Chapter Text
“Oi Mikey, who’s the kid?”
The Toman founders were hanging out in the Sano's family dojo to discuss some plans. Mitsuya had been talking with Draken and Kazutora about how to get the budget for the new members' gang uniforms while Pah and Baji were eating most of the snacks.
They were waiting for Mikey to appear and Draken’s a bit ticked off because their commander, the one who told them to hang out in their family dojo, was late. They met Shinichiro as the man was going out to go to work and he said that Mikey was already inside the house. And so they waited in the dojo and after an hour of waiting, Mikey still wasn’t there.
If their brat of a commander isn’t going to show up in the next five minutes, Draken is going to tear his braid out; the stress Mikey was giving him is going to kill him one day.
“Calm down, Draken. It’s not like he’s run off trying to find trouble.” Mitsuya said.
“Yeah right, because trouble usually finds Mikey.” Baji scoffed.
Five minutes passed and so has Draken’s patience. He was about to stand up and find Mikey when they heard hurried footsteps. Seconds later, the door slid open revealing Mikey and what seems to be a kid in his arms.
“Kenchin! Meet Takemitchy! He’s Wakasa-san’s cousin! The one I talked about before. Since Wakasa-san is busy, he asked me to watch over this little guy!” Mikey proudly said.
The scene of Mikey holding the kid in his arms would have been adorable if not for the fact that Wakasa-san asked Mikey, of all people, to watch over a kid. Especially, his baby cousin. The kid doesn't know what crazy thing he's getting into being left in Mikey's care.
Mikey thought they were going to praise him but he was greeted with faces full of disbelief.
“You? Wakasa-san asked you of all people to watch over a kid?”
“Yeah, it’s kind of unbelievable.”
“Did you kidnap the kid from him?”
“Did you bribe the kid to come with you?”
“Honestly Mikey, you don’t need to show off your ‘babysitting skills’ by kidnapping a kid.”
Mikey gaped at them for not believing him. He put the kid down and proceeded to tell them that he was telling the truth. When did he ever lie to them? When they still didn’t believe him, Mikey turned to the kid he was with.
“How mean! I’ll have you know I can be responsible and take care of a kid! Especially Mitchy! Tell them, Mitchy!”
The little kid known as 'Mitchy' was now looking at them.
“Hello! I’m Hanagaki Takemichi and I am…” Takemichi said before trying to count his age with his fingers. “.... five years old! It’s nice to meet you! And Mikey-nii, it’s Takemichi, not Takemitchy! How many times does Takemichi have to tell you?!”
He gave them a huge smile that brightened up the room before pouting and scolding Mikey. The fifteen-year-old gang commander hugged the kid and whined about how Takemitchy is a wonderful nickname. His fellow founders, on the other hand, were more focused on something — someone — else.
They looked at the kid. Then looked back at Mikey. And then looked back at Takemichi.
“Why are you looking at Takemichi like that? Is there something on Takemichi’s face? Maybe it’s crumbs from the cookie Takemichi ate earlier.”
Takemichi wiped his mouth but found no cookie crumbs. Aaaaw, maybe he could have some cookies even if they were crumbs.
The founders didn’t reply nor did they stop staring at the little boy. The kid was now looking at them with his big blue doe eyes and tilting his head, curious about their silence. They looked at him for another few seconds and then looked at each other.
They all agreed on one thing:
Takemichi is cute!!!
Baji immediately took hold of Kazutora to stop him from standing up and hugging the kid. Knowing his friend, he’d squeeze the life out of the blue-eyed little angel. Kazutora’s always weak when it comes to cute things and Takemichi right now is the cutest he’s ever seen. As much as he wants to let go of Kazutora and hug Takemichi himself (he’s weak to cute things too), he’d rather have the kid alive and away from Kazutora’s hug of death.
Kazutora couldn’t believe his eyes when Takemichi was dangling in Mikey’s arms, looking adorable and innocent! He wanted to pinch those chubby cheeks that look like mochi; maybe Takemichi will let him if he’s lucky.
Pah wasn’t one for kids nor anything cute but something about Takemichi gave him the sudden urge to give him his food, especially when Takemichi frowned when he found out there were no cookie crumbs on his face. He wanted Takemichi to smile. Pah looks at the cookie container in his hands and wonders if Takemichi would want a cookie.
Draken and Mitsuya’s big brother instincts were activated the moment Takemichi introduced himself. The innocent and bright aura surrounding the little sunshine was enough to make them give in to their protective urges. They have decided then and there to do everything they can to protect and make sure Takemichi is safe and happy.
“Come on Mitchy! Tell them that Wakasa-san really left you to me to watch over.” Mikey whined.
“It’s true! Waka-nii is busy so he asked Mikey-nii to watch over me!” Takemichi said. They had to squint from the sheer brightness he was exuding. Kazutora used that distraction to stand up and Baji couldn’t stop him anymore.
“Oh aren’t you just adorable!” Kazutora exclaimed in happiness.
He took Takemichi into his arms and hugged the little boy; they expected Takemichi to say that Kazutora’s hug was tight or he didn’t like it but to their surprise and Kazutora’s pleasure, Takemichi laughs and hugs back.
“Hello! Nice to meet you! Takemichi is Takemichi! You give very good hugs!” Takemichi said with a smile on his face.
This big brother’s hug really felt warm and Takemichi knew immediately he was a good guy. His Waka-nii said that if someone’s hug makes you safe, then they’re good people. If their hugs are cold and make Takemichi feel like he can’t breathe, Waka-nii said to either bite them or scream and according to Shin-nii, kick them where the sun doesn’t shine.
(Don’t tell Wakasa what Shinichiro told Takemichi.)
“Was my hug not good for you, Mitchy?”
“Stop whining, Mikey. Why would he think your hug was good when he didn’t even like you calling him Takemitchy?”
“This is treason Kenchin.”
“In what way was that treason?!”
They all ignored the duo’s squabbles and focused on Takemichi and Kazutora’s interactions. Kazutora still had Takemichi in his arms, savoring the hug he was receiving back from the little boy. Takemichi was snuggling into Kazutora's chest like a kitten and he resisted the urge to hug the kid even harder.
When he felt it was enough,—it wasn’t —he put Takemichi down and kneeled so he could face him properly.
“Nice to meet you too, Takemichi. I’m Hanemiya Kazutora.”
Kazutora was glad that Takemichi was happy with his hugs. He really loved kids because he wanted to be a big brother but despite meeting several kids, not one of them would want a hug or go even near him because of his appearance. He’s glad Takemichi isn’t like one of those kids.
Takemichi gave him a wide smile and— oh did his cheeks become more chubby and rosy? Okay, now Kazutora is sure they’re part mochi or something.
“Takemichi’s gonna call you Tora-nii! You’re very pretty!”
“P-Pretty?”
Kazutora blushed at the unexpected compliment. No one had ever called him pretty before, handsome, yes, but not pretty. The nickname was also a surprise because Baji was the only one who called him Tora, but it was nice to hear someone using the nickname and calling him big brother.
“Yes! Very pretty! Like those mod— Woah! Is that a tiger tattoo?!”
If possible, Takemichi’s eyes grew bigger and seemed to sparkle. He loves big cats and a tiger is one of the big cat family. His Waka-nii’s a snow leopard while Takemichi’s a snow leopard cub. He has to tell his Waka-nii later that he found a fellow big cat!
“Yeah, it is,” Kazutora whispered fondly.
“A tiger! That means Tora-nii is a tiger!” Takemichi exclaimed while raising both his arms in excitement and jumping up and down. Kazutora embraced Takemichi again because he couldn't resist the cute gesture the cub did.
Cub? Yeah, Takemichi's his cub.
While the two were conversing, Baji and Mitsuya were looking at them with amusement and endearment. Honestly, how can they be so cute? They swore they saw flowers and sparkles floating around the duo. Takemichi was telling Kazutora about tigers while Kazutora was listening with a serene smile on his face.
“The both of them are adorable,” Baji said with a serious look on his face.
“Definitely adorable. This is good for Kazutora too, especially after what happened.” Mitsuya whispered.
Baji didn’t say anything after that. He knows his friend needed this, something other than the gang to make him forget. After the gang found out about his home life, Kazutora moved in with Baji and his mom. He was already family to them and Baji's mom made sure to make Kazutora feel at home. Although, he couldn't sleep for a few nights and would get startled easily. It took a month for Kazutora to get used to his new life.
Baji's glad his friend found a new form of comfort and happiness in Takemichi.
“Have you seen tigers in real life, Tora-nii?”
“I haven’t yet but I’m hoping to see one. How about you, Michi?”
“Not yet! But Waka-nii promised Takemichi that we can go see one at the zoo! Maybe you can come with us? That would be nice because you’ll get to see the tigers too.”
“Let’s ask your cousin first, okay?”
Kazutora was elated Takemichi wanted him to come. While being with his friends and the gang distracted him from his negative thoughts, being able to spend time with someone else would do him good too. And he couldn’t really outright say no to Takemichi who was pleading with him to come. Those wide eyes of his are deadly weapons.
Takemichi was vibrating from excitement at the thought of going to the zoo to see the tigers with his Tora-nii! He could show his Tora-nii the other big cats as well. Maybe his Waka-nii could adopt Tora-nii? Big cats should stick together after all.
He was about to ask his Tora-nii more questions when Mikey barreled into their moment.
“Hey! Don’t forget about me Takemitchy! I’ll come with you to the zoo too!” Mikey said as he hugged Takemichi, squishing their cheeks together.
“Takemichi didn’t forget his Mikey-nii. You can come too!” Takemichi giggled when Mikey rubbed his cheek against his.
“Now, you met Kazutora but not the others yet. Hey, come and introduce yourselves! It's rude to leave Takemitchy waiting!”
“No need to shout, Mikey. We’re literally near each other!” Baji growled as he was getting annoyed at Mikey’s voice if that was even possible. He then looked at Takemichi and grinned at the boy, his fangs visible.
“The names, Baji. Baji Keisuke. Nice to meet you, kiddo.”
At the display of his fangs, Takemichi gasped in awe. “You have sharp fangs! Like the vampire, Takemichi saw in that movie one time. That’s awesome!”
“Glad you like them!"
“Are you a secret vampire?” the boy whispered. He looked around to make sure only his Baji-nii heard him, he didn't want to expose his secret if it was true. (They all heard Takemichi and couldn't help but smile at his words.)
“Nah, I don’t even burn under the sun but I love to burn some stuff! Wanna join Kazutora and I in burning some cars one day?” Baji asked and Takemichi nodded enthusiastically.
“Baji, don’t drag Takemichi into your shenanigans!” Mitsuya exclaimed. He knew the moment Baji would be introduced to Takemichi, he’d drag the kid into some things that would get them into trouble.
Grinning sheepishly, Baji leaned in to whisper in Takemichi’s ear that they’d talk more about it out of Mitsuya’s hearing range and the boy giggled before nodding.
His Baji-nii is funny! He can’t wait to have some fun and burn cars although Takemichi wonders if burning cars is okay. But wait... What if his Baji-nii is really a vampire and he’ll burn into ashes?! No, Takemichi can’t let that happen, he’ll have to watch his Baji-nii with the help of his Tora-nii.
Baji could see a secret menace in Takemichi that he can’t wait to cultivate. Not even Draken or Mitsuya can stop him from teaching Takemichi his ways! He laughed maniacally to himself which had his friends look at him weirdly. Draken hopes he’s not thinking of getting Takemichi into trouble or else he’ll have Draken to answer to— if Wakasa-san doesn't get to him first.
“What’s your name nii-san?”
Draken was startled from his thoughts when Takemichi asked a question. It took him a few seconds to realize that Takemichi was asking him. The kid was in front of him and even though Draken was sitting, he was still hovering over Takemichi.
“Ryuuguji Ken. You can call me Draken.”
“Nice to meet you Draken-nii! Although, Takemichi thought your name was Kenchin because Mikey-nii calls you that all the time.”
Draken’s eye twitched at the nickname. He wanted to smack Mikey because he didn’t want to be called Kenchin by Takemichi. He was about to reply when Takemichi gasped.
“You have a dragon tattoo?! So cool! Can Takemichi touch it? Pretty please?” Takemichi asked and Draken’s stern composure melts at Takemichi’s excitement and polite request so he leans forward to let the kid touch his tattoo. Takemichi squeals in happiness and jumps up and down before slowly tracing the dragon tattoo in wonder.
“You like dragons, Takemichi?” Mitsuya asks the boy who’s looking at Draken’s tattoo in wonder.
Takemichi nods slowly. “Takemichi likes them very much.” Dragons are his second favorite creature. Big cats come first and then dragons, he even has some plushies of them at home.
Dragons are strong and powerful so his Draken-nii must be as well. Could his Draken-nii be a dragon? A half-dragon?! He looks at his Draken-nii's figure and he thinks it's possible because of how big he is! Takemichi will ask him later.
“Did you know Mitsuya also has one? The same tattoo as mine?” Draken asked softly, not wanting to startle the boy. He’s kind of proud of his tattoo and Takemichi being in awe of it gave him another reason to show it off.
“Mitsuya?”
“That would be me. Nice to you to meet you, Takemichi. My name’s Mitsuya Takashi.”
Takemichi looks at the purple-haired teen and was mesmerized by the color of Mitsuya’s hair. The color is almost the same as his Waka-nii’s eyes. Mitsuya’s smile was soft and welcoming, almost like how his Waka-nii would smile at him.
Takemichi nodded to himself and declared Mitsuya a nice big brother! To Mitsuya's surprise, Takemichi hugged him and nestled into his chest.
“Nice to meet you too, Mitsu-nii!”
“M-Mitsu-nii?”
Mitsuya had to calm down his fast-beating heart because that was the most adorable nickname he’s ever heard in his life. Of course, Mana and Luna call him nii-san and Hakkai calls him Taka-chan but Mitsu-nii? He might have had a heart attack from Takemichi calling him that. The sudden hug was a surprise but very welcomed. Mitsuya embraced him back and cooed at how adorable Takemichi was.
“You also have a tattoo?”
“Yeah, but it’s hidden by my hair right now. Draken and I are called the ‘Twin Dragons’ because of it.”
“Twin Dragons? That’s a cool nickname!” Takemichi exclaimed. He wanted to have a cool nickname too! Maybe he’ll get a tattoo so he can have one?
As Takemichi kept on asking about their tattoo and nickname, Draken and Mitsuya looked at each other and smiled. It's been a while since they got this kind of peace and while their nickname was known in the gang world as something to be feared, it was nice to know that to Takemichi, the nickname was something to be amazed at.
As they talked with the kid, they didn’t mind that they were all at the mercy of Takemichi and it’s not so bad; if death by cuteness was a thing, they’d be glad to die from that. Pah was no exemption either. It’s not that he didn’t like children, they just don’t interact with him. Takemichi was just different and the bonus was that he liked dogs.
“So, what kind of dogs do you like, Takemichi-kun?”
“All kinds! Benkei-nii found a puppy last time but Waka-nii said we couldn’t keep her.” Takemichi frowned as he munched on the cookie his Pah-nii gave him.
Pah quickly offered Takemichi to meet his dog so he could smile again. “I have a dog! Maybe you and Pochi could meet one day.”
“Really? Takemichi can?! Takemichi wants to meet Pah-nii’s doggie!”
Takemichi smiled at the offer. His Pah-nii was nice to let him meet with his doggie and even gave him a cookie! Takemichi always wanted a puppy or a kitty but his Waka-nii said that he can have one when he’s older. That’s alright with him since he gets to visit Benkei-nii’s puppy and he also brings it to the gym. And now, Takemichi’s gonna have a new friend in the form of Pochi!
All of them got along with Takemichi and it’s not a surprise to Mikey. The little boy has this aura around him that makes others drawn toward him. Takemichi’s also kind and has a bubbly and bright personality. Even the coldest of hearts would melt if they had the chance to be the recipient of this sunshine’s smile and presence.
“I need a recharge! I need a Takemitchy recharge!” Mikey yelled as he pulled Takemichi into a hug. He smothered his face into Takemichi’s fluffy black hair and let himself be lulled to serenity.
“But you were with me the whole time, Mikey-nii,” Takemichi whispered.
“It’s not enough, I need some dose of Takemichi’s famous hugs.”
“Then Takemichi will give you as many as you want!”
Baji and Kazutora complained loudly that they want hugs as well while Pah, Draken, and Mitsuya were silently wanting them too.
Draken looks at Mikey at notices how he’s at peace with Takemichi in his arms. His eyes were also not morbidly dim as usual, there was a glint of light present whenever Mikey looked at Takemichi or was with him. Draken looks around and realizes that Mikey’s not the only one affected by the bright aura Takemichi brought. Draken himself was more relaxed, Kazutora was not tense or pretending, Baji’s more pumped than usual, Mitsuya had that soft look on his face and Pah was actually talking and sharing his food with someone other than the gang.
He’s gotta admit that Takemichi wormed his way into their hearts already. Yeah, the kid’s good for all of them, even if he doesn’t know it. And Draken hopes they’d be good for Takemichi too. Especially as his new big brother figures.
“I want to have a hug too, Michi!”
“Me first Tora! You hugged him earlier!”
“No! Takemichi’s hugs are mine! Mine! You hear me?!”
“Don’t worry, Takemichi’s gonna give all of you hugs!”
And so begins the story of how an adorable and bright little boy changed the lives of very important people. Takemichi didn’t know yet the implications of him knowing them but he didn’t care if they were gangsters.
To Takemichi, they’re his big brothers.