Summer Rain.

Synopsis:

From fighting against a memory loss- to a burning house- to losing her only family member she had left, Nanase Sakura is thrown from one end to another as if life wasn't already hard enough. Though there was one thing she was glad to have, friends. Forced to find a new home, Sakura takes a step into her new beginning with someone she hopes she can continue to rely on. From learning trust- to friendship- to something she might even dare to call 'love', Sakura finds herself experiencing whole things. Especially after joining the mafia, the Vongola with Tsuna and friends. Life just got a whole lot more complicated than it ever was before. As if she wasn't still struggling on what she should do or willing herself to keep on moving through life, despite the painful memories of the recent past. As if she wasn't still trying to sort out her feelings, though Sakura was already starting to realize who it was that she truly wanted to be with... But who ever said life was easy?
Definitely not Sakura. Not the girl who was trying to swim through the sea of troubles. Knowing how to swim and fighting against relentless waves was two different things after all. And no matter how much she would love to rewind the time, save Innocenti or merely just being by his side, or if time would just STOP- But she can't do that. So she'll continue to move along with life. Step by step.

A/N: Summer Rain, book 2, will definitely be lighter in content and more fun (well I'm having fun writing at least) because well.. it's Summer! Sakura will be sorting a lot of her feelings out too. This will probably be a short 'book' because I'm excited to get to the future arc SI to be honest. Anyways, hope you enjoy and will continue to support me. I'm glad to have the readers I do and I love you all. :)

Also, I added A LOT more to chapters 1-8. Almost 2k words or more to every chapter. I have no idea how or why I got away without people telling me like "wtf" because when I reread my previous chapters, it was just so DUMB LOL. I'm surprised no one questioned the relationship progression.. Like they go from meeting Sakura in 2-3 chapters maybe with NO interactions to LIKING her slightly... Though it was rushed because I never planned on uploading to fanfiction in the first place. But either way, it's FIXED now in my opinion. There is a lot more dialogue and interactions.

Added scenes:
Chapter 1&2: Sakura meets Hibari when registering for school; Sakura was appointed as class representative, attends student council meeting (SI of episode 5?)
Chapter 3&4: Sakura&Hibari interaction.
Chapter 5: Sakura vs the Bloody Twins (SI/"AU"changes of episode 22-23)
Chapter 6: Sakura&Innocenti convo. Hibari&admirers. Sakura&Hibari, food.
Chapter 7&8: Sakura&Hibari, speculation of strength. *(SI of after the ring battle party. "Celebration of Tsuna winning sumo tournament): Sakura&girls interaction (&cows). Sakura&Takeshi convo. - Sakura&Hibari, speculation of strength part 2 +anger.

I focused a lot more on Sakura's interactions with Hibari because obviously he is a much more difficult character to actually gain some type of relationship with. And I think it's fun. So I hope you'll have time to read or skim through them. ^_^

CHAPTER 1

I dreamt of a burning hose, a blazing sunset, and frightening explosions. NO! Father!-

I was startled and jolted up in sweat. Where-

Futon. Tatami mats. Shoji.

After taking into my surroundings and ridding of my temporary confusion, I started to recall everything that happened. That's right.

I woke up to a new scenery, a first.

It was calming and soothing and I felt myself smile.

The morning was filled with the sounds of birds chirping.

This, was my new home.

I got up and yawned. I stretched for awhile before standing up, I fixed my white silk yukata sleeping gown with pink cherry blossoms. A very nice gift. I was surprised he was able to pick out something this nice, not a bad taste in female clothes for a guy. But perhaps it was just the cherry blossoms that made the deciding factor.

I walked over to the shoji and opened it to let some fresh yet warm air. Summer.

My feet was light against the tatami mats, in comparison to the cold tiled floors of my old home.

My old home. That stung.

I shook my head out of the thought, dispelling the negative feelings. I shouldn't brood on the past too long. Not anymore. Not after I made up my mind and took that step forward.

I suddenly caught the faint smell of something fishy. Figures though since I'm living here now.

I wonder where he is. I wonder what he does on weekend mornings like these.

I walked outside into the living room and I saw a plate on the table. That explains it.

When I got closer, I saw sushi with a plastic wrap over it and a note.

"Sorry, we had to go somewhere today.

Didn't want to wake you up.

Please eat the sushi on the table."

I smiled as I read the note and placed it back down.

I went back into my room, a guest room previously apparently. Going through the usual morning routines first, I changed into the plain white dress Romario bought for me after. The only thing I had for now.

Today, I had some shopping to do. And a lot of it.

Now that Reborn somehow managed to access my bank account for me. I didn't even want to question how he was able to accomplish such a feat.

After getting ready, I sat down and ate the sushi kindly left for me.

Savoring the taste,

Of my new beginning.

[ Day after. ]

I'm back.

Staring up at the sight of the school building, against a backdrop of an infinite sea of light blue and white cotton-like clouds, as I entered the school gates once again. Though it was only another two weeks of school left before summer vacation, I'm glad I could be back this soon. I missed this.

And it was such a strange thought to be feeling this way.

How different it was from the first moment I stepped in.

How the first time, I loathed to be transferred to yet another school. Finding it completely insignificant and just one of the many I had to go through.

But how it felt partly like 'home'. Somewhere I wished to always have a spot to come back to. Inanimate yet welcoming, almost loving. Everything was almost the opposite.

This, was where I met them.

"Tsuna-kun, Kyoko-chan, Gokudera-kun!" I called out as I took a step forward, before running straight to them. finding a place by their side.

All smiles as they greeted me, perhaps minus Gokudera who smirked, but all was well- Normal. Welcoming, casual.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Takeshi who was there earlier in school for practice, waving with a baseball glove still over his hand. I waved back with a grin-

Suddenly catching a sight of a quick flutter of blur in the window near him. The reception room's. I smiled anyways at a now empty window.

This, normality that I've started to become used to-

Friendship, trust, maybe even dependence

was something I would fight so desperately for,

to never lose.

[ end of the day. ]

"Sakuraaaaaa!" a female voice rang out as a body tackled into me from behind. "I've missed you!" The girl exclaimed. I grunted from the impact but turned around to meet light brown orbs and short auburn hair.

"Riri," I smiled softly. Her arms were wrapped around me as I threw my shoes at my feet. "I've missed you too," I replied, slipping my feet into the shoes and tapping it against the ground.

"How have you been?!" She grinned.

"Good," I reassured her even though everything was still a lot to take in for me.

"Should we catch up today? Over some desserts," she giggled.

"Sure," I nodded. It was nice now that I had freedom. Ah.

She let go of me and gripped the strap of her bag that was on her shoulder. "Shall we go?"

"Yeah, just let me…" I pulled out my phone and proceeded to text him to tell him I'll be coming home late. Just in case.

"Who are you texting?" she teased. "Yamamoto?"

"Yama- Oh."

"He seemed quite down after you moved," she shared. "Well of course he wasn't the only one!" A playful slap on my back.

"Did he?" I frowned. But of course. Silly question.

"The air felt tense," her lips pressed in a straight line but it curved again soon enough. "But it's okay! Since you're back now," she grinned.

"It's good to be back," I smiled as I looked up at the sky while we exited the school building. I missed the sight from here. It wasn't the best view in the world but it felt familiar. "What else did I miss?"

"Nothing much. Only but the usual. Peaceful. Except when Hibari goes on a rampage."

"Very typical. I did miss the usual," I smiled.

"Any summer plans yet?" she asked.

"Oh…uh. No, not yet," I answered.

"Me neither! Mine's usually boring," she groaned. Sometimes I would envy the simplicity of 'boring'. "I wish I had a boyfriend to hang out with or something," she whimpered and pouted jokingly. "What about you? Any luck at the school you transferred to?" She knudged.

I glanced away at the question. "I…. Uh."

"Wow. That wasn't a denial," she raised an eyebrow before throwing her arm around me. "Do tell," she smirked.

"I don't have one. I mean. I…..Ugh," I groaned frustratingly. I don't even want to think about it.

"Who is it? Who is it?" She sing songed as she twirled around, feet over feet as she walked. "Is it-"

"Is it what?" I asked.

"Yikes. Incoming."

"What's incoming?" I questioned, pricked with slight annoyance.

"Oy." A familiar voice came from behind me. I turned around to meet an intense pair of gray eyes and a frown. He marched up to us in a threatening pace.

"W-What?" I held the eye contact as he stood in front of me.

"Where do you think you're going?" he glared, his arms crossing over his chest.

I glanced over at Riri who was just watching the scene unfold in front of her eyes. "I'm about to go eat….."

He merely glimpsed at her for a half second before turning his gaze back to me. Then it dawned on me. "Oh. Ah, mou," I groaned and turned over to Riri. "Sorry, Riri-chan. I need to-"

"Forget it," he spoke, cutting me off.

"No, I'm sorry. I completely forgot," I bit my lower lip in thought. I should have time.

"Just go, before I change my mind." He grumbled. The prefect turned around and started walking back towards the school.

"I'll do it after!" I called out as I watched his back as he walked away, farther and farther away from me. I sighed and returned my attention to my very confused friend.

"Are you sure? I don't mind… Whatever it is you have to do," she smiled softly.

"No, it's fine. It could wait," I told her.

We spent the time just sitting around the bakery, eating delicious cakes and catching up. Well I listened in her stories and shared vague experiences of mine, dodging everything that I couldn't tell her. Before we left, I decided I should buy him one too. It couldn't hurt. But what did he like?

"You're buying another one?" she raised an eyebrow.

"Ah, yeah."

"Forrrrrr someone else?" she teased, wriggling her eyebrows.

I nodded once, reluctantly. It was the truth after all.

"RIGHT! You still didn't answer my question," she knudged me.

I watched her for a moment before returning my gaze back to the variety of cakes.

"Sa-ku-ra! Stop dodging my question, meanie," she pretended to pout. I sighed. I wasn't dodging it. I just didn't know how to answer it. Well, I guess I was. It shouldn't hurt to tell her, it's just that I wasn't sure. I suppose I didn't mind tossing her a bone.

"Fine. I'll be here if you ever want to talk about-"

"Say," I started as my fingers pressed against the glass. "Dark chocolate or coconut?"

"I wouldn't know-"

"Which one do you think Hibari would want?" I smiled and her eyes widened.

Her lips parted in shock but they quickly grew into a warm smile. "Dark chocolate?"

"Okay. I'll take the coconut one," I told the lady behind the counter who chuckled.

"H-Hey!" Riri pouted. "Why did you ask me then?"

"Who knows," I sang as I paid for the cake.

"You could have just told me like a normal person," she mumbled playfully.

"I'm not sure I told you anything," I smirked and she puffed her cheeks. We really aren't anything.

"Does he even like sweet things?"

"He never complained," I ended up answering without thinking. "Though he does seem like the type to say 'I hate sweets', huh?"

She nodded agreeingly, very agreeingly and I ended up laughing.

And now I had a cake to give for forgetting to do something I was supposed to do. And the job to finish.

[ Day after. ]

"You want me to what?" No. No no no no no.

"Well, Sakura. Consider this as part of your training," Reborn said.

"I'm fine with training but... Why him?" I frowned. This sounded nothing but a bad idea. A very, very bad idea.

"Because of your attribute." Attribute?

"My what?"

"Your flame. It's cloud. So either way you'll be working closely with Hibari in the future, who is the cloud guardian" he smirked. HE SMIRKED. He was sending me to hell and he knew it.

And suddenly also 'future' sounded a long and painful journey. I also suddenly wished I didn't follow Reborn to the rooftop. Or agree to training. Or perhaps agree to being part of the MAFIA too. That was such a strange thought. Me. In the mafia. The strongest, most powerful and influential mafia family- the Vongola.

"Boy, you ARE mean," I recalled Tsuna's panicked warning about how Reborn puts him through hell. And I'm starting to see that. I'll be joining Tsuna there soon enough. And I chose to use the word 'mean' but I almost replaced it with 'evil'.

"I'm just a home tutor," he smiled ever so innocently. "It's fine, Sakura. Hurry up and get going~"

"'Fine' because you're not the one that's going to die," I mumbled but left miserably to dig my own grave.

I had no choice.

I was going to get hurt by Hibari.

Though perhaps it might be a bit better (from what I learned) than getting hurt,

by the strongest hitman.

Reborn.

{ ... }

I took a deep breath. Fingers curled, hand stationed right in front of the door. Okay, have I finished my prayers? I think I have.

I touched the door but I withdrew. No. Nononono NO. I can't do this. He'll kill me. I'm not in the mood for this. When would I ever be? The answer is never. Oh boy. He's probably napping. Oh man that'd be really bad.

I took a huge breath. Alright, here we go.

Oh no. No no no. I can't.

"Oy, herbivore." Eep-

I tensed up. Why. Why me?

"H-Hibari! Fancy meeting you here," I laughed. Fancy meeting him in FRONT of his office. Idiot.

He raised an eyebrow, amused. "What are you doing?" He asked, narrowing his eyes.

"I was debating whether or not you were napping," I admitted.

"Wao." Deadpan. "How very considerate of you," he smirked. His eyes danced at his own sarcasm. He was getting ready to kill me and I know it. He's walking closer and I'm holding my breath by instinct. His hand reached out- I shut my eyes.

Then I heard a click of the door. Door? He opened the door and walked inside, leaving it open. Oh my. Is that an invitation? Don't mind if I do.

I walked in, genuinely surprised that it wasn't slammed in my face. I closed the door gingerly behind me as he took a seat in his chair. He looked up at me and I stood awkwardly. Right, my task.

"So?"

"So what?" I asked, walking closer.

"What did you need?" He frowned.

"Need…" Right…. Stinkin' Reborn.

"Can I... Can I have a hug?" I smiled awkwardly.

He raised his eyebrow but the frown didn't move an angle. "What?" He asked disbelievingly but he heard it. I know he heard it.

"You complained last time and said I never ask you before doing 'indecent' things. So I'm asking you now." And I didn't want to die.

I held out my extended arms and walked closer with my best attempt at an innocent smile.

Ow-

Palm against my forehead and over my eyes, he pushed me back and held me in place with his extended arm. "NO."

"But-" I pouted, hands flailing in front of me to reach him. "Hibari-"

"Just what do you take me for, Nanase Sakura? I don't do herbivorous interactions."

But you hugged me before... Kind of. I dropped my arms, giving up already. "Fine."

He grumbled something inaudibly before letting his arm down and I can finally see again. Hibari opened the drawer of his desk, picking up a file before tossing it onto the table. "You are to attend the student council meeting today after school as class representative again. Don't be late."

I frowned. I never wanted to be class representative to begin with. And why didn't they find a replacement while I was gone?

I sighed and took the files from his desk and looked up to his face to find him staring at me with those oh so gray eyes as if he had something to say.

"What?" I mumbled.

"Get to class, Nanase Sakura." Hibari closed his eyes and leaned back further on the black leather chair, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

I nodded slowly before walking towards the door. But.

I turned around, "By the way." And he opened his eyes, waiting. "Why don't you just call me Sakura?"

He scoffed. "And why should I?"

"Because we're best friends!" I grinned and noticed his eye twitching. And because it's shorter. Not to mention it's weird how he always used my FULL name every time.

"Just get to class, Nanase Sakura."

I stood there, staring at him. He acts as if he didn't before. The time when he triggered my memories.

He frowned. "Before I bite you to death."

Stare.

He sighed frustratingly, ruffling his black hair in annoyance. "Go. Now. Sakura."

And I left, small flutter, all smiles.

[ after school. ]

Not only was I going to be late- AND dead. I was going to be dead TEN times over.

I slammed open the door, the poor thing hitting against the wall. Stunned, shocked expressions of a terrified student council in a form of some rectangle.

"I WANT TO BE PART OF THE DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE, PLEASE!"

Oh god. I was so dead in 5 seconds. Stinkin' Reborn.

5...4...3...

"Oh?"

Oh. 3. So he was quick on his feet.

"Is that so, Nanase Sakura?" Wow. Death sounded nice. Back to full name huh? I mean my name sounded nice pronounced by him-... Better if it weren't without the lace of threat in his tone.

"Ah.. Ah well-"

"Why not?" He smirked but his eyes glinted with mischievous intent. Wait what. Oh no.

"No wait-" No? "I mean uh..." Disciplinary...

"Trash!" I yelled. Trash? "You know um. The trash disciplinary committee." He raised an eyebrow.

"N-not like you're trash but like literally! Oh those pesky things, they sure get out of hand. Too much littering.. And..." Oh he is SO glaring daggers at me. "Like.. This!"

I grabbed a piece of paper off the table, much to poor kid's dismay. Crumpled it up and threw it on the floor too. Oh I sure hope that wasn't important. "And then you know like... SIT, paper!" I commanded to a helpless lying paper on the floor. "And it listens! See?"

How many more seconds till I'm sent flying? Hm. Will I land in China or Korea or America?

"Eh? So in other words," he pulled out his tonfas. "You want me to bite you to death?" Oh that smirk. He's going to kill me. 'Kill' would be understatement of the year. He's going to murder me. Slaughter.

"I prefer America.." I mumbled.

He raised an eyebrow. Well. See you!

Out the door I went. Lunged, flew, sprinted. Oh god.

I could hear the footsteps. Of doom.

"Nanase Sakura, for running in the hallways, I'll bite you to death."

"Really? We're doing this again?" I huffed. Reminds me of Spring, on my birthday.

"You asked for it."

"You were going to hit me anyways!" I retorted, shorter of breath compared to him.

"Fine with me. I enjoy chasing down a prey."

"You know what they call people like you?" I looked back at a fearsome sight. "A sadist!" I yelled and made a quick turn.

"Is that so? Why don't you come here and repeat that again?"

"No! Because I'm not masochistic!"

"Doesn't matter. The only thing you are," he smirked which I turned back to witness. "Is dead."

Ho. Clever. And true.

I jumped down a few flights of stairs. Stairs. Oh wait no. If I'm correct...

Crap.

"Not again," I whimpered.

"Well well."

I turned around to meet my doom. "Best 2 out of 3?" I offered breathlessly.

"Oh? Is that what you really want?" His smirk turned devious as he stalked closer with those threatening tonfas in his grasp.

"Well I want a lot of things. Like maybe a hug but you'd kill me for that too so," I mumbled.

"Are those your last words?"

"No. My last words would be... What kind of shampoo do you use?" Oh that's it. I was so dead. But I don't know. I'd say 'death' might be a little fun. At least this one.

"Wao."

WHACK.

"Ow!" Is my head split in half? At least he hit me with his hand.

"It's coconut." Coconut huh.

I groaned and rubbed my aching head. "You know, if I died... You were supposed to tell me before," I pouted.

"Oh? You aren't dead yet?" He raised his tonfa again. Oh no.

"Oh, oops. I mean-" I threw myself down on the ground. God, what is he, a bear? I have to pretend to play dead? Fine. Beats being dead.

Oh the floor is cold. And I bet it's dirty. Gross.

I opened an eye to find him staring at me. Full of amusement too. "Good enough?" I dared to ask.

"Hm? Did the dead body just talk?" He knelt down to watch me quite evilly, poking me with a tonfa. He's not even trying to hide his enjoyment... I scoffed.

His raised his tonfas.

"You can't kill me!" I stuck out my tongue.

He raised an amused eyebrow. "And why not?"

"Because… Because we haven't had our second kiss yet." Well. I did it.

Hibari seemed quite stunned and for a second I'm enjoying the moment. But in the next, I did what I had to do. I shoved him out of the way, brushing against his gakuren (why was that still on during this weather?) and ran up the stairs. Oh god. I'm dead soon. Soon. Soon soon soon. Oh god. Those were some quick footsteps.

"Nanase Sakura," I heard from behind me and it dripped with malicious intent. I'm so screwed. Stinkin' Reborn! 'Training' he said. More like running for my life. Unless that's what he wanted to train me for.

HOW does he run so fast? I'm so screwed, I'm so screwed-

Holy hell. A crowd.

And hugging girls. WHY DO PEOPLE HUG IN THE MIDDLE OF A HALLWAY?-

Oh no. "Move!" I yelled but it was too late-

A hand. On my shoulder.

Screwed, oh, so screwed.

Slammed. Against the wall. Ouch-

Cold, metal. Tonfa.

The tonfa was at my neck, lifting up my chin so that he can gaze into my eyes with a set of very intimidating eyes. "Last words?"

I smiled and laughed breathlessly. "So how about that kiss-"

I gasped. He leaned in so quickly, so fiercely that if I wasn't positioned against the wall, I would've fell over onto weak knees. And I almost thought he would-

His warm breath. An inch, no. Less? A centimeter. Our lips were apart by that little and I think I lost all reason. My mind was screaming 'kiss me' and I'm unsure if my face became feverish by the thought, by his breath, or those beautiful gray eyes up close.

I'm at a loss. Of breath. Of mind. Of sanity.

Though mine were widened, his were half lidded now and I don't think it was any less beautiful than before, if anything they made me feel a certain way. Oh dear.

Never in my life had I wanted to be kissed so badly or at all. Nor wanted anyone so badly or at all. My mind and heart was working exceptionally overtime. Through a jumbled mess, I can only remember how soft….. I closed my eyes because I couldn't stand the tension anymore. Kiss me, please-

WHACK.

"Ow, ow, ow." I opened my eyes and found a smirk. A very handsome smirk. Curse you!

And he didn't kiss me. WHAT was I thinking? Surely his assault knocked a few- a lot of my brain cells out. I'm losing it.

"What are you standing there, waiting for?" My god. He was enjoying this.

"I.. You…" My mouth hung open along with everyone else. 'Everyone else', the realization dawned on me. Geez. "Ah, mou!" I puffed my assumed to be very red cheeks in frustration. Embarrassing. This, was embarrassing.

There's going to be quite a lot of whispering going around adding up to the ones right now. Ohhhh no. It's AFTER school. Don't you people have somewhere to be?

I think he chuckled. Or was it a scoff? But I think it was a chuckle disguised as a scoff. Either way he seemed pleasantly amused and I'm not so sure what happened to the Hibari that glanced away that day at the clinic. He was growing into a teasing, sarcastic bastard. But the thing is, I can't say I didn't like it.

I smiled as he turned around and walked away without another word, probably finding my embarrassment as punishment enough. Fine. I got what I set out to achieve. Stinkin' Reborn. From the corner of my eye, I saw a glint. I looked out the window to notice small little Reborn and a telescope, I sighed. I might be dead once Hibari realizes.

As the gakuren on his shoulders trailed behind him like a cape, along with it was a very cute little yellow post-it note.

'Handsome Jerk.'

Reviews are always appreciated if you have time. :)

A/N: I wonder if I should've put 'kick me' instead LOLLL. But then again I'm not too into killing my main character.