Hey guys! I'm back! Welcome to chapter three of Guns and High Heels! This author note is really long but it is very important!
First of all, thanks so much for the reviews! I actually ended up squealing in glee at some of them! It's really nice to now that people actually like what I write! So, special thanks to Yellow-Sama, Yutsuko, and Sharkdude5! Right after I read them I opened up my chapter three file and got to work XD
Now then, second order of business, I need some advice on the story and I would really like some reader input (no obligation though). You see, I plan to keep going with this series, as far as I can. I might skip some annoying Daily Life arc chapters but I plan to do the important arcs afterward, like the Kokuyo arc, the Varia arc, et cetera. And it is because of these plans and one particular plot twist that I need Hotaru to, at some point, fall in love with someone.
Now that said, let me make this clear, there will not be major romance, if any, in Guns and High Heels. It may exist but it will not be something Hotaru or anyone else stresses over. This will not be a drama about the "does he like me?" game, or the "do I like him or him?" game.
Yes, Hotaru will analysis the looks of others, in fact she already thinks of Yamamoto, Gokudera, and Dino as attractive in their own right, but she doesn't have a crush on any of them, or Tsuna for that matter. It's just in her nature to calculate the strengths of everyone she meets.
But regardless, I need some male for Hotaru to love and be loved in return at some point after High School. And the problem is: I don't know who is best for Hotaru.
I know what type of person that is best for her, but I'm not sure about which character to choose, because I refuse to create another OC (it just wouldn't be right in my opinion).
I feel that Hotaru would be best with someone that forces her to let go of control, someone that will just take over without asking permission and someone that she recognizes as either equally or more powerful and intelligent as her. She needs to let go sometimes because no human can take on the stress that she thrusts upon herself forever, but because of her pride and drive she does not allow herself to do that. Her "true love" needs to be someone that knows her better than she does and looks out for her, even when she forgets to take care of herself. He also needs to be someone she respects, because Hotaru won't take the advice of people she doesn't respect or value and he need to have the confidence not to ask for permission because Hotaru would never willingly give away control.
And there are only a few guys I can think of that meet those qualifications:
Reborn:(Don't worry Yatsuko, I'll explain!) I really don't want to use him, but he could be a good match for Hotaru. He's domineering so he can force Hotaru to do what's best for her. She already recognizes his power, and she will recognize his intelligence and respect him, eventually. And she's not afraid to stand up to him; she's not afraid to tell him her feelings. Plus the term "asking for permission" does not exist in Reborn's world. But at the same time, he's a baby, and I can't mess with that until the end of the current Arcobaleno arc. Plus it may be Mary Sueish if they get together, I want a reasonable relationship.
Tsuna: He grows a whole lot in the series, and I don't think it would be that unreasonable if Hotaru fell for him. He becomes powerful, compassionate, and respectable. Plus, being her boss he is in a position to force her to take a break. However, I also believe he is best suited for a girl he can protect, like Kyoko or Haru, so I'm not sure if a Hotaru relationship it would work out.
Hibari: If Hotaru can get over her fear, then they could make a pretty good couple. Hibari would see her as a little animal to protect and make her relax and she would be able to persuade him not to kill everything. But my problems are that there are many Hibari fangirls that will get there hopes up.
THEREFORE, I would like you, the readers, to comment on who you think Hotaru would be best with and why. It won't be a popularity vote, because I'm really scared that someone I can't write well for would win and the story would be ruined and I would lose interest. But I do need to consider ideas that I have not considered yet, even the other types of people Hotaru could fall for. So please, I need help! (Also, when I decide on someone I'll post whose idea persuaded me (or multiple ideas), give them credit, and state the character I picked, at that time you will have the choice to read it or not if you don't like spoilers) Thank you!
January 23 EDIT:I think I accidentally implied that I was limiting the choices to Reborn, Hibari, and Tsuna, but that's not what I meant. What I meant to ask is who do you think is best for Hotaru since I'm having difficulty thinking of other people. So I want you guys to think of any character that you think is a good match with Hotaru, I didn't mean to restrict you guys. Sorry for the confusion!
Now back to the normal disclaimer: I do not own Katekyo Hitman Reborn!
For some strange reason… I have a terrible feeling about today…
It's only been one day after the whole Dino incident, but I feel like I got a good amount of sleep. My breakfast was warm. I didn't burn anything. My lunch is all ready to go. My homework is done. So what could possibly be wrong? Am I forgetting something?
Packing up my school bag and going through my mental list for the tenth time this morning I find that, no, I haven't forgotten anything.
That's so strange, I mean, my gut is usually pretty good about these things; a bad omen maybe?
No, things like omens don't really exist. They're just used by weird authors, mangaka, and some strange fanfiction writer (a writer that should really be studying for exams right now) for some foreshadowing, nothing like that happens in real life.
But still, I don't like this- oh crap, does the clock really say 7:50?
Shit.
Hibari should never have an excuse to kill me!
Crap, crap, crap, crap, crap, crap, crap-!
Dashing through the morning roads of Namimori I can't even stop to check on the people I bump into. Oh why, oh why did I have to pick an apartment on the edge of town? I mean, sure, the rent is cheap and the place is really nice and quiet but it's so far away! Too far away!
Sneaking a look at my watch I thank the power of the cosmos that I'm almost back on track, if I just cut through this residential street then I can start walking again after a block or so.
Good job, Hotaru! Now you get to live to see another day! Ha-HA! Take that bad omen!
Come to think of it, why haven't I used this short cut before? I've almost been late plenty of times before, but I've always taken the long way. Why is that? Was this route just not part of my mental map before now? But when else have I traveled down this road? I don't think I've been exploring lately, but then again-.
SLAM!
The sky looks awfully nice today…
I had apparently bumped into the same muscle club as yesterday. The same club that blocked the road in front of Sawada's house. The same club that tried to bully me into leaving the property. The same club that put a gun to my head just because I entered Sawada's room.
And because of my bumping, I landed flat on my butt and now get to stare straight up at the great blue sky.
And dread now starts to seep into my body.
Now, landing on my butt isn't really that bad, albeit a little embarrassing, but not too big of a deal. I can just stand up, brush off my skirt, and move on with my life, maybe send a little prayer to the big man upstairs hoping no one saw that.
However… the problems come with the fact that the muscle brother I bumped into is the same living tank that I bullied into breaking orders and embarrassed in front of his buddies. Plus, now he's casually with a shot gun in his hands. A shotgun that could easily be pointed at me, the one who tricked him into letting me through. He's bound to have realized I'm not as important as pretended to be by now.
Maybe he hasn't noticed me? Please? Anyone?
He hasn't. That shield of meat may have saved my life.
Mentally sighing in relief I prepare myself for the next challenge, getting passed meat head without being noticed. That shouldn't be too hard. This particular guy is facing away from me, I could just dash to his left and speed walk around the rest of these guys. It's ok, I can do this!
"Hey, Bono, isn't that the girl who walked all over you yesterday?" Son of a-!
"Hm?" Muscle head turns down to me with his eye brow raised, as if he forgot about what I said yesterday. His muscles are as huge as ever. Muscles that are practically screaming 'Rip her apart!'
Adrenaline starts to rush through my system, my palms feel a little sweaty and my muscles are starting to feel jumpy. My body's preparing for a fight or flight situation.
Damn the muscle club to hell!
"Oh yeah, same kid."
"…"
"…"
Is that all he has to say?
I can already feel some of my adrenaline slowly oozing out of my system. This guy doesn't harbor any irritation towards me? None? Did I really make a good impression on him? I mean, I was a total bitch! On purpose!
Does this mean I have to keep up the tough act? If he doesn't know I'm actually wimpy then that could be because he doesn't realize that he shouldn't have let me through yesterday. Of course, if he realizes that now then he could decide his gun is better suited by my skull.
Time to improvise.
"Well? Aren't you going to give me a hand? Or are you just going to keep staring like a moron?" Embrace your bitchy side, Hotaru, embrace it! Embrace it so you don't die!
This 'Bono' immediately became alert, like he was finally put on the spot, when really we had just been staring at yet other for the past few minutes. Is he not usually ordered around? He's that Dino guy's subordinate isn't he? Then again, Dino is more friends with his men than a boss; I shouldn't be too surprised if Bono acts on more instincts as a protector than actual orders.
"Er, right, give me your hand." It takes all my nerve to act like an arrogant fool and thrust my puny hand into his giant, bone-crushing machine of a human hand.
Please don't crush my hand, I need that hand, it's my right hand, I write notes with that hand, I hold my coffee with that hand, it would be very bad if you broke my hand Mr. Meat Head.
I get pulled to my feet without incident. Bono lets go of me the moment I'm up right. I can't feel anything wrong with my hand (but I'm sure as hell going check on it once I'm in the safety of my own class room), and Bono seems to have lost interest in me again, turning back to his buddy and admiring their guns.
I know when to take a second chance when I see one.
Quickly walking through the giants in black and making sure the fear I get by seeing those weapons doesn't show on my face, I run, once again, into Sawada, who had been doing his own version of a fish out of water by his front gate. Perfect timing! I need a wingman!
"Sawada! Over here!" After jumping a few feet in the air, as usual, Sawada meets eyes with me, and looks a little relaxed. I guess he wasn't expecting the arms brigade in front of his house again anytime soon either. Nice to know there's one sane person on this street.
"Fukushima-san! I didn't know you took this road, what happened?"
"Running late is what happened, your street just happens to be a short cut. And speaking of which, you know we only have five more minutes to get to school, right?" Ok, that's a lie, we have ten minutes, which is plenty of time to walk to school from Sawada's house, but I really want to get out of here.
But before Sawada can let out a predictable 'HIE!' the man I remember to be Dino's right hand man (Ro- something or other) takes notice to my short classmate.
"Buongiorno, Vongola." And Sawada becomes distracted again.
As I wait for him to focus again, my mind wanders.
Maybe I should learn Italian? I mean, I'm already pretty fluent in English, in both an American dialect and a British dialect (courtesy of some private lessons and my mild interest in American music). I can read and write French and speak it a little too, which only leaves a few major languages to learn. I was planning on learning some Spanish next but if Sawada is getting influenced by native Italian speakers, that means I'm probably going to have a stronger need to communicate with Italian speakers sooner than Spanish speakers.
Nodding to myself as I come to my conclusion. Ok, I'll learn Italian.
After all, languages are essential to international business, I need to learn them all eventually.
"Eh-um, D-dino-san is-!" Oh, right, I was in a conversation.
Luckily, I don't actually have to save Sawada like I originally planned, because the person that ended up cutting him off, was the same man these giants are looking for.
"Why are you guys here? I didn't ask anyone to pick me up." Even when haft asleep Dino looks attractive. He was definitely born to be a communicator of sorts, or maybe a leader? Although he probably wouldn't have needed Reborn if that was the case.
But speaking of being haft asleep I suppose that means he spent the night here? Sawada-san is more generous than I thought. I would never let a stranger stay at my place on such short notice, and I don't know anyone else who would either.
The older men all laughed together, not condescendingly but as a collective joke. "No one here came to pick you up, boss. I was just taking a walk around and I ended up here." The rest of the men just called out things like 'Me too' or 'I was just out for a smoke.' I guess that's funny, if your part of the mafia… I mean, the neighbors must be terrified, a bunch of foreign men casually staking out the Sawada residence smoking cigarettes and polishing their Berettas? Do these guys even realize guns are illegal in Japan?
Mentally face palming myself, I note that, no, these guys could probably careless about Japanese laws, or any laws for that matter, they're the mafia for crying out aloud.
But back to the ridiculous excuses, I suppose one could think of them as endearing, I mean Dino mentioned the hotel being far away, they wouldn't have come all this way if they didn't care for Dino.
"Geez, you guys!" Dino has a little blush on his face and his men took turns ruffling up his hair. Maybe they have more of a 'big brothers looking out for the little brother' relationship rather than subordinate to boss relationship? Either way, it's undeniable that Dino is loved by his men, and that's pretty admirable, I hope to have that kind of relationship with someone before I die.
"GOOD MORNING, TENTH!" Of course, all good things must come to an end, especially when Gokudera comes around.
The silver haired brat had just rounded the corner and spotted Sawada. He practically grew puppy ears and a tail to match at the sight of his prized tenth.
Is serious? Doesn't this guy have a life? All he does is follow Sawada around like a lost puppy and hate whoever gets near his precious 'tenth.' And why can't he call Sawada by his name anyway? Sawada makes it pretty clear that he doesn't want to be boss of any mafia.
And he's luck I already figured out this mafia business (it wasn't that hard to figure out after I realized Reborn wasn't normal, after that everything just clicked) or I'd be asking some serious questions about what he means by 'tenth.' Doesn't he know that by broadcasting that information he could be getting Sawada in major trouble? And another thing-!
Wait.
Oh god, now I'm taking every chance I get to criticize the jerk. Another bad habit I have, if I don't like someone I always take everything they do and start to demean it. I seriously need to get a hobby.
Gokudera just keeps talking, looks like he hasn't noticed me yet, "I woke up early and started to wander around and I just ended up here!" That's the same excuse Dino's men made; only they actually meant it as a joke, unlike Gokudera, who seems to actually be trying to pass it off as truth. Is it some sort of instinctive excuse for subordinates? Or maybe it's something only mafia people say? The possibilities are pretty interesting. "But, Tenth, who are these guys? And why is that woman here?" And his usual hostile attitude is back.
My eye brow twitched.
It's too early for someone to speak to me so rudely.
"Gokudera, do I call you 'that child'?"
"Hm?" Is he seriously about to ignore me?
"No, of course not, because I'm mature enough to recognize that you are your own person with your own name, even though you aren't the mostly likeable person."
"Hey! Listen here-!" Ah-ha, no. He's not interrupting me.
"Therefore, if you can't call me by my name then shut up, no one wants to hear you speaking so rudely." At least, I don't, but Sawada won't say anything. But, I'm just glad I got to school Gokudera in manners, someone had to do it.
"Why you-!" Bring it asshole! You can't deny any of that!
"Er, Gokudera, I think she has a point… I mean, you two actually know each other, so it's not really fitting not to call each other by names…" Wait, wait, wait… Who said that?
Like a deer in front of head lights my eyes grow wide as I turn to… Sawada?
Did he seriously just take control of the situation? I don't think that's ever happened before. When did he get the courage to talk back to anyone?
The baby and Dino both have a slight smile, looks like they noticed it too; this couldn't be because of the baby, could it?
Ew.
Now that's a disturbing thought, Reborn's presences actually helping Sawada?
Well… I suppose that would account for Sawada's sudden social growth, maybe even the fact that he's friends with Yamamoto and Gokudera. And I guess, if you look at it scientifically, the only thing that has actually changed since his loser days, the independent variable, is the fact Reborn's here. Now Sawada has friends, an actual chance with his crush (Sasagawa Kyoko, if the rumors are true), and a life, it doesn't get much better than that, this dependent variable. If you look at it logically then it must be because of Reborn, I mean he's the only new variable in Sawada's life. In fact, he's even the only reason I ever talked to Sawada. So maybe…
Maybe he's acting like an asshole on purpose? Weird idea, yes but from my experience, as long as the person you're acting like a jerk to is weaker willed or less intelligent than you, then you usually get what you want. Reborn probably knows that.
But he- no way…. Have I just solved one of the mysteries of the universe? The reason this guy's evil?
More strange thoughts fill my head.
Does this mean I should respect him? Even I first thought he was just plain evil, but if this is all an act, then he could be one of the most intelligent people I have ever met!
"Oi, Hotaru, if you keep standing there trying to pick fights, you might as well join the mafia, then you can talk down to people you can actually influence."
Never mind, he's just an asshole.
Hair brisling I just send a glare the haft-pint's way. Talking back will make me lose my composer even more, I just know it, and I'm not about to give him the satisfaction.
Luckily, before I start trying to burn holes into the little devil's skull, Dino steps in.
"By the way, Smoking-Bomb brat, this is the first time we've met, right?" Huh?
Blinking I realize that, yes, Gokudera doesn't know who Dino is. I guess I just assumed all of the Mafioso I've met are part of a singular group, but that's rather illogical.
A slight scowl grows on my face, I should have been more careful about my thoughts.
But what does Dino mean by 'Smoking-Bomb brat'? Some sort of nickname? What is it referring to? Gokudera's short temper? Is his short fuse really so well known in the mafia that a boss like Dino has heard of it?
Wait.
Come to think of it, what did Gokudera do before he came here? It has to be something about the mafia, that much is obvious. Is he part of the Vongola? It would account for his extreme loyalty to Sawada; Sawada would be his future boss. But, what did he do? I know I don't really know much about the mafia, or any underground organization really, but the only jobs I can think of that are in the mafia are assassin, accountant, body guard, lackey, or boss, and I know that Gokudera couldn't be a boss, otherwise he'd still be in Italy.
I can see him as a body guard or lackey considering his attitude and pride, but he's so young and underdeveloped, Bono over there could probably take him out with ease. And I can't see him taking too many orders. So lackey and body guard are out.
He could be an accountant. He's really good in academics. In fact he's beaten me tons of times on math tests. But accounting is such a desk job, and he can't stay still most of the time. Plus as an accountant he would have to be trusted with financial secrets, but everyone knows Gokudera can't keep his mouth shut, even if he wanted to. So, no accounting job.
That only leaves assassin.
Maybe- no.
Actually that's pretty laughable. Gokudera? As a cool and silent assassin? As if! Even if he was cool, there's no way in hell he could ever be silent! If anyone ever even bothered hiring him he'd get himself killed easily! I must be missing something!
Using all of my will power not to laugh, I tune back into the discussion at hand. Seems that it's Gokudera's turn to talk this time.
"That tattoo… You're Dino, the Bucking Bronco!" Bucking Bronco? That's pretty original; you would think there would be a better nickname for mafia boss. There has to be something more unique about bosses than their weapons, right?
All unimportant thoughts aside, Dino's Wild West weapon has certainly left an impression on the underworld.
Gokudera isn't nearly as relaxed about this revelation as I am.
For some bizarre reason, Gokudera goes on defense. His muscles obviously tighten, his legs spread out a little, making him ready to move at the drop of a hat, and he puts on, what I like to call, his 'super hate glare'.
The 'super hate glare' is obviously different from his usual glares, the 'hate glare' and the 'don't question me glare'. While the 'hate glare' is just for general use, like if someone has annoyed him or has come within ten feet of Sawada, and the 'don't question me glare' is used for whenever someone decides confront him (I've been getting both of these glares a lot lately), the 'super hate glare' is used whenever he feels the need to attack. Like when I saw him confront Hibari a few weeks ago.
Now, I understand that Dino is pretty powerful, he took down Enzio, a monster, pretty easily, and from the nickname I assume he's done more with that whip than just control his evil turtle, but does that really warrant the 'super hate glare'? I know, along with the rest of the school, that Gokudera has a bone to pick with Hibari for knocking him out a few weeks ago. Hibari has a reason to receive that 'super hate glare'. But even Dino said that this was the first time he and Gokudera have met. What could a high rank boss ever done to someone like Gokudera?
Before Gokudera finally had the chance to shoot back an insult both he and Sawada, in the most delicate way I can put it, had the crap scared out of them. The reason? Well, Sawada was simply Sawada, and Gokudera, so focused on pointlessly building up his glare, let his guard down.
You see, at that precise moment, Yamamoto came up from behind and head-locked both boys with a giant grin on his face, very boyish. Well, not boyish, that sounds like an insult, but it was very… endearing? In a funny, masculine way?
Of course, Gokudera didn't take in such a friendly manner.
"Get off, freak!" Oh, how lovable.
"Haha! Now just what are you guys doing? We're going to be late!" Ack, speaking of which, how many minutes do we now have? Glancing down at my watch and I don't bother hiding a grimace. Now we have five minutes. Crap.
"Hey, Yamamoto's right, we need to go Sawada. Now." I took this path because I did not want to be late. I walk slightly ahead of the group, only to see the boys staggering along and laughing (as long as you ignored Gokudera), and the cuteness was dropping by the minute.
Left hand on my cocked hip and tapping my foot impatiently I begin to wonder. Why am I even waiting for these guys? I'm going to be late if I keep dragging my feet with them, and these boys shouldn't be worth it, scratch that, they are not worth it. What am I doing? I should just ditch these guys and walk alone, like I always do.
Somehow that feels a bit awkward.
No. Just turn and walk away Hotaru, just turn and walk away. And that's what I did. I will not limit myself for the sake of others, even for something like walking to school.
Yes, this is how it is.
"Hey, Fukushima-san, why are you so far ahead?" Damn.
The boys had stopped acting like idiots and Sawada was trotting like a puppy back up to my speed, unintentionally bringing along the little silver haired dog and baseball enthusiast, the dog running desperately after his master and the enthusiast laughing about playing tag. It isn't long before each of the boys I decided to leave behind are intentionally keeping up with me. I gave up trying to out walk them after Sawada started acting like a sad rabbit ("H-hey! You're walking really fast!"), I feel like I was kicking a puppy while he was down.
Sighing, I just walk at the same speed as the others and keep quiet, and it is this action at seems to put Sawada at peace. The moment I slowed down Yamamoto made some comment about the math test today and Gokudera just declared brashly that he and Sawada would do just fine (rudely) and Sawada just laughed nervously about the whole thing.
This is such a waste of time.
The mundane voices of the males began to tone down as I ignore them. Marketing statistics and upcoming business conventions filter into my head. Recently the Germans have expressed a great amount of interest in this year's product, but in China they want more space on the hard drive. If we sell the current model to the Germans then the Chinese might just abandon us. But if we send them a personalized better model the Germans will accuse us of conning them. A bit of a problem since both are major customers for this product and others that the Fukushima Industries owns. But if I remember correctly the Chinese company is linked to some shady business. Perhaps it may be best simply to separate from them, or even imply to the police there is a link? That may-
"Really? Dino did?" Dino?
At some point after I tuned out the topic switched from pointless jargon to actually interesting topics. Like the powerful mafia boss I met yesterday, whom I really know nothing about. Very interesting.
As it turns out, it is Gokudera who knows what I do not.
"Yeah, the guy was able save his family from major financial problems caused by his predecessor. The Cavallones were original on the brink of disaster until the Bronco took charge. And it's because of him that the Cavallone are the third most powerful family in the Vongola alliance." That's very impressive. More impressive than I expected from a crime lord.
Saving a business from financial ruin is hard enough without having to keep a bunch trained assassins happy. Plus, considering how young Dino is, he must have done some fast work. And then there's the loyalty of his men, that doesn't come from overcoming finance troubles, only people like me find that as the amazing accomplishment that it is. He must have had such an air of confidence and charisma that people flocked to him. Truly a natural businessman. I wonder if I should consider him my role model?
If he wasn't a mafia boss that is. Can't model myself after one of them.
And just as naturally, I don't speak my thoughts. Sawada and the others probably wouldn't fully get it, like most people, and it would just make me look weird. They might even start to think something as ridiculous as the idea I have a 'crush' on Dino, like the last time I describe my observations to a classmate (it blew up into huge news, 'Shy intelligent beauty crushes on basketball star!' Basically, middle school was not a fun time for me).
Gokudera frown reappeared, "But I don't like him."
I can't stop myself, "But you just paid him a major complement. What did he do?" I didn't put out an offended or angry tone, I'm just very curious. Gokudera didn't say anything bad about Dino before, what happened?
Luckily Gokudera is ok with my tone, I'd rather not lose composer again. Have we reached an agreement of some sort?
He replies with pride, "Anyone older than me is an enemy."
…
…
Is he serious?
Mouth agape I just stared at this- this fool! Is he seriously so immature as to just hate anyone older than 15? That- it- so many people he could make a business relationship with, gone! If I were to do something so- so STUPID I would be run into the ground! Isn't this the boy who goes all lone-wolf? How the hell has he been able to support himself? This boy is ruining his life! In every business, mafia or legit, there are always going to be people in a high position who are older than you, and if you value your livelihood (or in the mob, life) you will impress these people. You will pretend to like these people, at the very least. And by God, you ally yourself with these people! Not spout out some crap about age! If anything you pretend to be their age! I always say I'm at least 18 to business associates, maybe 20 if I can push it!
And this brat, he would just throw that all away? He was born with great looks; he could easily pull off the classy young man at his age, get good deals, and move up in the world. Way faster than I can as a woman.
Idiot.
Irritation spread on my face, but I said nothing, our little 'peace' is unfortunately worth more than telling Gokudera how counterproductive he is. Sawada looks on dumbfounded, like he can't believe what Gokudera had just said, or how ridiculous it is. Yamamoto just looks confused. And I don't blame him, if I didn't already have a low standard for Gokudera, I would be very confused as well. I mean-
"Wait, what are you talking about the mafia?" Oh. Right.
Yamamoto doesn't know about the mafia.
Shit.
Thinks fast Hotaru! "It's a business!"
…
That's the best I can do?
Sawada looks just as flabbergasted as I. I can't believe I came up with something so stupid! Does everything I think of revolve around business? I know I just blurted that out, but I should be able to do better than that!
For three tense seconds Yamamoto contemplated my lame excuse. My throat tightens, I don't want Satan's baby to sell another soul into this madness. Or worse have Yamamoto call me out on my stupidity. That would be humiliating.
Fortunately, the pitcher's face broke into a smile, "I see! What a strange name for company, is it your uncle's?" And I almost collapsed in relief. The only who seemed to question my lie was Sawada, good. Sawada probably won't tell. Although, I'm not sure who this 'uncle' is. Dino maybe?
Ha, now that's a thought. Dino, old enough to be Sawada's uncle. That would be awfully-
SCREECH!
Suddenly a hot red sports car shoots around the corner, going at least a good 50 miles an hour. Who drives like that in a residential area?
Then, almost as abruptly, a rope shot out of the car and slithered like a boa constrictor around Sawada and kept driving.
Sawada is lifted off his feet screaming for his life. Gokudera goes into panic mode. Yamamoto is shocked but is prepped to run after the speed demon, like any proper athlete. And I… I just can't believe that just happened. I'm simply shocked. But soon, very soon my fear and worry for Sawada fires into my body.
That could have been anyone, and as stupid as it is to pull a day kidnapping they certainly picked a good location. No street cams. And if that punk is mafia, they could kill Sawada. Sawada would die.
Oh god, what do I do?
"Tenth!" Gokudera's voice is full aggression towards the car.
"Tsuna!" Yamamoto's voice is full of worry.
"Sawada!" My voice is full of panic.
"That was the car of a local Yakuza. They control the area around here." And Reborn's voice was surprisingly calm.
"What- Reborn-san!" Satan is everywhere Gokudera, no need to be surprised; there are more important things at the moment!
"How do we get him back? Where are they going? Will they kill Sawada?" My panic and worry is still clutching onto my voice, but that doesn't matter at the moment.
"The Yakuza is the Japanese mafia, far too much to handle for three kids. Let the police deal with the adults." Of course he isn't helpful!
But for once in my life, I move as a unit with others.
Gokudera, Yamamoto and I all dash after the car, each of us throwing out our own reasons.
"Like I'll let that happen!" Gokudera, the loyal right hand man.
"Sorry, I can't do that! I'll leave the cops to you, little boy!" Yamamoto, the dedicated friend.
"If the police could do something this wouldn't have happened!" Me, the overly logical worry wart.
Oh, this is definitely a dream team. Note the sarcasm.
Man, I really need to work out more. Oh God, my spleen. Or whatever is causing that cramp. Damn that area to hell.
Gokudera, Yamamoto and I are were dashing towards the shopping district, both of them with no problem, perks of being an athlete and a mobster I suppose, while I was experiencing some form of 'person gets their asses kicked by exercise' respiratory arrest. Luckily they haven't noticed yet.
But we just arrived at the slimy, scummy 'office' building we had been looking for. We had been following the skid marks but they quickly disappeared. I mentioned a shady business I saw a few weeks back that I was sure was Yakuza and we were off again.
The building is a crappy as I remember, mold, trash. Everything that shouldn't be in front of a respectable business is there. Even the bullet casings. But the neglect didn't stop at the entrance, I could smell the stink inside from way out here, and we haven't even opened the door yet.
We had paused for a minute, I in disgust, but the moment I step forward, I'm pull back. Pulled back by Yamamoto.
"What? We shouldn't be wasting time out here. Let go." Obviously. After all, it only takes two seconds to shoot someone.
But Yamamoto holds strong. And for once, Yamamoto has serious look on his face. His eyes look like they have found some flaw in me. Some wrong that he thinks I'm unaware of. And he acts like he's debating whether or not to tell me.
I don't like it. I'm the only one who knows me best. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool. But that look is… uncomfortable. What is he seeing?
Finally, he speaks, "Hotaru, you should stay out here. You're a girl; you can't protect yourself."
I blink. I blink again.
That is surprisingly stereotypical. I was expecting something intimate, some secret he noticed. But if this is it then I'm not complaining. And as it turns out I debated that question myself. I know I'm not a fighter, but I can't just sit pretty while my friend gets killed.
However, on the same token I can't let myself be a burden.
"When we find Sawada I'm going to be the one to get him out. You and Gokudera are going to have your hands full with the lackeys and Sawada could get into worse trouble. I can slip past. Plus, if Sawada isn't being held here I can search the computers and files for any plans they had. I'm good at that. You can't waste time just securing the area, I'll make so we can do two things at once." We don't have time to argue. I need the green light.
Fortunately, Yamamoto seems to know the importance time as much as I do. He nods and releases my arm.
Then we all prep ourselves, and Gokudera pulls out some dynamite.
…
Dynamite? What kind of person carries around dynamite?
Then I remember. Dino called him the 'smoking-bomb'. That wasn't because of his temper but his weapon! His foolish choice in weapon!
The boys take a sudden dash forward before I can comment, and I'm left scrambling to keep up. Looks like a talk on the importance of safety will have to wait.
The rotting steps were easily conquered and as we reach the final door to the main 'office' and Yamamoto and Gokudera drop their school bags. Both of them crack their knuckles and kept moving like men on a mission. Conversely, I keep my bag. You never know when a blunt object can come in handy.
Then Gokudera kicks the door open and everything goes to hell. Some 15 grown men are in the room, and these same men are unhappy that they dropped their cigarettes. Very unhappy.
"Hey brats! Just what the fuck do you think you're doing?" One unhappy man is particularly muscular. And has particularly bad breath.
The scene is escalating as Gokudera punches him in that face and everyone joins in on the fight. Gokudera takes about six guys while Yamamoto handles nine. Not very good numbers.
But I can't focus on that. I have a job. A job with a question that needs an answer: where is Sawada? And all I can do about the criminals is trust the boys to protect me.
God, please don't let me die.
I take a quick one over of the room and no Sawada, and there's no evidence to say he was ever here. No signs of a struggle, no rope, no duct tape, and nothing to keep Sawada alive. But fortunately, no blood.
Sawada is not here, but he could be elsewhere.
I spot no filing cabinets but there is a desk on the other side of the room with a laptop and a bunch of erratically placed papers. That's where I need to be.
I dash across the room and just barely dodge a flying body, a birthday present from Gokudera. The bloodied meat bag almost makes me scream or vomit but I keep both acid and sound inside. Leaping over the once terrifying man I reached the computer.
The computer is pretty old, about five years, which means security probably sucks. But it is password protected. Crap.
…
If I was a scummy mobster, where would I hide my password?
I bit my lip as I quickly checked the desk, no postage notes, but there was a little message carved into the desk, 'remember the black coffee for the boss!' but that couldn't possibly mean-.
… No way.
I spin the chair back towards the computer and type in 'black coffee'. It would be a bit of a long shot if the owner was smart but…
Loading your personal preferences.
I thought so. Lackeys always center their life around their bosses. Including passwords. I once knew a man who made his password 'Scotty' because his boss was planning a 'Lady and the Tramp' themed birthday party for his daughter. Pathetic.
I open up the file labeled 'Big Plans!' and got started. Sawada needs to be safe.
This computer can go to hell!
It has shut down three times in the past five minutes, and it moves at the speed of a crippled snail! Plus I haven't found anything! The 'Big Plans' file is full of plans to kiss ass to this guy's boss, the only actual criminal activity on the computer is a plan to kill Kyoya Hibari that involves a nuclear bomb, the Sahara Desert, and an elephant.
Sighing I leaned back into my chair, biting my lip, Yamamoto and Gokudera finished the beatings one minute ago and are now doing their own interrogations. Yamamoto asking nicely, and Gokudera demanding an answer. But I have to face facts, there is a very real possibility these people know nothing about Sawada. Or even about the Vongola. These guys are obviously really low on the totem pole, it wouldn't be unreasonable to think these guys don't know much about the big mafias. After all, one of the main reasons they are so low is because they don't know much.
But I know there are no other Yakuza factions in Namimori, and only a crime organization would have wanted to kidnap Sawada, and been able to at that. So what could have happened to Sawada?
My nerves were growing more and more uneasy. Intertwining my fingers I review what I know. Sawada was kidnapped by someone with power, money, and some intelligence. I know this because they must have enough power to know about the Vongola and know Sawada is the current heir, they must have enough money to afford to spare the sports car, and they must have known there were no cameras on the street. However, the only Yakuza in town is this one, and they know nothing. Plus, if any other mafia group was in town Reborn would have told Sawada, either mess with Sawada or give Sawada some experience. And the only group I can think of that meets the requirements is the Cavallone family, but Dino would never hurt Sawada. He even went so far as to put up with me, simply because I'm Sawada's friend. And it's not like the Vongola did it, Reborn would have-.
My eyes snap open at my revelation. It was Reborn! It has to be Reborn's doing! He was the only one who was calm after Sawada was taken, and he probably could have saved Sawada if he really wanted to. Plus, he was the one who blamed the Yakuza in the first place!
That- that bastard!
Heat rushed to my face, because of embarrassment and anger. I should have realized this was a trick. And the person who duped me was none other than the number two person I hate most, the person who fooled me not three days ago! And now, he's still messing with me, for his own amusement no less! I was truly worried for Sawada's life! What kind of joke is that!
My muscles begin to shiver and I jump out of the ripping leather office chair and slam my feet down. My fist is curl tighter than ever before and I put all of my frustration into slamming the desk. It isn't enough to vent my total rage, but it is enough to get the attention of the boys.
"Hotaru, what's up? Did you find something?" My head snapped up to stare the baseball player, and he flinches under my glare.
"This is all bullshit, is what I found. These people never even knew who the Vongola were, let alone who Sawada was! They never intended to kidnap anyone!" My voice is cracking and shrieking and blaring but I don't care. "This was all a joke that devil in dippers pulled! Sawada's not in any trouble! He's fine!" And I am pissed.
"Well, that's good isn't it?" Yamamoto looks relieved and a bit curious at my behavior. I don't bother looking at Gokudera, my mind is too cloudy.
"Yes, it's good that Sawada is safe! But it sure as hell wasn't a funny prank! That brat went too far! I thought Sawada's life was in danger!" My eyes were tearing up a bit, out of anger and frustration and embarrassment. I can't believe how well I had been played. Played like a puppet by one damn baby. I acted exactly how he wanted me to act, down to my every emotion. It's an insult. Hotaru Fukushima doesn't get played. Especially not by one person.
But despite the water in my eyes, I won't cry. I will never cry. Crying solves nothing. The last time I cried was when I was four. When my father first called me a failure and left me alone. I cried and cried and cried. And I was still alone.
So I stopped crying.
Nostalgia almost sweeps over me, along with anger, but at that moment the door bursts open for the second time that day. It's Sawada and Dino.
The devil's accomplices.
Oh, they are dead.
I don't care if Sawada had no idea. They will pay.
But before I could start screaming again Yamamoto and Gokudera both interrupted by wave of rage.
"Tenth! You're ok! That woman was actually right!" Sure, throw salt on the wound! Like I'm not usually right!
"Phew! You definitely look ok!" Yes, good, this is all wonderful. Now can I murder them?
Sawada and Dino simply look surprised and then fond of what the boys had done. I mean, it's not like there are bloodied bodies on the floor or the fact we thought he was dead.
I can't stand being ignored at this point. So I do what any severely angry woman would do in this situation.
I kick off my shoe and chucked it at Sawada's face.
He fell down.
"Sawada, you're DEAD, do you hear me!" The red anger returned to my face as I saw my target. Someone had to pay, and Sawada is right there. "Do you know how worried I was? I thought you were dying! You better have a good explanation or by god I will castrate you now and feed your body to rabid dogs!" This time, there are no cracks in my speech, only anger hold on to me, and that was my goal.
Sawada looks terrified at me and starts stuttering for an excuse and I glared daggers at him. A little voice in the back of my mind whispered that I already knew what happened, Reborn organized it, and I really shouldn't be taking it out on poor Sawada since he actually thought he was being kidnapped.
I squash that voice.
I know I'm not actually going to hurt Sawada. I know it's safe to blow up at him. I know he's the only person I can really vent to without making a fool out of myself. I know if I try and yell at Reborn he'll just twist my words and I'll just become more upset. But I suppose the thing that I know that is most comforting, is that Sawada is safe.
I'm angry, very angry, but I am relieved. Even when I had my revelation, I didn't know he was really safe. And I suppose that because I know that he is safe that I can blow up.
But enough of that, back to screaming.
"Hahahahaha!" Who dares interrupt my rant?
I whip my head around and sent a glower towards Yamamoto, who can't help but crack up. But he just keeps clutching his stomach and giggling.
"Yamamoto, would you like to join him?" I spit out the words like venom but I can't help but feel uneasy. Just what is so funny? I'm trying to create a tense mood here.
"Well, you were the one most worried about Tsuna! And now you're the one threatening him! It's just like the TV shows about puppy love! It's adorable!" Yamamoto keeps laughing while my emotional state is completely up heaved.
A different kind of heat flushes my face, embarrassment, but not the shameful kind, just pure embarrassment. The kind that makes you shuffle awkwardly at the sight of a streaker, or a drunk. My anger started to seep out as my mind clears a bit. Yamamoto is right; I'm acting exactly like the stereotypical worried girlfriend. But I know and, hopefully, they others know it's not like that. I mean, I don't get any fluttery feeling with Sawada, I don't particularly look forward to talk to him, but I do care for his wellbeing. It's just in my nature to blow up when I can, because most of my life is spent in situations where I cannot.
So, now I'm stuck with my mouth snapped shut and a tense body. With Yamamoto laughing.
I take off my other shoe and chuck it at Yamamoto.
"Shut up! You know it's not like that!" This did nothing but cause the tension, the tension I worked so hard to build up, to crumble into pieces.
Yamamoto keeps laughing. Sawada starts to giggle. Gokudera scoffs. Dino suppresses a snicker but releases a wild grin. And my blush is set on fire.
"Shut up!" I cry but no one is listening at this point. My words were lost.
The strange thing is I can't bring myself to be angry. Right now, I'm being humiliated, but I'm not angry. It's embarrassing, obviously, but it's not… anger inducing. Actually, when I step back, it is kind of funny.
I step away from the desk and look away. Blush still going strong as I scowl towards the corner of the room. I might as well let them laugh it out; they won't shut up any way.
"What the hell are you brats doing here?"
…
All good will in the room dissipates.
From a door towards my right, came what I can only describe as a fleet of gangbangers. About double of the original mobsters entered the room, each with their own weapons, tattoos, and ripped clothing. Each looking for retribution. Each looking awfully intimidating.
Sawada let out a squeal of terror as I step back to Yamamoto's side and tense up my body (not a fighter, remember?). The other boys spread out into a defensive position and bore an aggressive look. Gokudera with an 'I'm going to kick your ass, punk' face and Yamamoto with a 'Back off or I'll kill you' face. I'd be lying if I said I'm not scared, but regardless I need to look strong. I raise my chin slightly and send my own 'You don't know what you're dealing with' glare.
Gokudera mutters something about how 'they just keep showing up' and both he and Yamamoto step forward, ready to take on anything these guys can dish out while I make a move to get Sawada and run. Each of us knows what we have to do but-
Dino gets in our way.
"Wait a minute; these guys are like the children you just beat up. You can't handle them." Eh?
Almost immediately, our once well-oiled team fell into confusion.
Yamamoto seems to be simply confused that we were stopped; the plan seemed to be doing fine.
With Gokudera it's more that Dino insulted his pride, he probably thinks that he would have no problem taking on the newcomers. I'm not sure if that's true but…
Children? Those guys were twice Yamamoto and Gokudera's size! In fact, they were probably the same age as Dino! What is Dino talking about?
Only Gokudera actually voices his feelings, "What? You-!" But Dino doesn't care all that much.
"Leave adults to the adults." And that was the end of it. I don't even get the chance to say 'wait' before Dino redirects his attention to the muscular delinquents at the door, holding himself up with pride, dignity, and complete confidence. "My name is Dino Cavallone, I am the tenth boss of the Cavallone family. This incident is entirely my fault and I apologize. I will pay for all medical fees and repair fees that might have come up during this time. Please accept my offer." Finishing up, Dino continues to look the other boss in the eye, daring him to say something.
And the boss doesn't disappoint. Scoffing the center man barks out, "Family? This is Japan, punk. We'll be taking that money, but you ain't gettin' out of here." Him and the rest of his goons begin to howl in laughter, and my uneasiness grew. But Dino seems to have a plan for that.
Defiantly pulling out his whip Dino brings out his cool side. "Then you've broken off all negotiations. I have no other choice than to use force."
Dino flings up his arm and moves to attack.
"Here I come!" He looks very cool right now.
Only for the whip to slap Yamamoto, Gokudera and Dino in the face. Painfully.
"OW!"
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?"
"I HIT MYSELF TOO!"
WHY DID HE COME HERE WITHOUT HIS MEN?
The gangsters started hooting and hollering at Dino's failure and I start to panic. Stepping in front of Sawada and breaking into a sweat I begin to think.
Now only Sawada and I are left, both weaklings. The original plan was to leave the fighting to the boys while Sawada and I escaped. But now that they're in so much pain that leaving them here would be a death sentence for them. We can't just leave them behind. But what now?
"Alright boys, make sure they can't even crawl again!" Oh god, we're out of time.
My throat closes up. I can't move. I can't breathe. I don't want to get hurt. I don't want anyone to get hurt. This is bad. This is really, really bad.
Sawada trying to say something like 'Wait!' or 'Don't hurt me!' but these guys don't care, they just keep moving.
Grabbing Sawada's hand in a vise like grip I cringe my eyes shut, bracing myself for whatever pain comes, when-.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
"REEEEEEEEEBOOOOOOORN!" Eh?
"BEAT UP THE YAKUZA WITH MY DYING WIIIIIILLLLLL!" EH?
Sawada started screaming not two seconds ago. And now he's bursting out of his clothes, into his boxers. His eyes are as wild as his hair, which somehow became 10 times bushier than before. And his hands! His hands are at least 20 times bigger than normal! What's going on?
Then I remember. It was said that Sawada did this same thing a few weeks ago against the kendo captain. But- but I thought people were exaggerating! I didn't think a person could really rip out of their clothes and start beating up people! Let alone someone like Sawada!
But here it is, Sawada, clear as day, beating down grown men.
This can't really be happening.
But it is.
Taking down people left and right, Sawada is a weapon that can't be stopped. And when a person tries to bash Sawada's head open with a crowbar, he meets an explosion.
Gokudera's up.
Then another guy pulls a gun. He meets a tanned fist.
Yamamoto's up.
Then finally the muscle club shows up.
Dino's up.
All of the boys are raring to go. Destroying the Yakuza like they're combat specialists.
While I'm here. In the corner. Doing nothing. Alone.
I'm useless.
A pang of guilt pokes my heart, accompanied by shame. I can't be useless, useless people are better off groveling, and I don't want to do that. But my presence here is a hindrance if anything. I am helping no one. The boys can handle this. They don't need me.
…
I should just leave.
After the last loser fell, I slipped out the door. They'll know I didn't run away out of fear, I caught Yamamoto's eye before skipping out on the victory party. As long as they know I'm not a coward I'm fine with leaving.
Making my way out the building entrance I suddenly feel a familiar weight on my shoulder. Without moving I know who it is.
Reborn.
"Why the great escape?" This isn't what I need right now.
"Why should I stick around for a victory celebration I didn't contribute to?" I hate this feeling.
"Why not stick around to support friends?" Friends, huh…
"I was useless. And it is my belief that the useless have no right to happiness. They ride and sustain themselves on the backs of the talented and hardworking and steal the benefits from the people who deserve it. Really it is a useless person's duty to excuse themselves, otherwise they are no better than a parasite, slowing sucking the life out of the just or talented. It would be improper if I didn't follow my own philosophy." I recall what I once said about friends to my former best friend, Kyoko Sasagawa.
"That's a rather dark philosophy." Friends are useless.
Detached, I reply, "I single handedly caused over 100 people to become unemployed, either because I took their position or because I fired them. All of them were useless." It is a fact. I might as well embrace it.
I can feel Reborn looking at me. Reading me. Looking for any falter in my voice or body. But I know I have none.
I begin walking again, it seems the boys haven't noticed my absence yet, and it is silent for one block. After one block the weight on shoulder is lifted and the baby speaks again. This time the voice comes from behind me.
"If it is your philosophy then it is how you believe the world works, yes?"
"It is. There are useless and useful people in the world. They vary depending on the subject but they exist nonetheless."
"Then if it is something natural, why are you so upset that you were useless here? You know that there was no expectation for you fighting."
I look him in the eye and state the truth.
"I am not used to being useless."
I walk away.
And I don't look back.