Here it is, Chapter 5! Thank you so much for reading this very long fanfic of mine. I really, really appreciate it.
Warning: the names of places included in this chapter are made up. Vague description of situations up ahead. Watch out!
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Chapter 5 – The Storm
Days before the grand party, hired professionals in many aspects of house decorating are busily ornamenting the Varia HQ. It was rare for Xanxus to be agreeing to this kind of stuff, but it was all for his sister's sake, even though half of the party is intended for him. Cherrie asked Pierre if he could cram up some clothes for the Varia as well, deliberately wanting everyone to look good. The only people who are invited are some of Xanxus' allies: powerful mafia families from all over the world. Cherrie asked Xanxus if he could invite the 9th and 10th as well. He didn't agree at first, (he strongly disagreed) but with one attempt of Cherrie's inescapable puppy dog eyes, he gave in.
The prince's hatred for women slowly but surely faded away as he came to know a certain female more. The apple blonde always yells at him for scattering his clothes, knives and wires all over his room. He doesn't give a damn because it's his room. The boss just told him she'll stay with him because it's his punishment for 'bullying' her. On the first night of her stay, they sleep as far as possible from each other. The morning after, he was tremendously surprised to see his room spic and span. He admitted that it felt great to be breathing fresh oxygen, to be seeing organized furniture and to be around a clean environment. His clothes were organized as well. It was even washed (of course, his undies were also included). She's not bad for a girl. Soon, he sees her here and there, cleaning the house, inspiring Levi and Squalo, training with Fran and Mammon, cooking with Lussuria, calming the boss whenever he throws a hissy-fit. Amazed, he admired her from afar. She could get along with everyone in the Varia, even Boss. She could make them smile, smiles that even he, with his years in the Varia, hasn't seen before. Is this what they call "women's intuition", or was it her charisma? Either way, he noticed that she's not attempting to socialize with him, always bellowing at him to stop treating his room like a huge dump, reminding him to put away his knives and wires or she'll burn them, lecturing him every time he shows his spoiled attitude. There hasn't been any peaceful exchange of words between them. That broke a nerve. How dare her!
There is one thing that he likes about her: she knows how to respect people. As a prince, he loves to be respected. He liked the way she ordered that Pierre person to manufacture luxurious clothing for the party. It has been a while since I dressed like a prince. But he still dislikes her. She still ignores him even when they share one room. He recalled the Mickey Mouse hoodie she dropped (wow that was ages ago). He never did return it to her. Maybe if he returns it, she'll talk to him the same way she talks to the others. Wait. Is he jealous? Battling the thought, why would he be jealous of them? Sure, he was the only person she didn't talk peacefully to, but who cares? She's just another Varia Guardian, another human, another person to add in his 'to-kill list', another ally, but the only female in his life (as of now). "… only… female…?" Shaking his head, he got back to his initial notion. Damn. He shouldn't think of her that way. He can't fall for her, or else the Boss will surely kill him. Well, he'll need to return the hoodie sooner or later.
On the day of the party, Pierre arrived early in the morning. He said that the clothes need fitting since he was only told to make them a few days ago. Every guardian was given matching clothes, the colors are only different. Earlier that week, he asked everyone what dominant color they would like for their clothes. Lussuria immediately called for pink, Levi decided for green, Mammon and Fran chose dark indigo, Bel said red and gold, Squalo demanded blue and black, Xanxus said he'll have plain black only and Cherrie selected white and lavender (yes, you can see what I did there). Everyone else's clothes were similar except for Xanxus' (the birthday boy), Cherrie's (the newcomer) and Bel's (because he told Pierre to make his more extravagant, he is a prince after all).
Xanxus took the opportunity to tell every one about the 9th's letter. He told them the summary: the 9th asked him to send Cherrie and Bel on an assassination mission that only the two of them could accomplish. He explained that the target is a tyrant sovereign in Switzerland. The pay is $50 M. And the reason why only Bel and Cherrie are allowed to take this mission is that the said monarch only invites kings, queens, princes, princesses, dukes, duchesses, and other noble families in the hierarchy to his parties. Squalo said that they understand about Bel being a prince, but what about Cherrie? Xanxus exposed that Cherrie is a princess of the Nhite kingdom. The king and queen, along with many high officials were murdered. The 9th saved Cherrie and Sharia from the attackers, adopting them later on. Sharia returned to Nhite years after she got adopted and inherited her position as first born and became queen. Cherrie confirmed that all that Xanxus said was true. As expected, the other guardians were shaken. Since this is Cherrie's first job, she accepted, even if her partner is Bel. And Bel also accepted, seeing this is exclusively perfect for a prince. "Ushishishi. You can count on me Boss." He said. Pierre asked everyone to wear their respective outfits and begged not to scratch them, not even a small mark. Everyone's in their party clothes now, except for Cherrie since hers is not finished yet.
Hours later, the party started. Sawada Tsunayoshi's family was there, obviously shaking to be inside the Varia's HQ. Timoteo came with his guardians too along with many other prominent mafia families. They all greeted Xanxus a happy birthday (though he didn't care) and brought him gifts of different kind. Xanxus just sat on his striking king-like chair and observe the party goers, especially Sawada Tsunayoshi. He hasn't talked since the party started and dinner wasn't served yet. Well, the reason behind that was because Cherrie hasn't appeared yet. He shooed the fact that this is his birthday party and only thought if it as an introductory of Cherrie to the Mafia Underworld. Minutes later, still sitting on his chair, Pierre came to him and informed him that Varia's Princess is ready for her debut. He grinned. Standing up, he announced, "All of you! Pay attention! The main celebrant has finally arrived." The room was silent, stunned at what he said. Isn't this his birthday party? All of them were thinking. "Let me introduce to you Varia's new Cloud Guardian, Princess Cherrie de Calligenia, my sister." Xanxus rotated his head a little bit to his right, motioning his audience to look at the same direction. The door leading to the main corridor opened and Cherrie appeared.
She was wearing a white long-sleeve, ankle-length gown, having gold linings flowing from the middle down to the bottom. A lavender belt snaked up on her waist, also having gold as the color used to exaggerate the designs on the belt. Her torso is plain white and her apple blonde hair was in a bun, leaving wavy strands loose behind her ears. Her face was superbly beautified and her eyeliner gave emphasis to her forest green eyes. Her bangs were swept sideways and she was wearing one of Bel's tiaras. The audience 'ooohed' and 'ahhed'. Xanxus opened up the dance floor and asked Bel lead the dance with Cherrie, since they were of royal blood and social parties like this are nothing to them. Cherrie accepted Bel's hand and they initiated the dance. They waltz most of the time since it was the easiest thing to do. "I can't believe you're a princess." The prince said. "Now you can." Both of them smiled, obviously enjoying their dance together. These two who were always annoyed with other are now smiling mutually. Having a common interest really sparked the atmosphere with the two. "You're very beautiful tonight." He complimented. He didn't know why he said that, he just blushed. Maybe finally having the opportunity to talk to her lifted up his hate towards her, or was it because she was a princess and he, a prince? "Thanks. You look very attractive yourself." Setting aside the ill memories both shared, they giggled.
Squalo chatted with Xanxus while watching the regal couple dance flawlessly. Xanxus told the rest of the Varia about his punishment for the two. Squalo commented, "Did you ever consider that maybe, at some point, those two will fall in love with each other?" Xanxus gripped his wine bottle harder, but not too hard as to break it. He knew if he continued the topic, the Boss might ruin the party.
It was not only Squalo who noticed the chemistry between the two, but the other guardians as well. Fran said, "Hey, Mammon. I thought Bel-senpai hates women. Why do I feel like Bel-senpai likes Cherrie-senpai?" Mammon just shrugged it off. "I dunno. They say love conquers all." Lussuria silently squealed at the thought of Bel and Cherrie getting married. Levi just stared. Back at the dance floor, the music changed and Bel escorted Cherrie towards the other guardians. When they got there, weird looks greeted them. "Senpais, you two danced so perfectly back there that at some point I thought both of you were like those dancing couples in music boxes. Both of you danced so sweetly to each other. If I were any one of Boss' guests, I'd assume that both of you are already mar—" Bel pounded Fran's head. He walked towards the balcony, passing Gokudera Hayato and Yamamoto Takeshi along the way. "Oi, Bel. Is she your girlfriend?" Hayato asked. "Why? You jealous? Ushishishi." He snickered and left the question hanging.
He was alone in the balcony. A glass of wine was in his right hand. The moon was shining brightly, not a cloud in the sky to be seen. "If I were any one of Boss' guests, I'd assume that both you are already married." Fran's words echoed. "Is she your girlfriend?" Hayato's voice repeated. He admit that she was very beautiful tonight. The way she carried her dress, the way she walks. Everything about her was beautiful. During their dance, he felt a different kind of happiness; a feeling of safety and trust. He was so delighted just seeing her smile like that, hearing her breath, listening to her giggles. Oh it was heaven when she wrapped her hands around his neck, adjusting to the tempo of the song. His face was blushing so hard when he sipped the last drop of his wine. "Damn. I think I'm in love with her."
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Okay. Hyahaha.
This chapter is crammed. I finished it in one night.
Again, thank you for your support!
Sneak Peek :
Chapter 6 – The Mission