X86 - Katekyo Hitman Reborn - Prince Charming (Part 1)

Summary: Where Haru is forced into her PR duties for the Varia. X86 / XanxusxHaru (A side story to the Sleep Series)

My lack of KHR knowledge might make some things untrue or some characters OOC!

I don't own Katekyo Hitman Reborn!

Please forgive any mistakes, both character-wise and grammatically-wise. I don't have time to re-read or edit things.

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Prince Charming (Part 1)

HappyFace1886

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“Ms. Miura, this can’t go on much longer,” the stern faced man said gruffly with his arms crossed. Seated around the man in the long table were other equally stern faced individuals that were part of the most overworked and underpaid –at least with the level of work and difficulty they face every day– team in the universe.

The PR for the Varia.

Haru forced the smile on her face, though she was pretty sure it looked like a pained grimace at the moment. She'd been on her way to the research labs when they'd nabbed her. Resisting the urge to groan, she was grateful for being able to speak sweetly at the very least. Maybe if she sounded cool and carefree, they’ll back off. “What do you mean Mr. Donati?”

“You know very well the situation we’re in, Ms. Miura,” this time a stern faced woman was speaking, her pointed glasses sparkling under the light of the meeting room as her heavy scowl just seemed to emphasize the heavy lines on her face. Haru internally winced. “This is the sixth time today that the Varia has destroyed public property and nearly maimed several pedestrians!”

“...who was it this time?” Haru inquired in exasperation, resisting the urge to slump down on her seat. She may work with these people, but she knew just how judgey they could get with her. Especially with the relationships she had within this organization. “Was it Belphegor-san again? Or maybe Levi-san?”

Haru jumped when a thick folder was dropped abruptly in front of her. She stared at it warily and saw Belphegor’s name on it. Of course. “That is just part one of the files.”

It took everything within Haru not to find Bel and shove the part one folder down his throat. That idiot! Unfortunately, it didn’t look like the people in front of her were done with her. Haru squeaked when four other folders were dropped in front of her. Despite the fear ebbing at her throat, Haru peered at the names of the folders and felt her heart sinking even more.

Belphegor.

Lussuria.

Levi.

Squalo.

And, of course, Xanxus.

Yup, she was going to cry. Or more like go to her room and start ramping up the ole sewing machine again. She’ll take all the men’s uniforms and favorite clothing and stitch it into one ginormous one piece that they can all share while they go about their daily lives as the living wrecking ball that they are. If she could somehow turned them into one giant piece of public property-destroying-innocent-civilian-maiming monster, maybe she’ll be stuck with one giant enormous folder instead of several different ginormous folders dedicated to each stupid Varia squadron leader. Mammon wouldn’t be exempted for it either since he was partly to blame for why Belphegor’s folders wad twice as thick as the other members.

“Something needs to be done!” the stern faced woman shouted.

Haru flipped through one of the files and couldn’t stop the wince when she saw a picture of how half of a building was missing, courtesy of Squalo’s infamous temper. Closing it, she rubbed the bridge of her nose. “Any suggestions?”

“We thought you’d never ask,” Mr. Donati said with a cough and Haru felt a chill go down her spine. He only coughed like that when was going to say something she didn’t like. A folder was handed to her, a thin one –much to Haru’s relief-, with an envelope on top. “A charity ball is going to be held this weekend. We think it would be best if you were to attend it on behalf of the Varia... no, on behalf of the Vongola. Our public image is deteriorating with each incident and while it’s bad enough that we are known as the mafia, the public at least generally trusted us due to how well we take care of our territories.”

“But it’s pointless as to how well we take care of our territory if we’re the ones terrorizing it,” Haru finished glumly. As much as she hated to admit it, he was right. While the Vongola may be known as a terrible and powerful mafia organization to many, due to the diligent efforts of the Nono, many imagine the Vongola to be more along the lines of a silently yet deadly group who kept to themselves unless disturbed.

Not to mention, the true identity of the Varia as an independent assassination group for the Vongola was whispered amongst people, but never actually acknowledged out loud. Heck, most of the public didn’t even think of the Varia to be a somewhat separate entity of the Vongola.

“So I just need to go to this thing and make nice with the people there?” Haru asked with her shoulders sagging at the thought, her fingers numbly opening the envelope filled with elegant cursives in Italian. There was something wrong about going to a charity ball filled with filthy rich people just to improve their image amongst the populace. One would think they’d try to make an actual effort directly with the people instead. If anything, at least the charity had a good reputation and was known for going to a good cause.

This time, all members of the PR team hesitate and Haru wanted to groan out loud. Mr. Donati coughing was one thing. If all of them were exchanging glances with each other...

“...we believe it would be best if you could take one of the Varia with you as well,” came a timid and stiff reply from one of the PR members.

Haru’s eyes bugged out at this. “Excuse me?”

“You’ve been to plenty of events, Ms. Miura, but after the amount of chaos and destruction that occurred within the past few months, the polizia are getting restless and they must believe that they can trust the Varia not to maim anyone just because someone looks at them improperly!”

“I can take care of them trusting us!” Haru protested loudly. She’d rather deal with this by herself than drag one of those idiots with her! They’ll probably make things worse and directly insult the very VIPs that could possible help them!

“But how long will that last until the next round of things? You’re already well aware of the temperament of most of the members. They’ll have someone dead, or worse, maimed by the end of the week!”

“...how is maimed worse than dead?!” Haru almost threw her hands up in the air in frustration.

“At least if they’re dead they can’t directly pin it on us...”

“I’m just going to pretend I didn’t hear that.” Haru said in a clipped tone as she slammed the thin folder shut. “I’ll go over the files and then think of a plan. You people just deal with the reporters for now...”

Gods, taking one of the Varia with her to a charity ball and coming out of it in one piece?

She’d have an easier time convincing Gokudera to shout out that the Vongola was the worst mafia group in history!

---

Haru’s arms were firmly crossed over her chest while she looked over the pictures of all the Varia squad leaders scattered on the table in front of her. As much as she hated to admit it, the PR team had a point. She could only do so much on her own. People seemed to trust her, which was one of the reasons why they haven't been attacked by a polizia by now, but the Varia obviously didn't have the same privilege. If she could just manage to drag one of the Varia and make them shut their mouths throughout the entire evening and let her do all the talking, maybe, just maybe, they could avoid being prosecuted by the law and the public for at least... a week?

Levi-san was out. She threw his picture to the side. While that hulking bear of a man with eccentric sideburns could be charming in his own ways, especially when it came to praising his dear ole boss, he’d scare the crap out of anyone due to his large figure. Not to mention, the people at the charity ball with their silver tongues would talk around him in circles and piss him off in seconds. She could already feel the singe of lightening striking throughout the entire room.

Lussuria-nee was also out as well, unfortunately. Ugh, and he’s the most normal personality-wise (...sometimes), which spoke volumes as to what type of crazy the other Varia members were. Haru knew Lussuria-nee had the charisma to rival any of the VIPs at the ball, but his flamboyant nature and... ahem... interests in the bodies of some of the guests might cause an image she definitely knew the Varia wouldn’t appreciate. If anything, the level of violence caused by the Varia would skyrocket the next day instead.

Mammon-san was also out as well... for obvious reasons. Besides, he'll probably request a giant, ridiculous fee for making an appearance with overtime charges if it lasts longer than he deems necessary.

Belphegor-san... Haru immediately threw the picture to the side. As much as she hated to admit it, Belphegor could definitely charm the pants off of the VIPs at the stupid ball. If only he could just keep his stupid mouth shut. And, for once in his life, restrain himself from disfiguring someone just because he didn’t like how they looked! Over half of the complaints about mutilation were about Belphegor getting all stabby-stabby on someone who looked at him funny or because they looked funny to him!

Haru sighed and then stared at the pictures left on the table.

That left... Squalo-san and... Xanxus...

Haru stared at the two pictures and placed a forefinger on the edge of Xanxus’ picture, slowly moving it to the side. She stiffened, however, when she felt a looming presence behind her. Haru swirled around in order to face the intruder and squeaked when she saw who it was. “Hahi!”

Xanxus stared at where his picture was and how it was being moved to what he aptly guessed was the reject pile. He leaned in close and Haru gulped, leaning back as far as she could, and shivered when his breath brushed against her face as he spoke. “What are you doing?”

“Uh... er... um...” Haru’s eyes flickered everywhere, trying to buy some time in order to think of a good excuse.

“It better not be what I think it is.” He growled.

“W-Well, what do you think it is?” she couldn’t help but ask cheekily. No, really, if he could give her an excuse, she’d be more than grateful to go along with it.

“Haru.” The way he said her name in that low tenured voice of his made her shiver, her face flushing ever so slightly. She knew she’d done the wrong thing, even if it had been instinctive, when she saw how his eyes seemed to darken at the movement. The intimidating glower was replaced with a more heated look that made her squeak.

“You wouldn’t be interested in it anyways!” Haru cried, her hands flying out to press against his chest lest he leaned in any closer. She was already sitting at an awkward angle and didn’t know how far she could lean back without breaking her spine.

“And that fucking trash would be?” Xanxus easily grabbed her arms and spun her back around, pushing her forward onto the table until her face was pressed down against it. To her mortification, Squalo’s picture was right next to her while Xanxus was leaned down on her from behind, trapping her hands on the table.

“A-Actually, I’m pretty sure S-Squalo-san will be equally pissed off.” She spoke honestly, gasping when she felt his lips pressed against her nape. The words started tumbling out of her mouth unwittingly as Xanxus continued his attack on her neck, trailing towards her ear where he began to place rough kisses and nips on the area he knew she was particularly sensitive at. “C-Charity ball! I-I need to take one of the V-Varia to a c-charity ball! Xanxus!”

His name came out as a startled shriek when he abruptly threw her chair behind them, his hand already around her petite waist so that she didn’t fall smack to the ground. Thank god she was going over the files in her room and not in the Varia’s private libraries as she normally did. That definitely wouldn’t have stopped Xanxus from having his way.

“Why?” he grounded out the words, his control strained as he pressed himself intimately against her plush round bottom.

“Why do you think why?” she managed to stamp out. This man was seriously not good for her mental and physical health. It also didn’t help that anytime he talked to her, even breathed at her differently, it was as though her body was becoming alive. A simple touch and a smoldering look was enough.

She felt so pathetic.

“You idiots are being such a public disturbance that I actually need to drag one of you guys to the-eep!” Haru was once again cut off as Xanxus abruptly flipped her around on the desk. Her eyes widened when he pressed his lips against hers and proceeded to ravage her mouth as he’d done just hours ago on her bed. Once again, her hands were trapped between their bodies and she mewled helplessly at how rough he was being, his tongue immediately seeking entrance while she parted her lips almost eagerly for his touch. He pulled back only once he was sure that she was properly dazed and ravished on the table.

Only to break the mood with his insufferable words.

“You talk too much.”

Haru twitched. “Then don’t ask me stupid questions!”

---

“Where’s Squalo-san?” Haru demanded, hair damp from her shower and cheeks flushed vibrantly red from her recent (not to mention unnecessary!!) excursion, as she slammed the door open to the main wreck room. And no, it wasn’t rec room, but wreck room due to how mangled most of the furniture was in there. She’d somehow managed to siphon most of the damages inflicted by the Varia to specific rooms and planned to keep it that way, lest they go bankrupt from all the refurnishing and construction after each stupid internal bout.

“Oo, the boss isn’t going to like that your eyes are straying, you peasant.” Haru yelped when she heard Belphegor’s voice right next to her. She turned her head to see him upside down, hanging onto a rope that was attached to god knows what. By some miracle, his hair seemed to defy gravity.

“Shut up,” she snapped and instinctively reached for her collar. Unfortunately, Belphegor’s eagle eyes seemed to notice immediately. How Belphegor could be so observant when the existence of his eyes was still questionable by over half the Varia, she’d never understand. She snarled angrily when he grabbed her wrist and forcibly pulled it away, revealing the bright red splotches all over her neck.

Belphegor yelled out in disgust and leaped away from her. “Have you no shame? Waltzing right in here looking for another man right after you’ve been-!”

“Oh shut up! You’re the one who wanted to look.” Haru snapped and crossed her arms angrily. She really wasn’t in the mood for this. “Now where’s Squalo-san?”

“He’s out on a mission,” Lussuria piped up in amusement.

Haru groaned. Great. Just great. "When will he be back?”

“This Monday at the earliest. Is something the matter, Haru-chan?”

Shoot. That was too late for the charity ball. Haru clenched her fists and then sighed. Nothing ever went right around here. She shook her head. “No, no, it’s fine. I just have a charity ball that I have to attend. The PR Team suggested that I take one of the Varia with me to boost the Vongola’s public image, but I think I’ll be alright on my own. I’ll just request the usual team to accompany me for protection.”

“Like anyone would want to kidnap you,” Belphegor said with a snort. “If anything, we’ll probably leave a weakling like you high and dry.”

Haru stiffened and tilted her head, giving Belphegor a sharp look that made him swore that she’d learned that look from the boss. That stupid dainty female who’d cry over stupid things certainly changed since she’d joined the Varia. “Keep talking like that Bel-chan and I’ll let you know exactly why Gokudera-kun keeps his clothes under lock and key whenever I visit.”

“...what’s that supposed to mean?” the young prince sputtered, but Haru was already leaving the room.

She sighed. Well... at least she tried. Besides, it was like she originally said to the PR team, it was better for her to deal with it on her own than to strangle one of the Varia members into helping.

---

::Night of the Ball::

Haru swirled her glass of champagne as she discreetly watched the other guests mingle about. She’d intentionally worn a modest cream colored chiffon dress with lace adorning it, knowing there would be reporters mingling about. It wouldn’t do to further distort the public’s image of the Vongola by wearing lavish and expensive clothing.

Not that she had much other than the occasional dress she splurged on. The Varia certainly didn’t care and freely used their money in ridiculous numbers, Mammon being the exception.

Ugh, this was impossible.

“Haru?” she paused in the midst of taking another sip of her first of many alcoholic beverages of the evening and turned around to see a blonde haired man standing beside her, a brilliant smile on his face as she looked at her with sharp hazel eyes.

“Francesco!” she greeted with a smile, holding her hand out. Francesco was a detective that worked for the precinct in the next city and someone she met while attending university. “I haven’t seen you in a while! How have you been?”

He held her hand before suddenly lifting it upward, placing a kiss on her hand. In the past, Haru would have gotten flustered and snatched her hand away, but multiple exposures to these types of mannerism simply made her smile with a slight blush on her face. Francesco looked up and gave her a mischievous smile. “Oh you know, the usual. Chasing the bad guys, hunting down the villains.”

Haru gave him a wry smile. “Mafia as well?”

“Mafia as well,” he chuckled. “I’m assuming you’re still with them, probably representing them again after the recent explosion caused by the little assassination team you’re stuck with.”

Normally, Haru wouldn’t say a word about the mafia or the Vongola directly, but within this charity ball, there was no point in hiding it from most of the attendees. The Vongola was too well-known for the upper echelon to not be aware of them. Even the reporters that were mingling about knew who she was representing. It was only through fear of the Vongola power that they weren't always write inane speculative articles, merely referencing them only when a large scale attack occurred. She almost placed her glass of champagne over her face to cover the embarrassment, hoping the entire night wouldn’t be spent just discussing that event. “Please don’t tell me the explosion took place within your city.”

“I’m sure you read the news article.”

Haru sighed. “I’m so sorry about that, Francesco. You know how they can get.”

“Indeed I do,” he said as he caressed her hand, having still held it after placing the gentle kiss. Haru had been trying to tug it away from it, but his gentle but firm grim told her that he wasn’t going to relent any second now. “Which is why I’m still confused about why you’re with them.”

“We’ve been over this,” she replied, tugging at her hand again.

“And I still don’t get it.”

Haru internally rolled her eyes and pinched his hand hard with her index finger and thumb, causing Francesco to yelp while she pulled away. As she began walking off, her words trailed behind her. “If you don’t get it, then it doesn’t matter.”

“Ouch!! You should really cut your nails more.” Francesco waved his aching hand while he followed her. “And I’m being serious. You have a lot of potential. I would know. You and I took several classes together and I’ve also seen how you sweet talk those reporters and cops during other past incidents caused by those blood thirsty mafia. Not to mention, your contributions to the community with your research. Why the hell are you still sticking around with low lives like-?”

“Francesco,” Haru murmured quietly and the man’s next words seemed to evaporate from his mouth. The way she spoke was chilling enough, but when Haru tilted her head, Francesco had to resist the urge to take a step back due to the icy sharp glare she was giving him. “Shut up.”

“H-Haru-.” H-He’d never seen her like this before!

Francesco’s stammer snapped Haru out of the chilling aura that surrounded her and a vibrant red blush immediately bloomed over her face. She quickly apologized to the frozen man and scurried away, leaving her champagne glass behind with the nearest waiter.

Shoot. Shoot. Shoot!

This was not the time to be channeling her ‘inner-Xanxus’, as Yamamoto once put it. Apparently spending long periods of time with the Varia was influencing her a lot more than she’d like to believe. She didn’t know when it developed, but after the course of a year of staying with the Varia, she’d started to produce a frightening glare that scared the beejebus out of some of the lower ranking Varia. Maybe it was out of self-preservation or maybe it was because of how frequently she’d been pissed off by the aggravating assassination team, but somehow, she’d formed a glower that supposedly rivaled Xanxus when he was pissed off.

This time Haru covered her face, wanting to hit her head over and over again on the nearest wall. Francesco wasn’t going to be of much help to her for a while. Sure, what he’d been blabbing about had been irritating beyond belief, but he’d only done it out of concern.

“Hahi, this night can’t get any worse,” she mumbled to herself. And it’d barely just started as well!

There were a terrified screams and shouts from the north wing of the ballroom and Haru’s head whipped towards that direction. Loud murmurs were reverberating throughout the entire room, rivaling the pounding of Haru’s heartbeat. Her face began to rapidly turn pale.

No...

“T-They actually made an appearance,” someone nearby hissed frantically to another. “W-What should we do? Should we leave?”

No...

“Of course we can’t!” the person’s friend hissed back. “This is one of the most prestigious charity events of the season. Besides...”

No!

“The Varia is part of the Vongola, one of the wealthiest and most powerful organizations in the world, they wouldn’t-!”

No!!!!

Haru didn’t even bother listening to the rest of their conversation as she began to run towards the source of the horrified screams without hesitating. She pushed and shoved past the people who’d began scooting backwards from the entrance hall and skidded to a stop when she managed to get to the front.

...oh, this can’t be good.

Well... at least the PR team was getting their wish and some more.

“Shishishishi, what the hell is with this shitty party?”

“Oh, it looks like they’ve gone all out with the décor. How lovely.”

“Hmph, such wasteful use of our money.”

“Shut up! Stop making the boss look bad!”

There was a resounding ‘smack’ sound as Haru slapped her hand hard over her face. Dealing with one Varia amongst the throngs of some of societies snobby elite of the elite was bad enough. Dealing with five of them was going to another existence of hell!

Why couldn’t Squalo-san be here as well? At least he had a modicum of control over these idiots! Why did it have to be just Belphegor-san, Lussuria-san, Mammon-san, Levi-san, and-?!!

“Woman,” a low tenured voice practically growled and she peeked between her fingers, her shoulders sagging when she saw the tall figure staring down at her with his hands shoved into his pocket.

Xanxus.

And based on his look of impatience, he was not in a pleasant mood.

Haru bit back a whimper. 

This was not going to end well.

---

::tsukuzu::

---

AN: Part 1 of 2!

Part 2