AN: Okay, to make everything clear; two years passed last chapter. So in other words, Tsuna is now thirteen in this chapter.
CHAPTER 13: THE ADVENTUROUS WEDDING
By age thirteen, Tsuna had reached the age of puberty. Growing taller, voice going deeper, began to appear attractive. But unlike most boys of his age, Tsuna say things in a different perspective. Staying innocent was unspoken virtue for him and instead of enthusiastically jumping the gun by learning fornication through adult materials like most male individuals would have done at his age, Tsuna simply ignored these pleasures. If said subject would come up, Tsuna would flush, turn away, and politely excuse himself. It was a charm that attracted many.
Hibari and Tsuna were the same, absolutely nothing changed in their relationship. From Hibari's dry comments and Tsuna's stumbling fumbling mannerism. Their topics broadened and maybe it wasn't as awkward as so long ago. You could say that Tsuna still was scared of Hibari. Just a bit. But not as much. Still popped out from the bed sometimes (which reminded Tsuna each time how freaky and unnatural that is even after all these years,) and occasionally the shower, closet, pantry, trashcans, ecetera. In a nutshell, the two were quite comfortable with the present and used to each other's unique presence. The unlikeliest pair of friends, no question about it.
It was a deep secret conflict of feelings and duty. The latter was something of unimportance and Hibari had never once taken the initiative in learning such unbeneficial matters. Hibari learned to gravitate towards Tsuna's giant golden heart. His naïve quirks, his stupidly awkward moments; things so opposite from himself. And Hibari knew it worse of all. It was the start of the boogie man's personal torture, of steadily observing Tsuna grow more enticing each day.
"A wedding?" Tsuna gasped, putting a palm against his cheek in disbelief.
Tsuna's mother nodded with a smile, "We received a wedding invitation from Bianchi; Gokudera's older sister. Nice young lady, she's so polite! And beautiful at that!" The young mom said spinning her spoon in her fingers.
"Wow! Gokudera-kun never told me this! I didn't even know Bianchi was going out with someone!"
"The groom's name was unusual. The invitation is on the counter. You wouldn't believe how dark and handsome her fiancé was! My, he was so—"
"Nana!" Iemitsu whined from the living room, "Are you cheating on me?"
"Of course not! Just reminiscing about our own wedding." Nana said with a nostalgic smile.
"Oh that's right." Iemitsu said as he entered the kitchen and gather his wife's hands and they began to twirl around the room, "The dancing, the music, your dress—"
"The decorations, the amazing cake, and oh my goodness, those lights—" Nana gasped with delight as Iemitsu suddenly dipped her to the silent beat of tempo.
"—Yes, yes. The best day of our lives." Iemitsu said smiling at the swooning Nana in his arms.
"Wow," Tsuna said as pictured a scene of his beautifully white-gowned mother and charming prince-like dad flitted about a finely elegant ballroom filled with friends watching in envy at the two's true love. He placed his cheeks in his hands and leaned over the counter, "Sound like fun."
"That's right, Tsu-kun!" Nana said slapping Iemitsu playfully, "You've never been to one before!"
"It's life-changing," Iemitsu clipped in with excitement, "When you see the bride and groom kiss, it feels like 'Wow, one day I'm going to be like that.'"
Tsuna continued to observe his parents as Iemitsu turned on some slow dance music and scooped up Nana again. And suddenly, Tsuna wasn't there. Like they were together in the kitchen (or in their wild imaginiation, a ballroom,) all alone with the one person they could spend forever with. "So, if I ever get married, what would you two say?" Tsuna asked over their dream cloud.
"Well, as long it's the person you feel the most for," Nana said wistfully, lost in their small ballroom kitchen.
"And as long as that person loves you back," Iemitsu carried on, leading Nana's feet with his.
"Then honestly," Nana finished, "We wouldn't care otherwise."
Tsuna nodded, staring at his loving parents before moving to invitation on the counter. It was an elegant card with fine golden writing. It was in another language, most likely Italian since that was where Gokudera was from, but there was some translation at the bottom,
'You are cordially invited to
celebrate the wedding of
Reborn and Bianchi
On Tuesday afternoon,
June the 2nd
at four o'clock
at the western chapel down at the
Kokosai outskirts.'
Reborn? Unusual name, just like his mother had said. He pictured it, Bianchi, in a white beautiful gown running down the aisle to jump in her faceless fiancé's arms. It was hard to imagine, Bianchi always seemed to be the single, beautiful untouchable woman that loved played hard to get. But to tie the knot—Bianchi must really love this person. With an excited jitter shooting up his spine, he nearly ripped his pocket clear off at the speed he fished his phone out. He had gotten a cellphone a few months back around the time school started. A simple skinny, light green flip phone with a pale yellow strap. He dialed Gokudera's number and waited with one foot hopping to the other with impatience. Finally, Gokudera answered.
"Tenth?"
"Gokudera-kun!" Tsuna said his name with relief and excitement, "You didn't tell me your older sister was getting married!"
"Oh that!" Gokudera exclaimed then rebutted himself with a palm greeting his forehead with enthusiasm before answering, "I'm sorry, Tenth! I forgot to tell you and Yamamoto! But probably, he's gotten the invitation right now."
"It's alright," Tsuna forgiving quickly before Gokudera began inflicting self-hurt, "Tell me, how is Bianchi right now?"
"She's fine, she's daydreaming a lot lately. I don't mind though. I actually like the guy she's marrying."
"Really?" Tsuna stopped his tittering momentarily in surprise. Tsuna had always struck Gokudera to be the type of brother that would hate his older sister's boyfriend and be totally against the wedding. "What's he like?"
"He's absolutely amazing!" Tsuna eyebrows shot up his hairline. It wasn't everyday you hear Gokudera complimenting anyone besides Tsuna, "He can take care of himself pretty well. I trust my sister in his hands. He's crazy strong too!"
Tsuna smiled into the receiver. Probably not as strong as Hibari-san. There was no one stronger than Hibari-san. "I see. He sounds nice."
"Quite. Very acceptable type for my sister."
"That's very good to hear, Gokudera-kun. Ah, well, I gotta go now. Make sure you give Yamamoto a call about this soon!"
"Ah…oh…right." Gokudera agreed reluctantly.
"I'll see you at school. And maybe you can help me pick out a wedding gift later."
"Alright!" Gokudera brightened up, "I'll see you at school, Tenth! Have a good night!"
"You too." Tsuna hung up quickly and turned to his parents. Still dancing around the kitchen. Tsuna sighed. It couldn't be helped. His parents were going to be like that for a while longer. Guess he'll have to whip up something for himself now.
By the time it was June 2nd, Tsuna was so excited, and the air in his room was nearly suffocating under his happiness. He decided to bring Hibird with him and told his parents that Hibird was a school experiment and was going to be in a cage as they drove there. Not that the bird was entirely thrilled about it, but complied because Tsuna asked nicely. Hibari hasn't come around for a bit so he hadn't had the change to tell him about the wedding, but as long as Hibird was with him he guess he was okay.
Scrambling in the car, with the cage in his arms, Iemitsu turned in his seat to look at Tsuna. "Look sharp, boy! It's an important time of Bianchi's life!"
Tsuna gulped, praying he wouldn't screw up it up somehow. He fingered with his bowtie. And smiled at Hibird. The bird chirped back. It was oblivious as to where they were going, but he was pretty sure that his friend was going to have fun too.
The location of the chapel was a bit far, and it was nowhere near Tsuna could walk on foot. But the beautiful architecture was worth it. It was probably the closest 'Italian-like' chapel they could find here in Namimori. Upon closer inspection in the crowd pouring into the church, was Gokudera and Yamamoto passing out brochures to the guests. Once the car parked, Immediately, Tsuna released Hibird from its cage and ran towards his friends. His mom and dad would do whatever. Greet adults they knew, maybe. "Gokudera-kun! Yamamoto!" He said waving his hands in the air to catch their attention.
When his friends turned to look, Tsuna faltered in footsteps in disbelief. He had never, ever seen his friends look so dressed up before. Yamamoto usually wore athletic clothes like jerseys, shorts, etc. And never, had he ever seen Gokudera in a bow tie occasion. Being the instinctive rebel he was, even his uniform wasn't worn right.
Yamamoto was the first to break the silence, "Wow! That looks great on you, Tsuna! Never even know you owned a suit!"
Annoyed that he was beaten to the punch, Gokudera scowled at Yamamoto before jumping in front of Tsuna and taking his hands, "Tenth! You look very handsome! You're so radiating that I feel like I can't stand to look away for more than a second!"
"O-Oh." Tsuna said, face heating up at the compliment. He quickly answered Yamamoto's remark to hide the embarrassment, "Well, my mom brought me to a suit store a little after we got the invitation. It's still new, so it feels a bit stiff."
"It's alright," Gokudera said with utmost care, "New suits feel like that all the time. But probably by the end of today, you'll wear it out enough for it to be comfortable."
Tsuna stared at Gokudera with silent regard, "Gokudera-kun, do you wear suits often?"
"Oh yes!" Gokudera said huffing proudly at himself for capturing Tsuna's attention. "Almost all the time!"
"Really?" Yamamoto said, staring at Gokudera as if he never seen him before. "How come me and Tsuna has never seen you in one before?"
"Oh well, you just aren't there." Gokudera said politely to Yamamoto as he could muster under Tsuna's presence. "Oh! Right, I should show you to my sister and Reborn-san." Yamamoto and Tsuna nodded enthusiastically as Gokudera began walking around the church, "Follow me, okay? First, we need to see my sister. She wanted to see you and Tenth."
Dodging the eccentrically naked cherub statues and equally eccentric blooming flowers, the three friends made their way through the garden. Tsuna took this moment to speak up, "Gokudera-kun, what is this garden for?"
"Oh, after the wedding we're going to toast here." Gokudera paused a moment to swat a branch away, "See over there? That's where the cake and champagne is."
Yamamoto and Tsuna stared in awe as the passed the five white layered cake. Yamamoto tilted his head in wonder, "I wonder how they keep it up like that."
Gokudera huffed smugly with a shrug as he marveled how stupid Yamamoto could be, "It's all about the balance, jock." Tsuna's face grew warm, having wondered the same exact thing in secret. They entered through the back door, made of glass and white wood. After a brief few turns they entered the actual chapel, where people were already taking their seats in the pews. Tsuna gasped at the amazing grandeur of the church. It was just like his mom said, the amazing cake, the beautiful lights and decorations! The three walked quickly, dodging the busy chefs as they made their way past through the narrow hallway carrying mouth-watering dishes.
"Here." Gokudera said quietly to his friends before knocking on the door, "Hey, are you in there?" Tsuna heart pounded in his chest during the brief silence. White dress…White dress…What does it look like? What does it feel like?
"Yes, come in." Came Bianchi's muffed reply, almost making Tsuna collapse in anxiety.
Gokudera stepped in first, with a 'Yo sis,' and Yamamoto laughed quietly at Tsuna's expression before grabbing the smaller boy by one shoulder and urging him in the room. Timidly, Tsuna stepped into the bright room and gasped audibly at Bianchi.
She was everything he had imagined. The beautiful layers of pearl gown and for once, Bianchi's hair was pulled up and was clipped behind her veil. She held crème colored flowers giving a warm smile that immediately put Tsuna's guard down. Calm down, he berated himself, it's just Bianchi!
"Bianchi, you l-l-look so…" Tsuna's mouth went dry before he could continue.
Yamamoto finished for him, "Wow! You look pretty! Congratulations! Tying the knot! Wow!"
"I know," Bianchi said softly, "I can hardly believe it. I can hardly believe it's finally happening."
Bianchi smiled at Tsuna before turning to her brother, "Hayato, can you take Takeshi out for a bit? I'd like to speak to Tsuna myself."
Tsuna tried to send a Gokudera a plea of help telepathically with his eyes but it went clearly unnoticed. With a salute, Gokudera roughly grabbed the amused Yamamoto by the arm and dragged him outside, slamming the door behind them. Why does Gokudera never stay when he actually needs him?
The door closed, and Tsuna already felt the awkward come over him. Bianchi laughed and commented quietly, "He's nicer to me today."
Tsuna couldn't bring himself to comment back. He kept his eyes to the floor, he felt hot under the collar as the silence stretched on. Oh gosh, he never said that Bianchi was beautiful. He never said it! That's why she wanted him alone so he would say it! Oh god what had he done? Quick! He needs to say it now!
"Tsuna—"
"B-Bianchi I think you're really, really beautiful! I-I'm sorry I couldn't say it earlier! I-I couldn't believe that someone could look so pretty! So you can bring Gokudera and Yamamoto back in, it's totally alright! I never had anything against you because I think that today is your special day and I could never ruin a special day, I'm totally sorry—oh god, I'm probably ruining it for you now! I'm sorry, but I still think you're pretty and beautiful if that helps." He literally threw up words at Bianchi's feet.
For a short moment, Bianchi looked deeply surprised. Then slowly, her surprised turned into one of warmth, "Thank you, Tsuna. But that's not the reason why I wanted to talk to you alone."
"Huh?" Tsuna squeaked in confusion.
"That's right. Actually, I need your help."
"You—You need my help?" Tsuna repeated carefully.
"Yes. You see, my bridesmaids aren't here right now, they're out organizing the guests, preparing the food. They gave me space. Usually they do that for brides because it gives them time to think. In other words, they left me alone to think of my decisions. And really, I need company. I want you to hear me out."
"Me? I can't—I mean—I can but what good can I do?"
"Tsuna," Bianchi said snapped impatiently, temporarily going back to the Bianchi he knew and loved, "Do shut up and listen to me."
"Okay." He said quickly taking a chair and bringing it closer to Bianchi.
For a short moment, Bianchi and he sat in silence, "Tsuna?"
Tsuna looked up in surprise. The way Bianchi had said his name just now sounded…sad. He smiled unarmingly, "Yes, Bianchi?"
"I was wondering…" Bianchi swallow thickly, "Have you ever fallen in love before?"
Well, he didn't expect that. He blinked owlishly at the older girl, and Tsuna blushed. Sitting up straighter and adjusting his scarf, Tsuna asked softly, "Why do you need to know?"
"I was just wondering…" Bianchi said thoughtfully, "I guess you're still very young, and love takes more time than that…but…" She trailed off, putting a finger to her lips in thought, "Well, you are young. I'm not sure if you can follow me here."
Tsuna worried his bottom lip, "Of course I can follow, Bianchi!" He's never actually fallen in love, sure—there were occasional crushes, but nothing as deep as love. Even the word made Tsuna's hands turn clammy and accumulated perspiration began to gather at the back of his neck at its mention.
"Well, okay, let's see if you can really keep up." The beautiful woman smirked, "I think, my theory is that love isn't something you can feel coming. I had always thought that you could sense it somehow, like something changed about you. But you don't. Strange isn't it?" Bianchi sighed at Tsuna confused face, "But you see, you deal with yourself everyday. You think you see yourself everyday, but in the end it takes another person to tell you, 'Hey, there's something different about you today'."
"Bianchi, I honestly don't understand what you're talking about."
"Listen okay? You can't feel it, or know it just yet but you can fall in love with anyone. Someone you hate, someone you care about, even someone you fear."
Tsuna stilled. He slowly turned to look at Bianchi, "Even someone I'm afraid of?"
"Yes," Bianchi said heavily, relieved that Tsuna finally understood something. "That's why, no matter what happens, no matter what that person does, just know that that person will love you just the same."
They stared at each other for a moment. Tsuna registered the words a bit, wondering just what the heck they were actually talking about. It sounded like…Bianchi was warning him. Just as he was about to ask the bride to elaborate on what she had just told him, there was a knock at the door.
"Aneki! I have to take Tenth now!"
"Yeah, go ahead." Bianchi said to the door before turning to Tsuna, "Remember what I said. Oh, you never met my fiance have you? You'd get along well, I'm sure of it."
"Um. Sure. Yeah." Tsuna said quickly before he turned around, "Oh, um, congratulations, Bianchi." He sped out the room, wanting to hit himself. He knew Bianchi was trying to tell him something rather important, but he was too stupid to understand abstract things!
Gokudera smiled at Tsuna before taking the lead, "We need to visit Reborn-san. I have something to say to him too."
"So what was that about?" Yamamoto said as he hooked an arm around Tsuna's shoulders. Gokudera turned to look quietly at the two behind him, silently listening in. Yamamoto laughed, "It was kinda quiet in there. Were you helping her adjust her dress?"
"Y-Yamamoto! You know she has bridesmaids for that!" Tsuna said defensively, face alight.
"Just kidding, Tsuna! Hahaha!"
"Quiet, you stupid jock! We're near Reborn-san's room!"
Ah, that's right. Tsuna thought with a smile. He had yet to meet the groom that Gokudera respected and Bianchi loved. A million types of guys flew through Tsuna's broad imagination. Dark and handsome was what his mom had said. Dangerous type? Stoic type? Maybe the quiet and really nice guy?
The nerves weren't as bad as when he approached Bianchi's room. He was insanely curious as to what kind of man could earn the affection of both the dangerous Gokudera siblings. "We're here." Gokudera announced before knocking three times. "Reborn-san! It's me, Hayato! I've brought some friends to meet you!"
"Bring them in." Replied a deep voice. Deeper than Tsuna expected but nervously followed Yamamoto in. What he saw nearly made him collapse in fright. He let out an audible gasp and blinked erratically, as if it would make the man in the room go away. His back banged against the wall loudly, causing Gokudera to quickly move to his side and ask the usual ten questions of 'Are you alright?' to which, as usual, he would ignore as he collected his thoughts.
There were three men. One was a smiley blond man leaning against the window sill, much older than Tsuna. The second man, who he could only assume was Reborn, seeing as he was dressed more formally than the other men in the room and had a white rose in his front pocket. Across the groom was Hibari. The blond man, stood up and helped Tsuna to his feet. "Hey kid, are you alright? Anything wrong?"
Shoving the nice helpful blond man aside, Gokudera grabbed Tsuna's shoulders, "Tenth! Tenth! Answer me! What's wrong?" He shook him meaningfully, "Tenth!"
"Ten-Tenth you say?" The blond man repeated slowly. In a quick second the questioning look in his eyes disappeared and he smiled at Tsuna. The smile seemed to slap Tsuna out of his confusion and his face heated up in embarrassment. Oh geez, he just made a fool out of himself in front of the groom. The groom in question, was smirking at Tsuna with a raised eyebrow. Hibari stared indifferently at him.
"G-Gokudera-kun! I'm alright! Please stop already!" Tsuna said, grabbing Gokudera's hands and pulling them away.
"Whoa, Tsuna man, you okay?" Yamamoto said, putting a hand to Tsuna's back.
"What-What was that though? You just suddenly—suddenly collapsed! Do you feel ill?"
"No!" Tsuna shrieked at Gokudera's wandering hands as he moved towards him again. He coughed and smiled at Gokudera-kun, "It was nothing. I thought I saw something."
"Oh. Alright. If you say so, Tenth." Gokudera said understandingly. He turned to Reborn, "Oh! Reborn-san, this is Tenth. And this is a baseball jock."
"My name is Yamamoto Takeshi!" Yamamoto said good-naturedly as he put his hands behind his head.
Tsuna almost didn't speak, still horrified at how totally rude and embarrassingly awkward he was just now. "M-My name's Sawada Tsuna."
"I'm Reborn." He said briefly, nodding his head towards them. "This is Dino. And that mean man over there sulking is Hibari." Tsuna smiled behind his hands.
"Hey there, Tsuna." Dino said shaking his limp hand, "Nice to meet ya."
"N-Nice to meet you too…Dino-san." Tsuna replied weakly.
Tsuna turned to Hibari. "N—" He hesitated a bit before holding a hand up in a awkward wave, "Nice to meet you, Hibari-san."
Hibari only grunted back, "Herbivore." Tsuna sent a secret smile to the boogie man, to which he only returned only a acknowledging glance.
Tsuna smiled timidly at Reborn. "W-Well, hello, Reborn-san I just met up with Bianc—"
"—What did you call him?" Gokudera shrieked over Tsuna's greeting. He raised a fist and took three steps closer. "Herbivore? I'll kill you!" Tsuna paled, his throat closing up. Uh oh. He never thought that Gokudera would explode so soon. Especially at Hibari of all people! He's going to get killed!
"Chill, Gokudera!" Yamamoto said laughing, holding Gokudera back. Hibari only stared at Gokudera's enraged face with a almost-mocking smirk on his face.
"Gokudera." Reborn said quietly, but loud enough to be heard. "Tsuna was talking to me."
"Oh. I'm terribly sorry." Gokudera said almost immediately, but softly and took a step away from Hibari. Tsuna's mouth dropped. How come when he did that Gokudera always asks questions? Or worse, on some occasions, he only got louder.
"Go on, Tsuna." Reborn said smirking.
"He—Hello, Reborn-san—"
"Reborn is fine."
"R-Reborn. Hi. I just met with Bianchi." He swallowed thickly, "I don't think she says she really loves you." Tsuna this time, actually slapped himself and attempted to correct his earlier statement quickly, "I mean, I think that she said that she really loves you. Wait…no. I—she said—that—"
"I get it." Reborn said, holding up a hand to stop Tsuna from embarrassing himself further. Dino was struggling to keep his laughter to himself. He leaned against the window, staring off in the horizon in desperation to distract himself from how funny he found Tsuna. "We should get going. I need to get out there soon." He stood up and stopped in front of Tsuna. Reborn scrutinized Tsuna, with a thumb under his chin. "Hey Hibari."
Hibari looked at Reborn.
"Is this him?" Tsuna blinked at the rather unusual question. Had Reborn heard about him from Hibari? And Hibari voluntarily talked about him? Reborn slowly bent down, stared deep into Tsuna's evasive eyes and patted his messy mass of hair. Straightening, Reborn pressed his suit flat with his hands and walked out the room with a relaxed posture. You would've never guess that was the man getting married.
Dino quickly followed, and waved as he pasted, "See you guys later, yeah?"
Hibari slowly rose from his chair and shoved his hands in his pockets. He didn't give Tsuna or the others any sign of acknowledgement. It disappointed the boy a bit, but he should act unfazed or else his friends would notice something was wrong. He turned towards the boys, "We should get going too."
"Yeah," Yamamoto agreed, "Let's go."
Still grumbling about Hibari, Gokudera followed his friends out to the pews.
After the exchanging of vows, Tsuna felt blessed to see such true love finally unite. When Bianchi and Reborn kissed, he couldn't contain the deep happiness that bloomed in his chest show on his face. It was so amazing, seeing such a scene, just as his parents said. Nana had whispered into his ear at that exact moment when cheers and applauding, "Just like I said right?"
"Yeah," He had whispered back, wiping a tear away discreetly. Gokudera was up next to the new couple, completely tear-free. He wondered how Gokudera could be so strong. Especially, when he was Bianchi's sister! Tsuna was crying even though he didn't even know Bianchi that well enough! He took a peek at Yamamoto, sitting with his dad a few rows in front of them. Yamamoto was standing, clapping and whooping loudly. Haru and Kyoko, along with Ryohei, was cheering themselves at their own spot. He wished he could go to Gokudera, he looked a bit unsure on the stand.
As soon as the cheering died, the pews were slowly emptied into the back garden, just like Gokudera had said. Now that they were here with perfect permission, and not sneaking around, Yamamoto and he finally took great examination on the cake. Up close, it looked more towering and oh so intimidating than it had a few meters away as they snooped past. Yamamoto laughed, saying he wasn't even sure if he wanted to eat it, because it looked like it was so carefully made. The low murmur of chatter died down as Reborn stood up from his seat and tapped his wine glass with a spoon gently. The quiet shimmer of the resonating glass caught the guests attention and turned their eyes to Reborn.
"I'd like to thank you all personally for coming but that would take far too long." At this statement, the crowd let out some collective laughter before Reborn continued again, "So I'm thanking you now. I feel blessed today, being married to the woman I love and I can now stay with her for the rest of my life." At this, Bianchi stood up and hooked an arm around Reborn's waist, smiling softly.
"Thank you, my friends, my family." Bianchi turned to give Gokudera a wink, to which said boy's face reddened and craned his neck craftily to hide it, "For giving me your blessings. I honestly can't believe this is happening but I'm sure you all can." The crowd laughed. "So let's eat now!"
With a slow rush, the guests stood up and formed a line around the table of food. Being so hungry, Yamamoto eagerly took up a paper plate and plastic fork and left Tsuna on his own. Tsuna decided to look for Gokudera. He was around here somewhere and he wanted to see if he was alright. Getting up from his seat, he made his way through the crowd towards Bianchi. It was difficult to get her attention because of all the picture-taking. But he managed.
"Bianchi!" He said loud enough to be heard over the camera shutters. The bride turned to squint at Tsuna through the blinding lights, "Have you seen Gokudera-kun?"
"Over there!" She managed to say, over the drowning sounds of camera clicking. He trailed her pointed finger to Gokudera, standing awkwardly by a eccentric stand made of white roses. He forced his way to Gokudera, grunting uncomfortably when a man ran into his shoulder. Gokudera's expression was a bit unreadable, and Tsuna had second thoughts before speaking.
"Gokudera-kun?"
"Tenth! Is there something you need?" Gokudera instantly lightened up at seeing Tsuna, even going as far as to straighten his back from his slump and smile widely.
"Gokudera-kun, I was wondering if you needed something. You looked a little…I don't know, something…at the stand earlier."
For a moment Gokudera was silent. Giving a giant sigh, Gokudera slumped against the wall behind him. "Tenth, you sure can read through me…"
Actually, it wasn't that difficult to see all that fidgeting up there… "Is there anything you want to talk about?"
"Well, actually, I'm a bit unsure." Gokudera said slowly, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Bianchi…now that she's married…what's going to happen now?" Gokudera's slump slid down until his butt hit the ground. He drew his legs closer, almost in a fetal position.
"Like what?" Tsuna said almost hysterically. He never seen Gokudera like this. He quickly sunk next to his friend, trying to keep eye contact.
"My sister thinks I can hold out on my own from now on, heck, even I know that."
Tsuna blinked in confusion, "Then…what's the problem?"
Gokudera blushed.
"You're going to miss her." Tsuna confirmed with a small laugh.
"No!" Gokudera said too quickly, making Tsuna jump. He apologized then muttered, "…Yes."
Tsuna smiled, patting Gokudera on the back softly. Gokudera was just too cute. He just wouldn't admit how much he really really loves his sister. "Maybe you should talk to Bianchi about this. Something good can happen."
Gokudera scowled at the sky in thought. "Maybe. Thanks, Tenth, I'll think about it." They sat the for awhile, maybe about three minutes, watching the crowd move around the grand table.
"Hey you. Herbivore."
At the sound of the new voice, the two friends looked up. Hibari, still intimidating as ever, stared back. For a second, Gokudera stayed quiet, not registering that he was talking to Tsuna. Because such a greeting would be unbecoming to call Tsuna. But after connecting two and two, the easily tempered boy hissed.
"You! How dare you—"
"I gotta go Gokudera-kun!" Tsuna interrupted and cheerfully stood up with a high stretch on his tip-toes. "I'll see you in a bit!"
"Ah. Uh. Sure, Tenth." Gokudera replied politely, momentarily distracted.
The brown haired boy quickly bounced away, knowing Hibari would surely follow. After walking a few meters away Tsuna spun around, hoping the boogie man was already at his heels but was disappointed by lack of anybody behind him. At closer inspection through the waves of people to where he had left Gokudera, he could see why. Hibari was talking to Gokudera. After saying a quick quip (and knowing him, probably nothing nice), Hibari immediately turned away and started making his way to where Tsuna was watching.
"You bastard!" Tsuna heard Gokudera say to Hibari's back. Upon immediately insulting him, Gokudera tried to pursue the boogie man, only to run right into a wall of people. "Hey! Get out of my way! You bastard! Where are you?"
Tsuna stared with great incredulity as Hibari came up to him, looking triumphant. "What did you say?"
"Nothing of your concern. Let's go."
"O-Ok." Upon Tsuna's confirmation, Hibari took the lead and walked ahead of the brown haired boy. Wasn't Hibari supposed to stay hidden? Why was he out here? All, flouncing around and showing himself to normal people? This train of thought let Tsuna take initiative, "Hibari-san," Tsuna whispered on his tiptoes to futilely reach the man's ears.
"What?" Hibari grunted, raising an eyebrow at Tsuna.
"Why are you out here? Aren't people not allowed to see?"
Hibari replied aloofly, "I'm a guest here, like you. I have every right to be here."
"How do you know Reborn-san?" Tsuna whispered, soon, he got tired of tip toeing along the boogie man and held onto Hibari's shoulder to stoop him down to his own level.
"Why do you ask so many questions?" Hibari sighed, kicking a rock away.
Because I barely ask enough! Tsuna thought, rolling his eyes, he would let it go for now. It was obvious Hibari didn't want to talk about this. Again. "Well anyway, we should get something to eat. I'm starving."
"I'll get it." Hibari replied, removing Tsuna's appendage from his shoulder, "Sit right there," the boogie man hissed, pointing at a lone bench, "And don't move."
"I won't, I won't!" Tsuna said defensively and to prove his point, he sat deftly and smiled innocently at the man. Satisfied, Hibari grabbed a plate and put two kabobs and a spoonful of steamed rice. Purposely avoiding the crowd by taking the long way around the table, Hibari sat on the bench next to Tsuna.
"Here," Hibari said, pushing it towards the boy.
"Aren't you going to eat?"
"I'm not hungry." Hibari replied smoothly.
Tsuna scowled and bit down hard on the kabob, pulling a tomato off the stick with a slide of his teeth. He chewed and swallowed, and apparently the boogie man meanwhile was on the look out for anything dangerous; like a good sentry he always was.
A familiar twitter and Hibird's small yellow body flew into view. Hibari looked up and held his hand out, "I see you've brought it." Tsuna realized belatedly he was actually praising him, "Good." Hibird landed on Hibari's palm, hopping and twittering in joy upon seeing his other older friend.
Taking a clump of rice, Tsuna set it down between them. "Here you go, Hibird. I think rice is okay for you to eat."
Hibird swooped down and plucked at the small clump before swallowing one by one. Tsuna smiled to himself as he chewed thoughtfully on a piece of beef, unable to believe that he was out in public with Hibari and Hibird together. He had always dreamed of it but Tsuna knew better. It was an unmentioned rule that Hibari should stay away whenever Tsuna was surrounded by people. But now, at a wedding of all things, Tsuna felt…or, well, he could pretend that Hibari was normal. Just a normal friend eating, sitting and laughing (that was part of his imagination too,) with him.
"Look." Hibari said, pointing to the middle of the tables lazily.
Tsuna looked, and was surprised to see Bianchi and Reborn together. "What's going on?" He asked, putting his plate aside and standing on his tip toes to see over the heads.
"The bride and groom are to take the first dance."
"Oh!" Tsuna exclaimed, then sighed dreamily, "This is just what my parents told me! The dancing and lights! I wonder what its like…"
For a moment, Hibari was silent.
"Come here."
Reluctantly, Tsuna took his eyes off the preparing couple. "What is it, Hibari-san?"
Without answering, Hibari grabbed Tsuna's hand and tugged him towards himself, making the boy squeak. The boogie man turned to Hibird, "You. You may eat his plate." Hibari said, pointing at the abandoned kabob next to the bird. Hibird hopped happily and enthusiastically abandoned the clump of rice for the available delicacy.
"Hey! I was going to eat that, you know!" Tsuna protested at first, but then quickly sighed in resignment. If Hibird wanted it then he wouldn't mind. Hibari tugged Tsuna harder towards the gardens, "H-Hibari-san! We're going to miss the dance! The dance, Hibari-san!"
Hibari smirked at Tsuna, "We're not going to miss out much. We're doing the same thing pretty much."
"What?" Tsuna squawked, desperately trying to free his hand. He definitely didn't like the sound of that. "What do you mean?"
"We're pissing the infant off."
Tsuna let his incredulity show, staring at the boogie man, doubting his sanity, "What are you talking about, Hibari-san?"
Hibari didn't answer, only muttering about how stupid Tsuna could ever possibly be. He shoved the unsuspecting Tsuna through a wall of shrubbery, to which Tsuna squealed indulgently. Hibari emerged out of the green mess after him, with a lot more dignity than Tsuna had managed. "Hibari-san! What if you tore my suit?" Hibari only huffed exasperatedly and grabbed Tsuna's hand again and leaded him, this time more gently, through more walls of shrubs. Tsuna swatted at the offending leaves, sputtering when a small branch flipped and hit the inside of his nose. Finally, they reached a small clearing. There were flowers surrounding the small cobblestone center with lights hanging over a white-painted wooden arch. Tsuna could distinctly hear music from hidden speakers. In fact, this place…remind him of…"Doesn't this remind you of that garden in Shibikawa zoo?"
"Exactly." Hibari confirmed. He turned to Tsuna, taking both of his hands in his own and walked backwards. "I've made my decision."
"Err. About what?" Tsuna asked, realizing they stopped in front of the middle of the cobblestone center.
"You're so stupid." Hibari said bluntly. "But that's already been established. I've gotten used to it." Taking Tsuna's hands, he wrung them around his own neck.
Oh god. Don't tell me this position… Hibari smirked at Tsuna's expression, acknowledging that the brown-haired boy finally realized what they were about to do. But just in case, because Tsuna really is undeniably naïve, "We're dancing."
"You can't be serious!" Tsuna shrieked, face inflaming a deeper red.
"You did wanted to know what is to have the first dance."
"Yeah, at my own wedding, Hibari-san! Bianchi is going to kill me if she finds out!"
"Quiet, herbivore. The music is starting."
(AN: Please play 百年後 by 柴咲コウ, please remove the spaces here; http :/ www .youtube. com/ watch?v=mHEf-x1OQWo)
Slowly, they began to move. Until Tsuna stopped Hibari with a tug of his suit's lapel, "Wait, Hibari-san. If we're really going to do this, I want you to know that I-I really, really can't dance." With a smirk, Hibari slid his hands around Tsuna's waist and lifted him, Tsuna squeaked, his hold around Hibari's shoulders tightened. Gently, Hibari put Tsuna's feet atop his own. Tsuna gasped, "Hibari-san! I'm going to get your shoes dirty!"
"Stop complaining, herbivore."
Tsuna shut his mouth with a click, his face felt so hot that it had gone numb. It was certainly awkward, he didn't know where to look. He decided on resting his cheek on Hibari's chest and slammed his eyes closed. He felt like a kid, the way Hibari babied him, especially when they danced like this. His feet stop of his. It felt like a daughter-father dance although the pair was so much far from that soft of family relationship. If this is what friends are supposed to do then he hoped to god that he would never, ever repeat this event with Gokudera or Yamamoto. Also, he could imagine the consequences if Gokudera would ever so find out that Hibari spent more time with Tsuna than he did.
To think of it, Tsuna thought with a blush, Hibari was always constantly with him. Even when Tsuna himself didn't know.
Ever since he met Hibari, he had always felt safe. Well, that was an understatement. Maybe he felt too safe sometimes and Hibari's methods of protecting him were a bit over the top, but it was nice to know that someone cared for him as much as Hibari did. Even if it went into the stalker-like extremities. But he knew better than that. Hibari was anything but a stalker. He was kind, only to Tsuna and sometimes to Hibird, and very diligent in his work. He was the complete opposite of his dad too, dark, scary, and overall very very odd, even odder. Hibari was…anything but normal. And maybe, Tsuna thought as Hibari twirled them both, that was what Tsuna wanted all along. Something out of the ordinary. His normal life was boring. But when Hibari came, he felt that something special and exciting had come into his life even though at first he wanted the boogie man to go away. He felt like one of those characters in stories where they were displeased about their life until some magical calling turns their whole world upside down. But if anything, he was glad Hibari was with him. You could say, that Hibari was his fairy or wizard, whatever. The thing in his life that made it spicy and exciting. Adventurous. Despite all the times Tsuna could've been killed, one word could describe it. Adventurous.
Life with Hibari was adventurous. And Tsuna, he smiled at Hibari and the older man returned it only briefly before putting on a scowl in embarrassment, wouldn't have it any other way.
"Hibari."
Immediately, they stopped to a violent halt. Tsuna opened his eyes to turn towards the intruding voice. His heart nearly dropped to his stomach in a mixture of surprise and horror. It was Reborn, looking very menacing even though he was a few meters away. Well, they succeeded in Hibari's earlier wish. "Hibari, I demand you release that boy now." Tsuna looked at Hibari in panic. What should we do? Tsuna tried signaling Hibari with his eyes. Should we let go of eachother? Like now?
Hibari only gave Reborn a leveled stare. "Why should I?" Tsuna nearly had a heart attack at the cold glare Reborn gave in reply. T-This man is so scary! This wasn't at all like the Reborn he had met in the chapel earlier…That man was cool and collected. But was that enough? Hibari was stronger than three elephants combined! There's no way that Reborn would last a second against this man!
"This will never work out Hibari. You know that. Now let Tsuna go or else I'll shoot you through the head." Reborn reached into his pockets and Tsuna heard a loud click of a gun's safety being unlocked.
"I'd like to see you try, infant." Hibari hissed, slowly raising a tonfa. Tsuna turned to stare at it. Where the heck did that come from?
"Don't call me that Hibari. I'm warning you." Reborn fished the gun out of his pocket and aimed it towards Hibari's forehead.
He had to stop this! Reborn was going to get hurt! "R-Reborn-san. Please, I'm alright. Hibari-san didn't do anything—"
"Not yet he won't." Reborn said slowly. "It's only a matter of time before he tries."
Tsuna flinched away in shock. How dare he! He doesn't know Hibari like he does! He felt angry at Bianchi's husband. Even if Reborn was Hibari's acquaintance, he doesn't know Hibari like Tsuna did. Hibari was nice in his own way. "Reborn! Hibari-san would never, ever do anything to hurt me!"
Reborn ignored Tsuna. "Hibari. Don't do this."
"I'll do what I want."
"Fine." Reborn spat, shoving the gun back in his holster. Tsuna nearly slumped against Hibari in relief. "But I warned you."
Reborn turned his heel abruptly, and strided away angrily. "Wow." Tsuna sighed. "That's a relief. I thought he was going to get hurt."
Hibari smirked and patted Tsuna's head, "He was about to. But he knew better."
"I feel bad though," Tsuna said softly. "I think he was mad because we took the first dance."
"No." Hibari said, lifting Tsuna to place him back onto the cobblestone floor, "He was mad for a different reason."
Tsuna was silent for a moment, thinking of the possible reasons. He hummed and furrowed his eyebrows, "I don't know. What was he mad about?"
"Don't hurt yourself over it." Hibari pushed a knuckle to Tsuna's scalp as he walked on ahead.
"Hibari-san! Wait for me!" Tsuna scrambled off, running to keep up with Hibari, abandoning the beautiful lights and dancing. Maybe they'll do it again some other time.
Tsuna didn't know that it would be the first and last for a very long time.
A/N: Hibari is currently PMSing. Anyway—This chapter nearly killed me. It was so hard conveying Hibari's revealed feelings but keeping it in-character. It's driving me crazy. I rewrote this for about five times before I finally jumbled them together into this killer. By the way, Tsuna's phone actually does exist. I saw it in this one episode. I think it was during the Acrobaleno trials in the anime and his phone was sitting on his desk by the window. It was a light baby green flip phone with simple yellow strap. I'm perspective, I know.
ABOUT THE SONG: The song, 百年後 by 柴咲コウ cannot be found on youtube by its romanji name which is 'Hyakunen-go' by 'Shibasaki Kou'. Hyakunen-go means 'A Hundred Years Later' I may not understand the lyrics REALLY good, but I think it's a song of longing.
MANGA SPOILERS: Well, we started on a new arc under my nose! I absolutely have fallen in love with Enma. He's really nice, but I have a feeling there is some dark and sinister things behind these new transfer students. I gag at the thought of that new Hibari pairing—what was it? That Liquidation Committee girl? I bet someone out there is going to make a fic of those two. /gag and the hand scene with Enma and Tsuna was SO gay. And extremely cute. /slaps self/ NO! I must remain loyal to 1827!
I've decided, after the next chapter the real story begins. Yes that's right. There is a big plot to this. Finally we're there. And remember! Any mistakes you spot, please PM me and we'll work it out!