CHAPTER 10: A NEW FRIEND

Tsuna carried the leaf throughout the week. Gokudera and his parents had given the box curious looks, but didn't ask what it was for; there must've been something on his face that stopped them. But as days passed, it showed no signs of dying. It kept that ethereal glow, still fragile looking, but still the same since the day he received it. But on the seventh day that night, Hibari really was true to his word. Tsuna witnessed as the beautiful surreal leaf shriveled up and slowly disintegrate, leaving nothing but a small lump of decomposed brown dust. At the time, he was supposed to be sleeping and Hibari wasn't coming tonight. He stared sadly at the remains of the leaf that sat in a clump inside the black box. Despite the gift's longevity, Tsuna was still grateful. It had been a part of Hibari's life that he never knew—that Tsuna was very sure of. He sat there in total darkness, holding the small black box to his chest, wondering what the heck it was.

Shortly after at the night of his tenth birthday, Tsuna woke up to a Hibari-less bedroom. Nana and Iemitsu came in holding their presents. Since Tsuna had fainted—passed out, as he would say,—Nana and Iemitsu couldn't give Tsuna his birthday gift from them. Nana had knitted him white mittens and matching scarf. Iemitsu gave him a remote-controlled boat for next time they would go to the apple plantation.

But the box was the one thing he could never leave behind. But he could see Hibari glowering with satisfaction whenever he spotted the box in his posession. Tsuna didn't mind, it was the closest Tsuna had seen Hibari actually…happy, smug even. But now it was gone. Nothing but the container to remember the leaf by. Tsuna slowly put the box on top of his night stand and gave it a fleeting glance before snuggling up in his bed, longing to get the rest needed for tomorrow. Because tomorrow; Haru and Kyoko-chan were taking him to the zoo.

Tsuna squeaked when he rolled off the bed and landed on the floor. He sat up, trying to gather his bearings when Nana opened the door and smiled down at Tsuna, "Tsu-kun, Kyoko-chan and Haru-chan are here. Get dressed for the day quickly, I'll make them some lunch so you three can eat it later at lunch time."

"Okay!" Tsuna nodded excitedly, no longer feeling drowsy. He scrambled out of his tangle of blankets and winced when he was attacked by the cold, autumn air. The one thing he hated about autumn and winter weather was dressing and undressing. He changed wisely, taking his scarf and matching mittens that his mama made him on his birthday, and his windbreaker jacket. If it was this cold in the house, it would certainly be freezing outside. He shuddered as he walked out of his room and into the icy bathroom. The tiles on the floor were vengefully cold, making his toes curl up, even though he was wearing socks. After he was done, he peeked down the stairs saw that everyone was already at the breakfast table.

"Good morning, everyone." Tsuna greeted as he descended the stairs.

"Ah!" Haru turned around when he heard Tsuna, "Good morning, Tsuna-san!" Haru was surprisingly dressed in shorts. Tsuna could tell by the way she sat, she was very cold.

"Good morning, Tsu-kun." Kyoko said waving, smiling into her cup of hot chocolate. Unlike Haru, Kyoko had been wise about her wardrobe today and looked positively glowing in her warm winter wear. Her hair was pulled up into two short pigtails, giving her a nice clean and innocently warm look.

Iemitsu was already in his suit, suitcase by his chair, looking quite professional as he sipped his coffee and scrutinized the Sunday paper in his hands. Nana was in her house clothes, a white shawl pulled around her.

"Hurry now, Tsu-kun, your food is getting a bit cold." Nana said as she poured Iemitsu another cup of coffee.

Tsuna sat down, and picked up his fork and spoon. Today's breakfast was eggs and bacon packed with banana nut muffins for desert. A bowl of fruit sat on the middle of the table consisting of melons, grapes, apples, and bananas.

"Are you excited, Tsuna?" Iemitsu asked as he reached the core of an apple and set it down on his plate.

Tsuna smiled, popping a forkful in his mouth, "Yeah, I am papa."

"So what animals, do you want to see first, Tsuna-san?" Haru asked bouncing in her seat to keep her self warm, "Penguins? Lions? Bears?"

Tsuna flinched. He'd rather not see anything dangerous at all, "Well actually, maybe we should start with the aquarium?"

"That's a good idea," Kyoko said sipping her cocoa, "And then we can see all the nice things later."

"You three should hurry," Iemitsu said in a waving gesture to the clock behind him, "It'll be pretty hard to get the tickets. I hear there is a special performance at the bird cages later at noon."

"Ha-hi!" Haru nodded to confirm it, "That's the main event today! It was all over the posters at town!"

"We should really get going, Mrs. Sawada," Kyoko said as she politely wiped her mouth with a napkin and got out of her chair. Haru followed suit and smiled at the Sawadas, "It's going to be a long walk, so we'll have to take the train, Tsuna-san."

"O-Okay. Do you know how long the ride is?" Tsuna asked as he finished up his plate.

"I think," Kyoko started put a finger to her lip in thought, "Maybe about 45 minutes? It's out at Shibikawa."

Iemitsu nodded, Shibikawa was a series of residents near Namimori, just slightly bigger and more populated. Namimori didn't get visitors much because, well, why go to such a small unimportant town when you have a big bustling, and far more interesting city nearby? Iemitsu had been there on numerous occasions, whether it be business or for a family outing, they had all been there once. It was a quaint place; busy, and peaceful. Shibikawa was known for its charms in attracting tourists, like the Shibikawa Museum or the Shibikawa Zoo and Botanical Gardens, where the three were heading now.

"You'll keep Tsu-kun safe, won't you? Kyoko-chan, Haru." Nana added giggling, "He tends to get lost easily."

Tsuna puffed, "I'm not little anymore! And I won't get lost!"

Kyoko and Haru exchanged a sly knowing look. After Tsuna stopped mourning about him turning ten, Tsuna began to think of himself as an adult, holding doors for them instead, reading the newspaper in the morning. One time, he asked Iemitsu if he could have coffee instead of milk. Of course, Tsuna never asked again, he disliked coffee even more after that. Though, in fact, Tsuna hadn't changed one bit no matter what he thought. He was still the shortest in his class, still the slowest in running, still the academically impaired, still Tsuna by all right.

"Right," Nana said reassuringly, patting Tsuna on the shoulder as she handed him their lunch.

After Tsuna, Haru, and Kyoko exchanged goodbyes, they headed out to the central station. As they stepped outside into the unforgivingly cold wind, the three huddled closer together as they walked, Tsuna squished in between the girls.

"Ha-hi!" Haru exclaimed when the winds licked at her legs, making her teeth clatter uncontrollably, "I didn't think it'd be t-this cold!"

"Would you like to go back to your house to change, Haru-chan?" Kyoko asked, smiling. Her cheery kindness was unaffected by the weather.

"N-No," Haru said, waving a hand, as if it would wave away the cold, "It's too f-far!"

Tsuna unwrapped his scarf and held it up to Haru, "Y-You can have mine, Haru. You're far colder then I am."

Haru only shook her head in decline, not trusting her chattering teeth at the moment and pulled her jacket around herself tighter. After a long, almost unbearable trek, they made it to the safe, warm, underground subway. Luckily, they had an extra 20 minutes before their train comes. They sat down at an empty bench—strange for it to be empty, especially at this rush hour. Kyoko got up and paid for hot drinks to take for the long ride. Unlike the public subway, Haru, Kyoko and Tsuna were taking the express train. It cost a fee unlike the public transportation but worth the price. Tsuna sipped at his hot milk tea, careful to hold it between his mittens as to not scald himself. Kyoko had gotten warm coffee and Haru got strawberry milk.

After awhile of reveling in the warmth in the drinks, the train crawled slowly to a stop in front of them. The three picked up their bags, and gathered their belongings and scrambled into the train, getting an empty booth near the entrance. The booth was warm and heat-ventilated and the cushions greeted them with tempting promises of comfort. Tsuna sat down, getting the bench from across Haru and Kyoko as the two girls huddle together, sipping their drinks lightly. More passengers came in and soon the train had gained a constant dull of constant chatter. Tsuna finished his drink quickly, ready to take a nap. Haru had brought her little notepad, and began jotting ideas for costume designs. Kyoko was sipping her coffee, idly staring out the window, watching as more and more passengers boarded the train.

Small-talk exchanged between them settled down and the three drifted off in their own thoughts as the train began to crawl forward, slowly gaining speed as tunnels passed. Soon, the tunnels ceased and buildings flew past their view, and shortly after that, trees came into view. Soon the train was passing through the countryside. He knew that they had just passed Oba-san's and Oji-san's apple plantation a few minutes ago. Tsuna sighed, putting his scarf as a prop against the window, preparing for a long nap. He breathed at the glass, watching with distinct fascination at the fog decorating the window and disappeared quickly. The boy closed his eyes and slowly he slipped into unconsciousness.

Tsuna jerked awake when he felt the sudden momentum of the train changing its gears. They were now slowly crawling their way towards the station, which was not far now—even close enough to look at. Tsuna stretched, arms held high over his head and legs unfolding with a creak of his bones. Haru was still asleep in the bench opposite of him resting her head in Kyoko's lap. They were both asleep, their eyes closed and both breathed in synchronision.

"Kyoko-chan, Haru." Tsuna got up and shook the two gently by the shoulders, "Hurry, we're almost there now." Kyoko gave a small groan at the interruption of a good dream and blinked blearily at Tsuna. Haru gave a pitched whine and turned so her face was facing Kyoko's stomach.

Kyoko smiled and tugged at Haru's ponytail, "Come on, Haru-chan." Kyoko whispered softly, "We're here; we're going to the zoo, remember?"

As if a jolt of hot electricity shot through her, Haru jumped out from Kyoko's lap and jumped happily around their booth, "Yay! We're here! We're here!"

"Haru." Tsuna scolded softly, holding a finger to his lips to shush her, "The other passengers can hear us."

"Right!" Haru smiled and her exuberant jumping only leveling down to a light bounce. The train stopped and everyone scrambled to get their things from below the seats and the luggage compartments over them.

Soon enough, they were outside of the train. It was a lot less colder here at Shibikawa. Perhaps the weather only fared at Namimori at the moment. Haru was no longer complaining about wearing a skirt and Kyoko looked a little uncomfortable in her sweater. It was hot enough to wear short sleeves and a perfect timing to go to the zoo.

The trio moved into the transportation bus taking a three seater near the driver. Haru was still bouncing, and as she sat down she settled with tapping her feet excitedly against the floor. Kyoko was seemingly smiling at nothing and Tsuna sat twiddling his fingers.

There was no doubt in Tsuna's mind that somewhere close by, Hibari was following them. But as he peered over his shoulder to look back or glance at small cramped spaces, he couldn't find sight of him. He sighed, hoping that a miracle would occur and somehow Hibari would join them too. But how would he explain his presence to Kyoko and Haru? Would they demand to know who Hibari was? He couldn't even answer even that because he truly and honestly wouldn't know what to say. Kyoko looked at Tsuna curiously at his discontented exhale.

"What's wrong?" Kyoko asked, noticing Tsuna's lack of attention. Perhaps he was bored already?

Tsuna peeked at Kyoko and smiled, "Nothing, Kyoko-chan."

Kyoko didn't seem convinced and watched Tsuna carefully as he pointedly tried to ignore the awkwardness by staring in fake interest out the window.

"Are…you bored, Tsu-kun?" Kyoko asked, blindly guessing.

"N-No!" Tsuna whipped around to wave his arms in dismissal, "Of course not, Kyoko-chan."

Kyoko tilted her head to meet Tsuna's eye level, "Then what's wrong? Can you tell me?"

Would…Would it be so bad to tell Kyoko about Hibari? Surely, Kyoko can keep a secret. There were tons of times when Tsuna was little that she had lied to his parents for his benefit. Like that one time when he spilled juice all over the couch and she had taken the blame willingly for him... Or the other time when Kyoko took the fall when he nearly burned the kitchen down…She was an honest girl and she would most likely tell her opinions about Hibari too. Perhaps they could meet—so Tsuna wouldn't feel so secretive all the time. Tsuna wasn't quite sure as to how Hibari would act if he suddenly introduced Kyoko to him…but would it be so bad to test the waters and tell her?

"Actually—" Tsuna began timidly.

"Tsuna-san!" Haru screamed and shook the boy by the shoulder pointedly. She pinioned him forcibly to face the window and jut her chin out into the distance, "We're here! We're really here!"

In an instant, the decision and conversation was forgotten. The three jumped up from their seats and put their hands on the window—as if they could touch the zoo itself. The bus driver was laughing heartedly when Haru bodily picked up Tsuna and dragged Kyoko off the vehicle, chattering excitedly.

"And I want to see some penguins, and then some zebras— and oh! The giraffes too!" Kyoko was laughing, trying to keep up with Haru as she added in what she wanted to see. Tsuna was still being carried by Haru. He didn't weigh much, so he allowed Haru to carry him there, ignoring the giggling gaggles of girls and the teasing little kids with a deliberate gaze aimed to the floor as they passed.

Haru did, thankfully, put Tsuna down before they reached the ticket booth. Tsuna didn't think he could cope with the embarrassment any longer. The girl behind the counter smiled at them as they approached, "Welcome to the Shibikawa Zoo and Botanical Gardens! Tickets for three?"

"Yes!" Haru said nodding enthusiastically as she dug through her purse.

Unfortunately for her, Kyoko had her money in hand and with a quick movement she cut off Haru and gave it to the girl.

"Kyoko-chan!" Haru said indignantly, "I could've paid for myself at the very least!"

"Me too…" Tsuna muttered to them, but it was a loss cause. He knew that either girl was planning on paying for him without arguments.

The other girl only smiled and patted the two on the back, "It's alright, Haru-chan. Consider that as consolation for buying me that cake earlier."

Haru puffed in defeat, she didn't like owing Kyoko anything.

Kyoko nodded as she took the outstretched tickets from the clerk. The trio moved to push their tickets through the counter and emerged from the gates. The moment she was free from the security, Haru broke into a dash. She flashed a grin back at Kyoko and Tsuna, "Hurry! Let's go to the aquarium!"

Tsuna gave out an exasperated sigh, running after whereas Kyoko laughed, seemingly unaffected. Maybe it was because every two steps for Kyoko and Haru were three-to-four steps for Tsuna, the boy realized with exasperation. He wished he was at least taller. Haru finally stopped, coming to a halt at the entrance of the aquarium dome. She dug out her camera from her bag and took pictures of her two companions as they caught up; Kyoko laughing and jogging lightly with ease and Tsuna behind her, breathing heavily and gripping his rib cage as if his lungs would fall out.

"Alright! We're here!" Haru said proudly and she put the camera back in her bag and faced the two with squared shoulders, "Now, it's really, really dark in there, you know? So make sure we stay near each other at all costs!"

The energetic brunette linked their hands. Tsuna and Haru huddled around Kyoko, who was monkey in the middle this time. Because the air was considerably colder in the dome and Tsuna was entirely grateful for his jacket and scarf. Haru squealed softly, growing cold again. It was dark, like Haru said it would be and the only lights to guide them was glow-in-the-dark arrows on the floor and the soft glow of the aquarium lights. They passed a flurry of colored fish. Orange, pink, sky blue, electric yellow. The trio stopped to observe a tiny shark that was swimming in circles in its captivity.

Great sharks, slithery stingrays, even humongous whales soon showed themselves as they moved further and further to the center of the dome. By the time they were out, Tsuna were admittedly exhausted. It was tiring, being dragged from one tank to another from Haru. Speaking of which, Haru and Kyoko didn't seem even slightly burned out. They moved onto the amphibians, snakes, and insect exhibition. Kyoko didn't seem to mind going through here, but Haru and Tsuna gagged at every creature they stopped to observe. Anything crawly he'd rather pass on. Haru's biggest fear were snakes. Seeing that her two friends were uncomfortable, Kyoko gently led them out to the panda cage.

They skimmed through the zoo, watching the giraffes, zebras, penguins, and lions. Tsuna liked the lions—when he imagined they didn't have their lunch. Kyoko let one giraffe come so close, it ate the paper brochure off her hand. Tsuna nearly undergone asphyxiation at the proximity of the animal. He was scared that the giraffe would eat Kyoko's head next! "Its tongue felt like sandpaper," Kyoko said as she washed her hands at the sink provided, "You should try it sometime, Tsu-kun."

"I don't know how you do it, Kyoko-chan!" Haru said excitedly as Tsuna paled in reply, "That was so brave!"

"Giraffes won't hurt anyone, Haru-chan." Kyoko promised. "Ah!" she exclaimed as she glanced at her watch.

"What's wrong, Kyoko-chan?" Tsuna asked.

She tapped her watch, showing the other two. "The bird performance is starting soon! We have to hurry!"

"That's right! It's nearly two o'clock!" Haru bobbed her head, not believing she almost forgot about it.

Tsuna frowned. Not that he didn't like birds and all, but they were a bit…boring. So he had no idea why Haru and Kyoko were so insistent on seeing them. But he'd do anything for the girls so he chose not to say anything. Haru dashed on ahead, and Kyoko and Tsuna followed at a more patient pace. They had about maybe six minutes before it started and the performance wasn't far where they were at now. They soon reached the bird exhibits. The performance was to take place in a giant bird cage, with glass of course. Tsuna looked at his brochure. The birds were to show tricks like talking, fetching stuff, playing with things, balancing on balls. Tsuna's frown deepened. How…bland.

But where was the crowds? The people? The rows of seats were empty and there wasn't a bird in sight.

"What's going on here?" Kyoko asked, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion, "Did we miss it?"

"No," Tsuna said looking back at the program then to his watch. "Its two o'clock like the brochure says."

Haru hummed thoughtfully, crossing her arms, "Maybe it was cancelled?"

"Excuse me; are you here to see the bird performance?" The trio looked behind them, where a rather flustered and angry girl sat. Judging by her professional attire, she was the manager of the bird exhibition. If it weren't for the fact that she looked so angry, Tsuna would've asked her himself.

"I know." The girl said through gritted teeth, taking the hem of her shirt and twisting it furiously in her hands, "The birds escaped. Can you believe it? Escaped!"

"Escaped?" Haru repeated, paling, "But—how?"

"One of our PAs left the hatch to the roof open. The hatch!" She emphasized in disbelief, wrenching her shirt with more vigor. "A green thumb's mistake!"

"Are they dangerous to anyone?" Tsuna asked worriedly. He hoped they wouldn't peck at anyone.

"Well, no actually. They're really friendly. Just make sure you don't get on their bad side or they'll try to attack you. Right now everyone is scrambling to find them," The girl pointed behind her where a bunch of bird keepers were waving their nets in the air. "But it's impossible. This might take awhile."

"So the show is canceled?" Kyoko asked, sympathizingly.

The bird keeper sighed sadly, letting her anger go, "I believe so. What kind of bird performance would it be without birds? You should go somewhere else. There's nothing to see here, sorry for the trouble."

With deepest apologies, the bird keeper gave them little advice on the other interesting attractions in the parkt before regaining her anger and yelling orders at the other keepers.

"She was scary." Tsuna said softly, shuddering, when they were out of ear-shot; remembering the way she had wrung her shirt so violently.

The three decided to head to the gardens, where the most exotic plants could be seen. The botanical gardens boast an incredible array of plants from all over the globe—from Hong Kong orchid trees to Mexican fan palms. For many visitors, the plant life is as much of an attraction as the wildlife in the zoo. The gate to the gardens was incredible. The structure was made out of beautiful collections of roses, daisies, and other floral faunas. The words, 'Botanical Gardens' was made from vines, no doubt made by a professional.

A gardener watering the decorative front flowers of the gate greeted them as they passed through, smiling warmly at the new company. The boy, not much older than Haru and Kyoko waved them over, "Hello. If you go that way, there's a flower garden," The boy pointed towards a gate of flowers. "And if you go that way there's a maze," The boy pointed to a neatly cut hedge entrance. "And see that blue booth? You go there if you need any help. There are also souvenirs there."

"Thanks!" Haru chirped, making the boy duck his head in reply.

Haru, Kyoko, and Tsuna walked to the center, of the entrances, were a big land of space was joined together by an elegant fountain in the middle.

"Where should we start?" Haru asked, whipping around to face each entrance, studying each one carefully. Apparently she didn't need an answer and she headed off to the blue booth, eyeing a pretty accessory on sale. Kyoko followed her, and together they keep themselves busy in a conversation of charms and birthstones. Tsuna sighed and sat down at the fountains edge, letting his finger tips run over the cool water. There were no coins at the bottom. There was a sign warning that the water flowing in the fountain was also used for the plants.

"Hm?" Tsuna hummed softly when he caught sight of a figure standing idly on the other side of the fountain, "Hibari-san?" Tsuna gasped.

It was him! He was in a black suit as usual, sticking out like a sore thumb in the colorful scenery. He had his hands in his pockets, slouching and frowning at Tsuna. As if he knew the boy had caught sight of him, the man gave a small incline of his head before walking into the hedge maze. Tsuna blinked in confusion at the simple gesture. Did he want him to follow?

"W-Wait!" Tsuna yelled in a whisper. He threw a frantic glance at the two girls. They were engrossed into whatever the shopkeeper was telling them. Apparently some background story behind a piece of jewelry? That isn't the point, Tsuna thought fervently, Hibari-san's getting farther and farther away! He jumped up from his seat and followed after the boogie man. It took a bit; Hibari had not bothered to slow down for Tsuna to catch up.

"Where are you?" Tsuna asked tentatively when he lost sight of him completely.

"Here."

Tsuna breathed out a relief huff and followed in the direction of his voice, mindful to make sure his scarf didn't snag on the branches. He turned the corner, "Hibari-san, what's—…" Tsuna's smile and question died on his lips when he registered what he was looking at.

Birds. A lot of birds. The feathered creatures were everywhere in this desolate space. It was a small garden in the middle of the labyrinth, probably a resting place for those halfway through the maze. There was a bench and a flower arch above it. There, Hibari sat, birds surrounding him. And like total wake-up call, Tsuna realized whose birds those belonged to.

"Hibari-san! Did you—?"

"Release them?" Hibari finished, quirking an eyebrow, "No. They followed me."

"They followed you?" Tsuna repeated, choking.

"Yes." Hibari said blandly, as if wondering if Tsuna's capacity in common sense was really so impaired.

Warily, Tsuna made his way to Hibari and the birds shrieked and scattered around the small garden in panic as the boy cut through them. He stopped in front of the sitting man and staring at the birds warily.

"Are you sure you didn't bribe them to come with you?" Tsuna asked doubtfully, and sat down next to Hibari, thoughtful of the small green macaw pluming its feathers between the two.

Hibari's glared, allowing that to be enough of an answer.

"T-That's…" really unnatural. Tsuna couldn't voice the thought, utterly amazed at Hibari's capabilities as he stared at the birds in their own idle chatter. "Wait a second…" Tsuna began, his eyebrows raising in alarm, "Why are they so quiet?"

"I asked them to."

The boy didn't say anything, only giving Hibari and incredulous open-mouthed stare.

"The zoo keepers would find me if they continued to make noises. I simply," Hibari smirked, eyeing the birds with dark amusement, "Persuaded them."

Tsuna gave the birds a pitying look and shuddered. More like threatened them.

"They like you though," Tsuna pointed out when one small canary boldly hopped onto Hibari's propped fingers, "They don't ever come to me."

"Would you like them to?" Hibari asked, not taking his eye off the electric blue canary in his hand.

"Well, it would be nice—"

Wordlessly, Hibari pointed at Tsuna with a slight twitch of his free hand. Tsuna shrieked in surprise but he didn't move when the birds hopped on his lap, his arms, his shoulders, and in his hair. The boy eyed the little creatures, trying his hardest not to scare the animals as he moved his head to look at Hibari, "H-How did you do that?"

Hibari shrugged, letting the blue canary that rested on his finger move to Tsuna's own fingers.

"Tsuna-san!"

"Tsu-kun, where are you?" Tsuna's eyes widened comically when he realized how very close their voices sounded. They were just around the corner!

Within seconds, just as soon as they came, the bird scattered away from Tsuna, going off into their own business.

"Hurry," Hibari whispered curtly, yanking the boy to his feet by his shoulder, "You mustn't bring them here. It's only a matter of time before they find us."

Wordlessly, Tsuna stumbled and dashed out of the small garden. "Oof!" Tsuna grunted softly when he smashed into Haru and Kyoko. Just in time! They were about to turn the corner!

"Tsuna-san!" Haru gasped, grasping the boy by the shoulders and shaking him, "We were so worried! Where did you go?"

"Sorry," Tsuna rushed out, glancing discreetly in the direction where Hibari and the birds were. "Let's go, okay?"

"U-Um sure—…" Kyoko managed to say out in confusion at Tsuna began pushing them in the opposite direction.

—

Tsuna turned restlessly in his bed, occasionally sitting up and pushing the balls of his palm against his eyes in agitation. After he got home, Haru and Kyoko informed his parents about his short disappearance in the botanical gardens. He was teased mercilessly from his father, and his mother was talking to the girls about his other mishaps! And worse of all—all of those 'mishaps' weren't even his fault! It always involved Hibari in some way!

And quite suddenly, there was a sharp chirp that ricocheted off the four walls of his room.

Tsuna's eyes widened comically in confusion at the sound. What was that?

"Hey,"

Tsuna squeaked and clapped his hands over his mouth to stop himself. He turned to Hibari, who was suddenly there at his bedside, and told the older man softly, "You really, really have to stop doing that."

Ignoring him, Hibari opened his palm to reveal at stubby yellow song bird. There was a short moment before it stared its black beady eyes up at him and twittered excitedly.

"Hibari-san," Tsuna said slowly, registering it's presence, "I-Is that…from the zoo?"

"Yes."

"Hibari-san," Tsuna sighed exasperatedly, "Why—"

"It followed me."

Like a kid's excuse for wanting to keep a stray puppy, Tsuna thought with a tired smile. "D-Do you want to keep it?"

Hibari didn't answer, his eyebrows furrowing as he studied the yellow feathered creature in his palm at it hopped from one talon to the other.

"What's its name?" Tsuna tried again as he wrapped his blanket around his shoulders and crawled away to give Hibari room to sit.

The boogie man sat down but Hibari didn't answer, staring in deep scrutiny at the bird.

"Do….you want me to think of a name?" Tsuna asked and flinched when Hibari turned to level the heavy gaze on him. He buried himself in his covers and averted his eyes, "Only if y-you want to name it."

"No," Hibari said shaking his head, "Think of one."

Tsuna sat cross-legged and put a finger to his lips in thought. The bird is yellow…but he didn't think Hibari would appreciate names that have to do with a color…Tsuna studied the bird carefully. Puffy, small, yellow was it's attributes. It's beady black eyes fixed on Tsuna as he brainstormed, as if it knew he was going to give it a name. Something cute, but definitely masculine enough for the boogie man's taste. But really, Hibari was the epitome of everything Tsuna thought a man should be like. After being around him all the time kind of gave him a influence on what a ideal Japanese man. Hibari and his little bird-friend. Hibari...Bird...Hibari...Bird...Tsuna jumped excitedly under his cocoon and smiled as he thought of a name. It was really, really perfect! Like a small tiny subordinate!

"Hibird!" Tsuna chirped, reveling at his cleverness.

Hibari gave him a blank stare, "Hibird?"

Tsuna nodded excitedly.

"That's…" Hibari began slowly, thinking of a way to express this, "…a bad name."

Tsuna's smile dropped, "R-Really?"

"Yes really." Hibari turned to the bird to test it out, "Hibird?"

Tsuna laughed softly as the bird chirped in reply.

A/N: I got my first fanart for the first time ever! I'm soooo flattered! You can find it here; ( http : / yamihanao. deviantart .com/art/ The-Boogie-Man-146112039 ) Because this website is such a butthead sometimes, you have to take out the spaces. Thank you, shizu Fumikari (Yamihanao in deviantart) for sticking with me ever since this story was just a newborn! Thank you everyone!

ABOUT THE ANIME: Awww darn it, next episode will be some Kyoko and Tsuna moments. *pouts* They're so alike, I can't imagine them together, you know? More like brother and sister—heck, even like twins. Hibari got ranked in the horoscopes! I didn't know he was a Taurus…Anyways, his advice was, 'Baking a cake will make you lucky!' LMFAO! After I found out about Hibari was a Taurus, I found out Tsuna was a Libra. So I check their horoscope compatibility. AND HOLY CRAP. They are perfect for each other. Check it out yourselves later, okay? It's really worth reading.

ABOUT THE MANGA: Yay I'm glad that Mukuro and Fran came! I love how playful Bel and Mukuro are—stabbing Fran in the head and all. xD I hate M.M even more now. That slap was totally uncalled for. :/ But I can't wait till Chrome and Chikusa, Ken, and Mukuro reunite. I want Chrome to cry (which is a rare occurrence for her and I'm interested to see the outcome of it) and Ken and Chikusa actually be happy to see her. I mean, jeez, don't you think that Ken's attitude about Chrome changed after 10 years? It should've—hopefully. I don't like how he picks on her so ruthlessly. Maybe he's lightened up a bit and at least calls Chrome by her name instead of 'stupid girl.'