Rain was generally considered a soothing gift from nature. A constant drum of rain on the roof would make for a natural lullaby and lull people into contentment. When it rained like that, even the Varia might settle down. Some of them anyway, assuming they didn't have someone to kill or were even in the country when it was raining.

Bel would find a pillow and invade Mammon's rooms to take a nap even if the charge would be no small amount of change. Mammon occasionally would join Bel but still charge the prince out of principle. Lussuria would take a moment to relax or even decide to bake something while Levi would stay indoors unless he wanted his umbrellas to attract lightning.

Xanxus however might watch the rain for a little while, doing paperwork or sipping wine depending on the time. Sometimes however, there was something else to watch… and today's weather was perfect for it.

Squalo despite being the Varia's Rain was not anywhere nearly as predictable as those he worked with in such weather.

A brief mist of rain could get get praises or curses. Sprinkles could send the swordsman running in or out of buildings. Steady sheets of rain could get a sigh or a smile. The rare times when it seemed like the Sky was trying to drown all those below it… Those were moments to experience, as the weather made its presence known in the form of dark clouds, heavy winds, slashes of rain and the cracks of thunder.

When it was raining like that, there was a favorite place within the Varia's Headquarters that Squalo preferred to be, where he could stand and endure the worst of the weather. The rain could pelt him, the wind could attempt to blind him with his hair and water and the lightning could strike close enough to leave marks on the stone castle. Squalo could stay out there, sometimes just breathing in the renewal of the world. Sometimes meditating, and if the wind wasn't too wild and the lightning not sparking nearby, Squalo would run through katas of all the sword styles he knew.

This time, Xanxus noticed after seeking Squalo out, that he was getting quite a show. He mentally started picking out which styles Squalo went through as his hair plastered itself to Squalo and how Squalo could use that same wet hair as a counterbalance to the ridiculous acrobatic styles Squalo knew that sometimes made themselves useful for the shark's dramatics.

Unfortunately, Italy's climate despite the proximity to the ocean had a dry climate so the show never lasted for long. Xanxus knew when Squalo noticed him -there was a little hitch in his step- as Squalo tried to shed the extra weight of all the water in his hair and turning a little grouchy as the idea of dignity in front of his Boss tried to reassert itself.

Xanxus waited until Squalo had entered the room properly before tossing the rolled up towel into the swordsman's face.

"What's this kind and caring consideration for shitty Boss?"

Xanxus considered ignoring Squalo but he knows from experience that it won't work. "Can't have you getting sick. We've got a mission later this week."

"We do?" Squalo replied, clearly surprised by having a mission when he thought he had the rest of his week was previously clear. "Suppose it's a last minute one then. What is it?"

"Yacht party. Couples only. Frame job. One of the targets is Flame-sensitive so we can't use major Mist tricks." Xanxus outlined. "Having us both there is overkill, but most of the Varia Ladies are already booked and can't clear out their schedule."

"Fuck." Squalo cursed.

Xanxus smiled. "Get ready."

"You could have told me this before I went out into the storm." Squalo replied in a clipped voice. "Wouldn't have risked it."

"And miss the show?" Xanxus countered, laughing as he reached the door.

"VOI!" Was the yelled reply. Xanxus just threw the door open and left.

As Xanxus made his way back to his office, he thought that there was something glorious and so right about Squalo practicing with his blade in the rain. All that grace, balance and precision was put on display against nature's cunning and treachery.

Sometimes when it rained, Squalo danced with nature and death.