Disclaimer: This is a fanfic, so it's obviously fan-made. :3 No ownership here except for the story-line.

CHAPTER 7

oOo

Reborn's room held a good opinion for being 'commodious' in a positive aspect for one's own individual space. Every point, section, arrangement and quality of furniture was exhibited with distinct features that did not exaggerate in its luxury and was furbished with a widespread of designs. Though simple, the patterns of its fabric and such were intricately decorated to his personal liking. In it's mixture of colors, from the choices of tawny to a sequence of a varieties of browns and a little balance of creamy white to match, this coated the room into a homey-filled theme into which the hitman considered as one of his protected and peaceful domains as a temporary escape from the taints of the mafia civilization. Yet, only to fall prey and have its meaning get demolished without a short notice of warning.

Presently, he was flaring with a destructive gleam in his eyes with his forefinger tapping oh-so irritably on his right knee promptly crossed over his left one. Reborn was now clothed in a yellow polo tucked in his neatly-made ashen slacks. His fedora was right next to him laid immobile on a table drawer while he was sitting on a chair beside it. Across him was Tsuna who was motionlessly behaved on a leather couch, fidgeting once in a while to fend off the uneasiness he felt under the hitman's steady but tormenting scrutiny. It was just a few minutes ago wherein the brunet had barged into his tutor's home space, calling him with a debased caption then assaulting him with a mere candle holder. Luckily for Reborn, he was able to evade it in the last second only to have the base of the object scratch the outermost layer of his dermis below his left cheek. Now, it's being covered with a band aid, much to his chagrin.

Albeit a minor injury, the ex-Arcobaleno was exceedingly enraged. No one could have anticipated something like this to happen, not even him of all people. How could he? It was a great disgrace to his part, being known as the best hitman for many, many years and the only means he had to keep himself away from going out of control was his trained mentality and reasoning. Frankly, it annoyed him eminently to be caught off guard in such a state. Who wouldn't be when your only shield for your lower zone was about to slip down? He wasn't that bold of a person in spite of his quantity of lovers and never will he. But in Tsuna's opinion, he might be pictured differently. Well he's certainly not going to try and explain himself to the careless brunet. He's the victim here and there's no way that keeping things as it is is going to help. But Reborn was never in a rush, so he will have to listen first-hand to the other's alibi before he can make any conclusion to shoot him on the spot or kill him slowly. Either way it was still a plot for Vongola Decimo's demise in which he was gladly taken by.

Reborn stopped his finger's movement and stood up making a short rustle from the chair's friction to the carpet, earning a minutely jolt from the brunet as a reaction. This made him smirk. Good, he knows that I'm not happy. He smoothly pressed on his heels to sit on a black, leather, single couch just opposite the younger man with the dark wood coffee table in between them, his dark eyes still glaring.

Watching intently at the other's every movement, Reborn could see that based from the way Tsuna was shuffling in his seat uncontrollably time to time - though a bit vaguely - discerned to him that he must have been already in a jittery shape before he came into his room. Generally, it was a very hard and remarkably an impossible miracle to escape an incensed man like Reborn who would in every creative way ruin your sanity and imprint a good reminder to never walk his path again.

However, in this moving time, this moment, he could only stare at those disconcerted eyes looking at nothing but at those agitated hands. Being the good observer he was, it was noted that the young man's shoulders were in a strange rhythm of rising and falling. This was taken into mind that now wasn't the time to take his revenge into action. He could always find an opportunity, anyway.

"Well..." his baritone floated in a languid yet threatening air, "As much as I would like to pulverize you and transform your sordid wails into the songs of bellowing instruments, I believe that there is another find that I should look into."

There was enough emphasis on his words to realize that the man was very mad - scratch that - infuriated. The sheer shadow in those black eyes were tremendously colored with the addition of rage, and a solemn promise of pain and torture wasn't hard to draw out of it, either; everything was understandable, Tsuna was the one at fault, he admits it. Although he's still upset about what happened to his two best friends caused by this person in front of him, it doesn't really commit any justice when he did something - not physically, but greatly in pride - unforgivable. He never even realized that he was making his way to the hitman's room before he entered. The stares from earlier still make him feel restless and conscious of himself that even right now, his mind drifts back to the time he didn't come here.

In a sense, he knew that words of an apology were needed, but he was a bit reluctant to do so. He was too anxious that his voice box wouldn't sound and even his calm, collected expression seemed to be dropping its confidence. Reborn had seen him like this before, but it's not like he was used to it or gives it an excuse to let the other be able to watch him whenever the individual was around. For all that, his tutor looked like he wasn't expecting any acknowledgement of his rudeness and instead appeared to be that he was going to ask a question demanding an answer.

Lifting his right hand to his chin, Reborn ran a thumb across his appealing lips. Some would have assumed that he was trying to seduce you given that it was a thumbs-up bonus point to his looks, but technically, it was his natural manner of contemplation. Wonder struck his mind to grow into a rapid curiosity. And then he asks.

"If I recall correctly - which I do - you would be all sweat and bones whenever you pay a visit to Hibari's. I find it very unusual to see you free from any signs of it. Not to mention I was expecting a rampage to start some time in the day since he's not that fond of crowding. He does have an assignment to be your temporary left-hand-man and attend with you to a massive event. I would like to know why."

"Oh..." Tsuna said in a light breath as if it was the first air he got hold of from the moment he got there. "Kyouya was in the middle of meditating when I came over. He didn't seem to be in the right mood to fight so he somehow took the information smoothly. I guess he's fine with it."

"Hmm. Really? Next question: You've been there for two and forty-five hours. If it all went well, what took you so long to leave?"

"Well..." The brunet scratched the back of his head in his natural behavior. Is he being interrogated? He can trace the suspicious look Reborn was giving him. "We talked for a while. Kyouya and I had tea, which he made, and spoke of non-related matters and stuff. It was just a small conversation, but I didn't know that we took that really long. I lost track of time, I suppose."

There was something missing, Reborn could tell. His mind now forgot its reserved punishments to the brunet as it focused more on the next query he had in store.

"You're hiding something else, Dame-Tsuna. Did Hibari say something to you before you left?" The moment his student paused and gradually paled told him that something did happen between the two. He was going to ask what, but considering how Tsuna's expression reflected its distress after being found out, he decided to leave it alone for now. If ever he tries to push it, he might not get any other information that might be more important than the current one. They still need to locate Kyoko, and they have to get Tsuna in his right mind to do that. But if what Hibari told the man was related to her... Agh... How troublesome.

Easing himself, Reborn leaned on the backrest of his seat, sighing lowly.

"Get yourself a cup of coffee and something to munch on. Also, get on your casual attire. We're going on a ride."

Blinking questionably, Tsuna tilted his head, not clearly understanding what he was told. Sometimes, this so-called adult can be such a clueless child. Sighing once more, Reborn clarified, "We're going to visit Mama. You haven't been in contact with her ever since your dramatic wedding. She's been worried sick."

"Eeeeh?" The reaction given was close to causing the Vongola to slide off from his seat. Fortunately, he was able to withstand it and just push back in surprise, his narrow, caramel eyes widening in shock. If there was one thing he wasn't ready to go for, then that was meeting eye to eye with his mother. Nana was the most zealous above Haru who was having great anticipation to his nuptial with his childhood crush. She was the one who prepared the menu, sparked Haru's interest in planning the designs, set up the guest list, the contributions goes on. How in Kami-sama's name will he be able to look at her straight in the eye without cowering when after all her hard work and energy was immediately shot down the moment Kyoko never showed up? If anything, he's ashamed to see the woman and ashamed that he's failed even at his matrimony lifestyle.

"I don't know if I can, Reborn..." He spoke almost less than a whisper. "She might throw a fit at me."

Reborn raised a brow at the queer statement. "You sound like you don't know the person who birthed you. Being pessimistic about it won't tell you what's going to happen. It's a form of cowardice. You among all people should know that." He was returned with a reproachful stare from the younger among them who was opening his mouth to retort but was cut off by a raised hand before a word came out. "Don't start. Anyway, I already contacted her. Now's not the time to look surprised. We have fifteen minutes. If I don't see you outside on time, the next thing you'll know, there will be mine bombs planted inside your room."

"That's ridiculous. Though I'm sure you're not joking, either."

"Believe me, I'm not. Now hurry up and get out of my room before I decide to dig a bullet into your skull."

"But what am I suppose to do with this?" Tsuna gestured to his injuries, specifically his banded head. "Mom's going to bombard me with a helluva of questions, I'm sure of it. She thinks you're too saintly to actually be the cause of these even if I insist on telling her."

There was a momentary gloat passing through the hitman's lips at the insulting compliment of being called 'saintly'. Having been under Nana's care for nearly a decade and a half paid him to be under a good impression on her perspective that whatever anyone tells her would squeeze out of her other ear with ease. It was a good thing he was smart enough to hide from her his brutality towards everyone else especially to her son, otherwise, he would find his name in large, bold letters on her death list.

"If you're so worried, then tell her that you tripped. She'll definitely believe you for your clumsiness."

A short glare from the brunet darted Reborn's way before he could let his tensed shoulders relax slightly until the he exited the room wordlessly. Arguing back with the man will get him nowhere near winning - not that he planned on losing. Tsuna didn't bother to look back, though the other man was grateful he didn't, his expression wilting to a faint sordid frown when the brunet was out of sight.

Now alone in his newly sabotaged peace, Reborn rotated towards a 3 piece drawer, grabbed the handle in the middle and pulled the drawer open where there was a mess of papers occupying the limited size. He tapped on the lower-left corner and in reaction the base loosened a bit, elevating in a centimeter, enough to insert a finger. Raising it without a care if the materials on top got even more scattered, the man carefully slipped out from the interior a thin envelope, taking a look into its contents until he pinched one out from the rest. His eyes grimed upon the object.

"Tsuna-nii! Welcome home!" Fuuta waved out to the addressed man as he watched him come out of the vehicle door from the passenger's seat, Reborn following from the driver's. Because he's the best hitman for many decades even during his life span as an Arcobaleno, it was in Reborn's strong belief that there wouldn't be any need to have extra people to look after their boss since the queue of enemies were scarce this month thanks to the familigia's facility in keeping them away and after word had spread that he came back from his mission. Plus, he's currently the brunet's right-hand, no way is he going to be reckless on that. On the other hand, Tsuna was doing his best to look delighted to see his adoptive brother, but he was struggling to keep it hidden that he was annoyed with the hitman beside him, doing nothing but grinning like the moron he is. Reborn squinted his eyes sharply at him just now. Oops. He must have heard his thoughts.

If it hadn't been for Chrome being around the mansion, she wouldn't have been able to set up an illusion on him, concealing all his bruises and the bandage wrapped on his temple to bar any questions that are surely to come from Nana or anyone he comes across who might not leave him be without having a full explanation.

Nana, all smiles and warm hospitality, came out of the entrance, cloaked with her apron and spatula in hand, calling out to them in her familiar cheery tone.

"Tsu-kun! Reborn-kun! Welcome back!" She gradually decelerated from her steps before reaching them in arm's length and blinked a few times. "Ara? Reborn-kun, what happened to your cheek?"

In an instant, Tsuna uttered without missing a beat, overlooking his shyness when meeting his mother's question. "He tripped, Mom."

Nana blinked. "Oh? Really? I didn't know that you could be clumsy. Oh well, there's always a first. You should be careful next time, Reborn-kun. "

"This might be a new ranking I'll have to take note of." Fuuta said.

There was a wee but acute twitch that encircled the hitman's figure for a few seconds. Such a total, utter mortifying comment! Tsuna craned his neck a bit to take a look at his former tutor's face who was stiff and fighting the urge to scowl in front of the woman. This almost made the brunet want to snicker at that, but the extremely murderous aura the man broadcasted everywhere circulating against him and Fuuta made them both abort their separate plans right away.

Oblivious to the threatening air, Nana motioned them inside, heading back into the kitchen while she proceeded to her cooking with Fuuta helping, unaware of the large groan of her son, sounds of streaming bullets, and numerous pleads of mercy coming from the living room. The Ranking Prince silently prayed for his big brother, as much as he would like to help him escape the tyrant. Reborn was terrifying, indeed.

In that very moment, Tsuna realized that the illusion Chrome casted on him did not make any difference to the injuries the hitman was inflicting on him. Recently, new one's flourished but it was away from Nana's sight at the very least with the damages in the house hidden from her view. It was a small thanks to Reborn who made sure that he didn't cause too much havoc.

The mother of the house was running in a line of words, letting her vibrant dialogue fill up the soundless air to add life to the dining room even though nothing good came out of it. A few minutes have passed and Bianchi came in from the entrance door with a few bags containing groceries. Her womanly instincts spotted Reborn in the middle of the table right away who was sipping on his coffee, dropping everything she had by the doorway as she threw herself at the man, snuggling him like she did when he was still in his baby form, unintentionally oblivious to everyone else's presence.

"Reborn! My sweet! You're back! Oh, how I missed you so much! I didn't even know that you were visiting. What happened to your cheek-"

"Nothing serious." He finished.

"Oh. Well, you should have told me sooner that you'd be coming so that I could cook a meal for you."

The mere thought of her cooking made the hitman's stomach twist unpleasantly. He feigned a grin, "No, thank you. Mama made lunch so I'm quite full right now."

"Hmm.. Well, then I shall cook us some dinner."

Oh. no.

Nana laughed at the little display while Fuuta was unsure of how to react to the whole situation. Reborn just sighed but stopped midway when he noticed the look on the brunet's face.

He forgot.

"Bianchi-chan." Nana said. The beautiful Italian woman glanced at her, her arms still encircled around the other's neck after she kissed his cheek, waiting to know what she was called for. "I heard that you won the cooking contest back in Tokyo. Congratulations."

Cooking contest? Tsuna blinked, then his expression lowered to a shivering wince. Did she... No. Maybe? But she won? He turned to Fuuta asking for an answer but only got a wry smile. It wouldn't be so nice to think of any negative possibilities when the woman might have put in a lot of effort just to make it worth tasting. So there's a definite chance that it was an honest win. The young Vongola smiled at her.

"Congratulations, Bianchi."

Registering the amiable range of pitch and tone that only belonged to one person she knew, Bianchi immediately released her hold on Reborn and met eyes with her boss. She didn't know what to say. He watched everything without uttering a word to interrupt and now he's praising her for her achievement as if nothing happened a while ago. How insensitive of her.

"Tsuna... I..."

It was evident that she was feeling guilty and shaking with regret even though it was all unpremeditated. The man she loved for nearly twenty years had been away for a number of months and it was already understandable for the young man that Bianchi just missed Reborn so much. Even though he had just undergone a terrible heartbreak not too long ago, Tsuna was well aware when to be miserable and when not to. Not paying heed to the worried state he got Hayato's sister in, the young boss extended his hands, grasping the woman's and smiling at her so tenderly and earnestly.

"What's with the long look, Bianchi? Lighten up, now; you deserve it."

Quite taken aback, Bianchi slowly smiled at him. "Thank you, Tsuna..."

If he was not named Reborn and not the greatest hitman of the world, he would probably have puffed out his relief in the open which is totally out of character. It almost got him there that Tsuna might have been offended by the display and walked off since he's still in a very emotional mess. He almost wanted to shoot himself for allowing Bianchi to cuddle him like a doll but in the end everything went well. Taking a glance at Nana, her eyes looked deep in thought and preoccupied as she watched her son interact with the Poison Scorpion, and when she caught Reborn watching her, the mask was back on with the usual kind smile. The hitman let it go knowing that he had a reason in bringing Tsuna here.

"Bianchi."

The addressed woman turned to him attentively, her face beaming with delight in being called out. My, my, he thought.

"I want to talk with you. Alone."

The excited visage was now descended into a look of urgency after recognizing the familiar tone Reborn was using. Bianchi then excused herself and followed him outside, leaving the mother and son to dwell in their familial space.

He couldn't help but feel wary about the pair going somewhere private, but what panicked him more was that they left him with his Mother; anything but that. Not when he knew that they're likely to discuss what happened if either of them start to speak. Honestly, he was running away; away from those who wanted answers, away from those who supported him, away from those who expected a lot from him, away from those who believed in him. And that all lead to his mother. But when he tried to face her, her smile was not cheery, as he can see, it was comforting and still encouraging as she took the first step to initiate their talk.

"How are you, Tsu-kun?"

"Oh... I'm doing good."

"I see. I'm quite surprised that Hayato-kun and Takeshi-kun didn't tag along like they usually do. Perhaps they are busy today?"

Fidgeting in his seat for a few seconds, Tsuna mustered up a proud grin to hide the fact that his two best friends are currently bed-ridden because of his angelic tutor. "Yes. They're really busy right now and don't seem to have enough time to come over today. But don't worry, they're doing great and are still healthy!"

"That's good to hear. It's been a while since there's been noise going around the area. Knowing you three make such a ruckus, I've gotten so used to it that I wished that everything doesn't have to be so quiet. These days the people here just come and go. Leave the house for work or school then come back home to sleep. A fixed schedule. Although I do know that there is more to look forward to other than an ordinary tomorrow."

She really is wonderful, that woman. Even in her own words there is a special meaning to it. And this nearly made him feel hopeful to something. Lost in his thoughts, he failed to feel his mother's caring hands touch his right away. He saw her eyes softening with that familiar maternal love, and, all in one swift tide, Tsuna's anxiety disappeared.

"That's why, Tsu-kun, even if you think that no matter how much you see looks nothing new or at least changed, you have to keep telling yourself that there's always going to be something beautiful coming out of it. Yes, your wedding did not go the way you wanted it to, not the way everyone else wanted it to, but you know what? There's a sweet after-taste from a bitter experience. Believe me, I've tried. So right now don't think about what you did wrong. Think about how what you're going to do to make it right."

Wet. He felt something wet drizzle down his cheeks. Tsuna's vision was becoming a blur, the corner of his eyes watery and that was when he noticed that he was letting out the tears he didn't know he could release. In fact, these were one of the rare emotional tears after nine years of immense discipline of keeping them sheathed from open sight. Yet here he is, letting everything out with the companionship of his own blood watching him. He was more frustrated than embarrassed as he wept quietly with Nana listening without saying a word.

They decided that the pathway located at the hindmost of the house was the most secure area to communicate without any unnecessary interference. Reborn's back was facing Bianchi, inanimate and in the form which she assumes to be contemplating.

"What's wrong, Reborn?"

"..."

"Reborn?"

"... I need your help."

"Anything."

Reborn finally glanced at her and drew out from the interior of his suit an envelope, gesturing it to the woman to take it. Reluctantly, Bianchi opened the top, took one of the contents, her green eyes slowly widening at what she was seeing.

"Is this...?"

The man nodded. "It is."

It was a photograph of Kyoko running by an isolated bridge near the church, still in her wedding dress but quite disoriented, panting, rushing, escaping. Whoever sent this must know where she is, how she's doing, who she's with. An hour after Reborn's punishment to Tsuna was dealt with and after he stopped by the garden, he found an envelope outside the gate. No one was around that time and it was because he was there. It was definite that this was meant for Tsuna to receive, but given the circumstances and the high probability that his idiotic student might act rashly out of his emotions, he took it with him, silently researching for any reliable sources to track down anyone with a connection to the whereabouts of the Vongola Decimo's missing bride.

Bianchi studied the other articles which contained a small number of similar photos of Kyoko. It's strange, but who would try and take stolen shots from her, and why send them over? To ruin Tsuna even more? Or are they holding the poor woman hostage? Reborn had the same thought, but there wasn't any message to prove anything they can assume.

"We need to trace them. Whoever sent those is bound to be another enemy of Vongola who's using the current situation to their advantage. Tsk."

"Hmm. But why ask me?"

"You've been taking care of her for the past years and have more experience in the field of mafia than Haru or Hana does. Who knows what might happen in time so I cannot risk them to be part of this. I can't ask Ryohei since he'll probably lose himself and let his emotions take over, given that he's as worried as Tsuna. I've already hired a few associates who are experts in tracking down any leads, but it's still not enough. Kyoko is safe, that's for sure. But if Vongola is desperate in finding her, then they ought to be prepared for anything that could be a bolt in the blue." Reborn faced the waiting woman, his voice was stern and alert, "Bianchi, under no circumstances are we to speak of this to Tsuna. Ryohei will find out eventually, but Tsuna should never find out. Not until I say so."

"I... I understand. But I don't think it will take him long to discover what we're doing, though. I know this is for him, but what concerns me is how he'll react to this once he realizes it."

"Tsk. In the mean time, we'll have to do whatever it takes to keep him away from finding out."

"Reborn." The man looked back at her and saw that she had something else to say. "Is he that unstable... that you're willing to do all this for him?" Dark eyes merely widened at the remark but lost its shock in the next few seconds. His words came out, but they were not the words Bianchi was expecting.

"Not for him, the family's." Turning on his heels, Reborn sauntered back into the house, not waiting for a response to come from Bianchi. Coming from the back door, he approached the ingress to the family room, there, he spotted his student and the mother engaging in a good-natured conversation while they sat on the couch, the tension no longer there, their faces all affectionate and soothing.

The jet-black haired man felt his gaze assuage from its usual severity at the image of Tsuna's tender smile coming back from its hide as he watched the man speak to Nana. Though it wasn't the complete form, it still bore the same brilliance, nonetheless. He directly diverted his attention elsewhere when Tsuna noticed his presence, hands clasped on his lap gently, shyly nodding his acknowledgement. Nana was enthusiastic a moment after Tsuna saw him, virtually springing on her feet till she was able to reach out to him, convincing him and her son to stay for dinner. And Reborn allowed it to happen, his mood was too good to waste this time of the day. Mildly surprised, Tsuna agreed.

Dusk has blurred the horizon. Little by little did the stars powder the sky and the only thing moving along the lone road was the vehicle where Tsuna and Reborn were in. Not one has spoken about today, Reborn's eyes were transfixed on the path, Tsuna was back at the window like before. After having a safe dinner when Fuuta came home, (Nana came to their rescue before Bianchi could even touch anything, a small but hazardous fear crept inside them that she might slip in her mastery of cooking ordinary meals by merely hearing a compliment from Reborn) they soon bid their farewells to the household and left.

Tsuna watched with fair interest at the fading light, sound becoming more facile to the ears, the nocturnal creatures emerging from their habitat to add to the noise. For some reason, it was pleasant to know that there was something to take in as a token for comfort. Once in a while, his palms would rub on his sleeves back and forth to lessen the anxiety he was going through, the throbbing in his injured but illusion-coated head went purely unnoticed, thoughts of the before and after coming to.

"Reborn..." Tsuna whispered.

"Hm?"

Tsuna was hesitant, Reborn finally gave a sidelong glance to indicate that he was waiting, then muttered, "Thank you."

Bemused, the hitman lifted a brow, the brunet still not facing him after the two-word confession. Then, Tsuna shifted on his seat, no longer looking outside, his eyes landing on the other's solemnly. He sheepishly grinned - mostly to himself, probably - wiping his free hand on the back of his neck in the course of clarifying. "I always believed that talking about it was going to make me regret it. My mistake. In fact, I would have if I continued to shut myself."

"..." Reborn looked toward the road, making a few turns on the wheel. "I assume all went well?"

"Yeah... So, thank you."

"What for? All I did was drag your useless body out of its cramped cage and tossed it to wherever it was needed. But, yeah, I suppose I did pretty well."

"I retract what I said. I hate you." Tsuna snorted and went back to gazing at the window, his aura fiery with annoyance of receiving a sarcastic reply even when he expressed himself seriously. He failed to catch the other staring at him then it was decided that the car still needs to be managed in order to get to the mansion safely.

"By the way, you need to clear out all of those documents once we get back. I'm not letting you blink an eye until everything is signed for and don't even try to think that any of your ridiculous excuses will work. Starting tomorrow, as your right-hand-man, I will commit myself to keeping you close to your responsibilities. "

"UGH!"

A/N: And I am back! Firstly, I apologize for the wait (am I? e_e). You know how life can pause you from moving then play where you left out not caring how you're feeling. That's how it was for me. I'll do my best to update as fast as I can. No promises, though. I truly wish to jump right away to the "THIS" and the "THAT", but rushing just makes the plot taste sour. Don't worry, it's going to get better and better. Feel free to review or follow for updates.

*Tsuna is just too adorable!