Hi hi~~
Yeah this story will be more of a whatever hits my fancy kinda deal. I don't know why but the next Ten Flames chapter just isn't working for me so this story shall distract me for a bit so I get motivated again. So sorry for any bad grammar mistakes and stuff cause my editing for this isn't that great lol
I do hope anyone reading this is enjoying it and to answer a few questions:
-Tsuna is the younger twin
-Yes the other twin is Ieyasu (I thought maybe Giotto but then I'm like meh no)
-They are both 14
Ummm well I can't answer anymore for fear of spoiling it (*cough* doesn't no shit yet *cough*)
so enjoy~~
"I should never be left alone with my mind for too long."
― Libba Bray
It took three months before he was allowed out of hospital. Honestly the doctors were baffled at how fast this particular patient healed so quickly. The brunette just snorted. If you couldn't heal fast in his world you died. Well it was no longer his world now.
It didn't mean he didn't enjoy the experience. It felt nice, if not slightly uncomfortable being taken care of by both family and stranger. Though in the first month he was very wary and violent if they so much as touched him- but one had to adapt quickly in life and though he still hated and wished to punch the strange smelling men and woman in white coats till their skulls cracked in, the Bloody Sky controlled his bloodlust. This was not his world. Violence was not something appreciated here.
Luckily everyone just dismissed his behavior as a result of traumatization which in a way they were right. Of course no one knew what really happened behind those walls, all evidence and clues turned to ashes while the children saved refused to speak. The brunette too barely spoke, he was unused to the concept since talking too much was punished and it wasn't like he could do so when he found most of his time isolated. In fact when the other survivors heard that their Tainted Saint wasn't speaking they became even more tight-lipped much to the police and doctor's annoyance. Tsuna rolled his caramel brown eyes at that. Really he didn't understand those kids.
But sometimes at night he would visit the ward where the others were kept to make sure they hadn't been in any way neglected by the staff. It was paranoia but maybe a little loneliness on his part he'd have to admit. The younger children seemed to brighten up slightly at his nightly visits, the older ones- though still younger than him- too seemed a little more energetic but refused to show it. They didn't do much, in fact in the beginning they didn't even notice the brunette as they slept, the Tainted Saint simply walked to each bed with silent footsteps, checking each one with a hesitant affection that they wouldn't have ever seen before. The routine continues but now they feign sleep as they waited for their stoic savior to come by. They had a feeling the other knew that they weren't really asleep but never questioned it. He merely tousled their hair or gently brushed it out of their face or if they were particularly bad at faking sleep- get a light flick on the forehead. It was these moments that made the children feel a smile grace their lips as they embraced sleep knowing that after the visit no nightmares would haunt them.
Tsuna found himself in the day catching up with his family. Even the large muscular man known as his father was there but each time he stepped in the room the brunette instantly found himself wary. It wasn't just because of lack of recognition but because of his scent. No matter how hard he'd hide it the teen could practically taste it on his mouth. Blood. By the end of the second month he couldn't take it anymore. That day only his older brother Ieyasu and his father Iemitsu came. Apparently Nana had to go somewhere which in a sense was a relief since she kept insisting on him calling her mama, it wasn't like he didn't want to. It was just he felt he didn't deserve to. Like the word filled with sweet innocence just wouldn't form on his cracked lips. Ieyasu was talking excitedly about everyday life and how he was so relieved and ecstatic about seeing that his sweet younger brother was safe and sound. It unnerved him. It unnerved him because it felt genuine. His family-with possibly Iemitsu as the exception- seemed so pure and untainted. Something he should protect. Even if it costs him his last dying breath. And that scared him greatly. No it terrified him. Him who had lived so long alone, to fight only for himself, his survival. To actually feel the need, the urge, the obligation for others was nauseating.
"-nd I'll introduce you to my best friend Yamamoto! He's great, has this aura that just soothes you, ya know? And his father makes the best sushi- we totally need to go there sometime." The brunette simply nodded and gave his usual faint smiles whilst the elder boy chatted on. It had been a long time since they met and it was quite calming in that his brother barely changed at all. Spikey short blond hair the color of a cornfield with bright sparkling blue eyes, he'd gotten taller and muscles were evident on his figure. That last observation annoyed Tsuna slightly. What on earth did his brother do to get such muscles?! He'd spent his time fighting to the frigging death and yet somehow his body seemed to grow obscenely feminine and toned giving him a sleek, slim figure. Really life was fucking unfair.
In the corner of his eyes he saw the disgustingly bright orange jumpsuit making its way to the exit. The brunette somehow knew that it'll be a long time before he saw his father again and he needed to talk to him now. "Uh... Ieyasu can we talk later? I wish to speak to Iemitsu alone for a bit."
The larger muscular man stiffened and turned to look at his son. The elder brother pouted a bit disheartened but began leaving nonetheless. Ieyasu didn't like his father, why would he? The man was never there for him, Tsuna and mama. He didn't even stay that long when his cute younger brother was kidnapped! It was a surprise he stayed for so long now. Shooting a glare at his so-called father he left the room. Leaving the tense silence between the two males.
The brunette could see the older scruffy blonde was a little uncomfortable, the shifting of those blue eyes, the slightly hunched shoulders. Not that he really cared. He wanted answers. And he sure as hell wasn't going to beat around the bush.
"What are you hiding Iemitsu?" He was genuinely curious at the muscular figure though still untrusting. He hated liars after all. The flinch only confirmed it. Honestly he truly hoped that the man was just bad when it came to lying to his family due to letting his guard down because if not Tsuna couldn't comprehend how the man went through life. Of course not that the teen could completely fault him. The brunette too had found it a very difficult challenge to harden his emotions, he was more discreet but if one looked closely he still wore his heart on his sleeve. Meanwhile the elder forced on a goofy idiotic smile that simply screamed liar.
"Hahaha..." He began nervously. "I have no idea what you are talking about my dear sweet Tunafish." Oh how he wanted to just give the man a swift kick to his senses. His older brother seemed to calm the raging beast in him but right now it was being dangerously riled up. 'Don't kill. Killing is wrong. Adapt to the environment. Words hold more power. Don't kil- but so tempting- no!' Finally the Bloody Sky seemed to restrain himself just barely enough to hiss out between clenched teeth. "Don't you fucking lie to me Iemitsu. I spent long enough down there in that hell hole to be able to sniff out people like you. If you don't want to lose another son than I suggest you tell the truth. I respect people like that and am willing enough to keep whatever you hold a secret if I feel generous enough. But play ignorant again and you'll be flirting with the line."
By the end that stupid grin was completely wiped off his face, Tsuna felt a little smug at that. He quite liked that serious expression on that scruffy face. That sad, pitying glint in those eyes were not however. He chose not to comment on it for fear he'll do something he'd regret. "What happened Tsuna?" The voice no longer chirpy, it was filled with concern, anger and... The brunette laughed almost maniacally. The sudden outburst surprised Iemitsu, the laugh was cold and bitter and it pierced him harder than any of the words from before. "Don't pity me. Don't feel guilty for me. Don't feel the need to avenge Iemitsu you fool. It wasn't you fault after all. I have no clue to what your standing in that world is but I can assure you the reason I was taken was not for bloodline. I won't ask revenge. I won't ask for my life back as much as I want to. All I ask is for answers. You can do that much right?"
As cold, as intimidating, as broken as the brunette was Tsuna still held a spell binding charisma that just drew people in. It was the aura of a boss and Iemitsu couldn't help but comply. With a slight bow of his head he revealed what he tried so painfully to keep hidden for so long. "My name is Sawada Iemitsu. Head of CEDEF. Alias the Young Lion of Vongola- the largest mafia family of the underworld. Some say a strong leader and a powerful man but-" He looked up at large caramel brown eyes sadly. "All I can say is that I'm a failure of a father."
There was a heavy silence again between the two. The blonde cringed waiting for the worst. He was expecting shouting, outrage and tears. What he wasn't expecting was the sound of clapping ringing the air.
"Iemitsu I am glad you did tell the truth. I mean the answer wasn't really one that I was prepared for but you did tell the truth so that's points for you." It wasn't condescending, not bitter nor angry. Once again the man looked- really looked- at his youngest son. And all he saw was pure acceptance and understanding. A true sky if anything. A perfect boss if not the underlying shadows of madness and violent insanity evident in the teen. Yet in a way that strange unsettling combination made the teen seem so much more eerily entrancing and captivating. "T-thank you Tsuna."
The brunette gave a soft comforting smile. "Just spare some time for your family okay-" Tsuna hesitated for a second but then forced out the word. "Dad." That was the breaking point as the grown man burst into tears and practically suffocated the younger in an emotional embrace. The brunette just awkwardly patted the broad back, trying so hard to resist the urge to snap his neck which was so damn vulnerable. He didn't hate his dad nor did he like him. However dislike and hatred had nothing to do with forgiveness and understanding. Maybe one day he'll feel something akin to familial bonds to this individual but right now he was doing this to make his family happy.
The last night he knew he was going to be discharged the next day. Call it a feeling. Or just the fact he overheard the doctors when he passed quietly by the halls. Really the people here seemed to always have their guard down. Was that normal? He didn't know anymore.
The other children must have too heard as when he slipped unnoticed into their ward all were visibly awake and waiting. It was not his favourite feeling having all eyes on him. It reminded him too much of being the centre of attention during those fights. It was horrible that while the people he saved were healing slowly but surely while he had stayed too long in the darkness and was unable to even break out of the shackles. The nightmares still haunted him both in the night and while the sun shined. Thank god he was in a private room where no one could see him writhe or hear his sobs.
Unsure as how to respond to the new development Tsuna just continued what he usually did as he checked up on them. It wasn't like he'd grown too attached to them. He wasn't too emotional with the fact they would be gone from his life possibly forever. Attachments were useless. A luxury he was never able to afford when he lived in a world where death was a constant threat. They probably wouldn't understand, they no longer have to and that alone made it easier enough to let them go with a genuine smile on his face.
He was glad no one protested, no one stopped him when he left the ward. He heard the familiar sound of muffled sobs but he didn't care. He was their last chain to the that cruel disgusting world and he unshackled them. What they do now is of no consequence to him. Silently he gave a soft prayer for their safety before walking forward. Never looking back.
(o)
It had been a few days in the Sawada household before he finally understood the general atmosphere of normalcy. His bedroom was impressive and the bed was so soft that he wondered if it was all a sick joke. He was even given two pillows for god's sakes! Two! And they were fucking soft and clean. The meals were definitely an eye-opener too. It had been so long since he'd have anything with flavour. He was so used to barely getting by with just the sufficient amount of calories and starving to the point of forcing himself to eat any nearby insects. Needless to say the brunette stuffed his face greedily to the point where he actually puked. He wasn't used to such things after all. After that he was forced to consume soup and simpler foods but they were all delicious anyway.
His family was just as he remembered too. Kind, cheery and comforting. Ieyasu spent most of his time playing with him like in the old days when he wasn't going to a place called school. Nana taught him how to cook and show him the basic things e had never learned in captivity while his brother was at school. It was nice. Like a dream.
But like all dreams they end. And cold reality sinks in.
*pant* *pant*
He could feel himself trembling in cold sweat. He needed something. The fog from the warm shower before was suffocating. Looking at the bathroom mirror he had to resist an urge to break it, or rather the figure it's reflecting. Shit. Shitshitshitshitshitshitshit! He knew exactly what he wanted- no- what he so desperately needed and craved for.
Blood.
Metal scraping on his skin as his collar chafes his neck, the rush of exhilaration when he used his flames as he looked dead on at his opponent, his prey, the beast inside him growling with satisfaction as the person before him fell at his hands. Then the feeling of ending one's life, covering his skin with the metallic red liquid. That euphoria was a drug. And he was suffering from severe withdrawals. He was so tempted to- No! He wanted to escape. To live with his family, develop friendships hell maybe even get a lover one day. His intuition that so many times was a blessing was now a curse as it whispered the thing he didn't want to hear the most.
'You're way too far gone. The feeling, the urge shall never go away. Ingrained completely in your being. You. Are. The. Bloody. Sky.'
With that he gave a howl of despair. He didn't care that he could hear the pounding bangs on the bathroom door, the concern from his family. He just wanted blood, to kill, to maim. Like a monster. Like a beast. He couldn't come out. Not yet. If he did he knew he would do something he would forever regret.
The feeling hadn't subsided. He was going crazy. Insane. Mad. Desperately he looked for anything, his eyes rested on a small glass sculpture of a wolf. Slim pale hands reached out only to smash it onto the tiled floor. His head was buzzing, it was like an itch that couldn't be scratched. Delicately he picked out the sharpest piece and ran the edge lightly across his finger leaving a thing stream of blood. Dropping the shard he tentatively rubbed the blood across his arm, decorating white with red. It was enough to ease the urge ever so lightly but it wasn't enough. He didn't want, he didn't lust for his own blood. It didn't satisfy him. But it was just enough to restrain himself. For now.
Ieyasu knew something wasn't right with his brother. Don't get him wrong he loved the brunette and when he finally saw the thin delicate figure sleeping peacefully on that sterile white bed the empty part of his heart was filled with joy. But now that he finally moved back in with them he could see that he didn't seem normal. Yes he had been gone for six whole years doing god knows what against his will but even then it still surprised and saddened him how much his younger brother really missed, things he had always took for granted. It was heartbreaking the look he gave him when he showed him simple things like his bedroom, homemade cooking and - and this was definitely emotional- sunlight.
Other than those gaps in his general knowledge which Ieyasu accepted there was something else. He couldn't put his mind on it but if he could explain he would say it was something in those large brown eyes that couldn't completely mask everything. There was a dark flame flickering there. And it promised something dangerous. That time in the bathroom only confirmed something was there. The blond couldn't help but shudder when he remembered it.
When his long lost brother finally came out he seemed back to his usual gentle looking self. But the flame hidden in those eyes told otherwise. Cold and fierce like a wild beast barely restrained with rusted chains. Waiting to break free to create havoc and bloodshed in all it's path. That was the image that came to his mind. He also didn't miss the faint cuts on those thin unhealthily pale hands and the faint smell of blood. He was scared of that other side of his brother. And at the same worried. He knew he had to do something.
"Tsuna?"
"...Mmmnnhh?" He chuckled, blue eyes crinkling in a smile at how cute his little brother was as he watched the brunette wake up groggily. Walking quietly to his sibling and sitting by the side of the bed he began talking, knowing full well the smaller figure was listening.
"You know in the bathroom.." Even under those blankets he could see the small form tense ever so slightly. Gently he stroked the lump of blanket and pillow soothingly, hoping the sentiment came across. Tsuna didn't do well with contact he found the hard way when one time when he hugged the teen from behind and was flung unexpectedly onto the couch. Though the younger male was much more accepting of Ieyasu compared to others. "I won't ask if you're not ready. J-just know I will be by your side no matter what."
There was no reply from the bed and after a minute or so the blue-eyed boy rather dejectedly began leaving. However when he was just about to get off the bed a hand shot out of the covers grabbing his much larger hand. Looking down in surprise he noted the many differenced between their hands. Tsuna's was so pale and small like a doll's compared to his own. It really showed how differently they lived before.
"Umm.." The voice was soft and hesitant. Like the whisperings of the trees as the bristled against the wind of winter if that meant sense.
"Yes?"
"Can you.. Can you stay with me? J-just a little longer." He didn't even need to see the fierce blush adorning his cute brother's face. He could practically hear it. He chuckled softly again as he patted where he assumed Tsuna's head to be.
"Of course."
It was the first night Tsuna felt free from his nightmares.
(o)
"Bye Tsuna! I can't wait to see you at school!" The brunette simply waved back at his brother. A small smile forced on his usual delicate features. He did not want to go to this school. Yes it had been about a good month after moving back to his old home. He had learned to cope with the majority of his 'problems' through focusing on things like training, spending time with Ieyasu and Nana as well as blocking out the voices with loud, loud music. He was proud to say he'd gotten much better at keeping up the persona as a normal human being. He can talk more, he can joke and he can laugh more easily. However interacting with strangers he wasn't used to was not something he was ready for, what if he cracks? He can't stay in one seat, in one desk for a whole day- it was unnatural- he needed to move. To fight and distract himself from himself.
His appointment to enroll was an hour after school starts meaning he had an hour to calm himself. Apparently he was to meet the head of the Disciplinary Committee at the school gates. A little part of him was amused at the sudden paling of his usual happy older brother and the less sadistic side seemed even more nervous. Maybe he should go to those damned doctors. He hated them but maybe they could help with his... Outbreaks.
Honey brown eyes looked forlornly at the ticking clock. He had to leave his home now if he didn't want to be late. Shit. Maybe he should just ditch. That sounds good. Like really good. With a smug smile the teen snuggled into the comfiness of the coach. God he was really getting pampered. He really is so grateful for such a kindhearted family. A family who expected him to go to school because they cared for his future. Because they cared for him. Well god frigging damn. With a jump he sprinted out the door to the school swearing as many expletives as he could think of. And for someone who spent a very long time in an underground fighting arena there was a lot.
Finally he arrived at the school gates. He was nervous and honestly downright terrified behind his poker face. Already he can fear the beast inside him thrash around, his metaphorical chains close to snapping. He wanted to go home, put on some heavy metal or hard core rock music at the highest volume to block everything out. Then maybe a very long run. Yes that sounde- *THWACK*
Large caramel brown eyes immediately looked at the now cracked wall he had stood next to before. 'What the fu-' A tingling at the back of his neck and immediately he whipped around and stepped back just in time to barely brush away from a flash of metal. "Herbivore. You will be bitten to death for making me wait."
The teen before him was taller than him- seriously why was every fucking body here taller?!- raven black hair cut in a sort of 'M' shape and sharp eyes that were a beautiful light metallic grey that seemed to be able to entrancingly cut through a person. He was wearing different clothes to Ieyasu so possibly special? Actually it was strange that the teen's jacket just hung across his shoulders like some sort of cape. Wait was that the sort of style in now? How long had he'd been gone?!
His mental panic about fashion trends had to be cut abruptly short as the teen rather rudely swung his weapons- Tonfas? Personally not Tsuna's choice of weapon but he did appreciate how well they have been utilised- straight at his head. However the student before him as strong as he is held no true battle experience much to the Sky flame user's amusement and yet at the same time irritation. 'The bloodlust was real enough but the other had no proper opponent to hone his skills, a pity really considering the talent he held.' Tsuna mentally narrated as he began continuously dodged each blow and strike. He could feel the beast howling and screaming to fight, to feel the blood he so craved for.
But he had more control than that, he could hold it in.
But maybe just... a little bit would be okay?
After all if it was a fight this older male wanted, it was a fight he was going to get.
And he wouldn't kill just... enough to appease the beast inside.
The moment when his resolve wavered the chains snapped. Eyes flashed a dangerous orange as the screamed for blood and a large feral grin spread on his usually cold emotionless face. His opponent merely raised an eyebrow but still continued his previous attacks though with renewed vigour. However the brunette quickly sidestepped the range of attack, turning at the last second to land a roundhouse kick from behind. If he didn't activate a small part of his flames to create a larger force it would have probably only made the raven-haired teen lose balance- but instead it not only did that but caused the wind to leave the others lungs temporarily. Taking that advantage he moved swiftly to move in front of him and give a swift uppercut.
Grey eyes the colour of steel widened slightly before doing his best to minimise the punch so it didn't knock him out as intended but left him conscious and standing if not slightly staggering as his vision compromised. The brunette then grabbed his collar and pushed him roughly and harshly against the wall where a rather sickening thump was heard. Hibari estimated more than just a few ribs were broken from the collision alone. The prefect couldn't stop himself as he began violently coughing up crimson liquid. Up close and between hacking coughs he could see vibrant orange eyes staring hungrily into him. Or more specifically his blood. Despite the calm serene look in the newcomers eyes there was a tinge of wild untamed madness there and he didn't know which side of this creature he felt more wary of.
"Who's the herbivore now?" The voice was mocking and soft as they teased and twisted his own words back at him. Yet for some reason he found even nearing unconsciousness the need to hold onto each syllable. This student was dangerous yet captivating both in admittedly strength and beauty. Like an endless abyss that draws all willing or not to it's everlasting darkness.
After a minute or so in the intense silent atmosphere the shorter male with uncharacteristic gentleness that was so different from what he'd just experienced he felt the hold around his neck mercifully loosened allowing air to enter his lungs. As he slid to his knees he felt gentle warm hands pat his back soothingly helping him relax enough to breathe properly. He could hear despite the ringing in his head a soft comforting melody of the other's voice as it whispered sweet calming words laced with delicate concern to his ear. This Sawada Tsunayoshi was like two different people at once. It only thoroughly confused and successfully captivated him.
He could feel himself slipping away from reality yet he still fought tooth and nail to stay awake. The strange herbivore seemed to chuckle as if knowing his internal struggle. Warmth gently engulfed him as a thin soft figure pulled his own unresponsive body somewhere.
Finally he succumbed to the darkness. Whether the darkness was merely from the loss of blood and pain or Tsunayoshi himself he didn't know.
This was probably the most one-sided, crushing, humiliating defeat he had encountered for a long time. But it was also the most interesting thing to happen. He was ensnared by those hypnotic vibrant eyes that stubbornly hid nothing and unafraid to show everything. Even the darkest of emotions was proudly flickering.
Truly he had underestimated the herbivorous creature.
For under that herbivorous appearance laid a carnivore.
A beast.
