Breathe Deep (Open)

[Hana Yamato]

The park was beautiful today. The sun was glimmering off the waters of the pond, the birds were singing in the flowering trees, and Hana and her Babydmon were having an argument over what they were going to do for money. "Fang, if you just act sad enough, someone is sure to take a little pity on us. I mean, we're both looking not too hot because we're living out here and on top of that, our supplies aren't that high. You're a walking stomach! You GOTTA do something to earn what you eat!"

I'm not doing a gosh-darned thing like that! It's disgraceful! It's terrible! I'm going to be a DRAGON and what noble beast of the skies goes as far as begging for their food?! I DON"T. AND I'M NOT FIGHTING FOR IT EITHER. Not until I've had a proper meal. Her digimon was a brat, to put it lightly. Always demanding food, always asking for a better place to sleep... things that she simply couldn't afford and didn't want to spend money on, regardless. All the extra she earned beyond the basic necessities went back home... and there wasn't that much she was earning right now to begin with.

"I wouldn't throw you in the arena anyway! You wouldn't earn me ANY money! You're weak and lame and I wish I had a different partner!" Hana's temper flared and she marched off, leaving her digimon to its own devices. Between her stomach and her anger, Hana knew she was being impulsive and acting out, but she couldn't help it! It was all too much at the moment. It made her want to cry.

Cry.... Her thought were disturbed by a cry coming from the pond. She glanced over, curious about what was happening, and saw that a kid was splashing around beneath the bridge. It seemed like he was struggling! Her shoes were shed in a heartbeat, as was her hoodie. As improper as it was to run around in her bra, Hana was more concerned with being able to get out and save him. Having lost the things that would weigh her down, she dove into the water and struck out for the boy. It had been a while since she'd last swum, but it came to her as naturally as breathing, and her strokes at up the distance between the two.

[KAIKI HINAMORI]

That boy, he was drowning. Definitely. How did it come to this, that he actually fell from the bridge? It had handles around just for that, why would anybody try sneaking through those? Still. Anybody seeing that would immediately feel sorry for him, or even get stressed over such a scene, it's only natural for someone to jump in to help. And this time, there were two figures attempting to help the poor soul - one in her underclothes while the other fully clothed in the dire state of this occasion. Sure, he arrived somewhat later than the female -- if by a couple of seconds -- but still made it in time, luckily. This was no contest this time around, this was actual lifesaving. Just as the boy began sinking, he reached.

Grabbing the youngster from the arm up before the latter could faint, the new figure clutched around the boy's waist tightly, making sure he will not drown again as they make their way back to the grassy shore. A determined look was plastered over the new oddball's face, one stroke at a time using one arm and further propelling himself using his legs, he reached it in no time. Panting, he pushed the boy out of the water, then got out himself -- both humans laying on the ground, grasping for air. Even if normally a distance like this wouldn't tire Kaiki out, he was in stress thanks to a certain someone, and had to swim with one arm practically disabled. His clothes all wet, his ears and tail magically still in place, the boy had a wide smile of satisfaction on his face as a small, teardrop-looking thing jumped up and down in glee.

"K-sama, you did it!"

"Haa... O-Of course!!... Haa..."

He straightened himself, then turning to the youngster that continued to cry. He helped him stand and sent him off with nothing more than a warning not to do that again, restraining himself from a meaningless, flashy introduction. After the cause of all the ruckus disappeared, Kaiki removed his shirt and threw it on the grass, then his shoes and socks. Those were his favorite pair too, and to wet them recklessly like that... Bummer. The Digimon then noticed, in her master's place, that there was someone else at the scene.

"K-sama, who's that?"

Not too sure what is his precious Moonmon talking about, the teenager immediately turned his head to see who she was talking about. Someone else at the scene? Perhaps he couldn't notice that person due to an adrenaline rush?

[Hana Yamato]

(Hana was wearing her shorts! Just not a shirt~ xD)

Hana was more than a little surprised by a boy that came plunging in the water, especially when he managed to reach the drowning boy ahead of her. She kicked harder, but wasn't able to catch up. Even so, she kept with them as they headed towards shore, knowing that if something went wrong she'd be able to help. However, the boy had it covered. She could tell by the way he took to the water he was an expert swimmer, and made it to shore with no issues except being out of breath - perfectly normal for an exercise like that! She clambered out on shore, barely breathing harder than normal, and checked to make sure that the boy who'd been drowning was okay.

In the interim, Babydmon showed up with her sweatshirt. For all your immaturity and commonness, occasionally you have a glimpse of nobility" he grumbled. I would prefer if it happened when you were properly clothed, however. This is positively indecent! His snout turned up at that. It was a rare time when she got any sort of compliment from Fang, whether it was veiled or not. He was a priss, a genuine priss! But he was handy in a tight spot.

She took the sweatshirt and pulled it on, hearing the other boy's digimon mention her. She should be somewhat properly dressed if she was going to meet someone. When the necks slipped over her head, she was able to see the boy that had come to the kid's rescue. He was dressed fairly oddly, with animal ears and a long ponytail, but otherwise looked totally normal... if only semi-clothed, as he seemed to have tossed a good amount of them off to dry. And he was a fantastic swimmer!

Her lips quirked into an admiring grin. "Hey! You were pretty awesome out there! Those were some great stokes - I couldn't keep up with you. I'm glad you were there to get that kid." She stuck out a hand. "I'm Hana. Pleased to meet you." Most people didn't stick in her mind that much, but this one? Definitely for sure. Maybe they'd even get to race each other some time!

In the meanwhile, her Babydmon has started examining the Moonmon, trying to decide if it liked the other. Hana rolled her eyes ever so slightly at it. He was so uptight, he'd probably dismiss it as simply a common thing and ignore it.

[KAIKI HINAMORI]

To anybody that knew him but Moonmon, the slight redding of the cheeks easily told off what he was thinking now, and it wasn't entirely good. To say the least, he examined her and found her very cute, mainly looking at her face. It's a good thing the kid ran off, or he could observe Kaiki in one of his less successful states, at least in the boy's mind. He only noticed after she started speaking that he was targeted when his pieces of clothing were removed and that made him wonder, was she by any chance attracted...? Nah, that can't be it, that's impossible. After all, she saw his Inumimi and Shippou, and anybody seeing that already strikes out the person in question -- unless they themselves are in for that too. From the looks of it, her unusually colored hair could perhaps hint on a similarity - but nowadays many seemed to hold odd physical features. Immediate assumption -- she was no Otaku, but at the very least did not mind him being one.

At her introduction, he could but return his regular smile and happily took her hand, using it as aid to stand up -- if only she could let him, though in truth he hadn't pulled as expected, but used his own power. Politeness? Maybe.

"Ah, thanks! Though anybody would jump in to save a drowning kid, y'know? Either way, nice to meet you too! I'm Hinamori Kaiki. You can call me Kaiki, Bellamy, even K would do."

His grab in 'help' to stand continued to a friendly handshake, seeing now that the girl was only a little shorter than him. This very small difference in height though, made him feel a small ounce of superiority - probably because they were so close in height. He didn't show it, not the least, but if asked Kaiki wouldn't deny that the thought did cross his mind. Meanwhile, Moonmon found herself examined by an equally small Digimon, turning around her. She couldn't do much, she wasn't sure how to react to such a thing, and thus just allowed the other Digimon to do as he pleases, the only thing coming from her part is a friendly, pure smile.

"... Ehe. ♥"

The boy left the slightly longer hand hold and rubbed the back of his head, along the way undoing the unusual ponytail he exclusively boasted. It seems that he was appreciated enough to know someone's name, so why boy pull it a little?

"You a swimmer or something?"

[Hana Yamato]

Hana had noticed the unusual features he had, but hadn't cared. A lot of people had believed that she was an otaku because of her unusual hair color, and that irked her but meant she was not as caught up in the physical quirks people liked with their clothing or hair. She grinned as he introduced himself and used her hand as a bit of an aid to stand up - she could easily have pulled him a bit if he'd allowed her, though. She didn't have an issue with it. But the handshake that followed was friendly, and Hana enjoyed the chance to meet someone new.

Bellamy it is, then! It's a nice name." She liked quirky and unusual names, and Bellamy was one she hadn't come across before. "I most definitely am a swimmer! My family owns... used to own... a fishing company. I've been swimming since I was born. You must have a background in it, too, to be that good!" Her eyes sparkled with interest in her new acquaintance. He was intriguing, between his ability and his interesting appearance, and Hana wanted to get to know him better.

In the meanwhile, Babydmon had finished its inspection. Moonmon had held some small fascination since he rarely got to meet other Digimon in a casual setting, but he quickly discovered he had no interest in it. Strange commoners. The ones called Otaku, yes? It's not worth it, Hana. I wanna go back and get something to eat! He glared up at his partner. He thought she was cheap and didn't treat him like the amazing Digimon he was, and generally believed most people were not as good as he was. Including Hana.

But he bore with his partner because he didn't have much of a choice.

Hana's happy exterior disappeared for a moment. "Fang, don't be rude! We just met these two, AND Bellamy happens to be a little bit of a hero for what he did back there. Stop being such an uppity jerk!" She was rather humiliated by her digimon's behavior, and quickly turned to Bellamy apologetically. "I'm so sorry for that. He has absolutely no manners. I'm trying to get him to lighten up a bit, but it takes time. And we don't really meet a lot of people for him to practice on, either."

She hoped he wasn't going to judge her on Fang's behavior. It was so embarrassing!

[KAIKI HINAMORI]

Oh? Look at that, she picked the name he likes best without him even needing to introduce himself as that! Great sense of naming there, she had, though doubtfully this girl knew where that name originates from -- very few know actually, including Bellamy himself. He was just glad she decided to pick that name, it meant she really didn't mind his oddity, an assumption causing his smile to somewhat look happier; finally someone who truly doesn't mind other people being weird. He was pleased with things so far, this day didn't look like it could get much better actually. Almost like somewhere inside, Kaiki knew today would some way take a bad turn, as it usually does. Why must his thought process be like that.

Small talk continued. "Heeeh... A fishing company? That's some tough business... Sorry to hear that. As for me, well... My dad kinda made me swim since I was a kid, cus he wante-" Though he never finished that sentence. The young Digimon that just finished inspecting the other let out quite the insulting words. There they go again, darn people who claim themselves above the odd ones. Sure, it can't be helped, social rejects were all treated like that and there was nothing to do about it. Kaiki wouldn't throw away his hobby unless it was an utmost necessity for something extremely major, so he was more or less used to bring looked down upon, but never was he humiliated by a Digimon before.

He turned to the young dragon, giving off an emotional expression -- and a blank yet piercing stare. With that face, nobody could know what the boy was thinking, but it was definitely something eerie, or at least, nothing good. He could have also been thinking about self-pity right now, and slowly his face lowered -- the fringe hiding his eyes. Why did it have to come now.

"It's alright." His voice was immediate, as if planning to cut her mid-sentence, also expressed in a monotone. It didn't matter to him that she tried to educate her royally obsessed partner, for as of now he was still pretty rude. To Moonmon, it didn't bother, but clearly for Kaiki-- "It's Al~Right. ♪" -- it appeared to budge only a little. He raised his head in ignorance of the young dragon Digimon, revealing his somewhat prickly yet comical face, eyes closed and voice almost singing. Yes, it didn't matter that Hana tried to lighten up her Digimon, for people like this existed too. So long as he laid not a finger on either him or his fragile partner, all in all it was good.

But he stopped believing his Otaku appearance didn't disturb the girl, right after that moment.

He laughed it off instead. "You don't meet that much strangers, huh? Well, if you can pass a friendly match at Pandora maybe you can find someone! There are also like, a thousand people daily in this park, y'know? Gotta just pick the right people! Hehe."

[Hana Yamato]

Hana wondered what the boy was going to say when he cut off. His father was...? Probably a fisherman as well. Maybe a sailor of some sort. Kids from those families always knew how to swim. But she felt keenly uncomfortable when he pointed out that there were plenty of people around to practice Fang's manners on.

She was saved by Fang's obnoxiousness. HA! As if SHE could force me to be nice! I'm the only one who decides who's worthy to talk to and whom I shall be kind to! Hana is simply an uppity human who THINKS she can make me be kind! He snorted and turned away. Fang had no patience for those who thought he could be controlled, even less who thought that Hana could do it at all. She could bribe him to behave, but never order him or make him.

Hana blushed deeply, ashamed of her Digimon's behavior. "And that is why he's so troublesome." Perhaps she should take the thing back to Pandora and trade him for another? At this rate there was no way that she was ever going to be able to take him in public! "Again, I'm just so sorry." She bowed deeply in apology.

It was doubly troublesome because she could tell how offended he'd been by Fang's words. That look, that expression, it was unnatural and spoke volumes about how he felt. She had to try and make it up to him! "Hey, would you two want to go to lunch? My treat. To attempt to make up for Fang." It was going to be the last of their funds, but Hana didn't know what else to do or say.

[KAIKI HINAMORI]

Kaiki was used to being mocked, all the time actually. This was the first time he was actually insulted by a Digimon though, thus a new experience. He personally believed this girl taught him to look down upon Otaku, simply because when Moonmon first came as a white blob screaming "Pichi" all the time, it wasn't like she had any knowledge of the human world, literature or culture. He had to teach her everything from absolute nothing, and that would most likely be the reason why she has such an easy time accepting any and all types and kinds of people: she was raised to never discriminate, no matter what. For a Digimon raised by a human to look down onto someone, they must have been seriously bad at heart, have a bad owner or simply grow up naturally in high pride. That thought crossed Kaiki's mind as he was once more 'scolded' by this midget dragon, Moonmon looking at him with a questioning face only a curious child could give off. As for him though...

"Hmmn!!

... He was pretty annoyed. Jerk! Stuck-up snob! That explains the reason he's so blunt, for a Digimon owned by a human to actually talk like that about their owner!! He must have been quite difficult to handle, and Kaiki was more than understanding enough to forgive the girl -- even though she did nothing wrong, and his disbelief of her acceptance remained. It would probably take a while to prove she didn't mind his fanatic habits and traits, that or just a couple of words if he ever gets the need to ask her such. For that to happen though, doubt is first needed, and her pink hair was a good start.

"A-Ah, no need to get all formal like that! P-Please raise your head, it doesn't feel too right for you to... Sorry."

He ended up apologizing in his fluster, blushing slightly as she bowed at him and offered to treat him to lunch. At the moment, he'd love to go out with a lovely girl like she was (physically, at least) to lunch, but not in a million years would he allow her to pay for him; he had plenty Yen to spend today, only by chance going out with his Moonmon and ending up in a state like that. It would also be rather complicated to go out and dine in a state like he was at the moment - all clothes soaked, only his lower body covered by a pair of wet jeans, luckily with nothing in the pockets (all that was kept safe by non other than the trustworthy Digimon partner Moonmon as he leaped in the water, right now everything still on the grass). And yet, somehow he didn't want to turn her offer down. With a friendly smile, he rubbed the back of his head as his reddened face returned somewhat. He was quick with recovery, this one; years of continuous practice made sure of that.

"Ah, sure! No need for the extra pay though, just the thing in itself's plenty a treat."

Awkward for him to say things like that, he knew. It was almost like he was fooling around, though it was all part of the game - this girl seemed decent enough, good to be friends with. If only the bone in the neck Digimon partner of hers wasn't around to be mocking every single moving thing...

[Hana Yamato]

Hana straightened up when he insisted, still flushed with shame. She knew she had to do better with Fang... she just didn't know where to start. At least the boy was willing to forgive her, even if it was just a little bit. She gave him a small, relieved smile. "No, I mean it. When you're dried off, there's a noodle shop nearby. It's cheap, but it's good." He couldn't really go anywhere while he was still wet, so she plopped down on the grass nearby to wait with him while he did so.

Fang didn't stop grumbling, though. You want to spend the last of your meager money on this BOY? You can't even afford a decent place to stay, you miser! I refuse... point-blank REFUSE... to have any of this! With that he snatched her wallet and began to make his getaway. He went hungry far too often for his liking, and there were few things that he hated more than that. Plus Hana was deciding to mingle with a boy who was lower than common folk! It was simply unbearable for the little digimon.

There was no way he was fast enough to make it far, though. Hana was on her feet in a flash, picking him up by the scruff of his beck and scolding him. She tried to quiet her voice so that Kaiki wouldn't hear. "When it's all said and done, this is my money to spend as I choose! We'll just enter another arena battle if you're that upset, okay?" She was desperately trying to pacify the little Dracomon, but he was having very little of it. Hana knew she'd have to come up with a better way to earn money soon. Maybe she'd go looking for a job, with with her experience she didn't even know where to start!

Fang wasn't quite having any of it. He was slowly starting to warm up to them, because he liked being better than the other Digimon and tamers, and more battles meant he was getting more experience and winning more often. It was a challenge. So he nodded, slightly mollified. But if you actually kept some of what I- Hana clamped a hand over his snout to keep anything from getting out that would upset the boy again. "Next paycheck you can get something that you really want. Promise." That cooled Fang's nerves completely.

She turned towards Kaiki. "Heh, he's a tricky one. If this is what parents have to go through, I'm never having kids ever." She nodded her head vigorously to emphasize what she said. Fang snorted in amusement at that. Like you'd ever actually stick around and date someone, either. Or that they'd date you! That statement just made Hana laugh, finally. "Not that I have time for it, you mean, don't you Fang?" Her eyes danced merrily. That was not high on her priority list.

She glanced over at Kaiki. "So, I was curious. I know that you're wearing those ears and tail - why? I don't think I've ever met someone who did it before." And having come from a small town where things like that were non-existent, she was still unsure of what was city fashion or something that she should scorn.

[KAIKI HINAMORI]

Such a generous girl she was! Kaiki was glad to meet her, she would have made a great friend if she didn't disdain at his hobby, whichwas still in question leaning towards a 'yes'. She wanted to treat him to Ramen though? A Ramen stop in Yoyogi Park? There was only one of those around, and growing up in the city Kaiki had a certain idea of what was in mind right now. Moonmon, obviously clueless, couldn't help but remain silent as she wondered what Ramen really was, if it's good or even tasty (for once, the normal childish intuition was right, and the noodle stop really did offer fold). Her expression seemed confused though - she had no idea how Ramen even looked like, tasting it depends quite much on the dish's actual appearance though. Kaiki, however...

"Ah! You mean old Ichiraku's stand, right? I know that one! Umm... Nageramen they called it, right? Don't you worry about it then, we can head there now! Haha!"

He happily claimed, attempting to head off immediately to said stand though soon interrupted by the prick Dragon's actions once more. He glared at the undisciplined creature all the while it made its short escape, only to be soon surprised at the speed at which Hana picked herself up from the ground, rushing at the Digimon and catching it by the scruff, impressively seizing control over the situation with only a few words exchanged with that thing. He couldn't quite hear what they were talking about, but the wolf-eared boy was still rather curious. Was there something here he wasn't supposed to know about, or did she just didn't want to embarrass herself when addressing this dragon Digimon thing in a special, improper way? Special treatment, as they call it? The boy had no idea. In truth, it was enough that the girl easily retrieved her money that made Kaiki clap his hands in awe.

But in this whole conversation, there was one thing that bothered the Otaku's mind, waking his concern in no time. It was at the very start of this procedure, what Fang had said in the beginning of this nice little show. Was it possible that Hana was in fact, really poor? It would make sense, considering she herself had to state the stand in question was cheap but good, indicating that perhaps she wasn't used to the best of meals or the like. Kaiki felt somewhat bad, preffering to dispatch such thoughts before making sure it's true. And yet...

An idea popped up in his head.

"I can see that... Though I met some of his type before. Must be tough on you, huh." He started, nodding to himself the same way a wise sage would upon words of wisdom. Quite the joke, and a nice gesture often made to signify acknowledgement - in Anime and Manga. He was then asked about his accessories, causing him to slightly rub his ears as the answer was given, feeling the unfortunately wet fake fur plastered over that small detail.

"Ah, those? Hmmm... Need I have a reason?" He asked, pausing before sitting down again and looking into Hana's eyes in the full description of his answer. "I mean, nowadays everyone wears accessories. Brands, rings, earrings and such. Why can't I be a little bit more original? These two pieces, too... They're more than that for me. Besides the fact those two are the first item in my collection I bought by myself, they signify who I am. I can't be all hypocritical all the time, see? So I just boast in the face of anybody the fact I'm a bit... Weird. Cus I know who I am, and I know what I like. And no one will take it away from me."

With that, he finished his explanation. A look of determination formed on his face as it lowered, looking it his interlocked fingers. He had not said much of a word in a rather long moment, letting what he just said sink in -- in his mind too -- before then snapping back to reality by Moonmon's sudden sneeze.

"... Ah! S-Sorry, I kinda drifted apart there, ahahaha! Erhm. So, shall we go? Old man Ichiraku's waiting!"

[Hana Yamato]

"Pshaw! It's not tough at all!" Hana disclaimed. It would be impolite to go on about how Fang was a miserable little being that never let her forget that her family was in dire straits and that she had no money and that it wasn't fair that she was supporting the family while her harebrained siblings decided that they would go off into the world to try and make their fortunes and restore the family business. It was all just so... just so stupid! But she was getting ahead of herself. Right here, right now she didn't want to admit that anything was particularly wrong. He could see that for himself.

Either way, she paid attention when he talked about his accessories. "Hrm. I guess that makes a lot of sense. I mean, when you put it that way it would be like dying my hair a different color - it would be showing on the outside who I am on the inside." She nodded to herself, thinking about it. It made perfect sense. Flashing a smile at Kaiki, she motioned for him to follow when she started off for the stand.

"Yeah, let's go! I think we're all set for a bite. And you look pretty dried off by now." And she hadn't had much clothes to get when she she had jumped in the water herself, so her shorts were also darn close to dry. Might be worth it to take them with the rest of her laundry to a laundromat tonight.

The stand was on the other side of the park from where they were, and it was beautiful weather to be out and about in. After all the hecticness of the rescue it was really nice to be able to enjoy it. Fang seemed to perk up a bit at the thought of being fed, and so did Hana, truthfully. She was almost skipping along with the boy in two. "So you were saying something about your parents earlier, when we were talking about how you learned to swim?" Her mind didn't skip a beat when it came to things like that. She was still incredibly impressed with his swimming skills and really did want to know where he had learned it.

At the same time, they came across the stand. She dashed up to give her and Fang's order, and waited for Kaiki to give his.