51 [video]

[hurricanebomber]

[Gokudera turns the video on. He's in his room. In the background is the usual jumble of explosives and books. Most of the latter appear to be on psychology.

He's flicking his lighter in an unsuccessful attempt to light a cigarette. After a moment, he gives up and addresses the camera.]

Anyone want to fight me? [A pause. He scowls.] Anyone who

Comments

[video]

[echo_of_utopia]

Not about fighting me I hope.

[action]

[echo_of_utopia]

Perhaps there is a way to show rather than tell?

[action]

[hurricanebomber]

The only way I know is to just keep trying.

[action]

[echo_of_utopia]

[ She nods. ] Sometimes it requires patience to make people understand.

[action]

[hurricanebomber]

Patience isn't a strong point for me. [Especially not when it comes to other people.]

[action]

[echo_of_utopia]

Then you have one more thing to learn and train.

[action]

[hurricanebomber]

[He scowls but...yeah, okay, that's true.]

Juudaime's been having trouble with us not getting along. I told him I'd try harder to hold the family together.

[action]

[echo_of_utopia]

That must be difficult for you.

[action]

[hurricanebomber]

If you knew our family...

[He grimaces and looks over at her.]

Are you saying that because it's the kind of thing you're supposed to say?

[action]

[echo_of_utopia]

No.

[ Answering is simple. Deciding to elaborate takes a moment. ]

I am saying that because in my world it was difficult for me as well. It was difficult for all of those who understood that we had to work together instead of against each other.

I am saying that because I commend you for trying and because I believe that one single person cannot possibly bear this responsibility alone.

[action]

[hurricanebomber]

[He blinks at her. He's...really not used to being complimented or commended by anyone. Ever.

Flushing just a little, he busies himself lighting another cigarette.]

Okay. I wasn't trying to, you know. I wasn't trying to be disagreeable. [And honestly, he sometimes goes out of his way to.]

Juudaime's just unhappy and I need to fix it.

[action]

[echo_of_utopia]

I did not think you were.

[ A reassuring smile. ]

There is only so much you can do alone, though for the sake of your family I hope you all succeed.

[action]

[hurricanebomber]

[He frowns.]

Yeah. I've got my work cut out for me. [His tone makes it obvious this is more or less a completely impossible task.]

[action]

[echo_of_utopia]

Is there anything particular that troubles you... something specific you would like to talk about?

[action]

[hurricanebomber]

[His frown deepens and it's a moment before he nods slowly.]

Mukuro's being an asshole.

[action]

[echo_of_utopia]

Has it become worse?