Author's note

Long times between the updates seem to become a habit of mine. Well, it can't be helped, life tends to be time-consuming. Anyway, to some of you Xanxus may sound a bit misogynistic in this chapter but don't get him wrong. It's not that he hates women. He hates everyone. I try to keep him ic but sadly a sweetheart he is not.

Tsuna was happy. Since Reborn told him that there was no need for him to deal with Xanxus for the rest of the day, he thought that he would be able to spend it in peace. He was proven wrong when he bumped into a sobbing maid in the corridor. "Ida-san? What happened?"

"I… it's nothing, Sawada-sama!"

Tsuna had an awful suspicion. What if the poor girl actually followed Reborn's advice and confessed her feelings? "It was Xanxus, wasn't he?"

"No! It's all my fault! I was the one to anger him!"

"But he did something to you, didn't he?"

Ida shook her head and ran away while hiding her face in her palms. Tsuna was aggravated. "That Xanxus! How could he do that to her!"

Reborn smiled cunningly as he looked at his student. "You want to help her, right?"

"Yes, but is there anything I can do?"

"Help her with your dying will!"

In an instant Rebron changed Leon into a green gun and shoot Tsuna in the head. The boy fell to the ground but he stood up almost immediately and ripped his clothes, leaving only his boxers intact. A flame appeared on his forehead and his eyes turned orange.

"REBORN! I'LL MAKE XANXUS APOLOGIZE TO HER WITH MY DYING WILL!"

"That's the way to go, Tsuna."

Most people would be utterly shocked if someone stormed to their room wearing only the underwear and shouted. "XANXUS! APOLOGIZE TO IDA RIGHT AWAY!"

But Xanxus merely raised an eyebrow, irritated that someone interrupted his nap just again. "Did someone hit you in the head really hard, trash? And who the hell is Ida?"

"IDA IS THE GIRL THAT YOU MISTREATED!"

"I mistreated a lot of women. Can't you be more specific?"

"SHE'S THE MAID WITH DARK HAIR!"

"Half of the maids here has dark hair. But in case you're talking about that bitch with the camera, then know that she had it coming."

"APOLOGIZE TO HER! NOW!"

Xanxus narrowed his eyes angrily. "Apologize for what? For stalking me since I was 9?"

Tsuna hated to admit but Xanxus had a point. The flame on his forehead disappeared and his eyes returned to their natural, brown color. His resolve weakened considerably but he still tried to persuade Xanxus. "But she really likes you…"

In response Xanxus burst out laughing. "She likes me? Phahahaha! I'll tell you one thing, trash. The things that women really like are money and power. They'll like anyone as long as they can profit by it."

"Not all women are like that!"

"Say what you want, trash. I'm not changing my mind. And I won't apologize to that bitch."

"But…"

Xanxus stared at Tsuna challengingly. "Make me do it."

Tsuna felt really frustrated. He never came across someone who was that bitter, hateful and full of anger. "Why do you hate everyone so much?"

"And why are such a pathetic wimp that can't even fight properly without the assistance of your shitty tutor?"

Tsuna was taken aback with that question. "I…it's just the way I am, I guess?"

"You have your answer. If you have nothing more to say to me then leave now, trash."

Tsuna felt utterly defeated. He hung his head low and headed for the door.

"One more thing, trash. Put some clothes on, you're an eyesore."

Tsuna closed the door behind him. He was dispirited. "Is it possible that Xanxus is truly evil? That there is no hope for him?"

But after some consideration, the boy shook his head. "No, it's impossible. The ninth believes in him. If there is some good even in the likes of Hibari and Mukuro, there must be some in Xanxus too. I'll just have to reach to him."

Tsuna made a resolution. Until now he concentrated mostly on surviving and avoiding angering Xanxus. But starting today he would try to devote what remained of his holidays to befriend the varia boss and get on his good side. But first he had to go to his new room and get dressed.

Next he went to search for Reborn. But instead of his miniature tutor, he found Yamamoto. His rain guardian was talking to Squalo and patting him on the shoulder in a friendly manner.

"STOP PATTING ME!"

Tsuna watched this scene in surprise. "What are you two doing here?"

Yamamoto smiled happily and answered Tsuna's question. "We had to go back earlier because Gokudera suddenly felt ill. I was going to tell you about it but I bumped into Squalo. He's telling me to practice my sword skills and become a hitman. Isn't he funny? Hahaha."

"VOIII! I WASN'T JOKING! YOU'VE GOT TALENT BUT YOU'RE WASTING IT ON THAT SHITTY BASEBALL OF YOURS!"

"Ummm weren't you supposed to go back to varia headquarters?"

"I WAS GOING TO BUT THAT BRAT BUMPED INTO ME! I'LL GO NOW! THOSE IDIOTS CAN'T BE LEFT ALONE FOR TOO LONG!"

Squalo moved towards the exit but Tsuna stopped him. "Wait! Don't go yet, I wanted to ask you something!"

The varia second-in-command glared at Tsuna suspiciously. "WHAT DO YOU WANT, SAWADA?"

"You know Xanxus for a long time, right?"

"YEAH, AND?"

"And you probably know what he likes?"

"WHY EXACTLY ARE YOU ASKING ME THIS?"

" Well, I try to get along with him but no matter what I do it seems to annoy him…"

"VOIII! ARE YOU STUPID, SAWADA? YOU'VE BEATEN XANXUS, STOLE THE POSITION OF VONGOLA BOSS FROM HIM AND YOU'RE SURPRISED THAT HE'S ANNOYED WITH YOU? IT'S A WONDER WHY HE HASN'T KILLED YOU YET!"

"That's why I asked you about his likes! Is there a way to improve his mood?"

Squalo answered him without the hesitation. "IF YOU WANT TO IMPROVE HIS MOOD, THEN LET HIM BEAT YOU!"

Tsuna looked at Squalo in disbelief. "Are you serious?"

"WHY WOULDN'T I BE?"

Squalo wasn't being sarcastic or ironic in the slightest. To him it was entirely natural because Xanxus took it out on him all the time. But the prospect of receiving the beating scared Tsuna to death. "Is there no other way?"

This time Squalo needed to think a little longer. "GOOD FOOD AND ALCOHOL CAN DO THE TRICK TOO!"

"Alcohol is out of question but I try with food. Thanks a lot!"