The Promise and the Threat

Co-written with Aya


There was a hoarse scream as Fujimaru stubbed out his cigarette on the back of the bound man’s hand. He flicked the butt away and stepped back a curl of smoke leaving the sneering lips. The room was cold, almost frigid, the man before him shivering uncontrollably, his skin bluish where it wasn’t red from being struck.

“I want to know where he is. He’s not been home since he got out of the hospital. Where is he hiding?” Two days had passed and nothing. Not so much as a glimpse of his former student. His men had seen Jiro leave the apartment along with the little purple haired punk ass. He didn't give a shit about Haru, commoners meant nothing to him. If he got in the way he'd just kill him too.

“I-I don’t know Fujimaru-sama. I don’t know . . . there are rumors-“ The man flinched his eyes squeezing shut as Fujimaru leaned down.

“What rumors.”

“That he’s staying in Tarumi Ward with his lover.”

Fujimaru grunted a smirk quirking one corner of his mouth. “Name?”

“I don’t know.” The man squeaked trying to move away as Fujimaru leaned closer. “I don’t know! It’s some blonde kid.”

Blonde kid? The same one Daisuike had shown up at the bar with. He backed up wrinkling his nose, the man stank of fear. Turning he gestured to the two men standing in the shadows.

“Take care of it.” He shut the door behind him, the sound of terrified pleading cutting off abruptly. He needed to go to Tarumi ward and see if he could track down Daisuike. He was a loose end and loose ends tended to make everything unravel.

***

Daisuike rolled over onto his back from where he'd been snuggled against Ruka. He blinked sleepily trying to figure out what had woken him. There it was again. It took him a moment to realize it was the door bell and he bolted up looking at the clock.

It was a lot later than he'd thought. Glancing over at the quietly sleeping form of his lover he smiled and gave him a quick kiss before slipping out of the bed. He winced as sore muscles protested. It took him a moment before he could move again and he found his pants and jerked them on heading for the door grabbing a shirt on the way. He’d take his medication with breakfast so it didn’t upset his stomach. His side was starting to ache, sharp little lines of pain working their was across his chest and down his stomach and back. Maybe last night hadn’t been a good idea. Though it had definitely been fun. He shivered, tingles ghosting across his skin as the remembered the way Ruka’s eyes had almost seemed to devour him at times. Smiling to himself he slid the shirt on making sure all bruises old and new where suitably covered.


Sono glared as he waited for someone to answer the door. To say he was mad would be a joke. He was furious. Never had he gotten 7 phones calls from Ruka in one day. None of them had been good either. The last one the poor guy had literally broke down and sobbed for a good 15 minutes. It had taken all the willpower he had to not come over here right then and there, but Ruka had told him he was fine.

Running a hand through his dark hair he heard the pad of feet coming to the door. He glowered as the door opened.

"Daisuike I presume?" He frowned looking the guy over, he looked different not laying in the hospital bed like he’d last seen him. He was shorter than Ruka, similarly built but Sono knew he could be dangerous. But no, that didn't matter to him. This guy was causing the man he loved to be hurt and he swore as a friend and ex-lover he'd never let anyone hurt Ruka again. Not after all the shit Ruka had to deal with in his life.

"I'm Sono." Barely letting the name slip past his lips he stepped forward punching Daisuike in the face.

Daisuike staggered barely able to keep his feet having been caught completely off guard. Pain flared in response and he had to catch himself a hand on the wall. He blinked staring at the man. What the hell was his problem?

"You're the bastard that's been fucking with Ruka right?" Sono stepped closer, anger flaring. This guy wasn't going to last long. He wouldn't stand for it. No one hurt Ruka.

"I want you out of his life." Seeing the strange expression on Daisuike’s face he elaborated. "How many phone calls do you think I got from Ruka yesterday? I got seven. SEVEN! The last one he was a complete mess!" He stepped forward into the apartment watching as Daisuike stepped backwards nearly stumbling.

"You don't know jack shit about him. If you think you can do that shit to him and not have something happen then you got a lot of shit coming your way. I don't care if you nearly died, you don't do that kind of shit to someone as broken as he is!" Sono voice was low and harsh his whole body shaking with the force of his anger. "I am not going to stand around and do nothing while you break my friend. I won’t."

Daisuike frowned straightening up. Sono, he'd said his name was Sono. Ruka's friend.

"What are you talking about? I didn't do anything to Ruka. I promise you that I would never hurt him, ever. There must be some kind of misunderstanding." Daisuike tried to be as placating as possible. He was absolutely in no condition to fight anyone and he really didn't want to get into a fight with one of Ruka's friends. Seven phone calls? And he'd been crying? Daisuike didn't get it. When had this happened? He knew things had been a little tense yesterday, but he hadn't realized Ruka was that upset.

"If you knew a damn thing about Ruka you'd know perfectly well what you did." Sono hissed stalking closer watching him back up again. He couldn't stand it. Last night Sono had been deadly afraid Ruka was going to do something stupid again. "He's fragile and has never really understood what it's like to be loved and for you to go and toy with him and make him think he's wanted and then shove him away- I won't stand for it. Get out of his life now. I don't care if you just break his damn heart or just disappear. I want you out!"

Daisuike frowned, one hand to his face, his jaw was starting to throb and it was giving him a headache. "I'm sorry that you seem to be under the impression that things are not going well between Ruka and I. I will not leave him under any circumstances. I need him."

Daisuike was surprised he'd let something like that slip, especially to a stranger. He wasn't about to let someone, even one of Ruka's friends take Ruka away from him.

Sono's glare sharpened and he started forward to hit Daisuike again.

"Sono!"

Whipping his head around he stared at Ruka who was coming out of the bedroom looking horrified.

"What the hell happened here! Ouji-sama are you okay!?" He rushed to his side seeing him holding his face. "What the hell did you do to him Sono!"

"I- . . . You-"

"What the fuck is your problem!?"

"What's my problem!? What's your problem! You call me seven fucking times in near hysterics and now you're all okay!?"

"I-. . . We- . . You were right."

"I don't give a shit if I was-wait, which part?"

"The last one."

Sono glared staring at Daisuike still ready to tear his head off but looked at Ruka. It hurt him to see Ruka happy and defending this guy who had hurt him so badly. It scared him to see Ruka allowing himself to be open to hurt again. That was last thing Sono wanted. His voice suddenly got softer trying not let the hurt bleed through.

"You never called back."

"We fixed things."

"You never called me back damnit! How the hell am I suppose to know you didn't go and try and take some fucking pills again!?" Sono screamed at Ruka shaking from a twisted sense of relief and hurt.

"I- . . I'm sorry Sono. . . I just- . . I'm sorry." Ruka hung his head, still holding Daisuike, feeling sick suddenly. He had scared Sono and that hurt. The man who had saved him and fixed him so many times, the one who was always there for him no matter what. It hurt. "I'm sorry. . ."

"Just. . . Just call me next time you 'fix' things." Looking away from Ruka, Sono looked at Daisuike, "You better fucking learn about him more. I swear to God if I get anymore phone calls like I did, I will make you wish you had never met Ruka." Turning Sono stalked out, slamming the front door hard enough to rattle it.

"I'm sorry. . . I'm sorry Daisuike. . ." Ruka kept his head bowed trying to keep from crying. He had fucked up so badly. Sono was angry and Suke was hurt because of it. It was all his fault.

"Ruka! Stop apologizing. Sono was obviously worried about you. He seems like a good friend to be so concerned." Daisuike turned to Ruka. He had a nagging feeling that there was a lot more to this encounter than he realized. "We all need people to worry about us and hope we are happy, ne? Come on. I'll fix us breakfast and you can explain to me just exactly why Sono saw the need to hit me."

Ruka slowly nodded feeling like he was going to throw up still. Even as good as Suke's cooking was he doubt he'd be able to eat any of it. Just thinking about how worried and scared Sono must have been made him shudder. That and he felt horrible that Daisuike got hit because of him.

Slumping into a chair he buried his face into his arms trying to not cry. Lifting his head he spoke softly still feeling horrible.

"Yesterday-. . . I. . . I called Sono a lot. I-. . .I wasn't sure what to do. So much was going wrong and you kept pushing me away. Wait no, let me finish. I know we solved what was wrong but I didn't know that then. I. . .I thought something was wrong with me, that I was doing something wrong, that I wasn't good enough, that you didn't want me anymore. Not even sexually, but in general too."

Running his hands through his hair he gripped it for a moment trying to sort his thoughts.

"I-. . . I guess I should explain a bit." Sighing he exhaled slowly, "Ano. . . I guess you could say my parents. . . abandoned me basically for my entire life. They supported me with food and clothes and a shelter but-but that was it. I wasn't wanted. My father wanted nothing to do with me, wouldn't even look at me without a look of disgust on his face and that was if he looked at me. And my step-mother was horrible. The only words of anything I would hear out of her mouth were if she criticized me."

Lowering his head again Ruka clenched his fists trying not to think of that horrible lonely feeling he had felt his whole life. It hurt to remember it and then to remember how he had thought Suke didn't want him either . . .

Daisuike stopped chopping the daikon and looked a Ruka for a moment before hanging his head. He'd only been worried about himself yesterday. Scared that Ruka wouldn't want him and had made Ruka think that very thing about himself.

It hurt him even more to hear about Ruka's home life. To be unloved and unwanted as a child was simply one of the worst things Daisuike could think of, having experienced it himself. He knew all too well what it was like to have the adult who was supposed to love and nurture you tell you you were worthless and stupid.

How could a child of mine be this incompetent? You fucking lazy little bastard, all you think about is yourself. You don't deserve anything. No one is ever going to want you.

The knife slipped from his fingers and clattered onto the counter startling him.

Hearing the knife clatter to the counter Ruka jerked his head up afraid Suke had hurt himself. Bolting from the chair he rushed to him grabbing his hands.

"Are you okay? Did you cut yourself? Where are you hurt?" All previous sorrow was gone, replaced by the panic inside, afraid Suke had cut himself. Maybe they were letting him do to much. They had been pretty active last night and he wasn't supposed to do too much.

"I'm fine Ruka. I'm fine. Go sit. I just dropped it. I'm not hurt." Daisuike quickly got a handle on himself. It wasn't like him to let those memories get to him so bad. He couldn't be scaring Ruka like this. "Seriously I'm fine."

He watched Ruka reluctantly go and sit down, eying him as if not entirely sure he really was alright. Daisuike smiled softly and went back to the daikon.

"As painful as that is Ruka, I can safely say that I know exactly how you feel. Even having my brothers around growing up didn't help with the loneliness and isolation I felt. If you want to or need to talk I'm here."

Ruka slowly nodded. "I. . . I appreciate that." Lowering his head he sighed gripping his pant leg. "I just figured you should know some back story I guess. Sono is. . . Sono saved my life." Lifting his head he looked towards Daisuike suddenly very ashamed of himself. Would Daisuike want to be with him if he knew? He had to tell him though.

"When we first met when I was fourteen. I was slowly spiraling out of control. I was sick of being alone, desperately trying to get any sort of attention from my parents, be it to be scolded or praised. Nothing worked. About six months into our friendship Sono found me trying to down an entire bottle Valium." Ruka shuddering lowering his head. That had been the worst point in his life. He was ashamed and sick with himself. Daisuike probably wouldn't want someone was stupid as him after he learned this. Slowly he continued afraid to hear anything from Daisuike's mouth.

"Fortunately he stopped me and from then on we were inseparable. He knows all about my family and me trying to. . . It was why he was so worried. . ." His voice was deathly soft, afraid that if he spoke up Daisuike would leave and he'd never see him again.

Daisuike nearly dropped the knife again. Why did what Ruka was saying sound so eerily familiar? His chest was aching and he set the knife down wiping his hands off on a towel. Walking over to Ruka he wrapped his arms around him kissing his hair. There was nothing he could say right now, but he wanted Ruka to know that he was there and he wasn't going anywhere.

Reaching up Ruka clutched Suke's arm hanging his head. His whole body was shaking and he could feel tears sliding down his face. His entire body hurt and his heart was pounding. The memories were springing back up and it made him sick. Just knowing that Suke was there for him helped, that he wasn't leaving him. He was tired of being so alone.

"I-I'm so-sorry. . ." He choked through the words trying to stop crying but it didn't work. He felt like such a girl crying like this.

Daisuike knelt next to Ruka's chair and gently wiped the tears. "Don't be sorry Ruka. Don't ever be sorry. Every one deserves to be loved and cherished. Every one. You don't think any less of me for what I've done ne? Why would your past bother me? I love you Ruka, I love everything about you. Well, maybe not the cars . . . but I might learn to love them." Daisuike smiled at him trying to get him to cheer up.

Trying to stop the tears Ruka snorted, "I doubt you'll like the cars. I like speed and danger." He reached forward pulling Daisuike against him hugging him, "Thank you." His voice was hush still shaking lightly.

Kissing his neck he held him closer sighing softly. "I love you Daisuike. Please- please never push me away like that again. . ."

"I won't. I promise. I had no idea how it was affecting you. I was being stupid and selfish and it hurt you. For that I am extremely sorry." He hugged Ruka closer not wanting to let him go just yet. "Next time will you please tell me that something I am doing is bothering you?"

Ruka sighed nuzzling against him, "I'll try. . . I promise I'll try." Clutching the back of his shirt he exhaled slowly. Finally parting after a bit he stared at Daisuike.

"Do you feel up to coming with me today? I have to pay Hoshi and get my cars. That and we gotta decide how we want to decorate our apartment." He smiled softly not even realizing his slip up.

Daisuike nodded slowly. Our apartment? Getting to his feet he ran his fingers through Ruka's hair brushing it away from his face and leaning down to kiss him on the forehead.

"What ever you want to do, love. Just let me get breakfast fixed and we need to shower."

He turned to walk into the kitchen still a bit dazed. Did Ruka expect him to not go back to his brothers apartment at all?

"Can we shower together?" He smirked watching Daisuike hungrily and definitely not in the mood for food. Though something seemed entirely off with Daisuike. What had he said to mess up now? Frowning he rested his head on his hand staring at Daisuike. Unable to take it any longer he had to ask.

"What's wrong?"

Daisuike sighed and leaned against the counter. He was going to need to take his pain pills soon. He didn't like to see the uncertainty in Ruka's eyes. He didn't see any reason to totally skirt around the issue.

"Sure we can shower together. Saves water that way." Daisuike grinned at him. "I was just kind of wondering how long you'd be willing to put up with me being here.

"Yatta!" He paused frowning for a split second, "Ano. . . " Ruka looked at Daisuike thoughtfully. Was he worried Ruka wanted him out soon or something? "Whenever Daisuike. Think of this as your second home. You are more than welcome to come here any time you want." He smiled getting up and walking to him wrapping his arms around the other's waist.

"It's lonely being here by myself so make sure you at least leave clothes here so I know you'll be back for them. . . At least eventually." He smiled, "Even for a day, a night, an hour. Anything." He smiled kissing him slowly before parting.

"Seriously, this place is your home as much as it is mine Ouji-sama. You are after all decorating it. I'd love it if your family and you would stay for dinner randomly or even crash here for movies and such. . ."

Daisuike nodded. "I'll make sure they know that, though if Akira comes over you might end up with the whole band here."

He would probably leave most of his clothes over here. The more he thought about it, the more he liked the idea of this place being just for him and Ruka. He could go home every morning and take care of Akira. The boy was 18 now, it was about time he had his own room and learned to take care of himself more. Daisuike knew that as long as Reiko was around he had nothing to worry about as far as Akira was concerned.

"While we are out I need to go by the market and pick up a few things for dinner. That and I need some things from the apartment too. Would that be alright?"

"Sounds perfect." Kissing him again he stepped back, "Breakfast and then shower sex." He started laughing at the expression on Daisuike's face. Ruka wished he had a camera at that exact moment.

"Or just a shower if that's what you want." He stepped back moving back to the table excited to see what was for breakfast. He was starving!

Daisuike had a bit of a difficult time finishing making breakfast. The visual he kept getting was . . . odd. Shower sex? How could you even . . . he let that thought drop. He'd worry about that when the time came. He dipped out two bowls of miso just as the rice cooker signaled it was done. He grinned. Perfect timing. Setting the table for a traditional breakfast was something he hadn't done in a while and it took him a few trips to get everything to the table.

"I hope you like this." He set the bowl of grated daikon next to the plate of tamagoyaki and smiled at Ruka.

He sat down trying to hide the slight tremble. He was suddenly exhausted, not realizing he'd been pushing himself so much.

Ruka stared at all t he food, surprised. He hadn't had a traditional meal in ages. The last time had to be when he was back in elementary school.

"Wow, Daisuike. This is. . . amazing." Lifting his head he smiled brightly at his lover. "Thank you." Seeing the slight tremble in his body Ruka got up walking to him touching his shoulder kissing his hair.

"You did a wonderful job you, you're exhausted aren't you. Let me get your pain medication. The non-drowsy kind." Walking to the counter he grabbed the pills and some water walking back to Daisuike handing him the medicine.

"There you go." Kissing his hair again he sat down smiling extremely happy.

Daisuike couldn't help but smile back. It made that oddly light feeling seem more pronounced seeing beautiful bright smile. He quickly took the medication irritated as his hand trembled. Maybe he should use one of the stools to sit on if he was going to be in the kitchen for a while. Standing at the counter preparing vegetables wore him out. Absolutely ridiculous.

"Ne Ruka . . . do you have some where I could work out . . . I'm suppose to be doing my physical therapy every day."

"Umm, yeah actually. I have a small personal gym in one of my rooms and this apartment tower has a floor set up as a gym. Do you want to go and do that later tonight? We can postpone the car buying." He smiled as he said his thanks starting to drink his miso. It tasted so good and he let out a soft purr of joy.

"So good. . ."

"Oh, no it's not that important. It can wait. I want don't want you to change what you would normally do just because I am here." Daisuike meant it too. He didn't want to disrupt Ruka's life any more than he already had. The poor man had been at the hospital every day and usually nights too. It made Daisuike feel bad he'd caused him so much trouble.

"If anything I can see about it tomorrow."

"No." He frowned looking at Daisuike, "You're suppose to do it everyday and they mean everyday. We'll do it later and then go afterwards."

Ruka left no room for discussion on the matter going back to his breakfast. As he continued to eat, he heard Suke's phone go off.

"Umm should you get that- Oh shit!" That's when it hit him. Jiro. He was suppose to call Jiro yesterday morning.

"Oh man. . . He's gunna skin me. . ."

Daisuike turned hearing the phone. It was in the bedroom and there was no way he'd be able to get to it in time. He was frankly too wore out to get up at the moment.

"I'll call them back after breakfast. If it's that important they'll leave a message."

Ruka whined softly, "No, I- I should go call Jiro. I was suppose to call him yesterday morning. He's gunna be so pissed." Rubbing his head he groaned, "I promise I'll be back this time. You eat first okay? I had my miso and I want that tamagoyaki." He smiled softly getting up and walking to the couch dialing Jiro's number dreading what was to come.

Daisuike turned watching Ruka. Why was he calling Jiro? He frowned turning back to his food. Trust Jiro to want to keep an eye on him. Jerk. Couldn't he just leave him alone for a few days. He'd pestered him enough at the hospital as it was.