Target 12: Strange Duo – In which Rihan and the Nura Clan observes the strange relationship of their young master and their new neighbor. Where in Byakiran drags Tsuna around and causes Trouble.
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It was surprising, Rihan muses as he watches his son animatedly and vehemently denies whatever it was that their mischievous human guest keeps on whispering and suggesting; to see Rikuo drop his false childishness and morphs into a cautious and mature child as he acts as the voice of reason for their new neighbor.
The first time the albino introduced himself to the clan as their new neighbor; Rihan was surprised to see his usually friendly son bristling at the sight of the boy. Still, Rikuo's delight at the sight of the boy was still apparent to those watching though, no matter how rude he came off as he demands why the other child was in their doorsteps.
It was surprising to see his son get along well with a human child for the first time.
(Rihan casts aside those awkward moments and times when his son would throw other human children looks when no one was looking- as if puzzled by their reactions when something happened and they didn't do what he expected them to do. What Rihan didn't know was that Rikuo was already so used to Chaos and Vongola brand of insanity that he couldn't adjust to the usual normal and utterly civilian children.)
Like that one time a rabid dog found its way into the park, all children aside from his son took one look at the dog and ran to their parents. His son, on the other hand, looks at the children with an aghast look, as if he was expecting his playmates to stay and fight against the dog head on, as he dodges the oncoming dog with an ease that surprises Rihan.
Much later, Rihan would look back on this memory and compare it to the one he's witnessing. He looks away. Poor dog, the hanyō thought as he heard the rabid dog whimper in submission as a violet flame covered tonfa buried itself into the concrete.)
Byakuran, (named after a flower. The name reminds Rihan of a certain flower yōkai that still makes his heart clench from pain and sadness. He made her hurt so much,) behind that smiles and tricks he played at everyone, hides a sharp and terrifyingly intimidating personality. Rihan finds it out later as the young boy stares hard at the humanoid council members when the albino stumbles (the two were probably once again playing their weird version of hide and seek that looks more of a training exercise the more Rihan looks at them playing again and again) upon them in the middle of a chat about Rikuo.
The child happens to hear Hitotsume opposing vehemently at Rikuo's capability as the third head. The kid's smile drops (along with Rihan's) the moment the one-eyed yōkai lists out Rikuo's 'faults.' His eyes narrows and a killing intent that alarms every yōkai in the vicinity shows itself.
The kid smiles brightly (it surprisingly looks eerie at the child and made him appear villainous for a moment) at Hitotsume- not batting an eye at the sight of the one eyed yōkai before dropping one sentence before leaving.
"Personally, I think so as well. The position you're talking about isn't fit for Ri-chan. After all, there are obviously greater position for Ri-chan." The boy smiling a chillingly cold smile as he speaks. His tone perfunctory as if being the Supreme Commander of Yōkai is a position that is lower than dregs in his eyes.
His thoughts about the position renders everyone in earshot speechless.
Nurarihyon was absolutely thrilled about the kid though. If only for the fact that the child cares very much for his grandson and how protective he was of Rikuo.
And personally, the hanyō also agrees with the boy's words. His boy is the greatest- anyone else who said otherwise would have to be… roughen up with Nenekirimaru until they'll agree with his assessment.
Byakuran is an enigma, Rihan thinks, an unknown and a danger that might one day show its claws and fangs to the clan. But, they would still welcome the child within the household until such day or time would come- no matter if his presence causes the others who had seen his 'serious' side to be vigilant.
The reason was simply because-
"Hie!" A high-pitched loud shriek startles everyone, and immediately all heads turn to look at the pair of children playing in the backyard.
"Byakuran, no!"
Rihan lets out an amused laugh at the sight of his son fleeing from the albino (who was currently holding a Chihuahua in his arms) with an inhuman speed.
Just the sight of his son's brilliant smile and delighted eyes are enough for the doors of the Nura Clan to be open for the human child. No matter how suspicious said child is.
...…
"Uncle Rihan!" A distinctively familiar voice calls out, conspicuous amidst the boisterous noise of his Hyakki Yakō.
"Hie! Byakuran no!" A shriek follows after the call, so familiar and usual that it brought out a brief smile from Rihan.
The Hyakki Yakō, currently travelling around the town for a night of mischief and misdeed, stops on their tracks as they heard those familiar young voices (shouldn't those children stay inside the house? Don't they know how dangerous the night can be?)
Everyone turns to look at the direction where the sounds came from, and a certain Lord of the Pandemonium's eyes widen in surprise at the current… look of his son as Rikuo resists Byakuran's manhandling.
Rikuo who was dressed as a girl (and could very well pass off as one.)
Rikuo lets out a squeak as he notices the wide eyed stares directed his way. He quickly reaches out and clings to the older (and taller) boy's shirt. Hiding behind Byakuran, the young girl boy peeks out and greets his father.
"Otou-chan!" He shyly calls out, pink dusting his cheeks.
Several yōkai with Lolita complexes stifles their squeals of delight at their very cute young heir (or is it heiress now? They wish that Rihan and Wakana would try to have a daughter. How cute would she be!)
Rihan clears his throat, nodding at his head in response to his son's greeting.
"Rikuo," The hanyō starts and then pauses as he tries to get his thoughts into order. "This…" He pauses awkwardly, not sure whether to address the fact that: a human saw the hordes of yōkai following him, or Rikuo and Byakuran are out and running about in the streets at night without adult supervision, or his son's current… dressing (even if his son looks cute in such an outfit and strokes his desire of having a cute little daughter.)
"Uncle Rihan, Ri-chan looks so cute in this get up ne?" Byakuran interjects before Rihan can set the topic to the elephant in the room. A devilish smile on his face, the Mare Sky enjoys and relishes at the astonished faces Rihan and his Hyakki Yakō sported.
And then, seeing that lost look on his brother's father, (a far more better father than Iemitsu was, in Byakuran's opinion, at least the man didn't try to hide things from his family- or left them for years,) Byakuran decided to help out by giving out an explanation.
Poor guy, he married a Vongola woman and then ended up having the former Vongola Decimo as his son- a formula that spells of chaos and ridiculous situations. He should be used to the chaos by now though, Byakuran muses but then remembering how Wanaka acts, he shrugs. Well, should be had that Sky not kept everything that is Vongola out of Rihan's life. Though the man does have some immunity to it considering the beings behind him.
"Ri-chan's sleeping over in my house," He explains, a smile on his face as he regards the hordes of yōkai curiously. He didn't question the astounded man about his followers though- he'll save the questions to his brother later.
"And we were playing some games to stave off our boredom. And then, Ri-chan lost the game and as punishment, he has to dress up as a girl."
Tactfully, the retired Gesso Don deigns not to tell the adults that they were playing Vongola style the usual violent and life threatening games Reborn roped them into playing as a form of training. They were trying to bring out Tsuna's dormant (sealed really, or at least, it felt like it) flames- but Byakuran knows that such a thing is currently an impossible task with his friend's current state.
Tsuna still haven't accepted his current situation and life- no matter how accepting he was in the surface. He wouldn't, couldn't, accept that Nura Rikuo and Sawada Tsunayoshi is one and the same.
"And then," He continues on childishly, finding amusement at the sight of those starry eyed stares and blushing faces directed at his brother. Heh, Ri-chan's cuteness is a weapon on their own- too bad that the other rarely makes use of it.
"I have this urge to take a walk all of the sudden." He finishes and seeing the doubt in Rihan's eyes, adds carelessly. "Of course, we have an adult accompanying us."
He grins and then motions to a brightly lit café. "Uncle Wonomichi, my guardian, is with us. He's sitting over there." He points to an old man sitting by the windows who was currently enjoying his drink and pastries.
Rihan thoughtfully stares at the foxy child, who returns the gaze with a knowing and teasing look. The hanyō sighs. Well, at least these two are children with memories of their past life. They should probably know better than to seek trouble. He thinks to himself.
What the hanyō didn't know is that they are not the ones seeking trouble, it was trouble always seeking them out instead. Had he known, he wouldn't have let these two children (and their future friends) out of his sight every time they went out. It would have saved him the trouble to rush to their aid in the future.
"Alright then," He agrees and decided to not mention the hordes of yōkai behind him. The child didn't hide his curiosity towards his subordinates but so far, he didn't ask about them. Though, Rihan doubts that his son would be able to escape the albino's interrogation later.
"Just don't go looking for trouble."
Rihan states instead of scolding the two children. How can his son even find and recognize someone he knows in his previous life? And that said person is also someone who reincarnated with his memories of his past life intact.
Had Byakuran know the thoughts running in his head, the Sky would have retorted and explained that he didn't reincarnate. He hadn't died after all. He just ended up de-aged because of a certain Earthling's intervention and offer.
Setting aside the issue of the two's night excursion, Rihan's gaze turns to scrutinize his son's current apparel. He couldn't help but blink at the sight of his son (or is it daughter now with his current appearance?)
Somehow, Byakuran managed to acquire a long brown wig styled into two piggy tails, a wig with the same shade as his son's hair color and fits snuggly on his son's head; it appears natural and so in place that Rihan's starting to doubt if the son Wakana gave birth to is actually a daughter. The clothes: a cute orange sundress with floral patterns, a white half jacket and cute doll shoes, were also in Rikuo's sizes and looks very adorable on the kid.
He really looks like a girl, the hanyō thought. Glancing at the blushing and starstruck faces of his subordinates, his overprotective instincts kicked in.
"Oi," Rihan calls out to the horde. "What are you lot staring at? It's time to move!" He abruptly instructs.
"Rikuo and Byakuran," He address the kids and then reminds them again. "Don't go looking for trouble, okay?"
Without waiting for their response, the man turns his back away from the children before his desire to scoop up his son and hug the child overcome him. He leads the procession to another part of town; the rest of his entourage grumbles but they still follow after their leader- not before saying their goodbyes to their young master and his friend though.
"Byakuran!" The last thing they heard was the sound of Rikuo screaming out the name of his friend as the other proceeds to cackle loudly.
A few days later, a little booklet full of a brunette girl circulates the household- with Nurarihyon, Wakana and Rihan getting a bigger book full of cute photos of the girl in different outfits and poses.
...…
Rikuo stares blankly at the sight greeting him as he enters the receiving room. He watches Byakuran throwing questions after questions to Zen who looks ready to erupt and spit blood from anger while said yōkai's father along with Rikuo's watches on with amused smiles on their faces.
The patience he is lauded for in his past life snaps.
"Bya-kun." Rikuo calls out. He tilts his head with a bright smile on his face.
Byakuran freezes mid-question about Zen's particular state of health. The memories of those times when Tsuna was furious suddenly coming into mind.
To the great surprise of everyone, the teasing smile on Byakuran's face drops as he suddenly straighten his back and adopts a more innocent and serious expression. The boy turns around to face their irate heir for the briefest moment- they see the boy's smile falter.
"Tsu-" Byakuran pauses as it dawns into him that he's uttering the wrong name. A chill crawled down his back at the sight of that horrifying smile widening and an image of Tsuna using freezing his guardians in the middle of their food fight (turned brawl) appears in his mind.
The albino tries to backtrack, "I mean…" Clearing his throat, Byakuran nervously smiles at his fellow Sky.
"Rikuo!" He greets.
By this time, everyone's eyebrows shot up in surprise. After all, they were already used to seeing their young heir indulging the misbehavior and antics of the marshmallow lover with an exasperated and resigned air.
It was the first time they had seen Rikuo put his foot down and displayed his dominance over the older boy- and that the albino actually looks genuinely scared of the younger boy.
"Hadn't I told you to be on your best behavior."
That was a question, right? Byakuran wonders, then why does that feel more like a statement? His smile turns stiff as he feels those flames slowly rising up into the surface.
This… This wouldn't be the opportunity that Tsuna needs to activate his flames… right?
Mind thrown in disarray from panic and fear, the Mare ring holder (sealed to make sure that Byakuran's mind wouldn't break from the strain, Kawahira gave it back to him- procuring the rings from who knows where. It's chained, and used as a pendant these days. Some days, the ring feels heavier than it should, weighing Byakuran down to the point where he can barely breathe. Some days, Byakuran barely remembers its existence,) decided to flee and visit once again after Rikuo calms down.
"Oh my," He looks around in panic, searching for the most viable escape route except for the doors where Rikuo stood as deterent.
"Look at the time." His eyes fell on the window and decision made, the boy readies himself to flee.
"I just remembered that Uncle Kawahira would be coming over for a visit!" The albino blurts out and then bolts out of the room through the window; stunning Rikuo in the process as the brunet hears a very familiar name coming out of the boy's mouth.
Everyone's eyes widen in surprise at the sight of the human child jumping down the window. Worriedly, Yuki Onna rushes forward to check whether or not the child survived the fall but halt at the sight of said child hovering by the window; a cheeky smile on his lips and a pair of white wings flapping behind him.
Several Yōkai lets out a sound of surprise at the sight.
"Bye, Ri-chan!" With a chirp and a nervous grin, the marshmallow lover decided to run away and leave Rikuo to the task of explaining how he sprouted wings to the Nura clan.
Rikuo snaps out of his reverie and stares at the retreating figure of his fellow sky. His amber eyes burns with a vengeance.
"Byakuran!"
After that, a story of a fallen angel that fell on earth circulates in the Nura Clan's grapevine of gossips and rumors. By the time Byakuran finally gathered the courage to come over and visit, everyone already thinks that the human boy is a fallen angel in disguise.
Rikuo was not amused as he tries and explains once again that Byakuran was just manifesting an already distant yōkai bloodline- senzo-gaeri, return to ancestry to be precise. Unfortunately for the former Mafia Don, the explanation went in one ear and out of the other for the yōkai.
Rikuo is so done with all these things really.
...…
Byakuran and Rikuo's relationship is one that has been built in their past life and continues on in their present life, the Nura Clan concludes after observing how the two children interacts. They didn't start over from scratch, or didn't act as if they didn't spent a lifetime with each other.
They see it in the way Byakuran would sometimes stumbles mid-sentence as he calls out a syllable of a different name. How the young boy would look so surprise as Rikuo smiles mischievously while declaring his intent to be the Third- as if he expected the other to deny and reject the position with all his might. How the albino would sometimes mention things like the weather which seems to refer to some people the two once knew.
They see that Byakuran clings into the past the same way their heir does.
No matter how hard Rikuo tries to hide it from them, they see the distant look the child would have when there was a lull on the chaos, (which made everyone tried so hard to create as much noise and Chaos as possible,) see how the child would sometimes look stunned upon calling him by his name as if it weren't his own. Their heir still haven't come to terms with his rebirth, no matter how well adjusted he seems at the surface.
Byakuran and Rikuo are brothers, siblings not by blood (as they gleaned from the conversations about the two boys' past life that they overheard eavesdropped on), but by choice.
At first sight, it looks like it was Rikuo who depends and looks up to Byakuran; it was in the way the younger boy would allow the albino to drag him into all sorts of situations and antics with an air of resignation and exasperation. It was in the way that the brunet indulges the boy and allows the other to push his decisions.
But if one looks closely, it was actually Byakuran who depends on Rikuo. They can see it in the way the albino glows upon receiving the approving smile from their heir, sees it in the way that the older boy would sometimes seek out Rikuo for acknowledgement and attention, sees it in the way Byakuran clings to the other boy- like a little brother would to their older brother when in a new environment.
Seeing the two act like that makes the Nura Clan think that somehow, instead of an older brother figure… their heir acquired a younger brother.
At least, they thought to themselves as they caught sight of Byakuran dragging Rikuo and Zen into his antics once again, this shows their heir's charm and charisma. He's exactly like his two predecessors- capable of attracting different characters and personalities to their person.