Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The last day of school had let out for winter break. Even two hours later, Tsuna was still stuck inside the school building. Tsuna was filling out some documents at Hibari's desk inside of the Disciplinary Committee's office, while said Guardian was out on patrol. It was almost funny how Hibari still walked around like he owned the place when he had long since graduated.

Tsuna let out a long sigh and rubbed his temples.

'Great, the headache is back. Just what I needed.' With another long-suffering exhale, Tsuna pushed aside the signed documents and rested his head on the oak desk's cool surface.

Since it had been decided that Tsuna was going to take Vongola's throne - whether as the Decimo or the Neo Primo - Timoteo had been pushing most of his paperwork off on Tsuna in preparation for his own retirement. With Tsuna already in his third year of high school, he would soon be taking over. Tsuna winced, his headache pulsing at the mere thought of the stacks of paperwork.

"Juudaime? Do you need more tea?" Ah, thank heavens for Gokudera.

"Yes, please. Ginger tea this time, Hayato." Tsuna didn't know what he would do without the silver-haired bomber. Sure, Gokudera was the source of some of his headaches, but he helped to divide and sort out the paperwork. All Tsuna really had to do was read and sign.

The quiet clink of china being set down broke Tsuna from his reverie. He lifted his head to see the tea sitting before him, wisps of steam curling off the liquid's surface. "Thank you, Hayato. Hopefully, this will calm my headache."

Gokudera smiled gently, tucking a loose strand of silver hair from his ponytail behind his ear and pushing the red-framed glasses higher up on his nose. His fingers trembled slightly as he tried to busy himself with looking through the completed stacks of documents. Tsuna smiled somberly behind the rim of his cup even as he took a sip.

"You should take a break, Hayato."

Gokudera whipped around to face Tsuna, a small frown twisting his features. "I'm fine, Juudaime. I don't mind continuing."

Tsuna's gaze softened even as his lips thinned in a straight line. "Hayato, I know you wish to break your smoking habits, but it will take time. Trying to quit all at once is doing more harm than good at the moment. We can resume when you finish." Gokudera seemed hesitant to leave. Tsuna just smiled at him in reassurance.

The storm guardian flashed Tsuna a grateful smile before heading out the door, pulling out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. 'He's probably heading up to the roof. Let's hope Kyōya doesn't come back right now.'

Tsuna leaned back in the leather chair, enjoying this rare moment of peace as he sipped on his tea. The sun was setting behind him, long shadows falling over the room. 'I wonder how Mikoto's doing. Last I talked to him, he was in a similar situation as me. It has been a few years since we saw each other in person. Maybe I should go see him.'

He shot up from his seat, the tea nearly spilling from the abrupt movement. Tsuna carefully set down the cup - Hibari would kill him if he spilled something on his desk - and started to pace around the room. 'That's a great idea! I can visit Mikoto and have a vacation at the same time! Two birds with one stone they say. Perfect.'

He let a smirk grace his expression for a moment at the thought.

Tsuna walked back to the desk and started looking beneath some piles of reports. Finally victorious, he pulled out his smartphone from the stack. Quickly scrolling through his contacts list, Tsuna eventually spotted the name 'Suoh Mikoto' and pressed dial.

Holding the phone to his ear, Tsuna waited for the call to go through. After the third ring, it connected.

"Hmm." Tsuna laughed a bit at the familiar greeting. It was more of a grunt than anything, but Tsuna knew Mikoto didn't say much anyway. Maybe that was why Tsuna was so good at interpreting Hibari's grunts.

"Mikoto! How's everything?"

"Tsuna." Mikoto's tone didn't change but Tsuna knew what he wanted to say all the same.

"Okay, okay. I get it. I need to get to the point. I really do want to know how you're doing though. So I was hoping that I could visit you. Would that be okay?"

"Sure."

Tsuna smiled widely even if Mikoto couldn't see it. "Thanks, Mikoto. You know of anywhere that I can stay while I'm there?"

"With me."

"Are you sure? I didn't want to impose. I don't mind getting a hotel room you know."

"Yeah."

"If you're sure. Thanks, 'koto! I really appreciate this!" Tsuna was practically beaming now. He would have been bouncing off the walls in excitement if Hibari wouldn't more than likely kill him for messing up the walls.

"No problem. When?"

"Umm, I was thinking sometime next week? School's on break for me but I'll need to confirm my schedule. That alright?"

"Yeah."

"I'll call you later 'koto. Bye!"

"Hn."

The line disconnected as Tsuna pocketed his phone. 'Hmm, Mikoto must not have been in a talking mood.' The door then swung open, Yamamoto walking in. He laughed brightly. "Yo, Tsuna!"

Tsuna turned to face the other teen, a bright smile already forming on his lips. Yamamoto just seemed to have that effect on people. "Hey, Takeshi. You finished practice?"

"Yeah, you should have seen it! I hit the ball with a kerwapp and a shwing! It went sailing! Haha!"

Tsuna smiled lightly, a soft chuckle escaping his lips at Yamamoto's enthusiasm. "I'm glad you had fun, Takeshi." Tsuna knew that Yamamoto hadn't been able to play baseball as often as he used to. Nowadays, he focused more on training with the Shigure Shoen styles. His katana has seen more use than his old baseball bat.

Tsuna was just at ease seeing the swordsman so excited.

"Let's get Gokudera and head to my place." Yamamoto had an easy grin as he slung Shigure Kintoki over his shoulder.

At that moment, Kusakabe walked in. Nodding a greeting to Yamamoto, he turned to face Tsuna. "Tsuna-san, Hibari has told me to inform you that you should head home. He said to leave the completed paperwork on the desk. He will look through them personally and file them."

"Oh. Tell him thank you for me please, Kusakabe-san."

"Will do. I have also informed Gokudera-san that you will be heading out soon."

"Thanks, Kusakabe-san!"

With that, Tsuna and Yamamoto headed out of the office and made their way to the school's entrance. Leaning against the lockers, waiting for them, was Gokudera. He straightened up when he saw them approaching.

"Hayato, we're heading to TakeSushi. Wanna come with?"

"Of course, Juudaime."

'Maybe I shouldn't have said anything until later.' Tsuna laid on his bed, glaring at Reborn's slumbering form in the corner of the room. Tsuna sighed quietly in the darkened room. He guessed that he should have known better by now.

Gokudera had dropped him off at the front door. Tsuna headed inside, taking off his shoes, before walking to the kitchen. An enticing aroma filled the hallway. Bless his mother! She had just finished setting the table and she cooked Salisbury Steak for crying out loud!

"Hey, mom. I'm home."

"Welcome home, Tsu-kun. I guess you're hungry?"

"Yes ma'am!" Tsuna was practically salivating over the food when she brought it to the table.

Nana giggled at her son's antics. "Go get changed first. And make sure to wash your hands. Don't worry, the food will still be here when you get back."

Tsuna ran up the stairs, taking two steps at a time. When he reached the landing, he heard muffled giggles. He opened the bedroom door across from his own and peered inside. Lambo, I-Pin, and Fuuta were all sitting on the floor playing together.

Tsuna gazed fondly at his adopted siblings.

"TSUNA-NII!"

He had barely stepped into the room before he was tackled by the three kids. He laughed and pulled them into a hug. "Hey guys. How was school?" The three went to Namimori Elementary together with Lambo and I-Pin in the first grade, and Fuuta in grade five.

"The teacher let us paint today!" I-Pin said excitedly. Lambo nodded in support of her words.

Fuuta just smiled shyly. "Since it was the last day of school, the teacher let our class have free time. I finally finished the book you lent me Tsuna-nii!"

Tsuna chuckled affectionately. "I'm glad you all enjoyed yourselves today. You guys already ate?"

"Yeah. Mama gave us some snacks earlier." As evidenced by the cookie crumbs still on Lambo's face.

"Alright. I'm going to change and head down to eat. I'll let you continue whatever game you were playing." Tsuna got up and stretched before heading to his own room. He quickly changed into a comfortable pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt before walking back downstairs - only making a quick stop at the bathroom to wash his hands.

He joined his mother at the table, sitting across from her.

"Thanks for the food." The mother-son duo ate their meal in a cozy silence, merely enjoying the other's presence. When they both finished eating, now just sitting back to sip at some earl grey tea, Tsuna broke the silence between them.

"Mom?"

Nana set down her cup to give Tsuna her full attention. "Yes, Tsu-kun?"

"I'm planning on visiting Mikoto next week. Is it alright if I go?" Nana smiled brightly at her son.

"Of course you can go, Tsu-kun! I bet Mikoto would be looking forward to your visit! It has been some time since you two got to see each other after all. Are you going by yourself?"

"That's the plan. Mikoto said that I can just stay with him while I'm there." Nana nodded her approval and picked her teacup back up, taking another sip. Tsuna knew that meant that the conversation was over. He mentally sighed in relief. He already knew that she wouldn't have said no, but doubts don't always have to be rational.

The problem started when he entered his room to settle down for the night. Reborn was sitting on his bed, a smirk painted on his lips. Tsuna knew that could only mean trouble for him. "Ciaossu. I have already informed your guardians of your vacation plans."

Yup, Tsuna's intuition was never wrong.

At that moment, Tsuna's phone buzzed incessantly in his pocket. Already dreading what could be on his phone, Tsuna took out the device and whined quietly in distress. His screen lit up with the many messages that his guardians had sent him to ask about the trip, the majority being from Gokudera of course.

Tsuna burrowed further beneath the warm blankets, already drifting off to sleep. He realized that he would have to call Mikoto in the morning to notify him of the change in plans. Guess he wasn't going to be staying in Mikoto's apartment then. Maybe a hotel would have to suffice.

"Good morning, 'koto!"

"Mornin', Tsu." Tsuna laughed softly at the nickname. It had been years since he heard Mikoto call him that.

"You sound like you're in a good mood today! Anyway, I called to let you know there's been a slight change in plans."

"Hmm?"

"So, remember those guardians that I was telling you about?" An affirmative grunt. "Well, my tutor told them about my plans to come visit you and now all of them, except Lambo and Ryohei, are tagging along. I'm going to rent hotel rooms instead to fit all six of us."

"Alright. Did you confirm what day you'll be arriving?" Always straight to the point, I see.

"Next week Tuesday, my schedule will be clear for at least a little while. Is that a good day for you?"

"Yeah."

"I'll call you when I get there. Bye 'koto!"

"Bye Tsu."

Tsuna hung up and put the phone on the desk. Open in front of him was a small laptop. He was looking at available hotels within the general vicinity of HOMRA. None of the ones he wanted had rooms availa- oh look at that! A hotel owned by Vongola within walking distance of the bar. How convenient. Tsuna sighed. 'It'll have to do.'

After calling the hotel to book some rooms - "Oh Vongola-sama! We'll have the luxury suite ready for you when you arrive!" "You really don't hav-" "We insist!" - Tsuna was going to start packing when he felt the hairs on the back of his neck raise. He turned to stand face-to-face with Mukuro and Chrome.

"Hello little Vongola. When are we planning to leave here?" The damn pineapple was already wearing a smug expression on his face.

Chrome smiled sheepishly at Tsuna. "Sorry Bossu. I hope we didn't inconvenience you." Tsuna's eyes softened in Chrome's direction.

"It's fine, Chrome. I expected this anyway." He turned back to face Mukuro's self-satisfied smirk. "I'm hoping to be at the train station by seven o' clock Tuesday morning at the latest. Are you sure you want to come?"

"Kufufu, of course, little Vongola. We shall see you then." Mukuro swept into a mocking bow as he started to fade into mist. Chrome waved at Tsuna before she too vanished. Tsuna sighed, packing a small carry-on luggage bag for his two week stay in Shizume Town.

He already couldn't wait and it was still only Saturday. Glancing at the clock, Tsuna let out another sigh.

It was gonna be a long wait.

"Little animal."

Tsuna turned towards the voice, having already expected this visit. He nodded in greeting with a sheepish smile. "Kyōya, did you need something?" Tsuna knew exactly why Hibari was here. Hopefully playing dumb would lessen the brunt of the Cloud Guardian's ire.

Hibari stepped down from the balcony railings into Tsuna's room. He sat on the neatly made bed - another habit Reborn had beaten into Tsuna - and crossed his arms. Gray eyes narrowed further at Tsuna's blatant avoidal of the subject. The Vongola heir took one look at that glare and gave up the ghost. He straightened up and returned the stare.

Sunset orange clashed with steel gray.

"As you already know, from Reborn's meddling, I will be traveling to visit a relative of mine on Tuesday. I initially planned to go alone. We both know that is no longer a feasible plan. Will you be joining, Kyōya?"

Hibari finally broke eye contact and looked out the window he entered from. He grunted softly in confirmation to the question. Tsuna followed the other's gaze outside. There Hibird was perched contently on the railing, preening bright yellow feathers. Tsuna smiled at the sight and turned his attention back to Hibari. "We're leaving the station at seven. You can bring Hibird along if you want."

"Hn." Hibari stood up smoothly from the bed and made his way back to the window. Carefully resting the canary on his shoulder, the D.C. leader jumped from the second storey home. Tsuna just shook his head at his guardian. He froze for a second before running to the window.

Hibari was almost through the front gates of the Sawada residence when Tsuna stuck his head out of the window to yell at him, "And try not to pick any fights with Mukuro!" Hibari continued walking, completely ignoring Tsuna.

Tsuna sighed in dismay. He could already feel the headache that this trip was gonna be.

Chapter Text

The four-hour train ride from Namimori to Shizume town wasn't too eventful. Just the usual really. Gokudera picking a fight with Yamamoto, while said swordsman just laughed obliviously, and Mukuro and Hibari almost starting a fight right there on the train. At least the train car they were in was almost empty. Only Chrome, who was sitting quietly beside him, wasn't trying to give him a headache.

What a blessing that girl is. Seriously.

Once the train had boarded at the station, the rag-tag group lumbered off the transit. Though Reborn couldn't come with them - some situation in Italy called him away - he had at least set up a ride for them. It would be another hour by car to arrive at their hotel. The sextet exited the building only to see a limo waiting for them.

Tsuna face-palmed. He really should have expected this of Reborn. He glanced around discreetly. Fortunately, there weren't a lot of people, and the few that were there didn't pay attention to them.

The limo driver came around and held the door open for them, bowing in respect. "Decimo-sama. Guardians. My name is Matteo and I will be chauffeuring you for the duration of your stay." The guardians greeted the driver in their own ways and climbed in.

Tsuna lingered behind the others for a moment to gift the gentleman a warm smile. "Thank you for doing this. I'm sorry for any trouble this may have cost you." Matteo just denied the accusation fervently.

"It's no trouble at all, Decimo-sama! I'm more than happy to take you to where you need to go!"

Tsuna blushed lightly, still not used to the outright devotion that these people - practically strangers really - show towards him. "Thank you for doing this anyway. And you can call me Tsuna, I'm not the Decimo yet."

Matteo bowed once more before straightening up. "Of course, Tsuna-sama." Tsuna mentally sighed at the added suffix to his name but outwardly smiled at the man. He then climbed into the vehicle, letting Matteo close the door behind him. The Italian man walked around to the driver's seat and set the limo into motion.

They arrived at the hotel around midday and were ushered by the excited staff up to the private suites on the tenth floor. Though exhausted, Tsuna couldn't help staring in awe at their luxurious surroundings. When first walking in, they stood in a lounge with a 72" plasma screen tv and a private bar to one side of the room. A hallway leading to three bedrooms with their own ensuite bathrooms attached was off to another corner.

Unfortunately, the best that the staff could do was ensure that each bedroom had two beds. They would be stuck sharing with each other. Tsuna could only hope that they didn't end up killing each other by the end of the trip.

After ordering some room-service for lunch - some penne pasta with garlic bread and a tiramisu cake for dessert - the group discussed who would be paired up to share rooms. It was decided - begrudgingly on Gokudera's part - that Tsuna would share with Hibari, Gokudera with Yamamoto, and Mukuro with Chrome. Each pair broke off from the group to head to their respective rooms.

Hibari beat Tsuna to their room. When he got in there, Hibari had already started unpacking. Clothes, personal effects, D.C. Paperwork, two pairs of tonfas, and...Hibird?

Tsuna just shook his head, unsurprised at this point in his life.

Tsuna decided to take a quick nap while the others unpacked and did as they pleased, lulled to sleep by the soft chirping song of Hibird's.

At 2:15, they headed out again. They had only been walking for a few minutes and already people were staring at them. Not that Tsuna could blame those people of course. Not with Hibari glaring at anything that was breathing, Mukuro idly twirling his trident while Chrome tried to get him to put it away, and Gokudera dismantling a stick of dynamite as Yamamoto just watched and commented on it.

Honestly, he's actually more surprised no one has called the cops yet.

Tsuna looked up at the sign that read 'HOMRA' in bold letters. As standard procedure, he allowed his guardians to scope out the inside first.

Yamamoto and Gokudera entered the establishment first, the doorbell chiming above their heads, blank expressions on their faces as they scanned the bar's interior. Many pairs of eyes stared back at them in slight confusion. Yamamoto placed a hand on his katana's sheath. Gokudera stuffed his hands in his pockets, dynamite beneath his fingers and a sneer on his lips.

Mukuro and Chrome strolled in next, their tridents already in their hands.

Tsuna casually walked through the door, Hibari bringing up the rear, and cast a cursory glance around at those inside. Spotting a familiar face, Tsuna beamed brightly. "Izumo-san! I haven't seen you in years!"

Kusanagi Izumo startled slightly at the voice and looked up from where he was cleaning a glass. A wide grin split his face at the sight before him. "Tsuna-kun! How have you been? And I see you brought some friends with you."

Tsuna chuckled. "I've been fine, Izumo-san. Just kind of busy as of late." He glanced behind him before taking a seat at the bar. "These are the guardians that I was telling you about. Two of them were unable to make it though." Said guardians spread out and occupied each corner of the room, with Hibari closest to the door and Chrome at Tsuna's side.

Hibari was trying to avoid the crowding herbivores in the middle of the room as much as possible.

"Oi! Who the hell do you think you are!" The once silent Yata now stood, temper flaring. Gokudera scowled at the disrespect towards his Sky and stalked up towards the skater. He was just about to pull out a stick of dynamite when Tsuna's sharp tone cut across.

"Hayato."

Gokudera immediately stashed his weapon once more and returned to his post, a glower directed at Yata's back. Tsuna stood gracefully from the bar stool and turned towards the other occupants of HOMRA, Chrome taking a step back. "My name is Sawada Tsunayoshi, and these are my guardians." He pointed to each one, "Dokuro Chrome, Rokudo Mukuro, Gokudera Hayato, Yamamoto Takeshi, and Hibari Kyōya. Pleasure to meet your acquaintance."

Tsuna turned back to Kusanagi. "Is Mikoto here? He knows I was coming today but not the exact time, so I wanted to surprise him." Izumo chuckled lightly.

"Yeah. Hold on a moment. I'll get him for you." Kusanagi walked out from behind the bar and headed towards the back of the building.

"Who the fuck are you really, and what do you want with Mikoto-san?!" Again Tsuna turned at Yata's outburst. The orange-haired teen ignoring Rikio's hopeless attempts at making him sit down and shut up. Tsuna glanced in Gokudera's direction, discreetly shaking his head for him to stay his hand. No use making a bad impression on those associated with this bar.

Tsuna's amber eyes glowed with an inner flame as he stared at the teen.

Yata gulped in the sudden realization that the young man in front of him was not one to be trifled with. His gaze alone commanded one's attention and unwavering respect, if not admiration. "I have already told you who I am. The reason for my being here will be revealed in due time, Yata Misaki."

A low grunt drew Tsuna's attention from Yata's now pale face, and a wide beaming smile immediately bloomed on his own face. Standing next to the bar was Mikoto in the flesh. Tsuna walked forward and hugged the red-head. Arms wrapped around his back and tugged him closer. Tsuna sighed in contentment and relaxed into the embrace for another moment before reluctantly pulling back.

He beamed up at the man that he hadn't seen in nearly seven years. "Hey 'koto! Long time no see, huh?"

"Tsu'. It's good to see you." Mikoto didn't smile, but Tsuna noticed how the skin at the corner of his eyes crinkled slightly with fondness. A lot of his expressions were subtle, now that Tsuna thought about it. He had known Mikoto for so long, each nuance in his expression could easily be read.

"Remember my guardians? Well, here they are." Tsuna personally introduced Mikoto to each of his guardians and what position they held.

Hibari’s eyes practically lit up as he donned a vicious smirk. He was definitely interested in Mikoto it seems. Hibari could practically feel the power simmering just beneath the surface of the man’s skin.

Another carnivore was in his midst.

"Kufufu. So this is the famous Red King, huh. Your Weismann level is truly impressive." The self-satisfied smirk on Mukuro's face told Tsuna all he needed to know.

"Mukuro, would you kindly shut up? Now is not the time." Of course, Mukuro would know about things he has no business meddling in. He looked back up at the red-head and smiled sheepishly. "Sorry about him, 'koto. He likes to stick his nose where it doesn't belong most times." This was said with a backward-glare at Mukuro. And the pineapple bastard had the gall to giggle at him.

Tsuna just rolled his eyes and decided to ignore his male Mist Guardian.

Mikoto motioned for Tsuna to follow him. He led him to one side of the bar, to a booth in the back to give a false sense a privacy. Of course, nothing was private with over-protective guardians and clansmen trying to be subtle in their eavesdropping.

It wasn't subtle at all.

Tsuna and Mikoto had just gotten settled, the guardians seated around the room, and Chrome sitting next to him. Kusanagi had brought the two leaders something to drink - the other guardians refusing anything - and settled next to Mikoto. Chrome discreetly checked his drink before letting Tsuna have it. Mikoto and Kusanagi exchanged a brief look at that but decided against bringing it to attention right now.

Neither did it escape Tsuna nor Mikoto's attention when they both were practically forced to sit next to the wall, their respective guardian and clansman taking the end of the seat. Tsuna seated across the table from Mikoto, and Chrome across from Kusanagi.

At that moment, the bar's doorbell chimed loudly in the stark silence. Totsuka walked in with a smile on his face. He froze, his smile wavering as he glanced around at the newcomers before it brightened into a dazzling smile. Totsuka spotted Mikoto in the corner booth and headed over.

"Hello Mikoto, Izumo! Who is this?" The brunette sitting across from Mikoto looked vaguely familiar to him. He gave a gentle greeting to the little lady sitting beside the brunette. Chrome returned the greeting in-kind, her one eye closed in a small smile.

"Tatara-kun, this is Tsuna-kun."

Totsuka's eyes lit up with the sudden realization. 'So this was Mikoto's family?' Totsuka gave Tsuna one of his warm grins, excited to finally meet the elusive Tsuna. "Ah, Tsunayoshi-san! It's so nice to finally meet you! Mikoto and Izumo are always talking about you."

Tsuna chuckled at the warm greeting. "And you must be Totsuka Tatara. I've heard many wonderful things about you as well. I'm glad we have the opportunity to finally see each other in person. You can call me Tsuna, Totsuka-san."

"It's only fair if you call me Tatara then, Tsuna-san." Totsuka could understand why Mikoto and Kusanagi always talked so fondly of Tsuna now. The teen was polite to a fault and seemed kind. He also gave Totsuka that warm-hearted feeling akin to Mikoto's clan mark. 'Is this boy also a King?'

"Why don't you join us, Tatara-san?" Totsuka smiled at the offer and nodded in acceptance. He pulled up an extra chair, resolutely ignoring the weird stares he got from his fellow clansmen, and sat next to Izumo, angled a bit to better face Tsuna and Chrome.

It was nearly an hour later, Tsuna and Mikoto catching up with inputs from the other three at the table before someone finally mustered up the courage to ask some questions. It would be a lie if Tsuna said he wasn't surprised they waited this long. He honestly expected it from earlier.

'Kudos to them for not interrupting', he guessed.

"Uh, so how do you know Mikoto-san?" Hmm, this one must be Kamamoto Rikio.

Tsuna turned in his seat a bit to face the curious onlookers - he could even see how his guardians leaned in a bit to hear the answer. "To answer your question, Kamamoto-san, Mikoto’s mother is my mom’s first cousin once removed. That makes Mikoto my second cousin but that doesn’t really matter. He’s still close family. He even used to babysit me years ago before he moved out here.” Tsuna finished with a bright smile.

The clansmen thought they might go blind from the intensity. It was brighter than Totsuka's.

Hibari just snorted at them. 'Weak herbivores.'

Another clansman cleared his throat hesitantly, "Um, Tsuna-san, are you also a King?" Murmurs followed the question, other HOMRA members also wondering the same.

Tsuna just smiled indulgently at the one who asked. "No. I'm merely a Sky." And he left it at that, internally snickering at the confused expressions on all of the members' faces. Mikoto just shook his head in amusement, the only one besides Kusanagi who knows about the seven flames of Sky.

Mikoto suddenly looked up at the ceiling. Tsuna, curious about what he was doing, fell silent and listened. He could hear the faint sounds of footfalls on the wood above them. Mikoto shifted his attention back to Tsuna, nodding in a gesture for him to follow. Tsuna responded in-kind, whispering to Chrome to let him out of the seating booth.

Chrome looked at Mikoto, silently assessing him, before obediently standing up and aside for Tsuna to pass, Kusanagi doing the same on the other side of the table.

Mikoto was the first to ascend up the staircase, Tsuna dogging his heels.

Tsuna cast a single glance over his shoulder at all of his present guardians, a sign for them to let him go alone. Each guardian gave a near imperceptible nod at his implicit instructions - stay on guard, behave yourselves, let me handle this situation on my own.

Without another word, Tsuna followed Mikoto's lead, the heavy stares of Mikoto's clansmen tracking his every move.

Chapter Text

They stepped into a spacious room. In the corner was a bed and a wardrobe; and standing there, just staring wide-eyed at Tsuna was a young, white-haired girl.

Without any hint of hesitation, she walked towards them, her red dress swaying around her knees. She stared up at Tsuna silently. Tsuna looked at Mikoto, unsure of what he should do. Mikoto just shrugged. How helpful. Incessant tugging on his hand snapped Tsuna out of his thoughts. He looked down to find the girl gesturing for him to come closer.

Complying with her quiet demand, Tsuna lowered himself onto one knee, now eye-level with her. She just put her hands on both of his cheeks and stared into his amber eyes. He noticed a faint pink-red glow in her eyes. They gazed at each other, the moment broken when she pulled back, a bright smile and a soft giggle on her lips.

She then turned to Mikoto, practically skipping towards him, then clinging to his leg as she looked up at him. With barely a glance, Mikoto settled a gentle hand on her head, ruffling her hair. She giggled brighter in response, obviously reveling in the attention she was receiving.

Mikoto nodded his head in her direction, speaking directly to Tsuna. "This is Anna. She is the one I told you was my ward and clansman."

Tsuna decided to stay kneeling, only extending his hand; he tilted his head a bit, a warm smile on his face. Anna released Mikoto's leg, stepping forward to take his hand. He guided her closer and respectfully bowed his head. "Hello, Anna. My name is Sawada Tsunayoshi. It is a pleasure to finally meet you."

"It's pretty." Tsuna looked up at the soft voice whispering against his ears. He raised an eyebrow in question.

"What is, Anna?"

"Your flame." There was a near silent intake of breath. Tsuna looked over at Mikoto. The taller male held an intrigued gleam in his eyes. Tsuna tilted his head in slight confusion at the reaction. Mikoto, seeing his cousin's unasked question, answered it for him.

"Anna cannot see colour besides red. I'm surprised she can see your flame at all. She would normally need her marbles to see other colours."

Tsuna nodded in astonishment. He turned back to Anna's calm gaze. "What can you see of my flame?"

"It's kind of transparent, shimmering with a soft light. It feels...warm." And as if that was the only invitation she needed, Anna enfolded herself in Tsuna's arms, clinging to his torso. Tsuna, for his part, just smiled indulgently down at her. He patted her hair and made to pull back from the embrace. She only tightened her grip. Tsuna sighed but decided it wasn't worth fighting.

With a single motion, Tsuna rose fluidly from his kneeling position, standing tall with Anna sitting in the crook of his right arm. Anna took the sudden change in height in stride, only shifting enough to wrap her arms around Tsuna's neck. Tsuna mentally thanked Reborn for his strength training, else he wouldn't have been able to hold her weight.

Tsuna turned his head to see Mikoto smirking at him. Tsuna mentally flipped him off, only bothering to throw him an annoyed glance over his shoulder, descending the stairs with Anna still cradled in his arms. Mikoto followed suit, a poorly hidden smirk on his lips.

And when they stopped on the last step, they bared witness to a stare down between Yata and Gokudera. The former held a flaming skateboard above his head, while the latter was wielding eight sticks of dynamite between his fingers. Everyone had circled around the glaring duo, amusement clear on everyone's faces (besides the near-panicked expression on Totsuka's face, and the quiet annoyance on Hibari's). Tsuna gently lowered Anna to her feet, preparing to step in and break up the possible fight, when he heard it.

"How dare you! Juudaime is obviously the better leader."

"Hah! As if! You just haven't seen Mikoto in action yet."

"That so? Well, why doesn't he-"

Tsuna's laugh cut through the argument. All heads snapped to the three still standing at the stairs. Tsuna clasped his hands in front of him. "Hayato, really? Are you honestly fighting about whether I or Mikoto is more suited for leadership?" A calm tilt of his head and a small smile was all it took. Gokudera immediately lowered his gaze in embarrassment, cheeks and ears flushed a shamed red. He pocketed his dynamite, stepping back from Yata and turning completely towards Tsuna.

He lowered into a bow, "Deepest apologies, Juudaime. It was childish of me. It won't happen again." Tsuna walked over, the crowd parting to let him through unhindered. He rested a hand on Gokudera's shoulder, nudging him to stand up straight. When Gokudera finally stood tall and looked at Tsuna, he was given a fond smile.

"I've told you before, Hayato. Things like this are nothing to apologise for. I prefer when you let your personality shine through. Just try to keep the damage to a minimum. This isn't our property, and I'm sure Izumo-san wouldn't be pleased if we wrecked his bar. Ne?"

Gokudera nodded his head eagerly, eyes sparkling like Tsuna had presented him with stars from the sky. "Of course, Juudaime!"

And while this went on, everyone just stared on, only Tsuna's guardians unfazed by Gokudera's rapid mood shifts. Yamamoto just laughed as brightly as he usually did. Mikoto merely glanced at Yata, a single eyebrow raised but amusement clear in his amber eyes. Yata blushed, turning his head away and scowling a bit to save face. He lowered his skateboard to his side, flames now extinguished from it, leaving the board uncharred.

A loud clap rang through the air. Everyone turned to Tsuna, his clasped hands still raised in front of him. Tsuna smiled brilliantly as he locked gazes with Mikoto - who had only moved far enough to lean on the stair railings, Anna still at his side - "I feel it's time for my Guardians and I to head back to the hotel we're staying at. Will I be able to find you tomorrow?"

Mikoto simply nodded, the hint of a smile gracing his own lips. "You'll find me here."

Tsuna beamed at him, stepping closer to give him another hug. Then kneeling down, he allowed Anna to give him a tight hug as well. She giggled sweetly, letting him go so that she could wander over to sit by Rikio. Tsuna rose, looking over to see Izumo approaching. They embraced before Izumo stepped back. He waved at Totsuka, receiving one in turn, before nodding to the rest of the HOMRA members, smile tilted with laughter as he locked gazes with Yata. Said orange-haired member only scowled darkly, another blush painting his skin.

Tsuna gave one last look to Mikoto over his shoulder. "See you tomorrow then, 'koto."

Mikoto nodded as he watched Tsuna walk towards the bar's entrance, Guardians falling in line around him, taking point in front, alongside, and behind him. Seems Tsuna was shaping up to be a great boss, no matter how reluctant he always told Mikoto he was. Sometimes, it was just better to accept the hand fate held out to you and go with the flow. It was easier that way.

And of course Mikoto would know. An unwanted position of leadership was something he was intimately acquainted with. He was just glad to see Tsuna making the best of it. At least they both got a family to stand firm at their sides out of the deal.

That's the best they could hope for.

The next day flew by uneventfully.

Well, relatively uneventful anyway. It was at least peaceful compared to the havoc that made up their daily lives.

Tsuna and his guardians settled in more comfortably around the HOMRA members, striking up conversations, playing card games, making bets, or in Hibari's case, napping on the wooden beams that crisscrossed the ceiling. No one saw how he got up there.

Either way, Tsuna enjoyed the background chatter as he and Mikoto got to talk without nosey friends listening in on their business.

It seems Chrome and Totsuka, the most soft-spoken of the two groups, were becoming fast friends. Once the initial shyness abated, they were fiercely themselves. Clever and quick-witted they could be, and Tsuna honestly wouldn't be surprised if they started coming up with schemes to dispose of enemies quietly and without evidence.

Izumo was making his rounds, serving drinks to everyone and collecting tips (hey, even if most of them were HOMRA members, this bar was still a business first-and-foremost). Yamamoto helped him out, laughing brightly at something Yata had just said.

Anna had gravitated to Gokudera's side at some point, fascinated with his flame even more than Tsuna's. An intense scarlet as it was compared to the more magenta hue of Mikoto's flame.

When the shake in his hands and the incessant itch had become unbearable, Tsuna gave Gokudera a knowing look and a subtle nod. Gokudera smiled in thanks and headed outside to indulge the craving.

Mikoto wandered out not long after, leaning against the wall at Gokudera's side and lighting his own cigarette. Not a word was spoken, no words were necessary, but there was solidarity between the smokers and their struggle to break the habit. Gokudera was the first to head back inside, an acknowledging nod thrown to Mikoto before he disappeared through the bar's door.

Tsuna had drifted over to the table making the loudest ruckus. Mukuro sat primly in his seat, legs crossed elegantly and cards flared expertly in his hand. With a devilish smirk, baring his sharp canine teeth, he revealed his hand to the rest of the table. "Kufufufu. Royal Flush." The other players groaned in defeat, throwing their losing cards on the table. Mukuro chuckled, collecting his winnings for the evening, then he paused. With a devious side glance at Tsuna and an unmistakable gleam in his eyes, he called out, "What do you boys say to a...new bet? Hmm?" And here's the reason why Tsuna's intuition was freaking out. 'Red flag, RED FLAG!' it called. So Tsuna glared at Mukuro, hoping he wasn't going to bet Tsuna's soul or something as equally ridiculous on this next game. Tsuna honestly wouldn't put it past the psycho.

The day following...was a lot less peaceful than the previous.

It started off calm enough for the most part, everyone finding their spots to chat or do their own thing.

Tsuna sits on the couch next to the bar, the window at his back. Izumo sits on his right. Anna sits between Tsuna and Mikoto, while Totsuka sits at Mikoto's side.

Mikoto, while watching Tsuna talking and laughing easily with Izumo, Totsuka and Anna, visibly relaxes before Tsuna notices and pulls him into the conversation. The other clansmen who notice tell the other members about it. They decide that they will protect Tsuna since he's Mikoto's precious person.

Tsuna wonders if they should actually take the opportunity to sight-see around the city before they have to leave. It's Anna who perks up and promises to get Mikoto to take them out. Tsuna gives Mikoto an amused glance. It is returned with a good-natured huff, Mikoto dropping his hand on Anna's hair playfully. She struggled for a minute, trying to shove it off. He eventually takes pity on her, letting his arm fall into his lap. His reward is a smile as Tsuna looks at the scene fondly.

Izumo elbows his side to get his attention just when his intuition blares alarm bells in his head. He quickly pushes Anna more firmly into Mikoto's side. The sound of shattering glass and the burst of pain in his shoulder happen only a second later.

He is unconcerned with the glass he feels showering him when he hears Anna's sharp inhale. She is cradling her knee between her hands, biting at her lip to reign in any pained cries. Glass shards shine in her hair and lap. The offending weapon, a gray brick, lays on the wooden floor in front of the couch, glass surrounding it, and a mark drawn on it.

Mikoto's gaze darkens once he sees the mark, the corners of his eyes creasing with his glare. He turns his attention back on the injured pair at his side. Anna is curled up over her knee. Tsuna catches his eye and nods. "We'll be fine."

That's all the permission he needs before standing. He brushes the glass from Anna's hair and is gone the next moment, the sounds of a fight already brewing streaming back inside. Hibari is quick to follow, only a glance is thrown in Tsuna's direction as he leaps through the open door and into the fray.

Mukuro chuckles darkly, shadows intensifying his features. Whoever threw that brick would pay dearly for hurting his little Vongola. Only he was allowed to do that, and so they would soon learn.

Other HOMRA members shout their outrage. How dare anyone hurt their leader's ward and cousin. It was unforgivable. With a battle cry, they launch themselves at the rival gang, Yata leading the charge.

The remaining of Tsuna's Guardians gathered around him and Anna, watching the window and door for any more attacks. The easy-going smile has been wiped from Yamamoto's face, a sharp gleam in his eyes as he rests the flat side of Shigure Kintoki's blade on his shoulder. Chrome stands at his side, trident crossed diagonally across her chest, single eye narrowed as she reads the situation happening outside through the hole in the window. Gokudera is smoking up a storm, teething gritted around his cigarette, ready to light the fuses of his various explosives.

Tsuna ignores the throbbing ache in his left shoulder as he kneels before Anna, avoiding the shards on the floor. He gently uncurls her fingers from where they were clasped around her injured knee, letting her lean back. She clenches her fists at her sides, tears glittering in her eyes but not falling. He gives her a soothing smile and places his own hands just above her knee. "This would be easier if Ryohei were here." He mutters under his breath, before closing his eyes and breathing deeply.

Flames wreathe his hands, first a brilliant orange, gleaming more like a crystal than actual fire. Another breath. Another moment of stillness. Then the flames shift and waver, streaks of sunlit yellow shining through and overwhelming the orange. Tsuna lowers his hands to just make contact with her skin. Her knee is engulfed by yellow. Anna lets out a hiss of surprise before a thankful smile lights up her face and her shoulders relax. The pain no longer there to keep her muscles tense.

Tsuna opens his eyes, a pleased smile on his own face. He's just relieved it was only her knee that got hit. If he hadn't pushed her, it would have surely clipped her head. He wouldn't have been able to heal an injury of that extent.

He brings a flickering flame to his own wounded shoulder. He can't keep the power of Sun Activation for long and it fizzles out before his shoulder is fully healed. He tenderly rotates the joint, grimacing lightly when a sharp pain forces him to stop.

"Juudaime."

Tsuna stands tall, brushing the glass from his hair and shoulders. He turns to his three remaining Guardians. "If there's any left, take them out. Do what you want but use non-lethal means. Protect and assist the other HOMRA members. Stay out of Mikoto's way." At Yamamoto's deepened frown and Gokudera's furrowed brow, he adds, "I will remain in here with Anna if that's the only way to assure you I'm fine." The Rain and Storm Guardians shared a look then nodded at Tsuna, Yamamoto running ahead while Gokudera kept close to the bar's entrance, unable to use his more devastating attacks with so many allies around. Instead, he fought any stragglers getting too close to the bar.

Tsuna turned to his only female Guardian. "Chrome. I need you to get a message to Mikoto. Tell him that Anna and I are fine. He needn't worry so much. After that, you're free to give 'em hell."

Chrome bowed her head, single eye glowing with a vindictive glee. "Yes, bossu." Without further word, she faded into mist, flowing out the window.

Tsuna settled in a stool at the bar, grimacing at the shock running down his arm when he bumped his elbow against the counter. "Well, Anna. Just us now while they take care of business outside." Anna frowned lightly, walking behind the counter and reaching down for something. Tsuna just gave her a curious glance before returning his attention on what he could see of the fight through the window. He looked down again when something cold was pressed into his hands.

A bag of ice.

Tsuna smiled softly at Anna, who returned the smile. Tsuna shrugged out his jacket, pressing the ice to his still sore shoulder. "Thanks, Anna."

"Thank you for healing my knee."

"Of course. You don't need to thank me."

"Still..." She held a stubborn look on her face and Tsuna couldn't help but laugh.

"Alright, alright. You're welcome then." Seemingly satisfied, she climbed up on the stool next to Tsuna, digging around her dress pocket for a moment to reveal a red-tinted marble.

He peered closer as she held it out for him to see, and was amazed at the overview image of the battle happening outside. "That's an amazing ability."

Anna just smiled, scooting closer so they could both observe the battle.

Mikoto let the adrenaline fuel him, keeping his rage in check as much as he could. There were HOMRA and Tsuna's Guardians around him. He couldn't afford to get careless with his temper. But it was a difficult task. This upstart gang had not only invaded his territory and damaged Izumo's bar, but also harmed Anna and Tsuna.

They thought they could intimidate them with numbers; the rival gang outnumbering HOMRA nearly two to one. But they will soon learn that greater numbers won't help them.

They wouldn't be let off easy for this slight.

His burning aura incinerated the bullets aimed at him, now only ashes at his feet. With swift movements and precision, he shot concentrated blasts of his aura at the opposing gang members, his fingers akin to guns themselves.

As he lost himself to the fight, he could make out Yata's yells and solid thunks of a skateboard hitting flesh, Mukuro's unsettling laughter, the gleam of sunlight off a katana, and the resounding crunch of bones beneath the striking force of tonfas.

An illusion whispered to him of the well-being of his cousin and ward. And Mikoto allowed the piece of his mind still concerned with their injuries to be soothed.

He threw himself further into battle, taking out enemies left and right, wanting to get back to Tsuna and Anna, and ensure they really are fine with his own eyes.

It's not surprising that such a large scuffle attracted the police's attention - or at least, what essentially acts as a police force. Scepter 4 swept in just at the end of the fight. Munakata Reisi at the forefront of his officers, Awashima Seri at his side. He let his eyes roam the street in front of the HOMRA bar, surveying the damage done. Scattered bodies in varying health conditions littered the streets. Thankfully, all were still alive, if heavily bruised and battered. Munakata pushed up his glasses, making eye contact with Suoh Mikoto.

The Red King was unharmed as far as he could see, hands in his jean's pockets and slumped posture like usual. But the glare of his eyes was...odd, to say the least. This wasn't like the times when his temper spun out of control. Interesting. And as Mikoto headed to enter the bar, Munakata could see several new faces in the crowd of HOMRA members. He glanced at his side to his Lieutenant. "Awashima, was there any intel on new members joining HOMRA that I was made unaware of?"

She scanned the new faces as well, no recognition lighting her eyes. "No, sir."

Munakata hummed. He could see Fushimi Saruhiko already antagonizing Yata Misaki. He sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Have my men clean up the unconscious bodies. Question the HOMRA on what went down."

Awashima saluted, "Yes, sir." Once given the reigns, she barked out orders to the gathered Scepter 4 officers.

Munakata made his way into the bar, the mystery individuals having already disappeared inside while he was distracted.

He found the lot of them gathered around Suoh's ward, Kushina Anna, and a fluffy-haired teen holding a bag of ice to his shoulder. A large mottled bruise already forming. He took a quick glance around, noting the broken window and the brick marked with a gang symbol.

Munakata cleared his throat, the unfamiliar individuals from before closely watching his every move. He could even make out the bloodstained bar of a tonfa in the hands of a steely-eyed character. He nodded his head in polite greeting. "I am Munakata Reisi, Captain of Scepter 4." He inclined his head slightly at Mikoto. "Suoh Mikoto."

Mikoto grunted in answer, "Munakata."

He stared at two other familiar faces behind the bar counter. "Kusanagi Izumo. Totsuka Tatara." They both nodded in kind.

Munakata turned to the others in the room. "And who might you all be? New HOMRA clansmen perhaps?"

The fluffy-haired teen stood from his seat, setting the ice bag down and shrugging on a jacket. He stepped forward, stopping a respectable distance from Munakata. From this close, he could see the sparks of sunset flames within amber eyes. "No, we're just visiting. My name's Sawada Tsunayoshi. These are my Guardians."

Munakata hummed, sweeping his gaze along each 'guardian'. He nodded his head, "Pleasure." He turned back to Tsunayoshi, "May I ask the reason for your visit, and your involvement in this recent turf war?"

Tsuna glanced at Mikoto. The Red King saying nothing, expression stoic. "Personal affairs. As for your second question, a brick was thrown and there was retaliation. I'm sure you have seen the results of that yourself."

"Are you all Strains then?"

Tsunayoshi merely gave him an amused smile. "No."

Munakata narrowed his eyes, glasses glinting in the low light. "I see. Then-"

Awashima walked in then, saluting to the Captain and making note of the others gathered in the room. "The unconscious and injured have been transported to the hospital, the others have been detained. HOMRA clansmen have been questioned. From what we have gathered, they were provoked into fighting the rival gang. A gang member that retained consciousness revealed that the spat was supposed to be over territory."

Munakata pushed up his glasses, a sigh slipping past his lips. He looked at the ensemble gathered and nodded his farewells. "Excuse me while I direct my men." Without another word, he turned on heel and walked out the door, Awashima shadowing his steps.

"Well, that was an exciting end to the day. But I think it's best we split before the police decide they want us for questioning too." A tender smile crossed his lips. "Thanks for having us, Mikoto. Sorry I'm cutting the visit short."

Mikoto merely stepped forward and crushed Tsuna to his chest. Tsuna laughed and wrapped his own arms around Mikoto's waist. "Visit again soon. And thanks for taking care of Anna. Take care of yourself too."

Tsuna patted Mikoto's arm when they separated, smiling brilliantly. "Of course, 'koto. Promise I'll take care of it when I get home. My Guardians will make sure of that." Mikoto just huffed fondly and tousled Tsuna's soft hair.

Anna was already up to meet him, tugging at his right sleeve. He knelt down and embraced her. Her arms wrapped around his neck, careful to avoid his shoulder. "Thank you, Tsuna-nii." He squeezed her tighter in response before letting her go. He stood up once more, hugging both Izumo and Tatara in farewell. Anna even got Gokudera to give her a quick hug.

"I'll text you when I get home, 'koto."

Mikoto nodded, that small smile on his face again. "Good. Stay safe Tsu'."

Tsuna smiled at his Guardians. At least one good thing had come out of this day; Hibari and Mukuro's bloodlust should be quenched for a bit. Hopefully.

"Let's go home."

It was on the train home that Takeshi said what they were all thinking. "Ya know, Mikoto kind of reminds me of Xanxus."

Hayato opened his mouth to instinctively protest but paused. He thought about it for a moment and his teeth clicked shut, "Huh. A calm, less volatile Xanxus. A strange thought."

Chrome piped up then, "It's probably the hair."

"Kufufu. It's definitely the hair."