DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN KATEKYO HITMAN REBORN
Haru walked into a hotel suite with Hayato following behind her. "This is where you will be living for the time being. Since I haven't told either of my bosses yet it would be best to keep you a bit separate. Rest assured this is only temporary and you will receive the best treatment here. Better than what Povero could provide anyways."
He scanned the shining room. It honestly hurt his eyes to look at all the unnecessary additions to the room. Fancy, ugly paintings all over the walls, a bunch of small lamps when there was a perfectly functionally light above them and more pillows than one head needs. He would have been fine with only a piece of fabric labeled as a blanket.
Haru sat down on one of the sofas gesturing for him to the one across from her. He hesitated to sit down, but seeing as he wasn't in any position to say anything he only followed what she did. "I assume that you have questions. Ask them now."
"How temporary is this set-up?" He wasted no time to speak out.
"Roughly a month or two. I would like a chance to assess your skills myself so it's hard to say."
"That's too long. If you have money to spend on this room, you have money to spend on me. I'll do whatever so don't prolong this more than it has to." Haru frowned, leaning back into the couch.
"Antsy are we now? However, from what I've seen you didn't even know to release the safety lock on a gun. I can't be sending you out there to only be killed."
"You've done it before. Isn't that what the Vongola do?"
"Is that how everyone looks at us?" Hayato couldn't read her at all. She showed almost no emotions besides enjoyment over his temperament. She reached into the inside of her jacket, pulling out a small wallet. She took out 5 hundred euro bills. She let him see them before placing it on the table.
He watched her carefully as he snatched it. "Consider this a down payment for your services. Happy?"
He had never seen this kind of bill before that he couldn't even tell if it was fake or not. Based on her occupation, it was highly unlikely that it was counterfeit. She was serious about him. "How did you find out about me? Am I considered a member of Vongola now? Do I need to go through some initiation process or something?"
She raised her hand to signal him to slow down. "You are not a member of Vongola. Not officially anyways. That is something that takes years to earn and something I need to get approval for. For now, you are going to be under my care. You will receive some benefits I see fit but that will be all. The main reason for that is because I only have one job for you. Do that and you walk free with all the money you desire for the rest of your life."
"One job? What, is the Vongola short on people that you grab people off the streets?"
"No one else knows about this job. Call it a personal job if you want. And though I do trust my fellow members this is something that I would rather keep on the down low for a while. When I was researching how I can go about this your name popped up. After observing you for a bit of time I found that you were the best fit to assist me."
"What is this job?"
"I need you to kill someone for me." Hayato tried his best to keep a straight face. He was expecting that this was the case. It didn't change that he had never taken another person's life before. The fact that she was able to say it without a problem showed that this was all normal for her.
"W-who?" He silently reprimanded himself for letting his voice crack.
"That has to remain a secret until I feel that you're ready. It's not something I want to explain to you just yet." He remained quiet to process this new information.
"Why me though? What records do you have on me that makes me more favourable than your other members?"
Haru didn't answer straight away. This was only the first time that they were formally talking that she had to be careful with what she said. She couldn't scare him away nor could she reveal too much to him. He was still an outsider that any information could get her into a lot of trouble.
"How did you find me Gokudera-san?"
"What do you mean? You came to me first?" She held out a card. One very similar to the one that she gave to Hayato.
"My cards. I only put my name. We can't afford to put our headquarters or any places of affiliation on a physical card. So how did you find the bar that I was at? And with such confidence that you caused such a scene?"
He looked at it once. "The card you gave was different from that one."
"Correct. Now how?"
"I'm not stupid. The one you gave had two drops of red wine on your name. Specifically, over the H and I. I'm not too familiar with Ricco bars so I found the only one with the exact same initials. There was no way that two drops would fall on your card so perfectly. You wouldn't give someone a dirtied card either. I knew it was the right bar when I saw the bouncer with a purple ring on."
The corner of her lips twitched. She crumbled the current one in her hand. "Not everyone would pick that up. I told you I observed you beforehand. There's a lot that I know about you that I think can be useful for myself. Even if you don't know them yourself."
He glared at her. "Like what?
"You have a mother and an older sister, correct?" He stiffen at the sudden mention of them. "Did you tell them about me? About this offer?"
"What about them?"
"You already made it clear that we don't have the best reputation. I wonder how Lavina-san and Bianchi-san reacted when you told them." Hayato shot up with rage. Knowing about him was one thing but his family shouldn't have been touched.
"How do you know their names?" She hardly reacted to him.
"I'm a part of the Cloud branch. We have eyes all over Ripartizione. Finding about you and your family isn't the hardest thing in the world. Are they the reason why you accepted? Let me guess, either they found out and wanted you to take the job for the money, sickness or they kicked you out to protect themselves. Which is your case?"
He heard about the Vongola branches. Each branch represented a different part of the organization. However, he only really knew about 3 of the 7. First is the Sky branch. Word on the dirty streets was that only 6 people were included in that, earning them the title of Guardians. Next was the Mist branch. They were the ones that covered up crime scenes. Rumors had it indigo coloured rings were always the first ones to show up to a scene. The next day it would be spotless.
Finally, was the Cloud branch. They were the ones that were responsible for a lot of what was going in Ripartizione. Why or what exactly is still unknown. There were some people that believed that they played a big role in the police but no way anyone would confirm that.
Thinking about it now, he really didn't know a lot about the Vongola. The fact that she knew so much about him and his family despite them not having many legal documents on themselves was enough proof to say that she did her research. She had already predicted the main reason for him joining.
Hayato sat back down. "My mom. She's sick. And even if we pay for the hospital bills she's still at risk."
Haru hummed. "What hospital is she in?"
"The one near the border of Ricco. It's where those in Povero go." There was no choice for them. The one in Ricco was not only too expensive but it was also far past the border. There would be too many staring at them if those without money tried to go there.
"That's no good. I'll have them transferred to one in Ricco. As a member underneath me, your family will receive protection. The hospital there is dirty and unqualified. This will be better for the both of us as well. I do have them to thank for bringing you to me. The least I can do is provide them with a place to receive proper treatment."
"Do you have something against people from Povero?" It was already known to Hayato that she didn't have the best impression from her side comments on them.
"Not necessarily. I just don't need to associate myself with that place nor the people there. My relationship with those from Povero is not going to be reflected on you so there is no need for concern." It wasn't a concern that he had though. He knew that she recruited him for a reason. More than just his brains.
It wasn't strange that she looked down on Povero seeing how she flaunted her Ricco lifestyle in front of him. The way she talked about it made him think that there was something more. It wasn't blatant hatred or judgement that he was used to. If anything she didn't look like she cared.
There were few that claimed that they don't judge based on status. Those were the people that tried everything to make sure that it was known. Haru didn't do that. She made her comments with full malice intent. It didn't make sense to him. Then again none of this did.
She looked at the wall clock. "It's late and I've thrown a lot at you. This is only the beginning so it's best I don't overload you with too much information." She left the key card to the room on the table. "You are to stay here for the night; I will return in the morning. All expenses are already covered so order room service if you need anything."
"What's room service?" She sighed. He may be extremely observant and intelligent but there were many things that he wasn't exposed to. Room service being one of them.
"There's a phone by the bed. It connects to the hotel staff. Tell them if you need anything like food and they will bring it to this room. You know how to work a phone?" He nodded. He's only ever used a payphone but it shouldn't be anything too different from it.
"I can figure it out."
"Good." She got up heading for the door. Before she left she stopped in the door frame. "Oh and Gokudera-san? Please make use of the bathroom to freshen up."
She didn't say anything to explain herself, hoping that he would understand her. After she left he grumbled to himself all the rude remarks he held back. Yeah he probably smelled, he hadn't had a proper shower in years. And sure, he did want the best treatment for his mom but he didn't need her pity to transfer her to another hospital. Most importantly, even if he didn't know everything about the Vongola, he had every right to criticize them since she did the same with Povero.
He left out an angry puff looking over the room. Now that he was alone the room felt even more unfamiliar. Why would one person need this much space? Not knowing what else to do he did end up going to the bathroom first. Might as well take advantage of the situation.
When Hayato took his shower he put it on the hottest setting. It had been so long since he had hot running water. Seeing the muddy water drain out made him realize how dirty he really was. Since he barely showered to save on water costs he didn't think that he could be considered clean. It was his usual self to have a bit of dirt.
Stepping out of the steamy shower he wrapped himself in the soft, new towel. Even something as small as this was different from his usual life. Putting on his clothes had a rough feeling. The room outside of the bathroom felt cold.
He sat on the bed, immediately sinking into the soft memory foam. He was surprised that everything was so shiny and soft here. It slowly made him understand the difference between the two parts of the city.
He looked out the window that made the whole city visible. Just earlier today he never would have thought he would ever get to see something like this. To finally feel that he wasn't the bottom of society's pyramid. All it cost was one potential person's life.
Hayato heard his stomach growl. Usually he would ignore it. This time he decided to listen to what Haru said and order some food. Good thing that there were clear instructions on the landline to tell him how to work it.
"Hello this is the front desk. How can I make your stay here better?"
"Can I get some food?"
"Of course! What would you like to order?" Hayato forgot that he could get a choice. Not to mention that the person on the phone was polite to him. In Povero, being kind didn't get them anywhere. In this place of business, it was expected. He was allowed to choose what he wanted.
"What is there to order?"
"In the drawer underneath the landline there should be a menu for your choosing. The breakfast portion cannot be ordered outside the times of 7 to 1 pm but everything else is fine. Please note that if you do order any alcoholic beverages then you will be asked to provide some form of ID. I can wait for a few minutes while you make a decision."
Hayato opened the drawer to find the menu that they spoke about. There was a wide variety of choices that he was given. Most of the names and descriptions were long and unnecessary. In the end he settled for some tomato soup and bread. Something he could count on being edible.
In less than a half an hour a staff member was at his door with his food. How convenient. Hayato could see that their nice, smiling face was fake. One that they plastered on for the sake of things. They seemed to have requested something from him by shaking their hand out for a while that he didn't understand. Instead he ignored them and took his meal.
Even though it was still piping hot he devoured through it as fast as possible. Having a full stomach, a warm shower and a safe place to sleep. Things he never thought he would be able to get in his lifetime. But being alone his mind wandered to how his family were doing.
Haru said that she would have them transferred but never gave a time slot. Hopefully they aren't too worried about Hayato suddenly disappearing on them. He wanted to be by his mom's side but he had to stay put.
In order to get the money they need, he needed to complete this one job. And then they would finally live a life without strife.
Haru stepped into the Vongola mansion that most top officers lived in. After talking with Hayato she really patted herself on the back for being able to recruit such a good asset. Not only was he smart, he was desperate. Even if his mother didn't take a trip to the hospital, sooner or later he would have needed the money. No one in this world could survive without it. She didn't even have to ask twice this time.
"Haru?" She turned around facing the new voice calling her. She immediately perked up and walked up to them.
"Tsuna-san! What are you doing up so late?"
"Just finishing up some paperwork and time got the better of me. You?"
"Same. Went out drinking at a bar and had some interesting conversations with the people there. It's amazing what kind of people you meet at those places."
"Sounds like the information gathering side of you never rests. I wouldn't be surprised if you have info on everyone in Ripartizione. Including myself." She giggled.
"Aw you're flattering me when all I'm doing is my job. I have to admit turning that part of me off is almost impossible now. It's part of the reason why I'm second only to you and Hibari-san. I have nothing on your intuition though. That will probably get more info on someone than I could ever." Tsuna laughed.
"Alright I'll give you that. My stupid intuition is always working. It's even telling me right now that you're in a better mood than usual." She refused to show any sign of distress to him. If he saw that she was hiding something she wouldn't be able to lie to his face and get away with it. The Vongola Don always had a unsettling good instinct with things.
"A bit. It has been a long time since I talked to someone so interesting outside of Vongola. Maybe I drank a bit more than I thought." The best option was to advert his attention away from her words and onto her actions. Her acting a bit happier wouldn't be strange under the influence of alcohol and a good conversation.
If there was one thing that was going to be Tsuna's downfall was that he was too nice. He prioritized heart over head. That's why many of the higher ups had to take it upon themselves to cross the line he never would. Haru knew that well. "Don't worry Tsuna-san I'll make sure to watch myself. I won't make any mistakes that would hurt you."
"Hearing you say that makes me a bit embarrassed. Kyoya and I really did find a catch when we recruited you in." She felt giddy at the compliment. It wasn't the first time he gave her praise but each time was better than the last.
He stretched his arms above his head letting out a yawn. "You should probably be getting to bed by now. I can't be keeping my boss up so late."
"Yeah you're right. As always. But hey, you should really take a break one day. Go on a date with Takeshi or something. I need to teach him how to relax as well. I'll try to get Kyoya to give you some time off when he gets back." There came a slight feeling of guilt at him mentioning her boyfriend's name.
"Takeshi and I just want to work hard for your sake. We'll have to take on that offer though. One day."
"Alright. I'll see you around then Haru."
"Goodnight Tsuna-san." She watched as he continued down the hallway to his corridor. She let out a sigh of content. Just from talking to him for this minute really made her day. First she got Gokudera and now talking to Tsuna. Things were coming all together for her.
She went inside of her room, locking the door behind her. Having a bit of privacy was always something that she valued. In her room there wasn't a lot that she owned. Everything was only for image. The clothes, jewellery, make-up, all of it was for the sake of appearing beautiful to others. What little she owned that wasn't for the sake of the Vongola was close to zero.
She took her time doing her night routine as she went over all of today's events in her head. In addition to gaining Hayato and talking to Tsuna, she had a few more responsibilities that she would have to take care of.
First off she had to make sure that Hayato was actually trustworthy. She was putting a lot of her cards on an outsider. He was in no position to betray her but that couldn't be said further into the future. She had to train him enough to complete his mission. Nothing more. She couldn't put him in any place of position where he could hurt them.
Second, she had to make sure that neither Tsuna nor Hibari found about this prematurely. It was already risky enough that Kyoko and Takeshi were suspicious of her actions. No doubt Kyoko will eventually tell Tsuna about Hayato's actions today. Then Takeshi would have to add on her trip to Povero. Once Hibari gets back he would probably find out immediately.
She could never get anything past Hibari. She respected her superior. She would only put the guardians above herself within reason. They each had their own skills that put them on top in their respective fields. Something that they lacked in was made up in their ability to adapt and their resolve. With both words and actions. Haru would have to play safe around them for this mission.
Third, she needed to find a way to balance both her Vongola work and Hayato. She was in charge of training and informing him of everything. Leaving him alone for too long will only make things difficult. He was already restless as it is. And if she abandoned any of her responsibilities more attention would be put on her. One thing was not more important than the other.
Fourth, Hayato's family. Most Vongola members had family protection. Hayato was not under that umbrella. She could easily transfer them into the better hospital but had to be careful that she didn't make it so that they were directly related to her. She dragged Hayato into this, not his family.
Haru sat by her desk. The first thing that could be seen was a photo frame. A full group picture with all top Vongola members and few allied friends. It was a rare time that everyone was together without a fight breaking out.
She let out a sigh. She picked up her most recent job request from the Lightning guardian. "A girl's work is never done. I should really take on his suggestion to take a day off. When everything's over."
A/N: Thank you to everyone reading. Shout out to Kazorashi who I've actually read a lot of stories. My first review for Red and it's from someone who created stories I've really enjoyed reading. If you have time give their works a chance as well. As for if there's going to be angst then yes. Bonus this story's cover icon is actually a screenshot of Haru saying it.