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Chapter 2's up! Enjoy! :D

"I leave you alone for two days," Reborn says after Hayato and Lambo leave, "and this is what you end up doing to yourself."

The word 'this' is followed by a pointed look at Tsuna's six year old body.

Tsuna bristles at the unsolicited reminder but sighs in despondence all the same.

"It's not that I wanted to be a six year old," Tsuna huffs out somewhat petulantly. The action suits him now, too, and makes him look especially endearing, what with how a cheek, almost frighteningly involuntarily,puffs out.

And, as for his own reply, Tsuna is aware how stupid he sounds. He hadn't wanted to be the Decimo, either, but look where he is right now. Tsuna sucks his cheek back in and stops pouting, a little disturbed. His transition from not-yet-Decimo to Decimo is not exactly something he wishes to recall since the incidents leading to that are particularly painful. He'd rather not think about it now.

"Well, you did not want to be the Neo Vongola Primo, either, but look where you are," Reborn, ever the mind reader, reminds him.

Tsuna says nothing to that, deciding to change the topic. He does that often when Reborn is around.

"I need you to train me," Tsuna tells Reborn seriously.

"Of course you need me to train you, you idiot," Reborn says exasperatedly, "Don't state the obvious, Tsuna."

It is terribly annoying when Reborn does that—his voice modulation in such situations gives off the impression that Tsuna is a horrifyingly stupid child. Which he is not, by the way. The 'stupid' part, not the 'child' part. Even so, Tsuna reflects, he has really been missing their constant battle of words. This is the first time Tsuna is seeing Reborn in three weeks—he has missed him more than he likes to admit. More than he wishes to admit, rather, since his feelings for the hitman are not exactly platonic.

'The heart wants what the heart wants,' Tsuna thinks with a small sigh, 'Not that it matters, at any rate. And now I'm deviating.'

"Yes, yes, we all know how woeful you are," Reborn says as an answer to Tsuna's sigh, "Stop dilly dallying, when do we start?"

"Today," Tsuna replies immediately, "and—"

"Of course not today," Reborn interrupts, "Are you an idiot? Given your…condition, you need a day's rest."

Tsuna's eyes narrow down stubbornly, "Well, I don't have time to rest—"

"Of course you do. Don't be reckless, Tsuna. If you start training when you're sore, you'll simply be walking two steps back for each step you walk forward."

"I am not sore—"

Reborn snorts, "Yeah, right. I can see pain when see pain. And you're definitely feeling pain."

Tsuna opens his mouth to rebut, but shuts his it a second later. His failed attempt at walking in a dignified manner has left him really, really sore; Reborn's attack with boomerang-Leon certainly has not helped matter any. Reborn has a point like he almost always does.

"You're also at fault, just so you know," Tsuna bites out, rubbing the spot on his Leon had hit him.

"You deserved it," Reborn says simply.

Reborn leaves Tsuna an hour later and heads for the science building, where Shoichi, Spanner and Giannini find their solace in. Personally, Reborn likes the place. It's spacious, innovative and most of the things you find there have a very high chance of blowing up in your face. In simple words: fantastic.

Besides, Reborn has always liked Science. Of course he has—what with being one of the greatest scientists to ever live (under the pseudo name of Riboyama), he is bound to like Science. He may not be as great as Verde when creating weapons of mass destruction is concerned, but he is pretty damn good. And he's the strongest and the swiftest hitman to ever live, while Verde is less than average. Hell, the green-haired man's fighting skills are downright pathetic.

Vongola's Science Department's building is shaped like a dome. A gigantic telescope is situated in the east side of the building, usually hidden from sight. The dome is white, and guarded twenty-four-seven by some of Vongola's strongest, finest and trusted—the few times enemy Famiglias had tried to break and enter the building to steal a few of Vongola's large array of secrets, they had had one of the worst moments of their lives.

After the guard at the entrance makes sure that the man with the fedora is, indeed, Reborn, he allows the hitman to pass through. Reborn does, and, not to his knowledge, is scanned thoroughly by various machines from all sides. Reborn enters the lobby and heads straight for the elevator. He heads for the third floor of the underground lab and steps out when the elevator doors slide open.

He is greeted by murmurs of "Reborn-san"s from people donned in lab coats from all sides, but Reborn pays them no mind and does not even nod to acknowledge their presence. He's not a friendly man by nature, after all.

He heads towards the metal plated door at the far end of the room. He presses his palm to the scanner and then, once two beeps indicate that the scanner has approved him for who he is, punches the required code. The door slides open much like the in-built locks of the door, and Reborn enters. The lab he enters is dimly lit—just the way Shoichi, Spanner and Giannini prefer it, apparently. The wall on the left hand side is occupied by large, thin screens which float in the air like holograms. There is a wide, long and elegantly curved desk with drawers (and chairs, of course) in front of the screens, scattered with notes, calculations and over-spilling and empty coffee mugs.

There are four occupants of the room now—Hayato, Shoichi, Spanner and Reborn, himself.

The three turn to greet the hitman with a laconic nod of the head. Spanner and Shoichi look particularly wary of Reborn and Leon, who, for the record, can turn into a gun at any given moment.

"Tsuna ordered me not to harm you two," Reborn smirks, "So I won't."

Spanner and Shoichi pretend that they haven't been worrying themselves about that for the past six hours. Tsuna was very thorough while giving the definition of the word 'harm' when Reborn had mentioned his intention to visit the Science Department, much to Reborn's disappointment.

"So, what's the deal?" Reborn digresses, "Be quick about it."

Shoichi immediately begins explaining, "Our system was hacked."

Reborn raises an incredulous eyebrow at that but says nothing, allowing Shoichi to continue.

"Well, when I say 'hacked'," Shoichi continues, "It was an inside job. From within the Vongola. Tsunayoshi-kun was targeted, but I'm pretty sure that the spy's intention was not to turn Tsunayoshi-kun into a kid."

"Because there's no point in turning him into a kid: killing him would be easier," Hayato adds.

"I think the spy made a mistake—it's the only explanation. We tell our staff—only the very trusted ones, mind, Reborn-san—about whatever it is that we invent. What Tsunayoshi-kun was hit with is called Piccolo—that being said, it wasn't our intention to do make Piccolo do what its name one might think suggests. It's purely coincidental, really, and it would have been funny if my Boss wasn't a kid right now," Shoichi gives a sad little sigh, running his hand through his red hair.

"So, what is Piccolo's real intention, then?" Reborn asks, though he is pretty sure what the answer is.

"To kill people, basically. It leaves no trace behind—it is kind of wonderful, really. Scientifically speaking, of course," Shoichi corrects himself, looking a bit sick at the thought of suggesting that he finds people dying anything near 'wonderful'.

"So was the Piccolo that hit Tsuna malfunctioning?" Reborn asks, frowning a little at how Shoichi is being prudish.

"Yes. We knew about it, of course," Shoichi confirms.

"Which means," Hayato adds a little maniacally, "If the Piccolo that had hit the Tenth wasn't malfunctioning, the Tenth would have been dead by now. And since he is notdead…you know what that means, don't you?"

"That the spy will try to kill my idiotic student again," Reborn answers. He inhales and shoves his hands inside his trouser's pockets, "We have a traitor in our midst. If their knowledge of the existence of Piccolo is anything to go by, he or she is one of Vongola's trusted. Tsuna's not going to like that."

There is a short, contemplative silence. There are many things Tsuna does not like about the Mafia and disloyalty and betrayal is one of them. Tsuna does not understand betrayal, despite the number of times he has been backstabbed. Fact is, despite this, he takes betrayal in stride and keeps his head high even though a part of him breaks every time he sees his people turning their backs on him. However, when Vongola's future is concerned, Tsuna is really good at not allowing betrayals and spies and traitors to bring the Vongola down—it is one of the many reasons why Tsuna is feared in the Mafia despite his idiosyncratic views of peace and vigilantism.

"Well," Hayato breaks the silence, "there's no point in worrying over it now. We'll be protecting the Tenth, of course, and searching for the traitor at the same time. While you two," Hayato gives Shoichi and Spanner a mildly baleful look, having still not forgiven them for nearly being responsible for nearly killing Tsuna, "make sure that all the passwords are changed, firewalls put up. Hundred percent security, you hear me?"

The two engineers nod enthusiastically.

Hayato and Reborn leave, with Hayto adding, "You both better be meticulous!" as they exit.

"I'll inform the Tenth about the spy," Hayato tells Reborn when they are out in the garden, heading towards the main mansion.

"Let him rest for now," Reborn says, "I'll tell him tomorrow. He wants me to—"

"Let me guess, train him?" Hayato asks resignedly.

"You know him well," Reborn smirks.

Years ago, Hayto's face would have flushed red with pride and exuberance at the obvious compliment. Now, though, he gives Reborn a sly look and a sly smile.

"Don't worry, Reborn-san, I'm sure you know him better than I do," Hayato says knowingly.

Reborn narrows his eyes, knowing very well what Hayato is getting at. Apparently, almost everybody Reborn associates himself with has been aware that Reborn has had a massive, three-year-long crush on his Boss even before Reborn had been aware of his own feelings.

Yes, Reborn plans to do something about it sooner rather than later, but he rather wishes to take his time and make sure that he does not end up screwing things up and destroying the current relationship they have. Tsuna is too precious to him, after all. He'd rather stay as Tsuna's ex-tutor, present-advisor and friend if the alternative is to have Tsuna dislike him. However, given Tsuna's bisexuality, Reborn is aware that he has a chance, never mind how thin it might be.

"Better not go there now, Hayato," Reborn tells the bomber warningly, his words otherwise meaning 'Shut up or you'll regret it'.

Hayato merely hums and smirks as a reply.

Haru enters Tsuna's room and the first thing she says is:

"Wow."

Tsuna, given that his eyes are covered by the shirt he is trying to pull over his body, can't see her. He recognizes Haru's voice, though, and hastily pulls his shirt over, cheeks reddening a little in embarrassment.

"Aw, Tsuna-san," Haru giggles, shutting the door behind her, amused, "There's no need to be so modest."

Tsuna shoots her a look, pouting even though he is pretty sure that pouting hadn't been his intention.

"It's not funny, Haru," he says petulantly, destroying the pout that had formed itself involuntarily and inexplicably on his lips. And, really, it is not funny. Despite being one of the most feared Bosses of the Mafia, Tsuna is still shy and terribly modest. And, fine, maybe he is a kid which is why being half naked around a girl is not that big of a deal, but his mind is still of someone in his early twenties.

"Of course it is, Tsuna-san," Haru says happily, coming closer to Tsuna so that her hand is on his head. She ruffles his hair with affection.

Tsuna almost considers batting her hand away in petulance, but, frankly, he is actually enjoying the way her fingers are carding through his hair. It's relaxing—and relaxation is what he desperately needs right now.

'Once I'm normal,' Tsuna thinks, 'I'll take a break. A vacation would be nice. Christmas is coming in a month, anyway.'

"You were not supposed to return until tomorrow," Tsuna says languidly, "What happened?"

"We got the contract earlier than we expected," Haru replies, "The Salvor were very eager to be under Vongola's protection, apparently. Not really surprising—they are one of the weakest Famiglias after all."

"That's good. Where's Kyoko-chan?"

"She stopped by the cake shop while returning."

"Again?" Tsuna asks in morbid fascination.

Haru laughs, "Don't get in between a girl and her cake, Tsuna-san. You'll regret it."

Tsuna grins, "Point duly noted."

"How did you become a kid, Tsuna-san?" Haru asks, genuinely curious, "Not that I mind, by the way. You're adorable."

"I got hit by a missile from the Science Department," Tsuna explains. At Haru's horrified expression, he gives a reassuring smile, "Well, I think a spy was responsible. They probably got into the Vongola's system from within."

Haru raises an eyebrow disbelievingly, "A spy? How do you know that?"

"It's the only explanation," Tsuna replies with a shrug, "With Shoichi and Spanner manning the computers, there can't be a 'glitch' in the system. They are impeccable, after all."

Haru nods understandingly. Shoichi and Spanner are experts—with Verde helping them and tutoring them (without acknowledging the fact that he tutors them, of course) on a regular basis, the Vongola's system is nothing short of being infallible and invincible. And, no, Tsuna is not exaggerating. It's a fact.

"So you're in danger," Haru says seriously.

Tsuna nods, "Again. Not surprising."

Haru gives a worried frown to which Tsuna shakes his head.

"You don't have to worry about it now, Haru. You should rest," Tsuna says gently.

"Easy for you to say that, Tsuna-san," Haru gives a small sigh while getting up, "You can't expect me to not worry. Kyoko's going to worry, too."

Tsuna squirms a little guiltily, "I'll be fine."

Haru smiles at him, "Well, I'll be in Kyoko's room if you need anything."

Tsuna nods, watching her go. Kyoko and Haru have been lovers for around five years now and sometimes Tsuna can't help but wonder why they don't get a room together already, seeing that Haru spends a majority of her time in Kyoko's room rather than her own. Then again, it doesn't really matter, Tsuna supposes. They are lovers, after all.

Tsuna lies down on his bed, bored out of his mind yet sleepy at the same time. He shuts his eyes and thinks about Haru's relationship with Kyoko, feeling a pang of jealousy and longing. He wishes to have someone love him as a lover, too. Tsuna had dated Kyoko briefly at the age of sixteen, only to break up a few weeks later, two days after he had kissed Kyoko for the first time. If anything, the kiss had been awkwardand, well, weird—not because it was his first kiss but because it had been with Kyoko.

Unconsciously, Tsuna had started viewing Kyoko as a sister rather than a crush. It had taken him a day after the kiss to realize that, but when he did, he had freaked out completely. What was he supposed to tell her? He had not wanted to hurt her. She was too precious to him, after all.

Needless to say, when Kyoko had approached him with a contrite request to break up, Tsuna had heaved a glad sigh and agreed enthusiastically. They had laughed when they realized that the reason for wanting to put their ostensible 'intimate' relationship to a halt was because they viewed each other as siblings.

Tsuna still suspects that the only reason Ryohei has not killed him for breaking up with Kyoko was because Kyoko had not been hurt at all. In fact, she had seemed positively giddy after breaking up with Tsuna. Tsuna supposes he should have felt insulted at Kyoko's obvious display of happiness, but, even now, he can't find himself to be.

It is two minutes later that he senses Kyoya's presence and rolls out of the bed the moment a silver tonfa slams on the pillow his head had been resting on. He lands on the floor with a pained 'mmmph!', but does not let it distract him in any way. Kyoya is after his life now. Tsuna stands up quickly and jumps out of the way when Kyoya leaps towards him from the bed. Th Cloud Guardian does not bother landing on his feet—instead, his right palm touches the floor softly, and he pushes himself to the side so that Tsuna gains no time to make an escape.

Tsuna manages to escape Kyoya's kick, anyway. His eyes lock with gray ones as leaps back. The moment his feet touch the ground and he skids to a halt, pain explodes and rings in his entire body. He grits his teeth, being inconspicuous about the action because Tsuna knows that Kyoya despises it when he shows weakness over something so small.

Their eye contact has not broken yet. Kyoya's look is sharp, cool and appraising; Tsuna's is that of a leader—determined, calm, daring the other to disobey and attack again.

Kyoya is the first to break the eye contact, brushing a bit of nonexistent dirt from his suit, insouciant.

"I heard what happened to you," he says, a little sneeringly, a little amusedly, "You've not lost your touch."

"Neither have you, Kyoya," Tsuna says, lips curling up to form a mindless little genuine smile, body relaxing, "It's good to see you again," he says warmly.

Kyoya grunts as a reply and turns around to exit Tsuna's room.

"My report is on your desk," Kyoya informs him and leaves.

Tsuna nods even though Kyoya can't see him. He clambers back to his bed and gives a groan of despair when he notices that his bed is broken.

'Thank you, Kyoya,' Tsuna thinks sarcastically, 'Just what I needed.'

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