Chapter 11: Family, Revenge, And Power
The slap was felt before it was heard and it surprised the hell out of him. He didn't seem to be the only one either but his pet's was a minute surprise. He soon recovered himself, frowning lightly. Part of him wanted to rub the stinging sensation away but he fought against it, not wanting to let his pet know it had affected him in any way.
Tsuna trembled a little on the inside. He didn't know what had made him do it! He had seen Hibari reaching for him and before he could think twice, in his anger he slapped the hand away, not about to let Hibari hurt him. He didn't seem to be the only one surprised by his bold move. And he wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not.
Fighting every urge he had to bite the kid to death, he breathed deeply while doing his best to calm down. He didn't want to fight. Gaze boring into his pet he tried to understand what this was all about. "Why are you so angry?"
His pet just stared, making him think he would not reply until he suddenly let loose, raging at him.
"You're warped! You know that?! Make up your mind! I just don't get you! Am I just your stupid pet who must do everything you say? If so, then stop asking me what I want! Otherwise let me continue to chose everything that has to do with me! Don't make it so it works only when it suits you. It's not fair!" Tsuna paused to suck in a few deep breaths. "And why do you not like Haru so much? She never did anything to you!"
When it came to surprises... his pet was two points up while he was still at zero. So he was pissed that he had declined on his behalf to work for the girl? He thought the kid... had a valid point but... ugh. He couldn't think. He was too irritated at the moment. He needed to vent. But not at the the kid. It would only make things worse, he was sure. "I'll call Kusakabe to come pick you up."
Tsuna blinked before frowning when Hibari turned on his heel and started to walk away. Wait. Was Hibari... no! Feeling fear replace his anger he ran after the taller man. "Hi-Hibari-san?"
Hibari turned to see worry etched on his pet's face now. It tugged at his gut making him feel sick. "Listen. Maybe we should—"
"I'm... I'm sorry Hibari-san. I'm being bad again." Tsuna said lightly as he hung his head. "You made it clear from the beginning that I would no longer be my own man... and I still accepted. And I—it's just..."
Hibari just stared. His pet... was like a woman! So many mood swings! Looking the brunette over, he sighed. The girl had ruined a good day. And he wasn't making it better, he supposed. He still didn't know much... he really needed to learn. And fast. Raising hand and placing it on the kid's head slowly in case the act wasn't appreciate, he exhaled deeply.
"How about... we get something to eat... and talk this over." He suggested carefully.
Tsuna eased into the hand, appreciating the comfort it gave. He wasn't really sure how talking would help... he would still... but if it was what Hibari wanted. Maybe he could learn why he was so against Haru. "Okay..."
Nodding, he brought the kid to a nearby restaurant that had just opened to start serving lunch. It was authentic Italian cuisine and the atmosphere was always serene with light music playing. Every table had pristine white table clothes, a small bouquet of yellow or white peonies in the center. The soft golden glow of the light was easy on the eyes as it accented the cream, tan, and brown décor. They each ordered their preferred dishes. His pet gnawed on a break stick while he watched. The brunette had slightly deplorable table manners at times... but he supposed that was to be expected at his age. His parents or guardians must have been lax about such things.
"You say you've lost your family and friends... tell me about them." He said slowly as he stroked the stem of his water glass.
Tsuna looked at him with raised brows before frowning lightly. "You... want to hear about them?"
"Sure. I heard it helps to talk... to remember the good things." He answered lightly, watching his pet intently to see if maybe he was pushing too hard.
Staring down at the table he frowned lightly. Talk about them? What if he let something important slip? But... closing his eyes and smiling lightly he sighed. "My mom... always wanted the best for me—what mother doesn't, right? Sometimes she was a little pushy... but it was good. She didn't let me get lazy. I often wonder if it was hard for her to raise a pathetic son on her own... my father was never around much, you see. He worked—he... worked over seas a lot. You know... at first I hated him. I know... how can I hate my own father? But... it's not hard to hate a man you don't even really know I suppose. But then... I got to learn what his work meant to him. And how it... affected me... and it became harder to hate him as I began to understand. I... miss them."
He paused to push back the tears that threatened to overcome him. His mother... was probably... he hadn't really thought about how she would feel losing him... or how his father might. They both loved him dearly. His mother must be heartbroken... did she cry for her pathetic son? And his dad... would he blame his friends? Reborn? He had never really though about that... guilt ate away at his empty stomach.
Hibari was about to offer a word of comfort when he felt his pet's sadness but held back when he started to speak again.
"I... never really had blood siblings but my mom took in some kids that became like family to me. They were the weirdest kids you could ever possibly meet. They could be such a handful at times... but then they grew on you... and you couldn't help wanting to protect them with your very life. Their happiness, no matter how misguided it sometimes was, made you happy." He laughed, thinking of Lambo as a child and how he had wanted nothing more than to make the world bow down to him and to kill Reborn. Ah... Reborn. "After a while my mom got me a tutor. He was... quite different from what you would expect. We had a hard time understanding each other and getting along at first... but he helped me a lot.
"He helped me find myself. He became one of my most precious friends—not that I'd ever tell him that. At school... I was never really popular or had many friends until he came along. To everyone I was... no good. Dame. But—but my tutor... he changed that with his... odd ways. Because of him I was able to talk to the girl I had been crushing on for the longest time. We soon became good friends and she always put a smile on my face. I was also able to make friends with one of the most popular kids in school." He smiled fondly as he thought of Kyoko and Yamamoto. It hurt him a little... but... sharing them with Hibari was... it felt... nice.
Hibari frowned thoughtfully as his pet spoke of his school days. So... he hadn't been that popular. Was that why was he was eager to please all the time?
"It was around that time that I met one of my most best friends. At first... I was scared of him... but then we helped each other out and became better friends. At the beginning of our friendship he only saw me as... someone to follow and was... determined to prove his loyalty in any way necessary. It was a little awkward and I hated when he got hurt because of it... but in the end we came to an understanding that suited us both and he became the most trusted and loyal person I know, I guess." Gokudera... oh, how he hoped Gokudera was dealing okay. He would probably blame himself... but hopefully Yamamoto would stop him from doing anything drastic. Frowning lightly he began to worry.
What if... the silver haired man went over the edge in his grief? Like... tried to follow after him? He twitched with the sudden need to see him, to make sure he was okay—but... he couldn't. And what if Gokudera did hurt himself? He... didn't think he could bear it. He didn't want to think about it. His heart hurt so much. Bowing his head against his closed fist he tried to draw in a calming breath only to feel constricted. Suddenly a comforting hand touched the top of his head, pulling him from those depressing thoughts. He was a little startled to see Hibari kneeling next to him with a furrowed brow.
"I... don't feel so well..." He was slightly surprised at how weak his voice sounded now when he was just fine a minute ago. He wanted to go home. He wanted to be alone—to think about things alone.
Hibari held back a frown before sliding a hand down to his pet's cheek since his forehead was covered by hair and his hat. He felt a little warm. Nodding, he got to his feet and signaled for the check before asking if they could get their food to go as his companion wasn't well. They caught a cab home, his pet quiet and distant the entire way.
When they made it back home the brunette went quietly to his room. He was unsure if he should just leave him alone or try to comfort him. Sighing, he thought about how his pet had gotten sick the last time he had questioned him about his family. Back when they had had their first meal together. Ha... they had had Italian then too.
Closing his eyes and sighing deeply he did something he really didn't want to do for the first time in a long time. Picking up his cell he dialed his decided number and waited for an answer. "Kusakabe? The kid... needs you."
* * *
Tsuna walked to his room once they got back, lost in tormented thoughts, shutting the door behind him gently and plopping face first onto the bed, happy when Hibari didn't follow. He had been stupid. And maybe too rash. And worse—he hadn't thought about such important things until now. His mom and dad... Gokudera... and even while his heart hurt for them... he didn't have the courage to go back. He really was weak. He really was pathetic.
"I'm sorry..." He cried into his arms as he folded them over his pillow, tears trying to drown him while he was slightly suffocated in his pillow. He cried for a while until an incoming text on his phone caught his attention. Sniffling he pushed himself to his knees and pulled it from his pocket. Blinking to clear his eyes he looked at the message.
Are you okay?
It was from Kusakabe. Sniffling some more he replied, 'no'.
Can I come in?
He blinked, frowning lightly. What did he... oh. 'yes'.
Two seconds later Kusakabe was opening his door gently and coming in. "Hey Tuna..."
He attempted to smile weakly at the friendly, teasing greeting but he couldn't get his mouth to cooperate. "Kabe... sa—"
He started to cry at the realization Kusakabe really was the only friend he had in the world now. Even if he ever saw the others again... surely they would hate him now.
Kusakabe came to his side quietly, sitting next to him and placing a gentle hand on his back. It wasn't as comforting as he might have hoped... but it still felt nice. Kusakabe cared.
Hibari listened outside the door for a minute before frowning when the nagging in his head wouldn't shut up. What did it want him to do? Hug the kid and tell him it would be okay? No! Because what if it wasn't true? Besides... he had brought this about by asking. He had no right... deciding to sit and wait he walked back to his couch, Hibird following and nuzzling his cheek in a comforting manner.
The kid stopped crying half an hour later. He asked to be alone another half an hour after that. Kusakabe gave him his space, closing the door behind him when he left the room. Walking into the living room he met Hibari's gaze and sighed.
"I don't know... he didn't want to talk about it." He sighed as he rubbed his eyes tiredly.
Hibari sighed silently too before asking if Kusakabe could stay with the kid while he went out for a bit, leaving instructions to call him his pet changed in any way. He then went to his special place to vent everything he was feeling and to try to collect his thoughts while breaking things and sweating as his worked his tonfas against every surface he could.
It was another hour before Kusakabe texted, saying his pet had asked about him on his way to the bathroom. He decided to head home. Making back in five minutes he walked in to see no Kusakabe in the living room where he had left him. Going to his pet's room he paused in the doorway when he saw said man was once again with the brunette.
The kid was leaning against him, eyes closed as Kusakabe held him close to his side with an arm around his shoulders. Suddenly his eyes opened serenely and caramel met his. Pulling away from Kusakabe he got to his feet, taking the taller man by the hand and walking with him to the living room. Hibari frowned before following.
When he arrived his pet watched him for a second before speaking softly.
"Can I... finish?" The kid asked lightly.
Arching a brow he just nodded and moved to sit on the love seat to give the kid some space since he was already all up on Kusakabe.
Tsuna closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He wanted to try to do as Kusakabe had suggested. Free himself of the poison of his hurt by releasing it. "Making friends with my then crush... led me to meet her older brother. He was so excitable and full of energy. Even to this day I've never met someone like him. At first... he kind of bothered me... but then... his dedication to everything he cared about and his love for his sister helped me... see what an awesome person he was. He helped me a lot when I felt I couldn't go on. Once I got past his blazing spirit I was able to see how lucky I was to have him as a friend. Then there was him."
He shuddered as he thought of Mukuro and everything the older man always made him feel.
"It's... a bit hard to describe him. He use to scare me. He even... picked on me at one point but then... I saw how alone he had been and I... couldn't help feeling sorry for him. Most bullies come from troubled homes, you know? His seemed like a dark cage... a prison. He only had a few to call friends. I'm not really sure how we became friends—I'm actually not even sure if we ever really were. Maybe he just tolerated me... because of her. He seemed to change with her." Chrome. Beautiful Chrome, sweet Chrome who became Mukuro's body for a time. Who became his heart. "She was so beautiful and shy... like an angel. Her... she would have died if it wasn't for him, but he saved her. And somehow... she became my friend.
"At first she was distant... but when I needed help she was there. And then I... I helped her. And she became the link for us. While he wasn't what you'd call a good friend... I still treasured him nonetheless. And then there was..." He trailed off as his mind turned to Dino. He inhaled but found... he couldn't find any trace of the scent. And he really didn't want to invade Hibari's personal space. What if he... acted weird again? Or Hibari got mad?
Hibari stared at his pet. He really did care about people. Even those, it seemed, who were not always the best to him. It kind of helped him understand why the kid put up with him. The him he had described made him, for some reason, feel irritation.
"Yes, and then there was?" Kusakabe encouraged gently as he watched the kid's face.
Suddenly he couldn't bring himself to talk about Dino. He didn't know why. It was kind of hard to speak of the memory of him when he smelled him from time to time he supposed. He shook his head and sighed. "A few others... but we weren't as close..."
Kusakabe watched the kid for a minute before turning to Hibari. "May I ask... what happened to them?"
Tsuna stared off into space before his eyes watered. "An accident."
Hibari and Kusakabe decided not to question him anymore on it. Obviously he wasn't ready to talk about it yet.
Tsuna took a moment to collect himself before looking to Kusakabe then meeting Hibari's eyes warily. "Hibari-san, may I ask you something?"
Hibari was caught by surprise before becoming slightly suspicious but then he figured it probably wouldn't hurt... "I suppose, but that doesn't mean I'll answer."
Tsuna frowned before sighing. "Fair enough... Hibari-san, are you... from Japan?"
Kusakabe almost laughed at that question while Hibari stared, once more surprised. Why was the kid asking him that? He thought on it a moment before deciding it would be okay to answer.
"Yes." He did so. Simply.
For some reason that made Tsuna happy. Hibari was from Japan too! "Hibari-san... Hibari-san Hibird knows the Namimori Middle School anthem! Why? Did you attend there—are you... from Namimori too?"
Why did his pet want to know that? Because Hibird had sang some song? It was true he had attended school there before he left with Dino... and he had had the anthem for a ringtone for the longest time. One day a little yellow bird heard it... and took to him. After that he followed him everywhere. Silly little Hibird. "I really do not see the importance in answering that."
"Hibari-san! Please!" Tsuna pleaded as he got to his feet and went to Hibari's side, kneeling next to him and clinging to the hem of his shirt. "I'll do anything... just tell me. Are you from Namimori too?"
He sighed, closing his eyes. He really didn't know why the kid was getting so worked up over this... but he couldn't let him fret so. "Yes... before I came here I was in my beloved Namimori."
Tsuna stared before smiling happily. "I knew it... I knew Hibari-san must be from Namimori too! It feels... less lonely..."
Hibari felt his eyes widen at those words. Was that... was that what that was all about? And then he gasped softly when he felt the strength in the kid stir. It called... or maybe it was just reaching out for him. Was embracing it the first step to figuring it out? Perhaps that insane thought was what made him do it. Reaching out he took his pet's face into his hands and pulled him forward as he leaned in as well.
He was happy when the kid didn't resist in any way. Perhaps... he felt it too? When he was close enough he once again rested his forehead against his pet's, breathing him in before moving to press his lips against the skin between the brunette's brows. Even though such was not usually in his nature... he would not allow this kid to feel loneliness.
Tsuna blushed before easing into the touch. It didn't feel... wrong. It was strangely comforting. Like how his mom use to kiss his forehead when she thought he was too old for kisses anywhere else but wouldn't accept that he was becoming a young man who didn't really require mother's kiss anymore.
And then it was broken when Tsuna's stomach rumbled hungrily. He laughed awkwardly as he pulled away, Hibari fighting back a small smile.
"Heh... maybe you should eat something kid." Kusakabe commented somewhat awkwardly himself as he watched the two.
Tsuna twitched with surprise at the voice, forgetting for a moment that he was there. Oh no! He had seen... Hibari—he blushed. "I-I..."
"Here..." Hibari got to his feet, a little embarrassed himself that Kusakabe had seen but better at hiding it. Going to the kitchen he heated up his pet's chicken fettucini alfredo quickly and brought it out to him.
Tsuna felt a little weird trying to eat while Kusakabe and Hibari watched him like he was something interesting on TV. "Uh... do you have to watch?"
Kusakabe smiled apologetically while Hibari looked off to the side. Deciding to give himself something to do while he ate he moved closer to Kusakabe and pulled out his phone.
"Kabe-san! We went to the aquarium today! And I took a lot of pictures..." He smiled. "Would you like to see?"
Kusakabe arched an eyebrow at Hibari before turning back to the kid. "Tuna at home at the aquarium. How sweet. Sure... but only if you eat."
"Okay." He agreed as he handed his phone over to the older man so he could his own hands to eat.
Sighing lightly Hibari went to make some coffee for Kusakabe and himself. Today had been... a bit much so far. But he was able to learn a little about his pet, so he was happy. And the hidden strength the kid had... seemed to want him to discover it, which he found a little odd.
They sat for the next half an hour, Tsuna eating and sharing the stories behind the pictures while Kusakabe listened and Hibari quietly reading with Hibird napping on his shoulder.
"The dolphins were so beautiful and fun to pet! I really wanted to swim with one but Hibari-san wouldn't let me... so he bought me ice cream instead—which I didn't even get to finish because Hibari-san is a pervert." Tsuna concluded accusingly, looking at Hibari with a frown.
"A pervert?" Kusakabe questioned with interest as Hibari twitched.
"Excuse me?" He growled as he snapped his book close, waking up Hibird while glaring at the brunette.
"You're not excused, you lecherous old man!" Tsuna huffed. "Kabe-san! He was talking about how he had stared at my privates in the bath and how he desired to touch them!"
"Stop lying!" Hibari snarled, neck heating up as his felt his cheeks go red.
"It was horrible Kabe-san!" Tsuna continued, still angry he had declined in his stead. "I think he will rape me in my sleep one of these nights!"
Kusakabe was confused. He knew the kid knew he was making Hibari angry... he just didn't know why. "Uh, Tuna... maybe—"
"Kusakabe I think you should go. I have a pet to punish and I don't think you need to see." Hibari said lowly.
Tsuna showed no fear as he actually glared back. There was something more behind this... and the two probably needed to work it out. But... he didn't think much discussion would get done if Hibari was so angry. And if things went too far... perhaps the kid would pull away. And after they had such a sweet Kodak moment too.
"Oh no! He is going to rape me now! Kabe-san, save me!" Tsuna squealed as he clung to the man's sleeve.
"Kusakabe. Leave." Hibari ordered.
He frowned, looking between the two before leaving. He really did hope everything would be okay. The kid... was good for his boss.
Hibari watched Kusakabe go before turning to glare at his pet, forcing himself to stay in place lest he give in to the urge to strike the child. "Why would you say something like that?!"
"What? And potentially humiliate you? Kind of like you did to me? Even pets can understand and carry out revenge, master." Tsuna said bravely. He wasn't sure why he was goading him like this.
"You're still on about that?" Hibari asked with exasperation. "Why do you want her so much?!"
He frowned softly. What? Want Haru? Was... that why Hibari said no? And before... he had gotten angry when he had thought he had slept with Haru. But why? "No... that's not it at all Hibari-san..."
Hibari watched his pet, calming a little. That wasn't it? He didn't think he would lie about that. Not someone honest like his pet. Then... "Then what?"
"When Haru asked me... I was happy. She wanted me. I thought... maybe we could become friends. And when you're gone... it's kind of boring. I can't understand your books and I've never... really heard your music." He sighed slowly. He didn't want to complain too much. It wasn't Hibari's fault he wasn't... sophisticated like him. "I thought it would be nice to get out for a bit while you're gone. It's not like you need me for a pet when you're not even here and it would be nice to make some money of my own so I don't have to rely on you so much."
Hibari listened to his words carefully. So... that's what it was about. He could see... how the kid might get bored. He'd have to work on that... but he still didn't want him to go and work. While he may have no interest in the girl, as of yet, the girl liked him. And if anything he'd probably go out with her just to please her. He would not allow it!
"You're my pet. You're suppose to rely on me. And I'm sorry to hear you're so bored. I suppose... you could watch TV. I'm sure that will cure some of your boredom. It'll rot your brain but you can't say you're bored." He said after a minute of thoughtful silence. While the girl was one thing, he supposed he his pet's unhappiness was another that could take him away.
Tsuna looked to his feet. Hibari still wasn't going to let him work for Haru. He sighed. Maybe Hibari didn't trust him not to be bad... and it wasn't like he was doing much to prove he could be trusted. Especially now. He had never really let his anger control him... but with Hibari...
"Hibari-san, I'm sorry. Please, if you want to punish me... I'd deserve it." He said lightly, hoping Hibari wouldn't hurt him too much.
Hibari stared at his pet with interest before a small smile found his features. "Is that so?"
Tsuna felt himself grow wary at the smirk in his tone. One second he was sitting where he had been, the next he was laying across Hibari's lap and slightly confused. He didn't understand the meaning of it until a sharp stinging bit his right butt cheek. He gasped in pain before yelping when he was struck again. "H-Hibar—"
Tears stung his eyes when he was hit a third and final time. Quickly pulling away when he was released he glared at the dark haired man. What the hell?! He had spanked him! Had he lost his mind?!
Hibari continued to smile. Maybe the surprise and humiliation of that would help his pet mind the things he said from now on—especially in revenge. Cocking a brow lightly his smile turned to a smirk. "Would you like me to soothe it for you, pervert that I am?"
Tsuna flushed darkly, full understanding for that particular punishment coming to him, before scurrying off to his room to deal alone. Hibari could be so mean!
* * *
Tsuna sat in his room, lying on his back and staring at his ceiling until his boredom started to creep up on him. Then he rolled onto his stomach and stared at his pillows. Finally he was forced to roll onto his side, pulling his ring from his pocket to stare at. His biggest worry... was Gokudera. He really wished there was a way to check on him and make sure he was alright. Without thinking he sighed and pulled his phone from his pocket to send a text to Kusakabe to let him know he hadn't been murdered. Yet. After he had sent it he scrolled through his contacts only to see how empty it was.
Staring for a bit he then started to dial Gokudera's number. If he could text him... but no. If the message was somehow traced back to him—oh! He sat up quickly, pausing in his act of pushing from his bed. He had no money still... which meant he'd have to ask Hibari... unless...
His phone alerted him to an incoming text. Kusakabe!
That's good.
He could ask Kusakabe! Texting quickly, he asked for a favor.
Like what?
He hesitated for a moment before asking.
I don't know... what did Kyou-san say?
Damn. And he didn't dare lie. He knew Hibari would somehow find out... and then Kusakabe would never trust him again. And he didn't need his only friend not trusting him. He sighed. Looking at his phone he texted Kusakabe to forget it. Getting to his feet he decided to try Hibari.
Walking nervously out into the living room he saw, with slight disappointment, that Hibari wasn't there. Looking behind him he noticed Hibari's room door was open. Checking to see if he was in the bathroom he saw that door was open too. Hibari's room it was, then. Turning and walking back to the room he peeked around the door frame. Hibari was indeed there, relaxing on his bed and reading a book. Taking a deep breath while trying not to fidget he made to take a step in to announce his presence. Hibari looked up at him. He froze for a second before taking another testing footstep. When Hibari didn't stop him he continued in with more confidence, smiling nervously.
Hibari just watched him with his hawk-like intensity. Making it to the bed he walked around to the other side before climbing slightly onto the mattress. When he only received a curious look he climbed the rest of the way, crawling up to Hibari where he moved so he could nuzzled his way in between Hibari's left side and arm.
Hibari blinked slowly before frowning lightly in confusion. "What are you doing?"
Tsuna turned so his head rested on Hibari's lap, attempting a cute and innocent smile. "Hello Hibari-san."
Hibari's frown deepened. His pet was acting odd. Without his permission his hand started petting the kid's hair. He really liked... how soft it felt. "What are you up to herbivore?"
"Hibari-san should call me Hisagi... isn't that my pet name?" Tsuna asked softly. Maybe if he was a good pet... Hibari would cater a little to him.
Hibari stilled his hand for a moment in surprise before continuing his petting. "Hisagi, then."
"Hibari-san... can I... ask something? With... no questions asked in return?" Tsuna asked cautiously.
"That depends." Was his slow reply. He didn't want to say yes but he didn't want to discourage his pet from asking him things... and not when his own curiosity as to what he could ask had been piqued.
Tsuna held back a pout. "Can... can I have... a prepaid cell?"
His curiosity rose more. "Why?"
It was silent for a moment or two before Tsuna decided to answer honestly. "Because... there is something I want to check... without anything being traced back to me."
His brows furrowed. "Why not?"
"Because... it would cause a lot of grief if it did." Tsuna said sadly.
Hibari made his pet look at him. "Are you... in trouble?"
Tsuna shook his head slowly before staring with pleading eyes. "Hibari-san... please... I have to know—I need to know... or I'll die!"
Hibari wanted to tell his pet not to be dramatic but... he started to feel... the kid wasn't lying. Perhaps he wouldn't physically die but... his spirit would. What was he trying to cling so desperately to? "Fine... I'll get you one. Tomorrow."
His pet's eyes lit up happily. "Really?"
He merely nodded.
"Thank you... thank you so much..." Tsuna said gratefully, voice trembling a little as he closed his eyes.
The kid was quiet and still so long Hibari thought he had fallen asleep until the tears came and the brunette brought his hands up to cover his eyes. He didn't know what to say so he just continued to pet until his pet quieted down. They stayed like that until Tsuna fell asleep.
When he was sure the kid was actually sleeping this time he carried him back to his room and laid him down before leaving. Not really wanting to go back to his book he decided to start on something for dinner so his rabbit could have something to eat when he woke up.
* * *
Ramen. He had decided to make ramen. He found it was a nice comfort food... maybe it would help the kid feel a little better to have something from home. He had started to boil some eggs when he felt an odd stirring in the air. When he checked the noodles he felt the stirring strengthen, the hidden strength of the kid echoing in his brain. It took another minute for him to figure out something was off and it was confirmed when Hibird flew into the kitchen, calling his name in agitation. Animals and their senses. Quickly turning everything off he went to his pet rabbit.
The kid was thrashing, mumbling in his sleep and crying lightly. As he entered the room it suddenly hit him how hot it felt. And the power stirred more. Moving to the kid's side he tried to shake him awake. "Hey! Wake up!"
When he didn't wake he tried shaking him a little harder. Again no effect. Biting his lip he decided he would have to slap him. Pulling his hand back a bit he swung it forward only to suddenly have it stopped. The strength he always felt suddenly exploded around him as his pet sprung up right, gasping and catching his hand almost in the same fashion as he had when he had tried to suture his wounds, only this time... there was more power in the grip. And more heat. And then what he saw—glimpsed more like since it happened so fast—startled and awed him at the same time.
There was a burning flame on his pet's forehead and his eyes... they had changed. They were calm and in control... and a beautiful soft orange. He was able to stare into them for a few seconds before he was pushed back so forcefully he actually fell back and landed on the floor. As he hit it his pet seemed to 'come to' as the flame instantly went out and all of the power he felt vanished.
Tsuna stared blankly, gasping for breath and slightly confused. When he saw Hibari on the floor he frowned. "Hibari-san...?"
Hibari just stared at the kid. What the hell was that?!
-Chapter 11 End-
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A/N: Okay... so now I have gotten the requests in that people had gotten to voice for correctly guessing Tsuna's nickname for Hibari. (It was 'Ookami-san' just to recap, lol) Umm... after this Chapter... Tsuna will start calming down and not be so sad over everthing... I suppose.
Haru is not forgotten... Kusakabe and Tsuna shall start to become closer. Hibari and Tsuna shall start to calm down, for real, around each other. Tsuna will start to come out of his hesitant shell.
I'm not really sure what else I should add. Questions and comments are welcome. :D Thank you for the patience! Really!
Next chapter Hibari turns another year older, Hibari and Dino... come to a big? decision, and Tsuna gets a taste of jealousy for his master while Hibari learns the hurt of a pet's hate... :3
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NEXT CHAPTER: Happy Birthday, Hibari-San
Tsuna could feel his cheeks burning with anger, heart beating a painful rythm as he stared at the man before him. He had lied to him... chose someone else over him. His lover. After he had promised. All he had done for him for today--to make it special. Growling as he jumped to his feet he grabbed the beautifully decorated tray before stomping over to his master and screaming in rage as he dumped the contents over his head before hitting him with it.
" I hate you, Hibari-san!" He cried before turning to run to his room, angry tears stinging at his eyes.