Gianan again, today's 'release' will be a multi-parter. Which is odd, for me at least, because today I seem to be full of ideas! I'll be putting in the new chapters as I finish them. I will apologize at first for the shortness of this particular part, as well as what may be the next one (or few, only time will tell.) but. Anyway, to explain the short chapters, since I've gotten a few comments on it, is simple. Organization. I try to keep each 'scene' of the story separate from the others so I don't lose anyone as they go on. Anyways, enjoy as usual!
There were loud footsteps resounding through the house as Takato hurried down the stairs leading from his room. The excited teen was in more of a hurry than usual, nearly tripping several times on his way down before stopping to peak into the bakery's kitchen.
"Hey, Mom! I'm heading to Rika's place, alright? I've gotta talk to Renamon and I'll be home later, Bye!"
And with that, Takato left a mildly surprised Mrs. Matsuki standing at the oven.
"My, my. Seems like something happened earlier. Maybe I'll have to thank Guilmon when I get the chance." Takato's mother smiled knowingly before turning to the spice cabinet. "Now how was it that that husband of mine made Guilmon Bread...?"
It wasn't long before Takato had jumped onto his bike, a 'gift' from his parents for having helped save the world, and had started making his way down the street towards the Nonaka residence. His mind made up with a little more than hopeful thoughts he kept a steady pace along the walkways right up until -
"Heeeeeeey! Takato!" Jeri called out to him as he came into view, Tsunomon held in one arm as she waved with the other. "Takaaaatooooo!"
Takato brought himself to a slow stop next to his friend and smiled as he waved back, "Hey, Jeri, Tsunomon! What're you guys up to?"
"We are heading to the place called the 'bakery' to get things to eat." It was Tsunomon who replied, "I vaguely recalled it by chance this morning, and asked Jeri about it."
"Haha, oh really? You guys have great timing then. Mom was in the middle of baking some fresh bread when I left, if you hurry and don't mind waiting a bit, you might be able to grab something fresh outta the oven." Takato reached out and gave Tsunomon's horned head a quick pat before looking up at Jeri, "Have anything special in mind for him?"
"Special?" The girl tilted her head in thought for a moment, "No, not really. Maybe something sweet since he likes that? Or maybe a bit of Mrs. Matsuki's curry bread, since those are good too! But... I don't now if he'll like spicy food? Well! I'll figure it out when we get there. What about you Takato, where are you off to this early? Did Kazu and Kenta call you out for cards again?"
"Ah, no, not today." His arm found his way behind his head as he smiled oddly, unsure of wether or not he should actually tell Jeri the truth. And yet... "I'm actually headed to Rika's place."
"Ohhhhh~?" Jeri took the information quickly and replied with an odd smile. Her eyes half closed and her lips curled, she shot Takato a look that could only be described as half-teasing and half-accusing. "There's something between you and the old 'Digimon Queen', is there?"
"No. There's nothing between Rika and I. Actually, I'm headed over to talk to Renamon." Takato shifted his weight back on his bike for a moment and shrugged nonchalantly. "You know... Renamon's a nice person right?"
"Yeah, when she wasn't being all lone wolf, she was someone I could talk to about everything that had happened with Leomon and the D-Reaper. Why, is something troubling you?"
Takato nodded, leaving it at that with Jeri. He felt like if he said too much, things might get awkward, at least for himself, since Jeri had been his first crush. "Anyway, I'd better get going if I'm going to catch Renamon before she disappears somewhere for training. Take care Jeri, Tsunomon."
"We will, Takato." Both Jeri and Tsunomon responded in kind.
"Alright, later!" Takato nodded and smiled once more before he began to pedal, back on his route to Rika and Renamon's home.