Fear, anxiety, and uncertainty riddled the mind of Jenrya Lee. The time was fast approaching, the time that would help define the first steps towards his future as a man. It was mere days away. Everyone was nervous for when their test times came, but few as much as he. Thankfully he hadn't broken under the pressure. The aid of his friends and new lover both helped keep the main firmly in some area of sanity and confidence. At least his friends were there to share some of the pain. Takoto, Juri, Hirokazu and Kenta were fighting their own battles with anxiety. Juri seemed the total opposite of Jenrya. The red-haired girl still had worry, but as little of it as anyone in her group of friends could show. Speaking of red-haired girls, across the same town, several buildings away in a academy of exclusively young women sat Ruki. She wasn't particularly thrilled about her own upcoming academic trials either. Like Juri, the strong-willed young woman had a bit more confidence to spare, but a bit more worry than the former. Renamon stood observing her far atop her preferred tree near the building. "She doesn't look good, but she's managing better than Jenrya." She would take a moment to close of eyes and offer her partner some telepathic words of encouragement. "You've conquered everything they've thrown at your so far, you know? You can do this, I know it." Ruki let out a loud sigh catching the attention of her classmates and teacher. Frankly, she didn't give a damn. "Thanks, Renamon, really." She mentally replied. "Of course. I know I'm not wrong and hope you do too." There would be some time before Ruki's classes would end. So with that in mind, Renamon took a quick run towards Jenrya's school. She looked at each and every human each wear different faces representing their own fears and wishes. Each student looked over things to see just how much knowledge he or she had processed for the ordeal ahead. Jenrya seemed to remember many things, more than he realised. Yet that anxiety would not die off just yet. He had to faced down the beast first and until he had, he'd remain that way. It was when he'd thrown his books and nots down to stand up and stretch that he would notice something, or rather, someone from afar. He caught a brief glimpse of the one who would slay part of his fear. From the top of the neighbouring building sat Renamon. She would vanish just before anyone else would notice her, but her presence and faint smile eased the man's heart. Tomorrow was the day that would change everything for better or worse. He feared what could come, but felt he was ready for the challenge.
The day grew older as Renamon followed Ruki home. It wasn't quite nightfall yet, but the sun teased it's impending departure. Renamon's curiosity and concerns were briefly challenged upon their arrival. While Ruki changed out of her clothes, Seiko had informed her that she'd given new water to her flowers. They had lasted far longer than she'd expected. They did show signs of wilt, but had managed to hang on this long. Renamon replied with a simple "Thank you, grandmother." as Seiko gave her a smile and walked away. The three would enjoy their last meal before Ruki's final tests. Knowing the kind words she was given by family did left the woman's spirits to a better place. What it didn't do is help fight back her fatigue. Almost immediately after her meal was done she would excuse herself to soon fall into her bed. She passed out almost immediately. With the dishes put aside, Seiko would settled down to relax. She had assumed Renamon had done the same until she looked her way. For a brief moment the vixen looked towards the outside. 'Perhaps, he needs me,' she thought, 'but I can't leave Ruki here unguard I...'
"Renamon, are you alright?" The elderly woman asked. The fox woman pulled herself out of her train of thought to look back. "Oh, I um, sorry, what did you say?"
"I asked if you were okay." "Yes, grandmother. I'm simply wondering how Ruki's life will change and what I will do once she's passed her tests." Seiko smiled to her. "Is that all that's on your mind?" With a gulp Renamon offered a slow reply. "I...would not think there would be anything more pressing to think about." She was nervous, Seiko could see it. The older woman chose to approach things carefully to ease the fox's mind. "Renamon, you do so much for us and always guarded Ruki with you're life." "Well of course I..." "But you have your own life too." What was she suggesting? Renamon wondered where she was going with this. "That is true, grandmother, but..." "No buts, none." That commanding tone of voice that was usually reserved for her daughter or Ruki would grip the will of the fox sitting near Seiko. Renamon could not read the older woman's smile as well as she normally had. "You look a little jumpy. Is there something you wanted to do, perhaps someone you wanted to see?" The digimon seemed to hold back a gasp. That is until the next few words she was given. "Maybe you should go talk to one of you other little friends. You don't have to be up as early as she does tomorrow." "Perhaps, but I shouldn't..." "I said no buts, missy. We'll be fine here for right now. Go on, see who you need to see." " Renamon gave a defeated sigh. Sometimes she'd forgotten just how well the Makino family knew her in her years among them. "Very well, I will return here as soon as I can." She stood up and faced the door. The woman next to her put a hand on her back to offer her a few last words. "And Renamon."
"Yes, grandmother?" "Take your time." Seiko had little time to observe the widening eyes of the digimon before she left. "Take your time." Seiko said again before sitting back down and immersing herself in her favourite tv show.
A young man fell into his bead shaking and waking the friend by his side. "Ah, Jiannnnn, I was asleep, y'know?" The man turned to his little friend and sighed. "Oh, sorry, Terriermon. Just stressed." "Why?" "Because..." "Didn't you say you're remembering more than you thought about your test thingies tomorrow?" "Well yeah, I guess." "I know! Jiaaaan, momentai!" Terriermon gave his best friend a big smile before plopping back down in their bed. Maybe he was right. "Yeah, thanks, Terriermon.." "Momentai!" The little rabbit yawned before rolling over. "Mmm night night." "Night, Terriermon." Now only Jenrya remained awake. After trekking through the house he approached his fridge. He decided to do something he rarely did, drink. His father kept so many of the same brands. He wouldn't easily notice one missing. He was old enough to drink by this point, but rarely did. He had little interest in alcohol and the harassment his folks gave him, even as a legal adult, just wasn't worth it. Tonight was different. He'd do whatever he have to to mellow out. He wouldn't his impending tests stress him constantly. With a tallboy in hand and a 'snap' noise he took his first swig. Not particularly good, but no as bad as he would have expected. It was far better than the horrid stuff he'd consumed prior. It was stronger, too. This was just what he needed. He took another swig and turned to face a surprise visitor. Renamon sat on a nearby kitchen counter smiling at him. "Sneaking alcohol? For shame!" She teased in a whispered voice. Jenrya gave a very faint chuckle in response. "Well, I mean, we got so many of them here, and it's the second best thing for me right now." "And what's the first?" "Seeing your face again." He sat at the table with her joining the seat nearest to him. Curiously, she rolled her eyes at him. He blinked. "Uh, something wrong?" "Your breathe smells worse now." "Ah...right...shoot.." Renamon smiled. "I didn't say that would change things." Her paw pressed against the can taking it from him to take a sip of her own. It was...not pleasant to her, but much like Jenrya, she expected far worse. "That..is an interesting flavour." Jenrya laughed. "Yeah 'interesting' alright. It ain't good, but it'll work. By the way." "Yes."
"Its good to see you again, Renamon." "You as well, Jenrya." "But should we take this somewhere else." "Hmmm, maybe. For now here is fine. I can neither hear nor smell anyone approaching." "If you insist." The two moved their conversation to the couch the room over. "So, Renamon, how ya been?" "I have been excellent. It's you I am concerned about." "Oh uh, right. Honestly, I'm still a mess, but doing better. I have to face it down soon. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't still nervous, but I'm feeling more like I can handle things now." "That's wonderful." "Thanks, Ren, but ya know you're part of the reason, right?" The vixen sighed and moved closer to him. "You're full of flattery tonight, aren't you?" He laughed while scooting closer. They both went in for a kiss. It was made somewhat more awkward with the less-than-pleasant beer taste in their mouths, but it was still as electrifying as the last. However this would be interrupted when the the creaking of a wooden floor would catch the attention of both. "Your mother." Renamon said once separated from him. "Ah, damn!" He didn't want this to end so soon, he needed it to go for just a little longer. Renamon gave a frustrated sigh. "Take my hand and close you eyes." "Oh sure thing Rena...mon!" Mayumi would turn on a lamp light to see a vacant living room. "Huh, I swore I heard something." He resumed her initial intent of a lavatory visit before brushing aside the thought in favour of getting back to sleep.
Jenrya would open his eyes to find himself in Renamon's arms and the two of them standing in front of his home. "That's cool, but i'm not sure I'll get used to it." "It isn't easy with another person," Renamon replied, "but useful. "You're telling me." The bright lights and constant moving cars didn't leave either of them particularly pleased, but they eventually found a little isolated street bench to settle. Perhaps it wasn't as ideal as the usual park, but as always they made the best of it. It was also much closer, at the very least. They chatted for some time as the contents of the drink disappeared. Renamon felt little from it besides being slightly calmer having consumed it. Jenrya however, seemed a bit more affected. Neither could call him drunk, especially over so little, but he seemed almost excessively relaxed. Renamon wondered if this was more her or the alcohol. She didn't care. He didn't sound much different. They could still drum up a conversation with relative ease and his compliments of her never stopped feeling charmingly real. Sadly as the minutes grew they both knew he had to sleep soon. No one could see on her their walk back to his home, but knowing she was there was enough for him. She would reappear when they destination was reached. Though he wouldn't soon enter just yet." "Hey." "Hey." She replied. "Mannnn, maybe this is gonna work. I know it's great being with you either w-waaaaayy." Fatigue and a hint of alcohol made the young man slur his words. She could still find the sweet honesty in them. "Alright you, its time to sleep." She beckoned." "Fiiinnne..." He wouldn't leave without seeking another kiss. This time it would go uninterrupted. She heard him thank her moments before she vanished. Soon, he was bed-bound. "Rena..." Terriermon said before going rolling back over still sound asleep. "Least you were asleep this time." His partner said as he laid back. Everything feel easier for him now. Perhaps he was ready for the challenge.
Renamon returned home. Everyone else was sound asleep just as she'd expected and hoped. She took the quick opportunity to tend to her breath and before she knew it, she was fast asleep in her bed. Both lovers slept with a relaxed mind and heart.