Servant
Summary: Historical AU-Mukuro is set to marry the Princess of Italy, being of the prestigious Estreneo Family. However, his interest seems to lie in her adorable servant and best friend, Sawada Tsunayoshi...
--
Modena, Italy 1905
"Enter." Elder Estreneo said with authority as a knock sounded upon the door of his office.
A young man entered his office, closing the door behind him. He had unusually-styled blue hair, mismatched eyes of red and blue, standing tall in his formal suit as he took a seat in front of the desk.
"You wanted to see me, Father?" The young man said plainly.
"Yes, son." The old man set the feather into its inkwell, facing his son. "Mukuro, I'm growing quite old and soon I will not be here to reign this family, this fair city. I think it is time, as my eldest, to soon marry and settle down, taking over the business. However, I feel that now is the time to reveal something that had been planned since your childhood. You remember the young Princess of Italy, do you not?"
Mukuro, the young man, frowned lightly in thought. Yes, he had remembered her. Their families were good friends and alliances, he had met her once as children during one of their many formal soirees. The Princess herself was cute, and very sweet and kind.
"Yes Father, I do remember her." Mukuro nodded.
"Well son, then I suppose it is time I told you, that her parents and myself have decided that you two were to be betrothed, to marry within a few months time." The old man said plainly.
This shocked Mukuro. Here he was, barely into his 18th year, and now he had to marry a princess? Someone he had met only once? Although Mukuro didn't think much on falling in love and getting married, he did still believe that one should marry and spend their lives with someone they loved, no? He didn't dislike the Princess at all, and it wasn't her fault either. But he didn't want an arranged marriage, that was for sure.
"...Father, must I? Surely there are plenty of more potential suitors for her. I would hate to ruin her chances of being happy." Mukuro said reasonably.
"Nonsense, I cannot imagine her not being happy with you. You are a fine young man, I'm quite proud with how you've become, my son." The elder smiled kindly. "She has become a fine woman, and I can assure you that she is wonderfully easy to live with, despite being of royal blood. I think it will be fine for you both."
Mukuro hesitated, he didn't want this. An arranged marriage was the last thing he wanted. Especially if the Princess was in love with him, although he doubted that.
"We're going to the Palace later today, so you can see her." Old man Estreneo added. "You won't regret this, Mukuro. I promise you."
Somehow I doubt it. Mukuro thought. But he did what he as the eldest Estreneo son would do, and nodded. "Yes, Father."
--
A few hours later, the two of them arrived at the palace under escort of a few servants. They were escorted into the palace and throne room. The Princess stood near her throne, in an elegant gown and golden headset on her head. She had long brown hair, ocean blue eyes, and smiled sweetly as the two entered. She was very pretty.
"Greetings, your Highness." Old man Estreneo bowed to her.
"Greetings Sir Estreneo." The Princess smiled, and looked at Mukuro. "Hello Mukuro, it's lovely to see you again."
Mukuro managed a smile, bowing lightly. "The pleasure is all mine, your Highness."
"Please please, call me Casana." The Princess smiled, turning to the old man. "Sir Estreneo, my father requested to see you in his private chambers. I trust that's all right with you?"
"Quite fine, your Highness." Old man Estreneo took her hand and kissed it before he followed his servants and guard out the door.
Taking a deep breath, Casana looked back at Mukuro and smiled. "I'm so sorry about this, I only found out of our...erm, arrangement just this morning."
"It's quite all right Princess, it's to my understanding that it's not your fault." Mukuro managed, relieved that she felt the same way. He then noticed someone behind her, hiding behind her. The width of her dress and her height made it almost impossible to see someone there. All he could see was a shivering mass of spiked up unruly brown hair.
Following his gaze, Casana chuckled. "Oh dear me, I almost forgot he was hiding here!"
The boy behind her peeked out a little, looking at Mukuro with the biggest and sweetest-looking chestnut amber eyes he'd ever seen.
"My dear tuna-fish," Casana said lovingly to the boy behind her, smiling at him. "This is Mukuro Rokudo, the heir to the Estreneo Family. Mukuro, this is my dear friend and servant, Tsunayoshi Sawada. Or Tsuna for short. Come out, sweetie."
Mukuro eyed the boy as he slowly emerged from behind the Princess, looking at Mukuro nervously. He was shy, he could tell. The blue-haired man smiled, offering his hand.
"Hello Tsunayoshi, it's nice to meet you." Mukuro said kindly.
Tsunayoshi, or Tsuna, looked at his hand and hesitantly reached out and shook his hand, shaking a bit.
"He's very shy." Casana explained. "And he doesn't really talk to anyone but me. Don't be surprised if he doesn't respond, he's a very nervous boy."
It was obvious these two shared a bond together, like brother and sister, and she seemed to care for him very much. That was pretty sweet of her, he had to admit.
"I see." Mukuro nodded, letting go of Tsuna's hand. He looked at Tsuna again and smiled. "It's all right Tsunayoshi, I understand."
Tsuna managed a small, grateful smile at the taller man.
He didn't know why, but there was just something about this boy...something he couldn't put his finger on. And yet it piqued his curiosity like never before.
"All I ask is that you be patient and kind with him." Casana informed. "Tsunayoshi is very important to me...I just ask that you do not treat him horribly."
Tsuna blushed a bit.
Mukuro looked at the Princess, and then at Tsuna, then back at her. It was a simple request, and it wasn't too much to ask of him. He smiled and nodded.
"Of course, Princess. I will be sure to treat Tsunayoshi with the kindness and respect he clearly deserves. I never think to treat a servant poorly. I understand he's important to you, I would hate to anger you."
Casana smiled fondly and in gratitude. "Thank you very much, that means the world to me, and to him. He...well, he's been treated horribly his entire life back in Japan. He was sent here to be my servant when I was younger. Since then, I've taken it upon myself to give him a better life and to never treat him horribly ever again. He's a truly amazing, sweet and loving boy...he deserves a much better life."
The boy in question looked a bit embarrassed, but you could see that he knew of her reasoning.
How interesting, she treats him like a precious jewel. Mukuro thought, and he nodded. "That's quite sad, but very sweet of you to do so. He seems quite happy. I suppose he's quite lucky to have you care for him like this."
Tsuna blushed a bit more, smiling a bit as he looked up at his mistress.
"I like to think so." Casana smiled. "Oh, will you excuse me a minute? I need to slip into something more comfortable, this gown is way too hot for me on a day like this." She turned to Tsuna and kissed him on the forehead. "Will you be all right with Mukuro a few minutes?"
"Mm..." Tsuna nodded a bit, too shy to speak even to her in front of a visitor.
"Okay, you be good now sweetie." Casana ruffled his hair and left the room, leaving the two of them alone.
Tsuna kept casting nervous glances to the taller teen, twiddling his fingers a bit as he looked up at him. He couldn't stop looking at his hair, it was a gorgeous shade of blue...and styled like a pineapple. He thought it was so bizarre, but he liked it.
Following his gaze, Mukuro smiled in amusement. "I see that you're fascinated with my hair, Tsunayoshi."
Blushing a bit in embarrassment, Tsuna nodded.
"Kufufu..." Mukuro chuckled. The boy's shyness was adorable, he had to admit. "You can touch it if you want. I can tell you'd like to."
Tsuna's entire face turned pink, looking at Mukuro as if to say. "If you wouldn't mind..."
Chuckling a bit, Mukuro lowered himself on one knee to level with Tsuna since he was quite some inches shorter than he was. His eyes watched Tsuna as he reached over with a shaking hand, gingerly touching his hair as if it were hot. After a few moments, he finally settled on his head, caressing the cobalt tresses gently, moving along to the back and front. It was really soft to the touch, like rabbit's fur.
"Kufufu...do you like it, Tsunayoshi?" Mukuro smiled a bit more at the boy.
Managing a nod, Tsuna pulled his hand away and allowed Mukuro to stand up. He then reached into his pocket and held something out to the taller boy. It was a little cornflower made of blue stone, attached to a pin.
"Oya?" Mukuro looked at it in curiosity as it was gently pushed toward. "Is that for me?"
Tsuna nodded, blushing a bit.
"Ah..." Mukuro took it, looking it over. He studied the pin, and then looked down at Tsuna. "Did you make it?"
The brunet nodded, still blushing and looking away.
A soft smile crossed Mukuro's face as he carefully pinned it to his jacket, looking down at the smaller boy. "Thank you, Tsunayoshi. That was very sweet of you."
Tsuna beamed and giggled a bit in embarrassment. Mukuro chuckled. This boy was something else, no doubt.
"Tuna-fish!" Came a singsong voice as the Princess re-entered the room. She was in a green comfortable-looking sundress. "Do you want to go out in the gardens today?"
Tsuna nodded rapidly. He seemed to enjoy this little activity. He beamed at his mistress as she laughed.
"He likes to take walks out in the gardens at the back of the castle, he feels relaxed and calm for a change. I agree, it's very calming and peaceful. You want to come?" Casana asked her supposed-to-be fiancé.
Nodding, Mukuro smiled. "I'd be glad to. It sounds fine to me."
"All right, let's go then." Casana chirped, Tsuna taking her hand and leading her out of the room.
--
The three of them walked along the gardens, some butterflies flying around, as well as some birds.
Tsuna seemed very relaxed and content as he walked along patches of flowers, rosebushes and trees. It was lovely, and the view overlooking the Italian countryside laying out before them, white-capped mountains in the distance and a pristine lake. Casana seemed to look the same way as she basked in the atmosphere that just seemed to bring out a more happy, relaxed and calm side to her.
"It's beautiful, isn't it? I've always had a great love and appreciation for beautiful picturesque landscapes of nature." Casana murmured, looking toward Tsuna as he sniffed some roses. "I always feel so indescribably warm and happy around nature like this, you know?"
He did know. More than she thought. Many didn't know it, but he was very fond of nature, since it seemed to be the only beautiful thing in this world.
"I do know, Princess. I feel the same way." Mukuro sent a smile her way.
"Is that so? Swell, it's nice to meet a man who not only understands how I feel, but feels it too." The brunnette giggled. "Maybe we can work something out in all this after all..."
Tsuna came running back to them, handing a rose to his mistress as he giggled. Casana laughed and took the rose. "You silly." She ruffled his hair and he went off to go try to catch a butterfly. "He always gives me a rose when we come out here."
"Does he now?" Mukuro cocked a blue eyebrow, averting his gaze to the small boy.
"He's a sweetheart, always putting others before him." Casana smiled. "Anyone would be so lucky to have him...I only hope they'll treat him like a precious treasure and love and protect him...as I did."
Mukuro looked to the dark-haired Princess, and then back at Tsuna. A small, understading smile crept his lips.
I would want the same for him too. He thought.
--
Nearly a week had passed since the visit, and Tsuna strangely found himself thinking over and over about his mistress's fiancé. He was so interesting...and so kind and understanding, especially to him.
That Mukuro...he treated me really well, and not just under Casana-chan's orders... Tsuna thought as he made his way to the Princess's chambers. He seems like a great man for her...she seems happy when he's around. No wonder.
Strangely though, he felt a twinge of something within him as he thought of that. Shaking his head, he wavered off the thought and entered the chambers.
Casana was sitting by the window, reading a book. She was still in her nightdress, which was a creamy white colour. Hearing the door open, she looked at Tsuna and smiled, setting her book down as she stood. "Hello sweetie, how are you this morning?"
"All right, um...Casana-chan...uh...do you know when Mukuro's coming back to visit?" Tsuna asked, blushing a bit as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Ah, I'm not sure. My father hasn't mentioned anything of it." Casana shrugged. She smiled teasingly at him. "Why do you ask, sweet tuna-fish? You've taken a liking to him...that's pretty surprising."
Tsuna blushed. "I-it's just...well...he seems like a great man for you! I-I want to be around someone who treats you well..."
Casana giggled, reaching over to ruffle his hair affectionately. "You silly. I think Mukuro is a fine man, and it won't be dreadful if we got married. I do like him...but as a friend, even a brother. I just don't feel the love I felt toward..."
Looking at her in surprise, Tsuna sat on a small stool she'd put there just for him. "...You're in love with someone?"
Blushing, the dark-haired Princess nodded. "Yes, I'm in love with another man."
"Ohh, please tell me the story!" Tsuna begged. "I didn't know you loved someone!"
"Ne hee hee hee...why don't I invite our good friend here, and I'll tell you on a rainy day, okay?" Casana smiled.
Tsuna pouted, but lit up immediately at the idea of her fiance coming by. He didn't know why, other than the reason he was good for his mistress, he was so excited to see him. "Okay."
--
"Hey son." Old man Estreneo greeted his son in the courtyard. "I just received a message. The Princess is requesting your presence at the palace."
"Oya?" Mukuro looked at his father. He was sitting on a chair, eating an apple he'd picked from one of the apple trees. "Why is that?"
"The letter didn't say really. Just for you to come to the palace." His father shrugged. "I suppose she wants to see you."
"Mmm..." Mukuro pondered for a moment, should he accept the request?
He had indeed taken a liking to the Princess, no doubt. She was a very kind, understanding woman, and she treated everyone around her beautifully, most especially her adorable servant Tsuna. Being married to her was going to be far from unpleasant, he knew that for sure. But his feelings toward her were nothing further than friendship.
However...he was feeling some kind of a gravitation toward her servant, for some reason.
Finishing the apple, Mukuro stood up. "I don't see why not. I'll go and see them. I can leave right now."
"Very well, son. Let's get you ready then."
--
"Your Highness, Mister Mukuro has arrived." Said one of the guards as he came into the throne room.
"Show him in then, thank you!" Casana said sweetly. She turned to Tsuna. "You're going to try to talk to him now, okay?"
"O-okay..." Tsuna gulped nervously. "I-I never spoke to anyone else before..."
"You'll be all right, sweetie. I promise you. He won't bite." Casana assured him, smiling.
A few moments later, the door opened and Mukuro came in, the door closing behind him. He looked at the two, smiling in greeting.
"Hello you two." Mukuro came over to them, kissing Casana on both cheeks. "It's nice to see you again."
"Likewise, as always." Casana smiled and kissed him on both cheeks also. Tsuna giggled, remembering that she'd explained to him that this was a European custom, especially in France. "You remember my beloved Tsunayoshi, don't you?"
"Of course I do." Mukuro looked at Tsuna, giving him an amused smile. "Hello, Tsunayoshi."
"...H-hello...Mukuro-san..." Tsuna uttered softly, his cheeks pinkening.
The blue-haired heir was taken aback by hearing Tsuna's voice for the first time. Although it was very soft, it had a masculine touch to it. It was also very sweet, at least to his ears. For some reason, it sent a warm feeling to his heart.
"Aww, good work Tsunayoshi!" Casana cajoled, ruffling his hair. "You're the first person he's ever spoken to other than me."
"...Is that right?" Mukuro looked from the Princess to Tsuna, and smiled softly. For some reason, he felt honoured.
"Ushi shi shi shi...so the little Shy Guy finally spoke, huh?" Came a voice from the doorway.
The three of them looked to the doors, seeing a tall, blonde-haired man standing there. His mop of blonde hair covered his eyes, he was dressed in a pink and black stripped shirt, leather jacket, leather pants and white boots. He also sported a silver tiara on his head. His mouth was stretched into a wide toothy grin that took up half of his face.
Tsuna's eyes widened and he hid behind Casana.
Casana narrowed her eyes at the man. "Belphegor...what are you doing here?"
"Aww, is that any way to greet your cousin, Princess?" The man, Belphegor, mocked. "Won't you introduce me to your...fiancé?"
The dark-haired Princess sighed. "Mukuro...this is my cousin, Belphegor. He's of the Royal Family also, set to take my place if I were to pass on. It's a bit of a conflict since he's a twin, his twin brother Ba'al is set to take my place, but things have changed. He and Ba'al are my mother's sister's sons, so they have ties to our blood."
(Note: For those of you who may not know, Bel really did have a twin brother named Ba'al, he killed him when he was a child, saying that he mistook him for a cockroach, but we all know the real reason why.)
Mukuro looked to the blonde Prince as he grinned at him. There was something about this man he didn't like at all. He managed a polite nod. "Hello, Belphegor."
"That's Prince Belphegor to you, bluey. Ushi shi shi shi..." The maniacal wide grin never left Bel's face.
"Why are you here?" Casana demanded, bringing a hand to rest on Tsuna behind her. "Is Ba'al with you?"
"Of course, he's just seeing Uncle in his study." Belphegor said in amusement.
"Well why don't you join him and not be here together?" Casana snarled. It was obvious she disliked her cousin.
"Ushi shi shi shi shi...what's the matter Princess? You don't like having me around?" Bel sneered, a red eye peeking out from behind his hair.
"Very good. Now leave, we have important things to discuss."
"What if I don't want to? Maybe I'd like to stick around, see what you guys are up to...Ushi shi shi shi..."
"I said leave. Now."
"Hold on Princess." Mukuro held up a hand and stepped toward the blonde, his mismatched eyes boring angrily into him. "The Princess has requested that you leave. If you have any ounce of respect to her, which I'm guessing you don't, then you will kindly take your leave. I'm not asking you, I'm telling you. Leave, now. I won't hesitate to tell her father "
"Ushi shi shi shi...my my, you've got guts, bluey." Bel smirked, slipping out the door. "I will then, but not because you asked me to. Bye-bee." He disappeared away.
Tsuna peeked out from behind Casana, looking up at her. She looked distressed and angered, but when she looked down at his cute, concerned face, she immediately softened and smiled.
"He's gone now, sweetie. Don't worry." Casana assured, and looked at Mukuro. "I'm so sorry about that, I completely forgot that he and Ba'al were coming to visit today."
"That's all right, don't worry." Mukuro waved a hand. "I take it you two don't get along?"
"No. He resents me that I'm of the main Royal family, and that he's of the branch royal family. He always threatens to kill me so he reign over Italy, since he's so obsessed with the fact that he's a Prince." Casana explained. "I just have a feeling that one day he'll have me assassinated. I don't want Italy to fall under his control, God no. Not only that...he was horrible and cruel to Tsunayoshi emotionally and physically before he got here, and I never forgave him for that. No one ever does such a thing to him, never."
Tsuna shuddered at the memory, looking from both Casana to Mukuro, shaking a bit as he clung to her dress like a scared little child.
Nodding slowly, Mukuro stepped over to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Casana...I'll make sure that he never steps foot near you or Tsunayoshi ever again. Italy should be ruled by a kind, generous woman like yourself. I won't have it any other way."
Smiling gratefully, Casana nodded. "Thank you Mukuro...that means a lot to me. I just want what's best for Tsunayoshi more than anything, and the country also."
Stepping over, Tsuna hugged the taller boy. He didn't know how he'd gathered the courage to do it, but he did. It surprised Mukuro, given his shyness and that he himself was not used to being hugged, but he shook it off and hugged him back warmly. The Princess smiled at the sight. She knew something, but couldn't quite put it out there yet.
"Thank...you Mukuro-san..." Tsuna mumbled.
The small boy was so warm, not just in actual temperature, but the feeling. Mukuro had never felt such a warmth before...and he liked it, he wanted to feel it for the rest of his life. Keeping his composure, He lightly stroked the back of Tsuna's head in comfort, smiling. "No problem, Tsunayoshi. I want what's best for the both of you and Italy altogether."
Looking up at Mukuro, Tsuna smiled with utmost gratitude and happiness, his eyes sparkling. Mukuro was taken aback by the sweet, wonderful smile this boy had. It made his heart flutter deep in his chest, not quite realizing that he still had his arms around him, but he didn't care.
He wanted to relish this warmth for all time.
--
A few days passed, Tsuna watched as Mukuro spoke of things with his Mistress in Italian. He now understood Italian since Casana had taught it to him when he first came to the castle, even if she spoke Japanese with him.
He watched at the far end of the long table where the family had their meals, watching the two soon-to-be wed talking of things. For some reason, he kept glancing toward his Master-to-be. The way the sun trickled in through the windows and illuminated his form, the way his eyes held a soft glow to them when he was in a good mood, the way he smiled, the way he spoke, the way he sat...everything, it was all so gravitating to Tsuna.
He felt very envious of his Mistress right now.
Right then, Mukuro stood and kissed her hand, causing her to giggle and blush a bit. She also stood, kissed both his cheeks and went over to Tsuna.
"I have to go in a meeting with my father and some advisors. Mukuro will keep you company, is that all right?"
Smiling, Tsuna nodded. "It's fine, Casana-chan."
"Good boy." She cooed, kissing his forehead and leaving the room, closing the door behind her.
Feeling a bit shy as Mukuro stepped over to him, he offered his hand. Tsuna gingerly took it, allowing him to be stood from the chair.
"Is there anything in particular you'd like to do, Tsunayoshi?" Mukuro asked him, smiling.
"I-it doesn't matter much to me..." Tsuna said softly. "If it's no trouble to you."
"I don't mind keeping you company, Tsunayoshi." Mukuro assured. "I was requested to do so, and I was glad to oblige. I did so because I wanted to."
"O-okay." Tsuna sighed in relief. "...Do you want to go for a walk in the garden?"
"Kufufu...sure. Let's go."
Tsuna blushed as Mukuro held his hand, leading him out of the room.
--
They walked along the castle gardens, hand in hand, the breeze blew by as birds sang cheerfully all around. It was cloudy, but it was a lovely day none the less.
"Tsunayoshi," Mukuro's voice snapped Tsuna out of his reverie...yet he wasn't sure what he was thinking of. His mind was in jumbles.
"Y-yes?" Tsuna looked up at him.
"...How do you exactly feel of the...joining of Casana and myself?" Mukuro looked down at him.
"I...well..." Tsuna blushed a bit. "I-I think it's great...I know you guys don't exactly love each other, but you get along good...and you're really good to her, and...to me."
"Oya?" Mukuro smirked lightly in amusement, looking down at the smaller boy. "You think so, huh?"
"Y-yes..." The brunet nodded. "It's just sad you guys don't get to be with someone you love..."
"Kufufu...don't worry about it, Tsunayoshi. I don't think I could have asked for a better woman to have an arranged marriage with. It is true that we do not have romantic feelings toward each other, but being with her will be far from an unpleasant experience." He looked down at him again, his smirk melting into a serious expression, yet his eyes were smiling. "Tsunayoshi, I promise you that I will do everything in my power to make her as happy as I can, and protect her. I understand that she is important to you, as you are to her. You both deserve happiness, and Italy needs a fine ruler. I want nothing more than to see you both smiling. I will especially see to it that you are indeed happy, as she has made you."
Unwittingly, tears pooled in Tsuna's eyes as he happily gazed up at whom he believed was an Angel. (Note: I know that's far from the truth, but come on, bear with me.)
He felt a surge of happiness and warmth flow to his heart when this man spoke those words to him, the way he spoke in such a promising way.
Before Tsuna could realize that he went past his shyness, customs, and even his own feelings, he jumped up, brought his arms around the taller boy's neck, and kissed him on the lips. He was so happy, he couldn't even think of a better way to express it...and his growing feelings.
Mukuro was taken aback by the sudden boldness, and action from the smaller boy. He couldn't believe it. An action between two men was unheard of in the country, yet it happened secretly if it did. As their lips met, he strangely didn't feel displeasure, disgust, nothing of the sort. Although he knew he should pull back, deep down he just didn't want to. In fact he wanted to bring his arms around the precious boy and kiss him back with all the love and affection he had growing toward this boy. This sweet boy...longing to be loved, for affection, someone to hold him, to be treated like a precious treasure, to have a friend, everything a person could want in the name of love, he said it all in this kiss.
And Mukuro knew that he wanted to give that to him.
Bringing his arms around as his surprise melted away, he kissed Tsuna back, bringing him closer. He could feel the warm, salty tears pooling down the other's cheeks.
After a few moments, they pulled back, gazing into each other's eyes.
"Mukuro...I...I..." Tsuna felt his shyness take over, he wanted to run off, apologize so many times for what he did, but before he could try, the taller boy held him tighter, placing a finger on his lips.
"It's okay, Tsunayoshi...I do too." Mukuro said softly.
And Tsuna understood.
--
Okay, yeah. XD I know, the ending was unsatisfying. I just don't know...should I continue it? Maybe? Yes? No? Tell me what you think, and do give a reason! Thanks!