Vongola XXVII -- Dictated

[not_mafia]

[He should have asked this two days ago, really, but he kind of got.. distracted. Also, procrastinating like a boss and hoping he wasn't jinxing it. But now he's kind of curious.]

Just out of curiosity-- what's the longest anyone has seen a loss last?

[In other words, hi guys, he's still here.]

Comments

[is_mafia]

You're probably right. [There's no use denying it if Tsuna admits it. He fidgets with his ring again.] You do know I'll miss you, yes?

[not_mafia]

You do not need to miss me, Nonno. After all, it's like you said. I am within my younger self... and one day he shall become me. So... I am not leaving you. Not truly.

[is_mafia]

[Giotto smiles gently and can't help but reach his hand across the table to take one of Tsuna's and squeeze it.] Still... I doubt your younger self will bother me so adamantly about being a hermit. ...Which I'm not, by the way.

[not_mafia]

[Tsuna gives a soft laugh, squeezing his hand back.]

Oh? And here I thought I was just annoying you.

[is_mafia]

You are annoying me as well. But it has its own charm and I know you're worried about me.

[not_mafia]

Of course I am. [He smiles fondly.] Because you're family.

[is_mafia]

[A little laugh.] It's been a while since I've had family watch out for me.

[not_mafia]

[He smiles brightly at him. When the waitress comes over, he orders his meal.]

[is_mafia]

[Giotto does as well, withdrawing his hand from Tsuna's, finally. It was nice, to have someone worry over him, even if they were far too perceptive and understood him far too well.]

[not_mafia]

[He takes a sip from his soda, and leans back in his seat. Something lingers in his mind, but.. he can't quite bring himself to say it. He doesn't want to ruin the good mood.]

[is_mafia]

[Giotto lets the silence linger, still spinning his ring on his finger. It's more of a thing to occupy himself right now than a nervous tic, though.]

[not_mafia]

[Come on, Nonno!! There must be something you want to talk about! Tsuna is just remaining silent because he's done his fair share of talking and wants to see where his grandfather wants to take the conversation. He covers it up, of course, by drinking.]

[is_mafia]

[Then he's going to be waiting quite a while, since Giotto is off in hiw own world, it seems.]

[not_mafia]

[Watches...] What are you thinking about?

[is_mafia]

Hm? [He glances up briefly.] Nothing much, really. My family. [Tsuna reminded him of them. And not just his Family, but his flesh and blood family. He wondered how they were doing these days.]

[not_mafia]

You're very fond of them.

[is_mafia]

I am, very much so. They're really all I have now. [His flesh and blood family left, Cozart left...]

[not_mafia]

... but, your blood family...? [He gives a soft frown.]

[is_mafia]

Ah, they kept getting attacked by my rivals and people who wanted leverage against me. So they changed their name and moved away, probably to the mainland. I don't even know where they are now. [A little sad smile.] It's probably for the best, in the end. That way they're safe.

[not_mafia]

... I do not think I could part with my own family even if it were necessary. [Because Tsuna's a hardcore mama's boy through and through.] At least, I have reliable allies back at home, so I know she's safe.

[is_mafia]

Well, we weren't exactly on the best terms the last time I saw them... [Giotto runs his hand through his hair.] But I certainly hope their safe.

[not_mafia]

I'm sorry to hear that. I hope that one day you will be able to return to them and resolve your problems.

[is_mafia]

[Giotto gives him a smile, because he knows that will never happen and yet he can pretend it will for Tsuna. He likes to pretend it will as well.]

[not_mafia]

[He wishes they weren't here. That he wasn't sitting across the table from Giotto. He wants to be beside him, and hug him, because he feels for him, he really does.

He hopes, back at home, he one day finds the courage and strength in him once more. He ends up with a wife at some point, obviously, and he'll raise a family of his own, so... maybe things aren't so terrible as they seem. Or they won't be.]

... perhaps one of them shall end up here.

[is_mafia]

Perhaps. [But he doesn't really believe that will happen. He's never been that lucky. Or perhaps he had been lucky once, his luck has just run out now.]