Worry
Quick little introspective piece. What I wish had been going through Byakuran's head during chapters 227-253. Though it probably isn't so.
Title: Worry
Genre: Angst-ish?
Word Count: 364
Pairing: 10051
Universe: Canon
Warnings: Spoilers
Rating: T
Byakuran isn’t worried about Shouichi’s betrayal. He isn’t wounded. He isn’t devastated. He isn’t surprised.
It isn’t because he doesn’t care, because he does. Shouichi is his favorite, and most trusted aide. His most loyal friend. Of course he cares that Shouichi left him.
It isn’t because he doesn’t think Shouichi capable, because Byakuran knows he is. Shouichi is one of the most clever of strategists. The most brilliant of inventors, and the most industrious of workers.
Byakuran has seen this all before. In every world, every single world, Shouichi betrays him. Always with such skill, such precision, such cunning. It’s never in the same manner though. Sometimes he joins the Vongola, sometimes the Chiavorone. Once he built his own army in secret. Once he attempted to kill Byakuran directly.
For all the differences between the betrayals there was one consistency. One consistency that allowed Byakuran to carry on without worry.
Every time, without fail, that Shouichi leaves Byakuran’s side he returns. He crosses back over to the Millefiore. He comes bearing compensation and resignation. He comes even though he expects to be killed.
And Byakuran welcomes him with a smile.
Shouichi is his favorite and most trusted aide, despite how much Shouichi wishes it weren’t so. Shouichi belongs to him, and for once, Byakuran didn’t manipulate or deceive in order to obtain. Shouichi’s loyalty hadn’t been cultivated by belief in Byakuran as a God. As a demon.
Shouichi was his because Shouichi loved him. Loved him as a man. Not as an omnipotent being.
So when Shouichi joins the Vongola in this world, the world that will decide everything, Byakuran isn’t worried. He reminds himself that Shouichi will return to him. He gives him ten days and when Shouichi doesn’t return-
Byakuran feels worried. He shouldn’t, but he does. When Kikyo shoots him, Byakuran feels his heart leap into his throat. Byakuran turns down the rematch because he knows Shouichi wouldn’t survive. It is a foolish decision because he loses Uni and the pacifiers as a direct result but he couldn’t risk it. Not Shouichi’s life, even if he is on Vongola’s side.
Because as much as Shouichi belongs to him-he belongs to Shouichi.
Finito.