Disclaimer: I do not own Katekyo Hitman Reborn.
Once again, thank you for the reviews, favorites and alerts. This chapter is a tad melancholic, but the final chapter will make up for it. Thanks and enjoy!
A science rant: I think it is quite possible in both our world and Reborn universe to combine the genetic materials of two sperms or two eggs to create a new life. If scientists had been able to use a skin cell to make a healthy clone, then this genetic combination between two germ cells should be feasible. I believe it is just a matter of manipulating cell communication. So, there's hope for such scientific projects.
Summer of Love: Sunday
After a long and strenuous night, the couple did not wake up at the first light of dawn. Instead, when the late morning sunshine penetrated underneath the drawn curtains, Dino found himself still in a half-dazed state, barely able to open his eyes. Almost half of his body and limbs were resting on Kyoya's serene form.
Trying to snuggle against comfortable sheets and his lover's warm body, Dino sensed a slow shift on the soft mattress. Kyoya sat up from his side of the bed and carefully removed Dino's arm and leg from atop his own. A cool hand ran through his golden locks and massaged his scalp in tender care. The touch lingered on his cheek and moved on to caress his loose bangs.
Before Dino could let out a blissful sigh, he heard a small clicking sound of metal objects. A peck on his blond mane, his ex-students' body draped over him and a soft whisper flowed into his ear.
"Just want to make sure that you will not follow me into the shower."
Swiftly and silently, Kyoya left their warm bed and proceeded to the bathroom.
Dino shook his head and attempted to rise from his sleeping position, flat on his stomach. Tugging his tattooed arm, Dino heard more clanging noises and found his wrist bound to the bedpost courtesy of the Cloud's signature handcuffs. An audible sigh, he glanced around the room in his naked state, hoping to free himself and join Kyoya in his bath.
Instead, he found the discarded whip they used last night lying on the floor next to his side. Looking toward to bedpost, he recognized the same handcuffs Kyoya had produced for their 'activity'. I suppose this is payback for using them on you at my suggestions. Never one to lose control, right Kyoya? But, I did release you afterward despite my exhaustion. Please come back and unlock them soon. I really don't wanna face Romario like this and ask for my men's assistance.
Lucky for Dino, the bathroom door clicked open just in time and almost silent footsteps approached the bed. Finishing his cat-like strut, a fully dressed Kyoya unhurriedly lowered himself down on other side of the bed and watched Dino's struggle. Twisting his head around, the blonde witnessed an amusing smirk quickly suppressed on Kyoya's face. Soft grey eyes snapped back to attention from their dreamy state. Emotionless hands undid the handcuffs and recalled them to the rightful owner. While Dino was rubbing his wrist, the distant Cloud rushed towards the sunny balcony, leaving a confused Italian behind. What's wrong, Kyoya?
After his own shower, Dino entered the warm balcony with a breakfast tray in hands. Putting the foods and drinks on the table between them, Dino took a seat and began sipping the bitter coffee, watching his lover with interest. An absentminded Cloud rose from his cushioned lounge chair and reached for the only cup of tea. I'm glad I still understand this part of you.
A slight grimace formed after a sniff. I'm sorry it's not green tea. Dino smiled patiently at his former tutee's specific preference.
It seemed that this morning neither of them had any desire to eat the fresh pastries or move from their spot. Nursing his glass, Dino intended to wait for Kyoya to break the troubling silence.
Looking down at his cup, Kyoya calmly said something Dino had never expected to hear from his possessive ex-student.
"You should get married, Bucking Horse. Any of those girls should be happy to comply."
"Why are we talking about this all of a sudden?" I heard enough about this from my famiglia and allies. Not from you, too.
"I am not blind. You love the kids we met. I saw how you craved to have a family as that couple on the beach yesterday." Solemn grey eyes searched amber orbs.
"So you figured I should take some influential don's daughter as my wife? And what about you? Am I to make you my secret lover, the mysterious one I devote myself to behind the family man façade?" Frustration seeped into Dino's voice.
"Don't be foolish, Cavallone! I will never be your, so to speak, mistress." Kyoya frowned in blatant disgust.
"There will be no more of this, Bronco, no more of 'us' as you call it." A faraway stare followed the harsh declaration.
Kyoya smoothly stood up from his lounging position and carried himself toward the stone railings. Once there, Kyoya appeared to enjoy the scenic garden below this third floor balcony, overlooking the villa's backyard. A devastated and angry Dino straightened his stiff back, ready to move.
"Then, you need not worry, for I love only you. There's no one else! No wife or otherwise!"
"Stop spouting nonsense! What do you know about love, oh Cavallone Decimo?" Kyoya turned around, leaning on his back, elbows resting against the railings. A challenging look.
"I know it means caring for the one you love above and beyond yourself." And I do care about you that way. What are you implying?
Dino left his cushioned seat to stand within arm reach in front the infuriating Cloud guardian.
"Bucking Bronco, it also means wanting the person you love to be happy, even if you're not a part of that happiness." A skyward glance, an arcing neck and an almost apologetic tone.
"Are you talking about your happiness or mine? If you are talking about me, then my happiness is you Kyoya, in spending my life with you. Are you going to deny me that?"
Dino answered while trailing behind Kyoya toward the entrance into his master bedroom, fearful of what to come.
"And how are you going to get an heir? Before me, there is and always will be your famiglia. You owe everything you have to them. Be with them, give them a future boss. They're your true happiness."
Kyoya took a deep breath after his resigned but firm reply.
"I know my men. My happiness is theirs and vice versa. Besides, I can get an heir by adoption or some other means if needs be. They will understand."
"What about my happiness then?" A smirk on Kyoya's lip, no amusement in stormy eyes.
"Are you unhappy with me, Kyoya? Am I that much of a nuisance? Look into my eyes and tell me that it was just mindless sex. That you have never cared about me. Then, I'll let you go, never to bother you again! Or is the so-called Vongola's strongest guardian so weak he could not defend his own happiness?" A furious demand from the Italian.
His former student stopped abruptly on his track after the taunt. Dino swiftly grabbed Kyoya's forearms, turning him around. Looking deeply into his darkened eyes, blazing topaz orbs searching, beseeching and raging.
Jolted back to reality, Kyoya broke free, twisted around and pushed Dino against the wall next to the balcony-bedroom doorway.
"Are you trying to intimidate me? Have you forgotten that nothing you say or do will ever stop me on my track?" A feral growl.
"I know that much, Kyoya! However, you did not answer my questions. Are you so afraid to open your heart?"
Kyoya turned to walk away, removing limbs that once entrapped Dino's body against the wall.
Before he could escape, the Cavallone boss held him back, encircling strong back against heaving chest. The young don placed his chin on the skylark's tense shoulder, he murmured in short breaths.
"Please give us a chance. Whenever I say I love you, I mean every word."
"Enough! Words are cheap! Fight me or I'll bite you to death!" A chilling command.
A fight to vent their frustration. An old-fashioned physical battle; no box, ring or gun. Both participants were dead-set on convincing the opponent of his absolute resolve by his triumph in this fight for dominance.
Flashes of tonfas. Dances of whip. Attacks and dodges alternated in their complex rhythms. One moment, tonfas connected flesh on the third floor. The next, whip constricted bones on the rooftop. Punches, cuts, bruises and blood. Running, Chasing, Pushing and Shoving.
Racing pulse. Adrenaline rush. Swift kicks and skillful blocks, reflecting shadows in serene pond. A jump and a mocking laugh. Drenched clothes and soaked limbs splashing in sunlit water.
Grunts, taunts, growls and curses resonated throughout the backyard. Whip snapped. Tonfas clicked. Sweaty shirts. Labored breaths. Dizzy eyes. Anger dissipated as energy evaporated. Careless swings. Impatient lashes. The end drew near. Mirrored exhaustion. Twin desperation.
One last burst of hope. An even match. Tonfas crushing suntanned throat. Whips wrapping pale neck. Identical smiles. Tonfas collapsed. Whip uncurled.
Wounded bodies lied down side by side on a gazebo's cold floor in the middle of an oval pond. Silence followed the vicious brawl. Satisfaction replaced hostility. Hunger chased sleep. Agony turned to scars. Peace returned to the soothing Italian backyard.
After their three-hour fight ended, Romario approached to offer them lunch. A laughing Dino turned to his hard-to-please ex-tutee.
"I'm tired of the rich, creamy and fatty Italian foods." An upturned nose cringed at a bowl of gourmet ossobuco alla milanese (braised veal stew) which was Dino's and everyone's favorite dish.
Smiling indulgently, the mafia don appeased the skylark.
"Romario, could you ask the chef for something less decadent, for Kyoya and me?"
Ten minutes later, a loud string of curses reached Dino's ears, originating from the kitchen. It sounded like something along the line of insulting the chef's culinary skills and hard works as well as two or three calls of 'spoiled brat'.
Glancing sideway, Dino studied the temperamental skylark's face. It seemed that his Kyoya was not at all moved by those impassioned words.
"What do you love about me, Bucking Horse? Many believe it's impossible." A casual inquiry.
"I love your fierce protectiveness, unwavering loyalty and independent spirit. Our conversations weren't so bad, either. You are my equal in most aspects." Your strong body, firm ass and adventurous side are also perks, but I will not mention that as long as I value my existence.
A soft sigh was his lover's answer.
"What do you think of me?" a curious Dino sat up, fully aware that this was uncharted territory for both of them.
"Your genuine smiles. So open and…" Kyoya stopped.
Just then, Romario entered the gazebo, carrying a plate of Sangiovese grapes, a loaf of wheat bread and two glasses of plain water.
"The chef sent his regards. Hopefully these are simplistic enough for you." A sly smirk in their direction.
Kyoya rose from his sleeping form, took a glance and declared bluntly.
"I'm in the mood for Japanese foods, Cavallone!"
Two pairs of eyes widened in bewilderment. Amber orbs caught dark-brown ones, glancing back and forth. Ten minutes of racking his brain later, Dino finally recalled the famous Nobu restaurant in Milan. After sheepishly asking Romario to drive into the city, Dino felt somewhat guilty, so he went to get the paperworks he needed to sign to make up for his right-hand man.
"Wait here for me, yeah Kyoya? I'll be back shortly." Leaving the gazebo, covering the marbled path in quick strides, Dino breezed past the back entrance, ran up the staircases and opened the door to his office.
Once inside, he gathered up the scattered document and noticed that Kyoya was in the adjacent master bedroom, packing his clothes for the flight back at six pm. Never one to do as you're told, Kyoya, that at least hasn't changed. Still prideful and ferocious.
While gathering his works, the Cavallone don stumbled upon the latest report from Irie's biotech department. A sliver of hope to convince Kyoya of the continuation of their relationship shone in his mind.
Before he could utter the first word when he emerged from the side-door, Kyoya cut to the chase.
"The bottom line is every leader needs an heir, preferably his biological offspring. It is the same, whether you are a mafia don or a yakuza boss. Stop resisting, Bronco. Cease this nonsense." A direct declaration from the Cloud.
"I'm trying to do the right thing." mumbled Kyoya, turning his face towards the window.
So, you will give us up in order for me to have an heir, because your definition of love dictates such sacrifice.
"Well, take a look at this. I have been investing in several research departments under Irie Shoichi, together with the Vongola. So far, they have perfected time traveling and cloning any species including human. The next step in their biotech project is to use the genetic combination of two sperms to create a living being, utilizing the same techniques as cloning."
That caught Kyoya's attention.
"I think it's promising. They are making steady progress. Why don't you give science a try? Who knows what our future holds?" pleaded a sincere Dino.
"Hmm." The ex-prefect bit his lips, clearing his face of emotions and lost in thoughts.
Sometimes I truly miss the impudent and violently passionate Kyoya of your teenage years. He would not have cared about what the world expects of us or if his personal desire is right.
Walking in steps, the pair returned to the familiar gazebo; one buried himself in paperworks, the other submerged in his inner dialogues. Suddenly, the blonde, unable to hide his emotions, admitted his unwavering conviction.
"No matter how you may feel. I'm not sorry for confessing my love to you. I am not some pubescent boy who is either unsure or too afraid to express his affection and lives to regret his hesitation. I refuse to give up until you give me a definite and truthful answer."
At that moment, an exasperated Romario stepped onto the gazebo's smooth platform, handing them two boxes of Nobu's famous black cod in miso after one and half hour of rushing through Milan.
"Grazie!" A nod towards both Dino and Romario, a genuine thank you in soft Italian.
At five the afternoon, Dino and his special guest took separate showers and prepared for the drive to the Malpensa Airport.
While Kyoya was leaving the spacious bathroom to retrieve his already packed suitcase, Dino arrived at the master bedroom's door with an elegant box in hands.
A beat of awkwardness. So this is the end of your trip, our farewell until…
"My gift to you. Don't open it till you return to your headquarter." Handing Kyoya the present, watching him putting it away, Dino felt a painful squeeze around his heart.
Before Kyoya could say anything, he hastily covered their short distance and captured the skylark's face in his palms. Closing his eyes, his lips landed on unprepared ones. Gentle and patient kisses, waiting for Kyoya's response. The Japanese's hands reached out and took hold of his golden tresses, kissing back fervently. Slender fingers moved through his blond strands, pulling and caressing in an enticing rhythm.
Tilting his face sideway, Dino's tongue darted out, licking closed lips, asking for entrance. In a trance, Kyoya's lips opened, soft tongue slowly touched his. In that lustful moment, Dino's hands began to roam his beloved's ivory skin hidden beneath light fabrics. Tongues still entwined, experienced fingers exploring defined abs, tense muscles and slim waist. Both enchanted by the sensation of the other's taste in his mouth, fulfilling their wanton desires.
Before their lust could manifest further, Kyoya forcibly pushed Dino away, wandering hands dropped, tongue removed and lips disconnected. Lingering passions hung stale in the air.
Immediately after their kissing session, the skylark took his suitcase and hurried towards the front door. Dino took a deep breath and brought his red car to the front lawn. Accelerating away from the estate, the early evening's cool air calmed two uncertain hearts.
Dino and Kyoya arrived at the airport first after a silent car drive. Then, Romario, Kusakabe and a few of the Cavallone's men pulled out from their black car.
The group walked to their exclusive boarding port in melancholic quietness. Once there, three minutes before six pm, Dino saw the Vongola's private jet waiting to take their Cloud guardian back to Japan.
Kusakabe was thanking Romario and his men, before turning to thank him. Kyoya gave a slow nod towards them, catching their eyes just briefly. Biting his lips, the skylark turned to Dino and pulled him in a one-armed embrace.
Still recovering from his astonishment, Dino barely heard a fleeting whisper from his ex-tutee.
"Arigatou, Dino." The Cavallone's throat constricted, unable to respond.
Blinking misty eyes, Dino once again only found his Kyoya's straight back retreating out of his sight, walking away from him. You are leaving me again, love! Did I really hear your calling my name? I guess this is goodbye, hopefully for now!
The jet's engines rumbled, roared and took flight, carrying the independent guardian and willful skylark back to his homeland together with his faithful second in command.