A/N: Hi sorry for the long wait, sometimes I want to hit myself over how long it takes me to write these up. I just had trouble writing the last quarter part of the story and I was having problems writing this cause my writing program kept getting corrupted so I had to find a different way to write this. Although, like always I was busy getting addicted to monkey city and bloon tower defense 5. They ended up taking a lot of my free time. But, I think I got it out my system, hopefully. Anyway this chapter will deal with some weird and possible some triggers so please read the whole thing before you judge. It'll start with Yamamoto's POV and go on from there. Hopefully you guys will like it. R&R

Chapter 07: Love in the Diamond

On top of Namimori-chu's roof top, stood a tall teen, by the name of Yamamoto Takeshi, next to him was a smaller teen by the name of Sawada Tsunayoshi. Shooting the breeze the friends were having a grand old time alone together.

"Tsuna," spoke Yamamoto as he directed his gaze at his companion, "there's something I want to tell you... Gosh, I don't know how to say it but… what I mean to say…" stammering over his own words, he froze when a hand wrapped around his own.

Looking at those chocolate brown eyes, he heard his friend speak even though he was distracted by the way his gaze wrinkled with unbound happiness. Snapping out of his own thoughts he barely heard what was said.

"Ha, really Yamamoto sometimes you're such airhead. Let me repeat myself, okay?" Laughing graciously the brunet repeated himself. "You don't have to look worried Yamamoto. Hmm, I think I'll call you by your first name, Takeshi." Pausing to better look at his taller companion "Takeshi, you don't have to worry, we're friends, but..." As continued slow whisper, the taller had to lean in to hear. "Sometimes, I-I want us to be more than just friends. Takeshi, I-" Anticipating the sweet phrase from the lips of the other, Yamamoto hoped that both of them had the same idea. "I just want to say that, I think, no, I know I L-"

Opening his eyes, Yamamoto took a deep sigh readying himself for today. Every day for the past few days it's been the same dream. It made his stomach flutter with both joy and dread. Why couldn't he stop himself from having these dreams? He was already having enough troubles as it was, he shouldn't have been adding to them.

But life was never that easy or simple, to navigate, and he just had deal with it as everything that seemed to load on him. Looking at his alarm clock next to his futon, he found it to be 5:15 am. He didn't need to get up for another 10-15 minutes before he began his day.

Augh, he didn't want to get up from his futon but doing nothing and stewing in his thoughts was something he didn't want to do. Thinking would just force him to remember just how he got to this point and that was too stressful and depressing.

Of course now that he was thinking about it, he couldn't stop. Especially about that dream, the same one he's been having for 2 weeks. For the two of them to be on the school roof and revealing that he had fallen for the brunet. That's right he had fallen for his new found friend, Sawada Tsunayoshi, or Tsuna for short. Of course he couldn't really reveal his attraction to his new friend, only friend at the moment. After all he'd already did that and that had not gone well at all. It was a disaster.

So far the situation with that was at least contained and he didn't want to think about it now.

Getting up now and staring the day, was better than moping about the things he couldn't control. So what better way to start your day than with some exercise? With his arm now fully healed he decided to continue with his entire exercise regime. Of course, he had to take care of making sure not to strain his arm and hurting it again. So he mostly worked on his warm ups and endurance.

When he got back home and got ready for school, he decided to go and stop by Tsuna's place. Forgoing breakfast at home, he knew that stopping by Tsuna's place his Mama would get him to eat some of her delicious cooking. Saying goodbye to his father and his mother's altar he took off.

As he headed towards the brunet's home he thought about how his mother would deal with having a gay son. He loved his father dearly but he couldn't come out to him. He was afraid, simply that, and he didn't want to lose his only remaining family.

That's why at times like these he thought of his mother. A person he had slowly began to forget throughout the years, but could never forget the smile she had whenever she saw her favorite baseball team play. She was the one who had instilled his love of baseball, plus he wanted to preserve her memories. Even though he hasn't seen her for years he knew that he could tell her anything and she'd be there for him.

And because of that, he was happy to have met Tsuna when he did. Otherwise, he didn't know what he'd do after having broken his arm. When he lost the use of his right arm it was as though the universe was telling him that he was out of the team, out of baseball, out of life. And, it crushed him.

He felt broken as he walked down the hospital hallway. He couldn't stay cooped up in that white room, void of anything. Walking in a strange haze, he almost missed hearing his name being called out. When he saw who it was calling he was surprised to have met Tsuna, the boy who was sent to the hospital after almost getting killed by Mochida-sempai.

Walking towards the boy in the bed, the taller boy was glad to have found someone. It was easy to just slap a smile on his face and pretend that his world wasn't crumbling down aroud him. It worked even better when around someone, especially someone who didn't know you, that way you wouldn't have to talk about deep things. But what had happened next he didn't anticipate. While speaking to the brunet all he heard was just how great he was. How lucky he was.

Why?

Why did they always say that?

He didn't feel great, and he didn't feel special. And, hearing someone talk as if he was made him feel... as if he should just curl up inside himself and hide inside a very, very dark hole. After so long of being envied by others, who really shouldn't have enough was enough.

Finally bursting out just how worthless he truly was and like. It was as if a damn burst out of him and maybe it was something that had to happen. Going back and forth between him and the smaller teen, the two just spilled out just how small they felt. Even though it didn't fix anything he felt better a lot better that he had felt for a while.

After that break down, he got to know Tsuna a lot more. Learning who his friends were, (they were better than anyone he's met, honest and true), what sort of person he was (he seemed to light up whenever he smiled) with each passing meeting he began to feel better and better.

Until he realized that somehow and somewhere along the way he had fallen for the brunet. This love the best that he had felt. As if he was in Koshien going for the winning home run. However, Yamamoto was aware that should never reveal how much he actually like the brunet, he wouldn't know if he could survive the rejection.

So instead he'd rather be his best friend. Yeah, if he can't have him, then he'll be as near him as much as he could.

Closing in the two story house in the suburbs of Namimori, he came across a familiar silver haired teen.

"Good morning, Gokudera. Don't you think today's a great day to go to school?" He greeted at the smoking teen.

"Fuck you, you baseball shit head," growled his companion, as he continued to smoke his cigarette in front of the driveway.

"I'll do that, so are you going inside or what?" grinned the taller teen, unfazed by his companion's rudeness. Hearing him grunt, he assumed it was a dismissal. Heading towards the house as he opened the door. He was fascinated by the silveret.

He didn't really knew Gokudera that well while he was tutoring Tsuna in the hospital. It was funny to him how a kid who acted like a yankee was so smart. Plus, if you got him talking about string theory or UFOs he could go for like 15-20 minutes talking about the subjects non-stop. It was torturous but cool to see such a happy glint in his eyes rather that the sharp cold gaze that usually was on his face. He didn't know what was his problem, but he should take a run and drink some milk and maybe his problems won't be so with all your meals its good for the body.

"Good morning, Mama, Tsuna smells good in here. What's for breakfast?" He yelled as he entered the house. Seeing the current object of his affections on the foot of the stair. Oh boy, he must've fallen from the keep his hand linger on the other without arising his suspicions.

He loved those moments when he could pretend that it was just them. And, only them undisturbed by anyone.

Unfortunately, they were at Tsuna's home and Gokudera came. Screeching at both himself and the brunet… they all soon settled at the dining table ready for breakfast. He'll make sure to get the silver teen to drink a glass or two of milk. He should smile more.

After the delicious breakfast the trio were walking towards the school, he at the left of Tsuna and Gokudera on the right in a comfortable silence.

Of course, the peace didn't last long. They were soon accosted by Rouhei-senpai. It was awesome to see someone work so hard for the sport they loved. Although, he doesn't really like it that he always tries to recruit Tsuna to the boxing club, but like always he turns him down.

And, like that they were at school. As they got closer to the school gates, Gokudera decided to go his own way. Waving him goodbye both he and Tsuna arrived on time to meet Kyoko.

As he went on in school as a student he couldn't really focus on his study, learning. Today, well today was the day that he'd most likely quit the baseball team. No, not likely it was already set in stone there was going to be no last minute save for him now. all that can be done right now was give in his resignation to the coach after school and be done with it.

After so long of being a baseball player breathing it, it just felt so surreal how he could just quit baseball from his life. Sure he could still follow baseball games, but not being part of a team, holding the bat, hitting a home run, or pitching with all your might made him feel as though he was chopping off his right arm.

Thinking about it he had no idea what he was going to do. But, he knew why he was doing it. They knew about how he batted for the other team. And, they had threatened to out him if he didn't quit the baseball team. That's why he tried so hard to prove that he was still needed in the team. That his slump was just that a slump and his status as the "star" player would be restored.

Unfortunately, that didn't happen he overworked himself and broke his arm. Now he had no way of getting back to the team without being outed. It just wasn't fair. They were suppose to be friends, family, a team. A team doesn't turn their back on each other. Even though he knew he knew that the others didn't seem to follow that cardinal rule of being in a baseball team.

This always confused him. Why couldn't life be like a baseball game. That he could understand, but outside of baseball he never really understood how to play it. It was always easier to be friends with others but his "teammates," the people he surrounded himself with and was always surrounded by, didn't seem to have the same views as he had. Instead the was backstabbing, lies, rejection, putting down others which hurt a lot of people who could've been friends. It was as though anyone could be a rival who should beaten rather that competed with and grow along with.

While Yamamoto was contemplating his life, there were others who were also concerned for the taller teen. Kyoko and Hana who where higher in the school pyramid had noticed the way that Yamamoto had subtly been ousted by the other students in school slowly but surely. Even though Kyoko wasn't one to pry over other's problem she was worried by the ways that the other students were pushing away the taller teen. She had no idea why it was happening though , so she had no way to help him. Especially, since he wasn't saying anything. Hana on the other hand was more attuned to the going of their school. While she may not be a gossip she always kept an eye and ear around her, and she knew that something had happened between her new found friend and his teammates.

Unfortunately, it was all hushed up. No one was talking, most definitely not Yamamoto, though he was going on was if everything was fine. Something, had happened between him and the baseball team, something. Probably, big enough to kick him out or resign from the team. It was obvious in the way that he was no longer invited in the social circle he used to hang out. Not only that but he was subtly being shut off from any social events.

It didn't bode well for Hana the way things were going. Even though things like this happened all the time in school, Yamamoto was still her friend. The best she could do was help him pick up the pieces when the whole thing blew up. Unless, he decided to tell what happened it was all she could do. Tch, what is it with guys and their pride, couldn't they ask for help when they need it? She'll find out sooner or later.

Tsuna on the other hand, had no idea what was going on. All he could tell was that Yamamoto, star of the baseball team was wasting a lot of time with him and girls. Having been absent from school for two months and basically being a social pariah for most of his academic career, he had no idea over the problems that his taller friend was facing with the school. However, he was able to see the way that his friend acted whenever he was alone in class. He was just as charming as always but he was more withdrawn than when he was with Tsuna and the gang. And, that worried him, from what he knew about Yamamot was that he was a good guy, (he never bullied him before they became friends), he was star of the baseball team and he was immensely popular.

Yet now the image he had of his friend of 2 months ago and now would be of different people rather than one person. Plus, he had a feeling that there was more to it but what it was he had no idea what to do. Having been a loner for most of his life he had no skills or knowledge in how to deal with things between friends.

Distracted by their own thoughts, time passed them by till they met each other for lunch. As they gathered at the roof they got ready to deal with one another. Opening his bento Yamamoto was glad that he took out his 2 layer bento box. Usually he got a 4 layer box bento but since he hasn't been active recently he only needed a 2 layer box to fill him. Locking at his mom's cooking could be. Sometimes, like today, he would bring a bag of bake goods that his mom would pack for him to share. They been delicious today they were cookies.

As they got comfortable with their lunch, it was Tsuna, who broke the ice.

"Yamamoto, um…," speaking hesitantly, Tsuna knew he got the other's attention when he turned to look at him. As well as the girls, and his courage reserves, not much to begin with diminished under the collective gaze. But, if he didn't say anything now, he would never get the chance to say anything later on. Especially, if something big happens

"Um, uh, I-I d-don't know if, I-I should say anything, b-but I'm worried. I don't know what's going on with you, but I know that you're in trouble." As he took a deep breath, " Maybe I'm over reacting, but sometimes when you're in class it seems that no one wants to be with you. I don't know why anyone would avoid you because you're an awesome person to be with. So c-can you tell what's going on?" pleaded the brunet as he looked away from the taller teens visage. If he had he would have seen the black haired teen's discomfort and fear that covered his face for as long as it lasted.

"Um, uh," discombobulate by the teen's words, he looked at Kyoko and Hana, thinking maybe he could change the subject. Looking at both girl's expression that told him that they also wanted to hear answers from him, answers he didn't think he could give.

So he decided not to, "There's nothing for you to worry you're over reacting. Nothing is going on, I'm fine everything's fine." He replied with a smile on his face, god he hoped it didn't look as fake as he thought it looked. "If I really was in trouble you think I wouldn't tell you guys? Come on you know me better than that." Seeing the confused and doubtful face on Tsuna hurts, but it was better this way the less focus on him the better.

Unfortunately, life wasn't so easy for the baseball lover. "Please, like that isn't the biggest load of bull I heard all day, and believe you me all the idiots in this school can spout some dumb bull." Seethed an annoyed Hana who ignored the gasp of indignation from Tsuna and Kyoko."It doesn't take a genius to see the way things have been changing around you, and from what I've seen in a good way."

Trying hard not to flinch from under her gaze Yamamoto swiftly swept his gaze around to see the other's reaction to the whole ordeal. Man, was he that obvious?

Smiling ruefully at Hana, he responded carefully thinking over his words, "You don't really have to worry about me right now. I'm just having a small disagreement with the team-"

"Please if it was such a 'small' disagreement then the whole school wouldn't be acting as though they were walking around eggshells. If anything its as if they're ready for an execution or something. So spill what happened between you and the baseball team."

"Nothing bad happened can you please just let it go. It's nothing that I can't deal with on my own." Really he could deal with what's to come, it wasn't as bad as it sounded he just didn't want to talk about it. There was more to life than baseball or popularity, he just had to find out what it was.

"H-Hana maybe you should calm down i-if Yamamoto says-" Tsuna interjected between the two.

"I heard what he said, and I don't care. We're suppose to be friends her, and that means when friends see their friends do something stupid we help them. Even if they don't want it." She rebuttaled, glaring angrily at the baseball idiot. "I am not going t move anywhere until you tell me what is going on."

"No, I don't have to tell you what is going on. And, you know what, I don't have to stay her anymore than you. Tsuna, Kyoko-chan, it was great seeing you." Standing up, Yamamoto ignored Han's protest and walked out of the roof.

"Seriously, he thinks that he can just walk away. Oh that boy, he has no idea..." muttered Hana as she began to rise when the door slammed. Ready to follow him.

A hand came out and grabbed her skirt. looking down at who grabbed her ready to strike at the offender. She bit her tongue when she realized that it was her best friend, Kyoko, who was holding her back.

Looking at her pleading face, Hana knew that her best friend was after Yamamoto. Taking a deep sigh , she conceded to her friend's silent pleas. As she took her seat back on the floor ready to eat, she noticed Tsuna standing up. Determined to calming herself, she ignored Tsuna's declaration to following the baseball monkey. Although, quite frankly she wasn't surprised he was doing so.

Going after his taller friend, Tsuna didn't know what to think. Yamamoto was someone important to him and he didn't want him to hurt himself. Chasing him to the baseball field in school he slowed downed when he saw his friend near the dug out next to a baseball bat, staring at it as if it was the only thing that existed. He knew that the taller teen wasn't going to respond to anything he would say. Even so he had to do something otherwise he may lose someone dear to him.

And yet, he didn't have the words to make anything right, He should have kept silent of the current events that were weighing on his friend, but he had to do something to shake him up. So he silently placed his palm on the back of Yamamoto.

"Everything's fine you know. It all looks bad right now but it'll get better you see. You just have to let things happen as they should." Yamamoto calmly whispered. "Please, just stop worrying."

Rubbing his back Tsuna was at a lost about what to do, he wanted to put his faith in Yamamoto but at the other hand his gut was telling him that it was wrong. That if he let go Yamamoto was going to hurt himself. Stuck in between a rock and a hard place both teens just stood there doing nothing for a while absorbed in their own heads unaware that others had noticed their presence in the baseball field.

"Really, Takeshi? You not only soil the team with your filthy weakness, but you came here with your little boy toy to our field? You really make me sick, you faggot," spoke a familiar voice out loud interrupting the teens from their intense gloom.

Both teens turned to see who spoke. Tsuna was surprised to see Takaharu along with his buddies who were holding baseball bats. He could feel Yamamoto tensing up from what he said, and yet the brunet didn't really understood what was going on. It all felt so surreal. Even though Yamamoto hasn't really been seen training with the baseball team for a while most likely due to his injuries, it was still strange for him to hear those words coming from someone who should be on the same side as the taller teen.

"We weren't doing anything here Takaharu, we were just leaving in fact." Pleaded a increasingly worried Yamamoto, as he curled slightly to himself. He grabbed the brunets left sleeve as he spoke.

"Oh really, are you sure you two weren't doing anything here. Look at you two so close together, maybe you were doing something you shouldn't be doing here. Don't you thinks so guys?" Agreement was heard from Takaharu's friend, as the leader's eyes turn even more vicious.

As the group of predatory teens surrounded them, Tsuna began to feel terrified.

"You're no longer a member of the baseball team, so you really shouldn't have been here in the first place. Not only that but you also brought that thing with you here. What do you want me to do? You should really be punished for it."

"S-s-stop it please. Aren't you guys teammates, you shouldn't go hurt each other," blurted Tsuna.

"Teammates, with something like that never. Don't you- you have no idea what's going on do you? Ha, of course you don't you stupid shit. Let me tell you something about that thing near you," smiled Takaharu gleefully, twirling the baseball bat in his hands. "You see Yamamoto is a HOMO. A worthless, useless faggot, we were all disgusted when we found out that he was one of those. Truly, it was funny to see his baseball worsening. It was hysterical when he broke his arm during his private practice time. Really, a worthless baseball player, and a queer to boot, he just had to go from the team you know. He was suppose to turn his resignation today, what better way to do that than to make sure that he'll never have to hold bat in his life again. And, since I'm a nice guy after all, he'll have his little boy toy to accompany him in the hospital."

As the boys began to rush towards Tsuna, he closed his eyes only hearing the sound of a clang when he expected pain. But, he didn't when he opened his eyes he saw Yamamoto blocking the others with a bat of his own. His eyes burning with anger as he tossed them aside with practical ease.

"I would have let you hurt me if you wanted to. I could have resigned the team if you asked me too. I'd even quit baseball forever if you had told me to. But, if you ever dare hurt Tsuna like that again, I'll Kill You." He deliberately spoke, fury oozing from his pore and frightening his would be attackers. Swinging his bat like a blade when they tried to get near them.

"Oh, I knew it Dame-Tsuna is your bitch. Ha ha ha, really you're so pathetic. Then again once it all goes out in the open, well you'll no longer be much of a problem then." Takaharu spoke ready to take on Yamamoto, crazy filling his eyes.

As their bats clashed and the bats splintered, Tsuna didn't want the fight to continue between the two. So he tried to figure out a way to stop it. Looking around he notice in fear another figure coming towards the group.

It was none other than Hibari Kyoya, the most feared student in all of Namimori-chu, along with Tetsya Kusakabe, his second. They must've bothered the prefects nap, and now he was coming towards them. Trying but failing to call out coming of an even greater, he could only watch the prefect coming.

The moment Hibari spoke everything stopped and all eyes were on him. "Hn, look at this Tetsuya, herbivores trying to act like carnivores. They're crowding and destroying school property I should bite them to death." When he finished, it all went dark.

A/N 2: Yeah, I know it ended abruptly, but this happened to be the best I could come up with so far. I really hate Takaharu, writing him made me feel squeeze. Originally, I wanted to follow the Yamamoto attempt at suicide due to internalized homophobia/ rejection but that didn't work well. When I first read that part in Hitman Reborn manga about him trying to commit suicide, I was confused over why Yamamoto was such a downer. I mean they never really went deeper into him attempting suicide. He was also originally was suppose to reveal his love to Tsuna at that point but now not so soon. So at first I wanted to do that but it didn't work out that well so I ended up with this. I wanted to end the deal with Yamamoto and the baseball team in this chapter but it didn't work that well. And for those who are thinking about it this is not a 8027/ YamamotoXTsuna pairing they're both going to end up with other people happily. So I'm going to ended it in the next chapter and maybe some other stuff. Thanks to those who favorited me I hope to hear from you too. And if you reviewed me sorry I haven't replied back but I will. So Hope that the next update wont take as long. Thank you and please R&R.