Title: Serendipity

Author: sllebswap

Characters/Pairing: Miura Haru and Dino

Type: OneShot/Drabble Collection (InComplete)

Genre: Romance/General/Humor

Word Count: 3542

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: 20/03/17

When you smile at me you know exactly what you do

It was by far their longest separation yet, ever since they had gotten married. The timing was also rather inopportune, since they had finally gotten to that stage where they were starting to get to know each other better and become closer as a true couple, but such was the way life worked sometimes, especially when one half of the pair also happened to be the Decimo of one of the largest and most well-connected Famiglia in the Mafia world. As such, whenever duty beckoned, Dino was obliged to answer.

This time, he was called upon to assist in the evaluation and training of a young Boss candidate all the way in Russia, where the kid's last known whereabouts was somewhere up in the Altai mountain range near Siberia and nearly inaccessible by all common means. To further exacerbate matters, the way of life in that particular remote region was rustic and simple – something that was actually not too bad in itself, at least until they found out that the standard mode of communication over there was by horse…or pack mule.

…Meaning that it was going to be very difficult to establish long distance communiques back to Italy.

While this mission wasn't exactly impossible, it promised to be quite interesting and challenging in unusual ways, to say the least. Of course, accompanying the blond Decimo would be his loyal convoy of men plus an ever faithful Romario, and it was estimated that the entire trip would probably take a month to complete, probably even more.

Logically, Haru understood the reason why Dino had to go. This was pretty much part of his job description, and the other Famiglia was desperately in need of a new head after their previous one had met with an unfortunate accident a few weeks back, and already there were dissent and infighting happening amongst the ranks.

Illogically, the young woman really did not want to be away from her spouse for so long, and that was especially so after she was told that the reins to the leadership of the Cavallone would be temporarily handed over to her in her husband's absence. Granted, this gesture was more of a formality since it wasn't as if she would be shouldering all the responsibilities – there would be many people in the Family helping her along and supporting her in the process – but she could not help but feel apprehensive all the same.

"Hahi! How can Haru take over Sempai's role in the Famiglia?! Haru knows nothing about how to lead a Family, desu – what will Haru do if she accidentally makes a mistake, or embarrasses the Family, or, or-"

Her husband simply reached out and grasped her hand before she could churn herself into a panic, his fingers tangling with hers calmingly. Now that she was beginning to warm up to his demonstrative displays, he was definitely touching her more these days. Rather than sharing her concerns, he seemed more amused by her worry than anything else.

"You'll be fine," he told her with such simple faith and confidence that she could not help but believe in him. Then, she realized what he was doing and started to frown at him instead.

"That's cheating, desu! Sempai is using his Charming Boss Voice to compel Haru again!" She pointed at him in accusation, already wising up to many of his tricks. Heaven knew how many times he had beguiled her into doing things she hadn't quite wanted to with nothing more than a smile and his megawatt dazzling charisma. Speaking of which, he just flashed her a faintly quizzical smile, as if he had no idea what she was talking about, but Haru knew better than to believe him anymore! There was a reason why this guy was one of the most influential Bosses in the Italian triad, after all, and he certainly didn't earn the title by accidentally falling on top of it, as clumsy as he could be sometimes!

"Hahi! No smiling allowed while we're having this conversation!" the indignant brunette reprimanded her bemused husband. "Actually, don't even look at Haru, desu! Sempai is too distracting – really so inconsiderate; throwing out so much sparkles and glamor all over the place, desu-"

She looked like she was about to turn her head away and follow her own advice, but he huffed softly and tugged her closer to him.

"Are you really sure you want to do that? Turn your eyes away from me?" he enquired in a good humored tone. "This is the last night you get to look at my dashing features before I take leave from your side for the next four to six weeks, you know."

His teasing quip elicited a strong response, for she immediately snapped her gaze back to his face, her worry for him momentarily outweighing her other apprehension. She bit her lips uncertainly.

"Hahi, Sempai will be far away from Haru…climbing mountains, braving the elements…and it's going to be freezing and unhospitable for sure! Maybe Haru should pack more winter clothing and warm underthings for Sempai…and lots and lots more heat packs also, desu!"

Before she could scurry off to consult Romario on squeezing in additional luggage space to contain a packing list that was already ridiculously long and extensive because their Lady Boss was very thorough when it came to making sure that people were being properly looked after and cared for even when she wasn't going to be there to personally do so, her husband stalled her movements by refusing to let go of her.

"I think you've already packed the entire convoy enough heat packs to keep a whole village warm and toasty for the rest of winter, Jo-chan. Any more, and I don't think we'd be able to get up those mountains."

He was more amused than exasperated by her zeal and dedication. Also, it was really nice, to be fussed over like this. Most of his men certainly felt the same way as well – and had even accepted the belly warmers which she had gotten for all of them to wear for this mission. Dino was, of course, not spared either. In fact, his was probably the most special one out of the entire lot, the haramaki personally hand knitted by his well-meaning wife...which explained all the little prancing horses in Scuderia's likeness that decorated the very festive looking material.

Haru did not even appear to be chagrinned by his remark. "It's better to be safe than sorry, desu," she lectured him earnestly. "What if you run out, desu? There won't be any shops in the middle of the mountain range!"

He eye-smiled at her, even though she had already specifically told him not to do so.

"That's true – but you know, I'll also have Scuderia with me and he's pretty warm as well, even though he would not be too happy to serve as a living heater..."

Oh, right. He was a Flame Wielder.

She frowned at him, not entirely convinced by his attempt at assurance.

"What if Scuderia-kun's fire burns too hot and starts melting the ambient scenery and causes an avalanche? Or what if Dino-san gets lost in a snow storm, or accidentally trips and rolls down a snow slope and becomes afflicted with temporary amnesia, then runs into a family of Abominable Snowmen who decides to adopt him, desu?"

He could not tell if she was being serious or not – but judging by the way she was peering at him in sincere concern, these were obviously legitimate worries that had been plaguing her. He was trying hard not to laugh lest he hurt her feelings, and his gaze glittered with amusement.

"I'll try my best not to be kidnapped by the local wildlife, and return to your side in one piece," he assured her as seriously as he could. "Besides, if I do get lost, you'll find me, won't you?"

Need he even ask? She nodded, looking a bit indignant…and also very fired up.

"Of course, desu! Haru is sure that the whole Family will also waste zero effort looking for Sempai, desu!"

"Mmhmm. So you will miss me while I'm gone?"

Haru opened her mouth to reply but then quickly paused again once his question registered. She sputtered.

"E-Eh? Why are we suddenly talking about this, desu? What does this have to do with that? Hahi!"

It was obvious that he had subtly, all too skillfully, led up to the question, and she, blithely oblivious as always, had promptly walked right into it. And he wasn't letting her retreat until he had his answer too, darned him. Haru's cheeks were turning a bright pink. She was still a bit shy at times, when it came to expressing her growing affection for her handsome, charming, worldlier husband, and to avoid his very interested gaze, she turned her head and planted her heated face on his shoulder.

"Why is Sempai teasing Haru again?" she complained halfheartedly, her voice muffled against his shirt. "Of course Haru is going to miss Sempai! Lots and lots and lots…"

Her arms slowly came up and curled around his waist, and then, once she had him close, her reservations fell away, and she hugged him fiercely. It was as if she was suddenly hit in the head by this revelation that she really, really, really liked this man very much, and she was going to miss him very dearly when he had to leave for work.

"Haru really does not want Sempai to go anywhere, desu," she mumbled, slowly letting her real sentiments show. He would be the only one she would reveal this side of her to, quietly sulking and already missing him, this easy comfort and familiarity and affection that he always so readily gave her. "Haru wants to stay close to Sempai, like this."

She was simply expressing her feelings and not actually trying to keep him from his duties, they both knew. Before all the others in the Family, the brunette had only been supportive and optimistic and doing her best to help with the arrangements. She hadn't thrown any tantrums or expressed any overt displays of dismay over her pending separation from her husband, and had been very graceful in her understanding of his obligations. But that was only to be expected, right? The wife of a Mafia Boss must be strong – even if not in ability, then most definitely, especially, in heart and in will. Haru always did her best to live up to those standards, but apparently, Dino seemed to know her a lot better than she thought.

He returned her embrace with his own firm, all-encompassing one. He was so warm. She snuggled into his arms, feeling safe and very much like she could stay there forever if he let her. Then, he started to rub her back, and she just sighed and melted into him even more.

"It makes me happy to hear," he murmured against the softness of her sweet smelling hair, and she could feel the rumble of his words through his chest. "You've been so calm and accepting about my impending departure, I could not help but wonder if you couldn't wait to see me out the door."

She raised her head so quickly to look at him that she nearly whacked him in the chin.

"Hahi?! Is that what Sempai really thinks?" she sounded so gobsmacked by the possibility, and also plain dismayed.

He was faintly teasing her, of course. He nodded, keeping a straight face.

"Yes. I was a bit concerned, if you must know."

She narrowed her eyes at him, starting to look a bit suspicious. He did not sound or look all that concerned, in her personal opinion…

"Haru is not relieved to see Dino out the door! Haru does not even want Dino to leave in the first place, desu…!"

"Really? I think I'm going to need some reassurance."

That feeling of suspicion was starting to grow even more, especially in light of that subtle twinkle in his eyes. She looked at him a bit warily.

"…What sort of reassurance, desu?"

He just looked at her for the longest time, his gaze so openly affectionate. Her heart started to flutter faster, then. It still shook her sometimes, to know that he could so easily affect her so…

"Let me hold you for the rest of tonight. So that even when I'm up those mountains facing all that freezing weather, your warmth will still keep right here-"

He took her hand and pressed it right against his chest, where his heart laid beneath warm skin and firm muscle, beating steadily and reassuringly. It was impossible not to blush at his words and her cheeks rouged faintly.

"What is Dino saying, desu… Haru...Haru already shares a bed with Dino, desu!" She looked at him, as a wondrous idea suddenly occurred to her. "Hahi…does this means that Dino will…miss Haru also?"

He gave her a bemused stare.

"Of course." There was no hesitation whatsoever in his reply – if anything, he was so matter-of-fact about it that she was a bit stumped. He sighed inwardly at her reaction. "You're my wife. Who else would I miss if not for you, hm? I'm not too happy having to leave your side too, you know."

She blinked at him.

"R-Really, desu?"

"Are you kidding me?" he murmured in return, his head lowering to her neck, brushing a kiss over her skin. "If given a choice between having to train some kid in the middle of a snowcapped mountain range or staying home with an incredibly sweet, loving wife – whom I want nothing more than to dote as much as I can on, by the way – which option do you think I'd pick?"

She was flushing even more…and his innocuous kisses were heating her up and making her squirm.

"Hahi…Why is Dino purposely making this even more…difficult…desu…" she mumbled, voice starting to get a little hazy. She tipped her head to the side a little, granting him more access. He laughed softly and dragged his lips down the side of her slender throat.

"Hm," he hummed, a low, rich murmur against her pliant, sweet smelling skin. "Because. I want you to miss me so much, I'm all you think about in my absence. Because…I want you to fly right into my arms when I return home after this assignment, simply unable to keep away from me for even a second longer…" Another soft chuckle, a warm puff of his breath brushing right over her ear, and she could only shiver helplessly against him, help captive in the circle of his arms, enthralled by his mesmerizing voice. "Am I being cruel, little one?"

"Y-Yes, very!" she cried out, her voice trembling. "Dino is deliberately tormenting Haru too much, desu!" But even as she murmured her discontent, she was turning her heated face towards his shoulder, her arms still curled around his middle, clinging, so endearingly flustered. His hand came up, fingers affectionately running through her hair.

"I'll come back to you, promise," he told her, pressing yet another kiss into the chocolate strands. "In my absence, I leave our Family in your care. You'll be fine," he repeated, full of assurance even as she tensed slightly. "I know that you'll do your best for the Family…because you're the wife of the Boss, right? My wife." That was what she had often told him, after all.

She lifted her head to meet his gaze, still looking a bit uncertain, but also mostly accepting of this duty that he had placed on her shoulders by now. She knew him, and most importantly of all, she trusted him. He was not the kind to set her up to fail…which meant that he truly believed that she could do this. And that quiet pride in his voice when he called her his…

Maybe he was doing it deliberately to gain her agreement, but even if so, how could she let him down, now?

She slowly nodded, her gaze firming.

"…Understood. Haru will do her best for Dino, desu. Haru will do her best to care for the Family, and keep everyone safe, desu." She looked at him earnestly. "So, Dino does not have to worry about us when he's on this mission with Romario-san and the rest, okay?"

He smiled at her.

"It's a promise, then."

She beamed back at him, heartened by his faith in her. He was always, always, always so gentle and considerate towards her, and his care served to make her bloom and flourish even more. She really liked him so much, Haru realized not for the first time. So, so, so much. In fact, she was flooded with such an overabundance of like it felt to her that she would burst from her feelings if she could not express them in some form right away. The pretty young woman with the glowing, becoming features and the bright eyes lifted her arms and locked them around her husband's neck. She tiptoed, brushed a kiss on his cheek, then the corner on his mouth, and lastly square on his lips. Her tongue darted out, and she licked shyly at the seam before softly sucking his lower lip between her own, gently nibbling on the tender flesh. Then, she just kissed him and kissed him and kissed him.

If he was surprised by her unusually spontaneous act of affection, he certainly wasn't voicing it, or was he complaining. On the contrary, he drew her closer between his legs where he was leaning against the side of one of the couches in their private sitting room, and she could probably taste the smile on his lips, more than pleased to receive her ardent attention. And then she was pressing closer, enthusiastically planting kisses all over his face too, and his smile grew at her openly demonstrative nature. She was so warm and vibrant – being with her was akin to being enveloped in gentle sunbeams – and he was drawn to this simple joy that her presence brought him.

"Hey, wait. Am I going to get a turn in all this kissing?" he asked with a low, husky laugh. She was all but ready to climb on top of him by then, and he had to admit – her sweet, earnest loving was very, very arousing. A groan escaped him when she nipped at his jawline, soft, soft lips caressing his skin, her slim, nimble fingers playing with the tips of his hair at his nape, then gently massaging his scalp. He had very quickly learned one of the reasons why she was always so popular with the younger ones and with many of the box animals – she possessed a very comforting, soothing touch, an innately tactile ability that easily translated to an all too sensual and pleasurable experience whenever they shared intimate moments like this, and Dino just knew that he would willingly lay the world at her feet if she had asked it of him now.

"Hahi, Haru is determined to get in a month's worth of kisses at least," she muttered tartly against his lips. "Dino's going to have to wait until Haru's satisfied, desu!"

And it was just like her, to be holding out for kisses when she could ask for anything else and he would not deny her; priceless jewelry, luxury goods, expensive cars…

She was worth more than all of those combined, he thought warmly. So precious.

"If that's so, aren't you supposed to be demanding kisses from me, and not giving them out?" Even as he was asking the question, he was actually more than happy to simply lean back and let her take the lead, one arm curled loosely around her waist, long, graceful fingers slipping beneath the hem of her blouse to caress the soft, silky skin of her waist and lower back. He was so very fond of her, that much was rather obvious by now.

"Hahi, Haru likes giving kisses. Haru also likes receiving them, desu. So Haru will have both, thank you very much."

He could not help it; he threw his head back and laughed. Then, his large, lean hands came up, framed her sweet, pretty face, and he kissed her deeply and warmly. Surely she could taste his delight…as well as his desire for her.

"Greedy girl," he murmured against her rosy mouth moments later, dark golden eyes twinkling with mirth and that masculine appreciation that never failed to make her shiver with awareness. "Though I doubt one night is going to be enough time to cover all the kisses that I intend to give you in a month."

She pressed in and kissed him again, this time just a quick peck on the side of his lips. There was also the cutest lopsided smile painted on her faintly glowing features when she drew back, and she gazed upon him with such affectionate expectation that he was starting to miss her already, for when she was not going to be around to grace him with her lively presence and charming demeanor.

"That's okay, desu. Haru will remember to collect the rest of the owed kisses when Dino is back, including interest, desu!"

::tsuzuku::

Questions That I Would Like To Answer Before You Ask:

This chapter marks the beginning of a mini-arc for the Marriage of Convenience verse. This arc is approximately five chapters long, mainly because that's the number of chapters I have written for it so far. There's also actually a subplot hidden somewhere, but I seemed to have also lost track of it so kudos if you do find it.

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FYI, in this chapter, TYL!Dino is thirty-three, and TYL!Haru is twenty-five.

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

-sllebswap