Ryousuke pulled into an available parking stall and got out of the car. He looked up at the large glass structure and the tall wall spreading far to the left and to the right. He stood motionless and allowed its immense presence to settle in his memory.
"Takahashi Ryousuke!"
The young man turned to the voice.
A man jogged over, "I knew it was you." He glanced at the white FC, "Ah! The white comet." He said in admiration before turning to look at the quiet young man, "Come, Keisuke-san is still running on the course." He said motioning for Ryousuke to follow him, "I'm Inoue Tadashi, your brother is really good. He almost tied the track record on his second run!"
Ryousuke nodded and followed the man silently.
When they reached the door, the security guard checked the ID hanging around Tadashi's neck before turning to Ryousuke.
"He's with me."
The security guard nodded and allowed them to pass.
"The pits are this way."
Ryousuke looked about casually. It was a nice large track that spanned out far beyond what his eyes could see. He heard the distinct sound of a high-powered engine. Only one. Keisuke was on the track by himself. The man leading the way was mentioning something about the introductions earlier that morning and was praising how well his brother had fit in with the team thus far.
Ryousuke simply nodded and kept an open eye out for his brother.
"Your parents are really proud of him as I'm sure they are of you." The man glanced at Ryousuke with a smile.
The young man simply nodded and turned to look out at the track again.
"Here we are."
"Son."
His eyes met those of his fathers. He nodded and bowed his head politely.
Emi smiled and went to him, "How was the drive?"
"It was fine. How is Keisuke doing?"
"Absolutely enjoying himself." She laughed happily.
"Ah! Takahashi Ryousuke!" A man exclaimed strolling towards them with a large smile, "It's a pleasure to finally meet you!" He extended his hand.
Ryousuke accepted the handshake, "I'm sorry, and you are?"
The man smiled, "Watanabe Kenishi I'm going to be Keisuke-kun's Crew Chief."
The young man nodded, "It's nice to meet you Kenishi-san." He liked the man already. He seemed to have a personality that would complement his brother's, and more importantly, one that would be able to calm him down when his anxiety levels rose to an unproductive degree.
"The pleasure is all mine."
His smile widened slightly and Ryousuke saw a certain brightness fill the man's eyes.
"Would you like to join him on the track?"
The young man was taken aback by the offer but kept his emotion in check. It was a tempting offer, but one that he knew he should refuse. It wouldn't be appropriate. This was Keisuke's day and his day alone. He shook his head, "No, but thank you." He said politely and turned to look out for his brother. He didn't want to give Kenishi-san the opportunity to continue on the topic.
"I'll call him in. He's been anxiously waiting for you to arrive." Kenishi slipped on his headset, "Bring it in Keisuke-kun." He said simply and motioned for the crew to prepare for his arrival, "We're going to take a break." A smile filled his face, "Don't worry you'll be back on the track again today." He glanced at Ryousuke who was staring out at the track. He looked indifferent. Suddenly Emi and Fujimaro Takahashi moved to flank his sides. A close family…
He looked towards the track as the sound of the car got louder. Then just over the ridge, appearing at the last corner before the stretch, a yellow FD covered in decals came roaring into the pit lane. He glanced at the Takahashi family again. Ryousuke was watching with a straight face, but Emi was beaming proudly as was Fujimaro to some degree. He turned back to the approaching car and made his way over the wall and walked to the driver's side as Keisuke was being assisted out of the safety belts.
"You've got another visitor." Kenishi informed him with a stern face.
Keisuke turned to look over his shoulder. A large smile filled his face and he started helping the man unstrapping him by pulling at the straps.
The man laughed, "This'll go faster if you let me do it Keisuke-kun."
Keisuke relented, annoyance at being delayed clearly showing on his face.
The man simply chuckled and stepped back as the last buckle gave way.
Keisuke jumped out of the car and rushed over the concrete wall to join his family.
Kenishi trailed behind at a leisurely pace and watched as the young driver spoke to his brother. The excitement was there but he was trying to control it with a cool collected exterior. He could see the admiration he held for his brother. It was as plain as day. One had to be blind not to notice.
"There's coffee and drinks at the paddock." He informed them, "Why don't we go inside for a few minutes?"
"That would be nice." Emi said smiling.
"Follow me." Kenishi said with a nod and led them away from pit row. He nodded to the security guard standing outside their assigned paddock and led them inside. They walked across the main garage and to the back where there was a small lounge room for the team, "What can I offer you to drink?" He asked turning to the Fujimaro-san and Emi-san.
"I'm fine Kenishi-san, thank you." Fujimaro said as he sat down on the sofa.
"Could I have some water?" Emi asked politely.
"Keisuke-kun? Ryousuke-san?"
"Water." Keisuke replied.
"I'm fine." His brother answered as they all took a seat.
Kenishi moved to the far end of the lounge.
Keisuke turned and leaned toward his brother, "What do you think?" he whispered softly.
Ryousuke simply nodded his approval. It made his younger brother smile and lean back in his chair.
The man came back with two glasses of water and handed then to Takahashi Emi and Keisuke.
"So we'd like to sign Keisuke-kun to be part of the team." Kenishi-san said cutting to the chase. He motioned for one of the crew members to approach. The man came over and handed Keisuke a package.
"Read it over with your family. And you can let me know if you have any questions or concerns."
Keisuke was all smiles and could only nod. He stared at the package a moment and then passed it to Ryousuke, "Would you mind Aniki?"
"Aa." Ryousuke took the package from his brother with a nod.
"Thank you." He trusted his Aniki with his well being more than anyone. Of course there was also his parents but they didn't know much about the racing world to have a clear conception of what it all entailed.
They spoke some more and then Keisuke went to run a few more laps before calling it a day.
The next day
Ryousuke woke up early and quickly grabbed some coffee and made his way back to his room. He wanted to get an early start on Keisuke's contract. If there was anything that needed looking into then he would have the time to research it. He sat down at his desk and spread the contract in front of him. He yawned and glanced towards the corner of his desk at all his textbooks. It would have to wait. He placed his mug of coffee on the table and moved to read the contract. He was immediately impressed how it instantly catered to the Driver's needs.
"Aniki?" His brother's muffled voice came through the door.
"Come in." He called out and turned to watch his younger brother walk into the room still dressed in his pajamas. He smiled, "Since when do you knock and wait until you're invited in?" He teased.
Keisuke chuckled, "Well you know I figured I'd be nice to you for once." He then became serious a moment, "It's the least I could do for all you did for me."
Ryousuke's smile faded, "Sit down."
Keisuke's brow creased but he knew better then to question his brother when he had that look in his eyes. He went over to his brother's immaculately made bed and sat down. Today, he remembered that his Aniki liked things neat and he sat down carefully to not create too many wrinkles.
Ryousuke laughed.
Keisuke looked up at him shocked.
"What are you doing Otoutou?"
"Trying not to mess up your bed. What does it look like?"
Ryousuke continued to smile despite the sadness that was brewing inside of him. He would miss his brother more than Keisuke would ever know.
"Its ok Keisuke. It's just a bed."
His brother frowned, "Are you feeling ok Aniki?"
"Aa." He nodded, "But there is something I want to talk to you about."
"What?"
Ryousuke was amazed how his brother seemed to be hanging onto his every word. Such devotion…
"Would you do something for me?"
"Ok."
"Why did you agree?"
Keisuke looked confused, "You just asked me to do something."
"Yes. But you could have answered differently."
Keisuke still looked at him confused.
"Why did you answer simply 'Ok'? Why didn't you ask what I wanted you to do before committing yourself? Why didn't you ask what you would get in return for doing me a favour?"
Keisuke frowned, "Because you're my Aniki."
The older brother smiled and nodded, "Keisuke you're my Otoutou."
The youngest Takahashi stared at his brother a long moment. Then he nodded, "Still… Thanks Aniki."
Ryousuke smiled and nodded, "So what are you going to do today?"
"I don't know… What are you going to do today?"
"I'm going over the contract they offered you."
Keisuke's straightened, "Yeah?"
Ryousuke nodded, "I should be done in a few hours."
"Hours?" Keisuke groaned and flopped back on his brother's bed, wrinkling the perfectly made bed.
Ryousuke simply smiled and watched his younger brother, "Do you have plans tonight?"
"Nope." Keisuke replied crossing his arms behind his head as he continued to lie on the bed.
"Good. Don't make any."
"Ok."
Ryousuke watched as his brother easily agreed and closed his eyes as he yawned. He smiled and turned to face his desk and look over the contract again. He had to be sure Keisuke was well taken care of.
He was soon so engrossed in the contracts contents that he lost complete concept of time. When he was finally done he gathered his notes and piled them on top of the contract and turned to look at his bed. Keisuke was fast asleep. He turned back to his des and decided to do some work before his brother awoke. Knowing Keisuke he would probably sleep for another hour… It was only ten in the morning after all. It was with this thought and a smile on his face that Ryousuke began his studies.
Keisuke glanced at Ryousuke, who was sitting calmly reading his book, as he paced the room. He passed a hand through his hair and walked towards the fireplace looking at the pictures on the mantle in their silver frames yet at the same time not really seeing them. He glanced at his watch. Soon. Any time now.
"I'll go make some tea." Ryousuke said placing down his book and making his way out of the living room and to the kitchen.
Keisuke followed him, "Do you think they got lost?"
"They'll call if that were to happen."
The younger Takahashi sighed and watched as his brother moved in that cool confident manner he admired so much. His eyes focused on his brother's steady hand as he poured the boiling water into the pot and on the tea leaves. He watched as those same steady hands that could throw the FC parked at the side of the house wildly into a corner, set the kettle back in it's place. Those same hands would be healing people soon. He looked at his brother's relaxed features.
"Keisuke, when you're done watching me, can you go answer the door?"
"Eh!?!?" his eyes widened and he rushed to the front door just as the door bell was rung. He frowned. Aniki…
He pulled open the door.
"Hi Keisuke-kun." Kenishi-san said smiling, "This is the team owner Matshushita Yukio."
Keisuke bowed politely, "Nice to meet you." He straightened and held out his hands.
"A pleasure to finally meet you. I apologize I wasn't able to come see your test session yesterday, I was in a meeting with the race directors." He smiled, "Besides I trust all Kenishi's decisions." He smiled.
Ryousuke came into view at that point.
"Ryousuke-san, hello." The crew chief said smiling as the young man nodded and shook his hand.
"I'm glad you could make it Kenishi-san."
"Of course. We're very excited to get Keisuke signed." He motioned to his colleague, "This is our team owner, Matsushita Yukio, Yukio-san this is Keisuke's brother… Well you know."
Yukio chuckled, "Takahashi Ryousuke. It's nice to finally meet you."
Ryousuke smiled, "Would you gentlemen like some tea?" He asked changing the subject.
"That would be great. Thank you." Kenishi answered for both of them.
Ryousuke turned to his brother, "Keisuke why don't you show them into the living room and I'll get the tea.
"Hai." Keisuke turned to the guests, "Follow me." He said and led them away from the door, "Please have a seat." He said and waited for them to sit before he did the same. He did remember some of the courteous training he received from his parents after all.
Ryousuke entered the room with a tray loaded with four cups of tea and some small rice cakes. He set the tray on the table and proceeded to offer the tea to their guest.
"Aa. Thank you Ryousuke-san."
"Aa, Thank you."
Keisuke reached forward and took the third cup of tea as his brother collected his and sat down on the couch beside his brother.
"Did you have any problems finding us?"
"Oh no. The directions were very clear." Kenishi said smiling.
Yukio nodded simply and looked around the room.
"I know Yukio-sama and Kenishi-sama must have a busy schedule, so if you do not mind. I'd like to discus the contract that the team has offered Keisuke."
"Hai." Both men lowered their cups of tea to the table while Ryousuke picked up the folder that was lying on the coffee table.
He pulled out the contract and placed it before their guests.
Yuki passed it to the crew chief who picked it up to read.
"Mmm. I see. I think we can make this change." Kenishi smiled.
Keisuke turned to his Aniki with an excited smile.
Ryousuke glanced at his brother before turning to look at the two gentlemen sitting before them. He turned to the team owner who smiled.
"I trust Kenishi completely. He pretty much runs the show."
Ryousuke nodded in understanding.
"So what I'll do is get this back to the office as soon as possible. I'll have a new one created and then fax it to you to look over. Would that be ok?"
"Aa. Thank you."
"Thank you." Keisuke repeated still smiling.
Kenishi too couldn't stop smiling. He turned to his Boss, "We should get going. I'd like to get Keisuke-kun signed as soon as possible. So we can start practicing and setting up the car."
Yukio laughed and looked at the Takahashi's, "That's Kenishi for you. Always thinking and always on the ball." He said as he got to his feet.
The other three also stood.
"Thank you." Ryousuke and Keisuke said both bowing politely.
"No. Thank you." Yukio bowed, "I look forward to seeing you race in our car Keisuke-san."
"You're in for a big surprise." Kenishi said to Yukio as he turned to Keisuke and gave him a wink, "Ok let's go."
The Takahashi's followed their guests to the door. Ryousuke unlocked it and pulled it open for them as they slipped on their shoes.
"Thank you for coming."
"Thank you for the quick response." Kenishi said bowing once again. He turned to Keisuke, "We'll see you soon Keisuke-kun." He smiled and turned to leave.
Matsushita bowed politely, "We'll meet again." He said and followed the crew chief out of the house.
Ryousuke and Keisuke watched the two men get into their car and drive off before the former closed the door.
"Thanks Aniki."
Ryousuke nodded, "Go get changed. We're going out."
"Hai!"
He watched as his younger brother disappeared up the stairs. It was almost done now…
"So what changes did they want?" Yukio asked as they turned onto the highway.
Kenishi smiled, "Well the only thing they asked was that Keisuke-kun be able choose to refuse driving the car if he has a strange feeling about the car or he thinks the car is not in safe condition. They also requested that Keisuke be able to terminate the contract with no compensation, in case of emergency, conflict, health, personal reasons, or if he feels the team and him can no longer work together at optimal levels."
"Hmm… Anything else?"
"Nope. That was it."
"I see." They drove in silence a moment, "What do you make of their requests?"
Kenishi glanced at him, "I think if it was anyone else other then the Takahashi brothers I would have been a little worried about their commitment level. But in this case, from what I've read and heard about the Takahashi Ryousuke, I think he's only looking out for his brother. Once committed, they're supposed to be the most dedicated people you'll ever see."
"But you're basing this on things you've read and heard about."
"Sort of. But I've also seen the way Keisuke-kun looks up to his brother. That kind of devotion is rare. And if he can give even a fraction of that sort of devotion to this team, that will be more than enough."
"I see. Ok then." And that was it. It was all he needed to know.
Keisuke pulled up beside the white FC and rolled down his window, "Why are we here Aniki? Are we going to practice?"
Ryousuke smiled and nodded, "You first." He said motioning for Keisuke to go first.
He waited as Keisuke closed the window and took off. His eyes shut at the sound of the rotary engine they had taken every care in the world to fine tune. His eyes opened, a please smile on his face, and he stepped on the throttle and chased after his younger brother.
Keisuke looked in his rearview mirror as the FC caught up to him. It had been a long time since he had played around like this with his brother. He smiled as those feelings he had first felt when he started driving alongside his brother started to resurface. They were soon overtaking him in full force. His adrenalin shot through the roof and he accelerated fully. Glancing back to still see his brother tailing him.
"Geez. You haven't changed." He exclaimed amazed his brother could still keep up with him without much practice. He was so proud to have him as his Aniki.
"Whoa!" his eyes narrowed as the FC inched towards the inside. He glanced out the window and his eyes widened as Ryousuke winked at him.
"Baka!" he voiced.
He knew his brother had read his lips and understood when began laughing.
Keisuke watched as the FC then pulled out in front of him, "Oh no you don't!" He focused his attention on his driving unbeknown to him, the smile remained on his face.
Author's Notes:
Sorry about this update. Almost forgot about this story.
Thanks for reading! Always a pleasure.