Thanks for all the reviews! :)
Just a reply to one of the guest reviews, Daemon didn't know Mukkun was "mentally-damaged" when he slapped him, he only found out when Tsuna explained Mukkun's condition afterwards.
VongolAddiction: I'm sorry I couldn't update as soon as you wanted me to, and you even messaged me a couple of times... it's just that I was stuck with my other fic... and possibly a new fandom...D:
Anaisse Steighart: I replied to you in PM. :D
Important Note:
Just in case anyone else is wondering, like Zamantha who sent me a PM, I do not have any other account besides this one. And if you happen to come across a fic entitled, "When Primo Encounters Neo Primo," that wasn't plagiarism because the author, PurpleCielo1117, had a disclaimer giving credit to me and this story. Okay?
Thank you very much and happy reading~
"Primo Meets Decimo"
Chapter 7: An Ode: To the Father that I hate so much.
Daemon exited his room after a few hours of watching Mukuro sleep, he still couldn't believe everything his son was forced to go through, and now he agrees, he might have been partially at fault. He looked to the side and wasn't surprised to see Chrome standing there, he knew she waited outside the whole time.
"It's still pretty early in the day, but you can take a nap if you want. We didn't do anything physically exerting, but I'm sure the emotional pressure was a little tough," Daemon knelt in front of his daughter.
Chrome shook her head, "I'm fine, I just want to stay with Papa."
Daemon stared at her, "Mukuro hates me, that was clear from the start. But about you, he was... rather conflicted, in my opinion. He was very protective, at the same time, jealous, envious, and angry even. How bad is it, exactly?"
"Onii-sama is just scared, he's always been more scared than me. Because he knows what it was like, he could remember everything," Chrome's eyes were showing a different kind of light. Admiration, worry, fear, were all present. "He feels responsible for me, that he always has to take care of me, and that only he should do that. But at the same time, he could feel envious and jealous because everyone takes care of me because I'm the only girl in the group. He might also be angry at me at times, because I don't understand him much. Onii-sama doesn't trust anyone, especially from the mafia, and that includes even Vongola as well."
"Chrome, which famiglia was it that did that to you? Tell me so I can take care of them now, to prevent these things from ever happening," Daemon asked gently, but deep inside he was already over boiling point. He was so furious, he was prepared to let loose infinite gates of hell.
But his daughter merely shook her head again, "don't worry about them anymore, Papa. Onii-sama already killed them, he killed them all."
The look in her eyes told him something was off, like holding a dead stare foreboding a massacre. Chrome held no remorse, no pity, no shame, no grief, no anger, no nothing. She looked as if she had hypnotized herself in eternal calm, like a blank slate, an empty shell, lifeless. That's when Daemon was reminded that she was also in that asylum where Mukuro was found, just not in solitary confinement. And just like his son, he knew for certain that his daughter was also broken, hopefully not beyond repair.
Giotto watched their surroundings with Tsuna in his lap, they were in the backyard porch overlooking the gardens where they decided they needed a little father-and-son time, the rest of the guardians were trying to get to know their sons after all. Asari was having tea with Takeshi in his room, Knuckles and Ryohei were offering prayers in the chapel, Lampo and Lambo were eating cake in the kitchen, Alaude and Kyoya were in his office, Daemon was watching over Mukuro and Chrome. As for G, he still didn't know where the hell his son went, so he opted to stay with Giotto and Tsuna, sitting in the next table.
"This should be long enough of a breather for him already, maybe you should go look for Hayato now, G?" Giotto suggested upon hearing another dejected sigh from the older storm.
"I've been thinking about that since earlier too actually, but... I don't really know how to console him," G crossed his arms and exhaled another sigh.
"Well, why don't you try to find him first, and then just let the momentum carry off the words?" Giotto smiled helplessly, he knew his advice wasn't good enough.
"That might not end pretty anyhow I think about it," G dismissed the thought.
Tsuna blinked at him and looked up towards his papa, "do you have a piano around, Papa?"
"No, unfortunately, since no one here knows how to play one, even Asari," Giotto had a slight frown.
"Then it would be good if you would go buy one now, Uncle G," Tsuna looked back at his uncle and suggested.
"A piano? What the hell am I supposed to do with a piano?" G thought it was a little weird for Tsuna to suggest something like that out of the blue, and they were supposed to be thinking of ways to talk to his son in the first place.
"Well, because Haya-kun loves the piano," Tsuna smiled when he saw the instant surprise in the two adults' faces. He giggled to himself before continuing to explain, "I shouldn't say anything further than this but it seems we can't really help it."
"I get it, it's like a peace offering, right?" G then decided to stand up and get going, "it's just an unexpected surprise that the brat would love a piano of all things."
Tsuna smiled at him again, knowing something full well that they didn't, "Uncle G... Hayato's mom was a pianist."
"Eh? You mean, G's wife?" Giotto had the first outburst.
Tsuna merely nodded with an amused smile, staring at how G's mouth hang wide open with eyes as wide in disbelief. "That's why the piano is the only thing that could calm down Haya-kun's storm."
After a few moments, G finally allowed himself to breathe again, he wasn't expecting to hear anything like that. He heaved a deep breath before quickly making a run for it, yelling back, "thanks kid! I owe you one!"
"Hurry back, Uncle G! It's not good to leave Haya-kun quiet for too long!" Tsuna shouted as well to the retreating figure.
The moment G made it out the door, Giotto allowed a frown to mar his brows, "was it really all right to tell him something like that?"
"Well, drastic times call for drastic measures," Tsuna turned back to his father and hugged him, "also, I was seriously getting worried about Haya-kun. When he's quiet he becomes like a time-bomb waiting to explode."
"I see, I wonder where he's been hiding then," Giotto murmured.
"Don't worry, Papa. It'll all be fine as long as Uncle G gets a piano," Tsuna clung tighter.
"I see, G looked excited too," Giotto smiled and ruffled his son's hair.
"Onii-chan~! Hurry up, and let's go~!"
Mukuro opened his eyes to see his little sister tugging at his hand, he immediately obliged and allowed her to pull him up. He just couldn't resist, seeing how both her beautiful indigo eyes twinkled in delight. They ran outside his bedroom, through the hallways and outside the mansion, towards the garden where white roses bloomed in full. There they found their mother, happily spreading out the plaid blanket for a picnic. She brought out the basket and started laying out the food for them.
Chrome almost jumped on the blanket, placing herself to her mother's left, deciding to help her prepare everything.
"Mukkun, come on now, take a seat," Elena smiled brightly at her only son.
"Mother, why are we having a picnic here?" Mukuro asked as he crossed his legs under him.
"Oh? Have you forgotten, Mukkun? Today is the day your father arrives from his long and dangerous journey, and we're eating out here to celebrate!" Elena happily proclaimed.
"Father? Father is coming home?! But how could that happen? He's dead!" Mukuro felt a sudden pang of pain, grief and at the same time, hopefulness.
"Oh, don't be silly! He's very much alive and well~!" Elena beamed at him.
"I see... so he's alive after all..." Mukuro slowly murmured, lowering his head as he allowed his mother's words to sink in.
"Are you nervous?" Elena flicked his forehead.
"A little," Mukuro smiled sheepishly.
"Well, worry not! Because your father is the most caring, understanding and kindest person I've ever met~ He's the greatest guy I know, that's why I married him~ and I'm sure he'll fall in love with you and your little sister at first sight~" Elena giggled, her face as vibrant as ever.
"You love him that much?" Mukuro had to ask.
"More than anyone in the world~! But of course, I love you and Chrome just as well," Elena hugged her son and daughter.
"Mother, what is father like?" This time it was Chrome who asked.
"Well, for starters, he's exactly like your brother here. The two of them even look too much alike it's unbelievable," Elena shared giggles with Chrome.
"I hope that's a good thing," Mukuro couldn't help feeling slightly mocked.
"Don'y worry, it certainly is," Elena turned back to him with another laugh.
"When father gets here, I'll finally have someone to take my side," Mukuro thought aloud, a bit sourly since both his mother and sister were obviously girls.
"I'm sure he will," Elena patted his head, "are you excited to meet him?"
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't," Mukuro fixed the hair his mother messed up, "so, where is he?"
"Well, unfortunately, you won't meet him here," Elena's expression suddenly turned solemn. "You have to go out there."
"What do you mean? Go out where?" Mukuro got a little confused seeing as they were already out in the gardens.
"Mukkun, it's time to wake up."
Mukuro jolted awake, heterochromic eyes wide in horror as cold sweat slowly trickled down from his forehead. He looked around him, and though the style of the place seems rather familiar, he wasn't in his room at all. He took a deep breath, wiping his arm on his forehead before momentarily closing his eyes.
"What the hell was that?" He questioned himself in an almost whisper, struggling to recall everything that happened the day before. That's right, they were attacked by numerous Gola Moscas, then there was a pink smoke that transported them back into their fathers' time. They had to tell them their past and his father slapped him.
"Tch," Mukuro gritted his teeth before opening his eyes, stupid things that are happening are giving him stupid nightmares. He thought back on the dream, that was the day they got ambushed, because his weak and foolish mother got herself lost in an illusion and dragged him and Chrome.
But he had to admit, back then he was really hoping he could meet his father, so much even he was disgusted by his own feelings. Now he wished he never did.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door before it slowly opened to reveal his father that he hated so much.
"You're awake," Daemon noted as he entered, carrying a tray of food.
Mukuro glared at and growled, "what did you do to me?"
Daemon raised an eyebrow, "what are you talking about?" He's a lot calmer now, good.
"Did you look inside my mind? Implant things in my head?" Mukuro knew his father was stronger than him and much more skillful in terms of utilizing mist flames, he was sure his father could do things he wanted to learn how to do.
"I was with Chrome the entire time," Daemon answered passively, placing the tray in the nearby coffee table.
Mukuro looked away, trying not to feel hurt and failing after he realized a lump had formed down his throat. So, he didn't even watch over me, since he was with Chrome the entire time. He repeated in his mind.
Daemon was lying of course, after escorting Chrome to the dining hall the day before, he immediately went back to watching over Mukuro for the rest of the day, he even fell asleep there. But there was no way he would tell Mukuro about that, not when the child clearly didn't want to have anything to do with him, or so he thinks.
After quite a long stretch of awkward silence, Daemon sat himself on the side of the bed, Mukuro visibly inched away. He sighed discreetly, he honestly had no clue where to start. Should he apologize for dying? Was that even his fault? Should he tell him that he was surprisingly proud? No, that sounds creepy. Should he ask how the boy was feeling? No, it was obvious. But as the older Mist continued to ponder on the things he should say, he didn't notice his eyes were lingering for far too long already.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Mukuro threw side glances at him, and quickly looked away, much too wary of his father's presence.
Daemon should've felt embarrassed at being caught, but he merely raised both eyebrows in a pleasant surprise at how his son was acting. Mukuro was kinda cute. Being the child that he was, to be in the presence of an overbearing father like him who was supposed to be dead for God knows how many years, it was obvious that he was feeling nervous, restless, uncomfortable and unbelievably shy.
He smiled inwardly to himself. It was endearing, that no matter how much the child had shown him nothing but hatred, he knows that he is his father. And that was something no one in the world could change, no matter how many times he traveled through time.
Unexpectedly for the both of them, Daemon gave him an amused grin, too lopsided than he meant but he didn't care, "nothing, I just thought you took after me too much."
"That was out of my control," Mukuro tightened his jaw, he couldn't meet his father in the eye.
Another stretch of awkward silence and it was Mukuro's turn to space out. He couldn't understand why he hadn't lashed out on his father yet, yesterday he was so mad he could swore he would've killed him. But now, he was even tolerating the prolonged visit, and to think they weren't even saying much. Of course, he was still angry, heck, he felt nothing but hate for his bastard-of-a-father. So then why? Why does he feel like his insides were churning? He wasn't scared of his father, no way in six hells! He was just... he just couldn't believe it, that his father was alive.
It was odd, that after fully bursting and yelling out all of his anger yesterday, now he felt the weight he's been carrying since his mother died was suddenly lifted. And the more it sank into him that his father is alive, the more he felt secured, safe, as if nothing bad could happen anymore because his father was there and alive. His father was sitting right beside him. Although, he'll never admit that because he still hates him. But still, his father is alive. He'd dreamed of this once, that his father was alive. He'd also thought about it too, that everything would've been different had his father been alive. And he is now. Even if it's only back in this time, even if it was just an illusion. His father is alive.
And no matter how many times he repeats it in his head, he hated to admit that he was a little glad. His father is alive. And then, somehow, he wasn't as angry as before. He snuck another glance at his father, the older man had his back turned to him after he got caught staring earlier.
"I'm sorry about hitting you last night," Daemon suddenly uttered.
"It's fine, I guess... I shouldn't have done that to Chrome," Mukuro replied, looking away.
"You should eat," Daemon stood up and started walking out the room. He didn't look back at his son anymore, and the door opened and closed.
Mukuro was once again left on his own, he swallowed hard when he felt the urge to cry. But he will not cry, because he wasn't sad.
Kyoya was lying on his side on the couch inside Alaude's office, he was watching how his father read papers, sign them, file them up or crumple them before throwing them into the bin. It was quiet, just in the middle of boring and peaceful but not dull enough to irk him. He was never much of a talker, and unsurprisingly his father was the same. There wasn't much to say anyway, he had already explained his side and he was sure the older man understood him. He didn't have any complaints, he knew it was a fact that there will always be someone stronger than you, that's why you have to keep getting stronger yourself. For his father, he didn't know how he and his mother lost that faithful battle, and it's not like it matters anymore. They were dead and that's all there is to it.
Right now, he felt like he was watching a memory, something that happened a long time ago that he wasn't able to witness before. His father was alive in this time, and all Kyoya could think of is how much he wanted to fight his father. Slowly, without even realizing it, he drifted to sleep.
From Alaude's point-of-view, his son was an impressive child, he couldn't have complaints either. He was quite strong for his age, adept, capable, had enough sense and most importantly, he was as quiet as a rock. He wouldn't make unnecessary noise unless you talk to him, and he stayed put, disciplined and dignified. Again he felt the swelling in his chest, there was no need to say anything and he has already admitted it to himself. Still he just couldn't help the slight upturning of his lips every time he thought about him. A proud father, that's something he can't deny.
Lampo tried to take a glance behind him, making sure his mini-self was still following. It was unnerving, the things he learned from his son and what happened to their family in the future. It bothered him, but not as much as his son stating that he was pathetic and a father to be ashamed of. He huffed, the nerve of that brat, he wouldn't say the kid reminded him of himself but he wasn't the kind of person who'd put himself in other people's shoes either. He walked on, they should arrive at the kitchen shortly.
On the other hand, Lambo pretended not to notice the not-so-subtle glances his father was throwing at him, every other minute or so. He didn't really want to go with him, but everyone else went along with their fathers so he had no choice. Well, he really didn't hate him, it's just that compared to the other fathers, his was... okay, let's drop that thought. His father wasn't the most horrible person in the world, he was just... nothing, or lacking recognition of anything, really.
Then again, he guessed he was the same. They were the same, and he didn't know if he should be glad about that or not.
Knuckles had brought Ryohei into the chapel, he was teaching the kid how to pray the rosary because he said he always forgets how to. But he still wanted to learn because his mom used to wear one all the time. Knuckles smiled inwardly, he knows he has a good son. It's just sad that people seem to take this innocent little child as one born of sin, that was probably his fault, but he also didn't know. If he could help it, he would do anything for his son. But could he turn his back on his vocation? He was sure the rest of the family wouldn't mind, but how should he feel about this? Is he prepared to abandon his only salvation?
He looked at his son again, the child had his eyes closed, brows scrunched together with both of his hands pressed together in front of his lips as he whispered his prayers, the rosary dangling loosely in between his palms. If it was for Ryohei, he wouldn't really mind jumping into hell.
When he became a priest, he didn't think his sins would be forgiven, it was more like retribution, a self-inflicted punishment, his acceptance of penalty. Besides, there were a lot of times he questioned his being a priest and at the same time, a member of the mafia. He knew he was being contradictory, but he couldn't really help it. He was a sinner, as human as he could be. He could only hope God would forgive him, but if he doesn't then at the very least, please spare my son.
For the first time in a long time, he had something special to pray for.
Takeshi had stated earlier that he wanted to learn more about his father, so Asari decided to play a piece for him with his flute. Takeshi liked it, but he honestly had not much knowledge about music so he couldn't really appreciate it as much as he wanted to. Next time, he should ask Hayato to teach him more about music and stuff like that, since his father seemed to enjoy it a lot, so he supposed he wanted to learn more about it too.
Afterwards, Asari served him tea and showed him a proper ceremony. The atmosphere that surrounded them was really relaxed, peaceful and warm. They also talked about all sorts of things, like Takeshi being bad at his studies, and how he loves baseball. Speaking of baseball, they ended up playing a little game of it too since Asari also wanted to learn. And it was such a refreshing sight, Takeshi was having so much fun, nothing could wipe the grin off his face. Asari was losing but he too was having the time of his life, he couldn't remember the last time he laughed so hard and at himself too because he was losing so bad.
It was a prefect father-son moment, the only problem was...
He watched as Takeshi batted another home-run, eyes as sharp as his own.
His son had a killer's eyes. A natural-born assassin, just like him.
Suddenly, he felt a weight on his shoulders, so that's how it was. That's what his adoptive father felt, something akin to fear but different. Guilt? But he didn't do anything wrong, in fact knowing he had a son made him feel like it's the greatest thing that ever happened to him. Concern? Responsibility? He couldn't figure it out, all that he knew was, he didn't want his son to be at the risk of harm. And that's what the mafia stood for, not just for others, but for themselves as well.
His son was in danger, of living the life the same as him.
It was early the next day when Tsuna woke up to the loud banging of a certain piano, he immediately knew that Uncle G was back and has brought a piano with him. But why did he take the whole day and only get back the next morning? Hayato was another problem on his own, he didn't come home at all, and he was nowhere to be found in the entire mansion.
He ran out of his room, still in his pajamas and hurriedly knocked on his father's door.
"Papa! Papa! Uncle G's back!" Tsuna shouted through the door, and it opened revealing Giotto who was in the middle of buttoning his shirt, getting dressed.
"Good morning to you too, Tsu-kun," Giotto smiled amused at his son's excitement. Finishing the last button, he walked over and took tiny hands into his. "Now, let's go welcome him, shall we?"
Hand in hand the two skies, walked the hall and went down the stairs. Into the living room, sat the whitest grand piano Tsuna had ever seen. It had intricate carvings of flames, almost the same as on G's face. Shiny keys of both ivory and ebony, with glinting iron-carbon wires on the inside.
"Wow! It's beautiful!" Tsuna gaped.
"Yeah, and it's custom-made, the only one in the world," G smiled proud of himself.
"So that's why you took the entire day, did you really have to go this far? I don't think Hayato would've minded an ordinary piano," Giotto appreciated the effort G was trying to put for his son, but he still thought consoling Hayato should've been the top priority.
"I know, but the shop keeper insisted a custom one when he found out who I was," G rubbed his nape with a sigh, remembering the encounter. "And I didn't want to come back empty-handed either so I had to wait for it."
"I see," Giotto made no other comments, thinking that G might have needed that time as well, to calm his own storm.
"But this is just great! I can't wait to see the reaction on Haya-kun's face!" Tsuna walked up to the piano.
"What? He hasn't come back yet?" G looked at Giotto, and the Boss only shook his head sadly.
"Don't worry, he probably just went downtown, let me call for him," Tsuna assured them as he walked outside to the balcony and summoned his box weapon.
"Natsu! Cambio Forma!" A huge lion covered in sky flames came out and roared in front of Tsuna, it was so big and so dangerously looking. Giotto was suddenly afraid for his son, he was keeping a lion as a pet!
"Natsu, could you please pick-up Haya-kun from wherever he is?" Tsuna petted the huge lion that had to lie down for his reach, in return Natsu licked Tsuna all over his face which caused the little sky to laugh in surrender. "All right, all right. I'll play with you later when you get back."
"Gao~!" Natsu roared as he got up, shaking his mane before turning to his back and flying into the air, sky flames lighting up is trail.
"Now that, was amazing," G commented stunned.
"Tsu-kun, that big lion was your pet?" Giotto cautiously approached his son.
"Nope, he's my partner!" Tsuna turned to look back at his father, and both Giotto and G had to hold their breaths. It was the first time in his new age that they saw Tsuna with his Hyper Dying Will Mode on. And he was the splitting image of his father, only younger.
Giotto smiled tenderly and carried his son in his arms, "come on, Tsu-kun. Let's wait for them inside."
By the time that Natsu came back with Hayato riding his back, it was only G who was waiting there. Upon landing on the balcony, Hayato's face regained its permanent frown, seeing his father was never gonna be one of the things he looked forward to. True, that he felt kinda glad meeting him and he even admitted that, but the hate he harbored in his entire ten—nine years of existence will never be easily forgotten.
When he got off Natsu, the sky lion immediately flew back into the sky and out of sight. So Gokudera had to ask, turning back to his father he glowered as he walked in. "Where's Bocchan? He called for me and he even sent Natsu-"
He had to stop himself when he saw it, the whitest grand piano in the world, right beside his father.
G heaved a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. He didn't know what to say to the brat, should he apologize? Apologize for what? Being his father? Dying to protect the famiglia? Damn. He then realized that his son had gone silent, not even making any noises. He looked at him, and was surprised to the sight of his son near to tears. Glassy eyes, shivering lips and shaking form. He looked ass of he was gonna bawl any second. But he didn't.
"That's... my mother's," he said hiccupping.
"What?" G had to wonder. "This is custom, I had it made."
Hayato stared at him for a moment, then looked back at the piano. He was certain, this was his mother's most prized possession! And there's no way he could be wrong, this was where he learned to play the piano in the first place!
So... he was the one who gave it to my mother, from before I was even born...? Damn it.
Hayato approached the piano, and touched the smooth surface of the sides.
"Can I play?" He didn't bother looking back.
"Go on..." G answered almost immediately, flattening down his tone. "It's yours."
Hayato was surprised by that, but he made no comment.
I see, so that's how it was... he had it made for me when we met here in the past?
He sat in the velvet chair, inhaled three deep breaths, before softly laying his fingers on the keys.
It was now G's turn to be surprised, when he found out Hayato played the piano he was instantly amazed, he had already imagined how his son would sit and press the keys in a lovely music. But this was definitely not what he was expecting, the piece started as a mellow-dramatic upbeat tune that was a mix of a sad but hopeful story. [1] G didn't have any idea on what the song was about, but it was certainly endearing. He closed his eyes and completely immersed himself.
AN:
1.) Search Youtube for Time Machine piano version by Sumire1998.
By the way, guys! Did you hear the good news? Katekyo Hitman Reborn! is getting a reprint! This is definitely a sign! I'm gonna keep my hopes up~ :D
Please review! :3
— Lynx
021415
And Happy Violent Times Day! xD
