A/N: Hi there! Once again we would like to thank anyone who bothered to leave a review for our latest chapter and also anyone who favored and followed us.
It's finally here, Tsuyoshi's reaction to what's been going on in his household. Will he beat up our feisty little bomber and throw him out of the house? Find out for yourselves ;D Sadly, this is the last chapter and most likely the last joined 8059 project of AdaraLove and me for a while, since we're starting in on a pretty big Hetalia project which is bound to take some time. For any of you interested in that fandom and in GerIta in particular just keep an eye on Adara's account.
For those of you susceptible to such things, you might want to keep a tissue at hand.
As usual, we'd like to ask you to leave a review, even though there won't be another chapter even if you do ;D Yet, we always like to hear what you guys think and what you liked to make us better in the future XD
Now enjoy the last installment of this fic, we hope you like it!
Chapter 4
"We should hurry. It's already late and we... we should talk to your father before the shop opens." The bomber had no intention of having anyone in earshot when they faced the older Yamamoto, but waiting for their confrontation till after the shop closed wasn't an option either.
As the two of them gathered a fresh set of clothes, Gokudera could sense a rising nervousness and a feeling of dread creep up on him. This of course applied tenfold for the young swordsman. Although the bomber had said they needed to hurry, he took some more time than necessary to try and somewhat calm down his lover once they were in the bathroom. As he lathered the jock's back up, he massaged the other's knotted shoulders and assured Yamamoto again and again that they would get through this. Of course, Gokudera himself had no real idea how, but he knew he had to make everything alright for the sake of his lover.
No hot bath in this world could fully relax the two guardians in the situation they were in, but at least they would face the older Yamamoto all clean and smelling of pine trees. Once they were dried and fully clothed again, they hugged each other tightly one last time and kissed. Gokudera tried to give his lover as much strength as he could and to also make him feel loved. When they had left the bathroom and faced the stairs leading down to where their fate awaited them, the silver-haired Italian stopped his lover short. Looking into his eyes, he reached out to take the jock's hand. Squeezing it, he nodded for the other one to proceed down the stairs. They would face their fate together.
As soon as the nervous swordsman heard his lover suggest they should hurry up and talk to his father before the shop opened, Yamamoto was seized with paralysis. He continued to sit on the bed, staring at his lover's back in fear as Gokudera started to scrounge up some clean clothes. When the silver-haired Italian's eyes met his expectantly again, Yamamoto found the strength and encouragement in his lover's eyes wash away his fear and push it to the back of his mind. He could tell that Gokudera was nervous about this meeting, too, and he had to stand beside his lover for support as well. Yamamoto couldn't just leave everything for Gokudera to carry.
Gathering his strength, Yamamoto nodded to his beloved with new resolve and started to gather clean clothes as well. From there, Gokudera took the lead, as if he sensed that the young jock's fears were greater than his own. Even though the both of them couldn't fully relax in the hot bath they drew up, Yamamoto could feel his partner's love pouring from the smaller teen's touches. The nervous rain guardian felt so touched as his lover gave him a light shoulder massage while they were lathering up and constantly reassured him that everything would be alright. Gokudera truly was the most kindhearted and most beautiful man Yamamoto had ever had the honor of meeting and falling in love with. He was truly blessed to have the other in his life, so he'd make sure that nothing would come between them now.
Feeling a new resolve despite his nerves threatening to upend his stomach, Yamamoto got dressed after their hot bath and walked with his lover down the hall towards the stairs. Right as they reached the first step, he felt a gentle hand stop him by grabbing his shoulder. Turning curiously towards the somber bomber beside him, Yamamoto saw a steadfast gaze of determination stare into his nervous hazel eyes. Yamamoto could see a twinge of fear reflected in Gokudera's jade orbs as well, but it was barely there, covered by the storm guardian's resolve to stick with him to the very end. Yamamoto could feel his throat tighten and all the air leave his lungs as he stared into his beloved's eyes, drawing in even more of their strength for what was to come.
When he felt Gokudera take his hand a few seconds later, Yamamoto could feel even more strength fill his body, like his lover was physically giving it to him through his touch. The young jock was practically overwhelmed by the feeling, but it only made the reassuring smile that he sent his lover all the more loving and brilliant as he intertwined his fingers with Gokudera's and tightened his hold on the other's hand. They would make it through this together…no matter what…and he had to show Gokudera that he was going to be strong through this too, even though he feared of being disowned by the only family he had. As much as his gut instinct was telling him that his father could never hate him or be disgusted with him…Yamamoto was terrified at the prospect that maybe, for once, his gut instinct was wrong this time. But, with Gokudera beside him, he'd face his fears and take his spot beside the other as they weathered the storm together. How could they be deserving of the titles, Storm and Rain Guardians of the Vongola Family if they couldn't even pull through a little bad weather, after all?
With a nod of his head to show his lover that he was ready, the two of them turned to face the stairs again and walked down them together, hand in hand. As soon as they reached the bottom, the empty restaurant was there to greet them. A sound came from their right, and when Yamamoto turned towards the noise, he was met with the sight of his father, who was currently bringing a tub of rice out from the kitchen and placing it in its designated spot on the sushi counter.
As if he could feel his gaze, Yamamoto Tsuyoshi glanced up as soon as he placed his tub of rice down, and Yamamoto swore his heart froze in terror as the moment of truth was finally upon him. He couldn't back out now. He had to face his father and show him his own resolve, to show him how much he cared for the young man currently beside him and gripping his hand like a vice. Yamamoto could feel both his lover and him shake a little from nerves as Yamamoto Tsuyoshi stared at the two of them in slight surprise, like he hadn't been expecting them, and then how the older man's gaze quickly glanced down at their intertwined hands. Tsuyoshi's gaze only dropped for a few seconds, though, before his eyes drew up to meet both of theirs again, a look of somber understanding drawing onto the older man's face.
"I wasn't sure if I'd see you two before I opened shop," the senior Yamamoto chuckled out lightly then as he made his way around the sushi counter and walked towards them. Even though his eyes crinkled in slight laughter, Yamamoto could tell that his tone didn't completely match his father's outward appearance. The older man was exuding a deadly serious air about him as he stood before him and Gokudera with his hands on his hips. "I think we have a few things to talk about, don't we?" Yamamoto Tsuyoshi opened up the dreaded conversation then. He was giving them a chance to explain themselves first…which was kind of a good sign, wasn't it? Yamamoto couldn't help but feel a little of that hope grip his heart, but his nervousness still rendered him speechless in that moment. His father was staring between both him and Gokudera, the older man's eyes narrowed in scrutiny despite the easygoing smile on his face. He was definitely waiting for them to admit what they had done first…What if he just didn't want to start yelling at them yet until both of them confirmed what was going on between them? Yamamoto could feel dread start to take hold of him again as his grip tightened around his lover's hand.
Still clasping hands, their fingers intertwined by now, they made their way down the stairs. Even though the jock had showed off a loving smile and tried to be brave, Gokudera could feel the nervousness and anxiety pour from his lover in waves. He knew what the other one stood to lose and, once more, the smaller bomber vowed to do everything in his might to keep that from happening. In any fight for the Vongola, the both of them had each other's back. Although it wasn't easy for the storm guardian to admit this, he knew only too well that more times than not, Yamamoto was the one who had to protect him. Of course this wasn't because the other one was stronger or anything, it was just Gokudera's shitty luck that all the asshole thugs were out to get him. At least today the Italian got his chance to make it up to his lover and return the favor. He would protect Yamamoto.
As soon as they were down the stairs, they ran across the older Yamamoto. So this was it. Tsuyoshi-san was carrying a big tub of rice that he needed to prepare the sushi. As his eyes followed the man's progress into the room, Gokudera could feel his heart beat faster in his chest as his own nerves got the better of him. This only got worse, once the shop owner put down the rice and looked right at them. The bomber could feel his grip tighten on his lover's hand but he couldn't stop himself. It was like his body needed to make sure it couldn't get separated from an essential part of him. Slight shivers shook his body then as Tsuyoshi-san stared at their entangled hands for a moment before he looked up at their faces again.
Just like his son, the older Yamamoto was able to smile and joke in any situation, but there was cold, hard steel underneath the congenial exterior. After he stated that they had some things to talk about, he was scrutinizing them, looking at them expectantly. It was obvious that the older Yamamoto was waiting for them to start off this talk. No matter how much anxiety Gokudera was feeling in that moment, it was nothing compared to his boyfriend's. The jock was squeezing his hand enough to hurt slightly. He could feel the other's fear and, without even looking to his side, he knew Takeshi wouldn't be able to speak. It was up to him now to make things right.
Tearing his hand from the vice-like grip of the swordsman, Gokudera fell to his knees before the older Yamamoto and bowed so deeply that his forehead touched the ground.
"My deepest apologies, Tsuyoshi-san!" The agitated bomber shouted out with utmost sincerity. "I've defiled your home! I've trampled on your hospitality! And worst of all, I've defiled your son! I know, I can't beg your forgiveness for what I've done, and I'm willing to receive any punishment you deem fit, Sir, but please, please, Sir, don't punish your son."
Staying down on the ground, Gokudera sat up straight before he looked up to plead with the older Yamamoto. He had to explain himself and their love to the older man and hope that he would listen.
"I love your son, Sir, with all of my heart. And...And he loves me. What we have done...it happened because of this very love. Whatever you think of me, I want you to know that my intentions are sincere. I...I know I'm not what you would have wanted for your son. I know that you have a family legacy to think about and I...I can never help with that, but...but I can promise that I will do everything in my power to...to make your son happy. You might think we're too young and don't know what we're doing, and you might hate me right now, but our feelings are true and they are deep. We can't...we just can't be without each other. I know that I'm asking the unthinkable, and yet I have to, so please, Sir, for your son's sake and my own, too, will you give us your blessing?"
After one last pleading look, Gokudera bowed once more as deeply as he possibly could before the man that held their fate in his hands.
When Yamamoto felt his lover tear his hand away from his, the taller teen suddenly felt like he had fallen off of a life preserver in the middle of a stormy sea with no land in sight. His hand floundered for a bit as he subconsciously reached out to grasp Gokudera's hand again, like the very notion of the other leaving his side meant that he'd lose him for good, but his hand only grasped air as Yamamoto witnessed his beloved kneel on the ground and bow to his father. The rain guardian's eyes widened in shock at his lover's display. He had known that Gokudera was going to do something like this in order to beg for forgiveness and appease whatever anger his father might have, but to actually see the smaller teen do it…it truly broke Yamamoto's heart. He hated to see the person he loved more than anyone else in the world groveling before someone and apologizing for something they shouldn't have to apologize for; their love.
At the same time, though, the sight of Gokudera doing everything in his power to convince his father that their feelings for each other were true and insurmountable filled Yamamoto with even more love and happiness. It was hard enough to get Gokudera to admit to him that the bomber loved him, and Gokudera had insisted that they should never tell anyone of their relationship, but now, he was willingly doing so in order to hopefully save the relationship between his father and him.
As he watched on in a mixture of loving devotion and great discomfort, the more Yamamoto began to piece together what his lover was actually saying…The dark-haired teen already knew that Gokudera and him had established that they didn't want to separate from each other, and that they wanted to spend their future together but…the way Gokudera was phrasing his words…it sounded like he was…asking for his hand in marriage! Gokudera and him had never discussed such a thing, not only because legal marriage between them wasn't possible, but because, even though Yamamoto wanted nothing else but to propose to the other as a sign of eternal commitment, he was afraid that such a proposition would terrify his Italian partner. After all, Gokudera's view on marriage wasn't a happy one due to his past, and because…Yamamoto knew that one of the strongest fears that plagued his lover concerned commitment. Gokudera always held the belief that the tighter he held onto something or the more he cared for it, the more likely it would be that he'd lose it. So proposing marriage to the other would only elevate that fear…But here…Gokudera sounded like…he was throwing such a fear aside.
Yamamoto stared at his lover's hunched over back in shock and awe as Gokudera bowed to his father again. The rain guardian didn't want to dare to believe that what he had heard was correct. It seemed his father was in a state of disbelief as well, because after a short moment of silence, the older man finally spoke up in a questioning tone.
"So…let me see if I understood you correctly, Gokudera-kun," his father relayed with a slightly confused look on his face. "With the way you just phrased your words…you made it sound like you were asking for my blessing for you to take care of my son for a long period of time…In other words…did you just ask me to give you permission for my son's hand? I'm pretty sure you know already that marriage between two men is not legal in this country…as of yet, anyway…but, if I understood you correctly, you're asking me to give you my son's hand for a life-long romantic partnership regardless if actual marriage is involved in the future? Did I understand that correctly, Gokudera-kun?"
His father stared down upon his lover, who had lifted his head during the older man's questions, with a serious expression. Brown eyes that were just a darker shade than his own, narrowed in scrutiny as they watched Gokudera's every facial expression and every gesture. Even though his father had stated his thoughts as a question, Yamamoto knew that he had also done so to test his lover, to make sure that the other's feelings for him were that true. The young swordsman waited on bated breath as his eyes fell back down to the silver-haired teen's hunched over form. How would Gokudera respond to this?
Gokudera's heart was pounding in his chest as he knelt on the ground. He didn't know what to expect as a reaction from the older Yamamoto. At least he wasn't outright dragged from the shop and thrown to the curb. Yet even with what Takeshi had told him about his father, the bomber was trying to be ready to take a beating. At least they were far away from the dojo and he would be spared the feeling of a shinai, which was a bamboo training sword, crash onto his back. But no matter what the older Yamamoto needed to do to get his rightful anger out of his system, Gokudera was willing to take it to show the father his resolve and his willingness to do everything for his son.
For the moment, though, the older man didn't beat him. Instead, he was asking him to clarify his intentions even more. Actually, this was kind of a harder punishment for the young Italian, since words had never been his forte. Gokudera had never even told Takeshi himself his future plans for them—not in so many words—but they had agreed they wanted to be together and that they really couldn't even live without each other. So, what the Italian was asking of Tsuyoshi-san now was the logical conclusion, wasn't it?
While the older Yamamoto asked him very specific questions about his true intentions, Gokudera sat up again to look up at him. He knew that words alone wouldn't be enough. The young storm guardian had to look straight at the father of his lover and let the man see his eyes and his face. Gokudera knew he had to convince him with absolute sincerity. Even though he was nervous as a cat walking a high-wire over a cold, deep pond about the situation he was in, at least he was steadfast in his feelings about his boyfriend.
"Yes, Sir," Gokudera managed to say after swallowing the huge lump in his throat. "I can understand that you are mad at me, or at us, and you have every right. We...We should have been honest with you and...and told you before." The way this talk had come about really was the worst. They were all aware of it only too well. Taking a deep breath, Gokudera tried to gather his thoughts. His next words were most likely the most important ones in his life. He just had to get this right, and he had to convince the older man. "I am here before you, because I love your son with all of my being. There can never be anyone who means more to me. I promise, I will try everything to make him happy, and I will always be there for him no matter what. I will protect him with my life. I know that we cannot get married, but I will pledge myself to your son if you let me. I will take any vow you see fit if you give us your blessing and let us stay together."
Since he had been looking up at the older Yamamoto the whole time, Gokudera now turned his body, while still remaining on his knees, to the side and took the hand of the younger one. Searching his hazel eyes, he looked up with all the love he felt for the other, before he turned back to Tsuyoshi-san.
"Y-your son's light burned a hole into the darkness surrounding me. He is the most precious person to me in this world. I want to spend the rest of my life cherishing and protecting him. I don't have much in my life, and I have never expected much out of it, but now here I am, on my knees, begging you for my one and only treasure, your son."
As his heart pounded in his chest with anxiety, Gokudera's eyes burned from staring up at the unflinching scrutiny of the older man. Slight tremors shook his body from the enormous tension he felt, but he stood his ground (or rather knelt it). He had poured his heart out to the older Yamamoto, and had said words to him that he couldn't even say to his lover, because, if he didn't, he might very well lose Takeshi now. Although it was the one thing that gave him the strength to withstand the scrutiny of Tsuyoshi-san's gaze (which seemed to pierce right into his soul), Gokudera was actually crushing the jock's hand without being aware of it.
With rapt attention, Yamamoto listened to every word that Gokudera proclaimed to his father, his heart picking up in pace as each syllable the other uttered proved more and more on how much the Italian teen loved him. The young rain guardian was stunned as his lover told his father that he would love him, cherish him, and protect him for as long as he possibly could. The silver-haired bomber was being so open and truthful for one of the few times in his life in hopes of appeasing his father's feelings towards them and their relationship. Yamamoto felt so touched by Gokudera's openness, and by the other's devoted words, that the taller teen could feel his throat and chest tighten as his hazel eyes began to shimmer with love and un-shed tears of joy.
When Gokudera turned around to take his hand in his, their eyes met and Yamamoto could see every fiber of love the other felt for him shining behind those beautiful jade-green irises. Yamamoto was so struck by everything that was happening in that moment, that all he could do was grasp the other's hand tighter and let his beloved continue to lead the conversation. He didn't want to disturb this moment in the slightest because it was utterly paramount for both him and his father to hear what the storm guardian had to say.
The next words that Gokudera uttered sent Yamamoto reeling with unrestrained euphoria. Even though he could feel his lover shaking nervously because of their connected hands, Gokudera spelled it out loud and clear for both him and his father's ears, that even though both he and Gokudera couldn't get married, the silver-haired bomber still wanted to spend the rest of his life with him. Not only that, but Gokudera had even stated that he was his treasure; the only one he had. This was almost too much for the poor jock. He had never felt such happiness in his entire life as he did right then. The swordsman knew for a fact that his lover would never say such sappy things to him unless he was forced to, so to hear how the other truly viewed him…to know that he meant as much to Gokudera as the other did to him, and that he was openly telling someone else about it, it was almost too much for Yamamoto to handle. He didn't know whether to cry out in happiness or to sweep the other into his arms and kiss him until they were both breathless out of the pure joy he felt at knowing that, if given the chance, Gokudera would marry him because he wanted to spend the rest of his life with him as his partner.
"Well, Takeshi, you heard the boy," his father's voice caught his attention suddenly, making the jock turn his attention to the older man, who was staring at him with a gauging expression. "Gokudera-kun said that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with you, and that he wants my blessing. What do you have to say to that? Do you want to spend the rest of your life with him as well?"
Yamamoto didn't even have to think to know the answer to that question.
"Yes," he stated simply, his voice filled with conviction as he stared straight into his father's eyes. Whatever fear he had been feeling before had now completely vanished from his mind. "I love, Goku—Hayato," he quickly corrected himself after his habitual slip. "I love him more than I can adequately describe, Dad. He's everything to me," as he said this, Yamamoto's eyes strayed until he was looking down at his still kneeling lover, his hazel eyes catching loving green. "I…I want to spend the rest of my life with him, too. I want to grow old with him…and…" Yamamoto glanced upward again until his eyes met his father's calculating gaze, the young rain guardian's hazel orbs narrowing with determination as he did so. "…I'll do all of this with or without your blessing."
His last sentence hung in the air between them, shifting the atmosphere in a slightly uncomfortable way as his father's eyes marginally widened at the jock's serious, yet rebellious tone. Yamamoto Tsuyoshi closed his eyes then and bowed his head, as if in deep thought, before an amused chuckle left the older man's lips and a pleased smile etched itself onto his face. When his father lifted his head and opened his eyes again, they stared straight into his determined hazel, shining with pride.
"Well, if that's the case, then there really is no choice in the matter here," Yamamoto Tsuyoshi stated with a humored smile. "I guess all I can say is…" The older man turned his gaze downwards to Gokudera then and he extended out a hand to the other in invitation. "…welcome to the family, Gokudera-kun."
Even though his father's hand was offered, Gokudera didn't make a move to take it. Yamamoto saw the look of pure shock on his lover's face, like he couldn't dare to believe what was happening now. Heck, Yamamoto could hardly believe it either. His father's attitude had turned a complete one-eighty, and he was smiling happily down at his beloved like a proud father.
"Oh, come now, no need to be so shocked," Yamamoto Tsuyoshi guffawed with a joyful burst of laughter as he bent down and took Gokudera's hand himself and dragged the smaller teen up into a standing position. "I was never mad with you two to begin with! You two remind me way too much of myself and Takeshi's mother," the older man declared as he patted Gokudera happily on the shoulder, his darker brown eyes shining with mirth. "You know, I was your age when I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. So don't think for a second that I think you two are too young to understand what love is. Besides," his father's voice grew softer with understanding. "I can see it in the way you two look at each other, and I can hear it in your voices as well. It's really plain as day, actually."
Yamamoto stared at his father, completely stunned. His last words indicated…well…Yamamoto had assumed that his father already had an idea about his and Gokudera's relationship but…that had only been a hunch on his part.
"Dad…you mean that…?"
Even though he couldn't seem to finish his sentence, the older Yamamoto seemed to know where his question was leading, because he answered rather quickly.
"Oh, I knew you two were together for quite some time now," the older Yamamoto boasted confidently. "Well, actually, I should say that I had my suspicions. It wasn't until this summer, when I heard that Takeshi had a love song designated to Gokudera-kun's phone number, that my suspicions were confirmed."
"But…if you knew…" Yamamoto stuttered out, feeling a little flabbergasted that his father hadn't brought anything up until now. He had always had a feeling that his father wanted to bring something up after the phone incident, so why did he wait?
"Heh," his father chuckled out knowingly as he sent his son an understanding smile. "I didn't want to force either you or Gokudera-kun into a conversation you weren't ready for, so that's why I waited for either or both of you to come to me. I'm glad that you two finally did, because, for a moment there, I was wondering if you ever would. Hahaha!" The older man let out a hearty laugh as Yamamoto continued to stare at his father in shock and bewilderment. He had never suspected something like this to happen, and he honestly didn't know what to feel at this point.
"Oh, and just so you two know," Yamamoto's father brought up, as if he just had another thought. "Don't think for a second that I'm mad at you two for what you did last night. It's not a defilement on my house or anything crazy like that," the older man chuckled out in amusement as he reached a hand forward and ruffled Gokudera's hair affectionately, making the smaller teen cry out in a mixture of surprise and indignation. Yamamoto had to suppress a small laugh at the noise and bewildered look on Gokudera's face afterwards. Even though the young Italian had sounded indignant at the action, Yamamoto could tell that he had actually liked the small action, despite the fact it slightly messed up his hair. "If I was to be honest," his father continued as he retreated his hand from Gokudera's now messy mop of silvery tresses. "I was actually relieved that it happened last night."
"…H-Huh?" Yamamoto choked out in surprise and embarrassment, not expecting his father to say something like that. He heard Gokudera mirror his voice as the smaller teen's face turned a bright crimson. Yamamoto could feel heat begin to pool in his cheeks as well. This conversation had just made an awkward turn.
"Well, ever since Gokudera-kun moved in here," his father went on to explain, seemingly oblivious to the awkwardly embarrassed air emanating from both his son and 'son-to-be'. "You two have been awkwardly dancing around each other to the point it was becoming painful to watch, actually." The older man shook his head sadly, before he stared at both of them pointedly. "It was rather obvious on what you two were trying to do. Trying to be cordial around each other so that I wouldn't figure out what was going on. It really was painful to watch, and even more so, I can't remember the last time I had a good night's sleep because of this 'no touching' rule you two created. I could see that it was slowly driving Takeshi insane, and damn it, it was driving me insane as well with insomnia! I could hear the dang boy run to the bathroom or outside several times a night to keep his libido in check. It was rather sad."
"…You mean…I…constantly woke you up…?" Yamamoto stuttered out in disbelief as he felt his entire face burn with equal amounts of shame and embarrassment. He had sworn he had been as quite as possible…but he had forgotten that his dad was quite a light sleeper. Ugh, shouldn't he feel relieved that his father didn't care he was in love with another man?! All he felt in that moment was complete and utter embarrassment, and he just wanted to find a good hole, curl up in it, and die. Oh, and this conversation had a double whammy as well, because Gokudera had never known that he had constantly ran to the bathroom or outside during the night to prevent himself from jumping his bones, so yeah, now his lover knew that embarrassing little tidbit as well.
"Hahaha, don't look like death just rolled over, Takeshi," his father laughed out heartily as he slapped his hand onto his shoulder in amusement. "It's nothing to be ashamed of! I'm pretty sure you take after me in regards to your libido, after all, so I know what you're going through. And sure, you constantly woke me up these past few weeks, but after you two exhausted yourself last night and slept through the night because of it, I was able to sleep through it too, so it's all good, right?"
Yamamoto wasn't sure what type of noise that had just escaped from his throat, but he was pretty sure it fell between an undignified squeak of mortification and a bile-rising gag. He had never wanted to run away from a conversation so much in his entire life. This was saying something, because he had gone through 'the talk' with his father back in middle school, and that conversation had only consisted of very perverse hand gestures and descriptive sound effects because both he and his father just weren't good with verbal descriptions in general. Still, that hadn't made the conversation any less traumatizing and embarrassing…In fact, Yamamoto was certain it had made it worse, and—why was he remembering it now?!
"Well…seeing as it looks like my son is two seconds away from feinting with all that blood rushing to his face," his father suddenly brought up, causing Yamamoto to flush even more with embarrassment as he was brought out of his thoughts. "…And since we're on the topic of you two boys' love life…" the older man's face grew serious then. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to lay down some ground rules."
Yamamoto gulped in trepidation. His whole body was on complete edge, and he wasn't sure if it could take any more of this conversation.
"Now, I'm all for you two expressing yourselves to each other, but, I insist you must refrain from such actions if you're here during store hours. I don't want the customers to become uncomfortable just because you two, or mainly Takeshi," he glared pointedly at his son in a knowing fashion, "can't handle themselves. Also," the older man added for emphasis, his tone taking a 'no-nonsense' like attitude. "You two are lucky it's not a school day, or I'd be yelling your ears off for skipping classes and not finishing your homework. And yes, I know, you didn't do your homework last night. I'm not stupid," his gaze fell solely upon Gokudera then. "It's bad enough that baseball distracts Takeshi from his studies, but with you here, Gokudera, it serves as another distraction as well. Which means it's up to you to take responsibility to keep my son here in line. I know that you have good grades and are a pretty good tutor from what I've heard from both my son and Tsuna, and I also know my son has the attention span of two-year-old next to an open jar of candy when there's an interesting distraction in the room. He takes too much after me, after all," his father let out a tired sigh then. "So with that said, I want you to keep to your promise, Gokudera-kun, and help my son out and keep him in line, especially concerning his studies. Now, to minimize the distraction, from now on, I want the both of you to do your homework where I can see you and nowhere near a bed, got it?" He stared at both of them expectantly, causing Yamamoto to automatically start nodding his head in assent in hopes that the conversation would end very soon.
"Alright," his father breathed out after seeing whatever it was he needed to see from them. "In that case, both of you go grab your homework and finish it either in the restaurant or in the kitchen." The older man clapped his hands together then as if to end their conversation. "Alright, team, you're dismissed," his father let out a laugh of amusement then as he smiled at them like their serious conversation had never happened.
Gokudera's heart was beating madly inside his chest as he waited for the older Yamamoto to react to everything he had to say. Instead of speaking his mind, though, the older man turned to his son to ask him what he had to say on the matter. On the one hand, the silver-haired bomber felt relieved that the drilling, scrutinizing gaze released him, yet, on the other hand, said gaze was directed at his lover now, making Gokudera feel for Takeshi.
Although the young Italian could only imagine the immense pressure his beloved was under in this moment of truth, he stood tall and told his father how much he loved him. Since the rain guardian was much more outspoken than himself, the other's words didn't come as a surprise to Gokudera. Still, he couldn't help but feel utterly touched as he gazed up lovingly at the other when Yamamoto looked down on him. What did surprise him, though, was the jock's rebellious determination as he actually told his father that they would stay together with or without the older man's blessing. Of course Takeshi had promised him exactly that, but it was something else entirely to voice it out loud to his father, whom he loved and stood to lose exactly because of this show of defiance.
Once more, Gokudera felt like his heart was determined to break out of his ribcage as he waited on bated breath for the older Yamamoto's answer to the direct challenge his son had uttered. Were they going to get thrown out together now?
The actual answer was so far from anything the Italian was expecting that he was thrown for a loop and stared totally dumbfounded at the congenially extended hand Tsuyoshi-san offered him. This couldn't be happening, right? This had to be a dream. Things like this just didn't happen to him. It was too easy—way too easy!
Yet, as he looked up into Tsuyoshi-san's face, all he could see was a warm, welcoming, happy smile. The next thing he knew, the older man even started to laugh, took hold of one on his hands, and hurled him back to his feet. While Gokudera still had a hard time believing this was actually happening, the shop owner told them that he had never been mad at them to begin with, and that he felt reminded of his own youth and his love for his late wife. The stupefied Italian just stared speechlessly at the older man as he told them that he didn't believe them to be too young to understand what love was, and then insinuated that their love was as plain as day.
Takeshi was faster to give voice to the same realization that Gokudera himself had. Tsuyoshi-san knew for a while now about their feelings for each other. To the storm guardian this news came utterly unexpected. From everything his boyfriend had told him, his old man had been absolutely clueless. He should have known this was bullshit, because Tsuyoshi-san had always proven to be a pretty smart man, and his boyfriend was a stupid, clueless baseball-idiot! In that moment, Gokudera really wanted to bomb said idiot into oblivion for the utterly unnecessary heart-ache he had put the both of them through!
Just as he had thought a moment ago, Tsuyoshi-san proved once more how smart he truly was when he told them that he hadn't put either of them on the spot in favor of contentedly waiting for them to feel ready to talk to him instead. He was not only smart, but sensitive, too. Gokudera had no relationship to his father at all, and had no idea how a real father-son relationship was supposed to look like. When he had seen Yamamoto with his father, though, the Italian had known that this was the real thing. He had envied Takeshi, and secretly felt happy whenever he was asked to visit the sushi-shop. He was always welcomed by Tsuyoshi-san as a friend of his son, and the older man constantly made him feel at home. In this moment, though, Gokudera decided that the older Yamamoto not only was a good father, but the kind of father every boy could only dream of. To him, Tsuyoshi-san was the one and only candidate for the father-of-the-year-award.
In that moment, the older man looked at him and told him that what they had done last night wasn't a defilement in his eyes. While Gokudera felt relief flood his system, the older Yamamoto suddenly reached out and ruffled his hair. A surprised squeal wanted to escape his throat, but the feisty bomber managed to partially change it into an indignant grunt. Of course the storm guardian didn't want to admit it, but this small, affectionate gesture felt unbelievably good to him. Unable to show his true feelings, he hid his eyes behind his bangs as he smoothed down his messed up hair.
The next moment, Gokudera was glad that his eyes were hidden. What Tsuyoshi-san had to say now made the feisty bomber feel very embarrassed. A soft blush tinged his cheeks. He had tried so hard to keep Takeshi at bay, had smothered his own yearnings to keep the older Yamamoto in the dark and spare all of them the awkwardness and the expected heartache of this very conversation, but, in the end, it was all for naught. Tsuyoshi-san wasn't just talking about the awkwardness of the situation, though. What he revealed to him then was news to the bomber, yet, when he thought about it, it made utter sense. His stupid-ass, horn-dog of a boyfriend had kept his father awake each night, because he couldn't keep his hands off of himself! Yes, this definitely made sense to the bomber. It also explained why the idiot was so tired all the time! Really...!
While his stupid horn-dog of a boyfriend burned up with the embarrassed shame he ought to feel, his father proved once more why he earned the title of 'father-of-the-year' that Gokudera felt due him. Even though Takeshi had robbed his father of the sleep he needed, and all because of a base instinct an intelligent, disciplined human being should be able to control, Tsuyoshi-san forgave him easily. Not only that, but he even made out the jock's embarrassing behavior to be something natural! The older Yamamoto really was the best father any boy could ask for! Considering the mortified, undignified sound escaping Takeshi's throat, though, his boyfriend didn't seem to feel quite this way. He really had no idea how lucky he was!
Sensitive to his son's feelings, Tsuyoshi-san was talking business then, most likely to end this talk soon. Yamamoto really didn't know how lucky he was to have a father like this. Although he couldn't fight the blush still lighting up his cheeks, Gokudera still looked the older man straight in the eyes as he laid out the new house rules. It was only right to show this much respect in face of the fairness Tsuyoshi-san graced them with. After what had happened yesterday, it was more than sensible to forbid them to fool around while there were customers around. And considering that he himself had been the loudest, the older Yamamoto's admonishment of his son for that very action only went to showcase how well the father really knew his son.
The next demand the older man made was mainly meant for himself. Gokudera was nodding in agreement as Tsuyoshi-san stated that his son was too easily distracted, and the storm guardian couldn't help but smile in amusement as the other compared his son to a two-year-old.
"Yes, Sir," the feisty bomber agreed that they would do their homework downstairs and as far away from a bed as possible. "I promise, I'll keep Takeshi in line and get him to study more." Gokudera nodded for emphasis.
Tsuyoshi-san seemed to be content with their answers, told them to get their homework, and that they were dismissed.
"Yes, Sir, right away!" With this answer, Gokudera turned around and pushed his boyfriend ahead of him back to the kitchen and the stairs.
The Italian bomber still had a hard time believing what had just happened, but the relief flooding his system was all too real. Tsuyoshi-san really was the greatest father in the world. Gokudera swore to himself that he would do his best to repay the kindness of the man by kicking his son's ass to make him study like crazy.
Only as they went up the stairs did the storm guardian fully realize the implications of what had just happened. Something he hadn't even dared to dream about had come true. Tsuyoshi-san had accepted their love. Gokudera had effectively asked the man for his son's hand in marriage, and they had received his blessing. For all intents and purposes, they were now betrothed. They were betrothed... They were betrothed!
On the last step of the stairs Gokudera halted in his tracks and blanched visibly. He had pledged himself to another human being. He had just accepted responsibility for another. The silver-haired teen was often reckless and threw himself into danger. If he had a hard time keeping himself safe, how was he to protect another? But he had promised...he had just promised Tsuyoshi-san that he would protect his son. He...he had to learn to be more responsible for Takeshi's sake, and he would have to work to make himself a better man for the other. Full realization hit Gokudera then that the dream he had not even dared to dream just had turned into an exciting, yet frightening reality.
Before Yamamoto knew it, he was being directed upstairs by Gokudera's hands pushing lightly against his back. The taller teen didn't even bother to resist. It wasn't like he wanted to anyway. He was more than happy to get away from his father a bit and try to calm down the raging blush still consuming his entire face. Man, why did his father have to be so embarrassing?
Their trek up the stairs and back to his bedroom was a silent one, filled with an air that Yamamoto couldn't quite describe. As soon as they entered his room again, though, the young swordsman let out a sigh of relief. Despite the fact that he literally wanted to go into hiding somewhere until this whole situation was forgotten, everything he had hoped for had actually come true. His father accepted Gokudera as part of the family, and had given them his blessing. Not only that, but Gokudera himself had asked for his hand…This day truly was the greatest in his entire life…
…Although he still could have gone without his dad comparing their libidos…Actually, he was going to forget that ever happened.
"Man, that had been embarrassing," Yamamoto laughed lightly in slight exhaustion as he walked over to his school bag on his desk where his homework rested within. "I seriously thought I was going to die, haha! Still, isn't it great that everything turned out alright? I…I'm so glad that my fears were unfounded…"
Yamamoto had finally reached his school bag when he noticed that Gokudera hadn't responded to him. Curious about the silence, the puzzled rain guardian glanced over his shoulder to notice that his lover was staring at the floor, looking like he was very deep in thought.
"Hayato?" The taller teen questioned cautiously as he forgot about his homework again and focused solely on his beloved. Seeing as the smaller teen still didn't respond, Yamamoto made his way back towards his partner. Without even thinking, he wrapped the unsuspecting teen in his arms. Gokudera jumped a bit in surprise as the action startled him out of his reverie, which made Yamamoto giggle in amusement.
Placing his forehead against his lover's then, Yamamoto stared deeply into Gokudera's steady gaze.
"Looks like you have something on your mind," the raven-haired teen hummed out thoughtfully as he held the other teen in a loving embrace, his hands rubbing soothing circles along the Italian's back. "Want to talk about it?"
A myriad of feelings were overwhelming the poor bomber as he slowly followed Yamamoto into his room. Although he had begged Takeshi and his father to be able to stay with the jock forever, he was now painfully aware of his commitment. For the first time since he could remember, Gokudera now had something – someone – he absolutely could not lose. Considering his history of having nothing at all, he felt an immense weight and pressure on him.
While his new responsibility weighed on him, he still was incredibly thankful that, for once in his life, fate hadn't screwed him over. He was allowed to stay with his lover, and the older Yamamoto was not only okay with it, but actually seemed to be happy for them. Tsuyoshi-san really was incredible and Gokudera felt honored and touched by the man welcoming him into the family with open arms. He once more swore to do his best to make it up to the older Yamamoto.
Lost in all the feelings swirling through him and the thoughts he tried to slow down and sort out, the silver-haired bomber just stood in the middle of the room staring at the ground. He heard his boyfriend talk but was still too wrapped up in his own thoughts to pay his words any mind. He was remembering all the embarrassing things he had told Tsuyoshi-san. Gokudera wasn't ashamed of his feelings for the jock, but he still couldn't quite believe he had said them out loud. In a way, it was good that the pressure of the situation had made it possible for him to overcome his inhibitions and to formulate his feelings for Takeshi like he had. Yet, after what had happened, after all the things he had said and what the baseball-idiot had heard, he surely expected to hear it all the time. The bomber bristled at the very notion. He would never be able to say all of the stuff he had said again! He just wasn't the mushy touchy-feely type!
Too wrapped up in his swirling thoughts, Gokudera didn't realize Yamamoto called out to him, so he almost jumped out of his skin when he was wrapped up in the jock's strong arms. Although his fears were trying to get the better of him, the smaller bomber didn't struggle when Yamamoto touched their foreheads together. When those hazel orbs captivated him like they always did, Gokudera felt a cool wave wash over him. It smothered his rising fears and slowed his spinning mind. Takeshi's gaze was full of love and, as long as the other one loved him, they would make it all work out somehow. They had just passed a major hurdle, and that had worked out even better than anything they could have hoped for.
Soft circles were rubbed into his back and Gokudera felt himself relax even further as Yamamoto asked him what was on his mind. After everything he had said downstairs, the Italian didn't want to disclose the fears that had almost overwhelmed him as they had come up the stairs. He opted to address his latest thoughts instead.
"I hope you listened real well as I talked to your father just now, because I won't repeat myself," he told his lover and tried to sound cool, displaying a small grin. "You know I ain't the lovey-dovey type."
With everything that had happened today, especially this morning, Gokudera had displayed so many of his innermost feelings that he felt like the only stripper in the last topless-bar on earth. The kind of soul-baring he had endured should at least last for the next year or two.
"And...And just because your dad gave us his blessing doesn't mean you'll get to jump me anytime you feel like it," he added in a much more grumpy tone of voice than what he actually felt like. "He's really generous, your dad, and a great man. We will repay his kindness by behaving and you...you will study…study really hard, hear me?" Gokudera's voice was choking up a little bit as he said the last words. His hands had come up to cup the back of Yamamoto's head as he held the jock close and looked him deep in the eyes to show him his determination.
For the first time in his life, Gokudera actually had something as close to a family as he would ever get and he was determined to keep it.
When Gokudera eventually spoke up, it wasn't directly about what was probably bothering him. Yamamoto had expected as much, so he took the other's 'cool' and grumpy attitude in stride, because he could tell it was a cover-up. Still, despite the fact that Gokudera wasn't truly telling him what was bothering him, the words he spoke still held importance and probably portrayed, at least partially, of what was bothering him. With that in mind, Yamamoto listened attentively, already assuming what was truly on his lover's mind. He had always assumed that Gokudera wouldn't want to go through with something so committing as 'marriage' because he was so afraid to lose what he had. Yet his lover was basically betrothed to him now despite how fearful he probably was, and he was probably trying to come to terms with that. This was all just an assumption on Yamamoto's part, though, but it wasn't too often that his hunches were wrong.
He felt his lover cup the back of his head then, the other's slender fingers weaving through his hair as he stared up at him in determination. The young rain guardian knew that his father would be proud to know that Gokudera was taking his words to heart and more than willing to see them through.
With an amused chuckle and a happy smile, Yamamoto leaned forward then and planted a swift, chaste kiss against his silver-haired companion's lips. When he drew away, his hazel orbs held Gokudera's slightly surprised green with a loving gaze.
"First off," the taller teen replied quietly with a gentle smile, "I never expected you to act any differently after the talk with my father. These last twenty-four hours have been…amazing, and definitely a rare experience. That's why I'll never forget what happened here today, Hayato. It will definitely tide me over until you feel ready again to verbally tell me what you truly feel." The dark-haired jock let out a tiny chuckle then, his hazel eyes shining down into Gokudera's green with adoration. "Actually, that's one of the many characteristics I love about you, Hayato. You seldom share your thoughts and feelings concerning our relationship, which makes it all the more special when you do decide to share them with me. Either way, I can still see how you truly feel with your actions alone, so I'll always be happy."
The blush that dusted his lover's cheeks then was truly amusing to see. And when Gokudera became all flustered and started calling him a sappy idiot, Yamamoto's smile widened until it was practically shining off his face like the afternoon sun.
"Ah, don't be like that, Hayato," the taller teen joked in a teasing tone. "I know you love it when I'm sappy." The eye-roll the storm guardian gave him in response to that comment caused the young jock to let out a giddy laugh. Sharing moments like these with his beloved was truly the best. "Alright, alright," Yamamoto chuckled out as he tried to reign in his laughter and bring the focus back on their conversation. "Now as for the other thing you brought up, I promise that I will be on my best behavior and work hard on my homework…that is…if you promise me something in return."
Jade-green orbs shined up at him in confusion, but Yamamoto just smiled as he took one of his hands off of the Italian's back and cupped the side of Gokudera's face, his calloused thumb gently rubbing against the other's cheek.
"Hayato…" Yamamoto's voice took on a more serious tone, but his affectionate smile never left his face. "You're always worrying about everything, especially the future. I know why you do it…but…" The taller teen's voice died away then and he averted his gaze from the other, trying to figure out what exactly it was that he wanted to say. "I just…" His hazel eyes met Gokudera's green once again, shining with worry. "…I hate seeing how troubled these types of thoughts make you. I'm worried that, you'll worry so much about what will happen next that you won't take in the present…and then when something does happen, and if one of your worries becomes reality, you'll end up regretting not taking the time to appreciate what you had when you had the chance. I…I don't want you to go through such pain so…can you please try and focus on what's going on around you here and now?" The worried swordsman asked tentatively but hopefully. "Just take in every moment…focus on it…and appreciate it for what it is and not what might ruin it in the future…because…this time we have now, Hayato…it's all we have…and I don't want you to leave this world—whenever that time comes—with regrets. And I don't want to leave this world, knowing that you had them…"
While Gokudera was sincere and trying to impress his determination on the other, the stupid jock was chuckling in amusement and even kissed him! That baseball-freak didn't take him seriously! Just as this thought was going through the smaller bomber's head, his lover gently smiled down at him and told him that he never expected him to act any differently than before, and that he would always remember what had passed between them these past twenty-four hours.
To hear Yamamoto tell him essentially how much it all meant to him made a warm and fuzzy feeling come over the Italian. This was soon accompanied by a rosy blush to his cheeks when the other went on to tell him that he actually loved how much more Gokudera's words meant because he spoke so rarely about his true feelings. The feisty bomber knew only too well how most other people would feel that this was one of his biggest faults. Keeping his feelings to himself wasn't something he did on purpose just to look cool. It was a defensive mechanism he had learned to build the hard way, and which proved even harder to unlearn. Even though most people chucked him off as being defective merchandise, Takeshi loved him exactly for this fault. That was how special his boyfriend really was. He didn't get annoyed with him for having a hard time expressing himself in words, but told him that he understood his feelings through actions just as well.
The warm, fuzzy feeling was enveloping his whole body now and Yamamoto's loving words threatened to make him tear up once more. There had been enough emotional outbursts these past hours to last him a year at the very least!
"Oh, s-stop it, sappy idiot!" Gokudera shouted out, fighting the rising emotional tide.
Of course the stupid baseball-freak had to tease him and tell him that Gokudera loved him just the way he was, which was the truth not just concerning his corny sappiness. Defying his own thoughts, though, he rolled his eyes at the other and let out a soft snort. Naturally, this served to amuse the damn idiot even more. Yet, somehow, he managed to finally return to their original conversation and his request. Unexpectedly, Yamamoto didn't just promise him to do his best, but asked for something in return. This wasn't like him at all, so Gokudera looked up at him in slight confusion, wondering what was on the other's mind.
Takeshi cupped his cheek then. Soft shivers ran down the back of the bomber's neck when the calloused thumb gently stroked his skin. The way this conversation had suddenly turned serious again, made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. Gokudera couldn't fight the dread that was bubbling up in the pit of his stomach. Seeing his lover start talking but stop again to gather his thoughts, only made things worse. Whatever the other one had to say couldn't be good. After everything they had been through these past hours, after he had opened himself up the way he had, there just had to be some repercussions slamming down on him...
The fears rising up in him, wrapping up his thoughts and trying to clench around his heart, almost made him miss what Yamamoto really had to say to him. He was so caught up in the expectation of the emotional hammer falling on him that he almost missed his lover's honest and point-on concerns for him. Gokudera understood that he was doing exactly what the jock was asking him not to. He fell so easily into that pattern but that was because he had lived this very pattern for a long, long time.
"That's...that's so much easier said than done," the bomber answered sadly. "I...I know what you're saying, and you're right. Cherishing every moment is good advice to any man, especially for the both of us. With our lives, with being guardians of the Vongola Famiglia, this is even truer. I understand that. But understanding it and just being able to live that way…those are two very different things." Shaking his head, he turned his gaze away, unable to look at the other one. "I can't just shake my fears." For a second he fell silent, debating with himself. Even though it was hard for him to admit to this, telling Yamamoto was the only way to make him see just how dysfunctional he really was. "Just...just now, when you turned serious and started to speak, I was dreading what you might have to say. When you told me you had a request in return, to me it felt like a looming emotional extortion. I..." Gokudera's gaze was flitting around like it was searching for a place to hide. He swallowed audibly. "I know that you love me, and... and I know you care about me...and still...I'm suspicious. I don't want to be! I really don't. Please believe me. It's not that I don't trust you. I trust you with my life. I just...I can't..." He tried to find the right words to put his fears into words. "I just can't trust this fuckin' unfair, malicious life to actually let me be happy for even a little while. I'm sick like that—I know that—but I don't know how to fight it or how to get better...All I know is...is when..." Taking a deep breath, Gokudera gathered the courage to look up into Yamamoto's hazel eyes again. "All I know is that when we're...when we're together, I can forget about these fears for a while, at least. In those moments I feel...whole and...and happy."
Heart thumping loudly in his chest, Gokudera looked up fearfully at Yamamoto. He was essentially telling his lover that after all they've been through, he still couldn't trust him. It didn't matter if he wanted to, or if he was blaming his family and the shitty cards life had dealt him in the past, the fact remained that he still had major trust issues and that he had admitted that they wouldn't just go away. He was majorly damaged goods.
Gokudera's response was kind of what Yamamoto had expected, but, at the same time, it wasn't. In truth, he had only expected the other to scoff at his proposal and say that it was easier said than done, but what he actually got was a bare-bones, truthful response. He could see the apprehension and fear shining brightly in his lover's eyes as he lamented over his inabilities, and Yamamoto wanted nothing more than to hold the other to him as tightly as possible and say that everything would be okay, even though he had no idea if the Italian's inability to completely trust would ever change.
It was then that he heard his lover state how happy he was when he spent time with him, but it was followed up by such a fearful look that Yamamoto was stunned at the contradiction. He could see that Gokudera truly feared the repercussions of his speech, like Yamamoto would actually disown him or something. It was such a ridiculous notion, but yet it fit so perfectly with what his silver-haired companion just relayed to him. Gokudera was programmed to always fear the worst, and for his happiness to come to an abrupt and painful end at practically any moment. Yamamoto knew he was asking a lot of the other, but he believed that, with time and better conditioning, his lover would be able to find true peace in the happiness their relationship brought them.
"Oh, Hayato," the taller teen sighed out as he hugged the other closer to him, his face burying itself into his lover's silvery tresses. Yamamoto took comfort in the scent of the shampoo that still lingered there from their earlier bath; pine fresh, just like the young jock's hair usually smelled like, but here the scent was mixed in with Gokudera's natural smell, making it smell all the more better in Yamamoto's opinion. "I know that I asked a lot of you with this promise," the raven-haired swordsman whispered into his lover's ear then, his hands still massaging the other's back with soothing circles. "And I know that such a promise will be difficult for you to keep. Your past…it really has conditioned you to think this way, so I know that it's a hard thing for you to change…but all I ask is that you promise to continue trying." As Yamamoto said this, he drew back from the other a bit so that he could face his lover, his hazel eyes shining with love and understanding. "I just hate to see you pained by such depressing thoughts. So, can you at least promise me that you'll continue to try? If you do, I can promise to try my best to not jump you whenever I see the opportunity," the rain guardian chuckled out then in slight amusement, trying his best to lighten the mood between them and the conversation.
After what he had just disclosed to his boyfriend, Gokudera could only hope that Takeshi just got angry. Getting shouted at or even the cold shoulder for maybe a day (luckily his stupid lover had the memory-span of a Goldfish when it came to holding grudges) would be much easier to bear than seeing that his admission hurt Yamamoto. It wasn't the jock's fault that he still couldn't trust him in the end. Takeshi was the best boyfriend he could have ever asked for. The most caring and understanding and patient one in this whole, wide world. This was Gokudera's own mess, and he would really, really hate it if his own defects hurt his beloved in turn. So, when Yamamoto only sighed out his name and merely hugged him even closer, the smaller bomber was stunned, to say the least.
"Ta-Takeshi...?" Gokudera whispered out wonderingly as the jock buried his face against the side of his neck.
The next thing he knew, Yamamoto told him that he knew how difficult his request was, and that he didn't expect him to just be able to fulfill it. All he really asked of him was to keep trying. Gokudera felt his eyes turn wet against his will. His thoughts from just a second ago returned to him. The unlucky Italian had no idea which force in this universe was responsible, but he thanked it right then and there for sending this man into his path. No words could capture the gratitude Gokudera felt for being with Yamamoto. He just didn't know how to begin to tell the other just how much he meant to him and his reaction just now.
His resilient, strong-willed, unyielding, stupid idiot of a boyfriend didn't just give up on a lost cause like him. He didn't even get mad after the curveball he just threw him. Takeshi held him tight, wrapped him in his soothing love and just asked him to keep trying to be happy. The jock wasn't asking for anything for himself, just that Gokudera himself learned how to be happy.
His swimming eyes threatened to spill their contents once again. Really, when had he become a sappy, weepy-eyed idiot? Must be the damn baseball-freak rubbing off on him, but that really wasn't so bad, was it? Unsure whether to cry or laugh at the tumultuous thoughts and feelings swirling through him, it was Yamamoto who knew how to tip the scale. His last promise made Gokudera guffaw even while tears still glittered in his eyes.
"You're such an idiot!" He laughed out loud releasing the tension in his body in giddy mirth. "You really think, you can jump me without suffering the consequences? Don't think I won't triple-bomb you just because your dad's around! I'm sure he'd be on my side if I did!"
Gokudera easily saw past the wide-eyed, shocked look Yamamoto displayed for the benefit of a little light-hearted banter. His lover just felt relieved to see him laughing and happy. Even though the feisty bomber was sure the jock would rather forget most of the latter part of their conversation with his father, he protested nonetheless that Tsuyoshi-san would much more likely support him because he needed his sleep. If Yamamoto sneaking to the bathroom and outside (why the fuck outside? Was Takeshi a closet exhibitionist?!) had kept his old man awake, he surely wouldn't appreciate explosions around the house.
The light-hearted, silly conversation made Gokudera feel calm and even happy once more. Yes, he had bound himself for life to another, but this other person was Yamamoto Takeshi, the person he cared most for in this whole wide world, and the man he loved with every last shred of his being. Yamamoto was warm, kind and caring but, most of all, he was patient, and he was willing to wait for him to grow into a man worthy of him. Gokudera wanted to be that man, and he would try hard to better himself. Right now, though, he would take his lover's advice and just enjoy the moment. After all, they were newly betrothed, weren't they?
"Tell you what," the feisty bomber proposed with a devious, little smile. "We'll go down now, like we promised your father, and if you behave yourself and concentrate on our homework there will be a reward for you tonight."
Gokudera weaved his fingers into Yamamoto's raven hair, stretched on tip-toe, and kissed his lover. His tongue gained easy access and soon enticed its counterpart into an intimate dance that ended with tender sucking of the jock's lower lip. The feisty bomber felt a certain satisfaction when he saw the other's hazel eyes glazed with lust and felt Yamamoto's panting breath on his still wet lips.
"This was just a taste. Call it an incentive. There'll be more if you behave," Gokudera offered with a voice dripping with promise.
Loud, uproarious laughter suddenly reached Yamamoto's ears, causing the taller teen to stiffen slightly in shock. He stared down at his lover, who seemed very amused by what he had just suggested. The other's next words were stated with a teasing tone, which secretly made Yamamoto happy. It was great to see that what he had said had put his lover in a better mood. As long as the other really did try to stay happy, he'd be happy as well. But concerning with what had just come out of Gokudera's mouth, Yamamoto just couldn't let the silly conversation between them die just yet.
"No way! If anything, my dad will take my side," the rain guardian insisted with a coy smile. "After all, if I get my way, then that guarantees that he'll get better sleep that night!"
The dark-haired teen could see amusement shining behind Gokudera's shimmering jade orbs, before a devious smile spread across his lips. The other's sinfully, sexy look added with the words that tumbled from his lover's savory lips had Yamamoto's body stiffening in more ways than one. He could feel his throat run dry and his heart rate quicken as anticipation took hold of him. When he felt his lover's long fingers weave through his hair and find a grip, Yamamoto swallowed audibly, his breath hitching in wonder as his silver-haired companion drew nearer until their lips met.
Gokudera gained complete access to his mouth instantaneously. Yamamoto showed no resistance as his lover controlled their kiss. Their tongues moved together in a tantalizing dance that had the young jock's blood pumping, and when Gokudera drew away, his teeth finding purchase in his lower lip, it left the lustful swordsman yearning for more.
With eyes half-lidded with lust, Yamamoto stared wonderingly at his beloved as the feisty storm guardian told him that there'd be more to come if he behaved.
…More to come…
The words rang loudly and continuously within his skull like a siren. 'More to come.' Did that mean that…could it be that…Gokudera wanted to jump him tonight instead…?
As future images flashed within his mind's eye, Yamamoto could feel eagerness and anticipation build within him until it threatened to burst out of him in a mixture of a giddiness and earnest begging. It was such a rare treat to be on the receiving end of Gokudera's physical love, that when it was presented to him, Yamamoto knew that there was nothing that his lover couldn't get him to do. In truth, Yamamoto actually didn't care about that aspect. All he wanted was to feel Gokudera make love to him…or fuck him ruthlessly to the point that he'd feel it for weeks to come. Either way, he'd fall asleep a very happy man.
With eyes brimming with eagerness, but his face set in complete determination, Yamamoto unwrapped his arms from his lover's torso in order to take Gokudera's hands in his. Staring down seriously into his lover's eyes, the taller teen proclaimed, "Let's do our homework."
He'd never been so pumped up to solve math equations in his entire life.
Apparently, his serious change in attitude mixed with his puppy-like urgency had Gokudera laughing up a storm. Yamamoto didn't understand what was so funny, since he truly was serious. He had just promised Gokudera he'd dutifully do his homework in exchange for sexy antics and he was going to make sure his lover stayed true to his word.
"Ah, come on, Hayato, I'm serious," Yamamoto whined out pitifully as his lover wiped tears from his eyes. The young jock just pouted as he watched Gokudera try to compose himself. He just…really wanted to see and feel the other love him…It had been a very long time since Gokudera had been in full control…
Seeming to take pity on him once he was fully composed, Gokudera chuckled out that they could go and do homework now. In mere seconds, like a dog that was just instructed to fetch, Yamamoto had both of their school bags in hand and was standing dutifully in front of his lover with expectation shining in his eyes and imaginary doggy tail wagging in anticipation. The taller teen saw his lover try his best to stifle another chuckle of amusement as he lead the way down the stairs and to the restaurant. Yamamoto followed closely behind, his eyes taking in every movement his lover made as he concentrated on behaving his very best.
For the rest of the morning, they worked on their studies in the privacy of the kitchen. Every once in a while, his father would come in for some ingredients and check to make sure that they were still doing what they were supposed to do. Yamamoto couldn't help but blush in slight embarrassment, though, when his father told Gokudera that he was impressed with the silver-haired teen's ability to keep his attention while they studied. If only his father knew that his lover had basically bribed him like the sultry Italian that he was.
Despite what was in store for him for if he kept up his good behavior, Yamamoto actually found himself thoroughly enjoying doing his homework in his lover's company, if only because he could see that Gokudera was enjoying himself, too. Light teasing and laughter constantly filled the air between them as the feisty bomber helped him understand various subject materials he hadn't bothered to learn in class. Moments like these were truly meant to be treasured. There weren't any enemies knocking on their doors demanding their heads, it was just the two of them, doing something as commonplace and mundane as studying in the comfort of a loving home. Yamamoto hoped to any being of power out there that he'd continue to share moments like this with his lover for years to come, and that, for when they did have to face difficult situations, they would be able to face them together with no fear. Most of all, though, he wanted to make sure that Gokudera's life was filled with joy and laughter. He promised himself that he'd make sure his lover would have no regrets when the time finally came for them to part. Yamamoto could tell with the way Gokudera's jade orbs shined happily back into his that, for once, such a task wasn't as hard as he had previously thought.
