: Pull the Trigger :
First Shot, Warning
Disclaimer: Katekyo Hitman Reborn! is the property of Amano Akira.
Author's Note: The next few chapters will honestly be more about character building than anything else, but at least things might get a little interesting along the way. And, well, back to back updates too! These two go together anyway, so I'm going to go ahead and post them up. Might help me focus on where I'm stuck with chapter four by taking a break like this. That part of the story is eating my brain alive and not cooperating at all. Stupid chapter. Thinking over how the progress is going, though, I can probably estimate Reborn coming in around chapter six, but maybe sooner. If I can get the muses working properly.
A big thank you to everyone who reviewed last chapter, and jeez, I can't believe it was really that long word-wise. Here's hoping I can keep the length semi more reasonable from now on. Anyway, let's fast-forward and get to the chapter, shall we?
Warning Two: Tick, Tick, Tock
Sawada Tsunayoshi was expecting many things when he arrived on site at the Vongola Headquarters here in Japan. A happy Haru, trapping him in a hug. Hayato respectfully bowing in front of him. Possibly a young girl around his son's age awake and bustling around quietly to get ready for the day ahead. But what he got instead was far from expected. Haru, for example, was worrying needlessly over a boy currently crying his eyes out in the middle of the office space. Hayato was yelling for said boy to shut up and stop moving as he ignored any thrashing and tied the boy down to a chair to get him under control. As for the young girl off to the side, silent and unobtrusive, she watched the happenings with a calculated gaze that belied her years.
Stepping further into the office, Tsuna dutifully closed the door behind him and studied the scene carefully. It wasn't uncommon. They often interrogated suspects of the younger sort in here, unlike the basement, which was reserved for the worst of the worst. "Ah, you weren't kidding, huh." It wasn't so much a question as a means of drawing the room's attention. "Am I to take it this is the boy who tried to harm my son?" He kept his voice pleasant, but the cold edge to his smile was easily seen. The crying died down to a mere hiccup as violet eyes looked at him pleadingly. He was familiar with that look. When cornered, most children, especially in the mafia world, often resorted to seeking the easiest way out, which was pretending they didn't understand the consequences of their actions. Tsuna had learned a long time ago to turn a blind eye to age and see through to motive alone. Today, though, that didn't seem to be working. With that one look alone, he had been unable to stop the smallest hint of regret from creeping into his heart.
"Yeah, this is the guy, Tenth," confirmed Hayato as he finished off the last of the knots and stood, dusting off imaginary dirt. "Would remember him anywhere. He's a cheeky brat, boss. Want me to teach him some respect for his elders before we start?" The bomber cracked his knuckles expectantly, all too willing to do just that. The woman standing behind him kicked said bomber square in the back, skirt hiking up to reveal black shorts, ones she had learned to wear for such reasons throughout the years, and crossed her arms defiantly. "What was that for, woman?!" Hayato rounded on her. "You and Hitomi shouldn't even be here!"
"Hahi! Stop being so mean. He's a little boy. What if that was your daughter?" The dark haired woman glanced pointedly at the girl hidden partially by the shadows, standing a small distance away from their group. "What would you do then, Hayato?" The girl seemed to know where this was headed and rolled her eyes. Then, taking it upon herself, she purposely stepped out of her secluded corner and into the full light of the room, seemingly bored. "Think about it," the woman continued on regardless, "the way she was raised, she's just like him, isn't she?"
The quiet, unassuming girl was finally provoked into speaking at that, muttering a disdained, "I am nothing like him, mom. I wouldn't have been caught so easily, for one." She twisted a short lock of dark hair thoughtfully before speaking again. "And neither would I have bawled like a baby after merely stubbing my toe," she deadpanned.
Tsuna coughed to cover up an inappropriate laugh given the situation. So that's what happened? Some little hitman this kid is turning out to be. He knew better than to judge a book by its cover, given some of the people he knew, but he still found it rich to hear a trained assassin had been crying over something as insignificant as that. "Now, now, everyone settle done." He let his brown eyes lock onto the violet ones still pleading with him in a way that was hard to ignore. "What's your name, kid? It's nice to know that sort of thing," Tsuna started up the conversation amiably, walking closer to the caught teenager and waving away Hayato and his family. "Do you prefer we speak in private, or is it all right if my friends stay?" The friends he was speaking of moved to stand behind him without having to be asked, dragging their daughter with them.
The kid with the strange eyes began to smile lazily, tears fading now that the full attention of the Vongola Boss was on him. "Didn't expect to meet you quite so quickly, Decimo! I'm Nico," the name was provided in a flash, the boy's smile turning a bit more quirky. "You know who that is, right? You were raising me, fu~ Fun times, those. Don't tell me you forgot about me too! It was only what, some four years ago? Before I just poof! Up and disappeared?"
"Excuse me?" Tsuna raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "That kind of story doesn't add up. Or do you take me for a fool?" I'm pretty sure I don't know this kid, what's he talking about? His hyper intuition hadn't kicked in either, so he took the teenager's words as falsities. There was a moment where he considered it, the possibility of knowing this child somehow, but it was dismissed on the grounds that there were too many people out there already that wanted to get inside his head and kill him. He wouldn't allow another, let alone a kid, to join them just because of some strange want to understand what could compel anyone to makeup such an outrageous lie. "Answer me this. Do you intend to target my son?"
Nico mouthed the word 'target' as if confused and then burst out into full-blown, raucous laughter. "I guess you could say that. But you and your friends probably misunderstand my intentions," the young man insisted. "I don't want to kill him. Why would I? It's nice to see my nii-chan again!"
Is he under some kind of hypnosis, maybe? It was a plausible theory, one he planned to look into. "If that's the case," Tsuna stated blithely, "then we have no quarrel with you. However." Nico made a face, knowing well there was a catch to everything. "I cannot trust your words at face value, you understand. Any ideas on how we can go about remedying that?"
The Italian boy mused over it for a while before blurting out, "Then let me into the Family, offer me protection and I'll provide you with my talents." Violet eyes sneaked a glance at the bomber who was scowling in his direction, obviously against the idea already, and hurried to finish in case an interruption of some sort could forestall any and all progress he was making with the Vongola's Decimo. "Your friend there, Gokudera, he saw what I'm capable of, I could -"
"I also saw what you are capable of," smoothly cut in Tsuna with a look in his eyes that bespoke of horrors untold should the boy go back on his words, "and I find it strange. Why is it that my son is still affected by your illusions? It doesn't make any sense. Nico, was it? What exactly are you?"
There was a wince from the young Italian. "It's … a side-effect. I'm sorry!" He sounded genuinely upset, giving Tsuna something to consider. "I-I'm new to it and it happens a lot when I use them, but with more practice I'm sure I can get better!"
I'm sure you can, Tsuna thought, mulling over more than just that. Out-loud he posed the question of, "But how long does this side-effect tend to last, Nico-kun?"
"He should be fine tomorrow," Nico explained, shifting slightly against the ropes without realizing what he was doing in an effort to get free. "If I could see him and make sure it's not getting worse, then I could estimate a time, but … sometime tomorrow is the best I can give if not." He looked so hopeful that Tsuna almost felt bad about shooting down his hopes – almost being the operative word.
"No can do," answered the Decimo noncommittally, "Hiro's going to be asleep for the rest of the night thanks to someone slipping something into his drink. It wouldn't be fair for me to say yes. You'd wind up disappointed." A gasp from Haru drew his attention to her and away from their guest for a moment. He smiled as best he could for the woman he had grown to care for and respect. "Don't worry, he's fine. It was another incident with someone breaking in, but no damage was done. Unlike …" The Vongola Boss trailed off purposely, stony gaze locking back onto Nico. "You have a lot of explaining to do, Nico-kun, but for now I'll let you off with a warning and allow you the Vongola protection you seek. For that, I expect nothing short of obedience. Do we have a deal?"
Eagerly, Nico nodded his understanding. Tsuna studied him for a moment longer and then motioned with a hand, instructing softly, "Untie him, Hayato. He's no threat." Coming from the Vongola Decimo that was an honor few in such a situation were allowed to hear. "Haru, how soon can you provide him with a uniform to Namimori Middle? He'll be attending school alongside my children. I want to see how much his words hold true. There will be restrictions, of course," Tsuna explained before the boy could go and set his hopes too high. "But we'll discuss them later."
The ropes fell away as soon as Hayato had worked out the last knot, the bomber looking none too pleased with the fact an illusionist was getting off with a mere 'warning'. "Lucky bastard," the man muttered under his breath before taking a step back, nearly bumping into Haru who had curiously followed to get a closer look at the boy. The woman's critical eye roved over the kid until she finally clicked her tongue on the roof of her mouth and let out a triumphant, "Hahi!"
"So, how long?" Tsuna asked again, this time in amusement.
A hand resting in a thinking pose underneath her chin, she deliberated between the two choices she had in mind. "I can have one ready by tomorrow morning. You know that. It won't be anything fancy, that'll have to wait until I have the time! Maybe a week?"
Since it was coming from the Vongola's unofficial seamstress, Tsuna had no doubt he could hold her to that promise. "With your talents, Haru, it'll be a masterpiece." He grinned at the light blush resting on her cheeks and couldn't help but tease, "Hayato, look, look, I can still make her blush!"
If he had been expecting the 'lay off my woman' response from his right-hand man, he was sorely disappointed. "Well, that's because the Tenth could never lose his edge, no matter how old he gets," the man announced proudly, causing Tsuna to be the one to blush lightly now. After years and years of being praised by him, Tsuna should have expected it, but Hayato had a way of surprising him when he least expected it.
"Stop embarrassing, Tsuna-san!" The bomber was smacked upside the head for the compliment, Haru directing her wrath at him. "Now come on, we have to make sure we tuck Hitomi-chan in and then you'll be helping me with that uniform for the rest of the night!"
Hayato whined piteously in objection and rubbed at the spot where a sure-fire bruise was forming. Before he could even think of making good on an escape, though, she had him by the ear and was dragging him out of the room, their daughter trailing along behind them with a long suffering sigh. Tsuna shook his head at the sight, laughing softly at the family antics, and then once more rested his gaze on the young man who had dared to hurt his son, all humor disappearing instantly. "Now, about those restrictions …"
- XI -
"Ugh, I feel like a bus ran over me, reversed, did it again, and then someone shot me in the head …" Hiro palmed at his face, trying to stay awake. It was hard to accomplish, his eyes wanting to droop and his head falling forward precariously. "What the hell did you give me last night, Emiko?" The fever from last night was gone, however. So maybe the undisturbed rest had been exactly what he had needed, but that was taking it optimistically at best. Making a show of grumbling about stupid sisters and pranks, he produced a folded piece of paper from one of his pockets and handed it to her. "And what's this about? Did you drop it or something?"
Emiko snatched the note from his grasp, annoyed, and read it through - once to her self and then once again out-loud. "'You have three days.' What the hell? 'Find what has been lost or your lives will be next. Sorry, but that's just how it is, Vongola.'" The young brunette glanced up for a moment with a contorted expression that said 'is this for real or what?' She apparently didn't take it seriously and went back to reading. "'But don't worry. If you should win, everything will work out just fine. Good luck. Yours truly' … wait, I can't read the name. Did you smudge it, Hiro?" Having said it, she pointed to an ink blot on her brother's hand and scowled. "You did! Wake up, you idiot! Stop slouching."
"She's right, Hiro. Wake up and get it together, man." Taking a seat beside the blond, Daichi bit into an apple and offered, "You two hungry or anything? Mom left early for work and, well, so did yours, so …"
"Ew, disgusting! Chew with your mouth closed," reprimanded Emiko, reaching across the table and thumping the older boy on the forehead. "Is that how you eat in the presence of a lady?"
Daichi feigned surprise, glancing around everywhere. "A lady? Where?" Hiro laughed - a real honest, loud laugh - and nudged his friend in the side. "Oh, is it you, Hiro?"
"Pffft, you loser." The blond punched his friend as hard as he could in the shoulder, a small grin settling on his face nevertheless. "Anyway, did you hear what that note said? It's kind of creepy. Hey, was it yours, Dai? I found it up in your room. I thought maybe it was Emiko's, but …" He nervously rubbed the back of his neck, unsure.
"How many times do I have to say it?" Emiko slammed the note down onto the table, glaring at the boys across from her. "I wasn't in your damn room with lover boy last night. I lost my ribbon and I was looking for it. Ever since we got here! Jeez, why would I even go in to that loser's room? I mean, sure you were sick, but you're too fucking stubborn to die!"
"And she calls herself a lady," was the mumble from Daichi, making Hiro laugh again. Grinning at his victory, the dark haired boy admitted, loud enough to be heard by both, "It's not mine, though. Wonder where it came from. From the sound of it, a threat? Wait." He paused, considering something, and then shook his head with a weak laugh. "No, can't be. Why would a phantom thief go around targeting kids?"
Uncomprehendingly, Hiro stared at his friend and searched for what he couldn't figure out. Phantom Thief? What's he going on about? "I don't get it, Dai."
"You haven't heard about him?" Daichi raised his eyebrows sky-high, bemused. "He's front page news!" The Sawada siblings exchanged looks of 'what's he on about now?' "Come on, seriously? He's all over TV lately. News reporters are going crazy over him. Mom's even doing a scoop on his alleged whereabouts here in Japan."
"Wait a sec." Hiro held up a hand, patiently asking, "Are you saying this letter fits with the thief then?" If that was what his friend was implying, then he would have to look into it further. He often called Daichi an idiot perhaps, but that was just out of habit. His friend was anything but and they both knew that.
Daichi grimaced, staring up at the ceiling as he took another bite out of his apple. Noticing the heart-felt glare sent his way, he made sure to swallow before speaking this time. "That's exactly what I'm saying. It fits perfectly. The three day game. The fact something was stolen. Hell, I bet the guy was even cocky enough to sign it, but since we don't have any proof …" Daichi shrugged. "It'll be hard to convince anyone of its authenticity. For all we know, it's someone's idea of a bad joke." Dark eyes flickered briefly to Emiko and then landed back on Hiro. "Well, anyway, it's just your sister who lost something, righ – Eh, Hiro, where's …" The dark haired boy's gaze had shifted to rest along his friend's throat, staring blankly. "Did you forget to put it on this morning?"
"What?" Hiro stopped short of asking anything else, frantic fingers feeling along his neck for something that wasn't there. "Ah! My choker. Emiko, do you know -" He was cut off by a curt shake of the head from his sister, causing him to slump down in his seat. Aggravated and feeling strangely exposed without it on, Hiro mumbled, "I could have sworn I went to bed with it. How could I have lost it between then and now?"
"Well, we'll look for it when we get home," Daichi suggested, beginning to stand. "School first, search later. We'd end up late if we tried to look now." He tried to pass it off like it wasn't a big deal, causing Hiro to wince. It bothered him more than he would have liked to admit, the nonchalant way his friend was dismissing it. Does it really mean so little? Distracted by another glare Emiko sent their way, Hiro could do nothing more than frown, wondering when his sister would grow up. It was Daichi that caught on to what was upsetting her, though, politely amending his earlier statement to, "When we get back, we'll look for the choker and the ribbon then. Now, let's get going, all right? Though Emiko-chan looks cute with her hair down like that."
Taking another bite of his apple happily, the dark haired boy left to get a head start on their long walk to school. A good idea, since both Sawada siblings were still in the stuttering, gaping, and cursing stage at the unexpected compliment. Once Emiko had fully comprehended what had been said, then and only then did it she take off running after the boy with the clear intention of punching him square in the gut. Feeling like a referee, Hiro gave chase as well.
- XI -
"Class, today we have an exchange student from Italy. Vancillo-kun, please introduce yourself," the teacher instructed in a bored monotone. The young boy standing next to their sensei nodded and stepped forward, bowing respectfully.
"My name is Nico. I've been studying abroad in Venice for the past four years, but I've finally returned home. Please take good care of me." There were murmurs of appreciation for the boy's good looks, but there was little to no doubt he wasn't of Japanese origin. He had such sharp angles that more of his Italian heritage showed through as opposed to the Japanese half. Either way, it was clear the girls were going to be forming a fan-club soon.
Emiko rolled her eyes, scoffing. It was just like the majority of her 'friends' to fall head over heels for someone like that, someone mysterious and deceptively sweet. The kid put on quite the show of being nice for her classmates, but that didn't mean she had to believe it like them. Taking things at face value wasn't for her; she left that sort of thing to those who were more trusting.
"Have a seat beside Sawada-san in the back," the teacher was saying, causing Emiko to duck her head even as she was told to raise her hand to show the new kid where he was supposed to sit. "Sawada-san, do you want detention again?" The man readjusted his glasses as if in challenge and Emiko had to grind her teeth to stop herself from saying something impolite as she finally lifted up an arm to identify herself.
As much as she disliked the new kid having to sit by her, she disliked the thought of detention even more. Once the exchange student had taken the empty seat next to her, to her right, she immediately hissed out a quiet, "Don't talk to me," when the boy looked about ready to engage her in conversation. She thought she heard a mutter of, "you haven't changed much," but dismissed it. Either the foreigner had mispronounced a word or she had misheard because there was no way on earth she knew some prissy Italian boy and he sure as hell as wasn't going to get her attention just like that.
Lessons began shortly after the new student's introduction and Emiko sat through them in a daze, hardly paying attention. That was how she usually spent her days in school, day-dreaming about how to spend her time out of it. Today she was considering asking a friend to go out shopping with her after school. Her mother was getting off work early, a uncommon thing in itself, and had promised her a girls' day out last week. Her mom being her mom had insisted she bring along one of her friends. Hence her current dilemma on who to ask. She wasn't very close with anyone but her brother these days, but she had a feeling showing up with her big brother as company wasn't exactly what her mom had intended when she had mentioned a 'girls' day out'. Even if nii-san does act girly sometimes, that doesn't mean I should treat him like one. Smirking lightly, she began to tap out a beat with her pencil instead of taking notes. But mom says dad was like that too when he was our age. Wonder what she meant.
"Sawada-san, since you're paying such great attention, could you please tell me what the answer to question number four is?"
Emiko glanced down at her open textbook, bored. She didn't pay attention too much, but this was her favorite subject, history, and she wasn't going to let the teacher get away with embarrassing her. "Question four, yeah?" Reading it over one last time, she felt confident in her answer, enough to reply with, "Well, you could have given me a challenge, sensei." Some of her classmates gave her funny looks, always having found her strange, but she didn't let that bother her. She wasn't very smart or good looking or even attention worthy. But when it came to her history, the history of Japan, she was dedicated. "The Yayoi period was when new practices like rice farming and weaving began. Travelers brought them from over seas. From Korea or China, depending on the practice. 'Cause, yeah. No two places can be called the same, right? And we all got different ways of doing things. Their cultures influenced ours, sure, but we are who we are."
Grudgingly, her teacher nodded in confirmation of that being correct. The first part. "We could have done without your opinions added into the mix, but that is the correct answer. Now, Takada-kun, please read the next portion of -"
She zoned back out with a sigh. Ah, the envious life of an average, ordinary middle school student.
- XI -
Emiko was seething, absolutely seething, as she dripped from head to toe in what was unmistakably maple syrup. "Oh my god. Yoshida, you are so dead!" She was sticky and uncomfortable and this was not how she had planned to spend her lunch period.
"Ahaha, sorry, Emiko-chan." The nerve of her senpai, smiling at her and laughing despite it being his entire fault. "You were just in the wrong place at the wrong time," he said in an attempt to calm her down. It didn't work, the older boy wisely backing up until his back hit a wall, hands held out defensively in front of him. "Maa, maa, don't get so worked up. It's not good for your blood pressure!" The half-hearted joke fell on deaf ears. She raised a hand, ready to slap the boy despite the height difference, but her wrist was caught halfway to her intended target. "You're late, Hiro," Daichi said with a relieved smile, not at all accusing. "What kept you?"
"I was getting lunch and the canteen was crowded," explained Hiro with a shrug. "What's going on here? Were you trying to get me with syrup again, Daichi?" Her brother 'tsked' in a way that made an event like this seem typical. She had to wonder what exactly the two of them got up to when she wasn't around if that was the case. Since when are food condiments used to say hi? "Ugh, trust me on this, Emiko. It's going to be a bitch to get out of your hair. You're going to have to wash it like fifty million times."
Retracting her hand from her brother's grip with a scowl, she turned on him instead. "Your friend is a pain in the ass! Why in the name of all that is good and holy do you put up with him?" she demanded petulantly, crossing her arms like a child of five – a spoiled child of five. Belatedly, she realized that probably wasn't the best idea, for her arms were now beginning to stick together. She heard a few snickers and shot both boys equally displeased glares. "Think this is funny, do you?"
"Of course not," they more or less said in unison, causing the two of them to look long and hard at each other before breaking out into full-fledged laughter.
Emiko tapped her foot impatiently and waited for them to stop. When that didn't seem to be happening any time soon, she snapped, her amber eyes catching the glare from the sun and flashing dangerously. "If you two are done," they weren't, "could we get back to the point? I can't go around school like this! I'll stick to everything!"
It was a fairly good point too. Hiro had been in the same boat before, he could vouch for that. Why his friend had picked today of all days to try and pull a stunt like that, he wasn't too sure, but he had a feeling he knew and he hoped that feeling was lying to him. Why would Daichi intentionally do this to my sister anyway? He knows she has a temper. He was about to suggest she head down to the gym and ask to use the showers, but stopped short, frowning. The hairs on the back of his neck were standing up, making him wonder distantly if there was someone watching them or if he was letting these strange feelings of intuition get to him lately. He peeked over his shoulder and nearly face-planted into the wall if Daichi hadn't been there to steady him worriedly. "Wha – what are you doing here?"
Violet eyes stared back, mocking him. "Ah, do I know you? I'm new," the boy stated smoothly in a matter-of-fact tone of voice, "and I'm afraid I don't know too many people here yet. But maybe I could join you for lunch?" There was such honest hope in the way it was said that not even Hiroyuki could refuse. The exchange student breathed out a happy, "Thank you," when they agreed, walking calmly towards their little group and taking a seat nearby. "I like it up here. The roof. What a nice place to eat …" the new boy mused airily.
Hiro bit down hard on his lip, forestalling any sharp remarks he wanted to make. Is this an act or what? "U-Uh, well, you can stay here and eat with Daichi." He handed his friend the lunch he had bought wordlessly, the other boy giving him a curious look but accepting it nonetheless. "I have to make sure my sister gets cleaned up." Without waiting for a response, he caught her hand with his and started dragging her along. She didn't seem too mind, following after him with little to no protest. She doesn't like that guy either, he realized and sped up, reaching for the rooftop door as he spoke up once more, for Daichi's benefit. "I'll be back soon, so save me some food." Or maybe it was for his own benefit, it was hard to tell with him.
- XI -
Emiko stared, stared, and then stared some more. "You didn't have to accompany me," she pointed out, an eyebrow arched in question. "You acted as if you knew him, do you?" Thinking it over, she made a connection and froze, asking stiffly, "Could he have been the one who sent that letter?"
Her brother thought it over, getting that 'in deep thought' look that she knew too well. She also knew better than to interrupt him when he got into one of those moods, only Daichi was allowed the privilege of that. Because he's oh-so-special, she thought sarcastically. "He's just some weirdo I met on the way home," the explanation distracted Emiko enough to provoke a frown, uncertain of the truth behind it. "Don't give me that look. Come on, go get changed. I'll meet you back on the roof if you finish up in time. If not. See you at home."
She wouldn't admit it, but it hurt that he could easily leave her behind like that, like there were things he needed to keep from her. However, that was why she acted the way she acted, pretended to be tough when in reality all she wanted was for her brother to acknowledge her. She hadn't been able to go into that room when he was sick last night, not because of the urgent need to find her lost ribbon, but because she couldn't stand seeing her brother that way. To see him like that, it always invoked the same reaction: he's not going to be there one day. So she had forced herself to grow strong, refusing to let that happen, because that was her brother and she strangely wanted to protect him. From what, she couldn't say, but she had to find a way to make sure that unfathomable reality never came to pass.
"Don't worry, Emiko," she barely caught the words, "we'll find your ribbon, okay?" There was a flash of a small smile that was so rare to see directed at her that her heart warmed at the sight, but then it was gone and Hiro was walking calmly back down the hallway, hands in his pockets. Breathing out heavily, she leaned back against the wall nearest to the gym and deliberated how to go about explaining her situation to the teacher. It wasn't easy to do, what with thoughts of revenge taking up the majority of her mind, but she figured something would strike her in the form of inspiration sooner or later.
Inspiration did strike, a slow smirk playing at her lips as she watched a pair of students giggling about the latest rumor, but it wasn't for an excuse. No, she had the perfect idea for revenge. The fact that she was now partially stuck to the wall only served to strength her resolve.
It would have to be carried out soon, her plan. Once she was … unstuck from the wall.
- XI -
"That was fast," Daichi commented, wiping stray crumbs from his mouth and grinning. "What, did you ditch her and run back? Wait. You'd be out of breath if you did that. You're good at jumping, but not so much at running." The merciless teasing usually would have Hiro responding, whether positively or negatively would depend, but not today. He was still thinking over what his sister had said about the letter. "Oi, Hiro, you paying attention?" A hand was waved in front of the blond's face, Hiro blinking and attempting to recall when he had even sat down. The foreign exchange student was watching him quietly, finishing off his own lunch, and Daichi was steadily trying to get his attention.
"What?" He risked another glance at the new boy and then quickly settled for staring at Daichi when the kid unnerved him too much. "You did save me some food, right?" His friend's grin turned sheepish and he groaned. "You idiot! Now you owe me lunch."
"I know, I know!" Daichi laughed helplessly and scratched at his cheek. "Sorry, sorry. But I was really hungry."
"Learn to make your own lunch for once," objected Hiroyuki adamantly. "Gah, and you wonder why I still call you an idiot? It's because you pull stunts like this all the time!" He would have gone on with his tirade too, if it hadn't been for a fake cough diverting his attention and forcing him to snap, "What?" When his gaze met with violet once more, anger slowly disappeared, replaced with immediate forewarning. "Oh, you're still here?" He pretended to look abashed, "Forgot we had company, excuse us," and he suddenly felt sick to his stomach for a reason he couldn't properly explain. This guy tried to kill me, the rational portion of his brain was telling him, flat-out insisting he get away - far, far away - before something bad happened. Tending to ignore that part of his brain like the teenager he was, he stayed put. There's something different about him. Frowning, he couldn't place what though. Except, yeah, him wearing the Namimori uniform doesn't seem right somehow.
"Nothing to forgive," the boy waved off the false apology, "I merely was wondering why Sawada-san would fight with Yoshida here. You two seem so close," there was something bitter about the way it was said, but Hiro couldn't tell if Daichi had noticed it or not. "I hope I didn't cause any problems?"
"Nah," the older of the two dark haired boys was quick to intervene, "we just like to practice tough love. Ahaha, but Hiro can be so mean when he wants to be." Hiro took that as his cue to thump his best friend upside the head, Daichi pouting slightly at the treatment. "See, see? Abuse!"
"Hiro." The Italian smiled pleasantly. "I like that name." Hiroyuki shivered and forced back last night's memories with a vengeance. "My name is Nico by the way, I'm from Italy." It was the exact same speech, the exact same infliction, the exact same everything. What's going on?
He turned to his best friend, gauging his response to the exchange student. Apparently Daichi liked him, so Hiro let slip a sigh and held out a hand, figuring it was the proper thing to do. "I'm Sawada Hiroyuki. It's nice to meet you." His hand was accepted by a much slimmer one, fitting nicely with his. He tried not to think too much about that, wanting to forget how only last night that same slim hand had forced him to stay put as illusions hounded at his mind like a pack of hungry wolves. Those same illusions had barged savagely into his inner most thoughts and chased them off like a scared rabbit. How did he even do that? But he wasn't supposed to be thinking about that, couldn't think about that. Maybe it was all in my head and I really am losing it.
"You know, in Italy," Nico's smile turned a bit more predatory, but that could have been Hiro's imagination working over time. He realized a little late that his hand was still being held in the other's grip and by now Daichi was giving them both a strange look. "Well, in Italy, we do this." Lips, warm and the slightest bit chapped, brushed against his cheek. The small act had Hiroyuki flushing a bright red, eyes wide, and it wasn't until a heartbeat later that he realized the meaning behind it. "That, Sawada Hiroyuki, is how we greet someone." The words were barely out of the boy's mouth before a punch was thrown. Nico nearly received the full force behind it too, if it hadn't been for Hiro grabbing his friend's wrist in an effort to stop the blow. It had been automatic, or else he probably would have allowed it to hit.
He was sure of one thing, though. Nico wasn't going to be joining them for any more lunches.
- XI -
"Did you hear?"
"Yeah, but is it true?"
"Wah! That two-timer!"
"No wonder we don't see Yuko-chan any more. He's seeing another girl!"
"Heh, at least it's not a guy. I mean, have you seen the way he is with Sawada-senpai?"
"It's disgusting, is what it is. Maybe that's why he needs the girls? 'Cause Sawada's not putting out."
"And where," a resent laden voice demanded, "did you hear that?" Sawada Hiroyuki was not the type to let rumors get to him easily, but it was difficult to let this one go considering what it was escalating into. His underclassmen stuttered and blushed and had the good grace to look ashamed. He couldn't take the matter entirely to heart because of that. It had been a misunderstanding, after all. "Are you referring to Daichi then? He's seeing Fujihara Yuko-san. At least know what you're talking about," Hiro reprimanded. He quirked an inquisitive eyebrow when it only seemed to bring on another bout of angry expletives from the first years. "What are you saying? Your senpai, seeing another girl? Don't make me laugh, guys."
They were from the judo club, Hiro noted idly, which explained why they were taking this so hard. Daichi was looked up to like an idol within the club and for him to supposedly cheat on his girlfriend was like a slap in the face to those who did the idolizing. It would be all over the school in no time if he didn't handle the matter quickly and fix it. "Who did you hear it from?" There was a hurried discussion between the underclassmen and then finally an answer was squeaked out by one of the more timid ones.
"I-It was the girls. They were talking about it during class." Girls? Hiro frowned at the revelation. Don't tell me Emiko's already made her move. "T-They said someone saw senpai on a date with Inoue Katsumi-san last night." And she picked a popular girl as a scapegoat on purpose!
Knowing exactly why his sister had picked Katsumi, Hiro panicked and said the first thing that came to mind. "But that's not true at all," he stumbled out, a slight flush to his face, "because Daichi was with me all night." He hadn't stopped to think about it and it wasn't until a few seconds later that he realized his mistake. "Uh, not that we ... we wouldn't! Not on a date or anything. Y-Yeah. We're not like that," he insisted all in a rush, nervousness taking over. When he had calmed down, he waved a dismissive hand back and forth. "So don't take that the wrong way or anything, guys. And," he ignored the odd looks he was still getting, "shouldn't you be heading to practice anyway?" I'm going to be late if this keeps up. There was agreement amongst the underclassmen and they left without too much of a fuss, not wanting to be late for judo or miss the opportunity to confront their senpai directly.
Hiro didn't often pity his friends. It was demeaning to them. But in this case, he felt an exception was in order. There would be a load of awkward questions to answer now, surely. "That idiot better keep his mouth shut," he groaned, wanting to suddenly bang his head against the closest wall, "or he's going to make things a whole lot worse." Like I haven't already.
His sister was in for an earful tonight when they got home. Well, when they got back to Yoshida residence anyway. Concentrate on practice already, Sawada. You're late as it is! He would have made a run for it, but as his best friend had pointed out to him during lunch, he wasn't that fast of a runner. So why bother? Ugh, I hope Nakamura-senpai doesn't notice.
- XI -
"Where is Sawada-kouhai?" Nakamura Michi demanded. When he received no reply, he exhaled slowly, a tactic used to calm down his quickly rising temper, and ran a hand through his hair as a means of further distracting himself. He had dyed the ends red, some of the more observant students noticed. They whispered excitedly amongst themselves about how 'cool' their captain looked. They didn't think to ask why, or how, or anything of the sort, taking it in stride and adding it to the growing list of unique traits that made their captain, well, their captain.
Never mind that there had to have been a reason, since the ends hadn't been dyed that color yesterday. Then again, maybe if they have been paying attention to more important things besides his hair they would have realized that their captain hardly asked after anyone. Maybe then they would have considered why he wanted Sawada. Alas, it was probably for the best they didn't. Their usually indifferent captain didn't appear to be in the mood to entertain questions.
He would have asked again, rephrasing his inquiry to 'has anyone seen, Sawada-kouhai?', but a panting and out of breath blond stumbled into the archery club's practice circle before he could do just that. "You're late, kouhai. You'll stay after today and help me check equipment." Dark eyes narrowed into a glare when the younger boy looked about ready to protest. "Or was there some excuse you would like to use so I can repeat myself?"
Hiro wisely chose to stay silent, gaze lowered to the ground as he tried in vain to catch his breath. He had opted to run in the end, but like he had first assumed, it hadn't done him any good. But since when does senpai single people out? It was beginning to make him feel a little worn down, what with everyone acting so strangely all of a sudden. Well, stranger than normal at least. He rubbed at his forehead as his breathing finally returned to normal, straightening up to listen to his captain properly. Michi was discussing the line-up for the competition. Everyone was present, so it seemed the perfect opportunity to do so. He was only half-tuning it in, though, letting his thoughts drift back over the day's events and wondering when the madness would end already. First the threatening letter, then Daichi dumping syrup on his sister, followed by that second meeting with the creep from last night, and now his captain was forcing him to stay after? It was like the world was conspiring against him.
"Is that all right with you, Sawada-kouhai?" Eh? Wide amber eyes looked around wildly for some sort of clue as to what had been said. He had missed that part, why had he missed that part! Coming up short on all accounts, he hesitated and glanced at Michi like he was expecting him to go postal right then and there. Wait, did he just smirk at me? "Ah. I guess I wasn't heard. Should we call for the nurse to have your ears looked at?" It was said with such general apathy that Hiro couldn't tell if it was a joke or not. There was plenty of laughter from his peers, but had Michi meant it to be funny? Not that it matters, he reminded himself sharply. "I'll say it again." While the older boy didn't appear to like the idea of doing that, he followed through with it. "The last member in the line-up is you, Sawada."
That was how Hiro decided that, yes, this day would go down in the history of his life as the worst day ever. "I-I can't." At least his voice hadn't completely abandoned him, he had been afraid of that. "I'm busy that day," he lied, folding his arms over his chest and attempting a worry-free smile. "That's why I told the team I couldn't yesterday. 'Cause I just, you know, can't be there." Some of his friends on the team seemed disappointed, taking it as truth, but it seemed Michi wasn't accepting no as an answer.
"Oh? And what could be so important? So important that it forces you to be unable to support your team, what is it?" Either their captain was actually curious about it or he hadn't been fooled. Hiro took it to mean the latter and nervously played with a loose string found on his jacket's sleeve. "Come on, Sawada-kouhai. Speak. Or is it too embarrassing?" The younger boy peeked up from under his eyelashes, warily judging the other's expression. There was something teasing about the way it had been said, but the older boy looked as impassive as ever.
"Er. That's … uh. I have to …" Whispers broke out, some accusing, some not, but all related to one thing: does he really want to be in this club or not? "I guess I … nothing for it then. I'll try my best." He bit his lip slightly. Just when I think I'm finally growing a spine, I give in again. He didn't mind them questioning his loyalty to the club, that was fine, but there were other whispers, ones he didn't like. The ones that said he's just here for popularity, he's really a good for nothing.
His skill wasn't the best, but that still gave them no right to doubt his love for archery. He didn't attend club practice and meetings just to show off or gain instant popularity. Where had they come up with that idea? He loved what he did. The feel of a bowstring being drawn in his hand, it was a feeling he couldn't live without. He had truly fallen in love with archery. Ever since Gokudera Hayato had showed him how to shoot an arrow at a target range, he had kept up with practice and made improvements, struggling through each and every day. He never skipped out on a day's worth of practice, never felt down when he missed a target, he just kept trying because that was the only thing he could do if he ever wanted to get better. His dad had even scolded him once when he had come home with bloodied hands from overuse, his dedication to archery going further than either of them thought it would.
"I'm glad we could agree," Michi nodded and continued after a clap of his hands to make sure all attention was back on him. "Now everyone go get changed so we can start practice. The details can wait until later." Great, Hiro thought wearily. Meaning there goes free time. You're scheduling extra practice for those competing in the tournament, aren't you? Gah. Senpai, you're so mean.
