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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
- 7
- 8
- 9
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. The addition of previously deleted scenes in story 2 will cause temporary incongruities which will get corrected.

CHAPTER 8

Yukiko Takahashi turned her blush-colored Mercedes onto the narrow street near Fujiwara Tofu Shop as Ryosuke directed. She pulled into the guest lot at the corner. The sedan slipped into a space between a white and black Toyota compact, and a sky-blue sports car.

"Okāsan, that's Fujiwara's hachi roku. He normally parks it beside his home. Do you think Bunta-san has disowned him?"

"We're about to find out. If Bunta has, we have to make certain Takumi understands he doesn't have to get a job, or find a new place to live, Onīchan. I think Takumi-kun's pushing himself so hard because he's afraid of imposing."

Yukiko's shoulders squared as they closed their car doors. She marched to the tofu shop with Ryosuke at her side. She pushed the door open with a jingle of bells. A deep voice boomed from behind the curtain. "Be with you shortly."

Yukiko glanced at the counters where different tofu preparations were on display. The place was immaculate. The counters were sparkling Yukiko noticed as she smoothed her expression to hide irritation. Takumi's habitual cleaning made more sense as she took in the scenery of his home.

Bunta emerged from the back with a blank facade. For a moment they looked at each other before Bunta's face turned surly. "Nani do you want?"

"Fujiwara-san, I came to see you about Takumi's medical update. You hung up when he called with information from Kitamura senumon-i."

"Takumi said to disown him." Bunta's hands rose to his hips.

"I've heard about your argument. I also saw your musuko's car in the guest lot when I arrived. I think you should reconsider, Fujiwara-san. Your musuko's quite emotional due to the strain he's been under. He said things he doesn't mean."

"Just Bunta. This isn't the time to talk about it. My musuko's stubborn in case you haven't noticed yet. Takumi's not going to change his mind, or listen to reason." Bunta waved off her polite address and returned his hand to his hip.

Yukiko frowned at the older man thinking, 'Your musuko's not the only one with a stubborn streak.'

"We still have things to discuss, Bunta." Ryosuke stood next to her with a frown on his face as she squared off with the dark-haired man before her.

"I don't see that there's anything to talk about. I have Takumi's keys if you want to take his car to him. If he wants the rest of his things, I have half of them boxed and can load them for you to take with you. I'll finish packing his things as I get a chance."

"May I come in so we can discuss your musuko's medical condition, Bunta-san?" Yukiko did not hide the edge in her voice as she demanded cooperation.

"Someone dropped by to see me." Bunta hedged.

"We wouldn't be here if not necessary, Bunta. You're still Takumi's Otosān, and have the right to know his medical status. I know Takumi-kun's upset over things said in Keisuke's hospital room, but that doesn't have to destroy your family."

"Tell me his medical update, but the rest is none of your business, Takahashi." Bunta waved them through the curtain with another sour look.

An older man in an expensive shirt and slacks greeted Yukiko's eyes as she stepped into the main home. The stranger had keen black eyes and a slight, but quirky smile. The man sat beside a cluttered traditional table that dominated the small room. The strange man looked familiar to Yukiko, however, she had no reason to believe she had ever met him.

Empty beer bottles cluttered the table top, and filled a trash bag that leaned against the wall. A track can also looked ready to burst with more bottles. The ashtray in the table's center was about to overflow with musty butts. Yukiko felt her nose wrinkle as she continued to look around the room. Space was limited, and unless she moved several more empty bottles, no place existed for herself, or Ryosuke to sit.

"Well, Bunta, I had no idea you were expecting someone, or I would have straightened up." The man smiled and bowed his head as he spoke in a soft voice. Yukiko again tried to place the sense of familiarity.

"Tsuchia Keiichi, this Takahashi Yukiko. She's the lady watching over Takumi. This is her older musuko, Ryosuke." Bunta growled their introductions.

The familiarity clicked as a poster in Keisuke's room flashed into her memory. Ryosuke spoke quietly at her side. "Tsuchia Keiichi, the Drift King. Now, I get it."

"Oh. That explains my sense of familiarity. My younger musuko, Keisuke, is an admirer of yours." Yukiko bowed to the man at the end of the table and looked back toward Bunta with a dip of her brows.

"That so? Isn't he the FD driver from Project D?"

Ryosuke had a thoughtful look on his face as he spoke. "Hai. Keisuke's the uphill driver for Project D. Bunta-san mentioned he knew a professional, but we had no idea it was you, Tsuchia-sama."

The famed driver eyed the area as he noted her continued perusal of the room, and chuckled. "I'm not the only one in the pro circuit Bunta knows. It probably looks to you like he needs as much looking after as Takumi-kun, doesn't it?"

"Shut up, Keiichi. It's not usually like this." Bunta vanished into the main shop as Tsuchia picked up the ashtray and dumped it into the already full garbage can.

Yukiko moved the bottles that had fallen on the floor to sit beside the other collected trash. She moved back to the other side of the table, to sit at the newly cleared space until Bunta returned.

"Takahashi Ryosuke? Didn't you turn down several offers to go pro over the last two years?"

"Hai, Tsuchia-sama. I'm more interested in the unusual tactics used in the street racing scene. I have obligations that come before personal pursuits at any rate."

Tsuchia gave him a considering look and shifted to address Yukiko. "So, Takahashi-san, I guess you can see that Bunta's upset about his musuko's injuries. I take it that's the reason you dropped by?"

"Hai, Tsuchia-sama. We came to give Bunta news."

"No more sama, minasan, yoroshiku? Is it good or bad news?"

"I'll explain once Bunta returns and sits down."

The curtain fluttered to announce Bunta's return. The silent man gave a quick, thorough cleaning to the table as Yukiko and company waited for him to settle in his own place. Bunta grabbed most of the trash, then vanished again. It took several more minutes for Bunta to return. Bunta tossed the last of the beer bottles into the empty garbage can and dropped into his place end of the table. He gestured for her to begin. Yukiko glanced at Tsuchia and back to Bunta. He grunted with a nod.

Yukiko began, "We took Takumi-kun to a neurologist because he has numbness in his thigh, Bunta. He's going to have to overcome the difference in reflexes caused by fringe pudendal nerve cluster damage so we wish to help him get the therapy his leg will require after his bone heals."

Bunta frowned. His sleepy expression became dark as he took in what she said. "So, Takumi won't ever race again. Guess that settles things."

Ryosuke surprised her as he shook his head. "Not so. Fujiwara has to retrain his reflexes, which is the reason he needs therapy. Kitamura-senumon-i said reconditioning exercises will get Fujiwara competitive again. Fujiwara has numb skin, but it won't cause permanent problems. His choice in career isn't over, Fujiwara-san."

Tsuchia added, "Sounds like you're being gloomy for no reason, Bunta. If he works hard once he starts driving again, Takumi will probably get signed on in as little as two or three years. Like I said last night, he's still making a lot of waves."

Yukiko latched onto the man's comment. "Nani do you mean Takumi-kun's making waves, Tsuchia-sama?"

"I dropped in on Bunta because of that Project D web page, Takahashi-san. I wanted to know the details about that foreign race they want to enter. Bunta said he doesn't know anything about it."

"You mean the North American Iron Will Continental Endurance, don't you, Tsuchia-san?" Ryosuke picked up the thread of conversation.

The drift king nodded. "That's the one. Is that really your planned grand finale, Ryosuke-kun?"

"We received the regulations, and an entry form package a few days ago. We must resolve several problems before we decide whether this battle is feasible."

"Nani problems?" Tsuchia motioned for Ryosuke to continue. "Explain."

"There are severe restrictions on the cars, Tsuchia-san. No matter how many modifications we attempt, there's zero possibility of making either automobile viable for this course. We have to find acceptable cars that can be modified to meet the criteria for the off road section of this course."

"Hm. Takumi's wins impress fans because of the antique he drives. There's no way to claim it was his car that made his victories possible. Most of his fans will be furious if he changes vehicles."

"I think there's a better chance for Takumi-kun to get into this important race if Bunta lets him use his car. Keisuke and Ryosuke are discussing the merits of a survey to get input about cars that can qualify. Once it's known that their current cars can't qualify, the fans will have no reason to be angry about our musuko driving different vehicles."

"I'm not giving Takumi my car. He has his own. He told me to get out of his life, remember?" Bunta snarled with a severe glare.

"Your musuko was angry, Bunta. You said vile things to Keisuke that afternoon. Takumi reacted because of the things you said after Keisuke saved Takumi's life. Twice."

"So, that's the problem. I've read his web letter, Bunta. He's as loyal as you. Nani did you get nasty with one of Takumi's closest friends? Knowing you, whatever you said must have been brutal too."

Bunta's angry scowl dominated the room. "Drop it, Keiichi! This is between me and Takumi. He said to disown him because he's too damned thick skulled to back down."

Yukiko leaned forward to look Takumi's otosān in the eye. "Bunta, you may not want to talk about it, but that doesn't change the facts. To be blunt, you have as thick as skull when it comes to being stubborn as your musuko any day! It's no wonder Takumi-kun is pushing his leg much too hard. He learned it from you."

"You're letting Keisuke screw up his life, and Takumi's too, Takahashi."

Ryosuke clenched his hands on the table top. His eyes blazed as he turned on Takumi's otosān. "Keisuke's not screwing up his life, or Fujiwara's. Fujiwara's at the breaking point, and doesn't need you disowning him because he won't turn against Keisuke."

"With the rumors on the streets, neither one of them has a chance of ever going pro so long as they hang around each other. I told Keisuke to back off before he destroys their hard work, and dreams. Takumi got pissed off about it, but he needs to realize that society won't tolerate the situation."

"Now, hold on, Bunta. Takumi's letter has really impressed people. They say Takumi gave a powerful argument. His friends are important enough for Takumi to remain firm, no matter the consequences. That's the main talk going around. Hell, it's even making rounds in corporations that sponsor my team, and others."

"Fujiwara meant everything he wrote, Tsuchia-san. Some of the explanation came from a Gaijin he met two weeks before the shooting. Fujiwara incorporated some of her culture's terminology to help others understand his genuine feelings."

"Even my pit crew has talked about that letter, minasan. Takumi's refusal to be ashamed of being loyal has won him admirers. Keisuke's also gained allies in the professional arena because he protected Takumi without hesitation."

Bunta gave Ryosuke and herself a dark look. "Damn punk was crazy enough to put Takumi first, but it will cost both of them their goals, Keiichi. You should know that better than anyone." Yukiko wanted to flinch at how angry Takumi's otosān was, yet refused to cave to impulse as Ryosuke glared at Bunta-san.

Tsuchia's eyebrows rose as he noticed the hostile looks flashing between the two men. "You know, Bunta, I recall two young men who lived for their cars when we were young. They were elite drivers with a genuine passion for driving. They kept fighting with the odds stacked against them. They deserved to go to the professional circuit. Would you happen to recall whom I'm talking about, my friend?"

"Naze bring that up, Keiichi?" Bunta's tone was surly.

"Because the rumors were outright lies. They reacted so badly to the same rumor as Takumi and Keisuke are facing that the pro league overlooked them. I heard that Takumi and Keisuke managed to fight it out and win by very small margins against God-foot and God-hand. They were targeted long ago by envious bakas because of their skills. The same type is targeting Takumi and Keisuke now."

Ryosuke looked confused. "Naze would anyone think they're bisexual or gay? We never got that impression of either one of them when we battled them."

"They aren't and never were, gay. Both were professional grade drivers, but also inseparable friends. It cost Hoshino-kun his chance of going pro when he beat some baka half to death over insulting himself, and Joshima-kun. Team owners had concerns that the rumors and Hoshino's fight would frighten away sponsors."

"There's no point in talking about it, Keiichi. These two didn't need to know about it."

"I also recall another top driver that threw away his chance to go to the pro's. My cousin came for a visit from Tokyo and hooked him by the nose one summer. Next thing I knew he was married, and taking over a tofu shop to support a new family." Tsuchia's tone was frosty as he gave Bunta a dark look. Yukiko heard Ryosuke gasp.

Tsuchia punctuated his words with an upraised hand to fend off Bunta. "I'll never forget how I felt the day I got the call from my team manager. You were the first to shake my hand, and congratulate me, Bunta. Not a day goes by that I don't recall that you belonged in the circuit too."

Bunta growled. "Keiichi, it's ancient history so drop it!"

"I've tried to find ways to correct the wrongs my cousin did to you and Takumi." Tsuchia gave Bunta a loaded look as he spoke.

"Don't get yourself into any more trouble, Keiichi."

"If I get into trouble because of a racing engine de-tuned and shipped to Gunma, or endure a bit of discomfort because I'm willing to help Takumi beat the odds, . . . it's my choice, Bunta."

Yukiko shook her head as she tried to absorb everything. "So, you're related to Takumi-kun?"

"I'm not a close relative, Takahashi-san, but that's beside the point."

"Naze didn't Fujiwara tell us?" Ryosuke asked.

"Never crossed my mind to mention it to him." Bunta shrugged.

Yukiko thought Ryosuke looked even angrier with the black-haired man beside whom he sat. She turned to look at the other end of the table. "Tsuchia-san, am I correct to assume from your comment about discomfort in helping, the rumors have damaged Takumi-kun and Keisuke's chances of getting into the professional circuit some day?"

Tsuchia rubbed his chin. "Although unflattering rumors are on the streets, most believe they're lies. The more relaxed atmosphere we have these days should make it easier to get sponsors for both shonen once this recession eases. Companies don't panic like they did a decade ago over rumors or press. I believe both have a chance to get into the circuit if they keep working hard."

"That's a relief. Fujiwara and my little brother want to get into the professional arena. Their natural competitiveness makes them push each other to improve."

"Takumi's letter made a lot of sense. His analogy that his friends are like an extended family gave people new insight into true friendships. After I read it, I understood Keisuke's reasons for protecting Takumi, even though must have known he'd be badly hurt in the process."

"Tsuchia-san, I know it's not right to involve you in these problems. Nevertheless, I did come today to convince Bunta that he needs to accept Takumi kun's decision."

"Are you trying to destroy any chance they have of getting into the pro's, Takahashi? This isn't the time. It isn't your place to stick your nose into mine and Takumi's fight!"

"I'm not trying to destroy anything. Takumi told you he won't turn against Keisuke. You're angry about his decision, and making Takumi suffer for no reason. Takumi accepts Keisuke for himself no matter that you condemn Keisuke for being bisexual. Takumi deserves better treatment! He's a decent person that refused to judge Keisuke over things he has little control over." Bunta glared with his mouth open as if he wanted to say something, but no words were forthcoming.

Tsuchia cleared his throat. "I'm certain it must be unpleasant time for your whole family, Takahashi-san. Keisuke's life must be difficult because of his unusual lifestyle."

Yukiko continued. Keisuke's lifestyle is quite normal." Yukiko's tone was tart. "Keisuke had difficulties as an adolescent. Once he realized that he found certain men as attractive as onnas, he couldn't hide his own shock. It forced my musuko into fights that should never have happened. It was devastating to see my children treated cruelly because of a biological fact of life. Keisuke became involved with gangs to learn how to survive mean spirited, and narrow-minded people. Takumi-kun's acceptance has been essential to Keisuke fully turning his life around. Few people have the strength to accept others as they really are, but, . . . Takumi-kun has that strength."

"Takumi's still ruining his life because of your musuko. Keisuke made it clear that he'll do whatever it takes to keep Takumi around. That attitude pisses me off. He'll ruin both of their lives, Takahashi!" Bunta snarled.

"You're narrow minded and petty, Bunta! Nani has Keisuke ever done that earned your hatred other than being born bisexual? He almost died saving Takumi-kun's life. How can you be so vicious after he did that?"

Bunta exploded. "Keisuke's interest in my shonen's going to turn people against them both, Takahashi!"

The professional racer turned to look at Bunta with confusion clouded eyes. Ryosuke began to speak before Yukiko could negate Bunta's harsh words. "I think you both need to understand several things. First off, Keisuke's the main reason Fujiwara remained involved in street racing."

"Hm, Bunta didn't say anything about that." Tsuchia murmured.

"My little brother never let up after Fujiwara beat him on the downhill his Otosān demanded he run. Several times over the next few weeks Keisuke drove to Akina to argue with Fujiwara to accept other racer's challenges, even though Fujiwara didn't care. He didn't believe he was a street racer. Keisuke convinced him that driving is more than a chore. My brother gave Fujiwara the goal of reaching for the pro circuit. Keisuke believes in his driving abilities, and refuses to give up on him. He admitted he's a bit addicted to seeing Fujiwara's drifting style."

Tsuchia grabbed a cigarette pack on the table and pulled a tube. He began to tamp it against the table top as he looked at everyone. Yukiko felt the man's disquiet. "Naze do you want Takumi-kun to turn on Keisuke, Bunta? It's not as if these rumors will last. It might slow their progress a bit, but most people already believe the rumors are bull."

"Unless they go their separate ways, both of them are going to suffer a lot worse next time something happens, Keiichi."

Ryosuke snapped, "Fujiwara relies on Keisuke's opinions and insights, Bunta-san. He won't comply with your demand because he can't do so and continue to move forward. Fujiwara feels he was forced into choosing my brother over you. Fujiwara shouldn't have to do something that drastic."

Tsuchia lit his cigarette and spoke. "It sounds like you're overreacting, Bunta. If Keisuke's impacting Takumi in such a positive way, naze are you mad that they're friends?"

Yukiko took a deep breath and sighed. "Bunta's been angry ever since we learned my musuko protected Takumi-kun because he truly loves him."

Tsuchia dropped the lighter, staring at her. He raised his hand to clarify the situation. "Matte! Do you mean Keisuke's in love with Takumi? Like romantic love?"

Ryosuke's voice vibrated with frustration. "Tsuchia-san, Fujiwara summed up the situation quite appropriately. Fujiwara knows Keisuke's feelings didn't give him any choice about falling in love with him. His insight sets Fujiwara apart from others. He recognizes things most don't ever think about."

"I'm not sure I understand." Tsuchia cocked his head to the side.

"Keisuke was furious about the changes in his feelings. Things got difficult for everyone involved with Project D while Keisuke fought his growing attachment to Fujiwara. Keisuke became vicious with everyone because he didn't want to accept those feelings existed. When Fujiwara got into a car accident because of acute exhaustion, Keisuke stopped fighting with his emotions. Fear caused by seeing Fujiwara almost go through a guardrail made Keisuke accept he's in love with his teammate even though he didn't want to be."

"If Keisuke's in love with Takumi, avoiding him would be normal. Most people do that, even if they know their friend doesn't want to feel that way." Tsuchia flicked an ash into the ashtray.

Bunta heaved a sigh as he ran a hand across his face and shook his head. Yukiko watched everyone's reaction. Ryosuke seemed better suited to explain the situation than herself.

"Fujiwara isn't like that, Tsuchia-san. Fujiwara knows how hard Keisuke has tried to get rid of his attachment to him. Fujiwara says that people don't think about how emotions work before they judge Keisuke. Being bisexual isn't a disease, and Fujiwara understands that. Because of listening to Keisuke when they talked things out, Fujiwara felt compelled to tell his Otosān to disown him over this situation. Bunta-san refuses to consider how hard it is for Keisuke to change his intense and unexpected emotions toward Fujiwara."

Bunta lit a cigarette and blew a stream of smoke with a grumble. "Wrong, Ryosuke-kun. I know emotions don't go away. Keisuke's feelings are real and I don't deny that. You have to understand that if he keeps chasing Takumi, Keisuke's going to get hurt much worse. He needs to walk away while he can still recover. Keisuke's feelings can't change this world's reality. This world doesn't want fags running around in it. That's a fact of life. Keisuke-kun said he'd get ruthless to protect Takumi. But, I don't want Keisuke-kun getting hurt again, or even killed because he can't leave Takumi alone."

Bunta's attitude appalled Yukiko. "Bunta, the shooting made several things very clear to your musuko. Takumi won't turn on Keisuke. Your musuko knows he needs Keisuke in his life. He'll continue to stand beside Keisuke even if things get difficult at times. I know Takumi-kun meant everything he said in his letter to the public. Keisuke's much too important to lose in Takumi's eyes. Keisuke's so important to Takumi that he's willing to do anything he can to keep Keisuke in his life. Naze must you be so cruel to Takumi over his honestly caring about Keisuke?"

Tsuchia appeared thoughtful, if unsettled, as he motioned for everyone to be quiet. "It almost sounds like Takumi's gotten attached to Keisuke since the shooting."

"That's right, Tsuchia-san. Keisuke almost died in front of him, and Fujiwara didn't handle that very well. Long before Keisuke fell in love with Fujiwara, he supported Fujiwara's racing skills and efforts. My brother told him to take pride in his abilities. Without my brother to push him, Fujiwara would never have worked toward becoming an elite driver. Fujiwara made goals that he never considered possible because of Keisuke's urging. Fujiwara didn't give any indication that he would join Project D even though I offered him an all-inclusive upgrade and expenses for free deal to get him to sign on. Keisuke was the one that finally got Fujiwara to join our team."

Tsuchia's voice was thoughtful. "Takumi feels that he has two people who know him better than he knows himself. One of those people is Keisuke, or so his online letter claims. This problem must be very uncomfortable for him. Maybe you shouldn't be backing Takumi into any corners, Bunta. He's enough like you to get stubborn, even if he's not happy about this development."

Yukiko frowned at both men. "Takumi-kun isn't at all troubled by Keisuke's attachment to him. Takumi feels he has to choose Keisuke. We all see that he's hurting terribly because he felt he had to do so, Tsuchia-san. I have to stop Bunta's meaningless hatred toward Keisuke before it's too late to reconcile with his musuko."

Bunta snarled, "I don't hate Keisuke. Do you expect me to sit by and watch them destroy their dreams because of Keisuke's crazy crush, Takahashi?"

"Your attitude is wrong, Bunta-san! Fujiwara, and my brother bring out the best in each other. They can reach any goal working together. Both have distinctive abilities that overlap. They're an unstoppable force as a team. If they split apart, they'll never achieve their goals, no matter how hard they try if they work on their own!" Ryosuke's fist hit the table top as he barked right back.

"Takumi-kun mentioned that this Iron Will race trains world championship drivers, Bunta. I believe our musukos are planning far ahead, and you haven't realized it. Maybe we should have faith in them, instead of creating even more obstacles they don't need."

"World Championship? Kami-sama, Bunta. If that's their final goal, I've been seriously underestimating them both."

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All For Love 3rd in Rivalry Series