Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon.
Seeing Red
Chapter: 06
The school day passed Rika by with annoying slowness, but soon enough she found herself passing through the gate of her home. Standing on the porch, adjusting a set of wind chimes, Seiko saw her approach and smiled.
"Welcome home, Rika," she greeted before returning to her work. "Did you have a good day?"
"It was okay," Rika shrugged indifferently. "Not on my top ten list of 'good days' but it passes."
Seiko hummed as she nodded and stepped away to admire her handiwork. "Will you be heading out soon?"
Rika arched an eyebrow. "Once I get changed. Why?"
Seiko smiled knowingly at her, causing Rika's skin to prickle.
"I'm not planning any dates with Takato today." She fidgeted as she approached the porch. "I just…need to clear the air a bit about something."
"Is everything all right?" Seiko asked, growing concerned.
"Everything's fine," Rika shrugged, turning away and heading for her room. "I just made a goggleheaded goof yesterday and I don't want any misunderstandings."
She felt as though she were lying, saying everything was fine when in reality she had no idea. But not wanting the conversation to drag out and preferring to keep her grandmother from worrying, she opted for keeping things simple and uncomplicated.
Besides, I admitted that I made a mistake anyway, she thought.
"When's Mom getting home?" she asked, changing the thread of conversation.
"Later tonight, I think," Seiko replied, following after her. "Did you need something from her?"
"Not really." Rika shook her head, massaging her armpit. "Except maybe a better brand name store anyway." She winced, and Seiko looked at her sympathetically. Of all the clothes she wore, the poor girl seemed to have the most trouble when it came to bras. Her growth had been rapid since turning 13, and at times during her fourteenth and fifteenth years, they couldn't keep up with her. Adjusting the straps didn't always cut it (and when they did, not for very long) and these days Rika often preferred to simply do without while at home to save her on headaches. Out in public however, she couldn't get away with such attitudes and simply had to put up with the discomfort.
For a string of months since turning seventeen, she had been able to forget about it though, but it seemed such luck was not meant to last.
I thought I was done growing, she grumbled, stepping out of her shoes and entering the household.
"Hmmm…" Seiko began, trailing after her. "If you'd like, you can borrow one of my old ones or one of your mothers until you get some new ones. She won't mind helping you be comfortable you know. You're only a little smaller, but I think either of ours will fit better if you're outgrowing your current size."
"I'm not sure how that would solve anything. I still wouldn't fit, and I don't think adjusting anything will help."
"Well, I didn't say you had to wear it permanently. Just for a little while so you're not as uncomfortable."
Rika made a noncommittal grunt at that, not at all sure how she felt about wearing one of her family's tops, especially her mother's, which were not only more fashionable, but some of them leaned on the rather heavy side of risqué. She couldn't say that she would feel comfortable knowing she was with her friends or even Takato wearing something like that, even if they didn't see it.
That'd be something though, she thought, thinking of Takato's potential reaction if he ever saw her in one of her mother's getups. A trickle of red made itself known along her cheeks and she found a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she imagined his expression. Flustered wouldn't even begin to describe how he'd melt down.
Still, she wasn't sure if it was worth it just yet. While annoying, her present size wasn't yet something that necessitated an emergency like borrowing clothes until a trip to a clothing store could be arranged.
"I'll think I'll be okay for now," she said, turning down the hall. "Thanks anyway, Grandma."
"As long as you're all right," Seiko smiled sympathetically. "But don't be afraid to ask if you aren't. I was your age once so I remember how frustrating things could be about this sort of thing. If you'd like, there's a store I've been thinking about visiting lately that seems…" She chuckled. "…more your style. I thought it might be interesting to try something new and I've been a little curious about their sports bra selection…"
Rika blushed at that, almost unwilling to believe she was discussing brassiere styles with her grandmother of all people. That was like her though. Her online activities suggested a far sassier side than she liked to let on publicly, and she was usually willing to step out of her comfort zones as well to experiment with new things.
"I'll think it over," she said, drawing open her door and stepping inside. "But right now, I need to change."
Nodding, Seiko withdrew and Rika slid the door shut behind her, encapsulating herself in the privacy of her room. Basking in the quiet, she made her way over to her dresser and frowned as Takato's smiling face greeted her. Dropping her bag, she returned the photo's unflinching gaze before taking hold of her uniform's top and drawing it off in one smooth motion.
"It's okay," she said softly, her breath nervous as she dropped the shirt unceremoniously onto her clothing rack. "He can look. I'm fine with him looking."
Her skirt and socks followed in short order, and she began to rummage through her dresser, her hands moving with a bit more speed than she intended. Her eyes flickered back up to the photo and she bit her lip, anger flaring at her anxiety.
"It's okay," she repeated with a firmer voice, this time more directly to the photo. "I'm fine. He can look."
"Rika? Who are you speaking with?"
Grabbing a pair of jeans, Rika drew them on, saving her top for last as an act of defiance. Her eyes remained fixated on Takato's, half-expecting them to follow the sway of her breasts as she buttoned up.
"The photo of my gogglehead," she said, now grabbing her belt. "I'm…practicing."
From the shadows, Renamon emerged, blue eyes curious.
"Oh?" she asked. "Is this for the future?"
"It's going to happen sooner or later." Buckling on her belt. Grabbing a shirt – white with red sleeves and a red heart emblazoned on the chest – and, still facing the picture of her lover fully, pulled it on. "I want to be ready."
Renamon raised an eyebrow at this.
"You seem quite committed to this relationship."
"I don't like doing things halfway," Rika replied with a shrug that appeared more indifferent than she actually felt. "I'm either all in or all out. No in-between."
Renamon gave a light laugh at this. "You may change a great deal on the outside Rika, but it seems you're still the same on the inside."
Rika frowned, gazing at her reflection in the photo.
"I'm not so sure about that," she said softly. Renamon again lifted an eyebrow at her partner but chose to follow another path of conversation instead.
"I looked in on the Matsuki's while you were at school. They appeared quite relaxed today."
Smoothing out her shirt, Rika frowned at her chest. "Takato too?"
Renamon frowned slightly.
"He appeared a bit out of sorts, and not in the way you would prefer. It didn't appear to be connected to his parents. I spoke to Guilmon about it and he seems to believe that it had something to do with how he slept last night. He didn't elaborate however. It would seem Takato didn't want him speaking about it."
Rika's frown deepened, wondering what was going on now. "Great. One more complication I've got to worry about. Well, at least he gets out of school later than me. I won't have to worry about handling his mom and him at the same time. Let's get this over with."
Renamon took in her apparel and gave a light laugh, causing Rika to raise an eyebrow.
"What?"
"Nothing," the vulpine digimon smiled. "I just thought that you make quite the beautiful knight."
Rika scowled in confusion for a moment before the answer hit her. She glanced down briefly at herself and then rolled her eyes.
I'm wearing Takato and Guilmon's colors when they biomerge into Gallantmon.
"Verrry funny, Renamon…
###
Bypassing Guilmon completely, Renamon deposited Rika in front of the bakery and within short order she marched to the main entrance. The automatic doors slid open with a sigh and a thunk, allowing her entry. She cast her violet-gaze about, finding herself once more basking in the warm, homely feel that the Matsuki establishment always had before shaking herself back to attention.
Don't get caught up in it, she thought, zeroing in on Takato's mother as she dealt with a customer at the register. Don't forget why you're here.
In spite of herself, she found her heart picking up its pace. Never in her life would she have considered Takato's mother to be on the same level as a rampaging, wild digimon.
Weird how parents can suddenly be like that, she thought. Approaching the register, she waited patiently for Mie to finish up with her customer. She didn't have to wait long, and after a quick exchange of yen, the Matsuki matriarch turned towards her. Her professional, business smile slipped almost immediately and the concerned, parental look that Takato had seen thousands of times soon stole over her face.
"Rika…" she greeted awkwardly. "Um… Hello."
Rika bowed her head politely. "Mrs. Matsuki," she returned, her face heating up slightly. "I…" She paused, suddenly uncertain. She had initially planned out dozens of scenarios of how to approach Takato's mother about what happened, but now that the moment had arrived, doubts swarmed her.
What if…we're not ready for this? What if we can't be together? What if we shouldn't?
She shook herself mentally. No. She wanted this. Wanted to be with her gogglehead. She had enough of waiting and looking on from afar. And so did Takato.
Just keep a level head, she told herself. A Tamer doesn't walk away from danger.
Oh, but it was still so strange to think of Mie as dangerous.
"I…wanted to talk to you about what happened last night," she resumed in a bolder voice, her eyes locking with Mie's. She watched as she pressed her lips together and the heat in her cheeks grew, feeling her scrutinizing gaze, weighing everything she knew about her. The seconds ticked by torturously and then Mie sighed.
"I was hoping to have to do this later," she admitted. "But I suppose there never is a 'better time' when it comes to this sort of thing. Takehiro!"
"What's up?" came the voice before the man popped his head out of the kitchen. Upon seeing Rika, his eyebrows rose. "Oh…"
Oh great… Rika blushed horribly, seeing that look. So even he knows?!
Untying her apron, Mie set it on the counter behind her.
"Rika and I need to have a talk," she told her husband. "Can you watch the register for me?"
"Sure," Takehiro nodded before adding, "Don't be too hard on her."
Mie scowled at her husband, but Takehiro gave a light laugh.
"I'm just saying that we were her age once."
"Takehiro!" Mie hissed, causing Rika to lift an eyebrow. Undaunted, her husband simply grinned and rubbed the back of his head in that typical Matsuki fashion that their son often did. Rika closed her fists, suddenly missing the boy.
"All right, all right," Takehiro laughed, stepping to the side. "I'll hold down the fort." He smiled at Rika in understanding and nodded. "Good luck."
Rika nodded back as she followed Mie into the living section of the bakery, the two of them entering the kitchen. Drawing back a chair, Rika sat herself down in it while Mie made her way over to the sink and flipped on the water.
"Would you like some tea?" she asked.
"No thanks," Rika shook her head. Mie busily began to fill up a pot anyway, if only to give herself something to do for a few moments while she collected her thoughts. Unfortunately, Rika was more prepared than she as she dove right into it. "Mrs. Matsuki… I love Takato."
Mie turned the water off, digesting that. A bold opening. Rika wasn't going to mince words or dance around the issue.
"Well…" she began carefully. "I didn't think you left your clothes in his bed if you were 'just friends."
An equally bold statement, and one that caused Rika to blush straight away. Mie wasn't going to pull her punches either.
"Love doesn't come easily for me," she frowned as Mie moved to set the kettle on the stove. "I have a hard time trusting people. I didn't trust your son when I first met him. I thought he was just a goofy little fanboy who didn't know what he was getting into."
Rika's frown soon turned on herself. Was she really helping her case? When she first met Takato, he was exactly as she described him.
Mie turned on the burner. "You wouldn't have been wrong," she said. "When he was a child, he was always sticking peas up his nose."
"Anyway, the point I'm making…wait, what?" Rika blinked, caught flatfooted by Mie's words. "Takato did what?"
"Oh, you know," Mie chuckled, taking out a tea bag. "Those little peculiarities that little boys get up to when they try to be funny. It worked with me at least. He always knew how to make me laugh even if cleaning him up afterward could be a bit of a pain." She turned towards Rika and smiled. "Don't worry. He grew out of that."
"I… Uh… Yeah, well, he'd better," Rika stammered out as Mie took out a couple of cups and set them on a tray.
"Oh? What would you do if he hadn't?" Mie asked, somewhat curious. Rika frowned again, not at all sure where this conversation was going or how it even landed on this topic to begin with.
"I'd get him to stop," she said finally. It didn't sound very strong, so she added, "I've always been pretty good at pulling his head out of the clouds. Like that time when the pig Deva was making a mess of the city. I got him out of his funk and he pulled through."
"He told me about that," Mie replied, her smile becoming wistful, glad to see that Takato hadn't been exaggerating Rika's influence on him because of his feelings towards her. Not that she thought that was the case. Takato tended to be honest to a fault. He could be silly at times and often got his head stuck in the clouds, but at least he was aware of it enough that he didn't normally fool himself the way some boys his age tended to.
"He thinks the world of you," she continued, turning away from the girl and back toward the brewing tea. "I do get a little worried though."
"No reason why you shouldn't," Rika said. "I mean, if I were a mom, I'd probably be worried sick."
Her mind drifted then, imagining herself building a family with Takato. She placed a hand on her belly, remembering their kiss and how she had pulled him to her tightly. How she felt an almost urgent need from both him and herself to go further. To share more of their love with one another more…intimately.
It wouldn't be that hard to start making a family that way, she thought, watching Mie as she stiffened. Mom had me when she was pretty young. Grandma too, though she was a little bit older.
"I know how easy it would be for me to become a mom," she continued. "I…don't want you guys to worry. But I wouldn't have done what I did last night if I didn't trust Takato. He behaved himself. He didn't look. He didn't try to pressure me into anything." She hmphed. "He probably thinks I'd hit him if he did try. Not that he would or anything…"
"He did say something about you popping him," Mie said, her voice stiff, attempting to force humor into it. "Though he was more concerned about hurting you."
Rika opened her mouth to quip about how he should quit worrying about her breaking her knuckles on his thick skull, but the words died before they even reached her lips. She wouldn't hurt him like that, and that was because he was too worried about hurting her to put her in that situation. Her eyes softened, thinking about his stupid, always worrying heart.
"I bet he was," was all she said in response.
The teakettle began to whistle then, and Mie took it off the stove. Flipping off the burner, she proceeded to pour the tea in both cups and added the bags to them.
"It seems worrying is what he and I are best at," she said, sitting down across from Rika. "He gets it from me. His father always takes things on the chin, or make a joke. When that pig digimon was tearing up the neighborhood, all he had to say about it was how we had been thinking about redecorating."
She looked at Rika again, her gaze firm for a moment before she sighed heavily. "Well… It's like he said, even if he could have said it better. We were your age once. I just wish…" She shook her head and shakily took a sip from her tea. She wasn't at all sure how to continue. What was the best course of action here? She couldn't just forbid Rika from seeing Takato, nor did she want to. She liked Rika too much and saw how much the pair enjoyed each other's company.
"Maybe I'm being too hard on you two," she said, setting the cup down, frowning at her reflection. "But this isn't easy for me. I know he's grown up a lot, but to me he's still my little boy. And you…" She caught herself, almost speaking aloud her fear about the girl being a threat to her son's innocence, which wasn't fair. Rika stood to lose just as much as he did, if not more, when it came to her own innocence. "I just can't help but worry about the two of you," she continued instead. "You're both still so young after all."
Rika gazed at her offered cup and, finally, took it up and sipped from it. It tasted good with a hint of spice to it, just the way she liked.
What am I going to say though? What can I say that will help her feel better about knowing what we might get up to?
She narrowed her eyes. There was simply no way around it. No way of taking the sting out of it and make it easier to accept. She would just have to settle for being honest with her.
Not like I'd really do anything different, she thought.
"I'm not giving up on him," she said, earning her a raised eyebrow from the boy's mother. "I know the risks. I'm a Tamer. Takato also knows the risks, otherwise he wouldn't get so worked up about it." She met Mie's gaze levelly, her expression firm. "He wouldn't let me go when I fell of Locomon. Why should I be different?"
She balled her hands up into fists, remembering that day on her thirteenth birthday. How she had awoken from being possessed by the digimon Parasimon; awoken to find herself tumbling off the train digimon that had been its ride. She had only half a second to shout in surprise, reaching for Takato as he dove toward her and snatched hold of her by the hand. She felt the sharp pull of her weight on his shoulder – almost ripping it out of its socket – as Guilmon grabbed hold of the boy, jarring him in place to keep them both from falling off. He had clenched his teeth tightly to keep from crying out, and in spite of Guilmon's great strength, she knew that he couldn't hold them both for long.
Even today, she could still feel the wind that swept about her as she hung in midair with only her best human friend as her lifeline.
"Let me go! If you don't, we'll both…!"
"Idiot! I know!"
Her breath had quickened at the memory and her hand – the one Takato had caught hold of – tightened, remembering the feel of his grasp; the pulse of his heart that throbbed within veins just beneath his skin. She had become all too painfully aware of his mortality and didn't want to risk his life, and yet he was willing to hold on, even if he went down with her.
He's always been that way, she thought quietly. He might not be as graceful as Renamon, but it's the one thing they share in common. They keep fighting.
She felt a little better now. Her resolve felt stronger. She still wasn't sure about the details of their future – particularly where the growing intimacy between them was concerned – but she felt certain that she wasn't going to just quit because of the risk of parenthood.
It's something we'll end up facing anyway, she thought. Even if we're not together in the future, we're becoming adults. Neither of us can hide from that. And we're Tamers. We don't run from danger.
She almost wanted to laugh at the notion of children being dangerous, but it didn't take long for the humor to die, replaced swiftly by seeds of doubt. Parenthood? Children? She felt a chill of fear run through her, thinking of all the times her mother – or even Takato's parents – had freaked out whenever they came home bloodied from their battles or ventured off into the digital world with nothing more than wishes of luck. How would either of them react?
Or worse? she thought, her hand loosening. What happens if one of us gets killed? Or both of us?
The thought, like a million others, hung there, but she clung to her resolve. These were things to think about later, but she wouldn't run from them, and she certainly wasn't going to run from Takato no matter how much trouble he gave her. Not as long as he stood by her.
And he will, she thought, again remembering the feel of his hand about hers on the roof of that long-ago train.
Mie's expression softened from its surprise and leaning forward, she placed a hand over Rika's, causing the girl to blink and look down at it in surprise.
"I'm not saying that you should give up on him just because I'm a worrywart," she said. "Just be careful. Both of you. Don't go rushing into anything. I know how kids your age can be. Now, let's leave it at that and move on to other things."
Rika looked at the older woman uncertainly as she retracted her hand, not at all sure if she had scored herself a victory or not. "L-Like what?" she asked, cursing herself for her nervous stammer.
Although her worries were still plainly apparent in her eyes, she found the strength and humor to smirk, and do so genuinely. "Aren't you the least bit curious about what other embarrassing things Takato did when he was a child? I'm sure we still have time to break out his baby pictures."
Rika felt heat rising up in her cheeks in response.
Oh great… He's cute enough already. Do I really want to know how bad he was then?
###
Takato made his way down the park path, adjusting the neck of his school uniform. His thoughts today were a jumbled mess, memories of last night being ever prominent on his mind. Which weighed more heavily, he couldn't be sure as the situation with his mother finding him with Rika's bra could at least be chalked up to an accident, as he had explained to her. Still, he feared that it made his mother look on her in a darker light and he had no idea how to change that.
And as for the other concern…
I'm…not really worthy of her, he thought, his face blushing at the recollection of his erotic dream. I told her that I didn't have those kinds of dreams about her… Didn't think about her 'in that way' when I… He coughed mentally and ran a hand through the thick bush of his hair. Oh man… Rika.
He wished he could talk to her right now. He couldn't imagine what was going through her mind at the moment. She was probably horrified and humiliated about what happened with his mother, and what made him feel even more horrible about it all was that in spite of it all, his body had betrayed him. It didn't seem to care any further than its own immediate pleasure.
And still worse… He had enjoyed it.
I've got to talk to her after I talk to Mom, he thought. I've got to do better. I've got to prove that I can be better than…that.
He paused in place, looking skyward past the thick tangle of tree branches. Not for the first time did he wonder what it was she saw in him. He was always getting her into trouble it seemed and even without that he had a hard time believing that she could trust him.
She's always talking about how I look at her, he winced, remembering her teasing him yesterday and how unsettled she had been catching him in the act of masturbating. How I'm supposed to look at her. If she knows I'm not good enough…why does she want to be with me?
No answer came to him, and with a despondent sigh, he trudged on.
How can I be better? he wondered, thinking hard, trying to come up with ways that he could be the sort of person Rika would see as being 'good enough' to be worthy of her affections and being by her side. Being someone that she didn't have to worry about or be unsettled by. His porn. He supposed getting rid of that would be the perfect place to start, just like he did yesterday with that CD he found…
"Takato, you know you don't have to prove anything to me, right?"
The memory of yesterday's date brought his thoughts to a standstill while his feet carried him forward. Did she really mean that?
"Don't look at me like that, Takato. I'm just saying, you don't have to prove anything to me, so stop being a gogglehead about this stuff. It's not cute."
This is really confusing, he thought, exiting the park. I've got to talk to her. Maybe… Maybe she can help me make sense of what I have to do to do right by her. I don't want to screw this up. I have to do whatever I can to make her happy.
Clenching a hand into a tight fist, he pumped the air with it determinedly.
Maybe I should also start wearing more button-up shirts? he pondered, crossing the street. I mean, she never says anything, but sometimes when I'm in my uniform she gives me a look like she likes what she sees…
Around and around his thoughts went, coming up with ideas and turning them over in his mind. He didn't think many of them were all that cracked up though, something that didn't help his spirits all that well. Drawing closer to home, his pace quickened, feeling more and more that he had to speak to his mother again about last night, hopefully smooth things over and then contact Rika.
I should take her somewhere, he thought.
"Takatooo!"
"Bu-wha…?" Takato jerked out of his reverie at the nasally, childish voice and whirled about just in time to find Guilmon running toward him, the bakery's advertisement flapping against his stomach. A smile broke across his face. "Guilmon!"
"You're finally home!" Guilmon proclaimed, throwing his claws up into the air happily. "I'm so glad to see you again!"
"Lonely day, boy?" Takato asked, placing a hand on his partner's head, his anxiety taking a backseat for the time being.
"Not quite," came the voice of Renamon, materializing next to the dinosaur, who beamed up at her happily.
"Renamon!" Takato exclaimed in surprise.
"She's been keeping me company while Rika and your mom have been talking!" Guilmon explained, to which Takato twitched, his confusion growing while his anxiety suddenly surged back to the forefront of his mind.
"R-Rika?! She's here? Now!"
"Having a discussion with your mother, yes," Renamon nodded. "I believe tea is involved as well."
Takato felt as though he were becoming dizzy. His alarm rising, he turned toward the bakery. "I-I've got to see her!" he said, dashing towards his home.
"Huh? But Takato!" Guilmon called, only for Renamon to place a hand on his outstretched arm. Looking up at her questioningly, he saw her shake her head at him.
"Let them be," she said. "This is something that should be sorted out."
"Ohhh… Okay," Guilmon said. "Things will be okay, won't they?"
Renamon closed her eyes, a small smile touching her muzzle.
"Only time will tell," she said. "But I feel this at least is a bullet they dodged."
###
Takato shot past the parting automatic doors of the bakery to find Rika standing at the register, passing some yen to Takehiro, a bag of creampuffs in her hand. Turning at the sound of the door opening, her violet-eyes lighted upon the boy and she hmphed, turning away, waiting for Takehiro to complete their transaction. Takato swallowed as he approached.
Okay, that's a bad sign, he thought, his eyes flickering over to his father for some clue as to what transpired between Rika and his mother. The man, however, busily counted out her change.
"Well, well, well," Rika began as he drew abreast to her. "Look who finally decided to show up." She folded her arms across her chest, still not looking at him. "About time you got here."
"S-Sorry," Takato apologized. Oh man… What happened between them? Did they fight?
It didn't seem possible. The atmosphere of the bakery was fairly calm and his father was chipper, yet Rika was giving him something of a cold shoulder. All in all, not good.
"Here you go, Rika," Takehiro smiled, handing her the change, which Rika took and pocketed. "Pleasure to have you here, as always."
Rika's face softened a bit at that and she glanced over at Takato before hardening once more. Folding her arms together, she lowered her head slightly, scowling at the elder Matsuki. Takato felt an alarm bell go off in his head, his imagination quickly imagining a thousand scenarios – most of them bad – as to what was about to happen next.
Not even his imagination could prepare him for what Rika was about to say.
"Mr. Matsuki, do you mind if I borrow him for a bit? I know he just got home, but…" She faced the boy once more, her eyes chilling. "…I think I'd like it if he walked me home for a change."
"Say wha…?" Takato balked, taken completely aback by this unexpected behavior. What… What did Mom do to her?! Wait! Where is Mom?
Grinning at the exchange, Takehiro ran a hand along his chin and nodded. "Sure. I've got no problem with it."
"I don't either," came the voice of Mie as she stepped into the room, drawing the attention of both teens. Her eyes were fixated on Takato and stern. "But you make sure that you come home as soon as you've seen her off. No dawdling or anything like that, is that understood Takato?"
"Ah… Yes ma'am?" Takato replied, not sure what other response could be said. The turnaround was so unexpected that he almost didn't notice Rika taking hold of him by the hand until she squeezed.
"Can't guarantee him back in one piece," she said with a dry chuckle, tugging him in the direction of the door. "But I promise he'll come back."
###
"What was that all about?"
Rika lifted an eyebrow as she took out a creampuff and popped it into her mouth.
"What was what about?"
Takato pointed in the direction of his rapidly receding home and then at her, mouth working to form coherent words with regards to his feelings and confusion about her antics, but none were particularly forthcoming. Rika shrugged, getting the gist of it anyway. After this long, she had learned how to read Takato's flustering when he found himself at a loss for words. Frustrating at times, but also fun as well, as it was something like a game.
"Your mom and I had a talk," she said simply before giving him a hard look. "And then I had to sit through half an hour of her showing me your baby pictures."
Takato felt a tint of heat bloom in his cheeks and he rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment.
"Oh. Oh man, she showed you the pea one, didn't she? I swear, that was a phase and it didn't last long!"
Rika hmphed and popped another creampuff into her mouth before wrapping up the bag tightly to discourage anxious eating. Truth be told, it hadn't been that bad an experience and it had helped smooth out the ruffled feathers between herself and his mother. She wasn't much for reminiscing about other people's pasts, but it had been…interesting finding out what Takato was like in the years before they met. It left her wondering how different things might have been had they known each other before becoming Tamers.
She scowled slightly, remembering one in particular of the mop-haired youth, grinning lopsidedly with a new gap between his teeth from where one had fallen out. An accident from a swing set, but the boy had bounced back up with his usual energy it seemed.
Stupid… You just had to be cute, didn't you?
"Well, either way, things are all fixed now," she continued, once more taking his hand into hers. "So, you can stop fussing about it and relax. Knowing you, that's all you could think about today, huh?"
Takato's thoughts paused on that, thinking of last night. The dream. His mother stumbling on him with Rika's bra in his hand. His eyes softened, guilt pinging inside his heart. Rika frowned, sensing something amiss. She tightened her grip about his hand.
"Gogglehead… Takato." She placed emphasis on his real name to make sure she got his attention. His eyes turned towards her and after a quick searching of her violet gaze he offered her a wan smile, trying to comfort her.
"Sorry," he apologized, for once grateful that Guilmon had stayed behind so as to not find some way to blurt out any more of last night's details. "I was just thinking about how I could work on being better for you. I…ah…seem to trip you up a lot."
Rika eyed him carefully for a moment before allowing a small smirk to grace her lips. "Yeah," she agreed, not sure what he was holding back on her. Whatever it was, she sensed it would take time to tease out him. "Lucky for you I like a good challenge."
Memories of her conversation with Takato's mother flashed through her mind, yet she found herself drawing Takato closer to her until their hips pressed against one another. With a contented sigh, she brought her head to rest against his. She giggled, feeling him go rigid, struck by this unexpected display of affection.
"R-Rika, what…?" he began to stammer out, but she quieted him with a squeeze of his hand.
"What?" she asked in a teasing voice. "Doesn't your dream girl do this in your fantasies? Because I thought that's what you told me."
She heard Takato make a quiet, choking sound as she felt the temperature of his body go up several degrees. However, he quickly mastered himself, and swallowing, he squeezed her hand back.
"But what about you?" he asked softly, yet full of tension. "What does your dream boy do for you?"
Rika felt a flash of heat, remembering last night and her own imaginary pleasures. Yet, she didn't answer, save for a sudden tightening of her grasp about his.
"Stupid Gogglehead," she laughed with quiet nervousness as they walked down the street, hand in hand, ignoring the world around them.
Upon nearing the park, Rika began to hum.
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