Awaited Reunion

Sota's phone buzzed. He looked towards the clock. Sure enough, it was just about 3:30pm. That meant it was almost definitely a video from Ren looking for review. It was almost daily that her videos came through - he could pretty much set his alarm to it. 

[Ren]: Good afternoon, Senpai! I just finished up recording another video. Let me know what you think!

He chuckled as he awaited the video. Over the last couple of weeks, these daily texts had worked into his routine like clockwork. Despite his desire to ease into whatever came next for him, he had quickly adapted to this small new role he'd regained. On days where Ren didn't train and send a video, it almost felt wrong. 

A couple moments later, the video came through. He through it up onto his computer screen, then shot back a reply.

[Sota]: Got it. I'll review and send over notes in a little bit. 

[Ren]: Thanks! I feel like I'm going so slow, but hopefully it's enough for you to work from.

[Sota]: Slow is good. People get hurt when you go too fast. 

[Ren]: That's true! If I go too fast, I might punch a new student in the face.

[Sota]: That cuts deep, Ren.

[Ren]: Sorry :P That reminds me! The other day in class, Shinji was...

The conversation quickly derailed from there. Just like their first interaction at the tournament, speaking back-and-forth was as natural as breathing. Even with Sota's distance and what had transpired, it didn't take long for them to be more talkative like they were before. 

Sota engaged in the back-and-forth as he reviewed the video. Ren's footage had been shaky at first, but it had cleaned up quite a bit as she got used to recording herself. The look of self-doubt had also disappeared from prior to them beginning to work together via text. All of it was a good sign...

But Sota noticed something off on the video. A movement out of place that he swore he already corrected once before. He reviewed it a few times to make sure he wasn't losing his mind. 

Once he confirmed, he threw together some notes and attached them to a text. 

[Sota]: Some things are off. If you have time, read over them and record another attempt. 

[Ren]: Already on it!

Sota waited patiently, checking social media and playing some games while he waited. About thirty minutes, later another video came through. He brought it up on his desktop... and realized it was the same issue again. 

Sota sat back in his chair, a bit of frustration boiling within him. This had happened on a few items that Ren had sent over - movements that were really hard to articulate in written form. He had done his best, but it wasn't getting through. 

[Sota]: Still a little off. You may want to ask Sensei or Senpai Natsu to review it at class to give you a bit more. 

[Ren]: Oh. Yeah, I guess I can do that. Sorry...

[Sota]: Don't be like that...

Sota set his phone down and sighed deeply. He knew that if he were there in-person, he could resolve the issue in five minutes. The others should've been able to also, but he understood Ren's fear of being taught something inaccurate. 

He also suspected that Ren often interpreted "check with Sensei" as "you're bothering me".

He opened his curtain and stared out the window. What was he going to do? He was at another crossroads where if he didn't take another step, it could cause mayhem for someone other than him. 

Ren had stopped sending follow-ups, which likely meant his suspicion was right. He sat and pondered what options there were. He wasn't ready to return and face Sensei and the whole class. He was definitely not in shape to be physically participating like the others. 

Still, he had made the commitment to help Ren out. He needed to be more resourceful than that. 

He grabbed his phone, flipped to a different text chain, and got to work. 

[Sota]: Riku, are you going to class tonight?

[Riku]: He lives! I was planning on it. You need a ride?

[Sota]: Slow your roll. I'm not going to class just like that...but I do have a favor I'd like to ask. 

[Riku]: Sure! What's up?

Sota paused briefly. Just like his initial response to Ren, he realized he was going to be taking what felt like another big step. 

He resolved himself. The first step had gone better than expected - why not take one more?

[Sota]: I wanted to see if you'd be up for a private session on Saturday? I'm thinking you, me and Ren could get together to work on some stuff.

[Riku]: Wow, what a step! To think you two just started chatting over the phone a couple weeks back.

[Sota]: Yeah...I still haven't wrung your neck for that yet.

Sota shook his head and set down the phone. Riku would add some mayhem to the training, but Sensei required that private bookings be done in groups of three. On top of that, Sota wasn't sure how easily he'd be able to hop into a one-on-one lesson with Ren as he was now. Riku was hectic, but it was more comfortable than the alternatives. 

A few minutes later, Riku replied. 

[Riku]: I'll get it booked with Sensei as an apology :P Glad to see you're re-emerging from your shell...seriously.

Sota closed the chat. He didn't need Riku getting sappy on him and make him second-guess himself. Instead, he flipped back to Ren's number and began typing. 

[Sota]: I thought about it. I feel like some of these items could be solved in no time if we were in-person. What are you doing Saturday in the morning?

[Ren]: Me? Not much, I don't think... I have some chores to take care of probably, but they can probably be moved around. Why?

[Sota]: I was thinking that you, me, and Riku could get together at the dojo and do a private training lesson? It'll be less hectic, and we should be able to get a lot accomplished. 

[Ren]: YES!! I'll make sure my schedule is clear. Is there a way I can get a ride over there somehow?

Her response came lightning-fast, even for her. It also made his hand tremble a bit. Training her was one thing - a solo car ride was a bit much. 

[Sota]: I'll bet Riku can. Just double check with him tonight at class. He already knows the plan. 

[Ren]: Really? That was fast... So excited, though! I can't wait.

Sota left it at that - her enthusiasm was causing him more anxiety that he needed. He had taken another step toward normalcy that he couldn't easily withdraw from.