The Place Where We Belong
Katekyo Hitman Reborn! Fanfiction
Female Tsuna
Summary: Reborn's opinion of Sawada Iemitsu is that the man is a complete fool. Everyone knows this. Reborn should have known better than to take Iemitsu's words in face value. But he didn't think he would fuck up this bad. In which Iemitsu's child is not a dame middle schooler but an adult woman with a life of her own. They really, really need to check the inside of Iemitsu's head.
Disclaimer: I do not own KHR
Warnings: Lots of OCs, grammar mistakes, typo.
CHAPTER 4: Piece By Piece
"You know you don't have to do this every night, right?" Reborn commented, sitting on the barrier as he watch Setsuna. The brunette is helping the staff repair the ice. Everyone else have gone home.
Setsuna looked up from her bucket. "It's the least I can do. This ice rink have been my second home throughout all my life."
She loves the ice. Everyone can see that. They can tell how much she love figure skating by the way she moves. It's a huge part of her life. The ice gave her Coach Maeda, taught her how to overcome the challenges in life, brought her to many places, and led her to meet wonderful people.
"What will you do when you retire from competition?" The Sun Arcobaleno asked. He knows that competitive figure skaters retire before they turn thirty.
"I'm still not sure. I took Communication as my major in case I ended up working in the media. You know, as a commentator or journalist. I would like it if I can still work at the ice. Assist Coach Maeda to train the younger skaters. Or do choreographies. I would love to do an ice show with Disney." She grinned. Setsuna loves Disney. She used Go The Distance from Hercules for her FS in 1998. On the summer of their first year in high school, she and Kyouko and Hana went to Tokyo. They stayed at Disney Resort and visited both Disneyland and Disney Sea. Setsuna still have the souvenirs.
"You would do well as a coach," Reborn said. Setsuna is good with children. She doesn't mind when a little girl interrupt her mid practice to show her her clumsy spiral. (Setsuna almost fell over from the sheer force of cuteness.) Setsuna demonstrate the jumps to the older kids. She held a fallen kid and soothe him as he cried.
Shame she wouldn't be able to do any of those things if the mafia got her.
The figure skater beamed. "Thank you, Reborn."
After they finished repairing the ice, Setsuna packed up and bid everyone goodbye. Coach Maeda threw Reborn one last glare before he go back inside.
"Does Coach Maeda know martial arts?" Reborn asked her. The old man uses his retractable weapon like an expert.
"Yes. Coach Maeda's family takes martial arts seriously. Everyone in his family can fight. Coach Maeda is a bit of an anomaly because he used to compete when he was younger. But he handled himself well. It came in handy when dealing with fans who crossed the line."
Reborn highly doubt that Coach Maeda would make an effective Guardian, considering his age, but he did well to protect Setsuna so far. "These fans who crossed the line. What did they do?"
Setsuna shifted in discomfort. "I have lingerie with phone numbers attached on it thrown at me once or twice. Other female figure skaters experienced the same," It had been very embarrassing for her and the sweeper girl who picked up those gifts. Coach Maeda take the phone numbers away every time. Setsuna is not sure what he do with them. They would apologise together to the poor sweeper girls who picked those up. "One time a creep got my phone number. He would send me messages and voicemails. When I didn't respond to him, he posted my number and address online. We were shocked when we found the crowd in front of our gates one morning. Instead of contacting the police, Kaa-san invite them in instead. She made them tea and everything. When we run out of tea and cups and glasses, she went out to buy some more. Left me alone to fend for myself. It was a mess, to say the least." She sighed.
Reborn frowned. An assassin could easily blend in the crowd. The leak should have alerted Iemitsu but no. Did it ever reached Iemitsu? It will be so damn easy for the enemies of Vongola to find them. And Nana. What makes her think inviting ravenous wolves into their home is such a good idea?
"I never seen Coach Maeda that angry before. In the end, I have to stay at Kyouko-chan's place for a week and then at Hana-chan's until the mess is sorted. The adults pitched in to buy me a brand new phone. It happened on my last year in high school. The perp did got caught. This accident is what convinced me to move out and live on my own."
Reborn is glad that she did. He need to observe Nana more. What she did was stupid. What if it was an assassin instead. They could just waltz in without warning and Nana will offer them drink and snacks instead. When Iemitsu told him that his wife wouldn't mind, Reborn never thought it would be like this. Sawada Nana is a trusting woman. A little too trusting. It backfired horribly on her daughter.
"Did something else happened?" He inquired further.
"When I was in high school, I got propositioned to be someone's sugar baby. It still happens now and then."
The hitman can only imagine how Coach Maeda reacted to that. Definitely not pleasant. "Do you have similar experience with your apartment?"
Setsuna shake her head. "Thankfully, no. Gifts and letters from fans are mailed to the ice rink."
Reborn nodded in approval. It give Masumi-sensei's words about her and Coach Maeda being Setsuna's parents a whole new light. Who knows what Nana had done in the past that put her daughter in risk. She must have did something that led Setsuna to say that Gokudera reminds her of her mother.
Speaking of Gokudera, Setsuna and Reborn find him waiting in front of Setsuna's apartment. He is looking at his phone.
"Setsuna-hime!" He stand up straighter at the sight of them. "Reborn-san!"
"Gokudera-kun, were you waiting for me? How long have you been here?" Setsuna asked, frowning.
"Since sundown?" He sneaked a glance at his phone. "Yes, since sundown."
Her eyes widened. "Gokudera-kun! You don't have to!"
"But- I want to apologise-"
"For what?"
"For not knowing the truth! About you and your career!" Gokudera hold up a magazine with her on the cover spread. "I could have seriously injured you today! You could lose your chance to participate in this season! I can't never forgive myself if-"
"Gokudera-kun," Setsuna cut him off, placing her hand on his shoulder. "It's okay. I forgive you already." At her words, he looks like he about to cry. "Come on in. You must be starving. Have dinner with us." She gently pull him along.
Gokudera acts like a new pet wary of his new home when they get inside. He sits on the couch, being really still. You could tell that he's actually happy, the way he took in his surroundings with barely concealed excitement. Reborn sit next to the adolescent, reading the magazine he brought. Setsuna fussed over Gokudera's injured hand. He already treated and bandaged it when he made a short stop at his apartment earlier.
Since they have an unexpected guest over, Setsuna cooked omelet rice for dinner. It's simpler and quicker. Gokudera clasped his hands as he muttered a prayer to thank God for this experience. He was speaking in Italian but she get the gist. He chewed slowly, savouring every bite. It was the most delicious thing he tasted in a long time.
Gokudera insisted to make them tea and do the dishes after dinner. The tea was runny but Setsuna didn't say anything. The silver haired boy would whip up a new batch if she said anything. Reborn said it though, so Gokudera made another pot of tea.
After the boy sit back down again did Setsuna open her mouth. "I'm sure you have a lot of questions."
The boy blushed. "Yes, Setsuna-hime." He mumbled. "Uh… The article says that you're twenty one… The report said you're turning 14 this year. How…?"
"That was on Iemitsu. My sperm donor," Setsuna answered blasely. "For years he had no contact with me. I have no idea about his involvement with the mafia until Reborn came along. He was under the same impression that I was still a middle schooler. Iemitsu actually forgot my actual age."
Gokudera's jaw dropped. So even Reborn was mistaken. But for her own father to forgot his own daughter's age. That's… Gokudera don't know what to think.
Setsuna smiled at him grimly. "Says a lot about Iemitsu, isn't it? Naturally, he didn't know about me being a figure skater either. It's safe to say that the majority of the Vongola didn't."
"I…," Gokudera don't know what to say. Setsuna-hime is an Olympic athlete and Vongola didn't know. "So that's why you told me to call you with '-nee'"
"Yes. After all, I am older than you. I am flattered that you think I was your age though," Setsuna smiled at him teasingly.
Gokudera blushed. At least she didn't hold it against him. "It won't be surprising if you're busy. Fear not, Setsuna-hime, I will be sure to be by your side to ensure your safety." He give her a reassuring smile.
Setsuna frowned though. "You don't have to do that, Gokudera-kun. What about school?"
He waved it off. "I already know the materials. They are so easy. I don't need to go to school." Which reminds him. He still need to withdraw from Namimori Middle School.
It send him to a panic when Setsuna frowned more. "You need to finish your education, Gokudera-kun. You can't hang around me all the time."
"But, himesama!" Gokudera protested.
"Gokudera-kun," She reach out for his hand across the table. "You can't make someone else the centre of your world. It's unhealthy… For both sides." Gokudera closed his mouth. Setsuna take this cue to go on. "My involvement with the mafia is not something I can control. I did not seek them. I intend to live a civilian's life. What will you do then, Gokudera-kun? I understand that you grew up in the mafia. I won't stop you if you want to go back… But can you honestly say that you can lead a civilian life as you are now?" He didn't answer. "If you still intend to follow me… You will have to put down your weapons and properly retire from the business. You might miss the lifestyle. You might grow to resent me for taking you away."
"I would never!" How could she think that? Gokudera would never hate her even if he try. Couldn't.
"Gokudera-kun, you need to grow. Expand your world. So when you grow up to become a proper adult, you can go wherever you want, instead of staying in one place and stagnate." She squeezed his hand. "I don't want you to suffocate. Do you understand?"
He wanted to say something to refute her words, but he nodded instead.
"It's fine if you don't understand now, Gokudera-kun," Setsuna said softly. "But I want you to know that you don't have to prove so much to me. I won't abandon you just because you make mistakes."
"But I want to be worthy of you!" Gokudera said. "I want you to know that you could count on me! I don't want to embarrass you! As a right hand man, everything I do reflect back on you! If I fail to do that, my life has no meaning-"
Thwack
Setsuna flicked Gokudera's forehead with so much force it echoes. The teen's eyes widened in shock. Leon changed to a video camera to film all of this. This is so juicy!
The brunette have stood up from her seat. No one said anything for a moment. Gokudera is still in shock. Setsuna is staring at him. Reborn fight down the urge to smile when he feel Setsuna's Sky Flame surged up in protest of Gokudera's words.
The adolescent winced when Setsuna go around the table and to him. Did he think she's going to hit him? The mafia sure did put a number of him. Slowly, she wrap her arms around him. Gokudera stiffens. Only when he reciprocate her hug Setsuna tightened her hold.
"It breaks my heart to hear you say that," She murmured against his hair. "You matter, Gokudera-kun. Please, don't even think for a second that you have no worth. You are priceless. I will say it to you every day. Until you believe it yourself."
Gokudera rests his head on her shoulder. She feel the fabric on her shoulder get wet. Setsuna stroke his back in reassuring pattern.
Reborn feels her Sky Flame reaching out for Gokudera's Storm, and it reaching out to her as well. It won't take long before a proper bond to be forged between them.
He need to Unlock Setsuna's flame ASAP.
Setsuna walked Gokudera to the corner. The adolescent promises her that he won't withdraw from school and attend class. It give her such a relief to hear that. That boy may not fully understand it yet, but he still listens. When she returned to the apartment, she found Reborn sitting on the couch looking satisfied.
"You knew this would happen, didn't you?" Setsuna asked. "You knew that I would win and Gokudera-kun will become my subordinate. You were hoping I would save him. Why? Why Gokudera-kun? I understand if they would send a teenager because they thought I was one. But why?"
"Yes, I knew. It was planned. You did remarkably well, by the way," Reborn told her. "I'm supposed to tell this in the future but I guess now is a good time as any. Sit down," He motioned to the couch. Setsuna frowned but sits down anyway. "In our world, there is a system called the Guardians. An individual, usually a Boss, would attract potential candidates and have them on their side. A bond would form between these people, strengthening the group, stabilise them. Most of the time, the Boss would draw potential Guardians without realising it."
"Is that what it is? Is that what I've been doing? The warm feeling?" She noticed it when she's interacting with Nagi and Gokudera. It's different from the warm feeling of love and friendship she have to her teachers and friends. She can tell that much.
Reborn nodded. Thank goodness for her Hyper Intuition. It makes his explanation easier. "Yes, you've been doing exactly that. It's even possible that you have been drawing in people for years. Now, the true cause behind this Guardian system is a big part of the mafia. Let me show you." He hold out his hand. Reborn willed his Sun Flames forward, coating his hand with yellow flames.
Setsuna's eyes widened. "What in the world-"
"This is called Dying Will Flames. The symbol of the mafia world. It is an energy derived from one's life force. You could compare it to chi or chakra. Everyone on Earth has them. The only difference is the mafia populace are able to Unlock it and use it. You've been using it unconsciously."
She blinked. "I have?"
"You did. We'll get to that part. The Dying Will Flames have seven different kinds. Orange for Sky. Red for Storm. Blue for Rain. Green for Lightning. Purple for Cloud. Indigo for Mist. Yellow for Sun. As you can see, I'm a Sun. The Sky Flame is known to be the rarest. Its property is Harmony. It draws in the other types. Mafia bosses tend to have this Flame. Sky Flame is essential to attract strong individuals to aid your cause. And you can't not attract Guardians. It's a natural process. You can decide not to Harmonize with them but they will still be drawn to you nonetheless."
Setsuna's eyebrows furrowed. "...Those flashes of heat I felt sometimes… Was that my Flame?"
"Yes. Yours is Sky. The Vongola line tend to produce the purest and strongest Sky Flame. All Bosses in the pasts are Skies. Federico and Xanxus are Skies. The dead sons too. Iemitsu as well." Reborn turn off his Flame. "I will teach you how to use Flames. We need to Unlock it first before we can begin."
She nodded. "And Gokudera-kun? Nagi-chan?"
"Storm and Mist. Gokudera was chosen because we thought you two will hit it off since you are of the same age… We were wrong about that part but it's still a success."
Setsuna groaned and buried her face in her hands. "I don't know what to think about any of these."
"It's happening so get used to it. Now, more about what makes Vongola so special." She perked up with new interest. "Those in the Vongola line have a special ability called Hyper Intuition. As the name suggests, they have really good intuition, bordering omniscient. No other Famiglia has it. It's a biological trait passed down from one generation to another. It also determine the eligibility of a successor. Those who become head has the strongest Intuition."
She tilt her head. "So Iemitsu has it? Hyper Intuition?"
"He has it but it's weak. Part of the reason why he was not fit to be a successor."
Hyper Intuition. She can still swallow that. Explains why her instinct is so good. "How does one Unlock their Flame?"
"Three methods. Training, life threatening situations, and this," Reborn hold up a bullet. "This is the Dying Will Bullet. When shot with this, it will draw out one's Flame momentarily."
"I am not getting shot," Setsuna said immediately.
"I wanted to shoot you with it at the beginning, but then the situation changed," Reborn pocketed it. "So we'll go with normal methods. We will start once your schedule is free."
Setsuna bit her lower lip. "We still need to discuss this with Coach Maeda and Masumi-sensei."
Reborn nodded. "I understand."
"What are their Flames, by the way?" She is curious about this.
"Coach Maeda is Cloud. Masumi-sensei is Sun."
"Huh."
"That's enough for now," Reborn get off the armchair. "You had a long day. Get some rest."
Yeah, she will do exactly that.
Meanwhile, back at his apartment, Gokudera didn't go to bed. He is still too high strung from today's events. From trying to kill his Boss, to learn Setsuna-hime's true age and status, to cry and be comforted by her twice. Yes, Gokudera is tired but he can't bring himself to rest.
After the girl left him with the magazine, Gokudera had browsed the internet from his phone to learn more about his Boss. Reading her history, he felt like an idiot. She is one of the best skaters in the world! She competed last year in Italy! She won the Olympics! How could Vongola not know? Oh wait, it's Iemitsu's fault. What kind of father forgot his child's age? Gokudera's relationship with his father is very strained but this is extreme.
This at least explain why the coach and old ballerina are so protective of Setsuna-hime. To the point of challenging World's Greatest Hitman and actually won.
In any case, he still has some jobs to do. Gokudera turn on his laptop. He typed 'Sawada Setsuna' in the search bar and clicked. He scrolled through articles and videos. Setsuna-hime assures him that she would still care about him no matter what happens, but Gokudera still need to familiarise himself with her work or else he won't be able to keep up.
The oldest video featuring Setsuna-hime dated back from 2002. According to the magazine article, this was her last year in Junior…
He clicked it.
Setsuna do not feel rested at all. It feels like she's having a jet lag. But she did get some sleep. Yesterday have been hectic. Setsuna have class today. Ugh. At least she already finished her assignment on the weekend. She get out of her bed to go to the bathroom.
Reborn is up and ready by the time she about to enter her bedroom. " Buongiorno, Setsuna."
That's 'good morning' in Italian if she's not mistaken. "Buongiorno," She greets him back. Reborn nodded in approval before he head to the entrance first. A few moments later, Setsuna joined him.
The cool morning air always calms her down. Setsuna and Reborn is running past the toothpaste ad when they hear footsteps coming towards them. They turn around to see Gokudera chasing after them.
"Setsuna-hime!" The boy waved at them. Once he caught up with them, he rested his hands on his knees and pant. "Good- *huff* morning- *gasp* to you *cough* two."
Setsuna's eyes scanned the boy. His eyes are red. There are bags under his eyes. His hair is messy. His clothes… Kind of mismatched? "Gokudera-kun… Did you get any sleep last night?"
"Um…," Gokudera blushed. He couldn't tell her that he spent all night surfing the internet now, could he? Especially when the subject is his Boss. Her and figure skating. He already signed up in so many websites and forums. He wanted his username to be sawadasetsunasnumberonefan but it's already taken. Setsuna4life is taken as well. The username SetsunaIsMyPrincess is no longer available. Gokudera finally settled with SetsuHime4ever. After the username issue have been laid to rest, he devoured 20+ pages worth of Setsuna-hime content online. It's a blur. Interviews, Behind-The-Scenes, analysis, fanarts, fan videos, and so on.
He didn't realize how late (or early, depend on how you look at it) it was until he looked at the clock. He opened the window to let fresh air in when he saw Setsuna-hime and Reborn running on the street. Gokudera sprinted to the bathroom, splash water to his face and brush his teeth. Face still wet, he changed his clothing in record time. Gokudera just grabbed whatever on top of the pile. He is wearing a Hawaiian shirt and shorts. Definitely not the kind you wear for a morning run.
"Are you sure you want to join us? Don't you have school today?"
"I can handle it!" Gokudera straightened up.
Setsuna stared him down until Gokudera squirmed. "Okay," She said finally.
'Yes!' Gokudera internally pumped his fist.
The run was going well at first, until Gokudera feel his chest tightened up. Damn, the lack of sleep is affecting him. Maybe he should cut down smoking… IS THAT SETSUNA-HIME ON THE BILLBOARD?!
While Gokudera is distracted by the toothpaste ad, Setsuna saw Ryohei coming towards them.
"EXTREME GOOD MORNING!"
Gokudera winced at the volume. 'The hell?!'
Setsuna smiled. "Good morning, Ryohei-kun."
"Ciaossu," Reborn greets the older teen.
"Gokudera-kun, this is Sasagawa Ryohei-kun. I basically watched him grow up. He is a third year in Namimori Middle School, making him your senior," Setsuna gestured to the teen. "Ryohei-kun, this Gokudera Hayato-kun. He's new in town."
"EXTREME nice to meet you!"
Now, Gokudera is sleep deprived, muscles sore and barely eat anything last night. Mix them together, you got yourself a very disgruntled teen. "Shut up, you Turf-Top!"
Ryohei's eyes twitched. "What did you just call me, you Octopus Head?!"
"Okay! Break it up!" Setsuna positioned herself between the two boys and push them away. "Ryohei-kun, you go. Gokudera-kun, we're going back!"
"If you say so, Setsuna-nee," Ryohei said. "EXTREME see you later!" And with done, he's gone.
Setsuna turned to Gokudera. "All right, Gokudera-kun. The lecture can wait till later. I'm taking you home." Before Gokudera can process it, Setsuna hoisted him up on her back.
"S-S-S-Setsuna-hime!" He blushed. He's being carried! By his Boss! Piggy back style! Now that he think about it, Setsuna-hime carried him yesterday on her shoulder. His Boss is so strong! Wait… If she's taking him home….
'Setsuna-hime is going to be in my apartment!' Gokudera gasped in horror. His apartment is a mess! "No need! I can go back on my own!"
"Gokudera-kun, please, let me take care of you," Setsuna said to him. "At times like this, it's okay to rely to others."
"Yes, it's a Boss' duty to take care of her men," Reborn quipped. She shot him an annoyed look.
'Setsuna-hime…,' Gokudera can feel his eyes begin to water. 'But wait! My apartment! Nooo!'
He may have let out an undignified screech of horror when Setsuna unlocked the door to his apartment. Maybe. It's a bit of a blur. His bed is unmade. The trash is not taken out yet. A few dynamites are on the floor. His desk is a mess.
Setsuna looked at the white grand piano in the room. "Oh? You play the piano, Gokudera-kun?"
The adolescent didn't answer, already passed out from the shock. Setsuna put him to bed.
"All right then," Setsuna rolled up her sleeves. "Let's get started."
She start by inspecting the kitchen. Gokudera only has instant noodles and fast food stocked. Setsuna frowned. She need to teach him how to cook simple recipes after this. Dirty dishes are places in the sink. She gathered the trash and take them out.
"Okay. We need to go back so I can make breakfast for Gokudera-kun. I don't want him to be late on his first day."
Reborn, who has been watching from the chair, hop off. "You're not going to clean his apartment? Gather his laundry?"
"No," Setsuna shakes her head. "Someone's house is supposed to be their sanctuary. I shouldn't intrude anymore than this. Gokudera-kun was horrified enough." They looked at the snoozing boy. "He really is a teenage boy after all."
RING RING RING RING RING
"Bwah!"
THUMP
"Ouch… That freaking hurts…," Gokudera clutched the back of his head. The alarm is still blaring. He scrambled to his feet. Where did that come from? Oh- It's his phone.
Click
He let out a sigh and then frowned. "I don't remember setting the alarm…" He remember running with Setsuna-hime, getting a piggyback ride from her- "OH NO! Setsuna-hime was here!" She saw his apartment! So embarrassing! He wouldn't be able to look at her in the face after this ever again!
"Hm?" Gokudera sniffed. "Something smells different…"
That's when he realised there's a red cooking pot on his kitchen table. There's a note lying next to it. He reads it.
Dear Gokudera-kun,
I apologize for looking through your phone and set the alarm so loud, but I don't want you to be late. It's your first day after all. As an apology, I cooked you breakfast! You can reheat the leftover for dinner later. I took out the trash for you. Other than that, I didn't touch anything! Don't worry!
I want to hear about your day later. Don't forget to apologize to Ryohei-kun, okay?
Setsuna
Gokudera looked at the hot pot. He opens the lid and almost instantly, the scent hit him at full force. It made him realise how hungry he is. Gokudera scrambled to get a clean fork. After he sits down, he clasped his hands together in thanks. "Itadakimasu."
The vegetables are warm and the beef is seasoned expertly. It's one of the best thing he ever tasted. It tasted like home .
"That boy is not waiting for you today?" Masumi-sensei asked when Setsuna entered the reception area.
"No, Sensei. He has school." At Masumi-sensei's raised eyebrow, she chuckled. "He originally planned to infiltrate Namimori Middle School to get closer to me, his target. After- ah- yesterday happened, Gokudera-kun decided to pull out. I talked him out of it."
"Well, anything to keep him out of your hair for a few hours."
"I'm working on him, Masumi-sensei. He will be a lot more well mannered when I'm done with him."
The senior ballerina looked skeptical, but decide not to contradict her. "If you say so, Setsuna-chan." She looked down at Reborn. "And you. What should we do to get you to stop follow Setsuna-chan all the time?"
"I don't follow my students all the time. I didn't follow her to university this morning."
"That's right. He didn't." Setsuna supported him. "By the way, we need to tell you something."
"This can't possibly be good."
They move the conversation to her office. As one would expect, a civilian like Masumi-sensei freaked out when Reborn show her his Sun Flame. There were a slew of curse words in Japanese and French coming out of her mouth. It wasn't until Reborn explain to her the specifics did Masumi-sensei calm down. Setsuna made her a strong cup of tea to calm down her nerves.
"How did this become your life, Setsuna-chan?" Masumi-sensei bemoaned. "I blame Iemitsu for this."
"I know," Setsuna massaged her shoulders. "I blame him too."
Today's ballet lesson thankfully went well. It's a pre-ballet class and all of her students are below 6 years old. Aside from occasional crying when someone fell over, Setsuna managed. It doesn't hurt that all of her students are so well behaved. Masumi-sensei offered this job to her after her high school graduation. Setsuna just moved into her apartment recently and struggling to pay rent. She tried to turn it down but Masumi-sensei insisted. So they agreed to give her half the full time wage and Setsuna can use an empty studio if available. With this, Setsuna can kiss her part time job at the McDonald's goodbye.
(It doesn't hurt that both Kyouko's and Setsuna's accomplishments garnered attention to GENERATION ballet studio. Many parents signed up their kids to learn ballet from the woman whom Sasagawa Kyouko and Sawada Setsuna studied under.)
With the increase of students, Masumi-sensei is able to hire more instructors, pianists and management. The new revenue allow them to renovate the place. Masumi-sensei no longer have to struggle to pay the rent.
Soft piano music filled the room as Setsuna and her students. form a small circle on the floor. They stretch out their legs and pressed them together. They go through a number of exercise to improve their flexibility. From touching toes, bend foot, stretch your backs to table pose. Setsuna make sure to keep it fun as well.
"Spider fingers up your legs!" Setsuna 'run' her fingers from her lap to her toes. The students giggled and follow her examples.
"Toe kissing! Bye toes!"
"Flap your legs! Like butterfly wings! Flap, flap flap~"
"Make a table! Table to put your cookies!"
"Can we have cake?"
"Of course, Miki-chan. Table for your cookies and cake! Oh no! It's spilling!"
After they finished their exercise on the floor. Setsuna playfully race her students to the barre. "Arabesque ~! Let me see your arabesque ~"
The sight of her students jumping about in their pink tutu always make her melt. She was once like this. With Kyouko-chan and Hana-chan. Masumi-sensei was the one who teach their beginner ballet class. Teaching this class always remind Setsuna where she first started.
When class ended, her students just wander about until their parents pick them up. Setsuna is packing the CD when she feel someone tugging her leotard. She look down to find Miki-chan looking up to her. The brunette smiled and crouch down to the little girl's leve. "What is it, Miki-chan?"
"Sensei, are you really friends with Sas'gawa Kyouko?" The little girl asked her seriously.
Setsuna smiled wider. "Yes, we had the same class together. She and Hana-chan are my best friends."
"Is it true that she's dancing in America?"
"Yes, and before that she danced with the Royal Ballet Academy in London."
Miki's eyes brightened. "Looondooooon." She said in awe. "So does that mean she's a prima ballerina?"
"Now, now, prima ballerina is a very big title," Setsuna told her seriously. "They only give that title to the best in the world."
"So… She's not?"
"Kyouko-chan is not a prima ballerina," Setsuna said. "...For now."
Miki blinked. "Huh?"
"Kyouko-chan is a great dancer. I have no doubt that she will take that title in the future. I don't know when, but I know she will. Right now, Kyouko-chan want to dance more. As Odette. As Giselle. As Sleeping Beauty. As Juliet. You know, her dream is to dance as Odette in France. "
"Paris?"
"Yes, Paris." Setsuna nodded. "Everyone believe that she will dance that role someday. With the Paris Opera Ballet."
"Wow…," Miki-chan looked down. She is silent for a moment before looking up to her. "Sensei? Do you think I can become just like Sasagawa Kyouko? Be a great dancer like her?"
"I think," Setsuna hold her hands, "If you truly love ballet, you will become one. If you practise hard and don't give up, you will be a great ballerina."
"Better than Sas'gawa Kyouko?"
"No."
Miki's face went crestfallen. "W-Why?"
"Because there is no one else that can dance the way Kyouko-chan dance. Just like there is no one that can dance the same way Miki-chan can. Even I can't. Kyouko-chan can't. As long as you believe in yourself and love ballet, Miki-chan will be a ballerina that none can compare to."
"Even a prima ballerina?"
Setsuna nodded. "Even a prima ballerina assoluta."
Miki-chan smiled widely. "Then it's decided! Miki-chan's dream is to become a ballerina better than any prima ballerinas out there! A Miki ballerina!"
Setsuna chuckled. "I look forward to it."
"And you have to watch!" The little girl pointed at her. "Setsuna-sensei, Madame Masumi, Mama and Papa, Granny, Madoka-chan, Homura-chan, Kyosuke-kun..." She start to list off names with her fingers. "You all must come watch Miki-chan! Having you all to watch Miki-chan is Miki-chan's dream too!"
Setsuna smiled. "I promise." She show her her pinky. "Pinky swear."
The two linked their pinkies together. Miki-chan throw herself to her, wrapping her arms around her neck. Setsuna returned the hug.
The other girls saw the hug and now they all come running. Setsuna laugh out loud as they tackled her to the floor, each eager to give her a hug.
"Hug time!" Setsune scooped as much children as she can.
The kids giggled. "Hug time!"
Setsuna joined in their giggling.
Setsuna
You wouldn't believe what happened yesterday.
Kyouko
What happened?
Hana
If this related to the mafia, I wouldn't be surprised.
Setsuna
They sent a kid to assassinate me in hope I was able to defeat him so he can become my subordinate. Guess how that went.
Hana
They sent a freaking kid to kill you? And he became your underling?
Kyouko
That's so cruel!
Setsuna
Reborn was the one who set it all up. Loser serve the winner he says.
Hana
See, this is why you can't trust anyone under 10.
Setsuna
I strongly suspect that Reborn has an extreme form of underdevelopment but that's beside the point. The boy, Gokudera Hayato-kun, was so hostile to everyone. He already styled himself as my right hand man. Coach Maeda whacked his hand and told him to not come near the ice rink.
Kyouko
Gokudera-kun? My brother told me earlier in the DM that a kid called him Turf Top this morning. Then he showed up at school and apologise. His name is Gokudera-kun?
Setsuna
The very same one. I told him to apologise to Ryohei-kun.
Hana
Have you tried to give the brat the boot? You don't need any underling.
Setsuna
I can't
Gokudera-kun is too much like my mother
I have to do this right or it will get much worse
Kyouko
Oh
Hana
Shit
If you say it like that, it must be bad
Keep us in the loop, okay?
Setsuna
I will
Wish me luck
Kyouko
Good luck 3
While Setsuna is at university today, Reborn went to Namimori Middle School to scout potential candidates.
The first thing he witnessed is Hibari Kyouya punishing delinquents for 'crowding'. His fighting skills are top notch. The Discipline Committee under his rule work like a well oiled machine. As expected from the scion of the Hibari family.
Sasagawa Ryohei is the captain of the boxing club. That boy dedicate himself to boxing, to the point of actively inviting (read: dragging) people to join. Reborn heard an interesting tidbit from unaware Discipline Committee members who talked about how Ryohei would go to Hibari's house to issue challenge. This had happened several times and each time, Ryohei was kicked out by Hibari himself. His connection with Setsuna didn't hurt either.
After school, Gokudera went to the boxing club to apologise. The boxer misunderstood and thought he want to join. The incessant invitation grated Gokudera's nerves and the bomber ended up insulting him again. Ryohei insulted him back and it turned to a shouting match until Gokudera huffs and leave.
In Gokudera's class, there's Yamamoto Takeshi, son of Yamamoto Tsuyoshi. Former assassin turned sushi chef. Reborn is not sure what Flame Tsuyoshi's deceased wife possessed, but chances are Takeshi is a Rain just like his father. Reborn double checked his facts while he checked Maeda's. Nana and Setsuna frequented TakeSushi for years now. Like Ryohei, Setsuna watched the boy grew up. There is definitely a connection there. Reborn has to see those two interact to see if Setsuna Court him or not. Hopefully yes.
Kudou Nagi was born and raised in Tokyo. Grand Prix Final on 2005 was held in Tokyo. Nagi was one of the sweeper girls on the site. Seeing Setsuna's performance up close is a life changing experience for her. She moved all the way from Tokyo to small town Namimori just to be Setsuna's rinkmate. There's actually a video online where Nagi handed Setsuna her gifts shortly after her FS ended. Coach Maeda will be an obstacle. Having another one of his skaters dragged into the mafia will cause his Cloud territorial trait to emerge.
So far, there are no Lightning close to Setsuna. Iemitsu told him in their last correspondence that the Bovino brat will make a good Lighting Guardian candidate for his 'Tuna Fishy'. After the whole age revelation, Reborn wonder if Iemitsu smoke something first before making a decision. Knowing Setsuna, she will flat out refuse to take Lambo if she's aware of what being a Guardian entails.
None of the candidates are around Setsuna's age. This will be a problem. Setsuna is protective of kids and if her interaction with Gokudera is any indication, is not keen of those under age being in the mafia. She might refuse to fully Harmonize with the teenagers because of this.
The only adults who knows of Setsuna's relation with Vongola are her teachers and best friends. Kurokawa Hana is still reachable, for she still lives in Japan. Sasagawa Kyouko is harder. Setsuna would absolutely refuse to have them involved with the mafia.
This situation might force him to contact adults who Reborn think would make good Guardians for Setsuna. No one comes to mind at the moment.
The Sky in question is oblivious of the Arcobaleno's dilemma. Setsuna is currently training on the ice. She hasn't found her theme for this season yet. Grand Prix will start in 3 months. Setsuna has until the second week of July to figure out what she wants.
Before practice, they told Coach Maeda about the latest development. Like his colleague, Coach Maeda was less than thrilled than Masumi-sensei when Setsuna and Reborn told him about Dying Will Flame. Oddly, his reaction is more to exasperated than shocked. Dying Will Flame doesn't seem all that impressive to him. Hmmm. Reborn, being the World's Greatest Hitman, did his homework. What he found is fascinating, to say the least.
Reborn plan to start Flame training this upcoming summer. Once Setsuna get a good grip of her Flame, he will contact Dino to come to Namimori to help. Reborn briefly imagine Dino's reaction when he discover the truth. No doubt he will be shocked.
Of course, it had come to Reborn's mind to correct the information Vongola have about Setsuna… But if they are to be so blind to missed an Olympic skater, Reborn wonder if it's really worth it. He will give them time until the Grand Prix Final. If by then Vongola still haven't caught on… Well… A long overdue reality check is in order.
For Iemitsu… Reborn can't wait to shoot him. One bullet is not enough. Oh no. That idiota deserve so much more. Reborn will start by sending him the video of Compilation of Japan's Figure Skater Setsuna Sawada Calling Her Coach Dad. It was such a treat to watch that video. Setsuna has a very dedicated fanbase. And Setsuna return their love.
She ought to take advantage of her fanbase more. Imagine the chaos they can plant and sow. If she know exactly what to do, Setsuna would have an army in her disposal. Her followers on Twitter easily eclipsed the number of men in service of Dino's Famiglia. Setsuna is too kind to order her fanbase to do anything, but Reborn have no doubt that her tweet alone can break people. She is the darling of Japan's figure skating community after all. They won't deny her anything.
If Setsuna won't take advantage of her fanbase, Reborn will. All he need to do is to groom Gokudera and Nagi as the 'leaders' of the fanbase. Gokudera will join the fandom base sooner or later. Nagi is already a member. Setsuna's fanbase is a treasure. So much material readily prepared by them. Reborn can't wait to poke fun at his pupil for the shipping videos and Real Person fanfictions written about her.
(Reborn stay away from the M rated ones. Those are too weird even for him.)
See, the thing about figure skating is that it's expensive. Setsuna spent two years restraining herself not to buy the toys she wanted to be able to go to the ice rink every Sunday. After Maeda become Coach Maeda, she helped out her mother with housework in exchange for Nana to buy her costumes and later on new skates. Her first phone was bought from second hand electronic store. Setsuna resisted buying snacks, mangas or whatnots so she can use her allowance to buy sports magazine they enter high school, Setsuna, Kyouko and Hana start doing part time work. Masumi-sensei, bless her heart, gave her and Kyouko discounts since they are her oldest students. Setsuna was tempted to accept the offer to become a sugar baby for a man old enough to be her father just to pay the fees. She was young, shortsighted and desperate. Coach Maeda found out before it's too late. He and Masumi-sensei went to see this man and she never hear from him again. The prize money she won from competitions was spent to pay Coach Maeda and Masumi-sensei, cover the costume fees and travelling expenses. Whatever left of it goes to her savings. The JSF only pitched in after she made her senior debut.
After the press fiasco at her childhood home, Setsuna start looking for a place to stay. Even though the Sasagawas and Kurokawas say it's fine for her to stay longer, she can't bear the thought of imposing them further. It's like breathing fresh air when Setsuna signed the lease for her apartment. This place has been her home for more than three years now. When her career takes off, she received more endorsement. Setsuna can breathe a little better now but old habits die hard.
On his first night here, Reborn found a hoard of perfume/makeup/skincare samples in the bathroom. It's easier to figure out which items in Setsuna's possession that didn't come from DAISO or 100 Yen stores. She brought home vouchers, coupons and sale flyers from supermarket like cats bringing home kills for their human. Her clothes are bought from bargain sales. Setsuna actually hissed when she saw Reborn touch her Dior mini perfume she bought at Duty Free store three years previously.
So when Setsuna invite Reborn to eat outside, the Sun Arcobaleno stared at her.
"What's the occasion?" He asked after a moment of silence.
"Nothing. You can consider this treating myself, I guess," She replied. "I'm thinking sushi."
Reborn instantly jumped on that. "Sushi sounds nice."
Setsuna looked at Reborn for a moment before nodding. "Sushi it is then. Come on."
As Reborn predicted, they went to TakeSushi. Yamamoto Tsuyoshi immediately recognised Reborn as an Arcobaleno the moment they enter the premises. But his surprise of having an Arcobaleno on his doorstep is eclipsed by the joy of seeing Setsuna.
"Setsuna-chan! My favourite customer!" He grinned at her from behind the counter. "Long time no see!"
"We last saw each other two weeks ago, Tsuyoshi-jiichan," Setsuna chuckled.
"And who's your little friend?" Tsuyoshi eyed Reborn.
"This is Reborn. He will be staying with me for a while."
"Ciaossu," The Sun Arcobaleno greets him.
From what Reborn unearthed, Yamamoto Tsuyoshi and his new wife moved to Namimori shortly after Iemitsu's last visit. He never met the Young Lion. That was 17 years ago. Reborn has many questions to ask the retired swordsman.
"What can I get you today?" Tsuyoshi asked once his two customers are seated at the counter and served with ocha .
" Sake sushi for me please," Reborn ordered.
" Ikura for me," Setsuna told him.
"One sake and ikura coming right up!"
Setsuna and Reborn content themselves in watching Tsuyoshi's expert knife skills.
"How long have you been coming here?" Reborn asked. He already know the answer but he still want to doublecheck.
Setsuna and Tsuyoshi smiled. "Kaa-san and I were here for the grand opening," She said, grinning. "We've been coming here since every other month or so."
"Even though she's busy with figure skating, Setsuna-chan never fail to show her face here," Tsuyoshi said. "She basically watched my son grow up. Taught him how to skate even."
"Takeshi-kun prefer baseball," Setsuna told Reborn. "He made it to the first string on his first year in middle school."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, they call him the ace of the team," Tsuyoshi said proudly. "Here you go! One ikura and one sake!" He place two plate of sushi in front of them.
"Thank you, jii-chan. Itadakimasu~"
The sushi is delicious. Throughout the meal Setsuna and Tsuyoshi exchange stories and reminiscences about the past. Reborn learnt that Tsuyoshi distrust a great deal of Western cuisine. He didn't let his son have any until he's older. Setsuna told Reborn that Tsuyoshi always bring sushi or at least Japanese food whenever he visit someone in the hospital.
They all look up when someone slide open the front door. A black haired boy in Namimori Middle School uniform stood at the entrance. It is none other than Yamamoto Takeshi.
"Takeshi-kun!" Setsuna smiled at him.
The boy blinked once before grinning wildly. "Setsuna-nee! Long time no see!"
"It's only two weeks, you silly!" She looked at him up and down. "Did you get taller?"
Takeshi laughed. "You always say that every time we meet."
"I can't help it! I've known you since you were this small," Setsuna show them her thumb and index finger, barely touching. "I used to carry you around. Now look at how big you are! I don't know if I can lift you."
"Everyone in this room knows you can lift me, Setsuna-nee," Takeshi said, causing Tsuyoshi to laugh. The boy finally notice Reborn's presence. "Who's this little guy?"
"Ciaossu," Reborn greet him. "My name is Reborn. I'm a hitman."
Setsuna almost rolled her eyes at his introduction. "Reborn is staying with me for a while."
"Ah… I see. It must be hard to be a hitman at such a young age," Takeshi said.
"Not really," Reborn replied casually. "Takeshi, do you want to work for Setsuna?"
"Huh?"
"Reborn!" Setsuna turn to him. "Don't listen to a word of what he said. It's either a lie or just outrageous. Once you listen to him, you won't be able to get out."
Takeshi laughed. "It's fine, Nee-chan! It's just kid's play. We used to play cops and robbers when we were younger. Don't you remember?"
"I remember. But this one is real," Setsuna said miserably. Takeshi laughed again.
Reborn ignored her. "Setsuna is the boss. So that makes you her underling."
"Reborn, I'm not taking kids," Setsuna narrowed her eyes. If looks can kill, Reborn would have died on the spot. "Besides, Takeshi-kun is busy with baseball."
"Setsuna-nee as the Boss? Cool! I'm in!"
"Excellent. You are officially in once you pass the entrance test. I will contact you about it later."
"Don't just decide by yourself!"
Takeshi just laughed. Tsuyoshi is smiling genially. Reborn smirked. Setsuna pinched the bridge of her nose.
Later…
"Can you not?" Setsuna started as they walk away from TakeSushi. "Are you going you try to drag civilians into this? It's bad enough that I'm related to Iemitsu. I don't want anyone else to be involved with this messed up drama."
"Yamamoto Takeshi has both athleticism and popularity. He will be a great asset for you in the future," Reborn told her calmly.
"It will be a problem if all my Guardians are adolescent boys," Setsuna fired back.
"Nagi is not a boy."
"You understand full well what I mean."
"It doesn't matter to the Famiglia. It's best for you to gather a full set of Guardian as soon as possible." You will never know what sort of enemy lurking around these parts, waiting for a chance to strike you down.
Setsuna frowned "This Guardian thing again… Does Federico has it too?"
"All candidates are required to have a full set. In the occasion of choosing the next Don, a battle royale can be arranged. The candidates and their Guardians will battle each other."
"You think that Federico will try to prove himself as the rightful heir by fighting me? Or Xanxus?" This is bad. Setsuna has no experience in fighting, unless you want to count self defence lessons she and the girls signed up for in high school. Coach Maeda insisted that she bring pepper spray with her everywhere. She don't know how to handle weapons (though Reborn will remedy that soon enough).
"Federico won't push for that, but Xanxus might," If he ever get free that is.
"What about marriage?" Setsuna asked apprehensively.
Ah, so she does worry about that. "When Federico take the Decimo mantle, you will automatically become his heir, until he sire one." Reborn told her in a matter-of-factly tone. "He is much more reasonable than his brothers. If you don't want to marry him or another Don, he won't get mad at you. He won't force you either. Nono and Iemitsu on the other hand, will have no such qualms."
Setsuna scowled. "I don't think I would make a good mafia wife. To just sit still and look pretty is not my style." To disappear to obscurity. To become a Stepford Wife after all her accomplishments. To live under her 'husband' thumb. Setsuna can't stomach that .
"Good thing I'm not here to teach you how to 'sit still and look pretty'," The Sun Arcobaleno smile. "I'm your tutor. I will make you stronger."
"...By throwing children and civilians into the process," Setsuna said coldly. "Is that how the mafia does it?"
"Yes," Come the unabashed answer from the hitman.
The two stare at each other for a moment before Setsuna break off eye contact. "I won't be able to get used to this after all."
"Maybe not," Reborn agreed. "But you will survive it. That's why I'm here."
"...Hm."
Setsuna and Reborn is almost out from the street when a voice call for them. "Setsuna-nee!"
The figure skater turn around to see Yamamoto running towards them. "Takeshi-kun?" She blinked. "Is there something wrong?" She asked once he caught up with them.
Takeshi looked bashful for a moment there. "I need your advice." He told her. "I don't want to trouble Pops… I hope you don't mind. I don't know who else to turn to."
Setsuna's gaze softened. "Alright, Takeshi-kun. I'm all ears."
The teen smiled. Then his smile dropped slightly. "Nee-chan, you're doing amazing in these past few years. The Grand Prix, World, Olympics… You are able to withstand the pressure and bring in good results… You made everyone proud. Compared to me, I'm…," He paused. "Baseball is like the only thing I know of. I'm good at it but… I'm not doing that good lately. Lately my performance is dropping, no matter how much I practice. At this rate, I will be removed from the first string."
'A slump?' Setsuna tilt her head. Every athlete experience slumps in their careers. Takeshi is an adolescent boy. This must be his first time having a slump. He must be getting pressured from everyone around him as well. From his teammates, classmates, coaches. Setsuna is quiet for a moment before she speak up. "I suggest that you take a break from baseball for a period of time." Hearing that, Takeshi tensed. Setsuna beat him to it before he can say anything. "Just a short period of time. Use that time to rest, decompress, have fun."
"Have fun?" Takeshi looked at her confused.
Setsuna nodded. "Baseball is fun for you, isn't it?" Takeshi nodded. "Then… When you're doing better than average, everyone start to pressure you. To be better, to win, to get higher and higher… Suddenly, what you love to do become less fun and more forced." The boy frowned. It seems she hit the mark. "I experienced the same thing when I was younger. Sometimes… Sometimes I feel like quitting for good."
Takeshi's eyes widened. "To quit figure skating?! But you love it! You're really good at it!"
"I love it, yes, but I was not the best at the time. Everyone else have better rankings than me. They won more medals. They had more opportunities to compete internationally. It sucks. I tried so hard to catch up with them. Longer training time, stricter diet, I tried everything. But the end result is not what I was expected, which made me feel worse," Setsuna paused. "Do you know why we need to rest? It's not just to make sure we don't strain ourselves and get injured… It's also to reevaluate ourselves. Don't think of 'why do I messed up', think 'I need to step back and see where it goes wrong.' You will confront yourself. You will listen to yourself."
"Listen to myself…," Takeshi muttered.
"You need to step back and spend your time doing something else. It will help you decompress and… Notice things you haven't notice before. Maybe you'll learn more about yourself . Will it fix the problem? I don't know. But forcing yourself is hardly any better."
"...I don't know what I should do. All I know is baseball. It feels weird not to think about baseball."
"It's okay to have more than just baseball in your life, Takeshi-kun," Setsuna said. "Your identity do not depend on one thing and one thing only. As you grow older, you learn and experience new things. These experiences shape you. It can be repetitive. But life is a never ending process. Even when you're old, you find something new about yourself. That's how you figure out who you are. That's what growing up means."
"...So it's okay if I ended up not liking baseball anymore?" Takeshi's eyes widened as soon as those words slip out of his mouth.
"Yes," Setsuna said. "It's okay if you feel like running away from baseball. Really, it's okay. Your beloved baseball is not going anywhere." She move closer towards the teen. Setsuna place a hand on his shoulder. "Don't hesitate to call me if you need anything. Okay, Takeshi-kun? I'm really glad that you trust me with this. It must be a hard thing to admit."
Takeshi smiled at her. "It's Setsuna-nee after all. I knew I could count on you."
She playfully punch his shoulder. "Flattery won't get you anywhere," She said. "How do you feel now?"
"I'm… Still confused…," Takeshi admitted. "But your advice really helps, Nee-chan. It appears I have some thinking to do."
"You should talk to your father about it," Setsuna said. "It's a good thing to have a parent you can turn to when you have trouble."
Takeshi's eyes softened. "I'll do just that," He nodded. "Thank you, Setsuna-nee."
They bid each other farewell, heading back to their home. There is a noticeable lightness in Takeshi's footsteps.
"You take good care of the young ones," Reborn observed. "That's a good trait to have in a leader. You won't have any problem attracting Guardians." In fact, there is a partial Bond between Setsuna and Takeshi, like her and Nagi.
"I wish I don't need to gather them in the first place," Setsuna said bitterly.
Come Sunday, Reborn found himself at Sawada residence once again. This time, Reborn is determined to keep a better eye on Nana. The Sawada Matriarch greeted them like last week. Cheerful and unassuming. She prepared another large spread. The hitman keep quiet as mother and daughter chatted.
Reborn noticed that Nana never once asked about Setsuna. She talked about her neighbours, their children, the weather, the new store that replace the old sake shop but never Setsuna . She didn't ask about university. Or her part time jobs. Didn't ask about the people in her child's life. Her daughter have to talk about herself. Nana just smiles and listen but change the topic as soon as Setsuna is done. Reborn wonder if anything Setsuna said ever truly registered in her mind.
While the women do the dishes, Reborn is off to explore the house. The first thing he noticed is the lack of picture. No picture of Setsuna in her childhood. No picture of Nana or Iemitsu. Not even a painting. In fact, there are no evidence at all that Iemitsu ever live in this house. If it weren't for Setsuna's childhood bedroom upstairs, Reborn would go as far as think that Setsuna never live here in the first place. It's disturbing.
Reborn is relieved when Setsuna called him so they can go home. They say their goodbye to Nana. He wonder what is it like to live all alone in that house, with your daughter only visit once a week and your husband haven't been seen for almost two decades.
"Setsuna," Reborn started. "Your mother…"
He didn't finish, but Setsuna catch what he meant to ask.
"Kaa-san is not interested in me," Setsuna said. "Sure, she clothed me and fed me. Made sure I look clean and everything but beyond that, she didn't put much attention in me. Or anything else for that matter. Kaa-san lives according to a routine. She cook, clean, buy groceries. She never do anything else. Sure, Kaa-san would go to neighborhood meetings and chat with the neighbours but she never really get close to anyone. She never talk about her life before she married. Kaa-san seems to only know how to be a housewife. She never tried to expand her world. No interest with anything at all. Her identity is completely dependent on other people, in this case, Iemitsu." She paused. Reborn waited for her. "Everyone thought she's an airhead, which she is, but they don't bring themselves to get close to her. Keiko-baachan, Tsuyoshi-jiichan's wife and Takeshi-kun's mother, was the closest person to her… Maybe even best friends. Kaa-san was different around her. More… She was more. After Keiko-baachan passed away… There's no one else. I can't fill the void for her. I'm not enough."
"Setsuna."
"...When I was younger, Kaa-san told me that Daddy became a star. So I thought that was her way to say that he's dead without actually saying it. I never asked about Iemitsu. I have no reason to. I just know that he's dead and we live from his insurance money… And then when I was 15, I overheard her talking to the phone with a man. At first I thought 'Kaa-san is dating again. It's weird but I'm glad that she found love again.' Only to find out later that she's talking with Iemitsu. That woman spent 10 years not telling me the truth. When I confronted her about it, she had the gall to laugh at my face and call me 'silly' for thinking Iemitsu is dead. What am I supposed to think? Nobody ever talks about that man. Kaa-san had so many opportunities to talk about him. She didn't. The next few times I caught her talking to Iemitsu on the phone… I noticed a pattern. Kaa-san never bring me up. Iemitsu never asked about me either. That's when I realised I am nothing more than a piece. The last piece to complete the 'perfect family' picture they envisioned."
One of the things that cause her to act like a little shit in high school.
"Coach Maeda and Masumi-sensei noticed straightaway. Kaa-san is not exactly the supportive kind. Her letting the press into our home was the last straw for them. For me."
Setsuna tried. She attempted to connect with Nana through what she enjoy the most, cooking. She cajoled her mother to talk about her past, to no avail. Setsuna asked Nana to teach her. Anything outside of cooking and homemaking. She took care of chores so Nana will have time to do something else. But her mother stuck around, never stepping out of the house unless necessary. She never talk to her outside from greetings and asking Setsuna to watch the house while she's away.
"Time seems to freeze in that house. Everything remains the same. Except for me and my bedroom. That woman only lives waiting for a phone call from her husband. She is empty. She scares me, Reborn."
The Arcobaleno don't say anything. He is not scared of Nana but he can see where Setsuna is coming from. That is just sad.
"That's why I'm scared for Gokudera-kun, because he will become just like her if no one stepped in. He sees no fault in me, just like Kaa-san see no fault in Iemitsu. Iemitsu took advantage of that. It's dangerous . Gokudera-kun will alter his self of sense to fit what he thinks I want. You sacrifice everything that makes you you. You lose yourself... For that one person. But what if that isn't enough? What will you do when that person don't give back? You get a very one-sided relationship. What will happen if that person leave you? You will realise that you're just an empty shell without them… And you'll shatter. You will be left a wreck. Once that person is gone, you… become lost. You have no life or identity outside that person. That is not a good way to live. No one should ever live like that. Gokudera must be able to live for himself. To stand on his own two feet. To walk down the path he chose. To build himself a life he wanted. So even if he's no longer with me, Gokudera-kun will be able to take care of himself."
"Like a bird leaving the nest," Reborn concluded.
Setsuna smiled at the allegory. "Exactly like that."
Emotionally neglected by her mother and barely existing in her father's mind. Reborn can only imagine what Setsuna is feeling. Iemitsu and Nana take their child for granted. Who knows how Setsuna will turn out if she doesn't have Coach Maeda, Masumi-sensei, her best friends and everyone else to support her?
"Kaa-san didn't realise that she was hurt. The way Iemitsu treat her… It's not right. But he can do nothing wrong in her eyes, so Kaa-san never realised that she can do better. That she doesn't have to put up with it." If she ever meet Iemitsu in person, this is one of the first thing she will hold him accountable for. Not even Vongola will be able to stop her from cutting a bitch like her poor excuse of a father. "My weekly visit is my way to check up on her. To make sure she's not getting worse. Kaa-san is not doing worse but she's not doing better either."
"Nobody can't say you're not dutiful," Reborn told her. Iemitsu will no doubt whine when Setsuna reject him. He will try to guilt trip her and use honeyed words. The idiota will have another thing coming for him.
Setsuna smiled. "Thank you, Reborn. Believe me, I'm so proud with myself that I am able to work this out. Everyone helped me to come to terms with my family situation. I'm really lucky to have them."
Reborn is thankful too. For everyone. Without their support, Setsuna won't be who she is today. A loyal friend. An understanding sister. A loving daughter. A strong woman. A Sky that supports all.
She is Sawada Setsuna and Reborn is honored.
Gokudera has been sucked into the hell known as fandom.
And Yamamoto made his appearance!
Seriously, what is Nana thinking? She contacted Reborn through the flyer. It must be planted by him or someone from Vongola but normal people would find it suspicious. When Dino and his men showed up, she just let them in with only Reborn's words as guarantee. What would the neighbours think if a group of men in black suddenly blocked the path to your home and won't let you pass unless you're a Sawada? Not to mention Lambo, I-pin, Bianchi. Lambo carried around weapons for fuck's sake. He used it in front of her. His actions (and Reborn's) damaged the house multiple times. And she's not in the least concerned. Not even for Lambo's safety. The kid was catapulted to the air. Then again, she married Iemitsu, who has no problems giving alcohol to kids. You can only stay oblivious to a certain point. Unless Nana is faking it, she has some serious issues. I don't know what's worse. Nana faking not knowing a thing while all these mafia hijinks happening in front of her, or she is that out of touch with reality.
This fan fiction is also posted in AO3
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