Level 33
This chapter took way longer for me to write than I anticipated but it was so much fun and really picked up steam at the end! It’s starting to get really fun fam!
Master List
Tagging: @loudartanimeeclipse, @ihavenotfallenyet
Warnings: Casually crude langage
Level 33
Excitement washed over you as you put your controller away and turned your TV off. You were told to eat a fun snack. Since you had eaten all of your left-overs for dinner and your chips were wiped out well into the tournament, it was time to go to the store. Without a second thought, you slipped into some comfortable footwear, grabbed your keys and wallet, and headed out to hit up the local convenience store.
As predicted, it was just late enough that there weren’t hoards of people lined up inside the little store waiting for a quick and cheap ready-made dinner for the evening. You walked right in and headed straight for the snack aisle, quietly looking over all the options. After picking out your favorite candy and the least offensive flavor of gourmet chips, you grabbed a bottle of tea and walked up to the check-out counter.
“I see your terrible taste in chips hasn’t changed.” You recognized the cashier from your last potato chip adventure and laughed.
“Why is it that every time I make poor snack decisions, you’re here to give me grief?” You snickered as you put your items on the counter.
“Just doing my job. It’d be a crime if I let people go around making bad snack decisions all day.” The one-eyed brunette jokes.
“Alright then, you’ve piqued my interest.” You gestured towards the snack aisles. “What does a good snack adventure look like?”
“Depends on the situation, lass.” The young man leaned over the counter, and you got a glimpse of his name-tag, Masamune, was it?
“I didn’t realize that mattered.” You quirked an eyebrow up at him, wondering where this was going to go.
“Of course it matters!” Masamune took mock offense and slid out from behind the counter. “So tell me, what’s the occasion?”
“Celebratory; won a tournament.” You conceded, following him back to the snack aisle.
“Oh? Didn’t take you for the sporty type.” He teased
“For the record, I play a sport, emphasis on the singularity there but still. A sport is a sport,” You answered, giving him your best side-eye in the process. “Second, I need to know what gave you that impression. Third, it was a video game tournament.”
“Lass, I’ve seen you run into the bike rack outside the shop seven times. You’re either not sporty, or you’re not very observant.” Masamune finished his thought by grabbing a bag of chips off the shelf.
“Should I be concerned that you’re watching me that closely?” You wondered out loud.
“Nah, I watch everyone who walks by or comes in.” Masamune shrugged, “Free entertainment.”
“Fair.” You replied. Following him through the aisles as he put back the snacks you picked out earlier and meticulously scanned each shelf for a new set of treats.
To say you were skeptical was an understatement. The mixture of treats coupled with the oversized Slurpee who’s flavor had long been obscured by the multitude of syrup added to the cup was the furthest thing away from anything you’d pick out for yourself. You didn’t even bother to hide the question in your gaze as you followed him back to the counter.
“Don’t look so horrified; you’re in the presence of a culinary master.” Masamune wiggled his eyebrows and walked you to one of the open tables in the back. “Here.”
“Thanks, what do I owe you?” You asked, plopping down in the chair he had pulled out for you.
“Not a thing, Lass. It’s on the house.” Then he winked, er, blinked (?), and walked back behind his register.
With your evening snack now finished, you found yourself oddly satisfied and surprised. Maybe he was some sort of odd culinary wizard working part-time at the local convenience store. A smile on your face, you traveled towards the counter to thank him.
“Enjoy yourself?” Masamune teased as he leaned on his elbows.
“I did.” You teased as you finished the last few sips of your drink. “I may require your expertise another time.”
“Wonderful! Another satisfied customer.” His smile was bright as he continued. “So tell me, Lass, what game did you win?”
“Technically, I beat the game ages ago, but the tournament was hosted in the online portion of Endless Isle.”
“Ohhh! Nice! I play that game! We should do some multiplayer or something sometime.” Masamune exclaimed excitedly.
“Oh yeah? That could be fun.” You needed some more friends in-game. “Here, give me some paper, and I’ll write down my handle so you can add me later.”
Without wasting any time, Masamune pulled a piece of receipt paper and grabbed a pen. He was offering them both to you with a smile, one that faltered for a moment before his face contorted, and he let out a strangled laugh.
“What the hell? My username isn’t that weird!” Your face burned bright red as your mind began to race.
“I’m not going to be able to add you, Lass.” Masamune managed between breaths.
“Why not?” You puzzled as he began scribbling on the same piece of paper.
“You’re going to have to unblock me first.” His laughter never faltered as he held up his username ‘OneEyedDrag0n.’
“No way.” You balked before you matched his laughter. “Who would have thought the ax-wielding maniac worked at the local convenience store!”
“It’s part of my cover. I have to remain unassuming Lass.” Masamune smirked as you laughed harder.
“Oh, my gods. For the love of-” You shook your head, but the smile never left your face.
“Does this mean I’m unblocked?” Masamune asked.
“Yes,” You sighed. “On one condition.”
“Oho? What might that be?” Intrigued, Masamune humored you.
“I’m going to need you to be my personal snack picker-outer.” You beamed.
“How did you know?” Masamune threw a hand to his chest. “That’s my dream title. I’ll happily oblige!”
“Oh, don’t be an ass.” You barked out a laugh, before wishing him a good night and heading out of the store.
Waiting until she was no longer in view of the store, Masamune picked up his cell phone and made a phone call. Ieyasu didn’t answer, which was about what he had expected, so he left a voicemail.
“Yo, I just met your little online buddy. Did you know she’s your IRL crush? Can I be your wingman? I think I should be your wingman.”