What's my age again?
Title inspired by: Blink 182 – What's my age again?
Disclaimer: I don't own KHR.
Author's Note:
Late update is late but I really wanted to post it today. Coz it's Chrome's birthday and such. No update next week because of a stupid assignment, sorry.
My uttermost heartfelt thanks to DatAnzKidx, xSkywires, NagiChrome, Audriel, Girasol D Bans, Merisela, P3achi3, Marabou and the kind KHR LOVER
xSkywires – Marry me? Just kidding... XD
Girasol D Bans – So true, but Italy and Tamaki have at least their depressive/flirty moments whereas Dino... He's just happy. As for Hibari's song, I listened to all of them at some point but the only one I truly adore is Akashi, though :) Why are you asking? :D
Merisela & P3achi3 - You two are so lovely! Thanks a lot ;)
Thanks for reading. I genuinely appreciate it!
Many people made the wrong assumption that Rokudo Mukuro had been Chrome's first crush. Truth was, she fell in love with Kakimoto Chikusa at first sight. Often overlooked due to Ken's loud rashness and Mukuro-sama's appealing charm. Tranquillity and steadiness defining his being.
Her first love. Or Nagi's last.
Her newest interest was of similar silence but more dangerous, biting and crushing and poisoning, suspicious and versatile underneath.
And yet her heart swayed gingerly like a flimsy paper in the wind.
"-ow is she? God, I've been wor-"
"-ust leave her alone, she's exhausted and needs to relax. May-"
"-e guys? What happened to th-"
"-bari took care of them. Lovely little killing spree, as far as I heard. Must have been fu-"
"-n't want to be in their position, right? Not that I feel sorr-"
"-aid: Leave her alone! Because you, guys, are being noisy and she needs silen-"
"-o fun, Tsuna, we were anxio-"
"-seball idiot, you're only speaking for yourself. Why should I car-"
"-NOUGH! ALL OF YOU! OUT! NOW!"
Spoken words, reminding her of the Mareggiata incident.
Loud.
But not as harsh. Or degrading.
Familiar. Family?
A faint thump of her heart, imitated and betrayed by a machine.
The pain was everywhere.
Throbbing in her cheek, cutting through her arms and burning over her skin.
So many, different voices and noises slurred together yet still nothing but a constant buzz, ringing in her ears. She inhaled deeply. Her lip was definitely swollen and she cracked her lone eye open and everything seemed to crash down on her, the aching even worse than before. The peeping monitor next to her made irregular sounds.
"You're pale."
A soft, wet cloth dabbed her forehead gently and Chrome turned her head slightly, a shooting pain rushing through her spine, to see Boss. Her lips parted but she couldn't force any words out.
"Don't speak. Rest."
He placed his warm hand on hers.
"Everything will be fine when you wake up the next time."
And she truly wanted to believe him. She longed to believe him. Everything should be fine. But she wasn't a child anymore and all those dreams were made of mist. So intriguingly beautiful from afar but never meant to be touched. Nothing would be the way it had been before. It was a phenomena called constant change.
And change and concealment were her attributes.
The young woman closed her eye and drifted back into pleasant unconsciousness, accompanied by a soft humming from Boss.
"-op calling me! She's sleeping, everyone's still worried and your constant nagging isn't helping. Not a single bit!"
The noise around her became unbearable. Again. After sleeping for a long time without even waking once, her condition had indeed improved and the pain had lessened. However, her sensitivity to loud voices had increased, too. She opened one lone eye to watch Boss closing the door, cheeks puffed with indignation, mobile phone snapping shut. His hair was ruffled, out of its usual shape and his honey shirt wrinkled. Sighing heavily, he turned around and was a bit flustered when he noticed her stare.
"Ahaha... ha?" He scratched the back of his head. "Sorry, it wasn't my intention to wake you. Even if you already slept for three days or so. How are you? "
He sat down on the chair next to her bed, elbows resting on his knees and fingers intertwined.
"I-I am fine." Her voice was back but worries were nagging at her consciousness and she knew it was time to come clean with him.
"I am fine," she repeated and examined the white sheets before continuing, "Bossu, there is s-something I have to tell you... and I-I..."
"The baby is okay!" he blurted out, a prominent blush creeping over his face. "The blood values are absolutely normal. The doctor said that the embryo was safe because you're not that far advanced in your pregnancy and it would have been more severe a few months later!"
Tsuna stopped and caught his breath, regarding her with an insecure look. Her face was averted, concentrated on the snowy fabric that covered her body and her posture betraying her true feelings, a downcast, gloomy air hung over them.
"I haven't told the others yet. Then again, I don't think it's my place to do so."
And he wanted to ask her why she hadn't talked to him and if she couldn't trust him when he noticed her fingers curling into fists, shoulders starting to shake. Drops of water fell onto the pristine covers and he realized that tears were rolling down her cheeks.
"Thank God. I was so scared. I was so, so scared. The baby's fine," she whispered, words alternating with sobs.
The Sky smiled in sympathy and stroked her hair in consolation.
"S-so scared."
"It's okay now. Your baby is safe. And you're safe, too."
She hiccuped and sobbed before finally calming down.
"M-Mareggiata."
"Yeah, we know," he answered and handed her a tissue, "They've never been popular with the Mafia society but it seems they hit a low. By the way, Dino-san sends his best wishes (his change of subject has always been rottenly obvious)." He made a weird motion and Chrome looked over his shoulder to see what he meant. She tried her best to suppress the painful grin which was threatening to spread. Apparently, Dino-san's "best wishes" were a dozen of colourful bouquets. Boss made a resentful noise.
"They're not all from him, you know. Only those with the corny pink roses."
Turning to face her, he sighed again.
"I don't want to ruin the mood but we have to talk... eventually. This being said, I don't want to force you in any kind. We can discuss those matters later on because, first of all, you should rest some more."
There was a dull rustling when she leaned back into her cushion, hoisting the blanket until it touched the tip of her dainty nose. The room was fairly dark and if those flowers hadn't been there, the atmosphere would have been rather lugubrious. It was also hard to tell what time of day it was and a clock was nowhere to be found.
"I... I'd rather postpone that conversation." Her muffled voice.
Nodding insightfully, he stretched his tired limbs and yawned. "Fair enough."
Casting a careful glance at him, she lowered the blanket.
"Bossu, I appreciate your thoughtfulness... but you're wasting your precious time here whereas you..."
A twinkle shone in his eyes and he grinned, brimming with mirth.
"Oh, it's all good! Called Reborn and, thankfully, he came over from Italy to look after the Vongola for a while. Actually, now that I think about it, he appeared to be exceptionally cheerful... So, we all are probably going to suffer... ," he offered, "I smell horrendous training sessions. Anyway, I'm staying. At least for tonight! No matter what, I promise!"
"You shouldn't... ," she countered half-heartedly, not knowing if she really wished for him to leave. Her conclusion was: She wanted to be selfish, if only this time. So, instead of more objecting, she kept silent and solely enjoyed that there was one person going out of his way to care for her.
"I'll tell you everything about the pregnancy. I also promise. Just, wait a little longer, okay, Bossu?"
"Sure, that's perfectly fine with me," he explained and his mocha eyes shifted, observing her pale features, "But Chrome, no matter what ever happens, please don't forget: The family... -no, I'm always there for you."
Speechless and profoundly touched, the illusionist gawked at him and her eye was slowly welling up with tears. Before he could register what happened, she flung her arms around his neck. He blushed in embarrassment and his irises contracted when gravity reminded him of its existence. Surely, he was the competent heir of the Vongola but moments like this were the only frigging times he switched back into that equally stupid "dame-mode" and, naturally, he fell off the bed, taking her light body with him. The duo landed on the ground with an unceremoniously thud.
"I'm sorry," mumbled the buried male (her body was bruised as it was, there was no need for him to harm her any further) and she tried to sit up when the door opened.
"Sawada-san, what are you doing to the patient?"
Chrome looked up and noticed the appalled dark-haired nurse with a distinctive nose and pink nurse attire.
"You caused nothing but trouble when you came here with that broken leg of yours and you caused nothing but trouble thenceforth. May I remind you that Namimori Central Hospital is not a playground and our patients seek restfulness?"
The younger female blinked and focused her attention on the person underneath her. His cinnamon eyes bulged out comically.
"Holy shit! It's her!"
A frown crossed the woman's features.
"This kind of language is not welcomed either."
"Oh god, now I remember why I preferred to stay away from this place. I mean it's been such a long time since my last stay (In the beginning of his Mafia career, he had been in the hospital quite often. Three times due to Reborn's training and once because Reborn had simply felt like kicking his ass, two stays had been caused by Dino-san's clumsiness, several times because of his work, once after accidentally eating Bianchi's meal and countless times after encountering Hibari-san). And I'd rather keep it that way."
"Is that so? Then I must insist that you leave. It's past visiting hours."
Gently tucking his sleeve while he sat up, Tsunayoshi glanced at Chrome's worried face and he lifted her from his lap and placed her on the edge of her bed. His promise.
"I'm staying." Reassurance. Then, confronting that venom spitting shrew, "Think of me as guard of sorts."
The chief nurse cleared her throat, arms akimbo and facial expression stern.
"Sawada-san, I must insist. First of all, she's in good hands and, secondly, knowing you there will be trouble because you most likely bother the other patients agai-!"
And while she had been able to scare the young successor from ten years ago, now she was facing no less a person than one of the most famous leaders in the history of Mafia. Plus, right now, he was above all a caring friend, a family member.
The change from his dame personality was subtle but the sudden smirk and the confident crossing of arms startled the nurse anyhow. Without saying a word, his appearance spoke volumes of his power and the woman staggered backwards, almost tripping out the room.
"I-I guess it's not that troublesome. J-just make sure you're not bothering any patients!"
Taking flight, she disgracefully bumped against the wall and scurried away, the exit was a pitifully one.
"Well, I'm afraid she'll never fall in love with me," commented the Sky dryly and his female companion giggled. Rubbing his neck, he added, "Not that I really want her to, though."
Slumping down on the eggshell white chair, he yawned and began to inform her of everything that happened after her fight with the enemies and during her recovery sleep. She listened, attentive and curious, until both of them became tired. The semi-darkness of the room lulled her to sleep and she blinked rapidly to stay awake. Her head shot up when she heard a soft snoring. Giggling, she grabbed some spare blankets and covered Boss' crouched form, the worries, whether or not it would do him any good if he slept in a chair, forgotten.
With a small smile, she rested her head on the pillow and watched her confidant till she, too, was overpowered by fatigue.
Chrome's dreamscape had changed.
The exact moment her feet carried her into the world of sleep, she was greeted by lush meadows, splendid rivers and glorious skies.
Exotic, astonishing flowers were hemming a small footpath and leading to a couple of grand trees. Vibrant colours bursting from the ground, vivid yellow, lucid blue, blazing red, serene purple, radiant orange and gaudy pink. Feeling an indescribable warmth on her skin, she made her way through the cool grass, relishing the different impressions. Her cream-coloured dress brushed against her thighs, caressed by a tender breeze.
"Mukuro-sama?"
There was no reply but she was certain this had been his doing even if he didn't appear in person. Nevertheless, for a split second, she thought she had seen a blueish pineapple near those trees but it was gone with a rustle of leaves and she shrugged it off as illusion (ha, the irony).
Tapping her fingertips against her hip, Chrome continued her little stroll for the rest of the night and felt oddly refreshed when waking up the next morning.
Her room was empty. Only the sunlight and her.
Boss had gone missing and the nurse who dutifully checked on her, had no clue where he was. Lastly, he called her around noon and apologized for his sudden disappearance, stating that he received a text message from Yamamoto-san and important business was waiting.
The next three days were uneventful and boring, nobody came to visit her and the chief nurse had taken a dislike to her. Even though it made no sense because she generally loathed noisy people bothering other patients and the Mist was neither loud nor social, if anything she was grateful for the deathlike stillness (or so she told herself, convincing both, Nagi and Chrome. Ah, it was somewhat lonely, wasn't it?).
The following day brought snow.
November was over and December, on the fourth day of reign, showered Namimori-shi with a cold, pure coat of ice.
"Seems like you're doing well. Err, according to circumstances at least." Putting the blood pressure cuff aside, the young nurse grinned. "We also contacted Kawayoshi-sensei and sent her a copy of your levels and test results. After calling the director, neither of them deems it necessary for you to stay any longer."
Chrome bowed her head before returning her gaze towards the French window.
"Ah, yucky. I hate snow. Gosh, winter is such a dreadful season," the nurse lamented and rubbed her arms figuratively, not caring that the hospital was heated.
The chattering woman left and the illusionist stood up, walked over to catch a glimpse of the outside. The glass was cool to touch and she pressed her forehead against it to gain a better view. The firmament was a dark, almost black background and the city shone bright, covered with dainty powder, reflecting and sanguine. A few multicoloured light bulbs announced the upcoming Christmas season, not celebrated as a religious holiday in Japan but rather a celebration for all the sweethearts, coppia di amanti and aikouka.
Unwittingly, her fingers skimmed over the (still) flat stomach and she hummed the soft, familiar tune.
It wasn't until much later when she, cuddled into a nice blanket and sitting on the windowsill, was startled by a knock on her door and she whirled around to see who the intruder was. A male entered the room, smirk on his face and melting snow plastered on his black hair.
"Hey there! Information obtained. Instructions received. Ready to break out of prison?"
Yamamoto-san saluted mockingly, threw a plastic bag on her bed and laughed when it dropped onto the floor anyways. Perturbed, she met him halfway.
"There was no need to come all the wa-!"
He grinned and held his index finger up, placing it in front of his mouth in a "shush" manner. With a tilt of his head, he gestured towards the plastic back.
"To be honest, I really wish my dad would be here because he would have made the best sushi all over Japan. Since I'm not as talented, I had to resort to plan B. Instead, I brought you some tangerines." He winked. "Somebody told me they contain lots of vitamin C!"
Resisting the urge to hug him, she opted for pressing her cold palms against her hot cheeks, warmth steadily rising the longer he smiled. Their sweet moment of friendship was interrupted when another person entered.
"Oh, Yamamoto, you're already here. I thought you wanted to wait inside the car," established Boss with a sheepish expression. "Ah, never mind."
Someone else appeared behind him and she craned her neck to see who it was.
"Chrome-san!"
Nodding, she welcomed the young Thunder and was surprised when he made a beeline towards her. An object, hidden underneath an amber cloth, was in his hands and he pulled the fabric off to reveal a... golden toilet?
"Sorry for being unable to visit you but we've been busy. Though, my manners wouldn't allow me to come empty-handed."
Reluctant and dumbfounded, she accepted the shiny object.
"This is the 'good job on cleaning toilets award' from the Bovino famiglia."
Boss raised an eyebrow, peered at the questionable gift and said in an uninterpretable tone, "Oh congrats, you won it again, Lam- Argh! No, wait. Don't give her such a weird gift!"
The Rain laughed light-heartedly and the youngster shook his head, one eye closed.
"Please, there is no need to worry, Tsuna-san. After all, I'm a lady's man. I also brought her a bouquet of 257 red roses."
"Hii? What's the deal with the weird number?"
Looking appalled, Lambo-kun tried to explain his senseless reasoning and the Sky became more confused before they both called it quits. Meanwhile, Chrome began packing her few belongings into the black leather bag. Heedful like always, Boss had brought her some things on the first day she was hospitalized (so she was told) and she was extremely grateful to leave this building clad in her own clothes. Rain bent down and picked up the polythene bag while Tsunayoshi snatched her luggage from her hands to carry it. The Bovino boy encircled her arm with his own, claiming to catch her in case she would trip because she surely must be still somewhat weak. The other two males rolled their eyes.
And this was her family. Caring, pouring too much attention over her and sometimes a tad weird. She wouldn't want it any other way.
"This isn't the way to my apartment," stated Chrome, head leaning against the smooth glass surface while she watched the passing street signs.
"Yeah, about that...," fidgeted a suspiciously nervous Boss and glanced at the driver oddly, "Yamamoto, I think you... err, we got lost."
Sweat formed on the taller man's forehead. "Ah, indeed. Silly me... ahahaha?"
The illusionist scrunched up her nose and swivelled around, examining the teenager next to her. He gulped and, unconvincingly, pretended to sleep.
"No, no. Don't say that, Yamamoto. Besides, I'm suddenly hungry. Why not go and eat something?"
"What a brilliant idea, Tsuna. Sure, let's do that!"
Both of them sounded like those really bad actors from an incredibly cheap soap opera and their anxiety was practically bouncing through the small vehicle. Nevertheless, this was Boss. She trusted him. After a few more minutes, they stopped in the car park.
"Oh, what a delightful coincidence," the Vongola leader feigned and clapped his hands together, "We, totally by accident, came to this place. This must be fate."
"Whoa, that must be fate," chimed Yamamoto-san before exchanging a panicked look with his superior, "Sorry, Tsuna, that was your line."
Lambo-kun, apparently not as sleepy anymore, coughed and tapped his foot against the other man's calf, obviously trying to hide the little faux pas. Alternatively, he tilted his palm in the direction of the opaque building. Tilting her head, Chrome beheld the plain façade.
"Bossu, the clock is almost on the stroke of eleven. Don't you think it's a little late to be eating here?"
Granted, it was weekend and Luogo dell'esecuzione was normally open all night, but without the whole family it was just... wrong to eat here. First and foremost, this was their rendezvous point.
"Yare, yare. That's fine," persuaded the Thunder and placed his hands on her shoulder, slowly coaxing her towards the entrance. The other men sighed in union, shudders of relieved tension washing over their backs. Stepping into the building, the welcoming warmth made her shiver and her eye needed a second to adjust to the change of light. Eyelid fluttering open, she froze.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHROME-SAN!" squealed Haru and Gokudera-san rubbed his knuckles against his temples. "Che, stupid woman. The clock has yet to strike twelve. So, lemme think, hmm..., there's still one hour left?" She screeched, scandalised.
Ignoring their bickering, Chrome's hands flew up, covering her open mouth while she tried to overcome the shock.
The extravagant furniture was the same but the walls were equipped with banners, crested wood panelling hidden behind small colourful flags. Additionally, there were no other guests except for the whole Vongola famiglia, their friends and close, trustful allies. Wrapped presents were displayed on the counter, the dimmed room cluttered with various bouquets. Certainly, Lambo-kun had not lied when he augured 257 roses. The booths were gone in favour of space and there was a tiny dance floor, illumined by carmine and orangey headlights.
"I hope you're all better, Chrome-chan!"
She blinked her tears away and noticed Kyoko's form next to her. A brusque embrace from behind made her stagger forward and she nearly ricked her neck to recognise I-pin as the culprit.
"Happy almost birthday!" laughed the teen and pecked her on the cheek.
Boss stepped up to the female trio and grinned mischievously.
"Well, Chrome, this was the important business Yamamoto informed me about." He scratched his cheek and closed his eyes, a lone bead of sweat travelling down from his forehead. "Truthfully, we totally suck as actors but I do hope this was a bit surprising. So, let's forget about Mafia and Mareggiata for now and have fun!"
Biting her lip, she nodded furiously before grinding her arm over her eye(s) and nose (she followed Kyoko's example and blamed those darn hormones for those traitorous tears, constantly welling up and annoying her).
"Good job, Gokudera-kun. You prepared everything and I must say it turned out to be glorious."
The Storm blushed, thrust his chest out pridefully and scratched the underside of his nose.
"Naturally, I am your right-hand man nonetheless." Green eyes still twinkling with a tinge of haughtiness, he faced the female Mist. "All meals were prepared by the staff, even the birthday cake. So... there won't be any incidents caused by my sister's... talent," he finished carefully because afore-mentioned sibling had decided to stand next to him, arms folded and foot tapping on the ground. Bianchi-san didn't need to hide her face anymore but one well-aimed glare and her brother would be in the bathroom for the rest of the night.
Chuckling ever so lightly, her lilac eye surveyed the decorated surroundings. Apart from her fellow Guardians and the usual suspects (aka Kyoko, Haru, Fuuta-kun and Co.), a few members of the Cavallone famiglia were present and some representatives of the Giglio Nero famiglia. Dino-san was animatedly talking to one of Vongola's mechanics (but she couldn't bother to remember his name) and Mukuro-sama leaned against a wall, trying to ignore the Boss' mother who was fussing over him for some reason or another. And was that really Reborn-san over there? The Varia seemed almost lost, Xanxus was absent and the shark man was obviously chippy, barking harsh words at his comrades.
Hibari-san wasn't there at all.
With a shrug of her shoulders, Chrome wriggled out of her jacket and dropped it over her forearm. Maybe this was for the best. When you come to think of it, she had been the one who said she wouldn't bother him anymore and he was free to do as he pleased anyway. Therefore, no reason to be sad. And yet...
"Oi, where's Hibari-san?" inquired Boss as if reading her thoughts.
"Pfft," Gokudera-san's short reply, "Knowing him, he's prolly fashionably late. Or he's not showing up at all. You know, Juudaime, crowding and such."
The brunette made a hapless noise and faced the birthday girl-to-be.
"Very well, whatever. Let's enjoy the party, Chrome. I can't wait till you open my present."
She smiled.
"This is too much, Bossu. I-I can't express my gratitude!"
"How about smiling like this more often?"
Synchronous turning around, the duo was confronted with a cheerful Dino-san. His midnight blue suit was neat and he looked awfully handsome, the two glasses of red wine accentuating his suave demeanour. Handing one glass to the stunned Mist, he nipped shortly on his own drink and smirked.
"We should raise a toast, don't you think, Tsun-?"
The loud shattering of the glass caught the attention of the guests and the Sky blushed crimson. His hand was still uplifted and a small drop of red liquid was travelling over his fingers, the smell of alcohol in the air. He hadn't meant to nearly slap the crystalline object out of her hand.
Wide eyes and baffled faces stared at him and he, agonizingly slow, straightened his posture and coughed to ease his inner turmoil.
"I'm very sorry, it's just... Chrome shouldn't drink any alcohol. She was on medication and may I remind you of the abusive, dysfunctional relationship medicine and alcohol share? Ah, remember the one time onii-san was on that weird linctus and had some sake afterwards?"
"Yes, I do," supported Hana-san cynically and everyone laughed. "That's was extremely unfunny!" contributed her husband, fists pumped into the air. Once again, the attention diverted and Chrome breathed out in relief. A small nod to thank the Sky. For various reasons.
"Mhm, you're not allowed to drink but I'm sure you're fit enough to dance. Shall we?"
Timidly observing Yamamoto-san, she tentatively placed her cool hand in his, left Boss and Dino-san behind while he led her towards the dance floor, currently occupied by I-pin and Fuuta-kun, Haru and Lambo-kun and some people she didn't know. Kyoko was trying to persuade her husband-to-be though he was rather reluctant. Thankfully, it wasn't one of those painfully slow songs but instead had a jovially beat and the amused duo swang to the rhythm of the music. Twirling her around, the Rain made some witty grimaces, pretending to be an expert dancer, yet stumbling in the next second. Switching, she danced with I-pin for a few minutes before going back to her previous partner.
But honestly, Fuuta-kun and Yamamoto-san were a remarkably strange dancing couple.
The song came to an end and, astonishingly, Mukuro-sama took over. Yamamoto-san shot him a questioning look but he let go of her hands and wandered off, presumably joining Gokudera-san. Mutely swaying, he leered wickedly.
"Are you happy, Chrome?"
His inquiry was strange. She didn't know what to say, how to reply.
"I... I guess. Happiness is bound to be subjective, isn't it?"
Peeping at her with his I-know-something-you-don't-expression, he dipped her and spun her petite frame around, accidentally into Boss' arms.
"My turn, Mukuro."
He bowed gentlemanly and left.
The music changed again and her partner gulped. The successor of the Vongola famiglia was clumsy at first but gradually gained more confidence in his movements. At some point, he even felt comfortable to initiate a talk.
"How's the party?"
"I love it. Thank you so much, Bossu."
Smiling, he clasped her hand tighter.
"Glad to hear that. Everyone worked hard. But don't overdo it. I mean, your skin is surely cold," he mused and his pupils roamed over to the entrance, "Oh, he made it after all. I'm impressed."
Chrome raised an eyebrow and craned her neck. Subsequently, her breath was caught. At the entry. In an anthracite Toni Gard coat over an equally onyx suit. Handsome as always.
"Hibari-san?" whispered the female and she heard Tsunayoshi's scoff.
"Fashionably late is an understatement. Your birthday is in a few minutes. Ah, however, I'm glad he came."
Releasing his dance partner, he strolled over and greeted the new arrivals. Merry Kusakabe-san dusted some snow off and answered him politely. Hibari-san bluntly ignored him and his grey eyes flitted towards her. Gulping, she saw a frown crossing his features.
"Dokuro. It's high time."
"Eh?"
Facing Gokudera-san who appeared behind her, Chrome noticed how everybody had gathered into a circle. A sudden plop and paper streamer, confetti and glitter filled the air, raining down on the puzzled woman.
Shouts of "Happy Birthday!" and "Buon compleanno" were directed at her and some party blowers whistled (blissful grins on the faces of Lambo-kun, the Sun and the blonde Varia man). This scene was followed by many awkward hugs (Boss' mother cried and refused to let go of the 'cute girl', the female illusionist was sure that peculiar doctor touched her butt before he was kicked by one of the Guardians and the shark man ruffled her hair and murmured something about 'congratulations' and 'staying alive'). Neither liking the unwanted attention nor the physical contact, she crept behind Boss.
"Chrome-san, open my present! Please, please, please!"
"Haru-chan," Kyoko scolded, "You can't ask her to do such a thing. It's rude to open presents in front of the givers."
Pouting, Haru looked like a defiant child. Bianchi nudged her slightly and sneered.
"Now, don't do that or your face will stay like that!" Flipping glossy hair over her shoulder, she puckered her lips in exhilaration. "Chrome, my dear husband has no idea what kind of gift flatters a young woman. I made it my responsibility to find something for you." Leaning closer, she whispered not so quietly, "I don't expect you to come and show me the sexy lingerie I bought you but whoever is allowed to appreciate the view, I demand to hear his thanks!"
"B-Bi-Bianchi-san!" Stuttering and blushes.
"So, we're actually telling her what's inside those gifts?"
"No, Yamamoto. We don't"
"Awww, but I want to see Chrome-chan in that linger-!"
"Oh dammit, someone punched Dr. Shamal. Hard. And he crashed into the wall, how unfortunate!"
"Gokudera-kun, that was you. Drop the innocent act."
Ringing laughter silenced the group's bickering and they stiffened. Chrome was almost toppling over, holding her stomach and tears in her eye while her shoulders shook form the impact of her guffaw. Next were Yamamoto-san and Kyoko, snorting with laughter and Boss tagged along, holding his aching flanks. The amusement spread all over until virtually everyone was gasping to draw a breath (of course, there were exceptions but Tsunayoshi swore even Hibari-san's lips curled upwards and Squalo's face flourished into a grin for about three seconds).
Afterwards, the atmosphere was exuberant and relaxed, people enjoyed their meals, conversed with each other or (the very brave ones) danced to languid music.
"I'd like to get some fresh air."
The brunette Vongola raised his head. Chrome was standing in front of him, her salmon pink jacket on her shoulders and hands clasped in front of her chest.
"Are you sure? It's really cold outside and I don't want you to be on your own right now. Especially after that assault."
Gnawing her lips, she wanted to object but someone else came to aid her.
"Juudaime, I'll accompany her. I want to smoke anyway and it seems like I'm not allowed to do so indoors. Can keep an eye on her in the meantime."
A pregnant pause.
"Okay, I don't mind."
They were excused with a wave of his hand and the duo waltzed to the entrance, away from the crowding guests and out into the freezing night. Gokudera-san was a bit too happy when he finally lit his cigarette, grey smoke dissolving into nonentity. He kept a distance between them and sat down on a sturdy chain connecting two poles. It took her a moment to realize that the created space was meant to shelter her from the smoke.
"So..."
First attempts at conversation.
"Any ideas for our Christmas celebration?"
Fringe obscuring her vision, she shook her head. Snow dripped on her shoulder, almost liquid. She peered at her uneasy acquaintance before gazing upwards. Grinning, she opened her mouth and tried to catch little flakes with her tongue. Nagi used to do that all the time and she felt sappy enough to relive the experience.
"This is harder than it seems, Gokudera-san."
He sneered and massaged his temples, next, he tossed his cigarette butt away, walked over and, to her surprise and delight, mimicked her antics.
"Ijn't jat jtuff pojionous?" he asked, tongue stuck out and she contemplated what he said. The next part was more coherent. "You know... pollution. Acid rain?"
"Nothing compared to the nicotine inside your fags."
"Touché."
Standing around in the silence of the night, the Storm made small rings of fog, breath visible, and she tried to do the same but failed horribly. Her results were nothing but thick blobs of condensate. He had the practice after all.
"Fuck, it's so cold. I don't even feel like smoking another cigarette." He jumped a bit and buried his fists into the pockets of his jacket, bilious green scarf sheltering his nose. "Wanna return?"
Freezing, it was. Even so, she really, really enjoyed the fresh, crisp air and craved to stay just a little longer. Her hesitation was his answer and he narrowed his eyes when she started to scrub the skin of her hands. Flustered, he enveloped her tiny (not to mention icy) hands with his own and blew his warm breath on their intertwined digits. The blush, clearly evident on his cheeks, was most certainly not caused by the cold.
"Don't get me wrong. I-I'm only doing this because you were just released from the hospital," he rasped, "And I promised Juudaime to look after you."
And she gaped at him, so he felt obliged to prove his point even further.
"Frankly speaking, I'd rather go back into the warmth." He was about to remind her about her own role as birthday girl, the heroine of today's party, but stopped short when someone approached them from behind. Practically shoving her arms away, he whirled around.
Hibari-san's face was indifferent.
"Change of guard."
Confused, Gokudera-san almost jolted against the other male on his way into the restaurant, face blazing red, a high colour.
Chrome, too, felt a certain heat spreading through her skull, starting from the jaw up to the vertex. Put simply: There was no way she could face Hibari-san now, today or in general. Slumping down on the chain where the smoking bomb had sat, she focused on her legs, on the fine fabric of her black and grey striped tights. Dark, wet spots were sprinkled over the material, evidence of those little snowflakes. Oh, and was there a ladder?
"You're ignoring me."
Yes, she was quite sure there was a ladder. Bother! Those were her favourite tights and she had bought them on a trip to Shibuya-ku.
Stalking towards her, Hibari-san seemed less than pleased and she flinched, body tensing. With an ungraceful jump, she hopped to the ground defensively. But: The Cloud merely yawned and stretched out his hand, letting it hover over her head. Something soft dropped down.
"Now that you decided to acknowledge my presence, let's go back inside. Herbivores like you tend to catch colds."
Carefully, she touched the object with her fingertips. Whatever it was, she felt the texture of paper and something pliable underneath. It was wrapped up?
"A present?" she asked insecurely, holding the gift up, lone eye wide.
"It's cold. Move it."
A smile graced her lips and Chrome sprinted towards the door, present pressed against her chest.
And the night was still young.
And though she told herself she'd given up on him and he was too dangerous anyway, her heart couldn't help but stop for a beat or two.
Traitorous, easily influenced thing that it was.
Nothing but a flimsy paper in the wind.
Don't expect Hibari's present to be "romantic". He's a pragmatist by nature.
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