beautyrest | Inbox

There's a good deal to be fond of. I would know.

Tomorrow can be arranged, certainly.

...

Not at that tea house.

[He can’t handle the way he’d just been treated by Zuko and now Rose is complimenting him?! His face is going scarlet and he’s having to clear his throat.]

Really?! Okay!

We could meet in a closet, for all I care.

[Anywhere, anytime. Gokudera is over the moon.]

It would certainly be intimate were it there. You need not seek excuses to be close to me.

I was kidding! We can meet at the cafe’ across from the inn! I go there all the time! [Harry Potter works there, and it is where Gokudera will be fetching Rose’s first cup of hot chocolate.]

I’ll be close to you even if we are in the middle of a large, empty room. I always want to be close.

But! Not right this moment, since it’s getting late, and I won’t be sleeping much tonight.

[Too excited. However, the thrills of the day may have actually exhausted him, and he will crash. Fuck insomnia.]

So… is that place okay? Or we could meet in the inn? It’s such a public space, too…

[He wants to wake people up, he’s so ridiculously happy. Sorry, Tsuna. Your right-hand is going to be noisy before he tucks in for the night.]

[She lifts a brow, not sure she believes him. But she inclines her head, aware of the cafe he speaks of.]

The cafe shall suit us fine, I believe. Tomorrow, late morning, though, after the rush of coffee drinkers has ebbed.

While I appreciate your wish to declare our courtship to the world, let us first figure out what it is before displaying it to an audience.

Edited 2022-01-14 02:52 (UTC)

[Gokudera giggles.]

I wasn’t going to declare it…

[Good save, Rose. He just may have wanted to, but she’s changed his mind.]

Okay! Tomorrow around noon! I live closest so I’ll be there first. Don’t mind it if I get us a table.

I shall see you both then, darling. I can't wait to see you both.

Be safe until then!

[And the call cuts off as he brings the device to his face as if going to kiss it. He’s a fool and does not care who sees or knows it.]

[The cheerful attitude persists clear into the next day, too…

He can’t wait to see them both, either, and has texted Zuko the invited to make their… throuple? Official? They need to all three meet up. He can’t even believe he got so lucky. Both of them royalty, wildly attractive, and he’s just… some stupid criminal sap they both happen to like? Him?!

Gokudera is at the cafe far earlier than the three of them agreed to meet up. Partly because he’s part of that morning-coffee rush, but partly because he can only clean his apartment so many times before Uri is roaring at him and swatting at him to go away.

So he’s got some scratches on him, a twinkle in his eyes, a hot mug of coffee refilled in front of him, and he’s scrolling through his device while he waits for either Rose or Zuko to arrive. Larry is nowhere to be seen, and maybe he’s there too, or maybe he isn’t. There are two empty seats at the table, the fourth given away to another patron.]

[ Zuko is not outwardly as giddy as Gokudera is, but... he's pretty smitten and relieved, that's for sure. No particular grouchiness for once. He still has some... apprehension, of some sort. But having talked things out with both Aurora and Gokudera separately now, he's feeling more collected for this official date between the three of them at long last. He slept surprisingly fine the night before, for once, better than usual... though he's still been up since before sunrise, but that's just because he's bonkers and always does that. No coffee needed, though. He's energized enough by the occasion itself.

He's dressed for the occasion once more, but far more toned down than last night or his date with Aurora: a simple grey pullover over a white collared shirt, long sleeves rolled down, black slacks, his usual black boots, tailored black coat already taken off and folded neatly over his arm. He's got his hair tied up in a clean topknot again, but no crown this time, of course. That's Gokudera's now. He's surprised to see Gokudera is already there so early, because Zuko's arrived earlier than he was told to, as well, but it's a pleasant surprise and welcome sight as Zuko approaches. He hesitates momentarily when he meets Gokudera's eye, not sitting just yet. He's not sure if he should sit beside him or across from him, but what's more, he's not sure if he's supposed to... hug him or kiss him or something as a greeting from now on, or if things just stay the same, or...? So he just— smiles softly and bows his head respectfully. The smile is genuine and a rarer one than many of Zuko's usually more reserved smiles, rare as those are in the first place, and just the fact that he's thinking about what to do at all and giving it this much consideration for a moment before acting, speaks to his affections and investment and care. Taking things seriously enough to not be impulsive or dismissive or singleminded.

But, uh, that's all subtext that only comes from knowing Zuko closely for a long time, which Gokudera more or less has, so maybe he's learning to read carefully between the lines since last night, but... it's not exactly romancing him and pitching woo for Zuko to bow his head respectfully with a little smile after such an intense night like last night. Most people would probably have a different expectation of him; and frankly, most people would probably have a different reaction than him. But he's feeling this thing out still — that's one of the kinds of thing they're here to discuss, in a sense, after all. Expectations and reactions and how they're each feeling this whole thing out now. He takes the seat across from Gokudera at the table after this formal little bow, though, soft smile still stuck on his face with intent eye contact as he settles in, far less gruffness in his voice than usual... While it certainly would not register as such to, y'know, anyone else, but for someone who knows Zuko, one might even say he sounds almost... cheerful? ]

Good morning.

[Gokudera is taking a long, quiet sip of his coffee when he notices Zuko walking in. How could he not? The firebender is dressed up. His outfit may not be as fancy as it was last night, but Gokudera still thinks this is dressed up. It’s probably the topknot. It opens up the other boy’s face, and so Gokudera is openly admiring him as he approaches.

And then he bows, and Gokudera lifts an eyebrow and gives a scoff, blushing into his next sip.

He swings his leg out, brushes the tip of his foot to Zuko’s shin, and then grins at him. There is an obvious cheer to his boyfriend, or… to him, it’s obvious.]

You look nice.

[There’s a playful little lilt to Gokudera’s tone. He’s wearing a turquoise hoodie and black joggers, his winter coat over the back of his chair. Nothing fancy, just comfortable. That speaks far more than most anyone can know.]

[ Zuko lets half a smile linger on his lips, lopsided and a little bashful at the compliment and the footsies. He'd not been expecting that little bit of physical contact, and it jolts him a little inside, Zuko's gold eyes locking meaningfully with Gokudera's green. ]

...Thank you. You're even earlier than me...

[ Zuko should probably pay forward the compliment, but Gokudera always looks nice to him. It feels like it'd seem disingenuous, like he's saying it just because he said it first, as if just to be polite. So he merely accepts it and moves on. He's a little nervous, admittedly, though he doesn't know why exactly; he just feels butterflies in his stomach, it's all still a bit surreal somehow, and anticipating Aurora means he's just anticipating more butterflies. Once she arrives, he's certain they'll flutter up a storm in his chest at the sight of her, too. ]

[When Aurora arrives at the cafe, she blinks when she sees Gokudera and Zuko already sitting there. She checks the clock on the wall and no, she is perfectly on time to the second. Her unease does not subside at such knowledge, however. Had she gotten the time wrong? She was not one to arrive early anywhere on purpose but unless she needed time to prepare something for a party of some sort. She removes her shawl from around her head, her curls falling around her shoulders and back as she walks over to the boys, dressed in her more traditional clothing, but lovely all the same. She looks between the two of them, taking off her gloves, then her coat as she looks between the two of them, Vivek having perched outside on a tree limb. ]

Good morrow. My apologies, am I late?

[Gokudera can’t help but be physical with the objects of his affection. Usually he’d want more privacy, so… footsie is easy to hide. He’s eyeing that lopsided half smile and there’s a knowing, affectionate glint to his eyes.]

It’s like my second home most days.

[Just a point between home and school. He can idle about here and wait for the Tenth to get out. It’s more a lunch spot, or an early morning hangout before he goes to fetch his boss.

Gokudera isn’t looking for a compliment, is just a bit wound up for this meeting between them all. He’s taking a sip of coffee when Aurora walks in, and then he’s setting it down and standing, moving to pull out a chair for her.]

Far from it, Rose! I’m part of that morning coffee crew you were hoping to avoid, and Zuko is just early.

[He would say ‘because he wants to make a good impression,’ but the prince can speak for himself.]

[ Zuko's back is to Aurora, so he spots Gokudera standing first to tip him off that she's arrived, but when he turns around in his seat hoping to find her... his eyes grow wide at the sight of her. It's a becoming outfit, and he can't take his eyes off her, watching her hair roll down her back with captive interest as she settles in. He's all but transfixed for a second as she looks bemusedly between the two of them, but doesn't really respond until he hears his name, responding with a slight start. ]

Ah— Yes— I'm always early... I wasn't expecting him to be here already. I'm usually the first to arrive anywhere.

[ He glances to Gokudera, not sure why he feels he should be excusing himself. Maybe the look of confusion and doubt on Aurora's face, maybe the lingering guilt of how he first reacted to this whole proposal, now that it's culminating in this moment all together, he feels like he should be on his best behavior, perhaps. ]

...How are you? You look nice.

[ Aaand Aurora also just always looks so beautiful, it practically stuns him any time he sees her. Sorry, Gokudera — she got the compliment Zuko didn't pay back to you. Verbatim. Oops. Not that it's not true for both, but, well— Y'know... ]

Edited 2022-01-20 17:22 (UTC)

Oh, thank you, Hayato. [She smiled as she took her seat, resting a hand atop his before sitting down.] I shall have to keep that in mind with the both of you.

And thank you, Zuko. You both look very handsome. And I am well. I'm hoping meetings like these will just become so frequent we expect it to be a part of our day.

But we have important matters to discuss, a conversation I am looking forward to.

[Gokudera would just agree that Aurora looks nice. Zuko isn’t wrong. It may have felt nice to be complimented, but he wasn’t. Oh well. This is still early enough in their relationship, and he can’t be having lofty expectations. Of course Zuko would treat him differently than Aurora.]

Of course, Rose.

[He gently squeezes her hand, lifts it to kiss the top for a moment before he’s taking his own seat and scooting in.]

I’d love that.

[It’d be convenient if they met here more often, but he wouldn’t be opposed to meeting in other places.]

[ The suggestion that such a meeting will become so commonplace as to expect it almost as part of their daily routine, wow, draws an enamored, lopsided little smile on Zuko's face, one he's been wearing around Aurora quite often lately. He watches Gokudera kiss her hand with some curiosity, still feeling this whole arrangement out inwardly, but his eyes are still fixed on Aurora once she takes her seat, looking almost dreamy in a way Gokudera's probably never seen him. The difference in dynamics, the difference in the type of intimacy they share with one another independently... he's very curious how this will go, and all but entirely unsure what to expect. He feels like the odd man out here having no experience with such matters, this whole idea being completely new to him and only to him, so he's resolving to be the best listener he can be for this discussion, and simply nods in response to Aurora initiating it. ]

[Seated and comfortable, she sips her hot chocolate, closing her eyes in pure joy at the drink because it's still such a treat for her, chocolate isn't a thing in her kingdom, not yet. She opens her eyes again and smiles at both boys.]

So, I believe we should discuss our courtship, so there is no confusion for anyone of us. I am afraid that I am ignorant of modern courtship or the expectations of them, so please forgive me.

Edited 2022-01-29 04:56 (UTC)

[Gokudera is giving Aurora most of his attention as well, not eyeing the way Zuko is so smitten. He feels it, buddy. Does he ever!

He isn’t going to be actively staring at either of them, just drinking more of his coffee and listening to his girlfriend speak, humming his agreement before replying.]

Communication is going to be key to making sure our relationships develop. I’m unfamiliar with the customs in regards to a courtship of three, or… how to even officially be courting anyone. Usually, I just… feel it out as I go. Do either of you have expectations of me? I can text you in the morning or at night, just check in… let you know I’m thinking of you.

[He looks from Aurora to Zuko.]

And if I… I go too fast or do too much, please let me know.

[There’s some anxiety bubbling up inside him, but it’s just about being in a new relationship.]

Expectations? [Aurora pressed a hand to her lips in thought.]

I... like the idea of being wished good morning and goodnight. I... miss that, because that is most certainly what I grew up with. But I do not know what "too fast" implies? [She looked between the both of them.]

Your gait is not terribly quick.

I have not been in a three-person courtship, I have not been in any courtship, only ever betrothed. But I ask for forgiveness if there is something I do not understand. [Being so far in the past, being so far from people her entire life, so much felt lost on her.]

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