Chapter Six

Hayato went out as Tsuna went to wake Kyouya up with a small mallet. As what he heard awhile ago, it's a Vongola style way of waking up people. He looked back to them when he heard a groan from a specific noiret and a laugh from the brunet. He shook his head when their driver went out of the car and started to run away from the skylark who went out too to have his revenge.

Hayato watched them run around like kids (more like maniacs cause Tsuna is laughing while Kyouya is growling), before eyeing back the mansion in front of him. He felt nostalgic. He used to go here with someone he really deared close to his heart. He would look around the rooms, stroll in the hallway and read inside the library as he waits.

He shook his head as he smiled at the flooding memories. He wasn't really one of those people who can express themselves freely. His mother always called him tsundere for not being honest with his feelings. Maybe it's because he was raised in a little harsh environment that's why he's not used to showing his emotions freely. And experiencing things when he was a teen and up until know, he knows it's his fault why he's being pushed around by Alejandro.

"Hayato! Uwah! Help me! Kyouya is not a skylark anymore. He became a vulture!" Tsuna cried as he hide to him.

Hayato chuckled. "And who's fault is that?"

"Him! He was being a sleeping maniac!"

"Little Animal..."

"Hie! Hayato!"

Hayato sighed. "Are we going in?"

"Just let me have my revenge first." Kyouya said.

Hayato put his hands on Tsuna's shoulder and made them heavy enough not to let the gaping brunet ran away. "Do it. Make it bearable."

Kyouya smirked at Tsuna who squeaked. "Hn."

Tsuna howled in pain after Kyouya hit him in the head. Hayato laughed before helping the brunet soothe the pain away. Tsuna puffed his cheek like a kid and glared at Hayato, murmuring 'traitor' and 'friendship over'. Kyouya retracted his tonfas and started to walk towards the door. The two followed him.

Hayato marvelled the place. He hadn't stepped in the Vongola mansion for years. He remembered researching about the things inside the house for knowledge of what they are. He was always famed as a genius for being so brilliant.

Well, was... And it's gone now.

"Wow. I didn't notice this but that painting is amazing." Tsuna said as he pointed a painting. It's a farm with a small barn house on the way back, surrounded with some trees, a small river on the right with small figures in the foreground—a woman with children, a group of men resting at the banks, and the luminous sky.

Hayato stared at it. "It's a Dutch painting, Farm in the Sunlight by Meindert Hobbema from sixteen sixty-eight."

Tsuna and Kyouya stopped on their tracks and stared at the silveret.

"The painter, Hobbema, used nature and countryside as an inspiration for harmony and well-being."

"Wow." Tsuna breathed out before smiling. "Dutch painters sure like to do landscape paintings." Hayato nodded, agreeing to him. "But what I really liked about this painting is how it projected the sky."

Both men looked at the brunet.

"Luminous sky gives warm light. It's amazingly comforting, don't you think?" Tsuna asked.

Hayato nodded. "Indeed."

"Eh? No! He's not my element. Nor Kyouya is." Tsuna clarified with a shake of his head. "They're my friends."

"But Gokudera here is a storm." Nono pointed out from his seat behind the table.

"Eh?" Tsuna said in confusion. Then his eyes widen. "Eh?!"

"Smokin' bomb Hayato." Nono addressed, making the silveret stiffen. "Thank you for taking care of my grandson."

The silveret shook his head. "Ah. No, Sir. It's actually the other way around."

"Oh." Nono's only response, looking a little relieved.

"Tuna-fishy!" Iemitsu shouted in glee as he came in and doted on his son who stood up from his seat by the sofa. "I missed you!"

"Tousan!" Tsuna chided softly, but hugged his father back. "Missed you too."

"Why don't you two stroll around a little? To catch up? You've been busy for five days straight, Tsunayoshi." Nono suggested offhandedly.

The brunet shook his head, making Iemitsu cry at the silent rejection. "I don't want to leave Kyouya and Hayato here alone."

"They'll be fine. I'll keep them company." Nono parried easily, glancing at the two who got his gist.

Tsuna looked at his two companions. "Will it be okay with you? I mean-"

"It's okay. You need to have a time for your dad." Hayato assured for the both of them.

"Oh-kay. We'll be back in fifteen or so. I'll be back if something happens. Be safe-"

"Yes Mom." Kyouya cut in, making Tsuna scowl. He only closed his eyes. "You're being a mother again."

"But you need to be-"

"Come on, Tsuna!" Iemitsu shouted cheerfully as he tugged his son out of the room.

The three waited for the two to go on before looking at each other. Nono kept on sipping his tea while Hayato sat there with Kyouya who was relaxing on the single sitter. Hayato feels a little overwhelmed. To be graced by Nono, of all persons, the CEDEF boss Iemitsu Sawada and the Vongola heir in one occasion. Heck, they're so lax about them that they interact normally and discussed mafia matters in a discreet but understandable way. He felt so trusted and welcome.

He glanced at Kyouya. The noiret looked so relax too. There were people greeting him here and there but in a silent way because according to the brunet, he hates crowding. He's not even bothered with how easy mafia discussion goes back and forth in front of him. Is he also a mafioso? He looks like one with how he dresses.

"Sorry about Tsunayoshi. I think he's being protective of you. He's pretty friendless when he was young." Hayato and Kyouya perked up at what the elder said, still taking sips on his tea. "He was bullied in his childhood years. And I think he hadn't moved on from that experience yet."

Hayato remembered what Tsuna said in the car awhile back. 'So he was telling those things to himself too.'

"He's not usually like that. Acting like a mother and all. It's a new side of him after gaining a friend in your form, Hibari-san." The Ninth nodded to Kyouya who opened his eyes. "That child... He has been lonely for years. He's the type to keep his pain within himself only, but help others to heal, guiding them to the right path. I always wonder how he could do such a thing when he can't even do it to himself."

"It's his temporary source of happiness." Hayato mumbled as his mind goes back to all the things the brunet did for him so far. "It's the reason why he's so sincere."

"Maybe. Or maybe he just wants others to find themselves and not end up being like him." The Ninth shrugged, putting his empty cup away.

The two stilled, apprehension slowly brewing inside their system as things the brunet can do worse enter their minds.

Nono got the message of their body language, and chuckled while shaking his head. "Ah no. Tsunayoshi would never do that. I think?"

'You think?!' Hayato screamed in his head, concerned of his friend's well-being.

"I mean it's my first time seeing my grandson be this cheerful, happy and so contented. The way he smiled in these past five days here with Kyouya is very beautiful. Thank you, really." The Vongola leader expressed in heartfelt.

"Hn." Kyouya responded, feeling pleased with his work.

"Hayato." Hayato perked up with the old man's call. "Tsunayoshi is leading you to your path. To what he seems right. Don't resist it."

Hayato slowly nodded before he hesitantly asked a curious question. "Is... Is Tsunayoshi... Suicidal?"

Nono gazed at him while Kyouya froze on his spot before hissing. Hayato took that as a bad sign.

The old man sighed a little before looking to the right, as if reminiscing something painful. "I don't really know. But what I observed was that Tsunayoshi is masochist enough to keep his pain for years. I heard he once lashed out at one of the guards when wanted to die. The guard and the witnesses were the only ones who knew what he said. But the impact is still there. From what they said, Tsunayoshi is in pain since the day he met what the word really mean. But it was years ago. I don't know if it still exist."

Hayato was in daze. With what Nono had said, he could only piece them as puzzle pieces. He looked back at the sleeping brunet in the back seat. Kyouya forced Tsuna to lay down. The latter was apparently sleepless due to the paper works he had to do for three straight days.

Does he even rest?

He glanced at Kyouya from the road. He's the designated driver since he knew the way. Tsuna entrusted him the work since Kyouya took the passenger's seat before anyone can even say something. And it was a little fulfilling. Being trusted again with things he could do without hesitation or anything from the person who gave him the task.

"Herbivore." Hayato glanced to Kyouya again. He has been called herbivore since they went out of the mansion. "Regarding the talk awhile ago, he has cuts." The latter said in a small, almost inaudible voice.

Hayato almost stomped his foot on the break in surprise.

"I saw it once. When he wasn't wearing his sleeves or bandages. Many scars that were done many years ago. It wasn't on the pulse though." The noiret elaborated.

Sleeves. Realization hit him. "It's the reason why he wears sweater, long sleeves and jackets." He exhaled, mind running to find reasons. "And he did it to ease the pain he cultivated."

Kyouya didn't answer.

Hayato trained his eyes on the road. "He did the cuts to ease the pain he absorbs from those people he helped. Did he cut his when he helped you?"

"No." The skylark replied. "He didn't. Maybe because I was there and helped him cope up."

"You're..." Tsuna trailed off as tears streamed down his cheeks. "That's... unforgivable."

Hayato sighed, dejected but a little happy for the concern. "It can't be helped. It's already said and done. We can't just tell them it's not true. They'll more likely call us, or me, liars."

Tsuna didn't answer. He just bowed his head and cried his heart out.

Hayato was accused of plagiarism by Alejandro. The latter (Bastard as Tsuna called him after what happened in the restaurant) told the media that Hayato is copying his works. Hayato couldn't defend himself but he didn't affirm nor deny the accusation. And when the brunet got a word of this, he went straight looking for Hayato, who was going to watch a piano competition in disguise.

Feeling heartbroken and shattered by the news, Tsuna can't help his tears from spilling. It was too much. Hayato is innocent. He just wants to stop doing something he doesn't like. He just wants to stop being a composer for Alejandro. He just want to be... Free...

Hayato flinched a little when Tsuna looked at him. The usual brown eyes were orange. Teary amber orange eyes that seem to convey anger and determination. Hayato can't help himself question the reason. Is he mad? What is he going to do?

"I don't like this. I hate this." Tsuna said before taking Hayato's hand and dragged the silveret to somewhere. "Kyouya."

"Yes, Little Animal?" The said man pushed himself from the wall he was leaning and followed their trail.

"Watch my back." Tsuna ordered.

Hayato caught the silent message. "What Tsunayoshi-"

"Don't you think it's mouthful for you to call me Tsunayoshi? Tsuna is just fine, Hayato." The brunet corrected as he guides Hayato to the backstage.

"Wait! We aren't allowed in here! We'll get-"

"Who would want to stop an angry man with an armed companion?"

True. No one was stopping them. Not even the securities that were on stand by, looking out for troubles. Hayato stared at Tsuna who was so determined. He doesn't know what is he planning, but he has this feeling that it will be fun and noteworthy.

They stopped by the side of the stage. Tsuna took the innocent microphone on the side and tapped it as the performer finished his bow. Of how accurate the timing was, Hayato is still bound to know. Tsuna patted the pianist at his back softly before stepping in the stage just as the performer went to their way.

"Ha-Hayato Gokudera? What are you doing here?" Asked by the stupefied performer.

Hayato gazed at Tsuna who stood at the center of the stage with confidence before answering. "To perform."

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am Tsunayoshi Sawada. And I am proud to present our special guest for the night's competition." Tsuna smiled at the audience's confusion. "He was known as the child of virtuosos. The genius of any studies. A man who was famed to compose his own songs at the age of fifteen. Awarded with many acknowledgements and trophies for his pieces and way of playing. He may had stopped performing at the age of eighteen, however he kept on composing songs up until recent."

"Did he really have to do this?" Hayato mumbled, blood continuously rushing to his head. "Damn. I'm blushing."

"Tsunayoshi can do things we do not expect him to do." He looked at Kyouya who was also watching. "He wants you to clear your name. So give your best shot, Herbivore. Because if you don't, Tsunayoshi will not stop doing everything he can just to clean it for you. Hell or high water."

Hayato's heart thrummed painfully inside his chest. 'Can I really...?'

"Let me call on, Hayato Gokudera!"

Hayato stilled himself as Tsuna strode back towards him. The brunet stood in front of him, put a free hand in fist on the silveret's chest and smiled with pride, as if he's so proud of the man in front of him.

"Blast their stupid brains away for me with your dying will, Italia's Smokin' bomb Hayato Gokudera." Tsuna stated, eyes glimming.

Hayato was about to say some kind of protest against what Tsuna said, but he was pushed forward. He looked back and it was Kyouya who did it. His brunet friend laughed when Hayato scowled at them. He muttered profanities as he walked towards the instrument in the center of the stage.

It's been years since he played. Whenever he composes his music, he'll just recall how the notes sound and piece them together in his head. Well, he is that kind of a genius. And now, he's going to play again without any practice at all in front of a mass who thinks he's a copycat with no originality. Damn, he's not even dressed properly. He's only wearing some graphic shirt, jeans, a shade for his eyes and some sneaker.

Regardless, he did the usual. He stood near the piano, took of his shades, faced the people, bowed down before straightening his posture then sat on the seat provided. He stared at the tiles in front of him. When was the last time he let himself press these keys with his fingers? Was it before his mom gave her final smile with her last breath? During? After? He doesn't remember.

He looked up when he caught something moving at the far end of his front view. It was Tsuna, waving at him like an idiot with a big smile. The brunet looked so encouraging, so proud. Hayato can't help the smile that adorned his lips at the silent message his friend was trying to rely.

'We're here for you. Here with you.'

Hayato sighed. He put the shades on his shirt, cracked his fingers before letting the bone in his neck crack too. He hovered a hand on the keys, his fingers on the tiles he wants to press first, and with another sigh of mock resignation, he let the first note be heard in the silent auditorium.

He started to slowly let his hand and fingers glide the tiles, recalling the piece he wanted to play for so long but couldn't for it is yet to be finished. It was a composition of harmony he made for his late mom. But when the woman died, he stopped composing it for the lack of inspiration and motivation. Because the moment she died, he ceased to live too.

He placed his other hand on the other side and let it play the keys that accompanies the other, letting the tones synchronize.

The audience 'wow'-ed at the music they're hearing. The melody is so full of love. So full of promises and gratefulness. So full of life. And instead of just a shower of affection, these feelings fused together and created a raging storm. Full of positive feelings and intends to break the person who will receive those emotions. Some listeners were already crying, many were silently breaking. Cause despite these sentiments, they sense longing in it. The yearn to feel love again and be loved again.

However, the pianist is only done with the first half of the song.

Hayato glanced at his friends. He saw Tsuna crouched down. He felt worry bubbled in his heart. But when he saw the small glimmering things that are falling from the brunet, he felt relief, knowing he was crying. Crying for him.

He released a small breath as he let his fingers do the first note of the second half. He smiled as he recalled how he finished this piece. He glanced at Tsuna's direction again, and surprisingly, the brunet is attentive with tear stained face. Of course he will. It's because of him why the song is complete now.

Because of the motivation Tsuna give with an ocean full of inspiration, he was able to put a final note on the piece. Hayato didn't know he could finish this melody. He was just trying it. He really thought it couldn't be finished since his mom wasn't there, breathing and alive. But the childish view and hope of Tsuna gave him life. The way Hayato thought that his mother is guiding him and always with him. The way he thought that the woman who raised him, unknown to the latter that he knows she's his mother, is so proud of what he achieved, yet frowning in worry for what he has been doing in his life after she died... God. It makes him vibrate in life. Like he has life again.

So right before he went blank to sleep, he finished the song that has been stagnant for years.

He was four when he met the woman. She was introduced to him as his piano teacher. And she come every once a month. At first he didn't like her. It's a nature for him to feel like that since the women in their household always give him the stinky eyes. But as the months go by, he felt the sincerity. So he opened up, and demanded from his father for her constant presence to teach him everything. So her schedule became thrice a month.

They were close. So close that they became inseparable when the woman is in the house. When he got a little older, he learned that his teacher is his mother and there are rules that were bestowed on her for the woman to see him and be close to him. Fearing that they'll be apart, he kept it within himself and acted normal around the teacher. But he opened up more and gave her a son she really wants to have.

The years were satisfying. Winning awards for her, being acknowledged by the world because of her and her teaching, and composing music because of her encouragement. He didn't become a genius with just sheer ability, he got the title because there's someone guiding him and encouraging him to do things he wants to do. Telling him to get out of his comfort zone and make another one as he acquires a new skill.

Ah... His mom will always be the best. Just how she tells him he's the best. And just how Tsuna reminded him that he will always be the best.

Hayato's melody shifted into a a whole lot new one. Same, but different. The raging storm is still there, but the tone is happier, calm and has a direction. It radiates the feeling of being protected, being accepted and projects a warm feeling the composer once felt. That despite the past longing, it found a sense of purpose at some point again. He find someone who will love him again. It made many of the audience close their eyes as they felt the song dance them in the wind despite the tears falling still from their eyes.

Hayato breathed out as he nears the end of the song. He presses the last keys, then dropped his hand on his laps after. He breathed in and out before standing up, took three steps forward, then bowed before standing straight again and walked towards Tsuna and Kyouya's spot. The former was still crying albeit his persistent move to stop the tears from falling. But like before, Tsuna looked up to meet Hayato's eyes and smiled at him.

Hayato didn't ever think he'll do this. Run towards Tsuna. As if knowing his intention, the brunet spread his arms and Hayato indulged himself to the warm embrace his friend could give. It was warm. So warm and full of acceptance. Just like that one time the man jumped at him because of pure happiness.

(And both of them harmonized.)

"You did it." Tsuna whispered against his shoulder, hugging him tighter. "You did it, Hayato. You can play again."

"Thank you." He expressed.

He felt the brunet shake his head. "No. Thank you for giving us VIP tickets to see your performance up close. Man. Grandpa will be so jealous of this."

Hayato released him then glared at Kyouya. "That was uncalled for, Skylark."

Kyouya, who was leaning on the wall, gave a slow, taunting smirk. "Hn."

"You bastard-"

"Maa maa. No need to fight." Tsuna tried to placate.

They spent minutes there; Tsuna trying to stop Hayato from maiming Kyouya, Kyouya leaning on the wall and, Hayato trying to attack the skylark and apologizing to Tsuna for stopping all the same time.

Tsuna made himself the pacifist of the two by being at their center as they walk out of the back stage. Although he was short in terms of height (He's on their ears), he knew the two won't include him in their fight if ever it broke up. He can't just imagine Kyouya being up for the fight when Hayato challenged the former.

They were by the open entrance of the building when reporters and cameramen swarmed towards them. Hayato immediately went on Tsuna's front while Kyouya put a hand on the brunet's forearm. The two looked at each other and nodded. Kyouya pulled Tsuna to side, out of the cameras' way, and Hayato faced them.

"Hayato, what can you say about the allegations towards you?" A reporter asked.

"My performance on the stage is my answer." Hayato answered dismissively.

"Does your previous manager knows about this performance you did?"

His hands balled into fists. His mother is his manager. "No. It was a spur of the moment."

"How so?" Another pipped in.

He can't help himself look towards his friend who was translating everything to the skylark. He almost snickered. 'The skylark still doesn't know Italian?' "It was on the spot decision of my friends to clear my name of the accusations they threw at me."

"The piece you played, what is it called?"

"Amore eterno." He answered, a small smile graced his face.

"Forever love." He heard Tsuna translate.

"What's your inspiration for this piece?"

"People who became special in my heart." He answered without any thoughts.

"Any message to those inspirations that made you do this piece?"

Hayato watched Tsuna and Kyouya banter. "Thank you for always telling me I'm the best when you are the best people that happened to me here and throughout."

Tsuna looked at him and smiled before making faces that made him chuckle. The reporters stared at him, mesmerized at the sight of Hayato Gokudera smiling and laughing in front of them. Hayato looked at them, nodded before going to a direction. They watched him approach two people on the side. They saw him scowl, smirk, laugh then scowl again. It's definitely a sight for them.

Hayato was teaming up with Tsuna as they kid around Kyouya when someone shouted his name. He turned around to see Alejandro stalking towards him with an angry, red face. Before he can even step forward, Tsuna took his place in front of him. Kyouya was on his side, tonfas already snapped out.

"Hayato is not available at the moment." Tsuna said to Alejandro who stopped in front of him.

"Shut up, pipsqueak. Get out of the way." The Italian snapped.

The brunet raised a brow. "All due respect, Sir. But that was rude."

Alejandro raised a fist. Before he can even touch a single hair of the brunet, Hayato already beat the guy with a punch then immediately looked at Tsuna who has his eyes trained on the Italian.

"Are you okay?" Hayato questioned.

Tsuna looked at him before cracking up. "He hadn't touched me yet!"

His lips quirked up a little. "But you were careless."

The brunet chuckled more. "I was not. I was just pointing out how rude he was."

"Hn." Kyouya grunted as he walked past them. "I'm gonna make him pay for attempting to hurt you."

"Eh-"

"Make him bleed." Hayato told the other as a catch up. The skylark nodded. "Let's go to the restaurant in the front? They have great food in there. What would you like to drink?"

"M-Milk."

"Ah. You like milk?"

"Y-Yeah but Kyouya-"

"He'll be fine."

"I know that-"

"So let's go."

"I'll bite you to death!"

Tsuna didn't even got the chance to watch Kyouya beat the hell up on Alejandro. He was stirred to go to the restaurant Hayato recommended, and he really like it there. After thirty minutes, Kyouya joined them, air radiating satisfaction from the things he did to the man who tried to touch him.

And they saw the end of Alejandro's career the day after tomorrow, when the Italian's co-workers told the truth about the accusation on Hayato.