Disclaimer: I don't own Katekyo Hitman Reborn.

Days Past

…

That day, when I held your hands tightly,

Was I really able to hold onto our happiness?

…

Ain sat on the verandah of Fon's new house. She was fresh from a shower after going up the mountain with Fon, who had excitedly wanted to show her his fresh purchase. It was a nice place – nicer than she expected a long abandoned teahouse to be. When he said that he had someone fix it a few days ago, she thought that it would still be a mess. But it seemed that whoever he had hired was a fast worker because everything looked perfect. Not even a speck of dust left.

The gate surrounding the house looked to be in perfect condition, along with the rest of the house's wooden pillars and tatami floors. The only furniture at the moment was a table, a chest for clothes, and a large futon, but that was to be expected. In the garden, there was a lone fruit tree that stood directly above her, providing adequate shade against the burning sun. Beside it was a small pond filled with clear water. There was a field for plants at the side of the house to her left, untilled. Training dummies and other equipment sat to the far right. A quiet place. Only nature surrounding it. It was perfect for someone like Fon.

"Ain," Fon whispered and she jumped. Ain turned her head to look behind her, but her vision was immediately covered by a fluffy towel. "Braid my hair for me."

"We're in the wrong position for that," she muttered, face beet red. Fon wrapped his arms around her neck, kneeling behind her and resting his cheek against the top of her head. The towel a thin barrier between them. His hair was still wet, but he didn't care.

It had already been a good six months since he had come back to the village. It was the most time he had ever spent in one place before and he was long bored of the sights, so moving had been a good idea. He knew that when he saw the view from here with Ain grinning up at him, he'd never tire of this mountain. Fon continued to nuzzle his cheek against her. Even with the towel he could smell her. She reeked of his soap and shampoo. It felt nice to smell like each other – like they truly were attached at the hip.

He could feel the tension in her shoulders and wondered for a moment if he was straining her muscles with the way he was leaning over her, but he quickly dismissed that idea. She didn't seem bothered or uncomfortable with their position. Maybe it was just the hike up?

"Are you tired?" He asked, softly. "The trip up seemed longer than usual. It looks like it's going to rain soon too."

"No," she shook her head as best she could, he could feel it. "You carried me all the way up here. Aren't you tired?"

"That was nothing," he said, closing his eyes and relaxing even more against her. "What do you think of my new house? Is it big enough? Do you like it?"

"It's nice," she whispered, nuzzling her nose against one of his arms. It was hard and smooth. Lean muscle. She continued to look at his arms, noticing the small cuts on them. "You're training hard."

"Only my usual workouts," he told her, unwrapping his arms from her neck and watching as she turned to face him.

"Want me to wrap them?"

"If you kiss it I think it will heal faster," he said, stifling a laugh when her face heated and she averted her gaze. He'd never get tired of that.

"P-Please don't say that so casually!"

"Sorry," he muttered, looking at her affectionately. His predatory mien softening at her unsure appearance. "That would be nice though. If you could wrap my arms, I mean."

Fon was quick to stand, helping her up as they scurried inside the house, hiding from the moon and stars – but not completely. They kept the doors open because there were still no candles and they needed the light, no matter how dim. Ain went to sit on the floor as Fon brought out a bundle of bandages, his long hair all over the place since it wasn't in its usual braid – wasn't even tied. He took a seat across from her as she went to work bandaging his arms.

It was silent between them as she carefully worked on each one. Tying the knots with care and making sure that it wasn't too tight. The natural light of the moon shining in from above kept the rest of the house in shadows. The night air was cool against their skin, but not so much that it was prickling. Not yet. The hoots of owls and other no name birds could be heard somewhere in the background, completing the feeling of living away from the rest of civilization. That is, if the lack of electricity and modern technology didn't complete that feeling enough. Either way, it really was very peaceful here.

When Ain was done, she grabbed one of his hands with a frown, clearing Fon's head of any and all thoughts.

"You're so strong and levelheaded, Fon," she said and Fon raised an eyebrow at her sudden praise. She brought his bandaged hand up to her cheek and nuzzled his open palm. The roughness of his callouses were a stark contrast to her own, delicate skin. "But please don't overdo things. You're very precious to me."

"It's nothing I can't handle."

She nodded. "If you say so."

"Ain," he called. A whisper. "I'm going to be leaving again soon. Tomorrow, actually."

"Another job?" She asked. He always disappeared for jobs every now and again. The time he was gone varied. From days to even a few weeks. There was even a time when he was gone for an entire month.

"Yes, this one isn't too bad. I can finish it in a few days," he said. "Why? Do you feel lonely?"

"A little," she said, honestly, but quickly changed the subject before he decided to tease her. Ain didn't bother asking details or if it was dangerous, he'd just sidestep the question. "Will you be by yourself again?" She asked instead.

He nodded. "I told you, it's a quick thing. Not too far from here."

"Will you be back?"

"I'll always come back," he reassured. She cried so easily that he had no doubt he'd feel a sickening chill in the pit of his stomach if he were to ever leave her behind.

She smiled in relief. "Have a safe trip then."

"I'm not leaving now," he said. His thumb traced the line of her cheek as he smiled back at her. "You're very bold today, letting me touch you so much. Not even jumping back."

"Because I'm a little sleepy," she admitted.

"Would you like to rest for a bit then?" He asked and Ain shook her head. Fon still kept his hand over her, despite the fact that she had dropped her own some time ago.

"Is there something wrong?"

"Nothing," he muttered. "I just wanted to touch your cheeks."

She smiled and nuzzled her head against his palm once more, before crawling up to him. Fon couldn't stop himself at that point. Not with her face so close. He kissed her. Long and soft. It wasn't their first kiss, but definitely the first she had accepted and responded to so quickly. Maybe it was because they were all the way up here. In a place where there was no one to barge in on them or disturb their time together. Her hands were on his collar, tugging him forward as if she couldn't bear to be apart from him. Was this because she knew that he'd be leaving again tomorrow or because she just wanted to let her feelings out tonight? Perhaps it was both.

Either way, he accepted.

It would be foolish not to.

The entire reason he bought a house near here was so he could be close to her. High up and away from everyone else where he could keep her to himself. Where he could protect her from all those out to get him because of his strength and because of the jobs he did. Jealousy and vengeance led people to terrible things and he didn't want her exposed to something as tasteless as that. Something that crude wasn't meant for her eyes. They had a normal relationship. He couldn't let his personal life get entangled with his work life. A life stained with sweat and blood.

"Ain," he called, breathing her in. Her name tasted like her. Like love. Like hope and he deepened the kiss because this pace was just a bit too slow for him. When things were slow, he thought. He doesn't want to think. Fon pulled away, giving her tongue one last stroke as he did so. She was panting slightly as he stared right at her, his gaze softening. His arms tightened their hold and brought her closer, because apparently that was possible.

"I love you, Ain, irresistibly so," he muttered and she stilled. He had wanted to say that for the longest time and while he wanted a reply, he didn't give her a chance to give one as he kissed her again. His hands caressing her body and tugging at her clothes.

The two falling to the ground in a tangled heap.

Hours later, when things had settled down. When even the birds stopped singing and let the crickets take the stage, Fon sat with Ain in his arms. A mess of intertwined limbs and long, tangled hair. She was on her front and leaning on him. Her neck in the crook of his elbow as his hand twined itself in her hair. His other hand was around her body, keeping her warm and protecting her from the chilly air. They were bare of all garments, just sitting in each other's satisfied company. The night had gotten colder, but they hadn't made a move to get up and close the door. Letting the moon shine above them. It wasn't like the heavens cared for what they did anyway.

Ain suddenly removed herself from their position and began tracing his tattoo with a curious finger. Up his arm and all the way to his chest.

He watched her actions carefully.

"Exploding Gale Fist," he said, after a moment. Still watching her. "That's the name of my invincible fighting style."

She smiled at him, before kissing the head of the dragon. He was all taut skin and lean muscle. Hard and warm against her. He was always so gentle with her that she sometimes forgot just how powerful he was. Always holding her as if she were the most precious thing in the world. As if he were scared that if he held too tight, she'd break.

"I love you the mos—Mmph!" Her whisper was cut off as he stole a kiss, re-wrapping his arms around her and bringing her closer. He took kiss after kiss, not letting her get the words out.

"If I never let you say it then you can stay here for a while longer, right?" He asked, giving her that fox like grin that made his eyes disappear.

"Bu—"

"Fine," he interrupted again. "You can say it. I won't let you go," he held her tighter as if to prove a point. "You should just live here with me," he muttered. He didn't have to look at her to know that she was blushing again. To know that her eyes had widened and she was trying to suppress a shy smile. "I can take care of you. I want to keep you here away from prying eyes. I'll protect you. You don't have to worry about anything, but me."

"I don't think I can stand always waiting for you to come home all by myself," she told him.

"That's a no then?" Fon asked, disappointed, but careful not to let it show. He watched as she slowly raised her head up to look at him, black meeting black. Her eyes nothing, but questioning. "Sorry," he amended when he got a good look at her face. "That was thoughtless of me. You also have a job to keep. I'm sorry for acting selfishl—"

She covered his mouth with her hand and he kissed it.

"All I need is you," she murmured, resolutely. "So if you're going to leave me waiting then you have to make up for it whenever you come back."

He ran his thumb over her cheek. "I'd hate it if I caused you hardship."

"As long as you come back then I'm happy."

"Really…?"

"Do what's right for you," she held the hand that rested on her cheek, kissing his palm. "And don't worry about me."

"Impossible," Fon gently kissed her parted lips.

He didn't know if it was the light of the moon shining down on them or the serene atmosphere of their surroundings, but in that moment the world was completely beautiful.

Weeks and months passed, and as days piled upon days, two years had come and gone in the blink of an eye. Ain was setting out the laundry, mindlessly clipping them so the wind wouldn't blow them away. Fon had gone out on another job – nothing new. He disappeared when he pleased and came back just the same. Truly, an irresponsible man. No, perhaps carefree fit him more. He went where the wind took him. Not that she was complaining. He'd bring her along with him sometimes, but those times were rare and she liked the mountain. Grown to love it, in fact.

This time he had been gone for a good three weeks. Not that Ain was keeping track or anything.

Right.

Even she didn't believe that.

"Boo!"

Ain's eyes widened and she dropped the basket she had been holding. She would have tripped right over her feet had familiar arms not wrapped themselves around her and squeezed. "Careful now," Fon said, smiling at her. Lichi was on his head, mimicking the expression. "I'm home."

She smiled, forgetting her surprise. "Welcome back."

After sharing a quick kiss, she pulled away from him and frowned. "Please stop scaring me."

"No," he shook his head. Ain pursed her lips as Fon squeezed her again, bending back so that her feet left the ground, making her smile once more. "Don't yell when I scare you, okay? You'll scare the animals."

"I can't exactly help it," she scolded halfheartedly, wrapping her arms around his neck in delight. "And stop! I'm still drying the laundry!"

"As far as I'm concerned, I should be your first priority," he told her, laying on the sweetness without a moment's delay and watching her face heat up. His grin widened at the sight. "Because you're mine."

"Really?" She raised a skeptical eyebrow.

He nodded, resolutely. "Even when we have children, I come first to you. I'm telling the kids that too."

She blushed at the thought of having children with Fon. Her face turning red in an instant. It was always such a rapid change that whenever Fon saw it, he'd grin in amusement. "I-Isn't that jumping the g—"

Fon pinched her cheeks, interrupting her – like always. "You don't want to have children with me?"

"N-No! That's not what I mea—"

"I know," he said. "Are you happy here, Ain?"

She looked at him with slight surprise, a questioning look on her face. "Of course I am," she answered, slowly. "Are you?"

His grin widened and his eyes crinkled in delight.

"Did I make you wait long?" He asked, instead.

She shrugged. "I'm used to it."

"You don't have to get used to a thing like that," Fon frowned at her, but Ain only continued to smile at him. Warmth and a sense of home radiating from her figure. It made him squeeze her tighter. "Oh, before I forget," he said, remembering something. Fon put her down and began digging in his sleeves. His braid billowing behind him in the soft breeze. "I got you a gift this time from Italy. I was allowed to take it with me."

He fumbled around for a minute more, before dropping something in her open palm and smiling pleasantly. It was a box. Medium sized and deep red. It looked like some kind of foreign object. Too expensive – out of place amidst their natural surroundings.

"What is it?" She asked, tilting her head.

"If it isn't opened in ten seconds then I'm taking it back," he said.

Ain's eyes widened and she immediately panicked, flipping the lid open without a second thought. A ring sat inside, glinting under the morning sun. It was plain silver with a dragon engraved all around it. Its eyes were shining and Ain realized that there were diamonds in the sockets. Fon took it out of its case and she saw the thin necklace it was attached to.

"This goes here," he whispered, putting his arms around her and clasping the thin chain around her neck. Ain noticed that a similar one hung around his own neck. "Because I can't wear mine on my hands. It might break."

"Fon…" She trailed off, looking up at his face that was barely an inch away from her own. "Is this an enga—"

"You'll say yes, right?" He interrupted.

Ain merely smiled, eyes disappearing, as Fon gave her a kiss that made her toes curl.

A/N: Be reminded that this fic is merely rated T - barely. So, no smut. In fact, I can probably lower this to K+, but I'll leave it at T cause minor suggestive themes, so yea... This is the final past chapter which means that the story is almost at its end. Two more chappies to go. You'll see Fon and Ain's reunion next. There's a preview up on my wordpress. It'll be out in about a week and a half, possibly earlier.

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