"So, since I don't want to waste both of our times by sugarcoating shit," he remarked testily, "I'd like to know what stick got shoved up your ass. We're both part of the Vongola. And, no matter what you say, I care about it just as much as you do."

Man, he could do for a smoke right about now. He had a feeling the conversation was going to be intense if not completely out of control. Too bad he left the bag back in the house. "Frankly, I don't like you much," he went on, folding his arms against his chest, "but this hostility is more of an obstruction than anything else. That's what I'm willing to push it aside and solve this once and for all if you're up to it. What do you say?"