“y’know, i’ve never had a garden look this good before,” rohan hums, grinning at the boy eagerly tending to the flowers he has bloomed himself. “you really do bring new life to this place, giorno. i’m very glad to have met you, here, in our bizarre little town.”
dirt and grime stained previously-pristine rubber, the moist, fertile earth clinging to the crevices of his gloves as giorno continued to work in their backyard —- it was exhausting yet exhilarating, caring for the flora grown from gold experience’s fingertips, their life fully dependent on the care of someone familiar with their genus; giorno did not hesitate to invest the moment he could. no matter the aching of his knees or the soreness of his hips, there was incredible satisfaction in watching his work bloom and evolve, caressed by the sun and sustained by rain —- never once did giorno imagine receiving gratitude for his work; in fact, he found himself grateful that rohan gave him permission at all. as such, praise and compliments were unexpected, giorno having lived a life of invisibility the years before now —- his mother and step-father providing basic necessities without raising him, self-loathing sustained by the total apathy from his surroundings … until he believed himself undeserving of kindness or compassion.
a dozen thoughts occupied his mind, partially questioning the “why”s of rohan’s words —- why am i worthy of this? why not dismiss my work? why not look down on me? … nonsensical self-deprecation in the face of approval, bleeding from wounds which never quite healed, tainting his approach and behavior. but rohan deserved better. the time they spent together had taught giorno important lessons, emphasizing the importance of sincerity and truth. imprisoning the spirit did nothing but harm.
giorno looks up to meet rohan’s gaze, after which it takes a handful of seconds before he formulates an appropriate response, one which was acceptable when praised, which expressed the same sentiment in a sincere manner ( “you don’t know how much you’ve helped me, rohan.” too substantial? oh, how fear stripped him of all sincerity … )
“ investing in this yard brings me great pleasure, ” was that too selfish? humiliation slithers its way into his throat and threatens to constrict his trachea. in spite of this, he smiles, warm and bright : refusing to ruin this cherished moment. “ i’m grateful you allow me to garden here. ”
“ and ... i’m glad to have met you, too. i’m not sure what i would have done without your guidance and companionship. ”