I've been very busy lately and I haven't felt like writing very much. Usually by the end of the day my fingers ache from typing up stuff in my website and creating graphics so there. I am also more into my other story now more than ever and get ideas for that faster than anything. I sorta got writer's block for this one. Oh yeah and sorry guys if Ruki may be a little OOC here since, as it says in the summary, opened up and given in (well no, not completely) but if I was in her position I would drop my guard down also…

Juri will also play a more important role in this chapter.

P.S. It might not be the end. I could add more and more if you guys wanted too.

Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon. If I did…

What are Friends for? :  Chapter 10: An experienced friend

"Don't worry. You can always count on me when everything seems wrong. I know I may not make everything better but at least you know that you have me, who will always be your friend"

These words echoed in Ruki's mind as she buried her head deeper in his shoulder to try and prevent more tears from falling. How could she be so sensitive? How had she lowered her shield? This was a nightmare. Everything was a nightmare. All she wanted now was everything to be back to normal…Her mom and grandma back, Renamon back, her fierce tough image to return…but it just seemed impossible. Although she didn't feel all too comfortable about just loosing her guard and letting Ryo comfort her she felt she had too for some time. It would be hard to adjust without Seiko and her mother but if that was what God planned for her future then…she had to deal with it.

Ryo stroked her hair and ran his hand gently down her back, murmuring soothing words to ease her pain. He felt that she needed it now more than ever especially at all the sudden twists and turns her life suddenly took. He felt her body shaking and her sobs eased a little as time passed.

It was getting dark now and he had already let go when she moved away and stared at the ground, thinking about life and such. He sighed and, motioning to her, stood up. Ruki stood up with her head still facing downwards and her eyes not visible and both headed for home.

Nearing her house they heard distant footsteps coming closer and closer. The person seemed to be running and in a hurry. Neither was bothered and just continued walking side by side, Ruki a little bit behind. All of a sudden a flash of yellow and green bumped into them and jumped backwards. In front of them was a brunette whose hair was tied up on the side. A small bag with a dog sign was slid across her shoulder landing at her waist and she carried an umbrella which rested on her shoulder. It was Juri.

"Ruki!" She cried. "I finally found you. Well since I figured if you're not going to eat anywhere tonight…" She glanced at Ryo "Wanna come over to my house and have dinner there? You can always sleep over if you want too" She wore a hopeful look in her eyes.

"Uhm sure, I'll go ask my…" She trailed off and brought her eyes back down on the ground before facing Juri again. Ryo put a hand on her shoulder but quickly withdrew it. "Sure. I'll go"

"Great! Need your things at home? You don't need to bring your futon. I have extra"

"Okay. Thanks Juri" They both then walked off towards Ruki's house. Ryo waved and motioned towards his house meaning he'll be going when Ruki glanced back at him.

"So Ruki, you going back with Jen at the chapel tomorrow? I'm sure going" Juri was on the floor, face cupped in her hands as she swayed her feet back and forth as she watched Ruki pack her things.

"Yeah I'll go" Ruki's answers were very short

"Great! Better bring your clothes too"

"Hmm"

"I don't think you should bring too much"

"Okay…"

"So should we get going?"

"Sure…"

"Ruki…Is there something wrong?"

"Huh? Oh, no"

"If that's what you say…" She stood up and waited 'till her friend got her bag and stood up with her. Then they walked out the house, Ruki locking it first, and towards Juri's place.

As they walked Juri noticed the strange silence that's gotten Ruki these past few days.

"Ruki, do you want to tell me something? You do know I can help you with your problems…if I can"

"No. It's okay"

"Well you gotta tell someone someday. If you hide your pain in you forever then it will just get worse"

Ryo's image comforting her suddenly appeared in her head. "I already did"

Juri looked at her, puzzled. "You did?" Her friend simply nodded.

"Oh okay" Juri seemed quite disappointed that she wasn't the one to hear it. They walked the rest of the way in silence.

Finally they reached Juri's house and entered the bar/restaurant attached to it. Mr. Katou was cooking something for a present customer who was reading a newspaper nearby. Juri ran over to him, hugged him and introduced Ruki. "Dad this is Ruki. She'll be staying tonight and eating dinner with us"

Mr. Katou smiled at his daughter. She had been happier now especially since after the D-Reaper incident. "Sure sweetheart. Now both of you just go upstairs into your bedroom or take her to the back and play with Misahako" (I think it's Misahako or Misako I'm not sure)

"Sure dad. C'mon Ruki. You can leave your stuff in my room upstairs" She took off her shoes and ran up the stairs as Ruki bowed to her father and took off her shoes before following. 

Juri's bedroom was simple like hers and had a cabinet at the side. Juri pointed out the place where she could leave her stuff while she positioned the umbrella at the side. There was a small table too wherein there were pictures. Ruki then walked over after fixing her things and looked at them one by one.

There was a picture of Juri and Takato looking so happy. They were in Shinjuku Park under a tree and sharing some food. A part of a finger was visible at the side as Kazu, who had taken the picture, forgot to take his finger off. This made Ruki smile a bit. Then in the next picture there was her, her father, Misahako and her stepmother. She had a big smile on as her puppet faced the camera. In the next one was the whole group. Each of them had his or her own copy and Ryo had made it as his screensaver.

First of all there was Takato with his arm around Juri in the middle, both wearing big smiles as Juri, again, pointed her puppet at the camera. Both were kneeling on the ground. Then there was Kazu, looking all tough and stuff at the side, his visor cap a little lower than usual. He had a peace sign on his hand facing the camera. Kenta was next to him having two peace signs and with a huge smile. Then there was Jen kneeling next to Takato and Juri smiling as he held in his arms a kneeling but happy Shouchion who had her arms outstretched. Behind them were Ruki and Ryo. Ruki had on a scowl as she pushed Ryo away. He was grinning widely and managed to put an arm around her shoulder and withdrew it quickly after the camera flash.

There were more pictures next to that, mostly of Juri and her puppet. Juri now approached her and rested her arm on her shoulder and smiled. "Like that picture, don't you Ruki?" She giggled. Ruki looked at her with a questioning look before standing up (she had been kneeling). "Okay now let's go to your brother Misahako like your dad said now shall we?" Her sarcastic tone had returned now and Juri smiled happily as she stood up and led the way.

At the back Misahako was running around happily chasing a butterfly. He spotted Juri then laughing, ran over to hug his stepsister. After the hug he looked questioningly at Ruki. 'Who you?"

"Misahako this is my friend Ruki. Ruki, this is Misahako" A smile lit up the youngster's face. "More friends!" then he grabbed their hands and led them to the end of the backyard. He pointed to a flower growing near the wooden wall and knelt next to it.

"Oh look Misahako! Our flower grew" Juri beamed and knelt beside her brother.

Ruki knelt beside them and looked at them questioningly, not understanding. "Your flower?"

"Me and Misahako planted a seed before and waited for it to grow. It finally did" She smiled yet again and stroked the flower's petals before standing up and walking back to the porch, closely followed by Ruki. She sat down, cross-legged and looked up at Ruki with an eager face. The redhead sat beside her and looked back. "What?"

"Well aren't you gonna tell me something?"

Ruki raised an eyebrow before finally understanding. "Look, Juri, I'll tell you when I'm ready"

Juri's face fell then came up again. "If you can't tell me…then, tell me who you said it to!"

Ruki's face became serious. "I can't. I mean, I don't want to"

"Why?"

"Just, don't ask anymore questions K? I'll tell you someday"

"Oh, okay"

Silence fell between the two friends as Ruki's mind argued whether or not to tell her best friend. Juri was trying to figure out some logic on who could Ruki have told. Finally Juri's stepmother called out to the 3 that it was dinnertime. Misahako went running into the kitchen as the two girls stood up and followed, but more slowly.

At the rectangular dining table food was set and there were 5 plates fixed upon it. Juri's dad knelt at the head as Juri's stepmother knelt at the food. Juri and Ruki knelt beside each other at the left side as Misahako sat cross-legged at the right. Mr. Katou looked at them before altogether saying "Itadakimasu" (I gratefully partake/accept) and grabbing his chopsticks, began to chow down his food. Everyone was quiet as that was the tradition.

Throughout the time Mr. Katou kept glancing at Ruki while eating. This made her feel very uncomfortable and if Mr. Katou was one of her friends she would have already screamed out the question that was bothering her…'WHAT?!'

She was practically screaming it at her mind already while slowly eating her food. Juri didn't sense her friend's discomfort and continued to eat. Finally all was done and after thanking Mrs. Katou for the food the girls went up to Juri's bedroom.

"Hey Juri…"

Juri looked up in a snap, hoping to hear what she wanted to hear. "Yeah?"

"Your dad kept glancing at me a lot awhile ago…what's wrong?"

"Oh I guess since your new and all and perhaps his trying to see if something's wrong…he knows about your, grandma…" Her voice trailed off at the word 'grandma', scared she might hurt her friend's feelings but also cautious not to show the disappointment in her voice.

"Oh…okay…"

Juri then decided to change the topic. She wanted to life up Ruki's spirits and make her…well, happy. "Hey Ruki I have an idea!"

"What" came Ruki's expressionless reply.

"Let's play a game!"

"NO! Juri I am not playing truth or dare. Besides, it's only the two of us"

"There's always Misahako…"

"NO!"

"Okay then how about let's play a nice game of…chess?"

At this Ruki raised an eyebrow. 'That's more like a game Jen will play…Oh well' "Sure, okay then"

Juri smiled and beamed. "GREAT! Misahako!"  

Misahako's small voice was then heard from outside. "Yes, Onna-san?!" (Sister)

"Get the chess stuff!"

"Okay!"

Ruki stared at her friend. "You order your brother around?"

Juri just shrugged. "What else are they for?" This made her friends smile a bit until she pushed Juri's shoulder. "Aw c'mon I'm sure you love him"

Juri seemed surprised and blushed. "Love who?!"

Ruki raised an eyebrow yet again. "Your brother duh"

"Oh…of course I do!" She smiled, no trace of the blush left. Man could she change emotions quickly.

Seconds later Misahako came in carrying the chess board and pieces (which were in a bag). He tripped in the doorway and sent the board flying, landing neatly in front of Juri as the bag of pieces landed beside her. Juri thanked her brother as he saluted and hurried off.

"Where'd he learn to do that?"

"Talent" Ruki pondered on that as Juri began fixing up the pieces on the board. "Alright we're ready to play! I'm shite so I go first"

"Suit yourself" All thoughts were then erased from the two girls' minds and were quickly replaced with strategies. Juri was about to make her first move when all of a sudden her dad's voice filled the room.

"JURI! COME OVER HERE PLEASE!" Juri sighed, let go of her piece and shouted back "Coming!" then, to Ruki "I'll be back in awhile" Her footsteps were then heard fading into the distance towards her father's room. Ruki was left alone.

Taking her chance she walked back over to the pictures on Juri's table. She saw a picture with her, Juri and Shouchion in the side. They had forced her to wear a dress especially for that photo and she wore a frown on her face while the other two girls were beaming. In another picture was Takato, Jen, Kazu, Kenta and Ryo, all wearing grins and looking proud. Most of the pictures composed of Juri, from when she was younger until the present. She envied her friend. How could she be so happy when all these things occur in her life? She would have to ask her soon.

Finally Juri arrived wearing a solemn look on her face. She entered the door and motioned Ruki to sit with her on her futon. They both sat cross-legged on the mattress and Juri held her friend's shoulders and looked her straight in the eye.

"Ruki, I need to tell you something" She let go of her shoulders and looked down.

"What is it?"

"Well, my father called me in the room and told me why he was glancing at you a lot. He asked me if your…your father was home. I told him you didn't live with your father…"

This caught Ruki quite off-guard and she was more curious about what Juri had to say.

"Wha-what do you mean my father?"

"Well, to make a long story short the guy at the restaurant awhile ago looked a lot like you, according to my dad and he was glancing at you to make sure. He also asked me your family name since when the guy gave him his credit card he saw only the family name"

Ruki asked but figured she knew the answer. "What was it?"

"Makino"

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Phew! Finally done with the 10th chapter. It took me weeks since I was lazy and busy with my site but now I finally got it up! Tell me what you think. Oh yeah and guess what? Season 5 will be up! WOOHOO! Yeah! Okay so I dunno what else to put here so, uhm, there.

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