Yamamoto's paws felt frozen to the ground. He stared in shock at the brown-furred wolf before him, his muzzle and paws stained with blood, as he leaned over Gokudera with his nose barely touching the silver wolf's forehead. Gokudera's eyes were slits, as he barely had the energy to keep them open. Blood was still flowing out of the wound on his chest at an alarming rate.

Tsuna! Gokudera's growl was barely audible. Yamamoto managed to unfreeze his paws so he could walk over to where the other two wolves were huddled. He hovered at Tsuna's side, sniffing warily at Gokudera's wound. How are you still alive?!

Tsuna huffed, a small smirk twisting his muzzle upwards. I don't know for sure. All I know is that you gave me the strength to escape.

You mean you were able to escape the prison as well? Gokudera struggled to sit up, but his wound prevented him from doing so and he growled as he slipped back into his original position. A worried whimper escaping his lips, Yamamoto moved around Tsuna and lay down near Gokudera's head. As Tsuna went on with his anecdote, the black wolf slowly licked his lover's ears.

I heard that you had managed to escape; you would've loved hearing how the guards complained and swore. Tsuna, apparently tired of standing, also lay down in front of the other two wolves. When I heard that you had managed to survive, a passion to live awoke in me; I thought if you had escaped, then maybe I could too. At first, I thought there was no hope for anyone, so I gave up on living. But when I heard you survived, against all odds, I saw there was a reason to live. Together, you and I could get back at the hunters and rebuild the pack.

Yamamoto felt Gokudera's ears flick in surprise, and a slight panic stirred in his chest. Would Gokudera really sacrifice everything they had together to run off with his alpha and seek revenge on those that had killed their pack? While he understood, he couldn't see how the plan would lead to anything but the deaths of the last of the werewolves. He didn't know Tsuna that well, but he didn't want to lose Gokudera and be alone in the world again.

Tsuna, I…Gokudera began before he erupted in a coughing fit. When he was done, Tsuna didn't give him a chance to continue.

However, I now know that that plan would be ridiculous to follow. Tsuna turned his head to look at Yamamoto. Especially since I see you've found your own pack.

Heart swelling, Yamamoto gazed at Tsuna thankfully. He seemed to have analyzed the situation with only a glance, and the black wolf was glad he understood without him having to explain. Gokudera meant the world to him, and as long as they could live life together nothing else mattered.

Speaking of Gokudera…

The silver wolf had fallen silent after his coughing fit, and, as the black wolf looked down at him, he saw with alarm that he had fallen unconscious again. Panic rising in his chest, Yamamoto began frantically licking his lover's ears as he stood up, stress preventing him from lying down any longer. Gokudera was losing too much blood, but Yamamoto didn't know what to do to help him. At this rate he would die, and their struggle against the Bald Suits would have all been for nothing!

Hayato! Yamamoto howled desperately.

Suddenly Tsuna was there, pushing him out of the way. Panicked and confused, Yamamoto found himself growling at the smaller brown wolf; he didn't want to be separated from Gokudera at such a critical moment! Tsuna glanced back at him, a calm determination in his eyes. Calm yourself, friend of Gokudera.

Calm myself?! Yamamoto exclaimed, his back fur rising as he tried to push himself back to his lover's side. How can I be calm when he's dying right in front of me?!

He won't die. Tsuna stood determinedly in front of Gokudera, blocking Yamamoto solidly. I won't let him. So please, trust me… Er…

Yamamoto. The black wolf supplied, suddenly feeling unsure as he looked into Tsuna's eyes. Even though he barely knew this wolf, he found himself wanting to trust him. And if he really could save Gokudera… Yamamoto nodded his head and took a step back, though it wrenched his heart to do so. Then please… Help him…!

Tsuna nodded as he turned back to Gokudera. Squatting down, the brown-wolf began vigorously licking at the chest wound. His lickings apparently woke the silver wolf, who grunted in pain. As his eyes opened, he turned his head to Yamamoto. Takeshi, what…?

As he calmed down a bit, Yamamoto trusted himself to return to Gokudera's side. Careful not to disturb Tsuna's work, the black wolf walked over to his lover and licked his ears comfortingly. I'm here, Hayato. Tsuna's going to save you.

He's what?! Instead of the words being comforting, they seemed to agitate Gokudera. He jerked violently, disrupting Tsuna who looked up at him in surprise. The silver wolf growled down at him. Stop, Tsuna! I won't let you!

What are you saying?! Yamamoto tried to interrupt, not understanding why his lover would try to deny the life-saving treatment.

I won't let you give your life for me! Gokudera growled, ignoring the black wolf completely. I can't lose you too!

What? Yamamoto questioned, confusion blossoming in him as he looked over at Tsuna. What did Gokudera mean? How was Tsuna going to die by helping him? It didn't make any sense!

Tsuna looked up at him, almost appearing guilty. I suppose I didn't tell you that the method of saving him would result in my death.

What?! Yamamoto almost staggered in shock. How in the world did that work?! Why?!

Tsuna sat back on his haunches, looking first at Gokudera and then up at Yamamoto. There is healing power in a werewolf's saliva. You may have noticed that by licking your wounds it helps them heal faster. It's not harmful to the wolf when it's used in small doses, such as healing a cut. However, healing takes a lot out of a wolf; with a wound as fatal as Gokudera's, healing it will kill me.

Yamamoto couldn't believe his ears. There's no other way? What if I helped?

No. Tsuna shook his head. This is too much for even both of us. If one of us must die, I would prefer it be me.

No! Gokudera struggled to sit up, but he was still weak. Yamamoto noticed with alarm that he was losing his energy fast. If they didn't do something, it might be too late… The black wolf's heart clenched. But how could he sentence Tsuna to give up his life?

Yes, Tsuna replied, nudging Gokudera back into his original comfortable position. You have something to live for, Gokudera. You both do; you have each other. I don't have anything to live for anymore. I couldn't leave you alone, which inspired me to escape, but now that I see that you're not alone, I can die in peace. I'm supposed to be dead, with Kyoko, anyway.

When Yamamoto looked down at his lover, he saw an expression of such pain and sadness that he could hardly bare to look at him. Subconsciously, he pressed himself against Gokudera.

Tsuna…

You can't convince me to change my mind, Gokudera. Tsuna looked sadly at his old friend before he briefly touched his muzzle to his cheek. I know you'll be happy with Yamamoto, so I'll make sure you have the chance to live with him.

D-don't… Gokudera tried to protest further, but, to Yamamoto's alarm, he fell unconscious again. The black wolf's panic skyrocketed. They had to hurry, if they were going to do something, but how could he choose one wolf over another?! It wasn't fair!

Tsuna…! Yamamoto tried to interfere, but Tsuna gave him a look that stopped anything he was going to say.

From that gaze he understood everything. The brown wolf was completely fine with what he was doing. To him, dying was a small price to pay for Gokudera's life. Underneath that, however, Yamamoto saw deep layers of pain. He remembered Gokudera's retelling of what had happened, and how Tsuna's mate had died. In the brown wolf's gaze he saw the level of agony and anguish he'd had to struggle through to live without the love of his life. His expression was so sad that the black wolf wanted to curl into a ball and howl his sorrow.

I know what it's like to lose the most important person in the world. Tsuna held Yamamoto's gaze a little longer before he set to work licking Gokudera's wound again. Let me spare you that pain. Please.

Despite his better judgement, Yamamoto found he couldn't argue. Tsuna wanted to die. And if he was willing to do that to ensure that Gokudera lived…

The black wolf watched as, miraculously, Gokudera's fatal wound began to heal itself. Tissue that had been ripped apart began to reattach itself; a layer of muscle began to stretch itself over where the wound had been; blood clots formed at an astonishing speed; and then, finally, skin and fur began to grow over the wound.

Within minutes, it was like Gokudera had never been shot.

However, as soon as the wound closed, Tsuna stumbled to the ground with a grunt of pain. Yamamoto hurried to the brown wolf's side. Tsuna! I-I… I feel like thanking you would be in bad taste, but… thank you…

Tsuna's mouth twitched up into a smile. It's not in bad taste at all! You're welcome, Yamamoto. Take care of Gokudera.

I will. Yamamoto's heart clenched with pain as he buried his muzzle into Tsuna's head fur. He could barely stand to watch as the brown wolf's life literally faded from his body; though he'd only known this wolf for a few moments, Yamamoto felt like he was losing a lifelong friend. He would never forget him, nor would he ever stop being thankful for his sacrifice. Rest in peace, friend.

Tsuna truly smiled at that. It was the last thing he did before he released his last breath and his body fell limp.

Yamamoto's throat clenched with sadness as he laid down next to the brown wolf, his head bowed. Gokudera was still unconscious, so the black wolf knew he had to give Tsuna a proper memorial in his steed. Though he didn't know him much personally, Gokudera had told him many stories about the bravery and kindness of his alpha. Yamamoto suddenly had doubts about his decision to let him die, but he pushed them away.

Tsuna had been a good wolf, and he had chosen his end willingly. Yamamoto had no right questioning.

It seemed like hours before Gokudera stirred. Yamamoto had dreaded the moment; he knew how angry and how much pain the silver wolf would be in on realization that Tsuna had sacrificed himself. He also couldn't help but fear that Gokudera would turn on him for letting his alpha die. He didn't know what he would do if the silver wolf never spoke to him after everything they'd been through together.

Swallowing in nervousness, Yamamoto lifted his head to meet Gokudera's gaze as the silver wolf struggled into consciousness. For a moment, he seemed to be disoriented; however, it wasn't long before he noticed the motionless body in front of him. He jumped in shock, looked down at his wound, before he let out a strangled growl as he pushed himself over to Tsuna's body.

No! Tsuna… How could you?! Yamamoto flinched, even though Gokudera had been addressing his alpha. He could barely stand to look at his lover's face – the silver wolf had always suffered through so much pain, but this was different. His expression was just so… broken.

It was then that Yamamoto came to a conclusion: even if Gokudera blamed him, even if he was angry at him for the rest of their lives, he promised himself that he would never leave the silver wolf alone. He would always be there for him, no matter what.

And, really, that's what he'd always promised.

Reorienting himself, Yamamoto pushed himself against Gokudera and nuzzled his face into the top of his head as the silver wolf mourned his alpha.

Two years later found Yamamoto in the same apartment as before, though he had more company than he'd ever thought he would in his life. Gokudera permanently lived with him, though he always kind of had, and two new animals had joined Jirou; the silver werewolf had gotten Yamamoto a bird for his birthday, which he'd named Kojirou, and in return the black wolf had gotten Gokudera a small cat that he'd named Uri. They now lived together in a happy family of five; six, if they counted Yamamoto's father.

Introducing Gokudera to his father was slightly bumpy, if only because Yamamoto had waited so long.

"… I can't go in there," Gokudera said, his feet so solidly nailed to the ground outside of Takesushi that even Yamamoto couldn't get him to budge.

"It'll be fine, Hayato! My father is a very understanding person!" The baseball player was all out pushing on Gokudera at that point, but the silver werewolf was strong when he wanted to be.

"Have you even told him about us?" Gokudera hissed back.

"Well, no, but…"

"Then you have no idea it'll be okay!"

Gokudera had screeched so loudly that Yamamoto's father heard and came outside to investigate. Tears filled Tsuyoshi's eyes and he hugged his son tightly, as it had been a while since the baseball player had visited, and then stared straight at Gokudera. "Who's this, Takeshi? A friend?"

Yamamoto took a deep breath. "He's my boyfriend, dad."

"Oh, finally!" Tsuyoshi was so happy he almost cried. Yamamoto was floored; yeah, he'd told Gokudera that his father was an understanding person, but he hadn't formally come out of the closet yet, and he'd been expecting some kind of surprise.

"You… You don't mind?" Yamamoto stuttered. He couldn't stop gawking at his father as the man circled Gokudera. He could see the silver-haired werewolf getting increasingly more nervous as Tsuyoshi scrutinized him.

"Of course I don't mind!" Tsuyoshi shouted so loudly that Gokudera jumped. "I always knew you were a little different… not that that matters!"

Yamamoto laughed then, his worries disappearing. He watched as his father stopped circling Gokudera and instead smiled warmly at him. "Welcome to the family, son!"

Gokudera looked like he was going to cry. "T-thank you, sir!"

The werewolf then bowed deeply to Tsuyoshi, who just laughed. Like father like son, Yamamoto laughed, too. He was so happy that Gokudera had been accepted without any resistance – a small part of him had worried that his father wouldn't like him, or find him overbearing. He didn't know what he would do if Tsuyoshi forbade him from ever seeing Gokudera again.

As it was, they hit it off. As soon as they made it inside of the sushi bar, Tsuyoshi fired off a round of questions that made Yamamoto's head spin. However, Gokudera answered right back, slowly getting louder as he got more comfortable with Yamamoto's dad. Before the baseball player knew it, his lover and his dad were best friends and it was like they'd known each other for years.

They stayed the night, exchanging stories and news. Though neither werewolf mentioned their secret, Gokudera complained to Tsuyoshi about Yamamoto's broken shoulder, not knowing that the baseball player had neglected to tell his father about it. Tsuyoshi stared at his son, hard.

"How come I didn't know about this?"

"Um…" Yamamoto shot Gokudera a pleading look. The werewolf just looked indignant, as if it wasn't his fault that the baseball player was in the uncomfortable position. "I didn't want to worry you?"

Yamamoto's father didn't say anymore, though the way he set his jaw told the baseball player that he was upset that he didn't tell him about his injury. Guilt consuming him, Yamamoto found he couldn't meet his father's eye for the rest of the night. It was only in the morning, when he and Gokudera were preparing to leave, that Tsuyoshi brought it up while Gokudera was in the shower.

"Takeshi, what's the real reason why you didn't tell me about your injury? From what I wagered from Hayato, it was pretty serious."

Silently reprimanding Gokudera for telling his father everything, Yamamoto chewed his lip. He couldn't tell his father the real reason, not without telling him about the fact that he and Gokudera were werewolves. Gokudera living with him had been trouble enough, but…

A lightbulb went off in Yamamoto's brain. He smiled cheekily as he answered with a fake coyness, "Well, Hayato was living with me at the time, and I didn't feel prepared to tell you about our relationship yet… Knowing you, you would just barge in while we were asleep, and I really didn't want you to find out like that. I wanted to tell you myself."

For a moment, Tsuyoshi didn't answer. However, a smile soon broke out on his face and he patted his son on the shoulder. "Why didn't you just tell me that?"

"I didn't want to embarrass Hayato," Yamamoto laughed, though he wasn't sure exactly what Gokudera would be embarrassed about.

His father seemed to believe it, though, and he just laughed along good-naturedly. When he quieted down, he sent his son a soft smile. "Something's changed about you, Takeshi. But I think it's a good thing."

"Uh, thanks dad!" Yamamoto said a bit too loudly. He'd flinched when his father had begun, worried that his super-attentive father had somehow picked up on the fact that he was a werewolf. However, he pushed away his worries – there was no way he could ever find out about something like that. Right?

"What's with all the shouting?" Gokudera grumbled as he walked into the room. His hair was flat with water and the smell of shampoo wafted from him.

"Sorry," Yamamoto laughed, his previous frustration with the other completely washed away. He pulled the smaller man to him and kissed his temple, breathing in his fresh scent. Gokudera just grumbled something about him being an idiot while Tsuyoshi laughed.

"Well, just know I'm here for both of you boys. Thanks for dropping by!"

Yamamoto left his childhood home with a weight off his chest. He'd been so worried about how his father would perceive Gokudera, but the encounter had gone so well as to exceed his expectations. Nothing made him happier than knowing that his father approved of his new family. He shot Gokudera a loving look as they walked home, though the other just raised his eyebrow at him. Nevertheless, he didn't remove his hand when Yamamoto dared to lace his fingers through his.

The black-haired werewolf couldn't be more in love.

The only thing that threatened to ruin his good mood was Takeuchi. Yamamoto knew that his baseball captain had seen him transform, knew he knew what he was, but two years had passed without the man mentioning anything. The day he'd gone back to work, after taking time off to get through the final days of transformation and help Gokudera through his mourning, Takeuchi had acted like everything was normal. Though he thought he should be relieved, Yamamoto couldn't stop thinking that the captain was slightly more awkward with him. He noticed that he hardly ever spent time alone with him anymore. It was like he didn't want to deal with what Yamamoto had become… It hurt Yamamoto badly, since Takeuchi was his best friend, but he didn't know how to address him about it.

How could he expect Takeuchi to accept that he was a monster?

After a few days, Yamamoto couldn't take it anymore. He hated when people were uncomfortable with him, and he was really bad at dealing with them avoiding him. He loved people, but lord knew he had insecurities with people not liking him, and so he knew it was time to address the problem; after all, that had always worked with Gokudera.

At the end of baseball practice at the end of the week, while the team was showering and changing in the locker rooms, Yamamoto found himself showering next to Takeuchi. The two were known for taking extra-long showers, and so all the other players were out in the main locker room changing while Yamamoto and Takeuchi stood alone in the showers. It was the first time the werewolf had been alone with the baseball captain since the transformation, so he jumped on the opportunity.

"Takeuchi," Yamamoto murmured, purposefully keeping his voice low so the other men wouldn't hear him. "Takeuchi, please, talk to me. I need to know where I stand with you and… what you think of me now."

The baseball captain was silent for a long time. Just when Yamamoto thought he wouldn't answer, and felt his heart sink, Takeuchi answered in just as low whispers, "… I don't know, Moto. It's still so hard for me to believe what I saw."

The use of the nickname was reassuring to Yamamoto. He hoped that at least was some kind of good sign. He tried to give a good-natured laugh, but it came out strangled and awkward. "I can't really believe it myself."

"How did it happen?" Takeuchi was looking at Yamamoto now. "You definitely weren't like that before."

Yamamoto hesitated. Did he really want to tell him about Gokudera? After he'd guarded the secret for so long? However, the werewolf soon found the whole story spilling out of him, like water after a dam was removed. He told his captain about finding Gokudera in the alleyway, about taking care of him in his apartment and finding out his secret in the process. He told him about the werewolf hunters and how Gokudera's attack had ended in his transformation into a werewolf. He left out the part about him falling in love with Gokudera, as he felt he wasn't ready to come out of the closet to Takeuchi yet, but told him about Tsuna's noble sacrifice saving them from the werewolf hunters. As he told the story, Yamamoto felt a heavy burden lift from his shoulders. It felt so good to share the secret with someone other than Gokudera.

Takeuchi listened without interrupting. When Yamamoto finished, he chuckled uncomfortably and shook his head. "So you weren't delusional when you told me you were taking care of a werewolf."

"I promise you I'm still the same person I once was." Yamamoto was practically begging at this point. He didn't know what he would do without Takeuchi's friendship and support, and he couldn't tell how the captain was taking the story. "My being a wolf once a month doesn't change who I am."

The baseball captain met Yamamoto's eyes uncertainly. He searched his gaze, though Yamamoto had no idea what he was looking for or what he found. "What happened to the werewolf? The other one, I mean."

Hesitating again, Yamamoto looked down at his body as the water from the shower streamed down it. It looked human enough… How could the ability to transform into a wolf make him so unhuman? And did it, really? He wasn't a monster. Monsters were deranged creatures that attacked and killed humans; Yamamoto wasn't like that. He was still the kind person he once was. He was still human.

"Yamamoto?"

The baseball player flinched at Takeuchi's voice as it drew him out of his thoughts. He realized that he'd never answered his captain's question and he looked him in the eye again as he spoke up. "Oh, he still lives with me. He doesn't have anywhere else to go."

"You're too kind for your own good, Yamamoto," Takeuchi sighed as he looked down at his body in the shower as well. He stared silently for a moment before he spoke again, his voice barely a whisper. "You should have just left him in the alley."

Yamamoto's heart clenched at the words. Takeuchi was running from the problem – for whatever reason he was refusing to accept that the werewolf before him was still the same Moto that he'd known for years. He wished that someone he didn't know, someone that Yamamoto loved, had just died on the street so he didn't have to deal with what Yamamoto had become. Anger and pain rose in the baseball player's stomach; he had had the same thoughts and had been depressed and alone for the longest time before he finally came to peace with his actions. All he wanted was Takeuchi to accept him – him and Gokudera. After all, he'd have to tell him about his lover eventually.

Reaching out, Yamamoto grabbed Takeuchi's shoulder tightly, surprising the man into looking up at him. Yamamoto's eyes were narrowed and he didn't think he'd ever been more serious in his life. "Takeuchi, you would really wish that someone was dead just so you wouldn't have to deal with something that doesn't even have to be a problem?"

Takeuchi flinched; it wasn't big, but Yamamoto felt it. "Moto, that's not what I meant—"

"Then what did you mean?!" Yamamoto realized his voice was rising and he fought to keep it low. "I will never regret finding that man in the alley – nothing you say will make me think otherwise. This doesn't have to come between us; we can still be friends. I'm still human, I'm still Yamamoto. Why can't you accept me?"

There was a long silence. Yamamoto found himself breathing unevenly and his grip tightening on Takeuchi's shoulder as he waited anxiously for a response. Suddenly, however, Takeuchi reached up and gripped the werewolf's hand in his own. As their gazes met, Yamamoto was surprised by the fire burning in his captain's eyes.

"Prove to me you're still Yamamoto."

"What?"

"You say you haven't changed. Prove it." Takeuchi shoved Yamamoto off of him and stood there boldly in the shower, his hands on his hips. "We're going to have a batting tournament. If you're still Yamamoto, you can easily beat me."

Yamamoto gaped at his captain. That was it?! All he needed as reassurance was a baseball competition? However, as Takeuchi began to walk away, the werewolf caught the teasing smile he sent his way. Suddenly he understood, and a big smile erupted on his face.

Takeuchi had never hated him, nor had wanted not to be friends anymore. He just wasn't sure what exactly had changed, and how he was supposed to deal with it. By bringing both of them back onto familiar turf, and away from the supernatural, Takeuchi was establishing grounds so he could understand Yamamoto as he was now. The baseball captain had been waiting all along for the werewolf to come to him so he wouldn't overstep any boundaries.

Warmth grew in Yamamoto's chest and, despite himself, competition. He was so happy that everything was going to be okay, and of course the challenge of the game excited him. He smirked as Takeuchi walked past. "Fine – I'm not going to lose!"

He heard the captain's laughter from the other side of the locker room.

After he reestablished friendship with Takeuchi, Yamamoto's life became considerably easier. He was free to focus back on baseball and his relationship with Gokudera, and the captain was the first to jump to Yamamoto's defense when he requested time off every month from the coach. He of course didn't say why, but the werewolf didn't think the coach ever would've agreed if it hadn't been for Takeuchi's support.

It was exactly what he had hoped for, and he found himself truly happy for the first time in a long while.

Things were still a little delicate in his relationship, however. They hardly talked about Tsuna. Though they remembered him fondly when they did, it was still a sensitive subject for Gokudera. They both knew the silver-haired werewolf hadn't completely gotten over the fact that Yamamoto had let Tsuna die.

One night, the topic came up almost by mistake. Yamamoto was talking about a friend he'd had in high school when Gokudera suddenly became quiet. Recognizing his lover's change in mood, the black-haired werewolf shut up and looked at the other in concern. "… Hayato? Is everything alright?"

"Yeah." The response was too quick to be true.

Yamamoto reached out to wrap his arms around Gokudera as he pulled him to his chest. The werewolf settled in comfortably enough, but he didn't touch Yamamoto in ways that he usually would. The baseball player buried his face into Gokudera's hair, trying to stay calm as pain bubbled up in his chest. He knew he had no right to start crying, but it hurt him so much when his lover would do this to him. "Are you thinking about Tsuna again?"

"He was always there for me, like your friend. He saved me when no one else bothered to. You're the only other person who's done that for me." Gokudera's head was buried in Yamamoto's chest, as it always was when he opened himself up. As always, the baseball player wished he could see his face.

"What can I do to get you to forgive me?" Yamamoto whispered, his voice cracking as he tried to control his breathing.

Gokudera sighed heavily before he, to Yamamoto's surprise, leaned up and kissed him. As the baseball player leaned into the kiss, he felt the silver-haired werewolf's hand stroking the back of his head, long fingers tangling in the hair there. When they broke apart, Gokudera's emerald eyes were burning into Yamamoto's, and he couldn't help but feel strongly attracted to them.

"All you need to do is keep doing what you're doing. I'm a stubborn asshole, but your love is reaching me; I want you to know that. You're the only person in the world I love, and the only one who can help me get through this. I just need more time."

Yamamoto found himself crying. He kissed Gokudera again, a small smile on his face. When they parted, he rested his forehead on the other's. "I'll always love you, Hayato – that's something you can always count on."

"You're sappy as hell," Gokudera teased, a playful light now dancing in his eyes.

Laughing, Yamamoto stroked his lover's cheek gently. "Whatever it takes to get my love across to you."

"Jesus, Takeshi, stop!" A pillow was thrown in his face. "I think I'm going to explode from fucking sappiness overload."

"Okay, okay!" Yamamoto laughed, rising his hands in surrender. "Just know that I mean it."

Gokudera rolled his eyes. "You couldn't have made that clearer."

Chuckling, Yamamoto just cuddled closer to his lover and closed his eyes as he felt Gokudera adjusting to the position. That was the most they'd talked about Tsuna since he'd died, and the black-haired werewolf was happy to know that they were making progress. He knew it would take time, but to know that Gokudera was working to forgive him was all that mattered to him.

He knew that, someday, they would be the happiest couple on earth, despite their werewolf qualities, and nothing would get in their way again.

(A/N) Well, folks, that's technically the end! I wanted that to be the official ending of the story, but I do have a little bonus thing to add on here that popped into my head in the process of writing this whole, long story. I thought about making it a separate chapter, but it's too short and I think it works better tacked on to this last chapter, as an afterthought of sorts.

However, first, I want to thank all who read this story and reviewed and followed and favorited! Gosh it means so much to me. And I know I'm the worst updater in the world, but I hope the story was worth the wait. I had a lot of fun writing it, so I hope you all enjoyed it!

I hope to see you all around again somewhere, but until then, thank you so much for reading! And enjoy this last bit ;D

Yamamoto was running with Gokudera in wolf form through the dark streets of Tokyo, as they always did on their anniversary, when they found her. It had been five years since the black-haired werewolf had asked his lover to marry him and they had flown halfway across the world on his baseball salary to have their wedding. Takeuchi had been their best man, and on their honeymoon they had visited the gravesite they had bought for Tsuna to gain his blessing. It had been a full moon, then, which only seemed fitting – after all, the werewolf would always be with them.

It remained the best moment of Yamamoto's life.

Relishing the cold wind in his fur as they ran towards the park they had claimed for their anniversary spot, the black wolf looked over at his husband. Gokudera looked a hundred times better than when Yamamoto had first found him – he was still skinny, but he had filled out his form and his ribs no longer stuck out. He was eating much better than he ever had, and he'd gotten a job as a cook that gave him something to do during the day.

The activity had been a better cure than medicine for him.

The hell are you looking at? Gokudera growled. Yamamoto only smiled sheepishly at getting caught before he went back to looking where he was going.

The park was shrouded in moonlight when they arrived. The grass was wet with dew under their paws, and the breeze ruffled their fur, but the beauty and tranquility of the place was always what made the trip worth it. Trotting to their usual spot, Yamamoto threw himself to the ground and pressed his muzzle into Gokudera's fur as the silver wolf joined him.

Their love was just as strong, after eight years of being together, and they had long sense adapted to their new life. Yamamoto stopped being such a dolt about the transformation cycle, and had managed to keep their werewolf selves secret from everyone besides Takeuchi. The baseball player's captain now often came to dinner, having long sense known about Gokudera and their relationship. The two strangely got along, despite the fact that the silver werewolf always claimed that Takeuchi annoyed him. They visited Yamamoto's father often, and Tsuyoshi had been the first to know and help plan the wedding. Their pets were alive and kicking, though white was starting to develop around Jirou's muzzle, and Yamamoto truly believed he was the happiest man in the world. He didn't think his life could get any better.

Do you hear that? Gokudera muttered suddenly, sitting up from their comfortable position. Yamamoto had been dozing, and he now strained his ears to try and catch what had caught his lover's attention.

A thin wailing soon reached him. It was high-pitched, and the helplessness of it immediately pulled on Yamamoto's heart strings. It sounds like some kind of small animal.

It almost sounds like… Gokudera trailed off as he stood and wandered towards the noise. Wondering what his lover could be thinking, Yamamoto stood as well and followed after him.

The noise got louder as they approached a bush at the end of the park. Yamamoto was still following Gokudera, though his nose was to the ground as he tried to pick up a scent of the creature. As they rounded the bush, the scent filled the black wolf's nose and he had identified it just as they stumbled across its small body lying in a soft patch of grass.

A wolf pup! Yamamoto gasped, staring down at it in disbelief. Its fur was a pretty auburn, and the puffiness of it showed the black wolf that it was a fairly newborn puppy. This conclusion was strengthened by the fact that the pup's eyes were still closed and its little teeth were just starting to grow in.

A female, Gokudera added on as he sniffed and prodded the small creature with a paw before retreating back a few steps. She can't be more than a few days old.

How do you think she got here? Yamamoto wondered aloud as he laid down by the small puppy. She was still wailing, her pink maw wide open, and the baseball player could see that she was shivering. He almost instinctively wrapped his body around her and began licking her comfortingly. The puppy automatically curled into his stomach, her pitiful wails silencing as she blindly batted at Yamamoto's fur with her small paws.

I don't know. Gokudera stood an awkward distance away, watching the two of them. Yamamoto met his gaze, but for once couldn't tell what he was thinking.

We can't leave her here.

Gokudera sighed. I was worried you were going to say that.

Hayato… Yamamoto couldn't explain it. The moment he'd set eyes on the little puppy, he'd felt an overwhelming urge to protect her and care for her. Maybe it was the fact he was a wolf currently, but he knew there was no way he could just get up and walk away from the small creature. He wrapped his body tighter around her. We have room in the apartment. She'll grow up with us, and Jirou, Uri, and Kojirou. We'll bring her here with us, so she can roam around – we know from experience that wolves need space to move. And if she gets too big for the apartment, we could always—

Takeshi, Gokudera interrupted as he shifted his paws. You haven't noticed, have you?

Yamamoto tilted his head to the side, confused. Noticed what?

Her scent. I mean, you haven't really identified it.

Hayato, what are you getting at? Yamamoto didn't like the way that Gokudera was shifting around uncomfortably. Why was he so hesitant on getting another pet? Sure, she was a wild animal, but if she was raised by a couple of werewolves who could communicate with her when they transformed, surely it couldn't be that bad…

She's a werewolf. Gokudera looked down at the small puppy nuzzled comfortably into Yamamoto's belly. She's fucking human, Takeshi.

Yamamoto took a breath. He now understood why Gokudera was so hesitant: they wouldn't be getting a pet, but a child. It brought up doubts of his own. Were they really ready to start a family? Was he ready to start a family? He had no idea where to begin being a dad. However, his fierce urge to protect the small werewolf didn't go away; instead, it intensified.

Then that's more of a reason we can't leave her. Yamamoto drew himself into a sitting position to argue his point better, wrapping a paw around the small body at his side. I don't know how she got here, or how she's a werewolf, but we're the only people who can raise her – we're the only ones who know what she's going through.

Gokudera continued to fidget. I know that, but—

But what?

I don't know how to be a father! Gokudera all but snarled, causing the small werewolf to start crying again. Yamamoto gave him a disapproving look before he took a moment to lick her fur, calming her into a sleepy silence. He then looked back up at his husband as the silver wolf continued, quieter now. I was abandoned at a very small age. I have nothing to go off of – I have no damn idea how to raise a kid. I don't want her to end up like me.

Yamamoto whined, not liking how Gokudera was talking about himself. Even after all this time he still had such a low self-esteem. He decided not to comment on it, however, and instead thumped his tail invitingly on the ground. Hey, come here and sit with us.

Gokudera hesitated, but he eventually walked over and gingerly laid down in front of Yamamoto. He was close enough that he was enclosing the baby werewolf between the two of them in a soft and warm blanket of fur. The puppy yawned before she snuggled into Gokudera's fur and fell asleep. The silver wolf just looked down at her, as if he didn't know what to do about it.

Yamamoto leaned over and licked his ears. I have no idea how to be a dad either – and I have a model to go off of! I think it's different for every family, and that it's something we have to figure out together. Besides, we're starting the first ever werewolf family! Of course it's going to be different than a regular old human family!

Gokudera glanced at him uncertainly before looking back down at the sleeping bundle at his chest. Yamamoto watched as the silver wolf leaned down to gently lick and nuzzle the small puppy's head; he nearly burst from the warmth and happiness that swelled up in him. Gokudera could claim all he wanted that he wouldn't be a good father, but Yamamoto thought otherwise.

Catching him staring, Gokudera growled at him. If he was in his human form, Yamamoto thought he might've been blushing. The fuck are you looking at?

Hey, watch your language, Yamamoto chided playfully.

Gokudera sighed. You're definitely not going to let her go, are you?

Nope! And I was thinking we could call her Amber.

Of course you already named her. Gokudera rolled his eyes at Yamamoto before he looked down at the small werewolf again. The black wolf thought he still saw doubt lingering in his eyes, so he opened his mouth to say something convincing.

However, the puppy beat him to it. Amber, in that moment, woke up and opened her eyes for the first time. Her eyes were a beautiful, bright hazel and she looked up at Gokudera with what could only be described as a smile on her face. She blinked her eyes cutely as she snuggled into Gokudera's chest fur, her stubby tail swishing happily.

Yamamoto would've paid money to record the look on Gokudera's face as his doubt was completely flushed away to be replaced with affection for his newfound daughter.

Happiness flooded through him as the baseball player wrapped his body around Gokudera and their daughter. There was now a zero percent chance of leaving Amber behind, and he could only feel love washing through him as the three of them officially became a family.