Hey people! Here is the update you were waiting for! Thanks for the reads and reviews! They are very motivating! :D

**SPOILER WARNING** Oh my god! You know how on the last chappie I said how much I adored Amano Akira for the 6996 moment? Well, I saw some forum comments and they seriously pissed be off! They were like "Oh, she fainted because she's like a fan girl!", I was PISSED! Then I'm pissed at Amano because of what she made Mukuro say a few chapters later. ARGH! What is wrong with people these days? All you 6996 fans, if you're as pissed as I am, this chappie will make you happier. :D **END SPOILER**

This chappie also has spoilers! So, I'm warning you!

Getting on to the actual story~!

Kyoya comes in this chapter! I don't plan on making a triangle though… Read on to find out what I want! YAY! Have fun reading! :D By the way, I made it in this fic that it's like they've finished the Future Arc and everything, so it's like set post-series.

Chapter 3: Insecurities

Chrome stood alone, in the centre of darkness. Despite not being alone anymore, she was still scared. She was always scared when she was alone. Just because she was alone her whole life, didn't mean she wasn't scared of it. She almost fell down in anguish and fear.

Then he appeared in her vision. His back was facing her but his hairstyle was unmistakable. It was Mukuro. She was quite far away, she wondered why. She ran toward him, arm outstretched.

"Mukuro!" Chrome exclaimed, her happiness clearly displayed on her face.

Right when her hand was about to touch his shoulder, he brushed her away quickly, turning around to face her. His bangs covered his eyes so she couldn't see what his facial expression was. He stood away from her, not making any approach to come near to her.

"Mukuro-" Chrome began, she took a step forward.

Mukuro took a step back, trying not to get any closer to her. A look of hurt overcame her features. Why was he trying to move away from her?

"What are you-?" Chrome asked, she looked like she was on the verge of tears.

"I have no use for an ignorant little girl like you. You are merely a tool. I no longer need you now that I am out of that prison. Never come after me again." Mukuro turned around and briskly walked away.

Chrome looked crushed. She couldn't even walk; on the contrary, she dropped to the floor. Her whole body was shaking; she wrapped her arms around her chest in an attempt to feel better. She should have known. From day one, he didn't truly need her. The tears that were threatening to spill from her eye finally flowed freely.

No longer able to hold it in any longer, she screamed.

"Mukuro!"

Chrome washed her face once more, hoping to feel fresher. How could she let such a dream affect her so? Thank goodness, she had long been able to control what happened in her dreams and what happened in real life. She didn't cry and she didn't scream in her sleep any more, she was grateful. Otherwise, Mukuro would have showered with questions.

Or maybe not? Chrome thought doubtfully, No! It was only a dream. Mukuro told me he wouldn't leave me. I have to trust him.

"Kufufufu, what are you thinking of, Chrome?"

Before Chrome knew what was happening, Mukuro had his arms draped around her, his face dangerously close to her's.

"M-Mukuro-!" Chrome yelped.

"I promise I didn't peek when you were changing, but you were taking a very long time so I decided to come take a look." Mukuro explained soothingly, "What is troubling my cute little Chrome? You're making such a sad expression."

"It's nothing, Mukuro. I'm just a little tired from last night. I need to go out soon anyway." Chrome stumbled. Years ago, she wouldn't have been able to tell a lie without someone catching her. Now, she could tell one without skipping a beat.

"You're going out…?" Mukuro asked. He obviously hadn't heard of this.

"Umm, it's because people think I'm going to school so I have to go out and I have to go buy some things as well. I didn't really stock up before I left." Chrome said swiftly, hoping he wouldn't be able to catch her lie.

"Tell me the truth, Chrome." Mukuro countered efficiently. Well, her lie just failed.

"I'm not lying, Mukuro. I just need to go shopping for some things." Chrome said just as quickly. To a normal person, it would've sounded like a sufficient lie… to Mukuro, not so much.

"You're saying one thing," Mukuro slowly, one of his arms slipping to her waist, "and doing another."

"Wha-!" Chrome gasped, her cheeks turning a rosier pink.

"Whenever you lie, you blink twice." Mukuro said calmly, he ducked his head down and Chrome found his lips at her neck, "It's not as noticeable as it used to be, but you can't fool me, my dear Chrome." Mukuro looked into the mirror, catching Chrome's eye.

"I-I don't have a habit like that…" Chrome persisted; she averted her eye from the mirror. She hoped this wouldn't be as pointless as she thought it would be.

"Kufufufu, yes, you do, Chrome. You cannot deny me." Mukuro said smoothly. Chrome really couldn't continue this on for much longer.

"I do need to go out though, Mukuro. You should stay here and rest." Chrome said honestly.

"Are you going to wear this?" Mukuro asked suspiciously.

Chrome looked down at the dress she was wearing. It was a simple halter-neck sun dress; it seemed perfect for the weather.

"Yes." Chrome said slowly, unsure of why he asked.

"I won't allow it." Mukuro said smoothly, he left no room for objection.

"W-Why?" Chrome asked curiously.

"Kufufufu, because," Mukuro stood up straight and looked straight into the mirror, he placed both hands on her bare shoulders, "you clearly are wearing too little."

Mukuro ran his hands down her surprisingly smooth arms, sending shivers up Chrome's spine. When he reached her hands he intertwined his fingers expertly with her's.

"I don't want any other man seeing as much of you as I do." Mukuro said into the shell of her ear.

"I-" Chrome spoke up, trying to apologise.

"I won't hear it. You haven't even covered your arms and your back is fully exposed. You're even wearing such a short skirt. If I'm going to allow you to leave, you are going to wear something more modest. You can only wear things like this when you're in my, and only my, presence." Mukuro said with a smirk, it made Chrome blush even harder.

"I'll go change then." Chrome said embarrassedly, she was glad Mukuro gave in though.

"Good girl." Mukuro said smoothly. He used one hand to hold the back of her head and planted a kiss on her forehead.

Chrome blushed even harder and she exited the room to try and find a more appropriate set of clothing.

She hasn't changed… Mukuro thought amusedly, She's so cute. I couldn't say no to her… Mukuro placed his hand over his eyes, How foolish of me to care about this girl so much.

The streets were bustling as Chrome made her way through them. She sighed. She had exchanged her dress for an elbow-length sleeved shirt and shorts; it was acceptable by Mukuro's terms. Now that she thought about it, it seemed pretty pointless. She had her illusions making their magic so she could have just used her illusions to make it look like she was wearing different clothes. Hence, the sigh.

It was the middle of summer and blazing hot. She shaded her eye with her hand and wondered why she still didn't own a pair of sunglasses. She almost laughed at the thought; everything lately seemed like a silly dream.

Without thinking, she found herself stopping and gazing straight into a store's mirror. She stared at the reflection in the mirror. As expected, Chrome's illusions were perfect. Her purple hair was now a perfect shade of chestnut brown and her eyes were a charming brown. She was considerably taller and her skin was slightly more tanned. She even went as far as to place a few blemishes here and there to hide her identity even further.

Chrome lifted her hand up in front of the mirror, even if normal people couldn't see it, she could see her fair skin through the illusion. This time, she laughed. She didn't know why, but the concept seemed laughable. She wouldn't be able to do things like this if she never met Mukuro, she wouldn't even be here. She smiled at her reflection; she was content with what she had now. Right now, Mukuro was all she needed.

"Staring at you're reflection like that will draw attention to you," A male voice said from behind her, she had sensed the presence mere seconds prior but was still rather startled, "Vongola Mist Guardian, Nagi."

Chrome knew who it was. Apart from Mukuro, no one else could see through her illusions so flawlessly, much less know her true name. She turned her head and smiled at him. She wondered how he could wear a long sleeved black suit in weather like this but it was his style.

Without a moment's notice he grasped her upper arm, startling her once more. He briskly continued to literally drag her down the street. That was definitely his style, quick and straight into action.

"This is a little out of character. Why are you doing something so attention grabbing?" She asked calmly as he continued to pull her along.

"It is not attention grabbing, Nagi." He said simply.

"I guess you are correct." Chrome said with a smile. Within this crowded area, people were getting pulled here and there. Seeing a scene like this wouldn't have been too uncommon, "I know you wouldn't answer me if I asked you what you were doing but I'll ask anyway. What are you doing?"

"I heard you freed Rokudo Mukuro. What a weak decision." He said quickly, Chrome could hear the hate delved in his tone.

"It's not a weak decision. At least I don't think so," Chrome said contently, "Kyoya."

Chrome almost giggled as she saw the slightly irritated look on Kyoya's face, even though he allowed her to call him by his first name, he would never stop getting annoyed at it.

"It's a decision a herbivore would make, Nagi." Kyoya said blatantly.

Chrome giggled quietly, "You know I'm not a herbivore, Kyoya. I eat meat."

"I never stated you were a herbivore, Nagi. You just act like one." Kyoya said with efficiency.

Chrome just giggled at the comment and followed patiently. Kyoya was always like this, she would never tire of his peculiar antics. Kyoya stopped when they had entered his headquarters. It was a far cry from what he owned ten years later but it was well on its way. Chrome knew Kyoya loved Japanese culture, the tatami mats and white screen doors were proof of it. She had been here multiple times and she never tired of the scenery and atmosphere.

Chrome made herself comfortable at one of the spots on the floors, it was one of her usual spots. She immediately dropped her illusion, Kyoya was always able to see through simple ones like that. She smiled as Kyoya did the same, having done this routine many times before.

"Nagi, why did you break Rokudo Mukuro out of that prison? You're wanted by Vendicare. You're life will be crushed." Kyoya said seriously, staring straight into the purple depths of her eye.

"Mukuro is important to me." Chrome said calmly, a serene smile on her face, she placed her hand lightly on top of Kyoya's, he made no move to flinch away, "He saved me and stays by my side, it's barely enough to repay him."

"Do you think he cares about you?" Kyoya cut in swiftly, his gaze pierced through her easily. Her expression fell and the hand she held on to his tightened its grip.

"I-I…" Chrome stumbled, she was rather surprised. She closed her eye, gathering her confidence, "Yes, I do."

"You're lying, Nagi." Kyoya said blatantly, "Deep down, you think he will betray you. He doesn't have a need for you anymore, Nagi. You know it, I know it, and he knows it."

"I-I d-don't know what you're talking about!" Chrome exclaimed, she withdrew her hand and glared him straight in the eye. Through the years, Chrome acquired a look that could kill, "Mukuro told me he will always be with me! I believe in him!"

Kyoya sighed exasperatedly, "Do you really believe what you are saying, Nagi?" Chrome nodded slowly, Kyoya sighed once again, "Then, there's something you should know. I didn't believe it to be of importance, however, since Rokudo Mukuro should not be holding you down, I should inform you of it."

"What are you talking about?" Chrome asked, her glare held strong.

"Three years ago when we went to the future, the future Rokudo Mukuro stated that you were an "ignorant little girl" whilst you unconscious." Kyoya said simply, he sighed. He watched the confidence Chrome had accumulated crumble down, her glare dropping faster than ever.

"Just like the dream… It's just like my dream…" Chrome whispered, her eye shook and tears welled up in it. She could barely control her emotions before effectively fainting right on Kyoya's floor.

"To faint at a time like this… what a troublesome child."

"I'd thought that the only ones who would take my word at face value, would be an ignorant little girl or a foolish young boy,"

"The only reason Mukuro is kind to you, is because he's using you. Once you return to the past, Mukuro will try to use you in order to free his past self from prison. Don't get me wrong. I'm telling you this out of concern. Mukuro is a very fearsome person."

It was all true… Everything was all true… I went on, believing Mukuro, when everything he said was a lie. Every endearment, every promise, every word of it…

It was all… a lie.

Chrome was late. Impeccably, fashionably… any type of late there was, Chrome was. It was already late in the evening, the sunset leaving a beautiful image. Mukuro refused to believe that he was worried; he refused whatever stupid emotion was running through his head. That is, until he finally just gave in.

Without a second thought, Mukuro dashed out of the apartment. He placed an effective illusion in place without effort. He raced around the surrounding area, trying to find Chrome. Her purple hair in that certain hairstyle would've been easy to pick out in a crowd but unfortunately she was still quite short, leaving it hard to pick her out. He refused to stop looking; he wouldn't stop until he found his precious girl.

He hated to admit… but he cared so much about her.

When Chrome awoke, it was already very late in the evening. Orange and pink painted the sky colourfully and she could see the corners of darkness creeping into the scenery. She was in a large bed with luxurious covers, Kyoya never changed. Neither his personality, his taste nor his financial status.

She sighed as she climbed out of the bed. It was then that she noticed that she was no longer in her original clothing. A dress. She was wearing a dress. Not any dress though. A dress that she knew Kyoya knew she loved, at least the style was. Kyoya was possibly one of the most observant people ever and he had of course taken notice of her choice in style. He knew she preferred dresses over anything else. He knew exactly what length and design she liked. She smiled; he knew she actually didn't like the outfit she had worn before.

The skirt of her white and black dress swished around her knees, she loved it, the dress that is. The grabbed her eye patch that was sitting on the bedside table, Kyoya had obviously taken it out for her. She gazed at its design. It no longer sported the skull it did before, but instead sported an intricate flower. The design was amber, her favourite colour. She tied it on securely before exiting the room.

"What are you going to do, Nagi?" Kyoya asked casually. He leaned against the wall off to her right; he folded his arms in his usual manner.

"I don't know," Chrome said calmly, "but I'll see. Just watch me, Kyoya. I'm not the weak girl you met years ago. Thank you for looking after me."

Chrome walked to the exit, pausing right in the doorway. She looked up, as if pondering something.

"What are doing? Stalling there annoys me, Nagi. You should know that." Kyoya said irritably, a small look of annoyance overcoming his handsome features.

"I just want to ask you something." Chrome said calmly. She could tell Kyoya was thinking that she should just hurry up. She already knew the answer, but she asked anyway, "Were you the one that changed me?"

"No." Kyoya answered, she could hear the annoyance in his voice. Of course he didn't. He never did.

"I knew it." Chrome smiled, she looked back at him, sending him her smile. Kyoya simply looked away exasperatedly and walked away.

"I have vacant rooms, Nagi."

"I know, Kyoya." He never changed.

Mukuro knew running all around such a large area was not a good idea. His muscles were barely recovered from being idle for the past few years and here he was running around like an idiot.

Mukuro… I'm sorry.

Chrome!

This was rare. Mukuro and Chrome still had their connection and they had often telepathically communicated this, but it was mostly him to her, she barely ever initiated the link.

Everything… all of it, has been a lie. Everything you've said to me, everything you've promised me… it's all a lie. I don't know what to do anymore… I'm still indebted but I don't think I could go on like this. Everything I thought we shared, everything I thought was there… it was never there.

He could hear the tears in her voice.

Chrome! My dear Chrome, what are you going on about?

I'm sorry, Mukuro. I would have loved to be with you longer but I'm only a tool. You can still use me as you please, but please… Please don't make me be so close to you anymore! I'll be living a lie!

Mukuro knew this was coming. Of course it was coming. He treated everyone as a tool or just an object. Insecurities like this were bound to come. Most of the time, he would just deal with the person apathetically, not caring if they were hurt or not. Chrome was different. Chrome was well and truly his. She was not just some toy that he could throw out on the street. She was Chrome, his precious girl.

He never expected it to happen this way. He always used the façade of not genuinely caring about her and only using her. It wouldn't be good if his enemies found his one true weakness. Unfortunately, this façade got to her.

I'm… I'm going to go stay with Kyoya from now on.

I forbid you to leave me, Chrome. I don't know who or what has gotten into your head but all this nonsense you are spouting is ridiculous. I told you, didn't I? Kufufufu, you are my precious girl, I will never leave your side. I care about you, Chrome. From now until forever.

That's a lie. It's what you have been telling me all these years. I was just too blind. Now that you're out of that prison, I can see clearly.

Mukuro rushed around the immediate vicinity. He could feel her close by.

You're wrong. Chrome, you are mine. You are my girl. Kufufufu, you are not my tool nor my toy, but my girl.

I-I… that's wrong. I know it is!

She was very close, he could feel her presence so easily it was almost as if she were right next to him.

Kufufufu, Chrome. Listen to me. It's true I believed you were nothing but a tool, but I don't anymore.

You're future self, even 10 years into the future… you said the same thing and yet you called me useless and ignorant.

He rushed around, trying to pinpoint her exact location.

I wonder who said that then… It wouldn't have been me. Kufufufu, I could never say something like that to you, especially if it were 10 years into the future.

Then why!

He was almost there he knew it.

An act, to make sure no one knows that you are so precious to me. Kufufufu, I care about you Chrome.

I-I…

"Chrome!"

Chrome was startled. She thought she had chosen a relatively hidden in the alley but Mukuro had found her. Fresh tears rolled down her face. Mukuro was very messy looking, his long hair was dishevelled and he was panting very hard. He knew running around like an idiot was a stupid idea.

Before a single moment of silence passed, Chrome had already embraced Mukuro. Her arms were tightly wrapped around him and he could feel her body shaking. Mukuro let out a content sigh and sincerely smiled. He placed his larger hand on her hand and let her release everything.

"I'm sorry, Mukuro! I thought-I thought I could do it! I thought I could live without you because you didn't need me! But-But when I saw you, I couldn't take it! The thought about being away from you… I couldn't take it! I'm so stupid, Mukuro!" Chrome cried, she was clearly very disorientated.

"You aren't stupid, Chrome." Mukuro said simply, Chrome looked up to see the smile on his face, "I expected it, I knew you were going to get like this one day. You have to promise me that you won't ever leave my side again, though, or I won't forgive you."

"I promise, Mukuro." Chrome said with a smile through her tears.

"Then, I forgive you, Chrome." Mukuro replied before his smile turned into a smirk, "Now, let's seal the deal."

Before Chrome knew what was happening, Mukuro's hand left her head and she was lifted into the air. Even though she was only slightly shorter than him, Mukuro had to lift her quite a few centimetres off of the ground for her nose to come in line with his. Her face, as expected, turned a bright shade of red as held her close to him. His arms tightened their grip on her back, their lips almost touching in the process. Mukuro leaned in and placed his chin on her shoulder, effectively pushing her cheeks right up against his. Chrome, slowly, wrapped her arms around his neck and head.

"Kufufu, I do hope that you didn't get this dress from Hibari Kyoya." Mukuro said with a mischievous smirk on his face, he didn't loosen his grip though.

"I-I, um, it was like…" Chrome stuttered, trying to find a plausible lie.

"Kufufufu, for that, you have definitely cannot leave me." Mukuro said with a smile making Chrome's smile only grow.

Mukuro moved his head from her shoulder and looked in straight in the eye. Chrome didn't get the chance to utter a word before Mukuro planted a kiss on her neck.

How was that! I hope you guys enjoyed it! Hope it wasn't too long of a wait! Thank for waiting! Reviewers are awesome and all the people that stop by are awesome too! Though reviewers are even more awesome!

By the way... No, Kyoya and Chrome do NOT have a romantic relationship. I'm planning for more than friends but way less than lovers. Their more like people that understand each other and look out for each other. Or something like that! Just don't get me wrong! I don't have any romantic feelings between Kyoya and Chrome!

Haha!

Review please! Thank you!

Ai Angel

Next Chapter: Metal (may change)