The thing that he wanted to do most was talk to Ryohei. It'd been a year and a half since Gokudera left Namimori for Italy. He suspected that things had cooled down so he could pop back into Japan, say hello to his friends, do a little reminiscing, and then head back. A quick 'hi' to Ryohei included. He would be able to handle that, right?
Just a 'hi.'
Show Ryohei and family how well and happy he's been since moving. How much he relished being alone. Switching partners nearly every other day. Holding men and accidentally calling out Ryohei's name during. Yes. How fucking glad he's been.
"Hayato!" Tsuna called out, hugging Gokudera as they met in the airport. "It's been so long!"
"Too long!" Gokudera laughed despite the twist in his heart he felt just from knowing he was on the same piece of land as Ryohei. Knowing Ryohei was only a drive away.
"I can't wait to return to Italy with you!" Tsuna said while relieving Gokudera of his bags. "It must've been busy at headquarters over there."
"Not nearly as crazy as it gets here," Gokudera said as they strode outside and hopped into Tsuna's car. As soon as they were inside, Gokudera whipped out his cigarettes. Smoke spread throughout the small space causing Tsuna to cough and roll down a window.
"Everyone's been worried about you, you know," Tsuna said, starting up the car. "Yamamoto is really excited to have you stay with him. You guys really have some catching up to do."
"Hm," was Gokudera's simple reply. After Ryohei became his priority, other things died in his eyes a little. Tsuna and the Family always came first, but love made this a bit hazy. Because of this everything else fell out. Haru was just a girl after that. He could barely describe how she looked or her personality. Even his own subordinates faces were sometimes easily forgotten. So, Yamamoto, who he rarely worked with was merely a name to him. A Rain Guardian. A pawn to the Vongola. Gokudera shook his head at this thought. No, Yamamoto was more a knight. He questioned what that made himself. A bishop most likely. But he was a fallen bishop. Captured by a black rook after they fell into each other's path.