>>28640611
>> Go do some practice and exercise

And reply,"Tea sounds fine, this isn't code for something, is it?"

>>28640611
>> Go do some practice and exercise.
"Um, how did you get my number?"

>>28640611
> Go do some practice and exercise.
"Sure, when and where do you want to meet up?"

>>28640611
Practice Landlord pitch

And message back "I have plans this afternoon, can we turn it into an evening dine?"

>>28640611
>> Practice your landlord pitch.

Tell her tea would be fine.

>>28640666
>>28640687
>>28640708

Ah, toothpaste - where would man be without it? You know you wouldn't want to be most men without it, that's for sure. Washing and cleaning up properly, you go downstairs and spot the few scrunched up tissues under your coffee table. Fuck! Forgot all that in the excitement yesterday...

As you gather everything, find the used condom under your couch and throw the lot away, the memories of last evening make you smile a little. Sandra, was that her name? She was enthusiastic. Good thing you could give as good as you took. The thief in the library, not so much...

Wait. That window you saw opened, and which he leapt out of. Isn't it only opened from the inside? Aren't *most* windows only opened from the inside? As you push open the door to your dojo and switch on the lights, a sort of plan comes to mind. So Sandra used the promise of sex to get in. Then while you were shagged out and snoring away, she opened the window... to some ninja thief... and then buggered off.

... Does that make sense at all? Well at least the promise wasn't fake. Now that would be just rude. Anyway, Anna...

'How did you get my number? But sure, maybe later in the afternoon?'

The practice room is fresh before you.

> Do some routines. (roll d100 for recollection)
> Sit and meditate. (roll d100 for insight; stating possible insights gives bonuses)
> Just do some strength exercises, to keep in shape.
> Other.

Rolled 87

>>28640872
>> Sit and meditate. (roll d100 for insight; stating possible insights gives bonuses)

Rolled 18

>>28640872
>> Sit and meditate. (roll d100 for insight; stating possible insights gives bonuses)

Rolled 82

>>28640872
>> Sit and meditate. (roll d100 for insight; stating possible insights gives bonuses)

Rolled 7

>>28640872
> Sit and meditate. (roll d100 for insight; stating possible insights gives bonuses)

Charlie is a flaming homosexual
Anna is part of a polish crime gang.
Lin is part of the Chinese triad
Sandra is cheating on her fiancee
Only girls are coming to us to be a tenant; We can turn this house into a prostitution rink with minimal effort.
Only girls are coming to us to be a tenant; We can form an elite trio of martial artist girls to be our bidding.
Only girls are coming to us to be a tenant; Playboy mansion is already a thing that exists, but a second isnt a bad idea.

>>28640889
>>28640904
>>28640931
>>28640972

> It's almost like the dice actually know who's trying to attain enlightenment.
> 82, 87: Success!

The idea comes to you to fulfil the second part of your promise to great-uncle, partly because you're a little jumpy - not to mention pleasantly spent - from yesterday. No, actually, you're not spent at all, haha, haha, no that wasn't too tiring! No, sir.

Looking around, you suddenly notice that in one corner of the hall, nearest the door and opposite the tatami training area, there's actually a little sort of niche with some cushions for you to sit on. Is this supposed to be the meditation space? You sit down. Great-uncle meditates, yes, and you've, uh... technically you've meditated with him before, though you mostly sat opposite him and watched the mole on his chin twitch as he mumbles stuff and tried not to laugh.

'Pffft,' you chuckle. That mole even had hairs growing out of- MEDITATION, you.

> cont'd.

>>28641117

Uh... you fold your legs, right, and then you sit upright. Great-uncle's voice comes to you again, slowly but surely. 'Your heaven's gate, and the hearts of your palms, to the sky. Let your body be straight as a pole, but not tight. The pole doesn't need to tense to be upright.'

That's because it's made of wood, man... still. You close your eyes, considering your weird new life. What if they're *all* thieves? Anna's a thief, Charlie, Lin, all of them? Stealing... but what is theft? But what is possession...?

...

...

...

The phone's cheerful message tone jolts you awake. Ah, that was a nice min- that was 12 minutes?! You grab it and get to your feet. It's Anna. It's Charlie too, but you totally tuned that one out.

Your body feels relaxed, and while you didn't seem to gain any special insights into anything, you get a general sense of readiness for the day. Keep at it, mate. The City is your oyster. Your spine and sternum tingle at that, as if some powerful trunk nerve was touched, and energy runs through your torso to your head.

'Is 4 all right? Bringing someone along as well, so prepare for a landlord interrogation,' Anna says.

'I've got you some noodles! xx,' Charlie says. You wonder what sort of welcome you should give the new potential tenant...

> Just relax at home and wait for Charlie. It's nearly 11 now. (If you want to do anything quick, write-in).
> Go meet Charlie at the train station. This place is a little out of the way.
> Other.

>>28641117
>Implying none of the things I posted would be good things to learn


Not to mention, having a group of Angels would be excellent.

>>28641151
Go meet Charlie at the train station

After all, the look of amazement when they see the size is usually a great selling point. And a good time to make your pitch.

>>28641158

> Landlord's Angels

Actually, I can get behind that.

Thank Charlie for the noodles, ask Anna where to meet, and then work on landlord pitch. Don't mention the library.

>>28641151
>> Just relax at home and wait for Charlie. It's nearly 11 now.

Maybe text him the directions if he gets lost.

>>28641151
>> Go meet Charlie at the train station. This place is a little out of the way.

>>28641151
> Just relax at home and wait for Charlie. It's nearly 11 now.
>See if there is anything else to clean up while we wait

>>28641151
>> Just relax at home and wait for Charlie. It's nearly 11 now. (If you want to do anything quick, write-in).

>>28641151
>> Go meet Charlie at the train station. This place is a little out of the way

>>28641230
>>28641248

Second.

The question of whether you should wait for Charlie here, or go out to meet... heck, let's just say 'him' for now, comes to mind while you come out and survey the space. After last evening's slightly drizzly weather, it seems like the clouds are gearing up for more; it's still sunny here, but the distance is grey, grey, then dark grey.

Plagued by doubt over the question of what is right and proper, you slouch on the couch for a while, get up, sweep the floor half-heartedly and then eat an apple. Okay this apple wasn't very good. Let's have another one. The second one's better.

Oh fuck it, you'll go, you'll go! The house is quite clean after all. Throwing on some clothes - man, you're going to need some more clothes either from home or just here - you jog down the driveway, invigorated by the crisp, rain-soaked air, and head down to the station. Charlie messages and says the train he's on will be here in 5, so it must be the next train...

Right. Here it comes. Man, you have no idea what Charlie looks like, but you know how if you're looking for someone who's also looking for someone, and you just figure it's them? Yeah. Wait, it's not that crusty old man is it? He gives you a glare, and then you spot the person behind him.

... Oh. It's a she. Charlie waves at you and jogs up, her movements curt and athletic; she's wearing a black tracksuit zipped down to reveal her neon-green tank top, and track pants. A tanned redhead, that's a rather weird combination, but-

'Hey. You're the landlord, I reckon?' She raises a bag. 'I've got your lunch heaah.'

> You Australian or something?
> Yeah, house is this way.
> Ooh, thanks for that!
> Other.

>>28641478
> Yeah, house is this way.
> Ooh, thanks for that!

>>28641478
>You Texan or something?

>Our group of international martial artists is assembling; Just a couple more and we can start ordering the Mechs.

>>28641478

> Ooh, thanks for that!

> Yeah, house is this way.

> You Australian or something?

in this order

>>28641478
>> Ooh, thanks for that!

>>28641478
> Yeah, house is this way.
> Ooh, thanks for that!

>>28641478

... that accent. Well, between the tanned, sporty look and wherever that accent's from, you can definitely dig it. 'Thanks for the lunch! I'll take that.'

'All right then. Is the house just there?'

'No, it's that way... so your name is Charlie, you said? Is that like... Carole... or something?'

'No, mate, it's Charlotte! Charlie, Charlotte!' She laughs, a loud, hearty laugh, and strides on ahead of you, up the driveway, before stopping at the gate and glancing around. 'Wow. Never thought I'd see this kind of house in the City. Have you seen those apartments before?'

'Yeah, seen those. Well, if you like you could even live here.' You grin, and so does she, glancing at you and fluffing her long, slightly wavy red hair. Is that dyed? It's just a little too intense-looking to seem natural, but then it looks a bit half-arsed if it really is a dye job. Well, there's only one way to find out for these things, and you are not to think about it too much right now. 'So you're from... Australia? Texas? Somewhere?'

'Do I sound Texan to you?' She looks mock offended, but then laughs again up the driveway. 'No, I'm from Adelaide! And this is a really nice house. Did you buy it?'

> What do/say? Direct the tour, it's your house. Charlotte's a little... loud, but you don't mind the way she looks. Not at all.

>>28641825
"No, I inherited it."

>>28641825
No, but I've been given the duty of managing it for the foreseeable future. So, what's your business here in the City?

>>28641825
I inherited it. Make smalltalk and start the tour. Try to find out if she's interested in martial arts

>>28641825
"No, but for reals. I know Australia is a myth. So where are you actually from?"

>>28641825
"I inherited it from my Grand Uncle, he passed away recently.

I'm still moving in and furnishing the place, so it's a little bare currently."

Give her the tour, be friendly, make small talk, when we show her the dojo mention that we're a bit of a martial artist and let her know it's available if she wants a nice place inside to get some exercise or practice martial arts if she does that as long as she picks up after herself.

>>28641916
>>28641883
>>28641870
>>28641959
>>28641961

'Adelaide? Oh wow.' Your eyes widen. 'So how is living the right way up working for you?'

Charlotte laughs at that, and then gives you a back slap that resounds through the room and actually echoes. 'Oh, that's a good one! Okay, so this is the hall. Do I get to sit here as a lodger?'

Ow. Ow, damn! 'Uh... yeah, yeah you do.' You try to reach the spot of impact, but then Charlie gets there before you, rubbing your back in gentle circles as you gesture around. You give a short run-down of the dining hall and kitchen, and when you mention the dojo she brightens up. 'I'm guessing you do a bit of martial arts,' you say, leaning back against her rubbing hand.

'Yeah, yeah I do! How'd you know?'

'Just an educated guess. You can use it to practice, if you want, as long as you clean up after yourself of course. Let's go see the rooms, eh?'

'Yeah, sure.' Charlie is fixed on the dojo though, staring at the door even as you lead her up the stairs. She nods through two of the three remaining rooms - you've closed the door to Anna's - and when you take her to the second small room, she slips in past you. 'Oh, I like this one, I do.'

'You do?' You don't expect what she does next, which is to flop onto the mattress and then turn on her side to face you, propping her head on one hand. It would be remiss of you not to notice that her figure is rather more ample than Anna's; it's not just a *suggestion* of cleavage you're seeing. 'So what's your business in the City? Been here long?'

'Well...' her left hand draws circles on the mattress, and then she flops on her back again. 'Nah, just about a month. Came here to look for work, like every bloody person in the City, right? So what else is there in the house? Is the upstairs yours?'

> What do/say? Is she, uh, is she flaunting?

>>28642212
Why do I get the feeling we'll be building up a harem?

anyways,

"Technically, every part of this house is mine, so yes."

>>28642212
Yeah upstairs is mine, so no offense, but are you employed right now?

>>28642212

"Yeah that part's private."

Ask her about her kung fu. And what kind of work is she looking for?

>>28642212
Yea, whole house is mine. Library is off limits though."

>>28642212
"Upstairs is the master bedroom and the library. I'd prefer to keep those private for the time being, especially since I haven't had a chance to catalog and organize the library.

You said you were looking for work, not to be rude but I'd like to be sure that you won't have problems covering rent."

After that ask her what style of martial arts she studies.

Just found this quest and finished binging the archives.

Well. It would appear our good protagonist has gotten himself dropped in the middle of Wuxia-ville. This is going to be interesting.

'Hmm?' You shift a little, and then move to sit down and relax a little. The impression that Charlotte is, uh, flaunting herself a little does occur to you. Not that it'd affect you at all, of course... ahem. 'Yeah, the upstairs is the library. That bit is off limits, though.'

She sits up when you mention library, however. 'It's a private library? Wow. That's impressive.'

'My great-uncle is pretty impressive, I suppose,' you nod. 'Well, I'm impressed definitely. So, uh, I don't mean any offence, but you said you're looking for work? So... like, do you...'

'Oh, I've got some savings. It's not a problem, don't worry about it.'

'So what do you work as?'

'Heh, well, take another educated guess.' She gets up and grins. 'I worked for a few years as a librarian, that's why I was so excited when I heard there was a library upstairs.'

... well, that's handy, seeing as you need your stuff catalogued. 'I see. Well, how about your kung fu? So what... is it like a school? Did you practice in Adelaide or something?'

'Man, you're a curious one aren't you?' She walks up to you and then gestures to the door. 'It's Bajiquan. I did it when I was a kid and lived in the City. That's why I thought to come back here, you see. How bout you? Wanna spar?'

> What do/say? She's already popping her knuckles. Wow, they pop pretty loud.

>>28642671
Sure.

Also, mention that you would have no problem evicting if she goes into the library. It is off limits and has already had trouble. We are srs

>>28642671
I think we have time for that. Let's do it.

>>28642671
"Perhaps later."

Talk to her about the rent and stuff.

>>28642671
Sure for sparring, don't say anything about the library, we might need her help later.

>>28642671
>I worked for a few years as a librarian
Maybe we could pay her to help catalog the library?

>>28642671
I like that idea

>>28642671
"Sure. Sounds like fun.

Oh, in the interests of full disclosure I should probably let you know that my Grand Uncle was known as the Fourth Master, and two people have attacked me since I got here yesterday due to that.

I figure if you're thinking about living here you should about this."

>>28642671
...I'm feeling paranoid of her. She's conveniently a librarian, is flaunting around, and seems quick to want to spar too. Hrm.

>>28642710
>>28642726
>>28642729
>>28642734
>>28642763

Charlotte's attitude is pretty enthusing, but you can't help worrying about the library. She said she was a librarian, and... you know, maybe you could have her help with the cataloguing of the library later. But for now, you're not sure you trust her. She stands at the door and laughs when you get up.

'Well... I know just a little. I mean, I don't even know what school that was you just said. But sure, if you want to take a look and see how it runs...'

'Mate, mate, I was joking! Oh man, you look so serious. Relax. I'm not about to beat my landlord up, right?' She heads out again, walking past the stairway, then down to the dojo door. 'Well, I think everything checks out nicely. Can I use your kitchen to cook, then?'

'That should be fine. Don't burn the place down, don't yada yada, you know the rest.'

'Yeah I just make salads mostly. You don't mind me washing my lingerie in your washing machine? I mean, I don't see the problem, but some people in the City...'

'It... should be fine as well.' You never really thought of that as an objection, too, and chuckle. 'Don't flood the place, yada yada.'

'Good! So what's the price like? A thousand a month, thereabouts?' Charlotte swings the door open. 'Or if I beat you in a fight do I get a discount? Go on then, landlord...'

> ... wow, that's an interesting offer.
> How react? Charlie's pretty flirty, winking you in. Well, again, no obvious objections there...

>>28642991
She wants the 800 room right?
How about giving it to her for 800 if she can beat us in a fight.
If we beat her still give it to her for 800.

>>28642991
Uh, no, I don't think it works that way.

also, was the rent about 1200 a month?

>>28642991
Maybe after we can work up a bet after I settle everything up and get other tenants?

>>28643038
For the big ones. This is a small one.

>>28642991
Special discount for you, only 950!

She's talking about the 800 room right?

>>28643038

> That's for the bigger room. But the small room Charlie seems to like is 800.

> You try to think of some evil reason she might want that particular room. It's right under the library's big windows, come think of it. But unless she's also a bloody ninja, well... in any case, if you catch her coming through the window, that's probably good grounds for eviction, arrest and police treatment.

> So there you are, entering the dojo.

Stop being jewish, goddamnit

>>28642991
"No discounts due to fights. Pricing is business, fighting is a hobby, I try not to let the two mix.

The room is 800 a month, the remaining larger one is 1200 in case you were wondering."

And tell her a bit about our Grand Uncle and that people have attacked us while getting groceries due to our relation with him. She either already knows or she doesn't know and I'd rather not spring it on her.

>>28643077
...Yeah. Paranoia time. Don't let her in.

The police already seem to not really be up for doing anything in the area we're in.

>>28643107

Man, I bet you get pissed when people start humming tunes or play ball in the park.

Loosen up. Join the fight and say it's 900. Squeeze her a little but be nice.

>>28643108
Or we could install iron bars around the library windows.

>>28643144
900 is more than the base price. Fuck off.

>>28643077
I think we should work under the assumption that everyone we meet is a ninja.

Offer her the other small room.

>>28643164
No, 800 was an estimate. If we can get 900 why not?

>>28643173
Remember how our uncle did things, lets be a nice guy and give her the benefit of the doubt.

>>28643144
I'm fine with people humming tunes, and only have problems with people playing ball in the park if a fly ball lands in my tea.

>>28643200
We told Anna it was 1200/800, I'd prefer to be consistent.

>>28643217
We are still giving her a room

Just a different one of the same quality.

>>28643236
Even so, she seems to like this one so I'd prefer to give her the benefit of the doubt and let her have it.

>>28643200
Because we already said prices to Anna, putting up different prices could cause tension later and it's a bit of a dick move.

>>28643229
Same.

You hesitate at the threshold, mulling over the offer. Uh... well, 200 Gobies above the estimated price would always be nice. But then if other tenants got word, then...

'Aww, come on mate, get in! I want to see the-' Charlie shoves you in, closes the door behind both of you, and then pauses. 'Oh blimey. This is fantastic! It's even better than the training place in Adelaide! So you inherited this as well?'

'Yeah...' you turn on the fans, and Charlie's hair waves a little. Oh, she's taken off her hairband now. 'My great-uncle was a bit of a martial arts fanatic, you see, so he built this place up.'

'Was he the founder of a school or something?' She walks over to the tatami, and as she does so she also shrugs off the track jacket, putting it on the floor and turning round. Wow, she's got some nice muscles on her arms - not the rather overdone bodybuilder sort, but you can definitely see them flexing there. Certainly she looks the part of a wugong person. 'And so, a thousand if you win, 800 if I do?'

'Well, I was going to give 800 anyway, really.' You don't quite know why you said that. Are you afraid of money!? But then righteousness is worth more, right? 'But hey, if you want to give me money...'

'Like hell I am!' She laughs and stretches, not minding in the least that you're watching as she bends to stretch her legs. Then both of you move into a stance.

You'll need to beef up security on that library, man...

> Attack. (roll d100).
> Defend. (roll d100).
> Wait, wait, stop!
> Other.

Rolled 39

>>28643408
>> Defend. (roll d100).

Rolled 60

>>28643408
> Attack. (roll d100).

Rolled 70

>>28643408
> Defend. (roll d100).

Rolled 26

>>28643408
> Defend. (roll d100).

Play it safe, get her measure before we make any risky moves.

Rolled 99

>>28643408
> Attack. (roll d100).

Leroy Jenkins. that is all.

>>28643462
Fine, let's scream Leroy Jenkins as we charge her. This ought to be amusing.

>>28643462
Does it count?

>>28643521
Don't actually scream Leroy Jenkins, please. We're a somewhat serious martial artist, this is one of the ways we pay respect to our Grand Uncle, we don't scream old internet catchphrases.

>>28643521
Please don't.

>>28643525
Well, it is in the first five rolls.

>>28643521
Wrenloft please no.

>>28643462
>>28643447
>>28643443
>>28643441
>>28643421

> Seeing as the 99 was for attack, I'll take it even if it's a close minority. Hope no one minds.
> 99 vs. 32: Seriously?!

As you flex into stance, the meditation you did this morning sudden works a burst of magic. You take a deep breath, and blink when the world seems to flicker and images of your great-uncle practicing his fist style flash in your mind. Holy shit, that's it! You spent an entire bloody day trying to remember what exactly he called his style, and now it comes back to you in a moment.

It's the 'Torrent Fist'. 'Cam kuen', he would call it, in his native Cantonese. And then you remember that there's 28 routines, which is a lot, and that some of them are quite slow and defensive, and others are really-

'Hey, y'all right?' Charlie cracks her knuckles again, then her neck, and gets back in stance. 'Or shall I come to you?'

'No need for that,' you say, grinning with a newfound calm and confidence, and then you rush forward, closing the distance before swerving to the left, then shifting to the right so your entire body moves into a punch at her flank. She sees that, but is almost too slow to fend it off; your hand relaxes a little just before it hits her arm, pushing Charlotte back slightly. Don't want to break a tenant's bones!

'Woah,' she says. 'Nice one! Here I come, then!'

> cont'd.

>>28643656

'Sure-' but you don't manage to say any more because Charlie's also *fast*. Unlike you, she moves in a straight line, and continues advancing even as she dodges a fist, moving almost up into you. You catch a whiff of deodorant, then hastily block one elbow from the side and lean back as she thrusts her right elbow upwards, her body stretching above yours while you try to regain your balance.

You slap your left hand loudly on the tatami to stabilise yourself, and she makes use of the space to punch downwards, but parrying that with your right hand, you manage to thrust your knee into her hip with a jolt. She's just in time to dodge under the first, high swing kick, but then your training kicks in.

'This,' great-uncle says, 'is the routine of the Legs. The dragon's head and tail are never both glimpsed; one disappears as the other reveals itself.'

Swivelling around, you launch your right leg the moment your left toes touch tatami, and the straight kick connects directly with Charlotte's hands. Even both her hands can't stop you from pushing through to her stomach, though, so she reels several paces as you get up and into stance again.

'Nice,' she says. 'Now I'm *really* coming.'

With that, she charges. You block one, two swings, parry a third straight just before it connects, then feel your left leg buckle as she kicks your foot out of position. You're going low, and you think you can spot an opening...

> Roll d100 for the below.

> Quick, attack!
> No attack without defence. Stabilise yourself.
> Other.

Rolled 13

>>28643809
>> No attack without defence. Stabilise yourself.

Rolled 36

>>28643809
> No attack without defence. Stabilise yourself.

>>28643809
>> Quick, attack!

Rolled 27

>>28643809

> Quick, attack!

Rolled 22

>>28643809
>No attack without defense

Rolled 66

>>28643809
>No attack without defence. Stabilise yourself

Rolled 40

>>28643809
>> Quick, attack!

>>28643872
Well, at least we won't fail miserably.

>>28643820
>>28643834
>>28643848
>>28643868
>>28643871
>>28643872

> You still have residual bonus from the previous superior roll. Not that you need it...
> 66 + 20 vs. 39: Victory.

Your first instinct is to immediately punch upwards even as you fall, just so you could hit Charlie's abdomen before she can block with both her high hands. But then you decide instead to stabilise yourself, again thrusting your left hand against the tatami so you can regain balance.

That turns out to be a wise move, since Charlie's second low kick - which seemed to be coming for your face - is a feint. Planting her foot firmly back on the floor at the same time as you, she swivels so her knee juts out across the small distance, but now that you aren't falling you easily back away from that. As you regain your feet, her second killer attack then comes - a hammer blow directly from above, swinging down as she give a focused shout.

'Haa-'

You twist around and let your folded right arm take the blow, allowing it to glance off even as one half of your arm is jolted into the other; the force passes harmlessly through you. Charlie's stance is now overextended! You then shoot up to grab her upper arm, pulling her towards you with the force of your entire body moving backwards into an upright stance, and land a proper hit on her solar plexus, pushing her body away. You can feel muscles flexing, which should minimise damage, but that's still a hard hit.

'Oof,' she reels, her expression clearly surprised by this. Charlie's right hand shoots out to grab you, however, and before you can let go of her left, she also topples backwards, pulling you along. You're about to fall on top of-

Grrhk! Your knees find the ground, and then you hear Charlie laugh. Her top's slid a little as she's lying on her back, you holding each other's arms.

'Looks like I lost that punch,' she concedes. 'But I've got you in guard position though.'

> Claim the win.
> Well, that's a draw then...
> Other.

>>28644269
>> Claim the win.

>>28644269
> Claim the win.

>>28644269
>Claim her body

>>28644269
I'll admit a draw, for a good future relationship

>>28644326
Yes.

File: 1386126153304.png-(71 KB, 400x279, 1373139988255.png)

71 KB PNG

>>28644326
Nah go for a draw.

>>28644269
admit draw

>>28644269

>Call it a draw

File: 1386126233613.jpg-(10 KB, 185x220, ranceface.jpg)

10 KB JPG

>>28644326

>>28644269

It's a draw. We have disadvantage in guard position.

>>28644447
This guy knows what is up.

Winning a fight is practically a free coupon for one rape.

wohoo wugong quest!

Everybody was Kung Fu Fighting
Those kicks were fast as lightning
In fact, it was a little bit frightening
But they fought with expert timing

Draw it is.

You look down at Charlie's legs, clasped - actually, very tightly clasped - around your waist, forcing you backwards and downwards so your knees actually hurt a little. Damn, even while resting, she's subtly putting you in a submission hold! That's unfair - you were the first to land a proper punch.

'Um...' besides, there isn't a way for you to relieve the stress without, uh... you bend over her, pressing down against her hips so you can rest on your hands as well, hovering above Charlie's face. Okay no this is a bit wrong. But it feels so right. For your knees, that is! She looks a little surprised as you close in, then lies back, crossing arms under her head.

'That's not an allowed move, landlord,' she says.

'That's not what I-' you wince as she laughs, and can actually feel her movements transmitted through the legs gripping you. No, you were lying when you said it felt right only for your knees. THIS IS AWKWARD. 'Okay, okay, it's a draw!' You finally say, and then she laughs even harder while her legs release your grip, allowing you finally to back away and sit upright.

A socio-mental submission hold - well done, Charlie, well done. You rub your hips as she quickly sits up. 'So it's 800 for a draw, you said?'

> What say? That isn't in the agreement! This is your last chance to negotiate a price for now.

>>28644658
"Sounds like a fair price, Also, thanks for the spar,"

>>28644658
Sure

>>28644658
"Sounds about right."

>>28644658
"Fine, fine. We should do this again some time."

>>28644658
"800, and some lessons in Bajiquan. Fair?"

>>28644658
"No, we comprimise. Win was 1k, loss was 800, draw is logically 900."

>>28644892
Normally I would agree, but we already told her the price beforehand so this would be kinda a dick move.

>>28644705
>>28644706
>>28644714
>>28644745
>>28644747
>>28644892

'What? That's if you won, man,' you say. Charlotte raises an eyebrow and then crosses her arms.

'That's not a good way to build up a relationship with your tenants, mate.'

'I was just joking... mate,' you shake your head. 'What, do I always sound so serious? It's 800, sure. But I also want some lessons in... Bajiquan, was it? How's that for a deal?'

She gives you an ambiguous look, tilting her head this way and that and glancing at you out of the corner of her eye. Come think of it, you didn't ask what style Anna was using. Unlike Charlie, you don't recall her using her elbows, nor so much her fists; there was something... faster, more fluid about the way she fought. Not that it hurt any less though. As you're thinking that, though, she gestures to leave the dojo.

You open the door for her, but as you close the door and turn around she suddenly pins you against it, leaning up at your face. Just enough time for you to notice her eyes are a nice jade green. 'Woah, wha-'

'800 and lessons, and-' she pecks you on the cheek, before withdrawing and bursting into more laughter at your discomfiture. 'That's a good deal for you, I think! Could I move in tomorrow?'

> ... duuude! How do you react?
> You realise it's almost half 2 now. And you haven't checked where Anna's meeting you.

>>28645135
Sounds good, I've got another client to meet for now though, so I'll see you soon.

Go to Anna

>>28645135
Reaction? What reaction?

agree to have her move in tomorrow. call up anna and see where we should meet.

>>28645178
Sounds good to me.

>>28645135
your harem has grown by one!


"Uh, um, tomorrow's, yes, tomorrow's fine. How much stuff will you be moving in?"

>>28645282
No harems.

>>28645300
We're kinda accumulating a harem of cute martial arts girls.

I never knew punching a girl in the gut could be so hot.

With our luck, those two are from rival schools or something.

>>28645342
I like monogamous relationships

>>28645300
yes this is no harem story but as previously observed we seem to be attracting female kung fu types as our tenants

>>28645358
Well tough shit, son.

>>28645386
Yes, but that's different from being an actual harem

>>28645300
>>28645342
>>28645347
>>28645282
>>28645242
>>28645241
>>28645178

'Uh...' Come on. That was quite hot, and you enjoyed it. Then again, you're not going to say that, because that'd be weird. Also because you know your face is warmer than usual, so Charlie already sees it. 'Yeah, sure. Tomorrow's fine. Are you moving a lot of stuff? If you are, I could help you with it maybe?'

'Oh, that's fine! I've just got one backpack and a suitcase.' She waves as she heads for the door, one hand pressed against her belly. 'I've been living at a hotel, and it's crazy! Can't wait to get out and then come over here. Am I the only tenant for now?'

'Just for one day. Another person's coming on Thursday.' You grin. 'She also does a bit of kung fu, actually, so maybe that's something you guys can fight about?'

'What's with you and girls who know to fight?' Charlie gives you a slight punch on the chest as you smile that question away, then opens the door. 'Well, I'll see you tomorrow then. Ta ta!'

'Ta ta, Charlie...' only when she's already disappeared behind the trees do you realise why you've been glancing a little below her face several times. It's because of the tank top's cut, which in turn is visible because she's left her track jacket here. Oh well, she'll be back tomorrow...

Picking up the phone, you read the address Anna gave you. 'Horizon Hotel Basingham, 2nd Mezzanine, meet at the Tea Rooms. See you then.'

... that sounds formal... probably ought to shower first.

> Go in your normal clothes.
> Try to dress up a bit.
> Other.

> What are your views on Charlotte?

>>28645537
>> Try to dress up a bit.

>>28645537
>> Try to dress up a bit.

Nothing too fancy, a collared shirt should be fine.

>>28645537
Let's head out in the normal clothes
> What are your views on Charlotte?
I like her most as of the moment

>>28645537
> Try to dress up a bit.

We may as well look nice.


> What are your views on Charlotte?
Nice, hot, good fighter, easy to get along with. Hasn't tried to kill us which is a major point in her favor at this point in our life.

>>28645537
Send Charlie a quick shout or something.

"Im forming a group of girls to work under me, doing tasks that usually involve fighting. You can be the captain, if you want. Ill even name them after you."

>>28645615
No.

>>28645537
> Try to dress up a bit.
And emphasis on "a bit" - too formal will give an odd impression, and that's not us.

>>28645537
> What are your views on Charlotte?

interesting. cheery and laughs alot, and that accent... also doesn't seem to mind getting a bit physical, which may or may not cause trouble in the future, depending.

>>28645579
>>28645587
>>28645609
>>28645615
>>28645631
>>28645664
>>28645569
>>28645740

> Have some errands to run, will be about an hour after this post. Also lunch.
> Thanks for your patience!

After a quick shower, during which time you manage to find out the location of the Horizon Hotel - it's in Basingham District, damn son, who would've known - you change into a light pink shirt. Just had to be the only one you thought to pack, too... well, pink's manly, isn't it, that's what they say.

Jeans should do. A sudden seizure of insecurity makes you reach for your cologne. That wasn't too much, was it? Wait a minute, why are you even being so nervous? It's a freaking hotel high tea! Bleh.

The rain has the decency to begin falling the moment you open your door and no later, so at least you can grab an umbrella. Basingham, it turns out, is all the way at the western end of the promontory, a 45 minute train ride even on the fast train that you managed to catch. It's half full even at this strange time, but since no one appears to talk other than the TV screens, you end up looking out the window at the scenery.

At first the line goes along the coast, which is lovely, but soon it turns a little and then you're back into the city, an insane jumble of high-rise apartments and roads. Some roads fly over the track, some fly under; between all these the buildings and offices sprout like concrete trees.

> cont'd.

>>28645852
Damn, if it is raining, we should bring two umbrellas, just in case.

>>28645874
In case Anna doesnt have one, that is.

>>28645852
> pink shirt
we'll never live this down

>>28645852
>lunch
Ha, you must be from Adelaide then no doubt.

>>28645852

Thankfully, this part ends as well; turning back out along the coast, you're treated to some greenery and hills and sea views, though everything is blurred by the rain which lashes at the windowpanes. The woman beside you suddenly raises her voice into the phone, but by then you're almost at the station and get up hastily to get out.

'This is Basingham Central. Please mind the gap.'

Never mind the fecking gap, where's the- you turn a full circle in the station, a high, cavernous metal and glass space with six platforms that must be a pretty major interchange. A tree of signs points towards exits from A through P. Sixteen fucking exits! How the hell do you-

But thankfully you turn again and spot the map down the platform, and then things get even easier when you spot the figure waiting there, wearing a brown coat that reaches down to her knees and covers a pair of dark jeans and a cream-coloured blouse. Wow. Clothes really do make a difference, don't they? You kind of had Anna down as an actiony, sporty kind of girl...

She spots you too as you come up and smiles. 'Hey,' she says, in her low voice. 'Hope it wasn't too much of a trek? The hotel's that way...'

> What do/say along the walk?

>>28645966
So who's this mysterious prospect?

>>28645966
"Not a hard trip at all.

Mind telling me about the person I'm meeting?"

>>28645966

"Nice coat. So who's this we're meeting? Not an excuse to just ask me out, right?"

yo OP y u like Polish girls so much?

>>28646939
Polish girls are the most attractive

>>28646020
And she is female, isnt she?

>>28646020
>>28646067
>>28646253

> Heck. Errand hasn't started yet. But if I disappear around now you'll know why.

'Nah, it wasn't difficult. Just sit on the train and get off. Nice coat, by the way.' You kind of mean it, it's a nice, earthy sort of brown.

'Thanks! You're pretty stylin' too. So how was your evening? Dinner date went well?'

'Ah, the dinner date.' Do you really want to talk about scoring? Let's not. 'Yeah, pretty well. Making new friends round the area, I suppose.'

Anna leads you through a tunnel, out into the open, then under a marble-roofed walkway into a rather grand, if a little generic, hotel lobby. You go in and glance around, and then start as you feel something round your arm, but it's only Anna sliding her arm inside yours. You don't really feel the inclination to complain, so she just leads you past the receptionists.

'So you come here a lot, do you?'

'Occasionally. They had a discount on.' Anna chuckles.

'And who's this you're taking me to see? I'm a little apprehensive...'

'Oh, Paul?' She rolls her eyes a little while going up the stairs to the mezzanine. Already you can smell baked goods; it smells *really* nice. 'As usual, he's slightly late. He's a bit of a businessperson, someone I got to know at university.'

'Sounds legit,' you begin, but then as you reach the landing Anna leans in towards your ear. Actually she's not a full head taller than you, now that you reconsider it; that would be truly disturbing. Just a little.

'He keeps trying to get me to be his 'muse'. By which I mean some sort of topless model for this magazine he's trying to launch. So I'm a wee bit worried about him.'

> What do/say?

>>28646939

> Nothing's not to like. Especially not their nightmare difficulty language.

>>28647115
How much does he make?

>>28647115
"He sounds like a creep. Im not sure if I want him in the house, or he might do something weird in the middle of the night."

Sorry Paul boy, those spots are reserved for Women.

>>28647115
"yeah that is kinda weird"

>>28647115
"Well you can always punch his lights out if you need to."

>>28647279
I'm pretty fucking sure she could stand up for herself.

>>28647115
"That's somewhat... concerning. What's the magazine about?"

>>28647214
>>28647241
>>28647242
>>28647279
>>28647310
>>28647362

Huh. As you are led to the counter, you wonder what this means. Pessimistically, you might say you're a human shield for Anna - but then why you? She's been here for years, it sounds like, and doesn't look like the sort who'd be short of friends or men wanting to DEFEND HER HONOUR.

'Good afternoon,' the waitress says. 'For two?'

'For three, actually,' Anna smiles. Then under her breath to you, 'unfortunately.'

You stifle a chuckle. Well, the optimistic way of looking at it is that Anna clearly thinks you're upstanding enough to be a neutraliser, in case the Paul guy decides to make some sort of advance. But that doesn't sound right either. Anyway, you get the Earl Grey because why not, and Anna gets the Lapsang Souchong. 'So... by businessman do you mean, enormous businessman? Or he does 'business'?'

'To be honest, I'm not sure.' Anna lounges back in the seat, crossing her legs. 'The last I heard of him he was doing a business that sounded suspiciously like money-muling. So a little dodgy, see.'

'Why don't you just punch him out if he makes a move on you?'

'I could do that,' she smiles at you a little ruefully, 'if I didn't care about legal consequences. Oh dear, there he comes.'

Paul is a slicked back, handsome man in a dark grey suit who shakes Anna's hands and insists on two kisses, and then gives you a slightly squeezy handshake. Bastard. You hate that. 'So who's your friend, Anna?'

'Future landlord.'

'Oh, you have to be careful of your tenant then. Feisty. Feisty girl.' You... don't say. He rubs his designer stubble, sidles closer to Anna. 'It's been such a long time, you.'

'It has,' she rolls her eyes in your direction.

> What is your reaction, landlord?

>>28647548
Hi, how much do you make?

>>28647548
Right, so what did you guys want to talk about?

>>28647548
"Im well aware."

Grin at him and wink.

"Now then, Im told you want to move in too? Now unfortunately, it seems that the rooms are filling up fast, and you may well be the last person to move in. As a result, I might have to charge a bit more. 1500/1100, perhaps. But you are a wealthy and successful businessman, so Im sure you will have no issue with such a small chunk of change."

>>28647609
I don't think we're here to give him a sales pitch, we don't want him living with us and neither does she.

>>28647609
Stop trying to increase the price.
Offer him the normal

>>28647548
"Hi. I'm [name]. Nice to meet you ..."

Leave off a trailing end to ask for his name.

"So, what brings you here?"

>>28647624
Earlier, Anna said "prepare for a landlord interrogation"

I assumed it meant that her guest wanted a room too.

>>28647649
No, fuck you. Increasing price is how you make money.

>>28647649

Fuck offering him anything, seems like a douchebag.

"So I hear you want to move in? Sorry, I got a tenant for it just today."

>>28647704
We don't even fucking know him, we haven't said even one word to him

>>28647699
I wouldn't assume that it means he wants to move in. He's a businessman, he probably has his own lodgings.

It's a landlord interrogation because this guy is somewhat creepy towards Anna and will probably want to interrogate us.

>>28647548
Does he look like he could be a martial artist under his suit? Is he wearing a tie? Is it a clipon?

We ought to know, just in case we end up punching him in the face.

Stay generally polite, don't offer him a room.

>>28647548
You know this just came to mind.
Do we have any friends who'd like to move in with us?

>>28647649
I take it you've never heard of haggling?

>>28647604

> That was errand and lunch.
> Reading and typing now.

You nod and smile and say something about how Anna seems perfectly well behaved so far, while boggling internally. Wait, so when Anna said landlord interrogation, did she mean for you to prepare to interrogate someone? Or was it-

'So, how'd you come by a place to live in the City? Perhaps just buying up real estate as an investment? This place is really becoming unlivable if you're actually from here, eh?'

-right, okay, the other one then.

'Paul's thinking about investments, as he always is.' Conversation is temporarily interrupted by the tea coming, and when the waitress turns to Paul he grins. 'Have you got whisky?'

'Well, yes, sir, but I'm not sure-'

'Then whisky. On the rocks.' He turns around. 'Yeah, see, I used to invest in things. Coal in China, internet infrastructure in Eastern Europe, and iron ore in Brazil. Well, that last one was just two years ago. You should've seen Anna's face when I told her that's one of the areas I was working in.'

She looks like she's about to talk, but then Paul cuts in again. 'Oh all right, don't inflict your pitch on another poor man merely trying to make some money. It's harmful to native communities, devastating to the rainforest, and coal accelerates climate change. Yada, yada, Anna.'

You look him over, trying to look for signs that he, too, might be into martial arts. Certainly he fills his suit out, and not in the pot-bellied kind of way. There's something sleek about him... no, not sleek. *Slick*. Even in his body shape. 'So, Paul... you don't invest in that anymore?'

'Not when it breaks Anna's heart, I wouldn't.'

'He withdrew because the deal failed.'

'Tsk!' The look is momentarily real hostility, before a smile is draped on it. 'Well, now I invest in beauty. The... sense of beauty.'

> Pray tell more.
> Actually, Anna, didn't you forget your left arm? Let's go find it. (Find a better excuse to go if you have one.)
> Cut Paul off, talk to Anna.
> Other.

>>28648191
>> Pray tell more.
So what do you want

>>28648191
>> Pray tell more.

>>28648191
> Pray tell more.
"Oh, so you invest in art? A noble endeavour."

>>28648191
Now this Pail guy sure sounds like bad news. Pride and arrogance. I'm sure the great-uncle would have some sayings or anecdotes to share over his kind.

>>28648335
>>28648314
>>28648293

Beauty? Uh... you smile and nod again. Seem to be doing that quite a bit now. Conversation pauses for a while more as the trays of snacks come, and then you realise belatedly that you've not had the noodles from just now that Charlie bought you. Damn, they won't go bad if you leave them out right?

'So... artwork, perhaps? That's always a noble thing to invest in.'

'No, no, so much artwork is artifice.' Paul shakes his head, lifting one hand for the waitress to slip his whisky glass into. 'The whole City, as it is, is so full of artifice. Fake people, with fake faces, and fake everything in their bodies, flouncing around. But I'm always after that... that... oh, Anna, give the quote please won't you?'

With a slight wince as if she's already getting a tension headache, Anna says, 'Beauty is truth, truth beauty-'

''Ye know on earth, that's all you need to know.' Yeah, that one. Real beauty is, you know, natural. True. I'm investing in natural beauty. Beautiful women, you know? Models, agencies... for photos, videos, the lot of stuff.'

'Right. I see.' You don't know if you should drag Anna into this. She leans forward.

'Don't mind if I start,' she says, taking a cucumber sandwich.

'Actually I was here mainly to make a pitch to Anna.'

'Answer's no. Answer's been no since forever.'

'But I need your talents! Not even just your beauty. Though goodness knows that's enough.'

Dear god, this guy just a nudge short of an attempted rape case, isn't he just...

> What do now, landlord? Anna sounds... hardened, again. But Paul is faux-pleasant as ever.

>>28648565
Alright well, I don't think this is going anywhere so let's blow this joint

>>28648565
"Hey, Anna, I think you left your jacket at my place. Let's go get it."
grab the sandwich, too.

>>28648565
The more I hear that guy talk the less I like him.

>>28648565
Check our cellphone. "Hey Anna, didn't you say you wanted to meet the other tenants? We need to go if you want to make it in time."

>>28648565
"My Grand Uncle always said that beauty must be allowed to flow freely to be truly beautiful. You won't find natural beauty in something hesitant."

Then segue into mentioning that she forgot her coat, or asking if she'd like to meet one of the new tenants.

>>28648659
Seconded

>>28648565
"She would certainly be wasted on you then. Your endeavour has as much to do with truth as the yellow press."

>>28648606
>>28648607
>>28648637
>>28648659
>>28648685
>>28648711

You lean forward just as Anna leans back, and grab one of the ham sandwiches; and then Anna quickly scoots over, almost touching you. Paul sighs, closing his eyes in a show of benign frustration. 'Anna dear-'

'You know, Paul,' you swallow the little bite of sandwich, 'I always thought beauty kind of flows from the goodness of a person. Some people think there's no link but I think there is.'

Paul glances up at you, and again there is that momentary flash of genuine rage before he recovers his composure at being interrupted. Anna glances at you, winks a little, and then nods in Paul's direction. 'Well, certainly the Greeks thought so.'

'Yeah.' Did they? Buggered if you know. Anyway. 'So the point of natural beauty is, you don't call a river beautiful after you've dammed it. When something's forced into a shape, then it's not natural anymore, is it?'

'I'm not sure you understand my point enough to be commenting, and I'm not sure, Anna, that you're-'

> cont'd.

>>28648955

That's when you make your move. Tapping Anna's shoulder, you deliberately sidle up to her and cut Paul off mid-sentence, knowing he is glaring at you. 'Anna. Your jacket when you came to look at the room yesterday. It's still there.'

'Hmm? Oh yes!' She quickly gets to her feet. 'Don't worry, Paul, it's on me.'

You hook your arm around Anna's again, and lead her out towards the counter. Oh shit, you didn't get any sandwiches! But they- we-

'Anna. Anna! You like fighting, don't you?'

You feel a tug and turn to see that she's frozen in her step. Anna turns around, guiding you to move too. 'I used to, Paul.'

'I'm asking for just one fight, really. A private one. It's a client out in the Islands.' Paul shifts to take up the space you and Anna occupied just now. 'I need you to say yes quickly, see. He's pretty... impatient.'

'Well-'

'And he's likely to take it out on people you know, if he's impatient.' The barb in Paul's words is evident. 'Including people you've been seen walking around with.'

She blinks, and then looks at you.

> W-what do/say to Anna? It's her decision to make, but she seems to be looking for advice.

>>28649045
Wait, fights? Not modeling?

>>28649045
Sounds like your problem Paul, not ours. Anna clearly doesn't want to.

>>28649045
"I can handle myself."

Time to invest in a weapon.

>>28649045

"I'm going to have to get better at fighting anyway, part of the deal with the house. A few more people coming after me will be a little annoying, but they'll have to get in line behind everyone else."

>>28649045
"Anna, don't worry about me. I will be fine..." Purposeful pause while narrowing our eyes at Paul "...regardless of your decision."

>>28649045
"Don't worry about me, you don't need to do this if you don't want to"

>>28649045
"Don't worry about me. If you don't want to do it, don't do it. Don't let him manipulate you."

>>28649045
What's that, now he's recruiting to Mortal Kombat?

"You don't need to worry on our account, Anna. Impatient people is nothing we can't handle."

>>28649045
"It sounds likely that he'd take out some of his frustration on the one who failed to bring him the fight he wanted. What a shame.

Don't worry on my account, I'll be alright."

>>28649177
No, he's making veiled threats that he'll attack us if she doesn't fight him.

>>28649177
Ahh damn, let's drop the plural from those sentences. No need to address your person like a monarch.

>>28648565
>The whole City, as it is, is so full of artifice. Fake people, with fake faces, and fake everything in their bodies, flouncing around.

Oh, hey there Holden Caulfield!

>>28649211
And we're giving him a veiled reply that we can handle it.

Anna's eyes are greyish, and you watch them narrow and search your face. But you simply tighten your hold around her arm slightly, which is enough of a nudge for her to sense.

'Hmm?' Anna blinks, and you feel her body bump against you lightly. *She* is sleek, come think of it. That's a reasonably good word for her.

'You don't have to worry about me,' you say, smiling a bit. 'I'll be fine no matter what you decide. It's not like I can't handle impatient people. Or twats.'

She beckons to you to lean over, and then closes to your ear. 'That's sweet of you,' she whispers, tickling your ear slightly. 'But you're not the only worry.'

'Then-'

'I've got this.' Did she just kiss your ear gently or was that just breathing? You can't tell.

'So, Anna,' sip of whisky, 'what say you? Like I said, my client-'

'Which client is this?' She says. 'On the Islands. So... S?'

'Not S.'

'T, then.'

'You really have got everything going for you, Anna. Fists, face, figure... fast thinking. Even I am lost for words. Now do you want to continue this high tea?'

'It seems a waste to let you have the whole thing,' she says coldly, then turns to you. 'What do you say, landlord?'

> Let's get out.
> Let's stay.
> Other.

> If going out, where'll you be going? Give general suggestions (eg. bar, Italian restaurant), then roll d100.

Rolled 98

>>28649395
>> Let's get out.

Bookstore

>>28649395
>> Let's stay.
If we are going to turn the cunt down, we had ought to do so in a way that leaves no room for misunderstanding.

File: 1386141011669.jpg-(72 KB, 498x499, 6ba.jpg)

72 KB JPG

>>28649424
Based.

>>28649395
> Let's stay.

"It would be a waste of some nice sandwiches.

Besides, we may as well hear him out in entirety. We can always leave later."

Rolled 20

>>28649395
Let's go, she can go wherever but we should go home.
Aren't cable people supposed to come?

Rolled 2

>>28649395

Let's go find a nice cafe.

Rolled 22

>>28649395
> Let's get out.
"I say his presence fouls the taste. Let's find a more suitable place."

>>28649529
>>28649487
>>28649467
>>28649464
>>28649462
>>28649453
>>28649424

> 98: Nicely done... Anna!

'I think we should just go,' you say softly. 'I think he's spoiled it somewhat.'

'You think so too?' Anna's voice, on the other hand, is clearly loud enough for Paul to hear and to frown at; but she just smiles. 'Yeah, I think so too. Let's go then.'

'Anna! Is that a yes?' But you've already walked out past the counter. You glance back as you reach the steps, but clearly Paul hasn't followed you out, and you turn to your partner and tenant to be.

'So... do you want to go to a bookshop?' She says. 'I know a nice place not too far from here. They've got plenty of books, and a cafe too. It's my normal hideout when I'm in university.'

'Sounds great. Didn't think someone like you needed a hideout, though.'

'Oh goodness yes. So very much yes, I do.' She shakes her head, the ponytail swaying gently.

The BookTown Yamadaya, it turns out, is a five story monster, part of a twenty-storey building that overlooks a slope leading down to the sea. Going in, Anna begins giggling. 'You know, I didn't actually pay the bill. So Paul'll have to settle it.'

'Nice one!'

'Also, are you going to continue holding my arm like that?' You turn to receive another of her sly smiles. It isn't quite a surprise kiss on the cheek, but man Anna knows flirty as well...

> Remove arm.
> Heck, it's a cute girl on your arm. Stay.

> Also, where to go in the bookstore? Or let Anna decide?
> There's the cafe, fiction, non-fiction, scifi, stationary...

>>28649982
>> Remove arm.

>>28649982
Let the cute girl stay on our arm.

Let her lead us to "Her place"

>>28649982
>> Heck, it's a cute girl on your arm. Stay.

look for the non fiction section, for martial arts and philosophy

>>28649982

"Ya, I think my arm is fine."

>Let Anna decide

>>28649982
> Heck, it's a cute girl on your arm. Stay.

Head towards the non-fiction area, find some interesting books on history.

>>28649982
>Heck, it's a cute girl on your arm. Stay.
>Let Anna decide

Rolled 59

>>28649982
> Heck, it's a cute girl on your arm. Stay.
"I think, after that ordeal, I may require some handholding."
> Or let Anna decide

>>28650004
>>28650014
>>28650020
>>28650031
>>28650032
>>28650108

Hmm. On the one hand, it seems a little rude to keep holding someone's arm when she starts asking. Then again, it's Anna; you can't really tell if she's being serious, but her tone of voice suggests not. So you tap your upper arm, then the elbow, while standing in the bookshop's atrium. She raises an eyebrow.

'Yeah, my arm seems okay. So it's really up to you. Are *you* going to continue holding my arm?'

'Cunning,' she says, her slightly glossed lips grinning. 'So where to? The cafe I was talking about is on the fifth floor. But at this time I'm guessing there's no window seats left...'

'It's pretty shitty weather anyway, though.' Both of you nod at your observation. For some reason you feel a little classier already; must be something in the air of a bookshop. Does paper bleach do that to the brain? 'I think, since I made the decision to hold your arm, you ought to say where we go.'

You were half expecting her to say poetry, or maybe the fiction section with all its classics. Well, that's what you think, and you thought WRONG. 'I'm starving. Cafe.'

'Righto.'

The cafe turns out to be just as luxurious-looking an affair, except with more tweed coats and student-like people sitting around. In fact, many of these people look like college students. Anna actually is one. And you were one until not long ago when you finally got that fucking degree.

Since no one's here to take you to a table, it seems you're free to choose. And Anna's right; the window tables are all taken, though some by just one person.

> Sit inside.
> Go talk someone out of their window table.
> Other.

> Time to think of conversation topics. Anna seems calm, but she might be stressed...

> Also, what did you graduate in? Choose a major and a minor.
> Roll d100 for that.

Rolled 79

>>28650339
> Sit inside.
Liberal arts with a minor in art

Rolled 50

>>28650339
Economics with a minor in Music Theory.

Rolled 21

>>28650339

Let's intimidate someone away.

Rolled 9

>>28650339
>> Sit inside.

Ask about what kind of sports she likes.

Graduation? I dunno. Maybe Chemistry?

Rolled 42

>>28650339

We major in Computer Sciences and minor in English Lit

>>28650339
Actuarial maths.

Rolled 81

>>28650339
Don't bring up martial arts unless she does first.

Talk about books she's read, hobbies she has, share some hobbies of our own, what degree she's going for.

As for our degree, Engineering with a minor in Philosophy.

Rolled 55

>>28650425
Goof'd. Also, as major.

>>28650339
We majored in History because we're an idiot and a minor in Philosophy.

Rolled 87

>>28650339
Major: Computer Science
Minor: Consumer Psychology

>>28650362

This for degree.

Grab window seat.

Rolled 51

>>28650503
Whoops forgot the roll.

>>28650515
Huh, I like this idea.

> Rolled 1, 7
> Liberal Arts with a minor in Philosophy? What kind of a- never mind.
> I rolled dice due to the diversity of opinion. Please don't hate me. Hate the dice.

>>28650568
Yes, perfect.

>>28650568
If you were just going to roll for it you should have taken the suggestion with the highest dice result

Rolled 62

>>28650568
Well, at least we will have a good excuse for being a NEET.

>>28650568
... well at least we're somewhat well rounded despite not having any marketable skills from college.

>>28650624
Except to go to grad school and eventually become a professor. Only thing those degrees are worth.

>>28650669
Well, any sort of non-STEM grad program. I guess once could pursue a law degree after getting one.

>>28650603

> You have a point. I'll adopt that subsequently. Thanks.
> The roll was meant to be for how well you did. So you actually have what I'd call a First in Liberal Arts and Philosophy. Ooh, get him with his Kantian empiricism.

You move towards the windows at first, intending to intimidate someone into leaving. I mean, one person at a four person table, that's a little bit rude, isn't it? But then Anna glances at you. 'Where're you going?'

'Eh? Oh. Is this okay?' You gesture towards a random table, which is at least not too far from the window, and then sit down. To your surprise Anna grabs the menu and ordering card and begins ticking away. 'What're you ordering?'

'They've got a really nice superfood salad. I know, it sounds hipster, but it's good.' She then proceeds to cancel out any possible health benefits of the superfood salad. 'A chicken strips... grilled burger steak... their pork belly is really good also.'

'... right.' Oof, that makes you hungry now.

'Oh yes, and an Oreo cheesecake.' She chuckles at your reaction. 'Your turn. It's on me for helping me with Paul. God, he's just...'

You're not really, staring at the menu, of how you helped. Does that just mean saving her from an *entire* high tea with that douchebag? Then again, that in itself sounds like a win. God, he *is* a douchebag. 'Well, let's talk about something else. So do you work out a lot?'

'Is that oblique phrase of my wonderful body or something?' An eyebrow arches, and then the sly smile again. 'I like badminton and swimming. Cycling's nice too. And of course wugong. So what *did* Fourth Master teach you?'

> Tell her honestly. You can remember it now - the Torrent Fist.
> Conceal a little.
> Divert topic and ask her something else.
> Other.

> Also, order lightly, moderately, or *properly*? It's Anna's treat.

>>28650715
>> Tell her honestly. You can remember it now - the Torrent Fist.

order lightly.

>>28650715
> Conceal a little.
Order moderately

>>28650715
> Tell her honestly. You can remember it now - the Torrent Fist.

We may as well trust her. Also point out that we're understanding what he taught us a lot more now than we did when we were young.

Order moderately.

>>28650715
>Conceal
then
>Divert Topic and ask her something else
>Order lightly

>>28650715
>> Tell her honestly. You can remember it now - the Torrent Fist.

moderately

>>28650715
>> Divert topic and ask her something else.
Promise to tell her later. We have too many openings right now. A restuarant has too many ears for this subject.

>>28650715
>> Conceal a little.
>Order moderately

>>28650715
> Tell her honestly. You can remember it now - the Torrent Fist.

>Order moderately

>>28650741
>>28650742
>>28650757
>>28650760
>>28650789
>>28650800

Shit. Uh... to buy yourself a little time, you pore over the order form, ticking one, two, three... wait no, if Anna's paying, better not to get too much either. Cancel that one.

'So?' Anna asks again. You look up and smile. Heck... you can trust her a bit, right? She did trust you. Not to mention all that from yesterday.

'Yeah... he taught me a few things. Mostly a series of routines, you know.' You look up into her eyes, waiting to gauge her reaction. 'It was the... Torrent Fist, I think it was?'

Indeed - Anna's eyes widen a little, but then she passes it off as a smiling, intrigued look and nods. 'I've heard that one before. From my master. He said that it was very, very formidable indeed as a fighting form.'

'Has your master seen my great-uncle fight before?'

'Rather more than that, I think,' she says, just as a plump dude plonks down your drinks. 'I think he *fought* your great-uncle. And, well, there's a reason why I met him in Poland, I suppose.'

Wow. So your master beat her master. 'What sort of style do you use anyway? I bet you're a lot better than I am now, though.'

'Maybe... maybe.' She laughs. 'I use the White Crane style. It's where karate comes from, apparently. Basically some Japanese dude went to China, learned the style, adapted it.'

Cool. Man, all these things and you know nothing about them...

> Ask about her studies.
> Ask about what work she does, if any.
> Ask about her love life.
> Ask something else.
> Do a running jump out the window. Geronimo!
> Other.

>>28650948
> Ask about her studies.

Always a fun topic.

>>28650948
>> Ask about her studies.

>>28650964
>>28650980
>Not taking the jump out the window choice.

>>28650948
> Do a running jump out the window. Geronimo!
Fuck this shit I'm outta here

>>28650948
>> Ask about her studies.
We don't know much about the girl, aside from her being the honorable sort and having shitty aquaintances.

>>28651071
>>28651062
>>28651030
>>28650980
>>28650964

You glance at the windows again. Maybe there's an empty seat? But Anna taps your wrist lightly.

'What *are* you looking at the windows for?'

'Uh... potential exit points?'

For some reason that tickles Anna properly. She presses a hand to her mouth while sputtering, and it comes off wet with tea, grabbing for the paper napkin. The look of *whaaaat* on her face makes you giggle as well. 'D-damn you, man, that nearly killed me.'

'Heh. No, but I'm serious. In case the baddies come in from over there, you know?' You tap your temple. 'Planning, Anna, planning.'

'Yes, yes, Geronimo.'

> cont'd.

>>28651291

'So what are you currently doing a master's in? I remember you saying you're in university, but I can't remember what for.'

'Yeah, I'm in Urban.' Wow. Urban's one of the best in the City, if not *the* best; and it was definitely one of the top 50 in the world. The last time you checked, anyway, which was a year and a half ago. 'Masters in Art History. Pretty obscure stuff, but then I've always liked museums.'

'Wow. I used to do quite a bit of history myself. Liberal arts shithead here.'

'That's *cool*, though. Well, it's cool if you think money's overrated. I do.'

You look Anna over while she sits back, at the very nice blouse - is she wearing dark coloured underwear under that? - and the jacket. That... somehow sounds hard to believe. But she seems to notice your concerns. 'Got this at a thrift shop,' she points at the blouse. '25 Gobies. Coat was at a sample sale. 55 Gobies. Jeans I got for free at a secret dumpster dive.' She shifts to the side and points down her right leg, at a roughly sewn-together seam you thought was intentional. 'Free. Whole thing for 80 Gobies, mate.'

'Nice sewing.'

'Yeah, that's the art student friends. Always have them. Their jobs don't pay too well, but bloody hell they're more useful than twenty bankers. Man, maybe I should introduce some friends to you.' She frowns at you a little. 'Or are you mostly into knowing girls?'

Uh, lewd! Honest, though. It's not a habit you've picked up yesterday. Just then the food comes, and Anna begins digging in without delay.

> Just eat quietly.
> Talk about something else.
> Other.

>>28651322
Eat quietly

>>28651322

Ask about work and what work can be done.

>>28651322
> Talk about something else.

Art history, let her blow us away with her knowledge, talk some about related topics that we studied.

>>28651377
>>28651381
both

>>28651322
>Talk about something else.
>mention thrift shopping. Landlord did NOT pack for an extended stay.
>Besides...we haven't had a proper housewarming party yet. Networking starts with you, Landlord! Especially with so many people out for your...

>>28651400
This

Rolled 1

>>28651322
Consumption of food is now our top priority.
Being quiet about it is secondary.

>>28651400
>wanting a party
>when people are out to get out
>and steal from you
>and will probably try to kidnap you

No, fuck that.

>>28651471
We can throw a party when we get 4 tenants.

>>28651322
Talk about her master

>>28651471
Safety in numbers, literally all the tenants know kung fu, anyone who tries to rip you off with a cover as "party goer," is fabulously bad at it.

Besides, this is a martial arts movie. These are how things are done. You bait in the bad guys, and then kung fu the shit out of them with fists and weapons.

>>28651322

> 1 while eating: No, people, really, keep your dice rollers on! This is what makes life fun!

'Wait, so, thrift shopping? Like charity shops?'

'Charity shops are good too, but I was more thinking sample sales, and the warehouse sales when they try to get rid of last season's stuff.' Anna shrugs. 'See, what the Promontory laughs at gets passed down to the Peninsula for reasonable prices. And since I think the Promontory is a twatty place anyway, good for us all.'

That comment, spoken at reasonable volume, draws a few glances from the neighbouring tables. You *are* in the Promontory now, technically. 'I see. So you find out about those from your friends as well?'

'Some of them. Are you interested?' She grins. 'I think there's one on Thursday. Help me move in and I'll help you get stuff.'

'Sounds like a kind of deal, except someone's coming on Thursday to see a room. Some girl called Lin...'

'Lin?' She lowers her voice a little. 'Is that her surname, or what?'

'Buggered if I know.' You look her face over, but she just nods at that and continues eating.

> cont'd.

>>28651525
But that would mean smashed tables and broken windows, and that shit ain't kosher.

>>28651563
You know what Fourth Master always said. "it easy being green," and "easy come easy go."

Fourth Master understands if his stuff gets wrecked in the process of thoroughly thrashing some thugs.

>>28651596
That's cool and all, but we're not raking in cash like him

>>28651611
Sure we are. 4 grand a month in renters' fees, plus whatever work Landlord ends up finding/engaging in.

He's gonna be knee deep in woolongs before he knows what him him.

>>28651629
We don't even have four renters right now, and even if when we do, we don't know how much the house will cost per month.

A party is a stupid idea anyways, even if we could afford it with the 100 yen we have now

>>28651653
Quit it with those negative vibes man. Trust in Fourth Master.

>>28651555

'Is something the problem?' You ask again, but she just shakes her head.

'Nah, it's fine. There's a million Lins in the City after all. It's just someone I know.'

'What, of the Paul sort?'

'Not really a douchebag in the Paul sort, but... arguably worse. So, are you planning on finding a job here if you've got that house? Or are you just exploiting the finances of the exploited renter class like me?'

'Pffft,' you begin your reply. You meant to say that you might be considering it, but then again it would be nice to sit around or start a business or hustle around the City, especially if you now have three people in a house who can all fight. Imagine the things you can do! You can punch people! Kick them! Then punch them again. Then punch them a few more times, before kicking them!

Not sure how that might work towards income, but it's fun, right?

Unfortunately, you don't manage to say any of that, because 'pffft'ing with a little piece of cauliflower in your mouth has caused the cauliflower to get lodged in your throat. Your eyes widen when you realise you can't breathe, and you clutch desperately at your throat, feeling the little lump but unable to do anything to get it out.

'Hhhhh. Hhhhhhk!' You gesture at Anna, who blinks.

'What?'

'Choke! Choke!' Well that's what you meant to say. It's a bit harder without air, though.

> Roll d100.

Rolled 19

>>28651667
Only after we get four tenants, and we have secured money
>>28651669

Rolled 80

>>28651669

> Incidentally, is Gobies agreeable with everyone as currency? They stand for 'Government-Backed Issues', the original name when the City seceded and formed its own government.

> Of course, everyone could colloquially call them woolongs or w/e.

Rolled

>>28651669
Hope you got a backup character in the event we eat it.

>>28651694
They're credits

>>28651694
It works.