Author's Note:

Yeah I know I have a broken promise, but I've updated now, yeah? Even I am happy that I have finally updated. I'm sorry for the very late update though.

Warning(?) Everything that happened on the first part of this chapter also happened on the same night on the last chapter. (When Tsuna came home from his work and tended on Mukuro's wounds and had dinner with him.)

Chapter Four: Boundaries (Part 1)

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The day started perfect for Yamamoto's father. It was Christmas day after all, and the customers, family, and visitors, from around and outside the town, swarmed the Yamamoto Sushi Shop with orders, take-outs, and gifts. He was delighted that his shop was continuously blessed and appreciated by the people, even when the shop was kind of isolated, situated at the edge of the town and the forest beside it. But even if the location was far, his shop was the number one favorite sushi shop of the town.

But what really delighted him more than anything, was that his son always came back during Christmas, to spend time with him by helping at the sushi shop. Even though his son had moved out and bought a house on his own, his son continued to help him by renovating the shop and expanding his home at the second floor. And his son would find time to always visit his father. Especially during the holidays.

Today though, his son came at the shop early to help his father with the orders of the customers, and it also served as a bonding time between the father and son. And now, after an enjoyable yet tiring day, the Yamamoto Sushi Shop was finally closing their services for the night.

"Takeshi! Close the door on the front, will you? I can't seem to fix this stove and it may take a while!" Yamamoto's father shouted from the kitchen, wiping the perspiration from his brow.

Yamamoto Takeshi on the other hand, who was fixing the tables, heard his father and obliged with a smile. "Sure Dad! Want me to close the doors and windows at the back too?"

"That would be a great help, son." His father's head popped out of the kitchen door and replied with a grin.

Takeshi just laughed.

After closing everything, and when his father was also finished on fixing the stove, they were both found on the dining table inside the kitchen, resting while reliving stories that happened during the day.

"Whoa! really?" Takeshi asked, as his father was telling a story where a customer gave a very generous tip.

"Yes! He even said he'd build me a statue!" His father said between breathes.

The father and son laughed at the outrageousness.

And after the laughter died down, his father took a chance to ask about his son's. . . best friend.

"So. . .tell me son, how are you and that brown haired-beauty friend of yours? I thought he was coming today to celebrate with us?"

Takeshi's father asked with too much teasing tone that Yamamoto face was instantly painted red. "Dad!. . .well, he said he had to work. Boss' orders." He sighed.

"Really? But it's the winter holidays!" His father asked, eyes wide as saucers.

"That's what I thought too. But it's okay Dad, I guess we'll have to meet for another day to celebrate."

"Oh. . . But how about your present for him?" His father smiled mischievously.

"Well, it could wait. . .I guess." Yamamoto scratched his head, all the while thinking, when will his father stop asking him about Tsuna?

There was a pregnant pause because of his sudden silence. But then his father was not finished with his prying yet.

"You know son, he's not going to like you forever." And his father's words made an imprint in his head.

Takeshi looked down.

I know.

"Yea." He smiled sadly.

It took a while for him to realize it, but Takeshi knew that the brunet liked him ever since he saved him from those gangsters from High School. The stuttering, the blushes, and the sideway glances when the brunet thought he wasn't looking. . . those were the things that made Takeshi realize that Tsunayoshi Sawada was indeed in love with him. . .

Well, with the help of his old man of course. He never would've found it out if it wasn't for his father making him realize that Tsuna's bashful reactions were all because of him. All because he invited Tsuna one time to the sushi shop, and with his father's sharp eyes, he never would have guessed that that day, his father would corner him and change the way he sees his friend. And after realizing his friend's feelings, the word 'confused' was an understatement to describe Yamamoto feelings.

No, he wasn't disgusted. He was open minded, so it never occurred to him to feel disgusted against people who liked the same gender (he was bi himself, so what could he say?). And it was the same with Tsuna. The problem lies on him, for he never once had a serious relationship.

Sure, he had flings here and there, one night stands and all, but after realizing his friends' feelings, he couldn't help but wonder, what did Tsuna feel whenever he had those short term relationships? His escapades?

He couldn't help but feel ashamed, putting his friend in a difficult situation.

But he couldn't deny that he was also in a difficult situation now too.

Because he doesn't feel the same way as Tsuna does.

Sure, he was very attracted to Tsuna. The petite man was beautiful after all. Sexy even. But he can't seem to have any romantic feelings for the brunet. As much as he wanted to, he just can't. And if he ever did accept it to make Tsuna his lover, he'll make it sure that it was not out of pity for the brunet, or out of friendship.

Until now, Takeshi was waiting for the day Tsuna would confess to him, so that he could at least find the right answer and give an appropriate response to Tsuna, and could stop feeling guilty all the time, especially when he sees the brunet's smile. A smile that could brighten anybody's day. And he was terrified that one day, that smile would disappear, and that their friendship too, will be gone. That's why he does his best to make his best friend happy, because he knew that he can never give the love the brunet was looking for. Well, maybe, not yet.

I am giving it a chance. I'm just waiting for my feelings to change. And if it never comes, then I'll just give the right answer. An honest answer to Tsuna.

His father knew all of his feelings, his guilt and hesitation, and tries his best to cheer his son up by telling him that a person will not like you forever. And it was kind of a good reminder, a reminder that someday, Tsuna would find someone better than him. Someone who would reciprocate his feelings. Before that though, his father tried to convince his son to give the brunet a chance. And his son did. Only when he realized that he was only putting his son in a more difficult situation by always reminding him of his dilemma, that he stopped putting his nose on his son's business.

But he wouldn't stop teasing his son. After all, his son was being pined by a gorgeous brunet, and he took pride in it. Although he hoped that his son would soon find a closure for his guilt. And hoped for the best for the friendship between the two twenty four year olds to remain, whatever happens.

Yamamoto's father smiled. Yes, everything will be alright between those two. I just feel it.

"Come on Takeshi! let's get settled for the night. We still have business tomorrow." His father stood, a grin marring his face.

"You go on Dad. I think I'll be having some fresh air by the forest tonight, it's been a while since I went there." Takeshi smiled, standing up and making his way to the back door.

"Be careful then! And don't stay up too late, you never know what's in there. . ." The older man said in a manner that would have scared kids. "I know Dad." Takeshi just laughed at his father antics. His father joined his laughter for a while before waving and went upstairs.

Takeshi proceeded to step out and inhaled the cold breeze of Christmas. Still dressed in a simple shirt and jeans, he couldn't suppress the shiver that was caused by the chill of December. Yes, this was why he loved it here: the peaceful and soothing atmosphere of evening forest, the calmness that would settle on your surroundings, and the ambience that the nature could offer. . .

But the silence was easily disrupted when he heard the snap of a twig and groan behind the trees that surrounded the whole backyard of the shop.

Yamamoto, being curious, while staying sharp and alert, slowly went to the direction of the noise that sounded directly behind the tree a few meters away from him. He wasn't scared, he was just curious, and there was a feeling of adrenaline rushing in his body because of the thrill of finding something in this time of the night.

Is it a rabbit? A monkey? Perhaps an enchanted being?

Maa, father's imagination is rubbing off on me.

Yamamoto thought with a smile on his face.

But what he saw wiped that expression away and the feeling of dread instantly replaced the feeling of excitement on his stomach.

It was a bloody man who was barely breathing.

Yamamoto, after snapping from his astonishment, immediately aided the man and carried the man to his father's house. From the looks of the wounds and the way the man was dressed, he knew that calling the police nor the hospital would not do any help. He knew that calling for help from those people were useless, especially if he didn't have any decent explanation for rescuing a man.

A man who had a circle tattoo on his wrist.

End of Part 1

Author's Rant:

I apologize deepy, but I'm going to have to cut it short here. College is really taking up my time, but yea, I MIGHT. . .JUST MIGHT. . .update this November/ December. I'm not sure, but it will be our Semestral break, which is a month and a half. . . I'm not promising anything. . .but I just might. . .MIGHT.

Anyway. . .THANK YOU SO SO SO MUCH FOR THE REVIEWS, FAVORITES, AND FOLLOWS. I didn't think it would actually reach a high number (in just 3 chaps!). Thank you so much for your support. All of these are the only things that keep me motivated, so please don't stop supporting this fic! ^_^

Thank you so much, you guys rock! \m/

It's All Souls Day too ~ (I don't know if I should say happy all souls day, but it seemed very inappropriate, so just. . .)

Good Luck and God bless guys :D