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 9: Poison Scorpion
Things calmed down considerably after the kids accept that they have nil chance to Harmonize with her. Setsuna is so proud for all of them for being understanding, especially Gokudera. He still give her the puppy eyes but otherwise didn't say any word about being a Guardian.
Now that the Guardians issue is settled, she can focus on figure skating. Coach Maeda gave her the 'OK' to go with 'Dream' for her theme this season. Masumi-sensei has been notified that her studio will be needed for the next few months. Setsuna need to choreograph a couple routines for the exhibitions as well. She need to select the songs. And the costumes preparation. The costumes are important.
It's July already. Things are going to get busy around here. There will be a local novice competition in a few weeks. Nagi and the others will compete with figure skaters from the neighbouring cities. Junior Grand Prix will start in August. Examination Week will be held at the end of the month. Not to mention all the events scheduled for her to participate.
No big deal. Noooooo big deal. She got this. Yup.
"Setsuna, are you paying attention?"
She looked at Reborn. He is wearing a hakama instead of his usual black suit. Must be because they are in a dojo right now. Tou-san allowed them to borrow his family's dojo for Flame training. Their original plan is to train in the mountains but everyone vetoed Reborn. The dojo is a much better choice. More private, Tou-san or Nagako-baasan can keep an eye on them and the servants won't leak any information.
"I am now," said Setsuna.
Nagako-baasan is watching them from the sidelines. Tou-san wanted to watch but he need to train the little ones for the upcoming competition. Setsuna is dressed in orange sports tank top and grey jogging pants. A stark contrast to what Nagako-baasan and Reborn are wearing right now.
Leon transformed to a gun. Setsuna twist her body slightly to avoid the bullet.
"You need to focus," Reborn said as Leon return to his original shape. "Training start now."
Setsuna wanted to make a smart ass comment at that but decide not to.
"Hyper Intuition is directly linked to Dying Will Flames," Reborn started. "Since you've been using Hyper Intuition, it means you're a Dormant. What we're going to do today is to Fully Unlock it. Every time you use Hyper Intuition, your Flame is Activated. Those sensation you felt, I want you to focus on that and bring it forward. To your palm or fingertips." He lit his Sun Flame on his palm. "It all comes down to resolve."
Resolve, huh?
Setsuna thought about figure skating. No, it doesn't feel right. She need to separate mafia and figure skating. What about the other times she felt that heat?
Stopped a pickpocket from stealing Nana's wallet when they're out buying groceries. She was 8 years old.
Getting out of the way from an upcoming ball when they play dodgeball in 4th grade.
Grabbing Kyoko-chan when they about to cross the street. An overworked driver fell asleep while on the wheel and didn't notice the red light. That was in 6th grade.
Somehow got caught in a school gang war in Osaka during National Japan Junior 1999. Setsuna managed to slip away but not before kicking someone on the groin.
Going back to the classroom the very moment she saw the mean girls of Namimori High waiting for her in the empty hallway. They wanted to gang up on her and cut her face.
Rescuing Hana-chan just in the nick in time from said mean girls.
That time when the strange man followed her around and offered to be her sugar daddy.
Prevented her fellow athletes from getting roofied when they go clubbing last year during the Olympics.
Saving a kid member of Namimori FS Club from a paparazzi.
There were more occasions when she used Hyper Intuition but those incidents stood out the most. It activated whenever she or someone else in danger. To protect herself and others.
Protect
Setsuna thought of the people she hold dear. Tou-san, her best friends, Masumi-sensei, Nana, the , Masumi-sensei, her best friends, Nana, the kids, the members of Namimori FS Club. She will do anything to protect them. And… They are in danger. From the mafia. Setsuna is under no illusion that Vongola or rival Famiglia will try to hurt them first to get her. She can't protect them. Not with her current self. Setsuna need to get stronger. She need to protect them.
There. The warmth.
Reborn said to bring it forward. To the surface? Like how he summon his Flame on his hand. So… Like cupping water with your hands then? Feel the flow. Guide the current. Don't fight the surge. Hold onto the warmth. She can do this.
She think of what it is she's protecting. Tou-san giving her silent encouragement from the sideline. Masumi-sensei giving her input when she choreograph her programs. Kyouko-chan and Hana-chan cheering and teasing her. Nana's joy when she welcome Setsuna and Reborn for their Sunday brunch. The look on Gokudera's face when they cook together. Meeting Ryohei in the morning. Going to TakeSushi. Playing with Lambo. Greeting Hibari when he's on patrol. Having fun with Nagi and the rest of the kids in the club.
She want to skate. To win competitions. To open a path for her kouhais. She want to graduate. To get new place for herself and Lambo. Help Tou-san at the club. Choreograph more programs. Take part in shows. To meet someone and fall in love. Marry them. Start a family. Teach her kids skating. Setsuna is so far from done.
They are what she's fighting for. The future. This happiness. This is the lives they deserve. No chance in hell Setsuna is going to let Iemitsu and the mafia ruin everything.
"Setsuna," Reborn called her.
Setsuna slowly open her eyes (when did she close them?). She can feel Nagako-baasan's gaze on her. Reborn is staring at her as well. Setsuna look down.
Bright orange flame flickering on her fingertips.
This is Dying Will Flame.
The one thing that Tou-san never get involved with is choreography. Her father figure can do the ballet and Japanese traditional dances, but female movements is beyond his understanding. He get the technical parts, but can only give little to none help. What makes it harder is that Tou-san only has sons. He never teach anyone anything outside of martial arts or traditional Japanese arts either. To a little girl no less. When he first started coaching her, Tou-san is so out of his depths it's not even funny. They don't have any money to hire a choreographer so Setsuna take it upon herself to choreographs her own programs. Masumi-sensei, her best friends and other instructors are always ready to help her so it's not like Setsuna is completely in the dark.
The pre ballet class is more than enough warm up for her. After saying goodbye to her students, Setsuna go to the studio on the topmost floor. It is usually reserved for the senior students and her. She dance to her song selections, feeling them out, try to see which one fits the theme and her feelings the best. No routines are completely useless. She can pick a couple and polish them for the exhibitions. Last year she made a tribute to Michelle Kwan on one of her exhibition programs. She should do one for Surya Bonaly next. The French now American skater won't be mad if she try to do a backflip right? And land on one foot? Right? It will give Tou-san a heart attack if she try to pull that off.
Backflip jump can wait. The program won't finish by itself. How should she approach this? Ballet? Hip hop-y? A little dash of swing? Something fun. Something exciting. No, no. She's getting ahead of herself.
First, she must dissect the theme.
Setsuna sit down on the floor. A notebook on her lap and a pen in her right hand. She wrote 'DREAM' on top of the paper and underlined it twice. How should she approach this? One theme. Two routines. Setsuna pull out a piece of paper from her bag. It's her childhood dream homework. She became a figure skater. She won gold in the Olympics.
Setsuna write down 'Childhood' and 'Adulthood' below 'DREAM'.
Childhood. Innocence. Imagination. Safe. Indecisive. Playful. Stories. Heroes. Princesses. Ignorance. Bliss.
Adulthood. Hardship. Disillusionment. Reality. Confusion. Bills. Complicated. Sex. Melancholy. Wishful. Survival.
...Adulthood is really bleak, huh? The realities one discover when they turn to an adult is what made them wish they can be a child again. Meanwhile, a child wish they can grow up fast so they will be free to do whatever they want. Funny how that works.
Setsuna stared at the page for a moment before writing down a word.
Why?
Because dreams are the thing that keep us going.
It's what drive the little girls here to train so they can become the ballerinas they admire so much. It's the reason why Lambo is readily accept his mission. The thing people work their whole lives for. It's what shaped her to become the person she is now.
But what happened when one fail to realise their dream?
Figure skating is a short lived career. One grave injuries can give you long term setbacks or destroy you irreparably. The same thing happen in all kinds of sports. People who spent their entire lives building their physique, polishing their skills, sacrificing time and resources… Their dreams are deemed impossible once they hit that wall that is so hard to tear down. Sometimes they don't even have a choice but to give up. It's a cruel, cruel world.
But what if they refuse to let go?
Her Tou-san retired after the Olympics to finish his education and get married. He took over the family business. He became the head of the Maeda clan. He raised two beautiful boys with his loving wife. He is a respected member of the community. Maeda Kazuki had it good.
Yet he took an early retirement to become a coach for a little nobody.
Tou-san's decision shocked everyone. His family, his employees, his peers. Many people blamed her for his decision. What's so special about Sawada Setsuna?
But Setsuna and his family knows. Maeda Kazuki misses the ice. Figure skating to him is like ballet to Kyouko-chan. Boxing to Ryohei-kun. He can never erase it. He can't let go of it.
That's why he decided to become her coach. Because she is his ticket to return to the world of competitive skating... And because he saw something in her, that made him want to reach out and help her realise it.
Maeda Kazuki once lived his dream… And he don't want to stop.
Setsuna understand that feeling. Once upon of time, she resented him for using her… But they have resolved that particular bout. Whatever his original motivations were, Tou-san never lose faith in her. He never left her. He share her dreams.
Life is not that simple of course. Dreams are not like books, something you can put down and finish reading later. Dreams are complex and so intrinsic to humans. One day, these kids must swallow that bitter pill of realisation that life is not at all like fairytales and cartoons. The adults look back at the memories of their childhood dreams with bittersweet feeling. But still they dream and dream and dream, even if ultimately nothing come out of it.
Adventure. Journey. Life. Friends. Family. Discovery. Truths. Lies. Pain. Euphoria. Rest. Leap. Trust. Cry. Smile. Sad. Happy. Weak. Strong. Angry. Relief.
So many feelings. So many contradictions. So obvious. The emotions are swirling inside her.
Setsuna take a deep breath.
"This one is for the dreamers. For those who just started. For those who made it. For those who don't know if they can go on. For those whose hearts are broken because they have to put down their dreams. For those who have nothing left but dreams. This one is for you."
The sun shine so brightly today. Truly, this is the sign that summer is here. Setsuna wipe her forehead. At least the ice rink will be cool and nice. She still need to be careful and stay hydrated. Oh, and protect her skin too. Does she still have enough sunblock and moisturiser? Hopefully Gokudera and Lambo didn't get heatstroke. Summer in Japan is different from summer in Italy. This is their first summer in Japan! So many things to teach and show them! Cicadas, ghost stories, summer festival… Those two boys are adjusting quite well. She should give them a treat. Cook them their favourite food? A trip to the movies?
Ring ring
Setsuna turn around. Not far from behind her is a woman riding a mommy bike… With boots? And helmet and goggles? The woman remove her helmet. She has reddish brown hair and green eyes. She is really pretty. And her Hyper Intuition go haywire.
Dangerdangerdanger
She need to get away from this woman. NOW.
"Please have it," She throw her something before riding off. Setsuna made no move to catch it. It was a canned soda. It fell to the pavement and its content spilling everywhere. The liquid is a nasty purple. Something tells her it's not a grape flavoured soda. Purple fumes rise up to the air. Setsuna backed away. A bird flew overhead and got caught in the fumes.
Thud
"Oh my God! Its dead!" Setsuna gasped in shock. To her growing horror, the soda melt the pavement.
That woman tried to kill her.
Mafia. That woman is in the mafia. How else would a person concoct a poison like this? If it's the mafia then…
Reborn. Fucking Reborn.
Is that woman another Guardian Candidate? Did he set her up like how he set Gokudera up? Or is she an assassin sent by Vongola's enemy?
Setsuna cradled the bird's dead body and wrapped it in a towel. She will be late for practice but Tou-san will understand once she tell him the reason.
A while later, Setsuna finished bury the little bird at a park near her apartment. When she returned to her apartment, Reborn is lounging on the couch drinking ice coffee.
"There's a mafiosi in town, did you know?" Setsuna keep her tone calm. "I ran to her earlier."
"I know. My contacts informed me."
"Your contacts- Nevermind. Did you told her to come here?"
"That mafiosi is Bianchi. We worked together before. She is a freelancer so she is not affiliated to any particular group. Her special skill is to poison her targets with her cookings. They call her the Poison Scorpion," Reborn told her.
"Okay… Why is she here?" Setsuna fold her arms.
"I didn't tell her to come here. She must have tracked me down to Namimori."
"Why would she do that?"
"It must be because Bianchi loves me."
All sorts of alarm is blaring in her head. "...What?"
"Bianchi and I went out for a brief period of time. She was fourth lover," Reborn hold up four fingers to drive his point home.
"Lover-" Reborn is an adult man despite his baby form. And that woman…" And how old is this Bianchi?"
"She's seventeen."
Setsuna's eyes widened. "Seventeen?! She's underage! And you dated her-"
Morals have little importance in the mafia. But to knowingly date a seventeen year old girl… Reborn is a predator.
She take a step back away from him. "...Was… So you two broke up?"
Reborn doesn't seem all that concerned. "Yes, we did. We first met when we took the same job. Mixing romance and work is not exactly a good thing, especially in our line of work, so after we run a few hits, I told Bianchi it's best for us to part ways."
"...Did she take it well?"
"She did."
"Are you sure about that? It took some dedication for her to track you down and come here… And why would she target me?"
Reborn didn't say anything.
Setsuna's jaw dropped. "Holy shit, she's a stalker. Your stalker. And I'm in the way." This is a nightmare. "Hell no! I don't want to get dragged in your drama! She's your ex, Reborn. You fix this."
"Setsuna, all humans are fated to die one day," Reborn said sagely while sipping his iced coffee.
"Fuck no! This is your mess! Not mine or Vongola's! Yours! Like hell I'm going to be the one to clean it up! You go meet her right now and explain things to her! This is on you!" She jab a finger at him.
"Setsuna-"
"Oh no, you don't. You don't get to turn it to me or another mafia lesson. I am staying out of this one. I'm out of here," She grab her duffle bag and walk out the door.
"Reborn has a what now? Coach Maeda said in disbelief.
"An ex. I couldn't believe it either," Setsuna said grimly.
The two of them are currently in Coach Maeda's office. Everyone else are either at the rink or training room. Nagi shot her a look of concern when she show up late. Her junior is a smart girl. She must have realised that it's mafia related.
"Are you sure she's not here under Reborn's order?" He asked her.
"He told me no. My instinct told me that he's not lying. I don't know if he's going to do anything about her though," Setsuna sighed in annoyance. "Bianchi is seventeen."
Her Tou-san's face darkens. He has views on adults who take advantage of children and teenagers. "I will notify both Nagako, Masumi-san and Kyouya about this." Setsuna nodded. That is a right decision to make. "I want you to stay at our place until Reborn settle this lovers' quarrel of his."
"Okay," Setsuna see no reason to argue. That and she don't want to deal with Reborn's stalker all by herself.
"Good. Now go join the others."
Setsuna saluted him and left the office.
The little ones are getting fired up as the date of the novice competition draws near. The older kids are able to tone down their excitement but they are excited nonetheless. There are talks to send a couple of kids for the Santa Claus Cup in December. But Coach Maeda won't be able to accompany them in favor of Setsuna. They are thinking Golden Bear of Zagreb, an annual competition held in Croatia. There are also the Bavarian Open next year, Dragon Trophy and Triglev Trophy in Slovenia, Helena Pajovic Cup in Serbia and many more. It cost a lot of money but Japan is pushing its skaters to compete abroad. She herself competed in Nebelhorn Trophy last year in Germany. It's a good thing that they have more people now. Assistant coaches, trainers and choreographers. The assistant coaches can chaperone the kids abroad.
Going abroad, to Europe specifically, might not be a good idea for her at the moment. But Setsuna has been in the international light for years and Vongola had not a single clue. She can handle it. And it's not like she need their permission.
She always told Nana whenever she about to compete abroad. Her mother would smile and wish her safe travels and tease her to bring back gifts. Setsuna checked if her mother told Iemitsu on the phone. She didn't. A part of her wonder if Nana would notice if she leave the house for days without telling her. But she couldn't do it. It will be cruel… And Setsuna don't know if she can handle it if Nana still don't notice.
Setsuna glide her way to the exit. She's feeling thirsty. The assistants always made sure to prepare water and barley tea for the members. She put on the blade covers before making her way towards the table.
Instead she found Bianchi hiding underneath the table.
"You!"
Having been caught, Bianchi fled.
"Don't drink anything!" Setsuna told the assistant coaches before she pursue the girl. It's stupid, chasing after someone who tried to kill you. But this bitch is at the rink, near the kids, endangering everyone. Tou-san must be thinking the same, for he is running after her. He ran past her, since he has longer legs and Setsuna is still wearing her skates.
By the time Setsuna reach outside, she saw Bianchi's unique hair colour disappear around the corner and Coach Maeda crouching over someone on the ground. Did Bianchi hurt a passerby? That silver hair is familiar…
Setsuna's eyes widened. "Gokudera-kun!"
When Gokudera come about, he found Setsuna-hime looking over him. She looked so stressed.
"Gokudera-kun!" She smiled in relief.
That was when he noticed something cool and damp on his forehead. When he reach for it, it feel soft and wet. Oh, a towel. "How- How long I was out?"
"About twenty minutes or so," Setsuna answered as he sit up. Gokudera look at his surroundings. It appears they are in a clinic of some sort. "How are you feeling, Gokudera-kun?"
"...My stomach hurts."
"Would you like some painkillers?"
"That would be nice. Thank you."
Setsuna went to check the drawers. She return to his side with the promised painkillers and a glass of water. Gokudera smiled at her gratefully.
"Do you remember what happened?" Setsuna asked after Gokudera took the pills. "Tou-san said you just crumpled when you come face to face with that girl."
He winced. Gokudera had no idea his sister is in town. "Where is Maeda-san right now?"
"He is talking with the security at the moment. The other members were sent home. Nagi-chan is still here though. She is waiting outside. She's worried about you. Should I call her in?"
Kudou waited for him? That's nice of her. "Y-yes, please."
Setsuna nodded and went to get Kudou. The girl looked extremely anxious when they come in.
"Gokudera-san, are you okay?" She stand next to his bedside, on the opposite of Setsuna-hime.
"I took the painkillers already. They should kick in any minute now."
"Are you sure you're not hurting elsewhere? You were in a lot of pain when we brought you in," Setsuna-hime look at him in concern. "Did you see what that woman did to you?"
"N-no…"
"But you collapsed. Tou-san saw it clearly," Setsuna-hime frowned. "Why are you here?"
"That's what I like to know too," said a deep masculine voice.
They all turn around to see Coach Maeda standing at the entrance. He looked pissed.
Gokudera swallowed. "Kudou texted me. She told me that Setsuna-hime was late for practice. When she showed up, she looked like she is troubled by the mafia again. So I came here as soon as I could…"
Coach Maeda looked at Kudou who blushed in embarrassment. "Nagi, we'll talk about this later. Boy, what did that girl do to you? We know she's a poison user. Setsuna encountered her earlier today. She spiked the drinks at the rink. It's a good thing Setsuna caught her in the act. Otherwise we will have to prepare tiny coffins."
Gokudera winced. Coach Maeda's tone is calm but you can tell that he is pissed. His sister have made a serious mistake to strike this place. "It's a long story."
"We're all ears."
And the words just came tumbling out. He told them about his childhood. How they discover his sister's ability, his father hold countless concerts to show him off, how Gokudera ran away from home. When he finished his tale, Setsuna-hime and Kudou looked at him horrified while Coach Maeda narrowed his eyes.
"Let me get this straight," Setsuna-hime pressed her hands together. "Your sister have the ability to make all her cooking poisonous. Your father ordered you to eat them, knowing that it makes you sick, so you can perform according to the weird standards of his guests. And it continued until you're eight. By then you left your home and never look back." Gokudera nodded. "And your sister basically made you her guinea pig and is happy to see you in pain? And your father thought you liked her cooking?" Gokudera nodded once again. Setsuna take a deep breath. "Do you have any idea to get her out of this town?"
Gokudera thought for a moment. "Before Reborn, my sister was obsessed with this man. He died some time ago. But she's still hung up over him. If we can find a guy who looks like her former boyfriend, my sister chase him to the corner of the world."
Setsuna-hime looked thoughtful. "Bianchi's ex, how did he die?"
"...I heard it was food poisoning."
"...Was it her by any chance? Poison Cooking?"
"...most likely..."
Setsuna-hime looked up to the ceiling as if she's asking for whatever deity to grant her strength.
"Do you have any picture of his ex?" Coach Maeda asked him.
"Tou-san!" Setsuna looked at him in disbelief.
"She could've poisoned the children, Setsuna. One way or another, we have to drive her out."
"Um, give me a moment," Gokudera pull out his phone. He checked his folders. "Right, here it is." He show them his phone.
They all leaned closer. Setsuna-hime's eyes widened. "Oh my God! It's Lambo!"
"Huh?" Kudou looked at her confused. "Lambo-chan is five, senpai."
"It's a long story. It's hard to believe… But it's true," Setsuna-hime sighed. "I still won't sacrifice Lambo for this."
"Then we have no choice but to lure Bianchi with you as bait."
"No!" Gokudera jumped out the bed. "Maeda-san! Don't! I'll be the bait!"
"We have no other choice, Gokudera-kun," Setsuna-hime said tiredly. "Bianchi is already targeting me. She will appear eventually. We just need to incapacitate her. We'll sick Reborn at her. Bianchi will listen to him. If not… Then we'll hand her over to the Disciplinary Committee. Like Tou-san said, one way or another, we have to get rid of her."
The next day, everyone has been notified in regards of recent events. This includes Masumi-sensei, Nagako and Hibari. The Disciplinary Committee are instructed to apprehend Bianchi if sighted. Everyone in the know are to contact each other as soon as they see a glimpse of the assassin. The cover story is Bianchi is an obsessive hater of Setsuna (which is true) and a highly dangerous individual (so very true). She sneaked into the rink with the intention to sabotage Setsuna by spiking her drink. Once Bianchi is caught, she will be brought to the Maeda estate for further questioning.
Gokudera wanted to help but he will only end up as a hindrance for others. So he was told to stay put, much to his chagrin. Nagi is not included in the operation. But she is told to be on alert and contact others if she spot Bianchi. Gokudera forwarded Bianchi's picture to everyone. For safekeeping, they stationed a couple guards at near Setsuna's old home. Bianchi have no qualms involving bystanders after all.
The key players of this operation are Setsuna and Reborn. Setsuna is the target so she will serve as bait. Reborn is the only who have influence over Bianchi. The baby hitman went along with it. Setsuna will go along her daily routines. When Bianchi show up, they grab her. Sounds easy in theory, but Bianchi is tricky. Everyone is cautioned to keep their distance and carry gas masks on their person.
Setsuna could hardly concentrate during class. She keep checking her door, expecting Bianchi to burst out and attack her. It's a good thing she brought a recorder. She stayed at Tou-san's place last night. Tou-san drove her to university this morning.
She skipped lunch today. Setsuna has this nasty feeling that Bianchi will pop out when she is in contact with food. Once she get back to the Maeda estate, Setsuna can eat.
A couple blocks away from Tou-san's home, Setsuna hear the sound of bike wheels behind her, followed by bells.
(She just has to make her presence known.)
Setsuna turn around to see Bianchi on her bike again, glaring daggers at her. "Those who bothered someone else's love life should die covered in poison," She said darkly. She throw a can of soda at her direction. Setsuna easily move out of the way.
Bianchi hop off her bike. She pull out a box of pizza out of nowhere.
Bang!
"Ah!"
"Reborn!"
Reborn has came out of nowhere, holding a smoking gun. Bianchi's poisonous pizza have been shot away from her hold. "Ciaossu, Bianchi."
"Reborn!" Bianchi teared up. Setsuna blinked. She's seriously crying. "My love… I'm here to bring you back. Let's do more job together. A dangerous, thrilling dark world is much more suited for you than this place."
"I can't do that, Bianchi. My job now is to raise Setsuna."
Bianchi fell silent. Setsuna's Intuition scream for her to leave. "...Poor Reborn. He has been brainwashed by some strange girl."
….What?
"Unless that girl is murde- died from an accident, Reborn will never be free from her dark spell," The teenage girl pointed at her.
What?
"Don't worry, Reborn. I will take you home with me."
"Are you deaf?" Setsuna hissed. "Or do you have selective hearing instead. Reborn has a job to do. He can't go with you. And this isn't some goddamned love triangle. Removing me won't solve the problem."
Bianchi narrowed her eyes. "You just want to hog Reborn all to yourself!"
"Little girl, even if Reborn is the last male on Earth, I will never see him as a potential partner."
The younger girl gasped. "How can you not! Reborn is wonderful! No one can match his skills! He is a complete gentleman! His sideburns are so cute!"
"Your point is?"
Setsuna need to keep Bianchi's attention on her. Two Disciplinary Committee members are creeping up behind the teenage girl. Both of them are wearing gas masks. Good.
"Someone like you is not fit to be by Reborn's side! I am!"
"Well, Reborn. What do you have to say about that?" Setsuna turn to Reborn.
Reborn's gaze locked with Bianchi's. "Bianchi, you are a capable hitman. I enjoy our time together while it last. But it's over now."
"My dearest, you don't mean that," Bianchi smiled. "I knew it. It's the witch's fault." Bianchi pulled out what appears to be rice balls. Setsuna can see worms sticking out. Gross. She went to an offensive stance, ready to pounce. The two Disciplinary Committee members behind her are ready as well.
Her Intuition told her to turn around.
"Get away from Tsu-nee!"
Brown eyes widened. Lambo?
Indeed, the five year old there, holding a rocket launcher, of all things. Six rocket missiles are aimed at Bianchi. Amazingly, she dodged all of them, even coming close to Setsuna while at it. The two Disciplinary Committee scrambled back, surprised by the missiles. Setsuna ducked under Bianchi's swipe. In the corner of her eyes, she can see pink smoke.
Lambo used the Ten Year Bazooka.
"Yare yare. I got sent back to the past again..." Teenage Lambo sighed, unaware of the danger he's in.
"Romeo?" Bianchi gasped. "You're alive?!"
Teenage Lambo blinked in confusion. "Romeo?"
"DIE!"
Bianchi shoved a handful of her Poison Cooking to Teenage Lambo's face. He was taken by surprise, unable to dodge. The sight of Teenage Lambo falling to the ground made something inside her snap.
Bianchi stood over Romeo's prone form. She never thought he would be here in Namimori, of all places. What is he doing here in Japan? No matter. She killed him. Did she? He's still breathing. She should shove another Poison Cooking down his throat, just to be sure.
Someone grabbed her shoulder, causing her to turn around-
SMACK
Setsuna's fist hit Bianchi square on the face. The sickening sound told her that her nose is broken at the very least. It throw Bianchi off her balance and she fell on her butt. Blood is gushing out of her nostrils.
"You little-" Her retort got caught in her throat when Bianchi feel sudden heaviness fell upon her. She suddenly find it difficult to breathe.
Orange eyes looked down on her. Despite the fire it held, those eyes are cold.
Setsuna stood over Teenage Lambo's prone form. He's still breathing. Five minutes is not enough time to save him. Hopefully the doctors in the future are able to treat him.
Bianchi flinched under those bright eyes. She can't move a muscle. Sky Flame. This girl is using Sky Flame to subdue her. Bianchi never feel such a strong Sky Flame. In the corner of her eyes, she can see two bystanders fallen to their knees. It appears they are unable to withstand the Sky Pressure.
"Setsuna," Reborn step in front of Bianchi. "Control your Flame. Take the Pressure of the Committee members. We need them moving."
She glanced at the Committee members, who looked back at her fearfully. Taking a deep breath, she direct her Flame away from the two. She focuses it on Bianchi instead. The younger female whimpered as the weight over her mind doubled. "You two. Tie her up."
"Y-y-yes, Ma-a-a-am," A Member stutters. They move closer to Bianchi. She let them touch her. She is in no state to resist anyway.
Setsuna cradle Teenage Lambo in his arms. Foam is coming out of his mouth. Poor kid. He's in so much pain. Pink smoke clouded her vision for a few short moments. When it cleared up, five years old Lambo is looking up at her. He looked at a tied up Bianchi and then at her.
"Tsu-nee! You beat the enemy!" He grinned. He hugged her neck.
Setsuna hugged him back. "Yes, yes, I did."
Apparently, Lambo overheard the Committee Members stationed at her old house discussing Bianchi. He got it in his head to go 'save Tsu-nee from the enemy'. So he left the house and go look for the enemy. By some bizarre twist, Lambo stumbled upon them when Setsuna and Reborn faced Bianchi. Setsuna was touched by his concern... But what he did was stupid. A scolding will be coming his way in the future.
They gathered at Maeda's dojo. Bianchi is tied up on the floor. Nagako just finished treating her nose. Reborn keep an eye on Setsuna while she cool down. Coach Maeda hand over Lambo to his staff.
When Setsuna, Reborn and Coach Maeda entered the dojo, Bianchi flinched. Yet she still has enough fire in her to glare at the figure skater. "You broke my nose," Bianchi hissed.
"You tried to kill me and Lambo," Setsuna replied back coldly. She stand in front of her.
"That wasn't Romeo?"
"Romeo died by your hands. He was poisoned with your Poison Cooking. Didn't you remember?"
Bianchi blinked. Then comprehension dawned on her. It looks like she really did forget. "Whenever I think of Romeo, I feel intense rage. When I saw the boy I just reacted."
There's something incredibly wrong with this girl.
"It's not him," Setsuna said. "He just looked like him, that's all."
"Bianchi," Reborn step forward. "You need to stop this. I am not going back with you. I need to stay here. Setsuna is my student."
"I just want you to be happy!" Bianchi cried. "I can give you that! Happiness! We can build a live together in Italy! I love you!"
Bianchi believe in true love. Even though she is born to the world of full of bloodshed and backstabbing, she still believe in such thing. After all, love is one the strongest, if not the strongest driving force in man. If you lose a true love, it's okay! One can have more than one true love. They are out there somewhere. You just have to look for them. Because they are looking for you too.
Her parents were arranged to marry by their own parents. Her mother loves her husband dearly, but she is a cold woman. She find it difficult to show affection. But if you know where to look, you'll see it. Behind the poker face mask and icy attitude, lies a passionate heart that burns. Bianchi knows that her father care for his wife in his own way, but her cold exterior drove him to another woman's arms.
Bianchi is hardly surprised that he fell in love with Gokudera Lavina. That woman is gentle and warm, a contrast to Bianchi's mother. Not to mention brilliant as well. Her father attended one of her concerts and he fell for her on first sight. The fact that Bianchi liked Lavina made Father even more pleased.
Her mother is not.
She remembered Mother being stiff and and even more colder than usual. No one is surprised. Her husband is openly courting another woman in front of her. Having mistresses is not unusual. Mother wouldn't care if Father did it behind her back. She loves him so much. Mother never said a word. Not when Father brought Lavina to their home. Not even when Hayato is born. But when she found out that he wanted to divorce her and marry Lavina right after… That was the last straw for her.
Her mother is a very good actress. Very careful. But not careful enough. Bianchi saw her lips quirked and her eyes lit up when they received the news of Lavina's death. Bianchi don't blame her mother for being happy. It's natural to remove the obstacles on your path for love. It's never been proven if her mother had anything to do with Lavina's death. Father suspected but the investigation told him otherwise. She feel bad for Hayato but that's just life is. People die. Some win, some lose. And Bianchi is a winner.
Romeo was a lot like Father. He was selfish. He cheated on her Lord knows how many times. At first she only intimidated her rivals. When they persisted in making advances on Romeo, she put an end to them. Romeo never turn them away either, making the situation even more messier. He would also make comments about her. Her appearance, her cooking, her actions. It was a hot mess. But Bianchi loves him so much. Even though he's dead now, she is still in love with him.
Reborn is simply amazing. He respect her, as a hitman and a woman. He never make fun of her. He made her smile and laugh. He is also faithful. Reborn is everything Romeo is not.
It broke her heart when Reborn broke off their partnership. Bianchi gave him some time to think it over. Once he realise his mistake, he will come back to her. Bianchi will forgive him and all will be right again. Then she received news that Reborn accept yet another job from Vongola Ninth. Another student. When Bianchi discovered that Reborn's newest student is a female, she is angry.
Obstacles must be eliminated. This girl is in the way of her happiness. So she took the natural course. Sawada Setsuna must die.
But she miscalculate. Sawada Setsuna is a Sky. A very strong one at that. She stood no chance. Even now, Bianchi can still feel a trickle of Sky Pressure weighing down on her.
"Bianchi," Setsuna addressed her. The teenage girl stilled. "You do realise, that if I die, it means Reborn breached his contract, right? He will have to pay for that. There will be a blot on his reputation. Have you thought about that?"
Green eyes widened. She hadn't thought of that. "I-I didn't mean to trouble Reborn. I never wanted-"
"I know," Setsuna crouch down to her eye level. "But your action still hurt him."
Bianchi turn to her former lover. "I-Is it true, my love? Did my actions hurt you?" Reborn didn't answer her question. But the look in his eyes told her answer. The teenage girl start to sob. Everyone just look at her as she break down.
"It felt awful, isn't it?" Setsuna said softly. "To be the one who love more." Bianchi looked up to her. "You showered that precious person with love and attention… You told yourself you expect nothing back from that person… But you do. You want them to love you back just as much. You give more and more, hoping that they will change. That they will stay with you. And when they didn't… It broke you." Bianchi didn't say anything. She listens to her raptly. "I know that Reborn care for you, Bianchi… But he couldn't give you what you want, no matter how hard you tried. You need to let go of him. And Romeo as well. Only after that you will be able to heal."
"But who will love me then?"
"Why, that would be yourself, of course," answered Setsuna. "The one who stayed with you throughout the heartbreaks and hardships was yourself. It's only fair for you give yourself the love and care you give for others."
"Myself…"
"Now, we are going to untie you. You will have 30 minutes time to talk with Reborn. After that, we want you out. I don't want to see your face around these parts again. Clear?"
Bianchi nodded.
Coach Maeda reluctantly untie her. He, Setsuna and Nagako, step out of the dojo, giving the two hitmen their privacy.
A staff announced Hibari's arrival. The teen asked them where is the poisonous herbivore. Setsuna told him to be patient. Bianchi will leave today. Half an hour later, Bianchi come out with red puffy eyes, followed by Reborn.
Hibari looked at Bianchi's face. "Whose work is that?" He asked, out of her earshot.
"Mine," Setsuna answered. "She tried to kill me and Lambo."
He looked at the teenage girl again. This herbivore tried to kill a duckling and lived? Either she's actually a challenge or the Duck spared her. "Why didn't you kill her?"
"She's Gokudera-kun's sister. Half sister to be exact. Blood siblings, nonetheless."
"Ah."
Coach Maeda drove Bianchi to the train station, bought her a one way ticket and watch her get on the train.
Peace once again settled in Namimori. The question is, how long will it last this time?
Setsuna
Ready to hear the latest mafia bullshit?
Hana
Oh no
What is it this time
Setsuna
Reborn's ex showed up. Tried to kill me via poison, since I was in the way of their 'love' Tried to kill Lambo too because he reminded her of her ex. To top it off, she's Gokudera-kun's half sister.
Hana
What the actual fuck
Kyouko
Are you okay?
Is Lambo okay?
Setsuna
I broke her nose
Lambo is recovering
Hana
Good work, bestie
What happened next
Setsuna
We tied her up. Talked some sense to her. I honestly have no idea if she gets it. She did listen though. Tou-san drove her to the train station and made sure she get on that train. She won't show her face again if she know what's good for her.
Hana
She better
Kyouko
I hope Lambo will recover soon!
Hana
Reborn looks like a baby and Lambo is a five year old. Is that girl a pedophile or something?
Setsuna
Thank you for your concern, Kyouko-chan
I hope he recover soon too.
Honestly? I don't want to know
Girl is seventeen by the way
Hana
Wtf?
A reader asked me what grade are the kids in. Gokudera and Yamamoto are second year students in middle school. Ryohei is a third year. Nagi is a first year at Midori Middle. Hibari is supposed to be a first year in high school but decided to stay in Namimori Middle instead. This kid always do what he wants. What are the teachers gonna do? Setsuna is a third year college student.
Gokudera's family situation is just fishy to me. His Father already have a wife and a child when he fell for Lavina. He courted her and proposed to her. Lavina was most likely a civilian. Of course his legal wife would be pissed at him. Not only did he cheated on her, Gokudera's father planned to set her aside. And having to call a mistress' child as your own must have hurt. And Lavina's death has never been solved, isn't it? It's easy to suspect the legal wife as the true mastermind. I imagine Legal Wife is really pleased when her rival died. And then in regards of Bianchi poisoning Hayato… What is their father thinking?! What if Hayato died? By his own sister's hands even! He is teaching her that it's okay to poison your family and friends! He thought Gokudera is genuinely enjoy her Poison Cooking! I think that's where Bianchi get the mindset of 'If you're full of love then you will survive this.'
Their Father also strike me as sexist. In one of KHR's bonus story, he tried to stop Bianchi from looking for Hayato who ran away, saying that it's not something girls do. Hayato made the right call to get away, that's all I'm saying.
Mafia men make shitty fathers.
Bianchi… She is a mess to be honest. She does not listen to Reborn. Or rather, she hear what she want to hear, twisting his words to suit her fantasies. Bianchi view the relationship of Iemitsu and Nana as normal, something we know is anything but. During the Test of Courage chapter, she has the spirit of Romeo summoned… So she can kill him again. Her definition and understanding of love is so convoluted. And Bianchi is only a year older than Hibari. That girl scares the crap out of me. And we have the likes such as Mukuro, Belphegor and Byakuran.
Reborn himself have no issue of taking advantage of Bianchi. Not in a sexual sense (ew) but he used her for Tsuna's mafia training. He also never clear up any misunderstanding between them, even when Bianchi hold a freaking WEDDING. And it is shown in the TYL arc that Bianchi is still so taken with Reborn. He emotionally manipulated her. I don't care if he's a main character or the World's Greatest Hitman. IT. IS. NOT. OKAY.
This fan fiction is also posted in AO3
Thank you for reading
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NO FLAME
