I edited chapter 27 to reflect Guilmon'sAsuka's lingering trauma from seeing Tomoro attacked by that kuwagamon. Also it gave me a chance to have the brothers argue, which is kind of a hint for what will be coming down the line if I pull this off.
Asuka's not a perfect parent, and he's going to learn that he'd going to have to change if he still wants Tomoro to want him in his life.
Guilmon nodded. “Well, actually, melon soda with a hint of lemon. You’re refreshing!" They shuddered.
Their face was stony, “Just,” they shook their head, “you should protect your e-pulse, for fuck’s sake! Why are you even a cleaner? You shouldn’t be anywhere near digimon!”
Tomoro clenched his jaw, “Oh, what do you know? My cleaner team is my family. Gekkomon’s like a little sibling to me.”
“Your life is more important than being friends with some childish digimon! You need to think about this logically.”
What the hell was this? Tomoro’s face was hot. “Who do you think you are-” He spat, “my brother? Fuck logic. I *know* my e-pulse is fucking delicious. Do you think no one told me that before? Digimon can talk, asshole.”
Guilmon turned away, “You just don’t understand what’s-”
“I do understand! I’ve been living this reality, Guilmon. And I deal with it.” Damn, he was trying to do something nice for Guilmon, and now he was being nagged at? “You really are a bossy little dinosaur.”
Guilmon bared their teeth for less than a second. They shut their eyes, then let out a breath. “I-” they sighed, “thank you for sharing your e-pulse, Tomoro.”
“And I’m sorry. For getting on your case like that. It’s just that I can think about is keeping you safe.”
Tomoro bit his lip, “Oh. Thanks,” he shook his head, “but not your job.”
Guilmon shrugged and looked from side to side, “I guess it’s because you’re the first decent person I’ve run into for a while.”
Oh. Well, shit, that made sense. Guilmon must have been pretty lonely in that jungle cage, and to have someone finally show up who didn’t put them there must have seemed like a miracle. No wonder they were a little weird and cloying with how much they wanted to protect Tomoro.
“Ok. I’m careful. I’m not gonna quit my job, though.”
Guilmon sighed, “Very well.”
They didn’t like that, but hopefully they accepted it. Weirdly controlling of them, but was Tomoro any better? He was standing here contemplating how to force Guilmon back to the real world- and against their will, to boot.
"So,” Tomoro began to walk again, “e-pulse.”
“Yeah?” Guilmon stalked next to him.
“If mine tastes like melon soda, what does the stuff you’re used to taste like?”
Guilmon’s smile was tight, “Rotten honey.”
“Are you serious? That sounds utterly vile.”
"Ah. It's- well. It is what it is, isn't it?" They cleared their throat, “Is Gekkomon really like your sibling?”
“They’re like-” Tomoro’s eyes rolled into his head. How to describe this? “They’re like, my heart.” Guilmon cocked their head. Tomoro huffed, “Oh, just forget it.”
“No-” Guilmon put their claw on their chest, “I actually- I think I understand. That’s wonderful, Tomoro.”
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