Disclaimer:
I don't own anything about Digimon.No money is being made and no copyright or
trademark infringement is intended.

Author Notes:
Okay it's May 20, 2002 and I'm placing the chapter on... I actually have the chapter 11 done
too but you guys will have to wait till about Thursday/Friday/Saturday for it... I'll see when
I have time to check it over... However there is this chapter 10 and it's on right now!!!

Remember this chapter is early because I missed two udpate times and I promised this one as a
apology to you guys.

Thanks to all you guys who reviewed!

Private-Bryan
rebecca
San-chan
Dark Sakura
Jen
~Bang
LB
Fyrenda
Insomniac CAt
Kara Kasai
Sakura
knightoftheangels
Kim
Niki
keisan
Kim Hayes

Thank-You

P.S.
Please don't hesitate to criticise (that's probably spelt wrong) me... But please make
sure it's constructive, don't say "It sucks" Say something like, "It sucks, because..."
Then, "How you can improve..."

******************************

On The Line
Chapter 10/?


Henry stretched out in his chair, sighing he punched the print button on his computer for his
twenty page essay he had just finished. Glancing at a book that Rika had lent him for the
project he smiled, picking up the hefty book he looked at his watch, `Plenty of time,' thought
Henry. Grabbing a coat he patted Terriermon on the head who was busy playing with the Gameboy.
"Going to Rika's!" he announced.

"Okay dear have fun!" shouted his mom who was in the office that she shared with Henry's father.

Soon Henry stepped out of the building feeling the autumn wind and the fall sun he took a deep
breath. Tucking Rika's book under his arm, Henry quickly slipped on his sunglasses and started
towards Rika's home. After a few minutes he noticed a growing figure that was walking towards
him, as the figure got closer Henry recognised the person. "Hi Alice," said Henry cheerfully.

"Hi," said Alice smiling, her ears turned noticeably red.

"Surprise to see you here," said Henry still smiling.

"Just visiting someone," said Alice quickly, "what are you doing?"

"Just returning a book," said Henry showing Alice, Rika's book.

"Oh," said Alice not taking her eyes of Henry.

Noticing Alice's stare, Henry gave Alice a strange look, "Something wrong? Do I have something
on my teeth?"

"No... It's just," Alice turned her back to Henry her ears flaming red, "Henry do you have a
date on Friday's School Dance?"

Henry blinked, "There's a school dance on Friday?"

Alice turned around surprise, "Yes Henry, there's a school dance tomorrow!"

"Huh," said Henry surprised, "go figure, never really good at keeping up with those things."

"So?"

Henry blinked, then his face turned bright red pointing a shaky hand at himself, "You're asking
me out?"

"Yes Henry," said Alice exasperated, "I really like you, why do you think I asked you to tutor
me when I'm one of the top students in class? Why do you think I always try to sit beside you
in class? Why do you think I always talk to you?"

"Because you're my friend?" said Henry dumbfound and shocked at what Alice was saying.

"You know what? Fine... Fine I get the hint," said Alice angrily stormy by Henry with her eyes
filled with tears.

Henry looked at Alice's fleeting form, turning his head to look at the direction of Rika's
house, shaking his head he made a decision. Taking off into a run he quickly caught up to
Alice, "Alice wait," said Henry grabbing Alice's arm.

Alice spun around angrily, "Wait? That's all I've been doing... Waiting... I'm tired of it
Henry... I like you, I really do as a friend, but I want us to be more then just friends... I
know you like Rika but why can't you give me a chance? You can't just put your life on hold
because of her..."

"I'm sorry," said Henry cutting Alice off, he quickly continued before he was interrupted, "I'm
sorry, I'm not fast at picking these things up... I mean my friends tell me that you may have
liked me but I didn't believe them... I'm just really slow at picking these things up..."

Alice nodded slowly, "I'm sorry too Henry, I had no right to blow up at you," she apologized.

"It's okay," said Henry wiping Alice's tears away, "I deserved that and I'll be happy to go to
the dance with you."

"Thank-you," said Alice smiling at Henry.

Henry shook his head, "Don't thank me, I'm a terrible dancer."


***************************


"This one," said Rika handing Henry a dark blue T-shirt.

Taking the shirt from Rika Henry quickly tugged it on over his head, "Explain to me again why
you are choosing my wardrobe?"

"Because you have no sense of fashion," said Rika absently as she handed Henry a beige cargo
pants.

"And you do?" asked Henry sarcastically as he pulled on the pants, "Miss Nonako, a growing
fashion star?"

"Cheekiness will get you nowhere Wong," said Rika turning to face Henry.

"Hey!" shouted Henry grabbing Rika's shoulder before she could turn around, "It's bad enough you
came into my room while I was showering, then refused to leave so I can change, but it doesn't
mean you can look while I change."

"It's not like I haven't seen a boy before," said Rika annoyed, "I have seen you in a bathing
suit before too, it's not much different from you in underwear."

"I know," said Henry still holding Rika's shoulder, "but it doesn't mean you get to see me
change there's a social difference."

"Well hurry up then," said Rika tapping her feet impatiently.

Pulling on his pants properly Henry checked himself over, "Okay I'm decent but I don't like it."

Rika turned around to see Henry frowning trying to look angry at her, the blue shirt that Rika
had given him was tight, it left nothing to the imagination, his muscular physique was shown
clearly to Rika. "You look good," said Rika grinning.

"Let me guess," said Henry turning bright red he crossed his arms, "this is your shirt."

"Knew something about it looked familiar," said Rika trying not to laugh at Henry's angry face.

"Just hand me one of my own shirts please," said Henry as he tried to pull the shirt off.

Grabbing a different shirt Rika turned back to Henry and started to laugh, Henry was stuck, the
shirt was too tight that Henry couldn't pull it off without ripping it which he was trying not
to do.

"A little help?" asked Henry annoyed.

Rika grabbed the shirt and pulled it off Henry's head, she found herself tiptoeing because Henry
was taller then her.

As soon as the shirt was off Henry took a deep breath, "It's hard to breath with that thing."

Rika just smiled at Henry while she began to fold the shirt up nicely.

Being self-conscious about being half naked in front of Rika Henry grabbed the other shirt that
was tucked under Rika's arm and quickly pulled it on. "How do I look?" asked Henry turning
around for Rika.

"Perfect," said Rika smiling, throwing a dark grey sports jacket at Henry.

Catching the jacket in the air, Henry walked over to his dresser and began to fill his pockets
with his wallet, keys, and cell phone, "So can you tell me why I have some of your clothes here?"

"Beats me," said Rika putting her shirt that she folded up into Henry's drawers.

"You know that's your shirt," said Henry.

"Yes," said Rika absently as she shut the drawer, "but I may need it next time I'm over."

"Oh," said Henry nodding, "that's why you haven't returned my favourite sweater?"

"Exactly," said Rika with a straight face, "it's in case you need it when your over one day."

Henry checked his watch, "I got to go, I promised that I'll meet Alice at her place."

Rika nodded, "Have fun."

"So you're really going to stay here?" asked Henry glancing at Rika with surprised.

"Yes Henry," said Rika, "I promised Suzy to help her on her homework."

"Okay," said Henry, "I'll catch you later."

Nodding Rika walked Henry to the front door of the apartment to watch him put on his shoes.

"See you," said Henry as he started out, but before Henry stepped out the door, Rika grabbed
Henry's arm, turning in surprise Henry looked at Rika curiously.

"Have fun," said Rika kissing Henry on the cheek.

By reaction Henry kissed Rika on the forehead, "Yeah I will," he said stunned.

Rika gently pushed Henry out the door and closed it on his surprised face.

Leaning her head against the door a tear escaped her eye, `I'm so stupid,' thought Rika sadly at
herself, `why did I agree to allow Alice to ask Henry out? One mistake and it's over, I can't
do anything about it anymore...' Rika blinked as she remembered when Henry came over yesterday
to return her book.


*********************************


-Flashback-


"Here you go," said Henry giving Rika a shy smile, "thanks for lending it to me."

Rika nodded as she took the book, glancing at Henry she had made her decision, the friendship
between them was special. It was the most important thing in her life but Henry was more
important to her then anything. She wanted him to know that, "Henry are you doing anything
tomorrow?"

"Actually I am," said Henry scratching his head, "I'm kind of going on a date..."

Rika looked shocked at Henry, "With... With who?"

"Alice," said Henry looking down at his feet, "she asked me out just before I came."

Rika turned her back to Henry, "She works fast," murmured Rika angrily.

"Huh?"

"So where are you guys going?" asked Rika calmly, inside her it was anything but calm, she was
angry, upset, she was everything but happy. Alice had beaten her, but she allowed it to happen
and it was her fault that she had lost Henry.

"School dance," said Henry absently as looked at a picture on Rika's desk, it was the picture
that Rika's mother took when they were heading to the concert. They both looked sharp in formal
wear, but they both also looked happy, they also looked good together. Henry sighed as he took
up the picture and studied it.

"Oh," said Rika, "well I got homework to do so I'll see you later."

Glancing up at Rika Henry knew something was upsetting her, "Rika..."

"I really got a lot of work Henry," said Rika cutting Henry off.

Henry stared at Rika's back, letting his head drop in defeat he nodded, "Okay," Henry placed the
picture down on Rika's desk walking up behind Rika Henry gently turned Rika to face him. "Is
everything alright?"

"Henry I got a lot of work," said Rika keeping her face away from Henry.

"Fine, but if you want to talk," said Henry seeing that Rika was still keeping her face from him
he kissed her gently on the forehead, "I'll see you later."

Rika kissed Henry on the cheek in reaction, "See you."

Nodding Henry walked out of Rika's room, but to Rika it felt like he just walked out of her life.


********************


Rika sighed trudging back to Henry's room Rika fell on his bed tired, she hadn't been sleeping
well since the concert but yesterday she had the worst sleep imaginable. She didn't know why
but Rika was definitely sure it was more then a coincident that it started when things between
Henry and her got strange. But then Henry had dark rings under his eyes today too, deeper then
usual, maybe he haven't been sleeping that well either.

"Rika?"

Rika turned to see Suzy standing with her hand behind her back, "What do you want squirt?"

"I just wanted to thank you," said Suzy.

"For covering for you and Kenta?" asked Rika annoyed.

"Yes," said Suzy, "I know Henry would have definitely forbade Kenta from tutoring me."

"Do you really need him to tutor you?" asked Rika amused.

"Well," Suzy glanced down at her feet, "no, but it was the only way I could think that could
allow me to spend more time with him."

"You know he may not think of you that way," said Rika evenly.

"I know," said Suzy, shaking her head she sighed, "it's just it's the first time I've had these
types of feelings for a boy and well I want to figure out if it's a crush or not."

"No funny business though," said Rika letting her head fall back onto a pillow.

"I promise," said Suzy nodding, "we'll only be studying."

"I'll stay here," said Rika tired as she closed her eyes, taking a deep breath she could smell
Henry's scent from the bed. It was pleasant it was strange that any feeling of Henry could make
her so comfortable, so relax, so safe.

"Okay," said Suzy glancing at Rika whose eyes were closed and her rhythmic breathing told Suzy
that Rika was sound asleep.


*****************************


Henry sighed, he was confused, Rika was definitely acting more stranger by the day, he didn't
know what she wanted. One second she seems to be content at just being friends, that she scared
to push the relationship further, but then there are times when she's giving him all these
messages that she wants more. Henry shook his head, girls... Scratch that teenage girls were
so hard to figure out, Henry made a note to talk to Takato about the situation. Glancing up he
looked around and realised that he had passed Alice's home. Turning around he quickly walked
back to an apartment building and buzzed for the penthouse suite.

"Yes?' crackled a man's voice.

"Um... I'm Henry Wong, I'm hear to pick up your daughter, Mr. Hitomi," said Henry nervously.

The door buzzed as the lock was released, "Come on up Henry Wong," said Mr. Hitomi sternly.

Walking into the apartment he entered the elevator and pushed the penthouse suite button. "Into
the lions den," said Henry to himself softly.

After a few minutes the elevator doors opened to reveal a large man standing with his arms
crossed and a stern look on his face.

"Mr Hitomi?" Henry stuck out his hand in a handshake.

Mr. Hitomi grasped Henry's hand in a crushing grip and pumped it once, "Henry Wong, it's good to
finally meet the boy that is taking my daughter out."

"Ah... It's a pleasure to meet you too," said Henry timidly.

"Come in," said Alice's father showing Henry into the penthouse.

Henry followed Alice's father into the penthouse and into the living room.

"Sit," ordered Mr. Hitomi as he pointed at a chair.

Henry sat gingerly on the chair, he glanced at the door and the thought of running ran through
his head quickly.

"So tell me about yourself Henry."

"Well... I'm a fellow classmate of your daughter at school," said Henry glancing around the
room, "I'm on the honour role, I take part in some school activities not many but a few when
they ask of me... Other then that I'm pretty much a normal kid."

"Let's cut to the chase," said Alice's father sitting down at a chair in front of Henry's, "do
you like my daughter?"

"As a friend? Of course," said Henry.

Mr. Hitomi cut Henry off with a shake of his head, "I mean more then that boy."
"Uh... I'm not sure," said Henry honestly.

"Then I'll tell you one thing, Henry Wong," said Mr. Hitomi leaning his arms on his knees, "you
hurt my daughter..."

"Dad!" shouted Alice cutting her father off.

Henry and Mr. Hitomi turned to see Alice who was standing at the foot of the stairwell glaring
at her father angrily.

Henry quickly stood up, "I promise Mr. Hitomi that I'll try not to hurt your daughter."

Mr. Hitomi glanced at Henry nodding he walked over to his daughter, "You look beautiful angel."

"What did I say about you badger my escorts?" demanded Alice angrily at her father.

Alice father just smiled, "You're going to be late."

Alice glanced at her watch, turning back to her father frowning, "We'll talk when I get back."

"Be back before midnight," said Alice's father glancing at Henry.

"Yes sir," said Henry as he walked with Alice out of the apartment. As soon as the elevator's
door closed Henry slumped against the wall with a sigh of relief.

"You okay?" asked Alice concerned.

"You did warn me," said Henry giving her a weak smile.

"Don't worry about it," said Alice smiling, "he actually likes you."

"How do you know?"

"Well he would have kept you at the elevator if he didn't," said Alice.

"I'd rather stayed in the elevator," said Henry glancing at Alice, "at least it would have been
easier to get away if he didn't like me."

"We'll that's behind us now," said Alice slipping her arm into Henry's, "let's just have fun."

The elevator's door binged opened Henry nodded, "Okay."