MysticalDreamer: wow.. this was updated faster than I thought it would
be... o.O... anyhoo!! *cough cough* i have an ending in mind, i just dont
know how long it will take... but its going to end with a very wonderful
rukato!! *cheering is heard* all right, no more babbling.. on with the
chapter~
disclaimer: i dont own digimon... but there are dust bunnies under my bed.. AHH!! no!! EVIL DUST BUNNIES!!!
~*~*~*~*~
chapter fourteen: moving on
Rika came out of the bath and pulled on the dry and clean clothes Mrs. Matsuki had given her to wear. They were very compfortable.
She dried off her hair a bit, then ringed out the towels she had used. Then she flung them over the towel rack. She sighed and opened the door.
She went back into the living room and grinned. "Thanks for the bath." she said. "It felt really great." she said, sitting on the couch.
"It was no trouble." said Mrs. Matsuki. "If you don't mind my asking.. how do you plan to get in touch with your mother?" she asked.
Rika sighed. She hadn't thought about that yet. "To be perfectly honest.. I'm not sure." she said. "I remember she said to call her office tomarrow."
Mrs. Matsuki nodded. "All right then." she said. "The futon is all set up. In front of our fire place, if thats okay."
"Thats great." said Rika.
"You should lay down and try to sleep." said Mrs. Matsuki. "What you went through.. Just try to sleep, and don't worry about getting up early."
Rika smiled. "Here I am, only been to your house a few times and your letting me stay here." she said.
Mrs. Matsuki grinned. "A few is better than none, dear." she said. "Now try to get some sleep, please?"
Rika nodded. "Sure." she said. "And thanks again."
"Its no trouble." said Mrs. Matsuki. "Now, my bedroom is right down the hall if you need anything. Takato's is upstairs, as you might know. The kitchen is across the hall. Through the kitchen is the store. We've locked the doors so don't worry."
Rika shook her head. "Its fine." she said.
Mrs. Matsuki smiled. "Sleep well." she said. She bowed a little to Rika and disapeared down the hall.
Rika looked around. She pulled down the covers on the futon and sat on it. She heard a thudding come down the stairs.
"Hey."
"Hey." she said.
Takato walked over and sat on the couch. The futon was even with the couch so they were level. He blinked.
"Shouldn't you be getting some sleep?" asked Rika. "I don't wanna keep all you up."
"Nah." said Takato. "Fridays I'm never asleep until one. And thats the earliest." he grinned. "Usually I go online or something."
"Sorry." said Rika.
"Don't worry about it." said Takato, shrugging.
"I feel bad, just coming to your house out of the blue and asking you to let me-"
"Stop." said Takato. "Its not problem. And until you get in touch with your mom, I'm insisting that you stay here." he said.
"I can't do that. I'll feel like I'm invading your house." said Rika.
Takato shook his head. "Fine. Then I ask you to stay." he grinned.
What could she do? Rika nodded. "Sure. If it makes you happy, goggle head." she laughed. Then a pillow ended up in her face.
"Its soft and fluffy and doesn't hurt." grinned Takato.
"You'll regret that." said Rika, tossing it back at him.
Takato laughed and caught it. "So. Sinse your here, lets take your mind off things." he said, putting it on the couch seat/cushion next to him.
Rika raised an eyebrow. "What the hell are you talking about?" she asked.
Takato began to cackle, which made Rika wonder if she should have come here at all. "I'm talking about... World Domination!" he grinned.
Rika narrowed her eyes. "I think I'm having a strange effect on you." she said.
Takato laughed again. "Anyway." he said. "What should we do first?"
"A ha!" said Rika quickly as the first plan popped into her head. "When Faye comes back from Hong Kong, we'll go out somewhere the next weekend. You know, me, Jeri and them. And sinse Jeri knows of our plan, we can run off somewhere, leaving them *alone*." she said, grinning evilly. "In reality, we'll be following them all over, trying to get them together."
Takato applauded softly. "I like it." he said. "Although its going to take more than that to get them together, ya know."
"Of course." said Rika, grinning. "Thats why we just keep plotting and plotting more and more. Eventually, it will work."
Takato nodded. "Hopefully." he grinned.
Rika smiled. "Its gonna be really funny too." she said, thinking about it. "Watching them in all their awkward embarassing situations." she looked back at him. "Can't wait!"
Takato laughed. "You know, you really do plot out strange things."
"But of course, Takato my friend," said Rika. "Plotting is fun! Especially when it benefits you and makes others become humilated. Or plotting things for the better for your friends. Or plotting things for the worst for your enemies. Or-"
"Ok, Ok, I got it!" said Takato, silencing her long sentance.
"Eh heh.. sorry." said Rika, scratching her head. "I got carried away." she said. But as she tapped her head, she hit a bump. And it was very painful. "Ow.." she said.
"You ok?" asked Takato, looking at her with a slight notion of worry in his face.
"Fine." said Rika. "I just.. hit a bruise.."
Takato looked down. "Sorry.."
"Look." said Rika. "I know what happened. You know what happened. So why don't we just not talk about it for now? Lets try to forget it." she said. "We can just pretend we're two friends having a sleep over or something."
"Ok then." said Takato. He grinned.
"I don't wanna be a bother ya know." said Rika. "I don't want to to stop doing what you normally do on weekends."
"I told you. I just go online and thats all." said Takato.
"So go."
"Er.." said Takato, looking for a response.
"Just because I'm here doesn't mean you have to change all of your normal plans." said Rika. "All I'm doing in sleeping on your futon in your living room for reasons already stated."
"Fine." said Takato, standing. "I'll go online. But I'm gonna use my dad's laptop instead of my computer." he said, dashing down the hall.
"Takato!" called Rika, but he already disapeared. She sighed and slouched over a bit, waiting for the goggle head to come back.
In a few minutes, he came walking back holding a black laptop in his grasp. "My dad said yes." he said, sitting on the couch and putting in on the futon. He took a plug and plugged it in. He did a bunch of other odd assortment of things to hook it up, which confused Rika greatly. Finally, he said back on the couch and put it in his lap.
It made a funny noise and Rika looked at it. "Why did it do that?" she asked.
"Do what?" asked Takato, typing something.
"Make a noise."
"It always does that when you turn it on." said Takato.
"I knew that." replied Rika, laying down and staring at the ceiling.
Takato typed somemore and then a dialing sound was coming from it.
"Now what is it doing?" asked Rika. "Is there a phone in it or something?"
Takato stared at her. "You really know nothing about computers?"
"Not a thing."
"Its dialing up to the internet." said Takato. "And before you ask, yes it always does that. And there is no phone."
"Uh hmm..." came her reply. She looked at it like it was a strange new object from outer space .. or something.
"You've really never been online?" asked Takato, looking at her.
"Er.. a few times for research for school.. but even then my grandma got everywhere for me." said Rika. "All I did was read what was on the screen." (a/n: thats pretty bad, when your grandma knows more about computers than you do... O_o)
Takato blinked. He sighed and picked up the laptop. He took a few steps and sat on the futon, near Rika so she could see the screen.
"See this?" asked Takato. "Its called a buddy list." he said.
"I've heard of those." said Rika. "Sorta.. You can tell when people are online and stuff. To talk to them over the computer."
"Very good." said Takato. "You know more than I thought."
"Cannit, goggle head."
Takato grinned and clicked on one of the names on the list. A box popped up and Rika stared as he typed something in the box. Then a messege popped back in the box.
"Instant messenging." said Takato.
"I'm not that stupid." said Rika. "I've just never actually seen it. Faye has it though, so sometimes she went on and talked to people while I played her XBox." she said.
"Whats her screename?" asked Takato.
"Got me." said Rika. "Who are you talking to, anyway?"
"Henry." said Takato. "He's always online."
"Tell him I said hi." said Rika.
"Ok.." said Takato. He typed and waited. Rika looked at the ceiling. Then a moo came from the computer and Rika jumped.
"Did your computer just moo?" asked Rika.
Takato laughed out loud. "Yes. It mooed."
"Computers are strange." said Rika. "I think they're evil too." she said, glaring at it.
Takato stared. (O.o) "Uh oh.." he said when it mooed again.
"What?"
"Henry wants to know why your here." said Takato.
"Don't tell him the real reason!" said Rika, suddenly. She quickly went over and leaned over Takato's shoulder, looking at the screen. She narrowed her eyes. "SurfingDude222 ... ?" she asked Takato, seeing his best friend's screenname.
"As in websurfing." replied Takato.
Rika's eyes widened. "You can surf on the internet?" she asked. She pictured Faye on a surfboard, going through piles of computers.
Takato now narrowed his eyes. "Please tell me your lying." he said.
"I already told you I know squat about computers." said Rika.
The computer mooed again. "He now says 'well?'..." said Takato. "What do I say?"
"Err.." said Rika. "Just tell him that I'm here because.. because.."
Takato typed something and then the computer made a cash register sound. Rika jumped then realized what he did.
"What did you tell him?!" she shouted, grabbing his collar.
"I just said 'sorry. can't tell ya, but its nothing bad'. " said Takato, pulling her fingers off his collar.
Rika sat back down. "Good answer." she said.
"And Henry is the kinda guy that won't pry." said Takato. He typed some other stuff, and a few more mooes and cash registers bells were heard.
Rika sighed. Come to think of it.. she was getting really tired. "Off." she said.
"What?" asked Takato, looking at her with a raised eyebrow.
"Off the futon." said Rika. "I wanna lay down." she said.
Takato stood up and went back to the couch. There was another moo.
Rika pulled up the covers and crawled underneath them. It was ... really weird. Sleeping in a futon in a house she'd only stepped foot in a few times. There was another cash register ping.
"Does it make any other *yawn* sounds?" asked Rika, rolling over to face him.
"Sure." said Takato. "Doors opening and closing, phones ringing. And you can dowload other sounds, or take sounds from your computer intself."
"Right.." said Rika.
"You don't have to understand it, ya know." grinned Takato. "Just play along until I'm done. You won't hear any strange noises after that."
"Sure.." said Rika, a slight grin. "Who knows what other kinds of strange noises will be heard within the walls of your house."
"Oh yes." said Takato, sarcasm involved. "There are many strange noises that will haunt you for the rest of your life." he grinned.
"Will there be any trains or jungle sounds involved?"
"Two totally completely different things there."
"It was the first two things that popped in my head."
"Well, no sorry. No trains or jungle. Although you may hear the occasional snore from my father. Its why my room is upstairs."
"Good reason."
"I mean, you try sleeping with a guy snoring louder than a truck going by in a big open field. Its hard, believe me."
"I believe ya. We don't have to talk about snoring anymore." grinned Rika.
"Oh but it was a very interesting conversation."
"I'm sure it was." she laughed.
Takato grinned. The computer mooed again. "I have an idea." he said as it went ca ching again.
"Oh great." said Rika sarcastically.
"We're going to create you a screen name." said Takato, typing something.
"No, thats quite all right." said Rika. "I will never use it, so it is pointless."
"All right, all right." said Takato. "It was worth a try."
Rika layed back down and stared up again at the ceiling. "I .. really tired.." she said softly. She yawned again.
"Well you have good reason to be." said Takato. "Just ignore the computer and its funny sounds." he said.
"I have been.. well.. sorta.." said Rika, twitching her head to one side.
"May I ask why you are twitching?"
"Alas, Takato. Even I do not know." grinned Rika. She yawned again.
"You are really tired." said Takato, looking over at her. "Try to sleep. It'll be good for you." he said. "I'll even stay on the couch until you do fall asleep." (a/n: aww.. isnt that sweet?)
"You don't need to." yawned Rika, totally laying down on the futon and yawning once more. She wiggled a bit to get compfortable.
"I know." said Takato. "But I'm going to anyway. For what you've gone through.. you need someone to just be here for now."
Rika smiled at him. "... Thanks.." she said.
"No problem." grinned Takato. The computer mooed again. "Erp.. I'll turn off the sound." he laughed, turning the speakers off.
Rika laughed too. She pulled up the covers and rolled over. She could still here some clicking and typing from Takato's direction, but there was no more mooing or cash registers. Or doors. Or other strange sounds.
Slowly... in a few minutes, Rika drifted off into a very deep deep slumber...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The sun was shining brightly as Rika's lavender eyes fluttered open in the morning. She had had a dreamless night, for one thing. She rubbed her eyes and rolled over to look around the room. There was no sounds, but a sleeping Takato lay on the sofa.
There was some noises coming from the bakery and the fresh smell of bread drifted through the house. Rika took the scent in.
She sat up and looked around fully. She heard a noise and tilted her head. Takato's laptop was on the floor. She inched closer and saw a dozen or so flashing things on the screen. She blinked a few times. Partially from confusion and partially from the sleep in her eyes.
Takato yawned and stretched suddenly, causing Rika to jump back in shock. She rubbed his eyes and looked around. "Morning.." he said grogily.
"Morning." replied Rika.
Takato looked down and saw the laptop. "Oh crap!" he said, instantly waking up and jumping off the couch. He picked it up gingerly and looked at it from all different angles.
"May I ask what you are doing?" asked Rika.
"I must have fallen asleep while I was still online last night! And the laptop fell over on the ground! Gotta make sure nothing is damaged or Dad will kill me!" said Takato. Then he froze. "Sorry.."
Rika shook her head. "Don't worry about it." she said.
Satisfied with the condition of his computer, he did some clicking and put the laptop on the table beside the couch.
"Hungry?" he asked.
"A little.." said Rika, realizing that she actually was pretty hungry.
"Come on." said Takato, beckoning for Rika to come off the futon. "I'm sure mom can spare us a bagel or something." he grinned.
Rika forced herself off the futon and stretched again. She followed Takato through his kitchen and into a door which lead to the bakery. (a/n: yes.. a little different from the anime but oh well... ^^' )
"Good Morning!" said Mrs. Matsuki.
"Morning." replied Rika.
"Hey Ma, we're gonna grab some bagels, okay?" asked Takato.
"Sure." said Mrs. Matsuki. "I think your father is getting some of the fresh, hot ones around back. Go get one of them."
"Yeah!!" said Takato, dashing away somewhere.
Unsure as what to do, Rika stood there. She looked around and saw some people in the bakery, three of four. She looked for a clock and saw it was 10:46 AM. She yawned.
"Did you sleep well last night, Rika?" asked Mrs. Matsuki.
"Yes." said Rika. "It was great. I can't thank you enough for everything."
"It was no problem." said Mrs. Matsuki. "Would you like to try and.. get in touch with your mother?" she asked.
Rika nodded. "After I eat something." she said.
"Takato can show you where the phone is." said Mrs. Matsuki. "Make as many calls as you need to." she said.
"Thank you." said Rika.
Takato came back into the room, holding two bagels. Hot and fresh with a slight steam. Rika felt her mouth water. "Two bagels." he grinned.
"Gimme!" said Rika. She snatched one from his grasp and bit into it.
"Don't you want butter?" asked Mrs. Matsuki.
"No thanks.." said Rika, taking another bite. "I love hot bagels so much. I never cut them to put butter in it. Because then the warmness would go away faster." she grinned.
Mrs. Matsuki smiled. "You can have another, if you want. When you're done with that one, I mean." she said.
"I'll think about it." said Rika. "After this, I think I wanna call my mom though."
"Of course." said Mrs. Matsuki. "Takato, show her the phone. You can use a cordless so she can talk in private." she said.
"Oh thats ok." said Rika, taking another bite. "There really isn't anything in private to discuss with her." she said.
"Oh well." said Takato, putting butter on his bagel. "I'll still give ya the cordless."
"Whatever." said Rika, another bite into her mouth.
"Lets go then." said Takato. They headed back for inside his house when the door opened. The little bell thing chimed.
Rika glanced to see who it was. She scowled and ducked behind the counter. Takato looked down at her.
"Er.. what are you doing?" he asked.
"Shh!" said Rika. Taking yet another bite. "I'm not here."
Takato looked over to see who it was. It was Jenny and what looked like her father. They walked around and he picked up a poppyseed bagel.
"Want anything?" asked her dad.
"No way." said Jenny. "I don't eat breakfast."
"Suit yourself." he said. They came over to the counter.
Rika shrunk herself as small as possible. She did not want to be seen. Especially by this prep, who would most definitely call Danielle and tell her.
"Hello and good morning!" grinned Mrs. Matsuki.
"Hello." said her father.
"Hi Takato!" grinned Jenny. Below, Rika gagged. Takato seeing this out of the corner of his eyes, snorted. "Whats wrong?" she asked.
"Nothing.." said Takato, stiffling his laughter. Rika cracked a grin.
"So what are you doing today?" asked Jenny, leaning on the counter.
"Er.. I dunno." said Takato.
"Then why don't you come to the mall with everyone?" she asked. "We're gonna see a movie and hang out."
"Nah." said Takato. "I can't."
"Why? You just said you had no idea what you were gonna do today." said Jenny.
"Erp.."
"Here you are!" said Mrs. Matsuki. "Have a nice day!" she said.
"Thank you." said Jenny's dad. "Come on, Jenny." (a/n: now say that like patrick from spongebob squarepants when he has his jellyfish things.. 'come on, jeffrey! ^^ )
"Fine.." said Jenny. "Bye bye Takato!" she said, in a rather flirtish kind of way.
As the two headed for the door, and the little bell clanged, Rika stood up and started back for the main house.
"Oh Takato?" asked Jenny, who turned back in. "Oh!" she said, seeing Rika's back head into the door.
Takato looked between Jenny and the door, the door and Jenny. Without hesitation, he dashed inside his house.
"Dammit, why did she have to show up?" asked Rika as she and Takato headed for the living room.
"Its just the way it is." said Takato. He picked up a phone and tossed it at Rika. "Here." he said, sitting on the couch.
"Thanks." she said. She turned it on and dialed her mother's work number. It rang a few times, when the answering machine picked up. She took a deep breath.
"Mom.." she said. "You said to call your office...I don't wanna say where I am in case a certain someone gets this before you do... I'm ok though. I'm safe... Tell you what.. call my best friend's house if you get this. I'll try your cell phone.. and I'll check her house later... Bye.."
She clicked it off and sighed. "I guess I should try her cell phone." she said, clicking it on again then and dialed.
"Voice mail.. I don't know who has this, but you know my voice Rumiko. I'm ok. So long." she said and hung up.
"I can't be too careful.." grinned Rika.
"Course not." grinned Takato. "Anywhere else you can try to call?"
"I'm not sure..." she said. She sat down next to him on the couch. She sighed and her eyes teared up. "Mom.." she whispered.
Takato looked over at her. He had no idea what he could do to compfort this girl. She was so strong. She went through so much, yet he she was. He leaned over and hugged her.
"Why.." she whispered, relaxing in his arms. "I'm so lost.."
"No you're not." said Takato. "You're safe in the Matsuki household. Where you will stay until you can find your mom."
"I can't do that." said Rika. "I feel like I'm barging in.."
"We've already been through this." said Takato. "You ARE staying here. No more ifs, ands, or buts." he grinned.
Rika smiled.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rika stepped out of the bathroom in the clean clothes that Takato's mother had washed for her. They were the jeans that she wore yesterday, but one of Takato's old shirts. She needed something to wear. And frankly, she could care less.
Rika needed regular clothes because she was going out with Takato to investigate a bit. First they were gonna go to her house, then head to Faye's. Of course, Takato had told his mother that they were going to see a movie to take Rika's mind off things. They planned this out on their own, because the Matsuki's would surely stop them.
They headed off and walked in the cold. Big poofy coats. They walked in silence and after bit, they reached Rika's house.
Rika bit her lip as she stood outside the broken gate. "Lets go." she said, walking in. Takato nodded and followed in behind her.
They walked around the house, seeing open doors and a few lights on. There was messed up foot prints everyone. A sign of the struggle.
"Do you really want to be here?" asked Takato.
"No." replied Rika. "But I don't have much of a choice."
Rika headed towards the porch thing around her house and walked around. She looked into every room. She found nothing.
After about an hour or so of just looking around, and with Takato eying Rika's forgotton cell phone on the floor of her bedroom, they headed out.
Rika took a peak back at her house. She sniffed. "Dammit.." she whispered.
"You ok?" asked Takato, putting his arm on her shoulder.
"I'll be fine." she said. "Lets get to Faye's now."
Takato nodded and the two headed off for Faye's. It wasn't a long walk, so they reached the Kamiyo house in a short amount of time.
The two went around back and Rika picked up a can, and underneath was a key. She put it in a keyhole in the back door and it opened. She beckoned for Takato to follow her inside the house. She locked the door behind her.
Rika headed for the main phone of the Kamiyo house, which contained the answering machine. It wasn't blinking at all. She sighed.
She went over to the fridge and took out a water bottle. She drank some and headed for the back door.
"She didn't call." said Rika. "We should head back to your house."
"Not yet." said Takato. "My parents aren't expecting us back for at least another hour. They'll question us."
"Oh yeah." said Rika.
She sat down on the counter and began to think. Her train of thought was broken by the phone ringing. She looked over at it.
After a number of rings, the machine picked up. It was Faye's voice as she did the messeges. And it was a strange one.
"Good Morning, Afternoon, or Evening. Right now the Kamiyo family is running from the evil dust bunnies that have taken residance under our beds. They come from the planet Shu. If you would like to help us or talk to one of us, leave a messege and we will get back to you. Ta ta for now!"
Takato blinked and Rika sighed as it beeped.
" ..... I hope you get this Rika.."
Rika leaped in the air. She dashed over to the phone and picked it up. "Mom?!" she shouted. Takato looked hopeful.
"Ohmideargod Rika!" said Rumiko. "Are you ok? Please tell me!"
"I'm fine." said Rika. "I'm safe, don't worry. Where are you?"
"I'm at my office." said Rumiko. "Can you come here? It would be safer.. then over the phone..." she said.
"Of course." replied Rika. "I'll be there in a few minutes."
"Bye." said Rumiko.
"Bye.." said Rika as her mother hung up.
Takato looked at her. "You mom?" she asked.
Rika smiled and leaped over to him and hugged him. "She's ok!" she shouted, jumping up and down and twirling, dragging Takato along for the ride.
"Thats great!!" he shouted.
"But.." she said, stopping and letting him go. "I have to go to her office..."
"No problem." said Takato. "We can call my mom when we get there."
"We?"
"Well I'm not gonna let you go alone." said Takato. "You never know what could happen." he said, grinning.
"Thanks." said Rika. "Just follow me."
The two left the house and made sure everything was locked up tightly. They set off for Rumiko's office. It was kinda far away, but they headed there anyway.
After about a twenty minute, half an hour walk, they reached a building. Rika stopped and stared.
"I haven't come here in so long.." she said.
"This is where your mom works?" asked Takato.
"Its her main office." said Rika. "She does photo shoots in other places, but this is the main one. She's usually here." she said.
She led Takato inside and grinned at a security guard. She brought him to the elevator and they went up five stories.
The two went down the hallway and Rika put her ear against a door. She listened closely, then opened it slowly.
"Rika!!!!"
Rika felt herself being hugged tightly and looked up to see her mother. Not too long afterwards, her grandmother joined the hug.
"You're both ok!" said Rika, tears forming at her eyes.
"I was so afraid!!" said Rumiko. She pushed away and looked at Rika. "Where did you go last night?" she asked.
"I stayed at a friend's." she said, tilting her head towards Takato. "Mom- this is Takato Matsuki. Takato- this is my mom." she said.
"Hello Miss Makino." said Takato, bowing his head a little.
Rumiko ran over and hugged him. "Thank you so much for taking care of my little Rika!" she said. "I am forever greatful to you."
"Its fine.." said Takato, looking a bit uncompfortable.
"Mom.." said Rika.
Rumiko pushed away and hugged her daughter again. "You have no idea.. how worried I was.." she said.
"I'm ok, mom." said Rika. "Really.."
Mrs. Makino broke the silence. "I contacted the police, but by the time they got to our house, Justin was gone-oop!" she said, noticing Takato and covering her mouth.
"Its ok, Grandma." said Rika. "I told him.. I had no choice really.. and he deserved to know.." she said.
Mrs. Makino sighed. "Well.. he was gone." she said. "They searched the house and looked around in nearby areas, but he was gone. No where in sight."
Rumiko sighed now. "The police let us stay at a hotel near the station. They gave us security guards too. I ran into my mother near the station.. I'm so glad you're ok though Rika." she said.
Rika smiled. "So.. now what?" she asked.
"The police say they can't give us free security for much longer... but they're going to do everything then can to help us." said Rumiko. "I'm afraid that Justin might know where we are staying though..." she explained.
"There is that possibility." said Mrs. Makino.
"So.. should I come back and stay with you?" asked Rika.
"No." said Rumiko. "I want you to stay with the Kamiyos. When they get back from Hong Kong, I mean... not right now."
"Obviously." grinned Rika. "But for now-"
"With me." said Takato.
The three Makino woman turned and looked at him. He felt kind of awkward in the spot light. He bit his lip.
"My mom already said it was ok." said Takato. "Besides.."
"You know. Thats a good idea." said Rumiko.
"What?" asked Takato and Rika in unison. Mrs. Makino raised an eyebrow.
"Justin doesn't know Takato, because you and Rika have just recently become friends." said Rumiko. "You lost him last night, obviously, so he doesn't know where you went."
"True." said Mrs. Makino. "And then she can move in with Faye when they come back. And she can stay with them until we figure everything out."
"Hey!" said Rika. "I'm the one who's staying at these places, shouldn't I get a say in all this?" she asked.
"Of course Rika.." said Rumiko. "I'm sorry.."
"Eh, no problem!" grinned Rika. "Its fine, everything you just said."
Rumiko smiled. "Oh Rika.." she said, walking over and hugging her again. And this time, Rika really hugged back.
MD: hmm.. its seems shorter than normal but... yeah whatever.. the next chapter will lighten up a bit.. sorry if this one was a little boring, buts its setting up... also- the return of Phil and Stevo!! *cheering is heard* ^-^ dont forget to review!
~*~*~*~*~*~ review thanks b/c i can ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
jen: thanks ^-^ glad you like it
SerpentTreize: poor Rika.. but yes! she is safe with Takato-chan! o^^o
silence: messed up scarey guy.. *runs away* and yes.. Phil and Stevo!! whoo hoo! they will return! bwahaha ^-^
hellsangel: rock on! ^^ thanks
Black: a faithful reviewer!! this is why i love rukato too! There is nothing better! ^.~
Archangemon: noo!! FAYE!! *runs away* thanks for reviewing too.. and layers DO come in handy!!
ejqhorselady: another faithful reviewer! Whoo hoo!! wow! lol thanks
Neverwhere: faithful review again! *cheers* rukato! YEAH! *cheers again* this cliffhanger wasnt so bad, was it? i dont even think it was one... o.O
thats all for now! anyone i forgot, i am sorry.. -__-
disclaimer: i dont own digimon... but there are dust bunnies under my bed.. AHH!! no!! EVIL DUST BUNNIES!!!
~*~*~*~*~
chapter fourteen: moving on
Rika came out of the bath and pulled on the dry and clean clothes Mrs. Matsuki had given her to wear. They were very compfortable.
She dried off her hair a bit, then ringed out the towels she had used. Then she flung them over the towel rack. She sighed and opened the door.
She went back into the living room and grinned. "Thanks for the bath." she said. "It felt really great." she said, sitting on the couch.
"It was no trouble." said Mrs. Matsuki. "If you don't mind my asking.. how do you plan to get in touch with your mother?" she asked.
Rika sighed. She hadn't thought about that yet. "To be perfectly honest.. I'm not sure." she said. "I remember she said to call her office tomarrow."
Mrs. Matsuki nodded. "All right then." she said. "The futon is all set up. In front of our fire place, if thats okay."
"Thats great." said Rika.
"You should lay down and try to sleep." said Mrs. Matsuki. "What you went through.. Just try to sleep, and don't worry about getting up early."
Rika smiled. "Here I am, only been to your house a few times and your letting me stay here." she said.
Mrs. Matsuki grinned. "A few is better than none, dear." she said. "Now try to get some sleep, please?"
Rika nodded. "Sure." she said. "And thanks again."
"Its no trouble." said Mrs. Matsuki. "Now, my bedroom is right down the hall if you need anything. Takato's is upstairs, as you might know. The kitchen is across the hall. Through the kitchen is the store. We've locked the doors so don't worry."
Rika shook her head. "Its fine." she said.
Mrs. Matsuki smiled. "Sleep well." she said. She bowed a little to Rika and disapeared down the hall.
Rika looked around. She pulled down the covers on the futon and sat on it. She heard a thudding come down the stairs.
"Hey."
"Hey." she said.
Takato walked over and sat on the couch. The futon was even with the couch so they were level. He blinked.
"Shouldn't you be getting some sleep?" asked Rika. "I don't wanna keep all you up."
"Nah." said Takato. "Fridays I'm never asleep until one. And thats the earliest." he grinned. "Usually I go online or something."
"Sorry." said Rika.
"Don't worry about it." said Takato, shrugging.
"I feel bad, just coming to your house out of the blue and asking you to let me-"
"Stop." said Takato. "Its not problem. And until you get in touch with your mom, I'm insisting that you stay here." he said.
"I can't do that. I'll feel like I'm invading your house." said Rika.
Takato shook his head. "Fine. Then I ask you to stay." he grinned.
What could she do? Rika nodded. "Sure. If it makes you happy, goggle head." she laughed. Then a pillow ended up in her face.
"Its soft and fluffy and doesn't hurt." grinned Takato.
"You'll regret that." said Rika, tossing it back at him.
Takato laughed and caught it. "So. Sinse your here, lets take your mind off things." he said, putting it on the couch seat/cushion next to him.
Rika raised an eyebrow. "What the hell are you talking about?" she asked.
Takato began to cackle, which made Rika wonder if she should have come here at all. "I'm talking about... World Domination!" he grinned.
Rika narrowed her eyes. "I think I'm having a strange effect on you." she said.
Takato laughed again. "Anyway." he said. "What should we do first?"
"A ha!" said Rika quickly as the first plan popped into her head. "When Faye comes back from Hong Kong, we'll go out somewhere the next weekend. You know, me, Jeri and them. And sinse Jeri knows of our plan, we can run off somewhere, leaving them *alone*." she said, grinning evilly. "In reality, we'll be following them all over, trying to get them together."
Takato applauded softly. "I like it." he said. "Although its going to take more than that to get them together, ya know."
"Of course." said Rika, grinning. "Thats why we just keep plotting and plotting more and more. Eventually, it will work."
Takato nodded. "Hopefully." he grinned.
Rika smiled. "Its gonna be really funny too." she said, thinking about it. "Watching them in all their awkward embarassing situations." she looked back at him. "Can't wait!"
Takato laughed. "You know, you really do plot out strange things."
"But of course, Takato my friend," said Rika. "Plotting is fun! Especially when it benefits you and makes others become humilated. Or plotting things for the better for your friends. Or plotting things for the worst for your enemies. Or-"
"Ok, Ok, I got it!" said Takato, silencing her long sentance.
"Eh heh.. sorry." said Rika, scratching her head. "I got carried away." she said. But as she tapped her head, she hit a bump. And it was very painful. "Ow.." she said.
"You ok?" asked Takato, looking at her with a slight notion of worry in his face.
"Fine." said Rika. "I just.. hit a bruise.."
Takato looked down. "Sorry.."
"Look." said Rika. "I know what happened. You know what happened. So why don't we just not talk about it for now? Lets try to forget it." she said. "We can just pretend we're two friends having a sleep over or something."
"Ok then." said Takato. He grinned.
"I don't wanna be a bother ya know." said Rika. "I don't want to to stop doing what you normally do on weekends."
"I told you. I just go online and thats all." said Takato.
"So go."
"Er.." said Takato, looking for a response.
"Just because I'm here doesn't mean you have to change all of your normal plans." said Rika. "All I'm doing in sleeping on your futon in your living room for reasons already stated."
"Fine." said Takato, standing. "I'll go online. But I'm gonna use my dad's laptop instead of my computer." he said, dashing down the hall.
"Takato!" called Rika, but he already disapeared. She sighed and slouched over a bit, waiting for the goggle head to come back.
In a few minutes, he came walking back holding a black laptop in his grasp. "My dad said yes." he said, sitting on the couch and putting in on the futon. He took a plug and plugged it in. He did a bunch of other odd assortment of things to hook it up, which confused Rika greatly. Finally, he said back on the couch and put it in his lap.
It made a funny noise and Rika looked at it. "Why did it do that?" she asked.
"Do what?" asked Takato, typing something.
"Make a noise."
"It always does that when you turn it on." said Takato.
"I knew that." replied Rika, laying down and staring at the ceiling.
Takato typed somemore and then a dialing sound was coming from it.
"Now what is it doing?" asked Rika. "Is there a phone in it or something?"
Takato stared at her. "You really know nothing about computers?"
"Not a thing."
"Its dialing up to the internet." said Takato. "And before you ask, yes it always does that. And there is no phone."
"Uh hmm..." came her reply. She looked at it like it was a strange new object from outer space .. or something.
"You've really never been online?" asked Takato, looking at her.
"Er.. a few times for research for school.. but even then my grandma got everywhere for me." said Rika. "All I did was read what was on the screen." (a/n: thats pretty bad, when your grandma knows more about computers than you do... O_o)
Takato blinked. He sighed and picked up the laptop. He took a few steps and sat on the futon, near Rika so she could see the screen.
"See this?" asked Takato. "Its called a buddy list." he said.
"I've heard of those." said Rika. "Sorta.. You can tell when people are online and stuff. To talk to them over the computer."
"Very good." said Takato. "You know more than I thought."
"Cannit, goggle head."
Takato grinned and clicked on one of the names on the list. A box popped up and Rika stared as he typed something in the box. Then a messege popped back in the box.
"Instant messenging." said Takato.
"I'm not that stupid." said Rika. "I've just never actually seen it. Faye has it though, so sometimes she went on and talked to people while I played her XBox." she said.
"Whats her screename?" asked Takato.
"Got me." said Rika. "Who are you talking to, anyway?"
"Henry." said Takato. "He's always online."
"Tell him I said hi." said Rika.
"Ok.." said Takato. He typed and waited. Rika looked at the ceiling. Then a moo came from the computer and Rika jumped.
"Did your computer just moo?" asked Rika.
Takato laughed out loud. "Yes. It mooed."
"Computers are strange." said Rika. "I think they're evil too." she said, glaring at it.
Takato stared. (O.o) "Uh oh.." he said when it mooed again.
"What?"
"Henry wants to know why your here." said Takato.
"Don't tell him the real reason!" said Rika, suddenly. She quickly went over and leaned over Takato's shoulder, looking at the screen. She narrowed her eyes. "SurfingDude222 ... ?" she asked Takato, seeing his best friend's screenname.
"As in websurfing." replied Takato.
Rika's eyes widened. "You can surf on the internet?" she asked. She pictured Faye on a surfboard, going through piles of computers.
Takato now narrowed his eyes. "Please tell me your lying." he said.
"I already told you I know squat about computers." said Rika.
The computer mooed again. "He now says 'well?'..." said Takato. "What do I say?"
"Err.." said Rika. "Just tell him that I'm here because.. because.."
Takato typed something and then the computer made a cash register sound. Rika jumped then realized what he did.
"What did you tell him?!" she shouted, grabbing his collar.
"I just said 'sorry. can't tell ya, but its nothing bad'. " said Takato, pulling her fingers off his collar.
Rika sat back down. "Good answer." she said.
"And Henry is the kinda guy that won't pry." said Takato. He typed some other stuff, and a few more mooes and cash registers bells were heard.
Rika sighed. Come to think of it.. she was getting really tired. "Off." she said.
"What?" asked Takato, looking at her with a raised eyebrow.
"Off the futon." said Rika. "I wanna lay down." she said.
Takato stood up and went back to the couch. There was another moo.
Rika pulled up the covers and crawled underneath them. It was ... really weird. Sleeping in a futon in a house she'd only stepped foot in a few times. There was another cash register ping.
"Does it make any other *yawn* sounds?" asked Rika, rolling over to face him.
"Sure." said Takato. "Doors opening and closing, phones ringing. And you can dowload other sounds, or take sounds from your computer intself."
"Right.." said Rika.
"You don't have to understand it, ya know." grinned Takato. "Just play along until I'm done. You won't hear any strange noises after that."
"Sure.." said Rika, a slight grin. "Who knows what other kinds of strange noises will be heard within the walls of your house."
"Oh yes." said Takato, sarcasm involved. "There are many strange noises that will haunt you for the rest of your life." he grinned.
"Will there be any trains or jungle sounds involved?"
"Two totally completely different things there."
"It was the first two things that popped in my head."
"Well, no sorry. No trains or jungle. Although you may hear the occasional snore from my father. Its why my room is upstairs."
"Good reason."
"I mean, you try sleeping with a guy snoring louder than a truck going by in a big open field. Its hard, believe me."
"I believe ya. We don't have to talk about snoring anymore." grinned Rika.
"Oh but it was a very interesting conversation."
"I'm sure it was." she laughed.
Takato grinned. The computer mooed again. "I have an idea." he said as it went ca ching again.
"Oh great." said Rika sarcastically.
"We're going to create you a screen name." said Takato, typing something.
"No, thats quite all right." said Rika. "I will never use it, so it is pointless."
"All right, all right." said Takato. "It was worth a try."
Rika layed back down and stared up again at the ceiling. "I .. really tired.." she said softly. She yawned again.
"Well you have good reason to be." said Takato. "Just ignore the computer and its funny sounds." he said.
"I have been.. well.. sorta.." said Rika, twitching her head to one side.
"May I ask why you are twitching?"
"Alas, Takato. Even I do not know." grinned Rika. She yawned again.
"You are really tired." said Takato, looking over at her. "Try to sleep. It'll be good for you." he said. "I'll even stay on the couch until you do fall asleep." (a/n: aww.. isnt that sweet?)
"You don't need to." yawned Rika, totally laying down on the futon and yawning once more. She wiggled a bit to get compfortable.
"I know." said Takato. "But I'm going to anyway. For what you've gone through.. you need someone to just be here for now."
Rika smiled at him. "... Thanks.." she said.
"No problem." grinned Takato. The computer mooed again. "Erp.. I'll turn off the sound." he laughed, turning the speakers off.
Rika laughed too. She pulled up the covers and rolled over. She could still here some clicking and typing from Takato's direction, but there was no more mooing or cash registers. Or doors. Or other strange sounds.
Slowly... in a few minutes, Rika drifted off into a very deep deep slumber...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The sun was shining brightly as Rika's lavender eyes fluttered open in the morning. She had had a dreamless night, for one thing. She rubbed her eyes and rolled over to look around the room. There was no sounds, but a sleeping Takato lay on the sofa.
There was some noises coming from the bakery and the fresh smell of bread drifted through the house. Rika took the scent in.
She sat up and looked around fully. She heard a noise and tilted her head. Takato's laptop was on the floor. She inched closer and saw a dozen or so flashing things on the screen. She blinked a few times. Partially from confusion and partially from the sleep in her eyes.
Takato yawned and stretched suddenly, causing Rika to jump back in shock. She rubbed his eyes and looked around. "Morning.." he said grogily.
"Morning." replied Rika.
Takato looked down and saw the laptop. "Oh crap!" he said, instantly waking up and jumping off the couch. He picked it up gingerly and looked at it from all different angles.
"May I ask what you are doing?" asked Rika.
"I must have fallen asleep while I was still online last night! And the laptop fell over on the ground! Gotta make sure nothing is damaged or Dad will kill me!" said Takato. Then he froze. "Sorry.."
Rika shook her head. "Don't worry about it." she said.
Satisfied with the condition of his computer, he did some clicking and put the laptop on the table beside the couch.
"Hungry?" he asked.
"A little.." said Rika, realizing that she actually was pretty hungry.
"Come on." said Takato, beckoning for Rika to come off the futon. "I'm sure mom can spare us a bagel or something." he grinned.
Rika forced herself off the futon and stretched again. She followed Takato through his kitchen and into a door which lead to the bakery. (a/n: yes.. a little different from the anime but oh well... ^^' )
"Good Morning!" said Mrs. Matsuki.
"Morning." replied Rika.
"Hey Ma, we're gonna grab some bagels, okay?" asked Takato.
"Sure." said Mrs. Matsuki. "I think your father is getting some of the fresh, hot ones around back. Go get one of them."
"Yeah!!" said Takato, dashing away somewhere.
Unsure as what to do, Rika stood there. She looked around and saw some people in the bakery, three of four. She looked for a clock and saw it was 10:46 AM. She yawned.
"Did you sleep well last night, Rika?" asked Mrs. Matsuki.
"Yes." said Rika. "It was great. I can't thank you enough for everything."
"It was no problem." said Mrs. Matsuki. "Would you like to try and.. get in touch with your mother?" she asked.
Rika nodded. "After I eat something." she said.
"Takato can show you where the phone is." said Mrs. Matsuki. "Make as many calls as you need to." she said.
"Thank you." said Rika.
Takato came back into the room, holding two bagels. Hot and fresh with a slight steam. Rika felt her mouth water. "Two bagels." he grinned.
"Gimme!" said Rika. She snatched one from his grasp and bit into it.
"Don't you want butter?" asked Mrs. Matsuki.
"No thanks.." said Rika, taking another bite. "I love hot bagels so much. I never cut them to put butter in it. Because then the warmness would go away faster." she grinned.
Mrs. Matsuki smiled. "You can have another, if you want. When you're done with that one, I mean." she said.
"I'll think about it." said Rika. "After this, I think I wanna call my mom though."
"Of course." said Mrs. Matsuki. "Takato, show her the phone. You can use a cordless so she can talk in private." she said.
"Oh thats ok." said Rika, taking another bite. "There really isn't anything in private to discuss with her." she said.
"Oh well." said Takato, putting butter on his bagel. "I'll still give ya the cordless."
"Whatever." said Rika, another bite into her mouth.
"Lets go then." said Takato. They headed back for inside his house when the door opened. The little bell thing chimed.
Rika glanced to see who it was. She scowled and ducked behind the counter. Takato looked down at her.
"Er.. what are you doing?" he asked.
"Shh!" said Rika. Taking yet another bite. "I'm not here."
Takato looked over to see who it was. It was Jenny and what looked like her father. They walked around and he picked up a poppyseed bagel.
"Want anything?" asked her dad.
"No way." said Jenny. "I don't eat breakfast."
"Suit yourself." he said. They came over to the counter.
Rika shrunk herself as small as possible. She did not want to be seen. Especially by this prep, who would most definitely call Danielle and tell her.
"Hello and good morning!" grinned Mrs. Matsuki.
"Hello." said her father.
"Hi Takato!" grinned Jenny. Below, Rika gagged. Takato seeing this out of the corner of his eyes, snorted. "Whats wrong?" she asked.
"Nothing.." said Takato, stiffling his laughter. Rika cracked a grin.
"So what are you doing today?" asked Jenny, leaning on the counter.
"Er.. I dunno." said Takato.
"Then why don't you come to the mall with everyone?" she asked. "We're gonna see a movie and hang out."
"Nah." said Takato. "I can't."
"Why? You just said you had no idea what you were gonna do today." said Jenny.
"Erp.."
"Here you are!" said Mrs. Matsuki. "Have a nice day!" she said.
"Thank you." said Jenny's dad. "Come on, Jenny." (a/n: now say that like patrick from spongebob squarepants when he has his jellyfish things.. 'come on, jeffrey! ^^ )
"Fine.." said Jenny. "Bye bye Takato!" she said, in a rather flirtish kind of way.
As the two headed for the door, and the little bell clanged, Rika stood up and started back for the main house.
"Oh Takato?" asked Jenny, who turned back in. "Oh!" she said, seeing Rika's back head into the door.
Takato looked between Jenny and the door, the door and Jenny. Without hesitation, he dashed inside his house.
"Dammit, why did she have to show up?" asked Rika as she and Takato headed for the living room.
"Its just the way it is." said Takato. He picked up a phone and tossed it at Rika. "Here." he said, sitting on the couch.
"Thanks." she said. She turned it on and dialed her mother's work number. It rang a few times, when the answering machine picked up. She took a deep breath.
"Mom.." she said. "You said to call your office...I don't wanna say where I am in case a certain someone gets this before you do... I'm ok though. I'm safe... Tell you what.. call my best friend's house if you get this. I'll try your cell phone.. and I'll check her house later... Bye.."
She clicked it off and sighed. "I guess I should try her cell phone." she said, clicking it on again then and dialed.
"Voice mail.. I don't know who has this, but you know my voice Rumiko. I'm ok. So long." she said and hung up.
"I can't be too careful.." grinned Rika.
"Course not." grinned Takato. "Anywhere else you can try to call?"
"I'm not sure..." she said. She sat down next to him on the couch. She sighed and her eyes teared up. "Mom.." she whispered.
Takato looked over at her. He had no idea what he could do to compfort this girl. She was so strong. She went through so much, yet he she was. He leaned over and hugged her.
"Why.." she whispered, relaxing in his arms. "I'm so lost.."
"No you're not." said Takato. "You're safe in the Matsuki household. Where you will stay until you can find your mom."
"I can't do that." said Rika. "I feel like I'm barging in.."
"We've already been through this." said Takato. "You ARE staying here. No more ifs, ands, or buts." he grinned.
Rika smiled.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rika stepped out of the bathroom in the clean clothes that Takato's mother had washed for her. They were the jeans that she wore yesterday, but one of Takato's old shirts. She needed something to wear. And frankly, she could care less.
Rika needed regular clothes because she was going out with Takato to investigate a bit. First they were gonna go to her house, then head to Faye's. Of course, Takato had told his mother that they were going to see a movie to take Rika's mind off things. They planned this out on their own, because the Matsuki's would surely stop them.
They headed off and walked in the cold. Big poofy coats. They walked in silence and after bit, they reached Rika's house.
Rika bit her lip as she stood outside the broken gate. "Lets go." she said, walking in. Takato nodded and followed in behind her.
They walked around the house, seeing open doors and a few lights on. There was messed up foot prints everyone. A sign of the struggle.
"Do you really want to be here?" asked Takato.
"No." replied Rika. "But I don't have much of a choice."
Rika headed towards the porch thing around her house and walked around. She looked into every room. She found nothing.
After about an hour or so of just looking around, and with Takato eying Rika's forgotton cell phone on the floor of her bedroom, they headed out.
Rika took a peak back at her house. She sniffed. "Dammit.." she whispered.
"You ok?" asked Takato, putting his arm on her shoulder.
"I'll be fine." she said. "Lets get to Faye's now."
Takato nodded and the two headed off for Faye's. It wasn't a long walk, so they reached the Kamiyo house in a short amount of time.
The two went around back and Rika picked up a can, and underneath was a key. She put it in a keyhole in the back door and it opened. She beckoned for Takato to follow her inside the house. She locked the door behind her.
Rika headed for the main phone of the Kamiyo house, which contained the answering machine. It wasn't blinking at all. She sighed.
She went over to the fridge and took out a water bottle. She drank some and headed for the back door.
"She didn't call." said Rika. "We should head back to your house."
"Not yet." said Takato. "My parents aren't expecting us back for at least another hour. They'll question us."
"Oh yeah." said Rika.
She sat down on the counter and began to think. Her train of thought was broken by the phone ringing. She looked over at it.
After a number of rings, the machine picked up. It was Faye's voice as she did the messeges. And it was a strange one.
"Good Morning, Afternoon, or Evening. Right now the Kamiyo family is running from the evil dust bunnies that have taken residance under our beds. They come from the planet Shu. If you would like to help us or talk to one of us, leave a messege and we will get back to you. Ta ta for now!"
Takato blinked and Rika sighed as it beeped.
" ..... I hope you get this Rika.."
Rika leaped in the air. She dashed over to the phone and picked it up. "Mom?!" she shouted. Takato looked hopeful.
"Ohmideargod Rika!" said Rumiko. "Are you ok? Please tell me!"
"I'm fine." said Rika. "I'm safe, don't worry. Where are you?"
"I'm at my office." said Rumiko. "Can you come here? It would be safer.. then over the phone..." she said.
"Of course." replied Rika. "I'll be there in a few minutes."
"Bye." said Rumiko.
"Bye.." said Rika as her mother hung up.
Takato looked at her. "You mom?" she asked.
Rika smiled and leaped over to him and hugged him. "She's ok!" she shouted, jumping up and down and twirling, dragging Takato along for the ride.
"Thats great!!" he shouted.
"But.." she said, stopping and letting him go. "I have to go to her office..."
"No problem." said Takato. "We can call my mom when we get there."
"We?"
"Well I'm not gonna let you go alone." said Takato. "You never know what could happen." he said, grinning.
"Thanks." said Rika. "Just follow me."
The two left the house and made sure everything was locked up tightly. They set off for Rumiko's office. It was kinda far away, but they headed there anyway.
After about a twenty minute, half an hour walk, they reached a building. Rika stopped and stared.
"I haven't come here in so long.." she said.
"This is where your mom works?" asked Takato.
"Its her main office." said Rika. "She does photo shoots in other places, but this is the main one. She's usually here." she said.
She led Takato inside and grinned at a security guard. She brought him to the elevator and they went up five stories.
The two went down the hallway and Rika put her ear against a door. She listened closely, then opened it slowly.
"Rika!!!!"
Rika felt herself being hugged tightly and looked up to see her mother. Not too long afterwards, her grandmother joined the hug.
"You're both ok!" said Rika, tears forming at her eyes.
"I was so afraid!!" said Rumiko. She pushed away and looked at Rika. "Where did you go last night?" she asked.
"I stayed at a friend's." she said, tilting her head towards Takato. "Mom- this is Takato Matsuki. Takato- this is my mom." she said.
"Hello Miss Makino." said Takato, bowing his head a little.
Rumiko ran over and hugged him. "Thank you so much for taking care of my little Rika!" she said. "I am forever greatful to you."
"Its fine.." said Takato, looking a bit uncompfortable.
"Mom.." said Rika.
Rumiko pushed away and hugged her daughter again. "You have no idea.. how worried I was.." she said.
"I'm ok, mom." said Rika. "Really.."
Mrs. Makino broke the silence. "I contacted the police, but by the time they got to our house, Justin was gone-oop!" she said, noticing Takato and covering her mouth.
"Its ok, Grandma." said Rika. "I told him.. I had no choice really.. and he deserved to know.." she said.
Mrs. Makino sighed. "Well.. he was gone." she said. "They searched the house and looked around in nearby areas, but he was gone. No where in sight."
Rumiko sighed now. "The police let us stay at a hotel near the station. They gave us security guards too. I ran into my mother near the station.. I'm so glad you're ok though Rika." she said.
Rika smiled. "So.. now what?" she asked.
"The police say they can't give us free security for much longer... but they're going to do everything then can to help us." said Rumiko. "I'm afraid that Justin might know where we are staying though..." she explained.
"There is that possibility." said Mrs. Makino.
"So.. should I come back and stay with you?" asked Rika.
"No." said Rumiko. "I want you to stay with the Kamiyos. When they get back from Hong Kong, I mean... not right now."
"Obviously." grinned Rika. "But for now-"
"With me." said Takato.
The three Makino woman turned and looked at him. He felt kind of awkward in the spot light. He bit his lip.
"My mom already said it was ok." said Takato. "Besides.."
"You know. Thats a good idea." said Rumiko.
"What?" asked Takato and Rika in unison. Mrs. Makino raised an eyebrow.
"Justin doesn't know Takato, because you and Rika have just recently become friends." said Rumiko. "You lost him last night, obviously, so he doesn't know where you went."
"True." said Mrs. Makino. "And then she can move in with Faye when they come back. And she can stay with them until we figure everything out."
"Hey!" said Rika. "I'm the one who's staying at these places, shouldn't I get a say in all this?" she asked.
"Of course Rika.." said Rumiko. "I'm sorry.."
"Eh, no problem!" grinned Rika. "Its fine, everything you just said."
Rumiko smiled. "Oh Rika.." she said, walking over and hugging her again. And this time, Rika really hugged back.
MD: hmm.. its seems shorter than normal but... yeah whatever.. the next chapter will lighten up a bit.. sorry if this one was a little boring, buts its setting up... also- the return of Phil and Stevo!! *cheering is heard* ^-^ dont forget to review!
~*~*~*~*~*~ review thanks b/c i can ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
jen: thanks ^-^ glad you like it
SerpentTreize: poor Rika.. but yes! she is safe with Takato-chan! o^^o
silence: messed up scarey guy.. *runs away* and yes.. Phil and Stevo!! whoo hoo! they will return! bwahaha ^-^
hellsangel: rock on! ^^ thanks
Black: a faithful reviewer!! this is why i love rukato too! There is nothing better! ^.~
Archangemon: noo!! FAYE!! *runs away* thanks for reviewing too.. and layers DO come in handy!!
ejqhorselady: another faithful reviewer! Whoo hoo!! wow! lol thanks
Neverwhere: faithful review again! *cheers* rukato! YEAH! *cheers again* this cliffhanger wasnt so bad, was it? i dont even think it was one... o.O
thats all for now! anyone i forgot, i am sorry.. -__-