Mitsu followed Satoro to his room where he gathered the limited things he had unpacked from his bag. She sat on his bed watching him.
"Hey! Smile! I'll be back to visit you again!" Satoro informed her as he took a seat beside her on the bed.
She nodded simply as she suddenly felt very lonely at the prospect of him leaving the next morning.
Satoro sighed and wrapped his arms around her protectively, "I know you miss them, sweetie…" He whispered softly. He felt his best friend tremble in his arms.
A knock resounded on his half open door and both looked up to see Takahashi Ryousuke.
"Oh, my apologies." He said seeing them and backing away to leave.
"No. That's okay. What's up?" Mitsu said finding her voice.
Satoro glanced down at her surprised by the steadiness he heard in her voice.
Ryousuke glanced at them, "Don't worry about it." He said roughly over his shoulders.
"Hey, are they coming?" Keisuke appeared. He glanced in the room and frowned, "Are you sure you guys are just best friends?"
Mitsu's eyes widened, "Of course!" She turned to Satoro who wiggled his eyebrows teasingly, "Oh! Get a life!" She said hitting him.
Satoro laughed and unwrapped his arms from her shoulders. Interesting. She sure changed fast when Ryousuke appeared. He looked up towards the door and only saw Keisuke there watching them, "What's up?"
Keisuke turned to him and motioned in the direction his brother had gone, "Didn't he ask you guys?"
"Ask us what?" Mitsu interjected frowning.
He rolled his eyes, "If you guys wanted some tea or something. We were going to the kitchen to make something."
"Oh." Mitsu turned to her friend, "I'll have some. You?"
"Sure." He got to his feet and he and Mitsu followed Keisuke to the kitchen where Ryousuke had already started boiling some water. He didn't even look their way when they entered.
Mitsu moved towards the cupboards and pulled out four mugs and placed them on the counter close to him. He moved away and went to the fridge.
Satoro watched curiously as his best friend glanced at Ryousuke briefly before taking a seat at the table beside Keisuke and gave him a tired smile.
"So was it fun?" She asked casually.
Satoro joined them at the table.
"Fun?" Keisuke cocked his head to the side.
Mitsu smiled. Cute. He looked really cute when he did that, "Your race."
"Yeah, I guess." When Mitsu frowned, he smiled, "I haven't really thought about it. It was too easy, but I enjoyed it. So I guess, yeah. It was fun."
"I think she's missing it." Satoro informed him casually. He looked up towards Ryousuke who had moved from the fridge to one of the drawers. His back was turned towards them.
"Well nothing's stopping you from challenging someone." Keisuke said smiling.
Mitsu returned his smile lightly, "I have." She said and looked up towards Takahashi Ryousuke.
Keisuke looked at his brother shortly before turning to look at her, "Umm… You do know that he's retired right?"
"I heard a rumor about it."
"It's not a rumor." Keisuke stated simply.
"Well, he's going to come out of retirement long enough to accept my challenge."
Keisuke frowned and turned to look at Satoro. Did she have some kind of mental dysfunction or something? Did she seriously think his brother was going to come out of retirement just to race her? He was refusing everyone else under the sun, what made her think she was any different? He looked back at his brother who still hadn't said anything.
Ryousuke carried a plate of sliced apples and placed them at the center of the table. He then moved away again and went to pour the boiling water into the teapot. He stood there and waited.
"After that, I'm done." Mitsu stated softly.
"Why? I mean you really seem to like it. Plus you're undefeated!"
Mitsu smiled lightly, "It's just time to stop."
Keisuke didn't understand, but then it dawned on him. Was she quitting because of her parents? If so, then there was still a chance that she would re-join the racing world once she finished mourning their death. He looked up towards her, "Hey do I get a race?"
Satoro smiled and Mitsu looked up at him surprised. She hadn't even considered racing him.
"Yeah, maybe." She said simply.
Ryousuke moved to place a mug of tea in front of Mitsu, than Satoro and finally his brother. He went back to the counter and picked up his own.
"Thank you Ryousuke-san." Mitsu and Satoro said simultaneously.
Keisuke just nodded at his brother.
Mitsu smiled at the motion. The small response reminded her so much of his older brother. She glanced at the man leaning against the counter staring down at his tea.
Being the caring best friend, and wanting to see his friend happy, Satoro turned to Keisuke, "How about one more game of billiards?"
The younger man smiled, "Okay." He said smiling as they both got to their feet and carrying their tea with them started out of the kitchen.
"Keisuke."
The young man turned to his brother.
"Not too long."
"Hai." He turned to Satoro, "Let's go. I'm going to beat you again you know."
Satoro laughed, "We'll see about that!"
Mitsu watched them leave. A thick blanket of silence filled the kitchen and she stared down at her tea. She looked up at him, "Don't you miss racing Ryousuke-san? Especially when you watch?" She asked softly.
"No."
She frowned. He sounded like he meant it, but she knew he was lying. He loved racing. She was sure of it, "I do."
He didn't say anything and that was okay with her. He didn't have to.
"Your parents didn't even know you raced, did they." It was more of a statement than a question. He already knew the answer. She needed to talk about them. It would be better for her.
"No they didn't." She said softly, "I couldn't tell them. They wanted me to be a doctor just like them. Nothing else…"
To Ryousuke it all sounded too familiar. But, his parents had indulged him and Keisuke. He would have thought that her parents would have done so for her as well, since their fathers were so close.
"Have you ever tried to tell them?" He asked casually.
Mitsu shook her head again. This time tears filled her eyes, "No…" Her voice wavered. Another regret. She regretted so many things…
Ryousuke saw her shoulders slump forward. Her head tilted forward to allow her hair to fall towards her face, hiding it. He shut his eyes briefly, "You're tired. Come, I'll accompany you upstairs." He said softly as he set his unfinished tea on the counter and moved towards her.
Mitsu only nodded and got to her feet. He touched her arm ever so lightly and she moved forward out of the kitchen and upstairs to her room, "Goodnight, Ryousuke-san." She said as they reached her door. She was surprised when he followed her inside and shut the door, "Ryousuke-san?"
He walked deeper into the room silently looking about. Taking in the smallest details. All her pencils were sharpened. None of them had a rounded tip. And blue inked pens. His gaze landed on the cream coloured envelope marked with her name in flowing script, "You haven't opened their letter yet?" He turned to her.
Mitsu shook her head and sat down on her bed, "I… I can't…"
Ryousuke studied her a moment, then despite all the warnings screaming in his head, he approached her and sat down beside her. He raised a hand to her face and brushed his fingers against her cheek before brushing a lock of her hair out of her face and tucked it behind her ear. She turned to look at him with those dark luminous eyes. They shone with tears. That did it. He was completely losing control of himself! He drew her into his arms and held her.
"Ryousuke-san…" She mumbled through her sobs.
"Shh… I'm here…" He said softly. What was he supposed to do now? He continued to hold her trembling body against his. She seemed to fit perfectly against him. What was he thinking? This wasn't right. He closed his eyes, but it felt so good. He stroked her back gently as he fought with his confusing feelings. He couldn't tell how long they had been wrapped up in each other's arms. His judgment seemed to have all abandoned him as his senses became completely aware of the woman in his arms. She smelled faintly of Vanilla and roses. Such a light feminine scent… So light, yet so strong that it was preventing him from thinking about anything else but her.
Mitsu gently pulled out of his embrace and looked up at him with tear stained eyes, "Thank you Ryousuke-san." She said softly. Her bottom lip was parted slightly and they still seemed to tremble.
Ryousuke's eyes lingered there a moment longer than he would have liked before meeting her eyes. He nodded gently. She continued to look at him. He suddenly felt like she was peeling down all his defenses and peering directly at his heart… His soul… He met her gaze. They were still soft. He was filled with a warm sensation, "Mitsu-Chan…" He whispered softly.
She tried to smile casually but failed. The silky sound of his voice sent shivers up her spine. His hand reached up to touch her hair again and she tilted her head unconsciously to feel the pressure of his touch. Her eyes closed briefly as she relished in the feeling and followed his hand towards him. Her eyes opened lazily and she found herself leaning towards him. Or was he leaning towards her? She wasn't sure. They got closer. Who was moving? She didn't care. He looked dazed, the strong cold look that usually harbored in his eyes, gone. She felt his warm breath on her lips, but then he pulled back and scrambled to his feet. If she had been in complete control of her senses at that moment she would have found his sudden lack of agility amusing. Takahashi Ryousuke, whose movements was always smooth, flowing and controlled. She blinked and looked up at him. Confusion filled his face, but it quickly washed away. He stepped back again and his shoulders squared, "Excuse me Mitsu-Chan. Good night." He bowed and turned to leave.
Mitsu watched him stunned. The door closed with a soft click after him. She sighed and dropped down on her bed, "Ryousuke-san…"
"Maybe the next time you visit." Keisuke said as they walked into the kitchen. He froze.
Satoro glanced inside, "What's wrong?" He looked at Keisuke who looked worried.
Keisuke frowned and stepped into the empty kitchen.
"What?" Satoro asked again following him.
"The cups." Keisuke said moving to collect the one on the table and the other still half full on the counter, "My brother would never leave them lying around like this." He dumped the unfinished tea and placed the mugs in the dishwasher.
Satoro looked about, "And the apples."
Keisuke turned to them and nodded still frowning. He went to get a Ziploc bag and dumped the apples in it before placing them in the fridge. Satoro in the meantime had placed the plate in the dishwasher, "Thanks."
"No problem." He saw that Keisuke still looked worried.
"I should get to bed." He said looking about the kitchen one last time before turning to Satoro who nodded.
They walked up the stairs together.
"I'm going to go talk to my brother. See you tomorrow." Keisuke said.
Satoro nodded, "Yeah, I'm going to check on Mitsu. Night."
"Night."
Satoro knocked on Mitsu's door and pushed it open when she called for him to enter. He smiled at Keisuke who had just knocked on his brother's door and entered Mitsu's room.
Keisuke watched him disappear. He turned back to his brother's door. There was no reply so he pushed it open and walked in. His brother was outside on his balcony. Keisuke shut the door and went to join him, "Aniki."
"Keisuke." His brother said casually.
"Is everything okay?" He asked going straight to the source of his concern.
Ryousuke turned to his brother and smiled lightly, "Of course Ototo."
Keisuke's worry surfaced, "You haven't called me that in a long time…"
Ryousuke shrugged and turned to look out again.
"Something's wrong." Keisuke said sighing, "And it's worrying me."
"There's no need to worry Keisuke. Nothing's wrong. I'm fine." He turned to his brother to meet his gaze.
Keisuke sighed, "I hope so." It was now his turn to look out in the distance.
"I'm going to get some cigarettes." Ryousuke said suddenly as he turned to leave.
"Here." Keisuke said holding out his pack.
Ryousuke took it from him. He stared down at it.
Keisuke chuckled, "I got lucky. She hasn't gotten a hold of mine yet."
Ryousuke frowned and took one out. He hesitated before lighting it. What was wrong with him? He really could use it right now.
"What's wrong?" Keisuke asked when his brother placed the cigarette back in the pack and handed it back to him.
"Nothing. I change my mind."
"Okay, that's not like you either." Keisuke turned to him, "You don't usually change your mind when you decide on something."
"Maybe it's time we both quit." Ryousuke said suddenly.
Keisuke frowned, "She's messing with your mind Aniki!"
Ryousuke stared at his brother blankly, "Don't be silly, Keisuke."
"I'm not! Look at you! Ever since we met her you've been acting really strange!" Keisuke said in frustration and worry.
Ryousuke simply looked at him. Was he slipping that badly?
"Wait a minute! You're not falling for her are you!?!?!?" Keisuke's eyes widened.
"No." Ryousuke answered sternly. His brother was going to know that fact right now.
His brother frowned.
"Keisuke…" Ryousuke sighed, "Have I ever lied to you?"
His younger brother shook his head.
"And have I ever lead you to believe that you can't trust me?"
"No…"
Ryousuke touched his shoulder, "I'm not falling for her okay? You don't have to worry. I don't have time for women. What with school, Project D and the Redsuns, where am I going to find time to indulge a woman?"
Keisuke smiled unsurely. That was true.
"See. Everything will be okay. I've just been really busy lately and I haven't been getting much sleep. I haven't been thinking very clearly." He admitted to his brother, "That's why I keep telling you to get your rest. Especially before races." He studied his brother carefully and watched as he seemed to be absorbing everything he had just said.
"What if you fall for her?" Keisuke said suddenly catching his brother off guard.
"I won't Keisuke, because I won't allow it." Ryousuke answered firmly.
Keisuke frowned. His brother was good at controlling his emotions and his feelings, but could he really prevent himself from falling in love? He had heard so much about love hitting people between the eyes, leaving them dazed, and sometimes leaving them broken. He didn't want any of that to happen to his brother. Again.
"It happened before…"
Ryousuke sighed, "I let it happen the last time. It's not going to happen again. I don't need such complications."
Keisuke studied him carefully. He believed his brother meant what he said. He just needed to trust him and his unique ability to control everything going on about him. He smiled, "Aniki?"
"Hmm?"
"If girls weren't so much trouble, I wouldn't mind you going out with Mitsu-Chan."
Ryousuke frowned, "You're being very contradictory tonight Keisuke. You should probably get some sleep."
Keisuke shrugged, "She's different. She's nice."
Ryousuke just stared at him, "Are you sure, you're not falling for her?" He hadn't seen any signs of attraction between the two but it didn't hurt to tease his brother a little.
"What!?!? No! She's not my type. Besides I don't have time for girls either."
Ryousuke frowned, "You just haven't met the right one yet." He said and shrugged, "But you will." He chuckled when his brother made a face, "Now get to bed Ototo."
"Are you going to start using that name again?"
"Maybe."
Keisuke frowned but he didn't mind. It reminded him of their younger days, "Are you going to get some rest?"
Ryousuke nodded, "Hai. I have a lot of work to do tomorrow." With that said he motioned for his brother to go back inside. He followed him and closed the sliding door of the patio. He watched as his younger brother went to his bedroom door.
"Good night Aniki." He said glancing back at him.
Ryousuke nodded, "Good night, Ototo." He watched as Keisuke smirked and left his room. He shook his head and prepared himself for bed. He took his time, knowing that once he laid down, Mitsu would fill his mind. And that, was the last thing he wanted or needed.
Mitsu stretched out with a satisfied groan. She sighed and looked around her. She felt refreshed. Climbing out of bed, she slipped her feet in her fuzzy white slippers and went to her closet to choose her clothes for the day. She got changed quickly then pulled her bedroom door opened and turned down the hall to go to the washroom. Moments later she stepped back into the hall and strolled over to Satoro's room. She knocked on it lightly.
"Come in."
She pushed the door open and stepped inside, "Good morning!" She said walking right up to him and wrapping her arms around him.
"Good morning, Beautiful." Satoro said giving her a quick hug, "I guess you slept well last night."
Mitsu nodded with a smile.
"Hmm…" Satoro studied her curiously, "Are you sure it doesn't have anything to do with Ryousuke-san?"
"What? No. What does he have anything to do with me having a good nights sleep?" She said rolling her eyes.
"Right… Come on, he must have spoken to you last night!"
"He escorted me to my room and we said goodnight. That's it." She said casually. It was true… It wasn't completely a lie. She had just… Omitted a few things…
"Hmm… Something else happened." He shrugged, "Well, it's okay. You don't have to tell me right now." He looked about the room, "I'm almost done."
Mitsu glanced about, "Can't you stay a little while longer?" She asked sadly.
Satoro sighed, "I'll be back Friday night okay?" He placed a hand on her shoulder.
"I know." She answered softly. The sadness swept off her face suddenly and she mustered a smile, "Well, let me get you something to drink and eat before you leave."
Satoro nodded, "Okay, let me just finish packing." He went over to his bed and stuffed the remaining clothes in the backpack and grabbed his jacket, "Alright. Let's go."
Mitsu nodded and led them out of the room and down the hall.
"Morning!"
Satoro and Mitsu turned to see the blond spike haired Keisuke emerge from his bedroom.
Mitsu smiled, "Good Mor-"
Keisuke frowned, "What?" He glanced at Satoro confused.
Mitsu raised a finger and pointed behind him, "Is that your room?" Her eyes widened, "Is there a bed somewhere in there?"
Keisuke chuckled and reached back to close the door, "Uh… I haven't had time to clean it yet." He said sheepishly.
Mitsu still looked aghast.
"Alright already! I'll clean it later! Geez."
"You better! That's just…" She shuddered then moved passed him.
Satoro looked at Keisuke as he passed and laughed.
"It's not funny." He said and followed them. He hesitated at his brother's door than knocked on it. No answer. So he pushed it open and peeked inside. The room was empty, the bed was made, "Figures." He mumbled and stepped out of the room closing the door behind him. He rushed after Satoro and Mitsu catching them at the bottom of the stairs.
"Is your brother coming?" Satoro asked.
Keisuke shook his head, "He wasn't in his room." He replied simply.
They entered the kitchen to find that coffee and tea were both made. And leaning against the counter was Ryousuke bringing a cup of steaming coffee up to his lips. He didn't look at them as they walked in.
"Good morning." They all said at the same time. Ryousuke simply nodded. He pushed himself away from the counter and casually walked out of the kitchen.
All but Keisuke watched him walk out of the room.
"Is he mad?" Satoro asked curiously.
"Hmm? Oh! Nah, he's always like this. He said something about a having lots of work to do today. He's probably in a rush." Keisuke answered going to pour himself some coffee, "Coffee or tea?" He asked glancing towards Mitsu and Satoro.
"Tea." They both replied at the same time.
Keisuke nodded and prepared two cups for them.
"Thanks." They said and the three of them sat down at the table.
Mitsu stared down at her tea. He looked tired again this morning.
"You okay?" Satoro asked nudging her softly.
"Hmm?" Mitsu looked up. Both young men were staring at her curiously, "What's up?"
"What are you thinking?" Satoro questioned still watching her as he sipped his tea.
"Nothing." She turned to Keisuke, "So what are you going to do today?" She asked smiling.
Keisuke shrugged. Suddenly a smile appeared on his face, "We could race."
Mitsu frowned, "Are you serious?"
Keisuke glanced at Satoro unsurely before turning back to her, "Yes."
Mitsu glanced between Keisuke and her best friend repeatedly. She sighed, "Do you really want to race me Keisuke-san?"
"Keisuke." The young man emphasized.
Mitsu met his gaze and blushed, "Keisuke." She said softly. The young man smiled, "Do you really want to race me?"
"Well if you're not doing anything, we could go do a few rounds." Keisuke shrugged.
"Sure, I guess." Mitsu said and sipped her drink.
Satoro frowned. Her hand was shaking lightly. He turned to Keisuke who he noticed was watching her frowning. His eyes were focused on her hands.
"Mitsu-Chan."
All three turned to the voice as Takahashi Ryousuke entered the room.
"Your Cell phone was ringing." He said simply and held out the small electronic device to her.
Mitsu accepted the phone, "Thank you, Ryousuke-san." She said and looked down at the display. She pressed a few keys and brought the phone to her ears.
Ryousuke moved into the kitchen and went to fill his cup with more coffee, then surprised Satoro by joining them at the table.
"What are you doing today Aniki?"
"I've got to work on a research paper." He answered and sipped his drink.
"You're going to study all day?"
Ryousuke shook his head, "Fumihiro and I are going to visit the next race venue."
"Should I go with you?"
"It's not necessary." Ryousuke answered simply and sipped his coffee. He glanced up at Mitsu briefly as she lowered her phone and ended the call.
The young lady turned to Satoro, "My first interested buyer. I didn't know you had already advertised it."
Satoro nodded, "You said to do it as soon as possible. Too soon?"
Mitsu shook her head, "No. It's good. Thank you." She leaned towards him so she could hug him.
Satoro gave her a light squeeze back as he looked towards Ryousuke from the corner of his eyes. The man was drinking his coffee.
"Buyer?"
Mitsu straightened in her chair, "For my car."
"You're selling your car?" Keisuke said his eyes widening, "Why?"
"I'm going to get something else."
"What?" He asked. Then his eyes widened again, "What about an RX7! You'll fit perfectly in the family!"
Ryousuke choked on his coffee. He lowered his cup and coughed lightly, "Excuse me."
Everyone eyed him in surprise.
Mitsu finally found her voice, "I think I want something less 'sporty'." She said casually, "Something average."
"Average? But that's no fun."
Satoro nodded in agreement. He had almost burst out laughing when Takahashi Ryousuke was startled by his brother's suggestion. He looked over at him now. The man was frowning down into his coffee cup. He would have given almost anything to have a glimpse of what was going on in his mind right now. Or anytime for that matter!
"I just need something to get me around Keisuke."
Keisuke sighed and relented.
Satoro turned to his best friend, "So are you going to call him back?"
Mitsu nodded and looked over at Ryousuke and Keisuke, "Would it be okay, if the guy came over to look at the car?" She asked.
Keisuke frowned, "I still don't see why you have to sell it." He mumbled.
Ryousuke finally looked up at her, "You don't have to ask for permission Mitsu-Chan. This is as much your home now as it is ours." He held her gaze several seconds longer so that she knew he meant what he said then raised his cup to his lips and finished off his coffee.
Keisuke nodded in agreement, "Can I be there when he comes though?"
Mitsu nodded, "Sure."
"Yeah, make sure no one rips her off!" Satoro said to Keisuke who nodded.
Ryousuke simply got up and moved over to the counter to pour himself his third cup of coffee that morning, "Excuse me." He said then and walked out of the kitchen.
"Does he always drink so much coffee in the morning?" Satoro asked curiously.
"Sometimes." Keisuke answered and sipped his own coffee, "Usually after he's been up all night working."
Mitsu lowered her gaze. If that was so, no wonder he looked really tired.
"How does he do all of it?"
Keisuke looked at him unsure what he meant, "What?"
"Medical school and running two teams? Not only running them but doing a large amount of research and scouting and traveling." He was amazed by him.
Keisuke shrugged, "That's all he does."
Satoro frowned, "You mean, he doesn't go out with friends or hang out or go to a movie or anything?"
"Not usually." Keisuke answered, "Well not in along time… Almost six years now…"
"Six years!"
Keisuke nodded, "Since… Uh… Since he's been going to medical school."
Mitsu looked up at him suddenly. Something about the way he answered. He was deliberately leaving some information out. She was sure of it. She raised her cup to her lips and finished her tea.
"Wow. He's so dedicated. Even Mitsu went out with us." He said glancing at her. She simply smiled and nodded. He finished the rest of his tea and Mitsu grabbed his cup along with hers and went to put it in the dishwasher, "Anyway, I should get going." He got to his feet and looked over at Keisuke with a smile, "I'm coming back to visit Mitsu on Friday, maybe you and I could go out and play a game of Billiards somewhere?"
Keisuke smiled, "Of course. You'll be staying with us of course?"
"I was going to rent a room at a near by hotel."
"Don't so that. Just stay over. There's plenty of room. Besides, Mitsu would probably like it better if you were here too, right?" He asked turning to the girl.
Mitsu smiled, "As long as it's okay with your family."
"You hear Ryousuke. This is as much your home as it is ours. Any guest of yours is welcomed."
Mitsu smiled, "Thank you, Keisuke."
He nodded, "So, we'll see you on Friday!" he held out his hand.
Satoro nodded and grasped it.
Mitsu watched as the two men shook hands. She smiled. They were getting along so well. She was glad.
Keisuke followed them to the door then stayed behind as Mitsu went out with Satoro to his car.
"Well, beautiful. You take care okay? Phone me if you want to talk. Anytime, no matter how late or early!"
Mitsu nodded and went to wrap her arms around him, "Drive safe, okay?"
"I will." He said and squeezed her firmly. When they pulled apart he smiled, "I'll see you Friday."
Mitsu nodded and took a step back as he climbed into his car and started the engine. He waved to her and put his car into reverse. She waved back at him and watched as he drove down the long driver and turned onto the main road. She sighed heavily and started back towards the house. Once inside, she removed her shoes and went back to the kitchen o get her cell phone which she had left on the table.
Ryousuke turned to look who had entered then went back to pouring the coffee.
"You've had a lot of coffee today Ryousuke-san." She pointed out casualy.
He nodded simply and turned to look at her as she moved to the table to pick up her cell phone.
"You look tired." She said meeting his eyes.
He shrugged and sipped the hot liquid, "I should get back to work." He started for the exit.
Mitsu watched him leave then turned to her cell phone to call back the interested buyer.
Ryousuke looked up from his laptop when he heard the doorbell. He could hear Mitsu's bedroom door open and Keisuke's voice as he joined her in the hallway. Then came the knock at his door. He sighed.
"Come in."
Keisuke pushed open the door, "Aniki, do you want to come out and see the guy coming to look at Mitsu's car?"
He shook his head, "No, I've got work to do."
"Okay. I'll come and tell you about it after." He said and darted out of the room.
"Keisuke."
The young Takahashi peeked back in the room, "Hmm?"
"The door."
Keisuke laughed lightly, "Oops, sorry." He said reaching in to pull the door shut after him.
Ryousuke turned back to his laptop and stared at it. He re-read the last line he had written and couldn't remember what else he had wanted to say. He glanced at the patio doors. He frowned and gave in to his curiousity. Walking to the patio doors he pulled it open softly and stood by the door listening.
Mitsu pulled open the door, "Hello." She said politely.
"Hi, I'm Kitamura Eiji, I phoned about the SW20."
Mitsu nodded, "Fukotomi Mitsu," She said offering him her hand which he shook politely. She turned as Keisuke appeared behind her, "And this is Takahashi Keisuke. Keisuke, This is Kitamura Eiji." She introduced.
She knew the man recognized the name by the slight widening of his eyes as the two of them shook hands. She smiled, Kitamura Eiji looked stunned, "Well the car is at the side of the house." She said as she slipped on her shoes. Keisuke did the same and the three of them walked to the side of the house.
"Wow." Kitamura said as they reached the cars. His eyes roamed over the two Mazdas and they widened even more, "Those… Those are… Wow!" Was all he could say for a moment. His eyes rested on the Snow white SW20 and he slowly approached the car, "Wow…" he said again as he circled it, "Those are really the Takahashi Brothers' car?"
Mitsu and Keisuke nodded.
"And this… Is this really the Tokyo Phantom?" He asked turning to look at them again. They both nodded.
"How, did you get a hold of it?" He asked softly as he peeked inside through the window.
Mitsu turned off the alarm and unlocked the doors for him, "You can open it. I own it." She said as the man pulled open the door.
He looked up at her confused, "But I thought, this car was the Tokyo Phantom…"
"It is." Keisuke said walking over to him, "And she's the driver."
The man's eyes widened again. He looked between the two of them.
"You… you are the Tokyo Phantom?"
Mitsu nodded.
"What are you doing in Takasaki?" He asked confused.
"My family moved here." She answered a little quieter this time.
"And why would you sell this car!?!?"
"I'm retiring."
The man looked up at her shocked, "Retiring?" He repeated to himself. He turned to the car again. He stepped inside and settled in the snug Bride black and gray reclinable bucket seat on the driver's side. He looked under the dash at the silver racing peddles adorned with black rubber. She had a short shifter kit installed along with an oil pressure gauge and a water temperature gauge. He reached under the dash and popped the hood. He climbed out of the car and went to open up the hood. He smiled, "So this is what the Tokyo Phantom has…"
Mitsu and Keisuke went to stand by him.
"You've put a lot of work and money in this car." Kitamura Eiji said glancing at Mitsu, "It must be hard parting with it."
Mitsu just stared at her car.
"I still think she should keep it." Keisuke said shrugging. He looked over at Mitsu and placed his arm around her shoulder, "But then again, if she gets an FD like mine it won't be so bad."
Mitsu looked up at him and she smiled when he winked at her. She rolled her eyes, "If I did, it definitely wouldn't be yellow."
"What's wrong with yellow?" He said pretending tobe hurt.
Mitsu punched him playfully and he laughed.
Kitamura watched them curiously, "Could I turn it on?"
Mitsu nodded and passed him the keys. She watched as the man went back into her car and started the engine. He revved it a few times.
Moments later he turned it off and stepped out and handed her back the keys. His eyes were glowing, "How much are you looking for it?" He asked.
"Well, there's not really a price." She reached into her pocket, "What I'm asking is that you write down an offer and the reason why you're interested in the car. I'll choose someone by the end of the week." She said and pulled out a small piece of paper and a pen. She saw the man's surprise.
"That's a strange way of selling a car, but I'm definitely interested." He took the pen and paper and started filling it out, "Do you mind if I ask why you're retiring? I mean the Tokyo Phantom is undefeated and there's so many people out there waiting to challenge you."
Mitsu tired to smile casually, "Moving on to different things." She answered softly.
Kitamura Eiji passed her back the paper and pen. He looked over the car again.
"It's got new cross-drilled rotors with new 'Endless' performance brake pads. I've hardly used the car since I had them installed so they're still brand new."
The man nodded and he smiled, "Well I hope to hear from you. I'd be honored to own The famous SW20 of the Tokyo Phantom."
Mitsu just smiled lightly
"Well thank you." Kitamura Eiji said offering his hand. Mitsu grasped it and shook it. Keisuke did the same and the two of them accompanied the man back to his car and watched as he drove away.
Mitsu turned and walked back into the house. Keisuke followed her, "So, did you decide on all the modifications or did Satoro help you?"
"Satoro and this mechanic that works on his car." Mitsu answered. She unfolded the piece of paper.
Keisuke leaned over to look also, "Not bad. What's his reason?"
"He wants to use it for racing."
Keisuke looked at her carefully, "You okay with that?"
"It doesn't matter. It was modified for racing…" She said and sighed, "I should get back to doing my homework." She said turning to him, "What are you going to do?"
"I thought you were going to have a race with me?"
"Oh, yeah…" She folded the piece of paper again, "When do you want to go?"
Keisuke frowned, "It's okay Mitsu-Chan." He said seeing the strange look in her eyes, "We don't have to race. It was just an idea if you were bored. But you've got homework to do, so maybe another time." He smiled when she turned to look at him, "Hey, I need to go talk to my brother. See you later okay?" And with that said he rushed back up the stairs.
Mitsu watched him confused. He was really odd sometimes.
"Come in."
Keisuke pushed open the door and stepped inside. He shut the door softly and went to sit on his brother's bed, "The guy was shocked to see that Mitsu was the Tokyo Phantom." He laughed lightly.
"Hmm."
"He was shocked to see our cars too."
"So I gathered."
Keisuke stared at his brother's back. H turned t see the open balcony doors, "You were listening?"
Ryousuke shrugged casually and continued to type away on his laptop, "So what are you doing today Keisuke?"
His brother sighed, "Well I did ask Mitsu if she wanted to have a friendly race, but she seemed really uncomfortable about it. So, that idea was trashed. Maybe I'll call up some friends and see that they're up to."
"Don't you have any homework to do?"
Keisuke groaned and his brother turned to meet his gaze, "You should take your studies more seriously, Keisuke."
The younger brother groaned, "But it's so boring!" He whined.
"And you think I enjoy studying and doing papers?"
Keisuke looked at him surprised.
Ryousuke couldn't help but allow a small smile to appear on his face, "Despite what you think Keisuke, there are other things I rather do than study and write papers!" He glanced at the books on his desk, "But it has to be done."
Keisuke sighed, "I guess." He got to his feet, "Can I come and do them here? I hate studying alone."
Ryousuke nodded and turned his attention back to his laptop and started typing again as his younger brother left his room. He returned moments later with a few books in his arms. He went to his brother's bed and laid down spreading his books about him.
"Wouldn't you rather come study at the table, Keisuke?"
"Nah. My butt goes numb sitting there for so long." He replied opening one of his books.
Ryousuke glanced at him. He shook his head hopelessly and turned his attention back to his work.
A little over an hour later, Keisuke groaned and slammed his book shut, "I'm done Aniki."
"Ah." Ryousuke said reading through one of his books, "What do you plan on doing now?"
"I'm going to call some of my friends." He collected his books into a pile and picked them up as he rolled off the bed and walked over to his brother. He looked over the intricate diagrams and pictures of who knows what. He frowned, "Aniki? What is that?"
"That's a Papillomavirus. The other one is an Adenovirus." Ryousuke answered glancing at the picture his brother was pointing at in disgust.
"They sound and look really dangerous."
Ryousuke shrugged, "The first one gives you warts and the second one causes pink eye. Both very treatable."
"They're still gross looking. I don't see how any of this good be interesting." He looked at his brother curiously.
"It's not that it's interesting, it's what you can do to help ill people get better." Ryousuke said shrugging.
Keisuke sighed, "Okay. Well, I'm gonna go now. See you later Aniki."
"Ah." He glanced up briefly as Keisuke stepped out of his room and shut the door softly behind him. He glanced behind him at the clock on his night table. He had about an hour left to work on his paper and then he would head over to Fumihiro's place.
Keisuke pushed open Mitsu's bedroom door after she bid him to come in, "Mitsu-Chan, My friends and I are going to go see a movie. Do you want to come?"
The young lady smiled lightly and she motioned towards the books on her desk, "Next time?"
Keisuke frowned, "You're just like Ryousuke! Okay, well maybe next time. See you later." He said giving her a quick wave before leaving her alone again.
Mitsu stared at the closed the door. Just like Ryousuke-san? How could he say that? They were completely different in every way possible. He was so serious and uptight, she wasn't. He never smiled or laughed, he never seemed to enjoy himself. She wasn't like that. Not at all. She looked at the book in front of her. It was time to get back to work. She sighed and delved back into her homework. Several hours later she heard a knock at her door. Ryousuke? Who else could it be? She called for the person to come in. She watched as indeed Takahashi Ryousuke stepped just inside her door, "Fumihiro and I are going to film the next race course. Would you like to join us?" He asked casually.
Mitsu tilted her head to the side in surprise, "Really?"
Ryousuke nodded unfazed by her reply.
"I… I would really like to. But…" She motioned towards the books on her desk with a sigh, "I have a biochemistry exam tomorrow…"
"I see. Well study hard. I will see you tomorrow morning then." He bowed slightly and backed out of the room, shutting the door behind him.
Mitsu sighed and turned back to her book.
"Overall it seems to be a nice course. The road seems pretty smooth." Fumihiro said as he drove down Mount Yahiko.
"Aa." He glanced out his window, "Yahiko is a volcano. They'll have to be careful of the loose rocks at the side of the road."
"Hmm. That's right." Fumihiro said also glancing out his side window. When he turned back to look in front of him he saw a car coming up the mountain, "If we're lucky maybe that'll be someone from The Kamikaze Racers."
Ryousuke's eyes zeroed onto the oncoming car. It's headlights came closer, "An FC."
Fumihiro turned to him, "FC?" He repeated as the car was close enough to see. And sure enough, it was a bright red FC, "Any team stickers on it?" He asked as they passed the car.
A split second before the red FC aligned itself with them, it's driver's eyes met Takahashi Ryousuke's.
"Hai. It was indeed someone from the Kamikaze Racers." Ryousuke said casually. He then turned to stare out the side window. It couldn't be... But the look of recognition he had seen when their eyes had met... Those eyes...
"An FC…" Fumihiro repeated again softly. He glanced at Ryousuke, "If the FC races who are you going to put against it?"
He waited for an answer but when none came he glanced over at the young man. Takahashi Ryousuke was staring blankly out the window.
Fumihiro turned his attention back to the road. Was Ryousuke worried about the FC?
Author's Note:
Thanks for the all the feedback!
Thanks GT4SilverShadow!
Cheers,
CelicaChick