Thank you SnoQueen for finding my oversight! I really appreciate it! I came right back to delete and add some info to make the story gel! Many Thank you's! It's been a while. I'm rusty.

Chapter 36 – Falling

"See you tomorrow?"

Ryousuke nodded, "Aa." He watched as Hyobe climbed out of the FC and walked over to the door of his home. Once his friend was inside, he turned the car and headed back towards the main road.

He hesitated. Then reached out for his cell phone.

"Keisuke. What time do you have to pick up Mitsu-chan from the station? Aa. I'll pick her up. It's not far from Hyobe's. Aa." He ended the call and turned right onto the main road.

He had only been driving about ten minutes when the station came into view. He pulled into the station and found a parking stall close to the passenger exit. Turning off the engine, he stared out his front window at passengers exiting the station. He straightened in his seat when he saw her appear. He got out of the car and took a step away from the vehicles so that he came into view.

She met his gaze and started in his direction, "Ryousuke-san?"

"Aa. Would you like to get a drink?"

Mitsu smiled and nodded.

Ryousuke met her at her side of the car and pulled open the door.

"Thank you." She climbed into the vehicle. Ryousuke shut the door and entered the FC from the driver's side.

"Would you like something hot or cold?"

"Hot if you don't mind?"

"Of course not."

They drove in silence until they reached Café Veloce. They entered the small but busy café and got in line.

They remained silent until it was their turn to order.

When it came their turn to order, both ordered a large hot milk tea. Ryousuke paid for the drinks and turned to Mitsu, "Let's go somewhere quiet."

"Ok." Mitsu followed him back to the FC and they turned back onto the road, "So where are we going?"

"Somewhere I like to go for some peace and quiet."

"Hyobe's place?"

Ryousuke glanced at her and found her smiling at him, "Someplace else. Hyobe is a curious person."

Mitsu laughed, "I thought he understood you well."

"He does. As you can imagine, he likes to push for things when he believes it's for the best."

"Aa." Mitsu turned to look out the front windshield, "So where then are you taking me?"

"You'll see."

They drove on in silence again until they reached the seaside.

Mitsu glanced over at Ryousuke, "You come to the beach?"

"Aa. It's quiet in this particular spot." Ryousuke turned off the engine and turned to her, "Would you like to go outside?"

"Sure." She stepped out of the car and joined him at the front by the railings that separated the parking area and the beach.

They stood side by side sipping their hot tea.

"How was your trip?" Ryousuke asked casually.

"It was nice. I met with Satoro and a girl friend for dinner."

"How is Satoro?"

Mitsu sipped her tea before answering, "Still asking about you and I."

Ryousuke turned to her.

Her gaze met his and he reached out to brush her cheek softly with the back of his hand.

She closed her eyes softly then reached out for him as she stepped closer to him. She could feel his warmth and was immediately drawn even closer.

Ryousuke's hand slid down to her jaw-line and tilted her chin up as his lips moved down towards hers.

Keisuke walked into the kitchen the next day and went directly to his brother who was currently cooking eggs, "Aniki what time do you think the FD will be ready?"

"Sometime tonight."

"Tonight?"

Ryousuke nodded.

"Do you have plans today Keisuke? A date maybe?" Mitsu said walking past him to get to the fridge.

"Date?" He shook his head, "Just going out with some friends."

"You knew in advance that we'd be working on the FD today. Ask them to pick you up." Ryousuke stated as he removed the eggs from the pan and setting them on a plate.

"Aniki!" Keisuke whined, "I hate it when they drive. And I can't just take off whenever I want."

Mitsu laughed lightly and patted his shoulder as she moved back to the other side of the kitchen with the butter.

Ryousuke carried the plate of eggs to the table and placed it down beside the sausage and toast.

"Let's eat Keisuke." Mitsu said taking her seat.

The blond Takahashi sighed and sat down.

"Can you reschedule for tomorrow?"

"No."

"Why not? Please Aniki?"

"I don't have time tomorrow."

Keisuke huffed and stared at his plate.

"You should eat before it gets cold." Mitsu stated as she started serving him food.

Ryousuke sighed and got to his feet, "Excuse me a moment." He walked out of the kitchen.

"At least the FD will react better afterwards."

Keisuke nodded simply as he poked at the sausage on his plate.

Mitsu watched him curiously. She had never seen him so interested in anything but racing. She wondered what could have have snared his interest so powerfully. She took a bite of her sausage as she mulled over his uncommon behaviour.

Ryousuke entered the kitchen and sat down, "Where exactly are you going?"

"Akihabara then later dinner and a movie." Keisuke mumbled.

"Who are you going with?" Mitsu asked curiously.

Keisuke sighed, "Just Kenta and a few friends from school."

"From school?" Ryousuke repeated curious now. He had never heard of Keisuke mention ever wanting to go out with people from school. Let alone call those people friends.

"Yeah, from english class." He saw his older brother raise a brow interested.

Ryousuke sighed and moved to reach into his pocket. He pulled the item he had gone to retrieve and placed it on the table beside Keisuke's plate.

The younger brother's eyes widened and he touched the key and alarm controler cautiously, "Really?" He asked unsurely.

Ryousuke nodded and picked up his fork to eat.

Keisuke grabbed the key and stuffed it in his pocket before his aniki could change his mind. He glanced over at Mitsu who gave him a smile.

"Eat now." She said motioning to his plate.

"Hai!" Keisuke grabbed his fork and began eating. He couldn't believe his brother was letting him take the FC! He quickly finished his food and got up to put away his dish, "Thanks Aniki! Bye Mitsu-chan!" He exclaimed and rushed out of the kitchen.

The two remaining people listened as Keisuke ran up the staircase.

Mitsu turned to her companion, "That was nice of you."

Ryousuke glanced at her, "He really wanted to go didn't he?"

She nodded, "Its good that he can take a break from training and racing though."

Ryousuke nodded and chewed his food thoughtfully, "Do you think he met someone?"

"It's possible." She got up with her cup, "More tea?"

Ryousuke nodded and she took his cup, "Thank you."

She went to the counter to fill their cups and came back to place Ryousuke's beside him on the table.

He was surprised when she leaned over and kissed his cheek gently before going back to her seat and continuing with her breakfast.

When she glanced at him, he was staring up at her dazedly.

"Aniki I'm going!" Keisuke said popping his head into the kitchen.

"Aa." Ryousuke snapped back to attention.

"See you later Mitsu-chan." He gave her a quick wave before dashing away.

The sound of the front door closing was heard moments after.

Ryousuke resisted the urge to get to his feet and walk to the window and watch his FC drive off without him in it.

Mitsu carried her empty plate to the dishwasher. She heard the roar of the FC's engine come to life and turned to see Ryousuke's posture stiffen. She walked over to him and rested her hands on his shoulders to gently knead them, "What time is Fumihiro coming?" She asked to draw his attention.

"Eleven."

The sound of the FC moved out of hearing range.

"So what will you do until then?"

"I've got some emails to check." He picked up his tea and finished it before tackling the remaining food on his plate, "Do you have plans today?"

"Not really. Maybe I should call Tsugumi-chan and see if she wants to go out with me."

"She'll probably like that."

Mitsu moved to sit in the chair next to him, "You and Fumihiro could join us too if you reschedule the maintenance of the FD." she teased.

"I don't think we'd want to intrude in your girl time." Ryousuke replied frowning.

"Suit yourself." She leaned forward to plant a soft kiss on his lips before standing.

Ryousuke grabbed her hand and got to his feet.

"What-" Her question was cut off as his lips closed over hers.

Ryousuke pulled away after a moment and rested his forehead against her, "Be careful." He said in a husky voice that caused her to shiver.

She could only nod as she wrapped her arms around him and held him closer. She still found it amazing how she found it so easy to hold him close and how he was letting his guard down so easily around her when they were alone together.

"Go out with me tonight?" Ryousuke asked softly without pulling away.

"Ok."

"Meet me at the train station at 10."

"The train station?"

"Park your rental there, I'll pick you up."

"You don't have a car remember."

He couldn't see her but he could hear the smile in her voice, "I'll be testing the FD's settings."

Mitsu smiled and pulled away, "Sneaky."

Ryousuke smiled, "No. Smart." He leaned forward and touched his lips to hers.

Mitsu's arms instinctively wrapped around his neck.

**** A Week later…

Takahashi Emi stood leaning against the counter with a mug of coffee in her hands. She glanced up at the clock on the wall. He would be down any minute now. She sipped her coffee and it was at this point that she heard his footsteps coming down the stairs.

Ryousuke entered the room, "Ohayou." He bowed his head politely as he entered and walked over to the counter where the coffee was already made.

"Ohayou. How are you?"

"Fine." He sipped his coffee as he moved to look out the window.

"Your father and I are going to hold a dinner here this Saturday."

"Aa."

"Will you be bringing anyone?"

Ryousuke spun on his heals to look at his mother. Bring someone?

"Who would you like me to bring?"

Emi walked up to him and placed a hand on his arm, "Anyone special?"

Ryousuke stared at her. Special?

His mother smiled, "It's ok Ryousuke. These things happen."

"These things?"

"Mom's asking if you have a girl-friend Aniki," Keisuke strolled into the kitchen chuckling. He walked over to the fridge and pulled out the jug of orange juice. When he turned around he looked at Ryousuke then at his mother, "And he doesn't Mom. How could he? He's always here at school or at Hyobe's."

"Keisuke."

The younger brother looked at his sibling, "Sorry Aniki."

Ryousuke turned away and drank his coffee. His mother wanted him to bring a girl-friend? What was going on? What about Fukotomi Mitsu? He glanced at his mother and finished his coffee, "Excuse me." He placed his mug in the sink and walked out of the room.

Emi watched her oldest son.

Keisuke turned to his mother, "What are you doing mom?"

Emi turned to Keisuke curiously.

"You arrange a marriage for him then you ask him to bring a girl-friend home? What are you and Dad doing?"

Emi sighed, "I just wanted to know if Ryousuke had already found someone."

Keisuke frowned, "Mom! You guys are messing with his mind! You're going to have him all screwed up! The prodigal son couldn't even decipher what you were referring to!" Keisuke smirked suddenly, "Then again Aniki was always kind of naïve when it came to girls and relationships."

"Don't make fun of your Aniki, Keisuke. We don't mean to confuse Ryousuke, simply to understand him. But you are right. I shouldn't have asked him like I did."

Keisuke wasn't sure how to respond so he nodded and drank his orange juice, "Ok, see you later mom!" He placed his cup in the sink and rushed out of the kitchen.

"Don't forget to be here on Saturday!" Takahashi Emi shook her head smiling. Her boys were like night and day yet they got along so well.

She sighed and re-thought about what her colleague had told her a few days ago.

"Congratulations Takahashi-sama."

"Excuse-me Kai-sensei, what do you mean?"

"I saw your son at the beach with a young lady."

"Oh?"

The doctor nodded, "I assumed they're engaged."

Emi's brow raised.

The Doctor turned to her, "They look very much in love. You must be excited to have your first born son almost married and starting his residency soon!"

Emi only smiled.

"Everything ok?"

Emi blinked and focused on her husband entering the kitchen, "Oh yes I'm fine. I've told Ryousuke and Keisuke about Saturday."

"Good."

Emi sat down at the table. What was going on here? Who was Ryousuke with at the beach? Was it Ryousuke at the beach at all? Her colleague may have been mistaken.

"Did he say anything?"

"Actually no." She quickly went over the conversation and realized he had not once confirmed or denied that he didn't have someone special in his life. What was she thinking. Keisuke was right. Her eldest didn't have spare time to find himself and spend time with a girl-friend. Unless… He was finding temporary relief… Her eyes widened.

"I'll be right back." She walked upstairs to her eldest son's room and knocked on the door.

"Come."

She pushed open the door.

Ryousuke was doing up the last button of his shirt, "Mother."

She met his gaze. Those dark serious eyes. Wise beyond his years, responsible and… naïve she realized. Keisuke was right. His Aniki wasn't experienced in relationships. Whatever experience he had with Amaya was innocent. Young love. She stared at him. He was younger than he acted she had to remind herself.

She walked up to him and reached out to fix his collar. She looked up at him, "Good luck today. I know you will do exceptionally well." She squeezed his arm then turned and left the room. She pulled the door closed behind her and sighed.

"Emi-sama?" Mitsu stopped and looked her with concern, "Are you well?"

Emi smiled, "I'm fine dear. I just wanted to wish Ryousuke good luck on his first day of residency."

"Oh ok."

"You're up early."

Mitsu nodded, "Keisuke and I are off to look at a car."

"Oh?"

The young woman nodded, "It's too costly to have mine repaired."

"I see. Don't push yourself to hard ok?"

"Hai."

Emi smiled, "Have fun. You two be safe."

"Hai."

"Come down for some coffee?"

Mitsu nodded and followed Emi downstairs.

"Oh, Saturday Fujimaro and I will be hosting a dinner. We'd like for all of you to be home."

"Aa. Ok. Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Oh no, everything should be ok." They entered the kitchen.

"Good Morning Mitsu-chan." Fujimaro smiled.

"Good Morning." Mitsu replied back.

Another set of footfalls came down the stairs and without stopping by the kitchen made their way to the foyer and out the door.

Fujimaro turned to his wife, "Ryousuke?"

"Yes."

Fujimaro nodded and turned back to his newspaper.

Mitsu watched silently. She turned to the window when the FC's engine turned to life. Take care Ryousuke-san.

"How was your first day of Residency?"

"It went well." Ryousuke pulled a pair of overalls from the bag he was carrying, "How long have you been here?"

"Not long." Hyobe answered as he looked at the SW20, "It won't be much longer until we're done."

"Aa." Ryousuke's muffled voice could be heard from the bathroom. He emerged shortly after dressed in his overalls. He joined his best friend at the damaged vehicle.

"Hyobe."

"Aa." He glanced at his friend and found him trying to put on his gloves. That surprised him. With the amount of practice Ryousuke had with wearing gloves, you'd think that it would be a simple task, "You're anxious?" He turned fully to examine his friend, "No. You're nervous!" Hyobe chuckled, "What is it?"

Ryousuke glanced at him and finally managed to put on his gloves, "Are you free tomorrow?"

"Aa. I was going to come join you here."

"Would you run an errand with me tomorrow after my shift."

"Sure. What are we doing?"

"Shopping." The answer was a final one.

Hyobe frowned. Shopping?

"That is an unusual request coming from you."

Ryousuke ignored his comment and started working on the SW20.

"I'm very curious now." Hyobe said crossing his arms smiling.

"We should be able to finish in two more days."

"Ok, I guess I'll find out tomorrow then. Will pick me up at home?"

"Aa."

Hyobe joined him by the vehicle, "Ok."

The two friends started to work.

Ryousuke parked the FC and went to the house. He entered and immediately went upstairs to his room to get a set of clean clothes. He needed a good hot shower.

Afterwards he returned to his room to put away his things. He picked up his cell phone and started to text a message. Once that was done, he carried his phone with him to his desk. Turning on his laptop as he waited for it to boot up, he stared at his old textbooks on the nearby bookshelf. It had only been a week since school had ended, but it felt so much longer.

A soft knock at his door made him look up, "Come."

"Welcome home."

Ryousuke smiled. He stood up and went to her, "How was school?" He cupped her face.

"Not the same without you and the other guys there." She wrapped her arms around his waist.

Ryousuke smiled and leaned down to press his lips against hers, "I missed you."

"Mmm." Mitsu smiled nervously. He missed her? "You are different person than who I thought you were."

"Who did you think me to be?"

Mitsu looked up at him, "I've just never imagined you to be able to talk so openly."

"Hn."

"That's it?"

"What would you like me to say?"

"It depends who I'm speaking with."

Mitsu nodded, "So lets get going. Where are we going to go tonight?"

"What would you like to eat?" He stared down at her as he reached back and pulled her hair loose from her ponytail so he could run his fingers through it.

Mitsu shut her eyes briefly then looked up at him again, "A hamburger."

Ryousuke chuckled and reluctantly released her to collect his coat and keys, "Ok." He led her to the door.

Mitsu quickly went to her room to grab her jacket and purse then rejoined him at the top of the stairs. They quickly made their way out of the house and to the cars, "I'll just follow you like always?"

Ryousuke nodded, "See you in a bit."

Mitsu nodded and pulled the keys to the dark blue rental car from her purse. With Ryousuke finished school and her car gone, she opted to get a rental so she could drive herself to the university. She couldn't very well depend on Ryousuke and Keisuke to take her around everywhere. Hopefully, she would find a car to her liking soon.

She climbed in and put the key in the ignition. To her left, Ryousuke motioned for her to leave first. It was arranged they would meet up at the train station then leave together from there. This way, they were never seen arriving together.

Once at the station, Ryousuke pulled up in front of the passenger pick-up area where Mitsu stood waiting.

"The White Comet really isn't that fast." She stated closing the door after her. She turned to meet his gaze when he chuckled.

"I think you should prove to me how fast you are."

"Is that so?" Ryousuke was still smiling as he pulled out of the station parking lot.

"We could always leave Saturday's dinner early and you can show me how fast you are."

"Perhaps." He glanced at her.

"Really?"

"Saturday nights are not an ideal time." He still had a lingering smile.

"No of course not." Mitsu glanced out the window. Saturday would not allow them to have any privacy.

"My mother asked me if I was bringing anyone Saturday."

Mitsu turned to him.

All expression had disappeared from his face.

"Who?"

"I asked her that. She said 'anyone special?'." He glanced over at his passenger. Her brows were scrunched up in confusion.

She swallowed, "Is there someone special?" She tried to sound like she was teasing him. She wouldn't let it bother her so much if he had found someone special. In fact it would make things easier on both of them.

Ryousuke glanced at her, "Other than spending time with you I've been with Hyobe."

Mitsu's eyes widened, "You don't think she knows about..."

"I'm not sure." He sighed, "It's always a possibility." He recalled the conversation she had with him that morning and couldn't remember her being overly happy. He would think that the idea of Fukotomi Mitsu and him honouring the bethroval would make her happy, "But I don't think she knows."

Mitsu felt herself relax, "Maybe we shouldn't be going out together."

"Aa." Ryousuke answered.

They were both silent.

"I'd like my hamburger though." Mitsu stated softly.

"Aa." He kept on driving.

Neither one wanted to end their time together.

Neither one wanted to be seen together tonight.

But while one of them harboured the constant worry of how they were going to end this relationship without hurting the other person, the other was considering staying together.