[Pour Basco~]

[interpolate]

I haven't bothered to explain my supposed alliance with one Basco ta Jolokia to majesté. Not that Messiah would care, either way, as long as he doesn't intend to get in our way, and considering I think I made a decent proposal to his wounded pride at being waylaid by the Go-Busters, that doesn't seem to be a problem.

Now, how can I convince him to attack them when I need him to?

Well, I suppose I can always escort myself back aboard his ship.

[Mushverse: Go-Ongers or Takuto~]

[machfullforce]

I'm thinking maybe it's about time we head back to Japan, Speedor and me. I know something's wrong, even if Hiroto and Miu aren't telling me so over the phone, because our nightly phone calls are much shorter than they used to be, with a sight less, um. Inappropriate overtures.

Plus I just miss them.

I plan on surprising them when I get back (I can keep secrets too!). I make sure I pack everything up properly, especially my gifts for my team. Especially my gifts for Hiroto and Miu.

It'll be nice not to have to be inappropriate over the phone anymore. Being inappropriate in person is a lot more fun, and doors lock. Phones, kind of don't. Really.

[Mushverse. For Ad]

[beetlesazer]

I'm a little tipsy.

Sake is strong, and while I've mostly gotten used to the occasional nip here and there during my years on Earth, sometimes I indulge a little too much and get the giggles.

But I can still cook dinner for myself and Ad. And I have... things I need to discuss with him. Takuto is back, sort of. I don't think he's settled yet, and without Remy (bless her) that will be even more of a trial for him before he contacts us. I only know he's back in Japan because of how closely Ein and Zwein watch what's going on down here.

He has other friends now though, and I think they take precedence at the moment. And that's okay. He belongs to this world. We do not.

I make a dish that is inspired by the robust dishes of Ad's home. Biyodo. I never visited, but I learned enough about that world when I volunteered for the military that I can make a decent replication of a passable 'family' meal. It was expected that I would marry a strong Biyodo woman and have many strong military focused children.

This was of course before we got stuck back on Earth, nearly 500 years before we were even born.

I don't focus on that though, as I cook. I think about the lives we saved by coming here, by sacrificing our futures. I think about Ad, and how much I love him.

What I need to discuss with him.

I set the table, all formal and refined. Bowls for dipping sauce, bowls for noddles, bowls for fish and meat and vegetables. Chopsticks on their rests. Napkins. Warmed sake, fresh water. Fruits for palate cleansing.

Everything is perfect. And only moments before he gets home.

He's always on time.

[Mushverse. For Megumi~]

[tarosetera]

Momotaros likes to frequent a dingy billiard bar that reeks of piss and long dried blood. And that's fine, for his nights, but on mine... well, I like to take Ryoutarou's body our for a fine time.

Sometimes it's simply to an expensive restaurant, all bells and whistles and frills. Sometimes I simply like to taste expensive food. Not as expensive as Sieg likes, no where near. Sieg tends to waste our entire combined allowance in one night just being waited on and fed. And while I do like being fed certain sensual food by lovely women, I much prefer to do it within poor Ryoutarou's budget.

I am digressing.

There is one bar I love to go to. A lot of women frequent it. I think it's the gentle atmosphere. Soft lighting and relaxing music, refined drinks and delicate foods. Not that women are all weak and delicate, even I don't think that. It's just that, most of them, after a hard day at work or a long day looking after their family, they like to unwind where the mood is smooth and then men are courteous. Some people may describe me as a predator, I think they're wrong. I am a lover. I love women. Their curves and soft places, their gentle hair and sweet voices.

I order my favorite here, a Mint Julep, luscious whiskey and biting mint. A favorite slow drink of mine. I settle at the bar for now, glancing around as women filter in.

And then I see her. The woman I met at the dinner Ryoutarou planned. She's a Liveman, blue I believe. Like me. I know enough to know she's strong and powerful. The head of her household, despite the two men she shares it with. But I sense new worries in the lines of her face, not that there are many, she wears her age elegantly. No grey in her hair, just the barest hint of faint lines at the corners of her eyes.

She's beautiful.