Tilted Scale - Katekyo Hitman Reborn - D86S

ONESHOT

Summary: Sequel to Equilibrium; Squalo knew he could take care of the annoying woman just fine by himself. He did not need that annoying blonde scum getting in his way! VOI!

My lack of KHR knowledge might make some things untrue or some characters OOC and I guess I'll explain some stuff at the end of the chapter, just so I won't spoil things! XD

I don't own Katekyo Hitman Reborn because if I did, there would be a lot more Haru loving!

Please forgive any mistakes, both character-wise and grammatically wise. lol, i still don't understand the beta system thing and I don't really have time to re-read and edit things.

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Tilted Scale

HappyFace1886

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The moment Squalo heard that the head of the Chiavarone Famiglia was going to make an appearance at the Varia headquarters, he knew something bad was going to happen. It wasn’t that Squalo had a problem with the young Decimo, in fact he often just ignored the trash, but his instincts were telling him to be careful.

And one thing was for sure. His instincts were rarely wrong.

“Squalo-san, are you alright?” he glanced at Haru who had paused in her reading, her brown eyes looking at him in clear concern. His gaze strayed towards the healing wounds and he immediately looked away, unable to stand seeing them.

Even though a few days had passed, the damn girl just healed so slowly.

“Humph,” he grunted before loudly scooting out of his chair. “Let’s go.”

“Hahi?” Haru asked, startled as he stomped his way towards the door. She closed the book and clutched it close to her chest, running as fast as she could in order to catch up to the long-legged man. “W-Where are we going?”

“Training,” he snarled loudly through gritted teeth.

Her eyes widened. “B-But didn’t we just come back from training? Did something happen, Squalo-san?”

An image of the Decimo of Chiavarone Famiglia popped into his head and Squalo felt a vein starting to throb on his head. “Nothing! Voi, we’re just going to go train!”

---

“Dino-san!” Haru chirped out happily, waving her hand excitedly as she watched the blonde hair man make his way up the staircase. Two members of his Famiglia followed him protectively from behind, remaining close enough so that if anything were to happen, they would have their leader’s back and he would know that they were close enough so that his abilities would not be hindered.

“Hello Haru-chan, I see your injuries are healing up quite nicely.” Dino said gently, watching as Haru wince and smile sheepishly at him.

“Haha, yes, I have Squalo-san to thank for that.” She glanced at the scowling swordsman leaning against the wall and gave him a grateful smile. “If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have survived.”

Dino glanced at Squalo and though he maintained his sweet smile, there was a glimmer of disapproval in his eyes. “Yes, we should all be thankful he was able to get to you on time.”

Squalo’s scowl deepened and if Haru wasn’t in the way, he would have charged up to the haneuma and declared battle, diplomacy be damned. But Haru was still healing and wouldn’t be happy with that.

Fuck, he hated this restriction.

And fuck it, he hated for caring.

“Ah, Haru-chan, this is for you,” Dino said, presenting Haru with the large white bag he had been holding. Her large brown eyes stared in wonder as he placed the bag in her hands. “It’s a little something I got for you when I heard that you were recovering.”

Haru opened the bag and gasped, smiling happily when she pulled out a plushy in the form of a Pegasus. In fact, the doll seemed to greatly resemble Dino’s Box Weapon, Cavallo Alato. There were even red flames decorating the horse’s white body. Haru was barely able to contain her squeal as she hugged the doll for all it was worth.

“Thank you Dino-san, it’s adorable!” she said, burying her face into the doll’s softness.

“I’m glad you like it.” Dino said with his smile growing. He rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment while a light blush dusted his cheeks. “I had a hard time trying to decide what to get you.”

“It’s wonderful,” Haru ran her fingers through the horse’s mane. After being constantly surrounded by men who’d rather be hacking body parts up –Lussuria-san didn’t count since she was still trying to figure out if he was actually a niichan or a neechan- than showing even the slightest display of affection, she felt content with finally being able to hug something... though the image of Squalo-san being all affectionate and loving did cause a cold shudder to run up her back.

“What’s wrong?” Dino asked in concern when she saw her tremble. “Does something hurt?”

“H-Hahi, it’s alright.” She said only to flush when he reached down and brushed her bangs away, placing his large, warm hand on her forehead. “I-I’m fine Dino-san, r-really!”

“You’re heating up Haru-chan,” Dino exclaimed before turning her around gently, placing a hand on the small of her back as he led her into the hallway. “We should get the doctor to check up on you, just in case.”

“I-I’m fine Dino-san!” Haru protested, but Dino would have none of it. With a simple indulgent smile, he continued to guide her into the corridor.

Meanwhile, Squalo watched them walk away, clenching his fist tightly while he glared at the offending hand that was still touching Haru.

---

“Miura-san, may I ask why you were out of bed today?” a stern looking old man asked with his arms crossed. Haru winced at the intimidating inquisitive stare and looked shyly at her hands, which were wringing nervously on her blankets.

“H-Haru just wanted s-some fresh air.” She said hesitantly, though unable to meet his eyes.

The man quirked an eyebrow, looking completely unimpressed. “Miura-san, I, Alfonso De Luca, have been the head doctor of the Varia for several years. I’ve had dozens of stubborn men sneak out of bed and believe me, the consequences have not been pretty when I’ve caught a hold of them. You may be a woman and not a member of the Varia, but that does not mean you will be exempted from the rules!”

Haru winced at his harsh yell, but knew better than to defy him. He was right, after all. Though her injuries had been healing nicely, she still shouldn’t move so much. “I’m sorry...”

At her mollified tone, Alfonso seemed to soften up a little. Haru was, after all, not one of those crass underlings of the Varia and she was most definitely not like the stubborn bastards that led the Varia. “I apologize for my roughness Miura-san, but you do not have the stamina and healing ability as the rest of the Varia and thus, I must impose upon you sterner rules lest you worsen your injuries.”

Haru nodded. “Haru promises! She won’t move out of... uh... I mean she-!”

The quirk of Alfonso’s eyebrow returned. “This includes withholding from venturing out when Squalo-san decides to train within the forest.”

“B-But-!”

“Miura-san, please.” Alfonso said firmly. “This is for you own good.”

Haru bowed his head. “Yes...”

From outside of the room, Dino, who had been leaning against the wall from across the door, slowly opened his eyes and began to make his way towards the training room located within the headquarters.

---

Harsh breathing echoed within the empty room as Squalo stood before the destroyed machinery. A fine sheet of sweat had gathered, but he couldn’t stop the angry frown from appearing. Normally he was able to relieve stress by training, but today, it just wasn’t working.

No matter what he did, the fucking image of that fucking blonde touching Haru came into his head and it fucking pissed him off.

Snarling furiously, he raised his arm to cause further damage to the helpless machine when he heard the snap in the air. Squalo instinctively ducked and rolled out of the way before deadly whip wrapped itself around his neck. Quickly regaining his stance, he held his sword defensively before him and narrowed his eyes at the sight of the fucking blonde in front of the door with his whip poised for attack.

“Voi! The fuck do you want?”

“I came to talk to you.”

Squalo smirked. “Does talking involve trying to kill me?”

“No, that was for allowing Haru-chan to be in danger and this,” Dino cracked the whip threateningly,” this is for further endangering her health.”

“If you want some, come get it!” Squalo roared and immediately lunged for Dino. This was perfect for him. Instead of beating inanimate objects in order to vent his frustration, he could just take it out on the very person pissing him off.

The exchange of blows was sharp and quick. Squalo caught sight of Dino’s men nearby, watching carefully in order to ensure nothing went too far but remaining far enough to give the two sparring men space. Humph, no wonder the clumsy Decimo of the Chiavarone was faring well.

“You should already be aware of the reason why I came here,” Dino managed to whisper before the two broke apart, creating enough space between each other so that they would be able to reassess the situation.

“Why should I give a damn about what those fucking trash think.” Squalo demanded as the two began to circle each other. The two glared warily at one another, ready to attack or defend the moment the time came.

Dino tightened his grip on his whip. “Young Vongola is worried about the fact that a dear friend of his is here with the Varia. Yamamoto-san might believe that she is safe here, but the others aren’t satisfied with just his word, especially not after she was kidnapped while under your care.”

Squalo gritted his teeth at the indirect blow at his pride. They doubted his ability to take care of Haru? “Don’t fucking talk about things you don’t know about, scum!”

“I’ll talk all I want when it concerns Haru-chan’s life!” Dino snapped back, his normally casual pretense destroyed at Squalo’s callous words. “If you don’t care about her, she should be immediately removed from under your care.”

“And where would she go? Back to the pathetic Vongola when they can barely take care of themselves?” Squalo sneered, feeling his hackles rising at the direction of his conversation. Haru was under his care. His! He’d be damned before someone else took what was his.

Dino straightened his back. “No, I’ve already offered young Vongola my services.”

Squalo couldn’t stop from growling. If this piece of trash didn’t stop talking, the Chiavarone Famiglia was going to have to find a new heir very soon.

“Once Haru-chan is fully healed, she’ll be returning with me.”

“Like hell she will!” Squalo hissed. His body was already couched down low, ready to lunge the moment the opportunity arose. But he was too smart to make such amateurish mistakes. Dino’s men were already poised to attack and while Dino wouldn’t allow them to interfere, Squalo knew the men would attack either way if it meant being able to defend their leader. “She’s my charge and I’m not going to hand her over to fucking worthless scum like you.”

Dino narrowed his eyes. “At least with me I can assure Vongola that she would be in no danger.”

“Like you can fucking prevent every kidnapping attempt.”

“At least I’ll be more aware of her condition, instead of forcing her to constantly go outside just because you selfishly need to train.” Dino yelled back, unable to hold his fury. “Haru-chan is not a fighter like the rest of us. She needs more time to heal and even if fresh air does help people heal faster, the constant hike all the way to the area you train is hindering her wounds!”

“Then I’ll fucking stop until she’s fully healed!” Squalo yelled this before his mind could catch onto his words. What the fuck did he just promise?!

Dino also appeared surprised by this declaration. “Y-You would put your training on hold for her sake?”

Unable to take back his words, Squalo glowered at him, but managed a stiff nod. He knew this was no small promise he was making. Squalo had made sure Haru was always with him, even when he trained, because he wanted her to be nearby in case another attack was made. If he was going to keep this promise, he wouldn’t be able to train as much as he wished since he would need to be constantly by her side while she was healing. “If that’s what it takes for her to completely heal, I’ll stop.”

“Do you understand what you’re saying?” Dino asked with a crisp scowl.

“Voi, of course I do!” Squalo snapped.

The two remained in a standstill, watching and observing each other carefully when Dino suddenly straightened his back. He gave Squalo a smile and Squalo couldn’t stop from shuddering at the sight of it.

“Well, I’m glad we both have an understanding.”

Squalo grimaced. “What shit are you spouting now?”

“We both care about Haru-chan.”

---

Haru cuddled against the plushy, feeling comforted by the fact she had something to cling against when she needed. Even if she did understand and value the importance of space, there were just times when one needed a great, big comforting hug. When she saw Dino-san again, she needed to thank him again for giving her such a wonderful present.

There was a sharp rap on the door before it slammed open. With a loud gasp, Haru sat up fearfully only to sag down when she saw who it was.

“Squalo-san,” she said with a smile.

He grunted and sat down roughly on the chair. “From now on, you’re staying in the medical ward.”

She blinked in surprise. “H-Hahi?”

“Fuck, you heard me. Until you’re completely healed, you’re not leaving this place!”

Haru winced at the loud yell before shaking her head in fierce protest. “But Squalo-san has to train! If-.”

“Stop arguing! Training can wait,” oh gods, he couldn’t believe he was saying this. “Your health comes first. I don’t need the Vongola brats badgering me to death because you got sick.”

“But-.”

“I said you’re staying here so you’re staying here!” he yelled.

“Now, now, there’s no need to yell.” An amused voice cut in.

“Dino-san,” Haru greeted with wide surprised eyes when she saw the familiar blonde enter the room with a brilliant smile. “You’re still here! Haru thought you had left already.”

He shook his head with a chuckle. “No, Haru-chan, in fact, I think you’ll be seeing a lot of me.”

“Hahi?” Haru exclaimed in confusion.

Squalo’s eyes widened as well, but his was filled with outrage. “Oh fuck no!”

“I promised Tsuna-kun to take care of you after all,” Dino sat down on the other chair on the other side of Haru’s bed. “And I managed to get the Nono’s permission to reside within the Varia headquarters until its safe for you to return to Japan.”

“Really?” Haru said with an excited smile. It would be wonderful to have a familiar face around.

“Fuck!” Squalo yelled.

Dino gave the two of them a bright smile and a small nod of his head. “So please take care of me during my stay here!”

---

::owari::

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Equilibrium - Katekyo Hitman Reborn - S86