The Place Where We Belong
Katekyo Hitman Reborn! Fanfiction
Female Tsuna
Summary: Reborn's opinion of Sawada Iemitsu is that the man is a complete fool. Everyone knows this. Reborn should have known better than to take Iemitsu's words in face value. But he didn't think he would fuck up this bad. In which Iemitsu's child is not a dame middle schooler but an adult woman with a life of her own. They really, really need to check the inside of Iemitsu's head.
Disclaimer: I do not own KHR
Warnings: Lots of OCs, grammar mistakes, typo.
CHAPTER 3: Gokudera Hayato
It was odd when Reborn contacted him and told him to cancel his enrollment to Namimori Middle School. His papers are already processed before he even step a foot on Japan's soil. Doesn't matter. He can take care of it after he finish off his target. This is what he's been waiting for. An opportunity. A real mission, instead of just putting bombs together.
Gokudera put another cigarette on his lips and search his pockets for his lighter.
He can't fuck this up. This is Vongola. Chances like this don't come twice. Not to someone like him. A mixed bastard. No one wanted him until now. Not until Reborn contacted him. Vongola want him. He can't fuck this up.
Reborn told him something came up. Instead of infiltrating the school and then challenging the target, Reborn will set up another spot for them. Somewhere far from public eyes. He also set up their meeting today, instead of letting Gokudera to do some recon. The sudden change of plan confuses him but it doesn't really matter. At least Gokudera don't have to deal with school. Ugh.
Gokudera think over what he knows about his target. Sawada Setsuna is a girl his age. A distant relative to Vongola but her blood is pure enough to be considered as candidate. On top of it all, she's a civilian.
This is going to be like taking a candy from a baby.
Gokudera never target civilians before but a mission is a mission.
He can't complain. The opportunity is too good to pass up. He used his emergency money to book a ticket to Japan and rent out a small studio apartment as his base while in Namimori. He never thought of coming to his mother's homeland before this. He abandoned his father's surname when he ran away, and took up her name… But never in million years he would have imagined to come here. Gokudera immediately push the thoughts of his mother. It always pained him, to think about her.
Enough with the sad thoughts. He has to focus. He has one mission. It's all for nothing.
Sawada Setsuna has to die.
He drop his cigarette to the ground and stomp his foot over it.
Setsuna is in the middle of mopping the floor when Reborn showed up. She take off her earbuds (Setsuna listens to lecture recordings or music when she's cleaning). Her instinct told her that something is going on. The baby is staring at her with those vacant eyes on her. How in the world his eyes are never dry when he never blinks? Setsuna doubt he has eyelids to be honest. "Reborn?"
"Are you finished yet?" He asked.
"Just about," Setsuna rest a hand on her hip. "What is it?"
"After you finished, come with me. There's something you need to see."
Something is definitely amiss.
She eyed him warily. "Is this going to get me hurt?"
"There is a very real chance that you will get hurt," Reborn answered. That's a yes then. At least he's upfront about it.
"So this is mafia related then," She let out a sigh. So far Reborn has been shooting rubber bullets and set firecrackers on her. A few practical jokes here and there. He has been really careful not to give her serious injuries. Reborn made sure that Setsuna is in the room when he clean his weapons. She suspect it's so she will recognise the weapon by the mere sound of it. Isn't that only possible in movies? Then again, Reborn is an adult man in a baby's body.
(It must be some extreme form of hypoplasia. Setsuna checked the internet.)
He hasn't teach her anything outside of that. If shooting your student counts as 'tutoring'. Setsuna knows that they will study Italian soon, judging from the sudden appearance of Italian books and dictionary in her bookshelf. Vongola is based in Italy. It make sense that Reborn want her to be fluent in Italian.
"Okay," She said finally. She doubt Reborn would let her off easily. "Give me five more minutes."
Reborn nodded and head to his bedroom. Setsuna put on her earbuds and resume her mopping.
Five minutes later, Setsuna is ready. She considered bringing her skates but decide not to. Her skates are strictly for the ice and her main weapon in case of home invasion. Setsuna run through the defense classes Coach Maeda and Hana signed her up for. In her mind, she visualises the enemy mafioso lunging at her. She can handle knives she supposed. Running might not be a good option in the long run. Still, she watched Ryohei's matches before. Setsuna can lift a man twice her size (as Coach Maeda will testify). She will be all right.
Setsuna hope this won't take long, whatever Reborn has in plan. She don't want to show up at the ballet studio dirty.
Reborn led her to an empty lot not far from her apartment. There are a few piles of garbage lying around. Could this be a trap? Is Reborn bringing her here to teach her something? Start teaching her how to fight?
"You came," A gruff voice said.
Setsuna turn around to see a teenager standing a few feet away from them. The boy has silver hair and green eyes. He wear so many accessories. She get a 'delinquent' vibes from him. He is glaring at her.
"Ciaossu," Reborn greets him. "You came earlier than I expected, Gokudera Hayato."
Gokudera Hayato studies Reborn. "So you're the assassin that the Ninth trusts so much. Reborn."
Setsuna throw the baby a questioning look. "I called him over from Italy. This is my first time seeing meeting him though," Reborn told her.
She looked at the boy again. He's so young! Probably around Nagi's age. And a member of the mafia already? Do mafiosos really start this young? Reborn doesn't count. He's not a real baby from the start.
"You're not joking about me being a candidate for the successor position if I kill this girl, right?" Gokudera asked Reborn.
Setsuna narrowed her eyes. They hired this boy to carry out assassination? Is this count as assassination? And Reborn is the one who hired him? He went so far to lie about the candidacy? "Reborn?" She looked at the baby.
"That's right," Reborn ignored her. "You may start the killing."
You lying piece of-
Gokudera whip out a handful of dynamites out of nowhere. The amount of cigarettes in his mouth seems to have multiplied at the same time.
Dynamites?! Explosives?!
Setsuna took off.
"Die!" Gokudera throw the dynamites at her. She managed to dodge them all, distancing herself from the blast radius. Her ears are ringing from the loud noises though.
Somehow, she can still make out Reborn's voice. "It is known that Gokudera Hayato is a human shaped explosive that conceal dynamites all over his body. His nickname is Smokin Bomb Hayato."
Now she understand why he had them fight here in an empty lot. More space, less prying eyes, far from the populace. That doesn't matter if she don't finish this soon. She has to keep her distance from the boy. The smoke is a problem too. Can she afford to take refuge in the neighborhood? No, she can't risk it. Someone will get hurt in the crossfire. Setsuna have to defeat Gokudera Hayato. Here. Quickly.
Reborn said he hid dynamites all over his person. How many dynamites does he carry? Is it even safe?! If he carelessly lit his cigarette, it might trigger an explosion! Ugh!
"Stay! Still!" Gokudera pull out even more dynamites. "Double Bomb!"
That's it! Gokudera has so many explosions on his body, he has to keep his distance from his own attack! Otherwise he will get caught in the explosion as well. So if she want to stop him from using dynamites, she has to get close. Setsuna need to incapacitate him somehow. Taking away his lighter would be a start. She dash towards the boy.
His eyes widened. It appears he didn't expect her to come after him. Not after running away so much. Setsuna thought he would pull away to maintain distance… But instead of doing that, Gokudera pull out even more dynamites. So much of those things that he can't hold them all.
"Triple Bomb-" He started. What is it with guys and saying his attacks out loud?
One of the dynamites fell.
Green eyes widened. In shock, he drop the rest of the dynamites in his arms.
No!
Setsuna tackled the boy. She carried him on her shoulder like a potato sack and run for it. They need to get away! Fast!
They managed to avoid the blast but the shock wave resulted from it knock her off her feet, sending them to the ground. Setsuna immediately throw her body over Gokudera's to shield him.
They stayed like that until there are no more booming sounds. When the smoke and dust cleared. Setsuna slowly lift up her head. Once she's sure they are not in immediate danger, she pull away from the boy. "Are you okay?" She scanned his form for injuries.
The boy is gaping at her. Before Setsuna can say more, the boy throw himself to the ground, essentially prostrating before her. "I was mistaken!" Gokudera said loudly. "You are fit to be Boss after all!"
...What?
Gokudera looked up. His eyes shining with adoration. "Setsuna-hime! I'll follow you anywhere! Command me!"
What?
"The loser have to serve the winner. That's the family rule," Reborn said, suddenly standing over them.
"Where did you- Ugh, nevermind. What do you mean the loser have to serve the winner?" Setsuna try to ignore the look on Gokudera's face.
"Gokudera is your subordinate now, Setsuna. Good job," Reborn smiled at her. That smile did nothing to make her feel better.
"Truthfully, I don't have any ambition to be a candidate," Gokudera looked at the ground bashfully. "When I heard the other candidate is a Japanese girl my age. I feel like I have to test her strength."
His age? Oh, right. Vongola don't know her true age. Still, Gokudera thinks she is the same age as him. That flatters her a bit.
Gokudera is not done yet, "But you are much more than I expected! For putting yourself in the line to save a guy like me… I'll place my life in your hands!"
"Gokudera-kun…," Setsuna started. "Can I call you that?" The boy nodded enthusiastically. "Gokudera-kun, I don't need a subordinate. I'm not in the mafia. I am related to one, it doesn't mean I'm a member of Vongola. I'm not initiated or anything."
"But you're a candidate! You could become a Boss!"
"I am a candidate," She acknowledges it. "But I don't want it. The other candidate is still alive anyway. I don't want to be involved with the mafia. If you wish to be part of the mafia, you shouldn't follow me."
I'd rather you don't get involved with the mafia at all.
"But it's Vongola!"
"They mean nothing to me," Setsuna said flatly. Whatever Vongola had done for her? Nothing.
Her words clearly shocked the boy. He looked at her like she've grown two heads. He pull himself together fairly quickly though. "A-All right… It's alright. Even if you did not become Decimo, I'll still follow you. I'll follow you anywhere."
That look in his eyes.
The look of single-minded devotion. As if she is the only thing that matter. That he will do anything for her. That he will lay down his life for her if she say as much as one word.
It scares her.
It must have shown on her face, because the boy winced. "Hime? Is something wrong? Are you injured? I'm so sorry!"
"I'm fine, Gokudera-kun," She assures him. "Look, I don't need a subordinate." He looked crestfallen. "But…" She took a deep breath. "You're free to do anything you want. If you want to go back to Italy, that's fine by me. If you want to stay here in Namimori, I won't stop you either." Setsuna put a hand on his shoulder. "We can be friends instead. How does that sound?"
"M-Me? As your friend? You want- Someone like me- To be your friend?" He whispered in disbelief. The way he said it… It bothers her so much.
Setsuna nodded. "I want to be your friend, Gokudera-kun, if you allow me to."
Being a subordinate and a friend is two different things. Gokudera put himself as lesser than her. She don't want that.
"Friends…," Gokudera tested the word. It give him a warm feeling. Setsuna-hime want him as her friend. He never had any friends before. He still has his blood family but it's different. This is the first time someone ever wanted him . She asked him if he want to be friends with her. She asked him if he's okay being friends with her. "I-I'd like that. I'd like that v-very m-much. If you're willing to h-h-have me- Ugh!" And the dam is broken.
Setsuna wrapped her arms around him. She didn't say anything. She just stroke his back in reassuring pattern. It took him from a moment before Gokudera hug her back.
Reborn watched those two from the distance. He has no place in this tender moment. Let them have this. They need it. He can feel Setsuna's Sky Flame trying to reach out for the boy, wanting to protect him. Reborn saw her eyes flashed orange earlier during the fight. He had hoped that the fight would awaken her Flame. It appears she's not quite there yet. Too bad Reborn can't use the Dying Will Bullet. It will cause a huge uproar if Japan's prized athlete is seen running around town in her underwear. Setsuna might get suspended by the JSF and ISU. Worse, it might cost her her career. Coach Maeda and Masumi-sensei will be after his throat. If Setsuna didn't get him first.
Today has been a success though. Still, it didn't escape Reborn the look of discomfort on Setsuna's face when Gokudera declare his loyalty to her. It's more of horror than discomfort to be precise.
What is he missing here?
When Setsuna offered to take him to the hospital to check for injuries, Gokudera is touched but graciously turn her down. Then he in turn ask her if she want to go to the hospital. Miraculously, Setsuna didn't have a scratch on her. So Reborn lives another day.
When they realised they are heading to the same direction home, Gokudera is delighted.
When they found out that Gokudera's apartment is just a couple blocks away from Setsuna's, Gokudera is positively beaming.
Setsuna returned to her apartment covered in dirt and smell like smoke. She is so tired. And it's not even past lunch hour yet. She sniffed at herself. A shower is in order. When she returned from the bathroom, Reborn is waiting for her in her room. He is sitting on his chair, looking smug.
"You're a lying piece of shit, you know that?" Setsuna glared at him. "You lied to Gokudera-kun about the candidacy. You told me that blood is needed. Is Gokudera a bastard or something? The hell did you do that for? He's just a boy!"
"I know," Reborn didn't deny that he's a bastard. "It won't do if someone at your caliber don't have any subordinate. Gokudera is a candidate to be one for you. Was. He's yours now. Loser serves the winner, remember?"
"Ugh!" Setsuna throw her arms up. "And the blood thing?"
"Gokudera is a bastard child but he has no relation at all with Vongola."
Setsuna blinked. "Gokudera-kun is a bastard child?" That would explain some of his attitude. Half blood are not viewed favourably. Of course, time has changed now. But who knows what mafia's attitude towards them is like?
"Yes, he is a son of a mafia Don and a Japanese woman."
"I see…," She can only imagine what sort of hardships he go through before coming to Japan. Setsuna collect herself. "Are you sure there are no candidates left? Blood related candidates?"
"The Ninth has a fourth son. He is a bastard but he is definitely Vongola. For reasons even I don't know about, he is removed from the succession line. His name is Xanxus."
"Xanxus…" What an odd name. "No one else is left?"
"Unless Enrico or Massimo left behind a bastard that we don't know about, then no, there is no one else."
Setsuna think about it for a moment. "With someone like Iemitsu being so high on Vongola's food chain, I can't help but be sceptical."
Reborn can't refute her.
Gokudera is already waiting for her at her doorstep when Setsuna about to head out to the ballet studio. "Setsuna-hime!"
Setsuna inwardly cringed. "Gokudera-kun, you don't have to call me 'Hime' You can call me with just my name. Or with '-san' or '-nee'."
"But I want to address you as Setsuna-hime!" Gokudera replied.
She hold back a sigh. She will have to try again in the future.
"Where are we going, himesama? Gokudera asked her as they go down the stairs.
Setsuna didn't miss the 'we'. So Gokudera really intend to follow her around. "I'm heading to my part time work."
"I'm coming with you!"
She knew that there is no chance of her of convincing him otherwise. "Give me your cigarettes." She said to him. Gokudera blinked but did as he was told. Setsuna put the cigarette pack in her bag. "Where I'm working at, there are a lot of children. If you wish to stay close, you can't smell like cigarettes. You can have them back after the day is over." His eyes widened and he nodded furiously.
Gokudera acted like a guard dog throughout the journey. He glared at anyone who got too close to her. He made sure to move her out of the way of any upcoming vehicles (this includes bicycles). The boy even glared at dogs on their walks, which results them barking at him. Reborn's presence didn't help. Setsuna is worried that he will pull another scheme in broad daylight.
Setsuna count it as a small blessing when they reached their destination without any accident.
Masumi-sensei squinted at Gokudera when Setsuna brought him to her office.
"Masumi-sensei, this is Gokudera Hayato-kun. Gokudera-kun, this is Hajime Masumi-sensei. My ballet instructor and owner of this studio."
Setsuna mentally give herself a pat in the back, for having the hindsight to inform Coach Maeda and Masumi-sensei about Gokudera before she left her apartment.
"I expected someone older," Masumi-sensei give Gokudera a look over. "So a mafioso starts pretty much this early?"
"Most of the time," Gokudera's answer is not very reassuring. The two women exchanged a glance and then looked at Reborn. They know that he's not a normal baby but it's still discomforting.
Masumi-sensei turn her attention back to Gokudera again. "And… You're here because…"
"I need to by Setsuna-hime's side at all time. That is my duty as her right hand man," He said solemnly.
He already styled himself as her right hand man?
"Regardless, you're not allowed to attend the lesson," Masumi-sensei told him. When Gokudera about to raise his hackles, she raise a hand. "Pray tell, what would it look like if an adolescent boy who has no business being here at all is watching little girls who are clearly not related to him?" Gokudera shut his mouth. He is under no illusion that his fashion sense warrant disapproval from adults, especially parents. Masumi-sensei is not done yet. "It will reflect on Setsuna-chan badly if she allows a male stranger to be around the students during lesson time."
"You can wait at the lounge area if you want to, Gokudera-kun," Setsuna said to the adolescent kindly. "Have you eaten lunch yet?"
"I'm fine, himesama! Don't worry about me!"
As if on cue, his stomach let out a loud growl. Gokudera's cheeks turn red.
"Go eat something, Gokudera-kun. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around here. There's a convenient store about 50 meters from here," Setsuna told him.
Gokudera hung his head, defeated. "Then, I will excuse myself for a bit…"
"He looks like a scolded puppy," Masumi-sensei commented after Gokudera leave the room. "Himesama? You got yourself a troublesome one there, Setsuna-chan."
"It's not even a day yet," Setsuna massaged her temple. Reborn had the nerve to snicker.
"By the way," Masumi-sensei turn to face her disciple. "Does that boy knows about your true age?" When Setsuna avert her gaze, her eyes widened. "You didn't."
Reborn continue to snicker.
Gokudera is waiting for her outside the studio. Having none of his cigarettes with him, he keep his mouth busy by chewing gums. Reborn is with him, holding a cup of espresso. When he noticed her, Gokudera hastily throw away the gum and stand up straight.
"Setsuna-hime! Good job today!" He smiled encouragingly at her.
"Gokudera-kun, Reborn. I hope you were not bored waiting for me," Setsuna hoisted her duffle bag.
"No! I was guarding the entrance for you, Setsuna-hime! And to watch for enemies!" Gokudera told her enthusiastically.
"Gokudera-kun…," Setsuna studies him carefully. "Please tell me you didn't pick up a fight while I was inside?"
He smiled sheepishly. "There were suspicious individuals but they turned out to be parents picking up their kids."
Setsuna resist the urge to pinch the bridge of her nose. "Gokudera-kun, if you keep intimidating the parents, Masumi-sensei will be very cross with you. She didn't even approve of Reborn until he passed her test. And he lost by the way."
Reborn nodded. "It was a close call. Masumi-sensei is strong."
Gokudera's eyes widened. "That old hag- I mean- old woman!" He quickly corrected himself when Setsuna frowns. "That woman was able to beat Reborn-san?!" He looked at them in disbelief.
It was a fouette off instead of a brawl though. Still just as brutal. "Yes," Setsuna nodded. "Masumi-sensei approved of his fighting spirit, so she made an exception for Reborn. But she is still weary of mafia in general."
The silver haired boy is now looking towards the studio with newfound respect in his eyes. "As expected from someone who trained Setsuna-hime! I have to prove myself as well!"
Masumi-sensei is that awesome, so Setsuna don't say anything else. "You can go home if you want to, Gokudera-kun."
"No! The day is not over yet!" Gokudera frowned.
"The place where I'm heading next… It's less forgiving than the studio," Technically, the ice rink is still open for public. Gokudera can get inside if he pay the fee. But Coach Maeda made it clear that he will not tolerate any mafia presence at the rink bar Reborn. It won't be odd if Coach Maeda a poster with Gokudera's face on it on the notification board after this.
Gokudera's eyes narrowed. "Less forgiving? What do you mean? Is it that dangerous, Setsuna-hime? You mean there's someone stronger than Masumi-san? Then all the more reason I should come with you!" His expression and body language shows no signs of backing down.
"Gokudera-kun, don't. You might get banned from the premises if you keep pushing it."
"I have to see it with my own eyes if you're safe, Setsuna-hime!"
Setsuna sighed. There's nothing she say that would change his mind now. With Gokudera's insistent personality, he will clash with Coach Maeda. She has this feeling that Gokudera will try to follow her anyway. The meeting between him and her coach is inevitable. "Don't say I didn't warn you."
True enough, Coach Maeda is waiting for them outside of the rink. His grey eyes narrowed at the sight of Gokudera. The moment the three of them arrived in front of the entrance, Coach Maeda grabbed Setsuna. But not roughly. He pulled her inside. Reborn followed quickly.
Gokudera snarled when he saw this strange man manhandled his boss. He pulled out his dynamites (The last ones he have. He need to restock soon). He hissed in pain when something hit his hand, causing him to drop his dynamites. Gokudera looked up to see the old man brandishing a retractable baton. The kind for self defence. This man… He's not an ordinary geezer! Gokudera can feel it!
"Your kind are not welcomed here," Coach Maeda said coldly. "Leave." Gokudera glared at him. His hand is throbbing painfully.
"Coach, please," Setsuna tugged his free arm. Her eyes pleading. "Gokudera-kun means well."
Coach Maeda is not budging. "Setsuna, get inside. You, boy, leave before I hurt you more."
"I'm not going anywhere you old fuc-"
"Gokudera-kun!" Setsuna frowned at him. "Don't push it. I don't want you to get banned. Please, go home. We can talk about it later."
"But Hime-"
"Gokudera-kun"
Setsuna narrowed her eyes at him. Gokudera gulped. "I-I'm going. See you later, Setsuna-hime. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need anything." He gathered his fallen dynamites with one hand. The boy walk backwards. Slowly at that, while still keeping eye contact with Coach Maeda.
Once Gokudera disappear behind the bushes, did the elderly man turn to his pupil. "Hime?" He mouthed.
The female skater sighed. "This is only the first day, Coach. This is only the first day."
And thus Gokudera Hayato went home, nursing his injured hand and pride.
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
...
…
Or did he?
Little did the adults know, the teenager hung back until he's positive that everyone have get inside. As if Gokudera is going to leave Setsuna-hime alone with that old geezer. It's reassuring that the World's Strongest Hitman Reborn is with his boss, but Gokudera is her right hand man. And her friend . He was supposed to be by her side!
Setsuna-hime called the old geezer 'Coach Maeda.' They are at Maeda Ice Rink. The owner of this place? By coach, does she mean as trainer? So his boss is an athlete? That's incredible! All the more reason to get inside. He has to support her!
'If the entrance is no go, then the emergency exit!'
With renewed determination, Gokudera stepped out from his hiding spot…
...Only to come face to face with a girl. The girl blinked owlishly at him. She is wearing a different uniform than Namimori Middle School.
Gokudera glared at her. "What are you looking at?!"
The girl shrinks a bit but didn't step away. "You were hiding behind the bushes for a long time… Are you a fan?"
"A what?"
"A fan. For Setsuna-senpai."
"Setsuna-hime?" Gokudera's eyes widened. She has fans? Not that Gokudera is surprised. His boss is so kind.
"Oh, so you're definitely a fan then," The girl nodded. She mistakenly believe that he is Setsuna-hime's fan because he used the title 'Princess' to address her. "Setsuna-senpai is kind to her fans but Coach Maeda is very protective to his skaters. Please leave before you-" She glanced at his injured hand "Get hurt even more. Or worse. The Disciplinary Committee."
"The hell is the Disciplinary Committee?"
The girl blinked. "Oh- I thought you knew. You must be new in town. The press used to follow Setsuna-senpai around you see. Eventually the paparazzi tried to mess with her. The Disciplinary Committee took care of it. They also go after overzealous fans."
Gokudera's mind in racing. Fans? The press? Paparazzi? They didn't say anything about paparazzi in the report!
"...You are a fan of Setsuna-senpai are you?" The girl inquired.
"I'm her friend and right hand man," Gokudera answered right away. "I don't understand. What do you mean by fans?"
The girl stared at him for a moment before opening the zipper of her bag. She pull out a magazine. On the cover, plain as day, is his boss. Gokudera's eyes widened. Setsuna-hime is featured in magazines. The girl wordlessly hand it to him. Gokudera read one of the headlines.
From Small Town Girl To Olympic Gold Medalist
SAWADA SETSUNA
Japan's Best Female Figure Skater
Gokudera's jaw dropped. "Setsuna-hime is a gold medalist in the Olympics?" He can't tear his eyes away from the cover page. Setsuna-hime is wearing a sparkly dress, posing on the ice-
"She represented Japan on the last Winter Olympics," The girl told him.
Gokudera barely hear her, flipping the pages until he found the article about his boss. One line catch his eye.
Sawada Setsuna was born on October 14th 1985.
"Anoo…. Stranger-san? Are you okay?" Nagi poked the boy who seems to have turned to statue. He is not moving at all. "Okay… You can have the magazine. I don't want to be late for practise. Goodbye, Stranger-san." Nagi left the boy to stand there all alone clutching a magazine. She still has another copy.
"You need to get rid of that boy, Setsuna," Coach Maeda said to her.
Setsuna just finished changing and barely take one step away from the door when her coach jumped on her.
"I don't think Gokudera-kun will listen, Coach. He is very insistent to be around me."
"That boy tried to kill you just earlier today," He pointed out. "And now he's following you around. I don't care if he's your subordinate or whatnot. The boy will only trouble you. At first people would think of him as another fan. But if he continue to follow you around, they will mistake him as a stalker or your boyfriend."
Setsuna give him an unamused look. "I'm not into teenagers."
"Does that ever stop the media?" Coach Maeda said blithely. "If he hang around you all the time, even the skaters will notice something is up. The baby said it himself. More mafia are coming. I'm not risking everyone's safety. And you," He turn to Reborn. "I'm blaming you."
"It needs to be done," Reborn told him. Coach Maeda glared at him.
Setsuna think of the desperation in those grey eyes during the fight. The way he clung to her as he sobbed on her shoulder. The look of happiness when he saw her stepping out from the studio. "I won't get rid of him." She said finally.
Coach Maeda scoffed. "You're already that fond of him?"
"It's not that," Setsuna shake her head. "Gokudera-kun reminds me of Kaa-san."
Reborn stared at her. Nana? Sweet, oblivious housewife Nana? She and Gokudera couldn't be any different.
"He has no one but me. He don't want anyone but me . I need to do this gently. Gokudera-kun… He still has hope yet. He needs help. Right now, I'm the only one who can help him."
"Setsuna," Coach Maeda step closer to her.
"He's barely older than Nagi-chan, Coach," Setsuna said to him. "Like you said earlier. He tried to kill me today. Now, he's looking at me like I'm a goddess or something. Says a lot about his psyche, doesn't it?"
Coach Maeda stares at her. "You don't have to do this you know."
"Every child deserve a chance, Coach. Let me be the one to give it to Gokudera-kun. Just like you did to me."
A silent conversation seems to pass between the two. Finally, Coach Maeda nodded. "I still don't trust that boy."
"It's fine, Coach Maeda," Setsuna smiled. "He will be well mannered enough by the time you allow him to come to the rink. Who knows? Maybe you'll warm up to him."
Coach Maeda scoffed at that. "I find that highly unlikely."
"You decided to adopt me after I came to your rink every week for 2 years."
"I only asked you if you want to be a figure skater and when you answered yes, I offered to be your coach."
Setsuna playfully bumped her shoulder to his. "I'm glad you did."
"Just go to the ice already."
"Yes, Tou-san," Setsuna saluted him before she went to join the others at the ice.
No one noticed the corner of Coach Maeda's mouth quirked upward.
Except for Reborn. Of course Reborn would notice.
Papa Maeda is protective to his skaters children. Do not cross Papa Maeda
This fan fiction is also posted in AO3
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