Author's Note:
*TRIGGER WARNING* Graphic scene of attempted suicide and mentions of self-harm. I will make it known before and after the scene if you wish to skip.
Heads Up, there is a lot of skipping around in this chapter. Hopefully I keep it coherent enough to understand and don't make it confusing. Anyway, Hope You Enjoy! This Chapter has been a long time coming.
...
Lambo is not okay.
The moment he stepped out with Tsuna and the rest of Vongola's Guardians for all to see, a familiar twist in Lambo's stomach returned, filling the teen with dread as he stood stiff, focusing hard on not hyperventilating from all those people. All those eyes, he can feel them peering into him, freezing him in place, daring Lambo to disobey, cause a commotion, anything.
Thunderous applause erupted from the crowd at the sight of them, people either sitting at the circular tables scattered around the ballroom, many famiglia's crowding in only one or two, wanting to stick close, and the people filled up the empty space between the tables, standing close together with either champagne or wine glasses in hand. They were all cheering and clapping loudly.
It was no help at all. In fact, it only made Lambo feel worse, clenching and unclenching his sweaty palms into fists. Lambo's nails biting into the skin of his palms.
He thought he was okay. He thought that he was getting better, that he has managed to find stable ground to stand on, to face Tsuna head on. But apparently that's not the case.
It's still too soon for all of this to be happening at once. For Lambo to be dropped in a largely populated crowd of important mafia families, large and small, in Vongola.
Lambo can't handle it all.
He can't handle all the eyes. Staring at him, judging everything they've seen and heard about him. Expecting him to fail, mess up, anything. It's easy to hear the whispers that Lambo knows are about him. They're unavoidable after all, since he left so close to the day of the Gala. What's not so easy, is being able to decipher what the whispers are and hear what they're saying.
Nothing good no doubt.
Honestly, Lambo doesn't know what would be worst, knowing what's being said of him or remaining ignorant. Both are horrible and maddening in their own way. But Lambo just has to deal, no matter how much it makes him want to shrivel up and die, cursing himself as he does so.
Lambo blearily knows that Tsuna has been talking, he started a speech the moment Tsuna and all the Guardians were standing in place, visible to the entire room. Both because Lambo can't help but let his mind race and wonder as he struggles not to let his panic show.
His mind spirals as his eyes flickered all across the crowded room, unable to stay at one place for too long, ears ignorant of Tsuna's words, ringing loudly as his nails bit into the palm of his hands, resisting the urge to scratch at his wrists. Lambo is sure that he going to crumple any minute, his breathing is getting worse, despite his best efforts to even his breathing out.
The young teen honestly thought he was going to lose it, he thought he would pass out any second. He can't handle it all. It's Too Much!
Lambo froze.
It was just a flash, didn't last very long, but from the corner of Lambo's eyes, he saw it.
...
The Straw Hats were one of the first to enter the ballroom, taking their seats at one of the fancily decorated circular tables. It was easy from them to not care about the odd looks they received. Ignoring the whispers and stares from both hosts and guests alike as they all quietly sat at the table.
Time was on their side, it seems, because even though it took a long while for the guests to all come in and get situated, it felt almost like no time at all for the tense Straw Hats.
"Are we seriously going to do this?", Ussop whispered to the others while the large crowd around them spoke loudly over one another.
No one heard, or will hear, a thing from the pirate's table.
"We don't have much choice, do we?", Sanji replies bitingly, not liking any of this one bit.
"I know, going along with it is a good idea, but isn't there anyway for us to let Lambo know we're here without them noticing?", Ussop asked, staring at the double doors, placed off to the side, where Decimo Sawada Tsunayoshi will enter with the rest of the Guardians, including Lambo, "I mean, we know Lambo. He's never been all that great in the spot light. I just don't like it all."
Nami bites her lip in agreement, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully, "There's got to be something we can do."
"No.", Zoro's voice rang clearly with the group, "Captain's orders, we wait."
The table fell into tense silence, but they all listened.
Thankfully, it wasn't long after the anxious chatter between the pirate crew, that the doors flew open and in walked the familiar form of Tsuna, behind him is a young man with chin length silver hair and the familiar figure of Takeshi, behind those two is an scary Asian man with narrowed silver eyes, almost black, and black hair and another man with short spiked up white hair, and, finally, behind those two is a tall man with blue-black hair pulled in a half-up, shaped like a pineapple, he had a smug smirk on his face and Lambo, who looked absolutely terrified the second he stood in front of the large crowd that began to loudly applaud and cheer at their entrance.
"Welcome, highly esteemed guests!", Tsuna begins, but the Straw Hats stopped listening after the greeting, all of their eyes on Lambo.
Yet despite easily ignoring Tsuna and his speech of peace, the pirate crew can hear the damn whispers easily.
"They got the Lightning Guardian back?"
"Yeah, he ran away, but they caught him right before the Gala. Had send Reborn and everything."
"Unbelievable."
"He has one of the highest positions in the best famiglia, why would he run?"
"Many would kill to be in his place."
"Ungrateful brat."
"Stupid cow."
Ussop grits his teeth dangerously, almost lunging into the crowd at the culprits if it weren't for Nami's death grip on his shoulder, keeping the sniper in his seat. Meanwhile, Sanji held a crushed cigarette in his trembling fist, Zoro's muscles are as stiff a board and tense as a stretched rubber band. Luffy looked the same, his Straw Hat tilted down, casting his eyes in a dark shadow.
"These people are despicable.", Nami hisses through gritted teeth, her own nails biting into the palm of her hand.
They can clearly see Lambo complexion turn several shades paler than what should be healthy. His hands are shaking, curling and uncurling into tight fists. The teen looked like he was about to pass out, and no one seemed to notice or care.
"Zoro.", Luffy finally speaks up, "Let's switch seats."
The two were sat on opposite sides of the table, it'd take some shuffling in order to do as Luffy said.
Zoro smirked, "Sure."
...
It was quick. Short and sweet even if Lambo had to describe. Barely anything at all, could've even been nothing.
But for a second, Lambo swore he saw a strawhat in the large crowd.
Hardly something get excited about, but it looked a lot like Luffy's, and that reassured Lambo.
He just needed to get through this Gala, one step at a time. He doesn't have to be comfortable or happy about what's going on, or the eyes and whispers that surrounded him, but that doesn't mean Lambo will blindly panic. He can get through this.
Lambo can do this!
His Dying Will Flames have increased in power, as well as Lambo's control over them, he's found an amazing, and crazy, crew, somehow surviving his own captain's antics. Lambo has been stabbed in a gut by five blades and he defeated on of Creed's very own crew member that prides himself in being invisible and never having lost one battle. Ha! Lambo's entire arm has almost been torn off or blown apart in multiple occasions in the same battle!
Lambo has gone through it all, and he enjoyed every last minute of it. Even the pain.
Of course, his circumstances are very different here but...
Lambo glance out of the corner of his eye to see Hibari discreetly staring at Lambo watchfully. The skylark's entire body ready to rush to the teens side once the ceremony is over, if needed.
Yeah, Lambo can do this.
Finally, there are people who believe in him.
...
When Hibari met eyes with Lambo, carefully studying the teen's eyes and body language, reading it all carefully. He immediately saw a difference.
The Lightening Guardian is in no way okay, but he is getting through this better than Hibari has ever seen. Just more proof how much better, healthy Lambo has become ever since meeting that pirate crew of his.
Hibari knows they're there, Lambo being the only one inside of Vongola that is out of the loop of their arrival and stay, and he hopes to find them. Shouldn't be that hard, it'll be easy sniffing out pirates that don't belong in a Mafia Gala, if you know what to look for.
There is no one else, no other group, Hibari wishes to see or speak to. These pirates have made Lambo stronger in less than two weeks.
They've more than earned his gratitude and respect. Hibari just wishes to see the faces that he is sending his gratitude and respect toward.
And hopefully, with a little nudge, Tsuna and the other Guardians may get what's coming to them.
...
The moment Tsuna finished his speech, that Hibari, Lambo, and the Straw Hats didn't hear a single word, all too busy with their own problems and thoughts, the Decimo cheerfully invited the guest to all dig in.
With his words as summons, servants entered the hall, pushing carts full of trays with food, setting out a literal feast per table. There is even a buffet set up, off to the side, all ready to go for those who want seconds or thirds, or even people who just want to snack throughout the evening.
Tsuna and all of his Guardians spun on his heels, each taking a seat at the head table located behind the group while Tsuna had made his speech.
Both Lambo and Hibari sat at the ends of the table, Tsuna having assigned their seats beforehand.
As soon as Lambo's plate was piled with food, courtesy of Mukuro, who had sent Lambo a warning smirk as he did so, Lambo just stared at his plate shakily, panic rising back up his throat. Unsure of how he was supposed to act.
Lambo griped onto his fork tightly, before taking a deep breath, remembering his first meal with the rest of the Straw Hats in a public area.
Which was when they first met Ussop, back at his village.
'Oi, kid.", Zoro called after ten minutes have passed when the food was served, but while everyone else have already dug in, but Lambo hasn't touched any of his food, eyes darting everywhere, landing on everyone throughout the whole restaurant, "Why aren't you eating?"
Lambo flinched looking up to Zoro with wide eyes, before looking to the side with heavy half-lidded eyes. He wanted the Earth to swallow him up. Lambo could feel the eyes of the few other customers digging into his back.
True or not, it didn't matter, Lambo can still feel them all. The eyes.
Judging.
Scorn.
Disgust.
'What is wrong with you!?'
'Ew~! That's gross Lambo!'
'Stupid Cow! Mind your manners! We have a guest here!'
Stupid.
Stupid.
Stupid.
"Hey Lambo! Wanna switch seats?", Luffy asks with a tilt of his from inside of the booth, sitting across from Zoro.
"Huh?", Lambo blinks.
"Shishishi. Switch seats, there's more meat on your and Nami's end of the table anyway.", Luffy grins.
Lambo isn't sure if Luffy noticed the problem, or it truly is because of the meat. Hell, it could be somehow both and something else, something backwards, and it's just Luffy being Luffy. Either way, the corner of the booth is perfect for hiding Lambo from all eyes but the ones of his friends and their new acquaintance.
The Straw Hat captain has no idea how grateful the younger teen is as he nods to Luffy in agreement with a smile.
"Yosh!", cheers Luffy with an impossibly wide grin as the two switched spot, "Meat. Meat. Meat."
Zoro raised a brow when Lambo immediately dug in to his food with a smile. But Zoro didn't question it, satisfied that the kid is at least eating.
It was easier the second time at the Baratie, Lambo able to eat while ignoring the imaginary stares. The food and his friends helped immensely with that. Distracting him enough to hardly notice, if he even did notice, at all.
During Cocoyashi celebrations were too much for Lambo, he couldn't feel the stares, but it was all too much all at once for the teen. It's why he continuously ate in a alley or corner with Zoro. Not wanting to be alone, but also not wanting to be in the middle of the chaotic celebration as well.
Unfortunately, this time, Luffy's not here to help, none of the Straw Hats are. This time, Lambo doesn't have anywhere to hide.
But this time, Lambo is better.
At least, Lambo hopes he is.
So, Lambo picked up his fork and began to slowly eat the mushroom risotto. It's pretty good. Lambo prefers Sanji's cooking though. He had no idea how much he preferred it now. Compared to the highly trained chefs Vongola hires, Lambo loves Sanji's food a lot more.
Sanji is obviously in an entirely different league of his own when it comes to the kitchen.
Of course, but he really did like the mushroom risotto, finishing it happily.
The main course was sent in next. Lambo smiled when he saw the filet mignon tartar, it looked really good. Lambo couldn't wait to dig in. Gaining a bit more confidence, Lambo began to eat a little more and a little faster. Enjoying the meal, despite the fact he missed Sanji's cooking while he ate.
Until he heard a clear, but quiet, 'ahem'.
Lambo froze slowly looking up to see some of the Guardians staring at him, but he hardly noticed. No, Lambo's attention was all on Tsuna. Whose eyes were narrow as he stared at Lambo disapprovingly.
The young Guardian froze, his chest squeezing and his gut clenching tightly with no remorse. The eyes are a back again, quickly followed with quiet undecipherable whispers ringing in his ears. Lambo's breathing quickened, and it was all he could do not to gasp for air.
What did he do wrong? Was Lambo too messy? Too loud? What if he ate too fast? Did he forget his manners? Forget something in general? What did he do? What Did He Do!? WHaT dID He dO!?
The eyes are there, they're everywhere, they came back. No, they never left, the eyes have always been there.
Watching...
Judging...
Whispering...
'Worthless.'
'Stupid.'
'Reckless.'
'Irresponsible.'
'UnWAnTeD.'
...
The fork in Sanji's hand almost snapped in two as the Straw Hat's watch the entire interaction with anger and disgust.
The pirate crew couldn't help but glance up every once in a while, checking up on Lambo. But, fortunately, as soon as the food came, they watched as Lambo slowly to enjoy his food.
Until the Decimo and several Guardians stared (or glared in Gokudera's case) disapprovingly. They all watched as Lambo froze staring at them all with wide eyes, which slowly fell to Tsuna.
Ussop, Nami, and Zoro's eyes all widened as they watched Lambo's eyes darted around the entire room, body hunched on itself as if in hopes to hide himself. Each of them recognized his actions from their meeting and first meal with Ussop at Syrup village.
Lambo gulped heavily, putting his fork back down, the Guardians and Tsuna all looked away, seeming to be satisfied by his submissive behavior. Lambo had barely even enjoyed the meal when he slowly, carefully, shoved forward his plate. His face is pale, and the pirate crew could just barely see some sweat drip down Lambo's cheek.
Sanji's fork snapped in half.
The two pieces were both sent flying in different directions from the force. Ussop and Nami both jumped in surprise, Zoro just continued to stare impassively. The two crew members stared at Sanji in shock only to both flinch in horror at the absolutely terrifying look on his face.
The cook's expression practically screamed that he is positively pissed off. Sanji's lips are pulled up and curled over his teeth in a snarl, his eye wide, pupil and iris are only pinpricks in the raging sea of white of Sanji's' eyeball.
"Too skinny.", Sanji growled, his voice almost impossibly low in his anger.
"W-what?", Ussop stutters nervously, not wanting to upset Sanji further.
"That was the first thought I had when I first met Lambo.", Sanji explained quietly, dangerously, "Too skinny. His wrist is so small, my hand is practically a fist, as if I was holding nothing at all whenever I would grab his wrist. I wandered why, but, at the time, it didn't matter. I just knew he needed food, and I was more than happy to deliver."
"So that's why you kept giving Lambo snacks throughout the day.", Zoro hummed.
"Yeah. That's why.", Sanji confirmed shortly, his teeth gritting harshly against one of another, "To think! The reason he was so skinny was because he was too scared to eat."
Sanji's fist clenched tighter, on the verge of drawing blood while his whole body trembled with rage.
"Starving because of lack or supplies or neglect is one thing.", Sanji hissed, "But because you are too scared to because of others?"
The crew all shared worried glances, aside from Sanji and Luffy, all for multiple reasons. Luffy's silence and the fact his expression his hidden under the brim of his precious straw hat. Sanji's rage has he breathed heavily, looking as if he was on the verge of sprinting up to the head table and kicking every last one of those Guardian's asses. Lambo just looked so lost and broken.
He looked just like he did when he first met Zoro, Nami, and Luffy.
"That's even worse."
It's unacceptable, that's what it is.
...
It's been an hour, maybe two, when the tables have all been removed from the ballroom, leaving only the buffet with extra plates and silverware for food to snack on and dessert to eat.
Tsuna and the others made sure to keep a close eye on Lambo whenever he was close to the dessert table.
The Straw Hat crew all watched this with anger and horror as they all stood in a corner, unobserved.
The way they treated Lambo, they knew it was bad, but oh, it's all so much worse than the pirate crew thought. And it's not the way that Vongola treats Lambo that's so bad, although it really is.
No, the horrifying thing, is how casual, how nonchalant, Vongola all are when they treat Lambo the way they do. None of them seem to realize what they are even doing!
Ussop glared as Lambo walked by the dessert table, heading to get a drink or something, only to be assured away by Takeshi, who assumed the teen was going to try and swipe some sweets to sleep.
"Lambo wasn't kidding when he said they were strict when it came to his consumption of sweets.", Nami stated bitterly, crossing her arms as they watched Lambo be reluctantly led towards the large group of people by Takeshi.
"The Herbivore has always been strict when it comes to Lambo.", a cold voice spoke from behind.
The group of pirates froze, all whirling around to see one of the Guardians, the Asian man with dark grey eyes, standing behind them, eyes cold and expression stoic.
"Who are you?", Zoro demanded, his eyes narrowed, and his hand lowering to the white katanna at his side.
"Hibari Kyoya.", Hibari introduced himself, eyeing the group carefully, "Are you all part of the pirate crew the Omnivore had joined?"
The Straw Hats all shared confused, questioning, looks before bringing their attention back to the Cloud Guardian.
"Do you mean Lambo?", Nami asks, confused of the tittle.
"Hm.", Hibari gives a small nod in confirmation.
"Why d'you want to know?", Sanji questioned carefully.
"Good.", Hibari answered, his question already answered from that line of questioning.
Then his eyes narrowed dangerously, his next words coming out in a hiss. Hibari's eyes sparkled with fury and determination.
"I want you. To take. Lambo. Out Of Here."
Every last one of them, including Luffy's, eyes widening as they gaped at Hibari in shock, not expecting that response at all.
"HUH!?"
The four Straw Hat's surprise was made very well known, loudly. Fortunately for them, Reborn, Lambo, Tsuna, and the other Guardians were across the room, unaware of the conversation currently happening between Hibari and the Straw Hat crew. The few guests that heard the commotion, some glanced over curious while others outright glared, only for both to be given the death glare by Hibari.
Immediately, everyone swiftly turned away, minding their own business and ignoring the odd group behind them. By then, the Straw Hats have all quickly regained their composure, staring at Hibari curiously. Ussop opened his mouth, about to question the Cloud Guardian, only for Luffy to beat him to the punch.
"Why?"
Hibari glanced over to the younger boy, who had a frown on his face, yet didn't seem unpleased, his eyes are just as unreadable as the Skylark's. Hibari smirked, his eyes glittering.
If it were the right time and place, Hibari would love nothing more than to attack and fight this Straw Hat wearing Captain. A Carnivore knows when there's another Carnivore around.
"Everyone else wants him here." Luffy states tonelessly, "What makes you so different?"
Hibari's eyes narrowed, then he states bluntly as he glared at the others from the corner of his eyes, stating bluntly, "I'm not a delusional Herbivore."
"Uh, what's that supposed to mean?", Ussop questioned, not understanding the meaning of Hibari's words.
"This world is consisted of three groups of people, Carnivores, Omnivores, and Herbivores.", Hibari states clearly and precisely, "The Arcobaleno is the only Carnivore in all of Vongola, aside from me. The others are just Herbivores..."
Hibari glanced at the group, his eyes glittering meaningfully, respect hidden deep inside. Hidden, unless you know where to look.
"And ever since the Omnivore tried to leave and join your crew, he has swiftly grown from the meek Herbivore he once was into the Omnivore he is now. With you, the omnivore is on a swift path to becoming the Carnivore I know he can be.", Hibari announces assuredly.
For someone like Hibari, that is as close as a thank you and compliment anyone is gonna get. That anyone has ever gotten, unknowingly or otherwise.
Hibari's eyes, once more, darkened in barely restricted rage, "But those Herbivores and the Arcobaleno still see the Omnivore as he was ten years ago. They are blind to their own delusions and false assurances. They're are toxic and harmful to my Omnivore, and I want him out and as far away from their clutches as possible."
Zoro nods, expression grim, "We know. We've seen the scares."
Hibari expression remained suspiciously blank. Considering the fact he has a death grip on a nearby chair, currently rendering it to splinters from the strength of his grip alone.
"Uhh... HIbari?", Nami calls out, a little fearfully.
"They weren't just from self-harm. His scars, not all of them were meant as self-harm.", Hibari hisses, "Those pests have been dragging my omnivore through the dirt for so long that he tried to end it all. Permanently."
Trigger Warning:
He didn't like it. How quiet it was in there. It made Hibari nervous, and he Hates being nervous. With a burning passion, he hates being nervous like this, over something so seemingly insignificant.
Snarling quietly, Hibari was just about to snap at the person on the other side of the door when he smelt it. The unmistakable heavy rustic scent of copper. A scent that doesn't belong in a bathroom.
Unless...
He gave no warning, not wanting to leave anything to chance, his nerves bristling as his mind pieced together a likely conclusion from the unnatural silence and the copper scent from within the bathroom.
Hibari slammed his foot just under the door's handle, causing it to swing inward, the lock and handle completely broken, smashing loudly against the wall.
Wasting no time at all, Hibari was quick to storm the isolated guest bathroom, scowl set, mouth open, ready to command the bathroom's occupant, only to freeze. His expression quickly turned horrified as he barely suppressed his gasp as he took in the bathroom, heart beating quickly, filled with complete terror.
There is blood everywhere. And usually, at any other time, he wouldn't mind the sight of blood, no matter the quantities.
But this wasn't like any other time.
No, this time, Lambo laid in the thick of it. Lying painfully still in the middle of the bathroom floor, eyes closed and forearms are absolutely drenched in blood.
And that's just on his forearms. There is so much blood soaked in Lambo's shirt, the tiles, the walls somehow.
Hibari used find glee in blood. It usually meant that he was winning or, if not, fighting hard. It meant a battle between predators.
But this time, he hated it, and Hibari's frozen state only lasted for less than a moment longer before he immediately sprinted into action. Skidding on to his knees, completely ignoring the blood that would surely stain his suit all together.
All that mattered is Lambo.
'Don't you dare herbivore.'
Blood leaked through his hands as he wrapped them tightly around the teen's wrists.
'I know your stronger than you believe, so don't you dare take the easy way out!'
Hibari was quick to find some towels and wrapped them tightly around Lambo's arms before picking the small boy and sprinted to Shamal's clinic.
Trigger Warning End
. . . .
Unfortunately, or fortunately (depends how you look at it), besides Shamal, the rest of Vongola never knew, nor found out what happened to Lambo and what he almost achieved.
HIbari became very protective and alert after that horrifying experience. One that he never wants to repeat again.
After Lambo had fully recovered Hibari made sure to keep a closer eye on him after that. Finding more time to spend with the herbivore, playing games or going out for food. From then on, whenever Hibari isn't out on a mission, or training, he is with Lambo.
He is determined to prevent this from ever repeating.
The Straw Hats all looked horrified once Hibari finished recounting one the worst days of his entire life. As Hibari expected, they knew Lambo used to do self-harm, but none of them even knew, or guessed, that Lambo had once tried to take his own life.
The awful thing about it all? Is that the Straw Hats all believe it and can see it happening.
"To this day, the delusional Herbivores and the Arcobaleno still don't even know it happened.", Hibari practically snarled, "Despite the fact it had happened years ago."
"You keep mentioning an Arcobaleno.", Nami pipes up, voice wobbly as she determinedly held back her tears while simultaneously changing the topic, "What's that?"
"Not what, who.", Hibari corrected, "He's the only other Carnivore around, despite being a delusional."
"Then who is he?", Nami continued to push.
Hibari remained unbothered, jerkily nodding his head over to Reborn's direction.
"Y-y-you mean that ss-scary guy in the hat?", Ussop clarifies fearfully as he stared at the man, whose aura screamed fear and strength.
"Hm."
"That's the guy that took Lambo back in Cocoyashi village.", Zoro states, eyes narrowed dangerously at the seemingly larger than life man.
"Yeah, that's Reborn.", Sanji nods, placing a new cigarette to his lips as he glared in the man's direction.
Both still pissed at how the Arcobaleno basically got away with Lambo scott-free.
"An Arcobaleno are a group of people that are considered the world's strongest, before Tsuna, they were all once cursed in order to protect the Tri-ni-set, which supports all life on Earth.", Hibari explained.
Ussop raised a brow, skeptically as he glanced at Reborn, trying to find how the intimidating man could be cursed.
"He doesn't look cursed.", Ussop voices his doubts.
"What is this curse?", Sanji asked, his own curly brow raised questioning.
"Was. What was the curse.", Hibari corrected swiftly, "They were cursed with immortal lives, but all in the form of infants, along with a few extra drawbacks in the curse that is specific to the Arcobaleno. Then Tsuna came and, in a way, he broke the curse while still protecting the Tri-ni-set. Technically the Arcobaleno are no more, since their curse has been removed, but the members that remain are still considered as one of the Arcobaleno. Now, they are no longer infants and will age normally, like the rest of human kind."
"Lambo told us about Dying Will Flames, if the Arcobaleno are considered the World's Strongest, then does that mean they these flames too?", Zoro asks.
"Hm.", Hibari nods, "Although he rarely uses them, Reborn is the Sun Arcobaleno. Wielding Sun Dying Will Flames, he is the strongest Hitman in the World."
"Eek! I'd never want to go up against a guy like him!", Ussop almost shrieks.
"Hm.", Hibari nods, before his eyes narrowed, "Point is, I want Lambo out. Do it, and soon. Or I'll bite all of you to death."
And with that cheerful note, Hibari spun on his heels and stormed away.
Leaving the Straw Hats to muse over his words.
But there was nothing else left to say or do.
"I'm done playing this game.", Luffy announced coldly, only a single eye visible from beneath the brim of his straw hat.
Raging storm swirling inside of it.
...
Lambo sighs as he depressingly listened to Dino rant about one thing or another. He forgot what they were even talking about. Dino came up to him and started a conversation, but after twenty minutes of Dino talking nonstop, Lambo just stopped listening, only nodding his head or humming whenever needed.
Eyes unintentionally, spotting the bullwhip hooked at Dino's hip. Noting how, if someone wished, it'd be way too easy to nab. Much less keep it on your person when running or during a highly physical activity where his weapon isn't needed, yet Dino still has it on him during said activity.
But when stopped listening, his mind couldn't help but wander back to his crew. Doubt slowly began to slither into his heart. Would a delay really keep them away this long? What if Tsuna was right though? What if they truly did just think of him as a stupid cow?
Maybe... it's better this way.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
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.
.
.
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.
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.
.
Straw Hat disagrees.
"TSSUUUNNNAAAAYYOOOSSHHHIIIIIII!"
Lambo whirls around, along with everyone else in the whole ballroom, just in time to see a flying fist zoom past the guests and slam hard, right into Tsuna's cheek before the Decimo could even do a thing about it.
Tsuna flew backwards several feet before crashing into the ground, rolling to a stop with a groan as Tsuna had ended up in a crumpled heap on the floor from the force of the blow.
Slowly, eyes wide like saucers, Lambo followed the direction where the fist came from, ignoring the worried and shocked whispers from the guests along with the surprise and angry exclamations, excluding Hibari and Reborn, from the Vongola Guardians.
He hoped, God did Lambo hope, that they would come. But there was a deep dark insecure part of him that truly believed Tsuna's words in the clinic. Causing Lambo to worry over nothing, for there stood a familiar pissed off raging rubber man wearing a Straw Hat. Sending a fiery glare down at Tsuna's sprawled position.
"Wha-?"
Tsuna didn't even get to finish when Luffy angrily shout once more.
"GIVE ME BACK MY GUARDIAN!", Luffy demanded, the rest of the Straw Hat crew spilling out from behind him, all glaring at Tsuna and his Guardians determinedly.
Author's Note:
Hello! It's been a bit since my last update. Lol and yes, this one was intended to be a cliffhanger. Sorry not sorry 😆😋!
First things first, I think I speak for everyone when I say that THAT PUNCH! Felt soooo~ good. I didn't even know that I needed that punch. Oh~ that's been a long time coming.
I don't know about you guys, but Hibari felt a little OOC to me, probably because he had to talk a lot in order to explain as well as get more emotional than usual. Considering the circumstances, if you guys think he's fine woo hoo! I did it! If not, I'm sorry, I tried.
Anyway, some of you had requests for a couple scenes in this chapter, but this turned out to be so much longer than I expected, I couldn't add them in, or else this chapter would feel forced, because we all know I've pushed the Straw Hats a lot already.
Stupidity and delusions can do that you know.
Although if a scene/event you were hoping for didn't make it through, don't worry, there are some stuff/requests I still plan/can do. It just won't happen in the beginning during the Gala like I had initially planned.
Also, throughout both this chapter and the last, I was listening to an Epic One Piece x Pirates of the Caribbean Mashup by Samuel Kim Music on YouTube on loop. I totally recommend it. It is absolutely amazing music.
It's going to be a while before the next chapter comes out. And the next chapter is when the fighting begins 😈😀. This is going to be so good!
Hope Y'all Enjoyed the Chapter! Be Your Best You! Bye!