Brownie points to those who get the shout-outs because I'm apparently making references to things made up to late-2005. Especially that one kind of reference because I have weird tastes. I'm insane.
This chapter was going to be longer, but I figured the original second-half that can be an entire chapter of its own. Also, it's just nice overall to be able to update in time for the second Tri installment.
Enjoy!
Chapter Eight: Café Northern Starglow
The changing of seasons wasn't anything new, but going back-and-forth between worlds sometimes meant being blindsided by time. Gatomon could briefly recall everything was still green the Sunday she hopped through the gate for a week, including the areas she visited with Wizardmon. It wasn't much, of course, though it was the first thing she noticed before the blustery winds started to pick up. And as she sized up Miko one day, she couldn't help feeling the old twinge of jealousy that the cat's fur could grow with the seasons.
Kari permitted her to borrow her childhood scarf during autumn, yet she had always put it off. It wasn't because she didn't like it, it was more out of slight embarrassment that she, as someone who had fur twenty-four-seven, would even feel the slightest bit cold. It wasn't something she completely got used to, not when she noticed temperatures varied between the Digital World and the human world. By the time winter would roll in, the scarf would get switched out for something a little more thicker and longer, so if she had ever put it on, it was only for a couple of weeks.
"You look cute in it, you know," her partner told her one chilly morning as they walked to school.
Gatomon wrinkled her nose, trying to ignore the added pressure around her neck. "You're not helping, Kari," she muttered, although she felt her cheeks burn.
T.K. came around the corner before waving to them, wisps of his hair peeking out from a gray beanie. "Good morning, Kari."
"'Morning, T.K. Is Patamon not with you?"
"Not today. Is that going to be a problem, Gatomon?"
She just shook her head. "That's fine. I kind of want to walk around Odaiba for a while anyway."
Kari gave a nod of approval. "Alright, then. Stay out of trouble."
Smirking, the feline bounded a little in a different direction. "Have a good day, Kari. I'll meet you at the gates," she called before rounding a corner, going wherever her paws were taking her.
She didn't have a particular destination in mind, not as long as she wanted some time to herself. Pedestrians scarcely gave her a second glance except for the occasional small child who took interest and wanted to reach out to grab or follow her. She couldn't help thinking how many of them actually cared or recognized her since she had made her walks a habit, though she felt the same way toward them. Keeping track of time wasn't one of her priorities, so Gatomon walked and rested for as long as she felt like. Sometimes to spice things up, she would take a detour through an alleyway, or climb up random tall objects, and once went ahead to tease a dog until it bored her.
By the afternoon, the feline realized there was no merit to her walk. Whatever her original intention was had fallen by the wayside as she lazed around on a bridge, staring out at the bay and trying to ignore the breeze. Her thoughts drifted, and she did nothing to anchor them to one thing: one minute she was dwelling on whatever Kari may have been doing that moment, then the next she thought about heading back home to sleep or do whatever. That got overwritten by the thought of Yuuko possibly being there, and expressing a smile at there being "company", and then some yakking passing teenagers made her think of food because why would she not think of teenagers and food?
Gatomon growled under her breath, mussing up the fur between her ears. "Why can't I think straight today?" she complained to no one, then got up to move to a nearby wall in the off chance she was to slip in her muddled state. Dropping her paws, she tossed her head back to stare up at the sky, getting lost in the blue space. A sparkle got her to straightened in place until she identified it as a plane, and then she relaxed.
She remembered on her hatching day the sky looked exactly the same, and the glimmer reminiscent of when she had tossed the digivice so high in the air, it never came back down. She had sat there staring at the same spot for what felt like ages, waiting for any signs of its return, with or without her special someone. Coming to the conclusion it was going to be longer than expected was what convinced her to start moving, and so she traveled wherever she could, then forgot why she had left her place of birth except she had no other place to go, nothing to do, and no one to talk to.
In her current state-of-mind, she felt no different, and it rubbed Gatomon the wrong way staying in Odaiba for a week wasn't feeling as welcoming. Although Tai was no longer job-hunting (there was only one other exception the previous weekend), he had become busy with his studies to bring his grades up that he was hardly home from his study groups to even talk outside of the usual greetings. He might as well have been spending that time job-hunting for the same effect, so she thought. Then there was Kari who had seemingly overnight (though it might've been during the week she was gone) got into cramming mode, which concerned her. She should have seen it coming, and yet she had turned away at that one brief moment to miss its entrance, and now she had grown bored and a little lonely. Yuuko at the very least was willing to talk, but she hadn't felt the need to speak to her, believing she had nothing for them to strike up one conversation about.
While it wasn't as literal as her early days, the implications of being left behind by her partner as she moved on in life saddened her. She wasn't always there to watch her every second of her life, so every stark comparison to her eight-year-old-self made Gatomon sometimes wonder what key moments in Kari's growth she had missed or simply overlooked. How long would it be before she would leave the one Kari and then return to a different Kari in no time flat?
Brief as it was, a recognizable whiff caught Gatomon's attention, and she warily looked around until she spotted the feline. "Oh, you come out this far?"
Miko's tail twitched as they stared at each other.
A small scoff in her throat, the petite Champion shrugged and returned her gaze to the sky. "It must be nice to not have worries," she muttered, not caring if the cat could understand her. The familiar words echoed in her ears. "You get to do whatever you want, whenever you want. You may not even have to think about any of us, because what you do doesn't concern us. I bet the concept of boredom means nothing to you, nor does the thought of being alone. Then again, that's not what's expected of you."
She could smell and hear Miko walking away. It put a dry smile on her face as if her point was made. "Such a simple life," she added to herself, then got up and left.
Upon arriving to the school, Gatomon assumed it was lunchtime and made her way to the usual spot on the roof. Kari had her back to the chain link fence when she saw them, and it nearly made her pause. At that moment, the girl turned her head, though she was staring out at the buildings before she dropped her gaze.
"Hey, there you are, Gatomon," she called, waving to her. "Did you enjoy your walk?"
She climbed up to join them, but her heart wasn't into it when she locked eyes with her partner. "Kari, I'm going to be leaving early."
She blinked, tilting her head. "I suppose. When we get home, or...?"
Casting her gaze to the other DigiDestined, Gatomon shook her head, feeling her ears droop slightly at the surprised looks they were giving her. "Did you bring your D-3?"
"I left it at home."
"I have mine," T.K. offered, pulling it out of his pocket. "We can go down to the computer room if you need to go that bad."
Gatomon shrugged. "I don't want to be that much of a burden."
"No, if you want to go to the Digital World that bad, we'll do it," Kari assured her, though the feline could swear her smile was a little sad. "May I ask why?"
"Eh..." She darted her eyes back-and-forth a couple of times. "There's quite a few reasons..."
Deciding not to ask further, Kari took hold of Gatomon, and she entered the building with T.K. after he packed up his lunch and excused themselves. Neither of them spoke as they walked down the corridors, the small Digimon going along with the stuffed animal ploy until they reached the empty classroom.
"Is there any particular place you want to be dropped off in?" T.K. offered, bringing up the Digi-Port.
Sliding into a chair, the feline shrugged. "I'm not too sure, actually. Probably a forest area."
"There's quite a handful of forests, so if you don't care for one, we'll send you through."
"It's too bad we can't track down Wizardmon," Kari said, mouth curled slightly.
"He knows how to find me, so..." Gatomon threw her paws up in yield. "Go ahead and pull up a random coordination, I'll go anywhere at this point." She moved to pull the scarf off when her partner stopped her.
"Keep it, Gatomon."
"Why? I'm not going to use it in the DigiWorld."
"I don't care if you do or not, but I'd like you to have it." She petted her between the ears, which lowered at the touch. "Have a good week, okay?"
Pawing at the knot, the cat leaned into her palm. "Alright, Kari..."
T.K. then stepped back. "All set?"
When she nodded, he opened the gate and she hopped through to find herself on the beach, a sight that made her blink. Turning to face the screen, she couldn't help scoffing at the boy's smiling face. "Either that was a really lucky guess, or you're just messing with me."
"You did say you'll 'go anywhere at this point', although the beach at this time of year..." He and Kari shared a grin.
Gatomon then shrugged. "Well, I appreciate the thought. I'll see you later."
"Bye, Gatomon!" her partner waved before communications ended.
Tail swaying to the motion of the waves, she stared out at the horizon with hands on hips. There wasn't enough open space to bring in an ocean breeze, but the scent made up for it. Making sure there were no stray Digimon to be seen, she went for a stroll while keeping distance between herself and the water, occasionally kicking up smooth stones or shells.
Coming to a halt by some rocks, she climbed on one for a rest, curling her arms underneath her chin as she lazily gazed out at the sea. "Yup," she mumbled to no one. "This is the life..."
As her eyes drifted closed, her ear flitted from the gentle clink of her ring when her tail lowered and continued to twitch. Ducking her head close to her chest, she breathed in Kari's scent that still lingered, a quiet purr coming to life.
"This is a pleasant surprise."
Ears perked, Gatomon peered over at her visitor with a realization she hadn't been paying attention to her surroundings. Not wanting to seem she was at all upset by Wizardmon's disruption, she gave a shrug and propped her chin on a paw. "I just... wanted to come over early," she responded.
A brow arched. "Any particular reason why?"
"I just felt like it..."
There was a chance he was reading into her, even though his smile had to have been neutral. She scooted over to give him room to sit, which he obliged after a moment's hesitation. Once she pushed herself up with a stretch, his gaze drifted.
"That's a good look for you," he complimented.
She glanced away briefly, touching the scarf. "Kari said I could keep it. I don't mind it, but it feels a little weird on me."
"It'll take some time."
Gatomon half-shrugged, half-hunched. "I know, but by then, I'll be switching it out for a bigger scarf."
Wizardmon repositioned his staff to rest it on his shoulder when he faced the sea, dangling a leg over the ledge. "I need to ask Gennai if I'm allowed to contact through the Digi-Port even on other computers."
She furrowed her brows at the odd change of topic. "Why?"
"I've noticed that when the Digi-Port opens to a specific area, any and all electronics in the vicinity activate."
Thinking back on it, she nodded in understanding. "Oh yeah, they kind of do. We used the school computers today," she then noted.
"I know."
The feline suspiciously stared at her friend when he glanced over. "So what made you think it was me coming through?"
Wizardmon smiled. "I didn't think it was you since the serial number wasn't Kari's."
"Huh?"
"Apparently the D-3s have their own serial numbers," he explained in a fascinated tone. "I memorized Kari's when I studied hers the first night."
"Oh." Her reaction was as flat as her ears.
Leaning back, the mage let out a slow sigh. "Now then, what was it you wanted?"
Gatomon flinched a little; she almost forgot why she had returned early. "Um... can it wait 'til later?" she suggested, her paws flexing.
He tilted his head questionably. "Are you sure? It has to be important for you to come over a few days early."
"I..." She then held her tongue and turned away to mutter, "I just need more time to think things through."
"Fair enough."
She felt his eyes on her for a few moments before she jumped off the rock to head for the neighboring forest, only to pause. "Hey... Wiz?"
It had been a long time since she had last said his nickname. She had known she had avoided saying it since his return, but hadn't felt comfortable reusing it. "Wiz" had been given to him when she had one of her rare stress-induced vents, and had nearly broken down before him where he had stood taking everything she threw at him. To her, the usage meant the loss of emotional boundaries, and one of many ways they had bonded.
Addressing him as such was an odd mixture of weakness and familiarity, and the longer they stared at each other, the more Gatomon saw he knew all along. The intended lack of pursuing further got her to just sigh and shake her head, "Never mind..." And they continued their trek.
Indeed, there was little talk and rest between them as the day went on, a reaction that shouldn't have surprised her, but it only added to the pressure she was sensing. She didn't want to feel she was imposing on his time, nor did she want to be guilty for cutting her stay with Kari short. Her intention was to have a talk with him, yet the longer she thought on it, the more she struggled internally. As improbable as it was (it was rather silly, knowing him), there was the notion of doubt Wizardmon was going to turn it down, or more likely, that she would drop it on the spot and demand they forget about it. It was something she had to approach carefully, so she figured.
"If you want to sleep on it, Gatomon, you may."
Holding it off until dinnertime had to have been a mistake, she berated herself. She never knew if he could read minds, but the feline was certain her anxiety was visible from the start. Staring into the fire, she let out a long, slow sigh and undid the scarf to fold it.
"Y-You know..." was her starting point—she brought herself to clear her throat to try again. "I like walking the earth with you, Wizardmon, but that's not enough."
The wizard grew interested, and finished stoking the fire to sit back. "Oh? What do you have in mind?"
Rubbing the fabric, Gatomon took in another breath and faced him. "I think it's time we get to work."
His eyes lightened up. "You want to go to work?"
She nervously laughed, immediately averting her gaze to tuck the scarf in a glove. "Yeah, why not? I think a little physical labor would do us good. It's not like it's going to kill us this time around." Mentally, she kicked herself for using the phrase despite there being truth to it.
Wizardmon grinned from ear-to-ear. "I wholeheartedly agree, and it couldn't have come at a better time. We could use some cash."
"What about the money you got some time ago?"
He chuckled. "I looked into it, and it's not going to do us any good at this point."
Gatomon was a little disappointment by the news, but she covered it up with a smirk. "Thinking on wanting some books, eh?"
Perching an arm on a knee, he winked knowingly. "Well, that's part of it. I'd like to become a scholar."
"Is that so?"
Wizardmon curtly nodded. "It'd put my knowledge to good use, I would think."
A weight lifted off her chest, the feline pumped her fists in anticipation. "Alright, then!" she proclaimed, standing up on her seat and jutting her chin out. "The first village, town, or Digimon we come across, we apply for part-time!"
Gatomon nearly collapsed setting down the large bag of stones and bricks she had hauled over, getting weird, yet possibly-sympathetic looks from the other construction laborers. Stretching cricked her back, a sensation and sound she wasn't pleased about as she glared up at the sky. "Not even noon," she groaned.
Wizardmon came up from behind, clearly having no problems carrying his share over his shoulder. "What's wrong, Gatomon?" he teased. "Is physical labor too laborious for you?"
"Uuuugh," was her response as she side-stepped around him. "Next time, Wizardmon, you pick the part-time."
"Well, maybe if you would stop trying to show off and stick to your your weight limits..."
"Shut. Up."
For being a little out of shape and rusty in her strength, Gatomon eventually found the energy to work around it and was able to go over-and-beyond what she and Wizardmon had been required to do. As the supervisor was rather impressed with them, the other part-timers took it as a threat or challenge, though some used it to their advantage to get out of more work. At the end of the day, the pair were the only ones completely exhausted and scratched up, and only the mage showed some gratitude in getting their earnings (the feline was miffed they didn't get a bonus pay).
Despite the rocky start and their sores, once the project was finished, they hunted down the next job—which wasn't as physical but no less time-consuming—and the next. The week went by before they knew it, and Gatomon had hesitated in going back to the human world despite Wizardmon's assurance. Kari had noticed the change in her complexion the following weekend and was proud to hear of their endeavors, but was still happy to have her continue to stay over.
It didn't take the weight off of her conscious, however, as the feline asked her partner once, "Is it alright to come by every other week?"
"I don't see a problem with it," Kari answered, checking over her homework. "It's not like you've become a full-time worker that you have to clock in every day. Although I think it still would work out regardless, since this is your home." Then she grinned cheekily over at her. "Are you worried to leave Wizardmon alone at work or with the money?"
Scowling, Gatomon lightly flopped her tail on her head.
The only thing Wizardmon spent on was some nonperishable food items that he kept someplace, possibly the "pocket dimension" she had once snarked about, and that was typically their purchases, rare as they were. It didn't help the currency kept changing everywhere they went, so they had much, yet little in value, to go on. At the very least, since they weren't picky, work wasn't scarce no matter how odd and how low pay was, and it kept them occupied and he made sure to keep their spirits up.
The human world's autumn season steadily found its way into the Digital World, which Gatomon knew wasn't going to last very long, but tried to enjoy it when she could. Unlike there, the trees were more abundant and colorful, and she could smell on the wind the earth and leaves without urban scents throwing her off. The scarf she thought she'd never use much was on from morning to night (unless the work required it off), although she had left it loose so it was more of an accessory with the knot at her collarbone. While she didn't look the part, Wizardmon blended in well, a sight she didn't realize she had missed seeing.
"You're kind of throwing me off, Wiz," she ended up blurting out one day when she looked at him a little too long.
He turned away from the map in his hands. "Oh? How so?"
"I have to remind myself it's not yet Halloween."
"Is that something I should be familiar with?"
Gatomon had to think on it. "Eh... it's a thing in the human world where everyone dresses up and scare everyone. And there's candy involved sometimes—it's kind of catching on here in some places. Kari said she's planning on going to Shibuya for it this year."
The Data looked to be processing her statement. "Are you asking me to come along?"
She shrugged, shuffling through some fallen leaves. "Guess it depends. Figured since you'd fit right in..." Her stomach growled at her, which she tried to waive off with an inquiry, "Where are we, anyway?"
Wizardmon furrowed his brows back down at the map. "I think we're in... another sector."
"I can see that, but which one?"
"Whichever one has a creepy, abandoned amusement park that we passed some time ago."
Gatomon huffed, pausing to kick at a tree. "Don't these stupid trees grow any fruit around here?"
"I'm sorry our rations are getting low. I'm not familiar with this area to know where to find a market—or what they'll take."
When none of the trees dropped anything, the feline sulked even more. "This is stupid," she mumbled. "I was disciplined for years to tolerate hunger pangs, now all of a sudden, my body's on a schedule."
The mage shrugged half-heartedly, tucking the map away. "Well, that's what happens when you get into a routine," he sighed. "I think you can survive without lunch for a little while longer, though."
She exhaled sharply through her nose. "I suppose..." Her ear then pivoted as a pair of Digimon, a Kokatorimon and Ninjamon, turned on the pathway, drunkenly singing to themselves. She leered, her fur ruffling.
Knowing what was coming, Wizardmon blocked her with the staff and eased themselves off to the side for them to pass by. "Pardon me, sirs, is there a food joint or market nearby?"
The large bird hiccuped as he squinted over at them. "Wha...? Oh, we jus' came from one! O'er there, past them trees."
Gatomon scrunched her nose from the whiff of alcohol. "Bet it smells if they just got out," she hissed to herself.
The two misheard her. "I do not smell bad!" the Ninjamon shouted, fumbling to pull out a shuriken.
"Yeah, I bathe twice a day, thanks v'ry much!" Kokatorimon squawked, managing a glare despite being tipsy.
"She meant no offense," Wizardmon amended, though he was holding his staff up defensively. "She's not feeling well, so she's very susceptible to the senses. Be on your way, and thanks for the directions." Still keeping them in his sights, he pulled Gatomon along behind him.
Once the Digimon trudged off and resumed being merry, the miffed Champion yanked her arm out of his hold. "What's their problem?" she grouched.
"I could ask you the same thing," he reprimanded, shaking his head down at her. "It shouldn't be as bad when we get there."
"They didn't even give the name."
"Maybe they could have."
She sniffed and continued on her way, ignoring his look of disapproval.
As told, there came a small clearing occupied by a café, a quaint, but welcoming brick building that the two couldn't help staring at. The sign above the doorframe had a simple appearance, yet the name was in stylized English digicode language that they had to take a few moments to decipher.
"'Northern Starglow', eh?" Wizardmon tilted his head. "Is that even a real word?"
"Might as well have just written it in the English language itself," Gatomon muttered. "It'd probably take up less room."
"To be fair, you don't see English digicode often, so it helps them stand out."
"Whatever, let's just get in, and get out." She pushed the door in, whipping her head up at the ringing bell on the end.
"Welcome, welcome!" a voice happily (albeit a little tiredly) greeted them from the counter. "You must be new around here!"
Gatomon felt an odd shiver run up her spine from the way the Digimon, identified as a humanoid gauntlet-donned primate, laid his wide eyes on her, briefly frozen in the middle of shelving glasses. Wizardmon didn't seem to notice when he politely hung his hat on a hook and nodded. "We were just traveling by, and happened upon your café."
The simian let out a quiet laugh. "Is that so? Well, come sit over here and see if there's anything you like." He pushed over two menus before swiftly returning to his resorting.
Hopping up on a stool, the feline turned her attention to the dining area, taking in the few rows of tables, hanging lamps, slow-moving five-bladed fans, and condiments counter adjacent from where they were sitting. The swinging doors to the kitchen was by the end, and across the way from the entrance was a raised platform with a wall-sized portrait of a rainbow dotted with stars. On the farthest end of the room had to have been where the restrooms were, if not a janitor's closet.
"Seems a little... small, doesn't it?" she noted, mainly to Wizardmon.
He looked away from the menu for a quick scan. "It's quiet, but it has a hint of ambience."
"I told the owner traffic's slow around these parts, but he had to insist," the Digimon said, his tail swinging like a metronome.
"Are you the manager?"
"Yup. Makuramon, at your service." He tipped his cap.
Gatomon didn't like meeting his gaze to ask, "We're not the first ones here, right?"
Makuramon waved his hand almost dismissively. "We just don't get droves. It's been quiet, probably because the waitress isn't here today."
The pair glanced at each other. "It's just the one?" Wizardmon guessed.
"She's a hard worker, but she had to do something—the owner still insisted we stay open today, then he had to go do something, too—so I'm just keeping shop until any of them get back—you ready to order, yet?"
His speed-talking came to a grinding halt at the end, which threw the two off for a moment. "Is there anything you want, Gatomon?"
She hadn't bothered to look through the menu. "I'll have whatever you're having, with milk."
"Coffee milk?" Makuramon inquired, pen positioned at a notepad.
She stared for a moment. "Oh, right, it's a café. Bet there's like sandwiches and cakes and stuff like in the human world."
Neither of them noticed the manager's eyes lighting up as Wizardmon was quickly showing her the options before he placed the order. While Makuramon was fixing it up in the kitchen, Gatomon chose to stretch her legs and walk around to take in the place, mainly in the dining room for a close-up at its layout. It was there she noticed a peculiar, yet familiar-looking machine tucked away in the corner with a flat screen television on a stand, and two speakers installed into the top corners. She didn't get to inspect it longer when the order was ready, and didn't bother to bring it up during the small talk the manager decided to make with them.
Makuramon unnerved her, yet she didn't want to say anything about it knowing (or feeling) it would cause trouble. She was unfamiliar with what other Digimon like him usually did, if they all had wide-eyed, blank stares and was constantly moving parts of their body around. She didn't know how it was Wizardmon wasn't distracted by it, and was happily getting acquainted with the simian, even though she wasn't sure if they should regardless if they were the only ones there. She occasionally chimed in, but she ate quietly while staring at the bar and its contents.
Then like he had a sudden epiphany, her friend pulled out a piece of scrap paper and pencil from his vest and slid it over to her. "Oh, Gatomon, care to make a list of what we need to pick up at the next market?"
Wiping off her paws, she nodded. "Sure thing, Wiz."
Makuramon suddenly began snickering, though the only difference to his expression was a toothy grin. "That's the nickname you gave him?"
She raised a brow. "What's it to you?"
"Must be pretty confusing sometimes. Bet he just whizzes on by."
It took a moment for her catch on. "Funny," was her only comment before she started scribbling down the list.
"Well, he's not too far from the truth," Wizardmon added to the side.
Gatomon turned to him. "What, you're agreeing with him? That's not even close."
The manager continued to giggle. "I can just imagine you saying, 'Wiz, I gotta take a whiz.'"
A vein twitched slightly in her temple. Was this being done on purpose? "Actually, I prefer 'piss'. It's my word of the day."
"Easy, Gatomon," the sorcerer warned over the lip of his glass.
"Gee-whiz, she's getting offended over your nickname?" Gatomon was really not liking the string of laughs he was still spewing.
Wizardmon just quirked a brow over at her. "I rarely ever get the chance to even become offended, since she does it for me."
"I do not!" she snapped, swerving over.
In the depths of Makuramon's pupils, there was a mischievous gleam. "Well, Wiz, zing her a new one."
It was forced, it had to be, yet she bristled and leaned over the counter. "Alright, monkey boy, you're just asking for it," she growled, pulling her fist back.
Wizardmon quickly held her back. "Gatomon, what's your problem?"
"His face is the problem here!"
He scowled quizzically. "And? Gatomon, you've been acting up all day, and it's not because you were hungry."
Her arm shaking, she broke the gaze for a breather.
Makuramon let out a sigh as he shrugged. "You gato me there, miss. I should face the facts, then, that I am not a math wiz at all to solve—"
She let her fist fly.
Whatever time it was, Gatomon didn't feel like moving from her spot, the scarf splayed on her lap. Staring up at the treetops as they rustled in the breeze had calmed her down, still, she tried to steer her thoughts away to other things. Like what Kari may be up to, or Patamon and the other Digimon. She hadn't visited them in a while, it wouldn't be a bad idea to track them down and see how they were doing. Maybe Gomamon could cheer her up.
Then she realized he and Makuramon had something in common and she groaned to herself. "Dammit..."
A disappointed Wizardmon came into view, though she continued to look past him. "Are you feeling better, now?" he asked, berating.
She grunted under her breath again. "There's no point to it. I don't feel good doing it, but I don't feel better about it. I could've pummeled him to a pulp, and I don't think I'd feel 'better'."
"Because...?"
She sneered over at him. "I don't want to be guilt-tripped further, Wizardmon. It was stupid." Sitting up, she retied the scarf back on. "But I don't know what to do."
"You can go back and apologize."
Gatomon lolled her head to the side. "I could... but I don't want to see that creepy mug again."
He folded his arms. "Unfortunately for you, you'll have to. We had left without paying, we'll have to go do that."
"You left without paying. You're the one who handles that."
A frown on his lips, Wizardmon pulled out the wallet and dropped it in her lap. She did a double-take and scowled. "What was that for?"
"We're sharing the burden. You can handle the finances for a while." Pulling at his cloak, he walked off.
She scurried to her feet. "What the hell, Wizardmon? What're you doing?"
"I'm just going to mind my own business," he replied, waving a hand. "I can check back up on you in a week or so."
"But isn't this yours?"
"I'm not the one paying the price."
She was close to throwing the wallet on the ground once she caught on to what he said. "Damn iiiit!" she growled. "You and your stupid... rrgh! Fine, I'll apologize! But this doesn't prove anything!"
He caught the wallet when she chucked it at him, a sly smirk on his face. "That was quick. But I thought you can handle being on your own for a while?"
"I can, but like I said, this doesn't prove anything. Just..." Gatomon hissed through her teeth. "What the hell was that all about, anyway?"
Casting his eyes around their surroundings, Wizardmon gave a shrug. "Considering there's hardly anything edible around these parts, having some cash on hand wouldn't hurt."
She pouted. "Why's everyone making fun of my eating habits?"
Re-entering the café to no greeting, the pair remained by the entrance, though the feline did so out of hesitation as Makuramon absentmindedly swept the floor by the stools. Compared to earlier, he looked a little too stiff to be doing any cleaning, his arms the only part of his body moving. It was still unsettling, something she had to question herself over why it was the Data bothered her so much. They had only just met, and he seemed nice, if a little odd.
Before she knew it, her legs moved on their own, and she stepped to a few feet away from the simian, who passed her a glance. Feeling Wizardmon's gaze on her, Gatomon reluctantly looked the manager in the eye, and gave a bow. "I'm sorry for my rude behavior. I was in the wrong to lay my hands on you."
Wizardmon gave a solemn bow himself. "I apologize as well, as we left without paying."
Makuramon blinked. "Oh, so you did. Well, there's nothing money can fix at this point."
"Were you badly injured? Did something get damaged?"
"None of the sort." Seeing the bruised eye when he faced them made Gatomon inwardly flinch. "But since you returned to make a payment, I don't believe money should be the answer. Instead, I'll have you two work it off."
Relief came upon them. "I can agree to that. Gatomon?"
"I don't see why we can't pay, but... yeah, sounds reasonable."
"Excellent." Slipping the broom behind the counter, Makuramon pulled out a thin item from the same place. "Now then, Wizardmon, was it? I'm assigning you to the kitchen. Here's a hairnet, by the way."
He accepted it as he unclasped his mantle to hang it and his hat up. Gatomon looked over at the dining area. "I take it I'm cleaning tables?"
She hated the fanged smile Makuramon suddenly sent her way. "That's part of it. No, miss, you'll be waiting tables—you heard what I said. And I have just the uniform for you. This way."
Giving Wizardmon a concerned look, she followed him to the other end of the counter and disappeared around the corner. The Data Digimon scrunched his hair up and behind his ears before entering the kitchen, taking notice of how empty the place was, although he relaxed at its cleanliness. Tucking his gloves into his vest, he tied on an apron and washed his hands just as Makuramon walked in.
"As you can see, I was only in the mood for the simpler dishes today," he said, nodding at the cutting board that he immediately began cleaning off along with a knife.
"Is there anything you want me to get started on?"
"Well... how good are you at cooking?"
"Quite well, so I'm told."
"Oh, really?" Makuramon handed him a menu. "Is there anything on here you can do?"
A quick scan was all it took. "All this, and more."
"All I need to know."
There came the sound of shoes clacking on marble. Out of curiosity, Wizardmon followed Makuramon to see a flustered Gatomon walk out, dressed in a golden waitress outfit, her tail poking out beneath the star-shaped skirt. Her gloves were replaced by an off-white clawless pair, and she wore Mary Jane shoes completed with gold-and-silver-striped stockings. The half-star headpiece held her ears back, although her attitude had them flattened regardless.
"Stop staring," she grunted at Wizardmon, brows furrowed.
He wasn't sure how else to look at her, but he still gave a smile. "It looks nice," he complimented.
She just sniffed, wriggling about.
"It's a perfect fit!" Makuramon exclaimed, hands clasped together. The sudden emotion in his voice and appearance got the two to stare.
Tugging at the skirt, the feline questioned, "So, uh... star motifs. May I ask why the waitress outfit looks like this?"
"'CUZ I LIKE WAITRESSES, THAT'S WHY!"
Even after the echo faded, Wizardmon and Gatomon blankly gawked at his slack-jawed expression as it sank in.
"Now, I have a request for you," he then said like the last moment didn't happen.
A little weirded out, she retorted sarcastically, "You want me to speak formally, master?"
"Now, now, don't jump to conclusions. This isn't that kind of a café—the boss won't allow it. I just want to see if you can do it," he added when she gave him a suspicious glare. He then turned to Wizardmon. "May you let her borrow your staff for just a minute?"
A little puzzled, he handed it over. Gatomon tossed it in her paws, passing on the same glance.
"I want you to do this pose, see?" He started to pantomime. "Holding up the staff, you spin around two times, twirling it around just before you stop. Then you bend the right leg like this, and stretch it as you point the staff."
She gaped incredulously at him. "Like what you just did?"
"Yeah. But you also need to..." With a sly gleam in his eye, he leaned in and whispered in her ear, which flicked back once he was done.
"Why that? Is that protocol?"
"Go on! Does that staff actually shoot out stuff?" he then asked Wizardmon, concerned.
"I've never seen it activate with anyone else but I," he said, shaking his head.
"Okay, good!" With a clap of the hands, the manager spread an arm out. "Proceed, Miss Gatomon."
Tapping the wood and still shooting a leer, she deeply inhaled. "Fine. Just once."
She did as requested, raising the staff above her head and spinning around. Unbeknownst to her, a veil of sparkles had fallen over the sun when she did so.
"Pi piru piru piru pipiru piiiii!" And she pointed the wand directly at Makuramon as it flashed.
Blood spurted out of his nose at that moment.
"WHAT THE HELL, ARE YOU SERIOUS?!" Gatomon almost threw the staff at him when she stamped her foot, and Wizardmon just about dove for it.
Once he straightened back up, the manager dabbed at his face with a handkerchief and cleared his throat. "Alright, then, let's get started."
"DON'T CHANGE THE SUBJECT!" she still yelled, fur puffed up.
Hands raised as if to try calming her down, Makuramon then instructed, "We're going to need some clientele. So, Miss Gatomon, as today's waitress, it's your duty to bring them in."
"I'm not going to do whatever I just did," she hissed.
"There's no need to. You just stand out there and greet the first Digimon you see. 'Hello, gentlemen, we're having our famous home-brewed 'Starberry Shortcake Parfait' special today.'"
Gatomon didn't think the pun was as bad as his puns earlier, but she still cringed inwardly. "Is... that all you want me to say?"
"No, although saying it with a smile would help loads. Our clientele love it when you flash a cute, fanged smile."
She still was uneasy with how he worded it. She glanced over at Wizardmon expecting him to help or give some advice, but he had already disappeared into the kitchen. Looking back at the manager, she took in a long, deep breath, then nodded. "Okay... sir."
"I believe you mean, 'As you wish, sir'."
"As... you wish... ssssir." Gatomon felt like hacking up a hairball after that.
Whether he noticed or not, Makuramon then gave a smile, handed her a small stack of pamphlets and she was out the door to stand by the road. A breeze going by made her shudder because she felt it up the skirt, and she bit back a scream of frustration, her paws curling into fists.
What did I get myself into? her thoughts growled at her. This is more humiliating than when I was the messenger between Myotismon and Etemon—I never thought anyone could out-creep him. What is it with monkeys being the creepy weirdoes?
Her ear then flicked at the sound of laughter, and she locked up at the sight of a group of Gazimon coming over the hill. Far as she knew, they weren't the same ones she was thinking of, but they were all the same to her. Joy.
"Hey, is she back?" one of them then pointed her out, eyes obviously widening in interest.
"Did she get her fur bleached, or what?" another then inquired.
Why do Gazimon have to be so damn loud? "H-Hello, gentlemen!" she forced herself to greet them. "We're having our famous home-brewed 'St... Starberry Shortcake Parfait' special today." Then she topped it off with a grin.
To her chagrin, while she regurgitated what Makuramon had said, it was clear they didn't get to hear her by the time they crowded around her, dopey grins on their faces. "Whoa, how'd they manage to get her here?" one of them chortled.
"She's really pretty, though. Never thought I'd get close to one."
"Better not let her hear you say that, she's gonna be jealous!" They all cackled.
"D... Did you want to come inside?" she offered through her teeth, her brows twitching.
Since it was obvious they were humoring her, she led them in and gave them a table to take their order. The whole time, they didn't take their eyes off her, even talking amongst themselves about whether-or-not she "looked better"—whatever that meant. Makuramon was at the bar listening in and glanced up when she came over to pass on the order.
"Well I'll be, you sure pulled them in quick," he chuckled.
Gatomon ignored him for that moment to hand Wizardmon what she had jotted down. "Make it fast," she begged him, still in a hissed tone.
He was either confused or he pitied her, she couldn't tell which, but he nodded and got back to work. As she passed the manager who was getting out the glasses and drinks, she shot him a look. "Want me to go back out?" she asked.
"Just to give them their drinks, then the next time, you'll have to bring out their order." He then let out a sigh. "Too bad she's not here today. You could be taking turns, and I could be back there helping."
Gatomon unintentionally let out a snort. "I think Wizardmon will be just fine back there. He's had to feed more mouths than this in the past."
"Was he a chef?"
"Not really. He was just the only one who knew how to make a decent meal." She didn't want to go into more detail about her past, and left for the few minutes to give the Gazimon their drinks, feeling his eyes on her.
"Forgive me for asking," he quietly started off when she returned, "but do you know them?"
Her ear flicked. "I'm honestly not sure. It's... been a number of years."
Makuramon slowly nodded. "I see."
Feeling a little unnerved, she poked her head back into the kitchen to check, then out again. "Oh, where are the carts?"
The Gazimon shut their traps for a brief moment once Gatomon brought out their orders, and she had to voice questions as to who got what and passed around them. As expected, the Rookie Digimon had no manners to speak of, a sight she didn't want to see again the rest of their stay, but Makuramon had to pull her aside once more.
"You'll have to check up on them again here in several minutes, make sure they're satisfied and to give refills and take other orders if they need them."
"Anything else?"
For a second, there was a mischievous glint in his eye, but it vanished when he shrugged. "I'm not going to impose it on you."
As it was just the Gazimon, she didn't have much else to do, though a few times she wished she could go back outside as her sharp hearing would occasionally pick up their less-than-stellar conversations that she hadn't heard in years. She luckily hadn't heard them whispering about her since their arrival, which kept her level-headed as needed, as well as ensure her they weren't who she thought they were. Then again, she doubted Etemon's ex-minions were even still around, or remembered her if they were to somehow cross paths again. She didn't have many fond memories of going up to the Ultimate's trailer anyway, even though the Gazimon were tolerable.
The moment she was clearing their table to take back to the kitchen, one of the nearest Rookies turned to her. "Oh, meant to ask, but where's Bea at?"
Gatomon had no idea what he was talking about. "I don't know this 'Bea'," she answered, then moved to walk away.
"Are you new here, then?"
"Sorry, boys, I'm the 'one day only' special." She shot a smirk over her shoulder, which made them gawk in surprise.
Once she left the dining area, Makuramon suddenly burst out laughing, a sight that freaked her out until she realized what it was about. A concerned Wizardmon peeked out, but turned his attention to a now-red Gatomon. "What's going on?" he asked.
"I hate you both," was the only response he got before she swiped the bill to give to the Gazimon.
Once they left, she dropped her guard and reached up to pull off the headpiece just for the manager to stop her. "It's not time to close up, yet," he said with a smile. "You did just fine, but it's still the lunch hour. And besides," he added before she could speak up, "you got quite the wit there, Miss 'One Day Only'."
"Please don't call me that," she grunted, averting her gaze as she began cleaning the table. "That was stupid."
"But you made them feel lucky. I imagine that's going to catch attention of more clientele."
"Huh?"
The bell then tinkled, and a wave of Numemon swarmed in. "We were told there's this 'one day only' special?" one of them announced skeptically.
Makuramon grinned widely while Gatomon's face fell incredulously.
The sun was on the horizon before traffic dispersed to allow the café to close for cleaning. Wizardmon joined Gatomon once the kitchen was wiped down, unaware or not caring his hair was a little untidy. Her ears were pinned back more from exhaustion than irritation, though she let out the occasional groan when she cleaned underneath the tables.
"Ugh, those Numemon were everywhere," she muttered for what had to be the umpteenth time that day. "You'd think they'd have some manners by now."
Her friend lightly chuckled. "They sure did like you, that's for sure."
She shot him a warning glare. "It's just a fluke. Besides, Kari's been taking some fashion lessons or something from Mimi. It's probably clung to me somehow."
"I'd say it's more the uniform," he noted cheekily, which made her fluster.
The bell rang and Makuramon at first started saying, "Sorry, we're closed—", only to stand at attention once he saw who it was. "Oh! Welcome back, sir!"
"What was this about a 'one day only special' I heard going around?"
Gatomon paused in her cleaning to take in the towering wooden cyborg as the manager explained, "Funny you should ask, Arbormon. I took in some temporary workers this afternoon, a cook and a waitress, and they've been the main attraction."
She didn't like how she was described, but she bowed her head when the golden gaze rested on her. "Pleased to meet you, sir," she said, almost catching on her words.
The mage did so as well. "Makuramon has been kind to us in allowing us to work off a bill."
Arbormon looked between them, although more-so at Gatomon. "So they're not our new workers, then?"
The simian smiled nervously. "I wasn't sure if I wanted to bring it up. But the clientele were very pleased with her services, and their meals were all quick and well-prepared."
The cyborg turned to the manager. "They look like the kind of 'Mons who are eager to work."
Wizardmon looked the most surprised. "Sir?"
"The name's Arbormon, owner of this little establishment," he said, reaching out for a handshake that the Data accepted, then to Gatomon when she came up to him. "Forgive my manners, I'm just a little taken aback by all of this. Normally, I am in the building behind the scenes, but I had some errands to attend. Makuramon treated you two well?"
The feline twisted her lip, but nodded. "Yes, sir."
It was hard to tell what was going through his head with the lack of facial expressions. "How would you two like a full-time position here?"
"We didn't see anything that said you wanted help," Wizardmon said, intrigued.
Joints and gears creaking, Arbormon went for the window and let out a sigh. "Not again..." He moved the plant back to pull out a "help wanted" sign. "Well, do you want to tell her, Makuramon?"
"Eh... we can keep it a surprise for tomorrow morning." He grinned nervously with a shrug.
The pair stole quizzical glances from each other.
Arbormon faced them. "Apologies about this. If you two are up for it, I'll hire you. I figured I might as well ask first, even though Makuramon has good things to say about you, and he could've given you the offer."
Wizardmon curtly nodded and bowed, Gatomon following right after. "We'll be honored to work for you, sir."
He let out a guffaw, the middle opening like a mouth. "I was right about your eagerness! Too bad today's not going to be accounted for on your checks!" And he laughed again.
"Oh, boy, can we do the initiation?" Makuramon inquired happily, slipping to his side and bouncing on his feet.
"Now, now, we don't want to scare them off too soon," his boss played along.
"If you're going to make me do one of those stupid poses again, forget it," Gatomon grunted.
"Poses? What poses?" Makuramon chuckled, tugging at his collar.
Arbormon stared at him, zoning in on his black eye, then returned to the two. "Anyway, I'm afraid I didn't ask for your names. Not often I hire nameless faces on the spot."
"The name's Wizardmon."
"I'm Gatomon."
"Pleasure to meet you two." They shook hands once again. "I'll give you the schedule, and I'd like a résumé from the both of you. We come in before doors open to prepare everything, although I'm thinking we should go ahead and come in an hour earlier tomorrow."
"At six in the morning?" Makuramon stated in near-astonishment.
"It's either that, or five-thirty. Take your pick."
He relaxed with a long face. "Six is fine."
"And now you gotta tell her."
Makuramon tensed up again with anxiety. "What should I tell her?"
"The usual, Makuramon."
He was a little dejected for a brief moment before he bowed his head. "Yes, sir..."
"The same goes for you two—six o'clock."
They nodded in unison. "Understood."
Arbormon's next question came out of the blue. "Where do you two live, by the way?"
A brow raised in surprise, Wizardmon replied, "We're travelers. We were thinking on making a campsite about a half-kilometer away."
"Interesting." Rubbing what constituted as his chin, the cyborg hummed a little. "I can't completely guarantee a roof over your heads, but I do believe there's an empty room or two available. Makuramon, know anything about it?"
He perked up. "I think there's a room for rent from our last employee, yes."
Nodding, Arbormon proposed, "Would you like to take a look?"
Wizardmon smiled. "That'd be wonderful. Think we could settle the first payment tonight?"
Gatomon then had a second thought that wiped the grin off her face. "Wizardmon, do we even have anything to give up-front?"
"We'll go over the rent if you're both intrigued," Arbormon said.
"I'll close up shop for you, sir," Makuramon offered with a salute. "Go take care of business."
Clapping him on the shoulder, the cyborg pulled out some paper from behind the counter. "Alright, you two, follow me. If you need some time to fill out the forms, you can hand them in tomorrow morning."
"Ah, can I change out first?" Gatomon requested, tugging at the skirt.
Once she returned, the simian waved them off at the door, letting out a sigh when they were over the hill. Straightening a few things up and admiring the handiwork the pair had done, he walked to the back of the building for Arbormon's office. He scarcely cast a glance at the pile of letters on the desk when he pulled out the budget checklist to skim through, a gloomy shadow falling across his face.
"Hope you know what you're doing, Arbormon," he mumbled to himself, taking off his cap to scratch the top of his head. "Hnn... she's not going to be happy 'bout this..."