The Promise and the Threat

Co-written with Aya Frost

A/N: This is the continuation of Entanglement. It picks up the very next morning so you, our dear readers, have not missed anything. We look forward to reading your comments. ^___^


Daisuike flipped his phone shut and put it in his pocket. Jiro wasn't very happy, but at least he wasn't bugging him as to why he was late. It wasn't like he was used to having a boyfriend and getting even less sleep than he was used to normally. He'd been very glad to wake up and be able to get out of bed without any issues. Sora had been right, the soreness was mostly all gone. Now he just wanted to get work over with so he could go back home. He headed into the bar waving to Haru who was cleaning up and getting ready to head home.

"Oh hey Suke, some guys come by last night looking for you, after you left." Haru walked up to him.

"Do you know who they were?"

"No, not seen them around before. They asked for you, said they'd been told you could help them with a problem they've been having."

"Huh . . . I wonder who they were."

Haru shrugged. "Not sure, one of them left a card."

He took it out of his pocket and handed it to Daisuike. "Some shipping company from the looks of it."

"I'll call them later. Jiro should be here anytime and we need to go over some stuff. I'll see you at home later."

Haru nodded grinning at him. "Alright, hopefully that boyfriend of yours doesn't kidnap you too often. I like your cooking a lot better than take out."

Daisuke chucked blushing a bit, "Yeah, well we will see. Go home and get some sleep."

"Yeah, see ya later." Haru started toward the door glancing back at his brother. It was nice to see him happy and relaxed and made him miss . . . he shook his head. Haru had promised himself he wouldn’t think about him.

Daisuike headed to the back room to wait on Jiro. He decided to call the number on the card while he waited.

***

Reiko groaned in pain as she sat up on the couch staring at Haru who had just come in the front door and was slipping his shoes off. Her head felt like someone had taken a hammer and pounded it on her temple and eyes. How much had she drank last night? She was going to kick Kenta's ass for giving her so much and also for carrying her. That had been humiliating. Even if she hadn't been able to make it up the stairs without falling.

"Okaeri. . ." Putting a hand to her head she glared towards Haru since he had woken her. "Can you make me food? I'm starving. . . and water. I want water. . ."

Burying her face against the couch she groaned again feeling like crying from the irritation.

Haru shook his head as he went into the kitchen to get her a bottle of water. Grabbing a couple from the fridge he took them to her.

"Is Akira still in bed?"

***

"Yes I can take care of that for you. Is that all? Alright, I'll see you this evening then." Daisuike hung up as Jiro walked in the room.

"Nice of you to finally show up." Jiro was smirking at him.

"Shut up. I'm here, now what is going on."

Jiro sat down in the chair across from him. "That stuff with the Fudoka the other day is causing some problems and I need you to make an example of a couple of them."

"Is that all?"

"Yeah, just keep it discreet."

"Don't I always."

***

"Probably. Kenta and Ryuu are here too. . . Sorry, but you'll need a new bartender, I'm killing Kenta." Taking the water bottle from Haru she downed it before capping it and getting up. She was still dead tired and she wanted to sleep. Running a hand through her hair she trudged towards the bedroom door taking in the room for a moment. It was kind of funny how things had went last night. Ryuu had called her all depressed after the concert and she’d invited him to the bar. After Ruka had left with Daisuike she hadn't really felt like going home yet. She wasn’t entirely sure how they had all ended up in Akira’s room with her left on the couch. It was especially odd that Kenta had ended up with them too.

Ryuu and Kenta were curled up on the floor together, which if her head didn't hurt so bad she would've laughed at them. Ryuu was latched onto the bartender who was lying on his side one arm flung over Ryuu’s side. Akira was still on the bed and she debated with herself for a moment. A blush crossed her cheeks as she thought about what she planned to do. As she walked by though she kicked Kenta in the back moving to the bed. Pulling the covers back she nudged Akira over climbing in next to him. They were both small enough to fit on the narrow bed. Though the dark blush didn't fade from her cheeks. Akira was entirely too cute when he was sleeping, besides, it wasn't like it was the first time they slept side by side.

"It-itai . . ." Kenta groaned rolling over his eyes fluttering open. "Shit . . . what the fuck?"

"Quiet. Go back to sleep." Ryuu muttered drowsily as he pulled Kenta back down, snuggling against him.

"Eh? Let go, what are you doing?"

Ryuu blinked at Kenta, "I was trying to sleep. Why can't you just lay still?"

"Stop talking both of you."

Reiko growled and opened her eyes glaring at the bundle on the floor. Why were they talking? She was trying to sleep damnit! Taking the pillow that Akira and her were both using she almost stopped her actions hearing his soft curse but continued anyways and threw it at Ryuu and Kenta pelting them.

"You all suck! Just shut up! Itai!" She whimpered holding her head, flailing a bit in pain. "I fucking hate you Kenta! I'm gunna kick your ass!" The whimpers got louder and she curled up into Akira cursing as she held her head. "Just as soon as the world stops feeling gross!"

Kenta shook his head letting Ryuu pull him back down. He'd known she wasn't going to feel good, but it seemed it was worse than he'd thought. He should have cut her off sooner, no matter how much she pouted. It was just too damn cute when she did it and he couldn't tell he no.

"It's not like I made you drink them." He muttered into his pillow. "Itai! What was that for?" He looked over at Ryuu who glared at him.

"Be quiet."

"Sorry."

Snuggling into Akira, Reiko finally let go of her head to wrap her arms around him and nuzzle into his chest using him as a pillow since theirs was gone. Her head hurt like hell but the smell of Akira was comforting to her.

Sighing against his chest she smiled some, "Never drinking that much again. . ."

***

Daisuike took out his phone and sent a text to Ruka. He'd just spoken with the manager of the shipping firm who was needing his help and wasn't going to able to make it back when he'd told Ruka he would be.

Going to be working late, may not be home till tomorrow. Sorry.

Ruka sighed as he laid on his bed staring at the ceiling. The room smelt of him and his Ouji-sama and he probably should open a window but didn't feel the desire to get up yet. Hearing his phone ring telling him he had a text he flipped it open smiling happily. Quickly he texted back.

That's fine, but call me either way. I don't care if I have to go to your house at 4am to see you.

Pausing he wondered if he should add the other part he wanted to. Nodding he finally did.

It doesn't matter to me if you've just come back from a job, I want to see you no matter what Ouji-sama.

Daisuike smiled reading the text as he headed back to his apartment. He needed to change and get a few things before he went to work. He sent a quick text back.

I'll let you know when I get home and after I've cleaned up.

Closing the phone he headed inside the apartment. It was quiet, which meant everyone was probably still asleep. As quietly as he could he went into the kitchen getting out a few things he thought he might need and laying them out on the counter. Going to the bedroom he frowned seeing it full. Shaking his head he carefully stepped around Ryuu and Kenta to get to the closet. That was kind of an odd thing to see, but then again maybe not. He grinned seeing Reiko and Akira snuggled up together on the bed. Ruka would be happy to see that too.

Getting a change of clothes he headed for the bathroom. The sooner he got done, the sooner he would be back with Ruka and his family.

Reiko sighed contently as she woke up warm with something holding her. Blinking open her eyes she flushed instantly seeing Akira right there wrapped around her. It was strange and awkward but oddly right somehow. Lifting a hand she brushed the purple strands from his face happy. Twisting she looked around seeing Kenta and Ryuu curled together. They looked really adorable together.

Removing Akira's arms from around her she got up slowly, seeing the clock read 2:13pm. They had slept for a long time, but then again they were all out late. Way late. Shaking her head she was glad the headache was gone and the world felt right again. Moving around Ryuu and Kenta she headed into the kitchen looking around.

Where was Daisuike? He was usually home by then. Maybe he was still with Ruka. Grabbing another water bottle she downed it before heading back into the room to wake everyone up.

Kneeling behind Kenta she gently shook Ryuu. "Ryuu, wake up. It's pretty late."
Ryuu stretched and blinking up at Reiko smiled before grabbing her arm and pulling her close. "You smell like Akira."

***

Daisuike looked at the address he'd written on the back of the business card then looked up at the building. This was it. He was wondering why an international shipping business would contact him about something like this, but figured they knew the police were inept at this kind of thing. Shaking his head he opened the door to the office hoping what ever it was didn't take too long.

Reiko nearly flailed as she was suddenly pulled into Ryuu's arms but stopped since she would hit Kenta, whom she was now trapped next to. It was kind of awkward being pressed against both Ryuu and Kenta and she sort of hoped Akira didn't wake up. Last night he had seemed irritated for some reason at Kenta when she hugged him. Maybe he was mad that she had gotten drunk because of him? Sighing she glared at Ryuu.

"I feel so loved. You only cuddle me cause I smell like Akira. Then again you'd get hit for cuddlin' Akira so I get it." She couldn't stop the blush on her face though. Kenta's chest against her back was warm and she could tell he worked out, the shirt being thin.

Vaguely she wondered what she had done in her previous life to be surrounded in this life by beautiful men.

"Oi! I don't only cuddle you because of that!" Ryuu pouted for a moment before grinning at her. "Kenta is very nice to cuddle and he doesn't smell anything like Akira. Just like you are very nice to cuddle. Oh, I wonder if Suke made breakfast? I'm starving."

Reiko sighed curling against Ryuu more. She sort of missed sleeping next to him. They had done it for so long and it had taken a lot to get used to not doing it anymore. Wrapping her arms around Ryuu she nuzzled his chest a bit before leaning back more against Kenta to stare up at Ryuu.

"Suke isn't home and there isn't any food made. I think he's working. . . But it's late so it worries me. . ." The two of them had gone through quite a bit together and to think of him working bothered her somewhat.

Propping himself up on an elbow Ryuu looked up at the clock and grinned. "We are definitely keeping rock star hours aren't we? I'm sure Suke will be home soon enough. Maybe we can order something. Although, I'm really enjoying just laying here."

Reiko laughed a bit pulling Ryuu back down snuggling against his chest rolling her eyes, "Yeah, just a bit aren't we." Sighing softly against his neck she shifted back some to give them both a bit of room, though that pressed her back against Kenta. As awkward as it was she was too comfortable and warm to move away.

"Yeah, I hope he is. I like hanging out with him. Oh! Can we order sushi? If we ask Akira he'll want Chinese and I swear if I see another fortune cookie I'm going to kill someone."

Ryuu nodded. "Sushi sounds good."

He yawned closing his eyes, comfortable and content. He really missed having Reiko with him at this apartment. Having her there helped keep the loneliness away and since she'd quit coming over the nightmares had been starting again. He wished there was some way he could just have all of his friends live with him. That would make him happy.

"We can wait a bit . . ." His voice trailed off as he fell back asleep.

Reiko giggled a bit hearing Ryuu fall asleep once again. It was hard to keep her own eyes open, the grogginess and hangover making it difficult. Curling against Ryuu again and laying her head on his chest she sighed a bit staring at him for a moment just watching him.

The way he was holding her was very much like the way he had when she had lived with him and it made her wonder how he was doing. Really doing, not what he just told them how he was holding up. Naoki had abused him for so long there were still traces of it evident in the way Ryuu acted sometimes. She wished they could have had Naoki arrested for what he’d done to Ryuu. Fucking bastard.. Reaching up she brushed some hair from his face studying him. Maybe she'd visit him more often than she was and spend some time with him. Her mother was getting on her case again and Jiro would throw a fit if she just moved in for a while with Akira.

Smiling she curled up against him more embracing him and closing her eyes trying not to sleep but failing at it.

Akira blinked slowly staring up at the ceiling. How long had he been asleep? He looked over at the clock not sure if it was morning or evening. He hated that feeling of being disoriented. The light outside didn't help either since it was either dawn or dusk, he couldn't tell. Sitting up he looked around the room. Reiko was sleeping on the floor, but Ryuu and Kenta were gone. Someone was moving around in the kitchen. It must be them.

Leaving Reiko sleeping he walked into the living room. Kenta was getting water out of the fridge and Ryuu was sitting on the couch.

"Hey guys." Akira frowned slightly, it must be evening. Ryuu was watching a show that only came on at night. So where was everyone else? Surely Daisuike would be home soon to make dinner. He rarely ever let them go a day or two without making them all sitting down to dinner together. He said it was good for them as a family to always eat dinner together. Daisuike was such a dork about some stuff.

"Hey, Reiko still sleeping?"

"Yeah, that hang over must have been pretty bad."

"Sleep will help."

Reiko bolted upright from her position on her floor, gasping for air sweating like crazy. Staring wide eyed at the floor she continued to grip the blanket across her. The nightmare had been intense and she was shaking uncontrollably still. Running a shaky hand across her face she tried to not cry reminding herself it was just a dream.

A very very bad dream.

It didn't help stop the body numbing fear and panic inside her though and she suddenly felt sick to her stomach. Scrambling up she quickly stumbled towards the bathroom feeling the need to empty her stomach.

Akira sat up hearing Reiko get up and head straight for the bathroom. "Shit, I hope she's not sick."

"She probably is as drunk as she was last night." Ryuu got up off the couch and went to get a bottle of water for her. He tossed it to Akira. "Here you might take this to her in case she needs it."

"Good idea. Hey Kenta why don't you call Suke and see where he is. He's late getting back."

"Sure."

Akira went to the bathroom knocking softly on the door. It wasn't quite shut and he didn't want to intrude.

"Reiko . . . are you alright? Do you need anything?"

"Not. . . Really. . ." Reiko spoke through gritted teeth. She felt like she had to puke but the need wasn't entirely there. Slumping to the floor she laid her head back against the wall staring at the cabinet with the sink. Curling her legs to her chest she tried to contain the shaking but the bloody images scared her still. Never had she had this amount of fear inside her. Never.

"I- I'm not gunna puke if that's what you're scared of. . ." Her voice was shaky still and she tries not to sound scared but was failing miserably at it, "I had a nightmare. . ."

Akira slid the door open the rest of the way spotting Reiko on the floor. "Must have been really bad."

He crouched down in front of her handing her the water. He hated to see her look so scared, it wasn't like her at all and kind of freaked him out. He glanced up as Ryuu appeared in the doorway then looked back over at her. Ryuu looked just as concerned as he felt.

"Want to talk about it?"

Trying to keep her hand steady as she took the water, Reiko took a few sips. It helped sooth her throat which felt like someone had stuffed cotton balls down it. After a few more drinks she shook her head, refusing to look at Akira and knowing Ryuu was watching her as well. It made her feel bad she had worried them.

"No, I-I'll be alright. It was just- . . . not really pleasant." She lifted her head smiling a bit forcefully at them, "Just worried about Suke is all. He's usually home by now. But he's probably working still. Or Ruka kidnapped him again."

Carefully she stood up taking Akira with her smiling at Ryuu, "Thank you guys though."

"Yeah sure." Ryuu still looked a bit worried as he watched her.

"Ano . . . guys."

Akira looked over at Kenta not liking the tone of his voice. His expression was pained and slightly panicked.

"What is it? What is wrong?" Akira immediately felt a little sick. Kenta had been trying to call Daisuike.

"I . . . ano . . . something has happened."