Mukuro for the Shimon Arc. Sigh, this will be tough…

Six Months Later

I was sitting in front of the piano, my hands ready on the keys. I hadn't played this song in three months, so I started playing.

Now.

Little did I know, some special were on their way here now…

Author's POV

"VOI! WHY DON'T YOU JUST LEAVE WITH US RIGHT NOW YOU LITTLE BRAT?!" A certain silver-haired shark shouted.

"Kufufu, considering you live with your grandmother, I didn't think you would have much belongings," The Pineapple King himself raised an eyebrow.

"…" Fran was quiet for a moment, stopping in his tracks. In the far distance, you could hear a piano playing. Fran started running to his house, Squalo and Mukuro followed shortly, curious as to why the annoying boy would be in a hurry. When they reached the house, Fran turned around and held a finger to his mouth, telling them to be quiet. He opened the door slowly, a beautiful sound of a piano hit them in the face. The walked in slowly, following Fran. They spotted a girl , long brown hair, but they couldn't see her face as she was turned away.

The song slowed a bit, sounding like a lullaby before becoming strong and a bit faster. They stood there, leaning against the wall, entranced with the song and the way the girl played the song.

The song ended, they jumped a bit as she up and walked to the wall, still facing away from them, as if not knowing they were there. Right there and then, she punched the wall with a force that her fist went through, breaking the through the strong wall.

"Lacie, what's wrong?" Squalo and Mukuro tensed as Fran asked the question. Lacie? She's been missing for six months, and she's not that old, she should be Fran's age right now. The girl turned around, no emotion in her face, just like Fran's. The two Mafioso paled at how she looked, she looked exactly like their Lacie, just older, but instead, she had brown hair and blue eyes. Then the fact she didn't have the little purple marks under her eyes either.

"Oh, hi Fran. Who are these gentlemen?" The girl asked, looking at Squalo then at Mukuro and taking her hand out of the wall as if it never happened. Her eyes seemed to grow sad at Mukuro and turned away. "Why are people from the Mafia here?" She asked.

"Oya oya? You know?" Mukuro asked, curious as to how she knows.

"Of course I know you, Rokudo Mukuro, you were one of the guinea pigs for the Estraneo…" At this, Mukuro stood up, glaring at this 'Lacie' person. She was just like her in so many ways, it bothered him. She knew… she knew. She was exactly like her, always knowing things she shouldn't. Wait, she was speaking French just a moment ago, how did she know Japanese?

"And how do you know that, 'Lacie'?" She tensed up as she walked over to the kitchen, eyes closed.

"Because I was as well…" She mumbled, making tea while in the kitchen.

"…I see, can you explain why I never saw you there?" The tea cup in her hand broke into many pieces. She turned and glared at Fran.

"I would rather not talk about a past I'm trying to forget," She snapped at them, exactly how Lacie would.

"Lacie-nee, how do you know Japanese?" Fran asked, eyes narrowing. She sighed, coming in with a tray of tea for the four of them.

"I told you didn't I? I ran away from my family." She sat down on the single chair after passing out their tea. "So, what do I owe the honor of having Rokudo Mukuro, a mass murderer, and Superbia Squalo, assassin from the Varia, in mine and my little brother's home this peaceful evening? I sensed more people with you earlier, where are they now?"

"At the lake, they were told to wait while I get my things with Squalo-taichou and Shishou."

"…so you're leaving?" She asked slowly, setting her tea cup down. Fran nodded slowly, frowning a bit at her reaction. "I see, I'll get your things ready and tell Grandmother." She got up and walked up the stairs.

"She seemed a little down that you're leaving," Mukuro commented.

"Well, we agreed that we would meet our Lacie together since they have the same name and all, but I knew it wouldn't happen. She took it a lot better than I thought she would, though," Fran answered, Squalo nodded, silent for the first time.

"Voi, she looks exactly like Lacie did in the future, just different hair and eyes, and the marks aren't there." Before anyone else could say anything, 'Lacie' came down the stairs carrying a bag and set it down next to Fran.

"Please take care of him." She bowed, her hair falling down on either side of her face.

"Hmm… You, why don't you come with us?" The girl shot straight back up, eyes wide.

"W-what? Who would take care of Grandmother?"

"You can both go!" A cheery voice sounded from the top stairs, 'Lacie' turned around shocked. "Take care of Fran for me, Lacie, have an adventure! I'll be alright here, go!"

'Lacie' was quite for a while before sighing and looking at Mukuro and Squalo and giving a small smile, reminding them of the small their Lacie had on her face even in death. They couldn't look away, though.

"I guess… I'll be going…" She ran up stairs again, stopping to say 'I didn't know you knew Japanese…' to her Grandmother before coming back a few minutes later in a different outfit and holding a bag, Fran groaned, showing his childish side and actual emotion.

"I thought you said you through those out."

"Never! They never get dirty!" Her cheeks puffed into a pout. Mukuro and Squalo noticed that it really wasn't dirty at all. It was a pure white shirt, sleeveless, that cut off around her rib cage, showing her stomach. She had matching shorts the were mid-thigh, it also came with matching knee-high socks. She put on some pure white tennis shoes so that it would match. "Besides, this is the outfit I had when you guys found me!" She smiled at the memory.

"VOI! WHAT DO YOU MEAN 'FOUND' YOU?!" Squalo yelled. She is from the mafia, she said so herself, so she might be in hiding. But then she wouldn't be coming along with them.

"Ah, well, we found Lacie half a year ago near the lake where everyone else is at just sitting there humming the song she was playing on the piano earlier. Grandmother took her in, I only agreed because she can cook." Fran explained, Lacie rolled her eyes.

"I feel the love."

"Let's just go."

"Bye, Grandmother! I'll visit when I can!" She yelled over her shoulder as they left the house. "...I forgot to ask...where are we going?"

"Kufufu...Namimori, Japan," She thought a bit then nodded, her face now blank.

"Lead the way, then."

Back to Lacie's POV

We had arrived in Namimori a while ago, and I was nervous. Mukuro said I wouldn't fit in with them in Kokuyo very well, since I looked like a goody-toe-shoes, apparently.

So he told me to attend Namimori Middle School, to 'spy' on Tsuna and co., but it was completely obvious he wanted me to look after Chrome.

I stared up at the school building, remembering I had attending a few days to this school...as a six year old. I was totally boss. When we had arrived in Kokuyo Land, everyone immediately dispersed to do their own thing. I had gone to change out of my outfit, not wanting too much attention like what happened at the airport. I came back just to see Mukuro stabbing Fran's hat with his trident in annoyance. I took out a gun out of my bag, by reflex, and shot the trident.

Everyone had turned to me in surprise and shock, even Fran. I clicked the safety one, twirling it and shoving it back in my bag.

"I said take care of him, if I come back and see a single scratch on him or a hair out of place, I will slaughter you," I said, menancingly.

"Oya oya? Are you threatening me?" Mukuro stood up, looking at me in irritation.

"I don't make threats," I said calmly, "I make formally approved proposals of malcontent and suffering."

Everyone went quiet, sweat dropping at my response.

"...is that...better?" Fran asked.

"Hn." I just turned around and started walking out. "I'll be taking my leave to enroll, I'll see you soon."

"Will you be alright all by yourself, nee-chan?"

"I'll manage."

My time with the Kokuyo Gang was spent shortly, returning to everyone without them knowing it's me is kind of depressing. I'm actually not supposed to be here, but I feel the need to.

I walked down a few roads, trying to remember the streets correctly.

"Tsuna-san! Is it true what we heard?!" I heard Haru's voice from the distance. I started walking a bit faster, trying to find them to see if it was them. It was Thursday right now, after school hours. I turned the corner only for someone to bump into me, making me fall to my knees, my hair shielding my face. I frowned as I stood up, whoever had bumped into me came in a group and were behind me.

"Ah! Sorry! I didn't mean to bump into...you..." He trailed off as I turned to face him.

"No, it's okay. I was walking too fast for my own good," I bowed, apologizing, "I'm sorry, as well."

"L-Lacie-chan?" I look up surprised, how did he-

Fuck.

"Hm? How do you know my name?" I asked, trying to fake not knowing the people in front of me.

"Lacie-chan!" Tsuna yelled, happily as he hugged me. I stood there, awkwardly patting his back. "Where have you been?"

"Umm... may I ask who you are?" He pushed me back, everyone blinked, rubbing their eyes. Reborn popped out of no where and examined me, I pretended not to notice.

"You...don't know me?" He got kicked in the head by Reborn.

"Stupid Dame-Tsuna! That's not her. She's obviously older than our Lacie and she even has different hair and eyes."

"What an energetic baby," I blinked at him. He turned to me, a little too coldly for my liking.

"Who are you, you have the presence of a person from the mafia." Everyone immediately put their guard up. Yamamoto put a hand on the hilt of his sword, Gokudera had dynamite in his hands. Kyoko and Haru seemed to edge away from me slowly. I scowled, he brought up the past.

"I'm merely here on behalf of my brother. It seems that you also know this 'Lacie' girl I have heard so much about from Fran, are you also looking for her?" I asked, trying to brief this subject.

"...you know Fran? How?" Tsuna asked, guard still up.?

"He and his Grandmother took me in six months ago, on another subject of matter," they readied to strike if I tried anything, "do you know where Namimori Middle School is?" Everyone blinked.

"Nami-chuu? Why do you want to know?" Reborn shot the questions at me.

"To enroll of course."

"Why?"

"Because I can."

"But why Namimori Middle School? Why not Kokuyo or Midori?"

"Namimori is peaceful and under control, as I have heard. Kokuyo is dictated by a dangerous person and there is no learning whatsoever, and Midori is just a private school and those annoy me to no end." I said calmly. "If you're not going to tell me, then I'll take my leave. Have a nice day," I bowed, turning around and leaving.

"Haru thinks that girl is dangerous-desu!" Haru tried to whisper but failed. My stomach suddenly made a weird sound. I had refused to eat anything in the last three days, even Fran had noticed. Grandmother might have thought that if I went with these guys that they would feed me. Ha, no.

"She's...hungry?" Tsuna whispered. I just made a 'tch' sound and walked over to nearby store. Buying three bottles of water and exited the store, chugging one down immediately as I walked.

"A-Ah! L-Lacie...uh...-san?" Tsuna called, I stopped and turned around.

"Yes?"

"W-would you l-like to c-come over for d-dinner?" He asked, fidgeting under my stare. I blinked. I opened my mouth to respond but Reborn beat me to it.

"Of course she will. We need to learn about her, you wouldn't mind would you?"

"Of course I mind." I said immediately. "But, if Vongola Decimo has asked me, then I would be honored." I curtsied, pulling my skirt as I did. That's all Grandmother ever bought me: skirts. I turned around and continued walking.

"U-Um...do you know where I live?"

"I do not."

"Th-then we'll come with you! We'll help enroll you..." He trailed off. I sighed, turning to them before smiling at them.

"I appreciate the help."

I noticed the girls had this weird look in their face, as well as Yamamoto, Gokudera and Tsuna...familiarity? Sadness? Sorrow? Grief? Regret?

...no.

It was all of those feelings combined.

It was depressing looking at them trying to cover it up and lead me to Nami-chuu. But this had to be done.

They're going to be arriving soon.

The Shimon will soon arrive and cause a new chaos.

I was going to update yesterday but...something happened to my internet. I don't know what but I lost my internet. So I played Pokemon Black all night. N is a sexy bastard. Did you know he's, like, twelve in Pokemon Black? In Pokemon Black(and white) it's two years later so while you're twelve, he's fourteen.

Sigh. I want that game.

But I bought Pokemon Ranger: Guardian Signs a couple days ago and I'm pretty happy with it. Too bad I haven't played it yet.

Sigh.

I sigh a lot lately. Maybe I'm stressed? Or maybe it's because of my stupid back probs...ugh.

Bitchin' Reviews:

Rainy Ame - Ahaha! No, actually, it's literally just a lady who owns the shop that was from the mafia.(Not actually, of course. But it fits with the story.) Just imagine her with brown hair and blue eyes! I'll probably make a pic of that soon... Their first meeting is quite nice, isn't it? :3

Narmara - I do that all the time, but I do it anyways because I'm just like 'fuck this, it just makes sense to re-favorite!' It probably happens to most people xD

IA00 - CIAO CIAO MOTHERFUCKERS :o)

coldgazeproduction - Who doesn't get excited when someone updates?! XD

Unknow Being - The 'BitchAssHo'? Oh, if you read the names carefully, you'll note that it's meant for Haru XD

xXnazaraXx - Thanks! :D

The Ice Sorceress - Okay, I would freak if it was the voice of a middle aged man .-. I love Enma's eyes! They're so unique in their own ways it adorable! Honestly, it's still probably Akira. I haven't really bothered to look at the poll results yet...I'll go do that now xD

Soul Vrazy - Of course! :)

Rebi-chan - Yes, we shall soon meet Shimon Decimo :) And yeah, you're right. I'll probably just keep those though and use something from Naruto next for my new story that I'm working on xD Bro... I can imagine working LeoInuyuka. LeoInuyuka + ImATopMagicianFromWonderland = crack, sad, hilarious, deadly story. Yeah, that's what would happen. Maybe even worse.

Emerald-Eme Pon Walker - It's cool. I'm just glad I (sort of) get it ._."