A/N:

Japanese - "Hi." He greeted.

Italian - "Hi." He greeted.

Flashbacks - "Hi." He greeted. / "Hi." He greeted. (Depends on how the story goes.)

Anyway, go on.

Chapter Four

Normal weather and beautiful scenery. The perfect ingredients for a good vacation.

Tsuna stretched his arms before looking back to Kyouya who was still sleeping on the bed they shared. Hotel booking got wrong. It wasn't that bad anyway. Tsuna isn't someone who is afraid of people, and Kyouya doesn't count one person as a crowd, so it's okay.

Well, he wanted to take the couch. He even slept on it that night, but when he woke up, he was on the bed sleeping with Kyouya's back facing him. The skylark can be really considerate despite his cold demeanor.

Tsuna went back on staring at the view in front of him. He became addicted to it the moment they entered their hotel room. The scene is so captivating. A cityscape kind that is beautiful in the morning but much more exquisite at night. He likes how the lights glow from the high view, how the things brightened because of these glows and how this view give him a relaxing vibes. Almost like he's taking a dose of rain flame in his system.

The moment he said he'll go to Italy, his father screamed in happiness and told him that Vongola will give him the tickets. His dad didn't even question him when Tsuna told him he'll bring a friend. The Vongola also took care of every single thing regarding Kyouya's passport. He asked them to make one, they gave it to him first thing in the morning. Tsuna didn't know if Kyouya was impressed or not with the quick passport made for him. All he heard was a 'hn'.

The next day, they were already flying to Italy. Tsuna didn't sleep all the way to the country. He couldn't. He wanted to savour those moments he can have as they flew over the sky and see everything that aren't within his reach. The vast clouds, the small storm they encountered, the rain that poured on them for an hour, the purple lightning that he saw by happenstance, the sun that was still shining even though it was setting, and the disturbing mist that almost blocked their way to the runway of the plane as they descend. For some reason, even though he see those everytime he ride the big bird, he wants to see them again.

"Awake, Kyouya?" Tsuna asked before looking back to his companion and smiled. "Go to the showers already. The food will be here in minutes."

"Hn." Kyouya groaned as he buried himself on the pillow.

"Come on, Sleepyhead. We're going to the Vongola HQ today and meet Dad at the CEDEF. Then do some sight-seeing before coming back here again."

"What are your plans for tomorrow?" He heard the skylark asked, a little muffled by the pillow.

Tsuna hummed as he gazed outside. "It will depend on the things that will happen in the headquarters. If Nono wants me to visit the main branch, then I'll do it tomorrow."

Tsuna watched at the corner of his eyes when the ex-prefect went off the bed and walked to the bathroom. He shook his head. He realized that Kyouya was raised in a traditional Japanese household. The skylark likes tea, has this perfect posture when sitting, very formal although relaxed and wears yukata when sleeping.

He doesn't have any complains though. He just likes how the man radiates Japanese in every way when he's not outside.

The food service came just after Kyouya dressed. They ate in silence before going out. They rode a car rented by Tsuna. The brunet doesn't want to attract attention and the noiret respects that. On their way to their destination, Tsunayoshi kept on humming songs. Kyouya didn't burst his companion's bubble, and actually likes to listen to him. Almost lulling him to sleep.

Kyouya sat straight when he noticed that they're going inside a forest. It was a little bumpy to his likings, it almost irritated him. But the way Tsuna laugh as they jumped from their seats when they descended from something high, he can't help tolerating it. What makes the brunet happy makes him smile too.

After a bumpy ride in the forest that seems like hours, the road straightened to a pathway surrounded with big trees on both side. These trees shadow the asphalt road. It was so beautiful in the brunet's eyes that he stopped the car for a while and just stared at the scenery. Kyouya didn't say anything as usual. He just wanta to observe his friend do things that he doesn't see everyday. After minutes, they went on.

Kyouya stared straight until they came out of those small cave-like done by the trees. A straight pathway with meadows of flowers on its both sides came into view. Ahead is a huge mansion as it came to their sight, a few kilometers away from it is a gate they stopped at. Kyouya arched a brow as he stared at the gates.

The gates have the Vongola insignia on it. A shield with a bullet on its center, two shotguns above the shield with their tip crossed, and above these guns is a seashell with angel wings. Surrounding the shield are long grape vines and below it is the word 'Vongola'.

"Vongola is also vongole, which means clam in Italian." Tsuna chimed as a trivia.

"Why clam?" Kyouya asked as they entered the said organization's compound.

"Because clam can protect their pearls when they want to. They have hard shells, just like how the past Vongola bosses are, but soft in the inside." Tsuna glanced at him. "Like you. You're also a clam."

Kyouya huffed. "I'm a carnivore."

"Aren't clams carnivore?"

"They're sea creatures. Like you. A tuna."

"Hey. That's mean." Tsuna pouted.

Kyouya retaliated a small smirk.

Tsuna stopped the car just in front of the mansion doorsteps. Kyouya went out first and immediately went to Tsuna's side of the car. The brunet gave him a questioning gaze but the skylark pretended that he didn't see it.

Kyouya doesn't know why he acted like that. He just has this instinctive feeling that he needs to protect Tsuna. Not that he's underestimating his companion's self-defense, he just wants to be there if anything happens.

Tsuna closed the door. The moment he stepped forward, the alien in his head nudged him to lean on the left. He did just before a bullet went past him. He saw Kyouya went on defense, tonfas already in his arms. He stood right just there when the alien didn't told him anything and watched his companion deflect every bullet directed to him.

'Save.'

Tsuna tugged Kyouya from the back before pulling the man to his side. His eyes widened just as a bullet went to the tire of the car. Tsuna sighed before looking at the source of the assault.

"I'll stop if I were you." Tsuna said before smiling at the direction.

The man he was speaking with shot a bullet again, only to be dodged. He was going to press the trigger again when he felt a cold thing pressed on his nape. He automatically stiffened at the contact.

"Kamikorosu."

Tsuna shook his head as he waited for Kyouya. The skylark disappeared when he was busy staring at the pierced tire. He was worried that his friend almost died in front of him. If he was a second late, Kyouya would be on the ground already, better yet in his arms.

Tsuna shook his head and looked at Kyouya who was walking towards him. He smiled as a greeting.

"Let's go, Tsunayoshi." Kyouya said.

"Right." Tsuna replied cheerfully.

The brunet led him towards the door. Kyouya waited for him to open it. When Tsuna opened it and stepped in, Kyouya tensed up when he felt people coming out of their hiding spots. He was going to take out his tonfa when Tsuna raised an arm in mid-air as if telling him not to.

"It's been a while, everyone." Tsuna greeted in Italian. Kyouya only stood quietly, not understanding the language.

"Master Tsunayoshi." One of them greeted before bowing. "Welcome home." And the rest of the people followed.

Kyouya's arm slacked in lax. 'He knows them.'

Tsuna's hand shot up and waved in a defensive manner. "Eh! Don't do that. We're family here. No need to bow."

They straightened up and smiled at Tsuna.

"And who might this be?" One of them asked.

Tsuna glanced at Kyouya and smiled at the person. "He's my friend. Kyouya Hibari."

Some seized up the skylark. While other looked at the brunet who was beaming happily.

"Master Tsunayoshi is happy." One of them whispered to the other.

"A cloud." The nearest said. "You got yourself a cloud, Master Tsunayoshi."

"Eh?" Tsuna blurted out before shaking his head. "No. He's my friend. Anyways, we need to go. I need to meet-"

"Tuna-fishy!"

Before Tsuna can even react, Kyouya was already in front of him and on offense stance. Just as Iemitsu came flying towards him, a tonfa was smashed at his face and a kick was received by his stomach. Iemitsu went flying away from them. All of the people around them who were watching whistled in amusement.

Tsuna looked past Kyouya's shoulder then cringed a little. Kyouya looked at him. The brunet gave a smile and patted his shoulder, as if saying the skylark did a great job. The latter felt his heart flutter on the silent praise.

He really likes how Tsuna gave him praises even though he did small things.

"Ouch." Iemitsu murmured as he rubbed his face. "That was painful."

"You okay, Tousan?" Tsuna asked, still behind Kyouya who was shielding him from anything. "I advise you not to jump on me. Kyouya is really not good with surprise attacks and... Crowding."

Iemitsu looked up to see his son being protected. "He's your friend?"

Tsuna nodded. "Tousan. This is Kyouya Hibari. Kyouya, he's my dad."

Kyouya stared at Iemitsu before giving a nod.

Iemitsu stared at his son. 'Japanese?'

Tsuna almost chuckled. "So where is Nono?"

"Aren't you gonna hug your old man first?" Iemitsu asked as he stood up.

"No." Tsuna said with a cheeky smile before tugging Kyouya's suit. "Come on Kyouya. We're going to see grandpa."

"No hug?" Iemitsu asked again, pouting.

Tsuna laughed before hugging his Dad. Iemitsu visibly brightened up and hugged his child back with so much adoration. When they let go of each other, Tsuna gestured Kyouya to come before waving at the others.

Iemitsu watched as his son and companion turned to a corner. He then looked at his co-workers. The others were snickering at his downfall awhile ago while some were smiling, happy to see his lively son.

"Master Tsunayoshi is really happy." One of them said.

"He was?" Iemitsu asked as he looked back to the path his son took. "He looks the same though."

"Maybe you didn't notice it because you only met briefly. See it for yourself when you two talk privately." A man advised.

"I will. Man. That tonfa was deadly." He grumbled as he rubbed his face.

"When did clouds ever not be deadly?"

Iemitsu blinked. "Cloud?"

"That Hibari is a cloud."

"What?!"

"CEDEF is also known as Consulenza Esterna Della Famiglia, a secret intelligence organization independent from the Vongola Famiglia." Tsuna looked at Kyouya who was listening to him. "It's guided and led by my Dad. Despite his personality towards me, he's a great boss."

"Hn."

"I'm going to meet Nono. Will you come?"

"Won't he mind?"

Tsuna inclined his head to the right as he thinks. "I don't know. But my head tells me to take you with me."

Kyouya's brows almost furrowed. "Head?"

"Hmm?" Tsuna hummed in question, as if he didn't hear the question. "Nono is very kind. You'll like him."

"I don't like herbivores."

Tsuna laughed. "He's a carnivore, I'm telling you."

"Hn."

Silence went between them.

"Kyouya."

"Hn?"

"Herbivore means weak person. Carnivore means strong person. What does little animal means?"

"Carnivore."

Tsuna looked at him. "So I'm a carnivore?"

"Yes."

Tsuna nodded. "And you're a carnivore. That's nice."

Tsuna stopped in front of a door. He knocked on the door before opening it. Kyouya followed his friend inside but stood by the door. He watched as the brunet went across the room and kissed an old man on the forehead. The old man is sitting behind a mahogany table with stacks of papers on top of them. Despite the old age, Kyouya can sense a strong aura from the elder although hidden.

'An omnivore.' The skylark thought before gazing at his friend who was greeting the elder in an animated manner. 'Just like Little Animal.'

"Ah Grandpa! This is Kyouya Hibari, a friend of mine." Tsuna said in Japanese.

Kyouya bowed politely.

"Nice to meet you, Hibari-san." The elder greeted with a smile. "I'm Timeteo de Vongola. You can call me Nono."

"Hn."

Nono looked at his friend. "Why did you bring him here? This is the headquarters."

"I'm sorry, Nono. I can't leave him. And he means no harm. My head tells me so." Tsuna answered in a small voice with Japanese, not wanting to leave Kyouya out of the topic.

"Your intuition told you so..."

"And besides," Tsuna looked back to Kyouya who looked at him too. The brunet smiled brightly at the skylark. "I trust him."

Kyouya looked away from Tsuna as if he understood what his friend said. 'Stupid Little Animal.'

Nono looked at Kyouya. "Hibari-san, you can take a sit."

"Come on, Kyouya." Tsuna invited as he sat on one of the seats in front of the table.

Kyouya complied. He closed the door and sat on the sofa. "Thank you."

"Can I count on you to accompany my grandson to the company tomorrow?" Nono asked directly.

"You can." Kyouya answered immediately, not giving a room for Tsuna to argue.

"E-Eh-"

Nono beamed. "Very well. Now Tsunayoshi, you're already twenty-two. You know you have to inherit the title by twenty-three."

Tsuna dejectedly nodded. "I know."

"What are you going to do? You don't have any guardians."

Tsuna grimaced. "You know I can't just force people to be my guardian. I don't want to strip off their freedom and passion for things they love to do."

Nono sighed. "Tsunayoshi, if you don't find your guardians by the time of your birthday, I'll give you your guardians."

Tsuna wrinkled his nose before nodding. "Yes."

Nono looked at Kyouya. "I thought he's already your guardian."

"N-No. And he just got out of his previous sky's hands. I don't want to put him into restrictions again. I don't..." Tsuna gulped. "I just don't..."

"Tsunayoshi." Kyouya called. Tsuna looked at him. "Relax." He whispered.

Tsuna took a deep breath and let it go. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay." Nono responded with an understanding, yet knowing smile. "So can someone tell me how you two met? It's not like I get to know a friend of Tsunayoshi everyday."

Tsuna stretched. He feels tired already from all the talking and walking they did. With Kyouya, as what Nono wanted when they visited them yesterday, they went to the Vongola main branch to inspect and look at things. They also visited some other building they owned. And now, they're lounging on some sofa in the hallway before continuing their journey to the cafeteria.

He eyed his companion who has his eyes closed beside him. The brunet's lips turned upside down in jealousy. He wants to sleep too. So he did the most mischievous thing to do. He slapped the back of his hand on the skylark's forehead as he continued to stretch. Tsuna almost saw the irk mark formed on the ex-prefect's temple. Before Kyouya can even say something or open his eyes, Tsuna bolted as he laughed.

He cried a happy 'Eep!' as he heard footsteps chasing him. He sneaked a look behind him. Wrong move. He saw Kyouya running to catch up to him. Tsuna ran faster before making an unexpected U-turn. Kyouya's eyes widened in fraction as he saw his friend running towards him and went past him with a child-like laughter. The skylark stopped running, shook his head on the brunet's silliness before walking towards the direction the latter took off to.

Tsuna went inside a room and closed the door. He was panting, but he couldn't stop the laugh that was coming out of his mouth. He just love to tease Kyouya. It started yesterday when he saw the skylark sleeping on the sofa. He couldn't wake him up with a shake nor with voice only, so he put a hand on his friend's forehead and slapped a hand on the back of his hand. The man woke up startled a little. Tsuna apologized with a chuckle but the ex-prefect pounced on him. Good thing they resolved it with a small agreement.

After evening his breathing, Tsuna stood up, straightened his shirt then looked around the room he entered, only to stare at green eyes. He suddenly remembered that time in the hospital when he was looking out for Kyouya when the latter was first admitted in there.

'Memories.' He said to himself.

Reminding himself that he went inside a private room, he faced the man and bowed in straight ninety-degrees.

"I apologize for intruding." Tsuna expressed before standing up straight again and smiled at the person before him. "If it won't bother you, may I stay a little longer? I'm hiding from a friend."

The man only stared at him before averting his eyes.

'Ah. Not the conversational type.' Tsuna thought to himself and was about to crouch down when the man spoke.

"There's a chair."

Tsuna stood instantly, blushed in embarrassment before nodding his head. "R-Right. Gomen."

The man looked at him by the corner of his eyes before looking away again.

Tsuna sat on one of the folding chairs before hissing quietly when his intuition nudged him to introduce himself. "I-I'm Tsunayoshi Sawada."

Tsuna gulped when the man glared at him. Well, he sure is scaried of glares. This one and Kyouya's were petrifying enough to make him piss his pants if he hadn't stilled himself for worse case scenarios. But still, he gave a smile. It's all he can reply for the glares anyway.

He sighed in relief in an inaudible manner when the man looked away. Relieved, but a little saddened. The man didn't give his -

"Hayato Gokudera." The man said.

Tsuna stared at him before beaming brightly. "Nice to meet you, Hayato."

"Yeah."