[He'd take the candy with a nod of thanks, twisting it between his fingers and watching Mikey. When Mikey would giggle at the sugar rush, Tora would smile softly. There he was, the Mikey he once knew... .. the Mikey he knew before he'd fucked up his life and killed his brother, that is.

He'd listen to Mikey, eyes narrowing, softening.

He's like this because of you. It's your fault, Kazutora. Your fault that Mikey's a mess. Your fault. YOUR FAULT.

... He'd bite his lip and shake his head.]

Too many things... [He'd repeat, quietly.] Yeah, I get it. .. I really get it.

He'd pop the candy in his mouth. So Takemichi was here, too. Fuck.. how many of them had keeled over over the years? Takemichi had been such a stupidly sweet guy, too...

But I don't wanna leave you, Mikey. I'm on the path of recovery because of you. Your forgiveness. Your heart.. .. and Baji's.. If you hadn't forgiven me, I would've killed myself for sure.

[He'd look around with a chuckle.]

Well maybe I did, anyway, given where we are.

[He'd shrug.] Anyway, I know that whoever you are is the person I want to be next to. I owe everything to you, so I won't go.

[He'd glance over at him, eyes bright and wet.]

.... Is Baji here...?