DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN KATEKYO HITMAN REBORN
Kusukabe pulled the car up to the side of the road. "Haru-san, are you sure you don't want us to drop you off at the Vongola HQ?"
Haru nodded. She purposefully chose an area where there were many shops so that her fellow Cloud members wouldn't think much about it. "Yep! I have some things to do here so don't mind me. Besides you two must be tired after flying back and attending a meeting. I'll head back later."
Hibari gave her the okay before she stepped out of the car. She bowed to them as they left. She was a fair distance away from the hotel Hayato was staying at so she might as well buy some things for herself.
She took out her phone, turning the power back on. Two new messages regarding her credit card. A purchase from a bookstore and a convenient store. She smiled at the image of him carrying around textbooks, sitting in a convenient store. He was around the age where he would be starting his career or maybe even be married. This was probably as normal as it would get for him. He never did have a regular life. Then again, neither did she.
The messages showed that it wasn't too long ago that he was eating. Not too far from her current position. This would be a good chance to see if he could tell if he was being followed. Or it could be good fun to see him freak out at her suddenly appearing.
She stopped when she saw something out of the corner of her eye. In the large display window for an engraving business were a small selection of pocket watches. She crouched down to look at them closer. Most of the messages were basic. An example of what they could do.
Congratulations. Happy birthday. Happy anniversary. There were a lot that came to mind. To Haru she never had stuff of sentiment value like this. Not from Takeshi, Tsuna, Hibari, Kyoko, anyone. Gifts that were incredibly touching weren't her style. Everything she got was through her own efforts.
Her eyes drifted to a music box in the corner of the window. It wasn't playing anything that she could hear but it most likely wasn't turned on since the ballerina figure in the middle wasn't turning. Somehow looking at it reminded her of Hayato. How beautifully he played the piano at the hospital. Even with her talking to Ryohei there was a bit of time where she just felt at ease listening to him.
"Miss?" She looked at the employee coming out. "If you're interested, you can come inside. We have a wider collection inside."
Haru thought about it for a second. Giving a physical gift for Hayato. He had been working hard for her that it wouldn't hurt to spoil him a bit. Instead she reminded herself that this was a temporary set up. After he completed his mission it was best for him to wash his hands clean and let them go their separate ways. He wanted that since the beginning.
"No I'm fine, thank you though." She took one more look at the window before leaving.
There wasn't any need to buy Hayato anything herself. He was capable of buying his own things with her money. That should be enough. She didn't need to be giving him too much thought beyond that.
Haru jumped when she heard her phone ring in her pocket. She brightened at the caller ID. "Natsuki-chan! It's been so long! How are you?"
"It's nice to hear you're still as chirpy as ever, Haru-chan. The meeting is over, right? Being stuck with Varia I was hoping for some girl time. Are you free right now to meet?"
"Sorry I'm a bit busy at the moment. Maybe next time. I can invite Kyoko-chan and the rest of them too when we're all available. We were planning a bachelorette party as well. The wedding is so close that we should get that sorted out."
"While that sounds fun that's still a shame for today. I was hoping I could introduce you to our new friend."
"New friend? Is Varia recruiting?"
"Nope, it's someone Bel found on the streets. I don't know his name yet but he's a silver-haired bomber boy with a cute kitty. Perhaps you know him?"
Haru's grip on her phone tightens. "On second thought you know what? It's been years since I saw you so I can clear up some time. For the two of us. See you in 20?"
"Of course. See you soon." Both sides hung up. She quickly hailed a taxi.
She should have known better than to allow Hayato to roam by himself. With Varia back in town Ripartizione was crawling with mafioso. One of them was bound to have found him. It just had to be Varia's tops though. Even after she told him to avoid Red rings. But if there was a member that found him it was unlikely that they would let him out of their sight. It was a hassle but she couldn't leave him alone with them for long.
Haru was going to be lucky if Xanxus and his commanders weren't there already. If news breaks out that there's a traitor and that she hired an innocent, all fingers will point to her. She supposed it was better than having any other branch intervene. Varia was more lenient with things. She'll have to play with their cards in order to get Hayato back.
Hayato woke up with a massive headache. He groaned as he tried to get up only to feel his hands and legs restrained. His eyes flew open trying to figure out what was happening.
"Shishi, you're finally awake." The creepy laugh reminded him of what happened.
He squirmed like a worm as an attempt to fight. His mouth was gagged so that he couldn't say anything. In the corner of the room he saw Uri clawing in a metal bar cage. He didn't have to think hard to realize what was going to happen to him. He had no way of getting his weapons, Uri was locked up, and this knife bastard was watching him.
He muffled his curse words at him. "Relax. I'm not going to do anything to you. For now at least. If you want to ensure your safety, you'll tell me your relationship with Miura Haru."
Hayato stopped struggling. He knew that he wasn't suppose to interact with Storm members nor tell anyone about his mission. If they found out that Haru hired him to kill someone he couldn't tell what would happen. If he tells Belphegor, Haru will kill him. If he doesn't, he'll be trapped here for who knows how long. Someone was going to get hurt and he was first on the list of candidates.
"Not talking huh? She's got a good hold on you." He crouched down in front of him. "You really threw me off with that bomb trick. It makes me pissed off just thinking about it. You think you're getting off so easily just by staying quiet? It'll be prettier to tell me everything. While I'm still willing to listen."
Hayato bit down on the rag in his mouth. Comparing his options, he chose to believe in Haru. She may give him shit for getting captured after this but she had already proven to him that she was on his side. At least she never tied him up.
"Bel-sama." Someone knocked on the door. "Miura-san is here."
Belphegor scoffed, backing away. He pulled up a chair to sit close to his hostage. "Let her in."
Haru beat the random grunt to open the door first. She was absolutely furious that the Varia member had taken her employee as a captive. Hayato never thought he would be glad to see her. "Ah there's our beloved Cloud commander. Here to chat with Hime?"
"Cut the crap Belphegor. You know why I'm here. Release him at once."
"Quite frankly I don't why you're here. Why are you so protective over this innocent? This very trained innocent?"
"Don't make me repeat myself. I outrank you. So listen when I give an order."
"True but," he pressed his knife against Hayato's cheek, "looks like I have something more of value. If you want to talk rank, then we can wait until Boss gets back. I'm sure he will love to talk about this with you. Shall we contact the Skylark as well? Or do you want to listen to my conditions?"
Her hand was in a tight fist. "What do you want?"
Hayato muffled her to not give in.
"Shut it." Haru snarled at Hayato. He closed his mouth. She focused on Bel. "Hurry up and tell me your terms."
"Shishi now we're talking." He moved the knife away. "I have a job that was given to me. It's a boring one that I would rather have someone else take it. You just have to watch over some specific guests at a ballroom party. With your skills it shouldn't be that much of a problem."
"A protection job? Who would be stupid enough to hire Varia for that?"
"Someone who wants the job done correctly. I was planning on giving it to Mammon but you taking it with the Povero peasant sounds way more fun."
"Hold on. He's not a Vongola member. You don't have the authority to hire a null member. I can do this by myself."
"He already has weapons. Might as well as use it. I couldn't care less about the null rule. You already broke that. Bring him or I tell my Boss about this. Simple. And we both know how your Boss loves people who bend the rules." Belphegor sang his last line. Hibari had strict rules that every Cloud member closely followed. His second in command was no exception.
"You must have realized that between the two of us I have more of a secure position. You may have, what you think is blackmail on me, but when things come into light you're the one purposefully breaking rules. Coaxing a commander and an innocent into your little game isn't going to stand well with everyone. Your Boss is only one out of seven while Varia stands alone from the rest of us."
"You say this but if you really are doing the right thing then why not tell the others? You're trying very hard to hide him for a reason. Means that there's a part of you that knows that what you're doing is wrong. Yes, Varia stands alone compared to the rest of the branches, but shouldn't that mean you would find going to them easier than I? You said it yourself, this is all a game to me. But what's this Povero boy have on you that you're willing to risk your position? That's what I want to figure out. Entertain me or I'll resort to finding my own source of fun."
Haru knew what he meant by that. She couldn't have Belphegor, or any Varia members for that matter, delving into Hayato's background. Having them potentially following them around was not favourable either. She didn't have the luxury to be playing around with her limited time. Belphegor may not be a commander but he had influence and his own set of skills that made him dangerous.
"How can I really trust that you'll keep everything today a secret?"
"Please, I'm still a Vongola member. You don't trust a fellow member?" He forged an innocence tone.
"Not one that threatens me." They both remained quiet. Since she entered she gave off an intimidating presence. One that didn't make Belphegor back down. It just made him more excited.
"So we have a deal?" She looked at the tied up boy.
"I know that I said I would only keep you for one mission but it looks like we hit a snag. As you are attending this yourself you have a right to deny it. What are your thoughts?" Hayato didn't have to think about it. He brought on this mess himself and he could see how pressured she was to agree. He nodded to signal his agreement.
"Alright then. Send the mission details to me later. If you tell anyone about this exchange or try anything funny, then everything is called off. That's my only warning."
"You aren't really in a position to be giving warnings but I got what I wanted. I'll let the employer know that you're in charge now. I'm looking forward to what happens." He jumped off his chair, cutting Hayato's ropes.
The two Vongola members tapped their rings together signifying that they had a deal in place. Until Belphegor said that her job was done they were going to have to do as he says.
Belphegor kept snickering to himself as he left the room. Haru was still fuming at the exchange. She walked over to the cage keeping Uri. It was a simple lock pick with one of her thicker needles to get her free. Uri was just as mad as she was at being caged up. But now that the two hostages were free, Haru was ready to get out of their headquarters.
Hayato held Uri in his arms, following her out. Walking in these halls gave him a glimpse at her status. His impression of the Storm branch based on Belphegor was that they didn't give a shit about her. In reality, every person that they passed gave her a bow in respect. Not to mention that they all rushed to the sides so that they weren't in their way. She didn't bat an eye at it since she was used to it all.
"Haru-chan." They stopped at Natsuki standing near the exit door. Haru took a step closer to Hayato just in case she tried to do something.
"Belphegor already gave us the okay to leave."
"I figured. Doesn't clear the air on who the innocent is and your relationship to him."
"That's none of your concern. As someone that knows me, you should know that I won't do anything stupid."
"I hope you know that as a Varia member if we find that you are a threat to the Vongola name, I will assist in removing you." Haru didn't say anything. She already knew that duty came before their relationship. The other sighed. "But as your friend I trust you."
Haru caught whatever it was that Natsuki threw at her. She opened her hand to see a pair of keys. "What are these for?"
"For a car. I saw you took a taxi here. You're probably avoiding using Cloud vehicles to limit his interaction with members and to reduce tracking. It's not an extremely fancy car which should work in your favour. Just return it in one piece." Hayato could see that a lot of trust developed between the two girls. Natsuki couldn't tell what Haru was doing but allowed it purely because she knew her.
"Thank you Natsuki-chan. I don't suppose you can convince Belphegor to let me off the hook?"
She chuckled. "I'm afraid you're on your own for that one. Nice try though." She patted Haru on the shoulder. There was a brief scan over Hayato.
"And can I ask what your name is?" Hayato glanced at Haru who gave him a nod.
"Gokudera Hayato."
"Hayato... -kun... Gokudera Hayato? In surname, given name order?" He nodded. He saw Haru slightly react to that question.
Her eyebrows wrinkled. He could see in her silver eyes that she was getting an idea. She smiled, putting a hand out for him. He stared at her ring in confusion. She had Storm on her left and orange on her right. That meant she was a part of the Storm branch but skills wise was related to the orange branch. He didn't know what that colour represented.
"Hayato-kun, ah I guess I should say Gokudera-san." She snickered to herself. "Tell me, how did Haru-chan manage to rope in such a… loyal person to join her? You didn't even give her up to Bel. What's in it for you?"
"Natsuki-chan." Haru warned her. She didn't care as she took a step forward towards him.
"All I'm saying is that you're someone that seems very special if she hired you. I'm sure even someone like Decimo would love to meet-"
"Fia!" Haru stepped in between them causing her to finally back up.
"Fine fine, no need to bring real names into this. Don't be so defensive. I was only being friendly. I'll make sure Bel and the other members keep this exchange a secret as well." There was something familiar about her. The way she spoke.
"We're leaving now. Thanks for the car." With how harsh she spoke, Hayato didn't dare speak.
They both headed out. Using the car starter button they found the car given to them. Just as Natsuki described it was a relatively simple car that wouldn't draw attention to them. It was in great condition and was a good size. That was probably the purpose of it in the first place. A covert car that could be easily brought and slip through people's awareness.
"Get in. I'll drop you off at the hotel. We'll end it for today."
This was the first time that he felt awkward in her presence. He broke a rule and now they had to do this mission or be exposed. She made it clear that she wasn't pleased with the conditions. The entire time they knew each other she was in charge of everything. Now it was his fault that she had to play puppet. It didn't make him feel all that right.
"Hey um I'm- I'm sorry about getting caught by a Storm member. And for- you know- having you coming to help me." He mumbled most of it.
She reached to start the car but stopped. She ran a hand through her hair. "Did he hurt you?"
"Huh?"
"Belphegor. Did he hurt you?"
"Oh- uh not a lot. A few cuts here and there. Could have been worse."
"Yes it could have. Out of all the members you had to get, it just had to be Prince the Ripper." She started the car up. "You're lucky to not have gotten hurt. He was probably holding back. Now you know why I told you to avoid their members."
"He was definitely something alright."
"All of them are." He knew that she was referring to Natsuki. It was hard to tell if they were on good terms or not. There was respect but also pride on the line for both of them. He couldn't shake that there was something familiar about her. Especially when they shook hands.
He stared at her hand wearing the ring. She doesn't usually wear it around him unless she was doing business. It was because of that ring that they have to now go on this random mission. Though he did have himself to blame for that as well.
"We're really going to do that knife bastard's mission? Shouldn't there be rules in place so that he does his own jobs?"
"We don't have much of a choice now. The Storm branch is hired loosely that if the employer agrees to us taking over then we'll have to listen. I'll have to look over the mission details later to properly inform you of everything. According to him though, I doubt that it's anything too hard. Protection jobs are basic; most are people being paranoid enough to hire someone that you can enjoy the night."
"So I won't have to kill anyone?"
"Probably not. I wouldn't take it completely off the table though. Why? Are you against it?" His original mission was to kill his target but she never did hear his opinion on blood on his hands.
He didn't want to admit it but after Shamal's training he looked at life a bit differently. According to Haru his target did something unforgivable. He may be another lunatic mafioso but she showed him that there was more to people than their jobs. Is killing him really the only option?
"Have you ever heard of the trolley situation, Gokudera-san?"
"Trolley? No?"
"It's a choice type scenario that varies but has the same basis. A train is heading towards a split track. On track A there's 10 plus random strangers tied on. Track B there's only 1 of your loved ones. The famous question that brings dilemma as to who do you save? How does the life of 10 people compare to 1? Would you be fine if that 1 died for the sake of 10 innocent lives? What do you think?"
"Assuming that it's my mom or aniki on one of the tracks, then I would save them." He answered fairly quickly.
"Okay. But if you found out that your mother was deathly ill, more than she is now, and she won't live past this event, would that change your answer? What if the only person that could save her from everything was on track A? How would your mother react to the deaths of those people? She essentially killed them too."
"What if this, what if that. You gave me two options, I answered. Isn't that good enough?"
"Sure I suppose. But you're the one that wants to value life. Suddenly that doesn't matter when your most loved is involved. If you're so sure of your answer, then back it up with logic. It's either your target's life or yourself. Your target is not innocent. In both of these missions, if murder is an option, then they did something to deserve it. They tied themselves to the tracks. You decide to change the course with your own evidence."
The problem that most people failed to see in the trolley situation is the bigger picture. Why were these people chosen to be tied? Why was the person the one deciding their fates? What were their backgrounds? Did they deserve and/ or be able to live past this event? It was all a hypothetical situation meant to challenge one's morals yet it is so broad that no logic could be used on it.
Haru knew that taking someone's life was an irreversible thing. There came fear with it because of that. On the other hand, killing someone ensured that your life or someone else's was safe. Hayato kills here and his mother gets to live. And Haru gets to save Decimo from the traitor.
He didn't know the answer yet but there's a reason why the target is tied to the tracks. Why is he the one to choose if he dies. Slowly he's been gaining that information to learn more about the situation to form his own opinion rather than listen to Haru. Maybe she didn't even know the full situation herself but was ready to pull the lever to change the tracks.
"Then the answer is undefined. Choosing one option produces the same result one way or the other."
Haru pulled to a stop at a red light. He could see that her eyes were cloudy. That there was something bothering her. "Life itself may be precious. It doesn't mean everyone deserves it."
Hayato didn't know what to say. She was already set on her ways that there was nothing that he could do right now. He couldn't imagine the level of stress that she was under because of his target. Now they had to add on Belphegor's mission solely because he failed to listen to her rules.
He's never disappointed Haru up until this point. Now it was awkward that their whole plan could be stopped because of this. There was a weight seeing this side of her knowing that it was his fault. Yet he couldn't bring himself to say anything to try making her feel better. For now he hoped staying quiet would solve it.
Haru read through the email from Belphegor for the x time. This mission didn't seem too hard from details alone. He wasn't lying when he said that it was only a protection job. So far no one came banging on her door to arrest her, there's that. Threatening her but still not telling their boss. She never could understand Varia members and the way they worked.
She grabbed her phone, dialing the same number that called her earlier today. "We need to talk."
"Haru-chan. I was hoping you'd call. Don't worry, I made sure Bel and the rest of us remained quiet about your visit today. Including the mission you're taking."
"While I thank you for that, Natsuki-chan, that's not why I'm calling. You seemed interested in Gokudera-san. Is there a reason why?"
"Are you trying to trick me to see how much I know? The better question is why do you know who he is?" So Natsuki does know who Hayato was.
She leaned back into her chair. "I didn't think you would be able to find out who he was from his name alone."
"Ah you should know better than to underestimate me. I do admit I didn't recognize him from looks alone. His last name threw me off for sure. But you're talking to me. Can't forget someone like him so easily. Newbies like you shouldn't know him. Pretty sure not even your boyfriend knows who he is. Kyoya-kun, maybe. You really got yourself one heck of a pawn since he slips the radar so easily. Makes me wonder why you need such a powerful one though."
She sighed. "I assume Xanxus already told you about today's agenda meeting."
"A coup e'tat at Kyoko-chan's wedding. Big balls to the person trying to pull that off."
"You're awfully lax talking to me. Aren't you the least bit suspicious of me?" She heard Natsuki laugh on the other side.
"If you want to betray Tsunayoshi-kun then the last person I expect to help you out is Hayato-kun. I told you before that I trust you. As someone that has a pretty good intuition I don't think you've changed since I last saw you. At the same time, the Haru-chan I knew trusted us to help her when needed. You know who the traitor is."
"I do."
"Then?" Her eyes trailed to the photo frame faced down on her desk.
"I'm sorry, Natsuki-chan. I can't tell you."
"And why not?" She was starting to get angry at the second in command.
"He - the traitor... Tsuna-san holds him to such a high esteem. How can I tell him that he's wishing for his death? Gokudera-san will assist me in preventing the coup at the wedding and then be quietly removed from the picture. Tsuna-san will live with the memory of him in good light. He doesn't have to go through the pain of this."
"He deserves to know. Not only is his life in danger, so are the rest of the guests at the wedding."
"Gokudera-san and I will handle him before he gets the chance to attack. As for the guests the rest of the members will cover them. I still want the wedding to go well overall."
"What about Hayato-kun? You're just going to let him kill the traitor then make him leave? The fact that you know who he is says enough. You really think he'll be fine when you're done with him? Once he finds out?"
"I'm giving him more than enough money to do this for me. He doesn't need to know about everything." Haru was getting tired of these questions. She only wanted to see where Natsuki stood. Getting pushed into the corner twice today by Varia was getting annoying.
"He will figure it out. If today proves anything, you can't control him. He will continue to grow and learn. When people figure out who he is, he's going to get killed. Did you turn so merciless in these three years? If that's the case, then why did you rescue him today? You could have left him and had Xanxus-sama deal with it. Even if Tsunayoshi-kun's life is on the line, it doesn't mean you had to drag him into this mess. I know you recognize that."
"Haru doesn't care about him!" Both sides went quiet. "For Tsuna-san's sake, I'll take on the burden for us both."
"That's still the same about you. Tsunayoshi-kun first, you second." There was a deep breath. "I only have one more question."
Natsuki had to respect Haru's decision. She was in charge of Hayato and in a higher position. Not to mention as friends they had a good history. Haru wasn't bad in her eyes. She may be acting differently but she wasn't going to betray the Vongola.
"You remember that when Tsunayoshi-kun became Decimo he enlisted a set of rules for everyone. His positive way of thinking to help reform the Vongola name and all that shit. You're still bound by the first rule last I checked. Was Hayato-kun only meant as a loophole around that? Or did you want to help get rid of his guilt?"
"It can't be both?"
"Is it?" She stared at the locked drawer containing all the information she had on Hayato. She spent months planning to get him. Making sure everything was going to work her way. He was meant to be a desperate hire.
She didn't expect him to grow on her so fast. Deep down, underneath the rough and tough act he put on, he was a cat loving boy who only wanted to live with his family. And even further down Haru knew more about him than he did himself. When he finds out the truth about her, what will he think? She was almost jealous that he could leave this l behind once they were done. To go live a normal life.
"He's only a loophole. Nothing more."
"You won't feel guilty for playing him like this?"
"You said only one question."
"Fine. Took you a while to come up with that answer. I'm surprised that no one caught on already. Whatever. You're a big girl so take care of it. Jet lag is getting to me; I'm going to turn in for the night but I'll give you a piece of advice first. Be careful of the older members. One of them might recognize him."
"I know. I already have that planned." Ryohei had done it once before so she would rather not risk it again.
"That's what you say but you still gave me his name. Luckily I'm a good friend and helping you so very very much. Shall I ask for a favour in return like Bel?"
She rolled her eyes. "Good night Natsuki-chan."
Haru shut off her phone before the other could respond. With Natsuki on her side she didn't have to worry about Varia too much. Completing Belphegor's mission would end any worry over them. It wouldn't change that Haru still hesitated in her answer to her.