Charles Patricius

[Apollymi]

"Mostly, give or take a few calamities, you know the Plagueswriter stuff has mostly blown over so it's just a fun fest, with a combat component~" Kimiko mused. She often avoided using certain direct terms, but that one was one which would make her meaning known without any oddities. The situation surroundng the Luofu aside, there was still the matters concerning Arthur, which a version of his wife, he didn't even know about claimed that they were in harmony within about the decisions they'd made today. That was likely news to Arthur, any who understood cosmic beings also knew that if enough of a person wanted something the part that didn't would have a hard time saying no continually. Whatever the case, Yugi seemed content to make a pointed couple of statements. There was an odd sense of finality to his words, and then Arthur disappeared from the group of 'degenerates' as he saw them, banished back to what he claimed he wanted, his dinner. Though admittedly at least one guest short.

In the meantime, Nanami Mami was busy trying to figure out the mystery of the mature adults in this building and came to a singular conclusion she'd be running with. Obviously the woman had seduced the man and was using him to help her business. And distracted by her physical prowess this man was going to use his obvious expertise in the field to do this until such a time as he was tossed away. "Like I said I don't cook for myself or anything college is just kind of like that," Mami mentioned hoping at some point this man would take interest in something not her personal life or body. Or maybe that was how he got himself into situations... was this like subtle negging to lower her guard? That sort of thing didn't work. As for his instructions, they were as simple as she interpreted them but apparently, the ratios for putting the bowls together were what he'd shown by putting one together for her. Her face scrunched up in confusion, did he actually expect her to remember that in the moment. "Hm, I wasn't paying that kind of attention when you put the bowl together for me... do you have this all written down somewhere? Should I have been taking notes that early? This is sounding like a tough first day, Fukuyama-san..." she could pretend to have missed out on that information. In truth she found it absolutely absurd that he would have expected her to be thinking about how he put together the bowl when he was giving her a sample. Definitely a lab nerd, not one to speak to for practical information. Still if mixing and portions were all there was to this particular part of the day she could technically do it. And hope that they hired someone else more suited to this part of the work than she could be.

[Bloodedge]

Once he'd removed Arthur from the equation, Yugi felt far more comfortable moving forward with this party. He remembered the fact that a game was ongoing, but the number of Wise clones was notably lower than it had been a few minutes prior. Nevertheless, Yugi heaved a mighty sigh upon floating away from Arthur's previous location. "Ugh! That was so fucking annoying! Anybody wanna offer head for condolence?" he wondered. At least he could move on to acknowledging the game and eventually getting the party properly started. A quick glance at the screens would let him know how rankings were working out now, whilst he recalled Kimiko's earlier mention of the Luofu event. "Really? Huh. Well, what they were doing with it originally was pretty stupid anyway. I stopped participating after, like, the third one ─ all because it didn't really prove anything they thought it did."

The academies of this world required much investigation. Sadly, Hiroshi had neither the time nor the freedom to take said investigation into his own hands. Ah, but food alone was not the problem of Nanami Mami. Could he even get the real point across? Likely not. "Hmm. It seems we are discussing two very different topics. My apologies; I have no idea how to portray my meaning in a way that would be understood," he said, having no issues moving on from there. As the cooking process continued, Mami needed only to recall a simple ratio. There was no need for hardcore science in a case like this one, so her inattentive approach wasn't such a big deal... for now. "Luckily, you needn't worry yourself very much. Perhaps I should have been more clear about the necessary steps here, but it isn't so important for this. This may be a matter of science, but exact measurements won't be a negative. Hmm... If I had to make a firm suggestion, I would say no more than one part tare to three parts broth. Beyond that, the tare is the seasoning. Let your sense of taste be the guide," he advised while opening a small drawer containing disposable spoons. "As for your expectations, this is by far in a way the most difficult of things you'll be needed for... and only occasionally, I believe. Nara-san gives me reason to believe you will be more suited to dealing with patrons directly than I, so that will be your primary position."

[Apollymi]

Meanwhile, a final cosmic infant was shipped out and now the party as it existed could finally begin moving properly. Still that wouldn't stop the complaints coming from Yugi initially, and though this wasn't a problem he undertook for himself, it was something Kimiko understood to be annoying, still it wouldn't stop her from commenting the way she always would. "Your little dirty ass, always wants head~" Kimiko said as if she wasn't one of the main contributors enabling his actions. One of the others, likely would have offered but she was in her steady clime towards winning a certain game. At the same time, it'd oddly be Johanna making her way back over, "I'll do it, I have a thing I want to make," she expressed without much more detail as to why he'd be a good component in that thing. No, instead she just opened her mouth beneath the floating man and left it wet and inviting. In the meantime, it would be Kimiko randomly speaking about the ongoing Wardance. "Yeah, I can see why it would have lost its dazzle for you a while back, but it's gotten pretty interesting lately. The Luofu basically just invites in everyone as they are moving around and it becomes a grand games spectacle. They even started voting and shiz for wild card matches and returns like its American Idol. It's crazy dramatic~" Kimiko claimed. Over her head there was still a nice 69. At the same time, Kaguya worked herself up to a nice 217 a steady pace but she was starting to wear herself down a little bit. Angelica had hit a massive 248 with her random extra one included, while Morgan came in with a more than respectable 249. Sakura for all of her bath related slow working had hit a whopping 284. And Belle was trailing but not by very much with a 278... "Tasukette Onii-chan!~" she didn't like losing and such an earnest plea near that couch should entice a great number of ready Wises to her, if only to help out with her own numbers. Miko as the final person of note in this game currently had a score of 261 which while not the highest put her around the middle of the group.

Ah but speaking of the middle a certain outcry was happening. Somewhere in the dwindling number of Wises there was a dragon being tussled by a petite mass of brown skin which had hair turning a brilliant white and eyes which were currently glowing and golden. "Stars are out now, mate~" she claimed as if there wasn't a sudden and very oppressive shift in both her internal environment and her attitude. A hand was on that Moon Drinkers throat, and hips which had been pinned back for pummeling her from below were now taking full leverage and advantage while she moved herself on top with precise and fluid movements. Her ass shaking with every downward impact and a squeeze applied with every lift. Such was a different sort of dance taking place. And would likely have some... rippling effects elsewhere.

Outside of the space time party, there was a girl learning about the oddities of a certain man in a convenience store. Whatever thing he was trying to communicate was completely lost on her, but that didn't stop her from extrapolating and coming to her own conclusions. 'Did he realize he couldn't neg me and get a proper response? That's what it feels like, whatever... it seems like he'll be open to me regardless.' Mami concluded in her mind. "Don't worry about it. Having trouble communicating is pretty normal between different age groups," she concluded. Maybe he was just a bit dated and a bit out o fit. She'd seen a few older men have a hard time trying to talk to younger girls. It wasn't anything to worry about, though it did make her wonder if her new employer was the type to fall for the corny nerd types. Whatever the case, apparently exact measurements and the like weren't needed. It was more about the ratios and as long as she understood what it should taste like it would be fine, or at least that was what she gathered from his words. "One part tare, three parts broth... noddles that cook fast and then other stuff..." she muttered that was about as easy as sizing people had been. She could deal with it. Ah, but apparently this was just a little bit of her job. She likely wouldn't have to do it much as she was mostly hired for checking people out. Jobs always had these kinds of layers. If you were better at most things it was good, but if you were only good for a couple it was much easier to manage, "Thank goodness. I feel way more comfortable the idea of checking out customers..." she said in an oddly truthful way. She'd pay enough attention that perhaps she could tell some other worker how to do it later... and as time progressed and customers started entering... a young woman in a black sweater and a pair of jeans would enter the store. She had clear blue eyes and long purple hair to go along with an overly confident walk and a lack of intimidation on any front. She'd just come form a rather strange interaction and was content just to potentially catch up with a friend but upon entering and seeing Hiroshi, she made a detour to chat with him instead. "Ohayou, Fukuyama-san," Saori said remembering from days prior his change in name.

[Bloodedge]

"Only because it's, like, the best thing ever," Yugi argued about his constant desire. In doing so, he flashed Kimiko a protruding tongue before shifting to view an approaching Johanna. How interesting. He made that open offer/request on a whim, never expecting anyone (at least anyone available) to take it. Apparently, she wanted to make something. He had reason to believe that 'something' wasn't another child, given the orifice of choice, but also an understanding that... many things were possible. "Is it another kid? Because if you're at that point in ability in your timeline, you have to let me know... or it's entrapment~" he said. Regardless, he wasn't going to avoid floating upright and plopping his cock onto that freely-offered tongue to slide it inward. Foolish was the man who turned down a genuine offer from one of the Jovian women. In beginning something else new, he scanned the game scores and heard of the War Dance being more of a game presently. "Huh. Well if it's a game, I should go back to establish the top score. Unless I already have it from the last time I was there; I don't keep track of how they work over there. Speaking of games... Looks like Sakura's topping the chart right now," he observed. Alas, things would be changing rather quickly. A cry for help from Belle was enough to garner the attention of many remaining Wises, even though some voiced a simultaneous complaint during their approach. "Really? Wouldn't that just make you a dirty cheater?"

Games were fine, but some things were taking a more serious approach. 'Moon Drinker' as he was being called, no longer held the position of power over Nitocris. No, she eventually loomed over him in time to become the phenomenon known as the Empty Sky ─ something she achieved with an announcement and a hand at his throat. Even pinned down and choked, the Moon Drinker wore an excited grin. "Ssstars out? Keep talking dirty♥~" he flirted as a new series of throbs overtook the two members being taken for a wild ride. Ah, but the Empty Sky was not a singular event. With it, there would come the Black Sun. Ozymandias did not undergo such a physical change, bar his hair lengthening to a mullet and his eyes becoming more yellow than golden. A black, misty aura did leak out of his body however, and with it came a shift in demeanor. "Bend over," he demanded of Zmeya, whom he'd been coddling with gentle caresses mere moments before.

All the while, Hiroshi's lack of social acuity was put on full display. Was it received as it should have been? Probably not, but that was no concern of his. As he saw things, there remained some accuracy to Mami's observation on the matter. "That does seem true. I'll need to continue learning. A scholar knows no rest, but I have hopes you will be another source of vital information," he mused. It seemed Mami would grasp the gist of bowl construction for the store's top-selling item at present. With that being the case, Hiroshi could confidently leave any teachings on that front where they were. "If the register is your comfort zone, all the better. I may be the last person suited for interacting with people on a large scale, so I will leave that matter in your capable hands whenever possible. I will work on new recipes and innovations, and serve food on this end unless you require something of me," he said. Whether Hiroshi had more to say or not, his attention was soon pulled by a familiar voice and face. His gaze shifted to the purple-haired woman whose purpose at this location was yet unknown. "Hayami-san? Ohayou gozaimasu. Are you here for the ramen? I assure you it is a more... cohesive meal than these empty and confusing things one normally finds on this..." He paused there, clearing his throat. "In this... area."

[Apollymi]

According to Yugi 'head' was like the best thing ever, which is why he asked for it. "I mean I get it, and I am on board, both ways even~" Kimiko claimed even watching as a different Jovian apparently decided to offer her mouth for reasons unknown. According to Yugi, it'd be entrapment if she didn't tell him ahead of time, if she was planning to make a baby. "Oh, well... it's not a baby. Promise~" she said dutifully. Still, since his cock was now sliding into her mouth, she swallow it to its full length caressing with tongue and allowing the pull of hers to occur, with no needed hands so she could amuse herself with until some other point in time. At the same time, it seemed the games scores were being ratified into the last possible moments, still, Wises were converging upon a Belle who was accepting and finishing them off even as they complained about her potential cheating. "Of course I'm not a cheater. Waiting until the opportune moment to use the Blue Shell is crucial strategy! And no one else can eve complain, given Sakura-sama has been darkness luring, Morgan-sama went the drowned approach and Miko-chan has been siren singing the whole time!~" she concluded with no shame.

At the same time, Nitocris as she'd been called had flipped the script in the most direct way possible. Empty of the influence of the sun and stars she'd become something else entirely. Her own kind of dominating force which had her riding with aggression the Moon Drinker as he flirted with her even with a hand on his throat. "Oh right, I guess I should but silent darkness is better right~" she asked in a flirty tone as she tightened that grip quite a bit. In response to those throbs her hips and bottom moved without end, as if she planned to ride with this level of tenacity until he either fainted or orgasmed whichever happened first and both were viable options for her happiness. At the same time... the other effect of a lightless sky was made clear. The oppressive aura of black mist was one hint, the yellow eyes and dominating presence was another. And then a rather simple demand to replace all the previously seen coddling was the last straw. A gentle shiver moved down the snake woman's body as gentle winding took place. With that motion she leaned forward, hands against the opposite side of the she'd been sitting in giving her backside in presentable form. "Asss you wisssh~" she said her hips gentling shaking in excitement. She'd basically been made by this form of Ozymandias, she was far from being anything but excited to be the receptacle for his aggression.

Meanwhile, things in the convenience store seemed to be settling down. Mami, though misinterpreting many things, could take Hiroshi's words in a rather friendly way. At the very least, he seemed to be one of the people who was trying to be both direct and indirect simultaneously. This left her many openings she figured to interpret his words in the way that best suited herself. "I doubt there is much I could tell you, but... I see no problem with that," Mami said offering a smile that she normally used to cement herself as sweet in the minds of others. As for her job duties she was definitely more suited to register work than food service. She'd not applied for those kinds of jobs on purpose. "Sounds like a plan to me..." Mami said. Anything that kept her away from the kitchen for the most part would be pleasing. Before she could do much of anything else though, another rather attractive woman walked in. She was dressed modestly but her proportions made even that seem outrageous. How someone had an atheletic looking body with boobs and an ass that big was mind-blowing to Mami. She almost huffed in childish annoyance when that same woman walked up to have a casual conversation with Hiroshi. 'Are you some kind of two-timer or just one of those who will take anything he can get?' she wondered but said nothing as the pair spoke. He offered her ramen and she sniffed the air and chuckled, "I hadn't thought about how weird this has to be for you after the move..." she said commiserating. Still if Saori considered this man one thing, it was her comrade-at-arms against the ridiculous teenagers that plagued their lives currently. "I haven't had good ramen in quite a while... but I'm not quite ready for lunch yet. Your..." she paused as if thinking over the right phrase as well. Mami decided that maybe both of them weren't as used to speaking normally as their almost perfect accents made them out to be, "Student, made us all breakfast this morning and it was simple but rather filling even for me," she explained. "I was actually told my friend owns this place and might need to chat so I was stopping by for that. But before then... you look like you've been through it..." she said a knowing little smirk coming to her lips. "Looks like she's been relapsing, a night of beer and cake turns into a hangover really quickly. How's your head?~" Saori asked, wondering if people like him had ever experienced the negative side-effects of a night out combined with the kind of sex that her friend seemed to crave in the past, which she was sure she now had an impressive body to go along with, if her elder sister was anything to extrapolate from.

[Bloodedge]

Since Johanna swore there were no attempts at producing another life through her services, Yugi was content to be serviced while keeping track of the game. Johanna was one he figured was best left to her own devices down there, so he let the initial phases proceed at her pace of choice without interruption, though... a bit of minor hip-pumping was nigh-unavoidable. "Looks like that bet might lean in Mommy's favor after all, folks! Belle decided to go out with a bang, totally, absolutely, unequivocally cheating to get the edge in Wise count now that she's close to the finish line!" he announced solely to tease Belle, though he took less issue with her approach than Wise. "OK, sure, it's not cheating... but I'll be damned if it's not unde─" The Wise speaking at the moment could not finish his statement. Why? Well, as he'd just blown his load on Belle's back, that one was no more. It fell to a Wise approaching Belle from the front to finish the clause. "Underhanded ─ it's underhanded!" he insisted.

All the while, Moon Drinker was being choked with what one could only call divine fury. He thought to speak against Nitocris's mention of silent darkness, but lo... speaking was little more than a gurgle for him at the time. Nevertheless, he seemed pleased beyond all measure. The playful defiance in his eyes was indicative of his disagreement of her last statement, but the two-point flood in the Empty Sky's holes said it didn't matter one way or the other. Meanwhile, the Black Sun Ozymandias silently and pensively watched Zmeya bend over that chalice and present her ass for the taking. It would be ass he took ─ literally as rough hands grasped cheeks in clawlike manner to facilitate a deep dive into her rear hole. Hesitation before a repeated slamming against her backside was nowhere to be found from that moment forward. . .

Now that Hiroshi and Mami had reached an understanding, the time had come for a diversion of sorts. Hayami Saori's unexpected visit had to be addressed. Her arrival had nothing to do with the ramen bowl rising in fame so quickly, and everything to do with the store owner. "Suit yourself. It is good to hear my apprentice managed to make something satisfactory, given local restrictions. Given the theoretical strength of your metabolism, something filling for you must have been quite potent indeed. I'll have to try that dish for myself if it is ever possible," he rambled. When Saori decided to speak on the matter of relapses and hangovers, she questioned the state of his head. What a strange question that was, he thought. Regardless, he'd provide an answer as literally as always. "That is a rather queer thing to ask. I suppose I would say it is no less functional than always, albeit a bit hazy after ingesting some alcoholic beverages last night. It was an interesting experiment nonetheless. Results were... not nearly what I anticipated."

[Apollymi]

Johanna promised that there would be no babies as a result of her offered act of service, and in return she had her mouth filled. She was left to her own devices as her throat and the gravity within her person worked to hold and massage while her tongue carried a great deal of the work. Just the same, movements of hips and the like weren't anything she frowned upon, if nothing else, she knew the level of enjoyment she could provide this way and was comforted by it. She'd work him to completion with her mouth and throat while he commentated on the match. Belle decided to go out 'Blue Shell' style as she called it. Using a childish plea to gather readied Wises to her form. He called her tactics underhanded and she laughed. "This is a game, the struggle is fun... so is being the underdog, but where's the extra fun if you don't win!~" she concluded, such was her nature in truth. A gamer who aimed to be the best by whatever means in the games she chose to play. Tactics, strategies and true inspiration came in singular moments, like this one. And as she went through Wises her numbers began to climb. "She's so passionate, I like it♥!~" Sakura mused, still, she wasn't one to just bow out. No... she'd push to the limits and make the challenge one worth undertaking. 290, compared to 280... a short while for Belle to catch up.

While the game continued on, Nitocris was busy choking and riding a certain form of Yugi he'd pulled out. There was playful defiance in his eyes, even as he could only try and gurgle responses past the hand on his throat. Still, he acted in defiance, or honesty? Deciding to fill Nitocris on two fronts while the movements of her body created waves of what spilled inside her. "Aaah♥~" such a happy little noise escaped her lips but it wouldn't stop her aggressive ride. There was much fury to be found in her form, and even orgasm wouldn't stop her ride initially. The point of such a mount was to be filled so she'd take her fill. In the meant time, Ozymandias, seemed to have become something much more demanding in the previous moments. He'd given the order to bend over and Zmeya had followed it. Her ass was grabbed on both sides roughly before he simply pushed his way into her rear hole specifically. This form of Ozymandias had less softness to his form, instead of adoration and care, she could bank on being used until there was nothing left. Oddly enough for one like Zmeya, that was fine... "Fuck yesss!~" the snake woman moaned as she took on that widing motion as he repeatedly pummeled her rear hole. Perhaps it was for the best Arthur was no longer present, a moment like this might have been heartbreaking.

Meanwhile, at the store, it would seem that Mami was free enough to move on, but she'd rather spend some time figuring out the nature of the relationship between her boss, owner and this new woman. Weird though it was, knowing what could and couldn't be said or done was for the best in her situation. Women older and younger ones especially had to be handled with care. Such care, didn't seem to be present in Hiroshi, as he had something to say when it was pointed out that Saori had eaten recently enough to not need food. "She's quite the great cook, especially considering she can't see over the stove easily. The ingredients are also super easy so I'm sure she'd make it for you," Saori said while shaking her head gently at the mental image of Miko standing in a chair frying eggs. Though that wasn't the only reason she shook her head... no, that last bit of conversation, observational though it was, could hit the ear wrong, especially given the stifled giggle of Mami, who as soon as Saori's eyes shifted, scurried off to do something else. 'Damn why is she so intimidating. At least it goes somewhere...' Mami thought. Still, this didn't seem like an active relationship given how they spoke to each other. Maybe they were working up to it, and he was already embroiled in something with his boss. That could be called scandalous, more over, that woman's confidence had to be through the roof, given her reply, Mami decided it was best to steer clear of her as much as possible. "You... are going to have a weird time making observations like that. I get it, and I know why you think that, but saying stuff like that to... normal people could have them hyper offended. Commenting on weight and eating habits is especially socially dangerous territory..." she mentioned knowing it wasn't normal at all for the type of being Ailen was to care about such things normally. But if he was going to blend in, without being labeled such things were important. "Is it? Hangovers generally come with headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, upset stomachs and a constant hazy type feeling... which my friends and I call brain fog..." Saori explained. Given what Hiroshi had to say, it would seem he was indeed suffering at least a minor form of a hangover at present. And what of things happening here? "Here, give me a minute I'll be right back, and show you how the 'natives' deal with it~" she claimed of the feelings he spoke of. She'd head out of the store for a few moments. All the while Rita remained in the back, shorting thorugh paperwork and rebalancing the books around her slightly lessened budget. It might take a couple of weeks to fully recover everything... but it should be fine.

[Bloodedge]

And so began the final stretch of a major pre-party game. The greatest war thus far seemed to take place between Belle and Sakura. During this, Yugi watched casually, not robbing Johanna's actions of too much attention. Ah, but speaking of Johanna, something came to mind for Yugi as her throat pulled him in and her tongue lavished his shaft. "Oi, wait a minute! I was supposed to see something awesome from you next time you came my way! I forgot!" he griped. Well, it wasn't as if he'd be changing things now. Already feeling the texture of her throat massage his glans, there was no way he'd stop for a visual tease alone. "Well... keep going, but damnit I'm not forgetting next time!" he stated firmly. All the while, Hiruko was watching the numbers shift about as well. From the looks of things thus far, the bet he'd placed would not be a winning one. Makima's wager was being challenged by Sakura, but Belle seemed to be picking up a mighty head of steam. "Belle, babes, there's no way you're trying to give me a full neg on a wager, right? What did I ever do to you?" he mused, though his spirits didn't seem lowered at all by the current series of events.

Without a doubt, Hiroshi would be making a request of one Iino Miko at his earliest convenience. They hadn't seen much of each other since coming to visit her home world, so there was much catching up to do as well. Perhaps he'd use some of the free time afforded by having another hand at the convenience store to make a return trip; it must have been a day or two by now. For the time being, he had tomorrow's broth to continue preparing while Mami moved to her own station. Something about his observations was odd, Saori alleged. Humans and their social limitations were so very strange, so... limiting. "Why would someone take offense to such a simple observation? Such a regressive species," he muttered under his breath. Whatever the case, it seemed his lightheadedness was a symptom Saori was quite familiar with ─ she even had a name for it among her friend group. While Hiroshi contemplated the further meaning of these symptoms, even those he didn't suffer from presently, he nearly lost track of the woman. What was it she said? Something about how natives dealt with the problem. Well, she wasn't even in speaking range by the time he realized she was gone. There was mention of her eventual return, so he supposed that would come up soon enough.

[Apollymi]

Yugi seemed to have remembered his initial desire for his next meeting with Johanna long after the offer of head was already in place. She grinned, not pausing her motions as she revered the gravity of her throat forcing him out quite a ways so she could play with her tongue at his tip instead. "Sure remember it for next time..." she claimed, only to immediately turn on the gravity once more and draw him in deeply and constrict without a moments notice. Such was the nature of her kind of oral service. The final stretch of the party was underway. And it seemed that it was coming down to the wire between Sakura and Belle. Those two young women had the closest scores and were steadily increasing. A lucky break had Sakura with five in active rotation. While the call of help had Belle pinging multiples by the time they caught up, Belle had gotten a lucky eight, crossing the threshold into 290 while still being open for more. At the same time, Sakura had pushed up to 306. It almost seemed like it was going to be a lost cause, except Belle would be finding herself with a couple of special multipliers as Sakura caused her last Wise to disappear. A Double, Ribbed, Knot worth a substanial number of points would be found in her bottom holes while her mouth and hands still had a few remaining Wises to keep occupied. "COMBO BREAKER!~" Belle chimed happily. Of course, there was the matter of Hiruko's lost bet, but... "You know what it is to need the win~ We can chat about it later!~" she added, even while knowing he didn't 'need' anything in particular, whether he won or lost, was about even by her own logic.

Meanwhile, Hiroshi had a few gripes about humans as a species. He wanted to know why someone would take offense and Saori could only shrug. She didn't take offense but weaker minded and weak willed people didn't like being confronted with their flaws. She'd perhaps be able to give him a more straightforward answer to that when she returned, especially given the nosey blonde had wandered off to do other work. Whatever the case, it would take Saori only about 7 minutes to return. A few blocks down there was a starbucks, and she put in a order for a few coffees and would be there to pick them up within a couple of minutes of hitting send. There was some obvious surprise by the store clerks, but that sort of thing happened to often. She'd leave the spot with a carrier of coffees and some assorted fixings. A couple specific ones and one for Hiroshi to try and make to his liking. She'd return to the store and smile while setting the cup on the counter in front of him. "Here, you seem like the type who'd want to taste it first and determine your sugar and cream preferences. But it will definitely help with the brain fog..." Saori offered. A comrade-at-arms deserved a bit of care, she thought. At this moment Rita finally looked up from her number crunching and squealed. She'd seen Saori coming in the door and became excited to see her former roommate again. All the while, Mami watched with decided interest. 'She bought him coffee, and Nara-san just squealed like she hasn't seen her friend in years... definitely gong to end in scandal. Though if she ran to that place and back in that amount of time, without breaking a sweat, I'm pretty sure she could dodge anything thrown at her. What is she, tomboy friend, probably would ignore any romantic interests passed her way. Would that mate Nara-san the formerly cute one?' she decided. Still, it would be worth it to see if Hiroshi could actually navigate talking to both women for however long it lasted once Rita made her way back to the front.

[Bloodedge]

Yugi committed one matter to memory. He didn't think it was often that such things were forgotten, but... it was a busy week, and parties were full of chaos. Oh well. If he somehow forgot a second time, he'd probably just revisit the moment later for a do-over. In the meantime, he'd simply keep track of a game that was nearing its end. There were so few Wises remaining relative to the original number; he counted only a few dozen from a glance. All eyes were on the particular race to an intangible finish line. Belle made headway, Sakura took over, Belle took another edge, and so-on. Unless a wildcard appeared with a massive multiplier, it seemed things would certainly go one way or the other. In the midst of that race, Hiruko and Belle had themselves a little exchange about the former's bet. Belle decided it was something to discuss later, and of course... Hiruko had something to say about that. "Oh we will. I'll have a chat with the one who lost my bid too. It'll be a blast♥~" he commented. Even in a losing situation, Hiruko was not one to actually lose a gamble.

Hiroshi went back to work without any issues. For seven minutes, he was free to his craft. In seven minutes, he prepped every necessary topping for the first few hours of business today. The broth for the following day was making decent progress as well, but more important was the acknowledgement of business starting officially. There was no other excuse for Saori's initial entry, after all. How strange. Hiroshi expected a wave of customers the moment those doors were unlocked. One could only figure that wave dissipated upon realizing they were not yet open for business at the time, but there was hope things would work out anyway. Moving on from thoughts of that, Saori did return with a few hot drinks in tow. He viewed the cup placed near him, smelled a very familiar aroma, and seemed... quite surprised. "Oh?! I wasn't aware this existed here! It's coffee, isn't it? Putting aside the shock of it even growing under these conditions, how did you get it so quickly? This smell..." Without another moment of hesitation, Hiroshi had that cup in his hand. He didn't dare touch sugar or whatever the hell 'cream' was, choosing to remove the cup's lid and sniff the heavenly brew. "It's such excellent quality! You couldn't have been gone ten minutes, yet this... this... this is unprecedented work that should take even a renowned master several hours, if not days for a single pint! What sorcery is this?!"

[Apollymi]

As Yugi was content to receive oral service, Johanna was content to give it without qualm. She was busy with that as the game wound down. The dozens of Wises were quickly dwindling even as multiple people continued to exploit the numbers. Still the battle between Belle and Sakura continued, even as Hiruko was acknowledged with his obviously losing bet. Even right now, Angelica had 250 as her number and was having to converge upon the couch for a chance of snatching up another Wise. Morgan in similar fashion, had found herself in the bathroom, sniping a couple of Wises from Sakura and pushing her own numbers up to 256. By the time this happened, Sakura's bathroom would be made clear and she'd be left with a solid lead of 313. "Ara... I'm going to have to go up and hunt a Wise..." Sakura mentioned as if amused. Of course, Kaguya was still in the race, but had managed only a few more since her last check in, bringing in 222. The few dozen who were left seemed to be steadily converging, whatever happened, Belle seemed to have a decent multiplier, pushing up from 290 to 303. She only needed 10 more points to secure her victory. Ah, but with two holes still occupied would she make it. Miko had barely been paying attention to her score, and found herself at 268 with a Wise within mouth distance of her swing. Might as well finish it off strong... she thought as she grabbed that one.

Meanwhile a mere 7 minutes would change Hiroshi in an odd way. "Yeah it's coffee. I popped over to Starbucks... I can't give you any exact information on growing it, but I know there is a bit spot for it down in Okinawa. It's also mostly imported... Didn't expect a full appraisal, that's fun," Saori said, she wasn't surprised that Hiroshi knew about coffee, he was an alchemist but his response to the cup was some how one of the most exaggerated she'd seen. It was amusing in an odd way to see someone so excited by something she viewed as so simple. "Hehe, that's probably a weird thing huh. But... I ordered this, and picked it up... it also only takes about 10 minutes to brew. I don't consider myself a high tier domestic or anything but even I could make a decent pot of coffee..." Saori mentioned. Just then Rita popped up behind Saori giving her a hug and reaching for the coffee which was obviously picked up for her. "Ri-chan you really are here!~ And you brought coffee, thanks~" Rita seemed pleased beyond all reason. "And you two know each other already~" she mused a devious light playing behind her eyes. "Nice to see you too. Why doesn't your store manager know about coffee machines yet?" she asked of her friend who ran the convience store. "Well, the easy answer is... I hate cleaning coffee pots. So when I was working alone I kind of stopped brewing it... " Rita mentioned. "He had a similar reaction to a slice of cake last night..." she said about the coffee. "You made cake?!" was the only follow up which seemed oddly excited from Saori.

[Bloodedge]

Sakura decided she needed to hunt down a Wise after the more aggressive approach of Morgan stole her bounty. Belle seemed prime to lose a Wise or two by that couch as well, if only due to the sex-crazed Angelica. What would the final result of this last few sets though? Well, one particular Wise yet to be claimed was standing closest to Kaguya. When he became active, nanotech made itself apparent all over his body, resulting in some very familiar tentacles ─ twelve of them total this time. His focus was initially on Kaguya, but no movements were being made just yet. At the same time though, another primed Wise near Belle and Angelica was showing hints of cognitive lapses that were indicative of nanobot influence on the brain. Low as the chances were, two of those 200 point monsters were appearing in a single wave.

Coffee. Saori spoke as if it were such a simple thing to acquire, even assuring that it took only ten minutes to brew. Hiroshi's fist and the counter had a very interesting, slightly aggressive meeting once he heard that information. "Bakana!" was all he could mutter. Whatever this 'Starbucks' was had to be a place of great science! Ah, but what was this? Saori herself claimed the capacity to produce a decent pot of coffee. A... decent... "POT?! How could you possibly?!" Hiroshi questioned. He was aghast, filled with curiosity, lament and a spark of pure ambition. How were humans so capable? The texture, viscosity and aroma of this coffee was beyond mortal comprehension as he knew it. "An entire pot of this quality would take half a day even for me, assuming I could even acquire enough of that elusive plant! To think it is being sold here at some... some market as a commodity!" Hiroshi's tirade would not be ending soon. While he was stuck in his own head over these ludicrous facts, Rita mentioned her own ability to brew coffee ─ though also a lack of interest in cleaning the pots. Immediately, Hiroshi became totally still. 'Cleaning it? Is it such a common thing here that someone would dare clear the pot of residue?' he wondered silently. The first on that countertop was shaking with agitation. "Is this the power of human evolution? Have I been so foolish as to remain ignorant all this time?"

[Apollymi]

Sakura needed to hunt down a Wise after having a few of hers stolen. She found it easy to slip into the orbit of Miko and keep a few stragglers for herself, while Miko had the one in front of her disappear. Once again she was empty and looking only to look over to Kaguya and see her next bounty. The black haired lass was bent at the waist her ass in the air, but her eyes were swirling. Only the pole against her cheeks kept her upright and she wasn't even aiming to lure in anyone else. Miko was on a swing, she'd launch herself across and land against the Nano-tech Wise aiming to capture herself in his tentacles. "I'm cleaning your plate, Kaya♪!~" she sang happily. At the same time, Belle seemed to have a different one close to her but between her and Angelica. She'd launch herself towards him with open arms aiming to capture it for herself and leaving the other straggling Wises for the sex nuts Angelica to claim. "JACKPOT!~ Sorry Angie, I'm taking the last!~" Belle claimed. Degenerate though it was, she was always accepting of any form of Wise, this wasn't going to be a problem for her. and with this, the most of the points would be occupied and everyone else would be stuck aiming for the scraps.

Meanwhile Hiroshi was emoting in a way that Saori hadn't seen before. As Martha she'd been traveling with this man for the better part of a week. He'd seen a dragon in outrage and had been more concerned with picking blades of grass. He'd spent the most of his time with his main apprentice, the other girl that counted similarly and talking to his own daughter. This level of affect was quite unusual and amusing beyond all reason. "Hehehehahaha!~" a laugh escaped Saori as she was snapping a picture before she could even really think about it. 'Not going to think about where that habit came from...' Saori thought. But somehow she still thought his apprentice might appreciate seeing this reaction. "Yes, a pot. Ehehee~ You really respond like an alien sometimes. Still, I have a machine back there for it. But when I was the only one working here, I couldn't justify the extra work it put on the end of my night..." Rita explained. "Would you like me to show you how it works? I figure since we have a few hands it'd be pretty easy to sell a few cups as well, it'd help with the bottom line at least," she mused. All the while Saori finally got her laughter under control. "Whew, I needed that... sorry, it's just I don't get to be on this side of things normally..." Saori mentioned in a round about way. All the while, Mami was thinking that Hiroshi was indeed just an adult nerd, seeming more like her father than she'd like to admit. 'Hm, do older women really like men like that? Is it because they are innocent?' she wondered while customers began the slow trickle inward. It might be a while yet before a lunch style rush managed anything.

[Bloodedge]

Two of the highest-value Wise variants were present and free to claim. In seeing them, Yugi figured the game would be settled at a moment's notice. If both Belle and Sakura acquired one of those two, Sakura would win. If either one of them made the acquisition, that one would win absolutely; no other combination of points could make the difference now. It seemed initially that Kaguya would have one forced upon her, but Miko came to the rescue... if anyone was ignorant enough to view it as such from her. While she was being wrapped in a series of tentacles, Yugi looked to the other NanoWise to see Belle taking initiative over Angelica. Easily, the game could then be called in her favor. "Oh wow. Two more NanoWises at once, and I guess it's Belle's game unless something really crazy happens. That's gonna be a while though," Yugi commentated as Belle was also assaulted by a series of nanobot tentacles aiming to immediately enter her every orifice.

Though Hiroshi became the cause for a great deal of laughter, there was no laughing matter in sight for him. There was no sense to be made in the way humans were capable of such feats. He was entirely ignorant to the pictures being taken by Saori, but that was also a matter of zero importance. What knowledge had humans found, and how could he acquire it? According to Rita... there was some form of machine capable of coffee production. Struggling to compose himself, Hiroshi righted his glasses, pinched the bridge of his nose, and adjusted his glasses once more. "Ludicrous. Absolutely, positively ludicrous. I am debating whether I am even worthy of drinking this, and you throw even more incomprehensible information at me. It's like I'm a child again, being shown the world by my mentor. You say there's a machine to make coffee? If it has capabilities similar to those of the 'rice cooker' from before, I may need mental and spiritual preparation. I don't even know where to begin. Is it a sizeable device?" he wondered. No matter how hard he tried, Hiroshi couldn't conceptualize the size, design or power of a coffee machine.

[Apollymi]

Belle managed to get herself one of the NanoWise, while Angelica went on to attack the rest of her previously gathered crowd. At the same time, Miko claimed to be 'cleaning the plate' of Kaguya, which was more or less kill thieving or... grazing. Whatever the case, Sakura was able to poach the rest of Miko's surrounding Wises as well. 313 would be growing to at least 319. In the meantime, Belle was being accosted by tentacles and moaning happily as her orifices were plugged and Miko was doing the same. Admittedly Belle was winning this match bar anything too crazy... she'd win with a score of over 500. While Miko would be ending with something like 469. "Definitely going to be a while..." Kimiko mentioned casually. Both Belle and Miko weren't known for taking it easy and NanoWise was definitely about to be in for some surprises between the pair of them. Whatever the case, it'd be a while yet, and most would be watching as the stragglers and others finished off the remainder of the Wises, until only those two remained barring any issues. At the same time, Johanna was continuing to give lip and mouth service where she stood, seemingly amused enough by the activity and happy for her fellow wives for their showing this day.

Meanwhile, Saori noticed an odd habit she'd apparently picked up, but at least these weren't for her. No, she'd be giving these to someone, knowing that there was much more than her amusement to be found from them. Moving on from that point, it would seem that Rita was fine with the idea of showing Hiroshi how to make coffee. He was so surprised by it, seemingly outraged that it caught Mami's attention. 'Was he a hermit? Did he live on a commune? Ainu or something?' she wondered given his lack of understanding of modern things. Whatever the case, a few of his oddities made more sense if he wasn't used to dealing with people in reality. Rita took several sips of her own coffee, finding it odd that her friend remembered her preference for a specific kind of sweetened coffee. Hiroshi's emotional state was somewhat interesting to see, even with the cake thing from the previous day this was rather amazing. "Well prepare your mind and soul... and drink the coffee, it will help with the brain fog. I don't think it will be so amazing but I'll show you," she walked towards a weird looking counter in the back, which had been cleaned and stocked when he'd reorganized the store. Underneath the cabinet, she pulled out a bag of imported coffee beans vacuum sealed and unopened with an expiration date, years in the future and pointed to the small standing machine on the counter. "A drip coffee maker. It's super easy... you just pull this filter holder down..." she said popping out a plastic piece which seemed like a cup with a handle. "Grab one of these filters from under here... line it..." she said dropping that paper in. "I assume that all makes sense, the water will come from these pipes so that isn't a big deal at all. Now sit it to the side, we have to grind some beans..." she left herself open for any necessary questions and a still giggling Saori sipped her own coffee and felt infinitely better after the morning she'd had.