KHR Fic: Of City Lights
Oct. 30th, 2009 09:06 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
asaelI wrote this for ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
nonartisan's birthday, which was October 25th! I am lazily posting it now. I was gone that weekend at an English Halloween camp, so I've been a little dead all week... it's like working for two weeks nonstop. :( But I have this weekend to rest and recover! Hooray. Hopefully I can get something written for the pairing week coming up...
This is an AU, based on an idea of Aggy's that she requested I write something for!
Of City Lights
Katekyo Hitman Reborn
Mukuro/Hibari
It was a surprise that Hibari was even going to eat lunch with Mukuro at all.
The man was always busy on work days, disappearing into his building almost as soon as he got off the train. Though they talked on the train ride these days, once Mukuro went to work he might as well have blinked out of existence.
Not that Hibari really expected much from a strange pseudo-friendship, formed almost entirely because of a shared commute. And not that he really wanted more - Mukuro was annoying, with his long legs and sly smiles. Still, Hibari ate out of the office whenever he could (to avoid his annoying coworkers), and although Mukuro's building was nearby, he'd never seen Mukuro leave.
Maybe Mukuro brought his lunch every day, or maybe he just didn't eat. That would explain how he'd gotten so skinny
Hibari was curious, nothing more. It wasn't like he actually cared what Mukuro did during lunch. Still, for whatever reason, when Mukuro had stopped him after getting off the train and proposed having lunch together, Hibari had nodded.
And now here he was, loitering outside Mukuro's office building, checking his watch. Mukuro was five minutes late. Somehow, that didn't much surprise Hibari. Mukuro either worked very hard or had no concept of punctuality - and because he apparently had no problem catching the same train each day, Hibari doubted it was the latter.
Still, he was late, and that irritated Hibari. If the man made a date - not that this was a date - he should keep it.
Two minutes later, Mukuro rushed out of the doors of his building. Seven minutes late - Hibari shouldn't have waited, but he had anyway, for whatever reason. Mukuro smiled at him. "Sorry, I don't have much time. We're in the middle of a big project right now."
Hibari frowned, but he couldn't really get mad at Mukuro for working hard. "Then we'd better go someplace that isn't crowded," he said - though that would be difficult in the middle of the lunch rush.
"I have a place in mind," Mukuro said. He caught hold of Hibari's arm, ignoring all rules of personal space and politeness, and lead him through the complex. It was a beautiful day, and more than a few people had brought their lunches and were eating them outside, on the benches or on the few strips of grass. Hibari did his best to ignore the looks he got from coworkers as they passed - he wasn't exactly known for being friendly, even in his own office.
Mukuro lead them to the main street, which was lively at this time of day. Lawyers, office workers, and stockbrokers on their lunch breaks mingled with street vendors, tourists, and the occasional busking musician.
Hibari generally disliked crowds, but he actually kind of enjoyed things like this - the energy of the people, the urgency. They were nearly all strangers to each other, thus avoiding the annoyance of little chitchatting groups, and there was a relaxing sense of anonymity.
Slipping through the crowd easily, Mukuro lead him to a street vendor's cart. He maneuvered them both into line and turned to smile at Hibari.
Hibari stared back at him, saying nothing. Here? They were going to eat here? Hibari had imagined a small restaurant, a cafe maybe, someplace quiet and calm and, above all, sanitary. He never ate street food - who knew where it had been? For all he knew, they could make their hot dogs out of ground-up cockroaches. And Mukuro wanted to eat here?
Mukuro laughed, seeming to read the expression on Hibari's face. "Oh, come on. This guy makes the best hot dogs in the city - I promise you won't get sick. Besides, I don't have time to go anywhere else. It won't kill you to try it just this once."
"I could die of food poisoning," Hibari said, but he didn't get out of line. Just this once would be all right, he supposed. Mukuro being right wasn't entirely out of the question - the line was long, so there must be something good about the place.
That line moved quickly, and before he knew it Mukuro had ordered for him, convinced him to pay, and he'd been presented with one of the vendor's hot dogs. Mukuro caught hold of his arm again, pulling him off to the side so they could stand next to a building out of the flow of traffic and people-watch while they ate.
"Dig in," Mukuro said, sounding pleased. Hibari stared as he began to eat. It wasn't as if he really thought Mukuro would keel over just from taking a bite, but still...
There were no dramatic collapses. Mukuro didn't even turn green. After a few moments' observation, Hibari decided that Mukuro looked fine. He did his best to ignore the amused look Mukuro was giving him - it wasn't so strange to be cautious, he though. Just because Mukuro had no regard for his own personal safety didn't mean Hibari should emulate him.
He finally took a bite, chewed, and swallowed it. Nothing horrible happened to him, either. It hadn't been that bad, he thought. In fact, it was even kind of... good. He heard Mukuro's soft laughter and shot him a glare that completely failed to make the man shut up.
"See, it's great, isn't it?" Mukuro said. Hibari did not grace him with a reply, but he did take another bite. It wasn't that the hot dog was particularly good or anything, just that he was hungry, but Mukuro seemed pleased anyway.
They ate in silence for a little while, watching the flood of humanity pass. Mukuro bumped his shoulder against Hibari's gently from time to time. Hibari let him, as Mukuro would probably not stop even if asked.
He noticed that Mukuro ate neatly but quickly, checking his watch occasionally. Finally, when they'd both finished, he sighed softly and turned to Hibari.
"I have to go back to work. I'm sorry to eat and run..." A small smile began to play about the corners of his lips as he looked at Hibari. "You've got something right... here."
He leaned in close, so close - too close. For one absurd moment, Hibari thought Mukuro would lick him. Or kiss him. He could see Mukuros' long eyelashes, his blue eyes. He could smell him too, a faint scent that Hibari couldn't quite place - something fruity, mango or passionfruit, Mukuro's shampoo maybe. He was the type of man to use fancy hair product.
Mukuro reached out one long finger and slid it along the very edge of Hibari's bottom lip. The touch was light, almost nonexistent, but Hibari felt it vividly.
He smiled that sly smile and stepped back, and in a blink Hibari remembered where they were. In a street, a public street, a busy public street. He scowled at Mukuro.
"Don't look at me like that. You had mustard on you, I was just helping," Mukuro said playfully, still smiling. He glanced at his watch again. "I really have to get back to the office, Kyoya. I'm sorry."
Hibari decided to provisionally forgive Mukuro for his blatant display of... whatever that had been, and they walked back together. When they reached Mukuro's office, Mukuro turned to him.
"I feel bad about making you wait, Kyoya. Do you have time to meet me later, after work?"
Hibari shrugged. "I guess I can." His only other plan was to go home and watch Top Chef, so he supposed he could spare some time for Mukuro.
"Great," Mukuro said with a smile. "I'll buy you dinner and we can watch the sunset. See you after work!"
That sounded perhaps a little too much like a date for Hibari's comfort, but it was too late now. Mukuro had already disappeared into his building.
***
Hibari wasn't in the least surprised when Mukuro was late meeting him after work, too. He expected it this time, and had gotten a cup of coffee to hold him over until whenever Mukuro finally showed up. It was summer, so the evening was warm and clear.
He had finished his coffee and the sky had already begun to darken a little when Mukuro came out of his office building. He had that smile on his face, the one that didn't ever look even a little bit sorry, and Hibari told himself it was not an attractive smile at all.
"I made you wait again. I'm a horrible person, I know," Mukuro said with a laugh. He was carrying his laptop case, the same one he always had with him on the train, and he slung it over one shoulder so he could take Hibari's arm again. Hibari hated this casual touching, Mukuro took far too many liberties - but he didn't shake the man off.
"What are we eating this time?" Hibari asked. In a strange way he was grateful that Mukuro found it so easy to ignore his prickly mannerisms - few people were able to interact with Hibari Kyoya without being put off. Mukuro's ability to respond to blunt questions with an amused smile was a little condescending, but at the same time refreshing.
"I was thinking gyros. There's this little cart not far from the park I want to go to, and the man there makes the most delicious ones I've ever had. The train station's not far, too, so it'll be easy to get home." They were already walking, Hibari allowing himself to be lead along, since Mukuro showed no desire to let him go anytime soon. They talked on the way, or Mukuro did - about his job, mostly, and Hibari was sure he'd never understand advertising. But Mukuro's stories were entertaining even if he didn't really get the context, so he just listened.
The walk was longer than he expected, and by the time they reached the vendor Hibari was ready to eat just about anything, even more questionably sanitary street food. He let Mukuro order for him again, watching the vendor like a hawk to make sure he didn't do anything disgusting like touch Hibari's food with bare hands or spit on it or something.
When they'd gotten their gyros, Mukuro lead Hibari into the nearby park. It was small and almost deserted at this time of day, but Hibari kept close to Mukuro anyway. The man's lack of concern was foolish - if he were here alone, he'd practically be begging to get mugged. Hibari wasn't going to let Mukuro's casual nature affect him - well, not any more than it already had.
They went up the hill at the center of the park, and Mukuro pushed through the trees and bushes lining the path, Hibari following and protecting his food from any insects that might fall into it.
There was a meadow past the trees, and when they were through, Hibari looked out over the city. It was an amazing view. The sun was going down and lights were being switched on all over - they could see nearly to the harbor. He wondered for a moment why no one else was here, and then realized they'd have to be someone like Mukuro, someone who didn't mind getting spiders in his hair and pine needles down the back of his shirt.
"I wanted to show you this," was all Mukuro said. He was smiling again, but it was softer this time, pleasant and relaxed. He sat on the grass and began to eat, gazing out across their city.
Hibari looked at him, the expression on his face, and then he sat down next to Mukuro. Once again silence fell. They both ate, looking out over everything, watching lights go on and the sun go down. The night was warm.
For a little while, it felt like they were the only two people in the world, despite the vast evidence otherwise in front of them. Hibari felt the stress of the work day fall from his shoulders, felt himself relax, and knew why Mukuro would come to a place like this. Some part of him was thankful, was vaguely touched that Mukuro would show it to him.
After awhile, they finished eating, but the silence remained until Hibari broke it. "Light pollution," he said with a frown.
Mukuro laughed, startled, and looked at him. "What?"
"It doesn't even look like the sun's really gone down, thanks to all the light pollution." Hibari shrugged. Humans liked to make their mark in the most garish of ways, everywhere they could.
"Maybe," Mukuro said, turning back to look at the city lights. "I think it's beautiful in its own way, though. Besides," and he smiled wickedly, though he didn't turn to Hibari - no, now Hibari was looking at him instead, "that just means you'll have to stay here with me until the sun's really gone down."
"We'll both be dust by then," Hibari said, and Mukuro looked at him again.
"But the wait might not be so bad," Mukuro said, smile turning slightly softer.
Instead of responding, Hibari reached out and caught Mukuro's chin. It took only a moment to bridge the distance between them, pressing his lips to Mukuro's. Firm enough to make his intentions clear, but not too much - not too demanding. Mukuro's lips were softer than he'd expected, and he thought he'd remember that, if nothing else.
He let Mukuro go afterwards and sat back, watching the city again. He'd let Mukuro respond in his own time. There was no rush, not right now.
Mukuro made a soft 'hmm' noise, but he sounded pleased, and his hand on the grass brushed Hibari's.
Hibari smiled.
nonartisan's birthday, which was October 25th! I am lazily posting it now. I was gone that weekend at an English Halloween camp, so I've been a little dead all week... it's like working for two weeks nonstop. :( But I have this weekend to rest and recover! Hooray. Hopefully I can get something written for the pairing week coming up...This is an AU, based on an idea of Aggy's that she requested I write something for!
Of City Lights
Katekyo Hitman Reborn
Mukuro/Hibari
It was a surprise that Hibari was even going to eat lunch with Mukuro at all.
The man was always busy on work days, disappearing into his building almost as soon as he got off the train. Though they talked on the train ride these days, once Mukuro went to work he might as well have blinked out of existence.
Not that Hibari really expected much from a strange pseudo-friendship, formed almost entirely because of a shared commute. And not that he really wanted more - Mukuro was annoying, with his long legs and sly smiles. Still, Hibari ate out of the office whenever he could (to avoid his annoying coworkers), and although Mukuro's building was nearby, he'd never seen Mukuro leave.
Maybe Mukuro brought his lunch every day, or maybe he just didn't eat. That would explain how he'd gotten so skinny
Hibari was curious, nothing more. It wasn't like he actually cared what Mukuro did during lunch. Still, for whatever reason, when Mukuro had stopped him after getting off the train and proposed having lunch together, Hibari had nodded.
And now here he was, loitering outside Mukuro's office building, checking his watch. Mukuro was five minutes late. Somehow, that didn't much surprise Hibari. Mukuro either worked very hard or had no concept of punctuality - and because he apparently had no problem catching the same train each day, Hibari doubted it was the latter.
Still, he was late, and that irritated Hibari. If the man made a date - not that this was a date - he should keep it.
Two minutes later, Mukuro rushed out of the doors of his building. Seven minutes late - Hibari shouldn't have waited, but he had anyway, for whatever reason. Mukuro smiled at him. "Sorry, I don't have much time. We're in the middle of a big project right now."
Hibari frowned, but he couldn't really get mad at Mukuro for working hard. "Then we'd better go someplace that isn't crowded," he said - though that would be difficult in the middle of the lunch rush.
"I have a place in mind," Mukuro said. He caught hold of Hibari's arm, ignoring all rules of personal space and politeness, and lead him through the complex. It was a beautiful day, and more than a few people had brought their lunches and were eating them outside, on the benches or on the few strips of grass. Hibari did his best to ignore the looks he got from coworkers as they passed - he wasn't exactly known for being friendly, even in his own office.
Mukuro lead them to the main street, which was lively at this time of day. Lawyers, office workers, and stockbrokers on their lunch breaks mingled with street vendors, tourists, and the occasional busking musician.
Hibari generally disliked crowds, but he actually kind of enjoyed things like this - the energy of the people, the urgency. They were nearly all strangers to each other, thus avoiding the annoyance of little chitchatting groups, and there was a relaxing sense of anonymity.
Slipping through the crowd easily, Mukuro lead him to a street vendor's cart. He maneuvered them both into line and turned to smile at Hibari.
Hibari stared back at him, saying nothing. Here? They were going to eat here? Hibari had imagined a small restaurant, a cafe maybe, someplace quiet and calm and, above all, sanitary. He never ate street food - who knew where it had been? For all he knew, they could make their hot dogs out of ground-up cockroaches. And Mukuro wanted to eat here?
Mukuro laughed, seeming to read the expression on Hibari's face. "Oh, come on. This guy makes the best hot dogs in the city - I promise you won't get sick. Besides, I don't have time to go anywhere else. It won't kill you to try it just this once."
"I could die of food poisoning," Hibari said, but he didn't get out of line. Just this once would be all right, he supposed. Mukuro being right wasn't entirely out of the question - the line was long, so there must be something good about the place.
That line moved quickly, and before he knew it Mukuro had ordered for him, convinced him to pay, and he'd been presented with one of the vendor's hot dogs. Mukuro caught hold of his arm again, pulling him off to the side so they could stand next to a building out of the flow of traffic and people-watch while they ate.
"Dig in," Mukuro said, sounding pleased. Hibari stared as he began to eat. It wasn't as if he really thought Mukuro would keel over just from taking a bite, but still...
There were no dramatic collapses. Mukuro didn't even turn green. After a few moments' observation, Hibari decided that Mukuro looked fine. He did his best to ignore the amused look Mukuro was giving him - it wasn't so strange to be cautious, he though. Just because Mukuro had no regard for his own personal safety didn't mean Hibari should emulate him.
He finally took a bite, chewed, and swallowed it. Nothing horrible happened to him, either. It hadn't been that bad, he thought. In fact, it was even kind of... good. He heard Mukuro's soft laughter and shot him a glare that completely failed to make the man shut up.
"See, it's great, isn't it?" Mukuro said. Hibari did not grace him with a reply, but he did take another bite. It wasn't that the hot dog was particularly good or anything, just that he was hungry, but Mukuro seemed pleased anyway.
They ate in silence for a little while, watching the flood of humanity pass. Mukuro bumped his shoulder against Hibari's gently from time to time. Hibari let him, as Mukuro would probably not stop even if asked.
He noticed that Mukuro ate neatly but quickly, checking his watch occasionally. Finally, when they'd both finished, he sighed softly and turned to Hibari.
"I have to go back to work. I'm sorry to eat and run..." A small smile began to play about the corners of his lips as he looked at Hibari. "You've got something right... here."
He leaned in close, so close - too close. For one absurd moment, Hibari thought Mukuro would lick him. Or kiss him. He could see Mukuros' long eyelashes, his blue eyes. He could smell him too, a faint scent that Hibari couldn't quite place - something fruity, mango or passionfruit, Mukuro's shampoo maybe. He was the type of man to use fancy hair product.
Mukuro reached out one long finger and slid it along the very edge of Hibari's bottom lip. The touch was light, almost nonexistent, but Hibari felt it vividly.
He smiled that sly smile and stepped back, and in a blink Hibari remembered where they were. In a street, a public street, a busy public street. He scowled at Mukuro.
"Don't look at me like that. You had mustard on you, I was just helping," Mukuro said playfully, still smiling. He glanced at his watch again. "I really have to get back to the office, Kyoya. I'm sorry."
Hibari decided to provisionally forgive Mukuro for his blatant display of... whatever that had been, and they walked back together. When they reached Mukuro's office, Mukuro turned to him.
"I feel bad about making you wait, Kyoya. Do you have time to meet me later, after work?"
Hibari shrugged. "I guess I can." His only other plan was to go home and watch Top Chef, so he supposed he could spare some time for Mukuro.
"Great," Mukuro said with a smile. "I'll buy you dinner and we can watch the sunset. See you after work!"
That sounded perhaps a little too much like a date for Hibari's comfort, but it was too late now. Mukuro had already disappeared into his building.
***
Hibari wasn't in the least surprised when Mukuro was late meeting him after work, too. He expected it this time, and had gotten a cup of coffee to hold him over until whenever Mukuro finally showed up. It was summer, so the evening was warm and clear.
He had finished his coffee and the sky had already begun to darken a little when Mukuro came out of his office building. He had that smile on his face, the one that didn't ever look even a little bit sorry, and Hibari told himself it was not an attractive smile at all.
"I made you wait again. I'm a horrible person, I know," Mukuro said with a laugh. He was carrying his laptop case, the same one he always had with him on the train, and he slung it over one shoulder so he could take Hibari's arm again. Hibari hated this casual touching, Mukuro took far too many liberties - but he didn't shake the man off.
"What are we eating this time?" Hibari asked. In a strange way he was grateful that Mukuro found it so easy to ignore his prickly mannerisms - few people were able to interact with Hibari Kyoya without being put off. Mukuro's ability to respond to blunt questions with an amused smile was a little condescending, but at the same time refreshing.
"I was thinking gyros. There's this little cart not far from the park I want to go to, and the man there makes the most delicious ones I've ever had. The train station's not far, too, so it'll be easy to get home." They were already walking, Hibari allowing himself to be lead along, since Mukuro showed no desire to let him go anytime soon. They talked on the way, or Mukuro did - about his job, mostly, and Hibari was sure he'd never understand advertising. But Mukuro's stories were entertaining even if he didn't really get the context, so he just listened.
The walk was longer than he expected, and by the time they reached the vendor Hibari was ready to eat just about anything, even more questionably sanitary street food. He let Mukuro order for him again, watching the vendor like a hawk to make sure he didn't do anything disgusting like touch Hibari's food with bare hands or spit on it or something.
When they'd gotten their gyros, Mukuro lead Hibari into the nearby park. It was small and almost deserted at this time of day, but Hibari kept close to Mukuro anyway. The man's lack of concern was foolish - if he were here alone, he'd practically be begging to get mugged. Hibari wasn't going to let Mukuro's casual nature affect him - well, not any more than it already had.
They went up the hill at the center of the park, and Mukuro pushed through the trees and bushes lining the path, Hibari following and protecting his food from any insects that might fall into it.
There was a meadow past the trees, and when they were through, Hibari looked out over the city. It was an amazing view. The sun was going down and lights were being switched on all over - they could see nearly to the harbor. He wondered for a moment why no one else was here, and then realized they'd have to be someone like Mukuro, someone who didn't mind getting spiders in his hair and pine needles down the back of his shirt.
"I wanted to show you this," was all Mukuro said. He was smiling again, but it was softer this time, pleasant and relaxed. He sat on the grass and began to eat, gazing out across their city.
Hibari looked at him, the expression on his face, and then he sat down next to Mukuro. Once again silence fell. They both ate, looking out over everything, watching lights go on and the sun go down. The night was warm.
For a little while, it felt like they were the only two people in the world, despite the vast evidence otherwise in front of them. Hibari felt the stress of the work day fall from his shoulders, felt himself relax, and knew why Mukuro would come to a place like this. Some part of him was thankful, was vaguely touched that Mukuro would show it to him.
After awhile, they finished eating, but the silence remained until Hibari broke it. "Light pollution," he said with a frown.
Mukuro laughed, startled, and looked at him. "What?"
"It doesn't even look like the sun's really gone down, thanks to all the light pollution." Hibari shrugged. Humans liked to make their mark in the most garish of ways, everywhere they could.
"Maybe," Mukuro said, turning back to look at the city lights. "I think it's beautiful in its own way, though. Besides," and he smiled wickedly, though he didn't turn to Hibari - no, now Hibari was looking at him instead, "that just means you'll have to stay here with me until the sun's really gone down."
"We'll both be dust by then," Hibari said, and Mukuro looked at him again.
"But the wait might not be so bad," Mukuro said, smile turning slightly softer.
Instead of responding, Hibari reached out and caught Mukuro's chin. It took only a moment to bridge the distance between them, pressing his lips to Mukuro's. Firm enough to make his intentions clear, but not too much - not too demanding. Mukuro's lips were softer than he'd expected, and he thought he'd remember that, if nothing else.
He let Mukuro go afterwards and sat back, watching the city again. He'd let Mukuro respond in his own time. There was no rush, not right now.
Mukuro made a soft 'hmm' noise, but he sounded pleased, and his hand on the grass brushed Hibari's.
Hibari smiled.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2009-10-30 09:34 pm (UTC)First the joy from chapter 264 of Reborn and now your fic. Omfg. It was like the perfect finishing touch~ ;w; -Glomps you-
I love how Hibari's so overprotective with his food. LOL I play dumb and go by the five second rule. XD
no subject
Date: 2009-11-03 08:29 am (UTC)Me too. >.> But Hibari's much classier than us!
no subject
Date: 2009-10-30 11:53 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-11-03 08:30 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-11-03 02:08 pm (UTC)I really really enjoy reading your AUs!
no subject
Date: 2009-11-04 11:17 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-11-03 08:24 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-11-04 11:18 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-03-07 07:42 am (UTC)