Hi again! Second chapter now!
Thank long boring hours babysitting and working part-time for it. And lots of music.
Inspiration music was:
Opening part: "Famiglia" on repeat. (It's my favorite Khr ED. My favorite OP is Last Cross.)
Haru's part: "Dry Bones" 0_o (I have... diverse taste? Any way, I'm pretty sure that's the name of the song. )
Kyoko's part: "With or Without you"
Haru's second part: Nothing, I was without access to my computer.
Also lots of trance music- too much to name.
Before getting started, Thank-you to the people who put this on alert, or favorited.
It makes me so happy anyone even pays attention to my wordy writing!
Speaking of wordy, beware some outfit descriptions! Plus excessive punctuation.
Also, I am sorry it has taken so long to get this out- ffnet's edit tool wasn't working for me for some reason. But now it is, so yay!
Oh, and I don't own Khr.
"Amazing!" sighed the two girls, gazing at the arched marble ceilings, the red-carpeted stairs, and the polished brown tiled floors, which were covered with bustling men in suits, and women in formal gowns.
"Several groups of musicians are scattered throughout the rooms you know…" lectured Reborn. "So, if you don't like the music, go to another room. They're instructed to play to the mood and setting. For example, if you're in the ballroom, which we are, the group here will be playing waltzes and such pieces. If, on the other hand, you go to the bar, that group'll be playing jazz, and calming stuff. The garden's musicians are playing jaunty, frivolous pieces- likely involving fiddles and flutes…you get the picture."
"I especially like the flower arrangements!" smiled Kyoko. "Look, that one is beautiful! Lilies, peonies and moss! Oh, and there's glass beads spun through it! Oh, sorry for getting carried away.. I just really like flowers…" She blushed, and ducked her head. "No, it's fine!" protested Tsuna. "I'm glad you like this- I'm happy that you're happy- sorry if that sounds weird…ehheh… Anyway, no matter how beautiful the flowers are, I think the two of you are more gorgeous still…" He blushed, and stared down at the ground, wishing it would swallow him up for saying something so… flirtatious. "Tsuna's right, the two of you look great!" grinned Yamamoto, leaning on his boss's head. "OI, get off him, you baseball idiot!" yelled Gokudera, whisking a stick of dynamite out from inside his suit. "Ah, calm down, Gokudera…" "NO FREAKIN WAY! COME BACK HERE!"
The harried young boss sighed as his rain and storm ducked off into the milling crowd. "I thought weapons were prohibited? Oh well, not like he'd listen anyway… I just hope he doesn't blow anything up."
"Hm? Tsuna, have you seen my brother?" queried the young blonde girl. "No, actually…I wonder where he is? Come to think of it, where's Chrome?" "Hahi? Chrome? She was in the room next to us, getting ready an hour ago… I haven't seen her since." "Hmm, what was she wearing?" "Ummm… Haru forgot! Sorry, Tsuna." "I remember! She was wearing a purple dress- it matched her hair. It had solid spaghetti straps, and transparent lace sleeves the same color as the dress. She was wearing jewellery too, but I forget what…" "Oh! Haru remembers that! It was pearls! Pearl necklace, pearl bracelets, and a ring with a pearl on it! Haru remembers because it was like the jewellery she wore for the "Little Mermaid" play she was in during sixth grade!" "I see, thank you for the description." "No problem!" they chirped.
Suddenly; "THIS IS AN EXTREME PARTY!"
They all cringed at the volume.
Then, a second later; "VOOI! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!"
Tsuna cringed a second time. "Um, Kyoko- I think your brother just found an old acquaintance. We should leave them to renew acquaintances, don't you think?" "Um, I guess…" "Why don't we just leave this room for now- we could explore!" He looked at his tutor. "It's all right to do that, right?".
In response, Leon was drawn on him. "Hieee!" Reborn smirked. "It's alright for the girls, but there are some very important people you need to meet- so leave them to their own devices, and come with me."
The young Mafioso sighed, and turned to his girls. "Sorry about this- I'll try to get a dance with each of you in later, if you want?" "Haru understands! Haru will be happy to wait for a dance with Tsuna!" "It's fine- go do your business; I'll hold you to your word for the dance!" murmured Kyoko, smiling sweetly. "Thanks for being understanding!" He smiled gratefully, then gulped as he felt the barrel of Leon prodding his neck. "Get a move on, slow student of mine." "Yes sir!"
Inwardly, he felt like saluting, and clicking his heels- outwardly, he merely turned and strode off quickly.
The two females stood and stared at his retreating back.
"Mafia business, huh?" murmured the blond. " Yeah, Haru wonders if she'll ever be counted in, and help out. I know we can't fight- but… I just wish I knew what it is I'm meant to do… how I fit into his life." "I guess all we can do is support them, and learn more about their world." Haru nodded in assent, and both sighed.
"But, it's a party! So let's have fun! Haru likes parties, and this is the biggest she's ever been to! We'll worry later." "Okay! Oh, should we look for Chrome? We could have fun together!" "Sure! Let's split up, and look for her. We'll meet back here, by this flower thingy you liked in half an hour, okay?" "Mmhmm!"
They left the ballroom, heading out into the hallway, then went in opposite directions. Haru to the left, Kyoko to the right.
Haru wandered down the hallway, high heels clicking against the slate floor. In fact, the hallway was more like a covered causeway, since only her left side had a wall- the wall for the mansion. The other side was only composed of marble pillars and a railing. Beyond that, cliffs dropped down to the Mediterranean Ocean. Couples sat here and there on the railing, exchanging kisses, while entirely disregarding the waves slapping hundreds of meters below their feet. The floor sloped down gradually, widening as it wrapped around the corner of the building, before flattening into wide shallow steps down into the garden.
She paused at the top of the stairs, frozen at the sight of lemon trees swaying in the gentle breeze, lit through with white Christmas lights. Wrought iron benches were distributed throughout the slate-paved avenues. Beds of fragrant herbs surrounded the trees, adding their fragrance to the glorious scent of citrus already in the air.
"Amazing…" she whispered, awestruck at the simple beauty of the scene. Here, too, couples dallied- on benches, holding hands while walking down the paths… "I wish Tsuna was here to walk with me too… oh well…"
The young woman continued down the stairs, and chose a path at random. After strolling for about a minute with nary a glimpse of purple hair, pineapple style, she spotted a vaguely familiar orange mohawk.
She moved toward the man, trying to recall where she'd seen him before. Finally, when she was about three meters away, it came back to her. "HAHI! You're the one Ryohei was fighting! What're you doing here?"
The man turned to her. "How do you know that sweetie of a boy?" he crooned, pursing his lips inquiringly. Haru gulped. "Meep! I mean, hahi! I mean… He's the brother of a friend! But answer my question- What, exactly, are you doing here?" "Ooh, I'm a member of the Mafia, of course! I take it you're one- or a lover of a member, right?" "Wwell…though I…" "Ooooo, you need help! Well then, I'll give you my best tips on how to snag a man!" "HAHI?" "Don't worry, I'm an expert! Come along, we need some props- we'll start with how to drink wine entrancingly!"
And so, for the next twenty minutes, Haru was subjected to a number of 'lessons'. Some of them- much to her surprise- were actually good advice! (Though she did wonder how a man knew the exact amount of decolletage a woman should show.) By the time she escaped, however, she had to run to the rendezvous. Running in high heels is not the best idea, as she soon found out.
Meanwhile, Kyoko was having troubles of her own. She had gone to the right, and followed the corridor faithfully, ignoring the various rooms that opened onto the hall she was transversing, after conducting quick scans of the occupants to ascertain that Chrome was not among them. Unfortunately, the mist girl was nowhere to be found. Eventually, she came to a room that she had to enter, since a small, curved hall led into it, making it impossible to see into. She apprehensively entered- a bit nervous, since the smells seeping out were of cigar smoke and alcohol.
As she had suspected, it was the bar.
The blonde clutched her silver locket and curved her shoulders in selfconciously, feeling out of place. Men were sprawled lazily across leather chaise lounges, drinks in hand or on the polished cherry-wood tables. Burgundy tapestries, gold cording and trim all served to create a feeling of sleazy opulence. Considering the audience, that was probably the intention, reflected Kyoko. She stood in place, slowly spinning about, searching for her friend.
However, unbeknownst to her, her spinning -coincidentally directly beneath a dimmed crystal chandelier- served to display herself from all sides to every man paying her mind. That would be about seven of them.
The first to make a move was a relatively high-ranking member of the American mafia. His name was Patrick Nash. It was probably not his real name, but none of his associates cared.
He'd noticed her as soon as she entered. It was like a pure white swan had entered a muddied pond of ducks, he thought. He was inclined to be… oddly poetic. At any rate, one rarely comes across such a gem as this, so seize the chance while you can, right?
The would-be wooer straightened up from his seat at the bar. Slowly, gently he approached, half afraid he'd scare her off. Such a cutie. Blonde hair, pink glossy lips, strapless rose-colored dress, hitting just above the knee, silver embroidery along the hem, and silver head band , locket, and heels to finish it off. He liked matchy-matchy outfits. Liked them most of all on blondes, he decided, right then and there.
Almost there… "Hi, sweetheart. Looking for someone?" She blinked at him. "Oh, yes. My friend." His stomach sank. "Friend?" "Yes, she has purple hair, and is wearing a purple dress- have you seen her?" Good, it was a girl. That meant she likely had no boyfriend. Perfect.
"As a matter of fact, no. But I can ask around for you- why don't you sit down and I'll buy you a drink?" "Um, well.. I shouldn't really…" "Oh, don't worry- I'll keep the guys away!" "N-no, it's not that…" She wrung her hands nervously. "I-I… you see…"
Before she had to utter an explanation, a hand suddenly landed on her shoulder.
Both stared at the intruder.
Dino cracked an oblivious grin to the glare Patrick was shooting him, and leaned over Kyoko. "Hey there! Did you get lost, by any chance?" "N-not really, I just-"
She was quickly interrupted by the blonde man. "Well, y'know, you shouldn't let complete strangers hit on you, y'know?"
She wrinkled her nose at him. "Does that mean I should let my friends hit on me instead?"
"Er, no- not exactly…I'm digging a hole for myself, aren't I?.."
She giggled. "Yes. Yes, you are."
They shared a smile, which was interrupted by Patrick; "Excuse me, who exactly are you to interrupt my conversation with this woman, may I ask?" he demanded tersely.
The bronco sighed, released and whisked Kyoko behind him in the same instant, and strode a step forward, leaning in threateningly towards the american.
Looming over him by a good two inches somehow, he glared and stared Nash down.
"I am Dino, the tenth-generation boss of the Chivarone family, and happen to be an acquaintance of the lovely young lady behind me. If you are wondering why exactly she is situated behind me, it is because I want to shield her from your roving eyes.
Now then, how about leaving her alone for forever?"
The American quailed beneath Dino's piercing gaze, and turned heel to flee.
Dino relaxed, and turned to the bewildered girl. "Now then, shall I help you with your little quest?"
"Um, okay. If it won't waste your time."
His gaze softened. "It most definitely won't."
He offered her his arm, she accepted, and they proceeded through the dimly-lit room.
Running in high heels is never a good idea, unless you've practiced beforehand. Haru hadn't, and so found all of her concentration to be taken up with just staying upright. So she didn't notice that she'd run right past the ballroom, being too preoccupied with her feet. Running with your head down is also never a good idea- one tends to run into things. Or people. Haru bulldozed into the latter. This mightn't have been too much of a problem; as long as the bashed person had a cool head.
Unfortunately, Haru had a tendency to get herself into trouble, (Not as much as Kyoko, though.) and so she head butted quite possibly the worst person to do that to among the entire gathering.
"Owowowow…." she muttered, rubbing her forehead and picking herself up off the floor. Slowly, she raised her head to see what or who it was she'd bumped into.
And froze, an oh shit expression on her face. Eek! What a scary-looking guy! And strangely familiar too… Though, I don't think he's going to offer me tips on the best brands of lipstick. While thinking this, she scrutinized the tall male slowly. He wore black dress pants, and a white dress shirt, though the top few buttons were undone, and his bowtie was completely undone, the ends merely hanging down limply beneath his collar. Slowly, her eyes rose to his face. Large scars were contorted by his infuriated expression, and his blood-red eyes were lurid with rage. Coal-black hair, quite obviously accustomed to standing up, was flattened down against it's will. Queerly, a racoon's tail and some red feathers were draped over his shoulder. Before she could make any further observations, however, he growled at her. "Oi, trash. Get out of my way or I'll walk over you."
She blinked for a second, as the implications sank in.
Then she snapped.
"Haru is not trash!" she exclaimed, drawing herself up to her full height- enhanced by her shoes-, and glared at him. Hands fisted and head tilted upwards in order to look him in the face, she attempted to stare him down.
"Haru is not trash!" she repeated. "Haru is a decent woman. Haru does not sleep around, or flirt with everyone! Haru will not marry for money, and will not be unfaithful! Haru is a respectable woman!"
She emphasized the 'respectable' with a thump to her chest, and waited for his response, glaring at him all the while.
He opened his mouth, ready to crush her arguments, leave her at loss for words, kick her aside-literally-, and go have a drink, preferably with some blonde in a scanty dress; when her eyes gave him pause.
Those brown orbs were emitting not just fiery woman's wrath and resolve, but also complete honesty. And once he noticed her eyes, he couldn't help noticing how attractive she was. Her hair was plain brown, to be sure,-but it was done up in an ornate bundle of silky waves, held in place by hairpins studded with black rhinestones.
She wasn't wearing any makeup beyond a little lipgloss and eyeliner- and frankly, she didn't need anything more than that. He kind of liked it when a woman didn't need to eternally fuss over her cosmetics. His gaze naturally followed the curve of her neck down to the rest of her body. She was wearing a narrow midnight-blue dress, which ended mid-calf, though a slit ran up each side, ending a few inches above the knee. Black beading in some floral design adorned the hemline and bodice- though what flowers they were, he didn't know. Haru could've told him they were pansies, and that she'd made the dress herself- but he didn't ask, being preoccupied by the halter.
One thing he liked a woman to wear was a halter. It was amusing to gradually loosen it over the course of a wine-filled evening, until the strings slipped down the woman's shoulders. Then he generally slammed her against a wall or couch, kissed her forcefully, and then…
But he never got to finish that thought, because a very loud "VOOOI!" suddenly ripped through the air, immediately followed by a wineglass to the back of his head. It shattered, and wine sloshed down the back of his shirt.
He whirled, ready to beat his silver-haired subordinate senseless; only to find him already senseless.
Senselessly drunk, that is. He was lurching down the corridor, arm in arm with that boy who'd been his other useless subordinate's opponent a few years ago. Not that that narrowed the field. All his underlings were useless. In short, it was that boxer obsessed with shouting his annoying catchphrase. Both appeared to be quite intoxicated, though the boy seemed to be more coherent, surprisingly. He could feel his eyebrow twitch in annoyance as the pair shambled to a halt in front of him.
He shoved down the rage bubbling within as best he could, and spoke through gritted teeth. "What in the name of flaming donkey shit were you thinking?"
Squalo slid off Ryohei's arm languidly, slumping against the wall. "What, no shwearing or physhical mutilatshun?" he slurred. Then he noticed the girl peeking out from behind his boss. She seemed to be staring at his drinking companion. "Ooh, I getsh it. Didna think you'd evuh tone it down fur uh woman." "Shut your hole! How dare you throw a wine glass at your own boss, you piece of shit!" "Wanted to get backsh at you fur that time ya did it to me… figured punishment wouldna hurt as mush when I'm outta it…"
The silver-haired swordsman then slid down the wall to the floor, unconscious. Xanxus snarled, and yanked his rain up by the shirt. "Oi! Wake up you trash! Trash! Trash! Trash! Trash!
For every 'trash' he yelled, he punched Squalo in the face, until he tired of that, and settled for kicking him in the ribs repeatedly.
After watching the first seconds of abuse with mild shock, Haru turned her attention to her friend's brother. "Ryohei, are you all right?" "Yeah, I'm fine. That drinking game was EXTREME, though!" "I.. is that so… um, we should leave, I think. You need to sober up before Kyoko sees you. You don't want your little sister to see you drunk, right?" "I'm not drunk, just EXTREMELY tipsy!" "Still, you should freshen up, okay?" "Um, fine- if you say so." "Great! Let'sgobeforehenoticeswe'restillhere, 'kay?"
She kicked off her heels, grabbed them in one hand, took Ryohei's hand in other, and dashed off in the direction of the restrooms.
If she had waited for another five seconds, however, she would have seen a wandering cloud drop down from the rafters, and challenge Xanxus to a match, seeing as he hadn't had the pleasure of biting him to death yet.
Hibari had the whole travesty play out. From the unfortunate collision, to the assassin eying the girl (at which he had tensed, and prepared to…drop in, seeing as Miss Miura is a resident of Nanimori, and thus a representative of his favorite town. If the reputation of his favorite town was sullied by her behavior, he'd never forgive himself for letting that happen.), to the wineglass, which led to the beating of one very drunk man, who was inconsequential, since he did not live in Nanimori. Nanimori was unsullied thus far, and he felt the urge to bite something to death. After striking profitable deals with slow-witted high-ups, and being surrounded with infuriating crowds, he needed some stress relief.
Well, I hope y'all like it so far. Things'll move a bit slowly for now, though there will be time skips later on.
And if you wonder how Kyoko can understand Nash, it's because I think she's an immigrant.
Think about it. Ryohei and Kyoko both have very non-japanese haircolors. The other silver-haired person is not japanese- he's italian. He's essentially an immigrant.
Therefore, wouldn't make sense for them to be immigrants as well?
So I pegged them being from an English-speaking country.
I've no clue if this is true or not- it's just what I'm going to go with to avoid plotholes.
Also, Nash shall never appear again, and his name is totally random- if your name is Patrick Nash, please be assured I am not inserting you.
There is a reason for Kyoko's liking flowers. Plus, I shall add bits of Dino x Kyoko for fun and fluff.
Because Hibari is not a fluff person. (Though we can dream, eh?)
And I love the idea of Squalo slurring his speech when drunk.
Reviews are nice, but not necessary!