We always have that one angel looking out for us.

Extra 1: With Yamamoto

There were six words that were often used to describe Yamamoto Takeshi: good-looking, nice, popular, an idiot, dense, and carefree. Ask anyone and they'd answer with one of the six mentioned. However, only the first three were true, while the rest were not. It wasn't like he wished to deceive the others. It was more like a sacrificial act for him.

Yamamoto was far from dense.

He wasn't being arrogant; he was being honest.

Arrogance and honesty were two different things.

During his years in middle school, he practically led what was considered a good life. He was instantly famous around school. Athletic, attractive, amiable, and the likes. Simply put, a perfect guy. However, the attention he brought to himself was the one that brought him his downfall served in a silver platter. Deep inside, he was insecure, afraid of others' opinions and judgment, easily frightened at the thought of them forsaking him. That's why he was eternally grateful for the skills he acquired in baseball – the sport he grew to love dearly.

Yamamoto believed that his baseball skills were the only thing that made the other students like and respect him. This reason was what led him to endeavour greatly in the sport – for his friends to remain at his side. Every time there was a competition or game coming, he made sure to practice hard and improve his abilities. He didn't, however, expect for such a twisted turn of events.

Three days before a certain competition in the first year of middle school, he was practicing at a park near his house. He was polishing his throws, aiming for it to grow faster. For what seemed to be like the hundredth throw he made, he heard a crack in his right arm and pain shot up. His feet gave up immediately; he now rested on his knees, panting in torment. With a grunt, he slowly attempted to stand and successfully stood erect. It was time to go home, he humiliatingly concluded.

It wasn't exactly a surprise when his father started panicking once he arrived. Yamamoto was grateful that the shop was already closed otherwise the customers too would panic. Tsuyoshi straightaway brought him to a hospital nearby. After certain procedures, Yamamoto left the hospital with his right arm in a cast. To say that he was depressed was an understatement. There was a competition, what would his teammates say when they see him in a pathetic cast? He'd look pitiful. They'd abandon him.

That night, he couldn't sleep. He lied perfectly on his back, an attempt to avoid putting pressure on his broken arm. What would they think? They would tell him he was no longer needed, that he was useless, that he should just go away and leave. He brought his left hand to his face, feeling shame course in his entire body.

The door suddenly opened and in came his father. Tsuyoshi gently smiled at him and patted his hair. "It's going to be all right, Takeshi. The doctor did say it was going to heal in a few weeks."

But Yamamoto wanted to scream. His father didn't know what he was feeling right now. Pathetic, depressed, humiliated, worst of all – afraid. Nonetheless, he didn't want to trouble his father, so he grinned. "Of course. I'll be back at the game sooner than later!"

Tsuyoshi laughed and bade him good night.

\

The next day, he didn't want to go to school. If he did so, he'd hear the entire school mocking him. His father would probably let him off the hook if he came up with some sort of excuse; but he didn't want to sound like a coward, so he forced himself to stand up and do his morning routine. It was hard, considering he only had to use one arm. At times he would accidentally bump his broken arm, and he would wince at the sudden pain.

Tsuyoshi greeted him brightly with a smile and prepared him his breakfast. Yamamoto was about to offer to help when he remembered his injury. He glared at his broken arm, angry. He felt so much anger in his body, but he grinned as Tsuyoshi served the food. When they finished eating, Yamamoto announced he was leaving, but not after Tsuyoshi said to take care of himself more.

I'm sorry, Dad.

Yamamoto walked his way to school, taking his sweet slow time on it. He was definitely not in a hurry to school, not in a hurry to be humiliated. But when the school entered his vision, he suddenly felt nauseous and wanted to return home. He felt so pathetic and miserable. So he ran and ran and ran. He let his feet control his body, with no idea on what his destination was.

When he regained his senses, he found himself standing on the edge of the rooftop. He wasn't stupid, he knew what he was about to do.

Jump.

He heard the word echo. Even if he did jump, no one would probably care. That was what he thought when a crowd of students all of a sudden came to the rooftop, screaming for him to come back and to stop. It only fell on deaf ears. Yamamoto was sure that once they realised how useless he was, they would simply throw him away like trash preparing to be incinerated.

Among the throng of people, a brunet bravely went a few metres near him. Tsuna? he thought. Ah, he must have understood me above everyone else. Yamamoto turned around to face the other. "If you came to stop me, it's no use. You should be able to understand my feelings." A dumbfounded look was plastered on Tsuna's face. He continued, "For someone that's called Dame-Tsuna all the time, you can understand the feeling of preferring to die over failing at everything, right?"

"No! Unlike you, I've never put effort into one single thing." Yamamoto was surprised at Tsuna, who was usually timid, shouting. Tsuna looked down and muttered, "Saying you're so frustrated that you want to die, or you want to die because of a career-ending accident... Unlike you, I've never had those kind of intense thoughts. In fact, I'm a pathetic person who would have regrets when dying. Thinking if I'm going to die then I should've done it with my dying will, thinking it's a waste to die from something like this, so I can't understand your feelings. Sorry... Later!" He suddenly turned around and ran.

"Wait, Tsuna!" Yamamoto grabbed his uniform. "T-thanks." A feeble smile appeared. Maybe it was the intensity of what Tsuna said that he managed to change his mind, or maybe it was the feeling of having to stop being a coward and face everything head on. Tsuna didn't run away when people kept calling him Dame-Tsuna. He simply accepted it as a fact, and fathoming his lack of skills.

Slowly, he went over the rail and back to the safe zone. Tsuna smiled at him before the crowd of people smothered them. He lost sight of him. But to that day, Yamamoto was eternally grateful to Tsuna. He had saved him from such a foolish act. He looked once more at the crowd. Some were crying, some were saying how stupid he was, and the others were just happy he stopped. Different emotions swelled deep inside him, but what was dominant was his feelings of happiness.

\

It was in his first year of high school when he first met Gokudera. Gokudera recently transferred, making such a ruckus at his first day. He didn't listen at all to the teacher and simply kept sleeping, with his feet atop the table. Finally, Yamamoto was told he was in-charge of showing the new student around. It seemed like an easy job, so he agreed to it.

When it was break time, he approached Gokudera. "Hey. Want to go around or do you want to do it later?" He grinned. It should be fun to get to know the new student. Something about Gokudera pulled him in. Well, he didn't expect him to just go with him, considering Gokudera's personality.

But Gokudera scowled back. "You're going to pester me until I agree, aren't you?"

He was slightly taken aback. Was he that easy to read? Yamamoto released a sheepish laugh. "Yeah?"

Gokudera rolled his eyes and slowly stood up. "Let's just get this over with."

"Okay then." That was kind of easy. Yamamoto blinked, smiling widely. They left the room with him leading Gokuera all over the school. They passed numerous rooms, but not without Yamamoto babbling about what it is for and other trivial nostalgia about it. He didn't want to bore Gokudera out, so he tried his best to appear friendly to him.

Now and then some students would greet him. He would just greet back and beam. Ever since Tsuna saved him, he had learnt to smile more and appreciate what he had and what surrounded him. Since that day, he and Tsuna rarely meet. He absolutely craved to express how grateful he was to him, but fate was against it. Before he realised it, three years had passed and they were already in high school.

Gokudera and him continued to walk around. Gokudera wasn't talkative, a grunt here and there was just the approval he needed to know that he was listening. But when they turned around the corridor, they bumped into one of their classmates.

"Oh, Yamamoto! I was looking for you," said classmate spoke. "You know that baseball ticket you wanted to buy from me? Someone offered me a high price and I just couldn't resist it. So I sold it to him. You're not mad, are you? I'm really, really sorry."

Yamamoto gaped, startled. He was absolutely looking forward to that game, the guy already told him that he'd reserve it for him, but here he was apologising for breaking off his word. He stood for a while, not knowing what to say. After a few seconds, he managed to regain his composure; he, then, released a forced laugh. "Maa, it's fine. There's always next time, right?"

The other sighed in relief. "Thanks, Yamamoto. I knew you'd understand. You're such a great guy," he said. He waved his hand and ran off.

"That's disgusting."

Yamamoto glanced to see the new student sneering, a face of repulsion appeared so obviously. Eh? "Him? It's fine. He said –"

"Not him, you."

Confused, he tilted his head. "What? What did I do?"

Gokudera advanced slowly towards him until their faces were only mere inches away. "The way you pretend and force yourself is pitifully revolting. If you had something to say to that guy, then you should have. 'It's fine'," he mimicked in a small voice. "That's bullshit."

Yamamoto was beyond astounded. For the past years, he had lived on hiding his true feelings. Pretending had brought him to where he was today. I knew you'd understand. He gritted his teeth in frustration. When he was about to commit suicide, he became aware of how feelings of insecurity could bring to one's ruin. He felt alone and hurt. So when the day with Tsuna managed to stop him from jumping off, Yamamoto realised he should be a guy who'd be understanding, the one who would never leave anyone alone, the lone one to shoulder the pain instead of letting others deal with it.

"You don't know anything," he finally hissed.

"Maybe. But at least I don't let others control me like a puppet."

"I don't let them control me. I choose to do so."

Gokudera paused. "Why?"

"I'm happy this way," he mumbled.

"Oh? So you believe acting like a knight in shining armor pretending to sacrifice yourself would bring you happiness?"

"At least I think of others. You seem like you only care about yourself!" snapped Yamamoto.

Gokudera's eyes flared. "I do what I want when I want to."

"How narcissistic."

Gokudera grabbed his collar and shoved him against the wall, thankfully, no one was around at this hallway. "Who are you?"

Yamamoto winced at the impact. "W-what? Yamamoto Takeshi?"

"Who's Yamamoto Takeshi?"

"Me?"

"Who is Yamamoto Takeshi?" he repeated.

"I'm Yamamoto Takeshi, sixteen, a first year in Namimori High of class 1-C, a member of the baseball club." He was completely baffled at the sudden change.

"Where's Yamamoto Takeshi?"

"But I'm –"

"Where's Yamamoto Takeshi?"

"Here! In front of you!" shouted Yamamoto, annoyed at the repetitive questions. "Look, I'm not that smart so I don't get what you're trying to –"

"Really? Because it seems to me that the person in front of me is a sad excuse of a trying-hard idiotic hero," sneered Gokudera. He released his hold on the other and continued, "Now let me ask you this. Is Yamamoto Takeshi alive?"

"Y-yes, I'm alive," he answered, dazed. "I'm alive," he repeated.

"Then prove it." Gokudera turned his back. "Prove that Yamamoto Takeshi is there." He walked away.

When Tsuna saved him, it was a turning point of his life. He saved him from death. He believed he was freed from his cowardice, from his ignorance. But when Gokudera arrived, it was only a few hours before he was saved again. Tsuna didn't entirely free him, the barrier only cracked a little and it was Gokudera who shattered it. Once again, he was saved and freed.

Yamamoto felt like crying.

\

"Maa, Hayato. It wasn't my fault that I fell asleep during class."

"You really are an idiot, aren't you? Oh, wait. Don't answer that."

Yamamoto grinned. A year had passed after the incident with Gokudera. It had been a bumpy ride after that, but gradually, they became closer and closer as each day passed by. He understood that his now best friend was just someone who wasn't open about his feelings. Yamamoto grew to understand that, he wouldn't force the other to open up immediately.

Lately, though, whenever he sees him, he would feel queasy and weird. One day he decided to ask a doctor about it. When asked what symptoms he felt, he replied: "Whenever I see this certain person I would suddenly feel weird and my heart feels like it's being squeezed. And then I would feel somewhat nervous. Am I sick?" Instead of answering, the doctor just shook his head and smiled softly, telling him that he wasn't sick and that the problem would be resolved soon.

Gokudera was smart, that was a well-known fact in school despite his delinquent tendencies. Maybe I should ask him, he thought. Yeah, I should. So he repeated what he told the doctor, hoping that he knew the answer to it.

Gokudera stared at him for a long time, then he released a snort. "Sounds like you're in love. Well, at least that's what they show in those sappy soap operas."

Yamamoto's hazel eyes widened, his jaw dropped. He didn't know – how could he not know?

"Hayato, you like soap operas?" he asked loudly, amazed at this fact.

"W-w-what? I never said I like those!" Gokudera sputtered.

"Maa, it's fine liking those things. I still watch cartoons."

"Somehow, I'm not surprised," muttered Gokudera. "A-anyway, who's the person?"

"Eh? What person?"

Gokudera rolled his eyes, "The one you're in love with, baseball idiot."

"Oh, that." Yamamoto grinned. "It's nothing. I must have been mistaken."

Gokudera just shrugged and leant on the railings. "You really are an idiot."

\

A month had passed since Yamamoto became aware of his feelings for his best friend. He swore to stay normal and keep his emotions in check. Gokudera was his best friend, his savior, it was enough. He treasured him. He didn't want to lose him for something as insignificant as his feelings. Being friends was enough, he determined. As long as the Gokudera was happy, then so was he.

It was also a month later when someone approached him. Baseball practice just ended and he was washing his face in one of the comfort room. If Yamamoto remembered correctly, this older teen was...

"Chaos."

Yamamoto whirled around. "Reborn-senpai? Was there anything you needed?"

"Have you ever thought that this was a comfort room and I just needed to release?"

Oh. He laughed. "Right. Then I should go now." He made to leave when Reborn said:

"You're in love with Gokudera Hayato, aren't you?"

That one question made his entire body freeze. "W-what are you talking about? Hayato's my best friend," he said, feigning innocence.

"Don't act innocent with me." Reborn smirked. "I made a group called Vongola. I would be pleased if you'd join."

Yamamoto wasn't dumb. He had heard the rumours regarding the Vongola. It wasn't in anywhere his interest, but he couldn't connect the dots on why his feelings for his best friend were uttered. "Sorry, senpai. I'm not really interested." He walked a few steps before Reborn spoke again.

"It would help you find someone else other than Gokudera."

At that, Yamamoto narrowed his eyes. "I don't think I want to find someone other than him."

"But you're afraid, aren't you?" He froze. "You're afraid of him leaving you, that's why you decided to hide your feelings." Reborn placed a hand on his shoulder and added, "I'm sure he feels the same towards you, and I can prove it to you," said Reborn in a haughty tone.

"How?"

"Just join the Vongola, and you'll see."

Yamamoto didn't know if it was desperation or just his naivety that made him agree.

\

"Hey, Hayato." They were on their way home, and Reborn's words still buzzed in his ears. He heard Gokudera grunt, a positive sign of him listening. "I joined the Vongola. Reborn-senpai invited me." He looked intently at Gokudera's face, hoping that he would stop him. Vongola had a rule of one week per date. It was just a bunch of flings that aimed to satisfy their clients. If Gokudera stopped him...

"Like I give a damn."

Oh.

A week later, he found out Gokudera also joined the Vongola.