I knew what I wanted to write but trying to type it out was like pulling teeth. I just wasn't in the mood. Finally managed to get it down though so here you go.

Chapter 12: The Neighbor Attempts to be Polite

They were in Xanxus's room. More specifically they were in the room that would lead into Xanxus's room. His personal room's living room as it was. It was nearly the size of the entire upper floor of Tsuna's house.

There was a throne, big and plush and befitting of a king, but not the one that Tsuna had seen. Not the one with the broken leg. He wondered where it went. Hopefully they managed to fix it because it was such a pretty gold and red color. This one was black with deep burgundy cushion.

The King took a seat on the throne in front of a heavy black colored coffee table. There were more ornate designs on it but Tsuna couldn't make them out because he was simply more focused on the powerful presence reclining in his rightful seat.

"Sit." Ordered the King as he jabbed at the rather tall couch across from him.

Tsuna ended up struggling just to hoist himself onto the seat and Yamaguchi desperately wanted to help the child but feared that Xanxus would not be pleased, or worse, get angry.

Finally Tsuna managed to make it and turned around to face Xanxus.

There was another few heartbeats of silence and then the King straightened and Tsuna knew he was about to speak.

Xanxus opened his mouth to address his neighbor.

"Tra-…" He stopped. And tried to start again. "Scu-…"

…Is…is he trying not to insult the boy?

"Ba-"

Boss!

Yamaguchi clenched his hands, trying to telepathically send words of encouragement.

You can do it Boss! It'll be fine.

Xanxus's face looked just like the time he had tried to bite one of those extra-large jawbreakers in half. The ones that some people couldn't even fit into their mouths. It was fierce with concentration (and rather terrifying to be honest) and Yamaguchi seriously hoped that young Tsunayoshi wouldn't burst into tears. He had seen men ten times older than the little boy do so, but ended up doing a double take when he realized that the boy was actually staring back just as intently with no trace of fear.

Come on Boss! You're almost there!

"B-"

Just say it. Say boy!

"Brat."

Yamaguchi nearly cried.

So close yet so far…

"Brat." Repeated Xanxus as if he was reaffirming that he had actually managed to call the boy something other than Baby Trash or Scum. He seemed to be almost pleased with himself. Tsuna just smiled at being addressed, a guilelessly cheerful expression pasted across his chubby cheeks.

"Yes your majesty?"

Yamaguchi took a deep breath to steel himself. It seemed that the next part of this nerve-wracking situation was about to begin.

You can do it Xanxus! Look at the sort of miracles Tsuna is working here folks. By the time the Ninth shows up, his youngest might have finally learned some manners. Whether he uses them or not is a different story though…

In case anyone is wondering, this fic is essentially slice-of-life that will have drama/action later. Time skips will only be a matter of days to a few weeks at the most.