I do not Katekyo Hitman Reborn.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Home For the Holidays

Wrapping his dark green jacket tightly around his slim frame, Fran shuffled across the salt-strewn path from the student dormitories to the curb, where Lambo and I-Pin were sitting, bundled up in their winter gear and staring at the sky.

"What are you doing?" he asked, having to raise his voice in order to be heard over the roaring wind.

Lambo glanced up, eyes squinting against the flurry of snowflakes assaulting his face. "Looking to see if the weather will die down!"

"Please tell me you're kidding," said Fran flatly. He raised his face to peer up at the dark sky, hardly visible through the heavy snowstorm. "It's been like this for most of the week."

"We know, but we can hope, can't we?" asked I-Pin stubbornly, pulling her knees up to her chest and staring moodily at the frozen asphalt.

The two eighteen-year-olds and nineteen-year-old lingered for a moment more in the frigid weather before reluctantly making their way back inside their dorm. They were immediately bathed in warmth when they crossed through the lobby, used their resident cards to get past the security turnstiles and piled into the first available elevator. They got off on the seventh floor, where all three lived, and went straight for the student lounge.

The rectangular space was empty, with most of the students gone for the Christmas holidays or bundled up in their rooms. Fran collapsed on the couch with Lambo while I-Pin went to lean against the wall-length windows, staring at the glittering world below.

"This sucks," she said, summing up all of their thoughts.

"We should have left when school first let out," grumbled Lambo.

"We couldn't," replied Fran, closing his eyes and letting his head fall back against the arm of the couch. "Like you said, this snowstorm has lasted for most of the week. Expecting it to stop before Christmas was irrational."

I-Pin shook her head. "Not all of us are pessimists like you."

"Just saying."

"Where's Futa?" wondered Lambo, glancing at his best friend. "He said he'd meet us here and that was ten minutes ago. Did we miss him?"

"He would have texted us if he couldn't find us," said I-Pin. "He said he was doing some homework at the library. He has a major project due after the holidays and he's almost done."

Lambo checked his watch. "Alright, but if he's not here soon I'm calling without him."

They only needed to wait five more minutes for the sandy-haired young adult to arrive. The twenty-one-year-old brushed the snow from his coat and set his laptop bag next to the couch. "Sorry I'm late," he apologized, shrugging off his coat. "I got caught up."

"It's okay," assured I-Pin. "Did you get your work done?"

"Yeah. I'm glad it's out of the way for Christmas."

They fell into a beat of silence for a moment before Lambo said bitterly, "This is so depressing. I don't want to spend Christmas at school."

"Hey, at least we're together," said Futa, moving over and ruffling Lambo's hair fondly. "And we're about to call them now. It's not like we're isolated."

The four University of Bologna students were caught off guard by the snowstorm that struck on December twentieth, the day before their holiday officially started. The weather reports didn't predict the storm to be of such a strong magnitude and certainly not to last as long as it did. But it raged on and the day before Christmas Eve Tsuna called his little siblings with strict instructions not to attempt to drive home for Christmas. Fran got a similar call from Squalo, though it was filled with more threats of what would happen if he acted idiotically.

It was eleven o'clock on Christmas Eve, which meant that the Vongola annual holiday party had finished an hour ago. Lambo fished out his cellphone and I-Pin and Futa gathered around him as he dialled. Fran relaxed back on the couch, his ever-present frog hood falling slightly over his eyes. He would make his call to his family after theirs, so they would not be overlapping their conversations.

"Hello?"

Lambo smiled brightly. "Hi, Haru-chan!"

"Hi," exclaimed Futa and I-Pin, leaning over Lambo's shoulders.

"Yo," called Fran.

"Guys!" said Haru in delight. "How are you? Wait, hold on-Kyoko-chan! It's the kids!"

There was the sound of shuffling and soon Kyoko's voice joined the line. "We missed you tonight!"

"We missed you too," said I-Pin feelingly.

"Did we miss anything?" asked Futa.

"No, not really. Just the usual shenanigans. Actually, I think it was calmer because you weren't here."

"I call bull," spoke Fran, not opening his eyes. "There's no such thing as calm when you have Xanxus in the room."

The two girls giggled. "Fair enough. So how have you been? You're not too lonely, are you?"

"No. In fact, it's a miracle we haven't gotten on each other's nerves yet," joked Lambo.

"But we wish we could be at home," said Futa with a wistful sigh. "This is one year I could do without a White Christmas."

"We wish you were here too," said Kyoko softly. "But we'll see you soon, and we'll have our own Christmas when we do."

"Can't wait," said I-Pin with a smile.

"Now, we'd start asking about school, but we think the guys will give a full interrogation of that," said Haru with a laugh. "They're all in the living room refusing to even tackle the mess that was made tonight. We'll pass it over to them, shall we?"

It took a minute and there was the sound of rustling until the usual sounds of Tsuna and his Guardians filtered through Lambo's speakerphone. "Tsuna-kun!" called Kyoko. "It's the kids!"

The phone was passed off and there was the brief sound of clicking as Tsuna set his phone on speakerphone as well. "Hey, guys!" he said cheerfully. "I was hoping you'd call."

"Where are you calling from?" asked Hibari suspiciously.

"From Futa's car, barrelling a hundred and eighty miles down the road," said Lambo sarcastically. "And I'm at the wheel while I'm talking to you."

"Don't be smart," chided Gokudera. "Seriously, where are you?"

"At the student lounge in the dorm," answered I-Pin. "Just sitting around."

"How was the party?" asked Futa.

"Horrible," spoke Mukuro. "I am not letting Ken and Chikusa near alcohol ever again."

"Other than that incident, it was fun," piped up Chrome. "What did you guys do?"

"I spent most of the day working on my final project for my Business Analyst class at the library," said Futa.

"Lambo and I played some video games," spoke I-Pin.

"I slept," spoke up Fran. "A lot."

"Come on, it's Christmas! You guys shouldn't spend it working or lying about," chided Yamamoto.

Lambo arched an eyebrow. "Take-nii, we're holed up at school and the school part is closed. We're stuck in the dorms. There's nothing but nothing to do."

"You don't have that attitude when you're here for Christmas," pointed out Tsuna.

"We're just not feeling it," admitted Lambo.

"Don't be sad!" exclaimed Ryohei. "Be EXTREMELY happy! You can't be sad on Christmas! Then we'll be sad!"

"He's right," said Tsuna firmly. "We wish you were here, but it's not possible with this weather. Maybe tomorrow we can make something happen. If not, promise me that the four of you will celebrate Christmas together and not just lounge about like it's another day."

"Alright," said Lambo with a slight smile. "Promise."

"Promise," agreed I-Pin and Futa.

"…Fran?" said Chrome pointedly.

"No, I have too much sleeping to do. No time for Christmas."

"Fran."

"Ugh. Fine. Nagging woman. Promise."

"I feel extremely sorry for your professors," said Mukuro with a snort. "You must be a pain in the butt to teach."

"Nah, that's just for you."

Before Mukuro could respond with an insult Reborn's deep voice flowed through the speakers. "Idiot cow, school progress report. Now."

Lambo glared, even though Reborn could not see him. "Why do you always pester me? Why isn't it ever I-Pin?"

"Because she isn't a slacker or a procrastinator."

With a huff, Lambo recited his most recent grades in his classes and was forced to admit that no, he hadn't decided on a major yet. After a few more minutes of conversing they bid goodbye, promising to call tomorrow.

"That sort of made me feel better," said Lambo, putting his phone back into his pocket. He glanced out the window and heaved a sigh. "But only a little."

"Guess it's my turn."

Fran pulled out his phone and dialled the number to Varia mansion. After a few rings Squalo answered. "Vooiii! What the hell do you want?"

"Merry Christmas to you too," returned Fran sarcastically. "Why are you so loud?"

"I have to be loud in order to be heard by you deaf morons," shot back Squalo.

"Well, the louder you get the more I'll ignore you." Fran smirked at the annoyed noise his captain made. "How was the party?"

"Crap," said Squalo instantly. "Don't know why we even bother to show up."

"For the free food?"

"Food was crap."

"The alcohol?"

"Please. Xanxus has his own winery in his damn office."

"Oi, don't talk about me behind my back, scum."

There was the sound of someone being smacked forcibly and Squalo let out a grunt. "I'm not, you crap boss!" he snapped. "I'm talking to the runt!"

"Give me the phone."

"Why should I?"

"Because if you don't I'm going shoot you."

"Ugh" Squalo huffed but complied. "See you, squirt."

"Bye. Go punch Bel-sempai in the stomach for me."

"Will do."

Squalo passed the phone off to Xanxus before leaving. "Runt."

"Hey, Boss. What're you doing?"

"Thinking about how I'm going to kill everyone in this damn place. But I'll wait until you're back before I start opening fire."

Fran felt a sharp pang in his chest and he stared at his knees, a brief but strong rush of homesickness overcoming him. "Can't wait."

There was genuine sincerity in his tone rather than his usual monotonous sarcasm. Xanxus picked up on it and said gruffly, "Well, I can. It's one less pain in the butt to deal with."

Fran smirked. "I'm sure Bel-sempai will pick up my slack."

"Whatever," snorted Xanxus.

They spoke for a little while longer before delivering their goodbyes. Before Fran hung up, Xanxus said suddenly, "Do something tomorrow. Don't spend it being a useless lump in bed. We'll see your sorry face soon enough."

"Alright," said Fran softly. "Later."

He hung up and the four sat in silence, staring out the window at the thick snowfall that showed no signs of stopping.

"Well," spoke Lambo. "This sucks."

…

In the early hours of the morning Lambo woke up, groggy and exhausted. He rubbed at his green eyes and was about to roll over and fall back asleep when he happened to take a glimpse out the window. He sprang upwards with a hopeful smile and wrestled his way out of his blankets. He hurried across the carpeted floor and pressed his face against the glass, staring at the clear black sky. There wasn't a snowflake in sight and as far as he could see, the roads had been cleared.

"I-Pin!" he said, rushing over to his roommate and shaking her frantically. "Wake up!"

"What?" she groaned, cracking her eyes open and glaring reproachfully at her best friend. "Do you know what time it is?"

Lambo shot a look at the alarm clock on their shared nightstand table. "It's almost four in the morning."

"Why are you bothering me at four in the morning?"

"Because it stopped snowing!"

I-Pin blinked and sat up, staring out the window. "Yeah. So?"

Lambo gaped. "I-Pin, we can go home for Christmas!"

"Just because it stopped snowing now doesn't mean it won't start back up again," said I-Pin. She wanted to be as hopeful as Lambo, but she didn't want them to be dashed by a renewed snowstorm.

Lambo crossed his arms with a frown. "When did you become so negative?"

I-Pin rolled her eyes and lifted her cellphone from where it rested on the nightstand. She opened her weather app and started reading the reports. "I knew it," she said after a moment, disappointment welling inside her despite herself. "It says we won't be getting any more snow, but a storm is going to start in our hometown at eight in the morning."

The raven-haired teen thought intently. "We're four hours away. We'll just make it."

I-Pin bit her lip, torn. "They'll probably kill us for driving so late."

"Probably. But hey, at least we'll be there with them."

That was the convincing I-Pin needed. "I'll call Futa and Fran. You start packing our stuff. We'll leave in ten."

Lambo moved in a whirlwind of activity, grabbing their suitcases and throwing a multitude of clothes, textbooks and toiletries inside. He had finished packing by the time I-Pin got off the phone. "Fran's going to meet us downstairs and Futa is going to pick us up there."

The two got dressed and put on their winter gear. I-Pin grabbed the bag of presents they had gotten for their family and slung it over one shoulder as Lambo carried their suitcases. They met Fran in the silent, empty lobby, standing in front of the glass front door with his own luggage.

"If we get caught in another surprise snowstorm, I'm going to kill you," said Fran flatly.

It was a few minutes later when Futa's car rolled up to the curb, headlights illuminating the dark night. The three teens hurried out into the bitter air and to the trunk, which Futa had popped open. They loaded their stuff inside and climbed into the backseat.

"Get ready for a long four hour drive," declared Futa, pulling out onto the road.

"I'll be here, sleeping," muttered Fran, lowering his frog hood over his eyes and settling back against the seat.

Lambo grinned widely and pumped his fist. "Christmas miracles rock!"

…

Belphegor slouched back on the couch in the living room, staring at the ceiling. It was eight on Christmas morning and the rest of his family were scattered throughout the mansion. The presents were still under the tree, as none of them felt any desire to open them until Fran was present.

It had come as a great annoyance to see that there was a raging snowstorm on their end when the storm in Fran's area had just ceased. The Frog wasn't coming home for the holidays and that bothered Belphegor more than he cared to admit even to himself.

"Oi. Luss is making pancakes. You want some?"

Mammon leaned over the edge of the couch and into Belphegor's line of sight. The blonde lazily reached up to pinch the illusionist's cheek. "I want eggs."

"Tough." Mammon batted his hand away. "You're getting pancakes."

"Nah. I'm not hungry."

His bitter mood was clear. "We'll see Fran after Christmas," said Mammon, flicking Belphegor in the forehead. "Stop moping."

Belphegor snorted. "I'm not moping. I'm just irritated because I haven't given Froggy a solid whooping in over two months." He paused for a moment before asking, "What do you think he's doing now?"

"Probably sleeping, the lazy jerk."

"Rude."

Belphegor jumped to his feet and Mammon whirled around as swirls of indigo and black Mist waves appeared before them, soon followed by the young illusionist himself. Fran shook the snow from his clothing and smirked.

"Hey, losers."

"What the hell are you doing here?" asked Mammon in disbelief.

"There's this thing called driving," drawled Fran. "Futa just dropped me off. We-oof!"

Belphegor wasted no time in wrangling the nineteen-year-old into a headlock. Fran grunted and fought back, throwing his body weight against the blonde and bringing them both against the floor.

"Geez, you've gotten uglier since I've been gone," jeered Fran, jamming his knee into Belphegor's stomach.

Belphegor dug his elbow into the teen's neck, smirking. "Funny, I was just going to tell you the same thing."

Shaking his head, Mammon snapped his fingers and the two levitated away from each other. Belphegor cast him an annoyed look. "I haven't finished pounding him yet."

"I'm sure you'll have time to do it later," the ex-Arcobaleno replied.

"Yeah, right now I'm starved. Is there any food?"

"Lussuria is making some now. Guess we better let the others know your useless butt has arrived."

Fran stuck out his tongue and punched his fellow illusionist in the shoulder. Mammon returned the punch with a small, fond smile and the trio made their way to the kitchen, where everyone but Xanxus were gathered.

"Look who we found," drawled Belphegor, pinching Fran's cheek. "The baby has returned."

Levi's eyebrows flew upwards. "Where the hell did you come from?"

"School," answered Fran. "You must have gone senile while I was away."

"Fran-chan!" cooed Lussuria, leaving his station at the stove to pull the teen into a bone-crushing hug. "We didn't think you'd be able to make it!"

"Me either," wheezed out Fran, and took a quick intake of air when he was released. "But the storm stopped around four and we decided to leave."

"You didn't drive in this crap, did you?" asked Squalo with a slight frown.

"Only the last half hour," replied Fran with a dismissive wave of his hand. "It's not so bad."

"I don't know if you're a moron or an imbecile," scoffed Levi.

"A mix of both, I believe," quipped Fran.

The sound of footsteps fell towards the kitchen and Fran turned just as Xanxus entered the doorway. He stared at his youngest member for a moment before letting out a snort. "Typical. Figures you're too stubborn to wait for one of us to come get you. You're lucky your stupid butt didn't get stuck in this mess."

"We arrived in town a little bit before it hit," defended Fran. "There's very little traffic on the roads at four in the morning. We made good time."

Xanxus arched an eyebrow. "You willingly got up at four in the morning to make the four-hour trip here?"

"Very out of character," said Belphegor, kicking the teen in the back of the legs. "I don't appreciate strange behaviour."

"What compelled you to get up so early?" asked Lussuria curiously, turning off the stove as the last of the pancakes were finished cooking.

Fran tilted his head to the side, a ghost of a smile on his lips. "I wanted to be home for Christmas."

"Tch." Squalo reached out and yanked Fran's frog hood over his eyes. "Annoying brat."

"Now we can open presents," said Belphegor with childish glee.

"After breakfast," said Lussuria firmly. He pointed towards the dining room. "Sit."

Grumbling threats under his breath, Belphegor complied. Levi followed after and as he passed the young illusionist he gave a light rap to the head. Fran smirked and made his way towards the dining room, falling into step beside Xanxus.

"Did you miss me?"

Xanxus glanced lazily down at the scrawny teen, lips curling upwards. "Hell no," he denied, giving the teen a slight shove.

Fran knocked his shoulder into Xanxus' arm and retorted, "Didn't miss your face either."

The teal-haired male darted forwards and slammed into Levi as he went to pass the man by. Bickering and squabbling soon broke out and Xanxus smirked.

He wouldn't admit it, but it was damn great to have the Frog back for Christmas.

…

Christmas music drifted softly throughout the drawing room, background noise for the group gathered on the various chairs and couches that surrounded the magnificent Christmas tree. Brightly wrapped gifts were stacked beneath the pine, untouched. To Tsuna, it just wasn't right for the gifts to be opened without the young members of their family, and the others agreed.

The brunette rested his chin against his hand with a soft sigh. He cast a bitter glance out the window, staring at the swirling white vortex that was the obstacle between them and the university students.

A light jostling of his elbow brought his attention elsewhere. Yamamoto had a knowing smile on his face. "Hey, we told the kids not to be sad on Christmas. We shouldn't be sad either."

"I know," said Tsuna, falling slightly to the side and resting his head on Yamamoto's shoulder. "But it's been two months since they've last been home."

"Don't know why they couldn't go to a school closer to here," muttered Gokudera.

His sister smirked. "Probably to get away from you."

The silver-haired man sneered and threw a pillow at her. "Shut up, Sis."

"At least they're together," said Haru positively. "We'll see them soon enough."

After the words left her mouth Chrome and Mukuro suddenly felt a strong, familiar presence approaching them. Chrome grinned widely and said, "Actually, sooner than we thought!"

Bewildered, Mukuro turned to stare at the arched entryway. Sounds of the three missing members of the Vongola Family filled the corridor before they themselves appeared, dressed in their winter gear and covered in snow.

Tsuna's face lit up. "Hey, guys!"

"What the hell are you doing here?" Mukuro asked in bemusement as Haru, Kyoko and Chrome squealed and attacked the three in tight hugs.

"We came for Christmas," replied Lambo, looking over Haru's head with a bright smile. "So, surprise!"

Hibari pointed out the window, where the snowstorm was in full gear, his eyes narrowed into dangerous slits. "You drove in this?"

"Only for a little bit," admitted Futa, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "We were hoping to beat the storm completely, but we didn't quite make it in time."

"You could have gotten into a serious accident," snapped Gokudera. "What were you thinking?"

"Don't be mad," whined Lambo. "It's Christmas."

"Yeah," chided Kyoko, wrapping an arm around the teen's shoulders. "They're here, they're safe, and that's what matters."

"Exactly," said Yamamoto cheerfully. "You know you're happy to see them."

Gokudera could not help but smile. "Obviously. I just wish they'd start listening to orders."

"Eh, we'll see," quipped Lambo.

"Shut up and get over here, ahoshi."

Lambo hurried over and wrapped his arms around the Storm Guardian. "I missed you."

"Idiot. I missed you too."

"Where are my hugs?" whined Tsuna with a pout.

Laughing, the three embraced him, warmth spreading through their bodies at the comforting and loving atmosphere that surrounded them. More hugs were exchanged, and in no time happy chatter filled the once-silent room.

It was this happy scene that Shamal and Reborn walked on. The hitman clucked his tongue and crossed his arms. "I thought I saw Futa's car out in the driveway. Kyoya hasn't bitten you to death yet for driving in this mess?"

"Still debating on it," muttered Hibari, and he quelled a smile when Futa shot him a slight pout.

"Damn, there goes the neighbourhood," sighed Shamal, slipping his hands into the pockets of his doctor's coat.

"Like you can talk," sneered Lambo.

"Watch your mouth, boy, or I'm taking your presents away."

His face brightened. "Ooh, presents!"

I-Pin tugged on Tsuna's arm, expression pleading. "Can we open them now?"

"There's the truth," drawled Mukuro. "They haven't been driving since for in the morning for us. They came for the presents."

Futa tilted his head to the side. "I thought that was obvious."

Tsuna laughed and fondly ruffled I-Pin's hair. "Sure. Go ahead."

With delighted whoops the three dove towards the present pile, eagerly searching for the ones that bore their name. Tsuna reclined back against the cushions, a contented smile on his face and warmth seeping through him.

There was nothing better than having everyone home for the holidays.