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Act III

Scene II

~X~

Sicily, in all its nature and beauty, was a region known for its late nights and early mornings. Masako, who had only arrived on this coastal Italian Island for no more than two months, was still unaccustomed to the early sunrises that begun roughly at five in the morning. By seven, the sun was already high up in the sky and shining rather annoying through the bedroom windows. The silk canopy around the bed didn't provide much protection either, and Masako stirred in her sleep.

Slowly, she fluttered her eyes open and blinked under the sunlight. Turning around on the pillow, Masako's lips pulled into a delicate smile. Sleeping quietly next to her was her rather explosive husband. But in his sleep, the storm was calm, restful and serene. Masako lifted her hand, and brushed away a strand of loose sliver hair.

"Why can't you be more like this?" she whispered

As if catching her cue, Gokudera frowned and opened his eyes. He stared at his wife for a brief second, "What did you say, woman?"

"Well, good morning to you too, Hayato," Masako chuckled, dropping her hand before carefully pulling herself up into a sitting position.

Emerald-green eyes watched her moves cautiously, "Shall I bring breakfast up to you?"

Gokudera scoffed, "No need," he replied, "I can go downstairs myself."

Masako agreed with a nod. She quickly threw on a thin cardigan before climbing out of bed, "I'll call you when breakfast is ready."

For a minute, the couple stared at each other. The storm guardian blinked, "What?" he challenged.

His wife beamed back, "Nothing," she insisted, "It just feels strange waking up next to you. Perhaps we should do it more often."

With that said, Masako opened the bedroom door and stepped out into the hallway. Gokudera glanced after her, but his hand clutched onto the wound that was present on his lower waist.

~X~

The same morning in the Vongola Mansion however, was not so pleasant and affectionate. In the very office held by Vongola Decimo, two very powerful men and an arcobaleno sat awkwardly facing one another. One man was the leader of CEDEF- the other was the boss of the family. Reborn nevertheless, casually sipped on his espresso and flashed his usual smirk.

"Tsuna," Sawada Iemitsu placed down his coffee, the fine china clinking against the table, "I'm just here to discuss some family matters with you, nothing more."

The boss looked up, "Isn't the CEDEF here to question me about the recent activities in Florence?" he ushered, "Basil-kun has already confronted me with that issue."

Iemitsu pursed his lips, "Yes," he muttered, "But I have some more important matters to discuss with you."

Tsuna's eyes flickered to Reborn, but soon gave his father full attention, "Go ahead," he pressed, "I'm listening."

The CEDEF leader smiled, "Tsuna," he began slowly, "After this month I have decided to retire from the position as head of CEDEF," Iemitsu announced, "I'll be passing my authority down to Basil."

"Y-You're retiring?" The Vongola boss blinked, "How come?"

Iemitsu chuckled, "I'm turning forty-six this year, Tsuna," he declared, "For the past twenty years I have devoted myself to the Vongola. Now, I'd like to go home and spend some time with your mother."

The Don gave a thoughtful nod, "And Basil-kun, he knows about all this?"

"Certainly," Iemitsu proposed, "Basil is young, loyal and capable of leading the CEDEF."

Tsuna smiled in approval. Yet, just before the Vongola boss could open his mouth to speak, his ex-tutor suddenly interrupted, "Don't get too excited, Tsuna," Reborn lectured, "This is the dangerous part."

The CEDEF leader agreed to this, " Reborn is right about that."

"Dangerous?" the boss turned to the acrobaleno, "What do you mean, Reborn?"

Reborn placed down his espresso and stood up on his seat, "During the passing over of positions within the Vongola, many rivaling families would take this opportunity to seize us," he explained, "Anything could happen during this time."

Iemitsu nodded, "Which brings me to my main point of the meeting today," he announced, staring directly into his son's brown eyes, "Before I retire, I'd like you appoint a member of your family as the Vongola Consigliere."

"Consigliere?" Tsuna raised a brow, "Counselor?"

The sun acrobaleno smirked, "That's right," he declared, "A person who'll sit by you, listen and negotiate with your ideas and serve the Vongola with the upmost loyalty."

Vongola Decimo fell silent. He took a minute to glance between his father and his tutor, carefully judging the situation that was unfolding before him. Finally, he opened his mouth to speak.

"And by the sounds of things," he ushered, "You've already picked a person for me."

Iemitsu looked impressed, "Why yes," he chuckled, "I'm sure you know your storm guardian very well."

Tsuna's eyes immediately narrowed, "Gokudera-kun?" he challenged, "No."

His father's smile turned into a frown, "Tsuna-"

"No," the Vongola boss repeated, shooting up from his seat, "Gokudera-kun has a family, a wife to go home to. I can't place him in anymore danger," he lifted a finger and pointed at his father, "You should know that better than anyone."

Iemitsu slid his eyes to glance at Reborn. The sun arcobaleno merely smirked, "Don't worry, Tsuna," he assured, "Putting Gokudera as your Consigliere isn't a bad thing."

"Isn't a bad thing?" the boss pulled a face of horror, "His life's in danger for goodness sakes!"

But Reborn wasn't easily moved, "It's a test to see if Gokudera has lived up to our expectations," he proposed, "Or if he's still the childish delinquent who walked through your door ten years ago."

"And if he doesn't past this 'test' of yours?"

The sun arcobaleno's smirk widened. After training under Reborn for so long, Tsuna knew that this little twitch of the mouth wasn't a good sign.

~X~

"Ma'am," Aya's eyes flickered to the clock, "It's nearly half-past nine."

Masako frowned and stared down at the table. Breakfast was laid out neatly across surface, arraying from juices to freshly baked breads and pastries. The housekeeper looked a little nervous, and she turned back to the landlady for directions.

"Maybe sir has fallen back asleep?"

The latter shook her head, "Hayato has always been a light sleeper," Masako urged, glancing out the door, "I'll go and check on him."

Aya bobbed a nod as Masako exited the dining room. Back upstairs, the Vongola Storm Guardian leant over a bathroom sink filled with bloodied water. He panted, fingers clenching onto the rim of the counter. The wound on his waist reopened, and he was loosing a lot of blood.

"Hayato?" there was a gentle knock on the ensuite door.

Gokudera turned his head to the side, "What do you want, woman?"

The door was slowly pushed open, making the storm guardian widen his eyes "Breakfast is ready-"

It took Masako a second to apprehend what she was seeing. Standing in the middle of the bathroom, with blood dripping from his wound was her husband. Masako dropped her mouth open and gasped.

"Hayato!" she exclaimed, "What is going on?"

Gokudera gritted through his teeth, "Nothing," he scolded, "Get out."

His wife ignored him and stepped forward, "Are you alright?" Masako trembled, reaching over to touch his shoulder, "We need to call a doctor!"

"I said get out!"

The storm guardian flinched away from his wife. Raising a hand, he gave Masako a forceful push. Taken by surprise, Masako stumbled back, tripped and fell against the tiled floor. Luckily, her head just missed the rim of the nearby bathtub.

"Hayato!" Masako cried out desperately, "Stop this nonsense immediately!"

Gokudera turned around and glowed, "You don't understand anything!" he yelled back, "The Vongola is in trouble and you expect me to sit at home?"

"Am I the one who doesn't understand anything or is it you?" His wife argued, "You need to stop hurting yourself for the Vongola!"

"Shut up!"

Masako's eyebrows knitted together, "I'm serious, Hayato," she retorted, "I know you're loyal to the Vongola, but this is going beyond any definition of loyalty!"

"Shut up!" the storm guardian roared back, but suddenly winced and dropped onto the floor.

"Hayato?" Masako immediately scrambled to her husband's side, panic pulsing through her veins, "Hayato!"

A new figure appeared in the bathroom doorway, "M-Ma'am?"

Pulling Gokudera into her arms, Masako turned to her side "Quick!" she cried, "Call Bianchi-san and get a doctor!"

Aya was stricken with shock, "I-"

"Quickly!"

The housekeeper nodded and ran out. Masako turned back to her husband, but unfortunately for her- the storm guardian had already lost consciousness.

~X~

Dr Shamal within the mafia world, was known more for his womanizing than actual medical practice. While his knowledge was extensive and skills superior, many avoided him due to his constant chase of women and girls. This morning, he lured greedily at a pretty young maiden sitting a few tables away from him at the local coffee shop. She was attractive, had white skin, large oval eyes and full lips- the kind that he liked.

He swung down the last ounce of his coffee before getting up to greet the young lady. Making his way across the brightly lit parlor, Dr Shamal was stopped when two heavy looking bodyguards got up and bumped him roughly across the shoulder.

"Get lost old man," one croaked in Italian.

Dr Shamal chuckled and scratched his cheek, "Now gentlemen," he began, "I'm not here to pick-"

The other bodyguard raised his fist, showing off a spike adorned knuckle-duster, "I said get lost."

Shamal sighed and stuffed his hands into the pocket of his pants. Sitting behind her bodyguards, the young girl flashed an alluring smile, teasing him to take another step forward.

"Goodness, what commutation."

The group turned around at the arrival of a new voice. Followed by two subordinates, Alberto stood in the middle of the parlor and smiled most politely. The two bodyguards gave him a threatening glare.

"Doctor Shamal," he announced, "Would you come with me please?"

Shamal frowned, "What?" he mumbled, "Who the hell are you?"

"You punk!" the bodyguard with the knuckle-duster roared, dashing forward and raising his fist, "He's our man!"

The subordinates standing behind Alberto immediately jumped into action. In less then ten seconds, the bodyguard lay stiff on the ground- blood oozing out from his head. A loud cry was heard from the girl, and the other bodyguard merely stared at his co-worker's lifeless body.

"Now then, Doctor Shamal," Alberto ushered, turning to the side, "If you please."

The doctor glanced down at the body before walking out of the café. Alberto followed close behind, leaving his subordinate to deal with the remaining members left in the restaurant. Seconds later, gunshots were heard and the girl screamed again before falling silent.

"Sorry about all this doctor," Alberto offered a warm smile, "I'm Alberto, from the Vongola Family."

Shamal stared at the boy standing before him, "The Vongola sent you?"

The latter nodded as a black Mercedes pulled up next to them, "Certainly," he gestured to the car, "Please get in doctor, I'm afraid we don't have much time."

~X~

Bianchi stood in the parlor of her younger-brother's villa. Her ears soon picked up the sound of a car engine rolling up the driveway. Moments later, the door opened and Alberto strolled in.

"Ma'am," he bowed, "I've brought Doctor Shamal."

Stepping aside, Alberto revealed the doctor standing in between his two men. The poisonous scorpion nodded and waved the storm subordinates away. Shamal blinked for a few seconds before realizing who was standing in front of him.

"Oh my Bianchi-chan!" he cried, rushing forward with open arms, "You look ravishing!"

Bianchi easily dodged the attack and Shamal landed in a hopeless mess. Slowly, the doctor scrambled back onto this feet and sighed, "You're always so harsh on me."

"That's because you're still a pervert," the poisonous scorpion argued, but folded her arms, "But I have a favor to ask of you."

Shamal smoothed down his suit and brushed dirt off his pants. He soon lifted his head and glanced around the parlor, "This isn't the Vongola Mansion is it?" he ushered, turning back to Bianchi, "And since you're here, then-"

Bianchi watched as the doctor judged his surroundings. Finally, he chuckled, "Looks like Hayato is doing well for himself."

The latter opened her mouth to speak, "Hardly, he-"

"Bianchi-san! Bianchi-san!"

The two automatically raised their heads at the sound of fresh feminine voice. Rushing down the wide staircase two steps at a time, Masako arrived breathlessly at the end of the parlor.

"Bianchi-san, Hayato's wound won't still bleeding!"

Immediately, Bianchi turned to Shamal, her olive green eyes flashing with eagerness, "Shamal," she beckoned

The doctor stared between the poisonous scorpion and her sister-in-law. He shook his head, "I don't treat men."

"What?" Masako echoed, "Please don't say that!"

Bianchi frowned, "All the Vongola doctors have been called off," she demanded, "You're our last hope."

Shamal shrugged, "Not my problem," he replied, "If Hayato wants to die that quickly, then let him be."

"Shamal!"

The doctor turned around and headed for the door, "He's been like this all his life, I can't save a man like him."

"W-Wait!"

Masako dropped her knees onto the marble floor. Shamal, who was just about to reach for the door, glanced through the corner of his eyes. He's lips tigthenend into a thin line.

"What're you doing?" the doctor challenged, "You're the storm guardian's wife, why are you bowing down to me?"

The latter lifted her head, "Don't call me the storm guardian's wife if you're unwilling to save my husband."

"Like I said, I don't treat men."

Masako bit her lip, "Does the gender of your patient really define your medical practice?" she confronted, "If it does, then you shouldn't even be a doctor."

Shamal spun his head back, "Excuse me?"

"I understand that Hayato may have caused you trouble in the past," Masako continued, "But right now, he's life is in danger, and if you really are the Trident Shamal everyone brands you to be-" she forced a smile, "Then you'll have no trouble saving him."

The doctor stared at the woman kneeling before him, "Do you even know what you're saying?"

Masako nodded, "Every word of it."

Shamal released a frustrated sigh. He eyed Masako one last time before brushing past her, "Alright," he muttered, "Where is he?"

~X~

Sawada Tsunayoshi sat rather stiffly in his seat. After the meeting with his father and ex-tutor this earlier morning, the Vongola boss had a scorching headache running through his brain. His personal butler, after seeing him in such a state, immediately called for a team of highly specialized physicians to come and treat the uneasy boss. Now, sitting wearily in his velvet armchair, Tsuna waved the last doctor away.

"You must rest, Decimo."

The Vongola boss sighed before turning to his butler, "Rocco, get me some tea please."

Rocco bowed and disappeared into the adjacent kitchen. Leaning his head against the back of the armchair, Tsuna listened carefully to the sound of water boiling and the clinking of plates and cups. He allowed for his mind to wonder through his family members. Ryohei was in Rome, Chrome in Palermo with the Cavallone Family, Hibari was on his way back from Florence and Yamamoto was sent in secret to France. He was reluctant at the start to send his rain guardian on this mission, but after hearing arguments from a rather serious Reborn, Tsuna was left with no choice but to prepare a jet for Yamamoto. But now to think of it, if he was going to bring up the topic of raising his storm guardian into the position as the Consigliere, then now would probably be the most suitable time.

"Sir."

Tsuna sat back up, "Just leave the tea on the table, Rocco," he ushered, "Then you can go."

"Actually sir-" his butler flashed a nervous look, "I've just received a call from the storm guardian's subordinate."

The boss picked up the saucer, "Is Gokudera-kun doing well?"

Rocco's face fell grim, "Sir," he trailed, "The wound on the storm guardian's waist reopened this morning, he's lost a lot of blood."

Tsuna's eyes widened and he nearly chocked on his tea, "What?" he demanded, "How did this happen?"

"We're still not sure-"

"Have you sent a doctor?"

Rocco pursed his lips, "His wife called the mansion this morning," he's voice grew small, "But I turned her down since you weren't feeling well and needed the doctors."

"How dare you!"

Shooting up from his seat, the teacup sitting in the Vongola Don's lap was sent flying to the ground. Rocco immediately dropped onto his knees as the fine china shattered against the wooden floor.

"I'm so sorry sir!" he cried, "I didn't think the injury was that serious!"

Tsuna's eyes fumed with anger, "Not that serious?" he spat, lifting his hand and pointing a finger at his butler, "If the storm guardian dies, how'll you take responsibility!"

"I-I, Sir!"

The boss moved his hand to the door, "Go get a doctor now!" he ordered, "And make sure he's a good one!"

Rocco jumped onto his feet and hurried out. Now left alone his office, Tsuna slumped back into his seat and sighed. It was going to be a tiring day.

~X~

"Hayato?"

The storm guardian carefully fluttered his eyes open. All of a sudden, his muscles tensed and he's entire body ached with pain. He winced, scrunching up his face with agony. A pair of soft hands soon found Gokudera's face, and cool fingers brushed across his cheek.

"Hayato, don't move," a gentle voice ushered, "You'll strain yourself."

Green eyes slid to the side, "Woman."

Sitting on the side of the canopy bed, Masako looked up and smiled, "You finally regained consciousness," she whispered, "I was afraid you won't wake up again."

"What's that suppose to mean?"

Masako laughed and quickly moved to help her husband sit up, "I'm just glad that you're alright now," she managed to mutter, "You lost so much blood."

Gokudera stared in the opposite direction, and the couple fell silent. Masako shifted uneasily on the bed, wanting to say something- but at the same time not sure what to say. It wasn't until a few minutes later when the storm guardian opened his mouth to speak.

"Woman," he began, still looking the other way, "Do you hate me?"

His wife chuckled and shook her head, "No," she insisted, turning her head around, "How could I?"

Gokudera didn't say anything, allowing Masako to press on, "I know I may never fully understand what you do," she says slowly, "Nor the kind of past you had."

The storm guardian glanced to the side. Masako paused to gather her words, "But I choose to accept who you are, and I'll never allow anyone to take that away from me."

It took Gokudera more than a minute to understand what his wife just said. He blinked at her, but felt an unusual flood of warmth rush into his chest. Finally, he spoke.

"Do you seriously mean that?"

Masako managed a slight chuckle, "I'm not known to be a liar, Hayato," she replied, "Especially to you."

Her husband scoffed, "You're such a sap, woman."

A genuine smile appeared across Masako's mouth as she quietly stood up, "I should go and check on lunch," she insisted, "You should relax as well, Hayato."

"Wait, Masako."

Masako turned around, feeling her husband's green eyes bore into her, "What is it?"

Gokudera raised his right-hand, "Come here."

His wife looked confused, but nonetheless took his hand and obeyed. The storm guardian pulled her back onto the bed and leant forward. Carefully, he brushed a thumb over Masako's lips and studied her light hazel-green eyes.

"You're my woman now, you got that?"

Masako grinned, "Aye sir," she agreed, "You sappy storm guardian."

-End of Scene II-

~X~

A/N: Thanks for reading that chapter! I've got some questions via the messaging service during the past few days, and if you're one of those people who did ask me a question- then please check your inbox as I've replied. Otherwise, review everyone!

A Preview for Next Chapter:

"Gokudera-kun, I know I shouldn't ask any more of you," the Vongola boss composed a nervous look, "But I was wondering if you'd take up the position as my Consigliere."

The storm guardian's eyes widened, "J-Juudaime," he stuttered, "I-It'd be a honor!"

Sitting next to him however, Masako attempted to conceal her displeasure. She forced herself to look grateful and smile at her husband's new raise, but inside, she was screaming for Gokudera to say no.

~X~

Later that night, Masako couldn't get a wink of sleep. She rested her head against the goose-feathered pillow and stared at her husband. A line of candles lit behind her casted strange shadows around the room, as if demons from hell came to haunt her.

"What's with that look?"

She blinked and realized that Gokudera was actually awake. Masako shook her head, "Nothing," she ushered quietly, brushing a few fingers across her husband's cheek, "You should sleep, Hayato."

The storm guardian made no movement to close his eyes, "Then stop tensing."

Masako froze as a warm hand held her waist, "I'm fine," she mumbled, "You can let go."

But the hand didn't move. Masako sighed, "Hayato," she paused, her voice softening, "Are you really going to be the Consigliere?"

"Probably, it's Juudaime's wish," Gokudera muffled back, "Problem?"

His wife closed her eyes, "No problem."

The hand on her waist finally disappeared, and Masako allowed for a single tear to roll down her cheek.