I'm back! Thanks to everyone who commented, added or favorited Cielo, you are my joy!
A big thank you to my beta Tora-chan83 for all your help, without she this story would not be posted!
Enjoy!
Disclaimer: KHR belongs to Akira Amano-sensei, only the plot is mine!
The Return of the Cloud
The hotel lobby was busier than usual due to the arrival of a famous actress, who had chosen Milan to spend her vacation with her also distinguished boyfriend, after the long period of recording her latest movie. A mountain of paparazzi and reporters were focused solely on their arrival, and thus did not notice a group of men, all dressed in expensive black suits, and headed towards a meeting room specially reserved for them in the coverage, a luxury granted to few.
With firm steps, the group entered the room which had a large table in the center. Inside, an unsuspecting waiter was supplying the table next to the fridge with drinks. An inadvertence that would certainly be reported to his higher up, probably costing him a substantial discount in his salary at the end of the month, or, far worse, his job.
"Heh, look what we have here, Boss." - Said one of the newcomers, a burly man with a scar over his right eyebrow and wavy hair, which was stuck in a ponytail at shoulder level. The man pointed to the waiter, who, realizing his carelessness, began to tremble, his eyes fixed on the gray floor.
"Let the man work, Santo. Our guests have not even arrived. You, serve me a glass of your best wine." - Another ordered the waiter, he was seated in black chair on the edge of the table, the others following his example.
The waiter gave a curt nod before doing what he was told, then, with another brief nod, withdrew from the room. The young waiter entered the elevator and went down to the tenth floor, entering another a room. Immediately an indigo haze enveloped his body, which dissolved soon after, revealing a pair of bi-colored eyes, followed by an unmistakable sinister laughter.
"Kufufufu, Sawada Tsunayoshi, what kind of problems are you trying to avoid this time?" - He said to himself, while watching the computer screen on a small table, which showed the meeting room, the voices coming out of the speaker indicating that he could also hear what was being said - "Looks like I will not be bored anytime soon."
On the floor beside the door, there was an unconscious figure of a waiter.
~~~Ҳ~~~
Tsuna entered the infirmary, and was closely followed by a tense Gokudera, who was muttering things that he assumed were curses in different languages. He automatically spotted his Cloud Guardian, who was pale and unconscious, lying on a bed with a nurse tending to his right shoulder and the upper chest. Aiding her was an equally preoccupied Yamamoto. Sitting in an armchair next to the bed was a man with a unique pompadour hairstyle, who was keeping an eye fixed on his boss - this itself told Tsuna enough to imagine what had happened - while an apprehensive Chrome disinfected a few scattered small scratches on his right arm and face.
"How is he?" - Asked the young Tenth, immediately attracting the attention of the occupants in the room, who only now realized their presence.
"He was struck by a strange blade that pierced his shoulder, and was pulled down, ripping a little bit of his chest." - informed Yamamoto, the master swordsman of Tsuna's Family - "We were able to partially close the wound using Luca-san's sun flames, but not shut it completely. Tsuna, there is something very wrong with this injury. His body was rejecting Shinu Ki no Honoo of the Sun." - Yamamoto finished, he had a serious look on his face as he looked at his boss.
Immediately, Tsuna's expression darkened noticeably, and a small sigh escaped his lips.
"Kusakabe-san, how are you?" - the brunet asked, turning his worried look to the right hand of the former prefect.
"I'm fine, thanks to Kyo-san." - the man replied, palpable frustration in his voice.
"Tenth-sama, I've done everything that was within my abilities." - the nurse explained, tilting his head slightly to avoid his boss' eyes, while a red tint covered his face, Tsuna's presence tended to provoke such reactions from the female population, and in some of the male.
"Ah, thank you Luca-san. You can withdraw for now. We'll call you if we need, until then, please do not go too far. Gokudera, go get Shamal from your office or wherever he is, and bring him here as soon as possible. Tell him I will not accept his apology." - His harsh tone leaked a thinly veiled threat, telling them that he was not willing to tolerate any of the perverted doctor's whims.
"Hai, Jyuudaime." - Gokudera said before disappearing down the hall.
"Yamamoto, tell onii-san about the current situation, and tell Fuuta and Lambo not to leave the mansion until further notice. No exceptions."
"Yes, Tsuna."
"Chrome, could you contact Mukuro and see if he is well, and also inform him of the situation?"
"Hai, Boss."
Once the young girl withdrew from the room, only Tsuna, the unconscious guardian, and a frustrated Kusakabe remained in place. A brief silence was formed, while Tsuna took a deep breath, trying to organize his thoughts.
Things are getting complicated again - he thought, looking at the figure of the Guardian of the Cloud, while pressing his hands into fists. Then, he remembered the other person still in the room.
"Hibari can be cold most of the time, but like the cloud that floats, drifting across the sky without being attached anywhere, he also protects the family from a distance, in his own way." - Tsuna said, directing his gentle gaze back to Kusakabe, who was shocked by his words.
"Sawada-san, how do you...?" - Kusakabe asked before correcting himself - "Ah, the Hyper Intuition that the Vongola bosses possess." - he smiled slightly at the man standing beside his boss' bed.
"You can call it that, but coexistence has also helped made me realize this. After all, I know my guardians very well." - Tsuna explained, his orbs hinting a bit orange as he turned back to Hibari - "So don't blame yourself, otherwise it will only make Hibari even more angry when he awakens. After all, he hates to receive help, and he won't be happy to learn that he was rescued after losing consciousness at the entrance of the mansion." - Tsuna completed, having already anticipated the sour mood that his Guardian will have, the Cloud will probably have an even more difficult temperament when he wakes up, the Sky thought, with a somewhat bitter smile on his lips.
Hearing him, Kusakabe fixed his eyes on the Tenth boss of the largest and most powerful Mafia Famiglia, the Vongola. Sawada-san was a unique person, someone with the ability to understand, not only people but also the situations around him with just a glance. Perhaps this ability is due to his legendary Hyper Intuition - although Kusakabe doubted that was only this. He was also one of the few, or perhaps the only person, who was capable of understanding his boss, with his aloof temperament and hatred of feeling trapped. It wasn't in vain that Kyo-san decided to stand beside the Vongola, and somehow under the command of the young Tenth. Though, Hibari will deny this fact to death, after all, the cloud does not follow anyone. But there was no doubt that his boss had developed a strong respect for Sawada-san, the greatest proof of this was the extreme to which he had arrived during the last mission he had received from the Tenth.
"Kyo-san, we need to see a doctor!" Kusakabe said in alarm to the guardian in front of him. He was stopping the wound on his boss' shoulder with a makeshift bandage using his own suit.
"No. We will return to the Vongola mansion. Sawada Tsunayoshi needs to know of this as soon as possible."
"But, Kyo-san-"
"Kusakabe Tetsuya, are you questioning me?" Hibari asked in a tone that challenged his right arm to continue, accompanied by a deadly look worthy of a legitimate Shinigami.
Without realizing it, Kusakabe shuddered at the memory. Hibari Kyoya was someone genuinely scary, even when wounded. Speaking of people with frightening powers... Tetsuya saw the worried expression of his boss, indirectly - since his boss is Kyo-san. Sawada Tsunayoshi, if want, can be scarier than anyone he has ever known - more than his own Guardian of the Cloud, a fact that he witnessed in person years ago - but still, he was also the most kind and gentle person that he knew. The perfect type to possess such power, since they would never abuse it. At least, not while his heart is focused on protecting those who are important to him.
"Something wrong Kusakabe-san?" - The Tenth asked, seeing the other's quiet and thoughtful expression.
"No. I'm fine. Just remembering what happened. Kyo-san wanted to return to the mansion as soon as possible. Both that, and his immediate rejection to the idea of being treated by a doctor, is why he was in such a state." - the ex-delinquent responded, again recalling the scene.
"I understand." - Tsuna said, looking back at his guardian with a vague expression on his face - "Let's talk more about it after Gokudera and Shamal get back."
"As you wish, Sawada-san."
~~~Ҳ~~~
About fifteen minutes after his departure, Gokudera was back at the door of the ward, dragging one very grumpy Dr. Shamal. In the room was also Yamamoto, who had just arrived after completing the two tasks he received from Tsuna. The brunet had remained in the room almost the whole time, except to answer a call from Dino, who, Tsuna was sure would appear soon to know the details of the situation in which his problematic former-student is in. Chrome, who also just arrived with Fuuta and Lambo, was there as well.
"So... My patient was the sweet Chrome-chan?" - A voice called out in a frivolous tone, which belonged to the shamelessly perverted doctor, for that comment, he received such a reproachful look, courtesy of Tsuna, that it sent a chill down his spine, and this immediately made the doctor realize the seriousness of the situation - "Right, right. What do we have here... Wow! Our lovable Hibari Kyoya, what did he do to get an injury like that?! Walk into a fight against someone with a super chainsaw?" - The doctor questioned, already looking at the holes in the shoulder and chest of the guardian.
"In fact, it was a strange sword with a serrated blade, which seemed more like a kitchen knife made in a larger size covered with a black flame." - Kusakabe informed, receiving incredulous looks from everyone, except Tsuna, whose expression was hidden underneath his brown hair.
"Black Flame..." - repeated Yamamoto, he couldn't believe his own ears, after all, during these past ten years they have never heard of such flames, no matter how strange and unexpected the enemies were.
"Tch! What the hell is this now?" - Gokudera snarled, his eyes giving away the confusion and theories forming in his mind.
"Scary..." - Lambo muttered, standing beside Fuuta, who merely observed, since Tsuna wouldn't have called them there if it wasn't really important.
"I also had trouble understanding when Kyo-san talked about it, since I myself, wasn't able to see the flame. Something that Kyo-san could plainly see. He didn't tell me anything about it. In fact, during the entire mission he did not say anything, and many times acted alone."
A black flame that not everyone can see... - Tsuna stopped listening to Kusakabe and focused, momentarily, on that fragment of his commentary, his eyes narrowing.
"Why didn't you contact us for a whole month? Jyuudaime was worried about you." - Gokudera snapped, bringing Tsuna back into the conversation.
"Kyo-san started acting weird after we found that our main contact had disappeared with all the guards and officials of his property killed, probably with the same type of blade that had struck Kyo-san. He decided it wasn't safe for the mission's progress for any information to be passed, that's why we stopped contact." - Kusakabe reasoned, getting a sour look from the Guardian of the Storm, but, that also meant understanding.
"Was Hibari hurt just like that? He, out of all of us, is the most difficult to break down, something that we don't like to admit." Yamamoto stated, he had long abandoned his smiles and assumed his position seriously, the baseball lover glanced sideways at Gokudera, for he, even though he was the leader of the Guardians since he was Tsuna's right arm, especially hated to admit that when it came down to power, Kyoya was by far the strongest of them all, it was something that Reborn always made a point to remind them about, particularly when he had a new type of training for the Guardians, for whom Tsuna continuously frowns at for being at odds.
"Two days ago, we were ambushed in Prague. There were at least forty armed men, mostly carrying those strange swords. As I cannot fight with flames, Kyo-san said that I'd only serve as a deterrent and ordered me to stay out of the way. However, one of the enemies with two of those swords, found me and was about to attack, and before I could react Kyo-san appeared in front of me blocking the blow with his tonfas. Despite that, one of the blades pierced his shoulder. The man, when he had seen who he had hit, tried to create the maximum damage possible. Kyo-san was quick to realize the enemy's strategy and sent him away, but the damage was already done. After that, those who had not been killed fled." - Kusakabe paused, visibly frustrated, while ignoring the stares of his listeners - "I insisted that we go to a doctor, but Kyo-san strongly rejected the idea. He said that, now more than ever, we should go back to the mansion. He wanted to talk to Sawada-san as soon as possible and therefore poorly rested during the trip back. Unfortunately, due to blood loss and stress, Kyo-san fainted as soon as we entered the gates of the mansion."
A hush fell over the room, as everyone absorbed all the information that they had just heard. Even Lambo, who didn't understand much of the conversation, remained silent, not daring to disturb the other's concentration. Some Famiglias were brave - meaning stupid and/or desperate enough to try to ambush Hibari Kyoya, the bloodthirsty Cloud Guardian. After all, it was a fact that whoever tries going against the ruthless Hibari will surely be bitten to death.
"Chrome, what did Mukuro say about his situation?" - Tsuna was the first to break the silence, his bangs still covering his face.
"He's well, and said that Boss better have a good explanation for when he gets back." - Chrome replied, recalling the amusement of her master, which meant that soon someone was going to be crying desperately.
"Oh. I understand." - Tsuna paused for a moment, releasing another sigh - "Minna, I know that you want answers, but right now, even I don't have them completely in my grasp." - the brunet admitted, looking up and running his eyes over the faces of all those present - "All I can say is that we must be alert to everything around us. Someone is definitely targeting the Vongola."
Yes. Again we are the targets... It is better to clarify it before something worse happens... - Tsuna's Hyper Intuition told him, while he quickly noted who in his family are currently present in the mansion - If it wasn't Hibari who was ambushed, but Lambo or Fuuta...
"That's why, from now on, Guardians who leave the mansion are required to carry their Vongola Gear, and the others shouldn't leave alone. Lambo, you know that out of everybody, your Vongola Gear is the most problematic, but since Shoichi and Spanner were able to adapt it into a Box, you have no excuses not to take it with you. In addition, you are included for those who cannot leave the mansion alone." - As the Tenth boss finished with this, he sent a look to the young guardian containing a 'sorry'.
"Yare, yare. I will, Vongola." - The lazy teen responded, opening his right eye and waving to Tsuna, getting a slight smile back.
"Chrome, provided that Mukuro is currently with the Mist Gear, make sure to always have a Box and at least two rings, obligatorily class A, along with you. Fuuta, please contact the CEDEF and report to Basil the situation, see if they have any new information. Gokudera, please call and ask Bianchi to return to the mansion. I know she is busy looking for new ingredients for her poison cooking, but explain the situation to her." - Tsuna said as he moved his gaze from his right arm to all the occupants in the room - "To everyone, always have a tracking mechanism and a communicator beyond a cellphone with you. And lastly, do not alarm the employees of the mansion, we don't know exactly what is happening, but panic is the last thing we need. I will personally ask Lorenzi-san to bring all the employees the new instructions. As for security, Gokudera, Yamamoto, I leave you the responsibility to rearrange them. Keep the squad leaders on alert, so we won't be caught off guard again. Also, Yamamoto, please pass this information to onii-san."
There was a chorus of 'yes' in the room, followed by the output of each to their obligations. Lambo mumbled something about 'a nap before dinner,' and Chrome retreated to her room in search of another Class A ring of the Mist, since she always had one on her finger. Her boss had given her that ring after becoming the Vongola Tenth so she could keep her own illusionary organs. Whereas Mukuro currently had the Vongola Gear of the Mist - this was what usually happened when Tsuna instructed him with a mission of a higher level, and he doesn't want her to be involved. Yamamoto, followed by Gokudera, who, was on the phone mumbling something like 'aneki, forget the damn scorpions and snakes in Africa,' were going out in search of the squad leaders. Fuuta went to Basil, the new leader of CEDEF, since Sawada Iemitsu retired six months after Tsuna assumed his place as the Tenth Vongola.
"It's still weird to see you give orders without hesitation like a true leader, even though you've already done this for six years." - said Shamal, who had finished his work.
"How is Kyo-san?" - Kusakabe asked before Tsuna could inquire.
"As we all know he's very strong. Even after losing a large amount of blood, he seemed to only have fainted out of exhaustion and lack of sleep. Something to be expected from a battle maniac. The only problem is that the wound will heal slower, taking into consideration what Gokudera said about the sun flames not working with full force. Certainly a higher power, like the extreme Sun Guardian's, would do a better job. Apart from that, he should be fine after recharging his body. And for this, a few hours of sleep will be enough. But ... I'm really curious about these new weapons..." - the womanizer began to divagate until a reproachful gaze from Tsuna brought him back on track - "Anyway, Hibari is fine, there's nothing to worry about."
"Kyo-san..." - the right hand man muttered in relief.
"Well, if you don't mind, I'll spend the night in the mansion and tomorrow I'll go back to my office. If you need to talk to me just call me." - the doctor explained.
"Ah, thank you for coming." - Tsuna remarked, giving him a gentle and grateful smile.
"As if I had another option. You just send Hayato personally for me, it was an emergency, besides... I really have no desire to face the wrath of a man who was able to defeat an Arcobaleno."
"Don't remind me. Reborn has only further worsened the hours of torture after that day." - The legendary boss grumbled with a slight frown, the mere mention of such training provoked a chill.
"I really do not want to be in your shoes, Vongola. Now, I think I'll drink some wine. I really hate having to deal with men." - the insect wielding doctor moaned, going out of the room.
"Sawada-san, thank you." - Tetsuya said, as the two found themselves alone once again.
"Why?" - Tsuna asked, receiving a look from Kusakabe.
"For being a leader so kind and worry about Kyo-san and me." - the tall man replied, staring at him.
"Kusakabe-san, my family is the most important thing in the world to me. And I'll always protect them."
Even if that means not telling them I'm... - Tsuna choked at the thought. His expression going blank for a split second, though, it was not perceived by the man sitting a few steps to his right.
"Kusakabe-san, you also need to rest. I'll ask Luca-san to stay here so that you can take a shower, eat something and most definitely sleep." - informed Tsuna, walking toward the door.
"Okay, Sawada-san."
~~~Ҳ~~~
It was almost dinner time when a large black car parked in front of the main entrance of the Vongola mansion. A handsome blond with brown eyes wearing a brown shirt underneath an olive-green jacket and baggy beige pants, with sample tattoos on his left arm and neck came out of the vehicle followed by a man with white wires in his black hair. They entered the mansion and were greeted by Lorenzi, the old and efficient chief butler responsible for all the employees working in the Vongola headquarters.
"Good night, Lorenzi." - greeted the blonde with a bright smile.
"I was right, you came after all." - A well-known velvety voice sounded from in foyer of the mansion.
"Tsuna! You know that it scares me whenever you appear that way. And why this reception? And how did you know I was coming?"
"Dino, you're asking more questions than usual. It's difficult to answer in this manner. He is well, if that is your biggest concern. Answering the first question, Hyper Intuition and years of coexistence." - the Vongola boss responded, opening an amused smile for the newcomers.
"Oh, I should have known that you'd read me like a book. Sometimes I miss the time when my little brother wasn't able to do such things." - Dino murmured, while Romario was limited to laughing and giving him a pat on the shoulder.
"Buona sera, Romario-san."
"Good evening to you too, Tsunayoshi-san."
"Lorenzi-san, you can let me take care of our guests, just notify Pizio-san that we have two more people for dinner." - Tsuna said, sending Dino an amused look, daring him to refuse his invitation, which pulled another snicker from Romario and a resigned sigh by the blonde.
"Hai, Tenth-sama."
"So I imagine that you want to know what happened, otherwise you wouldn't have come rushing at dinnertime on the day of Japanese food." - Tsuna joked, extending his mischievous grin.
It is quite common that Dino eventually joins Tsuna and the guardians on the days when Pizio prepares Japanese food. It was no secret to anyone in the Mafia that the Tenth boss of the Cavallone Famiglia was a lover of good food. In addition, Dino had fallen in love with the mother of the Tenth Vongola's culinary skills. Both Dino and Tsuna share the same opinion about the chef's food in the Vongola mansion. Needless to say after 'Cielo', Dino was currently occupying second place in the list of people who warm the cook's heart.
"Tsuna, you're being rude." - Dino grumbled, blushing a little with his younger brother's accusation that he didn't deny - "But, yes, I know I could have simply waited for you to call me, that was also suggested by Romario." - the sometimes clumsy man confessed, after all, at some point in the ten years that are known, Tsuna started to read people like a book, not only Dino, but everyone around him as well, even Reborn became target of this look that could disarm any self-imposed barriers.
"Relax. I would have invited you anyway, but with so many things happening in a short time, I ended up not taking the chance. Furthermore, I knew you were also concerned about Hibari's disappearance. You were his tutor after all. And second, Reborn's motto-"
"A tutor should be responsible for your student to the end." - They recited in chorus, quoting the words of a certain Spartan and sadistic tutor.
"Speaking of Reborn, you've already told him about the latest events, right?"
At the mention of his tutor, Tsuna froze momentarily.
Ah, Reborn... He's suspicious that I'm hiding something... Something very important, so much that it will certainly change everyone's lives... Sorry, Reborn...
"-na? Oi, Tsuna?! Are you not feeling well?! Should I call Gokudera?" - Dino panicked, ready to start shaking Tsuna's shoulders, or yell for help, with memories of weeks before starting to invade his mind.
"Sorry, I was distracted, just thinking about some things." - Tsuna reassured them, releasing a comforting smile - "About Reborn, I haven't talked to him yet, since he will soon be returning. Also, I know that he is happy responding to a request from the Ninth again so I don't want to disturb him. Besides, since I am quite grown up, I can deal with my problems, in case you forgot." - the Tenth stated, his smile moving be to a more intimidating one.
"Tsuna... As your older brother I'm so proud to see how much you've grown..." - Dino said with his eyes shining.
Here we go again... - Tsuna thought, seeing the look on Dino enter 'older brother mode'.
"If you hold me and start crying, I'll order Pizio-san to remove the separate dish for you." - The brunet warned, while opening the door of the ward as they entered the room.
"Oi, Tsuna! Do not deny your Aniki the right to feel proud of his achievements." - Dino exclaimed in a teasing tone, receiving a false sigh of irritation from Tsuna, this kind of banter between the two had become a normal occurrence within the family, something which everyone had accustomed to.
"Tenth-sama, Cavallone-sama." - greeted Luca, upon seeing the two bosses enter the room.
"Luca-san, how is he?"
"Still asleep, Tenth-sama."
"Thank you. Luca-san, while we are here go get your dinner, we will exit only when you return."
"Hai, Tenth-sama." - Luca said, leaning in and coming out.
"Wow, Kyoya does seem pale. This is probably the first time he really got hurt during a fight."
"According to Kusakabe-san, Hibari was only hurt for interfering when one of the enemies made him a target. So technically, he wasn't hurt from fighting."
"Kyoya can be cold, but he cannot stand to see a companion being hurt without doing something. Even if he will never admit it." - Dino told him with a sigh as he observed his sleeping problematic former-student - "So what happened?" - He asked, finally getting a serious expression, the jokes would have to stay for a more propitious moment.
"About this..."
Tsuna filled in Dino about everything that Kusakabe had said earlier, such as the strange blades and the black flames, but avoiding the details about what Hibari was doing in his mission. Because this was an issue where only Hibari, Enma and himself, knew all the details, even Shoichi was not aware of everything, while Enma was also an important part of the equation.
"It seems quite problematic, Tsuna." - Dino said after hearing the story.
"I think so too. Even more so than usual, these black flames somehow seem to interfere with others, such as decreasing the effectiveness of the attribute 'activation' of the Shinu Ki no Honoo of the Sun. In a battle, with wounds that don't heal as fast as they should, fights become even more dangerous, especially for those who cannot use any rings or Boxes to defend themselves properly."
"You continue to be concerned with the safety of others, as always. How did Reborn call it... Ah! 'Hyper Protection Version Tenth Vongola' " - Dino said, ruffling Tsuna's hair, feeling the tense atmosphere around his 'brother' become smaller, that, and obviously he did it because Tsuna doesn't like it.
"Dino, you'll start with that too?" - Tsuna grumbled, while trying in vain to fix his rebellious soft brown hair.
"I think that term fits you perfectly. Someone who only fights when it is to protect those who are important to him. That is why you are the Cielo of the Vongola Famiglia." - Dino answered, opening one of his bright smiles, the same one that made women blush and sigh - "Likewise, it is because Kyoya is the Cloud who always prefers to fight alone which ends up bringing problems. Frankly, even at this age he is still unwise." - the whip user grumbled at the last part.
"Dino, you sound like a mother scolding a disobedient child."
"Heh?"
Thankfully, Hibariis still unconscious. -Tsuna thought, sighing again, while imagining the scene his guardian would have made if he had heard that comment from the unhappy Dino.
~~~Ҳ~~~
Dino, Tsuna and Romario were moving on to the dining room, when Luca returned with the tray containing what would be their dinner - Spaghetti alle Vangole, a fact which drew a smile from Tsuna, worsening the condition of the poor tomato-red nurse. Tsuna still couldn't find a good reason to explain for such a reaction.
Bending around the hallway, the three encounter Yamamoto, Gokudera and Kusakabe, who had stopped with strange expressions on their faces. It was one that Tsuna immediately recognized, causing his heart to tighten. After all, those expressions had recently began to appear with a persistent frequency on the faces of his beloved family.
"Guys, why are you standing in the hallway?"
"Tsuna..."
"It's nothing, Jyuudaime. We came to fetch you for dinner." - Gokudera responded quickly before any words were spoken, he felt that as right-hand man, it was his duty to eliminate any of his boss' concerns, an attempt which failed miserably because Tsuna was able to see the hidden truth beneath those words.
"You..." - the brunet grumbled, with an irritated sigh - "If you continue making those depressed faces, I will definitely ask Reborn to intensify your workouts when he returns. Frankly, sometimes I wonder what I did to have so many overprotective friends. Haven't I already told you to relax? I'm not going anywhere." - Tsuna huffed, opening his irresistible smile, baptized by the Ninth as 'attributo del Cielo', which immediately broke the dark aura surrounding the three.
"Sorry to disturb you, Jyuudaime."
"Sorry, Tsuna."
"Sawada-san..."
"And 'attributo del Cielo' strikes again." - Dino said, ruffling Tsuna's hair again, and in turn, receiving another kind of smile from his little brother, it was well-known that when the Tenth uses it as a warning, it always came with a spine-chilling look.
"Dino." -Tsuna said in velvety but firm voice, which was increased by an intimidating stare, alerting his aniki of his limits, something that no one was foolish enough to take lightly.
"Right, right. But now... Can we go to dinner, I really want to eat the delicious Japanese food that your chef made."
"Tch! Another who only appears in time to eat." - Gokudera grumbled.
"Hahaha. So Dino came to dine with us again." - Yamamoto commented, with his signature smile on his lips again.
"Saying it that way makes it seem like I only visit you because of the food." - Dino muttered, blushing for having heard the same complaint twice in one night.
"Boss, give up, you've earned a fame within the Vongola Famiglia." - Romario said with a smile.
"Shut up! If I won this 'fame', you must also be guilty since you also liked the food. Saying that I just visited my brother in Japan because of the food." - he paused for a moment - "Which really is very good. But it wasn't for that reason alone that I was visiting Tsuna. Ah, speaking of Mama, Tsuna, what about your parents? It has already been a long time since I've last seen them." - Dino questioned, as the group entered the dining room, where Chrome, Lambo and Fuuta were already awaiting.
With that question, Tsuna shrunk an eyebrow. It was an expression he often used to wear when he was younger, something that only now appeared when it came to his parents' nonsense.
"I talked with my mom two days ago. They're still in Honolulu on their 'honeymoon'. I wonder how they can call six years off, traveling around the world, a 'honeymoon..." - He commented, broadening his grimace.
"Hahaha. Your parents are so passionate, Tsuna."
"That is not the problem, Yamamoto. It turns out that my dad is making me pay for all their astronomical costs, as 'compensation' for having supported me when I was younger." - the fluffy haired boss said, shrinking his eyebrows a little more and puffing up his cheeks, giving him a fun and somewhat childish air.
"This is the Tsuna I met ten years ago." - Dino said with a laugh - "Even though you smile often, you have become very serious, Tsuna. Who knew my little brother, clunky and chicken-hearted, would become so responsible."
"Pizio-san, you can remove the plate corresponding to Dino, he will stick to the entrance, a light salad." - Tsuna automatically called out in a velvet tone, with a sickeningly sweet smile, his expression was becoming even more frightening than of Mukuro's and Hibari's aura when the two were very close to each other, and the boss was not around to stop them with this same ghastly smile.
A shiver ran down the spine of everyone in the room, including the employees. Everyone remembered the first time that smilehad appeared.
"Oi, Tsuna! You won't do this with your aniki, will you?!" - Dino cried out in alarm.
"Pizio-san, forget the salad. Bring just a glass of water."
"Ye-yes... Cielo-sama..." - answered the 56 year old man, through his little eyes the color of bronze, he casted a look of apology to the Cavallone Tenth, while running back to the kitchen followed by a handful of stunned employees, meanwhile, the family members began to laugh, except for Gokudera, who was smiling widely in approval at his Jyuudaime's attitude.
Tsuna was being mischievous again in order to relieve the tension that was installed inside the mansion, provided when the strongest guardian of the Tenth returned wounded - was the thought that ran through the minds of everyone sitting around the large dining table. As the sky, Tsuna did everything possible to keep tempers calm.
Fortunately for Dino, Tsuna allowed him to receive his plate back with the promise to stop disturbing him. And with that, the dinner went by quietly. Only during the dessert, Mitarashi dango, was the calm disturbed. When Lambo ten years of the past came up again, screaming nonsense about 'Reborn played the Great Lambo-san for the giant turtle to eat him for being annoying' and 'Lambo-san was not guilty, Bianchi played poison cooking on dame-Tsuna and Dino' ending with 'I-pin exploded because of the frightening Tonfas that appeared to fight with Dino'. Needless to say, Dino and Tsuna began to cold sweat at the mention of such memories, but were happy that over the years Hibari began to focus his temper on the 'unfortunates' who cross his path during missions, thereby reducing the risk of the family being bitten to death.
"Neh, Tsuna, tell Pizio-san that the dinner was great." - Dino said, while crossing the hall toward the exit.
"Ah. And thanks for visiting. But we really are well."
"Tch! As expected, you know the real reason I came." - the Bucking Horse grumbled, seeing Tsuna's smile widen - "I think I worried for no reason. It's just that... I really don't know what is happening and that makes me a little nervous. I know you must have your reasons for acting like that and I respect them. But keep in mind that you can always count on me. Always. Whenever you need help I'll be there." - the blonde reinforced, with a serious look which also was full of tenderness.
"Don't worry, I know that I cannot bear all the burdens alone. After all, we are a family. And I promise that when the time comes, I will clarify everything." - Tsuna told him, breaking out a warm smile.
"Okay. But keep me informed about Kyoya; I was his tutor, after all." - Dino said, with a weary sigh.
"Ah."
"Good evening, Tsuna." - He said in goodbye, heading to the car where Romario was already waiting in the driver's seat.
"Good night, Dino."
Ah, when the time comes I certainly... - Tsuna thought, watching his brother go.
~~~Ҳ~~~
Slightly away from the mansion, near the dense forest, there was a dojo built in best oriental style. Standing by the wall, close to the door, Gokudera was doing something that he had virtually stopped over the years - smoke. He had decided to stop the bad habit when Tsuna began to rebuke him, saying things like, 'if you continue smoking, I won't have a right arm for a long time.' Given the concern of his Jyuudaime, Gokudera rarely resorted to the old habit; which was only when he was really frustrated with himself - like now.
"I thought you quit smoking, Gokudera." - Yamamoto's voice rang out from inside the dojo, where he was practicing in an attempt to distract himself - "You know, Tsuna will be annoyed to discover that you've returned to smoking." - he alerted, not surprised by his friend's distressed look, he also shared the same bitter feelings.
"Tch!" - The silver-haired man grumbled, crushing the cigarette and throwing it into a can, using it to get rid of the 'evidence' of his crime - "Yakyū baka, why do you tell the cristate about Jyuudaime?" - He grumbled again, heading into the large room where his Guardian partner was busy 'impaling' imaginary enemies - "This is a matter that should stay only between us."
"Because either way, sooner or later he would end up knowing. Moreover, it's good that we are talking about what Kusakabe-san was asked to do directly from Tsuna."
"Tch, I still don't see why talk about it, he is not even family."
"You and I know very well that Tsuna doesn't think so. And besides, Kusakabe-san is the right arm of Hibari, who is one of Tsuna's Guardians."
"Tch!"
Yamamoto let the blade of the sword rest on the ground and observed Gokudera for a moment. The Guardian of the Storm acquired the habit of talking little when he was feeling really annoyed, almost like a 'silent storm'. The only reason for him being in such a state was known to everyone - Tsuna and his health. With he himself, it was no different. He has been training like a madman in an attempt to calm the frustration gnawing at him. At this time of night, that itself was more than enough proof that he was concerned about his precious friend, as much as Gokudera.
"Gokudera, do you think that Tsuna is really okay?"
A disturbing, but expected, silence fell on them. Although Tsuna said he was well, he was pallor and the persistent signs of fatigue were beginning to emanate from his body, claiming the opposite, which increased their restlessness.
"I... I do not know. Jyuudaime looks better, but..." - The bomber paused, burning the cigarettes in the can, and the pack in his hand, with his Storm flames - "All we can do is stay close to Jyuudaime so that it doesn't happen again." - he gritted between his teeth, bitterness and fear flowing from his heart.
Yamamoto observed Gokudera more as he headed back to the mansion, while the swordsman stays in the dojo - the conversation from hours before invading his mind.
"Gokudera-san, Yamamoto-san, what exactly happened while we weren't in the mansion?" - Asked Kusakabe, while the three walked down the aisle toward the infirmary, where Tsuna and the Cavallone boss were at the moment.
"A lot of things happened." - Gokudera snarled, not liking the way the conversation seemed to be turning.
"Maa, maa, Gokudera. Kusakabe just trying to get an update on the situation, since they didn't have any news for a month." - the swordsman said, despite having a smile, if observed carefully, Yamamoto was also uncomfortable with the recent question, it wasn't necessary for him, nor Gokudera, to have the Vongola Hyper Intuition to get an idea of what really was the issue, which was left unspoken by the newcomer.
"I mean... Maybe it's just my imagination, but Sawada-san looks much paler and tired than the last time we saw him." - the man said, mentally comparing Tsuna's image on the day before they left for the long mission, with the recent.
Gokudera immediately stopped walking, frozen in the middle of the hallway. Yamamoto was still walking a few steps ahead, but, soon stopped as well. His smile was undone, and instead a strained expression took its place. It was obvious to an observant man like Kusakabe, to perceive all this. After all, he lived daily with the most astute observer among the guardians - Hibari Kyoya. So it was expected for someone like him, would have not have noticed, what the guardians and everyone had been trying desperately to believe that their imaginations were preaching them a bad joke but that it was simply stupid and unlikely.
Kusakabe raised an eyebrow at the two guardians' sudden change in behavior. It was known that among the Tenth's family members, the closest to Tsuna were Yamamoto, master swordsman, and Gokudera, his loyal right-hand man. Whenever a sensitive issue involved their precious friend, the two became more serious and intimidating than they already are. The Rain and Storm abandon their useless fights and become one, a deadly combination, feared and avoided in the underworld. But this time, their reaction was different, it was more grim and somber, like the prelude to something awful about to happen.
"Tsuna..." - Yamamoto's hesitant voice broke the self-imposed silence - "Tsuna was very ill about a week after you left." - he completed with undisguised bitterness.
With the Rain guardian's comment, Gokudera closed his fists almost to the point of bleeding, fingernails digging into flesh tightly. His face was a mixture of a series of emotions; anger, frustration, sadness and fear. On the other hand, Yamamoto's expression was blank, as if his world was beginning to crumble and he didn't know how, or why it was happening. The silence swallowed them again. This time, the air was much denser than the previous. Kusakabe mentally slapped himself. It seemed that he had entered a field full of landmines without realizing it. After all, if something was happening with the 'Sky', all the other elements surrounding it were also affected. And so, the three were standing in the hallway, immersed in thought. Until the reason for their concern appeared.
Yamamoto, taking a break with the memory in his mind, cast a long look outside above him. Darkness. It was all he saw, as if it were hiding from them the face of their sky.
"Tsuna..." - He murmured, as he once again went back to relieving his own frustration through intense training.
The rain needs the sky, so that it can wash away all things.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ҳ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Minna-san, I hope you enjoyed! About updates, I intend to post a chapter a week. Once Tora-chan83 already beta-ed several chapters.
I hope for your comments! Your opinions are very important to me!
Ciao, ciao