Author's note: Hi there! Long time no see. I'm still alive, just to remind you all. Many things occur since the last time I'm in here. I've promised to upload 'Unlimited Horizon and Sky''s fanfic but, uh let's say something bad happen and the file is somehow gone. Suck. Ugh. Not to mention my write style is changed, I may write the next chapter from zero. I may still around but I can't promise I can upload story for now since I'm in the middle of thesis, or thesis' proposal precisely. A nightmare it is. I fell sick twice because of that. It's my main priority now as I must graduated no matter what. As an apologize however, I posted this two shot story. Got this crossposted from A3O. The name still the same, you can check it out. Hopefully, this will cure your long await for my other stories. See you again and happy reading, guys!
Disclaimer: I own nothing here. Fate/Stay Night belongs to Nasu while Katekyō Hitman Reborn belongs to Akira Amano. I'm only own a few OC's.
Summary : Their fate sealed in that rainy day. It was her innocent, amber tinted brown eyes that caught him. By the time he was aware, it has already far too late. Kensuke Mochida, incarnation of Emiya Shirou, was so dead. (In a world where Tsuna born as a girl. Fem!Tsuna.)
Warning: AU, Possibility of OOC, slight cursing and bad grammar. May contain overloaded fluffiness and KHR!madness.
AVALON/RELATIVE HEAVENS
Act 1: Umbrella
Tsuna just can't believe how her day even more messed up by the end of the day. It was just her utmost misfortune. How can she forgot today will be raining until late night and she doesn't bring her umbrella? The rain poured, unsurprising since it was May already. Most of students went home, leaving only few students in Namimori Elementary, including her and the self claimed protector of Namimori, Hibari Kyōya. Eleven years old Tsuna desperately chewed her lower lips, regretting her own clumsiness. What should she do? She doesn't want to go home in wet clothes and caught in cold. Certainly, she doesn't want staying in school any longer the least chance Hibari bite her to death for wandering around when school already over.
Just when she is in her own monologue...
"Why you're still here?"
Lifting her head, the brunette found an unfamiliar boy. Aside from his taller posture, deep lapis lazuli eyes and spiky hair though not as gravity defying as some part of Tsuna's, he easily passed as a normal boy.
"U-Uhm, Pardon? Do you talk to me?" Tsuna stuttered.
A mirth gleam entered his gaze. "Who else am I talking with?"
Healthy deep flush colored Tsuna's cheeks. "S-S-Sorry! I thought..."
"Don't be." He shook his head. "But back to my question. Why are you still here?"
The upset was now visible in Tsuna's vibe. "I forgot to bring my umbrella. I wanted to go back but with rain this heavy, I don't think it'll stop soon."
The black spiky haired boy entered a deep thought then nodded, full of resolve.
"Here. For you."
He took her hand and then she found herself holding an umbrella.
"Eh?"
Chocolate brown orbs blinked rapidly as if in disbelief, her gaze darted back and forth between the umbrella and the boy. Did he just..?
"I'll be going then, take care."
"Eeeh!? W-Wait! It's yours, I can't― What about you?! You'll get wet!"
"Just keep the umbrella, you will need it more than me."
"Hiiieee!?" Tsuna blanched. In the middle of pour like this?!
"W-Wai―!"
The taller teen already used his bag for cover, dashed through the heavy rain. Only the brunette remains there, holding the umbrella. Tsuna felt a bit guilty dwelling in her chest.
"I haven't thanked him yet." And she hasn't gotten his name. How can Tsuna give back the umbrella tomorrow? Now she felt guilty for the unknown boy's kindness.
Tsuna looked back at the plain blue umbrella. Nothing remarkable aside from blue flax flower shaped charm dangling by the tip of handle. A bit odd since the charm was too girly but who Tsuna was to judge? It was two lines written on the handle that had the long haired brunette's attention. Curious, Tsuna read the letter.
"Mochida…Kensuke?"
It sounded familiar and rang something in her head. When she read the next letter, Tsuna let out a high pitched squeak. The boy's class written in there and the class is one year above hers. Meaning that he was…
.
.
"HIIIEEEEEEE!? HE IS MY SENIORRR...?!"
No wonder his name doesn't felt foreign.
It was because of two things: One, he was an upperclassman known as 'Brownie' due to his ability to fix all kind of electronics. He was as famous as Dame-Tsuna. Second, he also known as a very helpful boy, he will give a hand to everyone. Everyone in school knows him. And he just gave her his only umbrella, when Tsuna failed recognized him.
The long haired brunette wanted to crawl to a hole and just die from embarrassment.
Flax; Fate, I feel your kindness.
Fun fact: Ancient Egypt linen was made from flax. The linen itself symbolized purity and only priest can wear them.
Act 2: Bentō
It took her few days to return the umbrella. Which why the first thing Tsuna did once arrive earlier in school was searching for her senpai. It took the long haired brunette a while to find the said boy. Her effort has been paid once her brown eyes caught his walking form, carried a vase full of purple statice and yellow agrimonia. Tsuna recognized those flowers because Mama has lots of books about flowers. Her mother planted several of them and among them, carnation and snowdrop were Tsuna's favorite ones. No doubt the boy replaced the vase's water with the fresh one. Gathering all the courage she has, Tsuna timidly approached the older boy.
"M-Morning!"
"Morning." Recognition came down at Kensuke. "Ah! You're the one from yesterday."
Tsuna couldn't help the rising blush for the fact he still remember her, let alone notice. It flattered the long haired brunette as many ignored her presence if not bullied her most of the time. Few treated her with neutrality such as Hibari or polite borderline neutrality like Kyōko and Hana. Mama was the only one who treated and showered her with her love and kindness.
Shoving down her dull pain, the brown eyed girl handed him his umbrella.
"Here. Thank you…for lending me the umbrella, I mean."
"I'm only doing what I can do." He replied as he took it back, slipping it to his pocket.
Tsuna inwardly disagreed with him. He can get wet because of the rain and caught in a cold merely because he lent his umbrella to her. She doesn't want people get sick because of her. Clumsy, always failed at everything, not pretty, and wooden-headed she might be. Yet troubling people was the last thing Tsuna wished. Same thing goes with bothered people.
Speaking about bothered…
"Is that umbrella really yours? It got a flower charm on the handle."
A blush dusted his cheeks. "My younger sister's gift."
"Oh…" It explained so much the flower charm.
"By the way, what's that?" Kensuke pointed at the wrapped bentō.
Unwrapped them, the brunette held out one box at him. "Bentō. I bring two, the other one is for you."
Kensuke stunned. "You made it?"
Suddenly self conscious, Tsuna looked away. "Uh, no, not really. My mother helped me. I'm not very good in cooking so the foods' appearance maybe isn't as delicious as seem."
Nana had been excited when she asked her to teach her how to cook. Once she aware Tsuna was about giving one for a boy who helped her, this served more excitement from Nana. Back to present, the black haired boy looks touched by the brunette's effort.
He accepted the box in humble manner with one hand seeing his other one already occupied.
"I don't mind. Thank you..." Kensuke stopped, soon realized he doesn't know her name.
Thankfully, the girl caught his clueless. Warmth filled albeit shy smile slipped from Tsuna's lips.
"Sawada Tsunami. But you can call me Tsuna."
Kensuke smiled in response. "Mochida Kensuke, everyone call me Kensuke."
Thus, this marked as the beginning of Sawada Tsunami and Mochida Kensuke's deep friendship in future.
…Or perhaps even more than that?
Statice; Remembrance.
Agrimonia; Thankfulness.
Fun fact: Statice's genus name, limonium came from Greek word 'meadow' which was statice's main habitat. Agrimonia once considered as a panacea since it was very useful as medicine.
Act 3: Introduction
"Araa! Tsu-chan, you bring a new friend!" Nana greeted her only daughter back from school.
This was new. Her baby daughter brought someone else, a boy older than Tsuna by one year with black spiky hair and brilliant blue eyes. Her mind flew back at few weeks ago when Tsuna shyly asked her if she can teach her made bentō. Since then, Tsuna always bring two packs bentō instead one. She had told her it was for a boy that lent her an umbrella on the other day. Hmm, could it be? Noticing her gaze, Tsuna hastily introduced her company.
"Mama, he's my senpai, his name is Mochida Kensuke." Tsuna explained as Kensuke bowed deeply.
"It's nice to meet you, Sawada-san."
Oh.
Oh.
"My!" Nana giggled. "Tsu-chan, you've chosen a fine boyfriend. Mama was so proud for you～"
"Mama…! He's not my boyfriend!" Tsuna immediately denied as she was in deep red shade.
The boy's ears beside Tsuna went red. Ah, the exciting young love. Nana was so proud!
"Tsuna, why don't you take him inside? I must prepare dinner, we can't have him hungry!"
Hummed and bustling merrily to kitchen, flushed Tsuna was being left with awkward Kensuke by her mother. Why her mother does make that conclusion and what based it? They were friends at best, nothing more.
"I'm sorry. This is the first time I bring a friend home. My mother can be too…ecstatic."
Kensuke laughed. "On the contrary, your mother is wonderful."
Pride glowed from the brunette's face. "She's the best mama in the world I can ever ask. Her cook is amazing, you must try it!"
A small smile formed on the Sawada matriarch as she listened at the conversation. She was very glad her baby daughter has a friend at last, one that will not judge her clumsiness and so called uselessness. For so long Nana has been despaired, witnessed Tsuna's suffering from all those bullying. She inwardly wept for her daughter's pain, inwardly angry for those childish, ignorant fools for hurting Tsuna. And most of all, Nana loathed how her husband can't even take a holiday to visit them. It has been five years since he last came home. The best thing Nana can do for her angel was to create home as a save haven. Now however…
She has aware how her daughter's usual casted down gaze gained some light. She wished for long and everlasting friendship for Tsuna. That evening, both kids talked as enjoyed the snacks specially made by Nana. She joined later and soon they fell in various light conversations, enjoying the sunflowers row Nana planted in early spring. They were fully bloomed in the middle of June.
Sunflower; Positivity, strength, adoration.
Fun fact: Most people thought the sunflower head always follows the sun's track. The young flower bud does follow the sun, this movement known as heliotropism. Once matured however, they will point in east direction.
Act 4: Chaos
Kensuke was late. He wasn't happy to say at the least.
All blame was for his mother's pest exposed oleander. It got bad that his mother pulled Kensuke along. An expert of broken electronics Kensuke was, thanks to his Tracing. Reincarnated with fully intact Shirō Emiya's abilities helped him a lot. A flower expert however, was not his forte.
He mailed Tsuna, apologized that he cannot go with her today and told her to go ahead. Hopefully, the girl will be fine without him. His lips curled upward at the thought of his friend. Three years have passed since their encounter in that rainy day. Now they were attending Namimori Middle School. While Kensuke have some friends, Tsuna is, dared he say, the only best friend he ever had. Years did several changes with his friend. Her wavy, fluffy brown hair reached waist, she has grew taller by few centimeters, and the curves of her body now more pronouncedly although still subtle.
Yet most things from Tsuna remained same, her eyes for an example. Kensuke amazed how expressive and lively those brown orbs were. Looking closely, he could catch hint of amber in two pools of brown. As if a last piece of beautiful shade of sunset framed within her eyes. Tsuna may not the brightest and prettiest student, but she was very caring and understanding. No matter how good he hid his problem, Tsuna will always find out. In the end he gave up and accepted the fact he will never able hiding his emotion from her. She was different from others, he could tell the warmth and the kindness radiated from the slim brunette. Only with her, he can be at ease and be himself. Her vast magnanimity was…comforting for a lack of better word.
Never had he understood why students and teachers alike hate her and called her horrible names. Bullies attempt lessened since he befriended the timid girl and openly defended her. Hibari has his own role in this by bite them to death for breaking rules. Kensuke appreciated it, although his obsession with Tsuna the skylark dubbed as small animal was a little disturbing. Didn't mean they have gone completely. Should he use Torashinai instead Reinforced shinai from now on?
He wondered what Nana will cook for dinner. Perhaps he should help her tonight? It has been a while since they cook together and roping Tsuna too…
When he arrived at the school's gate however…
"MOCHIDA-SENPAI―!"
Perked at the familiar voice, Kensuke turned around. He was about to greet Tsuna when he stopped dead. Because running like a madman toward his direction was none other than Tsuna...
Clad only in undergarments and forehead was set on fire. A strange orange flame that didn't burn.
What the hell?!
"SENPAI, WILL YOU GO OUT WITH ME AS MY BEST FRIEND!?"
Ignoring all spectators, Tsuna gave him a confession.
Utter, dead silence.
His healthy young man's mind screeched in halt. The flame lighted on Tsuna's forehead then went died. Gone the madman (or madwoman?) behavior, the long haired brunette went back to her normal state. Her expression was in pure confusion before aware of her current, almost naked state.
"HIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEE!"
-o-
Lunch break arrived few hours later and the confession's news spread to entire school. The poor brunette and black headed boy ended up hiding in roof. God bless Tsuna, she prepared spare uniform stored in Kensuke's kendo locker in anticipation for bully. If one attempted in sabotage the locker, they will think twice if the locker was his. Curled into a ball, the long haired brunette sniffled, mortified by the unintended humiliation while Kensuke continuously patting her head.
"Hey, sshhh. It's okay. I'm sure you don't mean it. It's okay."
"But I'm confessed in naked!" Tsuna looked up with tears and red face.
"Was." Kensuke corrected. "You were not yourself."
"How you can be so sure?"
"Because you have this flame on your forehead and once it died, you're back to normal."
Tsuna stopped crying. She shot him a perplexed stare. "Flame?"
"...You don't aware?"
"I…" Feeling conflicted and still shaken, she blurted out the word. "I only remember of being shot in the head?"
…What?
It was then his nostril picked up a scent.
A scent caused by supernatural cause.
A dense scent of espresso, gunpowder, and blood.
Then a squeaky voice came from behind him.
"Understanding that you'll not remember. The bullet I've shot you is a customized bullet dubbed as Dying Will Bullet. When it was shot and made contact with a person, should they have regret, they will reborn and burned the clothes on their body aside from the undergarment."
Snapped his body, he used himself as a shield and covering gasped Tsuna. Standing a meter away, was a black suited toddler with curly sideburns, orange brimmed fedora, and had yellow pacifier dangling on his neck. Sat on the brim of the fedora was a green chameleon. The abnormal scent came from the toddler and his instinct screamed at him and he will not ignore it. He had a feeling this creature was a chaos maker. He will not allow him walk anywhere near Tsuna.
Magic hummed through Magic Circuit, purring to be release. Still shielding Tsuna, wary Kensuke casted a glare at the not baby creature.
"Who are you?"
The baby smirked. "Ciaossu. My name is Reborn, Dame-Tsuna's home tutor." He tipped his fedora cutely. His smirk and the suspicious glint on his beady eyes however were anything but cute. "My true specialization is hitman and I was sent here to turn Sawada Tsunami into Donna of Vongola, the largest Mafia family in the world."
Oh hell no.
Forget about chaos maker. This not baby was the personification of chaos itself. A swirling, raging chaos swallowed not only Tsuna but also Kensuke despite their intention for no part of it.
Screw you Zelretch. Screw you.
Oleander; Beware.
Fun fact: Oleander is Hiroshima's official flower because it was the first flower to blossom after the town devastated by atomic bomb in August 6, 1945. Oleander tree can last until decades.
Act 5: 2rn0ver
As it turned out, Tsuna was the direct descendant of Giotto di Vongola, Vongola's founder back then in 18th century. The famiglia was created as a vigilante group at first. Yet for some unexplainable reason, Giotto and his friends moved out to Japan. He gave his position to his cousin and things went out of control under Ricardo or Secondo's control, turned Vongola to its bloody path. The current Don had three children but all died from gruesome deaths, leaving only Tsuna as eligible successor. The more the tiny hitman explained, the crazier and wackier this went was. Dying Will Flame? Seven type Flames? Guardians?
It felt like Moonlit World all over again, except mafia way more humane in some aspects than magus. And more nuts at certain category. On the side note, Tsuna's true origin did explain her 'scent'. The Sky's harmony factor very much reflected Tsuna's scent, a scent of peaceful grassland in spring.
Anyway, Tsuna's chance to get away was impossible with her position. The brunette terrified with the notion but she left with no choice. Kensuke's position was no better as he stuck with her. Then hellish days under Reborn's tor-tutor began. Absolute days of chaos indeed but it wasn't always ended up in destruction. Tsuna too, gained friends along the way.
Gokudera Hayato, the Italian hot-blooded freelancer who devoted his life for her. Yamamoto Takeshi, the amiable baseball ace player who saw the true friendship within Tsuna. Lambo Bovino, the crybaby five years old assassin from Italy that yearned for love and found it in Sawada household. Hibari Kyōya, the lone skylark looming around and always looking for strong opponent. Sasagawa Ryōhei, the extreme boxer with extreme principle with big, warm heart and care for the youngers. Sasagawa Kyōko, little sister of Sasagawa Ryōhei who possessed the same heart as her brother. Kurokawa Hana, the ever logical friend of Kyōko and the defender. Miura Haru, the cosplayer girl with house-wife soul yet passion of teenage girl like her own age. Bianchi, the beautiful assassin that was Gokudera's older sister with passion for love thus with her own way, she encouraged Tsuna to pursue her love, much to Tsuna's chagrin. Dino Cavallone, the other Reborn's student and a Sky like Tsuna that took her as his little sister the moment they met. I-pin, the five years old Chinese assassin with bad eyesight but a very sweet little girl. Fūta de la Stella, the kind boy possessed extraordinary ability and ended up staying with the Sawada.
One by one, they came inside both teens' small circle of friendship. As the time passed, the circle continued growing larger.
More members arrived and filling more of bright, lively colors in Tsuna's life.
She didn't realize her own changes. But Nana and Kensuke did. Gone now the slumped shoulders she often wore, Tsuna now walking straight with gaze forward. Her smile was now wider and more unrestrained. The twin amber glows within her brown eyes were gained more light on each day. Both mother and teen were glad with these changes. Today was Reborn's birthday, everyone including Tsuna was struggled to find a good present so they didn't get punish. Not with certain Sawada matriarch and kendo captain. They stole a meaningful glance as they watched everyone presented their gift to the tiny hitman in dinner. It was Tsuna's turn and boy, she was incredibly nervous.
Nana whispered with twinkle in her eyes. "Do you think she remember her birthday is tomorrow?"
Kensuke shook in exasperated fondness.
As expected, Tsuna got punishment. Crestfallen with her failure, she accepted her punishment in defeat. Before Reborn can pass her sentence though, Kensuke grabbed her hand and guiding her in front of a huge box in dinner table. Her bafflement morphed to astonishment as the lid opened and revealed a huge red velvet cake decorated with sugar made king protea. Tsuna broke a happiness laugh and hugged both her mama and long time friend. Thanked them for the endearing surprise. The long haired brunette loved the early birthday cake they made in secret. Of course, everyone was shocked to know her birthday date was after Reborn's and all chaos soon broke loose.
Gokudera begged forgiveness for his ignorance. Haru promised she will make the most delicious cake ever. Sasagawa-senpai shouted he will extremely get Tsuna a present immediately. Lambo demanded the biggest piece of cake for him and I-pin admonished him for being rude. Yamamoto laughed and hugged Tsuna, congratulate her thus drew an angry shout from Gokudera. Reborn smirked under the fedora and gave 96 points for Kensuke, resulted a sputter from the poor teen.
Aside from Reborn attempt in stole Tsuna's piece of cake, the house was filled with cheers, shouts, and laughter.
King Protea; Change, transformation.
Fun fact: The protea bush also called as sugar bush. Perhaps since the flowers were rich of nectar which was why attracted honeybees, monkey beetles, sunbirds, sugar birds, and many more animals responsible for pollination. Funny how it has similarity with Tsuna's own situation from where she didn't have any friends except for one into lots as she transformed courtesy of Reborn. She does attract people with her Sky Flame and her personality.
Act 6: Mutual Gratitude
"Thirty eight point three degrees." Tsuna huffed, putting away the thermometer. She sent a disapproving gaze at heavily blanketed Kensuke. "See what I mean? I told you not to force yourself."
"The heater has to be done by tomorrow." He said sluggishly.
"You slept in warehouse in the middle of winter and you left the door opened. How many times I told you it was not healthy?"
Kensuke cringed from guilty, mumbling apologize.
"I guess this mean you have to rest for few days. Mochida-bāchan is away so I'm in charge for your health."
"I'll be fine." He paused at the unnervingly intense look Tsuna gave. "…After a good rest."
Beaming in no time, Tsuna nodded in satisfaction.
"I've prepared a broth. Now eat your food while it's still warm." Or else, the warning left unsaid.
He gulped. Somehow he had inclination the threat wasn't an empty one.
-o-
"You're take care him quite well. Have this occurred before?" Reborn asked from her shoulder.
Walking together with Yamamoto and Gokudera to school, the long haired brunette hummed.
"Three times already, this is the fourth one. When I was sick, he's always helped Mama took care of me. So it's only natural for me to nurse him if he gets sick."
"Wow. That's so nice of him." Yamamoto said.
"Jūdaime is far nicer than him!" Gokudera snapped, responded by Yamamoto's laugh.
As they bickered in the background, Reborn gave his pupil a side glance.
"I took that you'll come back again for him?"
"Of course, he's my friend." Taking care sick people did have its own fun and positive things.
She could practice her cooking skill for example. So far, Tsuna has excelled in making soup and sweets with few easy fish based dishes. Plus, she could play with his sweet younger sister, Shiori. Maybe Tsuna would introduce her with Fūta since they were in the same age. An idea popped within her head.
"Guys, do you mind if we do the homework at Kensuke-senpai's house?"
"As long as you're fine, I'll follow you."
"Haha! No problem! That's what friends for, right?"
The brunette's smile was like the sun itself, glad for having friends who support her side by side. Unlike the time when it was only her and Kensuke, Tsuna wasn't alone anymore. She had real friends who never bothered with her failing and stupidity. Friends who she could share laugh and cry together. Tsuna promised herself she'll make them cake one day, they've done so much for her and it feels appropriate. For years, she learned from the cook masters (Nana and Kensuke) herself. If Tsuna remembered correctly, Gokudera often ate citrus sweets and Yamamoto once told her he like banana cake. Tsuna hummed approvingly, it'll do for now. The brunette then made a mental note to buy a pack of mint tea for her sick friend. It was his favorite, he'd love it.
Oh. Tsuna had to made panna cotta for Reborn.
Who knows the greatest hitman secretly has a thing for sweets, even if they were the Italian ones?
Mint; Virtue.
Fun fact: Mint was rich of vitamins A, C, and B2. It contained other minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and copper.
Act 7: Promised Dinner
"Kensuke? Can I trust Mama and the kids with you?" It was the first word Tsuna threw at him when they sat in the balcony. Realization came down at her blue eyed friend.
"Is this connected with Rokudō Mukuro?"
Recently, a series of mysterious attacks occurred in Namimori. Ryōhei had been one of the victims. Kensuke was a target as well and stayed with another target, Fūta who played with Shiori. Too bad for them, Kensuke was not a normal teenager and he had Torashinai, enforced few times stronger. Poor M.M and the Twins, they'd developed strange phobias of tiger strips and shinai.
Once the traumatized criminals taken custody, Reborn informed how a criminal named Rokudō Mukuro escaped from Vendicare with some companions. This included his past crimes until his possible role behind all the attacks, probably in Hibari's disappearance as well.
"Tomorrow morning, I'll confront him in Kokuyo Land." She told him.
"…Will you fine?" Concern latched in his tone.
"I have Gokudera and Yamamoto with me. Plus, Reborn and Bianchi will accompany me."
"…Oh."
The long haired brunette was taken aback. "You're not going to stop me?"
"I know that look, Tsuna. Once you pulled that face, no one can stop you."
"U-Um, is it so obvious?"
"Friends for three years, remember?"
"...A, ahahaha. Whoops? I forgot?"
Thankfully, her long-time friend only sighed and didn't push her further. Silence filled the balcony as wind rustled the trees.
"…I'll do it." He suddenly spoke. "But promise me one thing."
Brown eyes snapped at lapis lazuli ones. "What kind of promise?"
"Promise that you'll return for dinner with your friends."
The tussilago flower near her feet was swayed by the spring wind. Tsuna blinked before broke into mirthful giggles. If she didn't have the slightest idea, she would've assumed he was asked her a date dinner. On the side note, she was touched by his attention.
"Mochida Kensuke, is that a treat invitation?" There was an amused gleam in her eyes.
The tips of his lips twisted upward. "Is it…?"
"Alright." With confident, Tsuna undertook it. "I will come back for dinner. It's a promise."
None of them say more words as they gazed the stars glittered sky above there.
Tussillago; Keep your promise.
Fun fact: Otherwise known as Colt's-foot. It has alternative name as son-before-father because its bright yellow flowers were bloomed before the leaves. Quite coincidentally, this flower was one of the earliest flowers in spring as the setting for this scene also set in spring.
Act 8: Sharing
"Tsuna, what is this?" Kensuke eyed the present Tsuna gave.
Smiling secretively, Tsuna prompted him. "It's a surprise. You can open it by yourself."
Kensuke did as the brunette told. He opened the wrapper of the present carefully. A while later, a necklace with white heather in resin pendant resided on his palm.
"…A necklace?"
"For you, it's a good luck charm."
She remembered the day Kensuke and his club participating for prefecture tournament would be tomorrow. The memory when she received a good luck charm from the blue eyed senpai before the night of Sky Ring Battle was still fresh in her mind. Urge of giving him something nice emerged at this.
"Why?"
"It's as a thank you for the Sky Ring Battle, when you gave me a four leaf clover charm."
"It's only a charm, nothing too grandee."
For him anyway, not with the brown eyed brunette.
"It may be a mere charm but you wish me a good luck. I believed it, doing my best. And as you can see, I won the battle. I think it's kind of unfair you always give something to me when I rarely give you anything."
Kensuke was unsure. Wasn't it the other way around?
He felt he was the side who always received everything from Tsuna. She introduced him to many normal, new things he'd missed in his previous life while pursuing his Ally of Justice idea. She always told him many times to not hate the bullies. She will help him solved his problem with her best effort when she didn't have to. Sometimes, he couldn't help but thought, Tsuna was too kind, too soft for her own good. Suddenly, her friends' overprotectiveness and concern was very justified.
He wondered if this Saber and Rin had felt when he did something foolish.
"So…do you like it?"
"But it must've cost you a lot."
"No need to bother its price. It's called a gift for a reason, you don't have to repay back."
"I'm not sure about this…"
"It's very much alright to accept something without any compensation." Putting her hand above his, she gently closed his hand around the necklace. "It's like sharing our own happiness, our bonds with others so we can heal each other's pain, so we may tell them that it's okay to count of us and vice versa. I don't need any repayment. What I want from you is that to let me and everyone if you ever need help, I mean it. I ask you this because you're a friend and most importantly, you're a part of family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten."
As she squeezed her hand above his, Tsuna gazed straight at Kensuke.
"Please, Kensuke?" Tsuna pleaded softly.
Bond was the most important thing she learned from mafia.
As much as Tsuna wanted to avoid it at first, it was the mafia that bonded her with her friends. There were times when Tsuna felt guilty for didn't deserve overwhelming attention from everyone into her own problem. They had made it clear because they care so much for her that they look after her as Tsuna did the same for them. Everyone will share their happiness and pain so long the long haired brunette shared not only her happiness but also her pain with them. Clash and argument would be impossible to avoid at, but in the end everything will going to be fine.
The finality within her soft yet firm tone left him no room to argue back.
"…I've got nothing to say, am I?"
Tsuna burst a good laugh at her friend's not really frown. "It's not a bad thing, you know."
White heather; Good luck.
Fun fact: Heather considered as a good luck flower in Scotland. They have tradition to include white heather's sprig in a bride's bouquet for good fortune. Was this a sign? Hm…
Act 9: Reunion
Ok.
Perhaps Tsuna should've anticipated where she was about to flung at. Should've been prepared the moment Lambo hit her with Ten Years Bazooka. Despite this, the long haired brunette wasn't expecting…this. Stranded in the middle of green, lush forest completed with birds' chirps and rustled leaves. Tsuna was stunned, sitting in the middle of greenery all by herself. Was Reborn also around here or in somewhere else?
Tsuna was anxious and it wasn't without reason. Reborn had been gone for more than five minutes after Lambo shot him and yet he hasn't return yet from future. In which why Tsuna sensed foreboding feeling and asked her little Lightning Guardian to shot her too.
"Where…am I?" Wide brown eyes then looked down. Healthy crème skin paled considerably. "…Why am I inside a coffin!?"
Rustled sound from her left side had alarmed Tsuna. Snapped her head, Tsuna's hand was already in motion of pulling her mitten in her skirt pocket. A person stepped out from the bushes, revealing himself in front of the brown eyed girl and stopped abruptly.
"Tsuna?"
Her breath was hitched. This was impossible. And yet…
The porcupine spiky hair Tsuna remembered was now neater, reminded her of certain emo Uchiha from Naruto. With his firm and tall posture, Tsuna's height would probably only reached his chest. Black suit and carrying pot marigold crown in his gloved hand. Another thing she took immediate notice was the baby fat on his cheeks replaced by strong jaws and chin. The rest of his facial traits were the same even if years have passed.
Included those lapis lazuli eyes.
This was impossible. Yet as the same time, her Intuition kept repeated that same whisper of oldfriendmissyousafesafe…
It didn't hard putting two and two together after that.
"…You…You are Kensuke, am I right?" Tsuna's voice jerked him from his dazzled state. Her brown eyes hesitantly took every detail from head to toe. "You look…"
An exasperated smile curled and he kneeled beside her coffin. "Older?"
He even sounded like an old man instead of twenty odd years old young man. Was this really her long time friend?
"…You have changed so much. For a moment, I almost didn't recognize you." Tsuna ducked her head, feeling silly for herself.
"I'm sorry."
"No harm done." His lapis lazuli eyes glanced afar. "Gokudera will arrive in a moment."
"Eeeeh!? Gokudera is here as well!?" The brown eyed girl now even more confused. "What is going on!? Why are we in the forest and why I inside a coffin?"
The gleam of amusement danced within his eyes.
"He'll explain everything you need to know. For now,"
Tsuna felt a light weight above her head. Out of reflect, the Vongola sole heir touched it, her fingers tracing the soft petals of marigold flower crown Kensuke brought with him. Before Tsuna's brain could process this further, Kensuke pressed his lips against her forehead. However brief it was, it managed to make her face felt hot all of sudden. So hot that Tsuna convinced a steam might've come out from her head.
"H-H-Hiiieee!?" The long haired brunette stuttered in high pitch, touching her kissed forehead.
Kensuke smiled at Tsuna. "Be safe, Tsuna."
Blushing Tsuna was about to ask his motive for doing it when she noticed the smile he wore. The girl in utter stupefied. Gone now the blush previously dusted her cheeks. How could not she?
For his smile filled with nothing but grief and heartache reminiscent.
The pink poof obscured the girl's eyesight, cutting off her unanswered questions. A very confused teenage Kensuke replaced his future self before future Gokudera came and stunned upon seeing his Boss' teen form. As quick as snake, he grabbed Tsuna by her shoulders and asking her if it was really her with wavering voice and eyes close to tears. It made Tsuna more than a little concerned. After Tsuna asked, Gokudera gave the brunette a brief yet covering details regarding this timeline's situation.
It was then Tsuna understood the grave situation they had in their hand.
Tsuna finally understood why she was inside the coffin with Vongola symbol and white lilies.
Tsuna finally understood why future Kensuke had a flower crown with him.
A future like this...
A dystopia like this...
It was a future Tsuna will never accept. No, Tsuna vehemently refused it.
Which was she'll not let Byakuran has his way. Not when Tsuna witnessed her friends' grief and sorrow for her future self.
Not when the memory of Kensuke's bitter, forlorn smile haunted her.
Marigold; Grief.
Fun fact: According Wikipedia, Marigold is October birth flower. In US style, it symbolized winning grace, comfort, protection, and healing. In British style, it symbolized warm and fierce, along with elegance and devotion. Most of them eerily fit Tsuna's personality, which kind of ironic since its symbolization vastly contradicted against its flower language.
Act 10: First Sight
It began few weeks after returned from the Future-that-wasn't. One day, Kyōko and Yamamoto came up with an idea of picnic for relaxation. Aside from Hibari who hated crowd, almost everyone welcomed the idea. In which why two days later they were in a public park, completed with picnic typical foods in wide picnic cloth. Fūta, Shiori, Lambo, and I-pin played hide and seek while the teens ate their treats happily.
It was Haru who throw the trigger. "Nee, nee. Kyōko-chan, Chrome-chan, Hana-chan? Can I ask you something?"
"What?" Hana finished chewing the last of her sandwich and went for another snack.
"Has something happened between Tsuna-san and Kensuke-san?"
After a brief ponder, Chrome shook her head negatively. "I don't see anything out of ordinary."
"Tch. Just what do you want to imply?" Gokudera rolled his eyes and took a bite from his piece of chicken avocado salad roll.
Ryōhei gulped down his own portion of salad roll. "What about it? I extremely don't get it!"
"Maa, don't worry Senpai. I don't understand it as well. Sorry Haru-chan!" Yamamoto merrily apologized before resumed back to his sandwich.
To say Haru was beyond incredulous was an understanding of the year.
"Hahi!? Don't you all notice it?" Her chocolate eyes darted back and forth.
"…Notice what?" Hana was now intrigued more or less.
"Oh. Is that Tsuna-chan and Kensuke-senpai?" Kyōko pointed at one direction where certain brunette and upperclassman stood near a tall bush.
Gokudera's green eyes squinted. "Jūdaime cradled a chick in her arm. Judged from the way Jūdaime kept pointing at the bush, maybe it's accidentally fell from its nest."
"Maa, maybe." Munching a sandwich, Yamamoto nodded in lazy contentment. "But I'm sure she'll do something with the little one. See?"
At a distance, Tsuna was seen climbed on Kensuke's shoulders.
That way she can put the chick back into its nest.
"As expected from honorary little sister, I'm extremely proud of her!" A slight frown marred Ryōhei's normal enthusiastic face.
"I hope she'll be more careful though."
A light scoff came from Hana with her juice. "Monkey, you do realize she's more than capable on taking care of herself, don't you?"
Finished already, they watched as Tsuna climbed down and got off from Kensuke's shoulders.
Long brown hair got caught with purple, tiny flowers from the blooming bush.
"Jūdaime may need to comb her hair. Some of those flowers got stuck on her head." Gokudera remarked, slightly concerned.
Kyōko 'aaawww' ed. "Tsuna-chan looks like cute with those purple flowers on her hair."
"U-Uhm, personally I have opinion the most suitable color for Tsuna is orange. Purple is good too no more perfect than orange." Chrome admitted bashfully.
"Hmm…You have a point. I concurred with you in this."
"Hahi, Kensuke-san patted Tsuna-san's head!"
"Must be cleaning her hair from the stuck flowers."
"…Eh?" After a while Chrome tilted her head. "Just now…does Boss' cheeks going red?"
"…Say what?" Certain Storm Guardian paused, putting away his water bottle.
Beside him, Yamamoto sent his Sky a quick assessment with no small amount of concern. "Has Tsuna got a fever somehow? Because I'm extremely unconvinced if it was a healthy color…"
"Kensuke-san looks worried and he's putting his hand on Tsuna-chan's forehead."
Hana furrowed her eyebrows. "…Guys? Is this just me or Tsuna's whole face went bright red as well cooked crab?"
"Haru doesn't think Tsuna-san has a fever." Haru paused for a long time. "…Could it be?"
Everyone kept watching both the brunette and the blue eyed upperclassman's banter. Tsuna walked away in hurry after she said something to Kensuke. At first, the blue eyed teen wanted to go after her but decided to against it. He watched after Tsuna's retreating figure in deep thought mixed puzzlement.
Gokudera scoffed. "Is he a moron? He just standing there like a statue and has this dumb look. Shouldn't he follow Jūdaime and make sure she's not alone?"
"Maybe he's just as clueless as Tsuna-san, perhaps even more."
"What for?" Yamamoto tilted his head at Haru's uncertainty. "Haru?"
"…Haru have a hunch? Haru isn't certain 100% but..." The pony tailed girl trailed off.
The wrinkles on Rain Guardian's forehead increased. "But what?"
"…Maybe Tsuna-san likes Kensuke-san?" Haru admitted slowly.
Everyone was staying still.
Each of them stole a glance at another.
"…Hell no. That's not possible!" Gokudera rejected with a scowl.
Kyōko hummed thoughtfully. "What a coincidence. Not to mention the bush where Tsuna put back the chick is a lilac bush."
"Kyōko, what does a bush has to do with our honorary sister? I can't see the connection."
"That's why I said it's a coincidence, Nī-chan. You see, lilac has a flower language."
"And that is…?" Hana prompted her best friend.
"First emotions of love. In other words, first sights of a person fall in love."
Nobody moved.
Nobody spoke a word.
.
.
A heartbeat later, a very earth shaking unison shouts echoed from Guardians's directions.
Caused Kensuke to jump on where he stood.
Caused Tsuna, who was in way back from buying drink so she can calm herself, got startled.
Tsuna let out a horrified squeak as she nearly spilled its content from the plastic cup.
-o-
Resting on a tree branch nearby, one familiar hitman listened of all the conversations as he munching a sandwich. Beady black eyes glanced at his partner with wicked gleam. Plans already formed inside his head and calculated every possible opportunity. Such valuable information cannot be passed. Not when the Sun Arcobaleno find various ways to play match maker in his own way. Oh, he'd loved doing match maker in twisted way only he could comprehend.
"Isn't this interesting?"
Leon responded with a flick of his tongue. Smirking, Reborn took another bite on his treat.
Lilac; First emotions of love.
Fun fact: The flowers were actually edible and even can be used as cocktails' ingredient.
First part done for now. Second part will follow soon. Please give me your thought with reviews.