KHR Fic: Tsukimi (2/6)
Jan. 7th, 2009 09:06 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
asaelI'll just be posting this on my journal until it's done, I think. :) EDIT: Lies, I am full of them.
Tsukimi (2/6)
Katekyo Hitman Reborn
Byakuran/Mukuro, a little Mukuro/Tsuna (in this part)
one | two | three | four | five | six
A day in the life: get up, get dressed, manage any sudden emergencies that happened to arise while he slept. Make sure his employees were all well and ready for business. Entertain any important personages who happened to stop by. Drink lots of tea or lots of sake, depending on who was there, and make sure the day goes smoothly for everyone. Go to bed as the sun begins to peek its head over the horizon.
The owner of a whorehouse kept late hours.
Mukuro felt certain that this day would be much more trying than the one that had come before it. Yesterday had been so easy - no big problems, and he'd met the new officer in the area. Hibari Kyoya looked like he'd end up being a lot of fun.
It hadn't been the first time they'd met, but Mukuro had not expected Hibari to remember. Still, the young boy he's once met had grown up... quite well.
But Mukuro thought it was unlikely Hibari would drop by so soon after their first meeting, and good thing, too. Mukuro's schedule had enough unpleasant things that he was certain he'd be in a bad mood before long.
He was reluctant even to get out of bed, but when Chrome brought him a light breakfast and a cup of coffee, he forced himself up. In a few hours, he had an appointment, and before then there were plenty of things to do.
Getting dressed was a task all on its own. Mukuro was not a particularly vain person, but he was a particularly calculating one, and he knew exactly how good his looks were. There was a very short list of people he'd allow to see him when he was less than perfect, and they all lived in this building. Mussed after some amazing sex was one thing - but tired, sick, messy, or even just unready was something else entirely. Even if all he had to do that day was oversee the brothel, Mukuro took pains to project the right image - and today he had much more to do.
Once he was dressed, the first part of the day was easy. Chikusa reported that nothing strange had happened during the night, and yesterday had been a slow day in general - after Hibari had visited in the afternoon, there hadn't been much business. Tonight was a Friday night, things would be much busier.
Preparing for that evening took a few hours, and by then it was time for his first appointment - the one he might actually enjoy. Sawada always did look so uncomfortable.
Mukuro was lounging on the tatami, letting the tea steep, when Ken showed the boy in. As always, his eyes were wide open, showing his discomfort and making him look very much like a deer caught in headlights. Mukuro wondered how anyone could have thought him capable of being chief of police in a town like this. But then, he was related to the mayor - nepotism at work. And Mukuro had to admit there hadn't really been anyone else foolish enough to take the job.
"Tsunayoshi," he said, letting the name roll off his tongue purely for the reaction he'd get. "So good to see you again." He poured the tea for them both, amused to see how Tsuna's eyes went from his hands to his exposed collarbone and then away, fast as lightning. Tsuna settled himself on the cushion opposite Mukuro, for all the world looking like he was about to get up and run.
The boy seemed to need time to form words, so Mukuro made a little small talk, gracious host that he was. "I met that lovely new officer you assigned to this neighborhood. Hibari Kyoya... I like him."
Tsuna seemed to gain a little composure and managed to sip his tea, though he couldn't meet Mukuro's eyes. "I thought you would."
"You thought I would? Why, Tsunayoshi, does that mean he's a gift? A little bribe to get me on your side?" Mukuro suppressed the smirk that came when he saw Tsuna redden and sit up straight.
"No! I would never do that! We assigned him here because he's new and it's safer. I wouldn't do that kind of thing to my men!"
"Well, it's true. I am a fate worse that death," Mukuro said, sighing with just the right amount of drama.
"No, that's not what I meant-" Tsuna was well and truly flustered now. "I just meant - I mean - I wouldn't do that, I don't need to! You'll do the right thing eventually, I know it. You're not a bad person, Mukuro-san."
Time for business, then. Mukuro didn't stop smiling, though he did stop deliberately letting his kimono slip down his shoulder (and watching Tsuna get redder with each centimeter of skin revealed).
"I am a bad person. You should at least know that by now. And why don't you tell me, Tsunayoshi, what is the 'right thing'?"
"You- you know what I'm talking about, Mukuro-san. He's about to go on trial! You must have something on him. You could help us put him away - you know we don't have enough evidence now-"
"I see... appealing to my sense of justice. But Byakuran and I have a truce, just as you and I do." A shaky truce, full of distrust and lies and small betrayals, but a truce nonetheless. "And I don't particularly care what he did to your old boss."
"But-"
Mukuro softened his voice, until anyone who didn't know him would have said he was being gentle. Of course, anyone who did know him knew that there was little actual gentleness in his personality. "There's nothing in it for me. Even if you managed to find an uncorrupt judge to put him away - which would amaze me - the remnants of the Millefiore would be gunning for me, and I just don't think that sounds like much fun." His voice hardened. "Besides, I've always been quite aware of exactly who in this city you'd go after if the Millefiore were out of the picture."
Tsuna paled. "That's not true!"
"So you'd promise us safety, continued operation, protection from the law? For how long? Just until you were replaced - that's all you could realistically give us. No, I'm afraid that's just not enough," Mukuro said, sitting back. "So I'll have to turn down your kind offer once again."
Reluctantly, Tsuna nodded, disappointment written across his schoolboy features. "Just think it over, please, Mukuro-san. We would protect you, and-" he went a little red, "-this place."
"Naturally, I'll think about it," Mukuro said, the same words he'd spoken so many times before. He smiled and very nearly batter his eyelashes at Tsuna. "Same time next week, then?"
Tsuna managed a little smile, though it was shaky. "Yeah, I'll come here again." He stood to leave.
"You really ought to stay a little longer one of these times, Tsunayoshi. You wouldn't regret it." Mukuro stood as well, and stepped smoothly towards Tsuna, who looked like he was about to break and run. "I'd be gentle... I'd even give you a discount." He smirked and stepped right into Tsuna's personal space, reaching out to run one finger down Tsuna's cheek.
Tsuna blanched and backed away quickly, stuttering, "I-I'll see you next week, Mukuro-san." It was about all he could manage in regards to politeness. Eyes wide, he turned and practically ran from the room.
Mukuro managed a bit more in the way of politeness - he didn't start laughing until Tsuna was gone, at least. As tedious as these regular meetings were, they at least provided some small entertainment. Tsuna was just too easy to tease - though that didn't speak wonders for his competence. Mukuro wouldn't bet his future on a boy who couldn't even talk to Mukuro without going as red as a tomato.
However, Tsuna's visits were at least generally more fun than those with his next visitor. Mukuro didn't bother having tea ready when Ken showed Genkishi in two hours later. Why be polite to someone who was only a representative?
Mukuro disliked it when Byakuran sent one of his minions instead of coming himself. It sent a message - that Byakuran did not think Mukuro was important enough to deal with personally. Each time he had done it before, Mukuro had taken pains to make him regret it. Not enough to damage their fragile truce, but enough to remind Byakuran that Mukuro was not one of his Millefiore lackies.
This time, however, he'd allow it. After all, Byakuran had no choice. His bail hearing wasn't until Monday.
Genkishi took the seat across from Mukuro, the same one Tsuna had used, observing him levelly. There was a slight frown on his face, and Mukuro was reminded of why he disliked Byakuran's underlings so much. They all seemed to believe that one day soon he'd run out of resources, tricks, and blackmail, and be forced to join Millefiore. It was the exact same reason he disliked Byakuran himself - except that he could actually get things accomplished when Byakuran was the one across the table.
Besides, Byakuran was much more fun.
"What's a nice boy like you doing in a place like this?" Mukuro asked lazily, barely deigning to look at Genkishi.
"You know why I'm here," Genkishi replied, no hint of humor in his voice. "Byakuran sent me. You have an opportunity to help him out." The look he gave Mukuro made it clear that he honestly considered it a favor that Byakuran was doing for him.
"Oh, do I?" Mukuro said, smiling just a little and imagining how Genkishi might look drowning in his own blood. "Why, that was so thoughtful of him. I'd be terribly happy to help. What does he want? Chocolate cake with a nail file baked into it? Soap on a rope? A conjugal visit?"
A flicker of disgust crossed Genkishi's face, but he wasn't the type to stray from business. "You know what he wants. The judge for his trial is being decided -"
"And he wants me to make sure they pick someone who's easy to manipulate. Someone who's already under my thumb, or his." Mukuro licked his lips and smiled. "No thanks, I'll pass on this exciting one-time opportunity."
Genkishi stiffened and frowned at Mukuro. "Don't be so flippant. Byakuran will get sick of your attitude one of these days."
"Byakuran didn't actually expect me to agree to your little offer," Mukuro said, a certain hardness in his eyes as he looked at Genkishi. "He's aware that I'm choosing to remain neutral in this pathetic debacle. He'd need to offer a lot more than he has to make me change my mind. And what has he offered in exchange for my help? Oh, that's right. Nothing."
"If you help him now, then when you come crawling to us, begging him to let you join, he might just have mercy," Genkishi said, and the gaze he rested on Mukuro was familiar - a mix of contempt and anger.
Mukuro only laughed. "Don't hold your breath. Or rather, please do. I've never seen a man asphyxiate himself before, and it might be fun. Now, I believe we're done here. You know the way out... unless you'd like to stay and enjoy yourself for awhile." He smiled, a careful, self-satisfied smile. "Not with me, of course, but I'm sure you could find someone willing to accomodate you." The smile turned into a smirk. "No discounts."
Genkishi stood, clearly not at all disappointed to be leaving. He didn't say anything, just looking at Mukuro in disgust for a moment longer before he turned to go. Mukuro spoke to his back.
"Tell your boss to come himself next time. I have some new shochu I'm sure he'd like, and I'd rather if he didn't waste my time like this again."
Mukuro got no response, but he saw the line of Genkishi's shoulders stiffen before he left, closing the shoji door none too gently. It was difficult to slam sliding doors, however.
The meeting was quickly put out of Mukuro's mind. It had been mostly pointless, and he had better thing to do. The weekend was always a busy time, and now there were even more things that Mukuro had to attend to personally. With Byakuran's upcoming trial, the precarious balance that offered him and his establishment a secure base to work from threatened to collapse.
He didn't truly believe that young, shy Sawada would be able to put Byakuran in prison, with or without his help, but Mukuro had to be prepared for all possibilities. So his weekend was spent making sure that he would be able to weather an all-out war between the remnants of Millefiore and the city officials.
Mukuro's chief weapon was blackmail, but he wouldn't hesitate to use more brutal means if necessary. He would do his best to make sure it didn't come to that, though, because he was very aware that the men and women who worked for him were greatly outnumbered by the members of Millefiore - and most of their talents lay in other areas, anyway.
Sometimes Mukuro regretted employing lovers rather than fighters.
It wasn't an easy position to be in, but by the time the week began, Mukuro was fairly confident they could weather this storm. Between the dirt he had on city officials (mostly their sexual indiscretions, with some bribery mixed in - enough to ruin their careers at the very least), and what he had on Byakuran's underlings (generally evidence of theft, assault, or the occasional murder), he was prepared to secure the safety of himself and his employees, at least until the dust settled. When and if that happened, he'd need to make new plans depending on which side came out on top, but for now he could relax.
As much as he ever did, anyway. On Tuesday, Byakuran came to visit.
"It took you a whole day to come see me," Mukuro said after the white-haired man had made himself comfortable. "You'll break my heart like that, Byakuran." He smiled, pouring them both small cups of shochu and pushing one across the table to his guest.
Byakuran smirked, lifting his cup and tossing the alcohol back without a blink. "Now, now, don't cry. I had some sad little boys come running to me about all the problems that piled up while I was away." His voice was smooth and carefree, like he hadn't a thing to worry about in the world. "In fact, one of them told me you bullied him." He looked at Mukuro, almost pouting. "That wasn't very nice."
"I know. Poor Genkishi. He just can't stand up to anyone." Mukuro smiled and filling Byakuran's cup. "But weren't you just giving him busywork while you were gone? Really, Byakuran, if you can't find a judge that you can bribe yourself, then you deserve to go to prison."
This time Byakuran's pout was much more pronounced. "So mean, Mukuro." His eyes were sharp, though, and they didn't leave Mukuro's face - Mukuro was careful not to reveal any trace of discomfort. They'd been playing these games for years, so he was very good at it. "That new Sawada boy is such a nuisance. He has more and more people under his thumb, it's just not fair. Did you know he just managed to get one of his friends appointed district attorney? I just thought you might have a few things that I didn't."
"Hmm, I heard about that. Cavallone, right? Do you mean that Sawada is actually managing to keep your trial fairly clean?" Mukuro faked surprise, though he didn't try very hard. Both he and Byakuran knew that Mukuro's skill at gathering information was at least as good as Millefiore's, if not better, and they were both very aware that Sawada Tsunayoshi was beginning to show more and more backbone and talent at his job as time went on. Not enough to make Mukuro side with him, but enough to surprise the criminal elements of the city.
"As it happens, I do have plenty of things you don't," he said, meeting Byakuran's eyes and smiling. "But I'd rather save them for when I need them."
Byakuran's eyes hardened, but he didn't lose his smile. "Ah, you're a cruel man, only looking out for yourself. I thought helping each other was what friends were for."
Mukuro smiled right back. "Are we friends? I didn't realize." He refilled both of their cups while Byakuran acted injured, then set the bottle down. "Please, we both know that was just meaningless busywork for Genkishi. If you want to bribe judges, you certainly don't need me to do it."
"But I wanted to remind you..." Byakuran's expression was suddenly close to serious, and Mukuro was careful not to flinch or look away, despite the danger he knew he was in. "Remind you of our truce."
And that was it, of course. The real reason Byakuran was here. He didn't really need or want Mukuro's help with his trial, he just didn't want Mukuro getting involved on the opposite side, either. Both he and Tsuna knew Mukuro had some sort of evidence pertaining to the crime - they just weren't sure what it was. Neither of them thought it was anything more than circumstantial, but even that would affect Byakuran's trial.
Mukuro had no intention of letting either of them know the truth.
It had been an accident, really. Just good--or bad--luck. The chief of police had given one of his usual press releases about eradicating crime, and Mukuro had decided that it was better to be safe. He'd arranged for some extra blackmail material, so that he could politely remind the man that while crime was certainly a good thing to eradicate, there were some things that must be left alone for everyone's benefit.
The chief was a semi-regular client, and like many of the the ones with higher positions, he preferred for his companions to come to him rather than risk the chance of being seen entering Mukuro's establishment. So the next time he'd scheduled his usual girl for a visit, Mukuro had sent Chikusa and Ken the day before.
While the owner of the house was out, they'd done the usual - positioning spyhole cameras carefully to be sure the action was caught, and wiring them to transmit back to Mukuro. They'd done it many times before, and as usual it went off without a hitch, police chief's house or not. The next day, Mukuro's girl visited her client, and it was all caught on camera. Simple, clean, and not at all out of the normal for Mukuro - if blackmail material didn't fall into his hands, he had no problem with creating it. She left, and Chikusa and Ken went the next day to remove the cameras.
Or rather, they normally would have. But that night, Byakuran had entered the man's bedroom while he was sleeping and strangled him. The moment he'd seen Byakuran's face clear as day on the video footage, Mukuro sent Chikusa and Ken to retrieve the cameras - as carefully as possible. He had no desire to get caught up in a crime like this. They were experts, and managed it well enough, but the murder of the chief of police was no joke - Mukuro still considered himself lucky that no trace of his men had been found at the crime scene.
Part of that, he knew, was that Byakuran had left a message: a white lily on the man's chest. Everyone knew who had committed the murder, and the police hadn't bothered to look too much further. They had focused on finding evidence that could tie Byakuran directly to the crime, though even in that they hadn't had much luck - Byakuran had wanted to send a message, but he was no idiot.
Tsuna and Byakuran both knew that Mukuro had evidence of some kind, but if they knew he had video of the actual murder being carried out, he'd be in more trouble than he liked to think about. With evidence like that, Tsuna could be almost certain of putting Byakuran in prison for at least long enough to disable most of Millefiore's operations. And Byakuran... well, if Mukuro let Byakuran know he had that video, he might as well just kill himself now and save the crime boss the trouble.
He'd taken precautions, of course. If Mukuro died, the video would be sent immediately to the DA's office. That didn't matter, though, because most of all Mukuro did not WANT to die, and even with that insurance for his life, Mukuro knew the moment Byakuran was out of danger he'd find a way to dispose of that particular threat. If he knew about it.
It was the strongest piece of blackmail Mukuro had ever obtained in his life, and the only one he could never, ever reveal that he had. The best course of action was to lay low and not let anyone know he had that video - if Mukuro had been anyone else, he might have destroyed it, but that was against his very nature. He didn't like Byakuran at all, and would be happy enough if he went down, but only if Mukuro wasn't brought down along with him.
The trick was to lay low until the trail was over, refrain from helping either side, and make sure no one ever knew he had that video. Ken and Chikusa wouldn't talk, and he'd been keeping a close eye on the girl who'd starred in that particular video - she didn't know everything, but she knew enough to get Mukuro in trouble if she talked. So far, he was safe, and he intended to keep it that way.
He smiled calmly across the table at Byakuran, sipping his shochu. "Of course I haven't forgotten, Byakuran. I may not be helping you, but I'm sure you know that I haven't helped anyone else, either."
Apparently content with that, Byakuran relaxed just a little, smile coming back to his lips. Mukuro felt the little knot of tension in his belly disappear. The other man reached across and took Mukuro's wrist, hand deceptively gentle. "That's very good to hear. Let's do a little business, then."
Mukuro raised an eyebrow. "In case you've gone deaf, I just said I wasn't helping you." His voice was light, the danger past for the moment, though Byakuran's touch on his skin heralded other things - but those, Mukuro had plenty of experience handling.
Byakuran laughed, leaning across the table. "No, this is real business. I want you to send someone to me for a while. This whole 'trial' business is tiring, and I need a way to relax..." He smirked. "Ideally, it would be you, but I'm sure you won't agree to that, Mukuro. So just one of your employees. Think of it as a goodwill gesture. I'll even pay."
"Good. None of my employees would do it for free," Mukuro said, smiling, but inside his mind was working. It seemed to be an innocent enough request on the surface, and Byakuran had requested the same before. It just might be difficult finding someone to agree to go. A long-term job with Byakuran was... dangerous. Though the man could act gentle when it served his purposes, he really wasn't. Particularly in bed, as Mukuro knew well. Still, he was fairly sure someone would agree to it sooner or later in the hopes of receiving the hefty fee that came along with a service like that. "I'll find you someone."
"You never let me down, Mukuro," Byakuran said, the corner of his mouth curling upward into a smirk. "Now, why don't we seal the deal?" His hand tightened on Mukuro's wrist, and Mukuro carefully did not wince. His grip was strong, and it would bruise.
"I didn't agree to that," Mukuro said, smile tightening a little. He knew already that it didn't really matter. Byakuran would get what he wanted regardless, because it wasn't worth it to Mukuro to refuse. It would only sour their relations and make Byakuran angry. And it wasn't as if Mukuro hated it - though Byakuran was far from gentle, he challenged Mukuro in ways that very few other people did. Sex with him was always a thrill, because it was always dangerous. But it would leave Mukuro sore and bruised at a time when he'd really prefer to be on the top of his game, and in addition - Mukuro hated that Byakuran was always so confident he'd get his way, as if Mukuro was already one of his possessions.
Byakuran pushed the small table aside with his free hand. "You know you did the second you let me in here. This is how it always ends." His smile grew, and he moved, pressing Mukuro back against the tatami hard, one hand on the obi holding Mukuro's kimono closed.
"I do always know what to expect from you," Mukuro said, this time letting himself smirk just a little. He found leverage against the tatami, and tensed, ready to lash out.
He'd give Byakuran what he wanted, eventually. But he was in no mood to surrender quietly this evening, and it seemed like Byakuran knew that too, from the pleased, hungry look in his eyes. Mukuro would leave a few bruises on him in return, but Byakuran wouldn't be angry - if anything, he liked it even more when it wasn't easy.
He was a sick fuck, but Byakuran sure could be fun.
previous part | next part
Tsukimi (2/6)
Katekyo Hitman Reborn
Byakuran/Mukuro, a little Mukuro/Tsuna (in this part)
one | two | three | four | five | six
A day in the life: get up, get dressed, manage any sudden emergencies that happened to arise while he slept. Make sure his employees were all well and ready for business. Entertain any important personages who happened to stop by. Drink lots of tea or lots of sake, depending on who was there, and make sure the day goes smoothly for everyone. Go to bed as the sun begins to peek its head over the horizon.
The owner of a whorehouse kept late hours.
Mukuro felt certain that this day would be much more trying than the one that had come before it. Yesterday had been so easy - no big problems, and he'd met the new officer in the area. Hibari Kyoya looked like he'd end up being a lot of fun.
It hadn't been the first time they'd met, but Mukuro had not expected Hibari to remember. Still, the young boy he's once met had grown up... quite well.
But Mukuro thought it was unlikely Hibari would drop by so soon after their first meeting, and good thing, too. Mukuro's schedule had enough unpleasant things that he was certain he'd be in a bad mood before long.
He was reluctant even to get out of bed, but when Chrome brought him a light breakfast and a cup of coffee, he forced himself up. In a few hours, he had an appointment, and before then there were plenty of things to do.
Getting dressed was a task all on its own. Mukuro was not a particularly vain person, but he was a particularly calculating one, and he knew exactly how good his looks were. There was a very short list of people he'd allow to see him when he was less than perfect, and they all lived in this building. Mussed after some amazing sex was one thing - but tired, sick, messy, or even just unready was something else entirely. Even if all he had to do that day was oversee the brothel, Mukuro took pains to project the right image - and today he had much more to do.
Once he was dressed, the first part of the day was easy. Chikusa reported that nothing strange had happened during the night, and yesterday had been a slow day in general - after Hibari had visited in the afternoon, there hadn't been much business. Tonight was a Friday night, things would be much busier.
Preparing for that evening took a few hours, and by then it was time for his first appointment - the one he might actually enjoy. Sawada always did look so uncomfortable.
Mukuro was lounging on the tatami, letting the tea steep, when Ken showed the boy in. As always, his eyes were wide open, showing his discomfort and making him look very much like a deer caught in headlights. Mukuro wondered how anyone could have thought him capable of being chief of police in a town like this. But then, he was related to the mayor - nepotism at work. And Mukuro had to admit there hadn't really been anyone else foolish enough to take the job.
"Tsunayoshi," he said, letting the name roll off his tongue purely for the reaction he'd get. "So good to see you again." He poured the tea for them both, amused to see how Tsuna's eyes went from his hands to his exposed collarbone and then away, fast as lightning. Tsuna settled himself on the cushion opposite Mukuro, for all the world looking like he was about to get up and run.
The boy seemed to need time to form words, so Mukuro made a little small talk, gracious host that he was. "I met that lovely new officer you assigned to this neighborhood. Hibari Kyoya... I like him."
Tsuna seemed to gain a little composure and managed to sip his tea, though he couldn't meet Mukuro's eyes. "I thought you would."
"You thought I would? Why, Tsunayoshi, does that mean he's a gift? A little bribe to get me on your side?" Mukuro suppressed the smirk that came when he saw Tsuna redden and sit up straight.
"No! I would never do that! We assigned him here because he's new and it's safer. I wouldn't do that kind of thing to my men!"
"Well, it's true. I am a fate worse that death," Mukuro said, sighing with just the right amount of drama.
"No, that's not what I meant-" Tsuna was well and truly flustered now. "I just meant - I mean - I wouldn't do that, I don't need to! You'll do the right thing eventually, I know it. You're not a bad person, Mukuro-san."
Time for business, then. Mukuro didn't stop smiling, though he did stop deliberately letting his kimono slip down his shoulder (and watching Tsuna get redder with each centimeter of skin revealed).
"I am a bad person. You should at least know that by now. And why don't you tell me, Tsunayoshi, what is the 'right thing'?"
"You- you know what I'm talking about, Mukuro-san. He's about to go on trial! You must have something on him. You could help us put him away - you know we don't have enough evidence now-"
"I see... appealing to my sense of justice. But Byakuran and I have a truce, just as you and I do." A shaky truce, full of distrust and lies and small betrayals, but a truce nonetheless. "And I don't particularly care what he did to your old boss."
"But-"
Mukuro softened his voice, until anyone who didn't know him would have said he was being gentle. Of course, anyone who did know him knew that there was little actual gentleness in his personality. "There's nothing in it for me. Even if you managed to find an uncorrupt judge to put him away - which would amaze me - the remnants of the Millefiore would be gunning for me, and I just don't think that sounds like much fun." His voice hardened. "Besides, I've always been quite aware of exactly who in this city you'd go after if the Millefiore were out of the picture."
Tsuna paled. "That's not true!"
"So you'd promise us safety, continued operation, protection from the law? For how long? Just until you were replaced - that's all you could realistically give us. No, I'm afraid that's just not enough," Mukuro said, sitting back. "So I'll have to turn down your kind offer once again."
Reluctantly, Tsuna nodded, disappointment written across his schoolboy features. "Just think it over, please, Mukuro-san. We would protect you, and-" he went a little red, "-this place."
"Naturally, I'll think about it," Mukuro said, the same words he'd spoken so many times before. He smiled and very nearly batter his eyelashes at Tsuna. "Same time next week, then?"
Tsuna managed a little smile, though it was shaky. "Yeah, I'll come here again." He stood to leave.
"You really ought to stay a little longer one of these times, Tsunayoshi. You wouldn't regret it." Mukuro stood as well, and stepped smoothly towards Tsuna, who looked like he was about to break and run. "I'd be gentle... I'd even give you a discount." He smirked and stepped right into Tsuna's personal space, reaching out to run one finger down Tsuna's cheek.
Tsuna blanched and backed away quickly, stuttering, "I-I'll see you next week, Mukuro-san." It was about all he could manage in regards to politeness. Eyes wide, he turned and practically ran from the room.
Mukuro managed a bit more in the way of politeness - he didn't start laughing until Tsuna was gone, at least. As tedious as these regular meetings were, they at least provided some small entertainment. Tsuna was just too easy to tease - though that didn't speak wonders for his competence. Mukuro wouldn't bet his future on a boy who couldn't even talk to Mukuro without going as red as a tomato.
However, Tsuna's visits were at least generally more fun than those with his next visitor. Mukuro didn't bother having tea ready when Ken showed Genkishi in two hours later. Why be polite to someone who was only a representative?
Mukuro disliked it when Byakuran sent one of his minions instead of coming himself. It sent a message - that Byakuran did not think Mukuro was important enough to deal with personally. Each time he had done it before, Mukuro had taken pains to make him regret it. Not enough to damage their fragile truce, but enough to remind Byakuran that Mukuro was not one of his Millefiore lackies.
This time, however, he'd allow it. After all, Byakuran had no choice. His bail hearing wasn't until Monday.
Genkishi took the seat across from Mukuro, the same one Tsuna had used, observing him levelly. There was a slight frown on his face, and Mukuro was reminded of why he disliked Byakuran's underlings so much. They all seemed to believe that one day soon he'd run out of resources, tricks, and blackmail, and be forced to join Millefiore. It was the exact same reason he disliked Byakuran himself - except that he could actually get things accomplished when Byakuran was the one across the table.
Besides, Byakuran was much more fun.
"What's a nice boy like you doing in a place like this?" Mukuro asked lazily, barely deigning to look at Genkishi.
"You know why I'm here," Genkishi replied, no hint of humor in his voice. "Byakuran sent me. You have an opportunity to help him out." The look he gave Mukuro made it clear that he honestly considered it a favor that Byakuran was doing for him.
"Oh, do I?" Mukuro said, smiling just a little and imagining how Genkishi might look drowning in his own blood. "Why, that was so thoughtful of him. I'd be terribly happy to help. What does he want? Chocolate cake with a nail file baked into it? Soap on a rope? A conjugal visit?"
A flicker of disgust crossed Genkishi's face, but he wasn't the type to stray from business. "You know what he wants. The judge for his trial is being decided -"
"And he wants me to make sure they pick someone who's easy to manipulate. Someone who's already under my thumb, or his." Mukuro licked his lips and smiled. "No thanks, I'll pass on this exciting one-time opportunity."
Genkishi stiffened and frowned at Mukuro. "Don't be so flippant. Byakuran will get sick of your attitude one of these days."
"Byakuran didn't actually expect me to agree to your little offer," Mukuro said, a certain hardness in his eyes as he looked at Genkishi. "He's aware that I'm choosing to remain neutral in this pathetic debacle. He'd need to offer a lot more than he has to make me change my mind. And what has he offered in exchange for my help? Oh, that's right. Nothing."
"If you help him now, then when you come crawling to us, begging him to let you join, he might just have mercy," Genkishi said, and the gaze he rested on Mukuro was familiar - a mix of contempt and anger.
Mukuro only laughed. "Don't hold your breath. Or rather, please do. I've never seen a man asphyxiate himself before, and it might be fun. Now, I believe we're done here. You know the way out... unless you'd like to stay and enjoy yourself for awhile." He smiled, a careful, self-satisfied smile. "Not with me, of course, but I'm sure you could find someone willing to accomodate you." The smile turned into a smirk. "No discounts."
Genkishi stood, clearly not at all disappointed to be leaving. He didn't say anything, just looking at Mukuro in disgust for a moment longer before he turned to go. Mukuro spoke to his back.
"Tell your boss to come himself next time. I have some new shochu I'm sure he'd like, and I'd rather if he didn't waste my time like this again."
Mukuro got no response, but he saw the line of Genkishi's shoulders stiffen before he left, closing the shoji door none too gently. It was difficult to slam sliding doors, however.
The meeting was quickly put out of Mukuro's mind. It had been mostly pointless, and he had better thing to do. The weekend was always a busy time, and now there were even more things that Mukuro had to attend to personally. With Byakuran's upcoming trial, the precarious balance that offered him and his establishment a secure base to work from threatened to collapse.
He didn't truly believe that young, shy Sawada would be able to put Byakuran in prison, with or without his help, but Mukuro had to be prepared for all possibilities. So his weekend was spent making sure that he would be able to weather an all-out war between the remnants of Millefiore and the city officials.
Mukuro's chief weapon was blackmail, but he wouldn't hesitate to use more brutal means if necessary. He would do his best to make sure it didn't come to that, though, because he was very aware that the men and women who worked for him were greatly outnumbered by the members of Millefiore - and most of their talents lay in other areas, anyway.
Sometimes Mukuro regretted employing lovers rather than fighters.
It wasn't an easy position to be in, but by the time the week began, Mukuro was fairly confident they could weather this storm. Between the dirt he had on city officials (mostly their sexual indiscretions, with some bribery mixed in - enough to ruin their careers at the very least), and what he had on Byakuran's underlings (generally evidence of theft, assault, or the occasional murder), he was prepared to secure the safety of himself and his employees, at least until the dust settled. When and if that happened, he'd need to make new plans depending on which side came out on top, but for now he could relax.
As much as he ever did, anyway. On Tuesday, Byakuran came to visit.
"It took you a whole day to come see me," Mukuro said after the white-haired man had made himself comfortable. "You'll break my heart like that, Byakuran." He smiled, pouring them both small cups of shochu and pushing one across the table to his guest.
Byakuran smirked, lifting his cup and tossing the alcohol back without a blink. "Now, now, don't cry. I had some sad little boys come running to me about all the problems that piled up while I was away." His voice was smooth and carefree, like he hadn't a thing to worry about in the world. "In fact, one of them told me you bullied him." He looked at Mukuro, almost pouting. "That wasn't very nice."
"I know. Poor Genkishi. He just can't stand up to anyone." Mukuro smiled and filling Byakuran's cup. "But weren't you just giving him busywork while you were gone? Really, Byakuran, if you can't find a judge that you can bribe yourself, then you deserve to go to prison."
This time Byakuran's pout was much more pronounced. "So mean, Mukuro." His eyes were sharp, though, and they didn't leave Mukuro's face - Mukuro was careful not to reveal any trace of discomfort. They'd been playing these games for years, so he was very good at it. "That new Sawada boy is such a nuisance. He has more and more people under his thumb, it's just not fair. Did you know he just managed to get one of his friends appointed district attorney? I just thought you might have a few things that I didn't."
"Hmm, I heard about that. Cavallone, right? Do you mean that Sawada is actually managing to keep your trial fairly clean?" Mukuro faked surprise, though he didn't try very hard. Both he and Byakuran knew that Mukuro's skill at gathering information was at least as good as Millefiore's, if not better, and they were both very aware that Sawada Tsunayoshi was beginning to show more and more backbone and talent at his job as time went on. Not enough to make Mukuro side with him, but enough to surprise the criminal elements of the city.
"As it happens, I do have plenty of things you don't," he said, meeting Byakuran's eyes and smiling. "But I'd rather save them for when I need them."
Byakuran's eyes hardened, but he didn't lose his smile. "Ah, you're a cruel man, only looking out for yourself. I thought helping each other was what friends were for."
Mukuro smiled right back. "Are we friends? I didn't realize." He refilled both of their cups while Byakuran acted injured, then set the bottle down. "Please, we both know that was just meaningless busywork for Genkishi. If you want to bribe judges, you certainly don't need me to do it."
"But I wanted to remind you..." Byakuran's expression was suddenly close to serious, and Mukuro was careful not to flinch or look away, despite the danger he knew he was in. "Remind you of our truce."
And that was it, of course. The real reason Byakuran was here. He didn't really need or want Mukuro's help with his trial, he just didn't want Mukuro getting involved on the opposite side, either. Both he and Tsuna knew Mukuro had some sort of evidence pertaining to the crime - they just weren't sure what it was. Neither of them thought it was anything more than circumstantial, but even that would affect Byakuran's trial.
Mukuro had no intention of letting either of them know the truth.
It had been an accident, really. Just good--or bad--luck. The chief of police had given one of his usual press releases about eradicating crime, and Mukuro had decided that it was better to be safe. He'd arranged for some extra blackmail material, so that he could politely remind the man that while crime was certainly a good thing to eradicate, there were some things that must be left alone for everyone's benefit.
The chief was a semi-regular client, and like many of the the ones with higher positions, he preferred for his companions to come to him rather than risk the chance of being seen entering Mukuro's establishment. So the next time he'd scheduled his usual girl for a visit, Mukuro had sent Chikusa and Ken the day before.
While the owner of the house was out, they'd done the usual - positioning spyhole cameras carefully to be sure the action was caught, and wiring them to transmit back to Mukuro. They'd done it many times before, and as usual it went off without a hitch, police chief's house or not. The next day, Mukuro's girl visited her client, and it was all caught on camera. Simple, clean, and not at all out of the normal for Mukuro - if blackmail material didn't fall into his hands, he had no problem with creating it. She left, and Chikusa and Ken went the next day to remove the cameras.
Or rather, they normally would have. But that night, Byakuran had entered the man's bedroom while he was sleeping and strangled him. The moment he'd seen Byakuran's face clear as day on the video footage, Mukuro sent Chikusa and Ken to retrieve the cameras - as carefully as possible. He had no desire to get caught up in a crime like this. They were experts, and managed it well enough, but the murder of the chief of police was no joke - Mukuro still considered himself lucky that no trace of his men had been found at the crime scene.
Part of that, he knew, was that Byakuran had left a message: a white lily on the man's chest. Everyone knew who had committed the murder, and the police hadn't bothered to look too much further. They had focused on finding evidence that could tie Byakuran directly to the crime, though even in that they hadn't had much luck - Byakuran had wanted to send a message, but he was no idiot.
Tsuna and Byakuran both knew that Mukuro had evidence of some kind, but if they knew he had video of the actual murder being carried out, he'd be in more trouble than he liked to think about. With evidence like that, Tsuna could be almost certain of putting Byakuran in prison for at least long enough to disable most of Millefiore's operations. And Byakuran... well, if Mukuro let Byakuran know he had that video, he might as well just kill himself now and save the crime boss the trouble.
He'd taken precautions, of course. If Mukuro died, the video would be sent immediately to the DA's office. That didn't matter, though, because most of all Mukuro did not WANT to die, and even with that insurance for his life, Mukuro knew the moment Byakuran was out of danger he'd find a way to dispose of that particular threat. If he knew about it.
It was the strongest piece of blackmail Mukuro had ever obtained in his life, and the only one he could never, ever reveal that he had. The best course of action was to lay low and not let anyone know he had that video - if Mukuro had been anyone else, he might have destroyed it, but that was against his very nature. He didn't like Byakuran at all, and would be happy enough if he went down, but only if Mukuro wasn't brought down along with him.
The trick was to lay low until the trail was over, refrain from helping either side, and make sure no one ever knew he had that video. Ken and Chikusa wouldn't talk, and he'd been keeping a close eye on the girl who'd starred in that particular video - she didn't know everything, but she knew enough to get Mukuro in trouble if she talked. So far, he was safe, and he intended to keep it that way.
He smiled calmly across the table at Byakuran, sipping his shochu. "Of course I haven't forgotten, Byakuran. I may not be helping you, but I'm sure you know that I haven't helped anyone else, either."
Apparently content with that, Byakuran relaxed just a little, smile coming back to his lips. Mukuro felt the little knot of tension in his belly disappear. The other man reached across and took Mukuro's wrist, hand deceptively gentle. "That's very good to hear. Let's do a little business, then."
Mukuro raised an eyebrow. "In case you've gone deaf, I just said I wasn't helping you." His voice was light, the danger past for the moment, though Byakuran's touch on his skin heralded other things - but those, Mukuro had plenty of experience handling.
Byakuran laughed, leaning across the table. "No, this is real business. I want you to send someone to me for a while. This whole 'trial' business is tiring, and I need a way to relax..." He smirked. "Ideally, it would be you, but I'm sure you won't agree to that, Mukuro. So just one of your employees. Think of it as a goodwill gesture. I'll even pay."
"Good. None of my employees would do it for free," Mukuro said, smiling, but inside his mind was working. It seemed to be an innocent enough request on the surface, and Byakuran had requested the same before. It just might be difficult finding someone to agree to go. A long-term job with Byakuran was... dangerous. Though the man could act gentle when it served his purposes, he really wasn't. Particularly in bed, as Mukuro knew well. Still, he was fairly sure someone would agree to it sooner or later in the hopes of receiving the hefty fee that came along with a service like that. "I'll find you someone."
"You never let me down, Mukuro," Byakuran said, the corner of his mouth curling upward into a smirk. "Now, why don't we seal the deal?" His hand tightened on Mukuro's wrist, and Mukuro carefully did not wince. His grip was strong, and it would bruise.
"I didn't agree to that," Mukuro said, smile tightening a little. He knew already that it didn't really matter. Byakuran would get what he wanted regardless, because it wasn't worth it to Mukuro to refuse. It would only sour their relations and make Byakuran angry. And it wasn't as if Mukuro hated it - though Byakuran was far from gentle, he challenged Mukuro in ways that very few other people did. Sex with him was always a thrill, because it was always dangerous. But it would leave Mukuro sore and bruised at a time when he'd really prefer to be on the top of his game, and in addition - Mukuro hated that Byakuran was always so confident he'd get his way, as if Mukuro was already one of his possessions.
Byakuran pushed the small table aside with his free hand. "You know you did the second you let me in here. This is how it always ends." His smile grew, and he moved, pressing Mukuro back against the tatami hard, one hand on the obi holding Mukuro's kimono closed.
"I do always know what to expect from you," Mukuro said, this time letting himself smirk just a little. He found leverage against the tatami, and tensed, ready to lash out.
He'd give Byakuran what he wanted, eventually. But he was in no mood to surrender quietly this evening, and it seemed like Byakuran knew that too, from the pleased, hungry look in his eyes. Mukuro would leave a few bruises on him in return, but Byakuran wouldn't be angry - if anything, he liked it even more when it wasn't easy.
He was a sick fuck, but Byakuran sure could be fun.
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