Divergence

Death & Rebirth

This is an if scenario... Coined by a 1/1000000000000000000 odds of Takemichi reaching the correct room.

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In this never ending diverging fate...

Mikey... I reached you.

Takemichi opened one of the doors, in a room he somehow ended up to. There he was in midst of scarlet pools of blood, the stench of dead bodies, splayed organs and all. Standing in midst of the chaos, just like how when the two of them first met.

Mikey stood still, blood in his pale hands, dark heavy circles under his eyes, empty and hollowed. Like a fallen angel whose wings had been ripped off.

He who seemed so delicate and frail. As if a mere touch would make him break...

Takemichi walked slowly to Mikey, taking control over his fears, anxieties and doubts. What mattered was Mikey who was in front of him.

Mikey would never hurt him. And even if he did, Takemichi knows it would not be on purpose.

He was not afraid of pain nor death, if it was by Mikey's hands or for Mikey's sake.

He soon reached where Mikey stood, the said male had thrown his gun away, quaking in fear of Takemichi's reaction and he stood silent in place.

Takemichi didn't know what to say... He felt lost. But he knew he must do something.

Even when the blood had dirtied his clothes, even when the fear in his heart is overwhelming... He hugged Mikey.

They both stood still in place and had embraced one another. Mikey slowly wraps his arms to Takemichi.

They both got lost into their warmth, the noise of gunfire, the stench of blood and flesh no longer matters.

Takemichi then whispered, "Mikey... I'm sorry... I said all those harsh things to you... I never even listened to your side nor take blame for the things I was at fault too... I'm really sorry... You don't have to forgive me... I just wanted to apologize properly to you, not out of an excuse but because I really want to."

"What are you saying... I'm the one who is supposed to be sorry... Not you nor anyone... I ruined your life."

"Not at all. I was the one who ruined it, fate had been cruel to us after all... But it was not your fault, you were not like this before weren't you? I don't know what happened to you, your sufferings nor your mistakes but... I accept you, Mikey... You don't have to be burdened for me, you don't have to do anything... Just let me love you."

"Love?"

"Yup, I really love you Mikey..."

"... Is that so... You love me? That's amazing.. I also love you lots."

"Really? I'm glad..."

They exchange glances, eyes meeting. Cerulean meeting obsidian. They both smiled, lips meeting as they felt each other's warmth. Mikey rested his head on Takemichi's shoulders, as he tear up and chuckle out of relief. Takemichi also cried a little as they both relish in their embrace.

The world matters so little to them... Mikey then gave his answer.

"Hey Takemichi... Will you die with me?"

"Huh?"

"Let's die together!"

"Eh?! I don't really know what you mean... But I trust you."

"Thanks... Take my hand, and just continue trusting me."

"Of course, I trust you Mikey... By the way, what is your real name?"

"I haven't told you, huh... Sano Manjirou."

"Sano... Manjirou... Then Manjirou, lead the way."

Mikey had a bright smile as he pull Takemichi out of that room and he then drop a lighter at the room they had just been. Explosions and fire spreaded out as they waltz out of that room..

Takemichi was afraid but he never felt so exhilarated in his whole life. But with Mikey with him, he knew there was nothing to be afraid of.

The two of them had been reported to be dead on that day. Some Tokyo Manji Gang members such as Kisaki and Hanma had died in the fire... Some escaped but it was said that Hanagaki Takemichi and Sano Manjirou had died on that day.

The rest of the story was left unsaid.

"Manjirou... That cloud looks like a fish!" Takemichi points at the blue skies, to one particular cloud.

There hands intertwined as he rested his head on Mikey's shouders. The two of them lying at the green grass in a province far from the city.

"More like taiyaki... Let's make some later." Manjirou sighs happily as he squeeze his fingers with Takemichi.

"Sure... We have harvested some red beans earlier after all." Takemichi then rest carefreely in the arms of the body of his husband.

A silver band glimmers in the sunlight as they hold hands. The life in the province was one they were not used to, but they were eager to live together.

Together, for an eternity and longer. In a place, no one would hurt them anymore and be strong together.

Death and Rebirth- The End.