A/N:I guess I'm gonna be keeping the chapters short. This story is more light-hearted than my other stories, since it would be focusing on Fong and Mammon's awkward relationship. ^^ I'll be trying my hand at fluff. :D

Here's chapter 2. Hope you readers enjoy!

Under the Hood

-Chapter 2-

"Mammon, this is Fong. Fong, meet Mammon."

This Fong person smiled kindly and extended a hand to me. And from behind my hood, I narrowed my eyes at him. I looked at his hand, not making any move to take it in my own. I noticed how he was shifting a bit, looking somewhat unsure as to what to do, with my lack of response. I couldn't help feeling smug about that. A smile, really tiny, but a smile nonetheless, found its way to my lips.

From the corner of my eye, I could see the disapproving shake of Luce's head.

Not that I care or anything.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mammon." The Chinese said with his gentle smile.

I sighed. Rather deeply, it seemed. I looked at him square in the eye, knowing fully well that he couldn't see my face. I started shaking my head softly. I really couldn't care less. I have no intention of making this guy's acquaintance. He could be with the rest of the gang for all I care. I don't like him. And I doubt getting to know him more would change that fact.

Stupid, idiotic Chinese.

"Mammon!"

Ah. Did I just say that out loud?

Luce stared at me wide-eyed, looking scandalized. Fong looked quite taken aback as well, as do the rest of the group. Well, except for Reborn. I doubt he would ever allow himself any other expression, save for that infuriating smirk of his.

The cat's out of the bag, though I never really planned on making my dislike for him and people in general a secret. After all, the sooner he knows how I feel and how I am, the sooner he stops trying to befriend me. I could live very happily and content with that.

I nodded approvingly to myself as Fong retracted his outstretched hand.

Only to grow increasingly pissed as the others started berating me for what I just said.

Luce started rambling in her motherly voice how I was rude and should apologize. Like fuck I'll apologize. I'd sooner lick Reborn's shoe clean. And that thought alone makes me want to strangle someone to death. After conning him out of all his money, that is.

"That wasn't very nice, kora."

"You should apologize, Sempai!"

"For once I'll have to agree with the lackey."

"W-what was that! That's mean!"

And a series of bickering started. I let out a sigh. I really wonder how I've been able to stay with these people for so long. Taking this momentary distraction from me, I walked away from the group, making my escape, just as Verde had done.

By the time someone noticed I was gone, I was probably already halfway through the exit.

::

"Ehh? Where's Mammon?"

"She escaped damn it!"

Fong smiled as he looked over how this group interacted with one another. He found their weird friendship rather comforting, and he wouldn't mind being friends with the lot of them. He cast a quick appreciative smile to Reborn, which he was sure the other noticed, for introducing him to them. He was happy to be included with this group, especially so since he can picture himself having a bit of trouble making friends by himself. He's new to this country, after all.

His thoughts wandered to 'Mammon', the girl he bumped into earlier in the day. He chuckled as he recalled the rude way she presented herself. Oddly enough, he found her endearing, rather than be repulsed by how she acted. For sure, he was mighty intrigued by her.

He looked at his new friends as they squabbled with each other with amusement. Luce soon noticed him staring and went over to him with an apologetic smile.

"I'm really sorry about all this. They're not particularly behaved today."

Fong chuckled into his sleeve. "No, I don't mind. They seem to be having fun."

Luce smiled at him, but then frowned as she recalled what happened prior. She coughed to get Fong's attention.

"About Mammon...I do hope you won't treat her coldly after this. She's a rather sweet girl, even if she denies so herself." At this Luce chuckled, and then she grew serious, a smile still on her face.

"I really think that she needs someone to be her friend. Maybe...you could be her first."

Fong smiled amidst the noisy background and gave a small nod.

A/N: As always, reviews are lovely. :D