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 13: Aftermath
For just a split second, there was silence. The kind when suspense is the thickest. The kind where everyone hold their breath, waiting, knowing. The kind before all hell break loose.
Gokudera look on in horror as Coach Maeda rushed to Nagi's prone form. One moment she was standing. The next, she is lying on the ice.
What caused it? A freaking stuffed animal.
Next to him, Yamamoto had turned pale. The baseball idiot wanted to throw a stuffed animal. Setsuna-hime happily handed him one. A black cat. He took aim and-
The bomber is aware of how fast Yamamoto can throw. He saw him at practice a few times before. He saw the trophies. He've seen the look in Yamamoto's eyes whenever they play baseball during PE.
It's supposed to be a gift.
The stuffed animal hit her so hard it cause Nagi to lose her balance and hit her head.
"You baseball idiot!" Gokudera yank the front of Yamamoto's shirt. Rage has taken over him. He want to hurt the baseball idiot, to make him pay for what he did to Nagi. Even if it was completely accidental. Nagi shouldn't be the one who pay for his idiocy.
"Gokudera!" Ryohei restrain him from behind.
"Let go of me!" Gokudera struggled to get free. Damn, the boxer is damn strong!
"Gokudera-kun," Setsuna take a stand in front of Yamamoto, shielding him from the enraged bomber. "I know you're upset but beating up Takeshi-kun won't help one bit."
"But he-"
"I'm sure Takeshi-kun here feel awful for what he did. Now, I'm going to check on Nagi-chan, but I don't want anyone here to get hurt. So can you promise me that you won't lay a hand on Takeshi-kun while I'm gone, Gokudera-kun?"
The teen looked like he want to argue but he rein his temper in. He still shot Yamamoto a poisonous look. Ryohei loosen his hold on him.
Setsuna turned to Enma. "I'm sorry for troubling you but could you…?"
"Keep an eye on the boys? Yes," Enma nodded, understanding. "Go check on your junior."
Setsuna give him a wry smile before she leave their row. Ryohei put a hand on Gokudera's shoulder, silently telling him to sit down. Enma take the seat previously occupied by Setsuna. This way, he can shield Yamamoto from Gokudera in case he explode again. Ryohei must have reach the same conclusion, since he has yet to remove his hand from Gokudera's shoulder.
They watch in silence as Nagi is laid onto the stretcher. They carried her crowd break to a murmur, discussing what just happened. Reborn glanced at Yamamoto. The teen looks like he want nothing more than to sink to the ground. Enma is watching the boys with careful gaze. The Shimon kids didn't say anything. What can they say in a situation like this? Nagi hit her head. It's not a type of injury you can just brush off. They will need to take her to the hospital at least.
As if wanting to break the tension, the announcer announce the score.
"The total score is 82.25!"
Nagi won.
But it didn't feel like victory.
No one stopped her from entering the medical bay. They take one look at her and move out of the way. When Setsuna entered the room, the medic is running a series of test on Nagi. She was sitting on the bed. Her junior didn't seem to notice her entry. Her focus is entirely on the medic. He is moving his finger in front of her. Nagi seems to follow. Good. Setsuna take a spot next to Tou-san.
"Can you tell me your name?" The medic asked kindly.
"Kudou Nagi."
"How old are you?"
"Twelve. I'm turning thirteen this December."
"Where do you live?"
"Namimori, but I was born and raised in Tokyo."
"What is the name of your school?"
"Midori Middle."
"Tell me your parents' name?"
"My mother's name is Shizuka. Um…" Nagi scrunched her nose. "I have two fathers?"
"That's fine. Can you tell me both of their names?"
"Ryuuichi is my biological father and Shizuo is my stepfather."
"Thank you, Kudou-san," The medic wrote something down on his clipboard. "It looks like there aren't any serious injuries but to be sure, you need to go to the hospital," He look at Tou-san. He nodded in understanding. "You have our permission to go to the medal ceremony," The medic smiled at her.
Nagi blinked in confusion.
"Your score is 82.25," Setsuna filled her in. "You beat Mami-chan. You won."
Nagi give her a blank stare before her eyes went wide. "Wait, what?"
The audience broke into an applause when they see Nagi climb to the podium. First place. She got first place. This is the biggest achievement she ever gotten in her entire life. First place! All right, it's only a small scale competition in an obscure part of Japan but still, first place! There is a medal hanging around her neck. A gold medal. It felt so surreal.
Setsuna-senpai is standing outside of the rink, together with the rest of her rinkmates. They are all clapping and cheering for her. With Nagi taking first place, Namimori FS Club dominated all categories in this tournament. Senpai is smiling at her. She looked… Proud. Nagi feel like crying.
Next to her, Mami smiled stiffly.
She can hear Sasagawa-senpai cheering for her from the bleachers. When she look at their direction, she found Gokudera clapping and Yamamoto… Well, he looked really pale. What happened? Mami's family is there too. Aoba is cheering loudly for Mami… Is he trying to one upped Sasagawa-senpai in terms of volume?
Coach Maeda is hovering behind the photographer, ready to take her away at any given moment. The medic told them that Nagi should go to the hospital after this. Nagi did hit her head… How did that happened? She remember a blur of black and then the world start to spin…
The moment the photographer gave the 'ok', Coach Maeda rushed to Nagi's side. He support her as they head to the entrance. As soon as they step out of the ice, Nagi is swarmed by her rinkmates. All voicing concerns and congratulations. The younger kids want to take a closer look at her medal.
"All right, that's enough!" Setsuna-senpai clapped to get their attention, "We can review our performances today back home. Coach need take Nagi-chan to the hospital. Go get changed." They leave obediently. Setsuna-senpai turn to Nagi. "I'll help you, Nagi-chan," She smiled sweetly.
Nagi wants to die.
Back in the locker room, Setsuna-senpai help her unzip her costume. It leave her feeling vulnerable. They changed clothes together in the past, back at their home rink… But Senpai never help her before. This experience is so nerve wrecking for Nagi. She got goosebumps whenever senpai's hand brushes her skin.
Coach Maeda is on the phone when they return. He nodded at them when he noticed their presence. "Nagi, Setsuna." He put down his phone.
"Tou-san."
"That was Kurata-san. I just informed her of what happened here."
Kurata is a woman in her early fifties who work as a caretaker. Nagi's mother hired her to look after Nagi in Namimori. It took awhile for her to open up to the older woman… But Kurata-san is nothing but patient and kind and… Motherly.
"She is very concerned. Kurata-san will meet us at the hospital. Setsuna, can you ask the other parents if they can take more kids?"
"Yes, Tou-san."
A selfish, childish part of her want to ask Setsuna-senpai to come with her. To be at her side while she get her examination, but Nagi refrained herself. Instead she look around for her friends while the adults are talking. The audience have dispersed, now that the tournament is officially over. Some went straight home and some hung around. It didn't take long for her to spot the boys. Gokudera all but run to their spot. Yamamoto and Sasagawa-senpai lagging behind.
"Kudou!" The silver haired teen looked so stressed. "Are you okay?"
"The medic don't think I was hurt too badly. But I need to go to the hospital just in case," Nagi told them.
Hearing that, Yamamoto went even paler. "It was me," He blurted. "I'm the reason you fell. I threw the stuffed animal. It hit you on the head. I'm so sorry." He bowed deeply.
Nagi blinked. "What?"
"I… I couldn't control my strength. When I prepare to throw the stuffed animal… My body went automatic. For a moment there I was a pitcher. I used my full strength. Please forgive me."
Before Nagi can reply, Coach Maeda step forward. His grey eyes narrowed dangerously. Gokudera mirrored his action and narrowed his eyes at the baseball player as well. Sasagawa-senpai watch everything unfold warily.
"Coach Maeda…," Yamamoto swallowed before bowing even lower, "I have no words. I will accept any punishment."
Her coach stay silent for a moment before he scoffed. "My first priority is to take Nagi to the hospital. I'll deal with you later."
Gokudera looks like he want to object but hold his tongue.
"Anyone else got something else to say before we leave?" Coach Maeda asked.
"Yamamoto-san-" Nagi started.
"Wait!"
Coach Maeda sighed.
They turn around to see Mami standing there. Eyes full of fury and hand clutching a silver medal. She too have changed back to regular clothes. Where is her family? Oh, there they are. It appears Mami had just bolted and they just catch up to her by now.
Mami's glare is directed at her and Nagi knew that trip to the hospital have to wait for a bit longer.
Mami did not take her loss well. That is obvious to see. The others and her rinkmates congratulates her still. Trying to placate her that second place is not so bad. The winner this time was someone coached by Maeda Kazuki, it couldn't be helped. Mami should be proud with her achievement. She did everything by herself without the help of a coach or a choreographer.
But Mami won't have any of it.
His spitfire of a sister ran off at first chance she got, when their attention was divided. She went to confront Kudou Nagi, the girl who snatched first place from her. This is bad. Enma know Mami won't start a physical fight but… Taking it out on the champion and her club is not the way to go.
Mami hesitated under Coach Maeda's hard stare but pull herself together. "Before you leave… Can you tell me the reason I lost?" Enma give her a mental pat for being brave. Reckless and not to mention impolite, but brave nonetheless.
"Coach Maeda," They caught up to Mami and the Namimori group. "I apologize for my sister's behaviour," Enma bowed down.
"Nii-chan! I need to know why I lost!" She turn to face Coach Maeda and Setsuna again. Setsuna is looking at his sister in… Understanding? "Please! I want to know!" Mami pleaded. "I had a clean skate! I nailed all my jumps! I gave it my all! I was perfect!"
"Yes, you did," Setsuna acknowledged, "But Nagi was perfect too."
Mami looked like she just been slapped. Had it coming from someone else other than Setsuna, his sister would take it better. But there she is, the idol Mami looked up to, telling the younger girl that her efforts is still not enough. That her competitor was better.
"W-Why? What makes her better than me?"
"Because Nagi have a better understanding of her program compared to you," It was Coach Maeda who answer this time. "She done her research on her piece. She told a story through her skating. She was able to convey the emotions to the audience. She made us believe . You had a concept but you weren't able to fully deliver it. Not like Nagi did," He waited for Mami to say something. She has none. "That and originality. You were copying Setsuna, unconsciously or not."
Mami gaped at him. Coach Maeda continues, "I won't say that you copied her 100%, but I can see the similarities in your movements. It's almost as if you were following a textbook example and Setsuna is it. I'm positive the judges noticed it as well. What they want to see is Kozato Mami, not Setsuna. That's why you have lower scores. Because there is not enough you in your program. Nagi beat you at that. She poured her heart and soul into her skating. She completely owned her program. That is the difference between you and her. You didn't make your program wholly yours ."
Enma's heart ache for his sister. Even though Mami belonged to a club, it doesn't have a coach or a choreographer, just a couple of trainers to teach the kids how to move. Mami have to learn how to jump from videos. Setsuna's videos. Naturally, she use Setsuna as her examples. There is not a day gone by without her watching records of Setsuna's past programs on their TV. Enma is surprised the tapes and player didn't break from the constant use. Mami has no one to teach her. She has no choice but to rely on recordings. The little girl would stand in front of the TV and copy Setsuna's gestures and poses. It doesn't surprise him that his sister reproduce these movements in her program in the end. She idolised Setsuna. It's normal to mimic your idol. Mami just want to be like her. She pictured Setsuna when she skates. Only this time, it backfired on Mami.
This time, Mami couldn't hold back her tears. She start to sob. "I- *hic* I just - *hic* I just want to be like you…"
His little sister admired Setsuna a lot. They started out the same. A small town girl, with few resources and the odds stacked against her. Setsuna shown them that it is possible to reach the top despite everything. She make thousands of girls and boys across the country that they can do it. That as long as you work hard enough and never stop believing, you can become a world class athlete. That it is not just a pipe dream on their part. She gave them proof that they can become more. She gave them hope.
Setsuna gave Mami hope.
(She gave him hope.)
"Kozato-san!" Kudou Nagi speak up. "To be completely honest, I thought you will take first place." She look at his sister nervously, "I am not a confident person. Everyone have high expectations of me. I don't do well with pressure… And… You were not wrong when you said my motivation is half baked. I don't take figure skating seriously in the past…"
Mami has stopped crying now. Kudou have her full attention.
"But!" Kudou take a deep breath, "I love figure skating! I used to have doubts about it… But now… I can tell you with full confidence that I love it. And I don't want to stop now. Figure skating is fun. I want to see how far where I go. I want to try many things. I want to meet many more people through figure skating. And Kozato-san… Your skating is really good. Your efforts is not fruitless! I want to compete against you in the future!"
Enma glanced at Mami. She looked… Surprised? Unsure? He subtly nudge her.
"Oh…," Mami look down on her feet before lifting her head up to meet Kudou's gaze, "I'm… Sorry. For telling you all those things earlier today. That was rude of me."
Kudou nodded, "It's okay, Kozato-san. I need to hear that."
Mami shakes her head. "No, Kudou-san. I was super mean to you. Your skating don't lie. You love this sport and you take it seriously. How else would you be able to pull off something so beautiful?" Her words got the older girl to blush. "Compared to you my program was…," She didn't finish.
"Mami-chan," Setsuna speak gently to the younger girl, "You are a strong girl. I see you look out for your rinkmates. It's hard, isn't it? Being the oldest and the unofficial leader of the bunch. You shoulder their expectations. You were able to create a beautiful program on your own. You've proven yourself to everyone here. No one will say your skating was lackluster."
"But I still lost."
"Yes, and it stings. This is far from over. This is just the beginning. The road is stretched out in front of you. All you need to do is to take that step. Are you going to quit after this?"
"No! That would be unthinkable!"
"There's still the All Japan and next year," Setsuna smiled. "I'm sure this won't be the last time you two compete against each other."
The two girls looked at each other and smiled.
After making sure all the children have a ride home, Setsuna and Reborn went to the hospital with Coach Maeda and Nagi. Enma gave Setsuna something before he take his kids away. Mami wish Nagi good luck before leaving. The Namimori boys made their way to the train station in silence. The train car is mostly empty. Gokudera sit on the other side of the car, far away from Yamamoto. Ryohei sit down next to the baseball player. The black haired teen is still pale. Whatever Nagi wanted to say to him before Mami interrupted them, it has to wait. Coach Maeda whisked her away before she and Yamamoto can exchange anymore words.
Ryohei glanced at Gokudera. His kouhai is determined not to look at Yamamoto's direction. He didn't say a word throughout their journey to the train station. Chances are he will continue to the silent treatment for days. Maybe even weeks. He cannot let this go on. Ryohei need to get Yamamoto out of his funk and Gokudera to forgive him.
They are friends.
The boxer may have a weakness in the academics but that doesn't mean he's blind. He can already tell that the incident from today will eat Yamamoto. And not in a good way. And Gokudera… He is hot headed like Ryohei, but unlike the boxer, Gokudera is not healthy. No, he is not talking about his smoking habit at the moment.
Gokudera is full of… Emotions. Unhealthy emotions. And negative energy? Ryohei can't quite explain it but his gut feeling tell him that his kouhai carry a lot of hurt. The mafia must have something to do with it. Nagi was the first person that Gokudera opened up to. After Setsuna-nee of course. Honestly, Ryohei would reacted the same if something like that happened to Kyoko-nee.
He can't do this by himself. He need help. And not now. Ryohei have this feeling that he will only make things worse if he press on the issue now.
'I know! I should take these two to see Kudou tomorrow!' Ryohei thought. Of course, they need to wait for an update from Setsuna-nee first… But the boxer is Extreme confident that Kudou will be alright. Setsuna-nee will get through Gokudera, if everything else fail.
By tomorrow morning, these two should be able to think more clearly. Or maybe not. In any case, Ryohei will be there to snap them out of it. These two will reconcile. Everything will be well again.
Gokudera left without any word once they arrived at Namimori. Ryohei walked Yamamoto home. Yamamoto's father immediately took notice of his son's dark mood. Ryohei gave him a short summary of what happened. Tsuyoshi thanked Ryohei for looking after his son. He promised to talk to Takeshi.
Ryohei went home with a heavy heart. He can't wait for tomorrow to come.
Kurata-san beat them to the hospital. She is a short woman with short, greying hair. The first thing Kazuki noted when he first met her is that she has kind eyes. She jump out of her seat when the trio enter the reception area.
"Nagi-chan!" She grab hold of Nagi's hands. "I was so worried when Coach called! Are you okay? Do you feel pain anywhere?"
Nagi flushed, "I-I feel fine, baa-chan…"
Setsuna stayed with Nagi while Kazuki and Kurata-san went to the registry. They didn't have to wait long fortunately. Nagi's number is called and the four of them got up to go see the doctor. The doctor ask Nagi a number of questions before send her off to prepare for CT Scan. A nurse took her away.
Now for the waiting part.
"Have you contacted Nagi's mother?" Kazuki asked Kurata-san once they return to the waiting area.
"I did but…," Kurata-san sighed. "She didn't pick up the phone. I called her manager afterwards. She promised to relay the message."
No one here is under illusion that Nagi's mother would call back. Kazuki had only spoken with her exactly once… And there is just something about that woman that raise his hackles. Nagi didn't have anything positive to say about that woman as a mother… Which is a red flag by itself.
"Let me tell you about the tournament," Setsuna change the subject. "We will send you a copy of Nagi's skate for sure!"
That cheer up the older woman a great deal. "Oh, thank you so much! I wanted to come but someone has to watch over the apartment…"
So his daughter told Kurata-san everything. How well received Nagi's performance was. How much Nagi pushed herself. Kurata-san would understand, once she watch the video, of how much Nagi has come along. They chuckled when Setsuna told her Nagi's reaction when they informed her score.
Kazuki went and bought coffee for the two women. Reborn come along with him. He paid for his own coffee. As if Kazuki would pay. The man-baby have been keeping quiet for a long while now. Kazuki prefer him like this. He don't need anymore issue on his plate. Between the Hibaris, his own family, I-pin, figure skating and mafia, Kazuki could use a little peace.
It's only a matter of time before things get hectic again. Kazuki knows that perfectly well. Setsuna's Flame training is coming along nicely. They will eventually have to add physical combat in her training. His daughter is stronger than she looks but she never learn the basics of martial arts. Will they teach her martial arts? Who knows, but martial art is right up on his alley. And Nagako's. Weapons will be included as well. Kazuki can cover that with Setsuna. Kazuki is able to use an array of weapons, though he has a preference for tanbo, while his wife is skilled with the naginata. She is a great archer too… If only her control is a bit more… Ehm, manageable. Have Reborn discovered Nagako's archery skills yet? Boy, is he in for a surprise.
Maybe he should go talk with Yamamoto Tsuyoshi. Setsuna told him that the sushi chef is not only aware of Dying Will Flame, he implied that he can harness it. They should confront him about it. If Tsuyoshi knows Flame… That means he is bound to know about the mafia too. Kazuki have so many questions.
He don't do well with surprises. Especially if it put his family and kids in harm's way.
He must deal with the Yamamoto boy. His excuse of being unable to control his power is hardly a good one. It will be a blessing if Nagi didn't suffer from any serious head trauma from his action. It was not easy to tell Kurata-san that Nagi had been hurt. It will never will be.
Training is in order. Not just for Setsuna but also for the staffs at the rink. They are personally trained by Kazuki upon their hiring. Why do a worker at a skating rink need to know how to fight? Unorthodox, yes, but Kazuki feel better knowing someone is capable to defend the place while he is away. The others chalk it up as one of his Hibari oddities. They failed with Bianchi. A mistake that almost cost the lives of his skaters. Kazuki will not tempt fate.
Nagi and the nurse return. They go to the doctor's office, where he give them result. Praise the Lord Nagi didn't suffer from any injuries. No cracked skull or anything. Kazuki's shoulders lose their tension upon hearing the news. The doctor advised Nagi to take it easy for the next few days, and to schedule another checkup. Kurata-san must wake Nagi up every two hours when she go to bed tonight.
They all walk out from the hospital. Setsuna called a cab for Nagi and Kurata-san.
"Contact me if anything happen," Kazuki said to Kurata-san who nodded. Setsuna give Nagi one last hug.
They go to the parking lot. Kazuki start the car. Reborn take the back seat. Setsuna sit on the front next to him.
"What a day," Setsuna said once they leave the parking lot.
"That was certainly interesting," Reborn commented.
"That's one way to put it," Setsuna replied drily. "But you know, I can help but think something good come out of it."
"Oh?" Kazuki steered the wheel to the right to take a turn.
"Nagi did well in this competition. She finally come out of her shell. I can tell. So are the rest of the kids. That also goes for Mami and the other competitors. This competition have come so far compared to my time."
Kazuki didn't say anything until the traffic light turns red. "That Nagi… She told me once, that she want to be on equal standing with you. To compete against you. Never once had she told me that she want to compete against everybody else. This is the first time."
Setsuna smiled. "These kids have lit a fire up in each other. That's good. That's how it supposed to be."
"Do they light your fire?" Reborn asked.
Setsuna looked at Reborn's reflection at the mirror and smiled. "As the matter of fact, yes, they do."
Kazuki can't help but smile too.
Back in his apartment, Gokudera fumed. His mind replay the memory of Nagi falling over and over again. He felt so helpless at the time. He hated it. He don't know which feeling is worse. Being helpless or waiting for the news… There haven't been any word about Nagi yet. She was able to focus just fine earlier… But what if they found something at the hospital? What if?
Coach Maeda have no reason to contact him… So that leaves Setsuna-hime. Gokudera resisted the urge to bombard her with text messages. It will make him look… Clingy. Like a child whose hand need to be held all the way. Gokudera is not a child.
He jumped when his doorbell rings. Was that his doorbell? Someone is visiting him? Maybe it's the landlord or his neighbour. Was he making loud noises? Rent is up by the end of the month. No one from school knows where he lives. He told Nagi but with her state, Gokudera doubt that they will let her wander off so soon. So that leaves…
Gokudera dashed to the door.
Setsuna-hime and Reborn stood outside of his apartment.
"Good evening, Gokudera-kun," Setsuna smiled. "I brought food," She lift up a white plastic bag. Gokudera peered inside. Bentos. As if on cue, his stomach growled. He blushed. "Can we come in?"
"Of course!" Gokudera step aside. "Do you want tea? Water? Coffee? Ack! Let me clean up the table!" He hurried to the table, gathering the magazines. His room didn't smell right? Gokudera went outside earlier to have a smoke so probably not. No dynamites out of place?
"Gokudera-kun," Setsuna called out to him softly, "First, I want you to know that Nagi is okay. She will need to go to the doctor again in a few days but she's okay."
Gokudera dropped the magazines. Nagi is okay. His eyes watered before he wiped them quickly.
Setsuna-hime purposely don't look at him, instead putting the bentos on the table. Reborn already help himself with the kitchenette. "Reborn already called dibs on the beef. Do you want the salmon or the chicken one?"
"S-Salmon, please."
"Got it. I bought ice cream too, by the way."
They eat their bentos in comfortable silence. After their meal, they enjoy their ice cream. This is what he need. Ice cream and company. Gokudera is not sure what he'll do tonight if he is left alone. Probably go to the mountains again.
Setsuna-hime looked around his room. Her eyes eventually fell on the grand piano. "How long have you played the piano, Gokudera-kun?"
"I learnt to play since I was 3," Gokudera told her. And before he can stop himself... "My mother was the one who taught me."
"Really?"
"Y-Yeah… She was a pianist… She had concerts and everything… She stopped after she got pregnant with me. Professionally I mean," Getting pregnant out of wedlock killed her career. But that didn't seem to bother Lavina, according to what he heard. "I stopped playing after I left home. They don't have pianos in the streets anyways. But I still…" He didn't finish that sentence. Setsuna-hime seems to get it. "Masumi-sensei wanted to hear me play," He said instead. "She want me to record it. I don't know why."
"There is a job opening in the studio. Our accompanist, Kunisaka-san, will be moving soon," She told him.
Gokudera's eyes widened. "She want to offer me a job?!"
"How could she? If you didn't let her know what you are capable off," Setsuna-hime told him rather bluntly. "She never hear you play. But what are you going to do about it?"
"I…," Gokudera haven't played in the piano in front of someone in years. The mere thought of it send him to the time when he was eight. When Bianchi would force fed him her cooking and his father had his men dragged him to the piano. When the guests take delight in his pain. No one did anything about it. Except for Shamal. Ugh, he hasn't thought about that pervert doctor for years.
But… If Masumi-sensei really is offering him a job here… Gokudera might be able to kiss his job at the convenience store goodbye. For one, a studio pianist will have a much more reasonable work hours. And he will be able to spend more time with Setsuna-hime! No more dealing with weirdos and asshole customers!
"I'll make the recording," Gokudera said after a moment of silence. "Which piece should I pick?"
"I think," Setsuna-hime said carefully, "You should pick a piece that means a lot to you. Do you have something like that, Gokudera-kun?"
Gokudera take another moment to think, "I can think of a few."
Setsuna-hime smiled. "Tell me if you need anything."
"Yes…"
Setsuna-hime put aside the empty ice cream cup and bring her chair next to him. She put a hand on his head. "Today was very scary for you, isn't it?" She said softly. "You did a great job holding it in, Gokudera-kun."
For a fleeting moment there, Gokudera is back at the ice rink. Nagi's prone form laid on the ice. He wish to go to her but his feet is rooted to the ground.
(And for a second, Lavina was the one lying there.)
"Nagi is okay. Everything will be alright. You are okay," She pull him closer. Gokudera leaned to her. "Let's go see Nagi tomorrow," Setsuna-hime said kindly.
"...yeah…"
And the dam finally break.
Gokudera sobbed to her shoulder. Setsuna-hime held him close.
He is crying again. On Setsuna-hime. Again. But right now, he don't give a damn about that. Nagi is safe. He is glad. But he is also sad. So many emotions swirling inside him right now. He don't even know where to begin.
"Take your time, Gokudera-kun," Setsuna-hime murmured against his hair. "I'm here."
Gokudera cried harder.
Later on that night, Setsuna sent a text message with details of Nagi's condition to the older members of the club, who forwarded it to the younger ones. She didn't forget to give an update to Ryohei, Yamamoto and her best friends too.
(Yamamoto cried when he read the text.)
Setsuna-hime still have some errands to do so she told Gokudera to head to Nagi's place first. She gave him her address. Gokudera make a quick stop at the supermarket to buy a watermelon for Nagi. That's what you do when you visit a sick person, right? Bring them fruits?
Along the way he bump into Sasagawa. He appears to have the same thing in mind with Gokudera. The boxer bring oranges instead. He is also wearing a backpack for some reason. Odd. Together they head out.
Nagi lives in an apartment building much fancier than Setsuna-hime's. Sasagawa was awed with the intercom outside of the building. It was Nagi's caretaker who answered them and open the front door for them. A matronly looking woman greet them when they arrived in front of the apartment. This must be Kurata-san.
"Gokudera-san! Sasagawa-san!"
The two boys turn around to see Nagi standing there, well and relaxed. The tension leave Gokudera's shoulders almost immediately.
"Kudou! I'm so glad that you're Extreme okay!" Sasagawa smiled. "Look what I've got!"
"Oh! Thank you…," Nagi accepted the oranges. She head to the kitchen. The boys follow.
"Kudou," Gokudera started. Nagi turn to face him. "You're okay."
Nagi smiled, "The doctor told me to take it easy for the next few days. Kurata-baasan is taking good care of me."
Gokudera return her smile. "Here," He put the watermelon on the counter, "I heard that summer in Japan is not complete without watermelons."
"Oh, wonderful!" Kurata-san appear behind Nagi. "I'll cut up the watermelon. Why don't you kids spend time in the bedroom?"
Nagi flushed slightly. Gokudera can guess the reason why. They are friends, yes, but Gokudera is still a boy. Given how introverted Nagi can be, she must not have friends coming over often. "This way," Nagi mumbled. The boys follow her.
Bianchi's childhood bedroom is every little girl's dream. Four-poster bed, every piece of furniture is decked with frills, a doll house taller than she was (complete with the tiny toy furniture and everything) and everything is clean and brand new. The color theme is pink and white. Gokudera will forever blame their father for giving Bianchi the toy kitchen set for her birthday. It became her favourite thing to play with. Soon enough Bianchi grew bored with plastic food and Play-Doh before going down to the kitchen to cook real food. The rest is history.
He stepped inside Setsuna-hime's bedroom only once. It was a typical civilian bedroom but there is this homey feel to it. She has a special shelf to put gifts from fans, memorabilias and medals. The giant stuffed duck made Gokudera wonder how she was able to fit it through her door. He need to ask her in the future.
Nagi's bedroom is as big as his studio apartment and twice the cleanliness. There are the standard single bed (she has more than one pillow. Oh, and the case have frills too), nightstand, desk, bookshelves and closet. Nagi's medal is proudly displayed on the vanity. Gokudera counted 3 posters of Setsuna-hime on the wall. Soft, dark blue rug laid on the floor, where a white circular table is placed on it. There are cushions too. Another eye catching feature of the room is the grey bean bag in the cover which have cat ears. That's not the only cat related item in this room. Nagi has her share of stuffed animals, most of them cats. There is a cat alarm clock on the nightstand. If he has to describe the bedroom in one word, Gokudera would call it 'cute'.
"P-please take a seat wherever you like," Nagi gestured.
Gokudera and Sasagawa sit down on the floor.
"Your room is Extreme nice," Sasagawa said.
Nagi blushed and then smiled, "T-Thank you. I rarely have friends over…"
Friends
Something about that word made his inside feel warm.
"I brought something to cheer you up," Sasagawa pull out something from the backpack. A CD case. "Took me awhile to convert the records and burn them to CDs but I did it."
Gokudera's eyes widened, "You mean that's-"
Sasagawa grinned, "Setsuna-nee's old skating videos."
Nagi let out a squeal.
"What are we waiting for!" Gokudera got up to his feet in excitement. "Kudou, where's the TV and CD player? The living room! Of course!"
"Wait!"
Gokudera halted. He turn to Sasagawa in confusion.
"Yamamoto is not here yet. We promised to watch it together with him, right? He's on his way. I checked with him this morning-"
Gokudera cut him off. "Why should we wait for the Baseball Idiot? In fact, why is he coming here? Did you already forget what he did?"
"Gokudera-"
"We're goddamn lucky that Kudou didn't suffer any serious injuries! Do you know what could've happened? Hemorrhage, skull fracture, celebral contusion, epidural hematoma, brain swelling. Head injuries is nothing to scoff at!"
"Goku-"
"Kudou might be injured somewhere else! Like her ankle or hip for instance. It will take weeks or months for her to recover, not to mention the therapy. In worst case scenario, Kudou will be forced to retire! It was sheer dumb luck! The Baseball Idiot should have remembered that we're at an ice rink, not a fucking baseball field-"
"Gokudera-san, stop it!"
Gokudera stop his tirade. He and Sasagawa look at Nagi wide eyed. The girl never raise her voice. Ever. She is glaring at him. She never glare at anyone before. "I fell because of Yamamoto-san, yes. But I'm fine. One of the first things Coach Maeda taught us is how to fall properly so we can minimise the risk of injury. I was caught off guard but my body still remember how. It's all reflects, I guess. It could have been worse, I admit that, but the main thing is that it wasn't. I'm okay. I forgave Yamamoto-san already. I know you are angry at him, Gokudera-san. I'm happy that you are angry on my behalf, but you shouldn't resent him for long. He already expressed remorse for his action. I want you to forgive him. Like I did."
"Why should I?" Gokudera scowled. He is acting like a petulant child, he knows that. But he can't help with his feeling.
Nagi's eyes soften. "Because that's what friends do."
Takeshi ended up going to bed at 3 in the morning. What happened yesterday messed up his head. The guilt is eating him. It dug to the ugly feelings he's been trying to sort out. To make peace with. He was so so scared. Then when he read the text message from Setsuna-nee, he couldn't stop crying. Hence why he go to bed so late. Today Takeshi is going to Nagi's home. He will apologize to her once again.
"Takeshi! Come down here!"
Ah, that's his Pops.
Pops promised Sasagawa-senpai that he will talk to him but it never came. He just sent him upstairs. He told Takeshi that the talk will come tomorrow, because Takeshi is too distraught at the time. Takeshi's head is much clearer now. Maybe he want to have the talk now. This might take awhile.
When he go downstairs, there are no customers. It doesn't mean that the shop is completely empty.
Setsuna-nee, Coach Maeda and Reborn sit on the counter.
"Yamamoto Takeshi," Coach Maeda eyed him. "We need to talk."
Gokudera is a Sad Boy. A confused one too. He is on his way on doing Better but it's not an instantaneous thing. At least he has Mama Duck Setsuna and his friends.
Remember when Yamamoto hit Lambo so hard his tooth fell out? With baseball? Yeah... I always feel annoyed that they never address Yamamoto's inability to control himself in the manga. So I'm doing it here. Someone gotta call him out on this one.
Oops I was wrong. There's still the National. Nagi will have to compete in the National first before making her debut in Junior. I apologize for the inconsistencies.
The hospital scene is super short. I apologize for that. I want to hurry and move on to the next scene.
Plot bunnies strike again and here are my newest ideas for future Fem!Tsuna fic
Title Coming Soon
Tsuru woke up to find the baby she just gave birth to literally one day ago is missing. She was last seen being taken away by Sawada Iemitsu, who haven't show his face for years until now. With the help of friends she met over the years, her loving husband by her side, and fueled with maternal fury, Tsuru go on a quest to Italy to rescue her newborn daughter and kick her No Good father in the nuts.
Title Coming Soon
Instead of meeting Iemitsu's daughter face to face in Namimori, Reborn first meet Tsubura from the television screen. Featuring Sawada Hatsu as the 27th member of rising idol group.
Title Coming Soon
Namimori is that Weird™ Small Town where the unexplainable is the norm. With the kind of people living in this town, the World's Greatest Hitman is not too out of place. But even he has to draw the line somewhere. Magical girls is Reborn's line. Featuring Sawada Natsuki as a Magical Girl.
who lives, who dies, who tells your story
Instead of being frozen, Timoteo sealed Xanxus' Flames instead. He is then promptly shipped off to Japan. Xanxus ended up in a civilian neighborhood. As if being sealed and exiled isn't bad enough, his life get even more complicated when he got involved with the girl next door. And according to her he is haunted. Featuring Xanxus who is Done With Everything and Sawada Itsuki the Ghost Whisperer.
Title Coming Soon
Verde never view himself as a family man. Him and children simply don't mix. Just because he is trapped in the body of a baby, it doesn't mean that he has to like them. Still, when a little girl somehow stumble upon his secret lab, Verde can't help but be curious. Especially when the girl has Hyper Intuition. Growing to care for the girl is not part of his plans though. Featuring Verde as That Character-Who-Claim-To-Dislike-Children-But-Adopt-Them-Anyway and Sawada Tsukumi who has Sun Flame as her Secondary.
a spoonful of sugar
Aspiring pastry chef Sawada Mitsue only wanted is to open her own shop and make delicious sweets. She left Japan to work in Italy to polish her skills and get experience. She has no idea that her sweets would be a craze amongst the mafia. After a kidnapping or two, Mitsue is rescued by a woman with a flower tattoo. She found herself working for her and her young daughter. Featuring Mitsue whose Sky Flame is infused to her sweets, tiny bebe Yuni and Aria who juggles between being a Donna and a mother.
Title Coming Soon
Sawada Iemitsu and Sawada Nana were assassinated when the former visit Japan for the first time in years. As the next of kin, Timoteo brought five years old Sawada Katsuko to Italy with him. Daniella took the girl under her wing and things get very interesting.
a little birdie told me
It all begins when Hibari found a group of herbivores bullying a small animal. When said small animal revealed to have the ability to speak with animals, he knew he hit the jackpot. Featuring Sawada Tsubame as an Animal Whisperer.
What do you guys think? Please let me know your opinions of these plot bunnies!
Thank you for reading
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NO FLAME
