Ryo: I know I did
Disclaimer - I don't own Digimon Tamers
Chapter 5: A Day with Ryo
"This is just great!"
Shuichon looked up from the book she was reading and walked into Jenrya's room to see what was bothering him so much.
"What's wrong onnichan?" she asked. She looked around the room to see clothes scattered everywhere and Jenrya sitting on his bed with his head in his hands. He looked up as she entered the room.
"I'm meeting Ryo for lunch and I don't know what to wear," mumbled Jenrya sheepishly. He cringed at how like a girl he sounded. Shuichon didn't ask questions though.
"What's wrong with some regular outfit," asked Shuichon as she walked over to his wardrobe and began rustling through it.
"I don't wanna embarrass Ryo and-" began Jenrya.
"And you wanna impress him," finished Shuichon grinning. Jenrya glared at her and she laughed saying, "Don't worry. You and Ryo were always a great combination. It's too bad he was always with Ruki. You two had so much in common,"
"Thanks Shuichon," said Jenrya smiling at her. Shuichon grinned. She knew how much her brother valued Ryo's friendship and respect and she also suspected that Ryo liked her brother as more than just a friend.
"Ah ha!" yelled Shuichon in triumph throwing him some clothes, "try these,"
"But Shuichon-" protested Jenrya.
"No buts onnichan. Change and tell me when your done, so I can see how you look," said Shuichon walking out of his room and shutting the door behind her. Jenrya sighed and pulled on the clothes. He knew he might as well listen to Shuichon; after all she did have better fashion sense than most people. He looked in the mirror and gasped.
"Shuichon your good," murmured Jenrya as he looked at his reflection. He was wearing faded blue jeans, a white T-shirt and over that a black silk shirt which he decided to leave unbuttoned. The whole look screamed casual but cool. He went into the living room to show Shuichon who smiled approvingly.
"See this outfit is much better than the other one you were in," said Shuichon.
"Yeah well that was the kind of thing Makino-san liked and she and Ryo-kun are alike in a lot of ways," replied Jenrya.
"Yeah except Ryo's always liked you the way you are plus you were the only he ever really respected," countered Shuichon.
"No," replied Jenrya softly his eyes downcast, "He was always interested in Ruki. I mean think about it: they always battled together, they were always flirting and he was always concerned about her,"
"And you don't want Ryo to meet up with Ruki again because you're scared she'll take away the one friend who really understands you, right?" asked Shuichon. Jenrya stared at her before growling, "Quit doing that stupid mind reading thing,"
Shuichon just laughed before reminding him that Ryo was probably waiting for him. 'I hope I don't embarrass him,' he thought, 'I wonder if Ryo is hanging around with me due to pity or friendship?' Jenrya's shoulders slumped as he made his way to where he was meeting Ryo, 'Most likely pity,'
Ryo meanwhile stood leaning on the side of his car eyes scanning his surroundings for a glimpse of the younger boy's face. He spotted the boy heading towards him. Sapphire blue eyes met with silvery grey ones and Ryo licked his lips as he looked the boy up and down.
"Hey Ryo-kun," greeted Jenrya as he walked up to boy. He didn't notice the hungry look in Ryo's eyes, "Should we get going?"
"Wha-," said Ryo a little dazed, "Oh yeah, sure,"
Jenrya smiled as his slipped into the passenger seat. Ryo got into the car praying that he wouldn't jump Jenrya any time today. 'If I did though, could anyone blame me?' thought Ryo, 'He's naturally gorgeous and he's in a casual sexy outfit. Not that I don't like the outfit but now it's gonna make my stupid hormones to go wild. This is gonna be a LONG day,'
"We're here!" yelled Jenrya after they'd been driving for a while. He blushed at how much of a little kid he sounded and risked a glance at Ryo to see what he thought. Ryo met his glance and smiled softly. Jenrya's breath caught in his throat. Damn! Did Ryo have to smile like that?
"You're going to love this place Ryo; it has some of the best food around especially when it comes to desserts," said Jenrya as they both stepped out of the car and began heading over to the small restaurant.
"Hmm.. Well I can think of one dessert that's not on their menu," said Ryo licking his lips and smirking seductively at the younger boy. Jenrya's eyes widened and he turned away from Ryo's gaze, a hot blush tinting his cheeks. 'God was he flirting with me! No he couldn't be! Why the heck is Ryo acting like this? Screw that, why am I responding like this?' thought Jenrya as he sat down at a table. Ryo still smirking slid into the seat opposite him. He knew he didn't have a chance with Jenrya but there was not reason he couldn't practice his technique on him until he got over the younger boy. 'I wish he loved me back though, I don't want to get over him,' thought Ryo sadly then brightened as he looked at the menu and began planning how he could 'surprise' the younger boy. Jenrya kept stealing quick glances at Ryo, warily noting that the smirk on Ryo's face had widened. He shivered lightly and forced himself to calm down but he couldn't stop the excited pounding of his heart. 'What is wrong with me! I've never felt like this, not even with Makino, so why am I suddenly excited by everything Ryo does or says. This doesn't make any sense. Kami, I'm so confused,' thought Jenrya.
"Jenrya? Have you decided what you're gonna have?" asked Ryo. Jenrya came out of his thoughts and replied, "Yeah, I'll just have..," muttered Jenrya skimming through the menu for a 'safe' food, "spaghetti,"
Ryo just smirked and Jenrya immediately regretted choosing spaghetti. Ryo looked around for the nearest waiter but one appeared almost immediately. Ryo sighed, knowing she'd probably been watching them from the time they entered the restaurant. He frowned; irritated by her as he knew she would probably try to hang round him as much as possible. 'I don't care if she tries flirting with me, she won't get anywhere anyway but she better not go near MY Jenrya,' he thought and flashing her a small smile said, "Two plates of spaghetti please,"
The dumb blond haired bimbo of a waitress giggled like an idiot and leaning across the table towards Ryo she said in what was supposed to be a seductive purr, "Sure gorgeous, just wait right here,"
With that she winked at him and flicked her hair back hitting Jenrya in the face and sauntered off to get their food. Ryo could have killed her there and then but he didn't think the younger boy would be impressed, no matter how much of a bitch that waitress was. Jenrya meanwhile was feeling like a real wimp. 'I'm trash compared to Ryo; it must be embarrassing for him to be here with him,' he thought, 'I don't deserve to have a friend like Ryo,'
"Hey Jenrya, you okay?" asked Ryo reaching over and gently placing his hand on Jenrya's, "The last thing I want is for you not to enjoy today because I've attracted an irritating bimbo of a waitress. Gomen Jen-kun,"
Ryo hung his head and Jenrya after getting over the tingly feeling in his hand smiled at him and replied, "No it's not your fault Ryo, people just find you irresistible I guess,"
"Everyone except the person I fell in love with," murmured Ryo quietly. Jenrya heard his murmur and looked up slightly surprised.
"Who is it?" asked Jenrya but just then the waitress came back with their meals and Ryo was saved from having to answer him. 'This is starting to get annoying,' thought Ryo. After 10 minutes of completely ignoring her, their stupid waitress still did get the picture. It was hard enough to talk with her hanging over them but worse still, her presence seem to have a bad effect on Jenrya. He seemed withdrawn with her there. Ryo groaned inwardly. He'd tried little playful seducing acts but it always ended the same. Jenrya would see him blush and become mesmerized but then that stupid waitress would think he was being seductive for her. She'd giggle and then try flirting with him again and then Jenrya would just look down at his plate. After the 4th time Ryo snapped.
"Excuse me umm." asked Ryo.
"Cathy," she supplied, giggling.
"Right. Well Cathy is there any chance of you leaving us alone cuz it's a little hard to have a proper conversation and enjoy our meals when an annoying bitch of a waitress is hanging over us," finished Ryo, in a steely voice.
She looked shocked and then thought he was just joking replied, "Aww come on baby you know you want me,"
"Right that's it!" said Ryo angrily, "Where's the manager!"
Cathy, finally getting the picture hurried away looking annoyed. Ryo glared after her, and then turned back to Jenrya who was looking slightly shocked. 'Wow! It's not normal for Ryo to get angry but it's funny... I kinda..like it,' thought Jenrya. After they began eating again Jenrya suddenly said, "I don't mind, you know?"
"Ryo looked at him startled and replied, "Don't mind what?"
"If you go out with Ruki,"
"Huh? Why do you think I'd wanna go out with Ruki?"
"Well you were in love with her or at least crushing on her, in the digital world, remember?"
Ryo leant back in his chair a thoughtful look on his face before replying, "No. I wasn't."
"Huh?"
"It started with me feeling sorry for the fact that she didn't like opening up to people. I also liked her 'tough girl don't care' attitude because it was a change from loads of other girls who'd spent their time flirting and swooning over me. I thought I loved her but it was only a couple of months later when my dad and I moved away to America cuz of his job change that I realised I didn't really miss Ruki as much as someone else, someone who I'd met a little while after Ruki,"
"Oh, so.." trailed Jenrya looking at Ryo and then asked, "So is Ruki the tamer you missed the most?"
"No way. That's you," replied Ryo softly smiling at him. Jenrya blushed a little at this.
"You're the best friend I've ever had and you'll always hold a special place in my heart," said Ryo and then so Jenrya couldn't hear murmured, "More than you'll ever know,"
"Thanks Ryo, that means a lot to me," said Jenrya smiling up at the older boy, "Can we have dessert now?"
Ryo laughed and signalled to a waitress (not Cathy) who took their plates away and soon came back with strawberry ice-cream sundaes. Jenrya's eyes lit up. He loved ice-cream sundaes, especially strawberry ones. As they sat eating Jenrya glanced up at Ryo and froze at what he saw. Ryo had coated two of his fingers in ice cream and was trailing his tongue along them eyes closed. Ryo finished and opened his eyes smirking. He'd gotten the reaction he was hoping for. 'A spellbound Jenrya is so sexy,' thought Ryo with a devious smile. He leant towards the younger boy and whispered softly, "Anything wrong Jenrya?"
"Umm. no. I'm...fine," stuttered Jenrya deciding there and then he wasn't going to look at Ryo until they had finished. Fat chance of that happening. Ryo gave a little moan loud enough for only Jenrya to hear and the bluenette immediately looked up. He soon wished he hadn't. Ryo had a spoon of ice cream in his hand and was running his tongue over it slowly in full view of Jenrya. The younger boy just stared and found himself longing to be that ice-cream.
"Sure you're okay Jenrya?" asked Ryo a smirk playing on his lips. He was loving this.
"Um.n-no b-but we'd better hurry up if we won't get seeing everything before it's time to meet the others," said Jenrya quickly. Ryo smirked. He supposed it was time to stop teasing the boy..for now.
"Okay I'm done anyway, how about you?" asked Ryo smiling over at the younger boy.
"Yeah I'm done," answered Jenrya quickly, wincing at how breathless he sounded. They both got up and Ryo after much protesting from Jenrya paid the bill.
"You know you really didn't have to pay for me Ryo," said Jenrya as they were walking out. The older boy just flashed him his trademark smile.
"I wanted to," said Ryo softly, "besides you're giving up your free time to spend the day with me, it's the least I can do,"
"Hey it's not like spending time with you is a chore Ryo-kun," smiled Jenrya blushing a little. Ryo just smiled and they began walking, Jenrya pointing out things that had changed, things that had stayed the same and talking about the other tamers and adults in more depth. Normally a long talk like this would bore the heck out of him but Ryo found himself actually paying attention. The topic itself was boring but the way Jenrya told it made it seem interesting. Jenrya glanced over at Ryo's attentive gaze. He loved talking to Ryo, it was so easy to just be yourself around him and the older boy always paid attention. Jenrya told him all about how Hypnos had been rebuilt and was now monitoring virus programs and other data that had been left by D-Reaper and was also monitoring the net for any contact from the digiworld. Ryo also learned about how the monster makers were trying to design another ark like Grani and discover how imagination and belief created digimon in the first place.
"Hypnos and the Monster Makers" mused Ryo, "I bet they make one hell of a team huh?"
"Yeah but I don't care how far they get," said Jenrya as they walked through Shinjuku park, "I'll never forgive them for what they've done!"
Ryo glanced at the younger boy anxiously. He knew Jenrya was still suffering and that he had felt more pain over losing the digimon that anyone. 'After all it was Jen's own dad that uploaded the program that caused our digimon to have to return to the digital world and it was uploaded into Terriermon. So in a way Jen probably feels like it's his fault,' thought Ryo.
"Look why don't we sit down a minute and you can tell me about what's wrong. It'll feel good to get it off your chest," advised Ryo sitting down on a bench and motioning for Jenrya to sit next to him. Jenrya hesitated a minute before lowering himself onto the bench beside Ryo.
"I just can't get over how Terriermon and I were used," murmured Jenrya tears welling up in his eyes, "and by my own dad too,"
"Yeah but at least Terriermon and the others weren't destroyed. I don't think he really had a choice Jenrya, after all if he hadn't downloaded Juggernaut into Terriermon, everyone would have gone bye-bye, you, me, Shuichon, everyone," said Ryo soothingly.
"I guess," murmured Jenrya. He sighed and looked down at his feet. Suddenly he felt gentle fingers rubbing his shoulders soothingly. He gave a little sigh of pleasure and mumbled, "Ryo-kun, what are you doing?"
Ryo smirked and answered, "Getting you to relax silly. Massages are a good way to relieve tension, now turn a little so I can get at you easier,"
Jenrya didn't protest. He turned slightly so he had his back to Ryo and closed his eyes loving sensation of Ryo's hands. His mind started to drift and he leaned back on Ryo slightly. The older boy grinned and bending his head down began to breathe softly on the back of the Jenrya's neck. Jenrya shivered as Ryo's warm breath caressed the back of his neck. He unconsciously leaned into the older boy's touch, now and then letting out little sighs of pleasure.
"Shouldn't we go meet the others now," asked Jenrya after a while. He was feeling pretty relaxed now.
"Okay but first you have to get off me Jen-kun,"
Jenrya blushed, realising he was still leaning back on Ryo. He got up embarrassedly and Ryo grinned, heaving himself up as well.
"Hey Jen-kun? There's something I've noticed about you and I want you to promise me something," said Ryo. Jenrya looked at him a little surprised by the serious tone of his voice. He nodded to show he was listening.
"You've changed Jenrya. You seem withdrawn. You keep thinking your weak and no longer believe in your own abilities," stated Ryo. He saw Jenrya go red and look down but continued anyway, "I don't mean to criticise but you just don't seem the same and I want," he broke off and turned to face Jenrya an intense look on his face, "No, I NEED to know why?"
Jenrya met Ryo's gaze and was stunned by the different emotions reflected clearly in his eyes. Concern, worry, a longing to protect him, fierce loyalty and something else he couldn't quite recognize. Jenrya felt a little tug at his heart; the older boy really did care about him.
"I guess so I can fit in better. Nobody really liked or understood me when I was the serious thinker, they just thought I was weird," murmured Jenrya sadly, "So I guess I just became a different person to suit other people,"
Ryo stared. How could anyone not like Jen's deep thinking nature? True he wasn't really the kick butt type but he had a strong sense of justice and was quite the fighter when he had a reason to be. Ryo couldn't bear the sad clouded look in Jenrya's eyes. He moved closer to him and cupped the younger boy's cheek gently. Ryo met Jenrya's confused stare with a loving smile.
"You can change you clothes Jenrya but you can't change who you are. You shouldn't try and change yourself to suit other people," said Ryo gently, "Anyway they may not like your serious nature but I do. You're so calm and together regardless of any situation. You don't know how refreshing it is to have a friend who doesn't care or doesn't seem to even notice you're the famous legendary tamer. You have always been a great friend and an amazing tamer and to show you I mean both of these things I want you to have this,"
Ryo pressed a card into Jenrya's hand. Jenrya looked down at it. Goliath! The first modify card they'd seen Ryo use. One of the five legendary modify cards. Ryo was giving it to him. Jenrya looked up and him a blush spreading across his face. Ryo just smiled that loving, gentle smile only ever seen by Jenrya. Jenrya went to protest but decided against it. Ryo would never take the card back anyway. Jenrya blushed even more when he realised Ryo's hand was still on his cheek caressing it slightly. Jenrya closed his eyes absentmindedly leaning into the warmth. Ryo looked down at the younger and slowly leaned forward.
"Jenrya, where are you! Everyone's waiting! Jenrya!"
Ryo jerked back pulling his hand from Jenrya's cheek as the younger boy's eyes snapped open. They both turned to see Ai running towards them. Ryo grumbled under his breath. He'd been so close. Jenrya meanwhile was trying to calm his beating heart. He'd felt so weird but not uncomfortable weirdness.
"Did you forget where to meet us? Oh hi Ryo," said Ai absentmindedly then stopped and stared, "Ryo! It's you! Wow I can't believe, it's been like forever!"
Ryo smiled and replied, "Yeah sorry about that,"
"Well come on, let's go join the others! I can't wait to see their faces when they see you!" yelled Ai excitedly and ran off to the others were waiting. Jenrya and Ryo shared a smile at her enthusiasm before running to catch up.
"Ryo!"
Ryo smiled at them all. They' changed a lot since he'd last seen them. Juri's hair had lengthened and was tied back in two ponytails. Takato had discarded his goggles. Ai and Mako were more or less the same. Shuichon's hair had grown to just past shoulder length. Ruki's hair was longer and plaited. Kazu's style of clothes had changed to gothic punk. Kenta was more or less the same except less geeky looking. Ryo looked at each one in turn taking in their changes before glancing to the blue haired tenshi beside him. The only change in Jenrya he'd become even more beautiful.
"It's so great to see you Ryo," said Juri smiling warmly, "and do we have a lot to tell you,"
"Yeah, like I'm the luckiest guy on earth," said Takato putting his arm around Juri, "I got the best girlfriend of all time,"
"Second best only to mine," said Hirokazu smugly tightening the arm he had around Ruki who smiled but had a slightly clouded look in her eyes. Jenrya winced at Hirokazu's comment but no one except Ryo noticed.
"Gomen guys but I've know the tenshi that beats both of them," said Ryo confidentially. Takato and Kenta looked at him interested and Hirokazu asked, "What's she like then?"
Ryo smiled at their assumption replying, "Blue silky hair, shining silver eyes and a captivating smile that takes your breath away,"
"And personality wise?" asked Takato. Ryo smiled.
"Sweet, caring and very deep," he said proudly.
"Sounds nice, maybe you can introduce her to us," suggested Kenta and Ryo just smirked. Then the rest began telling him about everything that had been happening in the last four years. Jenrya hardly spoke a word. He suddenly felt really jealous of the attention they were all getting from Ryo. It shocked him when he realised he wanted Ryo all to himself. His gaze, his soothing voice, his radiant smile. He didn't want to share the older boy and it made him feel odd.
"Well I guess we'd all better start heading home," said Mako looking at his watch, "It's almost 6:30,"
Ryo sidled up to Jenrya and whispered, "Wanna go get a meal and then see a movie? I'm sure your parents wouldn't mind and I do owe you for re- acquainting me with the team,"
"Sure," answered Jenrya feeling himself blush (for the hundredth time today) at how close Ryo was, "But you don't owe me anything,"
Ryo just smiled, winked and turned to the others who were caught up saying their good byes and reminding each other of things.
"We'll see ya later guys," he said. They turned to look at him and Hirokazu raised an eyebrow.
"We?"
"Yeah, me and Jen-kun,"
"Where are you going?" asked Mako.
"Get something to eat and go see a movie," answered Ryo. Shuichon turned to Jenrya.
"Want me to tell mum and dad you're with Ryo?" asked Shuichon, a little glint in her eyes that went unnoticed by everyone. Jenrya nodded as he and Ryo walked off back to Ryo's car. They both got in and Ryo started up the engine.
"So," he said smiling at the younger boy, "fancy going to KFC?"
Jenrya nodded. So they stopped off at KFC before heading to the cinema.
"So, your choice, which film should we see?"
"God Ryo, you're making me feel like such a girl," said Jenrya blushing, "You've paid for everything so far, so why don't you choose?"
Ryo smirked. Jenrya was so cute when he was blushing.
"Ok let's watch...the ring," said Ryo with a grin. Jenrya paled a little. He'd heard from Takato the Ring really was very scary and Juri told him later that both Takato and Hirokazu had been scared out of their wits. She had also admitted that she and Ruki had been freaked out too. Jenrya hoped he wouldn't embarrass himself or Ryo when they saw it. Soon Ryo had got the tickets and popcorn and they were sitting, watching the movie. As it started to get creepier Jenrya felt himself ready to scream. Takato was right, The Ring was a nightmare. He clenched his eyes shut praying he wouldn't embarrass himself.
Suddenly he felt something warm on his hand and looked down. His eyes widened in shock as he stared at Ryo's hand which had gripped his gently. He looked up to meet the older boy's gaze.
"You don't mind do you? The film is kinda scary. Mind if I hang on to you a bit. You know that way I'm not scared and you're not scared," said Ryo.
"Sure," muttered Jenrya blushing lightly and turning back to the film. It did help though. He didn't feel as scared holding on to Ryo. He unconsciously gripped the other boy's hand tighter. Ryo smiled to himself. He hadn't been scared but he knew Jenrya had been plus it was an excuse to hold the younger boy's hand.
"That was really cool," said Jenrya as they walked out of the cinema. Ryo didn't answer just stared at Jenrya. Jenrya shifted uncomfortably under his gaze.
"Ryo, are you okay?" asked the younger boy softly. Ryo suddenly came back to reality.
"Sorry Jen-kun, I was just admiring the outfit, I know I forgot to mention it earlier but it looks great on you," explained Ryo flashing him a winning smile. Jenrya's cheeks heated up again.
"Thanks," he replied still red, "Well I'd better be going after all you've got a long drive home,"
Jenrya began to walk away but Ryo slipped in front of him blocking his way. Jenrya's breathing quickened as he found himself only an inch away from the older boy. He looked up at Ryo questioningly.
"I'll take you home," offered Ryo.
"I don't need an escort, I'm not a weak little kid," growled Jenrya, annoyed the way the older boy was babying him. Ryo's eyes widened at this. He reached out and pulled the boy close to him, keeping a hold of the younger one's arms and resting his forehead against Jenrya's. Now it was Jenrya's turned to look surprised.
"I don't think you're weak but I don't worry about you. I have to," murmured Ryo softly, "and don't try and say I don't, you've been hurt a lot lately and you're in pain every time you're around the other tamers. I just want to help you to heal but I can't unless you let me, will you?"
Jenrya's mind went blank being so close to the older boy but when Ryo asked that question something stirred inside him. He actually couldn't believe it. Ryo, the great popular legendary tamer wanted to help him bear his burdens. There was a problem though; he'd make himself vulnerable to Ryo. 'Am I really willing to risk being broken again?' thought Jenrya and glanced into Ryo's eyes. He saw compassion clearly reflected in those azure depths and suddenly he knew the answer.
"Yes,"
Atsuki: Well what did you think? Phew, that's the longest chapter ever. TEN PAGES!
Ryo: R&R and to everybody who's reviewed so far here (Throws cookies to them) and in the next chapter Atsuki says she'll start answering your reviews as well as giving you chocolate cake!