[ he's observed the view once, a few days ago with company— when things were hectic, but calmer than things were now, nevertheless. it was a breathtaking sight, one thing he couldn't find in him to deny— and sometimes it helped, to keep watching, looking at just how big the universe was. it makes you feel kind of small, right? or just think of home, or both, in tsuna's case.
bandages— the minute tsuna lays eyes on them, he really hopes akame is as well as she says she is ( and still finding it in her to even think about workouts? crazy— ), approaching with a very familiar notion of concern as he . . . well, tries to greet her normally! he nods. ]
Ah— Sure, thanks.
[ he doesn't have much of a habit of drinking water when he wasn't thirsty. it was the wrong thing to do, really, since the sensation of thirst is already the beginnings of dehydration— but he'll drink this time. it was kind of hot, anyway ( tsuna you've been wearing mittens what do you want ).
he doesn't notice anything right away, specifically what's gripped between her fingers. too small to notice, at least for now. ]
The past couple of hours. I figured I'd enjoy the peace and quiet while it's still here.
[Because she has the awful feeling that the clock is ticking---she hoped exercising would take her mind off of that. But it's ticking loudly, deliberately. She also hopes this all ends with the elimination of those damned cats. It's bad enough people have died; there's no need to have more to worry about than there is already. People are getting tense; she's seen it in the network---even the instructors seem on edge.
Nevermind that the people around her have got her worried, too. Kaneki hasn't been feeling well and has been acting a little strange. Trip is...being Trip. The interrogation fiasco had her up against other people she knew---Nic, and Obi-Wan; she hopes she hasn't lit a fire on either of those bridges.
That's why it puts her just a little more at ease, seeing that Tsuna's okay.
She pauses to take a drink of water; for a moment, she looks a little weary, as she gazes into the panoramic window.]
A lot's happened. The quiet's rather nice. It'd be even nicer with trees, and a sky you can see with your own eyes, but like they say---you take what you can get.
[She fingers the keychain in her hand. She misses home, too. The forests at night. The forests have always been her real home.
Ah---she meant to ask. It's been a few days, hasn't it? She turns her head to look at Tsuna.]
Did you ever bump into the friend that you were looking for?
[ he shakes his head, silently looking off to the side. it was odd, but— ]
Hibari-san said he sent him off— that I didn't need to worry, but . . .
[ but he still worried. ] I don't know what he meant by that. I thought we didn't have control of those things?
[ he's thinking to himself again, gazing into the panoramic, view, then back to akame. his eyes follow the movement of her other hand; he's about to take a sip of the water he had gotten himself, but then— he double-takes, nearly gasping.
was that— could it—? ]
—Is that-?!
[ —he totally cut himself off as well as derail the entire focus of conversation. but, this was very, very important!!! ]
S-sorry, Akame-san! What's that you're—?
[ holding. it's small, a tiny shade of blue balled into her hand as her fingers play around it— it looked awfully familiar, perhaps too much so— it's where a blinding shimmer of hope emerges from no where. he had to see it— ]
Sent him off...? So...he turned down the CDC entirely, is that it?
[That is odd, and worrisome. While Tsuna's world won't be placed in danger---after all, Tsuna has one other person from his world here with him---what happens to people who turn down the offer, after they'd witnessed all that had happened in Selena? Wouldn't that count as knowing too much?
Akame knows full well what happens, in a situation like that---why, she's been in that kind of circumstance. But, she'll keep it to herself; the situation's hectic enough as is, and she doesn't want to add any more troubling thoughts for him to dwell upon.
She gives him an apologetic look. Quite frankly, she thinks it's for the best. It's bad enough he already has one other friend to be concerned about, from the looks of things.]
Tsuna...I'm sure---
[But now he's staring rather intently at her other hand, and she frowns for a moment in confusion; following his gaze, she blinks.
Actually, she's grateful for the change of subject. She opens her hand, to reveal a small amulet with a fish dangling from it.]
Ah, it's this. It appears to be a...charm, I believe. A little after the hunt, I stumbled upon it on the ground, near the research area.
[She holds it up, tilting her head to the side a bit.]
I figured it belonged to someone, so I held onto it so I could give it back somehow. Do you recognize it?
[ maybe that last question on the topic beforehand would have to wait— he seems to be waiting with growing anticipation as akame connects his words and such; when she finally holds the charm up, and all while she's speaking— he looks like he might cry, mouth agape in a growing smile. ]
—It's mine!! My charm—!!
[ ahhh, yes— his eyes are fairly glossy right now, but no tears in sight just yet. ]
I-I was looking everywhere!! I thought I lost it and— With everything going on, I—
[ he was going to wait until this all passed to ask the network— and he had little time to look for it now that he had patrols and walking about alone was possibly the worst idea. he holds his hand out to her, subtle trembles in his fingers visible as he controls himself to not become too emotional. it was the only thing he had that connected him to everyone, that tiny little charm that reminded him so much of kyoko, of his family, of the friends that depended on him back home—
every time he reads the kanji printed on it ( protection, certain victory ), it's just another reason to push him forward and keep going. ]
[Akame can't help but look a little taken aback at the emotion that washes over Tsuna's face at the sight of the amulet.
She's vaguely reminded of Tsukushi, when they'd bought little friendship bows for each other to tie around their weapons, as a way of boosting morale when situations got bad. A brief memory of how Tsukushi's eyes lit up at the sight of the rose-colored bow flickers through Akame's mind, and a dull surge rushes into her chest.
(Her own bow had been red. It matches your eyes, Tsukushi had gushed to her.)
(But she'd lost it, like she lost everything else.)
She takes a small breath as she places it into his hands. It...must be very important to him. A reminder of home, a reminder that his friends are still there, waiting for him, cheering him on.
...He's fortunate, and she's humbled; the subdued look on her face says as much]
I couldn't very well leave it. I'm glad I didn't. [She waves away his thanks.] And there's no need to thank me---I still owed you for helping me back in Selena, right? So we're even, Tsuna.
[Akame turns away a bit to take another sip of water, looking slightly wistful, but contemplative.
The friends she knows may not be here with her, but she's beginning to realize that she...may not be alone, after all. She's met some extraordinary people so far---she has to do her best for them. Tsuna has affirmed that for her.]
[ he says it smiling, though, half laughing as his cheeks go rosy— they didn't owe each other anything. they were friends, and friends that are friends do things without waiting for anything in return. that's how tsuna was, at least—]
—You too, Akame-san. I'll try my best.
[ he looks down at his amulet once more— honestly, since the day he woke up on selena, he's never looked happier. his smile has never looked so wibbly. ]
[In her mind, she'll always be indebted to him. Not so much out of obligation, or out of simple equivalent exchange, but because it's just easier on her conscience. She genuinely wants to help him whenever she can, to be a strong presence for him when he's feeling down. She will protect him, and succeed this time around----because she had failed Tsukushi.
Akame remains silent for a while afterward, looking at the amulet. Well, now she's curious.]
[ the bashful blush rushing to his cheeks is something he wishes he could hide— he was like an open book more times than he could count, and when he begins to rub the curve of his neck, rushing through his hair— ]
Kyoko-chan made it for me! For . . . Sumo matches, sh-she's in my class in school, and ah—
[ —at least she thought they were sumo matches, more like mafia battles. even though it made him feel kind of special and honored at the moment— he seems to snap back to something ( like reality ), and laughs, though it's a somewhat embarrassed one. ]
She made them for me and my friends, so everyone got one, but . . . It reminds me of them— of all of them.
So you're into wrestling? Hm...I figured you for more of a martial artist, with those gloves.
[Akame's brows arch slightly as she looks on at him, both surprised and impressed. Tsuna's rather on the slight side, but, hey. If experience has taught her anything, it's never to judge a book by its cover. And from how he gave Tentafreak that smackdown, Akame's none the wiser.
She smiles a little, however, as he expresses his feelings and attachment to the charm. To have a material reminder of home, your friends----that's comforting. He's lucky that he has the luxury of being able to stay close to those around him.
She's happy for him. It renews a bit of her own faith in her friends, even though her situation's more drastic.]
That's good, Tsuna. Never forget that, then. Treasure your memories with them in your heart.
[Her brow knits a little, and she lowers her gaze. That was her mistake---trying to leave even the good parts of her past behind. Trying to forget, to bury everything, to attach some kind of justification and logic to things that have happened.
[ he felt— rather embarrassed to admit it, but he never did like lying. ]
When she made it she didn't know that I— [ he gestures to his hands as a reminder of the gloves. to kyoko, tsuna was still just a weird middle schooler who ran around yelling in his underwear from time to time— but an admirable friend, nevertheless. and that time she actually did witness tsuna fired up and carrying her princess style-? that hewas involved with the mafia? all a dream.
it's touching, though. akame says things that makes tsuna's heart swell— the grasp around his charm tightens, and his smile more determined, yet it holds a tenderness that can't really be expressed with words. ]
[WELL YOU NEVER KNOW?? Tatsumi's participated in some pretty ridiculous athletic activities (at Bulat's urging), and he's not much bigger than Tsuna...]
She didn't know you fought to begin with?
[Akame blinks curiously as he motions to his hands, in reference to the gloves. Odd. Was he actively trying to hide his abilities, then? Or did only certain people have knowledge of them?
Actually, now she's wondering as to why he learned to fight and wield those flames to begin with. What kind of overarching struggle was he embroiled in?
But then, he says something surprising.
You're all my pride.
For a moment, Akame's eyes widen in surprise. Does that also include her, even though she hardly talks about herself (she doesn't want to trouble him)? Even though they've only known each other for a little while?
What an honest boy. That's---that's an honor, to be referred to as that, even though there's hardly anything to be proud of, really, when you consider Akame's background.
But, she'll take it. She slowly breaks into a smile, even though he now looks embarrassed (why should he be?) and proceeds to give that bushy head of hair a small ruffle.]
No, don't be embarrassed. Thank you. To be included among those who you consider your pride means a lot to me.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
ok
[ he's observed the view once, a few days ago with company— when things were hectic, but calmer than things were now, nevertheless. it was a breathtaking sight, one thing he couldn't find in him to deny— and sometimes it helped, to keep watching, looking at just how big the universe was. it makes you feel kind of small, right? or just think of home, or both, in tsuna's case.
bandages— the minute tsuna lays eyes on them, he really hopes akame is as well as she says she is ( and still finding it in her to even think about workouts? crazy— ), approaching with a very familiar notion of concern as he . . . well, tries to greet her normally! he nods. ]
Ah— Sure, thanks.
[ he doesn't have much of a habit of drinking water when he wasn't thirsty. it was the wrong thing to do, really, since the sensation of thirst is already the beginnings of dehydration— but he'll drink this time. it was kind of hot, anyway ( tsuna you've been wearing mittens what do you want ).
he doesn't notice anything right away, specifically what's gripped between her fingers. too small to notice, at least for now. ]
How long have you been here?
no subject
[Because she has the awful feeling that the clock is ticking---she hoped exercising would take her mind off of that. But it's ticking loudly, deliberately. She also hopes this all ends with the elimination of those damned cats. It's bad enough people have died; there's no need to have more to worry about than there is already. People are getting tense; she's seen it in the network---even the instructors seem on edge.
Nevermind that the people around her have got her worried, too. Kaneki hasn't been feeling well and has been acting a little strange. Trip is...being Trip. The interrogation fiasco had her up against other people she knew---Nic, and Obi-Wan; she hopes she hasn't lit a fire on either of those bridges.
That's why it puts her just a little more at ease, seeing that Tsuna's okay.
She pauses to take a drink of water; for a moment, she looks a little weary, as she gazes into the panoramic window.]
A lot's happened. The quiet's rather nice. It'd be even nicer with trees, and a sky you can see with your own eyes, but like they say---you take what you can get.
[She fingers the keychain in her hand. She misses home, too. The forests at night. The forests have always been her real home.
Ah---she meant to ask. It's been a few days, hasn't it? She turns her head to look at Tsuna.]
Did you ever bump into the friend that you were looking for?
no subject
[ he shakes his head, silently looking off to the side. it was odd, but— ]
Hibari-san said he sent him off— that I didn't need to worry, but . . .
[ but he still worried. ] I don't know what he meant by that. I thought we didn't have control of those things?
[ he's thinking to himself again, gazing into the panoramic, view, then back to akame. his eyes follow the movement of her other hand; he's about to take a sip of the water he had gotten himself, but then— he double-takes, nearly gasping.
was that— could it—? ]
—Is that-?!
[ —he totally cut himself off as well as derail the entire focus of conversation. but, this was very, very important!!! ]
S-sorry, Akame-san! What's that you're—?
[ holding. it's small, a tiny shade of blue balled into her hand as her fingers play around it— it looked awfully familiar, perhaps too much so— it's where a blinding shimmer of hope emerges from no where. he had to see it— ]
no subject
[That is odd, and worrisome. While Tsuna's world won't be placed in danger---after all, Tsuna has one other person from his world here with him---what happens to people who turn down the offer, after they'd witnessed all that had happened in Selena? Wouldn't that count as knowing too much?
Akame knows full well what happens, in a situation like that---why, she's been in that kind of circumstance. But, she'll keep it to herself; the situation's hectic enough as is, and she doesn't want to add any more troubling thoughts for him to dwell upon.
She gives him an apologetic look. Quite frankly, she thinks it's for the best. It's bad enough he already has one other friend to be concerned about, from the looks of things.]
Tsuna...I'm sure---
[But now he's staring rather intently at her other hand, and she frowns for a moment in confusion; following his gaze, she blinks.
Actually, she's grateful for the change of subject. She opens her hand, to reveal a small amulet with a fish dangling from it.]
Ah, it's this. It appears to be a...charm, I believe. A little after the hunt, I stumbled upon it on the ground, near the research area.
[She holds it up, tilting her head to the side a bit.]
I figured it belonged to someone, so I held onto it so I could give it back somehow. Do you recognize it?
no subject
—It's mine!! My charm—!!
[ ahhh, yes— his eyes are fairly glossy right now, but no tears in sight just yet. ]
I-I was looking everywhere!! I thought I lost it and— With everything going on, I—
[ he was going to wait until this all passed to ask the network— and he had little time to look for it now that he had patrols and walking about alone was possibly the worst idea. he holds his hand out to her, subtle trembles in his fingers visible as he controls himself to not become too emotional. it was the only thing he had that connected him to everyone, that tiny little charm that reminded him so much of kyoko, of his family, of the friends that depended on him back home—
every time he reads the kanji printed on it ( protection, certain victory ), it's just another reason to push him forward and keep going. ]
A-and you held onto it— Thank you . . . !
no subject
[Akame can't help but look a little taken aback at the emotion that washes over Tsuna's face at the sight of the amulet.
She's vaguely reminded of Tsukushi, when they'd bought little friendship bows for each other to tie around their weapons, as a way of boosting morale when situations got bad. A brief memory of how Tsukushi's eyes lit up at the sight of the rose-colored bow flickers through Akame's mind, and a dull surge rushes into her chest.
(Her own bow had been red. It matches your eyes, Tsukushi had gushed to her.)
(But she'd lost it, like she lost everything else.)
She takes a small breath as she places it into his hands. It...must be very important to him. A reminder of home, a reminder that his friends are still there, waiting for him, cheering him on.
...He's fortunate, and she's humbled; the subdued look on her face says as much]
I couldn't very well leave it. I'm glad I didn't. [She waves away his thanks.] And there's no need to thank me---I still owed you for helping me back in Selena, right? So we're even, Tsuna.
[Akame turns away a bit to take another sip of water, looking slightly wistful, but contemplative.
The friends she knows may not be here with her, but she's beginning to realize that she...may not be alone, after all. She's met some extraordinary people so far---she has to do her best for them. Tsuna has affirmed that for her.]
If you ever need help, don't hesitate to ask.
no subject
[ he says it smiling, though, half laughing as his cheeks go rosy— they didn't owe each other anything. they were friends, and friends that are friends do things without waiting for anything in return. that's how tsuna was, at least—]
—You too, Akame-san. I'll try my best.
[ he looks down at his amulet once more— honestly, since the day he woke up on selena, he's never looked happier. his smile has never looked so wibbly. ]
no subject
I know you will.
[In her mind, she'll always be indebted to him. Not so much out of obligation, or out of simple equivalent exchange, but because it's just easier on her conscience. She genuinely wants to help him whenever she can, to be a strong presence for him when he's feeling down. She will protect him, and succeed this time around----because she had failed Tsukushi.
Akame remains silent for a while afterward, looking at the amulet. Well, now she's curious.]
Is there a story behind it, Tsuna?
no subject
[ the bashful blush rushing to his cheeks is something he wishes he could hide— he was like an open book more times than he could count, and when he begins to rub the curve of his neck, rushing through his hair— ]
Kyoko-chan made it for me! For . . . Sumo matches, sh-she's in my class in school, and ah—
[ —at least she thought they were sumo matches, more like mafia battles. even though it made him feel kind of special and honored at the moment— he seems to snap back to something ( like reality ), and laughs, though it's a somewhat embarrassed one. ]
She made them for me and my friends, so everyone got one, but . . . It reminds me of them— of all of them.
no subject
[Akame's brows arch slightly as she looks on at him, both surprised and impressed. Tsuna's rather on the slight side, but, hey. If experience has taught her anything, it's never to judge a book by its cover. And from how he gave Tentafreak that smackdown, Akame's none the wiser.
She smiles a little, however, as he expresses his feelings and attachment to the charm. To have a material reminder of home, your friends----that's comforting. He's lucky that he has the luxury of being able to stay close to those around him.
She's happy for him. It renews a bit of her own faith in her friends, even though her situation's more drastic.]
That's good, Tsuna. Never forget that, then. Treasure your memories with them in your heart.
[Her brow knits a little, and she lowers her gaze. That was her mistake---trying to leave even the good parts of her past behind. Trying to forget, to bury everything, to attach some kind of justification and logic to things that have happened.
But it's getting harder and harder to do that.]
Never be alone.
no subject
A-akame-san, ah— I don't actually do sumo . . .
[ he felt— rather embarrassed to admit it, but he never did like lying. ]
When she made it she didn't know that I— [ he gestures to his hands as a reminder of the gloves. to kyoko, tsuna was still just a weird middle schooler who ran around yelling in his underwear from time to time— but an admirable friend, nevertheless. and that time she actually did witness tsuna fired up and carrying her princess style-? that hewas involved with the mafia? all a dream.
it's touching, though. akame says things that makes tsuna's heart swell— the grasp around his charm tightens, and his smile more determined, yet it holds a tenderness that can't really be expressed with words. ]
I'll never be. You're all my pride.
no subject
[ he said it without thinking much— but when it does set in, you can bet he looks positively flustered. ]
Th-that is—
no subject
She didn't know you fought to begin with?
[Akame blinks curiously as he motions to his hands, in reference to the gloves. Odd. Was he actively trying to hide his abilities, then? Or did only certain people have knowledge of them?
Actually, now she's wondering as to why he learned to fight and wield those flames to begin with. What kind of overarching struggle was he embroiled in?
But then, he says something surprising.
You're all my pride.
For a moment, Akame's eyes widen in surprise. Does that also include her, even though she hardly talks about herself (she doesn't want to trouble him)? Even though they've only known each other for a little while?
What an honest boy. That's---that's an honor, to be referred to as that, even though there's hardly anything to be proud of, really, when you consider Akame's background.
But, she'll take it. She slowly breaks into a smile, even though he now looks embarrassed (why should he be?) and proceeds to give that bushy head of hair a small ruffle.]
No, don't be embarrassed. Thank you. To be included among those who you consider your pride means a lot to me.
[A beat, and she nods.]
I won't let you down.