june 2020. welcome to the void.

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Redshift: Welcome to the v͖͕̺̲̘̱̜͎o̴̦̣̠̦̘̹͞i̯̖d̛̪̬͈̱̦̝͍̕.

▶ Click here to read what characters will experience when arriving in Anchor.

▶ All TDM threads can be considered game canon, and current players are welcome to either top-level on the TDM so prospective players can tag them, or use the prompts for logs or network posts on the communities. All threads on the TDM can be used for Activity Check.

a. welcome to paradise.

What at first appears to be an odd glint in the sky over Anchor slowly broadens and brightens into a truly enormous...cruise ship? Yes, that's a cruise ship, and it's coming down to rest just outside of Anchor's exit doors. The ground shakes as it lands. A bubble forms over the ship and connects to Anchor's exit, and there's no two ways about it: the ship comes with its own radiation shield.

This sucker puts the Titanic to shame. Nearly as long as Anchor is wide, it's more like a floating city than the cruise ship it resembles. Little satellite ships hover and dart around it, occupied by alien lifeforms with too many arms to quite fit the Hawaiian print shirts that they're wearing.

The Daisy Darling Interdimensional Cruise Barge has come to Anchor.

b. anchors away!

And it's quite accessible to residents of Anchor. In fact, the people (of every shape, size, and coloration that can't be considered human) on board will be delighted to host the creatures they've been watching for the past few months as they orbited the planet. Not only will Anchorites find themselves accosted for photos, but they can also find figurines, keychains, and small novelty items of themselves in almost every knick-knack store on the promenade deck. The souvenir shops will also come heavily stocked with red shift-themed items, including toys and decorations featuring some of the monsters that have appeared from the wastes. You always wanted a slinky sand worm, didn't you?

Anyone who can sing, dance, play music, or otherwise perform will be encouraged to do so and showered with gifts - both useful and useless - by the vacationers. Have an instrument, or a good voice? Go busking! Sell your art, give lectures about your home worlds, teach salsa dancing. The vacationers are just waiting to give you money for helping them have a good time.

There's an alien casino, with machines both familiar and very very not. It's a rollicking place with neon signs, free-flowing drinks, and even more free-flowing money. You might not have any use for alien currency in Anchor itself, but it couldn't hurt to check out the shops with a little extra cash from the poker tables, could it? At one side is an all-you-can-eat buffet of everything under the sun, from alien fruit and vegetable platters to...is that a whole giant squid? I never knew they came in quite that color...

You can sneak around the casino without too much effort, stealing from pockets, tables, and platters, but that could get you caught and thrown in the brig, which. Well. We'll get to that, but you don't really want to go there.

The uppermost level of the ship is a beach and water park. There's sand, palm trees, a wave pool, water slides, and a lazy river with inner tubes big enough to support even the heftiest alien. Oh, and a regular old pool, over there. Where all the old aliens are hanging out and playing hover-shuffle-board. Swimming gear is required in this area, but not to worry! There’s an automated booth that will supply you with just the suit you need.

In addition to these places, there's a whole ship to explore, with all the amenities a weary traveler could want. A spa (manned by real (alien) people!), jacuzzis, restaurants that actually function with food the bold can actually eat, clothing stores (though not much of it is designed with humans in mind), deck chairs on sunny promenades, gardens full of alien flowers, and an enormous library filled with books that are checked out based on the honor system. So, y'know. Be honorable. Or something.

c. the first rule of daisy darling.

For those unentertained by the above-board offerings of the upper decks, there's the ship’s more hidden amenities. A fight club filled with creatures of every shape, size, and level of power. A drug den with everything from euphoria-inducing cigarettes to hallucination-causing body paints. A thriving black market, though the offerings are comparatively innocent - bootlegged episodes of Anchors Away, mostly. What's that? Oh, just the reality show of your lives over the past six months. Let's hope no one comes across any awkward vids showing things you don't want people to know about.

Attached to the fight club is the brig. Can you see where this is going? People who get caught breaking the rules on the Daisy Darling can expect to face the music by being put opposite some of the ships more powerful monsters, or its more powerful and reckless vacationers. Who wouldn't love to test themselves against a giant robot or an honest-to-god cowboy? Don't worry! If you get too badly hurt, there's a repair suite on the medical level that can fix up almost any injury. Just don't die before you get there.

If anyone asks about staying on board, escaping the planet with the ship, or tries to convince an alien to help them stow away, they'll be told it goes against both the prime directive and the Daisy's petting zoo rules. Try to stow away on your own? Well, if you're lucky, you'll get caught by a benevolent guard and booted back to Anchor. If you're unlucky, get those boxing gloves ready, because you're headed for the brig.

d. the network.

Need to get hold of someone, call for help, ask the city at large a question? Need to ask a friend to back you up and tag team in the fight club? Maybe you need to hold your sat phone up to whatever crazy thing you're seeing and send out a recording to double-check if your eyes are deceiving you and what you're looking at is real?

Whatever the reason, the network is going strong, so feel free to include a post to it in your top-levels.

Navigation.

Comments

[tsuyoi_ame]

Never, not once has Gokudera looked at him that way. It is like a knife in his chest and if not for the fact that he was already sputtering from the alcohol he may have choked. His arm thumps to his side, when the water comes before him he focuses his eyes on it. He knows Gokudera is lonely, that he does not have a family the way Yamamoto has a family but never has he seen it so stark across the others face. Because they have been making their own family of course.

"Thank you." It is said in his normal tone, somehow Yamamoto seems more himself. Why? He has a goal, a goal that he knows requires his nature, calm, rain, he failed at Choice but he can do his part as a Guardian in this. His voice is a little rough on the gratitude from the sputter, he takes a grateful sip of the water and uses a napkin to wipe his mouth.

"We just lost the Choice battle so not that long..." He says it firmly, it was his fault, he knows that but Gokudera does not need that. It's bad enough he has to tell them they failed.

All it takes is the first sentence and the ball player goes from upright to sitting on his own stool before the bar. He plans to stick to the water but as Gokudera continues that drink doesn't sound half bad. Alternate universes are one thing, it's the reason he is not suffering culture shock at being on Anchor. If only he knew about their Inheritance, that they succeed it would be a balm, someday. What is strange is to find himself in a reality that is not connected to their reality with a Gokudera who has been living in another reality for two years. He knows these things can happen, experiencing it in more than just a trip forward ten years is mind-boggling.

He snaps to attention at the last sentence, that cements it, this was supposed to be. Why else would they both be showing up here at the same time, he is supposed to help his friend, maybe that is how he finds his own way.

"Amazing...." Not in a good way or a bad way from the neutral tone he uses, he knows it is a lot and for a moment his mind has to process it.

"Me too, that's good, maybe everyone is here too?" He and Gokudera are there, the chance has to exist right?

[bakudan_bambino]

Gokudera takes the seat he'd been in before, seeming more at ease than before, looking forward and turning the glass, letting the ice cubes hit crushed mint leaves. Drinking is not something he'd ever planned on picking up as any kind of habit, especially after having seen what alcohol had done to Shamal back home. He seems lost in thought and hums at Yamamoto's thanks.

It's odd... being in a different world, and he wants to be normal, or to just be home, but both places are better than being on Amoi. Gokudera does not think he needs help, or... anyone. In fact, if anything he feels unjustified bitterness at Yamamoto's friendly voice.

Ah. They lost. He does remember that, but then shakes his head and takes a large gulp from his drink before setting it down and toying with the lime wedge. "Not to spoil your future for you, but it should come as no surprise that we win. The Vongola always wins." And he looks over at the other boy with warmth in his expression. Maybe he's saying this to comfort Yamamoto, or maybe he's just saying this because he believes in the strength of their family.

One thing is for certain. He hasn't met this baseball idiot before. That melancholy attitude to the rain didn't feel right, but now it makes sense. It's easy enough to brag about the strength of the Vongola, because that's all he'd ever heard from them. It's like their anthem. Don't underestimate the Vongola. Gokudera thinks to mention when he came from, and... maybe he will if Yamamoto wants to know. There's already too much bouncing about in his head, troubles from a past that no one will ever know about. It... kind of sucks to bottle it up, but it's too shameful to share.

"Is it?" He asks, not thinking it's amazing. It... sure is something, alright. Gokudera could probably explain what he's been through with a metaphor... he won't have to bring up any of what he actually did, or what was done to him. He's frowning, still thoughtful until Yamamoto asks if maybe everyone else is on Anchor with them.

"I doubt it." If Yamamoto thinks for a second that Gokudera hasn't already combed this place looking for their boss, he must be the dumbest person in all existence. "But maybe they'll show up too." A shrug.

He kind of wants to be alone, but won't say anything. The alcohol isn't helping. He finishes his drink and puts down more of the money he'd earned playing piano. There's no open tab. He's just paying for their drinks one at a time, playing this all by ear.

"I think I'd like that, but it depends. If it's Mukuro... I'll blow him up. Anyone but him." Not that they can make decisions like that. But if he and Yamamoto can hope for the rest of the family, Gokudera can hope that Mukuro either never shows up, or he just falls over dead in a ditch somewhere. God... he hates him so much, or maybe it was just the one in the last world he was on. Either way, he's visibly bothered until a new drink is set in front of him. Ah. Right. New world and no assholes yet. Yamamoto doesn't count.

[tsuyoi_ame]

He takes a few more sips of the water, realizing that Gokudera is paying for their drinks he feels rude not drinking the other one. He will have to pay him back, Yamamoto digs into his pockets and sets up what he has there. There now only drinking the water feels a little better, not one to let things go to waste usually.

There are ten million questions in his head for Gokudera, he is listening to the other as he tries to settle on the one that is the most important. They fly out of his head the instant he hears that, is it possible this Gokudera has seen their future? Do they actually win? "Wait, we win? We stop him?" The warmth is not lost and he would thank the other for it but he knows where that would get him. Gokudera wants to be alone, Yamamoto on the other hand thinks they need to stick together. That should get interesting when things progress.

"So you're from my future but have been living in another reality for two years." He assumes that Gokudera must have last been in Namimori at some point in the future to know that they finally win. Leave it to the storm to awaken the rain, where he is supposed to wash everything away, Gokudera just did that for him. No matter what, knowing they win means there is a chance, they find a way to make it right.

He would not stop Gokudera if he tries to leave, he understands how the other works. He will come to find him again before too much time passes but he also understands the need for space. He is hoping the other does not leave soon even if there is an air of that possibility hanging there.

Yamamoto knew better, he himself has been all over and the only one he found was Gokudera. No way would Gokudera not look for Tsuna first thing and if he was here, he would find him. Okay, that is not an unusual response for Gokudera, except that while they don't care for Mukuro, usually only Hibari attempts to murder him.

"Huh, I thought only Hibari hated him like that." He muses out loud, then again when he said every one if he is honest, he did think of Chrome, even Squalo but he actually did not once consider Mukuro.

[bakudan_bambino]

Gokudera looks over at the other attempting to pay and glares. "Put that away, idiot." No fucking way. You do not get to pay for anything and he will not explain why. He appreciates that the other is even attempting to drink with him. The second glass is starting to hit the bomber better. He's relaxing just a little.

"We win. I'm not going to go into any more details. I've met another you who told me so, and well... Take my word for it or not." He's going through his second drink a little faster and mutters into it, "not like I give a shit" But he does. He cares a great deal. If he didn't, he wouldn't have tried to reassure Yamamoto.

"Pretty much. We win, we get to go back to our time. Everybody gathers up and then BOOM!" Gokudera rolls up the wrapper from his tiny drinking straw he's been prodding a lime with, then chucks it at a small trash bin, intentionally missing. "I end up on a different planet. And... I don't know what the fuck was going on." Because of course, he has bad luck. Amoi was nothing but bad and bad and awful and rotten luck.

Gokudera isn't making to leave. Nope, he's going to talk about the planet he was on using metaphors. Yamamoto doesn't need to hear about how he was a pet, or that the planet was like... sex-crazed. He'll be nice and vague, but still, it's nothing like him 'living in another reality for two years.' It just... didn't feel that simple. God, if only it had been.

"It was like I was drowning. Every day, getting pushed under, and Hibari, Chrome, Mukuro, and you were there. And Chrome was the only one who tried to help get me out of the water. Mukuro got mad at me for trying to grab something to get out of the water, and just pushed me back under. You acted like I was just having a pleasant fuckin' swim. Two years of that, and the Tenth shows up and he can't get me out. No one was allowed to help." Sorry if this is coming out all weird, Yamamoto. He's worked up. "And now... I'm free."

He takes a sip and like that, his second gin and tonic is nearly done. "I can finally breathe."

"No one likes him. I think I just hate him more because he was worse on Amoi. Like I said, he made it worse." Gokudera finishes his drink. "You got better. Then you left." A shrug. People left him. It hurt, but he's not going to dwell on that. "And so did I!" A grin. He's here now! Hurray! No more people calling him a mongrel and trying to strangle him for touching someone with dark hair! He throws Yamamoto a thumbs up, face slightly pink with the alcohol in his system.

There definitely isn't much food in his belly to help. Ha. Like he could have afforded a meal back on Amoi.

[tsuyoi_ame]

He blinks, slipping the money into his pocket as he nods his thanks. He'll wonder at that but find some way to repay his friend later. In some way that does not involve picking that drink up again, he is not quite ready for that. Who knows what the future holds but the athlete knows it can't be good for his training sword, or baseball.

Almost as if the sun is breaking Yamamoto's face lights with that natural smile, right to his eyes. They are brighter, the edges crinkle. His demons can wait, they win. He may not understand it all, he may know there are deeper things to get through but his optimism at this moment hits like a ton of bricks, and to him is comforting.

"Yes!!" They win, he does not need details in the end, no matter what comes that will sing in his soul. He figures the less he knows the better on that, if he learns too much he could make a mistake when he gets home and ruin everything. He misses none of what the other says, why wouldn't he believe Gokudera? It is not as if the bomber was prone to lying and he definitely wouldn't lie to Yamamoto about something like that. Not even to make him feel better.

He goes silent, serious, not brooding but attentive as Gokudera explains what it has been like for him. His fingers curl around the glass as he absorbs the words. He knows Mukuro isn't one of the "good guys" but it makes him mad to know the other would make things harder instead of helping when he could. When he hears how he responded he is reminded he is too carefree. He has to take this seriously, he has to be better this time. Even if this Yamamoto technically is another one he feels responsible in his way. Tsuna failed, they all failed the friend who sits in front of him. That he got better is a small boon because it sounds like he did not last long after he figured it out.

He could say he is sorry the storm went through this but words are nothing to action. The determined set of his jaw and glint in his eyes says it all. Now Gokudera is free and he is not alone. If there is one thing Yamamoto knows how to be it is a good and supportive friend. He'll be in full force mode with that from this moment forward (not that he isn't most days).

"Right! This place doesn't seem so bad" He pauses, at that moment he is the natural-born hitman, the rain, breath of fresh air as he comes to wash the battlefield clean, such is his resolve that it shows from his expression to the set of his body. "I won't be so carefree this time." He knows it was a lot, he knows there is so much Gokudera is not saying and he will prod when he is sober.

He can see the flush and that grin, he can tell the other is feeling the effects of the alcohol. He chuckles at the thumbs up, he can not help it. A thumb upping Gokudera is a rare thing, if it was not alcohol-fueled and reached his eyes it would have drawn a full laugh from Yamamoto.

This is where metaphors can become problematic, without knowing what someone like him, with dark hair touching Gokudera can trigger, he does not know to keep his hands to himself. Yamamoto is the guy who props an elbow or slings a friendly arm around shoulders, it's hardwired into who he is.

He does this now, hoping that a return to some kind of normal habits will help get that grin to Gokudera's eyes. This may be a Gokudera he has never met before but his arm drapes the other's shoulders with a friendly grin. As it has done countless times before when he pops up where ever Gokudera and Tsuna might be.

Yamamoto is watching closely, thinking of a way to help the fact that he is on his way to having a drunk not just buzzed Gokudera on his hands. It is a scenario he never imagined facing but he'll navigate it somehow, luckily food is something he is bound to think of sooner rather than later.

[bakudan_bambino]

It's not like that one fruity, alcoholic drink will mess the baseball idiot up too badly. Gokudera's watching him, though, wondering why in the world he won't touch it... maybe it is odd of him. He feels a little more bothered with himself upon realizing that he is the one who's changed so much.

There's a pleasant warmth that goes through him seeing the other boy so happy. They win, and it's a wonder how the other could ever doubt that. "Idiot. We'll never lose. We're the strongest family in the world. This one and all the others, too. That will never change." Cocky as ever, he grins and lifts his chin. Not in any future ever will they ever experience what they had to fix. They're strong together and able to overcome whatever the future has in store for them.

Gokudera's tone does not betray how he feels as much as his expression does when he talks about Amoi. It was such a struggle, and he simply sighs when he's done mentioning it, but gives a slight pained jolt. It's not possible to see why, and he'll simply slap a hand to his neck and rub, as if a mosquito bit him. He even looks about and gives a small irritated click of his tongue at the irritation to the skin beneath his collar. Space mosquito... no, but he'll pretend.

"You didn't know. It's not like I'm mad at you, and like I said... you got better." Gokudera says and waves a hand dismissively. He's honestly excited about whatever Anchor has in store for him. It's not as much space, but it's all so different, and no one is looking down on him over something as stupid as his hair color. His hand lowers, but still the other stays at his neck, just scratching at the spot where his collar had zapped him. It's... probably malfunctioning some without the technology of the planet it came from. That's his theory though. It's never shocked him before... He looks a bit thoughtful until there's an arm around his shoulders.

Gokudera stiffens up, closes his eyes, and has to remind himself that no one is going to hurt him for this. Touching him, touching anyone really in general is just a friendly way that Yamamoto expresses himself. This is normal. Deep breath in, deep breath out. If he were to shrug the other off, it... would it make him angry? Gokudera's hand moves off of his neck to Yamamoto's hand, carefully takes his wrist, and then he opens his eyes and looks over at him.

"When I said you couldn't help me, even doing something like this would..." Gokudera struggles. The metaphor really doesn't help him explain that he was a mongrel, and touching him would get him in trouble. Even if Mukuro walked up and punched him in the streets of Tanagura -which he never did- Gokudera would have had his powers blocked, and then been thrown in jail for resisting arrest. "It would be bad..."

"Touching me would get me in trouble. Being kind to me would get me in trouble. Amoi would treat anyone with dark hair as an Elite. Anyone with light or warm hair... was a mongrel. I was discriminated against and it was not something that could be helped." Gokudera lets go of Yamamoto's wrist without trying to move his arm. He's accepting the touch now, but he looks troubled, and hopes he's explaining well enough. "The world was split in two, and for at least the first year I was there... It was illegal for me to be where the Elites lived. I had to find the Tenth while I was there... and..." A soft shake of his head. "It's just that it was illegal for anyone to touch someone outside of their caste."

Gokudera looks at his empty glasses and starts tracing his finger over the condensation on one, just needing to fidget out the nervous energy that comes with being touched, with having to keep his hands to himself. "You uh... you're not doing anything wrong."

"Sorry if I'm acting weird." Because throwing an arm around him is normal for Yamamoto. Being almost scared in response to that is not at all normal for Gokudera. He understands that and feels apologetic about it.

[tsuyoi_ame]

Gokudera is correct there, Yamamoto would not be "hurt" from the drink but one of them should be clear-headed. He is not looking down on the bomber for drinking, especially not after hearing what Gokudera has had to say here tonight. For a moment, when he talks about the family there is the Gokudera he is used to, the cocky confidence to some it would be seen as off-putting, to Yamamoto it is comforting. He nods firmly, no argument there, Gokudera is right, they can take on whatever comes at them.

"Right! As long as we fight together we can do it!"

Yamamoto saw the neck scratch, felt the collar underneath his arm. But he does not know if space mosquitoes are a thing so it to him is a possible explanation. He assumes it is some new weapon or accessory Gokudera came up with. It never crosses his mind it is a collar meant to punish him.

No longer oblivious, he knows the darker side of life exists but all of this, it is all so wrong. Unfair is what it is, of all the Guardians Gokudera has had it the hardest in life overall and then it's him that ends up in a place where he is told he isn't good enough because of how he looks?

He knows this has to have messed with Gokudera more than he realized at first because Gokudera already misses his own worth. Yamamoto knows this is why the other seems to get so competitive with him around Tsuna especially. He has not had the loving family Yamamoto did and it's just not fair. His hand near his glass clenches as he listens. All a shrug off of his draping arm, even a lift-off would do is cause a smile, probably a placating maa, maa, never anger from Yamamoto.

Yamamoto listens, he absorbs, his hand on the bar clenches, unclenches. He is angry, he is beyond angry but not at Gokudera, it is for Gokudera. He can take a lot, he can forgive a lot but a world that treats his friends any people this way, that he can not. The very thought of such a world is disgusting and if he could he would dismantle it. Of course, that is impossible since at present they are in a whole new world. Instead what he can do, is try to help the Guardian here find himself again.

"Gokudera...." His voice is not angry when he speaks, it is firm, determined the same as the gaze in his eyes as he looks directly in front of him with his jaw clenched, there may be a whisper of blue flames along his ring. His fingers aching from how tight he clenches them spread out on the bar in front of him, the dying will flame visible now. They are the Vongola, no one can break them.


"Stop. Why would you apologize? It's not your fault, they were wrong, no one should be judged because of those things. " No one should have basic human affection taken away, the soft friendly squeeze he gives with his arm before he removes it from Gokudera is meant to convey this.

He turns so that he is looking into his friend's eyes, he has not lost that smile and it graces his face now. "This place will be different, no matter what, we'll make it different."

[bakudan_bambino]

Gokudera wishes he could bring this all up in a way that doesn't make it seem so bad. But... there's no changing what happened. The only control he has is over himself, over how he grows from what he's been through. With the alcohol, his reactions are a little more honest, his willingness to open up more ready than it's ever been. The fact that Yamamoto is family doesn't hurt, either.

The collar only gives him a small jolt, and he isn't planning on bringing any attention to it. So many accessories usually adorn the bomber, after all. It is meant to do other things than to punish Gokudera, and he's never had an owner use his ring. It's also never done what it is doing at the moment, so he's confused, but not voicing it. Maybe he can find someone who is good with programming to take a look at it...

Obviously the issue at hand is the arm around his shoulders, and the swordsman attached to it. He's listening, Gokudera can tell. There is an intensity brewing between them that is nearly palpable, and maybe that's just the Storm's realization that the truth is out, that Yamamoto wants to take action to help.

Gokudera's eyes soften with affection and when that arm comes off his shoulders, the tension in his shoulders starts to bleed out. He's not sure what to say, because Yamamoto's words are true. He nods, then looks down to avoid that gaze, embarrassed over the kind of emotion he's showing. "I know..." A sigh and he reaches up to pat Yamamoto's shoulder. See, he can touch too.

"And I'll get better. I'm already liking this place." Usually Gokudera is the one being serious with Yamamoto trying to ease him. In this instance, though, it feels the roles are reversed. Gokudera wants things to be as normal as they can be, so he turns dismissive of all that darkness that'd been added to his past.

"It's my hope that every person back in that world is home, or in a better place." He motions for another drink, but this time it's water. Gokudera could use his sun flames to help, but it's not like he's very drunk. There's at least the self-awareness to him about what's going on. He drinks it readily, looking thoughtful about all the good that happened to him on Amoi.

"So!" Enough of the shitty mood he feels responsible for! Gokudera stretches and gets off the bar stool. "Let's enjoy this place!" It seems as though he's just tucking all of his feelings away to brew about them later. Brooding may be normal for him -especially considering what he's been through- but if he doesn't want to, he's not going to. That would be a waste of his and Yamamoto's time. The swordsman understands, and that's more than enough.

Finishing his water quickly, he sets the empty glass down and smiles at Yamamoto honestly. He's got experience traveling to another world, and with that, feels a certain obligation to reassure, and motivate. If he can make it through two years in an awful place like Amoi, Anchor is sure to be a cake-walk.

[tsuyoi_ame]

Yamamoto sees the openness, he knows some of it is the alcohol. He also knows some of it is an open and honest Gokudera because despite the many "baseball idiots" at home they are family. They work surprisingly well together when the time calls for it and if ever a time did, this is it.

Intense is the word for it, after all, those flames do not light for small matters. For each Guardian, they are a sign of their determination to protect the family from any person, place, thing, wild monkey in a gorilla suit that threatens them. He will not say it out loud but for Yamamoto, he saves that affectionate look in among his many happy memories, they are rare for Gokudera to give to anyone other than Tsuna. And Uri, when he thinks no one is looking.

Avoiding that gaze is understandable when he is clicked on Yamamoto is a teeny bit shocking in comparison to his normal laid back, pleasant nature. With already heightened emotions it could be too much. He continues smiling, his eyes softening themselves when the hand touches his shoulder. It is almost as if some of Yamamoto has rubbed off on Gokudera throughout their adventures, it would be easy to see these roles reversed. he nods, it goes without saying that Gokudera will get better if Yamamoto had to drag him kicking and screaming. Which of course he doesn't, the other is stronger than that.

"You did, I bet they did too." For Yamamoto, that means, believe it, don't give up and that will make it true. Right, they have a whole new place to explore, learn about, and work on finding a way to help while they try to get home. This is what they do, they got this. It is like the captain giving a pep talk for the baseball player.

He is off the stool with a resounding "Let's go!" with as fast as he moved, it is a good thing he did not drink the fruity drink, he may well have landed on his butt. Everything else will work out, they can not fix it all in one conversation at a bar. Add that to things he did not think would happen for a few years.

The honest smile gets a happy laugh and smile in return, one hand rubs across the back his head when his stomach suddenly reminds him that it has been a while since he ate. Also, he used a lot of energy and flame in that last battle, something he forgot about for a while, despite the bandages.

"Sorry!" It is a sheepish but happy apology.

ugh I lost what I typed up the first time. Hope this is passable lol

[bakudan_bambino]

They are family, and Gokudera sharing so much isn't because he's looking for pity. It's not as thought Yamamoto is offering that. It's all just to make him see why Gokudera acts the way he does. Of course, the baseball idiot is understanding. Now it won't seem like there's any personal upset between them if Gokudera's immediate response to an arm on the shoulder is a flinch. He's not scared of Yamamoto, and it's all reflex. It will change with time, he hopes.

No matter what, nothing changes what happened to him, and he intends to focus on growing stronger. Never mind who he knew there... unless he finds another version of them on Anchor. Then... he'll cross that bridge when he gets to it.

The Storm appreciates when he can be relied on. In this case, it's something as simple as getting off the topic of Amoi. And that hand on the shoulder is just that, basically a reassuring pat. It doesn't linger, doesn't mean much more than that, and he's moving with grace despite the alcohol in his system.

And just as soon as he goes to take a step, he hears the other boy's stomach.

"Alright. Food first?"

Gokudera isn't exactly malnourished, but he's not as fit in frame as he had been when he'd left Namimori. Tanagura had been rough for him in more ways than he can count. Food would be awesome. There's a buffet on this space cruise ship, and he'll totally lead them there without any hesitation.

comments getting eaten and lost, we're cursed I tell you ~ only not really it is lovely as always ~

[tsuyoi_ame]

Luckily for Gokudera, Yamamoto is persistent. As he knows, considering how many times, in the beginning, Gokudera more or less told Yamamoto to get lost. They have certainly grown since that first day and the Rain will remain ever patient at his friend's side. One day, no matter how long, he'll prop that elbow and be shoved off with an annoyed scoff again nary a flinch to be seen and he'll laugh. He knows it.

Gokudera is more reliable than he likely gives himself credit for. He is as good of a friend as Yamamoto, he just shows it in a different way. Yamamoto does not fail to note that while he was worried Gokudera was drinking too much the other seems to be handling it. This like his smoking are things Yamamoto will try to limit for his friend's health but things he also will accept as something Gokudera needs right now, so patience is the name of the game on all fronts.

He follows beside Gokudera, a new pep to his step that was definitely missing when he first arrived on Anchor. Optimism and hope for their future were the balms his soul needed to let him focus on the task at hand and he has both of those now.

When he sees the buffet his eyebrow shots up, it all smells great "Amazing, I hope it tastes as good as the girls' cooking." Because boy did they cook well and make sure the boys had a "home" while in the future an invaluable thing for the Guardians in their fight.

Yamamoto joins the line with Gokudera, one thing he wants more than anything, a glass of milk. That would be heaven to Yamamoto right now.

awww shucks

[bakudan_bambino]

Gokudera knows very well of that persistence. The Yamamoto on Amoi was persistent, too. Always putting an arm on or around him, getting the bomber in trouble... but doing his best to help him out, too. Obviously, the swordsman has never meant to hurt his friends. It would be too unlike him. Laws had changed in that world, but only in certain places. Still, Gokudera is cautious, and he's never been too fond of being touched.

If he really were to get drunk, with the use of some internalized Sun flames, the bomber could likely sober up quickly. The alcohol would hit hard and fast in his system enough to make him sick, but he'd be back to normal quickly. He has no mind to his flames at the moment, however. Gone is the despondent attitude that clung to him on Amoi. He'd made friends, had fallen in love, had fought to help and ultimately... people left him. Whether they simply were teleported off Amoi, or they legitimately turned their backs to him made a huge impact on his willingness to open up.

So... Yamamoto is helping him more than he likely realizes in just being around him. Listening or talking, or walking with him to get food. As mundane as it may seem, there's a great deal of comfort the bomber's feeling. He could fear the future... that this friend of his could leave, but he's not going to let that go. Gokudera is going to anchor his purpose on his family, and the potential for his own improvement here to help them. He'll be fiercely loyal, and that will never change. No matter what world he finds himself on.

"It'll be good to eat food for once." Gokudera says, feeling as though he could drool. "Real food." He corrects. "Everything on that last place was..." He rubs his fingers together, trying to find the right word, right language to describe it. "Not printed... but... digital? It was like, you got full from it and could be satisfied... But nothing was real." No real food, no real plants. Nothing felt alive on Amoi. He even had a theory that everyone there was somehow digital or maybe downloaded into the world, and that is how they could interact with it so well.

No one outright called him crazy, but he definitely unsettled a lot of his friends with talk like that. "I don't even know what I want.."

There had been a man named Sanji that had made him a lasagna once. He doesn't remember it. Maybe that's what he wants. Or... some kind of pasta.

[tsuyoi_ame]

Yamamoto is open and friendly enough for the both of them. Already his eyes are looking for people like them. After all, the more people they know here the better he figures. He will have to make sure he works on that, he knows it can take Gokudera time. Loyalty seems to be something their boss inspires. Even in people who are not in his family. It is a trait his two closest friends would have to possess.

He is listening as he leans around the people in line. Curious as to what they have to offer. He is not a picky eater but he has his favorite things. His ears perk at the word digital.

"Like a hologram?" He imagines food that when it is touched a hand would go through it at the thought of digital food. That does not sound too crazy a theory if the food is digital why not the people? Could explain how Gokudera never went missing in their homeworld despite being gone for two years.

"It looks like they have red fried noodles." He does not realize that for a second, he has reverted to calling foods by the names his dad had him use as a kid. Of course, now he knows it is called spaghetti. But there you have it, could be his hunger, the fact that he has had a lot thrown at him in the last few hours of his life. Or that some part of him was already homesick when he got here.

Either way, it does not dampen his mood as he gets to the front and begins picking items. He does not eat as large as some athletes can but he is taking a healthy-sized plate. Starting with the spaghetti, if he finds sushi he may tear up that is a warning. He does see some onigiri so those go on his plate for sure.

[bakudan_bambino]

"No, not like a hologram. It would still be filling, but it was clearly fake. Like... no plants grew on Amoi. The dirt was dusty, and outside of the slums was the wasteland. It was toxic. I met someone who'd gone out there..." And he couldn't save them. Gokudera couldn't even move her to the clinic in time to treat her. All he could do was try to numb her with his flames, and the sun flames would have likely progressed the decaying on her skin... and in her system. He looks a little forlorn, but at the mention of friend noodles, he gives a small, hopeful smile.

"Anyways. It's been a while since I've had real food." Let's leave it at that.

Again... it's better not to reflect on things he couldn't change.

It's easy to focus on food, and when he's ravenous, he doesn't even care if all that's available is cup noodle. Gokudera does grab the spaghetti, and some more water, but for the most part is cautious in his portion sizes. He's not a big eater most days, and he's not sure how he'll adjust from Amoi to Anchor. Better to play it safe when he's pretty sensitive. Once his plate is relatively full -hey he even got some vegetables- he steps out of the way to let Yamamoto or anyone else pass. He's just going to patiently wait until the Rain Guardian goes to take a seat, oddly... not making the first move, though it's probably because he's used to not being allowed to make the first.

[tsuyoi_ame]

"Strange..." When Gokudera talks about the wasteland it reminds Yamamoto of the video he had first seen. He thinks to himself they are pretty lucky they did not poof in outside the dome. Yamamoto is not sure how he would feel about everything feeling fake. So much of who is he is relying on instinct, how he feels to have that center of gravity gone would suck. He notices the switches in facial expression. He is bound to be paying more attention than usual as it is but he does not say anything. Instead, he eyes what looks like sushi but it is not his old man's, he takes a few pieces but not many.

"Then eat up!" He makes a happy noise when he sees the milk cartons, taking two with a huge grin. Exactly and there is a lot they can change, empty stomachs is one thing they have control over.

He is satisfied that his friend is going to eat decently, if not as well as he may have in the past. Yamamoto notices that Gokudera waits for him, he does not remark. He acts as if that is perfectly normal. He is thinking that as long as he can be himself, Gokudera can heal. If he keeps poking the wounds by reacting visibly to any strange behaviors it is going to be worse.

He leads them to a table, sliding into a seat he rubs his hands together and grins at Gokudera.

"It all looks good." He is not as formal as most people so there are no thanks for the meal, he does give a polite nod before digging in. His first order of business is to put his straw in and take a big sip of milk.

[bakudan_bambino]

He had been reminded of the wastes on Amoi when he watched the video, too. Honestly, he could imagine this as the same planet, but much further in the future. Not enough lasers, though... and far too many robotics. He hums his agreement. Amoi was strange.

The jumps in expression and hesitation are just going to slide if Yamamoto doesn't point them out, which will inevitably do wonders.

Gokudera looks on at the milk and realizes that he's only had it for the past couple years as an additive to tea. For that matter... if it was fake too, did it come from something other than a cow? He's getting a bit lost in thought and takes up his spoon and fork, twisting and cradling the pasta before taking a bite.

And what a bite it is. He's got to do his best to not eat as fast as he can, so lets out a contented sigh before savoring the next bite. Fork down and he's speaking again, feeling oddly conversational. But hey... it's been a bit since he had someone to talk to, and Yamamoto probably won't mind, right?

"Have you ever had it before? Spaghetti?" He knows that the baseball idiot had gone to Italy with Dino once. Gokudera points to the food on Yamamoto's own plate with one hand and takes up his water with the other. This... seems real enough, tastes good, and he feels comfortable, expression bored, or maybe a little relaxed.

[tsuyoi_ame]

Nothing can always be smooth sailing but for the moment they seem to be making it work. It is amazing how resilient the Guardians are. Not just Gokudera and Yamamoto but the entire group. No matter how many times they get knocked down they all get up together.

As he takes a bit of the onigiri Yamamoto nods "We even have it at my house sometimes but this is different." The spaghetti is good but there are other foods on the plate that are working better to ease some of his homesickness. " Did you eat it a lot in Italy?"

He does not mind talking at all, in fact, he will be glad to hold up his own end of the conversation as he holds the second milk out to Gokudera "Here, you should drink more milk." Yamamoto flashes a grin, then picks up a piece of sushi. Savoring it despite the fact that his dad's melts in the mouth way more than this. In his opinion at least, he may be spoiled with good food at home.

It may be a strange world, he may be bruised and banged up. What the future holds here may be a complete unknown. But the moment he is living right now, this is okay, this feels as close to home as a person could expect on a strange planet.

A good plate of food and a friend, who now seems to be more comfortable in himself. The Rain can almost feel the battlefield clearing. The sun will start to shine before they know it.

[bakudan_bambino]

"Red fried noodles..." Gokudera says and looks down at his spaghetti. "Heh... The spaghetti is boiled and the sauce can be fried, I guess." What a Japanese way to approach spaghetti. It's enough to make hi chuckle. Gokudera can't feel too homesick when it comes to food, as he's never really had a great relationship with it. Thanks, Bianchi. "Hmm. I'm sure I did." All food is comfort food if it isn't poisonous.

Gokudera blinks at the milk carton, completely caught off guard. He's smirking and sets it down. Wow when was the last time he's heard something like that? There's an odd affectionate way he stares at it, and realizes that he missed Yamamoto.

"Thanks." And he opens the milk, placing a straw in it, and taking a drink. "That's milk alright." What else is he supposed to say? Gokudera's not a huge fan, but hey, if it makes the other happy... why not?

[tsuyoi_ame]

"That's what we called them in my house when I was a kid." Yeah, still oblivious to the fact that he called the spaghetti that when he first saw it. Yamamoto had not considered that Gokudera had been so young he may not remember things like what food he ate. After all, he has been on his own for a long time. True, while not a picky eater Yamamoto would prefer to not eat Bianchi's cooking. It never looks quite right.

"You're welcome" He is sipping his own as soon as he says it, smiling around the straw as dark eyes take in his surroundings. If a carton of milk brings that look to his friend's face he may have to offer it more often. Not that he doesn't anyway, he is a firm believer in the benefits of milk!

It was good, good enough it makes Yamamoto laugh. "Yes, it's good for you." He flashes a thumbs-up, taking another bite before he speaks again.

"Do you think this place is here all the time?" His curiosity about their new home sparking now that his stomach is getting full.

"It wasn't in the video." It sure would be nice if it was, they could make good use of the buffet and the beach in Yamamoto's opinion.

[bakudan_bambino]

"Spaghetti is the pasta, you know...? Not the sauce. You could just have it alone, as there is no frying to it." He's still eating, chewing while he thinks and making sure to have good manners. He may not be a formal eater, but he's self-conscious. "It'd be like referring to all soba as yakisoba! Ah!" Gokudera gestures to his spaghetti. "Tomato soba!" He chuckles again. It's fun to mix up the cultures and their different foods.

He glances over his shoulder. Damn... he should have grabbed an onigiri for himself.

"You say that, but it doesn't make me feel any better." Gokudera goes back to his milk. "Actually makes me feel sleepy most of the time." There had been a time when he had first ever met Yamamoto, that the baseball idiot had told him calcium would help with his irritability, or... something like that.

"Hm? This ship? No... but I hope it comes back often." He definitely was fond of some of those aliens that greeted him. Gokudera wonders if there is a piano anywhere in Anchor he could practice in private. Back home, he had a keyboard in his room, and on Amoi, he'd had to get lucky enough to be allowed to play in bars. Ex-pets had a hard time finding jobs.

"I get the feeling that video hasn't been updated in a while." Duh. Why else would Anchor seem so overgrown and locked down? He wonders what he can find out. Gokudera may be pretty smart, but he is no programmer.

[tsuyoi_ame]

He is listening, while Gokudera speaks he eats, sipping his milk and in general enjoying himself more than he has in a while. He is stretching in his chair, eyeing his plate thinking he may have taken a little more than he should have. It is definitely all filling. When Gokudera says tomato soba he laughs, right down deep from his belly amused about it. He can feel free to snag one off Yamamoto's plate, he'll be glad to share. Right now he is happily eating his Tomato Soba!

"We didn't eat anything that wasn't Japanese or could be named by color. Tomato soba would have been better." Strange, he knows but red fried noodles were born of this peculiar habit of his dad's.

"That's because you need more sleep." It is not reproachful but a matter of fact. After all, if the milk makes a person sleepy clearly their body is telling them something. Plus, he noticed in the future, Gokudera does not sleep much, or at least it seems that way.

"We'll have to ask around, there's a bunch of stuff to try out." If it comes back regularly he will drag Gokudera along to try out everything they don't explore tonight. Yamamoto would like this, there is something beautiful, soothing about that piano music. He never thought he would enjoy something so mellow so much but he did.

[bakudan_bambino]

Gokudera may be a very proud young man, used to taking care of himself. However, Yamamoto usually feels comfortable sharing his food. That, and if he really couldn’t take one of his onigiri... he could just go grab another from the buffet. As it is, he definitely takes one, no one is upset about it, so there’s no problem. Not that Yamamoto is ever the type to lash out like the Storm Guardian does.

“I guess being on a different planet means we could always try foods neither of us are familiar with...” That is both an exciting and terrifying thought.

He’s going to snicker, hearing Yamamoto actively referring to spaghetti with red sauce as Tomato Soba is so stupid.

“Ah-!” Way to call him out like that. Gokudera gives a little bit of a pout and mutters that he can’t help it. Even on Amoi, his roommate had noticed how Gokudera would never sleep at normal hours. He worries how adjusting to a new planet will work with his insomnia.

“You think there’s a pool, even?” He’s not interested in swimming, but what doesn’t this space cruise ship have? Gokudera won’t bring up his desire to play the piano again. It’s always something that’s been very personal to him. He would play. He just won’t talk about it easily. True to form with most personal matters, and those that especially don’t concern the family, he’s evasive. It isn’t that playing the piano is a weakness, it’s just... irrelevant.

[tsuyoi_ame]

No matter how proud, they are teenagers and friends. Taking food off each other's plate is not something that would be a big deal. In fact, Yamamoto does not even notice let alone care as he finishes his milk.

Maybe next time, who knows when he would have a chance to eat things that taste so much like home. They may have to get adventurous in their food choices, depending on what Anchor has to offer when not hosting this place. It will forever be Tomato Soba, Gokudera only has himself to blame. The snicker cements the new name as sure as if it was engraved.

It is the way of the rain, calling out without putting out. Just a friendly reminder to his friend that he has to remember to take care of himself too. Yamamoto gives a patient smile in return to the pout "I suppose not." The same as he will not be able to help but to try and be helpful in making it easier for Gokudera to sleep, it is imprinted in his DNA.

Yamamoto may approach the piano scenario one day or if he gets lucky find one, even if it has to be fixed up. Who knows, after all, he is bound to get into any part of the dome he can to explore before it is said and done. When Gokudera asks about a pool he perks up excited clearly "It has a beach and water park up top! It's amazing!"

[bakudan_bambino]

It's just something they used to do a lot, too. Back in Namimori, having lunch on the school roof, it wasn't strange for Gokudera to nab something off the other boy's bento. Tsuyoshi's lunches beat convenient store meals any day... Not that he'll admit that. But there is something to be said about food crafted by a caring family member. It just... tastes better.

Bianchi doesn't count. She never will, ugh.

They may accumulate inside jokes at this rate. So long as Yamamoto isn't referring to spaghetti as tomato soba to some big time mafia bosses, Gokudera will find it amusing.

Gokudera knows to take better care of himself. He also knows that he can talk to his family about what he's been through, and they will listen. Yamamoto is just... predictable and unpredictable to Gokudera. He knows how he'll respond most times, but the bomber isn't going to mention anything about what he's been through. Again, it's pretty irrelevant.

"A beach?" There's some wonder in his eyes. How.... is there a beach on a space cruise ship?

[tsuyoi_ame]

Yamamoto could not argue that fact. No matter how well-prepared nothing compares to a meal that is cooked for you because the person cares enough to want to take care of you. It's like the sushi here, yes, it is delicious. No, to his taste buds it is not as good as his dad's because it is missing that made for you quality. Plus, Tsuna's mom is the best cook. She keeps any of the family in her home well fed and cared for.

Agreed. Bianchi is never allowed to cook if she shows up. Yamamoto is currently thinking that he may try helping out with cooking in Anchor. He does have some experience there.

Oh no, how tragic, who wants inside jokes? Those would be lovely, it is another sign of the connection between the family. To him it may be irrelevant to his family, they will be here when there are times it does not feel that way. Of course, Gokudera knows that and Yamamoto is more of a show through action than give a big speech about how he feels. There are moments that are exceptions when they faced Gamma for one.

"Right! It is amazing. So pretty, the water was so warm. Want to see it?" He figures they can head that way when they finish up with their food if Gokudera wants. He is already nearly done with his own.