KHR Fic: Tsukimi (6/6)

[asael]

Yaaaay, I'm done. :D Now what will I write?! (That's a rhetorical question, I've got plenty of other fics in progress!)

Tsukimi (6/6)
Katekyo Hitman Reborn
Hibari/Mukuro
one | two | three | four | five | six



Mukuro always took extra care getting dressed when he was going out. It wasn't that common, after all, as he generally preferred staying on his own turf, and it had become much less so since Byakuran had begun trying to take his revenge for Mukuro's 'betrayal'.

But today was a special day, and he wanted to look good. That would make it even more satisfying when he laughed in a convicted Byakuran's face - or, conversely, if Byakuran were set free, at least Mukuro would look good while facing an undoubtedly unpleasant fate.

It was too bad this whole thing was in Sawada Tsunayoshi's hands. Mukuro would have preferred to test his capabilities with something that wouldn't potentially doom Mukuro's business (and possibly his life).

So he dressed as if he were the one going to trial, suit and tie and smile carefully arranged. If Tsunayoshi failed, Mukuro would find some way to bring him down too - he had no illusions that Byakuran would allow him to remain alive after this. Mukuro's chance at survival would only happen if Byakuran were sent to jail. His men served him out of greed or fear, and with him gone the organization would fracture. No doubt some die-hard loyalists would remain, but Mukuro knew they'd be too busy trying to hold things together to try more than a token attempt at removing him.

Provided Byakuran was convicted and received a long enough sentence, Mukuro would be safe - or, if not safe, at least able to leave the brothel without a murder attempt.

He fully expected one today. Byakuran's men knew he would come to the trial - he had considered staying home for that reason, but Mukuro was not the fearful type. He'd bring protection to the courthouse, which would be teeming with police today. It was a risk, but he refused to miss this.

He ate a light breakfast, ignoring Chrome's worried looks, and when he left he took along Chikusa and Ken as well as his best bouncer/handyman, Lancia.

They were almost to the courthouse when the attack came. Mukuro had been careful to choose a route that avoided the majority of Byakuran's territory, but that was difficult to do in a city where the Millefiore had a presence on nearly every block. Still, it was not a particularly well-executed attack - presumably Byakuran had other things on his mind.

While they were stopped at a light, a small compact car pulled up next to them. The windows rolled down, guns came out. It was almost a classic, Mukuro thought idly, relaxing in the backseat as Ken and Lancia returned fire. Of course, both the windows and the frame of this car were reinforced, so he wasn't terribly worried.

Ken laughed wildly as one of his bullets caught one of the thugs in the opposing car in the face. "Morons!"

"We're moving," Chikusa said in the same deadpan tone he used for everything. The light changed and he hit the gas, just as a bullet managed to wing Lancia across the shoulder. He grunted, muttered something that sounded like "Asshole", and leaned out the window. Two sharp gunshots later and the driver in the other car slumped over the steering wheel.

The rest of the drive to the courthouse was uneventful.

When they arrived, Mukuro quickly surveyed his associates. "Ken, take the car and bring Lancia back so someone can look at his shoulder. Chikusa, you'll come with me."

Chikusa nodded and stepped out of the car with Mukuro. Ken took the wheel and the car sped off, making Mukuro briefly regret his choice. Chikusa was easily the most acceptable and least thuggish of them, but Ken didn't have the best history with cars. Mukuro just hoped he'd get it back in one piece.

Mukuro entered the courthouse, Chikusa silent at his side. Though Byakuran's trial wasn't a big news story - the public only knew his as the police chief's alleged murderer, not a kingpin of crime - security was tight. They both had to pass through metal detectors to get in, and everywhere Mukuro looked there seemed to be police guards.

No one knew if Byakuran's men might show up and attempt to 'influence' the outcome of the trial. It was better to be safe.

He recognized many of the officers, of course. Repeat visitors, people he'd bribed, a few boy scouts who'd attempted to bring him in for one reason or another. Nothing in this city was really clean, not even the cops, but collectively they were Millefiore's strongest enemy. They let him through, despite his occasional ties to Byakuran, and Mukuro knew that it was no secret who'd proved some of the evidence that would be used today.

Chikusa said nothing, but he relaxed almost imperceptibly once they were inside and out of Byakuran's easy grasp. Mukuro smiled a little, leading him inside the courtroom - still mostly empty. The trial wouldn't begin for another hour or so, but Mukuro had left early, unsure how long it would take to get there (what with Byakuran's almost certain attack, and all).

They sat, but had only been there for a few moments before they were interrupted. The young chief of police entered the courtroom, eyes sweeping the benches until they landed on Mukuro. Looking rather nervous, Tsuna approached them. "Do you have a minute?" he asked.

Mukuro looked at him silently, watching him get more nervous, before he answers. "Yes," he said, "I suppose I do."

"Maybe not here," Tsuna said, obviously aware of how it would look to be seen having a friendly chat with Mukuro. Most of the people here, police and observers alike, knew who Mukuro was, after all.

"Very well," Mukuro said, suppressing a laugh. It would look even worse to be seen going somewhere private with him, but apparently that hadn't occurred to Tsuna. He stood, gesturing to Chikusa to remain seated, and followed Tsuna out.

Tsuna lead him to a back staircase, private and empty, before turning to him to talk. "Mukuro, thank you. Because of what you gave us, I'm sure we can get a guilty verdict today."

"I'm counting on that," Mukuro said with a smile. "And I'm glad that we have the chance to talk, Tsunayoshi." He leaned close, extending one arm to trap Tsuna against the wall. "You will keep your word, I assume? I expect to have the freedom to run my business intact after this."

Tsuna shrunk back against the wall just a little. "Yes, of course! I won't go back on what I said. We'll leave you alone."

It was amusing how easy Tsuna was to frighten - amusing and annoying, as it didn't speak well for his competence. Mukuro moved back, letting the young man free. "Don't screw this up, Tsunayoshi. If you do, I'll be the first one Byakuran goes after." He smiled. "And if that happens, I'll do everything in my power to take you down with me." He touched Tsuna's cheek, ever so gently. "Don't forget that."

Tsuna was pale, but he found an inner reserve of strength somewhere and stood up straight, meeting Mukuro's eyes. "We'll send him to prison today, Mukuro. I promise that he won't go after you. I'm just glad you changed your mind, whether it was because of me or -" his face went red - "Hibari. I wanted to say thank you."

"Well," Mukuro said, once again feeling like there might be more to this man than the pathetic appearance he usually had, "you're welcome. And I wish your prosecutor the best of luck today."

He meant it sincerely, and Tsuna seemed to realize that. He smiled, just a little shaky, and bid Mukuro goodbye before leaving. Mukuro stayed where he was for a few minutes, kindly letting Tsuna leave without him and possibly avoid more scandal.

It hadn't been Tsunayoshi who changed his mind. It hadn't even really been Hibari. As usual, it had been pure self-interest.

Or rather, he'd had nothing left to lose.

What Hibari had said about his encounter had made Mukuro realize that this time Byakuran wasn't just playing games. He'd been trying to maneuver Mukuro into a weak position where he'd fall to Byakuran's plots easily. He'd spoken to Hibari just to prove that he kept close tabs on Mukuro's visitors, that he could strike at Mukuro through Hibari if it came to that.

In regards to Mukuro and Tsukimi, Byakuran was playing his endgame. Mukuro had no choice, not really. Even though it had undoubtedly been part of Byakuran's plan that he give his information to Tsuna, the only other option was going down without a fight, and Mukuro would never do that.

It was possible, just maybe, that Hibari had played some part in his decision, but Mukuro would never admit that.

Checking his watch, Mukuro had just decided it was time to return to Chikusa's side when he heard a step behind him. He froze, feeling the cold sharp edge of a blade pressed to his neck.

"Don't move," a voice hissed, and Mukuro didn't. He had no weapons on him (and he wasn't sure how this person had gotten a knife in), but that voice was somewhat familiar. He couldn't quite place it, but it was definitely one of Byakuran's men. Mukuro hadn't been killed immediately, so there was always the chance that he could talk himself out of this.

Then the man behind him spoke again, and that hope dwindled when Mukuro recognized his voice. "You're a fool, to betray Byakuran like that."

It was Genkishi, no doubt about it. Mukuro suppressed a sigh. He really didn't want to die today, but fate seemed to have other plans.

"Byakuran knew I would betray him," Mukuro said, keeping his voice level and staying very still. "He practically forced me too."

"It doesn't matter," Genkishi said, pressing the knife just a little harder against his throat. "You still betrayed him. I won't allow that, and I won't allow you to join us either. Byakuran may want you as a plaything, but it would be like keeping a rabid dog. I'll put you down now and save him the trouble later."

For a moment Mukuro was confused. Hadn't Byakuran tried to kill him, not even an hour earlier? But it hadn't been a particularly serious attack, now that he thought about it. Could it be that Byakuran wasn't trying to kill him, just shake him up and teach him a lesson? But why? "You're disobeying Byakuran?"

Genkishi made a sound that was almost a laugh. "He didn't order us not to kill you. When he walks out of that courtroom, he'll expect you to be begging forgiveness soon enough, but he won't be too broken up if you're dead. I, on the other hand, will be overjoyed."

"You have a lot of confidence in his victory," Mukuro said. Something still wasn't quite right, something he couldn't place.

"There's no way Byakuran would go down for something like this. They've got nothing on him," Genkishi said, sounding almost smug.

Then it hit Mukuro. Byakuran still didn't know about the video. Somehow, against all odds, Tsuna had managed to keep it a secret. Byakuran thought all Mukuro had handed over were bits and pieces of circumstantial evidence. Mukuro laughed, he couldn't help himself. Maybe Tsunayoshi really could pull this off.

Of course, it wouldn't matter if he were dead.

The sharp edge of the knife pressed against his throat, and Mukuro felt a prick of pain as the blade pierced his skin and went no deeper.

"At least I'll never have to hear that laugh again," Genkishi said, and his arm went tense. Mukuro tensed too, quite disappointed to find he was meeting his end like this.

Then there was a sharp thunk and Genkishi dropped the knife, his weight pressed against Mukuro's back for a moment. As the knife fell, Mukuro didn't waste any time in stepping away from Genkishi and turning to face him, unsure whether to expect another attack.

That question was answered quickly. Behind Genkishi stood Hibari Kyoya, looking like he was somewhere on the border between bored and angry. Wielding his police baton (with perhaps too much skill), he knocked the dazed Genkishi down and unconscious as Mukuro watched.

Eyes still on Hibari, Mukuro raised his hand to his neck, feeling the tiny cut Genkishi had left, brushing away a small drop of blood. Then he smiled. "Fancy meeting you here, Kyoya."

Hibari scowled. "The appropriate thing to say would be 'Thank you for saving my life, Hibari'." He slid the baton into its sheath, prodding Genkishi roughly with one foot. The man didn't move, but he seemed to be breathing. Too bad, Mukuro thought.

"I didn't expect to see you here," Mukuro said, ignoring Hibari's words. "Were you assigned to security here too?" It wasn't that far-fetched, Hibari was in uniform so he'd been working at some point recently.

"You're an idiot," Hibari said, and Mukuro summoned up his best fake hurt face, which Hibari easily ignored. "Wandering around by yourself after making enemies with someone like that piece of trash." He nodded toward the courtroom, clearly meaning Byakuran.

"Oh, but look at this place," Mukuro said. "It's positively teeming with your kind. I thought I'd be safe. Policemen are supposed to protect people like me, after all."

"If you're stupid enough to go places alone at a time like this, then you're too stupid to deserve protection," Hibari said, voice cold.

Mukuro smiled and reached out. "But you did protect me."

Hibari stepped back, away from Mukuro's outstretched hand. "I shouldn't have. You set me up to take the fall for you. You would've let me get killed to save your own worthless hide."

"But you didn't, did you? You didn't take the fall, you didn't get killed," Mukuro said. "I knew you wouldn't." And he had.

What he'd done had created the safest possible situation for Hibari. Byakuran had already known about Hibari, after all. If he'd thought the policeman was important to Mukuro, he would have had him killed for certain. Hibari didn't live at Tsukimi, he wasn't under protection the way Chrome or Chikusa or the others were. He would have become the easiest possible target, and as strong as Hibari was, he would have fallen eventually.

So Mukuro had made it seem like he was setting Hibari up to take his fall. That way, Byakuran wouldn't think he was worth seriously targeting - and Mukuro had been confident that Hibari would be able to survive any lesser attacks. Clearly his confidence hadn't been misplaced.

Of course, he hadn't let Hibari in on this plan, so it was no surprise that he'd be a little angry.

Truthfully, Mukuro hadn't expected to see him again.

Hibari looked ever so slightly mollified at Mukuro's words, the acknowledgment of his strength, but the anger in his eyes hardly faded. "I'm not your puppet."

"I know," Mukuro said, letting his hand fall and simply looking at Hibari. "I apologize, Kyoya." He wasn't really that sorry, but something in Hibari's eyes made him want to apologize.

He'd assumed that after this, Hibari would disappear from his life forever, and he'd accepted that as preferable to getting Hibari killed. It wasn't really self-sacrificing - it was more because he owed Hibari. But Hibari had stepped in to save him again, and Mukuro thought maybe that was a sign.

Hibari's frown didn't let up, but Mukuro noticed when he relaxed a little. "You're not forgiven. But I'll walk you back, since apparently you're too much of a fool to protect yourself."

Mukuro smiled. "How kind of you." He wiped the blood from his neck and stepped over Genkishi's unconscious form. As soon as they were out in the hallway again, another officer came ambling up to Hibari, smiling.

"Hey, where'd you run off to all of a sudden? You saw someone and you were gone like a rocket. We're not supposed to be here anyway, and - oh, hi." He'd caught sight of Mukuro and smiled. It took Mukuro only a few moment to place him - Yamamoto Takeshi, Hibari's partner. Mukuro returned his smile.

"It was nothing," Hibari said. "There's someone in the stairwell. Take care of that for me." He barely glanced at Yamamoto, who shrugged and nodded at Mukuro before cheerfully heading for the stairs.

Mukuro smiled at Hibari's high-handedness, but he hadn't missed a word Yamamoto said. They weren't supposed to be here, but here they were. Why? For him? To Mukuro that was almost unthinkable. Hibari wasn't Chikusa or Ken, he had no reason to protect Mukuro and all sorts of reasons to let him die a miserable death.

He glanced at Hibari sidelong, at Hibari's expressionless face. "We've met before, you know."

Hibari's eyes flickered towards him. "I don't remember you."

"I didn't think you would," Mukuro reached out, catching Hibari's arm and stopping him. This time Hibari didn't step away, turning to face Mukuro instead.

"You were very young. So was I... but you've always been the way you are, right?" Mukuro smiled. "I'm sure it didn't even matter to you. But you saved me from some older boys. I imagine you did it because they annoyed you, and not for me at all, but it didn't matter to me at the time."

Mukuro still remembered it. He'd been smart, but scrawny and undernourished, surviving by his wits rather than his fists. He'd also been unlucky enough to get cornered by a gang of larger kids - not street kids, but bored rich boys who liked to play tough. It had been in a well-off neighborhood where Mukuro went occasionally - there were a lot more cops there, so Ken and Chikusa (who were more conspicuous and less clever) didn't usually come with him, but it was a gold mine. It was crazy what rich people just threw out, Mukuro didn't even have to steal most of the time (though it was also crazy that rich people would just leave things in unlocked cars and walk away).

But this time he'd been caught. He hadn't even been doing anything wrong, not yet, but they'd known he didn't belong there. Mukuro had been sure he'd be beaten within an inch of his life (if he survived). It was well known that boys like these could, and usually did, get away with anything. But before they'd managed to do more than knock him around a little and split his lip, Hibari had stepped in.

Even then Mukuro had known it wasn't for his sake. Hibari had barely even noticed he was there, focusing instead on the 'herbivores' that he'd apparently been annoyed with for awhile. He'd taken care of the boys (though not without some damage himself) and left Mukuro there, safe and nearly untouched.

In Mukuro's life, it had always been every man for himself, the only exceptions being the street gangs that formed out of necessity - even that was usually about survival, nothing more. No one had ever done that before, or would afterwards - helping him like that without expecting anything in return. He'd known his life had been saved by nothing more than another boy's whims and annoyance. He'd also known that he owed that boy a debt he wouldn't forget.

He'd taken Hibari Kyoya's student ID, dropped at some point during the fight. Eventually he sold it (an ID from the nicer private schools could fetch a decent sum), but he'd remembered the name, right up until he learned the name of the new transfer who'd be patrolling his district. At that point, miles away from his street kid days, it had been easy to find out anything else he wished to know about the boy who'd once saved him.

Hibari really had grown up rather nicely.

The man in question was quiet for a moment. "I don't remember," he said again. This time his tone was almost but not quite apologetic.

"Like I said, I never expected you to." He'd have been shocked if Hibari had remembered, in fact. It was such a small thing. But now Hibari had saved his life twice - though this time, maybe it hadn't been on a whim.

Mukuro met Hibari's eyes and smiled. "So you see, I don't want you to die."

Hibari scowled, seeming somewhat embarrassed. "I don't particularly want to die either."

"Then we're on the same page," Mukuro said. He reached out and brushed Hibari's cheek lightly with the back of his fingers. Hibari let him. "I hope you can forgive me for what I did."

He saw the slow kindling of some kind of realization in Hibari's eyes, and then Hibari frowned and irritably pushed his hand away. "I'm not weak." But he wasn't as angry as he could have been, so Mukuro wasn't worried.

"No, you're not," Mukuro agreed. "Let's keep it that way, shall we?"

The noise within the courtroom was getting louder, so Mukuro nodded at the door. "I'd better go in."

He turned to go, but before he took a step away, Hibari caught his arm. "Tomorrow night," he said.

It took Mukuro a moment to understand, but then he smiled. "I'll be free. You know where to find me."

Hibari nodded and let Mukuro go, and Mukuro went into the courtroom feeling more optimistic than he probably should.

***

In the end, it wasn't misplaced. Tsunayoshi hadn't let him down. It was a pleasant surprise that Byakuran didn't walk free - Mukuro had had hope, but nothing had been certain. Though he undoubtedly deserved much more, fifteen years in prison should be easily enough time to dismantle the bulk of the Millefiore - if the whole thing didn't implode on itself, which was what Mukuro expected to happen.

He would forever cherish the look on Byakuran's face when he finally saw that video. Thinking of it again even now made Mukuro smile. Byakuran had known where it came from - he'd turned in his seat to catch Mukuro with a cruel, piercing stare. For a moment, Mukuro had been almost frightened, but he'd just smiled coolly at Byakuran. The man had brought this upon himself, and he knew it.

Mukuro was by no means safe - Byakuran would want revenge more than ever, but from prison he wouldn't be able to ensure that it happened. Mukuro had his defenses ready, he would strike first and do what he could to cause the remains of Byakuran's power to crumble away. He still had many contacts in the rest of the Millefiore, after all. He wasn't afraid, though he probably should feel some kind of healthy fear or nervousness. That simply wasn't Mukuro's style, though.

People were filing out of the courtroom now that the festivities were over. Looking across the room, Mukuro saw Sawada Tsunayoshi talking rather earnestly to Hibari.

In a few years, he knew, the mayor would retire. In this corrupt city, Tsuna would almost certainly succeed him. Mukuro was beginning to get an inkling of who the young man might choose as his own successor in the police department, and if Mukuro had his way he'd make that choice reality.

Tsuna owed him a favor, after all.

The future was bright.

He turned to Chikusa and smiled. "Let's go home."




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Comments

[keleosnoonna.livejournal.com]

This is brilliant!
I really enjoyed it, and OMG the AU setting is incredibly interesting!! I also loved your take on the characters, Hibari and Mukuro are just so PERFECT ♥
Great job, seriously!

[asael.livejournal.com]

Thank you for reading and for saying such nice things! :D I'm glad you enjoyed it, and I'm REALLY glad Hibari and Mukuro came across well!