Disclaimer: I don't own Katekyo HitmanReborn
Note: There is an illustration that goes along with this chapter. It's included in the AO3 version of this story. I'm there under the same username!
Chapter 7
''I know white lies are a part of life, but it's been two weeks and I…'' Nana closes her eyes. ''It hurts. It hurts so much. I understand he couldn't tell me when our relationship started. It all happened so fast! But…''
Kami, what is she doing, telling a stranger this?
On the other end of the line, Lal snorts. ''This is a whole hell lot bigger than a white lie. Two years. I ought to slap him again.''
Then again, maybe Lal's honesty is just what she needs. As the blue-haired woman said herself, she's a fellow expert on dealing with Iemitsu. It eases her heart a little, as she watches the sun rise. ''Thank you. For talking to me, I mean. And giving me your number.''
Lal hums decisively in a way that reminds Nana of the sharp, short nods so particular to the woman's body language.
There's a beat.
''….If you do slap him, I know nothing.''
Lal's laughter is distorted by the receiver, but with her hands curling around her warm teacup, Nana can't help but smile too.
''What… What does you being in the mafia mean?''
Iemitsu stares down at his hands. At least he's still here. He's got a habit of running away from his problems if he can't face them head on, and this is definitely one of those issues.
It must mean he loves her enough to do so, right?
…
Wrong question. This is not about Iemitsu loving her enough. This is about Nana loving him enough to hear him out in the first place. This is about Nana, tipping the scales, both of them waiting in anticipation and dread, bated breath, whether her sweet feelings will be heavier than the bitter ones. Measuring hearts.
They're at an impasse now, standing right in the middle of a bridge hanging over a ravine. A rope bridge, holding on, but the cords unravelling. Nana needs her answers. To cut the cords, or to replace them. That's the question.
It must mean she loves him enough to do so, right?
''To be in the mafia means to kill. To be ruthless. There's crime, and it's gritty and dark, but there's also family, and a lot of love,'' He closes his eyes. ''Will you hold that against me?''
Nana shakes her head, folding her hands in her lap. ''I won't. I can live with that. Or I can learn to live with that. But how does this fit into us?''
His eyes fly open as he shoots off the couch. ''You can't come to Italy!''
Nana studies him.
''…It's too dangerous.'' His shoulders slump as he looks at her, desperation dancing deep and dark inside his eyes. But his grip is slipping. This is his decision. He won't change his mind. He has made his bed and will lie in it.
The thougth of a cold and lonely house, of truth only cold and hard- to know only the hardships, but not share the warmth… Nana closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. ''That, Iemitsu, is the end of us.''
You are not worth my ruination.
With one fell swoop, knife glinting in the sunlight when her arm hits the top of its arch, she cuts cords right through. The bridge falls out from under their feet, smashing against the cliffside, and they fall, fall, fall, hurtling towards the wild river beneath.
Even in the free fall, Nana knows she'll survive, even though the river below is made of tears. She could have lived her life here, spending little, but treasured time with Iemitsu. But he said ''It's too dangerous,'' and she knew, in her bones, that that was how it was going to be. Nana cannot live with a person who does not let her stand beside them, even in the face of danger.
Not even for love.
