Okay, as promised I am giving this story some much needed editing and revamping. It really isn't much. I'm just fixing some glaring errors and adding a few more details here and there to better the story. I'm revising all the chapters up to date and then I'll start posting new ones. If you have already read these chapters I encourage you to read them again if not to read them when they are worded better than at least to refresh your memory since it's been a while and updates will once more be commencing!

ByakuranxShoichi

Revised: 11/21/2013

Chapter 1

"I'm leaving Merone base under your control Sho-chan-" Shoichi's eyes widened in surprise. I know I had planned on him doing this, but for Byakuran-san to put this much faith in me…It's working out too well according to my plan. Shoichi shoved this thought aside. It was daunting and led down a complicated path that he did not have the time nor the emotional strength to dissect at the moment. Black circles dilated as Shoichi focused once more on the screen in front of him, hoping Byakuran hadn't noticed anything. "-and you know Sho-chan," Byakuran paused and looked, really looked at the red head. Shouichi would have probably flinched from the cold eyes boring into him, if he had been anyone else. As it was he went rigid behind his podium. On the monitor Byakuran's enlarged image held his gaze for a few long seconds, then dropped it as he popped a marshmallow into his mouth and chewed it. Once he swallowed he looked back at Shoichi. "And you know Sho-chan," Byakuran started again, "you are my most trusted person." Byakuran's image on the screen gave a knowing look with his cold eyes. Shoichi froze, and behind his glasses his green eyes grew wide. His breathing completely stopped and he gripped the podium to keep himself upright. He knew. Byakuran knew about his betrayal. He wasn't sure how he knew his boss knew but he could tell the white-haired young man knew everything. But for how long? Since when had Byakuran put the pieces together? Had he known all along, did he foresee it before even Shoichi himself decided on this route, or had the redhead given himself away only moments ago? Shoichi mentally let off a strong of profanities. How could he have been so careless that Byakuran had found out? Why hasn't he killed me yet if he knows what I am planning? Does this mean he is going to interfere with mine and the Tenth's plan? How long has he known? Shit! Shit! The redhead quickly regained some composure and forced his face to become a neutral mask, hiding the hurricane of panic whirling around inside of him. He closed his eyes for a moment and when he opened them they flashed with determination. Even if he knows I can't abandon this plan. I have to stop Byakuran-san somehow and the plan is already in motion. I have to remedy the plague that I've unleashed on this world. The redhead looked back up at the smiling Byakuran on the large screen. There was nothing warm or remotely friendly about his smile.

"Sho-chan is that a challenge I see in your eyes." Byakuran's sickly sweet voice said. Shoichi watched as the white haired man's ever-present smile widened. Shoichi suppressed a shiver. The alluring voice caused a wave of butterflies to flit around his insides, a mixture fear and something he was afraid to admit. He could feel the menacing aura coming from the man on the screen, a man who was on a completely different continent. Only a man as powerful as Byakuran could manage to send tendrils of icy fear coursing through their enemy from hundreds of miles away. Since when was he the enemy? He gripped his stomach with the hand not visible to Byakuran. He wanted to double over from the pain his midsection was giving him but he couldn't let Byakuran see he was nervous.

Everything was spiraling out of control too quickly.

"Can you handle it Sho-chan?"

Shoichi was the only one in the room who knew Byakuran wasn't talking about the responsibility of running the base and dealing with the Vongola. It wasn't necessarily his eyes nor was it his voice that told Shoichi this. He just knew. He just knew Byakuran so damn well. And that was what could lead to this mission's success.

Green eyes stared into the purple ones on the screen. It could also be what sends he crumbling to the ground in defeat.

He did not give a response. Byakuran off handedly squeezed a marshmallow between his index finger and thumb. The fluffy substance was almost flat, completely immobile and contorted under Byakuran's strength. "Just remember Sho-chan that even if you stray, you will always be mine." Byakuran's usually cheery voice became serious. It had a dark edge at the last bit and his eyes were hard and cold.

In an instant Byakuran's eyes regained their playfulness and his voice became its usual falsetto happiness. "Oh and to celebrate your promotion I sent you some more white anemone flowers." And with that Byakuran signed off and the screen went black. Shoichi didn't move. The Cervellos looked at each other, neither sure what to make of the conversation and anxious because of this. One of them stepped forward. " Irie-sama, what was that about? That message just now with Byakuran-sama." The pinkette asked. "Don't stick your nose in matters that don't concern you." Shoichi snapped venomously. He sounded strong but his hammering heart, upset stomach, and wobbly legs threatened to fall him at a moment's notice. The pinkette shrank back next to her carbon copy. "Now start preparations. We are going to eliminate the Vongola rats." His voice ordered none too gently. When the pink-haired twins didn't move fast enough he barked out "Now!". They scrambled away to appease him and do their duties.

"Well looks like Irie is finally baring his fangs and showing his true colors." Shoichi turned to give the annoying woman with an afro an icy glare as he strode from the room. When he got into the hallways he balled his hands into fists and fought down the pain in his abdomen. He had lots of work to do. Damn that psychotic bastard…

Penny for your thoughts? …well kind of