As the Smoke Clears #4 in Rivalry Series | By : kurahieiritrJIO Category: +G to L > Initial D Views: 2575 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
Disclaimer: I do not own Initial D, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story. |
CHAPTER 9
"I can't believe Sam's being so stubborn! It's been six days. She needs me at the shop! There's way too much work to be done for her to continue acting this way." Etsuya's fingers drummed a militant beat on the ranch house table top.
Setting his coffee cup on the scarred wood, Matsimoto spoke softly. "She's only trying to protect you, Etsuya san. Sammy chan did give her word to watch over us."
"She's in serious trouble and refusing to listen to anyone. It's insane to continue letting those jerks harass her like they do." Etsuya snarled as he looked across the table.
"Etsuya, calm down. Samantha isn't going to back down. We're trapped here until the slave ring leaders get apprehended. We have little say in the matter. She said she would not risk your getting into trouble with that kēsatsukan group. Defying her wishes is reason enough to forbid your presence at her garage. Causing more difficulties for Agent Rockwell is not an acceptable option."
"Ryosuke san's right, Etsuya san. Its like she's been raised to think she's a samurai or something. Samurai protect people, not the other way around. If she wasn't trusted to take care of herself and others, would she be a body guard?" Kenta pointed out.
Privately Ryosuke wondered if Singing Wolf was stable enough to retain her licensing as a guard much longer. He was alarmed by her slowly disintegrating emotional state. Enormous weight was resting squarely on the woman's shoulders that none of them could take from her. Her business was under constant threat from renegade officers hell bent on her destruction. She was being hassled by the committee that ran the Iron Will Endurance race to make promotional appearances with her car. The demands for her to have the A. A. R. painted in the near future had sparked more than one furious tirade.
Worse, the responsibility of upholding her father's honor was obvious from the reports he overheard her give over the phone. Her hesitant reports in his native language remained devoid of all emotion. Once she hung up, the tawny woman invariably stomped out of the ranch house in a fury. He had heard her arguments that they would be safer in their home land because the slaver had obviously fled the country. Still, none of the Japanese authorities were listening to her. Ryosuke found their refusal to send her any of the requested data to aide in the criminals' apprehension unnerving.
Samantha was getting fouler tempered as she sought to understand the elusive sense of familiarity she had felt when she helped Keisuke liberate the slaves from Kahori's maximum security compound. Her growing obsession with learning more about the compound backed Matsimoto into uncomfortable corners. Her extensive questioning about every detail kept Matsimoto busy trying to recall everything he had seen. Frequently Ryosuke watched Matsimoto jotting notes in the notebook the determined woman had given him. Several crude drawings were included in the pages. Concern for the Hachi Roku mechanic had Ryosuke wondering if he should confront their hostess.
"If Sammy chan can remember the details that are bothering her so much, maybe we can get home sooner. It could help Keisuke san to avoid criminal charges if the authorities can get that Kahori behind bars. I wish I was better at drawing. Nothing I try to put on paper looks right." Matsimoto sounded defeated as he ran a thumb down his mug's handle.
Hiroshi shook his head. "Don't be hard on yourself. Sammy chan has said that the notes Ryosuke san translated into English are very good, Matsimoto kun. If only we could get our hands on pictures so she could see the actual complex images. I'm sure Sammy chan would figure out her nagging anxiety about it."
"That is possible, Hiroshi. Samantha has been trained in combat skills. She may know things involving forensics and psychoanalysis as part of her credentials. If that's the case, it's logical to assume that she could use images of the maximum security complex layout, and the information Matsimoto has been able to supply to build a working model of how this Kahori operates." Ryosuke agreed.
"Wouldn't hurt to have that slaver's next move figured out before she comes after one of us again. She sent someone after Fujiwara right after he was placed in Intensive care. He'd be dead right now if Keisuke san hadn't been there." Hiroshi spoke as he refilled his coffee and set the pot back on the pad.
"Do you think Keisuke san will be taken to the kēisatsusho when he gets released?" Kenta muttered as he set his own mug on the table.
"Ojīsan will call and inform me if he gets arrested and charged, Kenta."
Etsuya's fingers stopped moving. "The authorities might lock him up because of his interest in Fujiwara. Homosexual behavior isn't popular except in the manga trade, Ryosuke san. It's hard to believe Keisuke would do something so reckless as to get involved with Fujiwara kun. I still can't believe that Fujiwara agreed to date him."
Kenta snapped over the cold sounding observation."Hey, Keisuke san didn't want to fall for Fujiwara. He really tried to avoid it. Or have you forgotten how evil tempered he was during our expeditions before Fujiwara was in that wreck?"
Etsuya sighed as he pushed his glasses up his nose. "I haven't forgotten anything, Kenta. Being the last to find out hasn't been pleasant for me or my family."
"Actually I only learned the truth the night that Fujiwara was kidnaped, Etsuya san. Ryosuke respected Fujiwara's wishes to remain silent about their slowly forming relationship from minasan. Honestly, when Fujiwara spoke to us the night he was abducted, it was pretty clear that he had difficulty accepting Keisuke before the shooting. Getting angry with us isn't exactly fair since you refused to go to the apology meeting they set up at the Akagi visitor's café." Hiroshi grumbled in return.
Matsimoto took a drink from his mug before speaking. "You're furious with Sammy chan, but there's nothing you can do about her decision. It's understandable that you want to protect her, Etsuya san. She's a beautiful onna and we were raised that it's our place to protect onnas. And yet, Sammy chan isn't the kind of onna we're used to. I've come to recognize that in the week I've been here."
"Are you implying that I have an unprofessional interest in our grouchy body guard, Matsimoto?" Etsuya demanded as his arms crossed over his chest.
"iie. I'm trying to say that you're reacting the way we all wish we dared to under the circumstances."
Ryosuke felt compelled to cut off the argument before it could escalate. "That's enough, minasan. Bickering will get us nowhere. We need to recall that we're all in the same situation. Keisuke and Fujiwara aren't to blame for our current dilemma. I'm the one that you should have issues with since I created Project D. All of you are here because of my irresponsible actions that have gotten Fujiwara injured multiple times."
Etsuya looked at him with his mouth ajar. Matsimoto's brows lifted to his hair line as he also stared. Kenta and Hiroshi looked at each other as if to silently confirm their combined confusion over his declaration.
"None of these things would have happened if I had simply refused to indulge our fans on the Project D website by posting pre race course information. Fujiwara's stalker would never have known where to find him. She was a known problem that Keisuke mentioned several times. My decision to ignore my gut reaction about Mogi has brought us all to our current situation. Fujiwara has paid repeatedly for my failure. If not for Keisuke's determination to protect Fujiwara, he would be dead."
"How can you say that, Ryosuke san? You couldn't know that Fujiwara's ex girlfriend was dangerous." Hiroshi protested.
"I refused to let Fujiwara leave the team despite knowing his health was deteriorating because of Mogi. It was my decision to take our team into an unstable area where Fujiwara and Keisuke were both shot. Had Keisuke reacted any slower, Fujiwara would have died that night. For better or worse, Keisuke's attachment to Fujiwara is the only reason that Matsimoto is sitting at this table today. None of us know whether we will get attacked again. Keisuke has successfully dealt with the drug syndicate that controlled this particular slaver in the past. He's actually our best hope of getting out of this mess after he gets over here."
Etsuya ran a hand across the back of his neck. "I understand, Ryosuke san. Gomen that I'm taking my frustration out on minasan. This isn't your fault, or Keisuke's and Fujiwara's. Everything happening is overwhelming now that I'm sitting in this house with nothing to keep my mind off of this crisis. Plus, I feel like none of you trust me. You all hid Fujiwara and Keisuke san's romance from me."
Ryosuke pushed his chair back and stood. Dropping a comforting hand onto the blond's shoulder, Ryosuke tried to find words to reassure his team mate. "It wasn't a lack of trust, Etsuya. Fujiwara desperately needed space to adjust to being as overwhelmed as you are right now. His medical problems are severe enough that creating additional stress was unthinkable. Being open about their relationship is necessary, but not an easy thing to follow through with because of the potential backlash."
"That's true. Keisuke san was persecuted from middle school until he graduated. It makes sense that he didn't want to announce his attachment to Fujiwara. He went through unimaginable hell during his teenaged years. His decision to cross the line has been a huge surprise for me." Hiroshi added.
Matsimoto nodded as he refilled his mug. "From the things Keisuke san told us a couple of weeks before Fujiwara and I were kidnaped, Fujiwara has coped with too much abuse already. It's easy to understand their decision to keep things quiet, Etsuya san."
Furrowing his brow, Etsuya looked around the table before lifting his head to catch his gaze. "I still don't know much about Fujiwara kun's health problems. Naze is that when I'm part of Project D's mechanical staff?"
Kenta spoke up before he found an answer. "Keisuke san didn't say things plainly to any of us when we were talking about Fujiwara giving us a face to face apology over the shooting. We kind of figured out the things he didn't say about Fujiwara the night he kicked Arai off the team. We were really shocked over everything Keisuke san admitted that night."
"I recognized when I met him that Fujiwara grew up in an abusive home, Etsuya san. The way he acted at the battles reminded me of someone I knew in high school. When I mentioned it, Keisuke san explained how Fujiwara began working in middle school to buy things he needed. Fujiwara was coping with acute stress from two jobs, his otosān's drinking problem, and that insane ex girlfriend even before Project D began. After getting shot, Fujiwara didn't have enough time to recover from severe stomach problems, his shattered leg, and losing his home plus both jobs before he was beaten down by a gang with nail studded clubs and tossed into Kahori's prison. You can't imagine the nightmare he endured in that place." Matsimoto added with a furrowed brow.
Etsuya hummed thoughtfully. "When you put it like that, Fujiwara kun's survival sounds miraculous. Still, once he recovers completely, there's not much chance of his returning to the touge for a genuine comeback. He's going to need a long time to recuperate. Nani chance is there that this taboo relationship can last either?"
"I've known Keisuke since he was in middle school. Patience isn't one of Keisuke's strengths. However, I've noticed that he's changed in surprising ways recently. I suppose Fujiwara has something to do with his mellowing. We'll have to watch to see if Keisuke can continue to cope with Fujiwara being so sick for the next few months." Hiroshi picked up his coffee mug and took a drink.
Ryosuke pulled his hand off of Etsuya's shoulder as he spoke. "You're correct. Overall, Fujiwara's proven that he's quite capable of curbing Keisuke's reckless tendencies, and stands up to him effectively as needed. The startling changes Keisuke's made to convince Fujiwara to stay with him inspired Sobo to name him the family's legacy heir in October. I'm confident that Keisuke won't change his mind about Fujiwara becoming his life partner despite Fujiwara's unfortunate medical problems."
"Having seen Fujiwara when he was enraged, I know standing up to Keisuke san is easy for him. They've really come a long way in a very short time. When Keisuke san first told Fumihiro and us about being in love with Fujiwara, things weren't going very well." Matsimoto included Kenta with a gesture as he spoke. "He said Fujiwara had full blown panic attacks when he found out about his being bisexual. From the things Keisuke san said, I got the impression that Fujiwara accepted him because of how much his life changed after they met. I'm still more concerned that Keisuke might be taking advantage of Fujiwara. He's a sincere guy, and I don't want to see him get hurt."
"Keisuke san isn't about to leave Fujiwara. I figured out Keisuke san was in love with Fujiwara before the wreck. He hated being interested in him. Every time he saw Fujiwara he got so mad he took it out on all of us. When Fujiwara went to the hospital, Keisuke san was shaken badly enough to change. There's nothing that can make him give up on Fujiwara now that he's got him." Kenta replied.
Matsimoto nodded. "Now that you mention it, I noticed that Keisuke's attitudes have changed too. At the time I figured Keisuke san was determined to keep Fujiwara from losing races. Looking back, it's obvious that there was more to his actions. The only real surprise was Fujiwara turning out to be gay too. He didn't really seem the type."
"Fujiwara isn't very high on the bisexual scale, minasan. He had real trouble with Keisuke's gender before the shooting. Keisuke's influence over the course of a year made it impossible for Fujiwara to turn on him, but that isn't the reason Fujiwara accepted him in the end. If anything, our downhill specialist tries to understand others without prejudice. Understanding Keisuke's attachment made it possible for him to accept and return those feelings after a protracted battle with himself." Ryosuke added.
"Fujiwara mentioned that the shooting was behind his change of heart. Seeing Keisuke san dying because he tried to protect him changed Fujiwara's thinking. He said that he woke up in the hospital and realized that Keisuke san was important enough to get past the gender issue. Had you both been there when Fujiwara explained how he and Keisuke got together, you'd know that things were very complicated for several months. I'm still amazed that Fujiwara managed to meet Keisuke san half way. He even defended Keisuke when Shinobu reprimanded him about manipulating Fujiwara into a corner." Hiroshi addressed the team's two mechanics.
"Keisuke genuinely loves Fujiwara. Even his tendency for manipulation has been surprisingly low key with Fujiwara. Although Keisuke's a notorious slob, he picks up after himself to prevent Fujiwara from straining his damaged thigh, and has done a surprising amount of household chores to insure Fujiwara doesn't hurt himself. Those aren't the actions of someone that will leave because of an illness, minasan. That's the main reason I approve of their relationship also."
"Fujiwara told us that he agreed to becoming Keisuke's life partner sooner than he wanted to at the Akagi meeting in November. That has me wondering if you're wrong about Keisuke, Ryosuke san. We all know that Keisuke gets very persuasive when he wants something badly. Fumihiro would probably agree with me since we've known your onīsan the longest. Your onīsan is not a patient man, and old habits die hard." Hiroshi argued.
"I lived with Fujiwara while he was recovering from his gun shot wound. You didn't, Hiroshi. Trust me when I say that he isn't easy to manipulate. Keisuke has unshakable faith in Fujiwara for a reason. Because Fujiwara accepts Keisuke without placing any conditions on him, Keisuke has chosen to change radically to make certain Fujiwara's content being with him. By accepting Keisuke's flaws and strengths without reservations, Fujiwara effectively gives Keisuke motivation to improve himself."
Matsimoto chuckled. "It sounds like Fujiwara is the one that's really mastered the art of manipulation. Guess Keisuke san has finally met his match."
"Don't misunderstand me. Manipulation has nothing to do with Fujiwara's influence. His ability to make very deep commitments and love others without reservations once he chooses to accept someone is the reason Keisuke has changed so dramatically. Once he accepted that he could return Keisuke's affection, Fujiwara did so completely. Not many people can give such deeply profound affection to others. That quality makes all the difference. Keisuke knows how fortunate he is to have gained Fujiwara's complete and sincere devotion. Kenta's correct that Keisuke will stay with Fujiwara without fail."
"Are you serious, Ryosuke? Although I don't know Fujiwara very well, he seems to be a very reserved person. If anything I'd expect him to keep Keisuke at arm's length. I've known you for many years. Keisuke too. As forceful as Keisuke is, I can't believe Fujiwara would leave himself wide open to getting hurt." Hiroshi spoke with a furrowed brow.
"Living with Fujiwara and Keisuke gave me opportunities to observe them when they weren't aware I was there. I've seen Fujiwara drop his guard completely with Keisuke. It didn't matter if they were arguing about doing chores, or discussing goals, Fujiwara's very honest with Keisuke. He's made a very deep and profound commitment to Keisuke, Hiroshi. Otherwise, Keisuke would never have gone to such extremes, or risked his own life to save Fujiwara when he was shot, or when he disappeared."
Etsuya shook his head. "At some point those two are going to have to face the public's scorn. It's a tragedy knowing that they won't get into the pro circuit. Sponsors won't tolerate drivers in taboo relationships. It's bad for business. Even though I respect both of them, I don't see any chance of their overcoming social expectations. Both of them will waste all of their hard work with Project D because of their involvement."
Kenta chirped, "Don't say that! Personally, I'm glad that Keisuke san really loves Fujiwara. He's much calmer now. Keisuke san's happy despite how rough their relationship has been. To be honest, Keisuke san told me Fujiwara's the best thing that has ever happened to him. I believed him when he said it. If anyone can find a way to get them both into the pro circuit, Keisuke san can."
"There's not much chance of Keisuke or Fujiwara getting condemned because of Keisuke's having saved so many lives by rescuing minasan in those two compounds, Etsuya san." Matsimoto pointed out.
"Only if they're very fortunate. Still, Etsuya brings up a valid point. Sponsors don't attach their names to people that defy the status quo so openly. Keisuke tends to be wildly defiant in this respect. The rumors Arai spread about Fujiwara has already damaged his chances even before they openly talked to us at the meeting. Fans are very fickle people. Once it becomes common knowledge that Keisuke rescued his life partner, Fujiwara's public apology on Project D's website will be condemned by the fans."
"Domo, Hiroshi. You summed up my point very nicely. It won't matter whether it was a lie or not if their romance goes public. Fujiwara's reputation will be completely destroyed along with any chance he had to become a pro race car driver. The same applies to Keisuke san's extraordinary rescue of his lover. There's zero possibility of covering up his motives for doing something that extreme. At best Keisuke san and Fujiwara will be pitied. At the worst, they'll be black listed, reviled, and persecuted for the rest of their lives. There's not a chance that they'll get picked by the professional circuit, or any of the larger corporations that would have been their allies otherwise."
"Thinking about your otosān's reaction to having sponsored Project D if he finds out Keisuke and Fujiwara are a couple?" Ryosuke prompted the blond mechanic.
"Hai. Can you blame me for being worried about the dealership's future? Otosān has worked very hard to make it a success. As much as I respect Keisuke san and Fujiwara, losing everything because of having sponsored Project D is not a pleasant prospect. Backlash from the public can't be overcome that easily, Ryosuke san."
Matsimoto made a scoffing noise. "The public has a very positive opinion of Keisuke san, Etsuya san. I saw the nightly newscasts. There's overwhelming public support for Keisuke san being in love with Fujiwara. He has protected Fujiwara from public censure by telling the truth about how he's interested in Fujiwara. His first interview brought hundreds of non street racing supporters into the open. When I was escorted from the hospital I saw an astonishing number of 'Only true love conquers all adversity' sweat shirts and jerseys. Even elderly people were wearing them. The back has Keisuke and Fujiwara's names inside a heart."
"I wasn't aware of that, Matsimoto. Naze didn't you mention that when you arrived?" Ryosuke asked as he dropped back into his chair.
Matsimoto moved his hands in a gesture of silent entreaty. "Didn't think it was important. Until Etsuya and Hiroshi started talking about Keisuke and Fujiwara's relationship ruining their career goals I figured Keisuke san had told you everything."
"He hasn't called me. Ojīsan never mentioned it either. I'd better call home to get some answers about this." With those words Ryosuke got up and headed toward the living room.
-oo0oo-
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