A few trips to the bathroom, and another flight later, the two finally made it to Midorijima. It hadn’t changed one bit since he’d left the island. The two headed through security and immigration, followed by the baggage claims area. Once they had collected their luggage, they headed out of the airport and hailed a taxi, Aoba sending a quick message telling Koujaku that they were there and heading to Tae’s. The air outside was rather crisp, a sign that Winter was close by. It made Aoba glad that he’s worn his jumper and woolly poncho with his jeans and brown boots. Yes, he and Mink looked out of place in Midorijima, but it didn’t matter to the bluenette. His attire was part of who he was now and needed for where they lived. It got pretty cold back there, especially at night.
A familiar house was just in the distance as they drove closer, the last few kilometres. Coming to a stop, Aoba couldn’t hide his smile. It was great seeing his old house again. Nostalgic. The bluenette stepped out of the car, gazing up at the family home for a few seconds, before taking his case from the taxi driver who had gotten them from the trunk of the car. Once the driver was paid, Aoba took Mink’s hand, his other gripping his case handle. Together, they approached the front door, with Aoba knocking on it. He was so anxious right now. He heard footsteps from behind the door. His heart raced.
The door slid open, and there stood his grandmother. “Aoba”, he spoke both shocked to see him, and happy. She wasn’t expecting to see him. The young male let go of his lovers hand and his case, and wrapped his arms around his grandmother, hugging her close. It was so wonderful to see her again after so long. “I’ve missed you so much..”, he mumbled into the embrace.
Pulling back, Aoba gave her such a tender smile. She returned it, before then looking to Mink, her smile not fading. She had to admit, Mink had totally changed his looks, not that she hadn’t noticed before. But he no longer looked threatening. He looked more like a calm individual, a regular looking guy. Very handsome too, she added. And by the looks of the medicine wheel in his hair; spiritual. Aoba was definitely in good hands, which appeased the elderly woman. “It’s a pleasure to meet you again, Mink. Please, both of you, come inside. You must be exhausted after your flight”, she spoke, stepping aside for them to enter.
Once inside, Tae closed the door and lead them to the kitchen. “Make yourselves at home. I was just finishing making some treats. Koujaku wanted me to make some for him. I’ll make another batch for him later”. True enough, Aoba could smell the sweet food baking, making him salivate as he took a seat at the table beside Mink. After checking the timer, Tae sat down beside Aoba, casting a glance over his midsection, but it was hidden by his poncho. “..how’s everything going with your pregnancy lately? It’s still quite a surprise that you have this ability”. She had her concerns, judging by the worried expression on her face, but she wouldn’t voice them. She knew Aoba would be going through a lot already, not wanting to add to the stress. “Have you both thought of any names yet?”, she asked, only for a knock to come from the door.
The elderly lady stood, excusing herself, and went to answer the door. A familiar voice came from the hallway, causing Aoba’s heart to race in both nervousness and excitement. He stood up from his seat, only then to see Koujaku at the doorway of the kitchen, a big smile at his lips. “Aoba!”. The bluenette hurried over to the taller make and wrapped his arms around him, holding him tightly, his right hold returned. “Koujaku.. I missed you.. It’s been too long”.
Mink had indeed been surprised since the beginning, when Aoba’s grandmother seemed so accepting and okay with it all. He had thanked the gods for this as well, though, and knowing that he was being greedy, he still asked for one more thing:
He didn’t want for Aoba to have any more stress upon his shoulders, so he had asked the gods to help Noiz and Clear, but specially Koujaku and Mizuki to accept the news without any major problems. He could only hope they would do as he had asked.
Mink gave his greetings to Tae, thankful to be welcomed in her home once more and went inside the house, carefully following Aoba. He had noticed the old lady looking him over as if to make sure of something, but he was not about to question it. He /had/ both seemed and been a horrible person in the past, after all.
He heard Koujaku’s voice, and silently stood as Aoba practically broke into a run in order to see and hug his friend for the first time in such a long time.
It would be a lie if Mink said that he wasn’t nervous, but still, he projected himself with security. No, he did not seem arrogant, but like a man who was prepared to face anything for the sake of his lover and his child, now, as well.
Koujaku wrapped his arms around his best friend, feeling like he was able to breathe properly once more after seeing him again. He had come to Midorijima in ordee to spend more time with him, after all, and he had been heartbroken when Aoba moved away. Still, he was not about to let him notice.
His eyes narrowed as he saw the beads, studs, and braids on Aoba’s hair. Just where had they come from? Who made them? The questions inside his head were all answered when he saw Mink. He had them, as well. Did this mean that Mink had done them?
But still, when he looked at Mink…he looked like a completely different person now. He pulled away from the hug, and reluctantly held out his hand in a gesture of greeting. Mink was more than glad, and shook his hand with a slightly softened expression.
There were so many things to catch up on with Koujaku, it had felt like years since he had seen him last. He'd missed his best friend so very much, missed going out to places with him, and some of the guys at Benishigure. They were all like a part of his extended family after all.
The bluenette let go of Koujaku, noticing him looking at his hair and his adornments, only to then look over his shoulder at the man behind him. He just hoped to god that there wouldn't be a clash. And surprisingly, there wasn't. Koujaku, holding his hand out, seemed to be wanting to make peace with him. It made Aoba smile brightly. Mink and Koujaku's interaction had been the one he feared the most, but with Mink taking Koujakus outstretched hand, it was a great relief to see that thugs were turning out better than he'd hoped.
Aoba went and sat back down on a chair at the table, going then by Koujaku and Mink. Koujaku gave a quick glance down at Aoba's midsection. ".so umm.. You're pregnant, right? I offer my congratulations to you both. I bet you can't wait until your small bundle arrives. Was it--...was it planned?". He had to ask, but he kept his voice gentle, unaccusatory. Besides, he didn't want to start a fight.
