TIES

Chapter IV

Yamamoto felt all eyes on him as he entered the conference room. His eyes wandered around and saw that all the other guardians already gathered around the huge round table set at the middle of the room. Obviously, he's late for today's meeting - the first one the famiglia will ever have since they arrived in Japan. Tsuna is calmly seated at the middle with Reborn at his left. Spanner, Irie and Giannini are also present. Kusakabe situated himself near the three technical specialists. Kusakabe bowed in respect when Yamamoto's eyes met his and the said swordsman also bowed in return. Noticeably, the only woman around was Chrome.

"Finally! Now sit your butt where ever so we can start," Gokudera exclaimed in exasperation as he crushed down his cigarette butt on the ashtray set on the table.

"Ah... Sorry for being late." Yamamoto apologized as he walked towards the only seat available – between Ryohei and Hibari. He smiled at the older male who energetically nodded in response. Letting his gaze wander to his other side, Yamamoto found himself drowned into two sharp black pools. Yamamoto blinked, realizing that Hibari was glaring at him. Not really certain about what to do, Yamamoto simply grinned at the volatile Cloud Guardian who ignored the gesture. The cheerful swordsman didn't mind the cold treatment. Anyway, who doesn't get a glare from Hibari?

Wait.

When Hibari pays attention, well, glares at anyone, only two things are supposed to happen – either you get bitten to death or he smirks at you and leaves you alone unscathed. A person who irritates, insults, challenges or simply displeases Hibari immediately merits an unforgettable one-sided conversation (i.e. beating) with the said man, unless one is capable enough to fight back. If you are neither an animal, a child, Reborn nor Tsuna, don't expect anything less than a tonfa blow. What just occurred does not fall under any of the two categories.

Did I just catch Hibari 'staring' at me?

"Yamamoto, where's Tsukina-chan?" Tsuna asked gently, unknowingly and effectively distracting Yamamoto from his internal situation analysis. In truth, he is worried, not by the fact that the Vongola has an infant within its Japanese headquarters but because of his Rain Guardian. Years of friendship showed him how incomparably warm and accepting Yamamoto is. Suddenly having Tsukina as his daughter, Yamamoto surely, Tsuna noted, handled it pretty well but he wanted to support his big-hearted friend as much as he can. Tsuna realized over time that once Yamamoto has accepted a person as a part of his life, he easily attaches himself. Being a part of the Mafia makes life more unpredictable and uncertain than it already is. Despite Yamamoto's tenacity as a swordsman, Tsuna is certain that he too can get hurt one way or another if not by the edge of a blade. And he doesn't want that for Yamamoto. They're a family after all.

"She's with Kyoko-san and Haru-san. Haha, I think they had taken a liking of her. Thanks Tsuna," Yamamoto informed the Vongola Boss with a smile. "Sorry again for the wait."

"With everyone here, let's begin," Reborn declared as he stood up from his seat, walked near the screen and motioned everyone to pay attention to the said wide-screen which displays various men and their identifications, obviously mafia-related.

"We didn't come to Japan for a vacation," the grown arcobaleno paused, "After the episode with the Gesso, we have received reports that other mafia families are now eyeing on the Vongola, specifically the Japan base. These men shown on screen were hired spies by the potential enemy families apprehended by our men. Apparently, they were hired through a negotiator so they know little information as to which families are going against us. We, however, are certain that these families are yet to discover our location both here and in Italy but that is secondary."

Reborn's intense eyes scanned the faces of the room's occupants. "It is most important that the main family members never get id-ed by the enemies." He paused and walked back towards his seat. "Everyone should be aware of what follows when that happens."

Of course they knew. They've seen it before – in the form of Byakuran.

"Now," Tsuna spoke as Reborn re-occupied his seat, "there are still a lot of variables in this affair so we need to look at all possibilities. As of now, the Varia is in command of the Headquarters. We all know that they are capable in terms of warfare but, we need to scour for possible information related to this potential attack on Vongola even outside Japan. And, it is also possible that the families behind this threat are just baiting us to send our entire force here when they actually attack in Italy."

Tsuna inhaled. He felt like he's beating around the bush. After all these years, he still finds it difficult to speak about things which may lead his friends – his family – to any form of danger or harm. No one dared make a sound despite the open silence. The Tenth Vongola Boss could feel the intensity of the atmosphere as all eyes are on him, expecting him to continue. Before he continued, Tsuna released the breath he didn't realize he had been holding.

"We need Guardians in Italy."

The statement was not a surprise yet for a stranger, the stillness within the room might seem otherwise. Everyone understands the need for such action. They can't leave any holes open. This is a mission.

"So who will go, Tenth?" Gokudera broke the silence, giving voice to the previously unspoken question that hung in the air.

It was Reborn who answered, "Yamamoto and Hibari will fly back to Italy in two days. Varia has already been informed of the situation."

"I don't think so." "Eh?"

All eyes turned to the two Guardians who both reacted at the same time. Hibari is obviously displeased with the arrangement. Yamamoto on the other hand is confused.

"I always fight at the front lines," Hibari pointed icily, his gaze directed at Reborn.

When Reborn, Tsuna and Irie planned the mission assignments, they had already anticipated such protests from the Cloud Guardian. Convincing Hibari to do something is usually the longest part of any Vongola briefing – that is, if he actually bothers to attend.

"Hibari-san, we are not engaging in a fight… yet," Tsuna started explaining, "we need you in Italy to gather information on the families eyeing an attack on our Japanese base. Your Foundation has already established an extensive intel in Italy and we need that. We are doing this so that we can know our enemies and prevent another war. In case that war would actually be waged against Vongola in Italy, then you, Yamamoto and Varia will be leading our men there."

"We considered the situation before deciding to give this mission to you, Hibari-kun," Irie spoke up. As one who proposed the pair-up for the current mission being discussed, he feels the need to successfully explain things especially to Hibari Kyoya.

"Sasagawa-kun has to stay as we don't have a lot of sun flame users here. Dokuro-san's illusions will be useful for information gathering while Lambo's quite not yet ready for such mission. Gokudera-kun is in charge with the Vongola offensive troop and we need them in securing Namimori."

"I have to be here Hibari-san," Tsuna said while looking at the Cloud Guardian meaningfully. He knows Hibari understand that he, as the Boss, could not leave his men in the field.

Hibari glared at Tsuna, "Fine."

"Besides, it has to be the two of you." Reborn added, eyeing the still unyielding Cloud Guardian, "With your Foundation, we have enough men in Italy for information gathering and in case of an attack. Yamamoto's good relationship with Varia's second-in-command," Tsuna's eyebrow quirked at the emphasis his mentor placed on the words and the way Hibari's gaze suddenly intensified, "will allow us to better coordinate with Varia since Italy is their territory."

"Ah, about that. Tsuna," it was Yamamoto spoke up, concern evident in his voice, "Not that I'm complaining but with just having Tsukina recently, going to Italy is a bit…"

Of course Tsuna understands. All of them understand. But everyone also understands that if they don't take action, worse things can happen.

"We had already made arrangements for Tsukina-chan. She can stay with-" Irie stopped midway in his attempt of assuring the obviously troubled Rain Guardian, "Will you bring her to Italy?"

"Yes!" Yamamoto exclaimed, surprising everyone present. Known for his easy-going demeanour, Yamamoto's sudden outburst was definitely out of character. Yes, they had seen how unstoppable he is on the battlefield but still, it is rare, if not never, that Vongola's resident swordsman expresses such strong emotions outside the battleground.

Realizing that he spoke out too strong, Yamamoto smiled hesitantly and resumed talking, "Ah, I mean, I want to take Tsukina with me. Please."

Tsuna nodded. "Don't worry about it Yamamoto. It's your call."

When the Rain Guardian no longer spoke and Hibari ceased to challenge the idea of returning to Italy, Tsuna felt somewhat relieved. It is not because he's tired of explaining rather, he too believes that Yamamoto and Hibari can successfully fulfil this mission since it is a common knowledge that Yamamoto is the most patient person especially in terms of trying to get along with Hibari.

The rest of the briefing proceeded smoothly. Details regarding the courses of action, personnel allocation and weapon information were then relayed and discussed smoothly.

As soon as the meeting was adjourned, the attendants began to vacate the room, Hibari being, unsurprisingly, the first to stand up and leave – silent brown eyes following his retreating figure. The others lingered for a while to chat and drink a bit. Haru and Kyoko also went into the conference room and handed Tsukina back to Yamamoto.

When everyone else left, Tsuna turned to Reborn.

"I hope everything turns out well."

-o-

"YOUR KID?"

Yamamoto Tsuyoshi is thankful that he's not holding any sharp object when his son Takeshi suddenly announced that the baby girl with him is his daughter. Tsuyoshi is sure that he might have seriously injured himself if he was. He's already a grandfather?

Tsuyoshi stepped out of the bar and sat on the stool beside his son who is currently making faces for the toothlessly grinning baby.

"Takeshi, where is her mother? Is she Italian?"

Takeshi adjusted Tsukina in his arms as to face his father, "No. She does not have a mother."

"Takeshi, I'm certain that I did my best to raise you properly. And being a swordsman as well, what happened to your honor-"

"No, no, that's not it, oyaji!" Takeshi immediately blurted after realizing that his father thought that he abandoned Tsukina's "mother".

The old sushi chef furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, yet allowed his son to continue. Takeshi then briefly narrated the events that led to his meeting with his little princess. When Takeshi was done with his story, Tsuyoshi could not conceal his surprise and just stared at the innocent-looking babe. How could he complain about such an adorable kid who obviously brings out the maturity in his carefree son?

In the end, Tsuyoshi gave his son and new granddaughter his blessings for their trip. After all the goodbyes and reminders, the former swordsman soon returned to his own thoughts.

The older Yamamoto could not help but smile to himself. His son really is full of surprises. Who knew that he'll instantly have a granddaughter?

Not that he's complaining but, Tsuyoshi wonders, when will his son ever settle down?

-o-

Takeshi was not surprised.

When he saw two Foundation men waiting for them at the airport, Takeshi instantly knew that Hibari Kyoya, as always, had taken matters into his hands. And this time, Takeshi found himself and his baby girl being led inside a very Japanese household situated in the outskirts of Italy instead of the Varia castle as previously instructed.

Upon seeing the guest room, Takeshi could not stop himself from associating the word 'thoughtful' to Hibari's person. Aside from its beautiful traditional Japanese interior, the room already has provisions for infant care.

The small girl, on the other hand, expressed her fatigue by letting out a yawn, her lips shaped into a small 'o' which Takeshi found really adorable. Promptly, he changed her into her sleeping clothes, gave her milk formula, snuggled her in his arms and lulled the baby to sleep. As soon as he felt Tsukina's even breathing, Takeshi tucked her in with a light kiss on her forehead and quietly stepped out of the room.

It has been a long time since Takeshi last set foot on the Foundation's Italian base. Earlier, Hibari told him to proceed to the dining hall once he's settled but did not even bother giving him directions. Takeshi shrugged to himself and started finding his way down the hall. It's not much different from locating targets during missions.

Takeshi can say that he'd seen it all. After being in the Mafia for so long, he thought that there's nothing left in the world that can still surprise him.

It wasn't his intention to see. It wasn't very far down the hall when he saw a shoji door slightly ajar. Turning his head, trained eyes immediately fell on a scene he always fantasized. Curled on the tatami-covered floor, there lay a peacefully sleeping Kyoya Hibari. The dark-hued nemaki draped loosely around the Cloud Guardian's sleeping figure, shielding the slender body albeit in vain – Takeshi could not help but admire.

No longer thinking, the Vongola swordsman blindly allowed the other's smooth pale skin to draw him in.

Just one touch.

A refreshing scent of dew and outdoors hit Takeshi's senses as he drew closer. That very moment, he threw logic out of the window and left the consequences of his actions deal with itself later.

-o-

Warm.

Kyoya intended to snuggle deeper into the warmth wrapped around him. Early mornings in Italy had never been this pleasant for him.

Instincts kicked in and eyelids immediately flew open, black eyes met a broad, shirt-clad chest. He need not look up to know who it was. He felt as if his mind shut down on its own.

For the second time since he woke up, Kyoya wanted to smack himself as his eyes suddenly decided to close and feign sleep when he felt the other stir. He felt a mix of confusion, surprise and other emotions he can't describe radiate from the man who served as his blanket the previous night. Kyoya tried to even out his breathing as he felt the cursedly comfortable warmth withdraw bit by bit.

Kyoya felt everything. His breath, his movement against the tatami, the internal panic, the gentle moist warmth on his hand, up until the light but hurried receding footsteps that vibrate through the floor – everything.

And there was silence.

Eyelids still shut, his body still curled on the floor, Kyoya is deafened. He can't understand why his heart won't stop wildly racing on his chest.

In the first place, how did he not notice?

Worse, why did he allow it?

Getting tired of such incomprehensible situation, the Foundation's leader pulled himself up into a seiza. He glared at the slowly rising sun outside and pulled the nemaki closer to his body.

The morning suddenly felt a bit too cold.

-o-

Heart loudly pounding on his chest, Takeshi could barely catch his breath.

When he woke up, he found himself still embracing Hibari. His haste hindered him from noting whether the said Vongola guardian discovered his intrusion. Despite arriving in his room in one piece, Takeshi could not convince himself that Hibari was deeply asleep the entire time.

How the previous night came to be kept on replaying in Takeshi's mind until soft infant whimpering brought him back into reality. Shaking his head, he decided to reserve his jumbled thoughts.

Takeshi gently embraced the now awake Tsukina.

For now, he's just thankful knowing that it was not a dream.

Sorry for the late update! :(

But, reviews are always, always lovely~! :D