Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was no secret how Takemichi ended up as such a fortunate, successful, small business associate.
It took years of dedication.
Determination.
To erase his history and turmoil as much as possible and start anew.
To throw the old “crybaby” Takemichi down the drain and replace him with a Takemichi that’s grown accustomed to the feeling of nothing. A numb cadaver that found happiness through addiction of overworking his mind and body— anything to forget his past, anything to forget his heartaches, and absolutely anything to forget the traumatic experiences that have left him forever bruised and broken.

He’d grown up with parents that clearly didn’t give a shit about him, thus he was bound to get involved with the wrong type of people— the wrong crowd. Constantly bullied for his association with the title “cry baby”.

He never had the emotional support system that all his other childhood friends had, so to him, his erratic cries of frustration, anger, emptiness and heartbreak, happiness and excitement were all considered relatively normal in his ‘book of emotions’.

It wasn’t until he turned fifteen that he realized just how swiftly his emotions would be ripped away from him. How such a normal human reaction would suddenly be his very own demise. After his childhood life took a turn for the worst, his emotions began plaguing him with never ending negativity and disdain. He’d lost too much, too fast, to ever feel the same emotions that once bubbled out of him like an automatic soap dispenser. The intensity of human passion, the response and feeling was now long gone, severed to destroy any sensation that made him the very word; human.

In it’s replacement? Numbness. Nothingness.
A mourn for the person he used to be versus the person he had become. It was his only chance of survival— to act as if nothing was ever truly hurting him. That the murder of his first girlfriend didn’t assault his precious mind like a broken record player every second of every minute. That if he wasn’t such a child or such a crybaby, he could have saved her in time. He could have saved Tachibana Hinata, his first girlfriend, the girl who turned his unhappy life upside down.

Until he lost everything to him.
Because of him.
With no power or authority to bring him down the way he’d thrown Takemichi down into a puddle of pure agony and hatred for every breath his lungs continued to extract.

Takemichi was an empty-shelled carcass only living to work under conditions that left him overworked and exhausted. Anything to keep him from ever falling into a deep sleep, far, far away from his darkened dreams. Desperate to evade the memories that played excessively, begging him to relive his worst memories.

After he left his childhood home, his childhood friends and peers, he looked to make a name for himself elsewhere. He looked to forget the sinister thoughts and past souvenirs that shamelessly attempted to drag him back down into the tsunami of his own pain and loss. Instead, he put in unhealthy years of effort to fill them with new passions and excitements that shot off his career from the ripe age of seventeen.

Now, as a twenty-six year old man, Hanagaki Takemichi was one of the most respected baristas in all of Tokyo. Moving from restaurant to restaurant, opening low end coffee shops to the highest level, bartending positions that incorporated espresso substances and caffeine overdrives. Takemichi had finally established a sense of peace. Happiness that became easier to hoax. His own personal successes without the need of anyone else to get him there.
He kept his emotions locked deep inside his heart—

the key far from any chance of ever being found again.

Currently, he manages a small hole in the wall coffee shop that operates twenty four hours a day. The business was successful and no matter the time of day or night, money would continue to be made and Takemichi would thrive on no sleep.

It was a usual overnight shift for Takemichi when his entire world flipped upside down for the second time, in a blink of an eye.

Overnights were relatively slow shifts, Takemichi wasted most of his time making a plethora of different flavored Taiyaki, one of the café’s signature staples when paired with a hot espresso beverage. The original red bean paste buns were obviously the most popular choice but matcha, taro, lychee and coconut were definitely close seconds in terms of fan favorites. It was already three in the morning, their usual ghost hour, when he heard the chime of the door, informing both the front cashier and Takemichi of a customer.

He was quick to wash his hands in the back room before making an entrance to the front of the establishment. It took one mere little glance for Takemichi to stop dead in his tracks. Memories flooded his mind, recollection of childhood faces he hadn’t seen in over ten years. He felt stunned. Frozen.

‘Move your fucking feet, Takemichi. It’s not like they’ll recognize you.’

He forced himself to listen to that voice in the back of his mind, moving his feet forward and offering a smile to the two men who stood on the opposite side of the counter. Tanaka was in the process of taking their caffeinated orders, leaving Takemichi to glance over his coworkers shoulder attempting to make the beverages before they were even sent out.

“Must be our lucky day, Michi, we never have customers at this time.” Tanaka offered with a grin, cashing out the customers and sending the order over to the barista’s work screen.

Takemichi let out a small laugh, “Bet they’ll be the last customers we see till our shifts are over.” He took note of the orders, one being a dry cappuccino and the other a double macchiato. He held his breath as he turned to face the man who ordered the cappuccino. “How dry would you like this?”

“Hah?” The man with the blonde braid asked in response, “I’ve never been asked that before. Is there a standard dry?”

Takemichi replied with a faint smile, “Technically yes, I guess I should ask if you prefer either an airy or a more milky foam?”

“Holy shit, someone who finally put my thoughts into words! Airy would be great, thanks man.”

Takemichi nodded, resuming his task at hand. He could feel eyes on him. Eyes that had never laid on him before, but held a face that Takemichi used to watch often. He bit his bottom lip in forced concentration on the drinks, rather than the pair of eyes that seemingly drunk him in.

He handed off one drink then the next, just as the bell chimed again. Takemichi was in the middle of rinsing his pitcher when he heard the third man speak, “Sorry for the wait, it took forever to find parking.”

“All good, Atsushi. Did ya’ want anything?”

Atsushi.

Why did that sound so familiar?

Takemichi was in the middle of drying off his steam wand when he noted the sudden pause in atmosphere, the silence that ensued rather than a response to the man’s question.

“Holy fucking shit, Takemichi!?”

Takemichi turned to face the man to his side and as scary as it was to relive his name off a tongue he hadn’t heard in years, the lips it came from gave a new rush to his chest, a loud ringing in his ears. He took in his colored pompadour, the look of shock yet so much love buried deep within those violet orbs.

“Akkun?” Takemichi all but shouted, quicker on his feet than he’d ever been. His arms wrapped wide around Akkun’s shoulders holding him steady as if he was experiencing a dream, terrified the man would disappear into thin air.

Tighter force encircled his torso squeezing him so tight it was proof that this was all far from a dream. They pulled back with large, sparkling grins that practically engulfed their faces. Akkun’s hands fell on either side of Takemichi’s cheeks, holding him there as they eyed their changes created from puberty. “Takemichi, you look so—“ He paused before pulling him back into another squeezing hug, “God, I’ve missed you. It’s been way too fucking long.”

They squeezed and held each other as if their life depended on it, finally separating for air that they’d managed to discard in their warming reunion.

“Where the fuck have you been?”

Takemichi shrugged sheepishly, a smile he hadn’t felt in years refusing to leave his lips, “Kinda everywhere? Business has been really good lately. What about you?”

“Honestly? The same just higher up in ranks, y’know.” Akkun admitted softly, “Michi, you look so good, you’re almost unrecognizable. I…” He paused a moment, “I’ve missed you so fucking much, Michi.”

Those emotions that swore to never rise to physical form so many years ago threatened to spill at any moment as he stared at his childhood best friend. “I’ve missed you, I thought about reaching out but,” he scratched the back of his head, “it’s been so long, you know? I thought it’d be weird.”

“Huh? How would it be weird? Do you know how many years I’ve spent looking for you?” Akkun asked incredulously, his eyes wide with a painful yearn.

Much to Takemichi’s appreciative surprise, their reunion was interrupted by a throat clearing behind them. Takemichi turned to find the two staring at him— just him with sheer curiosity, confusion, interest.

“Uh, Atsushi? Are you going to introduce us to your friend or are you going to make us ask?”

“Shit, sorry!” Akkun apologized before wrapping his arm loosely around Takemichi’s shoulder, their smiles unmatched. “This is Hanagaki Takemichi, my childhood best friend. I haven’t seen him in over….ten years? I’m still trying to figure out why he ever left.” He spoke the last sentence with direct attention towards Takemichi before he continued, “And Takemichi, this is Ryuguji Ken and Sano Manjiro.”

Takemichi knew them already.
All too well.

Takemichi bowed his head slightly, offering a curt smile.

“Hah? The hell you using my full name for? Call me Draken,” Draken spoke, extending a hand which Takemichi returned firmly. He couldn’t help but glance towards Manjiro, not surprised to see him still staring back at him with noteworthy perplexity.

“It’s rare to meet someone we don’t know who grew up where we did,” Draken spoke, “Somehow after hearing your name, your face looks a little familiar. What middle school did you go to?”

“Mizo Middle School, the same as Akkun.” Takemichi answered honestly, it’d be very surprising to be recognized with how much he’s changed his appearance to forget everything he used to be.

Draken still watched him with tight-lipped curiosity, but right as Takemichi was sure he was about to give it up, he watched the light in his eyes brighten. “Wait, ain’t you used to have blonde hair? I’m talking, really yellow always gelled up?”

Takemichi felt the ground spinning beneath him, suddenly thankful for Akkun’s arm still strung around him. “Uh huh,” Takemichi offered before Akkun spoke, “I doubt you know him, Draken, he was never involved with Toman back then.”

“Shut up, I’m thinking,” Draken ordered, though his tone was far from anger and closer to realization.

Then.

“It was you.”

Takemichi decided staring back was the only right answer.

“What’s going on?” The shorter man beside him asked, looking back and forth between Takemichi and Draken.

“He’s the one who saved my life, the battle of August Third.”

“Huh?” Akkun shouted in surprise, looking back and forth between the two bodies. “No, you definitely have the wrong guy.”

Draken seemingly ignored Akkun’s response, his eyes glowing in certainty.

“It’s been awhile, Draken-san, glad to see you’re still on your feet.” Takemichi finally spoke, a small smile pierced at the corner of his lips.

“Holy fuck!” Draken shouted, “I knew it was you! What the fuck? Do you know how many years I spent thinking I made you up? That you were some kinda guardian angel?”

“Ken-chin, explain, right now.” Not even a question, just a direct order.

“Hah? Mikey, I’ve told you, some obnoxiously yellow haired guy took me away from the fight and called an ambulance. He rode with me all the way to the operations room and after that, I never saw him again.”

Takemichi watched as Mikey stared at Draken, listening to his words with intent before his head turned and their eyes locked. “That was you?”

“In the flesh.” Takemichi replied steadily, though now that he’d finally managed eye contact with Mikey it was almost impossible to look away.

“In the flesh.” Takemichi replied steadily, though now that he’d finally managed eye contact with Mikey it was almost impossible to look away.

“Takemichi, what the fuck? You never even told me that!” Akkun yelled from his side, confusion clouding his judgment.

Takemichi shrugged in response, “I was just glad he was alright, not much to tell when you all were already in the waiting room.”

The atmosphere seemed to shift dramatically after that. Draken smiled like the sun, Akkun was still trying to put two and two together, and Mikey—

Mikey.

The way his eyes shone was almost unreadable but Takemichi found himself entranced, yearning for Mikey to stare more— stare longer.

“Any chance you can take a break, Takemichi? We should catch up.”

They all sat at a table in the corner of the cafe, Draken and Akkun keeping most of the conversation alive. Mikey seemed relatively disinterested, though his attention piqued anytime Takemichi answered a question or mentioned a memory from the past. It took everything in Takemichi not to bolt up and out of the café, desperate to escape the confines of his past daring to suck him back through cruel tactics of friendship and serenity.

“You know, Takemichi, we’re actually looking to employ a full time barista at our headquarters, specifically for the members.” Akkun looked from Takemichi to Draken and Mikey, then back. “If you’re interested….” he left the question open-ended.

Fuck.

A reaction would get him absolutely nowhere at this point, everyone was paying too much attention to him.

“Huh, really? What kinda hours are you looking to give out?”

“We—“ Akkun started but Mikey was quick to speak up.

“Whatever you want.”

“Whatever I want?”

“That’s what I said, isn’t it?”

Takemichi hummed as he leaned back against his chair, “And what’s in it for you, Manjiro-san?”

“Drop the honorifics when speaking with me.” Mikey replied directly.

“Okay, and what’s in it for you, Manjiro?” Takemichi watched as interest sparked within his hollowed eyes, trying his best to read him inside and out.

“Just, Mikey.” He shot back, still avoiding the question.

A sly smile tainted Takemichi’s lips as he hovered over the table, leaving just a few inches of distance between them, “What is in it for you, just Mikey?” he asked, slow and sweet, dedicated to facial reaction— human emotion from someone who clearly lacked as much feeling as he.

The tension around them had easily morphed into something thick, something overflowing with impulse, crave— desire. Takemichi felt entranced as he devoured Mikey’s reaction. The way his eyebrow twitched as it furrowed, the way his eyes practically lured him in closer, the slow curl of his lip; so vague Takemichi nearly missed it. He glanced at Akkun who stared at the two like he’d just witnessed a ghost; and Draken who looked mildly curious but more so— apathetic.

“You already have experience in this field, Takemitchy, it’s the obvious decision for you to work for us instead.”

Takemitchy.

He couldn’t stop the flutter in his heart.

Takemichi licked his lips as he settled back into his chair, resting his cheek on his hand, “Hm, true.” He agreed shortly, “I have one condition.”

When Mikey just stared back in response, waiting, Takemichi continued, “I’ll work for you as your personal barista if I can still work my shifts here.”

“No. You’ll be reimbursed more than you ever would here.”

“It’s not about the money to me, just Mikey. Everything I’ve worked for was put into this shop, the experience I have with this place is what matters to me.”

Silence stole the air from the building, the air from Takemichi’s lungs as he watched Mikey seemingly ponder his request. His stare was intense yet lacked any sense of real emotion, nothing Takemichi could actually pinpoint or give name to. He watched Akkun shift uncomfortably in his seat while Draken found interest in the fan overhead doing wonders to kiss goosebumps on his own skin.

“Fine, but your hours here will be severely reduced. You will work for us eight to four Monday through Friday and I’ll only allow you to work two shifts a week here.”

Two shifts?

He couldn’t avoid sleep only working two overnight shifts a week? Mornings didn’t matter, afternoons, evenings— he could care less about his schedule. But what about nights? When his fears and memories haunted him into seizing night terrors? Anguish? He needed overnights to survive, to escape the demons that lurked behind his eyelids.

At this point, Takemichi’s “breakdown” meter was about twenty percent away from losing his grip on reality.

“Make it three and I’ll shake on it.” Takemichi delivered with confidence, his voice refusing to waver in any sort of uncertainty.

Mikey was silent, Draken hid his bashful smile behind his cup, meanwhile Akkun beamed partly with pride, partly with astonishment.

“Fine.” He finally responded before the two clasped hands. Takemichi was not at all surprised to feel Mikey’s body temperature, seemingly matching his. Cold to the touch and lacking any sort of warmth. Their eye contact dropped about as quick as their hands fell back to their own laps.

“Hell yes, Takemichi!” Akkun shouted in excitement, clearly happy to be even more personally reconnected with his childhood bestie. Takemichi directed his attention towards Akkun, a smile gracing his face, “Who woulda thought?”

After a few minutes of brief conversation, the three announced their departure. Takemichi was a little relieved to see them go, although all the endorphins and dopamine in his brain practically begged them to stay.

“I’ll pick you up Sunday at seven, have your apartment cleared out by then,” were the last words that left Mikey’s lips before he disappeared into the night. Akkun and Draken followed suit, not before offering him wide set smirks and a wave of their hands.

How the hell had Takemichi ended up in a situation like this? His agreement was ridiculously stupid— he’d spent eleven years escaping Toman, eleven years forgetting who he used to be and relentlessly unlearning past habits. He’d spent so much time, effort, and resources to bloom into something new, something not wilted and destroyed on the outside; despite how destroyed he was internally. All to end up right back where he started, wrapped back into Toman— to work under the Tokyo Manji gang, of all employers.

For fuck’s sake.

Needless to say, Takemichi barely slept a wink. Anxiety managed to keep his eyes wide and his heart accelerated all the way to Sunday morning.

Chapter Text

Sunday morning.

Takemichi spent the entirety of his weekend rethinking his entire life decisions. Every single mediocre detail that could rationally explain what fault of his had led him here. He over-thought about it all— everything from the current apartment he lived at, to his changes of work locations, and even going as far as to place blame on picking up that shift to begin with. That shift that he wasn’t even originally scheduled to work, but out of his own selfish desires to sleep less, work more, he took on the hours with hearty content.

That was until—

Until they came along.

Until the two most infamous faces of Tokyo Manji entered his business, his place of work, and for the second time in ten years, his life. All of his torturous years spent with exhausted efforts to erase everything that used to make Hanagaki Takemichi so undoubtedly him, recovered again with a snap of God’s fingers.

Or specifically, Draken and Mikey’s arrival.

Happiness, intimacy, friendship— none of it was supposed to matter. None of it even deserved existence in this new and improved Takemichi. Not when he’d already wasted eleven years destroying his own sanity over the removal of basic human interaction. It’s not as if he wanted to be alone or craved the lack of warmth he lived with day by day— it was all his own personal torture. His own personal punishment for allowing Hinata to slip from his fingers, slip from his world, leaving her forever tucked into the earth. Blanketed by a gravestone and a pair of freshly cut roses Takemichi offered every morning.

One for me, one for you.

He thought about skipping out.
Leaving town to further erase all traces of himself, all traces of the hopeless Takemichi that apparently had no right for a home anywhere. It didn’t matter how much he’d given up, how much he suffered alone in his own dark thoughts and twisted judgment, fate still followed.

Proof that his efforts would never be enough.

Why him? Why his coffee shop? Why why why?
Where had he gone so wrong? When had his life become confiscated by the hands of fate?

It was too late for him to disappear, not with the eyes of Tokyo Manji on him. The eyes of Draken and Mikey, who could find him in a heartbeat, if desired. It’d be too sketchy to leave, too inviting into his own personal hell. Everyone knew Mikey lost a sense of himself long ago, just as everyone knew Tokyo Manji affiliated with gangs notorious for their corruption and lies. He had no chance the second the pair walked through his door. Karma had it out for him, and for once, the only thing he could do was stay put.

So when the clock hit seven and all his personal belongings could be fit into a measly duffel bag, he bid the crumbs of his sanity a goodbye and headed out the door.

A black limo with dark tinted windows rested outside his apartment, the engine too silent to be heard even as he approached the back door. It opened from the inside, a black hole bestowing a welcome to his new life, by the hands of others rather than his own. He stepped into the car and closed the door behind him, tucking his duffel bag onto his lap. Mikey sat across from him with the same lack of emotion he’d showcased just a few nights prior.

“Morning, just Mikey,” Takemichi offered with a coy smile, leaning back into the seat as the car rumbled to life and made way to his new life.

He watched as Mikey’s eyes fell from his face to his duffel bag, “That’s it?”

“Are you surprised?”

When Mikey just stared at him flatly in response, Takemichi decided making conversation on the brink of a panic attack would not play out in his favor. He opted for silence, oftentimes glancing out the window, watching his neighborhood disappear, while the rest of his time spent boring his eyes into Mikey’s as much as Mikey’s bore into his own. Almost as if they were attempting to brand each other with just their mutual gaze alone.

They studied each other like a college major, equally entranced by what little information they could gauge. Their reactions were subtle but noticeable under such intensity, Mikey’s attention slipped more than once drinking in all of Takemichi— just as he studied Mikey’s collarbones, his Adam’s apple, and his jawline. All divine features of true human beauty— structure, something Takemichi lacked both physically and mentally. In truth, this wasn’t the first time he’d spent dreaming of Mikey’s features but it definitely was the first time he’d received such a close up view.

Time managed to fly by as they spent their drive observing each other like works of art in a museum. An imaginative sign plastered overhead that simply read, “do not touch”, but physical contact could only hold so much value when two equally broken souls could find comfort in optical appreciation.

When their ride stopped outside of Manji’s headquarters, Takemichi stood outside with an overwhelming sense of fear. How drastically was his life going to change in a place like this? His internal dialogue came to a quick pause as soon as Mikey led him inside for a tour. They walked around the different levels of the building, learning what each floor’s purpose held.

The first floor was where he’d be working, along with the kitchen and dining room, a few different study rooms and general lounging areas. The second floor became more personally orientated to offices and adjacent bedrooms. Those who mainly lived and operated on the second floor were the same staff members who worked on the first floor. Takemichi expected his room to be there by rationalization but Mikey never pointed a specific room out to him.

The third floor held business meetings. Four separate rooms for different subject areas. Mikey was relatively silent explaining the company’s business but Takemichi could care less either way. His business here was strictly as a barista on the first floor, he had zero interest in hearing about what the Tokyo Manji gang was about these days. He was sure Akkun would give him a basic rundown anyway. The fourth floor was another lounge area tailored specifically for the members of the gang. There were a few private rooms at the end of the hall which Mikey briefly claimed as ‘members property’.

Finally, the fifth floor, which held most of the members' private rooms. Name plaques were plastered near the walls of their respective rooms. Takemichi took note of every name as they walked the hall, recognizing just about every inscription but faces came up blank. In order from right to left of the west wing were: Takashi Mitsuya, Hakkai Shiba, Matsuno Chifuyu, and Souya Kawata paired with Nahoya Kawata.

On the east wing read: Ryuguji Ken, Sano Manjiro, Atsushi Sendo, and finally—

Hanagaki Takemichi.

They stood just outside the door of his supposed room when Takemichi felt his feet glued to the carpet. He was on the fifth floor? Affiliated with the main captains, the main commanders of Tokyo Manji? It didn’t make any sense, he was just an employee, a staff member, even. What had he ever done to deserve this sort of luxury? Special treatment? Even as Mikey opened up the door, Takemichi felt unable to move, to speak— just staring at the plaque recently hammered into the wall.

He was unaware just how much time had passed with him just rereading his own name over and over, but at some point he felt a presence invading his personal space. He glanced down slightly to find Mikey staring at him, trying to gauge his thoughts through the intensity of his own gaze. When Takemichi finally found his voice, only one word managed to croak out, “Why?”

Mikey’s brows furrowed in momentary confusion, “It’s my right to choose where you stay.”

That answered nothing.

“Why me? I’m just a staff member, I bring nothing to your business.”

“Are you doubting my decisions?”

“Yes,” Takemichi managed to muster, his eye contact plastered on Mikey’s face, “you don’t even know me.”

“True, but Atsushi spent the weekend speaking highly of you. Atsushi has been one of my highest vice commanders for a long time, I trust he knows what he’s talking about.” Mikey replied easily, his face set as still as stone.

What had Akkun said about him exactly? It couldn’t possibly be anything too revealing, considering he managed to disappear as soon as he lost Hina.

“Most importantly,” Mikey continued, “you saved Ken-chin’s life back then, consider this my thanks.”

“That was eleven years ago, you don’t—“ but the words failed in his throat as soon as a forceful grasp of his collar brought him to Mikey’s eye level.

“Don’t question my authority, Takemitchy. Forget who you’re working under and you’ll be disposed of properly. No question.”

Mikey’s intensity was well-grounded, yet filled with millions of underlying questions all catered towards Takemichi’s hesitation. He could feel it, sense it, practically taste it. The whole atmosphere managed to change when it was just them. Fire on fire. Emptiness equally combined, one morphed into anger while the other morphed into misery.

Takemichi returned his hardened gaze before a faux smile pulled lazily on his lips. He reached out slowly, gingerly tucking a loose strand of Mikey’s hair behind his ear, feeling the grip on his shirt dissipate quickly. “Sure, just Mikey.” Takemichi responded softly, before he stood straight and walked into his new room; dropping his bag on the empty bed. When he turned, Mikey still lingered, staring in the opposite direction, his fingers briefly touching the strands of hair Takemichi had just fixed. Without another word, however, he disappeared down the hall.

Needless to say, Takemichi didn’t see Mikey again for the rest of the night. Instead, he spent his time unpacking what little clothes and personal belongings he had into his new room. It was vast to say the least, a massive bathroom adjacent to a walk-in closet that made his articles of clothing look so insignificant. This was all a massive upgrade compared to the small studio apartment he’d resided in for the past few years and yet, somehow, the room made him feel all the more alone. He felt so incredibly small in such a big space of opportunity and wasted potential. He rested flat against the bed and ran through his thoughts for the hundredth time as his eyes gazed at the white ceiling.

Takemichi wasn’t sure how much time managed to pass. One minute it was eight in the morning, bright morning sunshine flooding in through the windows. The next— it was golden hour, with pink and orange hues reflected against his walls. This time of day always stung the worst, such a beautiful hour to daydream, if a mind like his was actually capable of creating appealing images on the spot. Instead, he opted for propping open his window and sitting upon the sill, staring down at the busybodies of people heading home from work.

Tears came naturally down his cheeks as he looked beyond the city feeling even more pathetic and useless than he had just a few days prior to this encounter. Despite his efficiency to create a man who lacked emotions to the third degree, crying always created such a small portion of relief. To let go of whatever bothered him that day, before he could start all over again. Almost as if his mental system had its own personal ‘reset’ button. It was useful, but fuck did it always leave a pain that lingered longer, each time.

Nightfall reached Tokyo’s skyline when Takemichi heard a knock at his door. He turned his head when Akkun entered his room, “Michi? When did you get here?” He asked, clear concern written across his face. He closed the door quietly behind him before he headed closer towards Takemichi. Thankfully, all his emotional fuel had run dry, leaving his face presenting as pale as it usually had.

“I got in a few hours ago, Mikey gave me the grand tour and everything. How are you? I figured you’d be out handling business matters.”

The two fell into easy conversation quickly after that. They discussed everything from Tokyo Manji to Takemichi’s employment history over the years. It was nice, reminiscent of memories he’d long forgotten. Akkun briefly mentioned staying in contact with their Mizo crew. He claimed they were equally as astonished as he was to have Takemichi a part of Manji, even going as far as wanting to meet up as soon as possible.

For once, Takemichi offered a genuine smile at the thought. He hadn’t seen Takuya, Yamagishi or Makoto in over a decade; but they were the only faces he could picture in a heartbeat. They all held so much meaning deep inside his heart, it really was just his own mind that managed to block them out. Their conversation died in their throats when Akkun brought up Takemichi’s disappearance all those years ago.

“It was just time for me to go,” Takemichi offered simply.

Akkun attempted to push further, unanswered questions leaving his lips just to hang thick around them. The look on his childhood friend’s face made it so much worse— there was a trickle of abandonment and sincere heartache tucked behind those violet eyes. It all just made Takemichi’s hate for himself grow stronger.

He excused himself from the conversation by throwing out the fact he had his usual overnight shift to attend too. Akkun’s smile grew dispirited, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he threw his arms around Takemichi and pulled him into a hug. “I’m so glad you’re back, Michi,” he spoke softly against his ear. “You have no idea how much you mean to me.” Takemichi stood frozen against Akkun’s physical contact, though just as Akkun seemingly got the message, Takemichi’s arms acted on their own. He wrapped his arms tightly around Akkun’s torso, dipping his face into his friend’s shoulder with an imprisoned sob. He held his breath, blinking back the tears that threatened to choke out of him at any second.

What did he expect getting so personally involved with people he’d spent years disappearing from?

They stood twined together for more than a few minutes before they pulled back and offered each other a lighthearted smile. Akkun left the room, leaving Takemichi to express his thoughts and feelings in silence. Out of desperation, he threw on his uniform and headed for the elevator. He reached the bottom level, expecting vacancy only to find a full house of vaguely familiar faces— save for Mikey, Draken and Akkun.

He quickly tied his apron around his waist before hopping out of the elevator. All eyes seemed to be on him but Takemichi hadn’t the heart to return them. Instead, he offered a wave of his fingers in a haste and headed out into the brisk, October night.

The next week was relatively calm which seemed to surprise Takemichi the most. He’d learned the names of just about everyone that resided in the Tokyo Manji headquarters. He still managed both jobs and kept his emotions somewhat in check— unless anyone counted the choked sobs he’d let out in his shower at one in the morning every night. But besides that, Takemichi was rather alright, adjusting to his new routine and making friendly connections along the way. He met Mitsuya and Hakkai the first day of his Manji job and ever since, their bond was deemed rather inseparable.

Even going as far as shopping together, since Mitsuya fully insisted on changing Takemichi’s entire wardrobe. Everything from sweater vests to a multitude of different sweaters and turtlenecks of just about every color in the world. And Takemichi couldn’t forget about the pants— specifically the ones that lay decorated in all types of plaid and corduroy. By Wednesday, Takemichi was a ‘new man’, according to Mitsuya, of course. Beyond that, Takemichi had learned about the Kuwata twins and how their differences in emotions balanced each other out so perfectly. In truth, he couldn’t help but be envious of how well they managed that dynamic. He’d met Chifuyu early Thursday morning, the two engaging in competitive conversation about all the different books and manga they’ve equally read over a cup of hot tea.

Ever since then, their conversations became something they did regularly. Chifuyu stopped by every morning when business on the first floor was rather stagnant. They shared their common interests with just about anything and everything they could think to discuss. It was nice, comfortable, something Takemichi learned to anticipate.

He shared friendly conversations about coffee and motorcycles with Draken most mid-afternoons and shortly after, started seeing Mikey more often when word had gotten out that Takemichi supposedly made his favorite snack in the world, Taiyaki. Their verbal conversations were always relatively brief. Their physical conversations, however, (specifically every time Takemichi caught Mikey’s eye and vice versa), those conversations held so much more meaning than any word they’d said to each other all week.

Beyond just morning exchanges of Mikey stashing a plethora of different Taiyaki away for his business meetings, Takemichi hadn’t had a full conversation with him in a few days. Perhaps it was for the better, to not get attached to the ‘what if’s’ with the other most emotionally unavailable man in this whole building. However, like moth to flame something about their lack of interaction made him feel just a tad more empty. Sure, his new friends brought him more peace and excitement than his usual gloomy brew, but something about Mikey had him wishing he knew just about everything surrounding him.

He was in the middle of pulling down the last shutter when he heard Akkun’s voice somewhere behind him, “Hey, Takemichi, can we talk for a minute?”

Takemichi was surprised Akkun had managed to stay silent about their previous open-ended conversation for this long. Yet, he practically expected his childhood friend to show up for a revisit about the topic. He turned to find Akkun looking at him, apprehensively.

“Sure,” Takemichi offered as they found comfort in a few lounge chairs placed conveniently close to the front entrance of the building; which gave him an escape route if this discussion managed to get too personal or out of hand. “What’s on your mind, Akkun?”

“Takemichi, please answer me honestly,” Akkun started softly, “what happened to you eleven years ago? You just up and left the town without so much as a phone call or even a note. You were never involved with Toman but that didn’t mean I didn’t consider that an opposing gang got to you first. I spent years trying to track you down but it was like you dropped from the face of the earth.” Takemichi watched as tears formed behind his eyes, on the brink of escaping his waterline.

“In truth, Takemichi, I’m so fucking angry. I’m so relieved to know you’re alive and well but I can’t help this bubbling anger in my chest that it took me eleven years to see it for myself. Please, please, please,” He pleaded as his tears finally caved, “tell me what happened to you.”

Takemichi wasn’t apathetic.

In fact, beyond his internal monologue to never feel a single emotion ever, he was extremely empathetic to anyone else’s pain. Especially, when it catered to someone he loved dearly who suffered gravely because of his own selfish actions. It’s not like he could lie at a time like this— not with a gaze so intense, desperately attempting to read him like a foreign novel.

But,

he didn’t necessarily have to admit the whole truth, either. It was better that way— to not expose the identity of the man who took everything from him. He knew Akkun would have his back no matter what, but all things considered, the man was a part of Tokyo Manji back in the day and Takemichi wasn’t exactly sure just how close he’d managed to infiltrate and gain trust with his closest peers.

After a long few moments, he cleared his throat, “You remember Hina? Tachibana Hinata?”

Just speaking her name aloud was enough to power the fuel line of emotions straight to his tear ducts.

Akkun nodded his head slowly, providing patience for Takemichi to speak out his feelings.

“We were on a date at the New Year’s festival in 2006. It was our first date as a real, official couple and I was so ecstatic. I remember as we walked around the stalls I just felt so incredibly lucky yet so confused as to why someone as beautiful as her could ever fall for someone as pathetic as me.” He spoke bitterly, wiping the tears that dripped from his lashes.

“Michi…” Akkun consoled quietly, his eye contact never wavering.

Takemichi shrugged, a fond smile lighting on his lips, “She was just so understanding, I always felt like I was walking on clouds when I was with her. She supported me at my worst and at my best, which, knowing how I was back then I was always at my worst,” he offered with a soft laugh, “but it didn’t matter because that’s just the kind of person she was.” He released a hearty sigh as he threw his head back over the head of the chair, “Akkun, I loved her so much, y’know? I really did.”

“That night we were heading back from the festival and we got surrounded by a group of guys I’d never seen before.” He watched as Akkun’s facial expression changed from an empathetic smile to a twist of anxiety. Takemichi decided he couldn’t look at Akkun’s face for the remainder of the story, so he closed his eyes and relived his experience to someone else for the first time in eleven years.

“I just remember their disfigured faces, the way they were laughing and how they looked at Hina with so much vile in their hearts. It was the first time I’d ever put my hands on someone else. I did everything I could to protect her and no matter how many times I got kicked down, I always got back up! Because in the end, my life never mattered as long as she was around. I managed to eliminate more than a few of them, surely out of pure adrenaline, but,”

Takemichi paused as a sob threatened to choke out the back of his throat. He inhaled a slow and shaky breath as he continued, not even bothering to catch his own tears any longer, “They killed her, Akkun, right in front of me. There was nothing I could do, they managed to pin me down and forced me to watch it all. They shot her once in the stomach and didn’t let me go until her entire body painted the entire fucking street.” The balls of his palms dug holes into his eyelids as his sobs deemed uncontrollable, “I was so useless, so pathetic, and because of me, I lost the greatest person of my entire life. It terrified me to realize how quick life could change in a matter of minutes.”

“I carried her lifeless body in my arms all the way to her house, ruining the lives of her mother, her father, and her little brother forever. I couldn’t forgive myself as much as I couldn’t live with myself, so I did the only cowardly thing I could do; I ran. I ran and ran from everything and everyone and started my life anew. And when people from my past got too close, I ran again and again. I’m so fucking tired of running, Akkun, I-I’m just so tired.”

With his eyes squeezed shut until he saw black, he momentarily flinched at the sudden physical contact, but managed to melt into Akkun’s hug, letting his feelings overtake his body and mind. They stayed like that until Takemichi’s sobs morphed into a few tears every couple of minutes. “I’m sorry, Akkun, I never meant to scare or hurt you, I— I just couldn’t bear to live my life the way I had before.”

“Takemichi, you never need to apologize for your emotional responses. You’ve been carrying this burden on your chest for over a decade, I can’t even imagine how the fuck you’ve survived all these years. But Michi, I’m so so proud of you, as much as I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember hearing vaguely about that incident but I had no idea you were even there or that it all happened like that.” He admitted softly, running his hands through Takemichi’s hair, “please understand you have nothing to run from anymore. Everyone here adores you, truly, and any one of us would fall off the ends of the earth for your protection.”

“You deserve more than you’re giving yourself, Takemichi. You were never at fault for what happened, you’ve always been my crybaby hero. You fought and fought and sometimes that’s really all you can do. I’d like to think the reason you’re still alive and well after all these painful years is because Hina has been watching over you, protecting you as she always has. Now, it’s my turn to do just that for you, Takemichi.”

Takemichi wasn’t really sure where he lost it all, but one minute he was listening to Akkun’s words with a withheld breath and the next minute he was crying into his chest like no other. He hated vulnerability, he hated the person he became when he cried, he hated the emotions that ripped his girlfriend away from him— but somehow, even a decade later, Akkun was always the one to pull sorrowed misery out of him. He clutched to Akkun’s back as he choked and gasped on what little oxygen his lungs managed to obtain and exhaled when his chest began to burn as harshly as they did currently.

His eight o’clock alarm blared meaning: one, it was time to get ready for his second job, and two, he’d spent two hours crying against Akkun’s skin. He eventually became coherent enough to wipe at his eyes and nose after drifting in and out of general consciousness as he was tucked against Akkun’s side. “Thank you, Akkun. You’ll never understand how much I needed that.” He spoke softly, his voice nearly unrecognizable through all the raw rasps.

“You have no need to thank me, Takemichi, I just hope you consider knocking on my door when you need an emotional outlet.”

Takemichi stood up a little awkwardly before he managed to straighten himself out. “I promise to try my best,” he presented tenderly, before bidding a short farewell. He headed up the elevators and to his room, doing all that he could to remain calm. He changed as quickly as ever, desperate to wrap his hands around a steaming pitcher. His job was the only thing that ever brought him utter solace. A coping mechanism to forget who he really was after he clocked in and a mental break the second he began working.

He gave a quick glance in the mirror, not at all surprised to see bright blues shining back at him compared to the bloodshot whites that bordered them. His nose and cheeks blooming an equally bright red. He did his best to clean up what he could; but it wasn’t exactly like a splash of cold water could rid years of his own personal emotional abuse. After reaching the bottom floor, he headed to the exit, freezing as two bodies seemingly entered at the same time.

“Oi! Takemitchy!” Draken shouted with a bright smile, “Are you headed off too…” but his words caught in his throat the second he took in the disheveled sight before him. “Ha? Takemitchy? What’s wrong?” His demeanor switched instantly from something that once burned so bright to a glowing halo of distress.

Takemichi looked from Draken to Mikey, not at all surprised to find Mikey staring at him with sheer curiosity.

“I’m fine,” opted Takemichi, his voice licked with defeat.

“Hah? The fuck you are?” Draken shot back, “What the hell happened?”

Always the saving grace, Akkun appeared at his side looking just about as disheveled as he, “We just caught up on some personal topics, it obviously got a little on the emotional side.”

“A little? The fuck you two talk about? Death?”

Takemichi couldn’t hold back the physical flinch his body produced but the reactions it created made the situation so much worse. “T-Takemitchy,” Draken corrected, his voice lowering to a whispering, apologetic degree.

“I-“ Takemichi stuttered, feeling hot tears already pricking his waterline, “I-I can’t right now, sorry,” he conducted rather abruptly before he was quick to make his exit out of the building and into the city. As far from Toman headquarters as physically possible.

This was all becoming too much, way too fucking fast. How did he get to this point and where was he supposed to go from here? His efforts to remain bitterly apathetic were quickly coming undone and he only had his wishful thinking to blame. This was exactly why Takemichi didn’t do normal, no friendships or family or interests— because there was always that underlying question.

What happened to you?
What have you been through?
What are you holding back from?

In some form or another, Takemichi was always asked a question that left him bruised to the strongest degree. He couldn’t lie to Akkun, he had a right to know considering the departure he’d left him with all those years ago. It was just perfect timing for Draken and Mikey to return from their day long business meeting when the two were so obviously distressed.

Was running an option at this point?
Could he make it out alive now that he’d captured the hearts of the Tokyo Manji gang?

Unlikely.

Fate was being impossibly reunited with friends he forever held near and dear to his heart. Reestablishing old connections and newer friendships he’d never thought he’d experience in this lifetime. Karma was the act of being swallowed whole by the lives of others who cared so much about his well being, leaving Takemichi to actively avoid all signs that pointed to an undesirable outcome. With a rising percentage of an emotional breakdown in tow, Takemichi mentally clocked out of his worries the second he clocked into his overnight barista shift; suddenly appreciative for a nine hour distraction.

Chapter Text

Takemichi’s physical capability to put up a facade that he felt absolutely nothing, was slowly beginning to crumble the floor beneath him. It was no secret that crying behind closed doors was quick to become a sport; an addiction— really. Takemichi learned he could bottle up all his stress and fatigue for days on end until he’d have his own shower as an emotional outlet. No one can hear a single scream with a loud spout hanging overhead. Despite his precautions he instituted in his new position— the overworking, the daytime and overnight shifts, the crying on his bathroom floor while the shower runs for three hours straight; all of it. And still, the second he considered this job, the second he reconnected with Akkun, the second he made connections with Toman from the outside—

he would surely continue crying into his next life, reborn. It was impossible to keep this fake persona ago, it was impossible to play the part of just a barista when he allowed himself back into the arms of Toman physically. In a building with so many different people and different personalities, he still couldn’t help but feel so alone. Despite the fact he managed to stop running and actually took this unnerving opportunity, now it was about his running emotionally, rather than physically— and that pain?

That heartache? The lie after compulsive lie regarding just how close he was to losing himself into his very own demise?

None of it would even come close to his physical escape all those years ago.

He was sick with hysteria, floating around the city he would always call home. Downtown Tokyo at five in the morning was an experience he’d grown accustomed to. No one to judge his emotional state and no one to gawk at his fresh tears and snotty nose. No one to ask ‘what’s wrong?’ or ‘do you need help?’

Instead, it was just his suspended body lurking through the empty streets in the blistering cold, leaving him constantly empty and forever alone.

He lay compliant in the hands of such a huge city that continued to smother him with disappointed opportunity that he’d never truly achieve, not when his own mind was his deadliest opponent. He stopped at the fork, where one path led him back to Toman’s headquarters and the other led more into the rural abyss— where Hina rested peacefully in her eternal slumber. He made it a pact to always visit her when he was at his worst, emotionally. He always felt she’d be the one above telling him that it was okay to cry and only he could feel what he felt, so it’d be in his best interest to embrace it. But he’d reached the embracing milestone years ago, and now grew accustomed to being engulfed in it, instead. This time around though, he felt pathetic— what was his right to cry when he couldn’t do anything to save her?

It’d always be his fault.

He took up his vengeance pact years ago but to no avail; his enemy had somehow dissipated in thin air. There was talk of him, sure, and Takemichi knew he was pulling the strings to every loss in Toman; but it didn’t matter when Takemichi was too cowardly to do anything about it. His feet moved on autopilot, small shaky steps all the way back to his new home; filled with people he had always admired behind closed doors. He stopped just outside the building to wipe desperately at his eyes and regain his erratic breathing patterns. Sunshine was slowly making her entrance and Takemichi would really be caught dead still crying about a situation that happened over ten hours ago.

He propped open the entrance and headed inside, all but praying he’d be the only soul on the bottom floor. Just as he reached the elevators, he heard Akkun’s voice somewhere to his left. He turned to find the violet haired man sprinting towards him, “Oi! Takemichi, how was work?”

Takemichi shrugged merely in response, “Not much to talk about, just the usual shift. What are you up to?”

“We all just got back from a meeting in Ikebukuro. There’s a few people here you haven’t met yet, are you cool with me introducing you?”

Takemichi thought about who from his past he could have possibly not met yet, but could only picture three vaguely familiar faces. “Yeah, sure, sounds great.” Takemichi agreed tiredly, following Akkun to the room adjacent to his own work stall. He found Mikey’s eye first, an underlying message across his face that his brain didn’t have the power to decipher. His line of sight moved to the rest of the crowd with minor interest. It’s not as if he didn’t care about them, but he knew his purpose here had nothing to do with their own purposes. He shook hands with the main three, Peh-yan, Pah-chin, and Kazutora; who looked at him with as much disinterest as he felt internally. They exchanged a few words back and forth before Takemichi fell silent next to Akkun’s side. Kazutora was all too familiar but Takemichi couldn’t place exactly why.

It was rare for a face to stick out in his brain without there being a reason to ignite it. He couldn’t help but make a mental note of his physique to depict later on, there had to be some sort of triggered memory there.

“Well, this was cool,” Takemichi offered, “but I’m going to need a shower before I work again,” he spoke, looking to ease himself out of the awkward tension throughout the room. He bid a frail goodbye to the crowd as he turned on his heel, towards the elevators.

“Is the party over already?”

Takemichi couldn’t explain what had caused his body to quickly pause it’s movements, or why he felt his pulse rising in sickening familiarity; but one second he was composed and the next— a sense of dread, like knives, were cutting the flesh of his stomach. He hadn’t heard this voice in years, but one mere sentence was enough for his mind to undergo all the possibilities as his blood was quick to run cold.

“Ah, how could we possibly forget our longest running Toman admin?” Draken joked sarcastically somewhere behind him.

Longest running Toman admin? Since when did that become a position to be filled? And just how long had this person occupied it? Takemichi’s brain really couldn’t decipher just why his body was currently reacting in such a haste manner or why his skin felt as if it had been drowned in boiling water. He couldn’t place a face and the voice could easily be put to a voice he heard briefly in his past.

This mere reaction could be chopped up to his cursed exhaustion that plagued his mind— always conveniently blocking his understanding of his own primal reactions when he needed it the most. His overworked body and exhausted mind made reactions and remembrances so inherently futile.

He swallowed a breath just as the man spoke again, “You know, I’ve never really cared to meet whatever fickle human beings you’ve managed to pick off the streets, Mikey. What can I say? I’m just a guy who prefers the men under me with meat on their bones. But,” A hefty laugh left his lips, “I will admit, I never thought I’d see the day you’d employ the beloved Hanagaki Takemichi.”

It was all autopilot at this point.

Takemichi didn’t even remember turning around to face the man who spoke so sarcastically sweet about him and his previous reputation. But when he did, his eyes went wide while his face carved stone. Once his blues managed to fall on his opposing enemy, they couldn’t possibly vacate. They searched the man’s entire face as his own breathing patterns quickly became unsteady and erratic. Dizziness cut thick in the atmosphere, a rising ball of acid begging to escape his quivering lips. His lungs felt as if he were swallowing flame-infused adrenaline while his stomach felt held captive; squeezed, and desperate to suffocate him from the inside, out. He was vaguely aware of someone calling out to him, asking if he was alright, but his eyes never left the growing smirk of arrogance upon the man’s lips. The wide, all white toothy grin that practically laughed at where he stood.

Despite how dizzy he felt or how the room seemed to suddenly spin around and around, leaving a blur motion all around him— one single person remained as clear as day.

Kisaki Tetta.

He squeezed his fists at his side as Kisaki stepped closer to him, the smugness never once faltering. “Ah, what’s wrong Takemichi? Surprised to see me?”

All his emotions, all his feelings, all his bottled anger and desperation from the past decade all but screamed at him to do something— anything. But all Takemichi could do was shake in his own skin while his lungs continued to gasp for air. His lips trembled as desperation clawed up his throat in a gargled cry, his eyes already dampened by hot tears that licked his waterline profusely.

“Y-you,” was about all he managed until Kisaki was fully in his personal space. He brought one arm to hang around Takemichi’s backside, ignoring the hardened flinch it produced. It was clear what Kisaki was doing, pretending Takemichi’s reaction was all a facade; pretending to give a hug to an ‘old time friend’ while he casually whispered malicious words of intent into his eardrum.

“Say one word and I’ll have Atsushi Sendo killed, do you really want another life on your hands?” He whispered softly, a small laugh leaving his lips. “Fake it till you make it, Takemichi, isn’t that what you’ve been doing all these years?”

Takemichi was quick to lose his patience but even quicker to get a grip. All in the name of his childhood best friend, the real reason he continued to fight against his demonic thoughts and twisted impulses. He closed his eyes as he demanded his body to regain control, forcing relaxation to further dim the tension in his body— all the way down to his bones. He focused on his breathing before his arm wrapped around Kisaki’s frame, slapping a few aggressive pats onto his back. “I-I just can’t believe it’s you!” He mustered, breathless, “What has it been, like, ten years?” He spoke incredulously, forcing a smile to set wide on his lips.

The two pulled back from their faux reunion, falling into a passive-aggressive conversation about Kisaki’s successes in Toman over the years. Takemichi spared a glance over Kisaki’s shoulder, finding all of Toman to stare at him with intense confusion. Radiated energy of anger, distress, perplexity and astonishment— he caught Mikey’s eye for a second; before his eye fell back onto Kisaki with feign interest. The conversation managed to wrap up after a few more seconds of complete and utter bullshit. Which left Takemichi to shove his hardened fists into his pockets as his eyes fell onto Akkun who looked the most distressed of the bunch. They always managed to speak words through their eye contact, alone. When Akkun opened his mouth to speak up about the situation, Takemichi shook his head fiercely in response.

But that didn’t stop Mikey from bringing up the situation in full swing.

One moment ago, Mikey was across the room, standing near Draken and watching the situation unfold. The next, he was suddenly in front of Takemichi, practically standing guard between the two bodies.

“What was that?”

“Hm?” Kisaki pondered, the smirk already rising back on his lips, “What was what, Mikey? Isn’t it evident to you? Takemichi and I go way back, I haven’t seen him in years.”

Takemichi watched as Mikey opened his mouth to respond, but another voice from beyond boomed instead, “That didn’t look like any happy ass reunion.” Draken spoke, stepping closer to the two bodies at hand. “Now answer Mikey seriously, what the actual fuck was that?”

Takemichi watched as Kisaki’s grin dissipated. This wasn’t the right outcome, despite how much Kisaki deserved it— and fuck would this be such a beautiful sight to enjoy. But with Akkun’s life on the line and Kisaki’s history with his promises; Takemichi had to step in.

“You guys, I’m sorry for my overreaction, I’ve just had an emotional night. But, seriously! Kisaki and I were very good pals back in middle school!” He forced his feet to move to Kisaki’s side as he wrapped an arm loosely around the back of his neck, “I’m,” He paused as he swallowed down the rising nausea that had his throat in a chokehold, “I’m very happy to see him.”

“How do you two know each other?” Mikey asked, clearly unconvinced.

“We ran into each other a lot, kind of a weird coincidence sorta thing.” Kisaki answered with a smile, glancing at Takemichi. Takemichi nodded in return, his eyes never wavering from Mikey’s.

Mikey was clearly furious and abundantly confused. The second time in the past twelve hours Takemichi has had to lie to him about his emotional state. Their eye contact remained even as Kisaki dropped his arm from Takemichi’s backside. When Kisaki managed to walk with confidence back to the group, Takemichi mouthed one single word to Mikey and Mikey only.

“Please.”

He pleaded with all his emotions resting translucent upon his face. His lip that still trembled with overwhelming anger and fear, his eyes that still hung glossy and stained, his hands that still shook on at his sides, grasping the fabric within his pockets.

For once in Takemichi’s entire stay here, he could read the underlying message of Mikey’s emotions like his favorite manga series. Understanding of his wishes but clearly expecting an answer. Distressed and infuriated, but willing to compromise if it meant a promised conversation. All Takemichi could do in response was offer a nod, before he turned to face towards the crowd. “Sorry again,” he bowed, another fake smile warming his cheeks, “I’ll see you all later.”

He turned towards the elevators, shooting a silent plea to drop the conversation in Akkun’s direction before he hightailed out of the room without a second look back. He rode all the way up to his floor in petrified silence and locked himself away into the dark abyss of his own room.

——

The silence that ensued after Takemichi’s departure was deafening. Quite a few members of Toman stood watching Kisaki’s movements like personal private investigators looking to solve a cold case. Chifuyu, for example, who’s form still took post on the side of the room stared at the other like he’d just witnessed a mass murder and was desperate to put every piece together. Akkun, whose eyes bore into Kisaki’s face with confusion, stress and just a smidge of fear, begged to understand what interaction he’d just witnessed.

And Mikey—

Mikey stood as still as a sculpture, the only movement produced by his eyes which moved from the closed elevators to Kisaki’s physique with a quizzical expression planted on his face; masking all the emotions that currently screamed at the blatant red flag this situation has brought forth.

After a few long moments of uneasy silence, Mikey cleared his throat, “Party’s over, everyone clear out,” he spoke with a wave of his hand, promoting quick dismissal.

Small exchanges of quiet goodbyes left the lips of Toman members who didn’t actively reside within the headquarters, while those who did, stayed still as a tomb, awaiting answers and private conversation. Once the room cleared out, save for Kazutora who marked his territory on the couch— the energy within the room grew hot enough to burn flesh.

“Atsushi, are you going to enlighten us on just what in the actual fuck that was?” Draken spoke, being the first to break the crippling silence.

“Huh?” Akkun gasped incredulously, “Me? How the hell should I know?”

“Are you serious? Aren’t you his best fucking friend? What do you mean you don’t know?” Draken argued, clearly losing his patience.

“If you would actually take a second to think clearly, you would recall that I haven’t seen Takemichi in eleven years! How the hell should I know why he reacted like that? He shouldn’t even know Kisaki! It doesn’t make any fucking sense.” Akkun shot back, running his fingers through his hair with piqued discomfort.

“I don’t think I’ve seen fear showcased so seriously in my entire life,” Angry managed to comment, “Did you see how fast he froze when Kisaki first spoke?”

“We need to take this seriously.” Smiley replied, nodding with his twin brother.

“No fucking shit we need to take this seriously, but how the hell are we going to get Takemitchy to open up? It’s not as if he actively talks about himself personally.” Draken responded, taking a seat next to Kazutora.

“Atsushi,” Mikey called out, “What were you two discussing before he left for his other job earlier?”

Akkun froze in recollection, “I—“ he paused momentarily, “I can’t tell you that.”

“Hah? The fuck you mean you can’t tell us that?”

“I can’t.” Akkun persisted, “If Takemichi wants to share his story with you all individually, that’s his decision. I won’t be the one to out his personal losses, it’s not my pain to tell.”

Mikey seemed to ponder this in silence, meanwhile that statement alone started a wildfire of bickering. Some stood on Draken’s side, pleading for Akkun to ditch the morality of the situation and spill; while others like Chifuyu, Mitsuya and Smiley agreed it wasn’t Akkun’s right to speak out against Takemichi’s private wishes.

“Well, we’re all missing a very important piece of this,” Mitsuya started, “First and foremost, it’s no secret we all saw through his facade of excitement with Kisaki’s arrival.”

“Yeah, no shit—“

“But, what do we think Kisaki said in his ear to make Takemitchy switch up that fast? It had to have been drastic enough to shut off a panic attack that intense.”

This seemed to calm the crowd enough to actually think on the situation at hand, rather than fight back and forth on useless sources of possible information.

“Kisaki’s always been sketchy,” Chifuyu offered, breaking the newfound silence, “I wouldn’t be surprised if he threatened something Takemitchy loves. One thing I’ve managed to learn about his character over the past week is his diligence to endure pure torture, whether it be mentally or physically for those he cares about the most.” He paused as he glanced around the room before his eyes fell onto Akkun, “Considering he hasn’t known any of us long enough to feel a primal instinct to gather his emotions that quick, all signs are pointing towards you, Atsushi.”

“Who the fuck does Kisaki think he is to threaten Takemitchy in our own environment?”

Akkun’s mind was doing wonders to drown out the rest of the bickering, as he did his best to focus on if there was a time at any point Michi managed to slip up on speaking about Kisaki. The most recent story that he’d take to his own personal grave before exposing didn’t necessarily add up— considering Michi mentioned a gang of men, rather than one singular man. Kisaki has always, relatively, been under Toman’s rule and there weren’t any particular situations where any of Toman would ever do any sort of lucrative actions the story depicted.

“If what you’re assuming is true, I’m probably the best candidate for Michi to open up too.” Akkun mustered nervously, “I’ll go see if I can talk to him,”

“No.”

Akkun froze in his steps as his eyes shot towards the voice that broke his train of thoughts.

“No?”

“No.”

“What the fuck, Mikey? Do we want to get to the bottom of this or not? Takemitchy only ever opened up to Atsushi his entire stay here, if Kisaki threatened his life to him, he’d feel most inclined to tell him.”

“And I said no.” Mikey shot back with clear disinterest.

Draken huffed in agitation, “And why the fuck not?”

“Because I’m going to talk to him tomorrow.”

“You?!” Draken argued, “For fuck’s sake, Mikey, this isn’t just some fucking test to see who Takemitchy trusts the most.”

“Please recognize Takemitchy has a history of fleeing anytime things get confrontational, it’s important we take this into consideration and let someone who could actually get a real word out of him to deal with this.”

“Here’s a question,” Kazutora started, “Why the fuck do you all care so much, anyway? Isn’t he just some barista? Kisaki has shit with everyone, what makes Takemichi so special?”

“Jesus christ Kazutora, just shut up.” Chifuyu shot back before his eyes fell back onto Mikey, “What makes you think Takemitchy will open up to you instead of Atsushi?”

“He promised me.” Mikey replied with a bored expression, clearly done with the conversation as his mind was already set on the outcome.

“The fuck?”

“When?”

“Bullshit, Mikey!”

“You’re so full of shit, Mikey, we all know you’re just crushing on him.” Angry shot back, warmth painting his cheeks.

“Huh? The hell is that supposed to mean?” Mikey replied, his facial features etching with annoyance.

“For fuck’s sake, everyone knock it off.” Akkun groaned, “If Michi promised to talk to Mikey, then so be it. All that matters here is finding out what happened and how we’re going to handle Kisaki moving forward. This isn’t some fucking stupid gossip session, it’s Takemichi we’re dealing with. My childhood best friend who shouldn’t even know about Kisaki versus Kisaki who we’ve all practically grown up with. Who Takemichi tells first doesn’t matter, either way we’ll all have the answers we need.”

They all managed to come to some sort of consensus on the plan. Mikey would stake out the bottom floor until Takemichi came out for his shift and pull him aside for a conversation. While Chifuyu and Akkun planned to stake out the outside of the building in case Takemichi planned an escape route before his conversation with Mikey. Everyone else was left to act relatively normal and let the plan fall easily into place.

In hindsight, it was a very achievable plan.

In reality, Takemichi had spent the past two weeks learning the behaviors of those around him. Observancy was key; being mindful of others actions and how he can avoid specific outcomes for future reference. It was simple really, in the same way he’d grown to enjoy the company and small-talks with individual members of Toman— they grew to appreciate him. It was obvious they'd come up with a plan to confront Takemichi on his reaction centered around Kisaki. In fact, Takemichi practically placed bets on it. Now, he wasn’t necessarily backing out of his promised conversation with Mikey, no, in fact he was actually operating on the premises to put himself in better use for their desired heart-to-heart.

Mikey couldn’t be chopped down to a “simple” man. This discussion would mean more to the both of them than just exposing secrets and learning what hurts them the most. A promise was one thing— but a shattered sense of self Takemichi would face to share his history involving Kisaki to the man who’d do just about anything to protect him? It wasn’t worth it. Takemichi has spent too many years on the run to let someone else take over his pain; this was his battle and his only to handle.

If it meant fighting alone, protecting his new friends, risking his life all for the sake of solid friendships he never got to experience as a kid— he’d do it over and over again.

There were things Takemichi needed to take care of before he exposed every damaged part of himself to Mikey. Old connections to be assembled and past hauntings to be demolished. He wouldn’t be able to do any of this alone if Mikey knew beforehand what his ultimate goal was, it just left too much room for interference.

His mind was set.

It started with the sprinkler system connected to the smoke alarm. After an hour of recuperating his feelings, Takemichi pondered what could get the members out of their room the fastest. He settled on igniting his towel with a multitude of different clicks from his lighters and letting the fire crackle just under the alarm system. His hands felt practically burned when the system finally managed to register a chemical threat. The piercing alarm came first and the water came second.

Takemichi quickly disposed of the blazed towel, soaking it in the bathtub of water he’d filled beforehand. Once the fire went out, he pulled the drain and headed to the bedroom door— looking to play victim with the rest of the members before they could figure out his involvement.

“What the actual hell?” Draken grumbled outside his doorway, clearly unimpressed with the situation at hand.

Takemichi forced a yawn as he stepped into the hallway, “Say, Akkun, does this happen often?”

Akkun was in the middle of patting down his hair with a dampened towel before he turned to face Takemichi, “No, but we did just get a new system put in place the other week, it’s possible it’s malfunctioning. All good in your room?”

Takemichi nodded in agreement, “All good in there, but I did run out of dry towels last night after my shower, do you know where I could grab some more? I’m soaked.”

Akkun gave him clearance to head down to the third floor where the plethora of washing and drying machines lie beyond the back doors. Takemichi offered a smile and a look of gratitude before he headed to his next desired location. Once he reached the third floor, stage two of his diversions came up on the spot.

Before this entire escape route came into place, Takemichi had to spend some quality time learning the layout of the building. Everything from the different alarm systems on each floor, to the back staircases that led to separate hallways, practically carved inside the wall. They were never put into use leaving them to decay without a shred of light source within them. But as Takemichi learned the route over the past week, he was able to figure out which doors led to the outside of the building without sounding the bell chime.

On the third floor, closest to the private rooms, there was one alarm system that would overpower the rest. It locked all the mechanical doors from the inside, except for the doors in the abandoned stairway. Takemichi grabbed the object closest to his line of sight and got to work.

It took more time than he wanted to admit to fully disarm the security alarm, but once it breached the automated system, the intercom started to speak. Much to Takemichi’s appreciation, the said private rooms were in fact the security room that constantly monitored the area and alerted the building if an intruder had been detected.

Takemichi was quick to sprint down the hallway, stopping momentarily to send one of the elevators up to the fifth floor without his body physically in it. With everyone on the hunt to head to the third floor, one elevator would present the illusion of an incomer— Takemichi, returning to the fifth floor while the rest headed down to deal with the alarm system. He fled straight to the back staircase before the arrival of his friends. The rest of it was easy, he followed down the darkened path of familiarity until he reached the particular door that operated on a latch and lock system. He relied on the glow of his phone screen to pick the lock with ease before he slipped out of the door and off the premises with a growing smile.

“Jesus Christ, remind me to never get our alarms reinstalled again. That was such bullshit,” Draken groaned once they finally managed to reset the alarm from it’s malfunctioning screams.

“Considering we need our alarms readjusted monthly by just our reputation alone, this is probably the new normal.”

“Hah? The fuck? This has never happened before? When have we ever dealt with the fire alarm and the security alarm at the same damn time?” Draken shot back in pure annoyance.

“Actually,” Chifuyu perked up, “the fire alarm was weird, I don’t think that one was a coincidence. Did you all not vaguely smell fire burning?”

“I sure did, but everyone’s room checked out.” Smiley agreed, glancing around the exhausted faces of Toman. “Hey wait, where is…” but the words died in his throat as Mitsuya exited the elevator, perplexity painted upon his face.

Almost as if Chifuyu’s comment managed to make Mikey pick up on the peculiar situation at hand, Mikey moved towards Mitsuya’s direct line of sight. “What’s going on?”

A small nervous laugh left Mitsuya’s lips as he scratched the back of his head, “Uh yeah, so we have a problem.”

In tow, Hakkai stood at Mitsuya’s side, “Is this a bad time to mention Takemitchy’s missing?”

“Hah?”

“What the fuck?”

“Did you check on the first floor?”

Akkun and Mikey were the only two who managed to keep their verbal reactions zipped behind their lips. Everyone else, though, broke out into a profound vomit of words. Akkun and Mikey’s reactions were on an entirely different spectrum. Mikey, whom’s face morphed into a deathly pale while Akkun’s face painted a soft pink, an awkward laugh leaving his lips which he attempted to transform into a fake cough. Though, much to Akkun’s unfortunate dismay, the concealed cough was noticed by just about everyone else.

“And just the hell is so funny, Atsushi?” Draken accused, but Mikey was already on the brink of physical confrontation as he stood in front of Atsushi with a wicked burst of anger tucked behind his eyes.

“I should have figured he would pull something like this, he always has.” Akkun replied with a breathless laugh, “I just didn’t expect him to get so good at his diversions.”

“So he does this often?”

“Takemitchy did all of this just to escape?”

“I still don’t understand why the hell you’re laughing,” Draken pointed out.

Akkun shrugged in response, “He’s smart, I have to give him credit. None of us could have even realized what was going on until he was already gone. Mitsuya, is his room entirely swept out or did he leave things behind?”

“Everything’s still there.”

“Then it’s fine, if Takemichi were actually leaving us behind he would have packed up. Michi doesn’t do confrontation on others' terms, he does it on his own. He’s probably looking to clear his head, I’m sure he’ll be back in a couple days.”

“So…. that’s it? We’re not going to even bother looking for him?” Mitsuya asked, clearly concerned by the lack of direct order to find their lost employee.

“Mikey,” Akkun started, “Takemichi will come back.”

“You told us yourself you haven’t seen him in eleven years! How the fuck are you so calm about this?” Draken argued, not understanding the differences in Atsushi’s composure.

“How are you so sure?” Mikey asked, his eye contact never wavering.

“Michi is…” Akkun paused to find the word, “interesting. During our talk yesterday he mentioned that he was tired of running. I’d assume based on the friendships and relationships he’s made with all of us here, he’s pushing more towards fighting back his own fears and issues, whatever they may be. As Chifuyu mentioned last night, he acts on an accord to play savior for anyone he holds close. To act as if we all, including you, Mikey, haven’t managed a grip on Takemichi’s heart would be really fucking stupid. He has unfinished business and it’s best for us to let him do what he needs to do before he feels it’s time to explain the situation in full.”

Everyone seemed to ponder this before the unanimous atmosphere was agreement. Takemichi was a complex character and if they all acted out of their own selfless desires, it would only make the situation at hand worse.

“But he promised me.” Mikey mustered, barely a whisper.

“And the promise isn’t over, Michi never sets a time limit to a private conversation. Whatever he has going on, I’m positive he’ll realize he needs us as much as we need him. Just give him some time, he’ll come around.”

“Fine.” Mikey agreed, but the emotions locked behind his physique proved otherwise.

“Can’t believe he started a fire and rigged the security system just to get us distracted. He could have just said he was going to get some fresh air,” Mitsuya offered with a laugh, “Takemitchy is something else.”

“I miss him already, who else is going to talk to us about our problems?” Angry pouted, earning a cheery pep talk from his twin.

“Guess we’re going back to drinking coffee water until he gets back,” Draken grumbled, already dropping his shoulders in defeat as he headed towards the elevators.

“If Takemitchy doesn’t come back, I’ll kill you.” Mikey promised, his eyes locked onto Atsushi’s composure.

“And I’ll let you.” Akkun responded with a smug smile before hopping onto the opposing elevator with Chifuyu.

“Is he really going to come back or were you just bluffing?” Chifuyu asked once they were squared away from the rest of the group.

“He’ll come back but I’m not sure when. I don’t think looking for him is going to do anything, either. He’s skilled with knowing how to not be found.”

Chifuyu took this information with a grain of salt as he headed back to his room. He paced his bathroom a few times before ultimately deciding on a shower to figure out his next move. His relationship with Takemitchy was a bit more than acquaintances but they hadn’t met the ‘best friends’ milestone just yet. Still, the dawning factor that Kisaki was able to put so much pain into the black-haired man’s life was infuriating and too foul to be ignored. After he showered, he dialed Takemitchy’s number and awaited an answer.

It was no surprise his call was ignored but that didn’t indicate Chifuyu’s defeat. By the tenth call, Takemitchy spoke into the speaker the second the call picked up. “I’m just trying to figure some things out, Chifuyu.”

“And I want to help you, Takemitchy.”

“But you don’t owe me anything, I don’t want everyone’s pity. I realize it’s difficult to see someone you barely know react so violently negative when being introduced to someone you’ve all grown up with, but it’s my problem to solve.” Takemitchy mustered into the phone, speaking with a fog of confidence.

“And that’s all fine and dandy, but I’ve never been able to trust Kisaki and your emotional showcase last night proved you’ve experienced the twisted side of him that I’ve always been suspicious of. If you don’t want to share your entire life story with me, that’s fine. But if your ultimate goal is to take down Kisaki, I want to be on the same side as you. Help me help you, Takemitchy.”

There was silence on the other line for a while but Chifuyu was sure Takemitchy was busy trying to figure out if this was the right way to go or not. He kept his lips locked together to allow him the decency to either accept or deny his request.

“Fine, but only because I’m interested in hearing your side of the story with Kisaki. I need as much information as possible of him over these years if I have any shot of taking him down.”

A glowing smile warmed Chifuyu’s cheeks, “Sure, Takemitchy.” They came up with a location to meet discreetly and within the next ten minutes Chifuyu was on his way, a fast pace taking his course.

“I knew Kazutora looked familiar last night but I couldn’t place how I knew him exactly.” Takemichi mumbled behind his drink, taking in Chifuyu’s recounts of Kisaki’s sketchy behavior.

“I still can’t believe you were so involved and we never once crossed paths.” Chifuyu commented, a doe-eyed sparkle within his gaze. “Why didn’t you join Toman before?”

“If I wanted to defeat Kisaki after all he’d done to me already, working from the inside just wasn’t an option for me anymore.”

“So where did you go and how far did you manage?”

“I can’t say, yet, sorry,” Takemichi started but quickly stopped talking once Chifuyu shook his head, “Like I said Takemitchy, you don’t have to feel entitled to share the full story with me, I just wanted to know what fueled your hatred for him. Now that I do, I’d like to formally offer a partnership with you. Let’s take down Kisaki, together.”

“This is going to be really hard considering just how far he’s made it with Toman, you know. The fact that Mikey hasn’t seen through his facade yet is a red flag enough. I don’t want to soil any friendships you have, Chifuyu, it’s really fucking lonely without friends.”

Chifuyu leaned forward in his seat, resting his chin on the palm of his hand, “You know what the great thing about Atsushi Sendo is?”

“Akkun?” Takemichi shrugged his shoulders in response, “literally everything, why? What do you mean?”

“That’s true, but he brought you to us and I can promise you right now, Takemitchy, whenever you deem fit to tell everyone else your story, not one person in Toman would choose Kisaki’s side over yours. It does not matter how long we’ve known him, everyone has had their own doubts about Kisaki’s character at one point but never anything solid enough to disband him. You don’t have to fight this alone anymore, Takemitchy. As of today, we’re partners and as for the future, all of Toman is your family and team.”

Takemichi hadn’t realized his lip was quivering until blurriness filled his vision. He was quick to discard the fresh tears that nearly drowned his eye sockets, his cheeks warming at the fact he was yet again displaying true emotion. “C-Chifuyu,” He stuttered, running his hands through his hair as he desperately tried to hold onto the hope that filled his chest from Chifuyu’s words. “What did I do to deserve that kind of talk?”

A small laugh left his lips as he handed a napkin to the other with a smile, “You’re just you, Takemitchy. Even at your utmost downfall you still managed to get a grip just for Atsushi’s safety, that’s real bravery. I think if anyone did what you did for me, I’d owe them my life. Considering I’ve spent the past fourteen years with Atsushi, I’d say anyone who so willingly manages to straighten out their emotions for the sake of another’s life is a battle worth fighting for.”

“I-I don’t know,” Takemichi paused as choked sobs left his lips, “what to say,” he mustered as he wiped desperately at his stained cheeks.

“So don’t say anything. How about you allow yourself to feel instead? Bottling up your emotions for this long will only run you down faster. You’re not inhuman, you deserve to feel just as much as everyone else does. So if I can offer a shred of advice? Stop creating this facade that you don’t care about anything or anyone. Whatever bullshit Kisaki put you through doesn’t give him the right to take away the very things that make you human, Takemitchy.”

So just as Chifuyu offered, Takemichi took those words to heart and let out years worth of bottled emotions and heartaches until his body felt numb. Chifuyu offered small pats on the back, but mainly he let Takemichi release his feelings in peace as he sat by his side. They ended up watching the sunset together, moving the topic to more lighthearted things to calm Takemichi’s composure.

“Thank you, Chifuyu, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to describe in words how much that meant to me.”

“You don’t have to thank me, partner, just know I’m not the only one in Toman who would do the same thing for you.”

They spent the next half hour discussing the latest manga drops they were both anticipating from last week. It managed to release the tension in Takemichi’s body, being reminded that beyond his trauma and sickly events he really still was human. Once the conversation seemed to die out with tired sighs, Takemichi spoke up,

“There’s a few things I need to do before I come back to HQ. A few old connections need to be made now that I’m aware of Kisaki’s full history with Toman. Do you mind keeping our conversation private for the next couple days? I know Mikey’s going to be pissed and I plan on talking to him, I just have to settle some things before I feel ready to bring everything up.”

“Of course, partner, no one’s going to know I was here. Your history with Kisaki is yours to tell, I don’t plan on exposing your story. Mikey’s furious but he’ll get over it. I think he’ll be more relieved once you come back, he’s just worried.”

Takemichi nodded in agreement, “Sorry about that, I don’t mean to worry anyone. Can we meet up again in two days? I think I’ll be able to make contact by then.”

Once the two arranged a meeting for Takemichi’s arrival, they shook hands with a new profound thirst for a revenge plot. It was still in the works and it truly depended on who from Takemichi’s past would come back for round two on Kisaki, but beyond everything else he was willing to try.

That was about all that mattered.

Even if his past acquaintances refused, at least he can always fall back with Tokyo Manji. Just that was able to make Takemichi’s steps just a little more bouncier as he walked the streets of Tokyo, ready to plunge back into his past relationships.

Chapter Text

Chifuyu returned back to his humble abode to a rather foreseeable outcome. It took all of five seconds for the raven-haired man to step foot into the building, only to be welcomed by sheer and utter chaos.

“Chifuyu! You have to do something, Mikey is off his fucking rocker!” Smiley shouted from down the hall, but even his volume couldn’t possibly drown out the screaming match between two very obvious candidates. A sigh left his lips as he headed to the source, taking in the words that left each parties’ mouth.

“I said I would kill you if Takemitchy didn’t come back.” Mikey threatened, venom practically spewing from the corner of his lips.

“For fucks sake, Mikey! It hasn’t even been a day!” Akkun shouted in return, backed up against the wall with Mikey’s refusal to give him any sort of personal space.

“I don’t care! Where is he? Where the fuck would he go?”

“And I’m telling you I don’t know! Jesus Christ, you act as if you’re the only one who’s worried about him.”

“I found him first.” Mikey shot back, his tone oozing like liquid poison.

“Oh my god!” Akkun groaned, “First of all that’s not true, like at all and secondly, that doesn’t even matter! He’s going to come back, whatever issues he has with Kisaki is obviously something he wanted to figure out for himself.”

The dagger that lay against Mikey’s side was quick to catch glint by the overhead lights as he pressed the blade just a hair's breadth away from Akkun’s throat. Chifuyu figured it was definitely his time to step in and manage some sort of compromise, “Mikey, how would you feel if Takemitchy was angry at you?”

“Huh? What the hell would he be mad at me about? Did you talk to him?” Mikey spewed, the knife trembling within his shaky hands.

“If you so much as touch a hair on Atsushi’s head, I don’t think Takemitchy would ever forgive you. Remember, he got his emotions settled straight because Kisaki threatened Atsushi’s safety. If you do anything to him, Takemitchy will despise you. Is that really what you want? He left Atsushi in your hands because he trusts you, can’t you hold out for a little longer? I’m sure whatever Takemitchy’s doing now will be well worth the wait for you and his promised conversation.”

The silence in the room was anxiety-inducing. The only sound that could be heard was the slow ticking of an overhead clock, begging for someone to make a move. The knife still trembled at Akkun’s throat, showcasing a conflicted Mikey as his mind rewinded Chifuyu’s words over and over. Smiley stood still somewhere off to the side while Chifuyu took small and quiet steps towards the two.

Before he could reach his destination though, Akkun reached out and wrapped his hand loosely around Mikey’s wrist, pulling the dagger free from his cold fingers. “Mikey, I understand you’re worried but acting out against me won't bring him back any sooner. I have trust that he’s alright. You’ll get your answers soon. Whether it’s tomorrow, the next day, or even a week from now.” He paused as he watched Mikey’s eyes grow wider, “I doubt it’ll be a week, but something tells me he’s working out a plan to figure out whatever he needs to do. Trust him, okay? No one ever really does and he could use your support.”

Mikey remained still calculating his own thoughts, trying to find the sincerity in Akkun’s words while also trying to withhold his own anxieties about the situation. How was he supposed to sit tight when it’d become clear Takemitchy was as troubled as he? How was he supposed to just wait for a man who usually never returns after an escape? It all felt futile and even worse the pain and anger captivating his heart like a steel chain, only grew tighter.

Without another word, Mikey fled the room and headed to the fifth floor. Just as he turned to head into his own room, his eyes fell onto the last door to his left. He moved slowly, almost as if each step against the carpet was transformed into quicksand, begging to pull him down. He opened the vacant room, allowing himself to find some sort of comfort in a lifeless setting. The bathroom still had the aroma of burning material that left a choking feeling in his throat. The closet that was nearly filled to the brim with clothes Mitsuya had enlisted Takemitchy to wear onward. A faint smile kissed the corner of his lip as he attempted to imagine what Takemitchy would look like in plaid pants and a sweater vest. His hands reached for his usual uniform, letting his fingers rub the cotton between his index and thumb.

“How could you leave me?” Mikey murmured sourly, resting his forehead against the fabric barrier. He desperately tried to find Takemitchy’s scent within the clothes but the most he could decipher was coffee and sweat. Losing interest in the closet, he settled to stare out the view of his window, his eyes following the cars in traffic just seventy-five feet below him. “How many nights did you sit here watching the city instead of counting sheep?” Mikey asked against the window pane, clutching his fists to his sides.

He slowly turned towards the bed, his eyes tracing the fitted sheet that lay untouched. The pillow that looked as stiff as ever, with not even a marked carving of a rested head. A frown pulled upon his cheeks as he crawled onto the mattress, letting his head create the first imprint on the pillow. “Did you ever even sleep, Takemitchy? Or did your emotions hold you close in the shower?”

At first, Mikey had just assumed Takemitchy really enjoyed showering late at night. But after it became a regular routine and the water would run for longer periods each time, Mikey began to assume differently.

“What happened to you?” He whispered softly at the ceiling, “What have you been running from all these years?” It was almost like he was mourning a loss he hadn’t experienced yet. They’ve barely exchanged words or held any sort of meaningful conversations but the word “please” and the emotions he conveyed when he spoke it, left Mikey feeling lament and restless. The entire situation that happened just the night prior refused to leave his frazzled mind but what haunted behind his eyelids the most was Takemitchy’s expression of defeat.

His lips that quivered so violently, his eyes that burned such a bright blue, his physique that shaded a burning red. His expressions of real emotions were so captivating, so beautiful— like art meant to be showcased to the world. Except, out of selfish desire, Mikey didn’t want Takemitchy’s emotions to be exhibited to anyone else. He wanted his raw feelings and pain to be revealed when it was just their two bodies, alone. Was that a crime?

Mikey’s eyes traced the ceiling as he tried to create multiple different explanations to Takemitchy’s behavior regarding Kisaki. It had to have been serious enough for the emotions that followed, but what sort of grip did Kisaki have on Takemitchy to allow such a quick overwritten brain? To suddenly gain his composure, create a faux happy reunion, and above all stand up for Kisaki when his eyes conveyed such mourning and loss?

None of it made any sense and Mikey was losing his patience awaiting an answer. His eyes fell closed with the image of Takemitchy’s emotional exposures the past week. Anything from the smiles he’d noticed while he was speaking with Akkun or Chifuyu, to the very obvious sobs that left his eyes the morning before his shift. But without fail his mind always ran right back to the broken display of hatred, anger and violence that used Takemitchy’s face as a window for what went on behind his heart.

—

Takemichi’s fingers tapped nervously against the wooden table, checking the time on his phone for the hundredth time. He’d finally managed a meeting with an old friend and based on the recent knowledge of Kisaki, courteous of Chifuyu— this meeting would be the glue he very well needed. He fidgeted with just about everything in sight, his eyes lay downcast and away from the sight of the door.

This was the hardest mission.

Retrieving friends from his past he’d long severed the connections too. Would they still stand by him? Would they laugh at him? If it turned out to be the latter, it would be well deserved given the disappearance he’d created all those years ago. Perhaps this was a bad idea, perhaps he was thinking too optimistically based on the conversation he’d had with Chifuyu the previous night. Not everyone could have a heart of gold, right? Not everyone would be willing to accept his cowardly decisions that he made simply for his own survival. He moved to take a stand deciding that this was a battle he deserved to face on his own. Who was he to expect others to help when he’d left them all to sink alone?

“Hanagaki,” A voice came to his front, disrupting him from his thoughts. His eyes slowly grazed forward until they landed on the oh so familiar face. The one that always managed to bring a smile on his lips without a shred of force. “It’s been awhile. You look…” the man paused before a sly smile carved his cheek, “Did you grow up at all? You still have such a baby face.”

A breath of relief left Takemichi’s lips as he managed to match the trademark smirk, “Can’t say the same for you, Inupi. What, did you just get off the catwalk? A photoshoot, perhaps?”

A bright laugh left Inui’s lips as he shook his head in return, “None of that, Hanagaki, but I appreciate the compliment.” He wrapped an arm lazily around Takemichi’s shoulders, pulling him up against his chest. “I was worried about you, you know.” Another pang of guilt, like a shockwave, shot straight into his chest as he returned the affectionate embrace. “We have a lot to talk about,” was all Takemichi managed to muster as they pulled back and took a seat.

“What’s going on, Takemichi?”

And so, Takemichi filled his former friend with just about everything that’s happened within the past two weeks. He explained his new involvement with Toman, Kisaki’s debut as Toman’s longest running admin and how that all began, and how long he’d personally spent on the run from his pained past. Not once did Inui interject, but not once did his eyes leave Takemichi’s own as he spoke.

Once he managed to wrap up his recount, Inui spoke up, “Takemichi, I must be honest with you. You said you’ve met all of Toman, but that’s not true.” Takemichi watched as he released a breath, before a small smile warmed his cheeks, “Do you remember what you told me before you left eleven years ago?”

Takemichi shook his head in return, “I really don’t remember much from the past. I’ve spent too much time trying to erase it.”

“You told me if anything ever happened to you or if the Black Dragons ever came close to being taken over by Kisaki’s rule, to merge under Tokyo Manji. After you disappeared, we started to experience traitors selling out our plans to Kisaki. Mucho was one of them. Koko and I both agreed to follow your word, even if it meant we’d be technically under Kisaki as well. Our goal was to take him down from the inside but he was never physically there.” Inui took a moment to pause as he tried to recollect his memories, “If I remember correctly, the ‘Toman Admin’ position you speak of was almost like the ‘headless angel’ of Valhalla. The only one who could possibly reach Kisaki was Mikey and they were already too close to get involved.”

Takemichi listened to each and every word that came off Inui’s lips as if his life depended on it. As he spoke, fractured memories slowly started to piece together like a puzzle. He’d forgotten his wish and he’d forgotten that he ever made that command in the first place. It made sense, it sounded like something his past self would do, especially if it guaranteed his friends’ safety. Plus, the fact the first generation leader was Shinchiro Sano made it all the more an obvious decision to have the Black Dragons band with Tokyo Manji to protect Mikey from any and all harm.

“So it was Mucho who sold us out to Kisaki? What about Sanzu? They were relatively close, is he still around? Was he in on it as well?”

A breathless laugh without an ounce of actual happiness left Inui’s throat, “No, Sanzu was not working with Kisaki, it was just Mucho. But Sanzu is a dead man, in the eyes of old Black Dragons at least.”

“What? Why?” Takemichi mustered, confusion resting dormant upon his face.

“Sanzu fell off the deep end a while ago. Don’t you remember? He was acting out long before you even disappeared. The only thing I can say that’s relatively positive about him is he is conjoined at Mikey’s side. I wouldn’t say they’re inseparable, I would just put it blankly as Sanzu cannot live without Mikey’s approval or recognition.”

Takemichi tried to process this new set of information the best way he could.

One sentence at a time.

“Okay, so returning back to your previous statement about me not being aware of everyone under Tokyo Manji, I assume you are still working with them, yes?”

Inui offered a curt nod, “As is Koko and technically Sanzu. This time around, it’s different. As I’m sure you’ve understood, Tokyo Manji has tripled it’s size since you left. There are employees from gangs you probably have never even heard of. I’ll be glad to give you a more personal rundown on who to trust and who to stay away from, if you want. However, where is all this coming from, Takemichi? What are you getting out of this?”

Takemichi swallowed a breath as his eyes bore into Inui’s, his nerves getting the best of him. He felt nauseous, all this information was almost too much to process. With a plethora of different members in Toman, some from gangs he’d surely missed out on— how could he possibly manage this mission when Kisaki’s already infiltrated the hearts of many? How many others were calling the shots behind the scenes?

“Inupi,” Takemichi started slowly, “you may consider me a coward and for that I can’t blame you. I left my duty as the eleventh generation leader of the Black Dragons for my own safety. The most I offered to support my team was to unite two gangs that already had so many complications together in the past. However, after spending years running away from Kisaki and attempting to erase all the pain he’s caused me and just about everyone from back then, I learned that it only gets me so far. I want to stop running and now that I work with Tokyo Manji, even if it’s not as an actual member, the burning in my heart just won't stop. My mission is the same as before, I want to take down Kisaki.”

He paused briefly to catch his breath, “I called you here today to ask if you would join me but if my past cowardice and sudden expectancy for you to agree hurts you, I’ll be humbled with a decline.”

Inui listened to Takemichi’s words with sheer interest, his eye contact never wavering from the blues that still shone with so much hope and desperation. He hummed in thought, “You’ve always had the best timing, Takemichi, though I’ll admit I’m a little hurt by your lack of trust in me.”

“W-What?” Takemichi stuttered, a soft pink warming his cheekbones, “What do you mean? What did I say?”

“Do you really think after all these years I would ever forget what Kisaki did to you? Or that I would suddenly stop your personal wishes even if you weren’t there to achieve them with us? Kisaki holds nearly as much power as Mikey, I will admit that. But not once has that stopped me from continuing to fulfill your wish. I want Kisaki gone as much as you do, as does Koko. I’m sure you’ve already come into contact with Chifuyu as well, I assume? You do not have to ask if I’ll still take your side eleven years later. I will always be standing right beside you, Hanagaki Takemichi.”

Fucking hell.

Takemichi managed to catch the tears that threatened to spill before they made their exit. A laugh left the other’s lips but this one was so bright and personal it had Takemichi’s skin crawling with excitement and determination. “I— I don’t know what I did to deserve this sort of treatment, but I sincerely appreciate it, Inui.”

“Shut up Takemichi, you’re so stupid. What else are friends for? It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been away, now that you’re back, let's finish what we started.” He extended a hand with a fierce grin, leaving Takemichi to grasp it with a determined smile.

They spent the rest of the afternoon catching up on a plethora of different topics. Some revolved around Tokyo Manji and Kisaki, while others revolved around their personal lives and how they’ve adapted. The energy Inui brought forth was almost heartwarming, as if not a single second had passed between them. They were able to carry out conversations and jokes like it hadn’t actually been eleven years since they last spoke like this. For once, Takemichi’s internal body temperature was a warmth he craved to get used to.

Just as the sun began to set in the sky, Takemichi turned to face Inui with a grim expression, “I know you’re not going to be happy about what I say next and maybe it’s already a lost cause, but above everything else, I need to at least try.” Takemichi released a shaky breath as he mustered the next few words, “I need to get in contact with Sanzu.”

“Huh? Hanagaki, what the hell? No you don’t. What do you even need him for? He won’t care about your feud with Kisaki, he only cares about Mikey.”

“I’m aware of that but do you really think Kisaki actually cares about Mikey? Have you seen him lately? I know I was never close with him back then, but he’s changed and I know it’s because of Kisaki’s pulled strings. Baji’s death is on his hands, technically Emma and Izana’s. Mikey’s different and it’ll only take a little more for Kisaki to throw him into the deep end. You can’t tell me Kisaki doesn’t have a hold on Mikey the way he did with Hanma.”

“Takemichi… how do you know about Baji? or even Emma and Izana? You left before that.” Inui asked, uncertainty curving within his brows.

And shit, maybe Takemichi had let too much slip. “I left Black Dragons but I didn’t necessarily leave the area either. I grew obsessed, Inupi, he took Hina away from me and I’d be damned to let him take away anyone else. I did some inside work for other gangs to get more information on Kisaki and that’s when I found Baji when he joined Valhalla for the same reason. We met a few times to exchange information but in the end it was all for nothing because we were both fooled by Kisaki’s plan for Bloody Halloween. I really can’t disclose much of my knowledge with Izana and Emma’s deaths, considering I had already left by then. But I had kept tabs on everything, it was the only way I could grant myself some sort of closure.”

“I got too close to Kisaki. I got careless, slipped up too many times, and I got caught.”

“How? What happened?”

Takemichi shook his head in response, “I— I can’t talk about that right now. It’s hard enough that Kisaki re-entered my life just last night, I d-don’t think I can relive that moment aloud just yet. I’m sorry.”

He felt a hand rest on his shoulder, forcing his eyes to rise up to Inui’s face, “It’s fine, Takemichi, but I’m serious Sanzu won’t listen to whatever you have to say. He doesn’t care about Kisaki.”

“I know,” Takemichi answered honestly, “but Sanzu has always held a lot of power. I need to try and above all, I have a wild card up my sleeve in case anything happens. You trust me, don’t you?”

Inui stared silently in response, desperate to gauge the emotions or thought Takemichi learned to hide so well. He released a sigh before dropping his hand from the other’s shoulder, “Fine, but if you did all this just to end up dead by someone like Sanzu, I’ll actually hate you.”

A coy grin mustered upon Takemichi’s face as he offered a nod, “Deal. When can I see Koko?”

“I’ll text you an address, come by later tonight.”

They exchanged a farewell before Takemichi crossed off his mental checklist. If Inui was in on the plan, Koko was also a definite yes as well. Sanzu may be a lost cause, but due to his newest obsession, the usage of Mikey in Takemichi’s play may be his only way in. He set off with sheer determination to the address that he received on his phone just a few hours prior.

Upon arrival, the warning signs were all there but Takemichi refused to cower back in fear. A plethora of men, all shapes and sizes, all with battle wounds and scars marking their appearances. The energy and atmosphere changed for the worse the second Takemichi’s hand connected with the handle of the building. Their eyes, like crows, a symbolism for danger and death lurking around the corner. It took just about everything in Takemichi to stop his heart from beating so ridiculously fast and so painstakingly loud.

“I’m looking for Sanzu,” he managed to boast with as much confidence he could muster.

The response that brought forth was vile laughter, erupting a wildfire of pained memories from his past. The laughter had nearly as much venom beyond their throats as the night Hina slipped from his grasp forever. Takemichi flexed his hands at his sides, “I don’t remember saying anything funny, is he here or not?”

In an instant, the laughter shut off like a flicker of a burning candle. Imaginary wind cascading down to drown out the only source of light, though Takemichi didn’t feel much of a warm welcome to begin with. “And just who the fuck are you?” a voice rumbled somewhere off to his side. “What business does a fucking shrimp like you have with our Sanzu?”

“My name is Hanagaki Takemichi, I was the eleventh generation leader of the Black Dragons in 2006 and it is important I speak with Sanzu tonight. You can make this easier on yourselves by simply answering if he’s here or not. I’ll be out of your hair if he isn’t.”

“What the fuck?”

“Who the fuck does this kid think he is?”

“Hanagaki Takemichi? That sounds vaguely familiar.”

Their speculations were endless but no one made a move to deliver Takemichi’s request. Impatience and anxiety started to get the better of him, he clenched his fists to steady the voices in his head begging him to run. Just as he opened his mouth to speak up again, he heard a voice close behind him.

“Hanagaki Takemichi,” The man drew out low and slow, “and here I thought I’d never see you again.” Takemichi moved to turn his head, to see the man the voice belonged too but his cheek connected to a cold, hard object instead. His eyes drooped down to the gun marking an indent into his skin before the smaller man came into view, staring up at him with as much hatred and anger he personally felt for Kisaki. “It would have been better if you never came back, Takemichi, now I have no choice but to kill you.”

“W-Wait, what? What did I do exactly? If you’re about to kill me you might as well explain what I did to deserve this.”

“Hm? How could I forget what pissed me off the most about you, Takemichi? That stupid fucking open-mind of yours, as if there needs to be a reason for why I pull this trigger right now.”

“It’d be stupid of you to kill me.”

“Why? Are you going to suggest I need someone as fucking weak as you? Don’t make me laugh,” Sanzu snarled, a look of sheer disinterest painting his physique.

“You may not need me but a little birdie told me you cannot live without Mikey. If you kill me now, Mikey will never forgive you.”

The barrel of the gun pressed harder, firmer against his cheek, doing it’s best to cut a wound deep into his skin. “What the fuck did you just say?”

“You heard me. It seems we both have a common interest, it’s only unfortunate for you considering I matter to Mikey more than you do. I thought your sworn duty was to protect Mikey? To be in his favor? What you’re doing right now is the exact opposite.” Externally, Takemichi managed to come off strong and without fear. Internally, Takemichi was counting down the mere seconds before the gun fired and this whole operation became a lost cause.

“Everyone out,” Sanzu shouted to the rest of the group who watched the scene before them like it was their own personal movie theater. A few grumbled but most just turned their backs and left the room without another word. Takemichi opened his mouth to speak but a cry left his lips instead as he hit the ground before him. Blood spewed from his busted lip, caused by the sudden deliverance of the barrel being smacked across his face. Takemichi did his best to ignore the taste of pennies invading his taste buds once the gun pressed against the back of his head.

“You have some fucking nerve speaking down to me. That’s the problem with hope hungry people like you. You always return to places you’ve never been welcome. You think I give a fuck to help you on whatever bullshit plan you’re damaged brain has come up with this time?” A twisted laugh echoed all around him as he sat on his knees with his head facing forward. “And to think you have the audacity to bring Mikey into this. As if you have any right to speak about my savior!” Sanzu shouted, causing an instinctual flinch in Takemichi’s bones.

A cackle laugh left the lips of the man, “See? You’re still just a fucking pussy.” Disgust foamed like poison gargling up Sanzu’s throat before Takemichi’s ears burst with a deafening ringing, an excruciating pain against his head as if his skull had rocked back and forth, and an experience of tunnel vision to make matters worse. Takemichi reached for the back of his head feeling sticky warmth oozing from the gash that Sanzu created. His movements were slow, dangly like a puppeteer with a broken puppet amongst it’s strings. He pulled his hand into his blurry view, taking note of the dark red that pulsed pain behind his eyes.

“I-I’m not fucking asking you to join me in any mission, Sanzu,” Takemichi choked out, doing his best to sit up straight, “I came here to warn you that Mikey’s in danger.”

“Ha! Bullshit! You’ll spew anything at this point to save yourself! Too bad, Takemichi, this gun is blood thirsty and your name marks it in bold.” Sanzu responded, circling Takemichi as if he were a caged animal at the zoo.

“I-I’m serious, Kisaki is using Mikey as bait. You and I both know Mikey’s losing himself, it’s only a matter of time before Mikey becomes his pawn. W-What would happen to you, Sanzu? Do you really think Mikey will give a shit about you? About any of us if he succumbs to Kisaki’s way of thought? Kisaki’s taken everything from Mikey already and got away with it!” Takemichi shouted in frustration, trying his best to explain to Sanzu the situation at hand. “I’m not asking for much, I’m asking with your position of power to get information on Kisaki. It’s not as if you don’t consider him an enemy, either.”

The barrel rested easily onto Takemichi’s forehead, right between his eyes as Sanzu squatted for direct eye-level, “What’s this? You think Mikey is going to fail? You believe the most powerful man of all would fall victim to some useless scum like Kisaki? You clearly don’t know my Mikey at all, your time’s up, Takemichi. Say hello to Tachibana Hinata for me.”

Just as the safety clicked off, Takemichi’s eyes adjusted to the front sight of the weapon. “If you kill me, Mikey will kill you.”

“What’s not clicking, Takemichi? Mikey doesn’t give a fuck about you, you don’t even fucking know him!”

“Oh, I don’t? Then you wouldn’t mind if I called him one last time before you killed me, right?” Takemichi pulled out his phone and dialed the number by memory, his eyes never leaving the situation in front of him. “It’ll only take a second.”

“Go ahead, wish a farewell to a man who doesn’t even know you fucking ex—“ but the words died in his throat as Takemichi spoke aloud, insinuating the call picked up. From what Sanzu could hear, no one had said a word from the other line. It was utterly silent as a mischievous grin formed upon his scarred lips.

“Mikey, a hypothetical question here, say if someone you knew had a gun to my head and was about to kill me, would you be angry?”

Silence.

Then,

“Takemitchy? What the fuck are you talking about? Where are you? Who are you with?”

Sanzu’s eyes widened in recognition, as Mikey’s voice morphed with anger and confusion, came loud through the receiving end of the speaker.

“Time is ticking, just Mikey. Would you be angry? Would you go after him to avenge me?” Takemichi spoke, his eyes never wavering from Sanzu’s.

“Isn’t that fucking obvious, Takemitchy?! Where the fuck are you!? Send me your location right now, I’m already leaving headquarters.” Mikey spoke directly, his tone laced with vicious concern and anxiety.

Before Takemichi could respond, however, Sanzu snapped the phone shut in his hands, the gun now discarded out of Takemichi’s line of sight. A smirk grew outwardly, though internally Takemichi was practically thanking the grace of God, “I told you. Did you hear how angry he sounded just by one mere hypothetical question? Now are you willing to hear me out or not?”

The next few minutes were spent with Takemichi explaining his ultimate goal, his suspicions of Kisaki’s plan, and how Mikey’s rocky mental state would lie victim to it all. He grazed over who he’d already managed to bring onto his ‘task force’, but was quick to interject that all Sanzu needed to do was continue going to meetings with Kisaki and Mikey specifically and report on behaviors or plans that lined with Takemichi’s suspicions. Sanzu was quiet for the entirety of the conversation, his eyes finding interest in anything but Takemichi, though Takemichi didn’t care, as he knew Sanzu had to be listening if it revolved around Mikey’s safety.

After a few moments of utter silence once Takemichi finished his speech, Sanzu stood from his crouched position, “When this is all over Takemichi, I’ll surely kill you with my own hands. Now get the fuck out of here and don’t come back. I’ll handle this business on my own.”

Takemichi could offer a thank you, but there wasn’t much to thank and he was sure it would just piss off Sanzu more at that point. Instead, he headed for the door and paused when he reached the handle, without a look back he spoke, “Despite everything, it really is nice to see you.” He mustered before he slipped out of the building with a racing heart.

His phone had continued to ring for the past twenty minutes straight all thanks to the wildcard he’d been forced to pull. Takemichi grasped his phone and answered the call, already speaking before Mikey could. “Sorry I scared you, Mikey, but I’m fine. Funny enough, you said everything right, I really wasn’t expecting to get out of that alive. Thank you.” He spoke firm, though his eyes all but drowned with exhausted tears.

“Takemitchy,” Mikey started, but Takemichi was quick to cut him off, “I-I’m sorry, for all of this. I really am. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”

“When are you coming back?”

“Right now,” Takemichi responded easily, “I’ll see you in an hour.”

When the line went dead on the other end of the call, Takemichi pocketed his phone and let out his frustrations, fears, and exhaustion all in the form of choked sobs and hot tears his entire walk back to headquarters. With about a mile left of the walk to go, Takemichi had the sudden realization he wasn’t in the greatest shape to have any sort of deep conversation. He pressed his back firm against a brick building, itching to feel the cold against his skin. Anything to combat the rising temperature he felt internally and externally. His busted lip managed to finally stop bleeding though he was sure it wasn’t a pretty sight to begin with.

His skull ached, his mind fractured and bruised, making his eyes feel as if they were pulsing out of their sockets. He squeezed his eyes shut to rid the colorful lines that blurred his vision. He’d managed to make a makeshift wrap around his head to stop the bleeding but the trickle of warmth that ran down the back of his neck deemed the wrap useless. Takemichi slid down the wall until he was able to stretch out his feet, sitting rather uncomfortably against the cold cement.

Within the next few moments, his phone was pressed against his ear. “Are you alone?”

“Give me a second.”

Takemichi waited patiently until Chifuyu spoke again, insinuating he stood somewhere unattended.

“Is Mikey waiting for me outside?”

“Yes, he said you said you were coming back. Also that you were hurt? What’s going on, Takemitchy? Where are you?”

“Chifuyu, I need you to meet me with a first aid kit, I can’t walk any further I feel like I’m going to pass out.”

“What the hell? What the fuck did you get up too?”

Takemichi sighed softly against the speaker, “I’ll tell you later, can you get out without Mikey noticing?”

Within the next twenty minutes, maybe thirty? Takemichi lost track of all time the minute the ringing in his ears returned. Chifuyu was suddenly at his side, speaking words that sounded closer to gibberish than anything else. All Takemichi could do to remain calm was simply focus on his breathing— inhaling and exhaling until everything came back into view. Until his vision stopped looking like a vignette photo filter.

“Takemitchy,”

“Hmm?”

“Who did this to you?”

“It doesn’t matter, I was warned not to go and I went anyway. It’s my fault.”

“Takemitchy, you’ve lost enough blood to not give a name, who the fuck did this?”

Takemichi released a shaky breath before his eyes fell onto greens that burned so brightly. Concern, anger, anxiety all morphed to create a dark emerald gaze, “Don’t do anything about it, okay?”

“Huh? The hell I won’t?”

“Chifuyu, I’m serious,” Takemichi stuttered, swallowing back to waves of unsteady nausea, “In the end my plan worked out, we need him.”

He watched as Chifuyu opened his mouth and closed it again, clearly unimpressed with the excuse at hand. After a few moments though, Chifuyu agreed with a short nod.

“It was Sanzu.”

“Sanzu? What the fuck? Takemitchy, how do you two even know each other to begin with?” Though before Takemichi could respond, Chifuyu already shook his head, “no, nevermind I know you won’t tell me. But Jesus fuck, partner, that bastard has always caused us such a commotion, you better figure out a really good excuse for Mikey.”

“I know, I know,” Takemichi mustered, “help me up, will you?”

The two managed to stand, Chifuyu’s arm locked securely around his waist while Takemichi’s arm hung around the back of Chifuyu’s neck, steadying his balance. “So much for you sneaking out,” Takemichi offered with a soft laugh as they began their trek back to headquarters.

“Oh shut up Takemitchy, it’s your ass that’s about to get chewed out, I would save that sarcasm for later.”

A real laugh, one that he hadn’t felt in years bubbled up his chest and out of his lips. The two caught up briefly on Takemichi’s day, regarding who he managed to get in contact with and recruit. Though, the conversation died in their throats the second they turned the corner and came into view of Toman Headquarters. It wasn’t just Mikey who stood outside the glass doors— Akkun stood with his back against the wall, Draken closer to Mikey’s side, while Mitsuya and Hakkai both stood closer to the streetlight.

“Good luck, partner, you’re really about to take a hit.” Chifuyu mustered with a sly smirk igniting his lips. “Oi!” Chifuyu called out to the group once they were in a somewhat closer range, “What are you guys doing just standing around, huh? Get ice and bandages, Takemitchy’s hurt.”

Takemichi shot Chifuyu a look of desperation but his eyes shone with crystal clear intent as he faced the outliers. A sigh left his lips as his eyes dropped from his face and met Mikey’s eyes, instead. Not at all surprised to find anger and stone cold fear drawing lines of tension around his face. Akkun raced to meet Takemichi first, one arm wrapping steadily around his waist. “What the fuck, Takemichi? What the fuck happened?”

“I’m fine,” Takemichi replied though his direct line of sight never left Mikey. Especially not when his walk showed devotion to reach his own personal space. Mikey stopped just in front of him, his eyes taking in the severed view before him. “You lied to me,” he stated as a matter of fact, a frown lay permanently across his face.

“Technically I didn’t,” Takemichi responded back coolly, “If it wasn’t hypothetical I wouldn’t be standing here.”

The anger that burned like flames became so prominent across Mikey’s face even Akkun stumbled a bit with his footing.

“Mikey, this isn’t the time,” Chifuyu mustered, “let’s actually tend to his wounds before we start pointing fingers.” Chifuyu moved to push past Mikey with Takemichi in tow but came to a quick halt as soon as Mikey stood in his line of sight. “Let go of him.”

An exasperated sigh left Chifuyu’s lips as he followed the direct order, though he didn’t move an inch away from his original position. After a moment, Mikey’s hand reached out to grasp Takemichi’s hand, easily intertwining their fingers. Despite the anger that radiated so desperately around Mikey’s physique, his hand was soft, gentle even. Takemichi felt his pulse rise as he offered a squeeze as some sort of unspoken apology. Mikey’s eyes centered to their conjoined hands briefly before he dropped his gaze completely and turned towards the door, tugging Takemichi along with a reverberating heart.

The commotion of bickering, worried inquiries, and overall shouting pulsed in his eardrums. They were all scattered yet all had some sort of consensus on catering to Takemichi’s wounds. It was hard to just focus on one singular person as Smiley and Hakkai argued back and forth about the state of Takemichi’s wounds and whether or not they should take action. Mitsuya, who laid out all the different ointments and treatments on the dining table as if it was his own personal lab. Akkun whose hands were softly combing through his hair, keeping pressure on the gash that made his mind so fuzzy. Draken who towered over the situation, though his eyes burned worriedly on Mikey and his overall reaction. Chifuyu who grabbed an ice pack and was resting it atop of his forehead where Takemichi had mentioned the pain pulsed the most.

And Mikey, who sat across from him with a bowl of water that now tainted a brownish red with each and every dunk of the bloodied cloth, cleaning the mess of his lip.

“Takemitchy, we should take off your shirt, it's covered in blood and sticking to your neck.”

Takemichi’s eyes widened as he instinctively dropped his arm to the hem of his shirt, “No, I’m fine.”

“You’re not fine you moron, come on,” Mitsuya spoke up but Mikey was even quicker to shut him down. “He said no. Focus on the bleeding up top. Atsushi, how is it looking?”

“It’s better now but not by much, you’re gonna need stitching Takemichi, you okay with that?”

Takemichi nodded absentmindedly, his vision cutting out into blurry images and shapes. He wished he could focus, he wanted to read the emotions, the words scribbled behind Mikey’s complexion but the lights were so bright and the room spun like a teacup ride at the fair. “Can I put my head down while you do it?”

“No,” Mitsuya responded, taking position above his head to begin stitching the gash together. “You need to keep as still as possible, with your head straight up.”

“Okay,” Takemichi managed shortly, swallowing back another rise of nausea. Although he agreed, he wasn’t sure if he would hold up his end of the promise. Despite not being able to decipher faces and physical reactions, however, it seemed someone in front of him got the message. Who was cleaning his lip again? His mind was too fuzzy to remember clearly. His eyes drooped as his head began to sink forward but before his chin hit his own chest, a hand was there cupping it back up again. It was soft, warm, and the palm fit perfectly within the crevice of his chin.

Only one hand felt as gentle as this.

A small smile lit up the corner of his lips as his eyes did their best to focus on the bits and pieces of Mikey’s physique. The muted dirty-blonde strands of hair that stood disheveled in a day’s long ponytail, the eyes that looked nearly as black as the sky during midnight hours, with a gentle tint of blue. Emotions canvassed upon his porcelain face that made Takemichi’s heart all but throb in his chest.

He was vaguely aware of the needle going in and out of his skin, but thankfully due to his lack of responsiveness, he managed to tune it out. “On a scale of one to ten, how mad at me are you?”

“Furious,” Mikey offered simply, though his tone held more sorrow than anything else.

“I deserve that,” Takemichi responded tenderly, letting his eyes rest closed for the remainder of the tune-up he currently received upon gentle hands.

“Michi,” Akkun spoke somewhere off to his side, “I know you needed time to figure shit out but I didn’t expect you to go out on your own and start a fight. What were you thinking?”

A hum in response, what was he thinking? Perhaps to better his chances in the survival of his friends. Perhaps to better implement a stronger task force to bring down Kisaki. Perhaps, he wasn’t thinking at all.

“What can I say? Maybe I’ve just always been a magnet for near death experiences.” He answered with a small, breathless laugh, “Or maybe I got tired of running, the answers are there somewhere.”

“Michi..” Akkun tried to console but the words failed to connect into Takemichi’s brainwave. Exhaustion started to win the battle, slowly but surely, the lull of murmured voices he’d gotten so used too began to mark its territory. How long had it been since he’d actually slept more than a couple hours? A week? Two? Time continued to feel dishonest.

“I can…” Takemichi started slowly, his mind already drifting to something comfortable— dark and secluded, “promise you all one thing…” he paused as he tried to fight unconsciousness, the tired waves that begged to succumb him to slumber, “Kisaki will die by my own hands.” He finished with a small, determined smile as his mind connected to the drowsiness of his own body.

—

When drowning slumber finally emerged Takemichi’s body to shore, he blinked repeatedly until the familiarity of his ceiling came into view. It took more than a few moments to fully understand where he was or how he got there but once he gauged a general understanding, the pain in the back of his head plummeted all sense of awareness. A choked gasp left his lips as he did his best to push himself up against his bed frame, the pain quick to merge from a pulse to a dedicated throb. He squeezed his eyes shut and stilled his breathing when acid rose up his throat and begged for an escape.

“Take the medicine on your night stand.”

Takemichi’s eyes snapped open at the sudden voice, adjusting his vision on Mikey who sat at the end of the bed with his eyes focused on the view from the window. He sucked in a harsh breath as he reached out and swallowed the painkillers dry. Silence filled the room, not necessarily comfortable but not uncomfortable either. A standstill really, a shade of indifference blanketed by worry and frustration, guilt and confusion— all normal emotions given the circumstance at hand.

“I’m sorry I worried you,” Takemichi mustered, ignoring the pang of remorse seizing his heart.

“Tch,” Mikey replied with his lips anchored downwards, “like I give a shit about you.”

Anyone in the world could gauge how false that sentence was but Takemichi figured his best reflective method was to play around with it.

“Oh,” he spoke softly, “well then I guess it would be better for the both of us if I left, right?” He forced his body to move, outstretching his legs up and over the curvature of the bed. He only made it to the bottom of his feet touching carpet before a hand was thrown out and wrapped securely around his wrist.

“Don’t.”

Takemichi froze in his movements but a curt grin planted on the corner of his lips, “Don’t tell me you have feelings for me,” not really an accusation or a fact, but a suggestion— a hope to steady his beating, questioning heart.

Despite Mikey’s lack of a reaction to that statement, his hand still held onto his wrist gingerly. For someone who’d always communicated with his eyes, it was hard for Takemichi to take note that Mikey refused to maintain eye contact. He figured it would always be soiled down to Takemichi’s dishonesty and negligence of how his own actions imprinted negatively on other’s emotions. They sat in silence, side by side, with Takemichi’s line of sight drifting between the scenery and Mikey’s physique. It was obvious what Mikey was waiting for. Their promised conversation.

With bruised lips, Takemichi began to reiterate his broken way of thought.

“Did Akkun tell you what we were talking about the other night?”

“No.” Mikey responded quickly.

“Really? And why do you think that is?”

He said it had something to do with personal loss, that it wasn’t his story to tell.”

“And you accepted that?”

“I’m not a monster, Takemitchy.”

A soft smile graced Takemichi’s cheeks in agreement, of course he’d never think that in a million years.

“You can really tell Akkun anything and he’ll bring that secret to his grave. He’s always been like that but I’ve always been a compulsive liar. Well,” Takemichi corrected, “not always, but when a kid gets rejected by your first love and kills her in front of you at fourteen as some sort of revenge, I doubt anyone would actually value honesty without feeling like a burden.”

Takemichi was well aware of Mikey’s head snapping in his direction, watching his own face as he spoke such disturbing words with a tone of indifference. His eyes still focused on the window pane, refusing to fall victim of his own severed emotions once again. “She was everything to me, the only person I felt like I could be my real self with. It didn’t matter how much I cried or how many times I acted a fool, she loved me for me. It’s rare to meet your soulmate at such a young age, you know? Luck couldn’t even come close to describing that kind of on top of the world feeling. Hina knew Kisaki first, they were friends in elementary school. After we started dating, I saw him around more than I ever had before.”

“The way Kisaki mentioned how we’d always run into each other as a weird coincidence sort of thing, I’d put it more frankly as he stalked my every move. I started seeing him more than I saw Hina. I was gullible and stupid, I didn’t think anything of it until Hina started noticing his appearance too. On one of our first dates as a real couple we got ambushed on the walk home by Kisaki, Hanma, and a few of his other pawns.”

Takemichi felt his vision blurring as the memory resurfaced in his brain like a high-definition movie screen. “He killed her and made me watch as the others held me down, deeming me powerless.” He recounted the rest of the story with exhausted efforts and fragmented reality.

“I became obsessed with a strife for vengeance and retribution, I wanted to inflict the same pain, I wanted to take away everything he had.” Takemichi’s vision finally detached from what was ahead and fell onto Mikey’s face, “but he had the most powerful weapon, the strongest leader,” He focused on the emotions that swirled in the hollow pit of Mikey’s eyes, “he had you.”

“So I worked my case from the outside, then the inside, and the outside again and again. I got too close then too far and too close, a never ending cycle I fell victim to all in the hopes of catching your eye. It was stupid, really, Akkun was already with Toman I could have easily asked a favor. But all my senses grew objective, all that mattered to me was my own personal pact. In the end, my obsession became my biggest downfall so after I escaped I continued to run and I haven’t stopped running since, not until you three showed up at my shop anyway.”

“I know this is going to be a lot to take in and while I need all the help I can get considering just how powerful Kisaki has become, I really need you to understand how important it is for me to take care of it. I am fully aware of who you are and what you can do but if you handle it all my loss would be for nothing. I’m the one Kisaki wants and I refuse to leave again without finishing my business. All I ask is for you to trust me and let me do what I need to do.”

The silence that engulfed the room held enough emotional capacity that Takemichi could surely drown in it. Their gazes held on each other’s faces with mutual intensity, a yearn and recalculation of words that held so much pain and remorse. Mikey’s gaze was hard but also seemed almost reminiscent, as if he could relate to every word that left Takemichi’s bloody tongue.

“Takemitchy,” Mikey addressed, breaking the silence, “was it Kisaki who did this to you?”

A breathless laugh left Takemichi’s lips, “If Kisaki got his hands on me, I don’t think that call would have been made.”

“Then who?”

“Does it matter?”

Before Mikey could answer, Takemichi continued, “It doesn’t. I’ll continue to immerse myself in broken relationships all in the favor of taking down Kisaki, it’s the only way this will work.”

“Do you doubt me?”

“No, I don’t, but it’d be foolish for you not to admit Kisaki’s always had a hold over you.”

“Huh?” Mikey’s brows furrowed in disgust, “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“He’s manipulative and very good at it too. I’ve spent nearly the past decade studying him, Mikey. I know just about everything. I’m not saying you’re blind, I’m saying your reality has been tainted by glasses Kisaki has forced you to wear.”

Mikey’s response was delivered in silence, before his shoulders sagged slightly. “I’ll allow you to get whatever revenge you need but I won’t lose you to this obsession, either. I’ll assume the reason you’re even reaching out to others in the first place is for your own safety?”

Not necessarily true, but not necessarily untrue either. Reaching out to others was more for the sake of creating safety for his newest friends, the ones who reminded him who he was the second they brought him to this foundation.

“On one condition,” Mikey continued, “you tell me everything. You alert me if anything goes wrong or if you begin to get suspicious of any ulterior motive. Tell me who you’re in contact with, who you’re meeting up with, and where you’re going from here on out. I don’t want to be left out of any part of this even if you consider it small.”

“Are you asking to play my therapist?”

“If that’s what I need to do to get you to open up to me, then yes.”

Takemichi hummed in thought, “Why do you care about my feelings so much?”

“Do you care about mine?”

The stoic expression painting Mikey’s face all but pleaded a genuine answer. “O-Of course I do, but what does that—“

“Then why shouldn’t I care about yours?”

He spent the next few minutes pondering Mikey’s words, it was natural for two people to equally care about each other’s feelings. But given the one who suffered from as much emotional heartache as he, how did Mikey have the time to care about Takemichi’s feelings as well as his own? A sigh left his lips as he plopped his back against the mattress, “On one condition,” Takemichi mocked, waiting for Mikey to mirror his position. As soon as he did, Takemichi faced him with a look of determination, “You have to share your feelings with me too. I’m not the only emotionally unstable guy here, if I share what’s going on in my head to you, you have to share yours too.”

They held each other’s gaze, warmth yet cool to the touch. Trust yet unrest on who wouldn’t follow their end of the deal. For once, Mikey’s emotions painted pictures across his entire canvases. From his hands that trembled slightly on his stomach, his brows furrowed, creating tension creases on his forehead. His lips puckered, running through Takemichi’s words as if his life depended on it.

A small breath left his lips as he offered a nod, “Fine, but the words you share with me are for me only. And the—“

“The words you share with me will be for my ears only, too.” Takemichi finished with a faint smile.

They rested there in a newfound tingle of excitement, uneasiness and hesitance. Mikey was willing to entrust his feelings and thoughts over to Takemichi only if Takemichi could offer the same. Whisper of secrets behind closed doors while optical conversations would be held in front of others. It sparked a new interest, a new flame well into his own rib cage, leaving his heart feeling warm and determined to get this mission right.

“Be honest, did you go after Akkun while I was gone?”

“Yes.”

A laugh left Takemichi’s lips as he was able to imagine that scene perfectly.

“Chifuyu said you’d hate me if I hurt him so I stopped.” Mikey admitted, his eye contact now insinuating a brooding stare in the ceiling.

“I don’t think I could ever hate you, Mikey.” Takemichi admitted as a tight-lipped vent, “but I wouldn’t be happy with you either. Akkun’s more out of the loop than you are at this point.”

“Do you not trust him?”

“I do, but his perception of me is his cry baby best friend with gelled up hair that practically touched the sun. He has no idea that the image of me he holds so dearly is long gone. It’s hard to be honest with someone who holds fond memories with a persona that no longer exists.”

They dabbled in small talk, topics ranging from Toman’s past and history to their current timeline. Mikey offered that Kisaki was very rarely involved in any of Toman’s decisions and his arrival the other night was the first time they’d all seen him in a while. It was comforting to know Kisaki wasn’t so active in Toman’s mindset, but yet extremely uncomfortable to imagine what other priorities he was currently engaging in.

If the two weren’t speaking, their eyes were instead. Mikey still lay with his back on the mattress, but his face turned in the direction of Takemichi. At some point, Takemichi had switched his position to lay on his side, his hand resting somewhere between their two bodies but closer to the other.

“Takemitchy, what did Kisaki say to you that night?”

A small frown arose on his own features as Kisaki’s words burned throughout his eardrums, “He threatened to kill Akkun.”

“And yet you continued to defend him?”

“It wasn’t by choice, but there was something about the way he worded it. He never said ‘I will kill Akkun’ he said ‘I will have Akkun killed’, which begs the question of who he has tightly wrapped around his finger to go against Tokyo Manji.”

Takemichi watched as Mikey’s brows furrowed with as much anxiety he felt internally before he spoke again, “I have a few suspicions but more work to get done before I’ll admit those names to you. It’s been awhile since I've emerged back into this lifestyle, I need time.”

“What do you need from me?”

“I need you to trust me.”

Mikey’s eyes widened slightly at the words that left Takemichi’s tongue with such utter determination. A fierce gaze tucked behind his blue eyes that all but pleaded such a straightforward favor. Mikey looked softer than normal, his skin as porcelain as a doll, the only sound hanging around them being their own synchronized breaths.

“I do trust you.” Mikey admitted soft yet full of meaning. The acceptance gave Takemichi a massive power trip, not that he’d show that excitement externally. Instead, he offered a small, cool smile which Mikey vaguely returned with a small lift of his lip.

After a while of appreciating gazes, Mikey sat up on his elbow to give a closer inspection of Takemichi’s face. “I’m still furious with you, though,”

A light-hearted laugh escaped Takemichi’s lips as he glanced up at Mikey’s towering physique, “I know you are,”

“It was really fucking stupid of you to see whoever you saw tonight that put you in this condition.”

Takemichi nodded in agreement, “I know,” without a second thought, Takemichi reached up to push the strands of hair out of Mikey’s face, tucking them easily behind his ear, “I’m alive though, right? I can’t die yet.”

“Huh? Yet? The hell do you mean by that?” Mikey’s gentle gaze was quick to transform into something tense and rigid, as he questioned Takemichi’s choice of words.

“Oh come on,” Takemichi offered with a roll of his eyes, “Don’t act as if Kisaki didn’t gain a shit ton of power over the years, I’ll be lucky if I make it out of this mission alive.”

“And just who the fuck do you think is on your side, Takemitchy?”

Perhaps he’d taken the conversation a little too far, slipping up his personal train of thought more than he meant too. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, Mikey’s face hovered closer over Takemichi, “If that’s the way you’re thinking about this mission, consider yourself out of it from here on out.”

His gaze was set ablaze with oozing anger but Takemichi had to be stupid to not recognize worry and harm created by his own pessimistic words. His own gaze softened as his had slid from Mikey’s hair to his cheek, “I’m sorry,” he offered slow and full of remorse, “considering how many years I’ve spent plotting my own downfall it’s hard to recognize others now care about me and my history enough to wish for my survival. I didn’t mean to hurt you,” Takemichi cooed consolingly, his thumb stroking the skin underneath Mikey’s eye, “I promise to actually get out of this diabolical alive.”

He felt Mikey’s composure soften, practically melting into Takemichi’s touch as he stared hungrily, looking to devour the words that left his lips regarding promised survival. He studied the look Takemichi’s face created, the emotions that swirled behind those big blue eyes that captivated him at first sight. The way his voice nearly matched a lullaby when he spoke such appealing words to his ears. Takemichi was quick to become a dream; whether it’d be wishful thinking or one he’d achieve over time. His own fingers traced lines across the bruised face, careful to not provide pressure where bandages stitched skin.

“You look tired,” Takemichi spoke softly, his thumb still sweeping imaginary lines under Mikey’s eye.

“So do you,” Mikey answered back simply, allowing their special moment to pause time.

They lay there exploring each other’s unspoken emotions through soft touches and meaningful gazes before their long moment was interrupted by an incoming call on Takemichi’s phone.

Takemichi reached over to his night stand and flipped open the call, pressing the speaker against his ear.

“Let me guess, you got your shit rocked by Sanzu like I told you you would.”

Takemichi sighed into the speaker, “Yeah yeah, you were right, but my plan still worked, you know. Gotta give me some credit.”

“He actually agreed? How?”

“I told you I had a wildcard, Inupi.”

Takemichi watched as Mikey’s eyes widened in surprise, a faint smile licking the corner of his lip.

“Jesus Hanagaki,” Inui offered amongst a breathless laugh, “twelve years later and you’re still starting shit with the wrong crowd. You never learn, do you?” Takemichi’s answer was a growing smirk, one Mikey found himself fixated on.

“I’m going to have to take a raincheck on tonight’s plans, any chance we can reschedule tomorrow?”

“That’s fine, Hanagaki, but from one friend to another, Koko is pissed you got into contact with me first. I mean, I’m enjoying it, a very prideful moment. If I do say so myself. I’ve obviously always been your favorite.”

A laugh escaped Takemichi’s lips, “Don’t tell me you told him that, Inupi?”

“Uh, yeah? Can’t a guy get a little praise around here? Anyway, go to the address I sent you tomorrow at eleven and request a private room, I’ll have you on the guest list. Oh and have an apology ready for Koko, if only looks could kill right now, Hanagaki.” Inui spoke with a sarcastic tone, though Takemichi was sure the last few words that left his friend’s mouth were far from a joke.

“Okay, okay,” Takemichi agreed with a chuckle, “I’ll figure out something, see you then.”

The call ended shortly thereafter leaving Takemichi to answer the next set of questions from Mikey’s expectant composure. He dived into a recollection of his meeting and conversation with Inui earlier that morning, opting out of mentioning Sanzu in any and all form. He gave a quick run down on those who’ve already gave the green light to be involved in this suicide of a mission.

“Back up,” Mikey stated abruptly, interrupting Takemichi’s train of thought. He sat up slowly, beginning to physically back up from Mikey’s personal space.

“Are you insinuating Chifuyu knew about everything before I did?”

The sourest candy on earth couldn’t come close to replicating the pucker of Takemichi’s lips as he took in the growing anger that sparked just behind Mikey’s eyes. “Hey, hey,” Takemichi offered carefully, “Chifuyu mentioned he had problems with Kisaki in the past and I needed to take that into consideration. I need as much information about him as possible if I have any chance of taking him down this time around.”

“But you promised to have this conversation with me first.”

“I did, but—“

“But what? You didn’t trust me?”

Despite the anger that radiated off of Mikey’s persona, a slow curling grin formed onto Takemichi’s lips, “Sano Manjiro, are you jealous?”

Mikey stilled in response, “Hah? I’m not jealous,”

Takemichi responded with a questioning hum, “You seem pretty jealous to me.”

“Well I’m not. Don’t get shit twisted. I specifically remember telling you that the only way this could work is if you told me everything.”

“Isn’t that what I’m doing?”

“You know what I mean.” Mikey fired back quickly.

“Do I? Considering you just created that rule an hour ago, technically Chifuyu knowledge of this before you doesn’t break that condition.”

“Why Chifuyu and not me first? What can he offer that I can’t?”

“His take on what happened on Bloody Halloween.” Takemichi responded directly, his eye contact never wavering from Mikey’s. He watched as piercing recollection formed all throughout Mikey’s physique, so many underlying questions that begged to leave his lips but stay locked behind his gritted teeth.

“This is why I said you have to trust me, Mikey. There are going to be things I know about that you won’t understand how. I’ll explain more when the time comes but for now, all I can offer is an apology.”

“An apology for what, exactly?”

“For what happened that day.”

Mikey’s demeanor had emotions switching so drastically, it was hard for Takemichi to keep up on an internal interpretation.

“You’re not going to tell me how you know about Bloody Halloween? Does Chifuyu know?”

Takemichi shook his head in response, “No, I didn’t expose that information to him either. Let me meet with Inui and Koko tomorrow and I’ll tell you everything, okay? Can you wait?”

Pure and utter silence filled the room as Mikey’s composure changed to nonchalant stillness. It was clear he was masking his own emotions and thoughts about the situation at hand, a defensive mechanism to store his emotions for his own safety. Takemichi couldn’t blame that response, either.

“How can I trust you? What can you give me to prove that you’re not just creating shit for the hell of it? You were never involved in Toman yet you know so much about us all. Somehow you saved Ken-chin on August third, you’re giving me an apology for a battle that you were not there for. Why should I trust you?”

His questions and suspicions were beyond valid in Takemichi’s book. It was true, Takemichi knew basically everything and without a thorough explanation, he looked guilty. This exact outcome was exactly why he hadn’t planned on exposing his secrets to begin with. Too many memories to relive, too many losses to mourn, too many mistakes to reminisce upon. Still, if Takemichi wanted trust and companionship, he had to be willing to compromise. Even if it meant exposing more of his secrets he wished to take to his very own grave, right beside Tachibana Hinata.

“Give me your hand,” Takemichi offered, watching Mikey’s eyes light up with surprise and curiosity. His hand flexed out into the small space between them. Takemichi reached out and held onto it delicately. “Remember when Mitsuya asked me to take off my shirt earlier and I refused?”

Mikey nodded slowly, clearly not understanding where Takemichi was going with this.

“Did you wonder why?”

Another small nod in response.

“This,” Takemichi spoke, before gently pulling Mikey’s hand up and under his shirt, placing the palm of his hand against his scarred skin. He watched as Mikey’s eyes widened, his hand moving on it’s own to feel the rough edges and soiled skin. “Is proof that I will tell you everything as soon as I get my shit figured out, okay?”

“Will you show me?” Mikey asked, his fingers still prodding along the scar tissue underneath his shirt.

Takemichi nodded in response, “I will.”

After a few moments of Mikey’s cold fingers padding across his skin, he pulled back his hand and dropped it into his lap. “I’m going with you tomorrow.”

A soft chuckle left Takemichi’s throat as he nodded in response, “I figured you’d say that.”

After another hour of useless banter, conversations fading in and out of tired ears, Mikey retreated back to his own room. Takemichi was finally left alone with his own thoughts, but for once, they stood at a standstill. Perhaps it was the pain medicine he’d swallowed or the overall exhaustion of the past few days—

or even more simply, Mikey had accepted his pain and promised to remain at his side until he was ready to expose everything. It was the most unreal feeling in the world, to be supported by people Takemichi had all but dreamed of receiving attention from. He swallowed his pride as his mental processes of the day knocked on his emotional door. He welcomed the tears with a soft smile, letting the feeling of exhaustion swallow him into a deep sleep.

Chapter Text

Takemichi awoke the next morning feeling better mentally than he had in a very long time. It could be boiled down to a lot of different reasons— reconnecting with Inui, meeting with Koko later on, opening up his private emotions to the one and only Sano Manjiro just to receive absolute trust and dedication in return. It all felt very rewarding. Despite his pain, grief and loss, his hiding of emotions until he’d grown accustomed to feeling callous, running from his problems just to constantly relive them in his dreams— he finally found someone, no, multiple others to welcome him with open arms. To cherish his pain and make him anew.

If it wasn’t for the injury he’d scored with his Sanzu reunion, perhaps he’d be showering off the night’s disturbance feeling just a little more weightless. In reality, though, the steam and persistent pressure that usually did wonders to the aches in his back and neck now felt uncomfortable and granted him a close wish of overheating. Once the water returned to it’s clear state, rather than a dark brown that left a grimace plastered amongst his face, he got out and slipped into something comfortable for the day.

Technically, he had a shift to work as Tokyo Manji’s personal barista, but considering the information he’d officially released to Mikey, he’d made it relatively known his next few days would be on the hunt for building his task force rather than making espresso beverages. Still, out of his own personal desire to wrap his hands around a warm steaming pitcher, he decided on working the first few hours of the morning before setting off on his mission of the day. Before he headed to the elevators, he stopped in front of Akkun’s door and knocked, waiting patiently for the fluffy pompadour to come into view.

“Takemichi?” Akkun’s eyes widened with surprise, “What’s up? How are you feeling?” He watched as Akkun reached out to run his fingers softly through Takemichi’s hair, his eyes fierce with genuine concern. “I’m okay, Akkun, really.” Takemichi offered with a smile, “I’m actually heading down to open up shop for a few hours but I wanted to ask if we could meet with Mizo Mid today? Do you think they’d have time?”

“Huh?” Akkun’s eyes widened with growing excitement, a bashful smile in tow, “You realize what you’re signing up for, right?”

“Hmmm,” Takemichi faked a thought, “I think either way it’ll end up with me tackled in some form or another.”

A wide grin took form on his friend’s face, his facial expression practically producing light in the hallway, “I’ll give them a call, meet you downstairs in ten?”

Takemichi headed down to the first floor with growing excitement and nerves pounding fists against the door to his heart. It’s been years since he’s seen his middle school friends, the crew that made him feel the most accepted and comfortable existing under the persona he felt the most human in. How much of their lives had he managed to miss? What new interests, hobbies, or lifestyle would he be immersed within? The possibilities were endless. A soft smile continued to warm his cheeks as he reflected on what they all could possibly look like as grown adults. Was Makoto’s hair still long? Did Yamagishi still flaunt his fake non-prescribed glasses? Did Takuya’s voice ever deepen or did it remain as soft as a cloud when he spoke?

As he set up shop, his mind ran through all the different changes he could possibly experience when reuniting with his protective squad. Takemichi had no intention of involving them in his current mission, considering they had supposedly left the delinquent lifestyle long ago. He’d continue to support their dreams from the outside and keep his own personal turmoil locked away. He needed at least one heartwarming and positive gathering today, and with that, he’d choose the Mizo Mid crew over and over again.

Akkun arrived downstairs within the time limit he had promised upstairs. “You don’t have to rush, Akkun,” Takemichi teased with a mischievous glint tucked behind his gaze, “I still gotta work for the next couple hours.”

A soft warmth pricked Akkun’s pale cheeks, “I know that, Michi! I’m not in a rush, what do you know? I want coffee.”

“Oh yeah? That’s news to me,” Takemichi offered, “If I remember correctly, you only ever order hot tea.”

“People can change, Michi,” Akkun threw out with a justified shrug, a laugh leaving Takemichi’s lips as he nodded along with his words, “Okay, okay,” he agreed as he began steaming up a fresh batch of milk.

They settled for back and forth banter revolving around Mizo Mid and how they’d all agreed to meet at eleven. A glance at the clock put that reunion in the next three hours. A perfect window to work for two hours, get ready, and set off to see friends he hadn’t seen in over ten years. Jittery anticipation twitched at his fingertips as the conversation brushed past the plans for Toman.

“Another meeting?” Takemichi asked with honest surprise, “I guess I didn’t expect a reality where gang leaders actually meet up every day to talk business matters.”

“Most of the meetings are relatively pointless anyway, but Tokyo Manji’s has a good reputation with our attendance lately so I assume it’s just an autopilot move at this point.” Akkun explained with a shrug of his shoulders, “I’m just glad I don’t have to go today, it’s just Mikey and Draken.”

Takemichi responded with a nod, a recollection of memories flooding his mind at the mention of Mikey’s name. A faint smile kissed the corner of his lip, before Akkun’s words registered within his eardrums, “By the way, what’s going on with you two?”

“H-huh?” Takemichi stuttered, clearly taken back by the sudden conversation switch, “What do you mean?”

“Ah, come on Takemichi, we’d all have to be stupid to not notice the chemistry you two have.”

“All? What do you mean ‘all’?”

Akkun answered with a profound grin curling at his lips, “Well? What else are we supposed to talk about?”

“J-Jesus Christ,” Takemichi whined, feeling his cheeks growing hotter by the second. He’d literally talk about anything else at this point. “We’re just getting to know each other,” He opted, practically begging for Akkun to leave it at that.

“Yeah? Through conversation or your bodies?”

Takemichi couldn’t help the blast of coffee that spit out of his mouth in response, his face now a dark red in sheer embarrassment as apologies rolled off his tongue. Akkun answered all of them with a bright laugh and a shake of his head, “Damn Takemichi, that wasn’t really subtle, was it?”

“S-Shut up!” Takemichi stuttered once more, “It’s r-really not like that, we were just having out p-promised conversation, that’s all.”

“Uh huh, you’ve always been a really bad liar, Takemichi.”

Just as Takemichi opened his mouth to respond, Draken’s voice boomed somewhere off to his side, a small instinctive flinch as a result at the sudden entrance. “Oi! Takemitchy, are my eyes actually deceiving me or are you serving coffee?”

Takemichi turned to face Draken who walked smug with an uninterested Mikey in tow, “Yes please, get Akkun away from me,” Takemichi pouted, holding back the smirk that begged to paint his face.

“Oi! Shut up, Takemichi! You love my company and you know it.”

“Huh? Sorry, I got hit over the head yesterday and I don’t seem to remember just who you are? Could you tell me your name again?” Takemichi spoke, feigning a look of confusion and astray as he moved to get started on Draken’s usual.

“Hah? What’s going on between you two?” Draken asked curiously, looking back and forth between Akkun and Takemichi.

“I was just curious about Takemichi’s behavior with—“

“with working!” Takemichi was quick to interject, his gaze locking with Akkun’s, “He’s curious to know why I’m working when I had such a long night.”

“Atsushi, are you trying to hold me back from getting my cappuccino?”

A grin warmed Takemichi’s cheeks as Draken so easily took the bait, his eyes dropping from Akkun’s look of betrayal to the task at hand. He glanced over at Mikey who’s eyes were locked on Takemichi’s form, curiosity and interest tucked neatly behind his facade of nonchalance. Once the bickering stopped just ahead, Takemichi handed out Draken’s coffee and got immersed in yet another conversation.

“You got any plans to get fucked up today, Takemitchy?” Draken offered with a small chuckle, swallowing back his caffeine.

“Hmm,” Takemichi hummed, “I would say so, yes.”

“Huh?” Mikey questioned, immediately stepping closer to the counter, “What are you talking about? Where are you going?” Heat was quick to trickle across Mikey’s face as Takemichi leaned over the counter, a cheeky smirk licking his lips, “I’m meeting with friends from middle school, specifically Akkun and I’s friend group, is that okay with you just Mikey?”

“What time are you going?”

“Around eleven.”

“I want to go with you.”

“Hah? Mikey? In case you forgot, Takemitchy is a grown ass adult, I think he’ll be fine without you following him around. And anyway, he’ll be with Atsushi, I think he’s in good hands.”

“Did I fucking ask you?” Mikey shot back, stealing a look at Draken’s face before shooting daggers back towards Takemichi.

A chuckle left Takemichi’s lips as he caught Draken’s eye, “Mikey, I’m fine, really I’ll text you updates, I doubt we’ll be out long. You have a meeting anyway.”

When Mikey just stared at him in response, Takemichi leaned closer, giving maybe a mere few inches of space between their noses. He couldn’t help the gaze that flickered from Mikey’s eyes to his lips and back again, “Don’t you trust me?”

Mikey continued to stare, long and hard, silence isolating the two of them from the other party. A tingle of warmth touched his cheeks as he took note of Takemichi’s sudden change in composure. Unwilling to create a scene with onlookers, he furrowed his brows, continuing to maintain a look of ferocity, “Fine. Keep me updated.”

“I promise,” Takemichi cooed fondly, before he returned to his original position. Akkun watched the scene before him with wide eyes and lips that hung slightly ajar, while Draken looked extremely disinterested and practically uncomfortable. “Let’s go, Mikey, we’re going to be late. Good luck Takemitchy, Atsushi, don’t get into too much trouble.”

As soon as the two were out of sight, Akkun spun towards Takemichi, “Are you out of your mind?”

“What are you talking about?”

“You know what I’m talking about, Michi! You really had the audacity to spit coffee at me then you go and pull something like that?”

Takemichi couldn’t hold back the grin from stretching out his skin, “Like what? We were just talking.”

A groan left Akkun’s lips, “You are impossible, Michi, seriously.”

“It keeps things interesting, does it not?”

The next hour ran by relatively fast. He managed to get wrapped up in conversation with Mitsuya about the productive method to healing his wounds faster. Chifuyu’s arrival had them chatting about every topic that could possibly come to mind. Smiley and Angry came down to poke and prod at Takemichi’s injuries with a general teasing consensus.

“I’ll kill anyone who lays a hand on you, Takemitchy.”

“That’s not necessary, Angry, but I’ll keep that in mind, thank you.”

“I still think we should take action on who did this to you, it’s only fair!” Smiley boasted with a smile engulfing his face.

“Again, not necessary but I appreciate the enthusiasm.” Takemichi counteracted with a sly smirk, before Akkun returned with a new excitement surrounding his aura. “Okay, Takemichi it’s ten, go get ready.” He spoke with enticed urgency, practically jumping up and down in his shoes.

“Okay, okay,” Takemichi agreed with a laugh, moving to clean up the shop and shut it down for the morning. As soon as he did so, he headed back to the fifth floor and freshened up, anticipation practically eating away at his stomach. Even if Mizo crew decided opening their arms for him was a death wish, at the very least seeing them all physically would mean more to him than anything else.

He threw a jacket over his shoulders and headed back down to the first floor, his nerves keeping him unable to stay still. As soon as the elevators opened, however, the energy that was once sarcastic and rather joyous now haunted a thick hostility. Takemichi stepped out of the corridor and glanced around to find the source, only to hear Mitsuya’s apprehensive tone speaking somewhere down the hall.

“What business do you think you have here? Shouldn’t you be at the meeting in Shibuya?”

Takemichi momentarily froze once the recognition wires plugged into his brain at the next vocal response,

“What’s the hostility for, Mitsuya? I’m just here to see our beloved Takemichi, nothing more, nothing less.”

“Well you can’t, he’s not—“ Mitsuya started to argue,

but Takemichi would be damned to keep running away.

“I’m right here,” Takemichi spoke as he turned the corner, his eyes morphing into a hardened gaze towards Kisaki, “it’s been awhile, huh? Am I on your mind, Kisaki?”

Kisaki barked out a laugh, one that would usually chill Takemichi to the bone. He continued his stand-up straight demeanor and refused to cower down. “Would you look at that? He is here! We have a few things to discuss, Takemichi, let’s not waste time.” Kisaki moved towards the front doors, expecting Takemichi to follow closely, but his feet stayed planted in his prior position.

“I’m not going outside with you. Anything we have to discuss can be done here. Privacy can be done easily through our multiple soundproof rooms, or did you forget?”

Takemichi watched as a frown momentarily swept across Kisaki’s face before it was replaced with a hardened grin, “Never an outside person, were you? I suppose it reminds you of all your troubles, hm?” A chuckle left his lips as he uttered the last sentence once he was in closer proximity to Takemichi, “very well, let’s use this one.”

Takemichi followed along with a look of apathy, shoving his clenched fists into his pockets. He closed the door behind him, not allowing his nerves to take hold of his vocal chords the way they had before. “What’s this about?”

“I’m surprised you haven’t spilled your sob story to your new friends.”

“Is that a threat or a suggestion?”

“An observation, all things considered you’ve never exactly been one to shut up about your emotions,” Kisaki stated with a gargled laugh.

“How many times would I have to risk other people's lives for my own issues? We could easily settle our differences now, if you’re not busy.”

“Oh? And what does that mean, Takemichi? Our differences would end with the loss of a life, not some petty beatdown like our childhood youth used to be.”

“I don’t know what childhood you’re referring to, but every difference has ended with a loss.”

“You speak as if it was more than just Tachibana Hinata.” Kisaki observed with a shit-eating grin as he closed the distance between the two, attempting to tower over Takemichi’s demeanor. “What more does your fickle brain have in store?”

Takemichi raised his chin, keeping his eye level maintained with Kisaki’s, “You tell me, the deaths are on your hands, aren’t they?”

“My hands?” Another laugh left his lips, “You’re mistaken, Takemichi, I don’t get my hands dirty.”

“What’s your point? Are you just here to reminisce about our past or do you actually have something to say?” Takemichi shot back, his frustrations and uneasiness getting the best of him. Kisaki wasn’t known for physical confrontations unless it involved a topic in mind.

“Ah, yes I guess I did have something important to say. Be careful who you call your friends, Takemichi, times have changed and I have eyes and ears everywhere.” Kisaki mustered with a glint packed behind his gaze, one that promised he knew more than he let on.

A smile curved on Takemichi’s lips, “You came all this way because you feel threatened? I never thought I’d see the day, Kisaki. I hope it’s up to par, I’m just getting started.”

Takemichi knew his words were more than enough to rile Kisaki up enough to show his true colors. Anger, a red hot burst flew throughout his hand until he’d captured Takemichi’s throat and pressed hard enough to leave finger-padded bruises.

“What’s wrong, Kisaki? Are you really threatened by a barista?” Takemichi forced his breathing to remain steady, despite the grip on his jugular, “You look pathetic.”

“Don’t act so fucking heroic, Takemichi, coming back around won’t grant you the same wish.”

“Then stop wasting my time and kill me, isn’t that your motive?”

The grip was only tightened by the words that spewed off a hateful tongue, leaving a breathless Takemichi in Kisaki’s grip. “The timing isn’t perfect, yet, you see I’m a man of value. How perfect would it be if your downfall was the same as Hinata’s? Your graves would mark the same date.”

A sudden burst of energy, whether from lacking oxygen flow to his brain or the words that snickered off Kisaki’s tongue— Takemichi’s fist escaped the confines of his pocket and slammed into Kisaki’s stomach. The hand around his throat managed to lose just enough grip for Takemichi to take custody, pushing Kisaki’s figure back from his own entirely. “Twelve years later and you’re still obsessed with Hinata as much as you were before. You’re two years too late for the ten year anniversary, or was it because you couldn’t find me? I was right under your nose the entire time, Kisaki.”

“This conversation has deemed useless, if you’ve come to kill me, do so. I’ve been waiting twelve years. However, if your intention was truly to warn me on who to trust, you’re a decade too late, I think I already have that covered. Besides, what’s the secret anyway? You’re making it plainly obvious we have history by coming here today. I don’t work for Tokyo Manji, there’s no reason you’d have business with a staff member.”

Takemichi’s voice never wavered, but his heart that beat erratically in his chest sure did. He clenched and unclenched his fists at his side, a warning to not lose his temper. Taking down Kisaki now would only cause issues for Tokyo Manji, considering a lost life would be in their headquarters. Takemichi would be damned to soil the reputation of his friends over some old history.

“If you have nothing left to bother me about, I do have some plans today and this conversation is going to make me late.” Before Kisaki could muster a voice to respond, Takemichi reached for the handle and swung it open, not at all surprised to find Mitsuya, Akkun, and Chifuyu doing their best to listen in on the conversation. As soon as the door opened, however, they stood straight and acted as if they were doing just about any other activity.

“Leave.” Takemichi demanded, blinking back the tears of anger that begged to shed down his skin.

“Such considerate hospitality, Takemichi, you really haven’t changed at all.” Kisaki mustered with a forced grin in front of the new set of onlookers, “I know this won’t be the last time I’ll be seeing you.” Kisaki ignored the rest of Tokyo Manji as he headed straight for the exit. Once he was out the doors, Takemichi barked out the gasping coughs that all but tore his throat raw. He leaned against the wall to catch his breath, the chatter of conversations from Mitsuya, Chifuyu, and Akkun sounding more like flies in his eardrum.

“I’m fine,” Takemichi mustered through a raspy tone.

“How many times are you going to say that when you’re obviously not? What the hell did Kisaki want?”

“To make me feel small,” Takemichi opted vaguely, “how could I feel small when I have so many others fighting for me?”

Akkun’s hand rested near the base of his throat, “Jesus, Takemichi, as if you could look any more terrible. These bruises are really ugly.”

“Mikey’s going to kill all of us.” Mitsuya mustered confidently, as if he were already wishing his life a very bittersweet goodbye.

“No, he won’t. Don’t tell him about any of this, I’ll tell him when I’m ready.” Takemichi directed, regaining his strength, “Akkun, we’re already running late, we should go.”

“What? We can’t go now?” Akkun argued, nearly breathless at Takemichi’s expectancy to continue with plans as if this situation with Kisaki hadn’t just happened. “Are you serious? This is the second time he’s threatened you in front of us and this time it was physical.”

“He’s mocking us, Takemitchy, we aren’t going to stand by it.” Chifuyu spoke directly, his eyes shooting daggers at the entrance of the building.

“He can mock us all he wants, he’s all bark with no bite. That’s what his pawns are for. The moment we start getting visits from them, I’ll be worried. For now, this wasn’t a big deal, he’s just trying to prove he still has dominance over me.” Takemichi spoke with sheer determination. It was true, if Kisaki actually had intentions to take him down, it wouldn’t be within Manji’s headquarters. It would soil his reputation as much as it’d soil everyone else’s. Problems would only begin to arise if Hanma began to show face in Kisaki’s place.

Though, as far back as Takemichi can recall, he couldn’t place Hanma’s face in well over a decade. He couldn’t specifically remember hearing about a fight revolving around his death, so it’d be safe to assume he’s alive and still attached to Kisaki’s side.

“A little bruising around the throat isn’t going to stop me from seeing Mizo today, okay? Let’s just go, we’ll talk about this all later.”

“Fine, Takemitchy, but if anything else happens to you today while you’re out I seriously think you’ll witness our murders tonight.”

“Please come back in one piece, Takemitchy, for all of us.” Mitsuya added, slinging his arm comfortably around Chifuyu’s shoulders, waving the two off with nervous smiles.

“I’ll be fine, I’ll be fine,” Takemichi answered with a smile, “besides, I have Akkun to protect me if anything goes wrong!” He teased, pulling Akkun along with a bashful grin. They headed out of the building and decided a walk to their newest location deemed more fit.

Their stroll was a relatively silent one, despite both trying to come up with topics to speak about. However, the conversations just didn’t stick. After a good few minutes of a muted atmosphere, Takemichi cleared his throat, “Akkun, is Hanma still around?”

“Hanma?” Akkun questioned, “He is, but none of us have seen him in a few years. Why? Did Kisaki mention him?”

Takemichi shook his head in response, “It’s just weird he’s not around with Kisaki, they used to be inseparable.”

“Mitsuya’s actually been speculating that for a while now. We’re not really sure what happened but Kisaki and Hanma aren’t…” Akkun paused, “friendly? I guess?”

“Wait, what? How? What do you mean?”

“I’m really not sure,” Akkun responded, a sound of defeat, “There was a problem with another gang from our youth a few years ago, apparently Hanma was the leader. Kisaki was just as surprised as us when we found out, we haven’t seen him since then.”

“Another gang? An opposing one?”

Akkun nodded, “They gave us a lot of shit for a while, mostly about financial reports and private information regarding our past. We thought we had a mole forever, Chifuyu suspected Kisaki from the start. But after a lot of investigation, we found out it was Hanma and his new posse of men. Kisaki truly seemed innocent in that whole ordeal, but Chifuyu still thinks he had something to do with it.”

“What information got leaked?”

“Just past history, lost lives and what issues we’ve faced with other gangs.”

Takemichi had no recollection of any of this ever taking place. If something as heavy as personal information regarding Tokyo Manji was leaked, Takemichi was sure he would have heard about it. Either from the news or his own personal informant. In hindsight, this was potentially better news that he’d expected to have. Kisaki without Hanma was a burning flame that was sure to cause a fire without the blow of lips. Hanma always created the balance to calm Kisaki in his rage.

At the same time, this just caused another case of open-ended questions. Who else worked for Kisaki? When had he gotten so used to traveling alone? Perhaps there was more than one traitor involved in Tokyo Manji. The thought was enough to make Takemichi physically ill— these were his friends, having such negative suspicions was never the answer.

But being blinded by love would always cause downfall and grief.

He pushed the situation in the back of his mind, not wanting to ruin the mood of a hearty reunion. Once they arrived at the park, Takemichi caught sight of faces he’d long yearned for. A breath caught in his throat as he took note of their physical appearances; the only real change coming from the brute structures of their faces. A smile grew large upon his cheeks and it was only when lips caught a taste of salt, Takemichi realized he was crying.

“Ah jeez, Michi, crying already?” Akkun asked, matching a smile with his own.

“Oi, is that our Takemichi?” Yamagishi shouted as they moved across the field to close the distance. “Shit and here I was expecting to win, Takuya pay up, he’s already crying.” Yamagishi spoke with a mischievous curl of his lip.

“I-I’m not crying! Shut up, I had something in my eye,” Takemichi complained, rubbing profusely at his waterline, “right, Akkun? It was a bug or something.”

A deeply boosted laugh left Makoto’s lips, “And he’s still a bad liar? Have you grown up at all, Takemichi?”

“Not with a baby face like that,” Takuya offered with a growing smile, “Ah fuck it,” he moved to throw his arms around Takemichi’s frame, pulling him into a tight embrace, “I missed you, Takemichi.”

“Huh?? Give some credit to the rest of us, Takuya! What do you mean ‘I’? It’s we, moron.” Yamagishi argued, moving to join the embrace with his arms locking around both Takemichi and Takuya’s backside. Akkun joined the group hug at some point and not even a second later, Makoto’s arms were practically crushing all the bodies into one.

Although Takemichi wasn’t able to find a steady breath, his own arms held onto his friends for dear life as tears shamelessly ran down his cheeks. The hug lasted only a few seconds later, thanks to Yamagishi’s complaints, but that didn’t stop Takemichi’s indulgence. He caught Takuya’s face between his hands and overlooked the growth of his childhood friend’s features. His eyes that nearly gleamed a soft yellow, matching his hair that now cascaded to his shoulders. “You look as beautiful as ever, Takuya,” Takemichi said, warmth kissing his cheeks in return.

“Shut up, Takemichi, that sounds so—“ Yamagishi started only for the words to die out in his throat the second Takemichi’s hands dropped on either sides of his cheeks, “And you, Yamagishi,” Takemichi paused as he took note of the circular glasses that still framed his face. “Are those really real? I thought it was just a gimmick to get girls,”

“Hah?? Are you talking about my glasses? Jesus, Takemichi, you’re such a moron! Of course they’re real! I can’t see without them!”

Takemichi rolled his eyes as his fingers fell to the scar just over his eyebrow, “What happened here?”

Yamagishi’s skin painted a soft rose, “I could ask you the same, Takemichi,” he spoke as his own hands reached out to briefly touch upon the fresh bruises at his throat, before resting amongst the gauze that still wrapped a tight ribbon around his head. “You still fighting with Kisaki, Takemichi?”

Takemichi’s eyes widened, his hands already dropping from Yamagishi’s face, only for Yamagishi’s hands to wrap securely around his wrists, “What? Surprised I know about your quarrel? How could I not recognize my best friend’s behavior every time the subject revolved around Kisaki?”

“W-What do you mean?”

“Don’t act so humble, we’ve all known from the start he had to be the reason you ran. I’m hurt you didn’t think to confide in us, as if we ever trusted that rat to begin with.”

Takemichi’s vision blurred achingly as his tear ducts refused to stop producing salty droplets.

“What’s he doing to you, Takemichi? How can we help?”

His legs were quick to feel like jelly, no longer willing to hold him upright as he fell to his knees, bringing the balls of his palms to his eyes, “P-please,” Takemichi stuttered, “I can’t get anyone else involved. I can’t l-lose anyone else.”

“Takemichi,” Takuya consoled against his ear, “nothing’s going to happen to us. We’ve waited years for you to tell us, we’re always going to be on your side.”

“You’ve always been our crybaby hero, Takemichi, your pain is our own.” Yamagishi spoke, reaching to uncover Takemichi’s eyes, “We’re here for you, okay? And now that you’re back, we’re never going to let you go again.”

A whirlwind of emotions were doing wonders to squeeze his heart until it popped in his chest. He gasped for air as choked sobs left his quivering lips, “There’s no story to tell, I’m just a c-coward, I always have been.”

“Hah? Bullshit, Takemichi!” Akkun spouted, “the fact you’re still here today proves you’re anything but a coward!”

“Michi,” Takuya consoled, forcing Takemichi’s eyes to fall on his angelic face. Which felt unfair because how could Takemichi argue with anything when it came from a face as sincere as Takuya’s.

“Akkun hasn’t told you yet, has he?”

“Huh? Told me what?”

“We all work for Tokyo Manji.”

“W-What?” Takemichi felt his eyes widen, “B-but, you don’t live at headquarters? I’ve never seen you there?” He turned to face Akkun, “You said they didn’t work for us?”

“I never said they didn’t, I just didn’t correct you. I figured it’d be a good topic of conversation.”

“Man, you’re evil Akkun.” Makoto offered with a smug smirk.

Before Takemichi could respond with this new information at bay, Takuya directed Takemichi’s gaze back onto him. “We all have our separate reasons for rejoining but most of it has to do with you, Takemichi.”

“M-Me? What do you mean?”

“We found out there was distrust with Kisaki by more than a few members in Tokyo Manji. We decided to follow that path while working as intel gatherers on the outside. While you were never physically here, we’ve all had the same belief that Kisaki was the one to drive you away. What we’ve found out about Kisaki’s shady behavior in the past has concreted that suspicion for us. We’ve been actively working to take down Kisaki from within, ever since.”

“We know about Hinata, Takemichi.”

As if time could actually standstill, Takemichi felt everything around him freeze. He stared at Yamagishi as the words left his lips, before gazing towards Takuya’s eyes that shone apologetically. How could they possibly have known? What intel had they gathered on Kisaki’s past that would drive such information? There were never any records about that night.

“How?” was all Takemichi managed to speak audibly, his brain running at a million miles per second.

“You went off the grid right after her death. We figured there had to be a reason so we asked around. It wasn’t till a few days later we got invited to her funeral. It all just started to add up from there. Kisaki disappeared for over a week the same time you did, there was no way it could have been a coincidence at that point. We ended up getting some answers from Hinata’s younger brother, Naoto, was it?” Takuya looked towards Yamagishi for confirmation, “He said you’d been involved in the quarrel and brought Hinata home that night.”

“Takemichi, we’re so sorry you went through that. We’re even more sorry we weren’t there to help. It’s why we want to help you now. You’ve suffered through Kisaki’s wrath alone for a long enough time, let us help you this time.”

Takemichi was more than sure he would die on this playground. His emotions succumbed to him violently as Takuya spoke reminiscent words and painful memories that all but scorched his mind. He felt as if he couldn’t breathe, every breath he inhaled felt like sharp frozen knives scraping the back of his throat. He choked and sobbed until his eyes ran dry, unable to utter a single word from his soaked lips. Takuya had reached out to pull Takemichi against his chest, running his hands up and down his back in a cooling console.

Takemichi’s relationship with Mizo Mid had always been like this. Despite their jokes about Takemichi’s emotional state, they were always there to offer support and a helping hand when his emotions got the best of him. They were all rather touchy, intimate, and physical with each other. They’d had such a strong bond as kids, it became rather natural for the four of them to show love and support through affection and mild intimacy. A kiss on the forehead, a stroke of one’s back, intertwined fingers and a squeezing hand. Takemichi never saw the acts in a romantic manner, more as a platonic statement— a bond that would forever deem inseparable.

A final sigh left Takemichi’s lips after he managed to get his act together, sitting up straight as he now faced the rest of Mizo crew with eye bags that hung to the corners of his mouth. “Whatever intel you have on Kisaki, I’ll take it. Even if you all deem it as small, it won’t be small to me. Many have died by Kisaki’s hand, while not all of them are physical, they were still done under his order. I don’t want anything happening to any of you, I just got you all back. So please, if you think Kisaki is figuring out anything, stay back. The loss of your lives aren’t worth it. He’s not worth it. At this point in time, all Kisaki is doing is threatening me verbally. He threatened to kill Akkun a few nights ago and today he threatened my competence.”

“What about that head wound? Or your busted lip?” Yamagishi interjected, clearly not convinced. “If Kisaki puts his hands on you, it’s fair game at that point.”

“Michi won’t admit who did that.”

Takemichi nodded, “All you need to know is that it wasn't Kisaki. It doesn’t matter who, in the end all that matters is ridding Kisaki of this life so he can’t hurt anyone else. He’s gotten away with too much already.”

Everyone managed to come to a vague agreement, though some still stood wary on the lack of information pertaining to Takemichi’s physical state. Still, Takemichi made it clear he hadn’t wanted their entire reunion to be centered around issues. After spending a good half hour enjoying the playground set as if they were a bunch of kids again, they set out into town to find something to eat.

——

After a long and pointless meeting, Mikey and Draken returned to headquarters with exhaustion held high around them. Mikey wanted nothing more than just to see Takemitchy, but due to the promised updated texts, he was well aware the ravened-hair was still out and about with Atsushi. Most of the day was spent reliving the moment from the morning within the deep crevices of his brain. The look behind Takemitchy’s eyes as he leaned in so ridiculously close, the words that oozed like honey off his tongue—

“Don’t you trust me?”

His heartbeat was inconstant, warmth blooming on his cheeks to do wonders pawning off the freezing weather outdoors. So much confidence radiated off Takemitchy’s physique when it was just the two of them. If Draken and Atsushi’s presence hadn’t been surrounding them, Mikey would have surely answered that question with a capture of lips. He’d yearned to do that very thing the second he stepped foot inside that small corner-in-the-wall coffee shop. A faint smile kissed his cheeks at the thought, the mere possibilities of Takemitchy’s reactions made him almost desperate to make it a reality, sooner rather than later.

Mikey was so distracted by his wishful thinking, he had yet to notice the hostile atmosphere that hung thick within his headquarters. Not until Draken spoke up about it, of course.

“Is this the new goddamn regular here? What the hell happened this time?” Draken spoke directly, his eyes already falling on Mitsuya who looked vaguely indifferent.

“Mikey,” Mitsuya started slowly, “Has Takemitchy opened up to you about his history with Kisaki yet?”

“Huh? Why does it matter?” Mikey asked, knowing fair well that he should have shared that information with the rest of Tokyo Manji by now. Screw him for enjoying the minimal amount of personal intimacy he’d managed to acquire from Takemitchy’s lips not even twelve hours prior.

“I know Takemitchy is going to tell us, but can you explain to us just why the fuck Kisaki thinks he has the right to show up here and make a mockery of us?”

“Hah?” Draken shouted, “What the hell are you talking about? Kisaki came here? When?”

“He was here earlier to start shit with Takemitchy.”

Mikey’s internal dialogue was quick to shut off while his heart filled with scorching anger instead. Why was this the first time he was hearing about any of this? How hadn’t Takemitchy mentioned this encounter over text?

“What happened?”

“Takemitchy cockblocked us and locked Kisaki in a room, we couldn’t hear anything. Whatever happened there wasn’t pretty though, they got physical.”

“Hah?! What the fuck?”

“How physical?”

“Kisaki choked Takemitchy the fuck out.”

Blood red, burgundy, mahogany— all painted Mikey’s vision quickly as those words created a twisted image within his brain. He knew far too well Takemitchy wouldn’t text him about this, probably assuming he had better things to worry about.

So fucking stupid, Takemitchy.
All I care about is you.

“So can we take action on this, or what? I don’t know about you two but I’m not going to stand around and do nothing while Kisaki comes around to traumatize our employee just for the fuck of it.” Mitsuya offered boldly, his arms crossed over his chest. “Takemitchy said we can’t do anything but I can’t watch him come home every day looking as fucked up as he does now. It’s pissing me off.”

“I’ll call him here.” was all Mikey managed to muster as his thoughts ran erratically throughout his mind. He was losing patience. Despite Takemitchy’s wishes, he could only handle watching or listening to his struggles for so long without acting on it. He reached for his phone and dialed Takemitchy instantly, fierce anger spiking in his chest when the line beeped a busy signal.

Who else would Takemitchy be on the phone with?

He tried again but to no avail. He was quick to act on impulse as fear consumed the best of him, pictures already plaguing his mind of an ambushed Takemitchy. Luckily, Atsushi picked up on the third ring.

“Where’s Takemitchy?” Mikey demanded before Atsushi was able to utter a word.

“What the hell? What’s wrong? He’s fine, he took a phone call outside.”

“With who?”

“I don’t know, he didn’t say. I figured it was you. Why do you sound so worried, what’s up?”

“Were you going to fucking tell me about what happened with Kisaki this morning?”

Silence engulfed the opposite end of the line before Akkun spoke again, “Sorry what was that? I think the line is breaking up, there’s not a lot of good service here in the countryside.”

“Hah? What the fuck are you—“

“Ah sorry Mikey, gotta go!”

Mikey listened as the other end beeped twice before the call died altogether. He pressed his forehead against the wall and forced deep inhales and exhales until his body stopped shaking. Just as he managed to regain some sort of composure, his phone vibrated in his hand— signaling a text.

I was going to tell you later.

Mikey wasted absolutely no time calling Takemitchy, a breath of relief leaving his lips when the other line picked up. “Part of this deal is you tell me the second anything happens, I thought I made that clear.”

“Are my ears deceiving me or am I actually experiencing a lecture from our very own Sano Manjiro? I like this side of you, talk to me more,” Takemitchy teased, enough so Mikey could practically see the smirk riding his face.

“Are you drunk, Takemitchy?”

“Not yet, but I have been drinking, yes. Who spilled the beans first? Mitsuya or Chifuyu?”

“Why does it matter? It should have been you.”

“It was going to be me but everyone’s too worried about my own safety. Maybe admitting my truth was a mistake, I should have ran the second you all came into my shop. As if I could ever forget a face as beautiful as yours, just Mikey.”

“You’re drunk, Takemitchy.”

“Not drunk enough to appreciate beauty.”

Mikey clenched his teeth as warmth spread evenly across his cheeks. He wasn’t so willing to admit that those words tied with Takemitchy’s voice were enough to make the hair on the back of his neck stand up straight. Still, he also wasn’t blind enough to realize Takemitchy was stalling out of the argument.

“I know what you’re doing.”

“You do? Could you share that information with me? At this point, I have no idea what I’m doing.”

For fuck’s sake.

It was absolutely impossible to not have a stuttering heartbeat when someone was so willing to overstep a man that was deemed untouchable.

“When are you coming back?”

“Probably within the hour, although Akkun’s shaking his head at me so I assume he’s scared as shit you’re angry at him.”

“Well I am and I’m going to kill him the second you two arrive.”

“Don’t do that. He’s my best friend.”

“He lied to me.”

“So did I, will you kill me next?”

Mikey fell silent to that question, an obvious answer that he’d never touch a hair on Takemitchy’s head. A laugh blew goosebumps across Mikey’s skin throughout the speaker.

“I’ll see you in an hour.”

Mikey hung up the phone with a sigh, already cursing himself for feeling so attached to someone who was easily as emotionally detached as he. It was stupid to assume two equally broken hearts could ever possibly be mended by their own separate halves. But even if that outcome never happened, the most Mikey could suffice for it was Takemitchy’s trust. He returned to the room with a newer sense of composure and just a smidge of weightlessness holding his heart captive.

——

All of Mizo Mid managed to agree on a Pho restaurant that served bottomless Saké for a dinner special. Apparently, Yamagishi had plans on getting everyone absolutely wrecked based simply on their emotional reunion. The atmosphere was charming, really—

It wasn’t as if back then they ever drank together, considering they were literal children. Takemichi was able to witness new personalities that took over when blood meant ultimate intoxication. Makoto who laughed at just about everything that came out of Yamagishi’s mouth, Yamagishi who made the title of ‘class clown’ an understatement of the decade. Akkun who neatly managed to avoid most of the drinks thrown his way but still painted a pinkish glow among his features.

Takuya, who rested against Takemichi’s side, already on the verge of passing out for the rest of the night, despite only two shots resting upside down on the table. Takemichi wasn’t one to drink much, he’d already fallen down that path more than once, now all alcoholic beverages held the same taste.

Bitter, resentment, regretful.

A taste that went down smooth but came up rough and hardened. He divulged in occasional social drinks, but never enough volume to leave him uneasy in his own skin. They’d just about started their second round of King’s game when vibration in his pocket disrupted Takemichi’s flow. He fished out his phone and took note of a call registered to an ‘unknown number’. He excused himself and stepped outside to take the call.

“I’m only ever going to help you this once so be sure to listen up, I’d advise you stop trusting everyone with your life story.”

Sanzu.

This was the second time today he’d heard those words scolded into his own ears. Kisaki and now Sanzu? Perhaps, Kisaki’s words weren't just a threatened observation at all— but instead, a fact.

“What are you talking about?” Takemichi responded, deciding to play it safe rather than fall victim to a crime he had yet to commit.

“There was talk of a return of the eleventh generation leader of the Black Dragons at the meeting today in Shibuya.”

One moment ago, Takemichi could have sworn he felt the world spinning underneath his feet. Now, however, it seemed for the second time today time managed to find a standstill. He clenched his teeth to hold back the wave of nausea beginning to claw its way up Takemichi’s throat. “By who?”

“Everyone at the meeting, but your name wasn’t mentioned. Who else have you told?”

“I haven’t even told Mikey yet. The only ones who actively know that part of my past are you, Inupi and Koko.”

Takemichi listened as Sanzu fell silent on the other line for a few moments too long, until he spoke up once more, “Kisaki is too much of an arrogant scum to ever admit defeat by exposing such useless information, anyway.”

“It doesn’t matter if the information is useless, what matters is the talk of my arrival in the first place. I haven’t told anyone beyond the perimeters of those who already knew in the past. How could that information possibly have been leaked?”

“You’re asking me as if I give a fuck too know. I thought my dumb ass duty here was to keep you aware of intel, I’m telling you what I’ve heard.”

“Can you be serious for like one fucking second?” Takemichi argued, rubbing the tension pulsating at his temples. The problem here wasn’t what information was exposed but rather who exposed the information in the first place. Inupi and Koko would never sell out his return and considering Sanzu was on the other line, that left him out of the equation. “Wait,” Takemichi mustered, a recollection of the previous night springing into view, “what about the guys that were at your business last night? I announced myself as the eleventh leader.”

“Are you insinuating that my employees would give a fuck about you enough to sell out such bullshit information?”

“It’s the only scenario that makes sense. You obviously didn’t sell out that information or else you wouldn’t have mentioned it. Regardless of your hostility, you and I both know Koko and Inupi have had problems with Kisaki in the past, they’d have no reason to share that information. The only possibility leads to the men within your walls. It’s worth a shot to check it out, right? We’re obviously dealing with a mole.”

“We?” A laugh cackled on the other line, something sinister and waiting to swallow Takemichi whole. “Check yourself, Takemichi, there is no fucking we.”

“Then why did you even bother calling me?”

When Sanzu lay silent in response, a small smirk tugged upon Takemichi’s lip. “I knew you’d come around.”

“It’s not for you, moron, it’s for Mikey.”

“Hold on, I’m getting another call,” Takemichi interrupted, glancing at his phone to check the incoming caller. He pressed the speaker back against his ear, “It’s Mikey.”

“It’d be smart of you to answer.”

“It’d be smart of you to check in on the traitor situation we’re dealing with.”

“I’m already doing that you stupid fuck.”

“Jesus Christ,” Takemichi groaned into the speaker, “you really need to get laid.”

“Huh? What the fuck did you just say?”

“You’re so fucking angry all the time and for what reason? You looked bored at your establishment and I brought you business, you should be thanking me.”

“Fuck you.”

The call was quick to end as soon as the words were delivered into Takemichi’s eardrums. Despite the situation at hand, his little one-up on Sanzu, mostly stimulated by the weightless effect created by the alcohol, had a smile growing on his cheeks. He’d worry about the mole situation later. Takemichi headed back inside only to find a blubbering Akkun and a bunch of absolutely tossed grown men causing a ruckus.

“What’s going on?” Takemichi asked as he took his seat next to Takuya.

“Mikey just called Akkun throwing a fit about you.”

“How did you rope Mikey into giving a shit about you?”

“I bet it’s that pretty baby face of yours, Michi,” Takuya cooed with a drunken smile.

Takemichi ran a hand through his hair as he listened to Akkun’s small recount of Mikey’s call before opting for a text message towards the other to clarify the problem.

I was going to tell you later.

Once their call ended it seemed just about everyone was ready to head home. Surprisingly, Makoto looked the most coherent, aside from Takemichi. Yamagishi and Takuya were easily passed out against the wooden table, while Akkun drifted in and out of sleep against the cushioned booth. A heartfelt sigh left Takemichi’s lips as he waved the server down to pay the bill. As soon as that was squared away, he focused on waking up Takuya while Makoto worked on waking up Yamagishi. They all exited the restaurant, Takemichi’s arms wrapped securely around both Takuya and Akkun’s waist, “You guys are such lightweights, are you sure we’re not still in middle school?”

“S-Shut up, Takemichi, you barely drank,” Yamagishi hiccuped, holding onto Makoto for dear life.

As a taxi pulled up to pick up the drunken men, Takuya’s hand fell onto Takemichi’s chest, “Takemichi,” Takuya called out, soft and sweet.

“Hm?”

“Come home with me.”

Any other time Takemichi would have not only accepted that invitation but would have also seen it as a genuine, friendly invitation. This time, however, due to his own personal plans with Koko and Inui in just a few hours— plus the way Takuya’s gaze practically sparked with lust, Takemichi declined gently.

“We’ll see each other soon, okay? I have to take care of some things at home.”

“Mmm, Michi, please I missed you.”

“I missed you, Takuya, but this isn’t a goodbye I promise. I’ll see you soon.” As soon as Makoto and Yamagishi were seated in the cab, Takemichi ushered Takuya carefully next to Yamagishi. He mustered an address to the driver and waved them off with a bashful smile. Once the car was out of view, he glanced towards Akkun, “let’s grab a taxi, you look a mess.”

“Ah whatever, Takemichi, live a little.”

After running through the process of flagging down another cab, they were finally on their way back to headquarters. Akkun was quick to fall asleep, his frame resting easily against the door. Takemichi didn’t mind the silence, it gave him more than enough time to gather his thoughts. Perhaps that rundown on who to trust versus who not too that Inupi offered to give would be deemed relevant based on the new information. Once the cab parked outside the building, Takemichi woke Akkun and pulled his arm over the back of his own neck, looking to steady him above ground.

His free arm wrapped securely around Akkun’s waist as they headed inside, Akkun already filling his ears with drunken babble.

“Oi! Alive in one piece, eh, Takemitchy?” Draken’s voice reverberated as soon as they stepped through the doors.

“I am but Akkun’s not,” Takemichi offered with a grin, glancing towards his friend who still talked as if he had an audience.

Mikey, Mitsuya and Chifuyu came into view just seconds after the words left his lips. Takemichi could already guess where Mikey’s eyes had settled. Mitsuya and Chifuyu both looked thankful that Takemichi arrived back in one piece— though Takemichi couldn’t decipher if it was more for the benefit of himself or themselves.

“O-Oh hey! We’re home, Takemichi! How did we get here?”

“We took a cab, remember? You slept the whole way here.”

“Mmm,” Akkun hummed, “was that before or after Taku made a pass on you.”

“H-Huh?” Takemichi gasped, feeling warmth kiss the tips of his ear, “Shut up Akkun, that didn’t happen.”

“What’s this? Takemichi’s childhood friend made a pass on him? We’d love to hear about it.” Mitsuya engaged, a mischievous smirk licking his features. It was clear what the two of them were planning and perhaps it was payback for throwing Akkun under the bus earlier that morning.

“It was nothing.”

“T-To you, M-Michi,” Akkun hiccuped, “but Taku’s always had his eyes on you.”

“Bullshit,”

“How could he not when you’re so touchy with him?!”

“Me? What the hell? How are you going to throw that back at me? You’re equally as affectionate.”

“Damn, Takemichi, you’re slinging men on the streets?”

“I’m not!” Takemichi argued, the blush burning bright against his cheeks. He couldn’t even fathom a glance in Mikey’s direction at this point, but he was more than aware of what to expect, based on the sudden radiated heat. Mikey’s demeanor had to be the source.

“Well it’s o-okay anyway, it’s not like Takemichi threw out Taku’s feelings just for the hell of it. Little M-Michi has his eyes on someone else.”

“Okay!” Takemichi shouted, “It’s time we take him to bed, I’ll see you all later.” He announced as he began to usher Akkun forward.

“Oooh, Takemichi has a crush? Do tell.” Mitsuya begged to egg on because unlike Takemichi, he was watching Mikey’s wildfire of reactions as if it were his favorite show.

“I mean, why else wouldn’t you go home with him? Aren’t you lonely, Takemichi?”

“Akkun, for fuck’s sake, shut up. You’re not even that drunk.”

“Humor me, then.”

“Even if I was interested in that invitation, he was drunk off his ass. I’m not going to take advantage of a situation like that. Now shut up and get in the elevator.” Takemichi argued, quickly ushering Akkun in the cart and pressing the button for the fifth floor.

Draken and Mitsuya’s laughs sung orchestrated symphonies at their departure. Takemichi was able to sneak the smallest peak of Mikey’s physique and fuck— if fire could be truly personified, it would be pictured as Mikey’s physique in this exact moment.

As soon as the doors closed, Takemichi turned towards Akkun, “You’re such a shithead, you know that?”

Akkun barked out a bright laugh, “It’s what you deserve for turning Draken against me this morning and for flirting with Mikey so openly after denying there was anything between you two.”

“Okay?” Takemichi questioned, “but bringing up Takuya’s pass was a shitty move, he was drunk. I think everyone in the world knows Mikey has possessive behavior, I don’t need him causing havoc towards Mizo over shit he doesn’t even need to be jealous over.”

“It’s good to bring a little jealousy into the scenario, Mikey shouldn’t be so blind to the fact you’re attractive and many others would be lucky to have you.”

“What the hell are you even talking about?”

“Jesus, live a little Michi, you’re always so stingy.”

“Uh yeah, when you manage to spark fuel in a man who’s already ignited.”

“Yeah yeah, Takemichi, whatever. You’ll thank me later, I promise.”

With a roll of his eyes, Takemichi walked Akkun to his room before heading to his own, collapsing exhaustively against his bed. The clock currently read 21:00 leaving another three hours before Inupi scheduled their meeting. Perhaps a nap would do massive justice to the emotional turmoil he’d undergone throughout the day.

Before he decided to get some shut eye, he sent a text to Mikey.

>Be ready by midnight, we’ll leave then.

The response that was sent back almost instantaneously had absolutely nothing to do with what Takemichi had just stated, yet somehow he was unsurprised.

>Who the hell is Taku?

>Akkun was just messing around, it’s nothing to be upset about.

Takemichi moved to put his phone back on his nightstand, eager to get some sort of shut eye, until his phone erupted with a multitude of vibrations. A sigh escaped his lips as he opened the messaging thread back up.

>Too late.
>Who is he?
>What did Atsushi mean by “touchy”?
>Do you two have history?

Jesus Christ. Takemichi figured this conversation would be one he’d have to dedicate his time to before it got resolved. He’d definitely get Akkun back for this.

>Akkun is stupid as hell for throwing that out here, he’s equally as affectionate as Takuya is, if not more.
>Our only history is friendship.

>What “pass” did he make on you?

>Why are you actually jealous over this, Mikey?
>Was it just obvious to me that everyone was looking to pull your leg??

>Just answer the question.

An exasperated sigh left Takemichi’s lips at Mikey’s stubbornness of this situation.

>Why? So you can take out your anger on a friend who was just drunk?
>Yeah, no thanks.

>Takemitchy.

>Mikey.
>It meant nothing.
>Relax.

>I don’t like others thinking they can take what’s mine.

Despite Takemichi’s frustration at the situation, that message alone managed to flutter his heart just a little against his chest.

>Keep that energy for Kisaki.

When Takemichi was sure Mikey was done responding, two vibrations reverberated against his fingers.

> …
>I am.

A victorious smile licked his lips as he typed the last message of the night.

Good, then there’s nothing more of this conversation to discuss.

Takemichi dropped his phone onto his nightstand and let his eyes fall closed for a quick and peaceful power nap.

Chapter Text

Within the next hour, Takemichi was up and changed, freshening up his appearance and shaking the anticipation out of his fingers. He assumed most of tonight’s reunion would be filled with shots being forcibly consumed down his throat as they processed the information brought forward this past afternoon. A soured conversation could only be presented with the promise of intoxication and bitter fuel. Thankfully, Takemichi’s tolerance was high and it would surely take more than a few bottles to get him anywhere close to hugging a toilet. As he exited his room, he spotted Chifuyu waiting for the elevators at the end of the hall.

“Oi, Takemitchy, where are you headed all dressed up?” Chifuyu asked, taking a moment to observe Takemichi’s outfit of choice.

“I’m meeting with Koko and Inui tonight, you wanna come or are you too busy reading your newest romance manga?” Takemichi teased as they stepped into the elevator.

“Huh? What do you take me for, Takemitchy? I’ll put down the manga if it’s a promise to see Inupi.”

Takemichi barked out a bright laugh in return, “Good choice, good choice.”

“Are you meeting with them at their club?” Chifuyu questioned, “Otherwise, I might question your fashion taste.”

“You wouldn’t be the first, Chifuyu, just look at Mitsuya.” They shared a laugh as Takemichi continued with a nod, “yeah, they’re working until three tonight.”

“You know what kind of club it is, right?”

“Mhm, is that nerve wracking for you?”

“Hah? The fuck I look like?”

Takemichi released a breathless laugh as they exited the elevator cart, “you’ve always looked soft.”

“Soft? Me? What does that even mean, Takemitchy? You think I don’t have game? I can show you game.”

“I can guarantee you have game, Chifuyu, that’s not what I was–“ but the words locked in his throat as another voice appeared before them.

“Where are you two headed so late?” Mitsuya asked with a tone of genuine curiosity.

“Takemitchy’s meeting with some friends,” Chifuyu started, before Takemichi finished with a, “You’re welcome to come as well.”

“Ah, an invitation from our beloved barista? Is it the same friends from earlier?”

Takemichi shook his head, “No, no, but you do know them,” he offered with a sly smirk, “come if you want to find out more about my secrecy.”

“Such a charming offer, how could I say no?”

The three gathered outside the front entrance just as Mikey appeared out the second exit, a bit further down the building. Takemichi turned to find Mikey’s gaze already locked on the two new bodies tucked neatly behind Takemichi’s. Almost as if he were a constant shield, guarding others from Mikey’s uncontrollable wrath. Despite the confusion and growing anger that flickered behind his physique, Takemichi’s gaze dropped from Mikey’s face to his overall appearance, a smug smile warming his lips. Soon enough, Mikey was staring up at him with a fierce look of determination.

“What’s the meaning of this?”

“The meaning of what?” Takemichi teased, glancing back towards Chifuyu and Mitsuya, before settling his eyes back on Mikey, “oh, they’re coming.”

“Why?”

“Why not? The more the merrier, right? Besides, I think we’ll need some comedic relief, the topic of conversation we’ll be having tonight isn’t necessarily a party favor.” Takemichi admitted sheepishly, before he reached out and dragged the curl of his index finger under Mikey’s chin, “It’ll be fine, yeah?”

Mikey’s response was of course, stone cold silence, but technically he wasn’t rejecting the idea. Verbally, at least.

“Let’s go, we’re going to be late.” Takemichi directed, spinning on his heels to take the lead. He waved down a cab and held open the back door.

“And they say chivalry is dead, you’re so kind, Takemitchy.” Mitsuya cooed playfully, a smile in tow as he slipped to the farther side. Chifuyu followed in tow, shooting a look in Takemichi’s direction that said clearly:

‘I didn’t know Mikey was coming.’

Mikey stepped forward next, “You’re not off the hook for this, Takemitchy.”

“Yeah, yeah, you’ll forgive me one day.” Takemichi spoke confidently, a smile kissing his face as he closed the door behind Mikey and slipped into the front passenger seat already giving the driver their designated address. As soon as they were on the road, Takemichi slouched in his seat, letting his mind wander on the possibilities of their mole situation. It had to be one of the men stationed within the walls of Sanzu’s establishment, but what did that mean, exactly? Sanzu worked under Mikey, but did that put him under Tokyo Manji or strictly Mikey?

He could have all the answers he wanted if he’d ask the question aloud to Mikey, but it’d risk exposing who’d done the physical damage to him in the first place. Luckily, the next men he’d be spending most of his night with should have most of the answers, if not all.

“So, Takemitchy,” Mitsuya started, dispersing Takemichi's thoughts like a gust of wind.

“Hm?”

“What’s your love life like?”

The question was enough to catch him off guard but not enough to stop him from spinning in his seat to face Mitsuya, “Since when was everyone so interested in what I do with my private life?”

“Uh,” Mitsuya hummed, “literally since the moment we’ve all met you, actually. Besides, it’s just a topic of conversation, we’ve barely talked in days. You’re lucky I’m asking this and not why Kisaki showed up today or what history you have with him.”

And shit, that was true. There was a lot he’d managed to leave everyone in the dark about. Takemichi released a defeated sigh before turning back in his seat, “I don’t have a love life.”

“A pretty face like yours? Why’s that?”

“I don’t have time.”

“You speak as if you’ll never have time.”

“Maybe I won’t.”

“That’s unfortunate, Takemitchy.”

“Why?”

“You know why.”

Takemichi was more than grateful when the driver managed to interrupt their conversation to notify them of their arrival. Takemichi offered his gratitude before slipping out of the cab, already dropping his gaze towards the long crowd of adults waiting for their entry. He turned to face the group with a growing smile.

“Isn’t this Koko and Inupi’s club?” Mitsuya asked, the expression on his face showing a clear view to his brain that begged to make a connection.

“Uh huh,” Takemichi agreed, “which is why,” he turned towards Chifuyu and reached forward, pausing momentarily as if to ask permission. When Chifuyu nodded in some sort of confused agreement, Takemichi’s hand fell onto Chifuyu’s hair and began ruffling his hair.

“Hah? Takemitchy! What are you doing?” Chifuyu whined with widened eyes, “don’t mess up my hair!”

“Just a little, trust me, it looks better this way.”

Chifuyu was quick to grab Takemichi’s wrist and tug it away from his head, “I can do it myself.”

“Okay, okay,” Takemichi agreed with a laugh as Chifuyu turned to face his reflection against a car’s window, aggressively rearranging his locks. His eyes fell on Mitsuya, before promptly falling onto Mikey.

“Don’t touch my hair,” Mikey warned, leaving the smile on Takemichi’s face to only grow wider, “I wasn’t,” he managed truthfully, “but I did want to fix one thing, let me?”

Mikey’s eye contact stood dominant as Takemichi reached forward and carefully unbuttoned the top three buttons of his shirt. “Better,” Takemichi murmured, pure adoration infusing within his gaze as he observed Mikey fully. He was dressed so painstakingly casual but just the simple motion of unbuttoning the top half off Mikey’s shirt was enough to make goosebumps crawl all over Takemichi’s skin.

“Satisfied?” Mikey questioned, though his eyes alone spoke more than his lips conveyed.

“Mhmm,” Takemichi hummed in agreement.

‘Don’t get carried away.’

Based on the little voice in his head alone, Takemichi dropped Mikey’s gaze and headed straight for the bouncer. He looked to confirm his name on the guest list Inupi had created for the night.

“Hanagaki Takemichi?” The bouncer asked before glancing at the three who stood behind him, “with a party of three?”

Takemichi nodded, “If you could be sure to relay that information to them before we head in.”

The bouncer nodded as he opened made way for them to enter through the separate line. “Second floor, the balcony on the west,” the bouncer directed before reassuming his position out front. The once relatively silent streets of Tokyo at midnight were now amplified by the boosted bass and deeply reverberated music flowing throughout the speakers. The floor underneath Takemichi’s feet pulsed rhythmically, while the flashing strobe lights overhead did wonders to temporarily blind his vision. He willed focus on taking in all other factors of the atmosphere— from the half-naked male dancers, to the very suggestive outfits worn by the servers, to the overall intoxicated atmosphere.

“Takemitchy,” Chifuyu called out, moving to wrap an arm around the back of his neck, “Are you sure meeting with Koko and Inupi at a place like this is a good idea? I mean, it’s kinda hard to hear.” He vocalized, attempting to speak over the music.

“Yeah! We’re meeting in a private room, it should be fine!” Takemichi explained with a smile, already looking to locate the private rooms in the west wing. His eyes didn’t have to gaze far, however, as his line of sight fell target to a man with such cunning eyes staring right back at him. White highlights coursing throughout his jet black hair while a tight lipped frown all but pierced Takemichi’s chest. That didn’t stop a growing smirk from forming on his face, “found you,” he mouthed, before glancing towards his group, “this way,” he directed as he led the way upstairs.

Inupi came into view first, a wide onset smile painting his features as he welcomed the group with open arms, easily pulling Takemichi into his grip. “Hanagaki, I sure hope you have that apology ready.”

Takemichi’s lips trembled with a hearty laugh in response, pulling back to gauge the situation at hand. He walked up cautiously to Koko, his heartbeat doing wonders within his chest. “Been awhile, hm? You look as good–“ Takemichi began before a fist was delivered straight to his jaw. A throb so fierce it rocked straight to his pain receivers. Takemichi threw out his arm just as Mikey’s chest came into contact, “Don’t,” Takemichi warned, desperate to warn off Mikey’s anger, “it’s okay, Mikey.” He wiped the blood from his lip as his attention moved back to Koko’s sly form, “Such a weasel hit, don’t tell me you’re going soft on me.”

“Hah? Are you fucking serious?” Koko spat but instead of another physical reaction centered around anger, Koko’s arms draped around Takemichi’s shoulders and held him close. “I fucking hate you, Takemichi.” A bloody smile warmed up Takemichi’s lips as he returned the affectionate embrace, “I missed you too.”

“I see Koko still has a very interesting take on affection,” Mitsuya commented with a grin, marking his designated seat within the booth.

“Really?” Inupi questioned, “I think this is the best he’s ever going to get.”

“The best? That’s the understatement of the century,” Chifuyu offered with a chuckle, taking a seat beside Mitsuya. Mikey was last to sit, his eyes still shooting daggers towards Koko until their embrace separated.

“Ah, Mikey, possessive as usual, hm? It’s not the best look,” Koko lectured with a coy smile as he took a seat across from the others, tucked against Inupi’s side.

“Hah? What the hell are you talking about?” Mikey spat, settling across from Koko, “Worry about your own problems of affection.”

“Yeah, yeah, okay Mikey,” Koko brushed off with a laugh as Takemichi took his seat beside Mikey. “So, what finally brings you in to see us, Takemichi? Not that I should care anyway, it’s not like I was the first person on your mind.”

A small warmth brushed Takemichi’s cheeks, “Anything I talk to Inui about goes straight to you, anyway. Technically that meeting had you in spirit.”

“I don’t want to be there in spirit, Takemichi, I want to be there fully. Don’t be stupid.”

“I am a little stupid, aren’t I?” Takemichi agreed with a smile of personified innocence.

“Yeah, you haven’t changed a bit.”

“So are we ordering drinks or what? I don’t think I can handle this conversation sober any longer,” Mitsuya admitted casually.

Inupi took orders around the table and when Takemichi abstained, he shouldn’t have had the audacity to show surprise when Inupi arrived with multiple drinks set in front of his direct seating area. “I’m not drinking these.”

“Yes, you are.” Inui spoke with sheer confidence, “we won’t listen to what your digging has brought forth otherwise.”

A sigh left Takemichi’s lips in return, “You’re all so cruel, I’ve really picked the worst friends.”

“What the hell did I do?” Chifuyu spat, already downing his third drink.

“Not you, Chifuyu, never you.” Takemichi cooed with an award winning smile before glancing towards Mikey who’s hand encircled a shot glass but made no move to actually swallow it down.

“Do you want to drink?” Takemichi asked curiously, his questionable gaze locking on Mikey’s hesitance.

“Do you?” Mikey responded, his eye contact deeming fierce and interested for a truthful response.

“Here, let’s do it together,” Takemichi started, rearranging the shots on the table. He reached for his shot with his right hand, turning his body to fully face Mikey’s. “Grab it with your right,”

Mikey followed with a questioning gaze but his lips stilled straight.

“Now lock your arm with mine,” Takemichi motioned, sliding his arm underneath Mikey’s before crossing it over, “like this.”

Once their arms were tied together, it left no room for hesitance as the rim of their shot glasses were placed just a few centimeters away from their respecting lips. “Bottoms up, just Mikey,” Takemichi purred as they simultaneously swallowed back their first shot.

“See? Pretty easy, huh? Wanna do another?”

“Shut up, Takemitchy,” Mikey murmured, though Takemichi could recognize a pale rose settling on his high cheekbones. They grabbed their second shot, then their third, until they finished their lineup of four shots in total.

“How many others have you done this with?” Mikey questioned as they unlocked their arms to resume their straight sat position.

“Huh? Oh, you’re the first. I saw it in a movie and thought it looked cool. What’d ya’ think? Pretty cool, right?”

Mikey glanced away from Takemichi as a faint smile upturned on his lips. Despite his confidence that often had Mikey’s internal organs on the route of explosion, Takemichi had these moments that were just so clueless, Mikey couldn’t hold back the physical reactions of warmth that plagued his face.

Takemichi leaned back against the booth with a sigh, “Okay, so can we get started?”

“Humor us, first. How long has that been going on?” Koko questioned, glancing between the two with clear interest.

“Yeah Hanagaki, what the hell? How could you not tell me that earlier?”

“Oh, them?” Mitsuya questioned with a grin, “That’s been happening since the first day.”

“What are you talking about?” Takemichi’s brows furrowed in confusion, ready to upturn his nose at the new direction of conversation.

“Oh come on, Hanagaki, shouldn’t we be celebrating? It’s rare for someone to hold a crush for—“

At this point, Takemichi was furiously shaking his head, practically begging for Inupi to not finish that sentence.

“Why are you shaking your head?”

Takemichi stopped the motion just as all pairs of eyes centered on him, a blush creeping up the confines of his neck. “S-stop bringing up the past.”

“I’m confused, isn’t that why we’re all here?” Koko asked, earning a groan of frustration in Takemichi’s response, “J-Jesus just shut up about my private life, yeah?”

“Private? Takemitchy, it’s one thing if we’re hounding on you over things you two do behind closed doors. It’s another thing when you two act so affectionate in front of everyone. It practically begs to be the topic of conversation,” Chifuyu stated matter-of-factly.

“I like this guy, I really do,” Koko presented mischievously, popping open his case of cigarettes.

“Koko, we’ve been friends for over a decade.” Chifuyu deadpanned, staring at the other incredulously.

“Have we?” He placed the butt of his cigarette on his lips as he flickered a light to the end, inhaling the smoke with a smile, “I can’t recall,” he offered jokingly.

The case was passed to Inupi who promptly did the same action before passing it over to Takemichi, “I suppose you got heavy shit on your mind this time around, Hanagaki, I’d advise you take one.”

“You don’t have to ask me twice,” Takemichi agreed as he popped the butt end between his lips, offering the case to Mikey who also took pleasure in grabbing one. He leaned forward for a light from Koko’s lighter before all the physical tensions within his body seemingly melted away, a total relaxation as he inhaled the chemicals deep within his bones.

He glanced towards Mikey, a small smirk upturning the corner of his lips at the clear heated gaze protruding from Mikey’s physique. “Need a light?” Takemichi asked as he sat up straight and brought his face closer to Mikey’s. Takemichi reached forward to cup his chin, before carefully pushing the burnt end of his cigarette against the dull tobacco end of Mikey’s stick. “Puff,” Takemichi instructed, his gaze never leaving Mikey’s, even as smoke began to emit from his lips.

The tension was thick enough to fall victim too. His bluish black orbs conveyed so much heat, enough feverish yearn to swallow Takemichi whole. The corner of his lips were stretched into a firm smirk, one that left his heart shuddering fiercely in his chest. Of course, Takemichi knew their public displays of affection would cause room for commentary, but something about these small physical affections with the presence of onlookers excited him all the more. Mikey never asserted any sort of physical dominance between their shared moments, but the look on his face and the heated body temperature provided otherwise.

Perhaps, Takemichi’s flirtatious attempts were to get Mikey as equally riled up as Mikey’s gaze was able to do so easily.

He pulled back with another victorious smile in tow, courteous of another refusal on Mikey’s part to return any physical display. He exhaled a small cloud of smoke before his eyes fell back onto Koko and Inupi, “Okay, so,” Takemichi began to start only for Inupi to attempt interruption.

“Wait—“

“No. As I was starting to say—“

“Wait, Hanagaki,”

“Jesus, what?”

An observing smile grew on Inupi’s lips as he took in Takemichi’s physical state, “He really fucked you up good, huh Hanagaki? Even the bruises on your throat look fresh.”

“That was Kisaki.” Takemichi deadpanned as his fingers instinctively reached for the bruises.

“What?” Koko spat, sitting up straight in his seat, “What the fuck, when?”

“This morning, he paid me a little visit at headquarters.”

“What the fuck?” Inupi shouted, anger quick to graze the features of his face. “What the fuck did he want?”

A breathless laugh left Takemichi’s lips as he flicked the ashes from his cigarette, “To warn me on who I’m telling my sob story too.” He shrugged as he continued, “Not too happy about the reappearance being announced.”

“Ah shit, so you heard about that too, huh?”

“Heard about what?” Both Mikey and Mitsuya asked simultaneously.

“Some bullshit about the eleventh generation leader of the Black Dragons reemerging.” Inupi mentioned discreetly.

Takemichi held his breath as he awaited to see the physical reactions of his friends beside him.

“Oh,” Mikey responded, “What does that matter? Kisaki never had issues with the Black Dragons to begin with.”

“Who even was the eleventh leader, anyway? Wasn’t it never revealed?” Mitsuya asked, glancing in Mikey’s direction.

Mikey shrugged in response, “Black Dragons merged with Toman in 2007 anyway. You two would know better than I.”

“Oh we definitely would,” Koko cooed, licking his lips as he guaranteed his shine of victory, “right, Takemichi?”

Takemichi caught Chifuyu’s eye first, watching the other offer a small nod to come clean about his previous title. “Hah?” Mikey started, “you know who the eleventh leader is, Takemitchy?”

“U-Uh-huh,” Takemichi hummed with a soft nod, running his hand through his hair out of a nervous antic.

“What the hell? Who?”

Takemichi inhaled a long drag of his cigarette before extending his hand towards Mikey, watching as his gaze dropped from Takemichi’s hand to his face out of sheer curiosity.

“Hanagaki Takemichi, eleventh leader of the Black Dragons, nice to meet you.”

He drank in Mikey’s physical reaction as if his life surely depended on it. The furrow of his brow, the creases on his forehead, the hardened gaze of surprise yet just a smidge of betrayal. Takemichi’s eyes settled on Mitsuya who stared at Takemichi like he’d just seen a ghost. A deathly pale taking form upon his usual olive-toned skin.

“No fucking way,” Mitsuya spoke incredulously.

“It makes sense, right? How else would I know Koko and Inupi? It’s not like they’d ever fuck with someone like me outside of a gang.”

“So true,” Koko agreed with a smile.

“Not true,” Inupi spoke with a shake of his head, “We love our Hanagaki Takemichi in any form.”

“When?”

“When what, Mikey?”

“When were you going to tell me?”

A shrug conveyed his response, “Technically yesterday when I was supposed to meet with them, I was going to bring you along but everything got fucked up.”

“Yeah because he went to try and get help from someone who’s literally put him in the hospital a million times.”

“Shut up Koko,” Takemichi shot back, though his eyes were still locked onto Mikey’s face.

“How come we never met in the past?”

“I was actively avoiding that outcome.”

“Why?”

“Like I said last night, you were already within Kisaki’s grasp. What the hell was I going to do? It’s not like I could have showed up with a proposition to undermine your admin, you didn’t even know I existed. Plus, I’d already figured out a way to capture Kisaki on my own. Black Dragons goal was to bring down Valhalla which would in turn disband Kisaki and Hanma’s traitorous plans anyway. If it didn’t work out, Black Dragons was to merge with Tokyo Manji, no question.”

“Then what went wrong?” Mitsuya questioned, “Black Dragons merged with us but you were never a part of that. What happened?”

“Mucho happened. He sold out our information to Kisaki, leading towards Koko, Inupi and I’s capture. I’m sure you know the rest, Koko was forced to join Tenjiku and Inupi merged the rest of Black Dragons under Tokyo Manji.”

“What happened to you?” Mikey asked, the fire in his eyes never diminishing.

“Many different things.”

“Explain.”

“Sanzu happened, Hanma happened, Kisaki happened. All just a bunch of snippets of me getting my shit rocked by trigger happy hypocrites.”

“I still can’t believe you saw him before me,” Koko started with a look of disgust, “don’t even look at me Takemichi, I’m serious.”

“Who’s ‘him’? What are they talking about?” Mikey inquired, the wheels in his brain slowly churning to understand the full picture of Takemichi’s relentless secrets.

“They’re talking about who did this to me,” Takemichi answered honestly, motioning to his busted lip that looked better than it had the previous night and the head wound that needed Mitsuya’s miraculous lab work for any real chance of healing.

“It was Sanzu.” Takemichi admitted sourly.

“What the fuck? or maybe why the fuck would be better?” Mitsuya questioned, another explosive reaction of surprise drawn on his face.

“Sanzu?” Mikey questioned before the flame in his gaze grew bigger, “Move, Takemitchy, I need to make a call.”

“No.” Takemichi responded, blocking Mikey in the booth, “It’s already been handled.”

“Bullshit.”

“I’m serious, I told you I’d be dead if you hadn’t answered my call that night. I meant it.”

“Okay? And who the fuck does Sanzu think he is to do that to you? I don’t give a fuck if the situation’s been handled, he needs to be disposed of.” Mikey moved to push Takemichi out of the way but to no avail as Takemichi threw his arms around Mikey’s shoulders. “We need him.”

“We don’t need him for shit.”

“Amen, Mikey.” Koko and Inupi saluted with a grin, raising their glasses and shooting it back.

“You guys, this is serious, stop fucking around.” Takemichi shot back with annoyance, “Mikey, seriously, it’s fine. We’re working together already.”

“What information could you possibly need from him that you can’t get from me?”

“There’s already a traitor situation.”

Mikey froze within his attempt to push Takemichi out of his way, “What?”

“Are you going to chill out?” Takemichi questioned, slowly pulling his arms back from Mikey’s frame. When he offered a reluctant nod, Takemichi reclaimed his spot in his seat and cleared his throat, “Only took an hour to get to this point of the conversation,” Takemichi pointed out with irritation.

“And who’s fault is that, Hanagaki? We wouldn’t have had to rehash all that information if you’d told them from the get go.”

“Ugh, shut up,” Takemichi groaned as he threw back another shot, waving down a server to order a few more rounds for the table.

“Obviously there’s a mole situation at hand considering my title was thrown around the meeting in Shibuya this morning. Considering I literally just told these three, the only others who know that information are the same who have known in our past. I’ve only come into contact with you two and Sanzu, I’ve yet to see Takeomi.” Takemichi paused for a moment as he squashed out his cigarette, “Kisaki visited me this morning instead of attending the meeting to warn me of who I choose to trust. He said he had eyes and ears everywhere.”

“Classic Kisaki,” Koko commented.

“Sanzu called me earlier today to basically say the same shit Kisaki did. But it had me thinking, Sanzu would be the obvious culprit if it weren’t for the fact he called to scold me. You two are out of the picture for obvious reasons, but the place I met Sanzu last night had men there I recognized but not enough to give names to.”

“Any physical descriptions?” Inupi inquired with curiosity, already trying to come up with names of men Sanzu was relatively close with.

“It was dark but I recognized the twins.”

“Twins? Ran and Rin?” Koko asked, “you announced yourself as eleventh leader to them?”

“U-Uh yeah, why? Who the hell are they?”

“For fuck’s sake, Hanagaki, this is why I specifically told you not too go see Sanzu.”

“You act as if I ever listen to what any rational human being has ever said to me. Who are they?”

Koko released a sigh as his hand ran down his face, “Look, the twins aren’t necessarily traitors but they’re not people to be trusted either. They like to stir shit up for fun, specifically Ran. It’s likely they took that information and brushed it along to whoever would be willing to hear it. I highly doubt they took that information directly to Kisaki but it’s possible they sent it off for him to hear about it. Did Kisaki mention your involvement with Sanzu today or not?”

Takemichi shook his head in response, “No, he just started bringing up shit about Hina.”

“I’m sorry, who’s Hina?” Mitsuya questioned with clear interest.

“Jesus Takemichi, how long are you holding out information towards your peers?” Koko asked, though a grin was well on his face. “Hina is Takemichi’s first girlfriend, Kisaki killed her as an act of revenge against Takemichi because he’d been in love with her since elementary school.”

“What the fuck? Takemitchy, how could you not tell us this?”

“Who would want to relive that?” Takemichi responded dully, already prepping his brain for the next set of questions.

“So who do Ran and Rindou work for?”

“Work for? You’re mistaken, they’ve never worked under anyone. Their reputation has always been too notorious to ever merge under the command of another. Like Seishu mentioned yesterday, Sanzu works under Mikey but he doesn’t work for Tokyo Manji. Those guys you’re referring to are probably a part of Bonten.”

“Bonten?”

“It’s my gang.” Mikey announced, leaving it in turn for Takemichi to show surprise and curiosity morphing his features.

“Valhalla was originally set up as my back fall plan if things went south but since that ended with bullshit chaos due to the events of Bloody Halloween, Kanto Manji formed in my wake instead.”

“Which eventually formed into Bonten as sort of a sister gang to Tokyo Manji,” Koko interjected, “Most of us here were part of the original lineup for Kanto as well as the members from Tenjiku. We’re all well aware how that turned out.”

“Izana and Kakucho,” Takemichi muttered briefly, starting to place the puzzle pieces together. It was nearly a full picture, save for the few fragments of information that still lay a little astray. He racked his brain to determine what this all meant for the safety of his friends when it came to bringing down Kisaki. With all this information, it seemed as if Kisaki was some sort of lone wolf but that just wasn’t possible. There was always a second driving force behind Kisaki’s schemes.

“So who is Kisaki working with? I’m still confused as to where Hanma is in all this.”

“Hanma disappeared a while ago, we’ve been keeping tabs on his possible comeback but it’s been relatively dark. Whoever Kisaki’s working with is an insider for sure, we’ve all come to that conclusion months before you even returned.” Koko announced, solidifying the words that left Akkun’s mouth just a few hours prior.

“Jesus, this was a lot,” Mitsuya admitted, “I need a drink.”

“Seconded.” Takemichi responded instantly, “I’ll go get them.” He stood up and headed for the bar, creating some space for the voice in his brain to stop screaming words regarding the abortion of the mission. This was all favorable information, providing a clear outlook of what he could possibly be dealing with and yet, something promised the downfall of his plans yet again. Perhaps it was the intoxication, but he could really use a good cry in his shower right about now. He watched as the bartender filled up the tray with a plethora of different drinks before Takemichi brought it back to the table with a sigh.

“You good, Hanagaki?”

“No. This is a lot to process at once.”

“It’s really not, Kisaki has nothing to do with Bonten and considering you have basically all of Tokyo Manji on your side with this, I’d say the odds are high in your favor.”

“I’ve always felt like even if I take three steps forward, somehow Kisaki is always a step ahead and I can’t figure it out.” Takemichi admitted as he began his sulking period.

“Takemitchy, Kisaki can’t get to you unless he gets through us and that’s not going to happen. This morning was a spoof but in the end it sounds more like he was trying to get information out of you rather than already having it.” Chifuyu consoled, “It’s not like your mission is to take down all the traitorous bastards in this city, it’s to simply take down Kisaki. I’d say that’s manageable.”

A soft hum in agreement vibrated from Takemichi’s lips as he slouched against the booth, swallowing down another shot of bourbon, leaving his throat feeling warm and rigid. “We’ll see.” Takemichi spoke softly but before he had a chance to close his eyes, he felt a hand rest on his lap. He glanced towards Mikey, a look so intense, the hair on the back of his neck were forced to take a standing ovation.

“If you keep looking at me like that I’m going to crumble,” Takemichi admitted sweetly.

“Good. It serves you right for not being honest with me earlier.”

“I like it when you’re mad, it makes me feel important.”

Mikey raised his hand to retract it from Takemichi’s lap from that comment alone, only for Takemichi to reach out and entwine his fingers with Mikey, a laugh bubbling from his lips.

“You two disgust me.” Koko announced with a grimace, deciding just about anything else in this world would be of more value to his eyesight.

“Well this was fun,” Mitsuya stated sarcastically, before throwing a look beside him, “Chifuyu want to go take a walk around?”

“Yes,” Chifuyu answered automatically, throwing a grin over his shoulder towards Takemichi as he stood and headed towards the first floor with Mitsuya.

“Hanagaki, you’re going to be fine, besides you have all of us in case anything goes wrong.”

“Yeah, yeah shut up already, Inupi.” Takemichi teased with a smile, working on downing his seventh shot for the night.

“Let’s play a game,” Koko started with a sly smirk.

“No.” Both Mikey and Takemichi answered in unison.

“Too bad,” Koko spoke with a shrug before continuing, “Truth or dare, Takemichi?”

“Neither.”

“So, truth?”

“Fine.”

“Is it true you’ve had a crush on Mikey for—“

“Shut up! Dare!”

A laugh left Koko’s lips in return as the mood was quick to shift into something insistent. “I dare you to kiss Mikey.”

“What the fuck? That’s middle school as fuck, Koko.”

“You already denied truth, dare is your only other option.”

“No.”

“Just do it, Takemitchy.”

Takemichi felt his eyebrows raise drastically as he turned to look at Mikey who seemed overall bored by the conversation. “It’ll get him off our ass.”

He could hear Koko and Inupi laughing obnoxiously besides the two but he’d already managed to tune out everything else beyond Mikey’s physique. “Fine,” Takemichi agreed defeatedly, repositioning himself to face Mikey. Time moved so slow when they were back in their cloud of just them. It was warm, thick with anticipation, and filled to the brim of eye contact that punched with desire, lust, and yearn. A crave for affection that had both their hearts thumping hard against the barricade of their chests. Takemichi reached forward slowly, resting the palm of his hand against Mikey’s warm cheek. He felt a small bit of pressure against his palm, taking note that Mikey had angled his face ever so slightly out of expectation.

Fuck, his heart was already so close to exploding like a firework, straight out of his chest. He released a shaky breath as he slowly decreased the space between them, his eyes never leaving Mikey’s own. So much heat and crave packed within Mikey’s gaze should be illegally reprimanded. How was Takemichi supposed to think clearly under such strong intensity? Their eye contact never wavered, even as Takemichi reached the closest he could reach without their lips touching.

“Are you sure?” Takemichi murmured softly, a secret left between their two bodies alone.

“Mhm,” Mikey hummed in somewhat of a purring manner, leaving Takemichi to morph into a pool of putty at Mikey’s disposal.

Takemichi finally let his eyes trail down from Mikey’s eyes to his lips that painted so painstakingly soft, a light hue of rose pink that matched the color of Mikey’s cheeks. Just as Takemichi moved to look back into Mikey’s eyes, Mikey’s tongue promptly slipped out to moisten his own lips.

After another second of internal discourse, Takemichi broke the distance by pressing a chaste kiss against the skin outlining Mikey’s jaw. He pulled back with another prized smile, ignoring the squashed moment of anticipation painting the other faces at the table. “I’ll be back,” Takemichi offered quickly before he hopped up from the table and to the nearest bathroom, warmth doing wonders to bloom his pale skin from the neck up. As soon as he made it, taking note of the lack of other bodies, he leaned against the cool tile and released a hearty breath.

If he didn’t die by Kisaki’s hand by the time this was all over, he’d surely die based on his feelings for Mikey, no question. He worked on regaining his breathing pattern to something other than feeling as if his heart would burst in his ears. Just as he managed some sort of general relaxation, Inupi entered the bathroom and took his place across from Takemichi.

“I forgot how cruel you two could be under the influence,” Takemichi pointed out, though a half-earned smile carved against the right side of his face.

“Hanagaki, I’m going to say this out of absolute respect. Advice from your former vice leader and childhood friend.”

“I’m listening,”

“You two need to fuck and like, fast.”

“Hah?” Takemichi shouted out of surprise, “J-Jesus Christ, shut up, Inupi!”

“I’m serious, Hanagaki, whatever the fuck that was… it was fucking insane.”

“Jesus,” Takemichi groaned, begging this painfully embarrassing conversation to be over with, “What even are you fucking talking about? I just kissed his cheek.”

“You did more than that and you know it. The whole fucking bar knows it at this point. Hanagaki, listen, I understand you have this whole revenge plan and that’s great, we’re doing it. But there’s no need for you to reserve yourself, you act as if you’re living solely for the purpose of defeating Kisaki. That isn’t the way to live. Slow down a little and enjoy things you deserve to enjoy. I mean, seriously, you two have that much fucking chemistry and you haven’t done anything about it because?”

Why hadn’t he done anything about it? The answers are almost always tied to his previous troubles. Kisaki, Hina, his own grief and loss regarding every mistake he’d blindly made in the past. He’d had his eyes on Mikey for as long as he could remember and yet, when Mikey was so obviously reciprocating his feelings, Takemichi worked even quicker to shut them down.

“None of this is going to matter anyway, you and I both know last time we nearly succeeded in taking down Kisaki, it ended with me in the hospital for a month on life support.”

“That’s not going to happen this time, Hanagaki. We were all just kids then, we’re all adults now. The shit that went on back then couldn’t even dream of happening unnoticed here.”

“I don’t want to burden Mikey any more than he already is. He’s lost enough because of Kisaki, I don’t want to be another risk to his own downfall.”

“You’re so pessimistic, Hanagaki, why can’t you just enjoy the moment? You’ve had feelings for Mikey for a very long time and to let that shit go to waste all because you're scared the past would come back to haunt you? You need to move on, seriously, this shit with you isn’t healthy. No one from our past would ever want to see you like this, not even Hina would be happy to see you still mourning drastically enough to sabotage your own happiness.”

“I don’t know what to do, Inupi, I’m at a loss.” Takemichi admitted as he blinked back tears of petrified remorse and guilt.

“You’re here with your friends who clearly would do anything to show you a good time. You couldn’t have picked a better time to come back from the dead, so go out there and just embrace it, Hanagaki. You’ve told them your story and they accepted it, why hold back any longer?”

Takemichi released a full body sigh, as if every particle was every little fear or worry being thrown out of his body. Out of sight, out of mind. “Fine,” Takemichi agreed with a lick of defeat, of course he wouldn’t win an argument against someone who cared so feverishly about his very wellbeing. “Thank you,” He added with a small smile.

“You’re welcome, moron. You two better resolve that sexual tension quick.”

“Jesus, shut up with that!” Takemichi shouted, brushing Inupi’s words out of his mind with a wave of his own hand as he moved to exit the bathroom.

“I’m serious, Takemichi, the tension back there was almost enough to make—“

“Shut it!” Takemichi squawked, shoving Inupi to the side as his laugh all but beckoned him from behind. With a roll of his eyes, he headed back towards the booth, surprised to find Mitsuya and Chifuyu already back in their seats.

“You two get bored already?”

“It’s not like we have anyone to dance with,” Mitsuya grumbled, “maybe I should call Hakkai.”

“Don’t, I swear to god if you make me the seventh wheel I’ll absolutely lose it.” Chifuyu threatened with a hardened gaze.

“Then, Mikey do you want to dance?” Takemichi asked, leaning against the table to await Mikey’s reaction.

“No.”

“Come on, just take another shot and come with me.”

“Absolutely not.”

“Please.”

“Don’t do that.”

“Do what?” Takemichi responded with feign interest, curiously tilting his head to the side. “Just one dance and I won’t bother you for the rest of the night, I swear.”

He watched as Mikey stared at him in response before his eyes dropped to the shot glass before him. He threw back the liquids and stood, “One, that’s it.”

“Okay, okay,” Takemichi agreed with a bright grin, moving to grab Mikey’s hand and drag him down to the dance floor. Buzzing excitement coursed through his veins as he pulled Mikey swiftly against his chest, one arm promptly locking around Mikey’s waist while his free hand rested on his shoulder. Takemichi was in no way any sort of smooth dancer, but he could manage a few tempos without feeling awkward. Luckily, the music that currently bounced off the walls wasn’t anything too fast paced— a bit more on the jazzier side, slower, comfortable.

Mikey, on the other hand, was as stiff as a board.So brutally underwhelming, Takemichi had to speak up about it, “Mikey, stand on my shoes.”

“Hah? As if you’re even that much taller than I.”

“It’s not about that, Mikey, just trust me it’ll be easier.”

After a disgruntled noise of complaint, Mikey stepped up on Takemichi’s shoes, “Happy?”

“Uh huh,” Takemichi hummed, “now you can follow my lead, just relax and move your hips a little.”

Warmth spread on Mikey’s cheeks, feeling awkward and undeniably seen by others in a way he’d never allow if it weren’t for this clueless pretty face before him.

“This is stupid.” Mikey commented, moving to step off of Takemichi’s shoes only to be caught within Takemichi’s tight grasp.

“It’s not, Mikey, you’re doing fine.” Takemichi pleaded with genuine honesty, still guiding Mikey along to the beat of the music.

“Everyone’s looking at us,” Mikey murmured, his face flushed a soft pink.

“So?” Takemichi questioned, “let them and just focus on me instead. You’ve never had a problem staring at me before?”

“Shut up, Takemitchy.” Mikey grunted, moving to rest his forehead against Takemichi’s chest. He felt his laugh reverberated deeply within his own body, bringing a small smile to tuck against his lip. After managing to drown out everyone else around them, Mikey managed to relax against Takemichi’s touch fully. So much so, he found himself swaying more comfortably to the music, their bodies moving in synchronization.

“See? I told you it was easy,” Takemichi murmured against his ear, another laugh sending nervous signals of blazed excitement down his spine.

“You do this often?”

“Not really, not in awhile, I’ve been the chauffeur for many drunk or emotional friends and almost all of them have ended with some sort of dance like this. I’ve never let anyone else stand on top of my shoes though, you’re lucky I like you.” Takemichi offered with a teasing purr, a smile planted on his face as they continued to learn each other’s body movements in a new setting.

Mikey finally found confidence to raise his head, a subtle glance around his surroundings deemed no one was really paying attention to them in the first place. His eyes fell back onto his safe sight, Takemichi and his bashful smile in the flesh.

“Good morning, Mikey, how was your nap?”

“Jesus, you’re insufferable.”

A bright laugh all but tugged on Mikey’s heart strings forcefully as he found the smile on his own face widening at the sight before him. Takemichi surely wasn’t drunk but he wasn’t sober either. There was a new glow to him, intoxicated or not the way his cheeks bloomed a rosy pink did wonders to Mikey’s own breathing patterns. The smile he wore was so incredibly charming and the sounds that left his mouth did wonders to make him shake against his own skin.

“You know, if we get tired of dancing like this, we could always try that out,” Takemichi spoke, glancing towards the men a little to the right of them. Mikey followed Takemichi’s direct line of sight and felt a mortifying heat grow on his cheeks. His head whipped back to face Takemichi, “Are you out of your fucking mind?”

The laugh that reverberated deeply out of Takemichi’s chest sent Mikey on a full body high. Despite the suggestive dance Takemichi had just thrown out there as an option, Mikey really could only focus on the way his blue eyes crinkled when his smile nearly engulfed his entire face. Charming. Everything about Takemichi was so ridiculously charming.

They fell into another comfortable silence, Takemichi taking in Mikey’s entire physique with a smile that refused to downturn. His face was still flushed from previous embarrassment, but it was a look Takemichi could get used to seeing. His dark eyes were always so beautifully intimidating but never in a sense of hesitance, no, they were inviting. Whether Takemichi was the only one who could see that clearly or perhaps the way Mikey looked at him was a secret invitation for him and him only. The thought alone was enough to shower him in goosebumps as he spun the other around and brought him back against his chest.

How could he ever let go?

His line of sight was doing wonders to study such an up close view of his favorite work of art. The structure of his high cheekbones, as if to deflect any bullshit thrown his way. His Adam's apple protruded against his throat, in a perfect symmetrical line with the point of his chin. His structured face was probably one of Takemichi’s favorite parts of Mikey, aside for the emotions that canvased like firelight within his gazes.

His examination was quickly interrupted when he took note that Mikey was indeed staring right back at him with a look intense enough to stop his airflow.

“Why are you staring at me?”

A small grin set on Takemichi’s lip, “You’re just,” he paused as if to find the right words, “effortlessly so stunning.” He watched as pink drew along Mikey’s skin in response.

“Shut up.”

“I can’t do that,” Takemichi answered with true sincerity.

“I’ll kill you.” Mikey warned, though there wasn’t an ounce of real threat behind those words.

“I wish you would, it’d be an honor to die by the hands of Invincible Mikey.”

Mikey shook his head in annoyance as another bright laugh left Takemichi’s lips, taking the chance to press Mikey impossibly closer to his chest. He moved his hand from Mikey’s shoulder to the side of his throat, letting his thumb softly graze his Adam’s apple in adoration. Mikey’s own hands wrapped more comfortably around the back of Takemichi’s neck, letting his forehead rest at the curve underneath his jaw.

Takemichi smelled sweet.
Like a batch of freshly harvested honey with just a smidge of natural musk. It was warm, inviting, and comfortable as his eyes fell momentarily closed, looking to savor the moment.

But the crave to study every fragment of Takemichi’s face was more rewarding than the aroma against his chest. Mikey returned to watch Takemichi as fiercely as Takemichi watched him. The song had ended a while ago, Mikey wasn’t exactly sure but it had to have been the third, slow tempoed song to play at this point. Not that he cared, not that it actually bothered him, and how could it not? It was just them swaying back and forth to a jazzy beat while their eyes greedily yearned to learn each other inside and out.

Takemichi leaned forward to rest his forehead lightly against Mikey’s, his eyes still appreciatively enjoying the heated look Mikey returned so easily. It continued to cause havoc inside his walls, but externally he was the calmest he’d been in a very long time. One of Mikey’s hands had slipped out from around his neck and was now blindly exploring the scars underneath his shirt. Goosebumps trailed everywhere Mikey’s fingers went as the atmosphere around them grew hotter as mere seconds passed. Mikey’s gaze never wavered just as Takemichi’s fingers now grazed and stroked the skin of Mikey’s cheek, their noses brushing against each other’s every few moments.

Takemichi was quickly becoming sick with desire, sick with yearn, sick to display affection with only their eyes to fall victim too. Excitement and anticipation tingled within his chest each time Mikey’s breath managed to blow warmly against his own lips.

“What are you doing?” Mikey asked, though his tone had a newfound rasp to it.

“What are you doing? Are you enjoying the view?”

“Maybe.”

“So am I,” Takemichi answered honestly, a smirk pulling up the corners of his lips in return.

“Fuck you,” Mikey spat back but it was clear it was out of some sort of deep rooted self-consciousness. As if there wasn’t any possible way Mikey wasn’t the most attractive man in the entire dry state area.

Takemichi hummed as he glanced from Mikey’s lips and back to his gaze, “I really wish you would.”

The realization of words that had left his lips and slipped suggestively into Mikey’s ears did wonders to create a look Takemichi promptly screenshotted into his mind to reflect later on. There was heat and crave and surprise and devotion all morphing into something so awfully enticing, Takemichi would do just about anything to recreate this exact moment a thousand times over. It felt as if all air source around them was quickly shut down, leaving a sticky and oozing warmth to pull the ground out from beneath them.

“What are you suggesting?”

“I think you know.” Takemichi answered simply as his fingers slipped out from the hold on Mikey’s cheek and into his head of hair. He ran his hand softly through his hair until he found a nice voluminous spot and tightened his grasp, a smirk riding his lips as Mikey’s lips parted with a soft breath.

“Takemitchy,” Mikey murmured, his lips so painstakingly close to brushing against his own.

“Mhmm?” Takemichi hummed as his hand that was still wrapped protectively around Mikey’s waist, now brought forth fingers desperate to feel the warmth of skin. He slipped a few underneath Mikey’s shirt, letting his fingers drag and graze against the middle of his back.

Something about milking this situation dry brought more desire and anticipation to the floor than Mikey wanted to admit. It was clear what they both equally craved at this exact moment and yet, playing around with other fickle tropes of desire felt all the more real than pressing desperate lips against desperate lips. Mikey’s free hand dropped from around Takemichi’s neck to the base of his throat, letting his fingers create bare minimum pressure as his lips surged forward to place sugary kisses against his exposed chest. Out of instinctive impulse, his tongue darted from his lips, feverishly tasting every spot he planted a kiss.

He felt Takemichi’s head roll back, a smirk warming his own features as his pulse accelerated against Mikey’s lips. “And here I thought it was impossible to make you squirm,” Mikey cooed as he pulled back from the generous markings of saliva peppered Takemichi’s chest.

Takemichi’s face fell forward, his forehead resuming position against Mikey’s as a sigh left his lips, “What are you going to do about it?”

“Careful, Takemitchy,”

“Or what?”

A smirk grew wider between both their faces at the absolute obviousness they were insinuating, yet had no intention of fulfilling until later. Mikey stepped off from Takemichi’s shoes, “I need a drink,”

“I’ll join you,” Takemichi agreed, letting his fingers fall onto the hem of Mikey’s shirt as they pushed through the crowd and headed back upstairs. They stopped at the bar to order more drinks for the table before returning to their respective booth. Takemichi couldn’t possibly ignore the shit-eating grins that every other member of the group wore as they took their seats.

“Well,” Koko started, his tone already laced with liquid taunt, “that looked fun.”

“It was.”

“Yeah? Tell us more, we couldn’t see much from this view.”

“Shut up and drink,” Takemichi replied with a grin, already downing his second shot.

“Hanagaki, I’m so proud of you.” Inupi spoke with faux excitement, the grin on his face proving he was equally as mischievous as Koko was with this conversation.

“Mmm,” Takemichi surged forward, resting his chin against his arms, “Why? It must be difficult between you two. Hard to spice things up when you’ve been together for over a decade. Bedroom life must be dry.”

“Shut the fuck up Takemichi. You and I both know there isn’t anything dry in this relationship.”

Takemichi released another prized laugh in response, resting his figure comfortably against the booth, “Yeah yeah, you two were fun as teenagers but we’re far into our twenties.”

“Are you still talking?” Koko shot back, promptly leaving the conversation to dust.

Takemichi's smile ran ear to ear as he leaned comfortably against the table, the humming of the speakers starting to become in sync with the pulse within his temples. Chifuyu looked absolutely slumped while Mitsuya was busy grinning at his phone, presumably texting Hakkai secrets of intimacy.

He glanced towards Mikey who looked as sober as usual, if it weren’t for the flushed heat that all but glued to his facial features. Takemichi sat up and pressed a covering hand around his own mouth before he leaned towards Mikey’s ear.

“Don’t react,” Takemichi whispered softly, “or maybe do, but don’t make it obvious. Act like I’m telling you something really stupid.”

“Takemitchy, what the hell are you—“ but the words died in his throat as soon as he took into account what exactly Takemichi had in mind. Mikey mustered the straightest face he could, even throwing out fake glares at passing bodies to make the ‘conversation’ all the more believable.

Meanwhile, Takemichi’s teeth were currently tugging on Mikey’s earlobe, while his lips planted gentle kisses against his skin. “You’re doing so good,” Takemichi murmured sweetly, finishing off the tease with a long swipe of his tongue. Mikey’s fingers had found refuge digging into Takemichi’s thigh even as Takemichi pulled back with shining lips and a proud grin, “Isn’t that fucking crazy?” Takemichi asked aloud, looking to cover his tracks.

Instead of a response, however, Mikey stood up from his seat, “Move, Takemitchy.”

Takemichi stood from his seat, allowing Mikey to escape from the confines of his seat. “Where are you going?”

“We.” Mikey responded simply, his hand grabbing Takemichi’s hand, dragging him to the nearest bathroom. Takemichi spared a glance over his shoulder, not at all surprised to see Koko and Inupi raising a glance in his own honor. A grin formed well onto his lips as Mikey threw open the bathroom door and pulled Takemichi inside, promptly locking the door behind him.

“Interesting place to have a conversation,” Takemichi teased, already leaning comfortably against the wall.

“Shut up, Takemitchy,” Mikey spat, closing the distance in such a short amount of time. Heat radiated all around them, daggers of thick lust shooting from Mikey’s gaze.

“Why do you insist on touching me?” Mikey asked as both of his hands pressed on either side of Takemichi, promptly locking him in place.

“Does it bother you?”

“What are your intentions with me?” Mikey redirected, pressing closer against Takemichi’s chest.

“What are yours with me?”

“I asked you first.” Mikey shot back as his hands moved from their original position, slowly trailing up Takemichi’s chest, moving to hold the back of Takemichi’s neck captive.

“I asked you second.” Takemichi responded with a smug smile, as an arm wrapped securely around Mikey’s waist, while his free hand captured Mikey’s cheek, letting his thumb sweep back and forth against his skin.

“Takemitchy,” Mikey drawled out slow and sweet, their foreheads pressing together as their eyes did wonders to look for every emotion hidden behind their features. Warmth bloomed on their opposing cheeks as both their lips glistened with thin coats of saliva. “What do you want from me?” Mikey asked, attempting to keep his voice direct but to Takemichi it just sounded small.

Takemichi surged forward until all he could think and feel was Mikey’s hot breath against his own lips. His eyes took one last look at Mikey’s parted lips before they fell so easily back into the grasp of Mikey’s gaze.

“Kiss me.”

Unlike the entirety of the night being filled to the brim of suggestive acts, lucrative intimacy, and overall affectionate teases that left them both sticky and hot with sunken anticipation— not a single time was wasted between the last syllable that left Takemichi’s mouth and Mikey’s lips crashing into his own. Above all, his lips were so incredibly soft while the tongue that darted in, out, and around Takemichi’s mouth was hot and rigid. His hands sunk into Mikey’s hair, tugging whatever locks fit perfectly between his callous fingers.

His heart could quite possibly explode out of his chest at any near moment and Takemichi would be absolutely fine with it. All their pent up frustrations, anger and stress, tension and intensity throughout the week had taken the full hitch of this kiss. It burned as it cooled, it felt as real as it felt unreal. Mikey’s hands trailed down his chest, fingers running across scars enough to leave goosebumps.

Despite how close their bodies were, Takemichi wanted Mikey impossibly closer. He dropped a free hand down to Mikey’s bottom and offered a hearty squeeze. A chuckle left his lips at Mikey’s sudden gasp, letting his tongue slide into Mikey’s mouth to further explore tastes he’d all but dreamed about. With a quick motion, he managed to pick Mikey up without breaking the kiss. He walked backwards until he felt the back of his knees come into contact with the toilet seat.

Both hands dropped to wrap around the back of Mikey’s thighs, gracefully pulling him up to straddle his lap. Their kisses grew desperate, sloppy, and intoxicated yet burned with decades worth of sexual desire. They both parted to catch their breaths, Mikey’s gaze blown a dark blue while Takemichi surely painted the same shade. Before Takemichi could fully recover, Mikey’s lips landed on his throat, sending shivers down his spine as Mikey bit, licked and sucked every area he could reach. Soft gasps and moans of pure pleasure left Takemichi’s lips as he tilted his head, allowing Mikey all the access in the world. One hand rested groping Mikey’s ass while the other had retreated back into his muted-blonde hair, tugging on locks anytime Mikey’s bites became tough enough to break skin.

The next few minutes… or maybe longer, Takemichi had absolutely no sense of time, were spent building up the desire as high as they could, begging to see who’d break first. Their lips managed to meet once again in another feverish session of lapping tongues and mixed saliva. Takemichi was surely in heaven, there was no other way to explain it as their hands touched and grabbed at every part of each other they possibly could. Mikey’s kisses were ridiculously intoxicating, his lips still burned with the remnant flavor of bourbon and vodka, while his tongue had the notes of cinnamon from the fireball shots he’d engulfed just an hour prior.

All heated flavors to make this experience on route to sending Takemichi in an absolute overdrive. Their lips parted once more, as the bathroom filled with sounds of their panting breaths. “Should we go home?” Takemichi asked as he pressed soft kisses along Mikey’s jawline, a smile refusing to leave his face anytime soon.

“Yes.” Mikey agreed in absolute, enough so Takemichi met his eye with a devious glint.

“Oh? Are you in a rush?”

“Not as much as you are,” Mikey responded, letting his eyes flicker down to the sprouted area between Takemichi’s legs.

“That’s funny, Mikey,” He said with a small, breathless laugh, letting his hand fall between Mikey’s legs, “Would you look at that? We’re in the same boat.”

Red blotched against Mikey’s cheeks but before a reply could be returned, Takemichi captured his lips into another kiss, one that was relatively softer, sweeter than the desperate ones they’d been engulfing themselves into for the past… however long. When they finally managed to pull apart from each other, they stood woozily and headed for the exit, their hands shamelessly intertwined.

Takemichi pulled Mikey back in the direction of the booth, taking note Mitsuya and Chifuyu were no longer seated. “Did they leave?”

“Uh yeah, about an hour ago.”

“An hour?” Takemichi’s voice raised in response, “We were in there for an hour?”

“Uh huh,” Koko teased with a wide grin, “I’m sure it was worth it regardless.”

“Shut up.”

“It was good to see you again, Takemichi, don’t be a stranger to me anymore. I’ll actually come and kill you, seriously.” Koko spoke, standing up to pull Takemichi in a farewell embrace.

“I won't, I won't, I promise.” Takemichi returned with a smile, resting his head against Koko’s chest.

Koko made room for another farewell hug from Inupi, a bunch of whispered words entering Takemichi’s ear before they pulled back.

“I hate you both so much.” Takemichi responded with a bright blush warming his cheeks.

“I hate you, Takemichi.”

“I love you, Hanagaki.”

With a wave of his fingers, his other hand still locked in Mikey’s grasp offered a squeeze before the two set off. “Are we getting a cab or walking?”

“What a stupid question, as if walking would actually get us home any faster,” Mikey shot back as he waved down a taxi with a newfound sense of urgency.

“Someone’s in a rush,” Takemichi managed with a purr, a warm smile settling on his lips as he watched the cab pull up in front of them. He squeezed into the backseat, Mikey quick to take position up against his side despite the space left untouched. His fingers found Mikey’s, lacing them together as Mikey reiterated directions to headquarters. As soon as the car took off, their bubbling tension of overflowed desire held the atmosphere captive.

“You’re not off the hook for lying to me,” Mikey spoke directly, though his lips were too close for Takemichi to take his words any less than a grain of salt.

“Uh huh, remind me what I lied to you about?”

“Everything.”

“Jesus, are you going to let me get away with that? What are you going to do about it?” A smirk planted on the upper side of his lip, his eyes desperate to engulf every physical reaction Mikey’s face produced.

After quite a few moments of silence in return and a fierce grip on his own hand, Mikey responded rather slowly, “I’ll show you.”

The drive back to headquarters was faster than Takemichi expected, not that he had any complaint about how quick they were able to return to their humble abode. Their hands stayed feverishly grasped, their fingers tenderly intertwined as Mikey led him inside the building and up the elevator in a matter of seconds. Their sloppy kisses returned with Takemichi pressed against the wall, hard enough for the rails to leave indents against his back. His hands fought desperately to further unbutton the rest of Mikey’s shirt, not even taking into account possible onlookers once the metal doors slid open for the fifth floor.

It seemed Mikey had the same nonchalance in mind, considering he managed to swiftly pick up Takemichi and carry him into his room, locking the outside world away from their personal festivities. Takemichi’s hands found refuge in Mikey’s disheveled hair as their tongues locked and swirled in a desperate heat. It was new, exciting, a bubbly anticipation to see Mikey in a new light— something personal and chopped up full of desperate desire.

Usual hookups left kissing as a basic foreplay, which was always deemed unfortunate because Takemichi really liked kissing. There was so much to be uncovered throughout sounds of appreciation, yearning emotions, and fateful expressions plastered on a flushed face. Thankfully, it seemed Mikey was as much a hopeless romantic as he.

Their lips stay locked together, looking to drink in desperation and adoration to the highest degree. Their tongues that lapped and swirled, dribbles of saliva running down bruised lips and locked jaws. Takemichi took a chance to look at Mikey’s face amidst it all and the results had his heart throbbing more than he anticipated. Warmth, a blush that reached to his ears as dark navy stared back at him with a look of lust that actors in movies never seemed to fully capture. A puffed chuckle left Takemichi’s lips as their mouths separated to catch their breaths, a growing smile etching both corners of his lips.

“What’s so funny, Takemitchy?” Mikey asked, though the throaty rasp behind his syllables only brought another throb behind his zipper. Mikey brought his mouth against Takemichi’s neck, letting his tongue drag slowly down to the base of his throat to his collarbones which he dedicated time to marking pink and pretty.

“You seem to be as big of a softie as me, it’s unexpected,” Takemichi commented with a soft breath, his eyes following Mikey’s liquid trail.

“Softie?” Mikey questioned, dragging his tongue down to the middle of his chest, though before his marking party continued, he paused to take in scars he’d all but felt but had yet to see for his own eyes. There were two circular ones above his right breast bone that enticed Mikey to press his lips against, placing soft and tender kisses against rough and tarnished skin. “Tell me the story,” Mikey whispered, his eyes trailing to drink in Takemichi’s expression.

“In the morning,” Takemichi answered simply, “it’ll ruin the mood.”

A soft sigh left Mikey’s lips before his mouth found interest with the other’s hardened nipples that all but begged to be played with. “I’m holding onto that promise,” Mikey spoke before his tongue licked and swirled, a smirk riding his lips as he took in every possible reaction leaving Takemichi’s face. The soft gasps, the flushed complexion, the look in eyes that practically begged for more. “What was that about me being a softie, Takemitchy?” Mikey inquired, letting his teeth nibble and grit on his nipple, while his hand reached out to tug and pinch the other.

The gasps and soft moans were enough to send reverberations straight to his pants, tingling excitement he’d yet to feel his entire lifetime. “You’re taking your time,” Takemichi managed to croak out, “I didn’t expect that to be up your alley.”

“No? You didn’t consider me to properly taste a meal before devouring it? Do you know me at all?”

A heated blush spread further against Takemichi’s cheeks as Mikey’s words left an imprint of sheer embarrassment against his skin. A chuckle leaving Mikey’s lips as his tongue trailed down his navel, leaving peppery kisses at every inch that he didn’t leave a mark upon. Another halt to the growing anticipation when Mikey’s eyes settled on the deep scar that stretched out on Takemichi’s lower abdomen, “You survived this?”

“Barely,” Takemichi spoke, allowing his eyes to drink in Mikey’s emotions of the subject.

“How was it done?”

“How do you think?”

“I want to hear it from your lips,” Mikey ushered, letting his tongue graze against the skin that felt all the more softer than the scars overhead. Was this injury done first?

“Let’s just say I pissed off the wrong guy and non sexual knife play was a trick up his sleeve I wasn’t expecting.” Takemichi answered, a small chuckle leaving his lips, “it’s really ugly, isn’t it?”

Ugly? Mikey planted enough kisses against the scar to say otherwise, “far from it, Takemitchy, it’s beautiful.”

Mikey dropped his hands to Takemichi’s belt, discarding it aside before he feverishly pulled down his pants and boxers in one go. Takemichi anticipated an instant capture at that point, but the results never came. Instead, Mikey’s saliva trail continued as he bit marks against his inner thighs, leaving Takemichi’s cock to twitch at the gruesome desire of excitement. In any other scenario, this would surely embarrass the absolute shit out of him, but something about Mikey’s hovering composure and lips that seemed destined to mark an entire property left him humbled against the bedsheets.

“Mikey,” Takemichi breathed, a soft whine trailing within the syllables, “please.”

“Hm?” Mikey murmured amidst another love bite in the making, “please what, Takemitchy?”

“I want more.”

“You’re so greedy,”

“So then let me be greedy.”

Mikey’s eyes found Takemichi’s, who all but pleaded for some sort of relief, a smirk carving against his own cheek. Takemichi was truly the most beautiful work of art he’d ever seen, it’d be ridiculous of Takemichi not to expect Mikey to spend the entire night dabbling in anything and everything that involved his body.

“Something like this?” Mikey asked as his tongue trailed against Takemichi’s shaft, stopping his movement just as he reached the tip.

“Y-Yeah,” Takemichi agreed with a sigh of desperation, “something like that.”

Pushing Takemichi to the edge was fun and all, but seeing the physical reactions produced by his actions meant all the more. Without a second thought, Mikey looked to swallow Takemichi whole, letting his tongue swirl and suck until his length reached the back of his throat. His eyes never left Takemichi’s face in the process, the gasps and moans that left his lips, but beyond it all— Takemichi’s eye contact never wavered. Another jolt that left his own pants feeling unbearably tight against his skin.

Mikey bobbed his head against Takemichi’s length, just as he felt callous fingers snake into his hair. “J-Just like that, Mikey,” Takemichi managed, breathless, “you’re doing so good.”

In any other circumstance, perhaps Mikey would have taken offense to such fickle words. But when they left Takemichi’s bitten lips, excitement ridiculed all sense of pride left in his core. Warmth splattered against the back of his throat, a sickly sweet scent of musk, “M-Mikey, stop, I’m going to cum soon.”

Mikey prevailed.

As if this night would only have one orgasm? Surely, Takemichi hadn’t expected such a lowballed experience.

“M-Mikey, seriously,” Takemichi breathed, “you don’t have to swallow it,”

A grin canvassed Mikey’s face as he continued, feeling each and every twitch within his mouth until Takemichi released a gargled moan that left him yearning for more. He swallowed every last drop before he discarded Takemichi’s tip with a pop, letting his eyes soak in the other’s disheveled state.

Beautiful. He was so beautiful.
Puffy eyes, pink cheeks, bruised lips that gasped for air. A hazy cloud of emotions colored against his blue orbs. Mikey surged forward, desperate to feel Takemichi’s lips against his own. Each kiss provided a desperation only their bodies could convey the coded message of. Their kisses were hungry, tongues that looked to taste every inch of hidden flavors that usually lay dormant behind gritted teeth. Before Mikey could continue what he’d started, a haste movement had Mikey flipped with his back against the bedsheets, while Takemichi sat atop him with a grin that punched the air right out of his lungs.

“My turn.” Takemichi offered with a soft laugh, leaning forward to press a tender kiss against Mikey’s forehead.

“Your turn? Takemitchy, you’re the receiver.”

“Oh?” Takemichi questioned as his lips pressed soft kisses against every arch and structure of Mikey’s face, “Those are the rules?”

“Yes? I give and you receive.”

“You should know I’ve never been one to follow rules, who says we can’t both feel good, hm?” Takemichi hummed as his tongue made an entrance against Mikey’s throat, looking to mark Mikey as his own. “Can you really deny me that?”

When Mikey didn’t offer a response, Takemichi continued with a growing sense of pride, leaving hearty bites and tender licks against Mikey’s chest. Mikey’s hands managed to fall atop of his head, his fingers sliding into his sweaty locks with a newfound ease. Unlike Mikey who took his time, Takemichi’s hands already managed to discard the entirety of Mikey’s clothing, taking in the sight before him.

“Are you just going to enjoy the view or are you going to do something about it?” Mikey asked, embarrassment trickling against his skin at the look that bore so intense upon Takemichi’s face. A smile warmed his lips as he caught Mikey’s eye, “no wonder you’re so eager,” he commented softly before he pressed a soft and gentle kiss against Mikey’s throbbing tip.

“But, I do things a little differently,” Takemichi commented, his hands hooking around Mikey’s thighs as he pulled him closer, positioning Mikey in a manner that had his legs thrown over Takemichi’s shoulders, “T-Takemitchy,” Mikey spoke with a gasp, “what the hell are you—“ but the words died in his throat as soon as Takemichi’s lips connected against an area he’d never let anyone touch before.

A mortified gasp left his lips as Takemichi pushed his tongue forward, licking and sucking away at his hole. “T-Takemitchy,” Mikey forced a breath, feeling his own toes crinkle as his cock twitched feverishly against his own stomach, “Who the fuck taught you this?”

“Mmm, does it matter? Looks like it’s doing you some good,” Takemichi mustered, “you taste so fucking sweet, just Mikey.” His tongue continued lapping along until he noted the splatter of Mikey’s precum glistening against his stomach, his face shaded a burning red. A smile glistened against Takemichi’s wet lips, as he set Mikey down comfortably against the bed. He reached forward to caress Mikey’s warm cheek, wiping away the sweat that dripped from his forehead. After a moment, he dragged his fingers to Mikey’s lips, “Open,” he instructed softly, his eyes never leaving Mikey’s face.

He watched as Mikey’s lips parted with a questionable gaze, though before Takemichi could instruct further, Mikey’s tongue captured and swirled around Takemichi’s fingers. A particular jolt shot from the tips of his fingers all the way down to his toes, as he sat up on Mikey’s waist, adoration never fleeing from his gaze. “I think that’s enough,” Takemichi commented as he pulled back his soaked fingers, moving to sit up on his knees as he slowly placed his fingers against his own entrance looking to prepare himself for Mikey’s length.

“Ah,” Mikey started, “so that was the plan all along, hm?” He sat up slowly, letting his hands fall carefully onto Takemichi’s hips with a slow, satisfied smile, “You want to fuck yourself on me that bad, Takemitchy?”

A blush spread evenly against Takemichi’s cheeks as Mikey placed tender kisses against the base of his throat, their eyes locked with a luscious desire, “S-Shut up,” Takemichi stuttered, doing his best to push back just how uncomfortable the entire situation at hand was. A sudden shyness at his behavior came into full swing but it’d be far too late to back out now, not when saliva dripped from areas that suggested such lewd acts in the first place. After managing some sort of preparation, a hand fell onto Mikey’s bare shoulder, his thumb instinctively rubbing small circles against Mikey’s collarbone as his other hand held Mikey’s shaft.

It was a slow process, it’s not as if he’d ever had eight inches pushed into his ass like this. Still, Mikey stared up at him with a yearn, yet a promise for something slow and tender. Just as he managed to fully sit upon Mikey’s length, he wrapped his arms around the back of Mikey’s neck as Mikey’s arms folded tightly around his waist. “You’re so cute, Takemitchy,” Mikey spoke, muffled against the kisses he left to further bruise porcelain skin.

Steadily, Takemichi managed a pace that left both of them quivering in anticipation, gasps and moans leaving their mouths as their lips met for another session of tongue meets tongue.

The option of ‘slow and steady’ was thrown out the window the second Mikey thrusted upwards, a painful gasp of surprise leaving Takemichi’s lips, “F-Fuck Mikey,” a low whine escaped the back of his throat as his fingers entwined in Mikey’s hair, “I thought I was the one in control?”

“Who the hell promised that?” Mikey asked, a sinister laugh bubbling from his lips. Within the next moment, their bodies were flipped. Mikey’s hands pinned on either side of Takemichi’s body as he hovered above him, a tender pace leaving his shaft moving in and out. Mikey’s lips held Takemichi’s mouth captive, eager to swallow each and every moan that left his lips that night.

The pace was destined to quicken, it was only reasonable— how possibly slow could Mikey be expected to go with moans that sounded like symphonies off Takemichi’s swollen tongue? Out of absolutely no surprise, Takemichi managed to finish first, leaving Mikey to quicken his pace all the more to finish as closely behind him as possible. Their session finished with a few eager moments to catch their breaths, sweat trickling down their bodies as if they’d spent the past hour at a bath house.

“Mikey,” Takemichi started, turning on his side as his hand found refuge against his cheek, “You know, I’d do anything for you.”

“Hah? Where is that coming from, Takemitchy?”

“I just would.”

The heaviness in his gaze, the way his cheeks ran flushed combined with a deep shade of red all but promised real words leaving Takemichi’s lips. Something pulled from a box that he usually stored far beyond any chance of actually leaving his throat. Yet, here they were, buzzing excitement and kissing goosebumps against Mikey’s skin. Mikey lunged forward, their exhausted mouths swirling with exhilaration. “You’re mine, Takemitchy.”

“I’m all yours, just Mikey.”

Somewhere between their idle transmission of conjoined hands, gentle rubs, fragmented kisses against sensitive skin, they’d worked up the desperation for a second round. Their hands never left captivity of intertwined fingers, just as their volumes never fully extended beyond outer reach from Mikey’s room. Despite the velocity and thrill of their experiences and fantasies, a night so tender continued to produce images and sounds only they could reminisce upon. It was near daybreak when they called it quits, Takemichi’s arm wrapped comfortably around Mikey’s waist as they yearned to sleep off their sexual overdrive.

Surprisingly, Takemichi managed to sleep a new record time, it still wasn’t anywhere close to an eight hour rest— perhaps, not even five, but a power nap nonetheless. He awoke to find Mikey staring back at him with a look that was hard to decipher. His lips were tight lipped, but his eyes conveyed emotions that were far from any negativity or doubt. There was a new spark ignited behind his gaze, something appreciative and rewarding, yet hesitant and careful. Without a second thought, Takemichi closed the distance to create a slow and sweet kiss against Mikey’s lips. It was returned tenderly, though Mikey’s hand wrapped around the back of Takemichi’s neck, tugging him closer. Their kisses only grew more hungry as time went on and before Takemichi knew it, it’d started a third round for the party of longing lovers.

Then, a fourth round as they planned to wash up so conveniently in a steamy shower together. Exhaustion clouded Takemichi’s mind as he toppled back into the bed with Mikey against his chest. Silence engulfed the room, something comfortable and gentle as Takemichi’s fingers ran through Mikey’s wet locks. He could feel Mikey’s soft breath against the nape of his neck, gentle kisses offered against his throat every few minutes.

“So,” Takemichi started slowly, an indication of an exhausted conversation filled to the brim with regret, “the story of my scars,”

Mikey’s ears perked up, glancing upwards to watch Takemichi’s facial expressions as he spoke, his arm around his waist wrapping just a little tighter in consideration.

“The one on my abdomen was the result of attempting to protect Takuya from our daily beatdowns with Kiyomasa’s posse.”

“Hah? Kiyomasa? When the hell was this?”

“Before Akkun joined Toman, I had a cousin who was a third year at the same school Kiyomasa was from. We were moronic, trying to play the part of a gang that could fuck up our opposing middle school second years for fun. Word got out we were looking for a fight and it was the third years who delivered. My cousin acted as if we had a chance against them, but it turned out he was just an errand boy for Kiyomasa specifically.” Takemichi paused as a chuckle of utter disgust left his lips, “We lost a lot that day. Our pride, our innocence, our freedom. We all became Kiyomasa’s personal slave boys for the rest of our second year. Fighting at the shrine every evening. I lost a fight one night against some burly third year, enough so Takuya was put in my place the next evening. And that was… well, Takuya is…. he’s soft.”

“Soft?”

“He’s gentle, he could never truly hurt a fly. I guess it makes sense he works as an intel collector for Tokyo Manji now, fighting really isn’t his specialty. Anyway, there was a moment in the bathroom when Akkun released the schedule of the evening. Takuya was supposed to fight this one third year that was known for going too far. He promised to win for me but the look on his face promised something entirely different. I’d seen that look before and I had the destined courage to do something about it. So that evening I stood up against Kiyomasa instead, claiming if I won we were no longer his slaves.”

Mikey’s eyes were glued to the words that left Takemichi’s lips so casually, so reminiscent of sheer pain yet the nonchalance that delivered seemed so incredibly far away. If it weren’t for the darkness of his eyes, Mikey would truly assume Takemichi had no care about this particular recount. But his hands trembled every so slightly against his own skin, and his lips quivered every few moments.

“Technically, I won fair and square.”

“You won?” Mikey asked, a shocked expression leaving his wake.

“Technically, considering I was still standing by the time nightfall came about. We scheduled the remainder of the fight for the next evening, but it never came. As everyone left the shrine, I let my guard down to show my exhausted pride towards Akkun, Takuya, Yamagishi and Makoto. I remember hearing everything but the visuals are still so hazy. One moment we were smiling and the next, I remember Akkun and Takuya screaming my name, but there was a new ringing in my ears and my vision was quick to fade to black. When my vision returned, I was against the dirt, with a knife stuck into my abdomen. Kiyomasa was on top of me, promising my end forever.”

Emotions of true anger, fear, resentment and guilt swirled behind Mikey’s gaze. He refused to interrupt further, but the words that hid behind his teeth had a taste so bitter, acid rose up his throat in tow.

“Mizo brought me to the hospital, where I ended up needing a blood transfusion for any chance of survival. After a week spent in a hospital bed, I found out the slave festivities with Kiyomasa were brought to an end. We never really got a reason, I always assumed Toman found out, considering he was a part of the gang back then.”

Whatever compelled Mikey to capture Takemichi’s scar against his lips was hearsay, but he peppered the scar continuously, desperate to rid Takemichi of any and all pain. Mikey wasn’t one to cry, surely not, but the recount of such a loss, such grief was enough to choke his own emotions humble behind gritted teeth. “The only problem I can recount with Kiyomasa was his disrespect towards his superiors at our meetings. It was Mitsuya’s decision for him and his posse to be kicked out of Toman. He explained their actions had no lineup to my goal with Toman’s creation, so I abided by that but I never asked questions. I was unaware any of this happened.”

“It’s okay, it’s not as if a captain of a gang should have some sort of knowledge of what every member does behind the scenes. Kiyomasa was a lost cause anyway.”

“If it makes you feel any better, Kiyomasa died that next summer.”

“I know,” Takemichi admitted, catching Mikey’s eye of surprise.

“You know?”

“I’m the one who killed him.”

Mikey’s body sat utterly frozen atop Takemichi’s waist, his eyes desperate to find the utter truth written behind Takemichi’s mask. “You?”

“August third.”

“Saving Ken-chin?”

“Yes.”

“How?”

“Adrenaline rush?” Takemichi shrugged, “I had found out Kisaki was after Draken early spring. Without Draken, you’d become vulnerable enough to realize Kisaki’s intentions for Toman credited you full heartedly. I couldn’t let that happen so I plotted and waited until I found out about the fight at the festival. I found Draken on the ground and attempted to carry him to a hospital. Emma called an ambulance but due to the festivities the roads were blocked. We were ambushed by Kiyomasa’s posse, deja vú if you will.”

“Emma? You met my sister?”

“Yes, Hina and Emma were friends.”

For once, Mikey could just stare at Takemichi in response. Not a word could be delivered from his own quivering lips.

“I told you, I know everything. I knew everyone. The only way I could win against Kisaki is if I hid in plain sight. I had my connections, I was just an outsider and I continued to stay hidden from you entirely. It was my only chance.”

“What happened with Kiyomasa?”

“Draken and I put up a fight but his injuries were severe. I had Emma apply pressure while I took on Kiyomasa alone. Desperation was my only tactic for survival, though I fully expected to die in that battle. I managed to get my arms around his neck and I held and held until he stopped fighting, until his body became numb and unresponsive in my grasp. From there, Mizo showed up to fight the rest, which gave me enough time to carry Draken to the ambulance. As you know, I waited for him until you all showed up.”

“You…” Mikey started slowly, “Why did you do all of this? What did it gain you?”

“Your protection.”

“Mine?”

“I’d seen Kisaki ruin lives far before anyone else had. His obsessions were severe, to say anything about his willpower to have you by his side. At first, I wanted to ruin his chances of meeting you just for the hell of it. Then, I met Emma at Hina’s funeral and realized there was another person who needed saving.” Takemichi paused, but the fierceness behind his eyes packed a punch against Mikey’s airflow.

“It was you. You had already lost Shinchiro, I couldn’t let Kisaki take anyone else from you.”

“S-Shinchiro? You met my..”

Takemichi shook his head in response, “No, but I know about everything. I mean, I am the eleventh generation leader of his gang, it’s not as if I wouldn’t learn about the gang’s history.”

Mikey took in all this information slowly and cautiously, recounting every moment he’d personally doubted Kisaki’s intentions for his era of delinquents. Every word that left Takemichi’s lips sacked a punch against his chest, but realistically, it all added up to Kisaki’s shady behavior he’d never been able to figure out. Takemichi really had first hand experience with the true version of Kisaki, the one that Mikey knew existed but could never cater towards.

“Then, what about these?” Mikey asked, his fingers reaching forward to touch the scars that still felt rough and broken. “They’re newer.”

“They are.”

“Who did this?”

“Kisaki.”

As if Mikey could handle any more emotions that shocked him to his core, he forced down the nausea with a trembled swallow. “When?”

“The night you lost Emma and Izana.”

“You were there?”

“Yes.”

“What happened?”

“I couldn’t protect Emma,” Takemichi admitted, tears brimming his waterline as his gaze refused to leave Mikey’s, “I’m so fucking sorry, it all happened so fast.”

“Explain.”

“I had her, we were escaping the mess of the battle, she had come looking for you and Draken. We’d always bonded simply because she had as big of a suspicion of Kisaki’s motive as I. Just as we managed to escape the main road, Kisaki and Izana appeared, but they were on Hanma’s bike. Izana bashed her over the head.”

“I-Izana? No, it was Kisaki.”

“It was under Kisaki’s manipulation, but it was Izana physically.”

When Mikey continued to stare in response, Takemichi continued, “I carried her as far as I could to the hospital, but I couldn’t stop the bleeding. I had already called Draken for help, but you came instead.”

“You were there?”

“It was the first time we met.”

“I don’t remember you being there.”

“I don’t blame you, your attention was exactly where it should have been, on Emma. Before you appeared, Emma asked me for a favor. She asked me to save you.”

Mikey’s hands trembled at Takemichi’s side, his lips quivered in a newfound wake of loss, pain, grief, shock. The emotions bubbled and rippled behind his chest until the mask cracked in half. Before Mikey could manage hiding any further, Takemichi sat up and wrapped his arms around Mikey’s shoulder, bringing his face into the nape of his neck. He could feel Takemichi’s fingers caressing the middle of his back as his shoulders trembled against skin. “I’m sorry,” Takemichi offered, repetitive and soft.

Whether it be the new information, Takemichi’s existence, the warmth of Takemichi’s skin, or the way he delivered such utter loss and grief in his own wake— Mikey wasn’t sure, but the emotions ripped and pooled over his waterline for the first time in over a decade. The last time he could remember having a cry like this was the night he lost Shinichiro for good. Still, Takemichi consoled him without an ounce of negative emotion, without judgement, without insecurity. His hand continued to console his back as he murmured apologies softly against his ear, peppered kisses delivered against his forehead every few moments.

“Tell me about the newer scars,” Mikey demanded, though any reminisce of a bitter tone was directed towards the perpetrator in this situation, not the victim.

“I flatlined, twice.”

That was enough for Mikey to lift up his head, his gaze following every emotion that left a trail across Takemichi’s face.

“Y-You…”

“I was so close to ending Kisaki that night. As soon as you left with Emma, I got intel on where Kisaki was hiding out at. I met him there, we fought and fought until he brought out his gun. I don’t even know where the fuck a fifteen year old kid would have access to something so promising. He shot me once and before I could disarm him completely, he shot me again. He left me there to die, but I had already reached out to Inupi of my whereabouts in case anything were to go wrong. They carried me to the hospital where I was written off as a lost cause until I made a miraculous comeback. After I healed, I left for good. I was scared and I felt so fucking defeated. I’d come so close just to lose and it all just became too much. I’ve been running ever since.”

Mikey managed to compose himself as Takemichi recounted the ending of his trivial revenge plot. It made sense as to why Takemichi was so reserved and so secretive in this current timeline. Everything about his character made sense by the end of the conversation. Although anger and resentment were emotions Mikey held onto strongly throughout the explanation, sadness, pain and guilt spoke so much more volume than anything else. He caught Takemichi’s face between his palms, planting a few kisses against his cheek, the tip of his nose, his chin— anywhere to offer some sort of sentiment.

A promise that he’d listened, understood, and was willing to help Takemichi deliver his final request any way he could.

They lay there for what felt like hours, a comfortable silence with strong emotions in tow. Tears flooded Takemichi’s cheeks until he sobered up against Mikey’s chest, comfortably listening to the sound of Mikey’s beating heart.

A sigh left Takemichi’s lips as reality of the day set in, “I need a favor from you.”

“Oh?”

“I need you to catch Draken and the twins up on everything we discussed last night. Regardless if it’s my fault or not for withholding information for this long, I cannot keep rehashing the past for the sake of new ears.”

“Fine, but where will you be in all this? You speak as if you have plans today.”

“I do,” Takemichi offered, “I’m meeting with Naoto today.”

Mikey sat up quicker than ever, “Who?”

“Hina’s brother, we’re visiting her grave this afternoon.”

Guilt swirled throughout Mikey’s chest as his first thought was something along the lines of ‘that’s an unnecessary plan to have’. He couldn’t help it, Takemichi was finally his and yet he was still so hellbent over his lost lover. The way his eyes sparkled when he spoke of her, the way he first referred to her as his ‘true love’. Jealousy was a shitty emotion to have, but Mikey was born with an overprotective heart and a body that burned to mark what was his. He held back any feelings of resentment, offering a consoling sentiment before they both managed to get dressed for the day.

“Do you want a coffee? I’ll open up shop for a little before I go.”

“Mmm, only if you’ll make a Taiyaki to go with it.”

A smile warmed Takemichi’s cheeks in response, one that had Mikey’s heart beating faster in his chest. “I can do that, what flavor?”

“Surprise me.”

Takemichi offered a nod, sneaking a quick and chaste kiss from Mikey’s lips before he left the room and began his trek to the ground floor. Upon arrival, he wasn’t at all surprised to find a full house practically expecting his arrival. Their obvious looks said it all, Draken and Mitsuya’s wide grins, the Kawata twins who’s expressions almost promised disbelief, Akkun who’s tight lipped expression nearly shedded Takemichi from his skin.

Only Chifuyu made the first move for some sort of innocent and general conversation, “Morning partner, what’s on the menu today?” He asked as he threw an arm around Takemichi’s shoulder, already pulling him away from the Toman members who stood like haunted statues, leaving only their lips and eyes following Takemichi’s movements.

“I might need your help today, can you make sure your schedule is clear for me?”

“Of course, but help with what? What’s going on?”

Takemichi was thankful for the rest of the gang’s interest on other promiscuous topics, considering it left the two to whisper softly without curious ears. “I have a plan to figure out who the insider is, if anything goes wrong, I want you to be there.”

“Sounds good, Takemitchy.”

A smile warmed his lips as he pushed open the shutters of his stall, turning on all the necessities to bake Taiyaki and create caffeine overloads. Perhaps one single minute passed before the rest caved in and began questioning Takemichi of his nightly festivities.

“You look tired, Takemitchy, did you get any sleep?” Mitsuya asked, a shit eating grin plastered on his face.

“I actually did, why?”

“There were a lot of sounds coming from Mikey’s room last night, would you happen to know about that?” Smiley asked, with a usual peppy expression engulfing his physique.

“Fucking loud sounds at that, Takemitchy, you two kept me up all night.” Draken commented, and although his tone delivered annoyance, his grin stated otherwise.

“Did we?” Takemichi shrugged casually, “I didn’t think we were that loud.”

“Ah ha! So you two were together!”

“I mean we were, but we just caught up on various secrets I’ve been withholding. Which by the way, Mikey is supposed to catch you up on,” He offered towards Draken and the twins. “I’d do it but I have some plans today that require my attention.”

“Hah? What secrets? Am I the only one who doesn’t know anything?”

“Hey! Us too! What the hell, Takemitchy? How are we your last resort?”

“It wasn’t intentional.”

Before Takemichi could further calm down the situation at hand, Mikey spawned beside Draken, “What’s this about?”

“Nothing!” Everyone managed to shout in unison, before the conversation dropped to just about anything else. A smirk lifted against Takemichi’s cheek as he crafted drinks to everyone’s liking, watching them sprawl about the lounge room and discuss their own plans for the day.

Throughout the morning, Takemichi managed to give each member a different location he planned on going to that day, all but praying they wouldn’t speak up on that information to anyone else. The plan would surely fail if everyone exposed Takemichi’s faux schemes, and above all, Mikey would not be so happy to find out Takemichi lied about his original whereabouts. Of course, Takemichi was well aware Mikey was absolutely not the insider, but he knew all too well Mikey would refuse Takemichi’s plan to begin with. The possibility of Takemichi in danger all but promised a conversation that would fuck up the objective.

Every destination he ushered to curious ears mentioned how he’d be alone, clearing his head in some sort of abandoned area. Whether it be a shrine, an alley, a railroad track in the countryside, a cemetery, all of it promised a vulnerable Takemichi, perfect for an ambush.

After he finished up his barista duty, he headed upstairs for a quick shower, a change of clothes, and a pep talk that he absolutely would find out who the insider was today. All that was left was sending a text to the original creator of the plan and he was out the door with a new sense of purpose and expectation.

Chapter Text

The wave of nausea that soared through Takemichi’s internal composure spoke louder than the overwhelming thoughts of how likely this plan was to turn out in his disfavor. Why wouldn’t this turn out to be exactly how it seemed? Takemichi was sure the traitor would be found amongst Sanzu’s walls, but the pink haired man had returned without a shred of leads or evidence pointing in Bonten’s direction. Now, after they’d checked out three different spots in hopes of some sort of surprise attack, they— or, Takemichi, reached the final spot of the day with trembling nerves. He couldn’t imagine this to be the outcome.

Please don’t let this be the fucking outcome.

A traitor within the walls of the gang he’d grown to love? The gang he idolized and protected at a young age, even when none of them knew he existed? This couldn’t be real. It had to be a spoof, right? This was all just a necessary precaution. A necessary form of events to prove the traitor is someone entirely different. Perhaps, he’d never even met the source in the first place— maybe all word to Kisaki’s ear was just a measured guess based on Takemichi’s past mistakes. It was likely. It was a nice and shiny penny for thought.

But reality had warped and molded that penny into a truth Takemichi was unwilling to view. If this plan came up empty, truly, Takemichi would return to square one and this entire mission would have been for absolutely nothing. Sanzu already seemed displeased, perhaps he was looking to make a mockery of Takemichi’s heartbreak, or perhaps he was truly just as curious to see who’d have the guts to undermine Sano Manjiro in his own establishment.

Upon their arrival at the abandoned shrine, Takemichi felt a thick atmosphere looming over them. It was suffocating, reminiscent of the way he’d spent the past twelve years cooped up in a one bedroom apartment, desperate for work to disguise the pain that tiptoed behind his chest. Alertness vibrated from his fingertips down to his toes as he glanced around curiously. Nothing was out of the ordinary, a few stray citizens making use of the abandoned lawn, cutting in and out of the grass to create the appeal of shorter travel.

“How is this the last location?” Sanzu asked as he equally took in the view around them, “I thought I told you to not pick favorites.”

“I didn’t, but I combined two and two together. If Draken had a different story of where I was with Mikey, Mikey would have ruined this plan, you and I both know that. Mitsuya was with me last night when I came clean about the entirety of my past and I’m not sure how much Hakkai knows but it’s definitely more than the average person there. It was a smart move to put them together. The twins were obviously going to be paired together, which just leaves Akkun.”

“What about Matsuno?”

“He’s on call in case things go awry, he’s obviously not the traitor.”

“How do you know?”

“That he’s not the traitor? I just know.”

“Fuck, you’re such a fucking moron.” Sanzu grumbled. “So who’s location is this? Atsushi?”

“No, and I’m not going to tell you. It’ll compromise the mission.”

When Sanzu offered no response, silence settled upon them as they waited the next few minutes for some sort of interaction. The stillness of this last location was uncomfortable. It felt as if they were both somewhere they weren’t supposed to be. He could have sworn the two stragglers that had just passed by them disappeared, but suddenly they were standing at the edge of the park. He swallowed back the acid that begged to escape his throat— this couldn’t be right. Please let this be a fluke.

But his intuition spoke louder, the bubbly anticipation and the obvious atmosphere that laced thick for his own demise. Without a second thought, Takemichi spoke the address of their whereabouts to the speaker of his phone. As soon as his message was conveyed to his partner in crime, he hung up the phone and dropped his gaze on Sanzu who had a slow curled smirk forming amongst his features. “Well, would you look at that? It was your own words that brought us here, hm? Tell me, who’s betraying you right now, Takemichi?”

A wicked laugh echoed throughout Takemichi’s skull as the two men had now doubled, quadrupled— multiplied. High smirks rode their proud, brainwashed faces as they made their way through the trees. Warmth kissed his waterline as stone cold truth began to settle in. Danger was approaching and all Takemichi could think about was just whose ear he’d whispered this location to that same morning. The shockwaves this created could only be described as a knife that dug a hole so deep in his chest, oxygen became harder to absorb with each passing second.

“Get a fucking grip, Takemichi,” Sanzu ordered underneath his breath, his eyes never leaving the approaching opposers.

He was right.
Regardless of who had been selling out his information to Kisaki, none of it would matter if he died by the hands of useless pawns. He sucked in a harsh breath as his eyes finally settled on the men that stood before him. He blinked back the hot tears that threatened to spill at any moment as vicious words sent chills across his skin.

“I never thought I’d see the day I got to kill our masters award winning prize, what an honor.” One of the men spat, which ensued a loud conversation of just who was the most honored of them all.

Master.

So this really wasn’t a fluke.

This was an active betrayal in the works.

It was becoming increasingly more difficult to wrap his head around this outcome, even as the men stood right before him with promises of his end. His fingers twitched and fidgeted against the hem of his shirt as he made a mental headcount of Kisaki’s pawns standing before him.

Thirty? Forty?

In hindsight, the number of men Kisaki had sent out to take care of him felt rewarding. Was his presence that much of a threat? Enough so to send a whole fleet rather than a few overly buff men?

Takemichi’s hands balled into stilled fists as he forced himself to focus on how he would get out of this alive, rather than who’d put him in this mess in the first place. Sanzu looked hysterical, the same excitement that he’d shown the night he held Takemichi at gunpoint. At the very least, he could surely rely on Sanzu to sweep out most, if not all of the pawns on this particular chessboard.

“Is Kisaki really that scared of me?” Takemichi forced out through gritted teeth, shooting a look in Sanzu’s direction, “I don’t know about you, but I think I should feel proud.”

“Huh? What the fuck did you just say, you little shit?” One of the men responded, anger engulfing his form all too quickly.

“I mean, it’s just us two here against forty of you. So either Kisaki’s absolutely terrified of me or you all are so fucking weak it takes fifty of you to match up the strength of one person.” A faux smile grew onto his lips, “Honestly, either way I think I’m the honored one. Though, unfortunately for you, I’ll admit the outcome of this situation isn’t going to deliver the same expectation Kisaki ordered from all of you.”

“Oi! Seems I didn’t miss much,” a voice came from Takemichi’s left, one that managed to bring a genuine smile upon his stone cold physique. “What are these pansies standing around for? Shouldn’t we be fighting?”

“I was just thinking the same thing,” Takemichi admitted, earning a nod from both Chifuyu and Sanzu.

“Enough with the chit chat, let’s kill some sorry bitches!” Sanzu declared as he charged forward, making an indent against the large crowd instantaneously. Chifuyu and Takemichi followed suit, Chifuyu weaving his way through the left side while Takemichi took focus on the middle group head on. Fighting was never his speciality, everyone knew that, but he was relentless and never ever backed down from his own fear. A delivered punch to his jaw, to his nose, his stomach— none of it really had that much effect on him if he continued to spring right back up anyway.

This time around, though, despite not being in a physical brawl in over a decade— the emotions created by this particular event seemed to shoot a bolt of adrenaline behind Takemichi’s physical deliveries. It wasn’t as coordinated as Chifuyu or Sanzu’s attacks were, but it was clear as day no one anticipated a reality where Takemichi would actually be able to pack quite a few punches against vital body parts.

Throats, noses, stomachs,

Takemichi wasn’t fighting for the aesthetic of it all, he was fighting for their very own survival. To send a message out to Kisaki that mere pawns would never be enough to stop his underlying mission. His vision was surely getting hazy at the amount of brutal hits he managed to receive against his face, but he’d be absolutely damned to fuck this all up over an issue as minor as combat leveling.

Cornered. He was absolutely cornered by four, clearly strong men towering over his crumpled, bloody and bruised body.

“You talk a lot of shit for someone who can’t even fight alone. You had me scared for a second, I thought being immersed with the Invincible Mikey you’d actually managed to stop being a pussy.” The man’s tone boomed with a gargled laugh, “Turns out I was scared for nothing.”

“Yeah? And look at you, throwing your life away to work under someone as pansy as Kisaki. If I’m so fucking weak, did you ever stop to wonder why Kisaki isn’t here killing me himself? I mean really, what’s all this if I’m such an easy catch in the water anyway?”

“What the fuck did you just say?”

Just as Takemichi looked to lurch his way forward, the four men that stood above him now lay choking on their own spit amongst the sidewalk. Once Takemichi was able to draw his eyes away from the bloody sight, he met Chifuyu’s fierce gaze in front of him. Blood gushed from his nostrils but a smile shone proud and bright, a polar opposite between one’s physical versus mental state.

“I’ll give it to you, partner, you really can’t fight for shit but you sure know how to piss someone the fuck off,” a grin morphed against his features as a warm laugh itched Takemichi’s brain in just the right way.

“S-Shut up,” Takemichi stuttered, warmth kissing his cheeks in second hand embarrassment, “If they’re going to kill me, they’re going to have to deal with my internal dialogue first.”

Another laugh boomed out of Chifuyu’s vocal chords as he threw an arm around Takemichi’s shoulders, pulling him against his side, “You sure do got that going for you, Takemitchy.”

Before Takemichi could settle into this comfortable bubble created by Chifuyu’s gaze alone, he took in their surroundings with a slowly grown smile. Sanzu and Chifuyu had managed to sweep out every last body in the park. Blood and bodily matter lay dispersed against hot concrete, enough to emit a smell that startled Takemichi straight with flashbacks he worked desperately to not relive every waking second.

Sanzu returned at his side like a sudden apparition, though his maniac high was enough to knock Takemichi into realization that Sanzu’s excitement of this betrayal was not to make a mockery of his own pain, but to kill as mercilessly as he pleased.

“Mikey’s going to fucking kill us,” Chifuyu offered with a hearty sigh, “I wish you would have protected your face more, Takemitchy, we can’t really get away with hiding this.”

“Hah? As if I would ever stoop so low to hide my face during a fight.”

“Why are you saying that all high and mighty like you actually contributed anything to this? All you did was talk shit and get hit.” A laugh boomed from Sanzu’s composition as he took in the damage Takemichi managed to flaunt so distastefully. “You’re a moron.”

“Yeah, yeah whatever, let’s go back to headquarters, I have some confrontation to do before I decide backing out is the better option.”

“You fucking coward, tell me who the fuck the traitor is so I can act like I don’t know anything in front of Mikey.” Sanzu spat as they began their trek as far away from the shrine as absolutely possible.

The name bubbled against his chest, severing through his blood vessels and vital organs like a double edged sword. As many times as he opened his mouth to speak, the silence that followed after was clear to the both of them just how vital this particular name was. Each syllable managed to rip a piece of his heart out and dispose of it, wherever it deemed fit.

It was quiet, so piercingly quiet Takemichi was vaguely aware of the sounds his heartbeat created against his eardrums.

Then, like a bullet straight to his heart— the detrimental scream of pure white noise,

“It’s Atsushi, isn’t it?”

Takemichi visibly froze within his step, causing the other two to come to a slow halt. Chifuyu’s eyes burned to read every emotion that lay exposed against Takemichi’s face. Every quiver of his lip, every tremble and fidget of his fingers, every shade that darkened or lightened against his blue orbs. All of it seemed to convey the message— to deliver the definitive answer, the agreement, though unspoken.

Sanzu looked as indifferent as ever, but the fact he wasn’t spewing out words laced with hatred or mockery spoke more volumes than Takemichi was physically able to digest. His breath was quick to fall rapid, unable to follow that one consistent oxygen flow that kept his body functioning to a normal degree. Before he was able to register that lack of breath control, Takemichi heard his own gasps for air reverberate ever so deafening within his own ears.

“Takemitchy,” Chifuyu attempted to call out, pleading with the mess of emotions before him, “Takemitchy! Breathe!” Both his hands fell on Takemichi’s shoulders as he forced him to maintain eye contact, attempting to imitate a slow inhale and exhale process. The rush in his stomach made his legs feel as if they were to give out at any given second, it was uncomfortable, painful, a yearn to erase what information he managed to uncover just by the appearance of manipulated men.

“C-Chifuyu, I—“ Takemichi choked out, spitting out bloody residue inflicted from his bruises and bloody punches, “W-What am I supposed to do? H-How can I— How do I deal with this?”

“Takemitchy, forget that for right now. Just close your eyes for me,” Chifuyu demanded with a new sense of urgency, one that almost promised Takemichi had unlocked a new achievement:

Make others worry about how you handle your own emotions.

As if he could handle another emotion on top of all the others that were currently creating a category five tsunami within his chest.

Guilt.
Shameful, sorrow-filled, guilt.

He followed Chifuyu’s orders, letting his eyes fall closed, becoming increasingly aware of how vulnerable he currently painted himself with each shake and tremble against his own skin.

“Now take a breath, a nice and steady inhale,” Chifuyu directed softly, imitating the sounds of a calm, collected breathing pattern. Takemichi sucked in a breath and held it for a few good seconds before he released that fragmented agony into the world again. “Good, good Takemitchy, just like that. Do it again.”

Takemichi continued the breathing exercise until his own heartbeat sounded calmer in his ears and felt softer against his chest. He slowly opened his eyes to take in the emotions painted so clearly across Chifuyu’s face—

sorrow, regret, anger, confusion, stress, empathy.

Sanzu had not an ounce of emotion written across his face but Takemichi supposed that was for the better. At the very least, he was unusually quiet for such a highlighted downfall.

“When we get home, your focus is to find out why. Force yourself to store away all the heartbreak and betrayal you feel right now, you will not get the information you need in this cloudy, emotional state. Remember to breathe and ask him what he’s gaining from banding with Kisaki. I’ve known Atsushi for most of my life, it’s hard for me to wrap my brain around this too, but there has to be a bigger reason for all of this, okay? We’ll deal with this together, partner, but you need to fight off this dark shit that’s trying to pull you under. Now is not the time for that.”

Takemichi’s eyes never left Chifuyu as he spoke such sensible words, encrypted with true devotion, real worry of his own feelings. Tears managed to run shamelessly down his cheeks but before he could taste salt against bruised lips, the tears were caught and swiped away by Chifuyu’s soft thumbs. After moments of pure silence, mostly for Takemichi’s sake as he experienced his partner’s words over and over to gain responsibility for his next set of actions, he released a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.

“Okay,” was all he managed in agreement, allowing himself to lean against Chifuyu’s side as they continued their short walk back to headquarters.

“I’m not going to tell Mikey,” Sanzu commented as they stopped outside the front doors. “But be sure to reiterate that I didn’t do this to you. I know your stupid ass already told him what I did the other night, you’re lucky I haven’t killed you myself.”

Despite Sanzu’s very real threats, the smallest of smiles made a quick appearance against Takemichi’s lips. He nodded in agreement, “You two stay behind me a little, let me go in first.”

The two offered curt nods as Takemichi stepped into the building, instantly engulfed in obnoxiously loud conversations buzzing throughout the main floor.

“Shouldn’t Takemitchy be back by now? Also, have we heard from Chifuyu? He just got up and left hours ago and he hasn’t been answering my calls.” Mitsuya asked aloud.

“Chifuyu did? When?”

“Like I said, literally hours ago. He said he was waiting on an important phone call and twenty minutes later he was gone.”

“Wait, did you guys hear the front door alarm just now? I bet it’s Takemitchy, maybe he’ll know where Chifuyu is.”

“Hah? Why the fuck would Takemitchy know where Chifuyu is?” Mikey spat, clearly unamused with whatever insinuation that topic would ensue.

Takemichi released one final shaky breath before he turned the corner and entered Toman’s line of sight. “Before you all say anything, let me just say that this isn’t what it looks like.” Takemichi paused, “actually, it is, but it was out of my own accord. It’s not as if I left here today without the knowledge that I’d come back looking like this. So before we all overreact, I’m fine, and,” Takemichi paused as Chifuyu and Sanzu appeared at his side, “despite my confidence to get involved with stupid shit, I would be dead if it weren’t for these two.”

“Are you fucking kidding me? Again? Takemitchy, what the fuck is up with you? Do you have an actual death wish?” Draken shouted, stress clearly shattering through his calm demeanor.

“I—“

“No actually, don’t even bother explaining, it’s not like you would tell me the truth anyway, right? That’s why I had to hear everything from Mikey this morning?”

“It’s not like that,” Takemichi responded instantly, guilt bubbling up his chest as his eyes refused to fall on his childhood best friend. But before he could continue further, Mikey was in front of him, his gaze hardened as fire practically engulfed his form.

“What the fuck is the meaning of this? Where were you?”

“I can’t tell you that.”

“Why?”

“I just can’t.”

“You said you were going to Hinata’s grave, why is Chifuyu with you? And what is he doing here?” Mikey asked, his line of sight falling onto Sanzu, “Did he do this to you?”

“No. I already said they had nothing to do with it. Sanzu and I had a plan to find out who the mole was but it all went to shit. I called Chifuyu for backup.”

As if words could physically slap someone, Mikey’s physical reaction personified that very scenario. “You were in danger and your first thought was to call him and not me?”

“Jesus fuck, it’s not fucking about that Mikey,” Takemichi spat, clear anxiety attempting to drag him down into his own dreadful demise. “Stop assuming that any other person I talk to is some outlet for romantic feelings, do I look like I fuck around with everything that moves? I mean for fuck’s sake, I’ve only ever been with two people? One of them is dead and the other is you, so what’s the fucking problem?” Perhaps, this was the worst decision ever. Each word managed to morph into misdirected anger and to make matters increasingly worse, Mikey’s emotions were getting harder and harder to read. “I never asked you to worry about me. If you’re going to act this way when you do, then don’t.”

Takemichi let his gaze bore into Mikey’s just a little longer, an unspoken apology for words that weren’t meant for him— at all. He stepped around Mikey’s rigid form, ignoring the various questions and words being thrown his way, begging for an explanation. His feet stopped moving as soon as Akkun’s body came into view, though he looked blurry and hazy from Takemichi’s indirect line of sight. “Can we talk for a minute? In private.”

“Y-Yeah, of course, Takemichi,” Akkun responded softly, though Takemichi was sure his hesitance was rooted by the tension he managed to create with Mikey, rather than the expectation that Takemichi had figured out the truth. Takemichi moved to lead the way, actively avoiding Mitsuya’s reaching hand or Draken’s stone wall.

“Hah? Where the fuck are you going now? We’re not done talking.” Draken asked, clear anger laced within his octaves.

“We’ll be back, but Jesus christ just give me some space?” Takemichi managed to bark back before nausea rose up his throat, desperate to claw up his tongue and through the gap between his teeth. He did his best to remember Chifuyu’s words, to focus on the situation at hand and not how his disaster fire of emotions managed to fuck this up more than it should have. Ignoring the look on Mikey’s face that begged to be the center of attention, Takemichi led Akkun to the garage connected to the outpost of the building.

It was strange that Akkun had yet to speak up but he supposed he could be grateful for the silence, giving him the much needed time to sort out how he would go about this. As soon as they entered the room, Takemichi spun on his heels to face Akkun, his hands falling on the other’s buttoned down shirt. “Do you trust me?”

“What? Of course I do, Takemichi. But, are you okay? What happened to you? Who did this to you?” Akkun’s fingers felt ever so heavy against his cheeks, attempting to brush bruised skin. As if Takemichi could handle feeling any more choked about this, he swatted at Akkun’s hands, “D-Don’t do that, don’t lie to me.” Before Akkun could muster another word, Takemichi began unbuttoning his shirt. “Lie to you? Hey— wait, what are you doing?”

“Just… give me a second,” Takemichi offered softly. Despite the desperation of the possible answer before him, his hands were gentle until every last button popped undone. Without a second thought, his fingers gripped the edge of the hem as he ripped the material apart.

“Hey! Takemichi, what the hell? What are you doing!?” His hand fell onto Takemichi, desperate to pry bruised fingers off his destroyed shirt, Takemichi found exactly what he expected to find. Not what he wanted to find, not what he hoped to find, but exactly what he assumed. He ripped the corded wire out from the stitching, attempting to let his emotional mask create the most apathetic look possible.

He ripped the tiny microphone off from the wire and smashed it against the concrete before he allowed his eyes to take in Akkun’s features.

“How long?”

When silence greeted him back, Takemichi spoke up again, “How long have you been working for Kisaki?”

“T-Takemichi..”

“Just tell me.”

“F-Five years, technically.”

Five years?

“What do you mean technically?”

“He made me his errand boy throughout Toman but I managed to escape that position until five years ago.”

“What changed?”

“H-He…” Akkun started, though the words died in his throat as tears flowed carelessly down his cheeks, “T-Takemichi, please..” Akkun’s hands reached to hold onto the other, whether it was his face or his hands, Takemichi wasn’t sure— but he swiftly avoided any chance of physical contact, creating a new distance between them that made his own body physically ill at the sight.

“Don’t, just talk to me. He’s not listening, unless you’re hiding another wire?”

Akkun managed to vigorously shake his head in return as heartbreak began to canvas so beautifully across his image. “How did you figure it out?”

“As if this is some detective game, Akkun, seriously? Don’t ask me that, just tell me what I want to know. Why did you start working for him in the first place?”

“I…” Akkun started, before he visibly swallowed the wave of nausea that peaked behind his eyes. “He said that he’d kill you if I didn’t cooperate. It was right after you disappeared, I figured he had you somewhere. I was so scared, Takemichi, I didn’t know what to expect. As time went on, I realized you really were nowhere to be found. The errands he sent me on proved he had no idea where you were, either. After I managed to figure that out, I hightailed out of Toman until Mikey brought me back on a promise to take Kisaki out of the admin position.”

Takemichi listened to every word, his eyes glued to Akkun’s face as every syllable seemingly created a picture against thick air. “Mikey knew?”

“No, not really, but when he brought me back he had a hunch I left because of Kisaki.”

“Okay, then what? What changed five years ago to make you willingly go back to him?”

“I have a child, Takemichi.”

His eardrums popped as fast as a fabricated punch slammed into his stomach. His mask was so quick to shatter, so quick to unveil true emotions that signified pure shock, pure fear, pure anger— and above all, pure and utter agony. He sucked in a hearty breath as he forced himself to move forward, despite the new information that did absolute fucking wonders to shatter and crackle every beating piece inside him.

“What did he do?”

“He has them held captive somewhere, I— I’ve never been able to figure out where. He lets me see them every month, but I’m drugged the second I arrive at his place and I only wake when we’re in a darkened room. It’s somewhere off the water, I know that, I— Takemichi, please—“ Akkun pleaded, desperate for some sort of physical affection, a grasp that this friendship wasn’t soiled and severed.

“Akkun, I—“ Takemichi backed away once more, allowing his own tears to stream rapidly down his cheeks, matching Akkun’s exact physique like a two sided mirror. “Just, stay away from me for a second, okay? I- I can’t— right now.” He mustered strength, courage to continue an already broken conversation. “Why haven’t you told anyone? Why didn’t you tell Mikey?”

“I couldn’t. He fucking has eyes and ears everywhere, I’ve already tried that before and I almost lost everything. I can’t lose my family, Takemichi.”

“But you can lose me?”

“N-No, I don’t— I didn’t mean it like that.”

“You had forty men sent after me today and you’re saying you didn’t mean it?”

“I—“ Akkun choked on another hearty sob as emotions practically ripped his face anew. “T-Takemichi, I love you. I’ve always loved you. I was so fucking worried about you and I know this paints me as an ultimate betrayal, but I didn’t know what else to do.”

Anger licked the roof of his mouth, pleading to escape his tight lipped frown and speak out harsh words of utter resentment and affliction. He dug his hands into his pockets as his fingers flexed into defensive fists. “Akkun, just answer me one thing, honestly, when you all came to my coffee shop that night, was that Kisaki’s plan?”

Silence filled the room, the only sounds flooding the air came from the man’s constant sniffling and trembling breaths. “Yes.”

Takemichi thought he could get through this conversation in one piece— but he was far from right. In fact, he was so far away from that reality he’d forgotten how to breathe. He choked and gasped and shook violently against his own skin, vaguely aware of Akkun attempting to touch him— console him, only for his own feet to move swiftly out of every potential graze. His world was collapsing for the second time this past month and of course it had everything to do with Kisaki Tetta. He forced oxygen into his lungs through his nose and out of his mouth repetitively until the tingling sensations in his hands began to dissipate. “Okay, this is the plan, I’m going to rescue your family and then I’m going to kill Kisaki. Do not say shit about this to anyone, don’t act like we’re not good in front of everyone, and don’t you dare hold out on me when I come back to you for more information.”

“W-What, Takemichi? Are we not good? I had no other choice.”

“Don’t. Look, I’m sorry Kisaki has your family, truly I am— but I can’t look at you the same right now. I can’t even breathe the same air as you. But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to get your justice back for you. You will have your family back, I owe you that much, at least. Not a word of this to Kisaki, got it? This is between you and me. I won’t out you to anyone as long as you keep this sealed.”

Akkun looked broken and worn, like a collection of vintage vinyls settled in dust and decay upon one’s forgotten attic space. The look that engulfed his features officially tore Takemichi’s heart into two, despite the bitter words that left his lips. Disdain managed to personify within Takemichi’s gaze even when his own mind begged him to console Akkun— to ease his pain and promise they would get through this, together. The tears came faster now, unable to stop despite the excessive blinks Takemichi conveyed. “I’ll talk to you later.”

Before Akkun could utter another word, he slipped out of the room. A few hundred yards and he could break down in silence. All he had to do was get past the first floor and he’d be freed. He clenched his fingers tighter in his pockets as he stepped back into the main floor, looking to avoid confrontation that had absolutely no means to allow him the same grace.

“Takemitchy, stop.” Draken spoke the mere second his foot landed within the designated area of their unfortunate company.

His movements froze before he turned to face the other with a gaze of pure and utter defeat. Draken’s flinch said it all— if not for the quick glance at everyone else’s pure reaction. “What now?”

“Can we please fucking talk about this? I mean, Takemitchy, we’re just worried about you. You can have as many secrets as you need for your own survival, but you’ve grown on all of us. We just want to make sure you’re okay.”

“Do I look okay to you? Do I have to openly speak up about my emotions to everyone like I’m some walking tragedy case? Am I that fragile? Is my pain really that rewarding for your empathetic hearts?”

“T-Takemitchy,” Mitsuya started slow, standing from his position as he walked cautiously up to Draken’s side, “Look, I don’t know what happened today, but none of us are blaming you for anything—“

“I never said you were.”

“Leave the crybaby to do what he does best.” Sanzu spoke, though his gaze was settled on the nearest wall on the opposing side.

It was the one time Takemichi had ever felt grateful for the use of such a derogatory nickname.

As everyone stood agape, words lodged in their throats, clear worry to agitate a sensitive Takemichi any further— he turned and made it one step, two, before his own body froze against the carpet. A sigh left his lips as he spun back on his heels and weaved through everyone’s position. His feet finally stopped when he reached Mikey, who sat perched upon a table, his gaze glued to the floor. Takemichi lowered his head until his forehead fell softly onto Mikey’s shoulder, leaving the next few words for Mikey’s ear alone.

“I’m sorry,” Takemichi mustered sincerely, his voice cracking as words so painstakingly important shook off his lips entangled in a shattered sob. “I didn’t mean what I said earlier, I hope you know that.”

Mikey made no sort of effort to move from his position, the only twitch Takemichi noticed through tear-filled eyes was Mikey’s hand flexing into a clenched fist.

“Please come upstairs with me.”

“No.”

Takemichi released a shaky breath at Mikey’s clear and distinctive answer. “Okay,” he agreed softly, letting his fingers graze against the others fist before he turned and left the room without another word. It wasn’t until the elevators closed shut that he was capable to fall to his knees.

Chifuyu counted seven seconds after Takemichi’s departure before he spun on his heels and locked his targeted sight on Mikey’s self pity party. “Are you fucking kidding me, Mikey? What the fuck is wrong with you?”

“Hah? Chifuyu, what the hell?” Draken shouted in return, quick to take up Mikey’s defense.

“Shut up, I’m not talking to you.” Chifuyu’s feet carried him forward until he stopped just in front of the other’s sulking position. “Fucking look at me.”

Mikey raised his head slowly, the look in his gaze promising a precise warning at Chifuyu’s following words. “What are you doing? Go after him!”

“Why should I?”

“Because he’s fucking unwell? He fucking needs you, for once in his fucking entire stay here he reaches out to someone for help and you have the audacity to say no?”

Mikey shrugged in response, clearly uninterested in Chifuyu’s point.

“Fine, then I’m going.”

“Hah? Going where?”

“Where the fuck do you think? If you’re not going to take care of Takemitchy, I will.”

“Excuse me? He doesn’t need you.”

“He fucking needs someone! Oh boo fucking hoo, he said shit he didn’t mean when he was angry. As if you have any right to play victim when you express your heartbreak the same way? You of all people should have been able to see through his mask, Mikey! It’s like looking into a fucking mirror! Now either you get your sorry ass up and go see him or I fucking will.”

“I dare you.”

“Tch,” Chifuyu clicked his tongue, “Watch me.” He spun on his heels, already counting down the seconds until a hand forcefully came to his shoulder and shoved him aside. He caught the wall and spun quickly on his heels, the ferocity of his own gaze matching the ones that stared right back up at him.

“Don’t fucking touch him.”

“Then you go fucking take care of him before he fucking succumbs to his own grief and we lose him for good.”

Mikey stared for a few seconds longer at the gaze that shot daggers against his own skin. It was one thing for Chifuyu to speak up for Takemichi but another thing when he’d speak words of defiance so desperately. Beyond the itching irritation that begged to have ownership of this situation, Chifuyu’s reactions based on Takemichi’s mental appearance managed to scare the absolute shit out of Mikey. He was confused, lost, and so entirely out of the loop— and all he had to show for it was evading Takemichi’s one and only request. Without a second thought, he turned on his heels and headed for the elevator. His own thoughts buzzed ever so loudly in his eardrums as he reached the fifth floor. He headed down the hall with faux ease and pushed open Takemichi’s door without the thought of offering a knock.

Takemichi was nowhere in sight but before Mikey could find it within himself to overreact, he took note of the slightly ajar bathroom door. The light was on and after a quick reminder that his ears were filled with his own violent thoughts, he managed to hear the water running. He closed the door behind him as he walked carefully to the next door and entered the room. There, Takemichi sat in the tub, fully clothed, as water showered down overhead— the balls of his palms dug deep into the crevice of his eye sockets.

Mikey swallowed the heavy acid that dared to escape his throat as he took note of just how viciously Takemichi trembled despite the steam that suffocated the bathroom. Mikey paused, finding himself in a position where he— for once, had no idea what to do. After he watched Takemichi for some time, he acted on impulse. He stepped over the wall of the tub and sat across from the other, allowing his own clothed body to be immersed in scalding hot water.

It seemed that physical movement finally did the trick to capture Takemichi’s attention. His hands lifted from his eyes, casting a gaze that managed to punch Mikey’s own stomach repeatedly. Mikey rested his chin against his knees as his gaze held Takemichi’s captive. They both made no move to speak and instead just allowed the silent misery to absorb any chance at conversation. Mikey wasn’t sure just how long they sat like that, he hadn’t even noticed when the water had begun to run cold instead. Tears hadn’t left Takemichi’s face since the moment Mikey sat down, but the other was far from any sort of ‘okay’ in Mikey’s book.

It was clear there was some sort of internal war going on inside his head that Mikey wasn’t allowed to take part in. The thought hurt— the reality stung, but what bothered him the most was the fact this situation made him realize he truly didn’t know Takemichi, at all. It seemed as if Mikey just existed in a time space that saw the same sides of Takemichi that everyone else saw. But this? This was new, this was different, and this was absolutely more terrifying than Mikey ever anticipated. The only way Mikey knew how to console was with his own body— through sexual fantasies and faux realities. But when he casted his gaze upon Takemichi, none of that came to mind. Instead, he looked to offer company with his own misery combatted alongside true grief. It was as comfortable as it was uncomfortable.

Despite sitting right in front of him, Mikey felt more alone than he’d ever felt in his life. To say anything about how Takemichi truly felt behind this fractured mask.

After words spun and spun around his head like a cotton candy machine, Mikey finally opened his mouth up to speak.

But before a word could drop off his tongue, he was engulfed in the words that left Takemichi’s lips instead.

Specifically, the exact words that ripped Mikey’s heart strings in half.

“I love you.”

Mikey lips quivered at the seriousness that practically shot through his own chest. He needed more— he yearned to hear more, but at the same time, he was almost positive his troubled mind was playing some sort of sick joke on him.

“I’m sure you heard Koko and Inupi’s words last night about how long I’ve had feelings for you.”

“I thought they were just fucking with you.”

“They were but the words they spoke were far from a joke. I fell in love with you at first sight.”

“When?”

“The first day I decided to stop running from my problems with Kisaki. A month before I joined the Black Dragons.” After Mikey made no move to comment, Takemichi continued, “To answer your question from last night, truthfully, that’s exactly why I avoided ever meeting with you in the past.”

“Why?”

“Because I knew you would fall in love with me too.”

“And that is a problem… because?”

“You would kill anyone for me without me having to ever ask. You’re protective, you’re relentless, and you don’t think twice about your own actions. Kisaki could have easily been killed by now, Hina could have been avenged, but for once I wanted to take matters into my own hand. I knew if I got close to you that reality would be impossible. Our current scenario proves that.”

Mikey opened his mouth to speak on multiple occasions but the words died in the back of his throat. Of course it was true, Mikey would do absolutely anything to ensure Takemichi’s safety over his own. It was hard for his own mind to wrap around the fact others had as strong of a notion to fix their own problems as he did. He’d grown up taking his friends' troubles onto his own back, defeating the problems with his own bare hands with a promised friendship and companionship in return. Takemichi was different.

He was difficult.

Despite forming this alliance with Tokyo Manji and his past peers within the Black Dragons, it was slowly becoming a clear image that Takemichi never had plans for everyone to be involved. It was all precautionary— a faux promise of a team that he’d never actually stand on the same battlefield with. The thought was enough to feel thousands of bullet wounds pelt every vital organ within his body.

Takemichi really meant to suffer through all of this, alone.

“Do you believe in ‘the one’, Takemitchy?”

“In love?”

“Yes.”

“I did and then I didn’t. After losing Hina, I lost all hope for that divine belief system. We were supposed to be together forever, I’ve loved her since we were children. But how is one to think so objectively when their love is ripped from their hands? Just like that? I don’t necessarily think that means we weren’t meant to be, but I think it means that she wasn’t the one for me in this lifetime. I spent the past decade living by that idea, living by that justification for my own pain. But there was always just something about you. Even after I left the Black Dragons for good, you were all I ever thought about. I was worried for you, I kept tabs on you, and not a day went by where I didn’t regret ever speaking with you back then.”

“But you acted as if you didn’t know me when I came into your shop that night.”

“I almost ran out the second I saw you, actually. It took everything in me to not keep eye contact with you. Mikey, you’re…” Takemichi paused to find his wording, “intoxicating. I can promise you that anywhere you go, everyone in that room is looking only ever at you. Which is why, I cannot be as honest with you as you want me to be. If you came to me with a problem, I would easily do anything in this world to take that suffering away from you. Is that not how you feel for me? I can’t let you take responsibility for my own fate. All of my own suffering would have been for nothing if you took over my feud with Kisaki.”

“Takemitchy, this isn’t fair.”

“I know it’s not, but this is why we were never supposed to meet. This is why I asked to continue working my other job so I wouldn’t ever run into you. I actively avoided you but my feelings grew stronger every second I spent here. Inupi said that I have to stop living my life for the sole purpose of taking down Kisaki but I’m afraid that reality just isn’t meant for me. The only reason I’m still here is to avenge Hina. I’m not meant for all this friendship and relationship connection, this body means nothing to me.”

“If you’re willing,” Takemichi continued, “to deal with this broken reality of me, I won’t stop you. But from here on out, it’s not as if we’re going to be able to continue this relationship the way we did last night. I’m already risking too much expressing to everyone how much you mean to me. Kisaki’s surely already caught on. I won’t risk you for the sake of experiencing some sort of normalcy. I ask you to do the same for me.”

“And if I don’t?” Mikey shot back, his fingers trembling within his own grasp. “Who are you to sit in front of me and tell me how I should or shouldn’t feel about you, Takemitchy? You can speak about your agenda and how our relationship doesn’t align all you want, but your argument is one-sided and you refuse to see that you have more potential than just exterminating Kisaki. Did you ever even think to ask what I want out of this?”

“No, because I can’t give you what you want.”

“And what is it that you think I want?” Mikey asked, extending his legs until he was able to comfortably sit upon his knees. “Tell me.”

“You want my sincere honesty which I’ve already stated I clearly can’t give to you without you getting involved. You want some sort of ownership over me considering how jealous you act upon my relationships with anyone else but you. I also cannot give you that, considering, I don’t even give a fuck enough about my being to begin with. What is it you want from me, Mikey? When I’m this empty shell of a carcass— it’d make sense if you were full of life, willing to put in that time and effort to rebuild me but you’re not. You’re as fucking broken as I am, it’s the only reason we’ve ever been able to click the way we do.”

Mikey processed the words that left Takemichi’s lips, the bitterness within his own gaze that managed to pull Mikey closer— mentally and physically. His hands fell on either side of the tub as he hovered over Takemichi, never once letting his gaze fall away from Takemichi’s face. Too many emotions would be missed if Mikey even dared to blink. “You’re right, I do want your honesty and I do want everyone who looks at you to know that you’re mine. But beyond that, what I want from you is to use me for as long as you can.”

“W-What? What do you mean for as long as I can?”

“I don’t care what your end goal is and I don’t care how you get there. Whatever shit you do behind closed doors obviously warrants my presence no need. But I want you, I want these moments with just you. I won’t lose you without ever getting to experience undeniably you. So, use me to your advantage, whether it’s for physical or mental reasons— just use me. I’m at your disposal even if you’re never at mine.”

“But why— that doesn’t make any sense, Mikey. You can’t tell me you’re breaking your own heart with those words. You’re a man of control, this option gives you none of that.”

“I don’t care. Tell me Takemitchy, how did you feel when you took Kiyomasa’s life, hm?”

“Kiyomasa? W-What? Where is that coming from? What does he have to do with anything?”

“Just answer the question.”

“I don’t know, I was bustling on adrenaline.”

“Don’t lie to me. After you left Ken-chin at the hospital, what did you do?”

“I went home.”

“And did what?”

He watched as Takemichi swallowed underneath his gaze, “I cried.”

“Why?”

“Because I fucking killed someone. I kept thinking why would I have a right to be so upset over Kisaki taking the life of someone I knew, when I so easily took the life of someone others knew in a different way than I had. Sure, I doubt he was a nice person to anyone else, but it’s not like I have that in written proof?”

“Okay, so really when you kill Kisaki what do you expect to feel?” Mikey questioned.

“I—“ Takemichi started then stopped, calculating his words shown through the subtle movements of his gaze. “I don’t know. All I know is he doesn’t deserve to be here. He’s a threat to all of us, not just me. I won’t stand around and let him take anyone else from me. But what does this matter? What does this have to do with us?”

“Do you really think I would have allowed myself to fall for you if I didn’t think I had a chance? I’ve learned how to be alone too, Takemitchy, but it’s been clear to me since day one that there’s something different with you here. I don’t want to let you go. I can be the one to pick up the pieces when your heart claims victory.”

“Mikey—“

“So my compromise is I’ll let you do whatever the fuck you want since you clearly don’t listen to me anyway, but at the very least, all I want is to have you for myself when you need me.”

Takemichi’s lips quivered as he read the emotions that canvased Mikey’s usual stone cold composure. “But why? I can’t offer you all the stability of a normal relationship. I can’t tell you the truth about anything— isn’t this already severed if we don’t have trust?”

“Trust is a fickle description, your trust to me is returning in one piece. Your trust to me is that you’re actively avoiding telling me the truth for what you mark up as ‘for my own good’. If that’s the case, I’ll allow it.”

“I don’t understand,” Takemichi started, only for Mikey to continue.

“Give yourself to me until you grow bored or succumb to your obsession with Kisaki. I will have already lost you by then, but until that moment, I want you to myself till then. Allow me to create a fake world where we’re actually fucking happy together for once if you’re so against creating a reality where you progress through your pain after throwing out Kisaki.”

Takemichi was silent for a while, the two of them comfortably studying the words that had left their opposing lips. Once he managed to work up some sort of courage to speak, he released a tired sigh, “You really care about me that much?”

“No.”

“No?”

“I love you that much, yes.”

Takemichi seemed to ponder the conversation in thought, the intensity of his gaze slowly softening to a pastel blue, something hazy and calm. Mikey swallowed nervously, his own expression surely cracking his mask of courage as he stared down at the man below him.

“You’re really fucking difficult, you know that?” Takemichi spoke, angling his head to get a better look at Mikey’s physique, “I mean, your offer literally doesn’t make any sense. Your actions speak in a completely different manner than your words.”

“I can’t help when others think they have rights to what’s mine.” Mikey responded, “This deal still ensures that no one else but me can have you.”

“You speak as if I want anyone else but you.”

Mikey surged closer, drinking in all facial cracks, bruises, twitches and trembles against skin. “Then, do we have a deal?”

Without a second thought, Takemichi reached forward to cup Mikey’s cheek, “I can’t promise that these next few days will contain any sort of happiness, Mikey. But if my existence really means as much to you as yours does to me, I’m willing to give you one last granted wish.”

“So…” Mikey hummed, “Is that a yes?”

Takemichi pulled Mikey forward until his lips were able to convey agreement. Mikey’s hands dropped from the tub to Takemichi’s shoulders as he pressed himself impossibly closer against his clothed soaked body. The kiss looked to devour— devour internal emotions, unspoken words, secrets and apologies, love attempting to reconnect amongst a broken string— but all of it felt enough.

Enough, for now.

After their lips conveyed everything that needed to be delivered, they both stripped away their soaked articles of clothing, wrapping themselves in towels as they wobbled over to Takemichi’s bed. Takemichi’s arm wrapped comfortably around Mikey’s waist, keeping him close and confined to his chest. They lay together, their feet entwined as their fingers found refuge in the spaces of the other’s hands.

“To be honest with you, the information I’ve uncovered today…. I don’t know how I’m going to deal with it.” Takemichi started, his gaze boring a hole into the ceiling.

Mikey glanced up at his face, noting the sudden shift in his demeanor by their clenched hands and how rigid and tight Takemichi’s arm felt around his back. He knew there was no point in inquiring what information Takemichi uncovered— it was clear all of this started because of whatever happened today.

“Everything has just gotten extremely more difficult to deal with. But at the same time, I suppose I should have expected this. I hate to admit how smart Kisaki is, I always just assumed him being steps ahead of me was because he was watching my every move. And while that’s true, the tactics he uses to convey that do not shy away from a recurrent heartache.” Takemichi raised his fist into the air, “He’s promising the deaths of many but there will only ever be one. I’ll make sure of it.”

“Takemitchy, is there anything you need to do instantly with the information you’ve gathered today?” Mikey asked after a long minute of broken silence.

“There are things that need to be done. I need to get in touch with my informant but he’s busy with some other business for the next few days so I’m really just stuck in limbo until his return.”

“Then,” Mikey started, sitting up to view Takemichi’s reactions amongst his words, “Why don’t we have a weekend getaway together? Just you and I? You said yourself you have nothing to do until he gets back and you’re clearly unwell here. Let’s go somewhere else.”

“A weekend getaway? B-But what about the safety here? I can’t guarantee anyone’s safety if I’m not here.”

“Takemitchy, everyone here can take on more men physically than you ever could in a lifetime.”

“H-Huh?” Warmth bloomed against his cheeks, “H-Hey— I did pretty good today, you weren’t even there.”

“I’m aware of that.”

Takemichi swallowed dryly as he thought of the potential— to have several days and nights alone with Mikey before the end of the world. Before everything went to shit and he was left with broken promise after broken promise. The look on Mikey’s face all but begged for Takemichi to agree, for them to finally be alone together within their own space— temporarily forgetting that outside of their dream realm, a life could exist with two hearts that burned brighter together.

He licked his cracked lips, “When would you want to go?”

“Tonight.”

“T-Tonight? Mikey, it’s after midnight.”

“You speak as if you don’t know my reputation. Anywhere I want to go, we’ll be escorted there privately at any given time.”

A laugh from Takemichi’s lips started Mikey’s sincere composure, “What’s so funny?”

“Haa.. nothing, nothing. Sometimes I forget just how others could be intimidated by you.”

“Hah? The fuck is that supposed to mean?”

“You have private escorts willing to take you anywhere at your beckoning call as if you’re some untouchable god. I can only imagine how much they fear for their lives when you call them up for some getaway expedite.”

“Are you saying I don’t intimidate you?”

“Not in the slightest, Mikey, not even when you look as if you’ll kill me.”

“And why’s that? Because you love me?”

“That, and because you just look sad.”

Mikey froze at Takemichi’s words, feeling the warmth of his hand pressing against his cheek. “You’ve lost as much as I have and while all I have to show for it is my emotional outbursts, you show it through anger and intimidation tactics. But anyone with a brain and a fractured heart can look at you and see you’re just lonely.”

For once, Mikey found himself unable to form a single refutable sentence. Instead, all he could do was stare back in return. He was never seen for how he truly felt underneath the mask of it all, and yet Takemichi was able to see through him so easily. Perhaps that’s what Chifuyu meant about looking in a mirror. Perhaps this was why Takemichi was so willing to end their relationship just an hour prior. They really were two broken halves of a beating heart unable to be fully reconnected. Especially not when one heart had a match with destiny— a vengeance that knew no bounds. While the other, just wanted to stay in Takemichi’s light just a little longer.

“We can go.”

“Hah?”

“I said I’ll go to that weekend retreat with you.”

A small smile kissed the corner of Mikey’s lips but before he could manage another word out, Takemichi leaned forward to capture another kiss. Mikey’s hands fell into Takemichi’s hair as their kisses transformed from something light and peppery to heavy and hungry. It was only a matter of time before their towels got lost in the mess of their sheets as hands trailed, touched, and grazed warm skin.

“Takemitchy,” Mikey whispered softly, allowing his lips to trail down Takemichi’s stomach, “let me please you.”

“A-Aren’t we leaving? I still have to pack.”

“Pack later.” Mikey murmured as his lips reached Takemichi’s tip, hovering just above his form as their eye contact locked under a yearning intensity.

“W-We have the entire weekend together, couldn’t this wait?”

“We’ve never done this in your bed.”

A laugh escaped Takemichi’s lips, “That’s such a ridiculous answer, Mikey—“ Takemichi started but ended with a gasp as Mikey’s mouth had found it’s refuge. A blush rose from Takemichi’s chest up to the tips of his ears, allowing his hand to fall atop of Mikey’s head, fingers instantly sinking into a head full of hair.

As impatient as Mikey was usually, pleasing Takemichi had all the room in the world for patience. Slow and steady licks, sucks, and swirls— all a promised compromise to leave Takemichi shaking and gasping in his own wake. “M-Mikey,” Takemichi trembled, “fuck,” he groaned just as Mikey felt the repetitive twitch against his throat.

“Cum for me, Takemitchy,” Mikey cooed as he momentarily discarded the member before him, grazing his wet lips against his tip before he swallowed him whole. It didn’t take much longer for Takemichi to be fully pleased, leaving a disheveled, messy, blush before him. Mikey crawled back up to Takemichi’s chest, catching his lips as they ended their little festivities with another locking of tongues.

“Okay, pack a suitcase,” Mikey ordered as he looked to get up from the bed, “I’ll come get you in a few minutes.”

“How long are we going to be gone?”

“Three days.”

“Okay, do I need to pack anything specific?”

Mikey shrugged in response, “Whatever you want,” he spoke easily as he exited the room and headed down the hall to his own.

Takemichi wasn’t entirely sure how this had become the resolve to his problems, but he couldn’t help but feel just a tad hopeful. He hadn’t been on a vacation for as long as he could remember— it could serve as a nice, minor distraction from the reality that knocked so consistently against his door. To be with Mikey, just the two of them together reveling in this new feeling of love and excitement— perhaps this really was the best medicine. He’d do the weekend getaway, forget about his worries for three days, then come back and finish what he started.

After he finished packing, he slipped his bag over his shoulder and left his room quietly. He paused for a moment as his eyes fell onto the plaque of the door beside him. Atsushi Sendo. His heart stuttered in his chest, a feeling he never imagined to have when looking at his closest friend from youth. He turned to knock lightly against Chifuyu’s door, awaiting for the other to appear. As soon as he did, he slipped through the gap of the door and took in the sleepy state of the raven-haired man, “Takemitchy? What’s going on? What’s this?” He reached out to grasp the straps of Takemichi’s bag, “Where are you going?”

Takemichi answered his question by wrapping firm, trembling arms around his shoulders, pressing nose into the nape of Chifuyu’s throat, “Thank you for today, I don’t think I could have handled this reality without you there.”

Chifuyu’s hand fell onto his hair, the other resting somewhere against his bag, “Of course, Takemitchy, I’m just glad you trusted me enough to give me a call. But where—“

Takemichi released the other with a small sigh, “Mikey is taking me out for the weekend, we’ll be gone until Monday. I’m supposed to ignore whatever is going on here, but please keep an eye on Akkun for me. Text me if he does or says anything suspicious, can you do that for me?”

“Y-Yeah, of course, Takemitchy. So it’s….. It’s really him? How did the talk go?”

“He was wearing a wire.”

“He what? Are you fucking serious?”

“I’m serious, it was the only thing that made sense to me. He’s known too much without me even telling him anything. I don’t know how that all works, whether all his shirts have some sort of wire stitched in them but just be mindful of what you discuss in front of him. He’s basically Kisaki’s ears right now.”

“What a fucking— did he say why?” Chifuyu shouted, though his harsh octaves came out raspy and ushered, an attempt to keep his voice down.

“He did, but I don’t want to hear it. It… it hurts too much.” Takemichi admitted, glancing at the door handle, “I should go before Mikey gets weird, thank you for sending him up, by the way.”

“Hah? What do you mean?”

“Don’t play stupid, I know you had to have said something to get him up here. Thank you.” A small smile warmed Takemichi’s lip as he noted the soft blush warming Chifuyu’s frame, “Well if he wasn’t going to go see you, I was so.”

“You’re the best partner ever.”

“S-Shut up, Takemitchy, go before Mikey tries to kill me.”

A laugh bubbled out of Takemichi’s chest as he slipped out of the room, quick to drop his overly bright smile to a muted one as he reached Mikey’s door. “You ready?”

“Mhm, let’s go.”

Mikey was quick to lead Takemichi to the abandoned stairwell, “Hah? Where are we going?”

“To the roof. Watch your step,” Mikey directed as he led the way, reaching behind him to grasp Takemichi’s hand. As soon as they reached the roof, Takemichi released a started laugh, “You have got to be fucking kidding me.” A helicopter had landed perfectly centered on the platform of the building, the wind from it’s motors causing Takemichi’s hair to fly around wildly, “You’re serious?”

“I’m serious,” Mikey responded, clearly confused by Takemichi’s reactions but the small smile on his face said otherwise. “Come on,” He directed, pulling Takemichi into the aircraft. They locked their storage into the space overhead, before buckling themselves against the seats. Mikey reached forward to grab the two passenger headsets, handing the other to Takemichi as he placed the other over his own ears. Takemichi followed as his eyes already yearned to devour the sight of the city from such an overhead view.

“Is this your attempt to woo me?”

“Woo you?”

“Yeah, this is pretty romantic, don’t you think?”

“Hm, is it?” Mikey asked, though the smile that was faint before now boasted as if he’d won a prize. Takemichi relaxed easily against the cushioned seat, letting his eyes trail through the maze of the city as they flew further and further away. “Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.” Mikey responded simply, obviously holding onto the element of surprise. And for once, Takemichi managed to be okay with that. His eyes held onto the twinkling lights until they long dissipated behind them, an eagerness beating against his heart to see where they’d go next.

Chapter Text

It was no surprise the lull of the helicopter’s blades soaring through the stars was enough to rock Takemichi into some sort of peaceful sleep. The air was brisk as they neared the beginning of December. Luckily, Takemichi had dressed in something relatively warm— his own arms bracing his chest as he dozed off watching the twinkling sky beside him. He wasn’t sure for how long his eyes had fluttered closed but he woke up abruptly at the sound of a distinctive click.

His hand wrapped tightly around whatever caused such a sound in the first place. Once the black dots within his vision faded into something more clear, his eyes dropped to the grasp he held upon Mikey’s wrist. His gaze trailed upwards until he found cold, hardened blues staring right back at him. “S-Sorry,” Takemichi stuttered as he released his grip, releasing a hefty sigh of oxygen he’d managed to withhold at the sudden fright.

Before Mikey could stare at him any longer with clear understanding of just what kind of reaction that was, Takemichi glanced around, taking in the view of complete and utter darkness. “Are we here?”

“Mhm.” Mikey hummed simply, returning comfortably into his own seat, reaching above them to grab their bags.

“Are those waves? Are we at the beach?” Takemichi questioned as his gaze attempted to spot some sort of water movement but could only vaguely see trees swaying in the dark distance.

“Uh huh,” Mikey responded simply, setting Takemichi’s bag upon his lap, “Come on, let me show you around.”

Takemichi couldn’t remember the last time he took a trip to the beach. There was one vague memory deep in his headspace that he could barely grasp. Quick flashes of sandy toes, crystal clear waves, and drippy ice cream were the only moments that could create some sort of fractured picture. He threw his bag over his shoulder and hopped out of the aircraft, crossing the distance to stand besides Mikey as he tucked his own bag securely over his shoulder. Mikey’s hand reached out into his space, “Are you ready?”

Takemichi’s fingers dove into the spaces between Mikey’s fingers, securing a soft grip against his cold palm. “More than ever,” Takemichi answered honestly as they began their trek towards— god knows where. Everything was so incredibly dark, lacking any sort of overhead light source. Takemichi found himself having to rely on his other senses to gauge their location. The sounds of a mild breeze shaking the trees around them, the bittersweet aroma of salt and sulphur that left his head feeling fuzzy.

“Watch your step,” Mikey directed, “there’s going to be a step here and here,” He continued to instruct as they moved upwards.

“You must have been here a lot,” Takemichi commented once they reached a closer entry point to their still, unknown destination.

“Mhm,” he hummed in some sort of agreement. It didn’t sound enthusiastic, not that any emotion or language conversation ever sounded positive from Mikey’s lips— but this particular hum sounded almost… indifferent. As if this location was a place that Mikey held dear to his heart but not in a happy or desire-filled sense. Something bittersweet. Takemichi decided not to pry as Mikey led him further into the abyss until his eyes were able to make out a structured building— a home. It was still too dark to see any specific details but it was rather large in width, to say anything about the height.

Mikey stopped in his tracks as he entered some sort of code against the wall before a soft click insinuated the door’s unlocking mechanism. Mikey led him through the doorway before he reached forward and flipped up every light switch mounted against that particular wall. Takemichi squeezed his eyes shut at the sudden brightness letting his eyes get used to the blotchy white shading behind his eyelids. He blinked once, twice, thrice— before he was able to take in the sight before him.

Wooden floors practically sparkling underneath orangey hues of light, marble countertops, and navy blue hand towels that decorated the modern kitchen furniture. Takemichi’s feet moved on their own accord, desperate to feel Mikey’s presence within walls he’d never seen before. The room adjacent to the kitchen, which clearly stood out to be a lounge area was decorated in dark blues, oranges and reds. A large burgundy couch that lay next to a wooden bookshelf, stockpiled with literature classics galore. A clear glass table with painted orange table legs that held a dark green coaster and an opened magazine— flipped to page 24. Takemichi’s eyes took in all aspects, all decorations, “Whose house is this?” Takemichi asked aloud as his eyes and fingers became destined to feel and view every nook and cranny.

“It’s mine,” Mikey answered simply, standing in the middle of the room, watching Takemichi’s piqued interest.

Somehow, Takemichi wasn’t surprised.

His eyes fell towards the three floating shelves that showcased motorcycle figurines. His hands fell to his sides, deciding these particular decorations weren’t meant to be touched. His eyes swooped the canvas before him, as his heart began to beat just a little faster. There were three motorcycles on the top shelf, three on the middle and one on the bottom. Takemichi was never great at recognizing and reading Kanji, but every inscription upon the motorcycle seats stuck out like a sore thumb.

At the top row, he could read Kazutora, Baji, and Mitsuya.

The middle row— Draken, Mikey, and Pah.

The last motorcycle didn’t have an inscription but the ball of acid that rose up Takemichi’s throat promised an answer. It was stationed directly under Mikey’s bike on the middle shelf. Takemichi swallowed as his voice ushered out a single name.

“Shinchiro.”

Takemichi turned ever so slightly to find Mikey’s eyes staring back at him, a look of indifference within his gaze but a fractured response against his lips. His eyes settled back on the figurines for another moment before he followed around the rest of the room. A few showcased medals, a few old pictures decorated in wooden frames. The old school picture of Toman when it was just the six of them as children— to a picture of Mikey and Emma sitting a local cafe. Mikey looked as uninterested as ever, while Emma had a smile so bright it shot right through Takemichi’s chest.

“The first time I met Emma was on Valentines Day,” Takemichi started as his eyes hovered over the photo, “I was so giddy to finally have a real Valentine to spoil instead of buying candy every year in hopes that I’d have the courage to give them to Hina, only to ever chicken out and give them to Mizo Mid. I spent so much money— not that I had a lot of money to begin with, but I spent it all on roses, chocolate and a small charm.” Takemichi swallowed as tears brimmed the corner of his eyes, “I went over to Hina’s place to deliver them after pacing around her building for over an hour just out of sheer nerves. Once I realized I probably looked like a lunatic, I knocked on her door and was gifted with Naoto’s presence instead.” A small laugh left his lips as tears rolled down his cheeks, “It was so fucking embarrassing, I remember even his cheeks painted pink as he told me Hina wasn’t home. He told me she had went out with a friend to the local arcade.” He paused a moment as memories flooded his headspace, warm and ignited by fiery love.

“After I dropped off her gifts, she texted me to meet her at the arcade. I remember I felt almost as if I would be invading her space but when I said something to that degree back, she called me and said she would wait for me. When I got there she looked as pretty as ever,” Takemichi released a breath, “She looked so happy and so delicate, I almost felt as if I didn’t have the right to mess up such a pretty display. I asked her what made her want to go to an arcade on Valentines day. She said she met a girl at a cafe that hadn’t had any plans so they made a pact to stay together.”

“We headed inside and I was introduced to Emma who was counting up a pile of tickets she had won at some slot machine. She was on a destined mission to win this grand prize teddy bear and even with a jackpot win at some card game, she was still a good four hundred tickets short. So I did what I did best,” Takemichi started, glancing in Mikey’s direction, “I ran around the arcade playing every game I was good at because it was where I spent most of my childhood days anyway. I still don’t know if luck was on my side that day or if I was just super determined but every game I played ended with a jackpot of tickets. We all ended up getting so into the games at hand we had completely forgotten about the ticket goal. It wasn’t until Hina and I reached our sixth jackpot of the night that we registered how many tickets we were trailing around the floor as we walked. We brought the tickets to the counter and had more than enough to get two of the big teddy bears. They were the last ones, too. One for Emma and one for Hina.”

A fond smile warmed Takemichi’s cheeks, “Ever since that day, they became absolutely inseparable. The best of friends. It made me really happy that Hina had someone so important to her and as I learned more about Emma’s character, it made me equally as happy to know Emma had someone so important to her as well. I hope that somewhere, whether when we die we become stars or we exist in some sort of afterlife— I hope they’re together like they were before. I’d like to think they’d be the happiest versions of themselves up there, free to reminisce and free to reconnect for as long as they wanted.”

The atmosphere around them had shifted to something reminiscent, yearning, and thoughtful. Takemichi didn’t have to look at Mikey to know he surely was experiencing some sort of emotional breakdown due to a new inside look of Takemichi’s past involving his younger sister. He respected the silence as his gaze fluttered around the different photos hung delicately on the wall. Timespans ranging from middle school to high school ages and older. It was heartwarming, taking a peak at Mikey’s life internally, whereas he’d spent his entire childhood watching Mikey from the outside.

“I remember that.” Mikey spoke, finally breaking the silence.

Takemichi turned his head to find Mikey staring back at him, before he could open his mouth to inquire, Mikey continued.

“I mean, I remember that teddy bear. She said her new friends had gotten it for her. She carried it everywhere and couldn’t ever sleep without it.”

A warm smile planted amongst Takemichi’s lips, “I’m glad, Hina was the same way with hers.”

“Do you have anymore?”

“Any more, what?

“Stories about Emma.” Mikey responded simply, moving to take a seat on the couch Takemichi had eyed earlier. Takemichi hummed thoughtfully as he tried to recollect memories from that time. “Mmm, I’d say that I didn’t really see much of her after that. Of course, she spent a lot of time with Hina but I wasn’t present for their girl days.” Takemichi took a seat next to Mikey, resting against the soft plush as his eyes never left Mikey’s face.

There was another question lingering underneath his mask but it was evident he was hesitant to ask.

Takemichi could already gauge what the question revolved around. He reached forward until his hand found refuge upon Mikey’s thigh, “Go ahead and ask,” he directed softly. If Takemichi couldn’t be honest about current topics of conflict, he’d surely offer sincerity upon past situations.

“Was Emma at Hina’s funeral?”

“Yes.” Takemichi responded simply, before continuing shortly after a bubble of silence rippled between them, “I stood in the very far back of the whole ceremony. I was too embarrassed to show my face again in front of Hina’s parents. Her father had never really liked me from the beginning and after her death, I assumed her mother grew to resent me as well. I wanted to be there but I wanted to give condolence without being seen. But I saw Emma the moment she arrived. We spoke briefly after the ceremony ended but I’ll admit our conversation doesn’t ring any specific bell.”

Mikey listened as strained as his eyes were, desperately searching Takemichi’s entire face. There were always real emotions canvasing amongst his face when he spoke of Tachibana Hinata. Real loss, real grief, and real pain. It was selfish of him to ask such a painfully reminiscent memory despite the fact it involved his younger sister who’d he also lost to the same culprit. “There was a month that I can remember where Emma seemed off. Growing up, we all weren’t really close until later on. She used to cry a lot, hating how quick her life changed when her mom dumped her at our doorstep. It wasn’t out of the ordinary for us to experience Emma when she was overly emotional or very distant. But based on this timespan of your loss, that same month she seemed more distraught than usual. Ken-chin and I were never able to figure it out.”

A small smile slipped upon the corner of Takemichi’s lips, even as tears rolled down his cheeks so easily, “They were very good friends,” Takemichi opted simply, “it wasn’t easy for anyone to lose her.”

“What was she like?”

“The most ethereal woman of a lifetime. She was always very optimistic and hopeful. She’d make anyone feel as if they were the center of attention. She was caring and so charismatic, you could never have a dull conversation with her. She really believed in the best of everyone, no matter the differences or attitudes that showed differently. She believed in second chances and helping everyone grow into the best versions of themselves. In all the years I knew her, I never once saw her not smiling. If happy was an emotion that could be personified, Hina would surely take that crown without question.”

Mikey listened to every word that fell off Takemichi’s tongue with incredible ease. Despite the jealousy that always managed to tingle up his spine when Takemichi spoke so highly of his past lover— this time around, all he felt was remorse. Remorse for a reality where it was clear Takemichi was at his happiest. A life where— yes, maybe he would have never existed in, but at the very least Takemichi would be forever happy. It’s a reality Mikey would wish for him over and over again. Through and through.

“I’m sorry,” Mikey muttered softly, though his own words surprised him. Empathizing pain was never an easy operation for his heart. Usually, hearing such a story would leave him feeling indifferent or displeased, but even as Takemichi spoke so highly of Hina, the burning behind his eyes promised soured words.

“I’m sorry, too,” Takemichi offered softly, “It hasn’t been easy for the both of us. I want to change this whole destined fate we have with loss. Kisaki has got to go.”

“I trust you’ll achieve your goal.” Mikey answered easily, because it was simply true. Takemichi held too much dedication, a true drive of will and determination he’d personally never seen in his life. His secretive actions was just another piece of evidence that in reality, Takemichi’s destined fate with Kisaki was meant for him and him alone.

After moments of uneasy silence, Mikey opened his mouth to change the subject but instead of words leaving his lips, oxygen was being sucked in instead. Takemichi’s lips felt so incredibly warm against his own, soft and plush— like his first blanket that he religiously carried everywhere. Mikey’s hands fell onto Takemichi’s shoulders as he looked to devour Takemichi’s emotions— to unrealistically suck out all the poisonous grief from his body, leaving it forever tucked inside his own heart. Their lips fit together so fucking easy, almost as if the shape of their mouths were meant to be placed together. Mikey wasn’t sure when the kiss had turned into something more heated, but he sat comfortably straddled against Takemichi’s lap as their tongues yearned for taste.

Their kiss ended with a distinctive pop as a smile rode Takemichi’s lips. “Tell me about this house you have. What does it mean to you?”

“What do you think it means?”

“Am I the only one who has come here?”

“Yes.”

Somehow, that agreement had Takemichi’s heart beating just a little faster.

“I want to hear from you what this place means.” Takemichi admitted as his hands rested comfortably against Mikey’s hips, “Why did you bring me here?”

Mikey fell silent for a few beats too long, but his eye contact never wavered. Whether he was about to bullshit an answer or looking for safety within Takemichi’s gaze, Takemichi was actively ready to listen to whatever answer came from his lips.

“I come here when I’m not…. feeling well.” Mikey admitted, something slow and hesitant dancing from his tongue.

“How often have you found refuge here?”

“In the past, more often than not. I haven’t found a need to visit here in a few years.”

Takemichi nodded shortly, so this space really was precious to him. It was evident by the decorations and memories that lay plastered against every opposite wall of the lounge area— and this was only one room Takemichi had been able to digest. Mikey was a complicated character, that much was clear at first glance. He’d never openly seek out refuge for the feelings that burned desperately behind his ribs. To have a safe haven, a place where he could be alone and feel all the grief, anger, and remorse he wanted, uninterrupted— in Takemichi’s eyes it was admirable.

Admirable in the fact he was so willing to realize there was a problem at hand in the first place. Unlike Takemichi, who would actively avoid all problems and find refuge in overworking his body until it felt normal to feel numb.

Takemichi raised a hand to cup Mikey’s cheek, letting his thumb graze against his profound jaw line, “And what emotions do you bear here today?”

“Worry.”

“For who?”

“You.”

Takemichi swallowed his own nerves at the response. It wasn’t as if it was a surprise, but to be able to reach Mikey’s emotional responses after initially feeling solace in the fact they both acted as if their emotions didn’t exist—

it was humbling.

Before he could muster a word, an apology back, Mikey continued.

“Don’t do that.”

“Do what?”

“Don’t hide your feelings from me. Hide them from whoever you want— Atsushi, Chifuyu, Inui, yourself, but don’t you dare hide them from me.”

“I wasn’t,” Takemichi started.

“Wasn’t? It’s the truth. I know whatever happened today gave you an outcome you clearly despise. I won’t push you to come clean to me but don’t hold back what you’re feeling because of it. This is exactly what this house is meant to be. Sincerity.”

Takemichi released a slow breath as the words that left Mikey’s lips aligned perfectly with the burning black gaze before him.

“In honesty, whether it’s because I’m just fucking exhausted of this constant unraveling thread or my body is trained to throw every emotion away from any sort of feeling receiver in this carcass, I don’t feel anything.” Takemichi admitted, “I felt it earlier, I felt it when we were heading back to headquarters— but once anger displays instead of the true feeling, I feel….” Takemichi paused, “empty. I just feel empty.”

It was Mikey’s turn to swallow the ball of acid that rose up his throat. He knew that feeling all to well, but it was one he would never wish upon anyone else. Especially not, the man who sat before him. Despite being out of the loop, not understanding what is it that has broken down his Takemichi so severely, anger was quick to warm his beating heart. Anger at who’d dare to fuck with what was his, anger at what kind of life Takemichi was forced to lead— despite all the childhood stories he’d heard from Atsushi’s lips before his official arrival.

Kisaki’s fate was doomed. Whether it came from Takemichi’s hands himself or his own, Kisaki would not last another day stealing oxygen from others who deserved it more.

“Mikey,” Takemichi started, forcing the cloud of thoughts and feelings to blow out of Mikey’s headspace. “I’ll be fine, at the moment I have the upper hand.”

“Who’s the informant?” Mikey asked out of the blue, though for him, that title had been floating around his headspace for far too long. He watched as a smile licked the corner of Takemichi’s lips, something almost mischievous— but burning with excitement, trust and loyalty. It was enough emotion to knock the wind straight from Mikey’s chest.

“It’s Naoto, Hina’s brother.”

“Hah?”

“Surprising, isn’t it?” A small chuckle left his lips, “Naoto became a police officer so men like Kisaki wouldn’t further destroy the world and people’s lives. He’s been actively building a case against Kisaki for years. Ever since I got reconnected with you all, we’ve been in contact.”

“Is Kisaki aware of this?”

“I wouldn’t put it past him. I mean, he found me after years of hiding, Naoto’s been fair game with such a publicized career. However, do I think Kisaki knows just how obsessive Naoto and I are with the justice of Hina? No. I don’t believe he’s caught on to that fact.”

“How close are you two with finalizing the case?”

“Close but not close enough, we have no active proof of any corruption. But either way, none of that matters to me.”

“Hah? Meaning?”

“What’s the point in booking a man that has enough connections to get out in less than an hour? None of it will stick and Naoto knows that just as well. He’s not building the case to book him, he’s building the case for the criminal database.”

“There has to be enough evidence to bring them all down, Takemitchy. You of all people have had eyes on him since your youth.”

“I don’t want him in prison.”

“Why not?”

“Because I want to kill him.”

Mikey released a breath— of course, he had a feeling Takemichi was serious about those past comments. However, the feeling of killing a man with your own bare hands was never something to get used too. It didn’t matter how much pain a man could inflict upon someone, the feeling of taking away a life with your own capability was an entirely new feeling that most could never truly heal from. But it wasn’t his right to hold Takemichi back from his wishes, it’s his pain to bear and his pain to make use of.

“Isn’t that against police protocol?”

Takemichi nodded absentmindedly, “It is but we’ve both fought our entire lives to rid Kisaki entirely, whatever we have to do to achieve that outcome, we’ll do. The criminal case we’re building is a precautionary in case anyone tries to legally book me afterword.”

Mikey’s nerves were jittery but it seemed Takemichi had a plan for every worst case scenario. That was one thing he’d always been able to admire from the other at first glance, it wasn’t as if Takemichi walked into this mess unarmed. He had connections, constant plans, and an obsessive drive for this to turn out exactly how he wanted. Despite the fallbacks and Kisaki’s torturous appearances, Takemichi never once stood down. Instead, he created more back falls and more witnesses to Kisaki’s true nature. He was beyond smart just as he was beyond gone from any sort of true reality. It became evident nights ago that Takemichi solely lived and breathed Kisaki, the life he led only existed for one distinct outcome— Kisaki’s end.

“Mikey, was Draken really hurt that I wasn’t the one to tell him the truth?”

“He was but he also understands why. The Kawata twins just took your story as a means to be amped up for a fight.”

A small laugh escaped Takemichi’s lips as imagination of the two eager to help out his plan in anyway possible. “They’ve really taken a liking to me.”

“Who wouldn’t?” Mikey responded back simply, as if there wasn’t anyone in the world who’d meet Takemichi and instantly feel the need to protect him— or in other cases, fall in love with him.

Whatever overcame Takemichi to pull Mikey closer, to rest his chin against the dip of Mikey’s shoulder while his arms wrapped securely around his waist was all irrational at this point. It was becoming increasingly clear his secrecy, his emotions, and his loss were starting to worry just about everyone. Who was he to cause distress amongst a group that fought for a peaceful life? Regret tasted bitter against his tongue but yearn would preserve more—

To be in the arms of the man he’d grew up idolizing, wanting, watching

and to be accepted in open arms despite his own issues, his own traumatic upbringing, it was as heartwarming as it was heartbreaking. Simply put, Mikey didn’t deserve this. He didn’t deserve to be sucked into another fit of loss and grief when he’d already suffered enough. There was a time Takemichi would have sought out a fight against anyone who hurt Mikey but now? He had become his own worst enemy.

“What are you thinking about?” Mikey asked against his ear, sending a small shiver down his spine.

“I don’t deserve you.” Takemichi answered earnestly, as his arms tightened around Mikey’s torso, “I really don’t deserve any of this.”

“Takemitchy—“ Mikey attempted to start, attempted to create a loosen grip to take in Takemichi’s face; but to no prevail. Takemichi just held him tighter, “You know it’s true, you all were doing fine without me. Like I said from the beginning, I never had any true intention to help your business other than creating caffeine overdrives for coffee fiends. Look at what I’ve done now? Everyone’s worried, everyone feels as if they have to help me in some way, I’ve put too much reliance on you, on Chifuyu, on Akkun. I’ve disturbed Toman’s peaceful life. What right do I have to do that, Mikey? It’s not as if I didn’t grow up in the same past. I already know what you all went through to get here alive. I’ve made it worse.”

“That’s bullshit and you know it. If it weren’t for you, none of us would have truly realized Kisaki’s true nature. Sure, we all had our separate suspicions but do you really think we’d still stand by his side, create equality after finding out all that he’s done to you?” As strong of a grip Takemichi may have had on Mikey’s waist, Mikey’s strength would always have the upper hand. He reached behind him to unlock the hands at his lower back with a quick force. He pulled back to view Takemichi’s broken mask, that facade he’d gotten too comfortable with— while his real emotions swirled across his gaze, his quivering lips. “I’ve told you before, you don’t have a right to decide what’s better for us. We are no longer children, you cannot protect us from harm if harm decides to come through our path. Nor is it your fault that it has. I had no intention of finding you that night at your coffee shop. I had no intention of ever meeting you, but Ken-chin’s desperation for coffee at three in the morning changed that fate.”

“I almost made a run for it that night.”

“Why?”

“I thought you two recognized me.”

Mikey sat quiet for a moment, “We wouldn’t have if it weren’t for Atsushi.”

“You were staring at me.”

“And you were actively avoiding look at me.”

“Because I don’t know how to not look at you without showcasing how much I love you.”

All confidence of this conversation was quick to drain out of Mikey as soon as those words plunged against his chest. “Would you have looked at me in such a way? Even when years have passed? Even when you avoided our meet in the past?”

“Yes. I’ve told you, it doesn’t matter how much time has past I’ve kept tabs on you since. I’ve run into you more time that you think.”

“What? When?”

Takemichi shrugged, “On the street, at the same supermarket, in traffic— I’ve seen you and you’ve never seen me. That’s exactly how it was meant to be.”

“You speak as if you regret all of this.” Mikey spoke, though his heart stuttered hard in his chest at his own words. He couldn’t bare to hear Takemichi’s agreement.

“I do.” Takemichi responded softly, sucking all oxygen from Mikey’s lungs. His body fell rigid, cold, like a stone statue from the Renaissance period. “But that doesn’t mean my feelings for you are any less, in fact, they’re more which I’ve always thought to be impossible. Mikey, us— how we are right now, makes me want to forget Kisaki entirely and start a whole new chapter with just you. If I could have it my way, I would. We’d leave and we’d go anywhere the fuck else, far from all this gang bullshit. Far from Kisaki and his traitorous plans— it’d just be you and me. But I can’t do that. My life isn’t my own— it’s Hina’s. It’s my plot for Hina’s revenge. I can’t act like her death isn’t the backbone of my existence. And that’s what I regret. I regret falling in love with you in a world that I can’t truly do anything about it.”

Mikey swallowed the heat that rose up his throat more than once, when had his emotions become so prevalent? When had he experienced so many emotions in one sitting? There was anger and heartbreak— remorse and grief, but deep down there was a love that bloomed and blossomed in the depths of his stomach. He could read Takemichi’s sincerity like an open book, enough so, his mind had to rerun the fact Takemichi loved him enough to want to start a new life with him. Even if that future would never come— could never be created, the fact there was a destined want, a true yearn for an outcome so beautiful, so new and unsuspecting was enough to shatter his heart in two. “I believe you,” was all Mikey managed to muster, because what more could he say? He’d already made it evident he’ll take whatever scraps of adoration he could have. Pushing Takemichi for a life that didn’t revolve around Kisaki would only push him further and further away.

Mikey reached forward until both his hands rested on either side of Takemichi’s cheeks, “Let’s go to bed, Takemitchy.”

“Kiss me first.” Takemichi spoke as his own emotions all but screamed against porcelain skin.

Mikey wasted no time on such a request. Their lips merged together until they became one. Filled with passion, desire, and love. Anger, resentment and regret. Two halves of a broken whole. This was how it’d always be between them, it was just the unfortunate reality. At the very least, Takemichi’s emotions for Mikey were genuine, just as Mikey’s were for Takemichi. At the very least, Mikey could enjoy affection on a different level— one he was never able to grasp growing up.

Takemichi stood with his arms securely wrapped around Mikey’s waist, refusing to let their kiss shatter. Between desperate lips, Takemichi uttered, “You’ll have to direct me.” A small laugh escaped their entwined lips as Takemichi pressed his lips against the base of Mikey’s throat, letting his eyes follow the trail Mikey spoke above him. Up the stairs, take a right, follow the hallway down to the end and take another right. By the time they reached the doorway of the bedroom, there was a bright red hickey adorning Mikey’s throat. They fell to the bed and resumed their previous kissing session with as much passion as before. This time around, that’s about all they did. Kiss, mutter words to each other, giggle and kiss some more.

By the time exhaustion truly hit the back of Takemichi’s eye sockets, the sun had made her debut across the water.

—

The next time Takemichi awoke the sun was up high over the clouds leaving the room to lack any sort of darkness. Mikey was no longer tucked against his side but before any sort of panic could settle in, he could hear the shower running across the hall. A lazy smile graced his lips as he stretched against the mattress. Perhaps this vacation was rather necessary. He clearly had some emotional retribution to work through and that’d hardly be the outcome if he was stuck inside headquarters with Akkun. He moved to fish his phone out of his pocket, noting a few missed messages from a few different contacts.

Sanzu:
Have you made up your mind on how you’re going to deal with Atsushi?

That was strange.
Unexpected.
When had Sanzu suddenly cared about his emotional loss?

He skipped to the next contact.

Inupi:
Hanagaki, I miss you.
What have you been up too? I heard Bonten checked out, have you found the traitor?

Takemichi swallowed down the feeling of tears that were always so quick to find an escape. He wrote back a quick reply without a second thought.

Yes. I’m dealing with it.

Takemichi checked the last two messages, one from Chifuyu and one from Akkun.

Akkun:
Can we please talk? I’ll take you out, just please Takemichi, I can’t handle you avoiding me.

Chifuyu:
Atsushi looks a mess, he’s making it rather obvious there’s a problem at hand. Do you want me to talk to him?

Takemichi was quick to dial Chifuyu’s number, pressing the speaker to his ear. Chifuyu answered on the third ring. “Don’t talk to him and don’t console him either. He’s obviously aware you know as much as I do. What’s he going to do? Own up to everyone that he’s been secretly working for Kisaki? Give me a break.”

“Okay, do you want me to report if he leaves the premises?” Chifuyu asked hesitantly.

“No, it won’t make much of a difference. He’s going to have to report to Kisaki again either way to keep the suspicion off. Just let me know if Kisaki shows up at any point, if he does, that’s the problem we’re going to have to deal with.” Takemichi directed, anxiety already rippling throughout his chest. He stood from the bed and paced the room as he spoke, his mind already running through the possibilities. “If anything, tell him to get a grip. None of this will work out if he appears disheveled in front of Kisaki. He’ll figure it out.”

“Heard, Takemitchy. And hey, try to relax okay? This is the first time in history Mikey’s taken a liking to someone enough to take them away from their problems. Try to enjoy it until you get back.” Chifuyu spoke softly, before promptly ending the call.

Before Takemichi could fully revel in Chifuyu’s words, his phone run with another incoming call. This time, from Inupi. Takemichi answered without a shred of hesitance.

In hindsight, perhaps it wasn’t Mikey’s business at all to listen in on Takemichi’s private phone calls— however, it wasn’t entirely his fault, either. He’d left his change of clothes on the bed and now was pressed against the wall with a towel hung slack around his waist. He’d just about entered the room until he heard Takemichi’s voice— specifically his tone. A tone of utter anxiety and overwhelming anger. Mikey clenched his teeth as he listened further.

tell him to get a grip.

So the traitor was closer than Mikey originally expected. Just as silence filtered the room, it became clear it was momentary, because suddenly Takemichi was speaking again and this time— the person on the other line had a distinct name. Inupi.

“Tell me who it is, Hanagaki, let me help.”

“I can’t do that it’ll jeopardize the plan.”

“And what exactly is your plan?”

“Kisaki doesn’t know that I’ve figured it out. I’m going to bait him first while I simultaneously get information out of him. Once I get the information I’m looking for, I’ll crumble his empire and take care of him myself.”

“How are you so sure the traitor will actually work with you, Hanagaki? He could just as easily give you false information.”

“He could but I know he won’t.”

“I’m going to take a guess and you give me an answer by either saying no or hanging up if I’m right.”

“Inui—“

“Takuya.”

“No.”

“Yamagishi.”

“No.”

“Takeomi.”

“No.”

“Okay, so here’s my real guess, Hanagaki. Is it or is it not, Atsushi Sendo?”

Takemichi’s nerves had been jittery since the moment they started this little game in the first place. He knew Inupi knew far before the game had started— it was evident. The game was just a ruse to dive into the conversation as slowly and cautiously as possible. His lips quivered for the hundredth time at the sound of Akkun’s name. A name so fragile to his heart had now become a butchered collapse. Takemichi released a slow, shaky breath.

“You’re not hanging up.”

“Is it so obvious that the ultimate betrayal to me would be him? How is everyone able to guess so fast when I had no fucking idea?”

“I don’t know how to explain that one, Hanagaki. As much as it doesn’t make sense, it does. Have you found out why he’s working for Kisaki?”

“Yes. I just can’t wrap my head around it. He’s put everyone in danger at this point, Inupi. I can’t just let this go.”

“So then, don’t. Do your plan. Bring them both down. As if you deserve to deal with this kind of bullshit, Hanagaki. You’ve been through enough. Do your plan and do it well. I highly doubt Kisaki will see this coming.”

“Okay,” Takemichi managed to agree with trembling lips. “Thank you, I—“ He released a stuttered breath, “You know I really lo—“

“I know, Hanagaki, I love you too. Keep me in the loop, seriously, I don’t like when you go radio silent on me. It freaks me out.”

“Okay, okay, I will.” Takemichi agreed before the call dropped with a distinctive, echoing click. Takemichi’s gaze had found refuge at the view from the window. A sunny sky with puffy white clouds, white sand that kissed the edge of the crystal clear water, the trees that swayed— no, danced with the breeze. It was comforting. It was a breath of fresh air he so profusely needed. “You can come in,” Takemichi called out just as Mikey managed to push open the door.

“I’m not mad,” Takemichi admitted, “but have you figured it out?” He turned to face the other who stared right back at him from the doorframe.

“No and I don’t want to know until it’s you that tells me,” Mikey responded simply, leaving Takemichi to crumble within his wake. “Anyway, I think I specifically told you that this house isn’t meant for all the shit you’re dealing with at home. Leave it there. They’ll all be there when we get back. Your purpose here is to focus on me and only me.”

Despite the rumbling within his chest, the sparks igniting behind jittery finger tips, listening to Mikey complain about the lack of attention on him was enough to draw a smile on his trembling lips. “You’re right, you’re right,” he agreed with an exhausted sigh, “let me start over.” He shook out his nerves as he headed forward, wrapping his arms comfortable around Mikey’s shoulders. “How did you sleep?”

“Shut up, Takemitchy,” Mikey muttered as their foreheads merged together. A faint pink bloomed against Mikey’s high cheekbones, “I didn’t mean it like that,” he continued slowly.

“Don’t tell me I make you nervous.” Takemichi responded with a coo, “Me? Making the invincible Mikey nervous? Unreal.”

“I cannot stand you.” Mikey responded easily as pink bloomed crimson, “I slept fine.”

“Good, good,” Takemichi answered with a growing smile before he ducked his head to press a chaste kiss against the tip of Mikey’s nose. “Are you hungry?”

“Are you insinuating you can cook?”

Takemichi froze, a dramatic response, really— “Can I cook?” He pressed his hands to his chest, “Me, who’s owned how many restaurants? Me who makes your favorite snack in the world? Can I cook?”

“Jesus, does a question so simple really soften your pride?”

“Well, yeah, how could you assume any different?” Takemichi pouted, “To think you didn’t fall for me simply because I can make Taiyaki, that hurts, you know.”

“For fuck’s sake—“ Mikey started, only to stop when Takemichi’s bubbling laugh filled the silence of the room. He could feel his own cheeks growing warmer just as his chest began to beat faster. Takemichi always looked so lovely like this— so genuine. Real emotions of purity and happiness, it was a look Mikey wasn’t sure he’d ever get used too. He loved it all the more.

“You get changed and I’ll go see what stock you have to cook up something. Is there a grocery store around here?”

“Mhm, just up the road but I’ll come with you.” Mikey responded, quick to tug up his pants.

“If you insist,” Takemichi agreed with a lazy smile, “I’ll meet you downstairs,” he spoke as he headed down the hall. It was a slow and casual walk as he took in all the different rooms and decorations that filled the wall spaces. It was a different look now that natural light filled the room. The entire setting was rather simplistic but could easily catch the eye of anyone unsuspecting of Mikey’s true character— his true interests. A bookshelf of vintage car and motorcycle magazines and small little knickknacks and charms he gathered over the years sat against the wall at the end of the hall. Takemichi skipped down the stairs, making his way back to the kitchen he vaguely viewed the previous night.

There was no surprise in the world the fridge was empty, save for a few old beer bottles that leaked sticky leftover sips against the shelves. He gathered the bottles into the trash can before grabbing a sponge and going to town at getting the muck and grime from such a pristine object in the first place. He tossed the sponge back into the sink once his duty was finished and washed any leftover dirt from his hands.

“What were you doing?” Mikey’s voice called out from his side.

“Just some spring cleaning, are you ready to go? We need a lot.”

“We’re only here for two days.” Mikey responded nonchalantly.

“And we eat three meals a day, sometimes four, so that’s six to eight meals I need to cook for us. You do the math on what kind of grocery trip that entails with a stockpile of dust in both your fridge and your pantry.” Takemichi responded with a growing smirk, he slipped on his shoes at the door before reaching his hand back to catch Mikey’s. “If you think about it, this is kind of like a date.”

“Hah?” Mikey mustered after his eyebrows raised to meet his hairline, “Getting groceries?” He shook his head as he locked up behind them, letting his fingers find captivity with Takemichi’s. “Odd view of a date.”

They began their trek to the local market as Takemichi continued to justify his statement, “Well, we’re holding hands as we walk to the store for one, and for two, grocery shopping entails learning a lot about a person. Everything from what they like, what they don’t like— I don’t know that much about you, just Mikey. It’s an inside look to your interests, even if it’s strictly centered around food. All the while, you’re learning the same about me. Is that not what dates are about? Learning about each other?”

It was easy to fall victim to silence when Takemichi spoke. His tone was always so delicate and sweet when it was just the two of them. Even when he put on these matter-of-fact speeches, such simple combinations of words managed to create chaos within his body. His thumping heart, the warmth within his stomach, the crave to be the only one in Takemichi’s life, forever. Perhaps, Mikey could ignore the reality for two days, just as well. This deemed their only chance at succumbing into their love and desire, without the problems that lay wait for Takemichi’s return. Yes.

Takemichi was his until they returned back to headquarters. He must make these moments count.

“Takemitchy—“ Mikey started, after swallowing a hunk of acid rising up his throat, “I want to tell you something.”

Takemichi apparently was still mid ramble justifying how this grocery trip was a date when he glanced back and paused, apparently based on the intensity of his own gaze. “Hm? What is it?”

“I—“ Mikey started then stopped again, warmth practically bruising his pale skin. Before he could muster any further, all in quick speed, Mikey found Takemichi’s face closer than before, then closer again— until their lips collided with relentless pressure. Mikey’s arms wrapped easily around Takemichi’s waist as soft, warm fingers held his own cheeks. No time could tell how long the kiss lasted, or how many times the kiss broke for Takemichi to whisper something so tender and sweet, just to continue again.

When their public display of affection came to an end, Mikey’s eyes were blown with desperation and please. “Maybe we should go back,” he suggested, for obvious reasons. But instead of an expected agreement, he was greeted with a contagious laugh instead. The brightest of smiles, the pearliest of whites.

“We have to eat, Mikey. I’m not going to let us slip into bad habits while we’re on this vacation. Come on, it’ll be quick.” Takemichi directed, reaching forward to hold Mikey’s hand again as he pulled him forward, “Is it down this street?”

Mikey agreed with a soft hum as his fingers locked tightly between the spaces of Takemichi’s slender fingers. “It’s on the corner to the right.”

Their conversations came to a brief halt as Takemichi took in the views around them. It was more like a small village than a city, something undeniably peaceful and comforting. Cobblestone roads with buildings that threw modernity out the window. Chipped bricks composed the buildings instead, promising history and a lengthy timespan of life. Palm trees hung overhead everywhere Takemichi looked and the hum of the waves seemed to buzz continuously within his ears, even with much distance from the beach.

“The first time I left Toman I found myself a place in the countryside,” Takemichi started as they walked hand in hand down the street, “It was a village just like this except instead of a beach for the villagers to escape too, we found comfort within the mountainside. Various hikes, farmland galore, all of that kinda stuff. It was peaceful and quiet. We were all so high up within the earth’s atmosphere, we had a grand view of the stars every night. Even when it was cloudy, they still twinkled and shone so brightly from above. There were many nights I ended up asleep in the cornfield.” Takemichi reminisced with a laugh, “I didn’t know anyone when I first moved there but I kinda liked it that way. I found work through various farming activities like strawberry picking, plotting tomato seeds, pulling weeds. It was easy and I remember it made me wish I had that kind of life to begin with. Simple, without heartache or pain, without loss— just me and my strawberries.”

Mikey listened to Takemichi’s story with a defeated heart, though a small smile curved against his lips as he attempted to imagine Takemichi in farmer attire. In truth, it sounded like a dream. It sounded like a tranquility only this current village ever gave him. The way Takemichi smiled so thoughtfully, so reminiscent about his previous life made his heart jump with envy. Envy for not being able to experience that kind of life with him. Instead, he was obliviously living his life within Toman, never even realizing what kind of role Takemichi had within his life in the first place.

“What made you leave?” Mikey asked sincerely, curious how such happiness could ever falter.

“Loneliness.”

Mikey paused within their physical motion, “But I thought you said it was peaceful.”

“It was until it wasn’t. No matter what kind of work or atmosphere I lived in, I couldn’t stop worrying about what was going on at home. After seeing what Kisaki could do, I feared every day I’d get some sort of call that I had another funeral to attend too.”

“So what did you do? Where did you go then?”

“I moved closer back to the city to keep an eye on everything without exactly getting involved. I’d say this was around the time Moebius became a problem with you all.”

“Moebius?” Mikey asked, unable to contain the surprise that laced within his tone. “You left before August third?”

Takemichi offered a simple nod in response.

“Then… Tachibana Hinata died before then?”

“It was in May of 2005. Kisaki and Hina had met at cram school in August of 2003, where Kisaki had grown those romantic feelings for her, without my knowledge. We were together for all of 2004 but more officially the start of 2005.”

Mikey racked his brain with this new timeline worth of information. Where was he in May of 2005?

“What month did you come back?”

“July.”

“If you were so uninvolved with Toman, how were you able to save Ken-chin on August third?”

Takemichi fell silent for a few moments, his gaze following the leaves that blew with the trace of wind. “It was July when I began to do some digging. I purposefully got myself involved in that slave work with Mizo Mid against Kiyomasa and his posse. The ulterior motive was to figure out what power Kisaki had over everyone there. After we managed to escape that whole situation, I started…” He paused as he adjusted his attention on Mikey, “stalking. Planning. Gathering intel. Pah-chin was already in jail at this point which was extremely unfortunate because Osanai was my biggest lead.”

“What do you mean? How? What position did Osanai play in all this other than being the leader of Moebius?”

“Mikey, that entire fight was planned, you knew that, didn’t you?”

The look on Mikey’s face showed true nature that he in fact didn’t know that.

“Fuck, we have a lot to talk about. Let’s continue this after breakfast, okay? Come on, let’s get the groceries first.” Takemichi tugged at Mikey’s hand attempting to thaw out his frozen facade. Just as they stepped into the market, Mikey whispered so soft, Takemichi barely heard it.

“You promise?”

“I promise, Mikey, I don’t lie about the past.” Takemichi answered earnestly as he grabbed a hand cart and began surveilling the area. “We definitely need these,” he started as he reached for the carton of eggs, checking for any cracking or spoiling within each container. “Next is….” He hummed as he gazed around the cheese area, “What’s your favorite kind?”

“Mm,” Mikey hummed before shrugging, “any is fine.”

“Now when you say that I could pick the worst kind of cheese, would you still eat it?”

“Hah? Why would you pick the worst? What if your worst is my best?”

“See? And I wouldn’t know with the original answer you gave me. Let’s try it again,”

“Jesus Christ,” Mikey grumbled, “you’re really insufferable.” He commented, though just the smallest of smiles grazed his cheeks as he reached forward and pulled a couple packs off the shelf.

“Ah, into the classics I see. Okay, now milk, do you have any dairy preferences?”

“What the fuck is that sentence?”

A laugh bubbled out of Takemichi’s lips, “I’m so glad you asked,” he turned towards the display of milks and began his barista-like speech, “Okay so for dairy we have the usual, two percent, skim or nonfat, half and half, as well as heavy cream. But for nondairy, my personal favorite, we have almond milk, oat, soy, and coconut. It really depends on your tastebuds. Can you stomach dairy or does it hurt your stomach?”

“Isn’t it all the same?”

“Mikey, don’t ever say that to a barista.”

The tone of utter sincerity that came out of Takemichi created such a quick snort— a chuckled gasp from Mikey’s lips. “J-Jesus, okay— I mean, I don’t care either way, but you said you prefer nondairy so why don’t we just go with that?”

“If I’m making eggs, what milk do you think would go best?”

“Is this a test?”

“Maybe.”

Mikey hummed in response as he read over the nondairy options carefully. “Which one is thinner? Not so heavy?”

“Coconut.”

“Okay, let’s go with that one.”

“Good choice, Sano Manjiro,” Takemichi boasted as he placed the milk into his basket, “okay, onward to produce,”

“Do you make every shopping trip like it’s some sort of destined journey?” Mikey asked as they headed over to the produce section.

“Hm?” Takemichi hummed softly, “no, but this time is a special occasion.”

“And what’s that?”

“I get to cook for you,” Takemichi answered as his gaze hovered on Mikey’s face. Their eyes met with consistency, love and adoration, a yearn to be impossibly closer when they were the closest they’d ever get.

“I hate you,” Mikey murmured, soft and without an ounce of truth.

“And I love you.” Takemichi responded easily, with all variables of truth and dedication on the table.

“Fuck off.”

“I won’t.” Takemichi spoke with a smile, pressing a chaste kiss against Mikey’s forehead before he turned to the matter at hand. “What vegetables do you like? And don’t say any.”

Mikey groaned as he dragged his feet around the tables, picking up and bagging a few leafy greens, a couple of potatoes, and a few different peppers. He placed them in the cart and waited expectantly for the next area of destination. A smile wore throughout Takemichi’s face for the entire shopping trip, as they maneuvered around the store, picking up different ingredients to compose a plethora of different breakfast items. Once their handicart became over flowed and at least twenty pounds, they headed to the counter and paid out, carrying their bags out of the small market.

“By the time you finish cooking it’ll be lunch time.” Mikey commented as they headed down the cobblestone.

“And that works out perfectly because there’s such a thing as brunch,” Takemichi stated with a large grin.

Mikey was beginning to think he could never get used to this. Never get used to the light that beamed over Takemichi’s physique— like a glowing orb, a never ending sunlight ray that lay destined to uplift such a work of art. He could never get used to the smile that reached both of his eyes, or the way he spoke so highly, so full of boast and excitement over such tedious actions. It made Mikey’s heart stutter in his chest, providing warmth in areas he’d long forgotten could feel such heat.

Once they arrived back home, Takemichi settled all the ingredients on a cutting board and began to chop, slice and dice away. Mikey took comfort in sitting up on the counter as he watched Takemichi work so effortlessly. Their conversations were lighthearted and sweet, enough for Mikey to comfortable rest his head against the overhead cabinets and let his eyes fall closed. By the time Takemichi finished and plated the food, Mikey was absolutely starving. He moved to set the table as Takemichi placed down two big plates with eggs, breakfast potatoes, and toast with a multitude of jams and spreads placed neatly on the side. He returned a few moments later with two mugs of steaming coffee a warm smile on his face.

“Are you going to ask me to try it first before we continue our conversation?” Mikey asked as he twirled his fork between his fingers.

“It’s scary how well you’ve managed to figure me out.”

A smirk rose against Mikey’s lips as he stabbed a big forkful of food and took a bite. Takemichi awaited patiently but even that was enough to make Mikey’s heart bloom in his chest. After he swallowed, he met Takemichi’s eye, “It’s really good.”

“I’m glad,” Takemichi responded before he dug into his own plate. After he took a sip of his coffee, he began to retell his history.

“So, let me start by saying in no way am I excusing Moebius’ actions, they are all pieces of shit. No matter who put them up to their actions, they still did what they did and it’s absolute blasphemy. But, Osanai was under Kisaki’s rule. Pah-chin was the obvious victim but you and Draken were the real targets.” Takemichi explained as he popped another potato into his mouth, “The goal was to create something so drastic that you and Draken would separate over. Kisaki wanted to cause a riff within Toman so he could be your Vice Commander. He didn’t care what happened to Draken, he just wanted to earn your trust from the outside.”

“How does Pah play any part in that?”

“You two fought over leaving him to take the blame, didn’t you?”

Mikey fell silent at that reminder.

“In truth, Kisaki’s plan worked. After that, there really was a divide between Toman. But when you two made up…” Takemichi trailed off, a smile— though not exactly one made out of positivity, graced his lips, “that really pissed Kisaki off. So he came up with the plan to promise a real place next to you. To kill Draken on August third at the Musashi Shrine and play hero when you were at your lowest.”

“How did you figure all of this out? Who were you in contact with?”

“I spoke to Osanai and got him to come clean about his relationship with Kisaki. That’s when he warned me Kisaki would stop at nothing to get what he wanted but I already knew that factor too well. To be honest, I stalked the hell out of Draken, I followed him literally everywhere to make sure he was alright. When he went to the festival that night, I stumbled across Kiyomasa, his posse, and Peh-yan talking in the forest about the ambush. I texted Emma to make an excuse for her and Draken to leave the festival early but they got caught.”

“The rest you know, that whole fight happened, perhaps you would have actually met me that night but I got caught up with Kiyomasa.”

“What happened?”

Takemichi released a breathless chuckle as he moved to sip more of his coffee, “He beat the shit out of me and they all tied me down with duct tape. It was Emma who found me and helped me out of that mess. By the time we made it back to the battlefield, Draken had already been attacked. You were stuck dealing with Hanma so while everyone was busy, Emma and I hoisted up Draken and ran. From there, you know the rest.”

Mikey was deathly silent for far too long but Takemichi decided letting him process this new information was the most important step. He finished his breakfast and leaned back in his chair, watching the expressions that canvassed Mikey’s face. When Mikey finally spoke, it was a question Takemichi wasn’t expecting.

“But why did you care about all of this? You weren’t in Toman, you had no connections to Toman, what made you go out of your way to save someone you didn’t know?”

Takemichi hummed in thought, “At first, I just wanted to make all of Kisaki’s plans fail. I wanted to be the person ruining all of Kisaki’s hard work, all of his dedication, since he’d already took my sole reason of being, away from me. But as time progressed and I learned about the people Kisaki was going after— I had a change of heart. Sure, I wanted to continue being one step head of Kisaki at all times, but more than anything I wanted to ensure that no one ever felt the same pain I did because of him. To be honest, I fell in love with Toman. I really did. There was such a community within your gang back then that drove me crazy to save. As Kisaki’s plans got more and more erratic and drastic, so did my crave to save each and every one of you.”

“Why wouldn’t you just join? Why wouldn’t you just talk to me?”

“How could I? What was I supposed to say? ‘Hey, I know you don’t know me but Kisaki is actually a really bad guy and here’s all these reasons why without physical proof.’ Not even Draken knew he was being targeted, I would have just looked suspicious. Besides that, I couldn’t let Kisaki know I was undermining him.”

Mikey grew a more deathly pale by the second but Takemichi supposed he couldn’t blame it. This wasn’t exactly a hot topic of conversation.

“So what happened after Ken-chin? What happened after you left the hospital?”

“God,” Takemichi groaned as he released a breath, “Kisaki went radio silent for so long. I couldn’t find any leads and you all were doing relatively well so, as much as I knew temporary peace, I knew constant anxiety. If Kisaki is ever silent for more than a month, there’s a huge plan in motion. It wasn’t until October when everything went to absolute shit.”

“October?” Mikey questioned, but before Takemichi could answer his eyes widened. “I elected Kisaki as the third division captain.”

“That you did.”

“Then what? You joined the Black Dragons?”

Takemichi shook his head, “If we’re going by timeline, then no. Not yet. I heard word of Baji’s betrayal and that’s when I learned about Valhalla. Mizo Mid and I were in the middle of a rundown about Valhalla when I was approached.”

“By who?”

“Kazutora.”

For the hundredth time in this particular conversation, Mikey visibly froze.

“Kazutora brought me to Valhalla’s hideout where I witnessed Baji’s initiation into the gang. It was brutal. Watching Chifuyu get his ass beat like that, it was sick.” Takemichi commented with disdain, “but I learned more that night than anyone could have expected. Beyond that, it was the first time I’d come face to face with Hanma since Hina’s death. As important as it was for me to witness all that I did, I was also exposed which gave Kisaki the upper hand knowing I had come back. From there, Baji became my informant.”

“Baji? What the hell? How?”

Takemichi shrugged, “He never went to Valhalla as an active betrayal against you, you know that. He wanted to figure out who the headless angel of Valhalla was and what corruption was going on behind the scenes. Once he understood I was in the same boat, considering Hanma made a huge deal about me at that particular meeting, we began to collect intel together in secret.”

Mikey processed all this new inside information as if his life sincerely depended on it. “When does your involvement with the Black Dragons come into play?”

“The conflict on Christmas.”

Mikey stared back, hollow, in response.

“The fight against Taiju.”

“No, I’m aware. You weren’t there.”

“You do know that Hakkai knew me before I came to your headquarters, right?”

“No? What the fuck are you talking about?”

“I opened up about my past to you, to Mitsuya, to Chifuyu, Mizo Mid already knew to a degree, and I had you tell Draken and the Kawata twins. Why wouldn’t I have you tell Hakkai?”

“I figured Mitsuya would have told him.”

“Without my permission?” Takemichi clicked his tongue, “I met Hakkai and Yuzuha in November of 2005 at a bowling alley. It was by chance really. We clicked so well, they both invited me over for dinner, however we were ambushed by the tenth generation of the Black Dragons. Cue me getting my ass beat by Taiju, where Hakkai is forced to quit Toman and join his brother in order for my safety. Thus, we pass through the Christmas conflict.”

“I officially became the eleventh generation leader of the Black Dragons in 2006.”

“How?”

“Fuck, it was this whole thing.” Takemichi responded with a sigh as he gathered their plates and moved to the kitchen, Mikey instinctively following behind.

“Tell me.”

“So Tenjiku, right? While you were all dealing with the aftermath of the attack, I came into contact with Kakucho. The thing about Kakucho is, he was actually my oldest friend. We grew up together way before Mizo Mid ever came into my life.” Takemichi reminisced as he placed the plates in the drying rack, “Kakucho asked me to save Izana from Kisaki’s brainwashing bullshit. I had literally no idea who the fuck that was but our meeting was cut very short so I reached out to Emma and was informed of just who he was, specifically to you. So then I was torn, Izana was my closest lead to bringing down Kisaki but if I couldn’t save Izana, you’d be without another brother. Albeit, adoptive but I still couldn’t let it happen. So while I was in the midst of doing more digging, I was abducted by Muto and Sanzu,” Takemichi reminisced with a small laugh, “Koko and Inui were also there, bound and tortured to shit. The only way Inui and I were able to leave unharmed was Koko’s promise to leave Toman and join Tenjiku. I was elected Black Dragons leader that same night. That’s when everything went to absolute shit. I was with Inui, Emma, and Izana at Shinchiro’s grave when we heard wind that Mitsuya and Smiley had been attacked and hospitalized. I got Emma as far away from the scene as possible but we were being followed and that’s when—“ Takemichi trailed off as he swallowed a ball of acid against his throat, “you know…” Takemichi trailed off, unable to finish that sentence in particular.

“After I took Emma to the hospital, what did you do?”

“I went after Kisaki, it was one of the worst brawls I’d ever been in. He just kept running. We would fight, he would land a few punches, I would land a few, then he’d run and I’d chase him. It went on like that forever until I cornered him and he pulled a gun. The next moments still lay fuzzy in my brain but he shot me twice in the chest,” Takemichi spoke, his fingers instinctively running over the scars underneath his shirt, “It was Inui and Koko who brought me to the hospital where I flatlined once upon arrival and again during surgery. I was in a coma for about three weeks. When I woke up, I left it all for good.”

They both managed to stand and stare in profound silence. Questionable emotions swirled the air leaving the atmosphere around them to hang thick and on the verge of suffocation. When it became clear Mikey would need more time to process everything, Takemichi cleared his throat, “I’m going to get some air,” he mustered softly, forcing his feet to move. Before he could reach the door, however, arms wrapped securely around his waist, a forehead between his shoulder blades. Takemichi released a hefty sigh as he seemed to relax against Mikey’s chest. He made a motion for Mikey to loosen his arms, only enough for Takemichi to do a small spin and wrap his arms around Mikey’s shoulders, holding him closer to his chest.

“I’m so sorry,” Takemichi murmured softly against Mikey’s hair, pressing a few peppery kisses against his scalp.

They stood there for as long as they both physically needed, for as long as they wanted, before they eventually pulled back with matching, mirror-like emotions canvasing their faces. Tear stained skin, pink cheeks, glossy eyes, it was all the same no matter how one looked at it. “It’s not your fault,” Mikey spoke, something soft and full of promise.

“This should have been brought to an end sooner.” Takemichi responded simply, “my elaborate plans could only go so far when I’m dealing with someone a thousand times more hostile and violent that I could ever imagine being.”

“Don’t simple down your pain. No one anticipated what lengths Kisaki would go in order to destroy you and everything you love. It’s his fault.”

“It is,” Takemichi opted to agree as he pressed another chaste kiss against Mikey’s forehead, “let’s move on from this, yeah? We’re reaching territory I live in at home, let’s not bring it here.” Takemichi mustered with as much confidence as he could, “Wanna take advantage of the beach?”

Mikey knew as heartbreaking as it was to relive his childhood through the eyes of another, it was equally as heartbreaking when the other faced consistent hostility, loss, and grief all for the notion to save. The entire retell of all Takemichi went through— not only to avenge Tachibana Hinata but to also save Toman, save him, made him feel close to physical illness. It was unfair, really, to live a life where one’s sole purpose was for the consistency of revenge— but Mikey supposed he could chop it down to one succumbing to obsession after suffering a loss so early within childhood development.

Who was he to judge when his own dark impulses had existed far before even losing his big brother? Who was he to try and hold Takemichi back from this demise when he’d already lived within his own for so long? It was hypocritical— even if Mikey wanted to save Takemichi for the greater good, even if Mikey could see Takemichi fulfilling a happier life elsewhere, there was no point in trying to stop a man’s destined mission. Mikey had come too late. Mikey had found out about Takemichi’s existence too late. As much as he wanted to put blame on Hakkai for never mentioning Takemichi’s name in the past, or even Atsushi and the Mizo Mid hooligans who never once uttered a peep about their crybaby hero, he couldn’t particularly put blame on anyone but himself. If he had tried harder, if he had looked more into Kisaki’s past from the beginning— he could have, he would have found that link. He could have saved Hanagaki Takemichi from himself way before it got to this point.

A wave of nausea begged to escape the confines of his throat, leaving him in a chokehold as he swallowed it down uneasily. He couldn’t think this way, he couldn’t let himself fall into this sort of misery when his time with Takemichi this weekend was so short to begin with. Enjoy this version of Takemichi for as long as you possibly can, Mikey would think to himself. By the time they’d arrive home, Takemichi would be immersed in the shit he had left to hang and dry.

“Yeah,” Mikey finally agreed, “yeah, let’s go to the beach.”

—

The next few hours were spent enjoying a plethora of different activities. What started as a relaxing getaway, receiving warmth from a blistering sun; sprawled out against towels and sandy textures — turned into a match of tag. Or more so, Takemichi thought it fun to fill a pail with seawater and toss it upon a sleepy Mikey. Only the respective wildlife could hear Mikey’s outraged shouts and Takemichi’s giggled shrieks as he dove into the waves for some sort of created distance.

Alas, the game fell to wits’ end as soon as Mikey caught up, leaving Takemichi to toss up an imaginary white flag, in beg of a truce. Fingers wrapped with ease around torsos, giggled exchanges of pleasantries and teases, while Takemichi’s head rested at the crook of Mikey’s throat. A soft hum escaping his lips as they spoke about anything and everything that came to mind.

When their beach day came to an inevitable departure, the two waltzed back to their vacation home, tucked lovingly within each others’ grasps. “Are you hungry?” Takemichi asked, shuffling his way towards the kitchen as soon as they stepped inside. “I can always go for a sandwich after swimming, what about you?”

A lazy smile rose against Mikey’s cheeks, “That sounds good, Takemitchy, should we watch a movie?”

The smile that was returned as some sort of answer did wonders to leave Mikey a putty of fuzzy feelings and trembling nerves; albeit internal. A fond roll of his hues as he heads to the living room, looking to stock up the couch with extra blankets and pillows for the ultimate movie night. The debate between whether they should watch a horror or a comedy brought some engaging opinions, but ultimately, Takemichi’s flirty composure — a promise to hold Mikey if he got scared, won the blonde over with ease.

And as surprising as it wasn’t, that promise fulfilled a lot more than just cuddle sessions. In times Mikey’s face was covered from the screen, the blondes lips were attached to Takemichi’s neck — more thrilled to decorate skin with marks of ownership than watching a masked killer terrorize a town of college students. It only helped his case more when soft, breathy moans escaped Takemichi’s lips, or when his hand found refuge on Mikey’s hip; holding him quite like the dip of his torso was made for his hand alone.

It was only a matter of time they reached their typical arrangement, with Mikey straddled on Takemichi’s lap; fingers snaking underneath cloth to press against exposed, warm skin. “Come on, Mikey, please,” Takemichi begs, a jutted out lip in view of a faux pout to get his message across.

“I said no.”

“But why?”

“Because I fuck you and that’s it.” Mikey deadpanned, refusing to give into the looks of liquid heat worn across Takemichi’s canvas.

“And I want to feel you around my cock, just Mikey.” Takemichi purred, leaning in to pepper kisses from Mikey’s jawline to his ear. “Come on, let me see you ride my cock like a champ.”

The atmosphere was much too warm for Mikey’s liking, the heat flushed from head to toe against his skin at Takemichi’s words, mannerisms, kisses, feverish eye contact, and above all the hardness that throbbed underneath him every time Takemichi talked himself up so highly.

“Are you not pleased with the way I fuck you?” Mikey attempted to spat, refusing to lose control to Takemichi’s provocative games.

“I never said that. No, I just said I want to fill up that pretty hole of yours.”

“J-Jesus fucking Christ,” Mikey whined, quickly losing his own patience; as Takemichi’s tone took on the epitome of lust. A rasp behind his words, no longer said in a teasing manner — but rather, with full belief this night would go his way.

“Fuck, please, Mikey,” Takemichi whined, vibrations from his lips tingling against Mikey’s equally adorned throat. “I want to feel you — I need to feel you, I know you’ll take me so good, baby.” A distinctive purr against Mikey’s earlobe, leaving his own cock to throb painfully against seemingly tight pants.

“Fuck,” Mikey moans, fingers stuffed into silky black hair, grasping locks with a sudden desperation. “But only once, and I get to fuck you first.”

A giggle to leave Takemichi’s lips, beyond pleased, “ Sure, if you have the stamina.” A kiss pressed to the side of Mikey’s temple before their mouths find each other. A desperate rivalry of tongues and clashing teeth as they both look to devour. Fingers grasping cloth just to discard with growing impatience, an anticipation to feel scarred skin under calloused fingertips.

“Fuck — fuck, I need you,” Takemichi whines, somewhere in the heat of Mikey stroking him, lips attached to vibrantly irritated nipples.

“You need me where, Takemitchy?” A growing smirk to rise against his lips, quite sure the other had forgotten about his little dominance charade already.

“On my cock, please,” Another whine, akin to that of a mewl— and it’s the look behind blues that leave Mikey coming undone so viciously. “Fuck, you’re ridiculous,” Mikey managed, attempting to push back what this does to his internal composure. At the very least, seeing a new side of Takemichi would be thrilling.

Mikey lines himself up with Takemichi’s tip, cheeks heated with humiliation, and his own astonished lust by the way blues watch him with such temptation, such desire. “Stop fucking looking at me like that,” Mikey demands, attempting to focus on lowering himself on Takemichi’s girth. And fuck — it felt big, tight— as if it wouldn’t actually fit. Tears brim the corner of his hues as he refuses to back down.

“Like what?” Takemichi questions, chewing on his bottom lip to supress the breathy moans that begged to escape at such a sight, such a feeling. “Like I’m about to fucking devour you?” A breathless laugh to escape his bitten lips, “I can’t.”

A moan through words alone escapes Mikey’s lips, fingers pulling desperately at raven locks, “Stop talking like that, you sound fucking dirty.” A roll of his eyes at Takemichi’s bloomed laughter in return, only for a gasp to escape his lips as Takemichi thrusts upwards. “F-Fuck Takemitchy—,” A whine, “h-hold on.”

“Hold onto me,” Takemichi directs, bringing Mikey’s forehead to rest upon his shoulder, feeling fingers tighten against his own hips. “God, you feel so fucking tight around me,” Takemichi moans, distinctly into his ear as he thrusts up again, before focusing on a rhythm that has Mikey coming undone with embarrassing ease. “Fuck, T-Takemitchy,” A whine to leave his lips, desperate to do anything to rile him up all the same.

“Hm? Do I feel good?” Takemichi purrs, all too close, as his rhythm picks up speed, finger-padded bruises forming upon Mikey’s waist. “Let me hear you, Mikey, tell me how good I feel inside you.”

“Fuck off,” Another bruised whine to escape his pants, attempting to garner some control over Takemichi’s dominance. He leans back, a sharp inhale as he moves along with the current pace, riding Takemichi’s cock.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” Takemichi groans, rasp and filled to the brim with an exhaustive tone, “Just like that Mikey, fuck, you take me so fucking well.” Another sound-like snarl as he lunges forth, bringing teeth and tongue to the skin of Mikey’s chest. Too many moans and harsh breaths to distinct what’s being said as they both reach their peak. Sounds of wet skin and aroma of sweat and musk infiltrating their noses.

“Let go Takemitchy, I’m— I’m going too…” A frustrated growl, eyeing his own cock that’s held ever so firmly in the others’ grasp.

“No,” Takemichi manages, just barely through gritted teeth, “You can’t cum until I do too.” A disheveled gasp hung off Mikey’s parted lips, “Fine,” he spouts, only to focus on sucking in Takemichi’s length with every thrust downward. As much as it settles within his own tummy, watching Takemichi pant and moan was worth every movement. Clenching his cheeks as he reaches his shaft, only to squeeze as he reaches the tip. “Fuck, Takemitchy, you know you want to cum for me. Come on, don’t you wanna fill me up already?” A grin as his taunts bring music to his ears, a rushing pace to finish, which only smacks the grin right off his own face as Takemichi pumps his own cock feverishly.

“Shit—“ They both shout in unison, the feeling of being filled, on top of reaching his own peak making an absolute mess out of Mikey. Heavy breaths, heated kisses, morphing into soft inhales and peppered lips against Mikeys skin. Takemichi’s fingers run through blonde locks, tucking stray strands behind his ear. “You doing okay?”

“We’re never doing that again.” Mikey announces, pulling himself up and off Takemichi’s length with shaky limbs.

“What? Was it not good?”

“No, that’s not it,” A shake of his head as he regains his composure, “I’m just going to fuck you until I’m the last thing you feel.”

A huff leaves Takemichi’s lips, a fond roll of blue hues before he forces himself up and off the couch. “whatever, you were a total mess just now.”

“I was not.”

“You so were.”

Giggles to fill the atmosphere soon after as they headed to retreat into their shared bedroom, presumably to allow Mikey’s return to control. Needless to say, time ceased to exist. Even as the sun rose, the two made no coherent effort to do anything but grunt and groan as loud as they wanted too without any real repercussions. By the time they’d finished, it was near evening of the following day. Bathed in bites, bruises, cuts and dried blood the two showered and focused the rest of the evening on food and conversations. An easy balance.

As the wish for this weekend to stay forever continued to bloom within the both of them, it was only a matter of time before Sunday fell into nightfall. Their getaway wished a sorrowed goodbye as fingers were interlaced, a final walk along the sandy beach. Applied pressure, a consistent squeeze of fingers as both respective parties did their utmost best to promise safety and solution.

Bags packed, the two send off their final goodbyes and head for Mikey’s helicopter. As soon as their situated within the aircraft, Takemichi watches the only crumb of real humanity dissipate into thin air. A soft sigh to leave his lips, attempting to garner feelings of hope — as if three days away from the nightmare awaiting him would suddenly disappear.

As soon as they land, sometime in the middle of the night — close to sunrise, Takemichi finds it rather necessary to visit Hina’s grave. Alas, the thought of running into Akkun immediately after returning would sour his mood entirely. Mikey offers to come along, to no avail — but ensures that if anything is to go wrong, or if he is needed; he’d be there right away.

Returned to the chilly breeze of Tokyo, Takemichi heads to the grave to just sit and talk — relish in this new relationship, the lack of isolation during their retreat, and the overall love that continues to grow and flourish centered around Tokyo Manji Gang’s leader. A soft sigh as he musters the courage to check his phone, for the first time since Friday evening. A number of missed calls from quite a few contacts, but one stood out in particular. One marked ‘unknown’ that has called three times in the past thirty minutes. Furrowed brows as his heart stammers, instantly thumbing the keypad to check his latest message.

And there — from the unknown number, or perhaps another lay a string of texts.

Unknown:
Hope your weekend getaway was eventful, it gave me plenty of time to figure out my next move.

Unknown:
Is your phone still off, Takemichi? That’s cruel, I was quite certain you had learned from your past mistakes.

Unknown:
Here’s a riddle for you,
What’s black and blue and red all over?

Unknown:
Too difficult? Okay, here’s another:
What has six letters, but can be changed to four in a matter of moments?

Needless to say, Takemichi was a hyperventilating mess. Desperate to keep up with the messages that came one after another, depicting some sort of hidden secret he had yet to understand. It was obvious who hid behind the unknown number, but that factor hadn’t mattered at the moment. No, not when a distinctive play was in active motion and it seemed as if, again, Takemichi would be too late to play savior.

Unknown:
*image attachment*.
Did you get it?

The final straw, the last message was all it took for Takemichi to race forward. To pocket his phone and run like his life depended on it. No, no, no, no, no! This couldn’t be happening — this all had to be some sick, cruel joke— hadn’t it? But no, this was Kisaki and above all, the image now sitting within his phone promised anything but.

To think just hours ago he was in the comfort of Mikey’s arms, watching the sunset across waves of water, only to be welcomed back home in the arms of blood and risen guilt. Without protection, without a call for help, without a second thought further; fingers grasped the wooden door and slammed it open.

What lie there waiting for him was enough to bring him down to his knees in an instant. A choked gasp, dilated pupils filled with horror, fear, disgust — and of course, another instance for self blame.

The weekend vacation was a mistake.
Turning off his phone was a mistake.
Pushing away everything that happened was a mistake.

No, this —

this was the final straw.