[fic] Shine
Story: Shine
Series: Katekyo Hitman Reborn
Author: angiechild
Characters: Most Vongola Primo Members
Rating: PG
Author's Note: Something similar to my SpadeAlaude fic here, except this time it's Knuckle-centric with KnuckleAlaude reference. Boxer-turned-priest is an extremely good plot, that all I can say. You are warned of sloppy writing once more because that is all I am capable of nowadays.
Spiky black hair, sharp honey eyes, bright and determined expression.
When Giotto first laid eyes on him, he was sure that he had found the right man for the job. The only thing he did not expect was to meet him the next time in a church, donned in black clerical robe of gold trims and red scarf. He had previously heard of how he had incapitated his opponent during a competition, but not how he had devoted himself to religion because of it. It made him feel a little guilty, but his senses told him otherwise.
"Will you join my organization?"
The man stared back incredulously, stuttering. "I -- I apologize deeply, but given the circumstances now, I don't think that I can help you any longer. I swore to never raise my fists again."
"Ah." Giotto's smile only widened as he lowered his hand. "I know, and I'm not forcing you to raise them either. I just believe that, no matter what happens, you can still be the one whom anyone can count on. Work with me and my comrades, whether as a savior to souls, or otherwise. I promise to live up to your integrity. What do you say?"
He seemed doubtful, though contemplating. Giotto tilted his head a little.
"Knuckle?"
He finally looked back up, biting on his lower lip. "O-okay, I will try to the limit. But I apologize beforehand if I cannot act according to your expectations."
"Ah." Giotto's happiness was clear in his tone. "Do not extremely worry about it. Now, may I...?" He gestured to the altar knowingly.
"Yes, please go ahead." He allowed Giotto to walk up to the altar and kneel in front of it with hands clasped together in front of him and eyes closed in a prayer. He gave thanks to the Almighty, for the first agreement he had made with him.
Knuckle was the first Sun Guardian. The center of their friendship, the source of the family's energy, actively shining over them.
"G, this is Knuckle."
Knuckle felt a little intimidated as G glared him down, seemingly most offended by his attire. "You got a priest to join us, Giotto? When I said we need more comrades, I didn't mean spiritual ones."
"Don't look down on him, G." Giotto only grinned. "He may look like this, but he is very capable, both mentally and physically."
Yet that was only the beginning. As Knuckle continued with his determination to make friends with each newcomer, Lampow and Asari Ugetsu had easily accepted him on their first meetings. But not with Daemon Spade, who immediately had a lack of liking for him, and Alaude, who stared at the extended hand instead of shaking it.
"I do not want to convert."
Knuckle frowned. "Just because I am a priest, it does not mean that I am trying to convert everyone into the religion. Does everyone look like they are as religious as I am?"
Giotto chuckled from his seat. "Indeed, we are not quite as morally clean as he is, Alaude. Isn't that so, Daemon?"
He eyed knowingly at Daemon Spade, who scowled. "What does that have to do with me?"
Alaude narrowed his eyes. "Whatever. I am not interested in establishing any sort of friendship with you."
"What?!" Knuckle looked hurt; he had never been outright rejected before. Even Daemon had at least kept him amused. "Come now, Alaude! If you are going to work with us, you must extremely learn to get along!"
Alaude only growled at him. "Since when am I working with you?" He cast a side-glance at Giotto, who was busy beaming away with a look that said: he is not going to leave you alone. He looked away instantly. "Tch. I'm leaving. I have much work to do."
"But -- "
Before Knuckle could finish, G burst into the meeting room, wearing a serious expression on his tattooed face. "Primo, a fight downtown, ammunition and civilians involved. Perhaps another family, and no small one either. They are requesting our help."
Giotto winced and stood up very quickly, concern written over his face. "Just when Ugetsu and Lampow are on another... We shall dispatch everyone else then. Alaude, Daemon..." He glanced at the last person in the room. "...Knuckle."
Knuckle looked taken aback. "M-me? I had never -- but -- "
"Are you sure, Primo? I don't think he can do anything except preaching and getting people to convert," Daemon chortled.
"I can handle them on my own," Alaude declared flatly.
Giotto smiled kindly at them. "Yes, Alaude, but I believe that it still may be too much for you. Do not worry though, we will direct the mob to you, if you wish. Daemon, I do not doubt him, and I believe that we will need him in our cause. It is okay if you want to stay out of sight, Knuckle. But do come with us -- even the little light in you would help very much."
Knuckle hesitated, but at Giotto's reassuring smile, he finally agreed. Daemon gave in, knowing Giotto's antics, but Alaude still seemed apprehensive. Not until he witnessed those three minutes of power.
The Sun that existed regardlessly, lighting up the Sky's purpose, remaining behind the Storm and Lightning and Rain and even through the Mist.
"Alaude? What are you doing here?" Knuckle asked in surprise when he stepped into the church only to see Alaude standing near the altar, staring up at the crucifix. They had only finished their mission two days ago, and both wore bandages on various light wounds.
Alaude glanced over his shoulder once, and then turned back to the cross. "I heard of your past."
"My past?" Knuckle approached him cautiously. "I didn't think you'd be interested."
"I was not." Alaude shifted to sit on a pew, crossing his legs. "And I should not have bothered finding out. It was stupid."
That made Knuckle wince a little. "How is that so, if I may ask?"
"Restricting yourself by devoting your life to this kind of place, just because you accidentally killed a man. That is stupid itself."
He bit his lip this time. "It is not," he said firmly. "I did not intend to kill, and yet I did, and that in itself is a serious sin. It should not have even be done."
Alaude snapped to him. "Then you are saying that I, who has killed hundreds in my lifetime and will kill even more, should be sentenced to the lowest degree of hell?"
"Who you killed and wish to kill are wrongdoers and killers on their own, Alaude. They will deserve it."
"And yet you don't fight them? Although you still allow yourself three minutes to fight? Should you not do anything out of the context at all?"
"If I did not do what I did, you would have been worse off, Alaude! If it is to save the family, I would gladly go to hell for it!"
That made Alaude stand up and press towards Knuckle, glaring into his honey eyes with incredible fire that the young priest could not help cringing at. But he stood his ground, knowing the Cloud's behaviors by now, and showing fear would only make the situation worse for both of them. Finally, Alaude turned away, heading towards the door. "You are a fool."
Knuckle inwardly sighed in relief, though he had to frown. "I want to try my best in keeping the family together, Alaude. Primo has done so much for me. It is the only way I can repay him...and repay all of you." His voice dropped to a whisper, but still audible in the empty hall. "Even you, who saved me back then."
Alaude waved a hand over his shoulder dismissively. "I'd prefer if you leave me alone then."
The Cloud hovered in the air despite every other element in the Sky, even as the Sun constantly followed above it.
"I see that you have gotten along well with Alaude."
Knuckle looked up from his tea, blinking at Giotto, whose smile was hidden behind his cup. The preacher lowered his gaze a little shyly. "Is it not the same with everyone else?"
"Ah, he does show compassion to us, but not as much as to you," Giotto chuckled. "After all, you are the only one who seems to be able to convince him to do anything for the family, as even I sometimes cannot bring him to an agreement all the time, and I do appreciate your effort very much."
"It was nothing," Knuckle laughed anxiously, fingering his scarf. "As long as I am of great service to you and the family, Primo, I am satisfied."
"Humble as always." Giotto nodded gladly, putting down his cup. "In which case, I suppose you do not mind asking him to join on the next mission?"
Knuckle's expression turned serious. "...The one that related to Daemon Spade? Haven't you talked to him about it?"
"I did, but he insisted on going head-on with him," Giotto sighed, and Knuckle understood immediately, shaking his head in disapproval.
"Then I must go and find him before he does anything extremely bad." He put down the cup to stand and bow a little. "Thank you for the tea, it was very pleasant to have it with you." He glanced up at Giotto with a soft, fatherly smile. "And please do not worry, Primo. I am sure that we can settle this issue very quickly."
"Ah." Giotto's expression softened, almost looking pitiful. "Thank you for your concern, Knuckle."
With that, Knuckle left the office, closing the door behind him softly. He sighed, mumbling a verse for comfort as he started down the empty corridor, and down a couple flights of stairs, heading for the front door. As he did, he passed a blonde man who came from the opposite direction, and stopped in his tracks.
"Alaude, what are you doing here?"
The man halted, turning around to face Knuckle with a frown. Alaude did not seem quite happy to see him. "Making CEDEF report to Primo," he answered blandly. "I am surprised that you are here on your own."
"Oh, yeah." Knuckle scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "Primo gave me a task..."
"Did he? I am sure you will do well then."
Knuckle was not sure if he meant well or sarcastically, but when Alaude turned without another word, his hand flew out to grab his shoulder, pulling him back. "Alaude, he has asked me to tell you to come with us on the mission."
Alaude's scowl was evident as he looked at him over his shoulder. "That again... I do not work in groups, if you had not noticed already."
"I had, and I know enough about you, which is why I insist that you work with us." Knuckle had his sternest face on. "Come on, Alaude. You won't lose anything by doing so, and you will still be able to fight them. We just ask that it be done as we have planned." As if the issue was top secret, he lowered his voice, "Daemon Spade is not worth your time."
Alaude stared at him hard for a long time. It took much, but he finally gave in with an exasperated sigh, slapping Knuckle's hand off his shoulder. "That fruit hybrid is really getting on my nerves."
Knuckle chuckled heartily. "He seems particularly good at that. But don't worry, his long needed punishment will come in due time." He reached forward to place a hand on Alaude's cheek, brushing his thumb lightly against it. "Meanwhile, you need your rest. You have been overworking yourself to the limit again. Haven't I told you many times not to do that?" he whispered gently.
Their eyes connected for a moment, Alaude's own blue ones seemingly in a haze. Then his lips quivered, a word that sounded like the preacher's name escaping it, before they landed on Knuckle's in a long, desirous kiss. Knuckle had barely managed to react on time, but when he did, he only put his other hand on the opposite cheek, dragging out the connection just as lovingly. When they finally tore away, Alaude stepped back quickly, brows creased as he caught his breath and gazed at Knuckle from below his eyelids.
"You are such a fraud."
Knuckle laughed meekly, out of breath as well. "I know. But it can't be helped -- you're adorable."
Alaude snorted, pivoting on his heels. "Just be careful that I may drag you to hell with me."
"If that is what you wish." Knuckle gave a small smile, putting a hand over his chest where he could feel the end of his rosary underneath the layer of fabric. "After all, the man who made us strong -- Primo, he brought us together for a reason. For that, I will stand by you forever."
"Hmph. You better, then." And Alaude left for the office, leaving Knuckle with comfort in heart, mind and soul.
The Sun continued to hang with the Sky, even if it is blocked by the Cloud, but will forever exist behind it.
Forever.
Series: Katekyo Hitman Reborn
Author: angiechild
Characters: Most Vongola Primo Members
Rating: PG
Author's Note: Something similar to my SpadeAlaude fic here, except this time it's Knuckle-centric with KnuckleAlaude reference. Boxer-turned-priest is an extremely good plot, that all I can say. You are warned of sloppy writing once more because that is all I am capable of nowadays.
Spiky black hair, sharp honey eyes, bright and determined expression.
When Giotto first laid eyes on him, he was sure that he had found the right man for the job. The only thing he did not expect was to meet him the next time in a church, donned in black clerical robe of gold trims and red scarf. He had previously heard of how he had incapitated his opponent during a competition, but not how he had devoted himself to religion because of it. It made him feel a little guilty, but his senses told him otherwise.
"Will you join my organization?"
The man stared back incredulously, stuttering. "I -- I apologize deeply, but given the circumstances now, I don't think that I can help you any longer. I swore to never raise my fists again."
"Ah." Giotto's smile only widened as he lowered his hand. "I know, and I'm not forcing you to raise them either. I just believe that, no matter what happens, you can still be the one whom anyone can count on. Work with me and my comrades, whether as a savior to souls, or otherwise. I promise to live up to your integrity. What do you say?"
He seemed doubtful, though contemplating. Giotto tilted his head a little.
"Knuckle?"
He finally looked back up, biting on his lower lip. "O-okay, I will try to the limit. But I apologize beforehand if I cannot act according to your expectations."
"Ah." Giotto's happiness was clear in his tone. "Do not extremely worry about it. Now, may I...?" He gestured to the altar knowingly.
"Yes, please go ahead." He allowed Giotto to walk up to the altar and kneel in front of it with hands clasped together in front of him and eyes closed in a prayer. He gave thanks to the Almighty, for the first agreement he had made with him.
Knuckle was the first Sun Guardian. The center of their friendship, the source of the family's energy, actively shining over them.
"G, this is Knuckle."
Knuckle felt a little intimidated as G glared him down, seemingly most offended by his attire. "You got a priest to join us, Giotto? When I said we need more comrades, I didn't mean spiritual ones."
"Don't look down on him, G." Giotto only grinned. "He may look like this, but he is very capable, both mentally and physically."
Yet that was only the beginning. As Knuckle continued with his determination to make friends with each newcomer, Lampow and Asari Ugetsu had easily accepted him on their first meetings. But not with Daemon Spade, who immediately had a lack of liking for him, and Alaude, who stared at the extended hand instead of shaking it.
"I do not want to convert."
Knuckle frowned. "Just because I am a priest, it does not mean that I am trying to convert everyone into the religion. Does everyone look like they are as religious as I am?"
Giotto chuckled from his seat. "Indeed, we are not quite as morally clean as he is, Alaude. Isn't that so, Daemon?"
He eyed knowingly at Daemon Spade, who scowled. "What does that have to do with me?"
Alaude narrowed his eyes. "Whatever. I am not interested in establishing any sort of friendship with you."
"What?!" Knuckle looked hurt; he had never been outright rejected before. Even Daemon had at least kept him amused. "Come now, Alaude! If you are going to work with us, you must extremely learn to get along!"
Alaude only growled at him. "Since when am I working with you?" He cast a side-glance at Giotto, who was busy beaming away with a look that said: he is not going to leave you alone. He looked away instantly. "Tch. I'm leaving. I have much work to do."
"But -- "
Before Knuckle could finish, G burst into the meeting room, wearing a serious expression on his tattooed face. "Primo, a fight downtown, ammunition and civilians involved. Perhaps another family, and no small one either. They are requesting our help."
Giotto winced and stood up very quickly, concern written over his face. "Just when Ugetsu and Lampow are on another... We shall dispatch everyone else then. Alaude, Daemon..." He glanced at the last person in the room. "...Knuckle."
Knuckle looked taken aback. "M-me? I had never -- but -- "
"Are you sure, Primo? I don't think he can do anything except preaching and getting people to convert," Daemon chortled.
"I can handle them on my own," Alaude declared flatly.
Giotto smiled kindly at them. "Yes, Alaude, but I believe that it still may be too much for you. Do not worry though, we will direct the mob to you, if you wish. Daemon, I do not doubt him, and I believe that we will need him in our cause. It is okay if you want to stay out of sight, Knuckle. But do come with us -- even the little light in you would help very much."
Knuckle hesitated, but at Giotto's reassuring smile, he finally agreed. Daemon gave in, knowing Giotto's antics, but Alaude still seemed apprehensive. Not until he witnessed those three minutes of power.
The Sun that existed regardlessly, lighting up the Sky's purpose, remaining behind the Storm and Lightning and Rain and even through the Mist.
"Alaude? What are you doing here?" Knuckle asked in surprise when he stepped into the church only to see Alaude standing near the altar, staring up at the crucifix. They had only finished their mission two days ago, and both wore bandages on various light wounds.
Alaude glanced over his shoulder once, and then turned back to the cross. "I heard of your past."
"My past?" Knuckle approached him cautiously. "I didn't think you'd be interested."
"I was not." Alaude shifted to sit on a pew, crossing his legs. "And I should not have bothered finding out. It was stupid."
That made Knuckle wince a little. "How is that so, if I may ask?"
"Restricting yourself by devoting your life to this kind of place, just because you accidentally killed a man. That is stupid itself."
He bit his lip this time. "It is not," he said firmly. "I did not intend to kill, and yet I did, and that in itself is a serious sin. It should not have even be done."
Alaude snapped to him. "Then you are saying that I, who has killed hundreds in my lifetime and will kill even more, should be sentenced to the lowest degree of hell?"
"Who you killed and wish to kill are wrongdoers and killers on their own, Alaude. They will deserve it."
"And yet you don't fight them? Although you still allow yourself three minutes to fight? Should you not do anything out of the context at all?"
"If I did not do what I did, you would have been worse off, Alaude! If it is to save the family, I would gladly go to hell for it!"
That made Alaude stand up and press towards Knuckle, glaring into his honey eyes with incredible fire that the young priest could not help cringing at. But he stood his ground, knowing the Cloud's behaviors by now, and showing fear would only make the situation worse for both of them. Finally, Alaude turned away, heading towards the door. "You are a fool."
Knuckle inwardly sighed in relief, though he had to frown. "I want to try my best in keeping the family together, Alaude. Primo has done so much for me. It is the only way I can repay him...and repay all of you." His voice dropped to a whisper, but still audible in the empty hall. "Even you, who saved me back then."
Alaude waved a hand over his shoulder dismissively. "I'd prefer if you leave me alone then."
The Cloud hovered in the air despite every other element in the Sky, even as the Sun constantly followed above it.
"I see that you have gotten along well with Alaude."
Knuckle looked up from his tea, blinking at Giotto, whose smile was hidden behind his cup. The preacher lowered his gaze a little shyly. "Is it not the same with everyone else?"
"Ah, he does show compassion to us, but not as much as to you," Giotto chuckled. "After all, you are the only one who seems to be able to convince him to do anything for the family, as even I sometimes cannot bring him to an agreement all the time, and I do appreciate your effort very much."
"It was nothing," Knuckle laughed anxiously, fingering his scarf. "As long as I am of great service to you and the family, Primo, I am satisfied."
"Humble as always." Giotto nodded gladly, putting down his cup. "In which case, I suppose you do not mind asking him to join on the next mission?"
Knuckle's expression turned serious. "...The one that related to Daemon Spade? Haven't you talked to him about it?"
"I did, but he insisted on going head-on with him," Giotto sighed, and Knuckle understood immediately, shaking his head in disapproval.
"Then I must go and find him before he does anything extremely bad." He put down the cup to stand and bow a little. "Thank you for the tea, it was very pleasant to have it with you." He glanced up at Giotto with a soft, fatherly smile. "And please do not worry, Primo. I am sure that we can settle this issue very quickly."
"Ah." Giotto's expression softened, almost looking pitiful. "Thank you for your concern, Knuckle."
With that, Knuckle left the office, closing the door behind him softly. He sighed, mumbling a verse for comfort as he started down the empty corridor, and down a couple flights of stairs, heading for the front door. As he did, he passed a blonde man who came from the opposite direction, and stopped in his tracks.
"Alaude, what are you doing here?"
The man halted, turning around to face Knuckle with a frown. Alaude did not seem quite happy to see him. "Making CEDEF report to Primo," he answered blandly. "I am surprised that you are here on your own."
"Oh, yeah." Knuckle scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "Primo gave me a task..."
"Did he? I am sure you will do well then."
Knuckle was not sure if he meant well or sarcastically, but when Alaude turned without another word, his hand flew out to grab his shoulder, pulling him back. "Alaude, he has asked me to tell you to come with us on the mission."
Alaude's scowl was evident as he looked at him over his shoulder. "That again... I do not work in groups, if you had not noticed already."
"I had, and I know enough about you, which is why I insist that you work with us." Knuckle had his sternest face on. "Come on, Alaude. You won't lose anything by doing so, and you will still be able to fight them. We just ask that it be done as we have planned." As if the issue was top secret, he lowered his voice, "Daemon Spade is not worth your time."
Alaude stared at him hard for a long time. It took much, but he finally gave in with an exasperated sigh, slapping Knuckle's hand off his shoulder. "That fruit hybrid is really getting on my nerves."
Knuckle chuckled heartily. "He seems particularly good at that. But don't worry, his long needed punishment will come in due time." He reached forward to place a hand on Alaude's cheek, brushing his thumb lightly against it. "Meanwhile, you need your rest. You have been overworking yourself to the limit again. Haven't I told you many times not to do that?" he whispered gently.
Their eyes connected for a moment, Alaude's own blue ones seemingly in a haze. Then his lips quivered, a word that sounded like the preacher's name escaping it, before they landed on Knuckle's in a long, desirous kiss. Knuckle had barely managed to react on time, but when he did, he only put his other hand on the opposite cheek, dragging out the connection just as lovingly. When they finally tore away, Alaude stepped back quickly, brows creased as he caught his breath and gazed at Knuckle from below his eyelids.
"You are such a fraud."
Knuckle laughed meekly, out of breath as well. "I know. But it can't be helped -- you're adorable."
Alaude snorted, pivoting on his heels. "Just be careful that I may drag you to hell with me."
"If that is what you wish." Knuckle gave a small smile, putting a hand over his chest where he could feel the end of his rosary underneath the layer of fabric. "After all, the man who made us strong -- Primo, he brought us together for a reason. For that, I will stand by you forever."
"Hmph. You better, then." And Alaude left for the office, leaving Knuckle with comfort in heart, mind and soul.
The Sun continued to hang with the Sky, even if it is blocked by the Cloud, but will forever exist behind it.
Forever.