Once again,
Disclaimer: I own only my OC, Hotaru, KHR belongs to Amano, Akira.
Sawada's home is definitely cozy.
It's larger than what you'd expect of a home that was originally meant for two people, but if gave off such a homey feeling that the house didn't seem too spacious. Though, that may be because the home was no longer for just two people, but rather two people and several guests.
I was able to identify the kids first. Luckily, I actually paid attention to what Sawada was saying and not just his tone. Lambo was a rambunctious as Sawada said, but I wasn't expecting the infamous afro to be so big and knotted. He was running up and down the stairs and hall screaming something or another and chasing another child, which I can only assume to be I-Pin, and saying something about a broccoli monster. I-Pin looked like she was having fun too, despite the fact I know their game is based on their little misunderstanding when the two first met. I-Pin also looks like what Sawada described, she seems to be a pretty down to earth kid when she's not playing with Lambo and also looks very traditional, though I'm not sure what to make of Sawada's warning of not to embarrass her. I also don't get how he ever mistook her for a boy, but I doubt that mystery will ever be solved.
"You must be Tsu-kun's friend that Reborn-chan was talking about!" Breaking my concentration, I had to turn and discover what being could ever refer to Satan with a –chan suffix.
And I was met by what must be the purest being on the planet; it almost makes me feel ill. Sawada's mom, Nana Sawada looks like the type of person in those cooking magazines, just far happier about life. She practically radiates sparkles, and her voice oozes maternal kindness. It's something I wasn't expecting.
I mean, sure, I knew she would be a very nice person (who else would let a bunch of foreigners stay thing their home?), but this was ridiculous. Though it does explain where Sawada got his submissive nature from. But regardless, I'm definitely not used to it. I haven't seen my father in five month and have no desire to listen to his mocking. I haven't seen my mother since she left my father for her butler when I was four and have no desire to listen to her complaints that I'm 'just as insensitive as my father,' when I don't give her some of my hard earned pay check. So naturally, I'm a bit uncomfortable to Sawada-san's tone.
This is the type of person that loves life for the sake of loving life and is constantly expressing appreciation for life.
Of course it's this type of person that can think of the devil's apprentice as a –chan…
"Yes, ma'am. I'm Hotaru Fukushima, thank you for having me over." Giving a slight bow, it's then Sawada-san gives a slight grimace. Is something wrong?
"About that, I'm so sorry you had to come all this way but, you see, we won't be having dinner tonight." The whole house stood still
The woman who was formerly relaxing at the table lunged forward in shock.
Sawada had a mild gasp.
The little hell spawn had his mouth hung open.
The kids froze.
Two bowls clattered to the floor.
…
They act like someone just died…
Hiding my sweat drop, I listen to the rest of Sawada-san's story, "It seems someone stole my wallet! I'm really sorry, I heard there were some pickpocket incidents in the neighborhood and I tried to be really careful but… Oh! And even on the day Tsu-kun brought such a nice friend over!" I'm nice?
Scratching the disturbing idea I tried to comfort the woman as best I could, tried being the key word.
I was cut off by the clicking that could only be the cocking of a gun, and after that the entire room was swept over by this intense aura. Shivers run down my spine and I'm suddenly reminded how small and insignificant I am in the world. I know this is killing intent.
Holy shit…
Before I can pee myself I turn to see the source of my new found fear.
It was everyone in the home except for Sawada and Sawada-san ready to make a kill.
Even the children.
What kind of family is this?
As it stands, I'm not the only one fearing for their life, or the lives of others, Sawada is doing a fine job of both.
"Calm down everyone! I can give you guys some of my ramen!"
The killing intent disappears.
"Stupid Dame-Tsuna, you don't have enough ramen for everyone."
Only to reappear x10.
Damn you Satan's bastard child!
Wait, I could just…
Getting my idea, I stand up straight and use my 'giving orders' voice.
"Wait a minute; I know where you guys can get dinner." The killing intent subsides a little but is now slight directed towards me. Don't let the fear show Hotaru or you've lost the battle (easier said than done, my subconscious cries!). "A few blocks from here is this nice delivery place that makes really good American food cheaply. I'm a regular when it comes to ordering delivery from there so anything you guys order can be put on my tab and Sawada-san can just pay me back through Sawada at school. Problem solved." My love of well grilled burgers shall not be wasted.
The killing intent once again dispersed in the air and every member that was once hell bent on murder called out orders and went back to their normal routine. I sighed in relief along with Sawada, neither of us wanted to see the results of that mob's intent.
After placing the orders Sawada-san thanked me for my 'quick thinking and kindness' when I was really just trying to stop a homicide leading back to me. The compliment through me off, but it wasn't unwanted, even if it was misworded. Something like complimenting my action might have worked better, I didn't do it because I was concerned for anyone else rather to get rid of that scary aura.
The Sawadas are weird.
I didn't see Sawada again till Monday, which suits me fine. The less Sawada the less evil from the one foot tall demon I have to deal with.
But what struck me as odd was that it was that day, only two days after Sawada-san was robbed, that Sawada delivered the return for the 5,600 yen tab (about 56 dollars).
"Sawada, tell your mom thanks for paying me back so quickly, but isn't this a bit inconvenient for your family? She doesn't have to rush on my account; do you need this money back?" Sawada only blinked.
"Why would it be inconvenient?" I face palmed, could a High Schooler really be so blind to their family's financial affairs?
"Your mom lost her money on Saturday. Most adults are paid their weekly salary on Friday, that means she has to rely on savings for a week, and for a single mother feeding an average of six people every day, that is every difficult, especially considering she must have a job during the day to take care of all of you. 5,600 yen isn't much when thinking about the bills but recovering all the information she lost along with her wallet is bound to be time consuming and stressful, so I'm saying that if she's better off keeping the money then she should. I'm not in a dire need for it, as long as it is returned eventually. Get, it?" Hm, that sounded pretty annoyed, I'm slipping around Sawada, maybe it's because he's seen how I act around the little villain?
"Well, you see, my mom actually found her wallet, someone came to our door trying to sell some school supplies and he dropped it. So the wallet's no problem."
Oh…
"I see, that's fine. Well, I guess, thank your mother then." Well, that's that. Time to move on in my life.
"But wait, Fukushima-san!" Hm? "You misunderstood something-." Oh, I guess I should have waited for him to say the money was no problem too, I can sympathize with Sawada-san, it's hard taking care of people all by yourself. I have some trouble earning enough for myself to eat sometimes. "You see, my mom stays home, she doesn't have a job." …
…
What?
"Sawada, that doesn't make sense, are you sure about that?" The math- the math wouldn't add up otherwise, there must be a mistake!
"Yeah, before she married my father, she was a waitress; she's never had to work before." How can he act like this is common sense?
"But Sawada- I mean, I don't mean to sound insensitive, but I remember you telling me your father was- well, missing. And if your mom isn't bring in the income then who's paying for you and your mom to survive?" No matter how I tried I couldn't word the 'missing' part right, could I? But this is serious, if his mom isn't working then is she relying on loan sharks? Or excessive bank loans? They could get evicted or worse depending on who they borrowed from!
It didn't help that Sawada looks as confused as I am, albeit less panicky, but definitely confused.
"…"
"Sawada, I'm coming over after school." I'm not going to let some loan sharks take advantage of an innocent family.
"U-uh-!"
"Herbivores."
The temperature drops ten degrees.
Killing intent killing intent killing intent-
The mood was ruined by the chairman of the Disciplinary Committee, Kyoya Hibari, the only person on campus that anyone would beg for mercy from. The only person allowed to address him by his first name is Tetsuya Kusakabe, and God only knows how long it took to gain the respect for such a thing. He is the only person I have ever met that I'm truly afraid of, and one of the few people willing the beat- or rather, 'bite to death' anyone, regardless of age, gender, or position as long as they oppose him. He destroys rival gangs (because we all know what the Disciplinary Committee really is) all by himself. When begged to defeat and ogre army for the sake of innocents, he'd rather just make the ogres his subordinates. And when the question comes of saving a life or challenging someone strong the answer is obvious. He is a scary fucker, and I don't want to be on his bad side, ever
Luckily, instead of his eyes shimmering with blood lust, they were simply bored.
Until those eyes saw Sawada, that is, then they started to kinder some sort of… excitement?
"Herbivores, class is almost starting. Be there before the bell." The threat need not be disguised.
But before Sawada and I could run for our lives (or walk, running in the halls is strictly prohibited) Hibari called out again. "Male herbivore." Oh God, poor Sawada.
Sawada looked like he was about to faint on the spot, and I was almost hoping he did, Then I could give the excuse that I needed to carry him to the nurse's office and get away from the monster of Namimori.
Hibari spoke again, "Where is that baby that hangs around you? We have unfinished business. Tell me." Oh, of course, this is the demon's fault in the end!
Sawada was shaking beyond control at this point, but he managed to give a response to Hibari's demand, "U-um, w-well, R-reborn likes t-to go o-off and not t-tell m-me anything s-so I-I don't k-know- HONEST! PLEASE DON'T BITE ME!" God speed, Sawada, God speed!
Hibari obviously deflated back to boredom, thank God, and in the moment, I seize my chance.
"W-well, Hibari-san, Sawada and I have to rush to our homeroom so we'll be going, heh heh…" Bowing and forcing Sawada to bow too, we dashed off, walking as quickly as we could.
We actually ended up arriving ten minutes early, students were still talking amongst friends and there were still some stragglers that hadn't arrived yet. All in all? I think there's an angel looking out for Sawada and I, a God sent guardian angel. People hadn't even reacted to Sawada and my rushed appearance, an opportunity I quickly made use of. I immediately straightened out my school blazer and skirt that got ruffled in the rush to get away from the human personification of violence, and flattened my hair. I checked in the glass and saw that I looked just as presentable as I had arrived to school, and I'm pretty happy about that. Sawada though… didn't seem to care… Then again, he doesn't really have a reputation to loose.
"Tenth!"
"Tsuna!"
It was both Takeshi Yamamoto and Hayato Gokudera, two of the most popular boys in school and both Sawada's newest and closest friends it would seem. Were they both waiting just for him to arrive?
Regardless of either's devotion, Sawada grew this modest grin and greeted them both in return. Looks like they'll start asking about each other's morning and such. I'm not needed as a figurative third wheel.
Right before I reach my seat, I can hear Yamamoto say something like, "Wow, Tsuna! I didn't know you were friends with Fukushima!" Oh, lord, let the rumors begin.
Morning classes went as normal, academics passed with ease and in gym girls were just doing volleyball, where I volunteered to be score keeper. No one objected, and to be honest I was starting to space out. That is, until lunch time started.
Now usually, I pull out my laptop and start doing some work with details in marketing and preview some information I need to examine at home with some type of sandwich sticking out of my mouth. No one bothers me, I don't bother anyone else; it all works out.
But this lunch I only opened my lunch box before- "Hey, Fukushima-san, you should come eat lunch with us!"
Yamamoto is a sort of enigma. Ever since middle school I gave up trying to understand how his mind worked and used the excuse of brain damage to justify every improbable thing he did. But this is just- well, bizarre. Why would he invite a loner like me to eat lunch with him and his friends? What suddenly propped him to even ask? We don't know each other, hell, I'm one of the few people still on a last name bases with him.
So, naturally, my intelligent response is, "Huh?"
Oh, yes, I am very proud of myself.
This just seemed to make him laugh, like everything else in life, "Haha! I'm asking if you want to have lunch with me, Gokudera, and Tsuna! You and Tsuna are friends, right? But you always eat alone!" That's this guy's logic? I'm friends with Sawada? I mean, I've done him favors and he really isn't a bad guy, in fact I like talking to him, but friends? I don't do friends.
"I think you're mistaken-."
"Nonsense! Come on!"
"Wah!" Being pulled against my will, being pulled against my will, being pulled against my will-!
I don't like this, I don't like this, I don't like this, I don't like this-!
As both thoughts continuously ran through my head, Yamamoto continued to drag me up the stairs, no matter what I said, until we finally reached the roof.
The roof is a place of mixed feelings among the student body. There's no rule against going up there, and most people have, at some point in their High School career, been to the roof. However… the roof is known as Hibari's territory, no one who goes up there stays for very long unless they want to be bitten to death for walking up sleeping beauty. So naturally the place is void of people during lunch, void save for Sawada and his little ring of friends, making the place pretty quiet and relaxing.
"OI! Baseball-freak! Why did you bring that woman up here? Are you trying to disturb the Tenth?"
Scratch that last bit.
If Yamamoto is an enigma, then Gokudera is a single celled organism, he's so simplistic. Everyone one who goes near Sawada is evil, he is the only one who can ever help Sawada, anyone else's help is only a hindrance. This type of ego is most annoying, he believes that he has no faults when it comes to judging people, like he's always right about everyone. It only gets even more annoying when he starts to thinkSawada has no faults, for some reason, and then doesn't even listen to Sawada; he just goes off on his own and does the opposite than what is wanted. He's just an annoying brat.
"Haha! Well, I saw Fukushima here eating alone and her and Tsuna are friends, and every friend of Tsuna's is a friend of mine, so I invited her to eat with us!" More like kidnapped, but Yamamoto's flippant grin paralyzes my mouth. A smart remark wouldn't be worth the trouble of explaining that I didn't want to be here.
Yamamoto's statement obviously throws Gokudera off, probably because he thought that Sawada could possibly be friends with 'someone like me.'
Sighing, I sat down to open my lunch box again. This is going to be a long lunch…
"I'm just saying you're acting conceded, there's nothing wrong with my lunch and you're an ass for assuming that it's not good enough for Sawada." I only took five minutes for Gokudera to make me lash out. I really am losing my touch.
Really, if he hadn't insulted me, this wouldn't be a problem. I was just trying to be nice and offer Sawada some of my food since he said it looked good. He said sure and thanked me, and I said 'you're welcome' and moved to tare part of my sandwich and giving him part of my apple, all standard pleasantries until Gokudera opened his mouth. Gokudera claimed I was an 'evil influence,' and that I was 'trying to swindle' Sawada with my 'subpar crap,' and that Sawada should have some of his food instead. I mean, what the hell? What did I ever do to him?
"The Tenth only deserves the best! And-!"
"Oi, oi, Gokudera what you said was pretty uncalled for, plus, doesn't the kid say that as part of the mafia game we should respect girls? Insulting a girl's cooking isn't exacting respect, now is it?" Yamamoto was smiling as he said this but the tone was clear, I was owed an apology, and I sure as hell was going to get it.
I crossed my arms and looked the rude delinquent straight in the eye, and the message was a clear 'don't you have something to say?'
But a "Tch!" was all I got. What a bastard!
I did my own little 'hmph' and then gave Sawada the parts of my lunch that I was handing him in the first place, I'm not about to change my action because of a child.
The mood became tense, but I could care less, it was Gokudera's fault in the first place, not mine. If he just apologized then this would be over. Maybe Yamamoto knows not to invite me next time.
"Ne, Fukushima?" Yamamoto?
"Yes?" He really is a good guy, I should be polite.
"Fukushima is a mouthful; can I just call you Hotaru?" I tense up.
While I don't mind him calling me by my first name, it would have… Implications… Not only would the entire Yamammoto fan club be out for my blood, but it would be… awkward… The name 'Hotaru' means 'firefly' and while fireflies are pretty and nice insects, but the reason my father named me 'Hotaru' was more because fireflies die quickly, their light burns out fast, just like he hoped I would. Then there's the reference to the movie 'Grave of the Fireflies' which just makes the whole thing unlucky. But then again, this is Yamamoto, the guy's so casual that it probably pains him to call someone by their surname, especially if that surname is so long (I wonder why Gokudera is the exception?), so it couldn't hurt, right?
"If… if you really want to… but just don't call me that around my family, if you ever see them." Father would get a laugh out of it, and that man should never know joy.
"Sure!" I secretly thanked him for not asking questions in my head. That would be difficult.
Nodding to myself, I quickly finished up my lunch, the mood is pretty lax now, I'll just leave so it can stay that way, I don't like causing any more trouble for people like Sawada or Yamamoto than I have to.
"Well, I'll be going." Time for a strategic retreat.
"Wait! Fuku-!"
Cutting off Sawada by closing the door is the best option.
"I'm surprised that you aren't walking home with Gokudera or Yamamoto." And I speak the truth, neither the jackass nor the baseball player were with us as I walked to Sawada's house.
"Yamamoto has baseball practice and Gokudera mentioned something about being busy for one thing or another." One thing or another huh?
"That makes sense, so how far away is your house from school?" I'd rather get the talk over with about the dangers of loan sharks, but how to explain that to a grown woman? I guess I'll have to figure it out when I get there, but first, "Juice."
"Did you say something, Fukushima-san?"
"Can we stop to get some juice?" I need my apple juice.
"Oh, sure, there's a vending machine right over there."
There's no particular reason for the juice, I'm just thirsty and apple juice is always my drug of choice.
The Sawada house probably looked as normal as it had been a few days ago. Probably the same clear yard, the same lively kids in the house, and the same plain gate as the last time I visited.
I say 'probably' because I couldn't see it. I couldn't even see the damn gate through all these giants in suits.
Yup, in front of Sawada's house is this giant cluster of muscular men laughing amongst themselves and blocking the road, right where Sawada's house is.
"Sawada, please tell me those guys aren't in front of your house." Are these guys the loan sharks?
"Um, well…" Oh God, why do you do this to me?
"Let's just push through; people tend not to stop you fine you look like you know where you're going." This is a fact I learned while walking into a private party that my father threw.
Sadly, my rule didn't work this time.
One of the biggest lugs stood in our way, his muscle practically begging to be ripped out of his suit and his eyes just looked bored. Those same eyes were basically calling 'hold on guys, I have to take care of these kids.' I hate him. I mean, just that look, I'm not just some kid you can brush off. Who does this guy think he is?
"Sorry, kids, I'm only supposed to let Sawada family members through." My hair bristles, do these guys think they can just walk over people? Do they realize they're blocking a public road? Do they-?
"U-um, I'm Tsunayoshi Sawada…" Or we could just use Sawada's name to walk through.
"What? This is him?" What else were they expecting? A brother body builder?
These full grown men scrambled to clear a path and bowed to Sawada, what is wrong with this picture? While I was left with jaw hanging, Sawada ran into his home. He's not seriously going to leave me here is he?
"O-oi! Sawada, don't leave me here!" Apparently, running after him is not what the muscle pact thought was good manners.
"Sorry, but like I said, only Sawadas can pass." Ugh, now that look is back. I hate look.
I put on my best glare and raised my chin, trying to look strong in front of this guy who's twice my size, "Excuse me, but if you were paying attention, Sawada and I were already walking together. We were both going to his house, and if you don't want to offend anyone then I suggest you move aside." I don't want to die, please God, I'm too young to die, don't let this guy tear me apart, I really don't want to die. Please let that come out tough, please.
"I don't mean to offend anyone, but my orders-."
"I didn't ask about your orders now did I? The fact is you're being extremely rude!" Why can't I keep my mouth shut?
"Listen, miss-."
"I don't need to listen to you, now move!" I'm dead, I'm totally dead, maybe Sawada will come to my funeral? Oh God-!
"Ok, ok, I didn't mean to offend!" Wait- did that just work?
The living wall stood aside and I dashed past before I could fall down in relief, that I was able to do once I was past the door. I fell back against the door and sunk down, my legs were jello, I was hyperventilating, and I was suffering from an adrenaline crash. Are these the type of people Sawada-san borrowed from?
After thanking whatever God that is for my life, I pushed myself up and stumbled into the kitchen, where Sawada-san was happily cooking. Does she even realize what's going on?
"Um, Sawada-san? What are those men doing out there?" Let's start from the beginning.
"Oh, Fukushima-chan! I didn't know you were coming too!" How can she be so happy?
"Well, it was sort of, spring of the moment. Um, but who are those people outside?"
"Those gentlemen outside are Reborn's friends! I wish they'd come inside though, they could get cold out there!" She-she has no idea how creepy those people are?
"They aren't loan sharks?" Oops. That wasn't supposed to come out…
"Loan sharks? Why would I be taking out a loan?" Wait- she doesn't take out loans?
"Well, your son told me that you were a say at home mom so don't you have to borrow money to pay for bills and groceries? Because if you are-!"
Then she started giggling. Giggiling. Um, hello, I'm trying to be as earnest as possible here. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to laugh, but you see, my husband sends us money for groceries and pays for bills himself!"
Excuse me?
"B-but wait, Sawada told me your husband is missing!" If he lied to me, he is dead.
"Oh that's just something my husband told me to tell Tsu-kun that he became a star!" WHAT?
"Why?" What kind of father-!
"He wanted to be romantic!" Sawada-san then promptly started giggling like a school girl and swooning back and forth, at what I can only assume is the thought of her husband.
Blood thirsty children…
Demon babies…
A father that tricks his son into thinking he's dead…
A mother that thinks that's romantic…
What the hell is wrong with this family? The only normal one is Sawada! But even he acts like a mouse!
I can't deal with this. Sawada will pay for his deception, I don't care if he didn't know, he should have noticed!
Stomping up the stairs I look at each door for Sawada. Luckily he has one of those stupid door signs with his name on it. Slamming the door open I see Sawada, and then the floor. And then I hear two clicks, which distinctly reminded me of the gun I heard Satan cock a few nights ago, accompanied by two metal cylinders pressed against my skull, a knee on my back, one hand on each of my shoulder blades, one hand holding both of my wrists on my lower back, and one final hand smashing my face into rug. My full out anger immediately changed to full out fear.
Why do these things always happen to me at Sawada's house?
"Oi, oi, back off guys, it's just Vongola's friend; she has the same uniform." Almost instantly all of the life threating pressure got off my back, literally, and I was hauled up to my feet, by what I now know to be two full grown men. Two full grown men who then slammed my back in a joking manner and laughed.
Great. I almost lose my life, again, and now my would-be murders are laughing at me. This is just great. The only consolation? I still have my juice.
"Sorry about that little girl!" Little girl? "Slamming the door open like that made us think it was an assassin!" WHY WOULD AN ASSASSIN GO THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR? THESE FUCKERS!
"Uh, Fukushima-san? Are you… ok?" Of course Sawada I'm just fine.
"Peachy, Sawada, just peachy." He winces, and I try to recover some of my lost pride.
"I do apologize for that; my men are just trained to protect me no matter what, haha." Another laugh, this is just wonderful.
Glaring in the general direction of the voice I meet a giant leather chair with a man sitting in it, a very beautiful man, but I won't let that stop me.
The man is obviously a foreigner, in case the blond hair wasn't a big enough signal he also had incredibly tanned skin, and good build, not the kind you get from a Japanese man, but attractive nonetheless. The whole thing could have made me stop and drool with my mouth open- and I did, but I made sure my swooning was strictly in my mind. And when it prevented me from making a snide remark I killed the swooning by blaming all my problems on the man meat in front of me and just glared.
To his credit, he didn't flinch.
"'Your men'? So it's 'your men' are the ones who are blocking public roads and gave me a hard time? And, of course, it's 'your men' that push my into the floor? What a wonderful day 'your men' have given me. Hi, I'm Hotaru Fukushima, and you are? Or should I just keep calling you 'an annoyance'?" Spitting out the words as harshly as I could, and I was rewarded with a slightly pained smile from the blond.
"Thank you for pointing out that I haven't introduced myself, that's rather rude of me. You see, I'm the Cavallone family's 10th boss, Dino." I am not impressed.
"What?" But Sawada is apparently.
And Dino finds this all hilarious.
"He's no good!" The blond cries, laughter seems to almost break him, until he continues, "You don't have the aura, you present yourself terribly, you don't seem to have any ambition, there's no sense of anticipation, and you look unlucky!" What the-!
"Your legs are short, too!" Shut up Lucifer, no need one asked you.
The blond went on, "Your disposition to be a boss is zero."
The 'manly' men behind us began to laugh their asses off too; poor Sawada is blushing under the scrutiny.
I know what I want to do.
I stepped over Sawada's little table, right in front of the only blond in the room.
And I poured what was left of my apple juice on the bastard's head.
I don't have to be afraid of this guy! "Well, do you feel tough? A grown man laughing at a kid? A freshman? What, do you think you're cool or something? Criticizing someone ten years under than you? Someone you haven't even talked to before? Who do you think you are?"
The room was quiet for a second, and I was quiet proud of myself, I needed to get even with someone what with the Gokudera incident, the door incident, the truth about Sawada's father, Sawada's room incident, and finally watching my friend get laughed at. Someone had to pay. And my juice served me well!
Wait-
My thoughts come to a complete stop.
Did I just call Sawada my friend?
"He's Dame-Tsuna's senior apprentice." Yes, evil one, everyone wants to know your opinion.
Hmphing to myself, I went back to my own space next to Sawada , and politely processed what the baby was saying.
Senior apprentice, huh? That probably means he was the imp's former student. I thought the monster had higher standards than this? Isn't a mafia boss supposed to be charming to a point? They need allies after all, just like CEOs.
Laughing nervously, this man- no, child, Dino, wiped the spare juice from his face and then put his confident face once more, "Don't let the things I said get you down, I didn't have any boss qualities either, before Reborn, that is." Oh, oh, now, he explains it was all in good fun. I don't get men. You laugh together and the other's a bastard, but when you humiliate a stranger? Oh, hell, now you're best friends! What the hell is that?
Sawada doesn't think anything of it, of course, and is only now realizing what the demon meant by 'senior apprentice.' "Until you met Reborn? So you-!"
"I was the one who taught Dino how to be a mafia boss before I came here." Thank you for stating the obvious.
"What?" I'm trying my best to hold back a sigh, you'd think that having this life every day would make Sawada more flexible rather than reacting so strongly to everything that is discovered.
"Yeah, thanks to Reborn, I'm now in charge of 5000 men, but honestly, there are a lot of things I wanted to learn before he went to Japan, but it wasn't meant to be, he had to come tutor you." I'll admit he made that sound pleasant, despite the word choice, maybe there is some hope for him after all...
"Um, there must be a misunderstanding… you see, I don't want to be a mafia boss…" The last part of the sentence came out as a mutter, and I almost let myself wince, it's almost painful to listen to how submissive Sawada sounds.
The blond wasn't fazed and went on to say he was exactly like Sawada before Reborn, and how Sawada must be a 'good' guy since he doesn't seek out the mafia in the first place, and cheerfully ignoring all of Sawada's wishes, and finally faking having a gun in his coat and pulling out a turtle instead, scaring the crap out of Sawada, once again.
Oh, yes, you are the definition of cool, Dino.
Sighing, once again, I give Sawada a hand up, and decide this is the last time I'll deal with this crap. Walking out the door I pass the kids, playing their broccoli monster game, when I spot something pink in Lambo's hand.
What? What does a boy want with a pink ball?
Taking a closer look the pink thing is this little bumpy, and the size of- is that a grenade?
Right before I can call out to Sawada, Lambo trips and all that's left of the kid's 'toys' are the safety pins stuck in the kid's afro, the 'fun' part of the 'toy,' you know, the part that BLOWS UP flies across the room and out the window. Is Lady Luck smiling on us?
"This isn't good, Dino's men are out there." Oh, no, of course not, nothing lucky could ever happen at the Sawada residence, I forgot.
But before either Sawada or I could move to the window, Dino's already out the window, deflecting the grenades and landing smoothly.
"That's so cool!" Was all that Sawada managed to say after the grand antics of Dino. His eyes wide in awe.
Watching the guy being pat on the back by his subordinates and teased, I do admit, that was kind of cool.
"See, Dame-Tsuna? This is what a boss does for his family." I had almost forgotten the devil was here.
"Don't relate everything back to the mafia!" Sawada retorted, screaming slightly and red in the face. I wonder if this happens a lot?
At this point I leave the room, my original business is over, I solved the math problem in the financials of the Sawada's family, now it's time to put this crazy family behind me. I don't want to see that damn baby ever again, and I won't have to, he has no more use for me, he'll probably forget about the blackmail, if I'm lucky.
"Oh! Fukushima-chan, why don't you stay for dinner? I wasn't able to cook for you last time!" Sawada-san, your cheerfulness will be the death of me…
"No, that's fine; I have a lot of work to do at home, so-."
"Hotaru would love to stay." Did he just- that bastard! How dare he call me by my first name! And make decisions for me! How dare him!
"Now wait just a-!"
"That's wonderful! I'll start to bring in an extra chair!"
"But-!"
"Mama, another chair, Dino's staying for dinner too!"
"What? Wait-!"
This is the worst dinner ever.
Both kids were sitting at the table with the imp, Sawada, Dino, and myself, all of us were just finishing up the dinner while Sawada-san started to clean up. Dino and Sawada we talking about all sorts of things, past training exercises, life as a mafia boss, et cetera, and Dino kept calling Sawada his 'cute little brother'. Reborn was staying quiet for one reason or another, and I followed suit so I could slip out quietly after I finished eating.
"Oh yeah, Tsuna, do you have a family yet?" Family?
I'm almost finished anyway, I might as well ask a few questions, "I was under the impression that Sawada was inheriting the family from whomever his predecessor is, what do you mean?" Over the past few minutes I've decided to act civil towards Dino, after all the person I was defending loves him so there's no point to act spiteful on his behalf.
Dino seems happy that I've calmed down, I guess he's never had to deal with an angry High School girl before. And it's because of his happiness that he is fine with answering any of my questions. "That's true, Tsuna will inherit the collective Vongola family from the Ninth, or has some call him, the Nono, but the Vongola family is unique in that seven other people are chosen to be sort of like the boss' inner circle." That actually sounds pretty efficient.
"And they're in charge of certain aspects of the Vongola? Or are they advisors?" I'll admit, I'm curious. I've never really had any connection to the underworld before, and to hear such specific details about succession is truly fascinating. I mean, where else am I going to hear this?
"Both depending on the position, though their main role is to act a trustworthy and strong people for the boss, in this case, Tsuna."
"Well that sound reasonable, trustworthy people are hard to find if they're too far behind you in power. I guess these seven people are voted on or something?" It does sound like a pretty important job, choosing the right person is critical.
"Actually they are merely people who that boss likes, his closest friends or people he finds interesting."
"Really?" That's surprising, leaving something like that to one man's discretion? Although the entire organization is in this one man's hands, so this may be the best way to stop corruption.
"Yes, in fact, the first boss, the Primo, included a priest, an aristocrat, a theft, and even a leader of an intelligence agency in his seven people." A priest? What is a priest doing in the mafia? Or an intelligence officer for that matter?
"That doesn't sound like a mafia, is the original purpose of the Vongola different from now?" I can't see any real reason for a Godly man to join up with a group of criminals unless they were doing some good, but that good isn't usually included in extorting local businesses or blowing up public places.
"Supposedly, but I'll leave that for Reborn to explain later, if you don't mind." Oops, I guess was so interested that we lost the original question.
Blushing a little from embarrassment I replied, "No, that's fine, I shouldn't have interrupted in the first place, you were asking Sawada about his family?"
Dino just smiled back, maybe he isn't so bad, at least he has more courtesy than Gokudera, I may even call him a gentleman.
I pondered this new thought, is Dino a gentleman? He did pull out my chair for me, even after I poured apple juice on his head and insulted him. And even after I rudely interrupted he respectfully answered each of my questions, and he didn't give off the impression he was bored, or annoyed, or that he looked down on me. I suppose he isn't as tactless as a thought he was from first impressions; he knows how to conduct himself in front of people. Being handsome is also a plus; as long as he acts suave people will more than likely think him to be a respectable man no matter what, so long as he isn't obviously cruel to anyone, that is. In fact, my new liking to him may have been influenced by his looks unconsciously. Once again, the power of looks at work.
Nodding mentally, yes, Dino can definitely act the part of a gentleman without flaw, though I don't know him well enough to say if he really is one. But back to the conversation at hand, in which, this time, I am not the one interrupting, but rather it's the little villain this time around.
"Right now there's Hayato Gokudera and Takeshi Yamamoto," expected, "and then there are a few other definite canadates, like Kyoya Hibari and Ryohei Sasagawa." At this a nearly choked on my water. Kyoya Hibari? That man isn't trustworthy! He wouldn't even cooperate with a group for fear of crowding, let alone be part of said group and protect Sawada no matter what! Never mind, scratch that, Kyoya Hibari doesn't feel fear, only irritation! What is Satan thinking? Although... why am I even concerned? This has nothing to do with me…
Despite this thought I still keep an eye on the baby as I drink my water. That was only four people, he needs three more… Who could they be? Kusakabe? A kendo kid? I really want to know…
"And then we have to somehow trick this stubborn girl into giving up her ambitions and learning how to defend herself." Wait- what?
Now I actually do choke on my water.
After hacking for a few seconds I just giving the kid this incredulous look, I mean, is he serious? Me, a business brat, in the mob? How does he figure that's a good idea, at all? And what does he mean 'learn to defend myself'?
"Are you serious?" My voice is cracking all over the place but I don't care, I mean, this cannot be happening, is he delusional?
"What? I didn't say anything, ask Dame-Tsuna."
"Don't try to blame this on him! I know full well you never ask his advice on anything! And another thing-!"
"Oh, Dino! You seem to have spilled your food, do you need some help?" Of course it's Sawada-san that interrupts me, whenever hell's advocate needs someone to shut me up, it's her. Is he mind controlling her or something?
I turned my attention back to the new object of attention, Dino. He did make quiet a mess of his food, most of it is now cooling on the table and the entire thing is spread around everywhere. It's not really that big a deal, but it is strange. You would think a suave Italian man would have taught himself how to use chopsticks before coming to Japan to prevent situations like this, and he didn't seem clumsy earlier. Especially when he jumped out of the window to save him men. What's going on? Is this just a result of carelessness, or something else?
The little fiend stepped in to explain.
"Dino is the type of person that's only useful when his men are around. When his men are around he is super coordinated and powerful since he is working for his family and to protect his family, but the moment they leave his durability, power, stability, everything, is all cut in haft. His strength dramatically decreases and he becomes super clumsy." Really?
The whole explanation is a bit hard to swallow. I mean, I've heard of scenarios similar to this where a person preforms better than usual when it is to protect or help someone else, but essentially cutting productivity by haft? And just because he men are not in the area? That's a little farfetched if you ask me.
Granted it makes Dino the perfect boss, one willing to do anything to protect his family, but it is a huge weakness if he can't even eat properly without his men.
"Heh heh, saying things like that, Reborn, are you trying to make me look uncool? Besides the real reason is that I'm used to eating with a knife and fork, it's the chopsticks that are throwing me off." Likely story. Then why bother learning Japanese if you aren't going to learn how to learn how to use chopsticks? You would think that would be part of the preparations for going to Japan. Reborn (I suppose it's time to stop the name calling…) is probably telling the truth, his most eccentric statements often are.
But Sawada decided to believe the cover up, he probably didn't want to believe his new role model had such a serious fault. "Oh, is that all, Reborn, you should make up such lies."
"It's not a lie." I don't doubt that.
"I'll go fix you a bath, ok, Dino?" Sawada-san is too nice.
"Thank you!"
But not a second later-
"KYAAAAAAAAAAH!"
"Mom?"
"What's wrong?"
"What happened?"
All three of us, Dino, Sawada, and I jump out of our seats, but only two of us do so successfully. It's Dino who lands flat on his face.
"Agh, I tripped over my own feet!"
"Well really, Captain Obvious? Sawada, help him, I'm going to see what's wrong."
All I hear behind me is the baby saying "See, he really is a klutz," before passing Sawada-san in the hall. Now when I say 'passing' I mean the definition of passing, we moved past each other. But really the word 'passing' isn't a very good describer for her running for her life, screaming about the tub and I running in the opposite direction into the bathroom, pretty scared about what I might see.
And the sight didn't disappoint.
It was a giant turtle.
A giant turtle eating the tub..
A giant hungry turtle looking straight at me.
Now in this situation I think I reacted as any reasonable girl would do in my situation. I mean, I was expecting a rat or a bug, something people usually overreact to, not a giant man-eating turtle! So- well, I screamed. I screamed loud enough to shatter glass.
"!"
Soon enough I ran out of air and I noticed Sawada frozen behind me and Dino calming going "Crap~! When did Enzio escape?"
I looked him in the eye and shrieked, "This is your fucking turtle? The last time I saw it, it was only five inches tall!"
Reborn obviously wanted to add his two cents, "Enzio is a rare breed of sponge turtle. They absorb water and grow dramatically in size and wildness, even to the point of being able to eat an entire house."
"What the heck is this?" Sawada cries unbelievingly. But all I have to say is-
"BULLSHIT! Such and animal can't really exist! The public would know about it even if that were possible! An animal can't just absorb water to that degree! It's ridiculous!" Still shrieking, and I know I'm going to be ashamed of this later, but I can't stop it, I don't see monsters every day, and I sure as hell will not stay calm in front of one!
I-Pin leaps forward and does some martial arts mumbo jumbo and Sawada gasped that this 'Gyoza-fist' isn't working even though it looks like nothing happened. Of course now Dino steps forward, ready to save the day. About damn time!
"Stand back, it would be disgraceful if the 10th boss of the Cavallone can't take care of his own pet." Forming an offensive stance with his whip in front of him, Dino was ready for action. Maybe since he's protecting a bunch of kids it will awaken his cool and powerful side?
At least that was my hope until he ended up using his whip to smack Sawada, who was behind him, in the face. Apparently, Dino is as useless as ever.
Oh God, we're going to die.
"OW OW OW OW OW OW!" Poor Sawada…
"Do you see now? Dino isn't fully himself when his men aren't around."
"Yes, brat, we can see, and Sawada can probably feel it, now do something! I can't take down a monster, Sawada can't and Dino has no control, you're the last person, now act!" I know he's hiding his gunman-ship from us!
"But he told us not to interfere."
"Don't give me that crap! He- OW!" Dino had decided to give it another go, but that only resulted in hitting everyone in the room except for Reborn, what is going on in that guy's head? Why can't he just stop?
"I'm sorry! Are you ok?" What does it look like?
While I gawked at Dino's inability to think, the baby had other plans.
"It's Leon's turn!" And the cute little chameleon leaped into action, first by turning into this gelatinous slime and then by attaching itself to Sawada's face. Which is just… gross. I mean, I love the little guy, he's adorable even though his master is the exact opposite, but turning into what looks like a living glob of goo is just- well it just sends this shiver down my spine, ok? And then so see said glob of goo just maul Sawada is a little creepy, ok? Then going even farther to shape shift into an old man's face was just disturbing, especially since it was still Sawada's body. It's the worst disguise ever, even if the face was practically identical.
But it still fooled Dino.
"Romario?What are you doing here? I thought you were with the others! Stand back, it's dangerous!" And with that said, Dino's entire persona changed. He stood up straighter, he was more alert, he was more ready for whatever was about to be thrown at him. And he took that readiness from inside himself and quickly took the turtle down. He didn't even break a sweat! It only took a few seconds! This is definitely the cool Dino I met a few minutes ago! "Don't think badly of me Enzio." And like any attractive male, he finished with a cool one-liner.
If he was like this all the time then girls would be murdering each other for his attention!
Sadly, this coolness disappeared almost instantly when Dino realized that his man, 'Romario', wasn't actually here, and it became painfully obvious that he really was nothing without his men. The proof being that as I am thinking this, I am staring at Dino, a grown man, who just fell down the stairs.
Now I know what he really meant by wanting Reborn to stick around, if it wasn't for something as embarrassing as this I can't see anyone willingly going to that monster for help once they've finally gotten rid of him.
And so, peace was restored to the Sawada household, and I was finally able to go home. But after all the excitement was over, and I was lying in my bed, I couldn't help but feel a little… disappointed. Maybe hanging out with Sawada is a bit more fun than I originally thought? Even with all of the near death experiences, it was still fun to talk with other people. It couldn't hurt to keep having lunch with him and walking home, at least part way. I mean, as long as I'm careful not to get involved with the mafia, it should be fine, right?
Snorting to myself I rolled over on the bed.
No, I would never join the mafia.