Author's Note:
Oh. My. Goodness. I thought I was going to die.
Let me start by saying I'm sorry to everyone who expected an update on the 27th. October was a crap month for me and November isn't being any gentler with me. There is good news though: this unfortunate turn of events has resulted more time for me to study AND write. Chapter three is up and four and five are now in progress!
The reason it took so long with this chapter was actually because a trashed the chapter the night it was to be posted. It just didn't work! In the end, I had to start from the ground up split the original chapter into three (possibly four) parts!
Hear me people! THIRD CHAPTER SYNDROME EXISTS! It's always hardest to write the third installment of anything!
Also, thank you too everyone who voted on my poll.
I finally rough drafted Gokudera! I got a lot of people who questioned how I came up with the possible pairs for him and to be honest… I drew them from a hat. I just didn't know who to pair with him I didn't pair him with if it wasn't Tsuna or (…only as a last resort but he has taken anyway) Yamamoto! I felt so sad that I couldn't think of anyone… so I left it up to you guys to decide the top two candidates!
Review Responses are on the bottom of the chapter after the footnotes. Yeah... To be honest I originally wasn't expecting as many as I got! I did reply all them! Thank you everyone for you wonderful reviews and patience! They really kept me going!
Special Thanks goes to …
Ms Random Freak,
Who is the first person to ever draw fan art for a story of mine, making me feel really good about my choice to continue TJoM!
Caramel Cappuccino,
who slept over and Beta-ed this chapter so I could post it minutes after my finishing it and also did fan-art of the twins which I keep as private fan art!
I dedicate this chapter to the two of you!
Now, to get on with the chapter!
Tsuna couldn't think of the words to accurately describe Mukuro's face when he told him he was leaving.
Quite frankly, he was shocked that he cared at all.
Tsuna could only stare up at the man, committing the expression to memory. After all, it was quite rare for the man to deviate from his usual expressions of amusement or annoyance. This was a treat of sorts for Tsunayoshi, yet at the same time it scared him.
It was something too foreign. Too different.
He had to turn away after a minute. Having just finished washing the dishes, the brunette dried off his hands with the towel he had been using on the dishes before laying it neatly on the edge of the sink.
The boys were in the living room, enjoying their sundaes on the air mattress he always set up when his nephew came over. They were watching a movie that Tsuna bought as a surprise for them when he was out food shopping today. Grabbing his cell phone and his car keys, he started knocking on the granite counter, a little habit he had when he tried to remember something.
"What…why…" Mukuro finally said something in what Tsuna identified as disbelief. Tsuna just sighed and shook his head. Honestly!
"Were you listening at all! I played the message right here… I'm going to check up on Gokudera." Tsuna sighed.
Exiting the kitchen, Tsuna climbed up the stairs, his husband in tow. The brunette was glad that he decided to check his phone when he went to do dishes or he would have never known he called.
"Do you know where I put my wallet…?" He asked his husband, searching around the room.
"Don't you think it's a bit late for you to go out?" Mukuro more or less stated, ignoring his wife's question entirely.
"I'm an adult. And besides I'm really worried about him. He and Shamal-sensei have been really going at it lately…I never heard him cry like that, let alone on the phone…," Tsuna replied as they entered their room, a beautiful master suite of grand size.
The walls were painted a flat light-beige color - "Haze"(1), if he remembered correctly - that brought out the darkness and beautifully carved pattern graced the wood of the antique bed's header and footer. As well as providing contrast to the textured white carpeting. It also worked to complement the contrasting satiny scarlet sheets and deep green bed skirt. The colors all worked in unison to tie the fabrics of the antique shea's lounge, bed bench and dressers together. Add white trim and tray ceiling and this room was the epitome of beauty. The faint scent of patchouli filled the room.
Well, maybe he sounded like this once…the day I told him I was marrying you, actually…' Tsuna thought grimly, rummaging through the draws of there dark wood dresser.
He didn't bother asking Mukuro about his wallet again.
"Oya, aren't they always at each other's throats. I'm sure it isn't anything out of the ordinary."
"Still, I would really feel more comfortable once I've checked up on him. He really sounded terrible and he didn't pick up when I called back…," His wife remarked. Did he even notice that Mukuro was try to keep him home?
Of course he did!
Tsuna wasn't a genius but he damn well wasn't stupid. After the total of eight years that he has known Mukuro, he picked up on the man's intentions right away. His goals only consisted of convincing Tsuna to stay. The reason he was trying so hard to keep him home?
Simple: no sex after three.
The rule was simple: There would be no sort of "fun" after three in the morning. It has been a long standing, unspoken rule that of Tsuna's and probably the most painful punishment Mukuro could endure.
The last Mukuro checked, it was nine 'o'clock right now and it took at the very least an hour to get to Gokudera's apartment in downtown and another hour back. Not mention the Friday night traffic… Mukuro knew right away that Tsuna would not be (and had no intentions of) returning before the unholy hour so he could enjoy his wife's company.
Sure, Mukuro could resort to seducing the brunette (closest to begging that he could manage), but that in itself could be a dangerous move…
By that time of night, Tsuna was ready to sleep and doing anything to disrupt him from slumber would result him slamming his legs shut for a week.
A week without sleeping with Tsuna… well, lets just say that no one would be safe.
Of course, Tsuna and the twins would know nothing but expensive outings and gifts during these periods of time (all attempts to suck up); however, it was a different case for others. Anyone who dealt with him outside of his home would be subject to unadulterated torture. This was especially true for those working in the firm. After all, if Mukuro wasn't happy, why should they be.
And he'd would make sure they weren't happy.
Tsuna found his wallet in the dresser just as Mukuro wrapped his arms around his midline. Not too high, not too low. It wasn't tight and possessive nor was it overly loose and relaxed. Mukuro was just holding him. With his left hand on right side of the thin male's waist and vice versa, he leaned forward and rested his chin on his wife's head.
"I've been looking forward to being with you all day," The black-haired man sighed.
Tsuna loved and hated when he did this…
Not because Mukuro meant anything by it. On the contrary, the embrace in itself was innocent. This wasn't part of convincing him to stay at all. He always held him like that. It was just a sweet gesture, something Mukuro always did.
Mukuro wasn't all bad in reality.
Mukuro could be a very sweet person.
With as much time has passed Mukuro has never once put him down or berated him. No - Mukuro treated him very well. He has always showered Tsuna with gifts of all kinds.
Tsuna had more jewelry then he knew what to do with. He had more clothes than he could ever think of wearing. More spending money than he could ever want. The man has kissed and touched perhaps every part of Tsuna's body, and has always told him everyday that he was beautiful without fail (even though Tsuna never paid much mind, dismissing Mukuro's compliments as false praise ). Mukuro has called Tsuna every pet name in the book with unquestionable affection.
'
Honey.
Beautiful.
Baby.
Darling.
Sexy.
And of course Mukuro's personal favorite:
"His" sweet Tsunayoshi.
'
… And then he remembered that fucking nasty perfume wafting into his senses just hours ago.
A wave of emotion crashed into him. He tightened his fists. Tsuna opened his mouth. He wasn't going to stay silent anymore! Tsuna was going to tell him off! He was going to put him in his place!
…And… It died.
The brunette closed his mouth, letting go of the tension that momentarily gripped his body.
He couldn't do it.
Tsuna couldn't explain why but he just couldn't.
Maybe it was because their children are right below them.
Maybe it was because Mukuro didn't have that anger inspiring smell on him anymore.
There were some many possible reasons but there was one thing Tsuna knew for sure… he couldn't confront the man now. Instead, Tsuna lifted his husband's arms off his waist so he could turn and face him. Wallet still in hand, Tsuna wrapped his arms around Mukuro's neck.
Mukuro made to kiss his wife.
Tsuna lowering his head into the crook of Mukuro's neck, avoided the kiss. His chest hurt too much right now. Inclining his head so that he was speaking into Mukuro's ear, he muttered. "Be sure to keep an eye on the boys, okay."
And with that he released his husband and walked out off the room to go to the living room.
"Yuu! Ru! Kazu! (2)" He called, getting the boys attention. "I have to go out to see Uncle Hayato so I want all of you to be on your best behavior for Daddy, alright?"
The twins nodded they're heads quickly while their cousin Kazu shrugged. Yuuri got up from his respective place on the rug, raising his arms so his mother would pick him up. He gave his mother a big kiss on the cheek. Yoru only realized his mother had walked over toward him when he received a warm, gentle kiss on his forehead. He was clearly immersed in the film he was watching.
Mukuro had settled for waiting for Tsuna in the foyer.
Tsuna was just about to get up when small hands cupped around Tsuna's ear. His nephew whispered into it "Be back soon, Uncle Tuna! I think Uncle Pineapple misses you already."
Tsuna brown eyes widened to that size of plates. "And what makes you say that, Kazu-chan?"
The blonde haired boy just stared at him with a blank look that would have made his brother-in-law a hundred shades of proud before shrugging his small shoulders. "I don't know… I guess I feel a little bad," He said casually before adding. "Even though he isn't being very mature, sulking around and what not."
"Well, if you say so…" How exactly was Tsuna supposed to respond to that. Sure, the kid was right, Mukuro was acting a bit childish but wasn't that a bit disrespectful calling Mukuro immature. Oh, well… It was better than many other things that could be said about him.
Placing a soft kiss on his nephew's forehead, he stood up.
"Okay boys. Good night in case I'm not here to tuck you in. I love you."
With that out of the way Tsuna walked over to the foyer, where Mukuro was waiting.
Yes, Mukuro was in fact sulking.
Tsuna couldn't help but shake his head as he retrieved his jacket from the coat rack. Tsuna opened the door, ready to leave when he heard Mukuro speak again. The brunette turned toward him giving him a bored, annoyed look. "Mukuro, the longer it takes me to leave the longer it'll take me to come back."
Mukuro paused.
That was a rather good point…
Still, the brunette's husband was still upset about him leaving and although he didn't protest he continued to sulk. The shorter male asked Mukuro to hold his things for a moment as he slipped his jacket on his shoulders.
Believe it or not, there was a part of Tsuna that actually felt like he was being unfair to Mukuro. But the other part of Tsuna was quite content with leaving his husband with no way to relieve his 'frustrations'. He could bear to keep in his pants for the night. Besides, he already had 'fun' today.
Tsuna took back the keys and phone, placing them in his pocket.
'But…'
Tsuna placed a very soft, warm kiss to Mukuro's right cheek as he placed a hand on his wallet. The older of the two was slightly surprised at this gesture, having not paid attention to Tsuna at that moment. His features soften significantly at that. His expression now more relaxed than before.
"I love you, Mukuro." Tsuna's words came out just a little softer than a whisper, but he knew Mukuro heard it clearly. There was only a slight change in his expression. So slight that Tsuna was of the few who could pick up the discomfiture. The air between them became thick with tension. There was no response for a second. And for another second there was still nothing…
"I'll try and be back soon." Tsuna said perfunctorily. Turning his heel, he headed toward the two car garage. Clicking the door opened he revealed this own car, an orange Honda Fit.
Before long, he was out the drive way and down the street.
Tsuna didn't know whether to cry or scream bloody murder down the highway.
He decidedly chose neither. He really didn't want to deal with an accident or the ticket. Instead he opted for turning on the radio and tuning in to music station, focusing on instead of his thoughts. Gokudera lived a good distance away but Tsuna was glad for every minute he would be spending on the road. It would give him enough time to vent.
He wondered what was wrong with Gokudera-kun.
Tsuna eyebrows furrowed, as he recalled the voicemail as he got on the highway. He just hoped Mukuro was right - that maybe it was something small, like Gokudera having a disagreement with his boss and he just need a mediator because he was feeling bad for it now that he was outside the office.
'But…'
"…Juudaime…"
He sounded so broken up. Gokudera was usually so confident and headstrong and for him to reduced to this, it had to been something devastating…
Tsuna put on his turning signal to get of at the next exit.
The there was only one way to figure out.
Footnotes
(1) "Haze" Is an actually color by the way (Behr Collection)…
(2) I rather not chan or kun the boy's name's to death so bare with me please…
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Review Responses
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Anonymous: Thank you! I hope really you continue to read my story!
Queen Phantomhive: Yeah… Mukuro is being an ass and I have to admit, but to admit… a part of me feels kind of bad that so many people want to crouch-shot him after two chapter and a bonus…
…And then there is a part of me that smiles… (LMAO!) Still, there is more than meets the eye in these situations. I hope you enjoy and continue reading!
Foxyaoi123: OUCH!…Sorry… Yamamoto is already in the process of being claimed you see, and Gokudera has crap going on too… (…and I'm a die-hard S80 fan-girl… I intend to write 8059 soon though.)
I think I've abused Gokudera a bit…The sad part in his is my second favorite character… Damn I suck.
Miraoi Leons: I'm actually pretty stoked that you made that comment! At first I was really iffy about taking the route and switching POVs this chapter… But now I can see I got the effect I wanted!
Also, I hear you on lack of character development in some stories… it's freaking vital! It makes me so sad when I see a great plot with no real insight on the characters thoughts, motivations, or at least history…It's like giving me beautifully wrapped box with nothing inside on Christmas… (*Sadness*).
I really hope to hear from you again! ~Ciao!
Tdotp: Not for nothing but I'm really psyched to see your review! Allow me to start by saying thank you for your commentary on the POV change! I 'm glad it had the appeal hoped it would!
Also, yes, the other guardians will be appearing, although, I can't possibly fit them all here without confusing the hell out of myself (I get so dizzy…%P). Still, Gokudera and Yamamoto are a given, as they are necessary for plot development (And I love them very much)!
Finally, the twins… he funny thing is, the names had NOTHING to do with Shugo Chara or Kyou Kara Maou. I'm fans of both, mind you. And Hibari's and Dino's kid has the same name as the author of Saiyuki… I only realized this after posting the bonus chapter and looking at my collection. Go figure!
There is a very special significance in the twins' names that took me three days to perfect though! ((Will do a special request for the first person to figure it out what it is!))
…And no… I just thought Shigure was the name of Yamamoto's dog box weapon…Needless to say I was wrong, so I decided to give Yamamoto two dogs and avoid anymore confusion… (And I'm a Fruits Basket Fan too… LOL!).
captivated fairy:
Always! It's a pleasure to hear from you! (I get the most hilarious mental images when you review for some reason…) Hopeful continue to review!
abg31: I don't know if I said this before but I'll say it anyway! I freaking love you! You caught it (and I really tried to make it subtle!)! Yes, Mukuro does in fact love, and is very much in love with Tsuna! Also, I'm so happy you can enjoy the story so much, I hope you continue to read!
And as for the lack of 6927 fanfics… I KNOW! I find it so sad that there is so little of it out there (though the lack of 2700 is worse…). At the very least Celtic Angel Wings graced the section with her beautiful, mind-blowing fan fictions! I pray everyday for her to update her stories… MY IDOL! I LOVE HER WRITING! SHE MADE ME THE 6927 ADDICT I AM! I've read all her fan fictions - partly because I was stuck in the house for the entire summer- and I await anxiously for "The Lady and the Tiger" to be updated…But enough of my fan-girling….
ARG! I want to smack myself for writhing that god awful sex scene, but it was necessary for a couple of reasons… Please forgive me, as I find it hard to forgive myself for that wretched scene. Needless to say, Tsuna's description was more or less my attempt to repair my psych after the traumatic beginning.
Also, I adore little Yuuri and Yoru too! I may not own KHR but I do own those two! LOL! … What, that means in reality, those are my children…*Damn, thank goodness Mukuro is paying the child support*…LMAO!
Well, I can't give too much, too soon; however, I can say that all things will come into light in due time! Keep reading! I'll look out for your reviews! Lots of Love! Ciao!
TwilightObsessed223: Thank you! I will work hard to dish out more chapters~! See you at school!
Kichou: Thanks for reading! As promised, I updated! I hope to here from you again!
Ms Random Freak: I saved the picture and put it in my favorites! Thank you so much! I dub you the only reviewer how knows "the-truth-about-bumps"~! LOL! I'm so happy that you drew the twins! I think it came out beautiful! I hope continue to read! With everything I have going on right now it really kept me motivated and helped continue to write! Lots of Love!
And for those who want to see, the drawing is under: http:/msrandomfreak(dot)deviantart(dot)com/art/The-Joys-of-Marriage-181400363
Lireach: That question is pretty important and to answer it would be a spoiler. Still, I'll give hints in the chapters! I Hope you continue reading though!
Oh! And you hit the nail on the head!
xxxKimi-chan: THANKS!
PHEW! I'm glad the story is living up to it's genre considering I usually stuck with humor prior to this. Apparently the Yoru and Yuuri are quite popular! Gokudera is in a bit of a pinch but he'll be fine…or will he? LOL! That's for chapter four though!
Sigh … Giotto and/or Dino = Fan-gasm. Tsuna can make any seme hot and heavy. These are law of the universe!
And as for Mukuro's ability to bypass their security. Heh heh…
This is Mukuro. As in, not even the walls (and water tube) of Vindici can contain him, Mukuro. There's a little story behind but even if there wasn't…it's MUKURO (LOL)! That wonderful, devilish minx would have wormed his way to Tsuna anyway… Damn, I love him (*Self smack*), OKAY! Getting myself together….
Tsuna is pretty loyal isn't he (I hope I'm keep him in character!) but tell me, is Mukuro really a villain? Hmm, only time will tell!
Thank you so much for you reviews! I feel lucky to have a reader like you and hope you continue to read!
TsukikoIchihara: Thanks! I hope you continue reading. I intend to have things get spicy soon!
And I don't know…is he pregnant? LOL! Until the fourth chapter I suppose… Ciao!
.Midi: Before anything, the explanation of the M-Preg WILL be in the next chapter (as it's related to the reason that Tsuna is visiting Gokudera) and there is a special reason as to why I haven't mentioned it as of yet.
And yeah… To be honest, I hate the way I started that chapter but it was nothing short of necessary. Damn, my first lemony segment…*shivers* Anyway, in response to the sex fiend/family man "conflict" I have one thing to say: Tiger Woods…
LOL! Okay! That was messed up of me… but I think I made a point…
Although Sex fiend is a but overreaching when you take into account that he demonstrate restrain and a pattern. It's just as you say - he is possessive of Tsuna.
Please review again!
Inuokamilove16: I'm guilty of character abuse! LOL!
I love Goku-chan but I really want to illustrate some points on love, life and pursuit of happiness in whatever form it takes for the individual. And to do that Gokudera must fall one of life's shortcomings.
And As For Tsuna's confrontation of Mukuro…well, my dear, you have to add gas before you can start the grill. Thank you for your awesome review and I hope you continue to follow TJoM!
XxbreadboxX: Thanks! I have to say, I'm having I ball just writing it! Please continue to read and review! Ciao!
BlackStar42Roses: Thanks! With any luck I'll finish early!
Cdraco: OMGOMGOMG!
I read your story ages ago! ("Harry's Dirty Little Secert")! I freaking love that story but when I lost my internet the first time I lost track of the story! What an awesome birthday present!
I can't believe your reading my story! (*falls in to the chair*)
Funny enough, you could start a guild "Nut-Busters" with as many people that said that, LMAO! Don't be too hard on Mukuro! I've only skimmed his surface!
Zenc-zenc: Thank you so much! Yuuri and Yoru give you a kiss on the cheek! By the way… what's GBU?
: I extend to you my gratitude for being one of the few who hasn't told me to have someone junk-punch Mukuro!
Funny enough, we just went over foil in English class…(LOL). Mukuro and (believe it or not) Tsuna both have lessons they need you learn. Please enjoy!
Spiel: Thank you so much for voting! !#$^)#$! I'm sorry for the lateness of the update. Next time I will be more prompt in my next chapter!
The name of the doujinshi is "Little Twin Stars" and it scanlated by Moi-xRyu Scanlations. It really is adorable! I hear they're moving sites, so you may have to search around for the download link.
Ciao!
Lascka:Ouch! Poor Mukuro! I mean I hate cheaters more than anything and I think this is rather brutal… But alas it's my fault.
And I know, some of the choices for Gokudera are ridiculous and out there but that what you get when you draw non-paired characters out of a hat.
I hope you'll read and review again!
Devil Miharu:Tee Hee! I'm glad you like!
I hope I'm able to maintain the stories originality and realism.
And I myself love cunning Mukuro myself! And Mukuro's Kufufu no Fu can only be rivaled by End Res! I actually remember Caramel Cappuccino showing me Rebo-Con! Dear God, few things are more beautiful than that… I wish I lived in Japan DAMMIT!
I promise to enjoy myself as I continue TJoM, though seeing as this is the only thing keeping me sane, that should be too much of a problem! I hope to hear from you again! Ciao!
Animebaka14: …Damn, that's vicious…are you my child by any chance…LOL!
I glad to hear from you again and happy you approve and the tykes!
Also thank you for your vote! And as for the resentment part… I was sleep deprived- that was my writing on acid, so I apologize for the poor quality of the piece. Basically Mukuro was using contrast of what Tsuna him ABOUT his father (Tsuna's father rarely appeared and wasn't there when Tsuna needed him) to manipulate Tsuna into thinking he was letting the history repeat itself through their children.
Lots of Love! Best Wishes!
Crisscross: Thanks! I hope the get the chapter's out there as soon as I get them Beta-ed but do to my lateness and issues I'll be limited. Never the less, I'll continue to work hard! Please continue reading! Ciao!
Angel of 513: I feel so proud knowing that I contributed to anything of that magnitude! I love Mukuro myself and feel honored that my fic caught your eye! I'll do my best not to disappoint on my honor as a writer!~
PS: READ THE MANGA IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY! THE SHIMON ARC IS OFF THE HOOK!
Mssekishi: THANK YOU! I must say, I love M-pregs myself. I'm so sorry for the wait for this chapter, and I hope I fire on my ass on the next one.