Signs of anxiety are observable with the five senses. There are physiological changes such as rapid heartbeat, perspiration in the hands and neck, heightened awareness, and nervous neurotic tendencies.

Tsuna felt all of the above.

He glanced to the side, glad there wasn't anyone he knew or—really, just anyone. He would prefer to face his fears alone, and as much a his family believed that somehow their support would make him stronger, well they weren't wrong really. It just motivated him not to lose, because who will be facing the consequences at the expense of his loss?

Exactly.

His saliva refused to be swallowed, his grip on the knob tightened, and the doors of the cafe were very beautifully innocent in this whole ordeal. Giotto's room had a brass knob, one the classics. Required a key to be closed. He rubbed his hands on his face. The scratches on the brass were grey due to the fact of this establishment's popularity...think of something else. Anything.

The intense smell of coffee invaded his lungs, bringing in slight brisk clarity. The yellow undertones of the interior lighting made his blush fade, and he tried to stop his lips from twitching, keep his hands in one position. He instantly recognized G's hair, and could see those blond tips, those he knew so well. He walked up to their secluded seating booth, registering Hibari's smug face, nerves freezing up to only replenish in calm composure. Hibari always has this effect on him.

"Hibari-san?"

"It's about time you arrived, Sawada Tsunayoshi."

"Well, you beat me, Hibari-san. Wouldn't be the first time."

The sensation, every ounce of Giotto's stare became absorbed to his core.

He felt like prey.

"Hello, ragazzino." Tsuna smiled. Gokudera would be in a rage right now, probably steaming alone outside.

"It's great to see you. And I'm not a little boy anymore."

"You're right. You're a little man," G grinned. He realized he stood for too long, and Hibari stared pointedly at the empty space beside him.

"Actually...Tsunayoshi, could you please step out for a few minutes? I'll let Kyouya-san get you after I have a private chat with him." His voice still had that brotherly tone, but it still held so much more. Like an ocean trying to hold back from crashing waves to the shore.

"Fine, I'll wait." He gave Hibari-san a small smile before stepping out of the booth. After all, there were words he probably didn't want to hear.

…

"Well, that was surprisingly smooth."

"He's not a toddler, Giotto," G murmured mildly. "He knows when to not interfere. Unlike you."

Hibari hid his almost-upturning of lips behind the rim of his cup. This is one of the reasons he came. The last time he saw the carnivore was almost two years ago, and now he could see the aftermath of the passage of time. There was darker coloration underneath his eyes, an exhaustion that results from little sleep. And Hibari understood that feeling.

"Your eyes let me know you have a lot to say, Kyouya-san."

"I do, carnivore. I would like to place initial input, eliminate all presumptions if you will."

Giotto leaned forward, eyes unblinking. "And what is this input?"

"I forbid further contact between you and Sawada Tsunayoshi. I will not allow you to interfere his current state of mind. He is graduating, and he is under my care."

He could see the sudden change of demeanor, and if he were someone else, he would cower. But Giotto frowned, mouth pressed down to a hard line. G looked affronted as well, but there was understanding. "You know, Kyouya-san, I was expecting harmless camaraderie between you and I. But I've come to realize, well I know, that I should pay heed to your...input. But it's an odd request, don't you think so?"

Hibari raised his eyebrows. "Not at all. It's reasonable, considering Tsunayoshi has more important matters to think about. He's graduating, he'll be attending Namimori University, and he has entrance exams to study for."

And Hibari knew he won. Giotto had leaned against the seat, his grip on the coffee cup quite strong. What admirable resistance. "Well...that sounds reasonable."

"It is."

"What are your intentions, Kyouya-san?" The anger in that voice was palpable, and honestly, this was getting interesting. Why he wanted to challenge the carnivore, he didn't really know. Not that he ever needed a reason to challenge someone, but his inclination to anger Giotto beyond reason made him feel very much alive. He wanted to show him who had a closer reach to Tsuna, and who had the greater chance of connecting with him. And he wasn't worried, because Tsuna will always be beyond reach. If all he could do was watch the omnivore stumble innocently in the world, blinded with a sense of justice and love, then he would do everything in his power to extend his realm of protection. Like the cloud he was.

"I would also like to know that, Hibari-san," G murmured lowly, not missing that smug expression that crossed his face a few seconds ago.

"That doesn't matter, does it?"

"It does to me if you're planning to fulfill the role of other than a Guardian," Giotto hissed acidly, and the challenge really did exist now. He felt certain that he could handle both this Sky and Storm.

He's been on the receiving end of that question since he became part of Vongola. What were his intentions for the future of Vongola? Did he have any slight loyalty towards the Family? Did he see Tsuna as the rightful Boss and leader? He didn't even know how to answer these questions for himself, because clearly his emotions liked to be complex. Yes, he felt inclined to help the Vongola. If he did, he will have more information regarding the future and safety of Namimori. As for loyalty, he did, to some unwanted extent, care for some of the Family members, not all. And Tsuna. Tsuna's entire being is equivalent to enormous potential.

"Whether I do or not, will it truly be beneficial towards the end of it all? What you're doing, carnivore, is doubting my capabilities and will. What I do or not, will always be some asset for this Family. But if I decide to do nothing, what will the results be? Who will be in danger? And can anyone truly protect Sawada Tsunayoshi like I do? Ask the baby, and he'll tell you." At this point, he knew that they both didn't expect that response and his patience for these questions. Tsuna was listening now, hearing every single word. He felt it. "Are you telling me you'll protect him, after everything that happened?"

Giotto flinched. There's no resistance. Triumph engulfed his chest, and honestly, it was what he waited for.

…

Tsuna wanted to scream, wanted to cry, and wanted to thank Hibari all at once. Hibari was speaking for him, shielding the past. But he didn't want to see Giotto look hurt or on the brink of breaking or have an emotional blow in a public cafe. He didn't want to allow this conversation to continue. It was his duty to establish harmony, whether it made him uncomfortable or not.

"It's been forty minutes. Can we talk about business?"

He barely glanced at Giotto, sliding closer beside his Cloud Guardian. Even now, Giotto's face lost some of its usual cheer. His dark under eye circles accentuated his pallor, and his face looked slightly more thin. "Of course, Tsunayoshi. I just wanted to discuss our affairs in...Italy and Greece. We expanded our headquarters, and recently made a contract with a new Family. If you want to be acquainted with them, I can certainly arrange a visit or meet-up."

"That would be great actually. As of right now, Hibari-san is taking care of me, and I would like to discuss this with him. His input is valuable, after all." Tsuna murmured, shifting his eyes to his tea cup. He knew Hibari was observing him, calculating every move. I feel nauseous.

G smirked at him, a this is what you wanted, I don't know what you were expecting, kiddo stare thrown discreetly. What was Giotto thinking about? Tsuna wanted to know. What was he supposed to do in a situation like this? There's no protocol, and he could imagine the hammer coming his way from Reborn.

His mother always had spontaneous visits from her husband, how she handled the emotional upheaval after not seeing the love of her life for months really made him want to be her right now. She could smile, be beautifully domestic without shedding a tear.

"What are you thinking about, herbivore?"

He winced, not expecting Hibari to get that close, much less whisper in his ear in front of Giotto, no less. Good gravy, his cheeks felt very warm. "Uh, nothing. I want to go home. I'm not feeling well," he mumbled. Hibari raised his eyebrows.

"Right now, you say?"

"Yeah." He looked at Giotto with a wavering smile. How he would made his anxiety disappear, he didn't know, but at least Hibari was being understanding.

"It was great speaking to you, Tsunayoshi." Giotto bowed his head, his lips never upturning the slightest. "I'll call you tomorrow."

…

The ceiling had pearly white patches from the time his father came to repair it. He remembered how Reborn easily cracked the plaster with Leon, and how terrified he was as he tried to escape.

His mom never seemed angry with all the chaos that surrounded their lives, and she never questioned his affairs in the Mafia. But he knew she was much more intelligent than given credit for. She knew when to be spineless, when to be ditzy, and when to be absolutely scary.

"You're mother is a special woman, Tsunayoshi. You're a lot like her than you believe." Giotto laughed, and leaned on his side. The day had been sunny, and they were having a picnic near the creek. "A lot actually. You have her face. Very cute."

"Stop that. You tease me too much, Giotto-san."

"And how can I not?" His eyes went from playful to seriously somber. "I care a lot about you." He coughed. "As a mentor of course."

"I know." But he didn't. Because he found himself craving the Second's Sky company and presence. He would want to enter his personal office, and maybe talk to him about anything.

"It's been forty minutes. Can we talk about business?"

Giotto wrinkled his nose. "I hate that word. Business. It makes my duties seems almost painful. They are, but I actually care about my work, and what we stand for. The people make it worth it. And you of course."

"Giotto-san-"

"Just Giotto is fine, Tsunayoshi."

They hugged tightly for the last time, and he forced himself to memorize the scent of Giotto's cologne. "I'm sorry."

He gasped. And with a shuddering breath, he heaved out a tiny sob.

"Sawada Tsunayoshi." The lump of emotions was hard to swallow, but he did anyway, and forced himself to hold some steady ground. He felt horrible, so inexplicably guilty, for once loving his Twin Flame, for failing his Family in the slightest way, for leaving Giotto alone in Italy, hurt and confused. He wished he could say sorry, apologize for what he's done, what he he's about to do right now. And he wanted to say sorry to Hibari for relying on his strength too much, his patience, and making him endure this whole babysitting ordeal.

"Y-Yes, Hibari-san."

"It's four in the morning."

"Okay."

Hibari sighed, losing his patience. "What did I say about repressing your emotions?" His voice had a mercurial quality to it, almost surreal. It was smooth, and not reprimanding. So beautiful to listen to.

Only sniffles pierced the air, the ones that happened uncontrollably. "I-I know." Hibari remained silent, and slid off the covers. "Where are you going?"

"Follow me now, herbivore." There was no room for discussion, so he did, slipping on his house shoes. They shuffled into the kitchen, Hibari a lot more gracefully and it wasn't even his house. "Sit."

"I can't see."

"Exactly."

Tsuna smiled, and cautiously leaned on the wooden chair. He knew it the moment he heard the clinking of glass that Hibari-san was preparing tea. Tea always did what it had to do. "Kocha, Sawada Tsunayoshi. After this, we will take a walk."

"It's four in the morning."

"Exactly." How cryptic was that? But he found it oddly charming and really unexpected. He used to hate surprises a lot more before, but since he's gotten older, he's learned to appreciate them. Especially when he would get to see Lambo force himself awake for Tsuna's last day of junior high, or see Kyoko bake a cake for their graduation. He heard the tea be poured, and knew Hibari had already opened the door to the backyard. "Come."

"R-Right." The grass felt soft under his slippers, and it wasn't too cold. He could only see the silhouettes of the trees, but there were still stars to be seen in the pink-streaked purple sky. "I was thinking."

"About." Not even phrased as a question, completely Hibari-style.

"About how sorry I am. For many things, but I also want to apologize for being burden. Especially for you at this time, making you step in and do all of...this." He exhaled deeply, not sure how to rationalize this situation. He'd never believe that he would be able to sit with Hibari, of all the individuals that have touched his life, given it something precious, and have a one-sided conversation at a time like this.

They sat in silence, only the hum of the crickets and chirps of birds would be the only sound accompanying this moment. The bustle and activity of the Namimori citizens slowly began to emerge, and he could tell Hibari was enjoying this too. Tsuna knew he wouldn't get a response for the emotional outburst, but at least he knew he was heard.

He looked at Hibari's profile, taking in the usual frown, the pensive and calculating nature of his stare. And they gazed at each other for a few seconds, and he knew Hibari was actually looking at him now, processing this image and thinking as well, lost in his own thoughts. It's as if he was staring at a child, a small animal. "You're interesting," Hibari murmured.

"I could say the same thing," Tsuna replied, cradling the tea cup closer to his chest.

…

The classroom seemed emptier today, a few students lounged about. Kyoko had her cheeks squished in her hands, a cute smile on her face.

"I'm excited for the School Festival. You're going to be in it with me this year since you're always busy around these times of year, right, Tsuna-kun?"

Tsuna stopped reading, looking up. "Yeah. It's in two weeks. I think my hands won't be full." He's been trying to engage with anything these days, and even decided to check out some books from Gokudera's collection. Mostly conspiracy theories and science fiction were his options, and he could only imagine how Gokudera managed to stomach this amount of scientific words in a paragraph.

"I'll be in the dessert stand. You and I can be the hosts." She could barely contain her grin, and for some reason, he felt happy. She leaned in close and squeezed his hand. "Haru is designing the costumes this year, so be ready."

He laughed. "I'm never ready for Haru's costumes."

…

Hibari barely had time to block the series of strikes, and he quickly countered with his flames. Tsuna narrowed his eyes, and lashed sporadically before falling back.

They both feigned and kicked, dragging their feet in the dirt. "Gap in the left," Hibari warned before he swung, finally finding his target. He heard Tsuna grunt, aiming another forceful blow.

Tsuna collapsed on his knees, breathing heavily and holding his arm carefully. A deep purple bruise colored his skin, shaped like a rod. They stop and Hibari, for some reason wanted to offer his hand. But he didn't. Instead, he wiped the dust off his shirt, the specks of blood from his tonfa, and grass from his shoes. "I want ice cream, Hibari-san. Let's go." They're panting, the sun's rays were merciless, burning their skin. Tsuna smiled at him as if they hadn't just brutally sparred, and walked ahead on the trail with a slight limp.

"Now?"

"Yes, I promised an ice cream day after we'd meet Giotto-san."

These were the types of situations that he didn't know how to properly process emotionally. Tsuna always seemed slightly whimsical at times, very carefree and childish, but he could be just as sharp and decisive when needed. He noticed the buds on the spring trees, the simplicity of this nature trail. Dino liked to spar in these environments, always away from the public eye. They reached the fence to Namimori Park, where the ice cream man was stationed.

"I'll be getting peach. What would you like Hibari-san?"

"Melon."

Tsuna nodded and picked out his spare change, sprinting away. Why was he being tested this way, he didn't know.

It amused him to think that just four years ago, Sawada Tsunayoshi and he were just an upperclassman and underclassman present in the same building. Small animals have the will to survive.

"Here, Hibari-san."

He took the cone wordlessly, pleased that no one but children were at the park. Tsuna chose a bench close to the swings, and he wondered if this was where he was meant to be. Sitting under the sun, Hibari eating ice cream with him at the park.

"I like spending time with you."

I do as well.

"Eat, herbivore. Then we run."

Hello everyone.

I didn't think I would have to write this but it's necessary. Closure is necessary, especially for you, who have been faithfully and patiently waiting for me to post a chapter. It's been years since KHR ended, people don't really read fanfiction in this 'fandom' anymore, and I don't either, with the exception of Keaton Grin (go read their work, absolutely mindblowing and worth it). Anyway, it's really hard to find the motivation to write a story that no one is really reading. And although I originally promised to finish this story, I really can't. Words don't cooperate. So thank you to those who have been reading, reviewing, and doing everything in between. My recent 1827 story, which is completely finished (it's a two-shot) is Sonder, the one 1827 fanfic I'm proud of. It's very personal if I must be honest, so go check that out if you would like as an official good bye and gift. This is where I last left off, thank you so much for sticking around. I will definitely keep writing fanfiction, just not 1827. I will probably post other drafts/snippets underneath this chapter of other 1827 AUs I never finished. If you want to talk to me or have any questions, my tumblr url is kouseiss. Have a wonderful day/night!