RE(Revised Edition)- Long time no update! Revisions are now in progress. I've been brooding over deleting the intros and outros. Just to try toning it down a bit. Lemme know your thoughts through review or PM. Maybe I should just delete some of the stuff pertaining to the chapters. Not sure.
'Ello! HSB here kickin' the summer off with a new story! I mainly wrote this story because I was thinkin' about some of my favorite characters who don't get enough love. Automatically I thought SPANNER! He has the potential to be a hilarious persona, but not many people have taken this chance so I'm like 'why not do it myself?' Otherwise, I hope I do his character justice. Oh! Real quick, with exams and vacation I didn't have enough time to upload some of my stories that were already finished (more like in development), so this story came about while I was waiting for a taxi in Atlanta.
Disclaimer: Someone needs to make a meme for disclaimers! Something like 'I don't own it I swear' with somebody at gunpoint. I don't know but IT NEEDS TO BE DONE! I don't own any of these characters all rights to Amano Akira..yada..yada..yada.
For the mechanics!
Assignments
Spanner strolled down the halls of the Vongola estate.
It was Tuesday, assignment day. So as per typical most everyone on duty would be collecting an envelope from one of the guardians in which would contain their duties for the next week, month, year, etc. Most jobs were stationary. For example once Spanner was assigned to be a temporary tech man for the Ninth, and for the three months he remained in Italy his job was simply to do whatever the elder man requested.
The whole process tended to be over-exaggerated. You go to the mail room, you read your briefing, you go about your life. Simple. But most of the staff there at Japan's Vongola Base dedicated their entire day to preparing or more likely chatting about their new station.
Being the head mechanic, he headed towards the Vongola Decimo's office to receive his own. He hoped to make it quick before the guardians stormed into the room and spread chaos. Spanner knocked on the giant oak doors leading inside the office.
"Ah! Come in."
He entered the large office to greet a mountainous stack of papers.
"Good morning, young Vongola." He waved.
Sawada Tsunayoshi rolled out from behind his work and smiled. "Morning Spanner," he scratched his unruly mop of hair "I guess you're here for your assignment, eh."
Spanner gave a less than enthusiastic thumbs up. Tsuna nodded before he spun his lavish leather chair back into the mass of files behind his desk.
Spanner remembered the brief time he spent with the teenage Tsuna. The change in maturity was somewhat drastic when he considered it. He just seemed more put together and a lot more rational in his thinking; sort of like in Hyper Dying Will Mode twenty four/seven.
Really it was proof enough judging from the fact that the four foot pile of papers hadn't come crashing down…yet.
"Spanner…Spanner…" The young boss mumbled as he rifled through one of the smaller stacks of paper labeled 'Assignments' with a sticky note. After a few moments, he completed his search.
"Aha! Spanner, you are to be stationed at – HIIIEEE!" Spanner internally chuckled. He guessed some things never change.
"I-I'm sorry Spanner but…" He shoved the file into the hands of a startled Spanner. Then he turned and – professionally – power walked from the room. At least he kept his head held high now.
Spanner examined the folder responsible. It was the typical manila organizer he usually got with his name on a plain sticker at the top, but something was different. He flipped it open to the first page and his eyes immediately widened as he noticed the division seal.
"Varia…"
He hadn't had much experience with the Varia, but he knew the basics. Tsuna and the guardians fought them ten years ago and won. To be honest, he initially assumed they were weak which is far from the truth. Though they lost, the assassination squad proved to be virtually on par with the Tenth generation family.
Spanner didn't have the privilege of being present at the Ring Battles, so he has no firsthand experience. But after getting word that they defeated an entire White Spell division and a funeral wreath (though mock) there was little doubt. Also, Decimo's less than manly exit added considerable effect.
Hm, Spanner replenished the lollipop in his mouth as a determined expression set onto his face, with my dying will, I will save all my belongings from whatever fate awaits me during my first Varia experience. Now first…
Spanner circled around to the other side of Tsuna's massive desk in search of a notepad and writing utensil. He probably wasn't supposed to be back there with all that classification jazz, but he doubted his boss would leave anything of importance out in the open. So Spanner shuffled through a couple items.
How right he was… Spanner shook his head in amusement. The first three things to spot on the desk were an 'Italian For Dummies' book, first aid kit, and a class photo from high school. He noted especially that Kyoko Sasagawa was circled several times in permanent red marker. Even after ten years, the man still couldn't find it in him to confess.
Knowing Tsuna, it wasn't difficult to assess the uses for all these items. Obviously Reborn feels that Tsuna's Italian could use a bit of work (maybe that was an understatement) and he doesn't doubt he bought Tsuna the book for exactly that purpose. Then instead of doing his work Tsuna likely keeps the not so inconspicuous photo of Kyoko on his desk to keep him company
And of course, because Reborn notices everything Tsuna does wrong, the Decimo is equipped with post-defeat bandages. The one smart decision, really.
A shame, but Spanner still had a mission to fulfill. After scrabbling through a few drawers he gathered a sticky note and a fancy fountain pen. He stopped to think for but a moment before writing down a note and addressing it 'To Decimo.'
He looked over it a few times before taking his information folder and leaving the room. But seconds later he hurried back in.
"Almost forgot."
He returned to his note and scratched down one more request before smiling in satisfaction.
O
Sawada Tsunayoshi returned later that day decorated in bumps and bruises graciously provided by his tutor. He plopped into his chair, prepared to dress his wounds but spotted a bright yellow sticky note atop the bandage container. Seeing it addressed to him, he cautiously brought the message up to eye level.
TO DECIMO,
DYING WILL: I LEAVE ALL MY BELONGINGS TO MINI-MOSCA.
-SPANNER
Tsuna dragged his hand down his face in exasperation. No matter how intelligent you are, nothing can replace good old common sense. Under 'Mini-Mosca' he saw another hurried jumble of words. He turned on the desk lamp to have a better look.
And Shoichi.
Tsuna dropped his head onto the desk, effectively knocking himself out cold for the remainder of the day.
O
After finishing his literal depiction of a 'dying will', Spanner went off in search of an informant. He didn't know much about the Varia personality-wise, so more information could prove very convenient.
Unfortunately, people seemed to notice the Varia's aura seeping from the folder and steered clear. He wasn't a social butterfly like Yamamoto so co-workers didn't flock to him anyways, but this was just ridiculous. One of the more sprightly underlings approached him in high-five position.
"Hey Spanner, how's a goin'?"
Spanner took his opportunity to inquire. "Ah, hello Vince, do you know anything about the-"
"Whoooa, is that the…" Vincent steps towards to further examine the folder his superior holds.
A quick glance later, his face had turned into a white sheet and he strode past the head mechanic like he wasn't there in the first place.
It was like that with pretty much every person he came by. Once they caught sight of the Varia emblem, they avoided him like the plague. From the guardians to the janitors he supposed it was a known taboo to steer clear of association with the Varia in all ways possible, even indirectly.
Following a decidedly less than pleasant run-in with Gokudera, Spanner stopped to wonder how bad the group of assassins could possibly be if their name alone had such a strong effect on people.
O
Like most individuals, Spanner is affected by the life-wasting habit of procrastination in which a three minute chore may quickly escalate into a five day project.
So following a day filled with computer gaming, Spanner found himself sitting on his flight to Italy with the unopened assignment in his lap. Perhaps it was the dread. Maybe he wanted a surprise. Most likely he was subconsciously mentally preparing. Whatever the reason, in the twenty-four hours provided to pack and organize his things for the trip, it never occurred to Spanner that he should actually read about his assignment.
For all he knew they didn't know how to change a light bulb and requested professional services.
He quickly popped in a fresh strawberry lollipop before delicately placing the file on the folding tray in front of him. He took a deep breath and flipped the file open and past the emblem page.
He cautiously leaned forward to survey the single sheet of paper. It was horrifyingly feminine. The sheer amount of hearts and squiggly doodles was quite adequate in provoking physical pain. It caused him to call into question how a self-respecting assassin obtained hot pink paper…with border doilies.
The actual message was very short, in contrast.
Dear Darlings~,
It's so wonderful to get to write to you, Spanner-san~! Grumpy Squ-chan has been making us work all~ day in preparation for the ball. I think I'm going to wear my bedazzled hot pink jumpsuit. Oh, if only I could get everyone else's measurements! We could all match~! I was thinking red for Boss. Maybe an aquamarine for Squalo, or maybe a silver to bring out his eyes. Definitely lavender for Bel-chan. But I'm stuck between green and teal for little Fran-chan. Ooh~, I should bedazzle his hat too! Whoops. Back to the point, the ball! I can't wait for next week. I hope I get to dance with Ryohei~! But first, we need to finish decorating. That's why we need you Spanner-san! The ballroom is so hideously out of date and in need of some fabulous updates. We can't wait to meet you~! Ciao!
-Big Sis Luss ;D
After reading the letter, he took a deep breath. Okay…Okay…Okay. Spanner shook some coherence into his brain. He was not expecting that in the least. It wasn't sinister or threatening or anything like how he remembered his brief encounters with Squalo were. Either way, he had no choice in how things would go down, so he might as well tough it out.
He slid the paper back into the folder and took out his headphones. Quickly switching to his favorite track, he sunk back into the first-class armchair; closing his eyes in relaxation. He would likely need as much peace as possible before meeting his new…associates.
~And I think to myself…
What a wonderful world~
Ah, you gotta love Louis Armstrong.
It seemed like a song that Spanner would listen to. You know, more of a blue's fella!
Anyways, thanks for reading this, if you want more from moi in the meantime check out the finale of An Unexpected Visitor.
Don't forget to drop a review on your way out!
This is HSB typing out~!
