12 The Problem with Mondo

"Dude. Seriously. The hell is your problem? Like ya got ants in your fricken pants, jeez."

Mondo scowls at the statement, turning to glare at the musician sitting across from him in the dining hall, his hands clenching as he does his best to stop the way his leg is bouncing restlessly. Shit, it ain't his fucking fault! He just... fuck. Is feeling fucking impatient, that's all. It's not like it's his fault time is moving so fucking slow!

It's currently 9:30 and Mondo feels about ready to climb the fucking walls. He has spent the last hour or so in the dining hall, shooting the shit with Leon, and he has to admit that he's feeling so fucking impatient. The desire to see Taka again is driving him fucking /insane/. Everything in him wants so fucking bad to walk around the festival with his kyoudai already, to show the kid how fucking proud he is of him. Mondo has never been one to deal with impatience well, and it is made super fucking clear now. He really doesn't need Leon making this whole nonsense worse.

"Hey, shut the fuck up! Don't like it, ya can fuck right off! 'M just... I dunno. Anxious. Ain't a fuckin' crime!" he snaps, glaring at the musician. Leon gives him a fucking /look/, before snorting and rolling his eyes. Hey, ya know what? Mondo misses the time when the teen was fucking afraid of him. Can they please go back to that time, thanks?

"Oh, frick off, man. Was just saying. What's up? You've been like this the whole fricken time, it ain't like you," Leon claims, looking at him with a raised brow. Mondo rolls his eyes and is about to reply, but then Leon is continuing, words more teasing than before. And when Mondo comprehends what he says… "What, something happen with your boyfriend or something? Hall Monitor not give you your morning kisses? Ha!"

Mondo is standing before he can think about it, hands clenched into tight fists as he glares down at the musician, suddenly feeling fucking /enraged/ as that /goddamn bullshit/. How fucking dare this goddamn motherfucker?! Doesn't he fucking know who the fuck he is?! He can see Leon's eyes widen, fucking /fear/ entering them, and he prolly shouldn't want that, shouldn't want his friend to be /afraid of him/, but ya know what? /Good/. Fucking... good. Maybe the teen should be a little more afraid of him, if it makes him /stop saying such goddamn bullshit/-

"You take that back right the fuck now!" Mondo yells, not as loud as he knows he can be, but louder than he prolly should. There are a only few people currently in the dining hall, but every single one of them turn to face him, eyes wide and fearful. But Mondo doesn't care. He just... doesn't fucking care. "Taka an' I ain't fuckin' like that, not at all, so ya better fuckin' take that shit back, right the fuck now!"

Leon blinks at him with shock for a second, seeming taken aback as Mondo glares his heart out. Unfortunately for them all, the douchebag gets over his fear quickly and scowls up at Mondo, looking fucking pissed. Oh, that goddamn motherfucker...

"What the hell! It was just a joke, calm the hell down! Jeez!" Leon exclaims, eyes tight with anger. Mondo doesn't reply and just keeps glaring at him, hands shaking for /no fucking reason/, trying to think through the absolute rage he feels. The pair spends a tense minute glaring at one another because of this, both refusing to back down. Mondo isn't entirely sure why the fuck he got so blindingly angry so fast, but honestly, it doesn't fucking matter. Leon should fucking know better than to 'joke' about shit like that. Ain't his goddamn fault that shit ain't fucking funny.

Luckily, right before this stretches a bit too far, Mondo feeling just about ready to round the table and punch the shit out of the bastard he tentatively calls his friend, Leon… Leon sighs. Mondo can still see the anger in the musician's eyes, but the teen seems to realize how fucking stupid continuing this argument will be, as he lets the topic drop and instead raises his hands in the universal sign for surrender. Fucking… /good/. He guesses.

"Shit. I really didn't mean anything by it, man. Was just trying ta make a joke. Clearly, not fricken funny, sorry. C'mon. Sit back down dude, I didn't mean it. Jeez."

Mondo debates this for a moment, trying to determine if he should listen to the request or not, the anger still swirling within him. While part of him still wants to punch the daylights out of Leon, the majority of him knows that would be a stupid fucking idea, ruining yet another friendship over something so fucking stupid. Plus… Taka would be so fucking disappointed in him if he did that, and Mondo… Mondo can't handle that shit.

Nodding stiffly, Mondo does as is asked and sits back down, still feeling very tense but not quite as angry. Shit, but Leon better fucking hope he doesn't make 'jokes' like that again, or else he's gonna fucking find out the hard way why Mondo's known as the Ultimate Biker Gang Leader...

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just... don't fuckin' joke 'bout that kinda shit, dude. Ain't fuckin' funny. Taka an' I, we... we ain't fuckin' like that. We're just bros, okay? Kyoudai. Nothin' else," Mondo stresses, feeling oddly anxious about the whole thing. He just... he knows, okay? What others might be /incorrectly/ seeing in them. More than Taka, obviously, the kid's so fucking oblivious 'bout shit like this.

And he just... he doesn't really care, right? He knows the truth and that's what matters, he fucking knows that, but... shit. Shit. He... he doesn't want /Taka/ hearing that shit and having him get all self-conscious. He doesn't want Taka to be spooked because some jackasses are reading their relationship to one another wrong. It ain't bad to be close to a person you're not romantically interested in, ya know? Case in point; Hina and Ogami are super close while not dating, so he and Taka can be, too! And if you think they can't, then you're a sexist, homophobic piece of shit, and Mondo doesn't give a single fuck about sexist, homophobic pieces of shit. Not anymore than so he can beat the absolute /shit/ out of them.

But that shit doesn't matter. What people think of him and Taka. He knows the truth, and that's that. And if anyone tries to taunt them otherwise, Mondo'll beat their fucking brains in, simple as that. He... he ain't gotta focus on it any more than that, really.

With that settled, Mondo pushes it all aside like he always does, focusing his attention back on Leon, knowing they need to move the fuck on, and fast. However, when his eyes land on Leon, he sees the dude nod slowly, giving him a weird ass sideways look that he can't fucking decipher, though he knows it ain't good. Shit...

"Uh, yeah. I know that, man. But… it, uh. Wouldn't be a big deal, ya know? If you two were, ya know... dating and shit. Not that I think you are! Know you aren't and that you're just bros. But... shit, whatever. Just saying. If ya were, I'd be cool with it. Anyway... was thinking of asking Maizono out this weekend. Was gonna ask her if she wanted to come with me to the festival, but she was always busy when I was around her, damn. Wish me fricken luck..."

Mondo transfers his glare from his friend to the table, doing his best to ignore the anger that wants to rise at what Leon just said. A-about him. And Taka. And it- it not being a problem if they were... were... shit. Shit. God fucking dammit. Doesn't matter, moving on, shit.

"Whatever, dickwad. Like I said, Taka an' I ain't like that. I ain't gay, fer starters, an' neither is Taka-" (_maybe, maybe, but you know you're lying_) "-so stop it with that shit. But, dude... yer still chasin' Maizono? Damn, man. Pretty sure she ain't interested."

Leon scowls at his words, though he seems content to let the previous matter drop, which privately relieves Mondo. He doesn't focus on that shit, though, knowing it would be 'counterproductive,' or whatever Taka calls that shit. Especially not when Leon crosses his arms and begins to sulk, like the bitch ass loser he is. Heh.

"Hey! C'mon, man, don't be like that. She's totally inta me! I can tell. She's just playing hard ta get, but I'll reel her in, just you wait an' see. Just 'cuz /you're/ all jealous that I got her attention and shit-"

Mondo cuts Leon's boastful words off with a snort, smirking and rolling his eyes at the musician. Even though the anger from earlier is still swirling within him, Mondo figures it would be best to just move the fuck on. He really doesn't wanna be banned from the festival before it even begins just 'cuz he broke Leon's jaw. 'Sides. That shit would prolly ruin their friendship, and he just… shit. Doesn't want that. Not today, at least.

"Believe me, ain't fuckin' jealous a' that. Chick's hot an' all, but she seems like she'd be high fuckin' maintenance. Teenyboppers like her usu'lly are. Ain't my fuckin' type, damn," he states, not thinking much of it. It's true, honestly. While Maizono is hot, that's about all she's got going for her in Mondo's books. Oh, Mondo's sure she's a 'nice girl' (assuming her stage persona isn't a complete and total lie like he's ninety percent certain it is), but even still. Not his type.

However… for some reason, Leon just gives him a strange ass look, the musician seeming skeptical about something Mondo said. Which… makes no fucking sense. What the fuck did he say that was so fucking bad, huh? Fuck, is he not allowed to have preferences or shit? The uncertainty makes the anger rise again, his fists clenching and his eyes glaring unintentionally.

Thankfully, Leon seems to realize pressing the matter would be suicide, so he lets it drop, snorting softly and looking away.

"Yeah, maybe. But dude. She's so /hot/. What I wouldn't give for a night with her... shiiiiiiit. Bet she'd be so fricken tight. Prolly ain't had a dude in her yet. Sure would love to be the first..."

Ugh. Absolutely /disgusting/. That's honestly the thing he hates most about Leon, to tell the truth. He's always so /gross/ about chicks. Didn't his parents ever teach him to respect ladies?!

But Mondo really isn't itching for a fight today, so he lets it drop. This time.

"Pretty sure she ain't gonna be up fer that shit, dude. Don't know much 'bout pop sensations, but I think I overheard her tellin' Naegi that she's got a contract sayin' she'll 'remain pure', whatever that fuckin' bullshit means. Ya might be better off tryin' fer another chick. Shit, why not go fer Fujisaki? The two a' you seem ta be gettin' 'long well these days," Mondo smirks, giving the teen the side eye, knowing exactly what the fucker will say to that shit. Like expected, he can see Leon flushing, a scowl rising on his face as he glares at him. Ha. Too fucking easy.

"Hey! Ya don't want me making comments on you and your boy toy, then you leave me and Chi alone. Chick's nice and all, but we ain't like that. She's too timid, man. Fricken meek as hell. Don't mind chatting with her, but I honestly can't imagine the two of us going on a date. Like, she's cute and all, but she sure as hell ain't hot. And anyway. If Maizono ain't your type, well. Then Chi ain't mine. Nothing more."

Okay, Leon's starting to piss him off again, damn him. Why is he friends with this jackass again…? Slim pickings at this school, he knows, but fuck... Leon sure can be an asshole, that's for damn sure...

"Oh, what the fuck ever, asshole. Nothin' wrong with the chick, even if she is a bit mousy. She's pretty, gotta admit that. An' super cute, in that schoolgirl way. An' smart, like damn. Ya sure as hell could do worse than her," Mondo replies, agitation lining the words but not fully present. Leon doesn't seem to hear it, which is prolly for the better, he guesses. Instead, the teen snorts, smirking at Mondo, like Mondo is starting to come to hate.

"Yeah, but like I said. Ain't like that. Seems you're interested, though. Why don't /you/ ask her out if you're so keen on her, huh, Big Bad Biker-san?" Leon leers, snickering lightly. Mondo— without missing a beat— reaches across the table and smacks him upside the head. Not enough to really hurt, but definitely enough to smart. He takes great pleasure in seeing Leon rub at his head angrily, a pout rising on his lips. Ha. Fucker.

"Shut the fuck up, ya cocksucker. Was just sayin'. An' it ain't like I've not considered it, ya know? Askin' her out. Think she has a thing fer me or somethin', shit. But eh. Prolly won't. Like I said, she's nice an' all, but too fuckin' timid fer my tastes. Ain't really my type."

Okay. That seems to have taken Leon aback. The teen is now totally giving him that same fucking /look/ again, the same one from earlier, but... why? The fuck did he say? However, this time… Leon doesn't fucking hold it back. God fucking dammit.

"Damn, dude. Every time we talk about chicks, you always fricken say that. That they 'ain't your type,' or whatever. Do you even know what your 'type' is? Like... damn."

The words make Mondo freeze, everything in him stuck as he tries to figure out what the hell Leon means by that shit. Because... fuck no, that ain't true! He doesn't say that shit every time! And of course he knows what his type is, even if he never fucking thinks about it that deeply! It ain't his fault he has a specific type and isn't content to chase anything with legs, like Leon is... he shoots Leon a glare, but the teen doesn't even seem to care. He just keeps looking at him with a raised eyebrow. Ugh. Bastard.

"What did I say 'bout shuttin' the fuck up?! An' that ain't fuckin' true. I know my type! Just... ain't anyone at this fuckin' school who matches it, shit. Back off, goddamn," Mondo scowls, feeling peeved, shit. But of course Leon is refusing to listen. That bastard sure is getting way too comfortable around him... shit, is Mondo seriously gonna have to teach him a fucking lesson?! Jesus...

"Okay, then tell me... what /is/ your type, huh? 'Cuz we've been friends for about two months now and I can't figure that shit out. You say that Maizono is hot, but too high maintenance. You say Chi is pretty, but too timid. And every other chick we talk about gets the same treatment! Always some problem or other. What chick could possibly hold up to your impossible fricken standards, huh? Maybe that's why you can't score a date. You're too picky. And don't fricken get offended, dude, I'm just saying."

Mondo clenches his fists again, the anger inside him rising. /Again/. He glares at Leon bitterly, his insides squirming with his rising rage. Fuck, does he want to let that shit out and just fucking /scream/ at this jackass. To not be forced to listen as his so called 'friend' insults him. But... he's been doing his best to work on shit like this. On not exploding over simple shit. Taka is always saying careless things that sound rude on the surface, but actually aren't, so he's had to practice not blowing up over tiny slights. But it sure as shit is a close thing... Leon sure is lucky Mondo is friends with Taka and that he is trying to learn to control his anger...

"Okay, this is your last fucking warning. Shut the /fuck/ up! So what, I know what I like?! Not everyone is fuckin' content chasin' after anythin' with legs! God fuckin' /dammit/, shit!" Mondo curses, fighting to keep his voice level down. Leon is glaring at him now, and Mondo is more than content to glare back. But if that motherfucker says /one more thing/...

Luckily, again, Leon seems to realize this. It takes him a moment, the teen visibly struggling to contain his own annoyance, but soon he is sighing, his shoulders relaxing from the tense bunch and his face no longer all pinched and angry. Some of it still remains, obviously, but he doesn't seem inclined to let it out. Hrm...

"Shit, man. I'm not trying to offend, goddamn. I just mean... seriously. What /is/ your type? Maybe if you tell me, I can try and help you find someone who matches. Or is at least close, shit... 'cuz seriously, man. You honestly don't seem interested in chicks, not gonna lie."

Shit. Shit. /Shit/, the fuck does he fucking mean by that?! Not... not interested in chicks?! Is he- is he trying to- to /imply/ something, is he- h-he-

Mondo's racing thoughts get interrupted by Leon again, the teen's voice softer than it had been, though it still holds a hint of agitation.

"I can see you fricken overthinking over there. And I know I prolly screwed my words up, but… damn. I know I say shit that can be considered rude, but I would have thought you'd know by now that I don't fricken mean it that way. I'm not trying ta insult you. I just wanna help. Okay? Shit..."

Mondo gives Leon a calculating look as he considers the statement, his fists loosening a little. Because… okay. Okay, okay. Mondo... /did/ know that, yeah. It's one of the reasons he still isn't sure if he actually enjoys hanging around Leon or not, as big a douchebag as he can be. But the teen has some good parts and does seem to like hanging out with him... plus, it ain't like Mondo's not the exact same, saying the wrong shit all the time, so it would be fucking hypocritical if he were to get angry at the teen for it... so… ugh. Fine. /Fine/. He won't get angry. /This time/.

"Ugh. Whatever, dude. But I am, alright? Interested in chicks. I ain't fuckin' gay! Not that there's any fuckin' problem in bein' gay, but I fuckin' ain't! My type's just super fuckin' complicated, s'all. But if y'ain't gonna get off my fuckin' tail 'til I tell ya, then fuckin' /fine/, ya bastard. I'll tell ya. But if you fuckin' laugh at /anythin'/, I will straight up knock you the fuck out, don't think I won't!" Mondo growls, glaring at Leon again.

Leon rolls his eyes at the bluster, but nods readily enough, leaning in so their conversation can be a bit more private. Ugh... fine. Mondo isn't entirely sure what he's going to say, since he's never actually thought about this shit before, not fully. Though, he… he does know his type. Or at least part of his type. Just… he knows it ain't what's expected of a dude like him, and he hates thinking about it, let alone talking about it. But if Leon insists...

"Just... I don't want a fuckin' one night stand or shit like that, okay? When I look fer chicks, I'm lookin' fer someone I think I can, ya know... /be with/. Fer longer than a fuckin' night. Daiya always had some chick or other in his room, an' he seemed ta enjoy that kinda shit, was always polite an' kind ta them and they were polite an' kind back. But me? I... I never fuckin' wanted that shit. Seemed... I dunno. Empty ta me. I always wanted somethin' with more substance than that. So... I got my standards. Things I know would ruin a long-term relationship if a chick did or didn't have it. Unlike what most people think, I do fuckin' know what I'm like, shit. Ain't exactly the easiest person ta talk ta or be close ta, an' I fuckin' know that. So just... shit. Fuckin'... whatever."

Mondo feels discomfort rise inside him, absolutely /hating/ the goddamn /vulnerability/ he's showing right now. He can feel that discomfort turning to rage, his body wanting so bad to flip the table and scream up a storm and head out to his baby and ride until he can't ride no more, but before he can, Leon... Leon replies. Shit...

"Huh. That... that makes sense, shit. Didn't realize ya'd be that kinda guy, but I get it, man. Ain't no shame in it. Some dudes just want commitment, an' while I don't personally care, I can respect that. But, uh... thanks for telling me that. Know ya don't like saying things like that, heh," Leon mumbles, looking a little awkward, but mostly genuine. Fucking... huh. Wouldn't have expected /that/ from the musician. It helps settle something inside of Mondo, making the anger fade. A little. Enough so he isn't standing and storming off, at least.

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Stop bein' a little bitch 'bout it," Mondo mumbles back, his cheeks warm. Leon snickers, leaning across the table to push against Mondo's shoulder, playfully.

"Alright, whatever. But dude, come on! Tell me. What is your type? You're being so cryptic, shit. If we're gonna act like goddamn schoolgirls, might as well go all fricken out. What, ya only like chicks who are cross eyed or something? I mean, hey, if that's your thing-"

"Oh, shut up, ya jackass," Mondo laughs, shoving back, snickering at the ridiculous fucking eyebrow wiggle Leon does, his eyes crossing stupidly. Bastard.

After a moment, Mondo sobers up and lets out a forceful sigh, his shoulders tensing at the question. He doesn't like talking about shit like this, damn. It always embarrasses him, even though it's perfectly natural to have a type, ya know? But... ugh. Fine. Dudes talk about this shit, he knows that. His gang would always talk about shit like this, talking about what kind of chicks (or dudes, for those who favored dick) they liked. It ain't anything to be embarrassed about, right? Shit...

"But ya know what? Fine. I'll tell ya. Again, laugh an' ya'll regret it, but... I've got a few standards that matter most," Mondo mumbles, cheeks warm as he thinks about the shit he's always privately thought of when he's out looking for chicks. While he's never consciously thought of it, he… he knows his fucking type. 'Course he does. Even if it kind of embarrasses the shit out of him…

"First, chick has ta be hot, duh. Or at least she's gotta care 'bout her 'ppearance, ya know? Ain't gonna date a chick who don't put any care inta how she looks, shit. Second, she, uh... she's gotta care 'bout shit. Like... she's gotta have drive or shit like that. Somethin' she's passionate 'bout. Can't have someone who is just... passive, ugh. Third... shit. I dunno, she… she's gotta be patient an' shit. Understandin'. 'Cuz, ya know... 'm kind ofa fuckin' douchebag, heh. Shit..."

Mondo pauses for a second, hating how warm his cheeks feel, but Leon isn't looking at him weird. He just... looks thoughtful and shit. Hmm... whatever, doesn't fucking matter. Taking a deep breath, he averts his eyes and continues.

"Fourth... she's gotta- gotta... gotta be fuckin' kind. Nice, ya know? Don't wanna be stuck with a stuck-up bitch, goddamn. An' this ain't a make 'r break thing, but I'd like her ta care 'bout other people an' shit. Wanna help others. Shit like that. An'... an' fin'lly, uh... she's gotta have her own mind. Her own 'pinions. Can't be afraid ta say what she thinks. Maybe even be a little stubborn, ta even out my stubborn ass, heh. There's… shit. There's some other, smaller stuff, but mainly... fuck. Main thing is, she's gotta be able ta put up with me. Which, uh... ain't exactly easy. Now, ya fuckin' satisfied? Gotta tell ya my preferred sex positions or somethin', or can we let this shit drop now? God fuckin' damn..."

Mondo looks up at Leon then, his insides a fucking /mess/. Fuck, but he hates being open like this. If he were talking to /Taka/, then shit, that shit would be just fine. Taka doesn't ever fucking judge, he's too fucking nice for that. But he ain't talking to Taka. And Leon... while he's a decent guy at times, he can be the biggest fucking douchebag at others. And Mondo is honestly tired of getting angry every five seconds.

However... the look Leon is giving him is hard for him to decipher, even as good as he is at that kinda shit. He... he is definitely giving Mondo a /look/, but what it means is just... baffling. He honestly looks kinda... constipated, the fuck...?

"Holy shit. Okay... shit. /Shit/. I... I know this is gonna make ya lose your shit, but ya know what? Whatever. We're friends and I think /someone/ has gotta say this shit ta you, at least once." What... the fuck... Mondo is getting super fucking freaked, especially at the kinda panicked but also /determined/ look that is rising on the musician's face, which is... so fucking concerning... "But... damn. Ya- y-you do realize... shit. You do realize that you /straight up/ just described Ishimaru... right? L-like... every single thing ya said matches the tightass to a fricken /tee/. Well, outside of the 'hot' one, but I guess he does seem to care about his appearance, s-so there is that. But, uh... shit. He's got drive, he cares about people, he can be patient and he sure as shit can be stubborn... ain't afraid ta say his mind... almost a little too unafraid of that, h-heh... and he, uh... he most definitely seems more than capable of putting up with your ass, goddamn. U-uh... ya know. Shit like that..."

Holy... shit. Holy, goddamn, motherfucking /shit/!

Mondo is fucking /frozen/ again, eyes wide as they glare at the table, unable to meet Leon's /goddamn/ stare. Because... n-no. That ain't... /no/, fucking... /no/. W-while yeah, Taka /is/ all of that shit, it's not... it doesn't mean anything! That- that's just why they work so well together, that's it! Just because the kid checks all his boxes means nothing! He... he ain't fucking gay! How many goddamn times does he gotta /say that shit before people realize he fucking means it, god fucking damn/-

However. However... before Mondo can explode like he wants to, his chest fucking /aching/ and his anger reaching its fucking peak, he... he feels his phone buzz. And it's not unusual, he often gets texts and calls from Michi or other gang members at all fucking hours, but... but he can't help the almost /anxious/ way he grabs his phone from his jacket pocket, chest aching horribly and needing a distraction, quick. And he... he knows that- that /Taka/ had said he'd try and send Mondo an /electronic text message/ when he finished his duties, even though the kid was so anxious about using the phone the school gave him for a personal conversation. And... and it's gotten so fucking late during that goddamn talk, almost 10:00, so maybe... maybe...

His heart gives a stupid fucking lurch when he sees the contact name that he gave the kid pop up, and— even with how messed up he is inside— he can't help how he opens the chat as fast as fucking possible, breath shuddering as he greedily reads the words written within.

From: Kiyo:

/Kyoudai!

I am afraid something has come up with the festival and I will be unable to meet you at our scheduled time! I am so sorry! I should hopefully be finished with the delay soon, but in the meantime, I do not mind if you wander around the festival yourself! I will send you an electronic text message when I am done! I am looking forward to enjoying the festival with you!

Sincerely,

Taka/

Oh. Oh. He... he ain't fucking done. Just... got delayed. Well, that's /fine/, fucking... fine. Mondo doesn't fucking care, it... it's /fine/. He knows the kid is super fucking busy, he's taken on the entire festival all on his own, makes sense that he would be delayed, shit. The last sentence, though... he can't help how his eyes focus on that, reading them again and again, the excited words making something inside him calm and relax. Shit... everything about Taka makes him relax... fucking everything...

(It's also super fucking endearing that the kid writes his texts in letter format, as typical as that shit is. God... he's such a fucking /nerd/, fuck...)

Taking a deep breath— ignoring Leon completely, needing to /not/ focus on that jackass for a minute— Mondo begins the arduous fucking challenge that is typing on his cheap ass flip phone.

To: Kiyo: /yh, ok. c u sn, bro. np./

Mondo checks the message once quickly to make sure that the abbreviations aren't too unintelligible before sending it with a bit too forceful of a click on the tiny fucking button. He hates that it's gonna take longer to meet up with the kid than anticipated, especially with how off he currently feels, but he gets it. Taka is so fucking driven, always wanting to make sure his work is the best it can fucking be. He... he's so fucking proud of the kid, even though it ain't like he did shit to make the kid that way...

It takes only a moment before Taka replies, the predictable words making Mondo smile softly to himself, unbidden.

From: Kiyo:

/Kyoudai,

I have no idea what that means! But I will assume it means you are okay with the change of plans! I must be going now, I will tell you more details later!

Sincerely,

Taka/

God... he's so fucking cute, ain't he...? The remaining anger inside his heart melts away as he reads his kyoudai's cute as fuck reply, the small smile growing on his lips. He just can't help it, okay? Taka is just... ugh. Fucking adorable. It's hard to stay mad when faced with someone like Taka. Just... ugh.

However, Mondo gets reminded that he's not alone when he hears Leon cough awkwardly, killing the smile on his lips and replacing it with a scowl. Oh, yeah. This fucker...

Turning annoyed but not quite angry eyes onto his so called 'friend,' he goes about fixing his absolutely /wrong/ assumption.

"For both our sakes, I'm gonna pretend I didn't fuckin' hear ya say that shit, hear me? 'Cuz that fuckin' bullshit? Is just that: /Bull. Shit/. Taka is my fuckin' bro, an' that is /all/. If I hear ya try an' say otherwise again, yer gonna fuckin' learn firsthand why I've been sent ta juvie. Twice. /Understand/, asshole?!"

Mondo is glaring at Leon, his voice deadly serious, but... but the musician doesn't even look angry, this time. He just looks... shit. Kinda sad. /Pitying/, holy shit. The look vanishes as quick as it had appeared, though, the teen looking smoothly away with a seemingly careless shrug, playing with the weird ass glass ball thing he bought for his costume. He seems to be struggling to say something, but after a minute he sighs, shrugging again. What the fuck...

"Ya know what? Whatever, man. Was just trying ta help, but... just... whatever. But ya know what...? Ya sure can be hard ta be friends with sometimes. 'M trying, but... shit. Whatever. Anyway. What did the Hall Monitor say? Or is that shit private?"

Mondo keeps staring at the teen, watching as he fiddles with the ball thing, a bitter frown on his face. And Mondo... he can't help the pressure that rises in his chest, the kind that usually only comes when he knows he fucked something up. And it's not fucking fair, it ain't his fault Leon was being such a fucking jackass, but... ugh. Fine. Fine! He... he'll concede. He... he may have been a bit of a jackass himself, whatever.

And normally Mondo wouldn't care, ya know? If people are offended by his behavior, it's their own fucking fault, but... he doesn't know. He does kinda like hanging out with Leon. He can be cool sometimes, ya know? And he... he doesn't really wanna ruin yet another friendship because he couldn't handle not being a jackass all the time. Yeah, he and Leon ain't close like he and Taka are, and losing Leon wouldn't hurt him nearly half as much as losing Taka would (which, he is certain, would feel like tearing off all his limbs and then dousing himself in acid), but... shit. He doesn't wanna ruin this shit, either.

(And maybe... maybe if he can keep /this/ friendship alive, as basic as it is, then maybe he can... can...)

Fuck... why the fuck does friendship have ta be so fucking hard...? Ugh. But... fine. Just... fucking /fine/.

Sighing, Mondo gives Leon a side look, doing his best to relax his shoulders and appear nonthreatening, which is a hard as fuck task for him to try and do, but fuck him if he doesn't try.

"Okay. Look. Ain't gonna pretend I ain't upset 'bout the way ya talked 'bout Taka an' me. That shit wasn't fuckin' cool, dude. But... I get ya didn't mean anythin' by it. An' I... shit. I'm sorry fer bein' a jackass, okay? Just... don't joke 'bout shit like that, man. I... I don't want Taka hearin' that shit an' gettin' scared off a' bein' my friend, ya know? Kid's so fuckin' repressed an' I just... shit. Don't wanna risk that shit. Anyway, I ain't the kind ta hold grudges, so if yer good with lettin' this drop, then so am I."

Mondo pauses here, not quite able to look at Leon to see his reaction to his suggestion, knowing it would be fucking futile. It doesn't even matter. He then decides to try and move the fuck on by answering the question Leon posed, not bothering to ask the musician how he knew it was Taka. He doesn't think he wants to know.

"An', uh... Taka said that he got caught up with some shit relatin' ta the festival, so he's gonna be late. Said we can walk 'round without him, but I think I'm gonna just wait fer him. He spent so fuckin' long workin' on this shit, gotta make sure I support my bro properly, ya know? But, uh... y'ain't gotta wait if ya don't wanna. Can go on ahead an' we can catch up with ya later. If ya want. Or not, I dunno. Whatever..."

Mondo shuffles in his seat for a moment, not quite sure what the fuck he should do. He hates shit like this... feeling bad over shit and not knowing how to make it go away, let alone make it better. It's why he always just lets his anger take over, since it's easy to let the angry words rise up and keep everyone who is causing the feeling to remain at a fucking distance. No one can make you feel small and insignificant if they're all too scared of you to come close, right? But now that he's trying so fucking hard to keep his anger under control... it's just hard. So fucking hard...

(And god is he terrified of the day that he finally breaks and lets the anger that is just building up inside him burst out... which will happen. He fucking /knows/ it will. It's a matter of 'when,' not 'if,' really. He can only hope that it doesn't occur when Taka is around to see it...)

However... after a moment of this, he hears another soft sigh, bringing his attention back to the teen sitting across from him, feeling oddly anxious. But Leon... Leon doesn't look angry. Not even annoyed. His face is just... Mondo doesn't even know, it's so weird. Like a mix between resignation and /pity/, which Mondo kinda fucking hates, but he does his best to ignore that, too. Shit...

It takes the musician another moment to come up with a response, but soon enough...

"Yeah. Yeah, okay, man. We, uh... let's just forget about this whole shit, okay? Start fresh. An' I won't make any more jokes like that, promise. And yes, I fricken mean it, know ya got your thing 'bout promises, shit. Can't promise I won't mess up, but if I do... uh... then ya can hit me, I guess. Not... /hard/... but, ya know. A little. But, uh, I think I'll wander the festival myself for a bit. See if I can't find some chicks from the reserve course who wanna hook up for the night or something. Maybe get a hot threesome going, heh. But, uh... we're good, man. Right? We good?"

Mondo lets the question hang in the air for a moment, deliberating, before nodding curtly once. Yeah... yeah, he guesses they are good. Leon's being all /disgusting/ about chicks again, but honestly, Mondo's getting used to it by this point. As long as he doesn't take it too far, Mondo will let it slide. The things ya gotta do in the name of friendship, shit...

"Yeah. We good. Now fuck off, ya motherfucker. Can't stand lookin' at yer ugly mug a moment longer, shit," Mondo grunts, smirking to soften the harsh words. Leon smirks back, sticking his middle finger up in reply.

When the teen stands soon after, Mondo stands as well, moving around the table to pull the dude into one of those manly back slaps he usually does with his closer gang members. He and Leon haven't been doing that kinda shit for long, but it would feel weird if he didn't do it, so he might as well. It's a bit more awkward with their respective costumes, not to mention the sorta fight they had, but they make it work.

"See ya later, ya bastard. Say hi ta the Hall Monitor for me, I guess," Leon claims, before exiting the dining hall with a crooked swagger. It makes Mondo smirk to see it, something about the way Leon tries so fucking hard to look 'cool' utterly hilarious to him. Mondo doesn't give a single fuck if people think he's 'cool' or not. Fearsome and terrifying? Yeah, sure. But /cool/? Who the fuck cares, man. If anyone tries to insult him, he'll just punch their lights out. Fucking simple.

Once Leon is out of sight, however, he is left with a predicament. Taka is currently held up with festival business, which will last who the fuck knows how long. Which means that Mondo now has to somehow find some other way to occupy himself in the meantime. Going on his hog is out, since it would kinda ruin his look, and he doesn't really wanna fuck around in his room. He's too wired to read, anyway, and he's never really liked watching movies and shit, not without Taka beside him. Maybe... ugh. Maybe he'll just wait by the entrance hall, then, for Taka to show up. How long can he possibly be, right?

With a soft grunt, Mondo heads for the exit of the dining hall, ignoring the fuckers who are still shooting him worried glances. It doesn't take him long to reach the entrance hall, and he leans up against the wall as he begins to wait however long it takes Taka to finish whatever fucking bullshit came up.

What fun...

~XoxoxoxoxoxoX~

Mondo is bored. Unbelievably bored. So bored that part of him wonders what would happen if he just punched the wall as hard as he fucking he can. So bored that he almost ignores the rational thought that says /'you'll break your hand, dumbass,/' and tries to do it anyway. He doesn't, but it's a narrow thing.

Needless to say, Mondo has never been one to deal with boredom well.

It's been over half an hour. Half an hour of standing just inside the school, the sounds of excited chatter loud even from inside the building. It makes Mondo want to head out and see the fuss, hating being stuck inside when /things/ are /happening/, especially on a beautiful fucking day like this one, but...

But he doesn't. He doesn't head outside, doesn't punch the wall. Doesn't do much of anything, really. Anything other than lean against the wall, staring with glassy eyes at the other wall, slowly going insane.

The things he does for Taka... shit.

And it is for Taka. Only for Taka. There ain't no one on this goddamn earth Mondo would be willing to wait this fucking long for, especially not when the person already said they don't mind him not doing this shit. Not even Michi, the person he's arguably closest to. It makes part of him wonder why he's doing this. Why he's making himself wait when it /doesn't fucking matter/, when Taka doesn't expect this of him, but... well. He knows the answer. Of course he does.

It's 'cuz Taka is worth the wait. 'Nough said.

When he feels his phone buzz in his hand, he can't help the small grin that rises on his face, even despite the odd anxiety that it's gonna be Taka telling him that he's been delayed further. Or... delayed indefinitely. Shit, he doesn't know what the fuck he'll do if Taka tells him that... prolly cry, fuck. Or actually punch the wall, more like, since he ain't a little bitch.

But he pushes that anxiety down, not wanting it to ruin his goddamn /hope/, ugh. With slightly shaky hands, he opens the phone and clicks on Taka's contact name, heart jolting when he sees that the message is, indeed, from him. Shit... please, fuck, don't be another message telling him he's gonna be delayed...

It isn't.

Thank /fuck/.

From: Kiyo:

/Kyoudai,

I have finished with my duties! I apologize greatly for my delay! If you still wish to meet, tell me your location and I will meet you there shortly! Use full words this time, please!

Sincerely,

Taka/

Mondo can't help but snort at the last sentence, smirking at how carelessly douchey his kyoudai can get. But fuck, does he _love_ care 'bout him anyway...

But that doesn't matter. What matters is that Taka is fucking /done/ and wants to meet up. Grin growing, he types out his message as quick as possible, hating how long it takes— especially with the tiny as shit buttons he has to press over and over, shit— but before long he has his message finished. Fucking /finally/.

To: Kiyo: /entrance hall. right by the door. ya asshole./

Mondo smirks at the message, imaging the bitchy little face Taka likely has on at the casual insult, his scarlet eyes rolling fondly. Mondo had initially been afraid to do shit like that, even though it's always been a way for him to show affection (twisted, maybe, but eh. What can ya do), scared that Taka would take it the wrong way. But then one day he'd done it accidentally, calling Taka a 'cock suckin' bastard' for moving his white duster during one of his 'cleaning binges' (something he'd legit kill anyone else over, but had only felt mild annoyance and intense fondness when Taka did it) on pure instinct. He'd not meant it harshly, more as emphasis, but he'd felt so fucking afraid as he looked at Taka, feeling frozen inside that he'd just fucked everything up.

But Taka... Taka had just tutted, rolling his eyes and putting his hands on his hips as he lectured Mondo on the importance of keeping a tidy room, saying that he should keep the duster in the closet if it was so special (it is special, which is why he can't stand it being stuck in a dusty old closet, shit, but that's a different fucking conversation for a different fucking day). Taka... Taka hadn't even seemed to notice the casual insult, and so Mondo... Mondo kept doing it. Nothing too bad, just... casual. Easy. The kinda shit he always does when he's close to someone.

Taka even does it back, sometimes, though he does it with his watered-down kids curses and weird ass fancy words. It honestly shouldn't make him feel as goddamn /much/ as it does, really, but… here they fucking are...

Anyway...

He focuses on the phone when a new message pops up, his eyes reading them greedily (and slowly, since he ain't got his glasses, goddamn) as his grin widens impossibly further. Shit...

From: Kiyo:

/Kyoudai,

I will be right there!

Sincerely,

Taka/

Ugh. He's so fucking precious. Just... everything he does is so unintentionally adorable, truly. He has to close the phone to stop himself from going over the whole conversation a million fucking times, like a lovestruck teenage girl. He's only one of those fucking things, thanks very much. And it fucking ain't the first or the last.

He can't help the restlessness he feels, though, his body thrumming with his internal anxiety. He forces himself to wait against the wall, not wanting to seem too /eager/, shit, but it's a narrow thing. Everything in him wants to move immediately and seek out Taka, eyes darting to the door every five fucking seconds to spot him as soon as he comes into sight, but he ain't a goddamn golden retriever. He has fucking /pride,/ alright?! Even if being around Taka makes him wonder what his pride is worth, not if doing stupid shit will make the kid smile that special as fuck smile of his...

Mondo gets kind of stuck like that, stuck between his desire to see Taka and his desire to not be a little pansy ass bitch, that he straight up doesn't even notice that Taka has entered the school and is standing a mere fucking /meter/ before him, until the kid lets out a soft 'eep' for reasons Mondo doesn't know. Shit, he doesn't even realize it's Taka at first, his body tensing when he looks up, wondering who the fuck snuck up on him, only to relax the second he sees that it's only Taka, still dressed in his goddamn greaser costume. F-fuck... he'd almost forgotten how good the kid looks dressed like that... h-heh...

His lips relax into a soft smile as he takes the kid in, so ridiculously happy to see him it's kind of embarrassing, but it's okay. The kid is just staring at him with wide eyes, mouth slack, so it's not like he's the only one being a fucking idiot, heh.

"Taka! There ya are! Shit man, I was startin' ta get impatient, heh. Leon went on ahead, but I wanted ta wait fer ya. Ya spent so long workin' on this shit that I wanted ta experience it with ya, ya know? Ya get everythin' all sorted?"

The kid looks a little dazed at the words Mondo just said, which is kinda weird, but Mondo has gotten used to Taka's specific brand of weird by now, so it doesn't really phase him anymore. 'Sides. He knows the kid always gets flustered when people are actually, ya know... not fucking horrible to him. So, he doesn't bring it up.

He can't help the affection that flows through him when he sees the kid smile so fucking brightly, nodding enthusiastically like always...

"Yes! There was unfortunately a delay with Sayaka's band, the bus containing her bandmates getting a flat tire while fifteen minutes out! Since she was the first of our scheduled entertainment, I had to quickly figure out a replacement show, while also calming the hysterical girl down, all within fifteen minutes! I then had to ensure that the replacement act ran smoothly, since I did, honestly, put them on the spot and it was only fair I do all I could to assist! And then I had another problem arise, which I had to go take care of! Eventually, Headmaster Kirigiri arrived and told me that, er... that he could handle the rest and that I should enjoy the festival. So, I will!"

Mondo feels frozen. Mondo doesn't know why he feels frozen, but he can't help but feel it as he listens to the kid explain what happened, his mind absolutely fucking /stuck/ on one thing the kid said, near the beginning. One fucking /word/. Or... should he say, /name/.

Since when does Taka call Maizono by her first fucking name...?

"Sayaka? Since when are ya on a first name basis with that chick?"

Mondo can't help the grimace that has risen on his face any more than he had been able to help the smile or his earlier affection. Fuck, but his emotions are all over the place these days, fucking /shit/. But, just... he can't help it. Something about hearing Taka call the teenybopper by her first goddamn name has made something freeze inside him and he's just... he doesn't even know. He... just...

So, maybe Hina ain't Taka's type...

But maybe /Sayaka/ is.

And that just... just...

Mondo watches with a dispassionate heart as Taka blinks in confusion, his head tilting. Shit...

"Oh! Er... well, since today! After I helped her sort out the problem with her band, she hugged me and told me that this makes us friends! She then requested that I call her by her first name! Is that... do you have a problem with this?"

The question makes him tense up even more, his eyes unable to look at the hall monitor for reasons he can't even begin to explain. It's just... it makes his insides fucking /hurt/ to hear the kid talk about the pop sensation. Shit... he already has /one/ friend obsessed with the chick... does he truly have to have another...?

Fuck...

With the way his insides are fucking roiling, he can't stop the bitter and almost /angry/ words that come out, though god, does he try...

"Huh? The fuck would I have a problem fer? So, ya two gettin' close? Heh, lucky son ofa bitch. Most guys would kill ta be in yer shoes. Havin' the 'Ultimate Pop Sensation' hangin' off 'em... definitely a wet dream, fer sure."

And it is a wet dream. Not /his/ wet dream, but someone's, he is sure. (And maybe it would have been his, once, but being surrounded by people fucking /obsessed/ with this chick is making him lose any and all interest he may have had in her. Shit, what even is so special about her?! She's not even that fucking pretty, fuck...)

(It doesn't help that he is immediately reminded of /Taka's/ fucking wet dream with his words, making him wonder if... if she had been... shit. Just... shit.)

Taka doesn't seem impressed with his words, if the bitchy little look on his face is anything to go by, though. His lips are pinched down in his indignant little frown and his hands are on his hips like fucking always... fuck...

"You should not speak of her in such a way! It is highly disrespectful! Sayaka-kun is our classmate, not to mention my friend! I would not be crude enough to think of her in such a deplorable way!"

Okay. Now /that/ gets his attention, making the annoyance fade inside him. He isn't even sure why, just... something about it strikes him as /odd/. To be fair, many things about Taka strike him as odd, though he's come to appreciate that about the kid, not gonna lie. But this... this is a particular brand of weird that makes /him/ feel weird. In ways he doesn't even know how to fucking describe, other than it's just /weird/.

Just... if Taka's indignant words are to be believed...

Does he not think of Maizono as being hot as shit...? And it's fine if he doesn't, kid doesn't have to be interested in a fucking teenybopper, but... it's just... a little odd. Maybe. He doesn't know, shit...

"Yeah, but ya can still see that she's fuckin' hot, right? Ya can't tell me ya felt /nothin'/ havin' her pressed up tight ta ya... right?"

Mondo doesn't know why he asked that, shit. He doesn't know why he said it like that, or why his insides are roiling again, god fucking dammit... he just... it's weird. That's all. Mondo has been a teenage boy for about four years now, a boy for a hell of lot longer, and he knows what that's like, alright? Inappropriate boners at the worst fucking times, raunchy thoughts about chicks during the most random moments... wet dreams that are embarrassing as shit... a-and while he knows the kid gets the last one, he...

_He also knows the kid ain't exactly thinking of chicks during them, doesn't he-_

It's just weird... right? Maizono ain't really his type, and he's come to not really appreciate her overly cutesy appearance, but lots of dudes find her hot as sin. And Taka... Taka seems to be the kind who might appreciate that kinda thing. Her whole 'nice girl' act. Right? So... if he doesn't think of her like that...

"O-of course I do! I- I- er. Well, clearly, I can see that Sayaka-kun is a very lovely and, er... /attractive/ young woman! But, like I told you with Hina, I will not think of her in such a way! To obtain /physical gratification/ from the thought of another person is... is... deplorable! And immoral! Particularly from someone who is a friend!"

Okay. Now /that/? Is fucking /weird/. Before it had only been a little weird, but this is /super fucking weird/. Because, first, the kid was totally lying during that first part, it's almost pathetic how he keeps trying when he's so fucking bad at it, Christ. And the second part...

Taka doesn't... feel 'physical gratification' (fuck he's such a /fucking nerd/, Jesus Christ) when thinking of chicks... ever...? Yeah, the kid had said something similar after the whole Hina thing, but that was about fucking a chick. This is- this is /different/. This is about jerking off, which is fucking /normal/, especially for a teenage dude. Even /Taka/ has gotta do that shit, no matter how uptight. So... if Taka don't think of chicks when he is jerking off, then... then how the fuck does he...

"Yeah, but ya said that 'bout havin' 'sexual intercourse' last time. This is different. Ain't bad ta think 'bout someone. 'S natural. Ya can't tell me ya never... ya know. Rub one out? So, if ya don't think 'bout women... what /do/ ya think 'bout?"

Oh, fuck, the kid is bright fucking red, holy shit. Even with the makeup, Mondo can see that Taka is almost the color of a ripe tomato, his eyes wide as saucers. If this moment wasn't so weird, Mondo would think it's cute. But as it stands, it's just... so fucking weird... Mondo likely shouldn't have done the crude hand gesture, but he had a feeling the kid wouldn't understand his meaning otherwise, shit. But even Taka shouldn't be /that/ fucking embarrassed about a hand gesture... right?

But it seems so, if the way Taka turns to glare at the wall, back stiff and straight, face closed off and tight, discomfort fucking /billowing/ off him in waves is anything to go by...

"I fail to see how that is any business of yours! S-such information is- is /private/ a-and it is honestly rude to ask such a thing! E-especially in public! B-but..." Taka hisses, his body shaking, his anger and indignation plain to see. Shit... perhaps he shouldn't have done this, but... "But... to answer you, I... I do not... I-it is improper, and I... I cannot..."

He... doesn't. He fucking... /doesn't/...?! What?! How?! How the fuck does he not... not... and Mondo isn't being insensitive, alright? Even if Taka were, ya know... /gay/... he wouldn't care! But... the fact that he doesn't, /at all/... because it's fucking /improper/...? That's just... that's fucking...

"Shit. Yer seriously tellin' me ya never... ya know. Not even once?"

Mondo watches as Taka closes his eyes, looking so fucking uncomfortable and /upset/, making Mondo feel like a fucking jackass... oh, shit, he- he hadn't meant to... he'd just been taken aback, that's all, he... but before Mondo can try and stammer out an apology, or backtrack, or /anything/, Taka... Taka is /nodding/. Just once. Sharp and jerky, but Mondo sees it. For some reason, this is even more shocking to him, even though he'd already figured this, and can't help letting out a low 'well, shit,' his brain being all weird... shit... because he can tell the kid is telling the truth and that just... well. It certainly makes a lot of things 'bout the kid make a whole hell of a lotta sense...

"Well, fuck, man. No wonder yer always so tightly wound. If I didn't, uh... /ya know/, every so often I'd prolly explode or somethin'. You, uh... you really take yer whole 'Moral Compass' thing seriously, don't you?"

He doesn't mean anything by the words, honest, he doesn't. He's just surprised, alright? And maybe he shouldn't be, he knows some people don't like shit like that. His... his ma never did, if the way she'd fucking /scream/ when their da wanted to... wanted ta... s-shit. Shit. Point is, he knows that some people don't like that shit, especially if someone else has ever hurt them because of it. /Raped/ them, f-fuck.

And he- he hopes that ain't the case for Taka, but for some reason he can't quite make the thought (the /fear/) go away. He… he's never had shit like that happen to him, has thankfully never been put in that position, but he knows what that shit did to his ma. He's also seen the aftermath of that disgusting shit the few times he was too late to save a chick from it. And he… he's even almost had shit happen to him, back when he was little and couldn't fight back. He doesn't like thinking of it, but some of the dudes his old man brought home were disgusting creeps that didn't care how young he was. Or maybe they preferred it that way, fuck. If it weren't for Daiya, protecting him like always… shit. Point is, he knows how fucked up that shit is, and how it sometimes makes people hate sexual shit. And he… he has no idea if Taka's ever been through shit like that, but either way, if he doesn't like sexual shit, then… then he doesn't like sexual shit. It's as simple as that.

Shaking off the weirdness that train of thought brought onto him, he forces his focus to return to on Taka. And when he sees the kid with his eyes screwed up tight, clearly trying to hide away again, he feels his heart break a little. Mondo can see the water gathering in the kid's eyes, and he can also see the way the kid's lips are wobbling, his sorrow painfully clear. And he has a stab of fucking /self-loathing/ hit him as he realizes he's the one who fucking did this. It's his fucking fault, s-shit... fuck, he has to fix this... has to show Taka that it's /fine/, that he... he's /fine/... that there ain't nothing fucking wrong with him, not at all...

"Fuck, shit... Taka, I didn't... goddamnit," he mutters softly, before he mentally says 'fuck it' and moves closer to the kid. He still feels so weird inside, his stomach clenching with his worry for Taka that he just... can't help how he goes closer to Taka. Like a fucking magnet...

He feels Taka jolt when he wraps his arms around him, but he doesn't let go, and instead tightens his grip. He knows the kid could escape if he wanted, has told the kid many times that he is more than welcome to punch his lights out if he ever makes him feel uncomfortable, has even made the kid /promise/ to do it, so he knows Taka could escape if he truly wants.

"Listen, okay? I'm a fuckin' idiot. Shouldn't a' said that shit ta ya. Just took me by surprise, ya know? But I shoulda realized. Y'ain't like the other guys I know. You... you're different. Special. 'Swhat I admire 'bout you. I didn't mean ta make ya feel bad, though. If y'ain't one ta think a' people like that, ain't a problem. Yer just a fuckin' better person than the rest a' us jackasses. So, don't... don't feel bad 'bout it, or think that I think yer weird fer it, 'kay, Kiyo? 'Cuz y'ain't. Ain't a single goddamn thing wrong with ya. An' anyone who says there is? Can have a nice long chat with my fuckin' fists. Okay?"

Taka nods his head carefully against Mondo's chest, his body relaxing quickly against him. It relaxes something in Mondo, too, making him smile softly. After a moment, Taka pulls back and smiles softly and hesitantly at Mondo in return.

"T-thank you, kyoudai... it- it means a lot to me to hear you say that... however! I cannot condone the use of violence, even if it is to defend my honor!"

Mondo laughs at Taka overly forceful words, realizing the kid is /joking/ again. Well... partially. The words themselves are likely true, but his overly forceful way of saying them... Mondo has been able to tell that he means it more as a joke than anything else, for the most part. It's about the tone, Mondo has come to find. Taka pulls away from him completely then, to his disappointment. He doesn't try and force the kid to stay, though, knowing that they should prolly get going, shit... 's already been a long time since the festival began. Might as well enjoy it before it fucking ends, yeah? Still...

His disappointment fades when he sees Taka's bright as the sun grin, his eyes sparkling with his mounting excitement. And then... then the kid darts forward and grabs his wrist, his long, lithe fingers wrapping firmly around the appendage, making his heart pound stupidly inside his chest. S-shit...

"Now, let's go, kyoudai! There are many things in the festival I wish to show you!"

The enthusiasm startles him for a moment, but it doesn't last long before he's snorting, a sharp bead of laugher escaping his lips. Shit, but this kid... man.

"Hell yeah, kyoudai! Lead the /fuckin'/ way!"

As they finally exit the school and join the crowd of students, Mondo cannot help but feel so fucking aware of that precious as fuck kid and his warm as fuck hand curled so loosely yet presently around his wrist.

Not that he would dare fucking mention it, shit...