And there was a little laugh. He couldn't get much more out due to his condition, but he was happy again. He gave Ryuutaro's hand a tight squeeze, damn he always said the corniest shit... but there was nothing Gokudera would rather hear at the moment.

"I love you so much..."

He brings Ryuutaro's hand to his lips, and kisses it. Forget the split lip and everything, he needed to just be touching Ryuutaro any way he could. It takes the teen some time to pull himself together. Recall everything that happened... where they were... and when he does, he grimaces a bit. The argument with Yamamoto, the effect it on on that fight...

"Ryuutaro... h-have you seen the Tenth? I... I need to apologize... this mess... this whole mess... with Gamma... is all my fault..."