Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon or any of its characters. Please support the official release.
"Would you ever have a Digimon for a pet?"
"It's just..." Mie paused and shook her head, like having to answer Takato's questions made her sad. "The answer is no, Takato."
"But, Mom-"
"No, but nothing," Mie said quickly, trying to sound less sad. "We can't have pets here."
Guilmon kept quiet, even though he knew it was him they were talking about. Takato had said he would do all the talking, however, and Guilmon trusted his partner to find him a new place to live. Still, it seemed more and more like this was easier said than done, and while he was happy to be back from the Digital World, he worried that he was causing Takato the same problems he had when he first hatched from his digiegg.
Takato shrugged and gave half a smile. "Well, that's perfect, because Guilmon's not a pet."
"We know that, Son," Takehiro said calmly. "But other people might think a little differently."
"Please..." Takato begged, sounding a little scared. "Hypnos has been all over the shed since we told them about the portal. He doesn't have anywhere else to go."
Guilmon wished he could be small like Terriermon or really quiet like Renamon. That way, him staying would be less trouble. Neither seemed like they were going to happen, however, so Guilmon let himself wander out from behind the counter where Takato was talking to his parents and into the main bakery.
The smell of the bakery and all the different kind of breads it had made him feel a little better, though not completely. Looking around, Guilmon found himself drawn to the one customer inside, who was looking at a display for the bakery's newest invention.
"Guilmon Bread?" the lady read off the sign nearby.
"Do you want some?" Guilmon asked, not sure what else could be bothering her.
"Uh... ah!" The customer jumped when she turned around, seeming a little surprised to see him. After a moment, though, she stood up straight and looked back at the bread. "Maybe? I'm not entirely sure what it is."
"It's really good!" Guilmon explained, suddenly feeling excited. "Takato's mom and dad make the best bread in the whole world."
The customer placed a hand on her chin. "I guess I could try one."
"Just one?" Guilmon tilted his head, not being able to imagine eating only one.
"Well, I don't want to get too much." The customer turned back to Guilmon. "I don't know how fresh it'll stay til tomorrow."
"It will. If anything, it tastes even better the second day!"
"Alright," the customer replied before looking towards the register where Takato and his parents were watching them. "I'll take three." Not more than a couple minutes after that, she had given Mie her money and was out the door with her fresh Guilmon Bread.
Guilmon looked up at Mie, who just stared back without saying anything. Guilmon wasn't entirely sure if she was upset or not, as he still had trouble connecting some human expressions with emotions. Either way, she didn't seem happy.
"I'm really sorry," Guilmon said, letting his head droop down. "You guys seemed really busy and I didn't want that that lady to leave without getting her bread."
After another pause, Mie sighed and turned back to Takato. "Fine, he can stay, but you're sharing your bedroom." She didn't wait for anyone to answer her before heading towards the bakery's oven.
Takehiro glanced at Guilmon and then in Takato's direction. "Did you teach him that?"
Takato shook his head. "Nope, that's all him."
"Natural charisma, hm?" Takehiro paused and looked back at Guilmon. "Nice."
"Did I do something wrong?" Guilmon asked. He wasn't sure what charisma was, so he wasn't sure if it was a bad thing.
"Nothing at all." Takehiro reached out and scratched Guilmon behind the ear. "Don't worry about Mie. In fact, I think you're already growing on her."
Guilmon couldn't quite explain it, but he suddenly felt a lot better. He wasn't sure what he had done to change their minds, but it almost didn't matter. He was just happy to be home.