>>28667474
>> Chinese food.

>>28667474

Quiet Chinese.

No trabble.

>>28667474
Pub food in a quieter place. Get a damn nice pot pie with a pint. Slightly drunk folk make for better conversation, most times.

>>28667622

Second this one.

Do we normally eat chinese or pub or what?

>>28667474
Let's go sit in the park and feed some pigeons.

>>28667622

> Pot pie
> not bangers and mash

Anon pls.

>>28667704
>>28667644
>>28667622
>>28667530
>>28667524

Sensing that you might get dragged into something again if you wander into the pub - you can hear the noise of people chatting loudly inside, which is probably friendly but could always devolve - you instead move over to the Chinese place next door, which actually looks a little upmarket from the outside, all dim lighting and chandeliers and-

... wait. Is that a single table full of people in the middle of the restaurant, with no other customers around it? Years of watching triad movies rings several alarm bells in your head, so you end up backing away, hopefully before anyone has seen you. Farther down the road there seems to be something, but it turns out to be a supermarket.

You end up walking around for another 10 minutes before finding a local pub that *is* actually quite quiet. It's a cosy little space, maybe 10 or 12 tables around a long modern-ish bar. Three of those tables are around the TV, all occupied by people watching... is that basketball, looks like it. Another corner table holds a couple alternating between sipping from their beers and each other's faces, and a girl sits alone in the corner nearest the door.

'Hello sir, new around town?' A rather big dude comes out from the kitchen and fetches a paper menu. 'Anything to drink for starters?'

> What do you order?
> What do you do?

>>28667758
Some jasmine tea will do.

look through menu for anything good.

>>28667758
Order sake and sit at the bar. Get to know the big guy

>>28667758
Get a pint of some local brew then either bangers and mash, chicken pot pie or a order of steak fries and a burger.
Ask the bartender his name, introduce yourself, make conversation about interesting shit to do in town.

>>28667758
Order half a pound of potatoes and half a pound of butter

Combine the two.

Also, go sit at the bar and try to get a bit friendly. If the girl is sitting alone, she probably wants to be alone. If she looks lonely, maybe invite her to the bar to watch the game or whatever popular people do.

>>28667758
Get some shepherd's pie and a beer.

>>28667758
Anyone who doesn't order the macaroni and cheese with pub fries is a fucking faggot.

>Handle of well draft

>>28668003
>>28667856
>>28667849
>>28668012

You hop onto a seat at the bar and check the big guy's name - David. Yeah, he kinda looks like a David. David or Henry. Anyway. 'So, David, what's good today for food?'

'Well, we've got bangers and mash and shepherd's pie, you know, the usual pub stuff,' he laughs. His accent is crisp and definitely English - middle class English, too. 'Maybe some of the pale ale?'

'Yeah, sure.' You point at random to something called the Green Goose, and then take a sip from the pint he draws. Dear god it's bitter and dense. 'And I'll have the shepherd's pie, please.'

'With chips or mash?' Wait, isn't there already mash on shepherd's pie?

'Uh, chips please.'

'Right. Uh, you'll need to find a table to sit at.' His hand waves over the bar. 'This place is only for drinking, sorry bout that-'

'Oi!' Someone calls, and reels out an order before David even goes to him. 'Could ah have four foster's, two kronenbooorg, and ah two of those... that one.'

'What, the Pride?'

'Yeah yeah.' David smiles at you, which seems to be a signal for you to find somewhere to sit. You look around. There's empty tables around all three of the groups you saw just now, really...

> Sit near the basketball people.
> Sit near the couple.
> Sit near the girl.
> That window looks like a good one to jump through. Geronimo!
> Other.

>>28668166

> As for talking to the guy, seeing how busy he currently isn't, you think you could possibly do it after food. Well, if you buy a beer - and a lighter one than this ale, maybe - he surely wouldn't mind shooting the breeze, eh?

>>28668166
>> Sit near the basketball people.

>>28668166
>That window looks like a good one to jump through. Geronimo!

>>28668166
Sit near the basketball people

The couple is busy and the girl probably wants to be alone. Meanwhile, we are here for company.

>>28668166
> That window looks like a good one to jump through. Geronimo!

>>28668166
>That window looks like a good one to jump through. Geronimo!

Are we actually going to do it?

>>28668166
>> Sit near the basketball people.
We have enough ladies for now.

>>28668188
>>28668224
>>28668233
>>28668235
>>28668246

You consider the basketball people, then the couple, and then the girl - who's nursing a tall glass of beer that's already gone completely flat. Huh. Well, if she's dazing out like that, you don't think she'd be much good for conversation, and for some reason you feel in a talking mood today. Since David's busy, maybe-

-and then, suddenly, you notice the window.

Why is there a stained-glass window in this slightly run down building? You walk up to it, which is not far from the girl's table, and she looks up at you but you hardly notice her glance. This really is quite incongruous, and you haven't even gotten onto the content of the panel itself yet - a tombstone... some shepherds, you're guessing? And then a rainbow above them?

It almost looks like something that should be in a church, except you don't... think the Bible has any stories about shepherds chilling out at a tombstone. Not one of the parables, definitely. Maybe, if you jump through it, you might get to the other side and chill out with them. Why would you do that though?

... what, why wouldn't you?

> cont'd.

>>28668379
>we're actually doing it
She was probably going to be a cool girl too. But I don't regret it

>>28668447
Nah.

We have met too many girls lately. It feels like the QM is just pushing them on us at this point.

Im pretty sick of it at this point. You dont need this many waifus, ever.

>>28668375

You take a few steps back from the stained glass and are just about to begin the run up and dive when you hear someone shout 'Oi!', evidently at you. Pausing in a starting stance, you turn to see that it's another dude from the basketball bunch - this time a bald guy with an enormous black beard that goes down to his chest and up to around his ears. For a beard that large, it sure is well taken care of though, glossy and clean and clearly brushed.

'Eh?'

'Are you thinking of jumping through the window or something, man?'

Now that someone mentions it to you, you suddenly realise how silly the idea is and stare back at the idyllic cemetery scene. Sure, it's idyllic and attractive, but somehow it occurs to you now that it's *glass*. Going through that probably gets you nowhere save the hospital emergency room.

Recovering a standing position, you retrieve your beer - oh, and you'd waste this too - as the man comes up. 'I don't think so. Do you suggest it?'

'You're not thrashing my local, son!' He clamps an enormous hand on your shoulder, and in a moment you suddenly feel the heat in his palms - not the sweaty, hot weather kind of heat, but the heat of friction and practice and exertion. Wait. Does this guy...? He lets go of you. 'Wanna come join us? We're not watching the match.'

His table turns out to be another guy, tall and thin, and a third, stocky man with an eyepatch. 'Whozzat?! Oh. Hello.'

> What do/say now, landlord? That's a fighter's palm, the heat in that...

>>28668467

> too many girls

Can't believe you just said that.

>>28668477
Sure, I'll join. What're you guys up to if you're not watching the game?

Rolled 37

>>28668467
We've only met 2 girls.
Sandra doesn't count, as she's getting married
>>28668477
Odds for sitting next to the girl
Evens for going to watch the game

>>28668477
>Join them.

>>28668504
Alright, Turn them down and sit next to the girl

>>28668504

What's more those 2 girls are tenants, therefore long term prospects with routes.

>>28668504
She definitely counts.

And so does Lin, since we are scheduled to meet her.

>>28668477
>Hey handsome
>Sit with them, sure.

>>28668529
>Cheating girlfriend
>waifu

>>28668477
Sit with them.

Comment him on his firm grip.

>>28668543
>As if /tg/ couldnt hunt her down and steal her away if we -really- wanted to

She definitely counts.

>>28668504
Hold up what.
I never really got to finish the first forum. Anyone wants to give me a run down what happen with Sandra after the date?

>>28668575
The MC and Sandra knocked boots and she left without waking him the next morning. One night stand, mate.

>>28668575
She got the fuck out of dodge. She told us she was getting engaged and wanted one last fuck before getting married, then bolted. One night stand and what not. Or she fucked us to open a window to let in a thief

>>28668575
she had sex with us, and possibly let a thief into the house to browse through the library.

>>28668495
We need a bro character.

>>28668498
>>28668520
>>28668525
>>28668537
>>28668549

As you regard the dude with what you're guessing is one eye - it's either that or it's permanent cosplay, but the rest of him doesn't look like it - there is a roar of approval from the two tables next to you. 'Eh? Whazzat?'

'Someone sunk a three-pointer,' Beardy says. 'They're level now at 59.'

'Nice, nice,' One-eye says. 'I'm Jake by the way. If he's still there, that's Errol, and this is Zumba.'

'Please tell me you're not really Zumba,' you say, shaking their hands in turn and then sitting down. Just then the commentators heat up again, and you hear 'ohhhh BOOO' from the TV-watchers. Looks like a foul. Beardy, or Zumba, throws his head back with a hearty laugh.

'Oh god no I'm not! No, no...'

'Is he known for his firm grip or for practicing with the fist, people?' You gesture at Zumba and ask them. Errol puts down his pint, and his voice is thin just like him.

'We all are, a little bit,' he says. 'Well, we go around practicing and having matches and swapping tips here and there, outside of our daily jobs. Except for Zumba, he owns a shop so he doesn't really work.'

'Lazy bastard,' Jake grins toothily. Matches and swapping tips... you can't help thinking about Anna and the offer that Paul made her. Wait, you never quite figured if she accepted it... 'I'm a taxi driver, and so's Errol.'

'And what's your story?' Zumba nudges you. 'You look like a rather practiced fighter yourself. Have you come to the City to join the fighting scene? These days it's like everyone needs someone who's got a strong punch or a good kick...'

> Tell them the story of the train subduing.
> Tell them something else. (Write-in)
> Say nothing. They shall never know!

>>28668729
Just your friendly neighborhood landlord, recently inherited a house.

>>28668729
ps, I had a dream this morning. In my dream it told me Landlord's "liberal arts," degree was ten kinds of faggy.

Landlord should be a barber instead.

>Tell them how you made a man cry on the train

>>28668729
>> Tell them something else.
Nothing like that, I moved here because I inherited a house.

>>28668729
I'm not really a fighter, I just practice some moves. That, and I have to play landlord and make sure my house doesn't gather dust and rust.

>>28668772
>>28668799
>>28668811
>>28668824

'Me?' You smile and shake your head, trying to figure out a way to maybe impress them without also arousing suspicion. They seem... odd, but in a cool way; but then you wonder if you should maybe spread your name around town so quickly when you don't *actually* have the skill to back it up. 'Nah, not really a fighter. Sometimes I practice moves, a few routines.'

'So you *do* know some wugong,' Jake says, grinning at you this time. Given the general layout of his face and his missing eye, the neatness and whiteness of his teeth seems a little unnerving.

'Hardly any. No, I'm just a friendly neighbourhood landlord if there's such a thing,' you laugh and drink the ale and laugh a little more. 'Inherited a house in the neighbourhood.'

... when you say that, the three other men blink and then look at each other, and for a while you can feel your heart thumping away. Uh, did you just say something...

'... when you say you inherited a house, you don't happen to mean Fourth Master's house, do you?' Errol says, his hand reaching for his pint and missing. He stares at you through beady eyes. 'Are you... Fourth Master's descendant?'

Ah, fucking hell, you did say something...

> How react to that?

> Also, in a general way - are you eager to make your name in the City? Seeing as income should not be a major problem, or at least a problem that can't be solved by having a famous name... but then with name comes trouble too, doesn't it?

File: 1386225929706.jpg-(73 KB, 590x400, 1385271486693.jpg)

73 KB JPG

>>28668925
Whoops! Image is response, I suppose.

>>28668925
The fourth master? Who's that?

Let's lay low

>>28668925
"I guess?"

>>28668925
"Uh, yeah. That's not going to make you guys try and brawl with me, is it?"

I'd avoid making a name. Obscurity may be more useful for us right now.

>>28668925
"I...guess? He was my Great uncle. Why?"

>>28668925
>Well, grand nephew, but I wouldn't expect too much of me from that if I were you. I hadn't been in close contact with him for a while before it happened.

>>28669021
This. Downplay it like a motherfucker.

>>2you're25
"Relative, not descendant. He was my grand-uncle.

If you're going to attack at least let me eat dinner first."

>>28668925
Sigh. Yeah, guess thats us.
"Youre not all going to jump me now are you? thats kind of been happening a lot lately."

>>28668925
hmm.... Can we pretend we dont know who Forth master is? We are fairly short on info on him and this could be a good way to fish.

>>28669067
I hate phone posting sometimes.

>>28669093
>>28668925
Play it like a casual fucker.

>>28668973
>>28669098
But isn't this rather disrespectful to our honored relative? Shamefur dispray, gents.

You hesitate a moment, unsure if you ought to maybe deny it and buy a little time to jump out the window for real if they're serious. And then you realise that, by hesitating, you've pretty much already answered their question, and so settle for the coolest option you can think of, which is to smile and then take a sip of your beer.

'So?'

You put the beer down. Didn't get a beerstache, did you? Anyway. 'Well, not really a *descendant*. But yes, he's... well, I'm his grand-nephew.'

Behind you, someone apparently dunked or something, because there is a loud resounding cheer which makes you start. But your three new acquaintances hardly flinch as they stare at you, and continue staring until finally Jake speaks up. 'Wow. So you-'

'Look, I mean, it probably sounds like a great deal to you people, but I can't emphasise how much this is *not* a great deal.' You chuckle again, and thankfully David comes to the rescue with your dinner. Shit, that's a *large* portion!

'What's up then, you people?'

'Get a load of this, Dave. This is Fourth Master's grand-nephew.'

David looks at you, eyes wide, as if you were officially certified to have the largest penis of all time; and then he sits down next to you. Okay. 'Okay,' you say aloud, already feeling a little defensive. 'I can't emphasise, again, how this is not a big deal. I haven't met my great-uncle in about... eight or nine years before he passed. Didn't even *know* he had that house, until it was signed to me. I mean, I know his reputation, and I respected him too, but-'

'You should've told me,' David says softly, then gets up. 'I'll give you back your money.'

Wait, wha- oh actually that's quite nice.

> What do/say, landlord?

>>28669192
No, dude, I can't. That wouldn't be right.

>>28669192
Woah.
"Oh that's cool..."
Ask them more about grand uncle.

>>28669192
"You really don't need to."

Also, maybe we should consider getting our food in a to-go container.

>>28669192
Nah, man, We pay for our services. We really dont deserve this, no matter how great a guy our great uncle was.

"David, as much as I would appreciate it, I would prefer you didn't give me this kind of special treatment. I loved my uncle, as infrequently as I saw him, and I feel I would be doing a disservice riding on his coat tails. If anything, I would appreciate it if you were to treat me as a bare novice, because that really is what I am."

>>28669192
>>28669217
>>28669264
>>28669277

Yeah, I dont think ol Fourth Master would like it if we accept this kind of treatment from his name anyway. He didnt seem like that kind of guy

>>28669192
No, man, I'd feel pretty bad about that.
I'm just a regular Joe, I pay for my hookers the same as everyone else

>>28669192
>No I shouldn't have. I'd rather live off my own merit, rather than the reputation of my grand uncle. He taught me at least that much.

>>28669324
Dammit, this was supposed to reply to >>28669192
Not deleting it to fix it again. Goddamnit.

>>28669217
>>28669237
>>28669264
>>28669292
>>28669324
>>28669337

You blink, and then raise your hands reflexively when David comes back with 15 Gobies. 'Oh man. No, I can't do that.'

'I think you can, mate, if I can,' he grins and puts the money on the table. 'Your great-uncle used to eat here all the time, you know.'

'Yeah, but that just makes it weirder,' you say, which cools the atmosphere somewhat. Damn, that's a bit of a misstep. But you hasten to explain. 'It's just that, I know my great-uncle's a great guy, and I think he was a great guy too because he taught me a bit of fighting skill and lectured me a lot. But-'

> cont'd.

>>28669523

'Look, the thing is, you don't know what your great-uncle did to help me and this pub.' David sat down. 'This neighbourhood used to be terrorised by gangs who would come and look for protection money or beat people up, and everyone along the high street knows about that fight when Fourth Master took down 32 people in a night. Tied them all up and left them at the police station. The police didn't bother, of course, but they were so badly beaten they never dared make trouble again.'

Wait. One against *thirty-two*?

'You haven't even mentioned your wife, David.' Zumba points at the bartender. 'His wife went into labour early, when he was out buying beer. For the pub, that is. And Fourth Master quickly rang up a midwife to come here so by the time he got back from the brewery he was a dad.'

'Yes, yes,' you nod. 'But still. Fourth Master is Fourth Master. He did all these good things for you, and for me also, and I'm sure you did good things for him too. But I don't deserve to be treated like I am him. I'll stand or fall by my own skill instead of just riding on his name. So I can't accept this.'

A long silence later, Zumba laughs, and the others join in too. The basketball guys glance at you, but no one cares. 'Oh man, he's an honourable one too!'

Zumba slaps your shoulder while singing your praises. Yes, thanks. Ow. No, you needn't- ow. OW!

> Congratulations: You've gained some reputation (Honourable).

> Eat your dinner quietly and then leave.
> Eat dinner quietly, and then get smashed with them.
> Other.

>>28669547
> Eat dinner quietly, and then get smashed with them.
Well, let's not kill the buzz, guys. We could learn more about the Fourth if we do.

>>28669547
Eat dinner with them and ask them if our Great Uncle had any specific enemies.

>>28669547
Let's not get smashed. Just some dinner

>>28669547
>> Eat dinner quietly, and then get smashed with them.
Fuck it! My philosophy is if in doubt, drink

>>28669547
Eat Dinner, get Smashed, and ask if they have any more stories. can never have too many of those

>>28669547
Time to get fuckin' wrekt.

>>28669547
>> Eat your dinner quietly and then leave.

>>28669638
Second thougt, Eat, Drink, but dont get wasted, just have a beer or two. We still have to get home and paranoia still abuzz. Stories would still be cool though.

>>28669547
> Eat your dinner quietly and then leave.

>>28669547
> Eat dinner quietly, and then get smashed with them.

Don't get too smashed, but remember to have fun and try to get more stories about our grand uncle out of them. He sounds like quite a guy.

After finally shrugging off Zumba's repeated assault, you focus on your shepherd's pie while they talk among themselves, David occasionally running off to deal with the basketball people's orders. The shepherd's pie's all right - not the best, but okay. The fries, however, are the English style - flat paddles, floury and nice on the inside but absolutely not crispy at all.

Every now and then, you look up to ask them if they know any stories about Fourth Master, and about his exploits. What you come to know surprises you; you had thought that if there was a time when he actually went around wrecking things, it might be after you stopped travelling to visit him. But it seems like he's been kicking arse ever since ages ago. Actually, you don't even know how old he was when he died, so you're a little embarrassed to ask the question.

'He must've been... seventy four? Seventy five, maybe. Not sure. Well, he certainly kept the funeral quiet, but news spreads, you know?'

You nod and eat while they continue with their tale-telling. It turns out that the insanely swift footwork that great-uncle practiced sometimes, those movements you never managed to catch, also had a name; they were called the 'Errant Dragon Steps'. And then, of course, there were the 28 routines of the Torrent Fist.

> cont'd.

>>28669838

'Combine the Errant Dragon Steps with the 28-Route Surge Fist, and Fourth Master basically became the strongest fighter in the City. And he was like that for twenty, thirty years.'

'So... he went around challenging them?'

'Nah, does he seem like the sort to be kicking people's doors in?' Zumba laughed and shook his head. Yeah, no he doesn't. 'No, mostly he never wanted much trouble. Didn't even take any students officially, in case they got into trouble. But people looked for him, so he kicked them.'

'Wasn't there that White Crane guy, pretty cocky, many years ago?' Jake said. 'He fought Fourth Master three times in two days, and all three times he lost. Fourth Master was really badly beaten that time too, but the White Crane guy, well, he was convinced. Left the City not long after that, went to Europe I think.'

Waaaait a minute. A master of White Crane who got thrashed by your great-uncle and left for Europe? Why does that sound familiar?

'But then there was once when Fourth Master actually did attack someone. It was this time when he heard that a restaurant was holding scores of migrant people as slaves, forcing them to be prostitutes. And he absolutely *thrashed* that restaurant. It was being defended by a pretty formidable master too. 25 years' practice in Bajiquan. He broke three of Fourth Master's ribs, but eventually lost...'

> Roll d100 to hold your drink.
> Say anything in particular? Or just listen?

Rolled 43

>>28669878

Rolled 25

>>28669878
Easy holding.
How much of an influence do you think I can get being the Fourth Master's grand-nephew.

Also do we know the reason why he's called Fourth Master?

Rolled 29

>>28669878
Ask about the white crane guy, that was whatshernames master

Rolled 26

>>28669878

Rolled 4

>>28669878
The master who owned that restaurant, is he still around?

Rolled 23

>>28669878
Wait, he was like Bruce Lee or Tony Jaa in the movies or some shit for real?

Rolled 29

>>28669878
I hope we don't hurl over someone's shoes.

Rolled 13

>>28669925
>>28669930
>>28669951
>>28669952
>>28669955
>>28669957
>>28669964
Complete shit

These are some of the worst rolls I've seen

>>28669975
We're completely shitfaced.

>>28669978
Going by the QTG, this isn't the only quest that's been hit hard by the dice gods' wrath.

>>28670010
PPG just got a natural one, rerolled another one, and rerolled a third one

>>28669978
/tg/ usually is pretty evil about rolling. Especially if it's an opposed roll.

> Bloody hell, it's just alcohol, man.
> 43, 29: UrgHURRRK

'Wait, wait,' you say to interrupt Errol's story. Wait, was that a bit loud? Are you talking a bit loudly? Also, did you finish all of that food? Anyway. 'Wait, let me guess, did that guy go off to Australia or something?'

'I think he might have,' Errol frowned. 'How do you know?'

... how *did* you know? Man, you're a fecking genius aren't you. You shrug, and Zumba picks up the story. 'It wasn't because that guy was defeated, though. It's because after Fourth Master beat him, he showed him to the places where the brothel actually was, and that guy was simply too disgraced by the thought that he was a bodyguard for a criminal act...'

'That is disgraceful. Always have to check, eh?' You say. David taps your shoulder. 'Hmm?'

'It's your sixth beer, mate, you all right?'

Of course, looking back from later, you would conclude easily that you weren't really all right. Six pints isn't a little bit of beer. But that will be then (at least you know you're still alive then), and this is now, and you laugh when you hear that story about the leader of the Jian clan - one of the best known martial arts families in the City. They thought Fourth Master was making trouble so invited him to their school to 'demonstrate'.

'He ended up flattening eight of their fighters and walking out!'

Oh GOD that's FUNNY! Oh god maybe you shouldn't laugh. Oh god it's too late-

You look down a few minutes later at the brownish white puddle, and then Zumba picks you up and carries you out of the pub. 'Take you back to your place, maybe?'

> Y-yes please...
> Haha, let's go on a crawl!
> Other.

>>28670117
> Y-yes please...

It'd be nice to have someone to help us back.

>>28670117
> Y-yes please...

"I could use a nap. Yeah, that sounds good."

>>28670117
>> Y-yes please...
I think we've had enough for a night

>>28670117
>> I need a cab, I think.

>>28670141
>>28670156
>>28670158
>>28670174

'Y-yes please,' you mutter, wiping your mouth. 'Shit. Sorryboutthhht. Need taxi.'

'Yeah, no problem mate! Nah, never mind taxis. Jake! Oi, Jake!'

You are bundled into Jake's taxi, with another passenger that you belatedly realise is a young woman. Damn, it's a good thing you didn't go by your first assumption that it was a nice and rather oversized cushion! As you slump back in your seat, the woman laughs.

'Who's this, Dad? He okay?'

'You wouldn't believe it, darling, it's Fourth Master's great-nephew! And he's got the same liver as the old one, it seems. Useless!' He bellows in laughter.

... if there was a hole to be dug in the taxi floor you'd be digging it right now. Indeed, you are so ashamed you don't even stop to consider that Jake has only one eye, and possibly only one ear to navigate with.


Next morning you jolt awake to the sound of the door being knocked with increasing loudness; it turns out to be the three men coming in to do the internet. Why on earth do you need three? You let them in, and they say they're just going to do their work, so you can relax somewhere if you want.

... you know what, you need relaxing. Out of niceness, you take three cans of juice for them, which they accept gratefully. Then you slump in the couch until they are done. 'Right. We're off now.'

'Unnnnrrrgh.'

You wake up again when it is already slightly past noon. Damnit, man, you're useless around drink. Always have been! Most of the people you know can outdrink you, now that you think of it...

> It's Wednesday.
> Roll around until Charlotte moves in.
> Try to go out and do something.
> Other.

>>28670304
>> Roll around until Charlotte moves in.
Can't think of anything else.

>>28670304
>Roll around until Charlotte moves in
I just dont like those 3 guys for some reason.

>>28670304

maybe we should call Anna and see how she's doing.

>>28670304
Freshen up. Don't wanna look like a slob, man.

>>28670304
> Roll around until Charlotte moves in.

Don't leave the house, but try to get up, drink some water, take aspirin if we have any around, get something light to eat.

If we're feeling up to it some exercise and meditation might help.

>>28670334
>I just dont like those 3 guys for some reason.
Because they work for a cable company.

>>28670334

Why? Seem quite nice to me.

>>28670304
Roll into your closet and put on some clean clothes.

Man, it'd be nice to just feel like dying for the rest of the day, but then you remember that Charlie's moving in today! So you slither into the kitchen and have some water and aspirin, and then when you finally find your feet again and your head doesn't feel like a battlefield you go off to get changed into something... nicer.

Oh yeah, you'll need to talk to Anna about those sample sales and what not, clothes for cheap. But first, Dad's sent you a message on your phone.

'I've set up a bank account for you on GlobBank. Go to their branches, ask for a card, and you're set.'

... bloody hell, Dad, you're the best. Embarrassingly good.

Freshening up takes excessively long, and there's very little you can do about those eye-bags. Wonder if either of your tenants is a night person? Charlie doesn't look like it... oh, Anna *works* in the night though, right? Charlie texts to say she'll be heading over in about an hour, but you don't have to go down to the train station to look for her. 'You are so sweet xx', she then ends.

Hurrah. Your sweetness has been confirmed. Urrrgh.

It takes quite a lot of rings, and you're almost convinced you've called at a bad time and are about to hang up, when Anna suddenly picks up the call. 'Wisniewska. Who's this?'

She sounds like she's been battered.

> What do/say to Anna?
> Also, do anything else in preparation for Charlie's arrival? You've changed and freshened up. You still look dead, but just recently dead. And you don't smell, which is a bonus.

>>28670534

Ask if she's agreed to take on that fight. It sounds dangerous.

Is it a lot of money in a fight though? Maybe we could join that ourselves when we trained up.

>>28670555
Why join when we could just make our own fight club and rule this city.

>>28670534
It's *MC NAME*

What were we calling for again?

>>28670600

Iunno actually. Ask how she is, and if she knows any party we could go to.

>>28670534
"Hey. How are you doing? Just calling for any tips on cheap clothing."

And prepare breakfast or lunch, whatever time it is.

>>28670580
Why rule the city or be a fight club master when we can be a nice landlord?

>>28670534
>She sounds like she's been battered.
Ask her about what happened to her. She sounds kinda ragged.

>>28670534
Uhh, I got a quick question, we *did* ask for a security deposit upfront, right? Because living in a place with martial artists means there's a good chance of property damage.

>>28670534
Ask her what she needs and go check on her room to make sure the cable is working. If her room has a TV

>>28670638
This, I hope she didn't go to one of those fights.

>>28670534
"Hey, it's [Insert Name Here]. You alright? You don't sound so good."

Make sure that there shouldn't be any difficulty getting stuff to Charlie's room, nothing in the way. And have a pot of tea ready for her by the time she gets here.

>>28670667
I like that, make some tea

... for some reason her voice sounds a little worrying, and you sit down and rub your face. 'It's me, man. Your landlord.'

'Oh. Huh. Did I not pay rent? I'm only moving out tomorrow, man.'

'Not your current one. The new one! You're moving *in* tomorrow!'

'OH.' Ow, your ear. 'Okay. Yes?'

You blink. Actually, why *did* you call her? You could think of a few questions to ask Anna, but none of them are very easy to move into. Ah, fuck it, let's just ask. 'So, uh, yesterday. Paul's offer. Did you take it up? That thing about a fight in the Islands?'

'Hmm? I'm thinking about it.' There's a pause and she clears her throat and coughs. 'I think I will do it. It's 8,000 for a win, and 3,000 for a loss. Either way...'

'What sort of rules, though?'

'Rules?' She hesitates. 'I don't know. Probably first one to lie down and not get up.'

Shit, that sounds *brutal*! 'Have you already gotten into a fight, though, Anna?'

'No, I just had security work from 10 to 5 this morning, remember? You're taking up my beauty sleep time.' But before you can say anything, she continues. 'Actually. You said something about looking for a job, right? And sample clothing and stuff? I think I have something for you...'

> What's that?
> Anna, don't go fight. That sounds fucking dangerous.
> Ask about parties, not jobs.
> Hang up. Charlie's coming soon probs.
> Other.

>>28670732
> What's that?

She can make her own decisions. We're her landlord, and her friend, but not her parent.

Ask about the job, having a secondary source of income other than the house may be a good idea.

>>28670732
> What's that?
>Other
Make some tea while waiting

>>28670732
>>28670742
>She can make her own decisions. We're her landlord, and her friend, but not her parent.
Well, we can't tell her what to do, but we can at least advise her a bit on this shit.

Just suggest that she try to find out what exactly she's getting into. Read the fine print and all that shit. Don't wanna get unexpectedly screwed and all that.

But yeah, go ahead and ask about that job idea she has.

>what's that

>>28670796
Fuck that, she's a big girl.

>>28670809
Ya about 5'10

>>28670818
She's even bigger than me

Fuck

>>28670838
She's not that big.

But then again I'm large by nearly any measure so I should shut up.

>>28670809
Just saying. There's a difference between policing someone else's actions and just telling them that something sounds shady.

>>28670854
I wish I was large.
Can you share your girth with me

>>28670864
Sure, I can easily lose 30 lbs and give them to you.

>>28670876
Thank you senpai

>>28670732
" i know we just met and all, but, both that paul guy and that fight seem shady and dangerous, And I dont think you should do it. I wouldnt mind letting you slide for a month or two on the rent here if you wwere worried about that. but If you dont want me to bring it up again, I wont.
Now, whats this about a job?"

>>28670796
>>28670753
>>28670742
>>28670804
>>28670809

> Five foot ten and three quarters, actually.

You quite badly want to suggest to Anna that 8,000 - well, assuming you have confidence in her skill which you do - still isn't really worth having the living fucks beaten out of you. See, if you have a philosophy that your great-uncle didn't pass you, it's that 'living fucks are always better inside your body than out. Unless you intended to squirt them out yourself, then NO ONE NEEDS TO KNOW MORE.'

Then again, seeing as Paul was recommending the fight to her like to an experienced person, it's quite unlikely she doesn't already know that. You don't really know Anna, come think of it. Well, you don't really know anyone here, come think of that...

'Hey, you there?'

'Oh yeah. Yeah here. What was that thing again?'

'You know, you sound a little drunk,' Anna says. 'Well, thing is, there was this guy who says he'll pay me about 150 bucks to help him with some odd ends. And I don't mean killing someone, I mean helping the guy move stuff. He's like a landscaping person.'

'Huh. Okay... so move stuff like... landscapes?'

'Statues, you know, fountains... can you drive?'

Not in the City's traffic, possibly. 'Yeah, sure.'

'Do you want it? If so tell me so I can go back to beauty sleep. You're making me ugly!'

> What do/say? Meanwhile you're making tea. Water's boiling.

>>28670898
I would have to call you every night for three years before your beauty would diminish.

But yeah I'll help.

>>28670898
When is it? I've got someone coming over today actually, plus I'm still a little drunk.

>>28670898
Sounds good enough to go check it out at least, yeah.

>>28670898
>You're making me ugly!'
"I'm not sure that's possible, but yeah, I'll do it."

>>28670898
>'Do you want it? If so tell me so I can go back to beauty sleep. You're making me ugly!'
"Please, as if you need to worry about that."

>>28670898
We can't exactly not be here when Charlie comes.

>>28670898
When does this need doing? We've got a tenant we gotta meet in a while, so now wouldn't be the best of times.

>>28670898
"Maybe that'll give us mere mortals a chance to catch up.

I'll take the job, assuming that it doesn't conflict with my pretty empty schedule."

>>28670949
I don't think it's a good idea to move statues around while we're partially drunk or hung over either

You chuckle at Anna's complaint. Not to put too fine a point on it, but given how she looks, you don't think you're making that much of an impact. Then again, saying that aloud sounds a little... lewd.

'I somehow don't think your looks are that fragile,' you say instead, trying to phrase it diplomatically. 'Besides, your dress sense will be intact, which is helpful.'

'No, my nose just fell off. My beautiful, gorgeous, shapely nose. My face is falling apart now, and it's all your fault.'

'Look, if you told me earlier you were a vampire, I wouldn't have agreed to let you have that damn room!' You chuckle as Anna groans, and then suddenly hear a male voice in the background. Eh? 'Uh, anyway, so when exactly is this job? It sounds good and I don't mind doing it, but I'm hungover now. And another tenant's moving in today.'

'Well, the plan was to meet tomorrow evening,' she says. 'So if you're good with that, I think it was at 6? Tell you what, I'll give you details tomorrow, when you'll be my actual current landlord.'

'Then why didn't you just tell me tomorrow when you moved in?'

'Says the person who called me.' You hear her prop up in bed - uh, try to keep your eyes here instead of imagining - and then say 'yes, just let yourself out then don't you!'

> Ask about the dude.
> Good, kthxbye!
> Other.

>>28671073
Alright bye.
We can discuss that shit later

>>28671073
>> Good, kthxbye!

Not our business.

>>28671073
>Other
Ask for that advice on budget clothes shopping. That's the other reason you called, after all, and rather easier to do with a mild headache.

>>28671073
Yep, bye. There isn't much else to say now.

>>28671129

Oh yeah, this.

Then hang up, take pot of tea out, wait for Charlotte.

>>28671073
"Oh yeah, the new tenant. Her name's Charlie, she does Bajiquan, I think you'll like her. You should be able to meet her tomorrow."

Then say bye.

> Out for dinner in one post after this.
> Thanks for playing, people!

'Let yourself out'? Huh. If it was a one-night stand, that sounds like a pretty hostile way to end it, but then what else could it be if it's a guy in Anna's room? You sigh a little, and then... on second thought, if she knocked off at 5am and *then* went on to- wow. That's pretty energetic, that.

'Yeah, okay, fine,' you recover from your fugue. 'Oh yes. You know, you were saying something about sample sales-' you're interrupted by the door slamming quite hard in Anna's background, and then she mutters something indecipherable - possibly Polish - and shuffles out of bed.

'Let me put something on first,' Anna says, and then the phone is left somewhere while you try not to think too hard about that either. She comes back half a minute later. 'Yes, sales. There's actually a warehouse sale going on tonight. I'll text you the address, if you want.'

'Yeah, sure!'

With that done, you hang up, and there's just enough time to check that Charlie's intended room hasn't burned down, that the tea is set up and the hall is reasonably clean, before someone knocks on the door. It's Charlotte! In a polo tee and trackpants, sweat pouring down her face as she hefts the two duffel bags she has and nods at the backpack behind her. 'Hello, you! How're you doing?'

'I'm good. Did you *run* here carrying all this?'

'Oh,' she lets the two duffel bags drop and howls with laughter. 'Not *run*! Couldn't run with all these here stuff. Nah I just brisk-walked.'

'Right. So you're mad too.'

'It's only 7 kilometres!' She steps in and wipes herself with the towel round her neck. Wow, she sure smells of exertion and deodorant even at a non-litigious distance. 'What do you mean, 'too'?'

> Do you need a shower?
> I'll carry the bags.
> Well, the other tenant...
> Other.

>>28671239
>> Do you need a shower?
> Well, the other tenant...

Rolled 5, 6, 14, 14 = 39

>>28671239
> I'll carry the bags.
>I prepared some tea
> Do you need a shower?

>>28671239
"The other tenant. You should get a chance to meet her tomorrow.

Shall we get these to your room?"

Pick up the duffels, we should be able to handle them, and bring them to her room. Once that's taken care of we can ask if she'd like some tea or would rather take a shower first.

>>28671239
>>28671276
Yeah, let's go ahead with this one. She if she either wants to take a tea break first or a shower, offer to bring her bags over to her room, and tell her about the other tenant coming in tomorrow.

>>28671255
>>28671256
>>28671276

You go over to the duffels and pick them out - oh wait, they're not actually *that* heavy. Just then Charlie plops her backpack onto the couch with a loud *thump*, and to pre-empt her from slumping into it while all sweaty, you point to the table.

'I've made tea for you!'

'Ooh, have you! Such a darling! Thanks so much.' Then, while sipping, 'so what do you mean, 'too'? Have you found another tenant for here?'

'Actually she came in before you did, remember I closed one of the rooms yesterday? But she's only moving in tomorrow. Doesn't travel light like you do.'

'Well, if you gotta fly a long way in a hurry...' she makes an ambiguous face. 'So what's her name and how's she crazy?'

'She's Anna. Well, I shan't elaborate too much, you'll get a chance to meet her tomorrow, so you could get into a fight with her if you want.'

'What, she does kung fu as well?' Charlotte steps back and gives you a skeptical look. 'Are you gathering a bunch of girls who know kung fu so that we can be a team that roams the night and fights crime?'

You nearly sputter your tea at that, not because it's ridiculous - actually it sounds *plausible* - but because she sounds just like she's advertising some new show on Australian TV. Gaals who know kung fu and roam the noight and foight craaim! Who's to resist?

'Wot?'

'Nothing! Do you want to shower? Maybe just to make sure it works?'

'Oh yeah, sure.' In her room she plops the backpack onto the floor with another frightfully loud thump, and then takes the duffel bags from you and pulls out some clothes and a towel. 'Also, you doing anything tonight? I just heard there's like, a monthly beach party or something that goes on in the Lotus Ponds beaches and it's on tonight.' As she talks, she pulls off the polo tee in one smooth motion and scrunches it up. There's a sports bra underneath. You know, with the stuff she's been wearing so far, that makes perfect sense.

> What do/say to that offer?

>>28671476
"Fun, although I have to say I'm trying to lay off on drinking any beer for now.....but yeah, sure, I'll come with."

I don't see any reason to object? Is there?

>>28671476
What about the warehouse sale?

>>28671476
Yeah sure, why not. Can't get too wasted though, got a job tomorrow

>>28671476
"I might hit a warehouse sale later, but the rest of my evening should be clear.

Just remind me not to drink much."

>>28671517
Oh yes, forgot about that. Let's see how it fits into our schedule?

>>28671476
I've got a warehouse sale to hit up, want to go with me after your shower? We can pick up a swimsuit and head to the beach afterwards

>>28671533
Given that it's a party I'm guessing that it'll be later in the evening so we can hit the sale earlier in the evening and there hopefully won't be much overlap.

Worst happens we might get to the party a bit late.

> I'm back, people!
> Give me a bit of time to read and write.

>>28672345
welcome back

Wait, a party? The last time you had a party... well, does last night even count as a party? Because if it did you're not sure you can take too much more. At the same time, though, you've got the sale to consider going to. Well, if Charlie doesn't mind, she can...

Oh wait a minute, she's gone into the shower. Oh well.

You stand around in Charlie's room, wondering if it's a little too cramped, and then the thought comes to mind and you open the window and look up. Hmm. From this ledge up to the library window ledge is about... 7 or 8 feet? Could someone climb that? You don't really know.

Well, well... sitting at Charlie's desk, you look at the open duffel bag - gym wear, more gym wear, underwear, and then a few bags. Some of them are probably shoes, but others, you don't know. Well, it's not really your business perhaps...

You listen to Charlie shower. Wait, is that her singing? Huh. It... it actually sounds pretty good. Well, if you're going to get music in the room, at least...

It's about half an hour before she comes out, all wrapped up in a towel, and sees you. 'You might want to get out of my room now, mate, unless you're really that forward,' she grins. Well, great-uncle would not approve of what you might, so you get out.

'The party tonight sounds fun,' you say from outside. 'But the thing is, I've got a sale to get to. Need to buy clothes, you know.'

'Ooh, sounds fun!'

'So... do you want to join me? Maybe get a bikini or something for the party?'

The door opens, and you blink at the sight before you. It's Charlie, wearing slacks - and a pink bikini top. You glance down, which is indecent, but then glancing up seems a little pointless, so you end up looking at her neck. 'I think I've got plenty of these,' she says. 'But well, if you want me to come along and maybe help you get something...'

'Well...'

> Yeah, sure, I need a guide.
> I'll see you... wearing this, please, at the beach party.
> Other.

>>28672591
Eh. Sure, the more the merrier.

>>28672591
>> Yeah, sure, I need a guide.

>>28672591
> Yeah, sure, I need a guide.

>>28672591
> Yeah, sure, I need a guide.

"Sure, ought be fun, and I could always use a second opinion."

If we have time before heading out shopping we should get some training in, we should try to get some martial arts exercises and meditation in each day if possible.

>>28672591
> Yeah, sure, I need a guide.

>>28672597
>>28672598
>>28672601
>>28672602

This is a bit of a no-brainer. You grin. 'Are you going to go out with me dressed like that? If so then, well, sure.'

'What, you just want me to go there and flaunt or something?' She gets up and throws a punch at your chest, which you catch full on. OOF. You bend over as her eyes widen. 'Oh mate, why didn't you block that?!'

'How would I know you were going to punch me?!' You cough and sputter, leaning against the doorframe. 'Anyway... if you dress up properly, we're going anyway. I could always do with a second opinion...'

As if on cue, your phone buzzes, and it's Anna sending you the address of the sale. But besides that, there's also something else.

'I'm going to go to the fight, but I've been told to bring someone else along. It's either you or my fighting schoolmate. Do you want to come?'

'Say, though,' Charlotte asks. 'So what do you normally do in the day? Like, you're new here as well, right? Because man sometimes I'm bored in the City even though there's apparently so much to do...' she natters on while picking a top to put on.

> What do/say?
> Also, timeskip to the sale, or do anything before?

>>28672685
Nah, we're busy shopping and we've got a party later. But be careful and don't get hurt

>>28672685

Let's go straight to the sale.

We can always practice another time.

>>28672699
>Nah, we're busy shopping and we've got a party later. But be careful and don't get hurt
Err, did you mean to reply to his other post?

>>28672685
We've only been here for a few days, right? We've just been exploring the town and meeting up with other people. Sometimes fighting them.

And yeah, let's skip to the sale.

>>28672703
>>28672711
>>28672699

> Incidentally, since you're new to the City and intend to network, what sort of networks are you trying to build? Like, give a general idea so you know what to search for.

> For example, you can tell pretty easily what kind of scene Charlotte is going for, seeing as she's spent a week here and already knows about beach parties... and Anna's got her college friends, as well.

>>28672685
Oh so they want the fighter to bring a second with them? Is that so there's someone to drag the loser's corpse back home?

>>28672721
Hrm....I just joined in on this thread, so I'm not really sure of the kind of feel everyone else is going for.

We haven't really built up much of a background for the MC, have we?

>>28672727

Sounds like it. Shit.

Say we're going.

>>28672711
Wait, when is Annas fight?
>>28672721
The pub seemed like a good start, but let's keep our options open for now.

>>28672685
>Message Anna: "I really want no part in the fighting scene here, and the fewer people that know about me the better."

To Charlotte:
"I haven't really figured out anything to do aside from hanging at cafes and other pretentious hipster stuff."

Timeskip

>>28672685
"Yeah, I got here a few days ago. I've mainly been getting to know the area, apparently the people at the local pub knew my grand uncle, setting things up here for tenants, practicing martial arts, and getting attacked by strangers.

Once I get settled in I'll probably spend more time reading."

As for Anna, let her know we'd be happy to come, and ask when the fight is and how we're getting to the island.

>>28672721
I'd say start with the pub and branch out from there. We have a good start there and they ought to be able to introduce us to other local business owners and other people in the area who have influence. Especially try to get an ear in on the local rumor mill, knowing what the word on the street is could be helpful.

>>28672721
>>28672743
With our weak liver, eh.....well, it's not as if we'd have to drink at a bar. But yeah, let's see if we can't find some place else more suited to us.

>>28672685
On Anna's fight: we just need to be there for her? Well, it'd be interesting to see what this fight club thing is like. Sure, we'll go.

>>28672760
It's not the pub, but the guys we met there seemed like good, trustworthy folk. It doesn't seem like any of them would dick us over, and I'm sure they would be willing to hook us up with a job or give us a hand when we need. Nothing wrong with keeping our options open though

>>28672746
>>28672743
>>28672741
>>28672734
>>28672727

Charlotte emerges from the room and glances back at it. 'It's nice. It's not as big as the hotel room, but it's a lot cheaper.'

'Well, there's no toilet either, that's what you get for renting.' She laughs at that and gestures, and immediately begins to walk quickly. Blimey, she's got pace in her legs! And a steady gait as well, which you have to exert energy to keep up with. 'So I take it you're into the partying sort of scene, then? With the bikinis and the beach research and all that?'

'Well, to be honest, I'm not from the beachy bit of Australia. Adelaide's more wine and trees and slightly chilly weather. And yabbys.'

'Wha?'

'Yabbys! They're a kind of crayfish.' Oh right. You thought it was just her accent making her incomprehensible. 'But anyway, I do like the beach. And tanning.'

Sure looks like it. Man, it's a pretty rare gift to be a redhead that doesn't burn to a crisp in the sun. For a moment you wonder if she tans evenly *everywhere*, but that's... probably not a question for now. 'Well, I heard the City's got plenty of beaches.'

'Yeah, which is nice. But not so many libraries. Which is not so nice. Maybe I'll work in the university or something. How about you? What's your sort of scene?'

'That's tough. Not really sure what I'd like. I was at the pub last night.'

'Pub? Sounds good!'

'Yeah, overdrank and threw up all over the floor. The other people at the pub were very nice though, which is how I got home with my wallet and everything intact.' You gesture at the coming train.

> cont'd.

>>28672795

It takes you a while to figure out which station you're supposed to get off at. Why does the City's train system like to give three or four stations the same name? You pore over the map, then at the GPS on your phone. 'Elmsdale East?'

'No, I think Elmsdale West is closer,' Charlotte points. She... may be right. Fuck it, it's just a 5 minute walk more. 'Anyway, I don't know if you've been here before, but a few years back I lived in the City for about a year and a half. Was with my boyfriend. Well, my ex now.'

'Yeah? So you do know a lot about the scenes?' Well you've been here before as well... but somehow you think maybe what you saw of the City wasn't quite the same.

'I suppose. I mean, there's a bit of everything. It's quite class-based though. The Promontory's got all its bankers and expats and rich people, and then the Peninsula's all the hipsters, and the cool arty people, and then the working class people.' She grins. 'So what kind of interests do you have? Other than kung fu?'

> What interests *do* you have? You can give up to three, reasonably specific suggestions will be considered.

> Also, generally what sort of clothes are you looking for?

>>28672850
Architecture, perhaps? A love for designing buildings? Maybe mix in some knowledge on feng shui? Just an interest we could tie in with the little hostel we own.

>>28672850
>Wood carving
>Sculpting
>Painting

I suppose he would have one of those.

>>28672874
I could get behind that, an interior designer would probably be a better term though.
Maybe an instrument too

>>28672879
Maybe something bit more diverse than all in arts

>>28672879

> Sculpting
> Painting

These two sound pretty nice.

Maybe also music?

>>28672894
>>28672879
Maybe some sport, cycling or basketball?

>>28672892
Maybe a harmonica so we could bust it out and play it whenever.

>>28672894
>I suppose he would have one of those.

>>28672912
Harmonica is cool, nobody expects a harmonica
>>28672904
We should at least one have social interest

>>28672850
Something artistic, drawing, sketching, painting, something along those lines.

Hiking, camping, and wilderness survival. Always a good skill set to have, and it's nice to be able to go out away from civilization and do just fine.

And something else, maybe something musical.

>>28672892
>>28672908
An instrument would be nice. A sport as well. One interest in the arts (music), one interest in sports (I like the idea of cycling; stamina building, you know?), and one in something practical-ish. (architecture)

>>28672879
>>28672894
He was just suggesting for one of them, I think, not that we'd have all 3.

>>28672850
What kind of clothes should we get anyway, guys?

>>28672850

Probably clothes we can fight in. Casual stuff. We don't give a shit.

As for social interest, how about, like, conservation? Doesn't Anna like the environmental stuff as well.

>>28672937
>As for social interest, how about, like, conservation
Gotta be more specific about that kind of stuff. Like, we'd just enjoy talking to people?

Okay so what sport do you guys want? I like basketball

>>28672850
For clothes make sure they don't restrict our movements.

We'll want a suit for formal occasions.

We'll also want some nice dress shirts for when we want to dress up some but still want to be casual.

A nice sweater is good, they're comfy.

Maybe a leather jacket.

Get pants with plenty of pockets.

>>28672947
Not the guy you responed to, but conservation is different from conversation.

> You can continue discussing interests; what I'm saying here are some of them, but you run the main character, you get to decide what he wants to pursue. Go for it.

'Hmm. Well, I'll have you know, I'm a right twat education wise,' you chuckle at that.

'Whaddya mean, though?'

'Well, I have a degree in the liberal arts. With a minor in philosophy.' You almost feel like you *ought* to be bludgeoned into unconsciousness just saying that. Hey, you thought it was cool at the time! Besides, there were 3 guys in a class of 13, and one of those was gay. The other one might be too. It was a choice with internal logical consistency.

'Ooh,' Charlie frowns. 'I feel like slapping you already.' But then she laughs, while actually slapping your arm. 'No, I'm just kidding! That's not so bad, is it?'

'No, really, it is quite bad. I wrote my dissertation on Kantian ethics of war. It was complete rubbish, start to finish.' You shrug. 'But I suppose I like a few things. I like camping and hiking, for one. Used to be some forests in the back of our campus, was nice to camp out there.'

'Oh I like that too. There's actually lots of green in the City. And there's no black widows or brown snakes out here.'

That is a good thing, yeah. 'I also like sketching stuff. You know, fine arts in general. Never got around to trying sculpture, but maybe, eh?'

> cont'd.

>>28672973
>Not the guy you responed to, but conservation is different from conversation.
Ah, I misread it.

How cold is it here in the city? We might want to dress warmly. Sweaters would be a good idea then.

I think we should just make up social interest as we go.

>>28672850
I'd say, Soccer, some kind of Art thing, books maybe, and ROLEPLAYING.
or Card games or something, like poker

>>28672982
>And there's no black widows or brown snakes out here.
BUt what about drop bears?

File: 1386248820743.jpg-(201 KB, 640x480, url.jpg)

201 KB JPG

One of each would be a nice start, don't you guys think?

>>28672982

You continue talking about interests, and the possibility of exploring more interests, with Charlie; and though she thinks many of them are cool - she thinks architecture sounds a bit complex to get into though, which is a good point - unfortunately she can't give many suggestions for them. 'Well, that's what Google's for, for both of us.'

'Fair enough!'

You stop by a branch of GlobBank, and get directed by a foul-tempered woman to a counter with a foul-tempered man who slaps your card on the counter. All right, fine, sorry for wanting access to money! As it turns out, Charlotte was dead wrong about the station, though, and it takes you twenty minutes to find the warehouse.

... wow. It's basically a huge, empty brick space, lit by harsh white lamps, under which there's like a thousand people milling about. Charlie gets nudged aside by someone, and then you get a pretty hard shouldering too. Seriously, people!

An announcement then gets piped into the space. 'Please note that the warehouse sale will be ending in one hour. We are carrying out our last restocking for the day. Have a good day!'

Charlie's shopping instinct kicks in at that, and you quickly follow her as she grabs two baskets and sweeps some people aside. 'Yours!' She tosses the plastic basket to you. 'Go!'

'What about you?' Holy shit it's a huge crowd coming for you and surrounding her.

'Just goooo...'

> Oh god, they've got Charlie! Nah, she'll be fine... right?
> Okay. State what clothes you want, and then roll d100. I'll take two of the first six rolls, and the most votes wins.
> Good rolls will lead to quicker searches, allowing you to find other kinds of clothes, so prioritise!

>>28673022
>> Okay. State what clothes you want, and then roll d100. I'll take two of the first six rolls, and the most votes wins.
Eh, this is a bit...Unless you're planning for our clothing choice to be a REALLY major plot point, I feel like you could streamline this thing.

Rolled 52

>>28673022

One of each:
>>28673013

Rolled 34

>>28673022
Some nice, casual buttonup shirts and a nice jacket

Rolled 23

>>28673022
> Okay. State what clothes you want, and then roll d100. I'll take two of the first six rolls, and the most votes wins.

Trust her, she knows what she's doing, hopefully.

In order of priority, a nice suit, swim suit, leather jacket, sweater, pants with plenty of pockets that work with formal and casual outfits, combat boots.

Rolled 9

>>28672973
This guy gets it.

Rolled 96

>>28673022

A jacket with a fair amount of pockets. Could be useful.

Maybe some cargo pants too.

Rolled 51

>>28673022
Swimsuit, sweater, some slacks, and some casual shirts

Rolled 19

>>28673050
...a tad bit late?

Damn.

>>28673046
And I forgot to mention some nice shirts, put them after a sweater, before pants. Some cargo pants might also be nice.

>>28673050
A jacket with plenty of pockets is always good. That or a vest, depends on the weather. If it's warm then a full jacket might be too much most of the time.

Rolled 31

Everyday stuff, shit you can wear on any occasion. Jeans, t-shirts, hoodies. Maybe some Business Casual wear

>>28673056
No, he picks 2 out of the first 6 rolls.

>>28673056
2 of the first 6, so he'll probably take yours and the 50.

I'm fine with anything as long as we don't wind up with 5 suits.

>>28673062
So jacket and The Sims?

>>28673071
I think we vote on the clothes

Rolled 83

>>28673022
Tracksuit, Some workout clothes, A nice jacket.

>>28673035

> You know, you're kind of right. Just enjoy tempting the dice gods, I suppose.
> Also, who knows what might happen?

> 96, 52, 51: Success, kind of.
> Writing.

>>28673071
The rolls are for how fast we get the clothes.

We vote on what clothes we want.

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>>28673064
>not wanting 5 suits

>>28672973
Let's just go with this, it's got everything covered.
>>28673079
I like that idea, let's add a tracksuit or two and a wifebeater to work out in

>>28673050

Since this one rolled best I agree with this.

Rolled 74

>>28673022
Yellow tracksuit with black stripes!

> Actually, I kind of meant you were to choose ONE kind of clothing and then roll for it. Within an hour it'd be difficult to get everything on a shopping list.
> Still, my omission here. Don't mind my attempt to sort this.

Sensing you'll need a jacket, you move for the jacket section, jostling your way to eventually make a nice find - a khaki-coloured windbreaker that's *covered* in pockets. Two on the breast, two below, two on the sleeves, two behind... best still, perhaps *because* of its pockets, it's not particularly favoured. Taken!

You then move on from there, swept along a tide of people, reaching out to grab what you can that suits your size. A pair of cargo pants with what looks like a rip on the lap - that doesn't look like a deliberate choice, but hey, you can deal. Besides there's nothing else your size. The curse of being of an average build...

After those two, you then manage to find a blue and a black shirt, and you're just stuck at an enormous pit where people are sorting our briefs when the announcement comes that there's just half an hour left. Oh fucking hell! Moving to one side to avoid a brief-grabbing tsunami, you vacillate between a track suit and a suit, but the suit section looks a bit more civilised so you push that way. Besides, a proper-priced suit is going to cost a lot more than a proper-priced tracksuit... a dark grey suit catches your eye, and you reach to grab the sleeve, but it doesn't budge. Eh?

Okay. Pants then. The pants budge a bit, but then among the crowd you see that someone else is grabbing the other leg. Oh dude. Seriously? You glance around at the crowd, half expecting it to thin in expectation of street theatre...

> Yield the suit. You've got enough for today.
> Hey, hey, hey, suit's mine!
> Other.

Rolled 2

>>28673022
You know, if we do end up camping out sometime, we'll need some heavier stuff. Sweaters, jackets, warm hats, some cargo pants for holding all the bits, flannel shirts, thick socks, and maybe see if we can find a good sturdy backpack too.

>>28673150
> Yield the suit.
> Look for another suit and maybe a nice vest

>>28673150
Eh. We're not really in that much need of a suit. A real man picks his battles based on their worth to him. Yield.

>>28673150
As the river to the rock, we yield for but an instant, and flow swiftly round it to our true destination.
Find another suit..

>>28673150
>> Yield the suit. You've got enough for today.

This looks to be enough. Formal wear isn't really a pressing issue.

>>28673182
>>28673174
>>28673169

You glance at the person who's grabbing the other side of the suit; he's about your size, but somehow there's an air of petulance about him as he tugs hard. Look, mate, if you pull any harder while I'm holding this, then the pants tear and neither of us will-

He tugs again, and at the same time catches your eye, and you roll them while letting go. Fine! You watch as he lifts the suit from the rack and try to find another one, but none of them seem to be of the same size - none that you can see amid the grabbing hands, anyway.

Pffft. You glance around, over the crowd, and then catch Charlie at what seems to be a lingerie or swimwear pit, joining enthusiastically into the scramble. Withdrawing temporarily, you have just enough time to grab a simple t-shirt before heading to the queue, only to be bumped by someone behind you as you get in line.

'Hey. You're cutting the queue.'

You blink. There's no one behind him right now, which means you and him are the tail end. But even as you look, people are joining in.

> Uh, no I wasn't.
> Yield the point as well.
> Other.

>>28673221
Naw, fuck you. I was here

>>28673221
> Uh, no I wasn't.

Also, do we have a swim suit, because going to a beach party without one seems kinda silly.

>>28673241
Oh god damnit that's right.
Maybe we can pick up one on the way there, I'm sure charlie knows where we can find one

>>28673221
How does lining up work here? Just a quick double check.

>>28673241
DID we get a swimsuit?

>>28673259

Do we have boxer shorts, if not a swimsuit?

>>28673265
>>28673269

> Unfortunately, because there was only one suggestion to get a swimsuit in the voting, that completely slipped your mind... you do have a pair of beach shorts back home, though. The City is known for beaches so you thought to sit around at one too.

>>28673275
Eh. That's fine, then. The main reason we went here anyway was just to get some clothes. As long as we already have swimwear, it's all agood.

>>28673275
Yeah okay

>>28673236
>>28673241
>>28673265

You glance at the line towards the counter, which is enormously long even with fifteen or twenty tills, and just then Charlie comes over to you with an overflowing basket. How on earth did she manage to fill it within... 45 minutes? 'Hey,' she says, clapping a hand on your shoulder, and the guy points at her, then at you.

'Now you're both doing it, damn, you're both cutting the queue.'

'Hey, look, I came to the tail end and you came behind me. That's not cutting a queue. That's how a queue works.' But of course that makes Charlie's status a little... ambiguous, so you grab her basket with all its bikini tops and bottoms and sportswear. 'And she's with me, so...'

'That's fucking ridiculous! Come on! How could you just cut the queue like that? I was standing here all the time! Hey, hey you,' he taps your shoulder, 'do you think you own this bloody place or something?'

You glance at Charlotte, who's glaring at him, who's tapping your shoulder. Dear god you fucking hate it when someone does that, with one finger no less... meanwhile he continues to talk, and starts asking for security and witnesses as well. The fact that nobody is answering behind him doesn't make him stop.

Then you glance over the distance and see security coming. Fuck, he's waving them over.

> What do/say to the man?

>>28673341
Let Charlie take our spot. Technically she was cutting.

>>28673341
Ask him if he just wants to run his items with us at the same time and just have the guy at the registrar give us separate receipts. It'd be only a little more quicker, but if he's willing to cause this much of a hassle...

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>>28673341
>this guy

>>28673341
"Do you really want to make this much fuss over a single spot in line? You're literally right behind me in line, is it really worth all this trouble?

Nobody in the line is supporting you so you'll just end up wasting more time than you'd spend waiting in line like the rest of us."

>>28673341
Tell him it's all yours and get her to pay you back later

>>28673387
This

>>28673353
>>28673374
>>28673386
>>28673387

For fuck's sake... you grit your teeth, bearing the repeated tapping between your shoulder blades. It's not like he's actually punching you or anything, right? It's just an irritant, not an injury. You just have to ignore it...

...

... Goddamnit. You look up again, to see that security have actually gone elsewhere, and then turn around to him, watching his finger stop mid-tap. 'Dude. Do you just want to give us your stuff and I'll run it through? Let's keep it at 'we're all shopping together', how's that?'

'What? Look, you cut the queue and you still want to-'

'I'm exactly one space ahead of you, mate. And we're moving fine. I could even be exactly no space ahead of you. How's that?'

'Hey, why're you bothering with this twat?' Charlotte juts in, and her voice now sounds quite... different. Both of you look at her - you with slight apprehension, and he with annoyance. Damn, look, you're like 50 people from the tills, let's not have any-

'Look, lady, *you* are the one who's passed on your entire basket to your boyfriend. There's all of us behind waiting, right, and you just hand it over to him?'

'Damn right I hand it over to him,' Charlotte raises her voice, then puts an arm around your neck and pulls you in for a deep kiss on the cheek. 'What the hell do you think a boyfriend's for? It beats being a twat just for yourself, doesn't it, eh?'

'Hey, look there...'

Why exactly are you being drawn into this? Her arm's still around your shoulder. But her other hand is clenching into a fist...

> Shake Charlotte off, continue ignoring.
> Hold Charlotte and try to hold her back.
> Call security over.
> Other.

>>28673464
>> Hold Charlotte and try to hold her back.
>> Call security over.

>>28673464
>Hold Charlotte back
>Call security over

Tell them that this guy here started harassing Charlie here. People are usually more sympathetic to girls.

>>28673464
> Hold Charlotte and try to hold her back.
Hold your horses Charlie, getting into fisticuffs with a twat is not worth it, even if you could deck him with a single punch.

>>28673485
God knows I do.

>>28673464
> Hold Charlotte and try to hold her back.

Don't call over security, but let's try to avoid having this escalate. If it does then either us or Charlie decks him and we can consider it dealt with, but don't attack first.

Keep an eye on the asshole, especially watch his shoulders, if he tries anything it'll probably be a punch, so we know if he's going to try anything.

Don't talk to the guy, ignore him as much as possible, it won't improve the situation, as we wait in line chat with Charlie some about clothing, what she picked out.

>>28673485
>>28673482
>>28673478

Woah. Woah. Now the primary worry isn't the twat, all of a sudden. You haven't seen Charlotte look angry, but she looks pretty fierce when angry, and you know how much damage she can do when she's in a good mood. As a result, you intervene just as she begins stepping up in response to the guy.

Dropping your baskets, you wrap him into an embrace. 'Come on, honey, come on...' Damn, her shoulders are stiff, arms all flexed and ready to go even as you pat her back. 'Mate, he's not worth it. Chill.'

'Oi, oi, I'm here to get you guys to yield your place, not to get into a hug!'

Ignoring him, you turn to wave at the black-dressed people, and this time they respond. The man suddenly shuts up when he sees this, and then- wait, is that Charlie sobbing? You release her a little to see a tear streaming down her eye. 'Is anything wrong, sir?'

'This man,' Charlotte says before you can begin, 'he was just scolding... and scolding us, my boyfriend was here first, and he keeps saying we're cutting, but I just want to get some tops and he was being real nasty to me...'

Well, that's a bit of a cut and dried case, bullying a girl who's also quite very attractive. The man continues to yell and holler like a madman while security drags him off. Heh.

'Uh, let go mate.'

Oh, damn. You watch her dry her eyes. Ten minutes later you're out of the warehouse with bags and bags - wait, those are mostly her bags you're carrying. 'Oh boy, it's half past 5 already,' she mutters.

> What do/say to Charlotte?
> Are you going to the beach party with her, or would you rather go separately? The latter might lead to easier scoring...

>>28673537
>>28673537
You know,maybe security isn't a good idea

>>28673553
Let's go drop our shit off and grab my swim suit. Then head there together

>>28673553
Compliment her on her acting while wearing the biggest shit-eating grin we can.

>>28673553
"Nice going with the security there, Charlie." I'm not sure if we should comment on her temper.

> Go together. It would simply feel odd to go separately, since we're from the same house.

>>28673553

Go together. We can always split up if someone interesting comes along.

>>28673559
You're right. It was a great idea.

>>28673553
>>28673590
Yeah, seems like a good idea. Try to inject some levity back into the mood.

And let's go with her. She did invite us.

>>28673572
Actually let me change that.

Ask her if she wants to head home and drop our shit off with us, if not we can take her shit back too and grab out swimsuit

>>28673553
"Nicely done back there, and I learned you can cry on command. I'll have to keep that in mind for the future, and I can only hope you don't use your talents against me."

Head to the party with her.

>>28673553
>Dropping your baskets, you wrap him into an embrace.
I don't really understand. Did we just engage in a group hug with Charlie and this other guy?

>>28673613
Looks like a typo, should be "her"

>>28673553
>'Oi, oi, I'm here to get you guys to yield your place, not to get into a hug!'
>>28673624
Yeah, but this part implies that the guy was getting hugged too?

>>28673640
He wants them to yield he doesn't want them getting into a hug

> Sorry, that was wrap *her* into an embrace. Charlotte.

You look at her, approvingly and a little admiringly, as you wait for the train and then try your best to squeeze in with the early-release crowd. 'Charlotte.'

'Yeah?'

'Well done there, you. That's a skill you learned from your Bajiquan as well? Crying on command?'

'Nah, that's just from knowing boys.' She winks at you. 'The kissing too.'

That *was* a nice kiss, you almost forgot all about it. 'Well, I just hope you don't use it on me one day.'

'What, not the kissing? Didn't like that?'

'You... know what I mean,' you mutter. Damn, she... knows how to handle herself with guys. But then is that a surprise? Nope, no it really isn't.

Getting back home, you dump everything in the hall and run into your respective rooms to change. Beach shorts and a rather tattered tank top for you - you normally wear this to sleep but at least it doesn't smell of drool now - and then... 'not wearing anything over the bikini top, really?'

'Should I?' She puts her hands on her waist. Well, them triangles be nicely filled out, to put it subtly. 'I think the jeans should be modest enough, no?'

You're not really about to argue this point. Sure enough, though, on the 10 minute bus ride to the beach, you realise that there's lots of people ogling her - some glancing repeatedly, some just staring. Charlie, for her part, lies back against the chair and props her head on one hand, which kind of does... pulling... raising things... to her boobs? You don't know very much about breast dynamics.

She catches *you* glancing, and you look forward. 'It's fine to like what you see,' she says, teasingly. 'Unless you don't.'

> Um... praise them?
> Flirt, perhaps?
> Say something else.

>>28673662
>> Um... praise them?
>> Flirt, perhaps?

>>28673662
"So are you always this comfortable showing off your body?....Not that I mind."

>>28673662
A wink and a nod, then, "How does that work?"

-wait a bit-

"...are there pulleys in there?"

>>28673662
"Well, I like to think that if there's something you can be proud of then there's nothing wrong with being proud of it. And they certainly fit within my preferred parameters."

>>28673705
Laaaame, anon. It's fine. We're all lame.