The rest of the week went as normal as it could get for Namimori. Today, the teacher gave us a big test. "If anyone can get a perfect score, you will be allowed to miss classes for three weeks." Everyone was excited. I wonder how he got permission from school officials to do this. It was weird to be able to miss three weeks of classes over one test. The test must be extremely difficult and specifically made for everyone to fail. Most definitely, we'll be correcting each question and explaining how to solve it. We got the test. I heard most groan from disappointment. I saw this exam before. It was the one I had to pass to get into a cram school. The questions were exactly the same and in the same spot. I stood up in ten minutes and handed in my test. Everyone just stared at me.

"Would you like me to grade it?" The teacher asked me. I nodded. I noticed how everyone kept watching. The teacher dropped the test in disbelief.

"Yes?" I questioned.

"I-It's…a perfect score. Congratulations." My classmates audibly gasped with shock. I went back to my desk and collected my things before leaving. I was given a note before I left to show to any prefect who stopped me. I just so happened to be stopped by Hibari Kyoya.

"Get to class." He spoke without emotion.

"Here." He took the note and read it.

"Wao. You passed that test."

"It was taken directly from the top cram school in the country's entrance exam. I just so happened to have studied there." He handed the paper back to me.

"You're free to go." I gave a small bow and left. I was met with two notes from my parents when I got home. They'd both be gone for a while. That meant I'd be alone too.

Everyone in the class all failed their test with flying colors. The highest score on the test was a thirteen. How the hell did Shiori get a perfect score? It even surprised Hibari. He took the test out of curiosity and failed it with a score slightly higher. This was what his uncle meant when he said she was a genius. Reborn couldn't help but smile when it took Shiori ten minutes to complete the test. It did help she went to that cram school and took the test previously. For the rest of the day, they all had to correct their answers. Even by working together, they were all struggling.

"If Shiori could pass that test, why is she here at our school?" Someone whispered.

"Who knows. She probably cheated. It didn't take her long." The guy that sat in front of her stood up and walked over to the two who were gossiping. "What do you want?" One of them asked.

"Just because you losers failed doesn't mean you can say bad things about Shiori."

"She probably cheated. No one else did well."

Shiori's neighbor scoffed and shook his head. "You know, I learned something by talking to her a little bit. She's actually a genius unlike everyone in this damn school." That shut everyone up. No one would even say a word about Shiori for the rest of the day. They just quietly worked on their tests.

A week has passed. My parents haven't come back yet. To get rid of this boredom, I went for a walk. Maybe something will happen. It is Namimori after all. A few minutes later, I heard a loud commotion. There were a lot of suited men who looked foreign. They were all speaking Italian. A blond haired man with regular clothing was in the middle of the crowd.

"What the hell?" I muttered to myself. Unfortunately, they heard me. They all turned towards me.

"Who the hell is this small girl?" Someone sneered. "Shouldn't she be in school?" "She might have dropped out." I clicked my tongue. They were insulting me in Italian. "Do you think she can understand us?" "I doubt it." The blond guy came out from the crowd and stared at me.

"She's cute." He said with a dumb smile.

"Don't do it boss. She might be a dangerous person." That was the final straw.

"Would you kindly stop insulting me?" I spoke in Italian which made them all freeze. "Just because I'm Japanese doesn't mean I don't know anything else." The boss walked to me.

"I'm sorry about my men." He said.

"You don't have to apologize for their actions. It's their fault." The guy looked at his men. "Apologize." "We're sorry." Why did I imagine them all preschoolers and their boss as their teacher?

"Could you help us? We're lost." He said.

"Sure." I was handed the address. "You're in the opposite side of town." What was it with Italians not knowing where they're going?

"We are? Could you help us go where we need to be?" I nodded. "What's your name? I'm Dino."

"Shiori."

"That name seems familiar. I think I heard someone say that before." Dino mused.

"You're thinking of Squalo, sir." One of Dino's men said. Squalo? Dino knew him?

"That's right! Hey, Shiori, do you know Squalo?"

"I'm sorry. It doesn't ring a bell."

"It must be someone else then. It was in Kyoto." I don't know why I didn't say I knew him. The vibe I got from Squalo and the rest was very secretive. Plus, no one needed to know I knew Squalo. "So, Shiori, how do you know Italian?" Dino asked.

"I studied in Italy two years ago in northern Italy."

"Really? How did you like it?"

"It was really nice. I wouldn't mind going for a longer stay." Dino and I kept talking as if we knew each other for years. It was refreshing. I stopped in front of a house. "Well, this is the place."

"Thank you, Shiori. You've been a big help. If there's anything you need help with, don't hesitate to ask me." Dino said genuinely.

"I won't." I gave a small bow before leaving the large group. It was strange. I'd thought Squalo would have more scary friends than Dino. It was nice they talked about me. I guess they really meant what they said.

Another day had passed. I decided to go visit my grandparent's in Osaka. By train it'd be a couple of hours away, but since I have another two weeks left off, I was in the clear. I had given my grandparents a call in advance. Unfortunately, they were on vacation in England but they still didn't mind me staying in their house. When I arrived, I went right to their house. It was a large traditional Japanese house with a large garden in the back. It used to be my favorite place in the world to be when I was a kid. I'd climb up the tree and watch the clouds. I walked right in and put my stuff in the guest room. I looked in the closet and saw extravagant, modern kimonos. My grandparents were always prepared no matter what. I changed into a red kimono and sat in the backyard with a cup of hot tea. It was perfect. That was until my stomach roared.

"I didn't realize how hungry I really was."

I checked the cupboards and the fridge and saw things I'd have to spend a while making in order to eat. I put on sandals and walked out. I caught the attention of a few people, but it wasn't bad attention. They were mostly staring at the kimono. I entered a small grocery store and looked through the various isles.

I noticed there was a group following me silently. It was strange. I could hardly sense them unlike everyone else. I ignored them for now and put a few things in my basket. At least I'd have nice meals for the time I was here. My grandparents already told me to eat all the food they had. It'd go to waste if I didn't. Grandma's food is some of the best. After getting a few things, I went to the cash register. He scanned all the items and bagged them.

"Have a good day." The man said.

"I need to pay for them."

"Someone already paid for them in advance." I tilted my head from confusion but went with the flow. Oh well. If someone wanted to pay for my food, I wouldn't mind. Though, if it had to do with the Hibari, I'm not sure how I'd act. I took my bags and left. The air was getting a chillier. "I should have worn something warmer." Giving a small sigh, I started to walk home. However, my feet stopped when I saw a bakery. My cheeks turned warm.

"One piece won't hurt." I walked in and was captivated by all the different cakes. There were so many colors and flavors. It was hard to decide.

"Do you need help picking one?" The woman from behind the counter asked.

"They all look delicious."

"Well, we are entering fall. So, I think the orange cake would be just right."

"I'll take one." She packed it up in a cute box. I paid and left. I couldn't wait until I got home to eat everything. I'll make hotpot for dinner. That'll warm me up.

The bags were starting to get a little too heavy for my arms considering how long I've been holding them. Someone took all of my groceries from my hands. I looked at who was next to me and gasped.

"Xanxus?" He nodded, staying as silent as usual. "What are you doing here? Is everyone here with you?"

Before he could reply, a voice called out to Xanxus. "This is where you went to." I looked and saw an elderly man with a few others behind him.

"I told you to stay back, old man." This must be Xanxus' father.

"I got worried." The man saw me and his smile brightened even more. "Who is this?"

I gave a small bow. "I'm Shiori."

"Ah! You're the one everyone has been talking about." They talked about me? I looked up at Xanxus and saw his annoyed expression. It must be true. He started to nudge me.

"Let's go."

"We can't leave your father and his friends."

"They're fine." I stopped and gave the best pout I could come up with. Xanxus blinked a few times before looking at his dad. No one could say 'no' to my pouts.

"Don't say anything unnecessary." Xanxus fell victim to my pout.

"Wonderful!" Even as we walked, Xanxus' father kept a small distance between us.

"Why are you here anyway?" I asked Xanxus.

"Visiting."

"I'm guessing it's just you." He nodded. "How is everyone?"

"They're the same, too damn loud." I smiled brightly. I guess that's one thing that'll never change.

When we got to my grandparent's house, they were all surprised. "What?" I asked them.

"Do you live here?" Xanxus' father asked.

"This is my grandparents' house. They're currently in England and they're letting me stay here for two weeks." I entered and took my shoes off. Everyone did as I did and followed me. "Make yourself at home. Please don't destroy anything. I don't know how to fix it."

"We'll be careful, dear." Xanxus followed me into the kitchen and placed the groceries onto the table.

"Thank you, Xanxus. Would you like to stay for dinner?" I asked.

"What are you making?"

"Hotpot." He gave me a weird expression. "It's a big pot of soup where you put vegetables and meat in and eat it together. You can put noodles and rice in it too."

"I'll stay." All I have to mention is meat and he'd stay. I'm sure the rest are the exact same.

"Your father and his friends are more than welcome to stay." He grunted. "If you don't ask them, I will not use the good meat." He froze for a second, surprised at the threat. "Don't look so surprised. I remember how you and everyone ate so much of the expensive meat. It was as if you were all animals. Now, go." He went into the living room. I chuckled knowing I won. Xanxus walked back in.

"They're staying."

"I'll have to make a lot. Do you mind helping me?"

Nono was a little suspicious of Xanxus when he suddenly separated from the group. Knowing him, he could be up to trouble. Instead, he was following a girl around town. The group watched with fascination. They even gasped when Xanxus paid for groceries. Once he realized Nono was following, he walked over.

"Why did you follow me?" Xanxus questioned.

"Is that Shiori?" The silence confirmed it. "Why don't you go talk to her? She is your friend after all." Xanxus grumbled and walked away.

"So, this is the legendary Shiori I've been hearing about. I thought she was a rumor." Nono's rain guardian said.

"She's rather plain looking, but her dress is beautiful." The storm guardian spoke quietly. They followed them outside where Xanxus kept following Shiori. The guardians were baffled at how Xanxus was acting. He never acted like this with anyone. They saw how Xanxus took the bags way from Shiori. She turned and brightened up.

"She's actually happy to see him…" Nono looked at his son and saw how at peace he was.

"This is where you went to." Nono said, walking over. He knew he had to meet her. This would be his only chance. Once Shiori turned, they could see the feather accessory hanging off her ear. When Xanxus nudged her to leave, she wouldn't allow it and gave a pout of a life time.

"Don't say anything unnecessary." Xanxus muttered quietly enough for them to hear.

At Shiori's home, the seven were sitting in the traditional style living room. "It's peaceful here." Nono's cloud guardian said.

"It certainly is." Nono replied. Xanxus walked in the room.

"What is it?" Nono asked.

"Are you staying for dinner?" Nono looked at his guardians. They shrugged their shoulders.

"We'll stay." Xanxus sighed and walked back to the kitchen.

"I want to know who the hell this girl is. She's turning him human." The sun guardian whispered.

"I'm sure we'll learn over dinner. Plus, it isn't just Xanxus. It's the entire Varia." Nono could hear the two talking in the kitchen. Xanxus was helping with dinner. This situation was strangely homely. Even as a kid, Xanxus would always be the one demanding things to be done. He never had patience for anyone. Yet, Shiori was the only exception. Lussuria was right. He'd probably do anything for her. The door opened abruptly.

"VOI!" A bottle was thrown at Squalo. Xanxus walked out, pissed off at the intrusion. "What the hell crawled up your ass and died!" Squalo yelled at Xanxus.

"Squalo!" Shiori said excitedly. She was standing next to Xanxus.

"Shiori?" Squalo brightened up and ran to her. "Shiori! How've you been?" He slapped her back a few times.

"I was better before you slapped my back." He just laughed her off. "Would you like to stay for dinner?" She asked.

"Of course!"

My heart couldn't stop beating this happily. I felt at peace. The only time I felt like this was when I was with Xanxus and the others. Seeing Squalo and knowing he's talked about me to others even made me feel better. I felt wanted. It was something I haven't felt in a long time.

"What are you making?" Squalo asked.

"We're making hotpot. Can you help cut the meat as thinly as possible? I'm sure Genzo taught the world's greatest swordsman something."

"Leave it to me!" Squalo ran right into the kitchen and went to work. Xanxus grunted.

"He's quiet and being productive. It means we can eat sooner." That seemed to have made Xanxus not as grumpy. His father smiled.

"You seem to be able to control my son quite well." Nono said to Shiori.

"VOI! Stop getting in the way!" "Trash!" The two started to fight. It hasn't even been a minute. My eye twitched.

"Do you want us to deal with them?" One of Timoteo's friends asked.

"You're my guests. I can deal with them." I walked back in and got vegetables out. I put them next to a wooden cutting board. I took out a large butcher's knife and slammed the knife down on a carrot. The two stopped and looked at me. A big smile was on my face. I cut another carrot.

"Shiori?" The two questioned.

"Yes?" Another chop.

"Are you okay?" Squalo asked. I cut another vegetable. "Why? Do I not look well?"

"You look…scary." Another chop.

"Scary? I'm just making dinner. You two on the other hand seem to have a lot of time on your hands to keep fighting." I said in a dangerously happy tone.

The two gulped and refused to make eye contact. "We won't fight."

"No fighting, no yelling, and no insults. Got it?" They nodded. "Good. I'm the only one in this damn house that will be yelling and insulting people. Get your asses back to work!" They quietly went back to doing what they were supposed to. I stopped my prep and got a large burner. I put it on the table in the living room.

"Shiori?" Timoteo questioned.

"Yes?"

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine now that they stopped fighting. There's nothing more I love than silence and hard work." I went back into the kitchen and tasted the broth. It was perfect. "Xanxus, can you put this on the burner in the kitchen?" He took the pot away. Squalo was putting the meat on the plate. I put vegetables on plates and put rice in the rice cooker. "Squalo, can you start bringing everything out?" He nodded and took plates of food out. Xanxus took out small bowls and utensils out next. I got out some noodles out and kept them in the kitchen for later in the meal. I walked out with cups and saw everyone in awe at the food. "This looks amazing."

I set the cups down and started to put certain ingredients in the pot. "How do we eat? Can we eat now?" Squalo asked.

"Wait five more minutes and then you can watch me to see how it's done."

After a couple of minutes, I took a piece of meat and swished it in the broth before transferring it to my bowl. I ate it and saw how they were all staring.

"So, you cook the meat in the broth and eat it?" I nodded.

"You can also add whatever you want to the broth. The more you add, the tastier it'll become." Soon, everyone was joining in. They were all enjoying their meals. When all the ingredients were gone and there was still broth in the pot, I brought out noodles and rice.

"There's more?" They all questioned.

"It's the best part of the meal." I put the noodles in.

"I don't think I can eat any more." One of the men groaned.

"More for me." I said happily. When the noodles were done, Squalo and I were the only ones still eating. There was still a little bit of broth and cooked down vegetables left. I refused to waste anything. I put a bowl of rice in.

"More?!" I nodded and stirred everything together. Most took a bite to try and gave a sigh from how good it was. Xanxus kept looking at the rice. "Do you want some?" I offered him some, but he refused to try it. I took my spoon filled with rice and put it towards Xanxus. He ignored me.

"Try it."

"I'm full." Xanxus said as an excuse. He just didn't like his vegetables.

"All you ate was meat. At least try it." Nono watched the two interacting with each other. Xanxus glared at her. It put everyone on edge, but Shiori was indifferent. She scoffed.

"Try. It." Shiori said with a hidden threat.

Once he opened his mouth, the spoon went right in. Xanxus pinched Shiori's nose as punishment. She held her nose from pain. If it was anyone else, they'd experience death. Nono's heart warmed at the scene. "Ouch!" Shiori yelped. He didn't use much force.

"Don't stuff things into my mouth." Xanxus replied.

"You're not complaining about the rice though." He took the spoon away from her and ate the rest of the rice. Shiori looked disappointed there was nothing else to eat. She has a big stomach despite her petite figure. Nono's storm guardian received a message. A rival family has decided to hold the meeting now.

"Thank you for everything, Shiori, but it appears we need to go." Nono said. She turned around.

"That's a shame. I'm glad you all enjoyed the meal." Xanxus looked at Nono.

"You two can stay here and visit with Shiori more. You know where we'll be."

"Are you sure?" Squalo asked.

"I'm sure." Xanxus and Squalo looked at each other. They were confused. The family they're meeting is highly dangerous and are probably up to something. They'd probably attack them.

The room was tense. I looked between Xanxus and his father. Something must be wrong. "I'll be fine alone. You can leave if it's important." They all looked at me. Xanxus stood up and looked at Squalo.

"Stay." Why is he making Squalo stay? When they left, I looked at Squalo.

"You don't need to stay, Squalo."

"Do you not want me here?" He asked.

"If you have business elsewhere, you can go with them. I wasn't expecting any visitors while I was here anyway."

"If Xanxus wants me here, I'll stay here."

"If you say so." I stood up and took care of the dishes. Just as I finished, I froze in my spot. There was a sinking feeling in my stomach. It made me dizzy. I wanted to puke. I crouched down while at the sink and held my stomach. My head was pounding. My hands were shaking. A wave of pain washed over me. Something was wrong with Xanxus and I didn't like it. I turned the water off and walked to where Squalo was.

"What's the matter? You're pale." He said with worry.

"Something is wrong."

"Did you eat too much?" Squalo jokingly asked.

I shook my head. "Something is wrong with Xanxus. I…I have a bad feeling. My whole body is on fire. I think I'm having an anxiety attack." Squalo got to his feet and ran to me. He put a hand on my head.

"You're burning up." He said with shock.

"There's something wrong with him, Squalo. You need to check on him." I pleaded.

"I can't just leave you like this." I shook my head weakly.

"We're friends, right? You need to trust me. I'll be just fine."

"What if you pass out and get hurt?" I gave him a weak smile. "You better make things quick."