Just like you expected, all hell broke loose once the cat was out of the bag.

Bucciarati didn't hesitate to come over after hearing you got in a fight on the latest mission that happened earlier that day. Doppio was still over at the time when Bucciarati brought the whole gang to check on you, which didn't go well when Doppio started to yell at the capo for not telling him anything.

Then, Mista and Narancia weren't making it better when they started yelling about how La Squadra was shit at protecting you, which pissed Formaggio and Ghiaccio off, and the four of them got into a screaming match. Trish and Pesci were trying to break the four up before hearing glass shattering and running over to break up Abbacchio's and Prosciutto's screaming match, which was escalating even faster.

Melone was laughing his ass off as Giorno and Fugo stood on the sidelines and just stood there in shock at how fast everything escalated. Illuso ended up dipping into the mirror world. Risotto ended up getting dragged into the lecture Doppio was giving to Bucciarati, and the two honestly looked miserable having to get yelled at by a higher-up.

You were sitting on the couch casually next to Melone rubbing your temples, trying to calm the raging headache that was coming on from listening to everyone yelling.

You honestly weren't expecting it to turn out this way. Yeah, La Squadra and your team fought constantly and had their good days, but throwing Doppio into the mix and possibly his team was like throwing a wrench into a motor. That motor was going to be very fucked up until the wrench was unlogged and actually put to good use.

"Months, Bucciarati! Months! And don't think you're getting out scot-free Risotto! You knew too and didn't say anything to any of your higher-ups about this problem!" You groaned and covered your ears before feeling someone nudge your shoulder.

You glanced over at Melone, who was motioning to the stairs, silently asking if you wanted to escape the noise for a bit. He didn't have to nudge you twice as the two of you stood up and walked out of the room, trying to ignore the growing noise as you went down the hall and to your room.

The moment the door clicked shut you let out a long groan and collapsed on your bed. "They never shut up!" Melone chuckled and took a seat on the floor by your bed. "At least you're not getting yelled at; that would've been worse." You groaned in agreement and situated yourself against a pillow.

"Yeah, I don't think Doppio wants to yell at me again after I blew up in his face..." You scowled at your past self for screaming at the male about everything.

"What did you say? He didn't seem too happy with Bucciarati, although he did know about your situation about being targeted for the past couple of months and decided to say nothing about it." You let out another long groan at his question and covered your face.

"...Everything..." Melone let out a low whistle and started laughing before realizing the big question. Did you mean everything-everything or just the gist of what was happening?

"Wait, everything-everything?" You slowly nodded your head and you heard him let out a long groan. "Looks like we're going to be hiding in here longer than we thought." There's no doubt Doppio isn't leaving out the fact you're not even from this time period.

"At least I got ice cream out of this..." That was the only good thing that came out of that mission and you were still craving the sweet treat as you licked your lips and tried to find any hint that you ate any earlier.

"Aw, and you didn't bring me any?" Melone pouted before getting nudged by your foot jokingly. "If I tried, I don't think it would've lasted long enough. I would've eaten it eventually before we even got home."

Melone let out a short laugh before propping his head up on the foot of your bed. "You didn't look so merry for someone who got ice cream when you got home; what's up?" You went silent and stared at the blankets that were suddenly more interesting.

"Come on, (Y/n). Talk to me~!" He let out an annoying little whine at the end that would surely stir an irked reaction out of you.

"Jeez, Melone. I just had a realization is all. It's nothing." You propped a pillow up below your chin and hugged it while Melone eyed you suspiciously.

"Usually, when someone says it's nothing, it means that it's something." You let out a long groan and stuffed your face into the pillow.

"What if I don't want to go back home; to 2018, I mean. Like what if I want to stay here with one of you guys?" Your words were slightly muffled by the pillow, but Melone didn't need you to repeat yourself to know what you meant.

Love was always a fickle thing with you. Sure, you've had your fair share of spring and summer flings with guys and gals alike, and you definitely kissed some for sure, but you never really fully grasped the concept of being in love with someone. Feeling the butterflies stir in the pit of your stomach when they would brush a stray hair out of your face or give you a small gift was a foreign feeling that you longed to feel.

It kinda scared you, to be honest.

Then you were suddenly thrust into this new environment and experienced that foreign feeling first-hand. It was uncomfortable and a bit nerve-wracking at first, but then you became accustomed to it. You didn't want the feeling to ever stop.

Then the big question finally hit you:

Did you really want to go home? You didn't know if you'd ever see them again if you did and that scared you deeply.

For the first time in forever... you, (Y/n) (L/n), were in love.

A new aspiring budding feeling was growing within you and all you wanted to do was nurture it and see what it would grow to be.

Who it would choose.

Melone wasn't expecting you to actually confess you were in love, especially to someone like him.

He just thought that you saw them all as weird friends that always hit on you. Sure, Ghiaccio kissed you and you didn't really have the reaction the blue-haired male expected, but he just thought you saw them all as friends.

To hear for the first time that he had a chance was like taking a deep breath of fresh air after drowning.

Yes, he loved stirring a reaction out of you and counting the number of times he made you blush or get flustered, but you, actually loving them.

It changes everything.

Sure, he knew at some point you'd have to make a choice to go back home- if there was a choice, so speaking.

Everyone knew at this point that you were hanging onto that single thread of hope that you would be going home back to your time, but at the same time, everyone wanted to be a bit selfish and try to convince you to stay.

You were the best thing that happened to them in a long time.

And knowing that he, for once, had a chance was life-changing.

He could actually be with someone that doesn't cringe every time he's in their presence! Someone that didn't completely hate him or find him disgusting.

And that person could be you.

The two of you were snapped out of your deep thoughts with someone knocking on the door. "(Y/n)... you in there?" You immediately recognized Bucciarati's voice and lifted your face out of your pillow.

"Y-Yeah... you can come in." After a few seconds Bucciarati opened the door and stepped in before looking around the room you've been staying in.

He visibly grimaced at a few of the stains but made no comment on any of them. "Everyone wants to talk downstairs with you when you're comfortable. We can talk about this another day if you want." He quickly added the last part when he noticed the slight discomfort in your face.

"No, no, I'll be down in a sec." He quickly nodded his head and closed the door, not without tossing Melone a scowl.

"So you have a crush~" Melone purred as you reburied your face into the pillow.

"Oh my god, Melone, shut up!" You hissed, listening to Bucciararti walk down the hall towards the stairs.

"Look, yes, I do have a crush on all of you guys, and I still haven't really figured out who I like more, but I'd prefer if you all didn't ya know... start fighting."

Melone understood exactly what you were asking, but even then, there is no love without war. People are bound to start fighting for someone they love whether they like it or not.

You were no exception.

"Let's head downstairs." You got out of bed and walked out of the room while Melone struggled to get off the floor.

"What's up?" You walked down the stairs while the talking below you died down. You subtly glanced at everyone as you neared the bottom and immediately noticed everyone was at each other's throats.

Seems like you were in for a 'good' time.

"We have to talk about what we're going to do and we're not talking without your input." Risotto was the first to pipe up as everyone else in the room agreed.

"Oh, that's easy. Just don't get any more involved." You leaned against the railing as a few of the male's faces dropped.

"Well, it's a little too late for that. I think you just dragged all of Passione into this mess." Doppio stated as you continued to stand your ground.

You let out a long sigh and pinched the bridge of your nose as you tried to think of ways to convince them to back down and stop getting involved.

The last thing you wanted was them getting hurt.

You couldn't lose another person to her and you both knew if you lost another person to her, you would snap. You'd blame yourself every waking day and be riddled with guilt for not pushing them farther away from the danger.

Yes, you knew you were all in the mafia, but Kristen was different. If she didn't end up killing them then she would make you show your ugly side.

You didn't want them to see that side of you.

It would scare them away...

You didn't want to be alone again.

"Just... stay out of this mess, please. I fought her once and basically killed her and I'll do it again. It's no biggie." You tried your best to give them your best reassuring smile, but doubt was pulling at the corner of your lip.

You honestly weren't sure if you could survive another encounter with her. The last time ended you up in the hospital... only God knows if you'll win again.

Bucciarati quickly noticed your tell-tale signs of lying and doubt as he voiced his concerns. "Didn't you tell me the last time you fought her you ended up in the hospital for a month on the verge of life and death?" You let out a long 'uhh', not sure how to respond to being called out.

"Yes, but-"

Abbacchio quickly cut you off as he agreed with his capo. "So it's decided, you shouldn't be fighting her, and we'll be getting involved."

"but-"

This time Trish cut you off. "(Y/n)... please just let us help you."

You knew better than to argue with the pinkette. She always won her arguments, but yet, you still insisted.

"Seriously guys, please stay out of this. You've done enough for me."

You could feel the familiar tingle of fear and grief creeping up your spine as you tried to push the thoughts of what could happen away.

Thoughts like 'what if she kills them in front of you?' or 'what if they don't love me anymore once they see my true colors and what I really am?' kept whispering in your ear as you tried to wave them away.

Shit- you should've never gotten attached. As soon as you got that stupid letter, you should've started distancing yourself, protecting them and yourself.

They underestimate what she can do. They haven't seen how twisted and sadistic she can get.

"-(Y/n)?" You jolted back into reality with a hand on your shoulder.

You looked over your shoulder and saw Melone look down at you with worry. "Are you alright? You were spacing out."

"I'm fine. Just stay out of my personal affairs." You shrugged his hand off your shoulder with a cold look that hurt his heart a bit.

"That goes for all of you. I want you all to stay out of it and I'll take care of her myself." You really wanted them to stay safe.

"(Y/n), this isn't a debate we're-" You cut Prosciutto of before he could even finish his sentence.

"You're right, this isn't a debate. I'm telling all of you to stay out of it." You hissed back at him with venom already starting to drip off your words.

"JUST TAKE OUR FUCKING HELP GOD DAMNIT!" Ghiaccio blew up as Formaggio and Illuso kep him seated on the couch.

"NO! I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE YOUR STUPID FUCKING HELP! I'M TRYING TO PROTECT YOU GUYS, why can't you see that?" Your voice cracked as your yelling died down.

You could feel Melone rubbing your back as you tried to shrug him off. "(Y/n)..." You weren't too sure who whispered your name and you weren't sure if you wanted to know.

It all hurts...

everything.

"I'm not arguing with all of you about this anymore." You turned on your heel and brushed past Melone and went back upstairs.

You could hear a few people calling your name as JB struggled to keep up with your long strides to your bedroom.

You just wanted to keep them safe, why couldn't they see that?

You slammed your door shut and hit JB's ass in the process as he scrambled into the room.

You walked over to your bed and plopped down with a groan as JB begged to get picked up and placed in the spot beside you on the bed.

"Sorry, bud..." You situated yourself on the bed so you could pick him up with one arm while still laying down.

He let out a small snort and curled up beside your hip as you scratched his floppy ears.

"At least you listen..." Your dog let out a huff in response before dozing off beside you.

You were going to miss him...

You didn't realize it but you soon dozed off along with JB before waking up in the middle of the night. You felt all hot and sticky as sweat coated your back and neck.

You need a glass of water.

You quietly and carefully climbed out of bed, trying not to disturb JB as he slightly stirred in his sleep.

You were mindfully where you stepped as you walked down the hall towards the stairs, already searching for any lights that might be on downstairs.

You were careful as you climbed down the steps and made your way to the kitchen. You flipped the light on and watched as the bulb flickered and turned on with a light hum ringing in the air as you searched the cabinets for a glass.

You were quick to select a small glass and fill it up with tap water before taking a seat on the counter.

You were mindful of how big of a sip you took, trying to take it slow and savor the cold that spread throughout your body.

You weren't sure what you were going to do.

You just wanted them to stay out of this... away from her.

Your grip tightened on the glass as your thoughts lingered on her for a little too long.

She was starting to get under your skin...

She was probably laughing at your misery and how frantic you've become since she reentered your life.

Fucking bitch...

She was the cause of breaking your family, your life, the lives of others. And all for what? Power? Some kind of god-like complex?

You wanted her dead.

You wanted to feel what it felt like that day your stand was stained in crimson from her blood-

No...

Don't think of that.

You're better than this.

She'll get what's coming to her eventually.

Just... savor the time you have left with them for now...

Yeah...

Just like the way things used to be...

Peaceful...

Before you knew it, you were done with your glass.

You quietly sat it down in the sink before heading for the light switch and switching it off.

You'd get your revenge...

You just needed to wait and look for her...

For now... just savor these small moments...

Who knows when your next talk will be the last?

Maybe today was the last? It could've been.

Maybe you should just leave...

Would it be better to leave and be out of their life? It would keep them away from her, right?

They wouldn't get hurt and you wouldn't have to worry about your feelings.

You'd go home like none of this happened...

They'd forget about you... eventually.

Everyone forgets about someone at some point.

You'd be a stranger to them as time goes on. Another face in the crowd of nameless people.

It'd be better for everyone.

You should just leave.

"(Y/n)?" You immediately stopped walking at the sound of your name being faintly called.

You didn't want to turn around. You were afraid you might break if you did.

"(Y/n)? Is that you?" You identified the sound of Formaggio's voice coming from the foot of the stairs. He sounded tired as you hid behind the wall, out of sight.

"(Y/n), I know it's you. You're the only one that doesn't take their glasses of water back to their room." You silently cursed at yourself for taking your sweet time to think and savor the cold drink.

You stepped out from behind the wall and crossed your arms, trying not to make eye contact with the male.

"What." you didn't mean to come off so harsh, but you weren't ready to face anyone again. You were still a bit too emotional to your liking.

"Why can't you just let us help you...?" You really weren't in the mood to start arguing about this.

But at the same time... you really wanted them to understand what you went through and your fears...

You wanted them to understand you.

You glanced up at his eyes for a split second before internally yelling at yourself for looking. You could see all the pain and hurt in his eyes, the desperation of just wanting to protect you.

"I don't want to lose anyone to her..." You croaked, trying to keep your voice steady and head held high.

"Not again... I don't want to go through that again..." Your body was shaking as you felt the grief of losing someone all over again.

The pain...

The sorrow...

The anger...

The guilt...

The regret...

You could feel it all like it was the first day of losing your father.

Warmth...

You didn't realize but Formaggio made his way up the stairs and pulled you into a hug. You dug your fingers into your back as you broke down, crying.

"I-I don't w-want to lose anyone else. Please." Formaggio just shushed you and swayed with you in his arms as he quietly whispered words of comfort.

"It's alright. We don't plan on leaving you any time soon, (Y/n). Just cry for right now. I'll stay here by your side, even if it takes all night."

That's all you needed as you continued to sob in his arms. Gripping him like he'll disappear at any moment.

Just enjoy the moments like this for a little bit longer...