Beta'd by Orihara Izaya

A/N: Here is chaper four! The boody ball is ending finally and next chapter more Varia craziness~!

'They shall be announcing us in a very...short...while. Now:'

Just as soon as Xanxus finished his sentence the doors seemed to open by his request; she remained awed looking at the double wooden doors open so he had to push her slightly to make her move. 'Oh!' she breathed and moved alongside him and into the room...

'-for them please.'

It was none other's than Nono's voice who welcomed them; the whole room broke out in applause as soon as they entered and cheers were heard from all the guests, young or old, as they drank from their glasses. Taken completely by surprise, Francesca almost took a step back -if Xanxus' hand wasn't there to stop her and push her forward again- but then she smiled triumphantly, just like he told her -you don't care about them- and walked inside with her head held high.

Nono looked so regal and calm, in her eyes. Xanxus had practically waltzed in there and instead of attacking and recapturing him, he welcomed him warmly instead. What a great man and leader he was; she aspired to be as great as him one day, even though she had no intention of being anyone's boss.

Immediately, and before anyone else gets to talk to them, his guardians surrounded them though and started the pleasantries. 'Wow; little Francesca is not so little anymore...! But you still haven't filled out too much at the front have you?'

She coloured but still turned her nose up; Xanxus tried to hold in a snort. 'I'm twenty one years old now. D'you think I'd still be vexed by such an insult...?' there was a brief spell of silence 'And they are not small, they're just not big, OK!'

'Ha ha; she still gets worked up over it. See?'

The older man with the mechanical arm shook his head. 'Yes Ganauche we do; how are you, dear?' he asked instead; might as well make her feel comfortable. He was old enough not to have the desire to pick on barely of age, ignorant and un-acclimated debuting girls.

'I'm fine sir' she said smiling bashfully; she couldn't help but remember her younger days and these men were like the family she never had-the uncles and the grandpas- 'this is kind of awkward though...I've never done this before.'

'Ah, don't worry; one smile here, one flaunting of the hair there and you've nothing to be nervous about. A beautiful young girl like you can charm them in no time...if you've even charmed the most difficult of them. Boss's son is just that.'

And with that, all the pleasantries were over; as if the switch was turned, the atmosphere all around the girl turned from warm and friendly to sub zero temperatures. She felt a chill piece her; she was in the cross fire. And the worst part was that this was her place exactly; that was why she'd come, well why she'd really come. She only felt relieved because she knew neither side would try anything funny here...right?

'Hello Xanxus' Ganauche went on turning to the young man who was looking edgy -from excitement or resentment she couldn't really tell- 'long time no see; where have you been? Such a waste you locked yourself up in the Varia headquarters. But I'm curious; how did you meet this lovely young woman anyway?'

'It was her leave and she decided to go to town because she was feeling too much like a convict in that house she was holed up in' both guardians bit their tongue to that, looking slightly away; they never did like that arrangement and neither did Nono but there was no other way 'and I happened to chance upon her when she visited a store to buy the dress she's wearing now. She was that excited to be out, she went ahead and bought it two months before the event.'

They bit their tongues again; even Francesca felt bad for-...no.

She didn't feel bad about that. If anything she enjoyed it, found it relieving they did feel bad-at least they weren't heartless. She could live with that. Wow, wait a second! Even if it was done for his own reasons, did he just defend her? To the guardians?

. . .

She should do something nice for him when they get back!

'And she picked you out of all people to be with on her day out?' Ganauche turned to Francesca looking reproachful. 'Not good enough taste little Francesca...'

'Don't call me that' she mumbled kind of embarrassed 'and my taste doesn't suffer at all, thank you very much.' she defended herself and her date; quite surprisingly she found it easier than she'd thought to stand up for him.

Well, it must have been equally surprising to the lot surrounding her because they all looked at her amazed. 'What? I'm just saying...'

Xanxus smirked. 'Well said...'

Visconti, the other old man, leaned in threateningly and scrutinized the young man. 'What did you do to her?' he bit out, more absolutely than Xanxus thought he'd speak.

But it was fairly fun this generation still had a fight in them; and he had no idea the research of this girl's aunt was so important that all of the guardians would go to such lengths to assure her safety...maybe he should ask more about it later.

'What are you, her chastity belt?'

Don't blush, don't blush, don't blush...! Too late.

'Besides, if anyone, you should be saying that to me. She is not to my usual standards...'

OK; that nice thing she wanted to do for him? Consider it done and over with by sticking up for him a moment ago. It was much more than he deserved.

'My son Xanxus is arrogant as usual; don't listen to him my dear, you are much better than his usual standards.'

Was that really... 'Nono!' she exclaimed thrilled, seeing the old man coming from behind his guardians. She held herself back from hugging him. 'I-it's so good to see you again!'

'I could say that myself; I am relieved to see you again my dear child.' he said kindly to the young woman but in the end he looked at Xanxus. 'Both of you that is; I missed you.'

Xanxus must have known that, to him, he was dear; he should have known he loved him like the son he was and he was the one he was missing the most, not her. He loved Xanxus and his heart broke like his son's broke when he learnt the truth when he had to cast him in ice. But he'd killed many people; and he killed Francesca's aunt; and he kidnapped her. But Francesca was safe and sound -and she was looking much better than ever before, truth be told, both appearance and psychologically wise- and she seemed to be putting up with his spoilt brat of a son he raised...

Maybe there was no reason to take her from his side. If she were able to go on with her aunt's research from there then he'd both keep an eye on his rogue son and see the fruit of her labour. He could always make the best out of every situation after all that was why he was such a successful boss.

'I guess that's your fault old man.' Xanxus spat, trying his best to remain civil, trying not to resort to crass name-calling.

'Not as much as it was yours, too...' a man, not old not too young with a salamander tattoo on his cheek, said.

'And yours, too I'd think and all of you goddamn bastards who lied to me!'

'Technically...you are the bastard here.'

.

.

Seeing how this was going to play out if he stayed there any longer, she gulped; she could feel Xanxus' hand shaking and then starting to produce flame, as she felt the heat on her side. Oh no...

She took a deep breath; it distracted everyone enough not to snap one another. Then she snaked her arm around her boss's. She wore her brightest smile.

'Well, if you'll excuse us gentlemen, I was promised a tour around the room to meet all of the people he knows and even remotely respects! Come now Xanxus I really want to meet that man!'

She spoke so fast and whisked him away before anyone could protest and they'd find themselves at the other side of the room; they left behind a bunch of wondered male faces looking at her, following the pair prancing around. That was...weird! She manhandled him! And she still lived to tell the tale?

'What were you about to start? What if you started fighting? What if you killed any of the people in here? What would you-eep!'

Seeing she had conveniently grabbed him, he forcefully led her to a separate room from a way that wouldn't interest the prying eyes -as he knew this house inside and out- and made sure it was a dark one.

As soon as they were inside, he grabbed her with both hands and slammed her on the wall- 'AH-!'

He shut her mouth with his hand.

'Just because I pretend to put up with you it doesn't mean you can pull stuff like that, bitch. Try to do anything of the sort twice and I will make you pay one way or another. Get it?'

She nodded yes, her eyes lively.

'Now we'll go back out there, try to look happy.'

She nodded again, less vigorously.

When she did, he let her go; the look of fear in her eyes was enough to satisfy him for the moment. 'Tch; what the hell do you care if someone in here dies anyway?'

'...why wouldn't I?' it just seemed like a very sad thing someone to ask her. She almost felt sorry for him.

'Why would you?'

'I'm a doctor! And a philanthropist...'

'...what do I have to do next time to scare you? Take you with me, strap you to a chair and have you witness one of Varia's most high quality killings?'

She looked appalled. 'That is a horrible thing to say!'

'But I can still do it...'

She pouted, and stomped her foot on the ground, acting like a child. 'No! Now I know and I won't accept the offer!'

He looked at her as if she were an alien...and then he laughed; she was completely taken aback again. Why did he have to have such a creepy laugh and such an incomprehensible sense of humour?

'Err...I didn't mean to-, you know I only wanted-err, I mean I-'

'Do I look like I care?' he snapped, cutting her apology off, uncaringly as he tried to move outside.

She was left gaping after him;

'If you don't move I'll make you!'

She started. 'Oh. Right!'

He was jumpy; he was talking much more than he often did, at least these two days she knew him, and now he laughed out of the blue after he pinned her against a wall...it was the first time he got physical with her, as in actually grabbing her. Something changed. And what she could think of was the company; he was anxious about meeting with his father. He was worried how his father would welcome him. And last but not least, he was afraid he would finally reject him...

Aw, that was kind of cute of him. Maybe she should cut him some slack for today. -Well, that was what she wanted to believe anyway. The alternative seemed far too bleak.-

'Um, why don't I go find Squalo's date and you...go talk to people...huh?' He raised an eyebrow at her. 'I'll take that as permission and be off then!'

She hurried away before he could say anything; heh, smart move, if you asked him. He would never let her do as she wished could he help it.

.

.

.

Francesca was looking everywhere around the room to find the long white mane of Squalo's hair -it wasn't hard to spot him since he'd let his hair down after all; how many people, not just men, had such hair?- while she made sure Xanxus remained in her field of vision one way or another. Well, she was sure he would be doing the same thing in case he wanted to grab her again -hopefully not to terrorize her this once, she got enough scares for one night-but it didn't hurt to be careful.

She looked at her right- 'Ah Squalo, there you are!'

He turned, his date following his example.

'Oh it's Francesca Tutsi; you are the girl Nono just announced and talked to! I'm glad to meet you...'

Wow. That was the only word appropriate for his date. She was a tall woman with an amazing womanly figure, big red lips and gorgeous long brown hair done in some intricate way. Her dress was a very eye-catching baby blue dress while her hair decorated a matching in colour blue flower.

Maybe it had to do with the fact that she was locked up in a house alone with rare chances to get out and see other people, especially other women in such fine dresses. Only once or twice had she gone to something fancy in her life and that was a club but...

Wow.

Well, she didn't expect anything else from Squalo...

'Hello;' she said smiling; it was amazing someone talked to her 'what's your name?'

'I'm Silvana Conti, member of the Conti family of the Vongola familia. My father is a very important member of the attack force.'

Was it Francesca's idea or was this woman a little too happy of her title? But that threw her off track and became nervous again; she started feeling many people's eyes on her and even Silvana looked like some sort of opponent. Or worse, a judge.

'Err, that's great. And so are you!' few, I saved it; are all gatherings so hard to be at? 'But, ha ha, I wouldn't expect anything less from Squalo.' she said in the end as she took courage when she saw Silvana smirk. She even went as far as patting his back...

'Ah, please don't say that; I was supposed to come with Xanxus.'

Now it was a different kind of surprise. Did she just say that to Squalo's face like that? What was she-a walking, talking rudeness? Not to mention she just accused her, too-of stealing her date. Well, if she could help it, she wouldn't be here with that man -where is he by the way? Oh, he's talking to Nono without the guardians. Wait what! At least they don't seem to be about to attack each other...that was good- but with the man Silvana was here.

She looked appalled, but the woman in front of her -barely twenty three years old- smirked instead of feeling worse. 'So do tell once again, why are you debuting? I heard nothing about you, other than your name and...I must say, I have never heard of it again.'

'That's because it's not my dad's last name but my aunt's.' she spat annoyed, making Silvana look at her funny. 'Originally I was Francesca de Luca but I changed it when I became an adult.'

'VOOO-I.' He shook his head and stopped shouting -she was sure Xanxus instructed him to not shout so much during gatherings of the like and she inwardly laughed at Xanxus amazing powers of persuasion-. 'Tutsi isn't your real last name-?'

'It sort of is...I legally changed it; it just wasn't my original...'

He could get crazy when people were picky about technicalities like that; he felt the veins on his temple snap. 'Why didn't you tell us before, brat? Do you have any idea-?'

But his date thoroughly ignored his righteous anger, and interrupted him -not at all lady like, thought Francesca-. 'You said de Luca-as in, the de Luca family in charge of the Spanish branch family there?'

Oh shit, was her last name well-known within the family? 'Um...yes?' she asked, suddenly highly awkward.

'Oh.'

Why was it a big deal anyway? Her parents were a bunch of peace-loving, tree-hugging (if they could help it) idiots and the only reason they were still in charge was because their ancestors were successful in running that place with an iron fist so now there was no need for violence. Almost all Mafioso there were from their family or, one way or another, they succumbed to Vongola influence but not her family's influence. If anything, she felt her family was the disgrace of the mafia while she also felt she was the disgrace of her family because she believed violence in a Mafioso group was more than necessary.

Plus, they had given her up like she were a puppy rather than a daughter...so she was still very sore about that, too and she knew she just had to change her name to the one person's who always took care of her: her aunt's.

Now why her aunt didn't keep the last name of her family? That was due to the fact her husband wanted her to take his last name -sexist, her aunt had said but she had no idea until much later what that was- but she did anyway thus she had a last name which wasn't recognizable in the mafia.

Still, it was enough to shut this highly unlikable (to Francesca) woman -she knew she must have been Xanxus' type of woman, ruthless and self interested, but she highly doubted she were Squalo's, too- so she didn't mind she mentioned it if it annoyed her so much.

Maybe now Silvana would stop looking at her with that superior "I'm-too-good-to-be-talking-to-you" kind of glare and she'd lower her perfect nose.

'I'll be going to get a drink with my girlfriends for a moment if you don't mind. I'll be right back dear,' she said somewhat seductive to Squalo while leaving 'Francesca...'

Francesca pouted again. 'She is a horrible woman.'

Squalo shrugged uncaringly 'she's good enough for these parties; I mean just look at her.' Francesca raised an eyebrow. 'Just look at her boobs.' Now she felt highly self-conscious, turning redder than her dress... 'And it ain't like I'll be marrying her -god forbids- she's boss's choice. Not that he will marry her ever of course but you know how it is.'

She was now on the verge of tears out of mere frustration. 'Well, he's a horrible boss.' She bit out, trying not to lash out on Squalo, too. How could they all be so insensitive about her anyway? She was a bloody-woman and it was more than obvious she had a problem with her chest-...! But she tried to relax, taking it out on Xanxus who wasn't even there to hear her. 'And this is a horrible party. So far I've only gotten frights.'

'Ha ha; Xanxus told you they wouldn't give a dam about you so don't sulk. Smile or else they'll have something more to gossip about. And don't call him a horrible boss, especially in public.'

'Oh shoot, right!' she said, suddenly panicky; she had no idea why, but it felt she was taking a test, like when her aunt told her she should find out what a compound was comprised of without doing anything else other than adding water to it. Xanxus' orders were absolute, too and he'd warned her if she didn't do as he instructed there would be consequences...

She shook the pout off her face and gave him a nice smile. 'Better?'

'Certainly an imp-...hey, she went to Xanxus!'

'Who?'

'Silvana-but I'm supposed to be her sexy date tonight. VOOOOOOI!'

He ran to the woman; wide eyed, Francesca ran after Squalo...she sighed, more disappointed than anything: after all, no matter what, he was still a man; if there was a skirt he'd run after it. Well, a beautiful skirt that is and she definitely qualified for that.

She felt self-conscious of her less womanly figure again.

.

.

'So old man, I see you're still hosting these meaningless parties.'

'To my memory, you rather enjoyed them when you were younger son.'

The mere sound of that word sent every fibre of his being in attack mode against the man in front of him. 'Don't ever call me that again...Nono.' he bit out hateful; to have the audacity to call him like that to his face-an insult so direct, it made him want to hurt him. Still, he controlled himself. They all knew nothing so he should keep up with this act.

'Ah Xanxus, you never appreciated the finer things in life; you're all about power.'

'Is there any other reason for me to be?'

'...' Nono felt empty; how could a son of his ask him something like that? Had he taught him nothing? Had all of his pampering done that? He was disappointed not only in his son but also in himself. What had he done? 'I am truly sad you view your life in such a way, Xanxus. Your scope is far too narrow.'

'I need no bigger scope old man-this will be enough to bring you down; you and your useless generation.' He was holding himself back from lashing out; he shouldn't be seen attacking Nono or else they'd try to detain him and all hell would break loose. He didn't want that yet. 'Your stupid ideals will disappear along with you and I can assure you of one thing: as soon as you're gone, so will all of your so-called novelties. No one will dare oppose me...'

'A reign based on fear is an unsuccessful one Xanxus; I think I taught you that when you were but a child.'

'You're wrong; a reign based solely on fear is unsuccessful; mine will be the best one. The Vongola has ever. Seen...'

'Hello Xanxus, Nono! How are you?' as soon as she arrived she took the young man's shoulder, smiling widely. 'Oh I see you're talking! Am I interrupting something?'

'Silvana...?' he unhanded himself; he had no intention of entertaining anyone tonight-how much more a spoiled daddy's girl like her. 'Aren't you here with Squalo? Why aren't you with him?'

'Xanxus, be polite to the young woman...' Nono reprimanded, yet light heartedly. After the small exchange they'd just had it was a good way to divert the conversation and maybe try to convince him on a few things. After all, he was still angry now; in two months though...? Unfortunately, his bad manners would forever remain with him; having the privilege to be born a beautiful man he always had an easy time finding women but that was also the reason he never thought of them as anything special. He was such an ungrateful child, on all accounts. 'Hello my dear; how is your father doing? Is he better?'

'Oh yes, it was only a stomach flu thankfully, the doctor said he will be out of bed in a couple of days.'

'Ah, that is wonder-!'

'Leave us woman; can't you see we were discussing something important?'

She sort of froze; Xanxus was always abrasive and cold-never showing any positive emotions unless they were in the strict and controlled environment of his bedroom but this was the first time he ever treated her so openly hostile. She felt her ego bruised.

'-OOOI!'

That voice...it was Squalo. Xanxus held himself from shaking his head.

'Silvana, where do you think you're going? Come with me now! You're supposed to be my date.'

Then, a head appeared from behind him; a familiar one. 'Yes, Silvana and you're quite rude-!'

'Why are you' he pointed at his date pissed 'with Squalo and why the hell aren't you with him?' he finished glaring at Silvana.

Both women coloured.

'S-sorry...' they said simultaneously, looking down...and then at each other. They jumped, at the realization; they hadn't expected to react the exact same way.

'Tch, just go meet some important people and you-go back with Squalo, isn't he your date? Stupid women...'

They both nodded and left with their tails between their legs.

How could he be so inconsiderate? This was the first time she ever did this so she didn't know what to do...while Silvana really only wanted to see him. He had completely disappeared from the radar for eight years -and some of his other girlfriends would pretty much say the same thing- so it wasn't only her he was avoiding. He avoided everyone.

But she liked him; she longed to see him again. Why couldn't he see that? Why couldn't he be nice about it?

'I'm sorry I was mean to you; I'm just jealous...he was gone for such a long time and then he suddenly calls me to take me out! I was so happy...but then he says I should go with Squalo instead and he can't come with me so I figured he wouldn't be coming but then he shows up with you-...'

And she felt like the spare. Yeah, Francesca could see where this was going; she felt bad she wanted to apologize so she only shook her head. 'I understand; you like him.'

But Silvana's mind wandered. 'Hey, do you still want to meet all those important people...?'

'Yes...'

'I can introduce you to them.'

'You'd do that?'

'Oh sure; I have nothing better to do and I might as well be bitter to more people than just you.'

'Ha ha; I can live with that!'

The two women smiled at each other; they intertwined their arms and moved on, suddenly a friendly vibe coming from both...

Squalo was left behind for a short moment, almost staring yet a lot frightened; what was wrong with women nowadays? Not only did he feel invisible and utterly ignored by these two, he was crept the hell out by the sudden change of mood all around him from "hostile" to "confession room". That's what he got for being obedient...

.

'Don't you think you should be politer to women Xanxus? If you keep treating them this way, they'll all leave eventually; do you want to die childless and alone?'

'Oh please, they won't leave me...at least your pet scientist won't; she can't.'

He could see where this was going; his son wanted to make arrangements and his war declarations from now. Something in the lines of "my spoils is your scientist" and that was just the initial attack. When the fight would escalate so would his victims and his acts; he only hoped he hadn't had anything worse for the girl in mind. She truly wasn't lucky in life and she'd already been through enough for her age. She didn't need a crazy sociopath to complete her torture. 'What do you plan to do with Francesca?'

'Oh nothing really; I'll just keep her. You know, a doctor...A scientist. She'll be a great addition to our base of operations; give the Varia that little something it didn't have, right?'

'...yes.'

'And she's very handy all around; she cooks, she cleans, she keeps the house in order-at least now Lussuria isn't around...and she has the best solutions to frost bite. She's helping with that, too. We got ourselves a scientist and a maid all for free; Mammon will be happy we waste no money.' he completed his speech with a sadistic smile; it communicated to Nono the truthfulness of his words.

Frost bite apparently referred to him being in cryostasis, Nono wasn't a fool; so now he knew why he really took her with him. She would help him fight off any problems arising pertinent to him being an over-sized ice cube. Not bad at all son; you are ingenious as ever, he thought mildly surprised yet something close to fondness seeped out from him.

Yet, this was very complicated; he didn't want his son to cause problems again but just like the first time, he felt if Xanxus did something it was Nono's fault, as if he hadn't taught him well, he hadn't loved him well or hadn't paid enough attention when necessary. And now his son would probably cause uproar and another coup d'état just because of the way things ended last. But he still couldn't help but feel concerned for Francesca's living conditions...

'She has many gifts apparently; just make sure she doesn't tire herself out serving you. I am in need of her aunt's research and she is in a stage where she can finish it even on her own.'

Xanxus smirked; now was a good time to pressure as ever... 'As the boss wishes.' He said finally not before taking a good long look at the old man. 'She'll be delivered to you every Friday for her weekly report. Time will vary. Make sure your security is tight old man; who knows who will be bringing her...?'

And he left.

He had thought of everything and now it would be the perfect time to assert himself; he basically just threatened Nono that he should be on guard every Friday from now on when someone will be bringing the girl over he should be twice as careful. With a little bit of pressure and a bit of habit then finally his guard would be less high -say after a couple of months...or six; fucking rehabilitation- then he'd make his move.

After he took out all of the competition for the place of the tenth that is...and with that up his sleeve it would be an even easier choice.

He smirked; maybe now was the best time to just relax and celebrate: food, drinks, and women there in his disposal...the calm before the storm. And he would make sure it would be the biggest one they had ever seen.

...now where the hell did that woman go?

Conducting a quick search with his ever-sharp eyes, he found the three of them banded together, talking to some people -he would never say this out loud but he was thankful Squalo had grown his hair out so much because he spotted him first and then saw the women-: they were all speaking vigorously with each other, couldn't see him unless they turned around, and the people they were chatting up were some old and some young people in the immediate influence of Nono, Vongola, Chiavarone and Beccio family alike. He could see Dino was there, too...well, an older(and more serious)-looking Dino indeed that he now suspected was the boss of his family...but it was still him, he could recognize him.

He walked to them leisurely, watching how they interacted; Francesca was somewhat withdrawn, but she would listen and respond when she thought she had to, even if she had to stutter a little to do it. Her cheeks were almost the same red as her dress but she coped well, all things considered.

'I see you are doing as you're told.' he said literally cutting in the conversation, while he placed his hand discreetly enough around her waist. 'Hello gentlemen.' he saluted the people he didn't really know other than their names casually.

She felt horrible; on the downside he would always try to belittle her like that. On the upside if none then at least only Squalo and Dino heard him. She shook her head defeated.

'Hello Xanxus; long time no see. Where have you been this whole time? Eight years are a long period for someone to meditate.'

'Meditate? Heh, no.'

He laughed at the concept; he laughed at the thought this old man who asked him such a thing would mock him to his face like that. He was certain he knew why he was gone so no need to rub it in his face. The only thing missing from the occasion was the evil laugh from this guy and the cliché would be complete. 'But I guess you know what I've been doing, don't you?'

The old man smirked, showing he was indeed informed of the situation...Dino though looked suspicious -and Silvana looked suddenly interested-.

But when the old man saw he was actually expecting an answer -everyone was waiting for an answer that is- he only shrugged it off. 'Well...'

'That's what I thought...so. You became head of the family, haven't you?'

Francesca looked at Xanxus, trying to figure him out. His behaviour, his manners, his expressions, everything was being catalogued in the files of her mind, for future reference. And once she had enough information maybe she could finally understand what was going through his head. She had no idea why he was so hostile against his own father. She had no idea why he was so obsessed with making it to the tenth position so urgently! She should observe him some more...

Dino -blinking- smiled. 'Ah yes, I have only just become head though so I'm still new to the whole thing.'

Xanxus tried his best to smile too...only it came out as a very disturbing grin. Francesca gulped with difficulty, still being on his arm. 'Isn't that ironic? You don't know how to lead yet you are a leader while I, who knows, I'm denied the place...for now.'

The hurt and jealousy in his voice came out as mere hostility. Well, she only hoped it was hurt and jealousy that which came out as hostility or else it was mere meanness and hate which she thought would be potentially very dangerous. Taking under consideration she was supposed to be living with him from two days ago without knowing when and if she'd ever be freed...she really needed to find out what sort of things stirred him and in what way.

So she made another mental note to never mention young bosses of allied families who did well -like Dino- to him. At least not if she wanted him calm.

Dino seemed a little awkward yet gave his usual smile and tried to talk it off. 'Well, I'm sure Nono has his reasons for everything he does...'

Xanxus' lip twitched. 'Why don't we go talk to some other people now Francesca?' he asked, more civilly than Francesca expected him to speak.

So he does have self control; he only applies it when completely necessary.

She rejoiced by the question though; he actually asked her what she wanted. 'Does that mean I have a choice?'

'No' her smile fell 'goodbye people.'

'G-goodbye...' she managed to blurt out before he dragged her away into the crowd, leaving behind them a bunch of taken aback people who kept staring blankly as they made their "exit"...

...and a very pissed Squalo who had to keep his date from following after them. Tch, the job wasn't paying enough for these stupid women issues he had to face.

~End! Please review and/or message! ^^