"Breathe"

AN: I wanted to do a Katekyo Hitman Reborn! Fanfic based on the 6996 pairing of Mukuro and Chrome and thought I give it a go with a one-shot in 2 parts: Chrome's perspective and then, Mukuro's perspective. Spoilers up to around Chapter 172. Primarily MukuChro but there might be a slight implied Tsuna x Chrome, 2796 pairing but not really.

This is meant to take place around manga Chapters 169-172, about Episodes 95-96 in the anime. Some flashback moments are based on Canon events.

Katekyo Hitman Reborn! belongs to Amano Akira.

Chapter 1: 96...

Chrome was lying on the hospital bed, barely able to breathe as she focused on the power of the Vongola Ring of Mist harnessing her illusionary organs. Hibari was still sitting next to her; he looked deep in thought. Chrome wondered what he meant about "her importance" in the future. Chrome looked at Hibari as he noticed her eyes staring at him and he gave her a comforting nod before walking away from the hospital room.

Chrome went back to stare at the ceiling. She tried to breathe deeply as she grew tired of focussing on her powers with the Vongola ring.

She was not as strong as him.

She was barely keeping herself alive. But she really did not care about herself; Chrome has always been so selfless.

Like when she saved that cat.

Like when she was willing to just die so that her mother and stepfather did not have to take care of her anymore.

Chrome took another deep breath and wondered, Where are you, Mukuro-sama?

He was always there when she needed to be saved and her body, her skin; every part of her was his, too. There was always something so romantic about their relationship that Chrome pondered about constantly. Her feelings towards Mukuro were beyond respect.

She was indebted to him.

Tsuna entered the room and walked up towards Chrome with his hands in his pockets, head down. Tsuna held his hand out and squeezed Chrome's hand. She tilted her head and faced him.

"Don't die Chrome..."

Tsuna was in tears as he softly spoke those words under his breath.

Tsuna and Chrome shared a quiet, understanding relationship between Boss and Guardian. Tsuna cared deeply for Chrome; very much like a sister and a dear friend. She was a member of his "family". Chrome had a deep respect and companionship towards her Boss and found peace and enjoyment in being one of his Guardians. Tsuna looked at Chrome and wiped away his tears. Chrome's body was shared with Mukuro... a person who Tsuna had a difficult relationship with; he was an enemy and still a threat to his wellbeing... but he had grown to accept him as a Guardian; with Chrome.

Tsuna pulled a chair and sat next to the bed where Chrome was lying and she continued to face the ceiling. Chrome was still clutching her fist tight as she continued to focus on the Vongola Ring's illusionary powers to survive. Tsuna stared at Chrome; he let out a sigh and reached out to hold her hand again. The other hand - the one Tsuna is holding - was lightly sweating. Tsuna thought that Chrome was working so hard on her powers that at times, it looked like the other hand - the one with the Vongola ring - was shaking...

Where are you, Mukuro?

Tsuna was worried. Where was Mukuro? Chrome needed him. Tsuna needed Chrome. Tsuna considered Chrome to be one of his nakama. Tsuna needed Mukuro. If Chrome was his nakama then, Mukuro was, too.

Tsuna closed his eyes and prayed that Mukuro will be back soon. Even if it meant that he would fight Tsuna again; Tsuna did not care. As long as that meant Chrome stayed alive…