((EDIT: As of 02/16/10-This story has been slightly edited and may differ from the original. Nothing too big but I thought I would mention it anyway.))

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Chapter 4: Silly Rabbit. . .

Ominous silence began to ring in the brunette's ears, making him shudder before he gathered the courage to look at the man whom he knew was staring at him. Cold eyes were glaring at him and it made the back of his neck prickle with fear. Wasn't he going to respond? About to reaffirm his decision, he bit is lip when Hibari stalked toward him slowly. The sight made him tremble… and he actually felt like a small animal cornered by a hungry beast.

"You agree?" Hibari asked simply as he came to a halt in front of the small creature. He could see him tremble and a part of him felt satisfaction while another part wondered how much power the herbivore actually had. Maybe it wasn't much if the kid felt the need to show fear.

Tsuna stared up at the man who now towered over him and tried to collect himself. There was no need to have so much fear, right? He knew this man was one that shouldn't be crossed, but that didn't automatically make him a monster. If he was like Reborn then that meant that even if he could be cruel, he would be sensible. Right? "Y-Yes—"

Tsuna gasped in fright and surprise as his chin was grabbed, forcing him to look into serious steel blue eyes as something cold and hard pressed against his right cheek.

"You do know that this will make me your master. You will reasonably do as I say and act your part accordingly. There will be rules and you will no longer be your own man…" Cold and firm words were hissed on warm breath that puffed across smaller male's face as he leaned in so all the kid could focus on were his eyes.

"I—" Tsuna hesitated. This man would be… his master? He would have to do as he said? He mentally frowned. Would that… no. He had said reasonably. Did that mean he would be an appropriate master? And he would be longer be his own man…? His brows furrowed. He could live with that he supposed. For now. "I still accept."

Hibari eyed the brunette, trying to measure his sincerity as he straightened up. "Call me master."

Tsuna blinked once in confusion before bowing his head, cheeks flushing at the awkwardness. "Y-Yes, maste—hiiih!"

He froze as the cold hard metal object struck him lightly against his cheek. What did he do?!

"If you fear I am going to hurt my pet, then I must do my part to meet those expectations." Hibari explained smoothly. Seeing the brat bow to him had irked him. He didn't know why. "And don't ever call me master."

Bringing a hand to his cheek, Tsuna frowned. Maybe Hibari had a point. And maybe he deserved the warning swat but… eyebrows furrowing he looked up at the man with the cold eyes. "But you're the one—"

He gasped again as his cheek was struck harder this time, the force enough to knock him over onto his left side. He laid still, not sure how to respond until he was flipped onto his back. He stared with watery eyes as another swipe was made for his head, he remained still as the whistle of the air being cut met his ears, and he didn't flinch as a connection was made.

Hibari glared down at the kid who had learned rather quickly not to show fear as he pulled his tonfa from the floor next to the pale face. "Are you sure?"

Tsuna continued to stare, ignoring the hot tears as they fell over his temples and into his hair. He was crazy. He had to be. "Yes."

Hibari once again straightened up before putting his tonfa away. "Better hope you don't regret it… I won't let you escape so easily from me."

Tsuna ignored the slight skip in his heartbeat at those words. He would worry about that… later. For now? He needed to know what his owner demanded of him. Wincing as he pushed himself to sit up, he forced his eyes to meet the Hibari's. "What… kind of pet should I be?"

Hibari's dark brows furrowed again as he stared at the stray who dared to so boldly meet his eyes. He smirked. "Come again?"

"Ah." Tsuna blushed. Why did he have to make it sound like he was being stupid? "I… w-what kind of pet should I be? A… dog? C-Ca—"

"You actually plan to act like an animal?" Hibari snorted as he crossed his arms. Was the kid really that stupid?

"I—I…no! F-For… characteristic purposes?" Tsuna tried to explain. Ugh. Why would he act like an animal for real—he didn't have to, right?

Hibari stared. The kid was small. With big eyes and a fluffy head of hair. He seemed harmless for the most part and there was something about him…

"Rabbit." He replied without any emotion.

"…" Tsuna blinked slowly, not expecting that for an answer. "Eh? A rabbit?!"

"Of course. What else would a weak herbivore like you be?" Hibari replied coolly, watching the brunette frown before sighing. "That aside… what is your name?"

Big caramel eyes looked at him innocently as his 'new rabbit' remained mute. …Surely the herbivore had heard him!

"I asked your name." Hibari tried again. He watched as those innocent eyes merely blink and he became annoyed. The stray wasn't answering on purpose! "Answer me before I bite you to death!"

Hibari felt rage bubble in his veins when the kid merely sighed before looking at him like he was being bothersome. Not in the mood to be played with he snarled before grabbing the kid by the front of his shirt and slamming him back against the tiled floor.

Tsuna gasped once in pain as another ache was added to his already protesting body. He was forced to wince once more as he was pinned forcefully to the floor by strong hands, the pain causing him to whimper, "I-It hurts!"

"So… you can still speak." Hibari hissed before frowning as something unusual caught his eye against the dark tile. At first he worried he had been a little too rough and caused his new pet to bleed but as he brought his fingers to touch the contrast of color… he realized it was hair? From the stray?

"R-Rabbits… don't talk." Tsuna hastened to reply before Hibari caused him more pain.

Hibari turned his attention from the locks of hair to the face of his injured pet. Rabbits didn't… the annoying little—! "You are a very special rabbit, you can speak. Pull something like that again and I will do worse than bite you."

Tsuna shuddered at the threat. Why was he so angry over that?! He should have expected it. "So… I'm like that cereal rabbit?"

Hibari blinked. Cereal Rabbit? He had no idea what the other was talking about. "You are testing my patience.

"S-Sorry!" Tsuna gasped again as he was pushed harder into the floor. "I-I'm listening!"

This seemed to please Hibari as he released his grip and sat back on his heels. God, this kid was actually a pain in the ass. Maybe he should just kick him to the curb and watch him from afar like originally planned. "I asked for your name."

"My…" Tsuna frowned. Would Hibari know his name? He couldn't chance it. "Uh… well, does it matter? Don't people name their p-pets?"

"Name their pets?" Hibari's eyes narrowed in on the kid as he studied him carefully. Why wouldn't he give his name? "Tell me your name."

Tsuna looked away, thinking fast. He could make one up… but what if he forgot or messed it up somewhere? He couldn't give his real name, though he didn't want to make the other mad… Slowly bringing his eyes to meet the steel blue gaze he chewed his bottom lip before bravely, maybe even stupidly, trying to get him to move past this point. After all, wasn't it he who had said…

"I… I don't see how my name should—didn't you say I will no longer be my own m-man? Why should my past identity matter?" Tsuna took a deep breath, watching Hibari closely, looking for any threat of another attack. "I think you should name me."

Hibari felt his eyebrow twitch in annoyance. He wanted to beat the kid for not answering his question… but he couldn't fault the him, either, for things he had said. Damn herbivore!

"Fine. Your name is now Hisagi. Mine is Hibari Kyouya." Hibari said with disinterest. "As I have said… there are rules, but I will explain them later. For now I order you to take a bath."

Tsuna blinked thoughtfully as he let his name wash over him. Hisagi? A small smile graced his lips. It was… he thought it was a cute name! He felt honored—wait. His smile faded. A bath? And what was he to call his owner? "Ah! Um… w-what shall I call you?"

Hibari looked his pet over at the question before turning away. "I will get you fresh towels and a cloth. You may use any soap you—"

"Ah! W-wai—H-Hibari-san! ...?" Tsuna flinched when Hibari turned to look at him at the call of his name. The the dark haired man arched a questioning brow at him. Is… that what he should call him? "…Hi… bari-san?"

"If there is something you require, herbivore, then speak it. Otherwise stop saying my name." Hibari said lowly as he locked eyes with wary caramel ones.

"Y-Yes, Hibari-san…" Tsuna felt relief at now knowing how to address the other man. Now there was the matter of… "Um… I—the bath. My hand…"

He trembled a little. He didn't want to make Hibari mad at him again, but he didn't know if it would be okay to bathe with his injury.

Hibari let his eyes trail over the herbivore's injuries before noting he had a point. He thought for a second before coming to a conclusion. "Stay here."

Tsuna watched with confusion mixed with curiosity as the other left the room, the yellow fluff ball following. He had forgotten about him! …Hibird, was it? Tsuna smiled a little as he thought of the little bird. Hibari couldn't be that bad if Hibird seemed to like him, right? He hoped so.

He blinked innocently as Hibari came back, Hibird on his shoulder and arms full of towels and such. Eh? He watched as Hibari set the things down on the closed toilet lid before turning to him. "Come here."

Intuition told him to obey without question. Taking a hesitant step at first, he walked over to Hibari before gasping as he was grabbed by the front of his shirt and pulled to stand in front of the taller male. He felt his face flush pink when Hibari started undoing the buttons.

"W-What are you—" Tsuna squeaked, trying to pull away only to have his throat grabbed in one strong hand while his uninjured wrist was grabbed by the other.

"Be a good pet and don't fight me… or I might have to hurt you." Hibari growled as he looked at the kid's frightened reaction. "I'm not going to do anything but help you bathe."

He released the kid slowly, watching him as he calmed his rapid breathing. When it didn't look like he was going to fight anymore, he continued as before. With the shirt undone he pushed it from pale shoulders, eyeing the newly exposed flesh as the shirt pooled noiselessly to the floor. It was marred with fresh bruises and there were some scars here and there which made his curiosity rise. What did his pet do to have such marks on his body?

That aside, he also noticed the kid wasn't as skinny as he looked under the large clothes. He was petite but there was muscle there, lean and tone. It made him look a little less weak. Bringing his attention from the other's body, he reached for some items he had brought with the towels. Said items in hand, he took his pet's—he actually kind of liked the sound of that—injured hand and carefully slid a plastic bag over it before securing it with some black masking tape.

Tsuna blinked as he watched his owner—Oh my! D-Did I really just think that?!—work. He looked on curiously at the bag when Hibari had finished and blushed at how silly it looked.

Hibari ignored him as he turned to the tub and worked the knobs so relatively hot, but bearable, water began to fill the large marble piece. Thinking of his pet's privacy he added some bubble balls so a nice strawberry scented foam started to cover the water's surface.

"Finish undressing and get in the water." Hibari said as he turned to look at the other before taking a few steps away and leaving his back to him.

Tsuna frowned. He wasn't leaving to let him undress? He sighed before letting it go as he turned so his back was to Hibari as well. He struggled a little with unbuckling the belt with one hand but managed after a few attempts. He had an easier time with the pants, pushing them and his boxers off before blushing brightly. He had been nude in front of other men before… but those times were different—the men were different! Shaking his head he took a deep breath before stepping lightly into the hot water. He lowered himself carefully before hissing in discomfort when the hot water stung his little cuts.

Hibari turned slowly and exhaled softly in relief when he saw the brunette was safely covered in the water. He watched as the kid winced every now and then as he moved to a comfortable position, letting his injured hand hang over the side of the tub. He walked over to him as Hibird flew off his shoulder, rolling the sleeves of his shirt up to his elbows before grabbing the cloth he had brought and kneeling on the floor. He watched the kid tense and blush as he stared at the bubbly foam.

Narrowing his eyes for a second he relaxed his features before dipping the cloth into the water and bringing it up to wring water into the sienna hair, being careful not to let any run into the injured eyebrow. Once the hair was thoroughly wet he washed it gently with shampoo, arching a curious brow as he got to the longer parts of the kid's hair. It was longer than the rest, probably meant to be gathered in a ponytail. Why hadn't he noticed it before? Something about it seemed somewhat familiar… but he couldn't put his finger on it. It did make him feel somewhat annoyed though.

"Tomorrow you will cut this." Hibari said firmly as he tugged on a couple of locks to show what he was talking about before rinsing the suds out carefully.

"Ah! I—" Tsuna quickly stifled his protest before frowning. He… had to cut his hair? But… "Yes, Hibari-san."

Hibari blinked at the soft reply. Why did he sound sad about it? It was just hair. His brows furrowed when he felt the sensations of the kid calling out to something in him again. It was so odd. "It's just hair…"

"Yeah…" Tsuna mumbled as he hugged his knees lightly when Hibari pushed on his shoulder lightly so he would lean forward. Just hair…

"See Tsunayoshi-kun! It suits you nicely! After all, it's just like mine… we make a perfect match…"

A sharp pain followed by a sharp intake of breath brought him out of his thoughts when one of his bruises was accidentally brushed against.

Hibari stilled at his pet's gasp before lifting his hand. He saw he had washed over a large bruise in the process of forming before frowning lightly. He would have to be more careful since it wasn't his body and therefore couldn't tell if his pressure was too hard. Gathering more suds on the spare luffa he was using, he went back to his task with a more careful touch, washing up along the kid's right shoulder and down his arm, minding the baggy.

Tsuna had to stifle a giggle and the urge to jerk away when his armpit was washed. It was strange how it never tickled when he washed under his arms.

Hibari watched with reluctant amusement as Tsuna twitched, knowing the cause. The stray really was just a kid.

Leaning back and resting against the curve of the tub as Hibari moved his washing to his chest, Tsuna closed his eyes while trying to relax and enjoy the soak. Even though another was washing him… though it wasn't like it had never happened before. He had bathed with Lambo a few times—of course that was when they had been younger, Lambo being six or seven. But there was also Gokudera. Of course… that had been a little different too. He could feel his face heat up as he thought about those times. It wasn't unusual to bathe with his guardians, Chrome the exception, from time to time, especially in public places like an onsen, but there had been more private times in his personal bathroom.

Most of those times had been shared with his Storm Guardian, though occasionally his Rain as well, the bomber sometimes just helping wash his back while giving a report or helping him when he was sick. Gokudera always said it was his job as his right hand man. But then there were the few times it had been… more. He blushed harder.

Gokudera and Yamamoto had become his best friends and closest confidants over the years. He wasn't really sure how it all changed… one day they were like always then there was experimental kissing which then led to touching until they were sleeping together. At first he had freaked out but he was soon comforted by Reborn and Dino who had calmly explained it wasn't unheard of. The four helped him embrace a new side to his sexuality and Yamamoto and Gokudera were generous and understanding with him. They came to the conclusion that they loved the each other—well Yamamoto and Gokudera loved him and he them—but it was a special kind, no romantic feelings. It became a part of their bond. It was rare but if one needed the other or others, they were there.

Gokudera, it seemed, like to bathe with him before or after a sexual encounter. It was like his form of cuddling. He would hug him to his chest while whispering hotly against his cheek, teeth grazing the shell of his ear as he called him Tsuna-sama. The only time his friend would call him by name, no matter how many times he asked. He could feel them now, the warm hands caressing his body as something soft stroked over his stomach. He felt a light breathy moan escape past his lips as his body responded to the touch. Gokudera-kun…

A sudden tensing followed by the scent of strawberries assaulting his nose—wait… strawberries? Impossible! Gokudera always smelled of…

His eyes shot open as he gasped, meeting Hibari's own surprised stare. Oh please, oh please…! Tsuna whimpered, face red as he slowly dragged his eyes down. He felt mortified when his saw his happiness peeking out from the mass of bubbles. Crying out in embarrassment, he threw himself forward, hugging his knees tightly as he hid his face.

Hibari merely continued to stare in surprise and light confusion. What…? Taking in his now trembling stray he mentally sighed. If it was awkward for him, he could imagine how the kid found it even more so. Releasing the luffa he slowly got to his feet before taking a step back.

"I'll… go get you clean clothes. You can finish up yourself." He said lightly, a little disturbed by his soft tone before turning and leaving the room.

Closing the door behind him, Hibari took a deep breath before frowning again. What the hell was that about? He looked at his hand before clenching it. He had done nothing but wash him! How old was this kid? Was he just becoming aware of his hormones? Or maybe… he was attracted to men? He felt his eyes narrow. Was it even him? He had noticed how the kid had seemed preoccupied when he had glanced at his face while gently washing over another growing bruise to see if he was pressing too hard.

He sighed before brushing his hair out of his eyes and walked to his room to find a pair of pajamas. It took a few minutes to find a small enough pair and a few more to find underwear. His brows furrowed as he realized his new pet was going to need clothes. Unless he had some somewhere. He would have to ask… later. Gathering the items he headed back to the bathroom.

* * *

Tsuna swallowed again as his heart raced in his stomach, making him feel sick. He had… his body… Oh God. He clung tighter to his knees, nails digging into his skin. How humiliating! What must Hibari think of him? He already didn't seem to like him very much… now this? What if he was disgusted? What if he kicked him out? Would he get a chance to explain? Could he?

* * *

Hibari knocked gently before opening the door. He arched a brow at the sight of the kid in the same position he had left him in. Walking in, he set the clothes on the towel before watching the small brunette for a moment. Was he going to sit like that forever? "There are the clothes."

With that he left again, closing the door behind him once more. Pausing to think, he sighed when Hibird landed on his shoulder and nuzzled his cheek before going to his guest room—now the stray's—to strip the bedding and put some clean ones on now that his pet was clean as well. When he was finished he realized the kid still needed to make an appearance. Hoping he wouldn't have to drag him forcefully out of the bathroom he turned to check on his pet only to still as the creature appeared in the doorway, somehow appearing even smaller than before as he stared off to the side, blushing.

"Um… t-thank you for the clothes, Hibari-san." Tsuna said so softly that Hibari barely heard him.

Hibari walked over to the smaller male slowly, causing the brunette tense as he looked everywhere he could to avoid the taller man's eyes. When he stopped before the him he noticed him shudder. What had happened in the bathroom was… awkward, true, but he didn't think it was worth the kid's anxiety. Though that was probably partially his fault. The kid was probably scared of his reaction. Lifting a hand slowly he placed it on the clean head, feeling the soft damp hair, before petting gently.

Tsuna blinked in confusion as Hibari petted—petted?!—his head lightly before leaving the room without a word. He blinked one more time before turning to stare down an empty hallway. Frowning, he brought a hand to his hair and touched where Hibari had.

He smiled slowly. The touch… the petting… was it meant to comfort? Reassurance that everything was okay? He blushed again, remembering what happened before his small smile turned to a frown. He had thought of Gokudera… of precious memories. And he would never have anymore. He sighed. Even thought he accepted he would never be with his family again… it only made it hurt more. Would that pain ever stop? Did he even want it to? Wasn't it kind of justified after what he did?

Shaking his Vongola Sky Ring free from his sleeve, he looked at it for a minute before clutching it tightly in his palm until it hurt before walking over to the bed. He pulled back the silken black duvet, noticing the bedding was clean with a light smile, before turning the lights off and climbing into the comfortable bed and curling up on his side. Bringing the ring to his lips he kissed all of his Guardians good night before sliding it under the pillow for safe keeping. Rolling onto his back he stared up at the dark ceiling before sighing.

Tomorrow was another day. Bring on the pain.

-Chapter 4 End-

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A/N: Here we go... another edited chapter. Yeah. Got some brief spare time... though I would post.

The bath scene here was taken loosely from Kimi wa Petto by Yayoi Ogawa, but there were differences too. I mean... the "master" did the bathing, buuuuuuut... it was innocent. Here it was... more perverted. 8D I still thought I should credit it though--just to be safe.

'HISAGI'. I am SO unoriginal sometimes. Sorry. Basically "Hi" added to "Usagi", if ya couldn't tell. And for those who might not know... the 'cereal rabbit' Tsuna is talking about is the Trix rabbit! x3 "Silly rabbit, Trix are for kids!" Yeah. (It's a cereal here in America!)

So Hibari is a little abusive. Sorry to those it might offend. But it will make his sweet moments all the more special so... deal with it?

Okay! Tsuna's hair! He has it loosely based off of Mukuro's-- and that's who he was thinking about... but whenever I think of it long like that, I think of Son Goku's hair when he's all demon form from Saiyuki. Lol. And now I really don't know what there is to talk about. Um... if you have a question, please ask. Thank you!

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NEXT CHAPTER:

It's Hard To Ignore