Disclaimer:

Chunzi: Akira Amano owns it.

Hibari: *nods*

Chunzi: Okay, I said it belongs to him so can I-

Hibari: No.

Chunzi: Oh, come on!T_T

Chunzi: I'M BAAAAAAACCCCK! XD

*Crowds Cheer Endlessly*

Chunzi: For a short while.:)

SPLAT! (Chunzi was hit by a pie)

Chunzi: ...-_-

Reborn: Well, on to the story then. This story is multi-chaptered.

Chunzi: Bitter before Sweet means bad things comes first before good things in Chinese proverb. So you can see the tittle starts with negative then ends with positive.

School Day Excursion

Day 1

The sun rose up the sky, shining brightly on Namimori. It was a nice weather for an outing, which was why the school was holding a school excursion today. The school excursion only last for a day. They would sleep in an inn the teachers recommended and they dispatch on the second day. Students got up early to prepare the things they needed for the outing. Pyjamas, toothbrush, T-shirts, comb, even board games if they ever felt bored. The student body were going up hiking a mountain so it wasn't a surprise if they wore spiked boots. A lot of students felt that the outing was going to be a drag. They would rather stay at home and sleep the rest of the day off, this included a particular brunette.

"Uggh… Do we really have to go hiking…?" The Vongola Decimo groaned.

He reluctantly walked to school, carrying his bag that had what he needed for the outing. He was wearing a long sleeved hoodie, it was cold outside. It was also Autumn and soon Winter before they know it.

"You be careful now Dame-Tsuna, I won't be with you for a while." Reborn sat on the brunette's shoulder as he continued walking onwards to school.

Well, at least Reborn won't be around so it ain't that bad. Tsuna looked sideways thinking. He then felt a strong and painful pinch on his face.

"Owowow! R-Reborn!" Tsuna yelped out in pain.

"Yes, yes. I won't be around so it ain't that bad huh?" Reborn pinched his face harder, making the boy cry out in pain. Until he apologized did the arcobaleno let go, Tsuna's cheeks swelled a bit. "I have to go back to Italy to see Vongola Nono. You behave now alright."

After the infant said his piece, he jumped off Tsuna's shoulders and left. What, I can't say something? The brunette watched his tutor's small figure disappeared down the street then he started walking to school again. Tsuna looked up the vast blue sky, it was really clear but you could still see a few clouds passing by slowly. Wonder how Hibari-san's doing?

…...

The brunette shook his head, and he proceeded to run to school. Either he knew it or not, a smile spread across his face when he thought about his Cloud Guardian.

"Tenth!" A silver haired teen shouted out as Tsuna ran closer to the bus that was at the school gates.

"Yo, Tsuna!"

"EXTREEEME! Sawada, you're finally here!"

"Tsuna-kun."

The brunette saw everyone waving their hands at him; they actually waited for him to arrive before they got onto the bus. That's right, I have friends too. Maybe the outing won't be that bad after all. Tsuna made a warm smile.

Inside the bus on the way to their destination, the Sky Guardian sat at the back along with his three guardians causing a ruckus. The bus was a double-decker, but you could still hear the shouts on the first deck.

"Shut up with all your extreme's lawn head! The Tenth can't feel at peace with your shouting!" The bomber yelled at the boxer.

"Like you're one to talk octopus head! You're shouting EXTREMELY louder than me!" Ryohei shouted back.

"Hey Tsuna, you want to have a pillow fight when we get to the inn at night? I'll teach you how to throw it right." Yamamoto grinned at the small boy sitting beside him.

"How old are you, two? The Tenth isn't even interested in such a childish game! And why the hell are you sitting beside the Tenth? I should be the one who sits beside him!" Gokudera turned his attention towards the tan boy.

"A pillow fight? That's EXTREME! Let's have a challenge Sawada! We'll see who gets knocked out first, last man standing wins!" Ryohei shouted raising both his fists.

As their shouts and arguments went on and on, Tsuna could already feel all the students were staring behind their seats, looking at his direction. The brunette who sat in the corner could only feel embarrassed, he also felt a bit sad that Kyoko was sitting on the second deck, he couldn't see her. But when he turned his attention from his seat towards the window, he saw another bus pass by them. It was the same bus that was bringing Namimori students to their designated destination. But the bus was empty, no students were in it.

Huh? What the…? Tsuna focused on the bus as it slowly passes them, a raven haired teen caught his attention. Hibari-san?

The Cloud Guardian sat beside the window, he lay back in his seat and eyes were looking elsewhere. The raven haired then noticed the boy was watching him from the bus. He also turned his attention towards the boy, his stoic eyes stared into those caramel ones. The brunette stared at his Cloud Guardian for a while before giving him a smile. Hibari eyes widen a bit until he turned his head, breaking off the gaze. Tsuna looked curiously at him.

"What are you looking at Tsuna?" Yamamoto's voice startled the brunette; he turned his head to face his Rain Guardian that was smiling at him.

"Umm… Well, n-nothing?"

"Really?"

"You baseball nut! If the Tenth said it's nothing then it's nothing! Don't pressure him!" Gokudera yelled, the tall boy just laughed.

Tsuna looked out the window again, but the bus had already passed them. Somehow, the small boy felt a bit sad.

After about approximately two hours, the bus reached an old inn. It was a traditional inn and a huge one at it. Students got down the bus carrying their luggage or bags in. After settling everything down, the students grouped together outside the inn. They all got into groups of their own and started following their own respective homeroom teachers. Teachers led students towards the mountain behind the inn, but there was a cliff. A long wooden bridge spread from the cliff to the other end, and when you look down, you can see a steep river, splashing onto rocks wildly. Students could feel a chill running down their spines. Some of them started shaking, including the Vongola Decimo.

"I-I think I'll… go back t-to the i-inn now…" Tsuna shook fearfully.

"Hahaha, don't worry Tsuna. I'm sure it's safe." The Rain Guardian smacked the boy's back which made him jump.

"Hey! How dare you smack the Tenth's back!" Gokudera raised his voice at the tan boy. "Don't worry Tenth, I'm here for you. I promise I'll protect you." The silver haired teen said confidently.

The brunette looked up at his Storm Guardian, he was scared of course, but he still made a smile. "I-I'll be fine… But thanks anyway Gokudera-kun…"

Gokudera felt his face warm up when Tsuna gave him his gratitude. The silver haired teen looked away immediately, hiding his blush. The teachers started to walk across the long bridge, guiding the students that were behind them. The teens all held onto the handgrip tightly as they all walked across the bridge slowly and carefully, they did their best not to look down. The brunette's legs shook uncontrollably, he wanted to turn back but a certain Rain Guardian just pushed him onwards to continue. He just grinned casually, unfazed by how high they were from the ground. Gokudera on the other hand, was far, FAR behind the two of them. Eventhough he tried to push his way through the crowd of students, it wasn't any help when they were all scared stiff to cross the bridge. Meaning, the students all turned to stone just trying to cross the long bridge.

"Y-Yamamoto-kun… I-I d-don't t-think-" Tsuna felt frightened of how high they were. His hands on the handgrip tightened.

"Haha, don't worry Tsuna. Just don't look down." The tall boy kept pushing Tsuna forward, still grinning happily. "I know, how about I go ahead. You can grab onto my arm and I lead the way Tsuna."

No sooner did Yamamoto say that and the brunette clung onto his arm tightly, eyes closed and still shaking. The tall boy just smiled at him, but blushed a little as well since the small boy was very close to him. Yamamoto then went forward, Tsuna just shut his eyes tightly and followed him slowly. Only till they reached the end did the brunette release his death grip on Yamamoto. He knelt on the ground breathing heavily, also calming his heart that was racing.

"I didn't knew you were that scared Tsuna. I wouldn't be relieved just yet if I were you. We still have to go back to the inn crossing this bridge again you know." The tall boy scratched his head.

"Please don't remind me…" Tsuna felt that he was about ready to collapse soon.

29th October, 10.26a.m.

Today marks the first day of the school excursion. School funds are low these days so we had a meeting several days ago to discuss about it. The result, was a school outing. How lamentable…

I woke up quite early in the morning and reached the school before anyone else. It took about half an hour until at least five double-decker busses arrived. Students and teachers came into sight as well. Kusakabe and the rest of the disciplinary committee members climbed down from one of the busses. They greeted me respectfully before they separated around the school grounds, patrolling for any foolish herbivores that were in the school. Everyone are supposed to be waiting OUTSIDE the school gates not inside. If they dare stepped one foot in the school then I'll send them to their resting place without mercy.

I hopped into a bus and sat on a seat to rest. There was no way I wanted to wait inside a crowd of students. I didn't know how long I had sat inside the bus but I had fell into a light sleep. I did wake up startled when I heard someone shouting outside. It wasn't hard to figure out who since that herbivore only uses one line, "Extreme" all the time. After him another shout followed, telling that herbivore to 'Shut the hell up'. It was probably that irritating Italian herbivore. Their shouts were endless, I was about to lose it too. I wanted to jump out of the bus and bite them to death if they didn't shouted out a certain herbivore's name. I looked out the window and saw a brunette running towards four students. Sasagawa and his sister, that Italian herbivore and the tall grinning one all called out to him. It was Tsunayoshi. He smiled at them warmly as he got closer to them, I felt something ache inside of me.

Just ignore him, just ignore him… But I would still steal peeks at him when I told myself that…...

WAIT! Why am I writing this all down?

I closed my notebook, taking in a deep breath.

Kusakabe said I could relieve some stress if I started writing a life journal, but it doesn't seem to be working. I think I would still prefer to bite someone to death then sit here and write some journal. Hmph. (You didn't know what you were writing and you still wrote "WAIT! Why am I writing this all down" anyway?)

I look around the bus, it was empty of course. All the other busses filled the students of Namimori. I ordered to sit on this bus alone. You have a problem with my decision?

I suddenly felt like I was being watched. I turned my head outside the window, a small boy was watching me from the next bus. It was him… Tsunayoshi watched me intently from the window. I stared at him as well, studying his expression. The sun shone brightly, and the rays landed on Tsunayoshi's face. His caramel eyes and brown hair somehow turned into gold colour, his skin a honey glow. When he smiled at me, he looked dazzling. I could feel my heart thumping, my face felt warm. I looked away immediately, I knew I was blushing.

Even so, I still turned my head slightly to take a peek at him. His attention was turned back to someone else on the bus. The bus I was on drove ahead before them and Tsunayoshi was soon out of my view. I lay back on my seat comfortably again, I felt a slight disappointment as well.

After what seemed to take forever, the bus finally stopped at an old traditional inn. I glanced up at the inn, it was huge but I didn't really care. I walked into the inn and checked in while carrying my suitcase in one hand.

I slid the door opened, my room was decorated in a traditional Japanese style. Vases and paintings decorations were placed neatly in the room. Everything was to my liking. A huge room WITHOUT any herbivores. (Have mentioned it during the meeting)

I lied down on the tatami mat, my legs crossed and my arms under my head. I stared up at the ceiling and began to doze off. But it wasn't long before the peace was interrupted by herbivores buzzling outside. It seemed that sensei started to lead them to their dea- JOURNEY…

I got up and went to the window side. I slid it opened and walked onto the balcony. I watched the herbivores from afar, they all seemed to shiver when they stared down the cliff. I smirked in amusement. They're just so weak.

I then noticed a brunette among them. Believe me, it's not that hard to find him in crowds eventhough he's so small. And I found him by chance, not that I was trying to find Tsunayoshi!

The small boy was trembling, his hands and legs were shaking. The tall grinning herbivore smacked his back making him jumped. I felt a nerve twitched. The annoying Italian herbivore shouted something at the tall boy. He then turned to Tsunayoshi and said something to him. I felt my vein popped when he turned away from the small boy blushing after he gave that Italian herbivore a smile. I just felt like I wanted to jump out into the crowds of herbivore and bite those who make contact with Tsunayoshi to death. Or at least stamp 'Mine. Touch and I'll bite you to death.' on his forehead. (What's the difference?-_-')

I observed them crossing the bridge slowly. They were all trembling, tightening their grips on the handgrip. What a bunch of inexperience weaklings. I turned my attention back to Tsunayoshi. His legs shook uncontrollably, also gripping onto the handgrip tightly.

He looks adorable even when he's scared. I smiled warmly. Yes, I smiled. What's wrong with that herbivore?

I turned my attention to the tall grinning teen behind him. He was pushing Tsunayoshi onwards. I felt another vein popped when I watched him using a hand to push the small boy forward gently. Okay…... Calm down…

I placed a hand on my face, calming myself down. After mentally counting ten seconds in my head, I crossed my arms and watched them cross the bridge slowly again.

Instead of watching them with a calm expression, I felt my world came down crashing. I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

"Excuse me Hibari-san." One of the disciplinary committee members slid the door opened. "We have checked all the attendance and all are pre-"

THWACK!

I struck the man and he went crashing against the wall. I was already in a bad mood, I wanted to kill someone right now…

I'll bite that herbivore to death…

"Ugghh…" Tsuna felt his back ached like dozen of stones were thrown at him. He sat against the wall next to the wardrobe.

Everyone had come back from hiking and it was already nightfall. After the brunette took his bath and dressed himself in a pair of clean PJs, he went to his assigned room. A room was shared by six students and you can't choose who you wanted to share a room with. If you voiced out a complain then you will have to deal with the disciplinary committee. In other words, instant death…

The Sky Guardian was sharing a room with five of his classmates. Yamamoto and Gokudera were sharing a room with other students and it wasn't long before the bomber started voicing(shouting) out his complain, saying that he wanted to be in the same room with his Tenth instead. The tall tan boy held back the silver haired teen before he could do anything reckless. He also did his best to convince Gokudera that the brunette was going to be fine without them.

"Hey Tsuna, you wanna have a pillow fight with us?" One of the boys in the room asked Tsuna who was still sitting against the wall. He grinned broadly while an arm was holding onto a pillow.

"Nah, no thanks. My back hurts so I'll sit out on this." Tsuna laughed sheepishly.

"Come on Keiichi, his Dame-Tsuna after all. He's just weak and vulnerable, let's leave him be." Another boy wearing spectacles stated.

The brunette felt a sharp pain down his stomach.

Yes, I'm weak and vulnerable, but… but…

When the two boys walked away, Tsuna slid opened the wardrobe and crawled into it quietly. He slid it closed again and was engulfed by total darkness. He brought his legs closer to his chest, the brunette squeezed his legs. Just like that, he cried silently in his knees.

That herbivore, I'll bite him to death. He dared show public display of affection.

An angry Cloud Guardian stomped his way down the student rooms. Everyone quaked as they saw the disciplinary chairman passed them without a second glance. The reason why he was furious was simple. He saw Tsuna clinging onto Yamamoto tightly that morning.

And yes, he was jealous. But he stubbornly refused to admit it and blamed everything on the small boy.(What a jerkwad.) The raven haired teen stormed down room after room, looking for the assigned room that Tsuna was in. He finally came to a halt in front of a slide door. Hibari slid opened the door swiftly, and he saw a pillow came flying towards him. The raven haired teen dodged it instinctively though. He then focused on the students that were in the room, narrowing his eyes on everyone of them.

"H-Hibari-san!" One of them gasped in shock at the disciplinary chairman.

"I-It was Tetsu w-who threw t-the p-pillow!" Another pointed at a male student wearing spectacles.

"T-Traitor!"

Hibari didn't care about them but he took out his tonfas nonetheless. He struck down all five students successfully, an instant K.O.

Something was missing though or rather, someone. The raven haired teen looked around the room but there was no sight of the brunette. He then heard small sobbing sounds coming from the wardrobe. No normal person would be able to hear it but Hibari did, he wasn't your everyday average person. The Cloud Guardian walked towards the wardrobe and slid it opened slowly.
He found Tsuna sitting in a corner, face hid in his knees. He was unaware of Hibari's presence.

Hibari just stood there watching the brunette continuing his silent crying. He somehow felt a bit of sadness swelled in him as well.

"Tsunayoshi," Hibari said his name.

Tsuna was surprised a little by his Cloud Guardian. As he looked up at him, a small drop of tear fell from his face. Hibari saw it and felt another struck of pain inside of him.

"Hibari-san?" The small boy wiped his watery eyes.

Hibari squatted down and looked at Tsuna for a while before he pinched his nose. The brunette looked at him confusingly, his nose still being pinched.

"You shouldn't let other people get to you. Stand up for yourself for once herbivore." Hibari let go of his nose. He frowned at the Sky Guardian who just sat there staring at him.

Tsuna gazed up at the raven haired teen, he suddenly giggled which surprised Hibari. He sat up straight and leaned in closer to him, the brunette then gave his Cloud Guardian a chaste kiss on the lips. Hibari's eyes widened.

"I'll try," Tsuna gave him a warm smile. The raven haired teen could feel his heart melt at the sight. "Oh yeah Hibari-san, why are you here?"

The disciplinary chairman stood up suddenly and left. He slid the door close behind him as he left. Tsuna came out of the wardrobe confused, but he was then shocked when he saw all his roommates passed out unconscious on the floor. "W-What the heck happen?"

Hibari stood outside the room, his hand touched his lips. He couldn't help but blush a little. After a while, he returned to his room passing by other students. He gave everyone of them a glare which made them froze on the spot. But if you could look through those cold stoic eyes, a glint of happiness could be seen.

Chunzi: Oh my gosh... 12 pages for Chapter 1...-_-' I'll cut the story half in the next chapter.

Gokudera: Oi! Why am I different rooms with Tenth!

Chunzi: Cuz you're too loud and noisy... *mumbles*

Gokudera: I heard that!

Chunzi: U-Um, I just got out of the hospital from Hibari-san's bitting, s-so... *Ducks*

Tsuna: G-Gokudera-kun, please don't blow her up.

Gokudera: Tch.

Chunzi: But you might want to blow me up in the future...*mumbles*

Tsuna: Huh?

Chunzi: N-Nothing! Reviews anyone? ^_^''