When the World was Better[p]

[MAKINO RUKI]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,2,true][atrb=cellspacing,2,true][atrb=style,-moz-border-radius:20px; -webkit-border-radius:20px;][atrb=style, background: url(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b46/tigerangel355/rukiagain.png);][atrb=style, height:450px; width:500px;] MAKINO RUKI [style=height: 180px; overflow:auto; text-align:justify; color: 222222; padding: 15px; font-size:10;]Makino Ruki woke up, a blaringly, blissful hot day radiated outside, shining through the slits of the windows and creeping beneath the door. With a soft sigh, the girl pushed herself to her knees, crawling out from beneath navy blue blankets to stand upright. Pushing her dark hair back, Ruki almost stumbled to the bathroom to get ready for the day which meant hair brushed and pulled up, teeth brushed and clean clothes. Most of her entirely wardrobe consisted of jeans and shirts with a broken heart. Twenty minutes later(unable to resist having a shower), Ruki was pretty much ready to take on the world. Settling her wristbands around her wrists she was done. Heading into the bright hall, the girl walked past both her mother and grandmother, ignoring mommy dearest but saying a quick goodbye to her grandmother. Shoes on at the door, sunglasses on and she was off. Walking down the streets was a common thing; head bowed as if she was the only person in the world, it was the best way to think. After several minutes of mindless walking, Ruki snapped headphones over her head, snuggling comfortably over both ears as she switched on some music to drown out the voices that went by. There had to be more to life, more than, this. Mindless walking, going nowhere but the same spots she'd been before. "This is so stupid." Ruki huffed out, ignoring the stares gotten in response(though that might have been because she didn't see them), half wishing something more interesting would happen. But what? Nothing interesting happened around here, not to her anyway. Kicking a small stone, suddenly she spun around, heading in the direction she'd just come from. Steps took her through the streets she'd just crossed minutes before, angling her walk until she reached the entrance to the park. There was no solid reason for the change, but as her eyes lingered on the swingset, a small, bitter smile laced across those rigid features. [/style] [style=height: 40px; overflow:auto; text-align:justify; color: 111111; padding: 15px; font-size:10;]Notes: debating on what post template I'm gonna use xD let me know if you'd prefer this one, the other one similar to this but with one box and renamon in the image, or my original dark template. this might be too dark(note to self to lighten up the image and test xD), in any event i'll prolly use a lighter template next post xD also, no word count since, well no bits are earned here xD YOU PROMISED THAT YOU'D STAY [/style] for the sunset

[AKIYAMA RYOU]

there was something that wasn't ever going on akiyama ryou's resumé, and that was the term professional chef. his grey eyes swept across the disaster zone in his kitchen; thank god the place was rented and he'd have the cleaning lady come in a bit to have it cleaned up. the teenager took a final glance around him - yep, dirty, messy, horrific. it clearly needed a good cleaning, but ryou wasn't going to be the one doing it. he retrieved his cellphone, hit the speed dial - only to frown when he reached the voice mailbox. "eh? could you come down within an hour? the blender exploded," he fibbed, figuring a little lying would do him and the house no harm. the faster the place got cleaned up, the less stains that remained. it was a win-win situation.

with the cleaning lady (hopefully) arriving within the hour, ryou gathered up what was left of the food into a small container, slapped on its cover, then marveled one last time at his attempt to cook. yep, definitely the last time i do this, he thought to himself grimly, as he left the kitchen, then the house. he had somewhere to go this morning - somewhere ... kind of important; such was its importance that he found himself leaving the mess to the lady (he usually cleaned it up himself, his creations were still his creations) to head out of the house.

passing by a car, he took a glance at himself in one of its side mirrors. needless to say, he looked rather stupid - patches of what used to be ketchup streaked across his cheek; hastily, he wiped them off with the sleeves of his shirt. "jeez," he said to himself, then quickened his step. "that's the last time i'm touching that blender." mentally, ryou shuddered. he had mistakenly stabbed the hi-speed button, thinking that it stopped the machine.

naturally, he failed. spectacularly.

thoughts swirling within his head, the young man took the corner to the park, jumped over a small ditch, then headed to the playground. the swings were empty. not inclined to let optimism get the better of him, ryou gritted his teeth, and forced himself to think that he was late instead of the converse. one of his feet stepped onto the swing, then the other; chuckling to himself, the akiyama realized that he was getting a little too tall to play on it.

so he crouched on it, container balanced precariously between his body and thighs as he swung back and forth. then he glanced up.

...

oh.

"morning~" he said cheerfully, a grin brightening up his previously disappointed (was it?) face as he glanced over to the brunette, "didja expect to see me?"

[/justify][/blockquote]

[MAKINO RUKI]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,2,true][atrb=cellspacing,2,true][atrb=style,-moz-border-radius:20px; -webkit-border-radius:20px;][atrb=style, background: url(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b46/tigerangel355/rukiagain.png);][atrb=style, height:450px; width:500px;] MAKINO RUKI [style=height: 180px; overflow:auto; text-align:justify; color: 222222; padding: 15px; font-size:10;]There was nobody here, and while Ruki felt grateful, she also knew that the park was missing something when there was zero residents inside. Imagining back to when she was only a child, sitting on one of the swings as her father pushed, the younger Ruki grasping tightly against the chains in fear of falling. But no, falling wasn't an option when her father was around, ready to catch should she ever slip. A true, genuine smile was displayed at the memories before the smile faded, knowing that her father was gone. Truly it left an aching hole in her heart, he had been more carefree than her mother who was constantly uptight, worrying about the clothes Ruki wear(jeans and shirts were fine, why could she not see that?). Lost in thought, music blasting in her ears, it took a moment for her eyes to adjust that there was someone ahead, sitting on the swings. It took longer to realize who it was, gingerly raising a hand to pull the headphone down to rest around her neck, the other hand switching off the music where it ended abruptly. "I didn't think you'd be here." Ruki stated truthfully, eying him warily as if he had been some sort of apparation coming to haunt her. Now that was silly, this was Ryou for crying out loud! One of her closet, bestest friends, though she was too much of a toughie to admit that outloud. Hopefully her actions would say what she didn't. "So no, I didn't expect you see you. You're here early." The brunette commented, getting over the sudden shock of seeing someone else in the park, padding quickly over to stand just beside him, and a little out of the way so she didn't get him while he swung. Something seemed, different. There was a scent she could just smell that had nothing to do with t park, and something faint lingered on his cheek that was seen when the light hit just right. With a wry sort of smile, the girl asked. "Have you been cooking again?" Annoyed with simply standing, a few steps sideways and the girl plonked herself in the swing beside Ryou's. It was quiet, but welcome. Somedays you just needed a bit of peace. [/style] [style=height: 40px; overflow:auto; text-align:justify; color: 111111; padding: 15px; font-size:10;]Notes: Ruki is, nicer xD Would she know about Ryou's mom? YOU PROMISED THAT YOU'D STAY [/style] for the sunset

[AKIYAMA RYOU]

[yeah, maybe? she'd know bits of it most likely xD]

"then who'd you expect to see?"

slightly taken aback, ryou glanced up and over at the girl, frowning slightly. his voice, however, still had its cheerful edge to it - ryou was naturally bright, exuberant and all things active in the morning. especially when he got to be out of the house; he didn't exactly have good memories of houses. rooms, to be specific - he got a little too claustrophobic when they were damp and sort of dark. he quickly shook away those unpleasant thoughts.

right, who did ruki expect to see, anyway? he quirked an eyebrow, then chuckled. it was about damn time he got here earlier than her. most of the time he was either late or completely missed her - this time he was early, and maybe that expression of hers was actually her way of, like, smiling, ryou reckoned as he watched her come over to his side. he watched her curiously; her expression seemed less harsh today, especially when her smile (despite it being dry and desolate like the desert) greeted him wryly. her comment made him respond unnaturally; at once his right hand flew to his cheek where the sauce had made its mark. he rubbed it several times, and his smile was wiped off his face.

"er," he began, opened his mouth, then shut it once again. he felt like a goldfish, for he was at a loss for words. "yeah," admitted the boy, extending his feet to stop the swing from moving; he held out the container to her. his grey eyes brushed past her icy ones, and then he broke out into a sunny grin and placed it within ruki's hands. an attempt was still an attempt, terrible and disastrous as it had been.

"i made you breakfast ... i know you didn't eat any~thing this morning."

smirking, the akiyama pulled his swing backwards by propping his feet against the ground. suddenly feeling conscious and vulnerable towards her accusations, he tensed, expression resuming its seriousness. he felt as if he was being accused of something as simple as cooking. yes, he didn't really belong in the kitchen - once again, ground zero spoke for itself, he thought wryly - but ... at the very least, he tried to make something.

[MAKINO RUKI]

"No-one."

Ruki shrugged slightly, averting her gaze to the lush greens of the grass surrounding them, having no real need to lie to Ryou and besides, she hadn't expected anyone at this hour, figuring them to all be at home, eating breakfast with their families. Ryou was different, and part of her berated herself for thinking such thoughts. She knew bits of his history involving his mother, it was no surprise he was out here, enjoying the silence that early morning brought to the world. Silence that was only broken by vehicles moving past on the streets or the stories people spoke to one another, broken only by the wind and other various factors.

"I'm glad you are here though." Deep violet eyes widened, shocked she had actually admitted that out loud, to Ryou of all people. Jeez, he was her best friend, and, well, there was always more to the story. Still, she wasn't exactly known for sentimental words, or even soft vocal tones. Oh well, at least her honestly still shone through; these days she didn't really see him at this time of the morning, and it was, well, nice. Much better than being stuck at home, trying to think of words to reply back to her mother when all she wanted to do was to leave.

With her foot firmly on ground, shoe tip pushing lightly as her body swung ever so gently. Ground below moved in unison as she moved, stopping all at once when Ryou's form came into view, slowly looking up towards him, feeling out of place and so desperately awkward. Why he liked her was unfathomable, she wasn't like the other girls that Ryou could date and hang out with. She was the one who didn't fit everywhere, who didn't like most of the new rad things that came out. Always wondering why, afraid to ask for the answer may not be what she was looking for.

Taking the container with both hands, having curled her arms around the chain swing to keep herself from falling, Ruki slowly opened up to reveal the box's content. Wariness coursed through her system, not because she didn't trust his cooking, it was more, she was wary of him pulling a prank, that there was no food but maybe a giant rubber spider ready to leap out. "For me? Ryou-" the words you didn't have to tainted her tongue, not bothering to say such things because, well she was hungry, and Ryou had tried making something, and for her? Not all girls got made breakfast like that. "Thank you." As long as he didn't go around telling everyone she was losing her coldness there would be no further problem.

Smiling softly, Ruki began to eat slowly, her stomach rumbling, virtually crying out for food as she swallowed. "Uh, I didn't get you anything. Was I supposed to?" Ruki paused, mentally chuckling at herself. Only Ryou could do this to her, invoke so many different feelings, and bring out the nicer side of her grouchiness. Not many had stayed around her, she could count how many friends she had on one hand. And that was pretty depressing.

"Got anything planned for today?"

[AKIYAMA RYOU]

she wasn't waiting for anyone? well, he should have expected that. ruki never did wait for anyone. always the loner, keeping to herself except for some classmates in school when she was forced to. he frowned at the thought. yes, she had her reasons ... but. ryou glanced at her, trying to keep his face as devoid as emotion as he could. always the independent, mature one. other girls her age were usually dressing themselves up and experimenting with makeup, then tried to look as pretty and pink as they could while still staying (remotely) sensible. him going out with ruki had nothing to with an exceptional fashion sense or whatever those giggly school girls were into, of course - he just liked her. a silly grin broke out on his face when she said that she was glad to see him; it was unlike her to admit something like that. the grin stayed even as he got behind her swing then gave her a light push.

"you're welcome ... it doesn't look very app -" appetizing was what he planned on saying, but ruki ate the mess anyway. he quirked an eyebrow, not noticing the swing and nearly getting his face in the way of the metal chains that held it up. the girl was eating it without a complaint. he half-expected her to say something about the odd coloration about the toast (at least, he thought it was the piece of toast). he watched on quietly. at least she appreciated his cooking, as terrible as it was. maybe he'd give it another shot - but that would have to wait until he was sure ruki didn't get an upset stomach.

he shook his head at her question. no, there was no need to get him anything. food being the least of his concerns, ryou hadn't ate a proper breakfast ever since he applied for a job at magami where he would assist it with something it was planning. a game, apparently, which would challenge everything the online gaming community had ever experienced. it piqued his interest, and most importantly, it took him away from his home. him living outside now was just under the guise of him going to college - which he didn't - and he had no doubt his mother would find out soon. escaping to the island was a cowardly action, as well as one that hurt a lot of people ... but he had to do it. the island wasn't that far away from his hometown of kyushu, heck, shibuya was further than the isle itself. and the question was - how would he break it to her?

smiling, he egged the swing higher, trying to take his mind off the inevitable. he'd be sure to hand her an invitation when beta testing for the public was open, though, so maybe it didn't have to be that bad then? ... yet, the thought of leaving her behind ... it certainly opened a raw wound he hoped he wouldn't ever have. "if you want to, we could go somewhere together," he said with a shrug, for the last time, i don't know. "it'd be fun and besides, i think we both need time off from home."

[MAKINO RUKI]

Ruki picked at the food, chewing on what looked like(and she hoped it was) a piece of toast that had soaked up some of the flavor from the dish. Eating meant she didn't have to reply, swallowing the thick lump that formed within her throat(that had nothing to do with the food thank you very much). Ryou, he was the guy that she trusted, even with other prettier girls that flaunted themselves, he'd stuck by her. When she snapped and growled and was overall quite the bitch, Ryou stuck by her. Taking another bite, keeping her body still on the swing so she didn't fall into the dirt, Ruki stole a glance at Ryou, corners of her lips tugging upwards into a half-smile. Oh how she liked him, more so than anyone would ever know. Was it love? Maybe. Ruki wasn't experienced with love enough that she knew what it was, or what it felt like, but it was pretty damn close regardless.

Ryou was everything she needed, a rock to cling to when things got desperate, a laugh whenever there was a need for happiness, most of all, complete understanding that was shared between the two. Whether it was their home lives or the digimon card battle game. "I was thinking, maybe we could battle again? A tournament is supposed to be coming up soon." Ruki offered once she'd swallowed her mouthful of food and watched him with a sort of wary expression. Battling Ryou was always interesting, not to mention he was one of the only people that could beat her. He provided a challenge that none other seemed to be able to give her. And while yes, she grumbled and bitched and could be utterly vicious when losing, it was nice to be able to lose instead of win all the time.

Ruki preferred Ryou winning to any of her other challengers.

Realizing she hadn't spoken about the dish, feeling like she didn't need to since actions were much louder than words, she did give him a shy sort of smile, totally unlike who she was but then again, this was Ryou. Blinking back her violet eyes, Ruki swallowed the next bite she had taken while pondering thoughts. Inside her stomach and mind squirmed in delight, biting back the idea to scream yes right in his face(or in his direction since they were both on a swing each). Going somewhere together meant she didn't have to go home and face her mother. Grandmother was okay, understanding and all but the woman who gave birth, ick. "I'd like that. It would be fun." Ruki agreed, only the tremble of her body betrayed the excitement and the sheer gratitude of his thoughts and words. "Be good, spend time together without worry." While she didn't have to say it, she knew Ryou would understand what she meant. Her mother wasn't keen on Ruki dating someone who wasn't in the fashion world, and his mother wasn't the nicest person in the world. At least they had each other.

"Where is this place that we could go to?" Curiosity piped, food lay forgotten in her lap until she glanced down to stare at the ground, taking another bite to keep her from feeling as if he was pulling a prank. Ryou wasn't the type in such a situation but this was still all brand new to her.

As long as she had Ryou though, she would be okay.