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Honestly, it was just a fun idea Emma came up with during the bi-weekly hang out she has with Yuzuha and the couple. Takemichi, ever the pushover he is, has found a place in the girl’s hangout. He never complained, never did they because surprisingly he’s in touch (or at least not appalled) with the idea of femininity. It’s not an uncommon sight to see the boy fall victim to makeovers, be it his hair being styled with hello kitty hairpins to his fashion style being berated, he’d taken it all with a wry smile. That is, until Emma’s idea was met with furrowed eyebrows.
“You want to prank toman into thinking I got beaten up?” Takemichi tilted his head, trying to understand Emma’s request. Even the other two didn’t look convinced with the idea.
Emma nodded anyway, feeling dubious to get revenge for her brother who stole her last favourite set of snacks. “I wanna see if they freak or not.”
“No offense Emma, but I get beaten up all the time.” Takemichi grimaced, thinking about the last time he got bruised which was a week ago for being at the wrong place and time to fall victim of Kazutora and Baji’s antics that ended up with the blond getting hit in the head by a bucket filled with water that was supposed to fall on Hanma’s head. Needless to say they both got scolded by Chifuyu.
Yuzuha nodded along to Takemichi’s words, moving along her room to return the hairpin back to the dresser. “I agree, wouldn’t it be another Tuesday for them?”
“What exactly are you expecting from this Emma?” Hina implored, curious as to why Emma came up with such an idea.
Emma huffed, moving herself closer to the table they’re gathering at to make her next point more convincing. “Yes, I know. But usually they’d know when, where, how and why this cry baby gets beaten up,” The girls ignored the indignant yelp Takemichi let out at the nickname. “and you know how the gang is loyal and treats as if one of them is beaten up, its war?”
Hina clapped her hands, catching on to the idea. “Ah! So you want a freak out from the members?” Yuzuha nodded along, finger on her chin contemplating the suggestion. “That would be fun…”
“Wait!” Takemichi quipped, confused and scared at the idea of another gang war. “Why do you want to start another gang war?! What am I even gonna say to the others when they spot the bruises?” The blond begged his reasoning would go through these girls, he didn’t want to be a victim of another makeover and interrogation from the other members. He can already imagine Sanzu’s icy glare giving him shivers down his spine. “Besides, like I said. I get beaten up all the time! The impact isn’t gonna be as strong y’know.”
Both Emma and Yuzuha sighed at his last statement while Hina gave him a sympathetic smile. He didn’t understand those reactions and before he could even make a question about it Yuzuha offered a deal he couldn't resist. “I can help you buy a limited edition puzzle set.” Takemichi’s eyebrow twitched, ignoring the subtle giggles Emma and his girlfriend tried to cover up with their hand. “I just found this limited stock 2000 set puzzle piece the other day, I wonder if it's still available.”
Needless to say, Takemichi’s face was coloured purple and blue. Dried blood along his chin, a black eye, they even managed to convince him to dishevel his clothes so it looked like he was just fresh out of a torture session. It’s convincing to the point where it's scary, even he didn’t think he could be beaten up this bad.
Just in time for the middle mizo gang to pull up to drag him to a toman meeting. They all looked concerned but before Akkun could ask he was immediately given an explanation by Hina, which has the others half laughing and half even more concerned.
“I think you’re underestimating how toman—no, how Mikey would react.” Takuya tried to reason with the girls.
“That's exactly why I want that to happen.” Emma responded with a devilish smirk on her face.
Akkun furrowed his eyebrows, there’s gotta be a reason why the girls woke up and chose violence today. “… did Mikey do something to you?”
Emma only smiled, and closed the gate on them advising them not to be late.
“Aren’t you guys freaking out too much? Why are you more freaked than me?” Takemichi tried to pry his friends mixed tension of mischievous glint and worry.
Akkun sighed, leave it to Takemichi to be the most oblivious person in Tokyo—no, the whole world.
“I dunno, I think it’d be hilarious.” Yamagishi cackled along with Makoto. Leave it to them to feed and add to the chaos.
“It's impressive how real it looks.” Takuya pointed out Takemichi's ‘bruises’. “You look like you got beaten up for several hours. Some of there’s dried blood and even a hint of yellow bruising.”
“Pushover Takemichi strikes again!” Makoto joined in, kicking Takemichi’s leg to make him stumble. “What was that for?!” Takemichi complained, almost falling to the ground from the impact. “Gotta make the act believable.”
“You realize they’re gonna interrogate us right?” Akkun called out, stopping Makoto and Yamagishi's cheap attempt to bully Takemichi.
Oh fuck. They hadn’t thought of that. Not long after they joined the somber mood. Worrying over how they might also get the short end of the stick.
“How am I even going to reach the shrine without somebody calling the police because of these bruises?” Takemichi covered up his face with the palm of his hands. Takuya patted his shoulders out of sympathy.
“Seems like you bit more than you can chew, Michi.” Yamagishi clicked his tongue, crossing his arms in an attempt to look like the responsible one, as if he hadn’t just joined Makoto into lightly beating up the blond just minutes ago. “Are the puzzles even worth another gang war?”
Takemichi let out a small disgruntled no, but he couldn't say no to the girls because of how scary they can be. Especially since Emma looked like she has a personal vendetta against her own brother.
Akkun threw his hoodie at Takemichi, telling him to cover up so people won’t stare as much. Takemichi could only accept with a grim expression, zipping it up so he wouldn't get stared at for his disheveled clothing. “Do you guys think I can call in sick?”
Makoto hummed at the suggestion, “I don't think it's an important meeting today. We can just tell them you texted us that you couldn't come because of the flu or something.” grinning at the idea of them not being interrogated by toman members.
“It's better than causing an uproar over this prank anyway.” Akkun pulled up Takemichi’s hoodie so his face wouldn't be recognizable. “Don't forget to tell your vice captain too, so it would be believable.”
Takemichi groaned, Inui is a bit of a worry wart and would tend over him any second he could. He’d definitely try to pry as to why and try to visit him along with Kokonoi. He’d have to reassure them that it's fine and he doesn't want anyone visiting him. The others only smiled at his reaction because they know how much of a pushover the duo—the whole of toman could be when it comes to Takemichi.
The meeting went by without a hitch. It was one of those meetings where it's a simple catch up session, looking over territories and possible problems that might arise. Draken was on his way to wrap up the meeting with a summary and reminder on the protocols, rules they have if anything goes wrong. While Draken was being the responsible one Mikey was sitting, visibly pouting at the absence of the 7th division captain. Just before the meeting started Inui informed Draken with a worried expression that Takemichi would be absent because of the cold. Who catches a cold in the middle of summer anyway ? Takemichi of course. God, he’s missing those blue eyes already.
Just as Mikey was busy daydreaming about the blond boy, Draken already finished and dismissed the meeting. most of the toman member has started to move and disperse to go on with their lives. “Ken-chin,” Mikey whined, jumping onto Draken like a monkey. “I miss Takemichi.”
“Then go visit him? And stop climbing onto me, you animal.” Draken tried to wrestle Mikey so he would stop grabbing onto him until Inui interrupted the chaotic scene. “I’ve already offered to visit him with Koko, he said he doesn't want to see anybody right now.”
Mikey huffed, unappeased with the idea of leaving Takemichi alone. “Did he have any idea how he got sick?” Draken inquired, sighing in relief when Mikey let go of his grip.
“I bet it's Baji and Kazutora’s fault for dropping that bucket full of water on him a week ago.” Chifuyu joined in, along with a few of the other division captains and their vices. Even they seemed disgruntled by the lack of Takemichi.
Inui shakes his head. showing his screen so the others can read the short conversation they had regarding his sudden sickness. “‘i probably just ate wrong’, yea that’s not vague at all.” Mitsuya commented on Takemichi's weak excuse. They didn't seem convinced by Takemichi’s response to his vice captain’s light prying.
Mikey grabbed Baji and Kazutora and dragged them away towards the exit of the shrine. “We’re using you two as an excuse to visit Takemichi, go buy something so you can apologize for making him sick.” The duo didn't even complain, only got rowdy when Mikey’s grip on their collar was too tight.
In the meantime, Takemichi was freaking out because the makeup wasn't going away. it's barely even smudging, he’s not experienced with makeup and he sure as hell doesn't have a makeup remover. He was pretty sure the girls made it waterproof on purpose. He won't even be able to come back to them without proof of him making an unnecessary scene between toman just for a prank. He grieved, he wonders if anyone can save him at this point.
Then he realized, maybe he can ask in the mizo middle group chat if anyone can buy him a makeup remover? He tries anyway. Yamagishi laughs at his dilemma along with Makoto, Takuya asked him to use coconut oil, in which Takemichi responded ‘I don't have coconut oil dumbass’. Akkun, bless his soul, ended up the one who offered to go to the store and drop by after grocery shopping this evening.
So now the best he can do is wait with a face full of ‘bruises’ and clothes still disheveled. He probably should change out of it. But he couldn’t be bothered, he moved into his bedroom and let himself fall on his bed instead, feeling emotionally drained with the prank he was set up with. God, what would he even say if they did find out? ‘Oh, I got hit by a pole multiple times!’ it's not like there was a bully or a gang that he can blame for these fake bruises anyway. He could only hope Inui and Kokonoi aren't worried enough to try and visit him after his obvious request to be left alone.
Time passed by without him realizing, he was close to napping until his doorbell rang, how much time has passed? It's probably Akkun with the makeup remover. He grabbed Akkun’s jacket and put it on himself just to make himself a tad bit presentable and an arm reach away so he could return it back if he were to ask for it.
So his hand reached the handle and opened the door, wearing the hoodie but not exactly zipping it,
"Hey, sorry for the trouble i—"
"Heya Takemit—"
Mikey takes in the other's face, bruises n dried blood. One black eye. Disheveled clothes. Both stay silent, until Takemichi decides to drop his head, putting on his hoodie hastily trying to cover his bruised up face in front of Mikey and—everyone?
‘Oh fuck. oh fuck, what the fuck? Why was everyone here?’ he thought, the same time Mikey growled,
“Who?”
"H-huh?"
"Who did this?" Mikey drops the sunny act, storms inside and puts his hand on Takemichi's jaws and dropping the hoodie that covered Takemichi’s face, causing the others to see his bruises in full glory.
“Partner?! What happened to you—”
“Did you get jumped—”
“Which coward did this—”
“You should’ve said you were too injured to come to the meeting—”
“Why didn’t you tell us you were beaten up—”
This is a mess. Pure chaos, his pure intention to back out from an uncomfortable situation he didn't want to be in only backfired terribly. What's the point of running away if it all comes back to him anyway? He could barely sputter out a word without someone else freaking out even more. They all crowded him with varied expressions of anger, worry, disbelief and maybe some even going through grief.
Amongst the chaos, Takemichi can see an oncoming sight of a familiar wine coloured head of hair that could only belong to Akkun along an unexpected visit of Hina. They took one look at the crowd on his doorstep and their expression flashed with shock and amusement. Akkun mouthed a “Sorry, I'll come back later.” while Hina, his beloved girlfriend, just took out her phone and snapped a photo, all with a smile. Betrayal.
Before he could cry out to his traitors, Draken grabbed Takemichi by his torso and carried him bridal style, causing Takemichi’s cry for help to die in his throat. “Everyone shut up! you’re overwhelming him. Mitsuya, grab the first aid kit.” By Draken’s order everyone seemed to compose themselves and moved inside Takemichi’s house, scattering to grab ice packs, snacks, pillows and blankets or anything else that could make Takemichi feel better.
“W-wait Draken i really don't need a med ki—” He was dropped abruptly (yet gently) at the living room couch where Mikey was quick to fill in the spot next to him. Gently prying his face ready to wipe the tears away if the younger would tear up. Takemichi’s face reddened by their closeness and embarrassment at the situation. He really needs to stop hanging out with those girls.
Chifuyu filled in the empty position next to him with an ice pack that he held gently towards his black eye. Closing in his partner’s face to assess how bad the whole situation is. And it's not looking pretty with his dried blood and yellowish bruises. Did he get tortured? Is this why he didn't tell them about it? He only frowned and Takemichi couldn't help but to feel guilty about the whole situation.
Mitsuya came in with the med kit, kneeling down in front of Takemichi and opening the kit ready to treat the younger and check for any infections. Takemichi was quick to grab Mitsuya’s hand before he could apply any alcohol though. “No. Really I'm fine. Please put my med kit away Mitsuya-san.” The action only caused the others to frown even further.
“What do you mean by that Takemichi? You literally look like you just went through hell.” Inui joined in along with Kokonoi, serving them drinks, snacks, and pain meds just in case if the younger needed it.
“More importantly, which dipshit did this to you? Whose house do I need to burn down?” Baji remarked, putting himself in a farther space to not overwhelm him along with Kazutora. “It’s ok to tell us Takemichi, there’s nothing good that comes out of covering this up anyway.” Kazutora smiled brightly, as if he didn’t just threaten his non-existent attacker and Takemichi himself.
The attempt to not overwhelm Takemichi only failed as Smiley, Angry, and Hakkai came into space to give him pillows and blankets with even more interrogation. Takemichi could only take so much before he snapped and screamed at all of them to stop.
“Look here, i know it looks real but—” Takemichi tried his best to wipe his face, doing it almost aggressively the others looked alarmed, before they could reach to stop his actions Takemichi showed them a palm of his hand which was lightly stained dark purple. “It’s waterproof makeup. The girls cornered me into pranking you all into thinking I got beaten up and I couldn't say no.” The others visibly relaxed by the statement, looking more closely making sure the blond boy wasn’t faking it. Not that Takemichi noticed since he was too busy trying to not make eye contact with them.
“See? Nothing important. Besides, I’m not a good fighter like you guys, so it’s normal that I get beaten up all the time. You guys didn't need to freak out over nothing.” Takemichi laughed awkwardly, scratching his neck with his other hand out of a nervous tick, trying to diffuse the situation hoping the others would stop interrogating him over a prank. The attempt was cut short by an indignant complaint that came out of his partner's spout.
“What do you mean nothing?! You getting in any sort of danger isn't ‘nothing’! No matter how many times you get beaten up we’re still gonna freak because it's you who got beaten up!” Chifuyu got up on his face, expressing nothing but anger, making sure his words would go through his head.
“And you’re stronger than most of us Takemichi, no one can knock me out of my senses so easily when I left Juvie, y’know?” Kazutora added, eyes looking nothing but fond for the other boy. “I mean not even Keisuke here can do it without burning something along in the process.” Baji smacked the striped hair boy, making them go on a quiet little grumble session that hopefully doesn't disrupt the peace. Takemichi could only look at them with a blank expression, trying to process what they said.
Rough hands found themselves cupping gently Takemichi’s cheek, making the blond look at a pair of empty, yet charming black sets of eyes. “So you’re not hurt right?” Mikey softly asked for reassurance, his fingers softly tracing his ‘wounds’ which Takemichi could only softly nod to. “No,” Takemichi's mouth curved up gently, “I'm good.” which he smiled even brighter. “I’m safe.”
“Good then.” Draken piped up, smiling along with the rest of them. “Let’s hangout for the night while we’re here. Takemitchy, you’re cooking dinner.”
“Wha— but, there’s so many of you guys tonight and i don't have enough groceries!”
“That’s why we’re going to the supermarket, so what are we making tonight?”
“I can help you cook, Takemitchy.”
“I also have some makeup remover, I can help remove your makeup, Hanagaki.”
“Why do you even carry one?”
“I don't wear red eyeliner for nothing, y’know.”
“Can we have yakisoba tonig—”
The house was full of enthusiastic chatter by the end of the night, the toman members had their share of time with Takemichi. Hina also made sure the photo she took was shared between the girls with mischievous glee.