Summer; a season loved by many. When you say summer you think of sun, beaches, free time... love maybe, but to a young mafioso, locked up in his study by his own will, summer was the most bothersome season of all. Everyone's head was in the clouds and all of them were thirsty for some free time, except for him. They had work to do, papers to sign, documents to go through. He was the right hand man of the honored Vongola boss, he had to live up to his expectations; though, the stated boss had encouraged him to take some days off repeatedly.

To him, Gokudera Hayato, his work was his pride. The trusted right hand man; a position he worked hard to achieve and worked even harder to maintain. Hone your skills, train your brain, be loyal; that could also be his motto let alone his life philosophy. So, when Yamamoto Takeshi entered into his friend's study that morning, the young mafioso let a loud grunt to show his annoyance. Yamamoto laughed wholeheartedly; he was used to his friend's bad mood so he didn't take it personally.

"And here I hoped that you would offer a welcoming smile this once, try it from time to time, it doesn't hurt," Yamamoto teased.
"Good morning," Gokudera said, like he was forced to, and turned back to his documents. "How can I help you?"
"How cold," Yamamoto laughed. "You are in a really bad mood today from what I can see."
"Of course I am!" Gokudera snapped. "Everyone idles around, I have to make sure that all of you are doing your job properly."
"Don't worry, we wouldn't want to burden you, would we?"
"Says the one you didn't submit his report last night, thus I had to go around searching for him," Gokudera scowled.
"I was going to submit it today," Yamamoto said shrugging his shoulders. "I didn't expect that you would still be angry with me."
"I'm not angry. I'm disappointed. I expect a token of responsibility from grown adults... once in a while at least. Can't always ask for the impossible, can I?"
"Tsuna is right, you do need a break," Yamamoto replied recognizing his friend's passive aggressive tone. "You are acting like a grumpy old geezer, although we are the same age."
"Tenth, it's Tenth!"
"Tenth-Tsuna whatever, it doesn't change the fact that he said that. He is worried about you, you know," Yamamoto said crossing his hands.
"I had no intention to make Tenth worried," the storm guardian finally turned to face Yamamoto. "I have to apologize later."

Yamamoto made a face, his friend was indeed a workaholic to the bone, but he had started to believe that he was a simpleton as well. When someone expresses his worry because you are overworking your self, isn't it natural to stop or at least cut down the hours you are working? Especially if the one who expressed his worry isn't only your friend, but your boss as well. Even for Yamamoto, that was called common sense; you don't just apologize and then continue doing so.

"Never mind, forget that. I think that I have some good news for you," Yamamoto announced with a smile.
"That you are going to leave me alone?"
"Nooo…."
"That you finally wrote your report properly and I will not have to review it?"
"Nooo… Well… That..."
"Then wat-is-it?" he had started to loose his temper.
"Dino is going to visit us today, actually any minute now."

"What?" Gokudera jumped from his seat. "Have we done the proper arrangements? Is Tenth informed about it? When did he set up the appointment? I'm not informed about this," he said anxiously, browsing through the papers on his desk.
"Ow, hold your horses," Yamamoto said surprised. "Dino is a friend. He doesn't really need an appointment beforehand. It was supposed to be a surprise. Tsuna is really happy for his visit actually. Also, Dino plans to stay here for at least a week from what I know. Tsuna made the arrangements himself," he assured him.

Though, Gokudera himself would never admit it, his stress was in bad state, so were his nerves. Yamamoto knew that his friend was searching for the most insignificant excuse to throw a tantrum; it was his way to release his tension, much to Yamamoto's displease since he was an easy target for that. The silver-haired mafioso fell back into his chair and took out his cigarettes. He felt the need for a smoke after so many hours of work, the bitter taste he was enjoying for many years was calming him down at times like those.

"You should really kick this habit of yours," Yamamoto advised noticing Gokudera's hands trembling. "Shouldn't you try going for a walk for once or something?"
"Oh, shut up," Gokudera said exhaling some smoke. "So, in what aspect are these good news?"
"Well, someone you know is coming along. Guess who!"
"Yamamoto..." Gokudera said in a demanding manner.
"Ok-ok. It starts with A...!"
"Asshole..."
"That's not-HEY, language!"
"You asked for it."
"It's Akira! A-ki-ra! It was an easy guess," Yamamoto said disappointed.
"Akira, who?" he asked but then froze for a moment. "Hold on, you mean..."
"Oh... so now you get it," Yamamoto said with a sly smile.
"You are kidding," Gokudera said with his eyes rolled.

Yamamoto arched an eyebrow; it seemed that he was finally able to catch his friend's attention. Gokudera put out his cigarette on his ashtray and stood up. The rain guardian chuckled; his friend was a romanticist after all. Even after so many years, many attempts to get in a relationship and after going through a few unsuccessful ones who didn't last very long, mostly because of his work frenzy, he was still interested in his childhood crush.

"What do you mean?" Gokudera asked. "So, does this mean that Hibari has finally calmed down?"
"Oh, so you were informed about the whole situation!" Yamamoto teased.
"Why wouldn't I when you are?" Gokudera answered back, annoyed by Yamamoto's comment. "It's not like it was a secret anyway."

Yamamoto couldn't help but laugh at his friend's behavior. The truth was that four years ago, his friend couldn't hide his surprise when, after a fight, the cloud guardian decided to send his little sister to study in Italy. Hibari's ties with both Vongola and Chiavarone had come in handy, since it was easy to rush the whole procedure and so his sister hadn't set foot on Japan for years. However, unable to figure out his friend, he hadn't asked him anything about his unusual behavior back then.

Gokudera had met the little devil when he was in middle school. She was younger than them and for the young, hot-tempered mafioso she was nothing but a bother at first. Yamamoto didn't know the details, but Gokudera had started to be friendlier and softer towards her at some point. Oddly, he had realized that the young, back then, Hayato had expressed some interest towards the little girl. He could also recall Shamal saying that he didn't need to worry about his pupil because he had shown some signs of manhood, a comment which made Yamamoto chuckle even up to those days.

"Did you see her?" Gokudera asked trying to act to indifferent.

His friend was an open book, even as he was asking that, he was running his finger-tips nervously along his desk's smooth surface; able to recognize his friend's habits Yamamoto was aware that not only was he interested to know more but for some reason he wasn't confident enough to ask for more directly. Gokudera was fidgeting and it was much more obvious than he thought it was; his attempt to put on a cool act was a failure. Trying to be sensitive, Yamamoto refrained himself from doing an unnecessary comment.

"No, not yet. But, she should be here by now. Lambo said that she would come along with her brother and Dino."
"Lambo?"
"Yes, it seems that he hadn't lost contact with her even after all those years."

Apparently, Yamamoto was unaware of what had brought them close, since back then he didn't pay much attention to things like that. However he was also unaware of what had moved them apart as well and thus he was unable to read the situation his companion was in. If he had to guess, he'd say that it could be adolescence, work, lack of communication maybe. Gokudera was a tricky person; that much he knew. Though he didn't give the impression of a shy one, he could be more bashful than a highschool girl depending on the situation.

"So, I was wondering if you wanted to tag along. I'm about to go and greet them," Yamamoto said resting his back on the wall.

Gokudera's study had one of the best views in the mansion, but Yamamoto doubted that his friend was sparing some time to enjoy the pleasant sight of the yard, regardless the season. Tsuna, accompanied by Kyoko, was waiting there for his visitors while savoring his morning coffee. That would definitely turn into a family gathering; which was always welcomed by Tsuna. At that time, Yamamoto ignored his friend nervous mumbling, feeling relaxed by the beautiful view.

The quiet atmosphere wafting around was soon replaced by cheerful voices. Tsuna was the first one to stand up with a big heartwarming and welcoming smile. Dino, who was accompanied by Romario and a few of his men, waved from afar striding over the colorful flower beds and when he finally reached Tsuna he pulled him into a hug. Their laughs made their way to Gokudera's study. Yamamoto smiled; in quiet times, moments like that one were treasured by the whole family.

His eyebrows arched when he felt his friend fidgeting beside him. It seemed that his curiosity did not allow him to stay away from the window for more than a few minutes. Gokudera was scanning the area like a hawk; at that point Yamamoto wasn't able to hold his laugh back. He wasn't able to refrain his emotions easily anyway, one more time wouldn't hurt, next time he would try harder, he promised that to himself; a promise he would forget few minutes later.

"What's so funny?" Gokudera expressed his irritation.
"Sorry, I couldn't help it," Yamamoto said holding his belly. "Man, you are too much."
"Che, grow up," Gokudera said with his nose up high, trying to act cool.
"So, are you going to accompany me?" Yamamoto asked. "You are Tsuna's right hand man after all, shouldn't you be by his side at every occasion?"
"Of course!"
"Let's go then," Yamamoto said heading for the door. "We shouldn't make them wait."
"Do..."
"Hmm?"
"Do I look good?" Gokudera asked tidying up his hair.

Yamamoto covered his mouth, his eyes rolled in his attempt not to laugh in front of him, but in the end he let out a loud laughter. Gokudera's face flushed due to his friend reaction; he was laughing at him so openly that it was, at least, humiliating from his point of view. With his head lowered, he made a few big steps and passed by Yamamoto.

"What's so funny again, you idiot?" he asked, not looking at him.
"I'm sorry. It's just... It was so out of your character... You... caring about appearance..."
"I do care about my appearance, it's not like I asked because we have visitors today," he argued.
"Sure-sure," Yamamoto chuckled. "Well, as Shamal says; Men are hunters, they must be ready for their prey at any time."
"I'm not out to hunt though," Gokudera replied calmly.
"As Haru says then; Be confident!"

Gokudera sighed, his was used to his friend's talkative nature, but that didn't mean that it wasn't annoying him from time to time. But then again, Gokudera was getting annoyed easily, especially after pulling all-nighters, so Yamamoto wasn't bothered by his friend's expression of discontent. They had learned to put up with each others' whims and habits through years.

"What's up?" Yamamoto asked noticing that Gokudera's gait was slowing down.
"Nothing," Gokudera retorted.

'Sure, nothing. You are obviously nervous,' Yamamoto said inwordy. 'Aren't you a worrier, Hayato?'

"Hey! Tsuna, Dino!" Yamamoto greeted from afar.
"You are too loud, you idiot. Don't try to make an entrance!" Gokudera said elbowing him in his rib.

"Sorry," he mumbled.
"Yamamoto! Gokudera!" Dino returned the greet. "Long time not to see!"

After the typical greetings, they sat on the table where coffee and tea was already served, engaging in a random conversation about their news and everyday lives. Tsuna and Dino, being both bosses of their families, couldn't help but raise a topic about mafia's news and provocative dealings by other families which had made them feel uneasy about their outcome; a conversation that was usually welcomed by the silver haired mafioso, not to mention his favorite topic.

"So, speaking about our family... I thought that Hibari was going to come along with you today..." Gokudera brought up.
"I didn't know that you were in good terms, I thought it was the opposite," Dino laughed.

'So frank,' Tsuna and Yamamoto thought in unison.

"Did you actually miss him?"
"I'm asking out of pure professional interest," Gokudera rejoined. "But, despite that fact that he will have to submit a report, he is still part of the family. As a fellow guardian, I have to express some concern from time to time, even for mere formalities."
"I see-I see," Dino laughed again. "He is already here actually, but he preferred to retire to his room for now."
"Typical of him," Gokudera commented.
"He must be exhausted from his trip, he insisted to accompany his sister after all," Tsuna said with a smile.
"I wish he would trust me a bit more, it's like he considers me, hence the whole Chiavarone family, incapable of protecting his sister."
"Speaking of that, Kyoko escorted Akira to her room. I guess they will come back by any minute," Tsuna said taking a look at his watch.
"Oh, actually, here they are!" Dino said. "Akira!" he called waving.

That resulted to two spilled cups of coffee on the table, a broken plate and a big stain on Yamamoto's trousers. Chiavarone family's boss was as clumsy as ever without his subordinates around. Tsuna assured Dino with a nervous smile on his face that it wasn't a bid deal and that he didn't have to apologize. Yamamoto just laughed it off and tried to blot the area dry with a napkin, while Gokudera just snorted.

"What happened?" Kyoko asked.
"It's nothing, don't worry," Tsuna reassured her. "Did you put your things away?" he asked the girl beside Kyoko.
"Yes sir," she replied.
"No need for formalities," Tsuna laughed. "Call me Tsuna, like in the past."
"Thank you," she said.
"She is very polite when she wants, isn't she?" Dino asked taping her head while Tsuna was waving the idea that she heard her mumbling something.
"You haven't greeted Gokudera and Yamamoto yet, have you?" he asked gesturing towards his friends.
"Hello Akira, I haven't seen you in year, you've changed a lot," Yamamoto said.
"Pleased to meet you again too!" Gokudera said, suddenly standing up and then bowed.

However, the way he stood up was so clumsy that he pulled the tablecloth along with him; naturally, the mess he caused was much worse than the one Dino had caused beforehand. That was the final hit for Yamamoto, he turned his back to the others and sniggered, his face had turn red from the effort to hold his laughter so many times in a row. At the same time Gokudera's face had changed many shades of red due to his embarrassment. Avoiding eye contact, he tried to pick up everything quickly; he had managed to embarrass himself in front of everyone.

"Yamamoto..." Tsuna scowled.
"I'm sorry... I'm really so... honestly... sorry... Tsuna," Yamamoto said trying to regain his composure.
"You don't look like your are trying much to show how sorry you are though," Tsuna sighed.

"Glad to meet you too," Akira finally said as if nothing had happened.

Gokudera just nodded, not daring to look up, and kept picking up the pieces of the broken china. He noted that he should deduct their worth from his salary. In an awkward attempt to change the atmosphere, everyone started to pick up the broken pieces, even Tsuna didn't try to stop them and went along.

"How did you manage to get breadcrumbs on your hair?"

The young woman was scolding the Chiavarone family boss while she was trying to remove the breadcrumbs. Dino replied with a nervous smile, he was used to everyone's reprimands and didn't seem to mind at all. Gokudera's ear twitched and he turn his attention - as discreetly as he could - towards them.

"They seem to get along, right?" Yamamoto whispered behind him, much like the devil.
"Who cares about that?" Gokudera replied and tried to turn his attention to the broken china yet again.
"I wonder if Hibari has already approved of him," Yamamoto said in a carefree way.
"WHAT?"

Everyone's attention turned to him. Gokudera realized quickly that he had overreacted when he faced their surprised faces. Unable to say something smart, he just smiled nervously hoping that they will let it pass by.

"Something happened?" Tsuna asked.
"No, Tenth... I just..."

"I was just teasing him a bit, pay no mind," Yamamoto interfered and Tsuna just nodded.
"What?" Gokudera whispered now.
"I was just joking," Yamamoto laughed. "But I thought thatnobody cares."

"Well, as I said, it's not that I care. But that would be big news for the family, right?"
"I... guess..." Yamamoto said averting his gaze.
"So, do you know something about that? I mean... their relationship," he said without enthusiasm.
"Well... no... but since they seem to get along together, maybe I should put a good word for Dino to Hibari."
"Why would you do that when you don't even know what kind of relationship they have?" Gokudera protested.
"Why not?" Yamamoto insisted. "It will be great for both families, right? Let's help them together."
"Wha- I'm not going to get my self involved in something so stupid. Do I look like a cupid to you?" Gokudera refused looking away. "I don't think that they suit each other anyway," he added in a lower tone.
"Oh... Let's see..." Yamamoto said pretending that the was thinking about it. "Maybe someone cares after all," he said hustling him.
"Wha- Nonsense!"
"You little rascal-"
"Hey, stop hustling me! Don't treat me like a child! What are you, a twelve-years-old?"
"What's wrong with you guys today?"

Gokudera looked alarmed; he hadn't sensed his boss while he was approaching them. Tsuna had crawled up to them, letting Kyoko behind. His childhood friends were acting strange that day and curious to know what was going on, he couldn't help but try to pry into their conversation. The young boss was feeling left out; during years, he always felt that - because of his position - his friends were avoiding to bring up some of their personal matters in front of him.

"Gokudera and uhm..."

Gokudera has managed to cover Yamamoto's mouth before the rain guardian manages to complete the sentence with his singing voice. Tsuna looked at both of them confused, since he could not understand if the whole scene concerned a serious matter or not. Yamamoto seemed to enjoy the situation a lot, while Gokudera, feeling obviously uneasy, was trying to assure him that Yamamoto was just talking gibberish.

"I see..." Tsuna looked thoughtful. "Gokudera, if you-"
"Tsu-kun..." Kyoko called.
"I'm coming," Tsuna said sighing and stood up. "I'll see you later guys."
"Sure, Tenth," Gokudera stammered.
"Is it really that bad to confess that you are actually interested in her in front of Tsuna?" Yamamoto asked.
"Of course it is, it would be embarrassing!"

"So, you are interested in her," Yamamoto grinned.
"I didn't say that! I just..." he hemmed and hawed. "I was just say- Oh, nevermind. You won," Gokudera lowered his head in defeat, crossing his hands stubbornly at the same time. "I am a little interested in her- just a little!"

"Gokudera..." Yamamoto said hustling him slightly. "You ras-"
"Stop saying that! What are you, five years old?" Gokudera barked, hustling Yamamoto back as hard as he could. "Gosh, you are annoying."

The rain guardian laughed kindly; he was happy to see that his friend was acting like the old times. For Gokudera, for Tsuna, for him, their time spent as friends, like young men without care, away from their usual daily routine as part of Mafia, was precious. Thus, he didn't considered those moments, even if they were composed of meaningless conversations and teasing, embarrassing to the list,

The rest of the company excused themselves leaving them behind. Still on the ground, Gokudera hugged his knees to his chest. His eyes followed the young woman whom he hadn't dared to look in the eyes few minutes before due to his lack of confidence after the mess he had caused. She was taller and her hair black hair were still long, but other than that, she looked like a stranger.

"Yamamoto..." he said taking out his cigarettes. "Do you think that I have a chance?"
"Aren't you the lovely Casanova of the Vongola family no woman can resist?" Yamamoto asked.
"I thought that was Lambo," Gokudera chuckled.
"Ah, right! You are the workaholic who hasn't scored points with a woman since... like forever?"
"Hey!"
"Don't worry," Yamamoto asked ready to lay on the ground. "I'll back you up."
"Don't try to act cool, you idiot," Gokudera asked tapping the ash of the end of his cigarette. "There are still broken china around."
"Holy-"
"Told 'ya."

It had been a long time since Gokudera had felt so relaxed. He didn't know if it was the clear blue sky, the fresh air or Yamamoto's words, but he could feel a bit of his tension leaving his body.

"So, let's make a plan to make you first move a success," Yamamoto said cheerfully.
"What?"

It seemed that he wouldn't feel relaxed for long...

Hello and thanks for reading this fanfic. '2/3 Mafia' is actually a sequel of 'My 1 and a half Girlfriend', which ended three years ago. It's not necessary to read the prequel of course, but you will definitely have a clearer picture of what to expect from the story if you do. My grammar and vocabulary are weak, so I want to humbly apologize for that. Thanks for bearing with me and I hope you enjoy the story.