Geneee is a blessing! I honestly don't think I would have gotten this chapter out so soon without her!
Returning to class on Monday was a drag. Granted, going to school in general was a bit of a drag. But certain sacrifices had to be made when called for. It sucked even more when the teacher announced a surprised test on them in the afternoon. It wasn't that Kazumi wasn't prepared; she was more than versed enough on the subject to pass the test, it's just, she was really not into it.
She barely even registered the test paper hitting her desk, or when the teacher told them to begin writing. Kazumi stared at the questions without actually reading them, and ended up sighing dramatically as she rested her chin in her hand and stared at the wall.
Was all this time and effort really worth the charade she was putting on? Bending herself over backwards just to kill one high school boy? And for what? She didn't actually know. What she did know is that the task had quickly become exhausting and excruciating.
Maybe it was a good thing her father was trying to rush her.
No, this is what happens when you become emotionally attached. Kazumi's eyes widened at the invasive thought, and found herself wondering where it had even come from. Emotionally attached? Not a chance! Yeah, perhaps she was drawn to the fact that Tsuna was a strong Sky, but that was inevitable and definitely didn't equate to emotional attachment. She was merely recognizing the hidden potential within him. She knew what emotional attachment was after all; seen it first-hand in former comrades. It never ended well. Never.
Kazumi groaned and tried again to focus on the test in front of her. It would at least distract her from those intrusive thoughts for a while. She got half way through the test, not realizing just how much time she had taken day dreaming, when the teacher told the class to put down their pencils just before the bell could signaled the end of the day. Startled, Kazumi looked up to the clock on the wall then down to her paper.
Seven hells. She thought, grumpily as she set aside her pencil as instructed and started to hand her paper forward. At least her marks in school had no relevance to her mission. Not that this one test would kill her overall mark.
"Phew, I was surprised when Sensei said we'd be having a test, but it was a lot easier than I thought it would be." Takeshi said once class was officially dismissed, grinning from his desk next to hers. Kazumi wanted to roll her eyes at his flippant attitude. He was lucky he was blessed with so much luck.
"Personally I could have done without the surprise. I'll be happy if I get even half of those right." Tsuna had gotten out of his chair and joined the conversation with a heavy sigh. His hair looked a little bit messier than it had been earlier in the day.
Probably from pulling it during the test. Kazumi thought, amused, before she could even realize what was going through her head.
"Well if it makes you feel any better, I ended up day dreaming during most of it and only finished half of the test." Tsuna and Takeshi both gawked at her in surprised.
"N-no way. You Kazumi-san?" Why did the way he say that sound so much like a betrayal of his expectations? So much like, what she expected to happen when she finally put an end to this farce. She shook way the unwanted thoughts again and sighed.
"I don't think it fully registered that I was supposed to be writing a test." The laugh Kazumi managed to produce was so dry, she hardly even recognized it as her own.
"Che, that's your own fault then, woman." Hayato added in, coming up from behind Tsuna. Kazumi could only bring herself to level a stare at him. There was no sense in picking a fight. Tsuna however gave him a genuinely proud smile, which Kazumi thought curious.
"You'll probably get the top mark again, Hayato-kun." Ah, right. Smoking-Bomb Hayato was supposedly a scholar genius or something. Watching the cold glare directed at her turn into a gaze of admiration for Tsuna was something Kazumi didn't think she would ever get used to seeing.
"Well, at least now you don't have to worry about me taking the number one spot from you. This test is probably going to put me in the lower half of the top ten." She added a discontented sigh for dramatic effect, but Kazumi really couldn't express it enough how much she truly didn't care.
"Hah? You take the number one spot? As if."
"What do you mean as if? I'd bet another one of those ridiculous sundaes from last week that I'm as smart as you." She almost laughed when all of their faces turned just the slightest shade of green at the mention of the horrid creation, but her irritation won over.
"Eh, Kazumi-san," Tsuna butted in, attempting to play referee. "Hayato-kun has never once failed a test. I don't think he's ever had anything lower than a ninety-eight, if not a perfect score." There was no boasting in his statement, just pure fact. Kazumi would have retorted, but her mind was still circling over the words scholarly genius, scholarly genius, scholarly genius.
"Okay, almost as smart." She settled, pouting. From the corner of her eye, she could see Tsuna smile again, and Takeshi grinning as if he was amused by the whole outcome. "Whatever, I'm getting out of here. Are you guys doing anything?" She asked as she finally got out of her seat and gathered her things. They each looked at each other and shrugged.
"Nothing in particular. Though we were probably just going to hang out at the park, or somewhere. Did you want to come?" Tsuna offered. Kazumi paused.
Emotionally attached. Emotionally attached. Emotionally attached. SHUT UP!
"Sure, I was probably just going to sit on the couch and read. And honestly, I think I'd rather go out." And clear my head of this nonsense. She answered, before mentally noting her many, many issues.
xXx
The cold air of autumn swept in quickly. Like an overnight change, people all around were adding on their thicker sweaters and warmer jackets as the season came. Kazumi adjusted her uniform blazer around the scarf she had covering her neck against the breeze, just as Takeshi undid the top button of his shirt.
"Aren't you cold?" She asked, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.
"Hum? Nah, not yet. I think it's kind of nice out today." Nice? Sure, it was sunny, but it was still windy! And his sleeves were even rolled up to his elbows!
"You're nuts. At least those two had enough sense to at least bring sweaters, even if they're not wearing them." Kazumi glared accusingly at Hayato and Tsuna both, referring to the sweaters they had draped over their school bags. "How are you guys not cold?" Seriously! Men and their natural resistance to the cold.
"Easy, it's not even cold." Hayato grumbled as he moved to light up a cigarette. Wait, he smokes? Oh, right. Smoking-Bomb. I'm an idiot. Tsuna meanwhile sent Hayato a passing glare and the aforementioned cancer stick was back into the pocket it mysteriously came from. Well, that would explain why she'd never seen him with a cigarette until now.
"If you want, you can borrow this." Tsuna offered Kazumi the sweater she had previously been glaring at, and she felt her face go warm for just an instant.
"N-no thanks. It's my fault for not bringing my own in the first place." She looked away, embarrassed that he had managed to get her off guard over something so simple.
Emotionally attached. Emotionally attached. Emotionally attached.
"Eh? Well, if you're sure. But let me know if you change your mind." Seriously, how could one person be so kind? He actually had the audacity to look dejected that she declined his offer!
"Thank you, I will. But I should be fine if I grab a coffee or… something…" Kazumi countered as she slowed to a stop when they were about to pass a coffee shop just across the street from them. "Do either of you mind?" She asked, pointing in its direction.
"Now that you mention it, something warm does sound nice." Takeshi answered, indicating that not only did he not have any objections, but intended to join her.
"Yeah, I think I'd like to get something too." Tsuna agreed, then turned to his Storm. "What about you Hayato-kun?" He sputtered out an answer Kazumi couldn't comprehend, but if Tsuna's ever happy expression was anything to go by, then it seemed like he would also be going. Moments later, they found themselves each carrying a to-go cup through the doors of the shop, and continuing their aimless journey.
"STOP! THEIF!" Someone's shout had them all turning around just as a suspicious individual ran between them. Kazumi almost reached out to stop the person, her reflexes trained to react instantly, but she held back, and was actually glad she did. Both Hayato and Takeshi sprinted forward, catching up with the thief easily and tackling him to the ground. It had happened so quickly, Kazumi had actually almost missed the entire thing. The poor bugger didn't have a chance in hell.
All she could do was watch amazed as Tsuna casually picked up what the man had stolen, a purse by the looks of it, and gingerly presented it back to an older woman. The look of gratitude she gave him was mirrored by the delight on his own face, thankful that he had even been able to help in the first place. The old woman even tried to give them each a monetary reward, which they absolutely refused to take, while they waited for police to arrive through the busy street. The whole ordeal left Kazumi feeling as if she had been left in a whirlwind.
"Sorry you had to wait for us, Kazumi-san." Tsuna apologised after the police were finished with questioning him. They had since moved on to chastising the other two for putting themselves in danger.
"No, it's fine. I just wish I could have been useful to you as well." The words felt strange as they fell from her mouth, and yet so right at the same time. Once again, Kazumi's stifled Flames began to stir, seeking out the Sky standing right in front of her. "You're a good person Tsuna. I admire that about you." She smiled finally, praising his good work as she did.
"O-oh, um, thank you." His face had flushed red at the compliment, and she had no control over the smile that crept onto her face.
Emotionally attached! Kazumi's inner thoughts continued to scream at her. Okay, fine! Maybe she was a little emotionally attached. Just a little! She had to admit to herself that maybe she had gotten too personally close to her target. But that didn't mean anything. But once again, Kazumi found herself watching Tsuna as the other two returned to his side. She watched how they so easily interacted with each other, like best friends or long lost brothers. She watched, and listened, to how he fretted over them, making sure they hadn't gotten themselves hurt.
And she wished she could have something even remotely similar to that.
When they were assured that they were free to go, the four of them decided to slowly make their way home; cold coffees having long been forgotten. Kazumi only remembered hers after she instinctive took a sip from the cup she was still holding, only to spit it out immediately after. They boys of course laughed, or in Hayato's case scowled, at her expense. She was just as kind to remind them that other than Tsuna's, theirs had been wasted and tossed to the ground when they decided to play heroes. Their grins faltered as they each looked away dejected.
As they continued to laugh and joke around with each other as they walked, Kazumi felt a familiar vibration in the pocket of her skirt, drawing her attention away from the conversation. She slowed to a snails pace as she pulled out her phone, expecting a text message, only to freeze completely at the notification on screen. There were no words, just the end of a timer she had set almost a week ago. But she knew what it was; a wordless reminder of what was supposed to be done.
She looked away from her phone screen, to the boys walking ahead of her. Rather, Kazumi's gaze focused on Tsuna who stood much shorter between the other two, even with his unruly, fluffy hair. Her grip tightened around her phone for the briefest of moments, until she left out a calming sigh just as Tsuna turned around, finally noticing that she was falling behind.
"Kazumi-san?" He called, concern already apparent when he noticed the phone still in her hand. "Are you alright?" Kazumi looked directly into Tsuna's concerned gaze. She smiled, swiping away the notification as she returned the device to her pocked, and made a light jog to catch up.
"Yeah, I'm okay." She answered once she reached Tsuna's side. "Should we get going?" Kazumi walked a bit ahead of them with a little extra spring in her step. She had already made her decision long ago. She'll just have to deal with the consequences later.
xXx
School the next day was an absolute nightmare for Kazumi. She was the living, breathing, horrid combination of lack of sleep, stress, and anxiety. And all because of a decision she had decided on, that absolutely no one should have any insight on. She felt her skin crawl every time someone walked behind her. And she was tapping her pencil over her notebook faster than she ever had in her entire life.
She was a wreck.
"Um, Kazumi-san?" Tsuna approached cautiously, but she still managed to let out a shriek and practically jump from her seat. "Is everything alright?" Wow. What a loaded question. Did she look alright?!
"Ah, yeah, I'm good." Even she could tell he didn't really believe her. Kazumi didn't blame him. "I mean, I was just thinking about something I may or may not regret having done later. I'll be fine. Probably." She answered as honestly as she would allow herself. Tsuna's expression alone spoke a thousand words.
"What?! Is everything okay?" He was clearly concerned about what might have happened, but she was hardly going to give him the chance to ask any more about it.
"I promise, it's fine. Honestly, it's nothing major." HA! "I'm kinda just waiting to see the results of something stupid I did at home, and hoping I didn't ruin anything." To say Tsuna looked relieved with her explanation was an understatement. He was probably half expecting her to say she had murdered someone rather than make it sound like she had spilled bleach on her hardwood floor, or put too much soap in the washing machine.
"If that's all, I'm sure it'll be fine." Tsuna gave her half-assed grin a reassuring smile, and she welcomed it. Having already spent most of the day in an anxiety induced fear of her father had just about mentally drained her.
"Thank you. Your confidence means a lot to me." He was blushing a little from the compliment, and she found she was able to get out a small laugh despite herself. "Truly, you're an amazing person Tsuna. You always seem to be able to bring out the best in people."
"I-It's nothing!" He stuttered, oh so clearly embarrassed. "I mean, you're pretty amazing yourself, Kazumi-san. I mentioned it before, but you're always so kind, and smart, and brave. I mean, ever since you came here, you've always hung out with us, even though everyone calls me Dame-Tsuna," That reminded her; she would be getting to the bottom of that nasty nickname at some point. "And you even stood up for me, even though you barely knew me then." God, he was going to make her blush at any second now.
"Then, it should go to show that you're a friend worth fighting for." Kazumi smirked when her answer caught him off guard. He really had no idea how true that statement was right now. What with her limiting the amount of information that was being passed onto that reinforcement unit meant to assist her, which also meant limiting the amount of information that was being sent back to her father. The only thing Kazumi had left to take care of was getting rid of those men or sending them home without raising suspicions, and that was something she was still figuring out how to put into progress.
"Thank you, Kazumi-san." But at least in the end, regardless of the results, she would be able to say one thing with certainty; her decision wasn't wrong.
xXx
It was late Wednesday evening when Kazumi met up with that bald-headed leader of the backup team. They were far enough from town that they wouldn't have to risk being overheard or spotted. Especially not by Reborn. It was with the assurance of their privacy that Kazumi had no qualms over coming out of the trees with blood splattered on her face and clothes, her sword still drawn and coated in the very same substance.
To say the man was surprised at the sight was an understatement. He had come prepared to speak to Kazumi about finalizing the mission and which tactics she intended to use; he's heard enough rumours about the girl after all, and he was professional enough to not go into a mission completely blind without first knowing his partner's patterns. However, he had not been prepared to actually see the murder already completed. Or rather, the aftermath of it.
"The job is complete, you may return with your men." She spoke dryly in monotone, and barely spared him a glance as she seemed more interested in her filthy clothes. "I'm sorry to have wasted your time, please let me know if you require any compensation." He couldn't tell if it was indifference that took her attention away from her blood-soaked clothes, or if she had simply decided there was nothing she could do about the stains. He simply focused on the way she raised her sword and flicked the blood off with one fluid swing like the professional she was, before returning it to the scabbard on her hip.
"No, that won't be necessary. But," He hesitated, meeting Kazumi's hardened gaze that was suddenly flashed his way. He did not want to end up on the wrong side of a relationship with her. "How did you manage it?" He was relieved when her expression lightened just a little bit, and the hint of a mischievous smirk appeared on her lips.
"Like any high school girl of course; I got him alone. He had no idea what was coming." He felt a shiver go down his spine. There was always something far more terrifying about teenage assassins than any adult, but this girl was another case entirely. This example was just merciless and downright cruel, even by his standards.
"Well, glad I'm not him then." He nodded with certainty.
"Right." Kazumi responded dryly, looking back towards the corpse. "Anyhow, since you'll no doubt be seeing my father before long, please let him know I'll deliver him my full report in a few days' time. Now that the hardest part is finished, I'll have to make sure all my bases are covered before I personally take my leave."
"Understood, Miss. My men and I will depart by morning. Best of luck to you from here on out."
"You don't want to confirm the body before you leave?" Kazumi asked, gesturing behind her. She watch the man's expression as he thought, staring into the brush.
"I don't think that will be necessary. I've read reports on your previous missions; you're quite thorough, Miss. Anyone who questions your abilities is a fool." Kazumi could tell most of what he was saying was simply lip service, just so he could keep his head for another day, but she also knew that even lip service was a way of testing others.
"Really? If my father finds out you didn't confirm the body, you might be in a lot of trouble." She warned dramatically. She saw him hesitate once more. "And I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want my father pointing an accusing finger at me if the target somehow manages to live."
"Perhaps you're right then." The man said. "Please lead the way so that we may confirm the kill." Kazumi nodded and proceeded to lead the small group of men back into the woods. "May I speak freely, Miss?" The leader asked as they walked. Kazumi nodded, half interested in what he had to say. "You're much kinder than I anticipated. Most others would have put up a fuss over having the kill confirmed and acted as if we were the problem. I also half expected you to kill my men and I after the mission was done." Kazumi let the ghost of a smile grace her lips.
"Did it occur to you that might be just what I'm doing?" She questioned, her tone low and thick. The flash of panic in his eyes was all she needed to see to know that she had been successful this evening. "I'm kidding." Kazumi laughed when the relief washed over his expression. "My father values hard facts and evidence above all else. Ensuring the kill is confirmed is my way of providing that."
"Of course, that much should have been obvious. Forgive me for doubting you."
"Forget about it. The body is over there." She gestured to the brush further off the beaten path as she stood to keep watch, making sure no others would come by and accidently see them, as unlikely as that would be.
"Very well." The bald man gestured his men forward, ensuring multiple eyes would be able to confirm the status of the target. When he pulled back the bush to inspect the body, it wasn't a human corpse he found. "What is the meaning-" At the sound of pained grunts behind him, the bald leader turned from the body and leaned into a defensive position. Three of his men were already dead, and Kazumi was just about finished with the fourth with a downward swing of her sword. When she finally turned to him, her eyes were cold, exposing the killer behind her young appearance.
"I'm sorry to have deceived you like this, but it's necessary."
"You're a traitor." He grumbled out, and Kazumi smirked.
"I suppose I am." She rushed forward, faster than the man could see. He wasn't even aware of when the sword sliced through him. He only knew he was dead when Kazumi returned her sword to its sheath with a metallic click.
Kazumi pulled a cloth from her jeans pocket and wiped down her face. She very well couldn't walk back into town with blood all over it. She'd have to get rid of her sweater too. At least she had the foresight of bringing spare clothes with her. But before she could change, she had six bodies to take care of. She prioritized the deer corpse first; she laid it to rest and took the extra measure to send a silent prayer.
Thank you for your sacrifice. It's thanks to you, someone very important will have their life spared. It was all she could offer, and Kazumi could only hope it would be enough for the graceful beast to pass on peacefully.
xXx
"Yo! Kazumi!" Kazumi let out a startled shriek when Takeshi's hand firmly landed on her shoulder the next day. She brought a hand up to her heart as she half glared at the offender in question who was openly laughing at her. "Sorry, sorry. I didn't mean to startle you, but Tsuna, Hayato and I are planning on heading to the arcade again after school. I thought I'd invite you."
"M-Me?" She stuttered out as she was still attempting to calm down her rapidly beating heart.
"Yeah! It was fun when you were with us last time, so I was hoping you could come along. Plus with you there, we can do some of the 2v2 games as well!" Well, it's not like she had plans. But could she really afford to relax right at this moment?
"I'd love to, but I don't think today is the best day." Kazumi answered with a calmer smile, just as the other two walked over to join them. "Maybe next time? I'll give you guys my number and you can invite me out whenever." Despite the slight disappointment, Takeshi shrugged it off with an agreeable smile.
"Sounds great!" Tsuna beamed as he dug out his phone to hand it to her. Kazumi in turn had both of them enter their numbers into her phone, Hayato simply refused. She didn't mind really. It was no secret that he wasn't exactly fond of her. Then again, does he like anyone other than Tsuna? Kazumi found herself wondering.
"You'll have to forgive me if I don't answer messages right away. I tend to get lost in a book when I'm at home and don't really notice when people are trying to contact me. It drives my family crazy." Kazumi explained with an embarrassed laugh. It wasn't completely untrue. It was just that she was rarely ever home in the first place. She then reached for her bag she had left by her feet. "See you guys tomorrow?" They waved as she left, going their separate ways.
xXx
A message came from Tsuna two days later. It wasn't anything special, just a chance to get out of the house and away from destructive children as he had so eloquently put it. Kazumi let out a fond laugh as she replied her agreement to meet up.
'My place is closer to the park right? I'll send you my address and you all can meet here and maybe go to that coffee shop again?'
'Okay! Is there somewhere we should wait?' Tsuna asked.
'Humm… If I'm not in the courtyard by the time you get here, I shouldn't take too long. I only got out of bed an hour ago so I still need to get dressed.' She threw in a few funny emoji's before setting her phone aside.
Kazumi made her way to the bathroom and turned on the hot water for a shower. It would only take her a few minutes to wash her hair, brush her teeth, dry her hair, and then apply just a little bit of make-up. When she left the bathroom, she made a quick sweep of her apartment to make sure no one had managed to sneak in while she wasn't paying attention. Satisfied, she entered her bedroom and quickly changed into a long sleeved top and pair of jeans. It hadn't taken her much time at all, so when she came back out into the living room to find a person standing there, when only a minute ago her apartment was completely empty, she reacted instantly by reaching for the katana left out for display on the shelf.
