Brothers of the Wind and Sky

Rating-T

AN: OH MY GOD LOL I am so sorry! I said January and here we are in April! I had so much garbage going on in my life and this fic kept getting pushed back. I'm sorry ): I made up for it with over 7k words and I'm also going to be giving my tumblr! My blog is tackygloo dot tumblr dot com. I also have a tag for my fic which is slash tagged slash fic-WS. Right now I have draft sketches of Nicco posted and I'll be using that tag to post anything relevant to this fic. Please feel free to use the tag as well if you post something about it, it's make me really happy! Also tumblr is the quickest way to send me questions if you have any, I check it every day. As for the story... well, things are now starting to get interesting~ The next chapter may be a bit short, mainly revolving around this new development, but then we will move onto other important events and shenanigans with Tsuna and Nicco! Enjoy the read!


Chapter 4

- Cats and Clouds -

The mayhem was so very real.

Here he was, hunkered down at his desk, trying to endure the last twenty minutes of class before school let out.

The day started out just like any other. Tsuna got to school, almost late, despite setting his alarm. It was like Tsuna's body had gone immune to its loud wails. Unfortunately it meant arriving at school around the same time as Yukimura and his thugs. Tsuna pulled some serious ninja skills, taking the long way around the school building to avoid taking the same route as the trio. He fortunately avoided them completely. Unfortunately, he was officially late for class and was laughed at while his teacher game him a stern talking to in front of all his peers. Embarrassing but thankfully not the worst outcome!

Later, tests were returned from last week's quiz and Tsuna, like usual, had an abysmal score. There was another public lecture in front of the whole class about how he should get a tutor. More laughing, more of Tsuna's covering his flushed embarrassed face. Again, not the worst thing that could have happened!

Then lunch time came around. Unfortunately Tsuna was caught in the rush of lunch goers in the hall and was spotted by Yukimura. The boy had several band aids on his arms and forehead. Clearly Yukimura's run in with the local 'keeper of the peace' was not so peaceful. And clearly, he blamed Tsuna, eyes alight with revenge as he marched with way to the smaller boy. Tsuna's feet finally unglued themselves from their spot and he bolted down the hall. All of his usual and yet to be discovered hiding spots were too far away in the direction he was running. That voice Tsuna had started to listen to more whispered upstairs might be safe. So upstairs he went. All the way upstairs. To the roof.

They weren't really allowed up here, but no one really came up here to check. Not to mention this place was usually territory of…of… OH GOD WHY DID HE COME UP HERE?!

The roof, as a general rule was off limits to anyone who didn't have a death wish. Tsuna as per usual, was forgetful at the worst of times and was now in a panic to hide from the bullies AND the demon who lived up here. But surprisingly…no one came. Not the trio, nor the demon. Was….was he not here today?

It had only began to happen recently. The demon's perfect attendance record had faltered a few times, not showing up to school with no reason of absence, a surprise to the whole student body. Many had theories on it. Some believed he was out there 'disciplining' other schools. Though others thought his absence was about family matter. Did that scary monster even have family? Tsuna and half the school were still in belief that the defender of the peace just willed himself into existence and God was too terrified to deny him.

No one would ever chance the idea of going up to the monster's domain. But Tsuna was desperate. He only caught a glimpse of Yukimura that morning and he was beyond angry, covered in band aides, emitting a killer intent at lunch. Yes, Tsuna was desperate enough to chance the roof. And it worked, for now. Tomorrow would be a different story, if Namimori's 'keeper of the peace' returned to school. So Tsuna quietly at his lunch on the roof and for once, he wasn't looking up every moment for danger.

And now here he was, wishing for that agonizingly slow clock hand to move quicker.

Five more minutes to go! Tsuna tried to take a subtle peek out the window. His room had an angled view of the school yard and entrance. So far, he couldn't see Nicco… B-but that didn't mean he wasn't there! He did make a promise after all, and from the time he spent with the auburn haired boy, he didn't seem like one to back out of a promise! But maybe, he got lost? Oh! Or maybe Nicco's dad really did keep him home! That would be awful…

Tsuna was so wrapped up in his thoughts, he almost jumped right out of his chair in fright when the class bell finally went off. The No-Good student quickly packed his belongings, eager to leave school grounds. Mainly to see if Nicco truly made it. Also…if he lingered, Yukimura and his gang might finally get a hold of him! He didn't need to be in the same room to feel that killer intent from the boy, practically screaming at him all day. With a shudder, Tsuna quickly slinked out of the classroom and down to the main floor, using the crowds of the other students to his advantage as he quickly moved to his locker. Shoes on and backpack over a shoulder, Tsuna quickly made his way out of the school doors and to the gates of the school.

"Oi! No-Good Tsuna!" A loud shout emitted from inside the school, a rush of footsteps following. Tsuna squeaked and quickly sprinted the rest of the way to the gate, eyes flashing about for a mess of auburn hair. He couldn't see Nicco! Could he truly not make it to see him? What was he going to do about Yukimura?! Oh man, he was so gonna get it-

"Yo, Tsu~!" An arm swung over his shoulders, making Tsuna give a trademark screech. A pair of teal mischievous eyes stared right back at him. His body instantly relaxed and Nicco laughed, arm reach to muss up the brunettes hair.

"Where's the fire? You almost ran right pass me!" Nicco smirked and looked back at the school entrance, Tsuna following his friend's line of sight. Oh…yup. There they were. Yukimura and his two followers, Ise and Ando, all looked a little worse for wear but most definitely pissed off. Especially seeing Nicco next to him.

"Oho! Seems the idiot foreigner didn't learn his lesson about hanging around No-Good whelps. You're gonna pay for yesterday you piece of trash!" Yukimura declared in front of the school gates, making a few heads turn, curious of what all the commotion was about.

"Eh? What's Yukimura going on about?"

"Oi who's the kid hanging around No-Good Tsuna?"

"I heard Yukimura-san got into a fight with some foreign kid, then afterwards Hibari-san showed up!"

"L-Let's get out of here, I don't wanna be a part of anything that involves Hibari!"

Nicco moved his arm away from Tsuna, putting his hands in his pockets, seemingly ignoring all the gossip. He gave Yukimura an odd look with a tilt of the head. "Huuuh? Pay for what? Last I recall, you just made a fool of yourself and caused too much noise. Kinda like what you're doing now~"

Yukimura blanched and looked around, as if expecting something to leap out of the shadows at any second. Nicco snickered and made a shooing motion with his hand. "Go home Yuki-chan. Best keep your head down for a while, si?" Yukimura twitched at the nickname and took a step forward, fist raised. Tsuna gulped, he wasn't expecting another fight again!

A shadow suddenly loomed over the group, making the trio of bullies pale and stumble backwards. Pale eyes hardened and locked onto the troublemakers in question, arms folded in an intimidating stance. "I believe my charge is correct. You may want to lay low. In fact, maybe you should keep your interaction with young Tsunayoshi to a bare minimum si?" Luca, bent down to Yukimura's level, dead eyes locking with the trembling boy. "My charge intends to meet up with Tsunayoshi every day after school, it would probably be in your best interest to avoid them both…else you may be put in an unfortunate situation."

No one mentioned the wet stain that grew in Yukimura's pants as he stumbled backwards and fled the school gates, his two goons following right behind them.

Luca blinked and stood up straight. "Ah, maybe I was too harsh…" Nicco busted out laughing, no longer able to hold it, having to lean on Tsuna for support. "Mio dio Luca! You're wayyy scarier than you realize! They prolly thought you were gonna kill them!" Nicco screwed up his face into a scary expression, trying to copy Luca's deep voice. "You may be put into an unfortunate situation." He fell back into his giggle fit, clinging to Tsuna, who began to laugh at Nicco's rather accurate imitation. Luca, rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "I just meant that'd I'd call their parents for their misbehavior…."

"I know that, but they sure as hell didn't!"

"Language Niccolo."

"Sorry sorry~ Hehehehe" Nicco continued to giggle, trying to regain some semblance of composure, finally moving off of Tsuna. "Haaah oh man that was great… Well! Hopefully that means they'll stop messing with you Tsuna! I knew bringing Luca with me would be a good idea!"

"You didn't have a choice, Nicco. I wasn't going to let you go by yourself." Luca gave the rambunctious boy a fond glare. Nicco waved it off and began to walk with Tsuna down the road.

"Yeah yeah~ Anyways! I called your Maman this morning a bit after you left, and asked her if I could walk home with you every day and maybe stay a bit at your place for a few hours after! That is if you're ok with it?"

Tsuna couldn't help but grin at the idea of his very first friend visiting all the time and nodded his head. "Y-yeah! Of course-Oh! B-But… I do have homework to do…" he trailed off. Nicco simply gave another infectious grin and patted the messenger bag that was over his own shoulder. "That was actually the rule Maman made! She said I can come over every day but you gotta finish your homework before playin'! Luca usually helps me with my homeschoolin' so me and him changed my work a bit, so I can do some of my work, while you do yours! That way we can help each other, maybe even get it done quicker!"

"Uwaa, Nicco you really thought a lot about this huh?" Tsuna gave the boy a starry eyed look.

"Of course! And maybe during homework I can teach you a few more Italian words!"

"That'd be nice but… I got to be honest with you now…I-I'm not very good at school. It takes me forever to finish my work. A-ah… S-sometimes I don't even finish it…" Tsuna admitted softly, not looking at his friend. He didn't even tell his Mama that; he hated lying to her but somedays he felt like he was just staring at a wall! None of the work made sense and he felt so lost!

"Hey, that's fine Tsuna! I'm not good at certain subjects either! I realllly don't like history! Too boring! Who cares if I mix up dates 'bout when some old wars happen anyways?!" Luca facepalmed as Nicco began to rant.

"And I still have some trouble with writing my Japanese… But I bet you can help me with that! And I can help you in other subjects! Heck Luca is a great tutor! He can help for sure!" Nicco looked up to his scary babysitter expectantly, who simply sighed and ruffled the boy's hair.

"Don't fret Tsunayoshi. If I can get this little ball of energy to sit down and get high scores, then I can no doubt help you too. It's not about being smart or dumb. Some people just learn differently than others. We will just have to find out what works best for you." Nicco nodded in agreement.

"Yeah! Take me for example! I apparently think things through as problems and solutions! That's why Luca thinks I'm so good at math n science! We tried to apply that to other subjects and suddenly boom! It started to click a lot easier for me. I think…. You're more of a hands on learner! Like when we showed you a few Italian words! I bet you fall right asleep looking at books too long huh?" Tsuna nodded, surprised that the boy could be so observant with the little time they were together. "Y-yeah! The words just kinda…blur together and just don't really form anything after a while, and I get sleepy…"

"There is nothing wrong with that Tsuna, we will find a way for you yet. I promise! And a Marcelli never goes back on his word!"

A little ball of hope grew in Tsuna's chest at those words. Could he really get better scores? Could there be a day when he could proudly show his Mama a test with a perfect 100 on it? Nicco…Nicco made everything sound possible, like there were no limits to his own abilities, lifted his confidence like how wind lifted a kite. He couldn't help but believe in him.

"By the way Tsuna…" the foreign boy broke the silence about halfway to the Sawada residence.

"Yes Nicco?"

"Whose Hibari?"

"HIEEEEEEEEEEE!" Tsuna just about jumped five feet in the air as soon as that last syllable rolled off Nicco's tongue. "WHERE DID YOU HEAR THAT NAME?!"

Nicco raised an eyebrow. "Hah what's with that reaction? That jump was impressive! Anyways I heard some of your classmates in passing about that guy being the reason for the idiot trio looking a lot worse than how we left em. Is Hibari that 'keeper of the peace' guy?"

Tsuna gulped and gave a shaky nod. "H-He's a monster Nicco! Hibari-san doesn't like people breaking the rules… even tiny things like dropping a gum wrapper. Anyone who disturbs the peace gets hurt."

Nicco blinked, taking in Tsuna's every word. "Huh… Sounds like Uncle Vinny. Luca doesn't that sound like Uncle Vin?" he nudged the body guard who simply rolled his eyes.

"Ugh…Don't mention that man in my presence. He's such a pain to work with." Nicco giggled at Luca and looked back to a very confused Tsuna.

"Uncle Vinny is kinda like an 'enforcer' in the family company. Keeps the side branches in line when he goes to inspect them. But he kinda gets waaayyy too into his job and gets a lil extreme. Plus in my opinion, he's a total stick in the mud. He thinks robots are a waste of time and…what was it he said? Oh yeah" he screwed up his face and imitated a dull monotone voice. " 'They provide no use to the betterment of society'. Sheesh what a downer." Nicco snickered and wrapped an arm around Tsuna's shoulder.

"But this Hibari guy is still a kid like you and me si? It's not too late to save him before he turns into my boring uncle! In fact, I'd say it's our duty to make this 'keeper of the peace' live a little." With each word, Tsuna's face had gotten paler and paler.

"P-Please tell me you're j-joking Nicco… He's…H-He's…He's a demon! He'd beat us up for good! There won't be enough of us for a funeral!"

Nicco snorted at Tsuna's dramatics and booped him on the nose. "How do you know? Have you ever talked to the guy?" Tsuna gave a quick shake of the head. "Well what if he acts like that cuz he's lonely? Or he's just a bit different and has a hard time makin' friends? We don't know his life and I bet no one has ever tried to understand it either. I'm not sayin' we should go and find the guy now. I'm just sayin' next time you see him, give him a friendly hello and ask if he wants to hang out. Worst thing he can say is no and walk away. It's not like you 'disturbed the peace' doing that."

The brunette sighed and gave up on trying to debate Nicco's begrudgingly sound logic in the matter. The other boy just didn't get it. He'd have to meet Hibari-san himself to truly understand he was asking for the impossible here. Though… Nicco did bring up some interesting points. Could someone like Hibari-san get lonely? Having people scared of you all the time had to get lonesome surely? Oh well, these were thoughts for another time…a very far away and vague other time.

For now, the two boys and 'nanny' had reached the Sawada residence, taking off their shoes at the door, all the while being welcomed home by a cheery Nana.

"How was your day at school Tsu-kun?" His Mama asked as she laid snacks down at the dining table while the boys set up their homework. It'd be easier to work down here than in Tsuna's room, especially with Luca now getting involved at a tutor of sorts.

"A-Ah, it was good Mama. Nicco kinda surprised me at the gate."

Nicco rolled his eyes and grabbed a mini sandwich from the plate of snacks. "You knew I was coming to see you silly. But it was fun to see that trio of dummies just about pee themselves at the sight of Luca." The auburn haired boy snickered. "Actually… I think Yuki-chan may have…" Tsuna had the unfortunate of just then taking a drink of his juice and just about snorted it through his nose. Nicco kept on giggling as he patted Tsuna on the back to ease his coughing fit.

"Hehe~ Better Tsu? Righto! Let's get to it! The faster we finish, the faster we can go outside and make Luca worry!" If Nicco could feel Luca's annoyed glare from the sofa, he didn't say anything. He simply laid out his homework ad compared it to Tsuna's.

"Hmmmm. Our science is similar so we can help each other here! My math is harder but that's cuz im taking more advanced lessons from Luca, but I can still help with yours! I don't have normal literature like you. I'm working on my Japanese writing instead, so maybe you and Maman can help me there?" The two boys sat side by side comparing work as they devised a way to conquer the great evil known as homework.

In the end…it took about three hours. Luca had expected it, with it being the duo's first time working together. Within those hours, the boy's figured out their own weaknesses and abilities to help each other. What took the longest though was Tsuna's math. Like Nicco had mentioned, it seemed they needed to find a new perspective for Tsuna to understand math. He was very much a visual learner and once Luca and Nicco found a solution for Tsuna to try, things really started to make ground. It was still hard, but Tsuna found the more he applied the ideas Luca and Nicco showed him, the more he found himself understanding the material better. It was like wiping the fog off a window. Now that he could visualize it, he found things so much more interesting. He felt so much more curious about this new outlook on subjects that he once dreaded.

The sun was unfortunately very close to setting by the time they finished their schoolwork, so the duo found themselves only being able to go out for about an hour. Luca was trusting them to come back on time, else he would track Nicco down through his phone.

"Not much we can do in an hour huh…" Tsuna mumbled as he looked around. They could walk to the corner store…maybe buy a new pack of cards? Or go to the park? But then again…Tsuna had his fill of the park for a quite a while.

"Nah~ We can find all sorts of things to do in an hour! All we gotta do is walk!" And walk they did, talking about this and that, anything that came to mind. As the duo walked, they found the streets peaceful as several minutes passed. Then several more… then several more.

"….It's almost time to go back home. Mama will have dinner."

Nicco gave a groan of frustration and ruffled his hair "Aaaaaugh! It's too quiet out here! So boring! Man… we didn't even get to do anything cool!" the boy looked to Tsuna gloomily. "Sorry Tsu. Homework and a walk don't really count for a fun time huh?"

Tsuna reassured the sulky Italian with a pat on the back. "I still had fun Nicco. I can't remember the last time I talked to someone so much. AND you helped me with math. On purpose!" he snickered, which made Nicco grin.

"Well what can I say? I'm a delight to be arou-"

He was cut off by the sudden jolting sound of a yowling screech and powerful barking. It was coming down a narrow alley between two buildings in front of the boys. The sounds got louder and louder, until a sharp yelp resounded out of the alley and all was quiet. Tsuna gave his high pitched scream as two giant stray dogs bolted out of the alley half limping, half running off down the street.

"Jeez… what could that been about?" Nicco made to move to look into the alley, having no thoughts that this could possibly be dangerous. Tsuna tried to hold the boy back, gripping onto his jacket.

"H-hang Nicco! Something beat those d-dogs up! It could still be in there and get you!" As if on cue, as soon as Nicco pulled a clinging Tsuna with him into the alley, they heard a low guttural growl echoing down the dark alley. Nicco frowned. Tsuna whimpered.

"Oh no…"

"Wh-what is it Nicco!?" Tsuna eyed the boy who kneeled down between two trash bins and a pile of cardboard. The monster growled again, louder, as Nicco held out his hand slowly.

"It's hurt…Hey now, It's okay. I'm not gonna hurt you" Nicco began to sweetly coax the monster between the trash. The growling softened as Nicco continued to talk to it, and Tsuna, despite his fears, was curious and moved a bit closer.

What he saw made him gasp in shock. A fluffy white cat had itself pinned up against the wall ears flat, glaring at Nicco's hand. The animals fur was matted with dirt and blood, and it looked like something had tried to take a bite out of his back leg which is was still vainly trying to use to stand.

"Hey now, don't do that. You'll hurt yourself more…" Nicco kept trying to call softly to the cat, but it's glare did not lessen. "I just wanna help you. It's not fair, getting ganged up on by those awful dogs huh? But you kicked their butts, I saw. They had some pretty big wounds on their bodies! You practically bit them to death! You made them regret messin' with you! Haha such a fierce gatto you are!" As if the cat knew Nicco was singing its praises, the glare lessened and turned a bit smug. Cautiously, the animal craned its neck to sniff the foreigner's hand. Tsuna tensed, fearing for his friend, but the cat seemed to like what it smelt and bunted it's head against the boy's hand.

"See? I'm harmless! I just wanna help a pretty kitty like you si? Brush out all that gunk and patch up your leg so you can go back to kicking dog butt." Nicco gingerly reached a finger out to scratch the cat under the chin. That had done it. The cat practically turned into goo and leaned heavily into his hand, a loud rumbly purr emanating from its chest.

"Aw you're just a big sweet heart huh? Fierce, but sweet~ Oi Tsuna, c'mere and pet em! Pay your respects to the fierce warrior!" Nicco grabbed Tsuna's hand and pulled him over, making the brunette squeak in fear. "Hey, don't worry Tsu! Most animals you meet are more scared of you than you are of them! You don't wanna hurt our new fluffy friend si?" Tsuna shook his head adamantly.

"Then they will be able to sense that you mean no harm when they sniff you! It's an act of trust, you know? Now go on! Pay your respects!" Nicco nudged Tsuna a bit forward, catching the cat's attention. It's ears pulled back a little at the boy's appearance but did not growl. Shivering, Tsuna gathered up what little courage he had and slowly lifted his trembling hand to the scary cat.

Said cat looked at the hand, then to Tsuna, then back at the hand. Slowly the feline craned its neck giving Tsuna's fingers a few cautious sniffs. The cat nudged the boys fingers, demanding to be pet. Tsuna blinked in surprise and carefully gave the cat a scratch behind the ear, making the fluff ball purr in delight. Nicco grinned and patted Tsuna on the back. "See! You'll be best friends before ya know it! Now you keep 'em busy. I'm gonna see if I can find a small box or something." The boy wandered off further down the alley. Tsuna kept petting the now calmed kitty, giggling at how the creature leaned into his hand demanding more love and adoration after its intense battle.

Nicco only took a few minutes and had returned with a beat up plastic crate padded with old cloths at the bottom of the box. He set it next to the animal gently and looked to Tsuna with an awkward smile. "Well…I made them a nice lil bed so we can carry em easily to your house. Luca knows how to patch up animals pretty well. But ah… I didn't think this far ahead. Got any ideas to convince a scared kitty to go in a crate and let us carry em away?"

Tsuna frowned in thought and looked back at the cat, who was now cautiously sniffing the new object with interest. He gathered his courage once more. "I'm…gonna try s-something dumb." He announced and brought his hand out to the cat again, Nicco watching on in interest.

"H-hey kitty." Tsuna called to the cat, who jerked back to look at the smaller human that smelled like fear. The boy gave the cat more pets and the feline began to purr once more. "You been giving us a lot of trust… C-can you trust me a bit more please? I just wanna help you.." as he spoke he gently moved one of his hands from the side of the cats head and down to its side, mindful of any injuries. The cat paused in its purring but thankfully did not seem hostile yet.

"I-I'm gonna pick you up and put you in the box ok? We're gonna carry you to my house and get you patched up and I'm sure mama will give you some fish. Y-you like fish yes?" he continue to talk, nervous but trying to project a calming tone in his voice as he gently picked the cat up and place it in the crate as quickly as possible without jostling the poor creatures injuries. It was all over in seconds, before the cat could react, not that it seemed to care. The feline just seemed to blink, look around at its new enclosed space, before noticing that the cloths in the box were somewhat comfortable. It lay down as best it could on its lesser injured side and seemed to finally give in to it's exhaustion from the previous ordeals.

Tsuna let out a breath he didn't know he was holding in. He survived.

Nicco couldn't stop grinning and ruffled his friend's hair. "Tsuuunaaa~ Look at you, acting all cool! You're like a beast tamer! That cat was so chill with you! I wouldn't have been able to pull that off. It was still pretty cautious with me." Tsuna looked down, blushing at the praise. He eyed the cat not snoozing in the crate and gave a fond smile. Cats weren't so scary after all…

"H-Heh I think they just knew what a wimp I am, I'm no threat." Tsuna mumbled as he stood up and grabbed the crate by the side handles. It was a little heavy, but taking turns, the two could easily take their furry patient back to Tsuna's house in no time.

"Psh~ Give yourself some credit Tsu. You got the potential to do so much, it's just you that holds you back. My Pops told me that once. True words, mio amico." Nicco lead the way out of the alley, Tsuna trailing behind with their precious cargo. The Italian pulled out his flip phone, speed dialing the Sawada residence. Surprisingly (or not) Luca had picked up.

"Heyyyy Luca~…Yeah, I know the hours almost up. That's what I was gonna talk to you abou-.. No no, give us some credit! Sheesh, We are not lost OR in trouble. We may just be a few minutes late past curfew…" Nicco pulled the phone away for a moment, making a face at it. Tsuna could hear Luca's loud voice from where he was behind Nicco and he let out a snicker.

"Sheesh, listen! We gotta good reason! We found this poor cat and it was hurt…yeah, some dogs. They ran off though, our furry friend here can pack a punch!... Yeeees, we're fine, the dogs were gone when we checked it out. We're carrying it back to Tsuna's house…Why?! Cuz you helped patch up Auntie Mia's corgis once! The poor thing only has some minor scratches thankfully but its leg…yeah it might need to be set or something. Pleeeease Luca? C'mon, once you see it you won't be able to refuse!...Yay! I promise I'll behave the rest of the week! Or at least tomorrow! See you soon~"

Nicco closed his phone and turned back to give Tsuna a triumphant grin. "Luca's a big softies for animals~ He's gonna help us out. Now hand over our friend, it's my turn to carry!"

The rest of their walk maybe lasted half an hour, taking turns carrying their charge. By the time they reached the Sawada residence, the stars had just begun to greet the sky. And a very impatient Luca was waiting at the door, tapping his foot like a fretful mother hen. The muscle nanny gave a deep sigh holding out his hands to take the crate. "Pass it over, go inside and get washed up for dinner."

Tsuna who was currently carrying the box gently handed it over. "T-The cats still really sleepy, didn't move much when we walked…W-will they be alright?"

Luca looked down at the ball of fluff in the crate, eyes softening just a fraction. "It'll be fine, Tsunayoshi, I promise. Now go make sure Niccolo actually washes his hands." Nicco gave a mock cry of outrage as Tsuna laughed and dragged the boy inside the house.

Everything was calm the rest of the night. Nana had interrogated the boys, and fretted over the idea of stray dogs roaming the quiet streets of Namimori. Luca had started to treat the cat…whom they found was a tough lil girl. He stayed in the bathroom most of the night cleaning her fur and fixing up her leg. After dinner the question came down to where the cat would go now.

Nicco had immediately volunteered but Luca had to shut him down, reminding the boy that the apartment they were staying at was not pet friendly. That left it up to Tsuna, who had also begun to really warm up to the cat. The timid boy put on his best face, big eyes and pout asking Mama if they could keep the kitty here until she was at least able to walk alright on her own.

It didn't take much for her to accept. Before, they never gotten a pet because Tsuna was terrified of dogs. And Iemistu hated cats. Nana had made her decision rather quickly at that thought. The man was never around anymore, his last physical visit being years ago. So naturally he had no opinion on a temporary house guest of the feline persuasion.

Tsuna was ecstatic and spent the rest of the evening watching their new friend sleep in a much warmer bed of fresh blankets in his room. They set up water and food nearby when she woke up. They even make a makeshift litter box filled with shredded paper until Mama had time tomorrow to get a few supplies. All in all, the duo had once again had a very interesting day.

"Ugggh Luca says I gotta go, it's gettin' late or whatever" Nicco ruffled his hair up grumpily as he returned back to Tsuna's room. Tsuna, had yet to move away from the cat's bed, watching her sleep contently. Turning to Nicco, the brunette gave the boy a reassuring smile.

"But I'll see you tomorrow right? And she'll be awake by then too, that's what Luca-san said."

Nicco nodded, grabbing his messenger bag from the boy's room, throwing it over a shoulder. "Mhm! And now that we got an idea on each other's homework, it won't take as long as today. Which means more time to see how many gray hairs I can give Luca~"

Tsuna held back a laugh and waved his friend goodnight.


And was surprisingly how the rest of the week went by much to Tsuna's disbelief. A whole week and he still had a friend! A real friend! Every day he would go to school, deal with the insults and remarks, hide from bullies, and wait out the day. There was only one day where he thought he almost died. Hibari had returned to school on Wednesday and Tsuna had only discovered this when he was eating lunch on the roof which had become his safe haven.

Someone opened the door to the roof, and from Tsuna's hiding spot he saw the fearsome grade-schooler, closer than he ever wished to be. And the boy seemed to immediately know when Tsuna was there, as if he could sense another presence. But the demon looked… exhausted, which was definitely not like him, he never showed any emotion. Instead of looking for Tsuna to beat into a pulp, the boy walked over to the railing of the roof and looked out into the distance .

"Leave."

That was all Hibari had to say and Tsuna was sprinting back through the door and downstairs, looking for a new hiding place. He told Nicco later that day that he encountered Hibari and lived, something not many could brag about. However this just supported Nicco's obsession with wanting to befriend the monster child, saying that the monster kid was obviously nicer than people let on.

Speaking of Nicco, he had stayed true to his word and waited for Tsuna every day after school to walk home with him, Luca in tow, the bald scarred man scaring off any attempts at bullying from Yukimura. They would walk to Tsuna's house and start on homework. And again, like Nicco said, they were finishing work faster. The brunette still had some difficulties with certain subjects, but Luca and Nicco were patient and happy to help. Nana was overjoyed watching her little boy who was always so shy and nervous, asking questions and having fun while learning. By far, Tsuna's favorite thing was learning Italian from the two foreigners. He could actually introduce himself and tell someone goodbye now, his accent pretty awful but Nicco promised to help him with it if Tsuna promised to help him with his Japanese.

After school work was completed, the two would run upstairs and greet their furry friend. He was healing amazingly well, limping around but walking. A day later she was able to use the stairs. She was still a bit grumpy and would only let the boys pet her when it was on her terms. But she was definitely a lap cat, who particularly enjoyed loafing around on Luca's legs while he read the paper. However, with her healing so well, that meant she would soon be allowed to leave the house and return from wherever she came from.

And that day unfortunately happened that Sunday afternoon. The fierce warrior's limp was gone and Luca had announced that she was perfectly healthy once more. No amount of begging from Nicco or Tsuna would allow them to keep the animal. Nana almost caved but Luca held firm.

"Niccolo, this could be somebodies pet that may have gotten loose. They're probably worried sick about her. We need to let her go back to her home. You two understand?"

Nicco sighed and nodded, Tsuna reluctantly doing the same. "Y-Yes Luca san, we understand. But… what if she lives on the street all by herself? What if she gets hurt by another d-dog?"

Luca smiled and ruffed the brunettes hair. "How about a compromise? If she wanders back here on her own, we'll consider she may not have a home and maybe make her a little bed in the yard. But if she has a home already you need to let her go, ok?"

Tsuna nodded and went to pick up the plastic crate the white cat was sleeping in, she has grown fond of the thing and began to make it her bed. The feline cracked an eye open as she felt the crate move but simply huffed and went back to sleep. Luca opened the door for them and soon the two kids were walking down the street with a crate full of cat.

"Where are we gonna take her Nicco?"

The auburn haired boy shrugged, kicked a pebble on the street as he thought. "Um… I guess we can start where we found here?" Tsuna tensed at the thought and readjusted his hold on the crate.

"B-But there were dogs there before!"

"We don't have to go in the alley, just close by. Maybe she'll recognize her surroundings and go home. We can follow her too, to make sure she goes home safely."

"But we're only supposed to let her go. What if her house is far away?"

"All the more reason to make sure she gets home safely Tsu~"

As usual, Nicco's logic made a reasonable amount of sense. So the brunette went with his friend's plan and walked back to the alley, occasionally switching off holding the crate when the other got tired. It didn't take too long to find the creepy alley. There was no barking or dogs of any kind in the area but it still gave Tsuna the creeps.

The white cat was rudely awakened by the insistent poking if Nicco. She gave the boy's finger a swat, growing before she paused, taking in her surroundings. She clearly knew this place. The two boys watched as the cat hopped out of the crate and sniffed about for danger. Not sensing anything, she looked back at Tsuna and Nicco, meowed and trotted down the alley.

Nicco grinned while Tsuna tried to back away from the dark alley. The foreigner grabbed his hand before he could do so and lead him into the narrow path. "Oh c'mon Tsu! I'm here to protect you and so is our fierce feline friend, leading the way! It'll be fun!"

Tsuna gave a nervous laugh and let Nicco pull him along following the white cat who was building some distance between them. Nicco tried to pick up the speed, catching up to their feline guide. They were taken out to the other side of the alley and down the street, weaving between a few houses. Slowly the buildings seemed to get bigger with lots of yards.

"Wooow~ I think our princess lives in a castle! These are pretty fancy!" Tsuna could help but agree with Nicco's observation. He had never really explored this area of Namimori before. It was full of big old properties, usually owned by wealthy businessmen or families that lived in the town for generations.

Tsuna gasped as he saw their furry friend enter between the bars of a gated yard to a big, old tradition house. "There she is Nicco! She lives there!"

Nicco grinned and ran up to the gate and peaked through the bars. "Wooooah! Tsuna! This place has a big fancy garden with one of those koi ponds! Oooh lots of flowers and trees too!" The brunette hesitantly looked through the gate as well, seeing the beautiful garden beyond the stone walls. The trees were in bloom and the cherry blossoms were falling prettily onto the grass. The boy's feline companion had plopped herself right on what must be her favorite sunny rock and was rolling around contently, clearly enjoying being back in her territory.

Tsuna sighed and looked over to Nicco, wanting to tell him that their job here was done and it was time they went home. But, Nicco was not there. Tsuna looked around in confusion. The gate was open…the gate…was open…

"HIEEEE NICCO WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"

The foreigner gave Tsuna a funny look and gestured for him to follow. "To tell the owners that their cat has been returned silly! They should know!"

"This is private property Nicco! They could get mad!" Tsuna fidgeted, fighting with himself internally before giving in and rushing past the gates to follow his oblivious friend. "Really Nicco, we could get into a lot of trouble!"

By now the resident cat was done lounging on her rock throne and trotted over to the two boys who were making quite a racket. She meowed and circled through Nicco's legs. The Italian grinned and leaned down to scratch her behind the ears. "It'll be fine Tsuna. If they get mad, we just explain ourselves to them-"

"Start explaining now."

Nicco was cut off by a new voice from behind them. The cat chirped at the new arrival and sprinted over to the stranger, rubbing against his legs purring. Tsuna looked over at the figure standing at the open gate and let out his typical trademark scream. Nicco looked confusedly to Tsuna and the kid now holding the purring white cat, giving them a deathly glare.

"Tsuna, who's the kid? You know him?"

Tsuna shuddered and shakily pointed at the boy and his cat. "Th-That's H-H-Hibari! We're gonna die Nicco!"

Hibari continue to glare at the brunette and his friend while scratching the car behind the ear. "Were you the herbivores that stole Princess Mochi? I'll end you… "

Tsuna's screams could be heard echoing throughout the whole neighborhood, followed by Nicco's hysterical laughing. Unknowingly to the brunette's perpetual horror and shock, this would not be the last day of Tsuna's short life. This would be the day he befriended the notorious Hibari Kyoya.


LOL Well that just happened! Just what may occur with this interesting encounter~? Muahah~ Thank you so much for reading, please leave a comment review, follow/fave. I love hearing your feedback and answering questions! You can also find me on my tumblr tackygloo! I'll see you all again soon!