スクラップに失敗しましたあなたを壊した。

Everything.

When had he decided this? Recently. Apparently.. On the walk home? But it felt as though he’d loved this person his whole life. Like he was born for him. But it was noticed, most likely. He wasn’t himself. Of course it would be realized. His cheeks were flushed.. His actions were beyond normal for him. His touch more gentle. It was as though he truly loved this man. His free hand moved up to the other’s face, caressing Aoba’s cheek with his thumb.

"You…"

His gaze narrowed.. But quickly softened once more as the other spoke. This.. This was who he’d met before. The first time.. Not the one who may have been death personified but.. Aoba. The smell of death returned and Mink’s eyes seemed to grow heavy. It was almost as though he were intoxicated by the one he held. His voice.. Mink wanted to hear it again. Yet, he didn’t answer the other’s question.. Instead, he continued staring into the other’s eyes. He parted his lips, as though he may have been about to say something.. Anything.

But no words escaped him. He’d leaned a little closer, brushing his lips against the other’s cheek first.. And then? He temporarily captured the younger man’s lips with his own. If he were counting the seconds, Aoba may have realized that the display of affection was cut rather short. There was only a hint of force in his kiss but sooner than one could expect, he’d backed off.

It was strange.. Despite himself, his breath was shaky.. His head felt heavy.. He wavered, his arm still around Aoba but he backed him into a wall, if only to keep from falling on him. Closing his eyes, Mink leaned over and pressed his lips against Aoba’s forehead once more before he simply bumped his own forehead against the other’s.

”.. Tired.”

When there came the brush against his cheek then his lips, his body stood still as if perpetually suspended in this moment yet he reacted just in the nick of time to return the peck for the fraction of time it lasted. When they parted, he felt lonely. It was that split second that allowed desire to take over and gasp when he was backed into the nearest wall. He blinked with incredulous confusion and pressed hands against Mink's chest, not to push him away but perhaps to support him though chose to wind his arms around his large torso and pulled him in closer and closer, even if the larger frame was crushing him against the nearby wall. 

"Ahaha, Mink, you're crushing me, you know?" 

He laughed under his breath until he moved the elder man away from him and to the bed. Not with much care, tossing him onto the single sized mattress. Aoba leaned over him and pushed back the pink headband, feeling his forehead with fingertips. He was really sick, that much was obvious but of what? -- Ah! Wait! That must mean his strange behavior was an illness! Aoba's desire became overjoyed at the prospect, deciding then and there to care for Mink until he was back to his old self. Lips curled into a smile and Aoba eagerly leaned over, winding his arms around Mink once again and squeezing him as much as he was able to with an accompany squeal filled in tones of utter delight.

"I knew it. I'll make sure you come back soon, Mink. I really crave the old you so hurry up and come back, I'm getting impatient."

Aoba began to strip Mink of his second layer of clothing at least, making him more comfortable and perhaps less feverish. He wasn't very aware of how to care for someone but the reason in him was. He knew enough from him to get a washcloth soaked in cold water and press it to the other man's forehead. Aoba practically purred as he sat bedside, fingertips reaching out and running across Mink's defined cheekbones. In his usual state, Mink would hardly ever let Aoba touch him like this. This was an opportune moment then! Even if his precious Mink was being strange, he could take advantage of this.

A long sigh of ecstasy left his lips and Aoba wiggled himself up to grab at Mink's face with both palms. He leaned in and mirrored Mink's actions from earlier, pressing lips to his cheeks -- but not stopping there. He kissed one cheek, then the other, again and again and again. He moved his persistent and repetitive pecks all over the elder man's face as if he was marking every inch of his face as his own territory.

What remained was the lips and he had purposefully saved those for last. With intent to claim him completely, Aoba moved to Mink's lips finally and seemed to linger as if purposefully making the other wait, painstakingly wait for him. Seconds ticked by like hours before Aoba parted his lips, grabbing Mink's face and pulling him in to meet him half way. There was only a breath between the two of them by this point and it was just as torturous to be patient and make Mink wait, but it would be very worth the reward to come. 

"I want you to destroy me."

"As soon as you get better, make sure you destroy me. . .Mink."

Sealing his words with a kiss, Aoba roughly leaned in and not only kissed but bit and then nibbled against Mink's lower lip. He did it tenderly at first before he began to mar Mink's lips and tear enough just for a bit of blood to break. He shuddered as blood tasted against his tongue, pulling back a second and running his tongue across kiss bruised lips before he pulled back altogether, sighing in content afterwards. Aoba nestled himself against Mink's chest, embracing him tightly and drumming fingertips along his sides ever so faintly. 

Since their first encounter, Shiroba had taken to the place Mink had chosen as his own. Despite his subtle efforts to chase the other off, he’d stayed. The older man didn’t want him there.. He didn’t want the other anywhere near him. Having determined that he’d have no use for Aoba in this place, he’d fully intended to cut off any ties he had with this person. It was infuriating… It was only after the world around them had burned that he simply resorted to ignoring the other. The experience had stirred memories he kept hidden away. And..?

He’d died then.

Mink was certain of that much. While death should have been relief, he should have joined his family.. His body had died but his soul should be with them now. Instead, he awoke to white once more…

After that, Mink allowed Shiroba to do what he liked and stay. Still, he didn’t like it.. It was like having death looming over his shoulder more than before. And that was torture. Being around something that may as well could be called death and wondering just how far death could take him in Benu.

Here, he had no reason to live. Yet.. He had no means to die.

It was despite himself now that he felt a little.. Warm. Like the chains that bound his heart loosened. A feeling that had started when a little bug pricked his skin.. By the time he returned, Mink wasn’t himself. That much alone could have been obvious. After setting whatever he’d brought back onto the counter, he’d approached Shiroba.. Moved his fingers through the other’s hair… Just before leaning over to place his lips against the younger’s forehead.

Mink was certainly a challenge. That's how he saw it anyway. Someone who refused to bend no matter how much he was pressed by the younger of the two. Aoba made it a point to get close to Mink, to build their relationship so that when he did (and he would) get Scrap back, well breaking his mind would be the most fun, wouldn't it? It's not as if he particularly cared about him or anything. He was just a little plaything to pass the time with.

Perhaps he chose Mink of all people because he was already aware of what he was like. Whether it was true to his nature or not, Mink was ruthless in a way that Aoba could not dare to separate from. He yearned for it, longed for just that -- and no one else but Mink would be able to give it to him. Thus, their current situation was bred to be just this. He was somewhat content with that. Mink never made their mutual life together boring at least, even if he was being ignored, that was fine. The sheer fact that Mink would rather ignore him than all other options just tickled him pink.

Eventually, however, Mink appeared to have grown rather docile. Not exactly which was a good thing too, or Aoba would have moved on - but he acknowledged the presence of Aoba. Maybe he hoped to find the "Reason" in Aoba to combat the "Desire" -- maybe he hoped that "Restraint" would sweep in and save the day.

But no, this was no waiting game. Desire had clearly beaten Reason and Restraint.

"Oh? Are you home? Ah! I'm so glad, I was waiting for --"

The movements of Mink cut him off completely. The gentle brush of his snow white locks instead of a harsh tug and fist full of his hair -- the delicate lean forward instead of a slam against the wall, and finally, the pressing of lips against his forehead instead of. . .well anything else. Aoba had to stop and assess just what the hell was going on.

Mink wasn't like this -- the Mink that this rendition of Aoba sought after, pined for was not like this! Was he testing him? Was he trying to get rid of him in a way he hadn't thought of until now?

No, no. Panicking like this would get him nowhere, he knew that. But this was so far from any realm of possibilities he could have ever predicted. He simply didn't know what to do. His heart caught in his throat and something, something he tried and was sure of was buried deep down came out. It left Aoba to speak in an almost familiar way of speaking, his tone was so soft and quiet with a hint of disbelief.

"Hey. . .Mink? Are you okay?" 

Aoba forgot about him. No, Aoba did not. This Aoba had forgotten about him. He… guesses? Sei wasn’t sure anymore of which Aoba the one in front of him was. The one with the power of Scrap, the one who knew who Sei was, or the one who tried to live a normal life, as if it was even possible? The question directed to him made Sei believe that Aoba was the latter. But his appearance— That white, long hair and the skin, even more pale than Sei’s own. His skin was as white as his hair. He looked exactly like when they were born.

But how did that happen… ? As far as Sei knew, Aoba’s hair was now blue, so why—

"I’m—" His voice came out as a whisper the first time he spoke. It has been way too long since he was that nervous. "I’m Sei."

He didn’t expect Aoba to remember him only by knowing his name. Well, maybe he would remember it, after all, that was the first time he was seeing Sei with that appearance, right? The short black hair and pale-but-not-white skin. Everything was just way too confusing. Don’t get him wrong, he was happy for seeing Aoba after so many years, but—

But Aoba had long since stopped caring about a lot of things. Only one thing, person(?) - if he could even be called that anymore - is what mattered to him. The vague sense of familiarity couldn't be easily shaken off, and it started to bother him that he couldn't place the face to the name. That is, he couldn't until the other's name was said. It was then that he felt recognition turn in his mind. Both being in Toue's grasp, how could he have not at least heard if not met Sei on occasion?

Though it was faint realization, it was enough for Aoba to laugh and shift, grabbing Sei's hand delicately with his own. He intertwined their fingers together, pressing palm to palm and leaning forward. Apparently, he was overjoyed, elation touching every inch of him from being in Sei's presence. Perhaps it was the familiarity that bred this, or maybe he was just toying with the idea that both were out of their birdcage that Toue had irrevocably swore to keep them in. The image of that man without his two precious chess pieces would certainly be a sight. But he didn't wish to bring him up to the other, a soft exhale leaving lips as he relaxed.

Everything and everyone else was already forgotten by now. Aoba only chose to focus on Sei.

"It's interesting, isn't it?"

The man attempted to lightly tug his arm away from the others grasp, but was unable to escape. All Koujaku found himself doing was gazing into the other’s eyes.

"Aoba…." He breathed out, repeating himself. Koujaku paused for a bit to collect his thoughts.

Yet when the other had tried to worm his way free of Aoba's grasp, he felt irritated. The Koujaku he adored was so much more feral, completely lost in his senses, only clinging onto Aoba -- merely because he had no one, nothing else to cling to. Or maybe there was more to it than that, but he didn't care to understand about the why's behind what he did. Gradually, his grip loosened as he took in what was asked. How should he answer this, he thought -- surely there were several ways?

"What happened to me? I wonder more about what happened to you."

In this place, it was a shame he couldn't just re-break him. Still, he could make due with this version, maybe. Though the Koujaku before him now was much more suited for the other Aoba -- or the original, whichever way one wanted to spin it. That very notion caused him to breathe a long sigh, though not before giving his childhood friend one more squeeze to his arm prior to fully pulling away. 

"Hmm...Koujaku?"

So it wasn’t just his appearance that had changed.. The man he was looking at was hardly the same person he’d met before. At first glance, this person disgusted him.. But this is what he’d been looking for in Aoba, wasn’t it? What he’d wanted to draw out.. This potential.

The power that was to come with it.

What he sought was in the other’s voice. Though, that seemed to be lacking at this time. Ah.. Then would he have any reason to bother with him? Perhaps.. It was his own curiosity that kept him from walking away right then. It wasn’t often that he let something like that keep him.. But, really. Something must have happened for Aoba to be this way. Had it been after they’d been separated? The cause..? Well, he intended to find out.

"Cut the shit."

Already, he was annoyed. A hand reached out to grasp the front of the other’s kimono, dragging him closer. His free hand moved to brush strands of white hair out of his face, eyes narrowing a touch. This one really wasn’t the person he’d encountered before.

”.. Hn..”

There were obvious questions he wanted to ask but… Well, he’d probably demand answers rather than ask. Soon enough.

Who are you? -- He couldn't wait to answer that question.

For now however, he laughed under a breath, increasing in octaves when he was suddenly grabbed and pulled forward. He definitely hadn't changed from the little he remembered of Mink before departing for platinum jail. The brush of his fringe was unexpected of Mink but that alone piqued Aoba's curiosity.  He thought in the back of his mind, that while Koujaku had certainly been his entire world back on the island -- could he hope for that here? For that beautiful and destructive Koujaku to return to him? Aoba in this state was terribly selfish, he couldn't be bothered to wait for something he wasn't certain of. No matter how much he had enjoyed it and yearned for it.

Raising arms, Aoba, this rendition of "Aoba", wasn't afraid to do as he pleased - wasn't afraid of Mink or his reactions. In fact, he wanted to lure them out. To bring about those angered reactions. It made him shiver just anticipating it, and he wanted to push forth, grabbing Mink's face with the palms of his hands and pulling him in as close as he was able. 

"You want to know, don't you?"

!?

Soon enough, Koujaku’s reminiscing was cut short. He had been caught off guard by the arms which had been wrapped around him, followed by that oh-so familiar voice.

The man turned to look at who had clung onto him, it was exactly who he’d expected. But….

"-Aoba?"

He ended up nuzzling his cheek into the sleeve of his friend's kimono, only pulling back to affirm what the taller man had assumed. Aoba gave a nod in reply, squeezing on Koujaku's arm as he explained that yes, he was indeed who Koujaku most likely thought he was. After all, whether it was "Desire", "Restraint", or "Reason" all those parts of the original Aoba's mind were still "Aoba" when it came down to it.  So he wasn't wrong, it was just appearance wise, he appeared different. But he was still very much, Aoba, at least by his own standards -- one in the same.

And yet, if he ever caught himself with a little bit of time, he was probably wishing he was dead.

But now— Oh, now. Now he didn’t have Toue, he wasn’t as weak as he used to be, he was someone who could live without fearing they would catch him again and do experiences on his body, someone who could live and enjoy life as it is.

Walking down the street, Sei planned nothing but to chill, to enjoy the day and the wonderful weather. To someone who lived his whole life stuck in a tower, being outside was something new and something rather enjoyable. And it sometimes surprises him with people he thought he would never see.

Would Aoba know this person? Rather would the 'desire' aspect of Aoba's mind know this person? In the back of his mind, he faintly felt recognition but -- he couldn't quite place it. The appearance seemed familiar, the voice too -- but he couldn't place it for the life of him. Yet there was that lingering familiarity of which he couldn't shake, even when physically shaking his head. Forgetting this feeling was momentary, Aoba straightening himself at the mention of his name, couldn't help but give a bewildered look to the gentle voiced other.

Somehow, he appeared sad. Perhaps it was just his imagination, but something about the look in his eyes made Aoba believe that. He uttered a soft sigh, eyes diverting quickly enough with an accompanying mumble of something unintelligible. He wasn't the type, even before this change, to just let things like this go. Impatience surged through him and his arms tightened around the pseudo stranger's own.

Though questions brimmed every corner of his torn apart mind, Aoba didn't intend to forget his original intention. He wanted to explore far beyond just this simple, boring town. There was no use in meeting someone if they didn't want to go with him, after all. Well, he would persuade this black haired boy if he needed to -- he was far too attached to him already in just these mere moments, confused or not. He wasn't going to let him go so easily.

"Oh? Do I know you? --"

Mink had arrived in Benu days before.. After the general shock, he’d spent the next while simply deciding how he’d act from then on. Some plan of action. What was it that he’d do..? His world.. No. The place he’d come from..

It went up in flames.. Didn’t it?

Like his home before that..

Exhaling softly, a trail of smoke danced about before his eyes. Tori remained quiet on his shoulder, shifting once to look around. Moments passed as the smoke disappeared before he raised his pipe to his lips once more… Only to stop.

"… Oh?"

Someone familiar, it seemed. Unexpected.. But there was a hint of intrigue in his eyes. Red.. And white. As much as his appearance had changed.. It was him. Leaving his place against the wall of one of the shops, Mink approached this one without hesitation. Because he was familiar? No.

Because he could use him.

"Oi. You.."

There was time to waste, however. Aoba meandered about mostly in the shopping areas, no intention to work nor buy a thing, but the noise provided him with enough distraction. Even if it was in the dullest frame. Aoba continued his browsing until a presence was felt -- more so, he felt eyes piercing through him. It made him shiver and he turned instinctively towards the source, just in time to hear a call from a somewhat familiar voice and tone. 

"Oh? So it's you."

"How cute, you came out to meet me. I'm so flattered, Mink."

Long time, no see.

That's what Aoba thought anyway, having gone through a deal of things prior to this oh, so special reunion. He was pleasantly surprised by Mink's appearance -- both his arrival in Benu and by being approached by him. From what he remembered of the taller man, he wouldn't do anything without some sort of reason, some benefit that he could garner. That may still very well ring true, as he must have approached Aoba, without a second thought even despite his pure white appearance, for his own selfish reason.