Haru Loves You

note: I can offer nothing but apologies and this update. Forgive me…On a side note, I'd like to say thank you. Thank you for sticking by this work.

Chapter 18- The Final Curtain

"Tsuna!"

"Juudaime!"

"Oh, he's alive! He's awake."

Tsuna thought to himself that he'd never heard so much joy in his friends' voices. Yes, in the midst of his miserably blurry vision, he could make out the worried and elated faces of his companions. Yamamoto's relieved face, Gokudera's somewhat teary expression, Chrome's worried countenance…Behind them, he could see the rest of his friends.

The people he had come to understand and bond with, the people who Tsuna considered most important in his life were here. Looking at him. Watching over him. Gratitude built up in Tsuna's chest and he knew that words would never be enough. Gokudera spoke up with a dark look on his face. "Juudaime, you must never do that again. If you do…I wouldn't know what to do. Neither would any of us."

Tsuna looked away, feeling a bit ashamed. "You wouldn't understand," he mumbled. Gokudera seemed to grow infuriated at Tsuna's words. "Oh yeah, Juudaime? Well, once upon a time, I loved somebody too! But she…" Gokudera swallowed and with effort, muttered in a harsh voice.

"Can everybody else leave?"

No one hesitated or denied his request. Slowly, everybody filed out till only Tsuna and Gokudera were left in the room. "I loved somebody too. But you know what, Juudaime? She had to be taken somewhere. I don't know if she's alive or dead. I know how you feel. But look at me. I didn't try to kill myself. But I was young then, so..." Tsuna was quiet. He didn't know that Gokudera had felt as he now did.

"Do you still think of her?" The words slipped out of Tsuna's mouth without permission. Gokudera's mouth curved into a wry smile. "Of course. I think of her time to time. I see her and my mother in my dreams once in a while. But my main priority is the Famiglia. Juudaime, what would you do if one of us tried to do what you did?"

Tsuna was quiet for a moment as he tried to conjure a situation where Gokudera or Yamamoto tried to kill themselves because of something involving their loved one. The worry he felt, the hatred he harbored for the loved one responsible for the mess almost felt real. "See, Juudaime?" Gokudera said. Tsuna nodded slowly.

"You weren't the only one who was desperate to look for Haru, you know. That stupid woman reminded me of the girl I loved. How could I not? They looked so similar to each other… I thought to myself that maybe if we found her, I could make up for what happened to Mari. And not just for that. I wanted to find Haru too. She made you happy. She wasn't too bad to talk to either."

"I'm sorry." Tsuna mumbled. Gokudera shrugged. "I'm sorry too. For speaking to you so rudely. You can punish me if you want-" Tsuna shook his head. Gokudera's words were clearing up his head, although they weren't able to heal the pain in his heart though. Only Haru would be able to do that, and she wasn't here.

"Did you ever love Haru?"

Gokudera was quiet for a moment. He questioned himself. He considered the woman an important friend; someone irreplaceable to the Family. "No," Gokudera said after a moment. "I care for her, just as I would with any other member of the family. Just because she looks like Mari…" His voice trailed off. "Well, I'm not that kind of person. I don't have any feelings for Haru." He said confidently. Tsuna looked away, his cheeks burning in shame. "I'm sorry. I just wanted to know."

"No, please. It's fine, Juudaime. If there's anything you want to ask me, just ask it. I am your right-hand man. I would do anything in power to help you."

"Thank you, Gokudera-kun. You're a fine right-hand man, you know. I'm grateful to you." Tsuna said. Gokudera's mouth opened in surprise. A delighted look came over his face. "Do you mean it, Juudaime?" Tsuna was brought back to the times he had forgotten.

"Am I really a good right-hand man?"

Determined green eyes. A solemn face.

"Yes, yes. You're terrific."

Tired brown eyes. A slightly exasperated, but smiling face.

"I swear to you that one day, I'll be the best right-hand man there is! You'll take me seriously then."

"I know you will, Gokudera! But don't scream so much; you're making a lot of people look at us!"

Tsuna nearly laughed. Oh, how right Gokudera had been. "Yes, Gokudera-kun. I swear it to you." Pink appeared on Gokudera's cheeks and he looked away. "If Juudaime says so…" Gokudera mumbled with a smile on his face. Soon, everybody who had left the room returned. They did not know what had passed between the Storm Guardian and the soon-to be leader of the Vongola Famiglia, but they suspected that the bond between the two men had strengthened.

"Er…Tsuna?"

Tsuna looked up at Shamal's nervous face. That was odd. The doctor was not usually unnerved… "I-Your uh…" Shamal cleared his throat and jerked his head in the direction of the door. "Your mother's here." A sudden feeling of dread filled Tsuna's stomach.

"My mom?! She's…here? God, if she finds me-"

"Sawada Tsunayoshi!"

Tsuna nearly jumped. When his mother got annoyed, she was slightly intimidating but when she was furious…Oh man. "MY SON! MY SON! OH, IF IMIETSU COULD SEE YOU NOW, YOUNG MAN! I'LL BE CALLING HIM AS SOON AS I GET HOME! SAWADA TSUNAYOSHI, WHAT ON EARTH WERE YOU THINKING? WHEN I HEARD FROM REBORN AND THE OTHERS, DO YOU KNOW WHAT ANXIETY YOU MADE ME GO THROUGH? I WAS WORRIED SICK! YOUR FRIENDS WERE WORRIED SICK! YOUR FATHER IS GOING TO BE WORRIED SICK. WHAT IF YOU DIED? WHERE WOULD THAT LEAVE ME?"

Tsuna watched the worry and fear on his mother's face unravel and then he understood. He held his arms out. "I'm sorry, Mom. I won't do it aga-Are you crying? Come on. I'm okay. I just need to rest a bit more." Nana Sawada's face crumpled until she burst into tears. "What if I was never able to see my little boy breathe or talk again?" She sobbed. Tsuna felt a pang in his chest.

"I'm sorry, Mom."

As he comforted his mother, Tsuna couldn't help but think of the dream he had. Haru had saved him. Her voice. Had saved him. Maybe it was just a dream. Maybe it was something his brain had released because he'd been so hung up over Haru's disappearance. But either way, it had saved him.

Thank you, Haru.

Was she…dead?

Haru shivered. It was cold. She had never seen such emptiness before. If she looked up, she could see a blue sky looking down at her. It was dark, but Haru felt no fear. She narrowed her eyes. She had seen something like this before…Haru opened her mouth to inhale some air, but gagged on the taste of salt.

Salt?

Haru's mouth widened as realization came upon her. Oh...yes. That was right. That huge brute had thrown her into the ocean before! So where was she? Haru sighed, shaking her head. She'd never really liked the ocean. Not after she nearly drowned that one time.

Little six year old Haru ran to her parents. She smiled toothily at them. Mr. and Mrs. Miura were always busy with work and all sorts of other things, so it was hard for them to spend time with their beloved daughter. They were just as excited as their daughter. It was the first family vacation in a long time. "Now hold up, Haru. You don't want Mr. Sun burning your skin, do you?" Her mother said in a sing-song voice as she applied lotion to her child's skin.

Haru paused for a moment and bobbed her head up and down. "Yes!" "No!" Her mother said in reply, shaking her head. Haru took a moment to really look at her parents while her mother slathered lotion on her small face. Her father was no Prince Charming. She knew that. He looked like an ordinary man. But that was where most people went wrong. Her dad had beautiful, expressive eyes. They held a noble look to them. Smart, too. Maybe that's why the male Miura was a college professor.

Now Haru's mother looked like a princess from a storybook. She was regal, majestic and beautiful. There was a grace in her walk most women her age were starting to lose. Yes, the wrinkles were surely making their way, but no matter. When she tilted her head at you and looked at you in the eyes, you couldn't help but feel happy! Haru's mother was known for making the best pastries.

Haru sighed, putting her hands to her chin. She was the luckiest girl in the world! She had the best parents ever. Nothing could ruin this family vacation. "Next time, let's go to a pretty meadow!" Haru chirped. "We'll make little crowns out of flowers! We'll make a big one for Daddy, a pretty one for Mama, and a teensy weensy one for me!" Haru's parents chuckled and looked at their daughter with adoring eyes. "Of course, sweetie." They promised.

"Maaama. Are you done with the lotion? It smells icky." Haru made a face at the lotion on her red swimsuit. She liked that swimsuit! "Yes, yes. Now go into the water and play with your father." Haru's mother said before screwing the cap on the lotion bottle. Haru raced towards the ocean and shrieked as the coldness lapped at her small legs. The water was cold!

"Daaaaaaaddy! Come play with me!" Haru demanded. 'Daddy' winked at her from the sand. "Time to go," he told his wife. He pecked her cheek and headed for the water. The day passed quickly. "Don't go too far, Haru." Haru's father warned her as they splashed each other. The water was no longer cold and the taste of salt didn't bother Haru at all. She was brimming with confidence. Why, she could go even farther!

But her father's warning rang in her ears and Haru hesitantly stayed put. She studied the ocean's ripples and smiled at it. It looked so…smooth. Suddenly, a huge wave knocked the small girl over until she hit the sand. Haru struggled to get to the surface, but her body was weak. She was scared. Her lungs were bursting and her chest was heaving.

Suddenly, two pairs of hands grabbed at her waist. When Haru opened her eyes to thank her savior, she saw her mother and father. "Thank goodness you're alright." They had murmured in relief. The summer after that incident, the Miuras headed to the forest for vacation. It was a long time before they went to the beach again.

Suddenly, there was a huge crash which jolted Haru out of memory lane. Fwhoom! Haru stared in disbelief as a swarm of bubbles surrounded her. What on earth was going on? Haru directed her head to the surface and saw the shape of a human body falling.

Cold water seeped into her skin and Haru's eyes grew narrowed from suspicion. Was this an illusion? Or was it- The sight of the human body cut off Haru's thoughts. Tsuna-san! Her mind raced as she saw his floating body head towards her direction. His palm was open and as his unconscious body brushed against hers, Haru's hand reached out for his. His hand felt warm against hers.

Tsuna's light weight suddenly plummeted until he felt as heavy as a metal anchor. Haru gasped from sudden change and gritted her teeth as she tried to drag her towards him. Illusion or not, she wasn't going to let this Tsuna sink.

Let me go. Let me go.

Haru quivered from hearing Tsuna's voice echo in her mind and she held back a sob of frustration. What was going on? She had no idea. How did Tsuna get here? Where were they? She didn't know. Haru shook her head. She would never let him go. Her mouth opened and nonsense words spilled out of them. She was saying anything that came out of her head.

Anything that would keep him from descending away from her.

Please, she begged. You're so heavy; I can't keep the both of us like this. We'll eventually sink. Tsuna-san, help me. He was slipping away from her now.

"If my love meant anything to you, then wake up!"

Tsuna's eyes jolted open and Haru felt relief bloom in her chest. He was pushing himself up now. An unreadable expression was present on his face.

"Thank you, Haru."

"Haru! Haru? Wake up, child."

Haru's eyes opened and she took in a huge gasp of air. "What-Tsuna-san?" Haru panted as she looked around with disoriented vision. Bianchi and Reborn's worried faces entered her range of sight. "What happened?" Haru asked in a croaky voice. Her throat felt sore. "Right after that coward tossed you into the water, Reborn kicked him into the ocean after you. Then the man grabbed you. I think he was trying to pull himself up using you. He obviously didn't know how to swim well. But you were knocked out, so I jumped in and got you…Why'd you say 'Tsuna-san?' Tsuna's not here, Haru." Bianchi said.

Haru shrugged and looked down, mumbling, "It was nothing. It's not important." Bianchi opened her mouth as if to say something, but Reborn interrupted her. "We can talk about this later. Haru, go below deck and change your clothes. Bianchi and I will keep an eye on things here." Haru bowed her head and walked away, glad for a reason to get away. She shivered as she pulled her wet clothing off of her.

So it hadn't been an illusion. It was nothing but a dream. As Haru tugged a shirt over her head, she couldn't help but hope to get to Namimori faster. She was excited to see her friends. She'd missed them. But…Haru had no intention of showing herself to them at all. Haru's body was perfect for stealth and quick get-aways. She was small, nimble and flexible. It wouldn't be that hard hiding her face from the Famiglia.

Haru silently pondered if she would really become an assassin. She couldn't kill the man before. She had tried-and failed. The flame burning within her had nearly been extinguished. Was she ready? Of course, the adrenaline running through Haru's veins had been a thrilling and exciting experience. But the danger…

The danger scared her.

Haru remembered the one time she was bullied by a kid in the sixth grade. She was dressed up as a superhero for the parade and the jealous girl had snapped, "Silly girl. You think you're a superhero just because you're wearing something like that? Heroes are born, not made." Of course, Haru had bawled her eyes out at the time, but now… Didn't the saying apply to Haru too? Assassins were born, not made. Haru heaved her body onto her bed and closed her eyes.

She just needed to rest a bit…and then her mind would clear and her conviction would strengthen. After what seemed like an eternity, Haru awoke to Bianchi's soft voice speaking. "It's time. We've arrived at Namimori. Let's go, Haru." Haru stretched her body and yawned. "Yes, Bianchi-san." She mumbled. As Haru walked out of the door, Bianchi called out to her, "You must promise me that you will never do anything like this again. Otherwise, I'll never forgive you."

Haru blinked in confusion. "Sleeping? Uh...I'm sorry, Bianchi-san. But I need to sleep." She said in a confused voice. "No! You can sleep as much as you need to. But Haru…Going off to fight the enemy by yourself? I won't allow it again. Not until you finish your training with Colonello." Bianchi said, folding her arms over her chest. Haru opened her mouth in annoyance but closed it when she saw the worried look in the older woman's eyes.

"Alright, Bianchi-san." Haru said heavily.

It was almost as if she never left.

Namimori was still as beautiful as she'd last seen it. The shops were all still here. Once in a while she would see something in construction. To Haru's delight, a bookstore was being built and would finish construction by next year according to Bianchi. It was a shame Haru wouldn't be there at the opening. Bianchi was right by her side as they walked through town. Reborn was at Tsuna's house, keeping his mother company.

"Are you happy?" Bianchi asked. Haru nodded. "I missed Namimori. I just didn't know how much I did." Haru murmured. As Haru walked, she pulled the cloak around her body closer. She was wearing it as a precaution. Haru didn't want to risk anybody seeing her. "It looks good on you," Bianchi told Haru. Haru smiled and thanked her.

"Bianchi-san!"

Haru froze. A familiar-looking woman with long purple hair was approaching. "I looked all over Namimori. Where were you?" The stranger asked. Haru's eyes narrowed and she lowered the hood over her face. The woman was Chrome! Haru studied Chrome. Chrome didn't look shy anymore; she looked confident and at ease. Chrome had certainly grown more beautiful as well.

"Oh, I was busy. I had to pick up this girl here. Reborn wanted to talk to her, you see." Bianchi said. Haru swallowed. "Nice to meet you," Haru said as quietly as she could. Chrome tilted her head and smiled at her.

"It's nice to meet you too. My name is Chrome."

Haru bit back the urge to hug her old friend. She knew Chrome could keep a secret. Maybe if Haru revealed herself, Chrome wouldn't say anything to the others. Perhaps she could… "Well, it's time we go now." Bianchi said, spotting Haru's indecisiveness.

"Bye, Chrome-san."

"Goodbye, Haru." Chrome whispered the last part out and Haru grabbed Chrome's arm. "How did you know?" Haru muttered. Chrome gave a wry smile. "Being a Mist Guardian requires good illusions. To use good illusions, the user has to see what others don't see. It's like seeing the unseen. I've missed you, Haru." Chrome said in her soft voice. Tears welled up in Haru's eyes.

"I missed you too, Chrome-chan."

Bianchi sighed, putting a hand to her forehead. "So much for keeping your arrival a secret." She said. Chrome took hold of Haru's arm. "We all missed you. I'm sure you know that I've been sustaining an illusion of you so…You owe me an explanation." Haru bit her lip. This wasn't something the old Chrome would say. How she had grown! Chrome was right. Haru did owe her.

"Why don't we sit in a café and talk?" Haru suggested. Bianchi raised an eyebrow and walked away. "I'll go to Mama and help her with something. You two talk." So when Haru and Chrome found a café, they sat and talk. Haru explained everything. She explained why she left and why her return was a secret.

"You want to be an assassin? You've already involved yourself with the main Vongola branch. But you were…you weren't really able to fight so no Famiglia targeted you or Kyoko. If other people hear that a potential assassin is arising, they'll try to kill you."

"I know." Haru said simply.

"What about your dream? You wanted to be Boss's wife. Don't tell me that you've completely given up on that dream. I can see it in your eyes. You still want him. You don't really want to be away from him. You don't really want to be an assassin."

Haru swallowed hard. All the walls she built up were breaking down because of Chrome's words. They were hitting her heart and ringing true. "Let's say I do still want him. What's the point? He has Kyoko-chan."

"Haru." Chrome's voice was sharp now. "Boss cares for you. Do you know what he did? He tossed himself off a cliff because he was sorry that he let you go. Stop denying yourself. You know that you'd be much happier if you were at his side. Trust me. Kyoko is long gone in his heart. He only thinks of you now. I want you and Boss to be happy."

Haru swallowed hard. Damn it, her determination was failing her… "Don't you want to see the others, Haru?" Chrome asked gently. Haru ripped the cloak off and slammed her hands on the table. "That's just it! I want to see Tsuna-san and the others. I missed all of you. But… I can't! I can't see you guys. All my hard work will have been for nothing. I trained so hard."

Chrome looked at Haru as if she was crazy. "No one's forcing you to become an assassin. You chose that path. You can just as easily leave it. You know how to fight now. If any enemies attack you or Kyoko, you'll be able to stand your ground." Haru was struck dumbfounded. Chrome was right.

"Hey, Chrome! Wait…Who's that sitting next to you?"

Haru cursed under her breath and saw Yamamoto and Gokudera standing before her. "It's Haru!" They shouted. Haru put a hand to her mouth. Gokudera and Yamamoto had grown a good deal. They looked mature and handsome. Yamamoto closed in on her and wrapped her in a hug.

"We looked everywhere for you. All this time… We thought you might've died. But you're here. You're well and alive and…grown." Gokudera joined Yamamoto's side and looked in the opposite direction as he mumbled, "We missed you. Juudaime missed you even more. He's…crazy without you." Haru buried herself into Yamamoto's chest and cried. Could it be true? "I…I missed you guys too." When the last tear finally fell, Haru had a determined look on her face.

"Take me to the others. I want to see them. After I see them...Take me to Tsuna-san."

It was night. It was awfully stuffy and Tsuna squirmed in discomfort. He was alone. Shamal had left earlier while saying, "You'll thank me later. Someone kind of new came to town. She's dangerous now, she is. But she's a cutie too. Have fun!" Tsuna had no intention of getting romantically involved with anyone, whether she was cute or not. He only had Haru, and he would remain faithful to her now.

Tsuna stiffened as he heard the doorknob turn. In the darkness, he could make out a woman wearing a cloak. He couldn't distinguish any features at all. "Sorry Shamal sent you here. If…If you don't mind, could you please open the window? It's a little hot in here." He said quietly. Normally, he would do it himself. But his head would throb if he tried to get up. The woman nodded and complied to his request. Tsuna sighed in relief as the cool breeze brushed against his cheek.

It was quiet and Tsuna could hear the woman sigh.

"You…You look the same. A bit older. A bit more mature. But you're still the same, I see." The woman said. Tsuna scrunched his eyes in confusion. "Uh…I'm sorry. Have we met?" In reply, the woman slowly took off the cloak as the light of the moon illuminated off of her. He gripped the blanket and gazed at her as if she would disappear any second.

"Haru."

Haru gave a sad smile and waved at him. "Hi, Tsuna-san." Tsuna stretched his hand out. If Haru moved a little closer, her arm and his hand would've brushed against each other. But she didn't. Tsuna flinched. "Where were you all these years?" He asked in a much hoarser voice.

"I couldn't stand the fact that you didn't feel the same for me. So I left. I wanted to be stronger. But I came back when Reborn told me you hurt yourself." Tsuna's face hardened. "Reborn? Reborn knew where you were?" Tsuna said darkly. Haru shrugged. "I told him not to tell anybody. I didn't want anyone to know where I was."

"But I missed you! I needed you."

Haru laughed a hollow laugh. "You missed me? You needed me?" Tsuna vigorously nodded. He tried to stand up, but winced as a headache came on.

"I felt the same about you. I liked you. But… I was a coward. I didn't want to believe that I liked you, even though I did like you. I-I'm sorry. I acted dumb. I don't want you to leave me. I'm… dumb without you. These years have been sad and miserable years. I finally realized that I wanted you, but you weren't here. Forgive me, Haru."

Haru closed her eyes and leaned forward till her forehead was touching Tsuna's. "You know, I had a dream about you," Haru said in a husky voice. "I was in an ocean. But it was a strange ocean. I could breathe normally. It was as if I was on land. But then, you fell into the ocean. I took your hand and stopped you from sinking into the depths. You told me 'thank you.'" Tsuna's eyes widened. "B-But I had a dream about you too. I was in an ocean and everyone was around me. I was ready to toss everything away, but you stopped me. And that's when I woke up." He stammered.

"I heard you. I heard you. You heard me and I heard you. That's how I know. We're connected, aren't we?" Haru said to herself in an undertone. Tsuna laughed. "Does…Does that mean you accept my apology? Does that mean you still love me?" He asked. Haru pulled away and instantly, Tsuna's hands latched around her waist and dragged her back to him.

"Well?"

"…Yes. Didn't we just go over this?"

One of Tsuna's hands made its' way to Haru's cheek. "Tell me that you love me." He demanded softly. Haru blushed. "I love you. Haru loves you so much." The hand around Haru's waist tightened. "I love you too." Tsuna murmured, kissing her cheek.

"…Thank you so much." Haru breathed. Tsuna cocked his head, confused. "I-I thought you were going to steal my first kiss. So I'm glad you didn't. I mean-" Tsuna chuckled, cutting off Haru's rambling. "There's plenty of time for kisses and all sorts of other things. Why don't we catch up on…everything? Oh, and Haru?"

"Mhmm?"

"I think you're beautiful."

"What-! You're weird, Tsuna-san! By the way, I don't know what you were thinking before. Jumping off a cliff? You're crazy. You can't do that again." Tsuna looked grim. "I know. My mom already gave me the whole speech." Haru rolled her eyes and patted his hair. "I know this is going to be a little late, but are you alright? Does your body still feel...Uh...Does it hurt? Does it ache?"

"It aches for you-"

"Tsunayoshi Sawada! How-What?! I wasn't expecting you to say that! What happened to you? You-You pervert!"

But even as she shouted, there was a smile on Haru's face. Her hand joined with Tsuna's, the two talked the night away. And for many countless nights to come, the two would continue the ritual till the day they died.

AN: My God, I remember going back through Haru Loves You to jog my memory and let me just say…I was a horrible writer. My writing was pathetic. It still kind of is, although it has improved a lot. The grammar and wording-gah! I have no idea how you wonderful readers ended up getting interested in this work! But I am very thankful that my writing has improved a good deal. I finally finished this story!...Though I'm not too satisfied with the way I wrote the last chapter. I've never forgotten about TsuHaru and I know that I'll never stop adoring them, even though the manga has finished already.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read "Haru Loves You" and reviewing as well! I hope you guys will enjoy the next story I release!