The Promise and the Threat

Co-written with Aya



Jiro was pacing the hall trying to get calmed down after the phone call he'd just had. He looked up as someone came out of the room. He recognized the man who'd been with Ruka and wondered why he was leaving.

"You are Ruka's friend?"

Sono lifted his head staring at the dark haired man. At first glance nothing seemed wrong, but the tension around his eyes and the firm set to his lips betrayed his unease. Apparently the phone call he had gotten wasn't a good one. Moving to lean against the wall Sono looked at Jiro for a moment, studying him.

"Yeah or something like that." He realized after he said that it probably sounded like they were fuck buddies or something so he quickly corrected himself, "I'm all the family he really has. Though if this thing with Daisuike pans out it looks like maybe he'll have more of a family." Sono frowned a bit not entirely sure how he liked the idea of losing Ruka to Daisuike but it wasn't like Ruka was his anymore.

Even if that was what he truly wanted.

Jiro nodded slowly, glad to have something to distract him. "I hope it does work out for Daisuike's sake. Ruka . . . Ruka seems-he's a good person isn't he. I'll admit that I'm wasn't sure about the whole thing at first, but aside from today, I've never known Daisuike to be this happy."

"Yeah, same here. Ruka-" He looked away staring down the hall trying to figure out how to tell this man about Ruka. He was definitely a strange person, even Sono had to admit it.

"Ruka's never had it easy and Daisuike seems to fill something inside Ruka that no one has ever been able to do." Not even myself. It hurt to think that but Sono knew it was true. Daisuike was the one Ruka needed- has always needed in his life.

"I think Daisuike and Ruka will be the perfect match for each other. Both of them seem to hold a lot of pain inside and both seek to sooth it. I think they sooth it for each other." Sono lowered his head staring at his feet, his hands buried deep into his jacket pockets.

Jiro watched Sono for a moment. He knew the body language all too well. It was obvious that Sono and Ruka had been much more than friends even if they weren't anymore. The friendship must be very strong for him to still be around Ruka.

"Well, thank you for coming. I know it must mean a lot to Ruka to have such a good friend." He was going to say more and swore softly as his phone rang again. "Sorry. I'll talk to you later."

"Mm, sure." He nodded to Jiro moving out of the way and heading down the hall. He needed coffee then booze, lots of booze. Ruka would probably want some too but he needed to be coherent for Daisuike and not trying to get into his pants.


Reiko sighed curling up in a chair next to Akira inside Daisuike's room. The atmosphere of the room was oppressive. The off-white walls seeming to soak up any noise and even the softly glowing light over Daisuike's bed didn't help disspell the feeling. It was odd to just be sitting there not sure what to do or say. All she could do was listen to Ruka's soft murmurs to Daisuike. The words were meaningless and too soft to actually make out but it seemed to help sooth her anyways.

Laying her head against Akira she sighed staring at Haru who had barely sat down. He had been the quietest out of all of them and it sort of scared her. What were they going to do? Who did this to Daisuike? There were questions Reiko wanted answered and she wanted to help destroy whoever had hurt Suke.

Jiro closed the door softly behind him before moving over to Haru.

"I just got a call. They found the guys." He kept his voice low not wanting Daisuike to hear.

Haru nodded, "I'm ready when you are."

Jiro nodded before turning to Reiko and Akira. "Go on home Akira. There is nothing you guys can do here and go to school in the morning. No excuses."

He wanted to make sure that Akira was occupied and not spending all his time worrying about Daisuike.

"I want to-" Reiko had rose from her seat staring at Jiro wanting to go with them but the look in his eyes told her the answer before she could finish her sentence. Biting her lip she thought about trying to argue but knew it was useless.

"Hai. . ." She lowered her head then looked towards Akira reaching down for his hand, "Do you want to spend the night at my house?" She didn't want him home alone and the thought of him by himself scared her for some reason. There was a bad gnawing sensation in her stomach she felt sick because of it.

"We can grab your uniform tonight or in the morning." If he refused to stay with her, she was staying with him. There wasn't a chance in hell she'd leave him by himself.

"Which ever is fine." Akira still felt like he was in a bit of a daze. His mind kept replaying the moment when Hayate had first brought Daisuike in, that horrible rush of terror he’d felt seeing his brother like that. He’d thought Daisuike was was dead. He'd looked it and it still scared him even though Daisuike was fully awake now and unsuccessfully trying to get Ruka to leave him alone.

Reiko nodded slowly pulling him to his feet. Looking at Ruka and Daisuike she smiled at the two of them. It was kind of cute how Ruka was trying to do everything he could to baby Daisuike and the other refusing to let him. They were like a newly wed couple.

"Be good you two and don't do anything naughty in the hospital room. We'll see you guys after school." She winked waving a bit to them.

"We will!" Ruka smiled at Reiko before resuming his torture of his beloved Yakuza. He wanted to do everything he could to keep Daisuike's mind off everything and he'd make sure he had the best of the best.

Shaking her head, Reiko sighed as she headed out of the room. Leave Ruka to be a perv even in a bad situation.

Akira slowly followed Reiko out. At least Daisuike wasn't going to be alone. He didn't think anything would get Ruka to leave unless Daisuike was leaving too. He didn't want to think about what Jiro and Haru were getting ready to go do. Part of him wanted to go with them. He wanted back at the guys who had done this to Daisuike. He knew that Jiro and Haru would make sure that they paid for what they'd done to Daisuike.

He waved to Ruka and Daisuike. "We'll be back tomorrow. Get some rest. Both of you."

"Hai Hai!" Ruka smiled tending back to Suke who was trying to ignore his existence. Though he wasn't going to last very long ignoring him. Ruka would make sure of it.

***

Reiko sighed as they left the school grounds. It was hard to get through the day, both Akira and her very lifeless. Kaito had commented a few times and asked what was wrong but they hadn't said anything, not wanting to upset the idiot. Shaking her head she leaned against Akira as they rode on the bus.

"I think I might just use the clothes I got at your house. I don't feel like heading home." That and she wanted to see how Daisuike was doing and talk with Jiro. She wanted to know what they had found out and done. Closing her eyes she tried to calm the sickening feeling in her stomach. She felt like she needed to throw up, the knot in her stomach making her nervous and anxious.

"I just hope everything is okay. . ." She mumbled softly to herself. Never had these feelings been wrong before though and it scared her to death.

"I'm sure it is." Akira was exhausted. He'd had a very difficult time getting to sleep and had dreamed about trying to save Daisuike. He laid his head back against the seat closing his eyes. Reiko's warmth was comforting and was going to make it too easy for him to fall asleep. He wondered if Daisuike had gotten any sleep or Ruka for that matter. "I wonder how Suke is feeling today. I bet they've got him pumped full of pain meds."

"I bet they gave Ruka some downers. That or restrained him. Poor Suke is never going to recover with that idiot all over him." She smiled softly though, "But I think they're both happy, so that's okay." Yawning a bit she stretched looking out the window worming her arm around Akira's settling closer. He was nice and warm.

"It's kind of cold today isn't it. Stupid overcast." She grumbled seeing them nearing the stop. Reiko hated being cold and that was one thing she was. Once she removed her school jacket she was going to freeze to death.

"Mind if I borrow a jacket? I think I got a thin long sleeved shirt at your house but that's it."

***

Daisuike woke with a start, his eyes flying around the room. He could feel the warmth of a body next to him but it didn't help the cold feeling gnawing at his chest. He'd been dreaming and in his dream . . . he pushed himself up off the bed trying to think. It was important, so very important that he remember. What was it? Pain was quickly making itself known and he panted trying to focus on the memory. It hit him with enough force he forgot to breathe.

You Kobayashi's think you are untouchable. Just look at you. Kobayashi Daisuike, the terror of Kobe is nothing more than a scared little boy begging me to stop. You can die knowing I'm going to make sure that punk ass little brother of yours is next.

"Oh god! Akira!" He threw back the blankets scrambling to get out of the bed. He had to find Akira. They were going to hurt Akira and it would be all his fault. He had to get out of here and make sure Akira didn't get hurt. At least he tried to get out of the bed. His body felt sluggish and disconnected, much like it had yesterday toward the end of what he could remember. He had to get out of the bed. Akira's life was in danger and he could not let anything happen to him. Ignoring the various alarms from the monitors hooked up to him he tried again to get out of the bed.

Ruka's eyes instantly flew open as Daisuike flailed about trying to get out of the bed. The alarms from the machines startled him and he looked seeing Daisuike trying desperately to move.

"Daisuike!" Ruka grabbed him trying to restrain him, "Daisuike stop! Calm down! You're safe!" There was panic in his voice and he was frightened. There was something terribly wrong with him and he wasn't sure.

"Someone help! Daisuike calm down! Please!" He was pleading with Suke trying with all his might to hold him back and down but Daisuike was a lot stronger than him.

Daisuike shoved at Ruka his only thought Akira. "No! Stop it! Let me up! They are going to hurt Akira."

Several nurses burst into the room and immediately surround the bed two of them helping to restrain Daisuike. The third went to the IV inserting a syringe full of sedative. He fought them, on the verge of tears.

"NO! Please let me go! They are going after Akira!"

***

Akira yawned stretching and poked Reiko. "Hey, you awake? Our stop is next."

He was anxious to get home and change. He couldn't stop thinking about Daisuike and wanted to see him as soon as possible.

Reiko let out a squeak glaring at Akira and she rubbed her side. "Oi! No poking! That tickled. . ." She grumbled the last part sighing a bit as she stretched herself popping a few bones. Seeing the spot come up Reiko nudged Akira out of the seat following him to the door.

A sudden wave of anxiety that hadn't been there before appeared and she grabbed Akira's hand without thinking holding it. Realizing what she did she blushed darkly removing her grip tugging at her sleeve.

"Sorry. . ." She muttered softly hiding her eyes under her bangs.

***

"Wait what!?" He stared in horror at Daisuike then instantly moved shoving the man with the syringe away, "There's something wrong! Just stop! Let him talk! Just hold him down so he doesn't hurt himself anymore!" Grabbing Suke's face he forced him to look at him. The terror he saw in his eyes scared him to death. Who was going to hurt Akira? What was happening that they didn't know about?

"Who's going after Akira? You have to tell me Daisuike so I can help."

Daisuike didn't have the strength to keep fighting them and he was suddenly dizzy. He looked up at Ruka fighting to stay conscious as dark spots danced in front of him.

"Fuji . . . maru, he's . . . Akira . . . have to save Aki . . ."

"He's unconscious Ruka-san."

***

Akira hopped off the bus Reiko close behind. It had given him a weird rush when she'd taken his hand and he was kind of sorry she'd let go.

"Come on let's hurry. I wonder if Suke is awake. I bet Ruka is pestering him."

"I bet Ruka is molesting him. We might need to knock before entering." She grinned a bit trying to keep the conversation light. She didn't want to think about anything else. Her hand felt a bit cold now that she wasn't holding his hand and part of her wanted to hold it again.

Biting her lip she moved closer to him shivering slightly from the wind. Being close was okay, wasn't it? Licking her lips she looked around.

"Something doesn't seem right." And it didn't. The area felt. . . off somehow.

"Yeah, lets hurry." Akira glanced around but didn't immediately see anything unusual. The wind had picked up a bit and he shivered. "It looks like it might rain soon anyway."

***

"Fuck! Fuck Fuck Fuck!!" Ruka moved away kicking the closest object near him, the chair, sending it crashing into the wall shaking. "Jiro. I gotta call Jiro!" Ruka scrambled for his phone having taken Jiro's number a while ago. He needed to tell him someone named Fujimaru was out to hurt Akira. They, Ruka assumed, were the people who had hurt Daisuike. So Fujimaru was part of it? It made no sense to him at all.

***

They were almost to the apartment when he heard a car door slam and someone called his name. He stopped and turned surprised to see three men walking toward them.

"You are Kobayashi Akira?"

Akira narrowed his eyes, not liking the way these guys looked. The way they were dressed made him think yakuza but he knew most all of the guys who worked under Jiro. He'd never seen these guys before. "Who wants to know."

One of the guys smirked looking over at his buddies. "We are friends of your brother's and heard he'd been hurt. We came by to see how he's doing."

Akira glanced over at Reiko. He knew Jiro would never let news like that leak out. Hayate would have known to keep his mouth shut too. How did these guys know?

"I don't know what you are talking about." Akira started backing away not liking the sinking feeling in his gut.

"Sure you do." The three of them moved forward and Akira decided it was time to run. Yanking Reiko around he started to turn only to collapse as a horrible searing pain shot through him.

Reiko cried out in pain as a sick burning sensation rushed through her body making her to collapse along side Akira. Holy fuck! What the hell had happened? Why couldn't she breathe for a split second? Shuddering she tried to move and realized that everything hurt. Her muscles refused to move and for a long moment she couldn't remember where she was or what was happening.

Then she remembered. These guys were trying to hurt them!

Twisting around some, Reiko tried to move but one of the guys was already on top of her grabbing her and dragging her up. Struggling she finally got her strength back and started shouting at them.

"Let go of me!! Get your fucking hands off me!" Slamming her elbow back she turned kicking him in the knee grinning as he stumbled backwards. Her victory was short lived when she suddenly stumbled forward from a blow to the back of the head. The guy she had kicked grabbed her again and she stared in horror as one of the men held Akira. What were they trying to do? They weren't necessarily beating on them which could only mean. . .

"Akira!" The scream of his name left her lips as what was happening finally dawned on her. No, she couldn't let them take him! She couldn't!

Akira struggled in the man's grip trying to get loose. "Get the fuck off me!"

He rammed his elbow back into the man's gut hearing him grunt his grip loosening. Wrenching free Akira went to help Reiko slamming his fist into the first man as hard as he could hoping to be able to get by him. That same pain jolted through him, longer this time and he fought to breathe. He could see Reiko but the only sound was the roaring in his ears and suddenly all he could see were shoes. He felt himself yanked up and something was placed over his mouth and nose.

He lashed out as the numbness faded but a strange darkness was closing in on him. The last thing he saw was Reiko's panic stricken face as she struggled in the man's grip.

"Akira! No! Let go of me! I'm going to fucking kill you! No!" She was screaming and somehow got free from the man's grip rushing after the one carrying Akira. She couldn't let them take him! Her mind was in panic mode and she felt like crying. This couldn't be happening! It couldn't!

The same painful fire rushed through her and she fell to the ground crying out in sorrow and pain. Opening her eyes she saw one of them walking past her and she lashed out through the haze. She was going to kill them. Just rip them apart and let their organs splatter across the ground!

"I won't let you take him!" Twisting around to try and move she looked up seeing one of the men grinning down at her, a dark look in his eye.