Katekyo Hitman Reborn! Fan Fiction ❯ Cavallone Moon ❯ Nice to Meet You, Dino-sensei! ( Chapter 3 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

It was a mess at the foot of the stairs. Papers, pens, and books were all a scattered disaster. Only a few gossiping students witnessed the embarrassing accident. A tall male practically tackled the smaller girl football style to the ground with hardly a warning. The unfortunate girl found it difficult to detangle herself from the heavier body pinning her down. Her butt hurt a lot; surprisingly everything else was just fine. Achingly, she opened one squinting eye to get a glimpse of the culprit. She only could make out a golden mess of hair and a set of concerned and apologetic soft brown eyes behind large crooked black rimmed glasses. Realizing their position, Tsukiko noticed that the man on top of her saved her head from colliding with the ground by using his arm as a cushion. She could imagine that he was in pain from the collision by his flinching every so often when he tried to move. Did this guy fall all the way down the stairs? And lived?!

‘Of course HE’S ok…I was his cushion!’ Tsukiko grimaced when she tried to move. ‘Yeah, my ass is definitely going to bruise.’

“I-I am so sorry, miss. I don’t know how that happened!” Slowly, he relinquished his hold on her and moved up a bit to create a gap between them, allowing her some space. She could see he was feeling pretty bad right now judging from his bright red face. Suddenly, his expression switched slightly to that of recognition when he looked up at the Rain flame wielder. “Ah, Basil?”

“Hello, Dino-san. Are you ok? Both of you?” asked a concerned Basil. “That was a pretty terrifying fall…”

He quickly tried grabbing his scattered belongings, flinching in pain every so often. “Reborn informed me yesterday that you’d be showing up.”

Tsukiko decided to help him out, grabbing the scattered papers and pens behind her. She couldn’t get mad at the guy; it was just an accident after all. A scary one at that. “It’s Cavallone Dino, correct?”

“Uh-huh! The one and only!” Dino gave her his winning friendly smile as he helped her up, collecting his papers from the blunette. He flinched subtly when balancing everything in his sore arm. Yet another bandage, he thought. “Basil called you ‘Tsukiko’ just now? You’re the girl with amnesia Reborn told me about.”

“…” Tsukiko didn’t really like being identified as the ‘girl with amnesia’ and her face expressed the feeling rather well. Dino flinched when he saw a forlorn look wipe her innocent smile clean off her face. “It’s just…Tsukiko, Dino-san.”

“Oh, sorry! I apologize for offending you! Eh…I didn’t mean to.” Dino shook his head and free hand vigorously to emphasize that he was mistaken. “I wasn’t told much, so, uh…”

“Ouch!” Tsukiko winced, a pain spiked through her cranium in a split second. Instinctively, the girl shut her eyes and focused on pushing the pain back. She was fighting back a painful memory, an emotional one. Quick flashes of blurred visions jumped at her and vanished quickly. She could barely make out the voices of two males. There was blood. Lots of it. The two men were arguing, and she was there standing between them, trying to calm them. The memory was odd, but it felt real to her. She noticed that the two were really close to her, important people. She just couldn’t figure out who they were.

Tsukiko bolted out of her trance. Basil and the Cavallone boss were staring at her with wide eyes, alarm written all over their faces.

“Wh-what’s with the looks?”

“You’re…” Basil spoke. “…crying…”

‘Crying?’ She felt perfectly fine. Reaching up to her cheeks, she felt something…wet? ’Why am I crying?! Could it be from…Just then I felt…a memory flash through my head.’

“N-No, I’m ok. I think…I…” She didn’t know how to explain it to them.

“Did I hurt you that badly..?” Dino inquired, feeling guiltier by the second.

Her light blue eyes locked with his light brown ones. “It’s…ok. I’m fine now. Don’t worry, it was…nothing.”

She wasn’t ok. Her soft smile, not quite reaching her eyes, attempted to trick them into believing it. Dino could tell that her smile was forced to hide something. For now, he wouldn’t pry. He will always be willing to help.

“L-Let me see your arm, Dino-san.” Tsukiko stepped closer to him, struggling to keep the momentary pain in her head at bay. Dino wanted to tell her not to worry, but the look in her eyes spoke determination. “You’re hurt…”

Soft brown eyes surveyed her body for any possible injuries, or blood. Her flinching made it seem like she hurt her head regardless of his attempt in using his arm. He continued to feel bad. He was the type to protect everyone if he could. He would die trying, too.

“Uh, I’m fine, don’t worry. I’m more concerned about you. Let me show you to the nurses…” The blonde paused, having second thoughts. “…actually…I don’t know if I should leave you alone…in there. OR be there at all…”

“Basil,” Dino had an idea. “Why don’t you let my class know that I’ll be a little late? Tsuna’s in the class right now, so feel free to sit in while I treat Tsukiko-san. This is my fault, so I’ll take full responsibility.”
 
“Are you sure?” Basil wanted to be certain that they’ll be ok. Dino smiled and nodded to reassure him. “Then I’ll be in the classroom waiting.”

“Thanks.” Dino led the girl down the hallway, hand near her back, prepared to grab her in case she collapsed. However, that didn’t go as he had planned. It was Tsukiko who ended up ‘keeping an eye’ on him. He was all over the place: falling, tripping, dropping things, and running into everything and everyone. If she didn’t know any better, the guy was doing this on purpose so she’d touch him, or something stupid, though she didn’t really mind if that were the case. Looking at him now, he was…kind of cute. Was it the sweet and clumsy act? Or the sexy, nerdy look? Maybe it’s because he’s a foreigner. Some girls go crazy for that kind of thing, so maybe that’s what she liked? She couldn’t tell what her preferences in men were.

Dino stopped her at one of the doors on the first floor. Her blue eyes read the sign on the door. “’Faculty Office’?”

“Yeah, I’m still a teacher here for now. But there are some emergency aid kits inside.” Dino answered, bashfully. “I, uh, use them a lot.”

“Why not the nurses office?” She raised a brow in suspicion. Would he try something on her? Nah, he wouldn’t…right?

“Ahhh…” Dino rubbed the back of his head. “The school nurse…he is kind of…not one you would want to be alone with, at least if you’re a girl…doesn’t…treat guys.”

Tsukiko nodded slowly, sort of understanding his hint. She didn’t notice before, but the blonde had a lot of bandages and a white wrap on his left arm. ‘What the hell?’

“Do you…fall often?” She scrutinized with furrowed brows. This guy…is a danger to himself and those around him. How is it possible for a guy like him to lead one of the most powerful Mafia families?

“Yeah, sometimes. It’s so weird! I don’t know why it happens, but lately…man, I guess I need to watch where I’m heading. I think it may be my shoes, or the floors being so damn slippery.” Dino chuckled, but stopped when he saw her grow a little frantic. “Ah! But, don’t worry about it! The only worst possible thing that’s happened is a broken arm or leg and in…the hospital...”

That definitely didn’t sound good. Why did he say that?

“I mean..! Jeez…saying it out loud makes me…sound so lame…Ugh…” Dino sighed, completely giving up explaining.

“Not at all.” Tsukiko smiled softly, watching him pull out the kits, then check her arms and head for injuries. “I’m clumsy on occasion, so I can understand.”

Dino stared at the smile on her dainty lips. It was definitely different this time, not forced. “You should smile more often. You have a very beautiful smile.”

“H-Huh?” Tsukiko paused and blushed after soaking in his compliment. ‘Did he just...?’

“Huh? Wait…Did I say that out loud? Ah, sorry. I hope that didn’t make you uncomfortable.” Dino blushed. ‘Yeah, open mouth and insert foot. Just stop talking.’

“N-No, don’t apologize. No one ever really said that to me, so…thank you, D-Dino-san.” Tsukiko averted her radiant azure eyes from his soft brown, curious gaze. Now she was beginning to feel a bit uncomfortable. The worst thing to happen was the anticipated uncomfortable silence. Both were too embarrassed to say anything right after that. All Dino could do was help her ice her head, assuming that it was bruised.

‘Uh…quickly! Think of up a distraction!’ Dino searched and searched for something to throw on the table. He never had the confidence as a teen when around girls, but even now…he still struggles. A rich and powerful Mafiosa can’t look a lady straight in the eyes and compliment her without stuttering or getting flustered. It was shameful.

“Public displays of affection are against schools rules. Herbivores who don’t abide by these rules will be…bitten to death.”

The couple jumped in place, only one of them knew who that voice belonged to. Dino pulled his hand back like it was on fire, panic all over his face. Tsukiko looked over the Mafioso’s shoulder, locking eyes with who she recognized to be the Cloud Guardian. He gave her a hard stare, making her shiver in discomfort. The atmosphere suddenly grew thick with tension. She needed to break the tension in the room.

“Ah, you must be Hibari Kyouya, the school’s prefect that I’ve heard so much about?” Tsukiko tried to extend her hand out in a friendly manner. The Cloud Guardian continued to give her a hard stare, unmoved. He didn’t seem like he wanted to make friends. “Ah! I should introduce myself first, ne? I’m Tsukiko. Reborn-sama must’ve informed you?”

She stopped in her tracks as a wicked grin planted itself on his face. Before she could register what was going on, the prefect flipped out a pair of tonfas and stalked towards her with narrow challenging slanted eyes. She did want to fight him, but this seemed all so sudden. She struggled to understand if she was excited or nervous. Perhaps both.

“You.” Tsukiko blinked in confusion, pointing at herself, looking back and forth between her and Dino, who was already moving past her, trying to block the Cloud Guardians sight of her. The prefect didn’t like him doing that, so he slammed his tonfa in the Italians stomach forcing him to fall to one knee gasping for air. “Move it, Bronco.”

“Gah! K-Kyou-ya! She’s done nothing wrong! Leave her be! She’s a guest!” Dino tried to move between them again to protect her, but tripped instead, face flat on the ground while the Cloud Guardian stepped over him indifferently. “What’s wrong with me today?!”

Alarmed, the blunette stood abruptly to rush to the blonde’s side. However, Hibari had other plans. He swung his tonfa, aiming for her head. In quick steps, Tsukiko evaded him and kneeled next to the hurt man, facing the prefect as well. Her blue eyes, filled with resentment, locked with the prefects again. She was ready to rant and rave. Although warned of his personality, she didn’t expect him to attack her out of the blue or harm the kind man who also happened to be a teacher. “What are you doing?! He was just helping me!”

“The Arcobaleno said,” Hibari spoke, ready to attack again, a cruel smirk on his face. “That you are strong. I sense it too.”

‘Does he mean Reborn?’ thought the blunette teen. ‘That would explain why he’s attacking me then.’

“You won’t leave us be if I don’t agree to fight you? I was told about your violent behavior, but I didn’t expect you to be…this forward and persistent. Attacking in school, too.” Tsukiko let out an irritated sigh, eyes suddenly filled with determination. “I expect no less from a Guardian of the Vongola Sky.”

Relaxing a sliver, Hibari continued to stare hard and long at her, still smirking. “I want to bite you to death.”

“E-Eh?! Y-You want to…bite me? That’s …don’t say such inappropriate things to a girl…kinky weirdo.” Blushing slightly, the blunette made a face at the thought of him literally biting her. It disturbed her a bit. Dino stiffened when she said that, scared that she’d push his last button. She didn’t really want him doing that to her. She could tell from the moment that smirk disappeared, he wasn’t joking. “Fine! I’ll…fight you, but not right now. Ok?”

The prefect let out an ‘hm’ and began to leave them. He stopped at the doorway, tonfas gone, and peered over his shoulder. “Meet me on the rooftop whenever you can. Or else I’ll find you, herbivore, and punish you.”

With that, the frightening teen left.

“Wow.” Tsukiko stared at the door astonished. They weren’t kidding about him. Shuffling could be heard from behind her, turning, she saw that Dino was struggling to stand up without falling again. “Ah! Are you going to be ok?”

“Ah, yea. Haha…sorry about Kyouya. Although I’m his teacher, he still treats me poorly.” Dino leaned against the sofa in the room. “Though he detests the idea of someone ‘teaching’ him.”

“Basil told me that the Representative Battle is over, so how come you’re still teaching when you’re a Mafia Boss?” She asked, taking his larger hand and lifting him up.

“Ah, well,” Dino began. “Reborn said that I should stay till the year is over, I have about two months left of teaching so it isn’t a big deal. I can still do some work while here.”

Dino stacked his papers and books, reorganizing the mess. Curiously, Tsukiko leaned over his shoulder and read the title to one of his books. “You’re teaching English? That’s my favorite…subject.”

Oddly, she could remember that one simple detail. However, some of the things that come out of her mouth were all surprising, even to her.

Once done, Dino looked at her thrilled. “Is it? Why don’t you sit in? I have an extra seat in the back of the class, assuming Basil is in there still.”

The girl beamed. “Yeah! That would be great. I won’t be starting school yet, so why not?”

Snatching two icepacks, the teen followed the Namimori Middle School teacher to his class. “Here, you need one more than I do. Your arm will swell and bruise more if you don’t start caring for it now.”

“Ah, thank you!” The blonde smiled kindly, making her blush. Immediately, she averted her blue eyes and smiled awkwardly.

“A-Ah, yeah, no problem. You helped me out, so I’ll return the favor.” Tsukiko fidgeted then stuffed her hands in her pocket to play it cool.

Dino was oblivious to her shy glances until he turned to her to ask a question, catching her staring at him oddly. “Eh? Tsukiko-san? Something on my face?”

“Ah, no! S-sorry…” The girl looked away quickly with her head lowered slightly and completely embarrassed.

“So where does Reborn have you attending? It’s rather late in the year, isn’t it? And…how does the amnesia issue being worked out?”

“Oh, from what Iemitsu-san says, I won’t be starting school till next year after the summer break. As you said, it is rather late and…I should start from the beginning and work my way up.” Tsukiko thought about how to explain her amnesia disability. If she didn’t have any school records, who’s to say what she knows and doesn’t. It would be a problem if she’s in over her head. Though Reborn was fond of the idea ‘tutoring’ her, but the idea scares her a lot. “I do have knowledge, but I’ve no idea how this will work. We’re hoping that staying in Japan will help me remember.”

“Hmm.” Dino looked off in the distance, pondering. Then an idea hit him. “Why not let me tutor you? I can help you get started and establish what you do know. That would be an excellent start, right?”

Tsukiko stared at him for a while, not one word escaping her lips. Her intense stare put him on edge. “O-Or that was a very bad idea…”

“Ah! No, it isn’t a bad idea. Actually…if you wouldn’t mind, could you really do that for me?” A smile spread across her face. “Of course, I’d have to let Reborn-san and Iemitsu-san know.”

“Great! Ah, I guess I just love teaching, to be honest.” Dino muttered, scratching his cheek lightly. He felt a bit weird offering free lessons to a girl he just met. The girl will be a part of the Vongola now, so why not?

“So,” Tsukiko crossed her fingers behind her back, taking wide strides to walk in front of him and faced him, walking backwards. “Should I call you…I don’t know…Dino-sensei?”

Dino chuckled at her playfulness, it was really cute. “Well, I don’t know. Makes me sound kind of old, which I doubt I’m that much older than you. For now, ok. Call me want you.”

“Sure thing, Dino-sensei!”

****

Dino prepared the study quarters in his expensive rented mansion for his expected guest. He noticed beyond the large balcony doors that it would be a stunning sunny day. He enjoyed clear blue skies, especially at night when he could see the stars and moon so clearly. Sauntering over to the large red wood desk, he set up some books he picked up just for the occasion. He was excited to just teach, something he would have wanted if he wasn’t a Cavallone Mafioso. As a young boy, he was never good with anything, except English class. That was one thing he felt proud of, even for a clumsy child like he was. Looking at his watch, he counted the minutes before his guest would arrive.

‘Any minute now.’ He mentally noted, checking his white button shirt for any misaligned buttons or if his zipped was undone by accident again.

After he checked the room if anything was missing, he left the study and gradually made his way downstairs to the front entrance. One of the many things Reborn had taught him was how to properly greet a guest and since it’s a girl, he had to make sure he was a gentleman. Downstairs, a few of his men lingered around the door, chatting. The moment they spotted him, their faces lit up with a grin.

Chuckling at their funny behaviors, the Cavallone Mafioso questioned them. “What’s with the grins?”

“Nothing really,” One of his men answered. “Just that, well, your guest is someone special, eh?”

Dino flushed a light pink. “Haha! What do you mean?”

His men didn’t buy his innocent act. “C’mon, Boss! It’s a girl isn’t it?!”

“Woooh~! Boss finally taking an interest?” His men cheered, only making it harder to hide the blush and grin growing on his face, traitorously.

“Ah, c’mon, guys!”

On cue, the doorbell alarmed him that she was finally there. The room grew silent for a few moments until they began to snicker and give him thumbs-up. Dino felt even more nervous with them there. Shooing them off, the handsome blonde passed his men at the entrance, ready to defend him if anything went wrong, and opened the large, richly decorated door. There stood a beautiful young woman in a simple, yet nicely fitted white summer dress and strapped sandals.

“Hello, Dino-sensei~!” The girl teased with the new name. Stepping closer, he noticed that she was carrying a satchel with various styled pins and ornaments.  “I hope this still isn’t a problem, I really appreciate this.”

“I’m happy that you’ve come, Tsukiko-san.” Dino admired how amazing she looked in a dress. It really suited her he thought. “It’s no problem! I suggested that we’d try studying here. I’m happy to help in any way.”

“Ts-Tsukiko...chan.” The girl shyly muttered, lowering her head with a blush, but still keeping her eyes steady on his. It was harder to be so forward around him. Even knowing him for a few weeks now, she still struggled.

“Huh?” Dino could be dense at times. Though he was too distracted by the way her legs looked under the dress, how her long dark hair cascading down her back and shoulders look against her pale skin, and the fact that he could just-

“I believe the young lady wants you to call her with that honorific, boss.”

Dino jumped at the sound of Romarios’ voice coming from behind. “Romario?!”

Romario stood at the door with a smile on his face. He gave his young boss a stare and a slight head nod, telling him to carry on. Getting the hint, Dino then turned to the blunette girl. “Tsukiko-chan, then?”

Tsukiko nodded enthusiastically at him, a big grin adorning her soft face. Dino couldn’t help but smile right back, she was so cute right now, he thought. Stepping to the side, Dino held out his hand towards the entrance and bowed slightly. “This way, Tsukiko-chan.”

The girl giggled at his chivalrous actions and followed them inside. Before her eyes, a large beautiful room with many entrances and a large red carpet stairs leading upstairs rendered her speechless. Unintentionally slowing down, Tsukiko looked left and right at everything her eyes could greedily soak up. In one slow turn-around, she raised her curious eyes to the ceiling only to find an impressively large glass dome for the light to peak through. She watched with a smile gracing her pink lips. She’d known him for two weeks, this being her first time seeing where he lived.

The entire time, the blonde Italian observed her mesmerizing eyes light up as she took in every detail of the room. He couldn’t help but feel slightly proud of the fact he could impress her. As she spun around slowly, he was given a full view of her in that mid-length white dress, appreciating her slender legs.

For some reason, he felt a bit nervous in a different way than his usual meetings with other Mafioso for business meetings. This kind of feeling was stronger. It made the room feel hotter.

He wasn’t blind, the girl was gorgeous and with an amazing personality to boot. It’s something that most would call ‘beautiful inside and out’. Come to think of it, he never really thought about asking a girl out, yet. He never really imagined that he could work in a relationship, being so young and still building up his family’s name and strength. More importantly, he hadn’t found the right girl. He wondered who.

“This…is impressive, Dino-san, and just…magnificent!” Tsukiko spun around to face him with a bright expression. With a laugh, Dino thanked her and watched as she strode over to him with a confident face.

“Until you leave, I think I’ll be visiting you quite a lot. I don’t remember seeing anything as beautiful as this! Wait! Is your home in Italy anything like this as well?” she inquired, eyes staring straight into his soul. The look she gave him concerned him if he were to say the wrong thing; it would possibly chase her off.

Stunned for a few moments, Dino registered what she declared. “EH?! Uh, well, sort of. Mine’s bigger though.”

“That didn’t sound cocky in the least.” Tsukiko deadpanned. “And…a little…weird…with how you said it.”

“Ah! No! Wait! Ah, I didn’t mean to sound like that! I was just…” Dino slumped, not really knowing how to redeem himself from that. Since when did he start stumbling over his own words? The last time he could remember, he was a young teen. Awkward and cheesy.

Small giggles came from the girl. Looking up, he saw that she gave him a picture perfect smile that he couldn’t deny he loved to see on her. “I’m kidding. I guess it’s only natural for the Mafia, huh? You have such nice tastes.”

“Well,” Dino began by changing the subject to the reason she arrived. “Would you like to start your tutoring now?”

“Sounds good, Dino-sensei~.” Tsukiko straightened her body and raised her hand as a student would. Her energy was remarkable, he noted. He felt that studying will either go smoothly, or lead to many distractions, mostly on her part. Dino led her upstairs, careful not to lose her as she continued to appreciate the scenery.

The frivolous girl followed him through the hall, which held more rich red wood and gold, it appeared. The place was decorated with expensive art, which the headquarters had few. It was warm there.

“This room, Tsukiko-chan.” Dino was sincerely amused by the girls’ giddiness. He was happy that she could enjoy herself.

Returning back from her exploration, she walked past the host into a cozy study room. She was grateful that there weren’t many distracting objects, mostly books, that large desk, and…a balcony. The older man led her around the desk to show her the books he prepared beforehand. Amazed by his thoughtfulness, Tsukiko remember that she also brought some supplies. Setting her bag on the desk, she pulled out a black notebook and pen.

With her ice blue eyes, she looked at him ready, hands holding the pen and notebook before her. “Anything else, sensei?”

Laughing, Dino pull the chair out for her to sit, grabbing the other chair for himself. “Would you like any snacks? Drinks?”

“Hmm.” Tsukiko tapped her index finger against the base of her chin in contemplation. “Well~. Would you happen to have any blackberry pie or yogurt covered raisins and cherries by chance?”

Blinking twice, Dino didn’t expect random suggestions. “Ah! No.”

Tsukiko pursed her lips and furrowed her brows in disappointed. “That’s ok, then. I’ll just have water anyway.”

“Well, I can ask Romario to grab some for you.” Dino offered.

“Ah, no! That’s ok. Don’t go through the trouble. I’ll feel so bad if you did.” The girl laughed.

“Uh-huh.” Dino crossed his arms, not buying her act. “Last chance.”

“Seriously, I’m ok.” Tsukiko shook her head.

“Alright, alright.” Dino paused to think where to start. “Let’s start.”

Smiling, Tsukiko nodded in agreement.