"I think there is beauty in everything. What 'normal' people would perceive as ugly, I can usually see something of beauty in it." – Alexander McQueen

Everything came to a standstill, and the room felt empty despite the people around them. The stage had already been set with only Tsuna and Reborn under the spotlight. Crossing his arms over his chest and making the first move, Tsuna jerked his thumb at Spanner standing behind him. "You heard me, sunshine," he said. "Don't pull the deaf card on me. Everyone knows you're the most perfect human being on the planet. So what's the verdict?"

Several workers whispered amongst themselves, gesturing none-too-subtly at Tsuna as if he was some sort of strange specimen. Bianchi just looked red in the face while M.M was a little pale. Then again, no one ever talked to Reborn this way. Shame since the man's pedestal was way too high for his own good. Reborn quirked a brow, not saying a word, and studied Tsuna for a second longer. It felt like five years. No one spoke, as if they were the ones waiting for Reborn to respond. People should really mind their own business.

Rolling his eyes, Tsuna pulled down his sunglasses to peer at Reborn, his lips twitching into a smile. "Do you want me to say it again? I can but I don't really want to so you can see the dilemma here. Come on, chop-chop. The longer I stay here, my face will break out."

Reborn didn't betray anything on his face when he spoke, "Alright."

Tsuna huffed a small laugh, almost not believing what Reborn had said. Almost. "I'm glad we're on the same page."

Reborn resumed reviewing the photos on the camera, effectively dismissing him. "I look forward to it then. I'll send the details later." He glanced at Tsuna from the corner of his eye; the glint in those obsidian orbs was nothing reassuring but two could play this game. "I expect nothing more than perfection."

Tsuna smirked. "Perfection's my middle name. Forgive me for taking your title, O Holy One, but we all know you're slipping. Time is never kind on the old timers, is it?" He turned around, slipping his hands in his pockets. "I'm going to eat more muffins. There's no more." He winked at Spanner. "I'll see you later, Lollipops. Have fun."

With that, he left the shoot leaving a much lasting impression than he had wanted.

After lounging around in the 2nd floor café for God knew how long, Tsuna checked the clock for the umpteenth time. The place was cozy but mainstream with round coffee tables and generic pastries. Although, their banana muffins were worth it; the piles of wrappers on his table were a testament to that. Three hours had passed and all he did was lie down on one of those fancy window seats and count how many dragon clouds passed by. There had only been two. Honestly, he could've ditched the place. Actually he did but Reborn was a creepy fucker and called him the moment he stepped out the door, none-too-subtly threatening him about inevitable homelessness.

Tsuna reached a hand towards the white, curved-in ceiling. "Down with the elite," he said, curling his hands into a fist. "May they make it rain and the peasants like me rejoice."

"What are you doing?"

Tsuna turned his head to see Pigtails chewing some gum with her arms crossed over her chest. "Has thy come to deliver sweet, merciful death to me, O Heavenly Angel?" he said.

Pigtails raised a brow. "Are you high?"

"Nee-san!" Computer Guy said, his eyes wide. He bowed towards Tsuna. "I'm sorry. Please ignore what my sister said! She—"

"Has no filter," Tsuna said, clasping his hands over his stomach. "It's fine." He winked at Pigtails who pursed her lips. "I like 'em plucky. Pun very intended."

Pigtails blew a purple bubble and popped it. "You're definitely high."

Tsuna sighed. "I wish, sweet sister, but we live in a cruel, unforgiving world. Although, if you do find some, let me know." He smiled at Spanner who sat down at the table. The man had slipped on a light cardigan that matched his green shorts. "Lollipops, I'm glad to see you alive."

Spanner smiled slightly, chewing another lollipop. "Likewise."

Computer Guy looked back and forth between them. "How do you know each other, Spanner?"

"Take a seat, children," Tsuna said, sitting upright, "and I'll tell you the story of how I met this wonderful man Lollipops."

Pigtails rolled her eyes but sat down anyways, her brother following suit a little nervously. Tsuna cleared his throat. "So I faced a terrible carrot monster who should've stayed ingrained in the dirt. Do you like that word? Ingrained? Really sticks with you, doesn't it? Anyways, I killed her strawberry friend and headed off to wash its sad blood from my delicate hand. And that is where I met Lollipops." He swooned a bit. "Fate has given me another gift. All is well in life."

Computer Guy and Pigtails just stared at him as if he just danced the mamba backwards on his hands. Spanner chuckled behind his fist, making Computer Guy gape at him. Suddenly, Pigtails snorted, draping her elbow on her chair. "Wait, were you the one who scared the hell out of M.M?"

Tsuna inspected his fingernails innocently. "I don't know what you mean."

Pigtails smirked. "Junko's a neat freak. I knew she wouldn't have made the mistake of putting on too much powder." She blew another bubble. "So it was you."

Tsuna leaned back against the blue cushions and placed his ankle on his other knee. "I don't kiss and tell, sweetheart."

Pigtails wrinkled her nose. "If you call me that again, I'll sock you in the face."

"Nee-san!" Computer Guy said.

His sister ignored him, which seemed normal for them. "Irie Akiko. This is my little brother, Shoichi. You met Spanner. Now"—she tilted her head, her face blank—"who the hell are you?"

Shoichi pursed his lips, but just sipped his ice coffee instead of reprimanding his sister again. Tsuna smiled lightly. "Just call me Sora. What flavor is that one?"

Spanner took out the blue wrench lollipop from his mouth with a light pop. "Blueberry."

Tsuna oohed. "Can I get one, too?"

Shoichi choked on his drink when Spanner simply handed Tsuna his lollipop. "This is the last one. You can have it."

Tsuna cooed. "Such a gentleman. Take notes, children." He accepted the lollipop and slipped it in his mouth. It tasted like actual blueberries. "Tastes fantastic like always. If you leave this depressing place and open up a sweets store, count me in as your number one customer."

Spanner smiled faintly. "I'll keep that in mind."

Shoichi coughed to the side, his face red. "S—Spanner, that's not…"

Tsuna chuckled as he patted Shoichi's red hair. "Oh, don't worry. It's just the adults playing. You'll learn when you get older, my sweet fall child."

Akiko hummed to herself. "You're a fraud, aren't you?"

"Nee-san!"

"Tsk, tsk," Tsuna said, waving his finger. "You break my heart, sweetheart." He ignored Akiko's scowl. "I'm just a poor, hapless victim. Understand here that I'm chained to the Devil and there's only so much I can do. Don't give into your temptations, children, or else you'll regret too many things in your lives."

Akiko scrutinized him with sharp green eyes. Tsuna had to hand it to her though. She was a tough cookie. He mentally smiled. He liked the tough ones. They were much more fun. "So what's up with you?" she said. "The fact that Reborn of all people brought you here says something, but I didn't think he'd peg for a poser like you. What are you, some kind of sad billionaire lowlife?"

"He must've had a good reason, right?" Shoichi said to no one in particular. "Sora-san must be someone of high standing so…"

Though Spanner was busy with unwrapping an orange lollipop, Tsuna could tell he was listening. He smiled. The quiet ones were usually the ones to look out for. "Remind me to keep that in mind," he said, twirling his lollipop in his mouth. "I so do like people who revolt against the patriarchy. Although, I'm sad to say that I'm not a miserable billionaire lowlife." He smiled, showing some teeth. "I really have no interest in taking this seriously so you don't have to worry about playing dress-up. Although, I think Lollipops here might be an exception."

Akiko frowned. "Are you saying that this whole thing is a farce?"

"Oh no. The Ukiyami whatever it's called is an official event but I just don't have the heart in it to care. So you, my lovely children, don't have to worry about being eye candy for vapid people who should be doing better things with their lives. What's the saying? Beauty's only skin deep?"

Shoichi licked his lips. "Um, Sora-san, I don't want to be rude but…I've never heard of you in the industry. I was just wondering because, well, Reborn-san isn't someone to pick just anyone as my sister said." He glanced down at his lap. "If I may ask, can I inquire about…your relationship? You two seemed pretty familiar before…"

Tsuna smiled. It was a shame he had his sunglasses on because Shoichi would've been reduced to dust. "There is no relationship," he said. "Case closed." He huffed. "You children like gossip more than I thought. What a trivial hobby. Watching paint dry is infinitely better."

Akiko narrowed her eyes. "Then what's the point of us being here? You're just wasting our time."

"Oh, sweetheart, were you actually looking forward to it?" Tsuna leaned his cheek onto his fist. "I didn't take you as the type."

Shoichi flushed. "Well, I mean, Reborn-san…brought you so…"

"What do you do here again, Sho-chan?" Tsuna smiled. "Can I call you that?"

"Uh, I don't…"

"Come on. You can tell me anything." Tsuna grinned. "I don't bite."

Shoichi turned red. He quickly grabbed his iced coffee and sipped it as a distraction. Cute. Tsuna tilted his head. "You know, you're not that bad-looking up close." He took off his sunglasses and held it out to Shoichi who gaped at him. "Try this. Come on. It won't hurt."

After glancing nervously at his sister, Shoichi hesitantly took off his thick brown glasses and took Tsuna's pair. He slipped them on almost shyly while Tsuna hummed to himself, his lips curved into a small smile. "Not bad? What do you think, Lollipops?"

Spanner, who had been staring at Tsuna's face, turned smoothly to see his friend fumbling nervously with the sunglasses as if they were made out of glass. "It looks good on you, Shoichi."

Akiko pursed her lips. "You said your heart wasn't in it."

Tsuna smiled, closing his eyes. "I said my heart wasn't in the show. Words matter, sweetheart. Open your eyes and broaden your mind as they say. Besides"—he picked up Shoichi's glasses and looked at it from every which way—"I like to look at pretty things. Is that a crime?"

"If you call me sweetheart one more time, I will sick you with a straw."

Tsuna oohed, not looking at Akiko's way. "I promise that my guts taste like taffy."

Akiko wrinkled her nose. "You're fucked up."

Tsuna grinned. "Only the best, angel."

"That's not any better, brat."

Tsuna gasped scandalously. "I'm not a brat." He stood up. "Look, I'm 170 cm. Not too big, not too small, and I'm 24-years-old. Your typical, average Japanese man." He leaned over the table and hummed under his breath, inspected Shoichi from a few angles. "You know, you should definitely think about wearing sunglasses. Maybe something with a more gold and brown hue." He picked up Shoichi's glasses and made a small face. "This is way out of date and makes your nose look too big."

Akiko slammed her hand on the table, making Shoichi yelp. "I thought you weren't interested."

"Oh, this has nothing to do with the show," Tsuna said, waving her off. He switched Shoichi's glasses for his shades, slipping them back on. "I'm not cruel enough to not share advice. If I see something I don't like, I say it. Isn't that how you get your way in the world? Anyways, I'd appreciate it if you lay low about our project."

"Your nonexistent project," Akiko deadpanned.

Tsuna clapped his hands together. "Exactly. So if Reborn ever asks you about how we're doing, tell him to go fuck himself." Shoichi choked on his drink again while Akiko quirked a brow. Spanner huffed a small laugh. "And if he doesn't take that, well, I'm sure you children can bullshit your way out of small troubles so I'm not worried at all. Got it? Great."

Akiko grabbed her bag and stood up, her chair scraping against the floor. "There's nothing to tell when there's nothing we're working on. Thanks for wasting our time. Let's go, Shoichi."

Tsuna waved at her back. "Anytime, angel." Shoichi gave him a hesitant bow of apology, which he returned with a smile, before the siblings left. Tsuna glanced at Spanner who didn't follow them out. "And then there was one. You've been quiet, Lollipops. Care to throw in a thought or two?"

Spanner pulled his phone out of his pocket. "Your number would suffice."

Tsuna burst out into laughter. "Oh, you know how to get 'em. Really though, best pick-up line ever."

Spanner's lips twitched into a smile. "Is it? I'm glad."

Grinning, Tsuna propped his chin on his palm. "Oh, you're a clever one, aren't you?"

Spanner's smile didn't falter. "I don't know what you mean."

Tsuna peered over his sunglasses and fluttered his lashes. "You're really somethin', Lollipops."

Spanner tilted his head. "Why do you hide your eyes? They're beautiful."

Tsuna huffed a small laugh. "Let me rephrase that for you. Why do you hide your face? You're beautiful, handsome, charming, gorgeous, something along those lines. Now that's how you get 'em. Hook, line, and sinker. For a tech guy, you're not that much of a dunce."

Amused, Spanner leaned forward on his propped elbows, lacing his fingers together. "How did you know?"

Tsuna smiled coyly. "It wasn't a challenge. Your outfit didn't match their concept, even if you're easy on the eyes. Also, one of them was looking for you before while you were in the bathroom."

"You're not disappointed."

Tsuna raised a brow. "Why would I be?"

"You seem to have high expectations."

A bout of silence passed, lessened only by the customers' soft talk around them. Tsuna then chuckled. "Do I really? I thought that I was a fraud, a poser."

Spanner's calm composure didn't waver. His keen eyes looked more like fern green up close. "That's not what I said."

Tsuna shrugged. "It's what most people think." He took out his lollipop with a soft pop. "Listen, I don't care what you do. You can be some kind of cougar's pet for all I care, but it has nothing to do with me." He raised his hands. "I'm an all judgement-free zone. You do you is one of my two life's mottos."

Spanner smiled faintly. "And your other one?"

Tsuna laughed. "Fuck everything and anything that tries to get in your way." He grinned. "Figuratively, of course, but the other way is still an option."

Chuckling, Spanner unlocked his phone. "I will need your number then."

"Ah, yes, to get some more life wisdom. Of course." Tsuna clasped his hands together in prayer. "Also, this is embarrassing but I forgot my wallet so would you mind paying for my muffins? I'll pay you back, pinky promise."

Spanner blinked. "That's fine."

Tsuna smiled. "Well, aren't you the perfect gentleman? You're turning out into one of those one in a million kind of guys. You love the Sugar Angels, you love sweets, you even make them, you're hot—what else don't I know?"

Spanner chuckled. "Maybe you'll learn more the next time."

Tsuna grinned. "You really know how to move in, don't you? I like it. You, Lollipops, are my number one."

After Spanner paid his bill, Tsuna followed him out of the building with a small skip in his steps. Suddenly he whirled around. "Oh, you don't happen to know a place around here that sells good cat food, do you?"

After parking across Nina's Café, Tsuna didn't leave his car right away. Instead he drummed his fingers against the wheel, his mind wandering aimlessly to thoughts from hours ago. Cars drove past him, whooshing softly, and the pedestrians that walked by were a mesh of muted buzzes, clacking heels, and ringing phones. There was always the option of not going through with this; but there was Haru to think of, who believed so fiercely that he could do it and wouldn't take no for an answer. Tsuna's lips curled into a smile. Haru's faith was something that couldn't be broken down by any means. It was the only anchor he left after all. Also, he actually put some effort into the sketches last night because Haru could tell if he didn't try and he really didn't want to be nagged to death (or lose her to some shoddy apartment).

Humming the Sugar Angels' theme song softly under his breath, Tsuna grabbed his—well, Haru's black bag, slung it over his shoulder, and left the car. When he entered the large café, he was greeted with the smell of coffee, tea, and pastries. It was only 6:50 PM, but contrary to popular belief, Tsuna hated not being punctual. When a Sugar Angels' figurine auction was set for 11:59 PM, it better open at 11:59 PM on the dot and not 12 AM. He didn't see any signs of Mami or her mother around. Most of the tables were full of university students typing on their laptops and middle-aged women chatting over some coffee. He spotted a free booth next to a curtained window and quickly claimed the spot before anyone else could.

He yawned, taking out the manila folder with his designs, and tossed it on the glossy wood table. Immediately, he unlocked his phone and opened Sugar Angels' Bubble Pop. While waiting for the title screen to load, he hummed along to the cheery tune. Yuni's chibi sprite floated at the corner, shifting through cute poses, before the main menu popped up in a flurry of orange stars.

"Ah, more scores to beat today," Tsuna said, clicking the pink "Play" button. "Let's do our best, my sweet angels."

"Sora-nii!"

Tsuna smiled quickly, suppressing a sigh. "Mami-chan." He grunted when the little girl flung herself around his waist, almost toppling them over. "What a greeting. How much candy did you eat today?"

Mami giggled. "I didn't eat any candy today."

Tsuna patted her head. "That, sweet child, is a tragedy."

"What's a tragedy?"

"Mami-chan!" Hotaru came over quickly, dressed in a pink pencil skirt and matching suit jacket. "I'm so sorry, Sora-san. Mami-chan, I told you to stay next to Kaa-chan."

Tsuna waved a hand. "It's alright. She's a sweetheart anyways." He smiled down at Mami. "Wanna sit next to me, kiddo?"

Mami nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah!" She hugged Tsuna's waist again, her eyes bright. "Are you going to show us pretty dresses? That's what Kaa-chan told me! Do you know how to make them? Will it be really pretty? Are you like Tou-chan?"

"Did somebody call my name?" a man said, carrying a tray of drinks. Tsuna recognized him immediately: Kozato Makoto, CEO of Simon, a fashion company that was slowly rising in the ranks since Tsuna's parents died. Despite the man's status, Makoto dressed plainly in a stark white polo shirt and beige pants. Tsuna had seen him once at Vongola's 50th Year Anniversary banquet Timoteo had forced him to attend when he was 16. They had never spoke.

Mami giggled. "I was just talking about Tou-chan!" Her whole face lit up when he handed her a slice of strawberry shortcake. "Wah, thank you, Tou-chan!"

Her father chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Of course, Mami." He looked towards Tsuna, who was a bit grateful that he had his sunglasses on. The man had been his father's rival and could probably recognize him without a doubt. "I'm sorry. I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Kazoto Makoto."

Tsuna stood up and shook the man's calloused hand. He smiled. "Pleasure. I'm Sora."

Makoto chuckled as he sat down next to his wife across the table. "So it's like my wife said. No surname. I've also never heard of you."

Tsuna shrugged. "A little mystery doesn't hurt anyone." He smiled. "Wouldn't it save me some face if things don't go as planned?"

Hotaru smiled kindly. "Oh, I'm sure you'll be fine, Sora-san. My husband can just be picky sometimes. And here!" She handed him an iced coffee. "We weren't sure what you liked but please, take this."

Tsuna accepted it with a smile. "Thank you. And don't worry about it. I've heard about you, Kozato-san. I'll say, I'm a big fan of your 2013 Fall Showcase. Your fourth dress in the lineup, the A-line one, was a nice blend of red and sugar maple colors. Kudos for that." It had been his father's design and imagine Tsuna's shock in his small, 7-year-old mind when he saw it in a magazine in Timoteo's office.

Makoto scratched the back of his head. "Oh, thank you. That show was one of my personal favorites to work on. I'm glad that you enjoyed it! Did you study fashion design in school?"

Tsuna slid the manila folder across the table. "Everything you need to know about me is in there. Help yourself."

Mami bounced in her seat excitedly. "Oh, can I see them too, Tou-chan? I wanna see, I wanna see!"

Tsuna patted her head. "Calm down, kiddo. You'll see them soon. Come on, finish your cake."

Mami pouted. "Okay." She sat back down and chewed on her cake. She then perked up. "Do you want some, Sora-nii? I can share!"

"I'm good, sweetheart. Don't forget to chew slowly. We can't have you choking, can we?"

Hotaru and Makoto flipped through his sketches while he spoke with Mami; he watched them from the corner of his eye as Mami chattered on about how good the cake was. Honestly children should be protected for their pure innocence, one of the few things good in the world. Tsuna grabbed a napkin and gently wiped some cream from Mami's lips. "Now, now, Mami-chan, don't eat too fast or else you'll make a mess."

Mami giggled. "You're like Onii-chan! He says the same thing all the time." Her legs swung back and forth underneath the table. "I think Sora-nii and Onii-chan can be friends like me and Tomoko-chan!"

"Oh, really? And where's your Onii-chan?"

Mami pouted. "He's in school. He doesn't come unless it's the weekends, and today's only Thursday."

Tsuna smiled at her. "Well, two more days and he'll be right home, won't he? Think of it as a reward for Mami-chan's sweet patience."

Mami brightened up considerably. "Really? Okay, I'll try! Onii-chan's really funny, too! He falls and trips a lot but he's really, really nice! He gives me piggyback rides sometimes when I get tired."

"Sora-san, this is incredible," Hotaru said, raising her hand over her mouth. Her nails were dark pink. "I really like this one."

She pointed at a sketch of a female model, hands posed behind her messy bun and chin upturned, wearing a sleeveless royal blue dress with a long slit that showed off her thigh. A few strands of black hair fell over her cheeks. The most interesting part was the waist: the dress seemed to be tied by a bow until you looked more closely and noticed that it rippled down into a long, flowing skirt. A large, diamond choker necklace adorned her slim neck.

Tsuna leaned back against the yellow cushion. "I'm glad."

"You have impressive skills, Sora-san," Makoto said, studying the sketch closely. He rubbed his chin. "How old are you again?"

"24 and still rising."

Makoto shook his head. "Amazing." He smiled almost sheepishly. "I wasn't able to draw my own design until I was 26. You can say that I was a late bloomer."

Tsuna just smiled politely and sipped his iced coffee; it needed more sugar. Makoto moved onto the next page. It had a female model looking at a compact mirror while powdering her rosy cheeks. Her dirty blonde hair was tied into a low ponytail that reached her mid-back. She wore a sleeveless, light tan A-line dress that stopped short above her knees with a thick, double-O brown belt that hung loosely around her waist. A pair of brown, ankle-high high-heeled boots adorned her feet, and a bright yellow purse hung from her shoulder.

"You're very minimalistic," Makoto said.

Tsuna shrugged. "I can improvise. Setting the base is just as important as getting things together, don't you agree?"

When Makoto turned to the next sketch, Mami widened her eyes. "Oh, I like that one!"

The design was a female model with short, curly brown hair posing almost shyly at the camera, eyes lowered and hands clasped behind her back. She wore a light pink, off-shoulder dress that reached her calves. The upper bodice was made out of lace and a pure white fabric wrapped around her high waist. The chiffon skirt was poufy and sparkled with shiny white sequins. A pink ribbon was also tied around the model's neck.

Tsuna smiled. "The fun isn't over yet, kiddo. But hey, I made that with you in mind."

Mami turned to him with bright eyes. "Really?"

"Yup. Look here." Tsuna pointed at the white sash. "We can always add cherries here if you want and take out the lace if you don't like it. I think if it's a solid pink fabric, satin maybe, it'll be nicer to wear. Lace and cherries aren't really a good mix. Maybe, but who knows? We're going to have to test a lot of things out."

"These are all very beautiful, Sora-san," Hotaru said, looking at a few more designs. She smiled. "I knew you were talented the first time I met you. What do you think, honey?"

Makoto rubbed his chin. "They're good, I won't deny that, but they're not…quite what I had in mind. Is it possible to take these home for a better review?"

Tsuna closed the folder, making the couple jump. He smiled sweetly. "Oh, but these are originals and I don't make second-hand copies, Kozato-san. You see what I have now and that's all. I'm sorry about that but some like me are quite sensitive about copyright. Kids these days, you know? Pirating anything they can get their grubby hands on. Of course, I'm not saying that you're a thief." Makoto tensed. "A very good friend of mine stole some of my designs before and I learned to watch my back more since. You're a good man, I'm sure, but I don't throw away my trust like that blindly. I hope you understand where I'm coming from."

Hotaru frowned sympathetically; what an oblivious, kind woman. "Oh dear. I'm sorry to hear that. We take that very seriously at our company don't we, honey? We understand."

Makoto blinked before clearing his throat. "Ah, yes, we do. Plagiarism is unacceptable. I'm sorry about your friend, Sora-san." He smiled. "I hope you were able to sort it out."

Tsuna smiled, showing a bit of teeth. "Of course, I have. I'm not one to take the punches."

Mami gasped. "Someone hit you, Sora-nii? Who?"

Tsuna bopped her nose lightly. "Just a very bad person, Mami-chan. But don't worry. Nii-san wasn't the one who got hurt the most." He glanced at Makoto, who had tensed. "It's quite competitive, don't you think, Kozato-san? I'm sure you experienced some things back in your school days."

Hotaru huffed. "How terrible. People like your friend don't deserve anything if all they'll do is take others' hard work."

Tsuna nodded. "Preach, ma'am." He smiled down at Mami. "You have a great mother, Mami-chan."

Makoto's smile strained some more. "Yes. Competitive, yes very. Every field has their fair share of competition and it can get overwhelming. I'm glad to see you being able to do what you love, Sora-san. It looks like it was worth it."

Tsuna hummed to himself. "I suppose."

Hotaru suddenly nodded. "Honey, I think he's perfect."

Makoto blinked. "Eh? What do you mean? We haven't discussed it yet."

Hotaru pursed her lips. "Tomoko-chan's birthday is next Saturday and we don't have much time to find someone else. You and your designers are busy with the next showcase." Her eyes softened. "Besides, Mami-chan likes Sora-san very much."

"He's still a fresh face," Makoto muttered under his breath.

Hotaru lightly smacked his shoulder, making him gape. "You worry too much, honey. Trust me." She smiled at Tsuna. "If you don't mind, we'll gladly ask for your services! Although, I apologize for bringing this on you on such short notice. Will you be alright with that?"

"I'll live," Tsuna said.

Mami squealed. "Does that mean Sora-nii is making me a dress?"

Tsuna gave her smile. "If that's what your mother said, I'm all in." He groaned dramatically in pain when Mami tackled him into a hug. "Actually, I'll have to live through your hugs first before doing anything, kiddo."

Mami giggled. "You're funny, Sora-nii!"

When the couple rose, Tsuna followed suit, steadying Mami beside him. "I guess I'll see you again, Kozato-san. I'll make sure to get some samples by, hmm, Monday. You'll be getting a call around then." He raised his hand when Makoto opened his mouth. "Don't worry, I'll keep you updated on everything down to what time I sleep, eat, and well, do other humanly things."

Mami laughed, even if she didn't quite understand the last part. Makoto pursed his lips. "The…last part isn't necessary but thank you, Sora-san." He stuck out his hand again. "It was a pleasure meeting you. I hope to see your works in the future."

Tsuna smiled. "Likewise. Thanks for the best wishes. Good luck to your company."

Makoto returned the gesture more out of politeness than anything else. "Thank you."

Waving, Mami quickly dashed off to her mother's side. Tsuna's smile remained until the small family left the café. At least they took their stuff with them. He slumped back in his booth and shook his barely touched iced coffee, swirling the ice. Well, the gesture was nice he supposed.

"Really?" a voice said behind him. "You look tragic."

Tsuna looked over his shoulder, tilting his head. "Figures. I knew my snake radar was going wild."

M.M scowled. "Are you calling me a snake? Look at you, telling those people that—"

"Carrot Top, I'm not in the mood to play."

Putting her sunglasses back on, M.M huffed before sinking back down in her booth seat. There was some rustling behind Tsuna when M.M suddenly emerged and sat down across from him, plopping her orange Gucci bag beside her. Tsuna quirked a brow. "And where's your invitation?"

M.M crossed her arms over her chest. "Stop acting dumb. I heard everything." She lowered her amber sunglasses, peering at the folder of sketches. Quickly, she looked up to meet Tsuna's gaze. "Look, I know I'm not the nicest person around and what I did to you was really shitty."

Tsuna looked over his fingernails disinterestedly. "Boring. Clock's ticking."

M.M flushed. She huffed irritably, looking away. "Anyways just, you know, I'm…sorry for what I did."

"Hm? For what?"

"For…stuff."

Tsuna's lips slightly twitched. "Stuff as in…?"

M.M sipped her weird green smoothie. "You know, having Lancia…follow your friend."

Tsuna imitated the sound of a buzzer. "The correct word is stalk, Carrot Top."

"Stop calling me that! Ugh! Whatever. I'm also sorry about appearing in your house."

"Breaking in."

M.M turned redder, almost matching the color of her hair. "Also…the background check."

"Invasion of privacy."

M.M slammed her hands on the table, drawing some stares. "Okay, look, I'm sorry for all those things."

A bout of silence passed. Tsuna propped his chin on his palm. "Is that everything?"

"…Yes."

Humming, Tsuna pushed his iced coffee to the side. "Well, thank you very much for your apology. I'm sure it must've been very difficult. You were really brave." He grinned when M.M visibly relaxed. "That's what you thought I'd say, right?" The model flinched. "Oh come on, Carrot Top. Don't look so sad. You should've expected this because, well, you know everything about me, right?" His grin grew a little wider, making M.M pale. "Is that why you stalked me here?"

"I—I didn't stalk you!" M.M said. "I was already here since 6:30!"

"Mhm, that's what they all say."

"I'm telling you the truth!"

"Right."

M.M groaned aggravatingly and sipped her smoothie. "You're impossible."

"Thank you. A compliment a day keeps the wrinkles away."

She slammed her cup back on the table. "I wanted to be nice to you. Your friend even chased me down that day to apologize but clearly this isn't working." Ah, so that was what Haru had done. "You don't respond well to sentiments, do you?"

Tsuna traced the rim of his plastic lid lazily. "I do if they're sincere and from the heart as they say." He glanced at M.M who blushed again. "You, Carrot Top, have no heart." M.M mumbled some French curses under her breath and whew, were they colorful. "Touché, dear."

M.M scowled at him. "Okay then. How about this? I'll expose your existence to the whole world and to Simon's CEO." She smirked. "Imagine the look on the poor girl's face when she finds out that her precious Sora-nii was just a fraud."

Tsuna returned the gesture. "Oh, spicy. And?"

M.M straightened up. "I don't know if it's pathetic or pitiful how you're always getting the short end of the stick."

Tsuna smiled. "I beg to differ. You know, I'm an adult. I've went through some things, most nicer than others."

M.M flushed at the implications but quickly regained her composure. "I want to be your model for the Ukiyo Boutique Show."

"Oh, not spicy. You know, I never cared about the show."

"And I don't do small events."

"Oh wow, did you want a cookie for that?"

M.M furrowed her brows. "The fact that Reborn of all people actually brought you in already speaks volumes. Everyone was talking about you after you left. How do you know Reborn anyways?" She gasped, leaning forward. "Do you know him from Vongola? How did you two meet? Are you friends?"

Tsuna waved her away. "If I hear his name again, I will puke on you and that's a promise."

M.M pulled a face. "You're disgusting."

Tsuna grinned impishly. "Remember who you're talking to, Carrot Top." He drummed his fingers on the manila folder, which M.M eyed almost greedily. "So if you become a model for the Ukimame or whatever show, you won't tell anyone about me, and if I don't take you, you'll tell everyone my parents' deepest darkest secret."

M.M smirked. "Yes. Choose wisely. Your whole life is on the line."

Tsuna hummed to himself. "But that doesn't really benefit me in any way. Making someone do something they don't want to do is very, very mean."

"I know a way to even this out so everyone can be happy." M.M fished her phone out of her pocket. "A private one-on-three meeting with the Sugar Angels. 100% guaranteed."

Tsuna chuckled. "Oh, very spicy. But that doesn't really cover the whole breaking in, invasion of privacy—"

"You can meet my friends so you can let them know how much you hate other people knowing if that makes you feel any better!"

Tsuna tapped his finger against his chin. "Well, that covers the invasion of privacy part. What else? Oh, right. There's just one more thing you'll need to do for me."

M.M huffed. "What?"

"Get me an orange mango smoothie and some chocolate cake. I forgot my wallet."

A/N Spanner needs more love. :^)

Thank you for reading! I hope to see you again in the next chapter.

Have a lovely day~

Little Miss Bunny