Giotto inhaled, basking in the air that was distinctly Japanese. Italy was all lush landscape and delicate forestry, paintings revered and columns of beautiful architecture. But Japan promised a faster pace, simplicity and commodity all in one. He glanced to the side, aware G thought the same thing, and then at his new pocket watch. He was earlier than he originally planned, but it didn't matter. His job was to speak with at least two members of the Vongola, and catch a train for Namimori.
"You look weird in casual clothing. I'm used to your formal attire," G murmured. Others stared, but most walked briskly to their destination. Smiling, Giotto enjoyed this moment of peace, where he wasn't in the Mafia and exterminating enemy hideouts.
"I missed Japan. And now it's time. Let's not stall the inevitable." They boarded the train, and chose a seat closest to the bathroom. Because Giotto may be tolerant about all kinds of things, but his bladder wasn't. He made himself comfortable, and even had time to spare for a quick reading of poetry before he made himself do it. Call Tsuna. To tell him he was almost there and just to make simple conversation. His contact was deleted from his phone, but he knew his number by heart. A finger hovered over the call button, but his eyes wanted to remain elsewhere. Where he could focus on the bustle of the shopping districts and beautiful sakura trees and temples. He heard a few rings and anticipation filled his gut. How did his voice sound now? Did he still enjoy strawberry shortcake pops? He bit down his need to know these answers, and restrained himself to one word. "Hello?" Funny how a seventeen year old could make him feel this way. Then again, it is Tsunayoshi, so I really shouldn't be surprised.
Silence. "Hi." It was gasped, slightly hesitant, and Giotto felt immediate regret wash over him.
"It's me, Giotto."
There was shuffling on the other line, and he waited. What was he thinking? Clearly the situation was still serious, months of zero communication were bound to make things a bit strained. "I know. Sorry, I was changing into my pajamas. But, how...are you?" Tsuna's voice did get deeper, and more distant. So different from his usual warmth, one that was craved by everyone.
"I've been well. I'm calling to let you know that I'll be in Namimori in a few hours, and that I would like to arrange an appointment at a cafe, or... anywhere really. To discuss and review Vongola's progress in Italy, a few alliances in Bulgaria. When are you free?"
"Ah. Does tomorrow at seven sound fine, Giotto-san?"
Giotto-san. Wow. They were back to square one, and it wasn't what he wanted. Nothing close. "That's perfect, Tsunayoshi." He let it slip, because he would never resort to calling Tsuna 'Tsunayoshi-kun' ever again. That was when they first met, and if Tsuna wants to be difficult then so be it. He knew Tsuna noticed this too, because he said nothing.
"...Great. It was nice hearing from you again, Giotto-san. Have a nice and safe trip. Hibari-san will make sure your stay is pleasant." The call was over before he could even say anything else. As much as Tsuna's coldness hurt, he knew Reborn obviously made things be this way. And it was the best viable option.
When they first met, Tsuna was still harnessing his title as the Vongola Tenth, honing his abilities, and learning about the world in general. Giotto became his mentor, and that was because he was Tsuna's Twin Flame. They were similar in all facets of their individual existence, and they grew strong together. It was a beautiful and simple time, and before Giotto knew it, they began sharing secret kisses in Namimori Park, watching movies in hushed voices, and marveling this sweet coexistence.
That was before Reborn walked in on them during a 'training session.' {You're supposed to be a mentor, a person that guides him. And what are you doing? Using valuable training time for this? He's your Twin Flame of all things, and you deliberately choose to put his future and health at risk.} Needless to say, he tried to be understanding of Tsunayoshi's attitude. But that didn't mean he liked it.
"I don't know what you were expecting," G cut in flatly. "He obviously had more to lose than you did. Not only a friend, a mentor, but you were his first in everything. Not including sex, of course." G shook his head, clearly seething as he spoke. "And I'm tired of seeing you look like a kicked puppy whenever he's mentioned. You literally looked like you had to to take a shit when you said 'hello.' He's literally fucking doing what he needs to do. It's about time you do the same."
"Sir, smoking isn't allowed in the premises."
They both turned around, and grudgingly, G complied. "I'm going to the bathroom before you hog it later."
…
"Okay, so I turn now?"
"No, Tsuna-san. Stay still. You're worse than Lambo-chan, and that's saying something," Haru chided. The measuring tape was perched between her lips, and a pencil in hand as she wrote down numbers."This costume I have in mind is beautiful, quirky. I'm trying to make as many as possible before the start of my school's fall festival. After that, I'll be doing nothing but studying for entrance exams," she continued.
"Which school is your first choice?" Tsuna asked, eyes widening at the needle and Haru oblivious as she waved it around precariously.
"Namimori University of course! I want to stick by home," she said.
"Are you both finished crowding? I have work and duties to tend to." The prefect looked unamused and held his tonfa as a silent threat. Tsuna knew Hibari wouldn't hesitate to establish discipline in the Sawada household, but Tsuna also knew Nana wouldn't appreciate having a missing wall when she returned.
"Hahi! Almost, Hibari-san. Almost!" Haru squeaked, holding Tsuna's arm a bit more firmly.
"Haru!"
"Shh. I'm nervous, Tsuna-san. Don't make it worse or you'll get hurt," she hissed. "I came to have good quality time with my future husband, not be bitten to death by a scary boy." She alternated the tape expertly, writing the numbers a bit more quickly. "Anyway...have you been bitten to death recently?"
He stopped thinking, because no. He hasn't. At all. It's been a while actually since Hibari bit him to death with vivid rage. "Not really." This was a big deal. Sure, Hibari's threatened him to, but has ever actually executed that threat. Which was why he wasn't terrified to hold five minute conversations with the Skylark anymore.
Haru gasped. "Really? Do you think he's possessed?"
Tsuna snorted, until he was full out laughing. "I don't think so," he gasped. Haru smiled. The spray of freckles on her nose made her look younger, but that little glint in her eye never went away. She still retained that tenacity he's always admired. How could he not want to get to know Haru better? She's amazing.
"I really missed you, Tsuna-san. But I was worried too, since our friends left. I thought you'd get lonely or depressed. Rabbits can die from loneliness!" She wiggled her pencil and turned pink. Well, she wasn't wrong, he thought grumpily. She's sharp. More perceptive than I took her for.
"I've been pretty great so far, Haru-chan."
Haru squealed. Alarmingly loud too, he had to hold her shoulders to keep her from collapsing. There were tears in her eyes. "Are you okay, Haru?"
"Yes! You called me Haru-chan. Do it again, Tsuna-san. But scream it instead."
"Um-"
"Clearly I haven't made myself heard properly," Hibari said flatly. The fact that Hibird was in tow meant this would be a serious beating. Tsuna noticed that Hibird served as a cheerleader of sorts, and it was slightly disturbing, but oddly fitting. Before Hibari could even draw his tonfa, Haru let out a yelp and stuffed everything in her Reborn backpack (she did actually make a backpack modeled by Reborn's face and Reborn was inwardly flattered for a week, not that he would ever admit it). She gave a quick bow and dashed out the door, leaving her shoes behind and stunned silence.
"Well. I didn't expect that. She's fast." Tsuna frowned. This day was proving to be a long one, mainly because he hadn't been able to form a coherent thought since Giotto's phone call. "That's perfect, Tsunayoshi."
It was anything but perfect, and he felt an ulcer coming. Giotto's voice was the same, and Tsuna had to resist the impulse to bow his head, but thankfully it was just a phone call. Hibari didn't know, and that's what made this worse. The onslaught of questions, the fear, it was all very suffocating. But curiosity got the best of him, and the truth was that he wanted to know. He wanted to see Giotto's face, know everything about him, and just understand. The only reason he agreed to see him at a cafe was his Intuition's insistence. This was the best course of action, and although it made his stomach churn, he had to do what was for the safety and peace within the Family.
"Herbivore."
"Yes, Hibari-san?" He had to speak about this, right now.
"I will be patrolling Namimori. Kusakabe will be keeping an eye on you for the time being." He watched Hibari strap his red band on his sleeve, and pour the rest of the seeds on the table for Hibird.
Tsuna clenched his fist, forced his throat to cooperate, and directed his gaze at the prefect. He wasn't expecting a calculating one in return, and clearly Hibari was waiting for him to say something. "I got a call. From Giotto-san." He immediately felt the fine hairs of his neck stand, his skin prickle and the animosity directed towards his whole being. But he refused to break contact, regardless of how dark and endlessly angered Hibari-san looked. "I agreed to meet him at the local Namimori Cafe for...business matters." Without warning, he registered Hibari's tight grip on his wrist, cutting off all circulation. He let out a gasp, and knew his eyes now blazed orange. They always did at moments like these, his body recognized danger, and he knew Hibari had full intent upon hurting him. It terrified him, really."Hibari-san. I know-"
"That's the case, herbivore. You don't know." Hibari's face was inches from his own, eyes cold and lips curled in black contempt. His grip on Tsuna didn't lessen, and Tsuna wouldn't cower. Ever. Two years of Reborn and all of this would have crippled him before. And he supposed Hibari knew this, but he had to see Giotto. "I'm not a patient man, Sawada Tsunayoshi. Nor am I foolish enough to let you face them on your own. I will not allow your inadequacy put you in danger."
"Inadequacy?! I'm capable of protecting myself, Hibari-san." Giotto wouldn't hurt me. His hand felt numb, but he knew Hibari wouldn't let go. Hibari could snap any second and his Flame begged for release. No, I would never hurt Hibari-san. He's angry. But I-
"Then why have you been ignoring your instincts? You know you're being followed, yet you continue your daily endeavors, placing target indicators to those you interact with." Tsuna flinched, and couldn't make himself speak. Kyoko-chan. Haru. Ignorance is bliss. He wanted to punch something. Leave and live alone in an island where he was the only one responsible for any repercussions. "You can protect yourself, but can you also extend that protection for those herbivores you care about. You lack mental discipline, you still have many combating flaws to work on-"
"You're underestimating me, Hibari-san-"
"No, herbivore, you're overestimating yourself." Hibari let go, and scoffed. "I am not trivializing your abilities now, I am simply informing you that overconfidence and self-proclaimed strength is dangerous. It amuses me, actually." This tension was familiar, and Tsuna didn't like it, didn't want to start over. He glared at the wall, because this situation, he encountered it endless times. More questions, no answers! And never a completely spoken truth? He seriously considered attacking the prefect, for being so presumptuous. What did he know about being kept in the dark all the time? And why was he always expected to be complacent about knowing nothing, and cross his arms as others lay their lives on the line for him. He's not asking for this, he wants complete clarity. "I am trying to be patient with your brashness. I have held back many actions of discipline towards you, and have tried to gain an understanding of what may course through that herbivorous brain of yours. It's time you do the same."
"I have to see Giotto," he said quietly, refusing to cry. "He was a very dear…friend of mine. I want to restore our relationship, and do...what I need to do. I'm tired of being expected to know nothing, and only be there to report cover damage. I want to be accountable for all that I do. For all that Vongola does." He looked up, hoping to see Hibari look pensive, maybe amused, but not this. Anger. Disgust. Anything would've been better, but not that. And he can't really blame Hibari-san, because who was the one refusing to see Giotto a few days ago? "I'm sorry. But he was someone really special to me. Like Dino-nii is to you."
He managed to catch Hibari's face contort into something that was discomfort, surprise and rage all in one. And again, he was shoved to the wall, forced to see thinly veiled fury in those eyes, Hibari's scent washed over him, that familiar floral scent that now calmed him in the mornings. "You know nothing, herbivore. Don't ever feel entitled to assume the context of my relationships with anyone."
Tsuna shook his head, and also reared his head, ignoring the height difference. "Don't lie to me, Hibari-san. I know when others lie, I can feel it. Accepting emotional connections isn't a weakness. It gives power, emotions can be powerful." Tsuna leaned closer, and pressed his hand to Hibari's, who only stared at him blankly. "We're both human beings. And like anyone else, I need closure. I really, really do. You were there when it all happened. You carried me home that day. And to move forward, I need to stop, this. So I will be seeing him at seven, you're welcome to walk me there and supervise our conversation."
…
"Accepting emotional connections isn't a weakness. It gives power, emotions can be powerful."
"I need closure."
Hibari gritted his teeth, not even processing how swiftly he kicked the offender to the ground. "No littering in Namimori. This time is a warning, herbivore." He walked away briskly, appreciating how easily people parted to let him through. The sky darkened, the moonlight illuminating the shop windows. It was a beautiful evening, very serene and full of promise. He left Tsuna eating, using his left hand instead of his right. Because his right wrist was blotched an ugly red, and Hibari knew that it would be at least two weeks until those finger shaped bruises went away. And he hated that, he should've known better than to lose his temper, lose control. The herbivore bruised easily, and he was legitimately attempting to be patient, establish trust without resorting to violent means. But the herbivore also crossed a line, bringing the Bronco in like that. And for that, he had to do what he knew best. The clock read 6:46, but what caught his eye was the call icon. An unfamiliar number.
"Yes?"
"Hibari-san, it's Giotto. I'm in Namimori now, Tsunayoshi probably notified you." He can't break the cell phone, because he really didn't have the time to restore his contacts. How casually he said Tsuna's name shook every fiber of his being, that possessive flare made him want to establish any kind of control, but that would ruin any sort of progress he's managed to make over the course of a few weeks. Emotions can be powerful. "-waiting in the Namimori Cafe. I'm hoping you would join him, since I need to discuss matters with two Vongola at least. And it's far more beneficial when it's both the Sky and Cloud Guardian. I brought the Second Storm, I don't know if you remember him. G will be providing the files you may need."
"I'll be accompanying Tsunayoshi. Don't be late, herbivore." He hung up, quickly masking his expression into apathy. How he would love to cross paths with another rule breaker. But right now the only pressing matter that would be more than interesting was at hand. He knew Tsuna must be walking to the cafe right now, and he chose to do the same.
Hello everyone! I hope you're all doing okay! I'm back, college apps are pretty overwhelming. But this chapter wrote itself, and I really enjoyed writing for once (I say that bc now it's really difficult to get back on track with what I've done so far). So please leave a review and tell me what you think! Until next time, bye :) (tumblr: dicktatorial ; AO3: Kim_Kardashian) Next time will feature their conversation, and the Big Confrontation.