isleofavalon | (no subject)

[Yamamoto had almost reached out to this Zuko alone, thinking if he went to meet him maybe he could help his friends and keep them safe. In the end though he decided that sticking together as a team was a more advisable idea and so he is here.

He has his future self's sword as well as his Shigure Kintoki even if he can not activate it here. He can tell Tsuna is tense and he grins, propping his elbow on the other's shoulder while they wait.

He is a little more on edge than normal himself, not liking that not only did Zuko attack Gokudera but so did this Azula person. He is not sure the chances of this being peaceful but he will be optimistic for his friends.]

Maa, maa, it'll be alright.

Edited 2021-02-03 04:21 (UTC)

[Gokudera is as he should be, standing ready to help his boss at his right side, but standing in a relaxed posture. He's read up on his boss's conversation with Zuko, and he knows why Azula attacked him.

He won't start anything unless the Tenth's safety is threatened. Even if he feels threatened seeing the two people face-to-face that have beaten him well and good... he's not alone right now. The Tenth is more than capable of handling himself, and Gokudera won't throw a single stick of dynamite. He's more than capable of creating shields to keep them safe, is more eager to be on the defensive if this all goes South.

But he also doesn't plan on saying very much, just being relatively stoic to it all unless his boss needs him.

There's been more than enough time for him to simmer on and on while healing about what's been said to him, what's been done by and to him as well. If the Tenth thinks they can be trusted, then he will leave that decision to him without a second thought.

But he will not be eager to make allies. Would rather stay as detached as possible from it all.]

Don't worry Tenth, we'll stay with you the entire time. You don't have to do this alone.

[Which is why he's fairly certain he was targeted.]

[ Zuko's just on time, but pauses just before reaching their meeting point, collecting his thoughts, taking deep breaths, a very quick bout of meditation as he approaches. This is a nerve-wracking situation. There's no telling Zuko hasn't walked into a trap, himself, and that's not lost on him. His familiar is with him, but the dragon is small, the size of a ferret or so, and zips ahead of him energetically, curiously climbing random rocks and trees and stumps they pass by. It keeps its distance from the firebender, preferring to explore on its own while its master goes about his business, clearly not concerned, but the dragon is near, and remains visible, even stops and stares at the group unnervingly from afar every now and again as they go on.

Zuko, too, keeps his distance from the mafiosos, not wanting to appear threatening, and also not wanting to be in arms' reach, himself. He locks eyes with Gokudera as he stops before them, gaze steely, but slowly turns his gaze to Tsuna and Yamamoto. He's inwardly rather relieved to see Yamamoto on sight, which is a conflicting feeling, knowing he can't trust him, either. His gaze ultimately falls to Tsuna. He's the boss. He's the one he should be addressing. He wants to make sure he does it respectfully. He's worn plain clothes, the same black jeans that got torn up in his fight with Gokudera, and a deep maroon sweater pulled over a grey collared shirt, thinking he'll seem more relatable in their style clothes than his Fire Nation clothes he'd been sent with. He even bought the sweater just for the occasion with the very little money he had. He's taking this quite more seriously than they even know, wanting to make a good impression, knowing the ice is very thin — especially since Azula's attack. When he's kept Tsuna's gaze for a beat, he bows an unusual bow, speaking in a raspy but even, willfully calm tone as he does. It is not how he feels inside. But he's gotta handle this right. He can't not. ]

Thank you for meeting with me.

[He feels a little better as Gokudera and Yamamoto speak up. Especially glad that he's not facing this alone. It's hard, playing this by ear and he doesn't have Reborn to guide him. This isn't about the Vongola, he reminds himself. This is about protecting his friends and resolving whatever this is.

He looks up when Zuko arrives, watching him approach. It's weird, seeing someone he's only heard about, and communicated by text, in person for the first time. Zuko is not what he expected, not that Tsuna really had preconceived notions (outside of some hulked out demon that was drastically overblown). But that's no reason to let his guard down.

He returns the bow with his own.]

Thank you for coming.

I'm Tsunayoshi Sawada.

[Probably obvious, since he knows Gokudera and Yamamoto. When he speaks next, it's a little firmer.]

I hope we're able to set the record straight on everything.

[Yamamoto falls silent when Zuko approaches, anything he meant to say to Gokudera or Tsuna can wait. He does not look hostile by any means, but by the way he stands there on the other side of Tsuna it is clear, he will do whatever is necessary for his friends.

Though the bow someone will have to forgive him, some day cause there goes one of those trademark Yamamoto chuckles. He sucks in a breath at the end, holding both hands up in surrender before the bomber or anyone else can reprimand him. Flashing a wide grin.]

Hahah! My bad, you’re not as scary as I thought you would be.

[Uh, someone tell the baseball idiot to let Tsuna do the talking please.]

[When Zuko makes eye contact with him, Gokudera doesn’t maintain it. He’d rather not humor him with any more consideration than he’s given any of his text messages. Just because the Tenth is going to maybe trust him and won’t let Gokudera attack, it doesn’t mean he plans on making friends.

Especially not after Azula attacked him.

So he looks at Zuko, takes a breath, then turns his eyes away while lighting up a cigarette and listening. The Tenth bowing makes him almost choke on the smoke he exhales off over his shoulder, and then he rolls his eyes at Yamamoto’s comment.

Of course the guy who attacked him doesn’t look scary at all. It’s not like Zuko did much damage to him. Most of what Gokudera was wounded by was his own explosives. Those are scarier than any person he knows. Gokudera would smack Yamamoto, but he finds himself agreeing with the notion that Zuko doesn’t look scary.

He’s just glad Zuko came alone and listened to the Tenth. It seems they can make peace. Good, and the guy’s being respectful. Gokudera won’t say anything. He’ll be support if it’s needed, but he has faith in the Tenth to make the right call, even if he doesn’t agree. A look of practiced, cold inaccessibility covers his face as he keeps his head turned away, almost as if he’s surveying the area more than Zuko.]

[ Yamamoto's laughter and comment disarms Zuko, for better or worse. On the one hand, it's a little insulting, Zuko indeed being more a threat than he looks if he so wanted to be — on the other hand, it's a compliment, because most people do find Zuko scary-looking, because of his scowl and his scar... But on the other, other hand, well— it's Yamamoto. He'd not seen him til now. And even through all this pain and confusion and desperation, he's endeared to see that Yamamoto is still... Yamamoto. Zuko doesn't smile as easily as that, but it takes him off edge, or at least puts him on a different edge. He falters, looking the swordsman in the eye before wrenching his gaze back to Tsuna soon after. Really, it's true, best to let the boss do the talking. He knows that. ]

Uh— Th-Thanks, I think? ...Yamamoto.

[ He hardens his look a bit, shaking off the confusion of his ex-friend's remark. This is serious business still. His tone is not hard, but it's firm, voice raspy, eyes stern. Earnest. ]

I'll go along with whatever the Tenth thinks is best. I respect your call, Tsunayoshi.

[ He doesn't try to capture Gokudera's gaze again. He doesn't want to. ]

[Oh no the attention is on him and he has to make decisions now. This is usually the part where he starts to freak out and there is definitely the chill of anxiety making its way up his spine. But he's doing his best to remain calm.]

Well, I think the main thing is, I don't want any more fighting.

Based on what I've heard, there isn't really a reason to. But at the same time, Gokudera-kun was attacked again, so I want an explanation for that first.

[He glances at Gokudera and Yamamoto for support because you can bet he is second guessing everything he says.]

[Yamamoto has an eye not just on Tsuna but on Gokudera as well, this could all be a trap. That second altercation shows a less than friendly picture of the people Zuko associates with after all. Then his name is said and Yamamoto bristles, no one told him this person claimed to know him as well and that is a shock to the swordsman.

His hand goes for a split second to Tsuna's shoulder, it's an offer of support and it is Yamamoto stepping in on that left side so that if anything happens, he can be in front of his friend in a split second.

The smile drops, his eyes sharpen and in that moment, it's a reminder, he is in fact a skilled swordsman, a bit of that battler readiness showing through.]

How'd you know....[Then he trails off because Tsuna can handle this and his reaction at the moment only threatens to maybe cause another problem?

Where hopefully there won't need to be one, so he lets the sound of his name go and accepts that obviously, this is either true and he was in this alien world too? Or that Gokudera is right and Zuko has done his research.

He does smile at Tsuna's words, violence has always been the one thing he tries to avoid. But the baseball player does want to know why if Zuko is going to defer to Tsuna, did someone else come attack Gokudera to begin with?]

[Gokudera does little more than scoff at Zuko's odd gratitude directed at the baseball idiot, and just carries on with his cigarette. Yamamoto has the right idea in breaking up the tension some. This may be mafia related, but if Zuko isn't part of a Family like he claims, then this should be a more easy meeting than any of them could anticipate.

Hearing this guy refer to his boss as the Tenth makes the bomber smirk gently in approval. He'd referred to him that way while they'd spoken through text, but it's another thing to hear it.

He nods at the mention of there being no more fighting. Fair enough.

Gokudera looks on at his boss gently, giving him a nod. Good job, Tenth. Keep it up. Yamamoto's edge is felt more than heard, his wondering gaining an eyeroll.]

If it's alright for me to say, Tenth...

Just the same that you didn't send me out to attack Zuko. The woman who attacked me appeared to do it of her own will. I'd like to know why, as well, though.

[Never mind that Azula made her point to him directly loud and clear. This is mostly to reassure the Tenth and Yamamoto that Zuko isn't putting some hit out on Gokudera. The bomber doesn't believe he is.]

Edited 2021-02-07 14:15 (UTC)

[ Being asked why Azula did this makes him bristle. Not that he resents the question; they have every right to it. He resents the answer. Does he even have an answer, really? He sounds a little hotter responding now, but he makes himself clear where he stands, at least. He's not mad at the mafiosos for asking; he's just mad at the mere thought of Azula right now. ]

I didn't send Azula to attack Gokudera. She did that on her own, Gokudera's right. She didn't tell me she was going to do that or else I would've stopped her. I didn't want revenge — but apparently she did. She had no right! I'm furious with her, it almost makes me sick to my stomach... Azula is—

[ His voice catches, sucking air through his teeth sharply trying to find a fair word to describe his sister as she is now, tone harsher... ]

...volatile. And solitary. We've talked. And I've made myself crystal clear to her about it, too. So she knows where we stand. I can't explain her actions but... I'm sorry for what my sister did to you, Gokudera. I don't know what happened exactly, but knowing Azula, I'm sure it was fucked up.

Edited 2021-02-08 05:35 (UTC)

[Not for the first time does Tsuna watch Gokudera and Yamamoto out of the corners of his eyes, and he is so glad that he has them as his friends. That they can work together as a team like this.

He nods, listening to Zuko. It's stronger now than through text, but he can hear the honesty in Zuko's voice. He believes Zuko.]

The way you talk about her, I guess there isn't really a way to ensure she won't attack again?

I get the feeling you won't, regardless.

[Yamamoto's obliviousness is in play here, all he can do is respond to the situation in front of him. He knows this is Zuko, somehow, Zuko knows his name too, though not entirely surprising when he knew of Gokudera and Tsuna, he assumes that where he heard about them, he also heard about Yamamoto. What he does not know is the young woman he met before she ever laid a hand on Gokudera is in fact Azula or that he has history here with both of them. The last thing he knows is Azula, is the person who attacked Gokudera.

But if there is no immediate threat, he is all about the peaceful resolution and getting his friends out of here with a safe resolution. To that end, he keeps silent, his eyes wander over Gokudera, Tsuna, then to Zuko.

Maybe this Azula should have been here to answer for her actions? Then something clicks and he, of course, opens his mouth and probably just makes it worse.]

Huh, I bet your sister would have done the same, don't you think Gokudera? Except the Kid or Tsuna could have stopped her.

[So, yeah, they should know about uncontrollable sisters. But, comparing Azula to Bianchi is probably not going to help with any tension here right now.]

[Gokudera doesn't want to focus on what happened with his fight with Azula. He was good... only acted to defend himself and hadn't tried to hurt her. It was obvious when she attacked him that it was done in passion and with a fierce sense of justice... an act of revenge and one he feels he did not deserve, but... what's done is done.

Her hateful comments about him only make his own self-deprecating thoughts stronger. The physical damage... it's nothing he hasn't dealt with before.

The bomber nods, accepting the apology. Zuko needn't apologize for his sister, and neither the Tenth or Yamamoto should direct how they feel about that attack at this person.

He doesn't expect a comparison to Bianchi, and he blanches at the very thought!]

Far from it! If she saw me and I saw her, I'd be as good as dead!

[He's not sure his body would be able to deal with the physical and mental damage inflicted by Azula and then the internal trauma realized at seeing his sister's face. Gokudera glares, teeth grinding some. Bianchi hasn't ever stepped into any of the fights to help him out or gotten revenge for him. She doesn't even seem to think that highly of him.]

She wouldn't help at all...

[Actually, come to think of it... Bianchi would probably call him weak and just put him down even more, lower than he's been. Yamamoto's comment has not helped. It's replaced the tension in Gokudera's muscles with an ache in his weak stomach.]

[ He's not quite sure what's safe to do here, where to place his loyalty, whose safety to prioritize — even his own — with what he chooses to reveal about Azula... But already, they'd been attacked behind his back, and the whole point of this meeting is to prove he means them no ill will. Being honest with them is better than mulling over whether he should make Azula out to be better than she's been just because she's... better than she'd once been... He hesitates, glancing off to the left and rubbing the back of his head before he speaks, sliding his hand with some pressure down his neck nervously as it falls back to his side. ]

...A-Actually— um, if I can say so... Gokudera, on that planet, you and I talked a lot about our sisters. Yamamoto's not totally far off with his comparison. Azula's tried to kill me way more than she's ever tried to help me in my life, and if she's ever tried to help me, it's never helped. Including this time. But uh— she and I grew a lot closer on that planet. And now things are... different. She's different. She's from my future, apparently... She wants to support me now. So— I think I can get through to her here, too. She said she won't attack any of my friends again and I want to believe her. But you guys should still know the truth about our past. We're not allies — even now, not exactly. But we're not enemies anymore, either.

[While Tsuna doesn't doubt Bianchi's abilities in a lot of ways, he's been around her enough to count her more of a hindrance than a help (especially if the ten year bazooka comes out, to say nothing of her effect on Gokudera). Although it sounds like Azula might be of a similar stock (though a different form of chaos).]

I appreciate you telling us this, and if you think she'll hold to her promise not to attack us again, then we'll have to trust you.

If, that means, you'll count us as your friends?

[It's certainly a tenuous title at best.]

No way, we wouldn't let you die Gokudera!

[He chuckles though, what does he know anyway. It's not like he has siblings to understand how the dynamic works so the swordsman is really not going to help anyone by opening his mouth. Obviously.

He does appreciate what Zuko does, trying to make it seem as if he's right. Though, if anyone has the wrong idea or is a misunderstanding, he figures it's probably him, those things tend to go over his head.

He just assumed siblings love each other and while she does get a little wild, Bianchi always seemed to care, at least from his perspective. He's got weird world views, no one should listen to him anyway.

It all just sounds complicated and Yamamoto goes silent, smiling in that friendly way of his as he props his hands behind his head. Tsuna's asking Zuko to call them friends, no one has made any move to attacks. While his guard may not be down he is definitely more relaxed.]

Then on this planet at least, with her being different... she's fighting for you. Seemed to do so with all the belief in you she could muster. My sister is not so similar.

[Even watching her get involved, his sister is not so direct in confrontation. Sure, she'd lash out if someone hurt him, probably, but she'd sooner defend her own name and make moves to trap anyone without getting her hands dirty directly. Gokudera has never seen his sister jump someone... even Romeo it was poison.

He stops speaking when his boss speaks up, folds his arms and looks away. If the Tenth can rely on his intuition and seem to offer to be friends with Zuko, he won't stop him. Gokudera trusts the Tenth above all.]

Idiot, if she knew I were going to die, she'd stop it, but you know as well as I do it only takes one glance.

[So they'd have to block eye contact if they would be interesting in preserving the Storm Guardian. Gokudera just grumbles at Yamamoto, not fighting him... not now. There's a time and a place for everything, after all.]

Well, then, as long as your sister doesn't show up, and my sister behaves, we should be in the clear...

[ Is that a joke? Who can say. It certainly wasn't delivered as one. Most Zuko's "jokes" are just... factual. He doesn't mean to make light of Gokudera's sickness at the sight of Bianchi, but also feels strange referencing the information he already has about Gokudera from before, imagining that must feel surreal on Gokudera's end. So he's trying to treat things like a blank slate, as it pretty much is. His eyes scan the three of them, landing on the Tenth with a sharp seriousness. Had they come to an understanding? ]

But I'd like to count you as friends, yes. And I'd be honored if you'd count me as a friend, too — all of you.

[ He glances between all boys, earnest, honest, but this time his eyes of course linger on Gokudera last. ]

[If it weren't for Zuko's serious look, Tsuna might have managed a laugh. But looks like that always make him stand up a little bit straighter and try not to think about Hibari. But he's able to relax quickly enough, and glances back at both Gokudera and Yamamoto, trying to look encouraging.]

I said before that I don't think you're a bad guy, so I'd like to be friends.

I think it'll work out for all of us in the long run. There isn't really a reason to be enemies if we don't mean each other harm.

[One would think with as often as he is corrected or seems to offend in one way or another Yamamoto would learn to hold his tongue. But, alas, that is not going to happen. He's too blunt for his own good most days and so here they are, he chuckles at the idiot comment.]

Maa, maa, it's not that serious Gokudera.

[At least he did not say calm down, but then he is listening to Zuko and Tsuna and gives both young men a confident smile. Friends are always a good thing and Yamamoto ends up propping his elbow on Tsuna's shoulder before speaking.]

See, everything is working out just fine!

Right.

[Gokudera will just have to keep his eyes peeled for Azula. He's careful, but his weapons don't allow him to hide well on the training grounds, and that's where she'd attacked him. Of course no one stepped in to help, because it just looked like training.

At Zuko's words, Gokudera folds his arms, looks off to the side, and smokes away at his cigarette as if he needs to consider the possibility of making a new friend. When the Tenth looks at him, he visibly perks up and even offers him a small smile and nod of his own encouragement.]

Shut up, idiot!

[He barks at Yamamoto, then rolls his eyes.]

[ Something about the combination of Yamamoto’s encouragement and general Yamamoto-y-ness that’s still familiar and genuine, the relief of being accepted by Tsuna officially, hearing everyone formally agree to be friends, and the image of Gokudera poutingly smoking on the idea… it all warrants a smile from Zuko. His gaze locked on the bomber fondly finally breaks after a beat, as he closes his eyes and bows that same unusual bow to the group. He knows it’s from his world uniquely, as far as he’s found so far; but to him, that shows he means a deeper respect that way, genuine, authentic, from the heart. And he does. ]

Thank you for your trust.

[ He stands straight again, looking to Tsuna now, the boss, the leader, after all, even though he addresses the group as a whole. ]

Do any of you have other questions for me…?

[ Half a year together nearly on that planet… Zuko’s first real friend was Gokudera. A lot was shared, mutually. Zuko knows plenty about their family and a fair bit about the mafia by now. He’s laying himself at their feet, an open book to read. Although he knows he shouldn’t know any of this information, and he now feels an unaccountable irrational guilt for knowing it, perhaps instead of a risk, that can now make him a trusted ally, hopefully. ]

[Tsuna's smile manages to get just a little bit wider as Yamamoto leans on him and the atmosphere starts to lift. He tries not to look too relieved but it's definitely there and he might be, just a little, proud of himself for being able to keep his head in this situation. That they were able to resolve it without issue.]

Uh, honestly, I think I do but I can't come up with any right now. But can I come to you if any come up?

[He throws his head back, laughing at the shut up idiot because that's totally normal to do. He flashes that confident grin at Gokudera.]

What? It did.

[See look, Zuko and Tsuna are getting along. It does not appear as if Zuko is a threat, that first meeting obviously some kind of fluke as he does not seem to be after them.

The swordsman is bound to be his friendly self when he sees Zuko next.]

It's not like any of us can go anywhere right now, should be easy enough to find each other if we need to know something.

[Captain Obvious, strikes again.]

[Gokudera watches the bow, only really glancing at Zuko because he doesn't know what to do or how to feel about the way the guy is looking at him. He understands they were friends, but Gokudera has no idea why or how. He knows practically nothing about Zuko and would say he isn't interested... except now the rest of the family is involved. He has to care whether he wants to or not.

If he has questions, he'll ask Zuko via text. He isn't even going to address that invitation for questions right now. Gokudera looks on at his boss, listens, and rolls his eyes at the way Yamamoto is leaning on him. As usual, that just ruffles the bomber's feathers, seeing the way the swordsman is so chummy with the Tenth. The grin flashed at him just earns a scoff.

He's in agreement with them, though. Otherwise, he'd but in.]

Yeah. Contact me anytime. Any of you.

[ No hesitation; obvious to him. He'd answer any of them in a split second. ]

Ah— On that note, I guess, uh... Yamamoto, my username is "fireprince." I've already texted with the Tenth and Gokudera, but— you should know it, too. Is yours still just your name?

[ Ugh, this all still feels so strange and surreal, knowing someone without being known... He's uncomfortable still about it; that feeling probably won't go away for a long time, even if they all become friends again. It's weird no matter what way you slice it. ]

We will then. I'm glad we were able to work this out, Zuko-san!

[It relieves him more than anyone probably knows.]

[Yamamoto knows the silence is agreement and he figures better to let it all go with just a smile on his face. Gokudera has had a lot since he arrived here and the swordsman knows they won't always get along but he is going to try.

Then he is blinking, it still feels so strange to have someone know something like what he would use as his network name. Though Zuko is exactly right, he sure did. So he chuckles awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head.]

Yup! That's me, I forget to take it with me sometimes.

[But Zuko can definitely find him around Avalon and will find him willing to talk and hang out.]

[Gokudera gives a soft hum of acknowledgement. He will reach out if he wants. Plans on it if he wants to move past everything. He won't seem the sort to get enthusiastic about this peace that's been established, but he recognizes it and the relief that comes with it. Hearing the Tenth's positive attitude towards this is an additional comfort.]

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Yamamoto

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omg i'm sweating from running so late, i'm sorry!!

No worries!

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