Hello everyone. It's more than a month since my last update. I've been busy and couldn't find the time to update. Anyways, here goes the next chapter. I wasn't sure if Mammon is a 'she' or a 'he' so I made her a female here. Lot of thanks to the following who left wonderful reviews: Ciry, I'm Right Here, Spirit Kagome, puripri, x-minri-x and avianne te.

She was having her break when Ayame, her co-worker, approached her with a worried look. "Haru," she called, forcing the woman to open her eyes and break away from her nap. Damn but her head really hurts and she has a feeling she'll go down with a cold.

"Huh?"

"There's a minor problem downstairs," she informed. At first, Haru could not understand why the other workers would approach her concerning the sushi restaurant's problems. She lightly told them that she wasn't the boss of the place but Ayame told her that because she's close to their boss, it's like she's the person expected to handle the problems when Yamamoto is not around. She had gotten used to it already during the past few days of working there.

"What problem?" she asked and yawned, ignoring the throbbing on her head. She barely had a decent sleep last night because she was so damn focused on doing some designs. Maybe because she wanted to use the things Gokudera bought for her. And maybe she also wanted to incorporate some designs which she was already able to conceptualize. It's too bad she can only do designs and keep them to herself.

"There's this guy downstairs that kept on threatening us because the service is not to his satisfaction. And he's waving a knife which terrified most of the customers already," Ayame complained.

Haru stood up and gave a reassuring smile. "I'll see what I can do," she said and went downstairs where she could see poor Katase being collared by a blond guy. She momentarily stood there and watched with some amusement as said guy pointed three knives at Katase.

"You listen here, bastard, I am in no freaking mood to play the good guy so you better make sure you bring me what I want or I will really slit this throat of yours," he threatened, making the remaining customers suddenly flee.

"B-But w-we don't serve Italian food here," Katase argued and regretted doing so when the guy really pointed the tip of the knife in Katase's throat, making the poor guy tremble in sudden fear.

"Don't you think you've threatened him enough, Belphegor?" Haru decided to intervene and walked towards the two. The guy named Belphegor released Katase and the latter immediately moved away from the stranger and joined the other crew as they now watched in anticipation. For one, they never expected Haru to know the guy.

"Who are you?" the blond asked.

Haru smiled. "That does not work on me," she stated. "I'm not one of your women who chase after you."

The guy grinned and threw his three knives at the dartboard which Yamamoto had placed there for fun. "Of all the places to see you, it has to be here," he snorted but there was a fond smile playing on his lips. "It's been a while, Haru." And he finally hugged the woman who returned the hug affectionately.

"It's so nice to see you, Bel," she murmured and held tightly. They held each other for a brief moment before she pulled away. "But why did you have to cause some trouble here? And what's with the knives?" she asked.

He shrugged and pulled a seat. "What are you doing here?" he asked instead.

"I work here," she answered and turned at the crew, nodding her head, signaling them that everything is fine.

He immediately stared at her. "What do you mean you work here? What about your job?"

"I quit. I couldn't keep up with the boss' attitude," she answered.

He gave her an incredulous look. "An aspiring fashion designer turned waitress?"

She lightly hit him in the head at the comment. "This is temporary while I still find some job. What about you, what are you doing here?" she asked. Belphegor is actually the vice-president of an international toy company. A fresh graduate from college, Haru had been trying her luck in Tokyo when she met him at a party she was forced to attend.

They were never romantically involved but as far as Haru is concerned, she's the closest female friend Bel ever had. And if she can quite remember it, Bel had always been protective of her like a brother does to a sister. She found a confidante in his form during her time in Tokyo.

"Before I answer that, how the hell did you end up in Namimori?"

"I'm from here. I never mentioned this before?" she asked and finally sat down across him.

"I see. I just came here to meet with Xanxus and a few others. As long as I can get away from Tokyo for a while," he grinned.

Haru shook her head. He never cut his hair, she noticed. He even grew it out. "You really don't get along well with your twin, huh?" she remembered something. "How are you and Mammon?"

The grin left his face and he just gave a careless shrug but Haru knew better. So she continued. "I see. You still were unable to reconcile with her?"

"She's past. And I was never able to find her," he stated grimly. "She was the one who left and like hell will I go chase her. I've too much pride to do that."

She couldn't help but chuckle. "Yeah, you've always been a proud guy," she tilted her head and caught sight of a pair standing at the entrance. Haru blinked and ignored the pain in her chest just at the mere sight of the two.

You don't have the right to feel jealous. He offered you a chance before but you declined it, she told herself. So she waved her hand cheerfully – too cheerful that Belphegor was able to notice that she was affected by the presence of the two newcomers.

"Gokudera! What are you two standing there? Come on in!" Haru exclaimed even in a cheerful voice that sounded forced.

Belphegor casually leaned on his chair and studied the guy with silver-hair. Then he glanced at his friend. Haru knows this guy?

"Hello," the guy's companion greeted. She studied Haru before she clapped her hand once. "That's right! I was wondering why you look familiar – you are Miura Haru."

Confused, Haru only nodded. "Yes." She stood up to entertain them. "What are your orders?" she glanced at Gokudera who was looking at Bel in surprise. Do they know each other? Gokudera and Shitt P chose a table at the corner.

"Is it alright if we sit there?" Gokudera asked.

"Of course," she answered with a smile. "Please wait for your orders to come," she said and watched the two walking towards the table at the far-end. She bit her lip.

"Wipe that stupid look on your face," Bel suggested with a snort. "It does not befit you."

She glanced at him. "What are you talking about?" she asked. "Wait for me. I'll just give Ayame their orders."

"Take your time. Besides I won't be leaving yet since this place is our meeting place as suggested by Squalo." Haru had no idea who Squalo is so she only nodded and left. She spotted Ayame day dreaming as she stared at Gokudera and Shitt P.

She sighed and hit her forehead. "You're too obvious," she chuckled.

"I thought he's your boyfriend, how come he's with another girl?" Ayame asked as she took the piece of paper which Haru handed over.

Haru gave Gokudera a discreet glance. "He's my friend. That's our relationship. Anyway, that's their order. I'll be talking with Bel for a while." She did not wait for any answer and returned to Bel's table. He was busy playing with something. He never did changed.

"You know that guy?" Bel asked the moment she sat down.

"Who? Gokudera?" she asked. "Yes. We're friends."

At the remark, he raised his head and gave her a sniggering look. "Like I will believe that after what I saw a while ago. You were affected by their presence to the point that your cheerfulness was obviously faked."

Haru took a deep breath. "Okay you got me there. Why do you ask anyway?"

He shrugged. "I met him a couple of times and I'm always intrigued about him. So what does he do here?"

"Huh? I don't know. He just returned here for Tsuna's wedding. He doesn't live here. Do you know anything about him, Bel?" she asked, suddenly curious. Bel would never talk about a certain guy unless he knew something about that guy.

"Yep. A guy full of mysteries. He is a valued asset by Uni's company." She wanted to ask what he meant by that but they were interrupted by the arrival of a few guys.

"You're early, voi!" a loud voice spoke from behind Haru. She winced and glanced behind her to find a guy with long, silver or white hair, whatever hue is that. Along with him are few others who exuded a powerful aura, especially that guy with a scar on his face.

"And you're loud, Squalo, you frightened my friend," Bel lazily responded and motioned at Haru who stood up and bowed at them once.

"Ah! It's Haru!" an excited voice exclaimed from behind the man with spiky hair. Immediately, Haru squealed at the sight of him and gave him a hug.

"Fran!" she turned to Bel. "You did not tell me you're still in contact with him."

Belphegor shrugged again. "I am not in contact with that idiot," he stated.

Haru ignored him. "Well, I will leave you to your business then," she said. She was still able to catch what the others said.

"Is that Gokudera? Hayato Gokudera? The man behind the success of Uni's company?" she frowned and wanted to ask what they meant by that. Then she decided she'll just probably ask Gokudera later. She wanted to hear it from him. Of his escapades.

She sat in front of the counter and rubbed her temple. She had not been feeling well a while ago but she ignored it, brushing it off as just plain headache which will pass in no time. She sat there for the whole thirty minutes, trying to keep herself awake. From time to time, she would glance at Gokudera's direction and noticed how serious he looked as he talked with Shitt P. she wondered what could be so important that would elicit such seriousness from him.

"Haru, you look pale," Ayame came and sat beside her.

"I've been having this mig – achoo!" she sneezed and wrinkled her nose. "I must be having a cold."

Ayame patted her arm. "Go rest upstairs. I'm sorry I disturbed you a while ago."

She shook her head. "That was nothing. Besides, it's worth it since I was able to talk with my friend. I apologize in his behalf since – achoo! -he has the tendency to be so bossy and choosy. It's in his nature, being a rich kid." She gave Ayame an apologetic smile. "I guess I'll go nap upstairs. Will you be alright here?"

Ayame shooed her away. "Yes. Go."

Haru stood up and made her way upstairs when someone spoke behind her. "I told you before to take care since you easily get sick," was the reprimanding tone from Gokudera who had his hands behind his head as he gave her a look.

Haru subtly cast a glance at Shitt P and found her gone from where they were sitting earlier. "Where's Shitt P?"

"She just left for emergency reasons. Something happened with their test run," he answered. Shitt P is actually an engineer and works under Julie Katou. That's as far as Haru knew about her.

He leaned closer to her so their faces were only inches away. Haru blinked, suddenly feeling uncomfortable especially when she stared at his handsome face. She sighed and shoved his face away. "Stop doing that," she muttered.

He only shrugged. "Why don't you get home? I've a feeling you were infected by Lambo's flu."

"I'm planning on going home this afternoon after Yamamoto comes back," she retorted. Even with her thick jacket, she felt so cold. It's a wonder for her how she was able to ignore the symptoms earlier. She started going upstairs and he followed, the two of them ignoring the inquisitive looks from most of the people inside the restaurant. She headed straight to the lanai but she was surprised when he pulled her away and led her to Yamamoto's room. "W-What, hey, that's Yamamoto's room! It's disrespectful to – "

"Shut up," he growled a little. "And you think being out in the open will make you feel better? It's cold at the lanai you stupid woman," he explained and Haru gave him a sour look. He always called her that before when he's annoyed with her. He opened Yamamoto's room and pushed her inside. "Get a rest."

She did not have the time to study how Yamamoto's room looks like. She was focused with Gokudera who closed the door behind him and leaned there, giving her that superior look. "Do I have to tuck you in bed as well?"

She sighed in concession. She reluctantly sat on the bed and removed her shoes. "I'll blame you for this one if he gets mad at me."

He waved her off. "Yeah, yeah, whatever."

Haru immediately took the blanket and wrapped them around her body. She felt a little warm now. She let her back touch the bed and momentarily forgot about Gokudera. God, she really, really needs to rest. She closed her eyes but opened them later on when she felt the weight of the bed suddenly shift. She turned to find him sitting beside her and staring at the window instead.

He is so quiet now as though in deep thought and since she was more used to the hyper Gokudera from long ago, she could not help but call his attention if only to hear him talk. He's so different from before. Although he still maintained the laidback attitude about him, there's something in him that changed. She just could not figure out what.

"You're very quiet. It's rather troubling," she spoke in a soft voice.

He merely glanced at her. "I did not know you'd bother about stuffs like this," he commented.

She bit her lip. "We already established that we're friends. And because we are already friends, I am concerned with the changes that happened around you. Is it bad to worry for you?"

She was sure he was surprised with her second statement because he fully turned towards her. She gave him a comforting smile. "Even though I said a lot of things during our first encounter after so many years, it doesn't change the fact that I still care for you like you do to me. What's troubling you, Gokudera?"

He shook his head. "Nothing. Anyway," he deliberately changed the subject. "You know Belphegor?"

She nodded. "He's my closest friend when I worked in Tokyo. He helped me a lot. Can I ask you something?" twice, Uni's name was mentioned. And being one who worked in the city, Haru heard a lot about her and her company. She wanted to know now how Gokudera is related to it.

"About him?"

"About you."

Again, he did not bother hiding his surprise. Then he gave her an amused smile. "Being sick makes you suddenly straightforward?"

She ignored him. "How are you connected to Uni's company?"

"I work there."

She probably wasn't expecting that. "I thought you only bothered about traveling around the globe?"

He lightly hit her forehead. "I still trot the globe. And I don't work full time there."

"What do you do there?"

"I'm a chemist."

Now she actually choked in surprise. He scowled at her reaction. "What? You actually think I only roam around and spending my father's money?"

Despite not feeling well, she actually managed a short laugh. "You're suddenly sounding so defensive. I'm sorry, I just did not expect you to have a job and chemist at that. You did not go to college."

This time, he only gave her a quiet look which made Haru feel suddenly uncomfortable. She said something wrong, she can tell. He sighed and stood up. "I'll talk to Yamamoto to give you a break."

Haru helplessly watched him walk towards the door. "I'm sorry if I said something that offended you."

He tilted his head and gave her another single look. "You did not offend me," were his words before he carefully closed the door, leaving Haru suddenly standing up, ignoring the dizziness. She's definitely not satisfied with what he said. If she wanted to know him once again, she has to understand what made him suddenly leave.

She stumbled before she could reach the door but she still stood up. She latched the door open and called his name. "Gokudera!" she continued downstairs, not minding the fact that she was now walking on barefoot.

"Haru – "

"Ayame, have you seen Gokudera?"

"He just stepped outside," Bel answered from where he was seated with the rest of his companions. "And you look like shit, Haru."

She waved him dismally. "Voi, a little piece of advice, that guy is a rare catch so hold onto him."

"He's right Haru! And I'm pretty sure Mammon will fall for him because he definitely earns more than Bel-sempai," Fran added, earning a spank on the head. "Ouch. That hurts."

Haru ignored them and stepped outside. She shivered when her foot touched the snowy ground. "So cold," she said and looked around in time to see a woman with long hair hugging Gokudera. Again, she felt that pain in the chest. Who is that woman? She studied her outfit. She was wearing a leather jacket, tight jeans, black gloves and a goggle over her head.

Between Shitt P and this woman, she looked like Gokudera's type since she reflects Gokudera's style during their younger years. Dejected, she turned around to enter the restaurant when suddenly she heard his voice.

"Are you plain stupid?" was the angry words thrown at her.

She swallowed and forced a smile before looking up at him. She cannot let him see how affected she was with the scene earlier.

"You know that you're already sick and you still came out here in barefoot!" he scolded her and Haru was only staring at him, tears welling up her eyes. She doesn't know but seeing him and this woman hugging earlier, she suddenly wished it was her. She raised her hands and wiped the welling tears with the back of her hand.

"Hahi. I'm sorry, I was just worried about you so I followed," she apologized.

He stared at her. "Hahi?" he repeated before he actually laughed so suddenly, taking Haru and the other woman in surprise. "God Haru, when was the last time I heard you say that? You look cute saying it," he said, his shoulders shaking. He turned to the woman behind him. "This is Bianchi. She's Haru."

The woman smiled and Haru thought she's one of the most beautiful women she ever saw. "It's a pleasure meeting you, Haru."

Haru bowed down. "Hello."

"Why don't we get inside? You'll get even more sick staying here," Bianchi suggested and turned to Gokudera. "Hayato."

He nodded. "Go ahead. I promised to help Shitt P and Julie." He turned to Haru and gave her a glare. "And you, better stay inside." He already left after that and Haru only watched with a sad smile. She turned to Bianchi. "Uh, want some tea? There's some inside."

Bianchi nodded. "Yes. I need to talk to you anyway."

They both entered. Bianchi saw the group of guys huddled in the corner and sighed. "How did they end up in Namimori?" she muttered to herself.

"You know them?"

"At least Belphegor and Xanxus. Those two are well-known businessmen. I always meet them in parties." Haru led Bianchi at the second floor.

She hesitated, not knowing what to really say. "Ah, so, tea?" she asked.

Bianchi only shook her head. "I'm still full since I had a snack with a colleague here. Have a seat, Haru, don't be standing there."

"You are very beautiful, Bianchi-san. You and Gokudera look good together," she could not help but comment on it. For a moment, Bianchi only stared at her in amazement before she actually laughed good-naturedly.

"You think I am dating Hayato?" she asked then laughed again, making Haru suddenly feel embarrassed.

"I'm sorry but I was under the impression that you are."

"No. Besides, he is not my type," she smirked at the look of disbelief from Haru. She decided to keep her relationship with Gokudera a secret from her for a while. She already heard about Haru before. From her brother and sometimes from his friends when she happens to drop by here to pay Shamal a short visit while inquiring about her brother's whereabouts. "Anyway," she brought out a sketch from her back pocket. "I wanted to talk to you about this."

Haru gave it a look and recognized some of her designs. "H-How did you – "

"Hayato got those from Yamamoto who found it around here. You probably misplaced this design."

"But why did Hayato – "

"He wanted me to check your designs and admittedly, I'm impressed. I'd like to offer you a job. That's the reason why I wanted to talk to you." She leaned on her chair. "I may not look like it but I own one of the most prestigious fashion companies. If you're willing, I'll hire you immediately. Don't worry. Hayato has got nothing to do with this except the fact that he led you to me." She slid a small piece of paper in front of Haru. A calling card.

She was speechless. It's an opportunity for her. Will she take it? But if she will, she'll have to leave this town once more. Its obvious Bianchi is from the city. And why is Gokudera doing this? She swallowed and stared at the paper. Her eyes widened at the name of the company. She always wanted to work there but the Human Resource Department responsible for hiring new designers said that they have already reached the maximum quota for applicants. They did not even bother giving her work a glance.

With shivering hands, she held the paper. "I've always wanted to work in this company," she admitted in a sincere tone. "And it's an opportunity indeed." She sighed. "B-But I think I'll decline."

Bianchi was shocked. "Why?"

Haru gave a bashful smile. "You might think my reason is lame."

"Try me," Bianchi challenged.

"I've always wanted to live and work here, Bianchi-san. It's one of the reasons why I left the city and came back here," she bowed down in embarrassment.

Bianchi studied the woman in front of her. Such honesty. She decided that she already likes her. "You can do free-lance. You do the designs, we'll pay you for it," she suggested. With one look at Haru, Bianchi was reminded of her brother. Of the boy he was once before he turned delinquent. Of the boy that his friends never had the chance to see. He was already quite troublesome when he met Yamamoto and the others.

"You remind me so much of him," she said for Haru to hear. The latter gave her a confused look. Bianchi reached for Haru's hand and with a croaky voice, she continued. "I'm suddenly reminded of that lost boy because of you."

"Bianchi…san?"

Bianchi shamelessly blinked back her tears. She never expected that she'll talk about this once more. "He was so in love with this place when he was still seven or eight. He loved everything about this place."

"W-Who?"

Bianchi closed her eyes. "Help him settle down, Haru."

"Ha?" Haru forgot about being sick already.

Bianchi released her hands and leaned once more. "Gokudera Hayato."

The younger woman gave Bianchi a perplexed look. "G-Gokudera?"

"I always wanted a home for him and I knew deep inside that this is the place for him. But he suddenly grew up with so much bitterness that he wanted to get away from this place," Bianchi wiped her tears. "Do you ever wonder why he roams around the world?"

Of course Haru always wondered about that. But at the moment, she's wondering why Bianchi knows a lot about Gokudera and why she talks in puzzle. Remembering Bianchi's question, she shook her head. Bianchi stood up. "You're the only woman I saw who managed to make him laugh. You must mean something to him."

"I'm his friend."

The older one shook her head. "I don't mean that," she corrected. "He's always looking for a place to call home," Bianchi answered her own question. "Because he hated it here, he left after high school. He always reasoned out that he only comes here from time to time due to ties he could not break. I'm guessing it's the people he came to call his friends. I think deep within, he still wants to come here though. Haru, help him move on. It's my first time meeting you but I already know a lot about you." She patted Haru's shoulder. "Call me when you decided to take the job."

She was at the door when Haru finally spoke again. "W-Who are you? W-what are you to him?"

She gave a bright smile before answering. "I'm his half-sister." Haru watched in silence as Bianchi walked away. She forced herself to stand up and follow her when she caught a few words shared between her and the group of Belphegor.

"So even Gokudera Hayato came from here?"

"Why, Bel, what's with the sudden interest in him?" Bianchi asked with amusement. "As far as I remember, you and him don't mix well so you always avoid each other's path."

"Ah, forget I asked," was the frustrated reply.

Haru blinked and realized how much she doesn't really know about Gokudera now. While an opportunity to know about him arises in the form of Bel, she doubted she'd learn about Gokudera completely. She wanted to hear it from him and him alone. And she wanted to know about that boy that he was before he became friends with Yamamoto. He must have been a charming one.