Chapter 51

There's a knock on his door. Three knocks, actually. Lazy but purposeful.

It's weird because no one but Daniela-san and her guardians know of his room, not even Zaid. And though she said she would send someone to escort him, it's too early for that. He also doesn't think any of her Guardians need something important from him as his Intuition hasn't gone off. They must be busy with the Ball's last details, too.

Oh well, it can't be anything too bad if his Intuition is so quiet about it. He can just catch a glimpse of happy buzzing.

The lock is a simple one, but the hardwood of the door serves its purpose of keeping someone from getting in. Not that he expects trouble.

(He feels an odd sense of déjà vu)

He opens the door with a smile on his face.

It immediately falls when he sees Daemon wearing his usual smirk.

"Wa—What are you doing here?!" he hisses as he pulls the man inside. Looking outside to make sure no one has seen the Mist Guardian. He turns to Daemon as soon as he closes the door. "Are you crazy? People will recognize—what."

He gives the man a once over. The previous clothes he was wearing, which were identical to the ones he wore when they fought, is now a black suit similar to his own, his long hair free for the first time in a long while with a mask with a long nose and indigo engravings.

He knows where this is going.

"Daemon, no."

The man's smirk widens. "Daemon yes."

He facepalms.

The Mafia-Christmas Ball is one of the most sought events of the year, not only for the opulence it shows but for the opportunities it gives. Young Mafiosi and new famiglie use it for their debuts in their society. The old blood uses it to show off and gain information. It's not surprising for others to try and make contacts either as it's the only time of the year that the European high-ranked of Mafia get together. One could even say that's one of its goals.

And Vongola always hosts it.

Tsuna has heard of it in his time, has been told by Reborn he one day will manage it. However, one thing is hearing about it and another is seeing it. He unashamedly admits he's awed by what he sees and is glad the mask he wears cowers the lower part of his face, without it everyone would've been able to see his gaping mouth.

The ballroom is more of a series of connected rooms, similar to a long white hallway, each with a balcony of its own with crystal open doors framed by long, golden curtains. The entire space is incredible in its splendor but the first he can't help but see upon entering is the beautiful chandelier hanging in the center of the biggest room, the gems twinkling like stars on the sky. And to give it a more Victorian look, hundreds of well-dressed people, all wearing colorful masks.

Amazing.

A large hand covers his own, snapping him out of his musings. He looks up just in time to see Daemon leaning towards him, being careful to not let the large nose of his mask bump onto him.

"Is there a reason we've stopped walking, little Sky?" he asks with an amused smile on his lips.

Tsuna looks behind. Indeed, there are a couple who even through the masks look annoyed.

He's ready to bow and ask forgiveness when the grip on his hand tightens, stopping him.

Daemon walks forward and nods at the people, guiding them with a stretched arm. "My apologies. Please, continue."

When they're gone, Daemon leans in again. "Remember you're in a Mafia Ball and you're a Sky; you mustn't show weakness."

Tsuna is sure Daemon can't see his panicked expression through his mask, but he still tries to convey his feelings to the ghost.

He holds up a hand. "Stop. You can actually showcase your emotions through your flames if you try too hard."

Tsuna stops. "Oh."

"Let's get going then."

They walk towards one of the balconies, Daemon most likely knowing how uncomfortable he is at the moment. His hand now resting on the crook of his arm. It kind of grounds him to the reality of all this experience and he's glad for the first time that he's here, with him.