Author's Note: Ahhh, I'm sorry! For some reason, I've got really busy this summer. I actually just came back from vacation and I remembered I forgot to post this two weeks ago when I actually finished this chapter. Today isn't my usual update day (if that's even a thing), but I want to get as many chapters up before I really don't have any time. So, I'll be posting once I get the chapter done. In any case, I hope that you enjoy the chapter. Thanks for your support.
Disclaimer: I do not own Katekyo Hitman Reborn
It seems like Hibari is busy this morning, so he told me to go around the school and take his place. Basically, I'm supposed to beat up whoever violates the school rules as Kusakabe follows me around. "Sorry about this, Kusakabe-san," I apologize as we get to an area without any other students milling around. After all, I have a reputation to hold up too.
"There's nothing to apologize for, Sato-san. If anything, I should be apologizing to you," he replies.
He's too kind. Not just to me, but to everyone. "I see," I reply as we continue to walk. I should say more, but I can't get myself to. Today, even Hibird decided to join on the patrol. Hibird found me this morning and decided to sit on my head. We reach a group of students and I realize that I'll have to threaten them like Hibari normally would. "Hey, get to class and stop crowding the entrance." I add a glare for effect and I watch impassively as the students scatter.
"I see that you've taken his place for today," I hear Mukuro comment faintly.
Yeah. He asked me to, so I might as well do it properly. We finish going around the school and I look at Kusakabe to see if it's okay to go inside. He gives me a nod and I go into the school.
"You're still working for him?"
Yes, I am. He's still paying me, so I suppose that it's fine. "Get to class," I command as I head down the hall. "You all know the rules."
"You're becoming a little Perfect, my adorable Kasumi," he comments. He doesn't sound too happy about that.
Am I really? I guess I've been talking to him too much then. I catch myself. Actually, I haven't really… Never mind. I found myself thinking about what I saw yesterday, but just for a second. I dismiss the thought immediately. I don't need Mukuro to know about this.
"Sato-san? Is something the matter?" Kusakabe asks. I give him a questioning look. "You seemed to be deep in thought for a bit," he explains.
I shake my head. "No, it's nothing," I reply. "Thank you for your concern though." He seems wary about me being fine, but he doesn't protest.
"What are you trying to hide from me?" Mukuro asks. He sounds really serious.
I hesitate. It's… Um… Mukuro-sama, did you know about the inheritance ceremony coming up for Sawada-san?
He laughs and I can almost see him smiling a little. "Of course I know about it," he replies. "Don't try to change the topic though. It's cute that you think you can trick me, but it won't work."
I suppose so. I sigh and I see someone running down the halls. "No running in the halls," I say venomously. I really don't enjoy this. Its better following Hibari around and watching him do this stuff.
"So what is it, my cute little Kasumi?"
I feel my expression fall a little. I'd rather not think about it right now, Mukuro-sama… If you really want to know that much, could you just dig through my mind yourself? Please?
I think that he hears the slight pleading tone as I ask because he sighs faintly and replies, "If that's what you want."
I smile faintly. Thank you and…I'm sorry. There's been too much going on recently. I don't feel all that good right now.
"Sato-san, are you sure there's nothing wrong?" Kusakabe asks. I glance at him and he looks genuinely concerned for me. I kind of feel bad.
I smile at him just a little. "Yes, really. I'm fine. Thank you."
"I see, so that's what it was," Mukuro says as I go up the stairs. "Are you really bothered by something like this?"
I… I don't know.
There's some silence, but Mukuro finally says, "I see." There's another break, but it's shorter this time. "My Kasumi, you should be careful. There will be some very dangerous mafia families coming to Japan to oppose Sawada, Tsunayoshi," he warns. He decided to change the topic?
Mm, okay. Thank you, Mukuro-sama. I glance out the window. You should rest for a little and reserve your strength, Mukuro-sama. You many need it for something else if there's a need to be careful. Thank you for talking to me nearly every day though. It actually makes me strangely happy that he talks to me so often now.
I hear him laugh softly. "I didn't know you felt that way. I'll be sure to talk to you more then," he decides. I feel my cheeks heat up a bit involuntarily and I hide my face from Kusakabe and the rest of the people in the hall by looking down. Apparently done teasing me, Mukuro's voice fades as he warns, "Be careful."
Of course.
"Good work, Sato-san," Kusakabe says.
I don't know what he's talking about but I nod and reply, "Mm, thanks. You too, Kusakabe-san." I look around and realize that we're in front of my classroom. We must have finished the patrol. I'm really out of it today.
I sigh as I head back home from school on my own. The disposable cell I picked up a little while ago goes off. I only got one because whenever Sawada called Kokuyo Land, and I wasn't around, Ken would just hang up on him. I pick up my cell. It looks like Sawada's number. "Hello? Sato here," I say.
"Ah, Sato-san? It's Tsuna. I-I'm sorry about this, but could you meet up with us in the café in the shopping district?" Sawada says on the other end.
"I don't mind, but what is it for?" I ask.
He hesitates. "I was kind of attacked today," he explains, "We tried to call Chrome here, but when we called, Joshima, Ken just hung up on us."
"So you want to me take Dokuro's place." I sigh. "I see. I'll make sure to yell at Ken when I get home. Give me a few minutes. I'll see you soon then." I hang up and head over to the meeting place.
When I get to the café, I sit on the Vongola side of the table and look at the people across from me impassively. They're all the transfer students. "Care to explain to me what's going on right now? I'm aware that Sawada-san was attacked today, but that's all."
"That's the Shimon Family," Sawada says quietly.
I nod. "Nice to meet you. I'm Sato, Kasumi. Don't mind me too much though, I'm merely filling in for the Vongola's Mist," I say briefly.
"Anyways, now that the goth loli is here, we can start," the Storm Guardian says. I roll my eyes. I'm wearing the school's uniform right now. The transfer students won't get it. "Today, you were attacked by some mafia punks who want to interfere with our ceremony. There's no guarantee that won't happen again. That's where the Vongola and the Shimon need to come together and protect the Tenth along with this are."
I sigh. "Oh, so that's what this is about," I say. "If you don't mind me interjecting, knowing you, I think I already have an idea of what you plan on doing. I'll be protecting the area around Kokuyo. Isn't that right?" I get up with my bag. "Well then, if you come to any other agreements, just inform me."
The Simon guy with the glasses comments, "You're pretty sharp, aren't you?"
"Flattery will get you nowhere," I reply. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go and run some other errands. See you." I start to head out.
I hear Reborn chuckle. "There's Kasumi for you."
"She says it like she doesn't care, but she really does care," Sawada says.
"She's always playing with the kid. She's just shy," the Rain Guardian says with a light laugh. They're all talking about me like they know me well. Have I really spent that much time hanging around them? I shake my head and head out. Things work out in a weird way somehow.
I stack my homework neatly on my desk and rearrange my notebooks before putting them in my bag. It's only then I realize that I forgot to change out of my uniform when I got home. That was hours ago. I sigh and throw on a white blouse with a black bow and a black skirt. "Hey, Kasumi!" Ken shouts.
"What is it?" I call back as pull my boots on and head over to him.
"There's something weird here!" Ken's crouching in front of a paper bag with food in it. "Mysterious food supplies!"
I look at the back blankly and then at Ken. "What?" I glance at Dokuro and Chikusa. Chikusa shakes his head. He has no idea.
"Chrome, do you know who it's from?" Chikusa asks. She shakes her head.
"I see," I say nonchalantly, "How lucky." I suggest, "An admirer of yours, maybe?" I'm only throwing out a random guess there of course. There's something going on here. It's definitely not from Mukuro. It's in a pachinko shopping bag, but I don't think Sawada sent them over though. "Chikusa, could you do me a favor and help me out with the dishes?" I ask. He looks at me and then nods. I think he gets the message. When we get far enough into the building, I stop walking. I don't want to worry Ken and Chrome. They might not have thought that this might mean danger yet. "What do you think, Chikusa?"
"It's a pachinko shopping bag," he says.
I nod. "I noticed that too. I don't think it's Sawada-san though," I reply. I shake my head. "I have a bad feeling about this. Who else knows that we live here and would send us food like this?" Chikusa is silent. He's probably thinking about it. I stroke the rings on my finger with my thumb. "Katsu, look around the perimeter for me," I command. I watch as Katsu runs out.
"Did someone follow one of us back?" Chikusa suggests.
I frown. "Maybe. No, that's probably it." A feeling of unease washes over me and I stand there with Chikusa until Katsu comes back. He didn't find anyone. "Chikusa, tomorrow, tell Dokuro to go get the groceries, and follow her discreetly for me." I hand him the bills for the food and a list of the stuff we need. "I'm counting on you." I start to head to the kitchen, but I turn back to look at him. "Also, you know not to let the other two…" I trail off there.
Chikusa nods. "Yeah."
I nod. "Alright. Dinner will be ready soon. Let the other two know for me."
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