Chapter Text
Hanagaki Takemichi grew up surrounded by instability. Moved from one family members home to the next until they got tired of him and he was dropped back off at his parents house. Nobody wanted the mutt born before the Hanagakis left their prime. They hoped for success and for their 20s to be filled with friends, parties, and romance. Unfortunately for the pair they were filled with hospitals, bills, and a grubby child to feed.
His mother didn't take to her 'youth being stolen' as kindly as his father did, if you could even say he took it well. His mother rarely looked at him. It was as if she was disgusted by him, but every time he went to her he made sure he was clean so he didn't know why she looked at him that way. His father would make sure he looked fine before Takemichi left to walk to school, so that was nice. There were no harsh words, no physical contact, and no manipulation, but there was also no love. Empty words said as they shut his door at night. A drag on the cigarette as the young boy begged his mother to help with homework. He should be able to do it himself. He was a big boy now.
You want to be a big boy? Then figure it out for yourself. So Takemichi learned. It's what his mother wanted after all and who was he to deny his mother?
He cooked for himself, usually meals that required no heat and minimal counter prep as he was too short to even reach the cabinets when he made his first meal. He figured out how to do his homework, even if it was wrong most of the time. He repaired the holes and tears in his shorts his father never bothered to look at. He did it all for himself.
Then the day came. The young 7 year old boy was taken into the car. He would always walked to school, they never went on road trips with him, out to eat with him, took him anywhere in the car- Where was he going? Excitement filled his veins at the thought of going on a drive. He watched the buildings pass by quicker than he could run. His parents were silent as they drove, ignoring his questions as to where they were going. After a while he gave up asking and continued to watch through the window. It was incredible. He can't remember how long it took for them to arrive, but he knew the time like the back of his hand.
7:36PM. The time shone brightly in his father's watch as he was brought out the car. His feet hit the pebbled ground and he looked around at the large building. There was a park across the street, were they going to play there? He was about to take a step towards it when his wrist was grabbed by his mother. She dragged him towards the large building he failed to notice, watching as his father followed, carrying a suitcase of some sort. Vacation?
He was brought into the building, his mother holding on tight as if afraid he'd run. Why would he do that? It was warm in the building. It was new to him too, he wanted to explore it. An older woman appeared and briefly had a conversation with his parents. Large words he couldn't understand like 'orphanage' and 'adoption' were used. His large blue eyes continued to stare at his surroundings in curiosity completely detached from the conversion occurring between the woman and his parents. He was quickly snapped back to reality when his mother began screaming angrily at the woman. He was so confused.. Why were they mad? The woman seemed upset too, but hers seemed to stem from sadness rather than anger.
The next thing he knew he was tossed by his mother into the woman, who caught him thankfully. He gathered his bearings just in time to watch as his parents left, turning to head back to the car. It was confusing at first but then he remembered all the times he was left at relatives' houses when his parents left for vacation. They would be back soon to pick him up then.
The small boy, short in stature, messy black hair, skin covered in scrapes from playing, and his blue eyes that seemed to call out to everyone who saw them, stared at the woman in what seemed to be understanding.
"Oh dear, lets get you to a room." The tall woman spoke softly. He nodded and began to follow her, not saying another thing.
The pair walked down a long hall, lights flickered inside some of the rooms but most were off. It seemed some rooms were occupied, how strange. He was taken down the hall and around a corner to a larger room. She lifted her hand to knock on the door but stopped herself. Was there another person in there?
"I'm sorry love, but your parents didn't even tell me your name." She looked down at him pitifully. Takemichi didn't like that. He straightened up and puffed out his chest. "Hanagaki Takemichi." The woman smiled softly and nodded. "Call me Miss Himari. It's best if you take a rest first... I'll help you orient yourself in the morning."
Takemichi nodded. He liked Miss Himari. She spoke in such kind words to him. Miss Himari lifted her hand again to knock on the door. When no response came she entered it anyway and allowed herself and Takemichi in.
Inside the room was three beds in a relatively spacious room. Windows lined the west wall, allowing the last light of day to enter and illuminate the room before the lights would have to come on. Carefully picked out light blue curtains hung from either side of the windows. Takemichi found himself fascinated by how pretty it was, his room was always so bare back home. Toys were scattered across the floor, even the bedding looked warm. But that wasn't what was most interesting to him. Instead it was the two other boys in the room with him. He swallowed nervously, fidgeting with his fingers. He'd never been great at making friends in school.
One boy had messy black hair like himself and looked to be around his age. He had a scar across his face and one red eyes while the eye by his scar was white. He looked cool... and friendly. He perked up immediately, looking at Takemichi curiously.
The other boy seemed more apprehensive. In fact he seemed a bit mad. He had tan skin and white hair. His hair was too long at the moment and fell too close to his eyes. His lashes were also white while his eyes themselves were a purple. He seemed to be older than Takemichi, maybe by around 3-4 years? He was very pretty looking according to Takemichi.
The white haired boy clenched his fists and pointed at Takemichi angrily. "Himari-san! We don't need another kid in here! Especially one who looks like a washed up dog!"
*Did Takemichi look like a washed up dog?* He reached up to feel his hair, confused as it was dry.
Miss Himari sighed and shuffled Takemichi in, her hand on his back in reassurance. "Izana, there is no more space in other rooms."
"Yes there is! Make space!" Izana didn't want to give up and Takemichi suddenly felt very bad for taking his space.
He turned around and tugged on Miss Himari's skirt, looking up at her. His voice was soft as he spoke, as if it hadn't been used in a while. "I can go somewhere else-"
The other black haired kid seemed to take interest as he spoke. He got up from where he sat on the bed and walked towards Takemichi, standing close to him as he inspected him. Takemichi felt himself shrink under his gaze, feeling very nervous under the older boys gaze. He was so tall compared to him... and they seemed the same age!
The taller boy looked up at Miss Himari and smiled. "I'll convince Izana, Himari-san."
Miss Himari sighed at this and ruffled the tall boy's hair. "Thank you Kakuchou."
Kakuchou took Takemichi's hand and dragged him towards Izana, being careful on how hard he was gripping his wrist. Takemichi felt himself shaking under the Izana's gaze. He was so intimidating.. He listened as Miss Himari placed his suitcase near the empty bed and closed the door after she left. She seemed to trust Kakuchou a lot..
Izana crossed his arms over his chest as he stared down at him. His eyes were squinted but held no malice, he just seemed apprehensive. Kakuchou tugged Takemichi closer to his side and cleared his voice. "Come on Izana... He clearly doesn't have anyone else, just like us. How could you turn him away-" "Just like I did the others." Izana snapped at Kakuchou and in response the younger frowned. Takemichi felt out of place. He wished he was back in his empty room away from this tension-
Kakuchou wasn't letting up anytime soon it seemed as he pulled Takemichi closer, hugging him. This act only seemed to make Izana more upset. "He's so cute though. His eyes are so big as if trying to take everything in." Was that a compliment? "Plus Himari-san said he'd stay here."
Izana stood still for a moment before frowning deeper and turning away to lay on his bed, covering himself with blankets. Was that a yes? Could he stay?
Kakuchou smiled and turned back to Takemichi. "Look Izanas okay with it!" He led the smaller to his bed and picked him up, placing him there as if ordering him to sleep. Kakuchou returned to his own bed as the issue was resolved, laying back down with the book he had earlier.
Takemichi laid down in the bed because he wasn't sure what else to do... He got under the covers and fell asleep that night warm and confused. Very confused.
`~`
The second day at the orphanage was spent mostly in Miss Himari's office as she explained what had happened. According to her, his parents had given him up and placed him in the orphanage to be adopted later. But he didn't want to be adopted. He wanted to be with his parents, even if the house was colder than it was here. When he exited the office he had tears streaming down his from crying at the news. His eyes were red and he sniffled pitifully as he walked through the halls. He entered the room again to find Kakuchou gone, but Izana was still there. This couldn't get any worse... Izana didn't seem to like him already! He sniffled softly and wiped his tears away, afraid of being made fun of by the older kid. He sat on his bed, back facing Izana's area.
The soft creak of footsteps were heard before they stopped around his bed. Takemichi didn't bother to turn around, not wanting to show Izana his tears.
"Found out where you are huh?"
Takemichi nodded.
There was a moment of silence between the two before the bed dipped lower behind Takemichi. He felt Izana move to sit beside him, looking at the floor instead of his tear ridden face.
"No one cares for us. All those adults left us like we were nothing more than things to discard."
Takemichi felt his breath catch and he let a sob escape. Izana turned to look at him, eyes sharp but there was something like understanding under the gaze. "It sucks doesn't it. You feel like shit, huh?"
Takemichi opened his mouth to respond but Izana didn't give him the chance. "That's why you have to grow up faster than the rest. Learn to care for yourself."
The black haired boy looked towards him. He understood that. "I already do..."
Izana's eyebrow quirked and he stared at Takemichi as if trying to consume every piece of information he could about him.
"Didn't your parents do that? You're still young, younger than Kakuchou at least." Takemichi shook his head. "Shit heads..."
Izana reached out and placed an arm around the smaller boy's shoulder, pulling him close. Takemichi stiffened for a second before relaxing and moving closer to Izana. He'd never been embraced like this before... It was nice. Warm.
"Don't- You shouldn't-" Izana stumbled over his words slightly, exhaling as if keeping himself under control. "Ignore what I said earlier. Kakuchou and I will take care of you."
Takemichi relaxed completely and nodded again. That sounded nice... being taken care of for once.
Kakuchou entered the room with a loud bang, his face dirty from being outside it seemed.
He stared at Izana and Takemichi in shock before a large smile appeared on his face. He walked over to the two of them, bouncing as if unable to contain his excitement. "Izana warmed up already! What happened Izana? Huh? Huhhh?"
Izana ignored him and held Takemichi closer. "Shut up. You're being annoying."
Kakuchou only laughed and moved to sit on the bed with the pair. He squished Takemichi on the other side, trapping him in between the two older kids. He liked the feeling... It was secure between the older boys. Safe, loving, homely, words he never believed he would use.
They stayed that way until Miss Himari called for dinner, Kakuchou bouncing up immediately to run down the hall while Izana waited for Takemichi to clean his face of tears before they left their room.
`~`
The trio grew close quicker than anyone could imagine. There was even a rumor that the boys pushed their beds together to create one big one, though no one but the trio were allowed in their room so it remained a rumor. The shy boy that appeared a few months ago was quickly forgotten and replaced by the bubbly Hanagaki Takemichi everyone at the orphanage knew. Even the once social Kakuchou seemed to dim in his presence, happy to stand behind him in silence. Izana never let the younger boys too far from his sight as if watching at all times. He was often found behind Takemichi, watching him in silent vigil. Nicknames were established, even Izana, who most of the orphans would outright avoid as he was known to be aggressive when provoked, was given a nickname from Takemichi. The days they were allowed to wander the streets Izana and Kakuchou dragged Takemichi around as they tried to make a mental map of every feature. Takemichi never paid attention, he was too busy trying to sneak off to play but he was always caught by one of them. Winter came and went, summer too, it seemed like the year passed far faster than any of the boys had experienced. It was long until Izana was 13 and Kakuchou 9 with Takemichi bringing up the rear at 8.
The winter was colder that year but it didn't seem to bother any of the boys as they played in the snow late at night so none of the other orphans bothered them, per Izana's request. Takemichi got a snowball to the face and fell to the soft ground, Kakuchou landing next to him as he held his gut from laughing so hard. Izana soon joined them with a smile on his face and a bright look in his eyes.
They stayed that way for a while, looking at the starry silence until that thin veil was broken.
"I want to build a kingdom.."
Izana's voice was quiet, as if he wasn't completely there.
Takemichi perked up and pumped his gloved hands up excitedly. "Oh yeah! Let's build a fort-"
"No Michi. A real kingdom."
"Like in Europe?" Takemichi said, confused. *The only kingdoms he could think of were from history class with Miss Himari.*
"No Bakamichi!" Kakuchou said with a laugh. He shoved snow on Takemichi's nose who sneezed from the sudden cold.
Izana kept quiet as they bickered, staring at the sky with a wide grin. "A place where kids like us can come together. Somewhere adults don't dictate our lives. Our own kingdom."
Kakuchou settled down and stopped bothering Takemichi with snow assaults, looking at Izana as if he was the smartest person alive. "What's our kingdom's name?"
Izana stayed silent before sitting up and looked at the two boys with the brightest eyes either of them had ever seen on him. "Tenjiku."
"A gang that will bring in a new era and be better than all those before it!" He said the last words with slight venom. *Was there a personal grudge or was Takemichi going crazy?*
Takemichi sat up too and shook his head free of snow, smiling at Izana. "We will definitely create a great era!"
The boys stayed out as long as they could, until Takemichi started to complain of his running nose and they had to go in. They entered their room and Takemichi hurriedly jumped onto their bed, three beds pushed together. He sat in the middle, getting under the covers swiftly in hopes of chasing the cold away. Izana and Kakuchou buried themselves under the covers on either side of him, piling together like a den of hibernating kits. Takemichi fell asleep the quickest, followed by Kakuchou while Izana stayed up staring at the ceiling. His thoughts were swarmed with the idea of Tenjiku. He'd create a gang better than the Black Dragons... and he'd create it for the two most important people in his life. His two jewels. He nuzzled closer to Takemichi's sleeping form as he finally allowed himself to succumb to sleep.
`~`
Takemichi woke up to his body being shook. He sleepily opened his eyes, looking up to see Kakuchou fully dressed and carrying two backpacks. Izana was the one shaking him, also dressed and carrying three bags. The blue eyed boy sat up and groaned softly. "Iza-kun? Kaku-chan? It's so early..."
Izana only replied by pulling him out of bed and forcing him to stand up. He was much stronger than Takemichi due to him fighting all the time. Takemichi groaned again, louder this time which led Izana to cover his mouth. "Shush Michi."
He blinked the sleep away and looked up at Izana. It had been a couple months since he had last seen him so determined, when they spoke of Tenjiku in the snow and now it was late Spring. *What had him so worked up?*
"Iza-kun? What's going on?"
Izana said nothing and only tossed his clothes at him, walking over to Kakuchou to make sure everything was ready. It was only after Takemichi put on his clothes did Izana speak. "We're leaving. Kakuchou and I made enough money with odd jobs to support ourselves."
Odd jobs? That's what he was calling crime... Alright, Takemichi would allow him to believe he was oblivious.
Takemichi took a backpack from Izana and nodded solemnly, understanding. "Can't I say goodbye to Miss Himari?-"
"No. No one can know."
Takemichi frowned deeper but he moved closer to Izana. He wouldn't lie, he was slightly scared. He knew Kakuchou and Izana would protect him but they were getting involved in gangs and crime- How long would it be before justice caught up?
Izana seemed to sense his fear and took his hand, squeezing it reassuringly. "We'll be alright Michi."
Takemichi looked up at Izana, his bright blue eyes meeting the other purple. There was nothing but sincerity behind his gaze, how could he not believe him? He looked past towards Kakuchou who smiled and nodded. Takemichi took a deeper breath and held Izana's hand.
Izana led Takemichi to the window, cracking it enough so they could slip through, Kakuchou following close behind. The sound of their feet on the ground was muffled by the soft grass of spring, their faces hidden by the night. Takemichi stayed close to Izana as they headed to the gates of the orphanage. He looked back one more time, yearning to say goodbye to Miss Himari who treated him with more kindness than any adult had, but Izana tugged his hand. He sighed, nodded, and continued moving, reaching back to grab Kakuchou's hand as his fear increased. The Tenjiku founders entered the streets of Yokohama as juveniles, hands clasped together seemingly never intending to let go.