A/N: I don't own KHR or any of its characters.


HATSU'S POV

I step off out of the car, Kazumi and Guido trailing close behind me.

I love the spring. And I especially love the spring in Japan. Everyone always recalls the pink petals of the cherry blossoms, but there's also a distinct sweetness that drapes the air.

I was actually a little thankful for all these marriage match shenanigans (I know, cue the vomit) since they've brought me back here. Home.

The last time I was in Japan was five years ago.

Kazumi runs up to me and grabs my hand before I can get too far ahead of her. "Hatsu-chan, will you please behave this time?"

This time. I swear I wasn't terrible the last few times... I think. I was just myself. It's not my fault that the last boy tripped every five seconds, while not even moving. Six years my senior and still figuring out how to walk on two legs. Incredible. Well he's charming in his own way - loyal, kind. He'll make a great leader once he figures out this 'walking' thing that's all the rage.

"When did I misbehave?" I look up, blinking my eyes innocently at her.

She sighs. "Our future depends on it."

It's always like this.

Guido stands by her side and puts on his best stern face. "We finally have a chance to rise back into the prestige of the main family. Don't ruin this for us, Hatsu, after all we've done for you."

"I know."

The beauty of Japan suddenly loses its luster.


KYOYA'S POV

Look at the fools, hunched over, eyes flittering about like prey. Two representatives from the Vecchio family. Why are they here, crowding my home?

I glare at the girl in-between them - Hatsu was it? It doesn't matter.

She's a small thing, with long brown hair and striking grey-blue eyes. Eyes creamy like the clouds, yet clear like the sky. And that's the only remarkable thing about her.

She's frail and unrefined. Everything a Hibari is not.

"We're delighted to make your acquaintance, Chieko-sama." - the man, Guido, bows to my Obaa-san.

She doesn't return the gesture. "I've heard curious rumors about your daughter." Just like her to get straight to the point. Good, then maybe we can end this soon.

Kazumi nervously sweeps her hair behind her ears - "She's very well-behaved and a quick learner."

"Hmm." Obaa-san sips her tea, eyeing the girl up and down. Unimpressive. Just another weak herbivore like all the others that have come and gone.

"And she has no Vecchio blood in her?"

Guido and Kazumi flinch at Obaa-san's blunt questioning.

"...No." He admits, ashamed.

Even more useless than I thought.

From a young age, I trained occasionally with other children from prestigious families. Mostly boys who were many years my senior. Rather than a constructive exercise on my end, it was a polite gesture from my family. The first visitor had lasted a mere fifteen minutes before begging to be sent home.

I turn my gaze outside to the traditional garden. Sakura petals flutter softly through the air.

What a waste of time.


HATSU'S POV

The tea is the best I've ever had - a crisp, almost maple-like flavor, with a slight sweetness that lingers, but does not overwhelm.

I hold the porcelain cup tightly in both hands, allowing its warmth to seep into my skin. It's beautiful and most definitely a real antique. Though we only passed through the entrance and straight into the living room, every piece of decor screams simple, rich, elegance. Based on the size of the living room, the whole estate is assumable at least the size of three middle-class Japanese homes.

Chieko-sama brings her teacup up to her lips again - that's the fifth time so far. The solemn boy with jet black hair - Kyoya - stares outside. More accurately, he glares. Both actions are completely dismissive in a subtle way. I'm thankful for it. The sooner they deem us unimportant, the sooner I can be left alone to do as I please.

Chieko-sama motions me over with a slight flick of her hand. There's a power in her movement, despite the deep wrinkles around her eyes and head full of grey hair. "Come here, girl."

I stand up and shuffle closer to her.

"Turn around girl, let me see you." She orders.

Let you see me?

Dafuq?

I'm not a piece of meat at the market.

"You can see me like this." I say with a polite grace despite the desire to flip her the bird. See? I can be well-behaved, too.

She sets down her tea cup with a rough bang against the table. "Excuse me?"

"Lost your hearing already, Wrinkles?" Okay, I'll admit I could have worded that one more tactfully.

The room tenses and I swear, the temperature drops twenty degrees. Guido spits his tea out all over the pristine tatami. Kazumi pales and nearly drops her cup.

Chieko-sama - newly-appointed as Wrinkles - doesn't move. Doesn't speak. Doesn't even fucking blink. She holds my gaze for five whole minutes, neither of us willing to break the stare. Do you know how awkward it is to hold someone's stare that long? I don't care if you are a self-proclaimed Staring God, it is awkward as hell.

"We will accommodate her here for the weekend." Wrinkles stands, breaking the tense atmosphere and our gaze. Heh, guess that's my win. Then again, maybe she wants to use the weekend to get back at me, Hibari style. They do have quite an intense reputation.

It's only then that the boy turns his gaze back inside. His slight wide eyes show his obvious surprise.

And Kazumi and Guido are on a whole other level, their mouths hanging open like carp fish. They quickly scramble to rise as well.

"You may return on Sunday to retrieve her. She will be well cared for in the duration."

"Yes, yes of course. We will return in two days." Guido bows.

"Thank you, Chieko-sama." Kazumi bows as well, then turns to me. "The Hibari's have graciously welcomed you into their home. Remember to show them respect."

I nod with a serene smile. Two days in Japan. That's more than I could hope for, considering my visits to other families usually only lasted five hours.

I bow to Chieko-sama. "Thank you for your hospitality."

She eyes me once more, and I swear I see the corner of her lip pull upward in a smirk.

And it's decided. Everyone in the underground world is insane.


A/N: I started a new fanfic since my other fanfic is in a darker place and I just wanted to do something light and fun!