Falling Down

Co-written with Aya


Daisuike was doing close to seventy when he came down the short straightaway that led to the s curve. He could see the track weaving out ahead of them and let off the gas slightly. His truck was heavier than the car and even with it's squat profile it still had a tendency to lean pretty good on the corners.

Once through the curves he took the dunlop at a good rate of speed feeling how the truck handled. He'd frankly never tested what the truck could do and was surprised at how well it took the corners. It gave him confidence to go a bit faster. He came out of the denger going closer to eighty. He let off the gas as they entered the hairpin. The squall of tires startled him for a moment his heart suddenly pounding but he forced himself to remain calm and accelerated out of it.

He laughed softly both at himself and the exhilaration he was suddenly feeling. This was fun!

Ruka was in awe as Daisuike drove. He was going a really good rate of speed, making him very proud of him. He took the turns nicely and he was beginning to think that they needed to install roll bars and other safety features. Who would've thought that Daisuike would go past 70? When Ruka heard him laugh he smiled glancing at him, excited. Did this mean that Daisuike would start to race with him? Though he shouldn't get his hopes up just yet, but it was hard not to when his boyfriend was going well past his normal speed limit.

Daisuike pulled off and parked once he'd passed the finish line. He turned to look at Ruka a little unsure. "Ano, was that alright? I know this doesn't handle like your cars but I think it did pretty good. Though that hairpin kind of caught me off guard."

"Daisuike that was amazing!" Ruka pounced his lover. Hugging Daisuike tightly he kissed him grabbing his face laughing. "Do you realize you went nearly 90 at one point!? That was great! How was it? Did you enjoy yourself? You took the hairpin fine!" Ruka was laughing ecstatic that Daisuike had done so well. He really wanted to take him racing more now.

"Do you wanna do it again? Or ride with me? Or try one of my cars?"

Daisuike laughed, not sure what to think of all the praise. "Ano, do you mind if I drive it one more time? It was really fun and I think I know how to handle that hairpin now."

"Yes! Do it!" Ruka happily buckled back up excited to see Daisuike willing to do the race course. "Wait- did you want to use your truck or one of my cars? Probably the truck right?"

He really wanted to see Daisuike drive one of his babies. Though it took some skill to drive some of them, "You can use my first racer. It's slower than the rest but it handles easily. Just like a normal car too."

"Ano, I might do that later. I'm used to my truck so I think I will just drive it this time." Daisuike grinned at him. "Thank you for being willing to trust me with one of your cars though."

He pulled back onto the track and waited a moment before hitting the gas. He'd never imagined he could enjoy this so much and he could definitely see why Ruka loved racing so much.

Ruka wanted to crawl out of his skin with excitement by the time they took the S-curve and headed to the next area. Daisuike was going fast and it was thrilling for him. Was he honestly enjoying it? Ruka was worried but the small laughs and smile on Daisuike's face seemed to help ease any worry he had.

"Daisuike, you are amazing you know that?" Honestly seeing him overcoming his fears made him know even more that he wanted to marry the man next to him. He could overcome anything and that made him happy.

Daisuike couldn't stop grinning as he finished the course. He parked his truck and looked at Ruka.

"That was so much fun! I can definitely see why you enjoy it so much. I need break though. I never realized that you could get so wore out doing that." He slowly climbed out of the truck happy and pleased that he'd been able to do something like this. It hadn't been nearly as scary as he'd though it would be and he'd felt in complete control the entire time. He was kind of looking forward to using Ruka's car to see how it handled differently.

As Ruka climbed out of the car he saw Fuji talking to a large group of people. On a closer inspection he saw that it was his circuit. Taking Daisuike's hand he smiled kissing him gently.

"You're amazing you know that? Let me introduce you to the circuit." Leading him over he smiled as several guys got excited seeing him come up.

"Ruka! This is amazing! How'd you do it!?"

"Yeah seriously man! Suzuka Circuit!?"

Laughing Ruka shook his head, "I didn't. My boyfriend Daisuike did it. If you should be thanking anyone it should be him." He nudged Suke forward a bit, stroking his hand. "That also means hands off this beautiful man or I'll break you and your cars."

There was a murmur through the crowd and several people laughed nervously. They all knew Ruka was serious too.

"Hey- wait. . .Where's Tatsuya?"

"He couldn't come. He was busy with work. He sends his regards though and says to race for him." Ruka pouted as Fuji explained, kind of sad the man couldn't come.

Daisuike was a little surprised at how many people there were. It was a little overwhelming and he'd never be able to remember all their names. He blushed at Ruka's comment keeping his eyes on the ground as he heard the murmurs from the crowd. It made him happy that Ruka made it plain that they were together though.

He nodded, at a loss as the guys thanked him for the opportunity. He kept a tight hold on Ruka's hand glancing up at him every so often feeling a little overwhelmed by everyone at the moment. He wasn't used to people being happy to be around him and it gave him the oddest feeling.

"Okay okay. First rule!"

"What!? There's rules!?"

"Yes now shut up!" Ruka shouted laughing as he dragged Daisuike with him to climb up onto a car sitting on the roof of it. "First order of business!"

"I thought it was rule time!"

"Oh shut up and let me talk!" The crowd died down and Ruka smiled, "Good. Okay, first rule. Everyone and yes even I am abiding by this rule, you MUST take the course going no more than 75 mph. Since this course is the hardest in the world I want you all to be careful so I want you to know the course first. No one is getting around the rule either."

The crowd didn't seem too happy about it, but they nodded reluctantly. "Second rule is I would really like to repay Daisuike since he funded all this out of his own money. When we start the races up, I would like, I am not demanding but asking, that we all make a pool like normal, maybe make the fee a bit more. The pot I would like to at least go 1/4th to Daisuike. If you want to donate the total pot to Daisuike I would love it. We all know if I win that's where it's going, not because he's my lover but because I am grateful to him for this opportunity. The last rule is, be careful and have fun!"

Ruka laughed as the guys cheered and he hopped off the roof pulling Daisuike close to kiss him before the guys snagged him away to talk to him.

"Never would imagine that Ruka isn't the leader of our circuit now would you Daisuike?" Fuji smirked looking at Daisuike happily.

Daisuike looked over at Fuji still reeling a bit from everything. "He's not? Then who is?"

He really needed to get this circuit thing figured out. He needed to understand how their hierarchy worked and who answered to who, if that was how they did things. If they had a leader did they have people that enforced the rules? Were there rules? Surely there were, it wouldn't make sense not to. He knew about the not racing motorcycles thing, but what other rules did they have? Did they have a code like the yakuza? He just had so many questions, but he figured he would learn over time.

"Nope. Okura Seiki is our circuit leader. He's the one that started the circuit and runs the funds and manages when the races are and such. Ruka just has a lot of influence. Hell, he's got a lot of influence in almost any circuit he touches." Shaking his head he smiled softly. It was nice to see everyone so happy. After Ruka's crash people were pissed and honestly after Hisoka and his crew. Things like that just didn't go away and there was still tension but most of Hisoka's races were screwed after that. It was good enough. For now.

"You've got quite a few admirers now. And jealous idiots." He smirked looking at some of the guys in the crowd laughed as he put an arm on Suke's shoulder. "Though they know not to touch. Ruka isn't joking when he said he'd break them and their cars. He did it once just to prove his point. Some guy kissed Sono when they were dating and he had the dude's car impounded and then crushed and then beat the guy pretty senseless. Ruka got a lot of backlash for that. It's not something you do, but it made it clear that he was serious."

Daisuike blinked slowly taking in this information. A coldness settled in the pit of his stomach and he looked down. Hearing what had happened to Sono reminded him of his encounter with Hisoka. Even though it had been weeks ago he still felt that same sense of shame and frustration. At least Ruka hadn't found out. He shook himself. He was not going to think about that right now. He probably would never see that ass again and he did he knew exactly what he was going to do.

"They better know to not touch Ruka. I'm not part of the circuit and I wouldn't have any problem putting them in their place."

Fuji laughed whole heartedly shaking his head, "Don't worry. Don't worry your pretty little head. They know Ruka has settled down. It made it clear since the day he met you. That idiot was blabbing about you at all the races he went to that he found a beautiful man that he wanted to seriously date." Laughing some he shook his head again, "We all laughed at him but he was seriously. Glad he was too."

"Ah, looks like your family and some friends are here- Ah, looks like Ruka is beating you to meet them."


"Jiro, Haru!" Ruka waved as he ran towards them. Slowing down he nodded towards Hayate, "Ah, Hey Hayate And- Eto. . . New person?" He smiled some.

"Hey Ruka! How's it going?" Jiro smiled at him. Haru waved and moved off to go look at all the cars.

"Ruka, how have you been? You haven't met my partner Isao yet have you?" Hayate smiled as he introduced his boyfriend. "Sakata Ruka this is Iesada Isao, he's also our accountant but don't let the bookish nature or cute look fool you, he's wicked with his fists."

Isao chuckled and bowed to Ruka. "Nice to finally meet the man who's brought so much happiness to our lovely enforcer. Where is he anyway? I need to speak with him. I'm going to have to redo all my ledgers from the time he so graciously tried to help me."

"Let it go, lovely. This weekend is for fun not work."

"Hai hai."

Ruka grinned bowing back to Isao. "If you're looking for Ouji-sama he's talking with Fuji near one of my racers at the moment." He turned pointing to where they were, "Just don't bruise him. I kind of like him not so bruised up." He smiled before turning back to Jiro.

"Ano. . . Jiro? Can I talk to you? Privately?" He was suddenly very nervous and a bit sick but he wanted to do this. Jiro was like a father to Daisuike, in his mind, and that meant he had to ask him first before asking Daisuike.

Jiro raised an eyebrow at him and nodded. "Hayate why don't you and Isao go talk with Suke. I'll join you in a bit."

He walked with Ruka over to a secluded spot wondering what the man could possibly need to speak to him in private about.

He turned looking at him. "What is on your mind Ruka?"

Ruka sighed as he ran a hand through his hair pacing a bit. How would he ask Jiro? This had to be the oddest thing he had ever heard about doing but he had to do it. It was only right. He loved Daisuike and wanted him with him for the rest of his life. After it too if that was possible. Ruka started to pace more then stopped looking at Jiro.

"Ano. . . You know how-or maybe not, you probably don't pay that close attention to our relationship, though you might, I'm not entirely sure . . . but Daisuike and I have been dating nearly 4 months now and I really love him." Ruka started to pace again, gripping his hair and running his hand through his hair nervously.

"We've been through a lot. Near death experiences and what have you not, plus we really make each other happy and he fulfills things I didn't even realize I needed and I really love him and I know he loves me and everything. Plus we make a damn hot couple- but you really didn't need to hear that." He cringed then decided he needed to stop rambling and actually say what he wanted to say. Staring at Jiro he straightened some.

"I want to ask for Daisuike's hand in marriage. I want to marry Daisuike and I figured asking you is the closest I will come to asking anyone since I value your opinion." He bit his lip nervous. Honestly even if Jiro said no, he'd still ask Daisuike though maybe he wouldn't. He wouldn't want to break up his family like that. "I've looked it up and I know how I can do it. I want to do this Jiro. I love Daisuike more than I have loved anyone in my entire life."

Jiro had watched Ruka amused by his behavior. His amusement quickly faded as he realized Ruka was being quite earnest. Hearing him ask for his permission to marry Daisuike gave him the oddest feeling he'd probably ever had in his life. He stared at Ruka for several long moments. He'd known the two were pretty much inseparable but he'd not expected this. He was Daisuike's legal guardian so it was right for Ruka to ask him. He cleared his throat seeing that Ruka was waiting anxiously for him to say something.

"You've made Daisuike happier than I can ever remember him being Ruka. He's a good kid and I can't think of anyone I'd rather him spend the rest of his life with. You have my blessing and full cooperation."

"S-Seriously!?" Ruka exhaled nearly stumbling forward feeling as if a weight was lifted off of him. He suddenly felt very sick though. "Thank you Jiro!" Ruka bowed low, his heart racing and he still felt like throwing up.

All he had left was to get everything figured out and to ask Daisuike. It would take a lot of effort but he wanted to marry the man he loved more than anything else in the world.

Jiro smiled at him and put a hand on his shoulder. "If there is anything you need you let me know alright. I'm his legal guardian so I can sign the papers if you don't want to wait until he's of legal age."

He looked over at where his brother was laughing talking with Hayate and Isao. It made him very happy to think that he'd finally found someone to truly love and cherish him.

"Oh. . . Right." Ruka had completely forgotten that they'd need their guardian or parents to sign for them. That really threw a wrench into his plans. Standing slowly he smiled at Jiro, "Thank you. I truly appreciate it. I swear I'll make sure Daisuike is the happiest he's ever been and will ever be."

Staring towards where Daisuike was he then he got an idea but looked at Jiro, "Would. . . Do you think we should wait? Or. . ." He smiled widely, suddenly extremely happy.

Jiro chuckled, "What? Don't want a long engagement? If you want to ask him, ask him, but make it special Ruka. You only get to do this once."

He waved him on needing a few moments to just get used to the idea that his little brother was going to be getting married. He knew there was no way Daisuike would say no. He could tell just in the way Suke watched Ruka and followed him around that he was completely in love with the man. Hell he'd risked his life for him, taken care of him when he was injured. How many relationships would have survived even one of those things not to mention other less dramatic things? No Suke would say yes, of that he was certain.

Ruka smiled happily then headed off towards where Daisuike and everyone was, touching him lightly, "Ne, Daisuike? Do you think we can move the main events until tomorrow and focus on getting everyone ready for the races today? Would the band be against doing their gig tomorrow? I think it's going to take most the day getting all the guys set up and we'd only get maybe a few races in before the band played and then we'd have to stop. Or would the band like to do two gigs? I'll pay for them doing a second gig."

He smiled taking his hand softly. His mind was working out details and plans. He also had to do some research if this was going to work. That and fax out some paper work. There was so much to do and so much he had to do in order to before he could ask Daisuike and he wanted to blurt it out at that moment but knew he shouldn't. He would wait until the perfect moment to ask him.

Daisuike looked at him for a moment feeling a bit stupid for not having realized that he'd kind of over booked things. He had just been too excited and hadn't really expected quite so many racers to show up. "I'm sorry Ruka, I didn't even think about that. Of course we can. As much as Ryuu loves performing I don't think a second concert would be a big deal. They should be here in just a bit so we can as him then, but I'm pretty sure they will be fine with it. I want everyone to have a chance to use the track. Ano . . . what if we do it like a real race and have-what are they called . . . qualifying races? Or not, it's probably a stupid idea, never mind."

Ruka shook his head smacking Daisuike playfully on the forehead then leaned forward kissing him. Sometimes his lover was just really silly. "That's a wonderful idea Ouji-sama. We'll do that for today and tomorrow we'll have an open race." Kissing him again he removed his arms from him, "I'll go tell everyone. Maybe just do a giant run through with everyone so they know the track then start the qualifying races."

Unable to stop himself he kissed Daisuike one last time, his insides twisting. He was going to ask the man in front of him to marry him. It made him excited and he really wanted to do it right then and there but he would wait.

"Off to go make my crew's lives difficult!"

Daisuike chuckled softly looking over as Jiro walked up beside him.

"He seems to really be in his element doesn't he." Jiro watched his brother happy to see the contentment so evident in his eyes.

"Yes he does. I bet he'd make a fantastic professional racer but I don't think he'd ever consider it. He's too independent for that. Want to go up into the stands with me so we can watch?"

Haru joined them having found the food. "I never would have taken you for the sappy romantic kind Suke."

"What? I am not."

Haru snorted around his bite of onigiri. "Yeah whatever. Actions say it all little bro. You are like some dotting little wife hanging all over him like you do." He grinned to take the sting out of his words laughing as Daisuike's cheeks reddened.

Jiro blinked and quickly covered a grin by taking a bite of one of the pastries. Daisuike as a wife, now why did that actually seem to fit?

Ruka was exhausted by the time he set everyone up with numbers and spots letting them figure the rest out. Seiki was going to signal when each round would start and each qualifying round was two laps. Settling into a seat he glanced towards the stands seeing Jiro, Haru and Daisuike all together watching. It made him happy. Those guys were going to be his brother-in-laws soon. The thought made him giggle and as he looked up he blinked seeing a mass of red hair walking with a group of people.

Looks like the band plus Reiko was there. He should talk to them first. Ruka had wisely put himself in the last race, too tired to race first thing. Pushing himself up he walked towards the small group happily.

"Yo!"

"Hey! This is amazing Ruka! Suke is totally awesome for doing this!"

Daisuike spotted Sora from the stands. That man would stand out no matter where he went.

"Hey guys, Akira and the boys are here."

"Oh, lets head on down then."

***

Akira was excited to see so many people there and so many cars. "Ne, Ruka you think you'd let me ride with you for a lap?"

"Eh? What about me? I want to go."

"Go ride the rollercoaster Ryuu."

"You go ride the rollercoaster Sora. I should get to go first because I'm the leader."

"We just let you think you are the leader."

"Oi guys, we needed to go get set up and make sure everything is in working order. There isn't time to go for a ride."

Akira sighed, "You're right Hasu. It looks like the track is a little busy at the moment anyway. Hey, where is Suke?"

"He's in the stands." Ruka turned seeing the brothers coming towards them, "And on his way here. Actually-" He smiled looking at the group, "Would you guys mind playing tomorrow as well? I'll pay you double what you're getting today." He smiled widely rocking back and forth on his feet some.

"Yeah, we can do that. No need to pay extra. Wow Akira, I didn't know your brother could look that sexy." Ryuu raised an eyebrow at him grinning.

Akira turned spotting Daisuike and grinned. Akira wondered if he realized just how good he looked, probably not knowing Daisuike. "Better not stare too much, Ryuu or Kenta will get jealous." He laughed seeing Ryuu's face instantly change as he glanced around for their new body guard. Sora snickered at him but didn't say anything. Hasu just rolled his eyes.

"You dressed him today didn't you Ruka?" Akira turned to look up at the man a huge grin on his face. "He does look really good."

"Yup, but he always look good! Just like this morning when he was just in his shirt and boxers! Well he also had an apron on. . . " Ruka's grin widened remembering his sexy lover that morning. He loved seeing him like that, but what he was wearing now was very, very nice.

"A-Anyways. . ." Ruka stumbled a bit seeing the group come over.

"Suke! You look good!" Reiko bounced over to him tugging at his shirt a bit smiling up at him. "Really good! I love what he did with your make-up and hair!"

"Hey! No touching Hime-chan! Hime-chan!!" Ruka whined as she hugged Daisuike sticking her tongue out at him as she plucked at his shirt and touched his hair. "She's breaking the rule. . ." Ruka muttered softly pouting.

Akira laughed shaking his head. Daisuike was blushing unsure how to take the compliments and Ruka was pouting.

"Reiko loves to break the rules."

Hasu was looking around. "She's like one of the few girls here as it is."

Sora sighed, "Yeah, so much for any groupies showing up."

"They'll probably show up closer to time for the concert Sora." Daisuike patted Reiko on the head before moving over to Ruka. "You guys should probably go get set up and make sure everything is working."

Ruka smiled watching the small group head off along with Reiko towards where the concert would be taking place. It made him happy that everyone got along so well and that he was accepted into their group.

Wrapping his arms around Daisuike he smiled. "I should be getting ready. My laps are almost time. Hopefully I get qualified or else I'm going to be very sad." He kissed Daisuike's temple softly resting his head against him.

"Though if that happens I'll just pull you aside to your truck and move it behind the stands." Then Ruka got an idea, "Actually. . . Can we do it anyways?" He grinned widely at Daisuike.

Ruka's question instantly brought back memories of the other day and Daisuike felt like his face was on fire. He was just sure that anyone looking at him knew exactly what he was thinking about.

"An-ano . . . I-we . . . there are a lot of people here Ruka . . ." His windows weren't tinted that dark. Surely Ruka was joking, but then again probably not. "Maybe . . . maybe later . . ."

Ruka grinned kissing him softly before whispering into his ear, "Then I'll just have to ask you later, ne?" With a gently press of his lips to his temple he moved away heading towards one of his racers, grabbing his helmet. He knew Daisuike was probably embarrassed to high hell but the thought of doing it there with the possibility of anyone catching them gave him a thrill. Though maybe if they did they should find somewhere a bit more secluded. If Jiro found them he would be dead. That and if they found a bit more privacy Daisuike would be more willing to do it.

"Damn. . ." His pants were uncomfortably tight after those thoughts and he had to race. Shaking his head he slipped inside his car getting ready.

Daisuike watched him head for his car and stumbled slightly as Haru shoved him.

"You are so totally in love with him."

Daisuike grinned looking from Haru back to Ruka. "Yeah, yeah I am."