Seven Chapter 18: With Reborn, a katekyo hitman reborn! fanfic

Hi, everyone. Today marks Seven's second anniversary! It's been a ride writing this. Okay, okay. I'm sorry! I didn't expect that this'll last so long, mainly because of my slow updates. Eep! Anyway, thank you very much for still being with me.

What cures boredom? Playthings, of course.

Seven

Orithyea

Extra 4: With Reborn

Reborn stepped out of the car and immediately stretched his hand out for his companion to take. He heard a lighthearted protest, and felt his hand get lightly pushed down. Rolling his eyes, he gave up helping the old man and looked at the mansion before him, not the least bit impressed.

"It's your first time here, right, Reborn?"

"Yes. Anything to keep in mind?"

"It's not like you'll follow it."

"Nice to know that you're privy of me, Timoteo." Reborn smirked.

"Makes me feel twice as old, unfortunately. How long have you been with me? Eight years?"

"Nine."

Timoteo started walking, his cane creating light clanging sounds. Reborn followed, matching his pace. "Ah, yes. You were eight then." He softly smiled. "Anyway, just for a brief rundown, since I didn't have the chance to talk to you prior, we're here to start a partnership with the Foundation."

They reached the door and knocked. Immediately, a man, who appeared to be a butler opened the door. Reborn zoned out what the butler was saying and allowed his eyes to roam about. Seems normal, he thought.

Along the centre pathway of the floor was a maroon carpet connected to the staircase directly in front of them at the end of the room; the staircase then splits into two sectors in opposite directions, which appeared identical. Before the split, hanging on the vast wall, was a portrait of a family. Even if they were still at the doorway, Reborn could clearly see the painting due to its extensive size.

It was a simple family portrait of four people – three males and one female. Reborn noted that the only female and one male, who seemed to be the older son, had blond hair while the remaining two, whom he assumed as the father and the younger son, had black hair.

"They're also from Italy. Well, the mother at least." Reborn looked at Timoteo, who had started walking with the butler in lead. Reborn matched the old man's pace and waited for him to continue. "Their parents aren't here right now, so only the sons are here. Alaude is young, but he's been doing a magnificent job in handling their branch here. He has a brother of your age, if I recall correctly. Perhaps you could befriend him."

"Very funny, Timoteo." The old man chuckled.

"Sometimes I worry if you have friends, Reborn."

"Of course I do. Right, Leon?" On cue, the green chameleon crawled down from his fedora towards his shoulder. Reborn absentmindedly petted him as they continued to walk. Instead of going up, they were led to the corridor in the left of the entrance hall. Finally, they arrived in front of a grand two-door room, and the butler held the door open as they entered.

It was a typical meeting room. A long table was at the centre with chairs at both sides and ends. At the very end was a blond who immediately stood up once the door opened. Reborn would be lying if he said he wasn't impressed at the man. His cobalt eyes may appear as cold and expressionless, but beyond it, Reborn knew they were being carefully observed.

The man held his hand out. "Welcome, Timoteo and..." He glanced at Reborn.

Timoteo shook his hand. "Thank you for inviting us, Alaude. This is Reborn. He's like a son to me."

"Reborn. Thank you for inviting us." Reborn took his still outstretched hand. "Then I'll wait for you outside, Timoteo."

"My brother is in his room. He can keep you company." Alaude beckoned for the butler and instructed him to lead Reborn to his brother's room. Alaude frowned. "And tell Kyouya not to be stupid." The butler looked scared and Reborn's interest was piqued. Reborn nodded at the two and left with the butler.

He was led to the second floor and was left alone for a while since the butler entered one of the rooms. When the door opened again, he was ushered in and Reborn had to admit at being surprised.

The room extremely differed from the fundamental design of the mansion. It was purely Japanese-styled, complete with tatami mats and wooden sliding doors that separated the large room into two. There was even the low table and purple pillows on the floor. Sitting on one of those was a black-haired young man wearing a yukata which matched the pillow, sipping from a cup. The butler bowed and left the room, but not before whispering, "Please don't anger Kyouya-sama." Reborn could only raise an eyebrow at the butler's retreating back.

No one spoke, and Reborn wasn't interested in just watching the teen drinking. Inviting himself, he sat down on a pillow and watched as he was glared upon. "Nice welcome."

"Do whatever you want, herbivore. Just don't bother me."

Herbivore? "Nice welcome," he repeated.

He was ignored.

Reborn did not appreciate being ignored.

"You're such a nice little brother for sticking to what your older brother said."

The younger Hibari scowled. "I do not take orders from anyone."

"You're doing a good job, though. What did he say again? Not to be stupid? Is that why you're so quiet?"

Hibari slammed his cup down and narrowed his eyes. "You're being annoying, herbivore."

"You're welcome." In a flash, Reborn rolled to his right as a blur of grey landed on his seat. He looked back to see Hibari wielding two metallic rods. "Angry little kids shouldn't be playing with dangerous sticks." Reborn was still lying down when Hibari attacked him again. Swiftly, he caught the tonfa and kicked him in the chest, making him stagger and hit the table, the cup he was drinking from falling down on the floor.

Reborn grabbed Hibari's ankles and dragged it to the right. Hibari, still not able to regain his composure, fell and his tonfas went flying. Taking the opportunity, Reborn let Hibari go and went to grab the metal rods. "Confiscated," he said as he waved the weapons tauntingly. Hibari glared at him and was about to stand up when they were interrupted.

"I told you not to be stupid, Kyouya." Looking back at the door, Reborn saw Alaude scowling at his brother. Inwardly, he snickered, but stopped when he saw Timoteo also not looking happy at him. Shrugging, Reborn walked towards the old man. The blond took hold of Hibari's arm and helped him stand up.

"Now, now, Alaude. It doesn't seem like the boys are hurt, but I think we'd best be going now." Reborn clicked his tongue when he felt Timoteo stepping on his foot.

"Anything you want to say, Kyouya?"

Reborn smirked as he watched the younger sibling scowl at his brother then at him. "Next time, herbivore," he said as he opened one of his hands.

"Sure." He handed over the tonfas.

Timoteo sighed.

"They are our hosts, Reborn."

"Not my fault. He attacked me first."

"Knowing you, you did something first, didn't you?"

"Heh. So privy."

Timoteo sighed.

It was a year after when they met again. This time, the event was Hibari's eighteenth birthday. He didn't want to come as social events were tiring and repetitive, but he'd make this exception for his new found friend. He watched said friend as he weaved through the crowd, and he found it amusing as the youngest Hibari was forced to talk to them. For the sake of the company, he knew that they were obligated to be friendly.

Reborn smiled as a young woman accidentally bumped into him. She apologised, clearly flustered, and walked away, looking back a few times and blushing. Typical. He returned his attention to Hibari, but found him no longer there. Noticing the entrance to the balcony, he was positive the teen was there.

"Fresh air?" asked Reborn as he found Hibari leaning on the rails.

"What do you want, omnivore?"

"I got promoted?" Imitating Hibari, he also leant on the rails with Hibari looking at him in disdain. "How's our birthday boy?"

"Shut up."

"I heard Alaude was looking for a fiancee for you." No answer. "Sounds fun." No answer. "Are you also homeschooled?"

He finally received an answer. "No, I study at Namimori High. I shouldn't be here anyway." Hibari frowned.

Namimori? That's far from here. "Why Namimori?"

"None of your business, omnivore."

Reborn didn't miss the faraway look in his eyes.

Interesting.

"Namimori? That's far from here," said Timoteo in shock, echoing Reborn's initial thought. "But I'm more surprised at the fact that you want to be enrolled in a school. Did Kyouya-kun invite you to study there?"

"As if he'd do that." Reborn rolled his eyes. "What do you think, Timoteo?"

"I don't see any harm in it, but I'd miss you." The old man chuckled.

Reborn tilted his fedora down.

"Fedoras are not allowed, omnivore."

"Nice welcome as always."

"Chaos," said Reborn as he entered the room.

"I didn't permit you to enter." Hibari didn't even look up from his paperwork.

When Reborn first stepped foot in Namimori High, he wasn't surprised to find out that Hibari was the disciplinary prefect of the school. What he was surprised at was how normal the school seemed to be. Nothing seemed interesting, and he was already bored. Until one day.

"I found out why you like this place so much."

That made Hibari look up. "What?"

Reborn smugly grinned. "I have a proposal to make."

"I don't see why I have to go along with this foolish proposal of yours."

"Well, if we fight, then you'll lose immediately. At least this will give you a winning chance, eh?" Reborn fiddled with the coin between his index and middle fingers. They were currently at the rooftop since Reborn didn't want Kusakabe to overhear them.

Hibari's eyes flashed. "I dare you to say that again."

"Shut up and just go along with it." Reborn ducked down just in time before Hibari managed to hit him. This time, Hibari was the first to regain his composure and brought his elbow down hard at Reborn's backside. Scowling, he stepped hard on Hibari's foot and punched him on the chin. He quickly followed with grabbing Hibari's arms and forcing it to his backside. But Hibari booted him in the hip, and Reborn realised he was aiming for his groin. Not the least bit pleased, he immediately let go of the prefect's wrists and kicked him at the back, propelling him forward. "Nice try."

Seemingly annoyed, Hibari rushed at him faster than before. A few blows successfully landed on him, and Reborn admittedly was impressed at his strength and speed.

That doesn't mean he was better, though.

Jumping back, Reborn ducked down and tackled Hibari to the ground. They rolled down, switching positions alternately. In the process, Reborn's fedora fell off and Hibari let his tonfas go. The two immediately scrambled to get up and ended up holding the other's possession.

Reborn wasn't pleased.

"Better take care of that."

Hibari smirked. "Sure." He let the fedora go and stepped on it.

Reborn was far from pleased.

Gripping the tonfas in each hand, he rushed forward and used it to attack the prefect. Likewise, Hibari wasn't happy at the thought of his possession being used against him. He managed to block off Reborn's right arm, but was struck in his stomach with his left, making him grit his teeth in pain and surprise. This allowed Reborn to free his other arm. He mimicked Hibari's earlier action and brought his elbow down to his back.

At this, Hibari fell flat on the floor and Reborn didn't waste any time in immobilising him. He threw the tonfas far from them, sat on Hibari's back, and proceeded to lock his wrists together. "You know," said Reborn, "this wouldn't have happened if you just agreed to flip a coin."

"Get off of me."

"Not until you agree that you lose." Hibari struggled a bit which prompted Reborn to tighten his hold. "Well?

"Fine," spat Hibari.

Hibari looked annoyed while reading the paper he was holding. "First you propose a foolish idea, and now you're confining me to these asinine rules."

The two were back at the Reception Room, and Reborn was sitting cross-legged on the mustard sofa. "Now, now. Don't be a sore loser," he said while nonchalantly petting Leon. "You should thank me. I'm doing this to get you a beloved fiancee."

"As if these herbivores would suffice."

"You want Alaude to choose for you?" That silenced him. "Thought so. How about reading those rules out loud?"

The prefect gritted his teeth. Nonetheless, he did what Reborn said. "Vongola is open to all regardless of genders—"

"Except you. Not like a guy can be a fiancee." If he wasn't Reborn, he wouldn't have noticed Hibari slightly react.

Because he knew his secret.

"Anyway, go on."

"Then what is the point of that rule? For your privilege?"

"I'll be inviting a few guys I find interesting."

"I don't tolerate crowding, Reborn, and that doesn't answer my question."

"Whatever. I'll tell you in a bit."

Hibari raised an eyebrow, but didn't question him any further. "It is a first come, first serve rule. A Vongola must treat his partner as best as he could, but preferably beyond it. However, it must only last seven days, and extensions are prohibited. Interfering with the others' dates is not tolerated." Hibari scoffed and crumpled the paper. "Why don't you just join a host club?"

"Then it wouldn't be fun."

Hibari looked at him suspiciously. "What would?"

"Nothing."

And this was that day.

It was by pure coincidence that he learnt of Hibari's secret; an odd one at that. He had been attending the school for two weeks. One day, he was watching Hibari do his duties as the prefect in the school gate. It was utterly boring and Reborn couldn't comprehend why he would be willing to be the disciplinary chairman. Perhaps it was the pride of having his own territory. Who knows, really? But that wasn't what interested him. It was the arrival of a certain brunet.

In the eyes of the many, their interaction would have appeared as normal. Hibari would threaten the student, the student would cower in fear, and Hibari would either only frown or beat the student up. In all honestly, Reborn, too, would have missed the uniqueness of that interaction if Hibari didn't, in the corner of his eyes, follow the brunet. Hmm?

Reborn tilted his fedora.

Sawada Tsunayoshi, or Dame-Tsuna, as he was infamously known, was the person Reborn expected the least to capture the prefect's attention, or perhaps it was so unexpected that it became expected. Reborn chuckled to himself. He noticed how the brunet would tremble or stiffen as he passed him by in the hallway, or how he would busy himself in his shoe locker as he also goes to get change his shoes. Funnily enough, their lockers weren't that far away.

Sometimes, even Reborn couldn't help but wonder if fate exists.

But in his case, he's the one who shapes his own fate.

It wasn't like Reborn was interested in the idea of the Vongola per se, but he knew that Hibari wouldn't agree if he didn't do it. Besides, it wasn't like he was inexperienced with both genders. After all, he was Reborn. Never a doubt, never a misstep, never a miss Reborn.

"Look who's our new addition to the group."

Hibari looked up from his paperwork and immediately took his tonfas out. "What is the meaning of this, Reborn?" growled Hibari.

"Oya, oya. That's not a good welcome, Skylark-kun."

"Get out of here, pineapple herbivore."

"I was invited here, birdfreak."

It was easy to recruit Mukuro. Reborn knew of his rivalry with Hibari which stemmed from the prefect experiencing his first loss to him, but that wasn't particularly the reason he found it easy recruiting him.

Reborn caught him lying down under one of the trees in the back of the school. "Chaos."

Mukuro opened his eyes and smirked. "To what do I owe the pleasure of being visited by the famed new student?"

"Just wondering how Nagi's doing."

Mukuro shot up, eyes narrowed.

The next one was Yamamoto Takeshi. Reborn had noticed that, oftentimes, he'd show the people an unnatural smile, and he found it laughable that his friends, or at the very least that's how the baseball player would dub them, weren't aware of it. Finding information about the baseball player was somewhat hard. Most of the students were hesitant about disclosing his past, and he understood why.

"He tried to kill himself once," whispered one of the students.

"But I heard Dame-Tsuna was involved somehow..."

Him again?

Reborn knew that people like Yamamoto were the most stubborn and vulnerable ones, yet had the most potential to climb on top. Who better to be the best of the best than those who have experienced anger and despair themselves and successfully overwhelmed it?

Reborn caught him in the restroom washing his face. "Chaos."

Yamamoto whirled around. "Reborn-senpai? Was there anything you needed?"

"Have you ever thought that this was a comfort room and I just needed to release?"

Yamamoto laughed. "Right. Then I should go now." He made to leave when Reborn said:

"You're in love with Gokudera Hayato, aren't you?"

Yamamoto froze.

Gotcha.

"W-what are you talking about? Hayato's my best friend," he said.

"Don't act innocent with me." Reborn smirked. "I made a group called Vongola. I would be pleased if you'd join."

Reborn caught the hesitation in his eyes. He wasn't surprised at his reaction. The Vongola was new, yes, but they started operating immediately after Mukuro joined. Word spread like wildfire, and he was pleased.

"Sorry, senpai. I'm not really interested." Heh.

"It would help you find someone else other than Gokudera."

The baseball player narrowed his eyes. "I don't think I want to find someone other than him."

"But you're afraid, aren't you?" Yamamoto stiffened. "You're afraid of him leaving you which is why you decided to hide your feelings." Reborn placed a hand on his shoulder and added, "I'm sure he feels the same towards you, and I can prove it."

"How?"

"Just join the Vongola, and you'll see."

Yamamoto stared at the floor, not responding.

"Okay," was the whispered response.

Reborn could hear the hope in his voice even a thousand miles away.

Reborn knew getting Gokudera would be the easiest out of the three he recruited; an insecure child who grew up suppressing his genuine feelings, a child whose faith in others lost, a child who only wanted to trust someone again and be trusted in return.

They already met once, and Reborn was sure that Gokudera didn't remember. It was when he was new in Timoteo's household and he was brought along to a friend's banquet. He was introduced to a pair of siblings, who were apparently the party host's children.

"Hello. My name is Bianchi! It's nice to meet you." The girl offered her hand and smiled. "This is Hayato. He's a nice guy, but he's just shy."

"Shut up!" The boy turned his face away, blushing.

"He's going to play the piano later. He's great at it!" said Bianchi. "He'll be playing his teacher's favourite piece."

At this, Gokudera grinned. "Yeah. I hope Ms. Lavinia would like it."

Reborn found it funny how him and Yamamoto desperately relied on each other, but perhaps – no – it was surely the result of both of their insecurities. They would glance with longing, smile with content, frown in anxiousness, and cringe with regret at the other. It was a turmoil of emotions, of which clashed with one another, afraid of rejection yet hoping for acceptance. If only the other looked back at the other at the same time, such a problem wouldn't even exist.

He rested his arms on the railing, waiting for him to come up. "Chaos," he greeted once he heard the door creak.

"Reborn-san?"

A tremble. "Looks like someone's scared," mocked Reborn, casually petting his green chameleon which scrambled from his shoulder and down to the back of his hand.

Gokudera gulped. "W-why did you make me come here?"

"Considering the sweat you accumulated from running, I'm certain you know why." Reborn rolled his eyes.

Clenching his fist, Gokudera said, "Then what do you want from me?"

"Be a part of Vongola."

"What's in it for me?"

"Aside from not spreading your secret, I'll prove that your feelings are reciprocated. Good deal, yes?"

"Bullshit," spat Gokudera.

"Do you really believe so? Or are you hanging on with little hope that it is indeed as I said?"

"And if you're wrong?" Gokudera's eyes flared, and Reborn was amused.

"Why think of something that's impossible?"

Gokudera stared at the floor, not responding.

"Okay," was the whispered response.

Like two peas in a pod.

"Rokudo Mukuro, Gokudera Hayato, and Yamamoto Takeshi?"

"Interesting, eh?"

"There's nothing interesting about herbivores, Reborn."

"You'll see."

The thing was, Sawada Tsunayoshi was pitifully and blatantly in love with his best friend Sasagawa Kyoko. Even Reborn could get impatient. He knew he had to be the instigator for something to happen.

On his first day in Namimori, Reborn heard of Sasagawa Ryohei, who was a severe case of a chatterbox, and a persistent one at that. Reborn, unfortunately, was in the same class as him. He did find it admirable, though, that while he was indeed one of the types to be extremely friendly with people, the others seemed to hold a bit of fear for the boxer, although they hid it well, and he wondered why.

Perhaps it was fate that made Reborn meet the loudmouthed teen because, at the moment he met him, he didn't know how closely tied he'd be with Dame-Tsuna.

Reborn almost gagged at the cheesiness of the thought.

On his first week in Namimori, Reborn thought he had a complete grasp of Ryohei's character.

"We have extreme homework to pass?" shouted Ryohei.

The teacher rubbed his temples. "Yes, Sasagawa, and it was only about how your vacation was."

"It was extreme!"

The teacher sighed.

On his first week in Namimori, Reborn thought he had a complete grasp of Ryohei's character.

But perhaps this was the first time he'd admit he was wrong.

He was still touring the school when he chanced upon the gymnasium. Hearing a certain individual's shouts, he peeked inside and watched the boxer train by himself. Fast and powerful punches. Admirable.

Reborn flicked his fedora upwards.

"You're challenging me to an extreme fight?"

"Are you up to it?"

"I am to the extreme!"

"You're extremely strong!" said Ryohei as he laid down breathless on the floor. "Who are you?"

He doesn't even know I'm in his class. Reborn crossed his arms. "I'm Paopao. I came from a boxing dojo in China. Want me to give you a few tips?"

"I'd be extremely glad, Master Paopao!"

"Oh, Kyoko-chan's my sister. She always hangs out with Sawada."

Again, he's involved. "I see."

"I've been extremely trying to get Sawada to join the Boxing Club. Tomorrow, I will succeed to the extreme!"

"But isn't he weak? Why would you want him to join your club?"

A grin.

"But he's not."

"Oi, guys! I brought a friend," shouted Yamamoto.

Reborn looked at him and his lips curled upward. He glanced at the direction where the prefect usually slept. This will be fun. They watched as the brunet took small steps towards the group. Gokudera shouted, "Oi! Can't you walk faster than that? You're walking like a damn turtle."

Tsuna paled. "I-I-I'm s-s-sorry. I-it's just t-that Y-Yamamoto didn't t-tell me t-that y-you would be h-here," he squeaked.

"You wanted to be alone with baseball idiot here? You're gay?" Gokudera raised an eyebrow.

"Kufufu. Stop intimidating the poor rabbit."

It was easy to see the brunet trembling from head-to-toe. "N-no! T-that's not what I-I meant. I-I don't want to be w-with you g-guys. Hieee! That came out wrong. I m-mean I—" Getting impatient, Reborn threw his fork at him. Looking backwards, Tsuna blanched at the sight of the utensil pierced through the door.

"Shut up and sit down," said Reborn.

He merely observed as Tsuna sat down and attempted to get comfortable with the group.

"Oya? I'm not going to eat you, little rabbit, although you do look delicious." The teen licked his lips, teasingly inching his hand closer slowly.

Tsuna flinched. "Hie!"

"That has got to be the girliest shriek I have ever heard," sneered Gokudera.

Reborn ignored everyone and merely continued eating. He probably heard that. He didn't bother helping him when he noticed Mukuro teasing him. After all, a damsel in distress would always be saved by a strong, courageous hero.

"Rokudo Mukuro, what do you think are you doing?" Hibari jumped down from above Tsuna.

Reborn had to blink in surprise when he saw Tsuna stop the two's idle banter. In that short instant, he immediately understood why the prefect became interested in the brunet. Tsuna hurdled towards Hibari and grabbed his black jacket. "S-stop! He didn't do anything wrong. Stop fighting!" Tsuna shouted at the violent skylark.

Hibari froze in his tracks, slowly facing the small brunet. He glared menacingly at him. "You dare touch me, herbivore?"

The brunet's eyes widened. "Uhm. E-eto. S-s-sorry, H-H-Hibari-san. P-please don't b-bite me to death!" Tsuna used both of his arms as cover, whimpers leaving his mouth. He waited for the fated steel rods only to be met with none. After a while, he put his hands down and looked at the prefect. "Eh?"

Deciding this wasn't the best first impression, Reborn intervened. "Don't scare the rabbit too much." Hibari only glared at him and shook his hand away when the bell rang. "There goes lunch and the rabbit hasn't even finished his food yet." Reborn smirked. "Come eat together with us tomorrow, little rabbit."

A rabbit who'll destroy the norms of a wolf.

It wasn't in his intentions to overhear. By coincidence, Reborn was walking in the corridor in front of the Reception Room when he heard two people talking. Recognising the voices, he silently leant on the wall beside the door.

"—a misunderstanding. There's no need to continue the week anymore," mumbled Tsuna. "You'll just waste your time on me anyway." Silence reigned for a moment.

"I am a man of my word, Sawada Tsunayoshi. We will finish this week, and I believe you owe me lunch tomorrow," said Hibari.

When he heard the two preparing to leave, Reborn left his spot from the door.

Better not make this boring, Hibari.

"Reborn-senpai?" Tsuna gaped at him. "W-what do you need from me?"

"You have a dinner to go later, right? I'll accompany you."

"Oi, Reborn-san. Stop inviting yourself. You're just adding to Sawada's stress."

Reborn flicked his eyes towards Gokudera, amused at the guarded look he had. "Since when have you been good friends, eh, Gokudera?"

At his reply, Gokudera sputtered. "W-we're not."

Ignoring him, Reborn turned to Tsuna. "We're late, aren't we? Let's go."

"Eh? But that will be rude to Kyoko-chan!"

"Don't worry. I've been there before, and I won't be eating."

Tsuna hesitantly nodded. "All right then. We should go now. Bye, Gokudera-kun, and thanks for the offer of coming with me." He smiled.

Ignoring him, Gokudera walked towards Reborn, leant towards his ear, and whispered something low enough for Tsuna not to hear.

"I admire you, Reborn-san, but..."

"How's Namimori, Reborn? Are you having fun there?"

"We'll see, Timoteo."

"...we're not your playthings."