#brxkenblue

“Time with you is never a waste.” Sei replies quietly, his eyes gazing affectionately at his younger brother, a small smile on his lips. It’s painful to see Aoba like this, even more painful knowing there’s so little he can do about it-- he’s Aoba’s big brother, he should be able to protect him. For two long years there was nothing he could do, and even now that they’re together and free...there’s little he can do for Aoba, aside from the simple act of being here. 

Another bad night of many had driven Aoba out of the safety and warmth of his room and onto the cold and empty streets of Midorijima. He was never ruled by any kind of common sense or rationality when he did so, just driven by a need to get out of the confines of his room, to know that he could leave whenever he wanted to. Usually he’d run for as long as he could manage, which usually wasn’t very long, and then he’d walk around until he’d calmed down. Tonight was no exception he found himself walking around aimlessly.

Of course, being that he’d left in a fear-induced panic he’d not dressed for the chilly weather–wearing only a pair of sweatpants, a ratty hoodie and shoes. Not to mention that his body was still weak and malnourished, which certainly didn’t help with keeping his body temperature up.

Lost in thoughts, tired and cold, he didn’t notice that he wasn’t quite alone on the streets, and when he suddenly bumped into someone he jumped back in fright–eyes wide and terrified.

                    Noiz wouldn’t brand himself as a night-owl ... but he also wouldn’t say he was an early bird. Tiredness ... fatigue ... those were the feelings people experienced late at night that prompted them to sleep, right ? He wouldn’t know anything about that. He slept when it was convenient ... Tonight, he just hadn’t gotten around to it yet.

                    Parting ways with his Team just a few minutes ago, Noiz wandered the streets of this district, debating on when the last time he had eaten was. Should he just go home & order in ? ... Maybe he should eat at the establishment for once ... Broken out of his internal questions, Noiz automatically gave a brutish     ❝ Oi ! ❞     as he was bumped into, taking a half step back. 

                    Guarded eyes stared down at the person who’s face was slightly covered by their tattered hoodie.     ❝ What’s your -- ❞     The words went cold on his tongue just as his brows furrowed. Didn’t he know this guy ? It was hard to tell ... the technicolor fog of static that swarmed other’s faces invaded this one’s visage as well ... though in a way that was different. He could almost see who it was, as though his mind was screaming familiarity. Taking another half step back to get a better look at this guy’s face, Noiz leaned down & to the side slightly, to see under his hoodie.

Compared to the ritzy glamour of Platinum Jail, Séte was like a different planet. Instead of endless night and city lights, there were clear skies and white sand, there was real daylight and fresh air. Although it was so different than what he was used to, R2 thought it honestly seemed like a pretty nice place to live.

For a moment, he wondered if Sei would enjoy this place, then quickly put it out of his mind. It was a silly thought. Sei couldn't leave Oval Tower, for more reasons than one now. R2 himself was only here for work. He turned his head away from the window and activated his coil, rereading his instructions.

Some of Toue's associates were in possession of a very important piece of research that he needed. Why it couldn't just be delivered was beyond R2, but it wasn't his job to ask questions. It was his job to retrieve the research.

No matter what.

Like a modern ill omen, the sleek black car pulled up to the front of a beautiful house and waited outside, idling. R2 closed his files and stepped out, shielding his eyes from the sun with his hand.

Aoba hated crying. It made him feel weak, vulnerable and out of control. Still… he couldn’t help it. Usually when he cried it would be in the aftermath of a nightmare, but sometimes things just built up and eventually spilled over, which was the case now. He wasn’t crying for any specific reason, which was the hardest to deal with because he had no idea how to make himself stop.

However, when he heard someone enter he froze up and immediately tried to blink away the tears. Looking up, he was surprised to see Mink of all people standing there. He hadn’t seen him since he got back from captivity and he honestly hadn’t expected to, but… here he was.

Aoba quickly wiped his damp cheeks with the sleeve of his shirt. “What… what are you d-doing here?” he asked in a low voice, trembling slightly and looking anywhere but at the older man.

   ( this isn’t that aoba he remembers of the past. )

   It’s the first thought that crosses his mind as he stares down at the shivering figure from his position at the looming doorway, vaguely hesitant to enter the scene yet unable to keep his thoughts to himself. Frankly, it should have been a surprise that he could recognize the boy underneath shrunken facade pulled over the bluenette ( trembling, pained, tearful... different, so different, to the stony memories of years past ).

   Having heard the news of Aoba’s return ( even if the underlying connotation was that he didn’t return completely whole ), Mink had carried on as usual, having noted that the situation did not require any of his attention. 

   ( and yet, to look at this once strong person,    to see how far they’d fallen, he wonders. )

brxkenblue replied to your post:loaded question

[ oh my goddd ] Aoba’s eyes widened, fear evident in them. “W-What?” he got out, hoping Noiz was just joking, even if it definitely wasn’t funny.