Seiji traced a finger along the edge of his newest trophy. It had been the happiest day of his life. He'd finally placed first. After hours upon hours and weeks upon weeks of training on the track, he'd finally done it. He'd taken home the first place trophy in the National Amateur Auto Racing Competition. His friends and family had been so proud.

His lips curled into a smile as he gazed at the photo next to the trophy. His friends. The other Troopers. They had all been able to attend and see him win his award. He'd been blushing with pride, and they'd been there to enjoy the moment with him. He laughed out loud as he picked up the picture. Ryo stood there with a fist in the air, feet slightly off the ground, and a huge silly grin plastered on his face. Touma was laughing and smiling up at Seiji. A fiercely proud Shu was standing in the middle with a grinning Seiji standing on his shoulders and a giggling Shin dangling from one arm.

He laughed again. He remembered crossing the finish line and triumphantly shaking his fist in the air. As soon as his car stopped, he'd unstrapped his harness and strong arms had pulled him from his seat. He'd laughed as he was pulled into a giant group hug. Then one set of arms had gripped him tighter and hoisted him into the air. He easily fell into the old acrobatic routine with Shu and gracefully landed on the stronger man's shoulders, much to the delight of the onlookers whose cheering elevated to a roar.

Never had he been prouder. Never had he been happier. Except maybe the day the dynasty fell.

He'd been stoically quiet before the race, his mind checking and rechecking everything. Concern marred his perfect brow and then his friends were there, clapping him on the back and wishing him luck. Shin even worked in a hug.

He remembered going into the race more scared than he'd been since he'd faced the warlord Cale. The tragic death of his idol, Dale Earnhardt, Sr., temporarily making him doubt his abilities and equipment. Wondering if he would live to see the end of the race. Wondering if he shouldn't tell Shu now… But then his mental shields went up, and the race started. Once the race began, he didn't have time to think about anything but winning.

He chuckled and returned the photo to its rightful spot next to his trophy. He let his fingers trace the glass and the outline of Shu's face. Someday. Someday I'll tell you exactly how much you mean to me. When I'm ready. When I think we're both ready.