Sorry we're laaate! It's complicated, lol.

Target 10: It's Complicated

Tsuna had managed to convince Ryohei that Hibari was injured and needed time to rest before Ryohei could challenge him again. Of course, after that, Tsuna had to practically flee as Ryohei began to rant about him joining the boxing club. But he had done what was needed. As Tsuna walked out of the school with Gokudera at his side—Yamamoto was in baseball practice—he bit his thumb nail, still a bit worried about it all.

"Don't worry about it, Tenth! It'll be alright!" Gokudera tried to reassure him.

Tsuna looked at Gokudera before he smiled slightly. "I guess you're right…" He tried to relax as he looked ahead of him.

"Gokudera-kun, do you mind coming over my house to help me with my extra homework? If you're not busy that is!" he asked, although he already knew the answer.

"Of course, Tenth!" Gokudera's lips stretched into a wide grin, happy the other had asked. Lately that had been happening a lot. Before, the Tenth hadn't really relied on him like this, so the change made Gokudera very happy.

Tsuna smiled at that. Even though he knew Gokudera would always say yes to him, it made his heart flutter whenever he did. "Okay!" he said, before walking with Gokudera down the road to his house. "Oh, how's Uri, by the way?"

Gokudera's smile became softer. "He's doing great," he said. He scratched the back of his head a little and looked away. "He misses you."

Tsuna smiled softly as well. "Then how about we do the homework at your place?" he suggested then. "I'll call mom and tell her."

"You don't have to, Tenth!" Gokudera's heart skipped a beat at the other's words. The Tenth hadn't come to his house since he had left… It made him happy that the other wanted to return.

"I want to," Tsuna assured him with a smile before taking his phone out. "Is it okay, then?" He didn't dial his house number yet until Gokudera confirmed.

Gokudera nodded hurriedly with a pleased smile on his lips.

Tsuna smiled back before dialing his house phone number. "Mom? Yeah, I'm going to do my homework at Gokudera-kun's house," Tsuna said into the phone and waited for his mother's response. "Yeah… Yeah, I'll be home for dinner… Okay. Love you too, see you later!" He hung up the phone before turning to look back at Gokudera with a smile. "Let's go!"

They arrived to Gokudera's house in no time. Gokudera reached for his keys and opened the door, and not a second later, Uri was pouncing on his legs, making him almost stumble as he tried to avoid stepping on the small kitten. "Uri!" he protested.

Tsuna walked in and laughed slightly at the scene, wondering if this happened every time Gokudera entered his apartment. "Hey, Uri!" After Tsuna closed the door behind them, he knelt down to look at the small white cat. "Have you been taking good care of Gokudera-kun?"

Uri meowed loudly and happily, pawing at his master's legs. At hearing Tsuna's voice, he meowed even louder before trying to jump up into the other's arms.

Gokudera smiled, trying not to blush at the Tenth's concern.

Tsuna laughed slightly, picking Uri up. He petted Uri with a smile before looking at Gokudera. "Let's get all the homework done so we can hang out for a little while before I have to leave," he said, holding Uri in both his arms.

Gokudera nodded, motioning the Tenth towards his living room. His house was a little messy, but not as bad as it had been the other week. There were some cigarettes littering here and there as well as some books. Gokudera rubbed the back of his head embarrassedly anyway. "Sorry about the mess, Tenth, I hadn't expected you to come over," he apologized.

"No, it's okay. I was the one who invited myself over after all," Tsuna said, shaking his head. "Besides, my room is a lot messier. I don't mind. I like Gokudera-kun's apartment." He smiled, and moved to sit down. He held Uri with one hand now as he used his other hand to take his homework out of his bag.

Gokudera was pleased at the other's admission. A moment later, he took his homework out as well. Although Gokudera had done most of it during school, he still had a little left. It didn't take him long to finish it though, so for the rest of the time, Gokudera did his best to help his boss out with his work.

Tsuna was forced to put Uri down as they began to work. It wasn't difficult, really, but Tsuna found himself lost at every turn. He asked Gokudera for help so much, he ended up just moving to sit next to him until they had finished.

"We're done!" Tsuna groaned in relief, stretching. "I'm sorry it took so long!"

"Don't worry about it, Tenth!" Gokudera assured him. "I'm glad I was able to help!" Gokudera grinned. This afternoon had been really wonderful. He was happy. There had been no interruptions whatsoever and he had spent his time with the Tenth alone… Gokudera couldn't ask for anything better.

Tsuna smiled happily. He began to close his books, and when he was done, he looked at Gokudera again. "Thank you, Gokudera-kun… You know, for everything. You always take such good care of me." His cheeks colored lightly.

"O-of course, Tenth." Gokudera's cheeks also reddened. "You can always count on me!" he assured him, somewhat flustered.

Tsuna smiled gently. "I know. You're really dependable," he said, looking away now. He quickly began to put away his things to avoid looking at Gokudera's reaction.

Gokudera's heart thudded loudly and he cursed it, not wanting to burden the Tenth with its sound. He felt his face flame up and with frustration wished he could control his reactions.

Tsuna, though, soon ran out of things to put away. He laid his hands on his lap before looking back up at his right-hand man. It occurred to him now that this was the first time in about a week since the two of them had sat down together like this. The muscles in his left shoulder were stiff and, although it didn't really hurt as much anymore, Tsuna could never forget what had happened to him, or who was there to hold him when he had returned from that horrible nightmare.

Tsuna wanted to hide his face to wipe out the horrific memory of what had happened, but he knew such an action would make Gokudera worry. So he stayed still, his hands on his lap. Gokudera had been so worried, so patient with him. Sometimes, Tsuna didn't think he deserved it. Especially after what had happened, after that kiss… The one when Tsuna had outright rejected him because of his own cowardice. Tsuna bit his lip lightly. He wanted to apologize but what if Gokudera wanted more than just a sorry? The thought terrified him.

"Gokudera-kun?" Tsuna found himself stammering, much to his dismay. "I… Um… Well…"

Gokudera's eyes darted towards his boss and his heart thudded anxiously. Had his boss noticed his reaction? The brunette looked wary, not to mention embarrassed. Gokudera inwardly berated himself for making the other uncomfortable. He had been trying to push his feelings for the other away so much… but he ended up slipping up like this after all. He was the worst. "W-what is it, Tenth?" he finally asked, but he made sure not to look at the other's face. He felt entirely too mortified to do so.

Tsuna nearly grimaced at the name and finally looked up at Gokudera. His face was red and he looked nearly as terrified as he was. It took Tsuna by surprise and he swallowed, faltering yet again in his thoughts. He sighed. He wanted Gokudera's friendship and, it seemed, much more, but his cowardice kept getting in the way. That and the fact that he knew Gokudera only saw him as the 'Tenth.'

"Can't you just call me Tsuna?" His voice was soft but there was a distinct tiredness in his tone. He didn't want to be Tenth. He just wanted to be Tsuna.

Tsuna's words caused Gokudera's brows to furrow in confusion and surprise. He finally allowed himself to glance and the other and the sight before him made him pause. Something about the Tenth's expression made Gokudera realize that there was more behind that request than what was being said. It made his heart jolt slightly, and made him reconsider his initial answer. He bit his lip. "I… T-"

"Tsuna! What's with this depressed air in here?"

Tsuna started at the familiar voice and turned to see Reborn sitting at the edge of the table, Leon on his lap being happily petted. "Reborn!" he shouted in shock, his face flushing red with embarrassment at being caught in such a private moment.

Reborn sighed, shaking his head in pity. "You two are absolutely hopeless. Tsuna, I understand, but Gokudera, you're Italian! I would have thought Shamal taught you better. Back in my day-"

"Stop lecturing us like an old man when you're just a baby!" Tsuna shouted, flustered.

"R-Reborn-san!" Gokudera became immediately flustered as well. How had the Arcobaleno gotten in here?! More importantly, exactly how long had he been here, watching them?! By the sound of his words, it must have been quite a while. Gokudera's face darkened further. He didn't think he could feel more mortified than he was now. "W-what are you doing here?" he stammered out, pointedly ignoring the other's insinuations.

Leon climbed up on Reborn's hand and the Arcobaleno lifted it to the brim of his hat. The chameleon climbed onto the hat to his usual position as Reborn stood. "I came because Tsuna is late for dinner."

"Eh? I am?" Tsuna blinked before he looked at the time and gasped at the late hour. "Oh! I should get home!"

Gokudera looked at the time as well and the realization of how late it had gotten made him frown slightly. He didn't want to part from the other yet. But perhaps it was for the best. If it wasn't for Reborn, they would have had to continue their talk… and Gokudera still wasn't sure of how that would have gone. He wasn't sure if he wanted to know.

Now wasn't the time to speculate about this though. Gokudera stood up and began bowing in apology. "I'm sorry for having kept you here for so late, Tenth!" he said. "Please send my apologies to your Mother!"

Tsuna started at Gokudera's sudden apology and he lifted his hands quickly to calm him. "N-no, it's fine! I lost track of the time, too, with the homework and-" Tsuna cleared his throat. "Yeah." He ran a hand through his hair and grabbed his bag, ready to leave. But something stopped him. Gokudera had already done so much for him and Tsuna had done absolutely nothing in return. He could already hear his mother's nagging voice telling him off.

"Um, do you want to join us for dinner, Gokudera-kun?" Tsuna offered with a small smile. "It's the least I can do."

Gokudera's eyes widened slightly at the offer. "R-really?" he stammered in surprise, feeling a rush of happiness swell through him. "Are you sure? I wouldn't want to impose or anything!"

"No, no, you're not imposing!" Tsuna assured him and smiled. "Mom would love to have you over. You know how happy she is when I bring guests," he said, slightly exasperated however true it was.

"Well, if you're sure…"

"Yes, he's sure, now if you're coming, let's go!" Reborn said, hopping off the table and heading towards the door. "I don't want to miss dinner."

Tsuna sighed at Reborn's impatience but offered Gokudera another smile as they followed Reborn out.

They arrived at the house quickly after that. Before they even reached for the door however, Nana burst through it, her face positively beaming. "Tsu-kun!" she exclaimed happily before her eyes saw Gokudera standing behind him. "And Gokudera-kun too!" She giggled before ushering them in. "We have a special guest today~" her voice sang as she nudged them both into the living room.

Iemitsu laid spread out on the floor, a bottle of liquor in hand and a lazy grin stretched out across his face. "Tsuna! You're finally home!" the blonde man exclaimed happily.

"EH?! DAD?!" Tsuna's eyes widened at the unexpected sight of his father. He always showed up at inconvenient times. "What are you doing here?!"

Gokudera's eyes widened, surprised to see that the Tenth's Father was in town. Before he could even give the man a word of greeting however, Lambo's loud voice interrupted him. His eyebrow twitched in irritation.

"TSUNA'S HOME!" Lambo clung to Tsuna's pants, resembling a koala. "Stupid Tsuna! Maman said we couldn't eat until you got home! I'M HUNGRY!" the five-year-old exclaimed.

Iemitsu laughed easily at all this commotion, as if there wasn't a lovelier sound in the world. "I'm in a bit of a vacation and wanted to check up on my cute son," he explained with a smile, watching from the corner of his eye as his wife left the room for a bit. Lambo chased after Maman then, figuring she was getting the food.

At that moment, Iemitsu's expression turned a bit more serious and he focused his attention on the boys. "I hear you've been having a hard time lately, Tsuna." He frowned, referring to Tsuna's recent hospitalization.

Hearing his dad's words, Tsuna frowned and his fingers twitched towards his shoulder, but he justified the motion by grabbing on to the strap of his bag. "I'm fine," he said quickly, taking off his shoes and dropping his bag against the wall. It's been nearly a week since that happened. Why hadn't he shown up earlier?

Reborn walked past them without a word, leaving Tsuna to his father.

Gokudera shifted on his feet and looked down. He felt tense at the topic of conversation—he was still angry at himself for letting the Tenth get hurt like that—and uneasy, since he felt as if he was intruding in the first place.

Iemitsu's eyes softened slightly at his son's reaction, and there was a small sad smile lingering on his lips, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he took a long sip from his beer before getting up to his feet. "That's my boy," Iemitsu laughed boisterously as he swung his arm around his son's neck and pulled him close. "It's good to hear you're not letting something like this get you down."

Tsuna tensed at the arm around his neck and grimaced at the smell of beer as he was pulled close to his father. "Get off!" he ducked under Iemitsu's arm and pushed him back. He shifted closer to Gokudera, who looked extremely uncomfortable at being stuck in the middle of this, and looked down, his lips set in a tense frown.

Iemitsu stumbled. "Whoa!" He laughed slightly as he struggled to regain his balance. "Now, now, Tsuna. Don't be like that! Come over here and give your Papa a hug," he said, and began to lumber over to his son again.

It was only due to Nana's voice that he stopped in his tracks.

"Food's ready~" Nana's voice called out from the kitchen, accompanied by the cheers of the children, who began to rush over towards the dining table not a moment later. Iemitsu's face lit up at that announcement, looking childishly excited as he too headed towards the table. "I'm coming, dear!" he called back to his wife before heading into the dining room.

Tsuna let out a breath of relief. He turned to look at Gokudera apologetically. He was embarrassed for his father's behavior. "Sorry you had to see that," he muttered.

"It's… fine, Tenth," Gokudera murmured.

The two headed into the dining room which was already busy with the amount of people in the house.

Bianchi walked into the room then, helping Nana bring in the food. She blinked before smiling at the sight of her little brother. "Hayato! I didn't know you were coming for dinner," she said, putting the food down and hurrying over to hug her little brother.

Tsuna blanched at the sight of Gokudera's big sister before looking at the food. The color and the smell seemed normal… His mother had done the cooking… Thank god.

Gokudera blanched at the sight of his sister's face as well. However, he didn't even get a chance to double over in pain before he was pulled into a quick hug. The Italian teen's face was as pale as his hair, and his stomach began to twinge queasily as he felt his sister begin to pull away. Without thinking, he wrapped his own arms around his sister, hugging her back in order to prevent looking at her face. He threw a pained look to the Tenth over his sister's shoulder, dreading the moment the hug would end.

Bianchi smiled happily as she hugged Gokudera tenderly, mistaking Gokudera's fearful cling for affection.

Tsuna caught the look and looked around quickly for a solution. He spotted it. After grabbing a pair of sunglasses that looked like they belonged to his mom, he hurried over to Bianchi. "L-look! G-Gokudera-kun got you something, Bianchi!" he said, quickly putting them on her. Bianchi pulled away and pushed the sunglasses up a bit before smiling and happily pulling Gokudera close again. "Oh, Hayato! Thank you!"

Gokudera sighed in relief. With the sunglasses in place, Gokudera's stomach settled down. However, as his sister pulled him into another hug, a different kind of uncomfortable feeling washed over him. "A-aneki..!" he complained to her quietly, feeling embarrassed.

Eventually, everyone settled down around the table. Gokudera sat between his sister and the Tenth.

The dinner went by surprisingly well. Bianchi, so pleased by Gokudera's "gift," kept the sunglasses on throughout the dinner. She asked Gokudera how he was holding up and if he needed anything. But on top of verbally fussing over Gokudera, she physically fussed over Reborn who was on her other side. She picked up a napkin and cleaned his face when he got dirty, smiling fondly every time.

Tsuna enjoyed the dinner. It was actually pretty nice. Even with Lambo, I-Pin, and Fuuta fighting over the food, even with his father laughing loudly over the small talk, the table felt very complete. Especially since Gokudera was there.

Gokudera enjoyed the dinner a lot too. It was nice, eating like this. He always loved eating at the Tenth's house. It made his life feel a little fuller, a little less lonely. And today that feeling seemed to increase more than ever. Maybe it was due to his sister fussing over him (the sunglasses helped), or maybe it was because he no longer felt the need to put his guard up around everyone here. He felt welcome. Safe.

And then Bianchi brought out the tea. A purple tinge and a horrible odor wafted from each cup.

Gokudera froze at the sight of it. "Ugh," he groaned instinctively, his hand already reaching for his stomach. Gokudera's face turned a little green at the sight, but luckily for him it was late in the evening already, and he had a good excuse to leave before he was forced to drink that monstrosity. "I need to get going," he whispered in panic to his boss as he stood up. He began to say his goodbyes to everyone.

Bianchi handed out the tea with a smile before looking at Gokudera. "Oh, okay. Don't work too hard, Hayato," she told him softly as she brought up her hand to give him a slight wave.

"I won't." Gokudera nodded to his sister in acknowledgement.

Tsuna stood as well. "Um, I'll walk you to the door, Gokudera-kun," he offered with a small smile.

Gokudera smiled back, though his expression was a little demure as they headed towards the entrance. "Thanks for inviting me over, Tenth," he told him, really meaning it. He had had a great time tonight and wished he didn't have to go.

Tsuna lead him out the door and smiled softly at Gokudera. "It was really nice having you over," he told him with a content smile on his face.

"Yeah, this was nice," Gokudera agreed, still somewhat surprised he had had such a good time. His visits to the Tenth's house were usually much more chaotic than today had been.

"Well, take care of yourself, Tenth," Gokudera said, and rubbed the back of his head slightly. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Tsuna smiled at Gokudera's words. He knew for a fact that if Gokudera hadn't been here today, he would have had a horrible time at dinner. The favor he tried to give him turned out to benefit himself as well. "Yeah, you, too. See you tomorrow." Tsuna lifted his hand in a small wave. He shifted on his feet, watching Gokudera mirror the gesture before disappearing past the wall.

Tsuna stayed outside the door, watching the empty sidewalk as a sigh escaped his lips. Gokudera had been with him all day and now that he was gone, he felt rooted to the spot. He felt Gokudera's name rise up in his chest, wanting to call him back, but he knew he couldn't. Walking back into his house was much more difficult alone.