Thanks to everyone who reviewed, and to everyone who said that Rika
was too harsh to Ryo, sorry. That's the way I figured Rika would be, Ryo
won't do anything stupid like suicide. I mean, Rika was hurt! Oh, and
this chapter will be a bit boring and still a bit hard on poor Ryo. Won't
his love ever give in?
Chapter 4: Don't Mention the Past!
"Hey gogglehead," Rika said sourly when she reached the meeting that Takato was holding for the Tamers, "Ready for another waste of time, are we? I don't know why I bothered to come." Rika wasn't even sure why she had came, perhaps it was a tiny glimmer of hope that Ryo might show.
"Hi Rika," Takato said, oblivious to her mood.
"Why do you have some much stuff?" Kazu laughed at Rika holding a bundle, "I don't think you'll need an umbrella today." It was a sunny day even though it was winter, but winter in Japan was never too hot anyways.
Rika groaned inwardly, she knew she shouldn't have brought all of Ryo's stuff, he probably wasn't even going to show. Ryo always considered himself a lone Tamer and interacted very little with others. And plus what Rika had done yesterday didn't help. Rika didn't know why she went berserk, it was almost if something had taken over her. But Ryo had still came out to help her, so unlike the Ryo she knew. "It's not mine," Rika snapped, "It's Ryo's" As soon as those words were out her mouth, Rika wished she could take it back.
"And what are you doing with Ryo's things?" Kazu laughed again, "I thought he wasn't good enough for you!"
Rika looked angry, "We're not dating or anything! We've never even gone out, anyone who thinks that we've kissed or done anything just as gross is out of their minds!"
"Calm down Rika," Henry said soothingly, "Just forget about Kazu and his crude comments."
"Let's just get this meeting over with!" Rika snapped, throwing herself down on a rock, "We shouldn't even need to meet. There's no way to beat the Darkness."
"But we have to try," Takato insisted.
"Why don't I actually try to do some damage and you can try to keep Juri out of damage?" Rika asked pointedly, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Takato turned as red as a ripe apple and Juri blushed visibly.
"Why are you so sour?" Kenta asked, "Did you fall out of bed on the wrong side of something?"
Rika glared menacingly at the nervous boy, "Do you really want me to tell the story?"
Kenta gulped, "No."
Takato started the meeting by suggesting some strategies while Henry countered all the violence. Rika stifled a yawn, watching as everyone was disagreeing and agreeing. Rika didn't see why they needed a plan, all they need was more power. Rika considered leaving, after all, Ryo didn't look like he was going to show.
Just as Takato was concluding their meeting, a familiar cheerful voice interrupted Rika's thoughts.
"Hey guys," Ryo fell onto the step beside Rika.
"Hi Ryo!" Kazu exclaimed, "Glad you could make it!"
" A bit late aren't you?" Rika retorted, "Sure, show up when it's all over."
"Sorry," Ryo apologized, "I was busy with something."
"Yeah, I'm so sure," Rika snorted.
Ryo wasn't in the mood to argue with the girl he'd do anything to get. Besides he was still very upset with the incident that occurred last night. Rika was so beautiful, yet so dangerous. Ryo liked that combination, it was lethal, he knew he would never fall for a girl who was too concerned with how she looked. If Rika would only be his, then he'd never ever look at another girl again. "How's your arm Rika? Does it still hurt?"
Rika realized that she hadn't taken off the bandage yet, she had completely forgot it. When she thought about it now, it made her steamed. No one had cared enough to ask if she was all right, and the bandage was visible enough for everyone who wasn't blind to see. Henry had asked her yesterday, but he knew better than to fuss over her. But Takato or Juri could at least show some concern. No one paid any attention to her, no one but Ryo. Did he care? Okay, so maybe he paid a little too much attention to her, but at least he cared. "I'm fine," Rika said curtly. She struggled to take off the bandage. Screw, she should have taken if off yesterday, this was embarrassing.
Ryo jumped beside her, "Here let me help."
Rika wanted to tell him to buzz off, but she didn't have to the heart to. After all, he was the only one except for Henry, who showed any concern at all. And Kazu would probably scold her and talk forever.
Ryo unravelled the bandage carefully, "There, it looks much better."
"What happened anyways?" Takato asked absent-mindedly.
"Sure," Rika thought sourly, "Ask me now. Now you notice."
Ryo explained in little detail to Rika's relief. Rika was glad he didn't mention that she fell unconscious. Strange, Ryo seemed to always knew what she wanted. Takato told them that after he woke up, he opened the portal back (Juri's idea).
"Here," Rika shoved a jacket and an umbrella in Ryo's arms, "Take it. Thanks."
Ryo almost dropped everything, "Whoa, easy." He threw everything in his backpack and grinned at Rika, "Can I sit down?" Without waiting for an answer, Ryo sat down on the same rock as Rika, right beside her.
"Ugh!" Rika jumped up and stood against a tree instead.
"I don't bite," Ryo said harmlessly, innocence in his blue eyes. Rika made a face at the Legendary Tamer.
"Ryo, how do you think we should defeat the Darkness?" Takato asked.
"I said this before Gogglehead," Rika snapped impatiently, "I don't have much time! And I told you already, we can't defeat that thing. It's way too strong."
"But there must be something stronger than it," Ryo reasoned, draping one arm over his leg, "It may be impossible to beat now, but I guess we'll just have to find a stronger power."
"I don't agree with either of you," Henry said, looking upset, "Rika, you're wrong if you think we can't beat it. We can…somehow. And Ryo, we don't have to use force or power to kill it."
"Why?" Ryo demanded, "How do expect to destroy something without being stronger than it? I say we should all get some sort of weapon and kill all his troops NOW!"
"NO!" Henry exclaimed, "There's going to absolutely no head-chopping, no spear-thrusting weapons in this group. How do you think Suzy will feel if she had to watch that kind of horror?!"
"I never said that she had to watch it," Ryo said, "She could partipate in it!"
Henry's eyes widened in shock, "What? You actually want her to pick up a weapon and kill someone? What is that supposed to mean? She's too young!"
"That's my point," Ryo said heatedly, what was with this guy anyways? He goes off with Rika and always touches her. Rika never lets anyone touch her, what's so special about this guy anyways? He's just some pacifist who will never harm anyone unless it was necessary. "She's too young. She's too young. That's all I ever get from you. She's a Tamer as well, and she'll grow up too!"
"Never! I'm not letting anyone fight just to kill cold-heartedly!" Henry said.
"Stop!" Juri cried, "This is ridiculous. I don't want to kill anyone, just forget it!"
"Yeah, we shouldn't kill anyone unless we have to," Takato agreed, "I think that's too extreme Ryo."
"Looks like I'm outvoted," Ryo thought miserably, "If only Rika would agree with me, I wouldn't even care if everyone else hated me."
"Dismiss!" Rika said tiredly, "I'm totally dismissing this meeting, we spent two hours here without any progress. I still have to do my homework. Goodbye."
"What a spoilsport," Kazu had said.
"Shut up Kazu!" Rika snapped, she bounded away.
"Rika!" Ryo called, "What school do you go to?"
Rika whirled around, looking suspicious, "Why Akiyama? You want to stalk me or something?"
"No," Ryo grinned innnocently at her, "Just wondering."
"Why does he always smile like that?" Rika thought, it made her feel like melting. "Sunshine Park Elementary," Rika answered with a bored yawn.
A slow smile spread across Ryo's face, his eyes took on a mischievous look, sparkling maliciously. "Really?"
"Why are you grinning like that?" Rika demanded, "Are you going to drop by and embarrass me or something?"
"Now why would I do that?" Ryo asked ingenuously, but he was still smiling. Ryo didn't notice that Henry was looking at him.
"Whatever Akiyama," Rika snapped, "I'm outta here."
"See you tomorrow," Ryo called, "I hope your mother's home to open the door for you!"
"Shut up!" Rika shouted crossly, then she was gone.
"Bye," Juri called to Ryo as she and Takato disappeared.
"See ya!" Kazu and Kenta went racing away.
Ryo was just about to leave when he heard Henry call his name. He didn't really want to talk to Henry, but Ryo was always up to a challenge if that was what Henry wanted. "What?"
To Ryo's surprise Henry didn't look mad or upset. "Ryo, I don't think that this is a good idea," Henry said.
"What?" Ryo looked confused, "The weapon stuff? I told you that I-"
"Forget the weapons," Henry said quickly, "That's not what I mean. You're transferring to our school aren't you?"
Ryo looked surprised, "How do you know?"
Henry shrugged, "I figured by your face. Anyways, Rika's not ready to be around you yet."
Ryo's face darkened, "So this is about Rika, is it? Well, I'll tell you, I'm doing everything I can to bring her back to me. And I won't take it easily on anyone who tries to interfere."
Henry groaned inwardly, "You've got the wrong idea. I'm not Rika's boyfriend, I don't even like her in that way. She's just my friend, honest, I swear."
Ryo studied the navy haired boy carefully, "You sure? Then why are you always hugging her?"
Henry shrugged, looking embarrassed, "I'm used to comforting her, I guess. What I'm trying to say is that she needs more time to heal. I don't think suddenly showing up wherever she is is a good idea."
"Then what do you suggest?" Ryo demanded, "I'm desperate, I can't afford to lose her again."
"I don't know, Rika's tough to figure out, but she'd kill me is she knew I was telling you this," Henry grabbed Suzy's hand, "So goodbye and think about what I said."
Before Ryo could say anything, Henry was gone with Suzy. Ryo sighed, staring dreamily at the clouds, "I wish Rika would just listen to me. I know I haven't exactly been the best to her, but I'll try even harder. I'll get her back, I have to."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Stupid, stupid," Rika said to herself, "I've got to stop thinking that Ryo cares, it's driving me insane."
"Rika!" her mother, Ms.Nonaka gushed, "Rika, you're just in time! Come with me to the modelling studio."
Before Rika could protest, she was whisked into the car and on the way to the studio. "Perfect," Rika groaned, "What a day this was going to be." Along the way all Ms.Nonaka did was talk about the shoot that was going to be taken for a famous magazine. Rika could hardly care, she looked out the window and found herself dreaming about Ryo. He was so sweet sometimes and he could be just adorable. But Ryo didn't care about her, he left her and she had to remember that. Rika wished that Ryo hadn't came back. It was easier without him right beside her, talking in her ear all the time.
"We're here Rika," her mother cooed, "It's this exciting?!"
Rika hopped out of the car in a huff, "Mom, how many times do I have to tell you? I don't want to model, especially in a dress."
"But Rika, you look adorable in a dress." Her mom said, "Please honey? Just this once. You'd make me soooo happy."
Rika didn't care whether her mother was happy or not, after all her mother only cared about her own happiness. Rika groaned, she should get Juri here sometime. "Fine, if this is fast."
"Oh it will be sweetie," Ms.Nonaka gushed, "Oh this will be fantastic."
"Yeah," Rika thought sarcastically, "Just fabulous." She slowly dragged herself into the studio.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ryo had just finished shopping for food, his parents weren't there so he had to take care of himself and Monodramon as well. He slipped everything in his backpack and walked down the bustling street until he passed the modelling studio. "Hey, Rika's mom works here." Ryo saw the poster of Ms.Nonaka's lastest fashion shot. "Well, I guess she still does."
Ryo peeked through the glass window and saw a girl with auburn hair and violet eyes. She was wearing a frilly pink dress with lace and an apron. She also had on a wide-brimmed hat with a pink ribbon. Ryo's eyes widened in surprise, "Rika?" Rika turned to look his way, Ryo quickly ducked behind the wall, not wanting her to see him.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Was that Ryo?" Rika wondered, "Oh great, I've been dreaming about him so much that I actually see him when he's not there." Rika rolled her eyes, she wished she knew what was wrong with her. The camera man was her mother's new boyfriend and they were still kissing hello. Rika felt like throwing up at their passion, "So stupid, so dumb, people are so silly."
Finally the camera man got down to work and told Rika to step into another room. Rika felt sick and dizzy, she never should have agreed to this. Now she'd never get out alive. Rika hated the camera, she was afriad of getting herself in a magazine dressed like such a girl.
The camera focused on her, "All right sweetheart, just smile at the camera. It's your dream come true."
Rika moaned softly, feeling even worse, she wanted to get away now. But her mom was outside and she was bound to catch her. Besides there was no escape from this camera guy who dresses like a rock star. Rika's heart leaped in fear, but for once she felt powerless to do anything. "Stupid Ryo, he made me this weak." Rika thought.
Just as the camera was going to click the power went out. Rika heard her mother gasp outside and a flurry of voices. The camera man left to check what happened.
"Hey model girl, you want to get out or what?" a familiar voice asked.
"Ryo!" Rika's eyes adjusted to the dark and saw Ryo waving to her at the door. She hurried to him, "Ryo, what the hell are you doing-"
Ryo covered her mouth with his hand, "Sssh! They'll hear you, follow me." Rika wasn't about to argue, she felt sick and she need to get outside for some air.
"Yes!" Rika breathed in fresh air when she was outside, "I'm free." Just then Ryo whistled and Rika caught him staring at her. "What?"
Ryo blushed, "You look…great."
Rika noticed that she was still wearing the ugly dress, "Ugh!" She ripped it off, her normal clothing underneath it. Then Rika tossed the dress in the garbage. "So what do you want?"
"Come on, admit it, I just saved your life," Ryo said, smirking and grinning.
"Okay," Rika said coolly, "I admit it, you did save me, that time. So what do you really want?"
Ryo walked along beside her, "Nothing, I just happened to walk by and see this certain girl who looked miserable but incredibly beautiful."
"Did he call me beautiful?" Rika wondered distantly. She and Ryo walked in to her house with Ryo occasionally poking a little fun at her.
"Why didn't you make a run for it?" Ryo asked.
Rika glared at him frostily, "Well, what am I supposed to do, dash out when there's a million people inside?"
"There wasn't a million people," Ryo said reasonably, grinning.
"Okay stop trying to be cute," Rika growled, "Did you just come to make fun to me?"
"No," Ryo said calmly, flashing her his gorgeous smile, "I told you. I happened to pass by. So I snuck in and tampered with the electric system a bit just to cause some distraction."
"Pretty smart," Rika thought, but she wasn't about to admit that to Ryo.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Okay, okay," Rika interrupted when she reached her house, "No more jokes or insults, I've had enough. Goodbye."
"Rika," Ryo said seriously, "Please, I'm begging you, can we just talk? Please? I don't want to force you or hurt you anymore."
Rika's voice hardened, "Not this again. You're asking for more pain, I'm not afraid to hit you. I don't want to talk about it. Go away!" "I won't lose it. I won't lose it. I won't lose it." Rika thought silently.
"Rika, how are you ever going to live on like this?" Ryo demanded, it hurt him to see Rika so alone, "Why can't you talk to me? I want to help. Really I do."
"Really?" Rika asked dangerously, her voice rising, "You do, do you? Well let me say this one more time. I DON'T WANT YOUR HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Rika's emotions were running all over and out of control again. This happened everytime Rika was reminded of her past.
"Rika!" Ryo shouted, "Control yourself! Please stop hurting! Please! I only want to help!"
Rika glared at Ryo, her eyes burning with fire, "I hit you across the face. I broke something of yours. I kicked you. I yelled at you countless times. Yet you still keep trying. WHY?!! WHY?!! I tell you to keep out of my life, but you keep coming back in!"
Why?" Ryo looked like he was going to cry. "Because I care, more than you can even imagine."
"Well I hope you care about this!" Rika snatched Ryo's umbrella that was sticking out of his backpack. She was hysterical in anger, she couldn't even think clearly, all she wanted was for Ryo to hurt, to feel the pain. Rika jabbed Ryo heartlessly in the stomach. Caught completely by surprise Ryo fell on the ground clutching his stomach. Rika threw the umbrella at him and disappeared inside her house, slamming the door.
"Fine Rika," Ryo said quietly, "I won't remind you of the past anymore, but I won't give up. I'll find a way to prove my love. You can do anything you want with me, but I'll never give up until you're in my arms again."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Finished, okay I know this wasn't that exciting, but I needed to build some character. Besides, if Rika forgives Ryo too soon then it wouldn't be like Rika. Anyways, this isn't one of those stories where the person suddenly has his lips against his lover's, okay? I think that's just wrong, it makes no sense whatsoever. Hey, and tell me if I make Ryo too desperate, I don't want that either. Keep reviewing!!!!! ^_^
Chapter 4: Don't Mention the Past!
"Hey gogglehead," Rika said sourly when she reached the meeting that Takato was holding for the Tamers, "Ready for another waste of time, are we? I don't know why I bothered to come." Rika wasn't even sure why she had came, perhaps it was a tiny glimmer of hope that Ryo might show.
"Hi Rika," Takato said, oblivious to her mood.
"Why do you have some much stuff?" Kazu laughed at Rika holding a bundle, "I don't think you'll need an umbrella today." It was a sunny day even though it was winter, but winter in Japan was never too hot anyways.
Rika groaned inwardly, she knew she shouldn't have brought all of Ryo's stuff, he probably wasn't even going to show. Ryo always considered himself a lone Tamer and interacted very little with others. And plus what Rika had done yesterday didn't help. Rika didn't know why she went berserk, it was almost if something had taken over her. But Ryo had still came out to help her, so unlike the Ryo she knew. "It's not mine," Rika snapped, "It's Ryo's" As soon as those words were out her mouth, Rika wished she could take it back.
"And what are you doing with Ryo's things?" Kazu laughed again, "I thought he wasn't good enough for you!"
Rika looked angry, "We're not dating or anything! We've never even gone out, anyone who thinks that we've kissed or done anything just as gross is out of their minds!"
"Calm down Rika," Henry said soothingly, "Just forget about Kazu and his crude comments."
"Let's just get this meeting over with!" Rika snapped, throwing herself down on a rock, "We shouldn't even need to meet. There's no way to beat the Darkness."
"But we have to try," Takato insisted.
"Why don't I actually try to do some damage and you can try to keep Juri out of damage?" Rika asked pointedly, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Takato turned as red as a ripe apple and Juri blushed visibly.
"Why are you so sour?" Kenta asked, "Did you fall out of bed on the wrong side of something?"
Rika glared menacingly at the nervous boy, "Do you really want me to tell the story?"
Kenta gulped, "No."
Takato started the meeting by suggesting some strategies while Henry countered all the violence. Rika stifled a yawn, watching as everyone was disagreeing and agreeing. Rika didn't see why they needed a plan, all they need was more power. Rika considered leaving, after all, Ryo didn't look like he was going to show.
Just as Takato was concluding their meeting, a familiar cheerful voice interrupted Rika's thoughts.
"Hey guys," Ryo fell onto the step beside Rika.
"Hi Ryo!" Kazu exclaimed, "Glad you could make it!"
" A bit late aren't you?" Rika retorted, "Sure, show up when it's all over."
"Sorry," Ryo apologized, "I was busy with something."
"Yeah, I'm so sure," Rika snorted.
Ryo wasn't in the mood to argue with the girl he'd do anything to get. Besides he was still very upset with the incident that occurred last night. Rika was so beautiful, yet so dangerous. Ryo liked that combination, it was lethal, he knew he would never fall for a girl who was too concerned with how she looked. If Rika would only be his, then he'd never ever look at another girl again. "How's your arm Rika? Does it still hurt?"
Rika realized that she hadn't taken off the bandage yet, she had completely forgot it. When she thought about it now, it made her steamed. No one had cared enough to ask if she was all right, and the bandage was visible enough for everyone who wasn't blind to see. Henry had asked her yesterday, but he knew better than to fuss over her. But Takato or Juri could at least show some concern. No one paid any attention to her, no one but Ryo. Did he care? Okay, so maybe he paid a little too much attention to her, but at least he cared. "I'm fine," Rika said curtly. She struggled to take off the bandage. Screw, she should have taken if off yesterday, this was embarrassing.
Ryo jumped beside her, "Here let me help."
Rika wanted to tell him to buzz off, but she didn't have to the heart to. After all, he was the only one except for Henry, who showed any concern at all. And Kazu would probably scold her and talk forever.
Ryo unravelled the bandage carefully, "There, it looks much better."
"What happened anyways?" Takato asked absent-mindedly.
"Sure," Rika thought sourly, "Ask me now. Now you notice."
Ryo explained in little detail to Rika's relief. Rika was glad he didn't mention that she fell unconscious. Strange, Ryo seemed to always knew what she wanted. Takato told them that after he woke up, he opened the portal back (Juri's idea).
"Here," Rika shoved a jacket and an umbrella in Ryo's arms, "Take it. Thanks."
Ryo almost dropped everything, "Whoa, easy." He threw everything in his backpack and grinned at Rika, "Can I sit down?" Without waiting for an answer, Ryo sat down on the same rock as Rika, right beside her.
"Ugh!" Rika jumped up and stood against a tree instead.
"I don't bite," Ryo said harmlessly, innocence in his blue eyes. Rika made a face at the Legendary Tamer.
"Ryo, how do you think we should defeat the Darkness?" Takato asked.
"I said this before Gogglehead," Rika snapped impatiently, "I don't have much time! And I told you already, we can't defeat that thing. It's way too strong."
"But there must be something stronger than it," Ryo reasoned, draping one arm over his leg, "It may be impossible to beat now, but I guess we'll just have to find a stronger power."
"I don't agree with either of you," Henry said, looking upset, "Rika, you're wrong if you think we can't beat it. We can…somehow. And Ryo, we don't have to use force or power to kill it."
"Why?" Ryo demanded, "How do expect to destroy something without being stronger than it? I say we should all get some sort of weapon and kill all his troops NOW!"
"NO!" Henry exclaimed, "There's going to absolutely no head-chopping, no spear-thrusting weapons in this group. How do you think Suzy will feel if she had to watch that kind of horror?!"
"I never said that she had to watch it," Ryo said, "She could partipate in it!"
Henry's eyes widened in shock, "What? You actually want her to pick up a weapon and kill someone? What is that supposed to mean? She's too young!"
"That's my point," Ryo said heatedly, what was with this guy anyways? He goes off with Rika and always touches her. Rika never lets anyone touch her, what's so special about this guy anyways? He's just some pacifist who will never harm anyone unless it was necessary. "She's too young. She's too young. That's all I ever get from you. She's a Tamer as well, and she'll grow up too!"
"Never! I'm not letting anyone fight just to kill cold-heartedly!" Henry said.
"Stop!" Juri cried, "This is ridiculous. I don't want to kill anyone, just forget it!"
"Yeah, we shouldn't kill anyone unless we have to," Takato agreed, "I think that's too extreme Ryo."
"Looks like I'm outvoted," Ryo thought miserably, "If only Rika would agree with me, I wouldn't even care if everyone else hated me."
"Dismiss!" Rika said tiredly, "I'm totally dismissing this meeting, we spent two hours here without any progress. I still have to do my homework. Goodbye."
"What a spoilsport," Kazu had said.
"Shut up Kazu!" Rika snapped, she bounded away.
"Rika!" Ryo called, "What school do you go to?"
Rika whirled around, looking suspicious, "Why Akiyama? You want to stalk me or something?"
"No," Ryo grinned innnocently at her, "Just wondering."
"Why does he always smile like that?" Rika thought, it made her feel like melting. "Sunshine Park Elementary," Rika answered with a bored yawn.
A slow smile spread across Ryo's face, his eyes took on a mischievous look, sparkling maliciously. "Really?"
"Why are you grinning like that?" Rika demanded, "Are you going to drop by and embarrass me or something?"
"Now why would I do that?" Ryo asked ingenuously, but he was still smiling. Ryo didn't notice that Henry was looking at him.
"Whatever Akiyama," Rika snapped, "I'm outta here."
"See you tomorrow," Ryo called, "I hope your mother's home to open the door for you!"
"Shut up!" Rika shouted crossly, then she was gone.
"Bye," Juri called to Ryo as she and Takato disappeared.
"See ya!" Kazu and Kenta went racing away.
Ryo was just about to leave when he heard Henry call his name. He didn't really want to talk to Henry, but Ryo was always up to a challenge if that was what Henry wanted. "What?"
To Ryo's surprise Henry didn't look mad or upset. "Ryo, I don't think that this is a good idea," Henry said.
"What?" Ryo looked confused, "The weapon stuff? I told you that I-"
"Forget the weapons," Henry said quickly, "That's not what I mean. You're transferring to our school aren't you?"
Ryo looked surprised, "How do you know?"
Henry shrugged, "I figured by your face. Anyways, Rika's not ready to be around you yet."
Ryo's face darkened, "So this is about Rika, is it? Well, I'll tell you, I'm doing everything I can to bring her back to me. And I won't take it easily on anyone who tries to interfere."
Henry groaned inwardly, "You've got the wrong idea. I'm not Rika's boyfriend, I don't even like her in that way. She's just my friend, honest, I swear."
Ryo studied the navy haired boy carefully, "You sure? Then why are you always hugging her?"
Henry shrugged, looking embarrassed, "I'm used to comforting her, I guess. What I'm trying to say is that she needs more time to heal. I don't think suddenly showing up wherever she is is a good idea."
"Then what do you suggest?" Ryo demanded, "I'm desperate, I can't afford to lose her again."
"I don't know, Rika's tough to figure out, but she'd kill me is she knew I was telling you this," Henry grabbed Suzy's hand, "So goodbye and think about what I said."
Before Ryo could say anything, Henry was gone with Suzy. Ryo sighed, staring dreamily at the clouds, "I wish Rika would just listen to me. I know I haven't exactly been the best to her, but I'll try even harder. I'll get her back, I have to."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Stupid, stupid," Rika said to herself, "I've got to stop thinking that Ryo cares, it's driving me insane."
"Rika!" her mother, Ms.Nonaka gushed, "Rika, you're just in time! Come with me to the modelling studio."
Before Rika could protest, she was whisked into the car and on the way to the studio. "Perfect," Rika groaned, "What a day this was going to be." Along the way all Ms.Nonaka did was talk about the shoot that was going to be taken for a famous magazine. Rika could hardly care, she looked out the window and found herself dreaming about Ryo. He was so sweet sometimes and he could be just adorable. But Ryo didn't care about her, he left her and she had to remember that. Rika wished that Ryo hadn't came back. It was easier without him right beside her, talking in her ear all the time.
"We're here Rika," her mother cooed, "It's this exciting?!"
Rika hopped out of the car in a huff, "Mom, how many times do I have to tell you? I don't want to model, especially in a dress."
"But Rika, you look adorable in a dress." Her mom said, "Please honey? Just this once. You'd make me soooo happy."
Rika didn't care whether her mother was happy or not, after all her mother only cared about her own happiness. Rika groaned, she should get Juri here sometime. "Fine, if this is fast."
"Oh it will be sweetie," Ms.Nonaka gushed, "Oh this will be fantastic."
"Yeah," Rika thought sarcastically, "Just fabulous." She slowly dragged herself into the studio.
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Ryo had just finished shopping for food, his parents weren't there so he had to take care of himself and Monodramon as well. He slipped everything in his backpack and walked down the bustling street until he passed the modelling studio. "Hey, Rika's mom works here." Ryo saw the poster of Ms.Nonaka's lastest fashion shot. "Well, I guess she still does."
Ryo peeked through the glass window and saw a girl with auburn hair and violet eyes. She was wearing a frilly pink dress with lace and an apron. She also had on a wide-brimmed hat with a pink ribbon. Ryo's eyes widened in surprise, "Rika?" Rika turned to look his way, Ryo quickly ducked behind the wall, not wanting her to see him.
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"Was that Ryo?" Rika wondered, "Oh great, I've been dreaming about him so much that I actually see him when he's not there." Rika rolled her eyes, she wished she knew what was wrong with her. The camera man was her mother's new boyfriend and they were still kissing hello. Rika felt like throwing up at their passion, "So stupid, so dumb, people are so silly."
Finally the camera man got down to work and told Rika to step into another room. Rika felt sick and dizzy, she never should have agreed to this. Now she'd never get out alive. Rika hated the camera, she was afriad of getting herself in a magazine dressed like such a girl.
The camera focused on her, "All right sweetheart, just smile at the camera. It's your dream come true."
Rika moaned softly, feeling even worse, she wanted to get away now. But her mom was outside and she was bound to catch her. Besides there was no escape from this camera guy who dresses like a rock star. Rika's heart leaped in fear, but for once she felt powerless to do anything. "Stupid Ryo, he made me this weak." Rika thought.
Just as the camera was going to click the power went out. Rika heard her mother gasp outside and a flurry of voices. The camera man left to check what happened.
"Hey model girl, you want to get out or what?" a familiar voice asked.
"Ryo!" Rika's eyes adjusted to the dark and saw Ryo waving to her at the door. She hurried to him, "Ryo, what the hell are you doing-"
Ryo covered her mouth with his hand, "Sssh! They'll hear you, follow me." Rika wasn't about to argue, she felt sick and she need to get outside for some air.
"Yes!" Rika breathed in fresh air when she was outside, "I'm free." Just then Ryo whistled and Rika caught him staring at her. "What?"
Ryo blushed, "You look…great."
Rika noticed that she was still wearing the ugly dress, "Ugh!" She ripped it off, her normal clothing underneath it. Then Rika tossed the dress in the garbage. "So what do you want?"
"Come on, admit it, I just saved your life," Ryo said, smirking and grinning.
"Okay," Rika said coolly, "I admit it, you did save me, that time. So what do you really want?"
Ryo walked along beside her, "Nothing, I just happened to walk by and see this certain girl who looked miserable but incredibly beautiful."
"Did he call me beautiful?" Rika wondered distantly. She and Ryo walked in to her house with Ryo occasionally poking a little fun at her.
"Why didn't you make a run for it?" Ryo asked.
Rika glared at him frostily, "Well, what am I supposed to do, dash out when there's a million people inside?"
"There wasn't a million people," Ryo said reasonably, grinning.
"Okay stop trying to be cute," Rika growled, "Did you just come to make fun to me?"
"No," Ryo said calmly, flashing her his gorgeous smile, "I told you. I happened to pass by. So I snuck in and tampered with the electric system a bit just to cause some distraction."
"Pretty smart," Rika thought, but she wasn't about to admit that to Ryo.
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"Okay, okay," Rika interrupted when she reached her house, "No more jokes or insults, I've had enough. Goodbye."
"Rika," Ryo said seriously, "Please, I'm begging you, can we just talk? Please? I don't want to force you or hurt you anymore."
Rika's voice hardened, "Not this again. You're asking for more pain, I'm not afraid to hit you. I don't want to talk about it. Go away!" "I won't lose it. I won't lose it. I won't lose it." Rika thought silently.
"Rika, how are you ever going to live on like this?" Ryo demanded, it hurt him to see Rika so alone, "Why can't you talk to me? I want to help. Really I do."
"Really?" Rika asked dangerously, her voice rising, "You do, do you? Well let me say this one more time. I DON'T WANT YOUR HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Rika's emotions were running all over and out of control again. This happened everytime Rika was reminded of her past.
"Rika!" Ryo shouted, "Control yourself! Please stop hurting! Please! I only want to help!"
Rika glared at Ryo, her eyes burning with fire, "I hit you across the face. I broke something of yours. I kicked you. I yelled at you countless times. Yet you still keep trying. WHY?!! WHY?!! I tell you to keep out of my life, but you keep coming back in!"
Why?" Ryo looked like he was going to cry. "Because I care, more than you can even imagine."
"Well I hope you care about this!" Rika snatched Ryo's umbrella that was sticking out of his backpack. She was hysterical in anger, she couldn't even think clearly, all she wanted was for Ryo to hurt, to feel the pain. Rika jabbed Ryo heartlessly in the stomach. Caught completely by surprise Ryo fell on the ground clutching his stomach. Rika threw the umbrella at him and disappeared inside her house, slamming the door.
"Fine Rika," Ryo said quietly, "I won't remind you of the past anymore, but I won't give up. I'll find a way to prove my love. You can do anything you want with me, but I'll never give up until you're in my arms again."
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Finished, okay I know this wasn't that exciting, but I needed to build some character. Besides, if Rika forgives Ryo too soon then it wouldn't be like Rika. Anyways, this isn't one of those stories where the person suddenly has his lips against his lover's, okay? I think that's just wrong, it makes no sense whatsoever. Hey, and tell me if I make Ryo too desperate, I don't want that either. Keep reviewing!!!!! ^_^
