Hello guys! I'm finally back!:D I'm so sorry I took so long to update. I had a crazy month of school work and I had pratically no time to do anything (even sleeping). Urgh! Sorry to those who reviewed too! I'm so glad this story has reached its 100th review! YAY! I shall take my time this week to reply you guys so be patient!:D Anyways, this chapter is like pretty much in quite a few POV. Hope its not too confusing:) Tell me if you like it or not! HAHA! Anyways, Enjoy your time reading!^^

Thanks Anime Kat Reaper, Kageshi Makira, 91, chieri-chan, Tobiheart, Mangamaster2, AliceJr, Simone13, MidnightDreamSong, Shonen-aiLover1996, FreedJustine for favouriting it, and Anime Kat Reaper, Kageshi Makira, 91, chieri-chan, evalain, Elite-chan, AliceJr, Simone13, shinigamikouryu, Shonen-aiLover1996, FreedJustine, May Tsubaki, Myujikura Sakura for following! :D And once again special thanks again to those who reviewed!:) Enjoy the story!

Disclaimer: I do not own KHR except for my OC. Credits goes to Akira Amano.

Chapter 21

The Proposal

[Squalo's POV]

It was a nightmare to open the door and face a wet, annoyed and not to mention, extremely angry Xanxus. It was even scarier when Xylona's temperature rollercoastered throughout the night, and the mansion was filled with scurrying footsteps of servants, bodyguards and even the Varia executive members. Levi and his lightning squad was posted to guard the Varia Mansion, while Mammon and Bel are busy hacking into CEDEF's interface to investigate the mission Matteo was sent on, and Lussuria busied himself with the servants, ordering them around to stabilize Xylona's temperature. Xanxus sat on an armchair just an arm length or two from Xylona's bed whereas the poor me have to guard the room. It was the worst job you can ever imagine. First, you are so tired you can barely stay awake. Next, if you yawn, you earn a glare. And finally if you shuffle or fidget and make any unnecessary noise, you will be viciously kicked out of the room, but still have to crawl your way and keep watch or the punishment will be worse if you run off. Now you understand the position I was in two nights ago.

It was just 5pm in the evening and I was already dragging myself around the house like a dog. In other words, I'm seriously dog-tired.

"Xylie dear, where are you?" cried the annoying voice of Lussuria as he hastened down the corridor. I wanted to avoid him but he caught sight of me nearly instantly. "Squ! Go wash up and get ready. You look horrible. Oh by the way, that's Boss' orders."

I rolled my eyes as I walked past him. So far only Lussuria was able to keep up with Boss' demanding and impossible orders. We probably only had 5 hours of sleep in 2 days, Bel and Mammon are already dead on the bed, Levi has lost his enthusiasm in following the Boss like a puppy and I felt like my long white hair is going to fall off anytime soon. I dragged my self into my room before soaking myself in a hot bath. It felt so good as the warm water lapped against my skin, allowing it to breathe once again. After a good 15mins, I'm finally out of the bath refreshed, only to find my Varia jacket replaced with a black suit. Right. Funeral, I cursed under my breath as I started to put it on. I regretted going down early, finding myself stuck with Xanxus and Levi. It was simply an awkward wait as we stood there without breathing a word.

"Oi, go prepare enough bodyguards," ordered Xanxus as he glared at Levi.

"Yes Bossu!" answered Levi, but somewhat with much lesser enthusiasm than usual. With that, he left the room to find his lightning squad, leaving me with that impatient Boss. But it was just mere seconds since he decided to send me out to check on the cars. That guy just has the entire squad wrapped around his fingers.

[Xanxus' POV]

If it were any other family occasion, I would have sent someone right into her room and hurled Lussuria and her out. However, I had to make this case an exception. Again. No matter how hard I was trying to be patient, patient is never my thing. I walked towards the staircase, only to find them at the top of the stairs with Bel and Mammon. No matter what occasion it was, she always looked stunningly beautiful. Her makeup is way less elaborate today and her hair just hung loosely over her shoulders. And her usual smile is still missing from her face.

"Oh Boss! Sorry we took so long, Xylie wasn't feeling too well just now." Squeaked Lussuria when he saw me. I narrowed my eyes at him before shifting my gaze back to her. She did look pale and disheveled.

"Hurry up," I grumbled tersely as I turned around to walk towards the door.

The rest followed without a word. After all, there was still that dark cloud that seems to hang above our heads. Levi's lightning squad was already present when we reached the foyer, surrounding the cars to ensure the safety of the Varia Executive members.

The first car had Bel and Mammon. The next had Lussuria, Squalo and Levi, leaving Xylona with me in the last car. I always loved silence; it allows me to doze off and submerge in my own subconscious mind. But today, the car was deafeningly silent, and for every minute that passed, I felt that I was going to explode. Normally Xylona would be fidgeting in the stillness, but today she just gaze blankly at the dark scenery outside the window. I found myself suddenly craving for to make a noise or disturb my little naps. My patience finally ran out halfway through the journey and I stretched my hand to grab her and pulled her into my arms. She yelped in shock when I suddenly pulled her and turned around to see my face. Her beautiful hazel orbs met mine, and her blank look softened.

"Don't worry I'm fine," she said smiling, reaching out to caress my cheek. I acknowledged her by burying my face in the crook of her neck, letting her stroke my hair.

"Thank you." She whispered, "For that night, and everything else." I grunted as I continued to rest my head on my shoulder, wrapping my arms securely around her waist. This however, did not last long when the car pulled up to a halt. We quickly untangled ourselves and got out of the car as the chauffer opened the door. We walked towards the Vongola garden with the rest of the Varia members. There were already many people at the wake, paying their last respect to the deceased CEDEF member. As Xylona stepped into the garden, she was swarmed by different groups of people offering their condolences and sympathy. She simply gave her sweetest smile and thanked them all for coming and entertained those who bothered to ask her more. I scoffed and leant against the pillar of the pavilion, keeping her in my sight.

"You can't protect her by standing at the sides," commented a voice from behind.

"What do you know about such things." I scowled, frowning as the old figure of Timoteo appeared beside me.

"I kept you next to me to protect you," he pointed out. I growled upon hearing that.

"I no need your advice," I spat, walking away.

"I hope you change that thought before its too late," his voiced trailed away as I walked into the crowd to attempt to find her.

[Xylona's POV]

Dad really has a lot of friends, I thought as I wandered around the garden, mingling with those who came to send my dad off. He felt so close, yet he is miles apart from me. At least he is finally with mum again in heaven. The thought of him and mum being together suddenly made me feel like a little kid again, the crowd overwhelming me as they flood around me. I instantly felt nauseous and excused myself as I walked to the entrance of the garden to get a breather. Just as I felt a little better, a foreign voice greeted me.

"Xylona-chan! I'm so sorry about your Dad," piped the cheerful voice. I found an unfamiliar arm resting around my shoulder and when I looked up, the arm belonged to a ridiculously cheery white hair guy, with a weird violet tattoo underneath his eyelids.

I was about to step away from him because of the awkward closeness when a strong hand gripped my wrist and pulled me away from him. I voluntarily followed; finding myself right behind Xanxus, protectively standing between the white hair weirdo and I. Squalo, Belphegor and Mammon formed a barrier together with Xanxus, glaring daggers at the intruder, while Lussuria, Levi and his lightning squad surrounded him, cutting off his escape route.

Surprisingly, he was still grinning stupidly, not the teasing type like Belphegor, but the mocking kind that sent shivers down my spine. The silence was broken when Iemitsu and Timoteo walked up to him.

"What are you doing here!" demanded Iemitsu angrily as he advanced on the guy, only to be stopped by Timoteo.

"Byakuran, I think you have done enough, please leave." Ordered Timoteo, his guardians surrounding the Byakuran guy to escort him out.

Byakuran didn't even flinch a bit. "Aww come on Timoteo-kun, I came here to over to offer a proposal and my condolences."

"You ass!" growled Iemitsu angrily, as he shoved himself in front of Byakuran. "What condolences and proposal can you offer when you are the mastermind behind his death!"

I gasped in horror at the revelation of my dad's murderer. It's him. That monster. The murderer. My face flushed red as I felt my blood surge up to the top of my head.

"It's YOU!" I spat angrily as I forced my way between Xanxus and Squalo, tearing rolling down my cheeks. I wanted to slap him. Punch him. Kill him. Xanxus had other plans in his mind, as he grabbed me and wrapped his arms around me restricting my movements. Belphegor and Squalo stepped in front of Xanxus to further limit my actions.

"Let me go!" I gritted my teeth as I tried to struggle my way out of his grasp.

"Oh! So they didn't tell you!" he snickered, sweeping his gaze across everyone. "It's unfortunate that your father came in my way."

"WHY YOU-" yelled Iemitsu, but same as me, was then restrained by Timoteo's guardians.

"I shall offer a marriage alliance here between the Vongola famiglia and Gesso famiglia, Timoteo-kun, and Xylona-chan shall be the bride," beamed Byakuran as he rest his gaze on me. I felt Xanxus grip tightened around me. Belphegor flinched in surprise at the proposal and Squalo was pissed off his wits. Lussuria and Levi both stiffened as they swallowed the information. Even Timoteo was lost for words.

I, on the other hand, was burning furiously. "Who died and make you King so that you can do as you please!" I spat angrily. "GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE! No one is going to marry you!" I shrieked in anger as I blindly grabbed a knife from Bel's belt and flung it his direction. It barely missed his cheeks by an inch as he ducked in time.

"Feisty, I like that. But I don't like your answer. I give you three days to consider," he smiled at me before continuing, "I await a favourable answer, or you will lose you love one." I thought he was referring to me, but his gaze as already travelled elsewhere. I could feel Xanxus stiffen, and I realised Byakuran has locked his gaze with him. With that, Byakuran turned around and walked out of the garden, with Timoteo's guardians escorting him out. He arrogantly threw his hand above his shoulder and waved to us as he disappeared round the corner.

People around me broke into their mini conversations as they casted me swift glances, flinching when their eyes locked with mine. It was starting to get dark, and I slumped tiredly against Xanxus, allowing him to support my weight.

Belphegor looked at me, his mouth creased into a tiny out. "Do you want to go back and rest?"

"It's ok Bel, I'm fine," I reassured him, giving him a tiny smile and ruffled his golden hair that is starting to curl.

Timoteo and Iemitsu had already gone off for some serious discussion. Squalo followed as the representative of Varia since Xanxus refused to move from his position.

[Belphegor's POV]

Hours later, we were finally back home. I was in the lounge with Mammon, Lussuria and Levi. Xanxus shut himself in the room upon arriving home, and Xylona went to soak herself in a long warm bath. The poor girl, before she can recover from her father's death, she is faced with another predicament. Stupid white hair guy, I want to pierce his idiotic grin with my knives and dye his snow-white hair in his red blood. Just then Squalo walked into the room and slumped into the couch

"I bet 1 million it is a mission failed!" beamed Lussuria as he went over to join the strategy captain.

"You get the 1 million if anyone has bet against you" huffed Squalo in exhaustion as he dangled his hair over the armrest.

I sluggishly lied in the armchair facing the fireplace, flinging knifes at the dartboard across the room. In seconds, the Bullseye was cluttered with knives and clattered onto the floor when there were too many. The Bullseye was then filled again with another row of incoming knives.

"That jerk, he should be skewered," I spat angrily as I continued to cram the dartboard with my knives.

"He broke my OTP!" whined Lussuria, but got kicked by Squalo who retorted. "VOI! All these time you are only worried about your OTP being broken?!"

"What is an OTP?" asked Levi looking absolutely lost and puzzled.

"One true pairing," snapped all of them crossly, wondering how out dated he can be.

"What one true pairing?" he asked again dumbly.

Seeing Squalo face palm is one of the most rare moments. Now is one of such moment.

"Of course it's Xylie and Xanxus! Honestly Levi you are blinder than Bel and Mammon who have their eyes fully covered at all times." Cried Lussuria in exasperation.

For once I took that as a compliment, I hated it when people insulted my blond bangs that hide my eyes.

"Wait… Xylona and Xanxus are…" said Levi in disbelief. I couldn't help but roll my eyes. Not that anyone can notice but this is how stupid Levi can get.

"Honestly Levi, the way you follow and tail Xanxus, I though you will know!" Lussuria sighed and slumped in the chair, giving up on the hopeless 1.9m tall lightning guardian. Squalo scowled and kicked him.

"But but but…" Levi started protesting but was kicked by Squalo again.

"Stupid trash! You thought Xanxus like you? In the right mind he will choose Xylona over you! And it's way obvious they are showing affection for one another," snickered Squalo.

"Levi, I've always thought you admire the boss that's why you boot lick him. Honestly you never crossed my mind to be gay!" mused Lussuria.

"And you are in the position to say me?" retorted Levi, feeling offended. And there goes another row of squabbles. Squabbles means fun and fun means I'm so going to join in.

[Xanxus' POV]

I was sitting in my room, downing bottles of tequila as I slumped in my armchair. I was trying to cool down but the tequila is doing the opposite instead, intensifying my emotions. I wanted to wipe that smug expression off the face of that white hair bastard.

How dare he make such a bold proposal? It was a miracle I didn't blast his head off with my flames. How dare he made a claim over Xylona. Xylona is Varia's. My property. Her life is mine. I choose who she can mingle with, who she marries and only I can make these decisions. She is mine, I thought angrily as he smashed an empty bottle into smithereens.

Unconsciously, I have become possessive over her again. What's wrong with me? Why am I so protective and possessive! She's just my subordinate, I kept repeating but it seems that her face just doesn't match up as "just my subordinate".

Argh! This is so frustrating I thought as I flung another tequila bottle across the room into a container. It smashed upon coming into contact with the container. My head starts to hurt as I dragged myself to the bed. Oh god. I must have drunk too much despite having a super high tolerant for alcohol because I could feel my head spinning as I staggered into bed. I threw my boots aside and instantly fall asleep.

DONE!:D How do you like this chapter? It's a little rushed I admit but that's probably cause I'm writing it in bits. Like a paragraph per day... I shall review it again and see how I can make it flow better :( Anyways, if you wanna see some KHR pictures I drew, its on my deviantart!:D YAY! My account name is HaruhanaHibana:) Or just click this link: .com HAHA! I need to do my work (again again)! So bye!^^(Leave your comments on my artwork too if ya have time) Thank you!^^