#later u ask reborn abt the tradition and ask if it allows substitutes if the boss’ partner isnt available

[momodita]

tidbits જ⁀➴ sawada tsunayoshi.

TAGS / WARNINGS: gn reader, tyl tsuna, barely-there angst WC: 500 NOTE: writing this to cope with the fact that we never see his tyl face in the show

✗ MINORS / AGELESS / BLANK BLOGS WILL BE BLOCKED.

When the smoke clears, you have to crane your neck up to meet the other person’s gaze.

“Tsuna?” you croak, a cold sheen of sweat forming on your brow. “What—um, where—”

“Don’t worry, you’re safe,” he says. Your feet carry you backwards, startled by the honeyed alto. The shock of hearing the low pitch of his voice plucks up the hairs on your nape. “We’re in the middle of review,” he explains. “Reborn wanted us to practice before everyone came.”

“Practice?” you parrot, taking the chance to look around. The ceiling is tall and ornate—decorated just as beautifully as the walls with their wide, intricate arches. “Um, what for?”

Tsuna chuckles. “Dancing,” he says, amused. “The Vongola’s boss is supposed to take first dance with their partner. It’s apparently a long tradition—you should’ve heard Reborn’s lecture on its importance.”

“Oh.” You don’t need to look to know you’re the only two people in the room. “By partner, do you mean, uh, l-lover?” The word squeezes out of your mouth. Tsuna nods. You frown. “What about���I mean, in that case, shouldn’t you be practicing with Kyoko?” It’s a little painful to voice aloud, but your curiosity is running too deep to even think about avoiding asking.

You’d hope—at least, the logical side of you would—that after ten years, Tsuna had finally plucked up the courage to give Kyoko a proper confession, like they both deserved. That they could get a quiet moment together—spotlighted or not—to show just how deeply their mutual affection ran.

He regards you with a slight tip of his head. “Kyoko-chan is currently abroad. She gave you her regards—your future self.”

Ah. So you’re filling in for her, then. It only makes a bit of sense when you contemplate what’s important enough to take her away from an apparent long-standing tradition.

You’re comforted knowing their kindness has remained unchanged in ten years.

“Sorry, Tsuna,” you say, trying for a smile. “I’m sure she would’ve loved dancing with you.” Maybe when you get back, you could get Tsuna to start learning early. “I hope I haven’t been embarrassing myself.”

Tsuna’s expression gentles. You find yourself unable to look away, drawing slow, shallow breaths as he approaches. There are so many things you want to ask. Something, anything to break the slow rise of tension in your chest: the knot that tightens in recognition of his face and that kind, fond look he saves for Kyoko.

“I’m the one who should be sorry,” he says quietly, taking your hand in his. It’s a casual show of intimacy that has your eyes going wide. “I’ve caused a lot of trouble for you, haven’t I?”

“No more than Gokudera,” you say, going warm when he laughs again.

He bends at the waist to put his mouth closer to your temple. “When you return,” he says lightly, “you should ask Reborn about this tradition. I’m sure he’ll have lots of interesting insights to share.”