Hey guys! Happy Chinese New Year to all the chinese out there :) I'm like so busy since I'm having my Orientation ARGHHH! My eye bags are so bad now:(
Thanks SMY Stories, LumiereWolfe, DragonOfTheDarknessFlame01, Poisoned Dragon, ThousandCross777, 66AnimeFan666 & MichiyoYuki for favouriting it, and SMY Stories, MichiyoYuki & LunaLightSerenade for following! :D Also a special thanks to those who reviewed!:) I really enjoyed reading all of your reviews, apologies to those who I didn't reply! Anyways, have a great time reading this chapter!:D
Disclaimer: I do not own KHR except for my OC. Credits goes to Akira Amano.
Chapter Eleven
I'm coming home
More than three months passed since we came back to the Varia HQ. The days went by, well normally I guess. In the morning we have Mr. Noisy White Hair guy to wake us up, followed by me having to prepare their breakfast cause they refused to eat what the cook had prepared. What a bother. Afterwards, it was probably some combat lessons with Bel or Squalo because they insist all Varia members should be able to fight. At least they used their brains when they fight, unlike Levi who uses his 'parasol' to fight any opponent. Shouldn't you consider your opponent's strength and weakness first? Lunch would be prepared by the cook and whoever who had missions will go out and complete it, while I stay in my room or library to read and study. If I get bored then I would be drawing in my study or baking in the kitchen. At around six, I would have to start preparing dinner for everyone. Dinner was the most important meal according to them, since they regard it as 'family time', which is what Lussuria call it.
Today's dinner consisted of my signature tiramisu as dessert. There was wild mushroom soup, steak, mashed potato, and Caesar salad. Only Lussuria and Mammon were kind enough to try the Caesar salad, this bunch of assassins is not too fond of vegetables. Normally, at dinner, food fights were a common sight but today I warned and made it clear that anyone, ANY single one of them who involve in the food fight will have to clean up both the mess and the kitchen.
"Pass the mash potato Bel," squealed Lussuria in his annoying sweetie voice.
"Shishishi, I would love to throw mash potato in your face," replied Bel, flashing his evil grin.
"You are so mean," pouted Lussuria, reaching across the table.
"Don't you dare Bel!" I glared at him as he took up a spoon of mash potato, getting ready to aim at Lussuria.
All of a sudden, Squalo burst out saying, "VOIIIII! I have an important announcement to make! We are invited to Vongola's Ninth party this Saturday night!"
Just as Squalo finished his sentence, a wine glass flew across the table and landed squarely on Squalo's head.
"VOIIIIII! WHAT'S THAT FOR TRASH!"
"…"
"WHAT KIND OF REPLY IS THAT YOU SCUM!"
"Don't make the Bossu angry!"
"Shishishi! Food fight!"
"Myuu~ How dare you spill my strawberry milk! You will pay for it!"
"Sigh I'm sorry Xylie but fighting lies in our blood!"
"WHATS THE MATTER WITH ALL OF YOU! IT'S JUST A PARTY!" I shrieked in rage as the wallpapers, carpet and ceiling started to be stained with food. No one cared really. More food started to fly across the dining and soon they were all climbing over the table, on the chandelier and over the display shelves. I took shelter in the kitchen before any food can come flying into my face. There I spotted the guy who started the entire fight, delicately savoring his steak and acted as if that mess had nothing to do with him.
"Which part of don't throw food did you not understand?" I sighed in annoyance as I joined him at the counter seat.
"I threw the wine glass," stated Xanxus in a matter-of-fact tone.
"And why did you even throw that? Poor Squalo is gonna have a bruise again!" I protested.
"I hate parties."
"But the party is thrown by your dad for the Vongola and allied famiglias."
"That old man is NOT my dad."
"Just give him some face will you?" I pleaded, "after all he did take care of you despite knowing that he is not your real dad."
Xanxus didn't reply my statement; he just swiftly ate his steak and left the kitchen. I groaned at the thought of seeing the newly renovated dining room. I guess they had to fork up more money to redo the entire place again. This food throwing habit must really stop. When I walked into the dining, mash potato on the wall and salad scattered across the floor greeted me. I was boiling mad, but attempted to stay calm.
"Wow nice job guys. You just gave me an extra task to do," I said sarcastically, grabbing a plastic bag to pick up everything. "If you don't clear this up, then I will not cook any food for you guys, Xanxus being an exception."
"VOI! Why does that trash get special treatment?!" yelled Squalo in protest.
"Cause you like him?" asked Lussuria gaping, "what happened between both of you that we don't know?"
"No. It is cause food cooked for him ends up in his stomach. Food cooked for you guys land up on the wall," I replied, rolling my eyes at the obvious.
They instantly started to clean up, even Mammon who would ask for a pay just shut up and helped to clear up. After all, they were all in the wrong. By the time we cleared up, all of us were exhausted and had to call it a day. So much for the midnight show we had planned earlier in the day. I clambered into my bed after a warm bath and crashed immediately, forgetting to shut my door completely.
He couldn't sleep after she commented how unfairly he had been treating his old man for the past few years ever since he found out he was adopted. Part of him wanted to give in and agree with her, but the other stubborn half stopped him. What's wrong with me, he thought. Ever since she came, she practically turned the place upside down and things were done her way. But why didn't he simply get rid of her, he thought. Even with that Old man's and that trash kid's protection, he can simply defy them. He wondered what made him give in to her.
Unconsciously, he walked past her door and saw it ajar. Weird, he thought as he walked in. There he saw her curled up on her bed, without even covering herself with the quilt. She must have drained all her energy trying to keep up with all the trash nonsense. He quietly crept over and picked her up, gently putting her down and covering her with the quilt. He can't help but gaze at her sleeping face. Her beautiful fair face glistened from the soft moonlight that shone through her windows, her soft brown hair tucked messily under her head with a stray wisp over her forehead. He unconsciously brushed it away, his sight slowly drifting to her delicate features. Her lips were slightly pursed together eyelids softly closed. It reminded her of the time she was staring at him sleeping, and he was now feeling what she felt the other time, all at peace. He carefully slipped his hand under her head to adjust her sleeping position. As his hand brushed across her smooth cool cheeks, one of her hands shot up to grab his warm hand that was supporting her head, trapping his hand. He raised his eyebrows surprised, thinking that she was awake all the time. However, she just sighed and snuggled deeper into the blanket, showing no sign of being aware of the surrounding. Gently he peeled her fingers of his hand, before shoving both hand into his pockets and walking out of the door.
"Remember to close the door next time," he muttered as he turned around to look at her for the last time before shutting the door, "who knows someone might take advantage of the situation…"
Saturday came in a blink of an eye. I was being dragged to start preparing immediately after breakfast.
"Seriously Lussy, I don't need so much time for preparation!" I tried to squirm out of my chair but Lussuria refused to let me go.
"At least we do up the manicure and pedicure first honey!" pleaded Lussuria, shoving me back into the chair.
"Ushishishi, feel free to shout sexual harassment cause the prince will come to your rescue," offered Bel with his sly grin. Behind his back four flashy knives were readied to be thrown.
"TSK! Thanks but no thanks Bel! And fine… just make it quick!" I grumbled as I quietly stayed in my seat.
After half an hour, my nails are all neatly painted with silver glitter nail polish. They didn't look too bad to be frank. Lussuria beamed at his masterpiece, even Bel had to admit that they looked beautiful.
After lunch, everyone went to their own room to prepare for tonight's dinner. I had a lot of trouble deciding between a black and a white cocktail dress. So I decided to find the guys for help. Of course, I regretted later, since they made me even more confused than before.
"Awww! The white makes you like an Angel!"
"But white does not exactly match my fair skin."
"Shishishi black looks sexier!"
"But will black make me look too dark?"
"VOI! White looks sweeter on you!"
"Myuu~ Black looks more formal."
"Am I suppose to look sweet or formal for this occasion?"
"We don't know!"
"What do you think Bossu?"
The amount of noise annoyed Xanxus, since this wasn't the first time such thing happened.
"Get back to your own room you trash!" roared Xanxus when his patience ran out. Well, he doesn't have much patience so… yea; we were all chased out instantly. We instantly scrambled out of the room.
"You trash, come here now," commanded Xanxus, glaring at me with his two fiery orbs.
I gulped before walking back into the room, ignoring the weird and mocking glances the rest were giving me.
"Aww dear I wonder what he wants with you," teased Lussuria, making me even more nervous.
I walked towards Xanxus hesitantly, shuffling under his intense gaze that nearly bore through my skin.
"What is it?" I asked timidly, remaining at least two arms length away from him. His gaze traveled from my face to a box on the table. I stared at it for a while before picking it up.
"Is this for me?" I asked.
He didn't answer so I took it as silent meant consent. As I was heading out of the room with the box, he suddenly spoke.
"Wear that tonight, together with the black dress."
I turned to look at him in surprise, only to see him crossing his legs and drinking his tequila, as if nothing had happened. I just shrugged and walked out of the room. I stopped at the door to turn back, saying in the most reproachful tone I could manage, "I'm glad your mood improved, see you later." With that, I skipped towards my room.
I entered the room, only to find Lussuria spreading my table with make up sets and hairstyling kits.
"Seriously?" I muttered raising my eyebrows.
"OF COURSE DARLING! You need to look the best and make the best impression in front of all the famiglia. Not gonna shame us are you, our dearest Varia Queen to be?" winked Lussuria as he held up the necklace that Xanxus gave me.
"Hey give that back! And who said I'm going to be Queen," I glared at him.
"Hmmm… Then you got to explain why you are wearing the necklace he gave over your dad's, why he is so much more patient towards you and the gift that you are holding now."
I just stared at Lussuria speechless cause I really didn't know why either? Love? NO WAY. I can't be in love with such a rude spoilt ass. Then why do you even accept his presents? Cause… for manners sake? I was debating internally but could not come to a consensus.
"I don't know!" I cried out loud, flopping on the bed.
"Hehehe! Fine, I shall stop teasing you for now. Quick go change or we will not have enough time!" hurried Lussuria, shooing me into the bathroom to change. I quickly slipped into the black cocktail dress, bundling up my hair to arrange the dress before going out.
"Awww I changed my vote! Black is a lot nicer. That aside, let's do your make up now!" With that Lussuria settled me into the chair and started his work.
After nearly three solid, tiring make over, Lussuria finally stepped away from his 'masterpiece' to admire it.
"Ahhh! Perfect!" cried Lussuria enthusiastically, clapping his hands in delight. "Aww Xylie you are so pretty! Look at you! You fit to be a Queen!" he continued, pushing me towards the full-length mirror. I was surprised by my own reflection. It looks like a fairytale princess that had stepped out of the book into reality. My hair was neatly twisted into a half up-do, leaving some brown curls draping over my shoulders. My make up went in suit with my nail polish, with only the faintest touch of blue. Colour was lightly brushed onto my fair cheeks, making me more alive than I was in the past few months. It was wonderful.
"Thank you Lussy! You are amazing! I look amazing!" I giggled as I twirled around on my silver stilettos.
"Don't forget your necklace," winked Lussuria as he dangled the key necklace in my face. I gleefully took it from him and expertly hung it around my neck. "Oh look at the time!" Cried Lussuria hurrying out of the room, "I shall check if the rest are ready~! See ya in the lobby!"
I continued admiring my dress and make up in front of the mirror. It was rather surprising really, cause I have never been really particular about my looks. Suddenly, I remembered the box that Xanxus gave me. What was it inside that he wanted me to wear? Gently removing the lid, I was stunned by what laid inside. It was a pair of platinum earrings, mimicking the infamous X-guns that Xanxus owns. The red 'X' was made of ruby, contrasting to the smooth metallic platinum that it is embedded in. It was a perfect matching gift to go with the necklace he gave and the tiara Bel gave. Indeed, they are cold-blooded assassins, but apparently they have excellent taste for first-class presentation. I delicately clipped them on and walked out of my room.
I didn't expect an entrance at the Varia HQ; seriously everyone over-reacted at the sight of me. Except Xanxus who managed to play it cool and keep his indifferent face. Bel got so excited he just ran up to hug me and kept on calling me his dearest princess… Even Levi's jaw dropped. These guys really need more girls around…
We had three limousines prepared to ferry us to the Vongola Mansion. I really wonder who made the arrangement because of all people; I WAS STUCK WITH XANXUS IN THE CAR FOR TWO WHOLE HOURS. And to make matter worse, ALONE WITH HIM. It was the prefect recipe for trouble, and I really wondered why he didn't oppose it. Sigh. The limousine was huge, with a built inn refrigerator and a TV. Not like I could watch TV, Xanxus would have blasted it without a moment of hesitation. It was so awkward in the car, furthermore, there was a shutter between the chauffer and us, and so we have no means of interaction with the chauffeur…
I decided that the silence was too awkward for me to bear so I decided to initiate a conversation. Of course it failed.
"Hey Xanxus, why did you give me the earrings?"
Silence.
"Umm… Are you sleeping?" I asked, bending forward to see his face. Apparently his face was shadowed, but the shallow rise and fall of his chest indicated he was probably asleep.
"Sigh… Never mind," I grumbled as I turned to look out of the window. For once, I wished for Bel's silly laughter and Squalo's loud voice. But they all seemed so far away now…
After two hours of spacing out in the car we finally were finally reaching the Vongola Mansion. The huge mansion loomed majestically ahead of us, the bottom floor windows were illuminated in a soft yellow glow, indicating that the party had probably started.
I prodded Xanxus on his side as we entered the main gate. "Hey, we've reached."
He scowled as he opened his eyes to look out of the window. His eyebrows furrowed into a sort of frown. Not the pissed off kind, but more of the annoyed sort. He elegantly stretched his leg as he shuffled in his seat to loosen all his muscles. As we pulled up in front of the grand staircase, Xanxus leaned forwards to open the door and get out. That's when I saw that his tie was slanted to the side, looking really untidy.
"Hey Xanxus, wait," I said as I grabbed his sleeve and pulled him back. He looked partially surprised as I lean towards him to adjust his tie and his shirt. As I ran my left hand down to straighten his tie, he suddenly gripped my cold hand in his. It felt as if the entire temperature of the car suddenly changed as the warmth from his hand embraced me. I looked up in surprise to see his face just inches from mine. Time seemed to have stopped as he slipped his hands to hold my waist, leaning in further. My gaze softened as his lips came closer to mine, and I slowly shut my eyes. I could feel his warm breath brushing my cheeks and I started to tense up, when suddenly, there came a knock on our car door.
"Boss, we have reached," rang the chauffer's voice, like the vexing sound of the morning alarm going off, viciously dragging you out of dreamland.
My eyes flew opened instantly, quickly pulling myself away from Xanxus. Even Xanxus dropped off his cool act for once and turned away to open the door. I was thankful for the brilliant and dark night sky, shadowing my pale face that was blushing madly when I exited the car. I followed Xanxus up the stairs into the main door, with the rest of the Varia who had also just arrived. Stepping into the realm of my childhood memories, the dazzling sight of music, decorations and chatters greeted my warmly, reminding me of how much I actually missed home…
Ok:) So I initially wanted to write till what happen during the ball. But apparently, I wrote too much for the preparation! Whoops! So sorry! Anyways, I hope you had fun reading this chapter!:) Look out for the next one yea~! ;) Love you guys!3 And Happy Chinese New Year once again!