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Post by Tohma Norstein on Jul 11, 2011 8:07:44 GMT -4
Characters: Tohma Norstein & Masaru Daimon. Time: Midday. Location: Norstein's Japanese mansion.
When Tohma was finally able to tear his gaze away from the alluring glow of his computer screen, he was left staring absentmindedly at Gaomon. Even though he was no longer looking at the words, they continued to replay again and again in his mind. He hadn't even realized, but the computer's light had left a temporary glare behind his eyes and he was beginning to see spots of pastel. Tohma gently pulled his glasses off of where they sat perfectly on the bridge of his nose and placed them beside his keyboard with a soft tap. He blinked a few times before giving up and resting his face in his palm with his elbow propped up on the desktop. The wolf Digimon was beginning to feel worried, and also a little bit creeped out at the way its master's eyes bore into it.
"Are you going to see him?" Gaomon asked finally, sounding polite as aways. It reached a gloved paw up to desk-height and pushed the tray holding the porcelain tea cup closer to the blonde doctor.
"What? Oh.." Tohma said slowly, his Digimon partner's words slowly seeping their way through into his brain. Reaching out, he picked up the cup and gave a small smile of appreciation towards Gaomon before taking a small sip. After feeling the warm liquid flow effortlessly down his throat, Tohma let out a small sigh.
"I don't know.." he mumbled thoughtfully. His eyes widened in surprise as he ran through the different possible scenarios mentally. "It's been so long," he began calmly before his tone became more apprehensive, "What if he doesn't remember who I am? Or he does't want to see me?"
Gaomon didn't know what to make of its master's newly found nervousness. "U-uh.." Gaomon opened its mouth to speak, but it couldn't find the right words to match his thoughts, its golden eyes widened in gentle surprise. "I'm sure that won't be the case, master."
Tohma quickly realized what it was he had been saying. He let out a single self-debasing chuckle before turning away from Gaomon and back to his computer, minimizing the message. "I'm being stupid, aren't I?" he asked rhetorically, letting out another mirthless laugh. God, what is the matter with me? He groaned audibly and bowed his head into both of his hands, thoroughly embarrassed with himself. It'sMasaru. How the hell am I suppose to know what he's thinking..?
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Post by Masaru Daimon on Jul 11, 2011 11:46:20 GMT -4
Masaru stood in the middle of the pavement, looking at the small paper note in his left hand. The address matched the location. Sighing softly, he stuffed the note back into the pocket of his pants. It shouldn't take long anymore, he noted as he started walking again.
So far, it really was great to be back and to spend time with his family again. His mother's cooking was still the best! But now that things started to settle into something normal again, he really wanted and needed to visit his friends.
And that was exactly the reason why he was here, trying to find the right house. The house where Tohma lived.
"I hope he's there..." He didn't come all the way to Shinjuku just to talk to a door all day. Though he wasn't quite sure why he wanted to see the blond in the first place. But the brunette didn't think much about it. It was just a feeling he was following. Nothing else. "He'll regret it if he leaves me hanging, tch."
Taking out the note again, Masaru compared the address with the street numbers. Bingo! His first try was a match! Slowly, a pleased smirk appeared on his lips while he headed off in the house's direction.
"Aniki, are we there yet?" he heard Agumon's voice from inside the digivice that dangled around his neck like usual. Instantly, he nodded with a wide grin, completely forgetting that the digimon couldn't see it. "...Aniki?" Masaru was way to excited to care right now.
Much to his own surprise, he stopped in front of the door, taking in a deep breath. He really wondered how Tohma would react, if he would be as happy as his family was or would he be annoyed? No, he shook his head, still grinning. The worst thing that could happen would only be one of their usual fights. At the thought, the young man felt a itch in his right hand. He was so looking forward to seeing him again, not even wanting to hide it. Their fights alone were already worth his return.
With a smug, yet impatient expression on his face, Masaru finally pressed the doorbell and waited.
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Post by Tohma Norstein on Jul 12, 2011 0:34:25 GMT -4
In the main foyer of Tohma's mansion, the gentle melody of his doorbell echoed throughout the alabaster walls. Tohma, who was still sitting in his study, of course couldn't hear it himself. But then again, he didn't have to; that was what doormen were for. Tohma didn't live alone per se; he still had the several butlers and maids that were employed by his family scattered around his house, performing various duties. After all, his job was to find cures, not fold laundry.
Downstairs, one of the doormen unlocked and opened the front door. He was quite tall and stood straight and curtly. Tohma didn't have many visitors, and when he did they were often business men in suits or fellow doctors and scientist. Hence, the doormen was quite surprised when he saw Masaru standing there on his master's doorstep. Scanning the boy in front of him from head to toe, taking in his chosen attire, the man quirked an eyebrow. "Can I help you?"
Meanwhile, Tohma had finally forced himself away from his desk. He had his fingers touching his face in thought as he paced back and forth the length of the room with Gaomon watching his every move.
"Master, I really think you're overreacting..." Gaomon said in gentle concern and Tohma stopped his pacing.
"You're probably right," he sighed, making his over to the grand window that opened out into the main street. He rested his forehead on the arm that he propped up upon the glass, completely ignoring the goosebumps that pricked at his skin from the cold surface.
Tohma stood watching the sky for a few moments. It was midday, and the sun was at its brightest, causing him to squint. When he felt his eyes becoming weary, he dropped them down to where he then looked out onto the street.
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Post by Masaru Daimon on Jul 12, 2011 1:17:28 GMT -4
The excited grin fell immediately off of Masaru's lips, only to be replaced by a not amused expression when he was face-to-face with an unknown man, opening the door. Sure, leave it to Tohma to let someone else open the door. He really should have known that something like this would happen. It was Tohma after all.
"You like what you see?" he commented the man's stare with a hint of annoyance in his voice and tried to look past him inside the mansion. From what he could see, it didn't look bad. It had the usual Tohma-vibes, he guessed. "Nope, probably not. You're not Tohma." Shrugging nonchalantly, Masaru pointed with a finger in the direction behind the man.
"Tohma's there, right, big guy?" Seriously, that man was a giant, being at least a head taller than him. "Let me in or get him here, I'm a friend. Might as well tell him that the one and only Daimon Masaru-sama wants to visit him~! That'll surprise him certainly."
Snickering amused, Masaru faced the man, his olivegreen eyes boring directly into those of the man's. "C'mon, do your job. Waiting bores me," he said in a nearly provokingly manner.
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Post by Tohma Norstein on Jul 12, 2011 3:44:37 GMT -4
Getting bored of just staring out his window, Tohma peeled himself away from the glass window. "Come on, Gaomon," he said quietly, reaching over to pocket his glasses before gesturing towards the door. Having nothing else to do in his study, Tohma had just decided to find someone else to do around his house. The blue wolf Digimon nodded and followed Tohma out. They had made it to the top of the grand staircase when something else caught their attentions.
The doorman made a "hmph" noise at the boy's attitude. Turning back to look into the empty foyer that Masaru had pointed to, he knew for the fact that his master was upstairs. His temper was quickly rising as Masaru continued to give him more attitude.
"Master Tohma is very busy and he doesn't have time for..." he started curtly before eyeing Masaru's appearance in disapproval before finishing in a disbelieving-drenched tone with: "friends." To emphasize his words, he raised an arm and held onto the door frame, effectively cutting off practically the house's interior from anyone outside.
Catching Masaru's tone the boy's last chosen set of words, the man's eyes narrowed dangerously. Closing his eyes, the man exhaled, burying his impatience. "Listen here kid," he began through gritted teeth, "How about you just turn around and go home?"
His voice was loud enough for Tohma and Gaomon to hear from the top of the stairs. They exchanged glances before Tohma shrugged and began to make his way down the steps. He wasn't in too much off a hurry; living in a house that looked like his, Tohma was quite used to people bothering him for their own amusement.
Reaching the third last step, Tohma stopped with Gaomon on his side, slightly behind. "What are you doing?" he asked curiously and the doorman tensed upon hearing his master's voice. "Who is it?"
The doorman shot Masaru any icy glare before releasing his grip on the wooden frame and stepping aside. Tohma's eyes widened to surprise as he saw who it was that stood on his doorstop. "..Masaru?"
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Post by Masaru Daimon on Jul 12, 2011 5:10:26 GMT -4
Clicking his tongue in annoyance at the doorman's words, Masaru had to force himself to stay calm. He really wondered who brought up the great thought that Tohma didn't have the time for "friends", he more or less had the time back then. So, he wasn't in the mood to accept the man's answer.
"No, you'll listen, big guy." Losing patience himself, the brunette clenched his fists out of habit before hiding them in the pockets of his pants. Did the guy really think that he could threaten him with such words? It was almost funny, but only almost. "I came all the way here just to visit an old friend. Don't think I'll leave before I've seen Tohma." he forced a friendly smile that appeared sourer than intended.
Masaru couldn't help himself, this guy gnawed on his patience worse than a dog on a bone. He wanted to punch him so badly!
"Just get him already! Or I'll force-" he stopped mid-sentence when he heard the voice from the inside of the mansion. Momentary, he completely forgot what he was about to say, only listening to the familiar tone. It was Tohma.
And Tohma remembered him... Masaru wasn't quite sure what he was supposed to feel, but he definitely denied the possibility that he was happy about the blond's sudden appearance. Glad, yes. Happy, no. Just no. Or perhaps a maybe, but that didn't matter right now.
Getting a hold of himself, he cast a mocking smirk in the direction of the taller man before turning his attention to the blond completely. "Surprised to see me, huh?" he chuckled. For a brief second, the grin on his face seemed almost soft. "It's been a while, Tonma..."
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Post by Tohma Norstein on Jul 12, 2011 8:34:22 GMT -4
Hearing their light conversation, the doorman scoffed in disbelief. "You got lucky kid," he muttered through his teeth just loud enough so that it was only audible to Masaru, not that Tohma would've picked it up anyway. Sending one final glare towards the brunette's direction, he bowed politely to Tohma, to which the blonde just nodded quickly, before disappearing into one of the archways.
The gentle look of surprise that Tohma held was quickly washed aside when he heard that despised nickname. He didn't know whether to get mad and yell at Masaru or welcome his old friend into his house. For a moment, he looked like he was about to the do the first thing when he opened his mouth to yell, but stopped and just sighed.
"You're still the same..." he said quietly, looking rather amused as he caught Masaru's eyes. He couldn't help the small smile that appeared on his face when he saw the familiar shade of olive grin.
Realizing that he had been staring, Tohma made a small surprised noise from the back of his throat and tore his gaze away. "Well are you going to stand there all day?" he asked casually, trying to hide the entertained smirk that fought his lips with the back of his hand when he caught a glimpse of his doorman seething in suppressed fury in the other room.
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Post by Masaru Daimon on Jul 12, 2011 9:13:55 GMT -4
Waiting for the expected reaction, the brunette was almost a little disappointed when all the blond did was to sigh. "Of course!" he replied with a wide grin that slowly changed into something accusing. "Don't tell me, you seriously thought that I would change...!"
The thought alone was stupid. There was no reason why he should change; he liked his personality. He wasn't the great Masaru-sama just for nothing!
"Heh, I hope you didn't change too much. It's been a few years after all," he joked teasingly, visibly enjoying the situation. He really did miss that. Kinda sad that it took me so long to notice... Quickly dismissing his thoughts, Masaru laughed cheerfully. "I was waiting for you to say that, Tohma!"
Without further hesitation, he entered the mansion. His gaze drifted over the entrance foyer. It looked okay, although different than the mansion he once knew. "But one thing did change," he noted suddenly, gleefully, and crossed his arms in front of his chest, "You had better servants back then~."
Trying to nod with demonstrative seriousness, he had all the trouble to not start snickering as he already failed to hide his grin. "That guy tried to shoo me away like some little kid, can you believe that? Talking bullshit about you not having time for friends..." he complained audible enough for the doorman to hear before he continued talking in a softer voice. "So... except from employing the wrong people, how've you been?"
It might have been a generic question, but he was truly curious.
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Post by Tohma Norstein on Jul 13, 2011 1:01:11 GMT -4
Hearing Masaru's words, Tohma scoffed and rolled his eyes playfully. Still arrogant, I see... Over the years, Tohma had learnt to control his temper quite well, as the only people who caused him to yell were Masaru and his father, who was back in Austria. He beckoned silently with his hand towards the direction of the stairs, where Gaomon no longer stood. The blonde figured that this Digimon partner had returned to his study. "Yes, because you're just perfect the way you are," he teased, only being half-sarcastic.
"But one thing did change." Because Tohma had his back turned to Masaru when he began to walk up the stairs, he couldn't see the brunette's expression and began to panic slightly. With the next set of words, Tohma audibly chuckled. He couldn't help himself as he turned his head slightly to where the doorman had returned to his post, clenching his fists by his side so tightly his knuckles were starting to whiten from the strain.
"Yes, well... At least he's doing his job..." Tohma mumbled sheepishly, knowing, but not really caring, that he would have to apologize to his staff on Masaru's behalf later on.
"Well enough," Tohma answered rather monotonously. It took a few seconds to register that it was Masaru that had asked the question. For years, the people that he spoke to were professionals who simply asked the question out of politeness and courtesy, rather than interest. A small smile appeared on his face that he immediately fought back, disguising it by licking his lips slightly.
"I'm good," he said earnestly. "But never mind my boring doctor life," he chuckled despite himself, "How was the Digital World?" he finished with genuine curiosity.
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Post by Masaru Daimon on Jul 13, 2011 4:59:22 GMT -4
Shrugging amused, Masaru snickered shortly. It seemed like he didn't make a good impression on the doorman, not that it bothered him. If he were to be honest, it was the opposite - it showed that he was just as good at pissing people off as he was when he was younger. Quite a good thing to know.
The brunette followed Tohma up the stairs as he still took in his surroundings. Some things would never change, he figured. This mansion was just as fancy as the old one. But hearing the blond's answer made him pause in his steps. He didn't like the tone Tohma had used. Something was enterily wrong with it. Raising an eyebrow, Masaru scoffed silently. "That's all you have to say?"
For once, he really was interested in the blond's life, and all he got were two sentences, both very... unhelpful? Begrudgingly, he let it slide for now and kept following.
"It was a lot of work at first," he answered with an audible chuckle and smiled. "But lately, it was just boring. No one wanted to pick a fight with me, tch..." Sighing quietly, he stuffed his hands in his pockets and set his eyes on Tohma, tilting his head almost thoughtfully.
"Gaomon's here, right? Some digimon told me that you were looking for him," Masaru smiled vaguely. "You really should have visited me and my follower! Would have been a nice change to the usual digimon faces, y'know?" he laughed jokingly, yet a hidden part of him couldn't stop wondering why he didn't look for him, too.
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Post by Tohma Norstein on Jul 13, 2011 9:03:30 GMT -4
If he was being entirely honest, he didn't care too much about a few of his housekeeper's feelings. But he needed them, so he had to no choice but to act courteously. Growing up in the environment he did, Tohma never really learnt how to do all the basic things such as cooking and cleaning himself. He did try however, but he wasn't very good.
Tohma's eyes widened in gentle surprise. "Sorry," he mumbled sheepishly, hearing his friends slightly annoyed tone. Nevertheless, he didn't go on to elaborate. Talking about his private life wasn't something he did very rarely, and they only happened to be when his younger sister called or with Gaomon.
Smiling slightly at Masaru's thoughtful look, Tohma placed his hands on his hips. "You can't tell me you actually missed arguing with me?" he asked, quirking an eyebrow teasingly. Life after DATS had been peaceful; a little too peaceful at time. Tohma hated himself for it, but he eventually admitted that some of Masaru's rashness had rubbed on him, and he often found himself with the want to fight.
"Yes, Gaomon's here," he answered softly, drawing his eyes to the digivice which hung around Masaru's neck, "I'm sure he'd want to see Agumon." After hearing the brunette's question, Tohma looked away and sighed almost silently through his teeth. Of course he had thought over the years about Masaru, but he never actually acted upon it. He didn't belong in the Digital World like Masaru did. "Maybe," he said finally, feigning a smile, "I'm surprised you weren't killed after the few couple of days without us."
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Post by Masaru Daimon on Jul 13, 2011 10:02:50 GMT -4
Accepting the mumbled apology with a short 'hmpf' in the back of throat, Masaru only shrugged. He would get him to talk, but he didn't want to push it yet as he was almost content with their current chat. Hearing Tohma's voice had something nostalgic in it; a feeling he really started to like lately.
"No way!" Tohma's teasing words caught him off-guard. The brunette had to fake a short cough and looked into a different direction. "Don't give yourself too much credit. You're not that great," he mumbled and pouted. The blond didn't need to know that he did miss their daily arguments. Back in the Digital World, it was just him and Agumon. Regardless of much he needed his follower, talking or arguing with him wasn't the same as it had been with Tohma.
A cheerful smile appeared on Masaru's face as he grabbed his digivice, taking a look at Agumon. "Heard that? Guess I'm not the only one who gets a reunion with a friend!", he said, the smile widening into a big grin, "It's been a while since we've seen him."
"Right, aniki!" the digimon replied just as cheerful, getting more and more impatient with each passing moment. Agumon still didn't like being stored inside the digivice.
Masaru couldn't help but laugh at Tohma's words. First, it was just a plain amused laugh, but then it slowly turned into a confident snicker. "Me and getting killed? Tch, there was nothing we couldn't handle!" he boasted and shook his head in a mocking manner, before he turned to look directly at the blond. "Or are you trying to say that I was useless without you or Yoshino," he asked, smiling with his question, "Tonma?"
If so, Tohma would regret it.
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Post by Tohma Norstein on Jul 14, 2011 4:39:20 GMT -4
Being the extremely perceptive person he was, Tohma had picked up the fake cough that came from Masaru. Instead of continuing his playful vexing, Tohma simply smiled to himself. "Yes, I know," he chuckled lightly. Despite all the achievements in his short lifetime, Tohma still held onto his humility and wasn't very fond of boasting, the complete opposite of his brunette friend.
Once he reached the right room, Tohma slowly turned the knob and door opened with a quiet creak. He scowled lightly, making a mental note to have those hinges oiled later on. "Gaomon?" he asked curiously, his eyes quickly scanning the room. The wolf Digimon appeared holding a new tray that balanced four cups of still steaming tea.
Tohma smiled quickly. "You didn't need to do that," he started, sounding quite gracious until his voice dropped into a mumble, "We have people who are paid to make tea." Gaomon simply stared blankly at the blonde for a few moments before holding out the tray towards Tohma and his guests.
Tohma smirked slightly at Masaru's words. "Well I wouldn't go so far as to say useless..." he said in an intentionally hushed and amused tone. His expression immediately changed to annoyed surprise when Masaru added his nickname. Tohma scoffed and rolled his eyes before muttering something beneath his breath about Masaru being immature.
"Anyway," he said dismissively, "I take it you've already been home? How are Chika and Sayuri?" he asked, using Masaru's mother's first name despite the fact that the brunette disapproved. Tohma had missed Sayuri's cooking; it had that feeling of home that all his fancy chef cooked meals didn't have.
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Post by Masaru Daimon on Jul 14, 2011 5:49:41 GMT -4
"Yo, Gaomon," Masaru greeted the wolf digimon with a brief wave of his hand, grinning at the same time. He took a hold of Agumon's digivice again and held it in front of himself. "C'mon, Agumon. Realize," he prompted. Immediately, a stream of orange data swirled in the air as it visualized the reptile digimon. It was only fair that those two got the chance to catch up as well.
With a slight glare, he huffed at Tohma's words. "Yeah, sure..." he rolled his eyes, taking in the sudden change in the blond's expression and smirked. It was always amusing to see Tohma being annoyed at something as it didn't happen very often. At least that was the case back then. The brunette couldn't say yet if the same was true now as well. But he'd find out sooner or later.
"Tch, stop calling mom so casually by her name!" Masaru scowled, smacking Tohma's shoulder with his fist. Not that it was a strong punch, it was only meant to be a short reminder that his dislike didn't change. Only then did he nod briefly. "They're fine, both are happy that I'm back," he chuckled softly, "especially mom. She didn't say anything, but I guess she was really worried because of the whole deal."
Sayuri was a strong woman. But Masaru knew his mother well enough to see that she always tried to hide her worries behind her at times carefree attitude and a gentle smile.
"Oh right, they told me to say 'hi' to you," he suddenly remembered and looked at Tohma, frowning a bit. "Mom said that you're always welcome at home. She likes having you there. Same goes for Chika, of course," he shrugged, a little annoyed at the attention Tohma got from his family.
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Post by Tohma Norstein on Jul 14, 2011 23:01:12 GMT -4
The blue wolf Digimon simply nodded its head once in return of the brunette's greeting. Gaomon loved its life with Tohma, but there were often times when it missed home and seeing other Digimon. It patiently waited for the stream of bright orange disappeared to see Agumon's figure.
Tohma eyes drifted to the spot on arm where Masaru had lightly punched him. It suddenly hit him that that was the first time in years that his friend had touched him. Back then, it was a common gesture, usually in the form of full punches, and it was also something that Tohma realized he missed. Because... Masaru had been his first real friend.
Shrugging casually, Tohma had to stop himself from rolling his eyes. "Well who wouldn't be worried if their son was stuck in a place filled with monsters?" he asked half-sarcastically. Of course Tohma had been worried for the first few days Masaru had been in the Digital World until he remembered that it was Masaru. He could take of himself.
He smiled softly when Masaru mentioned that Sayuri liked him. It took him quite a while to admit that he had subconsciously taken Masaru's mother as a mother figure of his own. However the jealousy still lingered; jealous of the fact that Masaru had such a loving family, free from all the pretensions his regal family had.
"That'd be good," he said quietly, making sure he didn't force the idea of visiting Masaru's family down he brunette's throat. When he had started talking, he had been absentmindedly spinning the thin gold band that sat on his ring finger around. It had been a habit that he had picked up since he was expected to wear it. Often Tohma didn't even notice himself doing it.
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