#And gushing over the KHR cast

[dreamieparadise]

give me your favorite manga or anime of all time. NOW. like, the ones who changed you as a person in some way. if you are okay with questions like that!

Hi Charlotte!! Happy to see you around and in my inbox! Lemme answer this while I can. ♡

Warning: Super long! So it'll be under the cut...sorry I don't know what shutting the fuck up means! Is it a food?

Digimon Adventure: I watched this when it aired in my country in 1999! I was 7 and was hooked instantly. It helped me through dark times and kept me motivated, for that Digimon Adventure will always mean a lot to me! I'm still a Digimon fan and have been trying to get back into it (it's hard because it's so important to me that I'm stubborn tho lol) though recently I found out Junie is also a big fan so maybe I can take that plunge! :')

Sailor Moon: again I was obsessed with it since I was a little girl! I was a major Sailor Moon fan, and I remember actually having a figurine of her! I lost it as a child. I remember how I was strapped in the car seat when it fell down where your feet rest, but at my age I was too short to reach it so I cried for it and my dad said he'll get it for me! Surprisingly he couldn't find it? The car moving must have jostled it. I still think about it....despite that I think SM is BAD. LMAO like it's super badly written and I despise Usagi. However I adore the other scouts (ngl Haruka is also veering into annoying to me...) still the concept is so fun! And it's hella assthetic so I reblog and re-tweet it like mad. Lmao

Vision of Escaflowne: I LOVE THIS SERIES SOOOOO MUCH. It still holds up for me! I was obsessed as a kid and I watched it again during my second trip to Somaliland while I lay in agony lol (I was 23!) Like the show hits! I watched it...4 times? And I want to again! There are story beats that still stick with me. The art style can get some getting used to (it's the noses...) but tbh it influenced my style, haha. The movie looks better but the changes I heard made as made me vow to never watch it. 😒

Inuyasha: this was the first series I watched as a kid where I was like "this is foreign...this is...ANIME!" Because unlike the other anime they didn't give the characters English names nor did they make the openings and endings English! I'm actually a Rumiko Takahashi fan! This is how I got into her works but also again...like omfg it's embarrassing and not really good, like damn. She has this thing about toxic relationships lmao (except Maison Ikkou if iirc? That was just sweet!) I always have Hot Takes about Inuyasha but it'll always be a part of me.

Saiyuki: the first time I watched Saiyuki it was the movie, it was the middle of the night and I used my parents money to buy it on pay per view WITHOUT asking permission!! I fell in love instantly but was so scared and played dumb when they got the bill and was like "who paid for that!?" It took some time for me to properly get into it, it's dark and can be triggering but I really fell in love with the cast and story! It's very intriguing.

Bleach: it really spoke to me as a kid who's family has spooky ooky shit in its bg hahaha. That and how Ichigo is! As an older sister who'd do anything for my siblings and pushes themselves too far for that...Ichigo is just very relatable. Lol

Katekyo Hitman Reborn: I believe I was 16-17 when I finally got into Reborn? I knew of it vaguely because my two older brothers were into it before me! I don't remember how I started reading it (I have never properly watched the anime), but I did and got obsessed! I was all over this website called Quizilla devouring KHR works! This is how I stumbled onto Jojo! She wrote about the Varia, and I messaged her to gush about it. It's been 15-16 years since then!! I honestly think I'm very attached to KHR because of that. Sure there are fun concepts and I love how I can rotate the characters in my mind but damn it's...a mess. High key embarrassed when I admit to liking it to non-fans. 😭it's very "please don't think badly of me, I beg!!" LMAO

Princess Tutu: ABSOLUTE BANGER! I watched it 3 times and imma watch it more in the future, I know this. If you haven't watched it, you should!

Kingdom Hearts: hehe! Adding this because it has a manga that I've read parts of! Anyway this is so influential to me in art and storytelling...the latter is not good..it's so convoluted but what can I say? I'm a big Nomura Tetsuya fan!! He really inspires me and thus kh is super important....also fun fact as a child I was scared of the heartless and immediately stopped playing and didn't pick it up again for years lmao it's these little guys:

Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: what if I told you I only got into this series because it has Jojo's name in it...still! I became obsessed. I love Araki's style of storytelling and art. It pushes me to be true to my own style, no matter what! It's definitely an influence for me.

Now I find them kinda cute...!

Card Captor Sakura: This is the series that got me super into Clamp. I'm adding this because despite the issues I have with their work, it influenced me greatly! It's the reason I'm working on my own universe the way I do. I also want to have a large cast of characters that appear in each other's works. :')

Golden Kamuy: No lie I think this is the tightest written weekly shounen manga ever. No if ands or buts. I think it's wonderfully written and incredibly compelling! It's also very silly? Reminded me of Gintama with how outrageous it could get 😭 still the core themes of the story are about imperialism and colonization so it's also got a lot of serious topics. If you get into it JUST READ THE MANGA! THE ANIME IS SO POORELY PRODUCED.

Dungeon Meshi: 🥰🥺😃😀😨😰 decipher this.

For all of these the plan is to buy either the DVDs or all the manga/light novels!!

[astralsummoner-blog]

When you should be writing or making icons but you’re two busy resisting the urge to app old characters and lurking.  

[foreverfamilyforevervongola]

A Vongola Family Christmas

And this marks the end of this year’s KHR Holiday Celebration! Thank you so much for all the asks! I’ll see you in the New Year!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

...

Summary: Tsuna would always remember his first Christmas with his extended family. A group of people that couldn't have been more different, yet they shared similarities that they perhaps didn't want to acknowledge. When the inevitable brawl breaks out, Tsuna, ever the peacekeeper, steps in and breaks it up. Christmas is a time for family, and they are his, and he hopes, one day, they will all get along.

...

Tsuna was seventeen when Timoteo invited him and his family to Italy for the annual Vongola Christmas party. He wanted his future successor to start to mingle with their central allies, begin to forge new connections and allow other Famiglia to see the heir to the Vongola Family. Tsuna had not wanted to go if he was going to spend Christmas doing business, but Reborn had intervened and well, that had been that.

"Isn't this exciting?" Nana exclaimed, stepping through the automatic airport doors and beaming, a rather out of place expression amongst the holiday hustle, bustle and impatience that engulfed the horde of travel-goers.

Balancing a stack of luggage in his arms, Tsuna said uncertainly, "I suppose so."

Though he was rather composed, he was stressing out on the inside. He knew for a fact the Varia would be there and mixing his Guardians together with the assassins was never a good idea. He didn't have a clue who else would be attending this high-class, vied after gathering (Reborn refused to tell him anything), and Gokudera didn't handle strangers well. There was also the matter of Hibari and Mukuro—

Schink!

Whipping his head around, his eyes tripled in size at the ever-familiar sight of Hibari's tonfas clashing with Mukuro's trident, the latter's crimson eye beginning to flash with Mist Flames. "Stop it!" he hissed, wishing he wasn't burdened with so much luggage. "You can't do this in an airport! They're going to think we're terrorists or something!"

"Don't worry, Juudaime," assured Gokudera. He strode over to the fighting pair and barked, "He told you to knock it off!"

Using one tonfa to deflect Mukuro's trident, Hibari used the other to slam into Gokudera's stomach. "Don't tell me what to do, herbivore."

"We haven't even left Japan yet, Mukuro-sama," said Chrome in slight exasperation.

Mukuro smirked at Hibari, who glowered, but he took a few steps back. "I suppose I can wait to destroy him. It wouldn't be merciful of me to kill him on his precious home soil. I have some Christmas spirit." Shifting his gaze towards Tsuna, he said in amusement, "I did have an illusion cloaking us. I'm not a fool."

"I beg to differ," drawled Hibari.

"Why must you guys always fight?" asked Haru with a disapproving frown.

Satisfied for now that they would not cause untold damage to the airport, Tsuna turned his head around. Kyoko came up beside him and linked arms. "Are you excited, Tsuna-kun?"

"No," answered Tsuna honestly. "This is going to be a disaster."

"Don't be like that," chided Ryohei. "This will be EXTREMELY fun."

"Tsu-nii, where's I-Pin?" Lambo asked anxiously, pulling on the hem of Tsuna's jacket. "We're gonna see her, right?"

"Absolutely," soothed Tsuna. "Fong is meeting us at Grandfather's house with her."

Yamamoto sauntered forwards and swung the excited eight-year-old into his arms. "We'll see her before we know it."

"Bianchi," Futa spoke, getting the pink-haired woman's attention. "Can I get a magazine from that gift shop?"

"Of course," granted Bianchi. "I could use one myself."

"Don't be long!" called Tsuna as they departed for the strategically placed shop that seemed to sell almost everything for a traveler's needs. "The plane leaves in less than an hour."

They were an odd group as they progressed towards the security check, many travellers leaping to get out of their purposeful path. Nana turned to Tsuna and said happily, "I can't wait to see your father. This will be a wonderful Christmas we get to spend together!"

"Uh-huh," uttered Tsuna. If we make it to Italy in the first place.

As they neared the metal gates, Tsuna suddenly screeched to a halt, causing the rest of his family to stop and eye him curiously. Lips curling into a frown, he asked, "Okay. How many of you people brought your weapons with you?"

Hibari and Mukuro were a given, considering they just tried to kill each other in the lobby. Reborn glanced at Tsuna with an amused smirk and he knew he shouldn't have bothered to ask. Gokudera shifted his eyes about nervously and Yamamoto chuckled sheepishly.

Lifting his eyes heavenward, Tsuna heaved out a sigh. "Right. Those harbouring dangerous weaponry go first while we normal, peaceful people stand off to the side. I may or may not bust you out of jail."

This is going to be a very long Christmas.

…

The ballroom glittered with garland draped over the windows and dozens of cranberry candles. Poinsettia made up the centerpieces of the tables and the colour scheme of the tablecloths, napkins and other décor followed cranberry red and pine green. There were about a thousand people at the party in total, and when Tsuna first saw the tuxedo-clad crowd his throat closed up and he made a strangled squeak. Reborn gave the back of his head a sharp slap, causing him to swallow his anxieties and move forwards. After Timoteo proudly introduced him to the group of high-ranking Mafia Dons, Tsuna smoothly maneuvered through the crowd, Gokudera and Yamamoto remaining by his side.

The Varia were there, as he suspected, but he was surprised to see Xanxus among them. They were at a table shrouded in the shadows of an isolated corner, speaking lowly with one another. Tsuna's eyes widened at the sight of the Gesso and Giglio Nero families, stationed at tables at opposite ends of the massive, elegant ballroom. The ex-Arcobaleno were also there, and Tsuna suspected only the combined force of Reborn and Yuni (and perhaps Lal Mirch) could have convinced Verde to attend. Ken, who was normally uncontrollable at the option of free food, sat stiffly at a table with Chikusa, Fran, Chrome and Mukuro. His mother and father had their hands intertwined the entire time, casting loving glances at each other that filled Tsuna with childlike embarrassment and affection.

Tsuna felt relief at seeing Dino and his family in attendance, for at least he would be of assistance in meeting some of the Dons. As he made his circulations, he could see the hands on his wristwatch steadily moving, and he felt a pang of sadness that he would not get any time to speak with the people he really wanted to interact with.

A burst of joy went through him at the sight of Lambo and I-Pin reuniting, when Fong finally arrived with the girl fashionably late. The two collided with each other in a hug, dissolving into delighted laughter. The guests looked at the pair with scowls, but their expressions hastily rearranged at the many murderous glares they received in turn.

It was ten at night when the guests started to trickle out, just as the snow started to pick up speed outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. Finally having a free moment, Tsuna made his way over to Yuni's table. "I'm exhausted," he groaned, rubbing at his neck. "Did I look as miserable as I felt?"

"Not at all," assured Yuni. "You had a very gracious smile."

"Thanks. I'm glad it's over. I think I made a good impression." Tsuna cast a quick glance to check the status of the members of his family. "And putting Hibari and Mukuro at separate tables was smart. Though I'm surprised Xanxus hasn't tried to shoot anyone."

"I think he has a steady stream of booze to keep him occupied," piped up Gamma dryly.

"And steak," added Yuni.

"I could use some steak," muttered Tsuna. "I managed to snag some miniature sandwich wraps from the servers. I wish I had more time to enjoy myself."

"You can," replied Yuni. "The Vongola Family normally stays long after the guest have gone."

"Oh." Tsuna smiled. "Great! I hardly got a chance to speak with anyone. Did you have fun?"

"I did," said Yuni, though her smile didn't reach her eyes. "Gamma, would you mind getting me some punch please?"

"Of course, Princess."

Gamma swept off to get Yuni another drink and the girl let out a long sigh. "I haven't been able to go on the same side of the room as Byakuran-san," she said with a frown. "Gamma doesn't trust him at all. I understand why, but I wish he'd trust me."

"He loves you. He doesn't want to risk losing you. He'll come around eventually."

"It's taking longer than I thought," said Yuni doubtfully, idly pushing a piece of chicken parmesan around her plate.

Gamma soon returned with a glass and did not miss Yuni's downcast expression. Brow furrowing, he asked, "Is something wrong?"

Giving a slight shake of her head, Yuni said, "No, I'm fine. Thank you, Gamma."

"This is your first gathering, is it not?" Gamma asked Tsuna.

"Yeah."

"How did you find it?"

"Er…boring," said Tsuna with a slight grin.

"Not holding back I see," said Gamma in amusement as Yuni giggled.

"Don't tell Reborn I said that. I'm going to use a different choice of words when he asks the same question."

After a few more minutes of conversation, Tsuna wandered over to where his parents sat. Lambo was happily munching on a chocolate dessert and Futa was eating his ice-cream, both sitting securely in Iemitsu's lap. Nana stroked her fingers through I-Pin's raven braids as the girl ate her spaghetti.

"You didn't have too many of those, did you?" he asked Lambo.

"No," lied Lambo.

"Yes," said I-Pin.

"A lot," added Futa.

"Aw, it's Christmas. It's a special occasion. Let him eat all the sweets," said Iemitsu cheerfully, ruffling the boy's hair.

Tsuna rolled his eyes. "He eats enough sugar on a regular day. But fine. You're the one who's going to have to deal with his hyperactivity later."

"You look so handsome," gushed Nana, using one hand to straighten his orange tie. "No one here holds a candle to you. Except for your father, of course."

"As usual, never the best," quipped Tsuna.

Accepting a kiss on the cheek from his mother and a back-slap from his father, he went to see his Guardians. Hibari was reclining in his chair, eyes closed. Mukuro was near the food table with Ken and Chikusa, the three of them looking slightly more relaxed now that there was less people. Ryohei smiled as he approached. "Tsuna! How did it go?"

"Okay," said Tsuna with a shrug. "I don't remember a lot of the names, which Reborn is going to probably shoot me for."

"Don't worry Juudaime, I kept track in this notebook." Gokudera removed a red-covered notebook from his suit jacket and flipped through it, revealing pages of neatly written notes.

"You're a lifesaver," said Tsuna gratefully and Gokudera's face glowed. "I'm sorry this hasn't been more fun."

"Don't be silly," countered Yamamoto. "We're all together, aren't we?"

The table rattled slightly as Hibari shot out his foot, kicking Yamamoto in the shin and causing the teen to yelp. Eyes still closed, he muttered, "Stop being so sentimental."

"I thought you were asleep," snapped Gokudera as Yamamoto laughed.

"I am. You're disturbing me. Shut up before I bite you to death."

Pwish!

There was great roar of wind, so strong the windows rattled. Startled, Tsuna turned to stare out the window, eyes widening at the vortex of snow that swirled about outside, a pure white sheet that obscured everything from sight.

"Yay!" cheered Lambo. "Snow!"

Regarding the weather thoughtfully, Timoteo said, "Well now, it seems that we are snowed in."

A chilling silence followed after his casual remark as everyone realized exactly what that meant. It was broken by Xanxus flinging his glass clear across the room, where it shattered against the opposite wall. "I am not staying here with you trash all effing night," he snarled. "I came because I was promised steak and booze. I'm effing out of steak and the good booze is gone."

"Feel free to try and drive home," sneered Gokudera.

"Insolent brat, don't talk to Boss like that!" barked Levi.

"Squalo told me if I started some merda during the party he'd kick my ass," drawled Belphegor, removing his knives. "Party's over and your face is pissing me off. I'll skewer you first."

"Voi, if you effing kill someone, you're doing the damn paperwork!"

Iemitsu stood, raising his hands in a placating manner. "There's no need to get riled up. There are plenty of rooms in which you can stay."

"Ushishishi, if you think I'm sleeping in contaminated sheets, you've lost your mind."

"I don't know why that bothers you," drawled Fran. "It's not like your royal or anything."

"You little piece of—"

"You're all too noisy," growled Hibari. "I'm going to bite you all to death."

"Kufufufu, I'd like to see you try," mocked Mukuro.

"Guys!" snapped Tsuna. "You're not helping!"

"I think a show is exactly what we need to entertain us," said Byakuran in amusement.

Gamma glared at the white-haired male. "I'm sure you would love nothing more to see blood spilled."

"Gamma!" pleaded Yuni. "Stop."

Zakuro stood up, lips twisting into a snarl. "I'm tired of your disrespectful attitude."

"Disrespectful?" echoed Tazaru incredulously. "Someone who brainwashed our Princess and manipulated us will never deserve respect."

"Simmer down," ordered Lal Mirch. "You're all acting ridiculous."

"I cannot believe I'm here in the first place," said Verde disdainfully. "It's like being surrounded by a group of unintelligent monkeys."

"Verde," said Fong sharply. "Relax."

"If you all don't shut up I'm sending you into a black abyss," said Mammon in irritation.

"It'd be better than spending it with these jerks!" cried Skull, who sat in between Colonnello and Reborn, and promptly got his ears boxed by the both of them.

A strong pulse of anger and irritation struck through Tsuna and he spun on his heel, eyes zeroing in on the source. "Xanxus, don't!"

Boom!

The one gunshot was all it took to set off an avalanche of chaos.

Mukuro and Hibari wasted no time in colliding with a clash of tonfas and trident. Ken and Chikusa immediately went to back their friend up, animal roars and spraying needles adding to the sound of metal striking against metal. Gamma, Tazaru, Kikyo and Zakuro went head-to-head in the middle of the ballroom, Byakuran's and Yuni's shouts to cease going unheeded. Belphegor went after Gokudera, knives gleaming under the crystal chandelier and there was a sharp hiss as the silver-haired teen lit up his dynamite. Disgusted with the lot of them and willing to take his risks in the extreme weather getting home, Verde tried to storm out, only to be physically restrained by Fong.

After one too many insolent and nasty remarks, Colonnello wrestled Skull to the floor. Irate by their childish behaviour, Lal Mirch went to try and break the two up. Basil, Turmeric and Oregano immediately helped Iemitsu try to calm the situation and defend Nana and the kids from stray projectiles. Tired of Shamal's relentless advances, Bianchi finally snapped and slammed a poison cake into his face. For the hell of it Squalo delved into a swordfight with Yamamoto, inspiring Ryohei and Lussuria to have a spontaneous boxing match.

It was as if Tsuna was seeing everything in slow motion. Bullets whizzed past his head, the threats and swears muddled together in his ears. He had seen his family fight before—it was as natural as breathing. But this…this was different. This was them, nearly all of them, not getting along with one another. In fact, none of them probably would have been there in the first place if it wasn't for him. He was the core reason they were all together, that they even had a connection with one another. He felt their rage, their dislike, their irritation and their agitation. It throbbed through his bonds, nearly overwhelming him.

It was then that he got a true look around, that he realized how isolated and separated everyone had been throughout the party. Ken, Chikusa and Mukuro had stayed together in one corner of the room. The Varia stayed in another. The ex-Arcobaleno were at one end of the room. The Gesso and Giglio Nero families were at opposite sides. The CEDEF members got their table closest to the Guardians, but yet still not quite close enough. Bianchi, Kyoko, Haru, Futa and I-Pin had been placed at the same table as Nana and Iemitsu before they started to circulate, at least making an effort to mingle. Spanner, Giannini and Shoichi were placed at the back of room. Dino and Romario had understandably been placed with their family, but a distance away from Tsuna and the others.

It wasn't right. It didn't feel right, how separated they had been during Christmas, a time meant to spend with family. How were they supposed to get to know one another if they stayed with the ones they knew best? How would they forge bonds if they had an excuse not to?

Tsuna was startled from his deep thoughts by a knife swishing past his ear and he jolted. The volume in the room increased tenfold and his head immediately began to ache. He darted his eyes around, staring at the brawling with a rising ire and anger. Reborn and Timoteo were staring at him, waiting, and Tsuna knew he was expected to take control of this situation. Timoteo was watching the chaos with a serene expression and Reborn seemed to thoroughly be enjoying himself. Shoichi, Spanner and Giannini had flipped their table over to use as a shield. Dino and Romario had quickly moved over to guard the girls, Kyoko and Haru watching everything with wide, concerned gazes.

"ENOUGH!"

His shout rumbled across the ballroom, the force of his Will causing everyone to halt in their tracks. His Sky Flame blazed on his forehead, amber eyes daring anyone to defy him. Quiet eventually set across the room, the culprits of this free-for-all battle glancing at Tsuna warily. Xanxus glowered at the brunette who dared give him an order, but lowered his gun. It took quite a bit to anger Tsuna enough that his Flames were brought forth.

Breathing heavily, Tsuna took a moment to calm down. I-Pin took Lambo's hand and the two approached him. "Tsu-nii? Can we go play?" ventured I-Pin hesitantly.

Shifting a quick look to Timoteo and receiving a permissive nod, said, "Keep to the corridor outside the ballroom. Don't break anything."

Brightening at this, Futa departed from his table and went over to Fran, who had been watching the entire ordeal from the back of the room with a raised brow. He took the small illusionist cheerfully by the arm and dragged him out the glimmering gold doors. Lambo and I-Pin were a little slower to follow. The Lightning Guardian approached Yuni's table and extended a hand towards Nosaru.

"Wanna play?"

The purple-haired boy's eyes widened and he shot a hopeful glance towards Yuni. "Can I?"

"Of course," Yuni granted, relieved that at least some of her family members were willing to get along with the others. "Thank you, Lambo-kun."

At Byakuran's table, I-Pin folded her arms neatly in front of her. "Do you want to play with us?" she asked Bluebell and Daisy.

"I don't know how to play," said Daisy, eyeing I-Pin uncertainly.

"It's okay. We can do something easy."

Bluebell, who did not get chances to play with other girls around her age, turned to Byakuran. "Could we?" she asked hesitantly.

"Absolutely." Byakuran smiled at her and reached out to rub the top of I-Pin's head in gratitude. "I think that's a great idea."

Encouraged by Byakuran's approval and I-Pin's inviting, sincere smile, Daisy eased off his chair. He clutched his stuffed bunny to his chest as he followed after the two girls, the children disappearing into the corridor.

Staring after them, Tsuna lamented, "Why can't you people be like them?"

"The hell is that supposed to mean?" asked Ken, voicing the thought everyone held.

Tsuna waved his arms in exasperation. "I-Pin and Lambo hardly know Bluebell, Nosaru and Daisy, but they wanted to play with them anyway. They know they're different and come from different backgrounds, but they don't care."

"Is there a point to this?" drawled Xanxus.

"Yes! The point is that if they can be friends, then you, grown-ass adults, should at least be able to hold a civil conversation."

"Tsu-kun, mind your language!"

Pressing a hand against his forehead, Tsuna very nearly gave into the desire to whimper. "Yes, Mom."

Verde gave a snort of disbelief. "Why could I possibly have to say with people like you?"

"Seems to me a genius like you should be able to hold a simple conversation," countered Tsuna.

There was a brief rumble of laughter at this, mostly coming from the ex-Arcobaleno, and Verde regarded the brunette coolly for a moment, his lips twitching into the barest hints of an impressed smirk at his quick rebuttal.

Resting his cheek against his knuckles, Xanxus narrowed his eyes. "Are you trying to lecture me, scum?"

"Yes," said Tsuna matter-of-factly. "You've got the social skills of a robot, and in fact Spanner's Mini-Moska had more than you do. If you don't to talk to people, fine. But geez, have you ever heard the saying if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all?" He nimbly sidestepped and snatched the flying wine glass flung at him out of the air, setting it on the table nearest to him. "And you," he continued, pointing at his male Mist and Cloud, "I will send you to therapy or rehab or military school or something if you don't stop fighting."

Hibari and Mukuro glanced at each other before shifting their gazes away, lips curling upwards. Huffing out a breath, Tsuna set his hands on his hips. "I know we all have our differences. I don't expect everyone to get along all the time. But I would appreciate it if you would just try." He took a look around the room, at the faces of the people he had met and bonded with over the years, and his expression softened.

"You know, I never in my life thought my Christmas would ever be this extravagant, this big. I only ever celebrated with my mom and sometimes my dad. I wished I could have a bigger family to share Christmas with. Now I have it. I have you. And it would be nice if you could maybe stop fighting and trying to kill each other for a couple of hours or so."

"Awww, that's so sweet!" cooed Lussuria, and was promptly struck across the back of the head by Squalo.

"Well said, Sawada-dono," said Basil with an enthusiastic clap.

"You're a useless herbivore," muttered Hibari, but he finally slipped his tonfas back into his suit jacket.

"I don't have an effing clue how you've survived this long with that bleeding heart," said Xanxus flatly.

Yuni moved over to Gamma and Tazaru, taking them both gently by the wrists. "I know you're scared for me. I know it's hard to forget what Byakuran-san tried to do. But he's not really the same person as he was in the future. I know he's a good person. I can feel it. And I know, if you gave him a chance, you'll feel it too."

Gamma stared down at her, his expression conflicted. He glanced at Byakuran, who was clearly touched by Yuni's words. Closing his eyes, he exchanged looks with Tazaru before saying, "For your happiness, Princess, we will try."

Yuni's face lit up and she happily hugged them before dragging them over to where Byakuran and his family were.

"See that, that's what I'm talking about," said Tsuna, hopeful at this progression. "We're all going to be snowed in for the night, anyway. Let's at least try to get along." He paused and added, "Or in Xanxus' case just ignore everyone." He caught the incoming fork before it could stab into his shoulder.

Skull glanced around the room, expression reluctant. "I don't think any of us have anything in common."

"Sure you do," said Tsuna with certainly. "In fact, you all have one thing in common. You drive me absolutely insane."

There was a lot of jeering at that, but Tsuna felt the atmosphere ease. With a reluctant expression, Verde made his way towards the trio of engineers who were now righting their table. Belphegor shoved Gokudera in the shoulder and the Storm Guardian sneered in return, but they both sat down at the same table. The Gesso and Giglio Nero families crowded together and Shamal, wiping frosting off of his face, lazily made his way over to speak with Iemitsu and Nana, Fong joining them shortly after. Basil invited Ken and Chikusa to sit with him, Oregano and Turmeric, which they hesitantly accepted. Lal Mirch, Colonnello and Skull moved over to sit with Dino and Romario.

Mukuro and Hibari managed to sit next to each other without causing any more bruising. During the night, the Guardians circulated amongst the others, all of them now on the same side of the ballroom. They took turns checking on the kids, who raced about the corridor with ringing laughter. Kyoko and Haru, ever polite and friendly, daringly approached the Varia table. Xanxus made an annoyed hum in the back of his throat but did not startle them away.

Heaving out a sigh of relief, Tsuna rubbed the back of his neck. Timoteo, who had moved from his prestigious spot at the grand table at the front of the ballroom and was now sitting with Tsuna's parents, regarded his heir with pride. Reborn's fedora covered his eyes, but there was a smile of approval on his lips. Dino caught Tsuna's eye and he flashed a thumbs-up.

Their first Christmas together didn't get off on the right foot, and they were not quite all friends by the time morning came and the snow melted enough for them to leave. But Tsuna had hope. They were all different, sure. But they had all been through the unimaginable, things only they would ever be able to understand. They were his family, the large one he always wished for and finally received.

They would all be comfortable with each other eventually.

…

Twenty-four-year-old Tsuna reclined back against the leather couch, a glass of wine between his fingers. The drawing room was filled with noise, laughter and conversation. A fire roared in the fireplace, the Christmas tree glinting with warm white lights. The environment was much more inviting and personal than the ballroom, which was why Tsuna decided the drawing room would host their family Christmas, leaving the ballroom for the Vongola party.

Gamma, Byakuran, Yuni and Kikyo were conversing on the couch by the door. Spanner, Verde, Shoichi, Shamal, Giannini and Futa were playing a game of cards. The eighteen-year-old was leaning slightly against Verde's side, his feet tucked in Shamal's lap. Gokudera, Fong, Belphegor and Turmeric were engaged in poker, and from the amount of swearing Gokudera was doing, he was losing. Tazaru, Zakuro and Levi were having a heated debate, probably over which football team should win the final tournament. Ryohei was playing checkers against Skull, his brow furrowed in concentration. Timoteo, Reborn, Kusakabe, Iemitsu and Romario were talking politics on the couch near the Christmas tree. Mammon, Torikabuto, Mukuro and Chrome were seated near the fireplace, having a mini-illusion contest.

Squalo, Yamamoto, Bianchi, Lancia, Colonnello, Nana and Dino were playing a board game. Nosaru, Bluebell, Daisy, Lambo, I-Pin, Basil, Ken, Chikusa, Mochida and Fran were in an intense video game battle. Oregano, Hana, Kyoko and Lal Mirch were sitting with Lussuria near the television, alternating between chatting and settling the group of gamers when they got too rowdy. Hibari and Xanxus were sitting on opposite ends of the couch in the middle of the room, both of them with their eyes closed and heads tilted back, letting the noise of their family wash over them. When Haru picked her way towards Kyoko and the rest she had to pass by Xanxus. Her foot caught the corner of the coffee table and she started a quick descent for the ground. The Sky Varia easily caught her by the arm and righted her without opening his eyes. Hibari gave her a sharp kick to the ankle, a rebuke for being unaware of her surroundings. Haru pouted at him as she went to sit beside Lussuria.

Contentment, affection and warmth hummed throughout the room, entwining through their bonds. Tsuna could not help the grin from curling across his face as he recalled their first Christmas together. They had come a long way since then. They still fought like crazy, but it was just what they did. They went through too much together to keep each other at a distance. There were a few new additions over the years, like Moretti, Mochida, Hana, Kusakabe and Lancia. They all integrated nicely, for they were all weird, insane and tough in their own unique ways.

Christmas was a family occasion, and Tsuna was extraordinarily happy that he got to spend every year with his. They had celebrated seven Christmases so far, with many more to come. But Tsuna would always remember the first one they spent together.