Falling Down

Co-written with Aya


Daisuike woke slowly his head buried against Ruka's side as he lay on his stomach. One arm was flung across Ruka's waist and he smiled just letting himself enjoy the way they were for the moment. Raising his head he could see that Ruka was still sound asleep. He sighed just watching his beautiful lover-fiance-he corrected himself, sleep. After a bit he gently removed his arm and went to get out of the bed. He winced slightly, pain killers were probably going to need to be taken. Last night had been simply mind blowing and he didn't care how sore he was now, but Ruka might get upset.

He headed for the bathroom starting the tub needing to soak for a bit to loosen up stiff muscles. If he waited until Ruka woke up to take a bath it would probably be ten or later before they got anywhere and he wanted to go check on something before Ruka woke up.

***

Ruka yawned as he woke rubbing his eyes rolling over. Next to him the warmth of Daisuike was long gone and he opened his eyes staring around. He could smell breakfast cooking and his stomach growled. Getting up he decided to take a quick shower before heading to grab breakfast.

Once clean he headed to the kitchenette seeing Daisuike finishing setting the table. "It smells and looks wonderful Ouji-sama. . . How are you feeling?" He smiled going over to wrap his arms around him.

Daisuike leaned into Ruka grinning, feeling a bit like teasing his lover. He'd found exactly what he wanted when he’d went out earlier and had hidden it in his truck. He suppressed a smirk as he looked at Ruka. "Thank you, sit down and eat before it gets cold. Actually, I feel like someone used me mercilessly for their own pleasure."

Ruka's eyes went wide and he felt his chest tighten, biting his bottom lip. He had hurt Daisuike that much? Was he really that selfish? He had thought Daisuike had enjoyed himself but the after effects probably weren't worth the pleasure he had gotten. Carefully he stepped back hanging his head as he moved to the seat, a fearful thought coming to his mind. Tentatively he looked up through his hair at Daisuike, truly afraid. "I- I'm sorry. . . Do you not want to do the announcement?"

Daisuike stared at Ruka suddenly feeling sick. He'd only been joking and Ruka took it this serious. It scared him. He stood there for a long moment feeling like a complete idiot. Haru always said he picked the absolute worst times to make jokes. He had to set the plate down before he dropped it, his fingers numb.

"Ruka . . . Ruka . . ." He clutched at his apron at a loss for what to say, how to make Ruka understand. Why couldn't he have just kept his stupid mouth shut? He couldn't take the way Ruka was looking at him, the fear in his eyes that seemed to pierce him. He dropped his gaze to the floor. "I'm sorry Ruka, I didn't mean to, that's not what . . ."

Closing his eyes he realized word were not working. Stepping over to Ruka he grabbed his arm pulling him up and crushing his lips. After a long moment he pulled away slightly breathless. "I'm sorry Ruka, I was joking, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. Last night was simply amazing and I would do that everyday all day if I could. No one is calling off anything, okay."

Ruka stood there shaking for a moment before clutching at Daisuike holding him close, desperately to feel him and to hold him. Burying his face against him for a moment he made sure he didn't start crying. He wouldn't cry. That would be bad and he didn't want Daisuike to see him cry. Things were okay. They were okay.

"I-I'm sorry. . . I just- You didn't hurt my feelings I just don't- I don't want to hurt you. Ever. And I'm- . . ." He lowered his voice hanging his head. It hurt to admit it but he was so frightened that Daisuike would just one day pick up and leave him. Why wouldn't he? Everyone else did at one point another. It had been his first thought when he’d woke up alone in the bed.

"I. . . I don't want to lose you."

Ruka heard Daisuike sigh the arms around him tightening for a moment before he stepped back. He blinked as soft hands cupped his face, gently pulling his head up until he was looking Daisuike in the eye. The deep brown eyes were soft, the look in them one of concern, but his voice was stern when he spoke.

"Ruka. I am not going anywhere. If I would risk my life to get you back from Fujimaru why the hell would I ever leave you? You mean everything to me. I would die before I would leave you. You've not hurt me yet so stop worrying about it."

Mutely Ruka nodded, trying to keep eye contact with Daisuike but found it hard. Wrapping his arms around him, Ruka kissed him gently whispering against his lips. "I'm sorry. . . I love you- so-so much. . ."

Pulling him closer Ruka shuddered just needing to feel the man in his arms. He was right. He wasn't going to leave him. After all they been through why would he? But the tiny voice in the back of his head wouldn't go away. He knew it wouldn't, but he'd try and drown it out with Daisuike's beautiful voice.

Daisuike felt stupid, having ruined their nice morning by upsetting Ruka with his off hand comment. He would have to be more careful in the future. He'd known that Ruka was sensitive about certain things, but he'd hoped that he was realizing that he wasn't going anywhere. He sighed as he cleared the dishes hoping that their getting married would help Ruka understand that this was permanent. As permanent as he could possibly make it. He glanced over at Ruka wondering what else he could possibly do to make him feel better. Today was supposed to be one of joy and happiness as they announced their engagement and he'd went and ruined everything by teasing Ruka about the one thing he worried most over. He stared down at the sink as the water slowly filled it. He didn't understand where this fear of Ruka's came from and he felt like he probably needed to know so he didn't make the same mistake again.

Ruka sighed watching Daisuike silently. He had messed up everything. Why had he gone and been so worried about it all? Daisuike was upset and he had just been playing. Walking up behind him he rested his head on Suke's shoulder sighing softly.

"I'm sorry. Please- I'm sorry, just. . . Just forget about it okay? I'm sorry I ruined our happy morning. We shouldn't be sad. We're getting engaged today." He smiled kissing his neck softly, wanting to fix things as best as he could.

Daisuike shook his head. "Please don't apologize Ruka. It was an unfair comment and I should have thought about it before I said it. I promise it won't happen again."

He rinsed his hands off and wiped them on the apron before turning and grabbing Ruka in a hug. He just wanted to forget it and get on with their day. He pulled back slowly.

"So . . . what are we wearing today?"

Ruka hugged him back grinning manically. "So I get to pick? Perfect! I know just the outfits and accessories and the hair and make-up!" Ruka grinned bouncing a bit before dragging Daisuike off to the bedroom to rummage through their things trying to find the downright hottest and coolest outfits they had.

"I'm thinking we should announce the engagement around 1pm. How does that sound?"

Watching Ruka lifted the heaviness Daisuike had been feeling and he nodded. "One sounds perfect. Are you going to race some more today? There were probably a few people still wanting rides around the track. I don't really trust anyone except you and maybe Fuji to take Reiko or the others. Though there will probably be enough time for that later. I think."

He would need to remember to bring pain killers with him. After what happened he did not want Ruka knowing that he really was pretty sore.

"Yeah, I don't think I'd want anyone but Fuji and I to drive them. I don't trust Masa enough and Tatsuya- . . . He might be hung over this morning. He tends to drink at night even alone. That or. . ." He paused finding a shirt and pants tossing them at Daisuike. "There. Put those on." Smiling he stripped himself pulling the clothes on he wanted. After the jacket was on he started to add accessories smiling as he looked over Daisuike, "Pretty. You need accessories though."

Daisuike smiled at Ruka's compliment to cover up the unease he felt at hearing that Tatsuya drank so often. It reminded him of how Chiyo would drink especially when she thought no one else was around. He wouldn't say anything to Ruka though it bothered him. He tugged at the waist of the pants, trying to get them to come higher than where they rested on his hips.

"Ano, Ruka . . . I don't think these pants fit." Maybe the shirt would cover up the fact that the pants rode entirely too low for his comfort.

Ruka blinked turning to look over Daisuike and rose an eyebrow. "What? They look fine to me." He smiled walking over to Daisuike slipping his hands across the exposed hipbone, rubbing the soft skin with his thumb. Seeing the odd look on Daisuike’s face, he frowned.

"They're uncomfortable for you right? Let me get you a belt." He kissed his cheek before he slipped away to grab a belt and quickly looped it through his pants. Setting it slightly higher he smiled latching it.

"Better?"

Daisuike glanced up at Ruka grinning. "Yes, thank you. You know that is probably the first time you've ever put a belt on me."

Ruka pouted at Daisuike feigning hurt. "It is not- Eto. . ." He blinked then realized that it was. "Oh. . . You're right." Though now that he thought about it he just wanted to remove it and skip the announcement. He would've much rather just send everyone an e-mail and keep Daisuike to himself than to leave the hotel and have to keep his hands to himself- mostly. Sighing he pouted again then looked at him, "Come on let me finish you up then let's go." He grinned taking his hand as he moved to do his make-up and hair. Once done, he licked his lips unable to stop himself from pushing Daisuike up against the bathroom counter kissing him passionately. "So pretty. . ."

Daisuike shook his head smiling, his lips tingling from the intensity of the kiss. "Thats not exactly the word I would have picked but I do like what you did. It looks really nice."

He wondered what Haru would say. He gave Akira enough crap about wearing make-up. "Are we ready then?"

"Absolutely!" Ruka grinned taking Daisuike's hand tugging him along happy and excited. He was anxious to get to the site and he really wanted to just blurt it out to everyone and anyone that would listen. He really hoped that the papers for the marriage would go through soon. They had so much planning to start doing for the wedding and he just wanted to toss it all out the window and do it right there and then.

"Hey, you asked what I thought about a traditional wedding? I would love it." He smiled as he helped Daisuike buckle up in the car. "However, I want you to have fun with this. I want you to plan as much as you want to. I'll toss in my two cents too but I want you to have free rein on of this. I'm just happy that I get to marry you, anything else is just an extra bonus."

"Well, it's your wedding too and I want it to be something we will both remember the rest of our lives." He glanced over at Ruka, a shiver of excitement going through him. "I want everything to be just right, so if there is something you really want to do let me know. You said you talked to my brothers and everyone gave their blessing, right? What about Takahiro? And do I need to ask your parents?"

He wasn't sure what would be the right thing to do. He knew the groom normally asked for the bride's hand from her father, but things were a bit different with the two of them.

Ruka's grip on the wheel tightened for a split second at the mention of his parents. Staring straight at the road, he exhaled slowly, then replaced his deep frown with a smile. He wouldn't let Daisuike see the look that had crossed his face. Glancing at him he forced himself to smile more.

"No need for my parents. They wouldn't care either way." Biting his lip he looked unsure, "Do you want me to ask Takahiro? I know you aren't very close to your parents. I honestly don't really care for his blessing. Jiro is the one I care about. He is the closest thing to a guardian or father for you that I see. Takahiro. . . seems more like a boss than anything. But if you want me to, I will."

Daisuike frowned slightly wondering what he'd said to bother Ruka so badly. He hadn’t missed the way he’d stiffened or the tight smile that was all too fake. "Ano, I'll ask Jiro and see what he says about Takahiro. I don't really care either way. Both of our parents gave up rights to us when we were younger due to . . . some things that went on. I'm just glad Jiro was there to take care of us." He studied Ruka for a moment before looking down. "I know who I should ask."

Ruka sighed softly. "You really don't need to bother to ask Ouji-sama. No one has rights to me besides my parents and they don't care what I do with my life. It's fine." He really just wished Daisuike would drop it. Talking about his parents always put him in a foul mood and he hated it. Calming himself down he thought for a moment.

"Actually. . . There isn't anyone you can ask, but you can tell someone. . . If that's what you want. I'll bring you to her once this is all over if that is what you want." His voice was a bit somber, none of the anger or irritation lingering in it.

Daisuike nodded, keeping quiet. He wasn't wanting to upset Ruka and he could tell by his tone that it would be best if he just left it. He hated to hear that his parents didn't care, how could anyone not care about Ruka? Especially his own parents. Daisuike understood what had went wrong with his parents, but he'd never even heard Ruka talk about his. He could only figure that it was something really painful and he did not want to bring up things that Ruka didn't want to talk about. Not right now.

As they pulled up to the complex, Ruka sighed. He hadn't meant to get so snippy with Daisuike, but his parents were just something he never wanted to talk or think about. Unbuckling, he then helped Daisuike slipping from the car and taking his hand gently.

"I'm sorry." He looked down sighing, "I just. . . don't like talking about my parents. If at all possible." Honestly he wished he could just lose the memory of his parents and be done with them. He wanted nothing to do with them.

Daisuike shook his head and gripped Ruka's hand tighter. "Don't be sorry. I understand and you don't have to. Just try to forget I said anything alright. Lets go see who all is here." He was suddenly feeling very nervous and wasn't sure why or what to do about it. Then again it wasn't everyday that you announced you were marrying the love of your life.

Ruka nodded leading him into the complex. A laugh escaped him seeing Masa and Fuji near their cars, several other guys looking anxious, probably itching to race.

"Oh! OH!! Fuji! Fuji! Ru-kun's here! Can we now!? Please please please!?" Masa was running around trying to get Fuji's attention who's eyes were glued to his phone.

"No."

"But- COME ON!! Daaiiiisuuuiike!" Masa bolted from Fuji's side and rushed towards the couple literally pouncing Daisuike. "Can we race now?! Please?"

"Holy shit man! What the hell!? Get off my lover!" Ruka growled trying to pry the ball of energy off of Daisuike. "Who the fuck gave Masa coffee?!"

Daisuike was a bit shocked to suddenly have Masa clinging to him. "Ano, you can race all you want in just a bit Masa. We've got a few things to do first." He gently removed Masa's arms from around him laughing softly. "Why don't you go see if Hasu's gotten into the food yet or not. I may have to order more food."

"Oh. . . Wait. . . What!? No! Not the food!" Masa instantly ran off towards where the catering was and Ruka slowly exhaled rubbing his head.

"I swear, whoever gave Masa coffee is going to die."

"Tatsuya." Fuji muttered as he looked at his phone willing it to vibrate and tell him he had a message.

"Figures. . ." Shaking his head Ruka pulled Daisuike close kissing him, "Why don't we wait an hour and let me take the kids around the track once and then do it?"

Daisuike nodded sighing, "Yeah go ahead. I need to go find Jiro and Haru anyway and see if anyone else is going to show up or not."

He still wanted to talk to Haru about why he had hit Ruka, though knowing Haru there probably wasn't a reason beyond the fact that he'd been mad and Ruka was the first person to approach him.

"Alright, I'll go find the brats and take them around. I wonder if they're even awake yet." Shaking his head Ruka gave him one last kiss before parting trying to find any of the band members. He hoped they were up. He wanted to do the track quickly and then go ahead and announce their engagement. Looking around he saw Hasu along with Masa eating at the catering area and decided to approach.

"Hey Hasu."

Hasu set his dorayaki down grinning at Ruka. "Hi! How are you this morning? Are we going to get to go for a ride around the track today? Akira wouldn't stop talking about how cool it was."

Ruka smiled happily at him and nodded, "Of course. Would you like to go now? I need to get Ryuu, Sora and Reiko in before one."

"I can take them!" Masa grinned around his food nodding.

"No you can't."

"Why not!?"

"Because I want to."

"Oh. . . Hasu! You want to come with me right!?"

"No he doesn't."

"But. . . I- And- Can I have Reiko?"

"Akira being her boyfriend doesn't mean much to you does it."

"Not really. . ." Ruka groaned softly holding his face.

Hasu raised his eyebrows at Masa, not liking the way he was talking. "Ano, you might be careful about that. She's not . . . ano . . . she's not like other girls. Besides there isn't anything you could do to change her mind about Akira. That and if you touch her you'll have more than just Akira to deal with."

He looked at Ruka as he stood wiping his hands on a napkin. "I'm ready to go whenever you are."

Masa blinked pouting a bit then looked at Ruka who just raised his eyebrow at the smaller boy.

"What? He's right. You'll have a lot of people on your ass if you try anything. She loves Akira anyways. Just give up."

"But-"

"I will kick your ass if you keep pestering her."

Masa cringed, Ruka's voice stern and a lot harder than usual. "Hai. . ."

"Come on Hasu!" Ruka smiled taking Hasu's hand dragging him along, "Pick the car you want to drive in!"

***

Daisuike found Jiro off to the side talking with one of the mechanics. "Hey, where is Haru?"

Jiro shrugged. "I'm not sure. Someone said they thought he went home but he's not answering his phone."

Daisuike swore. That was not good. Maybe Haru was more upset about yesterday than he'd thought. Though he didn't understand why.

"I really would like him to be here today."

Jiro nodded, "I know. I'll keep trying to get him on the phone."

Jiro looked down as his phone vibrated. He narrowed his eyes reading the text. He wasn't sure if this was a good thing or not.

"Ano, Suke. Takahiro is on his way here."

"He is? Did you call him or something?"

"I told him where we were, but I didn't think he'd actually show up."

"Oh." Daisuike wasn't sure why he suddenly had a bad feeling. "I wonder why he didn't call me?"

"I'm not sure. Have you told him about you and Ruka . . . anything about the two of you?"

"Ano . . . no I haven't."

Jiro grimaced. Takahiro might have given up his rights as a parent but he was still their boss and liked to be informed.
Jiro raised an eyebrow seeing Haru coming toward them. "Where have you been? You never came back last night."

Haru shrugged. "Around."

"Takahiro is on his way."

"Shit. I'm leaving then."

"Don't. Please Haru. I'd like for you to be here. This is a big place, you don't have to see him."

Haru shrugged, not looking very happy about it, "Fine."

Daisuike frowned wondering why Haru was in such a bad mood. He knew that the two of them hadn't gotten along for years, but no one knew why and neither of them would talk about it. Their family had enough drama over the years as it was, but Haru had always seemed to keep to himself. Even before their parent’s divorce he’d usually only come out of his room when he had to, anytime he wasn’t there it was locked. Daisuike still remembered all the fights Haru had gotten into with Takahiro and Chiyo. He was the only one of them that had actually ever stood up to her, though she made him pay for it. At the time Daisuike hadn’t felt sorry for him, Haru had made his life even more miserable than it was.

Daisuike spotted Takahiro first. He was wearing one of his cream colored suits and was followed by three other men. Daisuike looked over at Jiro who was looking back at him. "Why did he bring them?"

"I'm not sure."

Haru snorted, "This is just going to be fucking wonderful."

Ruka pushed off his car spotting Daisuike. Ryuu could wait a while for his ride, his lover was with his brothers and he wanted to talk to them. He saw Haru and he hoped Daisuike didn't yell at him or anything. Heading towards the small group he noticed a man approaching them as well. The cream suit looked completely out of place and the three men surrounding him sparked the idea of who he was. When he saw the details of the man's face he instantly knew who he was. Akira looked a lot like his father, which surprised him. Frowning he changed his demeanor slightly. 'Parental' figures bothered him. Hopefully this man stayed the hell out of their business and just decided to play 'Boss' or else there might be issues.

"Daisuike." Ruka's voice was soft but held a firm tone to call out to him as he approached.

All three of them turned hearing Ruka's voice. Daisuike stepped away from his brothers smiling at Ruka.

"Daisuike!"

Daisuike jerked to a stop hearing the tone in his father's voice. He turned to look at him puzzled to see the stern look on the usually open face. Takahiro had stopped a little bit away the three men with him staying a few steps behind him. Daisuike was surprised to recognize the other three wakagashira of the Kobayashi clan.

"Kobayashi-san, I was wanting-"

"Be quiet. Since when do you speak without permission?"

Jiro blinked shocked at the vehemence in Takahiro's voice. He glanced over at Daisuike was was looking pale and confused.

"Please forgive me."

Jiro looked away as Daisuike bowed, something was off. Takahiro never acted like this and especially not to Daisuike. He glanced at Haru out of the corner of his eye, then turned to look at him fully catching something in his expression. Haru just narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest.

Ruka frowned as he walked closer, seeing Daisuike bowing to Takahiro. He caught the conversation and his usual happy demeanor was gone replaced with a stern one. Who the fuck did this guy think he was speaking to Daisuike in such a manner? Who the hell cared that he was his boss? No one talked to his future husband that way. When he was nearer to Daisuike he grabbed Daisuike's upper arm, lifting him up out of the bow.

"Don't." He glanced at Daisuike, not removing his hand from his upper arm, keeping him upright in case he tried to bow. Turning his green eyes towards Takahiro, his frown deepened.

"I would prefer it if you didn't speak to him in such a way. You are a guest here and as such you should treat your host better even if you are his boss. Please show some manners while you are here."

"Ruka!" Daisuike kept his voice down glancing at his father. "That's not-"

"So, the rumors are true then." Takahiro looked at the two of them, his expression unreadable. "How long where you going to keep this from me Daisuike?"

"Keep it from you? I didn't think-"

"You didn't think? Do you not realize who you are? You have brought dishonor on your family and your clan acting like this. Three years ago you swore to live your life for the clan. Have you forgotten that oath so easily? Forgotten what it means to be a Kobayashi?"

"No! No I haven't, but I don't understand-"

"This," Takahiro gestured to Ruka, "is unacceptable. You will end it now and have nothing more to do with him."