Chapter 21

*Sizzle* *Sizzle* *Sizzle*

Damn I'm a great cook, hopefully everyone else will enjoy this meal. The menu you ask? Only the finest hamburgers and hot dogs that man can make. I swear I only get this cocky when I cook. Otherwise I'm a pretty level headed guy… most of the time.

Just the smell of the food is enough to leave them all in awe. Even if they're everyday food items I'll still find a way to make it smell good. I do use some spices though but we'll save that secret for another day.

"Mmm, that sure smells good!" Finally Ram is the first to compliment the chef.

"Smells good…" Ok Rom you don't need to be influenced by everything your twin sister says.

However they both are correct, even I'm impressed about how well they smell. The taste will be out of this world at this rate. Surely they won't be that hard to please. There is the possibility that I am wrong about this. Who cares, that's future jack's problem.

"I must admit Jack, all of your food smells great. I don't want to cook however! Just not an interest."

Behind Noire is the others minus Nepgear gathering saying in synch, "Tsundere~"

If it's one thing I've learned in the two weeks of knowing Noire it's this. 'Don't ever and I mean ever call Noire a tsundere!' Time to go to plan B. I only say this because Noire is getting the most pissed off expression I have ever seen on someone's face.

"Ok everyone lunch is ready! Come get it while it's hot!" Nothing distracts arguments better than a nice lunch. And man did it work, everyone except Noire has ceased whatever they were doing and is now trying to get a taste of the greatest Hot Dogs or Hamburgers ever.

There's more than enough for everyone to have two of each of them. Even though they're girls they can eat. Just not too long ago Blanc was able to eat the whopping catfish sandwich, a side of French Fries, and a milkshake. Better be safe than sorry I always say.

Scratch that about Noire and I being the only ones who aren't getting food yet, Nepgear stands with us now. Probably not to be rude. Oh well, I've got one hell of a surprise for Noire and Nepgear. No not that kind of surprise, get your mind out of the gutters.

"Nepgear, why aren't you getting some food, there's enough for everyone."

"I'm just not hungry is all. Don't worry, I'll get some later."

Knowing her sister it'll be too late to grab any crumbs within a fifty mile radius. Neptune's eating habits are the only one in the group that I know. I'd imagine Vert is polite most of the time. I can't help but feel as if Vert doesn't like me very much as a friend. We haven't exactly hung out in a while.

Oh well, toady is a day to connect with them all. I can't imagine that any of them would desire to connect with me though. Maybe it's all in my head, I don't understand women. Then again how many men do? As Maurice always told me and don't get offended, "Don't try to understand women. Women understand women and they hate each other."

Ok getting off track here, time to return to the tracks. Standing by the public grill now is Noire, Nepgear and I. I'm not so sure what Noire's doing right now. This sort of thing isn't my expertise. I'll admit being called names isn't ever pretty inside. Getting called names on a daily basis has taught me that one fact.

Its how you deal with the stress that comes with it, that's what truly defines your strength and willpower. Noire can appear cold and even rude at times. However there have been moments where her true personality has shined. It pains me so much to see a friend suffer in their own little way.

Great, now I'm developing actual friendship characteristics for Noire. To be honest, I'm happy. My emotional development is increasing and proving I'm not a heartless freak as I am called. Take that everyone in Middle School!

I've got just the cure to snap Noire out of her trance. Taking the tongs and one of the paper plates provided by Blanc, Rom and Ram, A hot dog and hamburger bun that was generously provided by yours truly. Some of the delicious food cooked by the moderately attractive chef is placed on said buns. Afterwards I take some BBQ flavored chips and put them next to the main course. Don't ask how I know she likes that flavor, it's just a hunch.

Much like the first plate I prepare a second plate for Nepgear in much the same manner. The only difference being this plate has Sour Cream and Onion chips instead of BBQ. It's time to see what they think of it. Nepgear is hungry I can sense it in a way. She probably just didn't want get in anyone's way.

"Here Noire, Nepgear, try some." I hand the both of them the plates that I just crafted. Looks of confusion soon follow. Noire snaps out of this trance she's in and takes a plate from my hand. Her neutral look that she had been bearing all day so far finally turns into a smile. If I've said it once I'll say it again. Damn I'm good.

"Thank you, at least you and Nepgear have decency."

Afterwards Noire just starts walking towards where everyone else is. I hope she doesn't stir up trouble. Nah, that's Neptune's job to cause chaos. In other news, I still have to get Nepgear to join the party.

Nepgear takes notice at my offer from about thirty seconds ago. Now it's her turn to not be confused anymore. Instead of a neutral look, her frown is converted into a smile. Aside from Noire's smile moments ago, this is the cheeriest I've seen one of my new friends.

"Thank you Jack, yo…you're really nice."

Ok now this is starting to get confusing for me. Do friends just randomly say you're really nice? I know I'm a bit repetitive about this subject but how friendship works still eludes me. But the icing on the cake is that now whenever she or even a couple more of them compliment me I get all tingly inside.

Maybe I should see a doctor about that, it could be the possible result of a tumor.

Crisis averted though, after a quick wave she hurries over to meet the others on the hilariously oversized picnic blanket Vert Brought. I must give credit where credit is due, the blanket is roomy.

Something else is bothering me though, her cheeks were more flushed red than I've ever seen them. Seriously, why does this keep happening? One normal day is all I asked for, one!

Keep it cool Jack, things can't possibly escalate further down the crazy trail now. I get my own plate of food as well as a cooler I brought. Don't ask what's in it yet, I'll get to that in a minute.

Taking my place on the blanket, now is a good time to reveal the greatest invention since American Jazz.

The cooler opens and angels sing about the holiness of its contents.

"What… is that?" Uni asked with a very curious tone.

"I've never seen anything like it." You will see it more often now Vert.

For those of you who can't guess, it's the greatest soft drink in the history of soft drinks. Ale8. I swear upon my life one taste of the holy beverage and you'll be able to die with no regrets.

The best part is I brought enough for everyone including myself. Nodding, everyone grabs their respective drink.

"*Pop!* All the tabs go up, moment of truth.

"…"

"…"

"…" Silence… all I hear is silence.

"Yahoo! This stuff is delish!" Neptune like it a lot apparently.

"It's refreshing… like a cool winter's day with tangerines." Blanc has spoken up about how much she likes it.

The next few comments are from all of them just saying how good it is. The surprising part of this is that all of the cans are empty in almost no time flat. Good lord I know Ale8 is good but I didn't think it could frenzy them all so much. I know what comes next… the begging for more.

"Hey Jack, go get us some more." I thought Noire of all people would be polite about this. People can change sometimes in the blink of an eye.

"You'll be the greatest person in the world if you do." Not you too Uni.

"Come on Jackie-poo, go on a fetch quest and get some." Understandable by Neptune but nobody is allowed to call me that.

If it will get them to stop begging I'll go get some more. There's a convenient store not too far from where we are, might as well go there. I can't stand to see girls get sad because of something I did, I don't know why.

Standing up I signal all of them that I'm off on what Neptune calls a "fetch quest" for more Ale8. Nothing bad can come of it right?

Finally, the convenient store is near me. Not too far before I can call this adventure quits. I'm just amazed by how much has happened in the short period of time I've known them all. It's shocking me beyond belief.

Whatever, just keep walking towards the door. Upon reaching said door, it opens with a man who looks about my age walking out. He's wearing a black suit and has his hair slicked back. Not only that, but he's carrying a walking stick for show most likely. That or he has a condition where he needs it and I feel like a dick afterwards.

I've never seen him around town before, maybe he just moved in. If that's the case then there might be a bigger freak than me now.

We brush against each other accident, giving him a quick glance, he glances back at me. After that, we both just return to our everyday business. I didn't even see him leave to anywhere.

Inside is like any other convenient store. Cold, smelly, and has overpriced items. I'm just here for a twelve pack of Ale8, nothing too complicated. I walk to the back of the store and take the twelve pack I had been seeking.

Going back up to the counter, the cashier rings me up and sends me on my way. Like I said, nothing too complicated. All that's left is to get back to the picnic.

Back at the picnic area where this whole journey began nothing much has changed. We have Blanc sitting under a tree reading a book. How one person can read so much is always going to be a mystery in my book. Get it?

Rom, Ram, Vert, Neptune and Nepgear are picking up sticks and using them to play swordfight. Someone's going to end up getting hurt from this, even if it's just playing around.

That leaves Noire the only one left. All I see her doing is sleeping under a tree. From all the work she does it's no surprise she's tuckered out. I brought my own blanket in case I wanted to sleep today, I guess Noire can use it. The temperature is getting lower by the hour today. Wouldn't want her to wake up freezing.

Walking over to her I gently place the blanket on her to make it comfortable and keep her warm without waking her up. She looks so peaceful while she sleeps. Being the first time seeing this means I could never have made that observation. "Sweet dreams Noire." I whisper before standing up.

The stick fighters are too rowdy for my tastes, I think I'll go join Blanc and read. Before I can get over there actually I'm summoned to the combatants group. I guess I can play with them for a little before retreating to a good read.

"Jack, be our target!" Neptune that's dumb… wait what!?

Before I get a chance to react Neptune comes jumping really high and holding her stick back.

"Like a kangaroo!"

The only defensive option I have is to hold my hands up and deflect. As her stick strikes my forearms it releases a massive thud noise. The noise it made proves that it hurts like hell!

My arms are still up while she jumps back. Vert with excellent speed Vert comes and performs a stab attack with her extremely long stick that resembles a spear. The tip of the "spear" hit my ribcage before I had time to react. Unlike Neptune's strike, this one hits with direct force.

"Ahh!" Why are they doing this!? I thought we were friends!

Finally being able to stand back up Rom and Ram come up behind me and hit both my legs with their staves. My balance is a little shaken but not enough to make me fall over. Nepgear, the one person I thought would never hurt me puts the final nail in the coffin.

"Hyiaa!" Her stick sword actually breaks once it hits my chest. And I thought Neptune was strong. The ultimate betrayal of a friend, getting a stick broken across your body.

"Et tu Nepgear?"

Translation for anyone who didn't take a high school ancient history class. "And you Nepgear?"

"I'm sorry… they made me do it." That isn't too hard to believe.

"You were taking way too long with your fetch quest, so we had to punish you." Your logic makes no sense Neptune.

"Yeah dummy, next time go faster." Ram's just a kid so impatience is expected.

"Faster…" Rom needs some independence.

Ok, maybe I did go a little bit slow on the way back here. But did they really have to go that far with the "punishment?"

"Hey Jack, we still love you buddy, come here!"

After regaining my composure Neptune gives me a hug. Soon after, Vert joins in the part too. Before I know it, Blanc walks over and starts to hug me as well. Rom and Ram finally give in to peer pressure and offer their arms. Nepgear hugs me along with seven other girls.

All the commotion woke Noire up. Now she wants in on the action and gets in the blob around me. "You're a great friend Jack!" All eight of them say in synch.

I don't care anymore, this is great. For years I wanted friends, and now I have them. So today didn't turn out to bad after all, and the picnic was a success. It's about time to leave, I have one hell of a tale to tell Maurice tonight.