A faint sign of tension rises above the horizon…Light beams out the cold and damp staircase; reached the vacant part of the room in no time at all…
A moment of silence lingers throughout the place…. Murky creeps of the unknown entity's footsteps seize the beaten young man's heart… Somewhere…somewhere in his rugged appearance…Hope kindled and pulses through his resolution. And that merely made him stronger and compatible with the situation. But…as the stranger continued to walk out of his/her consent; Tsuna can't take the suspense any longer and readied his colt, marked up to exactly where they will meet. He didn't care if he were to spill blood; he just wanted to survive… Aiming precisely towards the empty space with both hands gripped tight …Few seconds later…
A flash of bright light coming from the light bulbs illuminates them both…. Making the two persons stunned as they glanced towards each other… an odd first impression that surprises them both. The shadowy figure revealed itself as a woman… a beautiful and astounding young lady caught his worn-out prospection… Clad in brown hair and a dark silhouette… The woman cried out when he saw Tsuna's somnolent yet defiant stare… a stare which surprisingly brings back rich memories she kept alongside with her… In a matter of seconds… she regained her form and immediately asked for an explanation…
"Hahi! Who-who are you…What are you doing inside my house?..." she asked the young man in front of her. The woman had a curious gaze upon the stranger's disheveled appearance, a look that instantly provoked Vongola Decimo. Tsuna pointed his gun at her cautiously while keeping his cool; as his wounds starts to reopen. The woman gasped stridently; then distanced herself with the gun locked towards her forehead; loaded with a bloody shell; ready to be fired…
"Hush…Don't move…I won't hurt you...Please c-calm yourself and avoid moving furthermore…" he calmly requested at the woman while slowly reaching for her hand and effectively pulling her out of vicinity. Her body bizarrely moves at its own accord and let itself fall on his body; lightly knocking it back inward as he catches her and quickly covered up her mouth with his right hand… The woman haven't moved or do anything suspicious at this point making the young Vongola grin in relief…Tsuna thought the lady will be easily persuaded and thus cooperate silently; but…
"AYEEE! TRESPASSER! STAY AWAY FROM ME YOU BASTARD!" she dreadfully shrieked at his ear after repeatedly pounding his chest with soft blows… A helpless sigh of air escaped the lungs of Decimo. Looking at the face which fairly resembles the same one a forgotten friend has pictured on his mind. He grouches silently and looked at her face further; eager to decode such lost memories buried inside his head. While she continued to resist, Tsuna hardens his vice grip-like hold on her mouth; making her tackle the walls and panic eloquently against his weakened clench.
"Wh-What are you doing?…Keep quiet! Someone might hear your voice or worse-…"
"Stay away you "MANIAC"!" she said out of nowhere. The fact that the proclamation was indeed a bluff had given him ignorance towards that rancid understatement… Yet, It comes to the peak point of aggravation when she did a very painful cheap shot on his….(well…you know that already)…which probably twitched on his anger nerve… After that dirty trick; he gouged and twisted on the floor while wincing in pain; holding his crotch.
"Ahhh!...*shrieks in pain*….Why you cheeky little-!" Tsuna's words were cut as a glimpse of leather-clad boot axels 90 degrees and accelerate towards him. He dodged it obviously; but has broken his grip towards her. The two break distances and tilted backwards on opposing sides. Tsuna raises his knuckles and planned to knock her off unconscious; both hands heaved and parallel to his torso. The woman shuddered in fear as he walked slowly and headed towards her petrified appearance. Step by step; he approaches her and paved his way past in silence. She leaned her head and looked at him with frightened eyes which eventually caused him discomfort and doubts. Those eyes… he remembered glancing unto them before. It may be possible to reveal her identity if he wasn't battered like this from the start. Steady and firm; with his cold last steps ended; both person was locked in front. Eyes gazing furiously in his form; yet it was merely to reminisce some faltered memories deep inside. Without further ado, the man raised an arm…wrapped in blood-soaked bandages. From the woman's point of view…everything was in slow-mo; she can hear faint pulses of her heart spreading throughout her chest. Sweat dripped from her temples as the arm's shadow came nearer and nearer. She screamed on her thoughts as his fingers slowly advances and eventually; touched her forehead….
"….You…I remember you now….thought I can never see you again….But…now…you're finally here…and it felt good…to see you right now…" words filled with relief and joy escaped the young man's lips.
With such happiness throughout his perception; the signals of red alert sent through his body won't even budge his concentration… Even though he gave himself first aid treatment; the damage caused was far larger than expected; the odds are like tripwires suspended in his body. One false move and a hell lot of pain will shower on him. Amid the risky situation like this; Decimo manages to stay calm and still had that odd charisma of a fine gentleman in adversities. Moment afterwards, the young mafia boss felt the timing was right; and the moment was enough… thus, bent one knee and lowered his body and right after that; he slowly opened his lips as he readies himself to speak.
"….It's been a while….Haru-chan…" he softly spoke unto her ears. Haru gently opened her eyes and saw the man's face clearly; making her flinches at the same time. She roughly gasped for air as his presence brighten some more with the bright yellow orange beams of the sunset illuminating them.
"…Tsu-Tsuna…-kun?...Is it really you?…"
"…Yeah...*gasp*…I've looked everywhere for you… and….Uhmm….sorry 'bout that burglar incident….*cough*…" Tsuna panted, showing off signs of anxiety and exhaustion; upon his weary and beaten body. His vision started to blur; everything is at its translucence; everything was slowly dimming out.
"….I'm really glad that-…Tsuna-kun?...Tsuna-kun!...What's happening?…Tsuna-kun!" she screamed; extremely terrified while watching Tsuna cough out blood several times; his wounds reopens themselves; since the beating he received had greatly damaged him and his body exponentially. His exceptional endurance had withered significantly throughout the day's hectic experiences. The stakes are high, yet with Haru's help, he can still contact HQ and…. Suddenly…. without his consent, his body shut down by itself; he tried to wake up til he can't bear it no more; thus, finally collapsing to the ground; cold and unconscious beneath his old friend's lap.
"….T-Tsuna-kun! ..."
Meanwhile at the Vongola HQ:
"Squadron 1, report now!"
"Squadron 1 reporting… We're closing in the location… please stand by, Reborn-sama"
The moment he end his transmission; another call had reached him. And surprisingly, it's from the embassy...
"Sir, we have confirmed that Vongola Storm guardian, Gokudera Hayato; and Vongola Rain guardian, Yamamoto Takeshi had just arrived here in Namimori exactly 7: 35(night) in your approval and request. The rest of the guardians are on their way and will land precisely 6 o'clock in the morning"
"Good… Now please have surveillance cameras flood the airport. They might take him on board, and that will make it impossible for us to find and locate Decimo."
"Affirmative, I'll call by if there's any progress with the mission. Vongola Squadron 3, over and out" the squadron's leader said with persistence that is strong enough to calm Reborn down.
After Squadron 3's report, the Arcobaleno quickly asked the information center to put him on line with the two guardians; who were currently making their way through the HQ. After a series of beeps; Gokudera finally answered his call.
"Re-reborn-san…" he answered in a sad and hopeless tone.
"..What's with the gloomy view Gokudera?…I'm expecting more effort from you now that Tsuna's been k-.."
"It's my entire fault! It was and always be my fault! If I hadn't strayed away from the boss' side; this wouldn't happen to him!" he cried out on his phone; convincing the infant as he weep in his ears.
"Why?. You think Tsuna will be happy if he sees you and his guardians like this. Right now, we need your support and cooperation. Sulking and putting up all energy by blaming yourself will never help us find and retrieve Tsuna; things might even go worse! Now be his real right-hand man and please do stop all this nonsense… "
After such words, the storm guardian calmed himself and finally spoke in his loud and determined voice. Clear and poised, Gokudera had regained his cool and starts to follow and obeys Reborn's orders. The Arcobaleno also called in Yamamoto; who's just like always, calm and optimistic. The three had a very short but crucial conversation regarding Tsuna's kidnapping. With minutes to spare; the two guardians arrived in the HQ and possibly tried doing their best just to bring back their respective boss.
Soon after that; Squadron 1 called to deliver the report…
"Squadron 1 reporting, Decimo's assumed medium of transportation was destroyed exactly at the said coordinates. Decimo's body was not found. Yet we've caught several Mafioso scattered and probably the ones who kidnapped the boss. With all the clues gathered here and suspected to be used; we've carefully hypothesized that he somehow escaped the explosion and perhaps even…. "Survived"." The report echoed and was heard throughout the whole base. A matter of seconds later; the entire place went shouting for joy as to find their boss alive. Reborn felt everybody's support to their leader who happens to be unconscious in Haru Miura's house.
"Okay…We found out that there's a huge possibility that Decimo's still alive. Let's use this chance to fuel our determination and resolve to put this incident off once and for all." Reborn commanded. This pretty much sent everyone fired up and empowered as they continue the search for their boss; eager and fortified.
Back to Haru's residence:
The scene relocates to Haru's bedroom which was really empty and vacant since she's barely staying at her house and was often there in her bakeshop. Even though the room's very spacious; it holds many memories of her teenage life; yet many of those were gone since he left. But know he's here; and is sleeping on her bedroom, which kinda felt awkward and weird. She hasn't got the courage she needed in simple things like waking him up, talk to him, ask what the hell happened to him and why is he covered in bruises and blood, well you know what I mean.
Anyways, as she approach at his endearing sleepy form; the young man rolled on his side, yawns, and goes back to sleep. Haru tried to tap his shoulders repeatedly since it's already morning and she wants some answers from what really happened last night. When the tap-his-shoulder plan failed; she resorts to another plan which she knows really well. Holding a dry and hard French bread on her hands, she fixes her position and just then smacks the stuff right on his head. Bread crumbs fly in the air as Haru shouted for joy after seeing him respond.
"Gahhhhhh! What? Where? Why the hell did you do that for? #$%^&*!" he shouted and asked in anger.
"Uhmm….Let me see…. I can't wake you up…and I..."
"You're like an Amazon! Very brutal and misunderstood, you know that?"
"Well I did my best to wake you up; but still, you're not responding. So I tried knocking off your sleepiness… It was the only way"
"You could've just tapped my shoulder!"
"B-But I just….UGHHHH! Next time you drop dead on the ground; don't go crawling back to me!" she said angrily towards him. Haru stood up and had a serious glare reckoned at his eyes. Soon after that, she walked across the room and sat on the vacant chair near the door.
"W-Wait! I-I…..Haru-chan! I-I…!"
"WHAT?" she yelled in frustration. Many minutes passed away until Tsuna finally straightens up and continued to talk…
"The truth is…The truth is…I'm really sorry…for everything. I can't stop the sarcasm since it's been a long time since I saw you… And things like these happen, just like 5 years ago. Back then, in the airport… I saw you peaking up the glass panel in the window behind me…But still, I haven't got the right amount of courage to apologize at what happen…I thought things would be easier to end this way… Still, many events happened in an instant; I never knew it would end this way… I'm really sorry…Haru-chan!" he closes in his apology with a simple bow as the sign of true confession; which sends a pink-red blush at both of her cheeks.
"Ts-Tsuna-kun…*giggles*… I had known you for a long time know; ever since we met. There are certain habits of yours that makes other people find your insolence really responsive. I felt many doubts when you left both of us here in Namimori. But you are not the only ones who had changed a lot this past 5 years... I've learned that there are numerous problems that we had to face. And it's about what path you have chosen that really matters. And as for your explanation….Apology accepted!" she smiled at Tsuna; A smile that doesn't mirror her true feelings for him. Yet even so, happiness continues to flow between them both as much of luck they had, finding each other; Happiness that puts out the flames of fatigue and endeavors effort and determination between the two young adults.
An hour had passed away and the neighborhood seems fine after all the fuss and commotion that happened in Miura residence. The overjoyed Vongola Decimo seemed to forget calling his allies; and felt himself famished through the entire ruckus. Haru went on the kitchen and fixed her visitor something to eat. As a baker herself; she had a very clean and functional kitchen specifically designed for baking and stuff.
Morning yawns and flinching body pains were heard across the room as Haru prepares a gorgeous meal and served it on Tsuna's bed. The food was obviously great since she won many baking awards 5 years in a row. Seemingly endless with applauses coming from Tsuna; she began making some fresh lemonade for them both, leaving young Vongola Decimo astray on his bed; alone and wondering.
"….Am I actually experiencing this; things seemed right for once. Despite all odds, I managed to escape and even find Haru-san coincidentally. Aren't all these things planned or did I get lucky after all; Gah! I guess I'll contact the HQ sooner afterwards to let them know I'm safe…*chuckles*…Reborn-san must've been very worried and angry…"he told himself while a figure was actually behind him, listening to all he has been saying.
"U-Uhmm….The Lemonade's ready… Tsu-kun…" a voice suddenly spoke behind him.
"Oh..Ahahaha…Let me taste that delicious lemonade of yours, Haru-chan…" he immediately replied his doubting keeper. Haru crossed her arms and looked at him, hesitant for vague replies.
"Are you sure you're feeling well Tsuna-san? Are you okay? Am I doing right?"
"Yeah… I'm feeling quite well, thanks to all your help Haru-chan….And Uhmm if you don't mind….Can I borrow your phone? I really need it right now."
"What for? Are you leaving already?
"Yeah…I'm leaving… The family is waiting for my return; I can't stay long enough since they're already scouting for me and-" Haru can't stand his innocence anymore and erupted in anger.
"How pathetic you've become! We've been apart from 5 years now and still you haven't changed! You never cared if you'll hurt someone; just playing your game am I right?" the woman yelled furiously at him. Haru's really upset of his behavior since their meeting; he's always like this; ever since middle school. He's riding people's generosity and simply thanking them back. Always uncomfortable in front of people, this attitude of Tsuna makes her very angry.
"Hey…If you have problem, please say it! I don't mind cutting specks out of rotten apples!" Haru can't take it anymore and exploded in front of him…
"See? You're just like before! 5 years have passed and you're still the dumbest person I know! You never changed at all! Just hit your growth spurt!"
"Huh? What's wrong with you?" Tsuna sat on the mat and tried to figure out what's going on.
"Why ask me? You're a hell full of them!"
"Shouting and swearing won't solve your problem! Tell me what your problem is, so you can stop being-.."
"You wanna know why? ….. You really want to know?..."
"Yes…. I want to know …. Please tell me…"
"It's b-because…..It's because…..I…love you…." Stillness trashed their conversation as Haru revealed her true feelings for him.
"I love you! I've always loved you! Ever since the first time I saw you; I've already imprinted you in my heart… But then you left me… I know I don't have the authority to stop you but I can't take it much more!... And now you're here… you came back after 5 years and then I saw you again… I did my best just to snap few hours from your life but…. To see you like this… Are you just itching to go back to her? …I know! I'm not the one you want… It's Kyoko right? Even though it hurts, I'm trying to be suitable to your likeness… but why are you always ignoring the things I'm doing for you!"
Tears fall on the heartbroken woman's face… Many drops bombarded the carpet… The man felt guilty and responsible on what's happening on her. He tried comforting her but ends up getting ignored as she continued to weep. Tsuna never knew this stubborn love of hers; he always thought Haru was only joking when she bluntly proclaimed her love for him back in Middle School. Still, the damage has been done; there's nothing more he can do but to comfort her… Tsuna can't leave Haru alone like this, he already deserted her 5 years ago and now he's dedicated to console her and stay at her side right this moment on…
"Haru….Haru….Haru-chan….I'm very sorry for what burden I am to you… I've been confident that everything's always going fine as long as I follow my heart, but this showed me wrong, making me more cautious in future misunderstandings like this…. So please… stop crying". He gravely asked and begged for her forgiveness. Haru heard him and opened her red and wet eyes towards his.
"It's ok…I overacted a little bit… I'm very sorry about those words Tsuna-kun…" she said after taking a tissue out and wiped her tears with it. Tsuna can't really tell if she's happy or sad coz she's tearing up with a smile in her face. Tsuna can't help himself but to ask her.
"Uhm….Haru-chan….Are you…."
"What?.."
"Psycho?"
"What? What are you saying? I'm just really happy to hear those words from you… It's the first time I've heard that from you"
"I'm glad we cleared this out…Haru-chan…"
"Yeah….And Uhmm… Tsuna-kun…" without any notice, she plants her lips on his, making him blush like a big red cherry.
"Thank you…" she said. Shortly after that, Tsuna gently pushed her away.
"Haru-chan…please don't do that…ever…again! "
"…*snigger*…Sure…"
"Now….Can you please lend me your phone?"
"Here!" she tosses her phone at him. Tsuna manages to catch it and thanked her afterwards. He dialed the numbers on Reborn's phone and waited graciously beside Haru; who's somehow having hiccups.
"…*beep*…*ring*...*cring*…Who is this?" The grouchy infant strutted. Both of Tsuna's eyes bulges and widens as he heard his tutor's squeaky and somehow deep voice. He tried to hold his laughter of joy; and proceeds closing in the conversation.
"…*gasps heavily*….Re-Reborn-san…..It's me…."
"TSUNA! What the hell happened? Where are you right now? We're so worried about what happened" the Arcobaleno replied and was left stunned in his seat as the gloomy voice of Tsuna entered his ears.
"Juudaime! Let me speak with Boss-Tsuna!" Gokudera begged after hearing the call himself.
Their conversation was made open and everybody heard their pesky little boss' accent; little by little employees and such started to stand and slowly clapped their hands for a job well done. Booming echoes of applauses were heard by Decimo; and thus finally realized his real importance to their lives. He was happy to know that they're trying their best just to save him. And now that he's here; the sincere words "Thank You All Very Much" at last; break out from his mouth and unto his family's ears it went. Words that wasn't really appropriate for a boss to say to his underlings; yet he said it without any doubt and regret or any pity towards them. He's simply being himself at his down-to-earth attitude to his friends. Because of this, the family's bond was at its strongest by means so far.
"Juudaime! Are you okay? I'm really worried!" his right-hand man shouted in relief in anxiousness.
"…Gokudera-kun…Don't worry…I'm fine! Haru-chan found me and ….. Well, let me explain it to you later… Wait a minute…. Aren't you supposed to be in Italy?"
"Don't worry Tsuna! We will never let anything happen to our boss; no matter how far, we'll come back as soon as we can" Yamamoto said with glee.
"We're one EXTREME family, one EXTREME alliance… No matter what happens; we'll always look out for you Sawada!" Ryohei exclaimed; making Tsuna's ear twitch at his loud grumpy uproar.
"We are always by you side… Boss" Chrome said in encouragement.
"If you've been kidnapped again; I'll personally bite you to death…" Hibari spoke out of everybody's expectations.
"Hibari-san…. Everyone… thanks for all your support… I'm really happy that you came back…"
"See Tsuna? The Vongola family grows as days pass. Everybody is doing their part; can you do yours?"
"Sure… I will…Well…It seems the incident was threatening enough for Reborn-san to gather up my guardians…Eh?... The greatest hit man got scared? Ahahaha"
"Don't ruin it Tsuna" Reborn pouted.
Everybody laughed in joy and amazement to find their leader safe. Tsuna was not laughing as to what he experienced yesterday. This is not the time to be joyous and everything. His family must prepare for the Shimon's next attack…
"Tsuna… tell us who kidnapped you; I know you must've seen them or something…"
"…Sh-Shimon…"
"Shimon? What Shimon?"
"We'll discuss it later…Please pick me up here at Miura residence. Position's 10 o'clock at 305 northern district …"
"Anyway…Prepare a meeting with my guardians and other allied family leaders tomorrow; we will have so many things to talk about…That's all…"
"Okay…..I understand"
A/N: I'm very sorry about the delay of Chapter 10, I'm really barraged with assignments this semester… Hope you'll be patient as I'll work my butt off for Chapter 11… Thank You for waiting…