Disclaimer: I do not own Katekyo Hitman Reborn.

A/N: Hey there, peeps! :D This is the…what…thirty-third chapter? Woah…I can't believe I've come this far…but guess what. I have something to tell you guys. Because this was my first ever attempt at writing a story, I guess I'll go ALL THE WAY. And when I say all the way, I mean all the way till the end of the MANGA. I promise you. No matter what happens, I will finish this someday. Well, unless I break my fingers or something. Or something happens to me. Okay, now I'm jinxing myself. Oops. Anyways, please read and enjoy!

Note: Last chapter's sentence left many wondering whether they did IT or not. Do keep in mind that this is a T rated story. In this chapter, you get to understand Hibari, Akane, Yamamoto, Gokudera, and Tsuna a lot better in this chapter, as I keep changing between their point of views.

By the way, what happened during that night was something that I bet that none of you had thought of.

And it means more chance for Yamamoto! :D

Also, Akane's Ring Battle will now officially be announced as after Mukuro's battle and before Hibari's battle. Second-to-last. Please be patient...I'll try to entertain you guys as much as possible during the breaks between battles.

Really Long chapter...about 7200 words...

Release Date: July 20th, 2013

Next Update: In one or more weeks

Chapter 33-I Don't Know

I haven't seen Yamamoto at all today. Well other than this morning, I mean. It seemed like he was…avoiding me. But this time, it wasn't like the time when he saw me with Hibari.

He was avoiding everyone.

He didn't talk to us other than a small greeting as he continued to stare out the window. The whole school day proceeded on like that and once the bell rang, he immediately headed home.

I passed Hibari on the way home. I stopped to stare at him as he slowly walked towards me. My eyes were pleading him as me hands shook...pleading him to stop and look at me. I wanted him to look at me and I wanted him to say sorry so that we could be together again...but he just walked passed me without sparing a single glance.

My eyes closed, sad as I headed home.

I didn't have training in the morning anymore, because Jax wasn't here, so I just decided to go check on my other friends.

I didn't forget about my training.

I already did everything he asked me to. That includes practicing my sword attacks everyday at that dojo. Although, he did have a secret menu waiting for me once he got back from his 'business'.

I stared out the window, thinking about last night's event. If possible, I wanted to forget about it. About him. But I couldn't no matter what I tried.

"Oi, Akane. You listening?" I snapped out of my thoughts as I turned to face Gokudera.

"Yeah, I'm here. Sorry, zoned out a bit there," I said with a fake smile.

What was I doing now? Well to be honest, I should be ashamed because I should be practicing right now. Instead? I'm sitting in my own family's bakery store, eating a huge piece of chocolate cake.

Way to go, Akane. And yeah, I brought Gokudera along too.

"That baseball nut…he better win today," said Gokudera with a scowl as he jammed his fork into the cake in frustration and shoved a piece into his mouth. I rolled my eyes.

"There's no point in worrying…we can only wait to see the results, but I can assure you. He's been training his butt off. He won't lose," I said as I took a sip from my cup of tea.

"…What'd he do to you last night?" I froze and choked on my tea. "…What?" Gokudera sighed.

"I'm asking you what Hibari did to you last night," deadpanned Gokudera.

"He dragged me along for punishment. I forgot to report to him yesterday afterschool," I said, playing it REAL cool.

He stared. I blinked. He glared. I gulped. He leaned in closer. I averted eyes.

"You're hiding something again. You think I don't know?" said Gokudera. I frowned.

"…That's no good. You always see through me," I said. He shrugged.

"It's good in my point of view," he said with a grin as I sighed.

"Okay fine. So he just dragged me into the reception room and-"

"Did you wear…it?"

"Hell no, what the heck are you thinking about, Hayato?!" I yelled with a blush.

All eyes in the bakery turned towards me. I smiled sheepishly. Oops.

"Okay, sorry! It's an educated guess…" said Gokudera. I scoffed.

"Yeah…REAL educated. You serious? We're only like, what, fifteen?" I stated.

"He's sixteen."

"No difference whatsoever."

"He's older than you."

"Yes."

"He bites people to death."

"Yes, though it's a real awkward catchphrase…"

"He's a pervert."

"…I can't agree more with that."

"WHAT?!"

"Shut up. I don't want to talk about this...please."

"…fine."

Oh how I love you, Hayato. (as a brother of course)

"So, how do you know that Yamamoto has been training like hell?" asked Gokudera. I shrugged.

"I watch him practice on days when I don't have mine," I answered as I took a sip of my green tea, finding that it was now empty. I frowned.

"Where do you train again?" asked Gokudera as he shoved the last piece of cake into his mouth.

"Up in the mountains."

"With who?"

"…Is this ask twenty one questions?"

"No, Akane, I'm just curious."

"Fine, I train with this guy named Jax."

"…"

He then froze. His mouth hanged open as he gaped. His spoon had dropped onto the floor as he hurried to pick it up. I raised an eyebrow. What the heck just happened?

"What?" I asked.

"You…have no idea who you're training with, right?" asked Gokudera. I frowned.

"Well all I know is that he's in the Vongola and has red hair and is amazing with the sword," I said as I ordered another cup of tea.

"Listen, Akane. That Jax guy…he is a prodigy swordsman. The Vongola nicknamed him Ice Blade," said Gokudera.

"Ice Blade?" I asked.

"Yeah. I don't know much about it. Ask Reborn if you must," said Gokudera as he stood up.

"I have to go now. Thanks for the food and see you this evening!" said Gokudera as he paid and walked out the door. I waved back at him with a smile.

As he disappeared, I let my hands fall limp down my sides. I stared down at my green tea as my reflection was shown. I blinked the tears away from my eyes as I went upstairs into my own room.

My mother was now home. I was going to get my bag back from Yamamoto's threshold tonight.

I locked myself into my room as I sat on my bed, staring outside the window, reliving last night's event. I stared outside the window...wondering if I was the one that did something wrong.

No.

I wasn't wrong...it was him.

Last Night…

As he kissed down my collarbone, I lost my coolness and yelled out real loud.

"HIBARI-SAN, STOP IT," I screamed. He froze for a bit before he continued on. I mentally cried out in frustration.

I wanted him to stop.

I was truly scared...scared of Hibari. At first, all I felt was pleasure but now? I wasn't so sure anymore. He was way too forceful and it seemed like he wanted to go...far.

His eyes were different this time. Normally, they were grey and clouded, filled with pride and determination. Hidden deep inside, was kindness that he had locked deep inside of him.

Those eyes.

They were beautiful. I was attracted to them. They were insanely beautiful.

But now, those eyes seemed to have disappeared. All I saw was lust, darkness, anger, and wasn't the Hibari that I liked.

It wasn't the Hibari that I had come to love.

This one was rough...way rougher than his normal state. He wanted me. He seriously did. But it was more like an instinct, not what he truly wanted.

He wanted me as his property.

There was not anything particularly wrong with that, but he never told me if he loved me for real or if he only wanted me as his slave.

No, he didn't want me as a slave. He truly liked or loved me.

But...I'm not so sure anymore.

Today's Hibari...only wanted me to be his property.

Maybe he liked me because of my fighting ability. He wanted me as his entertainment.

No matter what his reasons are, I will NOT comply to his commands.

By then, my blouse was already on the floor. He was about to rip my skirt off when I threatened him.

"Hibari Kyoya. Stop this act right now or I won't hesitate to cut your throat open," I said bluntly.

He froze and lifted his head up to stare at me.

"...Hibari-san. You're not the same Hibari that I know. Stop. Now."

He glared at me.

"What are you blabbing about? This is me."

"You're clouded with lust. You want me as your slave and property. You're acting on instinct. If that is true, then I shall not comply to your commands."

He went quiet.

Then, he slowly stepped off the couch.

"...hn. You're quite the herbivore today."

"...Me? The herbivore? Don't make me laugh, Hibari-san. The only herbivore here is you. You let yourself lose to your own inner desires, not caring whether it would benefit me or not. But of course, you wouldn't care. You don't care about me. All you want now is pleasure. If that is what you want...I suggest you find a new person."

He growled in anger.

"You do not want to anger me."

"Sometimes...I wonder. You've never said this to me before. Answer me for once...do you truly like me? Or do you just want me as entertainment?"

He stayed quiet. Then, he opened the door and stepped out.

"...I don't know."

And the door shut.

He didn't know. He couldn't choose. He didn't know whether he liked me or not. He didn't know if he only liked me for my strength.

Just those three words. Those small three words.

My whole world collapsed down upon me as I fell down onto the couch, tears falling.

With Hibari...

"Kyo-san, there have been no disturbances to the school at all, sir," said Kusakabe as he watched Hibari's jacket sway in the wind.

Hibari stood up from his spot on the windowsill in his room as he slowly walked towards Kusakabe. Kusakabe blinked as he stared at Hibari. Then, Kusakabe was blown out the reception door by a pair of familiar metal tonfas.

"...Get out," said Hibari with a glare as Kusakabe immediately apologized, bowed, and scrambled away, leaving a trail of dust behind. Hibari 'hn' and walked back to his spot on the window sill.

He stared out the window, pondering on some...thoughts.

Yesterday night.

That carnivore really pissed him off. He wanted her to himself. He wanted her...but she pushed him off. Harshly.

She wanted to run away from him. She didn't want to face him.

Those tears.

He still remembered that scene clearly in his head. Her eyes full of fear as tears welled-up inside of them. She was starting to act like a herbivore and he did NOT like that one bit.

Why? Because she wasn't one.

She was a carnivore. A strong one, at that. She amused him, but yesterday's words shot him right in the heart.

He had let his own inner-desires cloud his judgement. He was attracted to this herbivore and he couldn't refuse it no matter what he did. She was WAY too interesting to drop. Lust was another subject that had to be discussed.

Lust. Just that one word could cause a whole function to break apart. If he let it cloud over him, he would act on impulse. He wanted to blame his hormones but no, that wasn't the truth.

He wanted to blame his own emotions.

He had no time for emotions. Hell, he wanted a good fight and that was all he wanted...until he met her.

One day, she just popped by in his reception room, reading a small book. Then, he had his first fight with her. He acknowledged that she was good. Things escalated from there. To encounters, fights, chasing, more fights, and then to that one kiss that he wanted.

That kiss changed everything. It changed his point of view...how he viewed her.

She was no longer just a fighter but his entertainment.

Did he want her as his slave? Did he want her as his property? Hell, did he want her just for pleasure?

He had no idea. How could he know? He was a dumb oblivious brat when it came to...feelings. He had never felt anything for anyone before. Well, other than blood-thirst that is. And of course, that was his feeling towards her. He wanted to beat her. He wanted to push her so hard that she'd break apart. He wanted her to crumble before his eyes. That was what he felt in the beginning.

But something had changed.

Yes, he still wanted to beat her but he didn't want her to break apart into nothing but a pile of ashes. He wanted to keep her. It was a herbivorous feeling that he could never push away. And that included now.

Just that afternoon when they walked pass each other, her eyes were yearning for him. She wanted him to look at her. But he couldn't. Of course not. He did still have his pride after all.

If she pushed him away, he wouldn't obey to HER commands either.

It was a fair exchange.

If she really wanted him...then she would have to come apologize herself.

But he knew, that she would never do that.

Because she too, had her pride.

With Gokudera...

She was hiding something from him again. That girl...Akane.

He could tell...just by looking into her eyes. And the nerve of that girl, trying to hide the truth from him. But he couldn't blame her. Things were...out of control.

After learning about Hibari and Yamamoto's battle for her, he was shocked. His friend...one that he would even consider as a sister...was caught in a troublesome love triangle. He never knew that Akane was the kind of girl to just...well...you know...fall in love.

After finishing his chocolate cake-it was extremely delicious-he walked out the door. He paused and whirled around, spying on her from the door window. Akane's arms were hanging limply by her side. She stared at her green tea cup.

And then, her eyes filled with tears.

It hurts, watching his first trustworthy friend be in pain like that.

But he knew he could do nothing to help her. Only two people could do that and he wasn't one of them.

Hibari...that bastard must have done something yesterday night.

And so, Gokudera took off towards Yamamoto's house...

Because Yamamoto could help her.

With Yamamoto...

Yamamoto laid down onto his dojo's floor, staring up at the ceiling.

He wanted to believe that he was ready for today's match. He was going to win...for Tsuna and for everyone else.

He still remembered his pain when he lost to that long-haired named Squalo. It was painful...he had let everyone down...Tsuna and Akane especially. He had lost pathetically. Even Akane lasted longer than him. That was unacceptable in his dictionary.

He wanted to protect Tsuna and the family that he had grown attached to.

He actually knew that this mafia was no game. But he didn't want to act different than before because then, his friends would be worried. He definitely didn't want that to happen.

So now, he was lying down on the floor, smiling at the ceiling while taking a nap.

"OI! YAMAMOTO!"

...Or not.

"Gokudera? I'm here!" yelled Yamamoto as Gokudera opened the door to the dojo.

"Yo! What's up?" asked Yamamoto as he sat up on the floor.

"Che...Akane needs you," said Gokudera bluntly as Yamamoto frowned. She needed him? Why?

"What happened?" asked Yamamoto with a small hint of worry. Gokudera shrugged.

"Don't know the details but I'm assuming it had something to do with Hibari."

Just because Gokudera said that name made Yamamoto's blood boil. Hibari...he was older than him by one year. He was stronger than him...at least now. And he wanted Akane to be his. Just that fact made Yamamoto mad because he knew Hibari first.

But then again, life was never fair.

"...I'll talk to her," said Yamamoto with a grin as Gokudera sighed.

"Yeah...just stop her tears from flowing like a waterfall. Win today," said Gokudera as he walked out the door and quietly shut it. Gokudera sighed as he ruffled his hair.

"...Hope Akane doesn't mind if I tell Juudaime...she deserves to have someone understand her and help her out like she helped me. Juudaime should be better at me at these things..." muttered Gokudera as he walked towards Tsuna's house.

Inside, Yamamoto's grin died out as he stared at his fists. If Hibari had hurt Akane...he was never going to forgive him.

Yamamoto had no idea how he was had come to like Akane. At first, she was just a normal girl in his class. Yes, she was just a young girl with blue hair and purple eyes. She was no different from the other girls. But, she was definitely more interesting than the others.

She was blunt, honest, quiet, and caring. He didn't care, whether all those were good traits or not. He liked her for who she really was.

She could be cheerful and shy at the same time. She could be calm and cool but at the same time, she could be warm and caring.

Akane was a mystery to him. A mystery that he wanted to crack open...but of course, without hurting her. That would be the LEAST thing he'd dream of doing.

And then, the door opened to reveal Tsuna, the kid, and Akane.

With Tsuna...

Tsuna yawned in fatigue as he rubbed his sleepy eyes.

That damn Reborn...training him like a spartan. Tsuna blinked.

Then again...he really WAS the devil. He hadn't had a break for days and he really wanted it...NOW. After secretly hoping that Reborn would let him take a rest, surprisingly, Reborn chased him away to check on Yamamoto. His battle was tonight afterall and it was an important one that would decide whether the tables would be turned or not.

If he lost, Tsuna well knew what that would mean.

It would mean that he had lost. His family would have lost and Xanxus would have become the Vongola Boss.

...On second thought, that was actually good, but Tsuna didn't want to see his friends wither in pain.

No...he clearly didn't. And he would do ANYTHING to make sure that that doesn't happen.

So his first problem right now...was about what Gokudera just told him. He accidentally bumped into Gokudera a few minutes before.

Akane...he wanted to know what was bothering her.

She was acting weird since that last encounter with him and his friends on the rooftop. And Hibari was there with her...not only on that day but on most days. And then last night...she disappeared with Hibari. He did hear something like someone being shoved onto the wall as he walked by the reception room but chose to ignore it, thinking that it was the sound of a rat.

Sometimes, he wondered if there was something going on between the two. Of course, he would have never DREAMED the idea of Hibari liking someone. It scared him, just to think like that.

But it seems like he was wrong...VERY wrong.

He was walking down the road, heading towards Yamamoto's place as he bumped into someone.

"Ow...I'm sorry!" yelled Tsuna in apology as he waited for him to be scolded.

"...Tsuna?" He blinked and glanced up towards the person he had bumped into.

Well what do you know? It was Akane.

With Akane...

I sighed as I ruffled my hair and jumped out of bed. The sun was starting to set and I decided that I should go now to Yamamoto's house before it gets any darker. I shook any thoughts off my head.

I was going to forget about him. Yes, I was.

...Okay, fine, that was a lie.

I couldn't no matter what I tried. It was impossible. He stuck to me like a ghost and I couldn't chase him away...

I'll admit this only once. AND ONLY ONCE.

I, Tsukiyomi Akane, am freakin' madly in love with the demon prefect.

Yes, you heard me right. I could care less how many times I will have to deny that but of course, the truth remains. I did. I loved him. And there was nothing I could do about it. But did he feel the same way?

Obviously not.

So everything was a dream? A lie? A mere shadow of the perfect ending of this story that I wanted? Hell no. I'm thinking too much. WAY too much. He was merely...confused. Yes, confused. Hibari Kyoya was the type of person who'd never steep so low as to care about someone.

He had no time to, afterall, if he wasn't the one in charge of the peace in Namimori, then who would? Nope. Nobody would be able to replace his place. He did, afterall, love Namimori.

Yeah, that was awkward. Loving a freakin' town.

Okay, back to the topic at hand.

What should I do? Should I apologize? NO. Should I talk to someone about this? NO. Should I...kill myself? HELL NO.

And the most important question...what the heck am I supposed to do with Yamamoto?

He liked me...but I couldn't return his feelings...or could I?

We'll see soon enough. Besides, if Hibari didn't like me back, there is no point in sticking around with him. If he wasn't going to come for me, then I WON'T go for him. I don't care if Yamamoto comes for me and I don't care if I'm acting like a b-word right now.

I have my pride to take care of, thank you very much.

By then, I was already almost at my destination. I jogged a bit towards Yamamoto's house, feeling the need to hurry. I went down the intersection as I bumped into someone who was coming from the left while I was coming from the north direction. I slid back a few centimeters as the person that bumped into me fell down onto the ground.

He apologized as I blinked. That's Tsuna for you...

"...Tsuna?" I said as he glanced up to look at me.

"Oh! It's Akane-chan! What are you doing here?" he asked as he stood up and brushed dirt off his pants.

"Going to see Yamamoto," I deadpanned as he blinked at my tone of voice.

"...Oh. Well I'm going to see him too! Let's go together," said Tsuna. I shrugged.

"Sure," I said as we walked towards Yamamoto's house.

It was a quiet and silent walk...well that is, before Tsuna decide to interrupt the peace by mentioning something rather...interesting.

"...Ne, Akane-chan. Did something happen?" asked Tsuna. I flinched a little before I could stop it and cursed myself mentally. That definitely didn't go unnoticed by Tsuna.

"So something is wrong. What happened?" asked Tsuna. I smiled fakely.

"Nothing happened. Don't worry about me. We should focus on tonight's match," I answered back as I quickly walked forward.

"...Akane-chan," pleaded Tsuna's voice, which caused me to stop in my tracks. I turned to look at him as I stared into his eyes.

"You have your friends...why don't you open up to us more?" I froze. "We hardly know anything about you, so why not trust us a bit more?" asked Tsuna with a pleading look. I frowned.

"Tsuna, trust me. I do trust you guys...a lot," I said.

"Then why don't you tell me about your problems?" asked Tsuna.

"...I-I...just, well...it's personal?" I muttered as he sighed.

"I know that...but, I want to know you better!" said Tsuna determined as he walked up to me. Unconsciously...I stepped back. For the first time, I stepped back from Tsuna. I backed up towards the wall as I stared into his eyes.

His eyes...they were flaring with determination. I couldn't spot a single sign of cowardice or shyness. It was like those 'herbivorous' traits had disappeared. They dug deep inside of me as I felt like I was an open box right in front of those eyes. Those eyes...just like the knowing sky. Wide, broad, calm, and soothing.

This was the real Tsuna. The Tsuna that was hidden deep inside of him. A caring boss...a caring friend.

He was serious. He cared about me...his family. And I wanted to spill everything to him.

"Akane-chan, I already know everything...Gokudera-kun told me about your...uh...love problems? Although, he didn't say why you were crying this afternoon," said Tsuna sheepishly as he blushed and rubbed his head.

And just like that, I broke down. Again.

A lone tear fell down my face as Tsuna panicked.

"Akane-chan?! W-w-what's wrong? Did I do something wrong?! HIE!" yelled Tsuna in panic. I threw myself off the wall and at him as I wrapped my arms around him.

"HIE?!" screamed Tsuna.

"...I-I-I'm s-sorry...I d-don't know w-what to do..." I muttered as I cried into his shoulders. We stayed in that awkward position for a minute before he finally wrapped his own arms around me.

"...Cry all you want. Your friends will always be there for you," said Tsuna with a small warm smile as I kept on crying and crying. We both missed a shadow that was hiding behind the wall of a different corner in the intersection. Gokudera lightly smiled at the scene as he walked away...

I stayed there in that state with Tsuna for a long while before I finally stopped crying. It felt good to actually let all my frustration out in one go. I sniffed a bit as I wiped my tears and let go of Tsuna as he let go of me with a small smile.

"...sorry. I wet your shirt," I stated as I pointed to his shirt while sniffling. He laughed.

"No, don't worry about that. Are you okay now?" asked Tsuna with a worried look as I nodded.

"Yeah...thanks for lending a shoulder," I said. He beamed.

"No problem! Besides, friends are always there for eachother, aren't they?" he said with a smile as I smiled back.

"...yeah," I said quietly as I looked up into the sky. The sunset was beautiful this evening...

"Akane-chan...do you...well...love Hibari-san? Or is it Yamamoto that you love?" asked Tsuna. I blinked as I stared back at him.

"...The person that I love is Hibari, not Yamamoto. I used to like Yamamoto but now, not as much...but that could change...any time. Because right now, Hibari and I are sort of in an argument," I said with a shrug as he frowned.

"Argument? What argument?" asked Tsuna. And yep, I spilled the beans and everything. After explaining, Tsuna was pretty much beet red.

"W-W-W-WHAT?! HIBARI-SAN DID...UH...THAT?!" yelled Tsuna as he panicked even further than before. I tried to calm him down.

"Calm down, Tsuna! You didn't need to say it that loud," I said, blushing as he apologized.

"Well, uh, that was certainly personal," stated Tsuna bluntly as I raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah...guess so," I said.

"Well, I don't really know how to help you with that...but why don't you give Hibari-san some time to decide?" asked Tsuna. I blinked.

"I guess...but well...uh..." I said as I fidgeted with my fingers, having trouble explaining. He blinked in realization.

"You want him back now," deadpanned Tsuna as I winced at his bluntness. First time ever hearing him deadpan...

"Uh...yeah," I said in shame. He sighed.

"Well I guess you shouldn't be too impatient and give him some more time?" said Tsuna. I blinked.

"Well, you know...I don't think you should be the one to apologize. If he really likes you, he would have to come back for you, right?" explained Tsuna as I blinked.

He's right.

Hibari would have no choice but to return to me if he liked me. If he didn't, then he wouldn't return to me. Therefore, I was NOT going to apologize. He would have to be the first to apologize. If he asked for a fight, I won't fight him. If he asks for a kiss, hell no, I won't kiss him. If he wants to bite me to death, no way.

"...Tsuna. That's a good idea you've got there," I said with a blink. He smiled as he patted me on the shoulder.

"Don't worry! Everything will be fine in the end," said Tsuna, trying to cheer me up. I smiled.

"I guess so..." I said as he beamed.

"By the way, what are you doing here again?" asked Tsuna, who seemed to have forgotten the reason why we were here in the first place.

"Oh, that? I was about to head over to Yamamoto's house. Forgot something there that I need to retrieve," I said as I pointed in the direction of Yamamoto's house.

"Then shall we go?" asked Tsuna. I nodded and we both took off. That was the third time I saw Tsuna's true hidden potential.

The first time was during our fight with Mukuro. You know, when Leon spit out the gloves? Yeah, that time. It was the first time I got to see his true powers. I still clearly remember his blazing flame...it was beautiful. Clear and pure.

The second time was during the Lightning Ring Battle. He sacrificed his own ring to save Lambo from that desperate situation. He knew, that if he interfered, they would be disqualified but he chose to help Lambo because he was part of his family. Even if Lambo was the annoying brat, Tsuna helped him.

The third time was...now. Even though he wasn't in his hyper dying will mode, just by looking at those eyes, I could tell that this was the same Tsuna as the one with the dying flame on. The only difference was that his eyes during his normal state was much clearer and kind than his other one. But it didn't matter which Tsuna was in use.

Because it was still Sawada Tsunayoshi.

Nothing can change that fact. Tsuna...he's a kind-hearted young boy. He may act shy-no hell, he IS shy. He may act weak. He may act useless and easily scared...but deep inside, he's the most strongest person that I know.

The first time I met him, I was disappointed because of how he acted. I mean, seriously, asking someone out in their boxers? Just thinking about that made me want to burst out laughing but I didn't, because then Tsuna would look at me weirdly like I was insane or something.

To conclude my long babbling, Tsuna...Sawada Tsunayoshi...is the one most fitted to be our boss.

Not Xanxus, the strong, cool, and amazing guy but Tsuna, the Dame-kid.

"I wonder where Yamamoto is..." muttered Tsuna. I blinked as I found out that we were already in front of Yamamoto's house.

"Oh, he's probably in the dojo. Follow me," I said as I lead him towards the dojo. Surprisingly, in front of the dojo, Reborn was sitting there, waiting for us.

"Took you long enough, Dame-Tsuna," said Reborn as he jumped up and flicked Tsuna's forehead.

"OW! Reborn!" yelled Tsuna in anger.

"I'm sorry, it was my fault that he was late," I apologized as he brushed me off.

"It's okay," said Reborn as he walked inside the dojo.

Reborn didn't say anything but he did notice that Tsuna's shirt was kind of wet in the front and that Akane's eyes were a little red from crying. Also, Tsuna's shirt was ruffled, as if someone grabbed them. He smirked. Tsuna really was growing up to be a good boss...but he still had long ways to go.

They opened the door as the sight of Yamamoto, lying on the wooden floor greeted them. He smiled as he sat up with a smile.

"Yo!" said Yamamoto.

"I hope we aren't intruding..." I said as he shook his head.

"Nah, I was just staring at the ceiling," said Yamamoto with a shrug as all three of us walked in.

"Have you finished your training?" asked Reborn. Yamamoto nodded in response.

"Have you finished YOUR training?" asked Yamamoto to Tsuna as Tsuna nodded.

"I already finished and your dojo was on the way home," said Tsuna.

"So, what do you think? Can you surpass your own sword style?" asked Reborn. Sword style? Did I miss a lot last night? Damn.

"Oh that? I don't know until I try," said Yamamoto with a small warm look on his face.

"Oh! If it isn't Tsuna and Akane!" said Yamamoto's dad as he walked in. I greeted him as he smiled back.

"What is it, old man?" asked Yamamoto.

"That sword fight is tonight, isn't it?" asked Yamamoto's dad as I blinked.

"Eh?! How did you know that!" yelled Tsuna.

"Of course I know. It's obvious...though, your dad told me," said Yamamoto's dad with a laugh as Tsuna gaped.

"I heard that your opponent is an insanely strong swordsman," said Yamamoto's dad to Yamamoto as Yamamoto smiled.

"Yeah, he's strong."

"Then take this, Takeshi," said his dad as he took out a bamboo sword.

"Isn't that a bamboo sword?"

"It looks like that on the surface but it's actually made out of steel. This was passed down through eight generations of Shigure Souen Ryuu style masters. Shigure Kintoki. As you can see, if you use it normally," started his dad as he slashed the bamboo sword onto the cucumber. The cucumber snapped in half in an awkward position. "You can't cut it."

I nodded.

"But if you use it with Shigure Souen Ryu..." Yamamoto's dad sliced it and the cucumbers were slashed into small equal sized pieces. "It'll reveal it's blade. If used with any other form than the Shigure Souen Ryu, it will turn back to it's bamboo form. It's a sword made for this style."

So it's like my Ensui...made for a specific style.

"But if it's specifically used for Shigure Souen Ryu, then we can't use it in today's match," said Tsuna. Yamamoto's dad glared.

"Ha? What's with that..." muttered his dad.

"Today's opponent is a swordsman who has crushed many styles. I'm told that to defeat him, I need to surpass any style there is," said Yamamoto.

"What are you saying? Listen carefully...Shigure Souen Ryu is molded in battle by each of it's wielder. It's been accumulated, refined, and in all aspects, it is perfect! Surpass that? That's absurd!" exclaimed his dad with a determined face.

"Ma, Ma...I know that you're proud of the sword style but..." started Yamamoto but he was cut off by his dad.

"I'm not talking about something so puny! Listen! Shigure Souen Ryuu is perfect, without folly! It is the ultimate and strongest!" yelled Yamamoto's dad. Everyone went quiet as his dad took a deep breathe.

"And that's that! You better win today, Takeshi!" yelled his dad as he stormed out the door and slammed it shut. Tsuna and I winced in surprise.

"...I have no idea what to say to that," I commented, breaking the silence.

"...Aha...haha...Dino-san and his dad said totally different things..." mumbled Tsuna.

"What are you going to do?" I asked Yamamoto. He shrugged.

"I don't know!" exclaimed Yamamoto with a grin as Tsuna and I fell down anime-style.

"WHAT?!" yelled Tsuna.

"You serious, pal?" I said with a gaping mouth.

"Ahahaha! Yep!" said Yamamoto. I facepalmed. Always and forever the optimistic guy.

After that, Tsuna left to prepare for his fight. I went upstairs to grab my bag as I told Yamamoto's dad that my parents were home, and that I was to leave tonight. He just smiled and said that I could come visit again any time. I nodded as I walked out of the house and headed to the dojo to say something to Yamamoto. He was sitting on the ground, staring at his new sword.

"So, are you ready for tonight's battle?" I asked as I sat down next to him. He smiled.

"I finished my training and learned all the moves so I think I should be fine," said Yamamoto.

"You never know till you try, huh?" I said, mimicking the phrase he used a while ago.

"Yeah," said Yamamoto with a serious face. Then, he turned towards me.

"Ne...Akane-chan. Has Hibari done anything to you recently?" asked Yamamoto as I froze. I turned to look at him in shock.

"Uh...how did you know that?" I asked.

"Oh, Gokudera came to tell earlier. Besides, you looked like you were crying," said Yamamoto.

I twitched. So dear old Gokudera has not only told Tsuna about my problems but Yamamoto as well? I wonder what kind of punishment I should give him...it won't be light for telling out my secret like that. Thinking of the word punishment made me have a small flashback of last night. I mentally shook my head vigorously. Nope, not thinking about it again.

"...Oh..." I said, not knowing how to respond. We just sat there in silence for a few minutes before he broke it.

"If Hibari did anything bad to you, you know you can always come to me. I'll always be there for you!" said Yamamoto with a goofy grin as I blushed a little. Yippee, return of the blush.

"...Thanks," I said as I turned to look at him with a smile, only to be stopped when a pair of bright amber eyes met my purple ones. I stared into his eyes, breathless as I admired the color and ambition underneath.

We stared at each other for a long while before he leaned in closer. I didn't budge.

And then our lips touched in a heated kiss. I closed my eyes as he closed his. He pushed as I pushed back, clearly not giving a damn, whether I was still in love with Hibari or not. Besides...there was still this small part of my heart that wanted me to stop and think about my choices carefully before giving in to someone.

He pushed me a bit as I fell down onto the wooden floor on my back lightly with him on top and arms on both sides of me.

It was a blissful moment that cleared away all of my worries. I wasn't thinking about Hibari but thinking more about the baseball nut in front of me. Possibly, my FIRST crush before Hibari came along.

We stayed in that position in a passionate kiss before he slowly leaned away. I opened my eyes slowly as I stared into a pair of amber eyes. He smiled lightly as he stood up and put his hand forward.

I took it and stood up next to him.

"...Guess we should go to the battle area now. It's almost time," said Yamamoto as I nodded.

And then, I left the dojo with him, making our way to the Rain Ring Battle. Of course, he brought his sword along.

I was determined to forget about Hibari...for a while, that is. I couldn't forget about him no matter how much I tried. They were really total opposites, these two. I have no idea how I managed to fall in love with them.

Yamamoto was a cool guy.

He was optimistic, cheerful, bright, and fun, all of the characteristics I needed when I first met Tsuna and the others in my Marionette state. I believe I changed the most because of him and his attitude. He was good at sports, popular, and everything that a girl could ask. But what attracted me to him the most was just his personality. He was kind and warm. Something that I never got the chance to feel.

Hibari was a totally different story.

He was quiet, strong, calm, cold, and emotionless. He could care less what everyone else thought of him. He wanted to bite everyone to death and get rid of annoying herbivores. I have to admit, that Hibari was an extremely strong fighter. Stronger than me by now. His determination and pride was much more than what I have and that is what makes him strong. I was attracted to him because he kind of resembled my old being and was caring in his own complicated way.

Who do I love more?

I don't know.

The end of this LONG and TIRING chapter.

By the next update, I should be home in Thailand, nice and cozy and ready to rock and roll! :D Anyways, thanks for bearing with me in this once again, LONG chapter. Blech. But I feel like I understood the characters much better through this chapter. And the next chapter is the official rain battle! Look forward to it! And until next time...

Kufufufu~! (HA! Caught you didn't I? Thought I was going to say Ciao or farewell, huh?)