Katekyo Hitman Reborn

The Selkie's Secret

SakuraSamuraiGirl

Katekyo Hitman Reborn and its characters belong to Akira Amano

Chapter 25: Dr. N. Love

Still busy in Italy, Yoyori was able to pull away from work to go out for coffee. No matter how what, whether he was swamped or had little to no work to be done in his private office, Yoyori would take his break to get cup of Italian coffee or espresso. The Tejinaka family doctor/vet was making his way to his favorite bar. Yes, bar. As Yoyori learned there weren't coffee shops or cafes in Italy. Coffee was served in bars in Italy. He was just turning about the corner when a woman bumps into him. The woman bounces off his wall of a chest and falls backwards. She lands onto the ground with a thump. She mutters in pain, rubbing her bottom. Yoyori holds his hand out and he was going to apologize, until she looked up at him.

He saw the most beautiful pair of eyes. They were the most stunning shade of red-violet. Violet eyes full of warmth and life behind thin wired glasses. Her hair was long and loose of brown so light it was nearly blonde. They stare at each other in the middle of the sidewalk. Yoyori had his hand stretched out, bent at the waist. Mouth opens and closes, but he couldn't force out his voice. The woman sees the offered hand and takes it. Feeling her hand in his awakens Yoyori and he clasps his over her hand and pulls her to her feet.

"I am sorry, ma'am," he stutters with his Italian.

The woman shakes her head, "No, I must apologize; I was the one that wasn't being careful going around the corner!"

She looks at their hands. He was still holding hers.

"Excuse me, but I must say this, but your eyes are the most striking eyes I ever seen. That color appeals to me greatly!"

Those striking eyes widen in surprise. A blush forms under her eyes and across her nose. Such a beautiful tint of pink, it made her fair freckles much pronounce.

"My name is Yoyori. If you have time to spare, I would like to buy you an espresso."

The woman plays with her glove, looking down on the points of her heeled shoes. This was so sudden. She looks up and takes in the man's appearance. He was Japanese though his face held a lot of strength. His hair was dark and thick and somehow he had gelled back. Two white strands of bangs framed his narrowed face. His eyes were thin and of a dark, dark chocolate. But, if you looked into his eyes deeply there was touch of crimson.

"I…I have nothing to do actually. I was just taking a mindless stroll."

Yoyori smiles and places her hand on his arm, "Allow me then to stimulate your mind with conversation…Miss…?"

"Oregano."

The two strangers became acquainted and learned more about each other over coffee. Yoyori was a doctor and to Oregano's surprise, was also a veterinarian. He explained that he was medically fascinated by both and wanted to help both humans and animals. He had two offices he bounced back and forth to and from. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays were devoted to humans; Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays belonged to the animals. Oregano worked for a business corporation. She had her hands in all sorts jobs from clerical work, investigations and keeping her boss in line. She lightly complains about him, but adds that he was a good man. He had recently got into an accident and while he was recovering he gave Oregano and his employees a week off.

"It's been so long since I had a vacation!"

"You wouldn't mind that I take up some of your vacation time? I would like to see more of you and talk with you."

Oregano nods with blush, "I wouldn't mind at all."

Yoyori met Oregano every day at the same time of their first meeting. Sometimes they sat for lunch at his favorite bar or go to Oregano's favorite bakery. She learned at the bakery that Yoyori loved anything red velvet. She would pick up some sort of red velvet treat for Yoyori and take it to him at his favorite spot or would visit him at his offices before or after their meetings. On the last day of Oregano's vacation, Yoyori asks her to go out with him for dinner that night. Of course, she agreed.

Yoyori is waiting for Oregano at a very nice restaurant. He was dressed in a dinner suit with a red satin shirt and red tie while the rest of his suit was black. Hair, along with his bangs was slicked black stylishly. He smells her scent before he sees her. Standing up he sees her walk in through the door and he purrs in his throat. Oh, how he loved red. Especially on a woman like Oregano. She wore a red strapless dress, heart shaped top. The bottom edge of the dress fluttered around her red-heeled ankles. Her hair was done in a clean bun, with two long strands of hair curled loosely hanging forward over her shoulders. Her lips had the color of candy apples, making him want to taste her lips, in fact…

Oregano is lead to their table by the waiter. She smiles and before she could greet him, he greets her first sealing his lips over hers. Clutching her shoulders, he groans against her lips. Oregano made a surprised gasp before she leaned against him. The waiter makes a quiet escape. They finally pull a part with Yoyori grinning slyly.

"Forgive me, Oregano. I couldn't hold myself back."

"Don't be…" she was dazed.

Dinner was delightful. Oregano was flirted with and was paid compliment after compliment. Yoyori was the sweetest, charming man she had ever met. She was in love. She could definitely say that, though it only has been a week. After a savory dinner with the best of red wine, Yoyori takes her hand to his lips. His eyes on her made her body become electric.

"I don't want you to leave me just yet."

No begging or coaxing was needed. Next thing Oregano knew she was in Yoyori's apartment. His humble apartment was decorated in traditional Japanese. Even the furniture was Japanese. The bed was low to the ground but rose off the ground by platforms by a few inches. Yoyori's lips and hands were searing into her skin that was bare to him. His hands found the zipper to the back of his dress. His touch was delicate and with purpose. She was under the care of doctor that knew the body inside and out. Knew what the body desired and how it would respond. Oregano knew that she was in good hands as she was laid upon his bed.

Members of the CEDEF noticed a change in Oregano instantly when she returned to work. The way her hips swayed, the way she dressed and done her hair. She wore a red dress shirt and in her hair decorating her bun were red rose hair pins holding the bun. Oregano was a simple woman who wore simple make-up but even her face done with care with more make-up than usual. Her closest associates, Basil and Turmeric, a boy and man even noticed.

"Good morning, Ms. Oregano," Basil greets.

"Good morning, Basil," she ruffles his hair.

That was surprising! Oregano had always been kind to Basil but this affection was something completely brand new.

"Heh, heh," Turmeric suddenly chuckles, "Wow, you should go on vacations more often if this is the result of week off! You're always so stern and on the go carrying paperwork and making sure the boss is focus on work."

"Oh, I definitely consider taking more days off in a later future."

Turmeric arches a brow. Basil was still curious and confused on Oregano's behavior. It wasn't his place to question his older associate on their personal life. Their boss arrives still in bandages but was able to walk on his own and had used of his arms. As soon as he passes Oregano's desk to enter his office, he pauses and looks her over.

"Well, you look nice today…"

Oregano looks up at him and smiles. He flinches at that!

"You shouldn't look at another woman so closely, Boss!" she chirps.

Iemitsu stares and stares at Oregano until finally he slams his hands onto her desk and leans close to her. Oregano, startled, leans away from the serious expression on Iemitsu's face.

"Oregano…"

"Boss…s-sir?"

Iemitsu's face is shadowed, and then brightens as a goofy grin alongside a giggle escapes him.

"Are you in love~?"

Oregano blushes, "I…I…"

She stares at her hands and nods. Iemitsu throws back his head and laughs. He congratulates Oregano being absolutely happy for her. She was a very young lady and was always focused on work. A lover on the outside was good for her health after long days at work. He starts questioning about her lover. How they met? What kind of dates they went on? What was his occupation?

"W-what are you my father?!" Oregano yells while still blushing. "B…but to answer your last question…he's a doctor."

"Ohhhhh, a doctor!" Iemitsu whistles. "You really landed a good one!"

"He works privately and he's also a vet."

"And a vet?" Iemitsu frowns at that. 'Wait….that sounds like somebody I know…'

As Iemitsu struggles to recall his memory, Oregano's phone goes off. Looking at her phone she receives a message from her lover asking if she could join him for lunch. Smiling she replies, accepting his invitation. Another message, her lover couldn't wait to see her again. She noticed that Iemitsu's mumbling had ceased and looking up she finds the older man at her side peering down on her phone.

"SIR!" she yells holding her phone to her chest.

"A lunch date! How cuuute~!"

"G-get to your office!"

Oregano shoves Iemitsu into his office, while he laughs and warns her that he is still injured.

Lunch finally arrived and Oregano swiftly cleans her desk and leaves the office. A minute after she was gone, Iemitsu bursts out of his office and grabs Basil and Turmeric. They questioned their boss' intentions and they learn that Iemitsu wanted to see Oregano's boyfriend for himself. Both his subordinates tried to fight against Iemitsu and convince the man that it was a bad idea to poke his nose into Oregano's private affairs! Their protests fell on deaf ears and his grip on them never loosened.

They followed Oregano to a bakery. She purchased a slice a tripled-layer Red Velvet cake and continued on to her destination. Following at a distance, hidden in the crowd they kept their eyes on her as casual as they could. Iemitsu was excited to find out about this boyfriend of Oregano's. Oregano turns a corner. The head of the CEDEF and his two subordinates stopped. Corners must be made with caution, so before turning they took a peek. Oregano embraces a man, practically leaping into his arms. The man's face was hidden by Oregano as he was taller than she was and had to bend slightly to hug her return. When the man pulls away, Iemitsu stumbles backwards with a sharp gasp. He presses himself against the way breaking in a sweat and hyperventilating. Basil and Turmeric were startled by Iemitsu sudden panic attack.

"Boss?! What is the matter?!" Turmeric asks.

"You look like you saw an absolute horror!" Basil shouts.

"This is bad…this is very, very bad!"

Iemitsu pats over his pockets and finds his phone. He struggles to hold it in his hands that were shaking as if he was in an earthquake!

Oregano's phone goes off before she could enter the bar. She frowns as she sees Iemitsu's contact. Apologizing to her boyfriend, she reluctantly answers her phone.

"Boss…..Boss?...Hello?"

"Oregano!" he yells.

"Boss, what is the matter?"

"What are you doing with that man?!"

"…What am I…are you spying on me…where are you?!" Oregano looks around.

"Oregano! You're dating my…"

"IEMITSU?!" Yoyori roars over the crowd.

Oregano whips around and is shocked by the expression of rage on her usually patient and soft boyfriend's face. His eyes were as bright as a raging fire! The hair on his head was standing on end.

"Yoyori?!" Oregano whimpers.

Yoyori leaves Oregano and rips through the crowd, somehow avoiding other pedestrians though he was livid. Iemitsu heard his name from his brother-in-law's throat. He scrambles to get away, but he wasn't fast enough. The world spins around him and there was pain shooting up his spine as he was pressed into a wall. His wounds and bruises howl in pain. He bit his lip to keep himself from voicing his pain as well. He opens his eyes and he was face to face with Yoyori, who was holding him around his neck, not enough to choke him but enough of grip to hold him against the wall with his toes barely touching the sidewalk. Yoyori's face had a moment of confusion that veiled over his anger. He takes in Iemitsu's attire.

"What is this…what…why are you dressed like this? What are you doing here?! How do you know Oregano?! What is this…IEMITSU?!"

"Yo…yori…I…I…"

"Well?!" Yoyori shoves Iemitsu against the wall again. The back of Iemitsu's head bangs against the wall and he grunts in pain.

"Please…calm down…" Iemitsu begs.

"Calm down? How can I be calm when discover my baby sister's husband in Italy when he should be in Antarctica drilling oil!...You're in Italy! Wearing a damn suit! And you expect me to be calm?!" Yoyori snarls.

Basil and Turmeric could do nothing but stare as they watch their Boss being confronted by his brother-in-law. What could they do? Iemitsu was in a tight spot! Oregano pushes past them and grabs Yoyori's arm that was holding Iemitsu.

"Yoyori! Yoyori!"

Yoyori glares at Oregano, "Do you know this man?! Do you know that he has a wife and daughter in Japan? How do you know him?!...Oregano…"

"I…he's…my…"

"….Oregano…" Yoyori's eyes widen and he almost loses his grip on Iemitsu.

"He's my boss!"

"Your boss…and what sort of business are you in, Oregano?"

"We…" Oregano looks to Iemitsu. "We…"

"Wait! Yoyori!"

Yoyori growls at Iemitsu. "Please let me explain," Iemitsu gasps. "But, not here. We can't discuss it here."

Yoyori takes deep breath and drops Iemitsu. Iemitsu was barely able to catch himself. The shock of meeting Yoyori had shook up Iemitsu. His knees were weak. Basil and Turmeric help him to his feet.

Iemitsu takes Yoyori to a restaurant. Not just any restaurant, a restaurant that was owned by Iemitsu's company. Iemitsu leads them to the back of the restaurant for privacy through a curtain. They pass through the kitchen. Basil and Turmeric were sent back to CEDEF headquarters, while Oregano remained, to keep Yoyori calm. Oregano hears Yoyori's teeth chattering. It was strange to her. He didn't look to be nervous or scared. He still looked irate. Iemitsu opens a door to a room and allows Yoyori to enter first. In the room was a round table with a white tablecloth draped over it. The lighting was low and yellow. Yoyori's nose turns up. He could smell the heavy scent of cigars and cigarettes in the room.

"Please, have a seat…Yoyori-san…" Iemitsu's voice quivered.

Yoyori breathes deeply. He pulls out a chair, pulls his arm out of Oregano's grip and has her sit. Iemitsu finds a chair for Yoyori and offers it to him. Yoyori doesn't look at Iemitsu as he sits and pulls it closer to the table. Resting his elbows on the tabletop, Yoyori hides his face behind his interlaced fingers. His leg bounces underneath the table. Oregano stares at her him and looks to Iemitsu who decided to stand instead of sit. He stood with his head down, looking down on the floor. His hands were clasped together behind his back. He looked like a prisoner who was handcuffed and left standing to be interrogated. She supposes that this was going be like an interrogation.

"Well…"

Oregano and Iemitsu jump. Yoyori lifts his head, resting his chin now over his hands, "Start talking, Iemitsu," Yoyori's voice was low. "Let's start with this question…what are you doing in Italy?"

"….I work here."

"What kind of work do you do?"

"I am an advisor to the Vongola Corporation."

Yoyori hisses and glares at Iemitsu, "Vongola Corporation! Hah! I've been working as a private doctor to enough characters to know a little bit more about the Vongola than it being a mere business! You're only me telling half of the truth! I want to hear it from your mouth…who do you work for?"

Oregano grips the fabric of her pant legs. She nibbles on her lips. Iemitsu takes a deep breath and looks to the ceiling.

"I…I am an external advisor to the Vongola. The leading family of the mafia."

Yoyori closes his eyes, "The mafia….the mafia….it all makes sense now…I didn't want to think it…I didn't want to acknowledge to possibility that Tsunami's involvement with mafia would be deeper…I hoped…I prayed…."

Yoyori stand abruptly and turns over the table with a roar, "THE MAFIA?!"

He strides across the room and grabs Iemitsu once again, his hand around his throat. Yoyori and Iemitsu's eyes lock onto each other.

"YOU'RE A PART OF THE GODDAMN MAFIA! YOU HAVE YOUR DAUGHTER BEING TUTORED BY A HITMAN! FOR WHAT PURPOSE?!"

"He's not merely a tutor…he is training Tsunami to inherit the Vongola…"

"W-what? Tsunami is going to inherit the Vongola…an organization of criminals?!" Yoyori snaps.

"It wasn't always like this…"

"Why would you get Tsunami involve with the mafia?! Your own daughter!"

"DON'T YOU THINK I TRIED?! I TRIED, YOYORI-SAN! I TRIED TO KEEP MY DAUGHTER AWAY FROM THE MAFIA!" Iemitsu finally erupts.

He bows his head, "I have always known that my blood may bring misery onto my children. Whether if I have chosen a wife within or outside the mafia, there was a strong possibility of them being deeply involved with the mafia…I had decided at a young age to never fall in love…but it was a useless promise to myself…I met Nana and I fell in love with her and I couldn't deny my heart! I kept her and Tsunami in Japan…in fact; I had hidden the fact that I had gotten married."

Yoyori narrows his eyes. He removes his hand as he stood before Iemitsu.

"But, I couldn't keep the secret for long, not from my Boss, the Nono…Timeteo…"

"He's a part of the mafia as well? My father sees him as a friend…."

"I know, I know," Iemitsu nods. "When my boss found out that I had a wife and daughter, he wanted to meet them. When he met Tsunami, he sensed her flame. It was pure and untainted. A flame that came from my ancestor, the Primo, the first Boss of the Vongola. After meeting Tsunami, she was considered as a candidate to become the next Boss. I had prayed that she wouldn't be chosen…but, it was all in vain. Timeteo had four sons. Three were murdered and his last remaining son was brutal and cruel."

"Xanxus…" Yoyori realizes.

"It was between him and Tsunami. Timeteo apologized to me and I couldn't argue with him. Timeteo desires that the Vongola and all that falls under it be changed turned back into what the very first boss had first designed it to be; an organization that took it upon itself to protect those against the corrupt. My boss believes that Tsunami is the one to do so."

Iemitsu looks up, "Believe me, Yoyori! I didn't want this for Tsunami! Please, please believe me! My sweet, beautiful daughter a part of this world of blood and guns! I'd tried," his voice sobs. "I even kept myself away from my family to keep them safe! There have been nights that I have wept in a lonely bed…"

Yoyori's fists tighten.

"Days where I wish I could hold my wife and my daughter! I have missed so much of my daughter's life…I'm not a complete fool, Yoyori! I can see it in Tsunami's eyes…she…she hates me! She hates me because she believed that I have abandoned her and Nana!"

Yoyori shakes his head.

"All my sacrifice was for nothing…Tsunami was stilled dragged to become a part of the bloody history of the mafia. It is up to her in how its future will become."

"Iemitsu…Tsunami knows about the mafia?"

"Yes, she's aware. Though, she is refusing to become the mafia boss, according to Reborn's reports, she is only cooperating to keep some sort of secret from getting out. Reborn has not revealed what it is…the Ninth hasn't asked for an answer."

Yoyori looks at a wall. He knew what secret Tsunami was withholding. His own family's secret. This was wrong. All wrong from both parties. Though Yoyori was angry with Iemitsu and his deception, now that he knew what was going on, he realizes that he; Nana and the Tejinaka were no different. Though, they weren't into anything illegal…still, their secret is very great.

The silence is broken by Iemitsu's phone going off. Yoyori turns his back on Iemitsu and he finds Oregano looking at him. In her eyes, that he loved so much, there was confusion, fear and guilt. She was mafia too. Probably knew more about Iemitsu and Tsunami's situation than he did when he had first met her.

'So many lies between the ones we love…why can't we love and trust each other totally?...Fear,' he answers his own question. 'Fear of rejection and loss.'

He listens to Iemitsu's phone conversation. He couldn't help it; his ears pick up the voice of the person on the other side of the phone. He schools his features, when the voice on the other line belonged to whom Iemitsu was addressing at the Ninth Boss of the Vongola himself! Iemitsu's boss asked Iemitsu questions and Iemitsu tells his boss that he had told Yoyori everything. The Ninth, Timeteo asks Iemitsu to convince Yoyori not to tell his family about Iemitsu and Tsunami's involvement with the mafia. It would cause distress on both Tsunami and Nana.

His baby sister, Nana, the older baby sister next to Shini, the baby-baby sister. Nana would be most upset by Iemitsu's deception and involving her only child into a life of violence. Then again, Nana wouldn't have the right to be angry. She too held a secret and if Iemitsu learned of it, what would he think of his wife? What would he think of his daughter?

Iemitsu hangs up.

"Iemitsu…I will keep this a secret from Nana and my family…however, in time, sooner or later…you must tell the truth."

Yoyori sighs and looks to the ceiling. In doing so, may force Nana to share our secret as well. Which secret will cause the most damage to one another?

Iemitsu was surprised. He immediately bows low to his brother-in-law and in thanks him with great gratitude. Yoyori doesn't speak to Iemitsu anymore. He goes to Oregano and kneels onto the floor beside her. She was surprised by his actions and cups his face within her hands.

"Yoyori, I…"

"You have nothing to be sorry for. Oregano, there's something we must talk about…alone."

Iemitsu takes the hint. He swiftly leaves the room. Yoyori listens quietly until Iemitsu was out of range. He reaches for his glasses and puts them away into his coat pocket.

"….Oregano. There are so many secrets between us! Nana should never have married Iemitsu! Father was wholly against it! But she was allowed to be with him because she loved him. She was willing to give up her identity to be with Iemitsu."

"Give up her identity?"

"Oregano. What I am about to tell you…what I am about to show you…you must never speak of it! What you are about to see of me…is Nana's secret. This secret must only be revealed by Nana and Nana alone to Iemitsu. You can't tell Iemitsu about me! Oregano,"

Yoyori rises off his knees and presses a short kiss against her lips, "I love you! I want to be honest with you!"

"B-but, you have always been honest with me!" Oregano's lips trembles. "Yoyori…"

Yoyori back away until he was directly under a ceiling lamp. He rolls his shoulders and breathes deeply. Frowning, Oregano watches him. Suddenly, his hisses as though he was in pain and moans. She hears the snapping and cracking of bones. His arms grow longer and longer. Hands stretch out and his nails thicken and grow into points. Oregano bolts out of her chair and covers her mouth with her lips. Yoyori keeps his eyes on hers. Taking steps closer to Oregano, he holds out his transformed hands covered in dark, black fur. As he drew close, there were finer details that Oregano was able to see. She sees his pointed ears that had grown long and twitched. His teeth had turned to jagged knives of fangs, his top row canines were the sharpest and longest, glinting even in the dim light.

"Oregano, this is the real me…Oregano…"

Oregano shakes her head and screams, running out of the room. Yoyori stood still. He reaches a hand to his face and it completely covers it.

He later orders a plane ticket to return home.