-Sniff- Seeing all these nice reviews makes me feel all warm inside! T-T Thank you all so much~ I apologize for not updating in awhile! D:
I do not own KHR, only Ketsui~
Cries of the Heart, Echoes of the Night
Chapter Six: Dino vs. Ketsui
After Ketsui's outburst, both sides had settled down into their respective seats to continue talking about what was going on.
Tsuna sweat dropped as little electric sparks flew out of Ketsui as her eyes stared in a narrowed glare at Dino, whose eye twitched before keeping his gaze calmly on Tsuna, shifting now and then to avoid the little fizzes that sparked from Ketsui and threatened to hit him.
"Don't let what I said get you down, tenth-generation Vongola boss. Until I met Reborn, I didn't have the attributes of a boss either." Dino explained.
"I'm sure you still don't have them now." Ketsui scowled, a single strand curling up at the side of her head as she glared at Dino.
"K-Ketsui..." Tsuna began, looking nervously from Ketsui's glare to Dino's slightly strained smile.
"Before I came here, I was training Dino to be a mafia boss." Reborn said, his squeaky voice breaking the rather tense silence.
"Seriously?" Tsuna exclaimed and Dino smirked.
"Reborn's training was brutal, I almost died a bunch of times. "
"To bad it didn't kill you."
"Thanks to him, I'm now the boss of a 5,000-member family. I wanted to learn more from Reborn, but he said he was going to train you, so I wiped my tears and saw him off." Dino continued.
"Uh, I have no intention of becoming a Mafia boss." Tsuna said, putting his hands on the table, and Ketsui felt her eyes soften, "So feel free to take Reborn back with you."
Ketsui looked fondly at Tsuna, knowing full well that he was much to nice to get caught up in the world of mafia, the corrupt things he would be put through made her wish that Reborn had never come here.
But it was all meant to happen.
And she knew she couldn't stop that much.
Ketsui...
Dino's eyes narrowed and Tsuna fell back with a 'hie!' My eyes instantly narrowed as I moved closer to Tsuna and helped him sit back upright as I glared at Dino, feeling the corner of my lip twitch back downwards.
"You were right, Reborn! He's just like how I used to be," Dino laughed, than looked towards me, "Though the extra bodyguard seems rather overprotective."
"Ketsui's not my bodyguard!" Tsuna began, looking flustered, "We're best friends."
A small smile touched my lips for a moment before flickering back to its usual normal line. Dino seemed to have caught the smile and suddenly a knowing look came into his eye and I raised an eyebrow.
"I see why you're so protective now, don't worry, I won't be putting Tsuna in any danger." Dino smiled, and I blinked blandly at him.
"I get where you are coming from Hobo-Dino, but I just don't like you." I answered simply and Dino blinked in surprise while I settled back. "And saying you won't put him in danger is a flat out lie, and you know it."
Dino's eyes flashed with a slight look of sadness but were easily replaced by his carefree smile. But I wasn't an idiot; anything mafia related would always be something to put Tsuna in danger.
And that was the very reason why I had to be here.
"Ahah, I see... Anyway, I had no intention of taking over the role of boss either." Dino explained, looking back to Tsuna, "I figured any person who plots to join the mafia can't be any good."
"Oh, but I..." Tsuna began and Dino flashed him a knowing look.
"Reborn's skill is undeniable," Dino smiled, "I'm sure you'll become a fine boss. But if you're serious about not becoming one..." He began to sift through his pockets and I narrowed my eyes, hand reaching to touch the tip of my case.
Dino's hand shot forward and Tsuna fell backwards with a 'hie' while I stared, eyes widening at the creature before me.
"He'll bite you!" Dino said, a large grin plastered onto his face and the turtle made a slight biting motion at me and I felt my eyes remain slightly widened.
"A-a turtle?" Tsuna questioned and I blinked.
"You're such a troublemaker boss." One of Dino's men stated, a semi-old looking man with short black hair and glasses.
"His name's Enzio." Dino introduced, "I asked Reborn for Leon, but got him instead."
"Leon here's my partner after all." Reborn answered.
"What is it with these people?" Tsuna questioned, sweat dropping.
I sighed in exasperation and shook my head, perking up when the sound of small feet hitting the floor alerted me of someone's presence.
"Stay away, broccoli monster!" A small voice cried and I turned my head as the door opened and two children came running in.
"I-Pin? Lambo?" I questioned, blinking in surprise, "What are they doing here?"
"Ugh, horrible timing." Tsuna groaned.
Lambo fell forward, and two small items flew from his hands. I watched curiously as he lifted his head up and blinked at the two rings in his hands. I snapped my head forward and narrowed my eyes as two pink grenades flew out the window.
Towards where all those guys were.
Crap.
"Idiot!" Tsuna cried.
"This is bad," Reborn began, "Dino's men are outside."
Dino snapped into action, lunging forward he stepped off the window rail and whipped out well, a whip. Snapping his arm out the whip snapped outwards and leaped towards the two grenades.
"Hit the deck guys!" Dino commanded, yanking the two grenades upwards.
He landed with a smooth leap onto the floor as a bright light flashed and a large explosion rocked the house.
Collective murmurs came from Dino's parade of black suit wearers and Tsuna blinked at the blonde hobo in admiration.
"He's so cool." Tsuna murmured and I puffed out my cheeks slightly, flicking my gaze to the other side of the wall.
"Do you understand?" Reborn began, "A boss risks his life for his family no matter what."
"Don't tie everything back to that!" Tsuna snapped.
"Dino, stay here today." Reborn commanded, "I already got permission from mama."
Tsuna blinked in surprise and I flinched.
"That's fine with me, but what about these guys?" He questioned, gesturing to his crew.
"They can leave." Reborn answered back.
I slammed my head against a nearby wall and Tsuna jumped, looking to me in worry.
"K-Ketsui? Are you alright?" Tsuna questioned, putting a hand on my shoulder.
"Peachy." I mumbled before turning to him, "Hey Tsuna, can I sleep over tonight?"
"E-Eh?" Tsuna questioned, his eyes widening in surprise, "So sudden?"
"I don't want to leave you alone with that weirdo." I muttered darkly, casting a glare down at Dino who looked up confusedly. "Besides, it'll be like old times!"
"S-sure." Tsuna answered, smiling lightly and I felt a small trickle of warmth fill me.
"Don't forget your purpose."
"Here you go everyone! Eat up." Nana said happily, setting down the last bowl of food.
"Thanks!" Dino exclaimed, digging into his own bowl, "This is great!"
"Pig." Ketsui muttered, shooting a dark glare his way.
Dino sweat dropped at the glare and turned to Tsuna, smiling brightly.
"Got any questions you want to ask 'little bro'?" Dino questioned and Tsuna blinked in surprise.
"I can pass down my wisdom as an 'older brother'."
"Which is worth about nothing."
"Ketsui..." Tsuna began, looking lightly embarrassed.
"Oh yeah," Dino began, "have you made a family already?"
"So far he's got Gokudera and Yamamoto." Reborn answered. "Hibari and Ryohei Sasagawa can be considered candidates. Oh, and he's got Ketsui as well."
"Those guys are just my friends and upperclassmen!" Tsuna exclaimed.
"Ah, but Ketsui's like family." Nana smiled and Tsuna blushed.
"Mama!"
"Hmm, how did you and Ketsui become such good friends Tsuna?" Dino questioned, looking curious.
"They've been friends since I can remember!" Nana explained, filling in for a flustered Tsuna, "I think it started when Ketsui first moved into the neighborhood! They were so young and so cute too!"
"Mama..." Tsuna flushed and Ketsui coughed into her hand lightly.
"Neh Reborn, why'd you come to me anyway? You'd have a much better time off with Dino." Tsuna began.
Ketsui...
"The Vongola Family is at the core of our alliance." Dino explained, "It's the first among all other families."
"What? The Vongola family is that important?" Tsuna exclaimed and I felt a slight pang hit my chest.
They aren't the only ones...
"Oh my Dino-kun." Nana began and all eyes turned towards her, "You've made such a mess."
Dino glanced downwards and his mouth fell open in shock, looking down at the pieces of scattered rice and food below him.
"Dino's a klutz without his men around." Reborn explained.
"Huh?" Tsuna echoed.
"He's the type who can't bring out his strength unless it's for his family. His physical ability drops like a rock when his men aren't around." Reborn stated simply and Dino flushed.
"That's a pretty extreme quality for a boss." Tsuna sweat dropped and I smirked.
"Seems fitting for someone as no good as himself." I said blandly and Dino sweat dropped.
"There you go again Reborn. Tsuna's going to believe you. I usually eat with a knife and fork. I'm just bad with chopsticks." Dino defended and I scoffed, rolling my eyes and putting another piece of deliciously grilled fish into my mouth.
"Lambo-san has finished eating!" Lambo exclaimed.
"Want to take a bath while you're here, Lambo-kun?" Nana questioned and Lambo leaped from his chair.
"Lambo-san will!"
"Ah, it's not ready yet!" Nana exclaimed watching as Lambo skittered away and out of sight.
I smiled lightly and I shook my head, blinking when I noticed Dino's eyes watching me carefully. I turned towards the blonde and narrowed my eyes, a hard look entering the dark orbs.
"What?"
"It's nothing." Dino smiled, scratching the side of his head, "You just looked really feminine just now."
I blinked in confusion and cocked my head at the guy. "Excuse me...?"
"No, well –"
"GAAH!"
"Lambo?" Tsuna shouted and Dino moved from his chair.
"What's wrong?" He exclaimed, running out of the room, with Tsuna close behind and me at his heels.
Dino suddenly fell forward and tripped, landing flat on his face.
"D-Dino-san, are you okay?" Tsuna questioned and I stuck my tongued out at the man.
"Loser."
"Ow... I tripped over myself..." Dino explained and Tsuna sweat dropped.
"You haven't changed." Reborn stated bluntly.
"That was true?" Tsuna exclaimed and then blinked, "Where's Lambo?"
"Lambo, what's wrong?" Tsuna exclaimed, opening up the door to the bathroom.
Lambo sat there, shaking with tears welling up in his eyes and I blinked, cocking my head.
"Why does he have his clothes on...?"
"Lambo!" Tsuna chided, "Don't take a bath with your clothes on!"
A light bubbling noise began to sound throughout the bathroom and I tensed, eyes widening in shock and mouth falling agape at the sight before me.
A large turtle rose up from the bathtub, opening its mouth it let loose ferocious roar and I flinched.
"Hieee! A turtle!" Tsuna shouted and I found myself sweat dropping at the sight.
"Tsuna, what the heck is a turtle doing in your bathtub?" I exclaimed and Tsuna shook his head furiously.
"How am I supposed to know?"
Lambo fell forward and ran away crying whiled the turtle's claws gripped the sides of the tub as he let loose another roar, waving his head about.
"Oops." Dino muttered and my gaze swung around to him. "When did Enzio slip away from me?"
"That...thing is you stupid turtle?" I questioned, blinking in surprise.
"Enzio is a sponge turtle that expands in water." Reborn explained, "The more water you put him in, the bigger he gets. And once he's big, he can devour an entire house!"
As if to prove that point, Enzio leaned forward and began chomping off bits of Tsuna's bathtub.
"Hiee!"
"Leave it to I-Pin!" I-Pin exclaimed, and pulled her hands backwards, forming a slight ball of air in between her hands.
The compressed ball flew forwards and hit the turtle dead on in the face. But seeming to have no affect, the Enzio continued to munch on Tsuna's tub as if it were candy.
"I-Pin's Gyoza Kempo didn't work!" Tsuna exclaimed.
"Turtles can go for a long time without breathing." Reborn explained and I sweat dropped.
"Don't interfere." Dino began, stepping forward, "If I can't take care of my own pet, I don't deserve to be the Tenth-generation Cavallone boss! Calm down Enzio!"
Dino swung his whip around and slapped Tsuna straight across the cheek.
He did not just go there.
"Tsuna!" I cried, bending over and hovering frantically over the boy. "Are you okay? Where does it hurt? I'll kill that guy!"
"Sorry, I missed!" Dino apologized and I sent him a harsh glare.
"Now do you see?" Reborn began, "He's practically useless without his men around."
"Seriously?" Tsuna exclaimed.
"How dare you hit Tsuna you no good hobo!" I shouted, swinging my violin case around to slam downwards, straight into his head.
"Ow!" Dino cried, rubbing his head and flashing me a shocked look.
"What on earth is your problem?"
"My problem? You just hit my best friend in the face with your stupid whip you stupid hobo!"
"I'm not a hobo! And I said I was sorry!" Dino exclaimed and a loud roar interrupted me from replying as Enzio took a step forward, shattering half the bathtub.
"The bathtub!" Tsuna cried and I took a step forward glaring at the marine animal.
"Take this!" I exclaimed, slamming my violin case forward.
We all blinked as the case hit Enzio on the head, and instead of having any affect, the turtle glanced upwards and released a loud roar. He snapped his mouth a little to close for comfort and I leaped backwards, sweat dropping.
"Okay... That didn't work..."
"Guess I have no choice. It's Leon's turn." Reborn began, as Leon glowed a bright light before leaping onto Tsuna's face.
Tsuna's face was engulfed in the multi-colored light and I blinked in surprise at the sight of Tsuna's face suddenly turning into that of one of Dino's men from before.
"Romario!" Dino exclaimed, "Didn't you leave?"
"Huh?"
"Stupid! Back off and let me handle this!" Dino exclaimed confidently as he leaped forward and snapped his arm, his whip slinging about and wrapping tightly around Enzio's legs.
"Is he really that stupid...?" I questioned, rubbing my forehead.
Enzio flipped over, landing flat on his back. Tsuna's face returned to normal and he blinked in wide amazement.
"Dino-san is cool after all!"
"As if..." I muttered.
Ketsui fiddled aimlessly with the lock on the case of her violin as Tsuna watched Dino dry Enzio, efficiently shrinking him to his normal size.
"Sorry about that Enzio." Dino murmured and Tsuna blinked, looking slightly relieved that his house had not been destroyed.
"Sorry Tsuna." Dino apologized, looking up to the boy with a sheepish grin. "I should have kept a better eye on him."
"Yeah, you should have." Ketsui muttered, and Dino glanced to the girl (whom he still believed was a male) and frowned.
"Neh, Ketsui –"
"You have no rights to call me by such formalities." Ketsui muttered coldly and Dino sweat dropped.
"I didn't exactly catch too much of your name..."
"And you don't need to know." Ketsui stated once more, glaring with cold eyes at the older male.
"Then I'll just keep calling you Ketsui." Dino smiled and Ketsui twitched in annoyance.
She turned her head to the side and sighed, looking out Tsuna's window and viewing the dark neighborhood before her.
"I'm going to go see if Lambo is okay." Tsuna began, and looked to Ketsui worriedly.
"Try to behave please?" Tsuna pleaded and Ketsui's dark orbs switched to meet his gentle ones. "I know you don't like Dino-san that much, but try to be nice? For me?"
A pang hit her heart and she nodded her head diligently and Tsuna smiled lightly before turning around and slipping out the door.
Feeling a pair of eyes on her, Ketsui turned to meet Dino's eyes and she blinked.
"What?"
"You're an interesting person." Dino mused, watching the girl carefully, "You seem to be two different people at the same time. You're all cruel –"
"- only to you and Goku-dog."
" – one moment, and soft the next. It makes me wonder." Dino paused and then tapped his chin in thought, "Why are you friends with Tsuna?"
"Excuse me?" Ketsui questioned and Dino repeated his question once more.
"Why are you friends with Tsuna?"
"That's none of your concern." She answered curtly, snapping the lock to the violin case in place and flickering hard, coal black orbs to Dino's curious gaze.
"It just seems like you care for him a lot." Dino continued and Ketsui shrugged.
"That's because I do."
"You seem to be a great Family member." Dino praised and she narrowed her eyes at him, "I mean, you'll do very well in protecting Tsuna."
"If none of you had gotten involved there wouldn't be any reason to protect him in the first place." Ketsui said coldly and Dino sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"We can't change fate, this is his destiny." Dino said softly and Ketsui's eyes hardened, her grip on the case tightening as a dark look crossed her face.
"Everyone is born with a choice." She said slowly, "Tsuna was born with the luck of getting that option, he should be allowed to make his own destiny, and I will do everything it takes to make sure no one takes away that right."
Dino watched Ketsui calmly, a curious look in his eyes.
Ketsui's eyes flickered back to their blank look and she yawned, rubbing the corner of her eyes.
The door opened and in stepped Tsuna, an exasperated look on his face.
"Sorry I took so long, Lambo was being very demanding of a piggy back ride..." Tsuna sighed, shaking his head.
Something seemed to click for him and he glanced from Dino, who was watching Ketsui intently, to Ketsui, who was fiddling with her violin case. Reading the somewhat tense atmosphere, he blinked in confusion.
"Is everything alright?"
"Perfect."
"Peachy."
Both Ketsui and Dino chorused at the same time and Ketsui cast him a glare while he grinned lightly.
"Ah well, I should be getting to sleep." Dino murmured, picking up Enzio and stepping out of the room. "Good night Tsuna."
"Night Dino." Tsuna replied and Dino paused, glancing to Ketsui.
"Good night Ketsui."
"Go rot in hell."
Dino sweat dropped and exited the room,
Tsuna blinked and then turned to Ketsui, who was reaching into the back of his closet to pull out a few sheets and blankets.
"Neh, Ketsui..." Tsuna began and Ketsui halted in her movements, turning around to blink owlishly at Tsuna.
"Yeah?"
"Why don't you like Dino?" He questioned, and Ketsui paused before shrugging, her uneven bangs faintly falling into her eyes.
"I don't like him for one, he was mean to you and for two, he's involved with the mafia." She explained and Tsuna blinked cocking his head.
"So you hate the mafia?" He questioned and Ketsui shook her head.
"Not exactly, it's not that I hate the mafia in general, it's more like... A few specific reasons why I don't like it."
"And what are those reasons?" Tsuna continued and Ketsui turned her eyes to Tsuna, an emotion he couldn't quite make out flickering through her night colored irises and giving off an almost eerie appearance.
"They're putting you in danger, and I don't like that." She answered quietly and Tsuna found himself flushing a bright red, his eyes turning away from hers as he rubbed the back of his head.
"T-thanks, but you don't need to worry! I can take care of myself..." He mumbled softly, and Ketsui smiled, flapping out the sheets and spreading the across Tsuna's floor in an attempt to make a makeshift bed.
"I don't mind worrying over you." She answered calmly, flashing him a light smile, "What're friends for?"
Tsuna's face flushed even brighter if possible, but Ketsui seemed to pay no heed to this, settling down under the fluffy and largely puffy blankets she turned around and pressed her face to the pillow.
"G'night Tsuna." She mumbled softly and Tsuna blinked, watching in slight awe as she quickly fell to a light slumber.
A small smile touched his lips and he slipped into his own bed, flicking the lights off.
"Good night Ketsui."
And for once, Ketsui's insomnia stayed away.
"I'm off!" Tsuna shouted, stepping out the doorway with Ketsui close at his heels.
As Tsuna turned the corner, Ketsui found herself slamming into his back when Tsuna came to an abrupt halt, nearly sending the two toppling over.
"Buon Giorno, tenth-generation Vongola boss." The man whom Dino identified from last night as Romario greeted.
"Hello..." Tsuna replied, looking surprised, "Dino-san's..."
"What are you guys doing?" Dino questioned, sounding lightly annoyed, "I didn't ask you guys to come pick me up."
"We aren't here for you, boss. We were just walking around and happened to end up here." Romario answered and Dino scoffed.
"All the way from the hotel by the station?"
A soft laugh came from Tsuna as he smiled at the sight. Ketsui blinked curiously, noting the devotion the group had for Dino and silently shaking her heads for the poor men.
They worked for a total idiot...
"Good morning, boss!" A familiar voice greeted and Ketsui stiffened as Tsuna turned around, surprise on his face.
"Gokudera-kun?"
"I woke up early, so I went for a stroll and ended up here." Gokudera smiled, looking brightly at Tsuna and ignoring the dark lines hanging over Ketsui as little sparks fizzed up around her.
"More like stalked him you filthy dog..." Ketsui muttered and Gokudera cast her a glare, clenching his fists.
"I wasn't talking to you street-rat! And what do you think you're doing here so early at the Tenth's house!" Gokudera shouted accusingly and Ketsui blinked at him blandly, releasing a light yawn.
"I slept over for your information Goku-dog."
"S-slept over...?" Gokudera repeated and then blinked, horror and anger flickering across his face.
"How dare you do something so indecent? You must have troubled the Tenth, but he, being so kind took on the burden that is your sorry excuse and let you stay! What a pain your are to his side! How could you think to do something so burdening!" Gokudera exclaimed and a tick mark appeared on Ketsui's head.
"You wanna go Goku-dog? I bet you're just jealous that Tsuna didn't invite you to sleep over!"
"Why I outta –"
"Tsuna-san!" A voice cried happily, and Tsuna turned over to blink in surprise as Haru appeared, standing next to Gokudera.
"I went for a walk and ended up coming here to!" She exclaimed and Gokudera cast her an annoyed look while Tsuna sweat dropped.
"I'm so lucky to meet you early in the morning!"
"Morning!" Another voice called out in greeting and Ketsui's ears twitched as she turned to watch as the tall figure of Yamamoto appeared.
"What are y'all up to?" He questioned, smiling brightly and I shrugged, casting Gokudera a distasteful look.
"Tsuna and I were just having a nice conversation when Goku-dog decided to butt-in and make a scene." Ketsui answered and Yamamoto laughed while Gokudera fumed.
"Shut up street rat!"
"'Sup 'Hurricane Bomb'." Dino began, grinning at Gokudera, "This is the first time we've met."
"You're..." Gokudera began and his eyes flickered towards the distinct tattoo showing on Dino's arm. "Bronco Dino..." His eyes narrowed and Ketsui felt a flicker of surprise at the distaste in Gokudera's gaze.
"G-guys," Tsuna began, pushing Gokudera lightly from Dino, "we've got to get going or we'll be late for school."
Tsuna turned and began walking with Gokudera right behind, Yamamoto followed along with Haru coming up in the rear. Ketsui paused a moment and turned to look at Dino, casting him a warning glance she took off, quickly catching up with the others.
Ketsui...
"Dino-san did?" Tsuna questioned just as I came up from behind and my ears perked as I fell to Tsuna's other side.
"Yeah." Gokudera continued, "He's famous for rebuilding the Family he inherited. The Chavallone family is now the third largest in the alliance."
"So Dino-san's good at managing stuff, huh?" Tsuna echoed in awe and I puffed my cheeks out before sighing. "He sure is cool."
"But I still don't like him."
"I don't like him."
I blinked in surprise and turned to glare at Gokudera who met my glare, obviously not pleased with the mutual agreement.
"Why?" Tsuna questioned and Gokudera continued.
"Anyone older than me is my enemy."
"That's a lot of enemies!" Tsuna exclaimed and I halted suddenly in my step, a stinging pain pounding through my head and my eyes widened in shock.
Not now...
A hard cough escaped my lips and I slapped my hand to my mouth, my body shaking violently as another fit racked my body. Tsuna and everyone else paused a moment, and I felt a hand on my shoulder, gently patting my back.
"K-Ketsui, are you alright?" Tsuna questioned a worried look crossing over his face and I nodded, stifling another fit and quickly wiping my hand against my pants, erasing any trace of what had happened.
"Yeah, just a little coughing fit I guess." I said sheepishly and Tsuna flashed me a worried look before continuing walking again.
A heated glare was on my back and I turned slightly to meet Gokudera's suspicious gaze.
I narrowed my eyes and stuck my tongue out at him, his suspicion turned to anger just as I had hoped, but a trickle of something I couldn't identify lingered in his gaze before disappearing.
"Hey Tsuna!" Yamamoto called and Tsuna's gaze turned towards Yamamoto, who had halted a little ways up ahead.
"Did you do your homework?" He questioned and Tsuna blinked before his eyes widened in surprise.
"Ah! I forgot!"
"Ahah, me two." Yamamoto laughed and I blinked, realization hitting me.
"Me three..." I murmured and Tsuna sweat dropped.
"You too?"
"Guess we can get together –"
There was the sound of screeching tires and I blinked, whipping around as a red car with darkly tinted windows pulled up along the street, a door popped open and a string of rope whipped around, wrapping around Tsuna and efficiently beginning to pull him away.
Wait.
Did Tsuna just get kidnapped...?
"Tenth!"
"Tsuna!" Gokudera and Yamamoto exclaimed, racing after the red car, Haru let loose a small scream and I narrowed my eyes.
"Wait." Reborn's voice ordered and Gokudera and Yamamoto halted turning around to face him.
"Those guys are from the Momokyo-kai, the yakuza who control this area." Reborn explained.
"Reborn-san..." Gokudera exclaimed and Haru blinked before fumbling with her bag.
"Ah that's right! Call the police!"
"You guys can't beat them." Reborn began, "Leave this to Dino and his men."
"I can't do that." Gokudera said coldly.
"There you have it." Yamamoto began, "Take care of the rest!" he exclaimed as both he and Gokudera spun off.
I remained in my place and turned at the sound of care tires pulling up. One of the doors opened and Dino stepped out, smiling in satisfaction.
"I like it." He stated, "They're only thinking about saving Tsuna. Though they aren't very calm..."
The other door popped open and out stepped Romario, pulling Tsuna out of the car and holding him up by his shoulders. Tsuna blinked in bewilderment and looked around.
"Tsuna-san!" Haru exclaimed, looking greatly relieved. "You're safe! What a relief..."
"What are you doing, Dino-san?" Tsuna exclaimed angrily and Dino smiled sheepishly.
"Sorry about that, I was testing your family."
"Testing?"
"The Momokyo-Kai stuff was a lie. I wanted to see if they'd want to save you." Dino explained and I felt my eye twitch gripping my case tightly.
"I'm taking off, boss." Romario stated as he got into the car.
"Yeah, thanks." Dino smiled and I watched as the car drove off before turning to Dino, my bans coming to shield my face.
"Tsuna, you're –"
"NO GOOD ROTTEN HOBO!" I shouted, slamming my violin case down Dino's head and he crashed to the ground, foot twitching.
"What was that for?" He exclaimed, glancing upwards and I cast him a hard glare.
"Don't you dare put Tsuna through crap like that? What the heck were you thinking?" I exclaimed and Dino sweat dropped.
"It was just a test –"
"And Tsuna isn't your test subject!" I finished, my eyes narrowing as I fumed silently, "My hate for you has increased by eighty-seven point five percent."
"Uhuh..." Dino began, shaking his head and then turning back to Tsuna, "As I was saying, you're one lucky guy. It's hard to find a family that cares so much about its boss."
"Like I said, I don't have a 'Family'." Tsuna explained, "They're my friends."
"That's right. I forgot to tell you," Reborn began, "The Momokyo-Kai actually exists in this town."
"What?" Tsuna exclaimed, looking shocked. "Then they actually went to see them?"
"What are you thinking, Reborn?" Dino shouted, "Those two kids don't stand a chance!"
"Excuse me?"
"Why are you so extreme?"
"That's right!" Tsuna agreed, "What if something happens to them?"
I glanced downwards and sweat dropped at the sight of a bubble escaping his nose, a sure sign that he was deep asleep.
"He fell asleep!" Tsuna exclaimed, voicing my thoughts and I sighed, shaking my head.
Peering around a corner, Ketsui popped her head next to Tsuna's, looking down to see if any of the Momokyo-Kai gang was around.
"I'm scared..." Tsuna shuddered and Ketsui tugged at his tie, gesturing to the forgotten school bag that lay on the floor next to the only other door.
"It's Yamamoto's school bag." Tsuna murmured and then gulped. "So they're here."
Quiet footsteps came running up the stairs and Ketsui turned to see Dino right behind them.
"Over there, huh? Let's go." He ordered, stepping forward and Tsuna nodded, following behind with Ketsui at his heels once more.
Dino pushed the door open and Ketsui peered under his arm blinking at the sight before her.
"Tell us already would ya?" Yamamoto asked gently, shaking a passed out man on the floor.
"Spit it out! Where's the boss!" Gokudera shouted, violently shaking another man by the collar of his shirt.
"What..?" Dino began.
"They beat them up?" Tsuna and exclaimed and Ketsui allowed herself a small smirk.
"Never underestimate the power of middle schoolers." She shrugged, "Especially ones involved with the mafia."
Gokudera turned to the sound of a voice and his eyes lit up.
"Tenth! You're okay!" He exclaimed, tossing the poor man aside and slamming him into a nearby stand.
"You seem to be in good shape." Yamamoto smiled, looking as if he was not just shaking a man.
"Y-Yeah..." Tsuna began.
"These guys are pretty impressive." Dino admitted.
"Yeah." Tsuna agreed and Ketsui turned around at the sound of footsteps.
A large group of 'dangerous' looking men stormed through the door, one with the initials 'boss' on his jacket glared at the group assembled before him.
"What've you done brats?"
"Seems they've been looking down on us." Another grunted.
"Some really strong guys have shown up!" Tsuna exclaimed and Ketsui scoffed, fingering the case strapped to her back.
"They just keep showing up." Gokudera scowled.
"Hey, wait." Dino began, "These guys are different from the ones you just beat up. You can't handle them yet."
"What?" Gokudera exclaimed and Dino stepped forward.
"This is my entire fault." He pulled out a gold credit card and began, "I'll pay the medical and repair bills, if necessary. SO can we call it even?"
"Huh?" The boss smirked, "Don't mess with us. We'll be taking the money, and you guys won't be leaving this place."
"A breakdown in negotiations, huh?" Dino smirked, "Well then, we'll have to force our way out of here!"
"Let's go –"
Dino's whipped snapped outwards, slamming into Gokudera, Yamamoto, and his own face.
The three fell to the floor and Gokudera cursed, clutching his face.
"What are you doing, bastard?"
The boss of the group laughed, "What was that? Don't underestimate us!"
He began to take a few steps forward towards Tsuna and Ketsui perked up, standing in between the two and the man stared down at her.
"Eh? What's up with you stick boy?" he scoffed and Ketsui glanced down to the three littered on the floor and blinked before releasing a sigh.
"Useless." She muttered, shaking her head, "I really didn't want to get involved but if Tsuna's threatened..." She pulled the violin case off her back and brandished it threateningly, "Try to lay one finger on him."
"Bastard." One began, narrowing his eyes, "Don't mess with us!"
Ketsui ducked his incoming fist and swung her case in an arch, slamming it forward it smack the man straight across the face, sending him falling to the floor with stars floating around his head.
The group of men blinked at the fallen comrade and Ketsui smirked, she stretched a hand out and tilted her head slightly to left, tilting her chin up in a sign of challenge. Her fingers curled in a 'come at me' motion and then men growled, lunging forward.
She swung her case to the left and hit a man in the stomach, sending him backwards, but as another two came forward, she stepped back and popped the lock to the violin case. She continued to dodge attacks as she sifted through, Tsuna and co sweat dropping as various items flew from the case until Ketsui hummed in satisfaction.
She brandished the familiar black katana from before and looped the case back over her shoulder as she grip the sword with both hands. Charging forward she flipped the sword to the blunt end of the blade and slammed it across both the goon's heads.
Swinging this way and that, the few remaining quickly fell to the floor until she paused, mid arch as she realized that they were finally all down.
"Ah, not bad Ketsui..." Dino murmured, watching the girl (or in his belief, guy) with a slight smirk, "I didn't know you knew how to fight."
"The case isn't for show." She said curtly, before turning around and quickly moving to Tsuna. "Are you alright?"
"Good job Ketsui!" Yamamoto exclaimed, smiling brightly, "You did great!"
"Che, not bad for a street rat." Gokudera scowled and Ketsui stuck her tongue out at him before patting Tsuna for any injuries.
"I'm fine Ketsui..." Tsuna murmured and blinked, looking around, "Man, we got into such a bind today!"
"Tell me about it..."
"Alright, I'm convinced. I can leave Tsuna to you guys." Dino smiled.
"No, that's not..." Tsuna began.
"That goes without saying." Gokudera smirked. "The job of protecting the Tenth goes to his right hand man. Meaning me."
"Yeah, at least you're safe." Yamamoto grinned.
"Gokudera-kun, Yamamoto..." Tsuna started.
"Guess I'll be leaving then..." Dino began but then paused. "Ketsui..."
"What do you want hobo?"
"I challenge you to a duel!" Dino exclaimed and Ketsui blinked, shock registering over her face.
"What?"
"I challenge you to a duel," Dino repeated, "If I win, you must respect me for the elder I am and consider me Tsuna's older brother!"
"And if I win?" Ketsui muttered, cocking her head.
"What do you want?" Dino questioned.
"If I win, you must leave, and never show your face around us again." Ketsui said simply and Dino blinked in surprise before nodding.
"Fair enough! I don't plan on loosing." Dino said confidently and Ketsui merely shrugged, letting out a small yawn.
They group moved the backyard. Tsuna fluttered around nervously, not liking the idea of Ketsui fighting anyone, while Yamamoto smiled offering words of encouragement and Gokudera scowled, shaking his head.
"Go on boss!" Romario shouted, Dino's men behind him holding up signs cheering for their leader.
"Even Dino's men are here?" Tsuna exclaimed and Reborn nodded, hopping onto his shoulder.
"This deserves to be a fair fight, so Dino needs to be at his best." He explained and Tsuna paled.
"But isn't Dino much more experienced then Ketsui? How is this fair!" He exclaimed and Reborn smirked.
"Ketsui has had training too; you can't exactly call this unfair."
"Go Ket-chan!" Yamamoto exclaimed, "You've got this!"
"Don't disgrace the Tenth's name." Gokudera scowled, glaring at the girl, "Or I'll never forgive you!"
"I don't need your sorry excuse for encouragement." Ketsui said blandly, blinking at Gokudera who fumed, his cheeks dusted a light red.
"I wasn't cheering for you street rat! Forget it!"
"Ready...?" Reborn began, holding his gun up in the air, "Go!"
Dino quickly cracked his whip and Ketsui leapt to the side, she leapt once more as he lunged forward, whip flying this way and that. Her eyes narrowed as she realized that at this rate, she wouldn't be able to retaliate.
Leaping farther back than necessary, she snapped open her case and with a jerk, she pulled out whatever came to her hands first.
Ketsui blinked.
"W...what is that?" Tsuna began, sweat dropping as Ketsui stared blankly at the makeshift...hammer?
"A hammer?" Dino questioned and Ketsui shook her head tossing the hammer Dino's way he quickly side stepped the assault and narrowed his eyes as he spotted Ketsui reach for whatever she could get from her case.
"Let's see how well you do without it!" Dino exclaimed, cracking his whip, it wrapped around the head of the case and yanked it forward.
Ketsui's eyes widened as the case landed in Dino's hand, a smirk on his face. She took a deep breath, though the familiar weight was not on her back, she could get through this, and she would not let him win.
For Tsuna... She thought silently, lunging forward and swinging her fist around to try and land a clean punch.
Dino ducked and twisted, his whip catching onto Ketsui's fists and wrapping around her arm.
Ketsui's eyes narrowed as she dug her feet into the ground, glaring at the whip's grip on her arm.
"Let's tame this mustang..." Dino smirked, pulling with a hard tug.
Ketsui grit her teeth as she dug her heels harder into the ground, pulling back on the tug of the whip and attempt to try and release its hold.
"Come on Ketsui!" Yamamoto cheered and Tsuna watched nervously, his heart hammering in his chest.
"Helpless without your case now aren't you?" Dino grinned and Ketsui glared at him, charging forward.
Dino's eyes widened in surprise at the sudden slack between the two and snapped into action, stepping aside to miss Ketsui's oncoming head butt. Though to his surprise, she kept running forward, unexpected slipping him up and off his feet. He let go of the whip and pushed his hands downwards to catch himself from falling.
Leaping upwards, he tensed as Ketsui flung his whip off to the side, narrowing her eyes.
"Helpless without your whip now aren't you?"
Dino smirked and held up his fists, charging forward both he and Ketsui exchanged blows. Hit for hit, duck for duck as the two made their way all around Tsuna's backyard.
"She's actually holding her ground..." Romario mused and Tsuna nodded, looking equally surprised.
"Ketsui..." He murmured, "Just how much have you been hiding?"
"I've got you now!" Dino exclaimed, swinging his fist around.
Ketsui grunted as it grazed her cheek, swinging around she prepared to deliver her own blow when...
"Lambo stay away!" I-Pin exclaimed, bursting through the back door with Lambo close at her heels.
"Gahahah! Fear the mighty Lambo-san – ah!" Lambo fell forward, his face slamming into the ground.
Two objects flew towards Ketsui, and her eyes widened in shock upon realizing that they were two pink grenades, all set to explode.
"Look out!" Dino exclaimed, tackling her to the floor.
A loud explosion sounded from just above and Ketsui grunted upon Dino's landing on top of her.
Dino blinked as the smoke cleared, coughing lightly he looked about.
"That was close..." He trailed off and paused realizing that his hands were on two small, but rather soft mounds.
Soft...mounds?
He blinked and looked downwards, realizing his hands were on Ketsui's chest, the origin of the two soft, but small mounds.
"Wait..." Dino began, blinking in shock before leaping backwards, pointing an accusing finger at Ketsui.
"Y-Y-Y-You're a-a-a-a-a-" Dino stuttered and Ketsui propped herself up on her elbows, rubbing her head.
"Ow..." She muttered.
"You're a girl!" Dino exclaimed, his eyes wide with shock and surprise as he suddenly came to a realization. "And I just, I just, I t-t-touched y-your..." He looked down to his hands and then back to Ketsui and his face flushed a bright red, looking like a bright red tomato.
"Sicko..." Ketsui muttered, casting a glare at Dino.
But all the poor blushing man saw in his view was Ketsui turning away bashfully, her eyes slightly teary as sparkles surrounded her in a girly frame, with her putting a hand to her chest and muttering softly with a shy tone 'P-pervert...'
"A girl..." Dino echoed, a slightly dizzy look on his face. "He... no she was a girl..."
"I-Idiot didn't know that?" Gokudera exclaimed, a blush on his cheeks from the sight that had just played before him.
"Haha, that was interesting..." Yamamoto coughed, a light blush dusting his face.
"K-Ketsui..." Tsuna whimpered, his cheeks flaming.
Dino fell backwards, his eyes spinning as he had a dizzy look on his face.
"Girl..." He kept muttering as Reborn smirked.
"Look's like it's a tie."
Ketsui slammed backwards and groaned.
MAN. I HAVE BEEN GONE FOR A LONG TIME. D:
I'm really sorry for leaving you guys hanging for so long, I hope you're all still with me. I've been really busy lately, but school's coming to an end in three more days! And I'll be updating a lot more often, I promise!
Ophelia deCanards: Would I? Or would I simply believe you to be just as insane as I? XD I'm glad you liked it, hopefully this chapter was up to satisfaction for you! And sorry for the long wait! –hands a free Hibari hug- Thanks for reviewing!
Little Bookwyrm: Haha, looks like he found out. Thanks, I do plan on doing one actually, just after I get a good chunk of the other characters done first! Thanks for reviewing! –hands a free Hibari hug coupon-
Akira45: Thanks! And thanks for reviewing too! 0hands a free Hibari hug coupon-
TheParadoxicalOtaku: Hah, just try not to get bitten to death~ Yup, just a little side effect from her dreadful insomnia... I see what you did there! :D Thanks for reviewing! –hands a free Hibari hug coupon-
666AnimeFan66: I'm glad you love it! Thanks for the review! –hands a free Hibari hug coupon-
Blueberryxn: -Gasp- a G-g-Giotto plushie? Where did you get it! –hugs with all her might- Thank you! And thanks for reviewing too! –hands a free Hibari hug coupon-
: Aww, thanks. Haha, that seems to sum Ketsui up alright~ I hope this update has met your expectations! Thanks for reviewing! –hands a free Hibari hug coupon-
Immastaaaa: Hah, I like saying your name out loud~ Staaaaaaaaaa~ It's weird how you can make a character and they can be so like another actual person in real life...Creepy 0_o You think it's hilarious? Awww, thanks! And thanks for reviewing! –hands a free Hibari hug coupon-
888: Thanks! I'm sorry it took so long, but here it is! –hands a free Hibari hug coupon-
Lady Syndra: Really? You think so? Thank you! :D Kufufu, you'll just have to find out~ I'm sorry it took so long, but hopefully you liked this chapter too! Thanks for reviewing! –hands a free Hibari hug coupon-
Thank you all who alerted and favorited this story, and I hope you're all still with me!
PLEASE REVIEW~
Marshmellow-
-OUT!