Chapter Text
“SAO” Tsuna read the English letters slowly, carefully keeping his pronunciation correct. His English grades were his best (still failing, just not as bad as his other classes) and he liked to take some pride in that. His mother was cooing over the gaming system that had come in with the title. There were proverbial hearts in her eyes as she looked the gifts over. One would almost think the present was for her, not Tsuna.
“Isn't Papa so nice to send you something so grand for your birthday?” She snatched up the instruction manual and began reading. No doubt the matron would have the whole thing set up and ready for Tsuna before the end of the night. He sighed at her enthusiasm, unable to let himself poke at it. Rightfully so, in his opinion. His birthday was in October. They were currently at the start of summer break. Tsuna wasn't sure if this was a gift for his last birthday, or the next one. Or if his father had just forgotten when Tsuna's birthday was.
The gifts came in the mail, with so many stamps and postmarks on them Tsuna was half convinced that went through enough countries to get a frequent flyer pass. It was all jammed into one giant box, wrapped pristinely with childish robot designs and a blue bow. Iemitsu at least remembered that Tsuna liked robots. Even if that love died out years ago from growing up and no longer being an elementary student. Still, Tsuna was fair enough to give the man a point. Just the one.
With the NerveGear, the most popular gaming system of the century was a small assortment of games. Among them was a pre-ordered copy of Sword Art Online. The NerveGear was top of the line by made specifically for VR – virtual reality. Put on the helmet-looking device and be whisked away to another world, living within the very games that you liked to play.
Tsuna was not a large gamer. Nor did he watch the news or gossip with friends. Mostly because he didn't have any friends. That did not mean he was a complete hermit though. It was impossible to not heard of amazing feats of the NerveGear or the specially made game for it, SAO. Kayaba Akihiko made the VRMMORPG just for his gaming system. A fantasy RPG is lauded for its design and criticized for the lack of a magic system. Tsuna didn't know much more than that, catching snippets of conversations from those conversing at lunch during school. Still, the hype was real, and it was infectious.
Tsuna didn't think much of his absent father, but this was a pretty cool thing. Something that went against his useless reputation. He couldn't tell anyone about it, having no real friends. Even still, who would believe him? Useless Tsuna owning the coolest game of the year before it even released? Impossible. Tsuna didn't want to ruin what excitement he had for the game as it was.
And, if one were to be optimistic, Tsuna might even make friends playing SAO. It was an MMO after all. In the virtual world, he wasn't Dame-Tsuna. No bullies and a chance to build himself with a better rep. Tsuna smiled and let his mother drag him to the NerveGear with this in mind. As he helped her get it all set up Tsuna sent a mental thanks to his father. While he didn't really appreciate the man confusing his birthdate, it might bring good things for him.
Tsuna ignored the knots forming in his stomach, determined to not let his social anxiety and nerves get in the way of this. For once his mother was encouraging him to stay indoors and play video games, and this could be his only chance at making friends. No bad vibes or weird paranoia allowed.
In the weeks waiting for the opening day of SAO, Tsuna tried out his new gifts. He found himself enjoying if failing at, a fighting game. The cooking simulator was boring if relaxing and strangely fixed on desserts. Tsuna had nearly refused to play one of the games on principle. Because a dating sim? Sent by Iemitsu? Eugh. Still, his mom insisted he try out all the games in fairness; and so he did. Everything about it was fine, if weird in the word phrasing and completely embarrassing. Then it wasn't fine. Tsuna resolved to never play it again. Ever.
Pokemon was a tried and true game and was fun with the VR aspect. Tsuna's Litleo was fun to take care of, though he didn't battle much. Logically he knew that the pokemon wasn't real, but Nuts was like a pet to him anyway. The newest Final Fantasy game was a blast, Tsuna felt as though he was playing in a movie, or just in a whole different world. It had hiccups, given that Final Fantasy games were mostly turn-based and focused on telling a story from a character perspective. Not the player's. Still, it was a good game to tide the time until he could play SAO.
Which, really, was all he was doing. Waiting for when he could play SAO. Tsuna made time to check out more about the game. There wasn't all that much more than what he had heard, beta-testers keeping closed-lipped and Kayaba insisting on remaining mysterious. He watched what limited game footage there was, and admitted that it looked really cool.
As the day got closer Tsuna got more and more nervous. While excited to play, he couldn't help but worry. One of the reasons why he wanted to play was a chance at getting friends. Easy to say and think, but Tsuna was starting to have doubts. He didn't know how to make friends. He couldn't seem to make them in the real world. Not even with the advantage of knowing most of the people in his class since day-care. Making friends out of strangers seemed too far fetched for him.
Still, next year he was going to start middle school. It'd be nice to have at least one friend before then. Right? Tsuna sighed to himself in a morose manner. Maybe it was all doomed. Maybe he would forever be Dame-Tsuna, the useless student of Namimori, and all-around friendless idiot. Perhaps he should scrap the whole thing and just stay away from SAO. His nerves were all over the place and just thinking about the game made his head buzz. The building stress could not be good for his body.
“Tsuna? Is everything okay?” Nana frowned at her son in worry. They were sitting in one of the booths at the local sushi shop. She had wanted to eat out for the special occasion of her son being so interested in something that involved his father. Even as loosely as it was. She hadn't been able to notice Tsuna's dying excitement for the game just yet, and he was determined to keep it that way. His mother was happy, which was good no matter what.
“Yeah, mom!” He smiled wide. It wasn't a lie, because it was. He was having a nice night out with his mother and he hadn't run into any of his schoolmates on the way to the shop. All good in his books. His inner worries were notwithstanding. For now. He'd have to find a way to deal with it. Maybe let Nana down gently?
“Hello! Welcome to Yamamoto Sushi!” Tsuna blinked at the familiar face that appeared at their booth. Yamamoto Takeshi, fellow classmate and rising baseball star, looked at them with mirrored surprise. The boy smiled cheerily as if Tsuna was an old friend.
“Oh! Dame-Tsuna!” Tsuna mentally winced at the name. It was newly dubbed on him and seemed to be sticking. So bad that Tsuna couldn't help but think of himself in such a way. His smile came more wobbly than he meant, waving awkwardly. Because he was a complete klutz, that simple act nearly landed him with a smacked nose from his menu.
“Hi Yamamoto.” He mumbled, thumbing his chin where the menu hit him. Nana looked between the two boys curiously, eyes lighting up with each swivel. Tsuna hunched, mind flickering with warning lights.
“Ara?” She smiled largely. “Are you friends? Tsuna, you didn't tell me you had a friend like Yamamoto-kun! He's so nice!” Tsuna balked at the storm of words his mother uttered. She barely knew him! Not that Yamamoto wasn't nice. He never made fun of Tsuna and tried toning down when his teammates and the other classmates were particularly nasty at PE. While he never really did anything to stop the bullying, Tsuna didn't fault the boy.
“Mom,” Tsuna hissed under his breath. He needed a black hole to swallow him up. Now. Yamamoto didn't look annoyed at least. His smile stayed in place as Nana rambled praise over him and Tsuna's non-existent friendship. Then Nana trailed into an embarrassing tale from Tsuna's youth that made Yamamoto laugh as Tsuna wailed in despair. She really needed to know when was the right time to overshare.
Yamamoto's laughter made Tsuna pause for a second, however. While his smile was large, and his laughter infectious, something was off. Tsuna felt his mouth tugging down, and he suddenly remembered the fate of the other boy's mother. She had died in an accident last year. Rumors and sympathies were flying through the school during Yamamoto's absence from school. For a while, the boy was downtrodden and depressed. Enough so that even Tsuna, in his nervousness and clearly bottom-of-the-social-ladder self wanted to approach Yamamoto. Then, one day, Yamamoto came back with a smile. Springing into a cheerful self like a rubber band. It struck him odd then, but Tsuna didn't feel like he was in any position to press it.
The sense he felt back then was back. Yamamoto's eyes weren't smiling. Or not in the same wavelength as the facade he was putting out. They were dulled somewhat. As if covered in a filter. Tsuna bit his lip and felt guilty. Nana might be reminding him of his mother.
“Mom please.” His voice was sharper than he intended, surprising himself as much as Nana and Yamamoto. She blinked in surprise and blushed. Tsuna relaxed as she giggled and offered Yamamoto an apologetic smile.
“Ah, sorry. I just get so wrapped up sometimes!” She winked at Tsuna. “Time just flies by and I can't help but reminisce when possible.” They gave out their orders, and Yamamoto thanked them and promised the food would be ready soon. Tsuna watched him walk towards the main counter. The boy spoke to the man chopping up fish with a flourish, likely giving out the order, and then sharply walked out a side door leading outside. Tsuna's stomach clenched uncomfortably.
Yamamoto might be crying. It wasn't fair. Tsuna couldn't do anything though. Not really. What use would his words be, when he wasn't Yamamoto's friend? He had no real connection to the popular boy. Tsuna wouldn't know what to say anyway.
“I'm so proud that you have a friend so nice!” Nana gushed idly, not noticing her son's divided attention. “I was getting worried for a bit, that you were lonely. Now I can rest easy! That and you'll make friends on that new game! The M-M-O. Your father called last night to hear about how you liked the gifts and told me all about it. He-” Her words trailed within Tsuna's head. He wanted to make friends online. How could he do such a thing when he failed at doing so in the real world? When he was too afraid to approach someone as nice as Yamamoto? Even when the boy might need someone next to him?
Tsuna stood from the booth suddenly. Nana cut off mid-sentence, shocked at the odd behavior. He plastered a wane smile and waved her concern off. Tsuna was mad at himself. He was a coward. He knew that, but this was beyond his own levels.
“Sorry mom, but can you excuse me for a moment? I have to talk to Yamamoto about something.” Nana numbly nodded her head. Tsuna thanked her and dashed to where he saw Yamamoto go. The side door led to a dimly lit yard. Yamamoto was in the center, still wearing his work uniform, tossing a baseball in the air.
He looked over at the sound of the door shutting behind Tsuna. At the questioning gaze, Tsuna froze. His nerves rattled him again, and dimly he berated himself. This was stupid. He was overreacting. Yamamoto wasn't crying, he was just relaxing on what could have been a planned break for all Tsuna knew!
Still, here he was. Might as well go all in and wallow in the embarrassment later. Just another mocking memory to stock up to his rep. Tsuna approached and fumbled with his words. This was way harder than what people say.
“Ah, I just wanted to – um, talk. For a second.” That was terrible. Yamamoto raised his brows with a tilt of his head. He looked at Tsuna expectantly, mouth quirking and eyes scrunching with awkwardness the longer the pause lasted.
“Just – I – Well -” Tsuna twisted his hands into his hoodie and mentally cursed himself. This was going nowhere. He needed to just speak his mind as honestly as possible. “I just wanted to see if you were okay! And say sorry!” He bowed deeply, squeezing his eyes shut. There. Done. He said it. Tsuna wanted to crawl into a hole and die now.
“Sorry?” Yamamoto repeated slowly. “What for?” Tsuna rose and scratched the back of his head with a nervous chuckle. Yamamoto looked curious, but his body seemed defensive. Tsuna messed up again.
“Well, I just, my mom can be a bit much and-” He cut himself off as Yamamoto's face seem to minutely freeze. Smile stretching out and a laugh already on its way out. He was going to laugh it off. Tsuna was sure of it. It was going to be an out, for both of them. Still, Tsuna found that he couldn't let himself take it. Or let Yamamoto take it. His head was strangely silent and focused, and he felt as though he had entered a serious moment.
“-And I wanted to ask about how you work here. I didn't know about that.” Yamamoto blinked as he was cut off. Tsuna fiddled with his hoodie some more and shrugged. “I know you're on the baseball team and are popular. But not about this. It's kinda cool.” Tsuna gave a wobbly smile. This was still an out from the conversation, but not one where Yamamoto had to fake his cheer. Tsuna didn't want the other to do that.
Yamamoto's smile dropped and he eyed Tsuna once more. Tsuna kept his smile, praying that he hadn't just insulted Yamamoto somehow. That would be his luck. After a silent beat, Yamamoto shrugged and smiled. It still didn't feel right to Tsuna, but it didn't look as strained as before at least. Tsuna would take what he could.
“My dad runs it. He's the one behind the counter making the sushi. I help out when needed.” Yamamoto tossed the ball into the air and caught it again. “I never thought it was cool though.” He sent Tsuna an odd look at that. It was unfamiliar on the boy's face, and Tsuna couldn't name the emotion behind it.
“I think it is. My dad is a construction worker. He's always away in some other country, and I rarely see him.” Tsuna offered. Yamamoto's mouth dropped into an O shape, and Tsuna blushed at the attention.
“Really? That sounds way cooler than owning a sushi shop!” He exclaimed brightly. Tsuna waved off the enthusiasm with a light-hearted laugh. It was absurd to think of his dad being cool. The word did not match the image of the guy when home. Bumming out and surrounded by sake bottles.
“Nah. Not really.” He assured, not willing to explain why. Tsuna thought that the night had enough oversharing as it was. No need for him to add to it. He let out a short breath and smiled at both Yamamoto and himself. Yamamoto looked to be in a better mood, and Tsuna was able to talk to another person somewhat normally. Maybe he did have a chance at making friends after all!
“Well, I should get back and eat dinner. I'm happy you're alright.” That was the main purpose of coming out. Tsuna turned and headed for the door into the shop. He should let Yamamoto enjoy his break from working. The guy likely had baseball practice in the morning. Tsuna heard that sports teams could train in the summer if they were serious enough about it. Even having summer tournaments. Yamamoto seemed like the kind of guy who would do that for something he loved.
“Wait!” Tsuna turned just as he reached the door. Yamamoto's face was shadowed by the dusking light, arms lying limply at his sides. The baseball was clenched tightly in his right hand. Tsuna's earlier feelings returned. The air was charged with tension and he didn't know why. Had he done something wrong?
“Why did you think something was wrong? That I wasn't okay?” Tsuna's breath hitched, brain faltering. He didn't think of what to do if Yamamoto called him out like this. Mostly because Tsuna himself didn't know. Not in a way to describe correctly. He was not an eloquent person, and weird feelings and hunches weren't viable answers for something like this. Still, Tsuna couldn't come up with a reasonable explanation, and he couldn't play it off. It wouldn't be fair to either of them.
“Well, when my mom was talking you kind of looked like you wanted to cry.” Tsuna decided to just be completely honest. It worked before, so maybe it would now. “You were laughing and smiling, and really I had no reason to think so, but, to me, you did. And I didn't like the thought of causing you to cry or fake a smile, even by accident. So, I came out here.” Yamamoto was looking at the ground, not responding. Tsuna hesitated, unknowing if he did the right thing.
“How?” Tsuna jumped at the somewhat harsh tone of the question. He fretted mentally. He had upset Yamamoto! He really was useless. Dame-Tsuna was the perfect name for him after all.
“W-well, uh, I mean-” He stuttered mind freaking out at the thought of making the other mad. “Your eyes I guess? I mean, you really did look happy, like normal. And, like I said I shouldn't have thought you weren't okay, but I felt like there was something off about your eyes. Like, ah, I really don't know. My head does this weird thing when it over analyzes things and I'm sorry if that upset you.” The words spewed from his mouth in a fast ramble. Tsuna tripped out his words in hopes of putting things to right with Yamamoto.
“My eyes huh?” Tsuna nodded frantically. Yamamoto looked up with a grin that made his eyes crinkle cheerfully. The perfect picture of a happy teenage boy. Really, there was nothing off-putting about the image. Not the relaxed stance, or the general aura he was giving off. He made Tsuna feel as though he should sit down and enjoy the night air like they were buddies since birth, or just go have a fun night without worries.
His chest tightened painfully, and Tsuna felt bad for both of them. Because despite it all, he still couldn't believe it. Not now, after speaking to Yamamoto and seeing him try to fake his cheer just to stop a conversation. Tsuna gave an apologetic smile, and Yamamoto's smile dropped.
“Have a nice night Yamamoto. I hope you do well at the next baseball match.” Tsuna might even try to go to it if he could figure out when it was. Yamamoto nodded, and Tsuna left the boy alone. The shop was still in the swing of things, and it oddly seemed as though Tsuna had just stepped out of a different world. The change in scenes threw him off, and he tripped when getting back into his booth. Nana clucked her tongue with a fond shake of her head.
The food had arrived, and Tsuna quickly dug in. He'd like to finish the night as soon as possible. Things were processing weird for him at the moment. His chest was aching, likely from the results of his failed attempt at cheering up Yamamoto. He should have known better, really. He wasn't part of Yamamoto's social clique, and clearly, the boy didn't want to include Tsuna within it. At least, not for a while given how upset he was at the end.
Dinner was good, the sushi top-notch and Nana's prattling words kept Tsuna's head clear of the white noise it entered after talking with Yamamoto. By the time their meal was finished Tsuna was surprised to note that most of the other customers were gone and that it was starting to get late. He hadn't noticed the time going by so quickly.
“Are you all finished?” Tsuna jumped as the tall man from the counter approached their table. He was grinning loudly, eyes crinkling at the sides similar to Yamamoto's. This was Yamamoto's father. Nana beamed right back, money for the meal out and ready with a hefty tip.
“Yes, and it was a very wonderful meal!” She chirped. “Why, I fear my dear Tsuna will no longer like my own sushi! I might need to get cooking lessons!” Yamamoto-san let out a belly laugh that calmed the fraying nerves that Tsuna didn't realize he had. The man took the payment and handed it back to Nana with a wink.
“I highly doubt that. A mother's cooking will always surpass the world's finest cook in the eyes of a child. You two can have the meal on the house for such high praise!” Though saying this, Yamamoto-san's gaze slid to Tsuna. His smile softened and he reached out to ruffle Tsuna's hair.
“Also, it's nice to see Takeshi's classmates. He never brings his friends around. I'm glad your son was able to speak with him.” A warm feeling passed through Tsuna, calming his body and mind. He touched the spot Yamamoto-san patted him curiously. He had seen Tsuna go speak with his son? Or did the younger boy mention something? If so, then maybe Yamamoto wasn't mad at him? Cause he doubted Yamamoto-san would be so nice to Tsuna otherwise.
“I feel the same way! I'm so glad we came to this shop to celebrate! It's nice to have met one of Tsuna's friends from school!” Nana chirped, pocketing the money but leaving the tip on the table. “We came here because Tsuna's papa got him an early birthday gift! You know that new game setup that's been in the news?” Tsuna let out a mental groan as his mother went to overshare again . Why was she so bubbly and open? Tsuna thought that the Japanese were supposed to be reserved!
“You mean that fancy one I keep seeing on the commercials and news channels?” Yamamoto-san leaned forward in interest, eyes lighting up kindly. Well, at least Nana found a fellow enthusiast. Tsuna just wished it wasn't this person. Or that it happened when he was in the same room.
“Yes! That one!” Nana clapped her hands together with an excited laugh. “Well, my Iemitsu sent that, along with some games! Including a specially released one called Sword Art Online.” She said the English words carefully, sneakily sending Tsuna a glance to see if she did it right. He gave a thumbs up out of Yamamoto's eyesight.
“Sword Art Online?” The man repeated with a hum. Nana nodded her head rapidly. Tsuna, feeling drained and ready to go home, decided to help further the conversation along. Maybe after Nana shared her excitement with a fellow parent they could leave.
“It's an online multiplayer RPG.” Tsuna explained to the older man. “ I guess my dad pre-ordered it for me. The opening day, when it's online, is this weekend. It's supposed to be the biggest game of the year.” Yamamoto-san nodded along with an interested look. Nana pulled him into light chatter once more, before shortly announcing they leave.
Tsuna looked behind him as they exited the shop, eyes wandering to the waving form at Yamamoto Sr. He was a kind man, cheerful and relaxing to be around. Just like how Yamamoto will look and feel at times. The man caught Tsuna's gaze and his smile softened once more. Tsuna blinked and the moment was gone, the older man bustling around to clean up.
Tsuna didn't know what exactly to make of tonight, but it didn't end too bad. Yamamoto might not want to speak to him, but at least Tsuna knew the boy was okay. That he was okay and he had a father like Yamamoto-san around.