sleepytimejunction | nightbird flying ; bruno&abbacchio&florentino

The walls are full of neon lights, blaring and burning his eyes enough to make them water. Abbacchio stumbles, slipping in a puddle; he's sure it's blood, it's red and he knows the smell, but he presses on, because--

Because just out of his grasp is--

"Florentino," he calls out, desperation in his voice. God, how many times did he wish to undo that night? To open his heart, pour out his feelings, tell him the truth? That he was no good, just as vile as the criminals they were trying to arrest. That he could do better. Not this time, no this time he'll tell him, please please please.

Abbacchio stumbles into the wall, reaching out. "Wait, wait."

Finally, he does; Florentino turns around, looking perplexed. "Abbacchio?"

Pushing forward, Abbacchio reaches out, clutching his arms. "I'm sorry, I'm so fucking sorry," he says, not fighting the tears rolling down his face. "It should've been me. I wish it were me, not you."

Florentino's kind features haven't changed, his brows knitted into sweet concern. "Here, sit," he instructs, guiding Abbacchio down.

"I wasted our dreams," Abbacchio sobs out, collapsing against him. "You deserved to live, Florentino."

There's a pause, then at last there are arms winding around Abbacchio. God, no, he doesn't deserve this kindness. He almost wants to beg him to stop.

"Forgive me, Abbacchio," Florentino says.

Abruptly, Abbacchio feels a slap across the face as if he were backhanded. It's jarring and it makes him blink rapidly. The neon lights are gone, and he feels awake and aware. And very much in Buccellati's arms.

Oh. Shit.

"All right?" Buccellati asks, not unkindly.

Abbacchio just grunts and pulls away, trying not to look at him. Slowly, he feels Buccellati's fingers on his face, helping to wipe away his tears, tidy up his makeup a bit.

"Abbacchio," Buccellati starts.

But he just shakes his head, stumbling to his feet. "We still have a Stand user to catch."

There's a pause, then eventually Buccellati nods. "All right."