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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
- 13
- 14
- 15
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 making revision and uploading chapters an ongoing hassle. This note will change once revised.

CHAPTER 14

Keisuke made sure he sat next to Takumi for the meal. The meal went better than initial introductions with his grandparents. As his relatives finished eating, Keisuke steeled himself for the next round. He was relieved that the table's occupants began to excuse themselves. The group shuffled around the private banquet hall searching for specific individuals as the evening wore down.

"Keisuke, I've learned more about you tonight. Your grandparents are amazingly tough. I understand you better . . . now." Takumi's soft words startled Keisuke.

"Nani brought that on, my own?"

"Remember when you said your childhood was a pressure cooker because you never were an honor student in anything except sports?"

"Hai. We talked about growing up when I drove you home. Gomen that my Takahashi grandparents didn't react the way I thought they would, my own. Obāsan was unbelievably nasty to you."

Sobo Ogino was gleeful as she stopped next to Takumi's shoulder. "Looks like you're about done eating too. Several people are waiting to talk to you, Takumi-kun. I told minasan at the end of the table I would introduce you. Now, come along and get to know the rest of the family."

"Sobo, you've monopolized Takumi all evening. I should be the one who's introducing him to minasan since he's my life mate. Fujiwara also needs to sit for more than five minutes. I can tell his thigh's bothering him. His leg's broken, or have you forgotten?" Keisuke snapped as irritation got the better of him.

"Oh dear. I'll make sure Takumi-kun sits for the rest of the evening, Keisuke. Will you humor this old lady for a little longer, grandson? I'm excited about getting acquainted with a new family member." She dropped a quick kiss on his cheek as she prompted Takumi to get up from his seat. Keisuke fought down his indignation as Takumi shot him a wistful smile and rose at his grandma's pushy request.

Sobo Ogino was latching onto his mate again. Keisuke knew she wanted to get to know the love of his life. Knowing that she accepted, and even approved of Takumi was a soothing balm after Obāsan's ruthless interrogation. After the incident with his Takahashi relatives, Keisuke was feeling protective. The number of other relatives with possible bad intentions since Obāsan Takahashi's rude behavior was causing Keisuke discomfort.

Sobo hustled Takumi toward a couch at the far corner of the room, waving others to her as they went. Several relatives, mostly onnas, made a beeline toward Sobo to surround the pair. Keisuke squared his shoulders and stood up. Although Keisuke knew Sobo would curb backlash toward his darling, he decided to follow them to help prevent damage. Before he could follow, a strong hand dropped onto his shoulder, restraining him.

"Going somewhere, grandson?" Ojīsan's voice at his shoulder forced him to glance to his side where the equally tall man, and his otosān stood. His older brother and several other men moved to join them.

"I was going to Fujiwara. Sobo keeps taking him away from me. After everything else tonight, he needs moral support." Keisuke did not care if he sounded petulant, or was rude. Three long hours of having to be respectful when he was livid had his nerves strung taut. Ojīsan had said things to Takumi that Keisuke felt were uncalled for during their interrogation. He felt no remorse in allowing his anger freedom through his voice. A few quiet snickers met his declaration.

Ojīsan handed him a scotch on the rocks with a chuckle. "I know you're out of sorts with me right now. However, we still haven't had a chance to toast your birthday, grandson." He lifted his glass. Courtesy pushed Keisuke to do the same. He tasted the fiery brew wishing he could escape before he exploded.

"You know, I think you may have found yourself a decent partner. Not many are strong enough to accept verbal punches without anger. Your friend rendered Masako speechless on four separate occasions because he never faltered, Keisuke. Most of his answers were unexpected, and quite refreshing. I know Obāsan might need a few weeks to accept him fully, but, I think she already respects this young man of yours."

Keisuke turned the rest of the way to face his grandfather with narrowed eyes. "It almost sounds like you like Fujiwara. Still, you helped Obāsan shred him earlier. You were both downright rude. I don't understand this turn around. Nani's the catch, Ojīsan?"

Ojīsan lifted a hand in a peaceful gesture. "I DO like Fujiwara. I was shocked to learn about his existence. I did say a few things that are harsh. That's because I have to live with your Obāsan, grandson. I have no doubt that in time you'll learn the true meaning of compromise if you spend your life with that young man. Compromise sometimes means playing devil's advocate to keep the peace at home. Your young man said things I never expected to hear from someone so young. He's far more mature than I would have ever guessed by looking at him."

"I always know where I stand with Fujiwara because he's honest. I knew his thoughts even though he panicked over me falling in love with him. He didn't lie to me, or run away because he was uncomfortable. He faced me and himself no matter how hard it was for him."

"I believe you, grandson. Fujiwara admitted that he hurt you because he was so confused. I saw no attempt to evade anything negative since you began seeing him. He accepted responsibility for his actions and made no excuses for himself. Fujiwara Takumi has a rare kind of courage to do that. Akiho and Michiko both tried to pretend they were perfect. I truly thought he would try to ingratiate himself with us as those onnas did. However, he hasn't done anything I expected tonight."

"Ojīsan, the things' Fujiwara thinks he's done to hurt me have never bothered me. The only time he ever hurts my feelings is when he refuses to rely on me. He says that if he doesn't do things on his own, he'll never be my equal. I get mad as hell over his lack of faith in himself when he says such stupid things." Keisuke looked back over at the couch where Takumi had been drawn. His eyes caught Takumi's and held. His otosān moving between them, blocking Keisuke's vision.

"Takumi-kun relies on you a great deal already, musuko. Refusing financial help doesn't mean he refuses to rely on you. He relies on you heavily for your love and support. His pain tolerance is wearing thin, and he relies on you to forgive his bouts of irritability almost every day, musuko." Keisuke frowned at Otosān's comment. Keisuke wanted to take care of Takumi in all ways imaginable, not just emotionally. He wanted to be relied on more often than when his amber haired lover decided he was not being bothersome by asking for something.

"I know Takumi's in nonstop pain. Right now he's pretending to be fine when I know he's not. I noticed from his reaction that Takumi doesn't like wine, but he had a second glass with his meal, Otosān. I need to get him home soon so he can take his prescription and elevate his leg. He's been on his feet way too long. His thigh's probably swelling too."

Keisuke looked down at the ice and amber liquid he held. Keisuke wanted to get Takumi out of there soon. Until Ojīsan released them, he had to curb his surliness. Takumi was determined to play the role expected of him. He refused to offend their hosts, although Keisuke's family had offended him.

Ojīsan Tatsuhiko spoke. "Keisuke, I'll be honest. When Fujiwara told you that we had the right to interrogate him because we're concerned about your happiness, Fujiwara impressed me. If your companion wishes to be your equal, then you should be pleased that he feels that way. That will prove beyond any doubt that he's willing to love you, not your wealth. Working to gain the same level financially as you can only help his position." Ojīsan Tatsuhiko pointed out.

Keisuke snarled, "I really don't give a damn whether or not the Takahashi family thinks Takumi's good enough. You're wrong for basing his acceptability on net worth, Ojīsan. Fujiwara Takumi's workaholism is getting broken one way or another. You have no idea how much Fujiwara works. You don't realize how long he's been working too many hours either. Fujiwara started his first job when he was in seventh grade. He had two jobs before he graduated high school. The minute he graduated from high school he got a full time on top of one of the part time jobs he was already working. Even after we got together, he kept both jobs. The shooting finally forced him to slow down so I could spend more time with him. I'm not letting my life mate do that again. He's the only one for me, Ojīsan. He's my equal in all the ways that matter. So, get used to him being with me."

"We know we're supposed to take care of ourselves and others financially so your unease with your friend's reticence is normal." Keisuke jerked his head to look at the relative who spoke. "When you consider that society teaches men to be breadwinners, taboo relationships pose an interesting question. Is it possible for two men to find a compromise that does not degrade either one's pride?" Obāsan Masako's younger brother swirled his drink as he waited for a reaction.

Annoyance rippled through Keisuke at being censured in such an underhanded way. "Naze are you asking something like that, uncle Kichikawa? Is there a point? Or, is this your sneaky way of saying you're opposed to Fujiwara Takumi, the same as Obāsan is?"

"I'm merely asking you for an opinion. You admit that you two argue about who relies on whom. I've already heard from Ryuunosuke that your new companion has put two legal contracts through the shredder because he refuses to have anything to do with your trust fund. Won't your young lover become even angrier if you continue to pressure him into being dependant on you, Keisuke-kun?"

"I'm not trying to force Fujiwara into being dependant on me, uncle Kichikawa. I want him to be comfortable with relying on me when he needs my help. I know he won't abuse access to my trust fund. He needs to be able to get things right now. Fujiwara's suffering from a very bad injury. His own bank account has gotten depleted because of his shattered bone keeping him out of the work force."

"Perhaps so. Still, I would find it unbearable if I was in the same position as young Fujiwara. I assume you would find it equally degrading to need Fujiwara to financially take care of you, even for a short term. If this young man likes to work and provide for himself as you claim, won't he feel deeply ashamed if you coerce him into remaining dependant on you? There's little enough possibility of Fujiwara ever commanding a salary that can put him on equal financial footing with you, Keisuke-kun. He doesn't have the necessary education, or background to escape from the rigors of manual labor."

The way Kichikawa phrased his thoughts made Keisuke feel he was being domineering. It had never been his intention to hurt Takumi's pride, yet here was a member of his family shoving that possibility down his throat.

"The professional racing circuit pays a lot, uncle Kichikawa. He doesn't need a fancy college degree to get there. Fujiwara's one of the best drivers in this nation."

'I know Takumi tore up both of the legal documents because I'm giving him too much access to my account. Does he feel like he'll be disgraceful if he relies on me right now? How could Takumi think he's doing something shameful by having his name on my accounts? It's normal for couples to share everything. We need to be the same way. We're together so that makes the damned trust fund ours to share.'

'Takumi offered to set up a joint bank account once he's working again. I don't want to have to limit the amount I put into our account if we do that the way he says he wants it to be. Naze is Takumi so set on an exact match for his paycheck being the cap? I know it pisses Takumi off, but the trust fund isn't mine alone any longer. Takumi's pride is becoming an issue. Or, . . . is it my pride that's causing problems?'

Ryosuke broke into Keisuke's thoughts. ". . . that Sobo Erika wasn't wearing her ring, or necklace tonight?"

Keisuke turned to his older brother with a start. "I noticed, Aniki. That probably means Sobo's selected who receives the legacy. Sofu's been gone for two years, so it's time she passed the legacy set to someone else."

Otosān shook his head. "Your okāsan seems a bit agitated about Sobo not wearing the legacy. She's determined to find out who inherits it."

"Sobo will let minasan know when she's ready. As far as I'm concerned it has nothing to do with Takumi or me. Speaking of Takumi, it's way past time that I go over there and take him back. I may adore Sobo, but I've had it with her clinging to my man. Takumi really needs to get out of here, minasan. His leg's bothering him a lot."

Keisuke turned on his heel and started across the room without being excused. Takumi saw him coming and smiled as their eyes locked again. A wash of guilt flowed through Keisuke as his great uncle's words haunted him. Sobo Ogino prattled away beside Takumi, her arm still linked through his. Several onnas present were chuckling over something she had said as Keisuke closed the distance.

"Sobo, I know you really like Takumi, . . . but, it's time I took him back." Keisuke addressed his other grandmother with a frown. Keisuke was feeling as if his family had decided to separate him from his lover on purpose, and he was tired of the game.

"I think my grandson is getting cross with me. Now whatever am I to do? Any ideas, Takumi-kun? After all he's claiming you, so I bet you have a good idea of how to make Keisuke forgive me." She teased his lover with a big smile on her face.

"Well, Keisuke gets jealous even though he doesn't need to, Sobo-san. But, . . . unless Keisuke gets me back, he's going to get even more annoyed. If you won't let my arm go, then someone else has to move so Keisuke can sit next to me." Takumi's answer was spoken in a soft voice. He smiled up at Keisuke. Nothing else mattered to the blond. He was closer to his lover where he belonged. Takumi needed him. In a way Takumi was speaking to him, and not to Sobo. It seemed that Takumi was not pleased with being separated from him for so long.

"Oh, now this is really too much . . . Keisuke, you walk over and I find myself completely abandoned again. Actually, I've gotten that feeling every time Takumi-kun managed to catch a glimpse of you tonight. Oh, to be young and all starry-eyed again." Her lament was elation tinged. Takumi's attention remained focused on him.

Keisuke chuckled. "Get used to it, Sobo. If anyone else latched onto Takumi, the way you have tonight, I'd have gotten royally pissed off and done something drastic in under twenty minutes. You've gotten special consideration all evening. If my life mate wants to be by my side, then you should let him. As you pointed out, Takumi's a very nice person. You've been taking shameless advantage of his generosity all evening, Sobo. So, can I have Takumi back now, kudasai?"

"If only Sofu Nobu were here to see this. He'd be singing a merry tune right about now over the two of you. It's time I asked you proper then. Are you determined to be spouses or not?" Keisuke found his eyes breaking from Takumi's as he turned to his grandmother feeling disoriented by her question.

"Sobo, I already told you he's my life mate, didn't I? A life partner or life mate is the same gender equivalent of a spouse. You know the law doesn't allow same sex marriage. If it did, we'd get married, instead of only living together for the rest of our lives."

"Just making sure you do have permanent plans for this young man. And you agree with him, Takumi-kun?" Sobo turned to look at Takumi as she gave his elbow a small tug to get his attention.

Takumi flushed as he realized he was the focus of many eyes. Every person within earshot seemed to move closer to hear his answer. Keisuke felt another flare of pique with his relatives.

'Damn, it's like half the family came running to hear Sobo badger Takumi and me. This isn't good. Takumi doesn't like attention, and now he's being put in the hot seat by Sobo.'

"Uhm, well, . . . hai. When I'm working again, . . . we plan on getting our own place, like Keisuke said. That's the only way to do things, . . . in our situation."

'Maybe minasan will leave us alone now that you told Sobo we plan to stay together. I hope we can get out of here soon. I can see the pain in your eyes now. At this rate you'll wind up nauseous if my ryōshin don't get us out of here for the evening. ' Sobo Erika was grumbling at his lover with a fierce look as Keisuke's attention returned to the conversation. ". . . to stay with my grandson for a lifetime, Takumi-kun."

Takumi's expression seemed to ask for assistance. Keisuke gave a tiny shrug. He took a sip of the scotch he had in his hand as his thoughts tumbled through his head. Takumi glanced around again, obviously uncomfortable. His eyes met Keisuke's again as he drew in a deep breath and answered. "It's only fair to pay my share, Sobo-san. It won't take very long for us to get everything sorted out once I get a new full time job."

After his quick glance at Sobo, Keisuke focused on Takumi. Sobo teased Takumi verbally, yet her eyes had a razor-sharp quality Keisuke knew. "Well, if you could get married, as in exchange vows, rings and all the rest, would you do it, Takumi-kun? Humor this silly old woman's whims and give me an answer."

'I think Obāsan Masako really pissed Sobo off. Obāsan Masako has objections to Takumi being with me. Still, Sobo can't do something like that just to get even with Masako. That's too outrageous for even Sobo to dare. But, then again, I know how unpredictable Sobo gets when she's pissed. Okāsan and I both got our tempers from her.'

His amber-haired lover's gaze remained on his face. Keisuke wished with all of his being that Takumi would answer without any prompts from him. His answer had to shore up their status as a couple. Keisuke took another swallow of the scotch that Ojīsan had foisted on him. If Sobo was intent on causing Obāsan Masako grief the way Keisuke thought she might be, his interference could ruin any chance of gaining acceptance from one branch of his family. Keisuke felt his knees tremble as he waited. He saw the green flakes developing in Takumi's eyes.

When the answer came, Takumi's voice resonated with conviction. "There's nothing silly about your question, Sobo-san. Whim or not, reality won't change. There's no possibility for us to be accepted as a couple. Loving someone isn't easy. At least . . . it won't ever be easy for me . . . or for Keisuke. . . . I found out how important Keisuke is to me when he almost died. I can't change society's hate, or the law. All I can do is love Keisuke the best I know how, . . . because, I understand my feelings. I really do love your grandson. . . . Minasan says it's wrong, or twisted for me to feel this way about Keisuke. But, their opinions don't matter to me . . . Since I've known him, Keisuke's become the center of my world. . . . I don't expect anyone to understand, Sobo-san. I can't imagine my life without Keisuke in it, and I don't want to. Wherever Keisuke is, that's where I want to be."

Takumi's eyes never wavered as he looked at him. It seemed as if eyes revealed Takumi's heart in shifting hues of electric blue, encircled violet shards by thin bands of old gold and mossy green. Keisuke felt his heart lurch as the answer resonated in Takumi's look that excluded all others. Keisuke smiled at his younger lover as warmth from far more that the small amount of alcohol he had ingested shimmered through his torso. He knew from Takumi's expression that he meant every word he had uttered with the sum of his existence.

The sound of restless shuffling caught Keisuke's ear. No question about it, Takumi had shocked many of his relatives. A hand dropped to his shoulder. Keisuke ignored the invasive contact as he continued to hold Takumi's gaze. Words had no meaning compared to the message that flashed between them. He knew Takumi was hurting and feeling very uneasy. Somehow, despite that, his younger lover had pushed beyond shyness to say something very profound and impossible to discredit.

"I would like to know if this young man knows about the legacy yet, Keisuke." Sofu's sister surprised Keisuke by speaking.

His eyes dropped to the elderly onna sitting with her back to him as Keisuke demanded in a frigid voice. "Naze would Takumi need to know about that? It has nothing to do with us. I've always known it will go to Aniki, or one of our cousins."

Sobo's tone was tart. "Really? I don't recall ever saying my family's legacy would go to Ayuko, Hatsuna, Jiro, Tsugumi, or Ryosuke over you, Keisuke."

The grip on his shoulder tightened. "This is a perfect example of naze I'm always telling you to think, little brother. The history of the set is the key to who inherits. You should realize that."

Takumi frowned as he turned his head to see the looming crowd around his position. A ripple of murmurs flowed through most of the family members. "Uhm, . . . if Keisuke says it doesn't concern us, there's no reason for me to know."

Sobo glared at him as she answered Takumi. "My family legacy goes to the one who upholds the true meaning of loving others, Takumi. That means the legacy will only pass to someone in my bloodline that most closely embodies the essence of the legacy's historic significance to my family."

Ryosuke spoke from beside him. "Once you hear the story behind the legacy, and know the details of Sobo's ancestors, it will make better sense to you, Fujiwara. Keisuke should have told you about it because it's so important to Sobo's family."

"I don't understand how it could involve me, Ryosuke-san." Takumi sounded uneasy.

Sofu's sister snorted. "You listen well, young man, because it does pertain to you. A priest created Love's Legacy centuries ago for a couple that old social caste law forbid to be together. One of Erika's ancestors was an aristocrat, and the other a commoner. An old Shinto priest carved the molds for a pair of rings, and necklaces. They were a sign of their commitment to each other. That old priest outfoxed the onna's warlord Otosān and helped them flee. He performed their marriage ceremony and presented them with the marriage set that Erika's family calls Love's Legacy. They say the old priest gave Erika's ancestors a charge to protect the molds he made with his own hands. He made them promise to uphold the true meaning of love and teach it to all their descendants. That's the foundation of Love's Legacy, and the reason for the tradition of passing on the set without fail to a new generation."

Keisuke growled. "Sobo can't choose me to pass the legacy to. I'm in a taboo relationship. Sobo can't consider me now."

The elderly woman turned her upper body and used her arm to hold her torso in position so she could see him. "You wouldn't be the first taboo lovers to inherit the legacy. It happened almost two hundred years ago."

"Nani?" Keisuke grabbed the back of her overstuffed chair as he stared at her.

His great-aunt huffed. "It's a fact, so pick up your jaw, shonen. They passed the set on, the same as their ancestor passed it to them. Nobu gave Erika and myself instructions about you right before he died, Keisuke. Onīsan's wishes will be respected by Erika's family because the legacy was his to protect and uphold. Nobu thought it would be you who mirrored Love's Legacy's lesson the best. Because of this young man, his prediction is true."

Sobo chuckled. "She's correct. To my family, the legacy has always stood for having the strength, courage, and determination to stand with one's beloved no matter the cost. Not many onnas would throw away a vast fortune and their pampered life to become a commoner, Keisuke. Your ancestress walked away from her luxuries and status. She became a commoner in all senses of the word, and was happy with her decision. I truly believe you two are going to fight to stay together. I think after meeting your Takumi here, that you should inherit the Legacy."

Takumi looked shocked as he listened. His head swivelled to look at Sobo with a questioning tilt. It was Okāsan that spoke. "The original molds and jewelry have been in my bloodline for close to four hundred years, Takumi-kun."

Tsugumi stamped her foot. "How do you know Keisuke Nīchan should inherit the legacy, Sobo?"

Ryosuke spoke in a quiet, yet authoritative voice. "There was never any possibility of you inheriting, Tsugumi. There's no reason for you to object even though you have a crush on Fujiwara. Fujiwara and Keisuke have already earned the legacy set. Someone went so far as to attempt murder to break them up. Because of the legacy's history, it goes to the family member that has difficulties that must be overcome to stay with their beloved. If anyone has ever had a difficult love affair, it's Keisuke and Fujiwara."

"Very well said, Ryosuke dear. If you will excuse me my dear shonen?" Sobo patted Takumi's arm and stood. "I have some arrangements to discuss so you and Keisuke can inherit. Don't I?" Sobo chuckled as Keisuke's great-aunt smiled and joined her. The two elderly women walked toward the Takahashi family matriarch without a backward glance.

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All For Love 3rd in Rivalry Series