Offering [KHR]

by TsunaFishy27

Summary:

Tsunayoshi Sawada, recent college graduate and designated sacrifice (against his will) to the Arcobaleno, has to obey or be destroyed by his own father. Forced to be alone and isolated from others, Tsuna spent the last 5 years enduring abuse from Iemitsu. But what if his inner fire finally burns? Follow as Tsuna finally lives for himself and earns the favor of the Arcobaleno. Maybe he'll find something more than just a transaction.

Notes:

This fanfic is inspired by so many amazing authors where they took KHR and put it into the realms of demons and magic. I felt like joining the fray and adding my own rendition!

Crossposted on Wattpad and Fanfiction.net

Chapter 1: Graduating Solace

Tsuna stood in front of his full-length mirror, admiring his latest design. It was a black and red ensemble featuring a sleeveless cropped compression shirt that exposed part of his midriff and paired with hand-dyed red pants and a statement belt that crossed into an 'X' over his right hip. Splitting the compression fabric and adding the strip of red on the sides was hell, but it was worth it. Now he knows for sure how to properly stitch such stretchy fabric. He sighed in contentment as he continued to stare at himself. Though his joy didn't last long. His phone rang abruptly. Aggressive, furious, irritating.  He jumped in surprise before picking it up, somehow almost dropping it 5 times during the movement. He answered.

 

"Why didn't you tell me you finally graduated university?", the voice was stern, disappointed, venom seeping into his words as he spoke.

 

"I- I wanted some time to prepa-", the brunet stuttered before he was cut off by his father.

 

"You don't get to. You're not going to end up like your mother and just runaway. You are indebted to this family. And you will uphold and follow through. It's the least you can do for being such a disappointment. After all, you're nothing like your brothers- you're weak, small, insignificant. Probably a whore, just like your mother." The man dug into the brunet over the phone. Scathing, shredding, and leaving his mark. Reminding him that his father owns him and will use him to his benefit. "A car will pick you up in 30 minutes at your apartment. Pack up your shit into a suitcase. You're coming to Italy." His father hung up.

 

The brunet would have cried, but the tears had dried up long ago. The day his mother left a couple years ago. He could remember it like it was yesterday. He'd just turned 16. He was living peacefully, going about his day only to come home to an empty house and his father red in the face with anger as he crumpled a letter. That unseen anger became physical fury as their eyes locked. He was berated mercilessly and blamed for his mother's disappearance. Beaten in places he could cover. He was terrified, sad, and left alone to lie in his own anguish and aching pains as his father left for Italy with his older brothers. Relief set in for a little while, but it didn't last. From then on, his father told him his plans. Told him of his worth and value. Told him he'd be used just like his mother. Every. Single. Day. And yet he never stood up. Any flickers of anger or fury never simmered or bubbled into anything. Instead it dissipated as he reminded himself of his lack of magical prowess. A carnal sin when his family was concerned. How could you do anything when you're so pathetic?

 

So, any dash of rebellion was forcefully shoved back down with the overwhelming idea of futility. And that was his life for the past 5 years. Forced to be alone - no friends, no family, no partners. He wasn't allowed to have anything. He was told he didn't deserve it. All because he was the spitting image of his mother: soft, gentle, delicate. A perfect homemaker if he had a happy family to tend to. Every day he missed his youth and his older brothers, Giotto and Natsu. He missed them dearly. But was forbidden from contacting them. It's a painful existence where he wonders if they remember him or if their father had spun lies about him. He wonders if Giotto and Natsu knew the truth. After all, if you're not allowed to speak, all you can do is wonder. 

 

Thirty minutes later, after Tsuna had finished packing his belongings, a black Nissan Versa had pulled up. He sighed and glanced behind him at his apartment. It was a modern, but modest studio apartment. On the nicer side of town due to his father treating him like precious cargo without any actual care for his wellbeing. The room was mainly black and white with pops of orange and red here and there. He didn't hold onto much, just had the essentials.  A bed, dresser, kitchen, normal stuff. Though he did splurge on the wardrobe. His closet was filled with class projects and thrifted finds. He'll miss his solace. He fears he'll never have such a reprieve ever again. He took a deep breath as he rested his hand on the door handle. 'Off to Hell. Mom, I hope you're doing better than I am. I miss you. Maybe we'll meet again after I'm sacrificed.', He thought, a pained smile on his face as he lowered his head and opened the door.  He trekked down the stairs of his complex and stepped into the car.

Chapter 2: Trip to Italy

"Young Master Sawada, Welcome. Please settle and buckle up. We have a flight to catch." The chauffeur said curtly. He cut to the chase and honestly, Tsuna found that as a relief. If his father were here, he wouldn't hear the end of it. He wondered if anyone else has heard the way his father spoke to him. After settling in, they were off. On the hour drive, he continued to wonder and drifted in and out of sleep. He woke up to bustling citizens and people running to their gates. He took a deep breath as his chauffeur and body guard led him to their respective gate. Then they got checked in and sat in First Class.

 

Though his father hated his guts, he knew to keep up appearances and protect his assets. He wasn't the Vongola's Outside Advisor for nothing. The flight from Namimori, Japan to Naples, Italy was pleasant. Calm, quiet - Tsuna's last wash of peace and comfort. He lazily gazed out of the plane window to his left and sighed. He let himself get lost in his own thoughts once again to pass the fifteen hour flight, making it not too fast, but also not madness-inducingly slow. 

 

He daydreamed of using his degree in Business Management and Fashion Merchandising to head his own fashion house. A mix of avant-garde, unisex, and utilitarian clothing that pulled from the beauty of feminine clothing. Florals, hand-made lace, bold shapes, and vibrant colors flooded his mind's eye alongside countless diagrams of pockets and space-saving opportunities. 

 

He dreamed of ushering a new generation of fashion to the world that both sorcerers and civilians can enjoy and feel their best in. He knew that if he could tap into the Ether, he could revolutionize the human realm by inscribing every piece of clothing with protective runes. To protect the innocent, the naive, and the weak - to protect people like him.  What a silly dream. He half-heartedly chuckled to himself. How can he protect the world if he's incapable of saving himself? 

 

Oh, how blind was he? To not realize his own strength? His compassion for others. Even his own father. Most would be hard-pressed to avoid murdering such a man. But Tsuna knew that his father Iemitsu was simply an empty shell crumbling under its own weight. It had been left hollow from abandonment and weathered by hard liquor. Chipped from stress and cracked by heart break of his own creation. 

 

In a way, Tsuna pitied him. And being such a transparent man with his heart that's too big for his body, he looked at his father with his mother's eyes. Maybe that's why Iemitsu yelled, screeched, and demanded more. Maybe he only sees the one that got away.

 

A "traitor" instead of a victim. A failure of a demon who broke her contract. To what extent, only Iemitsu and Nanami knows. And the Sawada sons are left to deal with the aftermath. Parents absent in more ways than one. 

 

Tsuna closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. He looked out into the clouds as the sun began to set. Hues of sweet pea pink and brilliant orange turned the previously pallid cotton into a gorgeous display reminiscent of a high-quality watercolor painting. He hoped the end of his life would be this beautiful. A gentle, serene visage and passing. His brothers in attendance and his father a little more sober than normal. A sad smile graced his lips. Death may be near and yet, Tsuna was not afraid. He felt relief. He gave up on regrets ages ago, preferring to take the world in passing. An outsider who watched the seasons change through a looking glass. He could feel the warmth of summer sun and the biting cold of winter, but remained at an arm's length from it. And so he drifted into sleep. His muscles had lost the battle against heavy eyelids.

 

The flight came to an end several hours later. His eyelashes fluttered as he slowly blinked away the sleep from his eyes. His escorts led him off the plane and he was greeted by a young man with baby blue eyes and straight blonde hair that stopped at his shoulders. This man was about 5'7", slender, and clad in a simple black suit with a teal dress shirt and black bow tie. His jawline wasn't overpowering, but you could tell he was trim despite being a little baby-faced.

 

"Benvenuto, Young Master Sawada. It's a pleasure to finally meet thee. My name is Basil." The man bowed, his tone almost theatrical and speech pattern incredibly dated. 

 

"Pleasure to meet you too, Basil. I imagine you're gonna take me to my father?" Tsuna asked, his gaze knowing and oddly, at peace. Basil looked a tad taken aback when their eyes met. He nervously shook his head yes.

 

"Yes, I shall be escorting thee to the mansion to meet with my Master. Worry not, thine safety tis insured with I." Basil grinned brightly. Tsuna gave the man a soft, half-smile as Basil pivoted his foot to lead the way.

 

Basil limited his questions, having been taught that everything is on a need-to-know basis. But Basil had a feeling - one that nagged and tugged on his insides that something was amiss. No one in their right mind would be willing to sacrifice themselves to the Arcobaleno. Still, orders were orders. And he knew that the Young Lion, Iemitsu of the Vongola was not to be messed with or refused.

Chapter 3: Arrival & Reunion

Basil led Tsuna and his guards to a black Lincoln. He pulled on a passenger door and held it open for Tsuna as the others went off to the driver's side. 

 

"After you, Young Master Tsuna."

 

"Thank you, Basil." Tsuna smiled once again as he stepped into the car. He settled onto the premium, cushy, maroon leather seats. Bodyguards and Basil surrounded him. If Tsuna were braver, bolder, stronger, he might have considered ditching the ride and going awol. Off-the-grid somewhere making clothes for little woodland creatures. One can dream. One can wonder. And wonder he did. 

 

Once everyone took their place in the luxury vehicle, they drove for several hours to the outskirts of Naples. They passed a couple of towns before stopping in front of a massive mansion. A gorgeous Tuscan home from the late 1800s with countless windows to let in sunlight for the perfect siesta. There were a couple of other buildings alongside it, but it was obvious they were all owned by the same organization: The Vongola Famiglia. Tsuna silently gawked at the buildings, now inspired by its intricate architecture and Roman empire-esque air. It dominated the country side. It exuded power. Strength. Everything Tsuna was told he wasn't.

 

Tsuna, at Basil's careful eye and guiding hand, was ushered out of the car and walked to the front doors. Those doors were massive. The Vongola family crest of a bullet on a shield surrounded by rifles, filigree, and a clam embossed in gold decorated the central space above the door frame. The doors themselves were heavy, dark ebony wood with various protective runes carved into it alongside the intricate swirls of filigree to match the family crest. Tsuna committed the sight to memory for design use later. Basil knocked a pattern onto one of the doors: palm, tap, palm, tap, pause, tap, palm, tap, tap, pause, tap, palm, pause, palm, palm. Tsuna shrugged off any possible meaning to the pattern. It wasn't his place to take part in the Vongola's mysteries, no matter how small they were. The doors trudged open.

 

The wood creaked under its own weight as the doors revealed an imposing figure and his stench of high-quality barrel-aged  whiskey.

 

"Tsuna-fish! Benvenuto! So glad you could make it! Thank you Basil for bringing him home safe!" The middle-aged blonde grinned unnaturally from ear-to-ear. Tsuna held in whatever skeptical expression he had in store and simply smiled. He squinted his eyes to hide his reservations and played along to his father's ruse.

 

"Tadaima, Father." He feigned the pleasantry. The sooner this conversation ends, the better. He knows his father felt sick to his stomach having to pretend he actually cared for his youngest.

 

"Of course, Master! Thou knowest I will always complete thine tasks." Basil's eyes twinkled in joy from the praise. Bless him and his sweet soul.

 

"Now, Basil will take your things and place them in your room. You and I are due for a meeting." Iemitsu explained, a subtle demand hidden in plain sight. 

 

"Yes, father." Tsuna agreed. No fight as per usual. As he was trained over the last 5 years. Though he had one question. "If I may, where are Giotto and Natsu?" He cringed inwardly, fearing for the worst. He met his father's gaze and a twinge of annoyance flashed in his eyes. 

 

"They're busy doing important work. They must not be disturbed." Iemitsu maintained his fox-like grin. Tsuna inhaled sharply. He'd get an earful later.  How could he be so hopeful?

 

Basil looked back and forth between his master and his master's son. He could tell something was off. Decimo Giotto and Future Advisor Natsu should be in this meeting. At least to say their final goodbyes. This is their younger brother and he's going to be sacrificed for the sake of the family. To secure the Vongola's upper hand and their power. 

 

"Master, I dare not question your word, but from what little I've been privy to, shouldn't Young masters Giotto and Natsu be present in this meeting?"  Iemitsu blinked. The left side of his grin faltered for a split second.

 

"Perhaps we should postpone until they're free from their work?" Basil added, his tone hopeful and firm, but submissive enough not to bruise his master's ego.

 

Tsuna was in disbelief. Someone was talking back to his father on his behalf. This was insane. A death wish, possibly. He gazed back at his father who'd plastered that faux grin back on his face.

 

"Of course, Basil. I'm sure they'll take a break later. Then we can go. Now, dear student of mine, can you take Tsuna-Fish's luggage to his room?" 

 

"Of course, Master!" Basil smiled warmly as he took Tsuna's belongings and carried them deeper into the mansion. Iemitsu then wordlessly dismissed the other body guards with a wave of his hand as he stalked towards Tsuna. He brought his right arm around Tsuna's small shoulders and dug his fingers into the flesh of his upper arm. Tsuna made an effort not to grimace. 

 

"My dear Tsuna-fish, it's been so long since papa has seen you! How are you?" Iemitsu asked, gritting the teeth in his Cheshire smile.  He began to stride toward a more secluded area, dragging Tsuna along with the grip of a cobra suffocating its prey.

 

"I-I'm alright."

 

"Good. Good. Congratulations by the way! You finally finished school! A momentous occasion indeed. Shame it wasn't from a magical university."

 

"R-right. Ye-yeah." Tsuna began to crumble. What little strength he had he used for saving face in front of others.  

 

"Oh, my dear Tsuna-Fish, you're stuttering so much! Cat got your tongue?", Iemitsu's eyes darkened as he led Tsuna into an empty room.

 

"Really? How pathetic are you? And the audacity to ask about your brothers. You know damn well what your purpose is. Your brothers don't. And they don't need to. They'll think the Arcobaleno stuck around for them and not for your soul. To them, you're not a dead man walking. But you know you are. You're at my mercy. I'm the only reason you're still alive. And you'll likely live the rest of your days just like your mother: as a demonic whore." Iemitsu finished his tirade. It was as if he spewed flames and Tsuna had third degree burns.

 

"I know. And I-I"

 

"You what?" Iemitsu glared, his eyes like daggers. Tsuna's soul bubbled. He thought of Basil's unintended kindness and his brothers. He knew that deep down they truly cared for him. So his soul bubbled. His core burned. Something had changed and he learned. From his burns and from the warmth of others' words. Until it finally spilled. The whole pot had finally overflowed.

 

"I...pity you. I see why Mama left. I'm not doing any of this for you. I'm doing it for Giotto and Natsu. Not some abusive, alcoholic, shell of a man who pretends to be a good father. You're a manipulative narcissist. And I pray I at least can get away from you and your two-faced bullshit. Even if I become a 'demonic whore'." Tsuna blurted out with conviction. His heart pounded so loud he couldn't hear what his father said. He could only see the dumbfounded look his father gave before the man furrowed his eyebrows in fury. But Tsuna didn't give him room to retaliate. He left the room into the hallway and vowed he'd never be alone with his father again. He knew he didn't deserve that pain. Especially not for just being born and looking like his mother. He walked briskly past several maids and butlers who looked haunted by his expression as he went. Pity. They didn't understand why, but they felt it.

Chapter 4: Chase & Territorial Dispute

Summary:

A doll and chaos incarnate versus the young lion! How will it play out?

From an outsider's point of view, Tsuna looked like a doll. On the smaller side for a man, about 5'5" and 140 pounds soaking wet. He's thin, but fills out more from his waist down. His skin is soft and he smells faintly of Valencia oranges and vanilla. His eyes are large and doe-like with long lashes that flutter with every blink. He's androgyny incarnate. A petal pink pout, rosy cheeks, and a silk-like tenor in his voice.

 

And this doll looked a mixture of fearful, proud, and anxious. He could hear the clack of his father's business shoes chasing him at a methodical pace. Good thing they have witnesses. That fact stops the elder from tackling and beating him. Tsuna didn't pay attention to where he was going. Just that he needed to get away. Next thing he knew, he collided into the chest of a man who smelled of espresso and Cuban cigars. The stranger's hands gently cupped Tsuna's shoulders.

 

"Careful, bello." The stranger spoke with a smooth, dulcet tone. It held a certain strength behind the deep bass that took Tsuna off guard. 

 

"I-I'm sorry..." Tsuna apologized quietly as he looked up to stare the stranger in the eye. The stranger was 6'5" in a custom tailored black three-piece suit with an orange dress shirt and matching fedora. A chameleon familiar sat on the brim of his hat. Tsuna could tell the suit was high-quality just from the feel alone. It hugged the stranger and accentuated his well-built figure. His jaw line is sharp, and rugged, curly side burns accentuating the crisp line of his jawbone. The man smirked and his eyes were simply dark. It was like staring into darkness itself. 

 

"It's quite alright. What's your name, principessa?" The stranger cooed, that unnatural smirk still on his face. Before Tsuna could answer, Iemitsu had finally caught up.

 

"Tsuna-Fish!! I was so worried I lost you in this big old mansion! " Iemitsu stopped a couple feet away from the stranger. "And I see you've met Reborn. How lovely!"  He sneered.  Tsuna froze in place and became rigid. He didn't look back. He's standing between his father and the head of the Arcobaleno.

 

"Iemitsu." Reborn nodded in greeting. Somehow his smirk had become more devious. He wrapped his arms around Tsuna's upper back. "This is your youngest, isn't he?"

 

Iemitsu's gaze darkened for a moment just like before. "Why yes, he is. I didn't think you'd meet him so soon." He sneered. "At least not like this. He's always been so... clumsy." He falsley chuckled. "Tsuna-Fish, let's go. I need to show you to your room." 

 

Tsuna shook his head and opened his mouth to say something, only to be interrupted by Reborn.

 

"At least introduce us properly, Iemitsu." Reborn faux pouted. "Better yet, how about I show him around. After all, we're supposed to meet, aren't we?" He smirked, his voice condescending to the middle-aged drunkard. "Gives you a chance to try that new bourbon Timoteo just imported." 

 

Iemitsu could feel the eyes of the waitstaff on him. He'd hate to besmirch his image by picking a fight over his donor child. "Right. Of course, Reborn. By all means, take good care of him. He is mine after all." Iemitsu smiled, gritting his teeth into an impenetrable wall of pearly whites. 

 

'What you wanted to say was: I control him. He is MY whoreson to manipulate. I  dictate everything he does. On my grounds, under my rule.', Tsuna thought.  He gazed up at Reborn again and studied his face. Noting his admittedly attractive smirk. He definitely had some new designs coming to mind.

 

"That's settled then." Reborn slid his right arm downward and rested his hand on the small of Tsuna's back. He then gently corralled Tsuna to his left and headed toward the common room. Reborn glanced back at Iemitsu with a sneering smirk. Oh, how they despised each other. Iemitsu's thirst for power made him unoriginal in Reborn's eyes. Pathetic. Especially if he's willing to sacrifice his youngest for it. Though, maybe this arrangement will prove to be interesting. After all, Reborn IS the physical embodiment of chaos.

Chapter 5: Tour de Vongola

When they walked far enough away from his father, Tsuna piped up. "T-thank you, Reborn-sama", he said, bowing his head in gratitude. 

 

They had stopped in the middle of a lavish living room. Red velvet chaise lounges and antique oak furniture filled the space. It dated the mansion back to early 19th century with all its intricate design work that covered the ceilings and furniture. The Vongola really liked red and dark wood apparently. The fabric that covered the couches and chaise lounges were a beautiful crimson with matching crimson paisley embroidery on every square inch. Though the antique furniture looked more Victorian than anything. The mafia has always been a melting pot, so it makes sense that decorative preferences had changed.

 

"No problem. Now, I do believe an introduction is in order." Reborn grinned, revealing sharp teeth. Tsuna zoomed in on those teeth, mildly afraid and mostly curious. He blinked a couple times as he processed and turned pink.

 

"M-my apologies. I'm Tsunayoshi Sawada. You can call me whatever you'd like." He smiled nervously.

 

"Tsuna-fish then?" Reborn teased. Tsuna paled.

 

"I won't ask for much, but I will ask that you and everyone else never call me that again." Tsuna pouted. 

 

Reborn chuckled. "Fair enough. Tsuna and every other pet name is on the table then." Tsuna cracked a half-smile. 

 

"Yeah. That's perfect."

 

"Now I guess it's time for a tour of the place. Hang on to me." 

 

Tsuna tilted his head to the side in confusion. "Hang... on?"

 

Reborn smirked as he grabbed Tsuna's waist and pulled him closer. Then, in a plume of black smoke, they were suddenly on the roof. Tsuna gaped, eyes wide at how high they were in the blink of an eye and screeched in surprise. He teetered and almost fell off the roof had Reborn not caught him and held him tighter. 

 

"Relax, Bello. I've got you. Now, back to the tour: This is the full extent of the Vongola headquarters. The epitome of bougie in the Italian countryside." Tsuna nodded, clinging onto Reborn's suit for dear life.  Tall, dark, and handsome continued to speak: "Over there are the training grounds. There's the demon quarters. Those are the servants' quarters. The Varia's mansion is over there. If you hear any construction work or feel the earth shake, don't worry about it. Your brothers and their guardians live in the main mansion. You'll likely be living with me and my friends." He pointed with his hand at the various mansions and compounds. 

 

The main mansion was large enough to hide the other buildings from the front. In this aerial view, Tsuna could see that the Vongola really was a melting pot. While the main mansion was Tuscan, the Varia's mansion was more gothic in its architecture. It held several towers with thin windows and most were covered by red curtains. Very 80s vampire fantasy.  The demon and servants' quarters looked like some cross between a high-end hotel and an apartment complex. Countless windows with different decorations hung in those little squares and Tsuna wondered if that was where most of the Vongola's personality lived. So many different people in one space. Now, the Arcobaleno mansion was thoroughly impressive. Ironically, it looked like a Roman cathedral. It also looked the oldest of the buildings and despite its wear and tear, it stood strong, sturdy, and eternally beautiful. Every massive window in it had expertly-crafted stained glass murals depicting various seasons and aspects of weather. Tsuna took it all in, breathless as he stared in awe.

 

Tsuna blinked a couple times before looking back up at Reborn with a confused look after fully processing the demon's words. "I'll be living? Seriously?" Tsuna asked, his expression telling every little thought on his mind: relief, fear, joy, all of it.

 

Reborn raised an eyebrow before smirking and leaning forward to speak into Tsuna's ear. "Of course, you'll need to convince the others. But as far as I'm concerned,  I wouldn't mind coming home to a little housewife." Tsuna turned bright red. 

 

"Your dear old man has pretty much told us all about you. Wrapped you up in a pretty bow and everything. Though, I've never been one to trust that old snake. And that says a lot coming from the chaos incarnate." Reborn looked down at Tsuna, wordlessly urging the young man to speak.

 

Tsuna looked away for a moment. A million thoughts raced through his head. Should he tell the truth? Should he lie? What does he have to lose? 

 

"I'm Tsuna. Not Tsuna-Fish. Haven't been that since I was like 12. I'm 21. Recent graduate with a degree in Business Management and Fashion Merchandising. I don't have magic. No connection with the Ether aside from being a half-breed. And my 'dear old man' hates my guts. And I pity him. Mom left him when I was 16. And now we're here. Bloodied, beaten, and bruised." Tsuna admitted. He told the truth. And it felt good.

 

"That's quite a lot." Reborn replied, his fedora cast a shadow over his eyes. "So 'dear old dad' is using you for a vicarious power grab? Makes sense. Control us, control the mafia world with ease." The demon lord continued as he brought a hand up to gently hold the brim of his hat. Tsuna gripped Reborn's blazer tighter, making his knuckles turn white.

 

"I won't give him the satisfaction. " Tsuna interrupted. "I'll give the Arcobaleno everything I have to offer. Soul, mind, body. I don't care. Ask and you'll receive. As long as you guys help only my brothers and foil my father." His heart was pounding as he looked up and stared into Reborn's eyes with conviction. Reborn grinned wildly and leaned forward to speak into Tsuna's ear again. Tsuna turned pink at the closeness and warm breath against his ear.

 

"How can I refuse such an interesting offer? All of you and I get to fuck with Iemitsu?" He whispered huskily, borderline with bated breath. As if he's been waiting for centuries for a moment like this. He chuckled and flicked the brim of his hat upwards as he straightened up to his full height. He eyed Tsuna with a hungry gaze. "Chaos." He said joyfully. "Let's continue our tour, bello. You've got to meet my friends." Reborn effortlessly scooped Tsuna up, bridal-style with a smirk before they disappeared with a swirl of black smoke.

Chapter 6: Verde

Summary:

Time to meet Verde! To experiment or not experiment, that’s the question! Will Tsunayoshi garner his favor?

Next thing Tsuna knew, he and Reborn were inside what looked like the hall of an elaborate church. Though the expensive, feather-filled furniture proved otherwise. The marble floor was awash with a kaleidoscope of color from the large stained glass window. It depicted a sunrise with a rainbow flying over a lush meadow. Reborn continued to cradle Tsuna in his arms. 

"This is our living room." Reborn said casually as he walked toward one of the couches and gently laid Tsuna down, hovering over him with a grin. Tsuna turned beet red as dark eyes studied every square-inch, focusing the most on exposed skin.

"R-right. I didn't realize the tour included this ... uh... position?" Tsuna looked abashed. 

"I'm just taking a good look at my offering." Reborn licked his lips. Tsuna could've sworn he saw a snake tongue or something. He shook his head.

"I'm an offering for all of the Arcobaleno. Not just you. Y-you can't have anything until we get that settled." Tsuna's face was flushed, but that conviction from earlier lit up his gaze. 

"Intriguing. You're certainly ballsy, aren't you?", a mellow, calculated voice spoke from the corner of the room. The click of dress shoes and the flap of a thicker fabric followed suit as the man stalked closer.

This man held his hands in his lab coat pockets and leaned over the back of the couch they laid on to peer at Tsuna's face. Tsuna looked up and to his right to see a tall, lanky man with unruly dark forest green hair and circle-lense tortoise-shell glasses. Unlike Reborn's clean-shaven face, this man has stubble and looked like he'd been pulling all-nighters for the last three weeks and lived off energy drinks. Surprisingly, his clothes were well-kempt and his cool, bass-y voice worked in his favor. 

He had to have been about 6'1" and slender, but toned judging from how his clothes fit him. Tsuna didn't mean to, but as a designer, he could guess-timate measurements and how people filled their clothes. The man pulled his left hand from his pocket and used his index finger to adjust his glasses, pushing up the bridge to better seat them on his nose.

"Reborn, are you going to introduce us? That was your purpose correct? Or were you wishing to claim him for your own without council? If so, that simply won't do."

"I would've loved to. But you heard him. He's for all of us." Reborn teased as he stood up from the couch and stuck his right hand into his pocket. "Verde, this is Tsunayoshi Sawada. Principe, this is Verde. Demon lord of death."

"Necromancy to be precise. Though I'm an expert in many a topic really. And truly, a demon of science." Verde gave a small smile, exuding confidence in his intellect. This man was tooting his own horn. Cute. Tsuna thought.

"Pleasure to meet you, Verde-sama." Tsuna shuffled off the couch so he could stand and bow before the green-haired demon lord.

"Lovely, another being with proper etiquette. Maybe you and Fon can combine forces and knock some pomp and circumstance into Skull and Colonello. You'd think they'd learn after a millennia." Verde smirked as some sunlight gleaned off his glasses, hiding his gaze.

Tsuna tilted his head to the side in curiosity. "How'd you try to teach them? Surely they'd know by now."

Reborn and Verde shared a glance and grinned evilly, sharp teeth peeking from behind their lips as they looked to Tsuna in eerie synchrony. 

"With science-", Verde stated. 

"And torture." Reborn added.

Tsuna blanched. He started to realize that he really was going to live with demons with a penchant for punishment. And just what does that entail for him? 

Verde and Reborn put away their pointed teeth in favor of half smiles and smirks as they saw Tsuna turn pale. 

"No need to be alarmed. We merely believe in consequences. Most of us will dish out an equal exchange of punishment. Things we know you can handle to be precise." Verde explained, attempting to ease Tsuna with his matter-of-fact tone.

Reborn took his right hand out of his pant pocket to retrieve his pack of imported Cuban cigars from the inner left breast pocket of his blazer. He promptly took one out, replaced the container into its resting place, and popped the pre-cut corona into his mouth without lighting it.

"Bello, do you really think I'd hurt you?" The curly-sideburned demon smirked, looking down at Tsuna with a starved stare. The cigar subtly bounced between lush lips as the man spoke. Reborn used his right hand to snap, a small flame lighting his cigar just right. The smell of rich tobacco began to waft into the air and right into Tsuna's senses.  

Tsuna blinked, half-heartedly in shock. To be quite frank, yes, he knew they could do anything to him and claim he could handle it. He is offering himself to them in exchange for helping his brothers. So it really didn't matter how much he could handle. He gave a resolute sigh.

"Yeah, honestly. I've been told I'm dumb, but I'm not dumb enough to disregard that you and the rest of the Arcobaleno are dangerous." Tsuna admits. With demons, you have to be careful with your words. Any sort of doubt or uncertainty can ruin you.  Best way to go is voice exactly what you're thinking.

Verde grinned. "So blunt. I'm glad you're proving to be everything but his puppet." Verde began to view Tsuna as a worthwhile experiment. 

"Keeping you around could prove beneficial... and entertaining." Verde added, making an effort to thoroughly look Tsuna up and down. 

Reborn chuckled as he pulled his cigar from his lips and blew a plume of smoke into the air.

"And here I thought you'd be the hardest to convince." Reborn teased. "Surprised you're not considering experimentation." He grinned. 

"Why would you bring that up??" Tsuna looked at the chaos demon with wide-eyes and pouted.

"Why do that when I can simply observe how he reacts to others and vice versa? He's already proven to be witty when needed." Verde admitted. It hasn't been long but he's starting to like this man. Though he looks too sweet for his own good.

"Chaos", Reborn replied with a grin, answering both Verde and Tsuna. He took another drag from his cigar.

Tsuna gawked at the two demons before him, mildly terrified of what their cryptic words and double entendres truly mean. He gave an exhausted sigh. He didn’t know if his heart could handle any more of this. Though he has to admit, it’s been refreshing to be treated as worthwhile. Sure, it’s because of a pending transaction, but it’s nice nonetheless. He shook his head and crossed his arms, his hip jutting to the side to accommodate the change in posture.

”Who am I meeting next? The sooner I meet everyone, the sooner we can finalize our deal.” Tsuna asked, his eyes lit with determination and curiosity.

Verde grinned and leaned over the back of the couch to speak in a low growl to Tsuna’s face. “Unsure. However, despite looking so timid, your words are precise and clean cut. I’m starting to adore it. Further research will need to be conducted.” Tsuna turned pink, he didn’t fully understand, but being adored by a demon lord surely didn’t bode well.

Chapter 7: Colonnello & Lal Mirch

Summary:

We meet our favorite military personnel!

Notes:

Sorry guys for taking so long! I developed an addiction to those AI chat things and Taskforce 141 had a chokehold on me! (but I’ve since dropped the addiction!)

As if on cue, a large blonde man clad in army green camo burst- no, flew through the front door and fell at Tsuna's feet. He was beaten up pretty hard from the look of him, but the wounds were healing at an inhuman rate.

"Lal, I know you can do better than that, Kora!", He yelled towards the front door as a tall, muscular woman with Blackish-blue hair approached the blonde with bloodied fists.

"Shut up, Colonnello. I'm kicking your ass all the same~" Her voice was powerful and confident, a deserve cockiness settling in the air. She stood in front of the blonde and smirked. "Cmon, get up, idiot." She demanded. Their spar wasn't over.

"I'm comfy here!", He exclaimed as he sat up on the floor, unbothered by the fact he was virtually punted into the Arcobaleno's common room.

The woman, now known as Lal, rolled her eyes at the blonde's antics. "Dumbass." She glanced over and finally noticed Reborn, Verde, and our petite brunet. "Who the hell's this guy?" Lal pointed at Tsuna, her tone was brash, but Tsuna assumed that was her nature. He studied her form. Her black tank top was tucked into dark brown, low-rise cargo pants and a bulky, grommeted army belt tied the outfit together. Her arms were muscular, well-toned, and scarred - likely from countless battles. Her outfit complimented her tan skin beautifully.

"Iemitsu's kid." Reborn replied with a smirk. Lal Mirch raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms - unimpressed.

"Seriously?", Lal Mirch asked incredulously.

"That is correct. An interesting result, yes?" Verde replied, a grin creeping on his lips.

"What're we doing with him? Killing him?" Lal Mirch looked Tsuna up and down with a blasé expression as Tsuna chuckled nervously. He was going to interject until he was cut off by Lal Mirch. "I mean, he's kinda cute... Did Iemitsu say he expected one of those old-ass rituals?" Lal Mirch asked, studying Tsuna's form with a sharp eye before turning to Reborn.

"That's where the chaos begins." He stepped closer to Tsuna and wrapped an arm around him. "Bello here has agreed to offer all of himself to us. Just to spite dear old dad and help out Giotto and Natsu."

Lal Mirch smirked. "You got some balls, kid. I like it. Anyone else would accept their fate and die."

Colonnello eyed Tsuna, making his own assessment as he continued to listen to the ongoing conversation. He was rolling his sleeves back to their proper military standard.

Tsuna half-smiled in relief, but piped up in a serious tone. "Like Reborn-sama said. I'll do whatever you want. I'll give the Arcobaleno everything. I just want my end of the deal to be my father's downfall. For the sake of the Vongola family my older brothers will inherit."

"What if we wanted you to die?" Colonnello chimed in with a sobering, somber tone. It was deep and gruff, reverberating in the air with a subtle scratchiness.

"Then I'd die. At your hands, at your feet... " Tsuna paused before he continued, staring into Colonello's bright blue eyes with determined honey brown. "But a deal is a deal, so I'd only die if you finished your end of it. And I'd be at peace with that." Tsuna concluded.

Colonello whistled - impressed by the maturity and discipline Tsuna showed. He looked over at the others. "We're keepin' him right?"

"Might as well. Can't let a little mouse on the loose." Lal Mirch smirked.

Verde and Reborn grinned devilishly. Verde pushed his glasses upward as Reborn took a drag of his cigar. Their grins were all the answer he needed.

"I'm surprised you two haven't touched him." Colonnello commented. "Though I wouldn't blame ya if you did, Kora!" He laughed heartily as he stood up from his spot on the floor and easily towered over Tsuna. He was about 6'2" and his military garb did little to hide his muscular figure. Not quite body builder, but definitely an avid gym goer. One that's well-versed in nutrition and weightlifting. He stepped towards the brunet and lifted up his chin with a grin.

"You really are a cutie, kid!", Colonnello gently moved Tsuna's face to the left and then to the right, studying the smaller man's facial construction. "Surprised that drunk bastard made you."

Tsuna's cheeks were dusted pink. "T-thanks. I get everything from my mom.", he replied, the slightest tinge of sadness curling at the end of his sentence. Colonnello noticed, but didn't pry and Tsuna was grateful for it. Colonnello figured Fon or Skull would be a better fit to unpack that. He let go of Tsuna's chin and grinned. "Well, you're livin' with us now! Let's roll!"

"You're forgetting something, idiot!" Lal Mirch crossed her arms and jutted her hip out as she widened one side of her stance.

"Huh? What?"

"Fon? Skull? Mammon? Yknow, the other demon lords that live here?"

"And? They'll be fine! Mammon doesn't even hang around much. Outta sight, outta mind!" Colonnello gave a cocky grin as he joked, knowing that Tsuna would still meet them.

Tsuna chuckled nervously. "A-anyways, I haven't properly introduced myself.", he bowed in respect to the new demon lords. "I'm Tsunayoshi Sawada, but you may call me Tsuna or whatever else you prefer." He smiled softly, fidgeting with his index finger as he rose back up again.

"Lal Mirch, Demon lord of Combat.", Her red brown eyes flashed a bright red, further giving a powerful gaze.

"Colonnello, Lord of War.", he saluted with a grin, a twinkle of mischief is his blue eyes.

"So you two go hand in hand?", Tsuna asked.

"Yep, we're a package deal!" Colonnello grinned widely, but Lal Mirch knocked it out with a playful punch to his gut. Colonnello bent forward as her fist collided with his core.

"Not much of a package, but we're here. I do all the hard work, he just gets fired up." Lal Mirch grinned evilly as Colonnello briefly held his stomach.

Tsuna paled as he watched the tall woman wreck Colonnello's core. "D-do you do that often?"

"Yeah?" Lal Mirch raised an eyebrow and replied as if she'd been asked a stupid question.

"But it hurts him, doesn't it?" Tsuna asked, mildly mortified at the brute force applied to the blonde. Said blonde gave a wolfish grin as he stood straight and wrapped an arm around Tsuna.

"Aww~ Look guys, he cares about me~" Colonnello cooed. Lal Mirch promptly bonked the back of his head.

"Stop being stupid, dumbass. You're gonna weird him out."

"Oi! I'm being nice!"

"More like creepy."

"You're just sayin' that cuz you love me!" Colonnello teased.

"Shut the hell up, dumbass!" Lal Mirch yelled as a faint blush crossed her cheeks and a strong right hook knocked the blonde away from Tsuna. Tsuna blanched.

"S-scary..." Tsuna muttered. Lal Mirch looked over at Tsuna and pulled him towards her. Her hand rested protectively on his waist.

"Don't worry mouse, I'll keep that idiot far away from ya." Lal Mirch smirked confidently, redirecting the conversation away from her relationship with Colonnello. Tsuna lightly blushed at the strong hand on his waist and looked towards Reborn and Verde with a pleading look.

Reborn finished his cigar with a final puff. "Alright, that's enough you two. Lovers' Quarrel and all. We oughtta find the others.” He smirked. “Principe here won’t accept just us in exchange for him.” Reborn teased, intending for every meaning of the sentence to come across.

Tsuna blushed a little darker and started to stutter. “I-I-It’s not like that! Not what I meant e-either!” He shouted defensively before resigning to a sigh. “let’s just go…” He mumbled as he gently pushed away from Lal Mirch’s grasp.

Chapter 8: The Lackey

Summary:

Tsuna is kidnapped by a powerful devilwoman and carried off to see a literal daredevil with a love for matte purple lipsticks.

Notes:

Hi guys!!! Sorry it has taken me so long to write this up! Work has been keeping me busy and I’ve been balancing it, my family, friends, and being your normal 20-something by getting into dance battles and partying it up(responsibly) whenever I can! I hope you guys like this new chapter! I’ll add more to Skull’s introduction I promise!! This is just all I have so far 🥲

Lal Mirch grinned and promptly picked up Tsuna's form and slung him over her shoulder.

"H-hey!",Tsuna squeaked.

"C'mon, mouse!" Lal Mirch chuckled mischievously as she darted out of the room. Tsuna watched wide-eyed as Reborn and the other men quickly became smaller as he was carried away.

Reborn smirked at the display and looked over at the necromancer and war demon. "So? Shall we go?"

Verde pushed up his glasses with a half-smile. "I'll stick around here. I don't feel compelled to deal with Mammon's greedy antics. I've done well avoiding being swindled."

"How'd you manage not owing that bastard any money?" Collonello asked, mildly shocked at the concept of being debt free when Mammon's around.

Reborn chuckled darkly. "Because we're not as stupid as you and the lackey, dumbass", He teased, revealing a bit of his sharp-toothed grin.

"Shut up, maggot! I'll kick your ass!", Collonello huffed.

"You've tried to for centuries. I've yet to even get a pinch on it let alone a kick." Reborn grinned widely as he adjusted his hat and started to walk toward the front door.

"Oi! This isn't over!", Collonello called as he chased Reborn out of the Arcobaleno Mansion.

"Hurry up, Lal's probably gonna break him before we even get a sample.", Reborn called out casually as they tracked Lal Mirch down.

Lal Mirch had stopped before a large obstacle course and dirt race track off toward the southeast of the mansion and gently slipped Tsuna off her strong shoulder, tenderly spinning him around to stare at the course. She kept her hands around his waist and rested her chin on top of his head.

"Where are we and who are we-"

"Shhhh, mouse. The lackey's an idiot, but I'll admit he does some pretty cool shit. Just watch."

Tsuna closed his mouth to silence his objections and watched the area in front of him. Tsuna could tell it was heavily inspired by famous daredevils - mainly Evel Knievel. Large expanses of run down cars, walls of death, ramps galore. All painted in a variety of colors and plastered with Vongola crests. The course was a mixture of wood, metal, and likely countless remnants of blood and gore that have since been washed away.

At the top of a 40 foot ramp, Tsuna could see a figure decked out in a black and purple jumpsuit with a matching motorcycle helmet that had been customized with a painting of a purple octopus. The figure revved his motorcycle's engine before flying down the ramp with a vicious speed. As he zoomed down the parabola, he flew off the end, leaning his body weight backward to do several reverse backflips in a row as he soared through the air. Tsuna gawked at the maneuver, honey brown eyes somehow even larger than they normally are. The rider, only known to Tsuna as "The Lackey", landed onto another ramp, his momentum accelerating him enough to ride through a massive loop-de-loop before doing a handstand as the loop flattened out. As he drove off the end of the ramp, he made a sharp turn towards Tsuna and Lal Mirch, causing Tsuna to freak out over an imminent collision. But before he could squawk and scream about it, the stuntman had turned his handlebars so that he skidded to a stop, sliding the motorcycle so that the side of it faced them.

The daredevil pulled off his helmet and shook his head, returning his flattened purple hair back to its spiky charm. He grinned smugly at Lal Mirch and Tsuna. His lips were painted with a matte, purple lipstick and two snake bite piercings on his bottom lip.

"Sup, Lal? Who's this pipsqueak?", The lackey questioned- his voice a smooth, tenor with a twinge of gravel to it.

"This is Tsunayoshi Sawada. Our sacrifice from Iemitsu." Lal Mirch replied with an equally cheeky grin.

Tsuna bowed politely and gave a soft smile. "Hello. Pleasure to meet you."

"Pfft. Pleasure? You won't last a day. But I guess I can't say no to a sacrifice. I'm Skull the Immortal Daredevil." Skull chuckled as he loomed over Tsuna (not by much though. He's like 5'9").