Walking Disasters and Me-Cooking Date, Growing Acceptance – Ch 55
True to her words we don't end up walking very far, merely a turn down the hall here or there before we are facing the entrance to what could easily pass as a laundromat back on Earth. The sheer amount of relief, mixed in with a tinge of homesickness, washes through me before we step inside and Gerra begins showing me the ropes. Like my bathroom, there is a Qi crystal set next to the door on the inside of the room, but this one I notice has inscriptions on it to passively gather Qi.
I curiously turn to ask Gerra about it, "Why does this one automatically gather Qi while the one in my bathroom and my privacy one needs direct input?"
She comes closer to inspect the crystal with me before saying, "Huh, I guess it does, doesn't it? As for
why
, I'm not sure. This room was built long before I joined up in this little outfit, but nearly all of the rooms and appliances have gathering inscriptions on them. If your washroom doesn't, it would be one of the few spots like that. Far as I know, the Sect Leader would use this estate as a kind of secondary Sect Hall to meet with people and dignitaries, having them stay over sometimes too, with power levels ranging from peak Apogee to mortal. With that in mind, the Madam told me once that they worked hard to make everything as hands off and easy to use as possible."
Well, I guess that makes sense. Don't want to have to constantly go into a mortal's room to keep recharging the crystal in their shower. Still, kind of odd that mine needs that attention... I'll ask Akiko about it when she gets back later, right now I don't want to eat up Gerra's time. I give her a nod before feeding the gem a bit more Qi, just to make sure we'll have enough, before walking over to the washing machine looking device and opening it up. I plop out all of my clothes into it's waiting maw, top loaders for the win~, and then turn to Gerra.
"Got anything you need washed while we're here? Seems kind of wasteful to just do a handful of bras and panties." I say.
She gives me a curious look before replying, "What about that dress, little bird? I think I've heard mention that you've been wanting to wash it too."
Oh. Right. I look down at the aforementioned garment as the familiar heat of embarrassment creeps up my face. "Y-yeah, I should huh? Uhm, I don't think I picked up the other robe I had, since I'd only worn it once when I got here."
Gerra continues to give me a confused look, even tilting her head adorably to the side which makes her pink hair flutter behind her, "Why would that matt-...
Oh!!
Oh Heavens, of course! My apologies darlin', you're probably still a little uncomfortable about things like that, despite how much fun you and the Madam seem to have~. Do you want me to show you how this works and where the soap is and then head out? Ya can always call back for me when you're done to escort you back to your room."
I breathe out a sigh of relief, thankful that she at least didn't make me say it out loud like I think Akiko or Samantha would. "I'd appreciate it Gerra, thanks for understanding. Sorry if I'm being a nuisance, just a lot of... cultural stuff I'm working through about nudity and stuff.
*Ahem*.
" I nearly power through that awkward as shit statement, only giving a slight cough at the end as the blush deepens.
"Not at all, hun~. Nothing to be ashamed for, anyone would need some time to adjust to a new place and all of that. Here, these knobs show the temperature for the water, and this one here-..." She carefully goes through the rest of the functions and buttons for both the washer and dryer, showing me where the soap is - a small little cubby above the machines -, and then gives me a wave as she closes the door when she exits the room. Another sigh escapes me as I turn back to the slightly occupied machine and then disrobe my battle dress to plop it in alongside the others.
[Adventurous Nudist] Activates! Some conditions not met, currently only buffing thermal resistances and natural defenses by 25%!
I sigh mentally, then stop to think for a second, deciding to just get all of it out of the way since I'm alone and Gerra and I are the only ones in the estate right now. With a slight shrug, I slip out of my panties, noticing that yes they were slightly wet but have mostly dried now, and then unclasping my bra to let it hang off of me. I toss both of them in the slightly fuller bucket of the machine, nodding to myself before adding in the soap and selecting a gentle temperature and rotation speed. I highly doubt anything is going to get damaged in the wash, but better safe than sorry~.
I sit on a dormant machine, waiting the scant 5 or so minutes it will take to fully clean my clothes. Fucking awesome Qi magic machinery~! I spend that time ruminating on a few events and discussions, bouncing ideas and thoughts around a little bit to see what feels right and what I disagree with before I hear a chimed
ding!
to my side. I hop off my perch, and transfer my still slightly wet clothes from the washer to the dryer.
Again, this process should only take about 10 minutes, so I decide to continue where I left off, finally enjoying some quiet time to myself after who knows how long of constant adventures and interactions. I'm honestly surprised that my social battery is holding up so well now that I think about it. I would for sure be burnt out if this was Earth, just due to the sheer number of conversations and wacky events. I shrug internally, happy with that particular change about my mentality, as the dyer signals the cycle complete and ready for clean clothes extraction~.
I skip over to the door of the machine, pulling out the same frilly black with white trimmed set of underwear and the battle robe, before putting everything else back into the storage bag. I don the undergarments first, then flip the kimono over my shoulders before tucking in the various folds and layers, sashing it tight at my waist to keep it secure. With my bag strapped across my back, I lean out of the door and ask out for Gerra.
"Gerra? I'm all wrapped up in here~." I say out into the whitewashed light of the hallway.
In no time at all, I am once more staring up at the beautiful cat woman, not even hearing her approach this time as she smiles down to me and says, "Excellent hun! Did you have anything else you wanted to do or did you want to go back to your room to wait for the Madam or Samantha?"
I shake my head, my eyes getting lost in her pink feline versions for a second before putting on a cheeky smile,
"Oh~?
Trying to get rid of me already Gerra? You wound me!" I dramatically throw my head back, an arm resting atop my forehead as another hand comes to grasp my heart. I can't hold the act for long, as nearly instantly we are both cracking up, our laughter echoing down the spacious corridors around us.
"
My~,
" she begins to say after recovering, "I wouldn't dream of it, little bird~. I'll never turn you away if you want to spend some time with little ol' me~." She gives me a saucy wink that sends a shudder down my spine, one of her hands coming to rest on a teasingly swung hip.
I chuckle nervously as I berate myself for a bit, it's like I enjoy this or something!...
Wait a minute
... I abandon that line of thought since Gerra is still standing there, sexily, and waiting for my answer, "Uh, I mean, we could hang for a bit? I was
mostly
just teasing, I don't want to take up more of your time if you're busy with stuff, but if you're free then I'd be happy to!"
She chuckles as she stalks slightly closer, leaning down to look me a bit more in the eyes as my heart begins to race. She gives a playful smile as she inches closer and closer, making me close my eyes in anticipation of whatever is about to happen, before I feel a hand come up to jostle my hair a bit, and a fuzzy sensation tickling my cheek. I peek an eye open to see her victorious smirk as she leans back a bit, her tail flitting behind her once more.
"Well, I do need to get dinner started, so if you're not opposed to helping me out with that then we can keep you out of that solitary room for a bit longer." She explains as I try to calm my rapidly beating heart.
"Ah g-good, yeah I can do that! I may not be able to like, do the Qi stuff with you but I know a bit about cooking from Earth." My voice coming out
mostly
confidently except that damn hiccup at the start. I notice that she looks absolutely delighted at me accepting her proposition, her wide and fanged smile lighting up the hallway almost more than the crystals above us as her eyes squint closed in delight.
"Excellent~! Why don't you try and lead us back to your room so that you can drop off your bag, and then lead us to the kitchens this time? I don't think you've gotten a proper tour of the estate, what with all the chicanery going on and your unique situation, but its beyond time for us to stop keeping you cooped up day in and day out. This'll be your home too, if you want it, and you should get proper acquainted with it, in my opinion."
Ugh
, thank you! At least she gets it! I mean, I wasn't really too fussed with the arrangements so far, but I can't lie that having to call out for an escort today reminded me too much of being treated like a kid who needs a babysitter. "Sounds like fun! Maybe we can go on a tour later if Samantha or Akiko still aren't back after we get done in the kitchen!"
She nods happily to me, giving a brief, "You got it hun~." as she wraps her tail around my waist but lets me take the lead. I try my best to remember our path, and only need her guidance once at a T intersection that looks slightly different when you're coming at it from this side, but aside from that we arrive back to my door without issue. I slide it open, chucking the bag toward the bed where it lands perfectly on the pillow making me victoriously pump my fist in the air as Gerra chuckles, before we move on.
The journey to the kitchens is a decent bit longer, but after having been there a few times already I find that I can navigate us there pretty much perfectly. We walk mostly in silence on both journeys, with Gerra humming a tune in a soft, melodic voice to pass the time on the longer stretch we find ourselves in before we are in front of the two massive double doors guarding our target destination.
I smile back to her happily as I say, "Piece of cake~! Although, I don't know if I could have managed the trip to the gardens since I've only been there once. After you,
madam~
." I finish as I open up one of the doors for her as she returns my smile and gives a polite bow.
"Such a
gentlewoman
~. Makes my poor catkin heart swoon~ Hehe!" She giggles out as she steps inside, turning to me once again, "Come along now darlin, let's get to making some delicious food filled with love for the rest of the troupe~!"
With a determined nod I file in behind her, and we set to work doing just that. Hours seem to pass if the shade of the hedges outside are any indication, as she shows me how she cooks some grilled Bisoonses steaks on the grill, browns some potato equivalents in the oven, and scores some uncooked loaves of bread before placing them back in the cooler section of the pantry. It's fascinating, and I can feel her move the Qi into the food every time she touches it, whether from her slightly specialized looking tools, her hands directly, or just ambiently feeding it into the meal seemingly without her input. I look up to see a look of pure, devoted bliss on her face as she works, the amount of care and joy nearly making me weep, as she begins to put a pot of soup on one of the burners.
As I'm doing my best to help out, mainly getting ingredients or spices with Ios' help and liberal usage of
[Identify],
I can't help but feel more at peace than I have since landing here. The sensation reminding me of happier times cooking in the kitchen with mom while Sandy and I darted around to help. Or make a mess, usually both. I giggle at the memories, a bubble of warmth popping inside me as it fills me with happiness, before I return back with some green herbs for the soup.
Gerra thanks me as she picks them up and then sprinkles them in, before she turns and takes out the potatoes. She cuts them lengthwise and then sprinkles in some shredded cheese I had prepared earlier along with various other spices and herbs, and soon we are left with nothing much to do as the sun begins to set outside. "So," I turn to the pretty cat lady as we sit on nearby stools, sipping some wine together, "Akiko said your food never gets cold. How does that even
work?"
"Hmm," She replies as she twirls the liquid in her cup, "It's not so much that it
doesn't
get cold, more that it takes much,
much
longer to. Thats why I can begin making dinner around the time we did and not have to worry about it losing any freshness. The meat will go first, likely only staying this tasty for a couple of days at most before it starts to degrade like a normally prepared meal, while the bread will stay fresh longer since I have to interact with it much more than simply throwing it on a grill. Basically, it's all about how much Qi I can put into whatever I'm preparing, as it not only increases the taste, benefits, and quality of the dish, but also its longevity."
"Whoa~! That's awesome! I figured it was something like that, but nice to have confirmation from the
master
on it~." I wink back to her. She chuckles as she sips another taste of the deliciously floral red wine which makes me smirk happily into my cup. Good to know they're not going to jump my bones every time I flirt with them! As we are enjoying some peace and quiet, Ios' familiar voice chirps into my head.
'I'd consider this a date, wouldn't you? Also, you should check out the quest for spiritual cooking~.' I nearly choke on my drink as she teases me, but after recovering I can't help but kind of agree. Sure, we didn't hold hands or kiss or anything, but we basically spent the whole day together laughing and flirting. With a mental shrug, I open up the system to see a few messages pop up:
[Admin Quest Started: Integrate into Your New Home!
You're not in Kansas anymore hun! Work hard to make friends here in Akiko's estate, the candidates are Samantha, Gerra, Jun Li, and Akiko~!
Friendship progress: 2/3
Lover progress: 1/4
You'll need to have all members in either group for the quest to complete. Friends will be moved to Lover's when you both enter into a relationship~! Mwah! Hehe!
Rewards: 1000 Ability Points, 500 Shop Points, 100 Skill Points, 20% discount on bedroom toys and items from the Shop~]
[Admin Quest Started: Date Day or Night!
Have a lovely day or night with one of your friends or lovers~! Does not have to include sexy times, but it must be an intimate and purposeful event! Can't game the system too hard~!
Repeatable.
Rewards: Variable depending on satisfaction of all parties.]
[New Date Registered! Processing Rewards... 300 Ability Points, 500 Shop Points, and 50 Skill Points!]
Available Ability Points: 457
Available Shop Points: 5,075
Available Skill Points: 160
[Quest Started: Become an Apprentice Level Spiritual Cook!
Gain enough knowledge to be considered an apprentice level spiritual cook on Mara.
Reward: 100 Ability Points, 500 Shop Points, 30 Skill Points, 25 points into all stats except Charisma and Luck.
Rewards will increase as your crafting rank increases.]
[Progress: 29%]
Damn!!
All those points just for spending the day with Gerra?! Not to mention she must have been inadvertently showing me how to be a spiritual cook too! And we're friends now!
Aww!!
Hehe! I let the giggly feeling float through me, the heady wine starting to become noticeable too, as I mentally call back out for Ios.
Seems like we're getting points like crazy now! We should sit down with Aki and go over long-term planning again. I know you suggested bumping Intelligence this last time, but maybe she will have some different views we need to consider. Regardless, we definitely should see about using up some of those Shop and Skill points. Don't want to turn into some video game protagonist whose backpack is full of unused uber potions and shit that was too scared to use them.
I hear her chuckle into my mind as she replies, 'Sounds like a plan, and I agree. You've banked enough of them that we can buy you everything you'd need for your professions and have more than enough left over. As far as the points for skills, we could bring that up with Akiko when we sit down to discuss stat point usage. There are some very interesting abilities and such that are unattributed, like
[4 Leaf Clover]
, so they wouldn't mess with or interfere with whatever abilities and techniques you're going to be picking up from your manuals.'
Huh, I kind of forgot that was a thing, I had assumed I'd have to buy any skill I wanted to use. Oh well! That's good news as far as I'm concerned~!
I reply back to Ios, "Perfect, let's do that then hun~!" as I feel the wine beginning its warm floating in my head as I kick my feet lazily in the air. I see Gerra look over to me confused, and I realize I forgot to say that mentally. I feel the crimson burn on my cheeks as I scratch my head softly, "Uh sorry, that was supposed to be an inside thought~! Ios and I were discussing some stuff, looks like you're a great teacher by the way! I have a quest, or task, from the system to learn all the professions around here, and the one for spiritual cooking went up
a lot
just by watching you work and explaining things to me! Probably not what you
meant
to do, but I appreciate it nonetheless!"
She changes from confusion to surprise as she turns to face me fully, "That's amazing Amelia! Just don't go hogging the kitchen when you get all trained up, missy~!" Her hands reach over to pat my head as she jokingly chides me, a smile on both of our faces. She downs the rest of her wine as she looks off toward the far wall of the room, "Ah, perfect timing~. Looks like everyone is coming back together, they just crossed the front arch to the estate. Help me plate all of this up and set it on the table outside the doors here then I'll go fetch them."
I nod, falling back into the student - teacher role as I dutifully, and slightly drunkenly, distribute our hard work across 5 plates. I frown as Gerra doesn't let me cut the bread, but then realize she's probably just being safe and mature and all that so I let it go as I walk the tray carrying all our food over. She plops down the quickly cut slices - her original Valley bread this time - and then shoos me off to the back so that I can wobble it all over to a large wooden picnic table with a cloth covering it.
I set it all down while making it presentable, taking a moment to wipe my brow and stare up at the still alien sky. The oranges and purples of the fading light dance across the ceiling of the flat planet, the disc of water ice rocks above us sparkling like silvery gemstones cast into a sea of gradient color as I hear voices beginning to filter in from the hall. Laughter and mirth, joy and comfort radiating off of everyone as they slide open the large doors to the kitchen, keeping their various conversations afloat as they enter into the room.
My heart fills with warmth as I notice Gerra and Samantha are hanging off each other playfully, while Jun Li and Akiko simply smirk as they hold hands and walk forward. A feeling that I haven't felt in some time, though not for my parent's lack of trying, begins to ebb into me. A feeling that I thought I would struggle to ever find again as I recall Gerra's words from earlier.
I smile up to the approaching gorgeous women, dipping into a playful bow to greet them all as I lean back up and say, "Welcome
home
, everyone~."
Cooking Date, Growing Acceptance – Ch 55
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