Happiest Day

Chapter 5.

The guardians shared glances in the corner of their eyes every once in awhile as they tried with much difficultly to engage their guest in conversation. Gokudera (pale but a vein in his neck throbbing) and Yamamoto (eyes cloudier then they have ever been) were sat on the left and right side of the head of the table, Lambo sat next to the Storm and on the other side, beside Takeshi was a silently furious Kyouya who had stayed despite his temperament with large gatherings. Mukuro was at Lambo's elbow and seemed just as angry as the Skylark, silent in his disposition; no "creepy" smirk on his face or gleam in his eye, Chrome who parallel to him made sure to keep their sides touching; to make sure that there was no outbursts and that both of them kept their flames under control.

Behind the head chair stood Reborn, keeping a hawks eye on the activities. Most mafia don's simply had a bodyguard with them and a close subordinate (only trusted families were invited to the ceremony so none considered to bring anymore protection; all knew it was unneeded - always unneeded with Vongola, with Tsunayoshi Sawada). But the Decimo was different; his right-hand did not usually pose as a bodyguard, it was nearly always Reborn who stood by his back, right and left man on either side; that was how it was played.

Xanxas and Squalo sat on the right of the table, closet to the Vongola to represent relations, not everyone was happy in the underworld with that particular placement (or any other) but Tsunayoshi had insisted on it as soon as he took over; moving the Varia up the table in meetings and giving them classified information that they wouldn't have been privy to when the ninth don was still in power - still alive.

Then there was the CEDEF's head Iemitsu who was sullen in posture but held furious eyes, on either side of him was Lal (she kicked him under the table every time it looked like he was about to do something incredibly stupid) and Colonnello tried to divert conversation.

Dino and his right-hand, Romario came next on that side (Chiavarone had also risen the ranks to one of the most trusted allies of Vongola, followed by Tomaso, Longchamp (sat next to his butler Mangusta) unusually quiet as he looked around uncomfortably; his family didn't have many friends among the other aligned families, some even going so far as being disrespectful for his position until Tsuna had stopped it.

On the other side of the table, Shimon was at the top which had also sparked controversy since their family was partially unknown and seen as weak despite their elemental rings, Enma's once blank face had morphed into a grieving expression, his right was there as well; Adel, only her face was a glare of protection for her boss even if he was still capable of looking after himself, she didn't want anyone taking advantage, though her eyes glinted with more emotion than she'd let onto having.

A fairly new (in terms of aliment anyway) family was next, The Coltello who specialised in blades and knives; anything that was pointed and was made out of metal they could handle expertly. A polite man with an oval face and high cheekbones, with crystal eyes and curved nose, with a board but not overly musclier frame was boss, he had large, strong hands with nimble fingers; perfect for his choice of weapon which was holstered to both thighs; one for each hand. His name was Donato Nico but in some small circles he was better known as the Hunter for his proposition and hit record.

Before the Tenth took over the Vongola there wasn't much interaction between the two families - and even when it was official the two boss' hadn't gotten acquainted until Tsunayoshi had managed to get himself kidnapped by the same organisation that got their hands on Donato, no one outside their respected families had any details on what happened that day, only that said organisation was destroyed three days later, and forty-eight hours after that there was a new alley in the Vongola alliance.

Than there was the Giglio Nero, Yuni and Millefiore with Byakuran only one other family member to act as a bodyguard, and that was Gamma. They weren't officially in the alliance and didn't usually attend meetings but they were always made welcome (Tsuna assured that) and had been personally invited to the wedding, though invited was a weak word... Gamma would use threatened by Reborn since Yuni had been unsure. The reason why they weren't further up the table was because the Shimon was more or less the Vongola's sister organisation (that little tidbit wasn't widely known) and deserved to be up the top with the Varia, they would come a close second since they were connected to the Vongola with the Tri-Ni-Sette along with the Arcobaleno (which was opposite them on the other side of the table) but that wasn't something they wanted attention drawn to, so they allowed Donato's family to have their place, and would have sat on the end of the table if it wasn't for Tsunayoshi's insistence).

Next came the Nuevo family, but everyone knew sans them that they didn't hold much favour - if any with the new boss of Vongola; Tsuna didn't tend to respect people who respected him because of his position of a large...institution, the Beccio and Difo were in the same bracket and there was some talk that they were going to be forced to leave the alliance (though Tsunayoshi had considered it - consideration was all it would be, he'd prefer to have allies even if they lacked the proper qualities to thought of as family; once in the alliance if you broke it you were than under Mafia Law to be tried to some awfully tight chains and thrown in a lovely water prison with no chance of patrol; no one was that stupid).

The room had been cleared of any celebration material before any of them had arrived and everyone was keeping a tight lip on the wedding and what may or may not have been heard during said wedding. The atmosphere was tight and words seemed to fail the mafioso, the quiet murmurings were absentminded at best and there was seldom a person there that didn't just want to go home and go lie in a silent, dark room - perhaps not come not for a few days.

Though the smalltalk didn't get much further because with a small rush of activity the double doors of the dinning room opened and in stepped a rushed looking Tsunayoshi Sawada and a masked woman wearing a suit that seemed to drown her small frame.

'Ah' the brunet said with a small smile 'You've started' the maids shifted uneasily, unsure if they had meant to wait before serving but Reborn had insisted to bring out the starter for the guests while they waited. Tsuna noticed this and added; 'That's good, sorry I'm late; a host should always be early' he dipped his head in a bow before he glanced at the woman and she, in turn, closed the door for him 'I was held up after leaving to get some fresh breath' he told them with an apologetic look about him 'I'm afraid I couldn't get here any sooner but this giovane donna helped me make it back' he gestured to his companion, who bowed 'Throughout her stay at Vongola she will be known as Spring' the guardians eyes glinted with realization while Reborn simply inclined his head 'She will be treated with the utmost respect and no one will question her identity or look further into who she is.'

In the mafia there were many rules, especially when one is in the limelight and that was to always make obvious what had to be done or what must not be done, otherwise you'd have loopholes that some might fall through (or occasionally jump) and Tsunayoshi Sawada wouldn't tolerate anything happening to his friends.

'Now' Tsunayoshi smiled so brightly that it unsettled some of the mafioso around the table; they couldn't imagine what it would be like to be embarrassed in front of a hundred odd people but that was probably why so many people followed him; his never-say-die attitude that no doubt was instilled him by Reborn 'I'll apologise again for the display you had to witness at the church, it's inexcusable of me'

'Decimo' chocolate eyes zeroed in on Dino who only called by that title while in certain company or when the situation called for it 'It's...fine' his voice wavered but not in dishonesty. Tsuna could see that this had affected him negatively 'You shouldn't apologise, now why don't you sit down?'

Tsunayoshi's face brightened and nodded before jutting his chin to his companion as he walked further inwards, she followed. He made his way around the long, full dinner table while making greetings and keeping the smile on his face that didn't hint on iota of the underbelly of his emotions.

The brunet lowered himself into his chair as Reborn had already pulled it out for him and turned to one of his employees who was standing at the corner of the room, waiting to attend 'Pia?' said maid started, blush slowly donning her checks as she put herself into a hasty bow. He laughed; she was a nice girl 'Do you mind bringing my amica a chair?'

The young blonde blinked, her full lips parted a little as her light lime-green eyes slid to the masked brunette before realising she was being waited on and answered; 'O-of course!' and hurried of out into the kitchen where they had stored Kyoko's chair in their hurry to get rid of the extra seat.

Pia brought it out with some difficulty but made sure not to show her discomfort as she heaved it beside her boss' side 'Thank you' Decimo said, a kind smile spread across his lips.

Pia swallowed dryly, hands clenched onto her skirt (the Vongola's house uniform). He shouldn't be forcing himself so much 'Not at all, signore' she murmured, eyes dropping to the floor as she waited to be dismissed and was surprised when a warm hand dropped onto her shoulder.

Lime-green flickered up to chocolate and Pia's lips thinned 'You shouldn't look so down' he told her, voice soft that most around the table had to strain to hear.

'B-but D-Decimo sir!' she stuttered, because anyone would be worried; anyone who cared and she did, she couldn't not - she owed this man so much.

The brunet shook his head 'That's not the expression I want to see from you' he squeezed her shoulders 'Get an early night tonight, alright? And come see me in the morning'

'Um...if I may, that is to say...why, sir?' she asked hesitantly, voice hoarse from talking so low.

Tsuna grimaced slightly 'Well let's just say I've got a job I might need your help with' Pia bit the inside of her mouth but she tried a melancholy quirk of her lips, bowing deeply as she stepped away and let herself fade away to her corner.

Tsunayoshi turned back, Reborn helping Spring into the chair beside him and another employee bringing an extra plate and silverware for her. She received many a glance from other families but none curious from that of her own. Her eyes moved slowly around the table as Tsuna did an excellent job of bolstering the conversation and soon it was flowing nicely; like nothing had happened.

Tsuna had never been good at lying when they had first met; he stumbled over lies; expression giving everything away but that wasn't so anymore. Reborn had been sent to train him, she knew that now - and he had learnt, but some might say he'd learnt too much, far too much.

The man's self-esteem had always been low and would probably always have low self-esteem. People didn't just lose things that would have been installed in them from when they were young and that's what made Tsunayoshi's ability to show false emotion and say untruths so easily, so dangerous.

'-Ing, Spring?' she blinked, looking over to the person who had called for her attention and blinked again when she focused on Enma, Tsuna's most "Normal", best friend as he had often been called among things like "brother", 'That is your name isn't it?' he inquired gently, knowing it was an alias but unsure of whether or not he had heard wrong; English words had never been his forte, even if English was closer to Italian then Japanese.

'Yes, Shimon sir' she replied with a dip to her head, she had never known him very well because of Tsuna keeping her on arms length when he got older and more responsibilities were forced onto his shoulders but she had heard great things about him and even with the short amount of time she had spent in his presence, he reminded her of Tsuna.

Enma smiled slightly but his eyes were tight 'How are you enjoying your meal?' he asked.

Spring looked down to the second course which had been served and although there was nothing wrong with the food itself, it still turned her stomach as she looked down onto for a moment 'Yes' she breathed 'It's lovely, thank you' quickly tacking on; 'A-and how is yours, sir?' as she had forgotten.

Enma looked as thrilled as she about eating, having also lost his appetite and felt pretty sick after seeing Kyoko in a terrible light and having to watch Tsuna push himself past his emotional limit; he had had many dinners with Tsunayoshi and his soon-to-be and had felt like he knew her but now Enma just felt betrayed, so it was a mystery on how Tsuna was able to keep this up.

'It's fine' Vongola food was known to be the best, but right now it was tasteless and settled heavily in their stomachs. Eyes like rubies glanced up with a piercing air that often embraced Tsuna's and Spring stilled at how familiar they were despite being the wrong shape and colour 'Thank you...for bringing him back' he said softly, face slightly slack as he looked onto her.

Spring shook her head 'No...' her vision trailed to Tsunayoshi who was engaging Varia in a conversation but was also listening to theirs, and everyone else's (it was a gift she only discovered recently) 'I...didn't do anything worth thanks'

Enma huffed a humourless huff, voice dipping as he replied 'You gave him something - something he needed to get him back here, you gave him pride and courage' the redhead smiled when he could make out the blush making it's way onto her cheeks underneath her mask; everyone in their family knew after all that Tsuna got his strength from others.

Spring swallowed dryly 'I still don't think I did anything important, Ts-Decimo is very strong all on his known'

This seemed to be the right thing to say but a gleam appeared in Enma's eyes; he noticed the slight slip up 'Un, the only one who doesn't know that...' he looked onto the brunet and so did Summer 'Is him'

Her tired orbs racked over his form and turned back to Enma to say something when a man interrupted her gently as he patted the redhead's shoulder 'Do not scare the girl, Shimon' the man said with an almost friendly smile 'It is obvious that she will not accept a compliment'

Enma's lips quirked as his eyes flickered from Donato to "Spring" 'You're right of course; Decimo has the same quality'

'Quite' Donato agreed 'One might think their related'

Haru grew coloured more brightly and the two men enjoyed the teasing; Kami the day she woke up and Tsuna and she shared the same blood was the day she took a long walk off of a short bridge; she wouldn't be able to handle the shame because her feelings for him were certainly not those a sister held for a brother.

'Their blushes certainly glow the same pigment' Adel nodded, joining in the conversation which some right-hand's tended to avoid unless necessary, she met Haru's eyes with an expressionless face, the glare that she had been sporting since the dinner had started had disappeared once Tsunayoshi had entered the room 'Though I would like to ask why you where the mask of an...antagonist family who was been most aggressive to the Vongola for almost half a century'

Haru stilled at that, stomach dropping; she hadn't known that when Tsuna had handed it to her and told her to use it and had to stop herself from touching it as her eyes flickered to Tsunayoshi who had looked back to her, his conversation on pause as he smiled a strained smile to Adel 'That's a long story, one I'd be happy to tell another day' the brunet said, though the tone he used told them that there was no point in pushing the matter; their'd get nowhere 'Just know that Spring has my full and total trust' and with that he turned back to the Varia - to Xanxus who had an eyebrow raised.

Adel's own checks burned slightly 'I'm...sorry for any disrespect' ever proper because anyone who knew anything about the Mafia would understand what Tsuna had just said.

Haru waved it away easily 'No, no. It's fine; I -' she hadn't even gotten to the end of her sentence before she was cut off - before everyone was cut off for that matter.

Giuseppe don of Beccio who had been first been...introduced to Tsuna at Mafia Land, and things had not improved since; the only thing the Beccio seemed to care about was the Vongola's size and the only reason Tsunayoshi had invited the beaky-looking man was to try and improve relations.

'Decimo' he called from down the the table - being right last and quite a distance away; uncaring about the disruption he made as he did so.

Said Tenth closed his mouth, the words that had been leaving, vanishing as he switched his attention and knew with one glance that he was going to regret ever allowing the man into the manor 'Ah, Giuseppe' he acknowledged though wished he didn't have to, Xanxus' eyes tightening as he went for his drink; he didn't need Vongola intuition to know something was up with the further tensing of his pseudo-boss' shoulders were anything to go by 'Are you enjoying the meal so far?' he inquired kindly.

Giuseppe barely looked at the plate in front of him though it was empty, shrugging somewhat rudely 'It was...edible' he admitted, that being as much as a compliment he ever gave 'But that wasn't what I wanted to -'

'Careful what you say, Beccio' Byakuran sang though his eyes were serious as he watched the small brunet in the corner of his eye; Tsunayoshi had been through enough today.

Giuseppe swallowed; the Black Lilly was plain creepy but he was undeterred 'I wanted to know Decimo, what you plan on doing about the Undesirable' breaths stopped; everyone knew who he was referring to 'While the...pleasantries of the meal has been appreciated' the man conceded after his second elbowed him uncomfortably 'Have you not thought of punishment?'

The temperature in the room dropped and Tsunayoshi's expression, however much it remained the same, had cooled to a frightening degree 'Punishment Don Beccio?' mafioso shivered.

Giuseppe didn't seem to notice however and continued 'Of course, it's a disgrace to Vongola'

Tsuna tilted his head, bangs fluid as they followed in the other direction, bringing into view for the first time since he had come into the room the thin gash that ran from close to the base of his cheek - before the flesh started to raise, to his ear; red and having obviously been bleeding. An injury; a new injury. Well, now they know what kept him 'I'm afraid I don't follow Don Beccio'

Tsunayoshi Sawada plus being over-polite equals danger.

'Don't worry, Decimo; everyone understands' Giuseppe reassured condescendingly 'But the honour of Vongola is on the line, of course if you ever need help-'

'Then I can simply come to you, ka?' Tsunayoshi finished. The Italians caught the Japanese and his guardians cringed; knowing that Tsuna only slipped back into mother tongue when he got emotional 'However I still don't follow, how has this caused Vongola dishonour?'

Giuseppe 'Well of course it has, Decimo' he said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world 'However you shouldn't worry'

Something cold travelled up Tsunayoshi's spine 'Shouldn't I?'

Giuseppe smirked 'No, I've taken the initiative to take care of your problem' he informed the brunet who had just lost all his colour that he had managed to get back 'And I even have a woman who would very much like to meet you'

Tsuna sat shock stiff, back erect and muscles taut. His skin was ashen - a ill pallor, making his newly discovered wound more apparent and giving him an even sicker look and than anger gleamed in his eyes and his jaw tightened to a degree that some might think his teeth had shattered. Turning so quickly most would fall of their chairs, he looked at Reborn; the hit-man seemingly grim and darker then ever before 'Reborn.'

The assassin nodded, God he needed a drink as he started to descend on the idiot who thought they had a right to step on his boss' toes. Giuseppe, who seemed to have finally gotten a clue, looked ready to run for it when Reborn put two hands on both the Beccio head and his second's shoulders and kept them sat with little effort even when they tried to get up.

Tsunayoshi stood, pulling out his phone and hitting speed dial 'Nīsan? Hai, so desu' and briskly walking out the room.

Gokudera stood, doing what his boss couldn't at the moment and dipped his head as much as would be acceptable 'Sorry for the interruption' he said, 'The desserts will be served shortly'

The thing about the mafia is that you carried on.

The guests looked at each other, most scowling at Giuseppe especially his Guardians who looked about ready to strangle him and the Varia who were glaring like he was the cause of cancer, usually Xanxus would smirk; knowing that this would bring out Tsunayoshi's darker side that was getting to be infamous in the underworld, but not today - something like this could just about finish the brat off.

Tsuna came back into the room, shoulders square and steps heavy (still silent) and stopped right in front of Giuseppe (Reborn pulled their chairs out from underneath the table), face like death as he looked down onto the other boss 'I will not ask you what you were thinking when you put a target on someone who has - and who will always be under Vongola protection Don Giuseppe, all I can discern is that you weren't thinking' the room kept silent 'You have done me and my family a grave insult tonight and you are most fortunate that I don't call Vindice' Giuseppe's jaw dropped 'Now I shall ask you to leave without anymore insult to us and when you come to the meeting in a few weeks, your treaty with Vongola will be brought up for question'

'B-but D-Decimo' Giuseppe stuttered, deflated and worried as Tsuna once again took up his place at the head of the table.

Tsunayoshi gave him a sideways glance 'I will not discuss this Don Giuseppe' he shook his head slightly 'I will see you at the meeting. Good evening' he waved to his hit-man 'Reborn' said hit-man nodded before plucking both man up by their collars and carrying them out of the room.

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Tsuna allowed himself to show a moment of weakness and sighed; feeling completely weary 'Once again, I' am sorry about that' his shoulders slumped and his guardians drew closers; this was not good, Tsunayoshi was growing too tired to keep this up but they couldn't just drag him out they had to -

'Decimo' Spring spoke, voice soft and tender but carrying across the room, Tsuna looked at her in exhaustion 'Decimo, I hope you don't think I'm speaking out of turn but I think we should take you to Doctor Shamal now' the room stiffened, all zeroing in on the petit form, looking for injuries, they knew him too well at this point not to; the idiot had the habit of ignoring injuries and just...carrying on'You denied the examination when we arrived but you must need some sort of medication.

Tsunayosi huffed a laugh that held little humour. Twice - it was twice this wonderful woman was getting him out of a difficult situation. He nodded, knowing that he couldn't stay here convincingly any longer 'Of course' he turned to his guests - his family and gave them one single smile that held such sadness, such emptiness that they almost winced 'Thank you for everything' turning to his guardians, he went on; 'Stay and finish the meals...thank Tito for the trouble I put him through tonight and make sure everyone gets home safely. Now...'

Spring nodded standing up slowly and waiting for Tsunayoshi to start to leave before she followed after him; it wouldn't do for a "subordinate" to walk ahead and thanked her time training under the Viper for that bit of experience in their ranks, otherwise she'd never pass as a mafioso because despite her time with Tsuna and his boys (and girl) they rarely conformed to mafia protocol.

Haru could barely believe that it had been an hour since they had arrived; it seemed like a life time ago with how the day had been dragging, they had been transported to Vongola's main base; it had something to do with his watch apparently and a project with Spanner and Shoichi had been working on. She didn't get any specifics because as soon as they had arrived Tsuna was demanding help and for someone to find Shamal.

Five minutes a frowning doctor had run into the medical ring of the Vongola base (they landed in the right place at least) and was about to look over Tsuna when said brunet had dragged him over to his would-be-assassin.

Shamal had gone pale, looking at Haru for a second, no leers or sneers on his face as there usually was when he came into contact with someone of the opposite sex (or did before he started working for Tsuna and found "his swan") 'How long can you keep that up for?' he asked, all business as he briskly pulled a hairband from his wrist and started to tie his hair that reached his shoulders up, going to his belt for disinfectant for his hands afterwards.

Any other time Haru would have noticed and would have smirked before saying something like 'Tsuna's made you domestic' because he had; he had managed to tame Shamal; all it really took was to give the broken man a home and a family to share it with - a purpose but she didn't, she simply blinked the sweat out of her eyes and replied; 'I don't know, five more minutes if I had to give a time'

Shamal grimaced but nodded and started to pull at the wheeled trolley with his medical supplies and a locked compartment for his mosquitos over to the part of the floor the man was sprawled over 'I'll do it in three' The doctor looked to his boss for but a second 'Sit down, Vongola. I'm looking at you later'

Tsuna's expression had been slightly blank and Shamal knew why - knew because Hayato to put his fist through a wall before hurrying to the church.

In the end it had taken two and a half minutes to stop the support needed and pull the bullet Shamal recognised as Vongola out of the man's chest and sighed, shaking his head 'Still soft, kid?'

'You noticed, huh'

Shamal snorted, throwing a semi-insulted expression over his shoulder to Tsuna as he started to break into a packet of sensitized needles 'Don't underestimate me, Vongola. You might be about to put me through a wall if your littlest finger but I've been around since before you were born'

'Underestimate?' Tsuna chuckled, though it was hollow and pained even with the slight banter 'I was the one who highered you'

'Your mistake than' Shamal muttered as he went about the process of sealing the wound that would most likely scar before getting a drip into the man to start replenish the blood he had lost. As soon as he was done he looked up to see his boss leaving 'Oi! I still need to -'

Tsuna sighed, not at all in the mood for this as he turned 'Shamal I've barely got a cut from our little gun fight -'

'Gun fight?.!' Shamal spluttered as Haru looked on tiredly, feeling drained using so many flames in such a short about of time; it had taken a lot out of her to concentrate them in such a way taht would stop the blood floor and than focus it enough to seal the artery the bullet had managed to nick; her flames would stay there as well until natural feeling had fixed the wall of the blood vessel which meant that the man would have to stay in bed and keep very still until that happened, otherwise it would tear open and he would bleed to death in a matter of minutes.

'- And I need to save as much face as I can possibly save after to day. I'll come later' at Shamal's annoyed and slightly outraged face Tsuna sighed, hands curling into fists when he noticed something in his hand - Miyuki's mask and with only slight hesitation, japed a thumb in his friend's direction 'She'll drag me down should...forget'

The doctor seemed suspicious, eyes narrowed as he looked at the girl until he recognised her "the Juudiame's Spitfire" she had been called at one point by his old charge, and though it was only once and no one else had been present to hear it and he had seen the girl since and knew her much better, he had always remembered that terminology for some reason.

'Ah, she's nearly as stubborn as you' he said finally and almost smirked when both pouted 'Alright, alright. Vongola business.' he agreed with a slight nod, watching as Haru stood from the floor, albeit unsteadily and knew then he'd have more than one person to look over when they got back 'Get outta here, just make sure to kick his arse back here before mid-night preferably; mafioso need their beauty sleep too' the girl brunette had nodded, lips quirking slightly as they both left.

Though instead of going to the hall like Haru thought she spent a few minutes being lead down a corridor to the living quarters, until she reached two large double doors with clam shells on the panels of the rich wood and even had a decorative handle as Tsuna's wrapped his fingers around the metal and released some of his flame.

Haru frowned in confusion until she heard a bolt un-clicking echoingly and understood than that flame signatures were the key to the locks. Tsuna turned the handle and held the door open, where she hesitated before shaking herself, reprimanding herself that she was being silly and that she had been in his room before (though that had been back in Japan and they had both been much younger) and stepped through, hanging back next to the door which Tsuna had just shut as he started to shrug off his jacket, making her blush beet red and turn away.

Haru swallowed uncomfortable, shirting from foot to foot as she listened from the dark of room where the desk light that had been flip on but moments ago didn't quite reach to, as clothe rustled before dropping hollowly.

'When did Reborn start training you?'

The voice jolted her out of her musings, and ice entered her stomach '...When you first sent him to me... you wanted me save; we just reassured it'

'This...isn't what I wanted for you' and his voice was so sad that her eyes prickled, but she tried to turn her attention to the opening of doors (wardrobe, her mind supplied) which made her eyes perk.

'I know... it was my decision' she said finally, and it was her decision; it was her choice to make and she had made it; it doesn't matter what people thought of that, it was something she had to do and something she wasn't about to second guess.

'Has it...come in handy?' Tsuna inquired so quietly that Haru knew he was really asking if he hadn't been able to protect her, but she wasn't about to lie; he'd be able to tell anyway.

'Yes'

'I... see' he swallowed audibly but Haru kept her eyes trained on the wall as she heard him start to move, footsteps muffled as he shuffled to the other side of his room before another door was open and light flooded the room - probably the bathroom than. He was brushing his teeth and than the water was running for a good few minutes until there was splashing.

And than the light had been turned off and everything was darker again, Haru turned suddenly when something was dropped on her head - a white shirt and a pair of trousers, Tsuna was smiling slightly strained over her 'We'll have to exchange torture stories later' he said softly, making Haru nearly sag in relief because this was Tsuna excepting her choice 'For now change into that and if you please, I'll escort la mia signora to the dinner table'

Haru giggled slightly as Tsuna mock bowed, she returned the favour with a courtesy 'Of course, mio signnore'

'Oh. and Haru?'

The brunette turned from where she had started to walk to the bathroom door as it was still opened 'Hai?' Tsuna's head tilted at the Japanese but said nothing as he held the white mask she easily recognised, only now it was missing the family crest and simmered with sky flames - Tsuna's sky flames.

'Doozo'

She gazed at it for a moment before Haru nodded in understanding and gently took it from his hands, securing the mask to her face first to try and put him more at ease, turning around, saying; 'Would you?...' she trailed and she didn't have to wait long before the two golden cords were knotted to the back of her head.

Haru dressed quickly after that and they had made their way to the dinner hall, dread coiling in to Haru's stomach the closer they got but one thing settled her, the devotion that shone in the eyes of the people they past and how the workers would stop to bow before carrying on.

That settled her because despite what may or may not happen, Tsuna was loved here - and she knew as she was lead to their next destination that she followed without question that through hell and high water Vongola's stuck together. Call it woman's intuition.

Information/ Translation:

'Giovane donna' - Italian "Young Woman"
'La mia signora' - Italian "My lady"

'Mio signore' - Italian "My lord"

'Decimo' - Italian "Tenth"

'Amica' - Italian "Friend", female
'Hai' - Japanese "Yes"
'Doozo' - Japanese "Here"

'Juudiame' - Japenese "Tenth"

A/N (26.05.13) -

Well here it is; the chapter I started a good few months ago and the chapter that just refused to be finished until now; I hope it was worth the wait, I don't feel like it was, I actually feel pretty disappointed with this one if I'm being honest but it this scene with all the different characters all intermingling have never been one of my strong points.

Anyway, the OC's I'm sure you've noticed. Two which you'll probably see again sweet maid Pia and knife thrower Don Donato, along with the three relatively untouched upon families which I have mentioned, along with the Idiot who has now experienced only half of TsuTsu's wrath.

Miyuki's stable and discoveries are still coming, Oh! I also have a treat that includes 'Nello and his Lal in a few chapters (I'm not going to guess how many; I'm always wrong and I'm not rushing with this one!)

Translation: "El Dia mas Feliz", Spanish - saske92 (sorry I keep forgetting to add this! I know, I know! I'm an arse!)

Tumblr: ozorawings

- one. Two. Three. I have had a really, really messed up week; seven days of torture, seven days of bitter. My boyfriend went and cheated on my, he's a Californian diamond -

I apologise if there are any mistakes in my spelling/ grammar, or if you find anything I have written offensive.

Thank you to everyone who added 'Masquerade' to their favorites/ alerts or took the time to review, You also have my gratitude for reading this chapter.

OW