Okay folks! I just managed to finish this chappie for all of you despite of my finals (aren't I so nice?) before I go back to the intense studying again.

DISCLAIMER: I think you all know the drill so I'll skip this. No new characters here.

Enjoy Karasu's Valentine's Day!

Warriors Don't Cry

Chapter 13: Burnt Chocolate – Karasu

I looked at the huge crowd around Gokudera and Takeshi and sighed.

I hid my homemade chocolates behind me in embarrassment. I saw how fancy the chocolates that the other girls made were. I wasn't really great at making them. I had to have Mom help me make them all without burning them. It was all I can do to make them taste normal. I bet the other girls' chocolates were far better than mine.

Instead, I made my way over to my brother and plopped a bag of chocolates onto his desk. "Happy Valentine's day, brother."

He looked at the bag of chocolates in surprise. "F-For me?"

"Of course, silly. You're my brother. How can I not give you chocolate? I love you the most, after all!" I told him while hugging him. A few girls who saw 'awww'ed at my display of affection for my brother.

Alana grabbed her bag of bitter chocolate and excused herself from class. It was probably for a certain prefect who had a terrible habit of napping on the roof despite of the cold weather. Pocky obediently paddled after her.

I felt a bit happy for Alana. I knew that she had at least feelings for Hibari. I'm her friend so it was natural for me to know these things about her. Hibari's feelings should be mutual. I mean he lets her bring Pocky to school even though the rules clearly stated that there were no animals allowed in school.

That would be adorable if it really happened.

"REBORN! Find out whom Kyoko gives her chocolate to as if I were to die!" I heard Tsuna scream suddenly. I raised my eyebrows as Tsuna zoomed past me in his boxers. I shook my head at my brother. Reborn hopped from the desk behind Tsuna's and passed me without even glancing at my way.

"You better give those chocolates in pocket to their respective people before they melt, Karasu." He told me with a smile before disappearing through some hidden tunnel or whatever.

I decided to follow Reborn's advice and made my way toward Takeshi first because I felt a little more comfortable. Takeshi saw me and smiled cheerfully (as always) and made his way over to me. I tried really hard not to notice the laser-beam glares aimed at my way. "Hi Karasu-chan! So how was school?"

"Yeah, it was fine." I told him distantly before producing my bag of chocolates to him. "Here, Happy Valentine's Day Takeshi-kun. Don't worry, they're not burnt this time." I added jokingly. The Valentine's Day chocolates I gave him in the past were burnt and didn't taste like chocolate. Heck, it didn't even look like chocolate.

But just like last year, I know that he would take the chocolate and pat me on the head as always.

At least this time, I wouldn't feel disappointed.

Takeshi took the chocolate from my hands and patted my head. "I'll keep these. You made them for me so I'll eat every piece." Takeshi promised me with a goofy grin.

I think his fangirls are going to kill me.

"A-Ah, it's because we're friends, right? I'm happy that you like them, friend." I said hurriedly. I thought I saw something flash through his eyes but it must've been my imagination. An expression like that wasn't something that Takeshi would make. "Haha, that's right!"

The glares disappeared and I relaxed.

"Um…okay then, I'll be going now." I said a bit stiffly while turning away.

Takeshi stopped me with a firm hand and turned me around. "Hey Karasu-chan, I was wondering if you would like to come over to my dad's place and eat sushi. He just made special Valentine's Day sushi for you!"

Oh lord, I think the glares just started again.

"Sure, tell your Dad that I'll be there after making a few errands!" I managed to tell him. He waved at me cheerfully as I walked away from him. Poor Takeshi was once again mobbed by his fangirls.

I looked around and was a bit disappointed that Gokudera wasn't anywhere in sight. I looked down at the bag of chocolates I took all night to make. I wanted to thank him for helping me back home on the day I got sick and for helping Tsuna when I couldn't.

I frowned a little but bit my lip and reminded myself that I would probably bump into him eventually.

"Karasu-chan!"

I turned suddenly in surprise. A huge group of boys (who I seriously don't know) appeared out of nowhere, all holding what I suspected were chocolates behind their backs. I think I recognized some of the faces amongst the crowd. Hey, wasn't that guy in the far right Tako from my Math Class?

I think I understand why Alana always seemed so defensive over me every single Valentine's Day back in America.

"Please accept our chocolate offerings!" They chorused, holding out the possibly expensive chocolates. I sweatdropped and blushed a little in embarrassment. "Um…thank you? I never knew I had admirers. But…aren't girls supposed to give chocolates in Valentine's Day while boys give girls gifts in White Day?"

"We decided to follow the American tradition!" They chorused in sync.

Creepy...did they rehearse this?

I pointed at my desk. "Do you all mind dropping the chocolates off there then? I have to go somewhere before walking home."

"Of course, Karasu-chan!"

Again with that creepy sync thing

I stopped by the Medical Office and lightly knocked. I heard shuffling noises and something clattering. A disheveled Shamal greeted the door with a scowl but it dissipated when he saw me. "Karasu-chan! You look better."

I smiled. "Yes, thanks to your helpful advice, I was able to return to tip top shape within only two days."

"So here for another check-up? Something bothering you?" Shamal asked me with concern. I was glad that he didn't flirt with me during our conversations. I never knew why he never did, though. He occasionally called me 'cute' but that was it. Not that I mind.

I pulled a bag of chocolates from behind my back. "Ta-da! Happy Valentine's Day, Shamal!"

I relished the look of pure surprise that Shamal made.

"These are thank-you chocolates for your help and for listening. I also appreciate everything that you taught me during my time in America." I told him honestly while handing him the little bag. "I know that these aren't as good as the store-bought chocolates that your girlfriends usually give you, but they're better than getting nothing this year-ne?"

I walked away without listening to what he had to say. I guess it was better to leave it that way. Shamal would probably ruin the moment with a snarky comment.

There were so many other things that I wanted to thank him for, like how he was like a father to me. But that could be said in another time.

"Ah, Karasu-chan! I thought you weren't going to make it!" Takeshi greeted me joyously while leading me to a seat. Takeshi's father smiled proudly at his son. It was a look that a father would give his son when he succeeded in doing something.

Maybe he was proud that Takeshi had so many admirers?

I laughed and talked with the Yamamoto duo. For some reason, Takeshi's father decided to close the shop early and take a nap, leaving me alone with my friend. I looked after Takeshi's father as he left. "Hey Takeshi-kun, is your dad all right? He's not overworking himself, is he?"

"No, he just decided that today would be a nice time to just take a break and leave us alone." Takeshi said breezily. I shrugged and plopped another sushi into my mouth.

After we were finished eating, Takeshi suggested for us to take a nice stroll around the park. "It's a while since we did something like that." He had said. I agreed and quickly finished off the last sushi.

It was a bit chilly outside but I quickly got used to the weather.

Takeshi and I talked about nothing and everything. We fed a couple of squirrels and birds and just enjoyed the moment.

Another breeze slapped my face so I buried my face into Takeshi's coat. "It seems that the wind doesn't like me very much. You don't mind if I use you as my shield for a little bit, do you?"

"Haha, of course Karasu-chan. Always."

I felt Takeshi's arms wrap around my body and immediately felt safe and warm. He wasn't tense or awkward when he held me like how boys usually were when they held girls. These were one of the things that I loved about him. I never really learn, do I? If I'm not careful, I might just fall in love with this idiot all over again and risk that beautiful friendship that we have.

"Karasu-chan, if you're warmer now, do you want to make a visit to the baseball field?" Takeshi asked, pulling a laugh out of me. He never changes, does he? That was what I cherished the most about my best friend. "Of course, Takeshi-kun. Why not?"

I didn't notice how Takeshi rarely looked away from me

I didn't notice the way he held my hand

Or the way he tried to convey some message through his glances

Or the way he always smiled after I did

Maybe I really did notice but denied its existence because I didn't want to ruin that one thing that didn't change. I didn't want the last thing left of my past to be ripped away because of the crazy world that I now have to live in.

My mistake

"Takeshi-kun, aren't we going to play baseball?" I asked when he stopped at the first base. I looked around. "Where's your bat? How do you expect me to play a game with you without your-mmf!"

Shock

What else do you expect when you just had your first kiss stolen by your best friend?

I wanted to scream and cry at the same time. But I couldn't. Why? Why did he have to put me through this emotional torture over and over again? Why did he have to be so confusing?

The illusion that I put up so carefully was being torn down.

I think my legs gave way because I found myself on the ground. I distantly wondered what I was going to do right now.

Takeshi had his hands on my shoulders, supporting me. If it weren't for those hands, my head would've hit the ground. "That bad, huh?"

I shook my head numbly. "No, it's just-I mean you-and then you suddenly-WHY?" I spluttered incoherently.

Takeshi chuckled but I could hear the pain in his attempt of lightening the mood. I looked down shamefully and covered my face. "I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry, Takeshi-kun."

"Don't apologize." He choked out while drawing me close. My heart thudded painfully in my chest. "I deserved that. I should've asked first, Karasu-chan."

"I'm sorry, Takeshi-kun. Please don't hate me for reacting like this."

"Hate you?" Takeshi sounded incredulous. "That's impossible, Karasu-chan. I like you too much to do that."

"Since when?" I asked quietly.

Takeshi scratched the back of his neck nervously. "Ever since you slammed your textbook into my head for not paying attention."

I choked and let out a sob. I covered my face even though there were no tears falling from my eyes. I can't cry. "Cruel. You're so cruel, Takeshi-kun. First you tell me to go to America and act as if it was nothing when I was leaving and then you suddenly do this. Why didn't you stop me when you had the chance? I was waiting for you to stop me! I really, really loved you. I did!"

No, it was me who was being cruel to Takeshi. He did nothing but support me and care for me the whole time I knew him.

"I'm sorry, Karasu-chan. I didn't know." I felt his arms hug me tighter. "I really didn't know."

I know. That's why it hurt so much.

I haven't visited the playground in a while. During my time in America, I barely had any time to spare to play. Nope, I had to train 24/7. I sat on one of the swings and wrapped my hands around the chains that kept the seat suspended.

I thought back to what Takeshi had told me before.

"Did you really mean it when you said that you love me?"

"I said I loved you four years ago."

"Ah…I see."

"…"

"Karasu-chan?"

"Hmm?"

"I know I don't deserve this, but I would like to have a shot in having a relationship with you. Can you be my girlfriend?"

"Takeshi-kun…"

"Please. You don't have to answer right away. Just think about it for me before you say no?"

I don't know what to answer.

How cruel. Why did he ask that from me when he knew that I couldn't say no to that kind of expression? He looked so…hopeful.

I bit my lip and stared up at the stars. The stars back in America were barely visible so they were one of the many things that I missed about home during my hellish training.

Takeshi…

I didn't want to ruin our relationship. I wanted everything to be the same with him. I wanted to stay friends. I had once thought that he thought the same way after he told me to go to America. I shoved all those feelings that I had for him inside the deepest part of my heart and locked them away, hoping that they'd rot and disappear so the pain would be more bearable.

But now my idiot best friend pried open those feelings without my consent.

Everything is so messed up now.

I'm keeping secrets from my brother (mostly because I'm not allowed to, but still!) and we're not as close as we used to be.

My best friend suddenly kissed me out of the blue just when I was beginning to move on form my past feelings for him and asked me to give him another chance.

On top of that, I have a crush on a silver-haired bomber who probably just puts up with me because he respects my brother.

I grabbed fistfuls of my hair and screamed out. "Isn't my life hard enough already? Gah! You stupid baseball IDIOT!"

"Juuhime? Are you all right?"

My head spun to the direction of the voice. "Gokudera-kun?" My voice sounded so weak and hoarse so I cleared it.

"Juuhime? What did that baseball idiot do to you? I swear if he did I'd-

He took one look at my face and blinked in shock.

What? What was wrong with my face?

He was at my side at an instant, looking at me with so much concern. He even dared to touch my shoulder. He never really touched me so familiarly before. It was as if I was hurt or something. It was as if I was-

Plop

I looked down at my hands in surprise. Water? When did it begin to rain? More drops landed onto my hands. "Ah, it must be raining right now. Gokudera-kun, do you mind walking me home? I don't think Mom would like it if I came back home all wet. Or was it Tsuna who sent you here?"

"No Juuhime, I was just taking a walk. I'll take you back home if you want to-?"

I shook my head and quickly changed my mind. I didn't have the energy to feign a happy mood in front of everyone right now. "I think I want to stay here a little longer. Do you mind staying?"

Gokudera shook his head as well. "I don't."

I sighed. "…Would you mind listening to me?"

"I told you I would, Juuhime." He reminded me while taking a seat on the swing beside mine.

I smiled gratefully at him. Though, in the back of my mind, I wondered if he would be saying the same thing if I weren't Tsuna's sister. Would he have still listened?

Probably not

"I guess this mess started when I told Takeshi-kun that I was offered to study abroad in America."

I was a bit reluctant to reveal everything at first, but it all came trickling out once I reached to the part when Takeshi accepted my chocolates. As I told more to Gokudera, the harder the rain fell though my clothes didn't get wet yet. I told him about the kiss. I told him about how I felt. I told him about my fears. And all that while, he just listened. Of course, his expressions were far from calm. He wouldn't be Gokudera if that wasn't the case but he didn't interrupt me.

After I finished with Takeshi's request, Gokudera clenched his fists and stood up abruptly. "I'll kill him."

"NO!" I grabbed his sleeve desperately. The rain seemed to fall even more as I said that. Gokudera took one look at my face and his murderous look crumbled into a look of pure guilt. I stuttered, "Just don't do anything, Gokudera-kun. Please. It's my fault. I…I couldn't tell him that loved him when I had that chance because I was a coward." I said bitterly. "If I just did then…then I wouldn't be so confused now." But I wouldn't be having these nice feelings toward you either so I guess it's a fair trade.

Gokudera looked away but I thought I saw an anguished expression.

"Then tell him that." Gokudera said a bit forcefully. "You have a chance to tell your true feelings now, right?"

"I guess…"

I bit my lip and released his sleeve.

"Juuhime?"

"Hmm?"

Gokudera scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, reminding me of Takeshi. "Whatever choice you make, I'll be there supporting you no matter what."

I felt my chest warm at his words and I managed a little smile. "Thanks, Gokudera-kun."

I remembered something suddenly and I let out a gasp. Gokudera flinched in surprise and looked at me questioningly. "I almost forgot!" I took out the bag of chocolates and held it out to him shyly. "I wanted to give this to you a bit sooner, but you looked a bit busy at school."

I smiled a little at Gokudera's evident surprise. "You didn't think that I would forget you, did you Gokudera-kun?"

I was reminded of a distant memory as I handed the chocolates to a blushing Gokudera.

"I-I made these chocolates for you. I hope you enjoy them, T-Takeshi-kun!"

"Haha, of course I will! My best friend made it, after all!"

At that moment, I saw a glimmer of my old self, holding out the slightly burnt chocolate to Takeshi shyly with red cheeks.

I know my answer now.

Strange, when did it stop raining?

(The next day)

"Takeshi-kun, can I speak to you alone for a little bit?" I asked the next day after school. Tsuna gave me a questioning look but became distracted as Gokudera conveniently barreled in, chattering more loudly than usual and leading him to the direction toward home. "Juudaime! Lets walk home together!"

When we were alone, Takeshi turned to me with a grin. "Is there anything wrong, Karasu-chan?"

"It's about yesterday."

Takeshi's smile faltered a little but I also caught a hopeful gleam. "So you made up your mind already?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I made up my mind."

"I-

The door of the classroom swung closed behind us as the last student left the room.

(Evil smirk)

Oh look, I guess I'm going to save her answer for the next chapter.

I know, I'm mean like that.

So I hope that you'll all be patiently waiting for me as I finish studying and taking my finals!

Otaku-sama, out!