Peripeteia

A fanfiction by Yuri Warren

Disclaimer:

1) Katekyou Hitman Reborn belongs to Amano Akira and its related companies; I only borrow the characters in the manga/ anime.

2) Peripeteia belongs to The Cloud's Essence with permission for adoption.

Summary: Tsuna was a well-known thief. And after another work-filled day, the most influential mafia Famiglia requested his assistance. Story adopted from The Cloud's Essence.

Author's Note: After the last chapter, suddenly I lost all of my motivation and I couldn't even manage to open my computer and do some writings! After I lost my job interview, I became very depress and wondered if it because of my lack of soft skills, which I doubt. Athough I did hear that the place I had the interview mostly the staffs loved to pick up their new workers through cronism and nepotism.

I wish I didn't go for the interview if I knew these people were the types like that!

Thank you to everyone who following, reviewing and favouring this story, I really appreciate it.

The Crossover Addict: Thank you for your beautiful review and I'm sorry for unable to reply to you review. I don't know how long I can mke or post the stories because ometimes, one chapter can be done more than a month! With my current situation the length of making and posting the stories might be longer than before. Thnk you very much for reading this story, I really appreciate it.

Chapter 04: Sneaking Out

Tsuna groaned. He wasn't good at hacking, so he decided not to take the risk. Since he couldn't get into the Gesso Famiglia's data bases, he had to settle for more conventional ways.

He had to collect debt.

Of course, the brunet didn't just ask, "Would you hack into the Gesso for me, to find the Vongola ring?" No, Reborn would carry through with his threat if he did that.

It would be nice to look forward to a future that includes him.

His only choice of capable indebted was an information broker in Spain, who he had helped out by providing an alibi. The man was a criminal, true, but he was on death row for something he never did.

People didn't like security risks, and the man had enough blackmail on him to be considered one.

His name was Eduardo Bustos, and he was a relatively righteous guy. But he was just born into the business.

Tsuna fabricated some receipts and camera footage that he was in a different country at the time of the accused crime. The collected 'evidence' was left on the steps to the court with 'Bambi' elegantly signed. It was first time Tsuna willingly used the name; his morals overrode embarrassment.

Even if it was a crime to use a false testimony in court, but no one needed to know that.

The man literally owed Tsuna his life.

After rapid emails back and forth, Eduardo finally gave him all the information he had on the Gesso.

The worst part though, there was no evidence the Gesso did it, nor was there evidence they didn't. Bostos had wrote in the last email that he'll get his hands on the information Bambi needed.

With a sigh, Tsuna erased as much of his internet trail as he could. Then he got into bed. Maybe, he should take the chance and try to hack into their databases tomorrow?

Nah, the risk is too high. He'll wait to see if Bostos will get it all done by tomorrow. It should still be daylight in Europe.

Tsuna snuggled deeper into the covers. He couldn't help but think this job was more trouble than it's worth. He rarely ever had to rely on other people for his jobs.

It was... unnerving for his identity to be known. Tsuna was exposed. It contradicted his entire lifestyle of obscurity and deception.

It made him feel helpless, and Tsuna never liked that feeling; no one does.

Pushing his insecurities away, Tsuna drifted off to an uncomfortable sleep in the quiet hotel room.

But right before unconsciousness filled him, a familiar emptiness surfaced:

Loneliness.

The first thing Tsuna did when he woke up was check his email. One unread mail from Bostos.

Only bad thing, which he realized last night was that he never asked Reborn when the ring had been stolen, or where for that matter, but he narrowed the time range it was stolen within to a month, so that's what he had Bostos look into: where the Gesso were and what they were doing in the past month.

Gah, too many words. The file Tsuna had to read was huge. It was pretty much a detailed account of their activities, since he was unable to narrow down the search further. Why did mafia famiglias do so much in the span of one month? It was equal to a years worth of accomplishes by an extremely busy business. He wanted so badly to cry in a corner and avoid the work, but alas, his job doesn't work that way.

Why do I have to be so bad at everything else? I could've been a regular business man, or- or a dishwasher! Tsuna hung his head, Why is it much easier to break the law than to abide it for me? He let out a small submissive sigh, I better start.

Brown eyes glanced at the disgustingly large file. Ugh, and the it ranges from the higher-ups to people subordinates came in contact with.

He'd have to make due with it, and hope it was worth the read. Let him rephrase that, it better be worth the read. And hopefully, Reborn would be help him go through the file later too if he doesn't finish, which most likely will happen.

For now though, Tsuna printed the papers and started skimming. Every now and then a sentence or section would be highlighted in orange.

Like the relocation of the main headquarters from France to Japan, and the famiglias they've come into contact with. Especially the Giglo Nero who were known for their neutrality and being benevolent.

Reborn was quiet as he scanned the documents. They were currently at Takesushi again. It was the only restaurant that meet Reborn's standard on food quality in Namimori.

"Here." Reborn stated underling the section with a pen he was talking about. Brown eyes scanned the papers. The section that was underlined was a visit the Gesso had paid in Italy two weeks ago for a mafia event. It was a simple tournament for mobs from all around to show off their power.

That specific tournament was open for all criminals, even those outside of alliances. The Vongola was one family that would often let their subordinates or higher-ups to attend; it demonstrated their own power to any who may be foolish enough to try to attack them.

The Vonogola would also send some of the CEDEF and Varia too.

"The Gesso stayed longer than necessary. I wasn't aware they hadn't already left; I assume Nono wasn't either."

The Vongola had even checked to see that any potential enemies were out of the vicinity. How did they manage to fool Vongola spies?

"At the end of the week, the Vongola sent the ring out to the selected candidate; Enrico had just gained the title of official heir." Reborn handed the files back, which Tsuna tucked away into the expensive suit he wore that day.

"Xanxus also attended, and was unaccounted for during the time."

Tsuna stared at the man for short amount time, before settling for a question. "So they're still both suspicious?"

Reborn nodded, "We're going after the Gesso then."

Tsuna objected, "But wouldn't we need to gather more-?"

"No." He should know better than to question me, "My presence here has brought attention here. The Gesso would be the best to target as of now with doubt on both sides, rather than the Nono's own son. We don't have enough time to gather information that may not be there, so we're breaking into their base tonight."

Tsuna's eyes became incredulous. Reborn could practically read his thoughts at the moment, what was the point in delaying until now?

Reborn felt his smirk form, "I would think you would've figured that out by now Tsuna. Just think about it, we needed to make sure the suspicions were justified with facts."

Realization dawned on Tsuna's face, "Oh."

"Yeah," Reborn mocked, "'oh'." Leon transformed into an alarm clock. Tsuna stared wide-eyed at the lizard; his mouth fell open when Leon started ringing.

Reborn nearly chuckled at his reaction, but he was getting the hang of Tsuna's behavior. Most people he knew ignored, shouted at, or took in stride anything out of the ordinary."It's time to go," before school gets out, and anymore of the brats show up.

Reborn paid this Tsuyoshi and exited the building with Tsuna.

Like last time, they wandered around. Not a park now, but they were walking down a random street. Before either they went their separate way, he had informed Tsuna he'd met up with him in front of Tsuna's hotel at 11 pm, but when they started to go their separate ways interruptions popped up.

They were another reason why he didn't want to do the job.

"Haha, I thought you had already left town Reborn. It's rare for you to stay so long without dropping by to say hello to everyone." Asari said. With him were a red-head and a blonde.

Tsuna lowered his head and kept on walking in his respective direction, blending into the background. He didn't want to intrude on Reborn's personal life more than necessary. His threats were scary enough now.

"Ah, Tanaka-san! I almost didn't notice you. It's nice to see you again!" Asari said. Tsuna straightened his back. He knew he had erased the majority of his presence, so a normal person wouldn't even be able to tell he was there unless they were looking at him first. Asari hadn't been looking at him until now.

Instinct was telling him that Asari wasn't normal.

A smile came onto his face, "Asari-san, it's nice to see you too. I must apologize, I get stuck in my own world sometimes, and tune everything out."

Asari looked between Reborn and Tsuna. Confusion was evident in his eyes.

The likelihood of his identity being revealed was close to zero, but his business with Reborn was pretty high chance right now.

The reason he didn't let his face become known was so he wouldn't have to change his appearance to avoid being tracked (even with the Vongola now able to). Things like that were difficult and bothersome.

Tsuna decided to interrupt Asari's observations, "I came back for some more sushi today, since it was delicious. It was a pleasant surprise to see Reborn-san there too, so we decided to enjoy another meal together."

The blonde spoke from beside Asari, "Reborn, I didn't know you were back in town. Did Father send you on another 'mission' to give his love to Mom?" Reborn snorted, but gave no reply.

Tsuna was overcome with the need to run, get far away before Reborn felt he was too high of a risk to keep alive.

He made a slight apologetic bow, "I'm sorry Asari-san, but I must make my leave now." I like living.

The blonde's sharp eyes locked on Tsuna. He had hair similar to Tsuna, but that was all. His eyes and overall complexion were different. "And you are?"

Tsuna bowed his head towards the professional-looking teen. How can he looked so high and mighty in a school uniform? "Tanaka Mamarou," Tsuna glanced at his watch, which was set for Italian time, "I'm really sorry for my rudeness but I have to go. I was planning to enjoy the town more, before it get's too late."

"Tanaka-san, there's no need to be so formal with us. You look about our age anyway," the black-haired grinned, "We can show you around town if you want." He smiled teasingly towards the blonde, "Giotto won't bite."

Tsuna scratched his cheek, "Uh... ." Help me Reborn, Tsuna hoped the man could really read minds.

The blonde teen, Giotto, was already examining Tsuna, as if sensing something wrong with him.

"Tanaka-san already said he had plans. We wouldn't want to impose, right Tanaka-san?" Tsuna swore he could've hugged Reborn at that moment; that's how happy he was.

"Yes, tonight is quite busy for me. I'm sorry that I cannot take you up on your offer." Tsuna explained. On the inside, he was praising every deity he knew of: he was spared.

"Nonsense," Giotto spoke with a soft smile, "I would love to hear how you and Reborn know each other. He's not polite to just anyone." Asari and Giotto grabbed Tsuna's arms each. They dragged him around with G shaking his head and Reborn following.

Tsuna actually never got a chance to see the town, except his hotel, a park, and Takesushi. They showed him all sorts of places in the short amount of time before sundown.

Namimori had several shrines that set apart from everything else. Their shops were small for the most part, but cozy. Some of the best views of the autumn surrounding – which were debated feverishly between them – were pointed out too.

Tsuna mostly ignored Reborn's obvious moping, and had fun.

Asari made him feel relaxed, which was a luxury for Tsuna.

The red-head, who was later revealed to be G, made Tsuna laugh with his constant scolding his two friends.

And Giotto, despite some suspicious looks from time to time, made the brunet feel accepted.

Tsuna's smiles were carefree, and he laughed a lot. A warm feeling filled his heart that hadn't been there for a while.

Reborn was lucky to know them.

Reborn was going to kill them. All three of them- or four, but that didn't change anything. The three idiots were wasting his time and spewing information from their yaps.

Now Tsuna not only knew their names, but school and connection to Reborn. Did they really have to tell him that he worked with Giotto's father, Iemitsu – they even said gave away his name! He saw the recognition in the kid's eyes. No one knew Iemitsu's last name – for obvious reasons – but his first name was still well-known.

The worst part was he couldn't act on his anger.

No scratch that, it was the frustrating smiles and laughs that Tsuna did. It looked like he was actually enjoying himself, or maybe he was acting again.

Reading Tsuna was getting harder the more Reborn spent time around him.

And now of all places, they were in a house with a 'Sawada' nameplate.

They showed Tsuna were Iemitsu lived. Granted, with the information he could've gathered from their earlier tour, Tsuna could've easily found out where he lived, but that was beside the point.

They were seated in Giotto's room snacking on cookies Nana made. Woman was too kind. He sincerely hoped that the four would turn blue from the cookies that were being shoved down their throats. Reborn made sure to glare at Tsuna from beneath his hat, and (un)fortunately the kid choked. Then G patted him on the back allowing Tsuna to swallow. Damn.

The three kept on bringing Tsuna into random conversations. They had a weird conversation about scars and other injuries.

Reborn filed away the good stuff for later dates.

Like G being sticking his hand in a hot toaster because half the toast was still in.

Or Giotto having a pot pie blow up in his face.

And of course Asari, the prize winner, who broke his leg from jump roping on a desk. Who sees a desk and thinks, I want to jump rope on it?

Reborn rested his cheek on his hand, only to switch to the unbruised side. He still couldn't believe it was still there, although barely. He couldn't use a massive amount of sun flames because of the Gesso, but a little should've been enough to make it disappear. Tsuna glanced at Reborn and offered a hesitant smile, and Reborn wanted to strangle him.

Wow, Reborn blinked. Usually when he was violent it was due to his sadistic nature, but now it was because of frustration building up at a dangerously fast pace.

He needed to get ahold of himself before he really snapped.

Nana came in to pick up the cookies, "Oh, Reborn-san. You and your friend can stay in the guest room." What?

"T-there's no need Sawada-san," Tsuna said hurriedly, "I'm already staying at a hotel."

Nana pouted. Reborn could've groaned. It was near impossible to say no to Nana when she got like that.

"This is my way of thanking you for spending the day with my son and his friends, Tanaka-san. I just want to make sure you and Reborn feel as comfortable as possible here."

Tsuna tried to get out, "It's really okay Sawada-san."

Nana furrowed her eyebrows and insisted, "Tanaka-san, it's no problem. I love it when the mornings are more lively."

Reborn didn't even bother fighting back. He didn't like losing.

Giotto smiled. G and Asari were spending the night, despite it being a school night. They always did this.

Reborn and... Tanaka-san – for some reason he hesitated with the name, it didn't seem to fit – were also staying. They were sleeping in the guest room right now, after it had gotten late.

G and Asari themselves were sleeping soundly, but Giotto was having trouble. He stared at his alarm clock: 10:47 pm. Ugh, why couldn't he fall asleep?

He was restless. After turning over in his bed for the umpteenth time, Giotto got out. Maybe a glass of milk will be what he needed.

He went down stairs and poured himself a glass. The blonde downed it, and traveled back to his room.

"We... now... time." Giotto heard the undeniable deep voice of Reborn. They were still up?

"What if... wake... Reborn?" That was... Tanaka-san's voice. It sounded like Tanaka-san addressed Reborn, Reborn-san. He probably just missed the '-san'.

"...Tsuna... won't... ." What was Tsuna? Giotto edged closer to the guest room.

There were some noises of things being shifted around. He pressed his ear to the door to hear what came next. Something was up.

Giotto waited for the conversation to continue, but silence was all that met him. Had they gone to sleep? No, he didn't think so.

He opened the door enough to see through a crack, but saw the bed empty. Shocked, he entered the room. The window was left unlocked, and there was no one there.

He hurried into his room.

"G," he whispered loudly and shook his friend, "G!"

G's eyes opened. The red-head yawned, "Whad taim iz iht?" (Translated to: What time is it?")

Asari stirred and let out a questioning, "Hn?"

"They're gone. They're gone!" Giotto whispered hoarsely.

G rubbed his eyes, "Who's... gone?"

Giotto got up and opened his closet. He pulled on a jacket and threw tow spares to his friends, "Reborn-san and Tanaka-san!"

G shot up, "Wha-?"

Asari put on the jacket thrown at him, "Giotto?"

"The window," he muttered quickly, "I don't know why, but what if something happens to Tanaka-san? He's with Reborn-san of all people!"

Asari nodded gravely, "I see. We should go and find them, before Reborn does something to scare Tanaka-san."

"Let's go then," G snapped pulling the door open, "No one deserves to end up victim to Reborn."

The three rushed quietly down stairs, and slipped their shoes on.

Reborn and Tanaka-san were still visible until they turned a corner. Giotto let the others know to not get too close, or else Reborn would find them.

He didn't know why he didn't just step out and tell them to go back inside.

They followed the two at a safe distance. Giotto noticed how Reborn and Tanaka were sticking to the shadows a lot.

His observations were put on hold for the moment, when the two turned on an old road into the surrounding forest.

Where are they going?

G interrupted his musings and his blood turned cold, "Do you think... Reborn, since he's a hit man and all, could've been hired to kill the kid?"

Oh god, I've just let a kid go into a forest with a killer.

Sorry for the late update, I tried my best to finish this story in the first place. The next update will be later like this, please bear with it.

Thank you for your support. Until next chapter –Yuri Warren.