Adult-FanFiction.org : Anime

All For Love 3rd in Rivalry Series	By : kurahieiritrJIO Category: +G to L > Initial D Views: 2173 -:- 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 List
- 1-All For Love
- 2-AFL 2
- 3-AFL 3
- 4-AFL 4
- 5-AFL 5
- 6-AFL 6
- 7-AFL 7
- 8-AFL 8
- 9-AFL 9
- 10-AFL 10
- 11-AFl 11
- 12-AFL 12
- 13-AFL 13
- 14-AFL 14
- 15-AFL 15
- 16-AFL 16
- 17-AFL 17
- 18-AFL 18
- 19-AFL 19
- 20-AFL 20
- 21-AFL 21
- 22-AFL 22
- 23-AFL 23
- 24-AFL 24
- 25-AFL 25
- 26-AFL 26
- 27-AFL 27
- 28-AFL 28
- 29-AFL 29
- 30-AFL 30
- 31-AFL 31
- 32-AFL 32
- 33-AFL 33
- 34-AFL 34
- 35-AFL 35
- 36-AFL 36
- 37-AFL 37
- 38-AFL 38
- 39-AFL 39
- 40-AFL 40
- 41-AFL 41
- 42-AFL 42
- 43-AFL 43
- 44-AFL 44
- 45-AFL 45
- 46-AFL 46
- 47-AFL 47
- 48-AFL 48
- 49-AFL 49
- 50-AFL 50
- 12
- 13
- 14
A/N: This is temporarily an older draft of this fan fiction that I am posting here. I will revise to correct inconsistencies ASAP. Please have patience with my weird schedules that have made uploading revised chapters an ongoing hassle. This note will change once revised.

CHAPTER 13

Takumi bit his lip as he tried to put on the tie Keisuke handed him. It came from Keisuke's collection. The only tie Takumi owned was a clip on, packed in a box somewhere in Keisuke's bedroom. His fingers refused to cooperate as he tried to mimic Keisuke's quick confident moves from when the blond put on his own tie.

"Take it easy, Takumi. You're shaking so hard you can barely hold the fabric." Keisuke observed with a quick glance at him through the wide mirror.

"Don't remind me." Takumi huffed as he realized the knot looked wrong again. His third attempt went haywire, leaving a crooked bulge.

"Let me do it since we're almost out of time." Keisuke moved behind him and worked on his tie. Each movement of Keisuke's hands near his throat sent tendrils of awareness snaking through Takumi's body. In a flash Keisuke was wrapping the thicker section of cloth around the thinner twice, and pulling the triangular end under and over the wrapped section at the correct place. A shiver slid along the teen's spine at being enveloped in Keisuke's scent and warmth.

"Hold still, Takumi." Several deft movements and the classic tie was finished. "The trick is to get the end between the two wraps before you pull it tight."

"Domo, Lover." Takumi looked into Keisuke's eyes through the mirror as he leaned against the counter to keep weight off his leg. "Guess I'd better learn how to use old-fashioned ties."

"It's a skill that helps in the workplace." Keisuke smiled at him through the glass. Takumi's heartbeat bucked and skittered in response to Keisuke's proximity. It was a sensation Takumi had learned to embrace as his chest tightened to a painful degree.

"I've only worn a clip-on tie before this. I didn't have any reason to learn how to use the old-fashioned type. I've never even been to a restaurant where I had to wear one before, Keisuke. I hope I don't screw up and do anything wrong." His voice was getting rougher as he remained inside Keisuke's loose hold.

"I'm not that fond of this membership only resort's dress code, but it does have excellent food. I'm glad you explained your bad case of nerves."

" . . . . . . "

"I promise my grandparents won't bite. Otosān said he told Ojīsan, Obāsan, and Sobo about you when you won him over, Takumi. They liked everything he told them. So calm down. You won't make any huge mistakes tonight."

Strong hands settled on his waist as he watched Keisuke through the mirror. Keisuke was always gorgeous, yet the medium blue and white striped shirt with navy tie accentuated his eyes. Fierce, heated, fluid pulsations of emotion triggered even more painful awareness of Keisuke's closeness. The mirror image caught Takumi in Keisuke's eyes as panic, and adulation rippled through him.

Takumi's voice was a soft thread of sound. "I'm not sure when that happened. He wasn't happy about me coming here at first."

"You refuse to have anything to do with my trust fund, Takumi. Anyone else would have signed the first legal document to get full access to my money in a heartbeat. You, on the other hand, have shredded two versions already." Keisuke gave him a stern look through the mirror as his chin dropped onto Takumi's shoulder.

The sum of his being focused on the contact points his older beau had established. It took all of Takumi's willpower not to slip back into Keisuke's body so the blond was taking his weight. Although Keisuke had passed all of his tests and had been given a clean bill of health, a deep fear of loss tormented Takumi.

"How did that win 'Tosān Ryuunosuke over? I mean, it's your money so it makes sense to keep my role to an emergency signer only."

"'Tosān realizes you love me for myself. He told me that you read the document and tore it up because there was too much access to my trust fund. You even asked Otosān to explain the terms in the secondary clause that you weren't certain you understood, Takumi. I thought you wouldn't notice the secondary. It pisses me off that you shredded the second version too." Keisuke's expression darkened even more.

Takumi could not cave to Keisuke's demand before he had a full time job and an income again. Once he was working, Takumi knew he would feel less like a burden. He had offered to set up a joint bank account where both had access to the funds to pay their combined bills after someone employed him. Keisuke seemed determined to take care of him which Takumi found uncomfortable. The discomfort was not over being cared for. It was a fear of not deserving the man he cherished.

"I know you're still mad. But, . . . being your equal is something I need to prove to myself . . . if nothing else. I know it doesn't make any sense to you. I have to pay for myself, Keisuke. I won't feel that I can be your equal if I don't do my share."

"How often do I have to tell you that you're my equal whether you have a job or not? Your obsession with getting back into the workforce is one reason Otosān likes you, but it annoys the hell out of me. I want to know that you're willing to rely on me, Takumi." Keisuke's eyes bore into his through the mirror's image while hard edged words flowed from mesmerizing lips.

The powerful flood of emotions caused by Keisuke's closeness swamped Takumi's torso with painful, intoxicating jolts. This emotional upheaval caused most of Takumi's frustration induced pain, and tirades. This was not some ordinary sexual craving. His was the need to hold, touch, and get closer to the man behind him. If he caved to his own desire to show how much he loved his boyfriend, Keisuke would respond in a very physical way. There was no chance of them becoming absorbed in each other without sex entering the situation because of Keisuke's strong, physically oriented personality.

The pressure in his core pushed words from Takumi's lips. "I do rely on you. Sometimes I rely on you so much, . . . it scares me. You're the center of my world and . . . I could spend the rest of my lifetime trying to explain, but words don't exist that could make you understand, lover."

Keisuke's eyes softened as he tugged Takumi around to face him. Their noses were almost touching as Keisuke's hands moved to grasp his face. His voice was a soft rasp. "Then stop fighting me, Takumi. I feel like you're shutting me out, or pushing me away. I know you aren't trying to, but, I feel like you can't trust me with your heart."

Takumi grabbed onto the counter top to keep from clinging to Keisuke. He knew it was not an attempt to shut Keisuke out that pushed him to such extreme reactions. He loved Keisuke so much he could barely withstand the pain he felt at moments like this. It felt as if emotions had snatched his air away when Keisuke's breath fanned across his face.

"That's not true, Keisuke. You have all of me. But, . . . I wonder if your grandparents will be as opposed as Oyaji is. I'm afraid that I'll screw up and make things worse. I don't want them angry with you, . . . if I'm not good enough."

With Keisuke's lips so close to his own it was hard to think as his eyes gravitated to Keisuke's sensual mouth and remained ensnared. "You're more than good enough, Takumi . . . Trust me?"

His answer was a whispered thread. "I do trust you."

Takumi trusted Keisuke with the sum of his being. The only thing Takumi was certain about were his feelings. Takumi followed Keisuke's lead too often to deny the strength of his faith. It was himself that Takumi found hard to trust. Takumi had difficulty forcing his eyes upward. His emotions clamored to close the distance between them. The compulsion to kiss Keisuke with the sum of his heart and soul had Takumi reeling. His heart's rioting pulse clogged his ears and lanced through his chest in a staccato, all consuming rhythm.

"I know my grandparents won't be able to resist loving you if you'll be yourself, Takumi. They knew years ago that I'm bisexual. They've had plenty of time to get used to the idea of me falling for another man."

Part of Takumi wondered how he could hear his beloved's voice over the pounding of his heart. "Kami-sama, I hope you're right, Keisuke. You said your Otosān would be mad when he realized you were with me a few months ago. Ryuunosuke-san was upset when I first met him. It's possible your grandparents will feel that way."

Even as the words spilled out, Takumi felt his stomach clench so hard he felt physically ill. Any pain that Keisuke might suffer was unthinkable. Giving voice to his fears made the possibility much too real. Takumi's eyes were drawn back to Keisuke's mouth against his better judgement.

"My otosān's one of our strongest supporters because he sees you for yourself, my own. My grandparents will make an effort to accept you because of my past. Especially Sobo Ogino. She's the one that kept me from committing suicide when I found out I was bisexual. She and Sofu tried to help me accept that part of myself once they realized I'd never be able to stop being attracted to other men. Ojīsan and Obāsan Takahashi may have had the education to know I couldn't stop how I felt, but it was Sobo, Sofu, and Aniki that saved me."

His arms slipped around Keisuke's waist as Takumi caved to the pressure churning inside. It was as if Keisuke's mouth had a magnetic gravitational hold on him he could no longer deny. His face tilted forward a few millimeters and their lips brushed in a slow kiss he needed to give. Keisuke's hands left his face and wrapped around him so their bodies were flush. A second light touch of their lips lingered even longer. Takumi found himself clinging to Keisuke's larger frame.

A knock on the bathroom door startled their lips apart as Ryuunosuke's muffled voice filtered through the barrier. "Are you two almost ready?"

Keisuke answered, "We'll be ready in a couple more minutes, Otosān. I'm getting Takumi's tie sorted out."

"We'll be in the living room," came through the door as Takumi tried to compel his arms to release Keisuke.

Keisuke's voice washed over him. "I love you too, my own. Words really don't cut it when you say how you feel." A touch of amusement laced his voice. Takumi could only shake his head in answer. "We better get our jackets on."

Releasing Keisuke was the hardest thing Takumi had ever done. He accepted the crutches he was given with a surge of resentment. Every cell in his body wanted to remain connected, a thing that was impossible under the circumstances.

~~ooo0ooo~~

Although Takumi had expected to feel out of place, he was shocked when they were led to an opulent private room. One man stood out in the crowd with his silver haired, elegant air. The woman standing with him was the picture of regal grace. Both had a powerful presence and self assurance that daunted Takumi. Keisuke was swept from his side as his family gave him and Ryosuke warm greetings. Takumi stepped back to make room as his lover was drawn deeper into the clutches of his relatives.

Relief flooded him as his eyes caught sight of Tsugumi, Keisuke's younger cousin. He knew her because she was often in the Takahashi home getting Ryosuke-san to tutor her. The younger onna wore a calf length pleated dress that swirled around her legs as she moved. The rich blue suited her. Even her shoulder length hair had been styled to bring out her naturally wide set, large eyes. Had he not been in love with Keisuke, Tsugumi would have enchanted him. She flashed a sunny smile and moved toward him with a spring in her step. Takumi got the impression she was barely containing an urge to skip.

"Wow, Takumi-kun. You look incredible in a suit. If you ever get bored of Nīchan's bad temper, let me know. I'll console you." If not for his familiarity with the freshman grade onna, Takumi might have taken her flirtation seriously. Takumi still felt a flash of heat scorch his cheeks over her teasing tone.

"Uhm, . . . d,d,d, domo, Tsugumi-chan. You look really nice tonight too."

"You want to bolt. Don't you, Takumi-kun?" Tsugumi asked with a tilt of her head.

"I thought I was meeting Keisuke's grandparents. There are at least twenty more people than I expected."

"Both families are really curious about you, Takumi-nīchan. Sobo asks for every detail there is about you whenever she calls. You've been the main topic of conversation within the Takahashi and Ogino families for a couple of months now."

Takumi felt ice and heat alternately course through his veins. The thought that Tsugumi was spying for Keisuke's relatives flustered him. "Well, . . . they must be bored, . . . since there isn't much to tell."

Tsugumi gave him a look that reminded him of Keisuke's expression when he said something the blond found particularly foolish. "You really are clueless, Takumi-kun. But, I guess that's naze 'Nīchan worships you. It makes you too adorable somehow."

"Knock it off, Tsugumi-chan. That's ridiculous." Takumi felt his hands grip his crutch handles harder as he scolded the teenaged onna. She giggled with her hand over her lips as her eyes crinkled at the corners. It was natural for her to tease him and Keisuke unmercifully. However, unlike himself, Keisuke got very irritated with her childish taunts. Since he had moved into the Takahashi home, more often than not he found himself getting between Keisuke and Tsugumi whenever they argued.

"Oho! And who might this dashing gent be, Tsugumi-chan?" A new voice swivelled Takumi's head to see the speaker. A dainty looking old woman stopped next to Tsugumi with a possessive arm linked through Keisuke's.

"This is Fujiwara Takumi, Sobo. Takumi-kun, this is mine and Keisuke's Sobo, Ogino Erika."

Takumi dipped his head. "I'm pleased to meet you, Ogino-san."

"I see Tsugumi's doing her best to annoy you again." Keisuke turned his head back to his grandma and continued, "Tsugumi bothers Fujiwara during her tutoring breaks, Sobo. No one in the house can get her to leave him alone. Even Aniki has to tell her more than once to get back to her studies once she latches onto my life mate."

Tsugumi rounded on Keisuke. "You're mean, Nīchan. Naze are you always so grumpy? You should be nicer, like Onīchan Ryosuke. He knows how to treat family. You ought to ask for pointers before Takumi-kun gets tired of you bellowing."

"I don't recall asking for advice from such a not cute wanna be onēchan." Keisuke growled back.

Takumi found himself defending Tsugumi before he could control his reaction. "Keisuke, Tsugumi-chan wasn't bothering me. Don't snap at her when she hasn't done anything to deserve it."

"Che. Fine. But if she does, . . . " Keisuke's voice trickled off as Takumi's brows dove to the bridge of his nose.

Tsugumi gave him a brilliant smile and turned to Sobo Ogino. "Told you Takumi Nīchan's great. He yells at Keisuke Nīchan any time he's mean to me."

"Che. Your wisecracks are so not cute, brat."

Takumi frowned at Tsugumi. With a sigh of resignation, Takumi tried to stop their bickering. "Tsugumi-chan, you aren't helping. You're pushing Keisuke into yelling at you. You're acting like a spoiled sibling that can't resist seeking attention. Keisuke, you shouldn't let Tsugumi rile you. It gives her even more reason to badger you."

An unfamiliar masculine laugh from behind had Takumi flushing over his attempt to curb the two combatants as he recalled where he was. Keisuke snorted in reply.

"This young man's truly delightful, Keisuke." Sobo Ogino's voice startled Takumi into facing her. "Welcome to the family, Takumi-kun." With a spry step the old woman had captured his face between strong fingers and tugged his head down to kiss him on the cheek. "I believe you'll do nicely. I can already see that you keep my ornery grandson in line."

Takumi felt his jaw unhinge as he stared at the twinkling eyed old woman who made the announcement in a matter of fact voice. Keisuke had gotten his eyes from her. Her eyes were equally shrewd, dark cerulean, with the same slant as Takumi's lover's orbs. He had no idea how to answer as Sobo Ogino linked her arm though his, laying claim to him. Takumi snapped his mouth shut after a moment.

"I get the same impression, Erika-chan. I can see Ryuunosuke has reason to praise this shonen. He stood up to both of these hot heads without hesitation. Now, my dear lady, might I convince you to let him go long enough for me to meet the newest member of our family?" Takumi turned and was confronted by the distinguished older man who had drawn his attention when he first entered the banquet hall.

Keisuke cleared his throat. "Ojīsan, this is Fujiwara Takumi. Fujiwara Takumi, my Ojīsan, Takahashi Tatsuhiko."

"A pleasure to meet you, Takahashi-san. Ah no, I think Keisuke and Tsugumi-chan probably argue so much because they have similar personalities." Takumi felt compelled to add as he took the distinguished man's offered hand.

"I see you're observant too. I wish you loads of luck in pursuing peace between these two. We've never managed it. Keisuke and Tsugumi are like fire and gasoline if they're around each other very long." Tatsuhiko answered with an indulgent smile. Takumi noticed Ryuunosuke nearby. Another man was speaking softly to him.

Tsugumi stamped her foot with a belligerent expression Takumi recognized."We are not, Tatsuhiko-san. Keisuke Nīchan's always cranky to his bones. If he wasn't, we wouldn't fight." Takumi choked on laughter resulting in a poorly disguised cough.

Sobo Ogino again had his arm in her grasp as she grinned and winked up at him. A smile twitched on his lips as Takumi decided he liked the old woman's mischievous attitude. It was easy to see why Keisuke was fond of the dainty lady. Some of her behaviors were very like Keisuke's which eased his stress. Keisuke's sobo seemed determined to draw him into her warm personality. Takumi's shoulders began to unlock.

"Tsugumi, would you be a good girl and get Obāsan Takahashi for me? I believe she needs help extricating herself from Yukiko-chan. She's been looking forward to this chance to meet Fujiwara-kun too." Tsugumi moved off to get Obāsan Takahashi with a flounce of her skirts that displayed her irritation.

"Gomen for being rude in front of you, Ojīsan, Sobo. I can't stand Tsugumi's mouthiness very long." Keisuke apologized.

His Ojīsan settled a hand on Keisuke's shoulder. "We know, Keisuke. Try to keep in mind that you have the same effect on your cousin. As much as you both resent hearing it, you are very much alike. Fujiwara-kun's correct about that."

"Che. That doesn't help in the least, Ojīsan. After all, she's always trying to drape herself on my life mate whenever she gets within visual range." The way Keisuke snarled 'she's' made Takumi uncomfortable. He thought he would do well to avoid mentioning Tsugumi's teasing offer to console him if he wanted to keep Keisuke from having an extreme fit of rage toward the much younger girl.

"Tsugumi-chan was only spying to find out more about me for the rest of your relatives, Keisuke. She also loves to aggravate you like any younger onēchan that wants undivided attention from her favorite onīsan."

"Oohhhh! Tsugumi can't keep a secret to save her life." Sobo Ogino grumbled as her hold on his elbow tightened. "Gomen, Takumi-kun. I was so curious about you that I talked her into it. I live so far away that I had no idea when I'd ever get to meet you. I've liked everything she's told me about you, by the way. Yukiko told me you're wonderful too, but I wanted a second opinion. Will you forgive me for being underhanded, and nosy?"

Takumi blinked several times as he looked down at Keisuke's sobo's endearing abashment. "Uhm, no harm done. The one you'll have to apologize to is Keisuke. Tsugumi really irritated him whenever she came over to study with Ryosuke-san. Now that you've met me, I guess there won't be as much friction between them over me."

Keisuke snorted. "Tsugumi's got a crush on you. She's not trying to monopolize you to get answers for Sobo. The way Tsugumi clings to you tells me her real motives. Her possessiveness is way out of line, Takumi. Don't let her fool you with any excuse. She's getting pushier every time she sees you, and I won't put up with her pawing you ever."

Before Takumi could reply, Sobo Ogino spoke up. "I had no idea Tsugumi-chan felt that way, but I'm not surprised. Takumi-kun's a very handsome man, especially when he smiles. Tsugumi's learning to have good taste."

Keisuke smirked. "I'm glad you approve, Sobo. Now, can I have my man back? I still have to introduce Takumi to minasan else so we can eat."

"I'll give Takumi-kun back when I'm good and ready, grandson. Just so you know, your taste in men has drastically improved. You always had an eye for the pretty, but completely self absorbed ones before. Takumi-kun puts them all to shame in looks, and he isn't the least self absorbed that I can tell. If I was forty years younger, I'd fight you for him."

Keisuke's brows twitched as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Sobo!? How can you say things that scandalous with a straight face? Furthermore, you'd lose the fight because Takumi already loves me and would turn you down flat."

Takumi felt glowing warmth spreading through him. He smiled at the wheat haired man he had given his heart to. Their eyes locked as Takumi answered with a healthy dose of amusement. "It's about time you figured that out, Keisuke. Now, maybe, you'll stop being so jealous."

"Not a chance. My jealousy is the highest compliment I'll ever give." Keisuke half joked in return. Their eyes remained locked as the din of people faded. It was the first time Keisuke had acknowledged that Takumi loved him enough to turn down anyone else chasing him.

Ojīsan Takahashi's voice broke into their silent visual link. "Earth to shonen. Don't forget you two aren't alone."

Sobo Ogino vented a loud sigh. "Well, I'm certainly feeling abandoned, shonen. I suppose I'll have to forgive you for stealing my grandson, but only if you'll be my charming escort for the evening in Keisuke's place, Takumi-kun." Ryuunosuke and a few others stood close enough to hear. A ripple of amusement passed through their ranks. Heat flash through Takumi's face and settled in place as he became absorbed with his crutch handle.

Keisuke's voice rumbled with ill concealed laughter. "Sobo, that's cruel. Takumi's going to feel guilty when I steal him back now."

"I can see that you're already trying to hold another grandson's undivided attention, Erika-chan. I can't fault you since he's a handsome devil." Another amused female voice lifted Takumi's head. The regal woman Takumi had seen earlier was followed by Yukiko, Tsugumi, and three others as if they were her miniature entourage.

"Isn't he though, Masako? This one isn't self absorbed either." Sobo Ogino sounded pleased to Takumi. His embarrassment skyrocketed.

"Looks like I'll have to get someone to distract you long enough to speak with him tonight. After all I should get to know this young man that Keisuke's apparently chosen." Takumi noted the feral hue to the golden ringed eyes of Ryuunosuke's Okāsan.

Introductions flowed from Keisuke's mouth. The regal woman smiled magnanimously as Takumi gave a deferential bow. "I'm quite charmed, . . . so far. However, I think I'll wait to see whether you've gotten it right this time, Keisuke, dear."

Ojīsan Takahashi answered in a smug tone. "You should have seen them a few minutes ago, my love. They remind me of our musuko and Yukiko when they first got married."

"Really?" Masako faced him with even keener interest. Takumi flushed to his toes at her stare. "I must ask your forgiveness for having such dreadful thoughts, but I will be candid. I believe you deserve the truth. I fear you're simply another cunning bit of baggage looking for a better life, Fujiwara-kun. I hope I'm wrong. Understand that I tend to paranoia over Keisuke's well being these days."

Keisuke paled as he turned to face his other grandmother. Takumi spoke before Keisuke found his voice. "I understand, Takahashi-san. That's to be expected of any family member that really cares about Keisuke. I hope I prove worthy of your trust some day."

Yukiko spoke in a sharp tone. "Just make certain you don't return to your two jobs every single day lifestyle once your leg's well, Takumi-kun. If you leave Keisuke alone too often while trying to win Okāsan Masako's approval, I'll have very cross words for you. Keisuke moping and being foul tempered is not agreeable."

Takumi looked at Yukiko's furious expression, confused by her outburst. Was Yukiko-san trying to make Keisuke's Obāsan aware that he had a strong work ethic? He felt Keisuke's hand slip into his other elbow crook as Sobo Ogino's hand tightened on his other arm. The two of them gave him additional strength. "Ah, I was committed to my previous employers long before Keisuke told me about his feelings, 'Kāsan Yukiko. You know I plan on getting one full time job with set hours once my leg's well. So, naze bring that up?"

Yukiko grumbled, "Your history of suffering multiple exhaustion induced illnesses. Even before Otosān and I got to know you, we knew you take on far more than you should, Takumi-kun. Keisuke and I will both get annoyed if you overwork yourself again."

Keisuke's voice came out a low, feral snarl. "Isn't that the truth? I have to hover every day to make sure Takumi doesn't strain his leg trying to clean the house. It's unfortunate that Obāsan has decided my life mate isn't good enough already, 'Kāsan. She doesn't know Takumi, so shouldn't make assumptions."

Obāsan Masako's voice conveyed her indignant state. "I haven't decided any such thing, grandson. I'm simply saying that I will withhold judgement until I see conclusive evidence that your newest companion is nothing like your previous ones."

"Takumi's nothing like Akiho, Obāsan. As I recall, you introduced me to Michiko before that. Michiko was a big mistake too. Takumi's nothing like them. He's going to be with me a very long time, Obāsan, so you're going to have to get used to Fujiwara Takumi being my life mate, whether you want to or not. Naze not give him a chance before you go announcing that he's a gold digger?"

"I am giving your companion a chance. If I wasn't, I wouldn't mention my concerns. You of all people should know how devastated we all were seeing you hurt by both your previous, . . . companions. I don't wish to see you suffer that much ever again, Keisuke."

Takumi found himself liking Obāsan Takahashi's blunt answers almost as much as Sobo Ogino's warm, if feisty personality. Even if Obāsan Takahashi did not approve of him, at least he knew where he stood.

"Che. The only thing making me miserable is this new opposition. His family is giving us more than enough grief over being together. Their opposition has gotten to the point his otosān kicked him out on the streets. His cousin, Tsuchia Keiichi, called our relationship an unfortunate problem to both of our faces. Having the Drift King opposed is one hell of an obstacle to our career plans. I told Takumi that you wouldn't do that. Now, I have to apologize to him for being wrong." Keisuke's tone throbbed with pent up anger and disappointment.

Before Takumi could speak Yukiko had already taken over the conversation. "Takumi-kun does have very famous, powerful, and rich relatives, Okāsan. I've met and spoken to Tsuchia-sama twice since Takumi-kun started living in our home." Yukiko's voice reflected her own irritation with her mother-in-law.

Ryuunosuke spoke for the first time. "The reason we both approve of Takumi-kun is because he downplays things others flaunt. Takumi turned his cousin down flat when Tsuchia offered to help him a couple weeks ago. Tsuchia's one of this nation's most famous professionals, and a powerful man in the same career field Takumi and Keisuke both plan to enter. Takumi-kun has already turned down two offers for access to Keisuke's trust fund on top of telling his cousin iie when offered help to get his career jump started in front of Yukiko."

Even though the regal onna's presence intimidated Takumi on some level, he felt compelled to say something. "It's fine that Takahashi-san is concerned, Keisuke, 'Kāsan Yukiko. Your obāsan is worried about you, Keisuke, and I can understand that. I don't think she's writing me off. I really don't think my relatives should be brought into this. I'm not my cousin, so there's no reason to mention Tsuchia. It's wrong to throw that in minasan's face. I'd rather prove myself on my own merit, if you don't mind."

"But, Takumi-kun . . . ?" With a hard motion of a hand Takumi cut Yukiko's objection off while he glared.

"Don't!" He turned to the regal woman that looked quite startled over his outburst. Takumi forced his expression to calm. "I really made things messy without meaning to when Keisuke first told me how he felt. Things got worse when my ex-girlfriend shot him. You have every right to be worried. I hope you'll see in time that I never want to give Keisuke another reason to suffer, Masako-san, Tatsuhiko-san."

Ryuunosuke added, "Takumi seeks to make his way in this world through his own efforts, and omits anything that might influence others to judge him on criteria other than the hard evidence he chooses to give. I know you'll both realize that Takumi's not like anyone else Keisuke's gotten attached to in a very short amount of time, minasan."

-oo0oo-
- 12
- 13
- 14
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

All For Love 3rd in Rivalry Series