With the digimon's face buried in his chest, the tamer naturally started petting along Kiyu's head.

He found himself fascinated with how identical Kiyu was to Yuki. He traced his thumb lightly under the markings just beneath the digimon's eye. The only noticeable difference was the fur colour.

He switched to scritching between the digimon's ears, this time drawing a contented groan from the fox.

"Mmm... don't stop."

The tamer gave a chuckle at Kiyu's reaction.

"Bit of a sweet spot for you guys, isn't it?"

"Mhmm..."

"Does it really feel that good?"

The digimon rolled his eyes upward to the hand currently rustling his head fur, before fixing the tamer with a blunt stare.

"Would I be letting you mess up my fur if it didn't?"

"Well... uh..."

The tamer thought for a moment. Kiyu seemed pretty playful and easy going, but he also seemed just a little bit vain.

"...I dunno. I don't really know how, like... tolerant you are."

"Well, I wouldn't. Just trust me... it feels amazing."

"Guess I gotta take your word for it."

He smoothed over the ruffled fur and started rubbing under Kiyu's chin, using his fingertips to brush over the finer fur. The big digimon was clearly enjoying the attention, leaning his head towards whichever direction the tamer was petting.

The tamer found it quite exhilarating that he could manipulate the massive beast so easily with just his hands. 

However, that feeling didn't last long. His chin-rubbing effort eventually triggered a lazy yawn from the digimon, mouth opening wide and tongue curling.

Funnily enough, Kiyu's mouth was also identical to Yuki's. The tamer gave an almost imperceptible shudder at the familiar mouthful of sharp teeth right up in his face. Whilst he knew Kiyu hadn't meant anything by it, the display nonetheless gave him an uncomfortable flashback and he couldn't help but freeze up.

It took a moment before the digimon realised the petting had stopped, eyes slowly opening to stare at the tamer in disappointment.

"Why'd you stop?"

The tamer didn't respond, staring vacantly.

Kiyu gave him a light nudge with his nose.

"...Tamer?"

The further prompt was enough to snap the tamer out of his trance.

"Huh?"

"Why did you stop?"

"Oh... sorry. I just freaked out for a bit there."

The digimon tilted his head at the tamer's answer.

"Why?"

"I, uh... I think seeing your teeth like that."

"My teeth?"

"Yeah. It just reminded me of the day at the park."

Kiyu's brow furrowed in confusion as he thought back.

"I never bared my teeth at you."

"No, not you. I mean with Yuki."

"Oh! That day at the park. Didn't you two kiss and make up already?"

The tamer scowled at the digimon, unamused at his making light of what was a rather serious event.

"You know very well we didn't kiss. But yeah, we talked it over. I guess I still have some lingering... you know... anxiety about the whole situation."

"Sorry, that's... I dunno..."

For a moment, neither spoke, unsure exactly what to say.

Eventually, Kiyu leaned in towards the tamer and whispered.

"...wanna know a secret?"

The digimon raised his eyebrows suggestively as he whispered, leading to a dubious look from the tamer.

"Uh... sure."

"He has a soft spot for you."

"What, Yuki does?"

"Yeah, he doesn't really like people, but for some reason he really likes you."

"Really?"

"Yep. He's happy he ended up with you as his tamer."

"Huh. Well, that's nice to know."

Kiyu looked around shiftily, pretending Yuki might hear them.

"Yeah, just don't tell him I told you that, though."

His acting drew a weak laugh from the tamer.

"Riiiight. Anyway, I thought that was because Ren rubbed off on him. Like, because you guys all share feelings."

"Eh, maybe a little bit. But mostly he’s just using that as a cover-up."

"Covering up what?"

"Well... that he's too shy to admit it outright."

"Seriously? He's embarrassed to admit he likes his tamer?"

"Yeah."

"We're talking about the same digimon I was petting like a puppy, right?"

"Yep."

The tamer rolled his eyes, shaking his head and scoffing.

"Figures. Typical tough guy act."

After a moment, he turned his attention back to Kiyu.

"...what about you?"

Kiyu gave him a curious look. 

"Uhhh... what about me?"

"Well, how do you feel about having a tamer?"

The digimon gave a nonchalant shrug.

"Eh... I guess it's nice having someone to rub my ears."

The tamer couldn't help but give another chuckle at being relegated to ear rub duty.

"Gee, thanks."

"What? You're really good at it."

The digimon gave a cheeky grin, but quickly caught himself.

"...oh, sorry. No teeth, right?"

"It's fine. Just seeing your teeth like that doesn't really bother me. I think it was more to do with having your mouth wide open. It just reminded me of how Yuki lunged at me. Like he was about to bite me."

The tamer shifted around to lean up against Kiyu's shoulder. He stared up at the ceiling and gave a sigh as he idly pet along the digimon's neck.

"...anyway, I've just gotta learn to deal with it."

"Maybe you need to face your fear."

"What?"

"You know... like, confront it head on."

"Uh, no thanks."

"Why not? I can help."

Kiyu turned his head back towards the tamer and gave his best attempt at a smile, once again showing off his teeth. Unfortunately it came off more like a snarl.

"...eee, uffin oo be afade ov."

The tamer leaned away with an unsettled look on his face.

Kiyu's expression slowly fell.

"...what? Why are you giving me a look?"

"Please don't ever do that again."

Kiyu scrunched his face into a petty sneer.

"Fine, just trying to help."

"Well, thanks. But, uh... I'll manage it myself.

He gave the digimon one final pet down the neck before scooting over to the edge of the bed and standing up.

"...anyway, enough therapy. I'm hungry. You want something to eat before it gets really late?"

The digimon's ears perked up in anticipation at the offer of food.

"Yeah."

However, the excitement quickly gave way to suspicion.

"...wait... you're not gonna try and make me eat on the floor or something, right?"

The tamer gave a casual wave, dismissing Kiyu's concerns

"Of course not..."

"Good. I don't want hear any jokes about-"

"I don't have any dog bowls for you."

"Argh! I just said no jokes."

"What? It just seems like it'll be the easiest way for you to eat. Like, let's be honest... you're not gonna be using a knife and fork."

"Well, yeah... but... can't we..."

Kiyu seemed desperate to come up with an alternative option, but eventually gave up in frustration.

"...come on! I don't wanna eat off the floor like a dog! I'll feel so stupid."

"Fine, fine. Look, what if the food is on the table? If you're sitting on the floor you'll be able to reach the table easily."

The digimon's expression didn't improve much with the suggestion, but he begrudgingly accepted.

"I suppose it's better than eating off the floor..."

"Alright. And if you're a good boy you can have a treat after "

Kiyu gave the tamer a dirty look.

"I swear I will bite you."

The tamer hurriedly raised his hands in front of him as he tried to placate the agitated fox, his expression a strange mixture of amusement and apprehension.

"Alright, no more dog jokes."

"Why don't I believe you?"

The tamer tried to keep a straight face as he replied, but it was clear he was having a laugh.

"What, don't you trust your tamer?"

"Not with stuff like this. You said yourself you can't keep your mouth shut. And I've seen all the bad jokes you make."

"Oh, come on. Some of my jokes are decent."

"Ehhh..."

Kiyu diplomatically refrained from commenting on the quality of his tamer's jokes.

The tamer just shook his head in defeat.

"Ugh, no appreciation for my brilliant humour. Whatever. You just gonna chill here while I make us something to eat?"

"Can I watch?"

"Uh... I guess so. It's not going to be very interesting though."

"I've never seen someone cook before."

"I cooked a few different things for Ren. That counts, right?"

"It's not the same. Like, I can see his memory of you cooking, but I don't get all the smells and stuff. Like... remembering the smell isn't the same as actually smelling it."

"Oh, ok. Well, you can if you want. Just don't trip me up with your tails, yeah? My kitchen isn't exactly big."

Kiyu gave an exasperated huff.

"I know how to keep my tails to myself... unlike Ren."

The tamer gave a snort, remembering the incident in the car.

"Touche."

The pair headed through to the kitchen and the tamer started browsing through the fridge.

"...hmm, let's see... maybe something with mince..."

He pulled a packet of mince out and placed it on the bench. Kiyu couldn't help but lean over and sniff it.

"That smells interesting... but it's so small."

The tamer turned to stare at the digmon with a sceptical look on his face.

"How can you smell it through the packet? It's sealed up."

"I can smell it perfectly fine. It smells kinda good."

"Uh... agree to disagree. Anyway, it's a regular packet of mince. Not my fault you're a giant. I'll cook it up with some other stuff and it'll be a decent meal, ok?"

Kiyu didn't look convinced, and if he was being honest, the tamer also had his own doubts. He had already seen just how much Ren could eat, and Kiyu was much bigger. Even if he gave the whole thing to the digimon, realistically it was just going to be a snack.

He decided there wasn't anything he could do about it now. He also remembered Ren telling him digimon didn't actually need to eat, so he didn't feel too bad about the portion Kiyu would be getting.

He stepped over to the pantry to see what he could combine with the mince, browsing for a moment before settling on some pasta and tinned tomatoes.

"Ok, how about spaghetti and meatballs?"

Kiyu stared blankly for a moment, apparently not familiar with the dish the tamer was proposing.

"...you know? Spaghetti... with meatballs?"

"Is that good? I mean, will I like it?"

"Dude, everyone likes meatballs."

"Well, I didn't know! I don't remember Ren ever having spaghetti, so I don't know what that's like."

"Well, trust me... it's good. And I reckon you'll be able to eat it without too much hassle."

—

Less than half an hour later, the food was ready. Kiyu was eagerly waiting to try it, sitting on his haunches in front of the table.

"Oh my god! It smells so gooood!"

In the kitchen, the digimon had been unable to keep his nose out of the way for more than a minute at a time as the tamer had prepared the food. Now he was salivating at the aroma as the tamer placed the bowl in front of him. 

"Alright, do you want me to mix the sauce through the pasta for you, or you just gonna eat it like that?"

Kiyu stared at the bowl for a moment. The tamer had dished the plain spaghetti into bowls and then served the meatballs and sauce over the top.

"Will it be better if you do?"

"Well, that's sorta down to taste I guess. I prefer to have it mixed through so you get the saucy flavour on the pasta."

"Umm... ok, I'll try it that way."

The tamer grabbed a fork and mixed the lot together until the pasta was all coated by the sauce.

"Alright, bon appetit!"

"What?"

"Nothing. Hope you enjoy it."

The digimon didn't need any further encouragement, eagerly shoving his face into the bowl before the tamer could even sit down.

"...woah! Kiyu, slow down! You're gonna get sauce every-"

*SLUUURP*

"-where."

With all the grace of a toddler, the digimon slurped up some pasta, each strand flicking little specks of sauce in different directions along the table.

Kiyu looked over to the tamer with his mouth full of pasta and a questioning look on his face.

"Woh ou hay?"

The tamer could only cover his face in embarrassment at the state of the digimon, red sauce all along his muzzle and stray pasta strands hanging out the side of his mouth.

The spectacle eventually made him cackle with laughter.

"Oh man! So much for table manners. Guess we'll just deal with the mess later."

Kiyu briefly stared in confusion, but quickly returned his attention to devouring the food.

Not looking forward to the aftermath, the tamer dug into his own food.

Unfortunately, he found it difficult to enjoy. Much like with Ren, Kiyu was a fast eater, getting through his whole bowl before the tamer could get through a few mouthfuls. And as anticipated, he wasn't satisfied with the typical human-sized serving, almost begging for more. The tamer felt obliged, given it was technically the digimon's first meal, taking his empty bowl to the kitchen and topping it up.

The same thing happened with the second bowl, and then again with the third.

The tamer still hadn't finished his own food as Kiyu polished off the third helping. Once again, he looked over to the tamer pleadingly.

"More?"

"Oh, come on. You've had plenty."

"But I'm still hungry."

"Ugh. There's a little bit of pasta left, but no more meatballs."

"So can I have it?"

"Do you really need it?"

"Yes!"

Rolling his eyes, the tamer got up and moved over to grab Kiyu's bowl. As he did he couldn't help but notice the digimon staring intently across the table.

He followed the digimon's gaze to his own bowl, before turning back to stare suspiciously.

"Hey."

He snapped his fingers to get the digimon's attention, before pointing his finger sternly.

"...don't be getting any ideas, ok?"

"Huh?"

"Don't touch my food."

"Oh... yeah... of course."

The tamer hovered for a moment, scrutinising the digimon before heading to the kitchen.

He transferred the last of the pasta into the pot he used to cook the meatballs, stirring it around to mop up the last remnants of sauce.

When he thought he had it coated as much as possible, he dished the leftovers into Kiyu's bowl and took it back through.

"Alright, that's the last of it."

He placed the bowl in front of the digimon, when he realised Kiyu was avoiding his gaze. He stared for a moment, with the digimon remaining rigid the entire time.

He turned back to his own bowl and sat down, immediately realising something was amiss.

He let out a slow breath.

"...Kiyu..."

The digimon hadn't made any move to start on the food in front of him, still looking away.

The tamer called the digimon again, sterner this time.

"...Kiyu."

Ever so slowly, the digimon looked across the table, meeting the tamer's eyes with the guiltiest look possible.

The tamer gave a fake smile as he questioned the digimon.

"...you wouldn't happen to know where my last meatball went, would you?"

The digimon gave an almost imperceptible nod.

"... you ate it didn't you?"

A pause, then another small nod from the digimon.

Maintaining his polite demeanour, the tamer continued his act.

"... and are you a greedy bastard?"

Kiyu broke his silence at the last question, guilt spilling out.

"I'm sorry! The meatball was just sitting there and it smelled so goooood."

"So you just stole my food?"

The digimon stared down at the table, voice still filled with guilt.

"I couldn't help myself."

The tamer let out a sigh.

"You know what this means?"

Miserably, the digimon responded.

"What?"

"You're a bad boy."

Kiyu's head shot up at the accusation.

"What?! Come on! We said no more dog jokes."

"And I said don't eat my food. Guess we don't always get what we want, huh?"

The digimon made to retort but couldn't come up with anything clever, instead resigning himself to sulking.

The tamer continued eating his now meatball-less pasta, ignoring the moody fox at the other end of the table. Without further interruptions, he managed to finish off the remainder of his food.

After sitting for a while to let the food settle, he got up to take his dishes through to the kitchen.

Looking across, he saw that Kiyu hadn't touched the remaining pasta.

"...you gonna finish that off?"

Kiyu's response had all the petulance of a grumpy child.

"Don't want it anymore."

"Suit yourself."

Unperturbed, the tamer took the unfinished bowl through to the kitchen and rinsed up.

He stacked the dishwasher and set it running, before heading to the lounge.

As he passed back through the dining room, Kiyu gave him a grumpy look before pointedly facing the other way. The tamer scoffed at the display before continuing to the lounge.

He made himself comfortable on the couch, turning on the TV and browsing for a movie. After flicking through the channels, he landed on a generic action movie and settled in to watch.

After 20 minutes of lazy action cliches, he had zoned out, staring at the TV but not really paying attention. However, a golden shape slinking into the room caught his wandering attention. He looked over to spot Kiyu trying to sneak in unnoticed, hunched down and head held low. The digimon froze upon realising the tamer was staring at him.

The tamer gave a curious look.

"Why're you sneaking around?"

Kiyu stood up straight and took a defensive tone.

"I'm not sneaking."

"So why'd you freeze like that?"

"Because... I dunno. You're probably gonna make a mean comment... or another dog joke or something."

"So you are sneaking."

The digimon looked away with a sullen scowl.

The tamer figured he had probably upset Kiyu enough for now and decided to ease up on the teasing. With a sigh, he opted for a neutral tone to show he wasn't going to keep harassing the digimon.

"...would you like to watch the movie with me?"

The digimon turned back to the tamer, looking slightly less grumpy. He didn't answer, seemingly contemplating whether to accept the proverbial olive branch. He kept silent, but eventually moved over to the tamer.

He hesitated for a moment, before posing a question to the tamer.

"Can... can I sit on the couch?"

However, the tamer wasn't quite ready to fully forgive the digimon, instead gesturing to the floor in front of the couch.

"Just sit here."

Kiyu let out a whine at the notion of sitting on the floor. The tamer clarified his suggestion.

"...so I can pet your ears?"

The big fox thought it over, debating whether to ignore his pride and accept the ear rubs. Eventually, the ear rubs won him over.

"Fine."

He settled himself on the floor, albeit still somewhat reluctantly, positioning his ears within the tamer's reach.

The tamer idly ran one hand across the digimon's head in random circles. Kiyu eventually relaxed and the pair focused on the movie.

—

At some point the movie hit a lull in the action. The tamer took the opportunity to get the digimon's attention.

"Hey."

"What?"

"Sorry for riling you up with dog jokes."

Kiyu turned his head to regard the tamer with a dubious look.

"Does that mean you're actually gonna stop it now?"

"Yes, I'll give it a rest."

"Good."

The tamer gave the digimon a friendly tousle on the head before continuing.

"You're actually being a pretty good sport about it, though."

Kiyu stared at the tamer with a confused expression.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, like sitting on the floor. There's no way I could actually force you to, but you're playing along."

"But I gotta do what my tamer... wait."

Kiyu looked away for a moment, apparently having an epiphany.

"...you never actually expected me to listen to you, did you?"

"Not really."

"So why am I sitting on the floor?"

The tamer gave a casual shrug.

"I dunno."

"But you... argh! Can I sit on the couch then?"

"If you want."

The tamer stood up and moved over to the armchair, leaving the couch for the big digimon.

Kiyu didn't need an invitation, again sprawling out and covering the entire couch.

Once he was settled, he looked over to the tamer sitting by himself.

"Can you keep petting?"

"Tch... I really don't think there's enough room for me to squeeze in there. And I'm not just gonna stand the whole time."

"What if... I dunno. You could just lie on top of me?"

"Eugh, really? Can't you just watch the movie?"

"Please..."

The tamer gave a long sigh, before tiredly getting up again and moving back over to the couch.

"So what, I just climb on your back?"

"Yeah."

With a shake of his head, the tamer clambered onto the digimon, sprawling himself stomach-down over Kiyu's back. He leaned himself towards the backrest of the couch to try and find a comfortable position, eventually settling with his head laying on Kiyu's neck and his arms around the digimon's chest to balance himself.

Kiyu craned his head back to check on the tamer.

"Comfortable?"

"As far as I can be."

"Good. Then get petting."

The tamer gave the digimon a disgruntled stare, prompting Kiyu to correct himself.

"...err... please?"

"Good save."

The tamer resumed his petting. The unusual position meant it was a bit uncomfortable to reach up to Kiyu's head, so instead he settled for scritching around the digimon's chest.

The sensation led to a satisfied rumble from the digimon, which the tamer could feel through his whole body.

"Mmm..."

The pair settled in together, mostly focusing on the petting rather than the movie.

—

The movie eventually finished, being replaced by a string of adverts.

The tamer awkwardly lowered himself off the digimon, before stretching.

"Hnngg. So... was that worth watching?"

Kiyu tipped his head side to side, mostly indifferent to the merits of the movie.

"Eh... I... guess. I didn't really get most of the story though."

"Yeah, you don't really watch that sort of movie for the story. It's just some cheap entertainment."

"Oh. Some parts were... interesting."

"I guess so. Some cheap thrills... over-the-top explosions. I wasn't really paying attention for most of it."

"Really?"

"Yeah, totally zoned out."

The tamer moved back to his armchair and sat down.

"...I was actually thinking about something else."

"Like what?"

"Well, can I ask you something a bit weird?"

The digimon gave a curious tilt of his head.

"What?"

"How come you're so different to Ren?"

Kiyu was taken aback by the unexpected question.

"Whaddya mean? Can't you see the resemblance?"

"Uh, yeah. I can see that. I mean like... your personality."

"Huh? What about my personality?"

"Just... Ren is really calm and reserved. But you're... uh... not."

"What, don't you like me? Oh..."

Kiyu's gaze fell and his ears pinned back, taking the tamer's comment poorly.

"...you wish I was more like him."

Seeing the digimon's expression drop, the tamer was quick to clarify.

"No-no, I didn't mean it like that! I just thought... it's just curious. Compared to him, you're really... uh... energetic."

For a moment, Kiyu didn't say anything, leaving the pair in silence.

Eventually he spoke up.

"Tamer?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you really think I'm a brat?"

The tamer's first instinct was to give a cheeky response. He had to stop himself when he realised the cheeky fox was actually being serious.

"Does it bother you that I might?"

"Sort of… I guess, yeah."

"Why though? I'm just teasing."

"I know... but that doesn't mean it's not true."

The tamer let out a sigh.

"Alright. You are a bit bratty. And I am annoyed you ate my meatball. But as long as you don't go crazy with it and drive me nuts, I guess I don't mind too much."

"Well, I'm not trying to be. I just... I dunno. It's exciting being... just being, I guess."

"I get it. From what Yuki said, I gather it's not much fun when you're not the one in charge."

Kiyu gave the tamer a sidelong glance.

"I wouldn't really know."

"What do you mean you wouldn't..."

The tamer stopped mid-sentence and his brow furrowed in confusion as he pondered the comment.

"...wait. Before Ren digivolved... you were in there somewhere, right?"

"I... don't know. When I transformed into Yuki, I shared all his thoughts. Even though I know I wasn't really there at the time, it feels like I was. Seeing you talking, snuggling with him for a moment. Like... being there without being there. Before Ren digivolved... it's different. I can see his memories now, but I don't have the same feeling. It's really... confusing. I can't tell if I existed or not..."

"Is it possibly related to the whole 'multiple personalities' thing?"

"I don't know. To me... it feels like we're not meant to be like this. Like... we should each be separate, rather than stuck together. I don't like this feeling of having someone else's thoughts stuck in my head."

"Like you really are three separate digimon stuck in the same body?"

"Yeah."

The tamer moved over to position himself on the couch armrest next to Kiyu's head, idly stroking through the digimon's fur and thinking about what he said.

"Could you separate if you tried?"

"Like split into three?"

"Something like that."

Kiyu thought for a moment.

"I guess... in theory. We each have our own data, so if one of us somehow split off, the other two shouldn't be affected. I have no idea how we'd do it, though."

"Yeah, let's not do anything crazy. I don't want you guys trying something and then really hurting yourselves."

"I'm not that desperate to try, either. But... imagine if we could though."

The digimon gave a wry smile.

"...you reckon you could handle three digimon?"

The tamer's expression dropped at the thought of looking after three demanding digimon.

"Uh... errr..."

"What's wrong, Tamer? Worried we might be too much for you?"

"Well... maybe a little bit, yeah. Like... Ren would probably be fine, but you and Yuki... "

He didn't finish his sentence, merely raising his eyebrows at the digimon.

Kiyu gave him an incredulous look in response.

"What?! Why are you picking on me?"

"I dunno... I can just imagine you getting a bit frisky and making trouble."

"I'm not a troublemaker!"

Once again the tamer just raised his eyebrows at the digimon.

Kiyu pouted, grumpily pleading his innocence.

"...I'm not..."

"On a different topic, is this maybe why Yuki was so strong when he fought Gulus? Like, if he had the combined data of himself and Ren... and maybe some of your data too. Because that seems really unfair."

"Maybe?"

"Ok, so like, you're a champion level currently, but do you feel stronger than that?"

"I dunno. I just feel like me."

"Hmm. I guess you've never existed without the data from the other two, so you don't really have anything to compare to. One thing I did notice though... when we were at the park when Gaby digivolved into Weregarurumon, it didn't feel that powerful. But both times Ren digivolved, it was kinda crazy... like I was getting blown away by the energy."

"Weird. Maybe we are stronger together."

"That'd be kinda cool. Having like... a hidden trick. Or could other digimon sense that?"

"Maybe they could."

"Eh, I guess it doesn't matter. Not planning to get into more fights after that last debacle."

Kiyu gave a disappointed look.

"But don't you wanna see how good I am in a battle?"

"Why? You wanting to show off?"

"No! Just..."

The tamer gave an amused look, knowing he'd caught the digimon out.

"...fine, maybe I do. So what?"

The tamer gave a laugh.

"You are totally a brat."

Kiyu gave a grumpy frown.

"...but you're also kinda fun."

The digimon's grumpiness switched to surprise at the tamer's admission.

"Really?"

"Yeah."

Kiyu smiled to himself before beaming smugly at the tamer.

"I'm the best digimon, aren't I?"

"Well, it's not a competition."

"But I totally am!"

"Don't let it go to your head."

Internally, the tamer knew it was far too late for that.

"...anyway, looks like they're playing the sequel in a few minutes."

He checked his phone.

10:37PM

"...you reckon you can stay awake for another two hours?"

"Easy."