Hello again! Haha, I wanted to update this because this story seemed like one people liked… Anyways without further ado! Please enjoy this very much! Please tell me if anyone acts or sounds really retardafied or something like that! (I mean if anyone is OOC)

Chapter 2: Not Romance

Chrome almost felt like she was in a dream as her illusions worked to trick the machines into letting Mukuro out of the cell. First the water drained out of the capsule. Then the glass surrounding the capsule slid open. Finally the countless restraints holding him in place opened.

Mukuro's body fell from its position in the now open capsule. Chrome slid forward, somehow sliding onto her bottom. She caught Mukuro by his shoulders, the rest of his body laid sloppily over her own.

Even though most of his heavier restraints had been removed, Mukuro was still bound. Small pieces of tape forcefully shut both his eyes, making it appear as if he were sleeping. Other small pieces of tape decorated his skin, mostly around his legs and arms. Heavy chains and shackles immobilised his upper body.

Chrome quickly freed Mukuro, up until she gently peeled away the tape from his eye lids. It seemed as though the Vendicare Prison made sure to heavily sedate him constantly. Chrome knew this, even without the proof of his arms not moving when she released the chains or his not opening when the tape was pulled off.

Chrome knew that Vendicare Prison didn't take the best of care with their prisoners. Mukuro's hair challenged the length of Chrome's own and was drenched. His clothes were matted and torn, probably never changed from the second he was first in them. Her eyes examined his unconscious form, running up and down his body. Slowly sliding up her arms to his shoulders Chrome tried to shake Mukuro awake. To no surprise his eyes didn't open.

Mukuro! Please wake up!

Kufufufu… I wish I could Chrome, however I am not able to awaken by myself.

Chrome panted lightly as she tried a more desperate attempt at shaking him, she knew the guards would arrive soon. Her motive was so obvious; they would definitely come to check up on him.

The Vongola Mist ring on her finger lit up as she cast a powerful real illusion. One that erased the memory of the memory of the single camera in the room then replaced it with the new memory. A new memory that made it seem like Chrome had never been in the room. It hid them as well, so even if someone were to physically bump into them they wouldn't feel it.

Soon enough, as predicted, Vendicare guards came in. There were easily 10 or 15 guards trying to cramp into the prison room, most certainly there more than 10 more outside the room. Chrome held Mukuro tight against her body, knowing if she broke her concentration even for a second the spell would break.

Slowly, almost tortuously so, she stood up, Mukuro still in her hold. Beads of sweat dripped down her face as she literally dragged Mukuro out of the room, along with keeping up the powerful illusion. Illusions surrounded her as she exited the room, leaving it so that the guards outside were also unaware of her presence.

No wonder she was regarded as one of the only three people on the earth that could fool Vendicare.

Ken felt his eyesight turning black around the edges, which wasn't very good seeing as there was an attack which could only be seen using his peripheral vision. Before Ken could be hit, however, Chikusa sent about 10 or 20 spines flying into the guard's back.

"Ken, don't let your guard-" Chikusa began.

Before Chikusa could finish his sentence Ken heard several loud bangs and before they knew it, they both had several holes in them.

"Wha-!?" Ken hissed, as blood spurted out of his mouth. Pain blossomed in all areas of his body and he fell to the ground.

Chikusa fell with Ken, his eyes losing any previous life they had. He felt the life of him disappearing. They both felt the vision fading…

"Ken! Chikusa! Wake up! You guys are useless! Seriously!"

Chrome felt blood drip from the corner of her mouth, but paid it no heed. She continued to concentrate the illusion surrounding her and Mukuro. Mukuro was much heavier than she was and she had great difficulty lifting him up the stairs.

Chrome… Please do not stress out yourself. Your organs! If you keep concentrating on that illusion your illusory organs will-

However, before Mukuro could finish Chrome fell down on the stairs. She started coughing out blood, all the coughing barely letting her breathe. Her illusion dropped and she couldn't even concentrate on trying to make herself illusory organs again.

Chrome! My precious Chrome! Why won't you let me help you!? Why won't you accept my illusions!?

I won't! I can't always rely on you! I'm always, always a burden! I'm not the weakest guardian anymore! I can- I can- I can-

Chrome couldn't even string the sentence together properly as pain ran through her aching body.

Chrome… I know what you're trying to say but please! I want to help you! I always have! Are my illusions no longer sufficient for you?

No! It's nothing like that! I just want everyone to realise, I'm not weak! That I'm not-

Another coughing fit enraged in her system, soon enough she wouldn't be able to even communicate with Mukuro.

Chrome, if you will not accept me then I understand.

I accept you! I accept you so much! I never want to leave your side now that I've come this far! I-

The sedatives are wearing off. I will protect you my Chrome. You've done excellently. So please rest assured, you will be safe.

Chrome only heard Mukuro's reassuring voice and rushing footsteps before passing out completely.

Chrome's eyelids fluttered open, her body no longer feeling the sharp pain. When Chrome finally came to her senses she almost got the shock of her life. From where she was she could tell that she was in Mukuro's arms. Literally. His arms supported her back and knees securely but gently. He was carrying her just as if she were a bride.

"Are you better now, Chrome?" Mukuro said calmly, giving her a single glance, his voice was strangely soothing to her ears.

"Mu-Mu-Mukuro…!" Chrome managed to stutter out, her usual blushing making its way onto her cheeks, "So-Sorry!"

"You're especially cute when you sleep, you know?" Mukuro said smoothly, completely ignoring her previous comment. He looked down once again and sent her one of his prize worthy smiles.

"Ah! Mukuro… That's not true…"Chrome muttered, looking at her hands which were fiddling in her chest.

"Now, how would you know that, my cute Chrome?" Mukuro chuckled, satisfied with the further reddening of her cheeks.

Mukuro knew that Chrome could be cold-blooded assassin that could cast enough illusions to make someone go insane. However, whenever she was around him, in her dreams or now in reality, she would turn back into her shy 14 year old self once again.

"M-Mukuro, I'm sorry. I must be really heavy; you should put me down…" Chrome said shyly, "You're muscles must not be used to the movement, right? I can run on my own…"

"No way…" Mukuro said in an almost cheerful way as his grip on her tightened, his tone emphasised his disapproval though, "That's not good at all. How could I make my precious Chrome who went through all this stress herself to death? No way…" Mukuro looked at Chrome once more, this time dropping his smile a little, "You almost did die, Chrome." His tone was slightly scary and this was one of the only few times Chrome had ever heard him use it. It meant he was serious.

"S-Sorry, Mukuro…" Chrome whispered quietly, she looked up with a happy smile on her face, "I'm so happy to meet you in person… I've wanted to since we first met. I almost feel like fainting." Chrome went pinker as she said it, "I'm so happy I can hear your voice, see your face and… and feel your touch… all in person. I feel so stupid…"

Chrome could barely contain her blushing and buried her face in Mukuro's chest, her hands clutching tightly onto his ragged shirt. If Chrome hadn't looked away she might have seen the faintest, almost invisible blush on Mukuro's face.

"Silly girl…" Mukuro muttered almost inaudibly, "You're not stupid."

"Ken! Kaki-pi! Do you guys even begin to realise how useless you are!? Eh!?" A feminine, yet fierce, voice yelled at them. The young woman had her back turned and was splattered with blood, both of them didn't even want to think about what else was splattered on her clothes. They both physically winced.

"It's not like we could help it! We were in an illusion! How were we supposed to know!? It felt bloody real!" Ken yelled back.

"Ken, stop it. You're being annoying." Chikusa said plainly, apparently used to ignoring loud voices, much to the chagrin of the young woman.

"Chikusa! Don't ignore me! At least say thank you!" The woman shouted in Chikusa's ear, "I took down all the guard before they could really shoot you!"

"It's troublesome." Chikusa replied back, quite fed up with all the shouting.

The young woman became enraged; she whirled around and grabbed Chikusa by his collar. Her eyes remained shrouded by her messy bangs, her clip having been ripped off during her battle.

"What did you say!?" She hissed through gritted teeth.

"Why would we thank you!? Stupid woman… You were late!" Ken shouted again, "How the hell did you see through the illusions anyway?"

"Now, you're interested!?" The woman growled as she let go of Chikusa's collar, "I can see through plenty of illusions! I have competition, you know? Mukuro-chan will never look my way if I can't even see through that ugly girl's illusions. I, M.M., can't be losing to some girl."

M.M. flipped her matted bangs out of her eyes, showing her orange-brown eyes. She wore an expensive looking dress with a branded jacket. Thigh high leather boots were on her legs. A wide red belt was wound around her waist, a famous company's logo branded on the side. She clicked her tongue in realisation of the state of her clothes and glared at the two.

"Do you guys even begin to realise how much it cost me to buy these clothes!? And now I have blood and guts all over them. These are dry clean only!" M.M. scolded, completely and utterly pissed, "Mukuro-chan definitely won't want to see me in these! I dressed up all for him! Hmph!"

"You shouldn't have even worn clothes like that!" Ken yelled, "You know when you fight, things explode! Why would you wear something like that!?"

"Be-cause," M.M. said emphasising the syllables, "I was already late when I was picking out my shoes, so I decided if I'm going to come late I better impress Mukuro-chan."

"That's stupid!" Ken shouted.

"Ken, you're being troublesome." Chikusa butted in, totally sick of the shouting contest.

"My, my, everyone seems to be in high spirits." A voice chimed in.

"M-Mukuro-san!" Ken managed to stutter out, he seemed embarrassed.

"Mu-ku-ro-chan!" M.M. exclaimed happily, she emphasised every syllable with joy.

"Mukuro-sama!" Chikusa said calmly, as usual.

"Everyone, nice to meet again, yes?" Mukuro said teasingly, his smile in its usual place. Chrome had fallen asleep once again, Mukuro had literally ordered her to rest.

"Why are you carrying, Chrome Dokuro!?" M.M. shouted in pure disbelief.

"Chrome worked very hard today, I told her to have some rest." Mukuro said smoothly.

"B-but! That girl gets tired too easily! You shouldn't go so easy on her, Mukuro-san!" Ken protested.

"Ken, Chrome tried very hard. The reason no more guards have come recently is because of Chrome." Mukuro said seriously, his scary tone once more ensued.

"Y-yes, Mukuro-san!" Ken stuttered, his expression showing his panic.

"Let's go now, before Chrome's illusions fade away." Mukuro ordered.

Just then they heard a loud bang and Mukuro heard something whizzing right past his ear, barely a hair away.

"Rokudo Mukuro, surrender now and your accomplices just may make it out of this alive. Your position as real Vongola mist guardian can allow them to survive, but only if you surrender now." The man with the long hair once again appeared. His gun was within his grasp, a cruel smirk was on his face, "Chrome Dokuro will not be able to make it out of this alone. After all, she is the fake mist guardian, the weakest link."

"I'm not…" Mukuro heard Chrome mumble in his arms. Just when did she awaken? How much did she hear? "I'm not the weakest anymore… am I, Mukuro?"

Mukuro could feel Chrome's hand shaking as she gripped his shirt tighter and tighter.

"No, my cute Chrome, definitely not." Mukuro said reassuringly before whirling around. He glared at the man but with kept his usual smile, "For insulting my precious Chrome, I'm going to make you pay…" Mukuro said it almost calmly as the character on his right eye turned to the character for 1.

Throughout the whole battle Mukuro had, Chrome remembered staying in his arms the whole time. He didn't even move to put her down; he successfully took down all the guards without using his hands. She also recalled that the long haired man could see through all of Mukuro's illusions, no matter how powerful. She remembered all of them having to run off instead, as Mukuro was not used to fighting just yet.

They all had to split up; Chrome could remember it so clearly.

"It seems that there is someone who is causing us quite a bit of trouble." Mukuro said calmly as he dodged another bullet.

"Mukuro, you should put me down." Chrome said, assertiveness more clear in her voice than usual, "You would be able to fight better."

"I don't want to." Mukuro said playfully, he sent her a glance and Chrome could see the content smile on his face.

"B-But Mukuro…!" Chrome tried to protest.

"No 'but's, Chrome." Mukuro scolded lightly just as he jumped out of the way of a swarm of racing bullets, "Everyone, we should split up."

"Yes!" They all looked reluctant but went along with it anyway.

Chrome and Mukuro were one group, Ken and Chikusa were another and M.M. went solo. Chrome worried about the rest of the group, even though M.M. and Ken hated her for some reason she still cared about them. Chrome was used to it though; before she met Mukuro Chrome didn't have anyone to be around. At least now they were around her, even if they didn't treat her nicely.

"Don't worry, Chrome." Mukuro said soothingly, he looked back to send her his reassuring smile. Mukuro had finally put her down, after many complaints. Now they were hand-in-hand running for their lives, "They will be fine and I will never leave you."

Chrome blushed at the comment and realised that Mukuro had once again peeked into her thoughts, "M-Mukuro! Why did you…?"

"It's a habit now, I can't help it." Mukuro said playfully, "Oops…"

Chrome blushed even further, her hand coiled in her chest. Her long hair flailed around her back, it beat against her sweat drenched jacket. She hadn't even thought to remove the thin black jacket as she was always preoccupied.

Chrome felt a jolt in her arm as they both made a sharp turn. They continued running in a dark, damp and kind of eerie alley. It was tiny, both of them hardly fit, they had to run in a single file, however Mukuro didn't even begin to loosen his grip on her hand. Most people would have felt cramped but Chrome knew better.

Both Chrome and Mukuro didn't even flinch as they ran straight through the wall at the end of the alley. After that, they kept on running. Chrome had already lost track of how many turns they made, how long they had been running, how far… She was just letting Mukuro guide her. She knew he knew exactly where he was going. After all, most of the things they ran past, ran around and ran through were illusions.

They finally stopped when they reached their destination. It was real for one thing and for another thing it was a rather classy apartment. They had since long ago bathed themselves in illusions, making them look like a normal couple. As they went inside Chrome flashed her key card at the guard, showing that she actually lived here.

No one would be able to find her; she never told anyone her address, not even those in the Vongola family. Even those who lived in her building didn't know her real name, real job or her real face either. They both entered the elevator and Chrome selected the correct level. They exited and made their way to her apartment.

"Ah, Shizuka-san!" Chrome heard her alias being called; she turned and smiled at the lady in her early 20's.

"Misaki-san," Chrome greeted, "I haven't seen you in a while."

Mukuro gave Chrome the briefest of glances. Misaki was a college student who studied law and took a liking to his Chrome. Misaki also had a loving boyfriend and often visited Chrome. Misaki had curly golden-brown hair that was always in different stylish hair styles.

Misaki believed Chrome was an honour high school student, strangely boyfriend-less, who took a part-time job at a café. Misaki thought Chrome lived with her busy parents. Chrome always told people her parents were busy with work which was why they were never home. Everyone in the apartment believed the background story Chrome had made up.

"That's because you followed your parents on their business trip!" Misaki exclaimed, "Woah! You brought back a boyfriend as well!" Misaki gave her a look, "I knew it! You've never had a boyfriend because you were waiting for this guy!" Misaki pointed triumphantly at Mukuro, who only stood there silently with his normal smile.

Chrome blushed but brushed it off, "I didn't bring him back…" Chrome muttered.

"I see! Then obviously you've been dating this whole time!" Misaki sent Chrome an approving grin, "You have good taste!"

"Mi-chan!" A voice called out, almost making Misaki jump out of her skin. Misaki turned around to see her boyfriend in the hallway, tapping his foot impatiently, "I've been waiting for ages!"

"Ah, sorry!" Misaki apologised, she turned her head to Chrome as she was walking off with her boyfriend, "I'll see you later then, Shizuka-san!"

Chrome didn't answer back as she and Mukuro started to walk to her apartment. Chrome put in her key card and they both entered her apartment. It was neat and tidy; it looked almost exactly the same way it did when Chrome first moved in. It was actually made for two people, which was why Chrome first moved in here the first place.

"It seems that girl really seems to like you." Mukuro said absently as he let go of Chrome's hand and sat on her white bed.

"I didn't ask her to…" Chrome mumbled softly, "I don't know what to do around her; she's always so nice to me. I'm not used to it."

"Whatever happened to those two girls Sawada Tsunayoshi was courting?" Mukuro asked as he looked up at her cream coloured ceiling.

"Haru and Kyoko?" Chrome confirmed, she saw the slight nod Mukuro gave her, "They… We… I don't see them that often… So, it's not a big deal." Mukuro could see the blush dusting Chrome's cheeks, "I am still also quite confused at what to do around those two."

Mukuro looked at the slightly distracted Chrome. He walked over to her, leaving little to no space between their bodies.

"Mukuro-"

"How about we change out of these dirty clothes, yes?" Mukuro asked playfully.

"Wha-" Chrome began, not being able comprehend what was happening.

It was then that Mukuro grasped the bottom of her jacket. It was long sleeved and quite thin, it had big buttons that Chrome had buttoned up all the way to the top. It was quite cheap as well. So, it didn't really matter when Mukuro yanked on it and the whole thing fell to pieces.

Chrome immediately tried to cover her chest with her arms. Then she realised she still had her tank top on. Her white tank top, which had gone see-through from her sweat of course. She almost let out a scream when she realised her bra was showing, right in front of Mukuro.

Chrome tried to turn away but Mukuro grasped her sides and literally lifted her off the floor. Even though Chrome had shot up through the years, Mukuro still had a lot of height to boast. Chrome's face turned even redder than he'd ever seen it. He chuckled as he hugged her close, her feet dangling above the ground.

"Mukuro…!" Chrome gasped.

"I've wanted to touch you for 3 years," Mukuro said teasingly, his cheek was buried in her neck, "of course I'm going to savour every second!"

Chrome's face became so red that she hoped she didn't look like a tomato. She breathed in slowly and steadily, hoping her face would go back to its normal colour.

Mukuro put her down gently, "Now go clean up, then we can go to sleep." He sent her a smile, "Go on, I'll wait."

Chrome climbed into the bed, her hair dry from her shower. She had undone the top knot, so all her hair flowed down in all its glory, flowing down to just below her shoulder blades. She wore her simple night gown as usual and crawled underneath her covers. She didn't have to wait long before she felt the weight of the bed shift a little.

However, Chrome was surprised when she felt Mukuro hug her from behind. His arms were wrapped tightly around her middle. She could feel his extremely long hair tickling her and his breath on the back of her head.

"Mukuro…?" Chrome whispered, her cheeks painted in red again.

"I told you, I want to savour every second." Mukuro murmured into the shell of her ear, "I'm not letting you go," he breathed in her scent, "I'm never leaving your side."

Chrome blushed even further in embarrassed but managed to answer, "I-I never want you to leave. Before you came into my life I was all alone, but because of you I'm not alone anymore."

Mukuro held her closer, not saying a word. They both felt each other's presences and fell asleep easily. They were beings that intertwined their destinies and existences. Some would think it was a mistake, not meant to happen. Some would think it was destiny, written in stone. Some say they were meant to be, some say they defied fate and were only brought together by luck or accident. Both of them didn't care, they were here together, in each other's arms. They didn't care if it was meant to happen or not, as long as it happened.

It wasn't romance, but it was definitely love, they both just didn't realise.

YAY! Who liked the ending of this chappie? I'm quite happy. I read that last line (well something similar) in a blurb somewhere. Sorry I can't reference properly! At least I said it wasn't entirely mine! The last bit is! That's because I thought it seemed a bit sudden if they both already knew they loved each other! So, I added it just in case!

I'm glad I can get this out! I really love this chappie! Although, it was really hard to think of their reunion. I hope it turned out okay! Just leave a comment or something for me! If anything needs work, don't be shy! Especially if Mukuro gets too affectionate or Chrome gets too shy or M.M. gets too jealous or something. ANYTHING! I don't mind! Help is always appreciated! My editing sucks, so help is a MUST! THANKS!

This is not the last chapter, I repeat; this is not the last chapter! I ended it like that because I thought it fit well. I have HEAPS more to write about in the story! It will definitely have at least 8 chapters. I GUARANTEE! I swear that I will NOT RUN OUT OF IDEAS! HELL, I'm thinking of new ones everyday!

Also, this story is going to be quite dynamic. Like, there will be many different problems, like they're not all connected. Some of them may connect a little but otherwise they'll encounter entirely different situations.

Oh, and my writing style this time was a bit more informal. Sorry about that, it's just that I found the style interesting so I wanted to try it out. It was actually more natural and fun. However, if you guys don't like it then TELL ME! I want YOUR feedback! I want YOU GUYS to enjoy my story! This isn't just for me to improve and just for the joy of writing! I want you guys to have fun and enjoy the story! So, please tell me! If you think it needs improvement or you like it or you don't like it, I need to know! Otherwise, I'll just be writing blindly! So please, this story isn't just about me! You guys are SUPER important as well!

I've rambled plenty enough! I love you guys for the stop! Please review! It makes me happy! When I'm happy I tend to update sooner too! Sorry, that my update pace isn't actually that fast! I should be able to update more because its holidays, but some things may come up! Sorry! I love you anyways!

See ya next chappie!

Next Chapter: Insecurities (may change)

PS. Just a note, for those of you that have read chappie 272 (specifically pages 12-14, especially page 13! I almost fainted from happiness!), how many of you just wanted to CUDDLE Amano Akira? I really, really want to! Well, I'm a hardcore 6996 fan so that could explain it. Haha, sorry just a side track!