You are perhaps now familiar with my writing style, so..~
Pairings: 1869 and 2795 {I'm cutting the rest because holy grail of life, that was horrible}
Disclaimer: Katekyo Hitman REBORN! does not belong to me, it respectfully belongs to Akira Amano.
Chapter 2:
It was finally done, the deed was done. To never go back. This was the ultimate decision made. Nothing can turn back to the previous state now.
It was like finding and opening Pandora's Box, to have Rokudou out of prison, it was like having a night-watchman letting in a thief. Like putting a bomb purposely in the base to ignite it.
Sawada knew it perhaps wasn't the best decision, but he knew that there was going to worse plans, like those papers he was filling, that had threats in it, the easiest solution they would've done was either capture Dokuro during a mission, or have the already vulnerable Rokudou taken from prison to have him tortured, battered, weakened, killed, all infront of Sawada. To watch him hopelessly be hurt because of his indecisiveness. He couldn't risk it. He didn't want Rokudou to be hurt as badly as he already was. His heart was torn years ago, his mind lost circuits, and now his body so close to deterioration..
Sawada couldn't stand it.
It was late night, when his fiancée was already put to rest, the Arcobaleno sleeping, and everyone else resting in their posts, or pulling all-nighters on work, when Sawada crept his way to where Rokudou peacefully laid. He looked as if he was genuinely asleep, his hands looked as if all the skin was going to break off, there were bandages on random areas of him, random because it looked old, such as the same stuff that Vendicare put on him.
His right eye was scarred again, not like he knew Rokudou's eye was scarred when he was younger due to the stitching. His breathing was jagged, even though there was a gauze on him to assist on breathing, it alone showed how his lungs pumped slowly, and his throat making terrible painful sounds as if it was being grazed by a blade, as if someone was clenching his throat in a choke-hold. His hair beautifully cascaded around him, reaching the insides of the sheet that was to cover him from the cold, even though the window was closed. His body had weakened badly, that it wasn't determined whether he was cold or not, but typically it could've been. After decaying that much, one can only assume that.
The room that he was in was also those emergency kinds, where a human would have to put those suits on to make sure they are unaffected by it. Sawada had those suits on him to shield the strange effects of the room that was to maintain the heat exposure in the room, the breathing and atmosphere. Sawada couldn't imagine how it felt without the suit on him.
Whatever it was, it kept Rokudou from shivering, or having erratic movements, rather it kept him in a level position, gently resting despite the trouble he was having.
Sawada's hand unintentionally moved over to Rokudou's forehead, one of the only spots on his face that didn't look as damaged. Despite all the coverings on him, the ugly bruises around, the markings, the scars, his face maintained a natural beauty about it. It made him look peaceful, he still kept an elegance around, as if he was a piece of artwork that was hanged on the walls. As Sawada's hand reached his forehead, he caressed. Moving some stray hair that was sullying his beautiful face, to resting his palm on pale but surprisingly soft skin.
Rokudou didn't react, but his throat made a hitch that showed fear in Rokudou's body. Even if his mind was finally off, his body felt contact and wanted to move it away. It hurt to breathe, moreover, it hurt to feel, and be touched by anything, it was too hard to bear with it knowing his body had become that weak. It was like touching a corpse. His eyes tightened.
Even though he was asleep, it didn't stop him from feeling pain. It may have been a repetition to say that.
Sawada didn't stop though, as his hand was beginning to generate sky flames without his command. It just.. happened so naturally. Rokudou didn't move, but there was fear in his expression, that still remained for a few seconds.
His flame, so harmonizing, it was slowly removing the fear out of Rokudou, even though his breathing did not get any better, his expression began to lighten. Sawada smiled at that. He was beginning to feel a bit of relief, given by his expression, the tightening look had loosened over.
He was glad that he was able to help Rokudou somehow. He continued to keep generating a kind flame that worked its way through Rokudou's decaying and hollow figure. With one hand, he moved the blanket onto Rokudou's figure, one of his hands were laid out because of the IV connected to his arm, the other resting coldly inside.
Sawada was scared to think this guardian of his, the one that no one wanted to help, was going to simply lay there and be left to die. He was scared to think of his connection permanently leaving him and Dokuro. It was horrifying.
He wanted to lift his mind out of it, but simply seeing him here, this mental picture that is stuck on his mind would never go, he knew that. It was to remain, haunting him forever.
Or at least until he sees Rokudou moving out and about again.
But till then, it would remain a scar.
Just like the one on his beautiful eyes.
He wondered how Rokudou felt at the moment. Was he content? Angry? Sad? He had so much to ask from him. So much to know..
Dokuro perhaps would only get the privilege to know though. He might have to force it out of him, if he ever needed to.
He would.
Without hesitation. This was his family, his friend, his guardian. He was entitled to know the whereabouts, the condition of his, all of it.
He was the Sky guardian. The Mist cannot hide forever. It shall not.
He was not authorized, nor was he allowed to.
Not after all this time.
-o-
Although he spent some time in the medical room, Sawada did manage to get a goodnight's rest, with his fiancée. Who would not be able to sleep if he had an angel beside him?
That was the question that someone would ask him, or rather should ask.
Her breathing was steady, she was turned on her side, curling a little. Her pretty auburn hair slipping beside her, contrasting her fair skin. To Sawada, it was like she glowed in a radiant light. She was just so beautiful to him, he couldn't lay his eyes off of her, nor did he want anyone else in the world other than her.
He held her closer.
Sawada himself was surprised at the initiative he was taking with her. Not like they did any of those really intimate things such as having sex, but they did sleep together often. The brown haired leader was still too scared of doing things like that with her, as he was not that brave enough yet.
He could be brave enough to want to lift her everywhere he went, but not that brave to really establish a serious relationship. Raising children was not an idea he wanted at the moment, not when their lives were at risk.
He didn't want his child, be it male or female, have to deal with a world like this. Having his fiancée and his friends to deal with it was difficult enough. If he had the choice to not have his fiancée involved, he would've immediately taken that action.
After all, it was his fault that now she was involved in this scary life. Something he had regretted forever, she might not live normally ever again. Not to mention they had friends of hers that were already involved, so unfortunately it was eventual that this would happen.
Bianchi tried hiding it as much as she could, Dokuro didn't dare try telling anything related to it, even Kurokawa was hiding to her best of abilities.
But in the end everyone had found out and he had to take the step of having her by his side at all costs. That was the only protection he could provide.
The most out of what he could've done. The problem was, if he could've done more, he would've.
The sky's the limit.
His hand then moved to her cheek. She was so beautiful no matter where she was.
"Kyouko-chan, I'm sorry.." he muttered to her with a smile, who seemed to move closer with his touch, his hand moved away from her face, but he found his hands being held by her small hands.
This was when he didn't dare moving.
Sasagawa stirred in her sleep, opening her big eyes slowly before smiling at him "Tsu-kun, is everything alright?" she continued to hold his hand as he glanced at her.
"Yeah.. everything's fine. You're fine, right?" he then asked with a sad smile. With a glance of her hazel eyes, it already had brought relief to him. She was phenomenal.
"Are you sure? You're cold.." she moved his hand to her face, to let him feel the soft skin of cute cheeks.
Sawada didn't move for a few seconds, until he pulled her into a warm embrace. "Hn. Kyouko-chan, you always warm me up" he said, letting his head rest on hers, sniffing the sweet smell of shampoo in her hair.
Sasagawa then hugged him back. "Tsu-kun, please don't worry."
"Hm? Worry about what, dear?"
"You're worried about us, because Chrome-chan's brother is here. You were always scared of his power" sometimes he wondered how did she know so much, but she did spend time with Dokuro and thence knows the existence of Rokudou and what he is capable of.
The reaction that he always received from Sawada, as everyone knew Sawada gets scared easily. That man was capable of making anyone scared, unless they were as scary as he was.
"It's alright, Tsu-kun. Chrome-chan said he won't harm anyone" if he was worried about him killing someone again, then it was a reassurance to know.
That was one of the many things Sawada was worried about. But Sawada was also worried about him developing a self-destructive behaviour. If he did, how would he be saved?
It was hard to say, since that whole disconnection he showed to them, the hesitance in his tone when Sawada said he was to be released..
All of it was questionable.
"Yeah, you're right. I won't let him hurt you"
He held her as lovingly as he could.
"But Kyouko-chan, do you think he would hurt himself?"
She looked up at him "If that may be, Tsu-kun.. save him."
"He's still your family. There is a chance for him to develop and be helped."
Their thoughts seemed to have the same idea, it was no wonder they were considered lovers. Great minds think alike.
Sawada smiled at her. He was glad to have friends like Sasagawa and Miura, who were so accepting of situational things. To tell him it was going to be alright, and that showing mercy was not a wrong thing. It made him so happy..
A lucky lad Sawada was. So lucky to have allies who would think like optimistic people. As thinking like a normal human would have the balance between optimism and skepticism, but they.. even though they were skeptical, they were so kind about it, not letting Sawada doubt a decision unless something bad really happened, like someone getting hurt.
They most likely understood the implications of the situation.
If he did not do what he did now, there was someone other than the alive ones at base who were going to die.
To protect everyone is not a bad thing, if it works out, then sail away.
Sasagawa and Miura were flame users too, if Sawada kept forgetting. Sasagawa, unlike her brother, was mist flame, and Miura was lightning. In a way a defense squad was possible, and for the jokes, as the Vongola consisted of a lot of men exception of Dokuro, this team could be a female oriented.
Sasagawa be mist, Kurokawa be cloud, Bianchi storm, M.M sun, Miura lightning, Yuni sky, and Bluebell rain. Maybe Rokudou would be tossed there if he uses Dokuro as the mist.
Even though it is more of a shared position.
If Rokudou were to have some sort of permanent disability, such as paralysis, the lack of regeneration or some sort, he would have to be put with the defense. He wouldn't have a choice in the matter.
"Kyouko-chan, what time is it?"
He was thankful for her words, which he did thank her previously for, it was a few minutes after a moment of silence where he asked about the time. The leader had the assumption he really was oversleeping.
"It's 11 a.m." she looked at the clock after moving from Sawada. She seemed to laugh at it, but it really was a bit later than what they usually wake up at, which was generally 10 a.m.
She got out of bed and went to the washroom, of course before giving Sawada a peck on the forehead. It was almost an everyday thing for her, as there was no telling when they could lose the chance.
Sawada remained laying there, waiting for her to come until he heard a knock at the door. So that he won't keep the person waiting, he immediately sprung and went for it.
He gave a warm smile when he looked at who it was. Dokuro, little Dokuro. Little was kind of wrong to say considering she was a mature twenty-three year old woman, a strong one as well. Little was an understatement.
Dear Dokuro.
"Sorry for waking you up, boss" she bowed to him when she saw him still wearing his pajamas. He looked at himself before shrugging it off
"Oh please don't worry, Chrome. I was awake a while ago. Excuse me for the bad look" Dokuro looked back at him as he spoke, and had a slight smile on her face. It wasn't anything "bad", it was a bit cute actually. His pajamas looked like the ones he used to wear when he was still so young. Turquoise with fish patterns.
"No, it's alright. I wanted to let you know that Mukuro-sama is being examined today, would you like to come with me?" a frown made her way back to her face. She wasn't sad at the fact that he was being examined, actually that was recommended and overall a good idea, but she was worried if there was something bad to be reported on it. She was worried to find out the truth about his condition, even though she was thankful beyond words that Sawada brought the operation of restoring him into place.
"Oh of course, let me get dressed" he bowed back at her, she was about to leave and wait outside the room, but Sasagawa came in and of course, let her stay inside because anyone was allowed to come in any time, unless you were a complete stranger.
Though Dokuro did look a bit uncomfortable in the room, even though she had been comfortable to stay around Sawada and Sasagawa. They were her important friends, everyone was precious to her, but the overwhelming feeling of not belonging still lingered sometimes. It couldn't been helped, it was a natural thing about her. It was what made her a bit less confident, but nonetheless one of the sweetest friends to have.
As Sawada got himself dressed and whatnot, Dokuro was speaking a bit with Sasagawa, showing some things that she had received on her missions, and saying that she was meaning to get something for the couple when they become intimate, or wed. Like a congratulary one.
Sasagawa was embarrassed, but once again laughing it out, saying that it was still a bit embarrassing to speak about.
Sawada wouldn't have disagreed.
Sasagawa laughed again, as she knew Dokuro was here to take a look at something and needed Sawada to come with her because of his curiosity as well.
"Tsu-kun, sorry to have you stalled, you and Chrome-chan can do what you need to, I'll be with Haru-chan if you need me"
She waved at the two before leaving the room. Dokuro immediately stood up from the chair and motioned to Sawada that she was ready to go. She really was like a soldier sometimes. It was kind of sad.
Sawada couldn't make her feel any bit more relaxed no matter what he said or did, but he knew she was making a high effort, as she declared herself that the boss was a very important figure to her, a kind man, someone who is saving something she had always wanted to.
Dokuro felt in debt of him.
-oo-
As she walked with him, she maintained silence. It tensed Sawada a bit, but if he took a look in her violet eye, she was actually looking forward to the moment right now. To be able to see him, in the flesh, the real bare and bone.
He was finally here. She couldn't waste another second thinking about it.
She wasn't upset, no. She wasn't sad either. She was so overjoyed, she couldn't scream and cry about it because it wasn't her nature to. Although comically she does faint when she finds good news, but that was only because her condition was a bit bad there, now she was fine, as Rokudou's illusionary organs masked her pain kindly, never once failing on her despite not speaking to her. His words were not to be reached, but sometimes they say; actions speak better than words, he had not forsaken her, he never has.
Even if he wanted her to develop through the isolation. She had not found that resolution yet, and this was why he still supported her even though he knew it was a bit wrong if she wanted to become independent.
His "kindness" was always evident because of her. Whether he liked it or not.
Sawada began to feel comfortable a moment upon realizing that. Her movement seemed gentle, it was proof that there was no sort of anxiety in the atmosphere. There was no tension, no sort of emergence, or some kind of worry that she had at the moment that could really keep her thinking about it. It was none of that. Even if she was worried, it was the normal fear of having someone you care about not well. It was a normal thing, even Sawada was worried about that. He knew Sasagawa was also concerned about it, after hearing that it was someone immersed in water for almost ten years, it sounded surreal.
Reborn stepped in front of them, Sawada looked expectant to what he had to say, as he had a paper that had things written on them.
"A complaint." He smiled, knowing who it was from. Dokuro looked away from him, Sawada found out that it was some complaint from her. What was the kind Dokuro to complain about? It must've been something big coming from her, so he took it as an emergency notice and immediately started to read without saying anything, once he was given the file.
It was about Hibari.
Why Hibari? What did he..
As he started to read, he then understood where it was going. Hibari was someone who would never let Rokudou rest in peace, not literally. No one was going to let him rest in peace in a graveyard, not after the trouble and Dokuro's concern for him.
No no, he meant that Hibari loved, like.. loved, adored, ravelled, if it was anything that he liked doing more than anything else in the world; fight Rokudou. Sawada doesn't know what kind of relationship does Rokudou have with Hibari, but he did know that Hibari would agree to anything if it involved fighting Rokudou, or just him in general. It was like having a drug addict hear that a drug they loved so much had come back in stock, and how they would overdose in it. Hibari was basically that.
A fighting junkie.
But though, Dokuro did write something about some sort of bad relationship, other than fighting which made Sawada laugh. That was impossible that Hibari would have something with Rokudou that wasn't fighting and trying to murder him everyday. Impossible. I-M-POSSIBLE.
That was to be bolded. IMPOSSIBLE. Practically. It didn't make sense, Hibari was a sore loser when it came to the implications of know what love is, hell he sang about not knowing what the hell it is, and Rokudou did not show interest in him romantically, except in his growth, but only a part of his taunts. Hibari was the.. oh wow.
Hibari did kind of stalk him.
Always pestering Dokuro about Rokudou, whom she would always say "not available" and he would tell her to tell Rokudou some insults about him being a coward, or a chicken, like a herbivore. Dokuro didn't tell any of it to him, she simply glared at him.
She must've been tired of it and told Sawada do something about it. Considering that Rokudou is out of prison, he might not hold back! Poor Rokudou.
Rokudou didn't want to deal with this bull's garbage heap, rather he would probably prefer to watch the paint dry instead of do anything with Hibari, unless he was alive and kicking, then he might enjoy a fight or two, but at the moment..
As he read about it, he accidently walked away from the medical room, which brought a question to Dokuro. Did he not notice or was it intentional. The way he looked at the door, then looked back told her it was the first thought. He didn't notice that he passed it by until he couldn't hear her footsteps.
Running back to her, he apologized before knocking at the room door, where there weren't a lot of people appearing around, to him that is.
Sasagawa Ryouhei was the one who opened it before happily greeting them both "Ah Sawada and Chrome! How are the two of you doing? Extremely well I presume?" he almost hugged them, but knowing he was in a labcoat, he didn't want them to have any sort of possible bacteria transfer. Even though the coats were clean and sterilized, there was no telling.
"Brother, is it alright if we come inside" Sawada politely said. He was still scared of calling him by his name simply because he was dating his sister, although calling him brother should've been scarier considering it meant they were actually married or something, which wasn't true as they were not married yet.
Calling him by his name created a bit of a distance, and he was scared if he would be punched again.
"Oh of course, come on in" he waved a hand as he led them in. Dokuro looked around the room, noticing there weren't a lot of patients. Not like everyone gets hurt easily, but sometimes they medicated people whom they had found, and that happened a lot because either it was Hibari, or either they were spies brought in for interrogation.
Or just people who were ill but no one would take care of them. Sawada had a big heart for those people as his group is meant to protect humanity.
Today there were no one.
Just a few nurses, a few doctors and Sasagawa. Fong did sometimes come by, but at the moment, he didn't require to as there wasn't any sort patients here.
Besides he was meditating at the moment.
"It's quiet in here" Dokuro commented with a hushed voice. Sasagawa looked at her and then smiled "That's because they are in the other room" he pointed to the side, where the doors seemed closed. Like the operation room. That was where Rokudou must've been. They must've been examining him in case he needed any sort of surgery.
It was possible that he did. Dehydration, malnourishment, the organs simply "giving up" on him, some skin problems, anything was possible.
Most likely what thoughts she had were the things Sasagawa was going to tell them.
She was ready to hear it, but she waited for him to start saying it.
Noticing the curiosity in her eye, Sawada then asked "Brother, yesterday I had someone of immediate action brought here.." he didn't finish his sentence hoping that Sasagawa would get it and start, but he waited for it to end, so Sawada continued. "How is his condition? If you have taken a look"
The white haired sun guardian looked at the mist and sky before pounding a fist on an open palm "Oh!" he said outloud "He's extremely odd" Sawada and Dokuro looked at him. "It's almost as if he is awake, but not!" he seemed to shrug at that thought, before looking at what the autopsy report was, that was an assumption at the moment as they were still looking.
"He's.." he looked at Dokuro, decided it would be alright to sugar-coat some of it "He's a bit tired. A little ill, but once we start the healing process he will be extremely alright" he pat her shoulder, who smiled at him, despite almost crying at hearing about his comatose state. Sawada looked at him, in a sense of saying to explain it later when she was not in sight. At the moment, she went to the door and tried to peek, which they both allowed so long as she wasn't going inside of the room.
When she was at a far off distance, he looked at Sawada with a frown "Sawada. I'm truly frightened." Sawada looked a bit surprised at him. "How long would that comatose be, I am scared to say it would last almost a year or later" he closed his eyes, before pinching his nose to explain.
"He's got a real bad case of hypothermia. His whole body is in a shut-down state because the lack of usage. His heart almost failed had we not pump it awake, his nervous system is.. extremely awake, the minute we finger something, it was as if he was burnt."
He paused, looking at Dokuro's direction, who was still looking at the door, smiling at the resting Rokudou. She didn't seem to be able to hear them despite the quietness, it was a bit far. Her thoughts were speaking louder than the already "loud" Sasagawa.
Then he continued. "He might not be able to fight anymore. His muscles don't recover, and it is hard for him to breathe alone. He won't be able to move, eat, or even sleep for a long time. This guy was locked in Vendicare prison for ten extreme years hadn't he? It was.. expected. A human body gives up on action within a week or more had it not receive proper nutrition. Mukuro-san's been in there for ten years"
Sawada nodded in agreement.
He must've been too late. He was beyond recovery now. It was over for him.
But if Dokuro's organs were still alive, there was hope, he couldn't have died if he was providing her organs well without any problem. He remembered one time they thought he was dead, Dokuro almost died with him, at the moment she isn't. She was perfectly fine, and if they were to ask who is generating her organs, she would say it was Rokudou, because Mammon charges a lot of money per hour had he do it, and Sasagawa doesn't know the mechanisms of it yet. She was not a doctor, her brother was.
He was alive, and he will be.
No matter how hard it would be, Sawada would make sure he's alive.
"Thanks brother. Thanks for not telling Chrome of it" the sorrow that was building in his heart that he was kind of deceiving her for now, just so that she would not do something recklessly. So that she could still smile at everyone and say her Mukuro-sama was here, alive and well. It hurt him a lot to have to lie to make things sound better to her, but he couldn't stand bringing her to tears, she had almost teared when she failed so many times to have Rokudou escape from prison. It was too hard on her.
She was mature, yes, but Rokudou's life always brought tears to her eyes. It was something she could not bear with. She, like Sawada had the thought that it was undeserved. He had been suffering for six straight lives, he didn't deserve to be suffering in every life he lived. He deserved some solace, some peace.
And this was the life where she wanted him to have it. She was going to make sure of it.
Telling her there was little to no chance of recovery for him, was like crushing her dreams and her hopes that she held so tightly to. A searing pain that would hurt her more than anything else in the world, was to tell her that Rokudou was dead. Away, gone, deceased.
She held onto the door. Sawada walked over to her, patting her back as she shook. Even though she was smiling a while ago, she shrunk and had her fists on the wooden doors, and banged her head on it lightly.
"Mukuro-sama.." she said quietly. Sawada didn't know as to whether she heard what they were talking about or not, but she was feeling terrible about something. "I've been.. waiting for this day. Have I done well..?" she tried not to fall into sobs, but it was too, getting difficult for her. She couldn't simply watch his deteriorated state anymore. She blamed herself for her incompetence on not saving him, and having to resort to someone else to do it.
"I'm sorry Mukuro-sama" with that, she fell to her knees, covering her face with her hands. Sawada commended her for being brave to confront him at this time knowing it was going to be painful to look at.
It was really hard to look at a loved one in their worst states possible, and for her to not hesitate and watch for straight ten minutes.. she was brave. He didn't blame her for crying, moreover he wanted to cry himself. As a boss, he even felt like a failure.
He should've planned the rescue earlier, perhaps five years ago.
It wouldn't have been this bad.
Sasagawa then removed his labcoat and held the two in an embrace "Sometimes I look at you two as extremely adorable children" he replied in a softer tone, holding them both as lovingly as he did. Dokuro held onto his jacket and cried, repeatedly apologizing within her cries, and Sawada simply laid his head on his shoulder, muttering to Sasagawa.
"Have I done the right thing, brother?" Sasagawa looked at them with slight trouble, before telling each of them separate answers "No Sawada, you did the best thing. Chrome is very thankful." Patting Dokuro's head, he then told her "Chrome, it is alright, Mukuro-san would be happy to see you the way you are"
He spoke like a brother that he was, with younger siblings. Those moments that remind people how much Sasagawa really cares for his sister, everything he had done until today was all for her. The boxing, learning how to medicate, all of it, so that his sister would not deal with trouble again.
Even though he was upset that Sawada involved her in the mafia, he soon learned that it was inevitable.
It was bound to happen.
Unfortunately.
He was still a good big brother, maybe the best.
Dokuro already was like a little sister, of Rokudou's that is to say. He treated her like one, always tending to her needs in his odd manner, but always looked after her even after claiming that he doesn't care.
To the point that he entrusted the kind Sawada to take care of her because he won't be able to see her every day. Even he stated that he felt like he was going insane to entrust her to his care, but he had no other choice, he couldn't stay and possess someone for more than five minutes before it took a toll on him and he grew incredibly tired.
In the end he was taking responsibility for his lack of availability by putting her in safe hands. To that extent he trusted Sawada, and knew his naivety would not have Dokuro suffering in any manner.
Sasagawa and Rokudou in a sense were like brothers. Odd enough.
-ooo-
Sawada parted from Sasagawa, thanking in profusely. Dokuro moved as well, apologizing to him. Sasagawa didn't mind, he was glad they both were feeling better, as that was all that mattered to him at the moment.
"Would we be able to visit him soon, brother?" he then asked him, simply out of curiosity.
"Oh yeah, sure. You can visit some time later this week" he smiled at them, putting up a thumbs up. Sawada smiled at him, then looked at Dokuro who nodded in acknowledgement.
"We'll visit sometime this week then" he said before thanking him again and taking Dokuro out with him. She began to hide the fact that she was crying away from others because anyone would've been concerned as to why her eye was almost bloodshot.
She had learnt from Rokudou how to put an illusion on her outward appearance, and because it was only for a short while, she decided to do that for the time being. At least so that her friends, family, wouldn't ask her. She didn't want to explain it.
"Chrome" Sawada then said, as they walked out. She looked at him curiously "Yes?"
"Could you take a few days off from your tasks?" he asked her. Considering that she was worried about Rokudou at the moment, it could serve as a hindrance to her on her missions or work.
He didn't want her to do things while she was worried about one thing. It was not right.
Simply not good at the moment.
"If you say so, boss. I would" she frowned.
"Please don't think it is because of something wrong. I just want you to work when you are in the right state to. I don't want you to be in tension while doing your job" he tried to reassure her, which he thought wouldn't work, but it did seemingly.
She did, once again nod at him. "Alright. Sorry boss.. I wouldn't mind.. taking a few days off" she held her hands close to her, looking away from him. He smiled at her.
"Alright. I'll be in my office if you need me, take it easy, Chrome" they both bowed to each other as Sawada went, before coming back.
"Wait, I'll walk you to your room." She looked at him, before shrugging.
They both walked quietly. Again, to say.
It was not the bad silence, as they both had nothing to be embarrassed about. Their feelings over Rokudou were the same, practically. She didn't need to hide it from him, and he didn't need to hide it from her.
They were sharing thoughts because of their connection to him.
It only made sense.
"Chrome, take care." When they got to her room, he waved to her as she went inside after thanking him. Closing the door quietly she went inside.
While he went to his office, he looked at the file that was given to him by Reborn once again. It was not of any important marking, even though it was a complaint from one of his guardians. It would be deemed important.
He read it thoroughly, as he did, he hoped not to confront Hibari on the way, or inside. His hopes were looked down upon, considering he was waiting inside as Sawada came in.
"You." He said with a scowl. Sawada looked at him innocently.
"Hibari-san, you.. how long were you waiting in here?" he looked behind him before going to his desk and seating himself. He received no answer from him other than a glare. A glare was the most Hibari spoke.
"Thirty minutes" he then said.
Sawada was surprised that he even spoke, more than being surprised over how long he waited. Hibari was a bit of a patient man, but some things he was really impatient about, especially when it is in his hands now, waiting to be severed.
"Ah.. What are you here for, can I ask" he folding his hands on the table, looking genuinely interested. Hibari looked as if he didn't want to be here or was wasting too much of his time.
"A report." He handed to Sawada. "A report.. oh! From a few days ago" he began to dart through the carefully written report.
Geez, those minority parties really liked to cause trouble to them, always wanting to become stronger then wagering war against Sawada's team, who can defeat them easily as eating pie.
The amounts were irritating though. One time he sent Hibari alone to deal with them because he was getting restless. That was this time too, that he was getting more and more restless enough to destroy almost every resource they had. It was worth the effort, Hibari had his dosage of fights, and the mafias were to be dissolved.
Even then, there were so many.
There were some that were much stronger than them, that the Vongola did not bother dealing with simply so that it won't be a whole full-out war. Sure he could eliminate the minor ones first, but if he had a fight with the bigger ones, they bring more minors and have them think they may have a chance of victory, which the answer is ambiguous.
It wasn't like the Vongola were so strong either, they even got tired of these fights all the time, currently they were running low on people to send into battle simply because it was getting redundant. Yamamoto was sent a few times with Gokudera to set up some mediation and negotiation, did that work?
That was where they sent the blood-thirsty Hibari out there. He was still scared of sending his people on missions that were too difficult because one time they did manage to injure Hibari one time on his arm, which increased his rate of wanting to dig in his claws on them and reduce them to nothing.
He was worried too, surprisingly. He thought he was getting weaker, like those herbivores out there. He didn't acknowledge being in a situation where the enemy would be stronger.
But ever since that time when he saw Hibari's bloodied figure, holding his arm that was almost broken, that time he was clenching his teeth so hard it was almost as if they would shatter, the time his feet almost refused to step around, and falling as soon as Sasagawa had him on a stretcher because of the blood loss.
Ever since that time, Sawada didn't dare send anyone against the stronger mafia. Besides, Hibari wasn't alone either!
If he was alone, it would've made sense because the overwhelming number.. well no it wouldn't, but he doesn't guard people.
Fong had managed to stop some of the bleeding, but Hibari continued to reopen wounds with every action he took. Lal reprimanded him from doing anything careless, but even she and Collonello were hurt. It got too dangerous to stand against them.
That was also one of the last times Sawada had seen Rokudou come.
As they lost the one-sided battle, that "stronger" mafia began to attack the base as he tracked one of the members of the team down and launch an attack on them. Kurokawa protected most of the people inside, creating propagating walls that closed people into a small compartments that had also let them breathe, but impenetrable. Dokuro had sprung to action then, shielding Kurokawa who was guarding the others, Bianchi went on the offense, with Scorpions of storm, which distracted them.
The guardians themselves, Hibari, Yamamoto and Lal and Lambo were undergoing medication.
Dokuro was wounded and was almost about to lose consciousness by one of the enemy, and that was when on an immediate situation Rokudou appeared and guarded her using her body to rematerialize and deflect the attack.
Reborn stepped in only after he heard about an attack in the base, as he was gone on another mission given by the Ninth. He had to abandon it when he heard the bad state of the base.
Even though Rokudou was as strong as having Hibari in the team as his illusions were powerful enough to scorch any sort of person to dust, he accidently confronted the leader who was defending one of his people, and was left to fight him. While he was fighting, Sawada called out to him to move away as he finally caught up, only to find the boss' impale the mist guardian, despite defending himself with the trident.
Sawada saw that his trident rod snap as it pierced through his white shirt and his coat. The surprised expression he had as he fell to the ground completely motionless as the lance was removed, covered in bright red.
Knowing that he was trying to defend Dokuro from having any serious injury, Sawada rose to more anger. Anger at Rokudou for coming, there was already anger at the enemy for hurting more of his guardians, but more anger at himself for being careless.
Before the enemy could attack any more, Sawada tossed Rokudou to Fong who then turned back into Dokuro, who suffered a few injuries and was taken to medication. Sawada and Reborn were needed to repel the enemy, soon Mammon joined them, creating mind-puzzling illusions that had also helped in defeating the enemy, and finally getting the out of attacking their base.
It was almost a forever defense situation, but with a lot of casualties. That day, Sawada had been creating newer provisions as to what extent his guardians could go on missions for. If there was a warning from the higher mafia, he would try in his best ability to avoid it peacefully.
Hibari hated that idea, but there was nothing he could say about it. Even today he wanted to argue about it, but Sawada had no tolerance for it.
Hence he continued to glare at him, trying to address it.
Even though he was satisfied with the mission he was given today.
He wanted to address it for future reference, which Sawada would already refuse, now that the thought was returned to his mind.
"Good work today, Hibari-san" he said, taking in the report and putting it in the arranged pile of complete. There were separate spots for complete, incomplete, which guardian was doing it, and currently, the only one that was empty was Rokudou's.
Everyone had their work to do, whether it was simply research or actually something to go out and do. Most of these now were just researches, to enhance skill.
"I'll have the payment into your account" he said before going back to his desk.
"Sawada" he then said, quietly as ever. Sawada looked at him. "I heard.." oh there he is going to address it "That Rokudou Mukuro is.." he grew more dark with every word he was saying. It was almost a blessing but a taboo to mention Rokudou anywhere.
Because it entices Hibari.
"Oh.. yeah, I had him released yesterday" he then said, thinking it might've been a wrong idea to share with him. "what of it?" he asked, just to be sure
"So it is true"
Sawada swallowed a lump in his throat "Yeah, it is" Hibari closed his eyes before standing up. His hand twitched a bit, reaching for the tonfa on the holster, but then stopped. If Sawada didn't look at his lowered face, he was smiling, smirking ear to ear. A dangerous smile was on his face, almost saying "finally.."
Sawada watched him leave. Quietly, carefully, and gently, compared to the menacing smirk on his face.
Time wouldn't have to tell him to wait any longer.
No one would have to make him wait longer.
I noticed that in my role-plays, I've been writing so long replies that I said, "why not try here?"
Any feedback is greatly appreciated
Ps. For some reason I really am liking the revamping of this