I POST'D'D, AKI-CHAN, YER TURN D8

P.S. Can you tell where Tek-Tek's brain stopped working, where she was suffering brain farts, and where she was suffering from emotional drama? I can - and it's not pretty. Love the OOCness, from both OC and Canon Char

P.P.S. Disclaimer on main page OTL

P.P.S.S. I love you, Aki-chan ;A;

P.P.P.S.S. I love everyone who reviews, too c:

P.P.P.S.S.S. Can you tell I'm a dork? I can -A-

Ball 5:
New Definition To The World "Brainless"

She couldn't remember the last time she felt so empty, so cold, so alone. Oh wait, she could – since before she met Yamamoto. The baseball nut helped her through those times when she thought she was alone, gave her something to believe in – someone to believe in. Was it really okay for her to trust so much in one person?

Tsena curled into a ball under her covers, closing her eyes as she sighed. The sun was going down when there was a soft knock on her bedroom door. "Tse-chan?" Nana said, gently nudging the door open and sticking her head in. She frowned when she saw Tsena's back to her, facing the wall. "Dinner is almost ready, Tse-chan. Are you going to join us?"

"No, thank you, I'm not hungry."

"Reborn-kun's friend is staying the night. When you find your appetite, come join us, okay?"

" 'Kay…" Tsena buried her head further into her pillow, closing her eyes and drifting asleep.

"Well, well, what have we here?" She boredly looked up at him, a blank look on her face. He grimaced and sighed, rubbing his head. "You know, blood does not look good on you."

"Why do you care." It wasn't a question, more like a statement, as she looked around her. "It's not murder, it's self-defense. They started it…" His look grimed even more at how little she seemed to care, so emotionless, so heartless. It was like she was a robot and didn't care that a little girl her age just killed. Well, he supposed it was the usual life in the Mafia; it's either kill or be killed. As his team worked in the background, he kneeled beside the girl.

"Did you do this by yourself?"

"No, there were other people here, too, but they left." She didn't look at him as she stared at the dead bodies. Truth be told, she didn't touch them, didn't lay a finger on them. No, it was all done by one single individual, but she didn't think they would believe her nor care. It was silent before she looked up at him, "Are you going to take me away and lock me up so you can experiment on me, too?" She asked, and he hated how little her eyes showed, how little she cared about herself and what may happen to her.

"No, never." He frowned, feeling his heart go out to the poor girl. She was so young too, she didn't deserve this. "What did they do to you?"

"Something about messing with my touch senses and regeneration process…" She mumbled, looking away. "Stuff happens when I touch people… Well, certain people…" Slowly, hesitatingly, he reached out to her, giving her plenty of time to pull away. When she didn't, he rested his hand on her head.

"What's your name?"

"Nesta." That dead look she was giving him was starting to bug him.

"Nesta... What would you say if I could take you away from all this and take you somewhere different?"

"I'd say you're nuts," She, Nesta, answered bluntly, deadpan look on her face. He had to catch himself from falling over, not expecting the straight forward answer, "But…" He fixed himself up right as she looked at him thoughtfully, a small smile appearing on her face, "Anything is better than this, I guess…"

He laughed, liking her smile. Even if it was small and awkward, it was better than nothing.

Tsena felt annoyed. She glared at the wall opposite of her bed, running a hand through her hair. She pulled lightly at it, growling softly. Her mind was a scramble of different thoughts, her body over-reacting to the different emotions, too many things seemed to be happening at once and all she was doing was sitting! She needed to get out, needed to do something…

She needed to get rid of this empty feeling in her chest, this numbness that was driving her nuts. Something had to make her feel better, anything was better than feeling this!

Tsena threw away her covers and changed out of her clothes, pulling on a white fitted shirt and pants, wrapping her scarf almost chokingly around her neck and replacing her white gloves with some elbow-length leather ones, before she climbed out her window. As she started down the street, she faintly paid attention to where she was going. Everything was a blur of colors and occasional lights as she made sure to stay unseen. As she walked, her mind drifted again, treading on thoughts better left forgotten.

She couldn't help it, though, her mind was thinking for her apparently. As she thought and remembered, she felt something new stir in her stomach. It made her hands clench and her teeth grit together. It made her remember the past.

He blinked when he heard his house phone go off, calling to his old man that he got it.

"Hello?" He said, ever so cheerfully.

"Er, Yamamoto?" He knew that voice.

"Hm? Tsuna?" Yamamoto blinked, wondering why his classmate was calling him so late in the night.

"Uh, this might sound weird, but… is Tsena with you?" Yamamoto's heart froze.

"… No, she's not," He managed to sound casual about it, laughing airily, "Why, what happened?"

"Well, she's not home… Kaa-san's starting to worry because it's so late and uhh…" There was something in his voice as it trailed off that left Yamamoto uneasy. His usual happy face dropped as he grimaced. Suddenly, he turned serious.

"Let me know if she gets home, okay? I'm gonna go look for her." He hung up without waiting for a reply. "Oyaji! I'm heading out for a bit!"

"What? Takeshi, it's la-"

"Tsena's missing," Yamamoto mumbled, loud enough for his dad to hear. Whatever Tsuyoshi was going to say died on his lips. He watched as his son quickly changed into loose clothes, something easy to run in, and headed towards the door, slipping on his shoes.

"Takeshi," Yamamoto stopped at the door, turning to look at him. With a surprised grunt, he caught the jacket his dad threw at him. "Forecast called for showers. Be careful." He smiled at the boy, who blinked and wondered why his dad was acting so weird.

"… Ahaha, 'kay. Thanks, Oyaji! I'll be back as soon as possible!" With that, he was out the door. Yamamoto slipped on the jacket as he wondered places Tsena might be at. He remembered the tone of voice Tsuna was using and grimaced again. He had a few places in mind and none made the usually cheery boy happy.

"Ew, who is that?"

"Oh, that's the new girl everyone's talking about?"

"What's with her hair? Green is so not in."

"I hear she gets into fights a lot and that's why she was kicked out of her old school."

"Haha really? Wow, what a delinquent." She ignored them, turning her head to stare up at the sky. At the call of her name, though, she was up and ready to bat.

"Yamamoto, at least try to take it easy!"

"Ahahaha, will do, will do~" She stared blankly at her pitcher, who had an easy-going grin on his face and eyes that seemed to be so full of energy and life. Her eyes narrowed. This guy annoyed her already. But suddenly, the look was replaced by a serious one. He threw his arm back and flew the ball at her hard and fast, so fast it was barely noticeable. She smirked, though, not really looking at the ball. To her, baseball wasn't about "hitting a ball" or "keeping an eye on it". No, to her, baseball was all about instincts.

To the surprise of her classmates, she swung the bat almost gracefully and smacked the ball just as hard, sending it flying for a homerun. Still smirking, she leisurely walked her bases, in no rush at all. Her pitcher's eyes widened as he stared at her, amazed. Her teammates stared at her, too, looking at her in a new light. Once she managed her bases, she leaned against the wall behind her classmates and closed her eyes. School life was boring, she concluded. There was no excitement, no real terror, no threat of death anywhere.

A soft sigh left her lips. Oddly, she was content with it.

Tsena's fist collided with her enemy's, jumping out of the way of another. Four against one was hardly fair, especially when there was a fifth coming. She glared at the older kids. She recognized them: they were some slacker upper classmen that liked to skip class. Her eyes narrowed even more as she sneered. They started it; they're the ones who pissed her off. Their stupid looks, stupid attitudes, their stupid… everything! As they growled and snapped at her, calling her all the names in the book to try and provoke her, Tsena stood her ground.

She was outnumbered but she didn't care. The bruises would fade, the cuts would turn into scars, the hurt would dull itself, but still, why was that damn empty feeling still clawing at her? It scratched at her stomach, touching her heart and sending her brain hay-wires.

'Make it go away.' Tsena bunched her eyes shut tightly, gritting her teeth, 'Make it stop! I don't care if he's with her, I don't care if he's not around! I can live without him! I… can live… without him…' She hated it. How could she reply to heavily on him? How could he just crush her like this? Why was he doing this to her? Why did she even care so much?

She heard them coming, felt the ground shake slightly as they ran at her. She didn't move. She let them come, she let them grab her arms, she let them punch and kick her. She didn't care, the pain was welcoming, it helped her feed at peace. She closed her eyes and couldn't help the low chuckle that escaped. This was nothing, she's had worse.

"What's so funny?" One growled, grabbing her hair and yanking it back, making Tsena open her eyes to look at him. The guy's eyes narrowed even more at her blank look. He didn't like it, she was supposed to be in pain! "You think you're so tough, huh? Well, take this!" He reeled his hand back, ready to punch her in the face. Tsena closed her eyes, waiting for the hit and not even flinching when she heard a fist connect with skin… Why didn't she feel any pain? Suddenly, the arms grabbing hers were gone, and with nothing to support her, she fell to her knees. Tsena opened her eyes, staring at the concrete ground below her.

All around her, she heard their grunts and groans as they fell, one by one, to the ground. She felt the rain on her back as it gently fell, trying to cleanse the tainted ground? The blood was intoxicating, it reminded her so much of the past. The rain slowly washed away the blood and as Tsena closed her eyes, feeling so weak and utterly useless, she wished it could take her away, too.

"Tsena?" A voice panted, kneeling in front of her. She didn't look at him, she didn't want to. "Tsena, answer me, please. Are you okay?"

"Why do you care?" She hissed out softly, still refusing to look at him. Tsena literally clawed the hand that grabbed her arm away from her, gritting her teeth and growling.

"Look what they did to you…" Yamamoto sighed softly, reaching forward to brush his thumb against a cut on her face, cupping her cheek in his hand. She hated how warm it was, she hated how her head was tempted to rest in his hand, she hated how easily she wanted him.

"Go away." She pushed the feeling away, but didn't move her head. "I don't need you, I don't want you around. Just leave me alone."

"Yare, yare," he sighed, standing up and looking up at the sky, "This won't due…" He knew Tsena was being difficult, he didn't mind. Well, he did, but it was better than her ignoring him, he supposed. With a sigh, he slipped his jacket off and draped it on her. Tsena didn't move and he didn't expect her to. With a sad smile, the raven-head scooped the petite girl in his arms with easy. Tsena turned her head, frown on her face. Yamamoto chuckled as he started to walk. As Tsena pulled his jacket to cover her face, he had to be optimistic.

At least she didn't push him away.

"What the hell are you looking at?" She glared at them, annoyed. Why did these people always have to try and prove they're better? Why can't they just leave her alone? So what she had green hair, so what she was new, so what she stuck out? So what? They surrounded her, right outside the school, too. Good game, where's that scary demon of Namimori?

While she was distracted, one charged forward with a wooden bat, swinging it hard enough to crack and bust against her head. With a cry, she stumbled forward, doubling over and holding the back of her head. His friends laughed and laughed at her, thinking it was over. They were shocked when she straightened her back, blood dropping from her head and onto the ground.

"You know that was my head, right?" She growled slowly, "You know that could've killed me, right? So that means, you tried to kill me, right?" She clenched her fists, the guys around her shaking in fear at the murderous aura surrounding her, "So you can't blame me for what happens next, right?" She turned to them, demonic grin on her face as blood fell over her eyes and down her face. If they thought she was pissed before, they were in for a rude awakening. She was annoyed then, now she was beyond that.

She picked up what was left of the baseball bat and ran at the guy, slamming it against his chin and sending him flying backwards. She noted how the others tensed to fight and she beat them to it. She grabbed one by the collar and slammed him down to the ground, picking him up by the back of his shirt and tossing him on a pile on top of two of his other friends. She ducked down as one tried to punch her head, upper cutting him and side stepping as another came at her from the side. She held her foot out for him to trip over, using the same foot to kick someone in the gut.

"Sawada!" Someone called her name but she ignored them. Instead, she favored the guy approaching her. She headbutted him and kicked him in the stomach, sending him backwards. To her annoyance, they kept coming at her. She could go all day, honestly she could, she was raised to keep fighting and to not lose or back down, but all that disappeared when someone appeared by her side, punching a guy in the face and taking three down with ease.

"You look like you could use some help, Sawada!" The guy grinned at her, catching a boy in a headlock and tossing him aside to collide with their friends. She stared at him, wondering why in the world he was helping her. What did this baseball freak want from her?

"Haha, you don't change much, do you? Still getting into trouble." He tried to sound airy and cheerful, but the dull look in Tsena's eyes was driving him nuts. His heart clenched as she wordlessly let him patch her up. It wasn't anything too bad or serious – after all, Yamamoto's seen worse when it comes to his friend – but geez, the boy had to wondering. "What made you do this?" He finally sighed out, sitting beside the girl on his bed.

"… Why did you help?"

"Hm?" Yamamoto blinked his eyes, surprised to hear her ask that. "Why did I… Why wouldn't I? Tsena, you're my -!"

"Before, when you didn't know anything about me, you helped." Tsena cut him off, staring at his floor, "You got into a fight with a stranger, got suspended because of this stranger, and randomly befriend that stranger. Why?"

She was asking why Yamamoto helped her so long ago? "Easy. It's because you were different."

"What?" Tsena blinked her eyes, confusion showing as she looked at him.

"Ahaha, you stood out from everyone else." He grinned at her, "It was… what's the right word…?" His eyes knitted together as he thought, frown on his face. Tsena raised an eyebrow. "Interesting, I guess," he finally answered, dropping the look in place for a smile, "You were interesting, Tsena, from the first day we met to now."

Interesting? He thought she was interesting? If she was so interesting, why wasn't he interested anymore? She smiled coldly and scoffed, "Good game." Yamamoto's smile dropped as he suppressed the urge to sigh. He hated when Tsena was so… emotionless like this. He lifted his hand and ruffled her head, chuckling when Tsena swatted his hand away.

"Why're you avoiding me?" Tsena almost flinched at the blunt question. She hated when Yamamoto didn't beat around the bush at times.

"… Same reason you're ditching me."

"Huh? I'm not ditching you."

"Are too."

"Am not."

"Are too."

"Am not."

"Are toooooooo."

"Am noooooooot."

"How childish." Tsena shook her head, falling back on his bed and staring up at the ceiling. She felt the bed shift next to her and Yamamoto laid down beside her.

"Is it because of Aiko-senpai?" Tsena grunted softly. Right on the ball. Good job, Yamamoto. He frowned as Tsena's face hardened, "She's just a friend, you know…"

"I know." Doesn't mean she had to like it, right?

"So why so jealous?" Tsena froze. What did he just say? She was… jealous?

"I am not jealous," She ground out, glaring at him. Yamamoto blinked his eyes, before smirking slyly.

"Awww, is Tsena-chan sad because I'm not spending as much time with her?" He cooed, poking her cheek. Tsena growled, grabbing one of his pillows. She sat up and smacked him with it. When Yamamoto tried to defend himself, she rolled over on top of him and shoved the pillow on his face.

"Take it back, now!"

"Fine, fine," Yamamoto laughed behind the pillow, grabbing Tsena's wrist and tugging the pillow away from his face, "I'm sorry for spending so little time with you." Tsena twitched.

"Jerk!" She stuffed his face back in the pillow, twitching even more as Yamamoto laughed. He grabbed her wrists again and sat up, sliding the girl down to sit in his lap. Tsena pouted at him, trying for a glare. Yamamoto's small, kind smile made it hard for her to be mad at him, though. Goddamn him. He chuckled as he fiddled with Tsena's fingers, that same damn smile on his face. "What?"

"Nothing." Yamamoto's fingers ran over the soft skin covering her knuckles, "Just remembering a time we were never this close." Tsena's heart skipped a beat. "Haha, you were always so cautious and didn't really trust anyone. I remember getting a few knocks in the head, joking or not, 'cause of what I've said and done."

He remembered. After all, how could he forget? Back then, every time he greeted Tsena, he was questioned as to what he wanted from her or what he was up to. Back then, every attempt at touching the girl resulted in him being thrown over her shoulder. Back then, every attempt at trying to understand the girl was short-lived as her vicious and wicked temper sent him hurling to a world of pain.

Tsena remembered, too. How could she not? This jock, this idol, this baseball freak, every girl's fantasy and every guy's ideal-to-be, wanted to be her, the new kid, the freak with abnormal strength, abnormal hair color, abnormal qualities, friend? Of course she was suspicious, of course she questioned him. After all, what did she have that he possibly wanted?

"Why did you do it?" She asked in a soft voice, curious and hesitant. Did she really want to know the answer? Wasn't she content with how they were now? Why did she have to know why he did it? "Why did you try to be my friend, even after I rejected and hurt you so much?"

"Hm?" Yamamoto tilted his head, blinking his eyes. Why did he want to be her friend? He watched as Tsena lowered her head, clenching the pillow tightly. He frowned, wondering if he actually trusted him. Why, after all these years, was she still questioning him? "Easy… Because I know what it's like to feel utterly alone." That he did. After his mother died, Yamamoto couldn't help but to feel so alone. His father, as much as he tried to help to be, couldn't fill the gap that only belonged to his mother. A child without his mother was horrible, no matter how hard that child's father tried so hard to replace her.

"… So you pitied me." Yamamoto's frown deepened. He sighed, closing his eyes and resting his head on hers. She didn't move away from him.

"I didn't pity you – and I still don't. I wanted to be your friend because I never really had one myself." Tsena didn't blink her eyes; she knew that. She knew Yamamoto didn't really trust anyone like she didn't. Sure, he was cheerful, sure, he was friendly, sure, he was "everybody's friend", but did he really trust any of them? No, he didn't. They only liked him for his good looks, his athletic abilities, for everything but for who he was. So, of course this new girl was going to pipe his interest. She didn't cling to him, didn't try to go out of her way to get his attention, didn't try and win him over. No, she was just herself… and that's what Yamamoto liked about her, about Tsena.

"What's so funny?" Tsena mumbled when he chuckled.

"You never tried to get my attention," he mumbled idly, messing leisurely with a few locks of her hair, "and still, you get it." Another chuckled escaped his lips as Tsena blushed faintly.

"You make it sound like I'm trying now," she grumbled, turning her head.

"Haha, you're not, huh? And still, you get it~" Tsena glared half-heartedly at him, bumping his forehead with hers and staring into his eyes. Her green ones searched his hazel ones, looking for something. Yamamoto smiled as he stared back, relaxing and feeling at peace. His time away from Tsena had been hell, to put it dramatically. Tsena gave him too little credit at times, because he was right on the ball about this one. Her eyes widened a bit as Yamamoto wrapped his arms around her, pulling the girl to him as he laid back down on his bed.

"Y-Yama -?"

"Just… don't move…" He mumbled, closing his eyes and enjoying the moment. A smile tugged at his lips when he felt Tsena relax in his arms and pressed her head to his chest. His best friend sure was brainless at times…

"Are we done choosing teams?"

"Just one left."

"I'm saying you can have Dame-Tsuna on your team."

"No way! We don't want to lose."

"He was amazing at volleyball but we know he sucks at baseball."

Tsena sighed, crossing her arms. P.E. was always the worst for Tsuna, no matter what. Yamamoto nudged her, before speaking up, "Maa, maa, it's game time! Just join our team, Tsuna."

"Are you serious, Yamamoto? You don't have to let that loser in," a freshman said to him, eyeing Tsena warily, "Just because she said to." Tsena growled. She didn't even say anything!

"Don't be so stringy," Yamamoto chuckled, wrapping an arm around the freshman, "I just have to keep them from hitting, right?"

"Well, if Yamamoto is saying it…" Another one mumbled, before the rest of the team agreed. Tsuna looked dazed as he stared at Yamamoto, before jumping when Tsena poked him.

"Yo, space cadet, come back to earth," she laughed as her brother looked at her, than back at Yamamoto.

"This is a first, though… I've never been accepted into a team. And it's from the freshman who's the baseball team's starter. And he has everyone's full trust and respect… Yamamoto's really amazing."

Tsena looked at Tsuna, than at Yamamoto. He was surrounded by their teammates, looking up at him with admiration, much like Tsuna was doing. A small smile set itself on her face as the baseball nut grinned at everyone. "Yeah, he really is…"

"Did you and Yamamoto make up?" Tsuna asked. That morning when Tsuna woke up, he was mildly surprised to see Tsena gone. Lately, they've been walking to school together, but not this time. At school, he found out why. For some strange reason, he had the urge to go the baseball field, and lo and behold, he found his sister and her (no longer ex?)best friend playing a friendly game. Italics on friendly because that ball was flying around so fast it was barely seeable!

"Whoever said we were arguing?" Tsena huffed, hands on her hips as Tsuna gave her a wary look.

'Than what was that about?'

"Kaa-san, I'm home…" Tsuna heard a small voice say as the door opened up and footsteps shuffled to the kitchen. Nana was quick on her feet, pulling the girl in for a hug and half-heartedly scolding her for giving the woman a fright. Bianchi, I-Pin, and Lambo were also quick to scold the girl for scaring them all, Reborn commenting how she shouldn't keep the people who cared about her worrying. "I'm sorry, everyone…" Tsuna blinked his eyes, wondering why Tsena seemed so… vulnerable

"Maa, Tse-chan, your soaked to the bone! Well, it is raining outside… Did you walk home by yourself?" Tsena shook her head, rubbing her short hair.

"A friend helped me out of a jam…" After more scolding and apologizing, Tsena started to go upstairs. Still worried something had happened to her, Tsuna followed after her.

"Ne, Tse –"

"Tsuna," Tsena cut him off, her back to him, "Do… Do you hate me…?" Tsuna was shocked to hear her ask this. "I randomly came into your life, a complete stranger living under your roof, sharing the same meals, the same house, the same "mother", life, and everything. Because we live together and we share the same name, people assume we're related. Do you hate me for showing up and intruding on you and your family?"

Did he hate her? Did Tsuna hate Tsena, who everyone thinks is her sister? What in the world…? "No," Tsena almost flinched at the incredulous voice Tsuna used, "Tsena, I don't hate you. I could never hate you. Well, maybe when we first met, I did. You scared me, with your temper and you're crazy antics, but you've changed. You're no longer scary or short-tempered; you're kind and tolerant."

"I'm… kind and tolerant…" Tsena mulled over what Tsuna said, ignoring his cry of how lame what he said sounded or how he wasn't trying to offend her. "Haha, I guess… living with you and dealing with him, somewhere along the road, I changed…" Tsuna was slightly dazed by the soft, caring smile on Tsena's face, before she apologized for worrying him and for asking the weird question. As Tsena started up the stairs, Tsuna found his voice.

"E-Even if… we're not related by blood, I still look up to you as a sister, Nesta…" Even though Tsuna didn't know much about Tsena's life before his dad brought her to him and Nana, he knew she suffered greatly, wherever she was. Iemitsu even changed her name so it sounded almost like his, wanting the girl to experience a normal life, even though there was no real character for "tse". He apparently just laughed it off and said it was because Nesta – Tsena – was Italian and not Japanese, so it didn't really matter. Good game, his dad's logic.

"Thanks, Tsuna. You're not bad, for a dame-otouto."

He would never understand this girl.

Once the teams were set, the coach called for the game to begin. Yamamoto was up to bat first and without fail, managed a homerun.

"Oh, so sorry~" He grinned, half-heartedly sincere as he ran the bases.

"Pfft! You should use one arm!"

"Haha, I doubt even handicapping him'll cool Yama-kun's jets," Tsena said from the side lines, high-fiving Yamamoto as he passed.

"Nice one, Yamamoto!"

"Yeah!"

"Hail the baseball freak!" Yamamoto bashfully scratched the back of his head, never really used to all the praises. He nodded his head and thanked everyone, standing next to Tsena. Tsuna watched from as the two joked and laughed before punching fists. Tsena picked up a bat and spun around in her hand, standing ready to hit.

"Geez, Tsena can be as bad as Yamamoto at times…"

"What do you expect? They're best friends!"

"Quick! Everyone, back out!" Tsena smirked as the ball was pitched at her. She pulled the bat back, looking ready to smack it with her all. At the last minute, though, she just nudged the ball a bit so it counted, before racing down the bases.

"Ahaha, cheap trick, Tsena!"

"Can't all be good at baseball, you nut!"

"It's your entire fault, Dame-Tsuna!"

"That's why I didn't want him in the team!"

"Sweep the field by yourself!"

Tsuna dropped his head. They still lost. His teammates weren't joking, either. They passed him a broom and left. Tsuna was all alone on the field, staring at the broom in annoyance. He should just go home.

"Help has arrived~"

Tsuna jumped, surprised, "Y-Yamamoto?" Sure enough, the raven-head was walking towards him with a broom behind his head and between his shoulders. Tsuna looked around, wondering where his sister was. After all, Tsena was never too far from Yamamoto.

"If you're looking for Tsena, she's at kendo practice." Tsuna felt his heart race for some reason. Now that he thought about it, this was the first time he was ever alone with the baseball star. Usually, Tsena was around to balance everything off, but now that she wasn't, it was like pressure was added to Tsuna. Not the kind that suffocated you, but the kind that made you speechless at something so out of your reach.

"Sorry, it was my fault… Just when you let me in to the team…" Tsuna mumbled, sweeping the field and not making eye contact.

"Don't worry about it. It's only P.E.," Yamamoto said, shrugging, "I'm counting on you, my target stock." Tsuna paused and looked at him, wondering what he meant by that. "You've been amazing lately." He grinned at the brunet, "Like in the kendo battle and the volleyball tournament. I've got you checked in my book."

"E-Ehh?" Tsuna jumped a bit, blush on his face. Yamamoto, the greatest athletic of their school, idolizing him, the worst student in history?

"In comparison, I just play baseball like it's all I know."

"W-What? What're you talking about? It's that baseball skill that's amazing!"

"It's not going that well," Yamamoto admitted, sighing a bit. "It feels like something's missing…"

"Huh?" The two boys paused as Yamamoto tried to explain. Yamamoto's face actually dropped to the first frown Tsuna's ever seen. Not the scolding, teasing one he gave Tsena, but a hopeless one much like Tsuna's.

"Lately, no matter how much I practice, my average is dropping and my fielding is screwing up. At this rate, it'll be the first time I don't start since I began playing baseball… Tsena says it's just all in my head and maybe I should just take a little break, but it's not just that. I can feel it; something's wrong." He turned to look at the boy, "Tsuna… what should I do?" Tsuna almost tripped over nothing. Yamamoto was asking him for advice? The raven-head caught Tsuna's look and forced a grin, closing his eyes. "Just kidding. Lately, you're so reliable, so I just…"

Tsuna felt bad for the boy. He's never seen Yamamoto look so down and out of it. He wanted to give some sort of advice, but how could he say that he's just been shot in the head by his baby tutor? Tsuna closed his eyes and forced his brain to work, racking it for some sort of smart advice to give. "I guess… more effort… is the way to go… I think." Yeah, that sounded so great. Good job, Dame-Tsuna.

"Yeah." To his surprise, Yamamoto agreed. "You know, I thought that was it, too. We agree, as I expected." Yamamoto couldn't look more happier, wrapping an arm around Tsuna's shoulders and grinning widely.

"Re-Really?"

"Alright, today I'm remaining here and practicing like hell!" The raven-head laughed out loud, feeling completely at ease and not anxious anymore. Tsuna felt something stir in him as he smiled and laughed with the boy. He actually said something that helped. "Oh, and uhh…"

"Huh?" Tsuna pulled away from Yamamoto as he looked up at him. The boy was looking at the ground, rubbing the back of his neck. He looked a bit reluctant.

"Don't tell Tsena I'm practicing," He said, looking at the boy, "I kind of promised her I'd take it slow and pace myself, but I really want to practice. She'd worry if I told her I was going crazy with practice again." Tsuna blinked his eyes. Yamamoto was breaking a promise with Tsena?

Tsena crossed her arms, frowning and feeling restless. Something was wrong, she just knew it.

'Where is he…?' She looked over at Yamamoto's empty desk, frowning. She tapped her foot against the floor and her fingers against her arm. She couldn't stay still, something was horribly wrong. Yamamoto wasn't there when she was done with her kendo practice, wasn't there to wake her up the next morning, and wasn't at school right now. Just what in the world – Tsena felt a shiver run up her spin. She shot to her feet, looking around. Something… something was very off.

"Hey, everyone!" One of their classmates slammed the door open, looking frantic, "Yamamoto is about to jump off the roof!"

"Yamamoto from our class?"

"Him? That's impossible."

"There are good and bad pranks, you know."

"What…?" Tsena shuddered as she looked at the boy.

"When he stayed after school practicing yesterday, he went too far and broke his arm!" Tsena froze. Her eyes widened and her body turned cold. Yamamoto… broke his arm…? Tsena's stomach churned uneasily as she tried to stay calm. The more she thought about it, the more sense it seemed to make. Yamamoto was always so serious about baseball. And even after he promised to take it easy… That feeling in her stomach grew and soon, she felt her heart start to beat faster.

'He wouldn't…!'

"What the hell was he doing practicing?" She nearly screamed, slamming her fist in the desk (nearly breaking it in half) and clenching her hair with the other one. Dammit, she knew this would happen! Yamamoto always talked about baseball like it was his life, and even said he would die without it. She didn't think he was serious! "Damn yakyu-baka!" Tsena tore off to the roof, pushing and shoving everyone out of her way.

"Hey, Yamamoto, this isn't funny!"

"You're taking it too far!" People around her tried to make sense of the situation, but Yamamoto seemed fit on his decision.

"Sorry, but that's not true. After the baseball god threw me away, I have nothing left." Yamamoto's voice was laced with a tone that made him sound so pathetic, so un-like himself that it made Tsena's heart drop.

"No way…" She mumbled, slowing down as she reached him.

"He's serious?"

"That fence is rusty and might fall apart anytime, too!"

"Tsena, please knock some sense into him!"

"Yeah, Tsena! You're his best friend, don't let him do this!"

"Yama-kun…" Tsena reached for his hand through the fence, touching his fingers with gloved hers. He didn't look at her and only kept his eyes staring down at the ground. "Yamamoto, you jerk! This isn't funny!" Tsena tried to sound angry, to keep her voice from cracking, as she closed her eyes and bit back the tears, "What the hell are you saying? What're you even thinking? Stop it, now!"

"If you came to stop me, it's no use," the boy sighed, though Tsena felt his fingers close around hers. She bit her bottom lip and stared at their hands, hating how she couldn't think of anything to say to comfort him. How could Yamamoto be so stupid? Sure, she knew he was dense, but this was just… unthinkable! Without baseball, he had nothing to live for? Her heart was racing as she tried to think of something.

"No…" She growled, wrapping her free arm around him. "If you think you're jumping because you can't play baseball, then you're taking me with you."

Yamamoto grunted, shaking his head, "Don't be dumb, you have every reason to live. You couldn't possible know what it feels like losing something close to you, having the need to die over failing at everything." Tsena tightened her grip on him.

"Just because you broke your arm, doesn't mean you won't ever get to play baseball again!" Tsena pressed her forehead between his shoulder blades, "You broke your arm, you made a small mistake, it's okay! You're only human…!" Tsena gritted her teeth, "Don't… don't say stupid stuff like you don't have anything to live for, and don't end it all just because you broke your arm… It'll heal and you'll get better, Yama-kun…"

"Tsena…" Yamamoto turned his head to look down at her, frowning. He honestly hated seeing her cry, even more knowing he was the cause of them. He didn't deserve her tears. He turned slightly, just enough to nudge her head with his. "It's okay, Tsena. You'll live without me."

"No… I won't…" The tears fell even more as she moved her hand from around him and touched his cheek, "Takeshi, I'll die without you. If I lose you, then I'll lose my best friend, something close to me. Baseball means to you what you mean to me." Tsena closed her eyes, gritting her teeth to stop the tears. Yamamoto frowned as he watched her, feeling the hand against his cheek reach to the back of his neck and held his head close to hers. Yamamoto closed his eyes, enjoying the moment with a soft sigh.

"You know," Yamamoto whispered, his breath tickling her face and his lips brushing slightly against hers, "this is the first time you've called me by my first name."

Tsena laughed quietly, opening her eyes to look into his, "I'll call you whatever you want, just please, don't do this…" Yamamoto stared into her eyes, feeling something deep inside him. He wanted to do something, say something that'll make her happy. His instincts were trying to get him to do something, and like always, he gave in to them. He nudged his head forward, pressing his lips to hers. Tsena's eyes widened in shock as she shrieked and jumped away, her face the darkest shade of red Yamamoto's ever seen. Unfortunately, the sudden action jerked Yamamoto and caused him to lose his balance. He stared falling backwards and Tsena was quick to grab him.

She tried to stop at the fence, but it unfortunately caved to her weight and caused her fall with him. Tsena screamed, closing her eyes and covering her head. She felt the air rushing around her as she quickly descended. She wouldn't look – she couldn't! Tsena didn't want to die! Arms wrapped around her tense body as she was pulled into a hard chest, someone's chin resting against the top of hers as they held her tightly. Tsena opened her eyes a bit, taking in the scent of Yamamoto and seeing him embracing her. She closed her eyes and fainted in his arms.

c: khr lover, Yama will not call Hibari just Hibari, he will call Hibari Hibari-san because I will makehim call him Hibari-san if I so please. No offense, but if it's one thing that ticks me off, is when a stranger tells me how to write my own stories. I know yer proly jus trying to help, but gee, lemme write my own story. Go write yer own where Yama calls Hibari jus Hibari and I'll read and review. Till than, Yama's callin Hibari Hibari-san.

Good game, you mentioned last time there's no "tse" in the Japanese language, but better game, I'm dumb and I do things cuz I wanna. So yea, there's no "tse" in the Japanese language, but rawr, she's Italian and not Japanese *excuse, who cares? Details, who needs em*

I'm not trying to sound mean, but yer wording just rly irked me. Good game, still appreciate the criticism.

I dont think it's weird that you cried, Duckuu X'D Uh, welcome back to reading KHR? :'D It's a very lovely fandom, just full of filers. XD Though, you've proly seen more episodes and read more than me ;A; Fail, Tek-Tek, faaaail.

Thanks, AkaMuzu-chanO_o; That's the first anyone has said anything like that to me X'D I jus try to make my OCs enjoyable and not too Mary-Sueish? Meh, let's face it, any OC with more than, like, 3 good qualities is considered a Mary-Sue in people's eyes x-x; I kinda stopped trying as hard, but as far as I'm concerned, Tsena's a good Mary-Sue c:

Yamakinz aint cold, Aki-chan, he's jus dense and experimental ;A; It's the hormones, I tell you, THEY'RE OUT TO GET US! *... Ignoooooore cuz Tek-Tek so aint sleep deprived* QQ They made up, see? (Tsena: Liar, you're gonna make us fight again in the next chapter -_-;) Hush, you ;A; You'll make up in the end (Tsena: -_-;...) My OCs dont like me ;A; dfgdshgfdjf DONT MAKE BEL SUFFER QQ I LUFF HIM Dx Gosh, I still want Bel fluff ;A; ... ... Oshi, I still need to go work on Dera fluff

Wait, was there anything else confusing beside Tsena's look, Darkened Fire Dragon? I was like, dead tired when I wrote that chapter ;A; I went back and edit'd most of my errors, but I think I missed a few still x-x;

I should stop being a coward and answer reviews... I mean, I should stop being lazy - no that sounds wrong, too... I should just start answering reviews, I guess XD *looks up* Wait, I did. Wait, there's still more reviews to answer. Wait, I need to sleep. Waaaait, brain overload, stop thinking already x-x;

lawlz Good game this story sucks, but eh, it's satisfying in its own way. *If as first you dont succeed, prep the chainsaw*