Disclaimers: Don't own KHR or its characters.
Warnings: fluff, swearing, and some girls in this chappie. –le gasp- YES. GIRLS.
I mentioned her in every update so y'all should probably know by now that 'The Shifter Simply Weird' is my beta-reader – so a lot of thanks to her for dealing with my stupid grammar and typos! ^_^
Okinawa, 8.04pm
It was the most cliché, most traditional game ever – and yet, it never got old.
'Courage Testing' – an activity where students walk through a set-up of a haunted location. Those who are brave enough will manage to complete the whole trail, whilst the more cowardly ones will fail and retreat – receiving an embarrassing task as their punishment.
It was the same here with the sophomores of Namimori High School in Okinawa. The students were separated into two groups: class A and C being the ones tested, and class B and D acting as the ghosts.
"Heh, I bet no-good Tsuna wouldn't even last five minutes~," Ken teased, poking Tsuna in the ribs.
"I bet he wouldn't even last three," Chikusa spoke in monotone as he observed Tsuna, as though analyzing his level of courage.
Ken, feeling like a competition was beginning, replied, "I bet he wouldn't even last one!"
"Hey, don't talk to him like that," Gokudera pulled Tsuna away from the two ex-Kokuyo students.
"Ah, Gokudera-kun, it's okay…" Tsuna smiled sheepishly, tugging Gokudera's sleeve.
Ken laughed, "Hahaha~, whatever, Smoking Bomb, you can't even walk properly."
"Tch." Gokudera frowned, frustrated. Ever since he twisted his ankle the silvernette had been limping around all day.
"Maa, maa," Yamamoto entered the conversation, wrapping his arms around both Gokudera and Tsuna, "There's no need to start fighting, ne?" He turned to Gokudera, a soft smile on his lips, and the silvernette just pushed his face away – not liking the way those warm eyes were making him feel all jumpy in his own skin.
Ever since Yamamoto carried Gokudera to the nurse, it was as though a new bond had formed between them – a new sort of connection that involved only the two of them. Neither understood what it was, but it became a common knowledge between them – though unspoken – that their relationship had developed another step; something closer, and yet still out of reach – the next step just a stretch away from their fingertips. Yamamoto understood Gokudera to an extent that nobody did before… and it felt good for both of them. They liked this new friendship.
"Kufufu, seems like whenever I disappear you all break into trouble. Oya, oya~, what would you all do without me~," Mukuro waltzed back into the group at that point, holding a few cards in his hand. These cards were given out to determine who partnered with whom for the courage testing activity.
"Just hand out the cards," Gokudera rolled his eyes.
"Ah~, so impatient, Smoking Bomb," Mukuro smirked, "Quite ironic actually, since right now you're the slowest moving in all of us with your injured ankle."
Gokudera snatched a card from Mukuro's hand, and the Mukuro just chuckled – enjoying his own personal joke as he handed the rest of the group their cards. It was a rather basic system – whoever had the same card number were partnered with each other.
"I got number 27," Tsuna said, before he looked around for his match. "Number 27 anyone?"
"Ah, Tsuna-kun, I got 27 as well," Sasagawa Kyoko, a cute, brown-haired girl from Tsuna's class walked up to him. She smiled, "I'm glad. It's nice to be coupled with someone I can talk to. We'll go through this together, ne?"
Tsuna just nodded and smiled at her, even though on the inside he was completely freaking out from the thought that he might look completely stupid in front of Kyoko when he started sprinting away full-speed, from the ghosts.
"Don't worry Tsuna, I'm sure you'll do great! It won't even bother you!" Gokudera patted Tsuna's back enthusiastically, and Tsuna inwardly sighed. Somehow, even though the brown haired boy showed weakness on countless occasions, Gokudera was still stuck on the image that Tsuna was this courageous, adventurous boy like he was in his childhood.
Gokudera then looked at his own card, "…number 5?"
The silvernette looked at Yamamoto, but Yamamoto shook his head, "Ah, I got number 8."
A sense of mutual disappointment was felt by both of them, though neither understood why nor was willing to show any of it on their faces.
"Oya~, I got number 8 as well~. I've been with you twice today now, it must be some sort of fate, don't you think?" Mukuro smirked as he wrapped his arms around Yamamoto's shoulders from the back.
"Ahaha~, you always make everything sound so dramatic, Mukuro," Yamamoto laughed.
"Kufufu~, it keeps things interesting," Mukuro chuckled – once again enjoying that little joke of his own.
Gokudera couldn't help but feel rather annoyed by the fact that Mukuro was partnered with Yamamoto.
That freak must've planned it. He must have.
…and why the hell does he keep on hugging Yamamoto? Tch.
Frowning, Gokudera called out, "Number 5! Who has number 5?"
On the other side of the large group of students, someone responded – a familiar yet unfamiliar voice. Gokudera wondered who it could be, as he called out once again, "Here!"
Meanwhile, Ken and Chikusa looked at their own cards.
"Number 12!" Ken waved the card above his head, "Nummmmberrrr ta-welvvvve~!"
"Ah. That's me," a soft voice called from behind, and when Ken turned around and saw who had the same number, his jaw dropped open.
"What? YOU?" Ken's face twisted in half-disgust and half-disbelief.
Chrome Dokuro, Mukuro's twin, nodded softly, showing Ken her card which had the number '12' clearly written on the paper.
Ken was about to complain when Mukuro gripped his shoulders firmly, smiling icily at him, "I'm sure you'll take good care of my cute Chrome, isn't that right Ken?"
Ken crossed his arms, obviously unhappy about the entire situation, though he mumbled, "…fine."
Chikusa, on the other hand, didn't even need to call out for his partner – for she came pouncing at him like a tidal wave of excitement as soon as she saw the number on his card.
"Ah! You have number 16! So you're with me, Chikusa-kun~." The girl's name was Haru – she had dark brown hair always tied up in a high pony-tail, and was well known for being one of the most energetic girls in the entire year group; a complete contrast to Chikusa, who was as calm as a body of water contained in glass. He simply nodded at her, and said nothing else. Not that it bothered Haru – the girl talked enough to fill up an entire conversation all by herself.
"Number 5?" Gokudera was still calling for his partner, who seemed to be taking quite a long time to make his way through the crowd.
But as soon as he eventually appeared, Gokudera felt like tearing up his card and stomping it deep into the ground. He glared at Mukuro – now incredibly certain that the mismatched eyed rebel planned all of this.
Mukuro just chuckled as he shrugged, smirking. "Kufufu~, you snatched the card out of my hand yourself, Smoking Bomb. You can blame no one."
Gokudera was on the verge of slamming Mukuro's face into the sand – maybe it would wipe that damn smile off his face. The silvernette was pissed – definitely pissed – and everyone could understand why.
For the person who had the number 5 – the one Gokudera was partnered with – was no one else but a certain blonde prince whose smile represented that of the Cheshire's.
"Ushishishi~, hi there, Dynamite. What a coincidence, ne?"
Okinawa, 8.38pm
"Kufufu~."
"Haha, you seem to be enjoying this a lot, Mukuro."
"Why, of course I am~, isn't it amusing how I manage to scare off the 'ghosts' when they're supposed to be scaring us?"
"Ahaha, well, it is pretty funny I guess. You have a lot of skills in that."
"Kufufu~, I'll take that as a compliment, Ace."
Yamamoto and Mukuro were almost half-way down the trail through the forest now, and so far, instead of the fake ghosts scaring the two of them, it was Mukuro instead who managed to scare the students pretending to be the ghosts. Yamamoto just watched as Mukuro counter-scared each 'ghost' that approached them with a wide smirk on his face, enjoying every second of terrifying others.
It wasn't anything unusual – this wasn't first time Yamamoto saw the sadist and the mastermind within Rokudo Mukuro.
"Ne, Mukuro," Yamamoto started as they continued through the forest.
"Hm~? What is it?" Mukuro turned around and walked backwards, tossing the flashlight playfully in his hand.
Yamamoto replied, a knowing smile on his face, "You actually planned all those partners didn't you? The cards?"
"Oya, oya~," Mukuro's lips merged into a smirk, "I always knew you were a sharp one, Ace."
"Ahaha, only when I'm not in classes I guess," Yamamoto laughed lightly.
"Good instincts. I like that," Mukuro leaned his head to one side, observing Yamamoto for just a moment before he turned around and continued walking. "It's all for the best, really~, maybe now Ken and Chikusa might finally realize how they feel about each other."
"Hm?" Yamamoto raised his eyebrows, "So…they like each other?"
"Kufufu~, oh please. What happened to those good instincts?" Mukuro looked over his shoulder to eye Yamamoto. Then, as he turned around, he abruptly came to a stop.
"What is it?" Yamamoto wanted to know.
Mukuro raised a finger to his lips, whispering, "Incoming. I hear a ghost coming our way."
Yamamoto, knowing that this was the time that Mukuro would start scaring the fake-ghost, nodded and moved away to hide behind the tree, switching off his torch. Mukuro was the one with the scare tactics – Yamamoto only served as the observer. Mukuro was one hell of a performer and he liked having an audience to witness his show.
But when the 'fake ghost' eventually appeared along the trail, Mukuro wasn't so sure anymore if he wanted anyone watching this particular scene.
"What the fuck are you doing?" Mukuro frowned at the 'fake ghost' – who was in fact, Byakuran holding a torch beneath his chin whilst walking in zombie-style – a lame excuse for a pretend ghost, even by children standards.
Yamamoto eyes widened when he realized it was Byakuran – immediately remembering that session in the office between Mukuro and the Headmaster.
"Aw, there's no need to look so upset, Mukuro-kun," Byakuran stopped the ghost-act before he walked up closer to Mukuro – too close.
"Go away. Why are you even here? The other teachers are by the finish line," Mukuro mumbled, crossing his arms and turning away from Byakuran, the frown still on his face.
Byakuran smiled, his eyes closing to become curved slits, "I wanted to see you."
Yamamoto stiffened when he saw Byakuran touching Mukuro's face, running his thumb across Mukuro's cheek.
Mukuro quickly swatted his hand away, "Huh. I don't fucking care. Leave."
Byakuran's smile didn't falter. He moved even closer, "Do you really want me to?"
"Yes. Just- leave already," Mukuro looked away – looking at anything but Byakuran.
"Heh," Byakuran's smile curved into a smirk as his eyes opened, revealing those light violet-grey orbs. "I don't believe you."
From that point, everything seemed to happen in fast forward. Byakuran wrapped one arm around Mukuro's waist, and before the younger had any time to escape, he used his other hand to clasp his face and capture Mukuro's lips with his own. Mukuro tried to wriggle away, but Byakuran managed to press the younger's body close enough against himself that there was no possible escape.
The kiss was like a battle. Byakuran's tongue forcing its way into Mukuro's mouth, almost slipping down his throat – dominating him, showing his power and ownership. Byakuran's hand moved to weave through the dark strands of Mukuro's hair, tilting Mukuro's head so that he could further deepen the kiss, causing Mukuro to shudder in his hold.
When Byakuran finally broke off the passionate yet forceful kiss, Mukuro was panting in his arms. He glared up at the Byakuran, hissing, "…fuck you."
Byakuran's smirk only widened, "Are you asking me to?"
CRACK.
Both Byakuran and Mukuro turned towards the crackle of leaves when Yamamoto accidentally released the torch in his hands, dropping it onto the ground. The baseball player slowly crept out from behind the tree and sheepishly picked the torch up, smiling awkwardly at both of them, the shock still written all over his face.
Seeing it before didn't make much difference – a kiss like that was something that should never be witnessed by an outsider. It was too intimate, too private, and way too sensual to be shared with anyone but the two people involved.
Byakuran was momentarily surprised by the existence of another student, but the smile on his face quickly returned as he addressed the newcomer. "Yamamoto Takeshi?"
"Ah, yes…" Yamamoto nodded, standing up and walking back onto the trail. There was no use in hiding anymore.
"Do you mind if I steal Mukuro-kun away and leave you to continue alone?" Byakuran appeared friendly and kind – but the dark glimpse in his eyes was more or less forcing Yamamoto to obey to his command.
Yamamoto wasn't sure whether he was surprised by the true nature of the Headmaster. After all, this was someone who could take control over Mukuro.
"Uh, yeah, okay," Yamamoto nodded uncertainly, glancing at Mukuro who was hiding his face away, increasingly feeling like an intruder.
Byakuran smiled sweetly, "And I'm sure you won't tell anyone about this?"
"…of course not," Yamamoto immediately assured.
"Well, good~ Thanks, Takeshi-kun," Byakuran waved at Yamamoto, a signal ordering him to leave.
And Yamamoto did just that.
Okinawa, 8:44pm
"BOO!"
"Woah-!"
Yamamoto was sent almost tumbling towards the forest floor when something heavy jumped onto his back and clung onto him. Fortunately, the baseball player managed to regain his balance before he fell over. Yamamoto turned his head around to see what attacked him – only to be met by a wide, bright smile that stretched across the owner's face.
"Ushishishi~," Belphegor snickered happily as he clutched onto Yamamoto.
"Ah, Bel… you really need to stop jumping on people like that. It's dangerous," Yamamoto sighed.
"Ehh? Did the prince scare you?" Bel's smile widened.
Yamamoto lowered himself and let the prince get off his back before he replied, "A bit. You shocked me more than anything."
"Ushishi~, so fun~, I can do this forever~," Bel spoke in a sing-song voice, continuously pirouetting like a young ballerina.
Yamamoto smiled and shook his head at the blonde – Bel was one of those few people who didn't let the immaturity within them die away. It was both refreshing and tiring at the same time. Yamamoto wondered how Bel's partner could've dealt with him – when all of a sudden the realization hit him.
"Hey, Bel, what about Gokudera?" Yamamoto asked.
Bel paused mid-spin, "Who?"
"Gokudera," Yamamoto repeated.
"Ah~, Dynamite~. What about him?" Bel cocked his head to one side, smiling innocently.
"Uh… isn't he supposed to be with you? He's your partner for this, isn't he?" Yamamoto said.
"Oh, right~. Well, Dynamite was being too slow so we separated. Then the prince just decided to stay here and scare people. You don't expect the prince to partner with his enemy do you?" Bel replied.
Yamamoto frowned slightly. Gokudera's ankle was still injured – it would be too easy for something to go wrong as he walked through the forest alone. The thought was enough to make Yamamoto feel panicky inside.
"Bel, which way did Gokudera go?" Yamamoto wanted to know.
Bel leaned his head to one side, thinking for a moment, before he pointed towards the direction down the trail. "This way."
Yamamoto nodded, "Okay, thanks Bel. And stop scaring people, you should get going too." Then, Yamamoto was off – feeling very unsettled by the fact that Gokudera could be lost or in danger somehow somewhere in the forest, all alone with his twisted ankle, that broken look in those emerald eyes…
I have to find him.
The sense of urgency was unexplained.
Okinawa, 8:48pm
"You do not scare my friend like that, you got me?"
"I'm sorry! I'm really sorry!"
"You should be! Tsuna was almost in tears! What the hell did you do to him?"
"I'm sorry! I didn't do anything! I just pretended to be a ghost like everyone else!"
"Bullshit! Tell me what you did!"
"Gokudera-kun, it's okay! Please stop scaring him – he just did what he's supposed to. I was the one who ran off like a coward." Tsuna attempted to pull Gokudera back from the poor kid.
Gokudera turned towards his friend, his hands still clutching the other kid's collar, "Are you sure, Tsuna?"
Tsuna nodded and motioned towards Kyoko beside him, "Yes. Kyoko-chan saw too, isn't that right?"
Kyoko nodded, "Ah, yes, Gokudera-kun. He only pretended to be a ghost – but it was too scary for us so we just ran back."
Gokudera observed the three people before him and thought back to when he saw Tsuna frantically sprinting towards him whilst dragging Kyoko along. He then looked back to the petrified fake-ghost and finally let go of his collar, "Fine. You can go then. Next time, don't mess with my friend."
"Understood! Thank you! I'm really sorry!" He bowed to Gokudera before he quickly ran off to where he came from.
"Tch," Gokudera watched him as he left, before he turned to Tsuna, "If anyone does anything to you again, just tell me alright?"
Tsuna nodded, "Ah, thank you, Gokudera-kun – you really didn't need to scare him like that though."
Gokudera frowned, "What do you mean? He traumatized you. That's unforgivable. He must've done something really awful."
Actually…it's just me who's too much of a wimp to handle these things… Tsuna smiled dryly, not knowing how to explain it to his friend.
At that point, a familiar voice came from behind them in the darkness, "Gokudera!"
The silvernette felt his heart perform a tiny flip as he turned towards the voice. "Baseball id-"
The sentence was cut off when Yamamoto wrapped his arms around Gokudera and hugged him tight, sighing, "…you're okay."
For a short moment Gokudera could feel his cheeks burning and his heartbeat accelerating as he took in the intimacy between them – but then he regained his senses and started pushing Yamamoto away. "What the- get off me, baseball idiot!"
Yamamoto laughed lightly and released Gokudera from his hold, "Ahaha~, sorry. It's just that I got really worried when Bel told me you were walking alone, then I started getting all paranoid when I couldn't find you until now…"
"Che, moron. As if I couldn't get through this stupid test alone," Gokudera rolled his eyes, though inside, he had felt particular warmth rush through him when Yamamoto said he was worried about him.
"Haha, of course, of course," Yamamoto smiled, completely relieved now that he could see Gokudera standing all well before him. Then, he turned, and as though noticing them for the first time, he said, "Ah! Tsuna and Kyoko, you're here as well!"
Both Tsuna and Kyoko smiled and nodded at the baseball player. Tsuna asked, "How come you're all alone Yamamoto?"
"Oh. Well, Mukuro…" Yamamoto trailed off, wondering how he should put it, before he decided, "…Mukuro got into trouble with one of the teachers back there. He was…scaring the other kids." That wasn't necessarily a lie – just not the complete truth.
Tsuna sighed, "Ah…again. Sounds like him."
"Ahaha, yeah…I guess," Yamamoto smiled, scratching the back of his head – the image of Mukuro and Byakuran's intense kiss back there still very clear in his mind.
"Ah, well, on the bright side this is good," Kyoko perked up, "Now Gokudera-kun can partner with Yamamoto-kun and no one will be walking alone anymore, and no one will be punished for having more than two people walking together either, ne?"
"Oh! That's right!" Tsuna smiled, turning to look at his two friends, "What do you two say?"
Yamamoto and Gokudera turned to look at each other at the same time, their eyes locking for a second before Gokudera turned away, mumbling. "Yeah. It's fine."
Yamamoto smiled, "Mm, it's fine by me too."
Kyoko nodded, "Okay! It's all settled then."
Okinawa, 8.59pm
"Ooooooooooh~."
"Don't even bother."
"I'm gonna get you~."
"No, seriously. This is pathetic. We're not scared."
The two fake-ghosts blinked at Gokudera before they nudged each other to walk away together back into the forest.
Gokudera rolled his eyes, "Tch. Really. Is that all they can do?"
Yamamoto laughed, "Haha~, come on, don't be mean. They tried."
"Not hard enough," Gokudera said, continuing to walk awkwardly along, hobbling slightly due to his injured ankle.
Yamamoto followed closely behind, "Does it still hurt?"
Gokudera turned to look at him, "What?"
"Your ankle," Yamamoto motioned towards Gokudera's foot, looking guilty.
Gokudera saw his expression and pushed lightly at his head, "Che. Don't make that stupid face. It's not your fault, idiot."
Yamamoto smiled lightly, "You're kind, Gokudera."
Gokudera felt a slip in his chest, and he was grateful for the night because he was sure his cheeks were burning crimson. Hiding his emotions with a false glare, he pushed Yamamoto's head again, "Whatever."
"Haha, don't be shy," Yamamoto chuckled, ruffling Gokudera's hair.
Gokudera frowned, pushing Yamamoto's hand away, "I'm not-"
He paused mid-sentence when Yamamoto grabbed his hand and wrapped it around his shoulder. He smiled, "There. Now you don't need to put so much weight on it."
"I didn't ask you to…," Gokudera mumbled, very aware of the proximity between them.
Yamamoto gently brushed away Gokudera's hair, "But I'm helping anyways because I want to."
Gokudera looked at those chocolate brown eyes and that warm smile, before he rolled in his lips.
Damn it. Why do you make me feel this way?
What the hell is going on with me?
The two continued to walk throughout the dark forest together, completely unaffected by the fake ghosts. Both Gokudera and Yamamoto were unafraid because they knew full well that it was just the students from their own year group, and thus, nothing the fake ghosts did scared them. But, that was until something else came alone.
Gokudera stiffened, "…what was that?"
Yamamoto turned, "Hm? What was what?"
"That light thing. Didn't you see it?" Gokudera mumbled – his body visibly more tense than before. "There!"
Yamamoto looked towards the direction Gokudera was pointing at, "Ah, I don't see it. It's probably just a light trick."
Gokudera shook his head, clutching Yamamoto's arm, "No, no. That wasn't just some stupid trick. It was- shit! Look!"
Yamamoto tried to understand what was so frightening about some weird lights appearing every now and again but he just couldn't see it from Gokudera's perspective. To him, they were just special lights made to perform weird, unnatural tricks. It was surprising for him that such things would scare Gokudera.
Yamamoto murmured to Gokudera, "Hey, Gokudera, it's okay. It's just a light trick."
"No!" Gokudera whispered urgently, "Don't you get it? It's a signal!"
"Huh?" Yamamoto had no idea what Gokudera was talking about, and it showed on his face.
Gokudera, both irritated and frightened, explained quickly, "UMAs! It's a signal from the UMAs! I read about them, they say the signals come out in natural areas at night."
Yamamoto was confused, "You mean like…UFOs?"
"Something like that," Gokudera shivered.
Yamamoto stared at the silvernette. The silvernette looked incredibly out of character with widened eyes and both hands holding on to him.
Then, he murmured with a teasing smile, "Gokudera…do you have an alien-phobia or something?"
Gokudera's grip on his arm tightened, mumbling quietly, "S-so what if I do…?"
Yamamoto didn't know whether he should burst out laughing or cuddle the silvernette. The idea of it just sounded absurd to him – Gokudera's weakness was so strange and unexpected.
Alien-phobia… Gokudera? Really?
"But…aliens aren't real?" Yamamoto suggested.
"How do you know? Maybe you've been abducted once and your memory's been deleted, or maybe one of them is living in our community right now, or maybe they have already replaced the entire community with replicas and we're the only two humans left and we're in a lab and they're just conjuring images in our minds…everything here might not be reality – who knows! Maybe one's been transparently living in your bedroom this whole time!" Gokudera shuddered as he spoke.
Yamamoto just stared at him.
Whoa. No way… is this for real? Gokudera seriously has an alien-phobia…
Then, a light flashed once again.
"Shit-!" Gokudera swore, before he turned around and clung to Yamamoto with both arms wrapped around the baseball player's back. "Go away, go away, go away…" Gokudera shivered, mumbling repetitive words as he hid his face on Yamamoto's shoulders.
Yamamoto was dumb-founded. He didn't know how to react. Gokudera's body was completely pressed onto his own, those fingertips digging into him, clutching him tight. He could smell the mixed scent of shampoo and cigarettes from Gokudera's hair, feel that soft breath, hear that quivering voice, sense that soft skin and supple body. Almost out of natural instinct, Yamamoto moved his arms to wrap around Gokudera and hold him as well, one hand resting on Gokudera's head, the other around his slim waist.
All of a sudden the one-sided tight bear hug had become an intimate embrace.
And Yamamoto didn't know how he felt about that.
Gokudera's eyes were shut tight in real fear, his skin cold from the night wind, so he pressed himself closer to Yamamoto – whose body was as warm as his personality. Gokudera had always been afraid of things unknown to him – and unidentified beings were definitely classified in that group. The phobia developed when he was very young and Bianchi played a prank on him with an alien mask – a prank that traumatized him permanently. Afterwards, no matter how many times Bianchi convinced him that it was her; Gokudera still couldn't get rid of the fear. The phobia had disappeared for quite a while; until now – and Gokudera was hanging onto Yamamoto for dear life.
Yamamoto, on the other hand, was incredibly aware of how close their bodies were – almost no space existed between them at all. If it weren't for the clothes, no doubt their skins would have been pressed together. Yamamoto could feel Gokudera's shape – the lithe yet toned body he had seen before, some time ago, merging onto his own. Observing Gokudera, Yamamoto also noticed how the silvernette's hair and pale skin reflected the moonlight – almost seemingly luminous.
"Shit. Shit. Shit…make it go away. Make it go away…," Gokudera kept whispering. Every time he sneaked a glance and saw another light, he trembled.
Yamamoto carefully sifted his fingers through Gokudera's hair, comfortingly smoothing it down Gokudera's head, whilst the other hand on Gokudera's waist gently rubbed soothing circles on Gokudera's skin. Yamamoto murmured into his ear, "…I'm right here."
The words left his lips even before Yamamoto thought about it, and when he heard himself, he realized just how intimate he sounded. But Gokudera seemed to be comforted by it, his body relaxing slightly in his arms, and his fingers no longer digging into Yamamoto's flesh. Gokudera leaned his head onto Yamamoto's neck, causing him to freeze – blood curdling in his chest.
This is…
Eventually, the lights stopped coming. It took a while before Gokudera slowly released his hold on Yamamoto, blushing fiercely and his heart pulsating madly now that he realized everything he did.
Shit. I just did that. I just clung to him like a girl.
I really just did that.
Aw shit…
Gokudera, terribly embarrassed, raised a hand to cover his face and took a step backwards. Unfortunately, he completely forgot about his ankle injury and the pain shot up his leg, causing him to tumble-
"Ah-!"
Yamamoto caught him in time before he fell – that strong arm wrapped around his back and supporting him.
Those dark brown eyes were gazing intently at him as Yamamoto murmured softly, "…you okay?"
Gokudera swallowed, captured by those eyes. Then, he nodded, and Yamamoto raised him up and put him on his feet once again. Throughout the action, their eye-lock never broke. Not even once.
It was a though they were opposing magnetic poles, uncontrollably attracted to one another – unable to break their contact.
Looking into Yamamoto's eyes with his own emerald orbs, Gokudera quietly mumbled, "Hey…"
"Hm…?" Yamamoto spoke just as softly.
"Just now…," Gokudera paused, before he breathed, "…thank you."
The moon illuminated half of Gokudera's face, causing those deep green eyes to shine like mystical pools, complimented by those pink tinted lips parted slightly and that pale, smooth, soft skin.
Those lips curved into the faintest of smiles…
…Yamamoto had never seen anything so beautiful.
Okinawa, 10.18pm
"Ah, really? How was it?"
[Fuji's beautiful. As usual. I've seen it before. We could see it from our hotel too.]
"Nice hotel?"
[Hn. It has an onsen. We didn't have time for it today, though.]
"Aw, that's too bad. I'm sure you'd look sexy in a yukata…" Yamamoto smiled teasingly, resting his elbows on the edge of the balcony.
[…are you asking to be bitten to death?] Hibari's cold voice rang clear through the line.
Yamamoto chuckled, imagining the blush on Hibari's cheeks, "Ahaha, I'm just saying~."
[Hn…]
"You sound tired, Hibari. You okay?" Yamamoto leaned into his phone.
[Mm… long day. The silver-haired herbivore was screaming at the Varia boss the entire time.]
"Haha~, you mean Squalo and Xanxus?"
[Yes. Them.]
"Isn't Xanxus a senior, though? He should be on the senior expedition?"
[He is. The herbivore was screaming at him through the phone.]
"Oh. Hahaha~. Wow, sounds tiring."
[Hn… and too much crowding annoys me.]
"Ahh~, that's just like you, Hibari," Yamamoto's lips curved into a smile – hearing Hibari's voice pulled at his heartstrings and already, he was missing the prefect.
However, Yamamoto didn't know how that settled with his undeniable attraction for Gokudera during the courage test. Seeing Gokudera vulnerable like that really struck a spot in him – and he felt something similar to the day he fell for Hibari. It took all of his good conscience not to move in and kiss the silvernette in that moment.
Ugh. Stop it. This is bad…
But no matter how much Yamamoto tried to push the thoughts to the back of his mind, he knew that if he were to be completely honest with himself…he felt something for Gokudera.
Something more than he should.
[How was your day?] Hibari's voice called him back to reality.
"Ah…it was good. We did activities on the beach, had seafood barbeque…," Yamamoto trailed off.
[Hn…and courage testing?]
A pang of guilt shot right through Yamamoto. "Ah…how did you know?"
[Same program. I went on the same sophomore expedition.]
"Oh, haha~, you have a good memory, Senpai," Yamamoto sighed.
[You completed it?]
"Of course~, it wasn't really that scary."
[Hn. Your partner must be good, then. I was paired up with a stupid weakling who kept squealing and running.]
"Hahaha~, I can kinda picture that," Yamamoto smiled, imagining an annoyed Hibari walking along, dragging a wimpy boy along with him.
[So who were you paired with?]
Yamamoto's smile went dry.
Why must it be this activity he's so focused on? Is it instinctual?
"Mukuro."
That wasn't a lie… wasn't it?
[Tch.] Hibari's tone immediately changed. [I hate him.]
"Haha, I know…you two are kind of enemies, ne?"
[Hn. He's been annoying me since he came to Nami.]
"Ah…I remember seeing your fight."
[He doesn't even use his full strength. It's degrading for me. I hate it.]
"Maa, maa~, your pride really is something important for you, ne?"
[Hn. I guess.]
Yamamoto smiled and continued the conversation, glad that the topic moved on from tonight's courage test. He didn't want to think about it – about what happened between him and Gokudera, the emotions that passed through him in that moment.
But most certainly, if he didn't have Hibari, he would have stolen a kiss from Gokudera. No doubt. The signs were all there, the moment was right…and he wanted it. He wanted to kiss the silvernette, right there and then.
Accepting and admitting it was better than lying and fooling himself – but that didn't make the information any less depressing. Yamamoto couldn't understand what was going on with him. All these years, he had been pining for Hibari – wanting and wanting the prefect…and now that he actually had the Skylark, a new attraction just had to bloom for Gokudera.
It was true – desires never cease to grow. From one stage to another then another…
Hibari wasn't the problem, either. Yamamoto liked Hibari, and he wanted Hibari just as badly as before. Only now, he also wanted somebody else… though not as badly – not yet.
Yamamoto lifted his arm over his forehead, inwardly sighing as he leaned against the wall.
This is bad…
Okinawa, 10.39pm
"Hm? Where did the baseball idiot go?" Gokudera asked Tsuna as he walked out of the bathroom and noticed the room was missing a person. His body was covered only by one towel around in slim waist, water still dripping from his hair which he was attempting to dry with a separate small towel.
Tsuna, already sitting on the bed in his nightclothes motioned towards the balcony, "Ah, he's outside."
"Huh?" Gokudera moved over to look at Yamamoto, who was laughing – his back turned towards the room. "What's he doing?"
"Talking to Hibari-san I think," Tsuna smiled, "He looks very happy."
Almost immediately, Gokudera felt a frown appear on his face – his mood suddenly dropping from positive to negative. He glared at Yamamoto's back before he sharply spun around and sat on the bed, turning away from the balcony as he continued to dry his hair, but now with more force than before.
Talking with that head prefect, huh…
So in love aren't you? Tch. Stupid baseball freak.
"Ah, Gokudera-kun, are you okay?" Tsuna edged himself closer to his friend, observing the silvernette.
Gokudera looked up at Tsuna, stopping his frantic hair drying, "Ah…yes. Why?"
"You look really pissed just now," Tsuna stated.
"Oh…it's nothing. Don't worry about it," Gokudera smiled at the brown eyed boy, reaching out to ruffle his fluffy hair.
Yeah. It's nothing, really.
Gokudera thought back to the way Yamamoto looked at him, back in the forest, those dark chocolate eyes almost melting him – drawing him in. It was undeniable what emotion came through those eyes in that moment – emotions so clear and obvious, so deep and intimate. They were close, so close…before Yamamoto abruptly pulled away and they continued to walk as thought that moment never passed between them.
Gokudera was left confused, not knowing whether he was dissatisfied because they were too close back there…or not close enough.
It's nothing. Just that the baseball idiot's being too fucking difficult to understand, and it's driving me insane.
The heart lurches, the blushes, and the strange warm sensation that occurred every time Yamamoto was around – Gokudera didn't understand it. Yes, Yamamoto was a new case to him because he treated him differently…but Gokudera never expected to feel this way towards the baseball player.
This strange, unnamed twinge of emotion. Even though Gokudera didn't understand it, he knew one thing for certain.
He wanted to feel more of it.
Okinawa, 10.41pm
"Okay, I'll talk to you later then."
[Okay…]
"Good night, Hibari…"
[Night…] Hibari's voice was soft and faint, a rare tone reserved for Yamamoto alone.
Yamamoto sighed, "Ahh, don't sound like that."
[Hm?]
Yamamoto smiled, before he murmured, "It makes me want to kiss you…"
[…] Hibari said nothing, but his intake of breath could be heard.
"I really miss you…" Yamamoto spoke softly, in a tone that was pleading Hibari to be there with him right then.
[…I-] Hibari paused, sighed, before he whispered, […me too.]
Yamamoto felt an incredible rush of happiness within him with that word, and he smiled as he spoke, "Night, Hibari…"
[Night…]
The line disconnected, and Yamamoto held the phone to his chest, sighing softly, the smile still spread across his face. He really did miss the Skylark – his Skylark. They only started their relationship and yet they had to be apart – it was killing him. Many years of waiting for Hibari, many years of just watching him from afar – and now that he could hold him, kiss him, touch him…he wasn't there. An apple that had fallen from a high tree, but still lying out of reach.
After having the conversation with Hibari, Yamamoto promised himself that he would never do anything to hurt this person, or to lose him. The tiny desire he had for Gokudera must be pushed away, kept locked within a box and buried deep down – never to be opened again.
But as he opened the glass door of the balcony and walked back into the room, Yamamoto began to realize that it was going to be harder than he thought.
Gokudera was walking around trying to find his night t-shirt, his silver hair tied up in a tiny ponytail with messy strands hanging loose, still dripping with water. He was only wearing a pair of dark blue loose trousers that hung teasingly on his hip bone, the rest of his slim body exposing its smooth, thoroughly pale complexion with an exception of his numerous scars.
Gokudera turned towards Yamamoto, revealing more of his body and the dark-rimmed glasses that he was wearing over his emerald eyes, "You can use the bathroom – I'm done."
Yamamoto swallowed thickly, using all of his self-control to not let his eyes roam over Gokudera's entire body.
Bad. This is really bad…
Like an addiction, desire keeps growing and tempting – one slip and you're lost in it for good.
A/N: Woo! Finally, I FINALLY get time to write my fics! Life is becoming way too busy for my own good =_= Anyways, THANK YOU for all of your lovely reviews! :D It really made me happy in those depressing moments when I have to finish my coursework and such…
The story is going to get more intense from now on~ So be prepared! ;)
And please, DO REVIEW. Believe me, it means a LOT. You guys don't even know how many times I re-read them! ;D And plus, reviews = motivation – note that this chapter was only updated today and not the upcoming week because this awesome reader landed a stack of reviews on me! :D