The music room isn't an ideal place for Gokudera to take refuge and isolation anymore, after what had taken place in it. He stared down at the piano, panting. The classical instrument's lid was completely ripped off after he sent it flying across the room to hit a wall with a deafening crash.

"… What have I…" the broken pieces that littered around his feet. This is what the prince had turned him into, a desperate, psychotic broken heart. He squatted down, his hands clutching his head, scrambling to bunch up his hair as much as his fingers could get into. Too depressed, he let out a long, defeated sigh. It was all over, but he really didn't mean it. He never did. He didn't want to hurt his Takeshi, and now the worst part of it is that he couldn't make up for his mistake, and allow someone else to do it in place. The prince now loved her for sure. Surly, he can't fall in love with some ill mannered person like him, Gokudera reflected upon.

Gokudera stood up, took a few steps back in disbelief, and then turned around to dash out.

The sun was setting through the tall windows in the endless corridor, the air warm and breezy. Takeshi remembered he had done a lot with Mia today, but he couldn't remember exactly what. He couldn't concentrate for the entire day, amazingly losing consciousness in his wake. Now, overwhelmed with fatigue and depression, he needed to rest.

"See you at dinner," and with that Mia went on her tippy toes to give him a quick peck. The prince felt nothing, a simple nod before leaving for his own bedroom. He didn't want any dinner, since he had lost his appetite long ago anyway. He would not eat for tonight, just the first and the simplest punishment he's giving himself. He had some self-reflection to do.

He can't believe it. He'll have to leave with Mia in exactly less than 1 day, even when his stay was suppose to last 7, back to THEIR kingdom, where they were suppose to live 'happily ever after'. 24 hours. 24 hours to set things right. He really didn't care about what Dera did, as long she still love him. Because of his mistake, Dera thinks he doesn't have feelings for her anymore. There was still hope, to confess, to…

Whoops. Yamamoto's headache momentarily sent his body swaying over, nearly knocking himself into the wall. He had to cross his legs awkwardly to keep balance. 24 hours... before he could never see Dera again. There's still so much things he had to tell her, and too little time. By the time both could finally face each other, everything would be far from over. It's even harder to approach her now that there was lots of door slamming and things crashing around the mansion now and then throughout the rest of the afternoon. It didn't take long for everyone to learn just who the source of racket was. Something must be done to stop her from going way too overboard, but who was brave enough to confront her? With her incomparable tantrum, they would simply turn into her next victim or worse. Some of the really desperate ones like the senior Butlers in-charge had to turn to the young Master Takeshi for help.

"You have to do something, Sir. Madame has been in an extremely foul mood since the start of the day. What happened? If this continues, a lot of the valuables within the property would reduce to nothing but scraps!" their old voices shaky with the hint of old age and frantic. Takeshi received the news like a true prince would, calm and ever ready, Mia would look at with that 'See what I mean?' expression upon her face. He nodded solemnly, apologizing on the behalf of Dera, getting more and more guilty every single report he received by everyone, all that she had broken. But what he was most guilty about is what HE has broken - her heart, and the trust and bond they have managed to build between them. Now because of that kiss he gave to someone he didn't even love, their most beautiful bridge shattered into nothing.

The walk back to his room felt like forever.

Closing the door behind him, he found his room's atmosphere felt shell-hollow. l. She wasn't sleeping on his bed. It didn't take long for Takeshi to realize how the atmosphere was always amazing with her around until he lost it. The prince thought he deserved it. Shamefully, he trudged back to his bed and slumped down into its comfort. It did help to repair his fatigued body, but not his spirit. Looking across the horizon of the soft covers, he saw the same pillow that she loved to snuggle into. Its cover was crinkled with folds. Yamamoto couldn't help but to reach for them, to brush them out with the tip of his fingers as far as he reach for it, hoping they could smoothen back before her image comes back. It was impossible. Everything reminded him of her now, even the flaws upon that pillow covers. He grabbed it, flew it down to his side, so he could hug it like how she would. It didn't make him feel any better when he could pick out the beautiful smell of her, her hair that smelt like the sea breeze, her skin fresh as wet grass. Yamamoto was practically on the verge of depression. "I screwed up, I screwed up, I screwed up…" He kept repeating. How Takeshi wished for this nightmare to end, wishing that by the time he wakes up, he'll have Dera by his side, in his arms all over again.

Something caught his attention. Curious, he pulled it out from behind the mattress. Realising what it was, his grasp to it loosen to a careful one. Even cramped in between the bedframe and mattress, the floral wreath on his lap was still fresh as ever, by some miracle. The wreath was, to the Prince's puzzlement, red of ixoras. This definitely wasn't the bluebell wreath he wove specially for her.

Yamamoto laughed silently to himself, even if it's a sad one, for the first time in hours. He could imagine how Dera looked like, struggling to keep all the flowers in place. The wreath itself proved Dera's poor skills of braiding flora. Kudos to his naivety, Yamamoto couldn't figure out what made Dera decide to do this, and wondered what or who is it for. But one thing was clear. Somehow Yamamoto somehow figured it out that she truly devoted herself to this. Typical of him. Caressing the small petals in between his fingers reminded him of her silky locks. "…"

Yamamoto went ahead and wove everything back neatly, thinking she needs all the help she could get. He wondered how Dera would look when she sees this. Let's hope she'll forgive him. Just let her smile again like nothing happened.

A loud crash shook him back to reality. He stared at his door and hesitated before rushing out anxiously to find out what happened.

He had thrown his tantrum upon a few kitchen maids, remarking about how the tall stake of china plates were 'an eyesore that was blocking my vision. I could crash into it you know!' Throwing in almost all the vulgarities found in the dictionary, he knocked the entire stack of plates over. He saw it sway into an S, then like raindrops, they fell to the floor, only not with a soft pitter-pattering, rather a thunderous crash of smashing porcelain.

The maids who wore their black and white attire fell down and hugged each other tightly in terror, bracing themselves for more to come. They gasped at the priceless kitchenware which shattered into pieces before their eyes. They were even more horrified when the Prince of Blue's guest kicked a wave of shreds into their arms, shouting "No one deserves to eat out of these!" Of course, that included him as well. With the heels of his shoes furiously hitting the marble floor, he dismissed himself from the mess he had created.

"Damn it, I want to go home. This is some screwed up shit…" Gokudera grumbled to the floor. He came as an assassin, someone after a royalty's life. How on earth did he decide to return home as a woman with a broken heart? He gritted his teeth and winced to dismiss the shameful thought off his mind, his pace quickened. He better do something about his presence before he starts trying to cause more trouble. Suddenly he jolted back up straight when he realize he nearly rushed into someone. "I'M SOR-"Gokudera tried to apologise, but he couldn't, stunned speechless at their unexpected meeting.

"Erm…" Yamamoto laughed nervously. "Hey."

Gokudera regained his composure quick. Shit.

"Ah. DERA." Gokudera swung back sharply and made a dash for it. Shit shit shit shit shit. Gokudera realized his feet won't listen to him as he tried dismissing that feeling of embarrassment off his mind. And he hadn't really gotten use to running around balancing on thin heels. As a result, he didn't even finish running a mere few metres before Yamamoto briskly caught up.

"DERA~"

"CRAP!" And Gokudera was brought to the floor as Yamamoto dove his beloved, hugged her tightly around the waist, sending them crash-landing across and onto the marble floor. Of course, Yamamoto made sure he secured her safely at the top before he felt his back slammed against the marble. It hurt, but he couldn't be any happier to feel Dera in his touch once again.

"GOTCHA!" Yamamoto laughed victoriously. An uncontrollable blush erupted on the assassin's face as Gokudera face nearly touched Yamamoto's. He looked so adorable with that smile Gokudera didn't know what to do. But one thing was for sure, he wasn't about to give up yet. "DerARGH!" Yamamoto yelled in pain as Gokudera did something really beast, biting down on the muscle of the prince's left shoulder. "LEMEGWO" Gokudera demanded as he sunk his teeth viciously in in attempt to be released from the pain. Yamamoto endured it calmly as his princess wrestled. Thank goodness they're alone. If not Gokudera would be punished severely for assaulting the royalty.

"Dera would you stop this?" Yamamoto kissed her hair. Surely enough, the bitter force upon his left shoulder weakened slightly. Yamamoto seized the chance. "Geez…won't you ever calm down to listen?"

"…"

"Hn? Solving your problems does not happen after you throw a tantrum. It only leads you further away from your answer."

Gokudera couldn't believe it. It took an idiot of a prince to tell him something like this. Something that he knew all along, but couldn't do. His heart is in a mess, and Yamamoto could tell. Because… because there's no other way. He can't accept, neither can he relax. Everything now is a mess that all his anger and stress were all beginning to surface in his actions and words.

Gokudera stopped his vicious act, and slumped onto him with no intentions to run away anymore. "I'm tired, Takeshi, I'm tired of everything" He mumbled.

Yamamoto sat up and patted her hair once. "Yah." He rubbed his back from the sore. "I'm tired too."

"Huh?" And a palm rested on Gokudera's cheek and Gokudera was forced to look straight into Yamamoto's eyes. "I want to know the truth, Dera."

"!" Gokudera's single heartbeat slammed down. What… what has Yamamoto find out?

"Dera from the day I met you… why do you hardly smile? Aren't you happy you're with me? Is there… something troubling you since the start of everything between us?" Yamamoto asked without a smile. Gokudera stared back wide-eyed for a brief moment. Oh. So that's it. Gokudera sighed mentally.

"…Nothing… honest." Gokudera threw his gaze to the right. But Yamamoto leaned closer, and Gokudera was forced to look at him. "DERA, I WON'T TAKE THAT AN ANSWER. I WANT THE TRUTH." Yamamoto said firmly, and he saw her speechless surprised look. He was intimidating her, and he really didn't want to force her into this. But all the weird things that have been happening lately, maybe all can be solved with an honest answer. Yamamoto, up till now, has not found out how she truly felt about him, and it's because of this that made their love so unstable, and it made him so uneasy and afraid. It was only made worse when Mia walked into and between their lives. And definitely not to be left out, that Mukuro … Yamamoto bit his lower lip.

Gokudera watched his lover's face contort slightly. It made him feel guilty. He really can't. It's too early for him to find out. "I'm sorry Yamamoto…" Gokudera apologised in his head, "I'm sorry I came to drag you into this. I never wanted to hurt you. Please forgive me. I…"

"I can't." Gokudera finally said.

"… ah." Yamamoto lifted her off him, then he face-palmed himself. "Sorry Dera." He looked down at his knees, feeling ashamed with himself for forcing her. "… It isn't your fault Takeshi, don't be sad." But the prince continued in his sulk.

"Yamamoto…" His fist clenched at his dress.

Yamamoto felt a quick, uneasy peck on his cheek in the midst of his sad silence. "Dera?" He perked up. He saw her blushing behind her bangs. "I… really can't. I'm sorry. Takeshi." She looked away fast. "I… I JUST DON'T WANT YOU TO CARRY THE BURDEN OF MY OWN PROBLEMS. IT'S… it's complicated. I can't put it in words-!"

Yamamoto rushed to his feet after grabbing her wrist tightly. "YAMA-!" The prince covered her mouth with a palm and he threw themselves behind the curtains fast. The velvet helped them perfectly off sight of the outside. Gokudera panicked beyond his heart can handle, as he whole body fought to run away, but the prince held her tightly against him. Shit. Gokudera cursed in his mind as his breathing rate increased. The prince has attempted to do something stupid once. Why did he even trust this pervert in the first place! Gokudera was locked down like a thousand heavy metal chains locked up his movements. His loud cries for help were barely audible.

Suddenly, he heard the sound of footsteps somewhere outside. Gokudera stopped struggling and stayed still, heavily panting for air.

It was a pair of high heels, and smart male shoes. "It's already late. I wonder where my Takeshi-kun is…" Gokudera knew it was Mia. Takeshi-kun.

"Worry not, Mademoiselle. I'll escort Yamamoto-sama personally to the dining hall as soon as possible."

"Thank you Kyoya. I hope he doesn't run away with that scary woman. His father would be so upset at him if he is caught betraying the royal family."

"…" The footsteps diminished to nothing. They finally left.

Yamamoto sighed in relief and let her go. Gokudera whipped around. "You… you could be at least gentler!" Gokudera complained, rubbing the side of his arm. Yamamoto laughed heartily at her cute pout. "Sorry sorry, but there wasn't time to say 'hey Dera someone's coming let's hide first before we are caught with each other' you know." Gokudera looked up and smiled. "Idiot..." And she hugged the prince. "Please don't leave me alone ever again. There's no guarantee that my problems will be entirely solved, but I won't surrender if I have you. You… are what I chose to follow and abandon some things of my life. So don't let me regret this decision." Gokudera mocked his usual irritated tone.

Yamamoto placed his arms around her waist, "Silly Dera, does this mean you have forgiven me?" He looked straight. "But…" Yamamoto sighed in defeat. "To think my father would arranged beforehand."

"…"

"Dera. I only have one day left with you." Yamamoto decided that it was finally the time to reveal the painful truth.

"WHAT!" Gokudera looked up in shock. "ONE day only! That's…" Gokudera knew from the start that one day Yamamoto will be ripped out of his life sooner or later. But this… not this soon! "I'm sorry Dera that I can't keep my promise." Yamamoto eyes saddened. "I have to uphold my principles as a prince. It's for the better for the entire country, better for you, right?" He tried his best to smile. Gokudera couldn't find any reason for him to do the same back.

"But but but! YOU CAN'T JUST LEAVE!" To think Gokudera already forgave Yamamoto, he can't.

"I know it's hard. It is, for the both of us." Yamamoto took hold of her soft hands. "So before I leave you forever, promise me you will smile more often, even if I can't see it. It's the most beautiful thing in the world." Yamamoto's forehead touched hers, Gokudera remained speechless.

The setting sun was taking center stage, playing the pearl of fire as it graced its way below the humbly shimmering sea. It was already getting dark. Yamamoto watched the golden light bathed her sad face, staining her silver hair as she looked outside. He can't stand the thoughts of leaving her alone. What would happen to her after he's gone?

"Oh well," Gokudera's head drooped, eyes shadowed behind his bangs, and it put Yamamoto's thoughts aside. "It can't helped then."

Gokudera turned around and tried to convince the prince in the way like he didn't care. " Don't worry. I'm sure Mia will take good care of you!" Gokudera gave the prince a pat on the shoulder. " After all she's a princess, and I'm just a… nevermind. You deserve someone like her."

The prince blinked twice. "Eh?"

Gokudera gave a heavy sigh. God are you really an idiot? Haven't I say enough? "I said," and this time Gokudera placed emphasis on each and every word. "You are better off with Mia. She's fine, gentle, and approachable and she would never even dream of hurting you. Haven't you have enough of me? I'm sick and tired of you always trying to help me and bring back the happiness that I once had! You're making me owe you far more than anyone can imagine."

Yamamoto saw them. Immediately he retrieved a handkerchief from his coat's breast pocket, catching them as soon as they came. "It would be different for you if you have her by your side instead of me. You won't have a single reason to cry if you are with her. She's a princess anyone would chase to the end of the earth for!"

Yamamoto heard enough. Everything was not true. He was sure she knew what she was saying… hopefully. How can you lie like this? As much as the prince didn't want to believe, it sounded so much like she was trying so badly to get rid of him.

"De-"

"If you have time to hit on women in isolated places, then there's definitely time for dinner."

"WARGH!" Gokudera's body shot up in surprise. The melancholic atmosphere was immediately overtaken by fear as Kyoya parted the curtains and bluntly announced.

"Ahahaha Kyoya!" Yamamoto leaned over and hug Gokudera so no one could see her face. The prince was well aware how Gokudera hated to display her feelings easily and to everyone. "Kyoya don't do that. Look you scared her~ ^^"

The butler gave his master a cold thin glare, to which even put the prince queasy. He wasn't afraid to show that he still loved Dera deeply despite the arrangement of the marriage. His father can change his future, but not what he truly devote his love to.

Gokudera felt the embrace grow more secure.

"Got it got it Kyoya~" Yamamoto gave his butler a thumbs up. "I'll be there soon. Tell them they have no long to wait."

"You should know about the protocol."

"Seated 15 minutes before every meal, my bad. Ahaha."

Kyoya gave Takeshi's princess a brief stare as he turned around to leave.

"…" Yamamoto watched his butler disappear behind the corner, and then he looked down. "Dera's he's gone." Gokudera peeped just a little just in case. Even without looking at him previously, Gokudera felt his stare like a dagger slicing at his back. He sighed in defeat. How on earth did that guy get the job? He'll probably get an even higher pay if he worked as a debt collector in his own town area.

"Dera do you want dinner?" "HUH?" Gokudera gave his prince a big 'you-got-to-be-kidding-me' look. "You out of your mind? They'll literally kick my ass out! You don't even know what would happen to you if your butler tell everyone that he caught you having me to yourself!"

"Ahaha like I'm scared of them! I'm a prince can give any orders and do anything I want. And I want you to have dinner." Yamamoto held her hand and ran before his princess made further statements of objection.

"Ta… TAKESHI I HONESTLY DON'T WANT TO EAT I'M REALLY FULL!" Remember how Gokudera said Takeshi was last person he wanted to face? Change of mind. It's his family that he dreads the most now. Takeshi looked more than happy to introduce him to the entire royal family. "Dera since you came you HARDLY ate! I'm sure you're not use to that!"

... It's an honest yes actually. Gokudera thought as they ran down flights of the stairwell hand in hand. They stopped infront of a grand pair of doors similar to the others. Gokudera anxiously tugged at his sleeve. Yamamoto gave his princess a reassuring smile before he swung them open.

Awaiting them in silence was a long dining table that stretched all the way to the other end of the hall, and around them sat important people from all over the land. Gokudera could recognize a few faces – Jyuudaime and his newly wedded wife, Kyoko-sama, Lady Dokuro of the neighbouring Mist Empire, the obnoxious 5 year old cow prince from the City of thunder… Gokudera found a pair of eyes looking displeased in his way from the far end of the room. It was no surprise that it belonged to the father of the Prince of Rain.

"I apologise, Father." The prince bowed sincerely. He found his seat as he passed by the back of his father.

"Takeshi." He confirmed coldly without turning back.

"You can't deny her from food, Father." The voice was equally as serious.

The prince looked around playfully. "There isn't an extra seat anywhere?"

"This young lady can take a seat by Hibari there." His father pointed opposite him, where Kyoya was already eating quietly, not giving a care if the higher standings have started dining or not. Carnivores don't give a damn to herbivores.

Gokudera gulped. He knew this was almost more than a bad idea. He sat down, not knowing what to do as he stared at the expensive culinary and the forks and spoons that lined by the sides in various shapes and form. What the heck was each for? Gokudera then found out that Mia's seat was just right next to Takeshi's.

The dinner began officially as Tsunayoshi- Sama rose from his chair and declared with a wine glass raised. Gokudera just watched and learned how to use the cutlery fast. No matter whether is it drinking or taking a bite, Gokudera never left his eyes off the couple. It was really stupid, because he knew he was watched, well, at least by some phantom stalker butler for a neighbor.

It came to a point where Gokudera have absolutely no desire to fill his stomach no matter how desperately it begged for food, no matter how delicious the spread was. The couple before him was getting too much onto his nerves, with Mia's constant spoon feeding the prince like an over-pampered puppy, laughing at her everytime Yamamoto makes a mess on his face when he eats. "Grow up already idiot." Gokudera muttered before he took a sip at the wine. The liquor burnt his nostrils, nearly causing his eyes to sting up tears. "UMPH!" Gokudera choked at that, and gave a relief sigh that he didn't die. How exactly did they put up with it, he watched the butler took a sip with class.

Takeshi was engaged in a vibrant conversation with his wife-to-be, commending the chefs about doing the best once again, or at least that's what Gokudera figured from the other side of the table. She smiled at the prince and pointed and his plate. Gokudera raised a brow when Takeshi's bright smile faded slightly. He nodded and with a fork, picked up a cut piece of sirloin coated with thick gravy. Putting on his biggest, brightest smile, he raised it infront of her, who happily leaned forward and eagerly took a bite.

"…"

All of a sudden he found himself being caught by Yamamoto's sad gaze at his way. "…Che. " Gokudera looked away in disgust. The ultimate solution to feign ignorance was to continue eating like he knew absolutely nothing.

Then came to dessert.

A small dish was set before him. On it sat a piece of milk pudding. "…" Gokudera stared at it, at that murky reflection of his miserable self upon its flawlessly smooth white surface. "I wonder who is he thinking of right now." When he looked up he realized that Takeshi was doing the same.

… Takeshi?

"Stupid Gokudera, stupid! You don't give a fuck and you never will. He's not yours anymore. He can't keep all the promises he made to you. So shut those thoughts out. And EAT." Gokudera mentally reprimanded himself. Crossed, he shoved a spoonful of pudding into his mouth and ate. It tasted like a cloud from heaven, but that image of the prince's upset look was stuck to the back of his head that he couldn't taste any joy from it.

I don't care. I don't care. I don't care.

Opposite the table Yamamoto watched her eat with eye purposely shut. "Dera…" Things are never going to get better like this. Just the simple thing of worrying caused a loss of appetite. Worse, the thought of how things might just end.

"Takeshi,"

"Takeshi!"

"EH?" Yamamoto gave his princess his attention. She looked unhappy, a cheek puffed. Uh-oh, has he been too inattentive to his surroundings? "Yes, Izumi-san?"

"You're spacing out again." She jokingly knocked the side of the prince's head with a knuckle. "Here, can't you eat by yourself? Are you doing this on purpose?" Before Yamamoto could respond, she took his spoon and scooped up a small hill of a pudding. "Open wide~" She grinned as brightly as Yamamoto could. He sighed mentally, too polite to reject her, he hesitantly took a bite. Om.

His eyes travelled sideways to take a peek. Dera was looking into her teacup as she drank, minding her own business. Liar, I know you care…

"TAKESHI!" Shoot. "SORRY SORRY, HIME!" Yamamoto profusely begged for forgiveness. Oh please don't make a fuss. Guess life goes on. Yamamoto allowed himself to be fed.

"Takeshi you have something there…"

"huh?" Too late. Mia leaned over and licked the corner of the prince lips.

"! IZUMI-SAN?"

BANG!

It startled not only the couple, but the entire room of people. And buzzing across the room stopped abruptly. All eyes turned to the source of the sound.

Gokudera was standing up with both his palms firmly slammed against the table. He had enough. He can't take it anymore. His heart can't take it anymore. Two drops of tears stains the white cloth of the table. His palms went numb previously, now the pain was blossoming rapidly across the surface, like ramming both his hands onto a carpet of needles. He didn't even need to look at them to know how red they were. Gokudera slowly lifted his head and took a good look at everyone in the room, the looks on the face and the guilt was enough to be a punishment. Jyuudaime holding onto Kyoko-sama, Mia clinging onto Takeshi.

His fists clenched into the cloth.

"I apologise." He told Jyuudaime formally. He nodded in forgiveness after awhile of hesitation, and with that Gokudera guiltily dismissed himself quietly from the dining hall.

It's already 11 that night, Gokudera had spent all his time reflecting. "Shit shit shit shit shit shit shit shit shit…." He repeated for the millionth time as he buried his face underneath all his violet pillows. To be in his Lolita style room to die in shame, the perfect punishment.

"But…" Gokudera sulked. He never wanted to see their love end. It's really too early for him to accept this. He sighed long and hard. What should I do…?

There was pecking on the window from outside, immediately catching his attention. "FUCK." Gokudera wiped off the last traces of tears, and got ready to face the worst.

But it wasn't the owl that draped the aura of pain or bloodlust that await him outside in the night. It was warm, almost fuzzy and happy. Gokudera found himself looking at a little swallow, busy pecking the window for entry.

Without hesitation, Gokudera searched for the latch and pushed the windows open. A chilly wind caressed his face. The swallow swiftly flew in at one of a kind speed. It soared all around, but it never left Gokudera's side, almost like it wanted to cheer him up, not wanting him to feel like he's alone. Gokudera did felt better with some company, and smiled warmly at the friendly animal that came to play. Gokudera sat by the latch and watched it strut its stuff for a while. What amazed him, was that it started to sing, chirping to a music Gokudera fallen in love at first note. (sh… don't tell him in the parallel universe we call it Oretachi no Yakusoku, a song dedicated for their love ;3) Closing his eyes he enjoyed it along with the bird.

When the song ended, Gokudera's new found blue feathered friend flew down to his side as they settled by the window bay. "That's beautiful." He smiled as he pat its head and stroke down its neck, "You're one talent for such a small guy."

It chirped, a sign of accomplishment. Then it flew into Gokudera's palms. "Eh? What's this…?" Gokudera noticed something tied to its leg. Carefully he untied the string that bound it to the swallow's skinny legs. It's a note.

Can you meet me at the stairwell that leads to the grand ballroom? I have something I want you to know.

With love,

A big idiot

"…" Gokudera folded the note. He looked at the little bird now with a different view. It cocked its head playfully and blinked its big beady eyes. What does that idiot want now? I already screwed up at dinner.

Gokudera got to his feet and paused in his tracks. Is… is that person going to end it all with me? Right… since tomorrow I can't see him anymore, he probably has some last words to tell me. And in the middle of the night, good thinking idiot.

"Since you're so pathetic, I'll just let you have one last chance." And Gokudera left his room. Once gone, the swallow flew out of the opened window, winding down the olive tree that grew by the window, zipped through the gaps of the doors, into the dark, quiet grand ballroom.

Yamamoto leaned against the stairwell and waited. His smile returned when his swallow came back to him. "Did you do everything as instructed?" Yamamoto laughed proudly at it. The bird sang as it flapped its wings out to fold it back comfortably. "I knew I could trust you." Yamamoto grinned. Everytime he felt sad or just wanted company, Kojiro never failed once in cheering him up. Too bad he needed his pet swallow to reach to her, instead of doing it himself.

"Tonight I want to settle everything." And his hand that was placed deep inside his coat pocket held that special little box tighter, his heart beating faster.