Taming the Skylark (A Katekyo Hitman Reborn fanfiction)
Standard disclaimers apply. I do not own Katekyo Hitman Reborn, Amano Akira-sensei does; though, of course, the OC is mine.
Only a few days had passed since the meeting and it was still summer vacation. Unlike most who were enjoying the coolness of the beach under the scorching sun, Nanami was stuck at school fulfilling her council duties.
"Good morning, president," greeted a man who stood in wait for her at the entrance of Namimori High. There were no longer the lackeys who lined up bowing to her like yakuzas and all that remained of the boisterous group was Kusakabe.
Nanami greeted him back with a smile. A day had not passed without the man fetching her from the school gates and helping her with council duties. At first, she found his constant attendance questionable, but soon understood that he was acting as a substitute of Hibari Kyoya, who had unceremoniously ditched her and their supposed joint detention!
She was painfully aware, however, that Hibari was not entirely at fault since it was her mother who gave him a beating and forced him to retreat to the comfort of his home.
She gave Kusakabe an awkward glance. "Is Hibari alright now?"
"I'm not sure," he admitted defeatedly. "For the past week, we were not allowed to enter the Hibari household."
Nanami assumed it was because of his wounded pride. Of course, the proud Hibari would not let anyone see him in his weak state.
She almost hit the mark. However, unbeknownst to her and Kusakabe, Hibari simply had something else to attend to.
Something that involved a certain suited infant.
Nanami inwardly mourned at the sight of papers that had piled up on her desk. She was the only officer left in the council because the others were quick on their feet to set a vacation outside Namimori. Thankfully, Kusakabe was kind enough to lend her a hand, and the brunette was honestly surprised with how good he was with the paperwork!
She observed him intently. His previous regent hairstyle might had given him a scary look, but Kusakabe was undoubtedly a man of good character. So, why was someone like him tagging along Hibari Kyoya? Nanami wanted to know.
"Kusakabe-san," she called, and Kusakabe was surprised by her sudden use of honorifics. A drop of sweat unconsciously made its way down his temples. "How long have you known Hibari?"
"I met him before entering middle school." His answer was short and concise. Nanami was obviously not satisfied.
"How?"
Kusakabe felt hesitant. Why was she asking this out of the blue?
An idea crossed his mind. Maybe, the president wanted to know more about their leader? The matchmaker switch in him was instantly turned on! "It's not an interesting story, but I'll be more than happy to tell you about it."
Nanami listened silently to Kusakabe while she tended to the papers on her desk. If there was anything that she understood from his stories, it was that their relationship was based on respect. Kusakabe held Hibari in high regard because of his strong and unique sense of justice.
She failed to comprehend the part where Hibari was described as law-abiding, though. That guy was surely anything but that! He rarely attended classes and even brought weapons to school. The number of times he attacked her was so many she already lost count!
Ah. Nanami was suddenly reminded of the time when Hibari stopped at the door of her classroom despite his eagerness to bite her to death.
Was it to avoid disturbing her class?
When she asked him to postpone their fight because of her council duties, he surprisingly, albeit reluctant, let her go. There was also that incident where he beat up men who ganged up and attempted theft on one of their students.
Her eyes widened in realization. In the first place, it was almost contradictory for a delinquent like Hibari Kyoya to join the Disciplinary Committee, but, even so, he was the chairman of the committee back in middle school.
While he was apathetic to other things, which were arguably more important, was Hibari actually very particular with the rules?
"I think I understand him more now," said Nanami after a long moment of silence. Kusakabe was about to celebrate his progress on matchmaking when she added, "Hibari is a ruthless and law-abiding man. Wow, did you hear how ridiculous those two words sounded together, Kusakabe-san?"
While Nanami laughed in jest, Kusakabe inwardly wept. He had hoped that the brunette would see past his leader's intimidating nature, but he was aware that it was not an easy task.
"Well, at least," she paused with a small smile, "I understand that he's not heartless. His priorities are just whack."
Kusakabe quickly regained his spirits. The ship had not yet sunk!
Nanami released a deep breath, feeling tired all of a sudden. It seemed that she had gotten too excited and her energy was drained after their conversation. She slumped against the office chair and was about to take a short nap when the door abruptly opened.
A familiar man with silver hair stormed into the room. He looked around and immediately screamed when his eyes landed on the brunette.
"Woman!"
"Gokudera?" Nanami blinked repeatedly. "Why are you—"
"Let's settle this once and for all!" he bellowed.
"Huh?"
He pointed at her and declared, "The winner becomes the Tenth's right-hand man!"
Nanami gave him a strange look before turning away. She refused to discuss anything mafia-related at school and, if possible, wished to avoid involvement entirely.
Gokudera continued his monologue. "Hah, did you think I'd just let you have the position because of your family lineage? No way! You'll have to kill me before I hand him over—hey!" A vein popped on his forehead upon noticing that she paid him no attention. He brusquely walked towards her and slammed his hands on the table. "Listen to me!"
Her eyes remained on her work. "I'm not interested in becoming anyone's right hand man, don't worry."
"The Tenth is not just anyone, you disrespectful woman!" Gokudera hissed. "He is the future boss of Vongola!"
Kusakabe audibly gasped. A clatter resounded in the room as he left his seat in a rush. "Gokudera-san, that's—!"
Nanami noticed his panic. She soon realized that Kusakabe was aware of the Vongola as well. He was the Cloud Guardian's lieutenant, after all. It would be impossible to keep the man in the dark.
"It's alright. I know everything about the Vongola, including the guardians," she explained.
Kusakabe was notably surprised. Before he could ask for details, Gokudera scoffed loudly. With a proud smile plastered on his face, he stared down at the smaller female. "I assume you know who I am then?"
"Yes. That is why I refuse to fight you," Nanami declared and gasped dramatically. "In the face of the great Storm Guardian of Vongola, my defeat is inevitable!" It was obviously a poor and exaggerated attempt at flattery, but Gokudera, as expected, took the bait. However, him dwelling in the spotlight of fame did not last long.
An amused hum was heard from the door. It came from the man that Nanami and Kusakabe had been waiting for: Hibari!
"What," he muttered and his tonfas appeared in his hands, "do you mean by that, exactly?" His blue-grey eyes shone dangerously. "Your defeat is inevitable to that punk, but not to me?"
Nanami gawked in disbelief. She never said that! Hibari took it that way though since he had lost to her at multiple occasions. If she was to be defeated by Gokudera Hayato, wouldn't that equate to him being weaker than the explosive fool?
He raised a tonfa to strike Nanami, who immediately raised her hands in defense. "Wait, Hibari-san!"
Hibari froze.
"...san?" he repeated with disbelief.
It was a slip of the tongue! The fact that Hibari was older than her had been bothering Nanami so much that she unconsciously added an honorific to his name. She was aware of how strange she currently sounded, but it was only appropriate to address him as such!
An awkward silence filled the room. Gokudera and Kusakabe exchanged confused glances while Hibari cast a measuring gaze on the brunette. To their surprise, he wordlessly withdrew his weapons and grabbed the woman by the collar of her shirt and pulled her towards him. Nanami expected a headbutt, and he did, in a way, when he harshly leaned his forehead against hers.
"You're sick."
The brunette blinked repeatedly. "—hah?"
His gaze trailed from the tired creases beneath her eyes to her puffed cheeks that were slightly flushed. Soon enough, he released his hold on her and turned to his right-hand man. "Take her to the infirmary."
"Ah, Kyo-san, but the council duties..." Kusakabe gestured to the unfinished paperwork on their desks. Hibari paused in thought. He could let Kusakabe accompany Nanami, but he would rather not work in his stead. Maybe he could entrust her to the silver-haired punk?
Gokudera flinched when Hibari gave him a sideways glance. He waited for the aloof guardian to say something, but Hibari only turned away and muttered unrelentingly, "How useless."
A vein popped out of Gokudera's forehead.
"Hey, you surely are not referring to me, are you!" he bellowed.
"Silence," Hibari glared at him a threateningly. "Students without any business at school should not be here during vacation. Leave or I'll bite you to death."
Gokudera, despite annoyed at his attitude, knew better than to test the patience of the famed demon of Namimori. With an angry huff, he defeatedly exited the room.
Hibari glanced at Nanami before heading to the other door. "Let's go."
If Hibari had not pointed it out, Nanami would never notice how her body felt heavier and dreary than the usual. Maybe, the stress had finally caught up to her?
She looked at her bandaged hand that she used to protect Sawada Tsunayoshi. A lot was happening recently, and it wasn't an exaggeration to say that her life took a sudden turn and changed entirely. It was no surprise that her body was finally giving out due to the pressure and burden that it was receiving.
She sighed tiredly. Unbeknownst to her, Hibari, who made sure to walk a few meters ahead, watched her every action from the corner of his eye.
...
They entered the infirmary and found not a single healthcare personnel present. Hibari clicked his tongue and made a mental note to bite them to death at a later time.
Nanami noticed his irritation. "It's fine. I can handle myself."
"Hm, is that so?"
He was about to leave when she suddenly stopped him. "Wait," she paused hesitantly. "I have to tell you something first."
That's right. She had been wanting to apologize for what her mother did to him. She bowed deeply, the sudden movement made her head throb in pain. "Hibari-san, I'm sorry. What happened when you were attacked was—"
"Enough. Don't remind me."
Nanami guessed that the simple mention of the incident was hurting his pride. Still, she ought to tell him the truth.
Hibari cut her off before she could worsen his mood and make him succumb to the temptation of hitting a sick person. "I've already heard it from the infant," he quickly explained. "It was your mother who attacked me."
Nanami was surprised, but she managed to overcome her shock pretty fast. "I see. I'm sure she's not apologetic at all so, at least, let me make amends for what she did."
The skylark hummed dangerously. "Then, how about you do something for me?"
"Eh?"
Hibari strode towards her, and, as if driven by the instincts of a prey that was soon to be cornered, Nanami retreated a few steps back in return. She was suddenly reminded of the fact that the two of them were alone inside the infirmary—a room famous for the sensual pursuits of young men and women in countless literature. She grimaced, knowing exactly where this was heading!
Her train of thought was interrupted when the back of her knee bumped into the edge of one of the beds. Of course, Nanami was not so clumsy as to fall into it like a typical shoujo manga protagonist. She was about to move away when a hand caught her right shoulder. Her eyes widened with disbelief as she watched Hibari push her down the bed.
What, was the famed demon of Namimori a slave to his desires just like any other man?!
"Hey!" Nanami tried to slap away the hand that had pinned her head on the pillow. "If you don't stop, I'll screa—"
"Sleep."
She instantly froze at his command. As if to threaten her, Hibari raised a tonfa with his other hand. "Or do you prefer that I knock you unconscious?"
Nanami finally realized that he was simply, and rather forcefully, trying to make her get a good rest.
"What are you doing, threatening a sick person?" she grumbled beneath her breath. Hibari shot her a warning look as if ordering her to do what was told and sleep.
Nanami begrudgingly forced her eyes shut. She expected him to leave the infirmary, so it really came as a surprise when she felt a hand brush away her bangs and place a cold fever patch on her forehead. Her eyes flew open in an instant.
Hibari was seated on a chair beside her bed. His expression remained stoic, but his gaze looked softer than usual.
"Are you... taking care of me right now?" she asked dazedly, the cold patch was slowly lulling her to sleep.
"What else do you think I'm doing?" Nanami was surprised at his answer. She was half-expecting him to deny it. Hibari folded his arms beneath his chest and added impatiently, "Hurry up and recover. You have to keep this school running. If you don't, I'll bite you to death."
Normal people would have been scared, but the barrage of threats had become the norm to Nanami. After all, it had been two months since she met Hibari. Maybe she was getting used to it or her feverish mind was simply making her less cautious of him.
She breathed out softly and turned to stare at the empty ceiling that was basked in the color of afternoon sun. "Thank you for worrying about me. It's been a while since I've been taken care of like this."
"I'm worried about the school, not you."
She chuckled weakly at his merciless reply, before closing her eyes. "You must hate me then."
The room was enveloped in peaceful silence. Warm summer wind blew against the open windows and the white curtains fluttered freely inside the room.
Hibari gazed at the brunette as if he was watching one of his small animals sleep, except that she was not, and he was very much aware of it.
"I do."
It was the truth. Senritsu Nanami had trampled on his pride many times, albeit unintentionally or not. Seeing her current weak state did not change that fact.
"That's a shame," she whispered with eyes still closed. It was obvious that she was at the brink of falling asleep. "I was just thinking... that I don't hate you... as much as I thought I do."
Soft breathing soon followed.
Hibari stared at her now sleeping figure. Gone was the president who constantly tormented him with her presence alone. All that was left was a girl who lay defenselessly in bed, tucked in the comfort of a warm blanket.
"I couldn't care less about that." Hibari quietly muttered before exiting the infirmary.
...
As he walked down the hallways, his gaze had become sharp and cold once more. Somehow, the brunette's last sentence made him irritated.
Senritsu Nanami had always been a strong woman in his eyes. He considered her a person of equal standing, not a herbivore that he just beat up to pass time.
Her vulnerable side was not something that he needed, much less wanted, to see. He deemed it unnecessary —revolting, even. After all, her sole purpose in his life was to be bitten to death by him.
Nothing more, nothing less.
When Nanami regained consciousness, the sun had already set. She slowly sat from the bed and, almost immediately, her head throbbed in pain. She placed a hand against her temples and was glad that at least her temperature had decreased.
A light chuckle caught her attention. She looked beside her bed and found Reborn sitting on a chair. He tipped his fedora in greeting. "Ciaossu. Hibari already went home."
She stared at the dark-suited infant dazedly. Since when was he there? She did not notice him at all! Nanami did not get the chance to ask him those questions when Reborn spoke again.
"You and Hibari really get along well," he commented.
"He hates me," she answered flatly.
The smile on Reborn's face only grew wider. He wanted to use the fever patch on her forehead as an argument, but simply decided against it. "Anyway, this is a good start since you'll be spending a lot of time together."
"Huh?" Nanami blinked in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"Oh, he didn't tell you?" hummed Reborn. His next words took Nanami by surprise.
"Hibari will oversee your flame training."
Author's Note:
Writing from Hibari's perspective is very hard since he rarely showed emotions that did not involve bloodlust. Still, I try my best to avoid making him out of character. We all know that Hibari is a man of pride, thus it is only normal for him to hate someone who always defeated him. Now, he's getting confused because she suddenly shows him a side of her that he never knew that existed. Nanami is strong, but she's also a normal girl. At that moment, while she was resting, she looked like a small animal to him.
And, we all know that Hibari likes small animals, right? ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) He also prefers the little ones that can actually fight. (Hibird is originally a weapon of one of their enemies and Roll even stabbed Hibari by accident before). Hell yeah! Let's start this slow burn romance, shall we?!
