The Promise and the Threat

Co-written by Aya


Ruka pulled off the highway into a parking area. Daisuike was surprised to see at least 15 cars, most of them small two door cars that had obviously had a lot of after market work done on them. There were a couple that looked more professional but none looked as nice as the car he was sitting in. There were easily twice as many people standing around as there were cars. As they got closer he could hear music blaring. Ruka pulled into a vacant spot and he noticed two guys headed purposefully in their direction. The smaller of the two was waving a huge grin on his face. Ruka was already getting out and Daisuike fought with the harness for a moment before getting it undone.

"Hey!"

"Ru-kun! You came!"

"Yeah wouldn't miss it. I brought someone." Seeing Suke get out, he turned him motioning him over.

“Damn dude! He's smokin hot!" Masa whistled, laughing as Ruka growled smacking him upside the head.

"Yes I know so shut up." He motioned for Daisuike to come over looping his arm around him happily. "This is Suke. Suke that is Masa and the tall guy is Fuji."

Daisuike bowed his head to them. He couldn’t suppress the tight anxious feeling that was steadily becoming worse as he watched Ruka with the two of them. Ruka looked so happy and excited and part of Daisuike was happy right along with him. Another smaller part was worried, but he wasn't going to let that show.

Tugging Daisuike closer Ruka grinned, "Daisuike is going to watch tonight."

"Oh cool! That means we can set up the car vids right?"

"Yeah, I'll hook mine up."

"Shit! I knew I forgot something!"

"Ruka! How the hell are we suppose to get awesome footage if you don't have one!?"

"Sorry. . ."

"That's fine, just means we'll stick close to you and film you as well."

"So when do you race?" Daisuike felt extremely out of place in the heat and noise.

"After we show off for a bit." Ruka grinned as the low rumble of cars starting seemed to vibrate the ground. "Ah, they're starting some drift races, let's go see!" Leading them around he led them towards a straight stretch of road seeing several cars just showing off their drifting skills.

"Man, you could wipe them Ruka."

"You think?"

"Dude! Go join next heat."

Ruka looked towards Daisuike unsure, "What do you think?"

Daisuike looked down for a moment before looking back up at Ruka. "Well, you might as well see what the car can do before you enter the actual race, ne?"

He resisted the urge to pull out his knife so he could play with it. It was a nervous habit and one he wasn't going to let Ruka know that he had. Ruka didn't even know he had any knives on him and he wanted to keep it that way. Besides he didn't want to scare Ruka's friends.

"Sweet!"

"Your boyfriend's awesome!"

Masa grinned staring at Ruka excited. Watching him lean towards Daisuike kissing him he averted his eyes. Ruka might be his friend but he didn’t really want to watch him make out with his boyfriend.

"Thank you. Please don't worry about me. This car is the safest I have and probably the safest out there. It has airbags everywhere plus the glass and- well you heard Hoshi."

"Dude Fuck! Hoshi made your car?!" Masa stared in shock his eyes going wide his jaw dropping.

"Erm. . ."

"Damn dude! Why can't you play fair!" Seeing Daisuike's expression Fuji explained, "Hoshi is a legendary car builder. He makes the top of the line parts and unless he likes you he won't make you a car. No matter how much you pay him. If Hoshi says the car is safe, it's beyond safe. I bet we could shove Ruka off a cliff in it and it'd just bounce back up."

Daisuike nodded smiling softly his lips tingling from the kiss and he had a hard time looking at any of them. It did make him feel good to know that Ruka would be well protected if not completely safe. He narrowed his eyes as he got an idea of something he might buy him in the future though. Though it was no wonder Hoshi had reacted so badly to him dating Ruka. It must have seemed extremely odd to him that Ruka would like anyone who was scared of even going over the speed limit.

"That is nice to know."

Ruka nodded kissing Suke once more leaning against him as he watched the drifters. It was exciting. He was going to get to drift tonight. As the guys finished up Ruka headed off towards a man speaking with him. The guy nodded then shouted something towards the gathered crowd which stilled for a moment.

"Oh come on! Someone race him!" Fuji groaned, "It's always like this. No one likes to race solely against Ruka. He's gained too much of a name for himself."

"I'll do it!" Masa chirped from the side smiling.

“You sure, you know you’re going to get beat.”

“I will not! I’ve been getting better.”

“Better at jacking off?”

"Boys, get into your cars." Fuji rolled his eyes glaring at them. Both muttered things under their breath as they headed off towards their cars.

Daisuike realized he was fidgeting and tried to hold still. It was difficult though as he watched Ruka get ready for the competition. He wanted him to do well and felt a swell of pride that his boyfriend was this talented. It still made him nervous though. He needed something to do before he bit a hole in his lip. He glanced over at Fuji, "Ano, so . . . eto, how do you know who wins?"

"It's timed. Plus the skill of not losing control when drifting." Fuji laughed, "Strange right? You'll see what I mean though. Drifting is all about skill even if you're technically slightly out of control. Out of control, control. Not really much of an actual race here though. More just for fun." He smiled at Daisuike shaking his head some.

Fuji looked towards where Ruka had taken off and grinned, "Just watch."

Daisuike listened to Fuji, eyes slightly narrowed. It didn't sound that bad, but it would be too easy too loose complete control. He still remembered that feeling, the sense that he had no real control over what was happening. He turned back to watch, his hand going to his pocket getting out the knife. Before he realized it he had it out and was flipping it around.

"Actually it does make sense. In a race you would use drifting to take corners at a higher rate of speed than would normally be achievable, ne?" Daisuike thought about it for a moment. It was actually a tactically sound move to do to win a race. If you could actually pull it off and not spin out like a lot of these guys were doing.

"Surprised you got that, but I'm actually not. Ruka wouldn't date someone dumb- er. . . Okay he has but yeah you get what I mean. Ruka tends to almost always drift corners, sometimes on the straights but rarely."

Fuji eyed Suke seeing the flipping knife but shrugged looking back towards where the cars where coming, "A word of advice: Don't do that too much. People tend to frown on guys that bring knives to races. Kind of an ethical code thing so that if someone gets mad they don't go and stab the other racer." He could see Ruka's car coming down, one of the first. He was drifting which was rare, but it was indeed an awesome sight to see.

"Shit!" Daisuike quickly put the knife away. "Ano . . . sorry, it's kind of a bad habit."

He watched as Ruka's car sped down the street his heart suddenly in his throat as it skidded across the pavement in a deep drift. Just when he thought he wouldn't be able to recover it, the car straightened out only to do it again on the opposite side.

Fuji laughed patting Suke on the shoulder some, "Lighten up. Ruka hasn't crashed in a long time and the last time he did was when he was nearly run off the road by a cop. He's got the skills to beat anyone and has the ability to stay in control if he drifts."

Hearing the tires screech across the pavement he looked over seeing one guy completely lose control, barely stopping himself from crashing into a divider.

"Unlike some people." He smirked at Suke, "You got one impressive boyfriend. A lot of people out here would kill for some of Ruka's time. Take advantage of that."

Daisuike found Fuji's choice of words very amusing. "Well if that is the case, they better be prepared for a fight. I don't die that easily."

He hoped Ruka was enjoying himself. It turned his stomach to even think about being in it, but at least he was here and being supportive for Ruka, that and apparently protecting him from those who might be tempted to try and steal him away.

Fuji laughed, "I would hope not. You seem like a good guy and I like you. You got my support." He grinned watching Ruka do another lap around and he could see him laughing for the split second he saw inside the car. It was good to see him enjoying himself. For the longest time after his breakup with Sono he hadn't smiled or laughed, simply raced. Smiling some Fuji knew it had to do with the man standing next to him and he hoped to whatever god would listen that nothing happened to either of them.
Masa’s car sped down the street and went to drift around the corner tires squalling; he over steered and the car did a complete three hundred sixty degree spin.

"Masa really needs to learn more control. . . That or he's thinking of girls again. He never really focuses if he sees a pretty girl before a race."

"Yeah. I can see how that might be a problem. I know how distracting Ruka can be." Daisuike looked over at Fuji smiling as he said it. He was already taking a liking to the man. He was glad that so far he hadn't done anything to alienate anyone. It made him happy that Ruka had wanted him to come today. It was fun, the atmosphere charged with excitement and competitiveness along with the smell of burning rubber and exhaust.

"Ano, so how long have you known Ruka?" Daisuike wasn't the best at making small talk but he wanted to get to know Ruka's friends better.

Fuji laughed a bit stretching some, "Hmm, I think about 4 years or so? That boy came to a race one day and just stated, 'I'm going to race against you and win.' Of course we all laughed our asses off. Who would've thought a fifteen year old punk would've whooped our asses." Shaking his head he laughed again looking up as the drifters came around again.

Frowning he watched a red car start swerving slightly. Something looked off about it. That's when it spun out of control and right toward Ruka’s car. Ruka’s car swerved to the side narrowly avoiding being sideswiped.

"Shit! That was close. . ."

Daisuike’s heart leapt into his throat seeing the other car loose control. It took him several moments to get his breath back and he felt a little shaky. A dull throbbing was starting up in his side and he realized he'd forgotten to take his pills before they left. They hadn't brought them with them either. Maybe sitting down would be a good idea so the pain didn't get worse. It seemed to get worse if he was tense or stressed for any reason and watching the race was a little stressful for him. This wasn’t even the main race yet either.

Fuji frowned seeing Daisiuike bracing himself against the car they were standing next to. "Hey, you okay?" He didn't look okay, his face was suddenly too pale and a fine sheen of sweat could be seen on his forehead. Ruka wouldn't be able to focus on the race if he was worried about Daisuike. Without a word he took hold of Suke's arm leading him to a car and sitting him down in the driver's seat. They were still able to see the race but not as easily.

"You're the guy Ruka was visiting in the hospital, aren't you. You need to take it easy. You'll stress both yourselves out too much and that's bad."

Daisuike sat sideways in the seat so he could watch the race. "Ano, thank you. I seem to have forgotten my medication. Yes, I was in the hospital for a while. Though, I'm surprised Ruka mentioned it to you."

Nearly everyday he'd figured he'd wake up and Ruka would be gone, never to return, sick of being around him. But that had never happened, thankfully. He might have gone a little insane without Ruka around to comfort him. He just couldn't wait until this stupid weak trembling feeling was a distant memory. Though the doctors had cautioned him that it could take up to a year before he was back anything close to the way he had been before the incident.

Fuji sighed, "Yeah he was really worried about you. Sono was comforting him whenever he wasn't at the hospital which was rare." That had been a very bad time for them all. Ruka hadn't raced, hadn't called them or anything. Sono was their middle man and he hadn't been happy about it.

Sighing he stared at Daisuike thinking for a moment. "Are you a cop or something?"

Daisuike glanced up at the question still thinking about what Fuji had just told him. No wonder Sono didn't like him.

"No, I'm not a cop." He studied Fuji for a moment not sure if Ruka would want him knowing just what he was. He didn't want to embarrass Ruka in anyway. "I had an accident and ended up in the hospital for a couple of weeks. Still in rehab for now. I don't know how I would have gotten through it without Ruka. He was there to cheer me up and encourage me when I felt like shit and keep those nurse bitches from harassing me all the time."

Fuji laughed, "Yeah, I would expect he would keep them off you." Shaking his head he leaned against the car then bit his lip looking at Daisuike. Debating if he should or not he finally gave in reaching into his pocket pulling something out.

Reaching down he took Daisuike's hand placing the pill into his hand, "Take that. It'll help with the pain." Shifting back against the car he crossed his arms, "Don't worry, it's not addictive but it's pretty strong pain medication. No side affects either." Rubbing his neck he sighed.

"I was in a crash about 6 months ago. My hand and shoulder still ache from time to time so I take that."

"Oh, thank you. I should have known better than to forget mine, but Ruka has a way of distracting me." He smiled then quickly swallowed the pill. "So why aren't you out there racing?"

Fuji sighed looking down, "My arm. I can't drift as well. I know for a fact my control wouldn't be the best and I would prefer to not get myself and other's killed." Rubbing at his shoulder some he sighed looking longingly towards the racers. He really wanted to be out there, but being support was good too.

"I'll get back out there soon. . . Eventually. Oh! Ruka won!" He smiled seeing Ruka park the car in the middle of the street slowly getting out people rushing towards him, the excited yelling reaching them.

"Looks like we're going to need to save him."


"Ruka! You were amazing!"

"That was brilliant!! You should race more often!"

"Ruka! Join our group!"

"Whoa, hold on guys, back off some, okay?" They were getting too close for comfort, unfortunately no one listened to him, his request falling on deaf ears.

Daisuike was instantly out of the car and headed down the slight rise to where Ruka's car was parked. He could barely see Ruka for all the bodies pressed around the car.

"Oi, move it. Step back. Back away now." His voice was low but easily heard even through the mingled excited voices of the crowd. He'd slipped into his enforcer mode using it to get people to back up and away from Ruka so that he could at least see him. He didn't stop until he was next to Ruka his look daring anyone to try to get close again.

Ruka sighed seeing Suke, instantly reaching for him with shaking hands. The shake was from the pure adrenaline and excitement and he grinned as he dragged Suke close crushing his lips against his, his hands pulling him flush against him. For some reason he usually got horny after races and this was just a warm up race.

Breaking the kiss he moved to Suke's ear running his teeth along it, "I am going to tie you to my bed when we get home tonight and your screams will be heard throughout the apartment. . ." He groaned softly into Suke's ear, kissing him again taking a hand into his hair to pull him just a bit closer.

Fuji shook his head seeing Ruka on Daisuike like that. The crowd was going wild but a lot of the guys had backed off. Guess they didn't like that Suke had stolen their target from them. Laughing he stretched and went to find Masa. He would need cheering up after losing.

Daisuike blinked more than a little shocked at Ruka's behavior. It made his head spin to go from being in his controlled enforcer's mind set to having no control at all. He wanted to moan at the way Ruka was handling him but he was already at his limit of what public affection he could take before he had to go hide somewhere. His face was on fire to match the burning desire in his gut and he allowed himself a small shiver. He could see people watching them and resisted the urge to bury his face against Ruka's neck to avoid the stares.

Ruka smiled pulling back finally before he just wrapped his arms around him, plainly ignoring everyone else. "So what did you think? I know I probably scared you, I'm sorry."

"You did wonderful Ruka. How did it handle?"

"Beautifully."

"Expected from Hoshi, ne?"

"Mmm. . ." Ruka smiled moving to lips to Suke's cheek again kissing him softly, just resting his head against him, "I'm excited about the race but I kind of just want to go home now. . ."

Daisuike definitely like that idea too, but he knew Ruka might regret not taking the chance to race his new car too.

"Go ahead and go race, Ruka." Daisuike shifted so he could look at him. He hated the feel of so many eyes on them and he really just wanted to either go back up on the hill to Fuji's car or go home, but he didn't want Ruka to miss his chance. "I want you to enjoy yourself, you've been taking care of me for so long, it's time for you to do something for yourself."

Ruka frowned a bit but nodded, "Thank you. I've been dying to race lately but I enjoy my nights with you." He leaned over kissing Suke softly. Though he wasn't entirely sure where Suke would go since Fuji was going to race.

"Hey, I'm dropping the race."

"Eh!? Why Fuji?"

"Meh, I don't feel up to it tonight. My arm's achy again. I'll stick with Daisuike and we can watch together."

Well that solved that and Ruka was happy. He wondered just how 'achy' his friends arm was. "Thanks."

"No problem. Come on Daisuike, I'll set up the system so we can watch them as best as we can." He started off towards his car smiling.

Giving Ruka a subtle squeeze Daisuike moved to follow Fuji. He glanced back at Ruka a soft smile on his lips. Ruka really seemed to be in his element enjoying the rush from racing and soaking up the attention from the crowd. He turned back to head up to Fuji's car, the smile turning slightly sad. It was a lot of competition and he hoped he was up to the challenge.

Fuji smiled as he hooked up the wires seeing Masa's car going on display. "Perfect. Good image. Though I really wish Ruka would've had his. Though. . ." Daisuike probably would've freaked out at the speeds and things Ruka did.

"We can watch from the sidelines when they come around for each lap. Plus we got the camera."

Smiling he leaned back staring out the door towards the racers. They were all reeving their engines and it excited him. He hoped Ruka enjoyed himself as he saw them all speed off.

***

Fujimaru stood on the overpass, his binocular's trained on the cars parked to the side of the road. He could clearly make out Daisuike sitting in one of the cars another man with him. It wasn’t Sakata. He’d seen the blond enter the race. So far he hadn’t found a time when Daisuike had been alone which was a problem for the moment. He had to correct his mistake. The more he’d watched the pair the more he’d realized that Sakata seemed to be very important to Kobayashi. Maybe the rumor that they were lovers was true. He hadn’t been able to see much of what happened after the drifting heats, but it seemed Sakata was more than just a pretty face. The man had skill.

Fujimaru shook his head a sneer on his face. He'd get rid of them both and get a very nice car in compensation for all his trouble. First he was going to make Daisuike scream just like last time. He'd have time to draw it out longer this time and he'd have an audience, albeit an unwilling one. Though, it looked like he was going to have to change his tactics. If he tried anything on Kobayashi territory the risk of being caught escalated. He’d have to wait until they left the territory and see if he could separate them. Now it was just a waiting game.

***

Ruka grinned as he weaved in and out of cars passing them two at a time. It was exciting and he shifted gears again seeing a perfect clear stretch of road to drift on. Seeing two cars coming up fast near them, Ruka gunned it grinning.

Fuji started laughing watching the screen then looked up grinning, "Oh, the other races got a multi screen set up! Sweet!" Moving he grabbed his cable going to one of the guys handing him it. Staring at the screen in some guy's car he frowned.

"Damn, he has to be going at least 150 now and drifting? Wonder if the car can handle it."

Daisuike shuddered just thinking about it. He found himself looking at anything but the screens. He hadn't thought he would be this nervous about the race but the anxiety was eating at him. As excited as everyone else was, he just wanted Ruka back in one piece.

Running a hand through his hair he looked around wishing he didn't feel so completely out of place. He glanced at the screens as there was a cheer from the crowd gathered around. Apparently Ruka had done something amazing. Something he now realized was a daily occurrence for the beautiful man. He sighed part of him wondering why he was even here when there were so many others who'd obviously been vying for Ruka's attention.

Fuji glanced over seeing an odd look in Suke's eye and he rolled his own before putting an arm onto Suke's shoulder.

"You know, for someone who's laying one of the most notorious and extremely hot guys around you don't seem so happy. If Ruka sees that you didn't enjoy yourself, or at least tried to enjoy yourself he'll be sad. Not sayin you should enjoy this if you don't, but at least when you see him next tell him how well he did." Glancing down at Suke he frowned, "It doesn't matter to me if you hate racing, but being down at a race and moping doesn't fit. Ruka knows what he's doing. If he thinks it's unsafe he'll pull out. He's done that enough time before so quit worrying."

"Ano . . . sorry," Daisuike smiled softly looking down at the pavement. The smile faded as he realized what was really bothering him. He was scared that Ruka would go back to racing all the time and forget about him. He shook his head. That was stupid. He made himself look over at the screens watching for the sleek silver car. "Ano, when will they be coming by here?"

"In about 10 seconds." He turned Daisuike's head towards where they could be coming by, grinning as he saw the silver car zoom by. It had barely been a blur to them. Shaking his head Fuji laughed.

"That is amazing, I can't wait to see his other car he was talking about getting. That was was suppose be a few million yen." Yawning he stretched rolling his shoulder pulling out a small bottle downing the contents. "Man, I'm hungry. Maybe Ruka will go and get us food after the race."

Daisuike sighed, he's barely gotten a glimpse of the car, much less Ruka. He glanced over at Fuji his tone slightly amused. "What? Winner buys dinner?"

He'd much rather go home and fix dinner. He wouldn't mind it even if Fuji and Masa wanted to come over either. Actually he should ask Ruka about that, he might enjoy having them over for dinner.

"Yup, kind of tradition. Honestly Ruka has the most money so we made that rule long ago since we know that he'd win and had the money to buy us all food. Masa is a complete pig and eats like a horse. I think either of us would go poor from feeding the gang."

Stretching Fuji slumped back against a car seeing one car go out of control nearly colliding with a normal driver.

"Fucking morons. People need to learn better control and quit showing off so much."

Daisuike gently leaned against the hood near Fuji as he watched the race. Letting go of the anxiety he let himself just watch and be amazed at the skill and dexterity the various racers showed. The excitement of the other spectators soon rubbed off on him and he found himself holding his breath as he watched Ruka weave in and out of the traffic. Even to his untrained eye he could see that Ruka's skill level was way beyond any of the other racers. He grinned thinking about it. He couldn't wait for the end of the race to tell Ruka just how amazing and talented he thought he was, though he was pretty sure Ruka was already aware.

After what seemed like another hour the race finally came to an end, the drivers coming back to where they had started. Instantly all the racers were swarmed by the crowd, Ruka's car having at least 50 people around it.

"Come on. Let's go greet your boyfriend. And hey-" Fuji touched Suke's shoulder grinning, "You should kiss him. I assume from the way you reacted to him kissing you that public display isn't a normal thing for you, but you'd for one keep those idiots who want his body and fame away and you'll make Ruka extremely happy."

Just the thought made Daisuike's stomach tighten into a nervous knot but he nodded. Anything to make Ruka happy, besides it wasn’t like it was going to hurt him to do it. He followed Fuji down making their way through the crowd to Ruka's car. There were so many people it was difficult to make their way through this time even with him growling obscenities from time to time. He didn't like being kept from Ruka. He finally spotted him and literally shoved two guys out of the way getting yelled at. He turned to look at them and they both instantly shut up. Finally making it to Ruka he grabbed him and pulled him into a passionate kiss.

"You were simply amazing."

Ruka blinked a few times, then blinked again. Suke was kissing him in front of all these people. Not giving Suke a chance to back away he pulled him closer backing him up against his car pinning him there as he deepened the kiss, moaning softly. He wanted all these people to be gone! That and he wanted Daisuike on his bed. Badly!

"When we get home I am not holding back. . ." He growled softly stepping back some.

"Finally! Geez, give your boyfriend some air dude!" Masa laughed walking into the group smiling. "Hey, I'm hungry. Buy us food. You won."

"Why does that mean I have to buy your asses food!?"

"Cause you're rich."

"And we're poor!"

". . . Touche. . ." Sighing he nuzzled Suke's cheek lightly, "What would you like? It'll be fast food probably. If you want you and I can wait until tonight and we can cook together?"

Smiling a bit sheepishly Daisuike glanced around. "Ano, I'll just wait until we get home."

He really, really wanted to go home now. Ruka's kiss and lust filled words had only deepened his desire and need for the man and he couldn't stop thinking of how much he wanted Ruka to do that very thing. It was a struggle to make himself wait, but the anticipation brought with it, its own form of pleasure.

"Okay." Ruka smiled kissing him again slowly before climbing back into the car latching himself in. When everyone had stepped back he grinned waving before taking off down the street drifting along it. The food joint was only around the block but still was fun to drift.

"Alright, let's grab a table and set it up for dinner. So you and Ruka are gunna go home and have 'dinner'?" Fuji smirked raising an eyebrow at Suke teasingly.

Daisuike bowed his head trying to hide the blush. "I like to cook. Eto . . . actually I was going to ask him if we could have you guys over for dinner sometime."

Ruka was back just as quickly as he could be with the food. Everyone wanted to congratulate him on his win, but he really just wanted to get Daisuike and go home. The anxious pent up feeling after the adrenaline high of racing was making him feel like he was crawling out of his skin and there was only one thing that would get rid of it. Finally they were saying their good byes. He noticed that Daisuike got rather stiffly into the car and hoped he hadn’t forgot his medication. That might make things difficult.

He let them into the apartment and had to fight the urge to shove Daisuike back against the door. He seemed to be in pain, though Ruka wasn’t entirely sure. He hadn’t said much the whole trip back and hadn’t touched any of the food Ruka had bought either.

“You alright? You take your pain medication?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Just tired.”

Ruka wasn't entirely convinced that everything was okay but didn't argue. At least he wouldn't argue yet. If Daisuike continued to act strange he'd demand answers. He hated being out of the loop.

“I’m going to get something to eat. Do you want me to fix you anything?”

“No, I’m still full from earlier.”

Shaking his head he opened the door to the bedroom, stealing one last glance at Daisuike bent over getting things out of the refrigerator. His whole body was suddenly tingling with anticipaton and he quickly stripped tossing the clothes into a hamper before curling up in the bed waiting for his Ouji-sama.