~ Cifra ~

Chapter Six

-o-

Disclaimer: This story is purely fanfiction. Digimon and all its characters does not belong to me in anyway.

Warning: This story contains mature content and sexual themes. Please do NOT read unless you are 18 years or older.

After coming back and re-reading this story... God it's horrible lol! Honestly I don't even know what I was thinking when I wrote this. I already have most of it written, I just never came back to update it, so I probably will upload a chapter a day for a bit till I get to the point I stopped. Honestly I should probably take it down, because it's weird and half-baked, and feels a bit ooc. I dunno. I've learned a bit since writing this, so maybe I will rewrite it and re-upload it instead? Who knows. For now, here is the next chapter, for what it's worth.

Thanks so much to my most amazing and wonderful reviewers since my last chapter post: michelous, Dusk, ThommyPickles, Blackwing-Dusk (yes, I am thanking you twice), Basara-Jay, vastgranada1, and my Guest reviewers.

Thanks to all of you for taking time to give me your thoughts, even to say you didn't expect it or like it. I always like hearing from you, and I'm sorry it took me so long to get this chapter posted. I've had a hard and miserable situation come up in my life that has eaten away my joy and drive to write, and it has taken years to finally come back. Thank you for still being here, and I am sorry for keeping you waiting. This chapter is dedicated to you.

-o-

"Hey Matsuda-san!" Satou called, entering my cubicle with a wide grin on his face. "Come into town with me today! You're taking tomorrow off, right? Let's go get drunk!"

I stared at him blankly. "You don't do this every Thursday, do you?" I asked, frowning in concern.

"You're too uptight about work, man!" He laughed, patting my back roughly. "No, of course not. But as they say, strike while the iron is hot, right? We were all planning on going tomorrow but, when we heard you were taking tomorrow off we decided to go today. What do you say?"

I sighed, taking my time to answer. I continued typing on my computer for a bit, wondering whether or not I should go. Kyo stayed silent, like he was sleeping. Finally, I finished my report and turned back to my friend. "I appreciate it," I said honestly. "But I think I probably shouldn't. In fact, I might have to stay late today to get caught up. Since I'm taking tomorrow off, I need to make sure everything is ready for the weekend. Let's go next week, on Friday!"

"Such a workaholic," he shook his head. "What will it take to convince you?"

I laughed, putting on a pleasant exterior. "I'll buy you a drink next time," I promised. "Deal?"

"Deal," he nodded. "See you, Matsuda!" he left, calling out to my other co-workers to let them know what I'd said. After they were gone, I continued to work, grateful for the silence of an empty office.

Kyo lifted his head and looked at me not long after. I didn't prevent you from going, he said slowly. Why didn't you join them?

I glanced at him, reaching out to scratch around his ears absently. "A few reasons," I replied, yawning. "Last time I went, you got injured. What will happen this time? You're in no position to fight right now, especially since I haven't been very helpful for you lately. Plus, I wasn't lying about my work. I need to get this done today."

He nodded, accepting my reasons with the kind of smile that only cats can make. You're very considerate, he said.

I chuckled, turning to focus on my computer again. "Am I?" I murmured, refraining from snorting. "I'm supposed to be, right? I'm your Cifra. Or so I've been told." I preferred to think of it more like a partner relationship, like I used to have with Guilmon. But maybe I was in a state of denial. I wasn't sure anymore, but I was becoming more and more fond of him. More and more used to him. I wanted to be needed by him, and wanted him to need me to take care of him.

But I was avoiding thinking about that, too.

So you have. But you are very noble about it.

"Are you mocking me?"

Quite the contrary, Kyo purred. I am grateful.

Feeling warmed by his words, I stroked his head once more. "Just hang in there a bit longer, Kyo," I said. "I'll try to be quick. If you get bored, you can walk around. There's a pretty nice view from the windows on that side of the building. You can watch the sun set, and see the whole city from there."

I might just do that, he yawned, standing and stretching with his tail arched high in the air. Jumping down to the ground, he stalked out of my cubicle with dainty little steps. Such a cat.

It made me smile.

When I did finish my work, it was two hours later, and I was very ready to go home and sleep. Maybe I'd even eat ramen again today. Standing and stretching my arms and neck, I walked out of my cubicle and headed for the windows. "Kyo?" I called, looking around for him. I couldn't see him anywhere in sight, but I figured he was somewhere nearby. "I'm ready to go home. What do you say we eat ramen today?"

There was no answer.

I wasn't sure why the uneasiness began to clutch my stomach, but my instincts were rarely wrong. Something wasn't right here. "Kyo?" I called again. Quickly, I walked through my whole floor, peering into each office and cubicle, and even the bathrooms, to look for him. When even then he remained nowhere to be seen, I became alarmed.

Where was he? Where would he have gone?

"I should have paid more attention," I groaned, quickening my pace and searching more frantically. I came to Nakamura-san's office, the last place on this floor for me to look, and hesitated by the door. "Please don't let anything happen to him," I mumbled. My hand touched the handle, and my breath caught in my throat. Should I open it?

I imagined the worst, and at once my hand forced the door open dramatically. "Kyo?" I called desperately, searching the room with my eyes.

He was there, sitting in the center of the room, while the great eagle perched on the desk above him. My boss was nowhere to be seen. As I entered, they both turned to look at me, the bird with irritation, and Kyo expressionless.

I'd probably burst into a very serious conversation. "I'm sorry!" I bowed quickly, sweating and backing up to the door again. I almost left, but…for some reason, I couldn't. Not without Kyo. "I-I didn't mean to interrupt," I stammered, still bent over in half so as to show respect. "I was just looking for Kyo since…it's time to…go home…"

The bird hissed through its beak, a great presence assaulting my senses. It felt like a cold front had moved in, and the very air resisted me. It felt dangerous, causing me to tremble, but I didn't budge. It was almost a minute before I heard a reply.

Thank you, Takato, Kyo said, his voice calm and quiet. I will be with you shortly.

I hesitated, clenching my hands into fists. "I'll wait for you," I said, straightening and standing with my back against the door. I kept my head facing down though, in attempt to keep my anxiety from showing. I couldn't really place why I was so scared, but I knew that Kyo was in danger somehow. I won't let anything happen to him, I thought. Not again!

The bird spread its wings and shrieked at me angrily, and I nearly staggered from the pressure of its aura.

You may wait for me outside, Kyo replied. There was a hint of humor in his tone, but it seemed to be hiding an underlying tone of stress. He was worried too.

I tried to move, but my stubbornness didn't let me. Slowly, I lifted my head and looked directly at the bird. What's wrong with me? I thought, frantic. But I'd learned long ago that in these kinds of situations, I couldn't stop myself. "If you don't mind," I said politely, "I would like to take Kyo home now. It's been a long day, and he gets his stitches out tomorrow, so he needs plenty of rest. I mean you no disrespect, of course, I just feel that it's important for him to come home now."

Kyo's eyes widened, and his body stiffened slightly. Was he afraid?

Good Lord, I hoped I wasn't making things worse! But I couldn't help it. As always, in situations like this, I felt protective.

To my surprise, the bird actually responded. "Foolish Cifra," it hissed at me. "I am the Erus of this domain. It matters not whether your Erus is injured, that is his own foolish fault. I require absolutely obedience!"

I shrank against the door, cringing at the power of his words. It felt like gravity pushing against me. "I understand that," I said, before I could stop myself. Somehow, my impulsiveness was making me act. Oh no… now I'm upset. I can never stop myself when I get angry… "But isn't he already obeying you? We have already agreed to follow your rules. We don't intend to fight you at all, and if anything, we support your authority. It actually makes you stronger and more authoritative to all the other Erus if you have us here, respecting your leadership." I glared at him, unable to stop my eyes from flashing angrily. What was wrong with him? Was it his ego?

I stepped forward, walking until I reached the center of the room, and bent over to lift Kyo into my arms. Then I glared defensively at the bird once more.

"You are the Erus of this domain," I said firmly. "End of story. Can I take my Erus home now?"

The tension in the room was tangible. I thought that I might suffocate from it. But finally, the bird turned its head away with an expression of haughtiness. "You may leave," he said. "Erus, if you don't teach your Cifra some manners, I will have to discipline him for you."

I will handle that myself, Kyo replied sharply.

I bowed. "Thank you," I replied, and quickly left the room with my cat clutched in my arms. Even when I entered the elevator, I was still too stressed to say anything. My heart kept beating inside my chest rapidly, and I felt sick and light headed. I didn't know what I would have done if I wasn't allowed to take Kyo and leave.

He didn't say anything either. I picked up ramen to go, and made it back to my apartment as quickly as humanly possible. And it was with great relief that I took off my coat and locked my door.

Finally, I was safe at home.

Takato, Kyo said, looking up at me pointedly from where he stood on the floor. I wandered the kitchen, preparing our bowls of food, silent. What you did was very, very, very, very, very… he paused, closing his eyes and shaking his head. Very foolish.

I glared at him, coming into the sitting room and seating myself on the floor beside him with my back against the couch. I presented his small bowl before him, and began to eat out of my larger one. "I don't care," I snapped. "My instincts are never wrong, and back then, something dangerous was happening. I don't know what's wrong with that Erus, but he's got too big of an ego. He was just looking for a reason to attack you and steal your power!"

To my surprise, Kyo purred, leaning over to lap up the broth with his tongue. Yes, he said cheerfully. He was. I am surprised at your perception.

"Well I'm not sorry," I mumbled. It made me relieved that he didn't seem upset.

I was shocked, of course. I didn't expect you to come to my rescue like that. He paused, looking up at me thoughtfully. Normally when an Erus is weak, like I am now, he is targeted by others who are stronger. I expect to be targeted many times by those trying to increase their power quickly. So when you came in like that…it made me… he looked down, contemplating his food with a mixed expression.

But I could tell it made him happy. "Kyo," I leaned over, kissing the top of his head with a smile. "I may just be a human, but I'm also strong. I may not have magic powers, but I do have intuition. I may not be a very good Cifra right now, but I am here for you. I'll protect you. Don't forget that, alright?"

I won't, Kyo replied gravely.

We finished our food in silence. I took the bowls to the kitchen and cleaned them, and came back out to the living room so that I could pick him up and take him to my room. I set him on the bed while I changed into my pajamas. As I climbed under the covers, he climbed under them with me so that he could curl up in my arms. It made me smile.

When he started licking my neck, sending waves of pleasure down my spine, I tried not to think about anything. Maybe if I just focus on the feelings, I thought, he'll be able to get more energy. It's my fault he's not getting stronger. He promised to help me get Rika back, and I'm the one keeping him from doing it. I allowed myself to get lost in the waves of ecstasy.

It made it easier this time, to reach a climax. Especially when he nipped my collarbone—a weakness that Rika used to exploit all the time. It even helped when his paws kneaded my chest. And I curled up under the covers so that the heat smothered me both inside and out.

This time… this time when the explosion of pleasure slammed into me, I didn't fight it. It took much, much longer for the high to die down.

Thank you, I heard him say, though my exhaustion was far more acute this time than I could remember it. You tried much harder for me this time.

"Did it help?" I murmured, too worn out to even move.

He nestled his nose against my chest, purring. Yes, he said. In fact, it might be just enough.

"Just enough for what?" I asked.

But I was asleep before he could tell me.

-o-

When I woke up, my body felt like a train wreck. I stared at the ceiling, noting the position of the light coming through the window, and realized that it was already late in the afternoon. The cat sat upon my chest, looking smug.

I apologize, he said casually. I continued to cipher from you while you were sleeping. Far less effective, of course, but you were most helpful.

I glared at him, annoyed. "Is that why I feel like crap?" I groaned. I rolled out of bed and collapsed on the floor, and somehow managed to stagger to my feet. "I need water…"

I would like to try something today.

"Is it going to drain me?" I demanded, making my way to the kitchen. He followed me, watching as I down two whole glasses of water in quick succession.

Of course. It's a new way to cipher from you. I think that it will be much more effective. And if it works, we may be able to get Rika back much sooner than I estimated.

I paused, looking down at him with sudden hope. Rika! My annoyance shifted into hesitation. "How draining?" I asked. "We've got to take you to the vet to get those stitches out, and we should eat something too."

He purred, sitting primly on the carpet with that smile—the one with his eyes half closed and his whiskers perked up. Of course, he said cheerfully. It will be after that.

"Okay," I said slowly. I managed to get dressed without too much complaining—I was really stiff and tired—and had two more glasses of water before I headed out the door. With Kyo on my shoulders, I caught the bus and went into town, to the same clinic I'd taken Kyo to before.

I had to hand it to him, he was very good. He put up with their pinching, weighing, checking his temperature, and all other sorts of tests to make sure he was healthy. When they took the stitches out, he didn't even flinch. And the whole time, they kept telling me what a sweet and gentle boy he was.

I just hoped he wouldn't kill me when we got home.

As a treat, I picked up sushi on the way home, and returned as quickly as I could. I was incredibly worn out, and being out in the city with a weak Erus worried me. The last thing we needed was to be attacked again.

"You are a trooper," I proclaimed, the second we made it into my apartment. "No, you're a saint. I'm proud of you, Kyo. I'm sure none of that was pleasant for you."

He looked up at me from my arms, his ears tilted backwards a bit. Are you trying to make me angry? He demanded.

I chuckled, rubbing his head with my hand and pulling out the sushi. We sat on the floor to eat it. "No, I'm trying to reward you. Thanks for putting up with me."

He ate the fish, but not the rice. He also refused to answer.

"What do you want to do this weekend?" I asked. I was feeling happier now, with food in my stomach, my cat healthy again, and the fact that it was a weekend. It had been a long week for me. "We could go to the park. Or maybe go grocery shopping. Now that you're here, I should probably do more cooking instead of eating out all the time. It's healthier, and costs less too."

He yawned, looking up at me with half closed eyes. We could go to the store tomorrow, he suggested. It sounds interesting.

"I'd also like to sketch some more," I added, smiling at him. "Maybe you could pose for me. Or maybe…"

Tomorrow, he cut in. His eyes were fixed on mine, holding me in place.

I groaned. "Kyo…please I'm so tired…"

I need to try this tonight, he insisted, still captivating my attention. I couldn't look away, almost like he was hypnotizing me. If we wait till tomorrow, some of my power will have drained, and I'd have to start over.

"What are you going to try?" I asked. I was almost afraid to find out. But if it helped me get Rika back…

He stood, walking toward me and hopping onto my lap. Take me to your bed, he ordered. I obeyed, feeling strangely worried and excited at the same time. When we got there, he looked up at me, contemplating my face. Close the door, he said. And turn off the light. Close the blinds on the window.

"Do you need it to be dark?" I asked, somewhat worried. It was still early evening, and the sun hadn't set yet. But I did as he asked with uneasiness in my stomach.

No, he replied, a hint of humor in his voice. But you might.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I demanded. "You're making me worried!"

Sit down, he ordered. He leapt from my hands and landed on the floor, his bright eyes glowing as they stared at me. I sat on my bed involuntarily, frozen in place as he suddenly began to grow. Light surrounded his body, and it grew taller and taller until I knew that it was not the shape of a cat any longer.

When the light vanished, the figure that stood before me was human.

He was exactly as I imagined him. Tall, with black hair and bright cat-like eyes. His body was toned and well built, showing off his strength and feline grace. The clothes he wore were casual—a shirt and jacket with black pants. To see my drawings come to life in front of me filled with a strange sense of terror and nostalgia. It was like Guilmon all over again. Except this time…

I realized that I was close to hyperventilation.

I realized that this was Kyo.

I realized that like this…in human form… he intended to…

"K-Kyo wait," I blurted, my face flushing red. I backed up on the bed, trying to even my breathing. "This isn't… no wait… I don't think… you're a…"

He watched me, unmoving, as I inched further and further away. Finally, a smirk broke out across his face. "Well what do you know," he said, opening his mouth and speaking audibly for the very first time. "Your body is already producing more energy than normal, and I haven't even done anything yet."

His words made me upset as well as flustered. "No!" I protested. "You being a cat-shaped alien, I can handle. It's weird, but I can put up with it. But not like this, no! It's not… I'm not…" I buried my face in my hands, horrified. "I'm not into guys, alright?" Even as I said it, I felt my ears burn hotter with the half truth. I wasn't not into guys, either. But attraction to one sex verses the other was not the issue. I was into Rika, and everyone else was secondary.

Kyo came at me cautiously, walking toward me until he was right in front of me and gauging my reaction with curiosity. I would have resisted, but I was frozen in place by my own embarrassment, though I could tell he was not using his power to control me. When he reached out his hands and pushed me onto my back, I couldn't do anything except squeeze my eyes shut and cringe. "Do you really hate how I look?" he asked quietly. There was disappointment in his tone.

I shuddered to feel his breath so close to my face. His voice was the same, familiar, even if it was strange to hear him talking out loud. "That's not it," I pleaded. "I just don't want you to cipher energy from me like this. It's..." I left my sentence unfinished.

"If it doesn't work, I won't," he said simply, chuckling faintly. There was still almost a purr to the sound of his laugh, and despite how uncomfortable I felt, I liked it. "But if it does…if this helps me to get stronger, then we can save your Rika and bring her home."

I opened my eyes, and found his face directly above mine. I couldn't move. "I don't think Rika would like it if I did it with a guy," I complained, blushing.

He looked at me in bewilderment, his cat-like pupils narrowing to mere slits. "I'm not going to do it with you," he replied, amused. "I am going to cipher you."

Abruptly, he bent his face down to my cheek, kissing and licking my cheekbone lightly. It sent powerful waves of pleasure thrumming down my spine in ways I had no idea I could feel. Maybe it was because I could feel his breath against my skin. Maybe it was how he nibbled my ear, trailing kisses down my jaw line toward my neck. Or maybe it was the feel of his hand pushing down on my chest. Whatever it was, it was more than I could handle.

Adrenaline, heat, pleasure and energy boiled inside me like a storm, and powerless to stop it, I struggled and groaned with every wave. I was hardly aware of anything except his touches, couldn't think about anything but the whiteness that had suddenly covered my vision, and couldn't do anything except gasp in breaths of air whenever I could.

Damn, it felt too good.

What the hell is this? I shuddered. My back arched and trembled, and I was vaguely aware of his hand sliding under my shirt and feeling up my chest. All I knew was, I had never felt anything like this. Not even with Rika.

No, what's wrong with me? Don't think things like that. Rika is the one that I love. Rika is…

The second I pictured her in my head, I felt myself growing hard so fast it hurt. I cried out, turning onto my side and curling up on the bed with my body trembling uncontrollably. Kyo's kisses and nips continued on the back of my neck now, but that almost made it worse.

I couldn't control it much longer. I'm going…I'm going to… I struggled to keep control, even as the pleasure skyrocketed inside me.

Just let go, I heard his voice in my head. He was too busy to speak out loud. Don't be afraid.

Shuddering, I managed to open one eye and peered at him with it. "Y-you j-jerk," I panted. My eyes closed again as another wave of pleasure and pain jolted through me. The longer I held it in, the more it seemed to build up inside me until it was too much to bear.

I'm going to make him pay for this, I thought vaguely.

"Takato," he whispered in my ear, slipping his arms around my waist and holding me tightly. My back rested against his chest, and he pressed his face into the nape of my neck. Let go.

He bit the edge of my jaw, and white seared across my vision from the explosion of ecstasy that is caused. My control was gone.

I let go involuntarily.

-o-

When I came to, I was too exhausted to move. It took me a moment to realize that I was in my own bed, and even longer to find that I had already been showered and changed into clean clothes.

I didn't remember doing that.

Turning my head with great effort, I could see the black cat curled up on the pillow next to me, sound asleep. He looked happy. And much brighter than before.

That jerk! I thought, my face flushing red so fast I couldn't stop it. Rapidly I turned over so that my back was facing him, and curled up under the blankets. Why was my heart beating so fast? It was just a dream, I tried to reason with myself. Okay and even if it wasn't, he didn't actually do anything to me down there. His goal is to help me get Rika back. So… so…

So why was I feeling so dirty right now?

Takato, Kyo purred, his voice sounding amused. You are emitting quite a bit of energy right now.

"Wha?" I blurted, my face turning an even deeper shade of red. I hid further under the blankets. "Y-you're imagining it."

May I take some of it?

"N-not if…" I thought of last night, of the feel of his breath on my ear and his hand on my chest, and my heart started racing too fast. I felt like I was suffocating.

He chuckled, a weird, purring, cat chuckle, and walked over to me. Crawling under the covers, he curled up against my back and nuzzled his nose against my neck. When he started licking, the trickling thrums of pleasure cascaded down my spine.

It was almost a relief to feel them. In fact, now that I focused on it, I could even feel the energy leaving my body like it was relieving pressure from my chest.

I squeezed my eyes shut, sighing. The pleasure rose sharply in my body, but it was a relief because it didn't stay there, it bled through my skin and was soaked up into his body. A transfer of energy. It's okay, I thought tiredly. I'm okay with this.

As long as I didn't think about him being human…

Crap! I clenched my teeth together, as the memories once again made my heart start racing. Why? Every time I think of it, my body just…

With Kyo quietly licking my neck, I spent the next several hours in bed, thinking and not thinking about it, until finally my exhaustion threw me into unconsciousness.

When I woke up, the blankets were a messy pile at my feet, and I was sprawled on my back across the whole bed. Kyo was curled up happily on my chest, glowing. I feel like never moving again, I thought, sighing and groaning. What time was it? Was it already the afternoon?

My stomach growled suddenly and loudly, and Kyo's head shot up in alarm at the sound. I laughed, reaching a hand up and stroking his head. "It's just me," I smiled. "I'm hungry."

He huffed, making a face, but obligingly stepped off of me to let me get up.

"Good grief," I moaned, pulling myself up and holding my head as the dizziness slammed into me. "I feel terrible."

That's to be expected, he yawned. He looked up at me, evaluating me carefully with his eyes. Last night I ciphered more energy from you than all of the other ciphers put together. And again this morning, you created quite a bit of energy even though I didn't do anything.

My face blushed, and I turned away from him with a scowl. It's not my fault, I thought in frustration. He's the one who is messing up my brain. How can he not feel embarrassed about that? Just thinking about it makes me weird. What would Rika say?

He stared at me, watching me think, and then jumped off the bed with a loud purr. Humans are so fascinating! He said happily. I had no idea that the touch of another human could create such energy, even the day after.

"Don't be embarrassing," I snapped, standing and making my way unsteadily to the kitchen. "It doesn't work that way with just any human. It has to be someone you love."

You love me?

I froze, suddenly flushing and growing anxious. What? No, wait…that's not what I… What? "No!… well, yes…wait…" I covered my face with my hands, feeling my heart race with embarrassment. "I…well yes I love you…as a partner…or pet…or…I don't know. Not like a lover, it was just that last night, when you were…t-touching me…. I thought of…" my voice trailed off, and I couldn't continue.

Rika? He asked. The tone of his voice was almost sad. Yes, I know.

I peeked at him through my fingers, not sure what to say. "Are you… sad?" I asked.

He smiled, but I could tell he didn't really feel it. Rika is your one true love, isn't she? I promised to get her back for you, so just bear with me a little longer, alright?

"Kyo…" I sighed. I bent over and picked him up, kissing the top of his head and scratching under his chin. "Thank you. I love you too, you know. Even if it's not the same as my love for Rika, you are also dear to me. Okay?" I couldn't even say how the soft spot for him had grown in my heart, but it was there. It was strange, but it was there.

He said nothing, but stayed in my arms for as long as I would hold him.

-o-

What kind of place is the gym? Kyo asked, scowling as he sat on my shoulders and dug his claws into my skin to show his displeasure.

"A gym is where you go to work out," I whispered back. It was my first time visiting the gym since we had met, and I was beginning to miss it. "I usually go every Saturday at 4:00 PM, and I haven't been since you came around. It's high time for me to get back in shape."

You don't have to go, Kyo pouted. I thought we were going to go shopping.

"We will, afterwards."

"Ah, Matsuda-kun!" a familiar voice called out. I turned to see a friend of mine—Junpei-san—who went to the gym regularly with me. "We missed you last time. How's it been? I see you have a pet." He came toward me, patting me on the back and nearly knocking Kyo off my shoulders.

Kyo growled a little bit.

"Junpei-san, good evening," I bowed. "How are you?" I put on a cheerful face. I'll just my short routine and head out. I want to stay in shape, but I don't really feel like being social.

"Doing great, doing great," Junpei sighed. "It's been the same as always. Ah! But that hot chick that started coming to the gym a couple months ago noticed you were missing. She asked about you. I think you have an admirer!"

"Ah…is that so?" I laughed nervously. "That's too bad."

"Too bad? What are you saying!? You should ask her for her phone number!"

"No that's…"

"Oh," he paused, looking at me seriously for a second. "I see, you're dating someone already."

"Yes," I answered quickly. Although it wasn't true. Truth was, with the hope of having Rika returned to me, I didn't want to be available to anyone else. Plus, something was telling me that Kyo would be upset if I started flirting with someone. Wait… I paused. Why do I care about that? It's not like Kyo and I are… my face flushed red the second that I remembered last night, his kisses on my neck, his hands pressing me down on the bed….

It wasn't any different than usual! I thought frantically. The only difference was that he was in human form, that's all!

Junpei's laughter brought me back to reality, and he patted my back proudly. "Ah I see," he said cheerfully. "You're in love! No worries my friend, I won't bother you about it anymore. I'm happy for you!"

"Th-thanks," I replied weakly, offering a smile and walking into the gym with him. We separated, going about our regular routines as we normally did, and Kyo settled down next to my bag to watch me while I exercised.

Working out was a relief. I was able to just forget everything, and focus on stretching and strengthening my body. My routine was a difficult one, but it conditioned me to be strong and lithe, and increased my endurance. I'd been doing it for years.

This was how I stayed healthy. How I relieved stress. And it was how I had coped with the loss of Guilmon….and Rika.

I showered when I was finished, and as usual, left the gym right around 6:30. With Kyo on my shoulders and my bag slung across my back, I walked toward the supermarket with a relieved smile on my face.

You seem very happy, Kyo commented, watching me curiously. I couldn't tell what he was thinking, but then it was hard to see his face from where he sat.

"I am," I admitted, grinned. "I always feel better when I work out."

He sighed, lapsing into thought. It was several minutes later before he spoke again. It was strange, he said slowly, when you were working out. Your body… it was creating and using energy at the same time. Like a cipher, only you kept all the energy for yourself and used it to get stronger.

"That's right," I said. "That's how the body works. That's normal."

You were quite beautiful when you were exercising. I… he hesitated, then purred proudly. I liked it.

His comment made me blush. "Stop it," I mumbled. "What's with you? Come on, let's pick out food for the week. What do you want for dinner tonight?"

Fish. I like fish.

"Okay, but I think you should try something new too. How about…" My words were suddenly cut off, and I found myself being shoved roughly into an alley by something large and strong. I gasped, trying to jump to my feet, but before I could do anything else I was knocked back once more.

Takato! I heard Kyo cry out. His voice sounded faint, and I realized that he was no longer on my shoulder.

Alarmed, I picked myself up and looked around. I was in an alley in the city, and it was too dark and dimly lit to see very well. A massive person stood in front of me, glaring down at me with a cold expression. Behind him, there were three other people, holding a metal cage.

Kyo was inside the cage.

Kyo! My eyes widened, and I gripped my hands into fists furiously. "Let him go!" I yelled, glaring at them so angrily I thought my vision was turning red. Somewhere at the back of my mind, a little voice was warning me that bad things happen when I get angry. I ignored it.

"Let it go?" the massive man demanded. "Fool! That thing is an alien. We're doing the world a favor."

"I said, let him go!" I repeated, drawing myself up to my full height. This man was a muscle tank. Seven feet tall and strong enough to lift a car above his head without breaking a sweat. But I was a trained fighter, and when I was angry, I knew how to land a good hit here and there. He didn't scare me, not in my current, foolish frame of mind. "You have no right to take him!"

"Oh so you're another one of those alien lovers, are you?" someone else taunted. He pulled out a taser and stuck it into the cage, electrocuting Kyo's body with a powerful jolt. Kyo let out a surprised yowl of pain.

The sight of it was more than I could take. All of my patience snapped, and in an instant, my vision was tinted red. "You bastard!" I growled.

I was on him before I even registered I had moved.

-o-

Well I do have one or two things to say at this point, that will hopefully diffuse some of the distaste this chapter was likely to have caused.

Firstly, that in this story Takato is bisexual, so it isn't unnatural for him to be turned on by Kyo's human form. I attempted to touch on it as gently and naturally as possible, because I hate just slapping a label in the middle of a story. Don't know if I did the best job at it, since I forgot to explore it more in earlier chapters, but hopefully it isn't so jarring that it doesn't make sense. I'm sure you'll let me know, lol. Secondly, of course he loves Rika most and best, but he's also starved for affection and has a soft spot in his heart. He likes to protect others, wants to be needed, and too easily gets swept away. I think I was trying to explore that side of him more in this story, it's hard to say now, several years later. Thirdly, I apologize for all the smut. I enjoy writing it too much, and I'm probably letting my desire to explore writing different kinks get the better of me. I'm not very good at it, but I'm exploring nonetheless.

Finally, and probably most importantly, this is still a digimon story. Sure, there are aliens on the earth who basically run things (at least from their point of view), but that's only part of the story. Digimon will play a larger role in all of this, and the aliens will learn that they are not so in control as they think...

~Rukatofan