Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Kneel."

It came suddenly, as he was preoccupied with giving his proposal, but even encircled by his division—even bracketed by people he completely trusted—some part of Chifuyu was already alert, ever primed and ready to resist unexpected commands.

Without a hitch, Chifuyu locked his knees and remained standing.

Disobeying commands always left him feeling like he had taken a hammer to the head, but Chifuyu kept his expression neutral.

He could scarcely afford to show weakness, and that applied doubly now.

Chifuyu put up a quelling hand, trying to keep his cool because his division was certainly not.

It was too quiet, and Chifuyu could see Chū in his periphery, drawn up to his full height and observing the proceedings with a gleam in his eyes that meant he was considering murder. Even Takemitchy seemed peeved, his previously timid air lost under righteous protectiveness, which was sweet, except Chifuyu could take care of himself, and he could do without the infighting—or needing to break up another brawl.

It was only the first day.

Inupi winced, sending Chifuyu a panicky, apologetic look. Koko glanced about, noticing the sudden change in atmosphere but seeming confused. Something had gone wrong—a transgression had occurred, though Chifuyu doubted he would realise how without some help.

(It was gratifying because Inupi had noticed but kept quiet even from Koko. And Inupi had been treating Chifuyu with respect without him needing to go through all the hoops of proving himself first. It was a breath of fresh air, a nice change of pace. Chifuyu was halfway to forgiveness.)

It was probably unintentional, but intentionality or lack thereof did not excuse or erase consequences—or that a command had been used on a beta.

"I would recommend not doing that again," Chifuyu said with all the patience he could muster to—Chifuyu made a note to learn his name later—the deflating Black Dragons member. "Tōman has no tolerance for those who use commands on betas or omegas."

Widening eyes—which, fair. Chifuyu could follow the logic. Alphas had instincts—to dominate. To assert themselves as the best. To challenge and concede with astounding difficulty to even costly detriment… Chifuyu was careful about covering up his scent, and he was the vice of the first division—a division notorious for predominantly consisting of alphas. For the first division to respect him, to listen with an ease that bordered on automatic…

It was understandable to assume that Chifuyu was an alpha. Most had come to that conclusion before learning otherwise. If he had been, challenging him with a command would be fine—be expected, even—but Chifuyu was decidedly not.

He was a beta—a beta who unfortunately had the biology that left him lamentably susceptible to commands.

Paling face, a contrite grimace—signs Chifuyu were thankful to see. If Mikey stuck him with dealing with an entitled asshole, Chifuyu would mutiny.

Even better, the Black Dragons member lowered his head.

"Sorry. I thought you were an alpha. It will not happen again."

Chifuyu relaxed, relieved. Not only were the Black Dragons sharp enough to get the memo without Chifuyu needing to spell things out, but this reaction would do wonders for improving the opinions of his division.

The Black Dragons were on thin ice after the whole Christmas fiasco. If this exchange went to shit, there would be no salvaging the alliance, no matter what he did. Chifuyu had done the best he could to smooth relations, and he managed to get his division to go along with the merge, but Chifuyu knew how tenuous this tolerance was.

"Apology accepted," Chifuyu said.

As predicted, the chatter behind him revived somewhat. Chū went back to slouching, seeming as though he was contemplating safer, bloodless things. Takemitchy was eyeing the Black Dragons member with an unhappy frown. But one nudge from Chifuyu got him diverting his attention, and a quietly fussing Takemitchy was preferable over a fuming one.

Safe.

Chifuyu mentally patted himself on the back.

The beta returned to where he left off—setting up team spars.

It went much smoother this time, without Inupi subtly needing to warn his people to behave or back off every few minutes—whatever problem the other Black Dragons had with him seemed tentatively settled.

By the end of the day, the first division of Tōman was fighting alongside the eleventh-generation Black Dragons with a passable level of synergy.

Chifuyu was pleasantly surprised to discover the majority were receptive to following his directions even in the heat of battle—who would have thought?

But the headache was going to stick with him for hours.

Chifuyu loved his division with all his heart, but honestly fuck alphas.

***

"Uh, Chifuyu?"

Chifuyu opened his eyes to shoot Takemitchy an inquisitive look.

Takemitchy smiled tremulously at him. Chifuyu would be blind not to see the steel in his gaze—the iron laced in his spine.

"Does your head hurt?" Takemitchy asked softly.

Chifuyu stared, thrown off guard by the glaring absence of his need to hide.

It came with underwhelming acceptance:

Of course, Takemitchy would notice.

"Yeah," Chifuyu confessed. And because Takemitchy had done nothing to hide the bottle of water and blister pack of paracetamol clutched in his hands, "Pass those over here."

Takemitchy brightened up and quickly obliged. Under watchful eyes, Chifuyu gulped down two pills.

"You can sleep on my bed," Takemitchy said, causing Chifuyu to turn sharply to him. Takemitchy returned his stare, so concerned and warm and earnest. As though there was nothing odd about his statement.

"…Sure," Chifuyu said, primarily to test the waters.

Takemitchy freely let people into his room, but Chifuyu picked up on the fact that everyone avoided the side with the bed. Chifuyu followed suit because having the blunt senses of a beta meant he often missed many of the social cues conveyed through scent. Even though he smelt nothing, from how people acted, Chifuyu determined that the area was off limits and stayed away.

Contrary to expectations, Takemitchy relaxed.

Chifuyu wondered what was the deal with the bed. Maybe Takemitchy stank?

***

"Takemitchy and I broke up."

Chifuyu jerked, his step faltering. His head snapped up as he pinned Hinata with an incredulous look. "What?"

When he crossed paths with Hinata outside the supermarket and offered to help her carry her groceries home, this was the last place he anticipated the ensuing conversation going.

"Takemitchy and I broke up last night."

Worried, Chifuyu took stock of Hinata. She appeared exhausted, her eyes sunken, but not as heartbroken as he thought she would be. Chifuyu was conflicted about what to make of that.

"…Is there anything I can do?" Chifuyu asked tentatively.

Hinata shook her head, smiling faintly. "It was a long time coming. I made my peace ages ago."

Chifuyu reeled, unsure of how to even begin to respond. He thought Takemitchy and Hinata were steady. For the stablest relationship that he knew to end…

Something drastic must have happened.

"…Did Takemitchy do something?"

"No," Hinata said, the word strange to his ears. Chifuyu got the sense that a part of her wished he had. "It was nothing he did. Just… We grew apart. He always has other priorities. And… I want more than to be in the shadow of someone else. I want to be more than an afterthought."

With that, Chifuyu got the gist. Seeing Takemitchy and Mikey together… To say the possibility had never crossed his mind would be a lie. In the past, he dismissed the underlying potential, knowing that would lead to nowhere on either side. But with Takemitchy now single…

"Anyway, I know you and Takemitchy are friends. And I consider you one of mine, too. If someone ever gives you trouble…" Hinata smiled, somehow managing to seem kind yet sharp as a knife. If not for her claiming him as pack a second before, Chifuyu would be terrified. "Let me know."

"Thank you," Chifuyu said, moved by her care.

Though he was a little confused as to what caused her to say that now.

Chapter Text

The first time Seishu saw Chifuyu Matsuno, the guy was beaten up. It was even before he could reach the sanctuary and get a chance to fight anyone from the Black Dragons. From the shadows of a pillar, Seishu overheard Matsuno talking with his captain—his injuries were the work of another Tōman member.

The first time Seishu met Chifuyu Matsuno, the guy was bristling with righteous anger. Seishu had taken a cheap shot at another division captain of his, and Seishu took being cursed at in stride—the venom was justified.

(It was not his proudest moment.)

The first time Seishu fought Chifuyu Matsuno, the guy was unsteady on his feet. Seishu could tell one of his legs was fucked up, and his eyes were unfocused in a way that made Seishu suspect a concussion. The person who hurt him was one sick bastard—there were abrasions around his wrists, and a scent gland was left exposed in all bruised and inflamed glory. It meant Seishu could smell his anxiety and hatred as much as he could smell that the Tōman vice was a beta—not an alpha as the rumours suggested.

If Seishu was a lesser person, he would spread this little titbit to cause difficulties for Tōman, but this was a limit not even he would stoop to cross.

(And if Seishu went easy on Matsuno... Then that was between him and the gods.)

***

Seishu idly observed as Matsuno ruffled his unconscious captain by the hair, seeming boundless in his affection. Mikey was eyeing his hand, his mouth tugging down, and Seishu was wondering what the problem was when—

"Hanma?"

It was spoken softly, but the rage was clear as crystal. Seishu shivered as ice crawled down his spine, even as he thought the bearer of that wrath deserving.

(He noted the name—Hanma.)

Seishu had seen Matsuno and Mikey interact once, but that was enough for Seishu to get an inkling that Matsuno was uneasy with the leader of Tōman.

(Seishu had been close enough to pick up as his scent soured slightly with fear. First, when Mikey appeared. And again, when Mikey took down Taiju with one kick.)

So Seishu was unsurprised to see Matsuno closing off, his body becoming defensive. From what he heard, Matsuno was the one who called Mitsuya to the church and encouraged him to break his peace agreement. You could say Matsuno put the captain of the second division in danger.

Mikey and Draken exchanged a glance before Draken stepped forward.

"But you can tell Mikey what happened later," Draken said, gently nudging Matsuno forward by the shoulder. Cedar blanketed the area, tender and comforting and protective. "First, you need to get treated."

Matsuno eased up, but he sent his captain an uncertain look.

"I can take care of Takemitchy," Mikey said, his voice light and warm. Seishu was shocked by his gentleness. "I promise he will be safe with me."

Matsuno scrutinised Mikey.

A moment passed, tense and laden—a testing of water.

Matsuno nodded.

"I leave Takemitchy to you."

***

"You and Kokonoi," Mikey said. "Keep your schedules clear the days following the first."

It was the last thing Mikey said once he effectively gave his blessing and before dismissing Seishu.

The reason became rather obvious after Mikey announced the subsumption of the Black Dragons under the first division of Tōman—when Matsuno marched over to him and Koko to request a meeting.

Later on with a quick search, Seishu determined the location was in neutral territory. It was a restaurant with a weathered front, faded sign and rustic, gloomy interior. At the spot, Seishu learnt the chairs creaked and the tabletops were sticky to the touch, but there was a heavenly smell wafting from what Seishu guessed was the kitchen. It was empty aside from him, Koko, Matsuno and the sleepy waiter-slash-cashier lounging at the register, playing on his phone with a look of utter boredom on his face.

Matsuno had texted Seishu to inquire what he and Koko wanted. He said he would order beforehand.

As subtle as Matsuno had tried to be, Seishu knew an interrogation when he saw one. Whatever Seishu said here would have ramifications.

"Yesterday," Matsuno said, "You said Takemitchy did not need to trust you, just to call on you when he needed you, but that is not how things work for me. It was different with Kisaki and Hanma. Takemitchy and I were the only possible collateral, but the Black Dragons might be working closely with the first division, and I need to know how much I can trust you. How do you feel about answering some questions for me?"

"Ask away," Seishu said. He presumed this was what the meeting was about.

"Why did you decide to follow Takemitchy?"

"He reminds me of Shinichirō," Seishu replied.

Matsuno pierced him with a searching gaze. "You knew him?"

"I used to hang out in his bike shop," Seishu said before lapsing into silence, refusing to elaborate further without prompting.

Matsuno let the topic lie, appearing lost in thought.

"You became a member of the Black Dragons during the eighth generation," Matsuno said eventually.

It was not a question.

"Yes," Seishu said anyway.

"Say I asked the Black Dragons to fight without weapons, how willing would you all be to do that?"

"Very," Seishu said.

Matsuno flicked his gaze to Koko. "The Black Dragons do information brokering and hits on people for money, how willing are you to put that behind you?"

Koko smirked, sharp and vaguely sardonic. "I have other ways of raking in cash."

"Could you tell me how?"

"Mostly through businesses I helped sponsor in the past. You want a list?"

It was said with sarcasm, but Matsuno inclined his head seriously.

"If possible," Matsuno said.

"Would your president be happy about this?" Kokonoi drawled, rubbing his thumb and forefinger together. "Tōman would be losing out of a lot of money."

Matsuno smiled, thin yet amused. "If he intended to use you as a cash cow, he would have put you under someone else, preferences be damned. Takemitchy would never let those methods stand. Neither would the majority of our captains."

Seishu was stumped on how to respond to that. Koko seemed to be in the same boat.

"Anyway," Matsuno said breezily, "do you mind me calling our president here? It would be easier to talk the specifics of this with him present."

"Why not your captain?" Koko asked, eyes narrowing slightly.

Matsuno barely batted an eye at the insinuation. "I could call him," he said easily.

Koko shrugged, reverting back to casual indifference.

Matsuno pulled out his phone. Seishu clocked the waiter getting up as someone placed dishes on the window to the kitchen.

…Just how many people are listening in?

"The both of them will be here shortly," Matsuno relayed once the waiter put down the plates and shuffled off. He started in his meal, and Seishu followed suit.

Seishu nearly groaned at the first bite.

At least the food was great. Even Koko, with his expensive palate, was impressed. Seishu could tell from the pleased crease around his eyes.

Three-quarters into his katsudon, a bell chimed. Seishu looked away to see Mikey stepping through the entrance.

Dark eyes settled on the group before the leader of Tōman sauntered over.

"Inui, Kokonoi," Mikey acknowledged as he took the seat beside Matsuno. "Chifuyu, have you decided?"

"I want to see how the first division and Black Dragons fight together," Matsuno said.

"Not an immediate no," Mikey commented.

Matsuno curved his mouth upwards. It was too tight at the edges.

"If you disapproved," Mikey said, his gaze weighty and penetrating, "the alliance would be good as dead. You guide Takemitchy as much as he leads you, and most of the first division answer to you before him. I understand that none of them are happy with my decision. Unless you give your support, no one will entertain allying with the Black Dragons. I would have a strike on my hands."

Seishu sat, dumbstruck as his understanding of the situation collapsed. Matsuno averted his eyes to fix Seishu with a faintly flustered look.

"When is the soonest date all the Black Dragons can meet up?"

"On the thirtieth," Seishu answered mechanically.

Matsuno considered that. "Most of the first division are free. How does noon sound to you?"

"Doable," Seishu said. "Where are we meeting?"

"At the shrine," Matsuno said. "We can move to a clearing from there." Matsuno scooted his chair closer to Seishu. "Could you take out your phone? There is a list of contacts I want to give you."

Seishu did as requested.

"So the first…"

Matsuno supplied him numbers in quick succession, taking time to explain who each one belonged to. Across the divisions, there were apparently select people tasked with handling specific responsibilities. In no time, Seishu knew which to call for medical supplies, for uniforms, for bike parts and emergency repairs. He also had the contact information of Mikey, Draken and three other captains.

Matsuno finished off by saying, "If I find out you shared any of this with someone outside of the Black Dragons, I will ensure you will never know peace."

Seeing the manic gleam in his eyes, Seishu was disinclined to test him.

"Understood," Seishu said, trying to convey his sincerity.

Matsuno unwound a little at that.

"Chifuyu is the type to hold grudges," Mikey piped up, which made Seishu think he should apologise to Mitsuya in full view of Matsuno or the first division at some point. "I want something sweet. Chifuyu, what do they have here?"

Last Seishu checked, there was no dessert menu.

"I called ahead," Matsuno said. "They could make you dorayaki or a parfait. What do you prefer?"

Mikey beamed, the definition of a kid in a candy store. "Both!"

Matsuno gazed at Mikey, the ghost of a smile playing on his lips. He seemed indulgent. "Okay. Dorayaki and a parfait."

"Chifuyu," Mikey said, a nudge in his tone, face solemn, "I was worried about whether you would give the Black Dragons a chance. I am glad you are."

Matsuno tilted his head, a glint in his eyes that was partly appraising and curious. He was subdued as he said, "Inui said he knew your brother."

"He did," Mikey confirmed. His voice held notes of reverence. "He used to sit out front of the shop with my brother, watching as Shinichirō fixed and tinkered with bikes. It was a popular gathering place for the Black Dragons from the first generation, and they would bicker around and reminisce and share stories. I remember how Inui looked on with stars in his eyes. I remember him quiet yearning."

Seishu felt gutted—his insides yanked out for all the world to see.

"My brother cared for him," Mikey said, devastating in his certainty. Seishu clung to the words with the desperation of a drowning man. "He used to gush about him, and he had all these plans of teaching Inui mechanics because he seemed interested in learning. Inui was his little shadow, his little protégé. I used to be such a little shit about that."

"You were jealous?" Matsuno asked, appearing faintly shocked.

Just remembering Mikey back then—with all his unsubtle glares and possessive, bratty tantrums—made Seishu tired.

Little shit was about right.

"I was green with jealousy," Mikey said, and was that embarrassment? Mikey reached out, turning Matsuno around so that the other faced him by the chair. His eyes were intense as he said, "There is no one else I want to entrust the Black Dragons to more than Takemitchy and you."

Matsuno stared at Mikey, visibly conflicted.

Bit by bit, resolution settled.

Matsuno fixed his gaze on Seishu. "How many are there in the Black Dragons?"

"Fifteen, including Koko and I."

At that, Matsuno breathed a muted sigh of relief. Mikey snorted.

"You thought I assigned the first division a hundred people?"

Matsuno shot Mikey an expression of weary dread. "It was in the realm of possibility. It could have been everyone there on Christmas."

Mikey chuckled again. When he spoke, his voice was mellow, "Changes in leadership are generally followed by upheavals as people leave and new ones come in." Dark eyes shifted to Seishu, lingering briefly before going back to Matsuno. "And the Black Dragons were brought together by little more than the magnetism of power. There was no heart."

Seishu tensed, muscles going taut, affront blazing. It died quickly—what Mikey said had been true.

After losing to Tōman, nearly all of the Black Dragons dispersed, becoming strangers once more. There was nothing worth returning to—no ties worth seeking and holding. It was a dream that broke with the slightest signs of dawn.

Matsuno gave a noncommittal hum. He caught Seishu in the eye. "Is there a name you prefer I call you by?"

"Inupi," Seishu said.

Matsuno turned his head, his attention shifting away. Koko answered before Matsuno had to ask.

"Koko."

"Inupi, Koko," Matsuno said—a reaching hand and clasping fist. He smiled his first open smile. "Feel free to call me Chifuyu. I guess we will be working together from now on." Chifuyu brought out a pen and notepad from his pocket. "While we wait for Takemitchy to get here, could you tell me more about your members?"

***

By the time Takemichi arrived, Mikey had devoured a parfait and three dorayaki. Chifuyu had migrated to the middle of Seishu and Koko, leaning towards the noiret as he described how duties could be split between the Black Dragons and the first division. Koko was frowning, paying careful attention. It was thirteen minutes since the last cutting or insufferable remark, which meant there was merit in what Koko was hearing.

Takemichi was not alone.

"Takemitchy!" Chifuyu exclaimed. Takemichi smiled at him, appearing delighted to see Chifuyu but also uncomfortable and distinctly out of his depth. He slid into the vacated seat next to Mikey with the air of a lamb to slaughter. "Chū, thank you for bringing him here. Chū, this is Inupi and Koko. Koko, Inupi, this is Chū."

Chū was a stout teen with a moustache and rugged profile. He gave the Black Dragons the barest of nods before focusing on Chifuyu.

"No problem. You need anything else?"

"No," Chifuyu said. "You can leave, but take that with you." He pointed a finger at the kitchen window, which had a plastic bag on the sill. "I ordered you oyakodon. Two to go."

The severe aura lessened as Chū grinned. "Sweet. Thanks, Chifuyu."

Takeaway in hand, Chū patted Chifuyu on the shoulder. "If you need something, contact me. Same goes for you, Takemitchy."

It was a gesture of support as much as a threat.

Chū and Mikey exchanged a glance, the former tipping his head respectfully, before the man ambled off.

With Takemichi present, the meeting began properly.

It was a formality.

By that point, Seishu—and Koko—had figured that Takemichi was only peripherally involved in the management of the first division. That domain belonged mainly to Chifuyu.

On that day, this had become clear:

Takemichi was the iron skeleton bearing hopes and lofty dreams.

Chifuyu was the keystone linking ideals to reality.