Disclaimer: I do not own Katekyo Hitman Reborn.
Afraid to Love You
Important Note: D18 idea has been scrapped. Meaning no D18 for this fanfiction.
Chapter Seven: Realizations
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Tsuna carelessly dropped his bags on the floor and threw himself to the bed. He felt bad, really bad for what happened there. Talk about being ungrateful, heck he really was ungrateful! He left Cielo wondering what his favor was and he left a perfectly nice man there looking like he did something wrong. Oh, did he forget to mention that the man… became his savior thrice?
He groaned and sat up.
"Mou! What have I done?" He yelled, trying to pull his hair out. "I'm really screwed big time! I definitely need to apologize to him later!"
The brunette cursed himself for his stupidity. He truly was ungrateful of Cielo. The man had done nothing wrong and Tsuna suddenly left him like that. What was he thinking when he spoke of those words?
Tsuna got up, he need to clean himself up. They had a guest, even if he was too damn lazy to meet with them he still needed too. It would be rude not to and he was sure Reborn would severely punish him if he doesn't say anything to them. He sighed and dragged his feet to the bathroom when he heard someone open his door, it was the Sun Arcobaleno.
"Oh, hey Reborn. I know 'the guest'… I'll be right there. Just give me five minutes to freshen up." Tsuna hurriedly went to the bathroom and shut it close.
Reborn noticed it almost immediately. Something was bothering his idiot student and somehow he already knew the cause. He always knew the cause, he was Reborn after all. Besides, it was easy to read people like Tsuna.
The brunette emerged from the bathroom several minutes later, his spiky hair still unruly as ever though the one that fell on his back looked neat and combed. Tsuna wore the seemly standard attire of the mafia, white button up shirt, black suit and tie, lastly the Vongola ring on his finger.
The Arcobaleno jumped onto Tsuna's shoulder and spoke.
"Let's go. I'm sure Gokudera and Yamamoto are already there." The brunette nodded and went out of the room. He closed the double doors that were heavily guarded by two men from the Cloud Squadron. The image of what might have been Cielo's face when he left him there in the grand staircase passed through his mind. He quickly shook his head to loose the thought and strode ahead, that was when he realized something.
"By the way... Reborn, who's the guest anyway?"
Reborn smirked. "Well I wonder who?"
» × «
"Yo! Tsuna! What took you so long?" A voice quickly resonated in his ears the moment he and Reborn were led inside the room. Tsuna's face brightened up as he recognized who it belonged to.
"Dino-san! Ah! Even Romario-san is here too!" He said earning a smile from the Cavalone boss sitting in one of the antique armchairs in the mansion's lounges. His subordinate stood behind him. Dino wasn't wearing his casual attire. Right now what the Cavallone boss wore was a suit, an auburn suit to be precise and under it was a simple navy blue dress shirt and an ivory colored tie. Somehow he wasn't used to seeing him like this but nevertheless he looked good in it.
He sat on the sofa opposing the Cavalone where he was greeted by Gokudera and Yamamoto who wore simple black suits and tie. Reborn jumped from his shoulder to the sofa and sat beside Tsuna. Gokudera and Yamamoto were seated in two different armchairs that encircled the table in front of the two bosses. A maid placed a cup of tea for each and every one of them after which she bowed and left to give them some privacy.
Dino took the tea cup from the table and took a small sip from it.
"So how's my little brother been?" He said, looking at Tsuna as he placed it back to the table.
"Uhm… I'm fin—"
"Miserable as always." Reborn suddenly cut in as he received his tea cup from Leon who brought it to him. Tsuna shot him a look but Reborn paid him no mind.
"I see Reborn is still the same as always." The Cavalone boss chuckled.
"How about you, Dino-san? How have you been?" Tsuna asked. Dino grinned at him and was about to speak but apparently a certain infant beat him to it.
"Also miserable." He took a sip from his tea, his eyes closed savoring its wonderful flavor.
"Honestly Reborn! Can you stop speaking for us?" Both Tsuna and Dino yelled in unison, they darted a glare at the infant and almost pouted at the same time.
Reborn flashed his infamous smirk, muttering something under his breath. Dino and Tsuna looked at each other and laughed. Gokudera, Romario, and Yamamoto seemed confused but smiled as well.
"So Dino-san… what brings you here?" Tsuna asked, tilting his head a bit. Dino suddenly tensed when Tsuna asked about his visit. The smile that was once on Dino's face was suddenly dropped and he gazed at Tsuna. The brunette drew back a bit as he suddenly felt a chill.
"Boss…." Romario spoke. He looked quite wary of his boss.
"Its okay, Romario." Dino replied, trying to remain calm as possible. "I think they already know about it."
Yamamoto and Gokudera gave meaningful gazes at each other.
"Dino-san?" Tsuna tries to ask again, he felt nervous.
"I'm sure you've been told of what's happening inside Vongola, right?" Tsuna nodded slowly. "Then you do know that all of the famiglias that have a connection within Vongola is also at risk because that damn traitor?"
Tsuna scrunched his eyes shut and gripped his hands. "Yes and Reborn told us about the order of the Ninth. Everyone close to me would be on surveillance. I also heard about Mukuro, Ken, Chikusa, Chrome, and Hibari-san."
Dino's eyes narrowed.
"To tell you honestly, I came here because of Kyouya." Tsuna gasped, his eyes broadened in shock.
"Did anything happen to Hibari-san?" The Decimo asked worried about his Cloud Guardian.
"I should be the one asking you. He's been distracted and quite confused over something recently… I don't know why but he is. I tried asking him but he would just brush me off or attack me all of the sudden saying it's none of my business."
"Distracted and confused, you say?" Gokudera placed a hand under his chin as if he was thinking.
"Yes. Just before he was taken in, he wanted to come here especially when he heard that you're in danger. That's why I figured that I should ask you, Tsuna."
"Why would Hibari-san want to come here? Is Hibari-san okay?" The Bronco frowned, clasped his hands together. Tsuna swallowed, that can't be a good sign.
"I don't know." He lowered his head slightly and closed his eyes. "The ones who came in the mansion didn't look like men that Don Timoteo would trust. I wanted to help Kyouya but I couldn't do anything than watch from behind." Romario placed a hand over his boss's shoulder, trying to ease his sorrow.
"We were threatened not to interfere. They said that if we do… this would affect the treaty between Cavalone and Vongola. The Boss had no choice."
'Hibari-san wanted to come here, why? Could he be worried… but I thought Hibari-san didn't like me.' The brunette bit his lip.
Tsuna suddenly felt guilt come over him. He knew it. He was the cause of the trouble for the Cloud Guardian. Tsuna wanted to ask the Cloud Guardian why he couldn't even see him as a friend or something close to that. Was he still mad about what happened in the masquerade ball? If so… isn't that a bit too much already? There was a part of Tsuna that wanted to hate the raven-haired guardian but somehow he couldn't seem to bring himself to do that.
Dino stared at Tsuna quite ruefully. "I heard about what happened before. Kyouya maybe quite an unstable guy but he has a good heart. He may act immature sometimes but once he understands that he was doing something wrong, he'll try to get himself back in the right track. You should try to get to know him better. Believe in him."
"How on earth am I suppose to do that? I couldn't even get close to him without getting injured!"
Dino smiled.
"Tsuna… Kyouya is not the type of person who can freely express his thoughts or feelings towards other people without actually forcing them to it. You may not notice but Kyouya… truly cares for you. There are times he tends to get possessive over people who he truly cared for."
"Hibari-san… cares… for me?" Tsuna couldn't believe what he just heard.
The Cavalone boss nodded. "That's why I believe you can do it… after all you're the guy who can do countless possibilities, right?"
Tsuna couldn't help himself but feel happy deep inside. Hibari Kyouya… cares for him? Somehow it was hard to believe those words but it made him feel very happy. Things were slowly coming into place. Why Hibari acted so strange when he last came in the mansion, it was indeed strange but that could explain why he was angry that time. Hibari was angry because maybe he couldn't accept that he actually cared for Tsuna. This made Tsuna realize something… like a missing piece of the puzzle.
'Wait, Hibari-san… oh God, was he… because of Cielo-san… during the masquerade? Is that why he was angry? Great! It REALLY was my fault!' Tsuna told himself, realizing everything.
"My God…." Tsuna placed his hands to his head. "It really was my fault!"
"Juudaime?" Gokudera gazed at the brunette in concern. "What's the matter?"
"Tsuna?" Yamamoto glanced at the Decimo.
"I think I know why Hibari-san came to the mansion looking so angry at me… I think he was…." Tsuna said, cheeks a bit pink from blushing.
"What is it, Dame-Tsuna?" Reborn questioned. Dino looked at him wary of his realization.
"Dino-san said that he tends to become possessive, right?" The Cavalone nodded. "If Hibari-san really cared for me and gets possessive then… could he be jealous of Cielo-san during the masquerade ball?"
There was silence.
The Storm and the Rain seemed to realize what the Decimo meant. Reborn was evidently smirking once again. Only Dino and Romario seemed lost in the conversation.
"Cielo, you mean… Cielo Corleone, the one from the Varia?" Dino asked.
As if on cue, Tsuna and Gokudera drew back. Tsuna quickly placed a hand over his mouth as if something slipped from his lips. Yamamoto laughed. "Oh right! You didn't know! Tsuna was with Ciel—" Gokudera quickly covered the Rain's mouth just before he blurted out Tsuna's secret.
"Please don't mind this idiot!" Gokudera laughed then glared at the Rain guardian. Dino glanced at Romario, who seemed confused as well, then turned back to Tsuna. The Cavalone knew that they were hiding something and he won't leave till he gets to the bottom of this.
"The masquerade ball," He turned to Romario. "Could it be the one the Ninth hosted?"
"Could be, Boss. It was the most recent gathering we attended so far." He answered. Dino darted a look to Tsuna who was very nervous in his seat.
"Reborn…are you guys hiding something from us?" The infant didn't even look at him and shrugged.
"Who knows?" Dino's eye twitched. Why did he even bother asking his mentor when he already knew his reply?
"Hmm… masquerade ball, huh? Kyouya jealous over to this Cielo Corleone?" Dino kept his gaze firmly on Tsuna. Dino had also attended the ball though only for a short while because he had to leave right away for some business. If the Cavalone boss could remember he was there the moment Hibari Kyouya entered along with his fellow guardians. There was something different about the picture because Tsuna wasn't with them but he could remember that there was a girl with the Cloud guardian.
A beautiful woman with long brown hair, dressed in a glorious crimson dress.
Dino's lips formed a huge grin. "That girl, with Kyouya… that was you! Wasn't it, Tsuna?"
Tsuna felt all his blood had been drained from his face. Now he needs to explain everything.
» × «
"I see… so that's what happened!" The Cavalone couldn't help himself but grin at the flushed individual sitting across him.
"Please… keep this a secret from everyone else, Dino-san." Tsuna pleaded.
"You can trust me, don't worry Tsuna." Dino said. The explanation was brief but with Reborn's help it became much of an interrogation, Tsuna's face had gone bright red from telling Dino. The Cavalone boss wasn't the only one shocked with the things the brunette told them but also Gokudera. Yamamoto on the other hand was also listening though there were some parts that he just had to laugh either from not understanding what happened or to keep the frantic brunette from actually panicking or running away.
"I might say…this Cielo Corleone is certainly a mysterious man. Quite a gentleman and... To think being able to beat Kyouya in such a wild state. I've got to hand it to him."
"He's not such a bad guy unlike what people say. He seems nice!" Yamamoto grinned.
"Cielo-san… never really wanted to hurt Hibari-san but I guess it's because of me that they became enemies." Tsuna said, a rueful smile on his features.
"Juudaime… don't say that. It's not your fault!" Gokudera said trying to cheer up his beloved boss.
"Don't blame yourself, Tsuna. It can't be helped anyway." The brunette nodded slowly. "Tsuna, are you still bothered about what's happened? The surveillance I mean."
"A bit, I guess. Right now, I'm just really worried about Hibari-san." Tsuna still couldn't erase the uncertainty he felt, he was still bothered by things he couldn't really understand. He wanted to ask but not all of them can be easily answered. Dino or neither Reborn exactly knew what they are fighting against and he could understand that Vongola itself is worried about its future leader. "I wonder why the under bosses decided to look into the guardians."
"Well you can ask them for yourself." Reborn replied, flipping his mobile phone close.
The brunette didn't even notice the infant took it out nevertheless the expression on his face seemed like he was planning something. The brunette gazed at him curiously as a grin slowly spread to Reborn's lips. "You better prepare yourself because you're going with me to see the under bosses and the Ninth tonight."
"EH?"
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Tsuna waved his goodbye at Dino and his subordinates as they rode their way out of the Vongola estate. The Cavalone boss's words about Hibari were playing inside his mind. Worry and fear weigh heavy in his chest, he wasn't sure how to face such powerful men in the famiglia. He had only met a couple before and he could only find two words to describe them, they were powerful and scary.
The Decimo heaved a sigh. Even if he was scared, he still needed to face them. He wanted some questions answered and he wanted his friends to be freed from any allegations and doubt. They had helped him in countless times and they never proved to fail in that. Now, it was his turn to help them. It didn't matter to him if he would embarrass himself in front of those men just as long his friends would be freed from any doubt.
Tsuna walked back to the manor towards the beautiful grand staircase. Reborn was preparing for the meeting, he said that he needs to do and organize some things before they depart. Gokudera would drive them to their destination and they would use his car again today. The storm guardian didn't seem to have any problem with that. He was more than happy to give Tsuna and Reborn a ride. Surprisingly, he didn't seem to have any trouble with Yamamoto just as long he keeps his mouth shut and that his carefree grin out of Gokudera's sight during the ride. Tsuna had to sigh, well at least they didn't have to fight this time around.
Tsuna traced his hands along the ledge and stood where Cielo would have been when the brunette left him earlier.
Tsuna wanted to see him again, he wanted to see Cielo again. He wanted to apologize and somehow there was this strange sensation that if he doesn't say anything today he would regret it forever.
The brunette heard foots steps slowly approaching him. Tsuna shook his head and tried to regain his composure, he didn't want anyone to see him that way. The young Decimo tried to observe who it was and it surprised him to see the Squadron Vice captain walking and writing something in his clip board at the same time. He looked like he was in the middle of something and but just before he disappeared into another hallway across, Tsuna decided to greet him.
"Ah! Hello Lorenzini-san!" Tsuna said. The dark auburn-haired male stopped in his tracks and looked back at his caller, blinking at him. Tsuna stiffened a bit as a pair of crimson eyes stared back.
"Greetings, Signore Vongola." He bowed, placing his clip board to the side. "Is there something you need?" He asked.
"Oh! No! I just… wanted to say… uhm… hello so… hello." Tsuna said sheepishly. He mentally slapped his head for acting so stupid at one of the Squadron members. He really wanted to ask about Cielo and his whereabouts but he was too shy to say it.
"Well hello, Sir." He beamed. The dark-haired male drew near him and Tsuna went down from the stairs so that they could talk better.
"Lorenzini-san… uhm…actually, I wanted to ask if…if you've… Nevermind." Tsuna's shoulders slumped, he couldn't say it, he was too darn shy to say it and for that he felt pathetic. The taller male chuckled.
"Are you looking for the Captain?" The taller one noticed a slight blush from the brunette's features as he slowly looked up to him. Tsuna nodded slowly. "I knew it." He grinned.
"Please don't… don't tell the others about this." Tsuna looked back and forth to see if there was anyone else around. Svi nodded in agreement. "I actually wanted to talk to him about… something. Do you know where he is?"
"Well I did see him earlier but unfortunately… he left in a hurry."
"Oh…."
Svi saw the hope from the brunette's face slowly vanishing. He felt bad for him because whatever that something was it must be really something important. It was then he remembered seeing his officer's face just before he left, he looked like he was bothered by something even if he was trying desperately to hide it. Svi mentally 'oh-ed', so this was probably the something the Decimo was talking about.
"Well thanks anyway, Lorenzini-san. I'm sorry for taking up your time like this." Tsuna smiled at him and walked back.
"It's no trouble." The Squad vice captain was about to resume whatever it is he was doing, he was in a hurry as well because the Decimo would have to be escorted to the Vongola headquarters. Svi sighed and took out something from his pocket.
"Vongola," He called. Tsuna spun to look at him in question. The Squad vice captain paced towards him and took one of his hands, placing something in it.
"Lorenzini-san?"
"I might not have the time to give this back to him later but he'll come find this and I'm definite that he would be pleased to know that you have it." The brunette didn't expect to hear that but he felt his heart skipped a beat when he did. Cielo would be pleased to know that he has this? "The captain left this earlier by accident. This is very important to him so please take care of this." Svi grinned widely before releasing Tsuna's hand.
Tsuna's eyes grew wide from realization. The one on his hand was none other than the pocket watch owned by Cielo. He never saw it this close but it really was exquisitely beautiful. He had never seen silver and gold mixed together in such harmony, the Vongola famiglia's proud coat of arms engraved so finely in it. Tsuna could only gasp, he wanted to ask why but the taller male held up a hand.
"Let's just say… I'm giving you a head start." He chuckled lightly. "And please call me Svi from now on."
"Th-Thank you, Lorenz—Svi-san." Tsuna said, smiling a bit.
"I have to leave you now. It's nice chatting with you, Vongola." Svi saluted and walked towards the opposite hallway leaving the Decimo.
Tsuna gazed once again in the ticking antique on his hand. He traced his hand to its magnificent designs and actually found himself starting to cry. The brunette held the piece close in his chest, recalling that faithful night in the woods with the blonde. Deep inside his heart, he knew that he wasn't suppose to feel this way about someone especially when he had already someone in his heart. But he couldn't help it. Being so distant from Kyoko like this, only seeing her when Vongola would allow it. Time and separation left a painful gap inside him. Tsuna was scared to admit it.
Cielo had filled the gap and mended that painful wound inside his heart.
» × «
Tsuna watched himself in mirror, fixing his ashen white tie and tightening it just perfectly. The Decimo straightened his black button up shirt before walking towards a chair where he took his black suit. Tsuna wore it, walking back to the large mirror. He fastened the buttons in place before dusting it off a bit.
From his bed side table, he took the Vongola ring and placed it on his middle finger. He took a white ribbon and neatly tied the long brown hair that fell on his back. Tsuna never really bothered to tie it before but he needed to look tidy as possible in the eyes of the people who he would soon work with. The Decimo stepped back on the large mirror and took a moment to gaze at himself from the polished black shoes he wore to the very tip of his unruly spiky brown hair.
He inhaled a mouthful of hair and breathed out. He would need all the courage he could muster to talk to the under bosses and the Ninth. Tsuna had not only intended to ask for the reasons why his friends were being held but also he would do everything in his power to release them and prove their innocence.
Tsuna walked back to his large bed and sat on the edge. He took in his hands the pocket watch that belonged to Cielo. He opened it ever so gently and he was awed. The hands of the pocket watch sparked a small orange flame. Tsuna stared at it wide eyed.
A sky flame and he had never seen such a flame so pure ever before.
Tsuna observed the antique even more and to his surprise, the glass covering of the watch had a large crack across it. It didn't seem to have any sign that it would fall off but Tsuna had wondered what happened. Tsuna then saw the engravings beneath the covering of the pocket watch. He traced his fingers as he tried to read it but was saddened when he found out that it was written in Old Italian.
Tsuna frowned, he was already having a hell of hard time trying to read modern Italian and here he was trying to decipher something like a nearly dead language. Of course, he wouldn't understand that. The young Decimo closed the small antique and turned it around for no apparent reason.
He had to gasp.
On the back of the gold and silver encrusted antique was another engraving. An engraving of two capital letters, it was initials in fact. They were written in English letters and it was easy enough for anyone to read.
G. V.
Tsuna read, though it was more like mouthed the words than actually saying them.
Now, that made Tsuna wonder if this really were initials of a name and if this belonged to Cielo. It made him wonder why it didn't have his own initials carved into it. 'Cielo Corleone… was his whole name, right? Then why is it G.V. not C.C.?' Tsuna asked himself, thinking about his findings.
Tsuna heard his door open and he hastily kept the antique, placing it to his pocket for safe keeping. Tsuna stood looking for whoever came in. His mouth had to gap when he saw who it was.
"Re-Reborn… is that you?"
The Arcobaleno smirked.
» × «
Tsuna scooted as far as he could from the back seat where he and an adult Reborn sat. Gokudera was obviously tensed in the driving wheel occasionally stealing glances from the front view mirror. Yamamoto had his usual smile on his face, looking very happy than usual. That was expected from Yamamoto after all, he didn't really care because that was still Reborn only…much bigger and older.
Reborn was amused, amused of the reactions of the people there with him. He had expected this but he never knew that it would be this interesting to see, especially his no good student, acting so awkward before him. He had to suppress a laugh when he almost called him 'Sir Reborn'.
Tsuna tried to stay as calm as possible. Reborn wasn't in his usual infant form but that of an adult one. He was tall, unbelievably handsome. He had an attractive deep voice, and cold but calm blue grey eyes that was bound to make any woman swoon over. He had heard rumors that Reborn had several lovers before but he never really gave it a thought because he was always with Bianchi and they seem really close. Reborn was already cute when he was in his infant form but he never expected that he would look this good when he gets older.
Tsuna heard a light chuckle, making him snap from his trail of thoughts. "Thanks for the complement Dame-Tsuna." Tsuna heard Reborn say.
"You… were...?"
"You're an easy book to read." Tsuna pouted, blushing slightly. "You don't need to worry though because this form is only temporary."
"Eh?" Tsuna said with disbelief.
"That's only temporary, Reborn-san?" Gokudera asked.
"Afraid so…This would only last for twelve hours after that I would revert back to my younger form. It's new, one of Gianini's new inventions." Tsuna looked at him with a bit of sadness. Reborn smiled a bit, seeing that expression from his student.
Tsuna had heard from occasional chats with Aria that the Sun Arcobaleno was saddened when they were transformed into infants. Memories from her mother were passed on to her and she would call that Reborn had hated it and often blame the power that they sought to protect. Tsuna often pitied the Arcobalenos because they have sacrificed so much just to protect that unknown force. It made Tsuna bite his lip lightly, remembering Yuni's sacrifice and their fight to save this generation.
"Don't worry about things you shouldn't worry about and don't ponder on things that would never happen again." Reborn said before pinching Tsuna's cheek. Tsuna yelped in pain, touching where the Arcobaleno held to shake him up from his thoughts. The brunette gave him a look before seeing his infamous smirk. Tsuna had to admit though, Reborn was right. "You have better things to worry about than me. Tsuna, I have to warn you. Vongola under bosses aren't to be taken lightly."
"Are they really that," Tsuna swallowed. "Scary?"
"I won't lie to you. They aren't just scary, they are dangerous people." Reborn stated folding his arms. "They may look ordinary at first, harmless and innocent but you have to watch out. Even if they say that they are loyal to Vongola that doesn't mean that they can be trusted easily. You have to be very careful with whatever you say, do you understand me?"
Tsuna clutched his hands. It was useless to feel scared now because he needed to do this for his friends. He had decided on that. He had to save Hibari and Mukuro, they have helped him before and now he needed to do his part.
"Yes."
"Your two guardians cannot step inside the meeting hall and they will be inside a special room where they will wait patiently for the meeting to end." Yamamoto's eyes widened.
"But Reborn-san! Who would protect—" Gokudera yelled out but Reborn cut him into it.
"Are you forgetting who I am, Gokudera Hayato?" Reborn said in a grim tone as he darted a defiant stare at the storm guardian from the front view mirror. Gokudera was instantly silenced, clutching tightly the steering wheel of the car. "I may be Dame-Tsuna's tutor and I may be just an advisor but that doesn't mean that I am incapable of protecting the Decimo far better than any of the guardians."
Tsuna gazed at Reborn wide eyed. He had never heard of the Hitman spoke things about him that way. Reborn returned the stare with a knowing look before Tsuna blushed from embarrassment.
"Reborn-san… Forgive me." Gokudera said with regret.
Reborn sighed. "You guardians are still under surveillance so it's best that you lay low for awhile. Avoid fighting as much as possible especially you Gokudera, you should learn to keep your mouth shut and have a bit more of self control." Reborn hid his eyes under the shadow of his fedora hat. "You should learn from Yamamoto, learn to smile and keep your calm."
Yamamoto laughed from Reborn's words, his voice made the tense atmosphere in the car disappear. Gokudera was trying his best not to yell at the laughing rain guardian.
"That's quite difficult to do, Reborn-san." The storm said.
"Oh I'm confident you'd be able to do that, all the guardians have a connection with each other. The Vongola storm and rain guardians was always said to have a special connection ever since the time of Primo. You two can understand each other in the most strangest of ways, that's why I'm pretty sure of that fact." He smirked.
Tsuna had a faint smile on his face as he watched his friends, there was no reason to worry about Gokudera and Yamamoto. His worry about the under bosses was somehow lessen knowing that Reborn would be there with him inside the meeting hall. The Arcobaleno may be quite cruel at times but he knew that Reborn would be there by his side, guiding him one way or another.
The brunette glanced at the sky by the car's window, he gazed upon the moon and stars that illuminated the night. He touched the antique that resided inside his pocket as if it could give him any courage to face the under bosses. Tsuna prayed silently that God would guide him and he would succeed in convincing them that Hibari and Mukuro weren't any danger to him.
» × «
Hibari Kyouya tried to open his eyes despite his failing vision and the unbelievable pain he felt all over his body. The cloud tried to focus, trying to regain control over his body. Hibari recalled everything, from his talk with the Bronco, the fight with scar face man, to his cheat. Everything happened so fast.
Upon regaining a bit of vision, Hibari was somehow aware that he was in a prison or dungeon of some sort which smelt of rusting iron and dried blood. Both of his hands were chained to a wall, impossible for him to escape without breaking them. He had noticed that they have taken the Vongola cloud ring from him as well as his tonfas. Hibari tried to move his legs in an attempt to stand.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you, Skylark-kun…." Hibari's eye widened slightly. He tried to search for that familiar voice and found it in the opposite cell from his though a bit further. Rokudo Mukuro had his hands cuffed together but it wasn't just any ordinary hand cuffs because it had all sorts of strange markings on it. The mist guardian was also bloodied though most of it streamed from his face, from his cursed eye. "You're just wasting your energy." He said.
Mukuro had something strapped on his head, like some sort of single eye gear. It looked frightening because that thing had his cursed eye opened widely, his eye lid was being held on, keeping the Illusionist from ever closing his eye. It's once blood red color had gone pale.
"I don't need your sympathies, Rokudo Mukuro." Hibari said, his voice a little hoarse. Mukuro merely looked at him and shook his head slightly. Hibari tried to stand once more, totally ignoring the Illusionist's suggestion. The moment he stood straight something from the chains illuminated, it bared the same markings from Mukuro's handcuffs. Hibari Kyouya felt as if all his energy was being drained out of him, he fell back his knees and coughed blood.
"Kufufufu…I told you so. Didn't you think I tried that too?" Hibari tried to sit up and panted slightly.
"Shut… up…." Mukuro plastered a grin on his face upon hearing Hibari's remark.
"How long do you think they'll keep us here?" Mukuro asked, his normal eye dropping slightly. He felt sleepy and his eye sight beginning to blur in. It was hard to stay awake with having multiple things strapped onto your body to control the flow of flames, Mukuro felt drained. He had to swallow, his throat felt dry.
"Hmn…how should I know?" He heard Hibari say. Mukuro could see that the cloud guardian was struggling to hold on to the consciousness he still have. He had to smile.
"I suppose so…Hibari-kun…I just hope…he comes soon. He always comes to help us, Tsunayoshi-kun… always does."
Hibari panted slightly. He was having a hard to time to breathe in this infernal hell hold, may it be because of the injury he sustained or probably because of the deathly aura this place has. Rokudo Mukuro has gone silent for the past few minutes. Hibari actually thought that the damn pineapple had finally passed on to the next life but to his surprise he had just fallen asleep.
The cloud guardian had to stare at the face of his fellow guardian, it was evident that he was in complete pain and agony. Though there was also hope in his words just before he fell unconscious. This person had hoped that Sawada Tsunayoshi would come and free them. Was the herbivore really capable of doing that? He tried to ask himself.
Perhaps he can, since this idiotic man who once fought to destroy the underground world believed in Sawada Tsunayoshi. He chose to believe in such a weak human being. Almost every one of the guardians believed him and chose to follow his footsteps instead of pursuing something even greater.
Gokudera Hayato had chosen to become an underling of the brunette instead of succeeding his father who was also a head of a known famiglia. Yamamoto Takeshi and Sasagawa Ryohei, chose to follow him instead of pursuing their dream in sports which both of them greatly excel in. The rain guardian can even be the next sword emperor. Lambo, who seemed very close to the Bovino boss enough to be considered his son, chose to place his full loyalty to Vongola once he becomes of age.
It was utter stupidity yet it was amazing as well.
Hibari Kyouya can do anything he wanted, he had a strong hold in people but instead he was here. He was totally oblivious to the fact that he had been following Sawada Tsunayoshi all along. He wanted to laugh at himself yet somehow he knew there was a reason as to why he did. Perhaps there was something in his eye that made him follow the weak herbivore. He had always looked at him back in middle school, observing from afar. It was only this time did he want Sawada Tsunayoshi to notice him more than ever.
Was it the smile? That particular aura he had around others did Hibari Kyouya enjoyed seeing in him? Was it Sawada Tsunayoshi's company, perhaps?
Or Hibari Kyouya wanted a special place inside the Decimo's heart?
He had to smile at that thought. He had certainly gone soft these past few years. Hibari closed his eyes and let himself be swept by sleep once more. It wouldn't hurt if he too could hope that the Decimo would come for them. Fools believed Sawada Tsunayoshi and he wouldn't deny that he was a fool himself for actually thinking this way. Hibari made a solemn promise to himself.
If Sawada Tsunayoshi does free them here… then Hibari Kyouya's loyalties would be forever his.
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Tsuna could only stare at the huge mansion beckoning his sight. He felt it, something was calling him. It was only a mere second but he felt as if something was pulling him closer, seeking for his help. Tsuna wrapped his hands around himself, and swallowed the invisible lump on his throat. Reborn placed a hand on his shoulder, looking with a bit of concern for him.
"What's wrong, Tsuna?" He asked. Tsuna just looked at the mansion, forcing himself to regain his composure.
"I don't know… it's like something was calling me awhile ago. I heard Mukuro's voice… then Hibari-san. I can feel like they're calling me."
"You felt it too, Tsuna?" Yamamoto asked. Tsuna looked at him with surprise that he too sensed it. "I didn't hear Mukuro or Hibari but I heard whispers." They turned to Gokudera in question if he too sensed it.
"Gokudera-kun, how about you?" Tsuna asked.
"It was for a moment but I definitely heard it too, Juudaime." Gokudera said without averting his gaze from the road. The brunette looked at Reborn in question, the Arcobaleno had a hand under his chin as if he was thinking.
"The rings are calling on to the other ring holders. Something must have happened, its best that we hurry." Reborn said. Gokudera understood it and quickly stepped on the accelerator.
Tsuna clutched his hands, his gaze directed at the marvelous structure they were heading too. Reborn was right, something really must have happened to Hibari and Mukuro. He didn't want to think what could have happened to them but he could definitely feel anger swelling up.
Upon their arrival Tsuna and the group were instantly greeted by servants of the mansion. Four of the male servants stepped beside each of the doors and opened them, those who remained were all bowing in respect. The Ninth was there by the entrance, seated on his wheel chair, a faint smile on his face while his gaze was directed to him. Tsuna kept his calm while trying to suppress his emotions. His gaze slowly fell on the person behind the Ninth Vongola, the one who was pushing his wheel chair.
Tsuna had felt his heart raise its beat, it was none other than Cielo Corleone with the most expressionless look he had ever seen. Reborn drew near them and so did Gokudera, Yamamoto, and lastly Tsuna. Cielo immediately stepped back, his right hand rested above his heart and he slowly bowed.
"Welcome, Tsunayoshi-kun." Don Timoteo said, stretching a hand to Tsuna. "I hope you didn't encounter any trouble while coming here?"
Tsuna forced himself to smile, taking the elder's hand and shook it slightly. "No, Sir. There wasn't any."
"That's good to hear then." He said, releasing Tsuna's hand.
"I hope we're not late for the meeting." Reborn said.
"You're quite early in fact. Some of them haven't arrived yet." Don Timoteo gazed at Tsuna for a moment then placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know you have something to tell me so why don't we talk somewhere more priv—"
"Ohhh… So the Vongola Decimo has finally arrived." Tsuna suddenly felt something crept up to him upon hearing the voice. The brunette searched for the owner and found him slowly approaching along with several other people. The man was tall with a fare complexion, he had a pair of gray eyes, and he wore a black suit from his shoes up to his dress shirt. He had dark blue hair that was styled with such perfection. From the corner of his eye, Tsuna could swear he saw Cielo's eyes narrowed down at the man who called him.
"It's nice to see you again, Signore Matthias Constanzo." Tsuna stretched a hand to him, still maintaining a straight face. The one called as Matthias shook it, half smirking at him. Reborn, Gokudera, and Yamamoto did as well.
"My, my, he does look like a woman." Tsuna's eye twitched, he tried his best not to show that he was irritated at the woman with short golden blonde hair. This was the first time Tsuna saw her. She was beautiful and fair skinned, she had purple eyes and slightly thin lips that was almost too red because of the lipstick she placed on it. "We haven't met yet, my name is Maria Elda Cammeresi, please call me Elda."
The woman extended her hand to Tsuna as if asking him to kiss it. Of course, Tsuna had to do it even if he didn't really like her at all. "It's good to finally meet you Signora Elda." The brunette said and slightly placed a kiss on the back of her hand.
As Elda drew back her hand quite hastily, her long polished nails scratched the side of Tsuna's lips. The Decimo tried his best not to react though the mark did sting quite a bit. The woman's red lips formed a lustful smile and Tsuna could see it very well. Oh how he hated women like this.
"I don't think the Decimo would fall for your…seductive tricks, Elda." Another voice joined though it didn't come from the group but behind them. Tsuna as well as the others turned to see another woman. The Decimo's eyes widened slightly as she smiled at him. She looked so gorgeous with her long dark auburn hair, her crystal blue eyes, her petit face though she looked quite pale. The said woman didn't wear such provocative things but simple yet elegant clothing.
"Welcome, Tessa." The Ninth said, smiling at her. 'Tessa' drew near the Don and held his two hands.
"Thank you, Don Timeteo." She said.
"I see that your saintly attitude hasn't killed you yet." Elda raised an eyebrow and placed one hand on her hips.
"Yes, quite unfortunate… for you." She beamed at her. Elda looked enraged from this and excused herself from the group. Matthias followed her to a hallway inside the mansion where they disappeared from view. Tessa turned to Tsuna who was too stunned from what just happened. "Finally we meet, I am Tessa Aldelanna Borzellieri and I suggest that you better watch out for Catwoman and her tricks…Vongola Decimo." Tsuna nodded fervently as she took his hands and held it.
"You're looking well, Tessa." Reborn spoke, taking her hand and placed a soft kiss on it. The woman chuckled in response.
"I never knew you were able to go back to your original form, Reborn."
"It's only temporary." Reborn said with a smile on his lips. "Hmm, I better pay my respects to the others. They are in the conference room, correct?"
"Yes." The Ninth said. Reborn bowed and paced his way to where the two under bosses passed through a while ago.
"Oh!" Tessa glanced at Gokudera and Yamamoto who blinked twice before the two guardians nodded slightly. "You two must be the Decimo's guardian of Storm and Rain. It's a pleasure to meet both of you."
"I'm honored to meet you, Signora Tessa. I'm Gokudera Hayato." The storm guardian said as he stood straight.
"Honored to meet you too, Miss! The name is Yamamoto Takeshi." The rain guardian spoke, a huge grin forming on his lips.
"Hmm…the others aren't here yet, I presume?" Tessa asked. The Don shook his head.
"Yes. Do you have something in mind, child?" The woman placed a hand under her chin and gazed at both Gokudera and Yamamoto.
"Would it be okay if I invite them over for some tea just before the meeting starts?"
Don Timoteo beamed at her. "Consider it done."
"Captain Cielo…" The blonde turned to her. "Would you kindly accompany the Decimo to the Health room? It would be such a waste if that scratch should ruin his beautiful face, please help him to get that patched up."
"Yes, Milady." Tsuna's mouth gapped. Tessa tittered at Tsuna's reaction. "You wouldn't mind if I… borrow your two guardians over for some tea and chat now would you, Decimo?"
Tsuna looked at Gokudera and Yamamoto, the two seemed okay with it. "Uhm…I won't mind."
"Good, Cielo would also help you find them and do follow us right after." And with that said Gokudera, Yamamoto, Tessa, and the Ninth left them. Tsuna had to wonder what Tessa meant by them. Though he had a feeling that she must be pertaining to Hibari and Mukuro.
The walk to the Health room had been eerie silent. In fact it really was dead silent. Tsuna had a hand inside his pocket, clutching on the pocket watch that belonged to the man leading the way. Neither of them had spoken since and Tsuna found it annoying already so he stopped his pacing. Cielo stopped as well.
"It won't be long. The health room is just by—" Cielo felt someone embraced him from behind, he quickly noticed that it was the brunette. His lips parted slightly, a small smile formed in his lips.
"Cie-Cielo-san…." Tsuna said almost like a whisper. "I'm sorry. I'm really sorry…I was being stupid when I ran off like that." Tsuna couldn't help it anymore. The more this silence lasted the more it would hurt him. His chest couldn't bare it any longer. He hated the fact that this person would just ignore him, he hated it and the more he despised himself for that.
The Decimo felt his hands being taken off. He bowed his head in embarrassment until he felt Cielo wrap his arms around him once more. Tsuna shyly looked up, remembering everything that happened a week ago. He was greeted with the blonde's gentle smile.
"I honestly thought you were angry with me." He said.
"No! You've got it all wrong! I-I…really was being so stupid. I was being ungrateful too. I'm really so sorry." Tsuna felt his cheeks heat up.
Cielo chuckled lightly before hearing footsteps coming close them. He released Tsuna though taking his hand into his. "I believe we better continue this conversation somewhere more private and we need to get that cut fixed. The health room is just down the hall so it wouldn't be long anymore." Tsuna nodded and let the taller male lead him.
» × «
As they finally arrived in the room, the nurse that was supposed to be in the health room was nowhere to be seen so Cielo ended up applying first aid despite Tsuna saying that he'd be the one to do it himself. Tsuna tried his best to keep still as possible. Cielo had insisted to help him saying that it was better that way and it would be less of a hassle for the brunette.
And so Tsuna actually found himself sitting in one of the empty beds inside, he sat so still that he can be actually compared to a rock. Having him stare at Cielo like this, having his face so close to his. Tsuna had to force himself to stay conscious and not faint. Cielo had taken off his Varia coat and placed it on one of the chairs, the sleeves of the white dress shirt he wore was rolled up to his elbows. Tsuna didn't really see it very well during that incident in the forest but it just goes to show that anything Cielo wears makes him look unmistakably good.
Cielo stood and placed the bottle of disinfecting liquid in the table and threw the cotton ball he used to the trash beside it. Cielo took a small white band-aid from one of the drawers before getting back to the brunette and finally placing it.
"Thank you, Cielo-san." Tsuna said making the blonde-haired male smile. Cielo looked at him in the eye. Tsuna had to blush from the look Cielo was giving him. "Uhm… is there something wrong with my face?" The brunette asked.
"No," He chuckled lightly. "But…can you close your eyes for moment?" Tsuna blinked in confusion but obeyed otherwise. Cielo took a ring from his pocket and wore it in his middle finger. The ring fumed with the flame of the sky that turned a marvelous color of yellow. He drew his hand just above his lips and blew on it. The flame vanished almost instantly.
"Cielo-san?" Tsuna spoke though his eyes were still closed. The blonde drew closer and closer to him, he lightly brushed his lips into Tsuna's before planting a soft kiss on the patched up wound near his lips. The Decimo's eyes broadened from realization as he stared at Cielo despite the covering on his eyes. Tsuna unintentionally found himself a few inches away from his face. His head was screaming for him to back away but something inside his chest was saying otherwise.
Cielo slowly backed away leaving a flushed brunette speechless from his own thoughts of what could have happened. Cielo could swear that if he didn't pull away that very moment, both of them would have regretted everything. Tsuna tried to look at him in question but Cielo merely smiled at him.
"You certainly have the cutest reactions. I couldn't help but get amused by it." The captain smiled, trying to build up an alibi for his actions. Tsuna laughed nervously before seeing Cielo stretch out his hand as an invitation. "I've kept you here for so long now, I'm sure you wanted to see your two guardians. I'll lead you to them." Tsuna took his hand and nodded.
On the back of Tsuna's head, something as though died inside him. He wasn't sure exactly what it was but he did know one thing, he wanted Cielo to continue what could have been a kiss.
To be continued…
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Oh in case you missed the note above. I'll repeat it. D18 idea has been scrapped. Meaning no D18 for this fanfiction.
Yes, sorry for those who wanted that but a lot of people reacted so I decided to drop it. I even got an interesting threat from a reviewer, which I cannot believe until now. I was shocked and sorta annoyed at first but I guess that person has his/her issues so I won't blame that person for saying that. I'll just… follow Yamamoto's reactions and smile like nothing happened, continuing on. Ahahahaha! (Smiles brightly –I look like an idiot, lol-)
SO! I would like to thank those who reviewed the previews chapter and those silent readers I have. Thank you for at least reading and clicking it. Lol! Your clicks and reviews make me happy and inspire me to write even more. I want to write as much as I could before school starts again (which would be next month already -curse-) because by then I'll be so darn busy and have so little time to write. I hope you enjoyed the chapter, I'll see you in the next installment of Afraid to Love You! :D
