Hungry for Tsuna
A Katekyo Hitman Reborn Fanfiction
Disclaimer: Katekyo Hitman Reborn belongs to Akira Amano; I'm just creatively using her characters.
Author's Note: Sorry...it's been a long absence but I finally finished it. I wasn't happy with the first…five drafts of the story and I stuck with this one. I also changed the titled because the story that I was going to use for Yamamoto the Sly was thrown out the window. Hopefully, you like this chapter. Thank you, Mithras151 for checking this chapter. Presenting Chapter Eleven of Hungry for Tsuna, Yamamoto the Cool.
Chapter Eleven: Yamamoto the Cool
The brunette protagonist sighed as he made his way to the student council office. Today, Tsuna had to mascot for the basketball team. Although, he should be excited for such an event, his mind was clouded with so many demanding thoughts that asked for his immediate attention. Even though the reason for these demanding thoughts occurred a week and half ago, he couldn't forget about them. After, Tsuna was forced to become Hibari's pillow for the night, the disciplinarian made him into a chew toy as further punishment for disobeying him. But Tsuna didn't see it as a punishment instead; it only confirmed how scary Hibari really was. The bite marks that the prefect gave still ached even through the healing process. Tsuna remembered how much of a pain it was lying to Gokudera about it.
After dealing with Hibari, Tsuna went straight to the infirmary to check on Xanxus. However, the vice president had been discharged earlier that day. Although, Squalo had to stay much longer due to the torturous blows dealt by the vice president. The loud swordsman had defended himself by saying that Xanxus was in denial. Not knowing what Squalo meant by this, Tsuna left hoping that the vice president didn't hate his guts. But no matter the result, he was glad that Xanxus was okay.
And lastly, Tsuna continued to be distressed by the same heterochromatic illusionist. After their second meeting, Tsuna did not have the pleasure of meeting him again. Like Xanxus, Mukuro's presence was no where to be found and Tsuna was beginning to believe that the illusionist didn't attend classes at Namimori at all. Although, Tsuna wasn't able to see Mukuro in the flesh, his existence was still there in his nightmares. He was sure if the real Mukuro were to ever find out what he was dreaming of; the illusionist would never allow him live it down.
At this point, Tsuna was just so happy that things had calmed down since then. Yet, Tsuna already knew that the peace was not going to last long, since trouble was never too far behind in his case. The brunette sighed as he was stood in front of the student council door. He kind of dreaded going inside, because Tsuna knew that as soon as he walked through the door he would be ambushed by a certain student president. But, he also hoped that Xanxus was present, so that he could see with his own eyes that the Italian was well. The brunette stopped hesitating and opened the door."Pardon the intrusion."
Tsuna's tawny eyes surveyed the student council office to find it almost empty except for a lone figure. He watched as the person shuffled through a pile of papers before he looked up to Tsuna. "Right on time, Sawada-san." Shouichi greeted.
"Hi, Irie-san." Tsuna greeted back. Yet, the brunette was still searching for the white haired student president. Byakuran was nowhere in sight. And no one else was here either except for Shouichi. "Where's Byakuran-san?"
"He had something to take care of, but believe me, he really wanted to be here." Shouichi told Tsuna as he remembered the conversation he had with the president over the phone. Byakuran was really disappointed that he had to be called away at such a time but unlike his duties of student president, he couldn't ignore his duties at his father's company.
"Shou-chan! Be sure to take lots and lots of pictures!" Byakuran requested happily.
Shouichi was already annoyed by Byakuran leaving him with a ton of work and he wasn't pleased at all, "But I don't want to!" The red haired secretary growled.
"Pretty please with marshmallows on top," begged the student president.
Shouichi put his foot down and answered. "No!"
"Awww." The student president whined but Byakuran knew that his secretary could not be convinced. He decided to give up his efforts in the form of a more reasonable request. "Well, send my best to Tsu-chan. You can do that right?"
"Of course. I'll relay the message to him." The red haired secretary pledged.
There was silence on both ends. Shouichi knew that Byakuran wouldn't end it like this. And as expected, Byakuran was back to begging Shouichi. "Are you sure you don't want to take one picture of Tsu-chan? Just one."
"Positive…" Shouichi answered sternly.
"Not even if I give you a raise…"Byakuran bribed.
Shouichi sighed, pushing his slipping glasses further up the rim of his nose. Even though his president was on the phone, he could already feel himself getting tired. Part of him, just wanted to give in to shut the president up and the other half of him felt the need to stop this unhealthy obsession. Of course, Shouichi went with the latter. "I don't get paid to do this, Byakuran-sama."
"What if I brought you a brand new pair of headphones?" The president continued to try to entice Shouichi. Byakuran knew that his secretary liked to listen to his music. Although, Shouichi gave off this strict façade, Byakuran knew him for the short-tempered and messy music lover.
To Shouichi it was already evident that his president had stooped to another low. "Good-bye, Byakuran-sama."
"C'mon, Shou-chan." Byakuran whimpered like a puppy.
Click. Shouichi hung up on the other and made sure to disconnect the line. "This is for your own good, Byakuran-sama."
Shouichi drifted out of those horrific memories. He turned to Tsuna giving the other their president's well wishes. "But he does wish you luck, Sawada-san."
"I see. Hopefully, I won't disappoint him." Tsuna smiled. He was kind of relieved but also saddened. The president had a way making things livelier. He liked Shouichi but compared to Byakuran, he was dull and serious. Tsuna felt that Shouichi perceived his mascoting as purely business but Byakuran perceive his activity as fun and uplifting.
"I'm sure you won't." The red haired secretary promised. He then directed Tsuna to his costume, which were laid out on a nearby table. "Spanner's outfit is over there. Please place it on."
Tsuna spotted the outfit with the help of Shouichi's guidance. The small boy walked over to neat pile of item and picked them up. Tsuna looked skeptically at the clothing but decided that he should trust Spanner to adhere to his request. "Okay."
Tsuna then moves to the walking closest that was conveniently placed in the student council office. As he walked in he noticed that the closet was a lot emptier than before. And the brunette assumed that Spanner was making alterations to the costumes for his sake. Spanner is really working hard for me. Tsuna thought to himself as he changed into the costume for today. He would have to thank Spanner afterwards, since the blonde mechanic had done all of this on his behalf.
The outfit consisted of a collared wine color shirt with short sleeves, a gray tailed vest with golden outlines of butterflies placed all over the dark material. The vest had no sleeves and the tails of the vest stretched to the back of Tsuna's calves. The collar of the vest was a black silk. Tsuna wore matching puffed shorts that also had golden outlines of butterflies. On Tsuna's hands were black silk wrist gloves. Covering his legs were long black socks made out of silk which stopped over his knees. One the left sock was a butterfly sitting on the edge of it. On his feet were wine and black oxfords. A big top hat decorated with a wine colored ribbon and a large butterfly ornament on the side. The top hat tamed Tsuna's unruly hair, covering most of it and causing his hair to frame his face beautifully. And lastly, a large butterfly pin that took the place of a bow and rested at the front of Tsuna's collar.
Tsuna stepped out of the closet feeling unsure of himself. The outfit looked good and it was nicely done, but he felt he didn't belong in such nice clothing. He watched as Shouichi turned in his direction. Tsuna was surprised when Shouichi smiled at him instead of turning his nose up in disgust. "Very charming." Shouichi commented.
"You think so…I'm just so happy that, Spanner-san listened to me." Tsuna was happy for the compliment but even happier that Spanner had altered the costume in a way he preferred them.
"Spanner-san?" Red-haired student council member questioned.
"I asked him to change the outfits to make me more comfortable." Explained Tsuna.
"I see." The red head nodded his head to show his understanding. From the last outfit, he could tell that Tsuna was a bit uncomfortable and being placed into the same shoes, Shouichi felt that we would also feel uneasy being half-naked in front a hundreds of students. Yet, he knew of people who would not be as understanding because of their own selfishness. Although, Byakuran-sama will not be happy. The secretary thought to himself.
Shouichi's green eyes shifted to Tsuna. The young freshman seemed to be looking at himself in a nearby mirror which was placed in the room for such a purpose. At this moment, Shouichi felt that this was a good time as any and he swiftly took a small item out of his pocket. The brunette jumped when a blind flash caught his attention. His eyes adjusted to the colorful kaleidoscope that blurred his vision. "What was that flash just now?" A bewildered Tsuna questioned as he rubbed at his eyes.
The red haired secretary looked up from some paper work and looked to Tsuna. "What flash, Sawada-san?" He asked, innocently.
Tsuna dismissed the flash as part of his imagination. He shook his head at Shouichi.
"Oh nothing…I'll be going now."
"Good luck." Shouichi watched the freshman leave and after a few moments, he carefully pulled a digital camera out of his pocket. He looked at the small digital device with shame, knowing that what he had just done was very terrible. "Why am I so whipped?"
Shouichi then turned the camera on, just to check if he got a good picture. He smiled as he had managed to capture a pretty good picture of Tsuna. Tsuna looked adorable as he gazed at himself in the mirror. Shouichi knew that his president would be pleased with this one photo. The red haired upperclassmen then caught himself smiling at Tsuna's picture and turned off the camera. He needed to get back to work. He couldn't get caught up in this kind of thing.
"Takeshi-kun, are you ready for the game?" A blonde haired boy clad in a Namimori basketball team uniform asked a much taller dark haired boy.
"I guess. I haven't played basketball in a while. I hope I'm not rusty." Yamamoto humbly replied.
The boys' locker room was full of excitement for the upcoming game. Their victory was as good as assured with the addition of Yamamoto to their team. Not only was Yamamoto skilled in baseball, he also showed a great proclivity for other sports as well. The baseball fanatic had agreed to help the basketball team, since one of their members was food poisoned, and without that member they would be short one player. Although, the boys were so excited for the game and their inevitable win, Yamamoto was just merely testing the waters. Not that he did not enjoy basketball; on the contrary, he enjoyed any competitive sport. But lately any sport wasn't enough for him. Even his beloved baseball. Yamamoto didn't know the reason for this change. He had never thought anything would come between him and his baseball. So the playful athlete decided that he needed to test himself to figure out where his priorities were. That was the true reason that he was participating.
"Since, Yamamoto is here…we'll definitely win!" Another member of the basketball team exclaimed.
Another boy patted Yamamoto roughly on the back. "Thank you for helping us, man."
"I wish Hiro had a stomach ache every game!" The captain of the basketball team hoped.
Yamamoto only smiled at their praise, but he didn't deserve it. He was using them for his own selfish reasons. "Let's play a good game." He said as he walked out of the locker room first. Yamamoto was already rearing to go as he entered the gym area. The bleachers were almost filled to capacity with spectators, and the referees were preparing for today's game. The opposing team had not appeared as of yet but Yamamoto was not worried. No matter who it was, he would beat them. He was about to take his place with the rest of his teammates before he spotted something out of the corner of his eye. Yamamoto turned in the direction of a gray blur and his dark eyes focused on a small boy dressed in a distinguishable outfit.
"Tsuna!" Yamamoto yelled as he raced over to the brunette.
"Yamamoto-san?" The brunette said, surprised seeing the dark haired boy here. "But I thought you were on the baseball team?"
"I am but one of the players on this team got sick with food-poisoning. So I'm taking his place." The baseball fanatic clarified.
The mascot replied, "Oh, I see. That's very nice of you to substitute for him."
"I guess." The baseball fanatic humbly replied. "So what are you today, Tsuna?"
Tsuna looked down at himself and then back to Yamamoto. He wasn't sure what he was. So Tsuna gave his friend the best answer he could offer. "A magician, I think but Spanner-san still did a good job."
"Spanner? That's a unique name." Yamamoto chuckled.
Tsuna had forgotten that Yamamoto, Gokudera and Sasagawa-san didn't know much of the student council and that he has never mentioned Spanner before to them. Tsuna explained, "Spanner-san is the one that makes my outfits."
"Cool." Yamamoto was very impressed. Not only by Spanner's workmanship but by how the mechanic was able to create each outfit to make Tsuna look especially cute. And Yamamoto didn't think his friend could ever be cuter. Even though the outfit was dark, the clothes were still illuminated by Tsuna's warmth. "I think he's very skilled but you do a good job of pulling it off."
Tsuna gave Yamamoto a look of disagreement. The mascot was positive that if anyone else wore these outfits, they would good as well. He couldn't take the credit for his attractive appearance or how the clothes suited him; rather Tsuna believed that it was Spanner who made this all possible. It was Spanner who made the clothes and it was through his magic that made Tsuna alluring. "I'm sure it would look good on anyone." Tsuna replied modestly.
"No…I don't think it would be the same." Yamamoto disagreed. Opposite of Tsuna's modesty, the baseball fanatic felt that it was Tsuna's own spirit that made the outfits come to life. He didn't know what it was but he could only see Tsuna wearing them. He really wanted to see his friend in them. And he actually enjoyed the experience more then he should have but Yamamoto didn't feel guilty at all. "I can only see you wearing them."
Tsuna couldn't help but blush at this. Although, Yamamoto's comment was a terrible blow to what little masculinity he had, it still affected him a way he could never have imagined. Although he had not asked or hinted to it, he wanted the other to say those words to him. It made him feel good that he wasn't a total failure as a mascot but it was even more than that. It had made Tsuna so immensely happy.
Yamamoto was beginning to wonder if he had said something wrong until Tsuna gave him a look that relieved his worries. After that, Yamamoto couldn't help himself. The game was about to start but it was the farthest thing from his mind. It was happening again, the game…something that had meant so much to him was placed on the back burner. Now all he could think of was Tsuna. Unconsciously, Yamamoto's hand reached out for Tsuna. His eyes dark eyes locked with the mascot's unwavering tawny eyes. The baseball fanatic's hand then cupped Tsuna's soft cheek. Even though it was the simplest of touches, the simple act made Yamamoto yearn for more.
Suddenly, the whistle was blown to signify that the game was about to start. Yamamoto was pulled out of his trance and his hand dropped from Tsuna's cheek back to his side. Tsuna also woke up from his daze and remembered that the task he had to perform. Tsuna looked up at the taller boy, not realizing that he just slipped away from an intimate moment. The mascot just acted as if nothing had transpired between them, since Tsuna was a lot denser than Yamamoto in these kinds of things. But Yamamoto was not discouraged.
"Good luck, Yamamoto-san. I'll be cheering you on, but I know you will do well." Tsuna smiled at the other. He then turned on his heels and headed towards the bleachers.
"Bye…" He responded as he watched Tsuna walk to his post. Although Yamamoto smiled on his way to the court, the truth was that he was frustrated. Tsuna had been so close and he had frozen up. And he was also confused about his feelings for Tsuna. No one had ever affected him in such a way. No one could ever distract him from sports…except Tsuna. Yamamoto wasn't new to dating and relationships. He had been in a few, but they had all ended in the same sadly tragic way. All the girls he had been with had had the same complaint: He was too caught up in his obsession with sports. Yamamoto was ready to accept that he could never break away from his beloved game, but now everything was different.
Yamamoto met his other teammates on their sides of the court, getting into position. One of his teammates gave an encouraging pat on the back before, it smarted just a tad but Yamamoto was already used to this type of sportsmanship. He looked into the eyes of his opponents and they didn't seem at all intimidating. His eyes shifted to the roaring crowd but he disregarded it with disinterest. Yet, the one thing that managed to hold his interest was the darling brunette timidly parading around to get the crowd riled up. Yamamoto couldn't help smiling at the smaller boy's effort.
Tsuna…
Although, Namimori had won the match and Yamamoto had performed beautifully as always, Tsuna still noticed that his baseball obsessed friend had seemed distracted during the game. At first, the brunette figured that Yamamoto wasn't in his element. Baseball was Yamamoto's favored sport, and Tsuna could understand if Yamamoto felt like a fish out of water. But after further consideration, Tsuna dismissed that assumption. Before this particular game, Yamamoto has practiced with other teams and his athletic skills were not lacking. The brunette knew that his friend was very talented in sports and that his previous assumption could not be the reason for Yamamoto's inattentiveness. Something was wrong with Yamamoto and the mascot didn't know what could be bothering the baseball fanatic. When Tsuna had asked Gokudera if he thought anything was wrong with Yamamoto, the silver haired terrorist was convinced that there was nothing right about Yamamoto in the first place. As usual, when it came to things about Yamamoto, Gokudera was not helpful.
These were the thoughts that circled around Tsuna's head that night. He was worried about Yamamoto, and although the taller boy managed to convince Gokudera that he was his same old self, Tsuna was not so blind. Yamamoto was always cheerful and optimistic but during that game, Tsuna had witnessed something different. Yamamoto seemed as if he was in another place. From time to time he would slip into a stupor and would quickly wake out of it, getting back in the game. Tsuna would normally overlook something like this but the strange occurrence happened throughout the game and even afterwards, when the trio had separated.
Tsuna was so worried about Yamamoto that he had a hard time concentrating on taking off the outfit that he had worn tonight. Tsuna quickly left the student council and began heading back to the Sky Dorm. Sometimes, if he didn't come back fast enough, Gokudera would go out looking for him and he didn't want to be such a burden to his friends. As Tsuna left the lecture building, the brunette saw bright lights from behind the gym and the music hall. Behind those particular buildings was the baseball field and as far as he could remember there was no game today. Then suddenly, Tsuna remembered those forlorn looks that the other had during the game. Was it possibly that his friend was there? At first, Tsuna was not going to go…perhaps Yamamoto wanted to be alone. After all, he had not mentioned to Gokudera or Tsuna that he was going to the baseball field. Yet, what forced Tsuna to make up his mind was that he felt Yamamoto needed him. He was the only one who noticed Yamamoto's distracted looks and so, he couldn't ignore this.
Meanwhile, Gokudera was awaiting the Tenth's safe arrival back to the Sky Dorms. Like a hawk, he watched the entrance hoping to see his beloved brunette stroll in. Tsuna had insisted that he go ahead, and because the Tenth asked him to do so, Gokudera hadn't protested. However, like a loyal puppy waiting for his master, Gokudera stayed stationed close by. As Gokudera waited with a disgruntled demeanor, Ryohei happened to walk through the door. The boxer had done some extreme training since his own club would have a match soon. The extremist caught sight of the silver haired bomber.
"What's up, Octopus-Head?!" Ryohei greeted Gokudera.
Gokudera was not excited to see the boxer. Ryohei's whole existence was a bane to his own, just like Yamamoto's was. He always hated those jock types, not only did they not have brains, but they were plain annoying to be around. The bomber was already in a bad mood seeing Ryohei's face, and his aversion for the boxer only greatened after his given nickname was spoken. "I'm waiting for the Tenth. And didn't I tell you to stop calling me that, fucking Turf-Head!!!" The silver haired terrorist sneered.
Something clicked in Ryohei's head when Gokudera mentioned that he was waiting for Tsuna. The boxer became serious, thinking that something may have happened to the school's beloved mascot. So he asked, "Sawada-san? Why are you are you waiting for him?"
"Don't you know there are perverts lurking around? I have to protect the Tenth from them." The boxer explained. Gokudera wanted to make sure that the tenth got to his room safely but more importantly he also wanted to spend as much time with the brunette as he could. Waiting for Tsuna wasn't such a big deal if his reward was being able to walk Tsuna back to his room or even have the Tenth beam his heart warming smile in his direction. The self-proclaimed protector of the Tenth was content with the small interactions that he had with his friend. That was enough for him.
Then Ryohei stupidly chimed in, "Pervert? Is that some kind of insect or animal?"
I think this person has been hit in the head too many times! Gokudera was mystified by what the idiot just said. He wondered just how these people made it so far up the academic ladder?! Once again, Gokudera's perception of jocks was proven once more: They were dumb as fuck! "No! A pervert is not an animal or an insect!" He screamed.
"Well, whatever you're talking about…I'll also wait for Sawada-san, to the Extreme." Ryohei roared with excitement and took his position opposite of Gokudera.
Gokudera was getting more and more irritated the longer the boxer stayed in his presence. Why did he have to be near him?! Couldn't he be extreme somewhere else?! This was his precious time with the Tenth, and he didn't want the boxer to ruin it with his infuriating personality. "How about you shut the fuck up to the extreme!" The silver haired bomber barked at the boxer.
"Well, that's not really extreme…"The energetic boxer said thoughtfully.
So there's actually a difference…Gokudera thought to himself. He was getting fed up with this idiot. The bomber calmed himself down, thinking that Ryohei would respond better if he was more composed. Since the insults weren't getting to the athlete, he decided that he would level with him. Maybe if he was nice, the annoyance would finally disappear. Gokudera tried to say it as nice as possible."Just go away. I don't need you to wait for the Tenth with me. This is a job that only his protector can do."
"But you're not doing it right! You have to be extreme!" Ryohei argued back.
Taking out a stick of dynamite from some hidden place, Gokudera threateningly waved it at the boxer. "Screw your extreme! I go by logic not stupidity!"
"I don't know what you're saying, Octopus-Head but nothing beats extreme! It's impossible!" Ryohei placed up his fists as if he was preparing to go into a fight. Ryohei wasn't afraid of Gokudera's dynamite since he was positive that his extreme fists could make dinosaurs explode.
"Turf-Head…you know I had you figured all wrong." Gokudera started but paused as he looked seriously at the enthusiastic boxer. However, it wasn't long before his face contorted into an expression of aggravation. "I thought you were a complete idiot like that baseball nut, but now I'm convinced that you've lost your fucking mind!"
Before, Ryohei could make an extreme comeback, another interrupted their argument altogether. The voice sternly questioned, "Why are you both crowding by the entrance and disturbing the whole building?"
Ryohei turned to the direction of the voice. His grey eyes caught sight of a dark haired person with cold piercing eyes. The boxer was able to recognize the person quickly by one glance. "Hibari? We were just waiting for Sawada to the extreme."
"Shit!" The bomber cursed as he too gazed at the prefect. Hibari didn't look at all happy and Gokudera figured that Ryohei and his argument must have caused a disturbance. The silver haired freshman slowly inched his way to the exit as the disciplinary prefect slowly slid his tonfas out from some unknown space.
After he had separated from Gokudera and Tsuna, Yamamoto came here. This was the one place where things always made sense to him. On this field, everything abided by the rules of baseball and if you didn't follow those rules than you were dismissed. On the field, few words needed to be spoken and communication was only available from the bat to the ball. If you hit the ball well, then communication was successful and you could advance. And if you were not skillful enough to hit the tricky ball, then you struck out. Baseball was simple.
Yamamoto stood on the first plate on the illuminated stage that was the baseball field. His world. Standing there in a strong position, knees bent slightly, his head lowered a tad, and his grip on his bat tight yet loose. His dark chestnut eyes fixated on the devil of a machine that would spit a threatening fast ball at him. The baseball fanatic was ready. He could take this. Hitting a fast ball at high speeds was something he could handle. However, he couldn't admit to himself that his world did not have the same glamour that it once did. This stage used to thrill him to no end but now…its only use was to give him a good work out.
Why am I even doing this? Yamamoto thought to himself as he began to loosen his grip on the bat. Maybe all I've done was for nothing.
"Yamamoto-san…" A familiar voice called from outside the field. Yamamoto eyes shifted to the bleachers where he saw a small boy stood. The baseball fanatic's eyes widened as he realized that the boy was Tsuna.
"Tsuna…what are you doing here?" Yamamoto asked, surprised.
"I saw the lights." The brunette said as he approached his athletic friend. Tsuna observed Yamamoto as he lowered his bat and eased out of his current position. The brunette searched the field for others, but no one was in sight except Yamamoto. Tsuna began to wonder why Yamamoto was practicing by himself. "Yamamoto-san…"
Before Tsuna could finish his sentence, the fast ball that Yamamoto was anticipating was launched. Yamamoto lunged for Tsuna, tackling the smaller boy onto the ground and out of the harmful path of the ball. The fast ball whizzed passed the duo and slammed into the gate, getting stuck. Yamamoto's chocolate eyes gazed at the ball that could have hurt Tsuna. His heart was beating so fast that he thought it would explode out of his chest and run a marathon. Part of the additional speed from his heart beats was because of his friend's near death experience, but was also due to his having the smaller boy underneath him in a very compromising position. Tsuna was spread out on the ground with his legs totally straddled by the jock above him. The brunette eyes were closed from the impact that shook his frame. It was the first time he had ever been tackled to the ground and his first experience didn't feel at all pleasant.
"Ow." Tsuna groaned and his tawny eyes slowly opened, looking up at Yamamoto.
"Are you alright, Tsuna?" The baseball fanatic questioned.
Tsuna nodded. He was fine. His body ached but he was still alive. The brunette was thankful that Yamamoto saved him from getting injured. If it was his old school, he would have gained a trip to the infirmary. "Yes…but why were you practicing with such a dangerous machine?!"
"It's not dangerous. You just can't allow the balls to hit you." Yamamoto chuckled, he was happy that Tsuna managed emerge from the experience unscathed.
It is dangerous! Tsuna mused. He sighed but he had to admit that Yamamoto had a point. It was safe as long as you don't get in the line of fire. He had been the stupid one to walk aimlessly into a baseball field without knowing of the danger. "Um…Yamamoto-san…thanks for saving me."
"Sure, Tsuna. I'll be glad to tackle you to the ground any time." The baseball idiot joked.
Tsuna laughed, he had to hand it to Yamamoto for making a near death experience funny. "Well, I did knock you to the ground once. So I guess we're even."
Yamamoto remember that incident because it was the same day he asked Tsuna to come to his baseball tryout. The baseball fanatic remembered that day very fondly because Tsuna had of course said yes and it was also the day his rivalry with Gokudera started. Tsuna had been running down the hallway for some reason and had run into him, causing him to be tackled by the smaller boy. In that sense, they were both even, however Yamamoto wasn't satisfied with that. "Almost even."
Yamamoto pressed his lips against Tsuna and the brunette was stilled by a tranquil coolness. Tsuna could no longer think his mind had stopped all thinking processes. Although, Tsuna was very surprised that his friend was kissing him, he was unable to feel shocked. All the tension that this kind of situation could deliver to anyone disappeared. Any unease was soothed by the athlete's soft lips. His mind, body and soul were overtaken by an utter calmness, a peace that the world would never see. The jock pressed harder against his lips and Tsuna forgot the reason why he was so bothered that Yamamoto was kissing him. The feel of the other's lips sent him to a wondrous place. Since day one of attending Namimori, his mind has never gotten a chance to rest. But here, in Yamamoto's hold…he was relieved of his own worries.
Yamamoto drew back just a bit, to slowly lick Tsuna's bottom lip. His tongue slowly sailed from one corner of the lip to the other. The feel of such a sensual act made Tsuna shiver slightly under the touch and he relaxed as Yamamoto's conquest of his lips continued on. Although the mood that they shared was serene, Yamamoto's kiss was not so placid. Although, Yamamoto gently pressed his lips against Tsuna's, the jock knew the exact place to touch in order to make them crumble. The other cleverly knew which buttons of Tsuna's he should press and he exerted this knowledge by making the other moan, shudder and ache. After he got his fill, Yamamoto released Tsuna and watched the brunette slowly come down from his high. The baseball fanatic couldn't help smiling at the deliciously cute countenance upon Tsuna's face. The smaller boy's face was flushed with a shade of pink and his half-lidded eyes were glazed over as if he were in another world. Yamamoto had an urge to kiss Tsuna again to wake him up out of his daze, but he decided to behave himself. He whispered to Tsuna. "Now, we're square."
The brunette slowly got a hold of senses. Reluctantly, he descended from cloud nine and began to realize the situation at hand; he had been kissed by a friend and what was more, another guy! "Y-yamamoto-san, w-why did you kiss me?"
"Dunno…seemed like a good idea at the time." Yamamoto answered with a slight shrug of his shoulders. Although Yamamoto said this, he actually did know why he had kissed Tsuna. He liked the freshman a lot but, out of fear, he decided to play dumb just in case his risqué move ended badly. He watched Tsuna's expressions, so that he could take cover if Tsuna decided to be violent. However, the mascot became distracted by something else.
"And why are your hands under my shirt?" The brunette asked quietly, although he was trying not to freak out.
Yamamoto looked down and realized that his hands were indeed under Tsuna's shirt. The jock had been with girls before this and it was normal for him to do so with his other girlfriends. Yamamoto guessed it was weird to the brunette or any other boy, to be groped in such a manner. "Sorry…habit." The athlete apologized with a smile.
Although, Yamamoto never gave him a clear answer about why he kissed him, Tsuna accepted it. The brunette figured that it seemed like something that Yamamoto felt he had to do at that moment. So Tsuna didn't think much of it and he forgave Yamamoto for groping him…also accepting it as a spur of the moment impulse and not anything else. After Yamamoto removed his hands from under his shirt, Tsuna sat up on the ground and looked his friend squarely in the eyes. The brunette had come here for a certain purpose and nothing else was going to distract him. Tsuna stated, "You were acting weird during today's game."
"You noticed?" Yamamoto said with an air of astonishment. The baseball fanatic thought that he had concealed his feelings pretty well. No one ever knew what he was thinking or felt because he always had such a carefree outlook. Although, Yamamoto acted like nothing could ever bother him, a lot of things did. He was surprised that Tsuna was able to see through his near perfect facade but at the same time, he did want someone to find out his secret.
The jock watched as the brunette slowly nodded, saying that he had noticed. Yamamoto sighed heavily, wondering if he could trust Tsuna enough to open himself to the brunette. When he had a small problem he usual kept it to himself to deal with but with this problem, he couldn't resolve it alone. He needed help or some sort of guidance. He looked to Tsuna with some hope. Perhaps, Tsuna could steer him in the right direction. I guess you never know until you try. The baseball fanatic thought to himself.
"I've found myself getting pretty distracted. I've been thinking of it more often…even more often then I think of baseball. But, that didn't seem right to me. Baseball has always meant something to me, but now I'm not so sure. I figure that if I can get this distracted and not think of baseball, does this mean that I've lost interest? So I came here to see if I could find the answer. To try to the find the drive I once had." Yamamoto slowly explained. His face was void of any emotion. Yamamoto had talked very seriously and Tsuna understood the magnitude of his friend's distress. However, the jock's seriousness was short-lived, and in an attempt to cover up his own distress, Yamamoto gave his trademark smile and said, "Its stupid isn't it? It's probably just a phase."
"It's not stupid at all. I know that baseball means a lot to you and if I was so into something like that, I would be worried too." The brunette began looking at the taller boy sincerely. "This might sound selfish but I hate baseball and any other sport. Yet, when I watch you play I get so excited and engrossed. I've never seen such a great player as you. I can tell by the way you play baseball that it's not just a hobby, but rather a part of your life."
"You like watching me play?" Yamamoto inquired, his eyebrows raising just an inch to show his surprise. Even though the baseball nut was shocked, knowing that Tsuna had watched him with so much interest made him ecstatic. All of a sudden, he felt the need to make a homerun. And it couldn't just be a regular homerun; it had to be the best in the history of the world because Yamamoto wanted Tsuna to witness him performing it.
"Yes, I do." Tsuna admitted and he continued as he looked at Yamamoto shyly. "So, that's why I don't want you to stop. If you can not find an answer for yourself to keep playing then let me be your motivation for a while. And I will try to motivate you any way that I can because I want to see you play. So please, Yamamoto, please continue playing baseball."
Yamamoto took a moment to take in everything that Tsuna said. No one had ever said such words to him before. Tsuna's words already had the power to energize him. All his doubt and regret seemed to have vanished. The sport of baseball became just as enthralling as it had the first time he had held a bat in his hands. However, Tsuna's words not only jolted life into his love for the game but also made him realize that the brunette before him was an amazing person. A person he really wanted to kiss…and perhaps even more than that. "Tsuna…" The baseball fanatic said softly.
"I'm sorry…you see I don't know how to talk to people. I think I said something I shouldn't have. I'm sorry." Tsuna quickly apologized.
"It made me really happy hearing that from you." Yamamoto relieved Tsuna of thinking that he had said something bad-mannered. He then brightly beamed. "For now, until I can find my own answer for playing…I will use you. Now that I think of it…I never really had real motivation. Baseball was something I was really good at….at least, that's how I felt. I guess I just wanted people to view me as a little more reliable. I guess in the end, I just wanted to be liked."
"Well, even without baseball…I think you are a very reliable person. You are the most reliable person I know. You've helped me out so much and I'm very thankful that I have you as a friend. So you don't have to feel that you need to prove yourself through sports. I think without trying you are very dependable. " The freshman assured Yamamoto.
"Tsuna…" Yamamoto cupped the freshman's cheek as he looked intently into Tsuna's tawny orbs. "Thank you."
Tsuna was once again captivated by the athlete. The hand upon his cheek made his heart beat fast and the blood in his face rush to his cheek. He watched as Yamamoto swoop in to show his gratitude to Tsuna, leaning into him once more. Being glued to his seat and too petrified to stop his friend, it was easy for the jock to steal another kiss. The jock was just inches away from the brunette's soft lips, his warm breath gracing its supple surface. However, Yamamoto did not act. Tsuna was even confused, wondering why his friend had come so close to him. "Ah…Yamamoto…is something wrong?"
The baseball idiot eyes slowly trailed up from Tsuna's lips to his eyes. For moment, he just stared at the other before he drew back and gave a carefree laugh. "I forgot…we have a history exam tomorrow."
"That's right. I better go and study." Tsuna slowly recollected, but the freshman did have a feeling that Yamamoto had something else on mind. Yet, he decided not to pry. Tsuna stood up from his place, dusting off some of the dirt that got on his uniform after Yamamoto tackled him to the ground. He looked over to his friend, as he also got up from the floor. "Are you coming?"
"No, I'll leave it up to fate. If I pass, then I pass and if I fail, then I fail. All that matters is that I tried my best." Was the taller boy's untroubled response.
Yamamoto, you're too optimistic for your own good. Tsuna thought to himself, but he still admired how relaxed Yamamoto could be. He was never able to be so calm, how could when he had such bad luck? He smiled softly at Yamamoto before he left the other's side, waving. "Well, okay. Don't work too hard. See you tomorrow."
"Yea, see you tomorrow." Yamamoto waved back as he watched the small figure of Tsuna slowly disappear into the darkness of the night. For a fleeting moment he had a feeling that he shouldn't have allowed the small boy to travel so late at night by himself. Yet, Yamamoto was sure that the true danger was not out there but in himself. The baseball fanatic wanted to pounce on Tsuna again but he had intentionally stopped himself. He wasn't sure how Tsuna felt about him and from their conversation Yamamoto gathered that the brunette only saw him as a good friend. The jock found this more frustrating than his "baseball problem", he thought that if he kissed Tsuna, then there would be no need for words, his feelings would be transferred to Tsuna via osmosis. That wasn't the case at all and to him, Tsuna was unresponsive to his bold move. However, the jock blamed Tsuna's indifference on his cowardly way of covering up for the kiss. But, Yamamoto was not discouraged. He was positive that he could win over Tsuna; he would just have to try harder. Perhaps with better methods, he would achieve better results.
Yamamoto soon realized that he had never lost interest in baseball. It had always been there. But now, there was a new game that he was a loyal player of. In this game, he didn't know the rules and the opponents would be tough. Still, Yamamoto was positive that this game will be no different from any others he had played. He would not lose. Yes, the pursuit of Sawada Tsunayoshi would be a thrilling game indeed.
The brunette sluggishly walked through the archway of Sky dorm. He was tired and although, he needed to study for that history exam, he was convinced that he was going to fail anyway. He decided not to try to study because it would be wasted effort. As he walked through the entrance doors of the Sky dorm he was hit by this murderous aura. Tsuna quickly looked around to find out where this deadly intent was coming from. His eyes fell on a dark haired boy not too far from him. The blaring red and gold armband was a dead giveaway of who this threathening person was. Tsuna watched as the boy slowly looked up from his current place and turned to him. The way the other's cold blue eyes pierced into him, convinced Tsuna that he was in deep trouble.
"Hiiii! Hibari-san…what are you doing here?" Tsuna inquired. The brunette had expected that Gokudera would be here waiting for him but the silver haired terrorist was nowhere to be seen. Gokudera had made it a habit to wait for Tsuna after they separated. And despite his wishes for the bomber to go on to bed, Gokudera has always loyally waited for him. Although, Tsuna felt guilty about it, he also found it quite comforting too. Right now, he would trade anything to have Gokudera in Hibari's place.
"Sawada Tsunayoshi." The prefect started as he slowly moved from the wall and faced the small herbivore. Hibari's cold eyes gave Tsuna the once over and what he unearthed was not pleasing to him at all. "You've broken two rules. Being out of bed after curfew and your school uniform being in disarray."
But you're out of bed and your uniform is all bloody. What a hypocrite. But I better keep my mouth shut or else, he'll hit me or something worse. Tsuna remarked to himself. He then decided that he should explain himself, although he knew that wouldn't work. "I'm so sorry, Hibari-san. I was on the baseball field with Yamamoto. I guess when he tackled me to the ground, he dirtied my uniform. I lost track of time."
As soon as Tsuna mentioned that Yamamoto was the one who dirtied his uniform, Hibari gave Tsuna the most bloodcurdling stare he had ever seen. The brunette nearly jumped out of his skin at the sight of it. I think I might've said something I wasn't supposed to. He considered to himself. He then watched as the prefect slowly walked past him on his way out of the sky dorms. "Ah…Hibari-san, where are you going?"
Hibari sneered, "To bite Yamamoto Takeshi to death."
Yamamoto-san…run for you life! Tsuna warned in the dimensions of mind but some how he hoped that his message would reach the jock. In the meantime, he tried every effort to keep Hibari from leaving the Sky dorm. And here he though it would be a calm week.
Author's note: I hoped you liked this chapter. It took me a while to think of what to write but it got finished…somehow. I have also decided that since Ryohei doesn't get much love then, he would have his own chapter after Gokudera's. And then after Ryohei, there will be a surprise presented by Byakuran, so look forward to it. I hope that I managed to keep everyone in character. Thank you again, Mithras151 for checking this chapter and previous you for reading this chapter as well as past chapters. Please review my work because reviewing is caring. Suggestions are welcome as long as there are good intentions behind them.