Dawn was almost upon the Fujiwara Tofu Shop. The sounds coming from within the establishment were the usual, Takumi was in the shower and Bunta was loading the 86 with that mornings deliveries. No one usually came by so early; when the doorbell rang, it was no wonder when Bunta jumped and headed to the door. When the elder opened the door, he was surprised to see Ryousuke Takahashi standing in the frame. He was dressed the way he usually dresses, khaki slacks, button up shirt underneath a cardigan sweater.
"Forgive the hour of my visit Fujiwara-san, has Takumi left for his morning deliveries already," Ryousuke asked the bewildered old man.
"Tak, he's up in the shower. It's almost time for him to leave. Would you like to accompany him so that the two of you can talk," Bunta answered after getting over his initial shock of someone being at his door this early in the morning.
"I would like that very much. I'll just wait outside by my car," Ryousuke replied.
It had been nearly two months since Project D was formed. In that time, Takumi had managed to be a bigger asset than he originally figured. His plan was not just to witness the technique of Takumi, but to see what kind of technique and presence of mind he carried behind the wheel. In person, Takumi was shyest boy racer that Rye had ever met. He knew from personal experience not to underestimate his driving whatsoever. The cool confidence and the lazy approach he used while drifting made him one of the best in the whole of Japan.
While Ryousuke was thinking about this, Takumi came outside. He was already aware of the eldest Takahashi brother's presence. He wanted to know the reasoning behind the visit. Takumi knew that there was a Project D meeting this afternoon. He really could speak to Ryousuke then. Despite not wanting to speak, he was rather elated to know that he was graced with a personal visit from the White Comet of Akagi. He felt his pulse quicken ever so slightly in the presence of the team's captain.
"Hey Ryousuke, what do you need," Takumi asked trying to stifle a rather large yawn.
"I was wondering if we could speak in private and figured your daily tofu delivery run would be the best way to maintain privacy," Ryousuke replied matter of factly.
"Oh, okay, the way my dad was going on about your visit, he was under the impression that it was about Project D," Takumi responded a little under his breath. Ryousuke had figured that even in familiar territory that Takumi was still shy. It was slowly getting better due to the fact that Keisuke and Takumi were now the best of friends.
"Do you mind if I tag along on this morning's run," Ryousuke asked politely, though knowing that his presence would render agreement anyway.
"I guess if you're looking to witness any special technique this could almost be a waste of time. I don't think that I have much of a technique anyway. If it's to talk, I guess I could try," Takumi replied in a small voice. He looked forward to every morning run because of the privacy it gave him to think about things. People always bothered him out of his thoughts; yet, he still had not managed to meet the expectations of everyone because he was so shy.
Ryousuke had not meant to catch Takumi off guard like this. He felt that it was the best time to talk in private with the young driver. What kind of shift changes or what kind of facial expressions were used during his drifting. He needed something to help his theory about Takumi and street racing in general. The theory that was formulating in his mind right now about Takumi and racing was mindset. The speed it takes to complete a drift plus what is going through the mind of the driver at that moment equals flawless turning capabilities. Keisuke was developing his own technique that was purely for the uphill. Downhill is something that not everyone could do simply because it took too much effort to calibrate the engine and set up body specs. Too much work was required to cars that were not meant to be light weight. The AE-86, on the other hand, was already equipped to be lightweight because it was an older car. The engine had been replaced with a better one, but that really did nothing to the bodyweight. The struts and tire pressure have to be measured just right to maintain flawless drifting runs.
While Ryousuke was going over this in his mind, Takumi was situating himself in the driver's seat. Bunta came out in his usual laziness and handed the cup of water to Takumi. When Ryousuke saw this, he decided to make a mental note as to the significance of the water. It might have been related to the cargo that was in the hatch in the first place. Never being one to conclude false assumptions, Ryousuke decided to ask Takumi about it when the run was finished.
The morning passed without any further event. The entire drive Ryousuke kept his eyes on the shifting and quickness of Takumi's feet. Brake, clutch and gas the quickness and speed in which the peddles were pressed impressed him to no end. The tires were continuously squealing and he thought that they were going to pop as soon as they entered that last turn at the base of the Akina touge. Ryousuke's business had been about Project D, but now he knew that he had made the right decision in his downhill ace. He had noticed that Takumi did indeed look pensive. Something must have been bothering the young driver. Maybe it was just the fact that Takumi was not used to any sort of human contact while he was delivering tofu.
After the run, Takumi pulled into a parking lot and found a secluded corner. He had wondered why Ryousuke was absorbed in watching him drive. Takumi found the fixation to be an awkward, but welcome boost to finishing his run in record time. Never being one for handling delicate situations, Takumi flushed as he tried to gather up courage to speak.
"Uh, what was it that you needed to speak to me about," Takumi asked knowing that he reminded Ryousuke of the rising sun.
"It is quite complicated, quite complicated," Ryousuke replied almost to himself. "I thought about asking you if you felt comfortable being in Project D. After what I witnessed today, I am more certain than ever that you are indeed one of the best decisions that I made about the project."
"I don't…I…," Takumi stuttered as he tried to reply. He was never good at accepting complements because he knew that there was more to be done before he could compete with his father. Bunta was never one to give complements, but he had never said that Takumi needed to improve either. Hearing The White Comet, himself, say that his decision had been right. What could he say in response?
"Did I say something wrong," Ryousuke asked concerned. Takumi was never one to just give up trying to find the right words to say. "I think what I should have said was. You do have more technique than you realize. Not just anyone can shift and switch peddles without losing speed. That takes great agility that not even I have. Every time I switch peddles and try to keep my speed, I cannot keep one foot on both peddles."
"I thought that it was something that everyone could do because that's how I learned from my father," Takumi replied in a small voice. He was unable to contain his blush because of the confession that he had just received from Ryousuke.
"I am not trying to make you feel a certain way. I want to let you know how completely unique you are as a driver," Ryousuke replied. "It was my intention to talk to you about what you expect to gain from doing this."
"The Project sounded like a great idea," Takumi replied. "You had told me that there was a bigger world than just Gunma and the Akin touge. I thought that it might be one of the best ways to see just how good I am."
Ryousuke was stunned at the bluntness of Takumi's answer. He had never been comfortable around anyone in the Project to even vocalize how he truly felt. Either something was really wrong, or they had made tremendous headway as friends. It could even have been attributed to Takumi's lack of sleep. Whatever the case, Ryousuke wanted to the moment to last forever because this was such a rare event.
"I had no idea that you had been paying attention to me that evening," Ryousuke commented. "That was such an interesting event. I finally spoke to you and all you could say to me was that you were not faster than I was. I know when to accept defeat and that night was one of those times that I could accept it."
"You never answered my question, though," Takumi interrupted, not realizing that he had cut Ryousuke off. "I know that you could have beaten me if I had not used the gutter technique that my dad explained to me."
"That is what I have been trying to tell you," Ryousuke politely interrupted. "I did not even know that was a possibility."
"Oh, I guess that you are right," Takumi agreed shyly. "But why did you choose me? I am not so great and I am even socially challenged. I feel like that all I could do is bring the group down. People don't help make me comfortable, they make me nervous."
"You are not dead weight, the dead weight of the group happens to be the one who is always arrogant and narcissistic," Ryousuke replied. "You are humble to the point of almost being annoying, but when you drive, the confidence that you have in yourself takes over. You are slowly overcoming your shyness, but I am not expecting you to party hard like Keisuke."
"You still avoided my question," Takumi retorted. "Why did you choose me?"
"Simple, every time you race you adapt and change. You never get caught making the same mistake twice, but you hardly ever make any mistakes. I need someone that can adapt and change. You do that better than anyone, Keisuke included," Ryousuke answered him sincerely.
This one particular moment was something that Ryousuke had wanted for a long time. He had secretly wished to be selfish enough to talk to Takumi. He could talk to him about Project D and cars, but not about a long heart to heart that he really wanted to have. Harboring same sex tendencies, Ryousuke hid behind Project D and college to avoid girlfriends. He desired and yearned secretly and painfully in the solitude that is Ryousuke Takahashi. He wanted no other except the downhill specialist of Project D.
"I just thought that you were doing this out of pity because I am not that great around people," Takumi admitted sadly. He knew that since joining Project D, Itsuki had felt betrayed and had quit speaking to him. The other Speed Stars were just too busy trying to catch up where they knew they were lacking. Takumi had never felt more alone in his life than at that very moment. Natsuki had gone off to Tokyo, but that was the last he had heard from her.
"Why would I do that?," Ryousuke asked sadly. "I don't feel sorry for you, but I know how lonely you are. Never knowing who you can trust or who to confide in."
Takumi almost responded when he realized what time it was. Bunta had told him to be back before sunrise. It was almost sunrise. He hurriedly pulled out of the parking lot and sped home. Bunta was waiting outside for him, looking at his watch. As soon as he saw the 86, he was happy to see Takumi was safe, but infuriated at the lateness. He waited for them to park. As soon as Takumi stepped out, and he thought Ryousuke was out of sight, he grabbed Takumi by the arm and proceeded to continue their meager existence.
Ryousuke was not out of sight; however, he did keep his ear pressed to the door to make sure that Takumi was in any harm. He heard the usual noises of Takumi going up to his room, but being followed by Bunta. What he heard next made his heart stop, heard something tumbling down the stairs. He hoped it was not what he thought, but his worst fears were confirmed. Takumi lay unconscious at the bottom of the stairs. Not about to eavesdrop any further, Ryousuke rushed in and proceeded to put his medical knowledge to good use. He checked for a pulse. Then he proceeded to check for broken bones, internal bleeding, head trauma and the condition of his neck.
"Takumi," Ryousuke called as he gently shook him. "Takumi, can you hear me?"
"Ryousuke," Takumi answered quietly. "Why are you still here?" He tried to sit up, but felt Ryousuke hold him down. He followed Ryousuke's line of vision and saw that he was not going to get up anytime soon. His right leg looked none too happy with an open compound fracture staring back at him. It was still a little too early for him to feel any pain because the realization of what had happened had not impacted him yet. He could see Ryousuke checking for any other injuries. He soon became aware at the difficulty he had trying to breathe. Ryousuke noticed this as well and proceeded to check for broken ribs or perhaps a punctured lung. Thankfully, his ribs were just broken. As shock slowly turned into a painful haze, Takumi tried his best to stay awake.
Ryousuke noticed that Takumi was slowly falling unconscious. As soon as Takumi was unconscious, he started to set the leg. It was a clean break, but part of the tibia was protruding from through the skin. With the speed of an experienced trauma surgeon and the steady hand of an artist, he was able to snap the bone in place. Upon his assessment of the situation, he concluded that Takumi sustained a minor laceration to his shifting hand, broken bones and a minor concussion. He notified emergency and the authorities to keep Bunta away from the young driver until he found out what had happened.
As the ambulance drove away with Takumi, Ryousuke wanted to find out what had happened. Had he heard things correctly? Had Takumi just fallen or was he pushed? So many emotions, conflicting and raging, wanted to come out, but being the person that he was, he would not give in. Ryousuke Takahashi does not give in to what may be warring within him.
The policeman that arrived pulled Ryousuke aside and let him know the history behind the Fujiwara's. The secret was this, Bunta love his son. There was no questioning that, but there were not alcoholic rages or blackouts from anger. Bunta suffered from an inoperable brain tumor. Whenever the man became stressed, a switch would suddenly go off in him. One minute he would lovingly give advice to his overly shy son; another minute, he would suddenly turn on him and beat him senseless. Medications and treatments were only delaying the inevitable by the end of the year Bunta would surely die.
The only victim in the situation was obvious. The emotional baggage that Takumi was carrying did not affect him the way that Ryousuke thought it would. What could not escape him, how long had this been going on? Did Takumi even know what was going on with his father?
"Thank you, officer," Ryousuke replied.
"No problem, we have been keeping an eye on them because of the situation. After something happens to the boy, his father never remembers and goes through bouts self-loathing and guilt," the officer explained. "Because of the age, we have never asked if we could remove the younger Fujiwara from the premises. Today is the first time that we have been notified about this taking a dramatic turn like this."
"So, when this happens, the neighbors just ignore it? What about Takumi?," that was all Ryousuke could manage.
"Well, my guess would be that everyone thinks that he can take care of himself. They never even mentioned concern for his well-being," the officer replied sadly.
"Thank you again officer, I will go to the hospital now," Ryousuke replied as he went to his white FC. As he turned the ignition, he could not help but think about what he had been told. Bunta was dying from a tumor. He was in constant pain every day. To make matters worse, the pain he was in caused mood swings that were uncharacteristic. The uncharacteristic behavior affected Takumi in the way that he was pretty much defenseless. That was what made the situation heartbreaking, Takumi could not defend himself because he knew his father could not help what he was doing.
On the way to the hospital, it was impossible to go the speed limit. Ryousuke had only felt this way once, it was when Keisuke was born. They were close in age, but not that close. Ryousuke figured that it would be the best way for him to stay calm. He pulled out his cell phone to talk to Keisuke.
"Keisuke, yeah it's me. Listen, Takumi had an accident," Ryousuke began. He could tell that his brother was not going to like the circumstances, but the truth can be stranger than fiction.
"He was not in a car accident, he was pushed down the stairs in his house. Listen, just meet me at the hospital. I'll explain everything then, okay," Ryousuke answered. The borage of questions that Keisuke was hammering him with was intense but he had managed to avoid a dilemma.
Once he arrived Ryousuke met the attending physician and found out that he had saved them a world of trouble by setting the leg himself. He, of course, should have waited, but the heat of the moment makes one do strange things. By Ryousuke setting the bone, it had prevented the wound from getting any serious infection. The ribs that they thought were broken were only cracked. The rest of the injuries were just minor cuts and bruises sustained during the fall. He was going to be staying overnight for observations. The doctor advised Ryousuke to stay with him because the medication would not wear off until late at night.
After what seemed like forever, Takumi finally stirred from his peaceful slumber. He was groggy and knew the pain he was going to be in. He could not believe the look on his father's face. It was tinged with shear agony and blind hatred. He had no idea what was going on with him. Every time Takumi tried to help Bunta, be it with a headache or dizzy spell, his father shrugged him off. It was almost like he didn't love him anymore.
Slowly Takumi turned his head and Ryousuke's sleeping for came into view. The leader of Project D was asleep on his stomach slumbering peacefully. Takumi smiled a shy smile and stroked his hair. The sleeping head leaned into the touch and stirred ever so slightly.
"Takumi, you had me worried," Ryousuke replied sleepily. "Keisuke will meet us here in the morning to take you back to our place."
"Your place, why? What happened to my father?," Takumi asked shocked. "Who's going to make the tofu delivery runs?"
"Takumi, your father is going to be all right. You just need to rest okay," Ryousuke soothed. He really wanted to tell the young driver what was going on, but though against it. He figured that it would be best if he found out from Bunta himself.
"But, why do I have to stay at your place? My father needs me to go home," Takumi replied in a defeated and small tone. He knew that Bunta was going to be mad.
"Takumi, your father is the one who put you here," Ryousuke told him gently. "I don't think going home while you are in this condition is a good idea. If you want, Keisuke and I will help with the deliveries while you heal and rest yourself."
"I guess that would work. My father is really picky about how they get done, but if you and Keisuke are going to help he should not be too upset," Takumi replied. He tried to sit up but his body protested greatly. He knew that he should rest, but this was going to be difficult.
"Takumi, would you like me to leave you alone," Ryousuke asked seeing how restless Takumi was becoming.
"No, I don't want to be alone here," Takumi said with a hint of fear. "The last time I was here I was left alone. My mom and dad had gone to see the doctor. She was going to have another baby. While she was giving birth, an aneurysm in her head ruptured. When that happened, she was not able to keep pushing and the baby choked to death on the umbilical cord. I was three when that happened."
"So you have a fear of hospitals," Ryousuke guessed. "I would too if something like that happened to me. The only thing that I can promise you is that I will not leave you tonight. If you would wish it, I will stay as long as you let me."
As Ryousuke spoke, he had grabbed Takumi's hand. How he so wanted to tell the boy he desired him. He knew how scared and alone he must feel. Ryousuke felt somehow he should confess at some point. Takumi had to know why he was always around and cared so much. The time that they had spent together in the morning was something that Ryousuke would remember for the rest of his life. His heart yearned to be courageous enough to confess his true feelings. Though, he knew that now would not be the best time because Takumi still had not received the information about his father.
"Yeah, I uh, have a fear of hospitals," Takumi said after a short but comfortable silence. "Are they letting me go in the morning? I thought I overheard them saying something about having to keep me longer."
"Well, I spoke to the attending physician, he said that they would not mind releasing you in my care. They said that because I volunteer here when I have the time. It has been awhile due to the success of Project D," Ryousuke explained. He saw the look on Takumi's face change from anxiety to shear relief knowing that he would not have to stay longer. "Unfortunately, the Project will have to be on hiatus till you can drive again."
"I'm sorry," Takumi said in a defeated tone. "I should have been more careful."
"You should not have to apologize for what happened. I understand that it was not your fault and Keisuke was ready to start World War III when I told him. You're not at fault," Ryousuke commanded in the sincerest tone that Takumi had ever heard him use.
As Ryousuke spoke, Takumi tentatively put his hand on top of the hand that held his own. Takumi secretly pondered what life would be like if he were to tell Ryousuke his true feelings. Would things change, or would they continue to stay the way that they were now? Because of the relationship that he now had with the Takahashi brothers, all of his other friends soon realized just how little they knew of racing and Takumi. He did not mean to distance himself, but Project D always had him racing in other prefectures.
Ryousuke noticed what was going on when Takumi put his other hand on both of them. His heart soared knowing that his feelings were being reciprocated at this very moment. It would take more than just holding hands to convey their feelings, but that single gesture was enough hope for Ryousuke. Not much time had passed since Takumi awoke from drugged slumber. The moon was full and shining just enough light for Ryousuke to see the look on Takumi's face. The longer he let his hand linger, the more courageous he was becoming.
"Takumi, there is something that I had wanted to tell you this morning, but I never got to tell you. I created Project D for you and my brother. I wanted to be close to the two of you and watch your racing mature. In the process, I started finding things out about myself," Ryousuke explained not once taking his eyes off of Takumi's face to see the look. "I secretly wanted to get closer to a certain racer that happens to be the only one who managed to beat me."
"You wanted to get closer to me? I am…I…," Takumi could not finish what he was saying because Ryousuke finally managed to convey his feelings the best way he knew. His lips were stolen sweetly in a short, passionate, yet gentle kiss. Their tongues touched timidly, both of them holding back for fear of hurting the other. The moon light played off of Ryousuke's shoulders and into Takumi's eyes. The moment lasted a lifetime in the few seconds that they were together.
"I will never leave alone, if you'll have me," Ryousuke whispered huskily in Takumi's ear. He was no longer afraid because Takumi shyly kissed him in return. Both were lighter shades of pink than they thought. Ryousuke did not have to wait long for his answer, Takumi slowly wrapped both arms around the taller man's waist.
"I don't want to be alone anymore," Takumi whispered as tears slowly trickled down his face. He buried his face in Ryousuke's chest, afraid that somehow he would wake up to nothingness once more. This one moment seemed to make all the years of existential loneliness mean nothing.
Three months later…
Time flies whenever there is bliss. Life seems to take wings and help heal old wounds thought gone. Bunta was living better now that he did not have to worry about suddenly raging against his son. That day played over and over again in his mind while his son nursed himself at the Takahashi's residence. Begrudgingly he had accepted Ryousuke's proposal that he and his brother would do the morning deliveries. He had accepted because he knew that the older Takahashi brother had found out about the condition of the senior Fujiwara. Bunta had wanted to tell his son on countless occasions that he was dying, but how do you tell someone who is so lonely that they are about to get lonelier?
Takumi had been very young when he lost his mother. That was another day that never left the mind of Bunta. His son had to wait in the waiting room for almost three days. His wife had been in labor for twenty-four hours and her body gave up. They then spent the better part of another twenty-four hours trying to save both, but only managing to retrieve another body for burial. By the time Bunta was able to check on the three year old, he found him huddled in a corner warding off anyone who tried to console him. He had to approach his son very carefully and repeated his name over and over again. When Takumi finally saw his father, he jumped into his arms crying hysterically. It was at that moment that he realized he was going to have to do this himself with no help. He had no idea as to where he should begin. He knew that he had to console his distraught child, but how was he going to tell him that his mother was in a better place?
That was the second hardest moment in his life. The hardest would have to be now. His headaches were getting worse every day. He constantly worried about telling his son. It was his constant worrying that triggered the mood swings. He had managed a more than comfortable life for the both of them. If he had had the two extra mouths to feed, it would have been a little more difficult. Things had managed to work themselves out. Except, Takumi had managed to introvert himself making it harder to communicate. Takumi was always a shy child, but with his mother around, he would come out of his shell. Now that she was gone, they barely spoke to one another.
While Bunta was deep in meditation about how to communicate to his son for once, there was a knock at the door that nearly gave him a heart attack. He knew that it would either be one or both of the Takahashi brothers. The face that greeted him was the face of the eldest brother, Ryousuke.
"Oh, hello there. Come in," Bunta said in an excited voice. He enjoyed the company that this man could give because Takumi had not been home at all during his recovery.
"I just came by to tell you that Takumi is driving again. He is doing just fine and his leg is completely healed. It has not affected his technique at all. Why don't you tell him what is wrong with you?," Ryousuke finally gathered up the courage to ask the all important question on his mind.
"I don't know what is keeping me here. The doctors tell me that I should be dead all ready. I am not in pain since he is not around, but I miss him and need him. He is the only thing I have left of his mother," Bunta wailed into his hands. "That day, it was like he retreated and gave up trying to communicate to anyone. He was huddled in a corner scared to death. He had no idea what was going on. He barely recognized me, but luckily he flung himself into my arms. That was the moment that we came together, but grew further apart."
Ryousuke knew not how to respond. That small confession summed up Takumi's entire life. He forgave, but never forgot the extreme loneliness. Deep down Takumi must have been convinced that his father had abandoned him. Of course being three years old the mind would not comprehend what was going on. To put is simply, he had actually convinced himself that he had been abandoned.
"What do you want me to tell him?," Ryousuke asked. "He is with Keisuke right now. They are out in the 86 to see if Takumi was affected by what happened. Keisuke just called me to say that he is driving smoothly."
"That makes me feel better. I don't know what comes over me when I get my anger spells. All I know is that I want Takumi to be happy and right now it is not here with me," Bunta answered sadly.
"When you die will Takumi take over the business for you? Do you know what would happen to him?," Ryousuke asked.
"That is what I worry about every single day. Who will help him with the deliveries, and who will take care of him. I have to remind him to shower when he comes home from deliveries. He just needs someone to watch him like that," Bunta mused to himself almost forgetting that Ryousuke was there.
Ryousuke thought it was endearing the way Bunta was remembering little things about his son. Takumi and Ryousuke had not talked about their feelings for one another since that night in the hospital. Though they knew how the other felt, they were both still too shy to try anything because Keisuke was always around. Tonight, Ryousuke had planned on taking Takumi to dinner to confess in private.
Ryousuke stayed until he felt that Bunta was capable of handling things on his own. The drive to his house seemed to go faster than usual because he knew that both drivers would be awaiting his arrival. It was a new feeling that he felt every time he saw Fujiwara's face. He felt his heart skip a beat and try to dance. His face would take on a slight hint of pink because of the way that Takumi would look at him. He would be wearing his bored expression with a slight smile and evident twinkle in his eye.
When he pulled into the drive way, Takumi was standing next to his car. From his posture, Ryousuke could tell that he was anxious. He knew Takumi better than Takumi knew himself. If he wasn't mistaken, it appeared as if Takumi was awaiting his return. Again, he felt his heart skip and dance around inside his chest. He almost thought it could be heart palpitations, but it only happened whenever he saw Takumi.
As he got out of his white FC, he noticed Takumi look his way and give him a smile. This corroborated his suspicions. Takumi had indeed been awaiting his arrival. Today would be the day that he confessed everything, except what was going on with his father. That was a conversation that would take a long time. Bunta was a very proud man, Ryousuke had come to deduce from their conversational sessions.
He approached Takumi and figured himself to be brave. He planted a brief but passionate kiss on Takumi's lips. Keisuke was already inside so there was more than enough privacy for them to get lost for a few seconds. Ryousuke smiled when he saw the hint of pink to Takumi's cheeks.
"What took you so long?," Takumi asked trying not sound sulky. "When you had called Keisuke we had just pulled into the driveway. It took you an hour to get here. I thought you didn't like going the speed limit."
"Hey! It is not my fault that rush hour traffic decided to follow me home," Ryousuke chuckled. "Get changed, I want to take you out to dinner. If that would be alright with you, consider it a congratulations for surviving a cast."
"Oh, okay. I thought you were wanting to take a practice run with me down the Akagi touge, but that works a little better," Takumi replied happily. "I have to take a shower first, but it is good to finally be up without having to wobble."
Ryousuke chuckled at what Takumi had just said. It was the first time that he had attempted to make a joke. He was actually pretty good at it. The more Ryousuke got to know the young driver, the more he realized that Takumi's social issues were a lack of confidence on his part. It was also attributed to his shyness, but Ryousuke knew that Takumi had to get to know people before he would open up. The closest family that Takumi had were his friends because he subconsciously did not trust his father.
Ryousuke walked into the kitchen where Keisuke sat eating some left-over food that he had brought back from Zenny's. Aside from the coffee, Ryousuke never understood why Keisuke loved that place so much. The food was bland and it lacked the kind of atmosphere that Ryousuke preferred. Then again, it was a friendly atmosphere that helped Takumi come out of his shell during the couple of meetings that Project D held there.
"Bro, what did Takumi's old man have to say," Keisuke queried. He knew that what had happened was explained, but he still did not like that fact that Takumi was caught in that kind of situation. "I know that he has a good reason for the cause of his mood swings, but goddammn it, he better not take it out on my best friend anymore. I am tired of seeing cower in fear at the mention of his dad's name."
"I understand what you mean, Keisuke. There really is nothing that can be done. Fortunately, his father has not mentioned if Takumi can come home yet," Ryousuke responded to Keisuke's rant.
"You need to answer my question," Keisuke demanded. "What did his father have to say?"
"It is really a complicated matter," Ryousuke began. "His father does indeed love him, but the cause is really the tumor. If it were not inoperable, the problem would have been avoided when they found it. All the doctors can do is make sure that he is as comfortable as possible."
"Oh, I just thought that it was some kind of depression causing them," Keisuke replied. "Why didn't you tell me that he has a tumor, I would have been a little nicer."
"Well, you tend to come to Takumi's defense faster than you do for me," Ryousuke countered. "Besides, Takumi and I are going out to dinner. Do you want us to bring you anything?"
"Knowing you, I will have to ask if you could stop by Zenny's and get me a hamburger," Keisuke answered. "I can't stand expensive plates with almost nothing on them."
Ryousuke chuckled at the face that Keisuke made. He loved the taste, but what disappointed at the lack of food. Keisuke was imagining what a plate of food would look like if it were not from Zenny's. The lack of food in the picture he had in his mind, almost made Keisuke cry.
While they were exchanging chuckles, Takumi walked into the kitchen. He enjoyed staying with them. What most people fail to realize is the kindness that the Takahashi brothers possess. They were offering him a place to stay, no questions asked. Granted, they lived in a huge house with their parents gone most of the time; however, they preferred the company that Takumi was sure he failed to give them. The scene before him was intoxicating; he could not help but smile in response. The sunlight filtered through the blinds in the kitchen. It seemed to give radiance to everyone that was enveloped in that warm glow. Almost as if God, himself, were smiling down upon the moment to make sure that they were protected.
"Hey Takumi," Ryousuke said between giggles. "Are you ready to go?"
"Yeah, do you mind if I ask where or for what for?," Takumi questioned.
"Well, to avoid discomfort," Ryousuke retorted. "I will wait and tell you when we are in my car. Keisuke, we'll see you later okay?"
"Be careful," Keisuke called after them.
There really was so much that could have been said at that moment. Keisuke was not ignorant or oblivious to the fact that Ryousuke and Takumi were spending so much time together. He had picked up on it the day that Ryousuke had personally went after Takumi to get him to join Project D. The sadness, the yearning that he noticed Ryousuke held in his eyes it was not hard to figure out what was going on indeed. Keisuke was glad that his brother had found someone that could finally make him happy, but he knew that hell would freeze over before he would rat out to their parents what was going on. He knew that, eventually, all would be revealed when the timing was right, but he could not suppress a smile of pride he felt for his brother. True happiness is found in what makes one happy deep within.
Ryousuke was following behind Takumi as they headed to the white FC. The occasion was indeed a happy one and one that he wanted to remember. The courage he had built was ready to overflow from the irregularity and dancing his heart seemed to do. Ryousuke wondered if this could be true love because he had heard his parents talk about how they felt when they first met. This feeling that his heart kept giving him, based on their descriptions, was almost the same.
Takumi sat in the passenger seat waiting for Ryousuke to enter the car. It seemed as if he were thinking of something that had made him content. The smile slowly stretched across his features, making sure not to mess with the quality of his face. The simplest pleasures in life are the ones that catch people off guard. It seemed that somehow Ryousuke felt Takumi watching him, but he was not startled or alarmed. In fact, his beamed a little brighter. They both reciprocated the same feelings and reached a mutual understanding in that brief moment. They knew that they were falling, but how hard was yet to be determined. Ryousuke opened the door and turned the ignition.
"Sorry for making you wait," Ryousuke replied with that same genuine smile. "I was thinking about this feeling I get every time I look at you."
"R-Really? I was wondering what was making you smile like all of a sudden," Takumi responded in return, blushing a deep shade of crimson.
"I decided not to tell you where I am taking you," Ryousuke replied. "The suspense will just have to kill you."
"Don't tease like that, Ryousuke," Takumi sulked. He had been looking forward to hearing where they were going. "You promised that you would tell me."
"I know that I promised, but the look on your face is going to be much more worth – while," Ryousuke stated as leaned in and kissed Takumi. He spun in and out with his tongue. He wanted to make Takumi yearn for him. He played and toyed with Takumi's tongue until he was panting for air.
"Okay, you win. I'll wait," Takumi conceded happily.
"I knew that you'd see it my way," Ryousuke teased as he kissed him lightly before pulling out of the driveway. The reason he had told Takumi to wait was simple, he had no clue where he wanted to take the young driver. There were so many places that he was worth the risk of gossip. It was almost a sigh of relief that he finally had something to hold onto. Takahashi Ryousuke was thought of as an entity, as a person that was not meant to be beholden. That kind of mentality had always him feel like a prize to be won or earned. Nothing mattered anymore, now that he had someone he had chosen for himself. Social status almost called for him to accept whomever his parents accepted; due to their constant traverses all over the globe, they had never pushed him because they were so loving. He only hoped that they would continue to let him live his life as long as he continued to succeed in all of his endeavors.
Even though he was happy, even though he had something to smile about, Ryousuke could not get Takumi's past out of his mind. The story that Bunta had confided in him had almost broken his heart. It had not made him pity, it had made him want to get up at that moment and comfort the lonely, shy driver that was in the passenger seat next to him. As he was thinking about this, his shifting hand subconsciously placed itself on the inner thigh of the passenger. This moment in time, pondering what to do next, Ryousuke had never felt such pure happiness.