Dance, Dance

When a dance party is coming up in a local club, Rika wants to go, but can't dance. So Takato decides to take matters into his own hands…Takes place 6 years after the D-Reaper incident.

Chapter 1: Anticipation and Hesitancy

"Takato! Check it out!" Henry said. "There's gonna be a dance party at the Ultra Club next Saturday!"

"Really? Sweet!" Takato replied, excited. "I am so going!"

Henry, Takato, and Rika were sitting outside the Matsuki bakery looking at a sign in a nearby store window.

"So who are you bringing Henry?" Takato asked, smirking.

"I'm not telling you!" Henry said defensively. "You'll find out on the day of the party!"

"Ha. Fine." Takato said cheekily.

Ever since the D-Reaper incident, everyone thought that Jeri and Takato were easily together. But instead, they grew closer together as best friends, not as lovers. Despite that, Takato was able to get over his crush and move on.

"A dance club?" Rika asked, confused. "No way, count me out."

"Aww come on Rika." Takato said, pouting. "You never go out and have fun with us!"

A death glare from Rika shut Takato up

"What? You're saying I can't have fun if it's not with you guys!" Rika said angrily, standing up suddenly.

"No!" Takato said quickly. "It's just that you never really hang with us and make plans. We usually just talk!"

Rika's anger quickly melted away, because she knew he was right.

Rika frowned, turned around and started walking away.

"I'm going home guys, see you guys later." Rika said.

Takato suddenly stood up and ran after her.

"Wait Rika!" Takato called.

"No thanks Gogglehead." She replied, unhappily.

Takato settled next to her and walked at her pace.

"Rika…" Takato started. "I'm sorry about what I sa—"

"Stop apologizing." Rika said, stopping. "You do that too much."

"Well sometimes I can't help it." Takato said. "I don't like insulting people or making people feel bad, and it feels like I did both to you."

Rika chuckled. "It's nothing like that Gogglehead." She said. She continued walking. "I've just been trying to open up more since Renamon—"

She couldn't finish the sentence, which Takato understood.

"I know what you mean Rika." Takato said. "Ever since Guilmon left, it hasn't been the same. At all…"

The tone of his voice shook Rika.

He's so sad…Rika thought. Maybe I should go to that club thing…

"Takato?" Rika asked.

"Yes Rika?" Takato replied.

"Would you—"she started. "Would you l-like t-to go w-with me to the club n-next Saturday?" Rika asked nervously.

"Really!" Takato exclaimed in his mind. "She wants to go! And with me! And she's stuttering!"

"O-of course Rika!" Takato said.

For the first time in a while, Rika smiled.

"Wow…" Takato thought. "She has a nice smile…"

"Hey Rika, there is one thing I don't understand." Takato said. "You told me earlier that you didn't want to go to this club. Why didn't you want to go before? Or rather, what made you change your mind?"

Rika blushed a little.

"Well…" Rika started. "I gave it some thought, and decided that this club is a great way to help me open up a little more. Also, about the other reason…Well…"

She stopped, and looked at Takato.

"I…I…I…" She stammered.

"Rika?" Takato asked, confused. "What is it?"

"I…can't…" she stuttered.

"You can't what?" he asked.

"I...I CAN'T DANCE!" Rika shouted out, reddening even more.

Takato stopped, and then looked at her.

"Ohh." Takato nodded in understanding. "Well that's not such a big deal."

Rika's eyes widened. "Are you serious! It's a disaster! I'm going to show up at the club, not able to move, and it'll be embarrassing!"

Takato shook his head.

"No, it won't be." Takato said. "I'll teach you how to dance!"

Rika took a step back.

"You'll what!" Rika exclaimed.

"Yeah I'll teach you!" Takato said happily. "I got a whole playlist of dance music and plenty of genres at home! I can teach you!"

"You're kidding right?" Rika spat, annoyed. "No offense Takato, but what can you teach me?"

"Ha, you just wait." Takato said, unfazed. How about you come over to my house at 2:00 tomorrow? My parents won't be home, and the bakery will be closed."

Rika gave some thought, and realized:

What have I got to lose, whatever, I'll see what this gogglehead can do.

"Alright Gogglehead, deal!" Rika responded. "Let me see how well you can 'dance' tomorrow."

"Sweet!" Takato said, excited. "You won't be sorry Rika! I assure you!"

He turned and ran back to the bakery.

"I better not be!" Rika yelled back.

"Oh lord, what have I gotten myself into?" Rika thought miserably.