AN: here is the last installment for the story and I thank all those who have read this from the start and also to those who had sent me feedbacks through their reviews. Thanks guys. Though short in chapters, I think I still enjoyed making this one and hope the readers enjoyed too.
A bit OOC here but it's necessary for the purpose of this story. Many thanks to the following reviewers: X-Minri-X, bloodtaki2, sugarpie-chan, kichou, .rawr, mrhao
Disclaimer: K.H. Reborn does not belong to me.
Gokudera sat comfortably on the sofa, his wife out for work. It's really something he was still unable to fully grasp – that his marriage with her would extend beyond what they agreed and now they both started anew after what happened in Italy one month ago.
Across him sat the Vongola family (minus Hibari), eyeing him carefully, gauging his reaction. But for the first time in his life, Gokudera just felt contented sitting on his comfortable seat. He glanced at his watch. He still has one hour to go before his work. He decided to apply for engineering jobs seeing as that was what he finished anyway when they entered the university.
"So, uhm, sorry, but would you all like to have a cup of tea?" he asked, starting awkwardly. "I have an hour to spare anyway."
Tsuna cleared his throat. The others could not hide their surprise as they stared at a hospitable Gokudera. "Ah, no, we came here to talk about what happened one month ago," the tenth finally spoke and gave Gokudera a small smile. "It was wrong for me to say those."
The Storm Guardian simply blinked, not knowing what to respond to the words spoken. Tsuna scratched his head. "Uhm, you see, we thought that if we give you a break, then perhaps you'd spend more time with your wife so I have to – "
"Tenth," Gokudera cut him off slowly and gave a small smile as well. To the shock of everyone, he only bowed down in front of the Vongola boss. "Thank you so much."
"E-Eh?" it was clear he was taken aback by the words. He glanced at the other guardians and they all share the same confused look.
"I'm thankful for the concern and the care you showed and please don't apologize about what happened one month ago. It was my fault after all and everything you said then were all true," Gokudera spoke hastily, his cheeks flaming in embarrassment. He was never one to talk that way.
Face lightening up, Tsuna smiled widely and sighed in relief. He thought it was hard to talk about it after hurting him. "Thank goodness," he said and brought the Storm ring out from his pocket. It was placed in its respective box. He handed it to Gokudera. "Then I supposed it is also time to reinstate you back to your proper position. There's no fitting for that other than you."
Gokudera stared at the ring he gave up without question. Even the box. It was so long ago when he wore that ring which changed his life. It was so long ago when he finally felt what it's like to have a family, to be part of it and to share with them your laughs and tears and fears.
By becoming the Storm Guardian, he became stronger. And he felt proud being acquainted with the big family, he felt happy serving the person who accepted him without question. In all honesty, he wouldn't be where he is now if not for all the people standing in front of him.
Gokudera could only give a wan smile.
"Gokudera?" Tsuna asked in confusion when the silver-haired made no attempt to take the ring.
"Tenth, there are so many things I would like to say, to thank you for all of it," Gokudera started seriously. "But I can't just seem to find the right words so I just want to thank you."
"W-Wait – " it was Ryohei who interrupted but Tsuna raised his hand to stop him.
"Actually, I only realized what is more important now after you said those," he said and tucked his hands in his back pocket. "I want to live a life with Haru. That's what I realized. And…if at all possible, I'd like to live it with her outside the mafia world."
There was a stunned silence as everyone stared at him with mouths gaping in shock. They never would have thought the first one to willingly give up serving the tenth would be the man who had always insisted and worked hard in becoming the right-hand man.
"This would not be about loyalty and everything boss," Gokudera continued, answering the silent questions in the mind of everybody. "I'd still be a loyal friend. But this time, it's more of duty. I have a duty to my wife too and it's time I stop hurting her and making her worry."
"Gokudera…" Yamamamoto could only utter his friend's name.
Said man chuckled a bit and scratched his head when he finally realized how serious the atmosphere had become. "Ah, well, I'd probably be the first guardian to give up his position in the history of the Vongola family."
Tsuna's hands went limp on his side. "I never would have thought you'd be the first to give it up but I think I can understand you better than anyone else here." He smiled and bent down, placed the box in the table before straightening up once more. "Nevertheless, I'm leaving that with you. Take it as a memento. After all, no matter what you say or do, you'll still be a family member. Don't ever forget that."
"Tenth…"
"I'm happy for you, truly happy," Tsuna continued. In his voice was a tone of regret though.
Again, Gokudera bowed down in gratitude. "Even though I no longer associate myself with the Vongola affairs, you're all welcomed as friends. Haru would love you all to drop by once in a while."
"We will," Tsuna said and turned to the stunned group. "Let's go. Gokudera has a work."
Everyone stood up and said something to Gokudera as they all left one by one.
"I'm happy for you to the extreme," Ryohei said and raised his fist. Gokudera had learned to respond by raising his fist too and meeting his.
"We'll surely miss your presence, Gokudera-kun," Chrome spoke in a small voice and gave him a bright smile. "But we wish you happy still."
The teen Reborn gave Gokudera an overall look before speaking. "It's regretful not to have the service of the Storm Guardian anymore."
"You can always find one," Gokudera answered.
"Nah, your place is irreplaceable," Yamamoto interjected and grinned, though his eyes flashed guilt in an instant. When the others were out of earshot, he spoke. "I'm sorry we stomped in your pride."
"Hah, you better double your effort, baseball freak," Gokudera said instead, ignoring the last remark, knowing it's futile wallowing on guilt and everything.
Yamamoto shrugged. "Well, at least until you decide to return," he said and patted Gokudera's shoulder before following the others who are waiting at the doorway.
Tsuna was next. "Take care then."
"Yeah. I owe you a lot, boss," Gokudera said and extended his hand for a handshake which Tsuna took with warmth.
Lambo was last. He looked like he was about to cry. "Stupid cow, hurry up, they're waiting for you. Don't dawdle there," Gokudera snapped and Lambo cried even more.
"Stupidera!" he cried and left.
Gokudera watched with gentle eyes. Then he called anyway. "Lambo!"
The young man, stopped but did not look back. "You can always come home here."
The remark made the teen cry even more. Sniveling his tears, he used the back of his hands to wipe them. He could see the whole family smiling. He turned. And he grinned.
"I'll become stronger! I promise you that," he said with conviction, something rare from the Lightning Guardian.
"Hmm. Enjoy being a child, Lambo," a female voice spoke from the doorway and everyone turned to see Haru in a business attire. She looked blooming than the last time.
Haru would admit she still felt a little resentful towards Tsuna but seeing how nice her husband handled things here, she thought it best to forgive them. She haven't heard the entirety of the conversation so she does not know yet but she could guess Gokudera accepted his role once again seeing that the Storm box was there at the table.
But now, Haru felt glad he finally did. No one should begrudge him of what he truly deserved.
She gave Tsuna a grateful look but spoke none. She decided words are not necessary anyway. Tsuna smiled back. Haru finally walked towards the weeping boy in the middle. She warmly opened her arms and embraced Lambo. "Be sure not to miss the joy of being a boy, Lambo. Even if you are a mafia member, never miss the opportunity of enjoying how it's like to be a kid –something which all of the other guardians were unable to feel."
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.
.
The two sat on across each other, both pair of eyes looking at the small box in the middle of the table. "I'm glad they made you the Storm Guardian once more," Haru said sincerely.
Gokudera raised his head to meet her eyes. "I'm not. I refused the position, Haru," he said firmly and gave a smirk when she gave him a startled look.
"H-huh?"
The man stood up and took the box. "This is just keepsake."
"Why?" she whispered, not wanting to be the reason for it. After all, they have come to a clear understanding about each other's feelings.
Gokudera tucked the box in his pocket before turning to his wife. "C'mon, you'd be late." He stared at her when she made no attempt to stand at all. "Haru, we agreed to start anew. And I said, I want to start a family at least away from mafia affairs. Don't feel guilty about my decision. It's all what I decided."
He pulled her up and used his knuckles to knock her forehead much to her annoyance. "Let's go," he said and grinned when she finally allowed herself to be dragged. A few blocks from where the two live, the Vongola family grinned when they saw how Gokudera and Haru seemed truly happy.
Haru stared at Gokudera's back as he drove her to where she works. She then allowed herself to remember one month ago…
"I would like to start anew with you!" she shouted against the sound of the motorcycle when she felt him stiffened. She bit her lip when he did not respond at all. Despair immediately consumed her as she felt afraid he would turn her down.
"Are you sure?" he asked afterwards and looked over his shoulder for a split second.
Haru nodded even though he was not looking anymore. "I've never been sure in my life except for this, Gokudera Hayato so don't ask about it again!" she unconsciously tightened her arms around his waist.
To her surprise, the guy stopped the engine along the road, not caring one bit if he would cause traffic. He stepped down and stared at Haru who was seated on the motorcycle. They both ignored the honks of cars as they measured each other's gaze.
"Haru…"
Haru decided that it's time she tells him while she has the courage. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Gokudera…only if you'll take me."
The silver-haired blinked a lot of times before he growled. "Idiot, I'm supposed to be the one saying that!"
Haru smiled at the message he was trying to convey. "I'll take you. Of course I will."
"Hey! Are you both crazy there!" one driver shouted from the left. "Move your assess!"
Gokudera frowned and turned at the driver. "Shut up, old man! We're having an important talk here!"
"Why you insolent – "
Gokudera snorted and walked towards the man and bent down so the latter could hear. "Listen here, my future depends on her answer now so you shut your trap for a while," he said and grinned. "My wife is looking annoyed about it too."
"You – "
"I'm hoping she'd say yes and live with me for the rest of my life," Gokudera cut him off and left the man utterly speechless, wondering if the two are crazy. Does the man intend to propose in the middle of a national highway?
Gokudera tucked his hands at the back pocket of his pants and stared at Haru. "For the rest of our lives…how does that sound?" he said. "Let's extend the agreement to that." Then his face was serious. "Start a family with me, Haru. A real family – away from mafia affairs, from the dangers and troubles of being a mafia associate."
Haru stepped down from the motorcycle finally and stood in front of Gokudera. Despite how casual he sounded, his eyes couldn't mask away the uncertainty. She blinked and was shocked to realize she was crying silently already. This time in joy. The man had just proposed to her even without the usually three words needed.
Using the back of her hands, she wiped the tears and chuckled a little. "Oh yes. I never thought we'd have to talk about this though in the middle of the street," she said and looked around to see the glares from some other drivers while the others just did not care.
And she paled when law enforcers arrived. Noting this, Gokudera snorted. "Don't mind them," he said and stood beside Haru now, his arms around her waist as they both waited for the two policemen to step down.
"Sir, I believe you are causing traffic already," one police said immediately. "I suggest, we talk about this at the police station."
"Can't we do it here?" Gokudera asked with a raised brow.
The other policeman brought out a small pad and started taking notes of details such as Gokudera's plate number. "Sir, I'd like to see your license?" he asked and Gokudera jerked his thumb to the direction of his license. They both waited while the drivers were all impatient.
"A-Are you in any way related to the Hayato family?' the officer asked in a strangled voice. They have heard the family is associated with the Vongola family, the strongest family in Italy. Rumors has it that the Vongola family is a mafia family but when investigated, no one could actually provide a valid evidence to prove them related to such things.
The Hayato family is just as influential.
Before Gokudera could answer, Haru beat him to it, her hands on her hips. "Yes he is. And must we remind you that he's also part of the Vongola family?" she asked to threaten them. The officer looked intimidated but the other one did not.
"Ma'am, even so, you are still required to go at the police station for causing trouble for almost everyone driving here now," he said crisply. "We don't care if you are both part of the strongest family. A violation is still a violation."
With that, he motioned for both of them to enter the patrol car much to Haru's annoyance. They drove in silence. The couple pondered on what just went on, a small smile tugging at Haru's lips for the hilarity of the situation. Gokudera on the other hand was just pissed but chose to remain quiet. It would be easy to blast these two with his dynamites and run away with it. After all, he and Haru are going back there.
They were locked in one cell and were instructed to wait while they convene with their case with the judge. Haru leaned on the bars while Gokudera kept on frowning.
"Damn it. We should be able to catch our plane for tonight," he hissed.
"Let's bear with it, after all, we were the one at fault," she said calmly. "More importantly, I'd like to have my own car when we get back. You never bought me one as you promised."
"I haven't?" he asked in mild surprise. "Oh yeah…right."
"Don't start feeling guilty about it," she said when he only sighed regretfully.
He shook his head. "No. it just shows how much I overlooked something," he said. "I didn't even realize I failed you on most cases. I forgot your birthday one time, I forgot about a promised dinner…I forgot all of them while I was so immersed in my duties as the Storm Guardian," he continued. "I'm sorry for all of those."
"For an intelligent man like you, it's unlikely for you to forget such things," she said. "But I never held it against you if you must know. Inside, I knew my place so at least I understood."
He sighed, wondering how he wasted five years of his life neglecting her. "No. You have to understand – "
"I don't have any complaints because even when you did all those things, you still did me a greater good," she cut him off. "You gave me a home to call to…and it was because of you that I finally felt like I truly belonged in the Vongola." Her last remark was whispered but he caught it still.
Gokudera frowned upon hearing that. He never knew she always felt insecure about that particular area. Like she truly belonged? She was always part of the family even when they were young. Had she not known that? And that's why…
"And that's why you're a stupid woman sometimes," he muttered. "How could you even think you don't belong there? And how come I am only finding this out today?"
Haru blinked. "It was different with you and the rest! You've always been directly connected by your duties and – " she didn't realize she was pouring it all out.
"And?" he prodded.
"Onee-chan has you and Kyoko-chan has Ryohei…" she bowed her head. "I was the only one who had no one there. Besides, I felt like a trespasser."
The man stood up and walked towards the woman, his hands on her shoulder and he shook her real hard. "You have us, stupid!"
Haru jerked. "I had you when we married!" she cried out. "That's how I finally felt that I belong!"
Gokudera stared at her when she cried out. He didn't know. He never knew she really felt so strong about this…of being in the circle…
"You didn't realize how much you had helped me," Haru continued. "And that's why I am thankful for those. I did not even realize sooner how you always tried to protect me from getting hurt physically or emotionally…" she blinked back her tears. "I was always used to your presence that I didn't realize I have…" she swallowed hard. Can she say it?
Gokudera released her and scratched his head. "I'm never good with words especially in front of a woman…" he started. "But you know, ever since we married, I always looked forward to going home, knowing you have a wife waiting for you…I was just so used to it that I did not realize it until what happened last month…"
They both stared at each other and Haru laughed while Gokudera just felt stupid. "Stop laughing, stupid!"
Holding her abdomen, Haru allowed her laugh to subside. "Sorry it's just that…this situation is hilarious…I never imagined confessing inside a cell for crying out loud," she exclaimed and chuckled once more.
Gokudera could only laugh inwardly. he too never expected he'd be saying sappy things – inside a cell – to his wife. But he didn't give a damn about it if it meant that he can finally get to live with her till his last.
He watched as she continued suppressing a smile. A happy Haru is definitely better than a hurting one. This woman never realized her own worth and she lived with the insecurity for how many years. She could really be so stupid. He realized the two of them need not to say the exact words. He realized both of them understand what each wanted to say.
"When did you realize you are already fine with Tsuna around?" he asked suddenly. Haru stopped smiling and stared at her husband for a little while. When indeed? She tried to remember…
Then she can only shake her head… "I don't know…I was so used to you covering up for me, I was so used for you having to protect me that I don't know the exact answer to "when"…do I really have to answer that one?" she asked after a thought.
Gokudera shrugged. "Not necessarily…it's just that, when you were shot…you were so happy when you saw him come," he mentioned.
His wife blinked and tried to remember it. Then her eyes widened. "That's why you chose to stay behind? That's why you left for another mission?" she asked, bewildered.
"Hmm…"
"I was just happy because they came to help you out…not because I saw Tsuna come rescue me…your intelligent mind overanalyzed the situation."
Gokudera did not have the time to respond when the officer came. "You two are released. The judge was lenient this time," he said seriously and opened the cell. "However, should you two be caught in the same situation again, you are to pay for your corresponding sanction."
"Sounds good to me," Gokudera said calmly and pulled his wife. "Let's go."
And just like that, they understood each other's feelings through action than words. And before they both knew it, they finally found the comfort they have been yearning for.
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Nearly ten years later when the family man was enjoying his time with his wife and son, he received an important call. Though they had promised, Vongola never really called. Perhaps it was because Tsuna understood what Gokudera wanted to start – no-mafia related issues. He truly wanted to start anew. But even so, it was Lambo who always dropped by. Yamamoto too. The two always visits when they get the chance. Lambo became something like their first-born already. In fact, even when they had a son, Haru still treated Lambo like her own son.
So he was more surprised when he finally got a call from the tenth himself. "Hello?"
"Gokudera."
He was more surprised when it was Reborn's voice on the phone. "Reborn-san. What the – "
"Vongola family is in need of some help now…we are short in number and most of the Varia squad had been totally defeated. We need the Storm Guardian to complete the circle."
Gokudera did not make any sound as he listened to Reborn. Haru glanced up when she realized he was starting to get restless and she could only guess one thing that could put him into that. She gave him a questioning look when he glanced at her but he merely raised his hand as if to tell her he'll tell about it later. She stood up and left for a while.
"Gokudera…Tsuna, Yamamoto and Lambo were defeated too."
"What?"
"The enemies were fully prepared to fight us, having their own secret intelligence gather up data about our powers. It started five years ago. They don't know a storm ring exists though since they never saw one who uses it except Bel from the Varia and your sister."
"How…"
"They have Lambo and Bianchi as hostages. Like I have said, we are short on number. If we managed to even the scores, then they would release Lambo. That's why we needed one more. Just this one, Gokudera. They are a strong group collecting on rings."
"I'll call you back…" he managed to say before the call ended. Haru waited for him to talk but when she realized he does not know how to start, she sighed.
"Go," she said. "I'll be fine. Me and your son will wait for your return."
"They got Lambo and Bianchi…" he said as if getting a replay about Haru getting kidnapped.
Haru clasped his hands with hers and smiled. "Italy is halfway around the globe. You can make it if you hurry," she said and tiptoed to give him a peck on the cheek but Gokudera kissed her full on the mouth instead.
"I love you," he whispered, red tinge on his cheeks. Haru looked flabbergasted as she stared at him. He finally got to say the words.
"Love you too…go. It's time to fill the vacant role. You also have a duty as a friend, Gokudera and that is helping them in crisis."
"That's why I wanted to go."
And so when he arrived in Italy, Gokudera was filled with the determination to win his own battle to rescue Lambo and his sister and show the enemies retribution they will never be able to forget for as long as they live.
Needless to say, the enemies were shocked when Gokudera arrived with a Storm Ring – the only data they were unable to gather about. Tsuna had made sure his connection with Gokudera was kept a hidden secret and even that of Lambo and Yamamoto visiting the couple was kept a secret to avoid enemies going after them instead.
This time, when he fought, he was able to protect both although that was discounting the fact that Lambo was already beat up when he arrived to help. Bianchi was alright, the enemies only held her as a hostage against Lambo's fight, the reason why he lost – the same reason Tsuna lost when Kyoko was put on the stake.
He carried the boy towards the Vongola mansion while Bianchi followed, noting how much her brother had matured and had grown into a stronger man despite not having been able to use the Vongola ring for ten years now.
He was surprised to find Haru and his son waiting with Kyoko and the rest while they look after the three wounded guardians. Despite not having anything to do with the mafia anymore, both Haru and Gokudera were still there to show their support and when asked what he planned now…
"You know where to reach me when you need my help as a friend, not as the Storm Guardian," he answered Reborn. "That title was lost when I gave up the position willingly. I know we all fight for friends and that's why the Vongola are strong because of that. But I wish to really help and fight not as the Storm Guardian anymore."
Reborn nodded as they all watched the family enter the airport for their flight back to the Japan. Indeed, perhaps Gokudera was the first to give up his position in the history of the Vongola but still, it was for the best reason. Besides, Gokudera did not give up his duty on his friends.
He came when he was needed direly – to make the enemies pay when the others could not. Unconsciously, he was still the right-hand man even though he gave that up for a peaceful life with his wife.
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.
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Thank you very much.