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 6: Tough Love
Gokudera is beside himself with worry. A few hours ago, Nagi texted him that Setsuna-hime didn't show up at practice. That is a rare occurrence according to her. Nagi overheard Coach Maeda talking on the phone with Masumi-sensei. Though she didn't quite get anything, the agitated look on his face told her that it's serious. What clinched it is when she hear him say 'mafia.' Unfortunately she can't hear anything else afterwards. Coach Maeda went to his office. Gokudera is more than ready to search Namimori upside down to look for his Boss. Before he can step out from his apartment, Reborn sent him a text message. The text said that Setsuna-hime is safe. There are no threats. He is to stay put until further notice.
Was it an ally of Vongola? A freelancer? Or even an enemy? Gokudera wonders. Just the word mafia is not enough. Reborn told him to stay put so he did. For the first two hours he stayed in his apartment, doing chores to pass the time. When the sky turn dark and still no news from either Setsuna-hime or Reborn, he got even more worried. Nagi texted him that Setsuna-hime never show up in the end. Coach Maeda simply told everyone it's a private business.
In the end, Gokudera waited in front of Setsuna-hime's apartment. She and Reborn will show up eventually. He checked the forums and news for any sightings of his Boss. Nothing. That means Setsuna-hime is safe. Word would spread if she got into an accident. But the mafia knows how to cover up (that include hiding a body). He knew he should've have stick close with Setsuna-hime. When she needed him the most, Gokudera wasn't there. Some kind of right hand man he is. Gokudera is ashamed with himself. He promised to himself that he would do better. That he will get Setsuna-hime's approval. But what is he doing? He is just staying put.
Going to look for them himself sounds like a good idea. Gokudera is seriously considering of doing it when Setsuna-hime and Reborn finally show up.
"Hime-sama!" The relieved tone in his voice is so obvious. "I'm so glad you're safe! I didn't know there was another mafia in town. Please excuse my negligence!" He bowed down to her.
"Gokudera-kun," Setsuna's eyes softened. She sounds so tired. "It's okay. Everything is under control. Don't tell me you've been waiting for me for hours. Again." The teenager grinned sheepishly. Setsuna let out a small sigh. "The least I can do is to cook you dinner." She search for her keys in her backpack. "Come in, Gokudera-kun."
Setsuna and Reborn already ate dinner at her childhood home but she still cooked two servings of food for Gokudera. He is a growing boy after all. Even though she is teaching him how to cook and nutrients now, Gokudera is still too pale for her liking. He must not have a balanced diet while living alone. And how long has he been living by himself? Setsuna put more carrots in the curry.
Gokudera thanked God for granting him another opportunity to eat Setsuna-hime's cooking. It is much more delicious than the five star cuisine served everyday when he still lived at that castle. Setsuna-hime is watching him intently. Is him eating really that entertaining for her? He didn't spill any, did he? Gokudera is sure that his table manners are not poor. Some lessons from his childhood still sticks to him. Reborn is seated on the other side of the table, drinking coffee.
"How was your day, Gokudera-kun?" Setsuna asked.
"It went fine," answered Gokudera. What should he say? There's nothing worth to tell her. He want to keep his part time job a secret so Setsuna-hime won't be worried. And then there's Nagi… They share the same rink so his Boss would eventually find out that they knew each other. "I met one of your rink mates today, Kudou Nagi?"
Setsuna's eyes widened in surprise. She smiled. "Nagi-chan? Where did you met her?"
"At the convenience store," He told her. "And before that, we met near the ice rink. She was the one who gave me the magazine."
"What did you guys talked about?" Setsuna leaned forward, interested.
"Uh…," Gokudera look down on his half finished curry. "We talked about... Stuff." More specifically, fandom. About Setsuna-hime. They talked about technicalities at first, before Gokudera start dropping hints. Nagi catch his meaning. She proceed to explain to him about shipping. Lord knows Gokudera is out of his depths with this one. Then he asked her if there's anyone special in Setsuna-hime's life at the moment. She looked at him for a long minute before telling him that no, that is really not her business to tell.
("Is Setsuna-hime aware that people write those… Stuff about her?"
"Yes."
"And she's not… Freaked out about it?"
"I don't think so. No." Here, Nagi's voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "I think she has an account and wrote stories herself. About other skaters of course. But still."
"Wait," Gokudera narrowed his eyes. "You mean… There's a possibility she saw... Everything?"
"Possibly."
"Oh my God.")
"Stuff," Gokudera repeat again. No chance in hell he's ever going to talk about that with Setsuna-hime. Ever.
Ah… Teenagers and secrecy. She won't get anything out of him. Setsuna smiled. "Did you enjoy your time together?"
Gokudera thought about it. To be honest, he rarely talk to girls his age. The girls at school are always fawning and screeching and ugh. Just… Ugh. Nagi is the complete opposite of them. She's rather easy to get intimidated and quiet. But she's not that timid. She didn't run away from him first when they first met. They only talked about Setsuna-hime and ice skating. But that was… Enjoyable. He don't know if they are friends, but Gokudera don't mind her presence. They even exchanged phone numbers and email addresses. Gokudera already approved of her friend request online.
"I'm not sure," He answered honestly. All this is still new to him. "But Kudou is a nice girl."
"She is," Setsuna smiled. Gokudera is making a friend! All on his own! She is so proud of him for taking this step. "What about school?"
"School was fine," He shrugged. Setsuna nodded. It's good if kids like school, even if it's just because their friends are there. You can't force them to like school. That's just impossible.
"What about your day, Hime-sama?" Gokudera asked her, eyeing her reaction. The change is instant. The happiness in her eyes died and her smile dropped. She slouched her shoulders. "Hime-sama?"
Setsuna take a deep breath before answering. "I'm not okay," She told him truthfully. Before Gokudera say anything, she beat him to it. "But I'm better now. I went to Tou-san's- Coach Maeda's place before coming home. He helped me."
Gokudera relaxed minutely. Good job, old man! "What happened?"
"Do you know the Bovino Famiglia?" She asked.
"No. Never heard of them." So whatever troubling her is mafia related.
"Apparently Iemitsu thought it's a great idea to have one of its member as my Guardian candidate," Setsuna pinched the bridge of her nose. Gokudera's eyes widened. Another candidate! "His name is Lambo and he is five."
What
"Five?" Gokudera frowned. While children in mafioso start training at that age, it's odd to send them away so soon. Unless as a hostage, to honor a pact or someone offered to raise them. Is that the case? They want a child to be with Setsuna-hime so soon so they will grow up in accordance to her need? Basically grooming them? He can see why Setsuna-hime is troubled now. They sent a child . Her civilian thinking won't be able to understand that.
"They disguised their true intent by telling Lambo to assassinate Reborn. If he complete it, he will be made Boss of the Bovino Famiglia. So they have him go to Japan… All on his own. To fend for himself," She paused. "I spoke with his Boss on the phone. He told me that he was glad to be rid of him. Because apparently Lambo is too annoying for him to handle. Just for that reason, he readily sell his own blood to someone like Iemitsu."
Gokudera gulped when the air suddenly grew heavy. And did Setsuna-hime's eyes flashed orange just now?!
"Lambo is under my care now," Setsuna said, voice still calm. "If they demand him back, they will get another thing coming." She promises solemnly. "Wipe that look off your face, Reborn. You knew and played along with this farce. I'm blaming you as well."
"It's for the sake of the Famiglia," said the Sun Arcobaleno.
"By doing so in a roundabout way. Won't it be easier if you just talk about it? No need to lie to a child about an impossible mission. There must be another way, gentler way, to break the news to him." Setsuna pointed out. "All the mafia did so far is to make themselves look even worse in my eyes." Gokudera inwardly winced. "I know that some people find true happiness in the mafia… Or that not all of them are that bad… But that doesn't erase the fact that we're talking to the same people who toyed with people's lives, especially children, like… That." She looked at Reborn. "If that is what you're teaching me, to be anything like those people, consider yourself studentless."
"You know very well I can't do that, Setsuna," Reborn eyed her.
"I know. The contract. World's most influential Famiglia. Succession. I know. " She grimaced. "But if you want me to lose myself to please the people that has done nothing for me, I will pull a Hail Mary. I don't want to end up like her."
Gokudera looked at her in confusion. Reborn know who is she talking about though. "That is the very last thing I want you to become, Setsuna."
"But you'll still groom me anyway. Either to be a boss or a trophy wife. I don't see much difference. My life will still be under Vongola's thumb. To be underneath some guy."
Everyone catch the double meaning of her words. Gokudera blushed while Reborn keep his face blank.
"You won't let that happen, Setsuna," Reborn said. "You got to where you are now with your own strength. The mafia is just an entirely different field. I may have ties with Vongola but my loyalty is with my students. I will help you. I'm here to ensure you are strong enough to survive what about to come."
"So you'll choose me over Iemitsu?"
Between his students and that idiota, the choice is obvious. "Yes."
Setsuna stared at him for a moment before nodding and turning her attention back to Gokudera.
It was in the middle of the lecture when Setsuna realised she left the bike at her childhood home. That's bad. The bike is not hers. She need to get it back before she go to work. Maybe she should get her own transportation. A bike or a motorcycle. There are no parking lots or garages near apartment. Setsuna already has a driver license at least.
The visit will also allow her to check on Lambo. Nana likes him. Then again, she likes children. Setsuna noticed Nana is usually much more cheerful around kids, because they need more attention and care. After Setsuna get older and need her less, Nana start to pull away. She is more concerned with the neighbours' kids who are younger than her than paying attention at Setsuna. Nana rarely watches Setsuna skate. The only times she got excited about skating is when Setsuna go abroad. Then she forgot her birthday. And then there's the phone call that changed everything. Setsuna eventually noticed that Nana stopped paying attention at the neighbor's' kids when they grow up. There is a pattern here. Setsuna is sure that when Lambo hit a certain age, Nana will pull away from him too.
She need to think about Lambo and everything that entails. Lambo has no one. Maybe he still have relatives in Italy who are not as callous as his Boss, who is willing to take him in. But at the moment, it's just her and Nana. Her mother is not the most reliable person around. She could adopt him, but that will confuse the hell out of the boy. He need to be told, eventually, but now is not a good time. There are so many things to consider. A bigger space so Lambo can move in with her. More stable income to support the household. School for Lambo to enroll to when he's older. Adoption papers. There will be so much paperwork to look into. And lest not forget the public reaction. They will ask questions. Questions Setsuna don't know how to answer.
Can't forget about the mafia as well.
Setsuna don't even know where to begin.
Her life is turning to be like one of those shounen manga the boys in the club owned. Secret organisations, legendary lineage, magical attacks, improbable weapons, shapeshifting animals… What's next? Love interests that only serves as the protagonist's motivation and nothing else?
...Great, now she's describing her mother.
Worse of all, all these mafia bullshit is dragging her feelings toward Iemitsu to the surface. It took Setsuna a long time to be make peace with it, that she is not exactly on top of her parents' priority list. She was confused and scared. Her life until then felt like a lie. Nana isn't helping either. Every time Setsuna press the issue, her mother always give her the same answer. That Iemitsu is a globe trotting, man of dirt who occasionally manage traffic. Whenever Setsuna say something that put Iemitsu in a negative light, Nana would scold her and pinch her. Setsuna hated her for a time.
Coach Maeda and Masumi-sensei were the ones who talked her out of it. That the blame rest on Iemitsu. Nana is not well and Iemitsu took advantage of that. They had a brief discussion if Nana is actually aware of how wrong the situation is but don't want to admit it to herself. Upon further observation, they concluded that the answer is no, Nana genuinely believe that her life is good and Iemitsu is an honest man. Setsuna eventually gave up to convince Nana to think otherwise.
She confided the matter to Kyouko and Hana. They are her dearest best friends after all. Hana theorised that Nana is his mistress. It makes sense. The absence in their lives, the amount of money that steadily flow in every month to support them, the lack of information in general. Kyouko pointed out that her life is eerily similar to the plot of Madama Butterfly. A foreign man who toyed with a Japanese woman's feelings and left her behind for years. When he returned, he brought in tow his new wife, with the intention to take away the child resulted from his earlier union.
That is what's happening here. Iemitsu's true wife is Vongola. Nana is his mistress. A little plaything who martyred herself for his love. Eighteen years old Nana, just graduated high school and work as a waitress to save money for college when a blonde man swept her off her feet. Twenty year old Nana, all alone in her home with her newborn daughter because Iemitsu need to get back to work as soon as possible. Twenty five years old Nana, smiling at the mess her husband left for her to clean and laughed at her crying daughter. And now Iemitsu is back (in a figure of speech), intending to take her to be with his true family, the mafia. To take away one last thing Nana has, even if she take it for granted.
Despite everything Nana had done to her (and didn't), Setsuna swear she is not going it leave her behind like Iemitsu did. That's why she chose to stay in Namimori, even though that means she have to give up going to college elsewhere.
Setsuna never had a choice when it comes to her family.
Except this is not Madama Butterfly. This is her life. Setsuna will be the one making her own choices. Either taking those who matter with her and run, like in the original novel, or to escape via death, like the commonly known opera. Setsuna has no intention to die of course.
Or she can take the third option. To stand her ground and fight back. Win her freedom. Tell Iemitsu where he can stick it. Give the mafia the middle finger.
But she need to do this carefully. The mafia is the opponent she is up against with. She need to strategize. To get stronger. To be shrewd.
She need Reborn.
Reborn is her best chance. To survive. To come out on top. He is bound to stay here, to help her. He gave her his word. Setsuna will hold onto that. Reborn is an asshole, whose hand helped to orchestrate everything. But he has the guts to tell her in person, unlike Iemitsu.
That makes him a far better man than Iemitsu will ever be.
And that is enough for Setsuna.
For now.
Setsuna is in a better mood than yesterday, Reborn noted. It might have something to do with having a peaceful day so far, and seeing Lambo is doing all right at Nana's. She worked extra hard today to make up for the lost practice time from yesterday. Practice has ended. The three of them, Reborn, Setsuna and Coach Maeda, are in Coach Maeda's car. They are going to pay Hibari Kyouya a visit. They are going to tell him about the mafia.
This speed up the process. It might complicate things even more, but hey, they will still have the same result.
As usual, Setsuna reported everything to Masumi-sensei and best friends. Each and every one of them are horrified for Lambo. Coach Maeda was the one who decided to hold the meeting this evening, right after practice hours. Hibari readily agreed.
Like the Maeda residence, Hibari Kyouya's home is a traditional Japanese house. Coach Maeda parked the car at the front yard. They are welcomed by a male servant, who proceed to lead them inside. The servants didn't blink at the sight of Reborn. Of course they won't. They know Fon after all.
A teenager with pompadour hairstyle waits for them right outside of the inner room. According to Reborn's intel, he is Kusakabe Tetsuya, Hibari's lieutenant. Kusakabe nodded at the three of them. "Maeda-jiisama," He greets Coach Maeda first. "Sawada-san," He nodded to Setsuna, who returned his nod. His eyes fell upon Reborn. "And you must be the tutor."
"Ciaossu," Reborn greets him.
"Kyouya-san is right behind this door," Kusakabe told them. "He's been waiting for you all."
"We shall not keep him wait any longer then," said Coach Maeda.
Kusakabe nodded and slide open the door for them.
Hibari is sitting on the tatami floor, still dressed in his gakuran uniform. His grey eyes shine with interest when he saw Reborn. The Sun Arcobaleno had heard from his Storm counterpart that Hibari was a difficult child (still is). He don't respect any adults except for his parents, grandparents and Fon.
"Good evening, cousin," Coach Maeda greet the boy.
"Maeda."
That's right. Maeda Kazuki and Hibari Kyouya are related.
Kazuki's mother is the sister of Kyouya's paternal great grandfather, making them first cousins twice removed. His family, Maeda clan, have served the Hibaris alongside Kusakabe clan for centuries. In feudal times, the Hibari family is the nobility who rule over the area that is now known as Namimori. Maeda and Kusakabe are their vassals. They would intermarry every few generations, a tradition they still carry over to present day. When the samurai system is abolished and the old nobility could no longer live off land taxes, the three families worked together to survive. They are pretty much responsible for the development of infrastructure in Namimori. All public schools in Namimori were built by Hibari family. The Maeda ice rink was built by Maeda family and later on it was Maeda Kazuki who refurbished it.
(It was Setsuna who brought it back to life, but that is a story for another time.)
The three guests sit down. A servant brought in hot tea and snacks. After they took a sip of their tea, Hibari looked at them expectantly. Coach Maeda open his mouth and words start pouring out.
Hibari's interest grew by the minute. By the time they get to Dying Will Flame, the teenager is smirking. Only the blind would not notice the excitement in his eyes when Reborn show him his Sun flame.
"So more herbivores will be coming to Namimori," Hibari concluded. "Good. I was getting bored with the ones around these parts. My fangs will get dull." A bloodthirsty smirk spread on his face. None of the adults speak out against that. The teenager wouldn't listen to them. "You must be as strong as Fon. Fight me."
"In due time," Reborn told him, turning off his Sun Flame. "My first priority is to teach Setsuna here."
Hibari turn his attention to Setsuna.
"Kyouya," Maeda warned him.
"Hm."
Sawada Setsuna and the rest of the skaters in Namimori FS club are part of Maeda's bevy. If Hibari come to them in threatening manner, Maeda will defend them. Aggressively. Exactly like swans would. Swans count as herbivores but they are territorial. Hibari may not have a high opinion about herbivores in general, but he respect those that fight back. Maeda is not as strong enough to give Hibari a decent challenge but the old man trouble him enough if the stakes are high. Setsuna is a duck and sometimes a swan. He does have soft spot for birds and small animals.
"More mafia are coming to town. I don't know who and when-" ("Yeah right," Setsuna muttered under her breath.) but they will here for Setsuna. If you stay near her, you will encounter them faster," Reborn said.
Hibari smirked once again.
"Reborn wanted you to become a candidate. To be my Guardian," Setsuna told him. "He is trying to recruit others… Most of them teenagers. Iemitsu already sent a kid."
"The cow child?"
"Yes," Setsuna frowned. "So you understand why I'm unhappy with all of these. That is why… I would like to invite you to another meeting at the end of this week." All three males turn to look at her. Reborn haven't hear any of this before. She turned to Reborn. "Reborn, you have gone behind my back who knows how many times. You tried to recruit candidates without consulting me, the one who will be affected the most. All of your picks are underage. I bet you have no intention to tell Coach Maeda till the last minute that you want Nagi-chan to be my Guardian."
"What," Coach Maeda straightened up.
"I might have bonded with all of the kids, but that doesn't mean they are the right fit for me and vice versa. What was it you say about Guardians? They stabilise and strengthen each other. So that means they got each other backs. To be supportive to each other. That is nice indeed… And it goes both ways. A Boss is supposed to take care of their comrades.
But I can't with my good conscience have kids laying down their lives for me. You lived with me for almost a month now, Reborn. Do you honestly think I would let that happen? Why are you so hasty? Why couldn't you let me pick my own Guardians? Why don't you trust me? Nope, don't answer that. Of course, the big boy mafia knows best. What would a civilian knows about the underbelly anyways? You will keep on lying, omitting the truth and manipulate. That's what you do. You can lie to me all you want, but I won't lie to the kids. I will to tell them the truth. From my own mouth. They need to know what they're up against. We owe them that much."
"What if they decide to stay?" Reborn asked her back.
"I will reject them," Setsuna answered without hesitation. "This whole Guardian issue will set up an unbalanced relationship between the kids and I. Yes, I will support the kids but are we in an equal standing ground?"
"It might work if you are willing to try."
"You said might. What if it didn't work out? What if one of them want to get away?" Here, Setsuna look at Hibari. She looked back at Reborn. "You still haven't told me more about the Guardian system. How will it affect the group if it failed? Can one even break free? No, I am not willing to take that risk. I won't play with their lives like that. I don't want them to jeopardise their future for my sake. This is my way of showing how I care." The figure skater turn to her coach. "Is it okay if we hold the meeting at your place?" Coach Maeda nodded. He is glaring at Reborn. She turn her attention to Hibari. "Hibari-kun…?"
"I'm not staying in the same room as the herbivores," The teenager said cooly. He is curious with the other candidates. If the baby is the one who picked them, they must be worth something. The cow child though. He is far too young. And too skinny. Hibari can tell that much when he picked him up the other day. The cow child has been adopted by the Duck. He is in good hands.
"Deal," Setsuna nodded. "We'll contact you later."
His student is not amused. Reborn gathered that from the start. Iemitsu decided to drag her into this mess and shoved Reborn at her. Setsuna agreed to go along for the most part until Lambo. The child is the last straw for her. It won't take long before she eventually press for more answers from him. Why do he insist on teenagers and kids? Why not people her own age?
The Sun Arcobaleno rather to answer those questions after he teach her Dying Will Flame. Once she is Unlocked, it will be easier for her to Harmonize. He was hoping she would do it before she realised what's happening. That way, when she does start questioning him, it would be too late. It is possible to break a Bond but Setsuna doesn't have it in her to do it. Doing so will hurt her Guardians. Her Hyper Intuition will be able to pick up his half truths and Reborn must tell her about the First Generation.
That's why the Ninth insisted on having the kids as her Guardians, because they all resemble the First Generation. He decided that after Reborn sent him a picture of Setsuna (not when she's skating). Her resemblance with Primo is not noticeable until you take a closer look… But it's enough. And then there's Gokudera and his uncanny resemblance to G.
They will be like the second coming.
Xanxus' own resemblance to Secondo is enough to throw the mafia to a loop. Imagine what it will be like when they see Setsuna and the boys? The intimidation effect alone...
Reborn can foresee problems in the future. Federico is yet to have a complete Guardian set. They are pressuring him as well. Vongola is desperate to protect their status quo. The Ninth is getting weaker, two candidates are already dead, the other surviving son is disinherited despite his competence. And then there's Iemitsu. The Vongola will start pressuring Setsuna as well. This is the mafia. They will have no problem to drug her and throw her to a sham of a marriage to secure their power. And his student knows it.
(It's unlikely to happen but Reborn won't discard the possibility of some idiots got it into their heads to make Setsuna Decima instead of Federico.)
Reborn knows that if she wanted to, his current student can destroy Vongola. With her Twitter. Her followers is still lesser in number compared to, say, Britney Spears', but Reborn didn't live this long without knowing that sometimes… Sometimes it was the tiniest, overlooked detail that can foil everything.
One tweet can expose Vongola.
The mafia won't immediately catch on, because they don't put much focus on social media more than they do to, say, online gambling.
(Reborn is going to need popcorn ready at hand when that happen.)
Setsuna made it clear that she will not tolerate any of it. That's why she insisted on holding a meeting with the Guardian candidates. His student is trying gain control of the situation. To break out from the flow Reborn created.
Told you adults are harder to manage compared to children and teenagers.
Something's about to happen.
Gokudera is equal parts nervous and excited. Setsuna-hime told him to come by to a place after school. She gave him the address yesterday. This is important. Gokudera have a feeling this related to Setsuna-hime's declaration the other night. He had always thought she was just shook from all the revelations. About her father, Vongola, her candidacy. But that isn't the case.
Setsuna-hime is pissed.
At first, he didn't understand why she is so against joining the Vongola. Then he remember that she was brought up as a civilian. She has build a life for herself. His Boss is currently on top of her game. Everything is looking great. And then the World's Greatest Hitman showed up at her doorstep, telling her that she is second to inherit Italy's biggest Famiglia. To top it off, her father is so disconnected with his own daughter that he forgot her age.
It's different. Gokudera knows that. But the secrecy is the dealbreaker. Gokudera left home after he learned the truth about his biological mother. He is beyond angry at his father and everyone. How long will his father keep Lavinia a secret from him? When he is enrolled to mafia school? After graduation? Or maybe never? Everyone in that castle knows the truth. They all played along with the stupid charade. His life felt like a lie. That's why he ran away. To get away from those people. To figure out who he is.
Imagine how Setsuna-hime must feel.
Maybe she will talk about it in detail with him in the future. Gokudera is not sure what to say to her, or if Setsuna-hime even want to be comforted. But he will be there to support her.
The address brought him to the part of Namimori he never been to. Gokudera found himself standing in front of a traditional Japanese home. The plate 'Maeda' is hung on the front. Shit, this is Coach Maeda's house? Why is Setsuna-hime wanting him to come here?
"Gokudera? I didn't expect to see you here!"
Gokudera flinched at the cheerful voice. He know the owner of that voice. Reluctantly, he turn around.
Yamamoto smiled at the scowling teen. From the moment he stepped into the classroom, Gokudera Hayato instantly grab the girls' attention. He kept to himself all the time, not particularly interested in anyone. His bad boy attitude seems to only cause the girls in class to fawn over him more. Gokudera easily snatch first place in academics, earning full marks on every single tests despite not paying attention in class. It would be a lie if Yamamoto say he's not curious with his new classmate.
Gokudera is still scowling at him. "What are you doing here?"
"Setsuna-nee told me to come here after school," Yamamoto told him. He noted the change on Gokudera's face and body language when he mention her name.
"Setsuna-hime did?"
"Hime?" Yamamoto blinked at the title. Setsuna-nee is well known around these parts. She is their local heroine. But he never hear anyone refer her as 'princess' in real life as opposed to the internet. "You know Setsuna-nee?"
Gokudera didn't answer. He just glared at him.
"Ahaha…," Yamamoto scratched his chin nervously. He looked at the sign. "This is Coach Maeda's home? I wonder why Setsuna-nee told us to come here." Still no response from Gokudera. Yamamoto rummaged his bag and pull out a small carton of milk. "You should drink some milk. Lack of calcium usually make someone easily frustrated." He offered it to him.
That does it. Gokudera gritted his teeth, reaching out for his pocket. He paused. He told himself that he's going to be good, didn't he? So he can be near his Boss? If he kill this idiot in front of Coach Maeda's house… Gokudera lowered his hand. "Don't act so chummy with me," He spat. The baseball player laugh nervously.
"Gokudera-san?"
Both boys turn around to see Nagi standing not far from them. Gokudera's features softened at the sight of her. "Kudou, were you told to come here too?"
Nagi nodded. She eyed Yamamoto warily.
Yamamoto stared at her for a moment before his eyes widened. "Oh hey! You're one of Maeda-san's skaters are you? I saw you on TV once. You came to our place a few times too."
Nagi nodded again. "Setsuna-senpai told me to come here after school…," She looked towards the house. "This is my first time coming to Coach's home." She hugged her school bag tighter.
"You too?" Yamamoto blinked. "Weird. Setsuna-nee told us the same thing. You don't think there will be more?"
'Hopefully not,' Gokudera thought wistfully. Nagi he can understand but what is Yamamoto to her?
But the universe decide at that moment to tell him the contrary. Gokudera winced when he hear an 'EXTREME' from the distance.
Sasagawa Ryohei is jogging towards them, punching the air as he did so. His eyes lit up at the sight of them. "Yamamoto!" He called the baseball player first.
Yamamoto smiled. "Senpai! Were you invited by Setsuna-nee too?"
"EXTREMELY!" Ryohei shouts, causing Gokudera to wince.
"Wow! Us too! We were told to come here after school!" Yamamoto grinned. "I wonder why?"
Nagi blinked at the newcomer, unsure what to think of him.
Gokudera about to yell at the other two boys when another voice come up behind him. "Herbivores who crowd will be bitten to death."
'Not another one,' Gokudera groaned internally.
They all turn around to see a black haired teenager carrying tonfas. Gokudera noticed Nagi and Yamamoto took a cautionary step back.
"Oooh! Hibari!" Ryohei did not show any trace of fear whatsoever. "Did Setsuna-nee tell you to come here as well!"
"The Duck did," Hibari acknowledged him.
'Duck? He actually call Setsuna-hime Duck?'
Hibari studied the herbivores in front of him. The girl is one of Maeda's so she is off limits. Yamamoto Takeshi from the baseball club. The loud herbivore Sasagawa Ryohei from the boxing club. And the newest student, Gokudera Hayato. A herbivore putting up the air of a carnivore.
So these are the other candidates?
Hibari turn around from the group and head inside. The teenagers looked at each other before follow him inside.
A servant come out from the house to welcome them. Hibari ignored him and get inside. The servant didn't seem to be too bothered about it. He lead the other teenagers inside. Nagi looked extremely nervous when they enter the house. They were led to what appears to the living room. Coach Maeda and Masumi-sensei are already there. There is also another woman around their age. She appears to be around Masumi-sensei's age. In contrast to Masumi-sensei who wear western clothes, this woman wear kimono. The three of them are seated on the couch.
"Ryohei-chan?" Masumi-sensei said in scandalised manner when she noticed Ryohei. "Even Ryohei-chan? That son of a-"
"Masumi-san," The woman in clad in kimono warned her.
Masumi-sensei hold her tongue. "My apologies, Nagako-san."
"SENSEI!" Ryohei beamed at the ballerina. "It's been EXTREMELY too long! You look EXTREMELY well!"
She smiled back at the boy. "You're right, Ryohei-chan. You're as energetic as well."
"Um…," Nagi looked back and forth between Masumi-sensei and Ryohei, looking lost.
Coach Maeda coughed. "I believe some introduction is in order. Why don't you all sit down first."
So they did. The teenagers sit on the same couch, opposite of Coach Maeda and Nagako. Nagi is seated between Gokudera and Yamamoto. Ryohei take the spot next to the baseball player. Masumi-sensei occupy one of the armchairs. Hibari is in the room next door.
"For those who don't know, this is my wife Nagako," He gestured to her.
Nagako smiled at the children. "I heard so much about you all in the last few days."
Gokudera can feel his face heating up from embarrassment. Coach Maeda's wife! That means he told her how he has behaved towards him.
"We've met before once, didn't we?" Yamamoto asked Nagako. "I accompanied my old man to the hospital to deliver sushi when Maeda-san was sick."
Nagako smiled. "Yes, we did. Your sushi has always been delicious. Our family always ordered some once in awhile. You've grown so much, Takeshi-chan."
When Coach Maeda was sick?
Oh!
Gokudera's eyes widened. It was around that time.
Coach Maeda continued his introduction. "From left to right, Gokudera Hayato, Kudou Nagi, Yamamoto Takeshi and Sasagawa Ryohei. In another room is Hibari Kyouya. This is Hajime Masumi. Setsuna's ballet instructor."
"And Ryohei's. Or I used to be that is," Masumi-sensei added. "He used to dance ballet until he was seven years old."
"That's when I take up boxing!"
"Setsuna-senpai mentioned you a few times," Nagi said. Ryohei's smile widen.
They start to talk about Ryohei's ballet days. Gokudera have no interest in them. The same servant from earlier return with refreshments for everyone. Gokudera's eyes scanned his surroundings. A potted plant at the corner of the room. A couple of paintings. Most of the frames hanging on the wall are photos. Next to him, Nagi suddenly gasp. She stood up abruptly from her seat. She made her way to one of the photos.
"Coach, is this Setsuna-senpai when she was younger?"
Gokudera's eyes widened. Setsuna-hime at the early days of her career?! He stood up and join Nagi. Indeed, it is a picture of a younger Setsuna-hime. The photo was taken in front of an ice rink. Her outfit seems to be inspired from Greek toga. Coach Maeda is standing next to her.
"Yes. That photo was taken at her first National Japan Junior. It was the year of 1998."
Gokudera almost squealed. Almost. Nagi, though, can't quite hold back hers. She pressed her hands on her mouth but everyone heard.
Yamamoto and Ryohei have gotten up to join Gokudera and Nagi. There are more pictures of Setsuna with Coach Maeda's family. When she is still in elementary school, middle school and high school. It's as if she is part of the Maeda family from the very beginning.
"Are these two your kids, Maeda-san?" Yamamoto pointed to the picture of a pair of twin boys.
Nagako smiled. "Yes, those are our boys. Susumu and Takumu. They already left home and have a family of their own."
"What about this one?" Ryohei pointed to an old picture. It is a picture of two men and a woman in ice skating outfits.
"Oh, that one? The one of the right is me. On the left is my senior Sato Nobuo-senpai. The woman is Okawa Kumiko-san. We were in Austria as Japan's representative for the Olympics. That was the 1964 Olympics, you see."
"Eeeeeh?!" The boys look away from the picture at the same time to look at Coach Maeda. Nagako and Masumi-sensei chuckled at their reaction. Nagi did not appear to be shocked. She already knew, of course.
Coach Maeda calmly sip his tea. "You heard that right, kids. I was in the Olympics."
Gokudera's respect for Coach Maeda rise to the roof. The Olympics! Setsuna-hime's coach was in the Olympics! Holy shit! He had show such disrespect towards him! Gokudera pressed his hands to his sides and give the old man a deep bow. "I humbly apologize for being so rude to you the other day!"
Coach Maeda simply looks at him.
The silver haired youth start to sweat under his gaze.
"Anata, you should say something," Nagako prompt her husband.
"The only reason I even let you step in my home is because Setsuna gave me her word that you'll behave. Don't think that this means you are allowed to come near the ice rink," He said coldly.
Gokudera winced. He did not expect for Coach Maeda to forgive him so easily but it still stung.
"Tou-san, are you bullying Gokudera-kun again?"
"Setsuna-nee!" Yamamoto and Ryohei said at the same time.
Setsuna is standing at the doorway, holding hands with a child with voluminous black hair. Reborn is also with her.
"Hime-sama," Gokudera smiled at the sight of her.
"Hello everyone. I'm sorry for our lateness. I have to pick up Lambo first." She gestured to the child.
"Hi! I'm Lambo!" The little boy waved at them. "My favourite food are grapes and juice! When I grow up, I will rule over the planet!"
Nagako smiled warmly at the young woman. "Setsuna-chan, it's been awhile."
"Nagako-baa-chan," Setsuna smiled back in kind.
Nagako looked at Reborn and her eyes turn sharp. "And you must be Reborn."
"Ciaossu," Reborn greet her. This woman is Maeda's wife. Already he can feel himself being assessed. Nagako doesn't feel like a Cloud… A Storm?
"Tsu-nee," Lambo tugged her hand. "I'm hungry."
"Already?" Setsuna raised an eyebrow. "We already had lunch, Lambo."
"Why don't I take the little one to the kitchen? I can whip up something fast," Nagako offered, getting up from her seat. Setsuna looked up to her and nodded. "Come on, dear." She offer her hand to Lambo. He looked at it for a moment before taking it. Nagako throw her husband a look before she and Lambo leave the room.
Setsuna take the spot Nagako occupied moments earlier. Reborn sit next to her. "Now that everyone is here, we can begin." She started. "First of all, I thank you all for gathering here on such short notice. It meant a lot to me."
"It's no problem at all, Setsuna-nee!" said Ryohei. "What do you want to talk about? Is it EXTREMELY important?"
"Yes," Setsuna answered. "What I about to tell you must not leave this room. It will sound outrageous but it is all true. Do you understand?" The teenagers show different degrees of tension, Gokudera most of all, but they all nodded. Setsuna looked at her teachers and they nodded. She take a deep breath.
Setsuna start her tale. Of how Reborn show up on her doorstep, bearing news that she is now a candidate to inherit an Italian mafia family. Of how her family's branch, though distant, is still connected to the Italian branch despite everything. Of Sawada Iemitsu who has been absent most of her life decided to bring his daughter into the mess. Reborn is here to train her so she will be able to survive the upcoming conflicts. Of how Gokudera and Lambo are sent to Japan to be her subordinates. The boys got really excited when Reborn show them his Sun Flame. They get even more fired up when Reborn told them the basics of the Guardian System. Even Nagi have a spark of excitement in her eyes.
"So all of us Harmonised with Setsuna-nee?" Yamamoto asked.
"Not quite. Setsuna has been Courting you without realizing it. Partial bond, yes. Fully Harmonisation, no. For true Harmonisation, both sides require their Flame to be Active."
"Then what are we waiting for?" Ryohei got up from his seat. "Let's Unlock this Flame thingy!"
"No."
All eyes turn to Setsuna.
"Setsuna-hime?" Gokudera looked at her in confusion. Isn't this a good thing? He still has issues with the other candidates (not Nagi) but they are going to Unlock their Flames. That's a good thing!
"The reason I told you all of this is so there will be no miscommunication in the near future. Reborn here has no qualms to manipulate everyone present here so things go accordance to his agenda. That includes making you all as my Guardians without any input on my part. Don't you see the problem here? We will be stuck with each other, carrying a role thrusted upon us without knowing what it really means." Setsuna closed her eyes. When she opened them, they are orange. The teenagers gasped. "I will not do that to you. You all have such bright future ahead of you. I won't let the mafia jeopardise your life."
"But Setsuna-nee… The other candidate is still around, right? You might not become Boss." Yamamoto try to reason with her. "And this Guardian System is not such a bad thing. It meant we're a team, right? I know a thing or two about being in a team. It won't be so bad! As long as we got each others' backs, we can survive anything!"
"This is not a shounen manga, Takeshi-kun," Setsuna said. "This is real life. This is the mafia. Magical flames doesn't guarantee that any of us will come out alive. Swinging your baseball bat won't solve anything. Not this one."
"But Reborn-san could teach us!" Gokudera also got up from his seat. "I have my dynamites! I can defend myself!"
Setsuna put up her hand, causing him to stop. "If you want to Unlock your Flames, I won't stop you. But I won't Harmonize with any of you."
Gokudera felt the air being knocked out from his lungs. Her words punched him in the gut. "W-What?"
"Harmonize is a two way thing. So even if you wish to Harmonize with me, I will not." Before Gokudera can interject, Setsuna beat him to it, "It's not the matter of being worthy or not, Gokudera-kun. You don't have to prove anything to me. I care about each and every one of you. That is why I won't Harmonize with any of you. You are still too young to understand what you're getting yourself into. You all are too young to settle down. It is my responsibility as an adult to make sure you don't stray off. I don't want you to sacrifice your lives and future for me. I don't want your lives to be toyed by the mafia's twisted system. I can't bear the thought of all of you in danger because of me."
"B-but-" Nagi's lips tremble.
"I don't hate any of you. In fact, it's the opposite," Setsuna looked at each of them. Gokudera's heartbroken expression, Yamamoto's oddly blank face, Ryohei's confused one and Nagi who looked like she about to cry. Wonder what Hibari is thinking? She knows he can hear them from the next room. "I am fighting for all of you. That is my way to show you I care. Consider this tough love."
More information about Coach Maeda~
And yes, Sato Nobuo is a real person. He is a ten time winner of Japan National Championship. He married figure skater Okawa Kumiko and they both worked as coaches after retirement. Nobuo's students include Shizuka Arakawa, Miki Ando, Mao Asada, Fumie Suguri and so on.
Think about it. In canon, each and every Guardian have issues. Tsuna, who is called Dame his entire life by his own mother and peers, manipulated by Reborn and Iemitsu. Every time he said he don't want to be Decimo, he is ignored by everyone else. He will turn around, don't worry! And look what happened in the TYL future. Gokudera, who grew up in the streets and has trust issues. He is ready to throw his life just so his idol's name is not besmirched. Yamamoto, who is ready to jump off the building when the one thing that makes him HIM no longer works. This sort of stuff didn't come out of nowhere. He has depression. I remember reading a fanfiction that state that Hibari checked symptoms of PTSD. Now, canon never got around about his private life but PTSD is not something to laugh about. Even if that is not the case, Hibari's attitude would not be tolerated in the real world. Lambo, five year old and already the butt monkey. He was physically abused by Reborn and Gokudera (and his fifteen years old self still get the same treatment) for laughs. Mukuro who was used as a guinea pig by his own Famiglia, driving him hellbent to destroy the mafia. Chrome aka Nagi, who was emotionally neglected all her live, cling onto the person who told her he need her. She gave up her body for Mukuro, along with her identity. You know what, Chrome's obsession is similar to Gokudera's. The only one most(ly) adjusted in the group is Ryohei. But he doesn't listen to others and constantly lies to his sister so he can keep fighting.
They are such a dysfunctional group. Tsuna run himself ragged to manage all of them. And he cracked in TYL. So many manipulations, so many illogical decisions.
Setsuna is different from Canon!Tsuna. She realised how bad it is to Harmonize with people she can't bring herself to fully trust/rely on. And all of them are still underage. This whole situation is wrong. And that is why she is fighting so hard. To stop the situation from deescalate even further.
This fan fiction is also posted in AO3
Thank you for reading
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NO FLAME
