As usual I hope you'll overlook mistakes and on, enjoy. :D

Of Hopes And Broken Promises

The Breakdown

October 14th was the day Reborn hated the most.

He remembered the date of his mothers death, he remembered the date where he was cursed for the rest of his existence, and he remembered the date where he was betrayed by the only Sky he trusted.

Yet, all these dates couldn't compare to the absolute despair that took over him on his most cursed day, October 14th.

He would never forget the sudden emptiness that overtook his very being that day, and was glad (yet so lonely) that he was alone in his apartment at that time. He gasped and struggled for air as he fell on his knees, but he knew that there was nothing physically wrong with him. His lungs inhaled and exhaled the air just fine as they always would, but that didn't stop the sudden pressure on his chest that seemed to crush him, and every breath he took felt like water flowing in his lungs, suffocating him. He choked and the tears flowed on their own will. He felt the absolute despair entering his heart and his soul wailed, and screamed, and mourned the loss of his other half. It was all just so- unfairunfairunfair and he focused his entire concentration on the numbers of his wrist, but-

There were none.

No numbers, no frozen signal of when he was to meet his soulmate, but just a black slash across scars that never were there before. These scars, these cursed, vile scars that were once the numbers of the day of his true happiness, crushed every left hope of being ever content.

His soulmate was dead-,

his soulmate died.

He couldn't take it anymore, and for the first time in his life he screamed in anguish, in misery and fury.

Why? Why him, out of everyone?!

Why was he born into this world which greeted him only with cruelty, why did Fate want to crush him to the point of no return?!

Madness surrounded him and he knew, October 14th was the day he lost his soulmate, but also the date he became as mad as his mother.

OOoooOO

Reborn blinked in tiredness. He was so, so tired, but still found himself focusing on his surroundings and found himself in a black hazy mist of lunacy. How long was he in here already? Days, months, maybe even years?

He didn't know. All he was aware of was his body still moving, on autopilot. Reborn didn't control a single muscle, but he was aware that time still continued flowing despite the agony he lived in.

He remembered his body waking up, eating, doing his work, and going back to sleep. None of those were controlled and his brain took over the functions of his daily routine, while his mind was caged in absolute torture.

With every moment he lost more and more of his will to live, and he considered ideas his mother would've laughed at in sadistic glee, smug about his current pathetic self.

'Reborn.'

He stilled at the voice coming out of nowhere.

'Reborn.'

A melodic voice, echoing with a chime like harmony. Where was it coming from? His body was in sleep mode, but always alert, yet didn't stir awake at his name being called.

He turned around in wonder and only saw his shadow, wait- shadow?

That was absolutely impossible, he was in complete blackness, void of any light, he was in madness.

He turned again and couldn't help but look up as warmth suddenly caressed his cold cheek.

His beady black eyes widened in wonder at the rays of light shone through, like a sun trying and pushing as hard as it can against the stormy black clouds and the haze lifted. It disappeared as if running away from the tantalizing brightness and Reborn found himself suddenly surrounded in white harmony.

His souls constant screaming ceased to a humming buzz and Reborn's eyes filled with tears of relief, of being finally free from the agony of the black mist.

'Reborn.'

This time there was no echo, but just the voice of a teenager hitting puberty and he couldn't help but turn around to the tingles running down his entire soul.

The first thing he saw were white, big, angel wings, hugging the boy as if in comfort, brown star shaped hair, innocent, wide eyes and a serene smile filled with happiness, but also sadness. 'No.', he shouldn't be sad. Especially because of Reborn, he would never forgive himself for making his mate sad.

'I'm sorry Reborn, for leaving you alone in this cruel world.'

Reborn shook his head in denial, his soulmate was here, so why did he say he left him alone? That didn't make any sense.

Maybe, because he mate died.

The beautiful smile vanished as if he read his thoughts, leaving only sympathy and longing.

'I wish I could be with you, Reborn. I begged and knelt on my knees, but they wouldn't let me. They only allowed me to visit you for a moment, before I have to go back.'

"Don't leave me, please. Or at least take me with you!"

This time it was the boy who shook his head in sadness. His steps echoing through the white dimension, until he stood direct in front of Reborn (who was in his original form in his mind) and looked up. His other half wasn't as tall as he seemed at first, but that was probably due the wings fluttering behind him in pleasure.

He reached out with his hand and touched Reborn's cheek with love, and desire. His eyes shining in yearning.

Reborn leaned into the touch, and his soul appeased completely in peace, bonding with his other half in a dance of melancholy and happiness.

'Reborn, I can't stay long, but I have one last message before leaving.'

His heart fluttered in fear for his wonderful angel, and he wrapped his arms around the boys waist. The wings brushed against his arm and they felt like the softest material Reborn has ever felt.

'You have a mission, here on earth. I know you don't want to stay anymore, but please, save the world and every dimension from doom. Only you can do it.'

"What do you mean?"

Reborn didn't want to listen, he just wanted to bury all their responsibilities hundreds of feet under the ground and gaze forever into these lovely, honey colored eyes, looking at Reborn with adoration and love.

'I was supposed to be trained by you, it was my fate to meet you and free the world from the curse, but something came in the way and I had to leave early. Please, Reborn. Save the world and train the next Vongola Decimo, so that we can both have a world to return to. I'll wait forever if I have to.'

Reborn stared into those suddenly glowing, pure, pure orange eyes and he could feel the pride surging through him.

Truly, his soulmate was only the best of the best like Reborn was, and he never saw a will as bright as his.

He hugged him closer, craving the warmth of his angel, and their faces were only centimeters from each other. A lovely blush coated the boys face and he could feel a smug smirk gracing his lips.

"All I have to do is save the world to be with you? Child's play."

His mate stared at him in exasperation, a playful pout on his face.

'Mou, Reborn. You never change,'

Reborn couldn't help, but kiss the pout away with a peck and the eyes of the brunet widened comically, his face going as red as a cherry.

And in that moment he knew, he'd go through hell and back, only so that he could end up with him again.

His angel suddenly snapped his head to the right, as if he heard something, and a somber expression marred his face. His heart clenched in worry, his arms hugging the boy tighter.

'I have to go, Reborn. My time is done.'

He felt the solid flesh and soft feathers of the wings disappearing, his mate getting more and more transparent and panic flooded through him as his soul wailed in denial already.

"Tell me your name, at least!"

His mate smiled at him in delight.

'Tsuna, Sawada Tsunayoshi.'

And he disappeared, his voice still echoing his name, telling him not to forget.

OOoooOO

He jerked as a sudden breeze drafted through the room and blinked as he found himself controlling his body completely again. His gaze went to the digital clock telling him that it's 4 am the 18th January. He sighed at the passed time and his gaze drifted to the window, stilling as he saw it closed.

Where did that breeze come from?

He looked carefully around, looking for any sign of a burglar or assassin. When he felt no presence he relaxed slightly, but still kept his guard on as his eyes stopped traveling on a single white feather next to him on his bed, the softest material he ever felt, and Reborn smiled as he carefully slipped his most treasured possession on earth under his fedora. That place will do until he can make something wearable out of it.

OOoooOO

Years later, Vongola Nono requested his help to train Sawada Iemitus second son, Sawada Ienari as the next Vongola Decimo, and wept silently when he found out that the first son died during birth due his too weak body and the docs not being able to help him.

His soul never felt as empty again as that time.

OOoooOO

"Reborn, despite your sadistic hell training and all the injuries you put me through, I just wanted to thank you for helping me finding my family and our true potential."

23 year old Ienari said, next to his Guardians and former Arcobalenos on the deathbed of Reborn, the worlds greatest hitman.

"I just don't understand, kora! Why is he the only one whose body is breaking down, instead of growing up like the rest of us?!"

The frustration on Colonello was evident for everyone in the room, and Reborn didn't even try to keep the snort from escaping.

"What, are you going to cry? I knew you liked me, but I didn't think it was that strong. Sorry, I'm taken already."

Annoyance passed the young mans features, before confusion took over completely.

"What are you talking about, Reborn? You never said a word about a lover."

Lal Mirch asked in wonder after she hit the back of her fiances head. "Ouch!"

"I don't really have to say a word now, do I? I never saw it as a necessity." The usual smirk still stayed on his pale face, and they had to look away in discomfort at seeing their strongest dying right in front of them, weak to the world.

"I see, is that lover of yours by any chance your soulmate, Reborn? Maybe that's the reason you hold that seemingly useless feather necklace in your hand the whole time. A present maybe?"

Never to say one should underestimate the genius mind of Verde, the calculating mind working without pause.

Everyone's head snapped to look at Reborn, their gaze traveling to the through time damaged and rough looking feather and back to him, who lied still and didn't even deny the accusation.

"That's impossible, Reborn had that feather since I met him and he never had someone like that. You all said yourselves that the timers on you guys stopped since the Fated Day."

"Baka-Ienari, you ask too many questions. Shut that dumb mouth of yours for once." No one mentioned the grip tightening around the feather, yet still caressing it with care and protection one wouldn't have expected from someone as Reborn.

"My soulmate died before I got to meet him, but he left me this to remember his last request."

Verde inclined his head in understanding, and Reborn shot him his scariest glare, daring him to open his mouth. Verde did it anyway.

"I see, and since your request is officially fulfilled there's no reason for you to stay here anymore. Typical Reborn, you can't do anything the normal way, even dying."

A shoot was heard, smoke leaving the exit of his gun and Verde looked calmly ahead, ignoring the hole next to his head.

"Don't underestimate me, Verde. Even on my deathbed I'm the strongest. I'll make your life a living hell."

"I-It's okay, Reborn! Verde-san, please refrain from angering him anymore, he's still scary when dying!"

Ienari flinched while mentioning the death of his tutor and Reborn could only smirk.

"Well, this is it anyway. I'm glad to not having to see your ugly faces anymore."

"W-What was that?! No one speaks to the amazing Skull like that!"

Another shot.

"Hm, I'll be so nice and not charge you for wasting my time on your too slow death. Be thankful."

"Reborn, it was an honor working with you. Xiexie. (Thank you)"

"This isn't the end, kora! In our next life I'll be the stronger one, wait for it!"

"Tch, you're hundred years too early to challenge Reborn! I'm going to train you harder!... Reborn?"

They stopped their quarrel when they noticed Reborn stopped listening, his eyes glazed over.

The smirk never left his face and his expression changed into serenity they never saw on him before.

"...Reborn, if you don't mind me asking. What was the name of your soulmate?"

But he never heard the question, the light slowly leaving the eyes of his body, his grip on the feather necklace loosening and his soul getting engulfed in light, he sighed in happiness.

"Tsuna, I missed you."

"Reborn!"

Ienari stilled in shock at the name of his dead brother, and couldn't help but let the tears fall at the sorrowful fate they both had to endure.

"Goodbye, Reborn."

OOoooOO

The End

Uhm, maybe not much of a sad ending, but more of a sad life. xD