Two Weeks With Hibari Kyouya
By: Shinra Bansho
Disclaimer: Characters belong to their respective owners. This is a fan-created story.
Note: For those that find that there are quotation marks missing from the last half, my apologies.
For some odd reason, they disappeared when I uploaded them onto .
*~*~*~*~*
Tsuna was sitting at the wooden desk, leaning over a stack of files and looking as uncertain as he usual. Yamamoto was standing between the desk and the door, scratching his neck.
Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.
The large grandfather clock seemed particularly loud that day. Were the hands even moving?
It was already twenty past eleven at night, and Yamamoto's back was aching from the day's strenuous events. The Shigurekintoki on his back was sagging, as if to share the fatigue.
Tsuna let out a dejected sigh, and made a move to stand up.
"I guess we'll just have to start without Hi-"
A large squeak, followed by a thud and Tsuna jumped in surprise. He raised his head with wide eyes.
Yamamoto shook his head and glanced over his shoulder to see Hibari standing in the doorway, looking as expressionless as always.
"Hibari-san! You're here, thank god. I thought that maybe you didn't get the message," said Tsuna, a look of great relief crossing his face.
"I had things to take care of," was Hibari's short reply. He neither gave a glance at the clock, or apologized for being twenty minutes late to the meeting. He just silently came to stand in line with Yamamoto, though far enough to the side of the room that he avoided 'herding' with them.
Tsuna seemed to take Hibari's silence as a sign to begin the meeting, and cleared his throat.
"First of all, great work on your last missions. Yamamoto, you were with Gokudera-kun in Rome, and Hibari-san, you were in Japan. We were able to get the information we needed." He beamed, and pointed at the stack of papers on the desk. "I'll send them to Fuuta later to analyze."
Tsuna's face turned a little grave after a short pause.
"I hate to bring up a new mission right off the bat, but I need the two of you to look into something. I would send someone else, but they're all away right now, and Gokudera-kun needs to recover from the injuries he got in Rome."
Yamamoto winced mentally, as he remembered his last mission. "Yeah, it'll probably take a few weeks to fully heal."
Tsuna nodded. "We got news from Irie that someone or something is trying to hack into the Vongola system. Of course, our system is heavily secured, so it can't be broken into so easily, but whoever it is, it's probably not an ally. Irie started getting the signals nearly three months ago, and it's taken him until now to wring out information about it."
"What did he find out?" asked Yamamoto, furrowing his brows.
"Well, it seems that their security isn't as strong as ours, so with the proper tracking, Irie was able to work out an indefinite location."
Yamamoto grinned. "That's our Irie,"
"Yeah, it's indefinite though, so we can't be for sure, but it's the only lead we've got. We need to check it out before they really find a way to hack in. Even though our system is tough, it's not impenetrable, so we can't let our guard down."
Of course, that was true. Vongola was very distinct, in the sense that they integrated technology into their work. They relied on storing their information in large computer bases that Irie and Giannini took care of, while the rest of them were out doing the physical half. If something had happened to their system - if information was leaked out, then any number of horrific things could happen. It was inevitable.
"The first and only signal we got came from New York."
Yamamoto blinked. "New York?"
Tsuna bit his lip. "Well, like I said, it's indefinite. They could have been using a cover, but we can't take any chances. We need someone to go check things out."
"Of course."
"I would like to assign the two of you to the mission."
"It hardly sounds like something you'd need two people to get done." It was the first time Hibari had spoken up. Yamamoto cocked his head to look at him. "Why not just send Yamamoto alone? He seems eager enough."
"You know I can't send him alone, Hibari-san. I never send anyone alone on missions, unless I can be sure that it's safe. Of course I'll hope that it's nothing serious, but if it is..." Tsuna paused, a pleading look in his eyes. "I know you must be tired, Hibari-san. I'm really sorry to have to ask this of you."
Yamamoto made a gesture towards Tsuna. "Come on, Hibari. It's just a little digging around. It'll be easy."
The corner of Hibari's mouth twitched, ever so slightly.
"And look, how can you refuse Tsuna when he's looking like that?" he chuckled.
"Yamamoto!" Tsuna exclaimed, cheeks just a shade redder. "I'm being serious here."
There was a silence as the two looked to Hibari for any sign of agreement or assent. There came none.
Yamamoto sighed. "Okay, I know that you don't necessarily like me or herding with people, but if Vongola's system gets hacked into, you'll be in trouble too, right?"
"I really just need you to check things out over there. See if the information wasn't a hoax, and if it wasn't, what these people want out of this. That's all."
"I'll buy you a bottle of Japanese sake if you go with me," grinned Yamamoto. "The really good kind. Fifty-thousand yen."
He barely caught the snort Hibari issued under his breath. "That's not good."
Yamamoto frowned. "Fine. A hundred thousand?"
"More like it."
"Great, then it's settled!" said Yamamoto, turning back to Tsuna. "When are we off?"
Tsuna, his smile stretching from ear to ear, clasped his hands together with glittering eyes.
"Well, the earlier the better. The earliest flight I can book is tomorrow, if you're okay with that. I'm looking at a stay of two weeks at the longest, but if things get cleared up before that, then I'll book an early return flight."
"Sounds good to me."
"I'll get Gokudera-kun to arrange the accomodations, and send the details to your room later so that you can look it over before tomorrow," Tsuna set the papers onto the desk with a plop. "Make sure to get as much rest as you can."
Hibari didn't say another word as he turned to leave first. As Yamamoto made to follow him out, he grabbed the doorknob and halted.
"Oh, by the way, Tsuna," he said, smiling innocently. "I recommend a sake called 'Fuugetsuyama'. Pops was only able to get a hold it once for the shop. It'll make Hibari really happy."
Saying that, he hurried out, hearing a bang behind him, which was probably Tsuna falling over in shock.
"Yamamoto!!"
The following day, Yamamoto was striding into Narita with his duffle bag dangling off of his shoulder. His Shigurekintoki was sealed inside a special bamboo case designed by Giannini that would enable him to be take it on the plane as a carry-on item, without getting caught in the metal detector.
Major props to Giannini and his crazy, yet genius creations.
For once, Hibari was there on time, but he looked so disgruntled about being surrounded by people, people, and more people, that Yamamoto kept casting worried glances at him, in fear that he'd start lashing out at the nearest innocent passerby.
He prayed that Hibari would keep his tonfas tucked inside his sleeves until they got on the plane. At least onboard, they would have the business-class seats to themselves, curtained off and undisturbed save for the occasional offer of alcohol, which he was sure Hibari would not refuse.
Hibari, walking slightly ahead of him, was dressed in similar garb as himself, but unlike him, was pulling a smart, black suitcase which suited him quite well. Everything about Hibari seemed meticulous in comparison. Where Yamamoto was rough, manly, and rather ordinary-looking, Hibari was clean-cut, precise, and probably stood out far too much in this crowded airport.
Even though he'd been working with Hibari for ten years now, he still knew as much about him as he'd known ten years ago. Well, perhaps, working' would be the wrong term to use, since they hardly saw each other at the Base, and rarely went on missions together. Hibari was just a mystery most of the time.
Somewhere in the corner of his mind, he thought that it might be amusing to work out a little more of that puzzle, during the mission at hand. It would be the perfect opportunity.
It was two weeks with Hibari Kyouya, after all.
Yamamoto remembered to keep his distance as they made it through check-in and down the long walkway that led to their gate. As a deal, he'd promised to not say so much as a single word during their entire trip, or come within five meters of his travelling companion, unless it was a life or death situation.
Even though he was used to Hibari's endless silence, it was more awkward than usual, perhaps due to the fact that they were surrounded by unfamiliar faces right and left. He wondered if Hibari was ever awkward about anything.
Probably not.
Thirty minutes later, he was able to let out a sigh of relief as he collapsed into his seat.
So far, so good. Hibari had managed to keep his annoyance in control, and all that was left was the twelve hour flight to JFK airport. The moment the plane doors were heaved shut with a loud fwoosh' and a clang', Yamamoto pulled the complimentary eye-mask out of the side pocket.
He'd stayed up most of the previous night reading through the material Tsuna had prepared for him, and not to mention that this way, he wouldn't bother Hibari in any shape or form.
His last glimpse of Hibari, before he snapped the mask over his eyes, was of an upright figure with his chin resting on his palm, looking out the small window with an unreadable expression.
And then everything went dark.
Evening had fallen, and the air was completely dark when they arrived in New York. Yamamoto had been fast asleep through the entire ride, and his stomach was starting to grown in complaint.
They had gone through customs, retrieved their bags, and were now standing in line for a taxi (a New York taxi - THE taxi, Yamamoto mused to himself).
The November air was frigid and the thin coat he had on wasn't helping much in blocking the air from seeping into his skin.
Several more empty taxis drove up to the curb and the line inched forward.
He and Hibari, being first in line, picked up their luggage and stepped up to an empty taxi - of course, Yamamoto wasn't surprised when Hibari took the one ahead, leaving Yamamoto to take the one behind.
Quite honestly, he thought it was ridiculous that they were taking seperate cars, when they were on a mission together, but then again, what could he do?
The taxi door slammed firmly as soon as stuffed himself in, and he yanked out the paper with the address of the hotel Gokudera had booked for them.
Where to? the driver drawled, scratching a very scruffy beard.
Yamamoto squinted at the tiny print. "128 West 29th Street, Doubletree Hotel....?" He inwardly winced at the broken sound of his english.
The driver narrowed his eyes a bit impatiently, so he just pushed the paper forward and jabbed a finger at the address.
"Here."
And the taxi was off, not too far behind from Hibari's. He imagined Hibari had no trouble communicating the address, and felt a little dejected.
When they arrived, the driver smacked his gum loudly while pointing out the right amount of money.
"Take care now," he called, and drove away with a loud screech.
Hibari was already no where to be seen, and Yamamoto assumed that he'd gone in alone, so he picked up his bag and hurried towards the hotel entrance that sparkled with Christmas lights.
The insides were very bright, and very wooden. It wasn't that spacious, but clean and classy in a simple manner, which Yamamoto rather liked.
He cautiously approached the front desk where a lady was watching him with large blue, excessively mascaraed eyes.
"Welcome to DoubleTree Hotel, she greeted politely. Reservation?"
"Ah, yes," he nodded, and fumbled at the paper again. "Yamamoto Takeshi."
"Okay, just a moment please."
Click, clickety-click. Click, click.
"Do you have ID with you today?" she asked, glancing up.
Passport, he said mentally, and jerked it out of his bag.
"Thank you."
After giving him back his passport, the lady placed a card key on top of a brochure, and slid it towards him across the counter.
"Your room will be a Jr. Suite with smoking, on the fifth floor. Room number 505. I hope you enjoy your stay with us, Mr. Yamamoto."
With her rouge smile painted firmly in his mind, Yamamoto thanked her and headed off for the elevator across the hall. It felt like ages before it finally arrived with a loud ping.
He didn't even know which room Hibari was staying in, which could make things a bit troublesome, he thought. He'd have to ask him tomorrow, if and when he was able to catch him.
Room 505 was at the end of the hallway, and he made his way there as fast as he could. His stomach was growling and his body was screaming for a hot shower.
He reached the door and clumsily slid the card into the lock, and pushed the heavy door open wide -
- to find Hibari standing right in the middle of the room, frozen in the process of loosening his tie.
The two stared at each other for a split second, completely bewildered.
Hibari was the first to recollect his composure as he dropped his hand from his collar.
"What do you think you're doing, barging into my room?" his voice was calm, yet very cold.
Yamamoto frowned.
"Your room? But I just opened it with my key. This is supposed to be my room."
"How do you think I got in here, then?" asked Hibari, flicking out an identical card.
Yamamoto paused, his mind whirling in confusion.
"I think there's been a mistake. I'll just call the front desk and-" but before he could finish his sentence, Hibari was already striding towards the phone.
"There has been a mistake, he stated into the handset. You've given out two keys to the same room."
Hibari continued to briefly explain the situation, and then fell silent.
"I see," he finally said, and dropped the phone back into its cradle.
"...So?" Yamamoto prompted. "Is this room mine or yours?"
"When we return to Italy, remind me to deal with Gokudera Hayato."
"Huh?"
"It seems that there was only one Jr. Suite booked for this mission."
"One...?" he repeated, slowly. "You mean, one for... the both of us?"
"Must I repeat myself?"
"Oh."
Well, he couldn't be blamed for being absolutely dumbstruck about the turn of events. After all, it was just absurd. If it had been any other member of the team, he would have shrugged it off, but this was Hibari he was facing.
He glanced around the room. The suite itself was actually quite big, with a bedroom seperated from the room they were currently standing in.
There was a big screen television, a large window, a dining table, and - yes, a couch.
Hibari followed his gaze as Yamamoto took a step toward the couch.
"So I guess I'll just-"
"-sleep out in the hallway, of course," finished Hibari, cooly.
Yamamoto's head snapped back to gape at him in disbelief.
"Sorry, what? No!" he nearly laughed. "How can I sleep in the hallway?"
"If you disturb my sleep, I won't hesitate to kill you."
Saying that, Hibari made a swift turn and retreated into the bedroom, the door closing behind him with a satisfying smack.
Yamamoto ran a hand through his hair and sighed. There was no doubt that this was all Gokudera's doing. Perhaps it was payback for the time he'd accidentally locked Gokudera out of their double suite hotel room back in Rome. Perhaps he found it amusing to toss Yamamoto into a cage with Hibari, just to see how long he would last without being spliced to death by those beastly tonfas.
Either way, he knew he was going to send a complaint email to Gokudera that night, all in capital letters.
~*~*~*~*
He was finally able to collapse into bed (or rather, the couch) at midnight. He'd found the bar downstairs and had himself a sandwhich and a glass of wine, showered (he now smelled like hotel soap), and written two short emails; one to Tsuna, and one to Gokudera.
The sofa was small, but rather short, and his feet stuck out over the arm rest rather uncomfortably. And because Hibari had not so much as as offered any bedding, he was left to cover himself with his thin coat and bundle a sweatshirt under his head for a pillow.
At the moment, he was too tired to complain, but he could hardly imagine sleeping in this condition for two whole weeks. He'd try to reason with Hibari somehow tomorrow... maybe they could take turns every other night... maybe a miracle would happen and Hibari would agree...
Maybe...
To Be Continued...
AN: Thank you for reading this first chapter! The rest is already written, except for a few bits and pieces here and there.
Please do comment if you'd like to read more!