A/N:
@Nina-Chan202: Nope. It's R27. I couldn't put it on the description cause I ran out of words. Another reason why Reborn's name was on the tags.
Anyways... The warning is still up. So onwards.
Chapter Fourteen
Tsuna opened a drawer and pulled out some pants and put them on the bed. He drew out another and took some shirts, not counting how many as he put him on the bed, just beside the pants. Opening his drawer for his underwears, he took some, enough for a whole week.
Lal, Fon and Reborn looked at each other before staring at the muttering Tsuna. The child has this remorseful look. If they knew better, he wants to bang close his drawers and curse out loud. But Tsuna rarely does that. If possible, he doesn't want to.
Colonnello admitted that he never knew Tsuna could curse like that. It's like a whole new different Tsunayoshi Sawada. The blond shyly admitted too that he got turned on by the way the brunet cursed. On his own words 'Tsuna sounded sexy saying fuck and hell'. Reborn shot him with succession of blazing bullets, Lal wrestled him while Verde only chuckled.
The lightning noted how Reborn's eyes became darker when Tsuna's cursing became the topic.
So far, Tsuna hadn't cursed at all. He also said sorry to Colonnello and Skull for crying on them. He also said sorry to others for being an inconvenience. But to his utter surprise, they still stayed with him in Mundane. Usually lounging in his room, some goes around the academy when he's in class. He also received their symbols, except for Reborn.
The two went on their usual banter and routine. Teases each other and keeps each other's attitude on check. They were caught by others sleeping on the same bed, snuggling to find comfort and warmth. It was mostly Reborn who can't stay away from the brunet. Maybe the fight between the two really did make a big impact on him. Tsuna, on the other hand, is normal. He smiles to them, not to everybody. He beaten up some bullies here and there. Who would have thought that the delinquent wants the title for himself? Lal laughed at his ambition and told him he's doing a pretty good job. The young man preened at Skull, Colonnello and Reborn. The three could only give him noogies as a revenge.
"Tsunayoshi." Fon called. The brunet perked up as he put the clothes inside the hand carry bag.
"Yup?" He responded.
"Where are you going?" Lal asked this time.
Tsuna blinked before visibly cringing. "I didn't tell you?"
"Tell us what?" Lal asked, eyes sliding to Reborn who hadn't say anything.
"I have an annual meeting I need to attend. Now that I think about it, it was Colonnello and Skull who I told this info about." Tsuna sat on the bed and crossed his legs, providing his full attention on them. Obviously not wanting to create a misunderstanding. "This annual meeting is a gathering of the skies the society have gathered. It lasts for a week. We meet different and same people every year. Sometimes there are newly recommended, sometimes there are just skies that were established to attend just for the heck of it."
"How many are you?" Fon asked, curious.
"We are ten from last year." Tsuna sighed as he ran a hand down to his face. "Sometimes they make us battle on the third, fourth and fifth day to know how much we improved. Too bad I can't participate since I'm branded colorless last year."
"How about this year?" Lal queried, an eyebrow rose. Fon suspected that the lady is twitching to shout at those people who sneered at Tsuna for being colorless.
"I need to participate. I am a sky after all."
"Then you need summons." Fon provided.
The brunet winced. "I'll just tell them I don't have one. They'll probably let me go."
"Hmmm... We can just accompany him though." Lal said before turning her head to Reborn. "What do you think?"
Reborn looked at her. "Where he goes, I go."
"Can I have a say in this?" Tsuna whined.
Fon laughed lightly. "We are stronger than you think. We are the arcobaleno."
"The strongest among the strongest. I know. But you should know your limits." Tsuna huffed as he stuffed his bag with his clothes and necessities. "I don't want you dropping dead or even looking tired on me."
"Now now, child." Lal cooed mockingly as she helped the kid pack. "You'll leave when?"
"Four in the morning. Just thinking about it, it makes me mad. I have to cut my sleep short just for this. Reborn!" And the brunet ran towards the black demon who caught him.
"You can just sleep on the way." The hitman tried to suggest, rubbing a hand on the other's neck and going along with the childish whims that rarely happens outside the walls of the room.
"I can't sleep in the car. Trust me. I tried so many times." Tsuna said as he hugged the hitman. "So who'll come tomorrow? Not everyone I presume since you'll leave the house abandoned."
"Viper can put a barrier to keep it safe." Lal chimed as she arranged the bag before zipping it.
"I really don't want to impose." Tsuna tried to ammend.
"You won't be. Just think of this as your gift for us, Tsunayoshi." Fon smiled as the child nodded.
"Any more things to put inside, brat?" Lal asked.
"No." Tsuna shook his head before smiling brightly. "Thank you, Lal. You're my heaven."
"Oh. Did you hear that Reborn?" The military woman taunted.
"What about me?" Fon asked, amused.
"My older brother. I mean I have Kyouya as my little brother. And you two look like each other. So it's fitting." Tsuna replied before looking at Reborn who rose a brow on him. "And this guy is my heater! I can even boil a hotpot on you."
Tsuna squealed as he tried to get away from Reborn who started to tickle him. The latter is even smiling as he made the former suffer in laughter. Lal and Fon glanced at each other as the brunet teased the hitman before laughing so hard. The two is so in to each other. They'll even suspect them as lovers if they didn't stress their relationship as 'friends'. Friends don't cuddle in the bed, or be that overprotective to each other.
Has Tsuna even considered Reborn to be his summon?
No one knows.
The storm and mist-rain bid goodbye to the two so they can tell the others. Tsuna nodded at them with a smile. He was rather a little tensed about what will happen for the rest of the week. How should he act? What will he tell about the society when they see the Arcobaleno? Not like they'll even know they are the strongest. But he can say that the other demons will tell their summoners who they are.
The next morning, Tsuna is already awake by three. He left Reborn on the bed and went to the showers. When he went out, the hitman is awake, sitting on bed. Tsuna patted the spiky yet soft hair as a small greeting before dressing himself up. After a minute of collecting himself, Reborn went to the bathroom and freshened himself up.
Tsuna did his usual. Arrange the thing he needs to his small bag that means carrying his unfinished book and some papers for emergency. Reborn went out of the bathroom donned in his suit. He took the hand carry bag just as Tsuna stuffed his small bag with snack bars and two water bottles before going out.
They strode down the silent hallways. The only thing that is being heard is Reborn's shoes softly patting the carpeted floor. Tsuna's footsteps held no sound, as if he wasn't walking with him at all or even existing beside him. The Headmaster Angelo, Chancellor Furikawa, Madam Cara and Kyouya were there, waiting by the front door of the academy. The first three perked up when they saw him with Reborn.
Tsuna just walked past them but stopped in front of Kyouya. The latter nodded at the brunet, listening to the silent murmurs of the latter and accepted the farewell pat on the shoulder. Reborn was just beside him when they went out and to the school yard. By the gates, there is a black car parked there with a man leaning against it. The man stood straight as they approached. Reborn felt the sudden change of atmosphere on Tsuna, so he adjusted fittingly.
"Good morning, Master Tsunayoshi." The man greeted. He looks like in his late-thirties, with dark red hair, blue eyes and wearing a suit with a tie.
Tsuna coldly eyed the man. "Morning, Gerald."
Gerald chuckled. "Still cold yet polite as always, Master Tsunayoshi."
"Where's Frecka." The brunet demanded as he walked towards the car and opened the compartment for Reborn to put the bag in.
"My. I should've told Frecka to greet you instead of me. I'd be honored if you ask my whereabouts."
"I won't ask." Tsuna answered bluntly, not even sparing a glance on the redhead. "I'll even tell Frecka to go on without you."
The guy dramatically kneeled, hand on his chest, and head down. "My heart... You wounded my heart, Master Tsunayoshi."
"You deserve it." And Tsuna opened the door. "And it's Tsunayoshi." He went in first before Reborn. The latter closed the door behind him.
"Good Morning, Tsunayoshi." A man, in the driver's seat, with mihawk yellow green hair and wearing a suit, greeted with a smile. Reborn thinks he is 'Frecka'.
"Morning, Frecka. Drive. Leave that thing." Tsuna greeted before opening his bag.
"Roger."
Reborn stared at Gerald with hidden laughter as the latter chase the car when it drived and stopped for three times. Tsuna was sporting a blank look but his eyes held a glint of deviousness, even Frecka is laughing maniacally at the miserable Gerald. When the redhead was finally able to ride the passenger seat, Tsuna pulled out a book for him, Reborn gratefully took and started to read.
The travel went on for hours. From four o'clock to eight in the morning. True to his words, Tsuna did not even rest a wink. He looked struggling and wants to sleep but he looks rather tense and alert. When they stopped at a gasoline station where a diner is stationed right in front of it, Tsuna gestured his demon companion to follow them.
"Tsunayoshi." Gerald called as he closed the door for the passengers'.
"Yes?" Tsuna responded, eyes peering at the other from his shoulder.
"You brought a company."
The brunet glanced at Reborn who is in front of him. The hitman shrugged. "I did."
"Is he invisible?"
"If he wasn't, you'll be able to see him." Frecka deadpanned while closing his own door. "Don't mind him, Tsunayoshi. Go on. Eat."
"Thank you, Frecka." Tsuna expressed before pushing Reborn to walk while hearing Gerald's complains. "You made yourself invisible?"
"I wanted to creep that guy." Reborn replied. "What's up with him? He seems flirty with you."
"He is." Tsuna took the doors handle and was about to open it when the hitman put his hand on top of it.
"Does he bother you?"
"I'm used to it. And he's harmless now."
Reborn opened the door for them, taking Tsuna's hand from the handle and guided him in. "Now. Did he disrespect you at first?"
"Who won't when his charge is a colorless?" Tsuna replied as they went for the counter.
"Good Morning!" A waitress greeted. "What is your order?"
"What do you like? Here on out, it's the society's treat. There will be no money to spend. Even the souvenirs I'm gonna buy is their money." Tsuna asked, knowing the other is visible to the human's eyes.
"I'm take a normal American breakfast." Reborn said before looking at the waitress who was starstrucked. "And a large cup of espresso."
"A-Ah yes!" The lady responded, glancing at Reborn's way and not even looking at the brunet.
Tsuna let himself known by letting his cold presence prominent in the atmosphere. The lady flinched and looked at him. "Done?"
"Uhm-"
"Tsunayoshi!" A man in cook's clothing called out with a happy grin as he hurriedly walked towards them. "Tsunayoshi!" And he took Tsuna by the waist and spin him around like a kid. The brunet laughed.
"Put me down, Sumimura-san!" The child said in Japanese.
The man chuckled before putting him down. "Your smile will always make up my year, Tsunayoshi."
"It's good to see you too, Sumimura-san." Tsuna said with a smile. "Can I have a Japanese breakfast? Like always?"
"Sure sure. It's been months since you ate Japanese right?"
"Yes."
"Go on with your friend." Sumimura said before winking at Reborn. "You got yourself a jackpot, boy."
"Sumimura-san!" Tsuna chided that the man only laughed at. "You're selling me out."
"What? He's the first one you brought here, he got to like you for who you are if he stayed."
Tsuna blushed before pushing Reborn towards the farthest table. He hid his flushed face on the black demon's suit before they sat down beside each other. The brunet sagged down, still blushing.
Not that he could argue about that. Reborn is the first person he brought here after two years. Gerald and Frecka never accompanies him inside. He always come alone in the diner, say his order, sit at the table near the door and patiently wait for his food. It was unusual for someone to be at their diner in eight in the morning, so the cook asked if he could join him, he didn't really mind. That's when Tsuna and Gen Sumimura got to talk about life.
"What was that?" Reborn asked. Tsuna can hear the amazement in the tone.
"Sumimura-san is a good man. He's the cook here, obviously. He likes to tease about everything. And he never saw me with anyone whenever I come here for breakfast at the beginning of the week and dinner at the end of it. What he said about you being the first is true."
"What about those two?"
"Frecka is cool. Gerald can die." Tsuna shrugs.
"About Gerald," Tsuna stiffen. "what did he do?"
The brunet went stoic. "On my first year attending the meeting, he ditched me here. I waited for hours before Frecka came back to get me. Apparently, that guy wants nothing to do with me. The feeling was very mutual. So when I got there late, I was scolded even if Frecka defended me."
"I guess you lashed out on that human."
"No. I didn't. Don't need another scolding. I just let him do what he did to me on the first day, left me in the meeting place."
"How did you tame him?"
"I burned off every contract he had on the second year. He almost killed Frecka, I saved my charge and burned off his contracts. Four excruciating contracts. It felt nice seeing him writhe in pain. And now, Frecka and I don't give him a damn. The only reason why I tolerate him is because I had to." He answered before propping himself on the table.
Reborn nodded. "Any pain?"
"Just my head. And chest. The wound is still healing." Tsuna murmured.
"Let's find a way to make you sleep in the car okay?"
Tsuna smiled at him. "Yeah. Thanks Reborn."
They ate food when the waitress placed their meals on the table. Gerald and Frecka went in when they started and was dumbfounded when they saw Reborn with him. Tsuna didn't acknowledge them and had a quiet conversation with Reborn about their small venture in their destination. Of course, Tsuna will be the connection to the rest of the arcobaleno for them to be here. He is the one who accidentally invited them.
Come to think of it, the arcobaleno haven't set foot outside the academy after being freed to roam around. They've been in Fiant for centuries, maybe even millennia for Verde who rarely goes out. Tsuna absentmindedly looked at Reborn who is drinking his espresso while looking outside the big glass wall.
'He was contracted to bring pleasure... Maybe...'
Tsuna sighed internally in depletion before straightening up when he realized something. He berated himself for thinking like that. Reborn isn't for him only. The hitman deserves a lot better person. And besides, he was contracted. It means he was given a better things for desire. Tsuna bit his lower lip in thoughts, anxiety pooling in his stomach. He doesn't know why he's feeling angry with those people who contracted his friend for pleasure. Or feel so depressed about thinking about it.
Is he jealous?
No... Or maybe...?
"Tsuna? You okay?"
Tsuna looked at Reborn and blinked before giving out a smile of reassurance. "Yeah. Always."
The other stared at him before ruffling the brunet's hair in an affectionate way. Black eyes looked so alive while staring at him. His heart thumped. Tsuna excused himself and went to the bathroom. He hurriedly went for the sinks, opened the faucet and splashed water to his face. They felt so warm. And when he looked at himself, he's red. So so red. Tsuna splashed another round of water, feeling more embarrassed after seeing himself. But the warmth didn't stop. So he went for the hose.
He turned on the water and put his head under the cold water. He slowly relaxed his breathing as the water cooled off his flaming face, ears and neck. He's a blushing mess. Good thing he didn't stutter or something in front of Reborn. He will be so busted.
After feeling relaxed, he shook off the water from his hair with his both hands before wiping off the water from his face. He was about to get out when the door opened and Reborn walked in. The hitman stared at him, surprised with his appearance.
"Ah hey." Tsuna greeted, trying to be casual. "Did you bring my bag? I need my towel."
"I got it." Reborn said as he opened the bag and throw the towel towards him. "Why are you wet?"
"Ah..." Tsuna scrubbed his head while thinking of a reason. "It's my tradition to wash my head here to cool my head as we travel."
He heard Reborn sigh, making him wince. Then he felt long fingers assisting him in drying his hair. "You're hopeless."
Tsuna blushed. "God. I need another cool off."
"No more." Reborn said as he put the wet towel on the side. "Come on. We need to go."
Tsuna stared at Reborn's hand when the latter took hold of his. He gulped and willed down his flush again as they go out. Gerald and Frecka were by the door, waiting. He turned around to wave at Sumimura who grinned at him with a tease.
Reborn didn't go back to being invisible. He opened the door himself, ushered him inside before getting in and closed the door behind him. Another towel appeared in the hitman's hands and used it to dry off his hair. Tsuna bowed his head, hiding his face. Surely, his hair went dry.
Gerald went in on the driver seat and Frecka on the passenger's after minutes. Tsuna turned away from them as the car rolled off the parking lot, and stuffed his head on the towel, noting how soft it is and how it smelled watermelon and coffee. He eyed Reborn who was staring at his styro-cup. He chuckled softly before reaching out on the side to push a compartment open, slowly took the cup from the demon's hand and put it there. Tsuna smiled slightly with his handy work.
"You could've said something." He said.
Reborn looked at him with amusement. "Yeah. Should have."
Tsuna chuckled and slumped on the seat. "God. This is really uncomfortable."
"Come here." Reborn said as he patted his lap.
Tsuna reluctantly settled his head on Reborn's lap. The other put a protective arm around his shoulder, while the available hand started to comb his dry hair. He felt himself slowly being lulled to sleep until his consciousness gladly slipped out of his grasp.