Confessions of a Gold-Digger
#49. Gonna Set Your Flag on Fire
"These are your chambers," Gokudera said as we walked into a room as freaking big as a baseball field. He smirked at my reaction. "Close your mouth, Elena, or flies will get in."
Tsuna had disappeared since the kiss (there was no way I was such a bad kisser, right? That a Mafia Don would avoid me because of it?) and Mukuro had immediately left for a mission so Gokudera was left with the responsibility of guiding me around.
The room was decorated in splendours of red and gold. I was still dressed in my work clothes, stinking like raw fish, and I felt like I was sticking out like a sore thumb.
My confidence tanked.
Someone like me shouldn't even have the right to look at such a room with my own two eyes.
"All Vongola Donnas have lived in this room before their marriage," Gokudera informed me as I gazed at the eight portraits that hung on the wall facing the bed. "Since all of them have been Storms so far, the Vongola made a permanent chamber for future Donnas in the Storm Wing."
"All of them were Storms?" I asked, astounded. None of the women in the portraits were otherworldly beauties but I wouldn't have dared to make eye contact with them if they were alive. Dressed in red, covered in gold jewelleries, weapons on hands, lioness at feet… all the external glamour could not hold a candle to the fierceness in their eyes.
I felt incredibly small.
"Skies almost always marry Storms," Gokudera said simply, like he was stating the most obvious fact in the world.
"Where's Ottavo's husband's portrait?" I asked.
"Ottavo ascended the throne when she was married so her husband never lived in this chamber," Gokudera answered before he turned to the six maids standing at the entrance of my room with their heads bowed down. "Elena, you will under their care. If you need anything, let them know. Since you arrived within such short notice we were only able to get you six maids but I'll make sure that more are added soon. These maids are bounded by Omerta so you can trust them. If they betray us, they will die."
I took a step back, immensely intimidated, and shook my head, "I don't need maids."
Gokudera studied me carefully before he spoke to the maids, "Leave us for now."
The maids immediately bowed and walked out, giving us privacy.
"You were right, Gokudera," I said, looking down at my feet, "I'm not worthy of being a Donna. I am in over my head. All of this feels wrong–"
I didn't want to sound this weak in front of someone else but– but what was I supposed to say?
"Whether you like it or not, you'll be the future Donna of the Vongola Famiglia," Gokudera said firmly. "Without you, the Vongola will never have legitimate heirs to inherit the throne. I don't know why you're being so dramatic. You're a gold-digger and look.." Gokudera spread his hands around at the room "The wealth of the world is at your feet."
I rolled my hands into fist and looked up to glared at him, "Do you truly think that I love Tsuna because of his future inheritance? Do you think this fancy room filled with maids or a house made of mud would make any difference to me as long as Tsuna would be my side? Then, surely you're with Yamamoto because one day he will be a better hitman than Reborn. Did you stop loving him when he was paralysed waist down?"
Anger flashed in Gokudera's eyes, "How dare you question my feelings for–"
"We are both Storms," I said sharply. "We both know the value of our feelings and of eachother's. You should understand me more than Tsuna and Mukuro combined, Gokudera. After all, you are the Storm Guardian and I am a smaller Storm under your wing. I am not your enemy, Vongola Storm. My flames have taken refuge at your feet."
"You're right," Gokudera sighed, massaging his temples. "We might as well start getting along. I never doubted your feelings or loyalty towards Tenth. I know that even if we, his Guardians, turn our backs on his, you will be by his side. You're just so… irritating. I have never met someone so irritating in my life."
I rolled my eyes and crossed my hands, "Yeah, I get that a lot." My heart sunk slightly and I felt something inside me shifting. "I might love Tsuna but I definitely don't have the grace or self-control of a Queen. Like you said, I'm the most irritating person in the world. I wish Tsuna had fallen in love and claimed someone like Kyoko. My heart would've been broken but at least the Vongola would get a suitable Donna. " I looked up at Gokudera helplessly.
"We're stuck with you so how about you start acting like one," Gokudera said but then it changed into something incredibly serious. I was a little surprised. I wasn't used to him taking me seriously. Ever. "I didn't bring you here to play your little tour guide. I am here to talk to you about the wars the Vongola is in."
"I know. I know," I looked away, annoyed, "Everything is my fault. If I didn't exist the wars would never happen–"
"That's not what I'm here to talk about," Gokudera interrupted me.
I focused my gaze at him, "Look, didn't Tsuna say that he was going to end the wars? What more do you want–"
"I don't want the wars to end," Gokudera declared. "That Yamamoto should have kept his mouth shut instead of suggesting that to Tenth."
His announcement stunned me to silence for a good minute. "Well, excuse me, but from what I recall, my big brother was getting a lot of shit for these very wars from you."
"I was angry at him for breaking Tenth's heart," Gokudera said, his hands balled into fists for a second before they relaxed, "but I cannot deny the good that it brought."
"What good can war bring?" I asked.
"Justice," Gokudera said. "Even at his worst, Tenth's Wrath is just. He only went to war with monsters such as human experimenters and traffickers. Tenth swore to change the Mafia, to strip the Vongola back to its vigilante core. These wars are his steps towards this change. What does it show if he abandons his plan before he even starts it?"
For the first time in months, I smiled.
"What's so funny?" Gokudera mood soured.
"Just thinking that Tsuna couldn't have chosen a better right-hand," I stood up, my smile never falling. "You know his Dying Will better than he himself does. My Sky will never lose his way as long as you are by his side, Hayato."
Gokudera looked bashful for a second before he forced himself into a scowl. "Tch. That's not the point, dumbass."
"I heard that he's gonna declare the end of the wars tomorrow to his allies," I said. "You need to inform him about your views before that meeting. That's your duty as his right-hand man."
"If it was that easy," Gokudera said, annoyed. "Less than twenty-fours ago, Tenth still thought you were dead. He's still… unstable."
"Are you scared of him?" I asked worriedly.
"What?" Gokudera looked up at me with surprise. "Yes– I mean, no. Tenth would never hurt a hair on my body, if that's what you're thinking. But I don't think he's mentally in a place that he'd accept his authority being questioned."
"Why? Has Tsuna fallen so low? Only incompetent, cowardly leaders get angry if their authority is questioned," I said angily. "To question authority is bravery and to let your authority be questioned is strength."
Gokudera massaged his temples. "Tenth is neither incompetent nor cowardly. He's just… broken. You're forgetting your importance in his life. You are his first Element and his first friend. There is no one in this world he loves as much as he loves you. And, he thought you died, Elena. He staged a coup against the most powerful man in the Mafia and went to war with criminal lords because of you."
Guilt stabbed at me.
"What would you like me to do?" I asked.
"Act like a Donna for once in your life," Gokudera said. "Convince Tenth to continue the wars. He doesn't know how to refuse you."
"You make me sound like some Mary Sue," I said honestly.
"You wish," Gokudera snorted. "You smell like raw fish and you're still dressed as a waitress. You should get changed and put on some perfume if you're gonna seduce Tenth into continuing the wars."
"Now you make me sound like an evil seductress," I said, glaring at him playfully.
"If the shoe fits–"
I smacked his arm, but then I grabbed it.
"Gokudera, I cannot take your place," I said seriously. "I am neither smart nor well-informed enough to help him make such decisions. You will have to be one to talk to him."
"Elena, you don't understand–" Gokudera said, irritated.
"I understand our roles," I said. "You are the Chief Element. Your place is superior to all of Tsuna's Guardians. Your job is to guide his Dying Will."
"Why is everything such a drama with you–"
"This situation is my fault," I said. "I promise you that I will fix it. Now, leave. I have to think."
"Tch," Gokudera said, "you're not even a Donna but you've started ordering me around."
"Stop saying foolish things," I chided Gokudera. "You are the superior Storm and my Flames have taken refuge at your feet. How can I order you?"
"Save– save your flattery, idiot" Gokudera spluttered before quickly leaving in embarrassment.
I walked into Tsuna's study and closed the door shut. The moment I saw him all dressed up in his suit my heart started hammering in my chest. God, suits were to women what lingerie was to men.
Tsuna looked up from his papers and I gulped. I should've taken Gokudera's suggest of changing and putting on some perfume.
'Don't you want to be bent over his desk and fucked hard?' I nearly choked in my saliva thanks to my perverted Storm flames.
He stared at me like I was a ghost.
"I'm not that pale," I snorted. "I've got a good tan from all the sushi deliveries I did so stop looking at me like I'm a ghost."
Tsuna coughed in embarrassment and nodded. "Please, um, take a seat, Elena."
I did as he said and looked at him pointedly. "I am here to demand something from you."
"I'm sure the maids would be able to–" He suddenly seemed to be in a haste to get rid off me.
"No, they aren't some service or object the maids can give me," I looked away, feeling a little hurt. "It's something that only you can give."
Tsuna studied me seriously, "What do you need from me, Elena?"
"You promised me everything except mercy, do you remember that?" I asked. "You can't refuse my request."
Tsuna straightened his back and nodded, pulling out a checkbook and pen from his drawer. "What do you have in mind?"
Anger boiled up in me at the sight of the checkbook. He thought I was here to demand money like some gold-digger– I pushed the thought down.
"I want you to go and beg to your Guardians for forgiveness," I ordered. "You have treated them more as generals than siblings. It doesn't suit a Sky to abuse his power like that. Beg for their forgiveness until your Hyper Intuition tells you that they have truly forgiven you. Start with Gokudera and ask for his forgiveness tonight. By acting like an ass, you have even blocked your Chief Element's guidance. It is a sign of a leader's cowardice and incompetence when his own men are scared to correct him"
Tsuna's expression turned unreadable and it made me a little nervous. His hand reached out to me. "You're so sexy–" I couldn't make out the last word he said because Tsuna pulled away his hand and violently coughed "I mean, temperamental."
I frowned, feeling hurt.
"I mean it's true, but if that's all you think of me," I said, looking away. "I am the one who left everyone. If anyone needs to be punished, it should be me."
I looked back at Tsuna and he looked a little horrified, the first real emotion I saw in him since I came back. "I hope I die before the very thought of punishing you ever crosses my mind."
'Don't say that,' my flames whispered to me, 'because we would really like to be punished in bed, my Sky.'
My face went bright red. How– how can a pure woman like me–- have –- have such shameless Flames! Thank God Tsuna couldn't hear my Flames! Else, I would have died from embarrassment.
"I, uh, am very tired," I stood up quickly and turned my back on him, hoping he didn't notice my tomato-red expression. I waved my hand. "Just go and talk to Gokudera before the meeting without being all intimidating and mean. That's all. Okay. Bye."
I bolted out of that room like my life depended on it. I didn't want to take any chances. What if my thirsty Flames decided to get bolder and did something completely shameless!
I stared at the doors of the meeting room apprehensively.
The meeting with the Guardians and Vongola allies should be over soon. I hoped that Tsuna listened to Gokudera–
The doors opened and everyone started walking out. There was no tension in the air and Tsuna was deep in conversation with Dino. All the Guardians seemed relaxed and the Allies looked pleased.
My eyes didn't leave Tsuna until Byakuran approached me with a mischievous smile. Oh, right. The asshole was now a Vongola core-ally. "I am pleased to see you are alive. Don Vongola will be much more tolerable."
"I am not pleased to see you," I said simply.
"I have some good news for you," Byakuran grinned.
"What good can possibly come out of you?" I asked. I felt Tsuna glance at us before going back to his conversation with Dino.
"Tsk. Tsk," Byakuran shook his head playfully. "So mannerless."
I rolled my eyes, "Now, if you excuse me, my murderer–"
Byakuran grabbed my arm before I could walk away and whispered into my ears, "I have declared war with the Carcassa."
I looked up at him in surprise.
"Please follow me to the gardens," Tsuna announced. "We have a buffet prepared for you all."
"Let's have lunch together then," Byakuran told me mischievously and I nodded.
There were too many people for everyone to fit into one table so there were plenty of smaller tables scattered around in the garden.
Byakuran and I sat in one far away corner with our food before I finally spoke. "Why are you telling me this?"
He leaned close to me and I leaned in closer.
"I have heard what the Carcassa heir did to you," Byakuran said as he slurped his soup. "Kidnapped you and then tried to sell you off to a brothel. I just thought you'd be interested in knowing. I am honestly surprised that your Sky didn't declare war with them as soon as it happened."
I tried not to show how the last sentence stabbed my heart. "Why are you going to war with them?"
"Well, since Sawada has started this trend of declaring wars with the worst of the Mafia I thought I'd join in," Byakuran shrugged his shoulders and I rolled my eyes.
"I'm not stupid, Byakuran," I said. "You don't do anything without an ulterior motive in mind. Don't expect me to believe that you declared war with the Carcassa because it's some fashion trend."
"You got me there, future Queen," Byakuran said, amused. "The Carcassa is one of my business rivals."
I reached for my arrows. "You're into human trafficking–"
"Prostitution," Byakuran said quickly. "Very, very consensual. Neither my girls nor my boys have been kidnapped and raped. They chose to sell their bodies and I give them the best customers. I even give them the best health insurance, believe me. The Carcassa, on the other hand, have better business because they have a huge amount of Storms, all kidnapped I assure you."
"I want to confirm that your business is," my face went a little red, "consensual."
"Your lover himself confirmed that, but you are free to visit my brothels," Byakuran smiled.
My face went redder at the word 'lover'. "What do you plan to do the Carcassa?"
"Annihilate them," Byakuran said simply before his grin grew wider. "But I'm not against the idea of playing with my food… I know how vengeful Storms can be. If you have any ideas, I will be happy to execute them."
"That's very nice of you to offer," I felt confused before my eyes narrowed. "Why are you being nice to me?"
"Does no good deed go unpunished?" Byakuran laughed. He glanced behind me and I turned around to see Tsuna staring at us blankly. "Let's say that I'm playing a little game."
"What kind of game?" I turned back to Byakuran.
"The one that will get you laid, my ass kicked and my rival destroyed without any personal loss to me," Byakuran laughed.
"Get me laid?" I spluttered. "Byakuran, I am not having sex with you. Like ever–"
Byakuran snorted. "I have absolutely no interest in a Storm who is as heavily claimed as you. Plus, you are my ally's future wife. You might as well be my sister."
"Then what do you mean by–"
"All in good time. You'll thank me later," Byakuran said dismissively. "Now do you want discuss about the Carcassa or not?"
I nodded. "What do you have in mind?"
Byakuran and I were lost in conversation for hours. He discussed different strategies with me and I gave input on how it could be made more humiliating for the Carcassa. Something was telling me that he was just humoring me and that he had a completely different goal in mind.
Byakuran kept glancing at Tsuna when we talked and it was clear that Tsuna had eyes on us for most of the afternoon.
The sun was starting to set when Tsuna approached us with his hands behind his back like he was restraining himself from something. He looked so handsome and regal in his suit and he was so close and oh my gosh–
"The guests have all left, Byakuran," Tsuna said politely.
"I am so sorry," Byakuran stood up and broke into a sinister little smile. "Elena is so charming that I completely lost track of time and surroundings."
"I'll walk you out–" Tsuna said.
"I'll do it," I said quickly. I still had so many things to discuss with Byakuran.
"There's no need," Byakuran smile grew wider. "I'm pretty familiar with this place."
I frowned. "Okay, then. You have my number. Please call me as soon as possible."
Byakuran grinned, like I had just jumped into his trap.
"How about I give you a better offer, Elena?" Byakuran stared at Tsuna with a smirk as he spoke. "Move into my mansion. Help me plan. I am sure it will bring you great joy."
He was right. Plotting the destruction of the Carcassa would bring me a lot of satisfaction. I could exact my revenge better if I was right there with Byakuran in his War Council.
Tsuna went rigid.
"Okay," I agreed without hesitation. "I just have a few things with me. Let me go grab them and then I can leave with you today."
Before I could walk away, Tsuna grabbed me tightly. "You are not going anywhere."
"I didn't ask for your permission– " I said.
"Don't you know what a grave insult it is take an Element from a Sky?" Tsuna said with barely concealed anger directed at Byakuran. "Are you declaring war on the Vongola?
"Tsuna-kun, forgive me," Byakuran pretended to look apologetic, "I think you're misunderstanding the situation. As I announced in the meeting, I will be declaring war on the Carcassa. I simply thought Elena would be interested in their destruction after what their heir did to her. That's why I'm inviting her to live with me so that she can help me plan how to humiliate them. My purpose was not to insult you."
"Elena is my Storm and she will go nowhere with the man who murdered her," Tsuna ordered.
"Astounding," Byakuran said, his smirk widening. "It's truly astounding that the strongest Sky in the Mafia has forgotten the nature of Storms. Elena is a Storm. To act against cruelty and demand justice is her very nature. That's why Storms are called their Sky's vengeance. Did you think that she would quietly swallow the humiliation she faced in the hands of the Carcassa? She wishes to come with me because she doesn't think her own Sky can give her any kind of justice and protection. It's a real shame she has been permanently claimed. Poor thing is stuck with whatever she–"
Tsuna's eyes glowed orange, and his hands balled into fists. "It's best if you leave."
"Yes, I believe I have outstayed my welcome," Byakuran said before he turned to me. "Elena, don't let mafia politics think you're unwelcome. As a woman, you have the right to revenge. And, as someone who owes you the life of my Famiglia, I will be happy to give you that right."
Byakuran was about to walk out when Tsuna spoke, "The Vongola will be declaring war on the Carcassa. There's no need for your Famiglia to get involved."
Byakuran turned around and smirked, "As you wish, Don Vongola." Then he walked away.
'Let's say that I'm playing a little game.'
'The one that will get...my rival destroyed without any personal loss to me.'
Oh!
"Tsuna," I turned to him, immediately feeling guilty, "he played you for a sucker! He provoked you into fighting his enemy for him! And he used me! You don't need to fight the Carcassa–"
"Do you know when I fell in love with you?" Tsuna asked and I choked on my saliva.
I opened and closed my mouth like a gaping fish, wondering where this came from.
"When you exacted revenge on my bullies," Tsuna's gaze burned into me. "No one had ever stood up for Dame-Tsuna. Not even my mom. Yamamoto, Onii-san and Hibari knew about my bullying but they never did anything about it. Sure, they are my Guardians now but they never stood up for me when I was a useless nobody. I had to prove my worth to them but you–" He tucked a strand of my hair back. "I never had to prove myself to you. You saw worth in me when I had none. You protected me when no one thought I was worth protecting."
I knew I was red as a tomato. I tried to speak but all I made was animal sounds. "I– uh– I– do– what– I–"
"I'm sorry," Tsuna said. "I was so...I was so self-occupied with your return that I completely forgot about what the Carcassa did to you. I knew that Byakuran wants to use the Vongola to get rid off the Carcassa but he helped me remember what's truly important to me. The Carcassa will be erased by your Sky's hands, Elena. I promise you that. Only I have the right to protect you and kill those who have even imagined harming you."
"You know," I said, giving him a half-hearted glare before looking down at me feet, "you make me look like some pathetic boy-crazy fool. One word from you and I'm putty in your hands. You should be cursed for making someone as badass me look so weak."
Tsuna's hands were all over me as he bent me down to kiss me senseless. I was panting hard as we broke the kiss apart but then the look in his eyes froze me in my place.
It was the same craze and need I saw yesterday but it wasn't restrained anymore. My Flames immediately submitted to his and I could feel his Flames hum with pleasure at it.
His Flames were different. They were hungry and consuming. He pressed his forehead against mine and he gazed into my eyes. His stare was so intense that I couldn't look at him or away from him. "You are mine and I own you."
The pleasure my Flames felt at his words crashed into me. My heart started beating incredibly fast and I felt like I was just injected with all the drugs in the world.
"Yes," I spoke meekly and nodded.
"Brave, fiery, loyal," Tsuna kissed my jawline as he said each word, "and all mine."
I closed my eyes, letting myself get lost in the sensations– The bloody stuffed cow appeared in my vision, and I immediately pulled away, pushing Tsuna slightly.
I self-consciously withdrew into myself. I was no longer on Flame Suppressants so– I visibly flinched at the memories involving Daemon Spade.
All of my repressed emotions hit me like a whiplash and I suddenly felt incredibly weak.
My Flames burned from the emotional pain. I studied my shaking hands weakly, practically bleeding vulnerability.
I felt crippled by my sudden helpless state. I had never felt more alone–
Tsuna pulled me closer.
"You left me because you were in blinding pain, but you forgot that you are mine and everything that is yours is mine, Elena, especially your pain. I'm not going to leave your side until," he gently grabbed my shaking hands with one of his hands, "you have healed from your past."
"It's nothing," I said, trying to repress my emotions. "Don't worry about it. You have all these wars that are already happening because of me–"
"I'll return the Vongola back to Nono under the condition that he continues the wars with the four Famiglia and adds Carcassa to the list. Reborn, Dad and Xanxus will be there to help him so it'll be fine," Tsuna said quickly, his hand running through my hair in comfort. "I need to take care of the most important person in my life first."
I rubbed my nervous, shaking Flames against his crotch to arouse and distract him. "Come on, Master, you don't need to make sacrifices for me. Let's just forget this and you can dominate your Storm all you wish–"
"And I will," Tsuna said, his voice a little hoarse with arousal, before he gently pushed my Flames away. "But you're not in right state of mind right now. My Flames need to heal your heart and comfort your mind before they take your body."
I grabbed his shirt. "Let's just forget it–"
"Pain doesn't go away unless you deal with it," Tsuna said, lifting me up bridal style with ease, "and you're under extreme pain."
His Flames were not burning with passion against mine anymore. They wrapped around my Storm Flames, cocooning around my soul like a warm blanket in a wintry night. I couldn't help but sigh with slight relief.
"It's– not something that can go away with just once chat," I said quickly. "There are more important things–"
"I know it'll take months for you to recover and I will be by your side every moment," Tsuna assured me as he carried me towards the Lightning Wing. "Also, there is nothing more important to me than you, and there never will be."
"It's a little odd that you turned from ruthless mafia boss to mother-hen caretaker in just a few seconds," I hid my face against his shoulder in embarrassment. "Where's that sexy bad boy reputation you garnered for yourself?"
"You think my bad boy image is sexy?" Tsuna chuckled and I felt his chest vibrate. One of his hands lightly squeezed my ass before smacking it, and I had to bite my lips from giving out a happy, girly shriek. "I'll save that for when you're better. I promise you I'll take you in every way possible and you'll feel completely dominated."
My head went to override at that and I wanted Tsuna to put me down so the Earth could swallow me whole. I also prayed that Tsuna didn't realise how much I desired what he just promised.
Tsuna walked into a Lightning Chamber and dropped me.
I bounced in the bed for a few seconds before the three small bodies swarmed me. Tsuna sat next to me, watching the scene in amusement
"Dame Elena-nee!" Lambo shrieked into my ears as he grabbed my head like a ball.
"Bad Lambo," I-pin tried to pull Lambo off. "Elena-nee will go deaf."
"Hey, Elena-nee," Futa tugged my pant shyly trying to get my attention.
I noticed a small teal-haired boy sitting at the other corner of the bed with a blank expression in his face. So Fran had finally arrived in the story.
I grabbed Fran and pulled him into the group, laughing. "What's up, twerp? I am your teacher Mukuro's baby sister. That makes me your big sis."
"I could never be related to someone as ugly as you," Fran said, and I fake-glared at him. "I feel like I saw you somewhere."
"Yup," I said, wincing as Lambo shrieked into my ears about candy, "once, when you were pretty small. At the Namimori Airport."
I laid against the headboard, resting my back on pillows, and Tsuna sat next to me with his arm around my shoulders. Lambo immediately jumped into my lap while the other three surrounded me. Fran was a little further so I pulled him in and set him on Tsuna's lap.
My protective Storm Flames hummed in joy as I felt the Flames of all my children within reach. They immediately loved Fran as soon as I saw him. I would be lying if I said I loved Tsuna or Mukuro the most in the world.
"So, what did I miss?" I asked the kids, and they jumped right in with information.
"Lambo licked a swing," I-pin said.
"It was a dare!" Lambo yelled.
"He thought it would be candy-flavored since it was colorful," Fuuta shook his head slightly. "I said 'no' so he took it as a challenge for some reason."
"He had diarrhea afterwards," Fran quipped in. "Made the school bathrooms all stinky."
"Hey!" Lambo shrieked.
I laughed, feeling lighter than I had in a long time.
The more I live, the more confused I get. What's the point of all these steps?
