lawly

by footfungus

lawly

32. Chapter 32

Takemichi shoots up on his bed. Again.

He cradles his head in his hands as fresh tears start rolling down his cheeks and ugly sobs make their way out his throat.
How many times has it been now? How many times had he tried to save everyone by going back in time and failed?

Save Mikey

Save Akkun

Save Draken

Save Hinata

I leave Toman to you

Stop Kisaki

How many times has he died trying?

He doesn't have any more chances at this, he realizes suddenly (and unhelpfully). Naoto is dead in the future he had just come from and so is he. He won't be able to go back to check whether he has succeeded. How is he supposed to do this again? (Without Naoto)
He tries to drown out the thoughts and takes deep breaths to calm himself down. It eventually works and he finally looks up from his hands. He freezes.

He isn't in his old room from 12 years ago. Or he is but it doesn't look the same. The bed is smaller than he remembers, and the sheets are pink in color. On the corner of the bed is a red cloth, folded neatly (A cape?). He looks around the – surprisingly not dark - room and notices books and toys scattered around.

'What in the world?'

He looks down at himself again and his eyes widen. In his panic, he hadn't realized how small his limbs are. He jumps off the bed, now with a new reason to panic, and runs up to the full-length mirror in the corner of his bedroom beside the window.

'Why is the mirror there of all places?' He thinks, annoyed at the weird and unfamiliar placement of the mirror.

Takemichi stands in front of it and gasps. The reflection staring back at him with wide blue eyes has short, curly, black hair, a band-aid on his nose, and is wearing shorts with a blue T-shirt.

He frantically looks around for a calendar. There, on the opposite wall he notices a calendar.

22nd February 2003. 'What?'

His panic grows as realization dawns on him. He isn't 12 years in the past, he is 18 years in the past and currently 8 years old.

The first time he had died from being pushed onto a train track was on July 4th when he was 26 years old. He hadn't died though and had woken up in his 14-year-old self's body. After that, every time he "time-leaped", he would go back exactly 12 years.

This time, however, and probably his last, he had died on 22nd February by being shot and has woken up in his 8-year-old self's body.

'What the fuck?' was the first coherent thought he could form.

Takemichi was now hyperventilating on the floor - 'what in the world? Why am I back 18 years this time? Was it because I died instead of shaking hands with Naoto? No, I have died before. What can I even do as an 8-year-old to save my friends? Nothing. Will I have to live out the loneliest years of my life again? Probably. Can I even do this again? I have to.' – with thoughts swirling around like a storm in his head.

"Okay, calm down Takemichi," he says out loud to himself after about fifteen more minutes of panicking.

'Calm down. Maybe this isn't so bad.' He tries to convince himself as his breathing evens out and he forces his thoughts quiet. He can't be panicking right now. He needs a plan.

He slowly stands up, walks to his desk, and starts looking for an empty notebook. He always manages to forget something important in his leaps and that always leads to someone dying. This time, he is going to write down whatever he remembers from all his previous time leaps. He sits down on the chair, which is slightly big for an 8-year-old – or just too big for him since he is small - and starts writing.

First, Hinata then Pah-chin, Baji-

As he writes down Baji's name, he blinks, looks at the date again, and realizes something.

'February 2003, Toman has not been formed yet, which means Baji, Izana, Kisaki, they are all alive and Pah-chin isn't in jail. Hinata is safe'

'I am 8 years old, which means I've already met Kakucho, and he is already in the orphanage. I will have to think about what to do with him and Izana later then.'

'I haven't saved Hinata yet though, which means that Kisaki isn't obsessed with me or Toman yet. Draken, Baji, Mikey, Kazutora, and Mitsuya have probably already met, but the formation of Toman is still a year or so in the future.'

A feeling of relief washes over him, something other than despair or confusion for the first time since he woke up as he writes down all the events he remembers up until the point he had died after falling with Mikey.

Was Mikey still alive in that timeline now? He shakes his head and decides to not think about it.

By the time he finishes writing, it is already 2 am. He closes his notebook and locks it in a drawer underneath his other "secret diaries". Takemichi smiles fondly at the memories of his 8-year-old self, writing secret diaries where he would write about how he wanted to be a hero.

He wants to sleep but decides to give himself a tour of the house and maybe eat something. Getting shot and panicking for hours make you hungry, who knew?. Takemichi walks into the dark hallway and peers into the empty house. The absence of pictures – save for a few with his grandma - and parents don't really surprise him. He remembers how bothered he used to be by the absence of an adult in his life. From age 6 – when his grandmother died of alcohol poisoning, his mother ran off with some other man and couldn't be bothered to even check if her son was dead or alive and his father who was too much of a coward to take care of a child with his wife's face – to age 12, he was bitter about his own family. He felt he was wronged by them and the world. It was why he wanted to be everyone's hero.

Takemichi sighs at the memories, 'if only life was still so simple' He thinks bitterly. He honestly misses the time when the only pain in his life was that his parents had left him. Sure, that would be a very traumatic thing for a 6-year-old, but at the same time, he now realizes that he had a grandmother who had raised him until he was 6 and a father who, though never present, would leave huge amounts of money for him every month. Takemichi never spent most of it though, too concerned about the day when he would suddenly stop sending money and Takemichi would have to struggle to survive. The money, however, had arrived every month until he was 18. The entire two-story house he lived in since his childhood days was also under Takemichi's name (Courtesy of his grandma who had shifted the ownership rights to him before she died). So really, Takemichi was or is a lot better off than many other people but you can't expect a child to know that.

All of this really begs the question, however, where was this money? Whenever Takemichi would leap to the future – and in his original timeline - he had a small apartment and a job at the neighborhood DVD store. So where had all this money and property gone?

He can't remember now…He walks down to the living room while making speculations and coming up with his own scenarios. He is about to head to the kitchen when he sees an envelope on the living room table. He walks over, picks it up, and looks inside to find money and a note.

"Take, I left this month's money. Spend it wisely! I will send more next month. Don't forget to buy groceries before you run out and don't spend it on toys or cigarettes or alcohol. The spare key is in its usual place. Don't forget to lock the door when you leave the house! See you on Christmas, probably."

Takemichi scoffs at the note. "'Probably' he says" He starts counting the money and stares in shock.

'A million yen?! What kind of parent leaves a million yen with an 8-year-old? Can an 8-year-old even count to a million?' He rages internally.

*For reference, it's about 8800 dollars*

"He can afford to leave a million yen for an 8-year-old child but can't hire a babysitter? What a shitty parent." He laughs un-ironically.

He puts the envelope in a drawer near the T.V and locks it before heading to the kitchen. He opens the fridge and to his dismay, there is nothing edible in there. He will have to buy groceries; he mentally reminds himself before switching all the lights off and going back upstairs to his room.

He flops down on his bed, closes his eyes, and sighs comfortably. He will get his shit together and decide what to do tomorrow because right now, he is too tired to even think. Before long, Takemichi drifts off to sleep.

Nightmares do not come to him that night.

Notes:

Feedback and more ideas are always welcome! Also, please let me know if there are any mistakes or anything offensive. I always try to take care to not say anything offensive (other than curses) but you can never be too careful...

Chapter 3: Concern of the Dragons

Summary:

Shinichiro and the gang adopt (or are in the process of adopting) a child. Takemichi hates eating alone.

Notes:

Warning! Light angst and mentions of child neglect!

Takemichi is 8, Toman members are 11. Shinichiro is 20 and the crew is 18/19. Toman will be formed in 2003 as canon but Takemichi is shit at remembering things and so thinks it will be formed in 2004. Shinichiro's death arc will also be in august of 2003 as per canon. Other events may not be in line with the original timeline because Takemichi keeps changing things.

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

It is getting dark. The sky is dark orange and Shinichiro has been feeling weird for an hour now. Who the hell has been staring at him for a straight hour?

He turns occasionally, to see who has been staring at him and can see no one. To put it simply, he is creeped out.

Finally, after another thirty minutes he catches sight of a… child? Retreating behind the wall of the shop directly opposite his bike shop.

'What the… a child?'

"Hey kid!" He calls out, but the child, realizing he has been caught staring just turns around and runs away.

'What a weird, creepy kid.' He thinks as he sees his friends Wakasa and Takeomi walking up to him. Takeomi must have heard his shout because he walks up to Shinichiro with a brow raised and asks, "What kid?"

"A child was staring at me for about an hour and a half. Creeped me out, I called out to him, but he just ran away."

"Kids stare at your bike shop all the time though?" Wakasa questions with a bored expression, entering the shop and making himself at home in one of the chairs scattered around.

"Yeah, but not for over an hour. They would either have left after a bit or approached me by now." Shinichiro replies, walking in behind him.

"Maybe the kid's shy. The better question is why were you creeped out by a kid? How old did the kid seem?" Wakasa asks, mildly amused.

"He seemed to be around six?" Shinichiro replies, trying to guess the child's age seriously.

"And how old are you?" Takeomi asks with the same amusement as Wakasa, also relaxing on the couch.

"Look man, all the horror shit on TV about kids is scary alright?"

Takeomi just laughs at that and Wakasa seems like he wants to punch Shinichiro. This is their leader? He sighs.

"You are a coward is what you are." Takeomi says while chuckling.

Shinichiro pouts and this time Wakasa does punch him. A small wrestling match breaks out inside the shop, with Shinichiro sorely losing while Takeomi just laughs loudly in the corner. (Shinichiro can't fight for shit)

The existence of the child that evening is not forgotten in all their tomfoolery, however, because Shinichiro keeps asking them every five minutes if that could have been a ghost. He eventually gets punched by Takeomi too.

The next afternoon when Shinichiro spots the child again, Wakasa, Takeomi, and Arashi are all present at the shop and so he points them towards the child.

"That's him." He says, whispering to the others. Arashi stares at Shinichiro in disbelief. This was why he called him at 2 am?

"Looks like he came back even though he was caught yesterday. Must love your bikes, Shin." Takeomi says with a lollipop stick in his mouth.

Wakasa is standing on his right and just stares at the child with the same blank face he always has. When Shinichiro looks back, the child seems to be hesitating. Probably wondering if it's safe to approach, he concludes. Granted, he probably hadn't seemed very approachable yesterday with grease on his hands and a cigarette in his mouth. At least not to a child. He thinks

Takeomi is about to say something when they see the child approaching cautiously.

The child approaches them with small hesitant steps and stops in front of the three. He looks up and Shinichiro swears his heart skips a beat. The child has curly, black hair with a yellow flower hairclip removing the bangs from his face. His round – and probably soft - cheeks are dusted with a soft pink and he is wearing a yellow hoodie – which is a size too big for him and seems to swallow him whole – with black shorts. What makes Shinichiro pause though are his eyes. The child has big, blue eyes. The bluest eyes he has ever seen filled with curiosity and determination.

Fuck, he's adorable is the first thought Shinichiro's mind can come up with. The others are also staring when the kid finally speaks.

"H-hello!" He stutters out with a smile so bright that Shinichiro wishes he had sunglasses. He can't help but smile back at him. Takeomi is also smiling, Shinichiro notices and he swears he just saw Wakasa's lips twitch. Arashi is weak for children and so he is already crouching in front of the child.

"Hey there, little guy," Shinichiro says, crouching down to the child's level as well.

"Was it you who was been staring at my shop yesterday?" He tries asking in a way that doesn't seem threatening. The last thing he wants to do is scare this child away. He seems to really like his bikes.

"Yes… that was me. Sorry if I creeped you out, I just didn't know how to talk to you." The boy answers in such a meek voice that Shinichiro feels bad for calling him creepy yesterday.

So, he knew he seemed creepy, smart kid. His brain unhelpfully concludes despite his feelings.

"What's your name?" Arashi asks so gently that it doesn't even seem like the same person Shinichiro knows.

"Hanagaki Takemichi"

"You interested in the bikes, kid?" Takeomi asks this time with a huff. Probably relieved that he wouldn't have to hear any more stories about some mysterious, creepy child.

"Yes!" The child…Takemichi says while practically jumping up and down.

"Cute" He hears Wakasa – Wakasa of all people – mutter from beside him.

"Why don't you come in and take a look then?" Shinichiro asks him.

The kid nods and follows Shinichiro inside his shop, followed by Wakasa, Takeomi, and Arashi.

Takemichi keeps looking around at the various bikes and exclaiming loudly about something or the other while the other four in the room watch him with various levels of amusement. After about an hour of looking around the shop, he approaches the four teenagers/young adults who were lounging around on the couch and looks up at Shinichiro expectantly.

"Are you Sano Shinichiro?" He asks in an unsure tone. Though, he looks like he already knows the answer and is just waiting for them to confirm it. Omi and Arashi become visibly shocked at the sudden question when they realize that they hadn't introduced themselves.

Shinichiro…well, he is creeped out again because – What the fuck?

He stares at the child for another second and the answers in the best cheerful voice he can muster, "Yup that's me!"

"The leader of the Black Dragons?" Takemichi is now bouncing up and down with anticipation.

Oh. They all collectively realize. The kid is a fan of delinquents.

"Yep. Leader of the Black Dragons, and these three are my captains."

"You like delinquents, kid?" Takeomi asks, as his initial shock gives way to amusement once again.

At that moment, Takemichi visibly flinches. His excited demeanor suddenly drops, and he seems to be looking right through Shinichiro for a second before recovering and flashing a bright smile towards Omi.

"I do!"

Shinichiro notices. He is also the only one who does.

Arashi decides to continue the conversation.

"So, do you want to be a delinquent in a few years?"

"Yeah!" Takemichi replies, excited again but, it's less than when he initially started speaking. Of course, Shinichiro doesn't miss this either.

"Heh, that's cute kid, how old are you right now?"

"eight"

'Huh, he seemed much younger. Takemichi is small for an eight-year-old.' Shinichiro thinks, still focused on Takemichi's face.

"Will you join the Black Dragons then?" Arashi asks, clearly knowing how to deal with kids better than anyone in that room. Shinichiro had three younger siblings and even he had nothing on Arashi's babysitting skills and "Teddy bear adult" look.

"Will you let me?" Takemichi giggles and Arashi and Omi chuckle.

They talk about what Takemichi likes about delinquents and Shinichiro eventually joins the conversation. It is obvious how much Takemichi likes delinquents by his manner of speaking and wide gestures. He is adorable. They talk for a while longer before Shinichiro's "big brother senses" activate and he realizes that it is already evening, and it is getting dark out. Takemichi probably hasn't noticed because he doesn't seem to have any plans of moving from his spot on the couch, which he had acquired at some point during their conversation.

"Takemichi" Shinichiro starts carefully.

Takemichi looks at him from where he was busy admiring the new CB250T model. He doesn't say anything and waits for Shinichiro to continue.

"It's getting dark out. Aren't you going home?"

Takemichi flinches again and stiffens up and this time the other three notice too. Shinichiro starts feeling iffy now. Takemichi however, springs up from his spot and walks over to him near the entrance of the shop.

"You probably have to close shop, don't you?" He asks in a disappointed tone.

Not what they were expecting. They stare at him and Takemichi fidgets with the sleeves of his hoodie and looks up at Shinichiro again. Something like determination flashes in his eyes for a second before he asks, "Can I come back tomorrow?"

Shinichiro is even more alert now. He avoided the topic of his home and asked if he could come back tomorrow. Sure, that just might be because he likes them and the shop but, flinching at the mention of home probably wasn't a good sign. Having three younger siblings - and sometimes having to take care of his siblings' friends - has at least made him more observant if not better with kids.

However, he has no evidence of anything, and he can't take any action on speculations alone, so he decides to at least drive the kid back home on his bike. A child wouldn't deny a bike ride, right?

Wrong.

Takemichi instantly rejects the offer as soon as Shinichiro asks. Maybe a little too quickly. By now, the others have caught on to Shinichiro's train of thought and they try to make him agree by saying things like 'it is dangerous for a kid to be out and about when it's dark or 'we can be like your bodyguards' and 'we'll give you a ride on our bike'.

"I go around like this every day, it really isn't a problem. This neighborhood isn't that dangerous."

Another red flag.

Arashi blurts out without thinking, "what are your parents doing letting you roam around at night like this?"

What Takemichi says next makes everyone stop.

"Parents?" He says, genuinely confused. There is a stunned silence in the shop for a few seconds.

Then, realization seems to dawn on him, and he says in a quiet voice, "My parents aren't here."

Now, that can mean many things, but the main issue is that the parents are absent. So,

"A guardian or a babysitter then?" Takeomi asks, now genuinely concerned.

Takemichi shakes his head and answers, "Only child. No babysitter"

So, what, he lives alone? There must be someone at home, there's no way they left an 8-year-old by himself.

They did not like the vagueness of Takemichi's statements regarding his home life. Shinichiro tries one last time to get him to agree to their uber/bodyguard services and this time, Takemichi just sighs and nods his head. Or was it more of a jerk?

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The four bikes stop in a formation, - Shinichiro in the center with Takemichi, Wakasa on his right, Takeomi on his left, and Arashi behind them, in a diamond shape. – in front of a two-story house. The house itself is nice with peach undertones of color that are visible even at night. There is a small garden out front with high walls lining the outer perimeter of the house. The lights are off, and the windows shut.

Shinichiro dismounts his bike and walks Takemichi to the front door. He is about to ring the doorbell and apologize to whoever opens the door – and maybe give them a piece of his mind about the neglect – when he sees Takemichi fishing out a key from one of his hoodie pockets. He fumbles with the key which is too big for his little hands and eventually manages to unlock the door.

He turns around and asks, "do you want to come in and eat something?"

Shinichiro is staring at him, dumbfounded. Takeomi comes up behind him and smacks his head. Takemichi giggles.

"Should you be inviting people you just met into your house?" Arashi asks gently walking up behind Wakasa as they join Shinichiro and Takeomi on the doorstep.

"It's okay, I know you won't do anything, and if you try, I have a baseball bat" Takemichi answers confidently.

Takeomi chuckles, "smart kid"

They agree to go in, because well… they are delinquents, young and hungry. Plus, it was worth it to see the way Takemichi's face lit up with pure joy.

As they walk in, they hear the mumbling of the little fluffy-haired kid leading them in with a smile on his face,

"I hate eating alone"

Notes:

I'm sorry this was supposed to be a fluff chapter, but it turned into light angst. (´-﹏-`；)

Chapter 4: Familiar Faces and Crybaby Hero

Summary:

Takemichi comes across some familiar faces and a familiar situation. What will he do differently this time?

Notes:

Crybaby hero Takemichi returns and nice Kisaki rights! Fight me!

Warning!: Description of wounds at the end. (Only for like two lines though)
Also, Hinata is 8 and Kisaki is 9.

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Shinichiro is distracted. Honestly, all of them are. They keep looking for someone, anyone to come into the house or come downstairs.

The child can't seriously be alone?

They've been here for a couple of hours now. The BD members are about to leave when Shinichiro turns around and asks Takemichi, who is standing there smiling like the innocent little darling he is.

Ugh, he is not good for the heart Shinichiro thinks dramatically, before getting a hold of himself and asking what was on his mind the entire day.

"Do your parents work late, Takemichi?"

The others stop and look back as well, clearly curious. Takemichi just looks up at Shinichiro like he is an idiot and sounds annoyed when he replies with, "I already said they aren't here. I live alone."

The worst part is, he says this as though it's normal and the others realize when they look at Takemichi's face and hear his 'matter-of-fact' tone that this is normal for him.

"So, there's no one to check on you?" Shinichiro asks as the feeling of dread inside him keeps getting bigger.

At that moment, when Takemichi looks up at Shinichiro, he sees complete and utter tiredness flash in the little boy's eyes. Not the kind of tiredness or exhaustion one feels after a busy day or after playing around. No, this tiredness is bone-deep. It is the kind of exhaustion Shinichiro has seen in his grandfather's eyes. The kind of exhaustion one feels because of suffering. It is the same look he saw in Izana's eyes the first time he saw him at the orphanage. The same look he saw in Kazutora's eyes when he got him to confess about the abuse in his house. Shinichiro feels as though time has stopped.

He snaps out of it only when he sees Takemichi smiling and trying to reassure the others that he was fine and that this was okay. That they shouldn't worry about him and boy does it make them worry more.

He asks if he can visit the bike shop again to which the others agree. Shinichiro isn't going to take away a place that might give him comfort someday.

Shinichiro holds back tears as the BD members bid an enthusiastically waving Takemichi goodbye.

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Two weeks after their first meeting, Takemichi has become a part of the shop and the unofficial little brother of the Black Dragon captains. He shows up when the shop opens and only leaves when it is closing time. Shinichiro or whoever from the Black Dragon captains is available, gives him a ride to his house. It has become a routine.

The four delinquents have grown attached to Takemichi over the last couple of weeks. He is an adorable crybaby, and his eyes shine with so much love and determination that they just can't help but love him. They learn that his father sometimes drops by, maybe once a year or two, and sends him money every month. At least that good-for-nothing was doing something

His family situation is something they avoid talking about when they talk to him

They also learn that he is an extremely sweet and kind child. Almost dangerously so. They've never heard him speak badly about anyone, but they have had to apply first aid to his face quite a bit whenever he would come to the shop after being beaten up while "protecting" or "helping" someone or the other. The members can't help but sigh at this trait of his because he never asks for help. He won't even say who beat him up lest they decide to beat them up for Takemichi. Which they absolutely would, if he would just open his damn mouth and tell them, that is.

Shinichiro shows him the bikes and gets him to help with fixing them sometimes, which he does. Happily trotting around the shop with blunt tools and cloth.

Arashi is the "teddy-bear" friend and Takemichi's cuddle buddy. He seems to enjoy it just as much though.

Wakasa applies first aid. Having the most experience thanks to Shinichiro who would lose in a fight against a fly.

Takeomi tries to get Takemichi to tell them who hurt him, and the others join in most of the time.

They know he won't tell them, so all they can do is sigh and chide him for it.

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The start of the third week.

Takemichi is walking to Shinichiro's bike shop as usual when he sees familiar faces. Well, familiar to him because none of his friends know him yet.

A young girl with pinkish blonde hair and a boy with blond hair and glasses. The girl is facing five high schoolers with a cat in her arms and the boy is just glaring daggers at them. It looks like the girl is trying to protect the kitten from the high schoolers while the boy is trying to get her away from them.

Takemichi recognizes them, of course, and is frozen for a second trying to think of what to do. Seeing a small Kisaki, Takemichi had expected to feel anger. After all, he was the reason so many people had died in the future, but surprisingly, Takemichi only feels a strong sense of sadness. The boy in front of him is so obviously still a kid that his heart aches thinking about the things he does in the future and wonders what had happened to make him that way.

Takemichi doesn't have too much time to reminisce, however, because the group of high schoolers seems to be getting progressively annoyed. They are much older than the two kids in front of them but the "leader" (the one who looks like the biggest asshole, that is.) does not seem to be averse to hurting kids.

He raises his fist, obviously aiming to hit the girl, but something hard hits his stomach before he can. The older boy falls on his back, and his eyes meet bright blue ones that are full of rage. A boy is standing in front of him with bricks in his hands. The other four high schoolers just stare in disbelief for a second before they hear a shout.

"What are you staring for? Get him!"

The boy throws the two bricks at two of the other boys before a punch to his face sends him flying backward on the concrete and his vision goes blurry with tears from the impact. He bites the hand of the other guys when they try to grab him. He gets up in a hurry, grabs the hands of the girl and boy, and starts running.

After running and turning into alleyways and shady-looking roads for about five minutes, Takemichi finally deems it safe enough to let go of the two other children. he knows these streets better than anyone after all

He is doubled over breathing heavily when a voice speaks up from beside him.

"Why did you do that?" The blonde boy asks with wariness in his eyes.

"They were about to hurt you?" Takemichi answers as though the boy had asked something obvious. Two. He was saving both of them.

The blonde boy is speechless. There is an adorable looking black-haired kid in front of him with tears streaming down his face - and looks like he can't hurt a fly - that just took a punch for them and threw bricks at some guys.

The same boy in question turns around to face them properly and flashes the brightest smile he'd ever seen and introduces himself.

"I'm Hanagaki Takemichi! What about you?"

"Tachibana Hinata" The rosy-haired girl answers, still processing what had just happened.

The boy fixes his glasses and introduces himself, "Ahem. Tetta Kisaki"

Takemichi beams. "Nice to meet you!"

"Where were you going?"

Kisaki answers, "The playground."

"We saw those bad guys throwing rocks at this little kitten," Hinata explains, finally out of whatever trance she was in and setting down the kitten in her hands.

"Thank you for saving us, Takemichi!" she says, beaming similarly to Takemichi.

Kisaki still seems wary but mumbles a half-hearted thank-you anyway He had saved them. He had saved him. Kisaki smiles softly at the thought.

Takemichi doesn't notice and just smiles at them.

'Good. Kisaki is wary but not jealous. Hinata isn't calling me a hero and I managed to save them without getting too beat up.' He thinks to himself.

He becomes determined to break down Kisaki's walls and befriend him this time. He may have been the reason for many deaths in the future but the tiny Kisaki standing in front of him still hasn't done anything bad. He hasn't lost his spark and Takemichi will make sure he doesn't. He will make sure this 'future villain' gets a fighting chance. He swore he would save everyone and that includes Kisaki.

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Wakasa places the cotton pad down. They all collectively sigh.

Why does Takemichi of all people have to have this Hero trait? Why can't he just walk past when he sees people in trouble? He's eight for God's sake, so why does he insist on being everyone's hero?.

When they saw Takemichi with two more kids headed towards the bike shop, they were happy. They thought he was making friends.

And he was! Just not in the way one would expect or want.

His face was all bruised up and he was hiding his hands. So obviously, this friendship was a result of 'saving' them. If this was his way of making friends, then they were worried. Though they were proud of the fact that Takemichi single-handedly took out three high schoolers, but they wouldn't tell him that. The last thing he needs is encouragement.

"What are you hiding?" Wakasa asks in his "adult voice" when he sees Takemichi trying to his hands in his hoodie sleeves.

"Nothing" Takemichi tries.

Shinichiro sighs and looks at the newcomers for answers. The small boy with blonde hair who seems to be around nine speaks up.

"He fell on concrete after getting punched by one of those guys"

Takemichi shoots him a betrayed look and Kisaki just shrugs. He wasn't about to make delinquents angry, again

Shinichiro sighs for what feels like the hundredth time today and looks at Wakasa. More first aid is needed.

As Wakasa nods and turns around to apply more first aid, Shinichiro looks around his shop. Takeomi is in the corner chuckling at Takemichi's expression. Arashi is hovering around Takemichi and Wakasa like a worried father, and the two new kids, Hinata and Kisaki, as introduced by Takemichi are looking around the shop.

'Well, at least he got two new friends out of it cause God knows the kid needs friends.' Shinichiro thinks, reluctantly.

Shinichiro, Takeomi, Arashi, and Wakasa liked Takemichi. He was like their little brother now, but he needed more people his age. The boy was so obviously lonely (and alone) and they couldn't be around all the time. They had gang meetings, fights, work, and families. So even though Shinichiro didn't agree with the process, he was glad that the cute little fluffball of a kid now had friends.

Shinichiro is lost in thought when he hears Arashi shot urgently from behind him.

"Shin!"

He turns around to see Omi, Arashi, Wakasa, and even the two kids staring at Takemichi's hands in horror. He slowly walks over to see what was going on.

His eyes travel down to Takemichi's hands held gently in Wakasa's.

There, on each of his hands is a huge stab wound. It looks old but they are stab wounds, Shinichiro is sure.

Wakasa pushes up the sleeves of Takemichi's hoodie and it reveals more than they were ready to see. The little girl gasps in shock and Arashi's eyes widen further.

Shinichiro is speechless. Takemichi's arms are covered with scars, bruises, burns and the two stab wound scars they discovered earlier.

Takemichi is avoiding their eyes.

"T-Takemichi?"

Notes:

Shhhhh... There might be another chapter released today ...

Chapter 5: Old Scars and New Memories

Summary:

Takemichi has scars both physical and mental. His friends can't do anything about the physical ones but they can help with the mental ones.

Notes:

Takemitchy Time!

AU Info: Takemichi and Hinata are 8, Kisaki and Emma are 9, Draken and Mikey are 11. Shin is 20, Wakasa is 19. (I changed it a bit)

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

"T-Takemichi?"

Takemichi can hear Shinichiro's weak voice calling out to him. He expects to be bombarded with questions, but he just feels a gentle hand caressing his hands. He turns around and makes eye contact with Shinichiro. He can see that the others are curious but are biting their tongues. Hinata is already crying and Kisaki seems extremely troubled. Shinichiro is looking at him with so much gentleness that Takemichi can't stop his tears from falling.

When was the last time someone had looked at him like that?

When was the last time he felt like people cared about him?

He doesn't remember. He is so deep into the whole 'saving others' thing that he doesn't think about himself anymore. He knows it's unhealthy because after all, he isn't a child. What he was too late to realize is that even though he isn't a child, he has his limits. Anyone who has seen even a fraction of what he has would go insane. Mikey did and honestly, other people would too. Takemichi's only strength is his stubbornness. The reason he won against Taiju in the past, the reason he wins every fight even though he gets beaten up and the reason he is still sane is all because of his stubbornness and determination to save his friends.

So, after so many years and so many time leaps and so, so many attempts at taking care of other people, he will admit that this care for him feels nice. It feels nice, but Takemichi being…well, him, only strengthens his resolve to save Shinichiro so that Kazutora and Mikey don't have to suffer. And maybe, just maybe, he wants to keep feeling some of this warmth.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Shinichiro asks gently.

Takemichi just shakes his head. They can all see the tears rolling down his adorable little face and their hearts break. Takemichi is such a lovely child and none of the BD members want to see him sad. Sure, he cried a lot, but these tears of pure sadness just don't suit him.

They don't push him for answers. Instead, Wakasa moves away to give him and Shinichiro some space. Arashi, reluctantly, walks away with Takeomi for a smoke and they leave the shop. The two kids, Hinata and Kisaki sit down on either side of Takemichi. Curious, like any normal 8/9-year-old, and concerned about their new friend and hero.

Shinichiro is still in front of Takemichi holding his hands gently when he asks a different question.

"Does it hurt?" He asks in a barely audible voice.

"No" Takemichi croaks out.

"They're old," Shinichiro says. It's more a statement than a question but Takemichi nods anyway.

Hinata and Kisaki don't say anything and just hug him from both sides. They are sitting on the couch, so the position is not uncomfortable. Takemichi stiffens up and for a second Hinata and Kisaki are afraid they did something wrong or hurt him. They are around the same age as Takemichi and have no idea what to do for him except hug him because they know that hugs can make sad people feel better. (and Takemichi seems sad)

Takemichi however, soon melts into the hug and leans back into the soft cushions of the couch. Hinata beams and just hugs him tighter and Kisaki stays still but hides his face in his shoulder. Kisaki liked hugs

Despite the serious atmosphere, the older men in the room can't help but smile at the antics of these three kids averaging 8 years old. Shinichiro is still concerned but decides to let the children be for now. They look comfortable and as long as Takemichi receives some form of comfort, he doesn't mind. He goes back to mindlessly fixing a bike. Arashi and Takeomi come back into the shop a while later and Arashi instantly goes, "aww" when he sees the three kids cuddled up together on the couch. Takeomi just smiles and Wakasa… well, he's been staring into space for a while now. No doubt concerned and angry about what he had seen.

It wasn't just him. Though Arashi was busy taking pictures, Omi was smiling, and Shinichiro was seemingly busy with a bike, the same thoughts were on everyone's minds.

How did they never notice?

And, If they ever found out who did this, that person would not live to see the light of day.

The children who were now asleep were unaware of this and Takemichi was unaware of the fact that he had just earned himself a protection squad and two new friends, who would eventually join that protection squad when they learned of Takemichi's self-sacrificial nature. Damn it Takemichi.

.

.

.

.

.

A week later,

Takemichi is on the couch playing a board game - Mikey's old game that Shinichiro had fished out from some corner of the store room - with Kisaki. Hinata is sitting beside Kisaki with a juice box in her hand and commenting occasionally on the gameplay.

Arashi and Omi aren't here today - some issue with the guard unit which Arashi as Guard unit captain and Takeomi as the BD Vice-captain had to go solve - and Wakasa is sitting in one corner reading a magazine.

Shinichiro is working on the CB250T model that he wants to gift to Mikey in a few months when he hears an enthusiastic shout.

"Aniki!"

It's his brother and he is dragging his friend along as usual. Mikey barges into the shop, with a lollipop in his mouth, like he owns the place, and Shinichiro and Draken sigh in unison. The others are too engrossed in whatever they are doing because nobody looks up when the two new people enter. Shinichiro rises from his spot in front of the bike and cleans his hands before ruffling his little brother's hair.

Shinichiro notices that his sister is stalking in behind Mikey and Draken.

Takemichi finally looks up from his game and makes eye contact with the newcomers. He beams at them and the three newcomers are frozen for a second.

how can someone be this bright? is their thought right now.

Draken recovers first. "Shin, who are they?"

Wakasa looks up for a second before going back to reading. Takemichi has trotted over to Shinichiro and is hiding behind him and Kisaki and Hinata are standing on either side of him like his bodyguards, glaring daggers at Mikey who is still staring at Takemichi. Kisaki has a particularly ugly scowl on his face.

"This is Takemichi. He's been hanging out at the shop a lot for the past few weeks and these two are his friends."

Takemichi is smiling at the other three again and Hinata now also has a scowl on her face, but she introduces herself anyway.

"Tachibana Hinata," she says warily. She would protect Micchi-Kun. He was their friend first.

Emma speaks up, "Hello! I'm Emma! Shin Nii-chan's little sister!" obviously not getting the atmosphere.

"Tetta. Kisaki." Kisaki spits out, sticking closer to Takemichi.

Mikey finally seems to notice that he had been staring and looks at Shinichiro with questioning eyes. Shinichiro just shrugs.

Mikey decides to introduce himself next.

"I'm Mikey and this is Ken-chin," He says confidently and 'Ken-chin' looks like he wants to smack him.

"Draken," He says, correcting the previous statement of him being 'Ken-chin'

"whoa~" They all hear from the tiny fluffball hiding behind Shin. Takemichi finally releases the back of Shinichiro's shirt and springs over to Draken. "Is that a real tattoo?" He asks with wonder in his eyes.

Draken stares at the starry-eyes kid in front of him and can't help but smile back, "it is"

"So cool!" Takemichi exclaims, practically jumping in place.

Shinichiro and Wakasa are already used to the adorableness of the little angel and are just smiling at him. Doesn't mean he is any better for the heart though. Hinata and Kisaki stop scowling now that Takemichi has taken an interest in these newcomers, and they've assessed the situation to make sure Takemichi isn't in any immediate danger.

The three new additions to the group, however, are short-circuiting due to Takemichi's cuteness and don't know how to handle it.

Then, for some reason, Mikey throws a dirty look at Draken. He was getting all the attention from Takemichi, but he didn't know that was the reason behind Mikey's look, nor did he care. He was happily talking to Takemichi

A while later, Emma, Draken, and Mikey are sitting in the shop playing board games with Takemichi and crew (How that happened, they don't know. They were just here to hang out with Shin). Shinichiro is happy that Takemichi has made new friends (Though, these friends might not be such a good influence on the innocent little Micchi-Kun) and Wakasa is as aloof as ever.

Shinichiro is just about to go back to fixing another bike when he hears Takemichi yell.

"My name is not Takemitchy!" He says, flailing his little limbs around and pouting. Shinichiro can guess who named him 'Takemitchy'

"Give up Takemichi, Draken-Kun has tried before and failed," Emma says sympathetically.

"It's true. He calls me Ken-chin no matter how many times I tell him not to." Draken replies with exasperation.

"But that's not my name!" Takemichi puffs out his cheeks and pouts even more and gosh does that make him look absolutely adorable.

Takemichi now has tears in his eyes. Kisaki looks like he wants to commit murder and Hina is panicking. Shinichiro sighs and walks up to them just in time to hear Mikey's response to all this.

"But I want to call you Takemitchy!" He pouts too.

Shinichiro sighs again. Mikey is supposed to be older than these kids. Why is he acting like them?

Draken smacks Mikey and Mikey kicks Draken. They start fighting with Emma giggling in the corner, Kisaki still looking like he wants to commit murder and Hina just staring at them in disbelief. She looks up at Shinichiro as if to ask if this was normal and he can only shrug. It is normal.

Funnily enough, Takemichi seems to be unbothered by their fighting as if he's used to it. Which he is, but they don't know that.

Then he laughs. And yep, that stops the fighting in a second. God, his brother was such an idiot

Mikey, having no sense of propriety just lunges at Takemichi and hugs him tightly. (Like he's a stuffed toy)

"Takemitchy!" He exclaims while burying his face into Takemichi's hair. Takemichi seems shocked for a few seconds before laughing out loud. Kisaki decides that that is the last straw and hugs Takemichi from the left side, snaking his arms in between Mikey's chest and Takemichi's body in an attempt to separate them. Mikey seems to take this as a personal challenge and just hugs him tighter. Emma is still laughing and Draken is sighing at Mikey's childishness. Hina decides to join this 'Hug-war' and sticks onto Takemichi's right side, also trying to get Mikey off, but she'll deny that if asked.

Takemichi is their friend damn it. Why is this boy trying to steal him from them? (Hinata did not care if Mikey was older or stronger, she would smack him if he kept trying to steal Takemichi)

Meanwhile, Takemichi is having trouble breathing under three people trying to hug the life out of him. He can't say he doesn't like it though.

And that is how Takemichi gets three new friends and the nickname 'Takemitchy'. Plus three new members in the 'Takemichi Protection Squad' but that is a story for another time.

Notes:

I couldn't post an extra chapter yesterday, but I will try my best to post another one today!

Chapter 6: Old Friends, New Beginnings

Summary:

Takemichi meets old faces that quickly become new friends.

Notes:

Who burns cars because they are hungry? Baji.
Who is beautiful even as an 11-year-old? Mitsuya.
Who gains two new friends? Takemichi.
Hotel? Trivago.

AU Info: Baji and Mitsuya are also 11

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

"Here you go, dear!"

Takemichi grins at the shopkeeper handing him the bags filled with groceries and snacks. "Thank you, miss!"

"Aren't you just a darling little thing? Come back soon!" He hears her say as he's leaving the store.

Once he's outside, he sighs.

It's impossible doing all this adult stuff in an 8-year-old's body. Takemichi wonders how he had survived like this back when he was 8 years old. No wonder he's small for his age.

He is brought out of his thoughts when he hears a loud bang from the nearby parking lot.

' What the hell?' He thinks as he notices smoke rising from somewhere in the parking lot.

Of course, Takemichi, being him, decides to go investigate it. He reaches the parking lot to see a black-haired boy standing in front of a burning car.

"Hey! Get away from there! It's dangerous!" He yells and runs at the stranger to get him away from the potentially dangerous situation. The stranger boy turns around just in time to be grabbed and dragged away from the cars.

Takemichi drags him to the benches outside the convenience store.

"What the hell?" He hears the boy say.

He turns around to give this reckless stranger a piece of his mind - as if he is in any position to - and stops.

'Oh fuck'

.

.

.

The boy stares at this stranger who had just dragged him away from the parking lot. He seems to be about six, but damn did he have some grip strength in that little body of his. He can't help but wince at the pain in his wrist which was caused by the cute little harmless-looking boy in front of him. When the strange boy looks back at him, bright, teary blue eyes meet dull yellow ones. The yellow-eyed boy is frozen. How can someone look so adorable while crying?

wait…

Oh shit! He's crying!

The yellow-eyed boy is panicking when the blue-eyed boy speaks up, "What were you doing near something so dangerous?"

"huh?" The black-haired boy asks dumbly.

"Near the burning car, what were you doing there?" The blue-eyed boy interrogates.

"Ah, I was hungry."

"What does that have to do with- wait…you set the car on fire?!"

"Yeah!" The yellow-eyed boy answered as if he isn't talking about burning cars

The blue-eyed boy just stares at him in shock. "So, what? you burn cars when you're hungry? Why not just buy a snack?"

"I don't have money," The yellow-eyed boy says sheepishly. THAT is what he is embarrassed about?

The blue-eyed boy sighs. He wipes his face with the back of his arm sleeves, which he is wearing under his t-shirt - Why is he even wearing those over his arms? It is March - and reaches into one of the bags he's carrying. He takes out two packets of chips and a juice box and extends them towards the other boy.

"Here!"

The boy just stares at him.

"What?"

"What do you mean 'what?'? You're hungry right? So, eat"

The yellow-eyed boy slowly grabs the snacks and asks, "You're really giving these to me?"

"Yes!"

"You just met me though."

"So? You're hungry right? Why can't I give you food?"

"You don't even know my name, and I don't know yours," The yellow-eyed boy asks, still not trusting that someone could be this…innocent.

The blue-eyed boy smiles a million-dollar smile at the statement and exclaims enthusiastically, "I'm Hanagaki Takemichi. There now you know my name!" as if he had figured out the answer to all problems.

"Should you be talking to and giving things to strangers? Aren't you like six?" The other boy asks, feeling an odd sense of protectiveness over the boy even though they have just met.

Takemichi pouts and whines, "I'm eight! Eight! Why does everyone think I'm six?"

The yellow-eyed boy smirks after seeing the antics of the child in front of him.

"Maybe because you're tiny."

Takemichi gasps, offended, "I am not tiny mister! Everyone else is just huge! Hmph!" He pouts.

The boy chuckles. 'Cute' he thinks.

"I'm Baji Keisuke."

"Nice to meet you Kei-Kun!" Baji pauses for a few seconds.

"Kei…Kun?"

"You don't like it?" Takemichi asks, tearing up.

Baji just smirks again. "No, it's cool" then he says, "You're quite the cry-baby aren't ya?"

Takemichi gasps again, "You're very rude mister! I gave you food and you're making fun of me!"

Baji just laughs. Takemichi is still pouting.

"Aright I'm sorry," Bai says, still chuckling.

"…and…thanks" he mumbles after a bit.

Takemichi beams and Baji thinks he's gone blind.

"You're welcome, Kei-Kun!"

Then, his smile drops as he seems to remember something.

"Ah, I'm sorry but I have to go home now. It was nice meeting you though!" He says apologetically.

Baji nods and waves as Takemichi turns around and jogs away.

'What a strange and cute kid' Baji thinks while eating the snacks on the bench outside the convenience store.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Takemichi is in the store again. He should probably go grocery shopping more often so that he doesn't have to make emergency runs like this, but well, who's going to tell him that?

A boy seems to be having trouble deciding what meat to buy when he hears a small voice from behind him.

"The one in your right hand is better quality."

The boy with lavender-colored hair calmly puts one pack in his basket and the other back on the shelf, then turns around to thank the source of the advice and pauses.

It is a small boy with black hair and bright blue eyes. His eyes seem to widen just a bit when they make eye contact.

This store is a nightmare. Takemichi thinks he'll go to some other store next time.

Takemichi collects himself before flashing a small smile towards the stranger.

"Are you shopping alone?" He asks the grey-eyed boy in front of him

"I am"

"Need any help?"

"Oh! Um yes?" He smiles sheepishly. Grocery shopping is hard, Takemichi gets it.

Takemichi chuckles.

"Alright, let's shop together!"

.

They start walking towards the cash register after shopping. While in line the lavender-haired boy speaks up.

"My name's Takashi Mitsuya, by the way"

"Nice to meet you, Taka-Kun! I'm Hanagaki Takemichi" Takemichi says while flashing one of his signature smiles.

Mitsuya just smiles back.

When it is their turn the cashier seems to recognize Takemichi right away.

"Oh, dear! If it isn't the little angel! Here with your big brother today?" She asks, smiling brightly.

"Hi, miss!" Takemichi greets and then answers her question, "Not my brother. Just a friend I made while shopping, Taka-Kun!"

Gosh this child is adorable They both think simultaneously.

"ahem. Hm" Mitsuya fake coughs in the background when he realizes he's been staring for too long.

"Alright well, let me see your items and I'll check you out!" The cashier says, heartily.

"You can go first," Mitsuya says.

"Oh thank you, Taka-Kun!" Takemichi answers delightedly.

Once Takemichi has paid, he leaves the store while enthusiastically waving Mitsuya goodbye.

After he leaves the cashier sighs and Mitsuya looks at her with a questioning gaze.

The lady suddenly seems solemn and starts checking Mitsuya's items while speaking, "That kid comes once a week. He is such a lovely child, always helping and smiling but I have never seen any parental figure or guardian with him. Makes me worried sometimes. Can you believe that child is eight? He looks so tiny. I wonder if he eats properly."

The cashier is talking to another staff member, but Mitsuya naturally hears what she says. He looks towards the entrance through which Takemichi had just left. He feels a pang of sadness at the words he hears.

Someone in a similar situation as him, he thinks.

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.

.

Mitsuya is walking back to his house with two bags of groceries. He walks past the neighborhood park and does a double-take.

He turns around and sees the kid from the store, sitting on a slide, with his grocery bags kept beside him.

Mitsuya, ever the caring older brother, can't ignore the seemingly lonely child and approaches him slowly.

"Hey, Takemichi right?"

Takemichi startles and looks up. A bright smile makes its way onto his previously solemn face.

"Oh! Taka-Kun! Are you going back home?"

"I am, what about you? Not going home?"

Takemichi flinches at the word 'home' and his smile drops. Okay, wrong question

He tries to change tactics. "Waiting for someone?" He asks in an attempt to save the conversation.

Takemichi looks down and mumbles something that Mitsuya happens to overhear because the playground is empty and silent.

"…I don't want to go back to that place just yet…"

Mitsuya feels the feeling of sadness return along with a strange sense of protectiveness for this child who had helped him shop for groceries. He doesn't say anything though and just sits beside him on the slide.

"So, do you cook?" He asks. Takemichi seemed to know all the good brands and cheap products back at the store so it wouldn't be a stretch to think that he cooks or at least helps out at home. Though, a child as young as him shouldn't be doing either of those things.

Takemichi brightens up at the question and replies, "I do!"

They spiral into a conversation about recipes and cooking. They also talk a bit about their days. Takemichi learns that Mitsuya has two little sisters he takes care of and cooks for. He knew that already but still smiles. Mitsuya learns that Takemichi is an only child and lives alone so he has to cook his food.

Mitsuya feels even sadder at this discovered fact because even though he has the extra responsibility of taking care of his little sisters, at least he has other people in his house and his mother isn't completely absent. She just works a lot. Takemichi however, has no one. Mitsuya has half an idea of why Takemichi is so tiny. What kind of asshole parents leave their 8-year-old child alone to live on his own?

After about an hour or so of chatting, Mitsuya realizes that it's getting late and he has to go back to cook dinner. Takemichi seems to realize his hesitation and just smiles. It's not as bright as before though.

"You have to go back right? It's okay, I should go back too."

"I had fun talking to you, Mitchy"

"Me too, Taka-Kun"

Before saying goodbye, Mitsuya asks Takemichi if he wants to meet his friends tomorrow. Takemichi agrees excitedly and they plan everything out for the next day. They decided that they will meet here at 3 pm.

They walk to the end of the street together and Mitsuya ruffles Takemichi's fluffy hair before they part ways and head to their respective homes.

"Bye Mitchy! See you tomorrow!"

"Bye Taka-Kun!"

Takemichi walks back to his house with a feeling of accomplishment.

Notes:

Ohhh what's this? Two chapters in one day?
Yes, it is! q(≧▽≦q)

I swear the main story will start soon guys! soon! (︿＜)

Chapter 7: Sharing Pain

Summary:

Takemichi comforts an old face and makes a new friend in a moment of vulnerability

Notes:

Warning! Major Angst this chapter!
There's only one person left, y'all know it gonna be angst.
There is some fluff at the end of the chapter too though.

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

It is 3 am.

Takemichi is hyperventilating.

The vision of his dead friends keeps flashing in front of his eyes.

He's met nearly all of them and he freezes every time before covering it up and greeting them as though he is meeting them for the first time.

It is harder than he thought. Greeting old faces like he never knew them. Meeting new versions of the people he once thought he knew.

He laughs bitterly at that thought even in his panic, because isn't that a thought?

Knew them?

He never knew anyone.

Chifuyu was different after Baji's death in that timeline and they had never really become friends, just stayed partners, and that was okay.

Draken never really meant it when he fought with Mikey over Takemichi. He was never more important than Mikey, but that was okay too.

Naoto only ever cared about Takemichi saving his sister. Even in his last breath after saving Takemichi from Kisaki, he had sent him back to protect his sister, he knew. That was okay too. He could take it.

But the thing is, Takemichi still believed then that at least he knew a version of them. He knew something.

Oh, how wrong he was.

The person he had believed he knew most. The person he ran after even when he got his happy ending. Even when everyone else had given up. He believed that he knew him and wanted to save him. That person shot him without hesitation, watched him bleed with no regrets, and finally accepted his help when Takemichi was dying. Mikey.

The first time Takemichi saw Draken and Mikey in this timeline, he had smiled when he made eye contact with Emma and Draken. Relieved beyond words that they were alive and well. Then, his eyes met deep black ones. He had believed up until that point that he was ready to face him again. It was Mikey after all. Once his friend, once the leader of Toman, once the 'Invincible Mikey', except he wasn't.

The action of hiding behind Shinichiro was a genuine one. No mask, No childishness. It was driven by pure fear.

The tears at the nickname 'Takemitchy' were genuine too even though the words coming out of his mouth were different and he pretended not to be bothered by his hug. He felt relief when Kisaki and Hinata hugged him too.

So really, Takemichi never knew any of them. From the many timelines he's been in, the deaths he's seen, and the responsibility of saving others. Not once, has he ever truly known anyone around him.

He's always been alone. He had died in his original timeline and that future was gone. With that, all the people he knew, the Hinata he knew, the Naoto he knew, and the friends he knew, were all gone. Or rather, Takemichi was gone.

The visions and dreams of his dead friends keep haunting him though. Never letting him forget that though he has a chance to save people from misery, he's never really saved anyone at all.

A hero? Don't make him laugh. He is no one's hero.

Even if the nightmares aren't there, the scars that he's brought with him will keep reminding him of the fact every time he looks at them.

The scars hadn't come with him when he came back. About a week after he had come back, he was getting out of a late-night bath when he saw them. The first time he saw all the scars on his body, he felt like throwing up. They were old scars but just the sight of them hurt.

The stab wounds, burns, and cuts all brought back painful memories of failed attempts but the bullet wounds on his chest hurt the most. They weren't proof of a failed attempt at saving anyone. They were proof of betrayal. A betrayal from the one person he had given everything up for.

He still can't meet Mikey's eyes without shaking. Those black, seemingly depthless eyes, remind him too much of the Mikey who had betrayed him.

Takemichi wasn't angry though. He never was. Maybe that was his problem. He had too much love, too much understanding to be angry at anyone.

That doesn't mean the trauma goes away though.

He still felt tired. He feels tired after every failed attempt, but his last death had broken something inside him. His determination hadn't dimmed at all, but the feeling of suffocation had become a constant.

He wonders if he can do this. If he can save everyone before all the horrible things happen so that they never have to suffer. Takemichi is willing to try. Even if it means sacrificing his happiness.

Takemichi pushes himself off the bed. He heads to the bathroom to clean his face, which no doubt looks like a mess with tears and snot.

.

He heads out of the house at 3:30 am needing to clear his head.

.

Takemichi is walking mindlessly through the streets, without looking where he is going. His legs are moving on their own and he somehow ends up at the park.

He walks in to find a boy curled up on one of the slides. He is hugging his knees near his chest and his face is buried in his arms wrapped around his legs. It's dark but a nearby light reveals the color of his hair to be black.

The boy doesn't seem to have noticed Takemichi. He can just walk away, but something draws him to the stranger.

He will later thank his instincts.

When Takemichi is close enough to the boy, he hears small weak sobs.

"…hey there…" He says softly to not startle the child.

The boy looks up and his eyes meet bright golden ones. He has tears streaming down his face, his clothes are wrinkled, his hair is disheveled and there is a bright red mark on his cheek.

'oh'

.

.

.

He looks up from his arms to see a boy standing in front of him. It is dark but the light in the park illuminates the surroundings just enough for him to make out the features of the boy. The stranger…well, kid, in front of him is a small, scrawny kid - maybe six or seven years old - with black curly hair that frames his round face and bright, blue eyes.

The boy in front of him doesn't look much better than himself but those eyes seem so deep that he can't help but be lost in them. He hears him speak again when he realizes he's been staring for a few seconds.

"…why are you crying?" the boy asks, tilting his head to the side in question.

"None of your business" he replies before he can catch himself.

Damn it. He's a kid. He doesn't need to be on the receiving end of his anger…

'Shit, will he cry?' he thinks, starting to panic. Contrary to his expectations, however, the child in front of him doesn't cry.

Instead, he smiles so gently and his eyes show so much sympathy that he feels like he's drowning.

Are children even capable of expressions like this?

"I guess it isn't," he says before sitting down beside him.

"I'm Hanagaki Takemichi," he says with a small smile.

"…"

Takemichi keeps waiting patiently and he eventually gives in.

"…Hanemiya…Kazutora…" he replies after a few seconds.

Takemichi smiles again. A bright one this time and Kazutora feels his lips twitch into a small smile in response.

"Nice to meet you Kazutora-Kun…" Takemichi says in barely a whisper with a look of pure joy and Kazutora forgets all his problems for a second.

.

.

.

As much as Takemichi would love to enjoy this small moment with Kazutora, he knows he needs to talk to him.

Kazutora was someone he wasn't at all close to in previous timelines. In one timeline he died. In one he was saved and had a pet shop with Chifuyu. None of those timelines had any friendship forming between Kazutora and Takemichi though.

"So, why are you out here so late?" he asks.

"…"

"…"

"Shouldn't I ask you that too?" Kazutora replies with a hint of annoyance.

"I was just out."

"mhm"

"why were you crying?"

Kazutora flinches at the question and looks down again. When he speaks his voice comes out as barely a whisper.

"I just…ran away I guess"

His voice sounds so sad and broken that Takemichi, already emotionally vulnerable from his previous breakdown, tears up again.

"Why are you crying?!" Kazutora asks in shock.

"You just seemed so sad.." he says, turning his face away and rubbing his eyes dry.

A silence settles over them for a few seconds before Kazutora breaks it.

"You're crying for me?"

"So, what if I am?"

Takemichi pouts and Kazutora giggles. The giggles turn into full-blown laughter. Once he calms down, Takemichi looks offended and asks him, "why did you laugh?"

"It's just… no one has ever cried for me before."

Takemichi's face softens and he carefully questions Kazutora again.

"So…what happened?"

"Family." is all Kazutora says and it's all Takemichi needs to understand.

The silence stretches on again before Kazutora breaks it again.

"Sorry, you probably don't get it."

Then he mumbles something that Takemichi overhears, "what am I doing talking to a kid at night anyway?"

"Family sucks," Takemichi says without thinking and Kazutora's eyes widen.

"what?"

"I said, family sucks. Adults suck. Parents suck even more." He huffs.

Kazutora is speechless before he starts laughing again.

"haha, yeah I guess adults are pretty crappy"

"yup they are. They are all meanies and don't give two shits about us."

"Aren't you too young to cuss, kid?"

"eight is old enough," he says and makes eye contact with Kazutora.

Then, they both burst out laughing.

They sit in comfortable silence for a while. Kazutora feels something fall on him and sees Takemichi's head on his shoulder.

"…do you have a place to go for now?" he asks so softly that Kazutora almost misses it.

He contemplates telling an eight-year-old about his problems but replies honestly anyway. Something about the kid makes him want to open up to him.

"I don't"

"Want to come to my house?" is his instant reply.

"You're inviting a stranger to your house?"

"You're not a stranger though. You're my friend now!" Kazutora is concerned about this kid's trusting nature but can't help but smile at the word 'friend'.

He doesn't have anywhere else to go so he agrees. Takemichi practically drags him to his house.

They stop in front of a two-story house about two blocks away from the park and Takemichi takes keys out of his pocket before opening the door and entering.

"Sorry for the intrusion," Kazutora says walking in behind him.

"Don't bother. There's no one else here."

Kazutora just thinks that his parents work late. There is no way someone left an 8-year-old alone.

Now, Kazutora is a realist. He was forced to mature too soon because of his family situation. So when he sees that there are almost no pictures of Takemichi's parents or anyone else, he doesn't delude himself with fake comforts like 'his parents just work late'.

"Are you hungry?" Takemichi asks and Kazutora nods absentmindedly.

Takemichi heads off to the kitchen and Kazutora sits on the couch in the living room. The house doesn't look lived in at all. There's even a fine layer of dust on the TV. He notices a picture of a younger Takemichi with an older woman smiling and posing outside a school.

Kazutora decides to ask when Takemichi comes into the living room with snacks and juice.

"Is that your grandma, Takemichi?"

"mhm"

"She seems like a sweet lady."

"She was. She is the one who raised me. She passed away a couple of years ago…" he says solemnly.

Kazutora jerks his head around.

'ah, so he is alone.'

"I'm sorry"

Takemichi shakes his head, "not your fault"

"Anyway, here are some snacks! You can stay the night if you want. I have extra futons and blankets. I'll even make you breakfast."

Kazutora blinks.

"Why are you doing all this for me? You just met me."

Takemichi looks down.

"I just know what it feels like and I don't want you to be alone."

Kazutora feels warmth fill his chest. The adorable little kid in front of him was the first person to provide this kind of comfort. Sure, he had friends but giving him a home? Food? He doubts they'd go that far. This strange little boy in front of him does however go that far and just wants to make him feel better.

It makes him feel better. Much better than he's felt in years.

How can someone like this exist?

Someone who has his pain and suffering but doesn't hesitate to help others.

He feels so much adoration for the boy in front of him at that moment that it feels like his heart will explode.

.

.

They spend hours watching TV, talking, and even crying in each other's arms.

They fall asleep cuddling on the couch under warm blankets.

Kazutora watches Takemichi sleep for a few minutes before slowly drifting into sleep himself.

He makes a silent promise to himself that morning, to protect this child in his arms no matter what.

Notes:

Main story starts from the next chapter! Finally!

P.S: Sorry for posting a bit late today...My wrist is cramped (from writing so much) lol. （；´д｀）ゞ

Chapter 8: Changed Destiny

Summary:

Kazutora and Baji want to get Mikey a birthday gift. Even if means stealing.

Notes:

The main story finally starts!

AU Info: S.S Motors is the name of Shinichiro's bike shop. (Canon)

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

At around 3 pm that day,

Takemichi leaves for the park with Kazutora tagging along.

'I know Mitsuya, we're friends.' That was what he had said.

Of course Takemichi already knew that

And so, Takemichi lends Kazutora some clothes, (Don't ask him why he has clothes that fit the taller and buffer male. He just does, okay?), feeds him and they leave for the park together.

.

.

.

Takemichi notices a group of five people standing in the park.

Mitsuya notices them approaching as he is facing the park entrance and calls out to them.

"Hey, Mitchy!"

The others turn around just as Mitsuya notices Kazutora walking in behind Takemichi.

"…and…Tora?"

"Hey"

"Taka-Kun!"

Takemichi greets back, skipping over to Mitsuya with a huge smile on his face.

"You knew Takemichi, Kazu?" Mitsuya questions to which Kazutora just shrugs. He did not feel like explaining this morning's events.

The other four people are still staring at Mitsuya, Takemichi, and Kazutora when three of them speak in unison.

"Takemitchy?"

"Takemichi?"

"Oh hey! It's you! Cry-baby!"

Takemichi leans to his side and looks behind Mitsuya. He beams again and greets them.

"Mikey-Kun, Draken and Kei-Kun! You're all Mitsuya's friends?"

Mitsuya and Kazutora turn to them, confused.

"You guys know Takemichi?"

"Yeah, he's the kid who's been hanging out at Shin's shop recently," Draken replies.

Mikey is smiling at Takemichi but Takemichi just avoids his gaze. 'Still too early' He thinks.

"He's the one who gave me food a week ago when I burnt a car!", Baji declares proudly.

All of them except Takemichi turn to look at Baji wide-eyed.

"You did what? Why you- actually never mind. I don't want to know." Draken says with a deep sigh.

Mitsuya has his hand on his forehead.

Kazutora is just looking at Baji like he's a moron.

Mikey, well, he's still looking at Takemichi with heart-eyes. Can you stop that Mikey-Kun?

The last person of the group stares at Baji for a bit and then turns around to face Mitsuya.

Takemichi recognizes him of course. It is the last of the founding members of Toman, Pah-chin.

"So, anyone gonna tells me what the hell is going on?"

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

It has been a few months since that meeting in the park.

They all became friends with Takemichi pretty quickly and would spend almost every day with him. Well, after school at least.

Toman was formed in June, which Takemichi like an idiot had forgotten about until he heard Shinichiro and the gang talking about it.

The founding members were Mikey, Draken, Baji, Mitsuya, Pah-chin, and Kazutora. Mikey was the leader.

Takemichi had asked about the gang but Shinichiro had just laughed saying Takemichi was still too young to join a gang.

The gang's founding members had recruited Kisaki for his intelligence. Hinata was now enrolled in the Sano Dojo and she and Emma had become best friends
Takemichi was still priority though.

In fact, the 'TPS' or the 'Takemichi Protection Squad' was now a separate, established squad, comprising of Takemichi's friends and the Black Dragon captains. Shinichiro was their leader, with Hinata as their co-leader. It is a wonder that Mikey didn't make it a part o their gang.

This was a result of discovering the scars on Takemichi's hands back in March.

Takemichi would still come to the shop with bruises some days, but the Toman members were with him most days. They also had no problems telling Shinichiro and the others about the nasty high schoolers or strays from other gangs that messed with Takemichi.

The TPS had caused a fair share of gang wars between the Black Dragons and any other gang that tried to mess with Takemichi. Toman wasn't far behind, with its ever-increasing number of members.

It was an unspoken rule in Toman and BD that if you see a small black-haired kid with chubby round cheeks walking around, you let him do as he pleases. Some had found out the hard way.

Takemichi however, has been enjoying the peace as oblivious to all this going on as always. That is a lie, he has been racking his brain for ways to save Shinichiro in august.

He didn't even know if it would happen this time, but all the major events had stayed the same so there was no way something as major as Shinichiro's death wouldn't happen.

.

Takemichi has meals with the Sano family most days. 'He is a delight to have around the house' their grandfather had said. Takemichi was like his grandson now, especially after he learned of his family situation.

Kazutora stays over a lot. Takemichi gives him a place to stay whenever he needs to get away from his house. He teaches him how to cook, they watch TV, share their problems, and cuddle. They have become almost like brothers.

Hinata is a badass now with fighting skills comparable to Baji. Actually, she could probably take on Mikey since the last time she had fought with Baji, he got his ass handed to him.

Mikey and Draken fight over Takemichi's attention. Mikey shares food with Takemichi (to everyone's surprise) and Takemichi loves Draken's tattoo. It makes for some very interesting arguments.

Mitsuya applies first aid for Takemichi whenever Wakasa is unavailable. He still gets the chills when he looks at Takemichi's scars.

Baji, Pah-chin, and Takemichi are best friends. They are more like overprotective older brothers to Takemichi, but he doesn't need to know.

Kisaki is planning world domination for Takemichi. He needs to protect the little fluffball and what better way than to be the best delinquent in Tokyo and take over the world?

So, all in all, things were peaceful.

Until August, that is.

.

.

.

.

.

It is a late night on August 13.

"Are you sure about this?" Baji whispers.

"It's just a bike. We get in and get out." Kazutora replies.

They are currently breaking into a bike shop to steal a bike for Mikey. With no money and no hope of getting any soon, they felt theft was their only option.

Kazutora and Baji are wearing black hoodies with the hood pulled over their faces.

"Let's go" Kazutora whispers.

Baji is nervous but follows anyway.

What they don't realize is that they are breaking into S.S Motors.

.

They make it inside.

Baji is trying to get the lock off of a bike while Kazutora is on the lookout while hiding in a corner.

Baji hears a voice just as the lock comes off with a click.

"What do you think you're doing?"

Baji and Kazutora both Freeze. The voice is getting closer as it continues,

"Whose shop do you think you're robbing? You won't get away with this."

The person finally gets close enough for Baji to make out the features of the figure. He s wearing a white(?) T-shirt with jeans and flip-flops.

"Keisuke? Is that you?" He seems to recognize Baji.

"S-Shinichiro-Kun?" Baji stutters out.

Just as he is starting to feel relief - It's okay if it is Shinichiro. He'd understand. - he sees Kazutora walking up from behind Shinichiro with a wrench raised in his hands.

Horror fills Baji's mind.

"Kazutora! No, stop!" He tries but Kazutora is already swinging the wrench.

He swings as Shinichiro slowly turns his head,

And…

.

.

.

.

.

Kazutora feels something slam into him from the side. He loses his balance, and the wrench falls from his hands onto the floor with a loud clang.

Shinichiro and Baji are staring wide-eyed with gaping mouths at the scene in front of them.

Kazutora groans and looks around. He first goes wide-eyed at the sight of a shocked Shinichiro and a trembling Baji. He follows their line of sight to see what or who had slammed into him and he freezes.

His eyes meet teary blue ones and he doesn't even need to look at the face to recognize the person currently lying on his chest.

"T-Takemichi?"

He seems angry. Very Angry

Shinichiro is reaching for him to make sure the child isn't hurt when they all hear him yell.

"Just what do you think you're doing?!"

"Do you think it's worth going to jail for a stupid gift? What would you have done if Shinichiro-Nii had been hurt? What if you were arrested? Do you guys even think before you act? Baka Tora! Stupid! Stupid idiot! Moron!"

Takemichi is sobbing while his tiny little fists hit Kazutora's chest.

"Takemichi, calm down" Shinichiro tries, but Takemichi points at him and starts yelling.

"And you! Why would you go check out a suspicious noise by yourself? What if they weren't 11 year-olds but huge men with guns? What then?"

He keeps yelling at them and sobbing.

"You're all idiots! Baka Tora! Bakasuke! Stupid Shin-Nii!"

The atmosphere falls silent save for Takemichi's loud wails.

Shinichiro finally seems to recover from his trance when Takemichi goes from wailing to sobbing loudly.

He walks over and picks Takemichi up in his arms.

Baji also walks over and helps Kazutora up.

Takemichi is still crying into Shinichiro's shoulder and the others feel horrible.

Everything he had said was true. He had also just prevented Shinichiro from getting seriously hurt, if not his death and saved Kazutora and Baji from jail time for burglary and attempted murder.

Shinichiro is now rocking back and forth trying to calm Takemichi down who is still sniffling and hiccupping.

.

.

After about ten minutes Takemichi finally calms down from what Shinichiro called a panic attack and is now standing in front of Shinichiro, looking at Kazutora and Baji with disappointed eyes and tears streaming down his face. And damn did that disappointment hurt more than any punch ever could.

Kazutora decides to break the silence.

"I'm…sorry…" he mumbles.

Then he falls to the ground and kneels. He starts crying too.

"I'm so sorry! We thought this was the only way. Forgive us..no forgive me Shinichiro-Kun!"

He seems pretty shaken. Baji is still just standing there with his head down and Takemichi's expression softens.

"I'll buy it for you," he says after a while.

Baji, Kazutora and Shinichiro all look at Takemichi.

"I'll buy a gift for Mikey for you, but not a bike. Shin-Nii has been working on one for Mikey. Choose something else to give him and I'll buy it for you."

Is this really an 8-year-old?

Shinichiro sighs.

"Okay, we'll see what to do tomorrow. For now, I'll give you guys a ride home. It's late."

.

.

They stop in front of Takemichi's house. Takemichi had fallen asleep on the way here no doubt tired from all the drama that night.

"I'll stay with him," Kazutora says softly.

Shinichiro and Baji look at him with a questioning look.

"He has very bad nightmares sometimes…I don't think he should be alone tonight. Plus, it's not like my mom will notice I'm gone." He answers carefully.

"Okay…you stay with him tonight." Shinichiro agrees and Baji just nods.

.

.

Shinichiro carries Takemichi into the house, (Thank god Kazutora had a spare key.) and lays him down on the couch. Kazutora brings some blankets and extra pillows and piles them around Takemichi.

Takemichi stirs and snuggles into the blanket. Kazutora and Shinichiro both smile at the sight.

They walk back to the front door where Baji is waiting. Kazutora apologizes again to which Shinichiro just pats his and Baji's heads and chuckles softly.

"We'll talk about it tomorrow," he says softly and bids Kazutora goodbye before riding off on his bike.

He turns to see Baji looking at him.

"What was Takemichi doing there?"

Kazutora pauses, then shakes his head.

"I think we've had enough nonsense for one day. Go home Baji, your mom must be worried about you. Let's talk tomorrow."

Baji seems reluctant but waves goodbye and rides off on his bike towards his house.

Kazutora walks in and locks the door.

He goes to the living room and is about to lie down on the extra futon when he hears Takemichi mumbling.

"..no…Tora-Nii…"

Kazutora's heart melts and aches at the same time and he decides to just cuddle up next to Takemichi on the couch.

It seems to calm Takemichi down and they both drift off to sleep.

Takemichi and Kazutora both fall asleep peacefully in each other's arms.

Notes:

Don't worry Takemichi will gradually meet the remaining characters too!

Chapter 9: More Fateful Encounters

Summary:

Shinichiro punishes Baji and Kazutora and Takemichi continues on his journey to make sure everyone gets a happy ending.

Notes:

Poor Kazutora and Baji. Plus new additions to the Takemichi Protection Squad also known as the TPS!

AU Info: Takemichi - 8, Angry and Smiley - 11, Kakuhco - 11, Izana- 13(older than Mikey), Taiju - 13, Yuzuha - 12, Hakkai - 11, Others - as mentioned before.

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Some Important Announcements First! PLEASE READ

First is more of an apology than an announcement. It is because I wasn't able to update a chapter for the last couple of weeks.

Second, since my classes have started again, I'm afraid I won't be able to post as often as I had been (Not discontinuing the fic though! I have worked too hard to plan it out to abandon it now.)

I'll try my best to post once every two-three days! They will become even more sporadic as my exams get nearer but I will make a separate announcement for that. (Probably Hiatus)

Whenever I get time, like on weekends, I'll post two chapters or one chapter on two consecutive days (promise I'm not pushing myself though! I just want to give a few treats to my readers!) O(∩_∩)O

And Lastly, I have plans for a different fic and would love it if you could leave your ideas in the comments as well. Either to move this story along or for different fics, maybe one-shots, I might write it! (with due credit provided for the idea of course!) (It can also be other fandoms, provided I'm familiar with it!)

(I can also do reaction fics! ~\(≧▽≦)/~)

Anyway, that's all the announcements. I hope you enjoy today's extra long chapter!

The next morning, Kazutora wakes up to the smell of eggs cooking. He opens his eyes groggily, not yet fully awake.

He hears Takemichi humming from the kitchen as he makes his way to the bathroom. He would help the boy but the thing is, he can't cook. Takemichi seems very happy for some reason and keeps muttering something along the lines of 'I did it', every two minutes. Kazutora would find it endearing if he wasn't so confused. The events of the previous night are still hazy in his mind as he mindlessly brushes his teeth and freshens up. He leaves the bathroom and makes himself comfortable in one of the dining table chairs. Takemichi seems to have finished cooking as he trots over to Kazutora with a plate of bacon, eggs, and bread. He puts the plate down in front of him, flashes him a smile, and trots back to the kitchen to get his own plate.

On his way to the table, Takemichi grabs two boxes of orange juice from the fridge.

"What's got you smiling so early in the morning?" Kazutora inquires, unable to keep his curiosity in any longer.

Takemichi's smile slightly fades before it comes back, brighter than before. "Oh, nothing" He replies, still smiling.

Kazutora is even more confused but decides not to pry into it. He takes a bite of his bread as the events that happened the previous night become clearer in his head.

"Oh shit"

"Language" Takemichi chides.

"No no no, yesterday…"

"Yesterday?" Takemichi tilts his head in confusion. His smile does dim a little at the reminder of the incident though.

"Shinichiro-Kun said he'd 'see what to do tomorrow'"

Takemichi is still staring at him confused.

"That can mean only one thing."

"What are you babbling about early in the morning Tora-Nii? Are you not fully awake yet?"

"I'm more awake than ever! Oh, I'm so fucked, we're so fucked"

He keeps muttering incoherent things as Takemichi looks on in amusement.

Then, Kazutora suddenly exclaims, as though he's found the answer to life, "He never even said he forgave us!"

'Happy realization' Takemichi deadpans.

"Well, you kind of sort of did try to hit him with a wrench… so I don't know?"

Kazutora groans.

"No, you don't get it, Shinichiro might have forgiven us if you weren't involved, but with you at the center of all this no way he's going to let us off that easy!"

Takemichi just goes back to eating. It is the weekend, so they'll be heading to S.S Motors in a bit anyway.

And though Takemichi will never admit it, he wanted to see the punishment they would receive. They'd caused him enough problems in past time leaps. He wouldn't mind a little revenge.

.

.

.

.

When they get to the shop, to Kazutora's horror and Takemichi's extreme satisfaction, Baji is being hounded by Hinata and Kisaki. He also has a swollen lip and with the way Wakasa is having to restrain Mikey, Takemichi can guess whose handiwork that is. Draken is glaring daggers at Baji and Takeomi and Mitsuya are in the corner looking as done with everything as ever. Pah isn't visible so Takemichi guesses he must be stuck at school for remedial classes. Arashi, also known as 'bear-Nii', is outside the shop smoking.

Basically, it is chaotic in there and Takemichi can feel Kazutora stiffening up beside him.

Takemichi guesses the yelling is the reason and his gaze softens. He reaches out and grabs Kazutora's hand and looks up at him.

"It's alright Nii, I'm sure he'll forgive you."

Kazutora just gulps and nods.

"Just be prepared for a smack though, cause Mikey is looking a bit murderous there." He jokes.

Kazutora groans for what feels like the hundredth time today already.

.

.

"Ah look who has arrived! It is burglar number two!" Kisaki yells as soon as the two cross the threshold of the shop. His usual composure and poker face were nowhere to be found. It's easy to tell, he's quite upset.

Hinata isn't any better and starts glaring at Kazutora as soon as she lays eyes on him.

Mikey, who was just settling down starts struggling against Wakasa again to punch Kazutora.

Kazutora flinches and shrinks at the scrutinizing gazes.

Takeomi releases an exasperated sigh.

Mitsuya disregards Kazutora completely and makes a beeline for Takemichi, concern evident on his childlike face.

"Mitchy!"

All heads turn to Takemichi.

"Are you alright?"

"What you did was very reckless!"

"Are you hurt?"

"Takemitchy!"

A flood of voices invades Takemichi's ears, and he cringes.

"Alright! Give them some space!"

A loud voice rings out and they all turn to see Shinichiro standing there with his hands on his waist. Looking very similar to an angry mother but no one would dare point that out.

Shinichiro walks over to the newcomers and picks Takemichi up in his arms.

"Huh?"

"Shush," he says before walking over and plopping him down on the couch with a bunch of cushions and blankets.

'Ah, a comforting pile' Takemichi thinks. He notices everyone's concerned gazes.

He supposes what went down the previous day would traumatize a normal child, but the keyword here is 'normal' and Takemichi is anything but.

He is just happy that he prevented the very disaster that sets off a series of other disasters. He's successfully changed the timeline, from the very beginning. Now there will be no Bloody Halloween, No Mobeus fight, and no mastermind Machiavellian. There are still some things he needs to take care of, but he is sure that now that the worst of it is prevented, this timeline will be better.

Takemichi looks up from where he is buried under the blankets and makes eye contact with everyone before assuring them that he is fine.

"I'm okay, really," He says and flashes one of his signature smiles.

Shinichiro nods, satisfied with the answer for now, and turns his attention to the two troublemakers.

Kazutora looks at him, ready for his punishment and Baji still has his head lowered.

"Hinata, Kisaki, I think Michi needs you right now, yes?"

Mikey also seems to snap out of his rage and practically runs over to Takemichi to comfort him.

Baji had come in in the morning when everyone was already here and spilled everything even though Shinichiro told him not to. He was just terrified of what they had done and felt he needed to apologize to Mikey. Before he even finished Mikey could feel his anxiety rising. He kept reminding himself that his brother had come home yesterday. That he was still here. The others looked disappointed too, but all hell broke loose once he mentioned that Takemichi had been there. That he had cried, no, wailed and screamed. Sure, Takemichi was a cry-baby, but he never threw tantrums. For a kid like him to have a full-on panic attack…it didn't take a genius to figure out that he had been terrified.

Mikey had punched Baji then. Before he could finish recounting the events of last night. Mikey may have forgiven him if Takemichi wasn't involved but unfortunately for him and later Kazutora, Takemichi was involved and that meant that there was no way they would get away scot-free.

Mikey, Kisaki, and Hinata are on the couch with Takemichi with Draken sitting nearby. Takeomi and Arashi are in the corner and Wakasa is sitting beside Shinichiro. He was shaken too, Shinichiro could have been seriously hurt or worse. He was also extremely angry about Takemichi. Sure, that hadn't been anyone's fault and they couldn't have seen it coming but still. They were supposed to be adults, what the fuck were they doing getting saved by an 8-year-old child who was already in enough pain?

They were supposed to be responsible. They were supposed to teach the kids they had taken under their wing. They were supposed to protect them.

The adults in the room were angrier at themselves than the kids. Kazutora had problems, this they knew. Baji was hopelessly devoted to Mikey and so would do anything for his happiness. They should have seen the signs.

They were once again reminded of when they had discovered Takemichi's scars all those months ago.

They were ashamed.

"haaaaaaaa" Shinichiro sighs.

"Look, you two, I'm not angry at you. I get it, you were trying to make a friend happy, but do you realize how much damage you could've done yesterday?"

Baji and Kazutora are ashamed. They didn't have the best family situations so yes, sometimes they had shoplifted or done the old eat-and-run thing. They were delinquents after all. Burglary though? Never.

They realize that they can't use that excuse every time. They can't do things like this without thinking about the consequences.

Whenever they think about what they had done, Takemichi's crying face comes to mind. And doesn't that just break their hearts?

They were supposed to be protecting him. The kid was lonely and in pain and their problems paled in comparison to his and yet they were the ones being protected in the end. Takemichi was the one who smiled and never gave up.

"We know. I swear we understand. And I swear never to do anything without thinking of the consequences first." Kazutora's shaky voice cuts through the heavy silence.

Baji nods.

Wakasa is still angry, but his gaze softens.

Mikey looks like he has calmed down since he is busy squishing Takemichi. Draken is smiling at them while Hinata and Kisaki are sending Mikey dirty glares. Takemichi really looks okay so Shinichiro supposes a small punishment would be enough.

"Alright, I accept the apology"

Kazutora and Baji brighten at that.

Shinichiro smiles, "Now, for your punishment."

The brightness disappears.

.

.

.

.

.

.

At around 5 pm

"AGH! I've had enough of this!" Baji exclaims and throws the dirty rag down.

"Why the hell are these bikes so dirty?"

Kazutora deadpans and replies, "At least you didn't have to clean the walls and bathrooms" He shivers at the memories.

"How long have we been scrubbing?" He asks angrily.

"It's 5 pm, so I'm guessing around seven hours?" Kazutora answers, resuming his scrubbing of the walls, trying to get rid of a particularly stubborn stain.

"I can't feel my arms, fuck."

"Stop whining and finish the work already!" Kazutora yells, his patience running thin.

After two more hours, they are done cleaning the entire S.S motors.

Shinichiro comes in with Takemichi in his arms with the other children in tow.

"Alright, I think that's enough punishment. Whaddya say Micchi?" He looks at the kid in his arms.

Takemichi pretends like he is thinking seriously about whether this was enough punishment and looks down to see Kazutora and Baji's tear-filled, pleading eyes.

He has to say, he's enjoying this.

He giggles and decides to have mercy on them.

"Yep! I think it's enough Shin-Nii!" his giggling continues.

Kazutora and Baji collapse almost immediately.

Baji is huffing and Kazutora is sprawled on the floor breathing heavily.

"I swear I'm never stealing anything ever again. It's too much work" Baji scowls.

The others chuckle and Takemichi feels satisfied with the outcome.

He is still clinging onto the front of Shinichiro's shirt, and though he will never admit it, he is doing this to remind himself that he had succeeded. That Shinichiro was still alive, still here, still holding him.

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"Hey, Micchi?" Kazutora asks during dinner. (of course, at Takemichi's place.)

"hm?"

"I never did get to ask, where did you come from that time?"

"what?" Takemichi pauses and looks up.

"I mean when you stopped me from hitting Shin. What were you doing there?"

Takemichi stiffens up and his eyes start to shake. He didn't think he would be questioned about it but now that he thought about he had shown up at the perfect time. Too perfect.

Kazutora misunderstands the response however, he thinks that he probably shouldn't have broached this topic right now. Takemici needs time to recover.

"Wait, no, forget that it's not imp-"

"I was…" Takemichi cuts him off.

Kazutora waits patiently.

"I saw you and Kei-Kun going into the shop. I heard Shin-Nii's voice and ran in to tell him that it was just you and Baji when I saw you…with that wrench. I didn't really think about what I did next. I panicked." He explains.

It wasn't a lie, he had seen them and followed them, and he did panic when Kazutora walked up from behind with a wrench. This was an incident that he had not personally experienced before.

Takemichi looks down at his food again until he feels two arms wrap around him.

"I never did get to say sorry to you. I'm sorry you had to see me doing something like that. I promise… I swear I will never again do anything to hurt anyone."

'Just the thought of hurting you accidentally scares me. So much.' He doesn't say it out loud.

But Takemichi understands. He hugs back and buries his head in Kazutora's shoulder and sniffles.

"You better"

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It has been two weeks since the incident. Eventually, when Kazutora's mother heard of what had happened, she threw him out.

Takemichi didn't have to think twice before offering his place. Permanently.

Shinichiro and the others were also okay with it because it meant that Takemichi wouldn't be alone in his house anymore.

So, Kazutora moved into Takemichi's house.

Currently

Takemichi is walking past the neighborhood park when he sees an older boy, with bruises all over his face trying to console two other crying children.

The boy looks to be around 13 and the other two seem a bit younger.

Takemichi stops dead in his tracks when he realizes who they are.

'Oh…OH!'

He walks up slowly, hiding behind a tree nearby to hear their conversation.

"Why did you protect me?! Are you out of your mind?!" The girl cries out.

"Shhh, Yuzu calm down. I'm okay, see?"

"Shut the hell up! Okay, my ass! Why did you take the hit meant for me?" She yells, tears continuing to fall.

A younger boy is curled up in a ball and whimpering.

"Yuzuha…" The older boy starts when they hear something behind them.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't our dearest Taiju! What, got beaten up by your dad again?" An older boy, (probably around 16) taunts, accompanied by two other people.

'ugh, great' Takemichi thinks.

Another boy speaks up, "Get you and your wimpy ass siblings away from here, Taiju. This is our turf."

Taiju frowns and at the same time Takemichi is seething in anger behind the tree.

"Leave us alone, asshole."

'Oh that's not good' Takemichi internally cringes.

"Oho! Looks like the wimp's got a big mouth."

'Taiju is not in a condition to fight three high schoolers, fuck.'

The teenagers get closer to the three kids. Taiju is now standing protectively in front of his siblings and Yuzuha is behind him, on her knees, hugging her other brother tightly.

The leader of the group swings and Taiju steels himself, closing his eyes. He would protect his siblings, damn it!

However, the hit never lands. Taiju hears a loud smack but doesn't feel any pain. He opens his eyes to see one guy lying on the floor unconscious and a brick broken in two.

Taiju and Yuzuha can only stare. Their little brother looks up as well.

The other two teenagers also stare at the unconscious boy in front of them.

Out of nowhere, a shoe comes flying at another boy's face. He looks up in time and tries to block it but his wrist twists in a completely wrong direction and he screams.

Taiju and his siblings are still staring when Taiju notices a brick inside the shoe.

That guy's wrist is definitely broken.

The last boy, realizing he might be next just throws empty threats at Taiju, "Don't think this is over! We'll get you!"

And runs away with the other boy dragging his unconscious leader with them.

Taiju is still shocked but, in the absence of a threat, lets out a breath he didn't even know he was holding.

Yuzuha is still hugging her brother, her jaw almost touching the ground.

Her little brother speaks suddenly, "W-what just happened?"

"Taiju! Are you okay?" Yuzuha asks him, suddenly snapping out of whatever trance she was in.

Almost as if on cue, a boy walks up to the three of them.

They turn in unison to look at the boy approaching them.

It is a small boy, with pitch-black hair and clear blue eyes. He is wearing a white hoodie which is two sizes too big for him with black pants. He has a yellow flower clip in his hair and looks adorable, but one of his shoes is missing and Taiju instantly realizes that he is the one who threw the bricks.

The boy - seemingly too calm- coolly walks over and retrieves his shoe. He puts it on and turns toward the trio.

"Are you hiding?" he simply asks and Taiju nods before he can catch himself. Those blue eyes are so deep that you can't help but answer.

Yuzuha finally lets go of her brother and helps him stand up.

"Let me guess, family?" The stranger asks them.

He is a young boy, and they don't want to disclose their family situation to strangers. Especially not a kid.

Their silence, however, seems to answer his question and the boy laughs bitterly.

"I'm Hanagaki Takemichi." He introduces.

He saved them, so the least they can do is introduce themselves and that is exactly what they do. They introduce themselves and thank him for his help.

"I'm sorry, I overheard your conversation earlier."

Takemichi reveals and they realize that they can't hide it anymore.

"I won't pry into your business,"

'Is this how an eight-year-old speaks?!' is their collective thought.

"But please come with me. Those wounds will get infected if not treated." He says pointing at Taiju and Yuzuha.

They glance at each other and decide together. 'Fuck it'

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It may be weird how quickly they agreed to follow Takemichi to his house, but they were hurt, hungry, and barely standing. With their father still at home, they did not want to go back home tonight.

Once in the house

Taiju speaks up as they enter the house, "Pardon the intrusion…"

"Oh, that's not needed, there's no one here. Well, I have a friend living with me but he is at a gang meeting right now."

"Gang?" Yuzuha asks with curiosity.

None of them felt weird that Takemichi was alone and living with a friend because their own situation wasn't too different. They were, however, curious about this so-called gang.

"hm, ever heard of the Tokyo Manji Gang?"

"The new rising star in the delinquent world? Toman?" Hakkai, their youngest brother looks at Takemichi in awe.

"Yeah, that one! Tora-Nii, uh, my friend, is one of the founding members!" He exclaims proudly flashing a bright grin.

"Ho! That's really cool." Yuzuha exclaims.

They wish now that they had sunglasses to protect themselves from this bright ball of sunshine.

They make their way to the living room and Takemichi instantly pulls out a First-aid-kit from under the couch.

He takes care of Taiju's and Yuzuha's wounds and offers them all dinner and something to drink. Of course, they aren't going to say no. They've learned to accept every act of kindness they can.

They sit around the table and talk about everything they can think of, enjoying each other's company.

Taiju couldn't help but like this kid who looked like he couldn't hurt anyone but had still come running, throwing bricks at high schoolers to protect them. He had given them medicine and food and drinks. A place to hide too, which was all more than their own family had ever given them.

.

Eventually, Kazutora comes back and is surprised to see three strangers in the living room. (Is he really though?)

He can't help but sigh. This is exactly how he had brought him over to the house and made him stay.

He can tell from the injuries that they have problems either at home or school.

After getting to know them, his suspicions are proven correct and he sighs yet again when Takemichi offers them the spare bedroom of his house for the night and opens his doors to them for whenever they need to run away in the future.

Seriously, this kid was too good for this cruel world.

Soon, Takemichi had fallen asleep but the other kids had stayed up. Kazutora told them about Takemichi and his situation saying it was only fair for them to know since they had told him about his situation as well.

Taiju couldn't help but feel like an older brother. He could relate to Kazutora and the others he mentioned. That is how he felt every time he saw his father hit his little sister or little brother.

Kazutora promises to bring them to Shinichiro's shop the next day and introduce them. Maybe even let Hakkai and Taiju join their gang.

They spend the rest of the night just talking to each other and sharing their experiences. They were in similar situations after all. They couldn't help but be drawn to this little group they had created for themselves.

Maybe they have finally found a place where they belong.

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A few days later

Takemichi is walking back from school when he passes the neighborhood playground.

He stops in his tracks when he hears sobbing and shouts from the park.

He turns to see a bruised and beaten blue-haired boy crying on the ground while three high schoolers tower over him, laughing disgustingly.

'Damn it! Is this playground the bullying center of this neighborhood or something?!' He shouts in his mind.

He hides behind the tree again and takes a glance at the faces of the bullies.

'They are the same shmucks from last time!'

When he makes this observation, a brilliant idea crosses his mind.

He takes off one of his shoes, stuffs a brick in it, and aims for one of the high schoolers' legs.

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The bullies stare at the shoe. Memories of last time come rushing back and before they realize it, they are running away.

The blue-haired boy looks around confused and spots a young boy (probably younger than him) with black hair and round flushed cheeks walking toward him.

He stops crying from shock and just stares up at the young boy who is now standing over him.

He sits down in front of him.

The blue-haired boy can't look away from the seemingly depthless blue eyes in front of him. They look so deep for someone so young. He is mesmerized. They look like crystals.

"Hey!" He says and beams.

The boy's voice is caught in his throat. How can someone be so bright yet so sad?

The blue-haired boy doesn't know what it is about the black-haired boy that makes him sad, but there is unmistakably a sad aura surrounding him.

Before he can introduce himself, he hears his brother shout.

"Souya!"

"So you're Souya!" The kid in front of him says and he can only nod.

"Is that you brother? He looks exactly like you! Twins?" He nods again.

His brother approaches them and sends a wary glance towards the black-haired kid. He then helps his brother up and turns to the kid.

"What happened to him?" Anger was evident in his voice but his signature smile was on his face.

The black-haired kid isn't intimidated, however. He just smiles gently and replies to his brother, "Some punks were beating up your brother so I threw a brick at them! See?!" He exclaims proudly and shows him the shoe with the brick inside.

It takes them by surprise but after a second they double over in laughter.

"hahaha, I see!" His brother barely gets two words out amidst his laughter.

Souya is laughing too. Who wouldn't? A child had just thrown a brick at a bunch of high schoolers and was proudly declaring them as punks. There probably wasn't a more adorable sight on this planet. At least for his violent brother.

"I'm Nahoya!" He says with a smile, earlier anger all but gone.

"Hanagaki Takemichi!" He introduces and beams.

It was a million dollar smile.

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They were somehow persuaded by the kid to get first aid at his house.

Nahoya usually doesn't listen to strangers as he is very overprotective of his younger twin Souya, but this is different somehow.

He can't help but be drawn in by the blinding light of hope and smiles, that is Takemichi.

When they enter the house they are greeted by a boy, close to their age, who has yellow highlights in his hair and a tiger tattoo on his neck.

The way he sighs and says, "Picked up more strays, micchi?"

Tells them that this is not the first time this has happened and they aren't the first ones to witness the shiny little fluffball's adorableness.

They later find out that they had been right. In fact, the boy, Kazutora, himself had been in their position a few months ago. He tells them how they are now under Takemichi's protection and how even if they wanted to escape, they wouldn't be able to.

They didn't want to anyway. Takemichi's kindness felt nice. His hands were gentle when they applied the medicine. His food was delicious and his hugs were warm.

They wanted to keep feeling this warmth.

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"You want to come to the orphanage with me?"

"Yes!"

Shinichiro stares incredulously at Takemichi.

"Why?" He can't help but ask.

Takemichi's excitement dims and his smile turns into a frown.

"My childhood friend Kakucho… got sent to the orphanage and we lost contact…"

Shinichiro's heartaches.

The one friend he had, had been taken from him.

He sighs.

"Alright then. You can come with me. I'll introduce you to Izana."

"Your brother?" He tilts his head sideways curiously.

Shinichiro chuckles, "yes, my brother."

"Okay!" Takemichi smiles one of his signature smiles.

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The next day

Izana is excited. His older brother is coming to visit him today.

His days in the orphanage aren't too happy but he has his friend Kakucho and his older brother Shinichiro. He doesn't need anyone else.

He wants to leave this place, but he is patient. His brother had told him that he'll come or him.

He will believe in Shinichiro.

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When Izana greets his brother, he notices a small figure hiding behind him.

The first thing he notices is the boy's deep blue eyes. They are so beautiful that for a second Izana forgets how to breathe. He feels like time has stopped as he stares at the black-haired, blue-eyed boy. He has round, flushed cheeks and just looks so small and fragile that Izana feels the sudden urge to hug him and never let go.

He is brought back to his senses by Kakucho's shout.

"Takemichi!"

He runs up to him and hugs him. Izana feels a fit of unexplainable jealousy.

He looks up at his brother to see him looking at him with knowing eyes and a smirk on his face.

Izana flushes.

He looks back at the two, apparent friends, chatting happily.

Izana swears his heart flutters at the smile that Takemichi gives him when they make eye contact.

He is introduced as Takemichi. Shinichiro tells him many stories while Kakucho and Takemichi chat, catching up.

Perhaps Izana should feel jealous that this little boy is taking away his friend and older brother, but he doesn't. He wants to join in. He wants to be taken away by the warmth and feel safe. He wants to hug the boy and protect him, and he doesn't even understand why.

The kid's smile reminds him of his mother. The warmth that the child carries in just his smile, reminds him of a home. Yet, the sadness that his aura carries reminds him of himself. The depthless eyes, that do not belong to a child but belong to him, remind him of a world of sorrow, much like his own, but there is a determination there.

As he hears the stories from his brother, and stares at Takemichi, he can feel his adoration growing.

He had saved his brother.

He had saved others.

Could he too be saved by this warm person?

Could he too be part of his little family? Be welcomed with warm food and a bright smile? Be comforted on bad days? Be scolded for being reckless? Be loved?

He doesn't know, but he wants to try.

Notes:

Another main event next chapter! Can you guess what it is?

Chapter 10: He Who Hides Behind Smiles

Summary:

Takemichi manages to save someone new, but at a cost. He can no longer hide. What will he do now?

Notes:

WARNING! This chapter contains graphic descriptions of: FIRE, WOUNDS, BURNS.

Au Info: Inupi- 12, Akane- 15, Koko- 12. Others are the same. Takemichi is still 8 (I changed his birthday) (This takes place in September)

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

There's smoke.

Wherever he looks there is smoke. There is no time. He has to get out. He has to get his friend out. What about her?

He puts his friend on his back and runs as burning debris starts falling around him.

What about her? Where is she?

He can feel his eyes stinging but he ignores it. His lungs feel like they are burning but he keeps looking forward and keeps moving.

He was moving, wasn't he?

A voice in the back of his head traitorously whispers in his mind. He ignores it. He has to save him. He has to save his friend.

Why was he leaving her? Why wasn't he saving her too?

He makes it out in time to see people standing around just watching

He can hear the cacophony of sirens. He can see firefighters arriving. It feels like time has slowed down as he hears yet another piece of burning debris falling behind him.

He looks around.

Where is she? Didn't they save her? Why aren't they moving?

He grits his teeth and drags his friend over to the ambulance. He sees medics rushing out and running towards them.

Feelings of dread, for her and relief, for his friend fill his heart and he can no longer stand.

He is too confused and worried and terrified to see a blur of something pass by him.

He is too out of it now to notice his surroundings. His clothes are charred and torn in different places. His face is dark grey from the ash and his lungs are on fire from the smoke he has inhaled.

He starts coughing as the medics finally make it to them with stretchers.

He hears someone asking something, or at least he thinks so.

" Hey kid! Is anyone else still inside?"

He whispers an answer, to whoever might be listening, before passing out.

"Akane…"

' Someone, please, save her'

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Takemichi is sitting on the roof in front of his room's window and just staring at nothing.

He can't help but think he is forgetting something.

His memory gets hazier and hazier as the days go by and by now, he barely remembers the early stuff from his early jumps. All the experiences are getting mixed up in his head and he is not happy about it. He is content with his life right now.

Isn't he?

He has prevented so many horrible things already. He should be able to relax now except… he can't.

He constantly feels like there is something he is forgetting.

Something major.

Something that should have happened by now.

Is he just being paranoid? Perhaps.

Today was peaceful. His neighborhood is peaceful. No crimes. No bullying in recent weeks. No fights.

So why is he feeling this way?

He doesn't like it. He feels like something big is about to happen.

Takemichi woke up like any other day and went downstairs to make breakfast. Kazutora was already up and about. Takemichi made breakfast like always and sent Kazutora off to school. The feeling of dread started there. He felt eerie standing at the doorway and his eyes subconsciously went to the houses around him.

A few hours later, the dread started getting stronger. It felt like he was being suffocated. He decided to skip school. He opened his window and sat down on the roof. He tried to wrack his brain for something. Anything. He even checked the notes he had written when he had first jumped back to this timeline, but he could find nothing.

What was he missing? What was he forgetting?

He is still pondering this question now. It has been an hour.

Maybe he is just paranoid.

He turns around to go back in when he sees it.

He sees dark grey smoke rising from one of the neighborhood houses.

And almost as if to mock him, an image of Inui Seishu and his scarred face flashes across Takemichi's eyes.

His limbs move on their own and before he can realize what he is doing, he is running through the streets and alleyways trying to get closer to the burning house.

How could he forget something like this?

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He finally makes it to the Inui household breathing heavily.

He sees adults surrounding the house, whispering to each other and just watching.

Why isn't anyone helping?

He looks around and sees an ambulance arriving along with a police car. The sirens were loud and the mixture caught everyone's attention.

A fire truck can be seen in the distance.

Takemichi turns around and watches the burning house in horror.

This isn't like the times he was dealing with bullies to save his friends or even the time he had thrown himself onto Kazutora to save Shin.

What could he, as a child do in the face of a fire?

He didn't care much for his life. He was willing to give it up for others. That was his mentality, no matter how unhealthy… But this? This wasn't like those times. Other lives were depending on him. One wrong move and the person he was trying to save could die and he had too much of that on his conscience already. He didn't know if he could watch yet another person die in front of him… because of him. Someone he could have saved.

Takemichi looks around in disbelief. The people aren't moving. The firefighters have also stopped moving.

'what the hell are they doing?'

The fighters look at the house and someone shouts something that Takemichi is too far away to hear.

They are looking for a way in He realizes and his blood boils.

They are supposed to put their lives on the line. Especially when they know there are people inside. Not doing whatever they are now.

They were stalling…They were fucking stalling.

Takemichi looks at the entrance of the house and sees a boy with long, black hair with white highlights walking out of the house with a grey face and torn clothes.

On his back is a blonde boy with a red and grey face, bleeding and unconscious.

Takemichi looks around to see the people frozen still. No one moves until the medics from the Ambulance start running over to the two boys with stretchers and medkits.

Takemichi starts running.

He faintly hears people calling for him and hands trying to grab him, but he runs. He pours water on himself from the fire truck and darts back to the house.

He sees the black-haired boy's teary eyes and hears a muttered 'Akane' as he enters the burning house.

As soon as he walks in, he is hit with a wave of heat and smoke. He starts coughing as his eyes start watering. All he can see is grey and orange and red and it is terrifying.

He steels his nerves and walks in further. Parts of the roof and walls are falling. The doors are open and Takemichi shudders at the sight of the walls of fire inside.

He keeps going in further.

She had to be in there somewhere.

His lungs feel like they are burning, and he can feel tears rolling down his face. Parts of his clothes start drying out as the water evaporates and his palms start sweating.

It is hotand it is scary, but he keeps moving.

Then, as he is about to go into one of the rooms, he hears quiet whimpers and coughs.

He tries to track it down.

The heat is becoming unbearable, and he feels his exposed legs and arms starting to burn.

He finally enters one of the rooms that must have been a bedroom. There is a blonde girl on the ground with a beam on top of her trapping her there. Her legs look broken or sprained. She is unconscious.

Takemichi hopes he isn't too late as he tries to pry the beam off of the girl. His hands start to burn and sweat drips down his face.

Parts of his clothes are starting to burn off and his lungs are screeching for him to get out of the smoke. His otherwise black hair has turned grey.

The beam starts moving eventually and Takemichi feels like crying with relief, but he doesn't.

He pushes the beam off with his entire body and doesn't wait to catch his breath. He pulls the girl on his back and drags his feet forwards as he tries not to fall under her weight. The girl is much older and taller than him, but he holds on.

He trudges through the debris, avoiding the scorching flames, and exits through the entrance.

His eyes start to get blurry and his breaths become heavy, his body eagerly taking in the fresh air. His steps slow down and he wants to pass out, but he wills himself not to.

Not now.

Not yet.

He drags himself forward and stops at what he deems to be a safe enough distance from the blazing house behind him.

He can see the medics running to him and the adults staring at him with various reactions which consist mostly of concern, shock, and shame.

He gently lowers the girl onto the grass and flops down next to her.

His chest rises and falls rapidly as he coughs, and his limbs burn.

His vision is starting to darken and before he blacks out, he has a single thought.

'I hope the burns don't scar…'

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Kazutora looks at his phone screen which was displaying Takemichi's number as he walks out of the school grounds.

Takemichi never calls him, so Kazutora is confused at first but tries not to panic.

He doesn't panic when he picks up the phone.

He doesn't panic when the voice on the other side isn't Takemichi's.

He tries not to panic when the voice says they are calling from the hospital.

Takemichi is in the hospital…

He panics.

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Draken and Mikey were out buying Dorayaki.

They imagined they would be heading to Takemichi's house in a bit.

They imagined they would spend time with their friends.

Have a Toman meeting.

Maybe fight someone.

Play games.

Until they received a frantic call from Kazutora.

They did not imagine they would be rushing to the hospital.

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Angry and Smiley or Souya and Nahoya were walking out of school.

They thought they would head to the shrine.

They thought they would go to Takemichi's house to have dinner.

They thought they would tease him.

They did not think that they would soon be running to the hospital.

Souya with tears in his eyes and Nahoya without his usual smile.

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Shinichiro and the gang were hanging out at S.S Motors as usual.

Kisaki and Hinata were there too.

They were wondering when Takemichi and Kazutora would arrive.

They wondered if Takemichi would cook for them.

The atmosphere was pleasant and peaceful.

Until it wasn't.

One call.

One call from a sobbing and frantic Kazutora is all it took for that atmosphere to crack.

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When Taiju woke up this morning, he made breakfast and fed his siblings.

The day before, they had had to deal with a particularly bad episode of drunken abuse from their father so he had let them stay at home for the day.

His father was gone and he thought they were done for the day.

They weren't.

Merely a few hours later Taiju, along with his siblings was on his bike and off to the address given by Kazutora.

He had to see for himself.

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Baji, Mitsuya and Pah-chin.

They were riding through the streets, headed for the shrine when Mitsuya stops and picks up his phone.

Before any of them can process what is happening, they were racing to the hospital.

Because what the fuck.

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Izana and Kakucho had been brought to the Sano household for the week while they sorted out the adoption papers.

Shinichiro being an adult had decided to adopt Kakucho and Izana was being adopted by Grandpa Sano into the Sano family.

They were sitting in the living room when they heard Shinichiro's voice.

They ran up to him to greet him only to be greeted by two sobbing children, a teary-eyed adult, two adults with scowls on their faces, and Shinichiro himself looking seconds from breaking down.

They are confused until they hear something they wish they could forget.

"Takemichi is in the hospital"

Time stops.

Kakucho is dazed and Izana doesn't know what face he is making as they are whisked away into a car by Grandpa Sano along with the two other kids who are still sobbing.

Shinichiro and the other adults follow them on their bikes.

Izana feels something roll down his cheeks and falls on his hand and he is surprised (or is he) to see tears.

The tears continue falling. The car is quiet save for the sobs of the now three other children.

Izana's brain finally processes the statement that had left Shinichiro's mouth almost five minutes ago now.

He is frozen.

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The atmosphere in the waiting room feels suffocating.

There aren't any other people around as they are in a private waiting room.

A nurse glances at the occupants of the room in concern.

They have been here for two hours already, and no doctor has come to see them yet.

They have been offered water and food, but no one can eat.

Kazutora has been loudly sobbing the whole time, his face buried into Baji's chest with Mitsuya rubbing his back.

Souya's face is also buried into his brother's shoulder as they try to find comfort in each other's company.

Taiju is comforting his siblings while looking at the others in the room. Especially Shinichiro and the other adults.

Mikey is sitting in a corner, staring dazedly at nothing. There are trails of tears on his face but his eyes are dry right now.

Draken is glancing at Mikey and Shinichiro in concern every once in a while.

Pah chin is asleep. He had freaked out quite a bit when they had first arrived though.

Wakasa has a blank face. Completely blank.

Too blank. He's in shock.

Shinichiro has his face in his hands and his shoulders are shaking while Takeomi has his hand around him as a form of comfort.

Hinata and Kisaki are hugging each other in another corner of the room, completely closed off and in their world. Hinata seems like she is whispering something to the crying Kisaki.

Izana and Kakucho are in another corner of the room looking lost and sad and just so terrified.

Everyone is so shocked and dazed that they nearly fall off their chairs when they hear someone enter.

It is a doctor.

"Are you here for Hanagaki Takemichi?" He asks, almost shocked at the number of people present for a single child.

"Yes!" Shinichiro jumps out of his chair, staring expectantly at the doctor.

The doctor has a clipboard in his hand as he walks forward and stands in front of the entire room, realizing that everyone will want to hear what he is about to say.

Everyone is quiet, waiting for the doctor to continue.

"You can be rest assured that he is out of danger now. However, he does have some severe burns from the incident, some of which might scar."

They all sigh in relief.

He then looks at Shinichiro, "Are you his guardian?"

"I am. His parents aren't in the picture. He is a neglected child and he was a curious child who took an interest in my Bike shop so we have been taking care of him since." Shinichiro answers before the inevitable question of Takemichi's parents can make its way out of the doctor's mouth.

The doctor nods in understanding before his face turns odd as he reads over his clipboard one more time.

He looks up and the next question makes everyone's blood cold.

"Was he abused?"

"What?" Shinichiro asks in disbelief.

Takeomi speaks up from beside Shinichiro, "Is this about the scars on his hands?"

The doctor frowns.

"It seems you are not aware."

This time Wakasa speaks up, "Aware of what?"

They don't like where this is going.

"Takemichi…" He trails off, not sure how to ease the guardians of the child into this news.

The doctors and nurses were horrified when they stripped the child to determine the extent of damage caused by the fire. A student doctor, present in the room at the time even threw up at the sight of the child. This was an eight-year-old. Who could have done this?

When the doctor had walked in, he was initially suspicious of these gangster/delinquent looking people, but seeing the genuine concern, shock, and tears, he concluded that it must be the parents or someone else. Never in his life had he seen a child with wounds and scars like that.

"Ehem" He composes himself. He feels his heartbreak at the thought of the reactions of these people that seem to love the kid. However, this is his job. He must do this.

"The scars on his hands are not the only ones on his body."

He watches as the expressions of each person in the room turns from one of concern and confusion to one of absolute horror. The doctor feels like he is drowning but he wills himself to continue. These people deserved to know.

"He has multiple scars on his body, including…" he takes a deep breath before continuing, "three bullet wounds on his chest, one near his hip, and one on his foot. Furthermore, he has stab wounds and knife scars on both sides of his torso, one on each hand, and numerous cuts on his arms and legs. They were covered mostly by makeup. Finally, he has multiple burns on his body. Old ones, not from this incident. I am a doctor that deals with children and those cuts and bruises are a result of repeated assaults."

The others are too shocked to say anything.

More scars?

Cuts?

Burns?

Bruises?

Bullet wounds?!

Shinichiro's head snaps up and meets the doctor's gentle and understanding eyes, "wait, did you say bullet wounds? And five of them?"

The doctor sighs. "Yes."

Shinichiro is frozen in his spot.

His ears start ringing. How had he not known? Why had he never checked? He had seen some cuts on his arms before, had seen the scars, and yet he had never cared enough to ask or check.

A vision of Takemichi smiling brightly and calling him 'Shin-Nii!' flashes across his eyes. Then he remembers all the times his smile had disappeared. The times he had seemed tired, exhausted. The times he had looked at Takemichi and found an old soul behind those young eyes. The time he had wailed and bawled in Shinichiro's chest because he was scared. He realizes now that he was never scared for himself or of Kazutora, he was scared for him.

All heads turn to look at him when Shinichiro barks out a laugh. There is no humor, no sadness, no bitterness. It is a laugh of just pure disbelief.

He looks up and Takeomi and notices the scowl on his face. He turns to look at everyone's shocked and sad faces.

He looks at Wakasa, then Arashi, then back at Takeomi, and asks just one question.

"How did we never notice?" as the tears start falling.

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Takemichi wakes up to a white ceiling and the smell of chemicals in his nose.

He tries to move and cringes at the pain that shoots through his body.

His mind starts clearing as he remembers what had happened.

'Right, the fire'

He turns his head to see Shinichiro and Kazutora on either side of the bed with each of his hands in theirs. He sees Mikey on a chair in front of his bed along with Kisaki and Hinata. Mitsuya and Draken are sleeping against the far wall of the room while Baji and Pah chin are on the couch. He can see through the glass in his room and notices Taiju, Yuzuha, and Hakkai standing outside. Souya and Nahoya are also there, but asleep. He can't see Wakasa, Takeomi, and Arashi anywhere and decides they must be up and about somewhere.

"Takemichi!"

Takemichi turns just in time to see Kazutora running over and shaking Shinichiro.

"Takemichi you're awake! Are you okay? Does anything hurt? Wait, I should probably call a nurse." He runs out of the room to get a nurse and doctor.

The others start waking up at Kazutora's shouts.

"Micchi…" Shinichiro hesitates.

"Hey, Shin-Nii," Takemichi says and smiles one of his signature smiles.

Tears start falling as he hugs Takemichi and holds onto him for dear life.

Almost as if he would disappear if he let go

"Takemitchy!"

"Mitchy!"

"Takemichi!"

"Take-Kun!"

Multiple voices speak up and soon Takemichi's room is filled with people crying or smiling with relief.

Hinata and Kisaki run in, practically tripping over each other, and stop beside Takemichi's bed.

They gently get into his bed from both sides and hug him.

They weren't going to let go. Never again

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After examinations are done, many people leave as visiting hours come to an end, but the doctors allow Shinichiro, Kisaki, Hinata, Izana, and Kakucho to stay. Only because Shinichiro was his guardian and the other four refused to budge.

Takemichi feels drowsy when he hears some people enter his room.

It is the two boys from before.

The black haired-boy with white highlights speaks first as the blonde boy bows so low, his head could be touching the ground.

"T-Thank you! Thank you for saving Akane…"

Takemichi is at a loss for what to do.

"You're welcome! So please! Stop bowing…"

The blonde boy looks up and stares at Takemichi with so much gratefulness and adoration that Takemichi feels his heart swell.

"Is she okay?"

The blonde answers, "She is alright. She has a lot of burns and a broken leg but she survived." The boy had a bandage wrapped around his head.

"My name is Hanagaki Takemichi! Nice to meet you and I'm glad she is okay! What about you…are you alright?" He beams. He really is glad that she survived and is okay. He has prevented yet another major accident and he couldn't be happier.

The other two boys however are in awe of this small boy. Injured, burned, in worse shape than them, and still worries about them. How can someone be this angelic?

Shinichiro flashes a knowing smirk towards Hinata and Kisaki as he watches the scene in front of him with pride.

"I'm Kokonoi," The black-haired boy says.

"I'm Seishu. Thank you again for saving my sister, Akane."

"It's alright. I'm really really happy she's okay." He smiles gently.

The two stay to chat for a little longer before they are sent away to their rooms to rest by the nurses.

A nurse walks in to give Takemichi his medicine and wishes him goodnight.

Kisaki and Hinata climb into his bed again. Izana and Kakucho take the couch and Shinichiro just settles for the slightly uncomfortable chair in front of his bed.

He didn't need comfort to keep Takemichi company.

He strokes Takemichi's hair until he falls asleep and Shinichiro watches him with a soft smile on his face before falling asleep himself.

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Takemichi however, was unaware that his mask had been seen through. His secrets had been revealed, or well, some had been revealed. He would no longer be able to hide behind a smile come tomorrow.

Takemichi went to sleep happy and content, unaware of the storm that would come the next day.

Notes:

Comment who else you want me to introduce into the story. (I am not planning on introducing Senju.) Open to ideas.

After this, the story goes into Angst/Fluff/Slice of life.

Comment if you want more major events. I will try to write it if I find it matches the story I have in my outlines! ~\(≧▽≦)/~

Chapter 11: Scars Are Reminders

Summary:

Takemichi never lets his thoughts wander...but what happens when he finally reminisces?

Notes:

Here is the long-awaited scar reaction and angst chapter that you've been waiting for!

I don't think I need t tell y'all but MAJOR ANGST THIS CHAPTER. (MENTIONS OF SELF HARM)

Also, this chapter is a little anti-Mikey because I read the latest chapters of Tokyo Revengers and I'm mad.

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Takemichi stares up at ceiling of his hospital room.

He had noticed his friends walking on eggshells around him all day. He isn't stupid, he knows. He knows that the doctors must have seen his scars and told the others. An 8-year-old isn't supposed to have scars like his after all.

After the first time he discovered his scars, he has not once let his mind wander in the direction of the past. Not once had he let his mind reminisce about the origin of the scars. He just hid his scars and pushed aside his feelings because that was not what he needed. He couldn't sit and brood or sulk or cry.

Now, however, in this empty, white room, with nothing but his sleeping friends, the smell of chemicals, and the darkness to keep him company, he finds his thoughts wandering. And for once, he doesn't try to stop it.

He knows that once the visiting hours start, he would either be bombarded with questions or be forced to sit through awkward conversations trying to dance around the real question.

His hand reaches up towards the ceiling and he stares at the now bandaged up arm.

Another burn. Another scar.

When does it stop?

Sometimes Takemichi wondered if all this was worth it. He always convinced himself that it was. That their smiles were enough to keep him going but was it? How could he save people who never want to be saved?

He wondered, if his scars appearing in every jump, was the universe's way of mocking him. Were they a reminder of how much he had failed? How much he had suffered? Or proof that his "friends" never did care for him as he did them?

"Take care of Mikey"

"I leave Toman to you"

"Help me bring Baji-San back"

"Goodbye, my hero"

"Save Hina"

Isn't that all he was ever told? To save someone else? To help others? To protect at the cost of himself?

Takemichi may be a crybaby but he wasn't blind. He could see Chifuyu becoming his partner because of desperation to bring Baji-San back. He could see the looks of doubt on the Toman members' faces when he joined. He could see the annoyed or amused expressions on people's faces when he cried, sometimes, seemingly for no reason.

He had ignored them all of course. He was used to the gazes. Used to the criticism. He just wanted to protect his loved ones. His friends.

But, where did that get him? Stabbed, burned, shot, beaten black and blue? And yet, the last words he heard were always for someone else. They always wanted him to protect someone else. Never himself. Was he even worth saving? He supposed not.

Most scars on his body were from others but he remembers one timeline where he had given up and hurt himself. The scars from that blade are still there on his arms. The fine line around his throat that no one had noticed because of makeup was a rope mark, he remembers. He had failed in that timeline, and everything had gone to hell. So, he had done the only thing he thought he could.

Takemichi reminisces sometimes. About simpler times. The good memories. Never the bad ones. There were too many of those and if he started thinking about the bad times, he would probably never stop.

He had given every piece of himself to others. To Mikey. And yet, it still wasn't enough. It was never enough.

Certain days Takemichi can't even recognize the others. Sure, they were Mikey, Draken, or Baji but they weren't his Mikey or Draken or Baji. This Mikey wasn't the one who had protected him- "starting today you are my bitch"- This wasn't the same Draken that had fought with Mikey over him- "He's MY friend!"- This wasn't the same Baji who had punched him. This wasn't the same Mitsuya who had an exasperated but fond look when he was put in his division. They were a version of his friends, sure, but they weren't HIS.

Certain days, Takemichi can't face them. He sees the Kazutora that had stabbed him. The Baji that had died. The Mikey that had beat him to death. The Mikey that had shot him. The Draken that had protected him. He puts those feelings aside though. His feelings didn't matter. They seldom did.

Thoughts of his dead friends cross his mind. Their faces flash in front of his eyes.

He was never close with any of his friends in previous timelines he realises suddenly.

The Kawata twins had just treated him as a fellow Toman member with less than or equal respect they gave others. Baji never knew him. Chifuyu knew him in one timeline, but he wonders how much of that was genuine interest in him. His friendship with Kazutora had been fake. Hakkai was always more grateful to Mitsuya for solving his problems. Taiju hated him. Hina had loved him at one time. Long ago. Too long ago for Takemichi to remember what it felt like. He had never known the founding members of Black Dragons. Never even met them. The Mizo Middle school squad were the only friends he had and they had grown apart as Takemichi got more and more tangled up in gangs. Kakucho, his childhood friend? He had chosen his path alongside Izana. Kisaki had hated him but he had loved him. Over the timelines, as Takemichi got to know about Kisaki, he had grown attached to the boy and when he had died in front of him? He had been frozen still.

And Mikey. Takemichi doesn't know what to make of him. He was someone who had treated him like a friend, given him security, made him feel happy but then punched him, killed him, shot him. He would keep jumping back to save someone else and Mikey. He had truly loved Mikey. Perhaps more than Hinata even. When Mikey would lose it and kill him or punch him or shoot him, he would realize, that he never meant anything to Mikey in the end. Just another obstacle he would tear down to avenge his other friends. A 'bitch' was all he was to the boy and he had mistaken it for friendship.

He thinks about the timelines where he is dead, but Mikey is alive. He wonders if Mikey ever cried for him. If anyone ever held a funeral for him. If his friends ever attended. If anyone ever thought of him as anything more than a crybaby.

He was called 'crybaby hero' but did anyone ever think of him as a hero? Or was he just the annoying crybaby that Mikey found amusing (like a toy) and thus he was kept around? He doesn't know.

"Take care of yourself more" They had said.

This timeline had brought him old faces in the form of new friends and he didn't know if he was grateful for it.

Take care of himself? Does he even remember how to?

Is he even allowed to rest?

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Black Dragons

They could only stare dumbly at the pictures of the scars that the doctor had shown. How had they never noticed? Why had they never checked?

They knew he had scars on his arms. They had seen his hands and arms. Had they just not cared enough? or were they that easily fooled by the fake smile of an eight-year-old?

Arashi has tears running down his face.

He had thought that Takemichi must have other scars sure, but he would have never imagined gunshot wounds, rope wounds, or stab wounds. Now that he knows, he feels stupid. Of course, there could be more. He had seen the scars on his palm. Shinichiro had said that they were from knives. Why had he let it go?

Wakasa's face is blank. More blank than anyone has ever seen before.

He was the first one to have noticed the scars. He was the one who would give him first aid when needed. He always had suspicions about the scars on his arms. He had wondered if they were self-inflicted but the tears in the small boy's eyes had made him shut up. But, rope marks? Gunshots? He doesn't know what to think.

Takeomi has a nasty scowl on his face.

Was Takemichi really just a neglected child? He feels stupid. Of course, he would never tell them if that was not all. Kazutora had taken 2 years to finally open up to them. Takemichi was much younger and they had known him for a few months only.

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Kisaki and Hinata

Hinata is hugging a sobbing Kisaki.

Kisaki usually has a poker face or a scowl. Hinata had never seen him cry. Today? He was bawling. Hinata herself was crying but Kisaki needed physical comfort.

They had been there when his scars had been discovered. They had hugged him when he cried. The scars were the reason they had decided to protect him with all they had. Why she started learning martial arts. They would never have expected something like this though. She had winced when they saw the scars that decorated Takemichi's tiny body. Why does someone as young and sweet as him need to suffer so much?

The first time they had met, Kisaki hadn't liked Takemichi. The first few minutes while running, he had seen how Hinata had looked at him and he was jealous. Why did someone like him get her attention? Why did he get to have loved when he was ignored even by his parents? Then, he had stopped running. He had asked why he intervened - 'They were about to hurt you?' – he had answered in the most isn't-it-obvious tone Kisaki had ever heard. He had realized that he was saving both of them, but he had still been wary. Then, he was there when his scars were discovered. All doubt had left him at that moment and he had decided that he would use his "genius brain" as others called it, to be a brilliant strategist if he couldn't fight. He would protect him. But had he failed? Weren't they friends? So why had Takemichi hidden this from them?

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Kazutora

Kazutora could only blankly stare at the doctor.

He lived with Takemichi. He would have breakfast every morning. He was saved by him. He knew about his scars. Why hadn't he ever thought of asking him if he was hiding anything? He was from an abusive household. He knew what the signs were. Why had he never cared enough? Wasn't he a failure as a brother?

It hits him suddenly that he knows nothing about Takemichi. Something warm falls on his hand and he touches his face to feel tears.

When had he started crying?

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Draken and Mikey

Draken has to hold back Mikey. Mikey looks murderous.

Who would shoot an eight year old? And why?

Who would dare hurt Takemitchy? Why hadn't he said anything?

Mikey stops struggling.

Did he not trust them? Were they not friends? Did their friendship mean nothing? Or was he scared? Why had he never actually had a conversation with Takemichi? Why did he only fool around? Toman had failed to protect Takemichi as they had promised. Was it his fault?

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Baji and Mitsuya

Baji is hugging a distressed Mitsuya, unshed tears glistening in his eyes.

Mitsuya can only stare at the pictures wide-eyed. He sees his little sisters when he looks at the scars on the small body and doubles over puking his guts out. He can't handle it.

Baji keeps supporting him while a nurse comes in with a mop and a sick bag. She is kind and offers some words of comfort that they are too dazed to register and hands Mitsuya the sick bag. He looks back at the pictures and almost pukes again.

Why? Why had he never seen it? Takemichi had clearly been hiding something. Why had he failed?

Baji remembers the first time he met the raven-haired boy with the bluest eyes he had ever seen. The smile of his had been enough to make him pause and all his anger and hunger was forgotten. The tiny boy was kind and offered him some snacks and a juice box. He had had those snacks before but somehow that juice had tasted sweeter that day. He had been the second person to swear that he would be Takemichi's brother after Kazutora. They were practically inseparable. So, how had it come to this? Why had he never noticed? He had thought that the little boy was truly happy but was that really the case? He knows about Kazutora's life. Had seen what it had done to him. So why did he ever think that Takemichi who was younger and weaker and kinder would be any less affected? He smiled, and Baji believed him

Baji and Mitsuya. Weren't they both failures as older brothers?

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Pah-chin

Pah-chin had come running over from school and now is standing in front of his crying friends with no idea how to comfort them. Heck, his mind isn't even working.

Takemichi, that happy-go-lucky kid who had become his good friend. The million-dollar smile and cute gestures. The sharing of juice and complaining about school. They should've been doing something like that now. Instead, he was here. Staring at scars on Takemichi's body. Scars that he had seen on Wakasa or some other especially wild gangs. They had formed Toman on the one goal of keeping Takemichi safe and taking over Tokyo for him. Everything they did was for him. They kept him out of the gang and its matters because they wanted to protect him. So what was happening? Gunshot wounds? Stab wounds? Bruises? Burns? Cuts? Why Takemichi? Why the kind and happy kid who did nothing but smile and cry? Why that beautiful soul that is neglected?

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Kawata Twins

Nahoya's signature smile is gone. Souya's signature scowl is gone.

Nahoya has a scowl on his face while Souya is openly sobbing in his brother's chest.

Nahoya clenches his teeth and wills himself not to cry. Not now. Not when his brother needs him. Not when Takemichi needs him.

Souya remembers the brick-filled shoe that came flying on his bullies' faces. He had laughed when he saw the culprit was a small boy, barely tall enough to reach a door handle. The boy had a dazzling smile and it seemed like all his worries were forgotten. Is wounds didn't even hurt. His smile was that amazing. Why was that amazing boy in a hospital bed fighting for his life?

Nahoya remembers the seaweed soup that Takemichi had prepared for them. How he had treated his brother's wounds. How he hadn't judged them and openly invited them to his house. He remembers the warmth. How he wished to be part of it all the time. The small smile of comfort had made them both want to forever be by his side. Protect him and his smile. Protect that warmth. He feels cold now and wishes for nothing more than Takemichi to wake up and smile at them again, but can he ever trust that smile ever again? How many of his smiles had been fake? Nahoya finds he wants to know.

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Taiju, Yuzuha and Hakkai

Hakkai is hiding in his sister's embrace. Taiju has his arms around them both and is trying his best to comfort them.

He finds that this empty feeling is worse than when his father beats them. The thought of never being able to feel Takemichi's warmth again scares them.

Taiju had initially thought that Takemichi was just a sheltered, rich boy who had taken pity on them. His thoughts had been proven wrong however when he saw the state of his house. It looked barely lived in, save for the couch which had a futon laid out in front of it along with pillows and blankets were strewn about. Kazutora had come n later and talked to them about his situation and he had felt bad for him. He felt more camaraderie from Kazutora however, being from similar backgrounds of abuse. Now? He isn't so sure. He wouldn't wish this on his worst enemies and yet the excited little furball that they had met is going through it. That bright smile had been fake a lot of the time and hadn't even questioned it. How can he even show his face to him or his siblings after this?

He remembers joking with Shinichiro that he was a useless older brother and that he should just hand over Takemichi to them. That joke plays again and again in his mind. How could he call himself an older brother? He had failed his siblings and he had failed Takemichi.

Yuzuha and Hakkai can't help but think back to the soft warmth of home they had felt from Takemichi. His house and that dinner had felt more domestic than their own house in years. They had only wanted to be part of it. If that came with accepting Takemichi with his scars then so be it. They were still shaken about the extent of damage that they saw on the little body but they would help him heal. They would make him smile genuinely. He was their home now.

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Kakucho and Izana

Izana is still in a daze. Kakucho is weeping for his childhood friend beside him, but he can't hear any of it. His eyes are glued to the pictures in the doctor's hand.

He remembers being so excited for this trip to his would-be grandfather's house. Not only does he get to stay with his family for a while, but he would also get to meet Takemichi. Not four hours into their stay, they were in a car driving to a hospital where Takemichi was apparently was.

He remembers the shy but bright boy he met back at the orphanage. He liked Shinichiro and with no family of his own, Kakucho and Shinichiro had become his family. When Takemichi came in and stole the attention from both, Izana wasn't angry. He had a thought that maybe he should be angry. That he should be jealous, but that face and those eyes made it impossible. There was just no way he could not help being pulled in by some invisible force towards that beautiful boy that could make you forget about everything. He had wished for a family like this. To be someone special to Takemichi. The next few visits to the orphanage had let Izana become friends with Takemichi. He was just so drawn by his blue, bottomless eyes. He just wanted to be Takemichi's special someone. Why was he in the hospital waiting for him to wake up? Why was he so reckless and selfless? Why did he love so easily? Why…was he so good?

Kakucho can't help but think back to the day he had met Takemichi in the orphanage again. He had thought that maybe he forgot about him but that wasn't the case. He just hadn't known what had happened. Kakucho was so happy. He was so excited to have his little friend back. The fact that he had tried to save people hadn't surprised him in the slightest. After all, that's how he had met him. The scars? They were a different story. He remembers that the scars weren't there when he had first met Takemichi. So what kind of life had he lived while Kakucho was taken away to an orphanage? Was there no one to protect him? Kakucho had found Izana, but had Takemichi been alone all along?

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Shinichiro

Shinichiro has to lean on Takeomi for support. He looks around the room and notices the expressions of utter despair on everyone's faces.

He doesn't know what kind of expression he is making but he can't be strong for the kids anymore.

Just this morning he had been thanking the world for keeping Takemichi safe when the burglary incident had happened. He could have been seriously hurt. As if to mock him, the phone had rung merely two minutes after. It was a panicked Kazutora, stumbling over his words. All Shinichiro had heard was 'Takemichi', 'hospital' and the name before he was moving. He drove to the hospital in a daze following his grandfather's car. He had felt relief when the doctor had said that Takemichi was okay other than some burns that may leave scars. Then, he was shown the real reason the doctor had come down to speak to them. He noticed Mitsuya puke and felt very similar.

From the very first day, he had known that something was wrong with Takemichi. He smiled but it seemed sad at times. He would panic and hide behind him whenever meeting new people. He would just look so scared. They had discovered some scars on his hands and arms but they had never checked for more. Takemichi's tears had stopped them from asking further questions. Then, the incident had made them shut up even more lest Takemichi has another panic attack. The wish to not see any pain on his face is exactly what had caused him more pain in the end.

He should have known better. Takemichi's eyes held too much depth for someone who was just a neglected rich kid. His smiles would often turn into something more wistful. His eyes would dim at any mention of his past or family. He would shed tears at the smallest forms of comforts given to him. All the signs were there, yet he had ignored them. He had convinced himself that Takemichi was happy. Why had he done that? Why had he just believed that Takemichi was fine? Takemichi smiled a lot, but he worked with delinquents. He had seen how fucked p some people's lives were. Just because Takemichi never complained, had he assumed that there was nothing wrong?

How could he call himself a guardian? How could he? He had let the obvious signs go. He had known that there was something wrong but he had ignored it. 'Takemichi is young', 'there is no way he can fake it', 'He is small', 'He is okay, why had these thoughts ever made their way into his head?

How could he fail Takemichi like this?

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Takemichi sits up in the dark, reigning his thoughts in.

He touches the scar on his neck, feeling self-conscious now that there is no more makeup to cover it up.

The curtains of his room are slightly pushed aside and he can see the sun rising. The sky is now a deep blue with light shades of orange and Takemichi feels at peace.

He knows this is the calm before the storm but he can't help it.

He looks at the faces of Kisaki and Hinata. They are holding onto his waist and it's obvious that they had been crying. He feels bad but he doesn't regret his decision.

The earlier despair he had been feeling is almost gone replaced with a sense of accomplishment.

He had saved Akane Inui.

He looks around the room and notices Izana and Kakucho on the couch. Their weird positioning (done in an effort to get comfortable on a horrible hospital couch) makes him snort.

Finally, his eyes fall on Shinichiro, and tired, blue eyes meet dark black ones. He almost jumps out of his skin at the sudden eyes contact.

Shinichiro tries to give him a small smile but is unable. His eyes fill with tears and Takemichi feels dread and guilt turning in his stomach.

How is he supposed to explain anything anymore?

Notes:

I will be introducing some more characters but no SENJU. She's too young in this AU to be of any use to the plot. I might mention her briefly but she will not be making an appearance.

1)Haitani Brothers
2)Chifuyu
3)Sanzu
4)Terano South
5)Mizo Middle
Other characters will be in the second part of this fic! This one is already planned out to the end. Ideas are still welcome though. I can always make minor changes (o゜▽゜)o

Chapter 12: Still Fighting Alone?

Summary:

Takemichi vows to be more truthful with everyone, but is that just another one of his lies?

Notes:

AU INFO: I will no longer keep mentioning everyone's ages unless a new character is introduced.

Finally, the much awaited Mikey inner monologue. Y'all were asking for it. {Also, WTF Wakui. Why you do this to me? o(TヘTo)}

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Takemichi doesn't know what he should say. Shinichiro does not talk, doesn't ask anything. He just stares at Takemichi with a heartbroken expression that just makes his guilt grow.

"Takemichi…" Shinichiro trails off, unsure of how to ask about an eight-year-old's trauma.

Takemichi opens his mouth to say something when he feels Kisaki and Hinata stir beside him. They unwrap themselves from around Takemichi's waist and sit up, rubbing their eyes and yawning, still exhausted from the previous day's chaos.

Shinichiro gives them a small smile before turning towards Takemichi again. When he is about to speak, the door slides open and Kazutora walks in with Baji, Mitsuya, Mikey, and Draken. Izana and Kakucho start waking up from all the noise the sudden visitors bring with them as they enter. The other adults also enter behind them, and they settle into the various chairs in the room. Some even sit on the floor. They greet each other and make small talk but the atmosphere is anything but carefree.

Takemichi instantly notices the heavy atmosphere that settles over the room once everyone notices that he is awake.

'Damn it' He thinks. He doesn't want to deal with this nonsense right now, but he knows that he can't escape. Not this time.

Shinichiro clears his throat with an awkward cough which pulls everyone out of the impromptu staring competition that had commenced.

"Takemichi, please don't lie to us anymore"

Contrary to everyone's expectations, it's Kazutora that breaks the silence first. His voice is weak but firm. His eyes are red from all the crying that he no doubt had done all night.

Takemichi looks at the boy and feels the guilt rise in the form of bile in his throat.

He doesn't want to lie to them, he really doesn't, but what choice does he have? Tell them he is a time leaper? No way. He had done that before and look where that got him. Shot by his – supposed – best friend, blamed by his partner, and disappointed or angry stares from others.

Sometimes he swears he can still see the disappointment in their eyes before he reminds himself that these people are not those people. They don't know anything. They are not disappointed.

He contemplates a response and answers in the only way he can.

"I won't. I promise to answer your questions." Another lie. He can never tell them the truth.

His voice comes out hoarse from the lack of use. The others can't help but feel their heartbreak.

They want nothing but to hug the broken and injured boy in front of them but they can't. Not right now. They need answers and they know that no matter how painful, this is necessary.

"Takemitchy… please tell us what happened…"

'Mikey's voice' Takemichi thinks. He has never heard the blonde's voice so shaky, so vulnerable. His head snaps up and dull blue eyes meet bright black ones.

There used to be a time when it was the opposite. When Mikey's eyes were dull and Takemichi was the source of brightness. Takemichi doesn't remember now how long ago that was. A few months? A few years?

How old even was he?

How long had he been playing this game of cat and mouse with time?

Why was it that he had sacrificed everything for this person and yet he was not happy?

What did it take to make Mikey see that he had people to rely on? That he had Takemichi?

Lost in his thoughts, Takemichi doesn't notice the concerned gazes of the others.

When Kisaki reaches out to him, he flinches back without realizing, only adding to everyone's concern. Shinichiro being the oldest in the room and understanding the situation better than the others, tries to get the two sticky friends away from Takemichi's bed.

He needs space and his friends, being young, would no doubt just hug him.

While Shinichiro manages to get Kisaki and Hinata off the bed, Takemichi finally comes back to reality and groans in pain from the burns that now cover his arms and legs.

Shinichiro seats himself beside the bed, ready to jump in and hug him or comfort him should he need it, but sits at a faraway enough distance that he doesn't feel constricted.

"Takemichi?" He calls out softly.

Takemichi looks around the room to find everyone's worried gazes on him. Mikey already has unshed tears in his eyes while Draken looks no better. Mitsuya has a sick bag with him, he notices and suddenly wishes he had one too. Pah-chin is no doubt at school for his remedial classes and Baji is holding onto Mitsuya protectively.

Izana and Kakucho are sitting on the couch they were sleeping on with Wakasa, Takeomi, and Arashi. Hinata and Kisaki are on the floor beside the couch and Shinichiro is sitting beside his bed.

He takes a deep breath and nods weakly.

"I'll tell you"

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Takemichi dug deep into his memories to get the story of each and every scar. The gunshots were from Kisaki and Mikey, Stab wounds from Taiju and Kiyomasa, Stabwound from Kazutora, and burns from other failures. Some bruises and cuts, he realizes as he thinks, were already there on eight-year-old Takemichi's body. They were from the park bullies and some even from his mother.

Of course, he can't say the names of the people who hurt him other than the simple bullies and his mother.

He comforts himself by thinking that he is not lying to them but only keeping a few things from them and telling them half-truths.

He felt his guilt grow with every tear his friends shed and every lie he told.

However, he just couldn't tell them he was a time leaper. He had sworn to fight alone, and he would keep that promise to himself. He would not tell his friends the horrible ways they would die or how many times he had failed to save them in other timelines lest they blame him again.

He wouldn't be able to take it, he thinks

This time around, things are going well. Sure, he's been injured, but he had managed to save many people. Not just physically, but mentally.

Mikey's dark impulses never managed to plant the seed of darkness in him that came from his brother's death. Kazutora and Baji don't blame themselves. The twins are well adjusted. Taiju will hopefully never become like his father now that he knows what genuine love and care look like. The other black dragons' members are all still together. Draken is still Mikey's close friend. Inui Akane was alive. The incidents with Mitsuya and Pah-chin and the others don't happen until middle school so he can relax a little. Lastly, Izana is happy. What more could Takemichi ask for? This has been the most successful jump yet and he was not about to blow it by either looking crazy or by becoming the target of all their disappointment.

Takemichi doesn't speak for a while and the others grow increasingly concerned for this little boy who had not even cracked a smile yet.

They had all been saved by that smile. They had all felt the warmth from the little fluffball in front of them. Right now, they can feel only the cold room and the sadness that is crawling in their hearts.

Takemichi tries to stay silent as long as he possibly can before Shinichiro softly pushes him to answer.

He looks up with teary eyes at everyone sitting in his room. He can never tell them where he got the scars from and so he settles for half-truths again.

He points to certain bruises and cuts on the clipboard near his bed and in a quiet voice says, "mother"

Before anyone can fully react to that he points to the gunshot wounds, "someone I knew. Don't remember why"

He slowly points to all the other wounds and uses excuses to dodge the real story behind them, "Don't remember"

"too old"

"Mother"

"Bullies"

"Cooking fails" (For the burns, he tries to come up with the best possible explanation)

He talks about his family. How his grandmother had taken care (drunk as she may have been) of him when his mother had run away and how his coward of a father couldn't stand to look at his son because he resembled his mother.

How once he had lost his grandmother, everything had truly been over and how he had been alone ever since.

He also explains that if he had scars for every time he got beat up or injured, there would not be one clean spot on his body.

Once Takemichi starts, he finds he can't stop, and he pours all the years of loneliness and grief into his story. How he had to learn to cook for himself and therefore got many burns. How his father would leave him money and a half-assed letter every month. How he would check in once a year to see if he was alive.

To say the others were surprised would be wrong. They already had small inklings of who the perpetrators might have been. That doesn't stop them from being horrified though.

Mitsuya has already puked more than once and so has Hinata. (Kisaki and Baji don't know whether to help them or cry)

Draken is holding onto Mikey for dear life. He looks like he will kill the next person he gets his hands on.

Unusually, Takeomi is one of the people who doesn't take it too well. He has finally let his tears fall and Takemichi wonders if he is remembering Senju and Sanzu at that moment much like Mitsuya had been imagining Luna and Mana.

Shinichiro was shaking. With anger or with sadness no one can tell but there is pure hatred in those previously soft, black eyes. He is seething at the world that had left this little boy to fend for himself.

Getting shot so long ago that he can't remember?

Old acquaintance?

MOTHER?

He didn't know what to say. He had taken on the role of his guardian, yes, but what had he really done for Takemichi?

He still cooked his own meals, washed his own clothes, did his own homework. If anything, he now had the added responsibility of Kazutora. Sure, that is an extra person to protect him and just be there but his load hadn't reduced any even after he met them.

Like Shinichiro, everyone else is thinking along similar lines.

They realized that though they were there as Takemichi's friends and family, he had been saving them all this time. Providing warmth and a home to people who didn't have one or who needed another. They had wondered time and time again if Takemichi was truly as happy as he seemed to be. Even adults would not be unaffected by something like that so what about this child who had lost everyone in one go? Of course, he would be affected. They were just blind enough to be fooled by the smiles of a child. They were ashamed. Why had the youngest been taking care of them?

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When Takemichi stops, everyone is speechless.

What could they even say to that?

Outwardly Shinichiro has a grimace on his face but internally his mind is racing. Everything made sense now. Takemichi being touch starved but flinching at any sudden contact, the numerous scars, the great cooking skills, and the tired look he sometimes got in his eyes.

How could he ever have thought that he was okay?

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Mikey

The first time Mikey saw Takemichi, he had felt a weird pull towards him. He had chalked it up to him liking the raven but soon he had felt an inexplainable need to protect the other. When he looked at the scars, especially the gunshots, he felt ashamed. Almost as if he was the one that had shot him. He didn't know how to explain it. Draken was holding him back but the truth was that Mikey didn't know who he was angry at. Himself? The mystery shooter? Takemichi's family? He didn't know.

They had formed Toman with the one goal of taking over Tokyo and then Japan to protect Takemichi. It had always been about Takemichi, For Takemichi. Every second of the day, he would wonder what the younger boy was doing. Was he eating? Was he hurt? Was he okay? Was he smiling?

All he ever talked about was Takemichi. Toman meetings were often about how Takemichi had managed to get himself injured yet again. If the bullies were part of a gang, they would declare war on them. If they were just the usual high-school kids, they would ambush them. Toman was large now and they were termed as the 'rising stars' of the Tokyo gang world. Everyone in Toman knew of the little boy they were meant to be protecting or fighting for. They knew not to question or pick on any weak-looking, adorable eight-year-old with black, curly hair.

When there was an internal rebellion, Mikey would do nothing but send either Kisaki or the Kawata twins to handle it. If it was bigger than imagined, then he would send Taiju. If someone trash-talked Takemichi? Mikey would personally beat them up, send them to the hospital and strip them of their rank. If it was a minor insult, they would be allowed to stay but as the lowest status of delinquents. If the insult was more serious, they would be thrown out of Toman.

Even people who had not met the boy yet, knew not to speak badly about Takemichi Hanagaki. People who had met him would go around spreading stories about the kind kid who the captain adored.

Mikey had thought that he was doing enough, and perhaps he was, but what about Takemichi's mental state? Mikey was mature for his age even though he acted like a child sometimes. He had seen the times Takemichi would get this faraway look in his eyes like he wasn't living the moment he was in. Like he was seeing someone else when he saw them. He had seen him flinch sometimes when Kisaki or Baji or he would try to hug him. He had convinced himself that it was just trauma. That there was no way Takemichi was afraid of THEM.

However, one can only be in denial for so long. Just now, when Mikey had asked Takemichi to tell them everything, he had seen resignation in the other boy's dull, blue eyes. They looked nothing like the eyes he had seen the first time. The boy in front of him looked nothing like the loud, lovable, kind, selfless idiot he loved.

Takemichi had looked at him like he was seeing someone else, and perhaps he was. What would Mikey know?

However, he didn't miss the way he avoided their question. How he told half-truths. Sure, as promised he wasn't exactly lying to them, but he wasn't telling the truth either.

Mikey had thought that he doing enough. That he was enough. He had been wrong.

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Takemichi still hasn't looked at the others' faces. He can't bear to. He is lying to them. He is tricking them. Though he is doing it for them, a small part of him can't help but feel like he is deceiving people who just want to help.

After all, hadn't he felt the same way when others pushed him away when all he wanted to do was help? So why was he doing this to them now? Why had everything changed?

Takemichi belatedly realizes that he is in someone's arms. His eyes are closed, and he is sobbing.

When had he started crying?

He tries to stop his crying but the sobs keep pouring out of his throat. He doesn't know who hugged him first, but soon he feels many arms around him and his sobs only get louder.

Takemichi doesn't remember the last time he had cried for himself. Cried for his sadness and pain, in some else's arms.

He thinks that maybe, just maybe, even if he doesn't tell them the whole truth, he can at least lean on them a little more.

Hadn't he fought alone long enough? Didn't he deserve to have some love for himself now? A little care?

Maybe he doesn't have to heal alone.

Maybe…he can let go.

Maybe, just maybe, he can be loved.

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About three weeks after 'the talk', Takemichi is released from the hospital.

Bright banners with 'WELCOME HOME' greet him as soon as he exits the gate of the hospital, and a cool breeze makes his hair flutter.

After talking to all his friends about his situation and his problems, he feels lighter than he remembers ever feeling. Combined with the warmth and happiness that fills him when he sees his friends and family, draws the first genuine smile he has smiled in years.

The soft, warm, barely-there smile says more about him and his feelings than the others could ever hope to understand through words. It makes them pause for a second when they realize that this is what Takemichi's real smile looks like. Compared to the frown or blank expression on his face for the last few weeks, this is a huge improvement and soon everyone is smiling.

Maybe it would take some time for his genuine smiles to get as bright as the ones he flashes to them all the time, but they would wait.

They would help him heal and be there every step of the way. Never again would they let him suffer.
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A month later

Takemichi is walking back from school when he hears a groan from one of the alleyways.

It sounds like someone in pain, but Takemichi stubbornly keeps walking.

In his own neighborhood, perhaps he would have checked. However, he was in an area he did not know too well. He had enough of being beaten and stabbed, thank you very much!

Takemichi makes it exactly three steps away from the alleyway before hearing the groan again. This time louder.

The Gods must really be mocking him right now! What was this luck? Hasn't he adopted enough mentally unstable babies?

He rolls his eyes at whatever God might be watching and decides to investigate the noise.

His eyes fall on a tall, bloody figure slumped against a dumpster with his long white hair over his face. The boy, feeling a stare on him, turns around and meets his eyes.

The boy has beautiful blue eyes with long white eyelashes and a black mask on his face. Several piercings can be seen on his ears.

'Beautiful', is Takemichi's first coherent thought followed quickly by something along the lines of, 'he's hurt!'

He slowly approaches the boy and sits down in front of him. The boy eyes him warily before huffing. (Probably deciding that a kid wasn't a threat.)

Takemichi can see the injuries clearly now that he is sitting in front of the boy. His white hair is stained with fresh blood and his clothes are torn in multiple places. Takemichi also notices belatedly that he is wearing the Toman uniform.

Give him a break, the uniform is different this time alright? How was he supposed to recognize it?

Furthermore, Mikey and the others never wear their Toman outfits near Takemichi because it might not be 'safe', so it isn't his fault alright?!

While Takemichi panics internally, he doesn't notice the flash of recognition that passes over the other's eyes.

He scoffs and Takemichi looks up at him in confusion.

"You're that Takemichi whatever kid aren't you?"

"…"

"…"

"You know me?"

He scoffs again and sneers at him.

"Who doesn't know you?"

"What?"

"The captain doesn't shut up about you. Even the motto of the gang is 'protect Takemichi'. What a joke."

He looks away in anger.

Takemichi can feel the frustration coming from the other boy in waves.

He finally speaks up, "Well, that isn't my fault. My name is Hanagaki Takemichi by the way. What's yours?"

The other boy just glances at him before turning away again.

Ah, so this was going to be a tough nut to crack.

"Alright then, don't tell me your name. Will you at least let me apply first aid to you?" He asks with a hopeful glint in his eyes that doesn't go unnoticed by the other.

The white-haired boy bites his lip under the mask in contemplation and finally gives a curt nod.

"Ok good" Takemichi grins. Seemingly, unbothered by the boy's rudeness.

He takes out a first aid box from his backpack and starts treating the older boy's wounds.

Neither of them says anything and Takemichi works quickly and with experience. The older boy flinches a few times but otherwise makes no noise of protest. That is until Takemichi goes to remove his mask.

"Wait-!" The other boy shouts but before he can react Takemichi pulls the mask off.

"oh…"

Takemichi had the worst luck ever!

Notes:

Next Chapter Spoiler:
Takemichi looks at him weirdly, "You look so beautiful though? Why hide your face?"
The white-haired boy is speechless. He is beautiful? Not ugly? Not disgusting? Beautiful?
_

Yes, I will now do spoilers! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

Chapter 13: Tears Shed For One

Summary:

Ever wondered what happened in the timeline Takemichi left behind?

Notes:

There is a hidden plot here guys!

Also, I feel like many people don't think of other ways of self-harm like Takemichi's constant need to apply makeup over his scars or hide them with sleeves. I wanted to explore that a little too. It'll make more appearances in the future.

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

"Wait-!" The other boy shouts but before he can react Takemichi pulls the mask off.

"oh…"

Takemichi had the worst luck ever!

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"oh my god, I'm so sorry!" Takemichi exclaims, realizing that he had done something stupid.

The white-haired boy scowls and snatches the mask from his hands.

"Tch, whatever"

Takemichi feels extremely guilty.

He understands the feeling of wanting to hide.

Lost in his thoughts, he doesn't notice the slight glint of fear in the other boy's eyes that is gone as soon as it appeared as he hurriedly pulls his mask on.

Takemichi is brought out of his thoughts by the sound of a scoff.

"You can leave now," The other boy says.

Takemichi looks at him, confused. He hadn't finished applying first-aid yet. So, why was he sending him away?

"What?..." he asks in a soft voice.

"I said, you can leave now. You're probably freaked out now anyway. I feel fine so you can go" He emphasized the last word.

Now, Takemichi was good at reading people. He could tell that though the boy wanted him to leave, he didn't mean it.

"huh?" Takemichi asks again.

"what?" The boy asks.

"Why would I leave?"

"Why wouldn't you leave? You saw them."

"Saw? So?" Takemichi is confused now.

"Aren't you scared? You're a kid, all kids I've met run away when they see my scars. It's why I hide my face." The boy says bitterly, and Takemichi's eyes soften.

Takemichi looks at him weirdly, "You look so beautiful though? Why hide your face?"

The white-haired boy is speechless.

He is beautiful? Not ugly? Not disgusting? Beautiful?

"B-beautiful?!" He suddenly exclaims and Takemichi flinches, afraid he'd said something wrong.

"Y-yeah? I mean, the scars on your face aren't scary and your hair is so long and beautiful and it's white! And your eyes are blue and pretty and"

As Takemichi rambled on, the other boy's brain short-circuited.

He is beautiful? The scars don't make him ugly? No one has ever said that to him and so he doesn't know what to say. He had always thought that other than his older brother, no one would ever accept him with the scars. Unexpectedly, he felt warmth throughout his chest. It was a funny feeling but one he wanted to keep. However, he was still suspicious. He knew about this kid, had heard about him from a lot of people, but he wasn't willing to believe that someone like him really existed. He thought the stories were exaggerated. He willed himself to not get his hopes up. It would only hurt worse if he did.
"You're not scared? Really?" He asked, still skeptical.

Takemichi seems to contemplate something for a while before making up his mind and rolling up his sleeves.

His friends…(well, a family now he supposes) had asked him to stop using make-up to hide his scars. They had told him that the first step towards healing is to accept that things have happened to him and to be proud of his scars because they showed that he had lived. That he had survived. He had liked that idea and agreed. Of course, it was still hard for him most days. The itch to reach for a bottle of foundation was downright unbearable some days, but he was doing it. Slowly but surely he was getting better. So, he decided that to help this person in front of him, he must share some things of his own. It was only fair.

The boy froze when he saw the various scars littered across the little arms. He also noticed the knife scars(?) on each of his palms.

Suddenly, he is filled with an overwhelming urge to protect the tiny boy in front of him. He also simultaneously understands that he really isn't scared of his scars.

The protectiveness, anger (towards the person who had done this), and the acceptance of his scars had all filled him with a feeling of camaraderie with this boy.

He had been annoyed at first that the motto of the rising gang of Tokyo was 'protect Takemichi', but he understood now. He found that he wouldn't mind doing this forever, protecting Takemichi that is. He felt a strange sense of comfort in this 'not-so-stranger' stranger as he looked at the scars. He never thought that he would feel this way towards anyone ever, but here he was, his heart being swayed by a little ball of fluff with the brightest, bluest eyes he had ever seen. Perhaps he was losing it too. He found he didn't mind.

"My name is Haruchiyo Sanzu. Nice to meet you Takemichi."

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Hinata ran through the crowds. 'This can't be happening' she had told herself. There was no way Takemichi could be dead. They were supposed to get married. They were finally supposed to get their happy ending. Takemichi was finally supposed to be happy. He had saved them all. So why? Why had he run back to get Manjiro? He was alive. Satisfied with what he had become. So why did her Takemichi have to suffer always? The thoughts kept raging in her head like a storm as she finally reached Takemichi. Draken was already there and beside him, Takemichi was on the floor bleeding and unconscious (hopefully not dead), and Manjiro, also unconscious. Her heart froze. She felt like she had been doused in cold water. She hoped that Takemichi was alive somewhere else, but even if that were true, her Takemichi was gone. She hoped he could be saved, but deep down, she just knew, that he was gone. She hadn't even said 'I love you' to him before he left. Her knees gave out and she sobbed. She felt arms wrapping around her, but she couldn't breathe. She didn't want to look up. She just sat there, crying for her lover that she knew was no more.

Manjiro remembered waking up to a white ceiling. The first thing he asked was whether Takemichi was alive.

After the doctor had regretfully informed him that he was the only one to survive, the rest of the day had gone by in a blur. He couldn't process anything around him, and before he knew it he was standing in front of a picture of a smiling Takemichi with flowers strewn about it.

When did he get here? Was he supposed to pay his respects? Was he even allowed to?

He saw the picture they had chosen. It was a picture of him smiling in a suit. Right, he had invited him to his wedding, hadn't he? And he had replied by shooting him. The one good thing in his life. The last bit of light that had remained, and he had snuffed it out. Killed him. Murdered him in cold blood with no regrets. And Takemichi had still saved him. He suddenly remembered Hinata and made his way through the crowd of people (Takemichi sure had a lot of people who cared for him) to look for Hinata. He needed to apologize. He didn't care if she slapped him, kicked him, or even shot him. He would take it. He deserved it. He had ruined her life too. God… Takemichi was supposed to get married, and he had taken that away from them. The happiness he sought after, the happiness he deserved, all taken away in seconds by Manjiro. He would kneel in front of her and apologize. Not ask for forgiveness, never that. He didn't deserve it.

When he found her, he kneeled like he had thought he should and Hinata had just smiled at him. 'If Takemichi-Kun forgave you and tried to save you, then I want to honor his memory by forgiving you Mikey-Kun'. Manjiro had still stayed like that, frozen in his spot, not daring to look at the early widow in the eyes. He didn't think he could take it.

Draken stood in the back like a statue. He could see a lot of people at the funeral. Heck, even HANMA had made it. He thought back to the time when he had warned Takemichi against going to Mikey. But of course, him being him, he had gone to Manjiro. Now? He was dead.

He finally looked up when he felt something warm fall on his hand and realized that he had been crying. He didn't know when he started, but now he couldn't stop. Takemichi had been a huge part of Toman and his life. He respected and loved him as much as Mikey. (Perhaps, even more, he didn't know) and now he was gone.

He couldn't help but think that it was his fault too. He had warned him against going, but couldn't he have accompanied him either way? Why didn't he? His negligence had caused the death of the, perhaps, most important person in his life. Takemichi deserved happiness. So why didn't he make sure he got it?

From the corner of his eyes, he saw Mikey kneeling in front of Hinata who was sobbing. He had half a mind to go and do the same but he didn't want to overwhelm the poor girl. He also had an unexplainable urge to punch Mikey. He would probably let him punch him though. No matter how much he had changed, he was still Manjiro. The same Manjiro he had known since childhood. He knew the guilt he must be feeling. Though he couldn't forgive the white-haired male, he could sympathize. For old times' sake.

Sanzu didn't know what to feel. He had threatened to shoot Takemichi but in the end, he had saved his king. His king, who was currently kneeling in front of Takemichi's to-be wife. Fuck, he had only wanted to invite Mikey to his wedding. Only wanted an old friend to be there on the 'happiest day of his life'. Instead, he was gone. If he felt a tear or two, run down his cheeks, he didn't acknowledge it.

Chifuyu didn't know what to feel. Takemichi was gone. It was evident enough from the funeral in front of him, but he couldn't accept it. After Baji-San, Takemichi had been his support. His partner. His friend. He had always thought that he cared more for Baji-San, and they were just partners. However, it is as they say, 'you don't know what you have until it's gone' and Chifuyu was very much feeling the effects of this loss. His eyes were bloodshot and swollen from having cried all night. Takemichi had left as quickly as he had arrived in his life and Chifuyu was regretful. He never did tell his partner that they were friends. That he was as important to him as Baji-San had been. Never told him how much he loved him or how much he meant to him, and now he was gone. Perhaps he was transported to some other timeline. Perhaps he was gone for good. Whatever it might be, Chifuyu knew that his Takemichi, HIS partner, was gone forever.
Mitsuya noticed that there were no family members present at Takemichi's funeral. His blood boiled when he thought of the fact that they probably didn't even know that he was going to be married. He had sent them a message letting them know of his death and yet, they didn't have the decency of showing up to their own son's funeral. He wondered how alone Takemichi must have been all his life and how he had managed to stay selfless and had no anger. When they had first met, he didn't think much of him, but as they got to know each other, Takemichi managed to win him over. With his burning passion and determination and his love for his friends, it was hard not to love him. So, why was it that that same boy, with the brightest smile, was gone? And why wasn't anyone here from his family to give him the peace he deserved? He didn't know, but he did know that he had loved the boy.

All the people present at Takemichi's funeral, were people he had saved with his dazzling smile and bright blue eyes. The years of fighting and neglect had done nothing to dim his light, and they were glad for it. Their cry baby-hero was their salvation. They were all saved by him in some way or the other and were grateful to him. Some would go as far as to say that they loved him, and some would say they respected him. Regardless, there was not one dry eye in the funeral that day. Mostly due to Hinata's sobbing and their guilt at not having been there to support Takemichi or help him. Perhaps he could have been alive still. Perhaps he could have his wedding and be happy. They had all been invited to it after all, and they had all wanted to see their cry-baby hero, cry on the day of his wedding. They would drink after, in the reception and they would all make embarrassing speeches about Takemichi's gang days, or elementary and middle school days (in the case of his friends from Mizo Middle School). Now, they could only drown in 'what-ifs' and 'maybes'.

They all thought the same thing. Their hero did not deserve this kind of useless death.

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Mikey shoots up on his bed with cold sweat running down his forehead.

What was that? A nightmare? A vision?

He is confused. He touches his face and notices that his crying.

'That had felt too real to be a dream', he thinks.

Unbeknownst to him, that night, many people had the same 'nightmare' and had woken up crying and in a cold sweat.

What could it mean?

Notes:

The new fic is out! go check it out! \( ^0^ )/

Tokyo Revengers Apocalypse AU!

Chapter 14: A Glimpse Into The Past?

Summary:

A glimpse into some past timelines Takemichi left behind. Perhaps his enemies never really thought of him as an enemy?

Notes:

I wanted to write my version of all of his deaths. I decided to completely throw the canon out the window (ง •_•)ง

Also, the headcanon that everyone loves takemichi (even people like past!future!Kisaki, Hanma, and South) change my mind. （︶^︶）

(+In-depth dive into the mindsets of the so-called "villains".)

Merry Christmas dear readers! 💕

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

He had just shot Takemichi. What was he even doing? He didn't want to do this. He never wanted to shoot anyone! But he found he couldn't stop. He shot him near the hip too. That shot was misfired though. He hadn't meant to shoot then but Takemichi's determined eyes were just too much for him.

Kisaki had been labeled a genius at a young age, but he was a lonely child. With parents that always wanted more, expected more, and gave less and less, it was hard. All he did was study day in and day out lest he should disappoint his parents. Why were they never happy with him? Why could he not break free of this continuous cycle of hell? He didn't know. He was in a cage and he felt like the key had been lost long ago.

Then, Tachibana Hinata had come into his life. It was like the light at the end of the tunnel. She had accepted him like he was, smart or not. It was a new feeling and it confused him. All he knew, was that he would not let go of this no matter what. And then Hanagaki Takemichi had come into his life like another dark tunnel. He had saved them from some high schoolers when Hinata was trying to protect a kitten from them. That hideous red of his cape had seemed like nothing but a warning flag to Kisaki and he had hated him from the second his dark gold (light brown) eyes had met blue eyes the color of the ocean. Perhaps it was those damn eyes that struck a nerve, perhaps it was the smile that seemed brighter than Hina's (but how was that even possible?) or perhaps it was that annoying self-sacrificial nature of his. Kisaki only knew that he hated Takemichi and loved Hinata.

When Takemichi had started dating Hinata, he had made up his mind to get rid of him. All his days and nights were filled with meticulous planning about how to get rid of the (now blonde) boy. Had he become obsessed? Perhaps. But it was an obsession born from hatred.

It was! So why did he feel like crying now that Takemichi had been shot? He had tried so many ways to get rid of him. He had yelled, just last night, that Takemichi should be dead. Then why? Why was his heart beating like crazy when he looked at those forgiving blue eyes that seemed to hold nothing but hatred for him? Why did he hate it? He hated Taemichi so it should be okay if the other boy despised him. He shouldn't care, but he did.

He couldn't take it when Takemichi held him at gunpoint and had tried to run away. He hadn't noticed the oncoming truck until he was pushed onto the concrete sidewalk. At first, he thought it was Takemichi who hit him, but the shouts of 'TAKEMICHI!' had proved otherwise.

He was not ready for what he saw. Takemichi lying in the middle of the road. Bleeding. While the truck just drove away. He felt unimaginable anger as he pulled the gun from Takemichi and shot at the truck's tires. He hadn't even noticed the tears that started flowing from his eyes.

He was crying for Takemichi. In all his imagined hatred, he had never realized that Takemichi had saved him too that day. He had extended his hand to him too. He had always thought that he had done it to take Hinata away from him. Just now? He had been proven wrong. How could he have been so blind? He had never hated Takemichi. He was obsessed, yes. Never out of hatred though. He was too late to realize that. It was too late.

For the first time, he didn't care about the shocked gazes of Hanma or anyone else as he knelt beside Takemichi and took his hand in his and apologized again and again. He was sobbing but he held on. He thought he saw Hinata head over at some point or maybe Mikey, but he didn't care. He only apologized. Cried. Held Takemichi as the blonde took his last breaths. Kisaki was a 'genius'. He knew that even if an ambulance got here in time, Takemichi wouldn't survive, so all he could do was hold Takemichi and hope the smaller boy didn't hate it too much.

In Takemichi's last breath, everyone heard what he said in the deathly silence that had followed the collision.

'I forgive you, Kisaki'

He didn't deserve it.

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A 26-year-old Kisaki in a suit stood in front of a gravestone.

Hanagaki Takemichi

On this day, 12 years ago, Takemichi had sacrificed himself for Kisaki. Tetta had gone to therapy. He knew now that what he had done when he was a kid was messed up. He had been disowned by his parents and thrown out of Toman, but he found he didn't mind. He only wanted to have permission to visit his grave whenever he wanted.

It was evening. The others had already visited today, if the food, incense, and flowers were anything to go by. Kisaki didn't bring any of that. He took out a small red cape from his bag and placed it near the incense sticks. That red cape that had seemed like a warning flag, was now his favorite color. It reminded him of the first time he met Takemichi, and he had kept it with him as a comfort item. Today had been his last day of therapy and he found he was ready to part with it. It belonged with his hero after all. It was what defined Takemichi. Being a hero that it.

He didn't say a word. He just stood there with tears streaming down his face and finally, he said the words he always wanted to.

Goodbye, my hero.

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Chifuyu only heard himself say, 'I can't hurt Baji-San' before he saw Takemichi flipping himself around with Baji in his arms and getting stabbed.

He felt as though time slowed down. He saw Baji being too shocked to speak. He saw Kazutora stagger back in disbelief and he saw Takemichi hit the ground. Before he knew it, he was on the ground with Takemichi in his arms, while he tried his best to keep him awake. The entire place had gone quiet. Only Chifuyu's voice could be heard, calling for Takemichi. Why had things turned out this way? He had only wanted to bring Baji-San back. He had asked for Takemichi's help but he never thought that the other boy would go as far as to take a knife for HIS friend. Takemichi and Baji weren't even on good terms. Heck! Baji had punched him more times than not. So why was Takemichi on the ground with a knife in his stomach that was meant for Baji-San? What had he done to deserve this?

As he continued to call Takemichi's name, he heard his voice. 'Stupid Baji-San! Trying to do everything alone. Don't you see there are people here who care about you? Mikey would trust you with his life, so why are you fighting alone? Moron.' Chifuyu looked up to see Baji's shocked expression and Kazutora holding onto one of Takemichi's hands and sobbing.

He could only stare helplessly as Takemichi's breathing slowed down. Mikey was now standing over Kazutora, looking murderous when everyone heard Takemichi's voice. 'Mikey-Kun, forgive Kazutora-San. Get him into therapy. Get him arrested if you must but please, forgive him and let him live. Please.'

Those had been Takemichi's last words.

Chifuyu screamed

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Baji couldn't process what had happened. He had thought that Takemichi was just another fake, weak, show-off, that had become a delinquent to impress his girlfriend. He cried so much and was like an annoying bug, poking his nose into things that were none of his business.

So why was he standing here at that same boy's funeral?

Why had that blue-eyed boy saved him? He had no reason to. They weren't on good terms and Baji had punched him so many times. Yet, when the time came for it, he had selflessly thrown himself in front of a knife for him. Why? Because Chifuyu had asked him? Because he liked Baji? Because Mikey would be sad if he died? No matter how much he thought about it, the answer didn't come to him. Takemichi had no reason to sacrifice anything for Baji let alone his life, but that is exactly what he had done. Why? He couldn't understand.

He couldn't understand why no one hated him for what he did. He didn't understand why Chifuyu wanted to bring him back. He didn't understand why Takemichi had saved him. Most of all, he didn't understand, why he was crying for a boy he didn't even know that well.

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When Mikey finally stopped beating Takemichi and his vision cleared, he froze. What had he just done?

He saw a bloody Takemichi under him. Worse than he had ever seen him, and he had done it. He had promised to protect the boy the first time they met. He had made the other boy promise to scold him like his older brother. So why had he beaten him for it? Takemichi was barely breathing as Senju rushed forward and knelt in front of Takemichi. She glared at Mikey with so much hatred that had he been a lesser man, he would have melted into the ground.

He heard Takemichi whisper something that a lot of people heard. Kokonoi, Chifuyu, the others, Senju, and Mikey. 'It's alright. I'm not important anyway.'

Anyone with half a brain could hear the absolute exhaustion in his voice. Mikey had mercilessly beaten up Takemichi when he had tried to prevent Mikey from becoming a murderer. Takemichi hadn't even tried to resist. He had just taken it.

The paramedics had rushed forward at that moment and taken Takemichi away while everyone else could only stare. South scoffed and sneered at Mikey. 'Some friend' He said, loud enough for everyone to hear. Some people would argue that South was digging his own grave, but he was genuinely pissed at Mikey. Beating him? He understood. Fighting with Senju? He understood. Beating a harmless boy who wanted nothing but to save his friend and prevent another friend from becoming a murderer? He didn't understand. Mikey may have the ability to kill him, but he was not going to go down without a fight. Nor was he going to run. He would fight, lose, and die if he had to. Takemichi? He had nothing to d with all this. Draken had protected Takemichi from getting shot and that was his choice. None of what had happened tonight had been Takemichi's fault and he refused to stand by and watch the only decent human being around be beaten within an inch of his life without retorting.

Maybe the Hanagaki kid had grown on him with his seemingly depthless blue eyes and a million-dollar smile. Maybe it was that small human part of him that did not wish to see unnecessary bloodshed. Whatever the reason, he would tell Mikey that he was a shitty friend. If that resulted in his death, then so be it. He didn't want to live anyway.

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Chifuyu had said it was Takemichi's fault that Draken was shot.

He realized his mistake and looked up to see Takemichi completely unresponsive. 'It's okay Chifuyu. You're right. It is all my fault. Everything is my fault. Forgive me.'

The heart monitor started slowing down.

Chifuyu looked up when he heard a flatline. What? Wait…what?

He got up in a panic to call a doctor when Mikey burst through the door along with Hina. 'Ken-chin is alive! They managed to save him!'

Chifuyu looked even more horrified as his tears started to fall.

Hinata dropped the flower bouquet she was holding, and Mikey froze. The smile disappeared in an instant.

' T-Takemichi-Kun?' Hinata called out as she walked over to his bed. Her knees gave out beneath her and she fell to the floor.

Draken was alive, but Takemichi was gone, with the last thing he heard being, 'it's all your fault'. What was this situation? Why was Takemichi the one who died?

Mikey stood there motionless as his tears finally fell. Relief from the news that Draken was alive and grief from the news that Takemichi was dead.

He had done this. He had killed Takemichi. Beaten him to death.

The one he swore he would protect. The person he saw his older brother in. The person who stopped him when everyone else was too afraid. His Takemichi. Gone.

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Draken had beaten Mikey and Chifuyu up. Neither complained. Draken's eyes were filled with rage. No one dared stop him. His bandages started bleeding, but he didn't stop. He didn't want to be put in the same category as Mikey, so he stopped before he did something he regretted. Takemichi wouldn't like this after all.

But, he wasn't here anymore, was he? He had thrown himself in front of bullets to save Takemichi. He had asked him to take care of Mikey. Why hadn't he thought that Mikey might become his downfall instead? He loved Mikey, he truly did, but Takemichi was dead and Mikey had everything to do with it.

God, Mikey had beaten him to death! Chifuyu had blamed him for him! And he… he had only told Takemichi to take care of Mikey.

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He wondered as he stood in front of Takemichi's smiling picture. How many times had he saved them? Takemichi had given and given without ever asking for anything in return and now he gave away his life. Didn't resist even once. He accepted it.

He looked around at the shocked faces of the Toman members and people from other gangs. Everyone was standing around, shocked to the core. Takemichi had a way of creeping into the hearts of every person he met, be it someone like him, Sanzu, or even South. They were all there. Some crying. Some close. Some controlling themselves but Draken could tell. He could tell that no one was without grief.

Draken himself felt like crying when he thought about how Takemichi's bright smile wouldn't greet him every Toman meeting. How he would never again have to fight with Mikey for Takemichi's attention. How he would never hear that angel-like laugh, see those cry-baby tears, or meet his blue eyes filled with determination.

This time, Takemichi had given one too many times and no one had been brave enough to stop it.

Draken thought that maybe at this moment, he would allow himself to think he loved Takemichi more than anything else.

Maybe it was true. He didn't know and he found he didn't want to find out.

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Draken wakes up in his room.

He has tears streaming down his face and a million thoughts in his head.

What was that?

He is inclined to think that it was only a dream (a nightmare), but it had felt so real.

He has never had a dream that stayed with him and scared him as much as his dream tonight has.

He doesn't understand what has happened.

He tries to go back to sleep, but it doesn't work.

He can't get the image of Takemichi's funeral out of his mind.

He seemed much older in the dream, and it was too detailed to just be a dream.

Of course, that doesn't mean Draken believes that it was a vision or anything.

But he wonders.

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Kisaki is busy calling Takemichi.

'Hello? Tet-Nii?

Kisaki feels relief rush through his mind at the familiar voice. He doesn't trust his voice to say anything without stuttering but tries anyway.

'Hey, micchi. Sorry, did I wake you up?'

'Um not really Tet-Nii, but why are you awake? It is 1 am! Tet-Nii are you getting enough sleep? Tet-Nii? Nii!'

Kisaki laughs softly at the fussing eight-year-old. He couldn't get the image of him shooting Takemichi out of his head and so he had called Takemichi without thinking.

He doesn't think he would've survived until the morning.

Hearing Takemichi's cheerful voice somewhat relieves the pain and fear.

'Nothing Micchi. I just wanted to hear your voice. I was… feeling lonely'

'Tet-Nii, you are weird. You were missing me at 1 am? Well, I don't mind! Tet-Nii can call whenever he misses Micchi!'

Gosh, Kisaki loved Takemichi so much it hurt. He didn't love his parents. They only had a business-like relationship. Micchi? He was his brother. Even closer than that if possible. He loved Takemichi so much, he couldn't describe it.

He had been termed as a genius at a very young age. Younger than he is now. His parents only even wanted more. Hinata had been a small guiding light in that darkness, sure, but Takemichi had lit up his whole world. There was not a bit of darkness left in his heart. He was still bitter against his parents but he didn't hate them anymore. He was better at speaking. He had friends. He was in a gang that treasured him like family. He was their precious strategist. All unified under the common goal of protecting the light of their life that was the small eight-year-old called Hanagaki Takemichi.

He was starting to give up hope when Takemichi had entered his world. He doesn't know what drew him to Takemichi, but he was so glad he went. Takemichi was so kind and so warm. Kisaki had begrudgingly learned that Takemichi has too much love to give. Which meant that it was inevitable that more people would be drawn to him. He had learned to share the space in Takemichi's heart, knowing he could never monopolize Takemichi. It didn't make him too happy but Takemichi was happy. He was so happy every time he successfully helped someone that all scolding died on his tongue every time. It hadn't even been a full year since they had met and he knew that he could do anything for Takemichi.

He didn't want to live in a world that didn't have Takemichi

Kisaki is brought out of his thoughts by Takemichi's voice.

'Nii?'

'Yes, Micchi?'

'Are you sure you're okay?'

'of course, I am. Stop worrying about me. Why were you awake at this hour Micchi?'

'Uhm Hehe… I had a nightmare so I got up to get a snack'

Kisaki sighs.

'Micchi… I told you to call someone when you had nightmares. If not me then Shinichiro-Kun. You don't have to worry about waking us up. Just call someone Micchi or even wake up Kazutora.'

'Tora-Nii does help! Just not today. He was sleeping so peacefully, I didn't want to wake him up!'

'Micchi…'

'Alright alright! I'm sorry Tet-Nii. I promise I will call you next time, happy?'

'Good'

Kisaki smiles triumphantly.

'I feel like you are smiling'

And Kisaki could almost hear the pout too.

He laughed. God, every time he talked to the other boy he just loved him even more. He felt so warm.

He would keep that warmth. Protect it.

He would never let anyone hurt him.

Not even himself.

Notes:

Spoiler!
Shinichiro wakes up in cold sweat just in time to hear Mikey sobbing and Izana screaming.
Apparently, it is a bad night for everyone.

But, why had all that felt so real?. . . . . . . mean anything did it?

Yes, some text is missing, but if I spoil everything, it won't be fun would it? Also, I hope this answers your question about who can see the visions 😉😉

Chapter 15: What Are We If Not Broken?

Summary:

Takemichi gets more calls, what is happening? (Ft. new character)

Notes:

Hello guys! I'm so sorry for disappearing without saying anything! There was this medical issue and hospital visits and so many tests ugh! I'm alright now though...on the road to recovery, but then I caught a cold so the recovery got pushed two steps back, fml (┬┬﹏┬┬). So yeah! I'm back and ready to continue this... no I have not abandoned it.

And seriously guys, thank you so much for the positive feedback and love on this fic! I never imagined it would become this well-loved! You guys, gals, and non-binary pals (and any other gender/non-gender) are amazing! ❤❤❤

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

WARNIG: Brief mentions of smoking, kidnapping, and child trafficking. (no actual kidnapping or child trafficking involved! Also mentions of bad he circumstances)
_

Shinichiro wakes up in cold sweat just in time to hear Mikey sobbing and Izana screaming.

Apparently, it is a bad night for everyone.

But, why had all that felt so real? His memory was becoming hazy already and he struggled to remember what he saw. Was that an older Mikey? Was that Takemichi with yellow hair? Why was he in a hospital? Why did he hear gunshots? It almost felt like he was watching someone's life play out on a screen, helpless and distant. It didn't mean anything, did it? He hoped it didn't.

He shuts his thoughts away and makes his way to his siblings' room. He enters Izana's room to see Mikey already there, sobbing into his chest with soft mumblings. As he closes the distance between his obviously distressed siblings and himself and he catches some words his little brother is mumbling. – '…never hurt Takemitchy…', 'hurt…', 'dead' – Shinichiro finally reaches the bed and envelops both his brothers into a hug.

Something inside Izana breaks and he starts sobbing as well. (Possibly holding it together before to comfort his little brother)

Shinichiro tries to calm them both down, but he can feel his own eyes sting. He can't understand what distressed his brave little siblings to this degree.

Then, he hears more of his siblings' ramblings and freezes.

They had all had similar nightmares?

His mind can't make sense of any of it. He decides to discuss it later and just focuses his undivided attention on his siblings. Soon, he hears the door being opened and Emma and Kakucho make their way inside, both having red eyes and tears on their faces.

It wasn't just the three of them then

Shinichiro doesn't ask, he knows. He knows why they are crying. His own eyes feel damp. However, he is an adult right now and must comfort these preteens and teens.

He knew how much everyone loved Takemichi. Everyone had nightmares from time to time. He knew that Izana and Kakucho had nightmares often, but they had learned to deal with them. Emma never had too many nightmares. Mikey was a happy child, and Shinichiro was glad for it. He seemed even happier lately and he knew it was because of Takemichi. That boy had so much love for everything that he drew people in like a moth to a flame. He never thought of himself before others. He had opened up to them and they were now helping him be truly happy. Dreaming about that precious child… dying had been hard on everyone here. It was weird to Shinichiro how they all had similar nightmares, but he pushed that thought away yet again. Now was not the time for that.

Noticing how the children were calmer than before, but not entirely okay yet, he decides to do something.

"Let's call Takemitchy, how about that?"

Several pairs of hopeful eyes turned to look at him. Shinichiro huffs in amusement, so they wanted to talk to him

He brings his phone from his room and calls Takemichi's number. He hopes he isn't waking the boy up but supposes that just for today, even if he is, it would be okay. He mentally makes a note to treat everyone to ice cream tomorrow (as an apology to Takemichi for disturbing him). Or today, seeing how it was already 2 am

'hello?' A tired voice answers from the other end.

'Hey takemitchy', Shinichiro says and puts the call on speaker so that everyone can hear the boy.

'Shin-Nii? What's wrong? Did you miss me too?' He asks. He almost seems… irritated? Exasperated? It is hard to tell over the phone.

'Too?' Mikey asks.

'Ah, Mikey-Kun! Is anyone else there? Hello!' His voice returns to the signature cheerfulness that they now recognize as fake. The boy is obviously tired and the cheerfulness is obviously forced but the tone makes them smile anyway.

'Izana, Kakucho, and Emma are here too, Micchi' Shinichiro answers his question.

'oh… are you all okay?'

'We're fine Micchi. What did you mean by too?' Mikey asks quickly.

'Well… I've been getting calls all night! I woke up when Tora-Nii barged into my room, sobbing for some reason at 12 though. The person who had called first was actually Taiju-Nii! The other two were there too… Then, I got a call from Hina-chan! And then from many other people. Even Koko-Nii and Inupi called! Right before yours was Tet-Nii though. They've all been saying that they just miss me, but they all sounded like they had been crying… like you. What is going on Shin-Nii? Mikey-Kun! Are you okay? Emma-chan? Kaku-chan?...Zana-Nii?...Hello?'

By the time Takemichi finishes recalling the events of that night, everyone is aware of what had happened.

It is a stretch to think that everyone had called because of a nightmare, but that is the only reason they can come up with. Kokonoi and Inui weren't as close to Takemichi as the rest of them. They don't know why, but they have a hunch that it was because of the dream.

'hello?'

'sorry micchi, but it's true. We missed you.' Shinichiro says, not finding a good enough excuse in time.

'Hmph! Fine! Don't tell me then! I'll ask you tomorrow because I'm sleepy now…goodnight Shin-nii! Goodnight everyone!'

The phone line went dead.

Shinichiro feels doubt crawling into his heart again.

That couldn't be. Takemichi had promised to be honest with them and the dream could just be a negative reaction to seeing all those scars. Maybe their brains were making up fake scenarios?

But then why would the scenarios contain people they knew would never hurt Takemichi? He had said that most of them were from his parents or some weird person with a gun…what were they supposed to think about this situation?

Was Takemichi hiding something or were they going crazy?

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Draken doesn't think it was a vision or anything. Really. He doesn't.

But he wonders.

And wonders.

And wonders some more.

Before he gives up and dials the damn number on his phone.

He would just make sure Takemichi is okay. That is fine, isn't it?

A tired but amused voice greets him from the other end of the phone line.

'Hi Draken-Kun, missed me too?' and he laughs

'too?' Draken asks, confused.

'yep! I was waiting for your call'

'huh?'

'haha, everyone has called me tonight. The calls started at midnight. Just before you Shin-Nii had called. I can tell everyone has been crying but no one will tell me anything! They just say they miss me…so did you miss me too Draken-Kun~?' Takemichi chuckles. He is obviously irritated by being left in the dark but amused nonetheless.

Draken pauses. There was no way everyone else had dreamed of what he had could it? No… that was too much of a stretch.

He throws the seemingly ridiculous thought out of his head and chuckles.

'Maybe I did.'

'Ughhhh, fine keep your secrets! I didn't want to know anyway!'

Draken could practically see the pout on Takemichi's face and it takes everything, to not laugh at the younger boy.

'Alright Micchi, I'm sorry everyone has been bothering you so much. Goodnight.'

'Goodnight Ken-Nii!'

Draken pauses for a second.

New nickname, huh… it felt nice.

He can go to sleep with a fond smile on his face.

He will think about the dream tomorrow…. or today.

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Hanma had never been one to think much. He had the same old sob story as many other teenagers. Grew up in an abusive household, parents into drugs and alcohol, and all that jazz. Blah blah. He never thought much of it. He lived in the worst neighborhood, went to the worst school, and was getting involved in gang business.

Not the goody middle school gangs mind you, oh no, he was getting into some very fucked up shit. He still didn't care

He started smoking, he didn't care

He figured if the people who brought him into this world never cared about him if his 'friends' didn't care about his health and the nice police guy from the police station didn't care to listen to his story, why should he give a rat's ass about what happens to him or his life?

So imagine the 14-year old's surprise when a fucking toddler with big blue eyes walks up to him in a dark alleyway and snatches the cigarette from his mouth to replace it with a lollipop.

Hanma was beyond amused. (and shocked, but will he admit it? Of course not.)

"Hey kid, you know this is a dangerous place right? Why are you here?" He asks, sucking on the grape-flavored treat. (It tasted good damnit, leave him alone.)

"Aren't you a kid too?" the child sassed.

Hanma barked out a laugh.

"I'm a lot older than you, pipsqueak"

"How old?"

"Old enough. Now run along before some bad guys find you. I may not be willing to do anything, but some guys around here aren't past kidnapping for money."

The kid just stares at him.

Hanma sighs.

"14, I'm 14"

"eigh- actually nine soon"

"see, much older"

Hanma just sits there sucking on the lolly while the kid stares at him. Then, without any prompting, plops down beside him against the wall.

'what the fuck'

"I can hear your thoughts from here"

"Well, it's not every day that toddlers with lollipops come up to you in a shady alley and strike up a conversation."

"You really shouldn't be here. I could be a kidnapper for all you know."

"I know you're not"

"You some stalker or something?"

"No, but I know you won't kidnap me."

"oh yeah? Wanna bet?"

The kid just shrugs.

"Seriously, where are your parents, kid?" As much as Hanma is amused by this seemingly fearless kid, he would rather not get arrested for child trafficking, thank you very much.

The kid chuckles.

"Where are yours?"

"Touché"

They both laugh.

"So, why do you smoke? It'll kill you eventually, ya know"

The kid allows a little innocence to shine through along with what Hanma could guess was concern.
Concern for who? Him? Why? He never had any concern from his parents or siblings or anyone. Why was this random child worried about him?

He snaps out of it and huffs, throwing the lollipop stick away.

"Why does anyone?"

There it is again. That damn look that screams concern.

'Are you okay?'

'Why are you here?'

'Why do you want to kill yourself?'

'Why do you care?'

'Why'

'Why'

The millions of unasked questions hang in the air. The two have just met. Hanma shouldn't feel this fond of someone this quickly.

The kid stuffs another lollipop in his mouth as soon as he brings out another cigarette. Strawberry.

But he is.

This little boy.

The one person who has shown any concern for Hanma in his 14 years of miserable life.

How can Hanma not get swayed?

"So, I'm really not gonna get arrested for kidnapping right? Cause I was just released."

The boy just laughs and rises from his spot on the ground.

"I live at end of the block. House number 5. Come visit sometime if you want a decent meal and place to stay."

"Did you just invite a stranger to your house?"

"Let's just say I don't have the most active survival instinct. Shitty situations do that to ya."

"… aren't you too young to curse?..."

He points at Hanma as if proving a point and speaks slowly

"Shitty situations"

He dusts off his pants and starts walking away as Hanma's eyes follow.

About five steps later he pauses and turns around.

"Hanagaki Takemichi"

"Hanma"

The boy smiles a small, soft smile before disappearing into the dark as suddenly as he had appeared.

Hanma spends a lot of time convincing himself that what he had seen was not a guardian angel. (he doubted he would even have one, honestly)

The boy had said 'shitty situations' as though that solved everything. Do you know the crazy part? It had.

Later Hanma kept the lollipop sticks as proof of their meeting. Proof that he hadn't imagined that.

Proof… that there was still someone out there for him.

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Meeting Hanma had been a complete accident. Takemichi had been so exhausted after the past few days full of tears, made up excuses and confessions, that he just needed a break from the fake cheerfulness. He did not have the energy left to smile like he usually did.

Sure, all his friends told him that it was okay to not smile all the time, but wouldn't that make them worry? He didn't even know why they had all called him last night crying like someone had died. He had been so freaked out when Kazutora had just barged into his room, sobbing about how he should never die and he would kill Mikey if he touched him.

Being a child was great sometimes. He could get the love he never received, the care he always longed for, but sometimes, he just wanted to know things.

Therefore, when he saw Hanma, he almost cried in relief. He knew that with someone like Hanma, he could just be him. Be the mess he was and Hanma would understand. It was similar with Sanzu. He hadn't needed to pretend. He was genuinely concerned, had wanted to help, and had always found his scars beautiful. Hanma would only find him annoying if he went in guns blazing and brought him over to his house like with others. Hanma would never want pity. (not that he ever wanted to pity anyone.) He just needed to give the option to Hanma and if he took it, well, that would just be great for everyone involved.

Takemichi understood that for someone like Hanma, who had never been given concern or options, an option and a little concern is all he needed to push him in the right direction. Hanma was older than many of them in the past (future?) and it was too late to worm his way into his heart the traditional way.

Even so, he wanted to help. He wanted to help as many of them as he could because, at the end of the day, they were all just kids from a messed-up background, trying to survive. How could he ever turn them away?
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"This is stupid…" Hanma mutters to himself.

It had been a week since the interaction with Takemichi and he was now standing in front of his house. It was huge and Hanma couldn't even grasp the reason as to why he was here. Sure, the kid had invited him for a meal and Hanma was hungry but…

He rids his head of any unnecessary thoughts and rings the bell of the house.

He hears the shuffling of feet and soon the door opens.

The last time they had met, it was dark, and the only thing Hanma could see clearly had been the kid's blue eyes. Now, in the daytime, he could see the kid. He was wearing a t-shirt too big for him. He had curly black hair which looked soft, and his blue eyes were shining like crystals in the sun.

"It's you!"

Hanma just nods his head.

He didn't know why he was suddenly nervous. He had never had anyone offer him food or a place to stay like this without asking or anything in return. And he had certainly never been invited to a house this big.

"You came at the right time. I was getting lonely and about to eat. Come in!"

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In the end, Hanma's worries were for naught. Takemichi invited him in and really did serve him food. He gave him clothes and allowed him to take a bath (which felt heavenly after weeks of not getting to).

They sat together to eat. They discussed their lives and their 'shitty situation'. Hanma wouldn't stay, and he didn't know if he would come back, but Takemichi felt warm. He felt like he could be his completely messy self and be the fuck-up that he had allowed himself to become and not get judged by this kid in front of him.

Part of him related to Takemichi. Their situations were not the same. Far from it. But they were both messed up in their own ways and that was enough for them. He found that he wanted to come back. He liked the genuine concern in Takemichi's eyes. (and he may or may not have absolutely loved his food)

Sometimes, two broken people can keep each other company.

Hanma would never be fixed and he knew that. Takemichi could never undo his trauma and he knew that too, but sometimes, you don't need to be fixed.

After all, What are we if not broken?

Notes:

keep the suggestions and comments coming! I love reading them at ass o'clock in the morning! hehe

Chapter 16: Are You Running a Charity?

Summary:

More New people! More dreams! Bunch of feelings and confusion!

Very Detailed Abuse! I am not kidding. It is not a happy chapter. Like at all. Almost no Fluff!

Notes:

I feel like characters like Hanma, Sanzu, South and the Haitani brothers wouldn't be easy to deal with. Like Takemichi just smiles at them and they fall for him. To me, their issues go deeper than just neglect from adults and while I will not assume anything to be canon, I will put my view on how I think they would react to Takemichi's goodwill.

I feel like they are also the few people Takemichi can be himself around. They are all characters that had to grow up too quickly and they bond over trauma rather than a one-sided need to protect Takemichi. (Trauma bonding is a thing and I've done it before. Those friends are very easy to get along with) So am I projecting? maybe!

Chapter Text

His mother had come in late at night. Drunk or high. He doesn't remember, but he remembers perfectly manicured hands dragging him out of bed. He remembers the nails digging into his skin as he screamed for his mother to stop. To explain. To give him any reason behind her sudden assault.

She doesn't say anything, and he is left in the dark, figuratively and literally as he tries to come up with reasons behind her violent behavior. Maybe he had done something wrong? Maybe she had a bad day?

He had learned to listen for people's breathing after that. South had been eight.

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He remembers harsh words. He remembers the smell of alcohol. He remembers drugs, men, money. He remembers all the horrible things.

South had been nine

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He lies in bed and tries to think of the good moments. There aren't many, but whatever he finds, he holds onto.

It's the only way he can survive. South had been ten

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The other kids in school don't like him. That's okay, he never liked them either. It wasn't a problem until one day he gets led out into the playground and beaten up until he can barely move.

He lays there, cursing the world for all it had done to him. South had been eleven

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The first time he joined a gang, it had become his family. His home. Somewhere he could go back to. It had started as innocent as one can imagine. It had quickly turned into smoking, drugs, and alcohol.

He didn't like it. It reminded him of home. So, he left the gang, but he stuck around. The kids were like him. It was somewhere he belonged. He had met his friend Hanma there.

South had been thirteen.

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Now at fourteen, he is sitting in that very same alleyway. Tattooed and smoking. Waiting for his friend to show up.

He hears giggling as two sets of footsteps make their presence known to South.

He hears Hanma.

Hanma soon comes into view with a child beside him. He has a bag full of stuff and he looks like he's seen a bath in the last week.

When was the last time he had gone home?

South stares. He doesn't know what to say.

The kid reminds him so much of himself. He sees a soft smile and hears soft giggles and thinks he's going to be sick. He knows, he remembers smiling and laughing like that when he was eight. Before that godforsaken night when he first felt his life drift away from him. He does not remember ever smiling after that day. He wonders how long it would take for this child to end up like him.

He would end up like him. Broken. Lost. Nothing like what he was when he was younger.

He notices the scars under the child's loose clothing. He knows. He sees himself in that child. He remembers. He wishes he could forget.

He sees the scars and his mind instantly goes back to the dreams he had last week. He wonders why it feels familiar.

He remembers distant shouts. He remembers someone being beaten up. He remembers rain and his seething anger towards someone.

He remembers dull blue eyes and bright blonde hair.

Before he realizes it, Hanma is beside him and holding a bag of chips out to him.

He notices that Hanma is sucking on a lollipop?

The child is also there. Standing in front of him. Staring down at him with a complicated gaze.

South wants to think it's pity, but it isn't. He knows that it's not. He wants to be angry but the sheer understanding he sees in those blue eyes bring up emotions that he thought he had buried long ago.

He remembers similar blue eyes from his dream. In fact, for a second he thinks it was this kid in his dreams but that wouldn't make any sense. He had never even met the kid.

He had heard about this kid and his adopting impulses from Hanma. Apparently, all his friends had been adopted by him because he had saved them in some way. Heck, even Hanma spoke nicely of this kid, and he never spoke well about anyone. So yeah, South was curious, but he was also realistic. With the shit that had happened to him, he knew that he couldn't be "saved" by this kid.

Not him.

He was too far gone.

So when the kid offers him the same things he offered Hanma just because he was his 'friend', South can't help but ask what has been on his mind for a while now.

"Are you running a charity? Think we need saving or some shit?"

He couldn't stand people with a hero complex. Couldn't stand people who thought they could 'fix' him. He knew how messed up he was and there was no 'fixing' for him.

The kid, however, doesn't cry like he expects him to. He just laughs and looks at him again. With so much understanding that it makes South sick. (or is that warmth?)

"Just thought I'd offer what I could."

South scoffs.

"I'm not trying to 'save' you if that's what you think. I'm just doing what I wish someone had done for me. Offering a little food and a bath never hurt anyone, right?" Takemichi smiles.

And South aches. He wants so badly to accept. To get out of this shithole and have a warm bath and homemade food. Gosh, when was the last time he had homemade food?

"Your parents know what you're doing? Heard you a rich boy!" South tries to make him angry. Deflects. Anything to make him go away and leave him in his misery.

Takemichi scoffs. And South recognizes the momentary lapse in his expression. He knows that look anywhere and he knows he hit a nerve. The kid doesn't get angry though. He just turns and says something that makes South give up.

"They gave me the money, not their business what I do with it. If they cared…" He trails off.

But South knows and his heart aches for this kid.

He stops fighting.

He stands from his spot on the ground and looks at the kid and Hanma.

"Well? Lead the way."

Takemichi flashes him a bright smile and for a moment, South thinks it is all worth it.

South had been fourteen. Maybe he'll stop counting now.

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Chifuyu has always wanted to know more about Hanagaki Takemichi.

He sees him around his school.

If he remembers correctly, he's a year younger than him.

The kid is quiet and always manages to show up to school with a new bruise every other week. There isn't anything special about him. He has black hair and blue eyes and wears clothes too big for him.

It is no secret in school that his parents aren't around often. No parents ever show up for Takemichi on career days or parent-teacher meetings and Chifuyu feels bad.

He felt bad but never really felt attracted to the raven until a few weeks ago when he started having dreams about a certain blonde with blue eyes. He dreamt of moments with his 'partner'. He knew for sure that he's never known anyone like that and yet in his dreams, he knows he loves this person. Whoever he is, he's been shot, stabbed, and beaten, but he gets back up every time.

The next day in school when he saw Takemichi, he felt an unexplainable pull towards the boy. He couldn't explain why, but he wants to know more.

Over the last few weeks, Chifuyu has noticed weird people coming to pick Takemichi up from school. People with tattoos. People wearing gang uniforms. Buff guys. Scary-looking adults.

Takemichi always talks to them like he knows them. Chifuyu wants to know more.

So, one day, he musters up all his courage and introduces himself.

"Hey!"

Takemichi jumps a foot in the air.

Okay, so maybe that wasn't the best way. Whatever, Chifuyu was too into it to leave now.

Takemichi stares at him for a second and a million emotions flash through his eyes in that second. Chifuyu stays blissfully unaware of this and just offers his hand.

"I'm Chifuyu, you're Takemichi right?"

Chifuyu had tried to get into Toman. He knew one of the aims was to keep a kid named Takemichi safe. That only served to increase his curiosity. The next up-and-coming gang, formed just to protect a single individual? He was curious. So, so curious.

Takemichi stares at his hand for another second before flashing a smile that would put the sun to shame.

"Yep! That's me!"

Soon, Chifuyu doesn't have to be curious anymore because Takemichi is awesome. He has helped so many people and has so many friends. Chifuyu feels a weight has been taken off his shoulders but he doesn't say anything.

They become partners. Swear to help each other and Takemichi invites him over.

And who is Chifuyu to say no to that face?

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There was rain. There was screaming. Someone was dying. There were gunshots. There was death.

People yelling. An ambulance. Darkness

A familiar face. Older. Blonde. Dull blue eyes.

They are familiar eyes. They know who it is, but they are so dull. Why are they so dull?

They don't understand. They feel like they are watching someone else's life play out in front of them. They see someone get shot. Get stabbed. Die. He still smiles.

The boy loves too much. He knows too much. Has seen too much.

They are witnesses to his moments of self-doubt. His self-sacrificial nature. His tears.

The boy still smiles.

The smile never disappears. Until it does.

It feels like a huge loss, but people around him don't notice. No one notices his pain. They see him lose his smile but stay silent. They can't do anything. They are merely watching.

They see themselves in the people who don't notice the boy's pain. The suffering takes a toll on the blonde. They see him crumble in front of them.

Yet, the boy always chooses their happiness over his. Takes on the world for them. They can only watch. The boy loves one too many times and dies for the last time.

The boy dies again and then they see a familiar face in front of them.

Familiar black curls. Bright blue eyes and a million-dollar smile.

Who is the boy in their dreams? They know but they don't want to believe it.

They don't want to see it because then they would have to see the horrible things they did to him.

They hurt him.

They saw where he was hurt. They have seen the scars. What else are they supposed to believe? They want more than anything to think that this is but a dream, but how can they when everything feels so real?

Who is Hanagaki Takemichi?

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The boy travels back in time. He keeps going back to save his friends.

He does it again and again and again until he loses himself.

He gives until there is nothing to give. Loves until there is nothing to love. Cries until all his tears dry up.

The boy has seen so much death and they feel sick.

Everything is blurry and they don't know what to think.

It all goes black. They wake up but their minds are confused.

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Shinichiro has always felt weird about Takemichi.

Felt uneasy at the look Takemichi sometimes gets in his eyes.

Felt dread when he looks at the scars.

Felt sad when he flinches at even small touches.

He always felt that Takemichi sometimes seems too mature for a child his age.

He had seen Takemichi get this distant look in his eyes. Like sometimes he wasn't looking at them. He always had a sad look when he looked at others.

Never with him though. But Shinichiro noticed.

How he never hesitated before protecting people. How he kept offering people food and a home. How he had no sense of self-preservation around some people like he had known them all his life.

He had also seen Takemichi's circle grow. He had seen people gravitate towards him. He had seen people blindly trust him like they had known him all their lives.

Shinichiro didn't know what it all meant. He wanted to find out but what was he supposed to say?

He thought he knew Takemichi. Thought they were doing a good job at protecting him.

Was it Takemichi saving them all along?

Shinichiro doesn't know and he is confused. He wants to find out.

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He can't take it anymore and finally calls whoever is available to his shop.

He asks everyone what they dreamed of the past week.

He hopes so badly that it is different. That e is just having a crazy idea.

He has no such luck and everyone narrates the same events. Maybe a little here or there but it is the same.

And he is horrified.

"Does it matter?"

Taiju suddenly speaks up.

Everyone looks at him and he continues.

"I mean, we've seen those scars. We know some messed up stuff has happened to him, but does it matter?"

Shinichiro looks at him like he still doesn't understand.

South (their newest addition to Toman along with Hanma) speaks up.

"To me, Hanagaki is only a friend who offered me a bath and warm food after years of neglect. He is warm and he is home. That's all I know. He is messed up, but so are we. No one is perfect and whatever this is, I'm sure we can get through it. All we can do is make sure he doesn't suffer more right?"

Everyone is silent for what feels like before Kazutora breaks the silence.

"Micchi is my brother in everything but blood. I'll protect him with my life if I have to. I'd rather die than hurt him."

Various noises of agreement sound around the room.

Shinichiro stares at them for a while, a soft smile on his face.

These kids are a good bunch.

He figures they are right after all.

Takemichi was home to them. He was warm and had a heart of gold. He helped everyone and didn't care what happened to him.

If that was the case, then they would protect him.

They weren't okay and they knew Takemichi wasn't okay, but together, maybe they would be okay. Eventually.

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He sees glimpses of what his life could have been.

In one he is married to Hina. In one he is dead. In one he is in Bonten and another, he has his gang.

He sees tears. Glimpses of what happened in timelines he had left behind. He doesn't want to believe them.

Doesn't want to believe that they would cry for him. That they care. That he was never truly alone.

No, he would never admit it. But what could he do when sees them break down over his picture?

What can he do when he sees Hina tearing up the wedding dress? When Chifuyu cries in his apartment. When Draken beats up Mikey. When Mikey begs Hina for forgiveness. When Kisaki visits his grave.

When he realizes that people loved him? That his life wasn't a waste. He had affected them. He had saved them. He had seen them smile. Visit his grave. They grieved but they were eventually happy.

He saw so many timelines in his dreams. Repeats of what had happened. Timelines he hadn't lived at all. Futures he would never get to see. He could see his friends, his family.

They cared. They lived. Not just survived, they lived. Built lives for themselves.

He saw Hina find love again. The pet shop Chifuyu had with Kazutora. He saw Draken and Inupi's bike shop. He Saw Koko let go of his trauma. He saw Kisaki get help and become a leader. He saw Mikey in law school. He saw different lives. Taiju continued his gang and became one of the most feared in the underworld but he had a moral code. Mitsuya became a fashion designer. Yuzuha and Hakkai were college students. Angry and Smiley were well settled. Some people got married, had kids. He saw his childhood friend open a restaurant with Izana. He saw the Sano family together. He saw Draken and Emma get married. All his friends. He saw a glimpse of their lives and yet they all visited his grave.

They remembered him, but they lived. They loved him but they moved on.

Takemichi hadn't failed as much as he believed. He could see it.

And maybe it was all made up by his traitorous brain. Maybe it was all lies. But, who cared?

If it was lies, then maybe he didn't want the truth.

Maybe he could let people in now.

Maybe, just maybe, he could stop trying now.

Chapter 17: Family Is Not Always Defined By Blood

Summary:

The others are slowly learning how to deal with the consequences of their actions and uninvited guests show up at Takemichi's house during a celebration. Takemichi realizes that he doesn't need to deal with it alone.

Notes:

Heylo! A new fic is out! Dark Takemichi! The second chapter is up!

This Chapter: DIfferent people and their problems (+comfort). The first-ever adults to make an appearance. Angst and Comfort!

Warning! Panic attacks and mentions of child abuse and neglect!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Takemichi walks into the shop and Mikey immediately tenses up.

What if he hurt Takemichi accidentally. Sure, everyone said that it didn't matter whether the dreams were real or not, but Mikey cared. He had hurt Takemichi in so many of the dreams. He had killed Takemichi in one too. How could he just act unbothered when he was terrified?

"Mikey-Kun?"

Mikey jolts out of his thoughts at the sound of Takemichi's voice and looks around to find everyone in the shop staring at him. Shinichiro has a worried frown on his face. Mikey quickly plasters a smile onto his face and answers Takemichi.

"Takemitchy! How was school?"

Takemichi seems worried for a second but then drops it and smiles his usual bright smile.

"It was great! I made a new friend"

Sanzu and Kisaki grimace and Hinata seems less than thrilled at the new information but smiles anyway.

That smile is horribly forced, and everyone knows it, but they'd rather not get kicked today. Thank you very much.

Shinichiro clears his throat and continues the conversation before Takemichi can notice the murderous glares coming from Kisaki and Sanzu. Draken pulls Mikey away and tries to calm him down.

"No Mikey, he is not leaving you…"

"That's great Micchi! Who is it?"

He prayed to God and anybody else listening that this new friend was normal and not another homeless delinquent. They already had a lot of those and Shinichiro's shop had become a hangout for said delinquents.

Takemichi happily skips over to where Shinichiro, Wakasa, and South are sitting. "His name is Chifuyu! He came up to me at lunch yesterday." He grins as he reveals information about his partner. "He said we're partners now!"

Wakasa smiles fondly and the others can't stay angry at this new friend either.

Not when Takemichi is so happy.

Shinichiro finishes wrapping South's arm and turns to Takemichi to ruffle his hair. His hand promptly gets slapped away.

Takemichi notices Hanma side-hugging South and Shinichiro putting away the med-kit. He slowly walks over and sits in between Hanma and South who make space for him to squeeze in between.

"What happened to your arm?" He asks softly.

South stiffens beside him and then relaxes completely as Takemichi hugs him. Sanzu comes over and sits on the other side of South at a slight distance. Takemichi notices Hinata hug Kisaki from the corner of his eyes. Shinichiro flashes him a sad smile and Wakasa's fists tighten as he clenches his jaw. Mikey and Draken also come over to sit on the other side of Hanma as he hugs them.

South sighs.

In barely a week, he now has a place he can run to. He and Hanma get free food and now have people that care about them. South had taken a special liking to Sanzu and would treat him like a younger brother while Hanma would often comfort Draken or match Mikey's chaotic energy. Of course, this was all thanks to Takemichi. He was the one who helped them. He didn't 'save' them or even try to. He just offered them understanding and some food. Boy did that melt their hearts. They were still a little wary for a while but soon enough, as with everyone else, they couldn't help but be drawn to Takemichi. After everything he's done for them, he deserved a little happiness for himself and so South couldn't tell him. He just couldn't do it. Not to Takemichi.

"It's nothing, kid. Don't worry about it."

Takemichi frowned and looked over at Hanma.

It seems like Hanma didn't get the message or he just didn't care because he instantly spilled what had happened.
"His mom thinks he's an ashtray" He grit out between clenched teeth.

God, he wanted to kill that woman.

Takemichi doesn't seem to understand at first but South can tell the very second Takemichi realized what had happened. His eyes go wide and his jaw drops. He whips his head around and stares at South. His lips tremble and tears spring to his eyes.

There it is.

Takemichi says nothing and just wordlessly hugs South tighter, climbing onto his lap. Mikey puts his head on Draken's shoulder and Hanma pulls them closer.

Draken and Kisaki try not to think of their own mothers. The former being abandoned, and the latter being abused in all ways but physical. Hinata's arms around Kisaki tighten and the weight of Hanma's hand keeps Draken grounded.

Sanzu brings a hand up to his scars, looks over at Takemichi in South's arms, and closes the distance between them. He's not usually a hugger but he cuddles into South's side anyway. Kisaki walks over and does the same, placing himself between Hanma and South.

Shinichiro and Wakasa both smile at the sight.

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An Hour Later

Everyone is still in their seats with Shinichiro and Wakasa now sitting with the others. The only additions to the scene are the five open boxes of pizza on the table in front of the couch and the blankets wrapped around Everyone and Kazutora(who had somehow joined in on the cuddling).

Takemichi is still in South's arms and has refused to leave. Everyone thinks he's fallen asleep when he speaks up.

"Are you all free on Christmas?"

Everyone pauses.

Kazutora is going to be with Takemichi, so he doesn't think too much of the question and just nods. So do Shinichiro, Mikey, and Wakasa.

The others don't speak for a while.

Kisaki doesn't want to be at home on Christmas. The only time the family is all together is the worst day for him. All they ask about are his grades. They don't care about anything else. Last year, they hadn't even spoken to each other. He had spent the next day with Hinata and two months after that he had met Takemichi. This year, if no one was going to even acknowledge him, why should he care about them? He hasn't felt the need to prove himself to his family after meeting Takemichi. He didn't need business partners, he needed family and his friends were it. He would spend it with them. With his real family.

Kisaki smiles and answers. "I am free, Micchi."

Hinata smiles too but hers is slightly sad. "Well, my family will be there and my little brother…. I probably won't be free on Christmas. Sorry, Micchi."

Takemichi only nods and smiles at her. "That's okay, Hina-chan! I hope you enjoy your time with your family!"

Draken looks at him. "I'm free."

He was free. What was he supposed to do at the brothel on Christmas? Every year, he would just leave in the morning and come back after 1 AM. Christmas was especially busy at the brothel and Draken always felt disgusted. He was never disgusted with the sisters, of course, they were only doing what they had to, to survive. He never blamed them. They were also feeding him and keeping him there, he would forever be grateful to them for that. No, he was disgusted with the number of old or married men that arrived at the Brothel on Christmas day. They would rather get drunk, spend their time at a brothel, and waste away in some alleyway rather than spend time with their families. Their children. Draken, who was abandoned practically at birth, hated the idea of abandoning children more than anything. Before, he saw himself in those children. Now though? He saw Takemichi in those children, and it hurt more. He knew Takemichi was neglected. Practically abandoned too. He knew why Takemichi was asking them if they were free, and he would be more than happy to spend the day with him. Away from the brothel, away from the disgust that made his stomach churn, and with the people who made him smile. With his family.

Sanzu simply nods and goes back to cuddling South. South was unexpectedly very huggable.

He knew his brother would probably be with Shinichiro or smoking in some alleyway. His parents would only ever celebrate Christmas with his little sister. He never existed in that family anyway and so he went around telling people he was the 'only child'. Takeomi cared only for Senju. Perhaps it was because Senju was the 'princess' of the house, but it stung all the same. Other kids never hung out with him because he was 'ugly' or 'a freak'. So why shouldn't he treat himself as an only child? Heck, if he had a choice then he was an orphan too. He never asked to be born anyway. If they didn't want him around then he wouldn't be around them, simple. He would spend the day with people who thought he was 'beautiful' and 'unique'. He didn't need anyone else. He had his family.

South and Hanma look at each other and smile down at Takemichi. It is the first time they smile so softly. Takemichi chalks it up as another victory and snuggles closer into South's chest. He has his answers. He would call everyone else once he got home. Hopefully, more people would be able to join him. He smiles and falls asleep in the warmth surrounding him.

He felt content with his family there.

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When he got the call from Takemichi about spending Christmas with him, Taiju didn't hesitate.

For Taiju and his siblings, the worst day of the year was Christmas. That was the one day when their father drank more than usual and was a lot more violent. Taiju would try to protect his siblings as usual, but on Christmas, even Yuzuha and Hakkai were not exempt from a beating. They also knew that Takemichi didn't have anyone. How he had survived this long they didn't know, but they were glad. If that child, who gave them a taste of homely warmth and friends to care for them needed them, they would be there. They would spend the day in a house that felt like a home, with all the others that loved Takemichi. With all the others that loved them. With real family.

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Mrs. Baji loved her son Keisuke. She cared about him more than anything and wanted nothing but the best for him. She was worried about him with all the gang business but let him do as he pleased. So, when he came up to her and asked if he could spend the day and night at Takemichi's house, she agreed. They weren't well off, and she couldn't provide a Christmas party for her son, but she could let him do so with his friends. Furthermore, she had met Takemichi before. She swore there wasn't a sweeter boy out there. The boy was so kind but so pitiful. She loved him and tried her best to give him motherly love whenever possible. It seemed like Keisuke was finally hanging out with the correct people, and who was she to stop it? The Kawata twins had nothing to do on Christmas so naturally, they agreed to spend the night at Takemichi's house. Why wouldn't they? He was their friend and he needed them. So, they would be his family. They would give him the love he never got from his family. They always wanted a younger sibling anyway.

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Shinichiro and Mikey told Izana, Emma, and Kakucho about the Christmas plans and Grandpa Sano was more than happy to let them go.

He loved Takemichi like his own grandson and wanted nothing more than for him to be happy. Christmas would be hard for him without any family, so he was very happy that his grandchildren had grown to be such fine people. Izana was also happy now and for that, he was infinitely grateful to Takemichi and his friends. The little delinquent family that they had created was lovely. He wished he could live longer to be able to see them grow into the fine young men and women he was sure they would become.

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Chifuyu, though new to this whole thing, agreed to spend time with Takemichi on Christmas.

His family didn't celebrate Christmas and his new friend was lonely. His partner! Of course, he had to make him happy. He was also excited to meet everyone else. All the cool people that would pick Takemichi up from school.

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Pah-chin agreed to join on one condition. Orange juice.

Mitsuya hit him on the back of his head and agreed to join Takemichi on Christmas.

Mitsuya's mother would be going out with his sisters. He didn't want to interrupt their time together, so he agreed to go to Takemichi instead.

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On Christmas

Shinichiro, Arashi, Wakasa, and Takeomi are on the two couch chairs on either side of the couch. Wakasa is practically on Shinchiro's lap (but we don't talk about that.)

Mikey, Draken, Pah-chin, Baji, and Kisaki are on the couch, shouting over each other while playing a game. (Kisaki is winning and Mikey refuses to admit defeat. Baji insists that Kisaki is cheating and Draken is very close to losing his patience and just punching Mikey.)

Smiley is sitting on the floor beside the couch with his hands in Angry's hair. His usual grin is just a soft smile and Angry's scowl is nowhere to be seen.

Yuzuha is on the floor in front of the couch with Hakkai laying on her lap with a comic book in his hands. Hinata is sitting behind Yuzuha, braiding her hair. (They didn't think she would show up, but at some point, she escaped her family gathering and decided to hang out with her friends.)

Taiju, South, and Hanma are at the dining table, chatting and laughing. (Mostly bonding over the fact that they are older brothers to Takemichi and their abuse. Hey! Trauma buddies!)

Izana, Kakucho, Sanzu, and Chifuyu are together, playing a board game on the other side of the table. (Chifuyu surprisingly got along well with Izana and Kakucho and had no trouble fitting right in with the others.)

Finally, Takemichi, Mitsuya, and Kazutora are in the kitchen, preparing snacks and dinner.

The scene is extremely domestic and warm.

Until the bell rings.

Takemichi doesn't bother checking because he knows people are in the living room. He continues cooking until he hears a shout from the doorway.

"Who the fuck are you?!" That is Shinichiro.

Takemichi quickly runs into the living room, Mitsuya and Kazutora on his heels.

When he reaches the front door, he freezes.

Shinichiro walks over to Takemichi and puts an arm around his shoulder protectively. "Do you know this woman, Takemichi?"

Takemichi doesn't seem to hear him. His breathing becomes erratic, and his eyes fill with tears. Suddenly all sounds seem too distant and too loud at the same time. The lights are too bright, the sound of his own breathing is too loud, and there is a ringing in his ears, but the voices of everyone else are too far away. It feels like he is drowning. He begins to shake while staring at the woman in front of him.

In front of him is his mother. The same mother who abandoned him. The same 'mother' who ran away with some man and couldn't even be bothered to check if her son was alive or dead.

Why? Why was she here? Had this happened in his first life? He doesn't remember. He doesn't want to remember, because why? Why would she come back?

He hears the woman in front of him speak. Woman, because that monster was not his mother.

"What is the meaning of this young man? Who are they? Why are they in my house?"

Her house?

His breathing speeds up. Shinichiro kneels in front of Takemichi.

"Hey, hey, Micchi, it's me, Shin-Nii, okay? I need to know if you can hear me, Bubba."

Takemichi shakily nods. Because he could hear him, but he didn't want to hear that woman.

"Okay, okay, now follow my breathing, okay? In and out" While Shinichiro tries to help Takemichi with his panic attack, Takeomi, and Wakasa come up and stand protectively around Shinichiro and Takemichi.

Takeomi sneers and addresses the lady who is watching Shinichiro with wide eyes.

"Listen, lady, I don't know who you are, but you need to get out."

The lady looks at him and sneers back.

"This is my house, young man. Who are you?"

Wakasa calmly addresses her.

"Listen, ma'am, whoever you are, this is Takemichi's house, and currently, you are trespassing on private property."

The lady glares at them and scoffs,

"I am that boy's mother. This is my house, you all need to get out before I call the police."

Shinichiro looks back and looks at Takemichi again, who is calming down.

"Do you want her here Micchi?"

He shakes his head. Of course, he doesn't. That woman couldn't care less if he died and now she had the audacity to claim this his grandma's house was hers?

"Okay, you should go to your friends, okay? We'll deal with this."

Takemichi simply nods and lets himself be pulled away by Kazutora. He feels arms wrap around him and feels a rush of warmth in his chest. Yes, he doesn't need to fight alone anymore, he realizes. He had people who cared about him. People who loved him. People who were his family. Mikey, Kisaki, Hinata, and Kazutora hug him as the others make space for him on the couch. Baji frowns at the lady and Izana, Kakucho, and Chifuyu come into the living. Everyone sticks close to Takemichi on or around the couch and Arashi wraps him up in blankets. Mitsuya walks in with the finished snacks with Sanzu and tells everyone to start eating. And if Takemichi notices them feeding him everything first, he doesn't say anything.

Meanwhile, Shinichiro and the lady, Takemichi's mother are in a heated discussion at the door.

Wakasa, having had enough of the sheer audacity of this woman, steps in, "Call the police then. We've seen the official documents and according to them, Takemichi owns the house. At most, his father would be the temporary owner as he has custody of the child. If you call the police, we can also get you arrested for child abuse and neglect. Not to mention, you are T-r-e-s-p-a-s-s-i-n-g"

Takeomi cuts in, "so scram"

Hanma and South join them and glare at her. Taiju towers over her as he threatens her.

"Listen here, the happiness of that child is the only thing keeping me from tearing you apart right now lady, you better get out of her before we call the police."

The lady sucks in a sharp breath as she turns and leaves.

The others sigh and move into the living room.

The rest of the evening and night was filled with jokes, games, snacks, and homemade food.

The small incident wasn't mentioned again, and Takemichi was glad for it. He was happy that they stood up for him and he was just felt so happy, it hurt.

While going to sleep, surrounded by his friends in the mess of limbs on the couch and floor, he realized something. He realized that this was his life now. He could really start over. He could let go of the past. He could make new memories. Good memories. He could save this version of his friends. So, what if they weren't his friends? Not the friends he first met. He could make these people more. He could make them his family. He could help them and be sure that they would help him too, just like today. He could grow to love them differently and be loved in return.

He finally felt the love he so desperately desired all these years and he wanted to return it. If he was going to give up his past and give up leaping, he would have to make this his new and final life. He wanted to rest, and he knew that he could. His friends were safe. They were all right here. He didn't know the future, but he was sure that many events were already prevented. And if something happened, then they would solve it as a family.

It won't be easy to give up his life, he knows, but he will try. He knows that he will eventually get there. And the day he does, that is where he will ever want to be.

He hasn't healed. Far from it. But, there's no place he'd rather be.

Notes:

I would like to mention that the panic attack is written after research and personal experience. In no way is it the same for everyone and if you need help please seek professional help or talk to someone. Mental health is very important and I know 90% of y'all need help.

(This generation be depressed as hell)

Chapter 18: NOT A CHAPTER

Summary:

UNFORTUNATELY THIS IS NOT A CHAPTER FEEL FREE TO IGNORE

Chapter Text

So! Here we go!

This is a Hiatus notice. I know recently came back after illness and hospital visits but unfortunately, my final exams are now two weeks away and I have not started studying. If I disappear without saying anything then I would feel bad, so I decided to write this!

I would have written a chapter as an apology, but I also have projects to complete. My stress levels are through the roof and I don't have time to do ANYTHING.

Anyway! That is my tiny rant over. Please wait for me and when I continue the series, I will upload an extra-long chapter for you guys. Thank you for all the love and support so far!

Love you guys! O(∩_∩)O

Chapter 19: My Father Told Me When I Was Just A Child

Summary:

Another figure from the past comes to light and deeply buried feelings come up to the surface.

Notes:

Guess who's back!

You guys are so sweet, I'm gonna cry... (╯▽╰ )

The support and love are so motivating to see and honestly, after those horrid things we call exams, sitting and reading all of your comments really cheered me up! 3

Anyway, as promised, exams are over and a new chapter is here! Enjoy! O(∩_∩)O

ADVICE: Re-read Chapter 12 before reading this chapter. I made some changes because I wanted at least one adult with a redemption arc.

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Takemichi stares at his phone screen.

[Father:
How are you doing, son? I will be back for New years. Hope you didn't burn the house down!]

Takemichi blinks, unsure if he'd seen correctly.

His father… his father was coming back home?

Takemichi tried to recall his father's face. His mind drew a blank. For nine-year-old Takemichi, the last time he had seen his father may have been two years ago, but for this Takemichi? It had been decades.

Takemichi did not remember a lot from his first life, except the fact that he had been a 'wannabe' delinquent, a crybaby, and in his 20s had heard that his ex-girlfriend and her brother had died.

Honestly, the message on his phone screen seemed so foreign. A stranger. Once a family member that he no longer recognized.

In his first life, true to his father's words, the money had stopped coming once he turned 18. He had never heard of his so-called 'father' since. Takemichi, even as a reckless teenager, had saved up some money, so he never went completely broke. Still, he rented out a small apartment and started working at the DVD rental store. The money he had saved up went into emergency funds should he ever need it. He lived off the money he made. He wasn't responsible when it came to anything else, but the money he knew how to handle. It had only taken a week of starving when he was 11, to understand that money needs to be saved in case of emergencies.

His father had visited at least once or twice a year until he turned 12, after which that man had stopped visiting. Assuming he was just busy, Takemichi never said anything. The money would still arrive on the 1st of every month and so he was satisfied. Takemichi sometimes wondered if his father just couldn't stand the sight of him because he looked like his mother. His grandmother certainly thought so. Takemichi never said anything when the little notes stopped coming either. (He would never admit, but those little notes were kept safely in a locked box under his bed.) He went about his life and when he turned 18, a final message had arrived from his father. [We go our separate ways now.]

Takemichi hadn't cried. What was the point? That man was a stranger to him.

When Takemichi started time leaping again and again in hopes of saving his friends, he hadn't even thought about his family. (Or himself for that matter) He had only had one goal. Save everyone and make sure they are happy. Somehow, he had failed. Again. And again.

It was shameful really. Pitiful even. This weak boy trying to save these delinquents that society had turned their backs on. Takemichi had sworn to start his life anew but some days were just so difficult that it left him curled up and crying into his sheets.

"Whatcha looking at Micchi?"

South's gruff voice brings Takemichi out of his spiraling thoughts. He remembers that he is sitting with his friends at Shinichiro's shop.

He looks up at South next to him. All eyes in the shop are on him, confused as to why Takemichi was blanking out. From the corner of his eyes, Takemichi notices the BD gang throwing him worried glances.

Everyone knew today was one of Takemichi's bad days. Takemichi himself knew it was one of his bad days. He didn't have the energy to keep up his signature smile. Not today.

Kazutora's arms around Takemichi's waist tighten and bring Takemichi back to the present. (Ah, he had been blanking out again.)

"Text…" he mumbles, which gets the attention of everyone sitting around.

Kazutora pats his head and hums. "Text from who, Micchi?"

Kazutora feels Takemichi flinch, and his worries grow. Who could it be?

"Father…"

Takemichi's father?

Shinichiro, the events of Christmas still fresh in his mind, frowns and makes his way over to the couch. He scoops Takemichi into his arms and hugs him. (Which gets returned almost instantly.)

"What did he say?" He asks softly.

"He…" Takemichi takes a deep breath. Be honest, Takemichi. These people are your family…

"He says he will come back for New year's." His voice breaks a little towards the end of the sentence.

Everyone freezes. Another parent showing up? What was up with these useless adults showing up and ruining the mood? Seriously, they don't care all year, and now suddenly they wanted to play house? Like hell, they would let them!

However, the others pause at what he says next.

"I… I don't remember what he looks like."

That was the truth. He didn't remember what his father looked like. He didn't even remember the kind of relationship they had the first time around. All he knew was that his father, as neglectful as he had been, had at least been there to check upon him. He sent him money. He hugged Takemichi at his grandma's funeral. It was one of the earliest memories he had. His father's soft voice. His strong arms. His warm hug.

For whatever reason, he was excited. Excited to meet the man he hadn't seen in decades. The man he wished would spend more time with him. Excited to meet the only adult to have ever cared if he was alive.

Takemichi's friends focus on the changing expressions on his face. From doubt to sadness to a smile.

"I want to meet him." He says, with the first genuine smile they had seen all day.

Takemichi knew it did not make any sense. Who would want to meet a man that had allegedly abandoned you? But he did. He wanted to meet his father.

And how could the others ever refuse that soft smile?

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Mr. Hanagaki looks down at his phone, a single text flashing on the screen.

[Micchi:
I will be waiting 3.]

He chuckles to himself.

He wondered what he had done in his last life to get such joy as his son in this life. How could someone like his son even exist? He didn't know. He was a proud father, though he knew he wasn't a good one. He tried to stay, but it wasn't possible. With Takemichi's mother taking off without a word, he had to work twice as hard so that his son survived.

He looks up when his secretary enters his office.

"Sir, you asked for me?"

Mr. Hanagaki puts the phone back in his pocket and smiles.

"Yes, I need you to clear my schedule for the next week."

The secretary stares for a few seconds before pulling out a calendar. (From where? Your guess is as good as Mr. Hanagaki's)

"Sir, next week you have a meeting with the CEO of 'CharmR'. This meeting could make or break the deal, please reconsider taking the vacation later."

Mr. Hanagaki's face turns dark.

"Yuichiro-San, I don't believe I asked for your opinion."

"But sir,"

"My son.." He starts, his voice turning colder with each word. "Has been alone at home for two years, because last year this same CEO decided that our meeting was more important than my family. If he is indecisive, then that is not my fault, is it?!" He slams his fists on the table, making his secretary flinch.

"Clear my goddamn schedule for new year's week. I will not ask again.

"Yes sir." The secretary bows and leaves the office. Mr. Hanagaki deflates and sinks into his chair. He brings his hands up to his face and sighs.

Why were these corporate giants all rich snobs? He just wanted to see his son. He was already a bad enough father. Before, he would make sure to visit at least twice a year, if not more. Those visits started dropping as his company grew and more projects started coming in. Then, last year, that damn CEO of 'CharmR' kept him there. He couldn't even go home. Lord only knew if his son was doing okay. He had never missed an entire year before.

He also remembered the last time he visited his son had bandages on his face. Bandages! Imagine his shock when he found out that his tiny, fragile, adorable baby, had been getting into fights with high schoolers! He was deathly afraid that his son would grow up as a delinquent. His mother wasn't there anymore, his wife had taken off, and he wasn't around nearly as much as he would like. He would never be able to stop him if his son decided to go down that path. All he could do was send notes with messages like, "eat healthily", "Don't buy cigarettes or alcohol", or "stay away from dangerous people."

Those notes, however, were just that. Notes. Pieces of paper that could be disregarded. He wanted to protect his son, not throw him headfirst into the dangerous world of gangs. It was a shitty attempt, he knew, but that is all he could do.

He sighs again as he fixes his posture. He picks up his pen and reaches for the next paper that he has to sign.

While reaching for the document, his eyes fall on a picture frame kept on his table. Inside the frame were many pictures stuck together. One was a picture of his mother and his son standing in front of a school. His son had one of his hands up in a peace sign, while the other held onto his grandmother's skirt tightly. Takemichi's grandmother had a huge smile on her face while looking down at her grandson with proud and adoring eyes. It was a bright, sunny day and one could see the various blurry figures of other parents and students walking around. Mr. Hanagaki had taken the picture.

Another picture had Takemichi in shorts, much younger than the last picture, in his father's arms. They were on a beach. Takemichi's mother was cut out of the picture. Takemichi's grandmother had taken the picture.

Another picture was of Mr. Hanagaki and Takemichi standing in front of the family house. It was the first picture taken after Grandma Hanagaki's passing. It had been a year and Takemichi had been seven. It was the year he had started living alone, and the picture was taken around Christmas. The house behind them was covered in snow and lights. Takemichi was smiling, though it wasn't as bright as the other two pictures.

Mr. Hanagaki picks up the picture frame and caresses it with gentle fingers. His son had been alone for two years now. He would be nine.

Mr. Hanagaki wonders if he would even recognize his son. He wonders if he is well. He takes his phone out and looks through his texts with his son (which had grown more sporadic as months went by). He leans back in his chair and looks up at the ceiling as memories come flooding back to him. He allows himself to drown in his mind for a little bit.

After his wife ran away, leaving the four-year-old with his grandmother had been his only option. He needed to work to provide for his son. Mr. Hanagaki's mother had taken great care of Takemichi too, but her faults and addictions had caused her untimely death. He was sad at the funeral. (Who wouldn't? that was his mother.) However, he distinctly remembered the small child crying quietly in a corner.

It didn't take much for him to recognize his son. (He looked so much like his mother) He hadn't known what to do. His own son was a stranger to him. So, he did the only thing he could think of. He lifted the small child in his arms and hugged him. He held him like he could shield him from all the evils of the world (and at that time he had truly wanted to). It was merely a fantasy. A selfish desire to keep his son caged to protect him.

He may not be a good father, but he was a father all the same. He knew his son was free-spirited. He knew he had friends and was attached to their family house. He would never agree to move with him. So, he left him there. He would send money to him every month and had set a deadline. Once Takemichi turned 18, he would let him go completely.

He could have abandoned him. Left him up o a babysitter. Set bodyguards. Restricted him. And it would be a lie if he said he had never thought about it, but he didn't do any of that. He only did what he felt Takemichi would appreciate.

He had only wanted to be the one his son depended on for a little longer.

Perhaps that had been his first mistake.

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On New Year's Day, the scene at Takemichi's house was much like Christmas.

Mikey, Kazutora, Baji, Pah-chin, and Draken were sitting in the living room playing games. ("Ken-chin you are a cheater!" "Mikey go right!" "Baji, I will actually kill you.")

Kisaki and Hinata were playing a board game on the couch. Beside Kisaki was Hakkai and beside Hinata sat Yuzuha, doing Emma's hair while she read a fashion magazine. Taiju sat with South and Hanma.

Takeomi and Arashi were on the roof of the house, smoking.

The Kawata twins were at the dining table with Izana, Kakucho, and Chifuyu.

Koko and Inui had dropped in and were sitting near the door. (Just in case they had to chase someone away with a bat. You never know.)

Takemichi and Mitsuya are in the kitchen, while Sanzu stands in the corner observing Takemichi's every move. Shinichiro and Wakasa are helping and occasionally exchanging glances.

Takemichi is happily humming while making cookies. (Would his father like them?)

Kazutora walks into the kitchen to help carry the tray of freshly baked cookies to the living room when the bell rings. Everyone is on alert in a second.

They didn't know what this man was like. If he was anything like Takemichi's mother, then they would have a problem

Takemichi, blissfully unaware of everyone else's thoughts and murderous glares, nervously walks up to the door. He opens the door.
There in front of him stands a tall man, in a suit, with long black hair tied back in a low ponytail. He has a handsome, chiseled face and beautiful blue eyes that are a shade lighter than Takemichi's making them look like crystals in the light as opposed to Takemichi's ocean-like eyes. The man has a soft smile on his face and his eyes hold nothing but love and adoration. His hands are full of bags of various sizes.

Takemichi just stands and stares.

This man in front of him was his father. One look at his eyes and Takemichi was frozen as memories came rushing back to him. Distant noises of waves crashing and giggles of a child. Chuckles of an older man and the voice of a woman. A flash of a camera.

Laughing of a child, chattering of various parents and children. The click of a picture being taken and the sound of a bell ringing signifies the start of a school day.

The crying of a child. The warm breath of a man, the soft murmurs of comfort, and the protective arms wrapped around a young boy who had just lost his entire world.

All the blanks in his mind were instantly filled with the face in front of him.

"Micchi?"

It was a nickname he heard often but coming from the man in front of him made him tear up. The familiar nickname sounds strange yet oh so comforting.

Takemichi stands there as his father enters and notices various people in the house. None of them he recognizes. Some look like delinquents. Some girls. Some older, some younger.

He wanted to ask questions, but right now he needed to focus on his son.

Mr. Hanagaki closes the door softly and places the bags beside the closed door. He crouches in front of his now nine-year-old son and picks him up, taking him to the couch.

No one interrupts the scene and the people occupying the couch move away almost instantly. Shinichiro hovers close but maintains a distance. Takemichi doesn't seem to be reacting badly, just shocked. The man doesn't seem hostile either.

Everyone stays close and alert, but let the father continue.

"Micchi…" he calls out softly, "Hey there buddy, it's me, papa…"

Everyone observes silently as Takemichi turns to look at the man in the eyes. Tears spill from his eyes and before anyone can react, Takemichi is clutching onto his father's clothes and sobbing.

Takemichi didn't know why he started crying, but once he started, he couldn't stop. The feelings of love and familiarity he had buried deep in his heart were all rushing to the surface.

He might not have started crying, but his father's arms around him reminded him so much of his grandmother's funeral. All the emotions from that day, the hopelessness, the despair, the comfort from his father, the feeling of warmth, all came back as fresh as the day he had experienced it.

"Shh… I'm here, my son. Papa is here…"

'papa', when was the last time he had used such a term? When was the last time he had felt like his father cared about him? When was the last time he felt safe in someone's arms? Like no one in the world would be able to hurt him. He doesn't remember.

The others can do nothing but watch as Takemichi bawls, hiccupping and stuttering quiet 'papa's in between his sobs. Their heart aches for this child.

For this lonely child that thought he had been abandoned by everybody.

It was obvious that his father held nothing but love for the child. He didn't seem like he was distant because Takemichi looked like his mother either, but how could they have expected a child to know the true intentions behind the adult's actions?

He had just heard his grandma shouting things in a drunken stupor and taken them to heart. He is a child. They shouldn't forget that.

And yet, sometimes they do just that. Forget that the child in front of them is a nine-year-old child. Someone who had been hurt too much by the world. Someone who has been abandoned and hurt and still manages to remain kind. Someone selfless.

Someone who had saved so many. From their family, from their lives, from themselves.

Takemichi cries and cries and cries

Until he feels like he has no more tears left.

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As Takemichi cried, Mr. Hanagaki felt his heartbreaking. He knew that he had left his son alone for a little too long this time, but to see him crying so much? He didn't know how to react.

He had wanted to protect his son. He had wanted to set him free. He had thought that his son would appreciate it. He never wanted to abandon his son.

But isn't that exactly what he had done? How could he have expected a child to know his true intentions? He had never even talked to him about it. Never asked what his son wanted. He had only assumed that he would like his freedom, but having his son bawling in his arms, uttering nothing but soft 'papa's, his determination and belief faltered.

He had abandoned his son hadn't he?

Oh what a horrible thought. What pain his son must have dealt with, feeling like he had been abandoned.

Mr. Hanagaki tears up.

How could he have been so blind?

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When Takemichi's cries died down to quiet sniffles, Mr. Hanagaki asked him in a soft voice: "Are you okay now, bubba?"

Takemichi only nods.

"Will you introduce me to your friends now?"

He nods again and leans into his father, closing his eyes.

Shinichiro, seeing Takemichi's state, takes it upon himself to introduce everyone.

All the individuals in the room introduce themselves. They don't leave anything out. They tell his father about how selfless Takemichi was. How he had saved so many of them when they were lost. (Takemichi is already asleep by now)

Kazutora mentioned how Takemichi had given him a place to stay.

Taiju explained how Takemichi had given them a taste of home.

Mikey told him how he had started a gang with the main objective to protect Takemichi.

Everyone else also chimed in with their own stories of how Takemichi rescued them, saved them, protected them, and gave them a place to call home and people to call family.

The last ones to introduce themselves were Koko and Inupi.

They told Mr. Hanagaki about the fire, how Takemichi had saved Seishu's sister and ended up in the hospital.

Shinichiro joined the conversation and explained how they had discovered his scars in the hospital.

"…"

What?

Mr. Hanagaki freezes. Scars?

There had been no scars n Takemichi the last time he visited.

He tells them this and the others can only stare dumbly at him.

Takemichi did not have those scars when he was seven? But they clearly remembered Takemichi saying that some of them were too old. So old that he did not even remember how he got them.

Mr. Hanagaki, after listening to his son's new friends, panics. In his panic, he lifts his son's shirt only to find various scars and burns covering the small body of his precious child.

This time, he cannot stop the tears.

Because how could he let this happen to his child? His world? What kind of a father was he to let his son get shot, bruised, and burned and not even know?

Shinichiro and Wakasa try to calm the shaking man down without much success.

They can't blame him either. They remember the day they had found out. How would a parent feel in their position? It must be horrifying. And as neglectful as this father had been, he seemed to love and care about his son.

However, the others have different thoughts running through their heads.

If the scars were not there when Takemichi was seven, then where had they come from?

Their mind abruptly brings up memories of nightmares they had all been having. An older Takemichi getting stabbed, beaten, burned, shot. All the images start merging into one.

A bloody and bruised Takemichi, laying on the concrete, bleeding to death.

" I will save you."

What does it all mean?

Notes:

This fic is coming to an end guys so feel free to drop ideas for other fics or the WIP I have right now!

TBH, This was supposed to be a test ic, but it blew up more than I thought. I hadn't planned too far. I will be making a similar fic but in the original timeline that will be more planned. Let me know if you want more world-building!

I also focus mostly on angst. It is something I'm good at because I like analyzing characters and making them something other than 1-dimensional aspects of a story. So yeah! Tell me your ideas, because they are a delight to read! 3

Chapter 20: Grief, Do You Remember?

Summary:

The others want the truth. Takemichi is nothing, if not determined, but how long can he lie?

Notes:

Advice! Go read chapter 13! This chapter starts with the continuation of the funeral scene!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

2:00 AM

They all thought the same thing. Their hero did not deserve this kind of useless death.

A commotion at the gates of the funeral home had brought everyone out of their thoughts.

Crashing.

Shouting.

Closer.

Until a man with long black hair and light blue eyes was visible. His clothes were ruffled and his hair in disarray. He ran to the front, stumbling and shaking. Tears ran down his face.

Some people got whiplash when looking at the man. He looked so much like Takemichi. Only with longer hair and lighter eyes. That is when a lot of them realized.

This was Takemichi's father.

Fuck.

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Mitsuya stood there, shocked, as the unknown man (presumably Takemichi's father) walked up to the shrine, shaking, and crying. He just looked so broken. The man collapsed as soon as he saw Takemichi's picture.

"No… no god, please no!" He screamed.

Everyone stared as the man kneeled and continued to sob.

Hinata walked away from Mikey and hesitantly reached out to support the man. As she helped the man up, many heard his quiet mumblings.

"Micchi… my son… oh my son…"

Mitsuya finally worked up enough courage to face the man and strode up to the duo.

"Sir, are you a relative of Takemichi?" He knew…he knew who this man was, but as the coordinator of this event, he needed to know for sure.

The man looked up and rage (perhaps at the idiotic question) flashed across his face before draining away.

"Father…" He muttered before fresh tears started falling from his eyes again.

Draken was staring from the corner when he saw Mikey cross his vision.

'What was he going to do?'

His eyes widened in horror as he realized what Mikey was thinking. He reached out, wanting to grab his clothes, but he was too late.

(Grief had made his reactions too slow. Who knew?)

Mikey kneeled in front of Mr. Hanagaki. At his questioning gaze, Mikey answered what everyone was afraid of.

"I killed him" His voice broke at the end.

Mr. Hanagaki jolted as though slapped. He turned to Mikey, grabbed his collar, and dragged him up off the ground.

"Why?! What had my son ever done to you?"

Silence…

"Answer me!"

Silence…

"Answer me goddamn it!" He screamed.

Silence again…

"Please…please…" He pleaded and cried. (His son. His only child. His world was gone.)

All energy seemed to leave him as he released Mikey, who lifelessly fell onto the floor, still shaking.

"My son…"

The most horrible pain in the world.

Mr. Hanagaki was experiencing the most horrible kind of loss in the world.

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He just wished he had seen him one last time.

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Said 'I love you' one last time.

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Held him one last time.

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Mr. Hanagaki drowned in regrets.

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Mikey looked down at the piece of paper in his hand.

[You are invited to the wedding of:

Hanagaki Takemichi and Tachibana Hinata!]

He pressed the paper to his lips.

He reminisced simpler times.

He thought of Takemichi's smile.

His bright eyes.

His voice.

'Mikey-Kun!'

"Takemitchy…"

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Draken stared at his computer screen, writing up a receipt for some order or the other. (He did not remember anymore.)

Three weeks had passed since the funeral.

Days at his job had become a blur.

Different days merging into a cacophony of voices and flashes of images he did not care to pay attention to.

He did not remember the last time he had slept.

His worktable was littered with junk. (Empty coffee cups, half-written receipts, torn pictures.)

He could not find it in himself to care. He didn't care. Not anymore.

What was the point of getting up and cleaning?

What was the point of eating?

Draken exited the word document and came face to face with a smiling Takemichi.

All Toman members were there, smiling at the camera, but Takemichi's smile was the brightest.

Draken sighed and got up. He made his way to the kitchen and pulled out some vegetables and meat from the refrigerator.

He will live.

For Takemichi, if not for himself.

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Hinata walked into her house. Taking off her shoes and switching on the lights she made her way to her bedroom. (It was supposed to be their room)

She took a shower, changed, and got into her bed. (It was supposed to be their bed.)

She stared at the picture on her nightstand.

It was taken on Christmas. If she closed her eyes, she could still hear his voice.

("Hina, that dress looks great on you!"

"I still can't believe we are getting married… haha"

"Hey, let's take a picture!"

"Why? I just felt like it…"

"No! I'll buy it for you!"

"Hey Hina, I love you…")

He was supposed to be here.

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Mitsuya smiled as another customer left his shop, satisfied. The new dress he had been making had taken two weeks to finish.

He relaxed. While aimlessly walking around his office, his eyes landed on a picture frame on one of the shelves.

("Taka-Kun is so good at making clothes, so I thought I would ask you to make a suit for my wedding.")

He looked away before his thoughts could wander more.

He still had work to do.

He pointedly ignored the half-finished wedding suit thrown in the corner.

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Chifuyu looked at a particularly ugly sweater.

("Hey Partner! Look!"

"What? How dare you say it's ugly? The pig is so cute!"

"Of course, you want cats…"

"Let's buy this sweater!"

"Why? Hm… I don't know. I just feel like it.")

He rubbed the tears out of his eyes and walked up to the counter with the pig sweater in his hands.

The pig was cute…

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Hanma stood outside his apartment, smoking.

The night was chilly, but he was only wearing a half-sleeved shirt.

"What are you thinking about?" He looked beside him. Kisaki was staring at him with curious eyes.

"Nothing…"

"If you say so."

Hanma looked up at the sky. Was it just him or were the stars shining brighter today?

("Hey, Hanma-Kun, why do you smoke?"

"Well, whatever the reason, you should know smoking is bad for your health."

"I mean, we ARE working together right now…"

"Just because we are rivals doesn't mean I can't care about your health."

"Ahahaha… Okay… I promise to shut up if you put that cigarette out.")

Hanma tsked.

Kisaki looked at him with an eyebrow raised, but he looked away.

He opened the door to his apartment. "You coming?"

Kisaki huffed but nodded.

And if he saw Hanma put out the cigarette before going inside, he didn't mention it.

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Mr. Hanagaki stared at a picture on his phone.

("Dad! Take my picture!"

"Hmph! I'm a big boy now!"

"I'm waiting for you 3"

"Oh… you can't make it this year? No worries!"

"Don't forget to eat and rest, dad!"

"Hey dad… guess what? I'm getting married…"

"Hey dad? I love you."

"Why? I don't know, just felt like saying it…")

He walked into the empty house. His steps echoed through the hallway.

And if he left an envelope full of money with a note on the dining table, that was no one else's business.

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Takemichi flinches. No… no way.

All of this is made up.

It is his mind playing tricks on him by showing him what he wants to see.

There was no way all the visions he has been getting are real. It wouldn't make any sense.

(Time travelling never made any sense either…)

He shakes the thought out of his head because no way.

However, that small, traitorous part of his brain whispers into his head.

(What if those visions are real?

What if his friends really mourned him?

What if his efforts had paid off?)

No… he can't allow that kind of hope.

It will only make him have expectations. Then, those expectations will crumble into nothing but broken fantasies.

Unreachable dreams.

Unparalleled grief.

After all, that is what has always happened.

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They knew they were having another vision. This time a single memory played over and over.

A bloody Takemichi, lying on concrete, staring at a white-haired man with unseeing eyes.

He finally slips away into nothingness after whispering, "I will save you."

This memory plays on loop.

Again, and again.

Like the universe is trying to tell them something.

Like someone is screaming in their face, that they had failed to protect their little ball of sunshine.

The memory plays.

Again.

And then it doesn't.

A new memory starts.

A familiar room. A familiar boy.

Takemichi shoots up on his bed. Again.

He cradles his head in his hands as fresh tears start rolling down his cheeks and ugly sobs make their way out his throat.

How many times has it been now? How many times had he tried to save everyone by going back in time and failed?

"Save Mikey"

"Save Akkun"

"Save Draken"

"Save Hinata"

"I leave Toman to you"

"Stop Kisaki"

"How many times has he died trying?"

They have heard these phrases before. In previous dreams (visions?).

They had seen a boy jumping through time to save his friends. They had seen a boy sacrificing his happiness to preserve others'.

That boy was Takemichi.

Their Takemichi.

The little boy who smiled brighter than the sun.

The little boy whose eyes were like deep pools of emotion.

The little boy who had been through so much pain.

Takemichi.

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Shinichiro stares at Takemichi, who is peacefully sleeping in his father's arms.

Mr. Hanagaki has calmed down a little after the revelation of the scars, but he is still pale. Shinichiro understands. He does.

He shares a glance with the others.

Everyone is thinking the same thing. The dream last night had been another one of those visions. Takemichi had died yet again. However, this time, they had seen Takemichi wake up in his room.

Not an older Takemichi.

Not a different version.

Their Takemichi.

He had looked panicked.

He had looked lost.

He had looked Tired.

Shinichiro does not want to believe it, but after learning that the scars were new, what else was he supposed to think?

No one doubted Takemichi because the scars looked old, but two years? Scars that are two years old do not look like that. Shinichiro would know.

Wakasa had suggested that perhaps Mr. Hanagaki was just that bad of a parent, but Shinichiro refused to believe it. Wakasa himself had sounded unsure. How could he not when the father was crying over the scars?

Kisaki, ever the genius, had noticed the glances being shared among the BD group and had approached them with his theory.

What if Takemichi was a time leaper?

No one laughed.

It was seeming more and more possible by the second.

However, no one was willing to accept the theory just yet.

Because that would mean that in some timeline, in some life, they had hurt Takemichi. Emotionally and physically. Some had even killed him.

They were not ready to accept that they would ever hurt Takemichi. They would rather die.

But what other explanation was there?

Kazutora is already shaking in the corner while Baji and Mitsuya try to calm him down.

(If his Micchi was a time leaper, wouldn't that mean he had stabbed him?)

Mikey stares at nothing. Draken tries to get his attention, but Mikey doesn't respond.

(Had he killed Takemichi? Twice?)

Takeomi is standing outside the house with a cigarette in his mouth. Arashi walks up to him and asks what he is thinking about, to which he scoffs.

"If all this turns out to be true…" He trails off, but Arashi seems to understand.

(If all of this turned out to be true, then that would mean that they had just stood aside and let things happen. They had stood aside when Draken got shot. They had stood aside when Mikey lost control. They had stood aside when Mikey beat Takemichi to death.)

Arashi looked up at the now dark sky and let out a shaky breath.
"Fuck…"

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"ughhh" Takemichi groans.

Mr. Hanagaki smiles softly at the familiar antics of his son.

"Are you up, Micchi?" he inquires gently.

"…yeahhh…" Takemichi mutters, rubbing sleep from his eyes.

Shinichiro also smiles at the scene but cannot do so for long.

They needed answers. No matter what.

"Micchi…" he calls out.

Takemichi flinches, suddenly realizing that his friends are still here.

"You're still here?" he asks while yawning.

Takemichi finally opens his eyes. Immediately he notices Kazutora and Mikey in the corner. He also notices the grim mood but pushes unnecessary thoughts away.

He jumps out of his father's arms and runs up to Kazutora.

"Tora-Nii? What's wrong?"

Kazutora slowly looks up. A sob escapes his throat as he tries to form a coherent sentence.

"B-be honest, Micchi" he hiccups. "Have we hurt you before?"

"What?" Takemichi answers, clearly not expecting such a question.

Mr. Hanagaki chooses to interfere.

"Micchi… come here."

Takemichi makes a confused face but follows his father's words.

He settles on his father's lap as his friends surround him, most choosing to sit on the floor directly in front of the couch.

Shinichiro takes a deep breath. He needed to not screw it up.

"Takemitchy… are you…" he clears his throat because it just sounds so ridiculous.

Takemichi tilts his head to the side in question. Shinichiro glances at Takeomi, who nods.

"Micchi, are you a… time leaper?"

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Everyone watches as Takemichi's eyes widen. They hear a single word from the nine-year-old in front of them.

"Shit."

Notes:

God damn, I teared up while writing this chapter.

The next chapter will be the last chapter and the dramatic reveal!

Chapter 21: Two Timelines

Summary:

A contrast of two timelines.

Notes:

This is the last chapter! Thank you guys so much for all the love and support on this very badly planned and very first story. I seriously feel so happy that so many people enjoyed and commented. I loved reading the comments and interacting with you guys. It was so wonderful.

Keep those ideas and comments coming! 3

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Takemichi does not remember exactly when it started.

All he knows is that it has been a good while since he started time leaping. He remembers the sound of a train and the panicked shouts of people around and he remembers the hands that pushed him onto the train track.

In a way, that was his starting point.

The beginning of his despair.

All memories after that are hazy. It happens when you have been shifting realities and timelines like clothes. All the events start overlapping until you don't remember what event happened when, and what is real.

Takemichi supposes that it started innocently enough. Warning Naoto that he must protect his sister. A handshake to make sure the deal is sealed. He had thought that he had done enough.

Naoto would take care of it… right?

What he had not anticipated was waking up in the future and meeting Naoto. How the train incident had led to that, Takemichi wasn't sure, but it had become worse after that.

Time leaping to protect Hina. The first goal had been easy enough.

Except… it was never so simple. He met Mikey and Draken. He met his middle school friends again. He got introduced to so many people.

Then, time leaping became not only about saving Hina but everyone else. Anyone who died in front of Takemichi he would try to save.

But everyone kept dying and he kept failing. Until he reached a plausible happy ending for everyone. A future where everyone was alive. A future that does not revolve around grief and loss.

But… someone was not happy.

One person was alienated from the happiness and satisfaction that the others got.

One person… just one person.

Takemichi had gone running back to that one person because at some point his goal had evolved from ensuring safety to ensuring happiness… and if Mikey was not happy, then he had not yet succeeded.

A week before his wedding, he faced Mikey. Invited him to his wedding in one last attempt at helping him.

(I will give up after this) is what he had assured himself. How much of that was true, he did not know himself, but he had made the promise to everyone else regardless.

Then, Mikey shot him, in cold blood, with a smile on his face that screamed of having no regrets. Those black, dull eyes seemed to stare into his soul and speak to his very being that Mikey could not be saved.

That in the end, whatever Takemichi did, he would always fail.

Takemichi had given up and was ready to die, but then Mikey had threatened to jump from the roof. He announced to whoever was listening that the leader of Toman, the "invincible" Mikey was giving up.

Where Takemichi's burst of energy and adrenaline had come from, no one could tell, but he had only had one goal in his mind when he grabbed onto his friend's hand: "Save Mikey"

The one person he had wanted to save the most.

The one person who had finally accepted his help at the edge of death.

Takemichi had been happy.

Oh, so happy.

It had been a little too late, but Takemichi had passed with the same goal in his mind.

"Save"

Save who? … (Everyone)

Why?... (Because they deserve to live)

And I don't?... (You're dying anyway)

Takemichi would be lying if he said that he never thought it unfair that everyone but himself got a happy ending. That everyone had someone for them and yet Takemichi had no one

Takemichi always has these thoughts. Thoughts that make it hard to get up in the morning. Thoughts that shackle him to his bed and force him to drown in the pit of nightmares that is his mind.

Why me? ... (because it always is)

Don't I deserve some happiness too?... (no)

Who will save me?... (no one)

Yes, that is what Takemichi wholeheartedly believes.

No one, absolutely no one would be willing to do any of this to save him. He was sure of it. He had given up on everything. On people, and himself.

Then, he had woken up as his eight-year-old self.

He had been tired. So goddamn tired

But he did not want to throw the chance away.

Not when he could set everything right from the very beginning.

He could make sure that all the mess in the future never even started.

He had made friends. He had laughed and smiled and played. He lived the childhood he never got, even if most of that was beating high schoolers up to save others.

Still, that tiny whisper in his head never disappeared. The voice that claimed that Takemichi did not deserve any of this and soon enough all this would be taken away too.

So Takemichi had come up with lies. Harmless ones. Ignorance is bliss anyway, right? If he doesn't give away the fact that he had been lying to everyone and the fact that he had failed them so many times… as long as he kept that a secret, he could have this happiness for a while longer… right?

Right?

So then why…

Why did they still figure it out?

Why are they staring at him like that?

Why…

did he always fail?

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Takemichi does not know what to say anymore. His act is up. He cannot hide any longer. No longer can he say that he does not remember, because the painful truth is that he does.

He remembers where every single scar came from and who it came from.

He remembers every single failed attempt at saving his loved ones.

He remembers…

So, when Shinichiro looks at him with a soft expression that just says: 'we will love you anyway' Takemichi cannot do it anymore.

All the strength and determination just melt away.

All his life, throughout his time-leaping, he had wanted this.

For someone to understand. To help. To listen.

He does not want to push people away anymore… he is tired of it.

He wants to escape the secrets that hold him hostage in his mind and to let out the feelings that keep him in bed most days. He wants this idiotic obsession of his to burn.

Yet that treacherous voice comes back…

(What if they leave?)

(What if they are disgusted?)

(What if…)

Takemichi's mouth opens and closes as the 'What-if's start filling his head. They make him nervous and disgusted with himself.

He has lied so much, what is another lie? It could protect his family. Rid his family of their guilt. Another lie would make sure that his family stayed.

He was tired of watching them leave…

But it seems like the entire universe is against him because Shinichiro brings up something he never wanted to hear.

"Takemichi, we have been having these…" Shinichiro pauses, not quite sure what to call them. Dreams? Visions? Nightmares?

They were certainly no dreams. Horrifying visions such as those… could be classified as nothing but nightmares.

At Takemichi's uncharacteristic "shit", the atmosphere grows increasingly cold and grim. That single word of profanity confirms most of their thoughts and it hurts. It is something they are terrified to admit.

Takeomi, the most level-headed person other than Shinichiro and the other adult in that room, continues for his friend.

"We have been having… nightmares of sorts. In them, you… or a version of you, older and with yellow hair, keep dying or getting badly injured. All the injuries and wounds in our dreams perfectly line up with the scars you have."

Wakasa picks up the explanation as Takeomi walks up to Shinichiro to support him, "At first, we thought that they were our brain's way of explaining your scars…" he pauses and glances at Mr. Hanagaki, whose face is contorting into ugly expressions. "But we soon figured out that we were all having the same dream."

Arashi, the only BD member yet to speak, finally musters up enough courage to continue and inform Takemichi of the most horrible fact of the 'visions'.

"Y-you keep dying and getting hurt and… most of the time, it is one of us who hurts you. Some even… killed you…" He finally kneels in front of the child and holds his hand, which is shaking violently, "Please Micchi… tell us the truth. We just want to help you."

Everyone else waits with bated breath as Takemichi starts shaking harder. Takemichi's reaction is enough to tell them that Kisaki's theory is indeed correct, but they need to hear it from him. They need to know what they did.

So, please…

Please don't let their fears come true tell us.

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Help?

Takemichi's train of thought comes to a screeching halt as his brain processes the words spoken to him.

Oh… oh…

Before he can stop himself, his mouth decided to speak, "I am a time leaper"

…
…

The temperature in the room drops further. (It is a mystery how that is even possible at this point.)

The arms around his waist get tighter as the air seems to leave everyone's lungs. The dawning horror on the others' faces is enough to send Takemichi down spiraling into another pit of guilt, but he holds back.

This is his family.

And he knows that he is not escaping this time.

So, was there even a point to fighting alone anymore?

Why couldn't he have a happy ending?

Why couldn't he be happy?

But that's just it, isn't it?

He could.

"I am a time leaper… but I don't remember how long ago I started."

Takemichi let go.

Completely.

He tells them everything.

His first death on the train tracks.

Saving Hinata.

The time leaping.

Going back again and again to save everyone.

The fights.

The deaths.

The pain.

Everything.

By the time Takemichi is done, the sky outside is dark and the people in the room look one step away from fainting.

Takemichi however, feels lighter than ever. It feels as though the weight of the world has been taken off his shoulders. Tears are falling down his face, mirroring that of many others in the room. His hands are shaking. His throat hurts and his voice has turned hoarse, but he feels freer than ever.

Suddenly, a pair of arms snatch him from his father's embrace. The black eyes that are reminiscent of the Sano bloodline stare at him. There are so many emotions in those eyes. Takemichi could gaze into them all day, but something else catches his attention. The tears. The fresh, hot tears ran down his Shin-Nii's face. Without realizing it, he reaches out a delicate hand to wipe them away. His sweater sleeve becomes wet but does not care, the only thing he can think of is how tears do not suit the face of someone like Shinichiro.

Shinichiro lets Takemichi caress his face. It is a reminder that Takemichi is still here. He is alive.

The fact that this child in front of him has had to die multiple times, just to save his stupid brother and their stupid gang is ridiculous enough. He needs physical affirmation that yes, Takemichi is here now, and he is safe.

He has done so much for them and they never even knew.

The sufferings of this child are far worse than they could have ever imagined.

He would fix that.

He swears.

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Mr. Hanagaki

Learning that your child has scars that weren't there two years ago is shocking enough. Learning that your son is an adult version inside that body and has died multiple times to save his friends?

There are no words to describe the shock.

Mr. Hanagaki wants to tear out their throats but stops himself because these versions of the kids have never done anything, but protect his son.

He is angry and confused and many things, but among that swirl of confusing emotions, one stands out the most. Pride.

Pride that his son is such a determined and gentle soul.

To go back in time so many times to save the very people who killed and hurt him? It was beyond noble.

Mr. Hanagaki had always known that his son was an angel. He had told his wife that she was abandoning the wrong child. He had told his mother that Takemichi was one of a kind.

He was right.

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B.D

Honestly, they don't know what to think. The one thing they wished not to happen, had happened.

Where did they go from here?

Where could they go from here?

Just knowing the fact that they had just stood by when the children were murdering each other is making their skin crawl with disgust.

They were supposed to be adults were they not?

So how could they just stand by and watch?

They should have taken care of Mikey and his siblings, to honor Shinichiro's memory if nothing else.

They should have helped Takemichi.

Instead, they joined another gang and continued hurting others.

What kind of guardians could they claim to be?

If Takemichi had not arrived, would they have become those horrible versions of themselves?

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Mikey had always known that his dark impulses would be his downfall. He was prepared to face it when the time arrived. What he had not anticipated was acquiring a friend dearer than life who he would be terrified to hurt.

Takemichi's retelling of the story doesn't surprise him. He had been panicking enough to accept the fact that he had hurt Takemichi. He would have to face it.

He had killed the child he had sworn to protect.

Mikey's limbs move on their own and before anyone realizes it, he is kneeling on the floor in front of Mr. Hanagaki.

What else could he do? He was ashamed. Horrified, even, but all he could do was kneel. Tears don't seem to come.

Is he in shock? Probably, he concludes.

He had always been prepared to face his dark impulses.

But… could he confidently say that had Takemichi not arrived in his life when he had, he would be able to not hurt his friends?

A particularly persistent image of Sanzu's bloody face flashes across his eyes and he pushes it down.

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Draken does not know what to think, honestly. Even though he hangs out in the background or gets stuck being Mikey's babysitter, he thinks of Takemichi as his brother. He has grown to love the other more than even his best friend. He has become family.

The only emotion that is prominent to him is anger. Anger at his friends, anger at his future self, and anger at the world.

Why does Takemichi need to save them?

Why should it be his responsibility, to save people who have given up on themselves?

Mikey had chosen to leave. He had locked people out of his life and built walls around his heart. The fact that he had built the walls high enough to trap himself inside, was no one's fault but his own. So, why? Why had Takemichi gone running after that man?

After someone who did not want to be saved…?

He doesn't know.

He doesn't know and he loathes the fact that he doesn't understand.

He only wondered how his other self was doing right now.

What motivated him to go on?

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"Why would you try to save people who have hurt you so much?"

The question, to everyone's surprise, comes from Kazutora and it makes Takemichi pause.

What did make him save them?

He was never obligated to ensure the happiness of people who hurt him, and he had wondered most days if it was worth it. He knew it was his twisted mindset that made him do these things.

If Mikey had his dark impulses, then he had a hero complex.

He wanted to "save" as many people as he could.

Perhaps that was his way of feeling needed. For a child that had no one growing up, perhaps helping other people had become his way of feeling validated.

Or maybe he was just that kind of a person.

He knows there is an answer to the question his Tora-Nii has asked.

A genuine, bright smile blooms on Takemichi's face. His eyes are as deep and mysterious as ever, but today they seem lighter. He laughs and answers in the most matter-of-fact tone.

"Because you are family…"

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"I understand if this is weird. I mean, I am technically an adult…"

Shinichiro who has been quiet all this time, chimes in with his theory.

"What if…" All heads turn to look at him, "What if you're not an adult…"

"What?"

"What if you just have the memories of your older self? Wouldn't that make more sense than time leaping? We have been getting dreams, and you told us that you have been visions of the future too. What if your dreams are not just dreams but real visions of the timelines you left behind?"

Realization dawns on several faces around the room as Shinichiro looks at Takemichi with a gentle expression.

"You're not an adult Micchi… You're just a child with an adult's memories… You are still our Micchi… no matter what."

"What?"

"You're still my brother, no matter what." Kazuto declares, rubbing tears out of his eyes. He walks up to Takemichi and wraps his arms around the younger boy.

"Of course, Micchi! You're our Micchi!" Hinata yells and joins Kazutora in hugging her precious friend.

"Hey! No fair! I wanted to hug him too!" Mikey announces.

Kazutora sticks his tongue out at him. "You're too slow!"

Takeomi, Arashi, Wakasa, and Shinichiro chuckle at the children's antics.

The Kawata twins, Chifuyu, Kisaki, Pah-chin, Baji, Izana, and Kakucho all decide to join the hug pile on the floor.

South, Taiju, and Hanma just stare adoringly at the younger children who are busy fighting over who will hug Takemichi next.

Sanzu cuddles into South's side, and an arm wraps itself around his shoulders. Hakkai places himself on Taiju's lap as Yuzuha hugs Taiju from the other side.

Draken joins Shinichiro's gang at the couch, looking as exasperated as Mitsuya beside him, and hugs Emma.

Mr. Hanagaki gazes at them gently, when suddenly, his eyes meet Takemichi's. He seems to be looking for confirmation from him.

That's okay, he would gladly provide it.

He chuckles and lifts Takemichi from the hug pile (which is met with many protests). "Of course, you're still my son. You always will be." He holds him close. (It's okay, they'll be okay. His son is right here, in his arms.)

"I love you, my son"

Takemichi had thought that he wouldn't cry anymore. He was sorely mistaken.

"I love you too, dad! I love all of you!" He says as he turned to look at every one. All his friends have gentle smiles on their faces and they're all looking at him with nothing but love and adoration. It makes his heart swell with something that he recognizes to be gratitude and love. God, he loves them so much.

This huge family that he has created.

He has finally found his happiness with them.

He knew he was not fully healed yet. He also knew that they had many things to discuss properly.

But… for now?

They were okay…

And soon they would be more than okay.

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"Mommy! Mommy!"

"Yes, dear?"

"Who is this man in the picture with you?"

"Oh, that is your real daddy, dear."

"Really? Then where is he now? Why doesn't he come home?"

"Hmm… He is busy saving people."

"Wow! So, my real daddy is a hero?"

"…"

"Yes, darling. Your daddy is a real hero…"

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"Draken! Long time no see, eh? Where'd you disappear to?"

"Baji, you're too loud."

"Hahaha! what do you expect from this meathead?"

"Oi! Show some respect to your captain, Chifuyu!"

"Captain who? Last time I checked, I was the first division captain way back when."

"Stop it, you two." sigh "So childish."

"C'mon Mitsuya, loosen up a bit, will ya?"

"Ah here comes child number 3"

Draken chuckles.

"Welcome Pah, how you doin'?"

"Heh… pretty good."

"Hey, where's our commander at?"

"Kazutora!"

Kazutora smiles.

"Hey, Chifuyu…"

"True, true, where is Mikey?" Baji inquires.

"I'm here."

"Oho! Look who has decided to finally show up! Our dear commander!"

"pfft-"

"It's called being fashionably late."

"Hey, let's do our Toman greeting!"

"What? Why?"

"Oh c'mon! It'll be fun! Isn't this a Toman reunion?"

"…"

"Everyone! Bow to the President and Vice president!"

"Hai! Welcome, Commander!"

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"Bro, let's go bowling."

"Why do you suddenly want to go bowling, Hakkai?"

"Dunno, just felt like it…"

"Hm… alright. I'll call Yuzuha to come with us."

"Sure."

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"Oy, Hanma."

"Hm?"

"You're not smoking?"

"Nah, I quit."

"oh? Why is that?"

Hanma stares at the sky.

(Hanma-Kun, you should stop smoking.)

"Just because…"

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"Hey, South, where are you going? It's lunch break!"

"I'll be back…"

"Hey, junior, let him go"

"Why? Where is he going?"

"Every month on this day he goes to the cemetery… leave the guy alone."

"oh… okay."

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"Sanzu?"

"Hey… sis, got a few hours to drink with me?"

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"Hey, old man."

"Who are you calling old, jackass?"

"Oh, are you having hearing problems in your old age, grandpa?"

"Oi!"

"Chill Wakasa… pfft- It's not his fault that he looks old."

"Arashi, I will punch you."

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"Daddy, where are we?"

"You remember I told you about my hero?"

"Yeah?"

"Well, this is where he is sleeping…"

"Oh. Then how does he save people?"

"He used to save people. He saved your daddy too, so now he is resting."

"Will he ever wake up?"

"Probably not. He worked so hard that now he needs to sleep forever."

"Why would he save so many people if he has to sleep forever?"

"That is just who he was."
"Go say hello" he whispers.

"Hi, uncle Takemichi! Thank you for saving my daddy!"

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~In loving memory of~
Hanagaki Takemichi

Rest in Peace, Our Crybaby Hero.

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In one timeline, Takemichi left behind broken people.

In that timeline, people eventually moved on.

In that timeline, people remembered him as a hero.

~In that timeline, he had managed to save everyone, but himself.~

In another timeline, Hanagaki Takemichi got his happiness.

In that timeline, his once friends became his family.

In that timeline, his father returned.

~In that timeline, he managed to save everyone, including himself.~