Wow an update. Amazing. To all those still waiting for over a year now for my other stories to be updated, SORRY!. I mean, most probably I'm still continuing those but this one is freshest in my mind so…live with it;;;.

Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon. I forgot to put this in the first chapter so…

P.S. to karika88: Sorry, but in here Ryo is not 'madly in love with Rika'. Though there may be some kind of romance in future chapters, I'm just not the mushy kind.

NOTE:

RYO'S BROTHER'S AGE WILL BE CHANGED TO 5 AND NOT 4.

Unexpected Blessing : Chapter DALAWA : Prince Charming

At the other side of the door, Ryo's eyes widened with horror.

"No…dad…no…"

His dad bowed his head in apology. "I'm sorry son". And he left, leaving the young boy in the care of his "onii" older brother. The door slowly closed.

The little boy, a striking image of Ryo himself except having brown eyes, shorter hair and a little lighter complexion, strode over to the older boy and sat at the foot of his bed. He had to jump up, and he playfully dangled his small legs over the side. He cocked his head at Ryo and smiled, his eyes laughing with innocence.

For a second, Ryo felt his heart lighten and he had the urge to grab the boy and ruffle his hair. As fast as it had come, the feeling then dissipated and Ryo glared at the youngster.

"What are you doing here?"

The laughter in the boy's eyes disappeared and were replaced with sorrow. His face became stony and sad.

"Mommy went away. She told me to stay with daddy." He sniffed and his eyes filled with tears. "She said I have to stay here for a long time, and she won't be back until after a while." His wiped his eyes and nose with his chubby hands. "I miss her already. I don't know this place"

At once Ryo felt sorry for the little guy and regretted getting bad vibes from him. After all, he was only five and probably didn't know much of the situation. He moved near the child and put his arm around him, patting his back.

"I'm sorry, I'm sure she'll be back soon" He thought of a way to ease the situation. "What's your name?"

Between sobs, the boy managed to answer. "Hiroshi", then he smiled and through a tear stained face looked up at Ryo "It means generous".

Ryo grinned down at him, beginning to like the boy. "Is that so?"

"Yes, and I have two nicknames as well!" Hiroshi exclaimed with pride. All the sadness that were once there left in an instant, as if it never happened. Youngsters were weird…The boy seemed to have adopted his ego.

"Really now, what are they?"

"One his Hero, or Hiro, because mommy said I save everyone's day" He beamed. Ryo's grin grew at this. "And sometimes daddy calls me 'Roy', but I don't know why". Ryo thought it over, and thought it amusing that 'Roy' was like a typo of his name 'Ryo', except you purposely invert the 'y' and the 'o'.

Then Hiroshi looked up at him with big eyes. "What's your name?"

"Ryo"

"Can I call you 'onii-chan'? Daddy and mommy said you were my older brother"

Ryo was taken by surprise at his last word. 'onii-chan'. Dear/honorable older brother. He recalled the conversation which seemed to have taken place weeks before, but was in truth only a few hours ago.

Flashback

"Aww, Jen, you're so sweet with Shuichon-chan" Ruki teased. Lee smiled sheepishly and shrugged.

"Heh…well, you get used to it. Besides…you learn to get attached to them" He glanced back at his sister.

Ryo followed his gaze and smiled. "I wonder how it's like, being a big brother? Any comments, Lee-kun?"

"Hmmm…it feels pretty refreshing sometimes and…well, you gotta be one to actually understand"

"Not like we'll ever be one, anyway" Ruki sighed. She motioned her head towards Ryo, who nodded. Considering their family state, neither expected to be an older brother slash sister anytime soon.

End Flashback

'Woah, will they be surprised or what'. "Yeah, onii will be fine I guess". He shrugged. Hiroshi grinned. "I've always wanted an older brother!" He threw his arms around Ryo and hugged him tight. As he enclosed the small body in his arms, a new feeling of responsibility and love overcame him.

-----

"Dad, we need to talk". It was late at night, and Hiroshi had already been put to sleep in Ryo's bed. Until they could fix up the guest room, Ryo volunteered to sleep on his long unused futon. They had eaten dinner, with only Hiroshi chattering about things only four year olds talk about. Young as he was, he noticed a tensing silence between his family members but had shrugged it off. Ryo spoke not one word to his dad that meal.

Now that he was asleep, Ryo found the time to talk with his father. He was downstairs in the kitchen, like that morning, sipping coffee, thinking about the circumstances.

"Sit down, son" Ryo took a seat in front of the man and looked down, angry. They stayed silent for awhile, tension building up between them. Ryo shattered it.

"Why have you never told me about Hiroshi!" His voice was louder than he meant it to be, and he was irritated. "All these five years, and you've never even bothered to mention him!"

"Look, Ryo, I'm sorry…" Ryo grunted rudely and looked away. His dad had had enough. He had been trying to explain since when Hiroshi arrived, but Ryo kept ignoring him yet demanding an explanation. He slammed his hand down on the table and stood up.

"Young man, you're going to listen to what I have to say and you're going to listen good. If you're just here to be angry with me and not give me the chance to speak, I then suggest you leave this house…immediately".

Ryo thought of standing up and heading over outside, but he wasn't that kind of boy. He interested in what his father had to say. He looked back at his father, eyes narrowed.

Mr. Akiyama sat down, trying to calm himself. He wanted to apologize for his sudden outburst, but decided against it.

"When your mother died…" At this Ryo looked away again. "…I found another woman."

He knew it.

"This woman, though incomparable to your mother…she's just different. And I love her."

Annoyance started swelling up inside Ryo. As was betrayal.

"What about Hiroshi?"

"He…came along." His father looked away.

"He told me his mother left him"

The man sighed. "His mother, who lives up in Sendai, went up to Sapporo in Hokkaido for a business trip. Afterwards, there's a high chance that she'll be leaving for New Zealand to work there. Hiroshi used to be in her care, but entrusted him to me while she's away as she can't bring him".

"Do you always go to Sendai?" Ryo asked. His voice was softer, but still there was the anger.

His dad lowered his eyes. "Yes."

"So you lied to me" All those 'business trips' were nothing but visits. How could he do that to him, his first-born son?

"Again, I'm sorry Ryo"

Ryo ignored the apology yet again. "What about Hiroshi?"

"What about him?"

"What will we do with him? His mother left awhile ago, didn't she?"

His father nodded. "We'll take care of him." He hesitated. "Well…I was hoping you'd take him along, since it's your summer and all…"

Ryo froze. As much as he relished the fact that he had an 'otouto' younger brother now, he never had one and didn't know what to do.

His dad interrupted. "I still have work most of the time…real work. Don't worry, I don't think his mother will be gone for long"

Ryo thought for a moment. Then he sighed and reluctantly agreed to take responsibility of Hiroshi. This was going to be one long summer. He stood up and headed for the door, where he paused and looked back. He smiled weakly and had to somewhat force the words to come out, but after doing so felt like weights have been lifted off his back.

"I forgive you, dad"

Mr. Akiyama smiled and nodded.

-----

"WHAT!" Ruki, on the other end of the phone, was in great disbelief. Ryo had just called, first thing in the morning, and told her the news. She was still in her pajamas, a little groggy and was obviously not too glad about the phone call. She became more awake as she heard about Hiroshi.

Ryo had called her first because, among all of the tamers, she was the closest to him and the only one whom he really had what you'd call a relationship ever since. Although his relationships with the others had in time developed into pretty close friendships, they weren't all that close just yet. Besides, he knew he could trust the girl.

"Yeah, remember the surprise I was telling you about? That was the one…" He thought for a while than added playfully, "And I thought I'd get a prize for my high grades". He feigned disappointment. He looked at the sleeping figure of Hiroshi on his bed and mentally noted to tell Ruki someday that perhaps Hiroshi really is a prize.

Ruki sneered. "Pffft. But still, don't you think it's pretty coincidental that the day right after we talk about not ever getting younger siblings, you get one?"

"Yeah, I know. It's so…strange." He twitched his eye.

"I'd like to see Hiroshi. Take him to the park later"

"Sure. You'd be amazed by the charm he got from me" He chuckled.

"Puh-lease Ryo. Just hope he doesn't get any more of your ego." She laughed. "Besides, you've barely known him for a day yet…"

"We'll just have to wait and see, then." He laughed then eyed Hiroshi, who seemed to be awakening. "Oh, I gotta go. He's waking up…"

"Alright, then. See you two later"

"Yeah. See you"

He put down the phone and hurried over to his brother's bedside. Hiroshi was sitting up, rubbing his eyes. Ryo smiled and pulled open the blinds. The boy took time to adjust to the light, but soon a smile crept up his face.

"I had a good sleep," He told Ryo.

"Of course you did! Now, let's go down and have some breakfast. Dad's waiting"

Hiroshi nodded and stood up. It was so early, for him anyway, and he still felt sleepy. His pajamas were a little big and reached the floor, in his hand he held a small bear. He rubbed his eyes and walked beside Ryo, subconsciously taking his hand in his as they walked out the room. A sense of warmth took over Ryo as he grasped the small hand in fingers.

"Mornin' boys" Their father greeted them cheerfully with a smile. Ryo nodded and forced a smile. Hiroshi did otherwise and cried out in a loud voice.

"Mornin' dad!"

Ryo hoisted up his brother onto the stool and took a seat next to him. He began consuming his cereal, which his father had made for the both of them. Hiroshi looked at him and did the same, gulping down his orange juice. Afterwards, Ryo stood up and said he was going to take a bath and head for the park.

"This early?" His father looked up and asked.

Ryo glanced at the clock and noted that it was 8:00 AM. Too early for the gang to be there already. He decided to wait until around after lunch. He doubted they'd mind. He asked himself whether Ruki was going to tell the others or not, and thought the latter. Perhaps she wanted it to be a surprise to the others as well.

"I guess we can go after lunch. I'll take Hiroshi with me"

Hiroshi looked up. "We going out?"

Ryo smiled and nodded as the child gave a shout of happiness.

-----

After breakfast and taking a bath (Mr. Akiyama gave Hiroshi a bath), the two boys went into Ryo's room, where Ryo began sorting out his past school stuff. Hiroshi lay on the bed, propped up on his elbows and watched with interest. After a while got bored and decided to explore around. Ryo glanced at him before continuing. Hiroshi went over to the computer desk where beside the machine lay a lot of picture frames. He picked one up of a certain redhead.

"Onii, who's this?" He asked. His voice was so young and childish, that Ryo had to laugh internally. Ryo looked at the picture in his hands and smiled. "A friend of mine"

"Ooohhh." Hiroshi put the frame down and picked another one up. "There's your friend again!" He pointed excitedly at Ruki, who was standing with the rest of the tamers and their Digimon. It was for an advertisement long ago. Ryo chuckled. "Yes, and all the others are my friends too"

"You have many friends"

Ryo nodded and shrugged and returned to his work.

Hiroshi began examining the other pictures. There was one of Monodramon and Ryo, back to back, looking at the camera and smiling. There was one that Ruki had taken as a trick when Jen was trying to teach Ryo martial arts, and he had fallen and failed to do the stunt. There was one of he and his father when he was younger, perched on Mr. Akiyama's broad shoulders. There was also a couple more group pictures, and a picture of Ruki and Ryo.

Then there was one that stood out from the rest. It had the most elegant frame, but seemed very old. It was a black and white (that had become white and brown through time) photo of a beautiful woman. The only color you can distinguish was her hair, which was a chocolate brown.

Hiroshi held it up and called to Ryo. "Onii…who's this? She no look like any of your friends"

Ryo again looked up with a smile. But once his eyes set on the picture, he was trounced with grief. "My mother…"

The child's eyes grew wide. "Your mommy? But my mommy doesn't look like this…I thought you were my brother?"

Ryo sighed. Hiroshi couldn't understand. He was far too young to be burdened with this anyway. "I am your brother. Half-brother, anyway"

"Huh"

Ryo decided to make it easy. "The stork dropped me here. That woman took care of me so she became my mother"

"What 'bout daddy?"

"Erm…" How do you answer these questions! "He was there"

"So how did you become my brother"

"My mommy went away so daddy had to take care of me. Then while daddy was visiting your mommy for work, the stork dropped you on their doorstep and she decided to take care of you and became your mommy. Since my daddy was the only one around, he decided to become your daddy too."

"Ooohhh…now I get it" Hiroshi nodded with understanding. He thought about it, and "ooh"ed again. He put the frame back and explored other places of Ryo's room.

Ryo breathed with relief.

-----

"There he is!" Kazu cheered as Ryo, Hiroshi on his back, approached the others. He had offered to take the kid on a piggy-back ride to make the walk more enjoyable. Besides, he thought that a very brotherly thing to do. Kazu didn't seem to notice the boy's presence.

Ruki walked over to the pair as Ryo put his brother down. She bent down, hands on her knees and looked at the boy. She smiled.

"You must be Hiroshi, Ryo's little brother"

Hiroshi nodded and clutched Ryo's hand. He wasn't too comfortable around strangers. He tugged at Ryo's sleeve and pointed at Ruki. "Onii, look, it's your friend from the picture"

Ruki raised her eyebrow and laughed softly. She stood up to her full height and sneered.

"Charming"

Ryo grinned at her. "See, told you so"

By now the rest of the gang were walking towards them, eyeing the newcomer.

"Ryo, dude, who's that kid?" Kazu asked. He pointed at Hiroshi.

"My brother, Hiroshi"

All but Ruki gaped at him. "Wha-?"

Jen interrupted Kazu before he could finish his 'what?'.

"Your brother, Ryo?"

Ryo nodded. "five years old"

"But I thought…" Jen didn't want to finish his sentence. He felt Shuichon's hand in his own.

Ryo shook his head. "Not my mother"

Jen was silent. "Oh"

Juri sensed Jen and Ryo's discomfort, and thought to lighten up the situation a bit. She crouched down similar as to what Ruki did and acknowledged the youngster.

"Hi there. I'm Katou Juri. My, you're a very cute boy, eh?"

Hiroshi smiled and stood up straighter, prouder.

Takato stepped forward, beaming at the way Juri had eased the boy. "I'm Matsuda Takato." He looked at Ryo. "Your brother looks a lot like you, Ryo"

"A spitting image too!" Kazu spoke up and raised a fist as in victory. "Except for the eyes"

Ryo sighed playfully. "I guess then when he grows up he'll have to suffer the same fate of being chased around by fan girls"

Ruki coughed hard. "Just hope he doesn't get that big head of yours" They all laughed this comment, with Hiroshi all staring at them with wide eyes, not really understanding anything. He looked up and didn't think Ryo's head was too big. He kept close to Ryo, though he was beginning to enjoy the attention.

After some introductions, ruffling of Hiroshi's hair and Juri pinching his cheeks, they all settled down. Of course, most were trying to get Hiroshi's attention, especially Kazu and Kenta. They were trying to borrow him from his brother. Every time he just smiled meekly up at them and looked at them with his innocent brown orbs. Most of the time they were reduced to 'awwws' and 'how sweet!' (Kazu and Kenta were trying to borrow him to teach him some famous 'tricks' and perhaps the card game. Stuff like that).

Shuichon and Hiroshi got to know each other and were soon playing a few games together. Though they always stayed near Ryo, because Hiroshi insisted.

Around the middle of the day, Hiroshi suddenly walked over to Ryo, who was sitting with the others right outside Guilmon's hideout talking about various things He slumped down on his lap and took a nap. Who knew kids slept so quickly.

They all grinned at him. Ruki made an 'awww big brother Ryo' face and nudged him. He just smiled at them all.

"He's like a mini Prince Charming!" Juri exclaimed and the others agreed teasingly.

Suddenly they heard commotion coming from inside Guilmon's hideout.

"Takatomon?"

--------------------------

Hahahaaaa. I finished this chapter. Hope you guys enjoyed it. Took me some time to sit down and type it up…kind of came on the spot. I guess I'll proofread it now.