This thread is permanently archived
(Setting) The Midnight Drifter
| >The little girl in the other bunny outfit was actually on top of some kind of stool just to let her see above the bar, she sat and was kicking her legs with a pout on her face
"Why did mother ask me to be here! what's this outift and why do I have a stool!!"
>She says as she flails her arm like a child as Emily sighs
"Major Chanka, please I'll give you candy later... just act cute and be my mascot for tonight okay?"
>The oni girl stops instantly at the mention of candy
"Got it!!"
| >There's a soft knocking at the door to the bar, followed by a brief pause before someone pushes it open, mumbling to the person they've just elbowed in front of.
"It's a >>>bar, you idiot-- it's open to the public; you don't have to knock before entering--"
>The second individual catches up to the first and leans in to respond, clearly a little flustered.
"W-well, it's Amelie's birthday, and I didn't just want to assume we're welc--"
"Emily, her name is >>>Emily, christ...!"
| >>575169
>Emily flashes a smile to both of the new arrival and a with a small bow her bunny ears bounce along
"Welcome Aikawa!"
| >Aikawa turns as she hears Emily call her name, and stops in her tracks for a minute-- not having had expected the barkeep to still be wearing the getup from her advertisement. The person behind her wanders straight into her as a result, and as they bump into her she breaks from her reverie... and snaps her head towards second-in-line, clearly peeved.
"Will you fucking watch where you're going?"
>She hisses at them, then looks back to Emily.
"A-ah, hey, Emily. Looking good."
| >>575171
"Thank you! this is an outfit my grandpa prepared for this occasion, he said it would make a lot of patrons show up, its a bit embarrassing but its pretty comfy."
>It certainly does show quite a bit of skin, as well as her curves, being made from a very skin tight material, but the petticoat on top hides her cleavage and most of her upper body so it doesn't look like its too much exposure, the oni girl waves without a word.
| >>575172
"Your... your >>>Grandpa wanted you to wear that...?"
>Aikawa tries not to sound too suspicious of Emily's explanation for her outfit, but finds herself having a lot of difficulty doing so. Just as she's about to jam her foot in her mouth, the woman's much taller, much friendlier looking shadow gives a polite wave and pipes up from behind her:
"Hello, Emily! It's been quite a while. I hope you've been well-- ah, happy birthday!"
>He smiles warmly, his tone cheerful.
| >>575173
"Yeah, it was my grandpa who made these"
>She twirls in place showing off her outfit with a smile
"It's cute isn't it?"
>She seems excited, and happy, very different from her usual self
>She then notices Roy smiling at her
"Oh hello! are you perhaps the roommate Aikawa talked to us about last time?"
| > Two new patrons enter the bar; one in a casual set, confidently strutting about, the other trails behind. The lady behind waves and greeted the bar with a warm "Hello!" whereas the her partner is seen finding a seat, now resting herself while she straightens her hair.
"Happy birthday, Emily! Pardon my unthoughtful gift; had we planned, we would devise a better item."
> She puts up her hand and a transparent bag shows two contents: a box and a gift-wrapped box.
| >The door opens as Impulse walks through the it
"Good day"
>He said casually to Emily
"Oh, yeah, Happy Birthday"
>He flip out a butterfly knife to show it to Emily, then flip it back, then hands it over to Emily
"Your present"
| >>575177
>Seeing how Emily is just sparkling with joy and enthusiasm, Aikawa decides to let her doubts wash away and instead enjoy everything along with her.
"Y-yeah, it is!"
>The corner of Roy's grin twitches as Emily asks who he is-- she doesn't remember...? He's a bit miffed, but maybe this isn't a bad thing; he wouldn't want to be recognized as the dumbass who broke his foot on the bartop, anyway.
"A-ah, yes, that's me. Pleasure to meet you, I'm Roy."
| >>575182
"Oh hello! You really ally shouldn't have"
>Emily beams with a big smile
>>575209
"Oh Impulse welcome, is that a knife? I think my father had one of those as well, thank you!"
>Emily takes the knife and handles it carefully, she never really used one of these and the last time she did she cut her finger a bit, it did look nice though which made her happy
>>575230
"Roy, that's a very nice name, it means King in olden french you know!"
>How would she know that...
| >>575230
>Like those who arrived after them, Roy and Aikawa make their way over to the bartop, Aikawa retrieving one of the stools stored beneath the counter to offer to her roommate. Once he's stable in his seat, she takes her own, on his right side. Roy leans forward, resting his elbows on the bar as he gazes at Emily.
"Does it really? I don't think I've ever heard that before."
>Aikawa rolls her eyes and gives Roy a little nudge in the side with her elbow.
"H-huh? Oh, right!"
| >>575293
>Roy starts to pat down his jacket, searching his pockets for something that evidently just doesn't want to be found. The more that turn up empty, the faster he looks through them, his expression becoming troubled. Aikawa notices this, and mutters to him out of the side of her mouth:
"You >>>forgot it?"
>Roy whispers back, his cheeks starting to burn.
"N-no, no, I didn't! I know I have it--"
>As if on cue, he his hand lands on the object of interest.
"Oh! Here it is!"
| >>575295
>From deep within the confines of his jacket, Roy produces a small package, neatly wrapped in rather plain paper. Not the most pleasing to the eye, but it's what's inside that counts, right? Roy clears his throat, and hands it over to Emily, beaming. Time to turn up that charm!
"Well, I'm no king, for sure-- but, my lack of nobility certainly won't keep me from bestowing a gift upon the birthday princess!"
>Aikawa does her best to hold back a gag. Really, Roy?
| >>575297
>Emily chuckles and gives Roy a smile
"Thank you, man I feel kinda bad getting all these presents! "
>She turns to Aikawa with a wry smile and does a small bow
"Thank you as well Aikawa!"
| >Impulse goes to sit at one of the seats
"No problem
| >>575290
"Now, now. It is wholly unfair for the gift to be one-sided."
> The bag was put on the counter, letting its content be unpacked with ease. The two boxes are painfully plain — save for the gift-wrapped one.
"Pink. How ingenious, Uni."
> The seated lady said, either sarcastically or with a true sense of surprise - her snickering hardly tells one or the other.
"I am oblivious to which colour Emily would prefer. I wish I had known earlier."
| >John wearing his most ""Casual"" outfit, walks in to the bar, looking... fine?
"Is it someone's birthday today?"
>He looks around, scanning for the birthday person, while making his way to the bar, and the... weirdly dressed oni at it.
| >>575340
>Aikawa shrugs, and folds her arms across her chest as she comes to rest her elbows on the bartop as well, appearing indifferent.
"Don't thank us 'til you've seen what it is."
>Annoyed by her flippant response to Emily's thank-you, Roy leans slowly into Aikawa, causing her to crack open one eye to glare at him as he quickly explains away her answer.
"I take it you know that's Ei's way of saying 'you're quite welcome,' Emily?"
>He continues to push Aikawa from her seat.
| >>575357
>Now nearly shoulder to shoulder with whomever's sitting next to her, Aikawa gets fed up with Roy and gives him a shove back-- the way in which she does it almost seems playful, and you can see the tiniest hint of a smile on her face as she forces her upper arm back into his.
"Will you quit it?!"
>Roy chuckles and sits up, briefly surveying the bar as patrons continue to trickle in. He sees a few familiar faces, and gives each a little wave. Maybe /they'll/ remember him?
| >>575359
> One of the patron - the seated lady - immediately caught notice of the wave. She doesn't seem to recognise Roy, but took clear attention when he waves to Uni.
"Uni, it's rude to not pay attention to your surrounding."
> Her swift reaction warrants question, as the moment the lady spoke her name, she has made her way to lean to the lady's seat.
"Pardon?"
"Someone's at you. Is it your friend?"
| >>575360
> The two seconds Uni turned to gaze at a direction the lady is pointing at was also the two seconds she saw Roy.
"My! Thank you. Would you mind?"
"I'll order a beer soon enough. Go ahead."
> Uni goes back up, replying with a wave and a friendly smile.
"Roy! How pleasant to see you here. I almost mistook you for another man, you see."
> She gave a lofty giggle at her own statement. Her voice radiates a sense of particular content, for what unknown reason there is.
| >>575359
>Roy notices William, coming through the entrance, before noticing John sitting at the bar.
>William recognises him, and gives him a sheepish wave, walking over!
"M-mr. Roy, Miss A-aikawa. I'm suprised to see y-you here. Are you meeting with John again?"
| >>575361
>As Uni makes her way over to Roy, he smiles wide, delighted to see her. He attempts to swivel his barstool towards her, but is only able to turn a couple of inches before his exo catches on part of the seat, keeping him from moving further. He twists himself around the rest of the way instead.
"Ah, the goddess! It's so good to see you again, Uni."
>He tilts his head to the side.
"You mistook me for someone else? Even with this thing on?"
>He glances down at his exo.
| >>575361 >>575363
>Aikawa cranes her neck, trying to see over Roy's shoulder or past his back to get a good look at who he's talking to. Their height difference makes this a challenge, and it's one she eventually gives up on as she muses aloud quietly to herself.
"'Goddess'...?"
>>575362
>Taking one last peek, Aikawa spies William walking into the bar, and is about to wave hello when she realizes that if he's here... then, John is here, too. She tries to move out of his sight.
| "Uh, Emily... Not to get the ball rolling early here, but... could I get a beer? Large one?"
>Aikawa slouches over the counter, trying to shrink her presence and hide behind her roommate as much as possible.
"Gotta make a toast to the woman of the hour, after all."
>She grins, eyeing the bar's other visitors. Let's hope these people are the toasting type... or the type to get toasted... or both. Whatever.
"I'd play you something in celebration, but Falschen's got my cajon."
| >>575362 >>575356
>While Roy is getting reacquainted with Uni, he hears William call out to him from a few seats away.
"O-oh, is that-- oh, hi Will!"
>He follows William's gaze over to where John sits, and greets him as well, half-shouting across the bar.
"Hello, John! Fancy meeting you here. Are you celebrating Emily's birthday with us?"
>Behind Roy, Aikawa holds her head in her hands and groans quietly to herself. Of all the times for Roy to be a social butterfly...
| >>575363
"Why, I seems to have recalled incorrectly then! My mistake."
> Uni waved her hand, as though spelling out the last words in her sentence. She keeps her joyous smile in tact.
>>575369
> Though the moment she hears the name 'John' uttered, she fazed herself intermittently. Her head sways to see John in his seat — and her courteous ways made her wave too.
"I dare say, I am in awe to see him conjure his presence here."
| >>575365 >>575369
>William looks mildly defeated when he sees Aikawa turn away, but gets as happy as a puppy when he sees Roy return his wave, and makes his way over.
>John waves over Roy and Aikawa.
"Roy, *Aikawa* how are you two?"
"So it's the little missus' birthday?"
| >>575375
> Uni's anguish was short-lived after she heard the mention of 'plant'. She bounces back to her usual jolly self after exhaling out her negativities away.
"It's… quite the hassle! It is my first time ever taking responsibilities with a dryad after all."
> From behind John creeps in a figure that locks her gaze at Uni. She couldn't tower John, but Uni could feel her presence from far away.
"'Plant-grower'? 'Dryad'? What have you been up to, U-n-i?"
| >>575376
"So it's a Dryad? Is she speaking yet?"
>John looks behind Uni, to see where the source of the voice comes from.
| >>575377
> A short figure, shorter than John, was the source of Uni's unneeded trepidation.
"It… squeaked. In a way."
> The figure's — or rather, lady's — eyes squints in suspicion with every spoken sentence made by both John and Uni.
"John, please don't mind her."
"Being rowdy, Uni? I want to join in your girl's talk too."
| "Who are you again?"
>John says with a mildly dismissive tone, trying to rile the new person up, while trying to figure out who they are.
| >>575380
> She replies with an equally dismissive leer with her pupils illuminating in red.
"Uni, if you may."
> Uni taps John's shoulders. She shakes her head — a wild guess would be enough to deduce what she is trying to say with those gestures.
"She is my employer—"
> Uni looks at her again, receiving a nod on their silent exchange.
"—Lucetta, this is John. John, Lucetta. Please be well together."
| >>575372
>Uni's reaction to John being at the bar is reminiscent of what Roy witnessed the last time he visited the Drifter-- a sort of general disbelief that the man was still alive and well. He half-listens as they talk: plant-grower, hmmm... Did Uni seem like she was the gardening type when he'd met her?
>>575373
>Roy seems at ease upon seeing William. Maybe Aikawa won't make such a fuss with him around?
"We weren't planning on meeting with John tonight, no. Were you, Will?"
| >>575373
>Aikawa flinches as John greets her-- yup, she's been spotted. Does she try burying the hatchet tonight, or should she take a stab at trying to blend into a wall instead of the bartop? Decisions, decisions... She mutters darkly to herself as Roy tells William that neither of them were expecting the man to be here.
"I knew; I would've skipped..."
>That's not entirely true. Aikawa's appreciation of Emily far outweighs her animosity towards John. She'd have made it.
| >>575382
"Well met."
>John only becomes colder, after finding that Uni is under Lucetta's heel, as he shifts his attention to little Emily, ignoring...
>>575454
>Aikawa, and instead turning to the birthday girl.
"Look at you Emily! A whole cycle around the sun. Happy birthday!"
>His tone changes to more akin to a dotting parent...
| >>575456
"Well met."
> Lucetta echoed John's statement as coldly as he gave his - leaving Uni to be met with a disproportionately bewildered emotion.
"I will be at my seat then. And Uni, your hands are ready to type today, are they?"
> Uni nodded, although her attention was already off to return to Emily, she was kept locked right then and there.
"Perfect. I'd like to hear what I didn't. The 'dryad'. What that is, you never told me. Capiche?"
| >>575456 >>575460
> Lucetta's words were once again replied with a simple, understanding nod. With that, her employee returns to her friends, and she backs away to her seat while she mumbles throughout.
"Oh, John — your impetus is amazing, but Emily's birthday is this bar's birthday as well! Don't you dare forget that."
> Hearing John before, Uni couldn't help notice the tone he used. Indeed, she mirrored it as well.
| >>575456
>Spared, mercifully spared--! Expecting to breathe a deep, satisfying sigh of relief... Aikawa is almost disgusted with herself as she realizes she's feeling somewhat slighted by John's turning the cold shoulder. Seriously? There's no way she actually *enjoys* being at odds with him... right? She rubs the bridge of her nose, her brow furrowing.
"Why am I like this..."
>Roy overhears her talking to herself and decides to chime in.
"You know, I ask myself the same thing."
| >>575382 >>575460
>Roy watches Lucetta slink back to her seat, feeling the hair on the back of his neck stand up in the wake of the cold, intimidating aura she leaves behind. Why would Uni willingly accompany a supervisor with that attitude out to a bar? It seems strange. He's glad to see Uni recover so quickly though, and waits to rejoin the conversation, not wanting to interrupt.
"A 'dryad'...? Fitting for a goddess to be among the fae..."
>He murmurs to himself.
| >>575464
"Don't mind her, Roy."
> Uni might have seen Roy talking to himself — and might have assumed what he spoke — regardless, she herself understood the pinch she was in.
"She is in an exceedingly difficult time. My judgement was misplaced, I thought I could put her at an ease here."
> Her voice was made to dampen what she said, unwilling for her message to be overheard by someone else — but one look at Lucetta, and one can deduce she heard everything.
| >>575461
"Well, I won't, I just wanted *her* out the way of you enjoying this."
>John smirks, giving her a wink, before turning to other people.
(SO MANY PEOPLE TO RESPOND)
>>575447
"Hey! Impulse, haven't seen you in... what, a week?"
>John turns to Impulse, both hands raised.
"A double shot of vodka for that man, on me!"
| >>575463 >>575381
"I-I actually came to appoligise..."
>William says, with a hanging head, hiding his red cheeks.
"I-I O-overreacted w-with what I saw... I MEAN- I'm sorry I o-overreacted, Roy and Aikawa!"
>He does a full bow to both Aikawa and Roy, and you just thought you saw steam come out of his ears...
| >>575468
"Not sure, mate. Also, five shits more and you might just see me roast myself"
>Impulse laughed
| (Shots*)
| >>575469
>Aikawa looks over her shoulder at the flustered young man offering his apologies, and quickly waves him off, feeling her cheeks start to redden as well. She does her best to hide this by kind of hiding her face in the collar of her jacket.
"Whatever, whatever, it's fine--"
>Roy, however, is totally clueless as to why William looks so out of sorts.
"'What you saw'...? What do you mean, Will?"
>Aikawa freezes. Oh, fuck.
| >>575476
"Oh, when you two where in the med ba-"
>William catches himself, and comes closer, barely whispering to Aikawa and Roy
"I totally thought you guys where fully making out or something in the medbay..."
>At this moment and time, John raises a glass in direction of both, Impulse, and Aikawa.
| >Two more men in full combat gear enters the bar, one has "NDSec" written on his plate carrier and speaks in Canadian accent, the other is speaking in heavy russian accent
| >a girl with pink hair wearing a kimono walks in, a strangely mythical air about her
>she looks around in a whimsical wonder, a curious expression on her face..
"OooOOOoooo"
>the smell of sakurs follows her as she looks around, kimono waving as she goes, spreading the foreign scent
"Kon'nichiwa"
>she does a french style curtsey
| >>575477 >>575477
>Aikawa's mouth falls open, and Roy raises his eyebrows in surprise as he leans close to William and lowers his voice as well.
"I-I mean we >>>did kiss--"
">>>Walker--!!"
>Aikawa's voice cracks as she desperately tries to keep her roommate from telling anyone in their immediate vicinity that this happened.
"--So I understand where you got that from, and I apologize. I'm not entirely sure what you mean by "fully making out", though?"
"Walker, >>>shut >>>up!!"
| >>575489
>William blushes a beetroot red, as he tries to describe it...
"Well, i-it's like... when... there's groping involved? I saw it in a s-sexual harrasment triveo John made everyone see after something happened on the ship..."
| >>575494
"So what's been keeping you busy, Impulse, come over and tell!"
>John waves him over, to join in.
| >>575497
>Impulse oblige, coming over to sit with John
"Nothing much, business going quite well, the cults seem to be less focused on me now that the NDSec thing almost wiped them"
| >>575499
"The who now?"
>John's tone might show surprise, but his face says it all. "Another group to keep track of?"
| >>575496
>Aikawa looks as if she's wishing her soul just left her body, her face that of someone absolutely 100% done with walking this wretched mortal coil. She tries to stammer out a counter, but fails miserably-- so Roy answers in her place. Looking upwards while flushing slightly, he runs his fingers along some of the grooves in his exo frame and intones:
"... well, if I'd had >>>my way..."
>Aikawa hides her face in her hands. Holy shit, make it stop already!!
| >>575501
"ITHINKMYAPPOLIGIEWASAPROPRIATEGOODBYEAIKAWAANDMRWERIDO!!"
>William leaves as fast as he came, bumping in to people as he makes to the exit.
"ROYYYYY!"
>John's face looks quite stern in comparison to what it was before.
| >>575503
"W-wha?!"
> Uni was at first confused, then even more so as she hears John's uncharacteristic scream. She peers into the matter, but expects very little could come from a simple gaze-in.
| >>575461
"Yep I'm the borthday girl today John!"
>Emily gives john a large wave as her bunny ears bounce around, a smile is plastered on her face. >>575366
"You know Falschen Aikawa?"
>Emily seems surprised, and the little oni jerks a bit on top of her stool
(Just woke up and 45 responses oh man)
| >>575479
"Welcome miss! Please take a seat anywhere you like!"
>Emily nods to the yukata clad girl and then turns to the small Oni who's stuffing her face with candy
"Chanka, can you help me out a bit here, maybe get water or serve a beer or two"
>The little girl pouts but gets up, or well down considering her height
"Why do I have to do this..."
>Her own bunny suit conceals her skin completely, she just looks cute, not sexy.
| >>575505
"About time."
> Lucetta, having seated the entire time, waves her hand around to get an order.
"Oi, tender - I'll take your best beer. Serve it on the rocks."
> Her voice caught Uni's attention, but she does nothing aside from turn and retract back to her circle of conversation.
> Uni, once coming back, is judging the waitress outfit with an unmoving focus. She silently nods, approving of a factor unknown to the bystanders.
| >>575506
>she sits down at the bar after a graceful bow, the sakura scent overflowing the area
"Hello! Amu i interruputing something?
I apologize ifu so"
>she speaks in a cute Japanese accent >and although the jingrish is there, its mostly correct if not Completely se
"Is this an izakaya? Oh u erm.. 'bar'?"
>she tilts her head
| >>575503
>Roy chuckles quietly to himself as William flies off like a bat out of hell, but is immediately silenced by John's yelling. He holds up his hands defensively-- surely John couldn't have heard what he said, he'd just barely whispered it--
"W-what? I-I didn't say anything!"
>He tries to lie like a rug, hoping John will buy it. Meanwhile, Aikawa sulks and plots her revenge, whatever that may entail.
| >>575508
"Beer on the rocks? That's unusual but not something I cant do!"
>Rapidly a beer with ice is served to you
>>575509
"It is indeed a bar! The midnight drifter!"
>Emily takes a small pose and does a bow
| >>575505
>Aikawa, who is trying to flatten herself against the counter, mumbles into the crook of her elbow in response.
"Emily, beer, please..."
>She pleads with the tender before answering her question.
"... Know one of them. The beautiful one, in Temple-1. Long white hair, green thumb..."
>She unburies her head from her arms and looks up at Emily.
"Met the other one too, though. The first has my box drum."
| >>575516
"I'm not in the mood for something 'usual'. Now, aren't you the same, tender?"
> The lady takes in the beer very, very quickly - as though she is taking an express line to hangover. She shivers as the cold ice parts the warmth in her mouth and throat.
> She slams the glass down onto the countertop, making an audible noise. Her weary head drops down, and she murmurs to herself before lifting the glass.
"Anything stronger?"
| >>575518
"A beer for you then... And multiple Falschen's? They're a single person though aren't they?"
>Emily seems confused as she delivers your beer
| >>575466
>Roy tries to avoid speaking to John further, and instead continues talking with Uni, which is arguably more pleasant.
"A-ah, I see... W-well, I was going to say that Ei and I would try not to make any trouble, but..."
>His gaze follows the path William took out the door, and he sighs heavily.
"... I may have gone and done it anyway."
"Y'think?!"
>Aikawa spits the phrase at him, scowling.
| >>575516
"Oh wonderful!ヽ(✿ﾟ▽ﾟ)ノ"
>she giggles slightly
"A yamakaze highball Onegaishimasu!"
>and pays (・∀・)つ⑩
>yep its official
>shes precious..
"Oh uh do i need ID?"
>she then turns to 'chanka'
"Oh mmm whats your name Banī-sama..?"
>she says with a head tilt and a heart melting smile
| >>575522
"Oh, anything, really. I'm fine with dowsing pure moonshine now."
> Her face elucidates someone being uppity and ready to take a challenge. A big challenge. Whether it was determination or straight foolishness, her display of pride will go unnoticed as she clearly looks tippy already.
| >>575523
"It shall be served then, please let it be a good drink!"
>Emily makes the cocktail with practiced movements, its been long she hasnt done a Yamakaze but she's trying not to let it show
>Chanka looks at the girl with a scowl
"It's Taliassia A. Chanka! Don't forget it!!"
>She says with a smug smile
| >>575526
>As Emily serves the Yamakaze she turns to you again and nods
"Then how about a Hunter? its a special receipe and quite strong, I just hope you like Jaeger meister!"
| >>575520
>As soon as the glass is set on the table, Aikawa descends upon her beer like she's just walked out of a desert and wants to slake her thirst with the first liquid she lays eyes on. She takes a few gulps while Roy looks on disapprovingly, gasping after she finishes.
"Y-you think so, too?! Never in one place at the same time, knowing something that only the other should..."
>She looks to Emily for answers, wide-eyed.
| >>575521
"You two are a rather fervid couple! Pray tell, Roy, who is this lady by your side?"
> Uni's reaction to both Roy and Aikawa's interaction was a simple giggle with a glass-like clarity. They both charm her to curiosity.
| >>575527
>she claps her hands together and giggles
"My what a beautiful name~!
Oh uh...is it customary to respond with myine?"
>she then recives the drink
"Thanku yuu berry muchu bartender sama!"
>and takes a sip
| >>575529
"Hunter? That's a name. Bring me one."
> There was a slit of smile in her face hearing a name such as 'Hunter' - and her attempts at hiding the smile was futile as she have begun to lose the slightest emotional control.
| >>575521 >>575532
>Roy continues, trying to look natural and unfazed-- though internally he's worried John'll stride over to him and break his kneecaps.
"Oh, Uni-- I-I don't think you two have ever met, but--"
>He gestures to Aikawa, who has practically submerged her face in her beer again.
"T-this is the roommate I was looking for when I first came here."
>He bends down, and speaks quietly.
"She'd kill me if I said we were a couple, but... between you and I--"
>He winks.
| >>575535
> Uni's following smile leavens reassurance. Her eyes stride from Aikawa to Roy, and back to her again.
"I say, I approve of your matters. She is a woman to pledge time to."
> It is far too unknown whether Uni is a good judge of character, but if her eyes were to speak a word, it would echo her own acceptance of Aikawa — despite said person's current state.
"Of course! I am not one to meddle with affairs — neither mine nor others."
| >>575530
"Isnt that just proof that they're one person though? Atleast I ever only met one Falschen"
>Emily gives a wry smile
| >>575536 >>575535
>Roy returns her smile in kind, and holds up an index finger, as if asking her to wait a moment. He taps Aikawa on the shoulder, and is met with a gaze firey enough to make its recipient look like they'd just opened the Lost Ark. Luckily, Roy's learned to take the heat.
"Ei, this is Uni-- the broken goddess of Glitch City."
>Aikawa squints, trying to make sense of the nonsense that just came out of Roy's mouth.
"... Name's Aikawa. Pleasure, your eminence."
| >>575534
"As you wish!"
>A dark drink is served to you within moments, it has a light red tinge when light shines upon its surface
"This drink is something of a favorite for a good friend of mine, I hope you enjoy!"
>>575533
>The little girl puffs her chest
"Damn right it is!"
| >>575539
"Mochiron des!"
>she says with a giddy smile
>then stands up and gives another french curtsey
>somehow scattering a small amount of sakura petals
>perhaps accidentally getting in the hair of other patrons
"My name Soleil,Soleil hoshino Vanderbilt.
Its a pleasure to make your acquaintance"
>some petals foat around her
>almost making her look like a...regalia of sorts
>she then sits back down
"Im sorry, i am not acquainted with some western customs"
| >>575541
"... Are you a plant thingy?"
>Chanka seeme to have noticed the petals and her smile turns into a complex expression
>Emily gives her a scowl
"That's no way to speak to a lady Chanka! Sorry about the small one she's got a bad mouth on her sometimes"
>Chanka puffs her cheeks
"I'm not small!!"
| >>575542
"Plant...?"
>she looks around
>then falls red as she blushes brightly
"O-oh my..! M-my apologies it seems that some sakura petals wormed their way into my kimono!
Ahhh this is embarrassing..."
>she blushes and tips into her hands...
>this
>is
>adorable
| >>575545
>Emily seems to resist the cuteness completely with a smile of her own, inside her mind she was wondering if tomato plants had petals.
"Don't worry about it!"
>Chanka is busy picking up the petals off the ground
| >>575546
"Uwaa! P-please, there is no need to clean up after me.."
>she stands up and brandishes two Japanese ogi fans
>then almost like a dance
>she dips her body and sweeps around in a elegant move
>the petals are swept by the current
>and form into a pile neatly in the counter
>it was a magical sight
>as if she truly was a regalia
"m-my apologies"
>she blushes a bit more
>...cute...
| >>575538
> Uni's professionalism was the only barrier holding her from giggling at the way Aikawa addresses her.
> Upon walling her emotion, she smiled with a noble pride. To be treated as a goddess, she too, would treat them greatly.
"We are as Roy said; Uni — of Glitch City's fame as a land-bound goddess."
> She widens her eyes, one glows a radiant blue and the other catches in on Aikawa's appearance.
"It is an utmost pleasure to meet Roy's treasured friend."
| >>575539
"This... is interesting. I'll have one at it. Cheers for... your birthday, was it? Whatever. Cheers."
> Lucetta lifts her glass, this time takes in the drink at a slower pace. Her milky white face have begun reddening from the alcohol, showing little tolerance to it.
"You're a good one, tender. You're a good one."
| >>575549
>Chanka shows an expression of fright, was she like Kiyohime? Could she read her mind as well as control the winds?
"I wasn't thinking about eating I swear..."
>She goes back behind the counter and hides behind Emily who seems concerned
"Are you okay Chanka"
"Ye-yes, no problems at all!!"
>>575551
"I'm glad you like it! Its quite strong though so be mindful"
>The eyepatched tender shows a soft smile
| >>575552
"Oh you wish to eat the petals?!"
>her eyes light up
>inadvertently leading to even more levels of awwwwww
"Please have this!"
>she pulls out a bag from her kimono
>somehow it concealed a plastic container
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQCeQKOTcq3BTeeLgJ1rxY8FpnkCPLu03i0MrqMWz3FJJF2FBPXr1jVZQ0u6A
"These are pickled sakura petals!
Please, enjoy them to your whims"
>then does the 30° service bow
| >>575553
>Chanka seems reluctant but still accepts the offering
"Hmph I wasn't thinking that at all!"
>She smiles though, showing off her sharp fangs
| >>575554
>she claps her hands together and smiles
"I hopw you like it miss chanka!"
>she then sits back down and enjoys her drink
>yep there is nobway this girl can be a threat
>shes too cute
"Is there some special occasion miss?
| >>575555
"Why yes actually, just today our bar turned a hundred years old! And I myself turned 23 years old as well!"
>Emily smiles at Soleil and then looks over the whole place
"I started out small but this place has so many stories, so many patrons I really hope we can make it a hundred more"
| >>575563
"My how wonderfuru!
I hope your wish comest true miss!
And happy birthday!"
>she tilts her head
"Mmmm you must like a gift yes?
Please, take this"
>she gives Emily the fans from earlier
"Im sorry it is not the best gift, but i hopu you like it"
>it would be hard to decline the gift from someone so adorbs
| >one can hear singing from the entrance
"Come dance with me the tango~
all night long …~
Come dance with me the tango~
’till the break of dawn …~
~ ~ ~"
>then a girl with black and white hair walks in
>or rather flamenco dances in
>all giddy like
>she ...oh dear, she is wearing on of those ahegao hoodies with matching skirt and garterbelt thigh highs
"Hallo!"
>she says with a cute pose
| >>575565
"Huh, thank you but aren't those your own... I would feel bad taking these from you, please your feelings are enough!"
>Emily felt really bad about all the presents being given to her, she was blushing faintly
>Chanka turned to the door and saw the new arrival and so did Emily who promptly blushed even harder, she never saw anyone wear these in public before... There were all kinds out there!
>Nevermind the fact that her wearing a bunny suit was much worse
| >>575568
>the ahegao girl's eyes immediately dart to chanka
"Hello!( ・⩌ ・)ﾉ"
>how she then hugs
>smothering poor chanka in her...uhhhh...."heavenly marshmallow hell"
"Kyaaaaa shes so cute!
Would you like to share a pudding with me?"
>death by boobs aside she genuinely seems to mean well
| >Soleil cant help but giggle at the scene
>then she sees Emily blushing which triggers her >>M i s c h i e v o u s f r e n c h b l o o d
"Oh i would hate for you to feel bad on your birthday.
But please do accept.
Although it has not been long you have treated me well.
Thus i am grateful"
>she gives a cute and graceful smile
>but mostly cute
>actually it might be a little nose bleed inducing...
| >>575569
"You damned Titty monster! Unhand me at once!!"
>Chanka is losing it! She's trying vigorously to shake off the girl
| >>575573
"Wah!"
>she lets go at once!
"I-im sorry...!(´._.`)"
>she is now on her knees, kinda panicked
"I-i didn't mean to..."
>she then begins crying
"W-whaaaaa! ｡･ﾟﾟ･(>д<)･ﾟﾟ･｡"
| >>575579
"No dont cry!!"
>Chanka doesn't know what to do! So she just turns to Emily.
>Emily sighs
"Don't cry please, Chanka meant no harm she just has a potty mouth"
>Chanka puffs up but lets it go
| >>575550
>Roy claps his hands together gleefully, then turns to Aikawa with a huge grin on his face and whispers--loud enough for Uni to hear:
"That's the 'royal' we; isn't she just dazzling?"
>Aikawa sips her beer, dumbfounded by Uni's slightly dramatic display, and instead chooses to pay attention to what she's saying rather than what she's doing. She clears her throat awkwardly:
"Uh... y-yeah, yeah she is."
>She hasn't the foggiest idea of what to say.
| >>575550
>Aikawa feels herself heat up as far as her ears when Uni says the phrase "treasured friend", though-- and has to turn away as Roy gives one of the most genuine smiles she's ever seen, nodding happily in agreement. Christ. Is she having palpitations? She tugs at her collar, head starting to swim a little.
"T-Thanks."
| >>575537
>Aikawa tries to re-focus on her conversation with Emily, which is a little difficult to do after 3/4 of a large beer.
"... Which one is the one you know?"
>She doesn't let on about this, but she's concerned-- maybe Emily's not being coy-- maybe there *is* only one Falschen after all, maybe her memory's shot or someone's been fucking with it--
"..."
>She drains the last of her glass with an impressive speed, and slides it towards Emily.
"A-another, please."
| >>575500
"NDSec, New Dawn Security, it's a PMC, I used to work there"
>The group of two guys in full military gear intervene
"Oh, hey Red, and Ivanov, I see you two are getting along well"
>Impulse waves at the newcomer
| >>575611
"Huh, the frail looking one? She's really pretty"
>Emily say as she gives Aikawa another beer
| >>575654
>Aikawa stares blankly at Emily-- this is not the answer she thought she was going to get.
"But... the... t-the guy in the bar here, when I almost bit it-- wasn't >>>he Falschen--?"
>Even without the alcohol, she'd be winding down into some lost spiral. She had put aside thinking about this when it first came up, at the Blue Lantern, but now there's time to ponder it again...
"H-he was here, you >>>talked to him, it seemed like you knew>>>him--"
| >>575656
"was that not just Falschen wearing his armor?"
>Emily seems confused and scratches her head
"Ah I think you're confused... Falschen is well he's a lilim, but his unit is that of a woman for some reason... He doesn't like talking about it"
>Emily clarifies
"But he's a man, atleast, the inside is... I think?"
| >>575590
> After displaying her smile, Uni lowers her head to speak closer to Roy.
"I may not be entirely proper here, Roy — but I sense having met Ei once; I'm unsure in which place, however."
> She takes herself back to her original position — popping an 'Oh!' after faintly remembering something from her head.
"—I had intended to bring about a book I cherish. The urgency of the birthday must have steered my mind elsewhere."
| >>575588
"Waaahhhhh!!!｡･ﾟﾟ･(>д<)･ﾟﾟ･｡"
>gem being gem, she can quite hear beneath all the tears
>Congratulations
>you have successfully made cookies and cream girl to cry
| >>575657
>Luckily, Emily smooths everything out before Aikawa totally loses her marbles. While the tender explains what's what, she watches the condensation drip down the side of her beer glass, processing this new information.
"Falschen's a lilim...?"
>... That *would* make sense, at least somewhat. She dips a finger in one of the water droplets on the counter and traces it idly over the polished wood, thinking.
"... Huh."
| >>575658
>Roy tilts his head to the side, very curious as to where or how Uni thinks she knows his roommate. He has little idea of what Aikawa gets up to when she's out, and is totally in the dark about her persona on the Matrix as well.
"Does she seem familiar to you somehow, Uni?"
>He glances at Aikawa, who is now breaking into her second beer. With difficulty, he resists telling her to slow down.
"What book was that? Something good, no doubt."
| >>575669
> Uni nods. Answering the former question silently whereas the latter was answered after she winds up a breath.
"Indeed! It is a faithful recreation of the Codex Regius and its poems. It is a tale of many epics and prophecies foretold — a piece of literature I happen to ingress myself into."
> Her excitement describing the book shows a tinge in her voice.
"—And all's well for me; now, I have never heard of your preferences, Roy. What do the prose speak to you?"
| >Impulse then notice how one of the two men in combat gear, Ivanov, walks
"Are you high? Ivanov?"
"Yes, he is high on morphine at the moment, he got injured a little, so I gave him some morphine"
>The other guy, Red, answered
"Don't worry, I took his weapons away"
| >the crying girl then runs behind impulse
>still crying as she tugs his shirt
"...waaaahhhhh! ( ；∀；)"
"Is this a common occurrence miss?"
>soleil tilts her head
| >>575689
>Startled by the sudden pull on his FROG uniform, Impulse jumps out from his seat next to John
"Bloody hell, what?"
>He then notice the crying girl next to him
"Oh, Gemini it's you, why are you crying?"
>Red and Ivanov, previously almost starts to shoot the girl, now burst out in laughter seeing Impulse startled by a little girl
| >>575515 >>575518 >>575521
(FUCKING GOD DAMN TIMEZONES)
>John looks at Roy, but then sees Uni, and remembers the fact that it's Emily's birthday, decides to scould him later for whatever he said to William.
"You look like you need another drink, buddy. One on me?"
>He says, in an attempt to sound friendly, putting a had on his shoulder.
>>575536 >>575550
"Oh, Uni, where do you know Roy from?"
>John tries to rejoin the conversation... As a prjection of John splits off.
| >>575712
(*Projection)
>>575629
>The projection of John walks back over to Impulse, seeing as John had to "deal" with Roy.
"PMC you say? What kinda work did you do for them?"
| >>575714
(It was Red who said he worked with NDSec btw, not Impulse)
"I was an Operator, a member of NDSec Strike Unit to be specific"
>Red answer John
>>575689
Meanwhile Impulse is now trying his best to get crying Gemini off his shirt
"Gemini! Come on! My uniform is soaked already!"
| (Whoops, forgot the >)
| >>575741
(rip)
>John eyes Red up and down, curious to the outfit.
"So what are you up to now? I presume the same as your old job?"
| >>575744
"Kind of, I'm not a PMC anymore, but I just work as a runner, did a few oddjobs for some people around, I did a few for Impulse over here too"
>Red reply, then order a drink
"I will take a pint of beer, please"
| >>575712
> Uni was quietly amazed at the projection. Her eyes follows the projection before putting herself back to the talk at hand.
"Hm? Roy? A short while ago, I met him precisely here — in this bar. He was and is a wonderful man to converse with."
> She looks at John, now wondering to herself before making her own question.
"—How about you? How and where did you meet him? Knowing your past, I am more inclined to guess — but I'm curious as well."
| >A smallish women enters the building
>Dressed in a faded parka and a pleated skirt, with dull pink hair and blue, emotionless eyes
>The women, no, the girl looks no older than 15, but she nonetheless goes to sit down at the bar
"A White Russian, cold."
| >>575752
"Well, I met Roy by rescuing his shiny metal ass from Vitalife, or something. That's the short story, really."
>He turns to Uni, looking for an answer.
"What where you thinking, Uni?"
| >>575751
"Any plans to go in to back in to PMC life?"
>The projection speaks, with it's yellow-ish tint, and mildly tinny voice.
| >>575764
"What was I thinking? It's… nothing."
> Uni lightly shrugged off the question, perhaps pertaining to her inability to come up with an answer.
"—Never mind; I didn't know you two has an extensive history together. Now on good terms, I presume?"
| >>575741
>scared off by gaining no comfort
>the crying gem then runs off and hides behind uni
>the lesson i learned today is that dicw hates me
"W-whaaaa!!!( ；∀；)"
>crying as she tugs her shirt
>Soleil is just Completely confused
>is it always like this in this city?
"My, how eventful. Is she Alright...?"
| >>575772
"G-Gemini?!"
> The tugging and the crying isn't what Uni perceived as worrisome — rather, her eyes dart, thinking of a reason as to why Gemini would cry. Being oblivious, Uni decides to simply console Gemini with a hug.
"Now, now — what made you be this way, Gemini?"
| >>575670 >>575712
>Roy mulls over an answer to Uni's question about his taste in literature, and is about to speak when John waltzes over to them both and claps a hand down onto his shoulder. He flinches, and quickly turns to see the man standing next to him.
"O-oh, John!! W-well, while I appreciate your offer..."
>He rubs one of his knees absentmindedly, then looks at the bar counter-- specifically its underside.
"T-the last time I drank, I broke my foot..."
| >>575774
"Grandma uni...?"
>she clears her eyes and whimpers
"Icameinbecauseimonmyvreakandthenisawsomethingcutebutithatedmeandisisntwanttobemeanbuttheygotreallyscaryandimsorrryyy!( ；∀；)"
>she mumbles on through the tears
>although it might have been difficult to understand
>one must wonder how does cassie handle such a fickle youth
>actually, perhaps impulse and uni wonder
>where is her counterpart??
>those two are pretty much magnetically linked
>odd seeing one without the other
| >>575752
"R-right, Uni? The goddess here saw my act of folly and took pity on me."
>He gives a rueful grin, still rubbing his knee.
"As much as she says I'm pleasant to talk with, she's doubly so, and then some. Uni is full of interesting insights."
>Aikawa chips away at her second beer as she listens to the three talk amongst themselves, wondering why Roy speaks like he's known Uni for a while despite only having met her once. Odd. She shrugs it off, likely for the better.
| >>575764 >>575768
>As Aikawa hears John mention the fact that they're on the run from Vitalife, though, she can't help but interject. She leans back in her seat, and barks at John:
"Hey!!"
>She jumps at the sound of her own voice-- that definitely came out louder than she intended.
"That ship hasn't even come >>>close to sailing yet! Shouldn't be talking about that shit in public if you wanna keep your "heroics" from being in vain."
| >>575778
> Uni leaves the ends unmet — not at all asking anymore question, seeing Gemini's rapid speech. She strokes Gemini's head to soothe her. Whatever it is, Uni was left compounding her thoughts alone.
"Do you want anything sweet to drink? The bartender there is an endearing fellow — you shan't be crying in her birthday now!"
>>575780
> As Uni kept a loose hug of Gemini, she smiles at Roy — replying while letting him know the condition on her side.
| >>575781
>she calmed down a bit
"...oh..o-okay...im sorry for the ruckus miss bartender...
Uhhh...can i get a blue fairy..?"
>she sits down on a stool
>then meekly wipes away the tears
| >>575782
> Uni pockets her suit, taking out a pure white handkerchief. She offers it to the sobbing Gemini, with a warm smile contrasting Gemini's tears.
"Leave your tears for what matters, okay? Your face suits more when shining."
| (*Uni checks the pockets of her suit.)
| >>575780
"Fine, fine. I guess you are right."
>John sighs, shaking his head. He tightens his grip on Roy ever so slightly, just so Roy can notice, and turns his head towards Roy.
"Good man, I've been trying not to drink myself, but it's taking time. How about a smoke, *Roy*?"
| >>575780 >>575781
>Roy makes one last remark before leaving... "grandma"(?) Uni to comforting Gemini, wanting to draw a line in the sand regarding his relationship with John. He's on the same page as Aikawa as far as discussing the recent events at NSFMed is concerned, but doesn't pay her exclamation much mind right now.
"I... wouldn't say ours is an extensive history, per se. John just did both of us a big favor; one that we're both very grateful for."
| >>575790
>Roy winces as John's fingers curl into his shoulder. He's in the doghouse, isn't he? All for making an honest (maybe a little too much so) joke...
"O-oh, I don't--"
>Aikawa takes another gulp of her beer, trying her damnedest to maintain civil conversation with John-- or at least, in his direction.
"Think he's talking about the vape, Walker. You still have it?"
">>>Oh, that..."
>Roy begins to dip into the pockets of his jacket again.
| >>575796
"Looks like you have your own then, then come, join me for a smoke."
>John keeps a civil smile, but it's hard to maintain 2 of himself.
"I'll bring him back unharmed, I promise."
| >Meanwhile, Ivanov's head slams on the counter as he felk asleep and Red hurry to wake Ivanov up
"Oi! Ivanov, go sleep back at the workshop, I didn't have a drink yet goddamnit"
>He carries Ivanov up
"Sorry, I've got to cut our conversation short"
| >>575786
"T-thank you.."
>she calms down slightly more
>then slowly but surely, that snow melting smile returns to her face unobstructed by tears no longer flowing
>then simply waits for her drink
"Exkyusu me miss.
Forgiveu me if i am rude but, is this a common occurrence...?
>a certain soleil as, as she gets nothing from the tender
| >>575797
>Roy exchanges and apprehensive glance with Aikawa, which she returns along with a shrug. She doesn't know what John wants, but as long as she's not involved and Roy's safety isn't compromised, she cares little.
"W-well... I-I can accompany you, but like I was saying, I don't smoke..."
>He starts to slowly get up from his seat, doing his best not to end up locked around the barstool, or worse. Aikawa watches, ready to intervene if necessary.
| >>575799
"Don't you mention it. Keep the handkerchief in your hands; I'm sure it will come handy in the future."
> Uni replied, leaving Gemini to wait for her order. She heard Soleil spoke, but there briefly was a shaking doubt as to whether she would answer her — she decided against it, as her pace returns to John and Roy.
>>575801
"Now, that is a surprising news. I didn't know John smokes — my little thought spoke to me about his… other addiction, but not smoking. No."
| "We'll be out front."
>John let's go of Roy, and goes to the front entrance, hoping Roy will follow.
| >>575798
"Ah, that's a shame, well I'll leave you to it."
>The projection disapates, showing where it came from, a small drone. The drone tiself hovers over to Uni and Aikawa, rematerialising.
>>575806
"One vice for another!"
>John says to Uni, but the noise comes from the projection.
| >>575808
"You blasted warmonger."
> Uni jokingly said. She giggled both at John's reply and her own — leaving no surprise for anyone.
"Stay safe now. Don't let me see you violated by your strange addictions, understand?"
| >>575810
"Teehee! You really are like a grandma, grandma uni!"
>gem giggles
>>575806
"Didu i sei someuting wong...?"
>she tilts her head, unfamiliar with customs in this foriegn land
>thus she just sits there even more confused
"???"
| >>575782
>A blue fairy almost appears before you, a small pair of horns stick out of the counter just below it
"I Already said I was s-sorry, geez"
>the little oni climbs back on her stool and puffs up
| >>575810
"It's only a CBD/THC mixture that other John is smoking. Lucky, I'm not affected by it."
>Projection-John states.
"But for you, I'll keep an eye on him."
| >>575823
"Thank you!"
>she sips her drink
>the sugar refilling her own sweetness
>then she hears chanka apologize
"Wait does that mean you can be my friend?!
Yaaaaayyyyy!!^(o≧∀≦)o"
>she immediately hugs chanka again
>but also kisses her on the forehead?!?!
>whawhawha!?@
"EeeeeeeeEEEEeee☆☆"
>but her excitement
>its
>adorable!
| >>575830
"Gugugugu!"
>Chanka resists the urge to shake again and instead turns into hug pillow mode, letting out a sigh
"I-Its an adult's duty to help children rein in their emotions!"
>She tries to autoconvince herself
| >>575807 >>575808 >>575810 >>575824
>Roy successfully gets out of his seat without hurting himself, and throws a quick look over his shoulder before following John, mouthing something to Aikawa.
>"God help me..."
>He "crosses" himself very quickly and looks upward, despite not being anything close to the religious type. Aikawa snorts, amused.
| >>575831
"Yaaayyy!(o≧▽ﾟ)o"
>gem is happy nao as she gained fren
>and it is suprisingly
>incredibly comfortable to be hugged by her
>perhaps chanka might doze off
>but that aint happening
>as gem kisses her in the lips
>wait whot?!?!
| >>575836
>As Roy makes his way out, he sees John smoking a... Pinky?
"So, what did you tell William?"
| >>575837
"You PERVERT"
>Chanka screams and starts to thrash around as she loses her first kiss to another woman that isnt her mother! You monster...
"Unhand me damn you, I knew adults couldn't be trusted!!"
| >>575838
>Roy finds the vape pen he had meant to return to John and fishes it out of one of his pockets, handing it over to the man. It looks like it hasn't been touched.
"... She didn't end up using it, so you can give this back to your pilot."
>He rubs the back of his head as he carefully constructs his answer to John's question.
"I didn't really >>>tell him anything, I just made a joke, is all..."
| "Oh let off, I won't bite..."
>John exhales, putting his pinky-less arm over Roy's shoulder.
"So what was the joke?"
| >>575854
>Roy kind of squirms as John throws his arm across his upper back, and bites his lip. Why is he getting the 5th degree for this? It's not like he would have actually done anything like that...
"W-well, I..."
>He fidgets, finding himself beginning to flush a vibrant shade of scarlet that rivaled William's own earlier.
"He said something I didn't understand, I asked him to clarify, and when he explained I made a comment about it that may have embarrassed him."
| "Oh just tell, I'm sure William just overreacted, just like when he saw you two "making out"
>John smirks, seeing Roy get more embarrassed.
| >>575843
>gem just lets go and giggles
>for some reason her lips tasted like cookies and cream
>perhaps the taste echos in chankas mind
"Yeeyyyi made a friend!ヾ(〃^∇^)ﾉ"
>can one really be mad at that face?
>its too innocent
| >>575857
>Roy sighs loudly, and mumbles just loud enough for John to hear.
"H-he admitted that he originally thought we'd been doing more than kissing-- like I'd been feeling her up or something--, and I-I said something to the effect of how I wouldn't have minded if that was the case..."
>He'd done it specifically to fluster the kid-- even though he was being truthful, Roy thinks it was harmless. If William is old enough to be in a bar, he can't be *that* innocent...
| >John turns to him, full attention.
"You what?"
>And breaks out in laughter.
"AAAAAHAHAHAHA, Oh that's a good one. That's the kid's weakness. He's shyer than a maiden!"
>He tones it down to a giggle, before settling down.
"And I thought you told him something worse."
| >>575859
"Unhand me! You kissing monster! Damn you..."
>Chanka is tearing up and sniffles loudly!
>Emily turns and catches sight of the small Oni
"Uh, can you please let her go!"
>Oh god Eleaine will kill me and my whole familly, please jesus christ seperate yourselves! Was something she wanted to say but didn't
| >>575870
>Chanka runs behind the counter and glares at the girl with eyes that could kill! You can swear they're glowing red a bit
>Emily just sighs and gives the Oni a small pat on the back
"You're still an adult right Chanka, this girl is innocent please let it go"
| >>575862
>Roy seems relieved as John takes his joke as it was originally intended, giving a slight grin. This vanishes as John reveals he'd expected the surgeon to have said something much more colorful. Worrying he'll regret this, Roy asks:
"W-what did you think I was going to say, John?"
| "I though you told him descriptively."
>John's eyes are now a little glazed, but he tries not to show it.
"Take some of the vape you have, it relaxes you, I can just feel you shaking."
>With that comment, he lets go, re-attaching his finger.
| >>575872
"Oh right my ID!
Sorry!"
>she hands it over
>for the sake of Character development i wont say the name
>but the girl is in her lower twenties
>full decades younger
"Uhh miss bartender, a question if i may..?"
>soleil, still confused as heck tilts her head
| >>575879
"Is it always this...'eventful'?
Please Forgive me if i am rude, but i am merely here for vacation thus i am...how is the word...ah familiar with"
>she speaks meekly, head dipping into her kimono slightly
>the sight is quite frankly adorable
| >>575874
>Roy's eyes widen in surprise, and he holds his hands in front of them, waving them slightly as if trying to clear John's assumption from his mind.
"A-ah, no, I'm not that kind of person. Ei would kill me if I became the kind of guy who loves to kiss-and-tell..."
>When John encourages him to take a drag again, he shakes his head firmly.
"John, I really can't. My job >>>and my disability prevent me from using anything that messes with my nervous system."
| "Ah, well, that's fair. I've finished up, let's tell Ei how your interogation went."
>He raises a finger...
"Or we could play a prank on her... You in?"
| >>575897
>Roy folds his arms across his chest and cocks his head to the side, admittedly a little intrigued. Get enough drinks into her, and she'll be bound to forgive him for a little mischief...
"Keep talking, and I'll tell you if I am."
>His expression changes to one of dawning realization-- he's remembered something.
"Um, John... If you could please call Ei by her surname, she'd appreciate that. If she ever changes her mind, she'll tell you so."
>He nods, encouraging him.
| "Oh, right, right, she told me that earlier. I was hoping you'd have something in mind for a prank?"
>John keeps smirking like a child.
| >Back at the bar counter, Aikawa watches Chanka and Gem chase one another around until Emily steps in to put an end to the shenanigans. Poor thing, having to corral these kids on her birthday... She calls out to the barkeep for want of something to do.
"Emily...! You need help over there...?"
>She's starting to get kind of heady, which feels nice. It's good to loosen up a bit. She decides to talk a little more with Uni.
>>575810
"... She called you "grandma"...?"
| >>575903
>Roy puts a hand to his chin pensively. He and Aikawa are--were-- constantly pranking one another back at the apartment, but it was all stuff that wouldn't work in this setting. Hiding things, moving things, replacing things... He'd slowed down on all of that after her hack.
"..."
>What could he do that wouldn't push her past the point of no return?
"I-I mean, it's not a prank, but... when she ties one on, she becomes a >>>very different person."
| >>575905
"It's fine I can get more help actually!"
>She lifts the backstore curtain and a tall lady with white hair appears for an instant, Aikawa would recognize her as The beautiful Falschen, a smile dawns on her face as she is handed the small Oni and goes back deeper into the store.
"Chanka is now on break!"
>Emily says happily
| >>575911
>Aikawa's eyes pop open as Falschen makes a brief appearance, rounding up Chanka to keep her from further making trouble.
"She-- he-- t-they're here?!"
>She leans across the counter, about to reach out and flag Beautiful Falschen down when she realizes she's more than a little buzzed, and that her inhibitions may be slipping a tad. Therefore, she sits back up as if nothing had ever happened, and continues to casually sip her beer.
| >>575909
"Yeah, maybe not the best of ideas."
>John looks down, still thinking...
"Ah, let's go"
>He heads back in, and the projection waves to Aikawa and Uni, and deactivates, flying in to John's arm.
"So, what did I miss?"
| >>575941
>Aikawa looks up to watch the drone, wobbling in her seat a little as she does so. She quickly rights herself as Roy and John approach, and assumes an expression of vague disinterest.
"Bunch'a kids trying to get handsy with each other. Emily took care of 'em."
>She shrugs, and turns her head towards the doorway Falschen disappeared into. She starts to bounce one of her legs, gaze shifting throughout the bar.
"Could go for a smoke myself..."
| "Looks like someone can't handle a beer."
>John smirks at Aikawa.
| >>575916
"You didn't know? I thought you knew Ele worked here"
>Emily laughs as the back opens again and Falschen comes out, a smile on her face
"Ah hello there Seg, how were the flowers? They were meant for this gentleman over here weren't they?"
>She huh he, huh she? Is in plainclothes, not wearing any bunnysuit just their plain old Red coat
| >>575943
>Aikawa simply raises an eyebrow in response before taking a large draught from her glass. Her stare says "watch me" as she continues to drink, steeling herself for another round not too long from now. She wipes her mouth on the back of her forearm.
"'E-Ele'...?"
>Roy has his own questions about what Emily and Falschen have just said.
"'Seg'?"
>Aikawa pulls a face and turns her attention elsewhere. Shit, shit, shit. He's not supposed to find out about that.
| >John raises an eyebrow, scoffing.
"So what, a beer. I'll out drink you any day."
| >>575950
"Yes this is Ele, my friend and sometimes a part timer, she was just swinging by tonight apparently!"
>Emily seems happy to see her but the tall girl just smiles weakly and scratches the back of her head
| >>575945
"T-they're great, but... didn't get to deliver 'em. They're not for Walker, they're for Oenone. Moving into her new place; wanted to get her a gift."
>Roy puts his hands on his hips and shifts his weight to one leg, eyeing his roommate suspiciously.
"Ei, who is 'Seg'?"
>Aikawa further ignores this line of questioning and, shockingly, willingly chooses to engage with John. She downs the rest of her beer
"What's >>>your poison then, omae?"
| >>575954
"Ah I see, the colorful lady isnt it? Well if you ever need anything from the gardens call me okay?"
>Falschen says as she turns to Roy to divert some of his attention
"Forgive me I don't think we've met before the name is Falschen, just Falschen. I'm glad to see Aikawa has such nice friends"
>her smile and face is pretty but her voice rings a tad hollow
| >Aikawa sets her empty glass down on the bar counter with a little more force than is necessary, causing her to withdraw her hand from the glass in surprise. She shakes it in the air as if she'd struck it accidentally before returning it to the bartop.
"Got it. Don't happen to still have my drum, do you? My hat?"
>Roy is successfully distracted by Falschen's introduction, and extends his hand to shake hers.
"Hi, 'just Falschen', I'm Roy."
>Really??
| >>575959
"Pleased to meet you Roy, I hope you enjoy tonight, Emily has been going all in to make this a special occasion"
>Falschen nods to herself
"But I must say I feel like you haven't had enough to drink friend, how about this Falschen pours one out for you"
>Fal shows a wide grin
| >>575959 >>575961
>The small girl in baggy clothes looks at the trio and raises an eyebrow, murmuring something under her breath
>She seems suspicious of something
"Roy... Dr.Roy Walker?"
>Her voice was just loud enough to be heard, and her gaze is more emotionless than ever
| >>575961
"The pleasure is mine, Falschen. I'm already really enjoying the festivities, so if there's more to come, I'm really looking forward to it!"
>He grins happily. His handshake is warm and quite friendly, and for a moment he clasps Falschen's hand in both of his. When she offers him a drink, he pulls away, rubbing his upper arm as he thinks. He already said no to John, but if it's to celebrate Emily and her hard work...
"W-well... Okay, but nothing too strong, please?"
| >>575965
>Aikawa register's Roy's name being called before he does, and before he can answer the empty-eyed girl, she does the first thing her inebriated cyberbrain can come up with to stop him from totally giving them both away-- from underneath the countertop, she stealthily grabs one of Roy's hands and puts it just on the inside of her knee, keeping her gaze forward.
"...!!"
>His eyes immediately stop searching the bar for who called out to him.
| >>575969
>The girl is still staring, and does not stop, she seems to be studying your features intently, as if trying to engrave them in her mind
"...Aikawa."
>She nods a few times, and turns back to the counter, still waiting for her order
>A tiny grin has dawned on her face
"Small world."
| >>575967
"Well how about what your lady friend here has had already, a big beer"
>Falschen doesn't even wait for confirmation he pours one out for Roy and gives him a wink
"Its not too strong, dont worry tis is but a belgian white"
>She giggles
| >>575969 >>575970
>As Roy peers down at her, absolutely bewildered, she shakes her head almost imperceptibly. Roy raises his eyebrows, responding with an equally subtle nod. With her other hand, she retrieves her phone from her pocket.
"Group photo, chummers?"
>She pulls Roy, John, and Uni towards her, holding the phone up high as she snaps one shot, then another.
"Get a couple in to remember the night by, before we drink and forget it."
>She gives a wry grin.
| >>575974
"White Russian, cold, please."
>She seems intrigued by Emily's clothes, staring without reservations
| >there is a bassy thump outside as if thunder had struck
| >>575975
>The girl raises an eyebrow, and then chuckles a bit
"Bartender, not going to ask for my ID? That's surprising."
| >>575985
"I'm kinda used to people being way older then they look now, so I jist assume most people are 21, makes the job easier... Also, your payment registers have names and IDs on it you know? Since most people use creds I usually verify it"
>Emily shows a smile to the girl as a white russian makes its way before her
"Enjoy it!"
| >the front door opens. And a bright neon blue glow emits from the black mask. Shaped like a cat boomer helmet. Neon blue ears, three scratch marks, and glowing in the eye area. On top of the mask. A pair of black panties. Walking inside there's a small clang of the armored suit of the famous sentai hero. She steps inside letting the door behind her close.
"Anri Germain?"
>the helmet turns and looks over the crowd until she spots the girl in clothes much too big for herself
| >>575991
>Falschen looks at the new arrival and her face turns to a mix of confusion and complicated emotions
"and why the hell is a super sentai HERE now?"
>She whispers as Emily simply cocks her head to the side with a visible question mark
| >>575988
"That's fair..."
>She gives the new arrival a glance, but tilts her head and goes back to her drink
"Nothing beats a good drink after all."
| >>575994
>Emily simply returns to the girl as well, leaving Falschen to her own devices with whoever just entered...
"Ye-Yes do you know about the White russian? It used to be quite the obscure variation until a comedy movie made it into a big thing"
| >she steps forward
"Had received word of an escaped serial killer being here. Not really something I can just idly wait for someone to handle when I was so close by."
| >>575998
"A movie? That's pretty weird."
>She finishes the glass in a single gulp
"Still, this smooth taste is way too good to pass up on."
>She chuckles, her smile not quite reaching her eyes
| >>575999
"And so you decise to show up, what proof you got though huh?"
>Falschen leans back into his usual accent as he looks back at BP with a barely contained glare
"Mind you I wont tolerate anyone even a fella like you to start shit in this bar tonight, killer or not"
| >>576003
"Yes, it was a film called the Big Lebowski, its a very old flick but apparently it aged pretty well!"
>Emily seems concerned for the girl who drank so quickly but doesn't let it show
| >>576007
"That's... well, can't say I've heard of it."
>She shoots Falschen an inquisitive glance, before focusing back on Emily
"Another drink please, something soft and sweet, please."
| >>576006
"Broadcast of a serial killer by Anri Germain who escaped, pink hair, blue eyes, looks young."
>she looks over to Falschen
"If you're so keen on looking in to it you should find the broadcast easily."
>she spreads her arms wide
"Of course if I'm wrong I'll happily leave, nothing better than learning a serial killer is still behind bars and not...behind a bar...in front a bar... of a bar... damn it."
| >>576010
"How about Disaronno and some soda, it works really well and isnt that hard"
>Emily says as she smiles
| >>576013
"Hard or not, doesn't matter to my busted liver."
>She chuckles
"Still, that bunny suit suits you well, hehe."
>Her eyes shoot a glance to BP, along with a thinly veiled grin
| >BP looks over to the tall guy in the exo and gets between him and the girl in large clothes.
| >>576012
"I know 'bout the news I ain't braindead, I' m just asking if you got a proof for barging in? Won't you atleast take a seat first and maybe check around'?"
>Falschen says as she herself eyes the small girl in baggy clothes
"And even if ya do find her, take it to the outside, I'm in a pissy mood and ain't no one stopping my friends birthday party aight?"
>She says resolute
| >>576019
"Grandfather, huh? What was his name?"
>She grins a little
"Man, this atmosphere is kinda tense, is it always like this?"
| >>576017
"I'm literally checking around right now. I don't drink so not point in taking up a seat. I'm fine with taking it outside the question is if they are here, are they."
| >>576016
>The sudden shift in the bar's atmosphere that follows BP's entry quickly reaches both Roy and Aikawa, both still a little frazzled from the not-quite-deafening "boom" outside that heralded her arrival. Roy feels BP wedge herself in between him and the teenager just knocking them back at the counter, and flinches-- currently much less aware of what's going on than his roommate is.
"W-what--?!"
| >>576021
"You..."
>Falschen's fists tighten as he slowly raises them above to point at the sentai
"You dont drink and yet entered a bar the hallowed halls of liquor and spirits! HAVE YOU NO SHAME LASS!"
>The crusader is shaking with HOLY PURPOSE
"Damn you and your wishes of sobriety, to enter this place and look down upon our habits NAY I SAY NAY! You WILL have a drink I swear it on my good name!"
| >>576020
>Emily smiles
"He was called Andrei Derringer! He's a good man you know, thaught me everything"
>And then Falschen screams and Emily jumps a bit
"Calm down Ele!"
| >>576023
"If this is some ploy for me to take off my helmet I'll let you know you wouldn't like the answer. Tell ya what then I'll pay for their drinks. Does that make it up to you"
>she points to roy and Aikawa
| >>576025
"Why the hell would I have interest in yer blasted face? Doesn't that helmet have a slide!?"
>Falschen sighs
"But that negotiation is good, I accept the offer, but how in God's good name do you know those two, some tryst from your past Sentai?"
>Falschen turns to Aikawa with a stern look and then a smile
"Ah you know what, I get it aye I do"
>She shows a voracious grin
"Anywho, you got a few, find that killer and yall be on your way out to justice your way outta things"
| >>576027
"1, no it doesn't. 2, They don't I picked them at random. 3 Fine."
>she stares at the pink haired blue eyed girl in baggy clothes.
"Found them."
| >>576024
"!?"
>The girl seems honestly surprised for a moment
"Andrei you say... that's a pretty uncommon name."
>Her composure is back
"Still, I bet he was quite proud of you."
| >>576029
"I hope so, he never was an expressive man, but i'd like to think i'm about as good as he was!"
>Emily says with a hint of nostalgia in her voice
| >>576031
"Pink hair, dead blue eyes. Anri Germain right? 15 years old, escaped from prison during the black out not too long ago?"
| >>576025 >>576027
>Aikawa swallows hard as Falschen stares her down, not too happy to be part of the commotion that's now starting to ramp up in the bar. She mouths something quietly:
"... Sorry..."
>And kind of bows her head before quickly sliding herself off her seat, motioning for Roy to follow her as they make haste towards the exit. Not the kind of party crasher she wanted to be tonight. Not at all.
| >>576033
>Falschen looks as Aikawa and roy exits flagging them down with a
"Come again y'all!"
>She then turns to 'Anri Germain' and looks at her suspiciously
| >>576032
"First off, rude, calling my eyes dead, I know that much. And I wouldn't be drinking in a bar if I was 15. Never heard of your bogeyman, Robo-Cop."
>She shakes her head and goes back to her drink
"Plus, would an escaped convict go around bars?"
>Her gaze follows Aikawa and Roy as they make their way out, and she grins
| >>576035
"Well you shouldn't be drinking at a bar. You technically could if the tender didn't care. You never heard of this person that was announced over news broadcast? And of course they would since bars typically don't allow fighting in them. Of course they would."
>she steps between her and the two leaving
"You're not talking to them, that's quite rude."
| >>576036
"I was just curious, and my eyes do tend to wonder."
>She sighs
"How do I prove I'm not this serial killer of yours? I'm not too keen on being falsely accused."
| >>576040
"They're basically the same thing..."
>she turns to the bar tender
"Oh how much was those two's drinks?"
| >>576041
"I mean, it's easy to fake a card. Not as easy to fake an actual chip."
>She shrugs
"But whatever."
| >>576041
"Its 100 nuyen for those two, rest was on the house for today!"
>Emily says a bit stressed at the lady in a suit questioning one of her patrons
| >>576045
>out of a compartment you see a lump sum of cash she takes out several bills and sets them on the counter equaling 200 nuyen in dollars and the compartment closes back up
"I guess the next easiest thing would be taking you to police and having them see if you match wouldn't it."
This thread is permanently archived
| >Tonight is a big night for the midnight drifter, seeing as it was not only the 100th anniversary of the family owned brewery/bar but also the birthday of the owner and bartender Emily, thus she had pulled all the stops to make this night special, even going so far as to put out an ad and wear her grandfather's special waitress suit.
>She was thus happily waiting for customers behind her counter... along with another person in a bunny suit, a tiny girl with oni horns...