The Promise and the Threat

Co-written with Aya

A/N: We want to thank everyone for their continued support of this story. We feel a bit sorry for those of you who expressed concern over Daisuike. However, being yakuza can be very dangerous business. That being said we hope you are pleased with this chapter. Exactly what happened to Daisuike was cut from last chapter due to excessive violence and to make the chapter fit within the 6,000 word range we are trying to keep the chapters too.

As for Ryuu, Akira and Reiko . . . their story is a completely different one except where it intersects Ruka and Daisuike's. If anyone is truly interested please let us know and we might upload it if there is enough interest.


Kenta looked down at the floor unable to take the terrified looks in everyone's eyes. He’d never heard Hayate sound so panicked. "It’s Diasuike . . . they are bringing him here. Hayate answered his phone. They . . . they just found him."

Akira felt his legs suddenly get weak and he lurched forward grabbing Kenta. His voice trembled as he looked at the older boy. "Is he . . . is he . . ."

Kenta took a deep breath trying to keep his voice level. "He's alive, barely from the sound of it. They should be here any minute."

Reiko stood there feeling the blood literally drain from her face as she listened to Kenta. She had to keep it together, for Akira's sake. Someone had to keep everything under control, if things broke apart all hell would break loose.

"Ryuu, go into the bedroom. You're bad with blood. Or leave whichever would work best for you. Akira- Akira!" She grabbed his shoulders then lifted one hand to his face to make him look at her, "Akira, listen to me. Listen to me damnit! Breathe!" She gripped his jaw tightly trying to keep his focus on her.

"Listen. . ." Her voice was softer as she spoke now his eyes showing his fear and pain, "He'll be fine. We've dealt with this kind of stuff before, ne?" She didn't smile as she stroked his face. "Go get the medical supplies okay?" She nodded slowly making him nod along with her. Gently she removed her grip from him nudging him towards the bedroom.

Looking at Kenta her eyes were hard. "Help me clear the table and get water ready. Do they need me to call a doctor?" She was already moving to get the hot water ready as she spoke.

"I-I don't know." Kenta watched Akira disappear into the bedroom before he turned to follow Reiko. There wasn't much on the table and they soon found the pans. Akira reappeared looking pale but determined.

"Did Hayate say what happened?" Akira didn't look up from getting out the instruments and setting them in the water to sterilize.

"He wasn't sure. They'd gotten a call from someone saying they'd seen Daisuike-san go down fighting with a group of guys over by the warehouse district, but that was early this morning. They just now found him. It just seems kind of odd. He's not one to be taken down very easily."

"No, no he's not."

Ryuu wandered around the living room for a bit. "I should probably go. I'm just going to be in the way when they get here. I'll call later to see if there is anything you need."

"Ok, thanks Ryuu."

Ryuu hadn't been gone ten minutes when the door burst open, the newly repaired hinges barely holding. Kenta jumped up and ran over to help Hayate who was cradling Daisuike against his chest, his face strained and gray. His shirt and pants where already stained red. Daisuike’s clothes were in bloody tatters, hanging from the limp form as blood steadily dripped from various wounds. Kenta felt his stomach drop seeing all the blood. Daisuike was unconscious his head hanging limply as Hayate held him.

"I tried to get the bleeding stopped but it's still pretty bad. I don’t think any major arteries were hit but he is coughing up blood and he seems to be having trouble breathing."

Kenta helped Hayate lay Daisuike on the table as gently as possible. The slight gurgling sound as Daisuike fought to breath made him shudder. He coughed and Hayate jerked him up so that the blood could run out the side of his mouth. Akira was already at the table a stricken look on his face.

"Daisuike."

Reiko felt like the floor had disappeared from under her as she watched Hayate and Kenta move Daisuike to the table. At that moment she honestly felt she could throw up. There was just so much blood and in the back of her head she was glad Ryuu wasn't even near the apartment. He would've completely passed out. Though she felt like she might herself. Stepping back she leaned against the wall for a moment staring at the limp form on the table. It reminded her of her dream. At least his insides were still inside him this time. Running a shaky hand through her hair she slumped for a moment sinking to the floor.

"Sh-Should I call a doctor? I- I know some that can help." Her voice shook even as she tried to keep calm. She'd never seen anyone this injured before and it was much harder than she thought it would be to stay calm and rational. All she wanted to do was scream and cry.

"O-Or should we just call an ambulance?" Her phone was already out ready to dial if she needed to, though she wasn’t even sure she could dial correctly her fingers were shaking so badly.

"Call an ambulance. This is way beyond what I can handle." Akira didn't know where to start and was trying to hold down the panic as he looked at his brother. "Call Jiro or Haru, Reiko, they will know what to do. I'm just going to try to stop the bleeding for now. Kenta can you help me?"

Kenta nodded and moved to help Akira, "What do you need me to do?"

"There is a pair of scissors in the cabinet drawer." Once Kenta had got them for him Akira immediately started cutting off Daisuike's clothes trying to figure out where the worst injuries where. He recognized the stab wounds, but it was the burn marks that really got to him. He knew Daisuike had plenty of enemies, but few who would have taken the time to do this type of damage to him. It took everything Akira had to keep from breaking down. His brother needed him desperately and he wasn't going to let him down. Not when Daisuike's life literally depended on him.

"His phone is ringing, do you want me to answer it."

"Sure.

Reiko blinked hearing Daisuike's phone ringing and recognized the tone as the one he’d set for Ruka. As Hayate went to answer Reiko bolted. Ruka didn't need to hear the details and Hayate wouldn't know not to tell him.

"No!" She scrambled from her spot rushing at Hayate grabbing the phone from him before he could answer it, "Call an ambulance. I- I got it his phone" With shaky hands she moved away from everyone heading into the hallway and slumping down against the wall. Flipping the phone open she tried to gather her thoughts into something coherent.

"Ouji-sama!"

The happy voice made her wince. "N-No, sorry."

"Hime-chan?"

"Ruka. . . I need you to not panic-"

"Not panic?! What the hell happened!?"

"I- . . We're not sure, but Suke's- he's hurt. We're gunna take him to the hospital." There was a sort of calm that came over Reiko as she gently spoke next, "Just- . . . I'll keep you informed-"

"Where! Where are you?"

Reiko closed her eyes trying desperately to stay calm, Ruka's yelling not helping. "A-Ano, we're at the apartment but we're gunna-"

"What hospital! Reiko, what hospital?"

Reiko literally flinched hearing the pain and panic in Ruka's voice. She'd never heard him raise his voice that way and it hurt her.

"I- I assume Junko-" The phone clicked and Reiko blinked in shock hearing the dial tone. Numbly she closed the phone curling up into a tiny ball trying to keep the shaking and the tears at bay.

Jiro bounded up the stairs two at a time. He could hear the ambulance pulling up outside, but right now he had to see his brother. Haru was already on his way too. Flinging the door open Jiro stopped his eyes widening seeing Daisuike laying on the table with Akira frantically trying to stop the bleeding. Blood was slowly pooling under the table and Jiro felt a rush of terror overwhelm him. The next thing he knew he was across from Akira applying pressure to one of the gashes on Daisuike's arm.

"I'm going to kill them." Jiro's voice was barely audible as he kept repeating the phrase. Akira looked up at him terror in his eyes. Before he could say anything the medics were at the door.

Reiko shuddered as she finally stood seeing the paramedics wheeling Daisuike out of the apartment. They had worked nearly silently to get him stabilized, soft words muttered back and forth as they worked on the unmoving figure. They had seemed as frantic as everyone else and that terrified her. The knowledge that even the medics were worried and shocked sent a wave of panic through her body and she felt weak as she leaned against the wall for support.

Reiko started towards the apartment door seeing Jiro and Haru tailing after them and she saw Kenta, Hayate and Akira at the table looking slightly lost. Akira looked spaced out and she immediately moved over to him pulling him into an embrace not caring that she was getting blood on herself. The thought of it being Daisuike's blood sent a shudder throughout her body as she tried to keep calm.

Bring her face close to his ear she started to whisper softly to him, "It'll be okay. He's going to be fine. He'll be okay Akira." Her arms tightened around him burying a hand in his hair to bring him just that much closer, trying to reassure them both more than anything.

Kenta looked over as Akira started crying softly clinging to Reiko. He was just as freaked out as the next person. Daisuike was a very good friend, someone he trusted and looked up to and seeing him like this made him feel weak and helpless. It was too much like what had happened with his sister. Blood everywhere and that same sense of loss and hopelessness. He shook his head forcefully, Daisuike was going to be alright. Daisuike had to be alright. Jiro's commanding voice broke through his daze and he jerked his head up. Trust Jiro to be able to take control and keep everyone together in an emergency.

"Everyone get cleaned up. We need to be leaving as soon as possible."

Jiro stopped next to Akira and Reiko, Haru at his side. His voice was softer as he spoke to Akira. "He will be alright Akira. We all know how tough Suke is. Lets go get cleaned up so we can be there for him."

Reiko slowly lifted her head staring at Jiro, trying to keep her tears from falling. She was determined not to cry as she slowly nodded. They needed to be there for Daisuike. He was going to be okay. Stroking Akira's hair, she frowned slightly as she felt him refuse to let go. Giving him another moment or two to compose himself she then let go slowly.

"I'll go get us some new clothes while you clean up." Kenta and Hayate were about Daisuike's size more or less so she moved to busy herself with getting everyone clothes. She couldn't think about anything else or she would fall apart.


It didn't take them all long before they were heading to the hospital. The ride had been silent and Reiko had tried to comfort everyone in some way needing not to think about anything at all. The sight of the hospital sent a small chill down her spine and she hung her head as she helped usher Akira in. A sudden panicked shout caught her attention though making her lift her head.

"Reiko!"

"R-Ruka. . ." Immediately the blond man rushed over to them staring around at each of them.

"What happened? Is he okay? Where is he? I want to- need to see him!" Ruka was barely holding it together holding it together appearing to have been crying already and all Reiko could do was slowly to place a hand on Ruka's shoulder.

"He's going to be okay." She could feel the tremble under her hand and Ruka took hold of her wrist. Reiko blinked seeing another man come up behind Ruka putting a hand on his other shoulder.

"Ru-kun, come sit down. Let them get settled themselves and find out what's going on, okay?" Ruka looked pained as he looked over at Sono unwilling to let go of Reiko's wrist. "It'll be okay. He's strong, ne?" The man smiled and Reiko wondered how he did it.

"P-Please let me see him soon?" He looked at Jiro ready to break, "I-I don't care if he's bloody and not even awake. I- I need to. . ."

Jiro frowned, seeing Ruka so upset was making it difficult for him to keep his composure. He would have given anything for it to be him and not Daisuike hurt like this. He took a deep breath trying to keep his voice level.

"They won't let us back there right now Ruka-kun. We can see him as soon as he is out of surgery." He could see the tension in Haru as he tried to sit in one of the chairs.

"I'm going to fucking kill them." Haru blurted his fists clenched.

"Just calm down Haru." Jiro couldn't take Haru losing it too right now. Everyone was expecting him to be strong and remain calm when all he wanted to do was yell and hit something.

Reiko could only watch as Sono led Ruka into a chair holding his friend tightly against him like a mother would a child. It bothered her to see him so upset and she sighed holding Akira to her tighter leading him to a seat as well. Daisuike would be fine. He had to be. They all depended on him and needed him too much to not have him with them anymore. Burying her face against Akira she held him closer just trying to keep everything together as she tried to comfort him as well.

Akira was starting to doze off in spite of himself when he heard Jiro say something and there was sudden commotion. He looked up seeing the doctor and a nurse walking toward them a sudden rush of fear making him sick to his stomach.

"Kobayashi-san," The doctor seemed a little confused as to who he needed to speak to as the three of them stood up along with Ruka.

"We are his brothers, please tell me how he is." Akira was surprised to hear the slight waiver in Jiro's voice.

"He is going to be just fine. He's lost a lot of blood and has several deep stab wounds, one which nicked a lung collapsing it. We were able to repair the lung and he is breathing just fine now and is off the ventilator. I was able to use Dermabond on most of the wounds so scarring will be kept to a minimum. He is still coming out of the anesthetic and he won't be very coherent. Please keep your visit brief. He needs to rest to heal."

Reiko sighed a bit in relief as she listened to the doctors, her hand still on Akira's shoulder stroking it softly. She was so happy they had gotten him stable, it made her feel a little weak. She was about to ask if she could go back with them but was interrupted by Ruka's near frantic voice.

"Jiro! Please let me- Can I- I need-" Ruka knew he probably wasn't making any sense as he rushed over and gripped Jiro's arm staring at him worry and fear evident in his eyes. The thought that they wouldn't let him see Daisuike scared him. He wanted to see his beautiful lover, not caring if he was bruised and broken. He had to see him. He had to.

Jiro looked down at Ruka and nodded. "Yes, of course. We will all go back together."

Akira got to his feet feeling shaky. He was so relieved to hear the doctor say that Daisuike was going to be alright that it make him weak. He didn't think he'd ever get over the terror at seeing his brother like that. Haru came up next to him ready to follow Jiro back.

Jiro turned to look at them an unreadable expression in his eyes. "Come on, lets go."

Reiko nodded moving along with Akira, taking his wrist and sliding her fingers into his. She needed the contact and when she felt him hold her hand back it made her happy. They needed each other and it helped to be there with one another. Glancing over she saw the unreadable expression on Jiro and Haru's face and she wondered what was going through their minds.

Shifting her gaze over she saw Ruka who looked ready to collapse and ready to cry at the same time. The way he held himself broke her heart. Where was the perverted molester that she knew? It seemed that Daisuike and Ruka had gotten a lot closer than she realized and it made her happy yet sad at the same time.

As they approached the room she watched Jiro hesitate for a moment before sliding the door open to step inside, Haru right behind him. Reiko was almost afraid to enter along with Akira and then wished she hadn't, the sight of Daisuike making her inhale sharply. Squeezing Akira's hand tighter she moved closer not sure if she wanted to get closer to Daisuike or not.

Akira tried to stop the shaking as he looked at Daisuike, telling himself over and over that he was alright, that he was going to be fine. He didn't look fine. He looked horrible. Even worse than earlier if that was even possible. At least now he wasn't covered in blood, just bandages. Jiro had moved to the foot of the bed and was standing there looking at Daisuike. Akira didn't like that he was being so quiet. It would almost be better if he was yelling and swearing about getting back at the guys who had done this. Even Haru was silent. Keeping a tight hold on Reiko, Akira moved to the side of the bed. Daisuike was blinking slowly, his eyes glazed and blurry. Akira looked over at Reiko unsure of what, if anything they could do.

Reiko stared at Akira for a moment before moving closer to Daisuike smiling softly at him. Letting Akira's hand go slowly she reached over to Daisuike's hand that was laying on top of the covers gently touching the tips of his fingers. They were the only things not bandaged.

"Hey. . ." She smiled at him, his eyes not fully focusing on her but looking in her direction. "You had us pretty worried, ne?" She looked at everyone then looked back at Daisuike. "Gave us quite the scare. . . But we're just glad you're here."

Looking back towards the door she motioned for Ruka to come closer. "You got a special visitor. . ."

Moving back next to Akira she gave way for Ruka to step closer and take hold of Daisuike's hand.

"Hey Ouji-sama. . ." Reaching out he stroked Daisuike's hair gently, leaning close. "You scared the hell out of me you know that?"

Akira watched Ruka for a moment. It was easy to see how much he cared for Daisuike just in the way he looked at him. He glanced back at Daisuike feeling him try to move. His eyes looked slightly panicked and he had the sheets in a death grip.

"Suke, it's alright. We are here with you." Akira lightly touched his leg not liking to see his brother looking so hurt, in more ways that one.

Daisuike blinked a few times, focusing on Akira's soft voice. He'd thought he'd heard Ruka, but had assumed it was a hallucination. He's been certain that he was still back at the warehouse fighting. His whole body felt so heavy and like it wasn't his own. He had the unsettling feeling that there was something horribly important that he needed to remember, but each time he tried to it would slip away.

"Daisuike, you're safe. It's okay. We're here for you." Reiko spoke softly touching his leg as well unsure if she could stroke him wanting to reassure him somehow. It was so odd to see the strong, happy older brother so broke and weak. It scared her to death and hurt to no end.

Ruka sighed taking hold of one of Daisuike's hands stroking his thumb over the top of it as he leaned over gently kissing him on the lips careful of the busted lip. Even if he wanted more than that phantom kiss, he knew he couldn't.

"I'm here love and I'm not going to let you out of my sight. Not for a very long time. . . We're here for you and you're safe. I'll do whatever I can to make sure nothing will ever hurt you. Not again. . ."

Jiro nodded looking at Daisuike. "We are all here Suke. You just rest and heal. We will be here if you need us."

He frowned slightly seeing Daisuike shake his head trying to say something. "No, don't try to talk right now. Rest. We aren't going anywhere. We will be here when you wake up."

He stepped back away from the bed feeling his phone vibrate. He touched Haru's shoulder lightly. "I'll be right back."

Ruka smiled sadly at Daisuike before getting a chair and sitting next to the bed. Really he wanted to lay next to his lover but decided this was best. Keeping hold of his hand he smiled at Daisuike.

"Jiro is right. I'm not leaving your side so go back to sleep. We'll be right here." Gently he kissed Suke's hand reassuring him.

Reiko stared around at the scene before her and nodded smiling at Daisuike. Holding Akira's hand tighter she stared at him for a moment. If something like that happened to Akira she wasn't sure what she would do. All she knew was that heads would be rolling if anyone ever hurt Akira. She'd kill to protect him.

"Ne, do you want to stay here tonight with Daisuike? If you feel you don't or can't, we can go to my house. You got sleeping clothes and we could always run by your house to grab you a chance of clothes before we come back in the morning."

"I want to stay here with him. He needs us." Akira's heart felt like it was breaking watching as Daisuike turned his head away from them. He'd seen the tears slipping free and knew how Daisuike felt about crying. Sometimes Akira wished he would just let his feelings go, but that wasn't Daisuike. Right now he just wished there was something he could do to help him feel better. At least Ruka was here. That would help Suke, he hoped.

Ruka hated seeing Suke turn his face away from them. He climbed onto the bed, folding his legs careful under him. He turned Suke's face towards him staring directly into his eyes, Suke still refusing to look at him. The tears were rolling down his cheeks and Ruka instantly wiped them away as gently as possible.

"Look at me- Ouji-sama- Suke- Daisuike!" His voice got harder at the end and he forced Daisuike to look at him. "Hey. . . It's okay. . . Just let it go okay? You have to do this for me Ouji-sama. . ." He was hurt seeing the person he loved most in the world so broken.

Reiko decided to turn away then, giving Ruka and Daisuike some privacy. Looking over she saw Sono watching the scene with an odd expression on his face but then shook his head catching Reiko's eye. Seeing he wanted to say something she parted from Akira's side walking to him.

"Just tell Ruka that I headed home okay? He needs to be here with Daisuike and I don't want to disturb him." Sono nodded his head towards Reiko and the rest of them before ducking out of the room. Reiko turned to look at Akira sighing before moving back to his side unsure of what to do.

Akira watched Daisuike not liking the way his eyes looked. He didn't know what had happened during the fight but it must have be very bad the way Daisuike was acting. Besides that, it wasn't like Daisuike would have gone down easy. He didn't really want to know, but part of him wondered what had happened to him and who had been able to do this to his brother.

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*Dermabond: A liquid medical adhesive used to close wounds.