I do not own Katekyo Hitman Reborn.
What a Gift Means
While going to a mall during the Christmas season could fill some with a warm spirit, it also served to fuel the Scrooge in those who already had enough grievances towards the holiday. Xanxus was certainly no exception and he strode down the mall corridors with a disgusted glower and tight-lipped frown. Everyone gave the trench-coated man a wide berth and those who didn't scurry out of his way got a scathing glare and a harsh shove in return.
"Screw December," he growled under his breath. The amount of glitter, lights and fake snow in one building was absolutely sickening. "I can't believe I'm freaking Christmas shopping. Shoulda sent out the shark to do it for me."
Xanxus normally would not have been caught dead in such a festive setting. He never acknowledged Christmas. Decorations were forbidden. He didn't want to see a speck of Christmas cheer in his home. He most certainly didn't give gifts.
But then he was defeated by the brat Tsunayoshi. All of his rage and pent-up fury had been exhausted during the final battle and for the first time in a long time, he was able to think without the red haze clouding his mind. He was able to truly realize the extent his subordinates would go to in order to serve him. Even after his humiliating loss, they stuck firmly by his side.
He was able to see all the sacrifices his men had made and all the crap they endured from him. They absolutely had no obligation to stay, but their loyalty was clear and undeniable. He was disgusted to discover that he had grown rather attached to the dysfunctional group, even in his constant state of simmering rage.
And so he started giving gifts, year after year.
An official tradition was established when they received custody of Fran from Mukuro Rokudo. The teal-haired child had been eleven and that was enough for Lussuria. The runt was getting a full, proper Christmas and those who didn't agree would get their bones shattered.
Xanxus would not admit that there was a small flare of satisfaction at seeing the normally blank face of Fran light up at the sight of presents underneath the tree that Christmas morning.
But the kid had turned thirteen and Mammon put his foot down. "There is no way I'm wasting money on all of you, at least not more than I already do," he had snapped. "If you want to do gifts, we'll do a damn Secret Santa."
And of all names Xanxus had to pick, it was the name of their junior illusionist.
"Why couldn't it have been Lussuria?" grumbled Xanxus. "Hell, it could have been anyone. But it had to be the runt."
The Varia boss was completely stuck on what to get the kid. Fran didn't show much interest in anything. He played video games with Belphegor, read the occasional book and watched a movie now and then. But he never expressed that was passionate about something.
Xanxus tried to recall what they had bought the brat over the past few years. There were some video games from Belphegor, mostly so that he could play them too. Clothes from Lussuria, since he was the only one who understood everyone's fashion sense. Toys from Mammon, and no one commented if something was particularly expensive, because the kid deserved it. Electronics were out, since he and Squalo had bought Fran all the devices he wanted. As far as Xanxus was concerned, Levi had the right idea in purchasing them all gift cards, but Lussuria had put his foot down on that as well.
If they were doing a Secret Santa, no gift cards.
He found himself standing outside a toy store. Figuring walking through would give him some inspiration, he braced himself and walked stiffly inside.
The place was filled with screaming kids, flustered parents and overwhelmed workers. Xanxus closed his eyes briefly. "I'm going to kill them all when this freaking holiday is over," he hissed, thinking of his men.
He wandered down the aisles but nothing he saw reminded him of his youngest member. He was sorely tempted to contact Rokudo and ask for advice, but he refused to sink so low.
"Kyoko-chan! I can't reach!"
"I don't think I'm going to be much assistance either, Haru-chan."
Eyebrow arching at the familiar voices, Xanxus veered around the corner and into the next aisle. The shelves were dominated by plastic guns, darts, action figures and other toys targeted towards young boys. The brunette stood on her tiptoes, trying in vain to reach a junior chemistry set located on a high shelf.
Kyoko spotted him first. "Hello, Xanxus-san," she greeted warmly.
Haru brightened. "Hi! Do you think you could help me?"
"I'm sure there are workers who get paid to do that," he said dryly.
To her credit, she was not fazed by his rudeness. "I know, but they're all so busy and I'd hate to bother them for a trivial matter. Please?"
Grunting, he went over and reached up, easily removing the box and thrusting it to the girl. Haru beamed. "Thank you, Xanxus-san!"
"What brings you here?" asked Kyoko curiously.
"Probably the same thing that brought you here." The sound of squeaking wheels rolling towards them caused him to glance over his shoulder. Tsuna looked surprised to see him for a moment before his usual smile appeared. Xanxus stared at the cart he pushed, which was loaded with a variety of toys and electronics. "What the hell is all that?"
"Christmas presents," replied Tsuna. "What? Too much?"
"Yes."
"I don't think we have enough," voiced Haru, moving over and placing the chemistry set inside the cart.
Kyoko nodded. "We haven't found anything to put in their stockings."
Xanxus snorted. "Whatever. You're fueling the indulgences of the small trash. That'll bite you in the butt later."
Tsuna leaned against the handle of the cart with a slight smile. "What are you doing here, then?"
"Don't give me that idiotic look," said Xanxus in irritation. "The scum want to do a freaking Secret Santa."
"If you don't want to do it, can't you just tell them so?"
"Shut up."
That was all he could say, really, to the knowing glint that shone in Decimo's brown eyes.
Tsuna laughed softly. Haru tilted her head to the side. "Are you shopping for Fran-chan?" she asked.
"Unfortunately."
"Having trouble finding something to get him?" asked Kyoko sympathetically.
"Of course I am," Xanxus snapped. "The kid doesn't do anything. He doesn't have any interests, any passions. What the hell am I supposed to give a walking blank slate like him?"
"But he does have a passion."
Xanxus turned to glare at Tsuna. "Tell me or I'll shoot you."
Tsuna shook his head in amusement. "Xanxus, Fran's passion is the Varia."
"As well as it should be. That doesn't—"
"No," interrupted Tsuna patiently. "It's not his duty, or his obligation. Like it isn't for the rest of you. You're the Varia because you want to be. Fran is there because he enjoys being with you guys. I've seen it. His insults are his way of showing admiration and affection. The same as how Squalo shows his concern with his yelling and you—"
"If you want to continue living, don't finish that sentence."
Tsuna flushed slightly. "My point is that Fran has been given the perfect present already. Being accepted by you and the others. Whatever you get him, he'll be happy with—in his own way, of course."
Haru clapped her hands. "Well said, Tsuna-san!"
Xanxus pursed his lips for a moment. "I didn't agree to hire sentimental trash," he finally grumbled.
Tsuna smiled. "I think you're a bit too late on that one. You're all sentimental, in your violent and rough way."
The only reason he wasn't shot on the spot was because Xanxus was restraining himself in respect to the two females present. Not because he could grudgingly admit that Sawada had a point.
…
Lips tracing the rim of his wine glass, Xanxus leaned back in his chair and watched idly as his men exchanged gifts. There was the usual griping, insulting and dismissive gestures, and he took particular notice to the hidden thanks and gruff affection that hid behind the words. With the exception of Lussuria, of course, who had no problems declaring his feelings.
Damn. I did hire sentimental trash, he thought moodily.
Squalo was his Secret Santa, and he had given him an engraved wine glass with the order that it better not be shattered against a wall for at least six months. Xanxus lifted the rectangular box that sat beside him.
"Here," he grunted, throwing at the thirteen-year-old sitting on the floor in front of the tree.
Fran caught it with quick hands and he stared at it for a moment.
"Go on," urged Lussuria. "Open it, hon."
The teal-haired boy obeyed, lifting up the lid and pushing aside the tissue paper resting on top. His eyes grew wide at the article of clothing inside.
"Ushishishi," cackled Belphegor. "Froggy gets to dress like the big boys now."
Fran held up a black and tan jacket that had the Varia symbol sewn on the right breast. The material was sleek and smooth under his touch. "How come Bel-sempai has a dozen of these?" he asked.
"Because I'm a prince and I get more than you," sang Belphegor.
"I've got many a rebuttal for that remark," said Fran.
"Go ahead and pick one. You'll get skewered no matter what."
"There's one more thing, small trash," intervened Xanxus. "Shut up and open it."
Curious, Fran looked once more into the package. His heart froze for a brief moment at the small black jewelry box that had been nestled under the material. He lifted it up and opened it with trembling fingers. An indigo Varia Mist ring sparkled at him, and when he held it out to inspect it further, he found his name engraved on the inside of the silver band.
Xanxus took immediate note of the harsh blinking and odd expression. "Don't you freaking start to cry," he ordered, pointing threateningly at the boy. "I swear, one tear and I'll knock your head off."
"That's so sweet!" cooed Lussuria.
"Well, to get any gift from Boss is an honour, never mind this kind of gift," sniffed Levi.
"Put it on, squirt," said Mammon.
Fran slipped the Varia Mist ring onto his finger, trying to contain his emotions, which were rarely ever strong. His chest was oddly tight and there was a lump in his throat. The uniform was one thing, but the Varia ring was a symbol. It meant that he was part of the elitist of the elite. It meant he was part of them.
A smile curled across his face, his chest loosening slightly. He certainly could not cry, for none of them would ever let him forget it. "Thank you, Xanxus," he said sincerely.
Xanxus huffed. "Better be. Took that damn jeweller forever to whip that up," he said, trying to ignore the twinges of contentment he felt from the ridiculously happy expression on the boy's face.
"I think I found something to play hide-and-seek with," said Belphegor with a sly smirk.
Fran rolled his eyes. "Your hiding places suck. You always put Captain's hair conditioner in the same spot."
"I knew it!" bellowed Squalo. "You rotten twerp!"
Belphegor tried to climb over the back of the couch to escape but was not quick enough. Squalo grabbed him by the waist and dragged him to the floor, pinning him down. "I'm gonna smack you into next week!" snapped Squalo, digging his knee into the prince's back.
"Not if I stab you first," retorted Belphegor. He managed to get himself out from underneath the swordsman and the two fell in a wrestling match on the hardwood floor. Fran quickly materialized in between Mammon and Lussuria on the couch to avoid being dragged into the fray.
Xanxus watched his men for a moment. Levi had his head resting back against the couch but the way his head was tilted showed that he was listening to Lussuria's cheerful nattering. A grinning Squalo had Belphegor in a headlock. The blonde was trying to look irritated but there was a smirk on his lips. Mammon was slouched against the cushions, his hood pulled over his face as always. But the slight smile on his face indicated his amusement with the tussling pair. Fran was staring at his new ring with an awed, delighted expression.
The teal-haired boy suddenly looked over, catching Xanxus' eye. He could not contain the grin from stretching out and Xanxus clicked his tongue.
Damn. He really did love these losers.
