like a bridge over troubled water

[theskyaccepts]

🧙 WHO: Tsuna and Gokudera
⚔️️ WHAT: Heart to Heart Conversations
🕒 WHEN: After the Tournaments and Trust
🗺️ WHERE: Gokudera's place
⚠️ WARNINGS: Probably heavy topics involving Gokudera's past and other insecurities



[Tsuna is exhausted, to put it mildly. What had started as a fairly fun day had rapidly taken a turn for the worse in ways he hadn't really expected. And while he'd made it out more or less in one piece, it was not unscathed. The echoes of his reflection and the things that were said still linger.

It's how he finds himself where he is now, in front of Gokudera's place. He doesn't really want to go back to his room at the inn, or be alone. He just wants something familiar. And he doesn't really want to think about whether this is a good thing or a bad thing. So before he can convince himself otherwise, he knocks.]

Comments

[bakudan_bambino]

Unfortunately.

[He knows it's for the best, but then there must be something unfamiliar in their differences. Time has not applied itself as much as it has aged him mentally. Gokudera's still a teenager, young and stupid, and always doing the most with everything he turns his focus on to the point of it being detrimental. He worries that there is not so much closer he can get to his boss.

If Tsuna were to cry, Gokudera would hug him again, cherish him through it and be the support he needs, that he wants to be. He craves to be relied on, to be useful, and even if it is small things that have nothing to do with the mafia, it is a part of him he'll likely never change. That restless unending pursuit of proving himself as enough.

He puffs up his chest a little and gives a firm nod.]

As your right hand, I am dedicated to keeping you not only safe, but happy, Tenth!

[theskyaccepts]

[Tsuna's smile gets a little wider at that.]

I know, and I want the same for you, Gokudera-kun. You deserve it, with everything you've been through.

[He's quiet for a moment before saying.]

Can I spend the night here? And we can just, hang out some more?

[bakudan_bambino]

I will be happy simply because I know you are, Tenth. It's a give and take. I've learned that, and I'm sorry for being so reckless with my safety. Know that I never meant to make you worry.

[Even if he still gets himself put through the ringer, it's not as frequent or done with such careless passion as he used to. See: getting hit by cars to bring Tsuna flowers in a hospital.]

What I've been through has made me grow. There will be more, and it will be good to have you there.

[Not saying he wants to go back to Amoi with the Tenth, or have him accompany him through a zombie apocalypses. Just... it's a source of strength, this friendship.]

Of course! Ah, I'm sorry there isn't very much room. I do have some soup that Aurora made, if you'd like it, though. We don't have to go anywhere.

[He turns and leans, putting his arm carefully around Tsuna's shoulders. It's easy since he is a bit taller, and physical touch is something he is trying desperately to adjust to, mostly with people he reflexively categorizes as Elites.]

Uri might not let us, anyways.

[The leopard will sleep across both their laps whether they want him to or not.]

[theskyaccepts]

Good.

[Tsuna leans in as Gokudera puts his arm around him. Just finding comfort in being close to his friend. It's all he can really say on that right now, and it's all he really wants to focus on. That it's at least one thing he can hang on to until he sorts out any other feelings he might have.]

And it's enough, soup's fine.

I probably should brought something...

[bakudan_bambino]

[Gokudera is so comfortable, getting to be this close to his boss is so unusual for him. And to think! Touching him once upon a time was illegal. Now he can be close and not have to worry about being punished for it. He's so happy, he could cry. He's a bit too tired for that, though, and looks down, inspecting his boss to make sure he's physically well. Clearly, the mirrors didn't do him any good, but as long as he can be reassured through his doubts... Gokudera will be there.]

No. Your company is enough. You're not hurt, are you?

[theskyaccepts]

No, I'm fine. Just a few scratches but they're pretty much healed.

[Really, he just wants to rest, and not think for a bit. He's tired. And being able to lean against Gokudera like this? It's a good place to be.]

Just my insecurities...

[bakudan_bambino]

[Feeling his boss leaning into him, relaxing makes Gokudera's heart flutter and he assumes he must be tired.]

Do you want to sleep a while? I'm not planning to go anywhere.

[He wouldn't mind caring and looking after his boss. The Tenth doesn't need those insecurities and Gokudera will do his best to assure them away for as long as he can or is needed.]

[theskyaccepts]

That...might be good yeah. If you want to put on a movie or something, go ahead. I don't mind.

[He can let himself be cared for, for a moment. At least until these feelings pass.]

[bakudan_bambino]

Alright.

[Gokudera is careful in getting up, but moves to get a few more throw pillows and arrange them so his boss can be comfortable before he's putting on a movie, some documentary about pixies, but narrated in a voice reminiscent of David Attenborough. The silver-haired teen adjusts the volume and takes his place on the couch, leaning against the Tenth. If they fall asleep, Tsuna may find himself being snuggled, made right into a little spoon on the sleeper sofa.]

wrap?

[theskyaccepts]

[Tsuna does eventually drift off, the combination of the calm documentary, Gokudera's presence and just finally being able to relax after everything. He still has thoughts, but for the moment, they've stilled. He can worry over them later.]