-Ozpin-
Identifying potential students from all applications would be a simple endeavor if all of them graduated from combat schools. Alas, that wasn't the case since almost half of applicants came with no formal schooling for various reasons and even those who claim to have training are probably forged transcripts.
He couldn't blame them, though.
Joining the ranks of the hunters, defenders of humanity, would give them access to new opportunities and a better life, as it has the potential to be a life of fame and riches. At least that's the consensus of what hunters were to society.
Many don't even know, or survive, the hardships and the horrors that come in such a line of work and he had been witness to teams breaking and disbanding after their first mission or the death of a member. Far too common occurrences throughout the world.
While it would be ideal to accept as many recruits to join in the fight against the impending darkness, in truth, they couldn't afford it. The cost would be too high and the morale would collapse in their ranks.
However, he still gives those rejected or from dubious origin a chance to prove themselves. Setting up 'tips' and 'rumors' through the city where the youthful would most likely gather. His method had proved successful through the years as the headmaster. Discovering hidden talents who didn't have the chance of formal education.
All done in a controlled environment, of course.
A fruitful discovery being the pair of Miss Valkyrie and her companion. At first glance, they would have been rejected by the system. Yet they proved themselves with his method and Lie Ren's semblance was too powerful to be ignored.
But the present interested him. He maintained his gaze locked on the screen. His hidden cameras through the forest catching the sight of a… very unique faunus boy. One that wasn't on the applicant's list, which was concerning at first.
Civilians wandering off in the forest were always a possibility, in those cases, he would send a teacher to help them before anything would happen and he was about to do the same, but that line of thought died quickly when he saw the boy materialize a pair of claws.
His eyes widened as he believed that was an instance of magic at first, but he shot down the idea. The forest was relatively close to his office and if it was magic, thus he would have felt it without a doubt. Storage semblance, while not common it wasn't unheard of and each semblance had a unique way to manifest itself. That alone gained his interest, as the faunus teen wasn't applying to his academy despite having his semblance unlocked.
Unless he was already part of the other hunter academies and was just practicing his skills against the local Grimm as a personal test of sorts. However, it wouldn't hurt to deliver him a cordial invitation.
Even then, he had to keep watch and be ready to send help if necessary.
He almost jumped from his seat in shock the moment he saw ants like Grimm emerge from the ground and attacked the young hunter. A Grimm species he had never seen before in all his decades overseeing Vale.
He needed to launch an urgent investigation across all of Emerald Forest and Forever Fall. Relative new Grimm burying themselves to set up an ambush was already concerning as he only knew mature Deathstalkers to employ that tactic, much more worrying if they could move underground. It would be a disaster if those monsters of darkness appeared in the heart of the city.
Even then, he kept watching the situation develop. And was pleasantly surprised when the young hunter could overcome the unfavorable situation with relative ease, killing all of his foes. Yet he couldn't celebrate as more of those Grimm emerged from the ground and launched themselves with reckless abandon.
Even if those monsters were young and the teenager showed how capable he was to hold his ground, it would be a matter of time before he was overwhelmed. He needed to analyze the situation with utmost care for the faintest show of weakness or exhaustion and send help.
Doctor Oobleck would be a good choice.
But then the Grimm stopped coming, giving that boy a moment of respite. Peace, he couldn't enjoy for long as beowolves surrounded him from all sides, only to get the same treatment from the ants.
He quickly changed camera channels to monitor the surroundings.
If he had his mug between his hands, he would have dropped it.
Packs of Grimm were on the move. And an horrible discovery came to be, all of them followed the same direction. Thankfully, the numbers weren't large enough to consider it the start of a tide, but against a young hunter in training would be more than sufficient to kill him. That was more than ample reason for him to act and contact the only one who can respond fast to an emergency.
Even if he was drowning in alcohol, he would answer the call.
-Ma'iq Rakhan-
I would describe my current predicament as surreal, unless I find a more fitting word in my lacking vocabulary. One simply couldn't call popping a cold one atop of a tree in the middle of the forest surrounded by man-eating monsters a normal situation.
And no, it's not really a cold beer, just cold root beer.
Big difference.
It was a fortunate discovery that my inventory could preserve anything in the state I stored them. How could I not exploit that advantage? Cold drinks, warm food or ice cream whenever I want. That aside, Roman has been paying me very well in the last couple of days, which earned me a small fortune to finally buy weapons from experts in their craft.
I wouldn't have come to Grimm territory with a pair of brass knuckles. While they are weaponry, their effectiveness only affects humans or faunus not Grimm. And Neo was 'kind' enough to recommend me to a weapon shop that didn't ask questions. Most shops or smiths ask for license or ID and knowing the… issue of my kin, it would draw attention upon me.
I take a moment away from my thoughts and glance at the beowolves gnawing at the bottom of the tree. The savage group barking and growling with their long paws extended up in the air, trying to reach me only for one of them finally having enough and leap from the ground. The sharp claws dig deep into the wood to get a grip and not fall. Soon after, others follow by example and climb the tree at a slow pace, baring their dangerous teeth.
Their red eyes do not betray their actions.
I should be scared or at least worried, but as a matter of fact, I don't.
After killing the ants, those bipedal wolves came in droves but they weren't much stronger, just bigger. I know it is bad to be overconfident, but our short skirmish wasn't anything special to gauge their danger level.
Very soon the one leading the group reaches the branch where I'm resting and lets out a vicious growl, but rather than panic, I merely kick it on the snout and send it falling into the ground.
The Beowolf landed on top of another, killing them both.
The rest that followed the now dead leader tried the same approach only to meet the exact same fate, except they didn't die on impact. Only crashed on the ground and cracked their skulls.
It is surprising that they learn from their mistakes and do not repeat the same action after witnessing many failures, instead one of them lets out a loud howl into the sky and others mimic the action.
I knit my brows in confusion but decide to ignore it and finish my drink before crushing the can and throwing it at the Grimm below me.
The metallic cylinder bounced on top of one Beowolf who only got angrier at me and proceeded to slash the tree with its claws. And soon after, the rest, once again, mimicked the new leader's action.
At least they are now occupied with something, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
Or that was supposed to happen because I felt the tree give in and tilt forward.
My eyes immediately looked down and widened when I discovered those bastards managed to chop down my resting spot and were giving the finishing touches before the tree collapsed by its own weight.
Rather than wait, I jump towards the nearest branch and watch as the tree finally gives in and falls to the ground. Crushing one Grimm, earning a chuckle out of me.
All the pairs of red eyes lock with mine and approach with the same intent. I sigh in disappointment as it seems with their recent discovery I won't have any more time to rest, but my aura is almost fully regenerated, along with my stamina. So I don't feel threatened about jumping back into the fray again.
Once again, the Grimm weakened the tree foundation enough to fall on its own, forcing me to find a new tree.
However, this time when I landed on the thick branch, I noticed a bird nest on top. I might have ignored the little details if it wasn't for the fact the nest not only had eggs but a bluish crystal between them. The same glow and shape as the one I found at the beaches of Kuo Kuana.
I frown at the possibility.
But with the Grimm hot on my heels, I have little time to think and take the crystal and crush it, closing my eyes to prepare myself for the inevitable headache.
Which doesn't come.
Instead, my scroll is ringing like crazy.
I check the monster's progress first before I pull out my scroll to check the unordinary ringing.
[Congratulations on unlocking new features!]
What?
[Library and Online Store are now available.]
Just as I finish reading the new messages, two strange apps appear on my screen with the same names. With my curiosity piqued, I take a quick glance on the Grimm and notice they are halfway done, barely enough time to check out at least one.
I click on the Online store icon and it opens on a blue screen, listing only two items.
A bag of chips and a can of Pepsi?
And why are they so damn expensive?!
The chips cost almost the same amount I gain from tips, and the 'Pepsi' costs three thousands!
But I am not given time to wallow in my outrage as the bastards below achieve their objective of taking me down.
But those ridiculous prices put me in a foul mood that rather than jump again, I opt to vent my outrage on them.
Before the tree is fully cut, I jump off my branch and crush the skull on a single Grimm under my weight. That was sufficient for the others to stop the inefficient wood cutting and focus on me.
Nora was right.
Smashing Grimm is so fun.
But without weapons, I won't be able to fight effectively. My scroll vanishes and my claws come back, their edge ready to cut deep.
The Grimm don't waste time charging me with open mouths and claws ready to eviscerate me from every direction. But just like I practiced many times, I propel myself into the air and let them crash into each other.
Using the pandemonium in my favor, I let gravity do its job and take me towards the lone Beowolf that was smart enough to not follow the group mentality.
Noticing me, it angrily barks and leaps from the ground with claws thirsting for my blood. Thirst that will never be quenched as I avoid the swipe attack and use its body as a footstool for a second jump to get away from the group below and safely land on the ground.
My mockery only pissed that specific Beowolf even more and recklessly charged with a long arching attack, leaving the chest completely exposed. Perfect spot for a thrust attack and stab my claws deep where a heart should be before kicking it away and watch it dissipate, confirming another kill.
I smirk as I turn my attention to the group, which is out of their entanglement of bodies, and slowly stalked around me, blocking my escape supposedly. Their deep growls, trying to shake and imbue fear in my heart.
A pointless tactic since I charge at them with confidence.
Yet my target blocks my twin attack with shocking ease, making my blood run cold and my smirk fall. Those precious seconds I used to check my opponent and notice how big it is, compared to the others, along with the more savage look. In those seconds, whatever this strange one is, he forces my arms open, exposing my head and chest. Using the chance to try to bite my head off.
However, I duck and break loose from its claws before rolling away. Which was a very opportune escape because another Beowolf crashed on the bigger asshole seconds later. And my fist quickly shatters and pierces the jaw of another attacker that came from a different direction.
And another monster met my foot in a spin kick to the head before I can finally have a moment to check my surroundings again.
There are still a lot of them and only one me.
My little slip up put me in a dangerous position that thankfully I recovered relatively fast.
Good riddance that I didn't come unprepared and had the perfect solution to my problem. Roman's dirty money was thoughtfully spent.
My lips twisted into a grin when I summoned a pair of grenades and removed their pins with my thumbs as soon as they appeared between my fingers.
Rather than backing away or breaking away from the group, they close the distance between us.
I let them cook in my hands a second before.I throw my explosives at the group and make a run for it,
Laughably enough, the bigger one caught one grenade between its teeth, but at that point I no longer paid any attention as I was away from the scene.
Seconds later, the explosion resounded across the woods, the shockwave almost catching my tail in the aftermath.
I step away from my cover to see if they are still alive or what is left of those bastards. If they could bleed, then it would have been a gory scene. Around the mini crater that my grenades caused. It is surprising the explosive power of concentrated fire dust. No wonder it had a high price tag.
I know it is anticlimactic, but better safe than sorry. I don't have Ren's semblance to get away. I came to gain experience points, not to become a martyr.
I take deep breaths before scanning my surroundings in search of stragglers, but I find none, a good sign because I earned another break.
Alone once again, I climb the nearest tree for safety and sit down. I store my claws in my inventory and summon back my scroll to continue checking the new unlocked features, only for my anger to return, as it shows the ridiculous price of this so-called Pepsi.
But maybe the price has to be for a reason.
And it's not like I wouldn't recover the money after another delivery for the thief.
Against my better financial judgment, I click the button buy and a message pops up, thanking me for my purchase.
[Pepsi added to your inventory]
Wait what?
I didn't expect that to happen, or maybe I did subconsciously, because I am not freaking out about how something just appeared in my inventory.
But rather than wallow in doubt, I call out for this pepsi and watch it materialize in my hand. A blue metallic can with a tri-color circle on both sides, a brand symbol I presume.
This cost me three thousand lien?
It looks too simplistic in design and is slightly taller than the average can I buy in stores.
I sigh in annoyance as I place my scroll on my leg to free my hand and open the overpriced drink.
I paid for it, better well enjoy it.
I push down the tab and hear the fizzling sound of a carbonated drink begging for a sip but I resist and pull it closer to smell it. Again, nothing out of the ordinary.
I shrug and take a quick sip.
Almost immediately, I recoil and scrunch up my face in disgust. This pepsi tastes too good, disgustingly good. I want to spit the fizzing drink out of spite, but I cannot find the mental strength to do so. It simply tastes so fucking good.
Addictive even.
Three fucking thousand lien gone in an instant.
I regret buying that shit. Now all canned drinks will taste like shit from now on and I only have myself to blame.
The tin can soon become the target of my frustrations, turning into a metallic ball before being thrown away like trash.
If that was only a drink, then I fear what the bag of chips could ruin for me.
But that train of thought soon becomes secondary as my ears perk up, catching the growing echoes of roars in the distance. I frown and turn in the direction where they came from, just like before my break lasted barely minutes. Good grief, I didn't take any significant damage or I would have bolted for safety.
My focus goes to my ears as they keep track of whatever is coming, getting closer by the second until I recognize the sound of trees tumbling down.
But why are they falling in the first place? What is causing them to fall?
My questions soon get an answer when I turn to the right and witness the trees falling as a colossal bear with spikes all over its back makes its presence known with a thunderous roar. If my memory doesn't fail me, then that Grimm should be an Ursa, a huge one since it dwarfs a Beowolf.
The ursa doesn't give me time to think as its red glowing eyes lock on my position and charges.
"Oh, shit!"
The speed of the creature surprises, but rather than ram my tree, it cuts the trunk with a single clean swipe from its enormous claws, the abrupt change almost causing me to lose my balance. Narrowly avoiding the danger by jumping away from the falling tree.
Unlike its lesser brethren, the ursa doesn't wait or watch me. It uses its hind-legs to leap from the ground with its mouth wide open in an effort to catch me mid-air, forcing my body to twist at a weird angle to barely avoid the deathly bite.
Another near death experience under my belt before I land safely on the ground. The ursa turns its head, baring its sharp teeth at me and growling in frustration for missing. I tense for a moment and prepare my legs to jump away but the monster stands up on its hind legs and steps closer, using the size disparity in full capacity as the ursa strikes me with those oversized but dangerous claws that can cut full-grown trees with ease.
In response, I jump to the left and roll away, trying to maintain a reasonable distance to formulate a plan or at least weigh my options if I should just run away like I did with those Grimm monkeys with long arms back at Menagerie.
I can't even test the strength of the ursa's attack because I know for a fact it will cut me in half if any of the attacks connect.
And my choice of weapon is practically useless. I would be poking the beast with a stick if I tried.
Just how can I kill this thing?
A grenade to the mouth would have been ideal, but I only bought two from the weapon seller. I regret using both at the same time against those stupid mutts.
My rational mind screams at me to turn around and run towards the city safely, but my instincts demand to stand my ground.
Yet my thoughts are interrupted but not by the large Ursa in front of me but from behind, a pair of beowolves lunge from the bushes in a frenzy.
Where do they even come from?!
They don't even give me time to react as one of them sinks his claws in me and chomp hard on my shoulder while the other gets my right ankle, causing me to cry out in pain despite my aura preventing the teeth from drawing blood.
"Get off me, you bastards!" I roar as I call forth my weapon to stab the one on my shoulder right through the eye and force him to back off. Using the window of time to grab the other chewing my leg and break free from its vicious grip.
I wanted to kick it away, but a better idea filled my mind, making me smile with malicious glee as both hands got a hold of the upper and lower jaw of the Beowolf. Just like the ants mandibles, I apply force in different directions.
I can feel the Beowolf desperately trying to close its mouth while using its large claws to attack me, but missing every time. I ignore my surroundings as I watch with sadistic glee; the mouth expanding further than it should until I hear the satisfying crack, successfully tearing off the jaw of this bastard.
The smaller grimm collapses on the ground writhing in agony, but I don't give it time to suffer as I grab it by the tail and lift it off the ground before throwing it against the other, successfully getting rid of a minor annoyance and focusing on the bigger threat.
Just in time, as I barely avoided another deathly bite but with the monster so close to me, it used the opportunity to swat me with his head. Both arms blocked the swift attack, but the sheer difference in size and weight showed. My body was sent sprawling across the ground until a tree stopped my trajectory, knocking the wind out of me.
I gasp a mouthful of air before jumping on the tree and using its rough surface to propel my jump even higher, enough to reach the spiky back of the bear and get a strong grip around those spiky bones before the Grimm trashes and jumps to push me off.
Testing my strength again, I let out a roar as I put all my effort to snap the bone, getting another roar from the Ursa who quickly charges against a tree and purposely crashes head first against it.
A terrible mistake from the monster, as it gave me the opportunity to use physics in my favor and snap the bone in half.
The bone living on borrowed time I do not waste time and drive my new piercing weapon deep into the exposed neck of the Ursa, instantly collapsing on its own ridiculous weight.
I remain on high alert for more seconds before I see the body losing shape and becoming mist, indicating my successful kill of the beat. A sigh of relief escaped my lips, followed by a groan.
It is finally over.
Probably this is the time to let out a cry of victory, that I bested my enemies but I had a bit too much of near-death experiences for my liking which I don't want to repeat in the foreseeable future, at least until I am sure of my strength surpasses any of them.
I check my body for any marks or bruises, but it is as healthy as I arrived, except for my shirt that was torn open by those sneaky bastards. I love my aura so much. If it wasn't for it, then I probably would be heavily bleeding from my shoulder or have a mangled leg, if I even survive something like that.
After all, I can fix a ripped shirt in a matter of minutes back home with my weaver skill.
'Status'
Ma'iq Rakhan
Race–Feline Faunus
Age 17
Class: The pugilist
Level–6 (83%)
Mentor – Blake Belladonna
Apprentice–None
HP – 405/430 [45 regen per minute]
MP – 1003/1730 [350 regen per minute]
SP – 1235/1900 [200 regen per minute]
STR–28
END–34
DEX–33
INT–31
WIS–26
CHA–26
LCK–10
It is an interesting discovery that if I don't increase the level of my jobs before I level up, then all my stats slightly increase by default. It kinda makes sense, but I decided to not put much thought into trying to give a reasonable explanation.
"That was too much. Way too much. I must leave." A quick look around reveals the same empty forest, free of enemies and my cue to return home. Except it now has a new road of fallen trees.
"That's a good choice there, kid."
My body acts on instinct and spins around with weapons ready.
The newcomer raises both hands in surrender. "Woah woah, relax. I'm here to help."
"Don't sneak up on me like that, geez." I groan in annoyance and lower my weapon.
"My bad. I forgot how jumpy people get after being attacked." He rubs the back of his head in embarrassment.
"So, who are you and why are you here?" I take a closer look at the taller man standing in front of me, and he doesn't stand out compared to the average adult from Vale. With graying spiky black hair, faded red eyes and a well-defined jawline. But the comparison dies when I notice his weapon hanging around the waist level and the red tattered cloak fitting for his semi formal attire perfect for clubbing.
"You can call me Qrow. And for the second question, I had to deal with a few groups of Beowolves and Ursas coming your way. Nasty buggers know no end."
His reply froze me momentarily and frantically checked my surroundings. "What? There are more coming?!" If only one Ursa gave me that challenge, then what would be left of me with two or more of them?
He quickly shakes his head. "Not anymore, that one slipped, but you took care of it pretty well."
"Thanks goddess…" I place one hand above my heart and sigh in relief, knowing that no more waves from the endless horde will attack me.
"Yeah, I know. But that's not entirely why I am here. The old man wants to speak with you."
"The old man?"
He shrugs. "Oz, Ozpin, old man, the headmaster of Beacon academy. He sent me to help you after noticing the danger headed your way."
So someone has been watching me all this time. And that someone is no other than the headmaster of Beacon Academy. I guess I should be honored, but that leaves the question of how much he watched. My concern is mostly at my use of the inventory, even if I can excuse it as a storage semblance. But another look at the hunter in front of me tells me that I shouldn't worry since they don't mean ill.
At least that's where my hopes lie.
But most of my encounters always led me to wrong choices and situations, and I really don't want my connections to Torchwick known. Even more, the big guy who practically leads the city security forces.
When my brain finally came up with an excuse, I bit my lip. "I… I will pass. I'm pretty exhausted from this entire ordeal and I want to go back home to sleep. And I look like shit. I don't want to be disrespectful to the headmaster."
"Oh… well, don't worry, kid. At least let me escort you back to the city." He grabs his weapons and with a flick of his wrist, it transforms to its full length of a broadsword before resting the edge on his shoulder and taking the lead which I follow without question.
Qrow was the silent type or I believe he is since he spoke little on our short trip except when the Grimm returned and jumped us with full intent on killing. However, that was the moment when I noticed the difference in skill and strength against a full-fledged hunter.
He didn't even bother to turn or look in their direction as he sliced entire groups in half while I looked in awe. When would I reach that level? Or at what level is it attainable?
I will have to reach it first to know the answer. But his flex in strength and my last battle also showed me my dire need for a mechashift weapon that works with my system.
Qrow stops when we reach a crossroads outside the forest and turns to look at me. "I know you want to be polite but I know Oz, he won't mind a little dirt on his office. Maybe Glynda would, but that's who she is."
I only shake my head in response, I want to go home.
The older hunter sighs but still gives me a faint smile. "The door is always open, just be a little mindful of the time. Say… What's your name?"
"Ma'iq rakhan."
His expression shows slight surprise and leans closer. "Ma'iq… huh, I thought you were from Mistral." I groan in exasperation, getting a short laugh from him. "I will tell the old man to keep his door open, be safe out there."
I roll my eyes and fold my arms together. "I will think about it after a nice long sleep."
"Can't argue with that." He chuckles as he turns around to leave wherever he needs to go.
In my case, I follow the road.
I don't think I will keep that promise, though.
-Qrow Branwen-
"He refused?" The headmaster asked in surprise.
"Not entirely. He promised to come after sleeping." He paused and took a moment to think. "Which could translate to days or weeks. You can't predict kids these days."
"That's unfortunate. I wished to speak with him today."
"Well, you cannot always get what you want in life." He shrugged. He tried to convince the kid, half-hearted attempts but an attempt nonetheless. "But Ozpin, you know how dangerous my semblance is. What would have happened if it affected him? The kid could have gotten hurt, or worse."
"I understand your concerns, my friend. But after my initial observations, I knew he was more than capable of dealing with the situation and his performance didn't disappoint. I see a lot of potential in him."
He would have argued back, but he knew the old man's mindset. Just let it go rather than face a brick wall head on. He had other things to attend to in Patch. The urgency of the call didn't exactly give him time to tell others. Almost immediately his mind clicked and doubt struck him when Signal came to mind, an issue that not even in a drunken stupor he would forget.
"You did notify Signal of my absence, right? I think I reached my limit a week ago." Oz told him to come to Vale as fast as possible after all.
His question got no response.
The eerie silence quickly took hold of his heart as the worst came to mind, his grip on his scroll threatening to crush the device between hands. "You did, didn't you?"
The old wizard, gatekeeper of lost and forbidden knowledge and old friend, kept his silence with an unchanged expression.
"OZ! They will dock my pay for skipping work!"
"Oops…"
-Ma'iq Rakhan-
"Ugh, home sweet home." I groan as I reach the edge of my bed and collapse on the spot.
Mental exhaustion is always a thing.
Yet I can take a bit of happiness in achieving my original objective by increasing my main level. But next time, I will have to set limits for myself and leave the place after wiping out one horde. Just like the jungles of Menagerie, the Grimm get progressively stronger and dangerous the longer I stay fighting.
I should put the perspective of high risk, high reward, but I simply cannot measure my life the same way. It might be slow but safe and I should aim for that path, not the other.
At least I have Sunday left.
I can envision myself tomorrow laying on my bed all day and I find no regrets in doing so. Or I should buy some video games to pass the time. I have put little thought into it to be honest.
I should check my options and maybe read reviews on the net of whatever is popular right now.
Or that was the plan until I saw the mysterious apps that installed themselves in my scroll. I click the online store again and get the same screen with the miserable two options. So I go back to the main screen and select the library app.
The app opens on a cream-colored screen and a surprisingly vast selection of genres to pick from, except most of that genre selection is inaccessible no matter how many times I click them.
So that left me only one realistic option, the fantasy genre, and it came with another disappointment.
Just like the online store, it was almost an empty list, save for two titles.
'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' and 'The Tale of Davy Jones'.
By mere curiosity, I clicked on the second title and got a pop up to purchase it for a measly fifteen lien, which I accepted. Compared to the three thousands I spent earlier, that was just spare change to me.
But soon I learned the reason for such a cheap price as this tale was at most. A page long and a single image took half of the page. An image showing the silhouette of two humans holding hands in front of the ocean.
"In the day of myth and legend, the beautiful Calypso, daughter of Atlas, ruled the wine-dark seas, and all sailors loved and feared her…"
'I'm bored. Tell me something.'
And the message notification covers my screen and successfully takes my attention away from my lecture.
'Do you mind? I am busy reading.' I text back, annoyed by Neo's interruption. This might be something I should have seen coming after giving her my scroll number, and I'm starting to believe she has nobody else to talk with.
Neo: About what?
Me: none of your business.
Neo: meanie.
Me: Does Roman want something?
Neo: I told you already. I'm bored.
Me: play video games on your scroll? Watch a movie, you know, stuff.
Neo: boring
Me: You want to come uninvited again, don't you?
Neo: :)
I look away from the screen as a long sigh leaves my lips, along with my growing frustration. A pointless discussion to have with her.
'Whatever. You will invite yourself in, anyway.'
I drop my scroll next to my pillow before I use a lot of my willpower to get up from the bed and take a shower. With a guest coming over, I couldn't be a shitty host, not even out of spite. Well, I could be spiteful and leave my apartment a mess, but I don't want to test that girl's patience.
At least I have more ice-cream in the fridge to pacify her.
AN: I actually love Coca Cola, but I am slowly discovering the amazing taste of Pepsi, so I'm technically cheating on the Coca-cola brand. I'm being NTR away!
Thank you all for the 200 favs and the merry 300 follows. You guys are amazing. Don't let others tell you otherwise. Usually I add omakes/bonus scenes as thanks, but the ones I already have would spoil too much of the story, so I cannot add them until I reach those points. I should start thinking of new ones, as some of them are canon to the story and others are completely unrelated.
Kinda halfway done with an update for another story, for those who are also reading it.
Don't forget to check those beautiful boxes down below to increase the mmr of this fic.