((EDIT: As of 04/20/10-This story has been slightly edited and may differ from the original. Nothing too big but I thought I would mention it anyway.))
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Chapter 10: Haru's Offer, Hibari's Reluctance
He was quiet. Much too quiet.
The light spring air was peppered with the floral scents of many different flowers in bloom, freshly mowed grass, and lightly of coming rain. Sometime later on that night there would be a shower. The breeze was cool, bringing a light chill that made Tsuna shiver a little as he and Kusakabe walked down the sidewalk but he did his best to not let it bother him.
They stopped on the bridge where he released the taller man's hand to fold his arms on the ledge of the bridge wall and stared down into the dark water. It was refreshing to be away from that stuffy space that suddenly seemed to suffocate him. But even more so than the space? Him.
Brushing sienna bangs from his face as they were blown into his eyes, he sighed. It was becoming a little too much and he didn't know what to do.
You're mine!
Another shiver trembled through him, though this time not from the chilly air. The only other person to ever say that to him was Mukuro. And he didn't mean it in a loving way either for he had just wanted to take over his body. To possess him. Utterly destroy him. And Hibari... just wanted to dominate him. He didn't know why and that made things even more confusing. Staring down at his reflection on the water's surface he saw Kusakabe come to stand next to him, watching him with a concerned frown. Remembering why he had asked him on the walk he turned to face the taller man.
"Kabe-san... I'm sorry if I caused you trouble." He started out with an apology, feeling bad. He didn't want Hibari and Kusakabe to fight because of him.
The taller man arched a brow before smiling lightly. "It was nothing. Really."
Tsuna stared at the man's smile before easing a little. Then, trying to keep his tone innocently curious, he asked his first question lightly, "Kabe-san... how long have you known Hibari-san?"
Kusakabe watched the other with a thoughtful frown at that question before answering slowly. "A while now... why?"
Tsuna hesitated. Kusakabe seemed to be a little cautious. He'd have to be careful. "Did... you know Hibari-san when he was in Middle School?"
Kusakabe took his time in answering. "Yes."
He released a relieved sigh. "Kusakabe-san... Hibari-san is from Japan isn't he?"
Kusakabe opened his mouth only to catch his answer before it escaped and looked away. Hibari probably wouldn't—
"Kusakabe-san? Is he from Namimori? Did he go to the Middle School there?" Tsuna continued, heart beating quickly as the man kept his gaze averted. Did that mean...? "Hibird... Hibird knows the anthem! He sang it to me today! Is—"
"I really think... that is something you should ask Kyou-san." Kusakabe cut in, turning to look the brunette in the eyes. "He is the one best suited to answer those questions."
Tsuna stared at him, disheartened, before looking away. "I... can't."
"Why not?" Kusakabe asked curiously, though figuring he probably knew the answer.
"Hibari-san scares me..." Tsuna mumbled softly, staring at his feet. "I... I don't understand him. I can't keep up."
Kusakabe sighed before looking up at the sky, clouds moving in from the west, and smiling. Thought so. "Yeah. Kyou-san is a difficult person to figure out... even more so to deal with sometimes."
"You think so too?" Tsuna asked with surprise, looking up at the other.
Kusakabe smiled and nodded.
"I—well... why do you put up with him—I'm sorry if that's rude!" Tsuna gave him a worried look as he fidgeted with the hem of his sleeve.
Kusakabe laughed before ruffling the kid's hair until his hand was pushed away. "Because Kyou-san is, in the end, a good person. He's just not very good at dealing nicely with people."
Tsuna snorted lightly. "You don't have to tell me. He's always mean—"
He bit his tongue. Mean? But... that wasn't true. Hibari had cared for his wounds, fed him some wonderful food, gave him clothes, and offered him comfort when he was afraid. And all when he didn't have to. In the end, a good person.
Kusakabe smiled warmly. "I take it Kyou-san has actually been nice to you, then?"
Tsuna blushed and brought a hand to his hair. "Yes. I like it best when Hibari-san pets my hair to let me know... he's not mad."
Kusakabe nodded in understanding to what the kid had said and now to why Hibari had gotten all grumpy earlier. He had impeded on his territory a little by touching the kid's hair and it had angered him. Hibari really wasn't the type to get a gold star for sharing, now was he?
"But... I always seem to make Hibari-san mad about something. And I... don't know what to do. I don't know if I can be a pet if I'll only make Hibari-san mad." Tsuna frowned, clearly distressed.
Kusakabe laid a hand on his shoulder and squeezed lightly. "That's not your fault. Kyou-san's natural response to everything is 'put up a wall'... which makes him seem angry and hostile, more than he really is. But then he softens."
Tsuna thought about that. It made some sense.
"Kyou-san is the type that has to be in charge. If he's not then he gets tense. If you refuse him he gets angry and if you fight him... well, you'll more than likely get hurt. But he's..." Kusakabe stopped himself. He really shouldn't be talking about his boss behind his back. "Listen—Kyou-san is naturally a gruff kind of person, I suppose, and I can see how that can be intimidating but... he really is trying to soften himself. It's hard for him, I'm sure."
The serious turn this had taken was starting to make Tsuna uncomfortable. He was sure Kusakabe had a point. After all... he seemed to know Hibari pretty well. And if— "Kabe-san? Does Hibari-san—d-does he usually take people as... pets?"
Kusakabe blinked before laughing. "Nope. You're the first. But if you think he is weird, look in the mirror. You seem to accept it okay enough."
Tsuna turned red at that statement before frowning. The older man had a point but to be called out like that? Dame-Tsuna is so weird! He never got to be normal after meeting Reborn. Now look at him. Some crazy man's pet!
"May I ask... why you accepted?" Kusakabe asked lightly, curious.
Tsuna shook his head slowly, not really sure if he was saying 'no' or refusing to acknowledge the bleak situation that had led to all of this.
Kusakabe took it as a no. He smiled a little. "Well, no matter... everyone's got their reasons for something. Even if it's just simple insanity."
Everyone's got their reasons? Yeah. Like Rino. What was his? Was he— "Are you implying that I might not be sane, Kabe-san?"
Laughing again Kusakabe shook his head before nudging the kid's arm gently. "Not at all! People in general."
Tsuna's lip curled into a small frown before sighing and running a hand over his upper arms to try to generate some heat as he shivered again. About to reply, he was instead distracted when he was enveloped in sudden warmth. Looking to the cause he saw Kusakabe's jacket on his shoulders.
"Ah! Kabe-san, I can't—" Tsuna tried to decline politely while trying to shrug it off and give it back.
He was halted in his attempt when Kusakabe wrapped an arm around his shoulders and made him start walking again.
"It's no problem." He replied nonchalantly. And Hibari would probably get mad if he let his pet get cold.
Blushing, Tsuna gave in and snuggled into the warmth that the jacket provided. It smelled nice too. Kind of like... peppered jerky. The thought made him giggle to himself. He could also smell Hibari a little. He breathed in a little deeper. It was strange how a man who could cause so much disquiet... could have such a calming scent.
Feeling the arm around him tighten and pull him a little closer to avoid some people passing, he blushed more at how it might look to outsiders.
"K-Kabe-san... you're treating me like a g-girlfriend." He mumbled while trying to pull free.
Kusakabe blinked at the kid's words before releasing him. "Sorry."
Tsuna rubbed a red cheek, mumbling it was okay before frowning lightly. "Er... you weren't trying to hit on me, were you?"
He felt completely stupid for asking but did so anyway. He was rather dense at times... and Kusakabe had been awfully friendly for still being practically a stranger. There could be more to it?
"Ha ha, Tuna. Sorry but you're not my type. I like my dates female." Kusakabe said with a playful air. "Besides... I'm sure Kyou-san would never allow it."
"I-I'm sorry..." He quickly apologized until the other part registered. Kyou-san would never allow it. "I don't belong to Hibari-san!"
Arching a brow at the kid's outburst, Kusakabe stared for a second before smiling and patting the other's head. "Technically speaking... that's true. But to Kyou-san you're his and nothing will change his mind."
"But—" Tsuna started angrily until he was silenced with a hand on his head.
"It's not such a bad thing really... sure it may be a little annoying to be claimed by a person who you have no intention of belonging to but at least you'll always be protected. Kyou-san would never allow anything to happen to his things without horrible consequences." Kusakabe said before removing his hand.
"That's worse! I don't want Hibari-san thinking he has to protect me all—okay, that sounds weird but—" Tsuna panicked. He escaped Vongola so no one could be hurt for him again. And Hibari... no!
"Calm down!" Kusakabe laughed a little. "I just mean..."
He shook his head. He didn't know what exactly set the kid off but it wouldn't do to dwell on it if it would just make him pull away.
"Look... as Kyou-san's possession you'll be taken care of. And you'll be given a certain respect he doesn't give anything else." He tried to amend, rubbing his chin.
Tsuna calmed as he absorbed that. "Are you saying... I should be his pet?"
"Only if you want to." Kusakabe said as he looked up at the night sky again. "If you're worried it's okay. But give him some time and I'm sure he'll settle down. While there isn't much I can guarantee... I know I can safely say he would never do anything to seriously hurt you if you're not an enemy."
Tsuna stared into space, thinking that over. Maybe there was a point. Even when they had fought and Hibari had hit him... he was sure it wasn't as hard as it could have been. The raven haired male had held back and then cared for him. But there was still... "Kabe-san? What... what does Hibari-san want from me?"
"I don't know." It was a lie only if the kid knew it was and he would keep telling himself that.
Tsuna looked to his feet. Maybe... Hibari really just wanted a companion. But why him?
"Hey kiddo. Want to get some hot chocolate?" Kusakabe asked with a friendly smile to get off of the subject.
"Uh... sure!" Tsuna smiled back as he wrapped the jacket more tightly around his frame. Chocolate was suppose you make you feel better wasn't it? It did for that wizard kid in that popular movie that was all the rage. Maybe some would make him feel better too.
* * *
"Here... thank you for letting me use it." Tsuna said happily as he handed Kusakabe's jacket back to him, filled with warmth and chocolatey goodness.
"No problem." Kusakabe replied as he laid the jacket over his arm and took a step back.
"Aren't you going to come up?" Tsuna asked with light confusion.
"No. I should get going. If Kyou-san needs me... he'll call." Kusakabe replied confidently.
"Ah, well... bye." Tsuna said somewhat awkwardly before realizing he didn't have his keys. "Err..."
Kusakabe seemed to realized his problem too as he laughed and opened the door to the building for him.
Tsuna laughed in embarrassment as he stepped inside. "Um, thanks."
Kusakabe nodded before smirking. "What? No good night kiss?"
Tsuna blinked in momentary confusion before rolling his eyes. "Not on the first date."
Laughing when the kid stuck his tongue out, he turned to leave. "Damn. Maybe next time."
"You wish!" Tsuna called, happy, for some reason, to have someone playfully tease him like Yamamoto would.
"Later Tuna!" Were Kusakabe's last words.
Tsuna shook his head before going up to the second floor and finding Hibari's door. Hoping it was unlocked, he slid his hand to the handle and pushed. He was happy when it opened easily. Slipping his shoes off he walked into the hallway and saw Hibari in the living room, lying on the couch. Stepping in a little further he wondered if the other was asleep when he didn't respond.
About to just go to his room and go to bed, he stopped as he was about to turn the corner when the fading stench of vomit reached his nose. Head snapping back to Hibari he frowned. Was he sick? Stomach clenching a little from the smell and when he recalled how Hibari had cared for him when he had gotten sick he turned slowly and made his way toward the raven haired man.
Hibari was stretched out along the couch, one arm hanging down and the other across his stomach. For some reason his shirt was undone and when he reached out to feel his forehead he was distracted when his eyes fell on the dark marks that littered a slightly tanned neck and down a smooth chest. A couple even looked—that's right. He had a lover, didn't he? That man that was here when—was he here again? About to pull back he stopped when he saw some bandages peeking out from under the taller man's shirt on his arm.
The injury! That day when Kusakabe had brought him home... all that blood. Bringing his trembling hand to the still arm he pushed the shirt aside a little further to reveal more of the bandages. What had happened? Moving his fingertips to brush along the warm skin and over the bandages with curiosity, he didn't know Hibari had woken up until the arm he was touching snaked around his waist suddenly and pulled him down toward the other's body.
Tsuna squawked in surprise as he was pulled forward, his face nearly meeting Hibari's. They were so close their lips almost touched awkwardly as wide caramel stared into calm steel blue.
"So close herbivore... where is the fear and caution from before?" Hibari questioned softly, not blinking as he continued to stare, warm breath puffing against Tsuna's lips.
"I..." He didn't know what to say to that as he closed his eyes. Hibari's intense stare was unnerving.
A small crease appeared between Hibari's brows before his face relaxed as he moved his hand to his pet's hair and pushed the fluffy head down a little so his lips brushed against the kid's forehead, the hair tickling a little.
"Don't be afraid... to tell me when you need space. I promise to listen." He sighed, thinking back to Dino and the events of earlier.
Tsuna opened his eyes a little at those words before they widened once more as he blushed when he felt Hibari press his lips against his forehead. Was... Hibari kissing him?!
Hibari pressed closer to his pet's hair, breathing in the his relaxing citrus and vanilla scent deeply until the brunette gasped and wrenched himself away.
"W-What are y—hiiih!" Tsuna started before wincing as he flung himself back into the coffee table accidentally, whacking the back of his head on the edge. "O-Ow."
Hissing in pain as he righted himself and rubbed at the throbbing hurt he blinked when he heard something fall and hit the floor. Looking around he spotted his—ring?! Forgetting his new injury for a second he reached out for his ring. Had he dropped it? When?!
"Are you trying to kill yourself?" Hibari asked darkly as he sat up, watching his pet with disbelief.
"No, I—" He winced again when another painful throb made itself known.
"Here, let me see." Hibari sighed, reaching a hand out toward him.
"I can do it!" Tsuna quickly replied, trying to evade.
Hibari trapped him between his legs, grabbing an arm as he frowned in annoyance. "You cannot look at the back of your own head!"
Screw Hibari and his logic! Tsuna thought bitterly as he gave in and allowed Hibari to pull him over his left knee a little so he could view it better. He whined lightly in pain when Hibari prodded gently, examining his head, feeling around thoroughly before releasing him and checking his hand for blood. Nothing.
"There's a bump... how is your sight? Do you have a headache?" He was asked as he was pulled up to sit next to nosy man.
"No..." Tsuna answered softly, hissing as he brushed his fingers over the lump Hibari had mentioned.
"Stop touching it." Hibari said with an odd mothering tone as he pulled his pet's hand away. "I'll get you some ice."
Tsuna watched him start to get to his feet before gasping and catching his arm, pulling him back. "No! I can do it—you should rest. How are you? Do you need something for—"
"What are you talking about?" Hibari frowned as he pulled his arm free.
"Y-You're not feeling well, are you? This room reeks of barf. It's okay! You can rest!I can get ice..." Tsuna trailed off as he look around curiously.
Dino. Hibari sighed. "Right... not feeling well. Actually, I feel better so—"
"Hibari-san, would you like some water? Maybe some medicine? I could get it!" Tsuna cut him off, wanting to be of help... not always helped.
Hibari couldn't help it. He smiled to himself inside. His pet really was stupid. To worry about others even though he, himself, was hurting. It made him wonder if he had been a lonely child. Perhaps not well liked.
Reaching behind the brunette stealthily he brought a hand to the back of his pet's neck and pulled him toward him once more so their foreheads touched and the only thing they could see was each other's eyes. "Look... I'm sick. It happens. I'll live. You hit your head pretty hard. You could die. Your need is greater at the moment so let me care for you."
Tsuna blushed at how close Hibari was after what had happened before until his words registered. Die? He wasn't going to die! "I am—"
He was distracted when he suddenly smelled Dino again. It was probably stupid to think of it as Dino's scent since other people were bound to wear it too but... that's who he linked it to. He could never remember the cologne's name. It was something Italian.
Hibari blinked in confusion as his pet moved his head and nuzzled down into his neck lightly before moving to bury his face into his shirt, inhaling deeply. It was familiar—was his pet smelling him? About to comment on the behavior he was instead stunned when the smaller body climbed onto his lap, straddling it while resting his head against his shoulder.
A part of him wanted to reject everything about the brunette who dared to get so close without his invite. But then that annoying instinct kicked in, battling his natural one. The kid was different. And he needed him. He didn't know why. The nagging instinct didn't tell him that but... sighing lightly he wrapped an arm around the body on his and petted the side of his pet's head gently.
Tsuna didn't know what made him do it it. His body reacted and his mind wouldn't allow him to stop it. Something inside told him... it was okay. And Hibari didn't seem to object. And now, sitting with him, he felt oddly warm. And safe. At home when he breathed in Dino's smell and soaked in Hibari's body heat.
Neither knew when it happened but both ended up falling asleep like that.
* * *
Hibari awoke to a pain in his shoulder that only seemed to intensify the more alert be became. When he tried to move his arm he became aware of a heavy warmth that prevented him from doing so. Turning his attention to it he saw his pet sleeping peacefully, head resting on his arm as his legs laid over his. He blinked once before taking in their positions. He was lying on his side, back to the couch and his head resting on the puffy arm while his knees were bent up toward his body almost in the fetal position. His pet was lying on his back, pressed against him in the small space left for him, face turned toward his and arms resting on his stomach. Hibird was sleeping cutely on his chest, looking all extra fluffy. Bringing his free hand toward the small bird he poked him lightly until he woke up.
"Get a move on." He said softly, petting the little head.
Hibird stretched his little wings before taking off, probably to go to the kitchen.
Sitting up slowly he pulled Tsuna with him, a little surprised when he didn't wake up. Sighing he hooked his free arm under the kid's knees while the other braced his shoulders before pushing himself to his feet, struggling a little with the added weight. Wincing when his arm throbbed in protest he carried the kid to his room and laid him on the bed before going to his own and pulling his shirt off. Looking at his bandages he glared at his aching injury before going to the kitchen to get some of the painkillers Romario had left him.
Taking one with water, he looked at the time to see it was 6:38 in the morning. Stifling a yawn he made Hibird breakfast before going back to his room to prepare for his morning shower. Removing anything he didn't need he grabbed a towel and went to the bathroom.
The water was hot, just the way he liked it, and the pressure felt amazing on his aching neck and tense back. He could also feel the painkiller start to take effect as well. Careful with his injured arm he set to washing his hair as he thought about what to do today... which then led to thoughts of yesterday. And Dino.
I love you Kyouya!
* * *
His breath was the first to recover as he gasped when warm lips attacked his. Next came his heart as it jumped then thumped harshly against his ribcage when he turned his head away.
"Kyouya, I love you so much..." Dino mumbled against his ear before trailing his lips to his neck.
Slowly his mind came back to him. I love you. Dino... was drunk. Yes. Surely this was drunken rambling. Grunting in discomfort when the blonde bit him a little too hard he made himself focus on pushing the older man back.
"Dino, do you hear yourself? You're—" Hibari tried to calmly reason, anger and anxiety battling inside him to be dominant.
"I've loved you before now!" Dino said defiantly, eyes filling with angry tears. "I was fine with things as they were but now you're... different. I can't lose you. I love you!"
Hibari tried to escape it but was too slow as Dino threw himself at him, hugging him tightly as his lips found his neck again. He wanted to shove Dino away. To hit him. To scream into his face that he didn't love him! But... hurting Dino wouldn't solve anything. Figuring the best thing to do was calm him down and sober him up a little—his pet and Dino were a handful!—he turned his attention to the blonde and stopped his hands as they started unbuttoning his shirt.
"Dino... lets—lets go sit and... talk about this." He said as calmly as he could make his voice at the moment.
"I don't want to talk. I want to love you." Dino replied as he pulled his hands free from the loose grip they were in and pushed Hibari back to the floor, kissing him again as his hands found where he had left off on his shirt.
That made Hibari want to punch the drunken idiot in he face for saying something so—ugh. Instead he just stared in disbelief, wondering briefly what had happened to the anger, before pushing him away again.
"I really don't want to talk either..." Especially when you're so blatantly stupid Hibari thought humorlessly as he sat up again. "But we're going to."
"Why do we always have to do things your way?" Dino grumbled before he was pushed off of the man below him.
"Because sober beats drunk when it comes to rational thinking. Now get up." Hibari said wisely as he pulled Dino to his feet, catching him when he stumbled a little. Idiot.
"But Kyouya!" Dino complained, swaying a little. "It's before now too. You're such an—"
"Yeah, yeah..." Hibari grumbled to himself as he hoisted the blonde over the shoulder of his uninjured arm impatiently, dwelling on the fact that he was now actually happy that Kusakabe had taken his pet for a walk. The kid did not need to meet Dino. Especially like this.
Dino groaned as Hibari dropped him roughly on the couch then walked off. Bringing a hand up he laid his arm over his eyes as his head started to throb. Shifting so he was more comfortable he tensed for a second when he heard the sound of something hitting the floor. Turning his head he removed his arm and scanned the area until his eyes fell on something small and round. Squinting, trying to get his sight to focus, he frowned as his mind processed what he was seeing. It looked metal... kind of like a ring. Did the fearsome disciplinarian wear such things? He couldn't remember at the moment with his head so foggy.
Turning on his side he stared at it thoughtfully. Maybe... maybe he had and just never noticed. After all... manly men wore rings too. Like the Vongola. Their rings were special, though. Of course that ring could be special to Hibari. Did he even know he had dropped it? Exhaling heavily he rolled more toward the edge of the couch and reached a hand out to grab it.
"Dino. Here. Drink this." Hibari said as he came back into the room.
Distracted, Dino turned his attention to the man instead, sitting up as he carried a tray over and set it on the coffee table. He looked it over carefully to see what it carried only to frown a little in confusion. Coffee and saltine crackers?
"Kyouya, what is—"
"I'm sorry Dino." Hibari said swiftly as he used one hand to pull Dino toward him while the other punched the blonde deftly in the gut—not to hurt him but hopefully with enough force to...
"K-Kyouya..." Dino gasped in pain before gasping again as he quickly brought a hand to his mouth, feeling his stomach churn angrily.
Hibari watched with slight satisfaction that it seemed to work as Dino jumped to his feet before sighing in light disgust as Dino only made it a few steps before retching all over his floor. Drunken bastard! Although he could have thought it through better.
Getting to his feet he helped Dino to the bathroom where he was suppose to dump the contents of his stomach before leaving him for a second to throw some rags together to clean the mess up with. He also decided to bring a cup of water as well. When he brought it to the tray he spotted something on the floor then remembered how Dino had been reaching for it when he had come into the room. Picking it up he sighed when he recognized his pet's silly ring and pocketed it before going back to check on Dino. Cleaning him up in the bathroom he led him back to the couch, sat him down, and offered him the water.
"You're cruel Kyouya..." Dino muttered before sipping his drink, the water helping rid him of the awful taste and soothe his lightly burning throat.
"You barfed on my floor and I have to clean it up. I should kick your ass. But I'll just call it even." Hibari snorted as he added some milk to the coffee to sweeten it before moving on to clean up the mess. He was happy he was one of those odd people that vomit didn't seem to bother.
When he had finished cleaning up he threw everything in the laundry room to be washed before going to sit with Dino, who was now nibbling crackers and sipping his coffee.
" Dino, I—" He wasn't quite sure what to say without being a total ass.
"Kyouya... don't. I love you okay?" Dino said quietly. "And I want you to—"
"No." Hibari stated firmly, eyes meeting Dino's watering ones as the blonde hiccuped.
"N...no?" Dino felt his heart clench.
"No. We will not talk about this now." Hibari elaborated as he crossed his arms. "I actually don't want to talk about it ever but I can tell that won't be an option."
Dino frowned, opening his mouth until Hibari shut it with a glare.
"Listen to me Dino. Go home. Sleep off your stupidity. Think—actually think about what you said here tonight. Give me my space. Two days. Give me two days." Hibari said slowly and clearly, eyes holding the blonde's. "Then we can talk about it."
Dino remained quiet as he finally looked away, staring at his lap. Hibari let him be before looking at the time. Who knew when Kusakabe would come back.
"Come, lets get you back to Romario. I'm sure he's worried about you." Hibari said after a minute, getting to his feet and pulling Dino to his once more. He sighed as his arm started throbbing. Great. Just Great.
Resisting the urge to punt Dino down the stairs he helped him down carefully instead before meeting Romario at the building's front doors. Seeing the old man gave him idea and he asked for his special painkillers before they left. Taking two when he got home, he threw the soiled rags into the wash before cleaning up the tray then sat to wait for his pet's return. Thinking of the brat he pulled the ring from his pocket and set it on the table, wondering if he should paste the damn thing to the brunette's forehead so he'd stop leaving it lying around.
Cursing slightly when he started to feel drowsy he remembered that he should have only taken one painkiller since they were quite strong. Trying to fight it... he must have lost because the next thing he remembered was waking up to his pet touching his arm.
* * *
Finishing his shower he ran his towel through his hair thoughtfully before wrapping it tightly around his waist and moving to his sink to brush his teeth and shave. Staring at his reflection when complete he fluffed his hair a little before changing his wet bandages. He would have Romario look over his stitches later. He thought they were healing okay but the older man would know for sure.
Going back to his room he thought once again on where to go as he dressed in simple black jeans and a black button down pinstriped in silver. Running the towel through his hair one more time he decided to let his pet choose what they did today. It could give him some insight on what his pet liked and maybe who he was as a person. Looking to see it was 7:21 am he ran his fingers through his hair before going to the laundry room and rewashing the rags since he had left them sitting all night accidentally.
With that done he decided to make his pet some breakfast. Going with something he liked he made some fresh strawberry waffles with cheesy scrambled eggs and bacon. He worked with care as Hibird watched from his shoulder, tickling his cheek every now and then when he would move or nuzzle him affectionately.
Nuzzle... his rabbit had nuzzled into his neck. Thinking back on it... he mused on how it hadn't felt intimate in a sexual way but it did a little in another. Kind of like how a child would seek comfort from a parent. Shaking his head he set the table before walking to the balcony to let Hibird out and to air out the remaining barf smell. He was greeted with the smell of rain and inhaled deeply. Much better.
Making tea quickly he went to his pet's room when done to see he was still sleeping. Rolling his eyes he walked over to the bed and stared down at him. Why had he done what he had last night? It wasn't the first time he had seemed to like the smell of his shirt either. The other time... he had attacked him when he comforted that he wasn't mad at him for walking in on him and Dino. Maybe he could ask about it later.
Watching the brunette for a minute he wondered at how to wake the kid before deciding to just flick him on the forehead. It worked well. Tsuna jerked awake and sat up quickly, looking around in confusion.
"Who... what's the fire...?" He mumbled before his brows furrowed as he came to, bringing a hand up to rub at his forehead lightly.
"Rise and shine herbivore." Hibari said with light amusement, watching his pet get his bearings.
Tsuna turned to look at him with a frown before blinking and rubbing at his eyes sleepily. "Hibari-san..."
Hibari arched a brow as he watched his pet now try to focus.
Suddenly the brunette gasped as if just remembering something, turning his full attention to the dark haired man.
"Hibari-san! How are you? Are you well? Do you have a fever?" Tsuna questioned as he climbed out of bed and pressed the back of his hand to Hibari's forehead.
"Stop it." Hibari blushed lightly, pushing the kid's hand away. "Obviously you must have suffered brain damage. How is your head anyway?"
"Huh?" Tsuna blinked before remembering he had hit his head. Bringing a hand up, he felt the back of his head gingerly. "Uh..."
"Let me see!" Hibari demanded lightly, not willing to take anyone's word until he saw it for himself.
Tsuna squeaked in surprise as Hibari grabbed him by the head and pushed him down into an awkward kind of bow until he could see properly before running gentle fingertips over his scalp. He winced as Hibari traced over a tender spot.
"Okay, okay!" He said impatiently as he pushed the taller man's hand away and stood straight.
"It seems to be fine now... though I still think you suffered brain damage." Hibari said lightly as he took a step back.
"Gee thanks." Tsuna muttered as he felt his head again.
"Anyway, come eat breakfast." Hibari said firmly before turning to leave.
Tsuna watched him go for a minute before yawning and stretching. Sliding a hand under his shirt to scratch his belly he was confused to see his bed was, for the most part, still made. Had he slept on top? That was weird. Looking around for his ring he was a little worried that he couldn't find it before recalling he had had it in the living room. Running a hand through his messy locks, he made his way to his new destination, happy to find his ring and his cell phone on the coffee table. Deciding to leave them there for now he walked through the living room to the kitchen entry closest to the table.
He walked in to see Hibari already sitting there, with his arm propped on the table and chin resting on his palm while the other held out a fork with a piece of egg on it out to Hibird.
Taking a seat as well he watched the two with interest until a curious frown found his features. "Er... isn't that a bit like cannibalism?"
Hibari arched a questioning brow before looking back to his bird. "Considering Hibird is not a chicken, I should think not. I also find that a bit ironic as we, ourselves, come from eggs yet do not consider it so."
Tsuna blinked slowly, cheeks dusted a soft pink. "I... see. Hibari-san is so smart."
"Do not flatter those with appraisal on tributes you could have had had you ever put forth any effort." Was Hibari's biting reply.
Tsuna tensed, hurt at those words. He had tried! He could not help he found the work complicated. That he could not make his brain understand the way he wanted it to. He had offered a compliment and Hibari just threw it back into his face with spite!
"Well sorry for not being as intellectually gifted as you. But you're wrong in assuming I never put forth any effort. I guess... I'm just naturally stupid. I only passed school because of my insane tutor and obsessively loyal best friend." Tsuna growled before frowning, anger and regret filling him. No longer hungry he pushed away from the table. He didn't want to look at Hibari anymore either.
"Where are you going?" Hibari questioned sharply, setting his fork down.
"Not hungry." Tsuna replied tightly, not caring if it was a bit rude.
"Get back here!" Hibari demanded instinctively before wincing at his command. When he was ignored he fought to remain calm. Why was...
But you're wrong in assuming I never put forth any effort. I guess... I'm just naturally stupid.
Ah. Getting to his feet his chased his pet down before he could get too far, catching him by his wrist and forcing him to stop. "Wait—I'm sorry."
"Let—huh?" Tsuna blinked, anger fading to surprise at the unexpected apology.
Hibari glared before easing to a more neutral expression. Only because he didn't want to fight today did he bother to repeat himself. "I said... I'm sorry. I'm not really a morning person."
Tsuna stared, surprise fading as he processed what had been said. He really is trying to soften himself. It's hard I'm sure. Was this... was Kusakabe right? A small smile covered his lips. "Me too."
Hibari arched a questioning brow once more. When he didn't get an explanation he just mentally shook his head. "Breakfast?"
Tsuna nodded and followed him back to the table. They ate in comfortable silence for a bit until Hibari decided to question what they should do.
"I... suddenly find myself free today. Would you like to go somewhere?" He asked casually, happy he didn't let it show he was a little scared to be rejected for an outing after last night.
I want Kusakabe-san!
His pet looked up at him in surprise again before swallowing the food in his mouth. "What? You don't work today?"
He shook his head in reply, eyes scanning his rabbit's face for any hesitation.
"Oh? And... you want to do something?" Tsuna asked slowly but with interest.
"Sure... I thought it would be nice to get out of the house." He answered smoothly before taking a sip tea.
"Just... the two of us?" Tsuna hoped that wasn't rude. He wondered if Kusakabe would go too since he always seemed to be where Hibari was. In a way he kind of hoped so. It would take pressure off of being alone with Hibari... but then... in a way he hoped not. Kusakabe made him feel like he needed to take extra care not to offend Hibari somehow.
Hibari frowned. Just the two of us? What was meant by that? ...Ah. Did his pet expect Kusakabe or someone else to go? Why? Was he afraid? "If... you want."
Tsuna frowned. Did he want that? It would be nice to see the Hibari that the world got to see... and he didn't want anything to prevent that. "I would like that."
Hibari felt his breath come easier. Really. "Okay. Where would you like to go?"
"Me?" Tsuna asked with a light squeak to his voice. He got to choose? But he didn't know any plac— "There... there was an aquarium I saw when I went shopping. I—could we maybe..."
An aquarium? Hibari thought for a second before remembering the one the kid must be talking about. "Ah. Sure."
"Really?" Tsuna asked happily, his face lighting up. It had been ages since he had gotten to do something like this and now he was going to do it with someone like Hibari? He briefly wondered if he should pinch himself.
Hibari just nodded, taking in his pet's excitement. He must not get out much. "Go shower, I'll clean up here."
"Eh... Hibari-san? Are you sure? Are you... feeling better? Maybe I should—" Tsuna suddenly frowned. While he would love to go out he didn't want to be a burden.
"Cut it out. I'm fine. Go shower." Hibari ordered firmly. The kid needed to stop worrying so much! Especially about others who could take care of themselves.
"I—" Tsuna stopped himself. He was being a bad pet. Hibari would know his own limitations better than he would. "Okay."
Pushing from the table he thanked Hibari for breakfast before going to take a shower as told. When he got out he hurried to his room to dress, still a little embarrassed to be so exposed around the other even though he had seen him in the bath twice already. In the safety of his room he was forced to choose something suitable to wear. Looking out the window he saw it had rained. He wasn't sure if it would rain again later that day. Or if it was cool or maybe starting to warm up. Usually Gokudera told him the morning weather report so he knew how to dress for the day. He kind of missed that.
Of course... it was always a suit of some kind. Rolling his eyes he searched through his clothes, deciding to wear what he liked best. It was actually kind of nice not having to wear mafia clothes all the time. Sticking to that thought he picked out a pair of dark blue jeans. They were form fitting but not quite skinny jeans. He then picked out a soft orange t-shirt that had 'FREEDOM' splashed across the chest in white block letters. He was a little surprised to see that though the shirt had been on the medium rack it was actually a large.
Figuring he would keep it anyway he slipped on some deodorant before letting the shirt fall. Instead of falling to the top of his hips it came down to the top of his thighs. Oh well. He could use it for a pajama shirt later or something. Grabbing a light blue hoodie for extra warmth, he also stuffed a white ski hat into his pocket. He wasn't brave enough to walk around in daylight without some form of disguise. Another reason he chose the clothes he did. They weren't to his usual style. But he liked them and had always wanted to see...
Adding white socks he finished his toiletries before meeting Hibari out in the living room, who looked over his eyebrow. Making sure he had his ring and his phone they left, deciding to walk and enjoy the fresh air. Besides. It didn't open until 10:00 am and it was only 9:03 am. Tsuna pulled his hat down over his limp, damp hair and took off into the fresh air and breathed deeply. Morning spring air mixed with the scent of rain made him smile as he thought of Yamamoto—and for once... it didn't hurt him. It made him feel giddy.
Hibari watched his pet with interest. The kid was different. Happy. Why...?
"Hibari-san! Don't you just love the air?" The brunette called happily.
Hibari felt his eyebrow twitch as he was minutely reminded of Dino. It was that same kind of... stupid happy. He hoped the kid wasn't a nature freak. "It's air."
"It's more than air, Hibari-san." Tsuna sniffed as he gave the taller man a look of superiority.
Damn nature freak. He had to be.
"It's life! Peppered with nature's trees and rain and man's kitchen creativity and genius. How can you not appreciate it?" The rabbit continued when he didn't get a reply before snorting. "And people say I'm simple?"
Hibari felt his eyebrows rise. He had totally missed it! When did this happen? Just like with the pictures... his pet was playing with him. Biting back a smirk he rolled his eyes before reaching out to the brat and pulling his hat down over his eyes.
"Too bad it doesn't reach your loud mouth." He mock sighed before releasing the kid and walking off.
"H-Hey!" Tsuna called out as he stumbled back and righted himself. "Hibari-san!"
Hibari just kept walking, happy it was looking to be a quiet morning. He didn't want to have to deal with too many people, really. Oddly he had forgotten that earlier when he had given the okay to going to the aquarium.
"Hibari-san, that was mean!" Tsuna complained as he finally caught up, glaring lightly.
Hibari stared for a second before looking ahead again. Tsuna glared more when he was ignored before allowing himself to fall back a step and stick his tongue out at the mean man's back. Bleh! Feeling he had his revenge he fell back into pace with the dark haired man.
"Have you ever been to the aquarium?" He questioned for something to do—and a bit out of curiosity.
"No." Hibari replied simply as he stepped over a worm that had escaped the flooded earth during the night no doubt.
"Oh? Have you... not lived here long then?" He continued to question bravely, feeling that was okay to ask.
Hibari was quiet for a minute before answering slowly. "Three years."
Tsuna arched a brow. "Wow! You have lived here that long and never once went?"
Hibari shot his pet a glare. "No interest."
That made Tsuna stop, a small frown etched on his face. Noticing his immobile pet Hibari stopped too before sighing, correctly interpreting what this was about.
"That doesn't mean I don't want to go now. Just never had a reason do so before. I don't mind taking you." He explained with slight annoyance. It made him seem... nice. And he really wasn't.
"Are you sure?" He was asked with uncertainty.
"Listen herbivore if I truly did not wish to go I wouldn't." He said after a minute's pause. It was true... and hopefully his pet would realize that.
Tsuna frowned before chewing his bottom lip lightly. "I suppose that's true. Okay."
A small smile. He returned it with a light snort.
They began to walk again, this time in silence. He had nothing to say really and the kid was enjoying his surroundings. He was quick to note that his pet, despite being the hero type, wasn't really a people person. When people got too close he avoided them and when he was paid too much attention by admiring eyes he would lower his head and sidle back to his side as if trying to hide.
When they made it to the aquarium they still had ten minutes to wait before it opened so Tsuna scurried around, looking at all of the posters plastered to the windows and smiling at the things he could see inside. Sometimes he took some pictures with his cell all while Hibird flew after him like a protective nanny. There was a minute to spare when the kid came back to his side, looking through his pictures before frowning momentarily then gasping.
"Kabe-san!" He said happily as he started pressing buttons.
Hibari's brows furrowed at the mention of Kusakabe. Why was the kid talking about him? "What are you doing?"
Tsuna blushed lightly as he paused in his texting. "Oh! Um... well, I took all these pictures only to realize I really don't have any friends anymore t-to share them with. And then I remembered Kabe-san."
Hibari stared at his pet's pathetic announcement. I don't really have any friends anymore. "I see."
"Y-Yeah. It's not like I could send them to you since you're here too." He laughed nervously as the doors opened behind him.
Hibari shook his head mentally before resting his hand on his rabbit's capped head. He pushed the hat down again before stepping around the brunette to enter the building.
"Hibari-san!" Tsuna squawked in annoyance as he fixed his hat before chasing the mean man down. He complained until he was distracted by the marine life, for which Hibari was thankful.
* * *
The aquarium was huge! And amazing, filled with so many different types of aquatic life from all over the world. There were cute things like seals and just plain weird like tube worms. But they were all interesting. It seemed to Tsuna he was a tactile person. He loved touching everything he could get his hands on. The manta rays and urchins, starfish and harmless eels. He also loved touching the small sharks, laughing so hard he cried when he found one that reminded him of Squalo. He was sure Hibari had thought him momentarily insane at that moment. He was also deeply amused at how the animals all fled Hibari. Could they sense evil?
He loved petting the dolphins most. They had a program where you could swim with one but Hibari would not allow it. He didn't seem to trust the dolphin or his swimming ability. He wouldn't deny he had sulked a little. Which brought Hibari to offering him ice cream. He happily accepted so they were off to find a vendor, which didn't seem to take much time at all considering it was still early in the morning. Tsuna was deciding on a flavor while the balding man served a small family of a mother and her two small children on the other side.
Hibari placed a hand on the small of his back to call his attention when the vendor turned to get his order. The vendor's eyes fell on Hibari then moved to him and noted the hand before smiling.
"And what flavor would your cute girlfriend like?" The vendor questioned happily, use to getting couples on a first date like the two seemed to be.
"Eh?!" Tsuna turned red, not sure whether he should be offended at being called Hibari's girlfriend or just at the girl part.
Hibari stared, torn between annoyance and amusement. His pet's reaction decided it. Laughing once he replied, "He is not my girlfriend."
"Oh?" The vendor looked embarrassed. "I'm sorry... your boyfriend is just so—"
Now it was annoyance. The girl had come to the same conclusion! Why? "We are not together at all."
"I'm terribly sorry!" The vendor replied quickly, bright red. He let Tsuna have a free ice cream in apology, chocolate and strawberry.
They say next to an exotic tropical fish tank while he quietly ate it, Hibari taking his pet in. He could kind of see how the vendor made the mistake in thinking the brunette was a girl. In those clothes and the way his hair fell into his eyes and against his cheeks... he did look quite feminine. The kid needed to hurry and become more manly.
"You know... if it wasn't for the fact I've seen you in the bath and your little bits to prove you're male, I'd think you're really a girl too." He smirked at his pet.
Tsuna instantly choked before turning red again. "L-Little?!"
Hibari arched a brow at his pet's seemingly shocked expression. "Well... you're definitely no stallion."
Tsuna turned redder before growling and jumping to his feet, kicking Hibari in the shin. "Pervert! Dirty old man! Lecherous—"
Quickly getting to his feet Hibari covered the brat's mouth when people started to stare, hissing into his ear. "Stop yelling!"
His pet grumbled angrily at him, trying to push his hand away. He succeeded when cold ice cream fell on the dark haired man's hand, causing him to pull away.
"Take. It. Ba—" The brunette started to say bitingly until he was suddenly jumped from behind, the force nearly sending him flying into Hibari.
"Tsuna-san! Tsuna-san! Haru is so happy to see you again!" A cheerful voice called as a heavy body clung to his back.
Hibari and Tsuna both blinked in surprise at the sudden arrival.
"H-Haru?" Tsuna gasped, recalling the name of the girl he had saved.
Haru beamed as she hugged him from behind before climbing down when she felt his body start to tremble with the strain of her added weight. "Tsuna-san! Hibari-san! How are you?"
Hibari felt his eyebrow twitch as Haru smiled cutely at his pet, the brunette giving her a shy smile in return.
"Good... Haru, what brings you here?" Tsuna asked conversationally as he fixed his rumpled hoodie.
"Oh! Well, someone commissioned my costume shop to do a mermaid outfit... so I thought I would come here to get some inspiration." She smiled with excitement. "What about you?"
"Well... Hibari-san had the day off and said it would be nice to get out of the house." Tsuna replied happily himself. "I agree. Being inside all the time is kind of stuffy."
"Oh?" Haru looked at Hibari for a second before smiling at Tsuna. "Tsuna-san is always stuck inside?"
Tsuna blushed at that question. Of course Haru would find it strange. But since he was a pet he couldn't just leave when he so chose to. Plus it wasn't really like he had anywhere to go. "Uh..."
"Ah! I know! Haru's shop is slowly getting more popular... and—why doesn't Tsuna-san come work for Haru? I promise to pay! And could really use the help!" Haru said happily as she was struck with the suddenly amazing idea.
"E-Eh? Work... for you?" Tsuna repeated slowly. Well... that didn't sound too bad at all. It would give him something to do while Hibari was away, a means to earning money, and a chance to make a friend.
"Yes! Tsuna-san can help keep the shop tidy and stock things..." Haru said thoughtfully.
Hibari frowned. The girl wanted to offer his pet a job? Why? So she could further sink her claws into him? It's not like she hid the fact that she liked him.
"Haru, thank you very much! I woul—" Tsuna began with a smile until Hibari snorted dismissively.
"I think not." He decided for his pet. He would not let that girl take the kid away from him.
Both Haru and Tsuna turned to look at Hibari with shock at his answer. "Eh?"
"Hibari-san!" Tsuna started to protest until he received a glare that let him know he was being a naughty pet. He glared defiantly until his eyes started to water before looking away.
Haru frowned lightly as she looked between the two while Hibari mentally sighed. No, damnit! He had not meant to upset the kid... but—damn that girl was annoying!
"Tch. Give me your number and I will think about it." Hibari huffed, the words coming before he could pull that back as he held his hand out to Haru. His nagging feeling told him to appease his pet while he still could.
Haru blinked before handing over her cell number then looking back to Tsuna. Feeling she should leave the two alone for now she smiled lightly. "I should get going... it was nice to see you again."
Hibari just stared and Tsuna didn't reply at all, still glaring off to the side. Haru sighed and continued on her way as Hibari pocketed her number. When the silence dragged on longer than Hibari thought necessary he frowned.
"Stop sulking as a child would." He quipped, glaring at the brunette again. No reply. Growing annoyed he took the kid by the wrist and tugged him along. To his surprise he didn't resist in any way. Even when he made him leave the aquarium. For some reason that irked him more. "Enough! What is your problem?!"
Still no reply. His pet just stared at his feet.
"Answer me!" He demanded, throwing aside civility. If his pet was going to be an ass, he could too.
"Nothing, Hibari-san." Tsuna answered with toneless obedience.
Hibari glared. Brat! Sighing, he prayed for patience. "Are you hungry?"
His pet merely shrugged.
Bringing a hand up, he pinch the bridge of his nose. "Yes or no!"
Tsuna was silent a minute. "I guess."
Chewing his cheek to keep from shouting at his pet like he desperately wanted to, he took a deep breath and tried to be nice again. "Where would you like to eat?"
"Why does it matter? I'm just a mindless pet who must bend to the will of my master after all." Stormy caramel eyes finally met his darkly. "Is that not right Hibari-san?"
There was a moment of tense silence before the biting sting of flesh slapping flesh was heard before the pain was even felt.
-Chapter 10 End-
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A/N: Again, now edited but not much in th chapter has changed. Just spelling and maybe a little grammar. Not sure.
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NEXT CHAPTER:
Family, Revenge, And Power