Disclaimer: I don't own KHR. All rights go to Akira Amano and whatever company he works for.
Chapter 4 is here! Unfortunately, I've got some bad news. The reason I've been updating this much is that for the last two days, I've been lying around my house because of a snow storm, and had nothing else to do but write. Tomorrow, though, school's starting back up. That's right, Christmas Break is over. *goes off and cries in a corner* Yeah, I'm depressed too. I'm still going to try to update daily, or every other day, but I can't make any promises.
I don't know if you guys think this is going too slow, but I'm not a big fan of the whole "have sex two chapters after meeting each other" thing. Especially not if Hibari's involved.
Well, now that I've got the depression out of the way, on to happier stuff: responses! 5 more reviews! I'm almost at 20 (depending on how you look at it), and I'm ecstatic! Woohoo!
-JenniClouds: You've reviewed every chapter you've had a chance to. Your awesomely awesomeness is absolutely blinding! I'm so glad you know how getting a long review is like. It just brightens up the day so much! Writing the teasing part was fun! I just had to put it in, and I felt like it was a good way to open the chapter. And as for the fight scene...it's a story with Hibari in it. Of course there's going to be fights. It just has to be done. Thanks for the review. Here's your new chapter.
Allen Walker the Crowned Clown: Longer chapters, huh? Sounds good. Actually, I've been trying to make them longer, because I don't really like short chapters either. It's not a bad thing to ask, so don't be sorry! You're still awesome for reviewing so much, and for your great suggestion!
Gravefire: I'm working hard on how he's going to seduce him. He starts to in this chapter, but you're right, it's hard! I have to be really careful so that Hibari can stay in character but at the same time not attack Mukuro. It's quite troublesome, but also kind of fun, so whatever. And as for his cellphone...just you wait. Just you wait. *laughs evilly* Thanks so much!
kikyokyoyahibari: I don't think I'm going to have Hibari try and beat up Mukuro. Yet. As for the Varia, I love them so much. They're so funny! I'm definitely going to try and bring them into the story. Thanks for reminding me!
Seriyuu: Don't you worry. Romantic stuff starts in this chapter. Sort of. Uh, why don't you read it and decide for yourself.
I went off on a tangent with those reviews again, but it was totally worth it. I love you guys who review, and you guys who read this even without reviewing. Although reviewing is nice... But I don't want to pressure you! Really!
Anyways, enjoy the chapter!
Love's Many Risks
Chapter 4: Hibari's Family
Love can be a scary thing. It makes us become something different from what we are. When you fall in love, it's like giving part of your heart away. It's offering that part of you to another, and hoping they don't break it. It gives someone power over you. Love makes people do crazy things. So, even knowing all this, why do humans still fall in love?
Simple: because despite all these things, love can also be the sweetest feeling in the world. It makes you feel euphoric, and light, and happy. It's about taking risks. Yes, that's what it is. Love is a risk.
* * *
Once Hibari had returned from the principal's office, the day passed without event. Classes, lunch, more classes. The only thing that changed in school was what you learned each day. He was bored. The boy would never admit it, but he wished that something interesting would happen, and soon.
He sighed, shaking his head as he walked up to his shoe locker. He pulled out his normal sneakers and replaced them with his white indoor shoes, then shut the locker door. He turned to leave, not really paying attention to his surroundings, and promptly bumped into someone.
"Watch where you're going," he growled out, looking up to face the human blockade. It was Rokudo Mukuro. Great. He didn't know what it was, but something about the other teen unnerved him. Hibari wasn't scared of him, definitely not. But he got this weird vibe from him, and he didn't like it. It threw him off, and that did not sit well with the cold boy.
"I believe you're the one who bumped into me, Kyoya-kun," Mukuro drawled.
"I thought I told you to stop calling me that, herbivore."
"You did. I just chose not to listen." He chuckled at the others death glare, then changed the subject. "Herbivore? What's that?"
"A weakling," was the simple response. "Someone who can't stomach violence. People who crowd together to make themselves feel stronger. Idiots like yourself."
"Ouch."
Hibari stepped to the side, trying to get around Mukuro, but the demon moved with him. He looked down at his target with amusement.
"Move."
"What do you say to walking home with me?"
"Excuse me?"
"You heard."
Hibari studied the other, trying to decide where a hit with his tonfa would hurt the most should the other try to force the issue. Mukuro seemed to read his mind.
"Attacking me would not be wise," he put in absently. The other raised an eyebrow, but did nothing to stop him when Mukuro grabbed his sleeve and pulled him outside. He didn't really help either, though, and the demon quickly learned that Hibari wasn't as light as he looked when he was dragging his feet against the ground. He wasn't heavy at all, but the resistance of the smaller boy's heels against the ground, coupled with the fact that although he was slender, he was all muscle, made dragging him much harder than it looked. "Couldn't you walk on your own, Kyoya-kun?"
Hibari smirked. "Maybe, if you let go of me."
The demon immediately dropped his sleeve, and was rewarded with almost getting a punch in the face. He just barely managed to duck under the teen's fist, but he did, and then wrapped a hand around Hibari's outstretched wrist. The boy tried to twist his hand to break Mukuro's hold on him, but the other held on firm. His grip was like iron, and the black haired teen eventually stopped his futile attempts at escape.
"Let go," he snarled.
"Scary."
"Don't test my patience, Rokudo."
"I don't believe you're in a position to be making threats here."
Hibari was now blushing slightly in embarrassment, and he actually looked kind of cute. Red was a good color for him, Mukuro decided, before starting to walk again. The smaller teen stumbled minutely at the sudden movement, but managed to catch himself.
"Where's your house?" the demon asked conversationally.
"Why should I tell you?"
"It's either that, or we can walk around the whole city while I look for it," he added mischievously at the end, "Or we can go to my house."
The other boy stiffened visibly, mentally deciding over which was the lesser of the three evils. "It's that way." He pointed to a street on their left in defeat. Mukuro smirked, then towed his captive away. They walked for a few minutes, Hibari occasionally pointing at streets and the demon following his directions.
"Here," the teen stopped abruptly, pointing at a house on their right. It was surprisingly normal, with white walls and a blue roof, just like every other house on the block. A small girl wearing Chinese clothes was practicing martial arts on the lawn, but she halted at the sound of his voice. The braid at the top of her head swayed at the movement.
"Onii-san!" she exclaimed happily, running towards Hibari. When she reached the gate, she pushed it and held it open.
"Hello, I-pin," he greeted the child.
"Hibari, you're home a little late," said a calm voice from behind I-pin. Mukuro looked up, and saw a man who could have been Hibari's twin. They had the same features, though where Hibari was usually glaring or acting indifferent, the man's face was set in a relaxed smile. His hair was longer than the teen's, and braided down his back, and he wore a red Chinese robe that reached down to his ankles with white pants underneath. He looked happy and unassuming, but Mukuro sensed great power within the thin man. "Is this a friend of yours?" he asked, gray eyes fixed on Mukuro. The demon bowed politely.
"No," was Hibari's curt response. "He's an annoyance."
"I see," the man chuckled, then extended his hand to Mukuro. "Well, annoyance, my name is Fong. I'm Hibari's brother. And this," he gestured to the girl at his side. "Is my daughter, I-pin. What may I call you?"
"My name is Rokudo Mukuro," he answered. "I'm a classmate of his." He pointed at Hibari.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. Would you like to come in? I'm making dinner, and you're welcome to stay." Fong offered.
"No," his brother said vehemently.
"It would be my pleasure," Mukuro accepted. Fong raised an eyebrow at the pair's responses, but gestured for them to come in, much to Hibari's dismay. The boy glared daggers at his back as they entered the house.
"Rokudo," Hibari said evenly.
"Yes?"
"Release my wrist. Now!"
Mukuro looked at their hands. He'd forgotten he was holding the smaller boy's wrist. Oops.
"Only as long as you swear not to attack me."
"I promise."
The demon was unconvinced, but he let go of his wrist all the same. Hibari flexed his fingers cautiously, returning proper circulation. He then proceeded to curl his hand into a fist, and punched Mukuro in the gut. The other doubled over in pain, and the edges of his vision started to go black. The last thing he heard before drifting into unconsciousness was, "Promises are for herbivores, bastard."
* * *
"He's waking up!" I-pin's voice broke through the darkness, truly waking Mukuro up. He'd only been stirring before, but now he was fully conscious.
"A good thing too," Fong added. Mukuro heard the rustling of cloth, and assumed he'd turned. "Why would you do that, Kyoya? You could have seriously hurt him," the man lectured.
Hibari snorted. "I wish. But he's fine now, isn't he?"
"That's not the point," Fong sighed in exasperation. "His parents are probably worried sick."
"Not my problem."
"Yes, it is. He's your friend."
"No, he's not. I've known him for maybe two days, and I detest the moronic herbivore."
"Good to know, Kyoya-kun," Mukuro chimed in sleepily from his position on the couch. He blinked slowly, sitting up. "You don't have to worry about my parents, Fong-san," he assured the man. "I live alone."
"Oh," Hibari's brother looked at the ground awkwardly, then, remembering something, stood and headed for the door to the kitchen. "I'll go get dinner. Are you staying?"
"No, that's quite alright," Mukuro denied hurridly, kind of worried about the look Hibari was giving him. "I have to go to the store today, and it closes at seven. What time is it now?"
Fong glanced at the clock above the oven. "6:15," he called.
"Then I'd better be on my way," the demon said, standing slowly. He waved at the man. "Thank you for taking care of me."
"It's the least we could do," Fong said with a pointed glance at his brother. Reluctantly, Hibari stood and escorted Mukuro outside.
"Your family seems nice," he commented.
"Hn."
"Maybe I'll visit again some time." This statement was met with a tonfa appearing at his throat.
"No."
"But-"
"No."
They'd reached the gate now. Hibari removed his weapon and opened the gate, gesturing for Mukuro to leave. He just stood there though, regarding Hibari curiously.
"You can leave no-" He never finished his sentence, as Mukuro, on an impulse, leaned towards him. Their lips met for a moment, and Hibari's eyes widened. The demon pulled back lazily and walked away.
"Goodnight, Kyoya-kun," he called over his shoulder before the darkness swallowed him, leaving a very shocked Hibari standing at the gate, eyes wide with surprise.