Archive of Our Own

Goo was slowly reaching his breaking point. He was, by no means, a patient man. He was surprised he’d lasted this long.

It was all thanks to Gun and his big mouth.

Usually, he wanted to get a reaction out of Gun.

Now he just wanted him to shut the hell up.

Usually, their fights were standard: They tried to kill each other at least seven times a day and then were done with it. Any of their meaningless arguments tended to be forgotten.

But no.

Not this one.

It was like Gun could sense how much it got under his flawless skin.

So many remarks about how Goo now worked alone.

“You look tired, busy day?”

“Let's hope you got all your work done.”

“The numbers look low. Are you slacking again?”

“What? Do you want me to help you, for old time’s sake?”

Everything was said in that amused derogatory tone. 

Usually, he didn’t mind this, but it was this subject that kept being brought up over and over again that made it hit harder than any punch.

Because it was tiring.

And lonely. It wasn’t very much fun; the thrill had worn off.

There were over 300 groups for Goo to manage—a bunch of brats with rocks for brains.

He could deal with it, though. The work? He was getting paid for it, so he could tolerate it.

Even when he came back home at almost 1 in the morning, his knuckles raw, blood staining his face and clothes. He was always greeted by the sight of the luxurious penthouse the two lived in. It was enough to make him instantly feel better.

Then he’d have to shower, patch up minor wounds, and clean his clothes as best he could so they didn’t stain permanently.

Just because he had incredible endurance didn’t mean the wounds didn’t hurt. He had a low pain tolerance.

Then he would either crash face first onto his bed, bother Gun if he was awake and steal the TV remote, or eat something if he was that hungry, but usually, he ended up skipping dinner and lunch.

Nothing significant had changed from his routine.

Except for the comments.

He tolerated them.

…

Okay, that was a lie. He would try to fist-fight Gun if he just wasn’t having it that night.

It's what Gun wanted anyway, that perverted freak.

He liked it when Goo beat the crap out of him.

But he was slowly getting tired of it.

His breaking point was when he came back home a little after 1 a.m. and saw Gun lazing on the couch, smoking a cigarette, and watching some sort of action movie on an annoyingly loud volume.

Goo hated the smell of cigarette smoke, and he’d told Gun several times he could smoke out on the balcony.

Goo was already in a bad mood. A few mediocre gangs he managed decided to try and team up. It didn’t matter to him; they were all pretty weak.

Now. When they decided to hit him with a van going 55 miles an hour, yeah, he fumbled a little. It hurt like hell! 

Sadly that was their mistake though, they only succeeded in stunning him for a few seconds and pissing him off.

But now he was sporting a bruise on the entire left side of his back.

It was bothering him enough that he was about to suck in his pride to ask Gun to apply some ointment to it.

Then that idiot had to go blabbing.

Goo saw Gun’s lips pull up into a smirk.

“You look like shit, are you struggling that much?” Gun stated, his voice was so irritatingly smug.

Goo froze from where was shoving his shoes onto their rack.

“Shut up…” He muttered under his breath. Gun heard him anyway.

“What's wrong? Tired? Can’t handle a little poking?” 

He liked Gun better when he was ignoring Goo.

“Stop talking about it,” Goo said, glaring at him. Gun’s smirk twitched into a smile. Gun wanted a fight. He could see the raven’s fingers twitching into a fist. That smile was turning excited.

“Oh calm down. Why don’t you tell me why you look like you got hit by a truck?”

Goo froze. Bit too close to home. And the worst part. He didn’t feel anything by that comment.

Nothing. No rush of anger or irritation. Its like that comment just washed over him.

He turned to stare at Gun. He didn’t know what expression was on his face, but it made Gun freeze.

White pupils scanned his face and he saw his lips twitch down.

Goo simply sighed harshly through his nose, shaking his head once before he turned away. He marched back into his room and slammed the door shut.

He muttered curses on his breath as he walked around his room, doing what had become his nightly routine. 

Stupid bastard. Stupid annoying, dumb, ugly-faced, cutting board, pompous little-

He was so sick and tired of the teasing.

He really didn’t want to deal with them anymore.

Goo smiled at the ceiling.

So he wasn’t going to.

~~~

Gun knew something was off. 

The house was way too quiet. 

There was no music, no voices, barely any sounds except for the air conditioning.

Crystal was working from home today, so Gun was excused from his duties.

A day off was nice. He was sure his partner couldn’t say the same. 

The amusing thought soured as he remembered last night. 

Goo really hadn’t been in a good mood. 

It was good news for him, Gun was itching for a fight. 

But Gun hadn’t gotten what he wanted. He meant the “getting hit by a truck ” comment as a joke but the look he had gotten made him almost hesitate. 

Goo looked exhausted, and Gun's eyes had been drawn to the blonde’s eye bags—an unusual sight for someone who cared so much about his appearance. 

Goo’s been done with him before, but this seemed different. 

Bad night maybe. Not that he was worried or anything. He knew Goo. Goo was going to pop out of his room, bounce around to Gun, and start telling him about whatever weird dream he had. 

Gun glanced at the still-shut door. 

…right?

As the hours ticked by, the door didn’t open. Sure, Gun got to sleep in, but he doubted he missed the blonde.

At 12, he decided to go see what was wrong. He knocked on the door and got no response. He knocked again, and again, nothing.

There was no way Goo was still sleeping.

Gun turned the knob and pushed open the door.

It was… empty?

Goo loved sleeping in, and there was no way he could get up and leave earlier than 8.

But even the bed was made. That was unnatural.

Gun pulled out his phone and called Goo. He was sent straight to voicemail—little brat.

Gun’s mouth twitched down. Fine.

He didn’t care anyway.

Gun took his day off, going out to get groceries, cleaning up the house, and going to his room to work out. He didn’t plan on slacking.

Maybe the idiot got kidnapped? 

No, no one could kidnap Goo. Charles would have called him by now anyway if Goo hadn’t checked in with him.

Gun paused, there was no way Goo was mad with him, right?

They teased each other about everything. Goo would never let something as stupid as work bother him this much.

Gun considered this for a moment, then smirked to himself.

So what if he was mad? It's not his fault the idiot was overly sensitive.

Gun used his time wisely as the hours ticked on, he hated being unproductive. Other than the fact that the house was now spotless, he felt almost eager for the blonde to get home.

He perked up from the couch as the door creaked open and closed softly. 

It was close to 12, so a little earlier than the normal time Goo got home.

Gun turned off the TV, his face passive. No annoying voice yet.

Goo emerged from the hallway, and he… didn’t even look at Gun. 

Not even glance in his direction. 

“You're home early,” Gun spoke up. He waited for a reaction. A side-glare, snarky comment. 

He was greeted with silence. 

Goo didn’t even look at him. He simply walked past Gun and into his room, the door sliding shut softly, leaving Gun staring after him.

Gun looked positively stunned for a split second, eyes twitching wider. 

That… was not what he expected. 

…

Gun let out a scoff.

Was he getting the silent treatment?

Is that what was happening?

Goo was just pretending he wasn’t even there?

What a childish move. 

Did Goo really think it would bother him? 

Gun shook his head and slumped back down onto the couch.

That blonde idiot better not think Gun was going to apologize.

They may be partners but Goo didn’t impact him enough to make him drop to that level. 

Gun reached over and clicked the TV back on.

He’d be fine in the morning. Sleep off whatever pissy mood he was in. 

~~~ 

Except he didn’t. 

Although Gun saw Goo the following morning, the blonde didn’t talk to him.

Didn’t even look in his general direction. 

Just moved around him. He made breakfast and coffee, taking his sweet time. He didn’t smile, or joke, or anything.

It was… a little unnerving, but who was he kidding he was happy for the silence. 

Gun ate his own breakfast as he just watched Goo move around. 

The blonde made no sound whatsoever. 

“Goo,” Gun tried. Nothing.

“Goo Kim,” Gun said again, Goo still wouldn’t turn around from where he was stirring his coffee.

“Joongoo Kim!” Gun snapped, getting a little fed up. 

In the blink of an eye, he stood up and was behind his partner, grabbing his shoulders and roughly turning him around. 

Goo didn’t look surprised, but finally looked at him, calm eyes gazing up into Gun’s annoyed one.

“What’s your problem? Are you done with your stupid tantrum??” 

This brat just raised his coffee to his lips and sipped at it loudly. 

Somehow this was just as annoying as Goo chatting his ear off.

“I don't understand why you're giving me the silent treatment of all things like it would have an effect,” Gun said crossing his arms over his chest.

The only response was a slow blink before Goo chugged the rest of his coffee, wiped his mouth, turned on his heel, and promptly walked out the door.

Gun didn’t try and stop him, instead choosing to stare at the door.

Fine, two could play it that way.

Gun still wasn’t sure what Goo was hoping to accomplish but it didn’t matter. It would be over soon, Goo’s tantrums never lasted.

~~~

Gun stopped trying to get Goo to talk, in fact, he just ignored him too.

If Goo didn’t feel like talking, that was okay by him, he could finally get the peace and quiet he’s been longing for.

Goo didn't make an effort to interact with him. 

If Goo was sitting on the couch, watching one of his weird cartoons, he didn't react when Gun would yank the remote out of his hand and switch the channel.

Goo would just get up and walk away.

Goo no longer cooked for him, which he could live with. 

Even better, Goo hasn't stolen any of his clothes, and he even returned the ones he had already snatched. 

In fact, Gun found that odd. Goo complained about eating out and how it would drain their money, but the only time he’d ever see Goo was in the morning, which meant Goo would be eating out for lunch and dinner, which was… unlikely. 

After an entire week had passed, his irritation had started to turn to anger. Goo wouldn’t talk to him in front of Charles. He barely looked at him. He didn't even like being in the same room as Gun.

Gun wondered why he had to deal with this. It's not like it was his fault Goo has to take care of everything. So why is Goo mad at him ?

Gun liked the quiet at first but it changed nothing. Goo’s presence was somehow even more noticeable when he decided to grace Gun with his company. 

It was hard to call it company when Goo would just get a glass of water, stare at it, and walk away, but Gun would take what he could get. 

At some point, Goo was going to leave the house for the day when Gun blocked his path. 

Goo just stared at his chest and said nothing, his face passive and uncaring.

It wasn’t like Gun’s who always remained emotionless, Goo just seemed disinterested. 

“Goo. This is stupid. Stop.” Gun told him, the edge in his voice sharper than any blade Goo’s ever held. 

Goo, as expected, didn't react. 

Gun gritted his teeth and punched Goo in the face. 

Try and ignore that. 

The blonde stumbled back, Gun thought he had him for sure.

But Goo didn't retaliate. He didn't look mad, he just looked up and stared into Gun’s eyes like he didn't just get sucker punched. 

Goo wasn't even glaring at him. It looked exactly like that first night when Goo just stormed off with no words. 

Gun was so stuck staring at his face that he didn't resist as Goo pushed past him and left. 

…

It was finally starting to sink in.

Goo was actually mad at him. 

This wasn't a joke. 

Not anymore.

~~~

The next week was hell. 

Goo’s behavior didn't change. Now the silence in their house was too loud. 

Gun felt like he was suffocating. 

There was no cheerful voice in his ear, the weight and warmth of Goo’s hand was long gone.

Gun would not admit that the fact that his partner was no longer hanging off him the majority of the day was now making him uncomfortable. He had gotten so used to it. 

Gun’s previous anger, which has been reaching a boiling point, was starting to become agitation.

And he hated it. 

Why the hell should his roommate ignoring him bother him this much? 

Without the constant blabbing, he started to notice Goo’s constant exhaustion.

The same exhaustion he thought was just pure laziness. 

Goo only seemed to have the energy to shower, change, throw his clothes in the washer, and sleep. 

Then get up and do it all again. 

The problem was why. 

Goo was by no means weak, able to rival Gun in fighting prowess. 

So why did the blonde come home practically dead on his feet? 

Asking Goo just got that wretched look of nonchalance. 

Gun tried several times to talk to him, Goo didn't care and just walked away. 

Gun would purposely wait for Goo to get home for reasons he would refuse to state. 

He had noticeably started smoking more as well, he knew he shouldn't, but for whatever reason this entire… mishap was stressing him out. 

It got worse the day Goo came home. At close to 1:30 a.m., Gun was doing his nightly ritual of watching TV and waiting for Goo. 

He allowed himself to relax when he heard the door close and click, before he heard a ”thud” of something heavy dropping to the floor. 

Gun stilled, hearing sharpening to listen for any sign of movement but found none. 

He pushed himself off the couch and quickly approached the front door. 

He saw his roommate lying on his side, and Gun absolutely did not panic. 

He crouched beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder, rolling him onto his back. 

He looked a little battered with dried blood on his face and hands, but relatively unharmed.

“Joongoo Kim! Wake up.” Gun demanded, slapping his face lightly. 

Brown's eyes fluttered open, narrowing on the ceiling in confusion before they moved to Gun, who was hovering above him.

He saw a flicker of anger, only there for a millisecond and it was the most relieving thing that's ever happened to him.

That was the biggest reaction he’s gotten in two weeks.

And then it was gone. 

“What was that? What happened?” Gun asked him as Goo sat up. 

Gun followed Goo as he stood up quickly.

Gun watched as Goo stood and straightened up. 

Goo seemed perfectly for a second before his head started nodding and his eyes glazed over. 

Gun grunted and grabbed his arms before Goo landed right back where he started. 

“Answer me, idiot. What's wrong with you? " Gun snapped at him, shaking him, which seemed to work a little. 

Goo couldn't help but glare at him, still sticking to his silence. Gun really wanted to punch him. 

Gun glared back. He would've been angrier if Goo hadn't looked like he was about to faint again while Gun held him up. He racked his brain, sliding puzzle pieces together until he paused. 

“…when was the last time you've eaten?”

Goo stared at him before off into space. He thought. Then thought some more. Then thought a little longer. 

Gun let out something between a huff and a scoff. 

“Are you an idiot? How come you forgot to eat?” 

Wrong thing. Wrong thing to say. Goo looked like he was about to kill him. Uh oh. 

Gun bit his tongue and dragged Goo over to the couch, shoving him down before moving to the kitchen to see what they had left to eat.

He partially expected the blonde to just get up and leave, but he didn’t.

He found some leftover dumplings in the fridge he made the other day and pulled them out.

He may be in a rush, but he wasn’t uncultured. He refused to microwave them and instead reheated them on the stove.

When he was done, he noticed the reason Goo was being oddly compliant was because he was asleep.

Gun let out an irritated sigh and pushed his leg.

“Wake up, " he said, and it took a few tries. He waited a couple of seconds for Goo to realize where he was before he shoved the plate into his hands.

Goo stared at the plate, seeming to consider what was more important. His hunger, or his grudge.

Gun decided for him.

He rolled his eyes and grabbed the chopsticks, shoving a dumpling in his mouth.

Goo chewed and gave him a split-second glare before he started shoveling them into his mouth.

He didn’t seem happy when Gun grabbed his wrist to make him slow down but didn’t comment on it.

Gun took the plate when he was done and stood over him.

“I don’t know what you want from me. It's been two weeks; you need to stop.” Gun told him. Goo just licked his lips. He looked more awake.

“Seriously, just tell me what you want. Do you want money? A day off?” Gun hissed at the blonde.

Goo stared at him for a solid 5 seconds before he got up, and just walked away. Again. You’d think Gun should be used to this by now. 

Gun took in a very slow breath to fend off the tidal wave of fury that rushed through his veins. 

Gun didn't know what else to do. 

He didn't even know why Goo was mad at him. 

He's already tried bribery, being nice, and giving Goo space. Lots of space. 

Gun sank into the couch and rubbed at his eyes. He hated this so much. Why couldn't everything just go back to normal? 

~~~

People were starting to notice the fact that Gun seemed to be in a permanent bad mood. 

DJ has noticed, Charles has questioned him, and now Crystal too. 

When she spoke up, Gun was brooding on a couch in Crystal's office, popping the third cigarette in the last 4 hours. 

“Oppa… are you okay?” She asked him, and Gun glanced at her. 

“Fine.” He grunted. He was not fine. After last night's fiasco, Gun had gotten up and made Goo breakfast in hopes of… just anything at this point. 

Goo saw him in the kitchen, the food he had made, and just beelined towards the door. 

Gun broke a pan and the counter after that. He didn’t know what to do. So he took it out on the furniture. 

He didn't like being desperate. He didn't like not knowing what to do. 

Telling himself that this shouldn’t be affecting him wasn’t working anymore. 

He heard Crystal sigh and her chair being pushed back. 

She sat down right beside him, looking done. 

“That’s bullcrap. It’s been more than 2 weeks, and I haven’t seen you and Goo talk to each other. Hell, he doesn’t even look at you. Everyone’s noticed.” 

Gun was silent; Crystal glared at him. 

“Tell me what happened.” 

Gun’s jaw worked as he debated whether or not he wanted to share. But he was getting close to the end of his line. 

“I… don’t know! I was teasing him. We always tease each other. He got home late, I was teasing him, and then he just… shut down. And hasn’t talked to me since.” 

Crystal frowned at that. She looked confused, which was exactly what he was feeling. 

“What were you teasing him about?”

“What I usually do. His work. He’s been slacking. He gets home at unusual hours, looking like he's about to drop. It's funny- or it used to be. It's more… unsettling now.”

“What kind of things do you say to him?”

“…I tease him about him struggling, coming home looking scruffy, whether or not he needs me to hold his hand… uh… that I’m glad he has to take care of collecting money all by himself.” 

This list continued for a while, and Crystal's eyes widened until they looked like saucers. When he was done, Gun was silent. 

“Brother… you're kind of a dick.” 

“Wh- watch your language- no I’m not. We talk like this all the time. Ever since we met, we’ve been taking pokes at each other.” 

“Gun, that’s not ‘taking pokes’ that’s quite literally you antagonizing him,” Crystal argued. Gun shook his head, opening his mouth to defend himself, but Crystal cut him off. 

“Gun… teasing is when it’s playful, and both parties enjoy it.” 

“He does enjoy it. It’s a two-way. He says a smart comment I say one back.” 

“…does he look like he enjoys it?” 

“…” Gun looked away. 

“Has he asked you to stop?” 

“Well that’s-“ 

“Oppa! Has he. Asked you. To stop?” 

Gun hated the fact he knew the answer. Goo tiredly waved him off, snapping at him to shut his mouth while not saying anything in return. 

“…yes.” Gun gritted out. Crystal sighed. 

“Well, no wonder he’s mad at you. Have you offered to help him?” 

“Several times!” 

“Genuinely.” 

“…” 

Crystal sighed heavily, rubbing her face in her hands. 

Gun felt a heavy feeling clench around his heart, and his gut felt like it was rolling in circles. 

This was terrible, stupid Goo. Why did he have to put up with this?

“I’ve tried everything. Bribery. Being nice. Offering to take over. Making him food. Cleaning. Laundry. Talking to him. Giving him space.” 

“Have you tried apologizing?” Crystal asked, looking unimpressed.

Gun froze. Apologize? Him? To Goo?? 

“We’re adults,” 

“Technically, not yet.” 

“We shouldn’t have to apologize. It’s not my fault he’s being a baby about it!” 

“He’s not being a baby. You're purposely terrorizing literally the only friend you have.” 

“He’s not my friend.”

“Then why are you so bothered by this?” 

“I don’t know!” Gun snapped at her, eyes glowering.

Crystal sighed, shaking her head as she crossed her arms over her chest. 

“…you’ve never had a friend before, have you?” 

“…I don’t need friends.” 

“Well, it’s a good thing that it’s not up to you then. Goo thinks of you as his friend. Whether or not you think so, you’ve gotten dependent on him.” 

“I-“ 

“Shut up Oppa. There is something about Goo that you like, something that comforts you. You. Are. His. Friend. And his roommate. And his partner. And his rival. And he. Is the only person capable of sticking by your side. And you're taking that for granted! You don’t realize how your actions affect people close to you because you’ve never had anyone close to you.” Crystal lectured, and Gun felt… oddly shamed. 

Gun said nothing in response, but Crystal could tell her words reached him by the way his leg was bouncing up and down and his eyes were narrowed. 

Crystal's gaze softened. She rested a hand on his shoulder. 

“Goo isn’t the type to hold grudges. You took things too far. Maybe all he wants from you is an apology. Be a… good friend?” 

Gun stared at the ground. Be a good friend? How was he supposed to do that? 

Crystal seemed to know exactly what he was thinking. 

“Be nice to him. From what I’ve heard, you're doing most of it as is. You're giving him space, which is good. You're trying to be nice. Just try apologizing. Genuinely. Maybe ask my father for help, go with him a few days a week. You're both monsters, but you're both still human. You feel pain, get hurt, get hungry, and need sleep. You're not invulnerable despite acting like it.”

Gun slumped, rubbing at his temple as he put out his cigarette on the ashtray Crystal had explicitly gotten for him. 

“… just apologize, huh?”

~~~

Gun overthought that one sentence for 4 days, waiting for what he considered the perfect moment. 

He got permission from Charles for Goo to have the day off. It took a bit, and he asked Charles if he could be the one to tell Goo. It would give him an entire day to say he was sorry. 

So when Goo got up at 7:30, Gun had already made breakfast. Goo saw the plate but not Gun. 

Goo ignored the food anyway, going to leave, but Gun was camping the door. 

“You don't have to leave today,” Gun told him. Goo remained passive. He probably didn't believe him. 

“I’m serious. Choi called and said we don’t have work today. You sho- you could just eat something and go back to sleep.” 

Goo stared at him, and Gun watched as Goo took out his phone and texted Choi himself. 

Goo’s eyes narrowed at Gun suspiciously but he turned away. The stubborn bastard still didn’t go for the food. 

He just beelined back to his room. 

Gun followed him. He grabbed Goo’s arm before he could disappear and dropped the remote in his hand. 

“TV’s yours.” Gun wouldn’t lie; the feeling of Goo’s wrist in his was morbidly good. 

A disgusting thought to have, another reason he needed to apologize to this bastard faster. 

Goo slept for another 5 hours while Gun lazed on the couch, waiting impatiently until the door creaked open. 

As soon as Goo locked eyes with him, Gun stood up and went to the kitchen. 

He could feel Goo’s stare at the back of his head. He ignored it.

Gun was starting to feel nervous. He’d faced hundreds of people and had never been nervous. 

Get it together Gun, it was just two words. 

Despite that, he stood there for the next 20 minutes, trying to think about what he would say. 

He finally took a breath, walked back into the living room, and approached the couch where Goo lay sprawled.

Goo didn’t look at him, eyes trained on the TV. 

“I’m sorry.” 

Goo’s eyes slowly turned to him, staring up at him. 

He was waiting.

“I’m sorry for teasing you. I’m sorry for being a dick. I took it too far.” Gun said, he really hated dealing with these emotions, but if it meant Goo would go back to his normal self, Gun would take over money management and let Goo bodyguard Crystal. 

Goo glanced away, seeming to consider this. 

“And?” 

Gun perked at the blonde’s voice. 

“I’m sorry for making fun of you.” 

“And?” 

“Getting mad and punching you.” 

“And?” 

“Antagonizing you.” 

“And?” 

“Ignoring you when you told me to stop.” 

“And?”

“Calling you sensitive and a baby.”

“And?”

“Wishing more work on you.”

“And?” 

“…not realizing how much my words and actions affect those around me,” Gun muttered, forcing himself to hold eye contact. 

“What am I?” Goo asked him, pointing to himself. 

“…you're my friend,” Gun admitted. He felt embarrassed again. 

Goo hummed in thought, and Gun thought he was going to suffocate. 

“Okay.” He said simply.

Gun’s stomach dropped, and he felt… bad. What was this? Is this what rejection felt like?

His eyes slid shut and he shook his head. He needed some air. 

Gun grabbed his stuff and walked out of their apartment.

Shit. That didn’t work at all. 

Gun found a park bench and just looked up at the sky. 

He texted Crystal, saying, “I apologized, but it didn’t work.”

He muted his phone. What was he supposed to do now? 

Did “okay” mean he accepted it? It didn’t look like it.

Gun sat out there for another hour, gazing at his surroundings before he slapped his cheeks. 

He needed to get his shit together. 

Gun got up and took a deep breath. Now he was being the sensitive one.

He walked back home and opened the door. Goo acted the exact same so Gun just went back to his room. He was going to stay home today too. 

Gun grabbed some of his more comfortable clothes before he froze, looking at his sweatshirts. 

He flicked through them once, then twice, before he frowned.

He was missing one. 

He walked back out of his room to stare at the only person who could’ve done it and his theory was confirmed. 

Goo was in the exact same spot Gun had left him in, but he was wearing Gun’s hoodie.

A black one with the Shiro Oni symbol printed on its back and above the heart. The words “Shiro Oni” were also printed on the sleeves in white ink. 

It had been a gift from Goo himself. 

Gun stared at him, then glanced towards the kitchen and saw that the plate of food he had made for Goo was missing as well.

His mouth parted slightly in surprise, and he made his way over to the far end of the couch, where he sat down.

Goo stayed right where he was.

Gun felt his heart beat faster in his chest, a flush of relief hit him.

The apology did something. Goo wasn’t getting up to leave. 

A coil of happiness settled in his chest, and he turned to watch whatever anime Goo was watching. 

Baby steps Gun. Baby steps.

~~~

As much as he wanted it to, Goo’s mood did not immediately flip like a switch. 

It was subtle, and Gun did have to work for it. 

It took a week to get Goo just back to his normal self. 

Monday, Gun went with him to help collect money after getting Charles's permission. Goo didn’t argue and allowed them to take the same car. 

Gun remembered why he didn’t miss this job. A little boring. While he had no problem with this, Goo didn’t dodge like Gun did. Goo could take a beating, it didn’t mean he wasn’t affected by it. 

The blonde tended to have his back open, and that’s where Gun stepped in. He blocked several people who attempted to sneak up behind the blonde. 

No wonder Goo liked to come home with bruises on his face. The two barely talked the whole time. It was weird. They used to, at least, taunt each other while they fought. 

They finished hours earlier than Goo would have done by himself. He dragged the blonde to eat something, and then they went home and went their separate ways. 

Tuesday, Goo had stolen Gun’s yellow shirt again, waking him up in the process.

He still hasn’t gotten his other hoodie back. 

They parted ways and everything was okay. 

Gun was making dinner by the time Goo got home. 

The blonde shifted to Gun and stood beside him, looking at what he was doing. He got to hear him speak. 

“What are you making?” 

Gun’s lips twitched slightly. 

“Nabe,” Gun said simply. He heard a pleased hum before Goo went to shower. 

Wednesday, he finally got a smile and a laugh because they both got pranked.

By Kouji.

Because Goo made one too many short jokes.

They got a package, and when Goo went to open it with Gun looking as well, the package exploded in a cloud of glitter, which they both almost choked to death on.

They were both covered in purple glitter and Goo took one look at Gun before he started cackling hysterically.

Gun thought he was going to hyperventilate, he was laughing too hard.

Then they spent the next 2 hours trying to de-glitter their house. 

And each other. 

They failed. 

And everyone noticed the glitter somehow still stuck to their skin. 

Wednesday looked a lot like Monday. Goo was talking a bit more, nudging Gun with his elbow, and no longer trying to stay as far away from Gun as humanly possible.

Thursday was a surprise. Goo went to work alone, Gun did as well. He got back before Goo did and, surprisingly enough, fell asleep on the couch. 

But when he woke up, there was a heavy weight on his chest. 

He looked down and saw that Goo decided to make use of Gun being defenseless and fall asleep on top of him. 

He didn’t know why Goo preferred using Gun as a pillow; he just said it was because he was “warm.”

Goo has even draped a blanket over both of them. 

Gun would never admit this out loud but the weight was oddly comforting. 

Gun was surprised he didn’t wake up before. By all means, he should have. He wasn’t overly tired, the day just felt long. 

Gun hesitantly rested an arm over Goo’s shoulders and yawned, dropping his head back on the couch.

This wasn’t so bad. 

Friday, Goo talked a lot more. He got another day off and walked out of his room huddled in a blanket, beelining over to Gun, who was making breakfast per usual. 

Goo slumped into Gun’s back, using him as a rest.

Gun had no idea what he was doing but he allowed it. Goo didn’t talk until he had coffee but sat beside Gun on the kitchen counter while he cooked. 

Gun talked to him; it was just about random stuff.

He was definitely more chatty, murmuring sleepily as he sipped his coffee. 

Gun watched TV with him and willingly dropped his legs into Gun’s lap as he sat down. 

He talked throughout the show, pointing out whatever he liked and it was like music to Gun’s ears. 

On Saturday, Goo nagged him, questioning why Gun’s clothes looked shorter than usual. He went to swat at Goo, who was leaning much too close, not that he minded it wasn’t meant to be painful, and

the blonde swatted back. 

It initiated a little catfight that lasted only a few seconds of the two trying to swat at each other's already gelled hair. 

Gun won, earning a squawk of indignation from the blonde as he scurried back to the bathroom. 

Goo stuck by Gun, personally where Gun thought he belonged and seemed comfortable enough to invade Gun’s personal space. Their shoulders almost always touching. Goo even hooked his arm around Gun’s shoulders a couple of times, showing him a random video he had found.

What Gun once found insufferable was now comforting. 

He’d die before he’d admit it and always gave Goo an annoyed frown but never pushed him off again. 

Sunday rolled around, and Goo was up cooking breakfast and spotted Gun, who looked surprised. 

He set a plate of pancakes on the bar as soon as Gun sat down and smiled at him. 

It wasn’t mocking; it was on the warmer side, slightly amused. 

“I forgive you dumbass,” Goo told him, and Gun felt tension slide from his shoulders. 

Gun closed his eyes with a hum. Goo laughed at Gun’s pleased reaction before he went to cook some more. 

Gun let Goo’s voice fade into much-accustomed background chatter.  He nodded along to Goo’s rambling, chewing his pancakes. 

A little sweet for his taste.

He glanced up at Goo. Him and his obnoxious pink apron. 

But he wouldn’t have it any other way.