A/N:

@CAD270895: I'm hoping too, that it won't come true.

@Tenma Kirin: Here is the update.

@Assenavira: Hahaha! Maybe~.

@Worldnotesongs88: Hahaha! I'll have to say no. That won't happen. Sorry. v

@qiaraz97: Oh. If something happens to Soma because of Iemitsu, Tsuna will tear down Iemitsu. Soma is Tsuna's new home after all. I'm glad you like the R27 relationship here. Although it's fleeting, I feel like every interaction the two have is just significant.

@Kunn: Thank you for reading this fic as well.

I did two updates as an apology. No worries, I will update on Saturday as well. It's just that I got a little distracted yesterday. My fault, really.

Anyway, go on. Enjoy the previous chapter as well because yes, you are not imagining the double updates. Hahaha!

Chapter Forty-Three

Tsuna sat up, hands gripping his blanket in a tight hold. He kept on trying to catch his breath, cold sweats rolling down his neck, cheeks and forehead. The panic, anger and helplessness linger on his stomach, heart still palpitating from all the scare he experienced. From the scare he dreamed.

Pushing his blanket off, Tsuna went out of his bed to go for his closet. He pulled off his sweat-soaked shirt and tugged a fresh one on. He went for his phone, jacket and slippers before going out. Checking the time, it was pass mid-overnight, around two-fifteen. Puffing out, still out of breath, he climbed the stairs with ease and silence. When he got to the third floor, he went for the direction he had memorized now for the past three days.

Standing in front of Soma's door, he clutched his phone as tight as he could. Sighing through his nose as he hears the other sleeping soundly for once with all their activity in the past days. He went for the wall beside the door and slumped his back there, slowly sitting on the floor with his knees gathered to his chest. His intuition crooned sympathetically, edging him to relax for a minute. He could almost laugh bitterly, unable to help himself from crying with quiet sobs.

His intuition had been ringing since the start of the festival. Granted, he was busy with all the booth preparation with Megumi and assisting Soma with the best of his abilities, so he thought it was just stress. Heck, they even had to stay up all night for the Time Fuse Mapo Curry Noodles. But the increasing throbbing of his head is so painful and worrying that he can't help developing an anxiety over it. Because in Reborn's teaching, trusting his intuition is the number one rule in terms of fights.

He had been having nightmares over the past days. He's becoming restless and scared of sleeping. So much that he wants to just stay up and never sleep. He knew he needs to tell this to Soma or to Reborn, but he can't bring himself to do it, because he's afraid that he's just overreacting on this.

Wiping away his tears, he double tapped his phone screen to check the time before sighing.

"Hang in there, Dame-Tsuna." He breathed as if praying while staying there like on nightly vigil.

"Wow." Tsuna looked up to see Mimasaka staring at him.

"Yes? What can I help you with, Mimasaka-san?" He asked in a civil tone as he gave the three orders of Mapo Curry to Megumi before going for the boiling noddles.

"Aldini was able to keep up, but you can too?" The perfect 'trance' maker questioned. "Why didn't Yukihira settle with your help?"

"Because I'm just assisting." He answered as he took the noddles out and gave it to his fellow cook. "Noodles, Mimasaka-san."

"Right." The man responded, taking the strainer.

Tsuna took the needed ingredients to chop, eyeing Soma who's talking with Kobayashi. The redhead is pretty frustrated. The stall has been a success, but still being defeated in terms of business. It can't be helped since Kuga is more adept on that field. Soma did win in terms of new dish though.

Tawny eyes averted their gazes when he saw the upperclassman's eyes were about to move. He continued to assist Mimasaka like he does to Soma, smiling at Megumi, who welcomed another batch of customers, and entertaining those who want to have Hujiao Bing. For awhile, he forgot about his nightmare and all the suspicious glances he's getting from Tsukasa and Kobayashi.

"I think you're the factor that affects my perfect trance on Yukihira." Mimasaka chimed in their silent space.

"How so?" He indulged, taking out three buns from the big oven.

"The way he interacts with you is much different from the way he does with us. Although he could relate with Takumi Aldini, he's more drawn to you in a matter." The tracer elaborated while putting finishing touches on the orders. "It's like you have this special connection with each other that no one but the two of you will know."

Tsuna can't help a happy smile from gracing his lips. "You think so? Thanks."

He didn't see Mimasaka's head swiftly turning towards him in shock.

"Oi Sawada!" Tsuna raised a brow at Shun who was holding a steaming bowl.

"What's with the family name, Ibusaki?" He retorted back, taking the bowl from the auburn head. "And this?"

"A thanks for talking to me." Shun shrugged, leaning on the pillar. "Marui gave his own points on that as a thanks too."

"Should I expect a gift from Houjou-san later?" He voiced, looking down at the vegetable stew with a contemplative look. "I don't feel like doing it anymore if it makes you call me in my family name."

Blue eyes gave him a deadpan that made him chuckle. "You doing well? You look paler than usual."

"I'm fine." He waved off as he took another bowl and started to pour half of the stew in it. "The excitement of the festival took its toll on me."

"I've never seen you get excited over something." Shun pointed out.

Tsuna froze a little before giving out a nervous laugh. "I get excited about things here and there."

"Like?"

"New anime, new volume of the anime I like and video games." He took a spoon and started to eat the vegetables. "Low-key excitement."

Shun scrunched his nose at him before turning his back to walk away. "Enjoy the stew. We'll see each other in the dorm later."

"Yeah! Thanks, Shun!" He expressed before taking a sip on the soup.

"What's that?" Soma asked as he stepped in the stall. "Vegetable stew from Polar Star?"

He nodded before nodding to the bowl on the counter. "A little lunch for you."

"Ah. Thanks." Soma smiled before taking it.

After eating, they resumed to their stations to let Mimasaka and Megumi take some rest. It was like working in the Yukihira diner again. Smooth and enjoyable. Like a pace and a routine he always wants to enjoy. Something that is boring but normal for him.

Tsuna was cutting some ingredients when his intuition tweaked. He stopped his movements to cause no harm as he grimaced in pain. This alerted Soma and Megumi who was around him. Even Mimasaka stopped working when he saw the two look back to the brunet. Grimacing with how his head throbbed, he shook his head before continuing his work.

"You okay, Tsuna-kun?" Megumi queried, eyes convey worry, while placing the empty bowls on the sink.

"Peachy." He chirped with a smile as he slid the ingredients to Mimasaka. "Why'd you ask?"

"You look in pain." Soma piped in from his spot. "If you feel tired, it's okay to excuse yourself, Tsuna."

"I'm fine." He assured. He went for the sink and started to do the dishes. "You know how my stamina works, Soma."

Silence.

"Yeah." The redhead nodded, blinking. "Why didn't I think of that?"

Megumi and him laughed.

"Hey Soma Yukihira!"

Tsuna tensed before turning to Kobayashi who was running towards them with an excited beam.

"I reserved a table tonight!" The senior said as she skidded to a stop just by the cart, eyes gleaming in delight. "I'll take you there once you close your stall. You'll come right?!"

"Table?" Soma uttered, confused.

"For Eishi Tsukasa's booth." Kobayashi's beam went for a different lilt that struck a zing of pain in Tsuna's head. "Aren't you interested in the dishes the current first seat make? Let's go to the uptown area together." Tawny eyes narrowed a little in suspicion when yellow chatoyant went for him. "Of course the lady and Tsunayoshi Sawada are invited too."

"What about you, Mimasaka?" Soma asked to their big aid.

"Not coming. I'm going to visit the stalls." Mimasaka responded, continuing his work. "Probably visit the Aldinis."

"Oh. Okay." The ranga's eyes glanced at him, asking him if it's okay to go.

Tsuna looked away, sighing a little through his nose. Who is he to stop Soma from being curious? "Let's wrap up then."

The wrap up was pretty quick since the customers were slowly decreasing. By the end, they were able to put away everything and dress up in their school uniform. Instead of fully clothing himself, Tsuna let two buttons of his upper uniform open to breathe. He feels a little restricted with how his head dully throbs.

Kobayashi, who insisted for them to call her Rindou-sempai, led them to the uptown where everything is still alive. From lit buildings to people in fancy and expensive clothes going here and there, getting in or out of their cars. It was different from the central-campus and the main street which were slowly closing their stalls and booths.

Lagging a little behind to take on the sights around them, Tsuna contemplated of what's happening. His intuition won't be ringing that bad if the situation isn't grave. Maybe Iemitsu is already on the move? But when? And what angle will he be attacking?

He was snapped out of his reverie when he felt hands sliding on his. He stared at Megumi's hand on his left while Soma on his right. Both gave him reassuring smiles. He was able to muster the courage to give them the same smile as they stopped behind Rindou who was checking her reservation.

"Welcome." The host greeted with a polite smile. "The theme of tonight's meal is Symphony of Autumn Delights." The host handed Rindou a menu. "Nine dishes will be presented for your enjoyment. Your table is right down the hall, please feel free to seat yourselves. Tsukasa has already began to cook."

Tsuna let himself get dragged by the two while following Rindou. As they came to the open space after crossing the hallway, they were greeted by three tables with one kitchen being lit by spotlights. Customers here and there were already exclaiming of how good the dish they were eating while their group waited.

When they were served, Tsuna tried to enjoy the meal. He never really liked fancy things. Maybe being born as a civilian made him have his own standard. The food was great, something to commend, and spoke volumes of French in it, but that's that. Huh. Perhaps his Kaasan's food really gave him a standard, just like what Reborn had.

"Tsuna?" Soma called while he was cutting the new served dish.

"Hm?"

"What do you think?" Megumi questioned in a whisper, leaning towards him.

"It's fine." He shrugged as he took a mouthful. The two stared at him. "What?"

"There must be something wrong with you, Tsuna-kun." Megumi pointed out. "This is made by the first seat, yet you're shrugging it off like they're normal food."

"Well," He moved his lips from side to side as he thought of things. "you see, my Kaasan is someone who cooks a lot. I've had her cooking since then, from Japanese cuisine to international ones. I mean, whenever she feels like making food for us, she'll go from European, any Western to Eastern. If I wasn't taught, I won't even be aware that they were Italian, French or something, or that her recipe books were mixed. So let's just say that my palate has a standard if its own. The only thing that can make me feel good is dessert."

"Which is what I'm polishing on my resume." Soma huffed in pride, making the two snicker.

"You do have a peculiar tongue." They all looked back to Rindou who was observing him. "Even the dishes the first seat makes do not appease you, unlike Yukihira and Tadokoro."

"Maybe it comes with the name." He smiled before taking anothed bite. "It is delicious, but I haven't tasted any dish that can give that foodgasm-" He cringed, making Soma and Megumi laugh. "-thingy they were talking about."

"As what I heard." The senior nodded. "I should probably warn Tsukasa about you then."

"Oh no." He waved off, laughing nervously. "I'm no such threat. Please don't break his confidence over his dishes. We won't like the result of that."

"True. True."

After eating and parting with the first seat, Tsuna watched Soma get fired up with how good Tsukasa was and Megumi tries to placate as they went out. The brunet snickered when he remembered not saying anything to Rindou who was talking with Tsukasa when they slipped out. She'll be very flustered once she notices that they're gone.

"Tsuna! Let's go to Nakiri!" Soma invited, jiggling a paper bag with a grin of his own. "I want to trade this with her."

"E-Eh? There seems to be a fuss in there." Megumi chimed, garnering their attentions.

Tsuna's right eye twitched when he felt his head spiked with pain. He put a hand on his hair as he felt this urge to hurry up to Erina. "I think we should go quickly if my hunch is right."

"Yeah." Soma nodded.

Arriving to the venue was simple. But the ruckus inside was pretty loud. The moment tawny eyes landed on the man sitting by one of the tables, Tsuna's intuition spiked with vengeance. He had to hide it from Soma and Megumi so he won't worry them. He waited by the doorjamb as Soma took everything by storm.

After a sec, he crossed the room to see Erina, who was panicking, when Soma started to look for a table for them. Smiling to Arato, Tsuna let some of his sky flames ooze out. It calmed Erina to the extent, eyes looking clearer and snapping towards him.

"Erina-chan!" He greeted with a small wave. "Do you want some Hujiao Bing? Soma and I made them!" He advertised.

"T-Tsuna-kun." The blondie uttered, calming.

"Erina." Tsuna looked back to the man who looks intimidating enough and made Erina shiver a little. "You should choose your friends wisely- Ah." Black eyes stared at him, glimmering with interest. "Tsunayoshi Sawada. My. You, at least, have one friend who is approved."

His intuition clicked here and there, causing his eyes to narrow a little. "You must be Azami Nakiri."

"Oho. You know me too? Good. You should come with me. Oregano will be pleased to see you after a long search. Come, Sawada." Then he walked off.

They all followed him out with their eyes.

"How did you know him, Tsuna?" Soma questioned, going serious.

"No. More importantly," He looked back to Erina who was shivering.

"Nakiri, you're shivering." The redhead noted.

"He's Erina-sama's father, Azami Nakiri." Arato informed, brows furrowed in worry.

"Soma-kun! Tsuna-kun! There are cars outside!" Megumi gasped from the threshold of the door.

Tsuna pursed his lips, thinking. "Let's follow him."

Soma took his hand. They hurriedly followed Azami Nakiri with Erina, Arato and Megumi behind. When they got to the porch of the mansion, the director was there with a lot of cars behind him. All headlights were on them. Tsuna got tugged to the side of the mansion, just as Rindou came in.

The brunet gnawed on his lower lip when he felt other eyes on them. His intuition rang in warning, nudging him to look ahead. Squinting his eyes, he saw a small rustle on the bushes before someone stepped out of the forest. Blood dripped from his lower lip when he bit it to hard, after realizing that the person who went out of the forest was a woman in smart casual, hair tied in a bun and have this aura of something he was familiar with. A mafioso.

"What about you, Tsunayoshi Sawada?" He side-eyed Rindou who acknowledged him. "Given your situation, who would you side with?"

Tsuna wiped the blood off from his chin. "I side to who I owe my new life." He took his phone out and started to tap on it. "Soma."

"Yes?"

"Your hand." He offered the phone to the redhead and looked straight at those yellow eyes. "Put your hand on the screen, I need your fingerprints."

Soma complied before asking. "What for?"

"Follow my instructions." He took a deep breath as he took the phone again and tapped on it. "I'm going with Oregano."

"Huh?"

He took the ranga's hand and put the phone in there. "With your fingerprint, you have access to my phone."

"Tsuna-"

"If I don't come back before or by midnight, I want you to call Reborn and tell him what happened. Tell him to come as soon as possible because I swear to God-"

"Tsuna!" The brunet halted talking as he took in Soma's worried expression. The redhead looked almost on the verge of crying with how red his eyes are, while taking his hands. "Why do you sound like you're being taken away?"

He pursed his lips. "There's a possibility that I will be if I don't escape."

"But you will, right? You'll try your best to get away right?" Soma stared at him. "You said you will with your dying will."

His lips quirked up a little before nodding. "With my dying will."

"I'll wait for you in the dorm." Yukihira stated, eyes still searching him while offering his pinkie finger. "Promise me you'll come back."

"I will." Tsuna sighed and took the offered pinkie with his own pinkie to seal the promise. "I promise."