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Takaaki checked the magazine of his hand gun. "Hm. Let's be careful from here on out." Takaaki told Takemichi. Takemichi finished cleaning whatever stains that were left on his bat, nodding. "Yeah, okay." He agreed. Takaaki breathed in deeply and continued forward in front of Takemichi.
Takaaki looked back at the blond boy, "Are you alright? Any injuries?" He asked. Takemichi shook his head. "'M fine.." He answered. "Don't tag too far behind. It's not safe." Takaaki added. "Got it." Takemichi answered.
Takaaki didn't like how awkward it was.
But that was how they were. Awkward silence between them.
Takaaki did kind of run into The Crazy Diamonds when the world was...normal. And Takemichi remembered nobody liking Takaaki. Nor any other officers. Now here they were, protecting and following each other for as long as they could. For as long as the Warriors are around.
Takaaki sort of grew attached to Takemichi, seeing him as his own. It wasn't because he wanted someone to be like Kiyotaka. Kiyotaka couldn't be replaced. And he'd never think of the blond as such. He was unique in of himself. He cared for that kid, he really felt like his own son...
Though, he did know Takemichi didn't see him as any father figure. The bond he had with the Owada brothers was stronger than this.
"Takaaki." Takemichi called out for. Takaaki stopped and looked at him. "Yes?" He said.
"...Ya know. I never had a good relationship with my dad. He seemed to have hated me the moment I was born." The teen started.
Huh?
"Mondo 'n Daiya took me in when I joined their gang. Treated me like I was their brother. I liked that life. Even when Daiya died, I was still happy with Mon..." Takemichi smiled in sorrowful fondness. Takaaki listened quietly. "Then I lost them both when Mondo died as well." Takemichi breathed in. "I..." He looked up at Takaaki.
"Ya know what? Nevermind. 'S stupid." Takemichi ended the conversation and stayed silent. "What? Tell me, Takemichi." Takaaki said, crossing his arms. "It's just...ever since them I never really found anyone to really care for like any family." Takemichi sighed.
"But..." Takemichi strode over to Takaaki, hugging him. "Yer like...like the dad I never really got. Yer not perfect, no way. But ya seem to care. 'N I really care about you, too. I wish you were my dad instead of that fucker who actually was." Takemichi said. He wasn't sure if now was the right time to be vulnerable. But he wanted Takaaki to know.
He saw how much Takaaki cared. The small moments where he'd just be nice. Or sort of affectionate. Like a hand on his shoulder or a small word of praise. It wasn't...wasn't something big. But to Takemichi it meant everything. He noticed that Takaaki would cover him and try to protect him best he could against whatever threat appeared.
Even through silence, Takaaki was still caring.
Takemichi was grateful for him.
Takaaki wrapped his arms around Takemichi finally, he sort of hesitated a bit. "I would've liked that." He responded softly. "You can live with me when the end of the world is over. If you'd like that?" Takaaki asked.
"Ya gonna adopt me, Old Man?"
"Well...I guess so. Would you want to be my son?" Takaaki asked.
"'Course I would. I wouldn't have said shit if I didn't." Takemichi joked, laughing. "I guess you're right." Takaaki smiled. The two stayed in an embrace for a few more seconds before pulling apart. "We should go, it's still not safe to just stand around." Takaaki said, his face going back to its serious look. Takemichi nodded, "Yer right. Let's go."
Takaaki nodded as well and wrapped an arm around Takemichi, pulling him closer as they continued to move through the city.