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 5: Child's Play
Gokudera step out from the convenience store with a smile on his face. He got the job! He can earn money now! Work is hard to come by in a town as small as Namimori. Gokudera learned to count his blessings ever since he ran away from his home. The senior employee was hesitant to hire him due to his appearance and age at first. But Gokudera is willing to take the late night shifts, so he got it. The adolescent will start next week. He need to be careful with his financial now. There's only little money left in his savings. If Gokudera use it wisely, he will be able to pay rent for next month.
The Smoking Bomb has so much work to do. First and foremost, he must get inside the ice rink. If he can't accompany Setsuna-hime to university or ballet studio, at least he can wait for her at the ice rink. But in order to do that, Gokudera must gain Coach Maeda's approval first. Compilation of Japan's Figure Skater Setsuna Sawada Calling Her Coach Dad shows how deep the bond between him and Setsuna-hime goes. Gokudera made a grievous error to insult Coach Maeda. An apology is in order. And hope that he didn't get banned. He will be able to learn how to skate. It's important to be in an even field as his Boss, even if he can't catch up with her level. He need to save money to pay the fee as well.
Second, Gokudera need to get stronger. A star athlete like Setsuna-hime surely draw the attention of many, and not everyone have the best intention in mind. It could be haters, stalkers, or even enemy mafioso. It still puzzled the hell out of him how Setsuna-hime escaped the mafia notice for so long. Everyone who studied mafia history knows that Vongola Primo moved to Japan after he passed the leadership of his organisation to Secondo. The line he started survived until now, similar to how Vongola stood against all odds and time. They are aware that Vongola have backups in Japan but there wasn't any need for them until now. Even if Setsuna-hime have no interest in the mafia, the enemy of Vongola certainly is. It's only a matter of time until an assassin is dispatched to Namimori. It's not like Setsuna-hime is completely anonymous. Even a monkey can type her name in the search bar and click Enter. Once the season start and Setsuna-hime travel overseas… Yeah, Gokudera need to save money for that as well.
Third, he need to catch up with the fandom. Gokudera have memorised ISU rules and everything technical about figure skating, but he is still very much in the dark about everything else. Figure skating fans posted analysis about Setsuna-hime's performances over the years (there were other Japanese figure skaters too but Gokudera have no interest in them). Their effort is very much appreciated. Some fans posted stories about their encounter with Setsuna-hime. Most of them are positive. His Boss is just so warm and considerate to others. But there are some ugly and downright weird information. The story of the press invading the Sawada residence was worrying. A stalker was responsible of leaking their address. Then Gokudera read stories of how female figure skaters would sometimes receive lingeries. It's sexual harassment! And then there's the RPF. It stands for Real Person Fanfiction.
Gokudera doesn't quite know what to think of them…
(He regret clicking a M rated fanfic. Oh how he regret that. The horror.)
But it brought him to another information. Shipping. Pairings. Speculations. Setsuna-hime has been paired with male and female athletes, both from in and out of Japan. There's also this one actor who according to rumor got involved with Setsuna-hime when she guest starred a drama. Both sides denied the rumour but it remained a hot topic for awhile. Apparently the chemistry between those two is so real . In any case, Gokudera furiously search for more information about the people paired with his Boss. Every. Single. One. Of Them. The meta analysis provided by his fellow fans give him the much needed material. Gokudera is not done sorting through them. He need to know which ones are worthy and which ones are not. If Setsuna-hime settle with someone, that person need his approval first. He won't let his Boss end up with the wrong person. It's bad enough reading about Olympic Village Experience. Whenever asked, she just tell them the basics. What does her room looked like, how many people lives there, the recreation rooms, etc. But when the topic turn to romance, Setsuna-hime just chuckled and smirked, not answering the question. Did she witness walk of shame? Did she saw someone enter a bedroom that is not theirs in late hours? Did she hook up with someone? What is she into? No one had a clue. Setsuna-hime knows something but is not sharing. The fandom as a whole is dying to know. It felt weird to think about his Boss' sex life but Gokudera is determined not to think much about the sex part.
At least studies wouldn't be a problem. School is boring to Gokudera. He already knows all the materials up to third year. Everyone around him is equally boring. Girls would make goo goo eyes at him from afar and giggle. The teachers, especially Nezu, are not as good as his old tutors. It's bad enough that he meet Turf Top everyday at school. The only reason he didn't skip is because Setsuna-hime takes education seriously. It will reflect on her badly if he has a bad record at school. Gokudera draw the line on the uniform regulations. He's keeping his rings and necklaces, thank you very much.
Setsuna-hime is a tremendous help. She took the time from her busy schedule to teach him how to cook, and recipes that save money at that. His Boss is so admirable. Gokudera even cut down smoking for her sake. He won't completely quit but just enough to be allowed near children. Setsuna-hime spend a lot of time around them, so Gokudera need to be on his best behavior to get Masumi-sensei and Coach Maeda to approve him.
And every day, without fail, she would tell Gokudera that his life is priceless. Reassure him that his life is not meaningless, no matter what.
Gokudera can't suppress his smile. Setsuna-hime barely knows him, but she readily accept him. Patiently teaching him. Setsuna-hime never threaten him with physical violence (the flick on the forehead doesn't count). She is worried about him, asking him how school went, did he get enough sleep, or if he feeling homesick.
It felt… Nice. To have someone care for him.
The only person who cares for him like that is Bianchi, his estranged sister. Every now and then, she texted him, asking him how he's doing. Her texts tend to be long. His sister told him about everything that's been happening in her life. Gokudera was surprised when she told him that she did a mission with Reborn. She even became his lover. She also give him updates about Father. Bianchi told Gokudera that Father cares, even after everything. That man remain a touchy subject for him, though not as much as his biological mother. Gokudera is not ready to talk to him. Not yet.
Hearing about Setsuna-hime's father got him thinking. Compared to them, Gokudera's relationship with his Father is much better. It's one thing of not knowing you have a bastard, it's a whole other thing to know you have a child, a legitimate one at that, and forget her age. His father acknowledged him as his true son and raised him. He cares for him, though Gokudera wonder if it's only because he is Lavinia's son.
Setsuna-hime never talk about her parents. Gokudera is aware that her mother is very much alive. She is living in Setsuna-hime's childhood home. Reborn implied, without actually saying it, that Setsuna-hime don't have the greatest relationship with her mother either. It couldn't be as bad as with her father, couldn't it? The internet don't have much information about Setsuna-hime's family life. It's understandable since his Boss keep her private life… Well, private. Japanese media are much more tame compared to their western counterpart. They keep their distance if the object of the spotlight wishes for it. The fandom treat Coach Maeda as her father. For all intent and purposes, he is her true father. Setsuna-hime even dedicated a program to him. The program? The FS that landed her at the podium at 2005-2006 Grand Prix. In fact, that program is a tribute to her coach. Gokudera teared up when he watched the video. He weep even harder when he read the backstory.
Her theme for that season? Bond
It was certainly fitting.
Gokudera wonder how Setsuna-hime see him. She don't acknowledge him as her right hand man (yet). Maybe more like a younger brother. She does consider him a friend. He looked at her as Boss, a savior. The way she fusses over him reminds Gokudera of Bianchi. Just a little bit. A teeny, tiny part of him wonder if this is what it feels like to be mothered. Bianchi's mother has always been distant with him. She is also distant with her daughter, so he never think about it too deeply. Still, since he put himself in her service, Gokudera is part of her Famiglia. Even if Setsuna-hime don't want anything to do with the mafia. Does she consider him as her family? He sure hope so.
Wouldn't it be nice? Him and Setsuna-hime travel the world together. Setsuna-hime snatch gold medals and become legendary figure skater. Gokudera and Coach Maeda supporting her behind the stage. He will double act as his assistant and bodyguard for Setsuna-hime.
The adolescent didn't realise that he's grinning the whole time until he sensed someone's eyes on him. He turned around, ready to glare at the person, before his eyes widened in surprise.
It's the girl from the ice rink. The one who gave him the magazine.
Nagi has been staring at the boy for the last five minutes. She was on her way home from school when she found him standing in front of the convenience store. It's the boy from the ice rink. The one who called Setsuna-senpai Hime. His expression changes from happy, thoughtful, grim, thoughtful again and then happy once again. Interesting. The boy finally snapped out from his reverie, sensing her stare. Nagi shrink back, thinking that he's going to yell at her. The yell never came.
"Hello," Gokudera nodded awkwardly at the girl. "You're Setsuna-hime's rinkmate, correct?" She was featured in some of Setsuna-hime's photos online. Make sense, since they share the same rink. "I would like to thank you for the magazine. I will pay you back for sure." Gokudera is indebted to her. He can't afford to be antagonistic with her. And since she's Setsuna-hime's rinkmate, that makes her one of Coach Maeda's skaters. She might tell the old man if he do anything. Gokudera is not taking any chances.
"Hello," Nagi bows to the boy. "Did you find the magazine helpful?"
"I did," Gokudera replied. 'You have no idea.'
Nagi nodded. "Can I ask you something, Stranger-san?"
"Yeah?"
"Are you by any chance SetsuHime4ever?"
Gokudera's eyes widened. "How did you?"
"I noticed a new user with that name browsing the forums for hours. I thought it was you, since you look like you're new in all these."
"Oh," The adolescent calms down. "Yes, SetsuHime4ever is me."
Nagi nodded once again. "My username is Kuroneko."
Black cat, huh?
"Kuroneko. Got it," Here, Gokudera paused. Hesitantly, he meet Nagi in the eye. "Is it okay if I ask you some questions?" Nagi nodded. "Maeda-san. Does he work on Sundays?" Setsuna-hime and the skaters rest on Sundays. The ice rink belong to Coach Maeda so it's not surprising if he even goes there on Sundays. The girl shakes her head. "Okay… Did he… tell you if someone get banned from the ice rink recently?"
Please say no. Please say no. Please say no.
"No, Coach didn't say anything about someone being banned."
Oh, thank God.
Gokudera relaxes.
"Are you okay, Stranger-san?"
"Yes, I'm okay." He gingerly rubbed the hand that got injured by Coach Maeda. "Don't call me 'Stranger-san.' It sounds stupid."
Nagi shrinks back.
"No, no. I'm not angry with you, okay?" He put up his hands in placating manner. "My name is Gokudera Hayato." If he's going to be around the rink for a long time, he should get himself familiar with the members of Maeda Skating Club.
"My name is Kudou Nagi," The dark haired girl introduced herself. Gokudera actually already knows her name but he nodded. "Are you really Senpai's right hand man?" She looked at him curiously.
Gokudera puffs up his chest with pride. "I sure am." Then he deflates a little. "But the adults, Maeda-san and Masumi-san, are yet to acknowledge me. I suppose it will be harder with Masumi-san. She fought Reborn-san and won ." He need to get stronger. Masumi-san will surely approve him if he can show her he can protect Setsuna-hime.
Nagi blinked. "Reborn-san? The baby with fedora?"
Gokudera nodded vigorously. "That's him. He's also known as the World's Greatest Hitman."
Nagi stares at him. "The World's Greatest Hitman." Gokudera nodded once again. "How did Senpai get involved with a hitman?"
"Family business," He said vaguely. "I can't say much more than that."
"Can I help?" Nagi asked.
Gokudera eyed the girl. She's younger than him. While Gokudera has yet to know how good she is as a skater, she have the perspective of one, something he lacks. The girl shrinks a lot. Definitely not a right hand man material. And Nagi did gave him the magazine. He relaxes.
"We'll hear what Setsuna-hime and Reborn-san have to say first."
To think up of a theme is harder than than one would think.
Everyone's case is different. There are those who get struck by inspiration in the showers. There are those who discovered it after experiencing something new. There are those who wanted to challenge themselves and go with something they're not used to. There are those who revisit their past and utilise it to show how much they have grown.
Every skaters, in Setsuna's opinion, are a mix of those.
There was Metamorphosis, the theme she used on her senior debut. It was the year of 2003. That year Setsuna became a third year in high school. She wanted to show the world that she is not a little girl anymore. She has become a woman. It was certainly fitting at the time. For the exhibition, she picked No Scrubs by TLC. Hana approved. High school boys are the worst. Teenagers are shit. Setsuna was no different. She was a little shit. But she got better. Teenagers are still shit though. Gosh, remembering those times make her so embarrassed.
The theme she used when she won her first Grand Prix was Bond. 2005-2006 season was the toughest season in her life. So much had happened before that. And 2005-2006 season was the culmination of it. She took inspiration from the people around her, but the one who influences her the most is her dear coach. Oh, Coach Maeda. He had been the one to give her a chance. Setsuna can't imagine her life without him. The old man has become a fixture in her life. He is her real father, as far as she concerned. That's how much he meant to her. Setsuna owed him everything.
Setsuna used the Pink Panther theme song for her SP in 2000. Simply because she likes the tune.
On her first National Japan Junior, Setsuna skated to 'Go The Distance' . The movie was released the previous year. She loves it. It's just seems fitting. That was her first time competing on national level. She was a nervous wreck at the time. She did better than she expected though?
Last season was hard too. Everyone were looking forward for her new programs. Will Sawada Setsuna be able to defend her title? Or is it just a one time thing? There were expectations. From her club, from her fans, from her country, from herself. The pressure almost drown her alive. She was scared. And then she found courage. So that's what she used that year. Courage. She won her second gold at the Grand Prix as the result. Setsuna preserved. Setsuna showed them.
This year, she will get her third gold.
But what is her theme going to be?
BANG
Setsuna tilt her head. The bullet was an inch away from her ear. She glared at Reborn, who looked back at her from his spot on the kitchen counter.
"Your reaction time is getting better, Setsuna," The Sun Arcobaleno put down his weapon.
"Do you mind? I'm trying to concentrate here." She pointed to her textbook in front of her.
"Constant vigilance," said Reborn casually.
"Harry Potter?" Setsuna joked. "Your Hogwarts house?"
"I would say… Slytherin," Reborn smirked.
Setsuna nodded. "Slytherpuff."
Reborn return her nod in kind. "It's time for our lesson."
Reborn started to teach her Italian since Monday. Setsuna found out that he's actually a decent teacher. She almost say normal until she made a mistake and Reborn whacked her with a paper fan. The kind one use for slapsticks. Sometimes he use a toy hammer. Setsuna has a nasty suspicion that the only reason he didn't dish out heavier weapon is because she can't afford to get injured. Reborn never really interfere with her university work so Setsuna can't complain. He's been reasonable with her so far. Besides, adding one more language in her resume will benefit her in the future, such as if she take a commentator job.
Learning Italian made her wonder about the land her ancestor come from. Italy is also the homeland of Valentina Marchei, Anna Cappellini, Karel Zerenka, Federica Faiella, Luciano Milo and many other great skaters. Setsuna only been to Italy just once, and it was for the Olympics. When she think of Italy, she think of Merano Cup. No Japanese skaters ever win the Merano Cup before. She like pasta. She need the carbohydrate and protein.
Maybe she should try to skate to opera? On second thought, maybe not. She don't know operas that well. The setting of Romeo and Juliet takes place in Italy. Ballet originated from there. Perhaps an Italian song…?
Not now. Setsuna need to focus on the lesson. She don't want to find out what Reborn will do next if he realise her mind is elsewhere.
Today's ballet class ended without any trouble. Setsuna is getting changed in the locker room when her phone buzzed. She flipped open her phone. It's a text from Nana.
Tsu-chan,
A friend of Reborn came to our home. He is looking for him and currently very confused. Can you take Reborn and come?
Setsuna frowned at the text. A friend of Reborn? The baby doesn't say anything about any friend of his coming to Namimori. If it's Reborn… Then it must be someone from the mafia. Her eyes widened.
Mafia. In her childhood home. Alone with her mother.
Setsuna quickly type a reply.
Kaa-san, I'm on my way. PLEASE BE CAREFUL. The moment you feel uneasy, GET OUT
She hastily put on her clothes. Masumi-sensei looked at her in confusion when she came running to the lobby. Reborn is with her.
"Setsuna-chan? What's wrong?" The ballerina asked in concern.
"You," Setsuna point a finger at Reborn. "Why didn't you tell me there's mafia in town. One of them is with my mother right now, claiming to be your friend."
Masumi-sensei's eyes widened. She turn to Reborn.
"I didn't contact any mafioso to come anytime soon," He answered. Shamal is not scheduled to come in another few weeks. It could be Bianchi. Even though they break up amicably, she is still in love with him.
"Setsuna-chan, one of the staff own a bike. It's at the back. You can use it. I'll tell them it's for emergency," Masumi-sensei told her. The figure skater is gone in a flash. Masumi-sensei pull out her phone. "If anything happens to Sawada Nana, your head will roll," She hissed at Reborn before dialing Coach Maeda's number.
Next thing they know, Setsuna is already outside riding a bike. She looks nothing more than a flash of orange as she cycle furiously. Leon changed to a mini helicopter and Reborn flew out of the building.
Setsuna cycle the pedals like a madwoman. Her Locked Sky Flame roar at the thought of the mafioso hurting her mother. Nana is not exactly the paragon of motherhood but she don't deserve that. She is not always… present, but she was there. Unlike Iemitsu. That has to count for something.
People get out of the way for her. They must have sensed her urgency or something, for they looked really uncomfortable when they look at her. Good.
Her heartbeat accelerate when she enter her old neighborhood. Her house came to view. At least it's still standing. Setsuna dread what sort of bloodbath that have occurred inside.
"Kaa-san!" She slammed the door open.
"Tsu-chan?"
Oh thank Kami-sama!
Nana's head poke out from the kitchen. "Tsu-chan! Reborn! That was quick!"
That was when she realised Reborn is standing next to her. How did he catch up with her so fast? Wait, that's not important right now. "Kaa-san, what's going on-"
Something big and black poke out from the kitchen. It took Setsuna a few seconds before for her mind to register that she's looking at a child. No wonder Nana thought he is Reborn's friend… Is he?
The child clearly recognised Reborn. Next thing she knew, he pull out a pistol, and Setsuna has spent enough time with Reborn to figure out it's real.
"Die, Reborn!"
Click
Four sets of eye stared at the gun. The child look confused for a moment before he toss it aside and pull out a knife instead. He lunged towards Reborn. The baby simply swat him to the side, not batting an eyelid.
Setsuna winced when the child's head hit the wall. "Reborn-"
"That hurts…," The child moaned in pain. "I must've tripped over something…" And then he laughed . "I, Lambo-san, a five year old from Italy, a hitman from Bovino Famiglia, tripped! Favourite foods are grapes and candy! And I, Lambo-san, who met Reborn at a bar, tripped!" Is he… Trying to laugh it off? "Let me try again!" Lambo stood up and dust of his cow print suit. "Yo, Reborn! It's me, Lambo!"
Reborn is not even paying attention to him, already going inside the kitchen.
Lambo hold back his sniffle to after him. Setsuna and Nana looked at each other before joining the boys at the kitchen. Reborn is fixing himself a cup of coffee while Lambo circled him.
"Fohohoho! This time, I borrowed a lot of weapons from the boss that are passed down in the Famiglia!" He pull out a bag out of nowhere. And Lambo proceed to pull out a freaking bazooka from such a small bag. How is he even able to hold it up?! "Ta-dah! The Ten Year Bazooka! Those who are shot with this will switch places with their future self for five minutes!"
'...How- No, Setsuna. It's best not to think about it deeply. The mafia is crazy enough to build time travel weaponry.'
"But it'll be a waste so I'll put it away," Lambo put it back. Did the mafia find out how to manipulate space? Hammer space? "Oh my! I found something good! What could it be?" He pull out a… Hand grenade?! "Die, Reborn!"
Lambo throw the grenade at Reborn… Only for him to deflect it back to the child. With a plate to boot.
BOOM
"Gupya!"
"Lambo!" Setsuna watch in horror as the child is thrown out of the window. The smoke made it hard for her to see if he landed or… "Reborn! What the fuck!"
"Tsu-chan! Language!" Nana admonished her daughter. She is more upset with her swearing than the fact she just witnessed a child thrown out of the window with a grenade on his face?
"The Bovino Famiglia is a rather small group," Reborn said. "I don't associate with lower ranks."
"That doesn't give you the excuse to be so cruel to a child!" Granted, Lambo tried to kill Reborn but still! "I'm going to look for him!" He couldn't be that far. Setsuna is fairly certain the child is still in the neighbourhood.
Setsuna dash out of the house. "Lambo!" She call out for the little boy. "Lambo! Where are you?"
Her searching did not take long. Eventually, Setsuna saw a figure holding a large black bush that can only be Lambo's crazy hair. "Lambo!" She smiled in relief. The figure turned and she recognised them instantly. "Ah! Hibari-kun!"
"Duck," Hibari acknowledge her. Ever since ducks become her official mascot, he's been calling her that since. He call the younger members at the club 'ducklings' as well. "One of yours?" He lift Lambo's prone form higher for her to see.
"Yes," Setsuna nodded. "He- ah- got into a fight."
The teenager hand her the unconscious Lambo. Setsuna hold him close. "The herbivores are complaining about loud noises. It came from your old house," He told her, his grey eyes narrowed.
Setsuna grimaced. "It's a long story that I rather tell you later. When things calm down a bit. Coach Maeda will be able to explain to you now if you want."
Hibari studied at her. "I smell gunpowder on the cow child."
She grimaced more. "I told you. It's a long story. The sort where you need to sit down to hear it. We'll explain it to you. I promise. Just not now. I need to take care of Lambo."
Hibari stared. On one hand, he is curious about what sort of story Sawada Setsuna have to tell him that it brought a cow child that smells like gunpowder to Namimori. Is he a threat? Or just a taste of what is more to come? Enemies must be eradicated. Peace in Namimori is his to uphold. On the other hand, he has no desire to get in the way of a female caring for her young. He saw what happened on that one occasion when a stupid herbivore paparazzi harassed a duckling in an attempt to reach Sawada Setsuna. Maeda is a swan. Swans are highly territorial. Setsuna is a duck. But when she step into the ice, she transformed to a swan. Or so he thought, until he witnessed her transformed to defend her duckling. The two of them never fought before, but Hibari knew better.
(The reasons it never made the news are because one, the duckling's father is a lawyer. Two, he is Hibari Kyouya. Three, Maeda and Setsuna combined terrified the herbivore enough to keep his mouth shut.)
"You and Maeda owe me an explanation," He said. Setsuna nodded. He left her to resume his patrol.
Setsuna return her attention to Lambo. Her instinct tell her not to go back to her childhood home for now. She has long learned to trust her instinct. Hyper Intuition. Whatever.
When Lambo regain consciousness, they are at the playground. His head is rested on Setsuna's lap as she pick out leaves and branches from his hair. "Are you alright?" She looked at him in concern. Lambo sit up and sniffles. "Are you thirsty? There's a vending machine here. You said you like grapes, right? I think they have grape juice." Lambo nodded.
They do have grape juice. Setsuna bought a bottle of grape juice for Lambo and water for herself. They sit on the bench, sipping their drink. Lambo's cry have reduced to hiccups. She pull out her handkerchief and clean his face from dirt and snot.
When his grape juice is almost finished, Lambo start to speak. "L-Lambo's dream is to become the Boss of Bovino Famiglia and rule over humanity," He told her. That's… Quite the dream. Her old classmate in first grade once stated he want to be an evil overlord. Outlandish but they are children. "But my Boss told me to defeat the World's Greatest Hitman Reborn first."
"The same Boss that took you to a bar?" What the hell is he thinking?! Bringing an underaged kid to a bar! Unless it's a bar exclusive for mafioso.
"Yeah!" Lambo nodded. "When my Boss took me to a bar for the first time, Reborn was there. We spoke a lot, even though we just met. While Lambo was eating his favourite grapes, Reborn was blowing bubblegum from his nose."
...That usually the sign of someone sleeping, right?
Setsuna looked at her watch. She is late for practice. But she can't afford to leave Lambo now. "Do you have anywhere to stay in Namimori?" She asked him. "Any relatives to take you in? Any allies of your Famiglia?" Lambo shakes his head. She frowned. "How did you get to Japan in the first place? Does your Famiglia know you're here?"
"Lambo-san snuck into the plane. Then he snuck into a truck. Got lost a few times. Got chased by crows…," And he start to list of the hardships he faced on his way to Namimori. Each word coming out from his mouth made her horror grew. "Boss knows that I'm going to kill Reborn, so he gave me weapons."
"That's it?" Setsuna frowned. Lambo nodded. Reborn did told her that the Bovino is a small family… But they would have known that they are sending Lambo to what basically is a suicide mission. The mafia is crazy. First Gokudera and now Lambo. "Are all hitman in the mafia started out this young?" She wonders.
"Yep! And Lambo is the best hitman in the Famiglia! Even better than the adults! That's why Boss allowed Lambo to go! Boss told him that Lambo is the most suited to be Boss after him!" He puff out his chest in pride.
Better than the adults? Either they are too weak or Lambo is actually the real deal.
Growl….
Setsuna looked at Lambo. "Are you hungry?"
"Yeah!"
"When do you last eat?"
"Uh…," Lambo fumbled. "I ate candy for breakfast this morning."
"That's not good," Setsuna shakes her head. "Come on. My mother will cook you something. Finish your grape juice first."
Lambo downed his grape juice in record speed. He is too short to reach her hand, so Setsuna bend down a bit to allow him to do so. For the rest of the journey, Lambo chatter her ear off. He talked about Italy, his cousins, the family ranch, candies and many others. Setsuna made a mental note to call his Famiglia after this. They better have a good explanation for sending a five year old all alone to the other side of the globe.
Nana doesn't mind Lambo staying over. In fact, she seems to enjoy his company. She must be lonelier than Setsuna expected. Or maybe because Lambo is a child . Nana pretty much let her be when she hit puberty. Lambo keep his distance from Reborn and stick close to her.
"Lambo," Setsuna pull him aside while Nana cook dinner. "Do you have any way to contact your Boss?"
"Yeah!" He rummaged his hair and pull out a piece of paper. "Boss told Lambo to contact him only after he kill Reborn. Lambo is not allowed to go back to Italy until then."
Only after?
Setsuna do not like the sound of that.
Dinner for tonight consists of spaghetti and salad. Setsuna made Lambo promised not to pull any stunts during meal times. She left everyone in the kitchen to go to her old bedroom. Once she closes the door, she pull out her phone and Lambo's paper. His Famiglia have a lot to answer for.
She patiently waits for the call to connect until she hear a 'click'
The person on the other side is an adult male, and he speak Italian.
"Greetings," Setsuna greet him in English.
He switches to English. "Who is this? How did you get this number?"
"Lambo gave it to me," Setsuna answered. "He is currently downstairs eating his dinner."
The man switch his tone to apologetic. "Lambo? Did he cause you any trouble? We will send you a refund for the damage. I apologise for all the trouble he caused you."
"He didn't damage anything," It was a close call but ultimately, nothing in the house got scratched. "You are his Boss, correct? I'd like to know why you sent a kid to Japan all on his own. Without any supervision or accommodation."
"Lambo knows Japanese. He will be fine."
"The kid was barely able to feed himself," Setsuna told him. "Lambo told me that he must not contact you unless he assassinate Reborn. Lambo may be great for his age but Reborn is in another league entirely."
The Boss' voice grow stern. "He must be able to achieve that before he take the mantle of Boss."
If that is the case, then they would've told her to kill Reborn. "I find that highly unlikely to happen, if that is one's condition to inherit a Famiglia. Lambo told me you forbid him to return to Italy until he kill Reborn."
"A Boss must be strong. If Lambo is not able to complete his mission, he cannot return home."
"What if he tried for the rest of his life and still fail?"
"So be it then," The boss said flatly.
Setsuna about to shout when a thought came to mind. "Did you… Set Lambo up to get rid of him?" Reborn has no qualms to harm children. Lambo could've died multiple times on his way to Japan. "Don't you have any concern for him?"
"The mafia has no use for a kid as annoying as him. Our home have become much more peaceful ever since he left. Less headache, less mess, less mouth to feed."
"You… Sent Lambo to accomplish the impossible, basically a suicide mission… Because he annoys you?" Setsuna gawked, horrified. "He's a child! Children are supposed to be noisy and active! A five year old simply don't have the same maturity as an adult! Parents are supposed to understand that!" She said hotly. "Children require unconditional love! They need guidance and attention! They make mistakes! Parents are supposed to help them learn from it and not do the same thing twice! I thought blood is also important in the mafia! Is Lambo not your blood? A Famiglia is supposed to care for its member, not abandoning him just because he's too much of a child for you to handle!"
She received no answer. Setsuna take a few deep breath before continuing. "If you so readily abandon a child just because he annoys you… Then you, Sir, aren't allowed to have any children. At. All." She said coldly. "Lambo will be under my family's care then." She ended the call before the boss can say anything. It took her a few minutes to calm down.
"Setsuna."
Setsuna turn around to see Reborn standing by the doorway. "You heard everything?" He nodded. "Your world is insane," She run a hand through her hair. "What's next? Lambo becoming a candidate to be my Guardian." When Reborn didn't answer, her jaw dropped. "You didn't."
"Iemitsu thought it's a good idea. He discussed it with Lambo's Boss and he readily agreed to send him to Japan."
"Do you think Lambo is fit to be a Guardian?" Setsuna asked. Her voice dangerously calm.
"No," Reborn admitted. "He has good foundations but he is still lacking in many departments. Even if you are a middle schooler, the age gap is too great. You two won't click easily. But Iemitsu insisted."
"And you went along with it," Setsuna's tone is still calm. "You knew."
Reborn can feel her Sky Flame flared in anger. At him. At Bovino Boss. At Iemitsu. Setsuna is truly pissed. If the heaviness in the room caused by the room does not clue you yet, her now orange eyes will. "Well, I couldn't very well let Lambo return to Italy. He has no one there. Guess he'll be staying here in Japan. Congratulations, you all got you wish for." She spat.
"Tsu-nee!" Lambo called for her from downstairs.
Setsuna forced herself to calm down. "Fuck all of you," She hissed before she left Reborn to stand there all alone.
Lambo can't remember the last time he took a bath. The only reason he don't smell is because he fell to a water fountain when he first arrived to Namimori. Setsuna gave him a bath while Nana put the dirty cow print suit in the washing machine. It took quite a while to dry his hair, and Setsuna already using the blowdryer. She dressed him in her old pajamas. They need to buy him new clothes. Until Setsuna can figure out what to do with him, she has no choice but to leave him in Nana's care. Between work and university, Setsuna won't be able to take care of Lambo. She has doubts about her decision but Nana is her best choice for now.
Setsuna put Lambo in the guest bedroom. They never have any guests over. Kyouko and Hana stayed at her room whenever they have a sleepover at her house. Now that he is fed and clean, Lambo is much more docile. Of course, it's also because he's tired. "Lambo," Setsuna started. She need to tell him before he goes to sleep. Today has been a long day for him. For her.
Green eyes looked up to her. "Yes, Tsu-nee?"
"I don't know how long you will be here in Japan, but as long as you live under this roof, there are rules you must follow. You are a guest here. That means you must not do anything that would harm the other occupants in this house or damage the building. You don't want Kaa-san to get injured when you attack Reborn, right?" Lambo shakes his head. "It's also part of your responsibility to make sure no harm comes to her." It's a big thing to say to a kid, but if Lambo is entrusted with real weapon, he must know how severe the consequence will be if he mess up.
"I understand, Tsu-nee," Lambo nodded. The solemn tone in his voice is enough to convince her that he does understand.
"Good," She pat his head. "It must have been difficult for you." She said softly. "I can't say that all of your problems are now solved… But I'm here for you, okay? That's why…" She handed him a small piece of paper. "This is my cellphone number and my address. If anything happens, don't hesitate to contact me, okay? I can't guarantee I will be able to go to your side immediately but I will definitely pick up."
Lambo stared at the piece of paper in his hand. "Yes, Tsu-nee." He put it in his hair.
Setsuna smiled. "Go to bed now," She pull out the blanket. "You must be tired."
"Tsu-nee?"
"Yes, Lambo?"
"Can you stay here until I go to sleep?"
Her eyes softened. "Of course. Scoot over." Lambo is more than happy to do so. Setsuna joining him in the covers. She smoothed his hair and sing him lullabies until the child drift off to sleep. Setsuna place a kiss on his forehead before slipping out.
Setsuna said her goodbye to her mother. It's already nightime. She missed practise. But Setsuna don't want to go home just yet. To Reborn's surprise, she went to Coach Maeda's house. His home is a traditional Japanese house. Judging from the size, his family must be an affluent one.
"Setsuna," He greeted her on the front door. He looked so relieved to see her. "You're okay."
The young woman moved closer to hug him. Coach Maeda returned the hug.
"They sent a child, Tou-san," Setsuna muttered. "His family basically abandoned him, and Iemitsu took advantage at that. The kid is five. Yet they deemed him qualified to be a Guardian candidate. My Guardian candidate."
Coach Maeda stroked her hair. The kid is five? That's even younger than his own grandchildren! What is wrong with these people?
"What if they send more kids, Tou-san?" Setsuna asked. "Reborn already insisted on Takeshi-kun. And Gokudera-kun is… I can't. I can't let them get dragged into this. There are no guarantee I can save them all. I don't have that kind of power. All of them are kids."
"We will figure it out," Maeda told her. "You're not alone, Setsuna. It's not your burden alone. Masumi-san and I will be with you every step of the way. And we will hold those people responsible."
"We can't save every orphan and lost sheeps," Setsuna sniffed.
"No," He agrees with her. "But will you let that stop you?"
"No," She whispered. "No," She said it again, louder this time. "Not if I can help it."
Her eyes flashed orange once more. Maeda saw that and smiled. "That's my girl."
Now all the kids are accounted for, with the exception of Mukuro.
Gokudera is confused. Gokudera regrets so so much. I, FOR ONE, REGRET NOTHING
According to wikia, Nagi's favourite animal are cats. The username Kuroneko is also a shoutout for an old Japanese horror movie with the same name. It's about two ghost women who lured unsuspecting samurais with illusions and then kill them. When I read the plot summary, I immediately thought of Nagi. She strikes me as the type of person that would enjoy horror or mind screwing movies/stories. I contribute some of it is due to her being a Mist.
Masumi-sensei's name is another shoutout. This time to Swan, a manga about ballet. The main character is a ballerina named Hijiri Masumi.
Okay, about Lambo. It's easy for us to forget that he's in the mafia due to his age and childishness but he clearly knows his weapons. Guns, grenades, knives, missile launchers. Lambo is able to use Dying Will Flame. His Box Animal listens to him from the very beginning, unlike Tsuna and Gokudera. He speak Japanese fluently, in contrast of I-pin who understand it but can't speak it. This kid went to Japan all on his own and survived long enough until the Sawadas take him in. Lambo is often overshadowed by I-pin and older characters, but this kid has a lot of potential. We don't know his rankings other than the fact he is most annoying. But annoying is not the same as being useless. This kid has to be the youngest Vongola Guardian ever. Not bad for an annoying cow.
We don't know much about the Bovino Famiglia, other than they make Ten Year Bazooka and rather small. We do know they keep sending weapons and ammunitions to Lambo. Other than that, absolutely nothing. When Iemitsu told them he want Lambo to be the Lightning Guardian, the Boss cried tears of joy. Is it because their position is elevated or because they can shove Lambo to Vongola? So they don't have to deal with him? Remember, Lambo immediately latched onto Tsuna after he gave him candy and listened to him. Tsuna, a complete stranger. And he is completely devoted to Nana. What sort of people Lambo has been living with until that point? Food for thought.
This fan fiction is also posted in AO3
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