Takemichi Angst Prompts

15) Did You Sleep Well?

Takemichi woke up, he groggily looked at his calendar.  There was a date circled with the words, “Death Anniversary.”

It was a quiet morning.  He would’ve enjoyed it a bit more if it was just any other day.  But everyday, on this specific day, his body just moves on autopilot.  He ate breakfast, took a shower and dressed up in black clothes.  He silently left for the cemetery.

He came to the graves of his parents and chatted by himself.

”Mikey made me spend all my money on Dorayaki again!” He playfully whined to his parents before smiling fondly at the memory.  “Is this what it feels like to have a child?”

Takemichi laughed.  “If I didn’t know any better I’d say you made me meet him so I know how much of a stinker of a son I am. Hahaha!”

”Alright alright I get it.” Takemichi continued. “I’m sorry Mom and Dad.  I promise to raise Mikey well.” Takemichi raised his hand like making a pledge.  

Takemichi laughed at his own silliness.  He continued to tell stories about his adventures with Toman.  Especially Mikey, Draken in Chifuyu.  He would often whisper the time leap adventures so no one would overhear.  He mostly gushed about how strong Mikey is, being able to one-kick anyone and how great Draken is, being a strong and loyal friend to Mikey.  Takemichi smiled softly as he talked about Chifuyu.  How he was such a great friend to him, his partner and the one who knows his secret that not even Mikey or Draken knows.  The pain in his eyes became visible as he recounts his failure in saving the man Chifuyu respects the most, Baji.  How he wished he could save him.  Not just for Chifuyu but also for Mikey.  The happy atmosphere soon trailed off into a somber one.  Takemichi’s smile turned sad but he stayed smiling nonetheless.  

“I miss you guys.”

“I wish you could meet Toman.  They may be delinquents but they’re good people.  They… they really helped me grow as a person.”

Takemichi closed his eyes as he felt tears welling up.  He took a deep breath to calm himself down.  He opened his eyes and stared at his parents’ names that were carved onto the grave.  

“I think you would like them a lot.”  He smiled.

He stood up and placed a hand on the tombstone.  “Sleep well.”

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He arrived at home.  He wordlessly plopped onto his bed, smashed his face into the pillow and cried.  He didn't want to cry in the cemetery because he wanted to be strong for his parents.   He wiped his tears but continued crying.

Then Takemichi sat by his study table where he fondly stared at a framed hand-drawn portrait of his mom.  The artist, his father, had his signature on the bottom right corner.  It was the only thing that remained of his parents.  He was still pretty young when he lost them in a fire.  Everything had burned down, all the pictures, the clothes, the furniture, his parents.  The only reason why he survived was because he was at Takuya’s house at the time.

He wiped away his tears, thinking of all the what ifs.  Would he be happier if he still had them? Would he not end up so pathetic in his adulthood if he were raised by them?

He shook his head. He did promise to not dwell on this kind of thinking anymore. He isn't alone now.  He's got everyone and they make him happy.  Mikey can be a bit of spoiled and childish at times but he wouldn't have it any other way.

He heard someone break into his home.  He screamed, startled as a big man entered his room.  He sighed in relief when it was just Draken and Mikey. 

“What are you guys doing here?”