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Alternate Tracks 2nd Story in Rivalry Series	By : kurahieiritrJIO Category: +G to L > Initial D Views: 2560 -:- 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
- 2
- 3
- 4
Author's note: I'm moving all the Rivalry Series here. I'll finish As the Smoke Clears, the 4th Story, and Driven Heart after moving this story and All for Love, 3rd story. Japanese Dialog crib is on my profile page. 'Thoughts' Flashback 'Dream'

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CHAPTER 3

Takumi Fujiwara stood next to his hachi roku stifling yawns. Sexual tension had made sleep impossible as his groin demanded attention he had not dared give it with Keisuke so near. The downhill specialist was glad Ryosuke Takahashi was at the bottom of the mountain focused on Keisuke's battle. If his mentor had witnessed his frequent yawns, Takumi would have gotten a lecture. Worse, he might have heard Ryosuke-san declare his battle a forfeit for his own safety.

Looking over the somewhat teardrop-shaped car he would race, Takumi did his best to ignore the driver. The woman driving the Porsche was petite, wearing a suede leather skirt with shoulder length hair. She was pretty enough to warrant his undivided attention, but Takumi felt stabs of guilt every time she tried to make eye contact. Her friends, and well wishers surrounded her. Still, she watched him as if they did not exist.

The opposing team had decided to run the uphill first, so Takumi had nothing to do. The teen hoped he could stay alert as he waited for his battle to start. He sipped on a can of coffee that Kenta had pushed into his hands, and tried to concentrate on Matsimoto's latest mechanics lesson. Takumi sought to disregard his female opponent's stares as Matsimoto explained each step in the process. His mechanic asked him questions to make certain he had the information memorized. So far, Takumi had managed to answer correctly each time.

The hachi roku's engine was running to warm up so Matsimoto could check the oil pressure. His mechanic also insured there were no overlooked leaks. Takumi stood next to his busy mechanic watching everything Matsimoto did as he sought to learn the mechanical side of racing. The dark-haired man double checked various bolts and fluid caps to make sure they were tight enough to prevent any fluid losses when the battle pushed his new racing engine to its maximum potential.

The woman's pointed glances in his direction invited Takumi to talk with her. However, Takumi found that he compared her softer come hither glances against Keisuke's openly lust drenched stare. His new partner's gaze was anything but softly calculated. His teammate's glance was so brazen that Takumi blushed to his toes whenever he received a perusal. He turned away from the girl's coquettish antics to focus on Matsimoto's activities. Kenta stopped beside him, giving Takumi someone to help block the woman's view.

"Think Keisuke san's battle will start soon, Kenta?"

"Once the radio checks are complete, we're all green." Takumi felt that his female opponent was still checking him out even with his back to her.

"Don't let her embarrass you, Fujiwara." Kenta's voice drew his attention to the other driver.

"She's probably wondering whether I'll be a challenge or not." Takumi brushed off Kenta's observation.

"Bull. Not looking at you that way, she isn't. She obviously wants a date." Matsimoto grinned as he added his own tease to the conversation.

"It doesn't matter if she does. I'm with someone already." Takumi stalked toward his driver side door to avoid giving any explanations. Kenta followed him to the side of his car as he grabbed his door handle.

The sandy-haired driver spoke softly next to his shoulder. "I'm glad you decided to give Keisuke-san a chance."

Takumi jerked back at the unexpected remark. "Uhm, Kenta, where did you get that idea? Did someone say that to you?"

"iie. I noticed you're having trouble around Keisuke san because you're feeling guilty about dating him. You were told it's wrong to be with another guy, so you're on edge. Getting caught is a scary prospect." Kenta answered in a very soft voice.

The hachi roku's hood dropped into place as Matsimoto finished the check. "You're set to go, Fujiwara."

Takumi looked at the older man and gave a nod. "Arigato, Matsimoto." Turning back to Kenta, he demanded in a very soft voice, "Nani makes you say that, Kenta?"

"You're reactions when you're around him. You like Keisuke-san, but feel weird about being with him. You're wondering about a lot of things, especially how much trouble you'll get into if anyone figures it out."

"Am I, . . . th, . . th . . . at obvious?" Takumi winced. Fear that their other crew members had noticed flashed through him. Matsimoto was putting tools back into a chest in the back of van two so Takumi knew he was too far away to overhear their quiet conversation.

"It's not blatant, or anything like that. You aren't going to tip anyone off who isn't already aware of your situation, Fujiwara. I know you feel strange about things because I've been in your shoes."

"I wonder if I'm wrong to try this. I mean, we're both men. I worried Keisuke san's going to change me into someone I'm not. This is wrong is running through my head like a broken record." Takumi cringed as he admitted his uneasy feelings.

"I remember feeling the same way. But, none of that changes the fact that you like being with Keisuke-san, does it?"

Takumi sighed and shook his head. "It still feels like I'm doing something wrong, or going to lose who I am because I agreed to try this, Kenta."

With a smirk, Kenta responded. "That's normal, Fujiwara."

Takumi muttered under his breath, "There's nothing normal about me anymore."

Kenta nodded. "I remember when I got involved with a third year during my first year in high school. I felt horrible about being attracted to Sugisaki, and guilty about the situation. So, I can relate, Fujiwara. I was scared that he'd turn me into someone I wasn't if I was with him, the same as you with Keisuke-san."

Takumi felt his hackles rising. He also felt a sudden surge of hope that Kenta would share much needed answers. "Can I ask how you got past it? The feeling like you were wrong . . . I mean. . . I can't get this one memory to shut up. All my classmates were saying gays were sick and worse during my first year when a couple got expelled. I keep hearing that in my head whenever I'm around him."

The sandy haired driver shrugged. "I had to accept that I liked Sugisaki enough to be with him despite things minasan said. Most people believe really insane stuff about homosexuals. It's not a disease, but some people believe it's contagious. Once I realized he was more important than the opinions of others, it got a lot easier."

"So, you had to lose your friends to make things work with your partner, Kenta?"

"Not really. I did lose a few friends because of Sugisaki, but I made others who didn't think we're sick, Fujiwara. At first I didn't now Sugisaki was willing to change to keep me, so I was afraid I'd do all the changing to make things work. That was hard to deal with because there are things I like about myself. I thought I would lose those qualities. But, I didn't lose anything about myself once I realized that he was changing to comprise with me. It was easier to settle with him. Plus, I learned that I wasn't losing myself because of loving him. Once I made the changes I had to make so we would last, the guilt and fear faded away. I don't regret anything I've changed about myself. We've gotten through a lot of tough problems because we work together, and help each other get through everything as a team."

Takumi heard the screech of tires. He swivelled his head to listen.

"Sounds like they're under way." Kenta murmured after several moments of silence.

"Yeah. I should get ready for my run. Domo for telling me your situation, Kenta. It helps to know I'm not crazy after all." He opened his door and moved to settle inside the hachi roku.

"Fujiwara?" Kenta's voice had him turning back to look at his teammate.

"Nani?"

"Whenever you need someone to talk to, I'm here. It helps when you have friends in your corner. And, I know how often Sugisaki's personality used to overwhelm me when we started dating. Keisuke san's personality is a lot more intense than Sugisaki's. It's probably difficult to talk about your thoughts at times, since Keisuke san's so assertive. Onegai, talk to me whenever you get confused, Fujiwara. I really want you and Keisuke-san to be happy together."

"Arigato, Kenta. I'll think about it."

"Good luck." Kenta flashed a smile, and walked toward the finish line where Matsimoto stood.

Takumi put a foot into the hachi roku as he felt a tingle between his shoulder blades. He turned part way back to see his female opponent still watching him. The downhill specialist again shrugged off the woman's visual come on as the product of his over active imagination, and got into the hachi roku. He left his door open while he waited for Ryosuke to give him the signal to go to the starting line.

Keisuke's yellow FD pulled into the lot a minute later, and rolled to a stop next to his car. The blond's grin told him that Keisuke had won his match even without having watched the outcome. Keisuke sauntered over with hands stuffed into his pants pockets. The blond ducked his head into his doorway. "How are you holding up, Takumi?"

"I'm fine, just a little droopy when I've got nothing to focus on. I know you won by the smirk on your face, Keisuke-san."

"That guy has a total lack of talent. He's wasted on an expensive performance machine." Keisuke looked around the lot and his eyes settled on the woman who stood by the Porsche. Takumi revved his engine a couple times as Keisuke sized up his opponent.

"That's too bad. I know you wanted a challenge." He double checked his gauges as he spoke.

A deep growl left Keisuke's chest as he demanded in a soft voice, "How long has that broad been staring at you?"

"Huh?" Takumi's head jerked around.

His eyes were impaled by Keisuke's angry stare. "How long has that stupid onna with the Porsche been staring at you, Takumi?"

"I don't know. She looked over a few times, but I didn't think anything of it." Takumi shrugged slightly with an open-handed gesture.

"Che. Stupid bitch needs to look elsewhere. You're already taken." Substantial irritation made Keisuke's voice gravely.

"Keisuke-san, Going over the engine pre-check with Matsimoto, and the course in my mind has kept me busy. I didn't notice anything wrong with my opponent. I assumed she's wondering if I'll be a strong opponent."

"You can be so damned dense sometimes. But, I still love you. Wonder nani she'd do if I kissed you right now? Want to find out?" Keisuke gave him an evil grin.

Heat flashing through his body, settled in his face and ears. Takumi hissed back at the man crouched inside his door. "Nani the hell are you thinking, Keisuke?"

"I hate it when someone else ogles my man. That's my job." The easy quip made Takumi give him a stern glance.

The teen sighed and shook his head as he sought to deflect Keisuke's temper. "I didn't really notice, so naze are you so angry with me?"

Van one pulled into the lot and Ryosuke got out. Once he was satisfied with his laptop's arrangement, he walked over to speak with them. "Good work, Keisuke. You broke the course record by seven seconds."

"Domo, Aniki. I left that guy way behind. I was on my way back to the lot before he crossed the finish line."

Ryosuke nodded, and turned his attention to Takumi. "Ready to go, Fujiwara?"

"Hai, Ryosuke-san." Takumi nodded.

"Considering Keisuke's competition, your opponent may not have a good grasp on the best lines for this course. Keep that in mind. Be cautious before you assume that she can only use her car's potential efficiently on the straight sections. She might be more proficient than her onīsan. Her abilities should be obvious within a few corners. If she's a mediocre driver, the last downslope of this course is her only chance to beat you. Her car's greater horsepower, and stability could allow her to make a comeback. If you get in front, and outdistance her enough on the low and mid-speed corners, she won't be able to overtake you on the final short straightway."

"I understand, Ryosuke-san."

"Hello?" The nasal twang of a female voice caught all three men's attention. Keisuke stood as Takumi exited his car, and stood next to his partner. Ryosuke turned to face their next opponent as well.

"Is it time for our battle?" The woman in leather asked in a timid voice with lowered eyes. The demure look after her previous stare irritated Takumi for some undefined reason.

"Whenever you're ready." Takumi answered in a neutral tone.

"Matsushita Yoshiko des. I'm pleased to meet you." The woman bowed as she addressed him.

"Fujiwara Takumi des. Good luck in the battle tonight." She looked surprised at his offer of luck. Takumi felt she would need it if she was as incompetent as her brother.

Matsushita-san smiled with pleasure. "Arigato. Perhaps after our race, you'll sit with me and talk. I've never met anyone with a team like your's before."

"Fujiwara has a long drive home." Keisuke's tone held displeasure Takumi noticed as he interrupted the woman.

"Hm, is that so?" The woman gave him a pointed look. Takumi nodded in agreement.

"I see. Perhaps another time then?"

"He's already taken if you're trying to get a date, onna." Keisuke snapped as his arms crossed over his chest.

She looked between the two of them and paled. "Oh, I apologize for being rude." Takumi wondered if she had pieced their relationship together. Keisuke's attitude made it hard to ignore things best left unspoken.

Takumi rubbed the back of his head. "Uhm, well, you didn't know I was seeing someone, so I hope there's no hard feelings. Gomen about my teammate's temper. Keisuke-san gets a little protective of his teammates at these battles."

Matsushita shook her head that there weren't any hard feelings. Ryosuke came to his rescue as he rebuked his younger brother.

"Keisuke, Even if Fujiwara doesn't talk much, you haven't got the right to step in and take over his conversation. Fujiwara isn't the type of person to cheat on his sweetheart. You're way out of line to insinuate he would, even by accident."

"Arigato, Ryosuke-san, for understanding that it never crossed my mind to cheat on the person I'm dating now. My ex-girlfriend did that to me, so I know how it feels to get burned." Takumi gave Keisuke a much harsher rebuke than his brother.

"Oh, well again, gomen nasai for the misunderstanding. I hope you're very happy with your new girlfriend." Matsushita turned and walked to her car with a brisk stride as Keisuke's teeth popped audibly over being called a girl. Takumi felt sorry for the young woman as she got into her car and started her engine. She pulled toward the starting line without an engine warm up to escape the tense scene.

"Gomen, but she really pissed me off. She had a lot of nerve trying to pick you up with me standing here, Fujiwara."

"She didn't know anything. I guess you and Matsimoto san were right. I would have turned her down if you hadn't jumped into the conversation. You almost announced I'm with you. Stop being so territorial, Keisuke-san. This is our business only." Takumi kept his voice quiet, but his tone held bite as the heated words flew off his tongue.

Ryosuke rubbed his forehead. "Fujiwara's right. Refrain from making future scenes. I don't need the headaches that your jealousy causes, Otouto. Fujiwara can tell anyone who asks him for a date that he's already taken without you butting in, Keisuke. Fujiwara, get to the starting line."

"Che. These guys are bakas, Aniki. She didn't even warm up her engine before she moved to the starting line. That Porsche has been sitting for at least an hour. Her engine needs the warm up cycle to protect it. Her Aniki did the same thing. Those cars are going to need new engines in a couple years because of that kind of abuse. When are we going to face some real drivers?"

Ryosuke sighed as if in pain. "Patience, Otouto. This course is important for Fujiwara's advanced training. It has unique challenges that he needs to conquer before we battle top drivers again."

Takumi tried to ease the tension between the two brothers. "It's fine, Keisuke-san. As long as I do well, this opponent doesn't matter. It's a good way for me to learn new types of strategy and techniques. I'll give it my best."

"Blow her away, Fujiwara. I'll see you in a few minutes." Keisuke winked, and stepped away from his car. Takumi got in, shut his door, and buckled his racing harness in place. He checked his gauges one last time before he put the compact into gear and lined up with the sports car that waited.

The count down started. Keisuke had told him that the other car would have a quick start off the line so he was not surprised when Matsushita-san took the lead up to the first turn. The Porsche throttled down hard as the woman braked early for the first corner. Takumi quickly overtook the other car on the second corner and settled in to gain as much distance as he could before the gentler incline began.

The first half of the course had numerous corners for Takumi to use to his advantage as the top quarter was quite steep. Mid-speed turns dominated this road which was a disappointment for him. Takumi knew he needed to use the sharper angles of the course to gain as much distance from Matsushita-san's Porsche as possible. He would lose the advantage of his second gear, and lighter weight in the shallower section of this course, which was the largest part. He had to use new techniques to keep the hachi roku moving fast on this course, which was why Ryosuke san had chosen this battle.

A series of mid-grade s curves was taken with ease as he followed the rhythm he established from the previous night's practice. Akina's downhill specialist continued to plunge toward the bottom of the run, while ignoring his opponent. The Porsche's headlights would blink into his rearview mirror at every straightaway, but the woman did not manage to get onto his bumper, although Takumi knew she could still catch him.

Takumi entered the shallow portion of the course and continued to pour on the gas as he pushed the transmission and torque converter hard to increase his speed. Keisuke had said that her engine was in the back of her car. Here was where he would get into trouble with the other light weight, more powerful midship. Takumi expected Matsushita-san to gain ground as he pushed the Trueno hard to maintain his lead. The Porsche caught up to him with three corners to go.

What Matsushita-san lacked in cornering knowledge, she made up for on the straight-a-ways as they began their battle in earnest. Matsushita-san's brake points were weak, as she slowed before she should have to set up for every corner. From the glimpses he had of her technique, she was a mediocre driver as Ryosuke had predicted.

The last corner fed into a straight that had a fairly strong bank. That would be the place Matsushita-san's Porsche could pass him. Her tires could have enough traction to pull it off considering how timid her cornering was. Takumi got ready for the real contest as he entered the straight on the inside lane. He did a series of rapid shifts he had developed the night before to force more power through his torque converter, and into his drive train. The Porsche took the outside lane and gained ground to ride at his passenger door. The car gained even more ground as they dove toward the finish line. Fujiwara drop shifted to gain a final burst of torque from his engine, and passed the finish line with the woman's bumper level with his front tire. It had been close.

Matsushita-san looked unhappy as they parked in the lot closest to the finish line. Takumi left his engine running to speed the cooling process. He walked over to Fumihiro and waited for the rest of the team to return with the vans.

"Great race, Fujiwara. You beat the downhill record by six seconds."

"Uhm, arigato."

"Hey, she's pretty cute, Fujiwara, and looks like she thinks your cute too. You should tell her that you both set a new course time. It might make her smile."

"Can I leave that to you, Fumihiro-san? I'm seeing someone that gets very upset if they find out I talked too much to any onnas at a battle."

"Oh. Gomen, Fujiwara. I didn't know you had a girlfriend. My bad."

"Uhm, . . . not a problem. I don't talk much." Takumi felt guilty for not correcting the other man's misunderstanding. However, he had to work with him, and did not like the idea of additional, unnecessary stress being added. Too many people looked down on gay romances, and Takumi did not know where the older man stood.

Fumihiro chuckled. "That's true. I guess that's just how shy guys are. Eh?"

"Hai." He nodded his head in agreement and turned back to his car while Fumihiro walked over to cheer the attractive woman up before their teammates arrived.

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Alternate Tracks 2nd Story in Rivalry Series