A/N:
Thank you for the reviews! HAHAHA! This is the last one for the weak cause I need to gather some energy to at least make the next chapters bearable. Hope you don't mind the whatnots on this one.
Anyway, onwards!
Chapter Fifteen
"I'm sorry." Tsuna apologized after Hayato gave him an earful about running away from his usual apartment and not saying anything when he wants to get out. "I sincerely apologize."
Hayato looked away while Kyouya huffed. The latter also scolded the brunet about sending him away to Namimori just to get away from him. He also told him that he'll be beaten black and blue once he does it again.
Truth to be told, Kyouya felt hurt with what Tsunayoshi did. To be sent away for his own sanity? Outrageous! He was the first of them to put Tsunayoshi in his business. He was the one who was weak and landed into Tsunayoshi's life. He got interested and contented with the Little Animal's antics. If it's anyone's fault, it should be his.
"M-Maa... Forgive Tsuna? Please? Besides, he just doesn't want to trouble you. We all do that when we feel and overthink that we're burdens to other people." Takeshi tried to reason out.
Hayato snarled, but grimaced at the end. "Tenth. You'll never be a burden."
"How will I think of that when you three came all the way here just to search for me? Even Kyouya went out for a long drive from Namimori to Tokyo then here." Tsuna said in a whisper while looking away from them.
The silveret kneeled in front of the brunet. "Tenth." Tsuna looked at him. "I retired from being a pianist."
"What?!"
Hayato smiled. "I've been thinking about it since the day you made me clear my name. I've been doing the paper works and I finished just before the three of us flew here in Japan."
"Why?"
"Well..." He smiled sheepishly. "I want to be with you. I want to be within reach when you needed help. Or when you feel bad and you want someone to talk with. I want to be there when the stupid skylark is away from doing his own animal thing or when the brat is being a brat or when the pineapple is scaring shits out of people."
"Hayato-"
"Nope. You're not going to talk me out of this. It's already done. I'm a storm remember? Right now, I found my center. So let me be beside you."
Hayato watched as tears streamed down Tsuna's cheeks. Lambo hugged the brunet while Takeshi rubbed the other shoulder since he's hugging him from the other side.
"I think we are harmonized to Tsunayoshi." Mukuro chirped after an hour of silence.Kyouya, the designated driver, glanced at the mist from the rearview mirror. "My parent told me too."
"Oya? You didn't know?"
A tick mark appeared on the driver's right temple. "Piney, don't be pissy."
"Anyway," Hayato stressed to get the two's attentions. "how did you know?"
"In our group, Tsunayoshi is the only sky from us elements. Apart from that knowledge, he is also the reason why we're driving to Yokohama. We felt the hurt he felt and we are gathering around him for his comfort. And before I called you, I inspected my flame and I saw orange flame curled around mine."
Hayato stared ahead after sparing a glance on Lambo who is beside Mukuro. "How did we harmonized?"
No one answered.
"We clicked." Lambo mumbled.
Kyouya stepped on the breaks and the three of them looked at the teen who was looking outside.
"Elaborate, Lambo." Kyouya demanded.
Lambo set his eyes on them. "Remember when Dad and his subordinate tried to harm me when we were talking to them? Tsuna-nii was in front of me so we thought he was the one being targeted. After I striked some lightnings, something suddenly clicked in me. Like I was put in a good place such as a puzzle piece attached to another of my kind. You felt a sense that you belong and you're home."
Hayato did a thinking pose.
"Imagine Tsuna-nii as a puzzle piece placed in the center of a table. Since Kyo-nii was the first to met him, he is the first person to harmonized with him and had his own place on one side."
Kyouya remembered feeling so at peace that one time they went home after the kidnapping incident. He felt his flame purring in satisfaction as if something good happened.
"Then Bakadera came in and fit with them." Lambo continued.
Hayato blinked when his mind went back to when he cleared his name by Tsuna's and Kyouya's help. He felt home when he hugged the brunet after playing. The sudden shift of his core, as if he found his center and got a direction where he can put his raging feelings on.
"Then there's me." Lambo said as he pointed a finger to his chest. "I clicked with him after we both wanted to save one another in an unconscious way. The grasp of security were mutual. Then there's Mukuro-nii."
Mukuro looked away, obviously remembering how the two of them harmonized. He knew both of them clicked because they admired the strength of each other. He knew he admired Tsuna's envision of a new mafia world. And he loved to see the result of that impossible dream once it becomes possible.
"We're like puzzle pieces." Lambo continued. "We complete each other. Two more, and we'll be Tsuna-nii's guardians. And that will mean-"
"We will complete Tsunayoshi." Kyouya muttered as if finally processing the said things.
"Besides, if we aren't harmonized with him, how come we can stand each other when Kyo-nii hates Mukuro-nii, while Bakadera and I kept on bickering?" Lambo added.
The three looked at each other.
"But what about Tsunayoshi?" Mukuro questioned.
"What can you say?" Hayato asked to Lambo.
Lambo made contemplating face. "I'm not really knowledgeable about these things. I'm just basing the things I'm saying to what I'm hearing from my family's scientists. So if I was the sky and I don't have any elements yet, I'm seriously imbalanced and out of order."
"That's the reason why Tsunayoshi went away." Mukuro voiced out. "He felt unusually contented that he thinks something bad will happen if he became too happy. It's like he was so used to being alone or abandoned that he wants to cut his connection to us and let us do what we want to do without thinking of him and his welfare."
Kyouya clenched his fist in anger. "That stupid Little Animal."
Hayato sighed. "It's justified, skylark. Let's just keep our best in making him accept that none of us well stray away from him."
"That's an issue." Kyouya said. The three looked at him for explanation. "Tsunayoshi will not like it if he get the knowledge that we're harmonized to him. He'll throw a fit."
Mukuro nodded. "He has big plans and he knew sacrifices will be made. He doesn't want us to be dragged in his mess."
"So what do you suppose that we have to do?" Hayato asked to all of them.
"Keep it a secret from him." Mukuro shrugged.
Lambo visibly flinched. "I don't like the sound of that."
"Why not don't mention it not until he does?" Mukuro suggested.
Lambo considered the idea before he smiled. "That sounds better."
Mukuro smiled a little and tousled the teen's hair. "Tsunayoshi likes honest people, yes?"
Lambo nodded. "But he'll understand if you lie. As long as it's for a good cause."
Kyouya started go drive again. "Once I see that Little Animal, I'll definitely bite him to death."
"Now that you mention it," Hayato said as he blinks. "does Tenth know how to fight?"
Hayato mentally shook his head at the memory. He can't still grasp the idea that the four of them had a decent conversation without any shouting or disagreement. He can still remember those times they kept on bickering and spouting names to one another then eventually breaks into a pre-fight that Tsuna will break off immediately.
Well for the sake of their sky, they'll set aside their childishness and be mature enough to discuss important matters.
Hayato stood up as Kyouya reached out and took one of Tsuna's bandaged arms. The skylark pushed the sleeve out of the way then unwrapped the white thing. All of them, sans Tsuna, stared at the cuts that adorned the brunet's arms from back to front. Some were already healing, few were freshly made. Tsuna let out a sob then a hiccup, unable to hide his embarrassment and loathe towards himself.
"Tsunayoshi." Kyouya breathed as they all stared at the cuts.
"I'm sorry." Tsuna sobbed, eyes crying fatty tears. He looks so ashamed of his scars marred arm. "I-It was... So un-uunbearable. E-Everything was unbearable t-that I felt so n-numb. I want t-to at least fe-feel pain so I-I did those."
"When it's unbearable, call me." The skylark gently chided. "You know I'll listen. Or call them. Take your pick, Tsunayoshi. No one here will ever leave you alone."
The brunet gave a weak nod. "Y-Yes."
Hibari started to wrap the arm with new bandage as he speaks. "Try your best to never do this again. Not unless absolutely necessary."
Tsuna nodded again. "I will."
"It's okay, Tsuna-nii. No one is mad. Just... Don't do it again, okay? According to Spongebob, friends worry about friends. So it would be impossible not to worry about you." Lambo soothed.
Tsuna laughed a watery one before wiping his cheeks from all the tears he cried. "Yeah. I forgot about that one."
"How will you not forget after all the mischievous things you did?" Mukuro teased with his grin, lighting up the atmosphere more.
"Bastard! Don't tease Tenth!" Hayato yelled.
"Eh? Puppy-chan is back at it again." The mist laughed.
"Bounce back." Kyouya stated, softly flicking Sawada's forehead who smiled.
"Okay. Since we're here in Yokohama and Takeshi is already okay, let's go out and do a food trip." Tsuna exclaimed with an excited tone as he jumped out of the sofa. "Let's go after fifteen."
"Tsuna-"
"And I'm not taking no for an answer." The brunet denied as he smiled to Takeshi. "Another part of relaxation is doing things that will make you feel relaxed. Being coped up in this room is dangerous. So let's go out."
Takeshi sighed then grinned. "Fine."
"Are they that close?" Takeshi queried to Hayato who glared at him. "I mean Tsuna and Hibari-sempai?"
"Yes." Hayato responded before he looked back at the two subjects. "That skylark was once under a sky. Tenth took him out of it because he doesn't like how they treat that bastard. He said that clouds aren't good when restricted. They have to be free to roam around, so they could give their fullest potentials. For subtle times, the skylark is good for Tenth. He can keep Tenth on his feet, like when Tenth went here in Yokohama."
"O-Oh."
"Their relationship is stronger since that bastard was Tenth's very friend who didn't leave him. Tenth was friendless when he was young. He was always bullied and his only life back then was his Mom. Since his parent died, he almost stopped living. But then his Dad came. We can say that he's only functioning now because of his Dad."
Takeshi stared at Tsuna who was laughing as he pointed at Kyouya who was looking away. The noiret turned his head away from the sight and stared at the food in his hands. He remembers the cuts on the brunet's arm. He can't imagine how a cheerful guy could hurt himself. But he knew those cuts weren't deep. They were shallow, just enough for the receiver to feel the sting for three to four days.
'He absorbs emotions like a sponge.'
He remembered Mukuro saying those to him after seeing Hayato stalk to his room. His mind went back to those fresh cuts. Did he cause those? He was pretty much emotional on his feverish nights. When he dreamed of his Mom and his Dad. And Tsuna was there to give him comfort.
Maybe Tsuna does self harm to feel pain when emotions in him becomes too unbearable to contain to the point that they numb him.
"Takeshi! Waah!" The called noiret looked back, only to be hugged by the brunet. "Hide me! Kyouya is going to bite me! Literally!"
"Eh?" Takeshi blurted out then peered back to the skylark who was running towards them.
"Hurry!" Tsuna yelped in joyful panic.
He grinned before turning his back on his friend. "Hop on!"
Tsuna hugged him by the neck and he took the other's knees before dashing away from the prefect who visibly growled. The street were filled with the laughter of the two, running around just to get out of the skylark's grasps. Even Hayato, Lambo and Mukuro were pulled into the mess they started. People started to stare and watch the bunch run around like children in the middle of the street, shouting, laughing and teasing each other.
After the little chase that ended with Tsuna and Takeshi having lumps on their head with matching goofy grins, they settled in a cafe. Tsuna is rocking side to side with Lambo as they watched people from outside. Hayato is beside Takeshi while Mukuro and Kyouya are on both sides of the table. The two are in civil relationship for Tsuna's sake. The brunet looks really happy to the point that they think he forgot what he was feeling three days ago.
Takeshi started to eat the sushi he ordered. He winced every bite sinc he doesn't like the taste. It wasn't like what he always had when his father was at home. Nor they taste like home. However, with due respect to the chef, he ate still.
"You okay Takeshi?" He looked up to Tsuna. The latter has a worried frown on his face. "Do you want to eat something else? You can have my parfait if you want."
Takeshi smiled. "No. It's okay."
The frown deepened. Even the others eyed his way. "Is it the sushi?"
"A little." He can't help being honest.
Tsuna reached out and took one sushi. The baseball star stared at the brunet for any reaction. The latter has this thoughtful expression before taking the dish and passed it on Kyouya. The prefect stared at the delicacy in front of him before taking one and ate it.
"What do you think?" Tsuna quizzed.
Kyouya shook his head.
Tsuna turned to Takeshi and gave him his parfait. "What do you think is lacking, Takeshi?"
"A lot." The baseball star answered as he took the spoon on the table that was already provided for the six of them. Good thing he didn't touch it awhile ago. "The rice isn't sticky enough, the salmon isn't thin, the tuna is too bland, the seasoning isn't right on some of them and there isn't enough taste."
Sawada stared at him in amazement. "Wow."
"Eh?"
"You're not only good in baseball, you're awesome in sushi making. It's your dad right?" The brunet awed.
Takeshi laughed as he reminisce those times with his Dad. "Yeah. We own a sushi shop years ago."
"Yamamoto is a good sushi chef." Kyouya stated with a nod.
"Ne. Can you make us some?" Lambo questioned, expression set in an expectant one.
Tsuna perked up. "That's a great idea! Hayato! Remind me later that we're going to get groceries for sushi!"
"Ha?" Takeshi blurted out, surprised and a little confuses.
"Yes Tenth." The silveret beside him noted.
Sawada cheered. "Yosha! Since we're done here, let's go to the arcade. Or do you want to leisure in the park?"
"Park." Both Mukuro and Kyouya answered before glaring at each other.
"Hmmm..."
"Please don't consider, Tenth."
Tsuna smiled brightly, making Hayato sigh, Lambo laugh and Takeshi looked at them in confusion. "Let's get some food, then go for a picnic in the nearby forest."
"Why the forest?" He questioned.
Lambo laughed. "Because Kyo-nii and Mukuro-nii are very destructive."
"Destructive?"
Takeshi could only watch in wander as Kyouya and Mukuro started to fight after they settled themself by the clearing. Tsuna started to talk with Lambo who was sharing stuffs of what he saw as they travel from Tokyo to Yokohama, while Hayato is sitting by the tree and smoking his cigar off because of stress.
Takeshi averted his eyes to his wrapped katana. It was given to him by his father after learning their family sword style. He was taught after a man tried to snatch his wallet and was almost hurt if he didn't punch the guy in the gut and run away immediately. And the only time he used the said sword was when he saw the murderer of his father.
To be honest, seeing Mukuro and Kyouya fighting and somewhat enjoying themselves are not an everyday sight. He really thought fighting is bad, dangerous and suicidal. It's one of the reason why he's always the one to placate the parties to a good understanding. It's what his rain flames do anyway.
"Here." Takeshi raised his head to see Tsuna handing him a can of soda. The brunet smiled. "I'm a baby so I can only offer a non-alcoholic drink."
Takeshi grinned. "It's okay. I don't like alcohol anyway."
"Or you can't handle your liquor?" Tsuna teased as he flopped beside the baseball star and sat straight.
"One of the reasons." He assured as he opened the can. "Where's Lambo?"
"Pestering Hayato. His term, not mine." The brunet relied as his eyes followed his two destructive friends. "Who are you betting on?"
Takeshi choke on his drink. "W-What?"
"I was asking who do you think will win between the two."
Takeshi gulped. "Tsuna-"
"I'm on Pineapple." Hayato said as he sat down beside Tsuna.
"I'm betting for Kyo-nii!" Lambo shouted as he pushed Hayato off his spot and took his seat. "Don't go near my nii-san, Bakadera!"
"You stupid cow!"
"Uwaah!" Bovino shrieked as he scrambled off his seat and run as the silveret chase him.
"I'm betting fifty for a draw!" Tsuna yelled at the two.
"My candies!" Lambo shouted back.
"I'll give hundred- What the fuck! Come back here you brat!"
Tsuna gazed at Takeshi. "Hmm?"
He laughed. "I'll go for Hibari-sempai. Sixty."
"Oh. I'll be very rich then." Tsuna said before cackling like an evil villain.
Takeshi stared at Tsuna before smiling then laughed too. He doesn't know if Tsuna's sky flame is soothing him, but the way relief suddenly flooded into his nerves is really refreshing. Like the pressure and everything placed on his shoulders were lifted even just for a while.
He looked at their companions that started to do a lot more damage as they started to fight. The sight is refreshing too, the noise is so welcoming and the feeling is full of warmth. It gives him assurance and confidence. Gives him memories that he knows he'll treasure.
So he breathed in and out, deciding to confide his life to Tsuna.
"I was a child of a sushi chef and a housewife." Takeshi starting, making Tsuna look at him. "I started baseball at the age of six. They were pretty supportive of me, my Oyaji, Tsuyoshi and my mom, Shizume. They were always in my games, cheering me on and smiling at me even if I failed to bat balls or got out of the bat. Then when I was seven, my mom died." He looked down to the can in his hand. "She was sick. And she didn't tell us not until she was hospitalized. Dad was pretty much devastated than me. But we made it through. With our sushi restaurant, Dad was able to make me go through middle school and high school before I got myself to college with a sports scholarship. I mean I'm not the brightest star in the class, you know. People loves me because of my looks, and that I play baseball."
He saw the brunet nod in his peripheral view. "I bet it was good."
He can't help laughing. "For a long time, yes. But it eventually suffocated me. They were just... there you know. But not... Here. Not beside me, just behind me and following me. They aren't my friends. So I tried to do a suicide once. But I backed off when I remembered Oyaji. Actually, someone shouted my Dad's name. I don't remember him, but I'm thankful to what he did."
Tsuna put a hand on his opposite side. "God bless that person."
He bobbed his head in agreement. "When I was in high school, someone tried to snatch my bag and almost killed me when he couldn't get it. Dad heard of it, so he taught me our family's swordplay to protect myself."
"It's that wooden sword, right?"
Takeshi nodded again. "Yes. Then Dad was assassinated in front of me after I graduated."
"Takeshi."
The noiret shook his head despite the solace. "I was able to defend ourselves with the use of the sword, but Oyaji didn't make it. He did tell me to never give up on life and do what I want to do."
"And you did."
Takeshi looked at Tsuna and smiled. "I did. To be honest, you're a breathe of fresh air. The way you say no even after learning who I was is really foreign but good. You made me think that not all people kiss the floor I walk on. And then add Hayato, Lambo, Mukuro and Hibari-sempai, I feel like I have friends."
"But we are friends." Takeshi blinked at the other's insistence. "Hayato is almost warming up on you-"
"Well almost."
"-Lambo is already talking to you, Kyouya is Kyouya and Mukuro laughs around you. And I really like your smile and you make me calm. If I can just push you off here and make you join their craziness, then you'll know how much you belong in this group."
"Tsuna-"
"If people walk behind you, we'll walk beside you. If you want, in front of you or surrounding you. If people kiss the floor you walk on, Hayato, Mukuro and Kyouya will gladly wipe your ass on the floor you just walk on. And if you want to be our friend, don't worry. We're friends already." Tsuna flashed him a grateful smile. "Although you think it doesn't mean a lot, but thank you for telling me who you are and your past, Takeshi. That shows how much you trust me and how you consider me as your friend."
The baseball star nodded, tears prickling his eyes. "You're welcome ,Tsuna."
The brunet bobbed his head before leaning back. "Hayato! Takeshi said you're slow!"
"What did you say you baseball freak?!" Hayato yelled from the far end.
"Crap." Takeshi cussed, eyes widening at the sudden turn of events.
Sawada took Takeshi's bokken, unwrapped it and put it on the latter's hands. "Good luck."
"Tsuna-"
"Die you fucking bastard!" Hayato shouted as he threw a knife towards Takeshi.
Tsuna watched the bokken turn into a sword when Takeshi blocked the knife. His friend stood up and ran away from the silveret who started to chase him. The brunet looked at the others before staring at the sky. He sighed and smiled as he savours the noises his friends are making.
"Ah... They're full of energy." Tsuna muttered in the air before laughing and watched them have fun.