Hi hi~~
Yeah so its been like a month since I last updated this. Sorry. On the brighter side I have updated most of my other fics (except Little Tunafish... Omg I dont understand why.) weirdly most have been song chapters. So is this one btw. and frankly by now I'm a little sick of song chapters.. So that part may be a little half hearted... again. sorry.
It's been pretty busy. Also I forgot to put a certain chapter thing in here but I'll put it in a future omake just saying. And check my poll too~~
OH ALSO OVER 800 FOLLOWS AND LIKES! HOLY SHIT THE GOAL HAS BEEN REACHED! *sound of party poppers and such*
NEW GOAL- 800 REVIEWS AND 1600 FOLLOWS! WOO!
Anything else? Hmmm... nup not particularly ah wait- the song is Superluv by Shane Dawson (yes I'm taking youtubers stuff now I know, terrible but I'm going to remind you all- I DONT OWN ANYTHING DAMMIT ;D) as I said before I got really sick of writing song chapters after writing like 5 non-stop ones so I actually cut a small part of the song out, if I didn't I swear I would have never finished this. And that's something we both don't want.
Ok in summary- Check my poll (I really like making polls now lol so I'll change it every few weeks- seriously check it out)
-The song part is shortened (yes, yes I can hear your sighs of relief)
-I love you all and after my upcoming exams (first ones ever in Uni.. great *sobs*) I'll really work on a few more of these
and most importantly...
enjoy~~
A First Day, A Talk And A 'Moment' (despite how much Small Gia denies it)
"You have the packed lunch?"
"Hai!"
"That good luck doll I made for you?"
"Hai!"
"Did you practice your puppy dog eyes in case someone tries to bully you?"
"Hai!"
"Kekeke do you have that gun I gave you?"
Everyone stopped smothering the child to turn and glare at a certain short sadistic guard. Reluctantly Small Gia took back the shiny new custom made orange revolver cleverly hidden in the child's bright orange backpack, muttering profanities as he did. But not before whispering into the brunette's ear- "Still got the knife?"
Tsuna nodded with a giggle making the sadistic jailer grin, a real honest to god grin of pride. "Kekeke that's my boy!"
Waving goodbye to everyone who had dropped everything to watch their child grow up Tsuna turned to step in the portal that lead to Namimori. While he was sad about spending less time with all the guards he was excited about this place called school. Ieyasu had told him so many fun things that happened there! Maybe he too will make some friends and learn amazing new things.
Ah his tummy was buzzing with nervous excitement!
Tsuna had definitely learnt something by his first class.
Other kids were...
So...
Loud.
He didn't like it. Not at all. Everyone in Vindice was rowdy when they could be but it was like the sound of the storm hitting a window. Or the sound of a thousand autumn leaves flying in the wind. Despite all the chaos it was in it's own special way.. Soft. Subdued. And calming. This, this was like the screeching monkeys on those pills that Jack confiscated from his new prisoner. What was it called? Crack.
Either way it seemed Ieyasu lied. School was a terrible, terrible place. He wanted to go home. He missed everyone already.
The moment he stepped into class everyone stopped and stared in a way that made him severely uncomfortable. He never was good with new people. But there was something in their gaze his intuition seem to dislike.
"Ah Sawada Tsunayoshi, good to see you decided to actually show up to school." The teacher said dryly. The brunette confused looked up at the woman.
"Eh? I-I don't understand Miss."
The teacher ignored the boy in favor of continuing her tangent. "Do you know-" Eyes hardened with judgement and disappointment. "How worried your mother has been when you skipped the first month of school?!"
'What?'
"Honestly I didn't believe any child could be so cruel to their own family. And to such a sweet woman like Nana as well!"
The urge to strangle the lady in front of him just to stop the lies coming from her mouth was strong. The urge to do the same to his so called mother was stronger.
So that's why she gave him a month to go back to school. It was to convince everyone even more that he was the bad child whilst once again she was the victim. While an illogical, childish part of him wished the woman would suddenly realise how much she loved him and do a complete 180, the part was small and his eyes no longer as rose-tinted toward her. And now, clearer than ever he could see his mother- her delusions, her slowly growing madness and most of all; her fear. He saw and in a way he could almost, almost understand and maybe one day accept that. But right now it still hurt. Hurt bad.
Big caramel brown eyes looked at his twin for help. Ieyasu was popular in this place, he must have some persuasion in the class. Yet the sky blue that looked at him quickly looked away, again averting his eyes from the trouble before him. Disappointment and resentment filled the brunette at his brother, the fact that this scene to Tsuna felt so expected somehow hurt the most.
But right now, the brunette couldn't cry over his resentment toward his twin, he had to focus on the teacher. Alejandro always told him to be polite in these situations. Polite, honest and logical. "Miss I am very sorry but I don't understand what you are talking about."
The woman scoffed. "Your mother also warned me about your liar tendencies kid. Don't even bother trying that with me!" The child winced but other than that he stood strong. "She even warned me of the bad crowd you chose to be with. They are probably nothing but despicable scum to corrupt such a young child!" Wide caramel eyes narrowed slightly at that, giving a cold look as he held a maturity one his age shouldn't have. They could make rumors of him all they want but when it came to his family... It was unacceptable. Actually Alejandro also told him that if they threw their words as weapons it was only fair to throw back with equal poisoned fervor.
"Well I also have been warned of gullible, stupid people who always judge a person on baseless rumors so I guess we are even then."
The whole class 'oohed' and watched eagerly as the new kid went to sit in an empty desk in the corner leaving their teacher spluttering incoherently. However those sounds quickly devolved into cruel mocking laughter as someone stuck out their leg to trip the brunette. It was at that moment, his palms of his hands and his knees stinging from the impact, the shrill loud laughter ringing in his ears and the condescending judgmental eyes on his fallen figure, yes, it was that moment when Tsuna decided he didn't like school one bit.
Back to the present, a bell rang out and everyone began taking out their food and chatting with their fellow classmates. The level of noise before was nothing compared to this. Tsuna had not gotten a headache this bad since when he first listened to techno heavy metal music at full blast. It had become a very effective interrogation technique to use actually. Though Small Gia complained the bloody screaming sounds of anguish were blocking out his victims cries.
Well on the brighter side at least there was no more judgmental teachers that kept looking at him disapprovingly just for so much as breathing wrong. It seemed his mother's influence was deep in Namimori, he would be quite impressed at that if not said power wasn't being abused for the sole purpose of making him miserable.
With a sigh the child decided that at least he would enjoy his food, the brunette asked the cooks to make him a little extra so he could share with his brother. After all it would be nice to really have some time spent with his twin. But... Tsuna looked to his blonde counterpart who was busy chatting cheerfully with his friends.
His stomach clenched at the sight, so many feelings weaved together that he couldn't possibly explain what he was feeling right now.
Finally he picked up some courage and hesitantly grabbed his lunch to head to his twin. As he got close enough all chatter in the small group surrounding his brother ceased, curious to see what would happen. The sudden attention made the brunette feel even shyer. He never really did overcome his timidness and fear of crowds and strangers.
"Ah- Ieyasu? I-I was wondering maybe.. I mean, I have extra food and I just-"
"Hee~eh? The new kid seems like such a girl!" One of the boys sneered.
"Isn't that your brother? Eew!" Another girl giggled making Tsuna blush.
"N-no! It's not l-like that!" He protested. But he knew it would fall on deaf ears. The brunette wanted just to warp back to Vendicare and never leave the quiet darkness.
"Besides-" A slightly taller boy with black hair slung his arm protectively around his twin. "- Ieyasu is hanging out with us. I bet he doesn't even want to spend anymore time with his No Good brother."
Laughter came from the rest of the group. Taunts about the new kid's Dame-ness and being No Good peppered and salted the wound in Tsuna's heart. He didn't understand why he had been labeled like that, though the intelligent boy had a pretty good idea who was behind it. But even though he knew it was all fabricated lies. Even if the logical part of him knew it to be completely baseless nonsense and that it shouldn't bother him. It did. It stung.
"-so Ieyasu let's leave this loser."
Tsuna turned to his brother. His blue eyes flickering from his friend to his twin. Finally something flashed in those sky blue orbs, a decision, a choice. And that funny feeling inside the brunette held sunk deep into his stomach.
"I-Ieyasu?"
The blonde looked almost apologetic to the other as he turned to leave with his posse. Somehow it hurt even more than any beating. More humiliating than any insult. Tsuna felt like he was going to be sick. Gripping his lunchbox till he made dents in the weak metal container, the child went to his seat and ate his food.
Alone.
The rest of the day wasn't much better. The brunette didn't know how to interact with the other kids, they did not share the same games or background. Tsuna had never played any such video game with the exception of those street racing games -but with actual custom made cars obviously- nor had he watched any of the newer movies or played with the latest toys. He was quiet and timid and preferred reading over to the gossiping and whatever screaming nonsense the others did. They didn't give him a chance either, the rumors from the neighborhood were enough to cement their opinions.
Instead they mocked the brunette for every flaw he had, every mistake he made and every trip he fell.
Tsuna had never prayed so hard for a deity to just let the day end. The only saving grace was the knowledge that he was going back to Vendicare after the final bell rings. He was probably the only human being who had ever thought that. But the child honestly could not stand this place.
When the day finally ended Tsuna trudged to the gates of Namimori, a little bruised and weary but otherwise he thought he had covered himself well. The brunette didn't want the Vindice to worry about him after all. Despite everything he said about hating school the child didn't want to back out either. That would show weakness. And the Vindice do not show weakness.
The plan was for Tsuna to follow his twin home and then wait for whichever guard to arrive and pick him up. He wanted to warp back himself and quickly end the horrible day already but the last time he tried warping any distance more than a room or two he'd find himself on a very crowded tram in Germany. And that was not a pleasant adventure at all. Though it was still frustrating that because of it all he had been banned from warping anywhere.
However despite repeating the day's plan like a mantra it all went happily straight out the window once he caught sight of familiar spiky electric yellow hair at the school gates.
"Gia-san!"
"Kekeke in the fucking flesh chibi!" The short guard proudly showed off his living body, his dark forest green eyes twinkled, bright yellow electric hair styled to stand up intimidatingly and pale skin practically glowing in an almost vampiric nature. In a way the man held a sort of bizarrely striking beauty, features sharp like a knife yet it dangerously draws you in all the same. He was wearing a black leather jacket with three quarter length sleeves, ripped, dark denim jeans and a casual green shirt that had a printed column graph on it that suspiciously formed a certain rude hand gesture with the subtle title of SCREW YOU boldly stated. Honestly the sadistic guard didn't expect to get away with his choice of clothes but the others had been too busy sulking since they lost the fight for the last Regeneration Bullet to care.
Ooh was it fucking good to be him right now.
His narcissistic thoughts had to however be halted as he took a double take of his charge. Dark emerald green narrowed as he scanned the little child up and down. The brunette had faint bruises peppering his small form that couldn't possibly from just mere clumsiness alone and raw pained emotion practically bleeding out of those caramel brown orbs despite the other's best attempt to hide it. Wordlessly the short guard frowned slightly as long fingers grabbed the small boy's arm, dragging him roughly to an unknown direction.
"Gia-san?"
"Shut it kid."
Tsuna flinched slightly at the harsh, curt, angry tone. He had barely ever heard much less was the victim of that tone of his. Small Gia for once didn't hold his usual confident smirk or wide sadistic grin or even those special lopsided crooked smiles he saved just for Tsuna. The man was really, seriously angry. And the child didn't understand why.
There was just tense silence between the two until finally the guard had found a place that satisfied him. Silently he went in, paid the rather unnerved woman for a room and ungraciously pushed the confused rather scared brunette through the hall into a numbered room. Looking at his surroundings Tsuna realised this was a karaoke bar. Now he was just plain confused.
"Gia-san I don-"
"Kid I want you to tell the truth." The jailer knelt down so they were at eye level. His voice was low and slightly gravelly but the strange thing was there was no trace of the man's usual mirth or amusement. There was no mischievous sadistic glint in those dark green eyes nor that wide toothy grin. It was all so uncharacteristically serious that the brunette just wordlessly nodded much to the other's satisfaction.
"Good. Now- are you being.. bullied?"
Tsuna's small figure froze for a second. He didn't want to tell the truth. It was like admitting how weak, how pathetic he was. Unable to fight back against measly words and simple harassment. It didn't uphold to the Vindice pride.
It was simply humiliating.
What if everyone else thought he was pathetic because of this? That maybe he really was No Good? Just the thought made his eyes prickle and he bit his lip to stop the tears that threatened to escape.
Seeing this, the usually sadistic guard sighed and softened his gaze. His hands hovered hesitantly over the boy's shoulders before rather gently resting on them, giving a slight squeeze as he did so. "Tsuna... Just... Fuck!- I won't think of you any damn less so..."
But the brunette wouldn't speak. Couldn't. It was like the words had knotted together and gotten stuck at the back of his throat. Any attempt to say it felt like there were little hands scraping his brain in an attempt to stop him. Fear of rejection had overridden everything.
Small Gia made some sort gurgling strangled sound that seemed to be a mix of a sigh and a groan of frustration. Gushy, heartfelt crap was not exactly his forte. Give him a fucking flower, some lace and maybe a few glittery stickers and he could come up with at least a hundred ways to torture someone, two hundred if the flower was a white rose. But faced with anything even three feet close to emotional was a little more challenging for the short Vindice.
And when he said challenging he meant that he rather fox trot across the fiery pits of hell with Checkerface in a revealing strapless dress. But he couldn't help the kid if the kid didn't admit the problem. Unlike the others who in his opinion were fucking spoon feeding the boy foie gras with diamond utensils, Small Gia refused to give the same treatment to him. Either Tsuna tells him and he fucking helps or don't tell at all.
Though looking at those quivering honey brown orbs even the sadistic jailer found it hard to keep up his particularly tough love. And yes he admit it was his form of love. It didn't stop it from still being a stupid word though.
Suddenly he was struck with an idea. It would be embarrassing and highly uncomfortable on his part and it may not work either way but... no it was time Tsuna knew anyway. There was nothing he would hide from the boy. And while he was probably the last besides Bermuda and Jager to completely break down all his barriers, he knew that Tsuna would accept him all the same.
"Tsuna.. I'm going to tell you something that no one -no one but Big Pino and I know anyway- about, something that I have never ever told anyone. And if I do.. will you just fucking let me help you?"
The brunette snapped out of his fear induced trance to look directly at the serious deep forest green eyes of his. There was not one obscenity, not an expletive nor a single swear word. In fact there was even an ever so faint quiver in the usually so confident tone, something only Tsuna caught, a crack the other knowingly or unknowingly showed in his usual blood stained armor. A plead. Shyly one fluffy head nodded and the other gave a crooked, nervous but genuinely relieved smile.
"Good kid. Kekeke." The undead male cackled softly as he ruffled gravity defying soft brown locks. Tsuna couldn't help but let his smile widened at the rare gesture of softness from the normally hard jailer. He had learnt to appreciate such moments since unlike the others Small Gia was in his own way the most distant of the Vindice. No one knew his life before an arcobaleno and the man was always evasive, changing the subject without people realising till hours later.
When the hand retracted from fluffy chestnut brown hair, the brunette looked up toward the other who had turned his back toward him. "I'm sure you already know chibi, I ain't exactly part of the top Vindice warriors for my strength." Tsuna hesitated but made a soft affirmative noise.
He had noticed. The short guard was already disadvantaged by his short stature and a thin figure, not exactly a body built for combat. His speed and endurance barely scrapped below average when compared to the other Vindice too. Yes the child with his sharp observation skills had noticed, he was sure most of the guards weren't even aware of it because of how well Gia bluffed but he noticed. He noticed but never asked.
"Unlike the Boss I didn't have the aura of a king. Unlike Jager I didn't hold a charm that could swoon fucking rocks. Unlike Jack I didn't have a natural battle instinct or like Alejandro a talent that could wow even the coldest of critics. Even Pino holds an inhuman strength that I could never fucking hope to achieve." It was said all so nonchalantly but the child could hear the faint low undertones of bitterness and jealousy. It made the brunette want to reach up and stop the other from saying such hurtful things. But he didn't, Tsuna knew the guard was finally letting him in, into his past, his scars, his insercurites and interrupting him right now would break this moment. Still..
Small Gia scratched his electric blond, spiked up hair almost nervously if the boy didn't know better. "Despite my rather unusual… looks; my short stature and fucking lack of physical abilities got me singled out. A lot actually." Tsuna stifled a sharp intake of breath. He knew what the guard was implying but it was quite hard to believe. "People were... mean to you too?"
Small Gia wanted to scoff and shoot a sarcastic comment but remembered who he was talking to and held himself back. Talking about his past made him more uncomfortable than he'd like to admit. It wasn't a particular interesting nor dramatic history like the others nor was it particularly tragic. Again it was almost... mundane. Embarrassing even. Not exactly a story made for the textbooks.
The guard scratched the back of his neck, he was facing the boy again but his eyes refused to meet the other's. It was hard enough to speak his fucking past and feelings and shit, if he looked at those innocent wide eyes Gia knew he would literally kill himself from the sheer awkwardness of it all. Revenge be fucking damned. "Uh... Yeah, sure people were... mean to me."
"Th-They called you names?"
"Yeah."
"They made fun of your mistakes?"
"Yeah." The guard gritted his teeth, not because of embarrassment but to hold back the boiling anger for his charge. His days of such childish harassment was long over and merely blurry memories but he could still remember the general anger, the helplessness and the shame of it all. He'll be damned if Tsuna experiences the same things he did.
"A-and they tried to take off your clothes too?"
"Y- wait, hold the fuck. up. What?!"
Tsuna blushed nervously, his large eyes still glittering but no longer threatening to overflow with tears. That fact however did not soothe the sadistic jailer's protective fury at the moment. "They.. ah.. said they.. didn't believe I was a boy..." The brunette murmured timidly.
Inwardly Gia swore all the obscenities he knew toward the fucking pint-sized pervs for even trying to think of stripping his boy. Child or not they were going to get the Vindice punishment one way or another. He forced himself to unclench his hands by his side because with anymore force in them he'll end up breaking his own fingers.
"Tsuna. Did they... succeed?" He managed to hiss out.
The brunette tilted his head to the side, eyebrow raised. "Why is that important?"
'Because it fucking tells me whether I drown the little shits first or burn them half dead and feed them to the dogs that's why!' "Because kid... Just because."
The child tilted his head to the other side in thought before nodding and letting it go. "Nope! I kicked them away and waved around the knife you got me just like you told me too! You should have seen their faces!" The boy smiled proudly and the guard too mirrored the expression. Well that made him feel a bit better. At least enough to decide not to end those little fucker's short lives anyway.
"Good kid. Kekeke."
After a few seconds of grinning, Small Gia realised what was going on and coughed awkwardly so the moment was broken. He did not do 'moments'. He may be growing up to the point he could share sappy revelations on his life with the kid but he will be damned if he goes around having fucking 'moments' as well.
"Anyway, in short yeah I was pushed around as a kid. I was never strong. I was never fast. I was never blessed with any physical attributes. Nor was my family situation much to be fucking desired. Hell I wasn't even that smart either. It took me a while but I realized there were something's you couldn't overcome and I had learnt to accept that. But you know what Tsuna?"
Tsuna looked at him questioningly, the sight made something warm in his chest.
"I was never fucking weak either."
The brunette stared at him confused but the guard kept going. "Yeah sure I said I wasn't strong but I never said I was weak. Because do you know the difference kid?"
Tsuna shook his head endearingly and Small Gia couldn't help but crack one of the softest smiled he had. Kneeling down he looked into wide caramel brown eyes before pointing at the tiny chest, gaze following where he pointed at. "Here, kid."
"My heart?" The guard snorted at that.
"No, your top left rib- of course your fucking heart!" The brunette giggled at the fake exasperation dripping from the older male who dramatically sighed, shaking his head as he did so. "Jeez, here I am gushing a heartfelt speech and now the atmosphere is gone. Kekeke. Never was good at it anyway."
"Nup!" Tsuna chirped cheekily, any trace of hesitation and depression gone. It made the short Vindice grin and tackle the kid to the ground, intent to completely mess up the boy's already messy hair. "Why you-" for a minute the room only held the sounds of high pitched squeals and giggling as well as the occasional cackle.
After a while the two ceased their childish tickle fighting, both slightly out of breath but large grins plastered on their faces.
"Shit now where was I?"
"You were never good at-" the sadistic guard flicked the boy's forehead "-ite, ite that hurt.."
"Cocky brat." The undead Arcobaleno muttered as he stood up, brushing down his creased clothes absentmindedly as he tried to suppress a bemused smile.
"No but seriously I'm going to fucking continue chibi- and you better be touched or whatever. Maybe cry a bit. Tell everyone that it was the most beautiful thing you ever heard, maybe while your at it add that I am your favori- don't fucking look at me like that! Fine, fine I'll start-"
Small Gia chuckled under his breath before taking some breaths, trying to remember what he had wanted to say.
"Right. So. As I was saying the difference between the weak and the strong is here." The short Vindice thumped his chest where his heart is. "Your heart. Your will. Do you think I just stood there and took whatever shit those fuckers gave me? You bet your ass I didn't chibi. I trained like hell with one goal in mind- to fucking show them all."
Gia grinned at that. Yes he remembered the memory vividly. When he was eleven, it was a cold day that threatened to rain and storm. The damn kids did their usual routine of beating him black and blue till he was drifting between the lines of unconsciousness. And lying there, on the pavement with just people walking past like he was just like the trash on the gravel was then did he truly realise. No one was going to save him. No one was going to help him up, dust him off and ask he was ok. No one but his own fucking self.
"It wasn't fucking easy, I admit there were many times I almost gave up- hell- there were moments when I actually did give up. I pushed my body to it's limits and if even then when it still wasn't enough I used weapons to compensate for it. And even then I began resorting to less than clean tactics when even that wasn't enough." The short guard absentmindedly touched a hidden revolver he always kept in his pocket as he talked. Truthfully when he first took up his weapons he hated it. That extra weight on his hands, the cold burning sensation of metal on his skin and how... impersonal it all was.
At that time it felt like he was admitting to the world that you have a weakness, a flaw, that you had to depend on some goddamn tool. Now obviously he sees differently, weapons were merely a part of his fighting style, it emphasized his skill and intellect as well as dedication. Back then Howe it went against who he was, what he stood for, his belief and resolve that hard work could beat the naturally talented. When he began using them guilt and doubt were unwelcome but frequent emotions that consumed every single part of him. Yet at the same time, when looking at his victims helpless, terrified eyes, the same eyes that had looked down on him, down on so many others with condescension and arrogance- he had felt a spike of pleasure. And in the beginning that undeniable rush of euphoria was the scariest feeling of all.
"It was a slow uphill battle to get to where I was. There were many times I fucked up bad and found myself at the bottom of that hill again and again with barely an inch of my life covered in mud, blood and sweat. Slowly I refined my tactics, underhanded as they were. Kekeke, they called it cowardly but I call it creativity. After all I used whatever I could to the best of my abilities. Information for blackmail, weapons as strength, lies for power. I clawed my way up to the fucking top depending on nothing and everything. I stood on the same level as people considered monsters. I was considered Hell's Tactician before I teamed up with Pino and became half of the Deranged Demons."
At the last parts of his speech Tsuna could see a distinct shine in those deep forest green eyes of the older undead male. Pride. Yes it was obvious there were things that had haunted the guard before, a weight of insecurities the size of a small city but the man had against all odds pushed through it all. He'd shrugged off the teasing, the mocking, the bullies. He ignored the limitations of his birth and had probably worked harder than any other Vindice, in his own way fought harder than any other Vindice for a place as World's Strongest. Because unlike the others Small Gia was the most normal, the most average of them all. And that's what made his place even more amazing.
That's what made him more amazing.
"I'm not going to fucking sugarcoat it for ya kid- life's a fucking stone-cold bitch and her sister reality is a harsh cold-blooded mistress. They aren't going to hesitate to throw things at ya that you wouldn't like or can't avoid. But it's up to you whether you stop at the first thing thrown at you or you throw it back at those self-condescending bastards and move the fuck on. Do you see what am I saying?"
Both looked at each other, dark forest green and caramel brown staring into each other intently. Then those brown eyes flashed a beautiful vibrant fiery orange and Tsuna smiled brightly like a flame. Despite the darkening bruises peppered on his skin and the ugly scrapes decorating him at that moment to Small Gia, the boy was glowing.
"Thanks Gia-san. I love you."
The usually sadistic guard smiled his crooked smile back, his smile so wide his sharp canines showed. Yet it wasn't scary, it wasn't dark, it was comforting and warm and full of emotion.
"I love ya too. Chibi."
"Well since I already paid for this fucking place let's goddamn use it kid! Kekeke.." The guard cackled as he flopped onto one of the couches, picking up the remote and flicking through song after song. Tsuna giggled at the jailer's attempt to brush off his embarrassment but didn't comment, just jumped onto the couch as well, snuggling close to the other.
It was a comfortable silence. The only sounds were the click, click, clicking of the remote and the only warmth was each other. The brunette couldn't help but feel content, he wouldn't mind going through today again if it meant the day ending as nicely as it did now.
After a few minutes though- "Kekeke ok I got one."
Pressing the button to select his song, the short Vindice grabbed the nearby mic with a flourish and a sharp spin so he was facing the brunette, really the man had a thing for flashiness. The words would show up on a screen behind the couches so it looked like the singer would be singing for the audience instead of facing away from them though Gia had opted to stand with more his side facing the brunette. Tsuna noted to ask Bermuda if they could construct their karaoke nights like that before focusing his attention on the other.
As the music started it began surprisingly slow and mellow, a part of the child wondered if the undead jailer chose the wrong song.
I'm... running out of time.
I hope that I can save you some how.
If I,
Gia's sharp face looked down at the kid with the same subdued seriousness as before then quickly looked at his hands with an almost regretful, longing gaze, it made the man look less terrifying sadist and more... real if that made sense. More vulnerable, powerless. More.. human.
If I had super powers.
I'd save the world and you would be mine,
His empty hand clenched and the jailer's gaze hardened.
Mine.
Dark green eyes previously dulled then glittered mischievously as the tempo increased. Suddenly the energy in the room practically buzzed like static as he swivelled to completely face his cute audience. Faint crackles of Lightening Flames could be seen faintly surrounding the thin figure and power exuded from him that made the electronics around him shake ever so slightly as he grinned confidently. All trace of that person before gone.
Have no fear your hero is here,
My super sense is telling me that danger is near.
Tsuna had to shiver at the intensity of the man's voice now. It wasn't beautiful or smooth yet it sent shivers down his spine. There was an almost metallic edge to it, sharp, dangerous and demanded everyone's sole attention.
But the boy also had to smile and giggle at the man's very showy moves, overemphasising each word with his dramatic actions. In the boy's large naive eyes the Vindice really looked like a superhero to him.
I'm getting close to you so I can watch your back.
A villain's on the loose and he's ready to attack.
Ooh!
At the last line the figure so energetic and wild before half crumpled to the ground before getting back up on his feet. As sudden and fast paced as it was before, the energy instantly dropped.
But, I'm not a super hero.
I'm not that kind of guy,
The older man's eyes, previously downcast looked at the other. They were cold this time, indifferent, uncaring. The eyes of a killer, a murderer and someone who has watched countless die before him. But Tsuna wasn't afraid and he showed it. He may be naive but he understood that when people die they never come back and while that scares him the child also knew that some people deserve that.
Even though killing is wrong Tsuna had learnt very early it happens everyday. And sometimes it just couldn't be helped. Gia right now was part of the Vindice, as feared as they were they had only sought to destroy those who broke the rules meaning bad people. And the brunette knew the short guard while quite sadistic had clear standards when it came to his victims. It may be a very simple way of thinking about such a complex controversy but as a child it was logical.
Small Gia seeing the resolved acceptance in his sweet charge's face made him soften ever so slightly and grin toothily in return, resolve also bubbling inside him as he sang.
But, I can save you baby,
Give me a try.
Again the beat picked up it's pace, the rhythm and tempo not hesitating to match it. The song felt unpredictable, bi-polar in its unexpected ups and downs yet in a way that just added to it all. And somehow these sudden drops and fast paced beats suited the short guard's personality as well. It showed both his wild flashy side and the flip side to it, the side he would always try to hide, his vulnerable insecure shadow.'Cause I'm running out of time.
Cause I'm running out of time
I know what I came to do,
And I didn't come to lose.
So, I'll fight until you're mine.
The faint crackles of Lightening Flames were practically dancing with the guard around him, the undead male himself wasn't exactly dancing but gave little twists and swerves in a way that entertained and awed. His upper body however in contrast threw various dramatic gestures and poses that loosely mimicked the heroes on television making the boy giggle delightedly.
And if trouble comes around,
I wont be backing down tonight.
The tempo and energy in the room hit a whole new high at the end of the line. The guard's smile widened and the flames around him looked like a beautiful yet dangerous lightening storm.
OoOoh, if you're in danger.
OoOoh, I'm here to save ya.
OoOoh, that's what I'm made of
Oh, oh, oh, oh,oh
Give you my Superluv
Tsuna was having a hard time restraining himself from joining in the song, instead he enthusiastically bobbed his head adorably to the beat and clapped his hands when the song called for it. In a way Small Gia and Jager were the same in the aspect that they both loved the spotlight.
I'm fighting for your love.
For all this time.
What I gotta do,
To make you mine.
Though while Jager's charisma was overpoweringly dominant, demanding to be followed, Tsuna had found Gia's though very unusual charisma whilst unpredictable and rather frightening at times did not hold the same intensity. It drew people in, not as followers but as equals. Maybe because of who he was but Small Gia has never underestimated anyone or their worth.
Got no super speed,
But I'm running this town.
The Vindice started literally from the ground up to get to where he was. No, being born below average he probably started from very shaky ground to boot. Yet here he was, one of the strongest of his generation and member of the feared all powerful group of enforcers.
Said undead guard was getting really into the song despite his best not to completely show it. His performance style was wild to say the least, both intimidating and dramatic, just like a strike of lightening.
If you get in my way,
I'm a take you down.
And suddenly much like lightening the flash of bright, nearly blinding spark was gone. Leaving the dark rainy sky. But it wasn't like before when all the energy dissipated from the room, no, more like darkening clouds gathering as electricity buzzed lowly, hiding, waiting for the time to strike.
But, I'm not a super hero.
I'm not that kinda guy.
But, I can save you baby,
Give me a try.
'Cause I'm running out of time.
I know what I came to do,
And I didn't come to lose.
Tsuna liked that he had that serious talk with the guard as unexpected as it was, he no longer felt so embarrassed about his problems like he admittedly might have felt if anyone else tried to talk to him. Small Gia made him feel like an equal. He was never coddling nor looking down on him. Yet never distant enough to make him feel alone. And he appreciated that. So, I'll fight until you're mine.
And if trouble comes around,
I wont be backing down tonight.
This time forest green eyes caught excited caramel brown and winked cheekily, playfully gesturing the other to join in the fun. Tsuna didn't even hesitate to jump from the couch with a lighthearted laugh. Both now dancing but mainly had devolved from stylish moves to just jumping around, fists pumping the air and letting themselves relax.
OoOoh, if you're in danger.
OoOoh, I'm here to save ya.
OoOoh, that's what I'm made of
Oh, oh, oh, oh,
Gia pushed the mic down closer to his child, a silent invitation to really join in. It wasn't much really, the kid was already shouting the lyrics over the loud music but for someone who enjoyed hogging the limelight as much as the narcissistic Strongest Vindice Warrior and hated sharing in general, it was enough of a gesture to show his affection. The guard was rewarded with a dazzling smile which unconsciously he mirrored.
Give you my superluv.
Can't you see,
We're meant to be.
Tsuna giggled as the guard twirled him, singing in an overdramatic way and sounding like in one of those weird dramas the female Vindice (and occasionally Jack) liked to watch from time to time when they had access to the outside world. Though the effect was more than a little ruined at the face the sadistic jailer pulled as he sang it, showing very clearly how he felt about such shows.
So, come with me,
And say you're mine.
After that came the usual upbeat energetic chorus which of course both began dancing like at a rave party, laughing and cackling at each other's silly moves but overall thoroughly enjoying themselves. Tsuna knew the other would vehemently deny it later or threaten him with extra training but the brunette could see easily the childish twinkle of pure enjoyment in the undead Lightening Arcobaleno.
Then as the tempo slowed and the volume slowly dimmed, Small Gia knelt down to the brunette, microphone now completely in his grasp as he sang softly, hoarsely, emotionally.
And all you really need,
Has been right in front of you this whole time.
Long thin fingers that at first glance one would never believe held anything heavier than a glass of champagne but on closer inspection had well hidden callouses and many, many faded scars courtesy of years upon years of struggle and hard work, poked softly at the small boy's chest. His sharp, glittering dark green eyes the softest Tsuna had ever seen.
And I,
I didn't need no super powers.
I've saved the world,
And now you are mine.
Small Gia said the last part as if in a trance, his hands now softly ruffling the fluffy chestnut locks, eyes still soft and if he dare say- warm for someone like him. Yes, he had gone through a lot, a part of him still hated his past but telling it all to the boy and seeing such open acceptance of him of all people. A small part of him that stubbornly refused to trust, to be close to anyone melted easily. Tsuna was the one who melted it, melted him into a soft sappy mess by his standards. Not that he really minded anymore.
And he would do anything for the kid. Tsuna wasn't like the others he had come across in his life. He had become something so much goddamn more. Before the child came here the only thing Small Gia cared about was himself. Yeah he cared for Big Pino as well, they had gone through a lot of shit together but if push came to shove the smaller male would admittedly have shamelessly ditched him in an attempt to survive another day. It was only logical back then but now... Now Tsuna was here and logic no longer seemed to apply to anything.
Tsuna was his sky. He was every Vindice's sky but more importantly he was his. And Small Gia will be fucking damned if he failed to protect his sky. For once he'll act like a true lightening guardian. One who must not only take the Lightning, but also the damage of the Family, his Sky like a lightning rod. A defender that will sacrifice all he has for the ones he wants to protect. For the ones that he holds close.
For the ones who are worth more than his own life.
Now you're mine.
After the song it was already time to leave the place and the two went to go get some ice-cream before they finally warped back to Vendicare. By then Tsuna being the young child he was, was finally feeling the weight of the whole day settle in his small bones and turned into bed early. Sure a small part of him was still scared of going back to school and re-experiencing the day again but he was confident to say he felt much better after this afternoon. With a cute yawn the boy snuggled into his pillow content to push his coherent thoughts away for the moment.
Small Gia just chuckled and tucked him in, the bullets effects already starting to wear off though they had noticed trace residue that seemed to be creating a permanent change in their bodies. Hair that retained a shade more colour than before, skin possibly a little less warped and sometimes they could feel something.. more. A soft pang of hunger, a whisper of a chill in their nerves, the little things that showed you were... alive.
"mmn.. love yu.." The brunette murmured before completely drifting off, the short guard just cackled softly.
"Yeah. Night chibi."
Small Gia after sparing one last glance at his cherubic charge sleeping silently shut the door.
Once closed he let his gaze harden and marched straight to the conference room where he knew Bermuda and everyone else was. Oh did he have a story to fucking tell for them.
Mochida Kensuke, best friend of Sawada Ieyasu leader of the class was in the midst of falling asleep, rather blissfully he might've added when he heard a quiet yet audible creak. Being of a still rather impressionable yet arrogant age he assumed it was his annoying kid sister coming to try spook him as revenge for the last prank he'd pulled on her. As he felt the presence move closer to his bed the raven haired male sat up with an annoyed, condescending expression ready to reprimand and mock his dumb sister.
"Chiemi! Jeez, you are such a-" What ever juvenile insult he had forming on his lips promptly died as what he came face to face with wasn't his tiny sister but a mangled corpse of a monster. All that came out instead was a strangled "-meep."
Then -and he would never forget it for the rest of his life- the disfigured demon grinned predatorily, sharp canines flashing in the dim light. When the young boy looked around for help his face lost all colour as more and more mangled figures appeared or more like crawled from the shadows of his room. His attention quickly moved back to the closer one who had now, harshly gripped his cheeks with one hand. Mochida could feel the burnt flesh on his skin.
"Listen brat" The demon monster thing hissed lowly, voice crackly and hoarse like it had been shredded by a thousand rusty knives. "Make our Tsunayoshi's life miserable and we'll make sure your godforsaken life is fucking hell. Doyouunderstandme?!"
Now sobbing the kid nodded his head frantically. Satisfied the shadow corpse released his grip. Suddenly the lights flicked on in his room and Mochida had never been so grateful to see his mother at that moment.
"Kensuke? I heard crying and-"
The raven haired bully tried to explain what he'd just saw but to his horror he saw absolutely no trace of the monsters, his mother gave an incredulous look at his story despite his insistence, it couldn't have possible have been a dream after all, it felt too... real.
Mochida Kensuke was fifteen when he could finally sleep with the lights off again.
Coincidentally the same thing happened for many others in his class (though all were too embarrassed to tell anyone). All who had an active hand in bullying a certain fluffy brunette anyway.
Yes. Coincidence indeed.