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He couldn't kill Ryoji.
Of course he couldn't kill Ryoji.
Even after a single month together, well, it had been much longer than that in reality, right? Minato had carried a form of Death, a form of Ryoji within him since his parents died.
It's why they clicked so easily, why Ryoji seemed to finish his sentences or know what he was thinking. It's why Minato hovered around him, and why Ryoji did the same in reverse. It's why, right now, Minato feels like he fits perfectly against Ryoji's side, as if it was carved out and sculpted just for him. It's why even, now, Minato was completely fine with sitting next to him on the bed after the reveal.
It wasn't just his feelings for it, either. How could he strip away the memories of those he spent time with just to make them have an easier death? They came into this knowing they could die, and despite Minato's constant uncaring expression, and his original agreement just to come into SEES because it was something…he cared.
Too much to let that happen, in fact. So, no, he couldn't kill Ryoji. No matter how many times he pleaded for it.
He leans into Ryoji, now, into where he fits the final piece of the puzzle. His eyes are scrunched closed, and he breathes shallowly through his nose. Without a second thought, Ryoji's hand comes up to card through Minato's hair, and to his credit he doesn't even pull away.
The hair was soft, oily of course, that's how his hair was, but it was an improvement over the greasy mess from the beginning of his stay here. His hygiene had improved, he looked…healthier, he had to admit to himself. Happier, maybe.
Ryoji tilts his head, buries his nose into the crown of Minatos head, free hand gently reaching for his, an offering.
"...You made your choice long ago, didn't you?"
Minato hums, taking Ryoji's hand as an answer. He feels the taller hum into his hair.
"I…really shouldn't have expected anything else." He pauses, and closes his eyes. "I didn't-" his voice cracks. "I wish it didn't have to end this way."
"I know." Comes Minato's soft reply. He holds Ryoji's hand like a lifeline, in contrast to his barely spoken words.
The green light from the windowsill is waning, both of them know that their time together is short. Time and fate always were the bearer of cruelties, after all.
Minato barely inches to the side, just enough to release Ryoji to allow him to stand. He still holds his hand, sitting on the bed as the taller stands before him, regal, ethereal as he's bathed in the eerie moonlight. It's a contrast to what should be possible in the Dark Hour, he seems to be…angelic, in a way. It hurts Minato's heart to see.
Ryoji seems about ready to say something, but he catches the words in his throat with a deep sigh. He only looks down at Minato, a silent ask for permission, as he leans forward. The other gives an almost imperceptible nod, but Ryoji was attuned to those. They meet just barely for a kiss, Ryoji's head turned to the side, eyes flitting closed. The kiss is chaste, and soft. It lasts barely a moment, and his lips on Minato's feels like a thousand apologies, a million things he cannot say.
"I'll…I'll see you. On the thirty-first," Ryoji says, voice raw and aching.
He turns to leave, but Minato clutches his hand tighter, pulling him back in response. Ryoji does not fight, and instead simply stands, waiting for Minato to act.
He does act, after a few moments, standing up and lurching forwards to pull Ryoji into a searing kiss, one that speaks a thousand forgivenesses that he could never say. His nose bumps into Ryoji's, but to him it is perfect. When he pulls apart, his face is flushed red, lips pressed into a thin line. He drops Ryoji's hand after one final squeeze.
"I will be there." As is with all things Minato, it is said quietly. But to Ryoji, his hardened determination is the loudest thing he's ever heard.
A smile covers Ryoji's face, and he laughs a little in affirmation, and in the only way he can express how endearing Minato is at that moment. He turns to leave, humming softly. The door clicks shut behind him, and all is silent.
The Dark Hour passes a moment later, his ticking clock alerting him to the presence of a no-longer green moonlight. A light smile passes over his features, barely flickering.
He's known all this time what the end of the journey had in store for him…at least now he knows Death is kind.