Title: Serendipity

Author: sllebswap

Characters/Pairing: Miura Haru and Dino

Type: OneShot/Drabble Collection (InComplete)

Genre: Romance/General/Humor

Word Count: 4574

Rating: T (Contains content not suitable for children)

Disclaimer: Kateikyoushi Hitman Reborn belongs to Akira-san.

Summary: CEDEF Agent Miura Haru and Cavallone Boss Dino have known each other for a very long time, haven't they? Loosely interconnected one shot/drabble series. Multi-verse. D86.

Verse: Marriage of Convenience AU

Chapter Last Revised on: 25/12/16

I'll be home for Christmas

These days, Dino could almost always tell whenever Christmas was around the corner. This understanding usually occurred approximately two months in advance, sometimes even more.

That was mainly because the appearance of the stately Cavallone Villa would undergo some rather extensive cosmetic changes during the last season of the year, to reflect the festive period. It didn't always used to be that way, though. Sure, they celebrated the season for traditional, religious purposes since most of them were Roman Catholics, but it was more of a somber, low key arrangement than an actual concentrated effort to spread the Christmas cheer across the entire Cavallone territory.

All that had quickly changed, however, once Haru joined the household.

The first year they had a Lady Cavallone in residence for the first time in what amounted to nearly two decades, the household suddenly erupted into a hive of busy activity and holiday festivities when December swung around. The shift in momentum was a bit disorienting for all the members at first, but then again, Haru has always had a way of rallying people to her cause, and it was impossible not to be drawn in by her infectious enthusiasm. His men were no different, when pitted against their indomitable and vivacious new Lady, most influential mafia Famiglia or not. In the end, that first Christmas with Haru had ended up being quite an enjoyable one spent with the entire Family in attendance, enough to make even the grouchiest Cavallone receptive to the celebrations. And so it continued.

This year was no different.

The golden haired boss of the Cavallone emerged from the backseat of his private SUV and stood in his driveway, surveying the vibrant sight glittering brightly before him. He had just arrived home with a retinue of his men after being away for a few days, resolving yet another dispute between allied Famiglias, and in his brief absence, the villa had been transformed into a magical wonderland, all lit up and impressively dazzling, a shining, twinkling beacon that could probably be seen for miles around in the Italian countryside where they resided.

Fairy lights were strung around all the trees that lined the long driveway leading up to the main entrance of the estate, and all the buildings on the property were also similarly adorned for Christmas, from roof to the ground level. Festive green and red wreaths made from ribbons, fresh spruce and holly hung over doors and windows. There were also golden bells, twinkling star lights, outdoor Christmas ornaments, and the surrounding shrubbery were also trimmed into the jolly, illuminating shapes of Saint Nicholas and his industrious elven helpers. A life-sized, open sleigh was positioned on the lawn right by the main entrance, alit and filled to the brim with colorfully wrapped presents spilling out of Santa's iconic red clothed sacks sitting on the leather seats, but instead of being hitched to eight reindeers as per Christmas lore, the ride was drawn by the prancing, spirited likeness of painstakingly, exquisitely created papier mache Cavallone horses, with the unmistakably noble figure of Scuderia leading the team, much to Dino's silent amusement.

His wife had never failed to be surprising in everything that she did, and this was no exception.

It had been a good three years since she had married into his Family, but Dino still remained very amazed by her abilities whenever Christmastime rolled around. The amount of change and happiness that Haru had brought to his Family was astounding. The country seat of the Cavallone had always been a grand, imposing residence rich in history and steeped in tradition, but it was she – with her irrepressible nature and zest – who had managed to imbue it with vibrant life, and transform it into an actual home.

"…I see that the Lady has already started to work her magic in the short time we were gone," Romario commented as he, too, quietly appreciated the scene before him. Like himself, his retainer was curious and fascinated at the same time, and there was really something to be said about coming home to a house that all but welcomed you with warmth and good tidings even before you stepped through the front door. Dino liked it. It was a feeling that he had not even known existed until Haru came along.

"I told her that I wanted to assist with the decorations, but she's always starting without me," the blond mused in response. His faithful right hand man slanted a wry glance at him.

"I don't blame her. No offense, boss, but you'd probably be more hindrance than help with that terribly maladroit nature of yours."

Dino was chagrinned but he did not deny the other man's charge. "I'm sure that I can still be of use somehow," he insisted. "She's always busy with something, after all."

And that was another thing about her that constantly bemused him. She was like a miniature whirlwind of chaotic energy, constantly juggling a myriad of projects at her fingertips. There was always something that she was doing or paying attention to or trying to help out with – Dino did not know too much about the activity levels of other Mafia wives since he only had this one – but keeping up with his one and only was challenging enough that he felt like he was somehow almost always two steps behind her in whatever endeavor she was energetically throwing herself into.

They walked up to the imposing main doors and entered the manor, only to find that the interior of the house was similarly colored in warm, cheerful notes of Christmas festivities. They were not as surprised by the sight now as compared to the first time three years ago when Haru first started living here, but the men greatly appreciated it all the same, perhaps even more than the mistress of house was aware of. Stepping out from the cold, biting wintry weather outside, having had to deal with the more unpleasant aspects of triad life for the past few days – coming home to all this earnest and thoughtful care and concern felt like being embraced and wholeheartedly welcomed with warmth and love.

A gigantic, twenty foot tall, aromatic fir tree stood by the entryway, just by the foot of one of the twin winding grand staircases that led up to the second level of the manor, catching their attention immediately the moment they stepped through the threshold. It was alit with softly blinking Christmas lights, decorated all around with exquisite glass baubles and delicate, hand crafted ornaments. Equine inspired decorations could also be viewed hanging from the branches, miniature horseshoes and various tack coupled with candy canes and tiny red stockings. Gleaming tinsel garlands and strings of popcorn, marshmallows and cranberries circled the massive tree from top to base, and last but not least, a massive star deliberately shaped and colored in the proud crest of the Cavallone topped off the entire arrangement.

"Is it me, or is the tree this year even bigger than the one last year?" Romario mused, taking a moment to admire the festive additions to the grand foyer. The holiday theme for this Christmas were the Cavallone and their horses, it seemed. The elegant railings of the staircases were decorated in ribbons and holly, and there were gift wrapped presents strewn on the side of some of the steps, seemingly at random. Even the potted plants were jazzed up with festive bows of gold and silver, looking very smart indeed in preparation for the massive Cavallone Christmas gathering that was due tomorrow.

Dino shook his head silently, growing even more amused. Romario was right, though.

"Welcome home, boss!"

Two lines of sharply dressed men stood assembled by the staircases where they had gathered to greet their master, but the suit-clad group was a bit less intimidating than usual…partly in due to the faux velvet antlers they were all sporting on their heads. Despite the…unusual attachments, the bodyguards still managed to maintain their fierce and stoic expressions – this was one herd of reindeers that no one should ever want to mess with, if they knew what was good for them.

"You guys look very…festive." Dino acknowledged their emphatic greeting with a faint smile. He had no doubt who had put them up to this – there was only one person in the entire household who could coax his men into such shenanigans, after all, and she didn't even have to do it with overt threats of violence.

The servants emerged as well, smartly uniformed as usual - also appropriately antlered – some bearing trays of hot refreshments for all of them who had just came home, whereas others stepped forward to collect their coats and outerwear to stow in the closet. Dino handed his trench coat to one of the staff whereas Romario turned to instruct and debrief the men, ensuring that the security detail protecting the property were still in place and properly enforced even with all the festivities going on.

"Where's Haru?" the blond asked even as he accepted a mug of mulled wine that another servant was handing him. This was yet another practice that everyone coming into the manor was learning to anticipate at this time of the year. Eggnog, mulled wine, apple cider, cioccolata calda – the Lady of the House was very thorough when it came to welcoming all guests and visitors starting from the moment they entered the villa, and her little personal touches made people feel very warm and cared for. But then again, that was just the unique color that distinguished Haru from the rest.

The servant bowed slightly and considered his question for a moment.

"La signora was at the backyard earlier…helping to rearrange the outdoor furniture. But I also saw her in the dining room a while ago trying to hang something off the chandelier…" he trailed off, and must have seen that expression on his Boss's face because he promptly added. "No worries, Boss; she was on a proper ladder this time! And the others were also trying to convince her to come down and let them do it instead, but…" he drifted off again, ending his report with a helpless shrug. It was a shrug that was very familiar and relatable to anyone who had come in contact with Haru for any amount of time. For a tiny Japanese woman who wasn't very physically commanding or outwardly powerful in the traditional, obvious sense, she was very strong willed and quite unstoppable whenever she put her mind to something, and pretty much did whatever she wanted to do.

Dino sighed.

"…This is exactly why I wanted to be around when you lot started doing this."

The servant tactfully refrained from commenting. Just because he was the Boss did not mean that he was exempted from being bossed about too, as several incidences in the past had effectively demonstrated. It was common knowledge that their Don was very much a pushover when it came to his wife.

Dino obligingly headed deeper into the villa and stopped at the dining room. There was no sign of Haru, though a handful of servants who were in the midst of adding decorative flowers, vases and themed placemats on the long, dining table cheerfully greeted him once they noticed his presence. The main gold and crystal chandelier hanging from the middle of the high ceiling, as well as the two slightly smaller, accompanying ones on both of its sides were turned on, illuminating the cavernous, rectangular chamber. Holly berries, pine and pinecone garlands, interspersed with brilliantly red, blooming poinsettias dripped down artlessly from their high expensive perches, and the smell and air of Christmas was very prevalent, not just in here, but throughout the entire house as well. The staff were busy with their allotted tasks but in a good mood, excited and happy chatter interspersed as many hands made light work, so Dino left them to their duties and resumed his search for his wife, whose presence could be felt everywhere, but yet he still had trouble actually locating her.

She was not in the backyard as well, though the winter furniture had already been set out on the large roofed porch, patio and glasshouse gazebo by the fountains and garden, cushy lounges and chaises abundantly padded with brightly colored, fluffy throw pillows and knitted blankets, circling the outdoor fireplace and electric heaters that were also set up around the place. Gauzy day curtains intertwined with fairy lights hung between pillars, with a few partially hidden sprigs of mistletoes here and there, as well as clusters of large outdoor scented candles, still unlit, scattered everywhere, adding onto the Christmassy atmosphere. Even though the entire area was currently devoid of people, Dino could already envision the guests milling around comfortably on Christmas Eve, enjoying the pleasant company and cozy, twinkling mood.

A sweet, fragrant smell of baked goods lingered in the air, and Dino followed his nose. Retreating back into the house, he proceeded to make his way towards the kitchens, where the tantalizing aroma grew in intensity.

There, he finally found that which he was looking for.

She was in the kitchen, in the midst of helping the cooks, oven mitten in hand as she withdrew a tray of muffins from the stove. She was wearing a bright red knitted sweater with dancing horses and a pair of jeans, and like all the others in the house whom he had passed by earlier, a jaunty pair of stuffed felt antlers sat perched on the top of her head. Her chocolate hair was tied up in a little bun at the back of her head, but wisps of silky strands had escaped throughout the day and were softly framing her pretty, heart shaped face. She was utterly adorable in her casual ensemble. The kitchen crew were also not spared from the holiday spirit possessing the entire Cavallone Famiglia, their usual toque blanche replaced by jaunty green and red elves' hats with merrily jingling bells. There were baked goods everywhere, some still cooling off on wire racks, others getting ready to be wrapped up in festive wrappers, probably meant as door gifts for the party, if he had to make an educated guess.

One of the assistants was the first to notice him and promptly set off yet another chain of greetings.

"Boss!"

She was setting her tray on one of the kitchen island when she looked up, and her features lit up with pure pleasure upon seeing him. A smile brighter than any Christmas light. A voice purer than the toll of any bell.

"Hahi, sempai! Okaeri, desu!"

Discarding her mittens on the table, she rounded the furniture and ran towards him, so earnestly happy to see him that she pounced exuberantly at him in a tackle hug. He caught her automatically, of course, and she laughed, her arms curled tightly around his neck, her face half buried in his shoulder.

"Merry Christmas, desu!"

She smelled like vanilla and cookie dough, and the softest, sweetest thing he has ever had.

If he was the backbone of this Family, then surely she was its heart.

She was his heart, at the very least.

He drew her deeper into his embrace and pressed a kiss into her hair, reluctant to let her go. Holding her always had a tranquillizing effect on him – if home had a feeling, it would probably be exactly like this, with her safe and happily ensconced in his arms.

The servants smiled faintly at the sight of the reunited couple, and tactfully, discreetly, returned to their chores, respectfully granting them some privacy. Haru was not content staying put for long, though – her current energetic demeanor would not allow her to do so. Like an antsy cat, she was soon loosening her hold around his neck and pulling back to look at him with sparkling eyes.

"Did sempai have a good trip? Haru is glad that sempai is back safely, desu! Does sempai like what we have done with the decorations? Did you see the sleigh at the front?" She was chattering cheerfully and excitedly, just a bundle of feminine energy and sunshine warmth in his arms. He had to grin at her high spirited nature.

"Yes, we got everything settled. I'm glad we made it back before Tsuna and the rest of the Vongola party are due to arrive tomorrow. And yes, I saw that sleigh as well as the clever effigies of Scuderia and the other horses - you outdid yourself with the decorations again, Jo-chan. I would have liked to help as well, you know."

She slipped out of his embrace and took his hand in hers, tugging him out of the kitchen. "Hahi, sempai has already done a lot for the Famiglia, desu! At least leave this to Haru – Haru won't disappoint sempai-eep!"

The hallway was devoid of people, and so Dino was more than happy to take advantage of that to back the startled brunette up against the nearest wall and plant a scorching kiss on her lips. She got over her surprise quickly enough; tipping her head back, lifting her face to his, she threw herself wholeheartedly into the kiss, welcoming his passion for her. Lips met, clinging, tongues brushing, lingering, breaths mingled, sighing.

Souls so simply elated, to be together again.

When he reluctantly drew back minutes later, they were both breathing a bit quicker, pulses racing, mouths kiss-reddened. She was visibly flustered, cheeks flushed becomingly and also now a bit shy and very needy. She pressed her hot face into the side of his neck, her fingers clutching the lapels of his suit jacket, voice trembling.

"D-Dino…"

He chuckled and lifted his fingers to her small, pointed chin, caressing, and then he upturned her face to meet his once more. He kissed her again, this time softly, tenderly.

She quietly melted and gave into him; how he loved it when she was like this. Warm. Pliant. Wanting him.

"Buon Natale, cara."

Omake

Dino entered the drawing room where his guest was waiting for him. This particular guest was something of a problematic fellow, and had turned up quite unexpectedly on his doorstep today. Since the aforementioned individual was also the Boss of an allied Famiglia, his people had no choice but to admit him into the Cavallone villa.

Ignacio Voltolini of the Voltolini Famiglia was the fifth Boss to lead his Family, after his father had recently retired and relinquished the role in his favor. As such, he was still new to the position, and was still in the process of establishing himself within the Voltolini ranks. The previous Don, the Quarto, had requested that Dino assist his son whenever possible, and as a favor to the elder, the Cavallone had agreed, so here they were now.

Dino paused briefly at the sight of the other man. Like himself, Ignacio had grown up associating with the Italian triad – in fact, the other blond was a couple of years his senior and had also attended the same school for Mafioso as himself and Squalo. Ignacio was also something of a frivolous sort, which explained his parent's worry when it came to his turn to succeed the title.

Currently, the other Don was sitting on the settee in the room, holding a mug of hot chocolate and looking rather bemused. He, for some reason, also had a pair of stuffed felt reindeer antlers on his head. Dino could feel a slight trepidation rising – he only knew one person in his entire household who would be foolhardy enough to do such a thing to another Boss. Perhaps it had not been a good idea to go out riding with Scuderia first thing this morning…

"Hello, Don Voltolini," he greeted evenly, his tone belying none of his thoughts or inner speculation. The tall, lean male took a seat on the armchair across from where the other man was situated, and also helped himself to the gently steaming mug of warm apple cider on the table, sipping the soothing beverage that had been prepared for him. The Cavallone Decimo had just returned from the stables, and was still sharply dressed in his riding apparel; shirt, vest, breeches, riding boots. Leaning back into his chair, he crossed his legs at the knee and turned his full attention to his fellow Boss. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit today?"

The slightly older man glanced at him, still looking a bit distracted. He focused on the Cavallone eventually, grey eyes sharpening.

"Dino! You can at least call me by name, you know? How long have we known each other already? Relax; I'm here today for a casual visit only. I wanted to invite you for a fun night out but I didn't know that you were such a huge fan of Christmas."

The other blond was quite the Don Juan – classically handsome, quite glib and charming – and his idea of fun night out typically consisted of copious amount of liquor and beautiful women with questionable inhibitions. Dino was very quickly remembering just why they ran in different circles. He smiled at the other man, unfailingly, amiably polite. "Thank you for your invitation, but I must decline. My Family already has plans spanning the holidays. Perhaps next time?"

"I noticed. Your entire villa is incredibly done up – I had not known that you were the type to get into the festivities like this."

Yes, it was certainly rather unusual and un-mafia-like, perhaps – and they had never really celebrated like that until Haru came along. But then again, the large Famiglias like the Cavallone and the Vongola were also never quite the type to conform to people's preconceptions and biases. Before Dino could offer an appropriate response, Ignacio continued.

"…Though I reckon if I've got someone that adorable running my household for me, I'd probably want to stay home a lot more too."

Dino, who had been in the process of taking another sip of apple cider, paused and regarded the other Don.

"…Excuse me?"

Ignacio gestured vaguely with his mug, looking a bit too interested for his own good.

"There was a young woman who got me here just now. Brunette. Pretty. Quite delightful. Kind of spontaneously energetic but also really sweet at the same time? Makes you want to smile and watch her all day long? I don't think she's local since she had this really charming accent, but she's definitely one of your people, I suppose." Ignacio looked at Dino contemplatively. "Where did you find her, anyway? Mind loaning her to me for Christmas?"

…

Dino had to pause to remind himself that even though the Voltolini Quinto was quite the womanizer, he was also the harmless sort – just really oblivious, apparently. Also, what on earth did Haru do to him, to charm him that much? The Cavallone calmly drank his cider, taking the opportunity to craft an appropriate response.

"I do mind, actually. That pretty, delightful brunette? She's already married. More precisely, to me."

Ignacio goggled and nearly did a spit take at his fellow Don.

"Wait. Wait. What?! You're married? When did that happen? To that little sweetheart I met earlier? Why did I not know of that?"

There were a lot of things that Ignacio did not know, obviously. Dino glanced at the other Mafioso, eyebrow twitching ever so slightly at the thoughtless way the other man was casually giving endearments to other people's wives.

"I don't outwardly advertise my private life for the usual reasons, Ignacio. It protects those closest to me from being easily targeted by enemies."

That said, nearly all the Families in the Vongola Alliance knew of Haru – she accompanied him often enough whenever he was obliged to attend official functions and dinners, after all. Dino was just extremely selective when it came to unveiling her presence to those outside of their closest allies, and for good reason. Case in point was this utterly clueless man before him, and obviously not the brightest crayon in the box, Ignacio opened his mouth again.

"Well, then. If not for Christmas, then what about after-"

"My answer's still going to be a no. She's my wife," he repeated, just in case the other man did not understand the meaning of 'married.' "I'm not loaning my wife to you for any reason. I'm quite fond of her myself. Besides, I don't think your wife will be very happy if she hears of this."

Dino was more exasperated than genuinely incensed by the Voltolini's gall. Like himself, the other man's marriage was also an arranged one – but unfortunately for Ignacio, it wasn't a blissful union. Dino's life could have easily gone down that same route as well, if he hadn't been fortunate enough to be blessed with Haru. So he understood – and to a certain extent, also pitied – the other Don, who lived an unenviably shallow existence filled with transient pleasures.

That did not mean he was going to let the other man anywhere near Haru, though.

It took another half an hour to get the Voltolini out of the house and back on his merry way off of the Cavallone lands, and Dino was just in time, for Haru came downstairs and met him at the foyer right after he saw Ignacio out, bright eyed and curious.

"Hahi, sempai, has your friend left already?" she asked. "He was really nice and friendly, desu!"

In other words, the Voltolini had probably tried to flirt and flatter her with all sorts of pickup lines, but knowing Haru like he did, she had remained completely oblivious to his attempts. It made Dino feel a bit better, especially when he thought back on all those times in the past when he was still diligently wooing her and she never quite seemed to realize what he was up to. At this rate, he really wasn't ever going to have to worry that someone would successfully attempt to seduce his wife.

Still…

Dino wordlessly gestured for her to come to him. She obliged readily enough, seeing no reason not to do so. Once she got near, he draped his arms over her shoulders and leaned in, so that his forehead touched hers. He sighed. Then kissed her nose.

"…You, my dear, really need to stop being so defenselessly cute all the time."

She looked stumped. And then she blushed heavily once she registered his seemingly random praise(?).

"H-Hahi?!"

Her husband continued, quite seriously, and she could not tell if he was kidding or not.

"You're only allowed to be cute with me." There was a pause as he considered the point further, keeping a straight face the whole time. "…And I'll also permit it in bed, so you may be cute there also."

Her face was so red.

"S-Sempai! What are you saying, desu! Tsuna and all the others are arriving soon and why are you teasing Haru so much now, desu! Really, you-"

She was still muttering indignantly under her breath, cheeks flaming, when he chuckled quietly and tugged her into an affectionate hug. So cute. Flustered, she let him have his way until she suddenly realized what he was wearing.

"Hahi! Sempai! Why are you still in riding clothes?! We're leaving for the airstrip in half an hour, desu! Go and bathe, now!"

"…Hahaha, oops. Sì, sì, I'm going. You're kind of bossy, aren't you?"

"!"

::owari::

Questions That I Would Like To Answer Before You Ask:

First of all, happy holidays to one and all! Here, I would like to wish everyone reading this to be happy, healthy and loved! Please be safe this Christmas and have a great end of the year with your families and dearest ones! :)

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So back to this chapter, which is pretty self-explanatory - I wanted to describe what a Cavallone Christmas is typically like these days with Haru in the picture, and I had a lot of fun with it (maybe even too much fun, haha), so this is what it is.

Haru, with her love for costumes, uniforms, cakes and special occasions, I can already foresee is someone who would really, really enjoy the Christmas celebrations. She's a very ingenious, creative and hands-on sort (as can already be seen in canon with her elaborate cosplays), so can you imagine the amount of wholesome magic she would be able to pull off with a veritable army of Cavallone members assisting her? As such, Cavallone Christmases are typically very fun, elaborate affairs every year with her leading the helm of the celebrations. It's also a good opportunity for all the members as well as the occasional allied Families to congregate, celebrate the holidays and just be together as the current year reaches its conclusion and a new one begins.

FYI, in this chapter, TYL!Dino is thirty four, and TYL!Haru is twenty-six.

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Of course the Cavallone Famiglia traditionally celebrates Christmas! Random fact: Italy is a Christian country, with 88% of the population belonging to the Roman Catholic Church. As such, Dino, and most of the members in his Famiglia, are very likely Roman Catholics as well. That said, Haru still remains agnostic, though she is raised to be very respectful of other people and their religions. For her, Christmas is a season to celebrate family and togetherness as well, so she's always happy to go the extra mile to spread the holiday cheer to everyone!

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Cioccolata calda is a type of special Italian hot chocolate that is nothing like the powered, microwaveable watery hot chocolate mix that most of us are accustomed to. Cioccolate calda is a really decadent and delicious hot chocolate that is very thick and almost pudding like in consistency. It is sinfully yummy and it is also a popular hot beverage in Italy for whenever you need to be warmed up during the chilling winter months. I first got to try it when I visited Venice a few years back and I still cannot forget how utterly delicious it was. Thank goodness it is very easy to make, and you can find a good recipe with a quick search online. Hail Google!

Toque blanche refers to the tall, round, pleated, starched white hat that professional chefs wear in the kitchen.

Buon Natale means 'Merry Christmas' in Italian!

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Ignacio Voltolini, as well as the Voltolini Famiglia, are all non-canon and figments of my (overactive) imagination. Ignacio is not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I find him amusing all the same, hehe.

Dino does not find him as amusing though, for obvious reasons!

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Last but not least, this chapter is also (mostly) unedited since I only pounded it out very very very super very last minute, so please do forgive me (also let me know) if you spot any spelling or grammatical mistakes!

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Your reviews make me update faster; so please leave a comment if you like this fic!

-sllebswap