KHR Fic: Ordinary World (3/?)
May. 14th, 2009 07:22 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
asaelI might write a birthday fic for Mukuro if I can manage to make it make sense! Also, this fic might turn into 6918. XD Maybe. Because I had fun writing them in this chapter.
Ordinary World (3/?)
Katekyo Hitman Reborn
Mukuro-centric
Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
Mukuro didn't particularly like hospitals. Not that there was anything wrong with them, per se, but they stank of death and they were always full of miserable people, no matter how hard the nurses tried to plaster smiles on.
On second thought, maybe he did like hospitals.
This was a first for him, actually. Mukuro had never really been to a hospital just to visit someone before. He wondered if he should have brought flowers - the nurses were giving him strange looks as they passed. Of course, that could have just been because of Gokudera Hayato, scowling as he followed Mukuro down the white halls. He really didn't have the right demeanor for a hospital, Mukuro thought.
When they found Chrome's room, Gokudera stayed outside with little argument. Mukuro entered alone, walking to the bed where she lay. He looked down at her quiet, still form, connected by wires and tubes to the machines keeping her alive. She was very small.
"You should be stronger than this," he murmured. Even without his support, she had enough power to create her own organs. She may not have been able to do much more than keep herself alive, but that at least should have been in her power.
Of course, she had to have the will and the knowledge, and she was used to following his guidance. Now that he couldn't step into her mind, Chrome had to do it on her own.
"I know that you can," Mukuro said, and reached out to rearrange her hands. He folded them across her chest, carefully leaving the Vongola ring in clear view. Tsunayoshi would be visiting soon, Mukuro knew, and it couldn't hurt to remind him of his responsibilities towards the girl. And towards Mukuro.
He was no sentimentalist. Now that he could no longer visit Chrome's mind to check her condition, he'd had to come here and do it in person. Now that he'd done that, there was no reason to stay. It wasn't as if she could respond to him.
With a last glance at Chrome's unconscious body, Mukuro left the hospital room. Gokudera was leaning against the wall next to the door, glaring at anyone who had the audacity to walk past him.
"Let's go," Mukuro said, looking at his keeper for the day. They seemed to be taking turns at it, these Vongolas, since he was never alone at lunch, and he always walked back with Tsuna. This was the first time Gokudera had done it, and the first time Mukuro had tried to go anywhere after school. He assumed this had to do with other commitments by his most frequent companions, Yamamoto (whose days revolved around the baseball club) and Sasagawa Ryohei (who refused to shut up about the boxing club, no matter what Mukuro did).
Gokudera wasn't the most pleasant escort, however. As they left the hospital, without even glancing at Mukuro, he said, "Well? Did you get what you wanted? The Tenth wasn't lying, you know. He said he'd bring her and he did." His tone was unashamedly hostile.
Mukuro decided it would be easier, and probably more interesting, if he didn't try to argue that particular point. He'd never really doubted Tsuna's honesty, after all - if he doubted anything, it was Tsuna's abilities and mental strength. There wasn't much point of trying to convince Gokudera of his (nonexistent) good intentions, though. "Yes, he certainly came though," was all Mukuro said, with a smile.
Gokudera bristled, as if Mukuro had insulted Tsuna in some way. He hadn't, of course, but he supposed he tone hadn't been sufficiently respectful. It hadn't been respectful at all.
"I don't know what you think you're doing, but don't think you can get away with it. None of us trust you," Gokudera said.
"Is that so?" Mukuro said, but he was already tuning Gokudera out. He had no interest in a rant about how evil he was, and he had other things to think about. With Chrome an invalid for now, that left him only Chikusa and Ken. He didn't know how far they could get on their own, but they'd have to do. Reborn barely let Mukuro into the backyard without an escort, despite the absence of attacks so far. Even if Mukuro could wander freely, it wasn't as if he'd be able to do much of anything without his powers. It was an infuriating situation.
"Hey!" Gokudera snapped, whirling to glare at Mukuro. "You aren't even listening to me, what the hell's your problem?"
It was true, Mukuro hadn't been listening to him. But he'd at least tried to answer whenever Gokudera's intonation seemed to indicate he'd asked a question - usually a noncommittal 'Mm'. Some people were so demanding. Mukuro shrugged and smiled, not bothering to lie. "No, I wasn't listening. I do sometimes get bored - and I think I've heard this episode of the Gokudera show plenty of times already. Let me guess, you were talking about how Tsuna is like an amazing god, and I am bottom-dwelling scum that doesn't deserve his kindness?"
"Don't talk about the Tenth that way," Gokudera said with a growl. "You know you don't deserve it. He's going out of his way to protect you, even though we all know that you'd stab him in the back in a second if you could. And you're an ungrateful bastard who can't even act decent."
"Pot, meet kettle," Mukuro said with a smirk, warming up to this little conversation. "I'm not the only one who apparently never learned manners. At least I have an excuse, unless they just don't teach manners in your mafia families anymore. If Tsunayoshi wants to waste his time and energy on someone like me, that's his miscalculation. Or are you just angry that I get to live with him? Sleep in the same house... take baths together... am I sensing jealousy?"
Gokudera went bright red - out of anger or embarrassment, Mukuro didn't know or care. "The hell's your problem? Oh, screw this. I'm not walking you home. Who the fuck cares if you get attacked, they'd be doing the world a favor." He scowled at Mukuro. "I hope you run into Hibari and he breaks your other arm." And with that he whirled and stalked off.
Mukuro sighed to himself. Really, he should have seen that coming. It would have been easy enough to keep from provoking Gokudera - despite his intelligence, he was a simple man when it came to emotions - but Mukuro couldn't help himself sometimes. He was trapped here, as surely as he'd been in that prison, but now he didn't even have his illusions to escape into. He felt like he was wrapped in wool sometimes, living this life in this world. No pain, no death. He wanted to shatter it, reveal the filth and dirt hiding underneath these Vongola's fake normal lives.
Not every moment of every day. That would be futile and tiring, and Mukuro knew it wasn't in his best interests. But his true nature wasn't kind and friendly like Yamamoto, or fierce and loyal like Gokudera. He was cruel, and he knew the true face of the mafia better than any of these children, and sometimes it just got too tiring to play the role of 'normal boy'.
And Gokudera was so easy to get a reaction from.
It wasn't as if Mukuro had been likely to win him over with charm and sweet smiles, anyway.
Tsunayoshi's house wasn't far and the journey was uneventful. Mukuro felt Reborn's eyes on him when he returned unaccompanied, though, and internally he sighed. Perhaps he'd better control himself in the future. Just in case.
***
That night, after dinner, Mukuro slipped outside in the cool evening air. He knew he was being watched from inside the house, but he didn't particularly care. He'd have done this inside, if he could - he didn't care what Reborn might hear. Unfortunately, Ken tended to break or take things by 'accident' whenever he was inside a house, and Mukuro didn't want to wear out his welcome so soon. Outdoors was safer.
Besides, he knew that both Chikusa and Ken would feel uncomfortable inside the Sawada household. He wasn't exactly comfortable there himself.
They were waiting in the garden, Chikusa leaning against the wall and Ken shifting restlessly from one foot to the other. They both straightened when they saw Mukuro in the dim light, Ken taking two steps toward him before stopping just outside the border of Sawada's mother's herb garden. Mukuro stepped over the plants, walking to them.
"Mukuro-sama," Ken said, practically hovering, a worried look on his face. In a moment it was replaced with anger, and Mukuro almost laughed at the comfortable familiarity of Ken's changable emotions. "What did they do to you?!"
"Sealed my powers," Mukuro said almost casually, though thinking about it still made him want to strangle someone. One hand brushed the skin under his eye unconsciously.
Ken growled, and even Chikusa took a step closer. "Those assholes. Those mafia bastards all seriously think they can just play with people's lives however they want. We oughta tear them to pieces." He smirked. "And then pee on the pieces."
"Disgusting," Chikusa muttered, and Mukuro smiled. It was just barely possible that he'd missed them, after months and years of only speaking to them sparingly through Chrome.
"For now, I'm free. But I want my powers back. I don't believe it's impossible - there's a way. And that's what I need you to do," Mukuro said, watching them both. He saw the way they turned their attention to him. They would do whatever he asked, as they always did.
Chikusa stirred. "You want us to gather information."
"Yes," Mukuro said. "Anything you can find. Who created this seal, who ordered it made. Who decided that I would be the ideal subject. Most of all, how it was made."
"You should come with us, Mukuro-sama. Staying with these guys has gotta suck, and it's not like it's really safe or anything. Besides, even without your powers, you're way better at that kind of stuff than we are," Ken said. His eyes were wide, and Mukuro was strangely touched by his worry.
He shook his head anyway, brief and final. "The Vongola family is guarding me. I'm safer here."
"What about your arm?" Chikusa said, eyes flickering down.
Mukuro glanced down as well. He'd almost forgotten about that, though it was rather awkward. "That was Hibari Kyoya. Nothing to worry about, he was just frustrated."
Ken scowled and Chikusa frowned, but they both dropped the subject. Mukuro trusted that it was for good, because he was certain that Hibari could easily defeat either of them if they decided to get some kind of revenge, and he didn't want to lose any more allies with Chrome down.
"I'll stay here. They'll protect me, and when Chrome wakes up I'll be able to show her how to help," Mukuro said, and Ken looked up.
"Yeah, right... how's that useless girl doing anyway? I mean, it's not like I really care, she's just a burden, but I'm pissed that she conked out when we could use her."
Mukuro laughed. It was always the same with Ken. "I imagine she was caught off guard by losing my support and contact so suddenly. But she is strong enough to support herself, at least. She'll wake up once she's managed that, and I'll explain things to her."
"How should we contact you?" Chikusa asked, mind on the mission already.
"You can call me, I suppose," Mukuro said with a frown. He didn't like that idea very much, phones were too easily tapped. But there was no other option, not really, and at least he had procured the cell phone he had with his own money, rather than having to ask Reborn for one. Well, it hadn't exactly been his own money, but possession was nine-tenths of the law, after all.
Chikusa appeared to share his distaste, but he nodded. It only took a moment to give them the number, and he knew Chikusa wouldn't forget it.
Mukuro was certain that if they looked hard enough they'd find something, and 'something' would at least give him clues. Vendicare wouldn't be easy to investigate, especially for ex-convicts, and Mukuro was frustrated that he couldn't help.
But he sent Ken and Chikusa off with a smile and a promise to tell them if anything happened in Japan. Hiding his irritation was difficult at times, but it would serve nothing to show it.
After they left - Ken with a reluctant glance back before he went over the wall - Mukuro sat down on the edge of the back porch, looking up at the stars that were just beginning to come out. He didn't want to go back inside yet, didn't want to deal with the Sawada family (and their various hangers-on).
The only good part about this whole situation was that at least out here he could breathe the air.
***
Tsuna let the curtain fall, turned away from the window. He felt guilty for watching Mukuro like that, but what if someone attacked him? Or what if he just decided to leave? It wasn't as if Tsuna could really stop him, but he could at least try to talk him out of it.
Earlier, Reborn had said that he shouldn't worry about Mukuro - that Mukuro was one of those people who were experienced in doing anything necessary to cling to life, even powerless. But how could Tsuna not worry? It was true that Mukuro pretty much deserved this, and could probably use punishment of some kind. But weren't those years in that prison enough? In that tank, chained up like an animal?
Maybe Mukuro deserved that, but Tsuna was sure that he hadn't deserved what had been done to him as a child. What child could deserve that? The family had done it should have been punished too - but not the way Mukuro had done it.
When you got right down to it, Tsuna didn't know what to think. Of course he was disturbed by the things Mukuro had done, of course he thought they were horrible. But Mukuro hadn't just randomly become what he was, the mafia had made him that way. And how was what he had done that much worse than what some parts of the mafia did every day?
They had made him. Wasn't it unfair to automatically condemn him, as if their own actions had nothing to do with what had happened? Wouldn't it be better, instead, to try to help him, rehabilitate him?
Reborn had once warned him not to have sympathy for Mukuro, but it was difficult for Tsuna not to. Mukuro might be something of a monster, but Tsuna knew that he cared about his friends - or minions, whatever. He might never admit it, but to Tsuna it was obvious that Mukuro would do just about anything to keep Chikusa and Ken free, and Chrome safe - including selling himself to the Vongola and becoming part of the mafia he hated so much.
He wasn't all bad, he couldn't be. And he was one of Tsuna's Guardians, so didn't that make it his job to help him?
Tsuna knew that Reborn would probably have said no. And not too long ago, he'd have been too scared to, anyway. He'd changed a lot since then, though that didn't mean he wasn't still kind of scared of Mukuro - it just meant that he knew he couldn't give up on him, scared or not. He had a responsibility, one that he would remember whether or not he saw the ring on Chrome's finger.
He just wished there was some way to make Mukuro see that, to make Mukuro realize he could trust Tsuna.
But Tsuna hadn't the least idea how to do that.
***
The next day dawned bright and sunny. By lunchtime, clouds had gathered overhead and begun to threaten rain, but it was still warm and dry.
After lunch with his designated handler of the day (Ryohei, who had used the lunch hour to describe his boxing practice in detail), Mukuro cut his afternoon classes and went up to the roof. The weather was perfect, warm enough to make him sleepier but not sunny enough to be uncomfortable.
Mukuro was tired still, but more importantly, he was sure that if he had to sit through one more math class he'd throw himself into oncoming traffic and ruin the Vongola's hard work protecting him. The math teacher undoubtedly wouldn't miss him, since he'd quickly realized that instead of actually doing the problems Mukuro just chose numbers at random when forced to answer.
He had only been up there for a few minutes before he heard footsteps approaching, stopping not far from him. That particular measured pace... he opened his eyes. Bingo. Hibari Kyoya, glaring down at him as if he were some kind of giant cockroach.
Mukuro smiled. "Someone's skipping class," he said, and then, as Hibari's expression darkened, "Ah, right. That's me." He didn't bother sitting up, head pillowed on his uniform jacket. "Do you want something, Kyoya?"
"I didn't give you permission to call me that," Hibari said. "Go back to class."
"I didn't ask your permission, and I won't." Mukuro smirked. "What will you do, break my other arm?"
Hibari's eyes went to the cast on his arm, but his expression didn't change. "It wouldn't be difficult. You're weak."
"Weak and vulnerable, like a little baby," Mukuro said, an edge to his words. "It would be easy and unsatisfying, but you're welcome to it if you'd like." He stretched his unbroken arm out, looking up at Hibari.
For a moment, Mukuro wasn't sure what Hibari would do - he might well end up with two broken arms. Not that he minded, actually, or else he wouldn't have offered in the first place. He just wanted to see how Hibari would react.
In the end, Hibari just frowned. "I have no interest in that."
"You have no interest in most things, Kyoya, isn't that right? Maybe you just really need to get laid." Mukuro just how far he could push Hibari. He was sure that Hibari's temper would snap in a much more interesting and violent way than Gokudera's... he needed some variety in this life. What if he was stuck like this forever, an endless parade of stifling days, school, and inane conversations? No more fighting, no more illusions, no more slipping into someone else's body like a perfectly fitted suit.
No more reaching out to touch Chrome's mind, or anyone else's. Just silence and emptiness.
Fighting with Hibari would certainly break the tedium, even if he would inevitably lose.
Hibari seem disinclined to grant his desire today, however, smirking slightly as he answered, "Not by you."
Mukuro laughed at the unexpectedness of the response. Maybe it was even better than anger. Could it be that Hibari Kyoya actually had a sense of humor concealed somewhere? "I'm terribly hurt, but I'll just have to work through the pain. You're not my type anyway, I'd prefer someone a little more... dumb."
"Someone you can manipulate into doing whatever you want," Hibari said. It wasn't a question.
"Exactly. You know me so well, Kyoya. It's much more tedious now that I can't possess people, you know." Strangely, Mukuro found he appreciated Hibari's lack of response when he said such things. Tsuna's discomfort had been amusing at first, but all of the Vongola children reacted the same way when he talked about his powers, killing, the mafia. Like they didn't want to think that it wasn't all wacky adventures and good times with your family.
Hibari just didn't seem to care at all. Mukuro felt proud, in a way - he'd always known Hibari was something special, someone strong.
"When you're stronger, we'll fight," Hibari said abruptly, breaking Mukuro from his thoughts. Mukuro smiled at him, feeling rather benevolent.
"Yes, yes, I'll fight you. Don't you worry, as soon as I get my powers back I'll give you a fight to remember." And he even meant it, at least for now.
Hibari nodded curtly, his brief, strange playfulness gone. "Be back in class by the next bell." He turned and left the roof, leaving Mukuro alone again.
Mukuro closed his eyes, feeling somehow better. He had thirty minutes, give or take, and he needed a nap. He wondered about that odd conversation with Hibari. Had it been an apology? More likely it had been some odd whim of Hibari's.
Either way, Hibari had been rather adorable, Mukuro thought.
He fell asleep with a slight smile on his face.
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Ordinary World (3/?)
Katekyo Hitman Reborn
Mukuro-centric
Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
Mukuro didn't particularly like hospitals. Not that there was anything wrong with them, per se, but they stank of death and they were always full of miserable people, no matter how hard the nurses tried to plaster smiles on.
On second thought, maybe he did like hospitals.
This was a first for him, actually. Mukuro had never really been to a hospital just to visit someone before. He wondered if he should have brought flowers - the nurses were giving him strange looks as they passed. Of course, that could have just been because of Gokudera Hayato, scowling as he followed Mukuro down the white halls. He really didn't have the right demeanor for a hospital, Mukuro thought.
When they found Chrome's room, Gokudera stayed outside with little argument. Mukuro entered alone, walking to the bed where she lay. He looked down at her quiet, still form, connected by wires and tubes to the machines keeping her alive. She was very small.
"You should be stronger than this," he murmured. Even without his support, she had enough power to create her own organs. She may not have been able to do much more than keep herself alive, but that at least should have been in her power.
Of course, she had to have the will and the knowledge, and she was used to following his guidance. Now that he couldn't step into her mind, Chrome had to do it on her own.
"I know that you can," Mukuro said, and reached out to rearrange her hands. He folded them across her chest, carefully leaving the Vongola ring in clear view. Tsunayoshi would be visiting soon, Mukuro knew, and it couldn't hurt to remind him of his responsibilities towards the girl. And towards Mukuro.
He was no sentimentalist. Now that he could no longer visit Chrome's mind to check her condition, he'd had to come here and do it in person. Now that he'd done that, there was no reason to stay. It wasn't as if she could respond to him.
With a last glance at Chrome's unconscious body, Mukuro left the hospital room. Gokudera was leaning against the wall next to the door, glaring at anyone who had the audacity to walk past him.
"Let's go," Mukuro said, looking at his keeper for the day. They seemed to be taking turns at it, these Vongolas, since he was never alone at lunch, and he always walked back with Tsuna. This was the first time Gokudera had done it, and the first time Mukuro had tried to go anywhere after school. He assumed this had to do with other commitments by his most frequent companions, Yamamoto (whose days revolved around the baseball club) and Sasagawa Ryohei (who refused to shut up about the boxing club, no matter what Mukuro did).
Gokudera wasn't the most pleasant escort, however. As they left the hospital, without even glancing at Mukuro, he said, "Well? Did you get what you wanted? The Tenth wasn't lying, you know. He said he'd bring her and he did." His tone was unashamedly hostile.
Mukuro decided it would be easier, and probably more interesting, if he didn't try to argue that particular point. He'd never really doubted Tsuna's honesty, after all - if he doubted anything, it was Tsuna's abilities and mental strength. There wasn't much point of trying to convince Gokudera of his (nonexistent) good intentions, though. "Yes, he certainly came though," was all Mukuro said, with a smile.
Gokudera bristled, as if Mukuro had insulted Tsuna in some way. He hadn't, of course, but he supposed he tone hadn't been sufficiently respectful. It hadn't been respectful at all.
"I don't know what you think you're doing, but don't think you can get away with it. None of us trust you," Gokudera said.
"Is that so?" Mukuro said, but he was already tuning Gokudera out. He had no interest in a rant about how evil he was, and he had other things to think about. With Chrome an invalid for now, that left him only Chikusa and Ken. He didn't know how far they could get on their own, but they'd have to do. Reborn barely let Mukuro into the backyard without an escort, despite the absence of attacks so far. Even if Mukuro could wander freely, it wasn't as if he'd be able to do much of anything without his powers. It was an infuriating situation.
"Hey!" Gokudera snapped, whirling to glare at Mukuro. "You aren't even listening to me, what the hell's your problem?"
It was true, Mukuro hadn't been listening to him. But he'd at least tried to answer whenever Gokudera's intonation seemed to indicate he'd asked a question - usually a noncommittal 'Mm'. Some people were so demanding. Mukuro shrugged and smiled, not bothering to lie. "No, I wasn't listening. I do sometimes get bored - and I think I've heard this episode of the Gokudera show plenty of times already. Let me guess, you were talking about how Tsuna is like an amazing god, and I am bottom-dwelling scum that doesn't deserve his kindness?"
"Don't talk about the Tenth that way," Gokudera said with a growl. "You know you don't deserve it. He's going out of his way to protect you, even though we all know that you'd stab him in the back in a second if you could. And you're an ungrateful bastard who can't even act decent."
"Pot, meet kettle," Mukuro said with a smirk, warming up to this little conversation. "I'm not the only one who apparently never learned manners. At least I have an excuse, unless they just don't teach manners in your mafia families anymore. If Tsunayoshi wants to waste his time and energy on someone like me, that's his miscalculation. Or are you just angry that I get to live with him? Sleep in the same house... take baths together... am I sensing jealousy?"
Gokudera went bright red - out of anger or embarrassment, Mukuro didn't know or care. "The hell's your problem? Oh, screw this. I'm not walking you home. Who the fuck cares if you get attacked, they'd be doing the world a favor." He scowled at Mukuro. "I hope you run into Hibari and he breaks your other arm." And with that he whirled and stalked off.
Mukuro sighed to himself. Really, he should have seen that coming. It would have been easy enough to keep from provoking Gokudera - despite his intelligence, he was a simple man when it came to emotions - but Mukuro couldn't help himself sometimes. He was trapped here, as surely as he'd been in that prison, but now he didn't even have his illusions to escape into. He felt like he was wrapped in wool sometimes, living this life in this world. No pain, no death. He wanted to shatter it, reveal the filth and dirt hiding underneath these Vongola's fake normal lives.
Not every moment of every day. That would be futile and tiring, and Mukuro knew it wasn't in his best interests. But his true nature wasn't kind and friendly like Yamamoto, or fierce and loyal like Gokudera. He was cruel, and he knew the true face of the mafia better than any of these children, and sometimes it just got too tiring to play the role of 'normal boy'.
And Gokudera was so easy to get a reaction from.
It wasn't as if Mukuro had been likely to win him over with charm and sweet smiles, anyway.
Tsunayoshi's house wasn't far and the journey was uneventful. Mukuro felt Reborn's eyes on him when he returned unaccompanied, though, and internally he sighed. Perhaps he'd better control himself in the future. Just in case.
***
That night, after dinner, Mukuro slipped outside in the cool evening air. He knew he was being watched from inside the house, but he didn't particularly care. He'd have done this inside, if he could - he didn't care what Reborn might hear. Unfortunately, Ken tended to break or take things by 'accident' whenever he was inside a house, and Mukuro didn't want to wear out his welcome so soon. Outdoors was safer.
Besides, he knew that both Chikusa and Ken would feel uncomfortable inside the Sawada household. He wasn't exactly comfortable there himself.
They were waiting in the garden, Chikusa leaning against the wall and Ken shifting restlessly from one foot to the other. They both straightened when they saw Mukuro in the dim light, Ken taking two steps toward him before stopping just outside the border of Sawada's mother's herb garden. Mukuro stepped over the plants, walking to them.
"Mukuro-sama," Ken said, practically hovering, a worried look on his face. In a moment it was replaced with anger, and Mukuro almost laughed at the comfortable familiarity of Ken's changable emotions. "What did they do to you?!"
"Sealed my powers," Mukuro said almost casually, though thinking about it still made him want to strangle someone. One hand brushed the skin under his eye unconsciously.
Ken growled, and even Chikusa took a step closer. "Those assholes. Those mafia bastards all seriously think they can just play with people's lives however they want. We oughta tear them to pieces." He smirked. "And then pee on the pieces."
"Disgusting," Chikusa muttered, and Mukuro smiled. It was just barely possible that he'd missed them, after months and years of only speaking to them sparingly through Chrome.
"For now, I'm free. But I want my powers back. I don't believe it's impossible - there's a way. And that's what I need you to do," Mukuro said, watching them both. He saw the way they turned their attention to him. They would do whatever he asked, as they always did.
Chikusa stirred. "You want us to gather information."
"Yes," Mukuro said. "Anything you can find. Who created this seal, who ordered it made. Who decided that I would be the ideal subject. Most of all, how it was made."
"You should come with us, Mukuro-sama. Staying with these guys has gotta suck, and it's not like it's really safe or anything. Besides, even without your powers, you're way better at that kind of stuff than we are," Ken said. His eyes were wide, and Mukuro was strangely touched by his worry.
He shook his head anyway, brief and final. "The Vongola family is guarding me. I'm safer here."
"What about your arm?" Chikusa said, eyes flickering down.
Mukuro glanced down as well. He'd almost forgotten about that, though it was rather awkward. "That was Hibari Kyoya. Nothing to worry about, he was just frustrated."
Ken scowled and Chikusa frowned, but they both dropped the subject. Mukuro trusted that it was for good, because he was certain that Hibari could easily defeat either of them if they decided to get some kind of revenge, and he didn't want to lose any more allies with Chrome down.
"I'll stay here. They'll protect me, and when Chrome wakes up I'll be able to show her how to help," Mukuro said, and Ken looked up.
"Yeah, right... how's that useless girl doing anyway? I mean, it's not like I really care, she's just a burden, but I'm pissed that she conked out when we could use her."
Mukuro laughed. It was always the same with Ken. "I imagine she was caught off guard by losing my support and contact so suddenly. But she is strong enough to support herself, at least. She'll wake up once she's managed that, and I'll explain things to her."
"How should we contact you?" Chikusa asked, mind on the mission already.
"You can call me, I suppose," Mukuro said with a frown. He didn't like that idea very much, phones were too easily tapped. But there was no other option, not really, and at least he had procured the cell phone he had with his own money, rather than having to ask Reborn for one. Well, it hadn't exactly been his own money, but possession was nine-tenths of the law, after all.
Chikusa appeared to share his distaste, but he nodded. It only took a moment to give them the number, and he knew Chikusa wouldn't forget it.
Mukuro was certain that if they looked hard enough they'd find something, and 'something' would at least give him clues. Vendicare wouldn't be easy to investigate, especially for ex-convicts, and Mukuro was frustrated that he couldn't help.
But he sent Ken and Chikusa off with a smile and a promise to tell them if anything happened in Japan. Hiding his irritation was difficult at times, but it would serve nothing to show it.
After they left - Ken with a reluctant glance back before he went over the wall - Mukuro sat down on the edge of the back porch, looking up at the stars that were just beginning to come out. He didn't want to go back inside yet, didn't want to deal with the Sawada family (and their various hangers-on).
The only good part about this whole situation was that at least out here he could breathe the air.
***
Tsuna let the curtain fall, turned away from the window. He felt guilty for watching Mukuro like that, but what if someone attacked him? Or what if he just decided to leave? It wasn't as if Tsuna could really stop him, but he could at least try to talk him out of it.
Earlier, Reborn had said that he shouldn't worry about Mukuro - that Mukuro was one of those people who were experienced in doing anything necessary to cling to life, even powerless. But how could Tsuna not worry? It was true that Mukuro pretty much deserved this, and could probably use punishment of some kind. But weren't those years in that prison enough? In that tank, chained up like an animal?
Maybe Mukuro deserved that, but Tsuna was sure that he hadn't deserved what had been done to him as a child. What child could deserve that? The family had done it should have been punished too - but not the way Mukuro had done it.
When you got right down to it, Tsuna didn't know what to think. Of course he was disturbed by the things Mukuro had done, of course he thought they were horrible. But Mukuro hadn't just randomly become what he was, the mafia had made him that way. And how was what he had done that much worse than what some parts of the mafia did every day?
They had made him. Wasn't it unfair to automatically condemn him, as if their own actions had nothing to do with what had happened? Wouldn't it be better, instead, to try to help him, rehabilitate him?
Reborn had once warned him not to have sympathy for Mukuro, but it was difficult for Tsuna not to. Mukuro might be something of a monster, but Tsuna knew that he cared about his friends - or minions, whatever. He might never admit it, but to Tsuna it was obvious that Mukuro would do just about anything to keep Chikusa and Ken free, and Chrome safe - including selling himself to the Vongola and becoming part of the mafia he hated so much.
He wasn't all bad, he couldn't be. And he was one of Tsuna's Guardians, so didn't that make it his job to help him?
Tsuna knew that Reborn would probably have said no. And not too long ago, he'd have been too scared to, anyway. He'd changed a lot since then, though that didn't mean he wasn't still kind of scared of Mukuro - it just meant that he knew he couldn't give up on him, scared or not. He had a responsibility, one that he would remember whether or not he saw the ring on Chrome's finger.
He just wished there was some way to make Mukuro see that, to make Mukuro realize he could trust Tsuna.
But Tsuna hadn't the least idea how to do that.
***
The next day dawned bright and sunny. By lunchtime, clouds had gathered overhead and begun to threaten rain, but it was still warm and dry.
After lunch with his designated handler of the day (Ryohei, who had used the lunch hour to describe his boxing practice in detail), Mukuro cut his afternoon classes and went up to the roof. The weather was perfect, warm enough to make him sleepier but not sunny enough to be uncomfortable.
Mukuro was tired still, but more importantly, he was sure that if he had to sit through one more math class he'd throw himself into oncoming traffic and ruin the Vongola's hard work protecting him. The math teacher undoubtedly wouldn't miss him, since he'd quickly realized that instead of actually doing the problems Mukuro just chose numbers at random when forced to answer.
He had only been up there for a few minutes before he heard footsteps approaching, stopping not far from him. That particular measured pace... he opened his eyes. Bingo. Hibari Kyoya, glaring down at him as if he were some kind of giant cockroach.
Mukuro smiled. "Someone's skipping class," he said, and then, as Hibari's expression darkened, "Ah, right. That's me." He didn't bother sitting up, head pillowed on his uniform jacket. "Do you want something, Kyoya?"
"I didn't give you permission to call me that," Hibari said. "Go back to class."
"I didn't ask your permission, and I won't." Mukuro smirked. "What will you do, break my other arm?"
Hibari's eyes went to the cast on his arm, but his expression didn't change. "It wouldn't be difficult. You're weak."
"Weak and vulnerable, like a little baby," Mukuro said, an edge to his words. "It would be easy and unsatisfying, but you're welcome to it if you'd like." He stretched his unbroken arm out, looking up at Hibari.
For a moment, Mukuro wasn't sure what Hibari would do - he might well end up with two broken arms. Not that he minded, actually, or else he wouldn't have offered in the first place. He just wanted to see how Hibari would react.
In the end, Hibari just frowned. "I have no interest in that."
"You have no interest in most things, Kyoya, isn't that right? Maybe you just really need to get laid." Mukuro just how far he could push Hibari. He was sure that Hibari's temper would snap in a much more interesting and violent way than Gokudera's... he needed some variety in this life. What if he was stuck like this forever, an endless parade of stifling days, school, and inane conversations? No more fighting, no more illusions, no more slipping into someone else's body like a perfectly fitted suit.
No more reaching out to touch Chrome's mind, or anyone else's. Just silence and emptiness.
Fighting with Hibari would certainly break the tedium, even if he would inevitably lose.
Hibari seem disinclined to grant his desire today, however, smirking slightly as he answered, "Not by you."
Mukuro laughed at the unexpectedness of the response. Maybe it was even better than anger. Could it be that Hibari Kyoya actually had a sense of humor concealed somewhere? "I'm terribly hurt, but I'll just have to work through the pain. You're not my type anyway, I'd prefer someone a little more... dumb."
"Someone you can manipulate into doing whatever you want," Hibari said. It wasn't a question.
"Exactly. You know me so well, Kyoya. It's much more tedious now that I can't possess people, you know." Strangely, Mukuro found he appreciated Hibari's lack of response when he said such things. Tsuna's discomfort had been amusing at first, but all of the Vongola children reacted the same way when he talked about his powers, killing, the mafia. Like they didn't want to think that it wasn't all wacky adventures and good times with your family.
Hibari just didn't seem to care at all. Mukuro felt proud, in a way - he'd always known Hibari was something special, someone strong.
"When you're stronger, we'll fight," Hibari said abruptly, breaking Mukuro from his thoughts. Mukuro smiled at him, feeling rather benevolent.
"Yes, yes, I'll fight you. Don't you worry, as soon as I get my powers back I'll give you a fight to remember." And he even meant it, at least for now.
Hibari nodded curtly, his brief, strange playfulness gone. "Be back in class by the next bell." He turned and left the roof, leaving Mukuro alone again.
Mukuro closed his eyes, feeling somehow better. He had thirty minutes, give or take, and he needed a nap. He wondered about that odd conversation with Hibari. Had it been an apology? More likely it had been some odd whim of Hibari's.
Either way, Hibari had been rather adorable, Mukuro thought.
He fell asleep with a slight smile on his face.
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Date: 2009-05-14 06:11 pm (UTC)I also enjoy the way you portrait Tsuna. He's stronger and it's appealing. Also his thoughts about Mukuro's destiny. I feel like they're exactly the ones which wasn't fully revealed in manga and anime.
In general, another great piece. But so not enough as usual. *arms herself with patience until the next part* :3
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Date: 2009-05-17 03:38 am (UTC)I will write more soon! ^_^ I have the next part planned.
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Date: 2009-05-16 07:21 pm (UTC)I don't know how is Mukuro shown in 6927 or 10069 fics because I don't read them, but sometimes I get the feeling that he is the most misunderstood character in Reborn - fandom finds him either really evil, or just kufufuing funny guy who chases after he's supposed-to-be uke. I like how you wrote him facing a Normal Life, that he finds it boring and he makes fun of it, but at the same time, it may be something he wants deep inside. I love how you've written him actually thinking. I mean, we don't get to see what's inside Mukuro's head often (both in the story and even in fanfiction) and you've managed to show it IC (as always).
It's rare to see a non-pairing fic because people prefer the others so maybe it doesn't get all of attention it really deserves, but don't get daunted! XD (i would have nothing against it turning into 6918, though.... but even their normal conversation here is good enough)
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Date: 2009-05-17 03:42 am (UTC)I'm trying hard to keep him IC while showing that he's more than just a kufufuing crazy guy. So thank you so much, I'm glad that it's working. And thank you for reading! XD I'll keep writing! I'm not going to force any pairings, if something seems to be happening I'll let it happen, though. I do want to explore Mukuro's relationships with a lot of other characters, since we hardly see that in the manga!
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Date: 2009-05-18 03:58 pm (UTC)♥ His interactions with Hibari kept me smiling to the end. However it goes, I'll continue reading your awesome fics!
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Date: 2009-05-22 01:10 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-05-19 03:04 am (UTC)am glad to have read it! loves it. adds to me faves :)
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Date: 2009-05-22 01:11 pm (UTC)You're talking like a pirate again... >.>
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Date: 2009-06-13 07:46 am (UTC)