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Takemichi was trying to pass by without a doubt. His life was a heavy burden on him and those around him, he knew as much. For the past few months, Takemichi has been trying to pass through life without dragging anyone down with him. He's distanced himself from all the friends he had (which are a few), his family and anyone that comes his way. He believes his life is full of misery and anyone who even tried to get close to him will have the worst luck. He only brings pain and misery. Well, that's what he believes. Nobody tried to deny this, even though he hasn't told anyone, but he truly believes that he only brings bad luck to those around him. He hates who he is, his life and how things have developed over the past few months. He would have ended it a long time ago, however, he made a promise to someone very important to him over ten years ago and he surely isn't going to break that promise. In no way. So, Takemichi is now stuck living through his life, with no real reason. He has a terrible job and no one to even spend time with. He is all alone and has no will to do anything. He feels so drained and he no longer finds joy in anything. Takemichi is running on auto-pilot. His days fly by, his life is like he is a spectator, a spectator of his own life. Seeing but not acting in his life. He feels so dis-attached to his life that he no longer finds the will to do anything. He's tired. There isn't anything more in his life that he dreads than dragging people down with him.
He had decided to end being a hero a while back, when things didn't work out. He no longer found joy in trying to help those who he knew he couldn't save. He took his final handshake with Naoto on September 9th. He hasn't tried contacting Naoto in the future ever since, he tried to keep his life hidden. So as much as Takemichi knows, which is not much, he has no idea what happened to Hinata or anyone the members of the Tokyo Manji gang, for all he could know, they can be dead. It wouldn't be too surprising as Takemichi was a failure and couldn't even save one person in his life, he gave up on everyone and himself. He is a failure. A crybaby and a coward. So now he's living through a life, oblivious to anything. He is keen on keeping it this way. He knows that if he tried to interfere with the past again everything will only go downhill, so he is ready to spend the rest of his days oblivious and unhappy.
Takemichi yawned rubbing his eyes. He has just finished his shift at the cafe and he's ready to go to sleep. His manager was being an ass once again. Takemichi is sure that she is only picking on him for no reason and that she's happy to see him suffer. Sighing the man yawned once more. He was making his way down the street, the sun already setting over the horizon. Takemichi has moved to Yokosuka. He wanted to move away from everyone he knew in Shibuya, so when he got back to the future he packed his things and brought a one-way ticket to Yokosuka and never looked back. He lives in the suburb of the city and tries to be on the lower rader, just getting by. It took him good 5 months to find a stable job enough to rent a room at these run-down flats. His tenant isn't the best, he's an elder gentleman who doesn't care about anything apart from you paying him his money, you can be doing shady stuff and he wouldn't bat an eye. So Takemichi is living in these run-down flats, just barely getting by.
Making his way to his door,he passes by the lady from next door. She is once again sitting in front of her door, on her rocking chair, combing her cat Loofy. She's an elder lady who owns twelve cats. She's nice and sometimes brings Takemichi some lunch or bakes him some goods. Greeting her with a bow he made his way to his door, getting his keys out. Putting the keys in the door, Takemichi realized his door is unlocked. Looking over at his neighbour he feels nervous. ”O bāchan. Did you see anyone come to my door while I was at work?” The lady smiled and nodded. “Yes, a young man, maybe in his late twenties, I told him you were at work and then he left. I went to the store after that so I have no idea, sorry.” He nodded and thanked the elder lady.
Opening his door Takemichi felt a shiver run down his spine. Making his way inside he flipped the switch on. His apartment seemed to be fine, clean as it was when he left. The only difference was an envelope on the counter. Making his way over, Takemichi put his keys on the counter and picked up the envelope. There was no writing on the front, no name or address. Ripping the envelope open a photo fell out. Takemichi pulled out the letter and leaned down to pick up the photo. Turning the photo over Takemichi froze his grip on the photo and letter, scrunching it, his hands shaking. Taking a shaking breath the boy keeps his gaze on the photo. His lip trembled as tears pooled in his eyes. The photo fell out of his hands as Takemichi took a step back, his breath hitching as the tears rolled down his face. No, no, no, no, no. This isn't happening. No, it's not real. It's not real. It's not real. It's not real! Not real! NOT REAL! NOT REAL!!! Takemichi's mind was very loud. He was internally screaming. He couldn't believe his eyes. That photo shouldn't be here, it can't be. If that photo is here, that means they found him. His past came back to haunt him. It can't be real. That photo was buried along with the letters, gone, Takemichi swore that he would never see that photo again. He can't do this. That photo keeps reminding him that he gave up on everyone, his friends and that nothing changed. It's the same photo from all those years ago when he wasn't able to change anything and all of his friends ended up dead just to protect him. He can't go through all of that again.
Looking at the letter, Takemichi quickly opened it scanning over the letter. There wasn't much written on it but the words will haunt him forever. Taking a huge step back, a scream pulls right through him as he throws the letter to the floor. His eyes were wide in fear as he watched the letter, his body shaking. (あなたを見つけました) 'Found you!' It was the only thing written in the letter. Taking a deep breath in, he grabbed his keys and made a run out of his apartment. Running past his neighbour she called for Takemichi, asking if he was alright but he just made a run down the stairs. He had no idea who sent the letter and what it means, but Takemichi knows for a fact that it means no good and that if he stays at the apartment he'll be dragged into the past once again. He can't do this, he can't go through all of this again. He got rid of any trace of himself, he tried but this is like salt in a deep wound. As people say, the past always comes back to bite you and now it has come for Takemichi. He thought he could forget but like always he is still the centre of everything. How could he think that he could hide forever? Running down the street, some people gave him looks as he ran past them. He was going far away from here. He can't stay if they, whoever they are, know where he is. He has to go. It has to be now or he'll be trapped once again. Takemichi ran to the train station, getting a ticket to Hayama. He picked randomly, he just has to get out of this city, as far as he can go. He can't stay. He only took a breath when he was standing on the platform, waiting for the train to arrive. The station was busy and for once Takemichi was glad it was so crowded, it made him feel safe and content. The train pulled up, letting the people off the train. Takemichi made his way on and sat down at the end of the carriage. Taking a deep breath in he felt relieved. Keeping his head down Takemichi tried to compose himself and take deep breaths. It's okay. I'm okay. People were moving around, the carriage filling up. He can't return to his apartment in Yokosuka. He has to find a new job, a place to live. Takemichi was frustrated but he had to do anything to get away from his past. He can't do this. He has to be on the move. It's already been half an hour since Takemichi left, and his anxiety was high. He has no idea what to do. His fear was getting worse as they approached Shibuya. He was only a station away from his home town.
The train ride felt so long, even though it's only been half an hour but Takemichi was getting nervous by the second. When the train stopped, more people came piling onto the train. Someone stood right in front of Takemichi but he paid no mind to it as he tried to think of what to do. After sigting their and contemplating things Takemichi looked up and was face to face with a man. Looking at the man Takemichi's eyes widened. Quickly adverting his gaze Takemichi prayed. He must be going crazy because if the one in front of him is real then Takemichi is a goner. His body trembled as tears pooled in his eyes. This can't be real. He's not real! It's not real! Ā kamisama, yamete kudasai! Looking up the man felt a tear fall down his face. Taking a deep breath Takemichi quickly got up from his seat, his head down to pass by the man without being noticed. Making his way through the crowd of people Takemichi felt trapped. He quickly made his way to the door and prayed that they got to the next station. Without thinking, when the train pulled to the JR Shinjuku Station, Shibuya, Takemichi made a run for it. Quickly getting off the train, Takemichi bumped into a few people, some yelling at him as he ran. Takemichi was panicking as he lookef around. He had no idea where to go. People were looking at him as he kept running. He didn't know what to do. He is in one place he swore to never go to again. Shibuya. Looking around Takemichi made a run for the bathroom. Running into a stall he sat on the toilet, his legs pulled up to his chest. He closed his eyes trying to take a deep breath. This felt so unreal. He can't be here. He pleaded with anyone to put him out of his misery. He can't believe he has to live through this timeline once again. The worst of the worst timelines he had to go through. The last time he was in this timeline, Emma and Izana were both dead and Manjiro has turned his gang into a Mafia. He no longer spoke with any of his friends and neither did they speak with him. He tried to kill Takemichi and almost succeeded if they didn't go back to the past. Takemcihi was trembling.
Just then the door to the bathroom opened and Takemichi tried to be as quiet as possible. "I saw him run this way, I'm sure of it." Takemcihi was wide-eyed. He knew that voice, Koko. Takemichi was shaking trying to be as quiet as possible. The two people were just heading out the door when Takemichi's foot slipped and hit the floor. Face pale the man was shocked. He was shaking. The two footsteps came back his way. "Who's there?!" Takemichi almost sobbed as the door was shaking. "I said, who's there?! You have a minute to come out or I'll break this damn door!" Takemichi wanted to cry, the voice belonged to Sanzu Haruchiro, Mikey's second in command. This man always hated his guts, if he opens this door he was dead meat. Takemichi let out a silent cry, tears falling down his face as he choked out a sob. The two guys on the other side stopped and then Koko spoke up. "Takemichi?" This made the man freeze and sob. He was scared shitless. He had no idea what to do, he wished the floor would swallow him up. This was the end of him. "Hanagaki you better get out here or I'll break the door!" The boy started panicking. When the man started counting Takemichi's heart started pounding so he stood up and unlocked the door, letting it open. He was face-to-face with the two executives. He looked like a total mess. His hair was all over the place, clothes were dirty and ripped in some places. The two men looked well-dressed and smart. Takemichi looked like a bug compared to them. Looking down at the floor, the man closed his eyes and wished for a quick death. A pair of footsteps came closer and then his face was brought up and he was looking into Koko's dark black eyes. His blue eyes were wide as he stared at the man he once knew as a 'friend' if you could call him that.
The boy's lip trembled under the man's gaze. His eyes shined with mischief, a grin on his face. “My, my Hanagaki. It's been years, so many years have passed. Finally, we found you~” The intention behind his sentence fell off and sent shivers down Takemichi's back. The man tried pulling away from Koko but the man's grip tightened and he leaned closer. “Now you will come with us, or we'll drag you. Your choice.” Takemichi wanted to throw up his stomach churning from fear as he stared at the man. He was ruthless and to the point and Takemichi felt as if he refused to go, he'd be hurt for sure. Nodding his head he confirmed going with them. The man smirked. “Wonderfull, let's go Hanagaki.” Grabbing Takemichi's arm he pulled him past Sanzu who only laughed. He was pulled out of the bathroom, some people staring but in the end, leaving them to it as he was dragged through the train station and out on the street of Shibuya. Once outside Takemichi was dragged over to the parking spot and towards a black SUV. Koko opened the door and pushed Takemcihi forward. “Get in.” Making his way in the man noticed another man in the car looking his way. Trembling the purpled-haired man, Ran Haitani smirked. Takemichi sat down in the middle as Koko joined him in the back, Sanzu getting in the front passenger seat. Takemichi felt suffocated as the doors closed and the car was started up. He closed his eyes and leaned his head down, praying to wake up from this nightmare.
The car ride was silent, the only sound being the radio. Takemichi tried to dissociate himself from this sick reality. He doesn't want to be here. Please, I want to go home. Let me wake up from this nightmare! I can't do this! Takemichi's mind was running with pleas for anything. He wanted nothing more than to get away from these men. He knew that this will lead to his doom. He will surely be killed, if not tortured. He remembers hearing from the past timeline about their antics and how they would kill and torture people. Just the thought made a shiver run down Takemichi's back. A lone tear fell on his cheek. Takemichi got startled when a hand reached out and brushed the tear away. Looking up he was looking straight into Ran Haitani's eyes. The man smirked at Takemichi whose eyes widened with fear and another tear fell down his face. If they're not here to kill me, then that only means one thing. Manjiro. They're bringing me to Manjiro. Looking away, Takemichi covered his face.
The ride was cut shortly when the car pulled to a stop and Ran got out of the car, the door open as Koko stared at Takemichi. “Out, Hanagaki.” He wanted to stay but fear was more prominent so he made his way out and he was now standing in front of a huge building. It looked like a huge hotel. Koko too got out of the car, followed by Sanzu. His arm was grabbed as he was pulled to the hotel building, through the glass doors and into the lobby. There were people everywhere. Some looked their way, nodding their heads and bowing in respect as they made their way towards the elevator. Pulled into the elevator, Takemichi was surrounded by the three executives. Even if he tried to make a run for it, he would be caught. The boy was caged like an animal. His hands kept shaking as the numbers on the elevator kept getting bigger. Once they reached floor fifty - the elevator came to an end and Takemichi was pulled into the huge open area. It looked like a house. It was modern and looked expensive. Looking around the man spotted a man sitting on the couch, typing on his computer. Sensing someone was looking his way, their eyes met. Takemichi's eyes were wide when he met Kakuchou's. The man put his laptop down and stood up, making his way over. “It's you.” The man was surprised.
“I was surprised too. Saw him at the train station. For over ten years, we've been looking for ten years and he just waltzed right in front of us.” Sanzu said with a scoff as he made his way to the couch, sitting down he crossed his arms. Takemichi looked away, pulling away from his childhood 'friends' hold. Takemichi felt like crying. The last time he saw Kakuchou, the man sacrificed everything for them all, dying. Takemichi remembers the war between Tokyo Manji Gang and Kantou Manji Gang. After everything they did Takemichi up and left them all, after witnessing Kakuchou's death. He was a coward but seeing him alive meant that something changed. He travelled even further into the past/future and changed it. Kakuchou let go of his face and then sighed. Takemichi was pushed forward by Koko. Making their way to the couch, he was pushed down and Kakuchou sat next to him. The other two men, Ran and Koko sat next to Sanzu who pulled out a bag of drugs and took one glaring when he noticed Takemichi's gaze. The man looked down, hands in his lap. He had no idea what is happening. They just sat there in silence and it made him anxious. Biting his lip he spoke up. “Why? What do you guys want?” It was almost a whisper but Koko seemed to be able to catch it and chuckled. He crossed his legs, his red outfit stood out from all of theirs, it looked handmade. Looking at Takemichi the man smirked. “What do we want? It's you. We've been looking for ten years. Ten years. After you ran away like a coward from the gang war, Manjiro has been going crazy. He's been looking every day. Just imagine how he'll react, to seeing the one he's been obsessing over these past ten years. Hanagaki, look at this mess you made. He created Bonten to find you. It was all for you Hanagaki. How the hell were you able to be off our radar for these past ten years? Mikey only found your apartment recently, were you there all these years?” The man was crying. This was once again all his fault. How could he be this stupid? The man sobbed as he grabbed his hair. Standing up he looked at the men who were caught off guard. He pulled his hair more and yelled out all his frustration. “Leave me alone! Why won't you all just leave me alone? I tried so fucking hard to move away from all of you! Kakuchou is supposed to be dead! I saw Sanzu stab him! He killed him! Why the hell is he here?! This makes no sense! What about Emma? Izana? Are they all dead?!” The man was babbling, letting everything out. It made no sense to a normal person. Takemichi was just tired. He didn't know who to turn to because nobody knew. He was all alone in this. Sobbing the man started laughing. He sounded mad. He felt like a headless chicken, running around like a madman. He was just going in circles, nothing changed. He still wasn't able to do anything. He is a failure.
He flinched when he felt someone pull him into a hug. The person hugging him behind his back. Eyes wide he looked behind, mouth wide open when he met eyes with none other than Manjiro. Manjiro Sano is the man who played a part in the death of his girlfriend in the original timeline. The one he found a friend in and tried to save. The one who got consumed by darkness. The same man is now standing right behind him. However, something is different. He doesn't have his hair dyed white or black. It's blonde, his original hair colour, the same colour he adored. Taking a deep breath, Takemichi felt like he was being punched in the gut. This man was the Mikey he used to admire and eventually love. The same man he once would give up his life for. Even now he would. Sobbing he crumbled under the man's hold and he felt his feet give up under him. The only thing keeping him up is Manjiro. Sobbing the man let the tears keep coming. The elder ran his hand through Takemichi's matted, black hair. “You're back. My Takemichi has returned to me. How much you have suffered. I won't let anyone take you away from me. You'll be by my side, forever.” It was possessive and demanding but Takemichi could care less about all of this. Takemichi was turned around, now face-to-face with Manjiro. His eyes are dark and without any emotion but once they caught Takemichi's blue ones, they sparkled like they did when they were younger. “What?” Takemichi tried to say as he watched the older smile, running his hand through his hair. “What about Izana? Emma? Draken? What's happening? Kakuchou is supposed to be dead! He died on that train. He saved my life! How is he here? Why is he here?”
“Shh. Everyone's safe. You did it Takemitchy. You saved us all.” Takemichi's eyes went wide as he processed what Manjiro told him. Everyone is alive? They're all alive? The other man could tell that Takemichi tried to wrap his head around it all and smiled. Grabbing his cheek he looked straight into his eyes and smiled. “Emma, Izana, Kenchin, Shinichiro, Kakuchou, Hinata. They're all alive. They're safe. You saved them all. You did it. You saved us all and then left. We all woke up the next day, well and alive. You were the only one missing. Gone. It was like you vanished. We have been looking for you for the past ten years. Ten years it took for me to find you. I won't let you go Takemitchy. You won't leave me ever again.” His grip was tighter as he brought Takemichi closer. The man was trembling under Manjiro's gaze. The man reeked of possessiveness and dominance and Takemichi felt scared. However, he was glad. He was so happy to hear that all of his friends are safe and alive. It means that he finally became useful and that even despite his failures he can rest. He can finally let go. Letting the tears fall, he smiled but his eyes went dull and Manjiro was silent as he watched the emotions pass through Takemichi's eyes. He gripped him tighter. “What are you thinking Takemitchy? I won't let you think that! I won't let you go! You hear me?!” The man only nodded as he let Manjiro manhandle him. “Don't do this to me! You hear me Takemitchy! Don't lose hope!” He blinked and smiled, taking his hand and pressing it to Manjiro's face. He creased his cheek and whispered. “My mission is complete. You are all alive and happy. I no longer need to be. My promise to you was that I would save you. My mission is now complete. Manjiro let me go.” It was like a slap to his face. Hearing Takemichi call him Manjiro felt wrong. The man pulled Takemichi down on the floor as he kneeled next to him, grabbing onto his head, their eyes locked. “Stay with me! If you want to save me and make me happy. Stay with me! Stay by my side, forever.” Takemichi thought it through. If he stayed by Manjiro's side he could keep an eye on him and his friends, make sure that they're safe. Smiling he nodded. He would give up his life for this man. He would go to the ends of the earth for him. He will give himself up for Manjiro, even if it meant death along the way. “I'm all yours."