Work Text:
It was a clear day for Glowing Dawn. Kyo, Tomoro, Reina, and Makoto were still asleep in their beds, but their Digimon were already awake in the living room. Gekkomon was rummaging through the drawers while Chiropmon flew around him and Pristimon was resting on the chairs that the humans usually sat on for meal time.
“What are you searching for, Gekkomon?” Pristimon asked.
“He doesn’t seem to have any luck,” Chiropmon said, observing the gecko Digimon.
“I wanna surprise Tomoro with a gift, ya know,” Gekkomon said in between searching the drawers.
“Why are you searching our home for that?” Pristimon asked. “It wouldn’t be much of a surprise if he knows what’s here.”
Gekkomon felt like a jolt of lightning struck him. “You’re right. I have to search outside!”
“And just what are you searching for?” Pristimon asked another reasonable question.
“I dunno,” Gekkomon replied matter-of-factly.
Pristimon and Chiropmon fell faceforward before they got back on their feet. Gekkomon slammed the drawers shut and bounced toward the exit, with Chiropmon flying after the lizard Digimon. Chiropmon was curious what Gekkomon would find for Tomoro, but he also wanted to be near Gekkomon when possible. It was inexplicable, at least for the time being. Pristimon merely yawned as she watched Chiropmon fly after Gekkomon.
Gekkomon sped his way out of the Glowing Dawn headquarters in the early morning, with the sun barely out. He wanted something special to surprise Tomoro, but he also couldn’t just go to a human shop and buy something. First of all, Gekkomon didn’t have any credits. Secondly, he would probably scare the shop owners.
“Why don’t you just buy something for Tomoro?” Chiropmon asked as he flapped his wings after the lizard.
“I don’t have money!” Gekkomon said as he ran outside.
“I can help you,” Chiropmon said.
Gekkomon stopped in tracks. “Wait. How?”
“Makoto gave me some credits,” Chiropmon replied as he landed next to Gekkomon.
“But then it wouldn’t be from me,” Gekkomon said, frowning.
“What if you take it as a loan?” Chiropmon offered.
“That’s a good idea, ya know!” Gekkomon said, jumping in place. “Let’s go to the shops!”
Gekkomon sped toward the nearest shop with Chiropmon flying behind him. The two entered a nearby shop that was already open for some reason, but that was good for Gekkomon. Searching the shelves for a good gift that was also affordable, Gekkomon spotted a miniature drum set on the shelf. But it was too high for Gekkomon to reach.
“Chiropmon, can you grab that drum set for me?” Gekkomon called out to Chiropmon.
Chiropmon flew over to where Gekkomon was and spotted the miniature drum set. “This one?”
“Ya!” Gekkomon jumped in excitement.
“Understood,” Chiropmon said as he flew closer to the set and grabbed it with his feet.
Chiropmon then handed the miniature set to Gekkomon, who took it gingerly with both hands. Gekkomon turned it over and over, to check for any broken parts or anything that might look off. After being satisfied, Gekkomon decided he would give this set to Tomoro, so he told Chiropmon about the decision. Chiropmon took the drum to the clerk at the desk and paid for it with the credits. The clerk had wrapped up the drum set in a small gift bag and handed it to Chiropmon, who grabbed the handle with his feet.
“Let’s head back!” Gekkomon said excitedly.
“Here’s the gift, Gekkomon,” Chiropmon said, flying lower to hand the bag to Gekkomon.
“Thanks, Chiropmon,” Gekkomon said. “I owe ya one!”
“It is of no problem,” Chiropmon said, averting his gaze from Gekkomon’s glistening eyes.
The two then made their way back to the Glowing Dawn hideout. The sun had risen completely during the time the two Digimon were out shopping. The humans were also awake, so Gekkomon had to hide the bag behind him as they made their way back.
“Gekkomon, where did you go?” Tomoro asked.
“...Just out with Chiropmon,” Gekkomon said nervously.
“That’s nice,” Tomoro said as he moved to the kitchen to grab his breakfast.
“You were with Gekkomon, Chiropmon?” Makoto asked Chiropmon.
“That’s correct, Makoto,” Chiropmon said in assent.
“That’s good,” Makoto said with a genuine smile.
“So did Gekkomon manage to pick something?” Pristimon asked.
“Yes, he has something now,” Chiropmon answered.
Gekkomon ran toward the kitchen with the bag in hand. Makoto and Reina were confused with the bag, but decided not to ask their Digimon what was going on. They’d find out eventually anyway, so it’s best not to spoil any surprises.
“Gekkomon, what is this?” Tomoro’s voice came from the kitchen.
“It’s a present!” Gekkomon said enthusiastically in the kitchen.
“I can see that,” Tomoro said. “But why?”
“I wanted to show you how much I appreciate you, ya know!”
Tomoro was silent for a bit. “Thank you, Gekkomon. How were you able to get it?”
“That’s…a secret, ya know!” Gekkomon said.
Chiropmon had been at the entryway between the kitchen and the main living room, listening in on their conversation. Chiropmon wasn’t sure why, but he felt a bit jealous that Gekkomon wanted to do something so special for Tomoro. He wanted Gekkomon to look at him too, he wanted Gekkomon’s attention too. Realizing his own thoughts, Chiropmon gasped and flew away from Tomoro and Gekkomon.
Makoto noticed Chiropmon flying from the kitchen and had a concerned expression on his face. He reached his arms out toward Chiropmon, to which the bat took the gesture and flew into Makoto’s arms. Burying his face against Makoto’s chest, Makoto simply held the bat Digimon in his arms.
“Are you okay, Chiropmon?” Makoto asked in a whisper.
“I will be all right, Makoto,” Chiropmon answered.
“What happened?” Makoto asked gently.
“I am not sure what to do with the strange emotions I’m feeling,” Chiropmon replied with candor.
“Chiropmon…” Makoto said. “Well, being honest with yourself will help. Maybe examine your feelings more closely.”
“Mm,” Chiropmon said. “Okay, Makoto.”
At that point, Tomoro and Gekkomon returned to the living room. Tomoro had been holding a mini drum set in his hands and Gekkomon had the biggest grin on his face. Makoto and Reina figured Gekkomon had gifted that drum set to Tomoro as a surprise. Reina grinned and congratulated Tomoro. Makoto looked down at Chiropmon and then at Gekkomon. He realized Chiropmon probably helped Gekkomon get that drum set, considering Chiropmon had spent some of the credits that he gave Chiropmon. But Makoto remained silent about that point, and was just glad Tomoro and Gekkomon were getting along.
Gekkomon hopped over to Chiropmon in Makoto’s arms and poked Chiropmon on the side. He wanted to be close to Chiropmon, and he was feeling mighty grateful for Chiropmon’s assistance in getting that drum set for Tomoro. But Chiropmon looked troubled as he was buried in Makoto’s chest.
“Hey, Chiropmon, ya okay?” Gekkomon asked the bat Digimon.
Chiropmon raised his head and turned to face Gekkomon on the floor. “Yes. I’ll be fine.”
Pristimon jumped off the couch and walked toward Gekkomon and Chiropmon. She sensed something going on between the two Digimon, and was curious what was going on. In her hands were pieces of candies given by Reina and she wanted to share them with Gekkomon and Chiropmon.
“Here, you two can have some too,” Pristimon said, extending her hands to the other two Digimon.
Chiropmon felt touched by Pristimon’s gesture. Gingerly taking a piece of candy, Chiropmon popped it in his mouth. His eyes sparkled in delight as he chewed. It was rather delicious even for Chiropmon.
Gekkomon thanked Pristimon and swallowed the candy whole with his extended tongue. “Delicious!” Gekkomon exclaimed.
“Reina gave me some, so I wanted to share with you guys,” Pristimon explained.
“Thank you, Pristimon,” Chiropmon bowed his head slightly.
“Ya, what he said!” Gekkomon agreed enthusiastically.
Pristimon sighed and then returned to Reina’s side in the other room. Makoto told Chiropmon that it was time for him to clean the hideout, so Makoto set Chiropmon on the table and left the room. Gekkomon and Chiropmon were left alone in the living room as Tomoro had retired to his room to decide where to place the miniature drum set.
For some reason, even though it was not the first time, Chiropmon felt nervous being alone with Gekkomon. Gekkomon acted normally, jumping around the living room. Chiropmon flew over to a clothesline rope and hung upside down, watching Gekkomon act his usual self. Chiropmon was lost in thought and wanted some space for himself to sort out his feelings.
Gekkomon was always around Tomoro and wanted to get along with him, to hang out with him. It was a given, considering the two are partners, but Chiropmon realized he felt slightly jealous. It was because Chiropmon wanted to spend some time with Gekkomon, too. Though it was ironic, because the two were now alone together and Chiropmon flew away instead.
“Hey, Chiropmon,” Gekkomon suddenly said as he stopped jumping around.
“Yes?” Chiropmon opened his eyes, though only one was visible.
“Thanks a lot,” Gekkomon said, though it was almost in a whisper and he was blushing.
The blushing Gekkomon startled Chiropmon and he was unable to respond to Gekkomon. The picture made Chiropmon’s heart skip a beat and confounded him as to why it did so. Chiropmon wanted to go ask Makoto, but he also didn’t want to leave Gekkomon’s side. It was another dilemma for the poor bat Digimon, but that was when Pristimon returned to the living room. That was the chance for Chiropmon. He flew directly toward Pristimon and landed near Pristimon.
“Pristimon, what does it mean to have your heart flutter?” Chiropmon asked in a whisper.
“Hm?” Pristimon looked at Chiropmon. It was an expression of confusion, but Pristimon took this chance to educate Chiropmon. “Well, it means love. Why?”
Chiropmon looked shocked. “Love?”
“Yes,” Pristimon answered.
“Oh.”
Chiropmon was unable to say anything else. He knew Pristimon asked why, but he couldn’t tell anyone either. It meant that he was falling in love with Gekkomon, if what Pristimon said applied to him.
“What’s wrong?” Gekkomon asked, interrupting Chiropmon’s thoughts.
“Nothing at all,” Chiropmon said as calmly as he could.
Gekkomon eyed Chiropmon briefly. Gekkomon wanted to be alone with Chiropmon a bit longer until Pristimon interrupted. Then Chiropmon was whispering about something with Pristimon. It made Gekkomon’s heart ache a little and when Gekkomon realized that, he realized he was jealous of Pristimon. He thought Chiropmon must have some kind of feelings for Pristimon. I mean it was only natural, right? Or so Gekkomon thought. It was because Chiropmon was male and Pristimon was female, so there was bound to be attraction to form amongst the Digimon too. Gekkomon jumped away and headed to search for Tomoro.
“Where are you going, Gekkomon?” Pristimon asked.
“Just looking for Tomoro, ya know,” Gekkomon replied without looking at either Pristimon or Chiropmon.
‘Again with Tomoro,’ Chiropmon thought to himself.
Then Chiropmon realized his own thoughts. Why was he getting jealous of Tomoro? Tomoro was Gekkomon’s human partner, Chiropmon reminded himself repeatedly. It would be the same if Gekkomon got jealous of Makoto. Then Chiropmon had the thought that Gekkomon may not even like Chiropmon in the same way.
“Gekkomon…”
The word slipped out of Chiropmon’s mouth before he could take it back. Gekkomon stopped in his tracks and then turned back to face Chiropmon. He wondered why Chiropmon called his name and that brought a little hope in Gekkomon.
Pristimon looked between Chiropmon and Gekkomon, then realized the importance in Chiropmon’s question to her not long ago. Realizing what was happening, Pristimon ran off to Reina, to give some time and space for Chiropmon and Gekkomon to sort out their feelings. She didn’t want to interfere with either’s feelings, so it was best to leave them to it.
Chiropmon stared after Pristimon and then looked at Gekkomon, who was also staring back at him. Chiropmon realized he did love Gekkomon, but they were both guys. And there was no indicator that Gekkomon would feel the same. Chiropmon let out an unconscious sigh and then caught himself.
“What’s up, Chiropmon?” Gekkomon finally managed to say.
“I… Do you want to go to the park nearby?” Chiropmon asked.
“Sure!” Gekkomon answered cheerfully, like his usual self. “Should we tell Tomoro and Makoto?”
“It’s fine,” Chiropmon said. “If Makoto needs us, he can get in contact with me wherever we go.”
“Let’s go then!” Gekkomon said.
Gekkomon began leaping forward, with Chiropmon flying behind the green lizard Digimon. The two left the Glowing Dark headquarters and arrived at the nearby park within a few minutes. Chiropmon decided to perch on a tree branch and out of a whim, Gekkomon jumped onto the tree and landed right next to Chiropmon.
“Hey, Chiropmon,” Gekkomon suddenly said solemnly.
“What is it?” Chiropmon turned to face Gekkomon. He never expected Gekkomon to be this serious, and he was a bit afraid that Gekkomon might tell him not to bother him so much.
“Do you like Pristimon?” Gekkomon asked, not facing Chiropmon.
“Huh?” Chiropmon was confused. “Well, she’s a teammate and she’s great. Yeah, why not?”
Gekkomon finally faced Chiropmon. “Not like that! I mean like… romantically!”
“Romantically…?” Chiropmon wondered where Gekkomon was going from here, and was afraid that Gekkomon actually loved Pristimon and was going to tell him to back off. It wasn’t unreasonable; Chiropmon was just whispering with Pristimon not long ago. “No… It’s not romantic.”
Gekkomon looked relieved, but Chiropmon’s heart sank. Gekkomon loved Pristimon, and that was it. Chiropmon was about to fly off when he felt a tug on his wing, the side where Gekkomon sat by.
“Yes, Gekkomon?” Chiropmon asked without looking at Gekkomon.
“Where are ya going?” Gekkomon asked.
“Um… Well, Makoto might be done cleaning, so I was going to hang out with him.”
“But we just got here,” Gekkomon protested.
“You want to be with me?” Chiropmon realized what that sounded like, but he couldn’t take it back now.
“Ya! Of course!” Gekkomon answered without hesitation.
Chiropmon blushed and refused to look Gekkomon in the eye. He knew he was blushing, and he didn’t want Gekkomon to see that. Even if he did see Gekkomon blush earlier. Gekkomon answering like that without hesitation made Chiropmon’s heart soar. Even if Gekkomon loved Pristimon.
“Do… you love Pristimon?” Chiropmon finally asked. He wanted closure. He wanted answers. He wanted the truth.
“Huh?” Gekkomon suddenly looked solemn. “No. Not Pristimon.”
‘Not Pristimon?’ Chiropmon thought. ‘What could he mean by that?’
“Hey, Chiropmon,” Gekkomon asked, grabbing Chiropmon’s wing in case he tried to fly away. “Do ya love someone?”
Chiropmon froze. For Gekkomon to ask that directly startled the bat Digimon. He could be frank and say yes, but he didn’t know how Gekkomon felt. Chiropmon was afraid of getting his heart broken. He wanted to fly away, but his wing was being held by Gekkomon. That gesture set off Chiropmon’s heart, in a good way, too.
“Well… Makoto?”
“Ya know what I meant!” Gekkomon said, jumping up in place.
“Don’t jump on the tree,” Chiropmon chided.
“Okay, okay,” Gekkomon said, sitting on the branch but not letting go of Chiropmon’s wing. “So, do ya?”
“Maybe I do, maybe I don’t,” Chiropmon answered evasively.
Gekkomon finally released Chiropmon’s wing. “Well, I do. It’s not Pristimon.”
“Who is it?” Chiropmon almost regretted asking.
“You.”
No hesitation again. Chiropmon’s heart soared even further. Chiropmon’s thoughts swarmed his head before he could give a reply. ‘Gekkomon loves ME? Did I hear that correctly? I’d expect him to joke that it was Tomoro, but he said he loves ME.’
“Are you being serious?” Chiropmon asked, finally turning to face Gekkomon, who was looking away.
“Ya.”
Chiropmon didn’t know how to answer. He looked away and flapped his wings once, for a lift up from the branch. He knew Gekkomon was waiting for an answer, or at least he assumed Gekkomon was. How Gekkomon was able to just confess his feelings without hesitation was something Chiropmon couldn’t understand. Chiropmon went back and forth between his thoughts, and only just realized he loved Gekkomon. But Gekkomon just flat out stated his feelings out of the blue.
“I can never understand you, Gekkomon,” Chiropmon said in a whisper.
“Why’s that?”
“You can just say that you love me without hesitation, without hinder,” Chiropmon answered.
“Well, I love ya, what can I do?” Gekkomon shrugged.
“I… I do love you too, Gekkomon.” Chiropmon felt himself turning beet red from embarrassment just from saying those words.
“Ya really?!”
Chiropmon could only nod.
“Yay! I’m going to tell Tomoro!” Gekkomon shouted, sticking his tongue out to the grass below and jumping down.
“W-Wait! Tell the others already?” Chiropmon asked nervously.
“Ya! Let’s go, Chiropmon!” Gekkomon answered excitedly.
“Umm… okay, let’s go,” Chiropmon finally said, feeling slightly more courageous.