(no subject)
((This would take place on . . . let's say April 5th, to be safe. ^^; Just before Koushirou's first post.))
Bakumon wouldn't have *not* come to Koushirou's home with Mina. A foreign boy, a strange digimon . . . these were ripe things for trouble. He'd rather not have Mina go at all . . . but she'd been been so pleased about the offer from Tentomon, actually humming as she'd brushed out her hair and prepared to leave, that he knew his protests would be lost on her. There was nothing to do but to trail after her and make sure trouble didn't result from it.
As for Mina, if she wondered at his silence, she kept it to herself. Speaking of it would likely draw an interplay of argument and refute that she had neither the desire nor the energy for. Better that he was quiet and that she was in her dream world. Life was much happier that way -- or at least much less noisy.
He won't necessarily be there, you know, she reminded herself, pausing in front of a door as she had so many times previously in Japan. Don't be disappointed . . . You're seeing Tentomon, after all. She willed her fingers to still, tapping lightly at the wood.
Tentomon sighed, staring at the television. It was just not as enjoying anymore. He flipped through the channels, searching for the exciting programs of baby-making wrestling that Gabumon had mentioned seeing.
As he had expected, he found no such excitement, and settled on a cooking show. Tailmon seemed to enjoy them... before he could learn what exactly the humans were attempting to create however, there was a knock at the door. Excitedly, he flew fro the couch and opened it a crack. "Hello? He called, glancing into the hall. "Mina-han?" He questioned, looking the girl over excitedly. Is that you?"
Bug-thing. Peering suddenly from a crack, all excited. Bakumon prepared to bristle. He'd never liked bug things.
Mina, meanwhile, showed far less reserve about the situation. Tentomon was familiar to her. Granted that, the last time she'd met him, he'd looked somewhat different, but to say that she didn't know him would be as though saying she didn't know Bakumon from Meramon. Her reply to the cracked door was eager in reply. "Yes, it is me."
Tentomon opened the door fully, smiling. "Oh, do come in!" He turned to Bakumon. "Hello, I am Tentomon. I am glad you were able to come to mine and Koushirou-han's home." He flew out of the doorway, motioning with a leg for them to come in.
Hm. Right. Bug thing had been bigger back then . . . MegaKabusomethingmon. Bakumon eyed Tentomon, sliding in around Mina's legs, examining the room. Nothing weird yet . . . unless one counted the strains of a cooking program on TV. But was bug thing watching that, or was it someone else?
Mina, for her turn, bowed before entering, gently closing the door behind her. "I am glad to have been invited." Carefully she detangled her feet from her sandals. "I have brought teas and some other foods . . . I thought that we could perhaps lure him out with the smell -- unless he has already come on his own?" Her eyes darted up quickly at this last query.
"I am sorry, he has not. But I am sure your food will be an excellent incentive to get him to do so!" Tentomon hovered next to her, eying Bakumon hesitantly. He did not appear very friendly... but Mina had mentioned that a few weeks previous. How to engage him?
Bakumon was indeed not very friendly -- and proved as such as he finished examining the space around him, turning back to eye Tentomon. What was the bug thing looking at? Was it looking at *him*?
"I hope so . . ." Turning from her shoes, Mina caught sight of Bakumon and seemed to guess at his thoughts. "Bakumon, you're a guest in this home," she reminded him swiftly in Hindi.
So he was. That didn't mean he had to like it. Giving Mina a sideways glance, however, he added a short, "Thank you for having us." At least she had done her lecture in Hindi.
"Meanwhile . . ." Mina pulled a smile to her lips, head tilting. "There is of course still the option of taking off the door."
Tentomon's awkwardness at the usage of hindi faded at Mina's last remark. "I do not think Koushirou-han would be very pleased if we choose to proceed with that option. Would you like to come into the kitchen? We do not have much food, but can I offer you a drink? Unless you would like to prepare your tea..."
He suddenly wished he had watched a show on proper hosting, instead of the cooking one, Tentomon thought as he hovered in the direction of the kitchen, looking hopelessly toward Koushirou-han's firmly closed door.
That was the worry -- that another language would cause Tentomon to feel out of place. It was rude. "I am sorry . . . sometimes Bakumon understands me better in Hindi," she murmured. And shame on him for bringing her to use it. "If you will allow me, I will prepare the tea for you." She tugged her smile back. "I also have a question for you, to see what you think."
"I would very much like to try your tea," Tentomon said excitedly. "And I will do my best to answer any questions."
He flew to the kitchen and started to boil water. "Do you need anything else?" He hoped not. The kitchen was not a place he knew well...
"Ah, no, you are efficient . . ." Mina had trailed after him to the kitchen with a laugh. "I was about to ask where you keep the kettle." From her purse, she produced a small variety of tins, glancing back towards the other room. "How long . . . has he been like this? What does he do that keeps him so cloistered?"
Tentomon sighed, hovering near the stove. "About two weeks, sadly. I do not exactly know what he is doing, I just have been told not to disturb him." Tentomon looked around and then asked hesitantly, "would Bakumon like to join us? He is welcome to the television is he is interested."
. . . The room *was* rather empty of Bakumon, wasn't it? With a blink Mina noted his absence. "I think that he may be looking over the next room . . . Unless you would rather that he not, I will be sure to call him in when it is tea time. He does become a bit curious about the television; I think he misses it." But it was just as well that he wasn't here at the moment. Better to speak to Tentomon more privately, without the extra worry of what Bakumon might think of it. "I had . . . spoken to Mimi-san about it . . ." She hesitated. "I have considered poking at Koushirou-san's computer from the outside to try to awake him. If it is Koushirou-san, I am sure that I could not succeed in becoming too annoying, but it might awaken him from his fog a little." On the open air, the question sounded foolish to her own ears. "Do you think that he might become too angry . . . ?"
"I do not think it is that extreme," Tentomon said hurriedly. "I was hoping that the sound of unfamiliar voices would alert him. But I do not believe that is the case... It is fine for Bakumon to explore, I hope he enjoys himself. I am just sorry it is not very neat..." Belatedly, he glanced around the kitchen, wincing at the collection of dishes in the sink. "I should have cleaned up more.," he muttered, more to himself than Mina.
"If . . . he does not, I mean . . ." Had she offended him? "And, no, nothing terrible! Perhaps simply a message that pops up and flashes on the screen and is somewhat more difficult to be rid of . . ." Her fingers twisted, weaving complex patterns with one another, her voice trailing off. She dropped again to a murmur. "Please, do not worry about any mess at all . . ."
Tentomon looked up from the counter, surprised at the tone her voice had taken on. "Well, when you put it that way, I do not think it would do any harm." He smiled tentatively; had he somehow upset her? He was really not good at interacting with females... Japanese chosen notwithstanding - most of the time.
"And, thank you for saying that about the state of the house... Koushirou-han and I have both been neglectful of our chores."
"Really?" Her eyes darted up to meet his; her fingers slowly detangled from their knot -- though stayed close to one another as though just in case. A smile began, as tentative as his. "Thank you . . ." Her voice kept that hesitant tone a moment more. "I . . . am glad for once to have a way that I can help. I just . . . do not want him to become too angry . . ." Her fingers crept towards one another again, but she seemed to shake it off, tugging them apart, smile re-emerging again. "This place . . . it is what I think is called a bachelor pad. I do not think anyone expects perfection. Besides . . ." She dared a wink. "You should see my room."
His smile grew. "Koushirou-han does not anger easily; I should know. I used his credit card to get Christmas presents this last year - and it was not very cheep. And Mina-han, you are doing a lot to help, just by visiting." He hesitated, then continued: "it has been rather lonely with Koushirou-han so busy..."
She stared a moment, startled -- then laughed. "Tentomon! . . . This sounds like something Bakumon would do. At least, however, your intentions were good."
She sobered. "And . . . I could understand. It must be very lonely at times without him. Digimon and their partners tend to be so close, all of them."
"I intend to pay him back, do not worry!" He did not know what to say about her second comment, so he remained quiet, glancing to the water. "Oh, I think it is ready for the tea bags," he remarked, unfamiliar with how to create the drink.
Not to worry; Mina came prepared! Coming to the stove, she peeked in beside him. "I believe so. Do you have cups? And . . . milk . . . ah! I should have asked if you had the milk first; I have brought masala chai."
"Oh, yes." He flitted to the cupboard, getting out three glasses and then retrieving the milk. "I have never had such a tea before, I am anxious to try it!" He glanced toward the other room. "Shall I get Bakumon for you?"
She smiled. "Thank you . . . and I promise not to burn it. And -- yes, please, if you will?" It must be very convenient to fly, she noted in the back of her mind.
"Oh, I was not worried about you doing such a thing. But if you did, I would not blame you. Cooking seems very difficult," he commented as he flew back toward the living room.
As he did so, he sighed, reconsidering. Why had he offered to find the other Digimon? His disposition toward Tentomon was anything but friendly...
"Bakumon?" He called hopefully. "Mina-han has prepared some tea and we were wondering if you would like to join us."
He'd been polite enough not to use the couch without being asked. The TV, though, had been on, and therefore it was up for grabs. Instead of the cooking show, there was now a movie on -- some form of foreign film, subtitled into Japanese. American, by the look of it, and a drama, with the actors in Shakespearean-style clothing. At the sound of his name, Bakumon twisted to take in Tentomon, his look still and blank. Clearly the bug thing was interrupting. For a minute, he was silent, holding the stare.
"You watch cooking shows?"
"Ah, not usually," Tentomon replied, glancing at the movie briefly. "I do, however, enjoy infomercials. Do you... watch these types of movies often?"
"Infomercials." If Bakumon had eyebrows, they would shoot up; the word was said with the same tone that one might use when speaking of squashing a bug -- no offense to Tentomon. "You like them." A glance back to the movie, which he quickly turned off with a mutter of, "Mina likes them. Hollywood films." Because he would never like them himself. (The particular movie on screen had happened to be Shakespeare in Love.)
"Infomercials are very enjoyable, yes." He tried not to react to the obvious disgust in the other's voice, determined to be polite. These were guests in his home, after all and it was important to treat them with respect. "What do you like to watch on television?" he wondered, hovering to sit on the couch. He hoped Mina would not mind how long they were taking.
In the kitchen, Mina was busy bringing the concoction to a simmer -- and watching so intently to make sure that it didn't boil over that she hardly dared to blink.
"Why?" And a shrug. "We don't have television anymore. Not since Mina came here. Before that . . ." What sounded impressive? "Politics."
"Really! Were they very interesting? I have never taken an interest in them myself... perhaps I should?" He made a note to watch more of NHK.
. . . He asked. Of course he would ask. Bakumon tipped his snout upward towards the air. "They should spend less time talking and going nowhere -- like this conversation."
Without warning, the room beyond reach opened, producing a rather odd figure. While he had all the traits of Koushirou, it seemed he had neglected to shave and cut his hair for quite a while. He yawned as he exited, dressed in cargo pants and a wrinkled shirt. "...Variables 1 and 2 are the issue...and they seem to be affecting the others. I need to find the proper data output that will allow the cpu to process at full capacity..." he mumbled to himself, scratching his hair slightly as he wandered past Mina without acknowledging her at first.
He looked at Tentomon. "Oh, hey, Tentomon. I didn't know you were in..." He turned his head to look around the kitchen, catching Mina in the corner of his eye. "Woah! Mina-san! Hey. I didn't know we had company. What’s the occasion?"
Tentomon winced, but was determined to be polite. "I'm sure all pointless things have some good to them," he decided. Based on the other Digimon's behavior, he knew he was going to regret his next remark, but continued speaking regardless. "Mina-han appears rather... nervous. Is this usual behavior?"
. . . Koushirou? Even though it was technically his apartment, even though she had technically come to see if she could help get him out of his room, just having him *appear* was not exactly something that Mina was prepared for. The cups on the tray that she had just picked up clattered as though they suddenly had minds of their own, scattering droplets of hot liquid onto the girl's hands. Quickly she slid the tray back onto the counter to keep from dropping it, hand flying to her mouth to suck at the burn. Her eyes were enormous. "K-Koushirou-san . . . ?"
Well, at least she *thought* it was Koushirou-san. It was something vaguely resembling him, anyway.
"No," was Bakumon's short reply, and, attracted by the clattering cups, slid towards the kitchen, eyeing the human who had caused the disturbance.
Tentomon followed quickly, smiling in surprise. "Koushirou-han!" He then looked at Mina, and flitted over anxiously. "Mina-han, are you all right?"
Koushirou blinked. "Are you okay, Mina-san?! You didn't burn yourself too bad did you?" The computer technician approached her, looking her hand over with a concern look on his face. When he was satisfied that she didn't look too hurt, Koushirou turned his head and grinned at Tentomon. "Hey. Long time." He scratched his thick stubble. "Give me a moment. I didn't know we had guests so I didn't bother making myself presentable."
"No!" Very quickly, that assertion, as she took a step back. "No, no, it's not bad at all . . . just a little tea . . ." This would normally be the place where her fingers started to flutter through the air, but fortunately they were occupied." Ah . . ." Wincing to herself as he turned back towards Tentomon, she moved quietly to the sink, running cold water over her hands. "I am sorry . . . I should perhaps have announced myself . . . it's just that . . . no one could contact you . . ." Her voice was gradually trailing off, turning softer by the moment.
Bakumon eyed the hairy human, then Mina, and seemed to come to a decision. Moving around Koushirou, he planted himself firmly between his Chosen and that one.
"I agreed to such a thing, Koushirou-han. Do not be angry with Mina-han and Bakumon," Tentomon said quickly.
"Huh? I'm not angry! I'm just a little embarrassed. Sorry!" Koushirou smiled awkwardly at Mina and then Bakumon. "Just give me a moment. I'll be right back." The boy turns around and headed back into his room, leaving the door open as a sign of good faith.
Blink. Blink, blink. Mina peered after him, attempting to settle her thoughts. In the back of her mind formulated a strange, faint wish for her mother . . . Her mother could have smoothed this out, made it more graceful. Mina herself felt like one big, awkward foot. How foolish. Her fingers wove a complex pattern as she attempted to decide what to do next. . . . Another cup of tea seemed to be in order. That, at least, she could do, and perhaps the movement would help to focus thoughts that were suddenly moving far too fast.
Releasing a slow breath, giving a last glance towards the door where Koushirou had disappeared, she moved for another cup. ". . . Tentomon, would you like sugar?"
"Yes please," the Bug replied, hovering to a kitchen chair. "I am sorry, Mina-han," he said quietly. I did not expect..." he trailed off, glancing toward his partner's room.
Koushirou exited the room after a few moments after a shave and a clean shirt. "I'm sorry about that Mina-san. I really didn't expect anyone to be here right now..." He looked off to the side awkwardly, trying to figure out what to do. "So you brought tea?"
She laughed softly to Tentomon, her face screened by her hair. "I am glad he is all right. There is no need for the battering ram now, ne?" Seeming to have regained more composure by the time that Koushirou returned, her eyes flicked upward towards him with a smile, and she nudged a teacup forwards on the table. "Masala chai. Be careful; I am told that it is rather strong for those who are not accustomed." The smile increased, looking him over. "You do not look so much like a lion now."
"You look very nice," Tentomon agreed, sipping at his tea. "This liquid is very enjoyable," he decided. "Thank you very much, Mina-han."
Koushirou looked down at the cup of tea on the table after he sat down. "Really? Well this should be an experience." He blushed at the lion comment. "Well yeah, I'm sorry. I've just been so wrapped up in my work and I guess I just needed time to reflect on things." He reaches down for the tea, taking a sip. "Oh wow...that is strong."
Well, she did warn him. "What is it that is taking so much time?" Her head tilted a bit. "Everyone seems to be very concerned . . . and Sora-san asked me to greet you, before I forget." Something about variables . . .
Bakumon, meanwhile, slurped noisily at his tea -- and kept an eye on Tentomon, hoping the bug thing would leave his cup sitting unawares.
As their partners talked, Tentomon sipped t his tea quietly, looking toward Bakumon. Do you have this drink often?" He inquired, hoping to start up a conversation once again.
The computer genius took another sip, eyes widening at the strength of the beverage. "Hmm. So this is Chai tea." He repeated, taking a moment to gather all of the data and catalog in his mind. "As for what I've been doing..." Koushirou trailed off for a moment. "Well I've been trying to get this OS I coded to work right. It's almost done though, Mina-san. And it has given me a lot of time to think."
"So it would seem . . ." Her smile was faint. "I think I understand. Sometimes I would not stop work if it were not for Bakumon poking me. It is so easy to become lost . . . I think because it is too easy to lose one's train of thought in all of the loops of code." What to say? Surely she must have something better than this . . . "You are making your own?"
Unfortunately, it looked like Tentomon wouldn't be turning his back anytime soon. "At home." Sluuuuuurp. "Nothing's as good here."
Well, Tentomon reflected. At least Koushirou-han is talking... and appears to be enjoying himself. "I understand," Tentomon said shortly to Bakumon. He remained quiet, hoping the other Digimon would continue the conversation.
Koushirou nodded slowly. "I was installing the update and it wouldn't run the functions I wanted seamlessly. So I just started tweaking and after awhile it just started to take shape in my own code. I just used things I have already preprogrammed before. So you were worried about me, Mina-san?" He smiled at Mina, looking toward Bakumon. "I haven't seen you in awhile either, Bakumon."
"I . . ." Sudden deadly conversation switch! Surely somewhere this must be an anime attack of epic proportions. It seemed to work well on Mina . . . fortunately this time the teacup was on the table. "Of course I was worried . . ." Careful. This must be done carefully. "Koushirou-san has been so quiet ever since I came . . ." She nipped her lower lip.
Sluuuuuurp. Bakumon eyed up to Koushirou. "I hope you come to India someday, just so Mina can ignore you."
Tentomon blanched, glancing to his partner to gage his reaction. "Koushirou-han did not mean to have ignored Mina-han," he said quickly, in the most polite tone of voice he could manage.
Koushirou frowned at the Digimon's comment. "I'm sorry I've angered you but I just needed some time to myself." He tried his best to resume his good mood and not retreat back into the room. "Anyway I'm sorry I haven't spoken with you much, Mina-san."
Mina herself had gone very pale and still. Her lips worked silently, as though groping for a lost word.
Bakumon, however, did not want to let it go so easily. "Selfish. How would *you* like to be far away from home? You have people here. You could come out of hiding anytime you wanted. You have escape when you don't want to be alone."
Koushirou sighed and looks at the table. "I...I..." He considered it a second time, looking for what he was leaving his room for. What was it again? He needed some part from the store?
Tentomon shifted in his seat, feeling trapped. This was now how things were supposed to go... "Cookies!" He blurted suddenly. "I believe we have some cookies. Would anybody like one?" Without waiting for an answer, he flew from his seat and began looking through the cupboards almost franticly.
Mina's eyes had fallen to her lap. Her fingers had curled inward to her palms, tense against her thighs. Very slightly, her hands shook. "Bakumon." Her voice was quiet, but threaded through the quiet like the edge of a blade. "Leave."
Bakumon's own eyes startled up to her. This was something she'd never asked of him.
"*Leave,*" she said again, still not looking at him. "You can wait for me outside."
He was so startled that somehow he never thought to disobey -- or even to argue. His cup was left where it was . . . and he went silently. After a moment, one could hear the door open and close.
Mina drew a quiet, measured breath. Her hands were still shaking, but she forced them to still, bundling them together into a tight knot. "Bakumon seems to feel the need to protect me," she said after a moment, "even when there is nothing to protect me from. I . . . am not your responsibility, Koushirou-san. I certainly hold you responsible for nothing. He has no business saying such things -- especially in this home, where we are guests. I am deeply sorry for his outburst. Tentomon, you also, I apologize."
Koushirou stared at the table. "You didn't need to do that...I needed to run an errand anyway...Don't let me cut into your fun. I mean I showed up unannounced. I'm sorry for even being here I guess, Mina-san." He stood up and bowed slightly. "Please call him back. I deserve it..."
"You are not ruining anything, Koushirou-han!" Tentomon called from his position at the cupboards. "This is just... miscommunications," he decided. "And it is quite all right, Mina-han," he added, looking at her hesitantly. "This is just... a lot of miscommunication," he ventured hopefully, at last finding the box of cookies.
"*No.*" Mina's eyes darted up to him abruptly, filled with sudden focus -- her hand shooting out as though to catch him . . . though she held back. "I came in part to see you. I came to see you both. *I* am the guest. I am the intruder. If anyone should leave, it should be me." Face and voice softened, and pink crept into her cheeks; she'd spoken far more forcefully than normal, and the fact of it seeped into her brain. Softly, "Please stay?" Tentomon's cookies would probably be very welcome in a few moments.
Koushirou looked at her and sighed, meeting eyes with her briefly. "Please don't be embarrassed....Fine. I'll stay." He found his original seat and sat down. "But...He's right. I did run."
Tentomon returned to the table quietly, not wanting to disturb what was hopefully an understanding between the two. He sat down the cookies wordlessly.
"You ran . . . ?" she echoed. Her voice was still soft. A faint smile towards Tentomon as she reached for the cookie box -- mainly to have something to do with her hands than from any true hunger. He was sweet.
Koushirou nods a little. "Yeah. I just needed time to collect my thoughts. I didn't want to confuse myself further so I found a project and I stuck to it for awhile." He looks toward the cookies, nodding to Tentomon. At least someone could be the good guy here.
Tentomon took a cookie for himself. "Thank you again for this tea," he said to Mina. The silence was becoming too awkward for his liking...
She played with the cookie, turning it over in her hands. "Everyone does, at times, need time for themselves. I think that if we did not, we would not be sane. I do not think that anyone could blame you for that. People were simply concerned that you were well." Her smile, still small, lifted towards him. "People do tend to worry when they do not hear from you." The smile shifted back towards Tentomon. "You are very welcome. I am just sorry that this is not likely what you expected from a quiet afternoon."
"I guess so. I knew however if I didn't just separate myself, I'd never get the chance. Thank you for understanding, Mina-san. Tentomon, sorry I wasn't around." Koushirou looked at the table for a moment before finally grabbing a cookie. "I didn't know we had these!"
Tentomon smiled to Mina. "Well, we achieved our goal, at least." He then turned to his partner. "I'm glad we did," he murmured.
"Just be careful," she noted, eyes dancing. "Next time your friends may begin to hire special forces. Suddenly you may find government agents diving through your window." A sudden, quick glance at her watch. "I . . . should not impose on you any more, but . . ." Tentatively, hesitantly, ". . . May I come again?"
"Please do," Tentomon broke in. It has been most enjoyable having you here, Mina-han." He paused, forcing himself to sound sincere. "And bring Bakumon, as well."
The boy looked up from his cookie. "Of course! Please come again. You're always welcome here, Mina-san." Koushirou smiled, leaving out Bakumon for now as he didn't want to touch that subject for a moment. "I'm not going to disappear again so just come over when you want to visit. Please."
Her face shadowed a little at mention of Bakumon. "You are very kind to offer." On impulse she rose, swooping down on Tentomon for a hug, squeezing him tightly. "Ne . . . thank you," she murmured for his ears alone. "This has meant a great deal to me."
Don't worry, Koushirou; you're not next! Instead, a smile, warm, flooding her face with light. "Thank you." Teasing again, "I hope not! Or I must send out the special forces too."
((An entry with Mina following this is forthcoming. :) ))
Bakumon wouldn't have *not* come to Koushirou's home with Mina. A foreign boy, a strange digimon . . . these were ripe things for trouble. He'd rather not have Mina go at all . . . but she'd been been so pleased about the offer from Tentomon, actually humming as she'd brushed out her hair and prepared to leave, that he knew his protests would be lost on her. There was nothing to do but to trail after her and make sure trouble didn't result from it.
As for Mina, if she wondered at his silence, she kept it to herself. Speaking of it would likely draw an interplay of argument and refute that she had neither the desire nor the energy for. Better that he was quiet and that she was in her dream world. Life was much happier that way -- or at least much less noisy.
He won't necessarily be there, you know, she reminded herself, pausing in front of a door as she had so many times previously in Japan. Don't be disappointed . . . You're seeing Tentomon, after all. She willed her fingers to still, tapping lightly at the wood.
Tentomon sighed, staring at the television. It was just not as enjoying anymore. He flipped through the channels, searching for the exciting programs of baby-making wrestling that Gabumon had mentioned seeing.
As he had expected, he found no such excitement, and settled on a cooking show. Tailmon seemed to enjoy them... before he could learn what exactly the humans were attempting to create however, there was a knock at the door. Excitedly, he flew fro the couch and opened it a crack. "Hello? He called, glancing into the hall. "Mina-han?" He questioned, looking the girl over excitedly. Is that you?"
Bug-thing. Peering suddenly from a crack, all excited. Bakumon prepared to bristle. He'd never liked bug things.
Mina, meanwhile, showed far less reserve about the situation. Tentomon was familiar to her. Granted that, the last time she'd met him, he'd looked somewhat different, but to say that she didn't know him would be as though saying she didn't know Bakumon from Meramon. Her reply to the cracked door was eager in reply. "Yes, it is me."
Tentomon opened the door fully, smiling. "Oh, do come in!" He turned to Bakumon. "Hello, I am Tentomon. I am glad you were able to come to mine and Koushirou-han's home." He flew out of the doorway, motioning with a leg for them to come in.
Hm. Right. Bug thing had been bigger back then . . . MegaKabusomethingmon. Bakumon eyed Tentomon, sliding in around Mina's legs, examining the room. Nothing weird yet . . . unless one counted the strains of a cooking program on TV. But was bug thing watching that, or was it someone else?
Mina, for her turn, bowed before entering, gently closing the door behind her. "I am glad to have been invited." Carefully she detangled her feet from her sandals. "I have brought teas and some other foods . . . I thought that we could perhaps lure him out with the smell -- unless he has already come on his own?" Her eyes darted up quickly at this last query.
"I am sorry, he has not. But I am sure your food will be an excellent incentive to get him to do so!" Tentomon hovered next to her, eying Bakumon hesitantly. He did not appear very friendly... but Mina had mentioned that a few weeks previous. How to engage him?
Bakumon was indeed not very friendly -- and proved as such as he finished examining the space around him, turning back to eye Tentomon. What was the bug thing looking at? Was it looking at *him*?
"I hope so . . ." Turning from her shoes, Mina caught sight of Bakumon and seemed to guess at his thoughts. "Bakumon, you're a guest in this home," she reminded him swiftly in Hindi.
So he was. That didn't mean he had to like it. Giving Mina a sideways glance, however, he added a short, "Thank you for having us." At least she had done her lecture in Hindi.
"Meanwhile . . ." Mina pulled a smile to her lips, head tilting. "There is of course still the option of taking off the door."
Tentomon's awkwardness at the usage of hindi faded at Mina's last remark. "I do not think Koushirou-han would be very pleased if we choose to proceed with that option. Would you like to come into the kitchen? We do not have much food, but can I offer you a drink? Unless you would like to prepare your tea..."
He suddenly wished he had watched a show on proper hosting, instead of the cooking one, Tentomon thought as he hovered in the direction of the kitchen, looking hopelessly toward Koushirou-han's firmly closed door.
That was the worry -- that another language would cause Tentomon to feel out of place. It was rude. "I am sorry . . . sometimes Bakumon understands me better in Hindi," she murmured. And shame on him for bringing her to use it. "If you will allow me, I will prepare the tea for you." She tugged her smile back. "I also have a question for you, to see what you think."
"I would very much like to try your tea," Tentomon said excitedly. "And I will do my best to answer any questions."
He flew to the kitchen and started to boil water. "Do you need anything else?" He hoped not. The kitchen was not a place he knew well...
"Ah, no, you are efficient . . ." Mina had trailed after him to the kitchen with a laugh. "I was about to ask where you keep the kettle." From her purse, she produced a small variety of tins, glancing back towards the other room. "How long . . . has he been like this? What does he do that keeps him so cloistered?"
Tentomon sighed, hovering near the stove. "About two weeks, sadly. I do not exactly know what he is doing, I just have been told not to disturb him." Tentomon looked around and then asked hesitantly, "would Bakumon like to join us? He is welcome to the television is he is interested."
. . . The room *was* rather empty of Bakumon, wasn't it? With a blink Mina noted his absence. "I think that he may be looking over the next room . . . Unless you would rather that he not, I will be sure to call him in when it is tea time. He does become a bit curious about the television; I think he misses it." But it was just as well that he wasn't here at the moment. Better to speak to Tentomon more privately, without the extra worry of what Bakumon might think of it. "I had . . . spoken to Mimi-san about it . . ." She hesitated. "I have considered poking at Koushirou-san's computer from the outside to try to awake him. If it is Koushirou-san, I am sure that I could not succeed in becoming too annoying, but it might awaken him from his fog a little." On the open air, the question sounded foolish to her own ears. "Do you think that he might become too angry . . . ?"
"I do not think it is that extreme," Tentomon said hurriedly. "I was hoping that the sound of unfamiliar voices would alert him. But I do not believe that is the case... It is fine for Bakumon to explore, I hope he enjoys himself. I am just sorry it is not very neat..." Belatedly, he glanced around the kitchen, wincing at the collection of dishes in the sink. "I should have cleaned up more.," he muttered, more to himself than Mina.
"If . . . he does not, I mean . . ." Had she offended him? "And, no, nothing terrible! Perhaps simply a message that pops up and flashes on the screen and is somewhat more difficult to be rid of . . ." Her fingers twisted, weaving complex patterns with one another, her voice trailing off. She dropped again to a murmur. "Please, do not worry about any mess at all . . ."
Tentomon looked up from the counter, surprised at the tone her voice had taken on. "Well, when you put it that way, I do not think it would do any harm." He smiled tentatively; had he somehow upset her? He was really not good at interacting with females... Japanese chosen notwithstanding - most of the time.
"And, thank you for saying that about the state of the house... Koushirou-han and I have both been neglectful of our chores."
"Really?" Her eyes darted up to meet his; her fingers slowly detangled from their knot -- though stayed close to one another as though just in case. A smile began, as tentative as his. "Thank you . . ." Her voice kept that hesitant tone a moment more. "I . . . am glad for once to have a way that I can help. I just . . . do not want him to become too angry . . ." Her fingers crept towards one another again, but she seemed to shake it off, tugging them apart, smile re-emerging again. "This place . . . it is what I think is called a bachelor pad. I do not think anyone expects perfection. Besides . . ." She dared a wink. "You should see my room."
His smile grew. "Koushirou-han does not anger easily; I should know. I used his credit card to get Christmas presents this last year - and it was not very cheep. And Mina-han, you are doing a lot to help, just by visiting." He hesitated, then continued: "it has been rather lonely with Koushirou-han so busy..."
She stared a moment, startled -- then laughed. "Tentomon! . . . This sounds like something Bakumon would do. At least, however, your intentions were good."
She sobered. "And . . . I could understand. It must be very lonely at times without him. Digimon and their partners tend to be so close, all of them."
"I intend to pay him back, do not worry!" He did not know what to say about her second comment, so he remained quiet, glancing to the water. "Oh, I think it is ready for the tea bags," he remarked, unfamiliar with how to create the drink.
Not to worry; Mina came prepared! Coming to the stove, she peeked in beside him. "I believe so. Do you have cups? And . . . milk . . . ah! I should have asked if you had the milk first; I have brought masala chai."
"Oh, yes." He flitted to the cupboard, getting out three glasses and then retrieving the milk. "I have never had such a tea before, I am anxious to try it!" He glanced toward the other room. "Shall I get Bakumon for you?"
She smiled. "Thank you . . . and I promise not to burn it. And -- yes, please, if you will?" It must be very convenient to fly, she noted in the back of her mind.
"Oh, I was not worried about you doing such a thing. But if you did, I would not blame you. Cooking seems very difficult," he commented as he flew back toward the living room.
As he did so, he sighed, reconsidering. Why had he offered to find the other Digimon? His disposition toward Tentomon was anything but friendly...
"Bakumon?" He called hopefully. "Mina-han has prepared some tea and we were wondering if you would like to join us."
He'd been polite enough not to use the couch without being asked. The TV, though, had been on, and therefore it was up for grabs. Instead of the cooking show, there was now a movie on -- some form of foreign film, subtitled into Japanese. American, by the look of it, and a drama, with the actors in Shakespearean-style clothing. At the sound of his name, Bakumon twisted to take in Tentomon, his look still and blank. Clearly the bug thing was interrupting. For a minute, he was silent, holding the stare.
"You watch cooking shows?"
"Ah, not usually," Tentomon replied, glancing at the movie briefly. "I do, however, enjoy infomercials. Do you... watch these types of movies often?"
"Infomercials." If Bakumon had eyebrows, they would shoot up; the word was said with the same tone that one might use when speaking of squashing a bug -- no offense to Tentomon. "You like them." A glance back to the movie, which he quickly turned off with a mutter of, "Mina likes them. Hollywood films." Because he would never like them himself. (The particular movie on screen had happened to be Shakespeare in Love.)
"Infomercials are very enjoyable, yes." He tried not to react to the obvious disgust in the other's voice, determined to be polite. These were guests in his home, after all and it was important to treat them with respect. "What do you like to watch on television?" he wondered, hovering to sit on the couch. He hoped Mina would not mind how long they were taking.
In the kitchen, Mina was busy bringing the concoction to a simmer -- and watching so intently to make sure that it didn't boil over that she hardly dared to blink.
"Why?" And a shrug. "We don't have television anymore. Not since Mina came here. Before that . . ." What sounded impressive? "Politics."
"Really! Were they very interesting? I have never taken an interest in them myself... perhaps I should?" He made a note to watch more of NHK.
. . . He asked. Of course he would ask. Bakumon tipped his snout upward towards the air. "They should spend less time talking and going nowhere -- like this conversation."
Without warning, the room beyond reach opened, producing a rather odd figure. While he had all the traits of Koushirou, it seemed he had neglected to shave and cut his hair for quite a while. He yawned as he exited, dressed in cargo pants and a wrinkled shirt. "...Variables 1 and 2 are the issue...and they seem to be affecting the others. I need to find the proper data output that will allow the cpu to process at full capacity..." he mumbled to himself, scratching his hair slightly as he wandered past Mina without acknowledging her at first.
He looked at Tentomon. "Oh, hey, Tentomon. I didn't know you were in..." He turned his head to look around the kitchen, catching Mina in the corner of his eye. "Woah! Mina-san! Hey. I didn't know we had company. What’s the occasion?"
Tentomon winced, but was determined to be polite. "I'm sure all pointless things have some good to them," he decided. Based on the other Digimon's behavior, he knew he was going to regret his next remark, but continued speaking regardless. "Mina-han appears rather... nervous. Is this usual behavior?"
. . . Koushirou? Even though it was technically his apartment, even though she had technically come to see if she could help get him out of his room, just having him *appear* was not exactly something that Mina was prepared for. The cups on the tray that she had just picked up clattered as though they suddenly had minds of their own, scattering droplets of hot liquid onto the girl's hands. Quickly she slid the tray back onto the counter to keep from dropping it, hand flying to her mouth to suck at the burn. Her eyes were enormous. "K-Koushirou-san . . . ?"
Well, at least she *thought* it was Koushirou-san. It was something vaguely resembling him, anyway.
"No," was Bakumon's short reply, and, attracted by the clattering cups, slid towards the kitchen, eyeing the human who had caused the disturbance.
Tentomon followed quickly, smiling in surprise. "Koushirou-han!" He then looked at Mina, and flitted over anxiously. "Mina-han, are you all right?"
Koushirou blinked. "Are you okay, Mina-san?! You didn't burn yourself too bad did you?" The computer technician approached her, looking her hand over with a concern look on his face. When he was satisfied that she didn't look too hurt, Koushirou turned his head and grinned at Tentomon. "Hey. Long time." He scratched his thick stubble. "Give me a moment. I didn't know we had guests so I didn't bother making myself presentable."
"No!" Very quickly, that assertion, as she took a step back. "No, no, it's not bad at all . . . just a little tea . . ." This would normally be the place where her fingers started to flutter through the air, but fortunately they were occupied." Ah . . ." Wincing to herself as he turned back towards Tentomon, she moved quietly to the sink, running cold water over her hands. "I am sorry . . . I should perhaps have announced myself . . . it's just that . . . no one could contact you . . ." Her voice was gradually trailing off, turning softer by the moment.
Bakumon eyed the hairy human, then Mina, and seemed to come to a decision. Moving around Koushirou, he planted himself firmly between his Chosen and that one.
"I agreed to such a thing, Koushirou-han. Do not be angry with Mina-han and Bakumon," Tentomon said quickly.
"Huh? I'm not angry! I'm just a little embarrassed. Sorry!" Koushirou smiled awkwardly at Mina and then Bakumon. "Just give me a moment. I'll be right back." The boy turns around and headed back into his room, leaving the door open as a sign of good faith.
Blink. Blink, blink. Mina peered after him, attempting to settle her thoughts. In the back of her mind formulated a strange, faint wish for her mother . . . Her mother could have smoothed this out, made it more graceful. Mina herself felt like one big, awkward foot. How foolish. Her fingers wove a complex pattern as she attempted to decide what to do next. . . . Another cup of tea seemed to be in order. That, at least, she could do, and perhaps the movement would help to focus thoughts that were suddenly moving far too fast.
Releasing a slow breath, giving a last glance towards the door where Koushirou had disappeared, she moved for another cup. ". . . Tentomon, would you like sugar?"
"Yes please," the Bug replied, hovering to a kitchen chair. "I am sorry, Mina-han," he said quietly. I did not expect..." he trailed off, glancing toward his partner's room.
Koushirou exited the room after a few moments after a shave and a clean shirt. "I'm sorry about that Mina-san. I really didn't expect anyone to be here right now..." He looked off to the side awkwardly, trying to figure out what to do. "So you brought tea?"
She laughed softly to Tentomon, her face screened by her hair. "I am glad he is all right. There is no need for the battering ram now, ne?" Seeming to have regained more composure by the time that Koushirou returned, her eyes flicked upward towards him with a smile, and she nudged a teacup forwards on the table. "Masala chai. Be careful; I am told that it is rather strong for those who are not accustomed." The smile increased, looking him over. "You do not look so much like a lion now."
"You look very nice," Tentomon agreed, sipping at his tea. "This liquid is very enjoyable," he decided. "Thank you very much, Mina-han."
Koushirou looked down at the cup of tea on the table after he sat down. "Really? Well this should be an experience." He blushed at the lion comment. "Well yeah, I'm sorry. I've just been so wrapped up in my work and I guess I just needed time to reflect on things." He reaches down for the tea, taking a sip. "Oh wow...that is strong."
Well, she did warn him. "What is it that is taking so much time?" Her head tilted a bit. "Everyone seems to be very concerned . . . and Sora-san asked me to greet you, before I forget." Something about variables . . .
Bakumon, meanwhile, slurped noisily at his tea -- and kept an eye on Tentomon, hoping the bug thing would leave his cup sitting unawares.
As their partners talked, Tentomon sipped t his tea quietly, looking toward Bakumon. Do you have this drink often?" He inquired, hoping to start up a conversation once again.
The computer genius took another sip, eyes widening at the strength of the beverage. "Hmm. So this is Chai tea." He repeated, taking a moment to gather all of the data and catalog in his mind. "As for what I've been doing..." Koushirou trailed off for a moment. "Well I've been trying to get this OS I coded to work right. It's almost done though, Mina-san. And it has given me a lot of time to think."
"So it would seem . . ." Her smile was faint. "I think I understand. Sometimes I would not stop work if it were not for Bakumon poking me. It is so easy to become lost . . . I think because it is too easy to lose one's train of thought in all of the loops of code." What to say? Surely she must have something better than this . . . "You are making your own?"
Unfortunately, it looked like Tentomon wouldn't be turning his back anytime soon. "At home." Sluuuuuurp. "Nothing's as good here."
Well, Tentomon reflected. At least Koushirou-han is talking... and appears to be enjoying himself. "I understand," Tentomon said shortly to Bakumon. He remained quiet, hoping the other Digimon would continue the conversation.
Koushirou nodded slowly. "I was installing the update and it wouldn't run the functions I wanted seamlessly. So I just started tweaking and after awhile it just started to take shape in my own code. I just used things I have already preprogrammed before. So you were worried about me, Mina-san?" He smiled at Mina, looking toward Bakumon. "I haven't seen you in awhile either, Bakumon."
"I . . ." Sudden deadly conversation switch! Surely somewhere this must be an anime attack of epic proportions. It seemed to work well on Mina . . . fortunately this time the teacup was on the table. "Of course I was worried . . ." Careful. This must be done carefully. "Koushirou-san has been so quiet ever since I came . . ." She nipped her lower lip.
Sluuuuuurp. Bakumon eyed up to Koushirou. "I hope you come to India someday, just so Mina can ignore you."
Tentomon blanched, glancing to his partner to gage his reaction. "Koushirou-han did not mean to have ignored Mina-han," he said quickly, in the most polite tone of voice he could manage.
Koushirou frowned at the Digimon's comment. "I'm sorry I've angered you but I just needed some time to myself." He tried his best to resume his good mood and not retreat back into the room. "Anyway I'm sorry I haven't spoken with you much, Mina-san."
Mina herself had gone very pale and still. Her lips worked silently, as though groping for a lost word.
Bakumon, however, did not want to let it go so easily. "Selfish. How would *you* like to be far away from home? You have people here. You could come out of hiding anytime you wanted. You have escape when you don't want to be alone."
Koushirou sighed and looks at the table. "I...I..." He considered it a second time, looking for what he was leaving his room for. What was it again? He needed some part from the store?
Tentomon shifted in his seat, feeling trapped. This was now how things were supposed to go... "Cookies!" He blurted suddenly. "I believe we have some cookies. Would anybody like one?" Without waiting for an answer, he flew from his seat and began looking through the cupboards almost franticly.
Mina's eyes had fallen to her lap. Her fingers had curled inward to her palms, tense against her thighs. Very slightly, her hands shook. "Bakumon." Her voice was quiet, but threaded through the quiet like the edge of a blade. "Leave."
Bakumon's own eyes startled up to her. This was something she'd never asked of him.
"*Leave,*" she said again, still not looking at him. "You can wait for me outside."
He was so startled that somehow he never thought to disobey -- or even to argue. His cup was left where it was . . . and he went silently. After a moment, one could hear the door open and close.
Mina drew a quiet, measured breath. Her hands were still shaking, but she forced them to still, bundling them together into a tight knot. "Bakumon seems to feel the need to protect me," she said after a moment, "even when there is nothing to protect me from. I . . . am not your responsibility, Koushirou-san. I certainly hold you responsible for nothing. He has no business saying such things -- especially in this home, where we are guests. I am deeply sorry for his outburst. Tentomon, you also, I apologize."
Koushirou stared at the table. "You didn't need to do that...I needed to run an errand anyway...Don't let me cut into your fun. I mean I showed up unannounced. I'm sorry for even being here I guess, Mina-san." He stood up and bowed slightly. "Please call him back. I deserve it..."
"You are not ruining anything, Koushirou-han!" Tentomon called from his position at the cupboards. "This is just... miscommunications," he decided. "And it is quite all right, Mina-han," he added, looking at her hesitantly. "This is just... a lot of miscommunication," he ventured hopefully, at last finding the box of cookies.
"*No.*" Mina's eyes darted up to him abruptly, filled with sudden focus -- her hand shooting out as though to catch him . . . though she held back. "I came in part to see you. I came to see you both. *I* am the guest. I am the intruder. If anyone should leave, it should be me." Face and voice softened, and pink crept into her cheeks; she'd spoken far more forcefully than normal, and the fact of it seeped into her brain. Softly, "Please stay?" Tentomon's cookies would probably be very welcome in a few moments.
Koushirou looked at her and sighed, meeting eyes with her briefly. "Please don't be embarrassed....Fine. I'll stay." He found his original seat and sat down. "But...He's right. I did run."
Tentomon returned to the table quietly, not wanting to disturb what was hopefully an understanding between the two. He sat down the cookies wordlessly.
"You ran . . . ?" she echoed. Her voice was still soft. A faint smile towards Tentomon as she reached for the cookie box -- mainly to have something to do with her hands than from any true hunger. He was sweet.
Koushirou nods a little. "Yeah. I just needed time to collect my thoughts. I didn't want to confuse myself further so I found a project and I stuck to it for awhile." He looks toward the cookies, nodding to Tentomon. At least someone could be the good guy here.
Tentomon took a cookie for himself. "Thank you again for this tea," he said to Mina. The silence was becoming too awkward for his liking...
She played with the cookie, turning it over in her hands. "Everyone does, at times, need time for themselves. I think that if we did not, we would not be sane. I do not think that anyone could blame you for that. People were simply concerned that you were well." Her smile, still small, lifted towards him. "People do tend to worry when they do not hear from you." The smile shifted back towards Tentomon. "You are very welcome. I am just sorry that this is not likely what you expected from a quiet afternoon."
"I guess so. I knew however if I didn't just separate myself, I'd never get the chance. Thank you for understanding, Mina-san. Tentomon, sorry I wasn't around." Koushirou looked at the table for a moment before finally grabbing a cookie. "I didn't know we had these!"
Tentomon smiled to Mina. "Well, we achieved our goal, at least." He then turned to his partner. "I'm glad we did," he murmured.
"Just be careful," she noted, eyes dancing. "Next time your friends may begin to hire special forces. Suddenly you may find government agents diving through your window." A sudden, quick glance at her watch. "I . . . should not impose on you any more, but . . ." Tentatively, hesitantly, ". . . May I come again?"
"Please do," Tentomon broke in. It has been most enjoyable having you here, Mina-han." He paused, forcing himself to sound sincere. "And bring Bakumon, as well."
The boy looked up from his cookie. "Of course! Please come again. You're always welcome here, Mina-san." Koushirou smiled, leaving out Bakumon for now as he didn't want to touch that subject for a moment. "I'm not going to disappear again so just come over when you want to visit. Please."
Her face shadowed a little at mention of Bakumon. "You are very kind to offer." On impulse she rose, swooping down on Tentomon for a hug, squeezing him tightly. "Ne . . . thank you," she murmured for his ears alone. "This has meant a great deal to me."
Don't worry, Koushirou; you're not next! Instead, a smile, warm, flooding her face with light. "Thank you." Teasing again, "I hope not! Or I must send out the special forces too."
((An entry with Mina following this is forthcoming. :) ))