It Began on the Streets

Response to reviewers:

SephirothduMatrea: It is! I was thinking of food and Dinuguan just popped into my head... Don't know why...

XxMaddy: Here's the next chappie!

SnowBlizzard: Fuji is just awesome. Anyways I've updated!

Craze Izumi: Yup... Yup...

Darkyukirin: Glad you like it! Here's more!

KiriharaAkaya: Yes, yes... My favorite dish has that ingredient. It's not as bad as it sounds... Hope this update is soon enough!

NBKitty: Glad you love it!

hazel-3017: Here's an update!

HoshiHikari: Somehow...

yoshikochan: Fuji is way too involve in this because he's cool like that. You'll see more of Fuji later.

eiko43: Glad you enjoyed it!

Hoshiko Megami: I've updated!

Part 12

Ryoma sighed. He was bored. No matter how interesting the party seemed, it was still boring. Tezuka was off being harassed by other business partners; Fuji was with Atobe talking with other people. He calmly stood off in one of the private corners. He didn't want to be talked to death otherwise he might do something…unpleasant. He took another sip of his champagne.

He really hated dinner parties.

He paused as he saw a familiar picture. He walked closely to it and examined it. He froze as he realized where he'd seen it before. His Ina had the same picture.

The picture consisted of three teens: two boys and one girl. The two boys were carting off the girl on their shoulders. The girl looked like she was protesting against the idea. His Ina said that they were her brothers. She said they had died. But then why would the Tatsuha mansion carry the picture? A coincidence? He was startled when someone spoke to him.

"They were my siblings."

Ryoma turned around to see Tatsuha standing behind him. Tatsuha walked up next to him.

"The three of us were adopted into this family. By accident, the three of us use to steal money from our father's account since we didn't have enough. When they found out they already lost a lot. Of course we were caught but my sister destroyed all evidence. She was clever. She was going to be the owner of this company but she…died. My brother was off somewhere doing something with his life. I stuck around making sure the company doesn't fall into the wrong hands." Tatsuha said.

"I'm sorry," Ryoma said trying to sound sympathetic with his practiced voice. Tatsuha just laughed it off.

"The past is the past. Do enjoy yourself Rinko-san, you look bored," Tatsuha finished before walking off to discuss some business. Ryoma sighed. He wanted to leave. As if some high deity heard him, Fuji came over and told him that they were going. He hoped this wouldn't be another limo rush.

-X-

Alas it wasn't a quiet limo drive. Fuji did most of the talking. Atobe and Tezuka occasionally answering. Ryoma just looked out the window twirling his favorite knife in his hands. Fuji sat beside him but didn't mind. Tezuka was wary of it and Atobe was panicking inside.

Ryoma ignored the conversation for the most part. He'd been thinking about that picture he saw. Sure it was coincidence or maybe it wasn't. Why would Tatsuha have that picture? Were his Ina and him related? He was shook out of his thoughts when the limo came to a sudden stop. Luckily this time he wasn't flung all over the place.

"Now what?" Atobe asked rhetorically. They heard the driver door open and shut. Something was definitely wrong. When their passenger door opened, guns were pointed at them.

"Get out," one of them said. The four immediately went out. One person went to each of them, a gun pointed at them except for Ryoma.

"What's the meaning of this?" Tezuka asked in a calm voice.

"Something interesting caught my eye."

They all turned in front of them, as Tatsuha appeared lighting his cigarette and blowing out some smoke.

"My, what a pleasant surprise Tatsuha. What was so interesting about Tezuka's fiancée—" 'Rinko' growled "—that you had to hold us hostages for?" Fuji said with the usual smile on his face.

"I heard how Rinko-san defeated three of my best, including my brother. I just wanted to see for myself." Tatsuha looked at 'Rinko' and smiled. "What do you say Rinko-san?"

Ryoma thought about the pros and cons of this situation. On one hand, Tezuka might reprimand him later, but on the other hand, he could humiliate Tatsuha in a dress and heels. Hmm…that doesn't sound too bad.

"Fine. But leave them out of this," 'Rinko' responded.

"Good. You didn't have a choice." Tatsuha tossed 'her' a similar katana. He watched as 'she' examined the blade before placing it back in the sheath.

They stood facing each other. The group surrounded them with Tezuka, Fuji, and Atobe in the front still held hostage. Ryoma glared at Tatsuha. He just hoped that his wig didn't fall off. He barely had time to block as Tatsuha quickly charged at him, almost slicing him in half. He blocked with the sheath of his blade.

"You're good Rinko-san. I wonder what else you're capable of," Tatsuha commented.

Ryoma scowled in annoyance. He pushed Tatsuha away before making his own attack. He still didn't let the blade out. He was able to push Tatsuha back while attacking. Then Tatsuha was able to make his attack but Ryoma jumped out of the way. But unfortunately he felt a kick on his hand making him let go of his weapon. He responded by doing the same thing by kicking Tatsuha to the ground and pushed the blade away with his feet.

They were now in hand-to-hand combat. It was hard for Ryoma because he had to balance on heels. He dodged punches and kicks. The audience was just in awe.

Ryoma didn't see a kick come from behind him. He stayed on one knee while his other leg was propped up. He grabbed a couple of knives hiding under his dress. But before he could strike he was in a headlock and the knives in his hand were dropped, as there was pressure on his wrists. He felt Tatsuha's breath next to his ear.

"You remind me of someone, or rather two some ones," Tatsuha said next to him.

"Flattered," Ryoma gritted out.

"Yes, very spirited people. You remind me of her very much. Your arrogance, beauty, and knowledge… Her appealing traits, but isn't it time you drop the act… Ryoma…" Ryoma's eyes widened when Tatsuha uttered his name. He seemed to be lost for a few seconds before coming back to reality. He swung his leg up to kick Tatsuha in the face.

Should Tatsuha pay attention to the sidelines, he would've noticed a pair of brown eyes glaring at him. Fuji's mouth quirked up in amusement as he noticed.

Tatsuha moved just in time to avoid a kick to his face. This 'woman' was flexible. He grinned. He dodged another kick aimed for his face but didn't see the punch aimed at his side, a powerful one. He clutched his side. He was kicked down on the ground and felt the heels on his neck almost chocking him. Ryoma let go after a minute.

"Let them go," Ryoma said angrily pointing his hidden gun towards Tatsuha's head, looking at the group. Tatsuha gave the signal and Tezuka, Fuji, and Atobe were not being held anymore. He kept the gun pointed at Tatsuha as he stepped backwards to them. "Anyone fire or move and I'll blow his head off." He threatened.

"Hmm…you're an interesting character 'Rinko-san'." Tatsuha said, smirking as he saw Tezuka's eyes glare at him. Ryoma noticed and grasped Tezuka's hand to calm the older man down.

Ryoma waited as Fuji got into the drivers seat while Atobe and Tezuka went inside. Ryoma quickly followed and Fuji sped off.

"After them!" Tatsuha ordered his cronies. They quickly followed in their cars. It was a clear road tonight.

Ryoma cursed as he saw them. He quickly rolled down the window and sat on the ledge firing at the windows and tires. He was able to get two as they collided. He fired again at the others but he ran out of ammo. Being ambidextrous comes in handy. He tossed the gun inside before going inside.

"Fuji-san, you have something I could use?" he asked in urgency. Fuji quickly opened the trunk in the front seat and handed Ryoma an M60. Ryoma, as well as Tezuka and Atobe, were surprised.

"Kaori-san suggested we be prepared," Fuji answered. Ryoma shrugged before popping the window roof open. He peaked on top before sitting on the roof of the car with his legs dangling inside. He quickly fired at them. He disposed of a couple more but shots were fired at him. He went back in. He lost his balance and fell in Tezuka's lap.

"Fuji-san, watch it!" Ryoma retorted.

"My driving isn't that bad Ryoma-kun." Fuji spoke before doing a 180-degree turn and fired at the remaining two cars quickly blowing them up before hightailing it after making another rotation.

The three in the back sighed in relief.

"Syuusuke, where did you learn to do that?" Atobe asked so he could make the person's life a living hell.

"Actually, Kaori-san told me about reckless driving. I just wanted to try it out." Fuji answered. Ryoma shook his head.

-X-

Tezuka looked worried. He watched Ryoma looking to the side and just play with his food. This was annoying Tezuka greatly. He placed his hand over Ryoma's, surprising the other making him drop the utensil.

Ryoma looked at Tezuka confused.

"Something's bothering you. Care to talk about it?" Tezuka answered his silent question. Ryoma shook his head.

"It's not important." Ryoma answered and pulled away.

He stood up and walked into the kitchen putting his dish in the sink. Tezuka followed worriedly. It was plainly obvious that there was something wrong. He watched, for a while, Ryoma wash his dish. He noticed that the water was producing steam. Ryoma would burn his skin. Tezuka grabbed a hand towel and walked over, turning the faucet off. Ryoma was startled and looked to his side. He realized he made a mistake looking to Tezuka's eyes.

Tezuka thought he caught fear in those golden eyes. But it passed as he blinked. It must've been his imagination. He snapped out of his gaze as Ryoma called his name.

"Tezuka-san," Ryoma began. He was about to say something else, but he stopped himself. Tezuka had taken a hold of his hands and dried it with the towel.

"Your hands would've burned under the hot water," Tezuka answered. Ryoma just sighed and then pulled his hands back. His head was lowered.

"Thank you Tezuka-san."

"I thought we'd be on a first name basis by now," Tezuka said lifting Ryoma's head to meet his eyes.

"Ah gomen, Kunimit—" Ryoma was cut off when lips were over his. His eyes widened in surprise before he gave in. He found himself against the counter. It had been awhile since he's had this much affection from the other. Since Tezuka was always working, they hardly had time together.

Ryoma kissed back; their make-out session continuing. He wondered how'd they even manage. They'd only known each other for a few weeks maybe a month, but it felt like forever. It was welcome as it pushed all thoughts of Tatsuha knowing his identity from his mind.

-X-

Tezuka sighed softly as he gazed down at the sleeping figure. His thoughts drifted back to the conversation he and Fuji held earlier after their near death experience after the party.

Flashback-----------

"Ne Tezuka, what do you think?" Fuji asked as he looked at Tezuka who was putting a sleeping Ryoma on the bed.

"Of what?" Tezuka answered.

"What Tatsuha wants with little boy wonder? Tatsuha already knew that Ryoma is 'Rinko' and he clearly states his interests."

"Ryoma can take care of himself. I feel sorry for anyone who try and cross him."

"But don't you think it's interesting that Tatsuha actually pays attention to him?" Fuji prodded as they made it out of the room.

"If you're trying something again, you can save-"

"I'm just saying you should be careful Tezuka," Fuji interrupted him. "By the way, did you notice how Satoshi-san and Kaori-san looked at him the minute you saw them first lay eyes on him? Saa… I guess it doesn't matter even if Keigo had been pinning to find their leader for some time now. Ja ne, Tezuka, I'll see you tomorrow."

End Flashback------------

Tezuka brushed a strand of hair from Ryoma's face. He never really paid that conversation to mind. As he sat there thinking about it, he was able to draw conclusions. He didn't like what he had come up with. He vaguely remembered Atobe mentioning about some gang leader he wasn't able to get in contact with. Coincidentally it was around the time—

He recoiled his hand as if it was burned. His eyes widened in surprise.

Impossible!

TBC--------------

BLK Angel of Destruction: I was supposed to update it last week but I couldn't transfer the files soon enough because I forgot. Anyways I really appreciate your reviews!

Review! NO Flames! C+C accepted.