Chapter Text
Tsuna finished the large rune on the ground in his living room and smiled at his work. For his first time drawing an intricate rune like that, he was impressed. He, of course, had to remember that he had been studying these ruins for about ten years, but it was the fact that he had done it so perfectly.
Each loop crossed an element in the first circle with a large snake-like figure wrapping around the primordial lettering. The rune itself took up a substantial amount of room in his living room. So much so that he ended up having to push all of his furniture against the wall.
The brunet doubted that it would work considering the rarity for the Arcobaleno of all demons to answer a summons. All he could do was hope that they would either be impressed enough or curious enough to answer.
He took a deep breath and put his hands in front of the circle to begin the incantation, “I call upon thee named the Arcobaleno that rule over all other demons.” He felt his usually dormant mana start to flow through his veins. It was like ambrosia, the one from myths, in the way that it blurred his senses. It was a pleasurable buzz in his veins as they went from blue to orange, “May you please shed knowledge upon this unworthy soul.”
He could feel his mana pour through the circle and suddenly it stopped. Something had grabbed it. He was startled as he attempted to cancel the summons once he noticed the aggressiveness of the hold. It was almost desperate with how tight the searing yellow mana held on.
Tsuna gasped once the hold was gone and instead felt mesmerized when he looked up from where he was kneeling. The seven demons, all in human-like appearances, appeared in the circle with their own flourish of power. Each of them was nice-looking in their own right.
The brunet had to ignore the burning jealousy from the contract on his left shoulder when he thought that.
‘Calm,’ he said through the contract.
The metaphorical rattling of chains quieted.
The one wearing a suit and fedora, so posh and sophisticated, snapped him out of his stupor, "I believe you called for us?" He raised an eyebrow at the brunet, and the smirk on his face was too smug for Tsuna’s liking. There was a yellow gleam in his obsidian eyes that reminded Tsuna of the searing, possessive mana that grabbed ahold of his own.
The brunet easily ignored that piece of information, confident in his shield around the rune, "Yes! I wanted your perspectives on the Great War and how you believe it affected other demons." He began to ramble as he reached for his notebook and pencil, "Not only that but how it affected cultures and hierarchies in the demon realm." He never moved from his spot on the floor. He was tired after such a large summons, but he could power through enough to-
“-Pardon?”
Tsuna’s head snapped up at the cut-off from his thoughts. He noticed the bewildered, amused, and curious expressions ranging from each demon in the circle. He tilted his head, “Was I talking too fast?” he asked with a softer tone, and if he remembered correctly, which he usually did, the demon talking to him was called Reborn, the Arcobaleno of the Sun.
He could feel Bermuda’s contract hum his amusement at the situation. Much like he always did.
Tsuna ignored in favor of taking his time to observe their clothes and the commonality that they shared. It wasn’t anything like Bermuda’s more tattered cloak or the uncaring way his bandages piled on his skin or his pants that looked thrown together with loose fabric. They were all put together a more human look.
There were many suspicions that the Arcobaleno enjoyed human cultures, and Tsuna was beginning to think that it was true considering their appearances.
As the brunet summoner observed each of them, he accidentally made eye contact with the demon Skull, the Arcobaleno of the Cloud. He looked like the stereotypical bad boy one would see in movies. He had wild purple hair and was wearing a leather suit.
The brunet looked down at his notebook quickly and away from the curious amethyst eyes. He hadn’t wanted to anger them in any way. If he had, then they might not give him the information he wanted. He took a peek up and found his eyes drifting toward the last Arcobaleno.
Tsuna looked back at Reborn when there was still no answer. He tilted his head again when the demon shook his head in what seemed to be exasperation.
“I'm sorry,” Reborn said, pausing as he took a deep breath. “You summoned the strongest demons.” He vaguely gestured to himself and the other dumbstruck and curious demons with him, “To learn our perspectives on the Great War?” he finished incredulously.
The brunet in front of the demons smiled, “Pretty much,” he exclaimed happily, not bothering to correct him on what information he specifically wanted.
The, possibly, only female demon of the group spoke up. Her tone was just as incredulous and a bit more aggressive as Reborn’s, “You don't even want a contract?” she asked, sounding offended by what she was hearing.
Tsuna shook his head in response, "No, not really," he said as he lifted his notebook again and attempted to not wince from the increased jealousy his contract was emitting. "So about your perspectives?" he asked hopefully.
He was ignored, unfortunately.
The green-haired one touched the shield around the rune that Tsuna had added on. He’d learned his mistake when accidentally summoning Bermuda all those years ago. “How many times have you attempted this? Making the rune, I mean” he asked and then clarified.
The brunet withheld the face he wanted to make as he settled for a pout and a strained smile, “Once,” he responded. His voice was strained as he felt himself getting irritated. "I really just want the information I asked for." He nearly whined at being ignored but resisted.
“Once?” Skull echoed. “This is incredible for your first try.” He truly did sound amazed, even if his movements were lazy compared to the others who mostly held more grace.
He certainly couldn’t say so for the blond who was probably the largest of all of them. The demon was eager and looking around like an ecstatic puppy.
Tsuna took a deep breath before releasing it in a sigh, “Thanks, I guess.” His lip twitched slightly into a frown as they kept ignoring what he called them for.
The only one wearing a cloak had begun inspecting the rune as well. They stayed silent though.
All of the demons seemed to have great interest in the rune the brunet used. Which was more than annoying for that certain brunet trying to get the information he needed and wanted.
He thought that maybe he should have just continued summoning lower-level demons to get his answers. They were never as cocky which was most definitely because Bermuda was at his beck and call.
Speaking of Bermuda, the demon was running a short fuse which nearly made Tsuna laugh. His demon always did have a short fuse with anyone but him.
The female demon, who Tsuna believed was Lal Mirch, hummed slightly, her voice quieter now that she seemed calmer, “The space is pretty big in here,” she commented, obviously pleased at not having to be packed in with her fellow demons.
Tsuna bit the inside of his mouth before answering, “I didn't think it would be comfortable if you were all pushed together,” he responded tiredly. They hadn’t even taken that comment into consideration that time.
They continued to ignore him in favor of literally anything else. Perhaps they were doing that on purpose. Tsuna thought about it for a second and knew he wasn't getting anything out of it. In turn, he broke the rune’s circle and watched as they all finally gave him their attention. They were suddenly sent back to the demon realm with a few noises of protest, but Tsuna chose to ignore them.
The circle of life.
The brunet sighed as he turned around. He hadn’t wanted to move his furniture back in place, but he would settle for cleaning. So he did. He cleaned up his living room from the chalk to the blood he needed to use for that specific rune.
He was glad that he had chalk on hand that time. It would be easier to clean up than anything else he could have used for the rune. He wished the blood part was negotiable, though; because even with his demonic blood’s healing, it still took a while because of the human side.
Bermuda, his amazing contract, showed up and silently began to move the furniture back in place using his demonic mana rather than actual muscle. Once the sound of he furniture being placed on the ground was done, Tsuna could feel Bermuda’s stare as the demon waited.
Tsuna sighed again, too many sighs for one day in his opinion, as he finished cleaning and smiled at the other, “Thanks, Bermuda.” He gladly accepted the demon’s help to stand, falling into him with just as much ease, “You truly are amazing.”
The demon hummed lowly in response, evidently pleased by the praise. He wrapped his arms around his summoner and pulled him down to settle onto the couch. He played with the brunet’s hair for some time, letting Tsuna enjoy the peace. It was only a matter of time before the dreaded question came up. “Have you eaten today, Tsunayoshi?” His voice was deep and had a slight undertone of suspicion.
That suspicion was not unfounded when Tsuna stilled and attempted to escape. Bermuda wouldn’t let him up, though. He was adamant about getting his summoner proper nutrition, as Lussuria referred to it.
The brunet finally gave up after some time and completely relaxed into his demon’s hold, “I ate something,” he defended weakly, too tired to care at that point.
Bermuda chuckled, the sound rough and deep as it vibrated in his chest, “Really?” He cupped the brunet’s face, “And what would that be?” he asked with a raised eyebrow, and Tsuna couldn’t help admiring the relaxed expression.
They stared at each other for a full three minutes before Tsuna gave up again and let his head fall on Bermuda’s chest, “A granola bar…” he responded dejectedly.
The demon huffed, unimpressed by his summoner’s diet, “Do you currently have anything to eat?” he asked knowingly, the words sounding dull.
Tsuna groaned and sat up, “Do you want me to make something?” he asked, slightly upset at having to do more than necessary.
Bermuda held back a smile, “Since when have I been good at cooking, Tsunayoshi?” he asked sarcastically.
The brunet rolled his eyes and got up. He walked to the kitchen and looked through the fridge. He hummed a tune while grabbing some ingredients, “How do omelets sound?” he asked the demon.
The black-haired demon sat down on the stool at the counter, “Omelets sound great, Tsunayoshi,” he responded while checking the time. “Eleven thirty-eight.”
11:38. Tsuna still had time, thankfully.
Bermuda listened to the hum of a familiar song but hadn’t commented on it. He always seemed to like it whenever Tsuna got focused like that. He had once described it as ‘strangely relaxing,’ and that ‘he could watch Tsunayoshi for all of eternity.’
The food hadn't taken too long. It was only two omelets, after all, nothing horribly intricate. There were some things that the brunet never had on hand, but it tasted nice regardless.
The two of them didn't usually speak to each other while eating. They both preferred the comfortable silence.
When Tsuna finished his food, he settled into his couch and sighed deeply, “Guess I can't use their perspectives, huh?” he mumbled dejectedly, more than disappointed by the outcome.
Bermuda had hummed in sympathy after putting the dishes away. He held his hand out toward the brunet to comfort him. He was a man of few words, but he was also a man of many actions.
Tsuna smiled at that and leaned into Bermuda's hand appreciatively. He opened his laptop on the coffee table and began deleting the section he had made for the Arcobaleno's viewpoint. He closed his computer and let his head fall back on the couch, “This fucking sucks,” he complained.
Bermuda sat next to him and wrapped an arm around the brunet. He checked the time again and pursed his lips, “Tsunayoshi, it's time.”
The brunet groaned and got up after a minute of moping. He held his laptop tightly in his arms as he walked into his study. He searched for his leather satchel and silently cheered when he found it.
The brunet put his computer in there and made sure that all of his papers were there. It was examination day after all. And he knew for a fact that his students would pass with flying colors.
He handed Bermuda the bag as he went to his room and changed out of his clothes into something appropriate.
He picked out a beige sweater vest to go over his white button-up, something simple and cozy. He grabbed a black tie and stared at it. It would go well with his black pants, but he didn't know how to tie a tie.
There was a knock on his bedroom door that brought Tsuna out of his thoughts.
He walked over and opened the door to see Bermuda waiting for him.
The brunet smiled brightly at the demon, "Can you tie this for me?" he asked pleadingly as he held the black tie out for the demon.
The demon chuckled, “Whatever you wish for…” He grabbed the tie and put it around Tsuna's neck, “...is my command.” He tied it carefully, his hands always so gentle when handling the brunet.
Tsuna felt his face heat up slightly at the comment but he made no mention of it.
There was a knock on his front door that brought him out of his thoughts.
Bermuda was already gone before Tsuna could say thank you for, well, everything. So the brunet quickly conveyed his thanks through their bond.
He smiled to himself at the happy response and walked to the front door with his bag hanging across his body. He opened the door and grinned up at the man who had knocked in a way that would be considered aggressive to others.
The man gave the brunet a feral grin in return, “Mini-trash,” he greeted.
Tsuna's grin hadn’t faltered, rather, it grew warmer, “Good afternoon, Xanxus!” he responded eagerly, more than happy to be talking to the man he considered his brother, blood or not.
The man, Xanxus, only rolled his eyes affectionately as he silently turned around and walked away. It was a signal for the brunet to follow, and he did just that.
However, there was something strange considering the unusual silence. He knew that Xanxus would only get that silent when he was stressed, and despite what most have believed in the past, he only acts all angry because he's happy and comfortable. Sometimes, the brunet would go as far as to say that he is ecstatic. It was different whenever he was quiet. Something had probably made him upset, and Tsuna would be damned if he didn't help his pseudo-brother with whatever was causing that bad mood.
They both stopped at the car parked in front of the brunet's house.
Xanxus held the door open for the brunet. He looked to be deep in thought when Tsuna passed him.
The brunet got in and smiled gently at the others in the car.
All of them were quiet today it seemed. Very unusual indeed.
The brunet watched Xanxus get in the car and sit closely next to Tsuna. He ignored it and looked at the designated driver for the day, “Good afternoon, Levi,” he greeted, watching as the man smiled softly in an almost bashful way.
The man up front, Levi, focused his eyes on the road as he responded, “Afternoon, Sawada.” He nodded his head like usual and continued to keep his eyes on the road as he began driving.
That wasn't as unusual. Levi never talked unless it was to argue with someone in the group, or if it was to defend Xanxus.
Belphegor was fiddling with his knives, and the brunet knew for a fact that there were several well-placed defensive wires on himself.
There was definitely something wrong. None of them were that quiet or fidgety.
Tsuna coughed into his fist, effectively gaining everyone's attention, “Alright, what's wrong?” he asked, making sure he was straight to the point. There was simply no other way to talk to the volatile group.
He learned that as he grew up with them.
Squalo tensed only to forcibly relax and huff, “What do you mean, brat?” He scowled, but there was no heat behind it.
The brunet gave him a blank stare in return, more than unamused by the deflection. “I know all of you,” he began gently. “Better than you think.”
Xanxus spoke up, “It's examination day for the brats.” He kept it short, slightly hoping that the brunet would catch on
The brunet stared at the man on his right for some time in amusement as he realized that some things would just never change in that group, “I know how to handle myself,” he pointed out. “I'm not the scared teenager I used to be.” He had to admit that he felt a little bit offended at the fact that they all thought he needed to be protected still.
The usually exuberant person sitting across from him, Tsuna was quick to check their bracelet just in case, had pursed their lips, “We know, sweetie.” They sighed while reaching for the brunet's hand, “But think about your inner child. Surely there are still some fears of Timoteo.”
Even hearing that man’s name made the brunet freeze, proving Lussuria's point in the process. Tsuna was hesitant when responding but did it nonetheless, “I'll be fine.” He held the person’s hand, “Thank you though, Lussuria.” He smiled warmly in reassurance.
Some tension left Lussuria's shoulders, “If it’s too much, be sure to find Squalo.” They glanced at the man with long silver hair before returning to look into the brunet’s eyes, “Or me.” They looked back at the brunet gently, like a parent of sorts.
That was pretty accurate. Lussuria was protective and nurturing in that parental way with their little group after all. Even if they sometimes instigated fights between others for fun, they still always did their best to take care of everyone.
Squalo nodded firmly in agreement, “Don't you dare hesitate, brat.” He huffed in playful annoyance but had a gentle look in his eyes regardless.
Tsuna smiled brightly, “Of course,” he agreed with a small smile. He retracted his hands reluctantly, “Besides, I’ll be in the hall with classes E and D to help the students with weaker mana,” he finalized.
Relief seemed to flood the car at that statement. After all, the headmaster never went to the ‘lesser classes’, as he called them.
The school quickly came into sight. Its intimidating castle-like structure made the brunet feel dread coil in his stomach. It always had since he first arrived with his parents. His breath hitched at the sight of Timoteo’s car pulling up as well. A hand had landed on his own, but he hadn’t taken any notice of it.
The car came to a stop in a painfully slow way. Xanxus got out first and offered a hand for Tsuna like he always did.
The brunet took the hand and got out quickly. He could hear the others get out of the car, silently arguing with each other as they pushed Tsuna to the back of the small group almost instinctively.
Timoteo got out of his car not even a second later, taking his sweet time from what the brunet could tell. He looked as refined and terrifying as ever in his pristine white suit with that black undershirt. There was a tiny demon that rested around his shoulders, the tail flickering as its sharp eyes watched everyone and everything.
It wasn’t knowledge to many, but that demon was used for gathering information. It was what made Bermuda being at the school all the more difficult.
It was also the reason why there were so many wards around Tsuna’s house at all times. The sneaky bastard once got in and almost saw Bermuda. Emphasis on ‘once’.
Timoteo walked over to the group with that horribly feigned smile on his face, “My son,” he greeted, staring at Xanxus. “How are you?” His smile brought back that horrid night.
Xanxus stiffened under the older man's touch. He prevented his face from scowling, “I'm doin' fine, old man.” He shrugged Timoteo’s hand off with ease, “And you?”
The old man laughed good-naturedly, “I’m doing well.” He paused as he looked past Xanxus, that smile of his widening into a grin. The demon around his shoulders copied the smile with ease. “Tsunayoshi, it has been a while, hasn't it?” he asked, looking for the tense fear that a younger Tsuna used to have around the man.
Squalo moved forward, attempting to shield the brunet away but stopped when Tsuna put a hand on his arm.
Tsuna took a deep breath as he smiled politely at the old man. He wasn’t the little kid terrified of the world anymore. “It has, Headmaster.” He wouldn’t back down, “I'm glad you are doing well considering your age.” He analyzed every movement Timoteo made, the small twitches in his hand, the impatient tapping of his fingers, and even the emotions passing through his eyes.
Timoteo hummed slightly before nodding his head, “You also seem to be well.” He narrowed his dulled eyes, “I still believe that you are wasting your talent, Tsunayoshi,” he commented in a show of displeasure as to the so-called misuse of great power.
The brunet hadn’t shown a reaction, “I am happy where I am currently, Headmaster.” He smiled and tilted his head to the right slightly, “But if that is how you think, then I am not as surprised by your usual mood,” he retorted.
Timoteo pursed his lips in annoyance, “It is unfortunate that you think that way. I thought that you were truly thriving under my guidance,” he concluded, wanting to have that final word he got so often.
Xanxus’s summoned demon, Bester, made a low growl at that comment.
Tsuna hadn’t noticed Bester coming out, but he was glad that the liger demon was here. It made Tsuna feel safer. Though it would be even better with his own summon by his side, he thought to himself.
Bermuda made a burning agreement through the bond.
Timoteo bowed his head slightly, “I see that I am no longer welcome here.” He left quickly with his subordinates following behind him.
Belphegor bumped shoulders with the brunet, “That was pretty impressive, peasant.” He certainly seemed thoroughly amused by the brunet’s conversation with Timoteo.
The brunet laughed gently as he decided to play along with Belphegor’s antics, “I'm glad that I have the prince's approval,” he joked lightly.
Xanxus huffed in annoyance at the antics despite the wild grin on his face. For a moment, Tsuna was scared that he was going to break something. “Trash,” he yelled at the group.
Levi was by Xanxus’s side in less than a second, as always, “Yes, Sir Xanxus?” he responded quickly, not wasting any time.
The other man smirked as he ruffled the brunet’s hair gently, “We're gonna celebrate my little brother standing up for himself.” There was something knowing in his red eyes that mixed with fondness.
Tsuna faltered in his step as he attempted to walk away. He wasn’t feeling up to their idea of celebration. “I don’t think that's necessary.” He could feel himself breaking out into a cold sweat as Squalo kept him in place.
Lussuria laughed loudly, a joyous sound that always felt more contagious than it was, “I believe that it is a wonderful idea, Tsu,” they exclaimed excitedly and began pulling Tsuna to follow them to the private teacher's lounge.
The brunet had no choice but to let them drag him to celebrate.
Xanxus walked in front of the group, a scowl on his face to scare away the wandering students. He’d yell at them to get to their hall for exams, or he would yell at them for being too early.
He kicked open the door to the private teacher's lounge and sat down on his throne. How he convinced the academy to let him have this room specifically for them, no one will ever know.
Levi went to grab the wine that was in the cupboard. The clinking of glasses was familiar for that room as he would often watch them drink and party.
He preferred watching rather than drinking. He enjoyed watching with a fond smile on his face. He turned around and closed the door, locking it in the process. It was troublesome to clean up blood off those carpets. Too rich in fiber.
Squalo had already begun yelling at Belphegor for something the grinning blond had done. He somehow got his sword back from the last time it had to be taken and was eagerly waving it around.
Levi was serving Xanxus and yelled at Squalo and Belphegor to quiet down every once in a while. Not that it worked, but it was the thought that mattered in their actions and words.
Lussuria had convinced the brunet to sit with them at some point and began talking about something involving acupuncture. It might’ve been something that involved poisons too.
At least, that was one of two Tsuna hoped they were talking about. He could never tell with Lussuria.
Their little family was small, chaotic, and violent. Tsuna loved them all regardless and because of their defects and flaws.
Lussuria began to play with Tsuna’s hair at some point, as most tended to do so, “So, how did it go?” they asked curiously.
Everyone else went quiet as they looked at the brunet in curiosity as well. It was no surprise considering the amount of times
Tsuna hummed and tilted his head in false confusion, "How did what go?" He asked
Belphegor seemed to pout slightly, "Summoning the seven rulers of hell, obviously." He sat down on the other side of the brunet.
The brunet laughed slightly at the blond's pouting, "I was successful in summoning them," He sighed deeply before they could start cheering, "Though they kept ignoring my request for some information." He huffed in slight annoyance as he recalled the memory
Squalo clicked his tongue, “Damn, that would've been helpful for your research.” He stayed silent for a moment before speaking up again, “Why haven't you asked Bermuda?” He raised an eyebrow.
Tsuna stilled as he looked down at his lap. He wasn’t sure how to answer that question. There was truth and lies to each. “I don't want to use him, he's a precious companion to me,” he decided. His voice was quiet, showing there was more that he hadn’t wanted to allow on.
Lussuria shook their head, “Tsu.” They placed a hand on the brunet's shoulder, “He wants nothing more than to be used by you.” They giggled at that thought, obviously enjoying the innuendo hidden beneath.
The brunet pursed his lips, too many memories of first meetings and last meetings flashing in and out. “But-” He was cut off by Xanxus, not allowing him to say anything else.
“How often do you summon him?” he asked with an accusatory tone.
Tsuna shifted in his seat. He couldn’t meet the red eyes that were burning into his head. Bermuda usually just showed up on his own; Tsuna rarely summoned him.
Xanxus shook his head in disappointment, “Summon him now,” he demanded. There was a pleading tone that Tsuna never missed.
“Look away, Tsu. Look away-”
He could only freeze, haunted by the pleading demand of someone too close. He only shook his head, more to shake away the thoughts rather than to shake away Xanxus’s words, “The headmaster-” He was cut off again by Xanxus.
“-Isn’t going to do shit,” he sneered, the mere mention of his adoptive father. “He might be in a position of power, but your demon is far stronger than the old man.”
Tsuna knew that was true. Bermuda could easily blend in with humans and hide his status as a powerful demon. It was something very few demons could do. It wasn’t just that, though.
Bermuda was a desired demon. He had been since the beginning of time starting with Sepira. Timoteo was never an exception considering his power-hungry status.
The brunet sighed as he touched his left shoulder gently. He moved his hand under his shirt and felt the contract against his fingertips. He enjoyed the roughness beneath his skin along with the raised bumps and burns left from when he was in danger once. He poured a bit of his mana into it and then stopped. It was more than enough for his demon to know to get across realms.
Bermuda appeared in a familiar flurry of black and silver fog. There was that flash of something almost eldritch-like in all the paleness and lankily long limbs. There were extended wings broken and tattered.
It was gone as soon as it appeared. He calmed himself before the fog dropped, returning to a human look with his bandages and worn cloak. He stared at the brunet for some time before dropping to his knees, “Tsunayoshi,” he greeted his summoner with a loving voice.
The brunet smiled and stood up. He walked over to his demon, holding out a hand for him in the process.
The demon was quick to take the hand. He kissed it quickly before standing. He had closed his wings and glamoured them. He had also taken the time to glamor the rest of his demonic features, “Why did you call on me?” he asked quietly, his eyes searching for something. An issue.
Tsuna's smile became softer, “I was more or less convinced.” He glanced at Xanxus before looking back at his demon. “Besides, I feel safer when you're with me,” he admitted.
Bermuda looked happy at that and conveyed such emotions through their bond. It was pulsing more brightly than before as the bad memories washed away under his protection. Even with the bandages covering the majority of his face, there was a small twitch in his lips that was noticeable to the brunet.
Xanxus coughed loudly into his fist. He raised an eyebrow and had a smirk on his face that was practically screaming, I told you so.
The brunet rolled his eyes playfully at his brother, relaxing slowly. He checked his watch and grinned, “It's time,” he muttered.
Squalo groaned in annoyance, “I don't want to deal with those brats,” he complained loudly.
Tsuna resisted letting his grin get any bigger and chose to ignore the silver-haired man. He turned back to Bermuda, “Shall we?” he asked the demon.
Bermuda smiled and nodded in response, holding out his arm gently to provide guidance and stability.
The brunet quickly left the room after unlocking the door. He hated the clicks of the locks, but it was easier to only dislike when holding onto the demon. His partner.
He walked down the halls with Bermuda at his side as they both came to a stop in front of the hall for E and D classes.
Tsuna looked at his summon with a serious glint in his eyes, “You have to blend in and conceal your mana to seem human,” he said seriously. He hated doing this to Bermuda, hiding what he was. The brunet just didn't want his summon to be taken away by greed of what the world considered human.
Timoteo was a terrifying man that Tsuna couldn’t go against. Perhaps it was the underlying fear of more being taken from him, but just thinking about what could happen to Bermuda if the older man ever found out made Tsuna feel anxious.
Bermuda wouldn’t pull too close, but the brunet could feel the tug of want coming from the demon. The want to pull Tsuna closer. “Nothing will separate us,” he muttered, so sweetly under his breath as he gently stroked the brunet's hair. “Nothing,” he repeated with a dangerous tone in his voice.
The brunet felt his face heat up again. To think he used to be terrified of Bermuda because of how high he loomed. Then again, he wasn't exactly gentle when they first met. It was still funny to look back on though.
The demon moved his hand away, the feel and shape of it changing and shifting as his emotion shifted. He was satisfied.
The brunet heard the footsteps and shuffles of his kids. He sighed fondly, "Ready?" he asked to both himself and his companion.
Bermuda schooled his face to be blank, “Always am,” he responded cheekily, his voice holding quite a bit of mirth in it.
Four teenagers walked up to the man nervously. Two of them had black hair, one with green eyes and the other with blue. Another had strange light blue hair that was probably dyed, and finally, there was a teen girl with black hair braided back loosely.
Tsuna tilted his head in question at the three, “Is something wrong, kids?” he asked calmly, unused to his most rowdy kids being shy.
The one with light blue hair nearly hugged Tsuna from the stress eating at him, “Mr. Sawada, do you think we'll pass?” he asked nervously, his French accent just a bit heavier than usual.
The brunet patted the boy's head, “I'm certain, Noë.” He smiled at the four students, “You have all worked very hard to get here, I know for a fact that you guys will pass this exam,” he reassured them all gently.
The young boy, Noë, looked like he was going to cry from relief, “You are the best, Mr. Sawada.” He looked to the brunet's right and nearly jumped out of his skin at the sight of a menacing man.
The other three had already been staring at the disguised demon for a while.
The girl with black hair exhaled shakily, “M-Mr. Sawada,” she called out hesitantly. Her voice was squeaking out of fear. “Who is this?” She seemed to be getting defensive, ready to fight for her teacher if the need arose.
Tsuna was impressed that she managed to say something. He knew from experience that his contract was an intimidating figure, “This is Bermuda, I-Pin.” He gestured to the tall demon calmly.
Bermuda nodded his head in the teenagers’ direction, “I'm Tsunayoshi’s companion,” he hummed, introducing himself.
The four teenagers all stilled as they tried to decipher the meaning behind the word choice ‘companion.’
The boy with black hair looked like he was on the verge of tears. He could barely even stutter out a sentence. Not only that, but his breathing was slowly becoming erratic.
The brunet sighed as he got his emotions under control from his contract’s confusing statement. He looked at the teen with black hair and smiled comfortingly, “Lambo, how is your grandmother?” he asked gently.
The teen pursed his lips and took a deep breath before exhaling just as he practiced with the brunet before, “She’s doing fine.” He paused and shuffled closer to the brunet, “That third-tier sun demon you summoned was really helpful,” he exclaimed happily.
Tsuna only hummed in response with the accompaniment of a smile, “That’s good,” he began. “Now, you four should go into the hall.”
All of the teens, excluding I-Pin, groaned slightly at having to go through with their exam but complied either way.
I-Pin stayed behind, her feet bouncing from side to side on the floorboards. The moment the door closed, she lept and hugged the brunet, “Thank you, Mr. Sawada,” she said quickly before going into the hall.
Tsuna snapped out of his stupor and smiled fondly, “My students are the best,” he said out loud.
Bermuda hummed in agreement, “You did well in teaching them, Tsunayoshi,” he echoed in agreement.
The brunet smiled at that as they both stayed there in front of the hall, welcoming the students of the E and D classes. All of them were surprised and understandably scared when they saw Bermuda standing next to Tsuna. Menacingly.
The brunet couldn't figure out whether or not it was on purpose. And he honestly didn't want to know.
A few of the students were even fascinated by the disguised demon. They asked questions as to how much mana he had or whether or not he was an alumnus of the academy like the brunet was.
The brunet had to shoo them into the hall despite him finding it highly amusing. Anything that caught Bermuda off-guard amused him if he was honest.
Eventually, everyone was checked into the hall. It had taken a while since the lower classes didn’t have the same traveling privileges as the higher classes. It was a horrible fact that upset Tsuna quite often, and whatever upset the brunet was sure to put Bermuda in a bad mood.
The demon somehow became even more terrifying for the last few students. One of them nearly passed out if it wasn’t for their friend pushing them through the hall’s door.
Tsuna hummed the same tune from before as he and Bermuda entered the hall. He had stuck quite close to his contract and even let the demon wrap invisible chains loosely around his body.
It was rather loud inside the hall since there were well over ninety students talking to each other. Many seemed nervous while others seemed excited. All in all, there was a sense of determination in the air. Determination to pass.
The brunet already felt his pride swell in his chest. They hadn't even begun yet and he already felt like that. He let out a breath he hadn't known he was holding and walked up to the podium. He looked out across the sea of students and nearly felt like a teenager who was scared of everything in the world. Bermuda’s invisible chains tightened around the brunet’s waist. It was like an anchor to who he was in the present rather than who he was in the past.
The students in the hall stopped talking and looked at their teacher with admiration. They waited for him to talk patiently. It was so different from the beginning of the year when all of them had no respect for any staff in the academy. Then the brunet came along and gave them proper guidance and a nurturing environment.
Naturally, admiration and respect bloomed in all of the students. It grew when they found out that their teacher wanted to stay with them so that they could thrive.
Tsuna closed his honey-brown eyes and took a deep breath. He opened his eyes and the students were instantly mesmerized by the light shade of amber they had become. It was protocol for the designated teacher of the exam to set off their magic. It was like a signal that they were starting.
He looked at his paper filled with his students’ names and smiled as the amber faded back to honey-brown, “For the end of the year exam,” he began, confidence flooding his voice. “You will all summon a contract.” His eyes scanned the group gently, “It doesn’t matter how strong the summon is,” he reassured the more nervous ones. “The point of this exam is that you simply summon at least one demon.” He finished the basic explanation calmly, remembering his first-year exam with an inward grimace, “Please do your best, and remember that you will still pass even if you do not make a contract.”
The students’ determination became stronger as they all responded with a loud and clear, ‘Yes, sir!’
Tsuna smiled at them as he called on the first student, “Lynn Allen, please step forward.” He watched a short, plump girl with dark brown hair and eyes walk over with confidence.
The girl, Lynn, grinned at her teacher, “I’m ready,” she stated confidently. Her dark skin seemed to shine brilliantly under the bright, like a reflection of the person she had become.
Tsuna would never tell anyone, but that girl was one of his favorites. She reminded him so much of himself. How at the beginning of the year, she was shy and unsure, but then she became a person who practically oozed confidence.
Lynn kneeled on the ground and began to draw a circle for a simple third-tier demon. Something that she had been working toward all year.
The brunet felt a smile bloom on his face. A smile that was full of pride as he watched Lynn successfully summon and contract a demon. That smile hadn’t faded and only grew as all of his students, one by one, passed the exam. Just like he knew they would.
Bermuda was quiet the whole time and only watched Tsuna with a fond smile. His chains had slowly relaxed but never rescinded from the brunet’s waist. He was a tad bit surprised when the students warmed up to him. He most likely felt flattered at the idea that Tsuna trusted him so much that even those teenagers could feel it.
A celebration was naturally in order. For the one hundred percent passage rate in the E and D classes. For Bermuda being welcomed by the students. And finally, for Tsuna. The amazing teacher who got those kids through it all. Even if the brunet was insistent that it was their determination that helped them succeed.
The kids had wanted to help clean up afterward, but Tsuna told them to go home and rest. They had a long day and there was no way Tsuna would keep them there.
Bermuda sent his amusement through their bond, which wasn’t appreciated by the brunet at all. The demon held back his laughter and instead began to use his mana to clean up the hall.
That was something Tsuna did appreciate.
The demon smiled as he sat down on one of the couches, “You truly are a hypocrite at times,” he said. He only huffed when he got a pointed look from his summoner.
Tsuna was quick to deny it, of course, “I am not.” He sat down next to the demon and leaned against his arm, “In what way are you talking about though?” he inquired.
Bermuda ran a hand through his black hair, mindful of the bandages he still had on which flattened some spots of hair on his head, “You told those students to rest, and yet you never take good care of yourself.” He pointed it out like the many times he had before. Completely and brutally honest.
The brunet rolled his eyes playfully, “Isn’t that what I have you for?” He took the demon’s free hand in his own.
The demon’s lips twitched into a smile, “I guess so,” he responded gently with a sigh. “You should still take better care of yourself.” He placed his other hand on top of Tsuna’s to fully encase the brunet’s hand.
The brunet hummed in response. He sat there with his summon for a minute more before standing up, “I want to go home now.” He pulled the demon up with him, though it was difficult seeing as the demon was bigger than him.
Bermuda nodded his head as the two began walking toward the door, “Whatever you wish for is my command,” he responded.
Before either of them could even reach the handles, the door opened suddenly. Bermuda was immediately in front of his summoner and Tsuna couldn’t help but alert Belphegor using one of the many wires on him. It was a panicked and almost trained response whenever he was in danger.
Bright blue eyes stared into Tsuna’s honey-brown eyes.
The brunet’s eyes widened considerably. The man—he was a demon, not a man—in front of them was Colonnello. One of the seven Arcobaleno that he had successfully summoned earlier that morning.
He wanted to wonder how the demon had gotten back into the realm, but there was no time for that considering the frankly manic look in the blue eyes.
The blond demon grinned at the stilled shock running through the brunet, “Nice meeting you again.” He looked excited as if he were expecting something. Not to mention how he was easily ignoring Bermuda.
Bermuda evidently wasn’t taking kindly to being ignored. Though, when did his temper ever take kindly to anything that wasn’t his summoner? He quickly wrapped one of his chains around the blond and inhumanely growled, “Colonnello,” he snarled at the other demon. “Don’t talk to my summoner so casually.”
Tsuna pursed his lips as he looked at Bermuda’s angry face before glancing back toward Colonnello’s surprised face, which was starting to look angry by the second. He felt relief flood his system as he saw a blur of blond hair that hadn’t belonged to a demon.
It was Belphegor, but he wasn’t alone, unfortunately. Timoteo just had to be with him.