Disclaimer: Though I wish I owned this entire series, I don't. All original characters are mine. None of the songs used belong to me.

Summary: After he loses Gisele, Han finds himself picking up the pieces without her in Tokyo. Tired of living in her sister's shadow, Joanna decides starting over in a new country would be a fantastic idea. Neither of them expects to cross paths, nor do they expect the sparks that come with it. But he's got his secrets, and so does she and when their two worlds collide in a spectacular way, it's enough to leave them shaken, reeling, and utterly breathless.

A/N: I honestly had a lot of fun writing this chapter. It gave me a chance to really focus on the Joanna/Han relationship a little, as I want to make it as realistic as possible. So of course, they have to build a friendship first. There are also some hints to Joanna's past, as she had a life before Tokyo. So I hope you enjoy and be sure to review! I like to know what you guys are thinking. Enjoy!

Chapter Four

Trust Issues - Drake

Joanna could practically see Twinkie and the others cringing as she slammed on the brakes and the Silvia came to an abrupt halt. Loosening her tight grip on the steering wheel, she sighed heavily as she leaned back in the seat. Drifting was not her forte.

"Try it again," She heard Han say and threw him an incredulous look. He simply stared back at her, and she couldn't tell what he was thinking behind that mask of his.

Putting the car in first gear, she began driving through the makeshift track again, Twinkie's voice in her head telling her what to once she reached a tight corner. It didn't help as she skidded around the corner and came to another sudden stop. Frustrated, she put the car in park and got out. Storming past Han and the others, she took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.

"You're thinking too much," She heard him say but decided to ignore him. This had all been his terrible idea anyway, "Go home if you're going to pout. We'll try again another day."

Hearing his nonchalance, she turned and gave him her iciest glare. She was getting sick and tired of his attitude. He was the one with the problem, not her, and it was beginning to grate on her last nerve.

"Screw you; you can have your drifting. I'm done." Walking over to the Lotus, she climbed in and started the car. Throwing the car into first gear, she sped away from the docks where they had been practicing.

No one had ever been able to get under her skin the way he did. Not even her own parents, no matter how poorly they had treated her. She couldn't make sense of it, and in that moment, she wished she could call her sister and talk to her. Grace always knew what guys were thinking. She had given Joanna all kinds of advice when it came to dating.

Not that she wanted to date Han. They were barely even friends.

Cruising through the city, she debated what she would eat that night when a familiar set of headlights pulled up behind her. At the sight of the orange and black Mazda, she rolled her eyes and picked up speed. She didn't have time for this. And she certainly didn't want to deal with him.

Speeding to the freeway, she figured she could lose him there. What she didn't count on was him pulling up beside her and keep pace with her. Glancing over, she was instantly infuriated by the smirk on his face. This was child's play to him.

"Ugh! Leave me alone!" He couldn't hear her but she knew he could read her lips. After a few moments, he seemed to get the message and backed off, eventually leaving her to drive alone.

Dinner forgotten, she drove to her apartment and quickly exited her car. Hurrying up the stairs, she walked inside and shut the door, being sure to lock it behind her. She knew she was being ridiculous but she was tired and annoyed. Stifling her hunger, she headed into her bedroom and collapsed on her bed.

She didn't want to move for the rest of the evening.

He stood there, leaning against his car, and just watched. She had been so frustrated that day and he did nothing but make it worse. Gisele wouldn't have left, she would have met him blow for blow. They had had some pretty nasty arguments, but always made up. He had to remember Joanna wasn't Gisele. Gisele could kill without batting an eyelash. Joanna would probably faint at the sight of a paper cut. They were almost opposites.

And yet, she was so much like his love.

Swallowing, he pushed off of his car and walked over to the building, trudging up the stairs to where he knew her apartment was. He stood outside her door for a few moments, wondering why he was doing this. Then he remembered the dull ache in his chest that he wanted to get rid of. He knocked twice and waited.

When she opened the door, her eyes narrowed and she gave him a nasty glare. He had to fight the urge to smile. Gisele had always been beautiful when she was angry. Joanna was no exception.

"Can I come in?" The glare didn't fade but she took a few steps backwards and let him inside.

"I'd offer you food, but right now I'd prefer you starve." She said as they walked into the small living area. He took a seat in a desk chair while she settled on her couch, "Why are you here, Han?"

"You got upset today. I figured I'd check up on you." Even he didn't believe his own words, and he knew she didn't either. He knew his reputation preceded him. Han Lue didn't care about anyone but himself.

"Don't let the door hit you on the way out."

"Joanna, wait." He didn't know what he was doing. He didn't know why he was doing this. All he knew was that he had to make the pain go away, "I'm sorry."

He tried not to get offended when her eyes went wide and a smug grin broke out on her face, "Did you actually just apologize to me? Hell must be freezing over."

"Don't get used to it," He smirked but was glad that he was back in her good graces, "Besides, I can't have you hating me if I'm going to teach you to drift."

"Ugh, no. I'm done with drifting, it is for the birds." Getting up out of the desk chair, he walked over and grabbed her arm. As gently as he could, he pulled her from her seat and they began walking towards the door, "Wait, where are we going?"

"It seems I have to change your mind again," Han chuckled.

"Well can I at least put shoes on first?!"

Joanna honestly could have fallen asleep as Han drifted easily down the mountain. She knew he was a good driver, seeing as he spent a vast majority of his time working on cars. But her mind was blown at how easy he made drifting seem. It was like breathing to him, and she could see the relaxed expression on his face, he was in his element.

"So why Tokyo?" He didn't look at her, keeping his eyes focused on the road. The question hung in the air as Joanna debated how she should answer it. She barely knew this man, despite their growing friendship. The only person she ever let in was her sister.

"I lived in Madrid before this, got into the racing scene there. Then…I got bored, decided to see what else was out there. Someone suggested Tokyo." She hoped this answer would suffice and it seemed to when he nodded, "What about you?"

"I made a promise to someone." He didn't say anymore and Joanna knew to drop it. She had no right to pry when she chose not to be as forthcoming as well.

As they drifted around another corner, she closed her eyes. Before they started, he had explained to her that drifting wasn't about controlling the car; it was about becoming a part of the car. It was about letting go and trusting the car. With her eyes closed, she focused only on the movements of the car, letting her mind think only on the movements of the car.

She didn't realize she had fallen asleep until the sounds of the city filled her ears. Blinking a few times, she searched for Han only to realize he wasn't there. Sitting up, she looked around and realized she was in the Shinjuku district, more specifically Kabukicho. Frowning, she noticed the doors were locked and wondered why Han would leave her alone in such a precarious place.

Sighing, she leaned back in the seat and pulled out her cell phone. There was really no point as the only people she knew in the city so far were Twinkie, Reiko, Earl, and Han. The three students would likely be asleep at the moment. And Han…was nowhere to be found.

Groaning, she wondered if she should chance getting out of the car and walking to the nearest subway. Catching sight of some guys that were obviously Yakuza, she decided against it. Han could be out any moment, she told herself. Nevertheless, her hand rested on her thigh where she could feel the outline of her knife. She learned more than just racing in Madrid. That was for sure.

A knock on window almost makes her jump and she glares at Han who seems to be stifling laughter. Unlocking the doors, she watched as he climbed in and settled in the driver's seat.

"What the hell is wrong with you? You left me. Do you realize where we are?!"

"You looked so precious while you were sleeping, I just couldn't wake you," Sarcasm dripped from his voice, "Relax, they know who this car belongs to. They wouldn't have touched you."

She refused to stop glaring at him until his eyes met hers and she could see sincerity in them. He wouldn't have let them hurt her. Frowning slightly, she nodded and relaxed.

"Hungry?" He asked as they cruised through Shinjuku. Shrugging her shoulders, she pointed to a ramen stand and he parked the car a few blocks down.

"What were you doing anyway?" Joanna asked as they sat down at the stand and he ordered for the both of them in Japanese.

"My, you're a nosy one." She bristled at that, remembering a beautiful Spanish man telling her the exact same thing when she asked why he was coming home so late. It hadn't ended well and she wondered if Han was involved with such dangerous activities as well, "I was visiting a friend."

"The same friend you made a promise to?" Recalling their earlier conversation, Han shook his head.

"No that was someone else…they're gone now." The sadness in his eyes, though it was there briefly, spoke volumes. Instinctively, Joanna reached out and placed a hand on his arm.

"I'm sorry." His eyes met hers again, and this time her breath hitched in her throat. Swallowing, she forced herself to tear her gaze away and focus on something else. She didn't need this to happen again. When she fell in Madrid, she fell fast and it had almost killed her.

Not again. Never again.

"Thanks for tonight," She smiled at him, "I had fun."

Han couldn't help but smile, silently willing for her to stay and linger. He knew that once she was gone, the ache would return. Earlier, he had to fight the overwhelming urge to take her in her arms, seeing the fear in her eyes when she thought he had left her in danger. He couldn't. They barely knew each other.

"Be at the docks at noon tomorrow. Something tells me you understand drifting a little better." She opened her mouth as though she was going to say something else, but stopped. As though she had heard his silent wish, she leaned back in the seat, "You okay?"

"I'm fine. I guess this mean we're friends now." She rolled her eyes as though this fact bothered her, but the cheeky grin that appeared on her face said otherwise.

"I know plenty of people who would be honored to be called my friend. Don't take it lightly." This makes her laugh and she playfully punched him in the shoulder.

"Goodnight Han, I'll see you tomorrow." He watched as she opened the door and climbed out. She walked up to her apartment and turned around long enough to give him a wave, before she disappeared inside.

Sure enough, the moment she was out of his sight, the ache slowly began to return. It was dull and almost unnoticeable, but he had lived with it for so long that he didn't fail in recognizing it. Closing hi eyes, he willed it to go away, telling himself that he would see her the next day. It didn't help.

"Damn."