hoped that it was just because he wasn't feeling well, because if Reborn found out that he was getting tired just from walking...

didn't want to think about what his tutor was going to do to him. ;;;

rang the doorbell to Gokudera's apartment.

been sitting in the living room ever since morning, watching Hayato hop around while he waited for Tsuna.

got up immediately after the doorbell rang, heading to the front door and pulling it open with a wide grin on his face.

, without bothering to check if it was really Tsuna standing outside, "Good afternoon, Jyuudaime! "

Good afternoon~

Ah. Sorry for being late. ;;;

shook his head, stepping aside to let Tsuna in. "You're not late at all! "

went in, taking off his mittens and his scarf along the way.

immediately saw the rabbit hopping up to him from behind Gokudera.

Ah, Hayato!

grinned widely as he crouched down and picked the rabbit up.

happily nuzzled the top of the rabbit's head with his nose.

blinked, staring at Tsuna for a moment and frowned.

if it was just him, or if Tsuna looked happier to see the rabbit than to see him.

......................

... isn't feeling jealous of the bunny, nope. >_>

L-let me get you something to drink, Jyuudaime! Would hot tea be okay?

Yes, thank you.

gave Gokudera a brilliant smile and stepped closer, and then, on an impulse, gave the other boy a kiss on the cheek.

And thank you for taking care of her.

.... o.o

grinned back at Tsuna, a little pink in the cheeks. "I-it was nothing! You didn't have to thank me! "

turned and headed over to the kitchen area to pour a cup of tea for the other boy.

set the rabbit down on the floor and went to sit on the couch. He was still a bit out of breath.

I think I missed her. I mean, she always reminds me of you. |D

And I've figured out why Mukuro's been sulking - he really *is* jealous.

I think he only lightened up enough to tell me because Hayato wasn't around to distract me.

, as he made his way over and handed Tsuna the tea, "Wouldn't he just start sulking again if you took her back, then? o.o"

And I think he's not going to like it once I bring her home again, but I can't just leave her indefinitely with you--*sneeze*

DD:! Are you all right, Jyuudaime? Did you catch a cold? DDD:

pulls a piece of tissue from the tissue box on the coffee table and gives it to Tsuna.

Do you want me to raise the temperature of the heater? DDD:

shook his head and accepted the tissue. "J-just a minor cold. I think I caught something the other night..."

blew his nose on the tissue.

You should've stayed home to rest if you're sick! DD:

*meekly* B-but I promised to come visit you...

It doesn't matter! D:

A-aa...

fidgeted uncomfortably. He hadn't been expecting to be scolded like this. o__o

sighed and sat down beside Tsuna. "...Are you sure you want to take Hayato back today? D:"

Erm.

I said I would, but I'm not so sure now..... ( . .)

You could leave her here for a couple more days... I'll just bring her back to your place when you're feeling better.

opened his mouth to protest, but then he thought about it again. Mukuro would already be unhappy with the bunny's return.

still sick, too, as far as the other boy was concerned. And considering his current motherly mood, Mukuro wouldn't like that--

would be taking care of a pet at the moment.

*reluctantly* A-all right, if it's not too much trouble for you...

smiled. "Of course not. Don't worry about it! "

Un. I'm sorry. I ended up wasting your time.

It's fine! D: I'm sorry for making you come here when you're sick. DDD:

It's just a short walk. And it's always nice visiting you. |3

Still. D: ...I should have offered to drop by your place instead of having you come over.

It's fine~

I mean, I went and made plans on my own, so.....

... A-aa...

How are you feeling now? D: Would you like to lie down for a while?

shook his head. "I'm all right, really. I should probably be going back soon, anyway. I sneaked out while Mukuro was distracted." =w=

checked the tea. It had cooled enough for him to drink without burning his tongue.

drank half of it in one long, satisfying swallow.

Ah. ... I'll walk you back. D:

Okay. =w=

starting to feel groggy again. It can't be because of that walk, can it? Or maybe it was the medicine he took that morning...

frowned. "...Are you really all right?"

Maybe you should rest here for a while before heading back. D:

I'll be fine~ *takes another sip of tea to wake himself up*

...A-aa. If you say so... *looks at Tsuna worriedly*

smiled at Gokudera reassuringly and handed back the now-empty cup. "Thank you~"

took the cup and headed over to the kitchen, placing it in the sink.

bent to give Hayato one last petting before standing up to put his scarf back on.

should really be heading back. Mukuro would be finished with his bath by now.

made his way back over, took Tsuna's mittens off the couch and handed them to the boy.

i-

o: Are you serious about walking me home?

nodded. "Of course. D: I can't have you walking back alone!"

O-okay. Sorry for worrying you. >:

shook his head. "Don't worry about it! "

Then, let's go?

Hai!

waited for Gokudera to show the way out before following.