View source for 2583/What About Second Cake

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2025/06/03
|Location=Cafe BAKE Neko
|Synopsis=A mostly impromptu gathering happens at the cat cafe. Several tired senshi, shittenou, and a few surprise guests learn more details about the upcoming wedding. Including how many cakes need to be made, what tuxedos or dresses need to be worn and what other craziness is going to occur. Feelings run high and some may be hurt.
|Cast of Characters=27,45,90,122,61,107,38,86
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:27|Minako Aino (27)}} has posed:'''<br>Cat Cafe. At night! It's not past closing yet but it is certainly past the time that most normal visitors are here. The staff are used to some of the building owners oddball friends showing up rather frequently however, and they usually cleared out the remaining snacks in the display that they hadn't sold through the day. It helped the numbers for the cafe, the cats had plenty of attention, and other than that one odd day where something one of them brought in caught fire, nothing odd had happened. Mostly.<br><br>Minako is at one table with her hands around her third can of energy drink she'd had so far. The other two are empty beside her, and there's another three yet to be touched on the opposite side as she's studiously working through them one gulp at a time. Her clothes are cute but more like something Usagi would wear, and not her usual fare. Though ... that might be too much of a difference, really.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:45|Makoto Kino (45)}} has posed:'''<br>No limited special for today, even in the unlikely event that it would've lasted until this late in the day - Makoto has had other things occupying her attention lately. There's a big fluffy dark grey tabby occupying the entirely of her lap (and threatening to spill over); she's got a cup of tea, mostly gone now, on the table alongside a small planner with a pretty floral cover.<br><br>One hand pets the tabby. The other is currently massaging her temple. "Minako-chan..." she says slowly. "Not that I blame you, but maybe you should dial back on the caffeine just a little...?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:90|Masato Sanjouin (90)}} has posed:'''<br>Masato was on the coffee, too, however. Long black, unsweetened, double shot. Perhaps his third for the day. Dragging his feet back towards the table from the counter, he looked less than his usual immaculate self, though his clothing was still cut of expensive brands. His hair still the waves of mahogany brown they always were, but something about him ran flat. <br><br>His stride was muted, he wasn't as animated. He more or less slid into a seat at the table, heavy lidded. Murmuring things about Koji coming too.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:122|Ami Mizuno (122)}} has posed:'''<br>With sweetened cappuccino in hand, Ami was quick to arrive at the table. She counted cans silently and sighed. "She's right, Minako-chan. At this rate, you'll probably catch fire."<br><br>Hard-shelled backpack slipped free of shoulders so that she could take both a seat and a sip before settling the cup on the table.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:61|Koji Silvia (61)}} has posed:'''<br>The aforementioned 'Koji' is somewhat of a stranger to most here... outside of mahou work. But instead of coming down the steps or having already been present when everyone else decided to convene, a young man opens the door and slips inside rather quietly. <br><br>For a few, he could almost pass for Rei with a little make-up. Long raven-black hair worn loose and down his back, glasses that reflect some of the inside light, and a faintly 'annoyed at life' expression. He's still in his school uniform, as if he'd been out studying or attending to something else, and has a backpack over his shoulder as well. <br><br>As the door closes behind him, he looks around for where Masato-san, and once spotted... he walks over to where all the girls are present. <br><br>With a polite bow, he says, "Pardon me. My name is Koji Silvia, Grade 10. I used to be Chiba-san's roommate, and I was asked to help handle the food at the reception..." <br><br>But then he pauses and just tilts his head at everyone, before saying, "I've brought something more than snacks... does anyone here need something proper to eat?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:27|Minako Aino (27)}} has posed:'''<br>Minako Aino flashes a diluted smile at her friends concern over her caffiene consumption, though her free hand lifts to give a little flippant dismissive wave at them. "Oh I'm hardly having any. This is mostly ginseng, I think! Besides you know how the saying goes," Oh no. "What doesn't kill me keeps me awake longer."<br><br>Maybe not the best thing for Koji to hear when he introduces himself.<br><br>The blonde hairbowed one looks toward Koji a moment. Then back down to her drink. Then back up to him as she eases her chin into the palm of her hand now propped up on the table. "Helloooo Koji~ so nice to meet you~ and you brought us food?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:45|Makoto Kino (45)}} has posed:'''<br>Makoto's brows lift a little at Minako's assurance. "Or vibrate yourself all the way back to Crystal Tokyo," she adds onto Ami's comment; she's about to reach for one of the empty cans when Masato returns with his coffee and Koji arrives to introduce herself.<br><br>She gives Masato a concerned sidelong look before offering Koji a small, polite bow. "That's very good of you, Silvia-san, thank you. I think I've mostly been snacking all afternoon. Please come sit with us, we were just losing our minds about Usagi-chan and Mamoru-san both running off and sticking us with all the planning without them."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:90|Masato Sanjouin (90)}} has posed:'''<br>A long pull despite the heat drained a good third of Masato's mug, and when he sighed, steam fogged before his mouth. He gestures sleepily to a chair, nodding at the chair. "You always appear and make life slightly easier, Koji-kun." <br><br>This was a cryptic thing to murmur, perhaps, but between his work in Crystal Tokyo, him dragging off the body doubling Minako-Usagi from the Takoyaki stand the other day, and the offer of food now? Masato had a special appreciation for Koji's presence. <br><br>He did turn a look to Makoto, as if to silently say, ''Your cooking is still my favourite'', but she wasn't telepathic. So, given the concerned side eye, it probably came off as Masato simply being defiant. Or staring. <br><br>"Losing my mind feels accurate. And on less sleep now, thanks to another jaunt with Emi into 'insomnia for a week afterward'."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:122|Ami Mizuno (122)}} has posed:'''<br>"Excess ginseng consumption can cause a variety of problems, Minako-chan." Ami really couldn't help herself and she raised a hand to extend fingers in a count off. "Nervousness, insomnia, blood pressure."<br><br>She cleared her throat. "And a few other... girl things."<br><br>Ami flustered a little on the tail of gentle, concerned chastising. Thankfully, there was a new arrival to capture her attention and sapphires drifted their way to Koji.<br><br>"Koji?" Ami asked gently as the name bubbled up from her recollection.<br><br>Minako had, of course, mentioned him when they'd met last. "How's the fish?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:61|Koji Silvia (61)}} has posed:'''<br>With a brief look back and forth between the group sitting there and their various states, and Koji takes out his phone of all things and sets it on the table. His finger begins to swipe in the air, like he's going through a menu, and then suddenly the thing glows... and a steaming bowl of grilled chicken ramen with extra egg, and spring onion is there. He picks that up and puts it in front of Minako. <br><br>The next thing to just magically appear is another bowl of Ramen?! This one is a heavier stock and has pork katsu in it. This goes to Masato-san. <br><br>Ami and Makoto give him a moment, and then out comes a few wrapped onigiri. None of these are store-bought, no labels or ingredients listed... just marker on them for 'Salmon and Mayo' 'Umeboshi' and 'Eel and Sauce'. Two of each, followed up by what IS a store-bought but fresh packet of blueberries. <br>Finally, he takes off his backpack and sits down, not even bothering to ASK if anyone here is non-magical, or seeming to care if he just broke Veil on someone, as he says back to Ami, "Fish? Fish... I don't..." Then the 'waait' expression appears, he tilts his head, and then the 'lightbulb!' hits and he nods, "Oh. No-no... that's Call of Duty. I play with Usagi, edit her streams for posting, and help moderate her fanbase. Apologies... Cod. Cee-Oh-Dee..." And then he laughs and rubs the back of his neck a moment, "Sorry."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy has come to the cat cafe to soothe her worries with kitty cuddles! She returns from the bathroom to see several of her classmates have come in while she was out, and there's Koji arriving too! "Uhh... hi!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Damn her brain, she's going to be wondering what the conversation context was preceding the words 'girl things'. Or, she's going to completely forget distracted by some other shiny thought, like how cute and soft all these kitties are.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"What brings everybody here? Study session?" the redhead asks, smiling. And then stares at Koji pulling hot food out of his Device. "That must be ''so convenient!''" she exclaims, impressed. "I know Rashmi's mentioned that a ton of times and it was a huge help in Crystal Tokyo, but it's still cool every time."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:27|Minako Aino (27)}} has posed:'''<br>It's one thing to warn someone off caffiene. Another thing entirely to start listing issues that could happen when having too much of it, or of ginseng in this case. Minako actually pauses. If it were anyone other than Ami she might dismiss it. Ami Mizuno, future doctor hopeful, smartest person she knew? Minako's gaze snaps down to the drinks with eyes widening in horror as she places the drinks down to nudge away with her fingertips. "*Betrayer.*"<br><br>It's replaced by a sudden, magically appearing bowl of ramen though. The smell hits Minako causing her stomach to grumble reminding her she hadn't had solid food in awhile either. "Oh my god please tell me you're single," she blurts out as she plucks up chopsticks and claps her hands together. "Itadikamasu!" <br><br>She's two slurps in when Ami mentions fish and she has to cough a time or two with a quick fist pounding on her chest. Poor Ami. She looks among them all and adds, "That reminds me, when is the next stream due, Koji? I need a nap before then at least." Wait had she told him yet she was doubling? Maybe not. Probably not.<br><br>Amy's arrival earns a quick wave of chopsticks. "Just kind of randomly gathered and were talking about wedding preparations and stuff." Mostly.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:45|Makoto Kino (45)}} has posed:'''<br>The attempt at telepathy from Masato mostly seems to have the immediate effect of making Makoto blush; she lifts her eyebrows a little in a silent 'what?' face, but then quickly looks away. The cat in her lap rouses from snoozing to lift his head, sniffing with interest at the smells now coming from the table thanks to Koji's contributions. Mako holds him back via some scritching between the ears while she reaches with her other hand for a salmon-and-mayo onigiri.<br><br>"Thank you very much," she tells Koji, and then: "Hi, Amy-chan." A lift of the rice ball in a little wave, and a tip of her head toward Minako. "That about sums it up. Although now that you mention it... Ami-chan, I'm going to need your brains for this. Somehow we have to make sure the cake and the other food survives the big magical brawl that is probably going to happen before we can actually have a wedding, and I don't think a cake caddy is going to do the job."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:90|Masato Sanjouin (90)}} has posed:'''<br>He doesn't even want to know what those girl problems are. He does briefly wonder, but thinks better of it after giving Minako a glance. Is Mako-chan's blush related to that or him? He doesn't know. She's beautiful when she blushes-- <br><br>So he continues to watch her tiredly, until a full bowl of Pork Katsu is set before him, and Masato is deeply grateful. It's written all over him. He can hide nothing. His emotions are an open book, and this is a gift during a trying time. <br><br>"Itadakimasu," he murmurs, as if given relief after a long day, and his phone buzzes in his pocket, like a gnat trying to spoil his communion with food. He pulls out and older phone, with a flick, and reads the message. "... Right... Koji-kun. When are you free for a fitting, this week?" <br><br>But then the cake is mentioned too, and he stares ahead. "Oh. Shit. The second cake."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:122|Ami Mizuno (122)}} has posed:'''<br>A full third of one of the umeboshi onigiri disappeared into Ami's mouth almost as quickly as they had appeared. It had come with such a smooth motion of arm that it'd be hard to pinpoint just where the senshi had actually snagged it.<br><br>Eyes darted between Masato and Makoto with both lifted brows and all of the wrong ideas. It was just fortunate that Makoto said her name to capture her attention.<br><br>"Oh? Well, I suppose I could find a way to protect the cake in the midst of things." She agreed with a hum. "I was also hoping to hide something in one of them--"<br><br>Ami glanced at Masato. "You haven't mentioned the second cake yet?"<br><br>Oh no. Poor Mako-chan.<br><br>And then she remembered her manners. Fast chewing and a swallow, Ami smiled pleasantly at Koji. "I'm Ami Mizuno, by the way, and this is ''delicious''. Thank you!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy stops as they mention the wedding. "Is... is there really gonna be a magical brawl? I mean, Chibiusa-- Wicked Lady does want this timeline's version of herself to be born, after all."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...If there is, could a Devicer have like, a contingent spell to store it in their inventory if anything or anyone is about to hit the cake before the cutting?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But then Masato asks Koji about a fitting and that makes ''her'' realize, wide-eyed, "Oh shit. I'm gonna need formal clothes for this..." But then she looks more thoughtful. "Wait, I guess I do have some of Serenity's dresses, and the one from the princess prom..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:61|Koji Silvia (61)}} has posed:'''<br>Koji... just looks back and forth between the group, and then he blinks at what Masato says, and then taps his phone twice, before saying, "I'm... WHAT?!". <br>His head hits the table, and and then he just exhales heavily, "He could have told me this... WEEKS... ago." <br><br>But then he sits backup, and has to mentally remind himself. This Has Become a Whole THING. <br><br>Amy gets a wave and a nod of teh head, but at the same time he just pushes his hair back and in place again, "You just tell me when you need me, and I will be there." <br><br>But then the Second Cake is says, and he looks... perplexed, "Food storage is easy. You ask Rashmi, or Rashmi's very frightening boyfriend, or any of the rest of us. We can store a finished product without worry. I make my food fresh in my dorm, and then store it so I get it nice and hot. A big wedding cake can be done, or the parts can be stored so that you can finish assemble at the event?" <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:27|Minako Aino (27)}} has posed:'''<br>"It's because we're going to try to purify them while they're there that there will be a fight. We're not thinking they're going to stop the wedding. In fact that's going to happen *after* the wedding to make sure that it does happen," Mina informs Amy matter-of-fact beween bites of egg from the ramen.<br><br> She wasn't gulping it all down as fast as she could but she was making an impressive showing really. Right up until someone mentions 'second cake' which causes her head to jolt upright to stare across at Masato with a look of 'you're screwed buddy.'<br><br>"Er, I don't think they'd mind if you wore one of her old dresses maybe but maybe you ought to try to find something else too, Amy?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:45|Makoto Kino (45)}} has posed:'''<br>Makoto's fingers still on the top of the cat's head. Koji's explanation is, unfortunately, mostly lost on her, because her whole train of thought has derailed by a particular phrase Ami dropped.<br><br>She turns her head, slowly, to regard Masato. "...''Second''... cake?" she asks, in a deceptively mild tone.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Wicked Mask (38)}} has posed:'''<br>It's late, the bell rings another time and the door opens again, and this time it lets in... Mamoru! Wearing a soft black cotton yukata with, yes, hand-painted mauve roses going up over one shoulder from his chest, and down the back. His obi is the same wine red that outlines the roses, and his black hair is frosted with bubblegum-pink tips. There is not currently a black moon on his forehead, smudged or badly drawn or otherwise.<br><br>He literally comes in, brightens when he sees everyone at the table, and swans on over and pulls a chair with him, inviting himself to sit with them when he drops himself into it, and also invites himself to one of the onigiri Koji put out in front of the girls.<br><br>"Hi everyone! Mako-chan, would it be possible to hide a little girl's birthday cake inside the Wicked Lady cake? Because her birthday's a week after the wedding and Chibiusa-chan won't be Wicked Lady anymore by cake time."<br><br>He holds up his onigiri hand and leans forward, elbow on the table, to gesture with it. "She was born in 1998, and she's coming from 2969... so she'll be 971 years old... I guess those digit candles will have to do--"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:90|Masato Sanjouin (90)}} has posed:'''<br>Masato's head slowly swivels towards Makoto, and by the time he's looking at her, he has brought all his remaining energy into the most handsome smile he can manage. "I... can help? We'll get Chiyo involved, and..." <br><br>Mamoru has appeared, and Masato is not sure if this is better or worse. "I can make a cake illusion. That's... an option."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|Izou Saitou (86)}} has posed:'''<br>Gentle swing of a door down a corridor that connected the cafe to the rest of the building, soon followed by Izou entering the cafe through the back area, a notebook in hand with some school work he wanted to focus on. Perhaps get some tea while he was at it. At least that was the plan until he saw the group of mahou, along with Mamoru (and whatever excuse of an upside down forehead moon scribble) and Masato. He stops in his tracks, giving them a tired look.<br><br>Then continues to the counter to get his tea.<br><br>"You could've used stenciling for the moon. There are tutorials for that."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The wedding is a good chance to purify. Of course! "Ohhhhhhhh." Amy nods slowly.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She doesn't understand why this 'second cake' is being talked about like it's such a problem. If someone can make or obtain one, the process can be repeated, right?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(She has never made a wedding cake. Or obtained one.)<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mina suggests she should find something new for the wedding and she blushes and nods a little -- excited at the prospect but feeling like she's not sure of the procedure, although, the steps of 1. go to dress store 2. try things on until you find one you like 3. purchase it (ask Setsuna-chan for funds) /sounds/ simple enough to follow... she's not sure what to say.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then Mamoru's here, with the problem of a ''third'' cake.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I mean... I guess... will she ''be'' a little girl again? Or does she stay grown up but not evil? I don't know how it works..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She blinks. "Wait, you know when her birthday is..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She shakes her head and smiles, "Anyway, uh, hi Mamoru, so how'd the whole..." she gestures vaguely in the direction he came from, "...business go today?" She looks somewhat concerned for him having to hang around Dark Energy people all day. Like that sounds rough.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She will also take an onigiri.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:45|Makoto Kino (45)}} has posed:'''<br>The big tabby, sensing danger, melts out of Makoto's lap for a safer vantage up behind Ami's seat.<br><br>Makoto draws in a deep, slow breath. <br><br>"Masato-kun," she says, in that same mild tone, as she rises to her feet. "Izou-kun. I'm very sorry, but I'm going to have to strangle your prince now."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:122|Ami Mizuno (122)}} has posed:'''<br>Oh no. Poor Masato-kun.<br><br>Ami had fallen silent now, eating her onigiri at a much more lady-like pace while she let the surprises settle in. It was probably quite inopportune for her to have just blurted it like that, but oh well. It was out now.<br><br>Her attention wandered to Mamoru, then to his hair. Then, finally, back to Masato.<br><br>"Your illusions are really good, Masato-kun." Ami tried to comfort. "At least that won't be ''three'' cakes."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|Izou Saitou (86)}} has posed:'''<br>Turns to give Makoto a look like 'why are you asking me for permission?'<br><br>"Go ahead, knock yourself out. I would join you but I don't want bad eyeliner to stain my fingers." And his attention is back to the tea.<br><br>If a fight would break out soon, he might consider going back upstairs to his room to study, lest he actually joins the ruckus. Tempting. He'll see where it goes.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:27|Minako Aino (27)}} has posed:'''<br>Minako Aino regards Wicked Mask as he comes in with a judging look at the smudgey eyeliner and the tips... It didn't look too bad but at the same time it was a bit much all around, and the liner was done so poorly. She takes another bite of her ramen, and lifts a hand to snap-point at Izou when he comes in with the point of stencils.<br><br>But then there's mention of a THIRD cake and she just tucks her chopsticks into the ramen bowl again. Safely. "Do you need me to hold him down, Mako-chan?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:61|Koji Silvia (61)}} has posed:'''<br>Hanzo glows a moment, and there's another four-pack of Onigiri that appears there, and it just has the writing 'for Mamoru' on it' That's just pushed at the wickedly dressed man as he deploys replacements for Ami and Makoto. MORE Umeboshi especially since they seem to be popular with the bluenette, "A pleasure to meet you, Miss Mizuno."<br><br>To Minako he adds, And to answer your earlier question, I am single, but I am also a disaster. My only girlfriend was a pretend one because at the time we were trying to find this brilliant fellow..." Motioning to Mamoru, "A girlfriend. And I met this nice young girl who I thought was perfect for him. Who knew that I was just being puppet-stringed by fate." <br><br>However as Makoto moves to stand, he just sliiiiiides his chair closer to Masato, and shrugs, "Sorry, Mamo... but I -REALLY- think you shot yourself in the foot with that one. You just asked a baker... in the middle of making cake number one... to make you a second cake... on the fly... three weeks from your big day. About the only worse thing you could have done is changed the wedding theme after all the decor was picked out."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:90|Masato Sanjouin (90)}} has posed:'''<br>A sigh leaves him, and Masato looks up at Makoto rising in quiet fury, and decides now is a great time to turn his attantion away from whatever might befall his Prince. Sapphire eyes turn instead to Amy. <br><br>"I'm already going to have to organise a tuxedo for Koji-kun. If you need to be fitted for something, it should be new." And his daily style is no shortage of evidence in his expertise in looking good, "Can't be seen at such events in the same thing, twice, after all."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:122|Ami Mizuno (122)}} has posed:'''<br>Ami smiled at Koji. In particular, she smiled for the immediate thoughtfulness of newly summoned umeboshi. Because, yes, of course she'd help herself to another since they were being offered.<br><br>"You too, Koji-kun." At least she managed to speak before settling into the onigiri once more.<br><br>And, again, with more decorum than the hungry assault of the first one.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Wicked Mask (38)}} has posed:'''<br>"Oh sh-- you didn't--" Mamoru swallows a little too rapidly and ends up with his fist on his chest, and his eyes go wide under the badly drawn moon, behind his glasses, and he looks from Neph to Mako, and Izou comes in and Mamoru looks to ''him'' and he has Something To Say about the moon on his head, and abruptly Mamoru's frowning. "Wicked Lady said I shouldn't worry about the disguise being bad, because then our enemies will know we're mocking them. She didn't specify which enemies but I can guess--"<br><br>He gives Amy a quick 'I'm in danger' smile as Mako starts advancing on him, and his eyes go wide again and he scrambles out of his chair to hold the back of it with both hands, on the floor, between him and Mako. "Wicked Lady was going to step on Neph and Amy-chan if I didn't say something to distract them!! And 'do you want a Wicked Lady cake' was the first thing I could think of!"<br><br>He snakes another onigiri, this one from the four-pack Koji just put, and he's also grinning. Aw man.<br><br>"Could just BUY a wicked lady cake..." he offers, figuring that's a 50-50 chance it'll work or be worse.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:61|Koji Silvia (61)}} has posed:'''<br>For reasons that become supremely obvious in a moment, Koji stands up from his chair, snags his Device and backpack backpack, and clears the blast radius while making the excuse of getting a cat toy to tease Makoto's tabby friend. <br><br> With his back turned, he says, "If you're going to body him, please ask someone to get the door first. Arigato."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|Izou Saitou (86)}} has posed:'''<br>"Why are we being fitted again? I though our standard uniforms would be enough for the wedding." Turning around, steaming cup in hand as he finally approaches the group, one brow arched and ignoring the eventual carnage that would befall his prince.<br><br>Quite deserved, in his opinion.<br><br>But the little ''attempt'' in appeasing Jupiter did make him side glance at the two. "It's comical you think a bought cake won't take as much precious time. You're basically hiring another baker that won't match Makoto's caliber, and adding more stress to everyone that's busy also decoration and planning."<br><br>''"Anyway,'' was there any decision on what flowers I shouldn't get for this wedding?" Directs his question to Minako since the subject sprouted from lips. "I have started working in the Shed, made an extra room for an indoor garden, so I will be able to cultivate a couple of things if we need anything special."<br><br>Of course, Ami was not lost on him, but he had not properly talked to her since her return from studying abroad, and he wasn't sure if this was the opportune time to do so.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mamoru gives her that look, and she steps in front of him, looking ''up'' at Makoto helplessly. This social situation is rapidly becoming too complex for her to be sure any understanding of it is correct.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He mentions she and Nephrite were in danger, "This was during the food fight? Uhh... I guess fighting her on top of things woulda been bad, yeah..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She glances between Makoto and Masato, a bit nervously. "I've never been to a wedding before... like this, I mean. ''Fitted?'' I don't think I've ever been to a place that does that..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:45|Makoto Kino (45)}} has posed:'''<br>"We are not going to just ''buy a cake.''" Makoto sounds almost as scandalized by this suggestion as she did by the second cake being a thing at all. The chair Mamoru angles between them might be what saves his life - more likely it's the fact that Makoto belatedly realizes she still has half a salmon-and-mayo-filled onigiri in her hand.<br><br>With an emphatic huff of displeasure, she flumps back down in her seat, takes a big bite, chews, and eventually swallows.<br><br>"This is fine. It's ''fine''. Chibiusa-chan ''should'' have a birthday cake. We can put an illusion on it, like Masato-kun said... or maybe a dark chocolate shell over it that can break...? but then we have to keep it in one piece until the reveal..." She's not really talking to anyone at this point, just thinking out loud, quietly fuming over what's left of her rice ball. "''A cake inside a cake, are you kidding me? Do you think I can make a cake turducken?''"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:90|Masato Sanjouin (90)}} has posed:'''<br>Gods, he did not just suggest ''buying a cake''-- Masato physically deflates when Makoto sits back down, the tension leaving his body. He takes another long sip of coffee. <br><br>"We'll make Chibiusa a birthday cake, and I'll either cast an illusion or... guard it at the wedding, Mako-chan. We'll make it work." He sounds so grateful that Mamoru hasn't been sent flying. "It is partly my fault, I seconded the, uh... second cake." <br><br>A look to Amy, though, comes with a wave of his hand. "It's fine. I know many boutique and bridal stores across the city. I'm sure we can find you something."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:27|Minako Aino (27)}} has posed:'''<br>Minako Aino opens her mouth to remark when things start to go more sour, but stops. Mamoru seemed to realize what a mistake he'd made in a way, and he's doubling down by suggesting a store bought cake. This just causes her to wince a little bit. "Maybe you should also get Usagi's cousin to help?" If that would help at all.<br><br>It's Izou's question that tears her gaze away over toward him with the suggestion of flowers. "Roses goes without saying, I think," she states glancing to Mamoru as if to confirm this. "But I don't have contact with Usagi-chan to get her input on it. I mean I could take a guess." Her gaze sweeps up toward the ceiling contemplating as her finger taps lightly at her chin. "I've been posing as her for the last week as it is, so it wouldn't be too hard, but... This really ought to be a bride decision. Mamoru?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:122|Ami Mizuno (122)}} has posed:'''<br>With a lean, Ami settles a sympathetic and onigiri free hand on Makoto's shoulder.<br><br>"I would never mistake a store-bought cake for one of yours." She reassured gently. "And I'm fairly certain you could turducken anything, if you set your mind to it."<br><br>Whether that was a good thing or a bad thing would ultimately be left open to personal interpretations. Her attention now wandered toward Mamoru.<br><br>"I've got some ideas for the throne, too." Ami lifted her brows, her own planned contributions should be signal enough.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|Izou Saitou (86)}} has posed:'''<br>Yes, it ''ought'' to be the bride's decision on the flowers. It was just unfortunate the middle man in this case was the same man that suggested ''buying'' a second wedding cake to Makoto. His gaze returns to Mamoru, unimpressed.<br><br>"Obviously roses. What else would the bride want, your Highness?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Wicked Mask (38)}} has posed:'''<br>Mamoru literally takes out his phone with the onigiri in his mouth, sets it on the table, and opens it to scroll to the 'This is fine.' fire dog photo in his phone's album full of image macros. He slides his phone across the table in front of Makoto and says with his hand in front of his mouth, "My life right now. Sorry for spreading it around."<br><br>He ruffles Amy's hair and then pulls her chair back out for her, before he sits back down himself and offers, "I figured you were the only one who could turducken a cake," apologetically.<br><br>He looks irritated at Izou. "It's legitimately not as bad as you're making it out to be, you're just--"<br><br>Now he just looks frustrated and takes his phone back and starts texting. "I'm going to text her and ask since I make ''one mistake'' and am turned into worse than useless."<br><br>Theres a smudged moon on your forehead Mamoru you've made more than one mistake.<br><br>He texts. He texts a lot, scowling.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The, the wedding has a throne...?" Amy asks, unsure if they're still all talking about the same thing anymore and also trying to imagine going into some kind of ''fancy'' dress store.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She startles a little at the ruffling and then smiles at the affectionate gesture and sits in the offered chair. "Wait, Usagi-chan still has her ''phone''?!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:61|Koji Silvia (61)}} has posed:'''<br>Koji pipes up from playing with the cat, who is doing it's best to NOT play, but at the same time there is an occasional paw-swipe in the air, because one 'Must', "Also ask... the bride..." Trying to dodge one of the many elephants on circus balls in the room, "Top six favorite foods, I need to adapt an entire buffet menu with nothing more than..." <br><br>He stops, and then just exhales, "Mamoru I need your card. I need to rent a kitchen, buy ingredient, and give you samples to take with you next time we talk. Since you can't just... show up... for a tasting."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:90|Masato Sanjouin (90)}} has posed:'''<br>Finally, as Makoto seems to settle into food and food-related planning, Masato resumes trying to eat. Koji is onto things on the other end of that spectrum. He truly is climbing the ranks of favour in Masato's mind with utter swiftness. <br><br>A bite of pork katso is warming and delicious and it shows. He chews it slowly, holding his bowl close, and gestures his chopsticks gently until he swallows. <br><br>"I also promised Wicked Lady a throne from which to watch the wedding," He admits, "But Ami has some ideas for that. We thought about restraining Wicked Lady in it, potentially."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|Izou Saitou (86)}} has posed:'''<br>'Oh cry me a river' was basically spelled out by a roll of his eyes. "Make sure to ask her how she wants her ''bouquet,'' since it also needs to be made. I haven't heard much on that front, and I am unsure who is taking care of that."<br><br>Sips his tea, looking over to Koji for a second. "Ask about beverages too. Make sure the wine matches the food selection." Quietly adds.<br><br>"How would the throne work?" Green eyes finally look over to Ami.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:122|Ami Mizuno (122)}} has posed:'''<br>Ami nodded to Amy, confirming the existence of a throne at the wedding.<br><br>"We'll throw together something fairly simple, but watertight, and Masato-kun can use his illusions to make it pretty." Ami offered at Izou's prompting. "We can fill it with water that we bless at Rei-chan's shrine and, once she's settled in it and it seems like good timing, I'll restrain her with ice and water."<br><br>A faint grimace caught her. "It'll probably only hold her for a short while, but it's really hard to try to come up with a way to hold someone who can just teleport about if she needs."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:27|Minako Aino (27)}} has posed:'''<br>"Do we know the colors for the wedding yet or did I totally miss that part?" Minako pipes up for her part when the others start to ask the Very Good Questions that need to be asked while they have Mamoru here and trapped in their clutches. Or at least here and sitting.<br><br>A glance is cast toward Amy as she offers, trying to be helpful, "A good rule of thumb is don't wear the same color as the bride. Otherwise I think any formal dress will do. Just find one that fits you and you like." <br><br>The talk of the throne causes her nose to scrunch a little. And her gaze sliiiides back over to Mamoru with an eyebrow raising. "I know fathers like to promise their daughters the world but you really are trying to tick all those boxes, huh?" Sighing she leans back in her seat further sinking down into it just enough that she can keep her head tipped back to stare at the ceiling blearily. She'd not had enough energy drinks once she learned of their side effects!<br><br>"It's too bad we couldn't convince her a gaming chair is a throne, but she's *obviously* seen a real one---Oh! OH wait." <br><br>Suddenly sitting bolt upright she blurts, "What if we used the remnants of Queen Serenity's? Yeah it's a mess and mostly broken but we could put comfy pillows on it and um it'd hide-" her hand makes vague gestures as if to indicate a box. "Whatever contraption you're making, Ami-chan, and even if it looks weird we can tell her *without lying* that it was made from her grandmother's throne! That'd be kind of special right?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|Izou Saitou (86)}} has posed:'''<br>"Hm. Honestly there is only one way to disable teleportation. Make the person unconscious." To which he thinks about, including the amount of ice needed for such a feat. Or blessed water. "But the image of her frozen mid scream would be quite hilarious in my opinion." Only a small hint of bitterness was present in that statement. Just a tad. Believe it or not, Izou was behaving himself quite well.<br><br>At the very, ''very least,'' he didn't add 'the throne of your dead grandmother.'<br><br>Clears his throat.<br><br>"Colors are definitely important. They all have meanings, including the flowers selected. Just need to make sure the bouquet isn't representing anything negative."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Wicked Mask (38)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mamoru TXT: minako and izou want to know if theres any flowers you DONT want<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Usagi TXT: are they going to get every other flower in the world that i dont name<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mamoru TXT: like probably. they say flowers should be the brides decision.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mamoru TXT: i'll ask<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Usagi TXT: shouldn't they ask me what I do want then?<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Usagi TXT: ð???ª<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mamoru TXT: thats why theyre asking me to ask you, goofball<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Usagi TXT: no they asked if there's flowers i don't want<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mamoru TXT: oh! youre right what a weird way to ask<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Usagi TXT: they probably just want to do whatever they want and justify that I didn't say they couldn't use those or these<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Usagi TXT: what colors do you want to see<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mamoru TXT: what they actually WANT to do is do this with you, not me. but they don't know where you are because we're playing wicked lady's game<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mamoru TXT: white and pink and yellow and red.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Usagi TXT: izou would never in his life want to do anything with me<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Usagi TXT: dahlias and camellias and baby's breath<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mamoru TXT: okay! love you! give wicked lady a hug for me! be back soon<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Usagi TXT: love you, have fun, if you're seeing makochan bring me snacks<br><br>Once he's got SOME answers-- not Koji's, but Izou and Minako's, he glances up with his eyes narrowed. "She said she ''wants'' dahlias, yellow and white camellias, and baby's breath. I didn't ask her about the foods yet, Koji-kun, but I will."<br><br>Then he sleight-of-hands his card out of thin air and holds it out to Koji. "Just get it to Kazuo or Masato when you're done needing it," he says. "And I, personally, want there to be ''steak'', and you know what I mean."<br><br>He rolls his head to look at Amy and says with a half-smile, "Wicked Lady's throne. Because of course her parents' wedding is a celebration of her future birth. Look-- things are ''really complicated''. I mean if you can get a whole bunch of purifiers together and ''surprise us'' at a fight, that works, I can't help planning it directly but it's just-- it's just corruption, it's just dark energy, it's just..."<br><br>Mamoru takes a breath, eyes closed, and then another one. Steadying himself. "It's so bad. But she has her phone. But she doesn't always have it. Crapshoot if you get her or New Moon, since New Moon is also proxying for her right now."<br><br>He glances aside at Izou again, and he exhales. "Wine? Nobody going is technically old enough to drink? I think the youngest person coming is like ten. And even Wicked Lady drinks grape juice."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:27|Minako Aino (27)}} has posed:'''<br>Minako Aino glances over to Izou to remark solemnly, "So we'll need *very* strong wine then. Or soju. I hear that knocks people out quickly."<br><br>Then Mamoru mentions none are old enough to drink. She just stares at him a long moment. "I'm about to start drinking at that point." A pause, and she says more seriously, "If we need to knock her out then that might not be a bad way to do it." Sorry, you might have your kiddo get drugged.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:61|Koji Silvia (61)}} has posed:'''<br>Standing up, Koji walks over and plucks the black card from Wicked's hand, and then plants it into one of the inner pockets of his school jacket. <br><br>Once he's got it put away and pats the spot, the smaller and slightly younger magical boy... gives Mamoru a Hug. Just like that. And holds onto him a moment, as he says softly, "We're here for you, you big, stupid, lovable dork. You handle the you stuff the way you always do, and we'll get the rest. It'll be fine." <br><br>But then he pulls back and looks Mamo up and down, "But seriously... when this is over... truly over... I'm talking the I DOs... burn this. For all our sakes."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|Izou Saitou (86)}} has posed:'''<br>"Did the moon decree these prohibition laws? Because last I checked, there hasn't been any for ''quite a while."'' And he gestures to Minako and Koji. "These two are putting their souls into what they can do, and Makoto's cake will definitely deserve the taste of wine to go along with it. If this is a wedding to represent something, might as well have proper drinks to go along. And of course, grape juice for those much younger. Your daughter aside..."<br><br>Drugging her would be a proper plan, but that would be asking too much from someone with a smudged moon on one's forehead.<br><br>"No. We're not spiking the drinks, Mina-chan. That's sacrilege."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Baby's breath is a flower name? TIL." Amy echoes, because somehow in all the... everything going on, her mind landed on that thought, like an exhausted butterfly just landing on the closest metaphor it sees.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She nods a little, looking a bit concerned again but knowing she can't do anything ''directly'' as he speaks of the plight of having to manage his temporarily evil future daughter for weeks.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She starts to pull her phone out of its little bag, but then slides it back in when told New Moon might get the message instead.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She looks at Minako. "It tastes ''horrible.'' And whenever people say 'oh, you can't taste the alchohol in this' they're ''lying.'' Maybe she just gets upset at the taste but what if she figures out what you tried to do?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...She might actually know how it tastes, too. She's had ''nine centuries'' to accidentally pick up the wrong glass one time."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amanda looks worried at another thought. "You really think that'll beat ''dark energy'', anyway?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:90|Masato Sanjouin (90)}} has posed:'''<br>"You don't have wine with cake, my Gods--" Masato looks pained as he holds his hands up. "Just-- make sure any wine is non-alcoholic." It feels so strange that he's the wone to have to say this. "We're not spiking any of the food either. Wicked Lady's as powerful as Beryl was-- we're a bit beyond mundane means like that or a bop on the head." <br><br>He's not going into how substances like alcohol barely touched the sides for him, during his darker era. "The blessed water might prevent teleportation or interfere with her ability to attack us. That's the point. It may buy time to deal with New Moon."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:122|Ami Mizuno (122)}} has posed:'''<br>"Well, I was thinking that the blessings would be enough to suppress her dark energy temporarily. Outside of that, I'd imagine its going to be something of a me-versus-her willpower thing, since it'll also be ''my'' power holding her down." Ami said to Izou. "Plus, I'm trying to avoid hurting her if at all possible. It's not her fault she's in this state and, underneath it, she's still my friend."<br><br>Sapphirine blues settled on Izou. "Everyone else will be busy with New Moon and all I have to do is hold her long enough."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:27|Minako Aino (27)}} has posed:'''<br>Minako Aino puffs out a breath when the alochol ideas is nixed. It wasn't a great idea anyway she knew but she was trying to come up with ideas. Knocking someone out wasn't as easy as they made it out to be in the movies. Amy's apparent knowledge on the topic garners a faint smile. "Beat it? No. Keep it from letting her escape easily? That was mostly the hope." <br><br>A bit hopefully she asks, "Can it be fizzy nonalcholic wine? Like in the fancy parties in movies? I always wanted to try that. It looks so fancy." <br><br>Notably she *does* actually pull her phone out about now to text a note to herself abou the flower types. "Yes, but don't let the baby's breath get near any of the food, it's toxic."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy blinks. She thinks she heard this mentioned before, but so much was going on she didn't think about it, "Why is she as strong as ''Beryl'' was?! Did she absorb all the darkness on Nemesis, or something?!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Wicked Mask (38)}} has posed:'''<br>"Go ahead and text her, Amy-chan," Mamoru encourages. "If New Moon has it, she'll show her. You can't trust New Moon with anybody but me, Usagi, and Wicked Lady, but on those three people, you can absolutely trust her. It's just that she's brainwashed to make Wicked Lady her priority one hundred percent--"<br><br>He shakes his head at Minako, agreeing with the others, "Don't spike anyone's drink. And fine, but I know nothing about wines, so that's up to Masato, Koji, and you." There's a pause. "I don't ''like'' wine," he says defiantly--<br><br>--and then Koji's hugging him! He hugs back after a half-second's surprise, he hugs back ''tight''. "Hey. Thanks," he says quietly, and then looks confused. "Burn what?"<br><br>Then he looks back at Minako, at Masato and Amy, and then Ami. "Talk to Aloisia, the Crystal Knight. And Chrono and Rashmi and Madoka. They're all very good at bindings and should be able to help."<br><br>Then to Amy, he shakes his head. "Death Phantom corrupted her."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:27|Minako Aino (27)}} has posed:'''<br>Minako Aino slowly swivels her head toward Amy looking a bit surprised by her surprise. "Ah... She's the combination of powers of..." A hand lifts to *gesture* at Wicked Moon in all his inglorious garb, "And Princess Serenity." Here she pauses, blinking again. Her head snaps toward Wicked Mask.<br><br>"Does... Does she still have the other Silver Crystal, too? The one from the future?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:90|Masato Sanjouin (90)}} has posed:'''<br>Masato pauses before another bite, "Ami and I have already spoken to Aloe-san. She's sent Ami some details about adding a containment spell to the throne, but we're still working on it."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|Izou Saitou (86)}} has posed:'''<br>"Oh, you're sensitive to tannins. Poor soul, that's why wine tastes bitter to you. Just look up what it is and that might explain why you don't like it. Just drink the grape juice with Wicked Lady." Izou wave his hand dismissively at Amy.<br><br>"Nephrite, you are absolutely the reason we can't have anything ''fun'' in this wedding. Gods above, what are Mamoru and Usagi supposed to toast with? Bubbly soda pop? At least get them a bottle of champagne!" There is was, bristling.<br><br>"Whatever, it's not my wedding, and you're the bartender." And he quickly just drops it.<br><br>He was going to mention something to Ami about her doing it alone, but Mamoru steps in for that, mentioning other mahou. Well, he at least could vouch for Rashmi being good at what she does.<br><br>"Mamoru, whenever you have time in your busy schedule, I also would like to have a word with you if you don't mind."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:61|Koji Silvia (61)}} has posed:'''<br>Koji steps back, and the turns away as he says, "That outfit. It should never see the light of day. You are a treasure but you should never be allowed to pick your clothes sometimes, Mamoru." <br><br>Hanzo comes out, and he nods to himself, "I can get sparkling juices made to be like champagne and a couple other wines, I just need to know the flavor of the cake, so that it compliments it, and I don't get yelled at. My mom's company can do the importing so we can get it faster than online... do not ask... I will not tell. And if she knows what it's for... she might swing us one bottle of REAL champagne. She goes to enough government parties to know what the real stuff is, and how to get it. Again. Do. Not. Ask. She'll bring out the snap baton and the taser." <br><br>So he's not even half-paying attention to the conversation, though his Device is keeping a log, "And stop talking about your plans in front of him, all of you. Anything related to... what you want to do... find a new place, one where he won't know to look for you, and then game it out there." <br><br>His phone is put away, and then he shrugs, "Sorry... it's not that I don't trust you or don't care, Mamoru... I just don't want the other side to pin you down and force you to say something about all of this. You get it. I'm just thinking of Dorm Rool Rules."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:122|Ami Mizuno (122)}} has posed:'''<br>"Aloe-chan said that she was going to be focusing her efforts on keeping things ''out''." Ami nodded agreement with Masato.<br><br>She hadn't mentioned at the time that she, personally, was more concerned about the things that would already be on the inside. But, that was neither here nor there.<br><br>"I may also be able to work some other ideas into something to hide in the cake." A blue-headed nod was offered to Mamoru. "I'll try to get in contact with some others as I can. If we can get a little troupe together to hold her down, we might actually be able to keep Wicked Lady in place for some time. A little like old time firemen passing buckets."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy blinks at Izou. "...That's a ''thing?!'' Like how some people can't eat cilantro???"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...I mean, I'm fine drinking, like, cider, socially, in..." She looks at her watch-communicator. "...however many years from now. But anything stronger is blegh."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Someone who inherited the powers of Sailor Moon ''and'' Tuxedo Mask who is now evil. "Oooohhhhhhhhh." Amy replies to that explanation, but then Mamoru gives a bit more detail. "Poor Chibiusa's friend." She mutters, 'So it ''is'' mind control. Always hated those stories...'<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Death Phantom corrupted Chibiusa. Amy looks back at Mamoru. "...Uhhh, how does that actually ''work''? I'm starting to think that taking Dark Energy for a few hours didn't actually teach me ''anything'' that applies to anyone else..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:90|Masato Sanjouin (90)}} has posed:'''<br>"Non-alcoholic champagnes exist, *Zoisite.*" Sapphire eyes-- so, so tired-- lash his way with a quelling look. "As if Usagi-chan *wouldn't toast with soda! Let's just... not make any firm plans right now that rely on destroying extra cakes. Yes?" <br><br>He was wary of starting Makoto up again. <br><br>He dug into his katsu again.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Wicked Mask (38)}} has posed:'''<br>Mamoru shakes his head at Minako. "You have that one. Usagi has her own but is keeping it hidden. I don't think even Wicked Lady knows where it is. I don't think it's come up?"<br><br>He nods to Masato, and then looks at Zoisite-- and looks like he's worried, and tired, and frustrated, and he says, "You can text me anytime. I tried texting you but it didn't get me anywhere. But yeah, I'm home for a while every night to do my classwork and homework."<br><br>Then he ''sighs'' at Koji. "Dorm Room Rules don't apply. There's nothing in my head, the girls aren't even trying to make me do anything evil or eat dark energy for breakfast or whatever, no one ''cares'' what I do, and the girls ''don't even have a plan''. They literally don't. They're supposed to find the silver crystal and ''don't care''. The only things I can't do are make Wicked Lady sad, fight against them, or try and set up a fight that isn't the wedding. Wicked Lady and New Moon are keeping me safe from Demande and Saphir."<br><br>Then he blinks at Minako and Amy. "She doesn't have the combined powers of the two of us. She just has a crapton of Dark Energy right now..."<br><br>Then Mamoru ''glares'' at Koji. "My yukata is ''lovely'' what's wrong with you?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|Izou Saitou (86)}} has posed:'''<br>"Yes, that's a ''thing,'' Amy. Everyone tastes things differently. People who assume you won't taste the alcohol are the ones that really don't know much about how some palates work. Nothing wrong with you as well, just means your taste is not for wine."<br><br>Sips more of his tea, pointedly ignoring Masato as he glances down to his new phone. The time... he's definitely not getting much studying done. He might have to leave soon, just to make up for the catch up he was dealing with.<br><br>Then his eyes connect with Mamoru's and sees the look in those eyes. A frown, quiet and perhaps a little hurt. They haven't talked in a while and it was something serious he wanted to share.<br><br>Whatever.<br><br>"Are you actually texting my new number or my old one?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:122|Ami Mizuno (122)}} has posed:'''<br>Ami took up her mug for a sip after swallowing down the remnant of another umeboshi onigiri. Somewhere in the midst of all of this, she'd been steadily working her way through them save the one Mamoru had selected earlier for himself.<br><br>They were ''really'' good.<br><br>"The roses match his hair." Ami offered with regard to Mamoru's yukata.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:27|Minako Aino (27)}} has posed:'''<br>It had been a question that she had to ask because it would be a rather important thing to know. Where the other Silver Crystal was. She had been told it belonged to NeoQueen Serenity but she was so used to just thinking of there being ONE Silver Crystal that it didn't click until Mamoru says 'she has that one' as to which one she was given.<br><br>What does cause her to grow still with a sudden serious weight falling over her is that he says she has it. Out loud. Around others.<br><br>"Mamoru-san," she states in a voice pitched deeper than usual as if she might scold a child. "I hadn't told anyone I had it. For safetys sake."<br><br>She could shoulder the responsibilty of protecting the crystal again. She'd done it before in a way in the past, by pretending to be Serenity before the real one was found. However long that had lasted at least.<br><br>A breath is let out and she deflates with shoulders slumping. "Aah I've been so busy running around pretending to be Usagi and Sailor Moon and also it's starting to get busy with volleyball right now and..." ... Sure she'd been warned. That doesn't stop her hand from habitually reaching for one of her bottles of energy drinks again at this point.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(No judgements on such tropes she has just only seen some used lazily)<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Honestly, the feeling that she is somehow disappointing friends by not liking alchohol is very distant -- she didn't care ''that'' much, and it was years ago -- but all the same Amy's still a little relieved at Izou reassuring that this is normal and not wrong and that it was ''they'' who were at fault, and she smiles a little.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And ''then'' Amy grimaces a little and sucks air in through her teeth as Saphir's name is mentioned.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He didn't even ''do'' anything especially horrible, just, being on Nemesis really sucked.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then Mamoru tells ''everyone in the room'' Minako has one of the crystals and Amy wonders about that opsec but... if Mamoru knew, then Wicked Lady and New Moon knew too, and somehow this is all working...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy sighs and slumps just slightly in her chair, then straightens up again. "Oh uh... I have what might be a dumb question? Like, just to make sure I know some basic stuff about what's even happening-- wait, come to think of it, I don't even know, is this gonna be like a shinto wedding or a western one, or some ancient Silver Millenium tradition? Or, or a ''future'' tradition your other selves invented?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:61|Koji Silvia (61)}} has posed:'''<br>Koji turns around, and he's GRINNING, "Just call it a little revenge for springing me being in the wedding party on me like that. But you're right. At least it's not the Green Blazer." <br><br>Putting his phone away, he turns and heads for the door, "I have to go finish homework, and find a kitchen... and actual kitchen to cook in. Text me with her wants... I've already got some plans for a little steak thing for you, and some other stuff I think will go over well. Don't worry... it won't be a spread of ramen and onigiri. I want to LIVE to graduate high school."<br><br>He does turn to face the group on the way out, "Again, nice to meet you Ami. Minako-chan, make sure to stop by so I can give you more tips on how to play like Usagi online, and PUT THAT DOWN. Drink some tea. Masato-san, please stop by when you have a chance, you look like you're not eating enough. If you keel over while trying to help everyone, you do no one any good. And Mister Saitou-san... ease up on him a little. He's trying to do a lot. And I'm sure your flower arrangements will make every girl there feel like it's her special day too." <br><br>He waves... and he leaves. Exitting ALMOST Mamoru-style.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:122|Ami Mizuno (122)}} has posed:'''<br>"Thank you for the food, Koji-kun!" Ami called after him<br><br>Then her attention wandered to Minako and the gravity that settled upon her friend, and Ami smiled. Sympathetic and reassuring at the same time, she could only imagine the pressure of keeping the Silver Crystal safe on her own.<br><br>"Would you like me to stay with you for a little while?" If she was worried for the safety of the crystal, she figured two senshi in proximity were better than one. "Someone needs to keep an eye on your energy-drink-to-food ratio. Plus, I can help you with your homework."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:90|Masato Sanjouin (90)}} has posed:'''<br>Masato wondered if he looked thinner, and grimaced. He probably did. He sighed some. "I'll keep in touch, Koji-kun. We'll get your tuxedo sorted when you have a free day."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Wicked Mask (38)}} has posed:'''<br>"... considering I didn't know you changed your number," it's Mamoru's turn to look kind of hurt, and even more frustrated, and his chin crumples briefly before he takes a breath, then another, and he looks-- he looks like he can't actually quite get rid of the tired and frustrated and ''frightened''. "Please I do want to-- I want to talk to you. But you've been mean the whole time I've been in here, I just figured I was in trouble again."<br><br>Then he gets LECTURED by MINAKO and stands up. "RIP. Maybe you should have told me that. I should head out too."<br><br>He henshins right there in the cafe, Prince Endymion style, and waves to Koji, and then says "Anyway, any of you can text me or Usagi it's fine. Goodnight everyone."<br><br>A flash of light and he also teleports out right there in the cafe.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:27|Minako Aino (27)}} has posed:'''<br>Minako Aino rises from her seat with a similar demeanor as Makoto had earlier, hefting the energy drink bottle as if to lob it across the cat cafe at Mamoru. "Why would I tell you I hadn't told anyone when it's supposed to be a secret anyway I said I'd keep it a secret---!" He was already gone, of course, he was so good at that so she's just yelling at the air waving a bottle like some deranged drunkard.<br><br>So she just flops back down into her seat with a tired 'Uwaaaaah' whine before she tips to the side to lean in against Ami. "Yes please I could use the company--- Wait did you say homework?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:90|Masato Sanjouin (90)}} has posed:'''<br>Finishing a bite of katsu, he glances at Makoto-- who appears to be writing down mysterious culinary notes on a napkin with utter focus-- and turned a sympathetic look to Minako. "You've done your best, Mina-chan."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:86|Izou Saitou (86)}} has posed:'''<br>That was surprisingly sweet of Koji to say, despite their limited acquaintance. Hopefully Usagi would feel special that he was going to put in the work for the flowers she wants. She was marrying his prince after all, having everything catered to her and whatever whims Wicked Lady wanted.<br><br>UNKNOWN NUMBER txt MAMORU: This is my number. Text me when you're available. PS: I'm always mean, do you not know me?<br><br>"I suppose this is my cue to leave." Seeing Mamoru upset at him (which he was taking it that way) was enough of a hint that his presence was enough for one evening. "Have a good night everyone."<br><br>Izou walks off.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:122|Ami Mizuno (122)}} has posed:'''<br>Ami lifted a hand to pat gently at Minako's head as she leaned in a kind of sympathy-fuelled half-hug. "You're doing great, Minako-chan."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...Wait, you're teaching people to be better at videogames?" Amy starts to turn, but Koji is already gone, and Mamoru's gone, and she ''still'' doesn't even know what kind of wedding it is. She sighs and holds a hand to her forehead.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So like. I just gotta check. Like uh... They're getting married, but like... how do the boyfriends and Mizuno-san... Like uh..." She looks around, eyes landing on Ami, "Is there like, additional weddings ''later'', or is it like, this is the ''marriage'' and the other relationships are different, or..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She holds her hands to her head and looks down at the table. "Sorry, I must sound like a confused old lady. I didn't know what a polycule ''was'' two years ago and I have no idea what the like, ceremonies and stuff are. Hannah told me about ''Tharkad'' but I dunno what the, like, what the rules on ''Earth'' are and I've just not really had a need to ''ask'' but, like, yeah, attending a friend's wedding and I don't wanna awkwardly not know an obvious thing, ya know?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:90|Masato Sanjouin (90)}} has posed:'''<br>Masato turned a look towards Amy, and offered something of a forgiving smile-- though no less tired. "I can give you a better run-down while dress-shopping, if you like. It's involved." <br><br>This, if nothing else, is clarification of an invitation of a kind.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:27|Minako Aino (27)}} has posed:'''<br>Minako Aino lets her eyes slide shut a moment at hte headpats. Ah. That was nice. "Thank you Ami-chan," she lets out quietly before blinking her eyes open again to look at the confused Amy.<br><br>"It's not that complicated. They're getting married. No one else is. They're still dating the others though. It's not usual sure but," A hand lifts in a shrug. "It works for them? Basically everyone is getting smooches except me and Rei I think." A pause. "And Tamaki."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:122|Ami Mizuno (122)}} has posed:'''<br>"Oh, no. I'm... Not me, I'm not getting married." Ami flustered a little before glancing between Masato and the occupied Makoto. "But, yes. Maybe Masato-kun can fill you in while you're looking for a lovely dress."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:107|Amy Faust (107)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy blinks at Masato. "''You'' wanna go dress-shopping?" She's surprised, but curious, and the wedding is fast-approaching. She nods.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She listens to Minako's explanation and nods again, to her and Ami. "That's... what I would have assumed, I guess? But I've come to the wrong conclusion about how social stuff works before so I wanted to check."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Poor Tamaki. "He's like a loyal puppy."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She blushes a little. "A-all of you except you three...?" So Makoto too... come to think of it she thinks she ''does'' remember something about Usagi or Serenity and Makoto interacting in such a way when they visited the past. She mostly hasn't really been like, keeping track of things though.<br> <br>
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