Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“What on Earth do you think you’re doing?”

Wizardmon glanced up from what he was doing to find the slightly disgusted face of his manager staring down at him.

“Well you see,” he said, in the most innocent voice he could muster, “I’m just mixing a drink for a customer.”

Gatomon’s look of displeasure stretched. “No-one’s been in here for over 20 minutes.”

She wasn’t wrong. It was far too snowy outside for anyone to be making the trip to Cup of Coffin or anywhere at all, really. As it was the only reason he’d bothered coming into work was because he knew Gatomon would still be there regardless of the weather, and he wasn’t going to leave her alone.

Wizardmon shrugged, moving to continue pouring before Gatomon snatched the bottle out of his hands.

“My experiment!”

“What have we discussed about your consumption of hot sauce while in my building?”

“I don’t recall.”

Gatomon reached into the pocket of her suit before pulling out a piece of paper, which she brandished at him. He didn’t need more than a glance to know its contents- a contract to stop drinking hot sauce bottles at work which he’d been, frankly, forced to sign.

“I wasn’t drinking it out of the bottle,” he said, shaking his cup of coffee concoction pointedly. “This is perfectly acceptable by the standards of what you made me agree to.”

Gatomon’s ear twitched.

“Please tell me you don’t plan on drinking that.”

He stared at her blankly.

“You just called it an experiment.”

“It’s for science,” he responded happily.

Gatomon glared at him, before sighing in defeat at his actions. “I’m not calling an ambulance for you,” she said, before retreating to the back of the shop, still poised where she could watch the fallout of his decision-making skills.

Disappointing for her, because Pumpkin Spice had some of the best results of any of his projects thus far. Wonderful.

They mostly sat quietly throughout the rest of the day. He almost missed when they’d been working through college, because then at least on slow days he could occupy himself with studying. Almost missed, because classes were simply unnecessary for studying. Nothing could stop him from studying on the job.

He was burying himself in tips for making sprites, closing soon approaching, when someone entered the store. He straightened up to face the door, adjusting his mask over his mouth.

Ah. This guy.

Wizardmon was already making the drink by the time Gennai made it to the counter to order, both flabbergasted and not at all surprised the man still made it out to the coffee shop with the amount of snow outside. The man in question only raised his eyebrows happily when he saw that his order was already swiftly in the process of being made.

“Some weather, huh?”

Wizardmon glanced to the door, where the snow was steadily trying to trap them in the building. “Seems to be.”

“Yes, yes,” Gennai said, swiftly paying for and taking his drink, “couldn’t be avoided. You young folks get home safe.”

With that he was out the door.

Gatomon leaned her head out from the back office.

“Is the old man gone?”

“You should respect your elders, Gatomon.”

“I’d respect him more if he wasn’t as observant as a brick, Wizardmon. If he had any competency at his job he would have shut us down months ago.”

Wizardmon shifted, “surely he knows Cup of Coffin is what it is. Our bosses aren’t particularly… subtle.”

Which is to say the Cup of Coffin chain was super a money laundering front for the mob, which always made it a little awkward that one of their regulars was a police detective.

“Perhaps he just considers himself off duty when he visits us.”

Gatomon laughed. “Ha! More like I just run this place better than any of Myotismon’s other stupid cronies. It’s like they don’t even care about running a good coffee location.”

“They care about what the coffee hides, Gatomon.”

“Well I don’t,” she scoffed. “Besides, you worry too much. That old man couldn't recognize his own hand if he waved it in front of his face. Remember what he said on Halloween?”

Wizardmon huffed. He’d switched out his usual mask for one with a stitched mouth on it. Gennai told him he was glad to see him smile for once. It wasn’t a joke.

He moved on from that subject. “Did you need something? Want me to look over accounting again?”

Gatomon’s eyes drifted to the front door. “I was thinking we should go home, actually,” she drawled. “It’s far too cold to be continuing this nonsense, no one else should be stupid enough to try to visit us in what little time we would usually have left, and I want to be in bed.”

Wizardmon couldn’t really disagree with that, not that he ever argued with her much when he did. The snow was already going to be a pain to walk in. He started closing.

By the time they both made it to the door from their duties to lock up, Gatomon had changed into a heavier coat, pink scarf pulled from where she usually wore it loose around her shoulders to actually being wrapped around her neck. She surveyed him with a scrutinizing look.

“Do you want a ride?”

“I can walk just fine.”

“Don’t tell me you plan on doing so in that.”

He looked down at his jacket, worn enough that the collar no longer reached his chin, hanging loose over pants that were long but meant more for cargo than warmth. His boots were decent enough at least. He pulled up his hood to rest under his hat. “It was fine on the way here.”

“You’ll catch your death like this, y’know.”

“Good, “ he grinned, “better than it catching me.”

Gatomon sighed, rolling her eyes as she walked to her car. “Don’t come crying to me when you regret it.”

With that they waved goodbye, and she was off in a pink blur into the night.

Wizardmon took a minute to watch his coworker disappear before starting his own journey home. It really wasn’t that far, if made a bit harder to traverse by the snow, needing to use his walking stick once or twice to keep him balanced on ice. He shook himself off as he entered his building, snow falling from his shoulders as he went up to his apartment.

As he opened his door he heard movement in the shadows, then a blur of white that surveyed him before dipping back into the darkness. He smiled, finally removing his mask for the night. Even if she did it every time he came home, it was comforting to see Tailmon checking in, though she pretended to be aloof. It was also reassurance that his little rescue cat hadn’t spontaneously decided she was ready to return to her old life of danger out on the streets. It wasn’t likely given how much she enjoyed napping in luxury and also doors, but sometimes she would get a glint in her eye while watching birds out the window and he worried. What if she learned how to operate doorknobs? She was a smart cat!

After setting his things down by the door Wizardmon drifted around his place. First food for Tailmon, brushing up against his legs impatiently as he poured it. Then food for himself, idly heating up a can of soup and pouring it into a bowl. He studied on his computer as he ate, pulling up articles on ghosts and different spooky figures, looking for ones that were currently hot topics of discussion. As usual, he didn’t notice how long he spent making notes after his bowl was empty until Tailmon was yelling at him.

“Of course,” he told his cat, finally getting up to stretch and move dishes to the sink, “what would I do without you?”

She followed him around impatiently as he got ready for the night, plugging in his computer and brushing his teeth. He felt like she was judging him as he changed out of his still damp clothing into warm pajamas, something he probably should have done right when he got home. Tailmon wove around him as he shook his hair loose from the tie that sat low in it until he finally got into bed and she was able to jump on top of his legs, pinning him for the night. He took a minute to tell her about his day- an important ritual. It helped Tailmon sleep, as well as giving him a similar essence to reading a book before bed without the risk of distraction. Then finally, he turned off his lamp and settled back to sleep.

Chapter Text

They were being visited by their boss, which was generally the worst part of any given night it happened on. It was bad enough they had to stick around after closing, but it would be horrible enough any time. While strictly speaking Myotismon was just there to check their books, it didn’t stop him from making his opinion known on other matters.

“I just don’t understand why you let him wear that.”

“Our store is called Cup of Coffin ,” drawled Gatomon. “Customers think he’s just being on theme.”

Other matters usually being Wizardmon’s hat.

“It’s unprofessional! Do you want to make me look like a fool?”

Gatomon looked like she was trying very, very hard to not drag Myotismon’s own much louder outfit through the dirt. For his part Wizardmon was “cleaning” a machine and not getting involved.

“He seems too sad when he doesn’t have it, “ Garomon settled on instead. “The customers complained.”

That wasn’t true. 

Wizardmon was fairly certain it wasn’t true.

“If you must,” Myotismon sighed. “Though I don’t see why you insisted on hiring this criminal to begin with.”

Once again Gatomon looked like she was debating the point on refuting, for the umpteenth time, that there were in fact zero charges against him and also this was a mafia front .

“Did you have something you came for?” she asked. “Sir.”

“Watch your tone,” Mytotismon said, disdainful. “But yes, I do have another order of business. I’m transferring Pumpkinmon and Gotsumon back to this location.”

Wizardmon stopped pretending not to listen and joined Gatomon in staring blankly at their employer.

“Did we do something wrong, sir?”

“ Gatomon ,” Wizardmon hissed at her.

“They’ve merely… struggled. In the other locations. Despite your disdain for them this seems the best place for their final chance.”

It was hard to tell how true this was. The teens were very… rambunctious. Wizardmon didn’t particularly have a problem with them personally, but as someone who had to work with them? It was putting it lightly to say they were bad at their jobs. On the other hand, though, it was well-known (due to their loose lips) they were supposed to report right back to Myotismon about what different locations were up to. Keeping everyone in check through blatant surveillance. This could be Myotismon showing he thought he needed to keep an eye on them.

“I don’t want them in my shop,” said Gatomon, bluntly.

“Well that’s unfortunate then, isn’t it?” grinned Myotismon sharply. “Because it isn’t your shop. It’s mine. And if I hear more complaints I will not continue to be so lenient with you, understand?”

Gatomon glared at him. “Understood.”

All smiles again. “Excellent! I must be on my way, but you can expect the other two back tomorrow. I’m sure you won’t disappoint.”

With that he turned, coat flaring dramatically, and left through the back door.

“Ugh,” said Gatomon, watching through a window as he peeled away. “He’s such a creep. Why do you think he’s sending those idiots back to us now ? I thought you were checking the numbers.”

“I have been,” responded Wizardmon, finally creeping into the light to join her. “I suspect he may have actually been telling the truth.”

“Not that I don’t believe those two would run out of their parent’s reputation to spoil… but still. It makes me nervous.”

“I’m sure it’s nothing to be worried about.”

“You’re just saying that because they like you. Euugh, as if this place couldn’t get any worse.”

“Now! I’m sure you’ll come to appreciate the extra help,” Wizardmon assured. “They must’ve learned something by now.”

“They’ve been run out by every other manager possible, Myotismon said it himself.”

“Yes- well. We’re…” less murderous, “nicer than the other places.”

“I’m not nice about anything.”

“You try very hard to believe that.”

Gatomon glared at him blearily. “Don’t try your feelings nonsense on me, Wizardmon. It’s far too late for that.”

He wasn’t trying anything with feelings. It was a fact. But there wasn’t much he could say to that.

“Speaking of late,” he said, sliding away the last of his cleaning supplies away and out of view, “I believe it is time we head out for the night.”

“You can’t avoid work that easily. We still need to take accounts for the night.”

“Rest is important.” It was always good to appeal to her desire to nap. And also true. Wizardmon glanced meaningfully towards the door, “especially after dealing with something like that.”

Gatomon laughed. A nice victory. “I see what you mean. But first-”

She pointed to the brewer he’d been “cleaning”, eyebrow raised with a smirk. Wizardmon sighed. He deserved that.

- - - - -

If there was nothing else about Pumpkinmon and Gotsumon, they were creative. 

Wizardmon had arrived at work the next morning to find an already beleaguered Gatomon gesturing towards the young teens and the instruction he was to show them the ropes. Nevermind they had worked there previously and had worked at other locations in all the time since. They would need it. Especially if it kept them away from Gatomon.

He took in their enthusiastic demeanors with a bit of hope that at least they would be a fun kind of chaos. Over their uniform, Pumpkinmon wore a large green scarf clearly meant to double as a cape, as well as a headband meant to look like an axe sticking out their head. Gotsumon initially appeared more understated, with a simple pink dress under their apron, but as you took them in further you began to notice the rocks strung in bracelets, necklaces, and even earrings hanging from their already rocklike little ear nubs. Wizardmon suspected that, despite Gatomon’s insistence it was solely because of him, they liked working at this location in large part because Gatomon had a very loose stance on dress code. Not that she would accept the idea they didn’t approach her with an attitude besides torment.

Luckily enough, their eagerness held as he reviewed the layout of the building with them, as well as an overview of different responsibilities. They were very enthusiastic about the idea of using the oven, which admittedly worried him especially given his stressing to them that it was from the previous owners of the building and they didn’t really use it anymore. While they were the location that tended to stay open the latest, meaning more food served, it was still just the usual Cup of Coffin pre-packaged stuff, and the most they did was warm it.

“Can we use the warmer ?!” Pumpkinmon insisted whilst staring at him intently.

Wizardmon briefly entertained the idea of sticking them on cleaning duty where they were far less likely to set anything on fire, but the distant, semi-blocked out memory of what happened when these two were given a mop bucket was impossible to fully forget.

“You can work the counter,” he finally decided, giving in. “Cashier and pastries, but just place items into the machine,” he instructed, “and remove them after they exit. Adjusting the settings will be unnecessary.”

“What if something gets stuck in there?”

“Tongs. Or come to me for assistance. Now Gotsumon-” was staring very intently at the various hot water machines. Which they were beautifully eager and… creative with. Perhaps a bit much to start with. “You will also be at the counter but more specifically restocking. Do you remember where storage is?”

“Across from Gatomon’s office but don’t talk to her!”

“Excellent. I will be making drinks, so I will be close if I am needed. If we have enough customers this morning to require your assistance I trust you can step in, but I will review more with you later.”

The pair saluted at him. He paused to consider this. He saluted back.

- - - - -

The day was going fairly well all things considered. Their store was smaller than most of the other Cup of Coffin locations (as evidenced by usually managing with just Wizard and Gatomon), and Pumpkinmon and Gotsumon were managing fairly well, if not a bit distracted, aided by having previous experience with their operations. They’d even managed to say most people’s actual names instead of just making fun ones up. Most. After the morning rush Gatomon finally decided to wander back up front as Wizardmon was re-familiarizing Pumpkin and Gotsumon with their particular protocol. 

“Gatomon,” Wizardmon hailed, “have you come around?”

“No,” Gatomon responded flatly, surveying their newest additions. “Though I must say you’re doing considerably better than I expected.”

“Thank you boss lady!” called Pumpkinmon.

Gotsumon chimed in with a wink- “we won’t disappoint you! You’re the funnest place to work at!”

“Plus the big boss said we’re fully fired if we mess this one up…”

Gatomon sighed deeply. “Someone needs to teach you two about inspiring confidence in your leaders…”

“They are progressing quite well,” Wizardmon joined in. “I must say their skills have improved in the last few months.”

The teens beamed. “That’s because we have a great best bud Wizardmon!! He’s gonna help all our great ideas!”

“Don’t corrupt my employee,” grimaced Gatomon. “I need him.”

Wizardmon smiled to himself at that. She needed him. For work, but still.

“Employee? That’s a weird way to talk about your best friend!! ”

“He’s not-” Gatomon cut herself off with a groan, clearly not ready to explain again that the reason they always seemed to be together was that the teens only ever saw them at work. There was a ding from the front door signalling someone entering, and she turned towards the noise eagerly as an exit from the conversation.

Her face immediately dropped as she saw who was walking in.

“ Distract them ,” she hissed, pushing Pumpkinmon and Gotsumon towards Wizardmon.

“Gatomon-”

“You’re good with kids! Make balloon animals or something!”

“You can make balloon animals!?”

Wizardmon surveyed the situation, then decided it would be best to just deal with this calmly. He instructed the young pair firmly: “follow me,” then headed to the back.

“Who was that?” asked Gotsumon as they made it past the doors.

“Yeah- she must be scary to make Gatomon act like that!” added Pumpkinmon. 

“Just a tricky customer,” said Wizardmon. The pair may not be the best spies, but he still wasn't going to give them too much information to bring back to Myotismon, unexpected as it may be.

“So what? At least that would be interesting,” whined Pumpkinmon. “And you don’t even actually have balloons.”

“Ah but I will!” he responded. “Next weekend when you have shifts again. If…”

“If…?”

“If you can stay back here for five minutes without peeking or breaking anything.”

Pumpkinmon and Gotsumon shared an intense look before turning back to him. “Agreed!”

Good, because he hadn’t made any promises about distracting himself.

Wizardmon carefully tucked himself through the doors to quietly watch what was happening, disappointed to find exactly what he had expected- Gatomon just barely not arguing with her younger cousin, Kari.

“I’m not asking you to consider anything! Just call , we’re family!” Kari was insisting, Gatomon pointedly preparing a drink with her back to her.

“I have nothing to talk about.”

“Aw c’mon we both know that’s not true. It doesn’t have to be work related.”

“Your drink,” said Gatomon, stiffly, practically shoving a hot mocha and receipt into Kari’s hands.

Kari stopped, sighing before setting the drink down, pulling out a pen , and scribbling something on the receipt. Then she picked the drink back up, pushing the piece of paper towards Gatomon as she turned to leave.

“If you change your mind. You don’t have to talk about- about Witchelny. I just want to talk to you.”

With that, she was out the door.

Gatomon walked up to the counter, staring blankly at the receipt. “I know you’re lurking in the shadows, Wizardmon.”

“You’re avoiding her,” he said, stepping out into the room.

“I’m just living, she’s the one chasing me. And I don’t remember asking for your opinion.

He didn’t take that personally. He hadn’t heard most of what they were discussing, but Witchelny? That made her sore.

“That wasn’t an opinion.”

“Was there a reason you came out here? Or was it just eavesdropping?”

Yes. Because he was her friend, and she was distressed, even if she wouldn’t admit it. Not that he could tell her that.

He pointed towards the back door instead. “To see if you were ready for them to come back out.”

Gatomon sighed. “Fine. I can only imagine what will happen if they stay out of our sight for too long.”

The day was pretty calm after that… technically. Gatomon was even more irritated at Pumpkin and Gotsumon than usual, but stayed up front and busy. Not surprising given, well, Kari. And more importantly, Witchelny. That’s what this coffee shop used to be, back when Gatomon’s family owned it. Before Myotismon came through and bought out or pushed out everyone else. Wizardmon had never seen Witchelny. He only even knew about it because Myotismon brought it up as a taunt once. 

He wanted to bring it up to her, check in at least, but that was a bit difficult with the teens still running around, not to mention doing their jobs. He settled for keeping an eye out as the afternoon faded, doing his best to be as helpful as he could. Finally they sent Pumpkinmon and Gotsumon off, moving into closing not long after.

It was just the two of them, then. He was deciding on the best way to approach, but was pulled from his thoughts by hiss behind him.

“Stupid machine!”

Wizardmon turned to find Gatomon clutching her hand and glaring at a coffee brewer. He rushed over, and she turned to him.

“It burned me.”

“Let me see.”

She sighed, but held out her hand, “it really isn’t that bad.”

He hummed to himself, before reaching over to turn the tap on, checking the water was lukewarm. Gatomon rolled her eyes, but allowed herself to nudged over with her hand under the running water.

“You should be more careful.”

“I’m always careful Wizardmon, that brewer just got in my way.”

“Maybe you’re feeling distracted then?” he glanced meaningfully at the receipt Kari wrote on, still where she’d left it on the counter.

“I’m sure I have no idea what you mean,” Gatomon huffed, avoiding his eyes.

“She mentioned Witchelny.”

“So what if she did?” Gatomon pulled away from the sink, turning around. “Just shows how weak she still is.”

“Gatomon-” started Wizardmon, before deciding against it. “If you won’t talk, at least keep your hand under the water.”

She groaned, but accepted his dropping the subject as she shoved her hand back in the sink and she made pointed eye contact with him.

“I don’t need all of this attention, you know. It’s just a burn.”

Wizardmon gave her a sharp look- “just a burn until it gets infected.”

“I can handle it fine on my own. You don’t need to make a fuss .”

“It’s my job to make a fuss.”

Gatomon gave him a look that suggested she regretted letting him be the staff safety officer. She’d figured it was an empty title as everyone had to be trained on first aid anyways. She was incorrect.

After more waiting, Gatomon pulled her hand back from under the tap, wiggling her fingers pointedly at Wizardmon without wincing. 

“Am I cleared to go now?” she asked, sarcastically.

“We have burn cream in the first aid kit.”

“I don’t need burn cream, Wizardmon.”

“Then yes.”

Gatomon rolled her eyes at him, moving to head back to her office, but pausing for a second at the counter. She snatched Kari’s note, then stuffed it into her pocket before moving on. Wizardmon couldn’t help but sigh to himself as she disappeared past the door. It was obvious she missed Witchelny. She’d done everything she could to keep it alive back in the day, from what he’d learned in old articles when he’d looked the place up. She just didn’t believe it was possible anymore.

Before he was ready and out the door himself, Gatomon reappeared from the back, keys already in hand. He followed her out, but after locking up  of she paused outside of her expectantly outside of her car instead of getting right in.

“Let me give you a ride back.”

“You know I’m fine walking.”

“You took on kid-wrangling all day,” she said, flexing her hand. “It’s the least I can do.”

“You don’t have to.”

“Just accept the ride, Wizardmon,” she sighed.

Despite the cold, he felt warm. She really wanted to.

He got in the car.

It was a slightly awkward shuffle to get his walking stick in, but he managed. Gatomon reached between them to turn up the temperature, and warmth flooded into him. It was nice, he had to admit, and Gatomon even had heated seats. Music started on the radio with the car, some random pop station, which Gatomon turned down to speak.

“I can see you enjoying the heat, Wizardmon,” she said with a smirk. “I don’t know how you usually stand walking in the snow in that thin jacket.”

“It’s not that far,” he said, “and I like the wind.”

“Just because it isn’t far doesn’t mean it’s fine . I fear you’ll show up sick one of these days.”

“The cold alone does not cause illness, Gatomon,” he responded. “In fact more danger comes from everyone being indoors to avoid it.”

“Gotsumon and Pumpkinmon really look up to you, you know,” said Gatomon, giving him a look out of the side of her eye, “don’t you want to be a good example?”

“Using kids is cheating .”

Gatomon finally burst with a giggle she’d been holding back. “I don’t fight fair.”

Despite his best efforts, Wizardmon let out a smile as they pulled into his building.

“Goodnight Gatomon,” he said as he exited. 

“Goodnight,” she responded. “And at least wear a scarf.”

“I don’t own one.”

Gatomon sighed with fond exasperation before repeating her goodnight and driving away. After watching her fade into the distance, Wizardmon walked up to his apartment, smiling to himself as Tailmon wandered “idly” past as he went in the door. What an interesting day

Chapter Text

Odaiba Station was a long walk after work. Far out of Wizardmon’s way, and Gatomon’s too, so he really insisted on not wanting a ride. It was fully abandoned for years, covered in moss, and eerily quiet away from the city. Well worth the walk.

Wizardmon worked his way through the abandoned buildings, his own desire paths now covered in snow that muffled his steps. The wind was making the already frigid environment even colder, so he headed to the lee side of the main building, not heading inside but sitting in what was once a window, hidden under the overhang of a sky bridge. It was a nice spot, protected from most of the snow and chill, but allowing him to look out over the space.

He pulled out his laptop and began to work. He let the atmosphere around him give him inspiration with its haunted feel. Completely silent except the muffled wind and… footsteps. Wizardmon’s head darted up to take in the figure making its way steadily towards him. Then he broke into a soft smile.

“Mr. Ishida!”

“Wizardmon! I was hoping to see you here,” the older (not old!) man called back, coming over to sit with him. “You don’t come out as much in the snow.”

“It is a bit more difficult to walk,” Wizardmon conceded, before interrupting himself with a sneeze.

“You sure that’s the only reason?”

Wizardmon waved off his concern, “I’m perfectly fine.”

“Mhm,” Mr. Ishida hummed, eyebrow raised. “You’re not invulnerable, you know.”

“You sound like Gatomon. A few sneezes do not mean anything.”

“If you say so. How is your friend?”

“She is the same as ever.”

Mr. Ishida raised an eyebrow at that.

“She is well .”

“Still banning you from drinking hot sauce at work?” Mr. Ishida grinned.  

“She’s getting close to banning even mixed drinks now,” Wizardmon sighed. “To prevent me from ‘corrupting the youth’”

“I mean, with what you’ve told me about the kids-”

“I encourage experimentation. Supervised experimentation.”

Mr. Ishida laughed. “You should teach them some of your street magic.”

“I have already promised them balloon animals,” Wizardmon responded with amusement. “Though perhaps they will take an interest! And how are things at your profession?”

“Ah y’know Fiji, working me to the bone. I’ve been pitching an anniversary newspiece though, history of the station, and I’m hoping we can film around here for it.”

“Will you report it?”

“Bah, ask me if they decide to actually run it,” Mr. Ishida huffed. “Though in other news, you won’t believe what I’ve got!”

The man gave a mischievous grin as he reached into his work bag, pulling out a bottle.

“Burn unit?” Wizardmon read off the label.

“It’s a new green sauce! We got samples at work and it’s pretty good. Here-” Mr. Ishida opened the bottle and held it out towards him, “try some.”

He took some sauce on his finger and tasted it. Spicy! And a little sweet. 

“Excellent,” he nodded. “Thank you Mr. Ishida.”

He groaned. “That makes me sound so old. How many times have I told you to just call me Hiroaki?”

“Numerous.”

Mr. Ishida just shook his head. “Anyways, if you like it you should keep it, they gave me more than I really can use with just my son and me, even if I like it.”

“Oh…” Wizardmon took the bottle. “Thank you. Hiroaki.”

He just laughed in response. 

-   -   -   -

Wizardmon was definitely sick.

He hadn’t wanted to admit it. He woke up to an alarm that was much too loud, a sore throat, and aching muscles. He shut off the alarm, but leaned back instead of getting right up. He was still so tired, and just wanted to rest for a few minutes before getting up. He closed his eyes, and when he opened them again it was two hours later.

Crap.

He had several texts from Gatomon, as well as a missed call he scanned over while hurrying across his room. He dialed her back, balancing as he tried to change into day clothes at the same time as holding the phone.

“Hello-”

“Wizardmon!” she hissed, “where are you?”

“My apologies,” he croaked, and oh he needed water, “I had alarm trouble. I should be there in no more than 30 minutes.”

Silence.

“Wizardmon. Are you sick? ”

“No, I am-”

“You sound like shit, and you told me you usually wake up before your alarm,” she insisted. “Did you sleep through it?”

He hesitated. “I may have… fallen back asleep,” he admitted.

“You’re definitely sick. Don’t tell me you were planning on still coming in.”

“Of course I am. It’s not that bad, and I can’t leave you alone .”

“Pumpkinmon and Gatsmon are already working today. They should-” she sighed, “they should be adequate. They aren’t completely useless, you know.”

“But-”

“Do you want to set a bad example? As the Staff Safety Officer? For the kids? ”

“...that was a low blow.”

“Good. I don’t want to see you again until you’re fine,” she ordered, “and if I do I will be taking you right back home. You know I can.”

He sighed, but he was too tired to actually argue. “Yes, I am familiar with your wrestling skills. Alright. But call me if there are any emergencies.”

“You are off-duty -”

“Gatomon.”

She sighed. “Fine. But it will be. Fine that is. Get some rest.”

With that she hung up the phone and he was left to his own devices. Well. His and Tailmon’s devices. His throat still hurt.

Alright then. Priorities. He gave in and went first to his medicine cupboard, pulling out cold n flu medicine on his way to the kitchen where he got himself water. His throat still felt rough after, but better. The breakfast for Tailmon, weaving through his feet as he went to her bowl, then breakfast for himself. He settled on the couch with a quickly toasted bagel, deciding that just because he wasn’t going into work didn't mean he couldn’t get anything done.

This plan immediately failed.

Tailmon was taking advantage of his being home, and planted herself right in his lap, covering his computer screen and twisting to continue doing so no matter how he tried to adjust. He was finally able to settle leaning over the armrest and onto the table which he slid over for that purpose, but found himself unable to focus. It was hard to understand what he was doing, and the longer he stared the more the screen hurt his eyes even on the dimmest setting, pixel art bleeding together in front of his eyes. He gave up barely 20 minutes in.

He looked down at the cat curled contentedly on his lap, definitely smug now that he’d returned to a sensible seated position. “You were also attempting to get me to rest, huh,” he murmured.

It was, he had to admit, unusual the amount of attention Tailmon was giving him. She was usually pretty happy with just sitting near him, taking his lap only when she wanted attention. Now though she was firmly planted and purring, clear she wouldn’t be moving even when he stopped petting her. He scritched under her cheek, looking into her face as she moved it into his hand.

“Does this remind you of how we met?” he wondered.

It’s a memory that sits sharply against all the events around it. He remembers being wheeled away and spotting the scraggly white cat near his car, blue eyes burning into him. Then he’d spotted her hanging around his apartment building later, easy to recognize. He’d asked around, but no one else had seemed to have ever even seen her besides him. He’d felt almost like the cat was checking in on him. Soon enough he was feeding the stray, then caught her to take in to a local shelter. He’d meant to leave her there after getting her vaccinated and spayed, where she could find someone that could properly care for a pet. But she’d started yowling the second he tried to walk away, and he couldn’t do it.

He didn’t think he would make a very good pet owner, but he’d pulled himself together to do all the research he could and do right by her. She trained him herself, really, where he was lacking, batting at him until he got up to make food for them both until it became routine. She was a proud creature, and he certainly thought she had the right to be so.

Wizardmon yawned as pet Tailmon, pulling him back to the present.

“You’re a good cat,” he said, hand slowing.

The longer he sat there the more he felt the ache in his bones, offset by the pressure on his lap. It’s not like he was getting anything done anyway, not with a cat on his lap, and he felt his head drift down to rest on the back of the couch. His eyes slid shut, and soon enough the low sound of Tailmon’s purring carried him off to sleep.

-   -   -   -

“Glad to see you’re sounding better.”

“Do you mean looking?”

“No.”

Despite the light teasing, Gatomon looked very pleased to have Wizardmon back in the shop again once his cold had worn out. He was also pleased, not ever particularly fond of rest.

“Pumpkinmon and Gotsumon were thrilled when they heard you would be back in today, you know. They insisted on taking an extra shift.”

“Ah, well I did promise them balloons. Though, since I did not know they would be here today-”

“Yes, I’m sure that’s why,” muttered Gatomon. 

“What do you mean?”

She just rolled her eyes in response, and went back to what she was doing.

“How are the sprites going, by the way,” she asked as she passed him behind the counter.

“They are going forward well,” he responded, “though I might ask you to look at some to see if they are clear.”

“Which ones?”

Wizardmon reached over to pass her a cup, waiting until she was done calling out to the customer in question. “Jackalopes and Nightcrawlers.”

“Hmm. I don’t know what that second one is.”

“Pants.”

“Excuse me?”

“You’ll see. Though I am trying to figure out the balance of popular figures to more unique ones.”

“You know what everyone knows? And loves?”

“Is it ang-”

“It’s angels,” she said resolutely, before giving him a sly look. “And you know the horror fans would love what you could do with them.”

He raised his eyebrows, amused, “not that you would know about scary angels.”

“Now listen here,” she said, leaning in with a fighting smile when the door rang, and she looked up to it with a knowing look. Gatomon stepped to the side as Wizardmon turned around just in time to see Pumpkinmon and Gotsumon barreling towards him.

“Wizardmon!”

“You’re back!”

He surveyed the teens' bright faces with confusion. “I was only gone a couple days?”

“And we missed you SO MUCH!”

“Yeah! We made a bunch of cool new drinks, but Gatomon wouldn’t try ANY of them!”

“You’ll try them, right?!”

Wizardmon took a second to process the rapid-fire he’d just been hit with. “What… kinds of drinks?”

“Imaginative ones,” said Gatomon.

“Oh all sorts, ” said Gotsumon with extreme eagerness. “Do you want hot or cold first? Sweet? Sour? Rich?”

“Well-” started Wizardmon.

“Ooh yeah,” Pumpkinmon lept in, “and you have to tell us what you think!”

He felt like his head was close to spinning. “You are aware we are supposed to be working right now, correct?”

“Aww, c’mon boss,” whined Pumpkinmon, gesturing around the shop, “there’s no one here right now, it’s the middle of the day!”

“And we’ll get right back to it if someone comes in!” agreed Gotsumon.

Well. They weren’t entirely wrong, it was a pretty slow part of the day, with a while before the after-work rush. He looked to Gatomon, who shrugged.

“You said you had something ‘hot and sour’?”

“Ah yes, the Green Dragon ,” intoned Gotsumon. “At once.”

- - - -

“What do you think?”

Wizardmon considered the sample cup in front of him (they’d quickly switched to the tiny cups when he realized just how many drinks they wanted him to try), pointedly ignoring the phone camera Pumpkinmon clearly thought they were hiding better than they actually were.

“It is very… pink.”

“But the taste?” asked Gotsumon eagerly.

“It tastes pink.”

“How can something taste pink?”

“What did it taste like to you?”

“Dreams.”

“On the scale,” interrupted Pumpkinmon, “where would you place it?”

Wizardmon considered this. “Between the Lemon Cake Latte and the Lava Explosion.”

Gotsumon pouted, “aw c’mon, I thought it was better than that.”

“You have to remember this is the guy that put the Scented Candle Tea in the top spot,” said Pumpkinmon.

“It is hardly my fault if you don’t understand good tea,” said Wizardmon, “and I believe this one would still cater to-”

He was interrupted by the ringing of the front door, and turned to see Kari walking in.

“Gatomon!” he called to the back, trying to figure out how he was going to distract the other two when Pumpkinmon piped up.

“Ms. Kari!”

Wizardmon sent a confused look to Gatomon as she emerged from her office, looking quite put upon.

“We’ve failed on that front,” she muttered to him.

“I was not here,” he responded. “I did excellent on that front. You owe me balloons.”

“ Hey, I didn’t completely fail” she whispered, before returning to normal volume, “they just spotted my cousin who is from out-of-town before I did the other day and she introduced herself before I could! And it’s so nice my horrible other cousin isn’t with her like I feared, such confusion the first time she came by!”

“Ah of course,” agreed Wizardmon, who was 99% sure no such cousin existed, “we were keeping the teens away from family drama.”

“Yeah, he’s terrible,” joined in Kari, beaming.

For their part Pumpkinmon and Gotsumon seemed to have barely been paying attention to the lie being woven around them, much more focused on trying to get Kari to try a Flamingo Drink.

“Ms. Kari! You have to try this!” called Pumpkinmon.

“I said no serving things to customers that haven’t been tested,” said Gatomon.

“Wizardmon tasted it!” responded Gotsumon as at the same time Wizardmon raised an eyebrow and said “ did you now. ”

“Oh I don’t mind,” grinned Kari. “Not like I’m paying for it.”

She accepted the cup from Gotsumon, who beamed, watching eagerly as she took a sip.

“Huh,” she said. “Tastes like pink.”

“What does that even mean ,” whined Gotsumon.

“It just tastes like pink,” shrugged Kari. “I like it.”

“Impressive, given you usually go for the bitter coffees,” said Gatomon.

“A glowing review then. You guys should sell it.”

Pumpkinmon and Gotsumon’s eyes went giant. “Can we really??”

“Don’t get ahead of yourselves,” said Gatomon, “you know Myotismon would blow a gasket if we served drinks not on the standard menu.”

The teens drooped. Wizardmon sensed an opportunity.

“However,” he said. “That is only if he finds out.”

“Wizardmon-”

“I mean it could work,” Kari mused. “Just put it on a little special menu sign and hide it under the counter when his people come in.”

“You would encourage this,” hissed Gatomon, before turning to the pair still pleading at her. “Your little puppy eyes won’t work on me.’

Wizardmon stepped in. “I have a possible suggestion. Why don’t you just try it?”

Gatomon gave him an exasperated look, but he looked back reassuringly. Trust me , he thought, winking. She held for a moment, then relented.

“Fine. But only because these two had it first.”

Pumpkinmon and Gotsumon cheered as she took the cup from Kari, sniffing it suspiciously before taking a drink. There was a moment after it hit her mouth where her eyes absolutely lit up. She took a moment of deliberation before sighing.

“Again. You understand what deep shit we’re in if word gets out.”

“I know you want this to be the best shop it can be,” said Wizardmon.

Gatomon sighed. “Fine.”

“YEA-”

“BUT- if we get in trouble for this, it’s on you two, you understand?”

The pair nodded vigorously, Kari giggling in the background.

“Y’know cuz, I think this will be good for you! Take back some control!”

Gatomon glared at her, though the effect was ruined by the still cheering teens. “Were you buying something?”

Kari pointed to the still slightly filled blender behind her with a cheeky smile. “I’ll take a Flamingo Drink please.”

-    -   -    - 

They were closing up when Wizardmon heard Gatomon sigh.

“You know this whole new drink thing is going to turn into a mess.”

“A mess can be good if you’re tired of things being clean.”

She gave him a very unimpressed look.

“I think you enjoy the solving,” he said, giving into clarity. “You like doing a lot more than just listening. And you like doing things that make your shop better.”

“But it’s not mine, not really, is it?” she said, bitterly. “Might as well accept that before it all comes crashing down again.”

It hurt when she said things like that. She had so much fight in her, but she couldn’t lift up a hand for the one battle she needed most anymore.

“I wasn’t being entirely kind when I supported their idea, you know,” he tried instead. “They’re unlikely to run back to their boss if they’re outing themselves doing it.”

Gatomon smiled at that. “Ha, I should’ve known you would have something sneaky like that.”

She hesitated. “I do have to admit you all are on to something. I do miss creation…” 

She shook off the thought. “Nevermind that. It’s time to go.” 

They went outside, and when Gatomon nodded towards her car, he didn’t argue. Given he’d just been ill it was not a fight he thought he would win. They drove along in quiet companionship, listening to the quiet tones of the radio. When Wizardmon got out at his apartment, Gatomon stopped him before he could say goodbye.

“Wait. I have something for you.”

He watched with curiosity as she rifled through her bag before pulling out a bundle of fabric she held out to him. He stared at it.

“Well?” She looked distinctly like she was trying to power through her own discomfort. “Take it.”

He reached out, a wide, beautiful scarf unfolding under his hands. The yarn was a deep indigo, with bits of pale code patterned into it. He couldn’t quite tell under his gloves, but it looked soft. And warm.

“Gatomon… this is for me?”

“Of course it is,” she huffed. “You certainly need one.”

He couldn’t stop looking at it. “It is lovely.”

“Yes, well- consider it a business expense. So you stay healthy.”

He smiled up at her. “Thank you for this gift.”

Her eyes went wide, then she looked away. “You’re welcome,” she mumbled, before clearing her throat. “I’d better see you wearing it next time you’re outside in the snow, you understand? Good night, Wizardmon.”

“Good night Gatomon.”

Later, after he’d eaten, and Tailmon had yelled at him until he went to bed, he was sitting up and thinking as he stared at his cat on the end of the blanket.

“Tailmon,” he said. “I believe things may be changing for the better.”

Chapter Text

The world was ending and it was entirely his fault.

Wizardmon had just opened a window so he could get a better assessment of the snow when he’d been distracted by the beeping of his kettle. In the span of a minute he’d turned to see Tailmon going out the window onto the tree outside, and before he could go retrieve her from where she’d started climbing down, a car passed and she’d spooked into the bushes. The snowy bushes, in the sleet , where she was probably going to freeze to death.

So now he was looking through the underbrush slowly turning into an icicle as it just got darker and darker out. He’d still not found even a hair. This was almost terrifying, but he was going to find her. He had to.

His phone buzzed.

Gatomon: do u have those files ready yet

Wizardmon continued scanning around the area as he typed.

You: Gatomon I have been unable to finish the order forms. Tailmon got out and I am searching for her.

Gatomon: in this weather???

Gatomon: at this hour??

You: It is my responsibility to stay out until she is found. 

Gatomon: u need to sleep

Gatomon: u can put up posters tmrw

Gatomon: or you will fall asleep at the counter in the morning

You: If I become too tired to search tonight and she is still missing I cannot come into work tomorrow. I will go out to look in the morning until she is found.

Gatomon: r u serious

Gatomon: do u want to get sick again

You: That is far less worrisome than what could happen to her. She could get terribly sick herself.

You: or frostbitten

You: or hit by a car

You: or attacked by a crow

Gatomon: oh gods ur having a breakdown arent you

You: or fall in a river

Gatomon: im coming over

This was, in his opinion, unnecessary, but it was far from his abilities to deny assistance for Tailmon. He took a minute to run back upstairs in case she had somehow managed to get back up and inside in his absence, but his apartment was just as empty as before. He was knee-deep in the bushes again by the time Gatomon drove up.

“You can see I am not having a ‘breakdown’.”

“Mmm, I don’t believe you,” she purred, before scanning him up and down. “You’re wearing your scarf.”

He noted the approval in her tone. “Of course. It’s only practical.”

“Mhm.” Her gaze turned to the surrounding area. “This is where you think she is?”

“This is where I last saw her.” His mouth tightened. “She doesn’t have a collar.”

Gatomon made her way towards the shrubbery, phone flashlight in hand. “She has a chip, I know you got her one. They’ll just use that if anyone finds her, she’ll be fine.”

“You know what people are like about cats,” he intoned. “It is unlikely someone would catch her. They would think she’s an outdoor cat.”

“Yes I know your lecture,” Gatomon sighed. “But Tailmon used to be a stray. I think she’ll manage one night out here.”

“There are plenty of dangers that can happen to cats outdoors.”

“Wizardmon, you said you thought she was going to be attacked by a crow. ”

“ I am frequently attacked by crows,” he responded.

This was met by a profound silence, and when he turned he found Gatomon staring at him in utter bafflement.

“What do you mean you’re frequently attacked by crows?”

“They are not fond of me,” he explained. “Soon after I moved here one stole my apartment keys, then as you can imagine would not allow me near its nest to retrieve them. And I may have… thrown a rock. To scare it. That may have also hit.”

“ Wizardmon, ” Gatomon hissed, with a scandalized expression that was almost a smile.

“It was fine . I recovered my keys. But the local murder does not particularly tolerate my presence.”

“Sometimes I think I get so used to your weirdness I get fooled into the illusion that you are a very boring person once you get past the quirks. And then you go and say something like that.”

He tried to parse whether that was appreciative or just an observation. “Thank you.”

She shook her head, hiding a grin. “Of course you do,” she muttered.

Gatomon looked back up at him, expression now more composed with a lifted eyebrow. “I still don’t see what that has to do with Tailmon.“

“Corvids are very intelligent. They could realize we are related.”

Gatomon stared off into the distance for a second before visibly recalculating. “I’ve seen how she acts with toys and your video of when a bug gets in the house. Or your furniture that first week. I think she can take a crow.”

“She’s so small.”

“Have you considered that your cat is a menace?”

“What if she dies? I might fade away too.”

“No-one’s dying.” 

Gatomon groaned. “Look, this clearly isn’t working. She’s probably gone further than you’ll be able to walk to, or holed herself up for the night. You know she’s smart.”

That… likely wasn’t incorrect. But still. “I cannot just do nothing.”

“And you aren’t. Look, how about I drive you around to see if we spot her, in case she’s wandered off, but if we don’t she’s probably hiding already and would be better off if you got rest for when you insist on going out looking way too early in the morning.”

He considered this. Again, as much as he hated to admit it in this circumstance, she wasn’t incorrect. Rest was important. “Allright.”

-    -   -   -

Gatomon was playing a song Wizardmon didn’t think he recognized, though it was hard to focus on, as punchy as it tried to be. He was glued to the car’s window, trying to spot any glimpse of white fur in the darkness.

“And don’t freak out if we don’t find her, right? She’s a big cat.”

Dark, snow, dark, snow, dark, “I am in no danger of ‘freaking out’. And she is a small cat.”

He felt rather than saw her roll her eyes. “I mean she’s all grown up. Not her first time on the streets.”

“But she should not have to be.” He paused to consider. “I am not actually entirely sure of her age.”

“Oh yeah, hm,” Gatomon hummed to herself. “Anywhere from four to ten I would guess.”

“She is definitely not old.”

They pulled slowly into an intersection, bathed in red by the stoplight. Gatomon sighed.

“Look, I think we need to admit that-”

There. He didn’t hear any of the rest of what Gatomon was saying because there, in the dark-

Wizardmon threw open the door of the car, and went running towards the bushes down the hill from the road.

“Wizardmon?” Gatomon yelled at him in alarm. “What are you doing??”

“I saw her!” he called back, not bothering to slow down as he reached where he was going, pushing around branches and leaves. “Tailmon!!”

“That isn’t- gah!” Gatomon yelled in frustration before slamming the door closed and pulling far too fast around the corner and to the side of the road. She practically leapt out of the car after him.

“Tailmon!”

“Are you insane? You can’t just run off into the night!”

“She is near,” he insisted. “Tailmon!”

“It was just as likely a rabbit ,” grumbled Gatomon, but she pulled out her phone again and shone it into the bushes. “I don’t see anything…”

Wizardmon reached into his pocket, and pulled out a treat he had stashed there. “Tailmon! I know you would rather be at home.”

“What he said! Don’t you want a treat?!”

They both paused, taking in the silence, only broken by the occasional rumble of a car passing by. Silence, and then- a small meow.

“Tailmon?!” Wizardmon rushed towards the direction of the sound, rapidly scanning every bit of a shadow he could find until- there! Curled beneath a thick branch-

“Oh Tailmon,” he whispered to her, holding out his arms as she suspiciously looked up, before scenting his hand and running fiercely into his chest. “There you are.”

He took her into her arms as he stood up and gave her the treat.

“Hmph. You’ve been a very naughty cat I’ll have you know,” Gatomon told her.

“Perhaps. But I am just content she is safe. Though she may need a bug bath.”

“You can do that in the morning. It is already far too late for this. C’mon,” Gatomon started heading back up the hill, and Wizardmon followed.

The drive back was a lot shorter without them both being on constant alert out the windows. Once they got to his building, Gatomon followed him up to be an extra pair of hands in case Tailmon decided to try anything. She seemed perfectly content to stay held close and purring though. 

Once they got back in the apartment Tailmon started wiggling, but Wizardmon held tight to her until Gatomon closed the window. Then he let her go and watched her run off- right to her food bowl, of course. He sighed fondly. He would feed her in a minute.

He turned to Gatomon with a weary smile. “Thank you for assisting me.”

“Hmmph, of course. Just remember to actually sleep so you’re ready for work tomorrow. That’s what I’m here for, remember?”

He didn’t really want to believe that was true, but was pulled from his thoughts as Tailmon butted into his legs. He thought she was going to lead him right back to her dish, but she leaned hard against him and refused to move even as he shifted. Gatomon smiled down at her.

“You’ll keep him in line, won’t you? Sit on him if he tries to get up before work.”

Wizardmon raised an eyebrow, “I thought you said she was a menace?”

“That’s fine as long as she works for me. ” Gatomon smirked at him. “ ‘Night Wizardmon.”

He smiled back. “Goodnight Gatomon.”

With that he closed the door and allowed himself to be whisked off to quick mealtimes and bed. Tailmon did lie on him, staying closer than she did most nights, but he didn’t mind. He wanted to be a comfort, and in turn, the comfort of her soft weight on his torso lulled him off to sleep.

Chapter Text

“But the oven does work.”

“Yes, but that is besides the point. We can currently only serve official Cup of Coffin-”

“But Gatomon has been letting us do drinks for basically ever now, and that’s been fine!” 

Wizardmon sighed. He’d been spending essentially the entirety of Pumpkinmon and Gotsumon’s shift attempting to explain to the pair why they could not start baking items to add to the menu. The facts that: they would need to come in early, that it would be a much more obvious addition than a special drink or two, they would need to come in early which means waking up early, the packaged pastries were admittedly convenient for their staff size, and 6:00 am at the latest are you certain… had failed to deter them. He was starting to consider some more drastic distraction techniques when the most drastic distraction of all wandered in:

“Kari!!”

Wizardmon deflated a bit in relief as the pair practically ran to the register. He didn’t mind them so much as they were… a lot. Kari shot him a knowing look before turning back to whatever slushie it was they were offering her. Normally he’d try to reign them in slightly, but there was no one else in the store to be bothered, and quite frankly Kari could handle it. Instead he took the chance to get some more stock from the back while he had a moment to breathe.

He passed Gatomon’s office on the way, pausing for a moment before sticking his head in.

“Your cousin is present.”

“I’m aware,” Gatomon responded, not even looking up from the form she was filling out, “I can hear the kids quite clearly from here.”

Wizardmon hummed. “She has been around quite often lately.”

Gatomon raised an eyebrow. “And what about it?”

“It is nice to see you getting along.”

Gatomon snorted as he slid out of the doorway. It was true. He was surprised at how well Gatomon was taking to interacting with her cousin given how resistant she previously seemed to the idea. Though he supposed it was because they were avoiding any topics that would cause unpleasantness. Still. He thought she seemed happier.

By the time he got back, laden with sugar, Kari was waiting patiently at the counter for a drink Gotsumon was making while Pumpkinmon took orders for customers that came in while he was in the back. Wizardmon smiled to himself. They were doing well. 

After getting her drink Kari called a ‘HI CUZ!!’ to the back, receiving an exasperated but fond ‘Hello!’ in return. Kari beamed before heading out, forlorn calls from the teens following her on the way out. It was fairly uneventful after that, working and chatting as they went. They were, much to his dismay, back on the topic of the oven.

“I’m just saying, you can’t really believe this is top-quality food,” said Gotsumon, waggling a packaged roll for emphasis.

“It may be acceptable at best, but we must realize our circumstances.”

Gotsumon huffed, tossing the pastry over to Pumpkinmon and ignoring the admonishing look Wizardmon gave the pair as they did so. 

“What if we, like, made stuff the night before? Pastries sit at the grocery store just fine.”

“Yes, but they have preservatives. If we did that they would go stale.”

“We can get preservatives,” Pumpkinmon chimed in, turning to take a drink from Wizardmon.

“We do not have the budget for bulk-”

He was interrupted as Gotsumon tossed another pastry to Pumpkinmon, the package falling short and bouncing off the side of the counter onto the floor. 

They both stared down at the bag.

“Ah beans,” muttered Gotsumon moving to pick up the ba-

“I can’t believe this!!”

The man at the front of the line huffed with impatience after his exclamation. Clearly upset, not that Wizardmon could exactly blame him.

Gotsumon grimaced, moving faster only for the bag to rip open and drop the pastry on the floor. Wizardmon’s eyes went wide, but Pumpkinmon just grinned reassuringly at the customer, full confidence.

“Don’t worry sir, we can-”

“What a bunch of disgraces!”

The shop went silent as everyone processed the man’s booming accusation.

“You should all be ashamed- this is the problem with kids these days, you don’t have any proper respect for work!”

Wizardmon pushed himself in front of Pumpkinmon, trying to cut off the man. “I understand your feelings, but we can-”

“What, are you in charge of this clown show?” The man glanced over him before rolling his eyes. “No wonder this place is so shit when you all look like freaks. You-”

He was interrupted by the sound of a door slamming open behind them, Gatomon whipping into the space. She shot straight towards the man, sizing him up intently.

“Do you have a problem with my employees?”

The man looked Gatomon up and down, before turning towards the counter. “See? This is what a professional looks like.” He looked back to Gatomon, foolishly confident.

“Are you aware your employees are tossing and dropping customers orders on the ground?”

She glanced over at the loose packet still in Gotsumon’s hand, which they quickly hid behind their back. 

“We can fix that, but I don’t see how it explains the yelling I was hearing.” She leaned in with a dangerous smile. “Was someone dying?”

“Might as well be when they’re wasting my time like this. Not that they’ll be doing that after this, y’know.”

“We can get you another pastry for free.”

The man sputtered. “That’s it?!”

“I’m not sure what else could properly address this situation.”

“They should be fired. ”

Gatomon raised an eyebrow. “I fail to see how that would fix things.”

The man looked furious. “You can’t be serious.”

“Do you want your free pastry or are you done here?”

“Lady, I'm not leaving until you actually deal with this and do something about your incompetent staff.”

“Oh really? You’re not leaving?” Gatomon grinned, all sharp teeth, pulling up her gloves. “Do you think it’s fun to yell at kids? Does it make you feel big and strong?”

“Excuse me?”

“You can either leave nicely or I’ll make you.”

The man laughed nervously. “You’re what, 4 feet tall? What are you gonna do, glare at me?”

She laughed back. “I’ll throw you out the door. You really want to mess with a wrestler?”

“What.”

She flexed her hand, showing off her fingerless gloves: neat but scuffed from use, studded at the knuckles. “You don’t really think these are just for show?”

The man stared down at her, and she looked back unblinking. For a moment everything was silent, then Gatomon lunged , and the man was out the door running before she was even out of the feint. Gatomon looked unimpressed out the window as he pulled away before turning back to the room like nothing had happened.

“Our apologies,” she said, flatly. “I need my employees in my office for a moment.”

Wizardmon was unsure if he was meant to be included in that, but he figured at this point anyone left in line would understand if he placed himself on damage control.

There were no chairs in Gatomon’s office besides her own, which she took while surveying the group with a tired expression. Pumpkinmon and Gotsumon, for their part, were practically bouncing on their heels.

“That was so cool!” “Yeah boss you really-”

“Quiet.”

Both teens fell silent as they finally seemed to register the look on her face. She turned to Wizardmon.

“Did he do anything besides yell?”

Wizardmon shook his head.

“Is everyone fine?”

He glanced at the younger pair, who nodded as he met their gaze.

“Good. Now you two-” she turned to the young pair with a glare. “What were you thinking?? You should not be behaving like this! We’ve discussed this!”

“We’re so sorry boss!” “Please don’t fire us!” “We’ll never do it again!” “Please don’t suplex us!” “We’ll wear nothing but boring aprons!” “We-

“What on earth are you two talking about?” Gatomon called over their babbling, cutting them off. “No-one’s getting fired. And I don’t care what you wear, just behave yourselves better.”

Pumpkinmon and Gotsumon stared wide-eyed at her frustrated expression.

“We’re… fine?”

“I mean, no, you need to shape up. But just don’t throw things.”

“I’m going to name a drink after you,” said Gotsumon.

“What?”

“You’re like the coolest ever,” agreed Pumpkinmon. “Like, you’re a pro-wrestler??”

“I’m not,” said Gatomon, flatly.

“This is true,” said Wizardmon, taking a second to watch the teens' expressions deflate. “Gatomon’s an amateur wrestler. Her league isn’t a profession.”

“ Wizardmon ,” Gatomon hissed at him as both teens' eyes went completely star-struck. She turned back to them quickly before they could start talking again. “You’re dismissed. Get back to work.”

Wizardmon turned to follow the pair on the way out, but was pulled back by Gatomon quietly calling after him to stay a moment. He shut the door then turned to her, uncertain as to what she wanted.

“This was… strange.”

“What do you mean?”

“That Pumpkinmon and Gotsumon slipped up like this. Not that it warranted that reaction of course,” she added, “but still. And the fact I’m saying that it’s strange is even more strange. The last time they worked here, goofing off was all they did.”

“They have certainly matured,” Wizardmon agreed, pondering. “And perhaps this time we were also better able to guide them.”

“Maybe they just got fired so many times they had to shape up,” Gatomon grumbled.

Wizardmon paused at that. “They like you very much, you know.”

She scoffed. “They like you , more like.”

“Gatomon,” he said intently, and she straightened up. “You run the only Coffin location that allows them to dress-up. You have allowed them to create their own drinks. Do you really think you have done nothing?”

“They basically made me do the drink thing. And I don’t see why it should be my problem to fix what anyone wears.”

“I doubt the other managers have seen it the same.”

Gatomon stared off for a second, looking doubtful. “Wizardmon. They were thrilled just by me saying I wasn’t going to fire them for this. All I did was respond reasonably.”

He hummed. “Have you considered you might be a good boss?”

She sighed, exasperated, all traces of her previous pensiveness sliding off. “Don’t try with your feelings stuff on me again, I am excellent at my job but I will not have you telling people I am nice. Honestly.”

“If you say so. Though you may have to be less protective for your other employees to believe that.”

She huffed. “Get out of my office.”

He turned, but smiled as she added- “and tell them to start up a Flamingo Drink for me.”

It wasn’t until later that week that Wizardmon was able to fully interrogate discuss the incident with Pumpkinmon and Gotsumon.

It was a half day for schools in the area so he’d decided it was a good time to finally make good on his promise and bring in balloons. Despite the fact it was snowing they still had a good amount of teens and preteens coming through in the afternoon, one or two carting along a younger sibling. It was just him and Gatomon in the shop for most of the day, and she’d let him man the counter while she did drinks so he could give out surprise balloon animals to folks. 

“Dude! It’s a giraffe! That’s like my favorite thing, how did he know?!”

Wizardmon smiled to himself, not commenting on the several giraffe pins on the kid’s backpack. Despite his scarf, Gatomon must’ve seen the crinkle in his eyes because she sighed exasperatedly (fondly) at him when he passed back the order.

“You’re such a sap.”

It wasn’t long before Pumpkinmon and Gotsumon arrived, their own school further away.

“YOU HAVE BALLOONS??”

He was alerted to their presence by the shriek from the front door, looking up to see the pair bolting to get behind the counter.

“That’s my cue,” said Gatomon, starting to untie her apron.

“Bosslady, he’s allowed to give them out to customers?” asked Pumpkinmon.

She shrugged. “It gets people in the doors. Enjoy your shifts.”

“Enjoy your paperwork!”

She actually smiled at that as she headed towards the back. Wizardmon grinned.

He turned back to find the teens whispering about something together, and starting when they noticed him. He was going to question them, but they ran off to grab their uniforms, faces quickly morphing into excitement. 

“Sooooo,” said Gotsumon, leaning in as they tied their apron.

“We get balloons, right? You promised,” finished Pumpkinmon.

“After closing.”

“Aw what?” “But you promised!”

“So I did. But it will be difficult to get work done if you have balloons.”

The pair paused to consider.

“Harsh. But fair.”

They worked enthusiastically for the rest of the afternoon, still excited just to see everything happen. It seemed word had gotten around, with more younger folks than usual as the day wore on. This did mean a slight battle to prevent Pumpkinmon and Gotsumon from getting distracted talking anytime someone they knew came in, but that was alright. Though it was definitely a more… personable crowd than Wizardmon was used to.

“So are you a clown?” 

“Don’t be stupid, he’s obviously a wizard, look at his hat!”

He was unsure how to respond to this.

“You can be a clown wizard.”

“Well, ask him! Do you know any magic?”

“Or circus tricks??”

He considered this, leaning forward over the counter so his hands could graze over the extra packets they carried. Then he held out an empty hand.

“Your drink payment?”

The young customer’s excited look disappeared, and they grumbled while passing him some cash. While they were still looking, Wizardmon quickly clapped his hands together, then opened them to reveal the money gone as several sugar packets fell out of his hands. The kids’ jaws dropped open.

“Dude!”

“He really is magic!”

“Let me take a video!”

Wizardmon was fairly bemused by all this, but obliged. It had been a while since he’d used any of his street magic routine, especially given the season. Pumpkinmon and Gotsumon especially seemed excited at all the attention. He believed they were gaining several ‘mutuals’ on tiktok over the course of the afternoon.

Eventually the hubbub quieted down, the crowd drifted out, and it came time for closing. Pumpkinmon and Gotsumon practically sprinted through all their duties, excited to get to balloon time. Finally, they tucked away their supplies and he gathered them around one of the tables.

After assembling his supplies- a hand pump and a couple balloons- he placed a balloon each (orange and pink) in front of Pumpkinmon and Gatsumon.

“What’s this for?” asked Pumpkinmon, picking up their balloon.

“You were very excited about making balloons, so I guessed you would also enjoy learning,” Wizardmon said, smiling slyly. “Was I incorrect?”

“Nope!” “Uhuh, no backing out!”

“Well then, what is it you wish to create?”

“Swords!!!” shouted Pumpkinmon, with Gotsumon nodding in agreement.

“Very well. First we must inflate the balloons. 

“It is important,” he instructed, demonstrating as he went, “to leave a small tail at the end. You will need empty space to twist later.”

He then passed the pump off to Gotsumon, who immediately started pumping so quickly he slowed them down before their balloon burst. They pumped much more carefully then, with Pumpkinmon watching intently, and Wizardmon took the moment as an opportunity.

“How are you two?”

The pair looked confused, though still concentrating on the pump.

“Uh, fine I guess.”

Gotsumon passed the pump over the Pumpkinmon, before looking up at him, looking uneasy.

“Why?”

“We had the incident earlier in the week with the… distasteful man. I did not have the chance to check in at the time.”

“Oh.” They looked a little relieved. “I mean, he was scary but like, Gatomon is way scarier. She’s cool.”

“Yeah!” Pumpkinmon chimed in, “the boss lady took good care of him! He’s not coming back.”

Wizardmon hummed. That was a good sign.

The pair both had their balloons inflated then, so he moved on to the next step of the process. 

 “You will want to twist the base, with enough at the bottom to hold. Take care not to twist too far.”

He walked them through the steps, the pair excitedly chattering the entire time. After a patient effort, and only one post-pop replacement balloon, they all had their own colorful swords.

Gotsumon started wiggling their sword back and forth, watching it wobble and cackling. Pumpkinmon took their own ‘weapon’ and started swiping around the dining area, moving between different fighting poses.

“I am the most powerful knight in all the land,” Pumpkinmom proclaimed, performing a flourish with their sword. “None can defeat me!”

“What about me?” asked Gotsumon.

“You’re my knight partner,” said Pumpkimon matter-of-factly. “We’re the most powerful band.”

“And what do you fight?” asked Wizardmon.

There was a moment where the pair got a look in their eye that suggested he was about to regret asking. He attempted to look extremely stuck in his seat, and the instant passed. 

“Monsters, obviously,” decided Gotsumon.

Pumpkinmon brandished their sword in the direction of the back hallway, light currently dim. “The most terrifying monsters to ever live.”

“Such as Gatomon?” Wizardmon asked, eyebrow raised in the direction of her office, right in said hallway.

“Gatomon’s not scary,” they said, rolling their eyes.

“Well,” added Gotsumon, “not towards us. She fights other people.”

That was good to hear.

“You seemed nervous in her office,” Wizardmon said.

“Yeah, ‘cause we thought she might fire us,” said Pumpkinmon, before grinning. “But she didn’t!”

Gotsumon glanced toward their friend. “Yeah, we just don’t want her to be disappointed. She has, like, principal energy.”

Wizardmon smiled. “Excellent. Now, did you also have a balloon animal you wished to learn?”

“Snake.”

His mind stumbled. “A… snake.”

Gotsumon nodded. “Yeah!”

He silently blew up a green balloon and passed it to them. Gotsumon looked thoroughly pleased.

“Would you… like to also learn another to make?” He tried to think of something that might suit their interests. “Perhaps a snail.”

“Hmm. Yeah. Penrose could use a friend.”

Pumpkinmon nodded. “Snails are awesome.”

“Excellent. It is not too difficult.”

Wizardmon pulled out a brown balloon. “Make a loop,” he said, demonstrating, “then merely curl the other end into it.”

The teens followed suit, but seemed… quieter as they did so, glancing at each other as they worked. Soon enough, they both finished their snails, but before Wizardmon could congratulate them Pumpkinmon spoke.

“We have something we need to tell you.”

He… wasn’t actually sure what that could refer to. He remained silent, tilting his head in question.

“The thing is,” Pumpkinmon continued, leaning in and more subdued than Wizardmon had ever heard them, “we…  were supposed to spy? On you? For Myotismon.”

That was a relief. He and Gatomon already knew that. He wasn’t entirely sure yet why the ‘spies’ themselves were revealing this to him, though, and refrained from reacting. He felt he could guess though.

“And what have you told him?”

The pair grimaced.

“We haven’t told him anything!” said Gotsumon. “We like working here, we don’t want you to get into trouble!”

“We figured we could just never tell anyone , but he’s starting asking about Kari,” Pumpkinmon chimed in. “We don’t really know why, but it sounded important.”

That was much more troublesome.

“What did he ask?”

“Umm, just if we’d seen her?” said Gotsumon.

“We said no,” finished Pumpkinmon, resolutely. “She’s cool too.”

“I see,” said Wizardmon, considering. “Thank you for informing me of this. Do not share it with anyone else.”

The pair perked up under this approval.

“Of course!” “Yeah!”

“But uh.. don’t tell Gatomon?” asked Pumpkinmon, “about us supposed to be spies and all?”

“It may be important she knows what he wants,” said Wizardmon

“Yeah, but-” said Gotsumon, “just don’t tell her we were supposed to tell on her, okay?”

Considering she already knew…

“Of course.” He glanced towards the window, then pushed back his chair. “I appreciate your honesty, but I do believe it is time you head home. You will not wish to be caught in the snow.”

The pair started, then quickly ran to the window themselves.

“Oh cool!”

“Don’t want to travel in it though.”

“Yeah, but no way we have school tomorrow!”

“Ooh yeah! And we can have a snowball fight!”

Wizardmon smiled to himself as the pair rushed around gathering their things. While the snow was heavier than before, closing the roads seemed less guaranteed than the pair inferred. It was still nice to watch their enthusiasm.

“Thank you Mr. Wizardmon!”

“Goodnight!”

They waved various swords and snails at him from the door, and he waved back. Then a quick jangle of bells and they were gone.

With the room now essentially to himself, Wizardmon took a moment to watch the snow drift outside. In a moment of serenity he took out his phone to take pictures of the scene. Perhaps they could be useful inspiration later. He quickly brought himself back to reality, though- it looked like there would be an inch or two gathering, and he’d rather get walking sooner than later. He slipped his phone into his bag and started packing his various balloon supplies back into it.

He stopped as he heard Gatomon’s door open, light music spilling out behind her as she walked into the light.

“Did you have a fun party out here?”

“If you are referring to the promised balloons, they went well.”

“Yes, your little bribery,” smirked Gatomon. “It did do very well with the kids in this area, perhaps you should be doing this more often.”

“That is true,” said Wizardmon, “though I do not know if I have the energy to be doing that regularly.”

“More talking than you’re used to, huh?” Gatomon laughed. “I think it’s good, kids seem to bring out your social side, and you certainly need that .”

He grimaced, “Gatomon-”

She rolled her eyes. “I know. Anyways, I did come out for a reason. Here.”

Gatomon held out her hand, which Wizardmon realized had money in it. He looked back up to her in confusion.

“What is this for?”

“For your little show today. You were doing more than your usual duties weren’t you? Just keep it off the books, it’s fine.”

“It was a favor for Pumpkinmon and Gotsumon,” he disagreed, slightly offended. “You didn’t request it for work, there is no need to-”

“Look,” Gatomon interrupted, “you brought in a bunch of extra business, whether you meant it or not. It’s not like I’m giving you an extra day’s paycheck, just a little bonus. Come on.”

He still hesitated, but sensed he was going to be receiving the bills whether he agreed or not. And, truthfully, while he still felt put off he appreciated both the thought and the money. He took it and slipped it into his pocket. When he looked up Gatomon was grinning.

“Besides! I had an ulterior motive. Guess who received an email from the boss claiming we lied on our budget report?”

“But that’s not possible. We checked them thoroughly.”

“I know,” Gatomon groaned. “He’s just a bastard. But I need to re-do the entire inventory before he decides to do something about it.”

“Did he not give specifics?”

“Of course not.”

“And you were hoping I would assist.”

“If it works for bribery,” she added, glancing meaningfully out the window, “I can’t exactly drive you, even in this weather, until I’m done.”

He considered. “Your bribery is unneeded. I had something I… needed to discuss with you.”

“Hmm. You have that serious voice.”

Gatomon sighed, then led him back to her office, angry music playing much louder as they entered. She swiftly silenced her phone and set it to the side, before grabbing the papers on top of her desk and gesturing at Wizardmon to follow. They went far back into the storeroom.

“Alright, let’s get perishables first, I don’t want to be in the cold any longer then we have to,” said Gatomon. “Then you can give me your ominous message.”

They went quickly through the fridge before heading back to dry goods.

“Myotismon has been asking about Kari.”

Wizardmon heard a distinct scrabbling behind him as if Gatomon nearly dropped the clipboard she was using.

“Excuse me?”

“I believed you would wish to know.”

“Yes, but not even a heads-up before you drop that? How do you know?”

“You said I should give you my message after we finished the fridge.” 

Gatomon turned to glare at him. “You’re doing this on purpose.”

Wizardmon ignored that. “I heard it from Pumpkinmon and Gotsumon.”

“Really? When did you overhear them? What else did they say?”

“I didn’t overhear them. They told me.”

Gatomon froze, confused. “They… told you?”

“They… informed me of what Myotismon was asking of them. They claimed they haven’t told him anything.” He tilted his head. “They think quite highly of you.”

“Hmmph. And do you really think we can trust them?”

“They do not tend to be known for their skills in deception.”

Gatomon opened her mouth to argue, paused, then pursed her lips. “You have a point… though we shouldn’t ignore that they’ve just as likely told him something just by talking too much.”

She hesitated. “What did they say he was asking about Kari?”

Wizardmon shrugged. “It seemed he was asking whether they had seen her. I would guess he has reason to suspect she’s been visiting, but is still unsure as to how true that is.”

“What a creep,” Gatomon huffed. “Still, I should probably tell Kari to stay away for a while.”

She reached down to her pocket before patting it, seemingly remembering she’d left her phone in the other room.

“Well thank you, I suppose. Now we still have to deal with this ,” she said, gesturing to the room at large. “Then I can deal with that .”

They moved as quickly as they could through the task, silent with only very sparse chatter as they counted. In the end it still took them at least an hour, leaning far over if his estimate was good. They came to the conclusion the error was that a slight typo had been made listing 15 large packages of toilet paper rather than 5. An issue that could have been resolved much quicker if their boss were not perhaps the devil. A night well spent .

Gatomon sent Wizardmon off to the front while she gathered her things, muttering vague threats of murder under her breath as she did so. He agreed. He’d been kept far too long, and was sure Tailmon would have some cross words for him when he finally got home. Luckily his bag was already put together, and he was tired enough of being in the shop he decided to head straight out to wait by Gatomon’s car.

He pushed the front door, then stopped. He pushed again, then again, jostling at the door. There seemed to be something stopping it, and he looked out, trying to see past his reflection in the darkness. He squinted until he was able to fully make sense of what he was seeing, the mass in front of the door.

Oh. Oh dear.

All around the building, trapping them in, was a foot of solid snow.