[A/N: I have no ownership on the Katekyo Hitman Reborn. I often don't like this kind of plot but after thinking about it, it does sound like something that could happen to these two. Fair warning, might be OOC.]
Haru woke up with a migraine the next day. She turned away from the blinding light and buried her face in the pillows. She felt groggy, her body heavy. She may have overdone it last night. She lifted the covers and blocked the light.
She felt herself drifting in and out of sleep until her stomach made a protest. She tried recalling what had happened last night. She felt embarrassed for how she acted out of hand last night. It was hard to act like a lady with people who knew her too well. She remembered feeling out of place and suffocated in the party. These thoughts never plagued her before, perhaps blinded by her wish to be Tsuna's wife. Last night had been like a splash of water.
It was comforting to be in the presence of people she knew. It was fun once she unwound herself. The drinks helped as well. It made her forget the eyes on her. She appreciated Bianchi guiding her with the food and drinks. She smiled bitterly, she was never like this before. She hated how she questioned her worth. She knew they cared her for her as she did for them.
She shook her head. What other people thought didn't matter, what mattered was that she loved her friends and would be there for them when they needed her. She raised the blanket a little to take in her surroundings. She was in one of the mansion guest rooms. She remembered flashes of rushed steps as well as heaving on her part. She noticed the slight bitter taste in her mouth.
She sat up slowly, wanting to wash it off her mouth. She looked to the side and found a note on the table. She picked it up. It took a moment for her to focus her eyes and read the contents. She felt embarrassment and anger rush through her upon reading.
"I thought you were smarter than this?"
Any doubts to who escorted her were gone. Forget the embarrassment. It was just one line but it tempted her to look for him and slap his arrogant face.
'So rude,' she thought. She checked the clock and noted the time. It was past noon. It explained her starving state. She saw a glass of water and some tablets on the side. She didn't notice it before. Her anger subsided when she read what was written on the back of the note.
"Be careful next time."
'A rude but thoughtful jerk,' she thought.
She gathered the tablets in her hand and drank it down with the water. She moved to stand when she noticed the dark fabric under the sheets. She lifted it up and found it was a men's dress coat. The scent drifted to her and she blushed when a series of scenes played through her mind.
She threw her head back in embarrassment, landing on the bed. She was never drinking again. 'Good lord was he alright?' she thought in worry. She did recall throwing up on him as payback for him manhandling her. She buried her face in her hands, the coat still in her possession. She recalled her failed attempt at a conversation with him. She had finally decided to woman up, and talk to him but somehow she started with gibberish and ended up talking about the random things that went through her head.
A few days after she had told him to leave her alone, she thought that perhaps she went about it the wrong way. They weren't close enough to be friends but she knew he wasn't one to take advantage of a person. He had helped her a few times before. Although most of it may have been on Tsuna's orders, she had felt the reluctant sincerity in it. After all, he did help her sort out her feelings for Tsuna albeit in his roundabout insulting way. She admit that she didn't exactly know what they were to each other but she was willing to get to know him.
It was awkward when she tried being friendly when they had sort of jumped several steps in their friendship before going back to square one. She supposed it was her fault for pushing him away. When she finally got to talk to him, she noticed he was also making an effort to be civil. Although they couldn't help but argue when they had different opinions on something.
Although she got comfortable talking with him, it was a different matter when they were entirely alone with nothing to stop them from talking about what had happened. She realized she was scared to confront the idea of having to define what they had when she felt that she was finally starting to understand him. She understood when he went back to ignoring her again. She didn't realize how she got used to his presence until she found herself unconsciously looking for him to talk about her recent project.
When he was about to leave the room last night, she finally managed to blurt out what she wanted to say under her breath. She thought he didn't notice but then he didn't open the door. She had pretended to be asleep but then found herself really drifting off to sleep.
Haru found herself staring at the ceiling of her childhood room. She released a sigh. They just got back to Namimori to spend the rest of their break. She had apologized to Dino for her mess in the garden as well as making a racket in the party but the man didn't seem to mind and even thanked her for the change of pace in the party. She happily accepted his request on her baking him a treat when he visited the Japan again.
She didn't get to talk to Gokudera in private when they were busy preparing for their return. Feeling restless, she found herself in the kitchen. She managed to meet with her father when he was on his way to work. She smiled fondly at the familiar mess in the house before she tidied up. The old man was too busy to do everything at home.
She thought about what to do before an idea clicked. She rummaged around for her recipe notebook before and went to work.
Hayato was reading a textbook, writing notes on how to make it easier to explain to Tsuna. The latter had always struggled with numbers though he fared off better now than before. He took of his glasses and rubbed the area where the nose pads rested. He didn't get to sleep during the flight back home with Ryohei snoring next to his ear. He had volunteered to sit with him so Tsuna could rest properly next to Takeshi.
He rubbed the base of his neck and stood up, stretching his back. He eyed the suitcase next to the couch. He didn't feel like unpacking when they were returning to the university a few days after. He went to the nearest window to smoke, observing the activity below. He remembered his sister's calm threat to at least minimize his smoking. He knew she could sneak poison in the cigarette boxes if she wanted to.
He let out a low laugh when she told him she was staying behind. She was currently handling the matters in their own family as the next head. But he knew of the other reason she stayed. He wondered how Dino was interested in his sister, a violent woman who tried to kill him for her ex-lover.
His attention drifted to an old man transporting a truck of flowers. It's funny how he thought of the brunette from just seeing flowers. He remembered feeling her eyes on him after the party. He was amused to see how she couldn't meet his eyes whenever he turned to look at her. She did thank him when she joined them late for lunch.
He heard a knock on his door. He wasn't expecting anyone although he toned down his paranoia over the years. His fellow guardians' often dropped by without notice even when they knew it pissed him off. He grabbed the handy magnifier he had made before and placed it on the peephole. His eyes widened at the familiar sight of brown hair and doe-shaped eyes.
'This is unexpected,' he thought. After a moment, he removed the locks and opened the door.
"What are you doing here?" he asked. He meant it to be casual but couldn't help the stiff drawl on the end.
Haru flinched at the question. "G-Gokudera-san," she looked anywhere but his face. "I-I came to give you this!"
Hayato leaned back when she shoved the bag before his face. He smirked in amusement of her nervous state. He wanted to make fun of her but kept his mouth shut. He looked at it briefly before receiving it with a mutter of thanks, his hands brushing hers off gently. He grabbed one of her hands and tugged her to him softly.
"Well come on in"
Haru felt Gokudera tug her closer.
"Don't just stand there. Close the door," she heard him say. She saw him walk inside to his kitchen. She closed the door softly and removed her shoes before following up. He had placed the bag on the kitchen table. She looked around, she hadn't had the chance to look at the place properly last time she was there. She blushed at the resurfacing memory and looked for something else to focus.
She looked at the book on the coffee table curiously. She noticed the notes scribbled on the side. She supposed his barely legible penmanship was due to his haste in finishing something.
"Sit down, would you?"
She turned to him and found he was looking at her. She quickly looked away and sat on the couch.
"Ah sorry. Um... Were you helping Tsuna with this?"
"... Yeah. He'll understand it in no time. I can guarantee," he said with his arms crossed, looked smug.
Haru couldn't help but look at his arms when did. She blamed it on the short sleeves on his shirt. Her trailed up to his face while he was distracted with her gift. She didn't want to admit but the glasses suited him. It highlighted his sharp eyes and aristocratic nose. He appeared calmer with them.
"Did you make these?"
She looked back at her gift in his hands. "Yup. It's a thank you...f-for taking care of me at the party."
"You already thanked me," Hayato remarked. He took a bite of the truffle. He didn't like sweets but she did make these for him. The rich texture melted in his mouth. It wasn't as sweet as he thought.
'Looks like the she remembered, he thought. He felt his cheek grow warm at the thought. She had given him chocolate before but it was obligatory along with what she gave the others for Valentine's day. He noted the hint of coffee in the truffles. She was more observant than he thought.
"I know," she said. He wondered why she was looked shy. He heard her mutter something but couldn't understand it.
"What?"
She turned to him, finally looking him in the eye. "I said I'm sorry!," she started before she looked away. "Sorry for vomiting on you."
She huffed when she heard him laugh.
"Hey! I'm trying to apologize here-"
"So you remember things now?"
He looked at her teasingly. "Thought you'd forget after how dead drunk you were."
She took a breath and stopped herself from going over to punch him.
"Come here," she heard him say.
"What?" she looked at him, irritated. He taunted her with his finger gesturing her to go to him.
"Let me at least pinch you for giving me a hard time," he said simply with a smirk on his face. She felt the urge to smack it off his face.
She stood up stiffly and walk over to him. She yelped when he pinched her cheek. She put a hand over it protectively and opened her mouth to refute when he pushed a truffle to her lips to stop her. She glared at him as she ate the truffle furiously.
Hayato chuckled at the look of her face. He spotted another bag inside when grabbed the box containing the truffles. He placed the box on the table and took out the other bag. He looked at her questioningly.
Haru hovered her hand over her mouth as she swallowed the rest of the truffle. "Your coat... thanks for letting me borrow it."
"I didn't really have much of a choice now did I?"
She looked up and slapped his arm when she saw his smirk.
"Can't you be nice?"
"I was nice, remember?"
She blushed when he leaned closer. "You're not going to apologize for hitting me?"
"You deserve it," she muttered as she looked away. She felt his breath near her neck before he pulled away. He went to the counter, mixing what she presumed was coffee.
"Is that the only reason you're here?"
"Well... I-I wanted to talk."
She heard him snicker.
"Thought you'd run away again."
She refrained from hitting him again. "Are you going to listen or not?"
He walked towards her and slid a cup to her. She felt her irritation subside when she noted the drink in her cup. She never saw him drink it unless he had to. He slid closer to sit next to her.
His voice pulled her attention away.
"I am listening. Will you?"
It was hard to look at him when he was staring intently at her. She gave him a nod and took a sip of the tea. She recognized the familiar taste. It was the tea she nagged him to try when he insisted he'd never like tea. She dismissed the thought when she thought Tsuna must have also encouraged him to try.
"I'm sorry... for telling you to forget what happened," she started. "I know it was wrong to blame it all on you. I... I remember enough now to know that I was the one who started this."
He looked like he wanted to say something but he held himself back, opting for her to finish.
"I was scared when I woke up... I've never done that with anyone before and I- I know it might've not meant that much to you but..." she struggled with her words. She felt a tug on her hand. She saw him place it over his knee. She felt his soft, encouraging strokes and continued.
"When...When I got to know you more, I understood that I judged you too quickly." She felt comfort from the strokes he gave on her hand and gave a gentle squeeze.
"I wanted to tell you that I don't regret it... Experiencing that with you," she looked him in the eye, trying to express her sincerity. "I don't remember everything... but I know you were considerate with me."
Hayato felt himself warm at her words. His eyes softened when he saw her flustered look. He gave her a nod and raised their joined hands.
Haru felt her face heat up more when he kissed the back of her hand, his eyes not leaving hers. She swallowed a gasp. She let him keep her hand in his and continued.
"Thank you... for being patient with me," she said. She had more to say but couldn't find the right words to express it.
When Haru didn't continue, Hayato gave her a small smile before he responded.
"I gotta admit. I was pissed," he said with smirk. When she looked away, he grasped her chin to direct her face to him.
"Hey. You said you'd listen," he said softly. When she nodded, he stroked her jaw lightly with his fingers before he let go. "I'm not good with words but I can say the same," he continued, his thumb stroking her hand. "If it still means anything, know that I'm sorry."
"I have to admit. You've grown on me," he said as he rested his lips on the knuckles of her hand. "Even though you lack common sense-"
He heard gasp. He let out a low laugh when she tried to hit him again. "You're smarter than you look so you should understand this," he continued. "I like you."
If Haru thought her face was red awhile ago, she was sure it was like a fire engine right now. She gasped at his confession. She wanted to reply but he stopped her.
"And let me clarify... it's not as a friend," he said and she knew when she looked in his eyes that he was serious. She looked away from his intense eyes and covered her face with her free hand. She couldn't think properly with his honest attack. She already knew her answer as it surfaced from the depths of her mind.
She heard him chuckle as he gently pulled her hand away from her face. He placed his hand on the side of her face, stroking her cheek. "I can wait...," He said softly and she felt herself melt inside when he placed a kiss on her forehead.
Hayato felt her cover his hand with hers when he tried to pull away. "Gokudera-san," she called out. He knew that determined look. He never thought he'd be at the receiving end of it.
"I like you too," she said.
He felt his face warm at her answer. He didn't expect to receive an answer right away and let alone for her to reciprocate. There was a lingering thought of doubt on if she felt inclined to reciprocate. The thought vanished when he felt her lean closer. His eyes widened when he felt her grasped the front of his shirt and tug him towards her. He felt her lips on his and it took him a moment before he responded.
Haru mustered her courage. She wanted to show him how she felt. She understood if he had doubts about her answer when she kept running away before. She tried to deny it before but the more she got to know, the more apparent her affection grew.
She felt him respond, his hand cupping the back of her head. The kiss was slow unlike their first. He was gentle, guiding her through. It was slow but passionate. She responded in fervor and heard him hum in approval.
Hayato moved his lips with more pressure. He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer. She tasted sweet along with the aftertaste of the truffle. He savored the sensation of her. He cupped the back of her with his other hand and delved deeper, his tongue tracing the seam of her lip.
His hearing heightened when he heard her soft moan. It stirred something in him. He suppressed it and focused on her. She allowed him to go further and he released a groan when her tongue met his. She was addictive.
He pulled away from her at the thought.
"Gokudera-san?" she called out.
"Sorry...How about we take things slow" he suggested as he buried his face in the crook of her neck. He pressed soft kisses on her skin, reveling in her scent.
"I-I don't mind...," she said after a moment. "I won't run anymore."
He pulled away and studied her face, his curled fingers her cheek. He found himself fixated on her eyes when a dark haze glazed over.
"Be careful of what you say," he said as he leaned close enough to kiss her once more before he let her go. He looked away from her briefly and took a deep breath.
"But I mean it," she protested.
"I know," he said. "But I want to do things properly this time."
He turned back to her when he heard her release a giggle. He felt shy all of a sudden. He rubbed the back of his neck. He felt her press a kiss on his cheek.
"Thank you," she said. A warm smile on her face.