Ah, I'm back! It took a while- I had essays coming out of my ears! Plus writer's block. But thanks to some advice from my writing book, I'm going to attempt fixing that.
If anyone seems ooc, I blame it on the alcohol! (The alcohol they drank, not me. I don't drink.)
Thank-you to the person who said I should show what the others think of the development! It kicked away a little of the block!
I do not own anything that I do not own.
As Haru and the girls were having their little ice-cream klatch, Tsuna was drowning his sorrows and uncertainties in a watered glass of wine. Oh yes, regardless of his looks, he was
fond of the odd glass. Unfortunately, his small frame meant it was fairly easy to get drunk, so he watered his drinks. He would often excuse the habit as a necessary relaxant for the crazy life he led.
After draining his second glass, he moaned, and buried his head in his arms, resting on the much too formal desk. "So, what do you guys think?" he asked, voice muffled by his appendages.
"About what, Decimo?" asked Gokudera, who was perched on the upholstered window seat, staring contemplatively at the swirling ruby liquid in his glass. "Haru!" "Oh, that woman?" he waved off. "Che, what about her? Worried about what she did?" "Of course! Why shouldn't I be?" snapped Tsuna, his head up, caramel eyes flashing. "Uh... sorry... I apologize for the breach in conduct!" the Italian stuttered, nearly spilling his drink.
"Now, now, calm down" laughed Yamamoto, from where he was sprawled, across a plump plum-colored armchair.
The young boss sighed, and leaned back, staring at the ceiling. The much-too-white ceiling. Seriously, how does one keep a ceiling that clean? Do they even have spiders in Greece? Or maybe the spiders know that if they stay in a Mafioso's home, they'll get used for target practice? Certainly he'd been used for target practice himself, and he was human. Not that his tutor was. Which reminded him, where was Reborn? Once he'd gone up to the roof, Reborn had disappeared. Ah, never mind the sadistic toddler, Haru was more important right now.
The problem was that he wasn't sure what he felt about Haru. Certainly he worried about her, was fond of the girl. And he made a point to protect her; considered it to be his responsibility to do so. But did he love her? Could he pry her from his cloud? Did she love the cold prefect? Franky, he didn't know what to think about the whole madcap affair. But that pale face, those panicked eyes... Did she really want this?
"Let me rephrase my question; Do you guys think that she really meant to propose to Hibari?" Tsuna asked his subordinates.
Yamamoto straightened up, and assumed his 'thinking' position. "Well, who knows? But she did look very white!" "Che, she's always nice and pale! Said it was more lady-like to be that way." Tsuna blinked. "When was that?" "Hmph, I don't remember- why would I remember when that stupid woman said something? The only reason I remembered that much was because it's a idiotic thing to say! Unless, of course, you think being pale is a good thing! Anything you think is good is good!"
"R..really?" Tsuna stuttered, never failing to amazed at the Italian's devotion. "Yes!" Gokudera nodded fervently, though he seemed to be muttering something about a certain Mist under his breath.
Yamamoto leaned back, chuckling. The Storm snapped around. "What are you laughing at?" he demanded tersely. "Nothing, just your... fervency..." "What's that supposed to mean?" he snapped, hand sneaking inside his unbuttoned jacket- no doubt for a stick of his preferred weapon. "Ah, calm down, I meant no disrespect! Let's get back on topic, eh? Wouldn't want to worry Tsuna now, would we?" Gokudera froze at the thought that he might be worrying his boss again. "Ah, right." he relented.
"So, she was most definitely white. Er, whiter than usual. She fainted, and when she made her re-appearance during the dancing, she cast a few sidelong glances at Tsuna, regret in her eyes. While being questioned and complimented by the flock of envious females, her laugh wasn't quite natural, and her eyes were distant. When she left for bed, just before she turned the corner, and was out of sight, her shoulders slumped. I'd say that she wasn't happy, regardless of whether she meant to propose or not."
Tsuna and Gokudera stared. "A..amazing, like usual, Yamamoto!" gasped the smaller man.
"Che, how do you know what her natural laugh sounds like?" snorted the silver-haired man. Yamamoto looked at Gokudera levelly. "I paid attention. It wasn't hard to do. She is a lovely girl, after all. I guess you're not very interested in the fairer sex, eh?"
"HEY! WHAT EXACTLY ARE YOU IMPLYING HERE?" "Hmm, who knows..." grinned the swordsman, leaning back again. "Che, never mind! I don't want to know!"
The Rain ignored the fuming Storm, and turned back to his boss. "I guess there's only one way to find out what really happened! Shall I go get her?" "Hey, don't cut me to the quick here! As the boss's right hand man, I should go!" "Oh? I assumed, in the state of temper you're in, she'd think you came to kill her in the night, not fetch her for questioning." "Why, you!" the Italian growled, before being cut off by Tsuna frantically waving his hands. "Please, guys, no death matches at this time of night! And speaking of the time, it's much too late for this- I'll ask her tomorrow. So, please calm down, and go to separate rooms!" Gokudera drilled Yamamoto with a fiery gaze, then slammed down his now-empty glass, and retired.
Later, lying in his extravagant bed, Tsuna stared up at the ceiling pensively. Sleep was long in coming- his thoughts were running rampant and jumbled, so much so that his brain refused to shut down. An apple had turned his already crazy life upside-down. What exactly was going on here? Something was off, his intuition could tell that much- but what? Perhaps it was just his unease at the thought of losing Haru? Or was something else going on?
Sighing, he rolled onto his side, brushed caramel bangs out of his eyes, closed his weary orbs, and forced his mind blank. Not an easy task. Eventually, though, a troubled sleep came.
/-/-/-/
Early morning.
Haru woke early, to warm,gentle sunlight seeping through the shattered glass of the window. Slowly, she sat up, trying not to wake the other girls. She smiled at I-pin, who had unknowingly draped an arm across her stomach in the night. The Chinese girl's braids were falling apart, mussed, and ribbons lost amongst the warm folds of the blankets. Her bright red dress was wrinkled, and droplets of drool had fallen on the voluminous gold-embroidered sleeves.
Inwardly, ever the designer, she cringed, thinking of the stains. But there was no denying I-pin's cuteness- though she was rapidly approaching the age where she wouldn't want to be be called 'cute'. Pity, how growing up changes people.
Now, to extricate herself from the bed.
Slowly, Haru slid I-pin's arm off her stomach, and wriggled out of the top of the covers, till she was kneeling on the down-filled pillow. Slowly, she rose- cautiously.
Pressing close to the headboard, she picked her way over Chrome's head, then gently hopped down to the floor. She tip-toed across the room, avoiding the odd shard of glittering glass. Finally, she reached the cherry-wood wardrobe.
Ignoring the ominous snake-like carvings on the doors, she searched the recesses of the furniture for an outfit. Hmph, too bad Narnia didn't exist- it'd solve a lot of problems to disappear from the world entirely!
Choosing a simple white sundress and a blue sweater- since it was slightly chilly for her taste at the moment- she hurriedly undid her old dress, and slid the new one on. While shoving one arm in a sleeve of the sweater, she used the other to search for flat shoes. She found her trusty old blue flip-flops. Not the most sophisticated of footwear, but comfortable.
Now ready to take on the world, she slipped out the door, and settled into a brisk walk down the hall and stairs, across the empty ballroom- well, empty save for one man tucked underneath a table, sleeping his drinks off-the staff missed him- and down the causeway to the gardens.
She needed to clear her head, and a good walk would do that.
/-/-/-/
The lemon trees didn't look quite as magical without the Christmas lights on, but it was still quite a pretty place. Slowly, she meandered down the avenues- heading in the opposite direction that she had gone the night before. The air was laced with lemon and sea-salt, and a brisk, somewhat chill breeze whipped the skirt of her dress about her knees. Shading her eyes, she smiled at the rising sun. Vibrant colors spangled the horizon, and the crazy antics last night seemed a distant memory- why, one could almost forget an unwelcome engagement!
Then, an "Ushishishi!" rang out behind her.
Haru spun around- not too quickly though, she'd learnt her lesson- and saw a blond boy standing a few feet away. She noted the stylish striped shirt, then dismissed her admiration for his fashion sense in favor of wariness. After all, knife. The blond was twirling a very sharp looking instrument of death around his finger. "Hahi? What do you want!" she demanded.
The blond grinned, a twisted, teeth-baring smile. The kind of smile she'd learned to avoid after a few years at Tsuna's side. Slowly shifting her left foot forward, she prepared to defend herself, should he attack. She was suddenly glad for taking a few basic lessons on defense from her diminutive girlfriend.
"Ushishi... the boss wants to see you." he snickered. She wrinkled her nose. "The boss. What makes you think Haru will come with you to your boss? I don't even know you, let alone your boss!" "Ushishishi... The prince says you need to come with him, or lose a finger" He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly "It doesn't matter to the prince what you pick, he'll have fun all the same." Haru blinked in disbelief. "You're a prince." she stated flatly. "Why does Haru not believe you? Oh, maybe it's because your crown looks like it belongs on a little girl pretending to be a princess!"
If she could have seen his eyes, she was sure his look right then would have killed her where she stood. The brunette gulped, wishing her temper hadn't got the better of her- in her defense, she'd had a trying night. The blond tensed, and another knife slid into his hand from who-knows-where. "Ushishi, the stupid woman is going to regret that!" he cackled, readying for the certain kill. Haru shivered, and raised her fists to her face, ready to hopefully block shiny sharp missiles of death. He reared back over-dramatically, fingers tensed, creepy grin cocked on his face. She cringed.
Then... "VOOOOOOI! You little bastard, what's taking so long? The boss is pissed as... You IDIOT! Don't KILL people who need to be questioned!"
Haru blinked, lowering her fists slightly. The self-proclaimed 'prince''s face twisted, into a cross of annoyance and amusement. "Ushishi, you look like shit!" "Tch, don't remind me!" Squalo snapped, striding towards the pair. He passed Belphegor, and approached Haru. She shrank back, and would have fled since the knives were no longer aimed at her- but the silver-haired man grabbed her wrist, and began to drag her along, despite her protests.
/-/-/-/
A few bicker-filled minutes later, the odd trio stopped at a wall.
"Hmph, this is somewhat anti-climatic" snarked Haru, glaring at the men.
"Shut up" growled Squalo, and kicked the stucco. Nothing happened.
"Still not impressed."
"Just shut up! It's not my fault that Mammon is an idiot! VOOOOOI! Open up, you little annoyance!"
A droning voice emanated from the wall "Password- or a hundred euros in my bank account . Knock yourself out with the wide variety of options." "VOOOOI! I choose the third option!" "Oh?" "Yeah, kicking this stupid illusion down! I refuse to pay you, and there is no way that I'll ever do the stupid password!" "You can try. Call me when you're done making a fool of yourself."
Squalo growled at the wall, and shoved Haru away, right into Belphegor's surprised arms. With his typical battle cry on his lips, the swordsman took a run at the wall, kicking it, and releasing some of the explosives in his sword. When the smoke cleared, the wall still stood, unmarked.
Meanwhile, Haru had just realized she'd been shoved into a psychopath's arms, and was beating at his chest ineffectually, while he only grinned and smashed her tighter, gleefully cutting off her circulation. "Ushishi, I forgot just how much fun it is feeling the flesh beneath one's fingertips- I usually just go for the blood!" "HAHI! LET HARU GO!" "Ushishishi..."
Finally, just as Haru was about to pass out, Squalo gave in. "VOOOI! I'LL PLAY YOUR LITTLE GAME- AND STEAL YOUR PAYCHECK SOMETIME!"
Muttering under his breath, he turned and stalked away from the wall about ten strides, then turned and faced it, a look of extreme pain and distaste on his face. "I'M READY, SO START THE BLOODY MUSIC! LET'S GET THIS OVER WITH BEFORE ANYONE QUESTIONS MY MANHOOD!" "Ushishi, what manhood?" "Why you... you know what, come over here! You should have to undergo the trial as well!"
The prince got a queer expression on his face- it was as if he had seen something so horrible, so traumatizing, that he would be forever scarred. "No. Princes don't.. don't.." He seemed to have trouble forcing the words out.
Haru stared at the two men, wondering just what was so awful about this password. Then the voice spoke again. "Both of you get in line- the girl doesn't have to this time- but she should take notes for next time."
Belphegor looked positively sick as he trudged forward to Squalo's side. Haru watched with bated breath- for what, she wasn't quite sure- something along the line of giant centipedes, perhaps.
"Ready? Don't answer that. Here we go!"
Suddenly, bright, cheerful music came out of nowhere. An extremely high, saccharine sweet voice began to sing; " Doo-Doo-Doo-Do, Yeah-eah-eah! Vi undrar ar ni redo att vara med...", etc...
Haru watched bemusedly as the two manly men bounced their hips back and forth, and flapped their hands (and sword), while sharing a common expression of disgust.
This continued on for approximately three minutes, which, by the end of, she was barely able to contain her hilarity, rolling about on the ground.
As soon as the music ceased, the wall melted away to reveal a door, through which the very irritated men dragged her promptly, hustled her down a short hall, opened the second door on the left, shoved the girl inside, and left to hunt down and kill a mischievous illusionist.
Haru stumbled at the sudden push, and regained her balance shakily.
The room which she'd so suddenly entered was dark, and she squinted, trying to make out the dark figure seated on a large chair.
"Oi. Woman. Come here."
She froze. Oh, please, let it not be him, please not him, no no no... "I said come." Reluctantly, she stepped forward.
"Sit." The shadowy figure indicated a high-backed chair facing his own. Slowly, she complied, fingers fisting her cotton skirt. "Wh.. Why is it so dark?" she shakily asked. "Because I have a hangover. Any more stupid questions?" "N..No."
"Good."
The man leaned back, luminous red eyes drilling a hole through her. Silence stretched out for a few seconds, then... "So, your intentions are pure?"
"HAHI?"
A sigh. "You said you'll never marry for money or power. Shouted it, in fact. And yet, here you are, engaged to a cold-son-of-a-bitch. What possible reason is there for that than those two?"
The girl fidgeted. "It's... complicated."
"I am not as stupid as you think I am."
She jerked in shock. "I.. Haru never thought! I would never, because..." "I'd blast a hole through you?" " Eheh... yes. Um, would you believe me if I said it was an accident?"
"Sure, whatever. It's what I thought anyway." "Hahi? Then why'd you..." "Call you here? I was merely a bit curious. What I really wanted to ask was this:"
Xanxus leaned forward, a terrifying grin affixed to his face.
"Could we crash your wedding?"
Sorry! I just couldn't resist the perfect cut-off point!
And yes, Squalo and Bel are Caramelldansen!
Mammon likes to torture people :)
I'll try making the next chapter a bit longer than usual, to make up for the fact that this is somewhat fillerish. But it's fun!