Chapter 4

Disclaimer: I don't own Katekyo Hitman Reborn!

"Hey, when you want to cry, just cry until the tears are gone. It's ok to cry. It's ok to understand we're not strong, because we'll become stronger…"

A fluffy brown head of hair popped up from the sparkling blue surf with a refreshed gasp.

"Ahh~!" Tsuna shook his head to fling away the crystal beads of liquid. "Come on Hayato! The water feels good! If you dive far enough, you can see the clouds underneath us!"

"Really? But, if I might ask, how can you hold your breath so long?"

"Hm? I dunno, I've been swimming for my whole life."

"Oh."

"Well Hayato? Come on!"

The silveret just shook his head and sighed. Tsuna frowned. Ever since the funeral, he had been acting depressed no matter what Tsuna tried to do.

Tsuna and Hayato watched as they lifted the casket into the River of Clouds. Slowly, it drifted away, becoming nothing more than a dark speck on the cloudscape.

Above them, more clouds were gathering, think with rain.

Already the townsfolk who had known Lavina, Hayato's mother had shed their tears, offered their condolences and left. When everyone was gone except Tsuna and Hayato, it began to rain. Steadily at first then an all-out downpour.

Hayato looked down, his bangs shadowing his eyes. His body began to tremble and Tsuna couldn't tell if it was from the chill or if he was crying.

Suddenly, he looked up and shouted to the sky. "You don't understand my pain!" Then he fell to the muddy ground, tears—or rain—streaming down his face.

To the side, movement caught Tsuna's eye and he turned around to see a soggy boy holding a soaked bouquet of flowers.

"Hey." The boy managed a smile.

"Hey yourself." Tsuna replied, moving protectively in front of the defenseless Hayato just in case the boy was a threat.

"A loved one died?" The boy guessed, nodding to Hayato.

"Yeah."

"Oh, I see. I'm here for my parents. They died a few fortnights ago. This is for them." He held up the flowers, drooping sadly from the weight of the water. He made his way over to the flowing river of clouds and tossed it into their fluffy depths.

"Well, see ya' around." The boy's lips lifted upward slightly but the smile looked half-hearted. Then, he began his retreat.

"See ya.'" Tsuna echoed, only having half-listened to the conversation.

"The name's Takeshi by the way." The boy turned back around, hazel eyes shining warmly for the first time since their meeting. "What's yours?"

"Tsu-Tsuna." The brunet whispered. Then he motioned to the other and a little louder he said: "and this is Hayato."

"Tuna and Hayato? Well I'll keep an eye out for you back in town." With that, they boy disappeared within the foliage, his raven black hair blending perfectly into the murky darkness.

"I-it's Tsuna." The brunet sighed. "Not Tuna." Squatting next to Hayato, he murmured into his ear.

"C'mon Hayato, we'll catch a cold like this. Let's go." Gently, Tsuna took his friend's icy hand and pulled him up.

Together and dripping wet, they slowly walked back to town.

Tsuna sunk into the watery depths and let out a big breath. Suddenly, the water didn't feel as good anymore. It seemed to have dropped to a freezing temperature. Bubble escaped his lips and floated to the surface where they exploded with dozens of 'pops.'

When he resurfaced, he was near the shore. He climbed out of the water and walked over to his friend.

"Remember, Hayato, what I said to you that day?"

Hayato nodded solemnly.

"Then why aren't you happy? Smile" Tsuna spread his mouth wide as an example. When the silveret just stared blankly at him, Tsuna picked his cheeks and pulled them up. Hayato's mouth was stretched upwards into a smile but his face showed an unhappy scowl.

With a tired breath, Tsuna let go of Hayato's cheeks. "Keep in mind Hayato, we are a family and families depend on each other. We smile together, we laugh together, we confide in each other and most of all, we enjoy the times we spend together. Don't bottle up your feelings; let them out for a change. You'll feel better, believe me."

Hayato looked like he wanted to say something but then he averted his gaze and sealed his mouth.

Despite that, the brunet was quite sure that he had gotten through to his friend. So, he got up and began to pack up their things. "We'll head back to town for the rest of the day but we'll have to move on to the next town tomorrow morning. It's time the Vongola got into action."

That night, as they slept in the outskirts of town, Tsuna heard a quiet sobbing coming from his neighboring tree. Tomorrow would be all better.

In the morning, Tsuna woke up to the sweet chirping of birds. Climbing down from his tree, he stretched his sore libs. Looking up, Hayato was still in his tree, sleeping soundly. The brunet smiled, he would let Hayato sleep a little longer—he deserved it.

He began to prepare their breakfast, taking some eggs and frying them over a small fire. By the time it was ready, Hayato still hadn't woken up. So, deciding that he should go to town and stock up on supplies, Tsuna quickly ate his portion and set off.

On the way to the village supply shop, he came across a small flower shop. Captured by their beauty and fresh aroma, Tsuna stopped and peered inside.

A small, downy white Gardenia, and it's perfect contrast, a deep red Zinnia caught his eye. It would be the perfect gift for Hayato. Mind set, he entered the shop and headed towards the two flowers.

"Yoh."

Tsuna jumped at the voice and spun around.

"Tuna right? Told you we'd see each other again."

"Takeshi." Tsuna nodded, "fancy meeting you here."

"Haha! That sounds like what those royal folks say. 'G'day Madame, what can I do for ya?' 'Oh, why thank you. I'd fancy a cup of tea, hint of cream please.'" The boy mimicked a conversation of a wealthy aristocrat perfectly. Then he added, "You're not one of them are you?"

"No." Tsuna stated firmly, in his head he said: 'Not anymore.'

"Haha, thought so. Anyways, what are you doing here?" Takeshi asked curiously.

"I, um, am getting a gift for a friend."

"Hm, that's nice." Takeshi distractedly walked over to where the bouquets were sitting innocently. He fingered the flowers and sniffed them, finally deciding on a small but colorful on.

Silently, Tsuna wondered if it was more flowers for his lost ones.

Takeshi walked over to the counter to pay, setting down the flowers and checking the price. When he saw it, he winced and subconsciously fingered his pocket.

Behind the counter, the shopkeeper raised an eyebrow. "Another one sonny? I won't stop you from buying it but, how many are you gonna' buy?"

Takeshi shrugged. "I'll stop when I forget."

"Your parents? Now son, it's been over a month. It's time to let go."''

"But I can't." Takeshi sniffed sadly, "I've forgotten their voices, and their faces. But I will never let the memories—our times spent together—fade. The God of Life decided to take them away, but does that mean every part of them has to disappear?"

"Son—"

Takeshi laughed bitterly. "Maybe I should just die, that way, I'll meet them wherever they are resting, that way, I'll never forget them, they'll be with me—forever."

Having eavesdropped on the entire conversation, Tsuna decided it was time to intervene. It was time for the Vongola's first mission. Quickly, he plucked the two flowers and faced over to the clerk.

"Mister, I'd like to buy these."

"Sure thing, jus' gimme' a second."

"Just ring it up please and I'll be off."

The man put a hand to his head in exasperation but did what he was asked. While he was totaling up the price, Tsuna leaned over and whispered into Takeshi's ear.

"Meet me on the cliff overhanging the town over to the west." With that, he plopped the coins on the counter and grabbed the flowers and ran back to Hayato with amazing speed.

Hayato was still sleeping by the time he got back. So, Tsuna scaled up the tree and shook him to wake him up.

"Later." Hayato mumbled.

"There is no later, c'mon and wake up, we've got our first client!"

Hayato bolted right up and almost fell out of the tree but Tsuna steadied him. "Client? You mean for the Vongola?"

Tsuna bobbed his head excitedly. "That's right, now hurry!"

Hayato slid down the trunk with Tsuna following. He gobbled down his breakfast and was ready to go within a blink of an eye.

Tsuna almost chuckled; he was acting much different from yesterday. "Umm, Hayato, before we go, I need to give you something."

"What is it, Tsuna? Time's a ticking!"

"Settle down, it'll be real quick." Tsuna picked the two flowers from his pocket and handed them to Hayato. "The white one is a Gardenia and the red one is a Zinnia. I thought they might suit you."

Hayato's eyes grew teary and Tsuna's heart dropped. Did he hurt his feelings?

But instead, Hayato gave him a gratified smile. "Thank you, I'll treasure them with all my heart. And even when they wilt, I'll keep them safely tucked away."

Tsuna smiled back in relief. "Well then, let's go."

By the time they reached the cliff, Tsuna could make out a tiny figure standing frighteningly close to the edge. Squinting, Tsuna recognized the dark black hair and the tall frame. It was Takeshi.

Worried, Tsuna left Hayato's side and ran over to the figure, the latter calling out to him in surprise.

"Sorry Hayato, just wait there for now!" Tsuna called over his shoulder. He picked up speed and finally came to a halt, panting heavily from the run. Hayato was still standing obediently where Tsuna had left him.

"T-Takeshi, w-what a-ar-are you d-doing?" Tsuna asked breathlessly, taking a step closer to the boy. Underneath his foot, he heard an ominous crack.

The raven-haired boy was staring over the edge of the cliff, probably not even aware of how close he was to the edge. "Just…looking. For some reason the ground seems so…inviting."

"W-what a-are you thinking? Don't jump! Y-you'll k-kill yourself!" With another step, Tsuna could feel the ground starting to give way below them.

"Kill? That sounds nice." Takeshi's eyes remained fixed downward. "I can meet my parents that way."

Tsuna took a deep breath to steady his breathing. "Don't. Saying you are frustrated, that you want to die, or that you want to die because your parents aren't here anymore doesn't mean that suicide is the answer." Tsuna felt heat race through his veins, coursing through his body and powering his words.

Finally, Takeshi diverted his attention from the ground and stared at the brunet in the eye. His face was thoughtful but cleared of any other emotion.

"Don't cut your life short just because of this, everyone has their own hidden potential—don't waste it. Enjoy life while it lasts, seize your future with your hands and shape it into your own. Don't die with regrets; instead, live with your Dying Will." Tsuna finished and suddenly felt drained, both from the run and the speech. Exhausted, Tsuna fell backwards with a heavy thump and sighed. He felt the heat leave him, slowly creeping away.

"Man I'm out of shape. I used to run much longer and farther than that."

Breaking into a smile, Takeshi backed away from the edge and lay down beside Tsuna. "Thanks, looks like you knocked some sense back into me."

"Did I? Mmm, I was just stating what I believe in." Tsuna stretched his tired limbs. He heard them crack with a satisfying 'pop.' "Takeshi, if you were given a chance to bring peace and happiness to this kingdom, would you take it?"

"Happiness?" Takishi hummed as if weighing the decision in his head. "I'd say yes. If I could bring one gift to the world, it would be smiles and cheer."

"Then Takeshi, what do you say about joining Hayato and my group. The ones who protect the weak, the Vongola." Tsuna stared directly into Takeshi's eyes like he was staring into his soul.

"Protector of the weak? Haha, sounds fun! Tell me, is this a game?"

"No." Tsuna almost smacked his head at Takeshi's cluelessness. "It's completely real."

"Then it's a game? Sure, why not? I'll join!" Takeshi laughed, his hazel eyes shining with joy. "It'll be the band of three, Tuna, Takeshi, and Hayato!"

"It's Tsuna. Tsu-na." The brunet growled irritably. "NOT Tuna."

"Oh really? Hmm, I swear you said Tuna."

"I most certainty did not!"

Takeshi laughed again. "Are you sure you aren't royalty? You sure sound like it."

"No." Tsuna rebuked a little too quickly but covered it up by adding: "My real family has long gone, I fend for myself and my new family."

"So we're all orphans then?" Takeshi smiled. It seemed like he had gotten over his depression over his parents.

"Yeah, I guess, we're orphans."

"Seems like we all have something in common then." Takeshi sat up and looked at the orange-painted sky. The sun was setting, casting its glow across the land. Purple clouds floated lazily across the expanse.

Tsuna also sat up and casted a glance at the extremely obedient Hayato who was still standing a far ways off, frozen to his spot. "I suppose."

Suddenly, a sickening crack resounded off the land. From where he was sitting, Tsuna could feel the ground tremble and give way.

"Quick! Tsuna, get away from there!"

Tsuna saw Hayato start running towards them, waving his hands frantically.

Tsuna and Takeshi scrambled their way to their feet and prepared to make a dash for it. But just as they took their first step, the earth crumbled under their weight.

He was falling. Dirt cascaded downwards, blurring Tsuna's sight and sticking to his tongue. Hazily, he saw a form beside him trying to grab on to something for a hold. But nothing was anywhere near them.

Distantly, Tsuna could hear Hayato screaming his name. He saw a distorted silver head peer over the edge of the rock and stretch out a hand as if to catch his falling figure.

Something grabbed his hand and Tsuna looked over to see the smiling face of Takeshi.

"Looks like in the end, the ground decided that it wanted to embrace us huh, Tsuna? I suppose it was my destiny to die."

For a second, Tsuna felt disbelief flash through him but then it was replaced by a fiery will to survive. "No, I won't let your life end like this. I don't care about mine, but if I could save you, then it would be worth it." Again, Tsuna could feel liquid fire flow through his veins, spreading through his body.

Calmly, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he reopened them, Takeshi gasped. His eyes were orange, like the sunset-dyed sky. Atop his head, a flame burst to life, billowing wildly with the air.

Using the hand that was still latched onto his arm, Tsuna pulled Takeshi closer and held him close with one hand. With the other, flames flowed from his hands and slowed their fall. By the time the earth was mere inches from them, the flames stopped and they landed lightly with barely any injuries other than where the falling rocks scraped them.

Tsuna let go of Takeshi and the flame disappeared. His eyes, previously orange seemed to have faded back into its normal brown. His hand was burned badly but he didn't seem to notice or care.

"Are you okay?" Tsuna asked worriedly. "You're not hurt are you?"

"N-no." Takeshi mumbled, bewildered at what happened. "I'm fine."

"Ahh, that's good, I'm glad."

"TSSSUUUUNNNAAA!"

Looking up, the familiar silver head of hair was peeking over the edge of the noticeable smaller cliff.

Tsuna stuck up a hand and waved. "We're fine! No need to worry!"

"I'M COMING DOWN SO JUST WAIT FOR ME!" Hayato shouted again. Then, he began to climb down the rocky side of the cliff, using rocks to grab footholds on.

"Be careful!" Tsuna yelled back. "Don't fall like we did. I don't know if I'd be able to catch you." He added a little softer to no one in particular.

It didn't take long for Hayato to arrive at Tsuna's side. He immediately began to check over the brunet, cleaning every wound, even the tiniest scratch then gently putting on some bandages to keep them from bleeding further. By the time Hayato's work was finished, Tsuna looked like a mummy.

"Haha, you two sure are funny." Takeshi laughed, inspecting his own cuts and bruises. "You're not going to do that do me are you?"

"Take care of yourself." Hayato growled at him. "Tsuna needs me and only me."

Tsuna's voice was muffled. "Hayato, this is Takeshi, Takeshi, this is Hayato. He's a new member of the Vongola. Please treat him well."

Hayato froze. "Bu-but I thought it would be just you and me." Tears began to form at the corners of his eyes.

"Ah, uh, umm, eh, I uh, never said that." Tsuna was at a loss for words. "I, uhh… Anyways! Please get along."

"I'm sure we'll get along fine! Right Hayato?" Takeshi clapped the silveret on his back enthusiastically.

"Tch."

Tsuna could only sigh at their antics. Despite all that, it was nice to have a family like this.

"…Now, in the middle of running up the hill, the hardship is the same for everyone. It's ok to be impatient, because we'll reach it somehow." –Yamamoto Takeshi

A Gardenia is a symbol for 'joy' and a Zinnia is a symbol for 'thought of friends.' If you don't know what they look like, a Gardenia looks kind of like a white rose while a Zinnia has several small petals that make it look like a ball. Search them up if you want.

A/N: I hope you liked this chapter. It wasn't…repetitive was it? This turned out longer than I expected it too. In future chapters, I think I'll limit my word count to 2,000. Thanks to those who reviewed, followed/alerted, and faved. See you guy's next chapter!

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